Syrian Democratic Forces Forcefully Seize Residential Apartments in Qamishli

Residential buildings in Qamishli, northeastern Syria. ( Enab Baladi/Majd al-Salem) In December 2024, Mohammed was surprised by an attempt to break the front door of the building he lives in, in Qamishli, by a military force consisting of three pickup trucks belonging to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF).

These forces were attempting to break the door with a hammer, and when he intervened and asked for clarification about what was happening, the soldiers claimed there was a "sleeper cell" on the upper floor of the building (which has two stories) and that they wanted to search the apartment.

According to Mohammed (a pseudonym for security reasons) in his conversation with Enab Baladi, there was a verbal altercation with the soldiers who eventually said they wanted to take the empty upper apartment to house "unknown" persons.

Mohammed refused this, especially since it was clear that the action was "intended to be done by force." Afterward, dozens of neighbors gathered and prevented the seizure of the apartment by standing with the young man, prompting the patrol to withdraw from the neighborhood.

Warnings of demographic change

Enab Baladi has reported that SDF has seized several empty homes after their owners left, in the al-Khalij and al-Masaref neighborhoods in Qamishli, granting them to some of its affiliated leaders.

The Assyrian Human Rights Network accused, on December 26, 2024, entities said to be close to the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) of seizing homes owned by Christians.

It stated in a post that armed security forces affiliated with what is known as "Asayish" had, in recent days, broken the locks of several homes and forcibly opened their doors in the al-Wusta and al-Gharbi neighborhoods of Qamishli, as well as in the Martyrs housing and al-Mahatta housing and Tel Azza area in al-Hasakah governorate.

It added that the owners of these homes included Milad Mansour, Yukhna Mando, and Iskander Kurkis, along with ten other properties whose owners were unknown. These properties were resided in by displaced persons from Afrin and Aleppo, "most of whom are local leaders affiliated with AANES.

The Assyrian Network, which defines itself as a "Swedish-Syrian human rights organization working to document violations and crimes committed against the Suryani-Assyrian component," indicated that the seizure raises significant concerns about the potential existence of intentions to bring about demographic change in the region, which AANES has practiced in the villages and towns of the Khabour area, predominantly inhabited by Assyrians, in recent years.

Another case reported by Enab Baladi in the al-Gharbi neighborhood in Qamishli involved a patrol from SDF seizing the home of Dr. "J.M." on the pretext that the apartment was empty. He was shocked to receive a call from one of his neighbors while he was in the village, informing him that his house had fallen into the hands of the SDF, which intended to house a displaced person there.

According to what Enab Baladi learned from one of his relatives, Dr. "J.M." was previously living abroad in one of the Gulf countries and returned to Syria several years ago, preferring to live in his village south of Qamishli.

Currently, the doctor will be forced to move his family from the countryside to the city to occupy his apartment to avoid giving the SDF an excuse that the apartment is empty, and thus they might seize it, according to one of his relatives.

Forceful seizure of property

Attorney Abdel Rahim Suleiman (35 years old) from Qamishli told Enab Baladi that such incidents are termed "forceful seizure of property," and the remedy, if the property owner is present, is to file a lawsuit against the person who has occupied the property, regardless of the entity "behind it."

Before that, the person must approach the neighborhood chief (the representative appointed by AANES), who then refers them to the conciliation committees (special committees in each neighborhood that attempt to resolve various issues through mutual agreement between the parties). If there is no cooperation in vacating the house, the committees will escalate the case to court.

The Assyrian Network called on AANES, as a de facto authority under international law, to fulfill five demands:

The immediate cessation of the seizure of homes belonging to Suryani-Assyrian citizens, as they are considered illegal and arbitrary practices.

The return of seized homes to their legitimate owners or their legal representatives without delay or evasion.

Finding other legal and effective solutions for housing displaced families from conflict areas and ensuring protection for them as soon as possible.

Protecting community peace and respecting the privacy of the components of the national fabric in the Jazira region, including Arabs, Kurds, Suryani-Assyrians, Muslims, Christians, and Yazidis.

Not tampering with the demographic diversity in the cities, villages, and towns of the Jazira region.

The Assyrian Network has pointed out that it will continue to follow up on this issue with the relevant parties locally and internationally in the coming days to hold accountable those responsible for these violations
China to expand cooperation with Grenada: Chinese premier

Xinhua) 09:48, January 14, 2025

Chinese Premier Li Qiang holds talks with visiting Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 13, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Bin)

BEIJING, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- China is willing to align development strategies with Grenada, and expand cooperation with the country in such areas as new energy, the digital economy and the blue economy to enhance China-Grenada mutual beneficial cooperation, said Chinese Premier Li Qiang on Monday.

Li made the remarks in talks with visiting Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell in Beijing.

Li noted that over the past 20 years since the resumption of diplomatic relations between China and Grenada, both sides have upheld mutual respect and equality, maintained close high-level exchanges, and expanded pragmatic cooperation, bringing tangible benefits to the two peoples.

China will work with Grenada to consolidate political mutual trust, provide firm support on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns, and continuously expand mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields to elevate bilateral relations to a new level, said Li.

China is willing to align development strategies with Grenada, Li stressed, adding that based on the joint efforts in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, the two sides should deepen cooperation in traditional sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure and healthcare, while expanding cooperation in emerging fields, including new energy, the digital economy and the blue economy.

"China encourages qualified Chinese enterprises to invest and start businesses in Grenada," Li said.

He said that China is ready to assist Grenada and other Caribbean nations in climate adaptation to promote the full and effective implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Paris Agreement. China will work with Grenada to jointly safeguard the interests of the Global South, promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, Li added.

Mitchell commended China's remarkable contributions in poverty alleviation, which are exemplary particularly for developing countries. The prime minister also expressed appreciation for China's long-standing support and assistance in Grenada's economic and social development, and praised China's role in leading the development of the Global South.

Grenada will continue to firmly abide by the one-China principle, said the prime minister, adding that the country supports the three major global initiatives proposed by China, and will enhance multilateral coordination and cooperation with China.

Following the talks, they witnessed the signing of multiple bilateral cooperation documents in areas including jointly building the Belt and Road, economy, trade, green development, culture, media and climate change.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang holds talks with visiting Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 13, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Bin)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
A lawsuit accused the Kerr County Sheriff's Office and two deputies of violating a Kerrville man's civil rights.

A federal lawsuit accuses a Hill Country sheriff's office and two deputies of violating a Kerrville man's civil rights during a 2022 encounter in Kerrville.

Thomas Reader of Kerrville is suing the Kerr County Sheriff's Office and deputies Eric Graham and Jimmy Vasquez, alleging false imprisonment and malicious persecution during a traffic stop in July 2022.

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The suit seeks a jury trial, compensatory and punitive damages and for the sheriff's office to change its policies on the hiring and supervision of deputies.

The federal suit, filed in August 2023 in the Western District of Texas, alleges the sheriff's office operates with policies and a culture that promote a "deliberate indifference" to residents' constitutional rights.

The traffic stop happened on July 19, 2022, after Reader parked his vehicle at the Kerrville Public Utility Board's office.

Graham and Vasquez pulled up behind behind Reader's vehicle in their patrol car, according to the lawsuit.

Reader was standing outside his vehicle when Graham asked for his driver's license, according to the lawsuit. Reader refused, citing his "Fourth Amendment right to privacy," according to the lawsuit.

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Graham then told Reader to turn around and handcuffed him, saying he knew Reader didn't have a valid driver's license, the suit said.

Reader then told Graham he did have a valid driver's license and asked for permission to retrieve it, according to the suit. Graham then took Reader's wallet from his pocket and found his license, according to the lawsuit.

HILL COUNTRY: How a Hill Country city is attacking its housing shortage

Graham then told Reader he had been pulled over for failure to signal, which the suit alleges was not stated before Reader was detained.

Reader was released from handcuffs after 11 minutes and 20 seconds, according to the suit.

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The suit accuses Vasquez, who witnessed the incident, of doing nothing to stop the "malicious persecution" and "violation of constitutional rights."

The lawsuit claims the Kerr County Sheriff's Office doesn't adequately supervise and train its deputies, and accuses it of failing to discourage "further constitutional violations."

In their response filed with the court, the deputies dispute Reader's allegations and say they acted in good faith. They also claim they are protected under the "protective shroud of qualified immunity and official immunity." Qualified immunity is a legal doctrine that can be used to protect government officials from personal liability for actions performed as part of their job duties.

The defendants' response also alleges that Reader made an obscene gesture at the deputies prior to the traffic stop.

Graham recognized Reader, the response said, as he "previously arrested him on a warrant for failure to have a valid driver's license."

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The response claims Graham turned his vehicle around and saw Reader turn into a parking lot without signaling.

"During the entire encounter, which lasted approximately 15 minutes, plaintiff Reader can be seen on body-worn camera yelling obscenities at both deputies in an attempt to provoke a reaction," the defendants' response reads. "Both deputies treated plaintiff Reader with utmost respect and restraint."

HILL COUNTRY: Work underway on new Hill Country natural area

Reader's lawsuit does not mention his history with Graham or any obscene gestures directed at a deputy. Reader's attorney, C.J. Grisham, attributed that to Reader initially filing the lawsuit himself.

Regardless of any gestures Reader made, "there was no probable cause to pull him over, anyway," Grisham said.

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"What we've got is we've got a bad cop who's got an ego problem and can't stand the fact that a citizen... gave them the middle finger because that same officer had previously pulled him over and was very unprofessional," Grisham said.

Charles Frigerio, a lawyer who represents the sheriff's office and the deputies, called the stop "inconsequential." He said Graham had reason to suspect Reader was driving without a valid license because he had cited him for that offense about three months earlier.

"That does play into the probable cause," Frigerio said.

Reader was arrested on charges of driving without a license on March 2, 2022, according to court records. That charge was dismissed in January 2024.

The defense has filed a motion for summary judgment to dismiss the lawsuit. Frigerio said he believes there is a "strong case" for the lawsuit to dismissed. "I do not believe that the deputies did anything wrong," Frigerio said.

Grisham, however, said he expects the case to continue, saying there is no evidence that Reader broke the law by not using his turn signal. Reader's traffic citation for failing to use his turn signal was dismissed in February 2023.

"Until that question of fact is resolved, which I think (has) already been resolved by the dismissal of the ticket, there are no grounds for a motion to dismiss," Grisham said.
HA NOI  Global gasoline prices will not fluctuate much in 2025, according to oan Quyet Tien, an expert from the Vietnam Petroleum Institute (VPI).

A report by VPI shows that, in 2024, the prices of petroleum products worldwide fluctuated significantly between the first and second halves of the year.

In particular, the first half of the year witnessed a strong upward trend, with prices of petroleum products reaching a peak of US$100 per barrel in April 2024.

By the second half of 2024, prices of petroleum products had started to gradually decrease, eventually remaining at $80 per barrel.

In 2025, world gasoline prices will not fluctuate much. The petroleum market continues to be influenced by traditional factors such as economics, politics and energy policies of large countries, predicted Tien.

Specifically, the fluctuation of world gasoline prices is forecast to revolve around the policy decisions of incoming US President Donald Trump. US policy can promote re-industrialisation and focus more on domestic production, to reduce dependence on the global supply chain. This may increase demand for energy consumption, especially crude oil and related products, according to Tien.

However, the trend of increasing US fossil fuel use may be accompanied by tariff measures to protect the domestic economy. Major trading partners such as China and the BRICS bloc are expected to face pressure from new tax policies, potentially bringing back the trade war from Trump's previous term.

This pressure could reduce the growth rate of industrial production in China and India, the world's two largest production centres, thereby affecting petroleum demand.

"Fossil energy, especially oil, will still play a dominant role in global energy, especially in developing countries and industries where it is difficult to replace traditional fuels," Tien said.

According to the International Energy Agency and OPEC, the average oil price in 2025 is forecast to fluctuate between $80 and $85 per barrel, with relative stability due to balanced supply and demand.

Meanwhile, Tien forecasts, global gasoline prices will average between $80 and $90 per barrel in 2025.

In the domestic market, the price of E5 RON 92 gasoline ranges from VN21,300 to VN24,500 per litre. RON 95 gasoline prices range from VN22,800 to VN25,000/litre, while diesel prices range from VN19,500 to VN22,500 per litre.

"Price fluctuations have directly affected CPI and production costs, thereby significantly impacting the economy and people's lives," added Tien.

Petroleum consumption to increase

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), petroleum consumption in 2025 is expected to increase by over 8 per cent compared to 2024.

The forecast is based on the current GDP growth rate of about 6.5-7 per cent and the target of about 7-7.5 per cent, according to National Assembly Resolution 158/2024/QH15 under the 2025 Socio-Economic Development Plan.

The MoIT recently assigned the total minimum petroleum source in 2025 to petroleum wholesalers for implementation. The total minimum allocated petroleum source in 2025 is about 29.5 million square metres/tonne (equivalent to 2.5 million square metres/tonne per month, or 7.4 million square metres/tonne per quarter).

In 2024, the total minimum source of petroleum assigned by the MoIT to key petroleum traders for implementation was 28.43 million square metres/tonne of petroleum of all types. Of this, ground petroleum, including gasoline, diesel, fuel oil and kerosene added up to 27.45 million square metres/tonne, while aviation fuel, including Jet A1 and aircraft gasoline, was 980,039 square metres/tonne.

To ensure the supply of petroleum for 2025 and maintain economic growth and living standards, the MoIT has implemented a series of solutions, directing petroleum traders to closely follow the implementation of the assigned minimum total source that has been registered by petroleum traders each quarter.

At the same time, the MoIT will also proactively produce and import petroleum to ensure an adequate supply in the domestic market. The ministry will also closely monitor the implementation of the total minimum source for key traders and closely coordinate with the Department of Industry and Trade in provinces and cities to regulate and ensure the balance of petroleum supply and demand in each area.

In 2025, the MoIT will collect opinions from Government members and urgently complete the draft Decree on petroleum business and submit it to the Government for promulgation.  VNS
BUENOS AIRES  Argentine media has lauded Vietnams landmark decision to establish an international financial centre in HCM City  the nations economic and commercial powerhouse, marking a pivotal shift in the Governments economic development strategy.

Besides, the Government also plans a regional financial centre in the central city of a Nang.

The cities have been urged to strengthen coordination with competent sides to ensure successful implementation in accordance with the set targets.

Infobae, an international Argentine online newspaper, commended Vietnams potential to build the financial centres, citing favourable factors such as the countrys gross domestic product (GDP) reaching some US$470 billion, positioning it as the 33rd or 34th largest economy in the world, as well as ambitious GDP growth target of at least 8 per cent for 2025 and aspirations for double-digit growth in subsequent years.

Meanwhile, the stock market has demonstrated remarkable growth, reaching a total value of over $283 billion in 2024, according to Infobae's analysis. The country's deep integration into the global economy is evidenced by its 17 free trade agreements with 65 countries. Despite global economic challenges, Viet Nam's trade turnover was estimated at $800 billion last year.

Along with highlighting Viet Nams stable political environment, social security, and peaceful life, Infobae report emphasised the country's strategic geographical advantage, situated at the heart of Southeast Asia, one of the world's most dynamic and innovative regions. The recent inauguration of HCM City's first metro line was noted as a significant step in improving urban infrastructure to serve the transportation needs of the city's nearly 9 million residents.  VNS
HA NOI  Bolt, an Estonian ride-hailing start-up, plans to enter Viet Nam's market by launching a series of recruitment ads on social media.

In addition to drivers, the company is looking to recruit various support positions, including operators and an experienced customer support team leader in Ho Chi Minh City.

Similar to other popular ride-hailing applications such as Grab or Be, Bolt expects to provide basic services, including transport, grocery shopping and food delivery.

In addition, the application also deploys a number of other services, such car and two-wheeler rentals and service packages for corporate customers.

Bolt has expanded its operations to Southeast Asia after launching its service in Thailand in 2020, focusing mainly on major cities such as Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai.

By the end of 2024, Bolt expanded its business to Malaysia, marking an important step in its regional development strategy.

The ride-hailing market in Viet Nam is witnessing fierce competition between domestic and foreign companies.

The country's ride-hailing market value is estimated at US$880 million in 2024 and expected to reach $21.6 billion by 2029, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 19.5 per cent, according to a recent report by India-based market research firm Mordor Intelligence.

With Viet Nam's rapidly growing urban population combined with the lack of public transportation options, and increasing traffic congestion, the demand for private transport models continues to rise.  VNS
HCM CITY  A workshop themed US-Vietnam Getting to Net-Zero: Roadmap to Sustainable Industrial Development was held in HCM City on January 14 by the US Commercial Service in the city, in partnership with the International Financial Centre (IFC) and Saigon Tel.

Susan Burns, US Consul General in the city, said that Viet Nam has emerged as one of the leading manufacturing hubs in Southeast Asia, attracting foreign investors thanks to its policies focused on building an export-oriented economy.

Viet Nam's logistics sector is continuously developing. However, Viet Nam is also one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change. The country has set ambitious targets to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, but the industrial manufacturing sector remains a significant source of emissions, she stressed.

According to the Consul General, achieving climate change mitigation and carbon emissions reduction goals requires cutting carbon emissions from the industrial sector. Furthermore, international market demands and trade agreements are increasingly pushing for green certifications to minimise the environmental impact of supply chains. In light of these factors, Viet Nam needs to seek solutions to meet the growing energy demand and address other environmental factors in key industrial sectors.

To support Viet Nam in its pursuit of the net-zero goal, the US can introduce resources from both its public and private sectors, share initiatives on energy efficiency, water management, and technological processes, she stated, adding that through these solutions, Viet Nam's industrial sector can use fewer resources to produce the same output of goods while simultaneously measuring and managing carbon emissions, improving market opportunities, and enhancing its competitiveness.

Pham Minh Hung, Deputy Director of the Department of Industrial and Services Economy under the Ministry of Planning and Investment, said that the development of science and technology, digital transformation, and the dual transition across all aspects of the economy, coupled with the intensifying competition among nations to attract investment, present both opportunities and challenges for Viet Nam to achieve breakthrough development, especially in attracting investment and integrating into the value chains of emerging industries such as green energy and semiconductor.

Developing sustainable industries and building green industrial zones are not only economic development goals but also commitments to the future of the next generations. With the aim of becoming a regional leader in sustainable industrial development, Viet Nam aspires to continue receiving support from the business community, investors, and partners in providing resources and solutions to optimise resources, and promote cleaner production in order to reduce the carbon footprint, and meet the demands for rapid, sustainable, and environmentally friendly development, emphasised Hung.

Assistant Secretary at the US Department of Commerce Arun Venkataraman said that the US and Viet Nam play a crucial role in driving the energy transition in the Pacific region.

Noting that Viet Nam currently has only seven out of over 400 industrial zones designated as eco-industrial parks and more than 500 green-certified buildings, he said that this highlights significant potential for the country to advance energy transition and green production.

With their expertise and resources, US businesses can offer numerous technological solutions to support Viet Nam in developing a low-emission industrial sector for a cleaner, more sustainable environment, contributing to the achievement of its net-zero goal by 2050, he added.

Harry Hughes, Vice President of Strategic Board at SaigonTel - one of the leading enterprises in the field of telecommunications, IT and communications in Viet Nam, proposed the Vietnamese Government continue improving policies and mechanisms to facilitate green and renewable energy transition and distribution.

At the local level, efforts should focus on developing the infrastructure for eco-industrial parks to attract green investment flows, he stated, advising the business community to prioritise adopting low-emission solutions and technologies, and integrating circular economy principles into production, business, and trade.  VNS
QUANG NINH  The northeastern province of Quang Ninh is planning to further make use of heritage to develop sustainable tourism, step by step becoming a regional and international linkage hub, and an attractive destination for tourists in the global tourism map.

In 2024, the province welcomed 19 million visitors, including 3.8 million foreign holidaymakers, 1.7 times higher than the figure in 2023.

The province is striving to attract 20 million visitors this year, including 4.5 international tourists, and earn tourism revenue of VN50 trillion (US$2 billion).

Secretary of the Quang Ninh provincial Party Committee Vu ai Thang said that this year, the province focuses on preserving heritage, developing smart tourism, applying digital technology in tourism promotion and management, and creating innovative tourism products based on cultural and historical foundations to improve visitors' experiences.

At the same time, it aims to effectively mobilise and utilise all legal resources to develop new products and innovate existing ones; develop creative tourism types; build a green tourism ecosystem; and develop high-quality human resources.

Quang Ninh prioritises enhancing tourism promotion, seeking new markets, and applying information technology, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation.

It also focuses on diversifying and improving the quality of tourism products, especially high-end tourism products, based on the exploitation of traditional cultural values, particularly heritage values.

In 2025, the province will continue to study and launch new tourism products based on cultural, heritage, and historical site values. The province is diversifying tourism products, leveraging the values of the world natural heritage of Ha Long Bay to enhance new experiences for visitors. This includes developing three beaches - Soi Sim, Hang Co, and Trinh Nu on Ha Long Bay; hosting artistic performances combined with parties in suitable caves on the bay; and identifying seven pristine island areas and beaches for high-spending customers who account for only 1 per cent of the global population.

The provinces tourism sector is concentrating on investing in key tourism sites and attractions; effectively implementing conservation programmes that promote the values of natural, tangible, and intangible cultural heritage, and developing the cultural industry.

Specifically, it focuses on developing the cultural industry, especially sectors linked to its heritage strengths, such as cultural tourism, gastronomy, and artisanal crafts, while piloting a model for a high-tech cultural industrial park.

Quang Ninh identifies heritage as a special asset, a commodity whose value increases over time and has a significant impact on sustainable tourism economic development, Thang said. VNA/VNS
HA NOI  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his spouse welcomed diplomatic corps to a banquet in Ha Noi on Monday, sharing the best wishes in anticipation of the traditional Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday.

Reflecting on the past year, PM Chinh painted 2024 as a year of Viet Nam's resilience and aspiration for rising up. Under the leadership of the Communist Party of Viet Nam, the country not only achieved an impressive growth rate of over 7 per cent but also cemented its reputation as a safe haven for investors and a magnet for tourists from around the globe.

The Cabinet leader expressed his belief that diplomats living and working in Viet Nam have felt the genuine warmth, sincerity, friendliness, and reliability, and vibrant energy of Viet Nam, alongside its security and stability.

He credited these successes to the unwavering support and companionship of international friends and partners, expressing a deep gratitude to fraternal countries, friends, partners, ambassadors, and heads of international organisations for their trust and cooperation.

Entering the New Year 2025, Viet Nam is filled with aspirations and determination to step into a new era of growth, prosperity and civilisation. It aims for a growth rate of around 8 per cent, with the potential for even more under ideal conditions, he said.

To realise this ambition, Viet Nam remains committed to its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification and multilateralisation of external ties; being a good friend, a reliable partner, and an active and responsible member of the international community, for peace, cooperation and development both regionally and globally.

The Vietnamese Party, State and people will offer all possible support to ambassadors and heads of international organisations in Viet Nam, making the country not just a place of work, but a second home, where together, they can build a future filled with prosperity and joy.

Congratulating Viet Nam on its remarkable socio-economic achievements and rising prominence on the global arena, Palestinian Ambassador to Viet Nam Saadi Salama called for global unity and compassion, urging all to protect justice, fairness and dignity; promote dialogues based on respect for international law, considering it the foundation for settling conflicts and challenges facing humanity; and establish partnerships based on mutual respect for common goals.

He wished the Viet Namese Party, State, and Government leaders and people a happy Tet, creating new milestones in this new era. He envisioned a future of strong friendship among nations, guided by peace, love, and hope, illuminating the path forward.  VNS
HA NOI  Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Vladimirovich Mishustin arrived in Ha Noi in the early morning of January 14, beginning his two-day official visit to Viet Nam at the invitation of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

The Russian delegation was welcomed at Noi Bai International Airport by Minister  Chairman of the Government Office Tran Van Son, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang, Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia ang Minh Khoi, and Russian Ambassador to Viet Nam Bezdetko Gennady Stepanovich.

PM Mishustin is accompanied by Deputy PM Overchuk Alexey Logvinovich, Deputy PM Chernyshenko Dmitry Nikolaevich, who is also Chairman of the Russian Sub-committee of the Russia-Viet Nam Intergovernmental Committee for Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation, and several ministers and officials.

This is the first visit of PM Mishustin to Viet Nam, aimed at strengthening the Viet Nam-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and preparing for important activities in bilateral relationship this year.

It demonstrates that both countries value their traditional friendship and are committed to further consolidating and enhancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Russia has affirmed Viet Nam as a reliable partner and an important priority in its Look East policy, while Viet Nam consistently regards Russia as one of top priorities in its foreign policy.

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.

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 bilateral relations.  VNA/VNS
Mason Lubitz (center) listens as his defense attorney Jason Goss (left) speaks to a witness during the first day of Lubitz's murder trial on Tuesday. Clint Datchuk Defense attorney Jason Goss presents his opening argument in the trial of Mason Lubitz, who is charged with the murder of his neighbor on Christmas Day in 2021. Clint Datchuk Prosecutor Kristien Lowry (left) and Jason Goss (right) confer with one another during the first day of Mason Lubitz's murder trial. Clint Datchuk Mason Lubitz (left) and his defense attorneys Jason Goss (center) and Patrick Ballantyne (right) listen as audio recordings of 911 calls are played for the jury. Lubitz is on trial for the murder of his neighbor on Christmas Day in 2021. Clint Datchuk

The trial for a San Antonio man accused of gunning down his neighbor at a North Side apartment on Christmas Day began Tuesday.

Mason Sayer Lubitz, 31, is accused of killing Trevor James Beeman, 24, in the 1900 block of Larkspur Drive three years ago.

If found guilty of first-degree murder, Lubitz faces a punishment of five to 99 years in prison.

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His case is being heard in the 399th District Court with Judge Frank Castro presiding.

Beeman died on Dec. 25, 2021 after being shot multiple times in the neck and chest. Beeman had just finished walking his dog when he was shot, witnesses told police.

Prosecutors said Beeman was walking up the stairs when Lubitz opened the door to his apartment and screamed, You ruined my life. I hate you.

At the time, Beeman and several of his family members were at the apartment, celebrating Christmas.

Later, Beeman knocked on Lubitzs door and Lubitz shot him through the doorway with an assault rifle, police said. They said Beeman was on the ground, and Lubitz shot him again before going back inside his apartment.

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The jury listened to a chaotic 911 call audio from the shooting. In the recording, Beemans mother can be heard telling police that her son had been shot, and their family was hiding in the back room of Beemans apartment.

Trevor is dead, someone is heard saying.

Police said Lubitz was shouting and behaving erratically as he was arrested. Investigators found an AR-15 style rifle on a bed in his bedroom.

This wasnt just a surprise act of passion, this was simmering for a while, said prosecutor Kristien Lowry.

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Prosecutors also played audio of a frantic Lubitz calling police after the shooting. He is heard yelling and insulting dispatchers as they ask him questions about the shooting.

I just killed someoneIm putting the gun down, Lubitz says.

Jason Beeman, the father of Trevor Beeman, said his son had offered to host Christmas at his apartment that year. He said their family had opened gifts and played some games right before the shooting. He said when he heard Lubitz yelling at his son, he initially thought it was a joke.

Defense attorney Jason Goss argued during opening statements that Lubitz was merely acting in self-defense. He said Beeman was high on cocaine and drunk when he walked up to Lubitzs door and threatened to assault him.

Goss said Lubitz was aware that Beeman often carried a gun on his waistband and feared for his life.

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It was Trevor Beemans actions that led to Trevor Beemans death, Goss told the jury. And one of the reasons why he was so provoked, as youre going to see, is that he was high on cocaine and was not acting like a reasonable person.

Lubitz was in the process of moving out of the apartment because he was terrified of Beeman, Goss said. He was moving items into a U-Haul on Christmas Day because he assumed Beeman would not be home, he said.

The jury also listened to a 911 call from an incident that occurred between Lubitz and Beeman on October 4, 2021. In the audio, Lubitz can be heard telling the dispatcher that he had been socked in the face by Beeman before fleeing in his car.

On the witness stand, a former resident of the apartment below Lubitzs apartment testified that footage captured by a Ring camera showed a man walking outside the apartment holding an assault rifle.

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James Beeman, the defendant's father, is an Air force veteran. He said he didn't know his son to be a cocaine user. He also testified that he knows how death looks because hes been in close combat situations.
HA NOI  Viet Nam will take centre stage in international diplomacy this year with multiple high-profile bilateral and multilateral events, including the second ASEAN Future Forum, the fourth Partnering for Green Growth and the Global Goals 2030 (P4G) Summit, and the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), according to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son.

At a press meeting on the occasion of the upcoming Lunar New Year (Tet) in Ha Noi on Tuesday, the diplomat commended press agencies and journalists, particularly those delivering news for foreign services, for their contributions to sharing the story of beautiful and proud Viet Nam with the international community. He stressed that their efforts have helped enhance the countrys image and soft power globally.

Whether at home or abroad, Viet Nam's diplomatic activities and viewpoints on international issues have been covered comprehensively, accurately, and promptly by the press, through diverse and compelling formats. This has helped affirm the countrys rational policies while countering false narratives, he added.

Acknowledging the challenges and difficulties faced by journalists, Son expressed noted that their contributions have been highly valued by leadership across ministries and sectors.

In 2025, he stated that Viet Nam would celebrate a series of significant milestones, alongside vibrant diplomatic activities paving the way for a new historical chapter and a fresh era for the Vietnamese people. He expressed his confidence that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with localities, ministries, agencies, media outlets, and journalists nationwide, will further harness the "soft power" to promote the image of the nation while mobilising resources for socio-economic development, strengthening connections with the world, and enhancing Vietnams stature and influence.

Son took the occasion to wish the journalists continued success in their endeavours, contributing to the advancement of the external information work.

Chairman of the Viet Nam Journalists Association and Editor-in-Chief of Nhan dan (People) newspaper Le Quoc Minh, for his part, affirmed the medias commitment to promoting Vietnams achievements on the international stage.

The event concluded with the foreign ministry presenting certificates of merit to 44 organisations and individuals for their standout contributions to external information work in 2024.  VNS
KIEN GIANG  State President Luong Cuong extended Lunar New Year (Tet) greetings to the armed forces based in Phu Quoc island city of the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang on Tuesday.

After listening to a report on their achievements over the past year, he praised them for maintaining political security, ensuring social order and safety and national sovereignty over seas and islands. Hearing about their work combatting crimes, performing search and rescue activities and protecting maritime economic development activities, President Cuong hailed the forces for their solidarity and excellent completion of their tasks despite difficulties.

He noted the significance of 2025, when many major events of the Party and country will be held. It is also the final year for realising the goals set at the 13th National Party Congress, laying the foundation for the country to steadily enter a new era, that of the nation's rise.

In this context, the State leader asked the armed forces to effectively implement Resolution No. 44-NQ/TW issued at the 13th Party Central Committees eighth plenum on the strategy for Fatherland protection in the new situation.

At the same time, it is necessary to foil sabotage plots of hostile forces, while detecting and settling emerging problems in a timely manner, staying ready in response to any circumstances and advising the Party and State on measures to firmly safeguard national sovereignty, territorial integrity and protecting a peaceful and stable environment for development, the President underlined.

He requested the forces closely coordinate with local authorities to protect national sovereignty, safeguarding oil and gas activities and maritime resources exploitation, combating fishing boats violations of foreign waters, building a firm all-people defence posture and serving as a steady foundation for fishermen to operate at sea and protect the national sovereignty over water and land.

The State leader emphasised the significance of strengthening defence and security diplomacy, along with enhancing the leadership and combat capacity of Party Committees at all levels, and promoting the studying and following of President Ho Chi Minh's ideology, moral example and lifestyle. At the same time, it is necessary to make careful preparations for all-level Party congresses towards the 14th National Party Congress, said President Cuong, stressing the need to pay greater attention to developing capacity for officials and soldiers.

He also reminded the forces to work with local areas to care for residents, especially policy beneficiaries and those with disadvantaged backgrounds during the Tet festival, ensuring that they enjoy a warm and wealthy time.

While on the visit President Cuong presented gifts to officers and soldiers of the armed forces units based in Phu Quoc City.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI During a government meeting on Tuesday, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha emphasised the urgent need to tackle illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing to meet European Commission (EC) recommendations and avoid potential trade restrictions.

Key measures include stricter oversight, improved technology adoption, enhanced fisheries database integration and proactive management from both central and local authorities.

Deputy PM Ha, chairing the 12th meeting of the National Steering Committee on Combating IUU Fishing, highlighted Viet Nams progress in addressing EC concerns following its fourth inspection in October 2023. Notable achievements include implementing administrative fines, dealing with unregistered and unlicensed vessels and prosecuting illegal fishing cases. However, challenges remain in fully complying with international standards.

According to a report by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), 98.9 per cent of registered fishing vessels are now updated in the national fisheries database (VN-Fishbase), and 90.3 per cent of vessels over 15 metres have been granted valid fishing permits. Despite these improvements, issues persist with 888 "three-no" vessels (those with no registration, no examination and no licences) as well as damaged or inactive boats and incomplete licensing for smaller vessels under six metres.

Efforts to enhance traceability have seen 86 fishing ports implement electronic traceability systems (eCDT), though Deputy Minister Phung uc Tien noted gaps in monitoring larger vessels operating at sea for extended periods. Localities have prosecuted 39 criminal cases linked to IUU violations, resulting in public trials for offences such as fraud and tampering with vessel monitoring systems (VMS). Despite fines totalling nearly VN100 billion (US$3.9 million) for over 4,300 cases in 2024, significant underreporting and inadequate handling of VMS disconnections and boundary violations at sea were flagged as critical issues.

Reports from coastal provinces, including Kien Giang, Ca Mau and Phu Yen, acknowledged ongoing efforts to manage fishing vessels and address expired permits and illegal activities. However, Deputy PM Ha urged stricter accountability, calling on local authorities to promptly review and resolve violations, particularly those involving VMS disconnection, unlicensed vessels and illegal fishing in foreign waters.

He instructed MARD to integrate key databases, including VN-Fishbase, VMS and eCDT, by the first quarter of 2025. Ha also mandated clear processes for managing fisheries data and assigning responsibilities to management bodies, law enforcement agencies, ports and businesses. He also proposed integrating vessel and fisherman identification data into the national population database to streamline oversight and enhance collaboration with law enforcement.

Recognising the sophisticated nature of IUU violations, the deputy PM stressed the need to amend legal regulations to strengthen enforcement and impose stricter penalties, particularly for actions compromising national sovereignty. He also advocated for a proactive approach, suggesting that facilities involved in purchasing and processing untraceable seafood should be held accountable based on territorial jurisdiction.

To bolster sustainable fisheries management, Ha called for zoning regulations, seasonal fishing schedules and specified methods for each fishing ground. He directed MARD to establish inter-agency inspection teams by early 2025 to ensure compliance and assess local responsibilities in managing fisheries data and handling violations.

The deputy PM also suggested expanding the role of private fishing ports to provide administrative services, such as voyage data updates and catch origin verification. The Ministries of National Defence, Public Security and Foreign Affairs were tasked with cooperating internationally to resolve related incidents in line with Vietnamese law. VNS
KIEN GIANG  State President Luong Cuong paid a pre-Tet (Lunar New Year) visit to the Party Organisation, administration and residents of Kien Giang on January 14, during which he praised the Mekong Delta provinces performance in 2024.

In 2024, despite difficulties and challenges, the provincial Party Organisation met and exceeded 26 out of 27 targets for the year, making strong progress across all fields.

Kien Giangs economy grew by 7.5 per cent, ranking fourth in the Mekong Delta region, with an economic scale surpassing VN144 trillion (US$5.67 billion), the second largest in the region. The poverty rate dropped significantly to 0.99 per cent and just 0.32 per cent in Phu Quoc City, while 100 per cent of communes have met new-style rural criteria, with 34 per cent of them recognised as advanced and model communes.

Advances have been significant in terms of education, health care and social services, while national security and defence have been maintained.

Hailing the comprehensive achievements that Kien Giang has gained so far, President Cuong highlighted the strategic role of the administration in terms of the economy, politics, external relations, defence and security, with Phu Quoc  the largest island of the country serving as the southwestern gateway - rich in maritime and ecological resources and a critical position in national defence and external relations.

Agreeing with the future orientations that the provincial Party Committee has outlined, the State leader asked local areas to focus on popularising the Party and States directions, policies and laws, settling obstacles and successfully implementing tasks set for 2025.

Particularly, it is necessary to concentrate on building a pure, strong and streamlined Party Organisation, administration and political system with effective operations, he said, reminding the province to make good preparations for the all-level Party congresses and caring for residents during the Lunar New Year festival.

The province should also exert more efforts to ensure defence and security, building a firm people-based defensive posture, while coordinating with armed forces to prevent surprises in any circumstances, he said.

President Cuong advised Kien Giang to turn Phu Quoc into a true tourism haven, suggesting that the locality take advantage of the APEC Leaders Week, which is scheduled to be held there, in order to promote the destination.

During the visit, President Cuong and representatives from ministries, sectors and central agencies presented Tet gifts to policy beneficiary families and workers in Phu Quoc. Earlier, the leader and his entourage laid a wreath at the statue of President Ho Chi Minh in the state square of the city.

On the same day, he visited and extended Tet wishes to the armed forces based in Phu Quoc island.  VNS
QUANG TRI  The central province of Quang Tri on Tuesday received the first-class Labour Order from the President of the Lao Peoples Democratic Republic in recognition of its contributions to the enhancement of ties with the neighbouring country and the development of Champasak Province.

The decoration is also meant to honour Quang Tri's achievements during the celebration of 45 years since the signing of the Laos-Viet Nam Friendship and Cooperation Treaty (July 18, 1977-2022) and the 60th anniversary of the two countries' diplomatic relations (September 5, 1962-2022).

At the ceremony held in Quang Tri's ong Ha City, Deputy Governor of Champasak Province Somboun Heuangvongsa presented the prestigious order on behalf of the Lao President.

He took the occasion to thank Quang Tri's valuable support across areas over the recent past and extended Tet (Lunar New Year) greetings to the local Party organisation, administration, and people. He said he hopes that the solidarity and close bonds between the two Parties, States and localities will continue thriving in the future.

Vice Chairman of the Quang Tri People's Committee Hoang Nam, for his part, expressed the honour to receive the first-class Labour Order and thanked the Lao Party and State for their recognition of his provinces contributions to their solidarity and friendship, as well as the development of Champasak Province.

The bilateral relationship has flourished through regular mutual visits, investment promotion conferences, and the exchange of congratulatory letters on the occasion of each others major events.

Quang Tri Province is always aware that bolstering the comprehensive cooperation with Champasak serves as an important building block in a larger framework of the Viet Nam-Laos friendship.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Tuesday welcomed his Russian counterpart Mikhail Mishustin on the latters first official visit to Viet Nam, expressing confidence that this trip will drive further the Viet Nam-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The two countries are also celebrating the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic ties this year.

PM Mishustin said that Russia considers Viet Nam a key partner in the region and is eager to further enhance their mutually beneficial cooperation in all areas.

The visit is an important opportunity for the two governments to review their high-level agreements and implement specific measures to develop bilateral ties effectively and substantively in the future, he said.

Congratulating the Russian Federation on its achievements in socio-economic development under the leadership of President Putin and the Russian government, PM Chinh said Viet Nam considers the traditional friendship and Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Russia one of its top priorities.

Viet Nam consistently implements an independent, self-reliant foreign policy with diversification and multilateralism, he said, adding that Viet Nam hopes to work with Russia to promote security, cooperation and development in the region and the world.

The two sides agreed to increase dialogues, strengthen political trust and promote exchanges at all levels and channels to solidify the foundation for their comprehensive bilateral cooperation, especially in regard to trade, economy, investment, energy, oil and gas, education and training, culture, tourism and science and technology as well as cooperation at the local level.

The two leaders also acknowledged recent positive growth in bilateral trade, noting that much potential remains to be explored.

Breakthrough solutions are necessary to increase two-way trade value, including effectively using the Free Trade Agreement between Viet Nam and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), of which Russia is a member.

They also agreed to facilitate imports from each markets goods to the other, such as agricultural products and pharmaceuticals.

PM Chinh and his Russian counterpart both emphasised the important role of the Viet Nam-Russia inter-governmental committee for cooperation, recognising the positive contributions of the two countries ministries and sectors and calling for further cooperation through bilateral agreements.

PM Mishustin acknowledged the scientific research cooperation between Viet Nam and Russia in the past few years, emphasising Russias willingness to help build Viet Nams nuclear power industry with its extensive experience in the field. He also proposed promoting cooperation in healthcare, labour and pharmaceuticals.

Viet Nam and Russia also expect to further enhance collaboration in education, especially through scholarship programmes and the Russian-Vietnamese Consortium of Technical Universities, in addition to people-to-people exchanges, tourism and transportation connectivity.

The two leaders also discussed international and regional issues of mutual concern, confirming commitments to continue coordination and support in multilateral forums.

PM Chinh requested that Russia support efforts to ensure the security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea), resolving disputes through peaceful means based on international laws and the United Nations Charter, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Following their talks, the Vietnamese and Russian PMs signed a joint communique and witnessed the signing ceremony of several bilateral agreements in science, communications, culture and other fields.

Later the same day, the Russian PM also met Party General Secretary To Lam and National Assembly (NA) Chairman Tran Thanh Man.

In the meeting with the Vietnamese Party chief, PM Mishustin said Russia greatly values Viet Nams efforts in promoting bilateral cooperation, which has helped the two countries achieve significant accomplishments in all aspects.

Acknowledging the long-standing ties between the two countries, Party General Secretary Lam said Viet Nam always remembers Russias support during its fight for independence and considers Russia a key partner in its foreign policy.

At the meeting with the Vietnamese top legislator, PM Mishustin also noted the progress on political and diplomatic relations between the two countries, which included inter-parliamentary cooperation.

NA Chairman Man said the Vietnamese NA has developed and is actively implementing an action plan to carry out the cooperation agreement signed with the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation.

This year, Viet Nam will welcome the Chair of the Russian State Duma for an official visit to co-chair the fourth session of their Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Committee.  VNS
HA NOI  Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son on Tuesday sent condolences to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and California Governor Gavin Newsom after learning about the devastating wildfires sweeping through Los Angeles, California, since January 7.

The wildfires have killed many people and destroyed a large number of houses and infrastructure facilities.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  National Assembly (NA) Chairman Tran Thanh Man on Tuesday met with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Vladimirovich Mishustin, who is on an official visit to Viet Nam from January 14-15.

Welcoming the Prime Minister and the delegation of the Russian Government, Man said that the visit comes at a significant time, as the two countries commence a series of key activities to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations, which laid the foundation for the fine traditional friendship and the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership at present.

It holds great importance in concretising the agreements reached by the high-level leaders of both nations in recent times, particularly following the dynamic interactions and exchanges that took place throughout 2024.

The Party, State, NA, and people of Viet Nam always bear in mind the valuable support and sincere assistance that the Russian people provided to Viet Nam during its struggle for national independence and reunification, as well as in the country's current development and construction efforts.

Viet Nam places great importance on its traditional friendship and Comprehensive Strategic Partnership with Russia, considering Russia one of the key partners in its foreign policy, Man said.

He congratulated Russia on its significant achievements over the past two decades, particularly in ensuring domestic political and social stability, fostering dynamic economic growth, enhancing its international standing, and securing the well-being of its people under the leadership of President Vladimir Putin and the direction of the Government, led by PM Mishustin.

Emphasising that Russia wants to strengthen cooperation with Viet Nam across various fields, Mishustin highlighted that Russia places particular importance on expanding cooperation between localities and businesses of the two countries.

Both leaders were pleased to note that bilateral political and diplomatic relations continue to be strengthened with a high level of trust, and the exchange of delegations has been actively carried out. This includes inter-parliamentary cooperation, which serves as an essential foundation for promoting bilateral cooperation in all areas.

The top Vietnamese legislator stated that in 2025, the legislature is ready to welcome the Chair of the State Duma on an official visit to Viet Nam and to co-chair the fourth session of the Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Committee.

The Vietnamese NA supports the efforts of the Government and ministries in further strengthening comprehensive cooperation between the two countries, particularly in key areas such as defence and security, promoting military-technical cooperation, developing the security industry, and fostering collaboration in the energy and oil and gas sectors through the research and consideration of expanding collaboration and signing new cooperation agreements.

On economic, trade, and investment matters, Man suggested the two governments ease technical barriers to enhance bilateral cooperation, as well as collaboration within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

In terms of science, education, culture, sports, and tourism, both sides should strengthen joint projects and programmes, and organise exchange activities that bring tangible benefits to local communities and the two peoples, he said.

The NA Chairman emphasised that the Vietnamese legislature is ready to work with the two governments to solve institutional obstacles, promote cooperation, and harmonise interests, with the shared goal of developing the bilateral relationship in a profound and effective direction.

In the context of complex global and regional developments, Viet Nam has consistently adhered to its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralism and diversification; and always hopes to promote cooperation with Russia in all fields for the mutual benefit of both countries' people, as well as for peace, stability, and development in the region and the world.

As a responsible member of ASEAN, Viet Nam supports Russia in enhancing its presence in the Asia-Pacific region and strengthening cooperation with the grouping, Man stated, affirming that Viet Nam is ready to serve as a bridge to promote Russia's cooperation with ASEAN countries.

Viet Nam also hopes that Russia will make contributions to development, peace, and shared prosperity in the region; and back the stance of ASEAN and Viet Nam in addressing disputes in the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea) through peaceful means, based on respect for international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), he added.

The NA Chairman took this occasion to thank Prime Minister Mishustin and the Russian authorities at all levels for their attention to ensuring security and creating favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community living, working, and studying in Russia.

Highlighting the vast potential for cooperation and development between the two nations, he expressed his hope that both sides will coordinate efforts to implement solutions that promote the growth of bilateral trade.  VNA/VNS
HA NOI  A representative from the Traffic Police Department under the Ministry of Public Security clarified that Decree 168/2024 was issued through an expedited process, fully in line with legal procedures.

The announcement was in response to recent social media discussions that raised concerns over the legitimacy of the decree, which governs road traffic safety violations and the point-based drivers licence system.

Critics argued the decree might have been issued improperly, as it took effect fewer than 45 days after being signed on December 26, 2024 and was enforced on January 1, 2025.

However, the representative confirmed that the Decree was issued properly as, according to Article 151 of Viet Nam's Law on Promulgation of Legal Documents, decrees issued under the expedited process can take effect immediately upon signing, bypassing the usual 45-day waiting period.

"Decree 168/2024 was urgently drafted to replace Decree 100/2019 due to pressing traffic safety concerns," the representative explained.

"The drafting committee convened, assessed the situation and decided to use the expedited process to address these critical issues promptly."

He emphasised that thorough consultation was conducted during the drafting phase. Relevant ministries, sectors and agencies collaborated closely to review the decrees provisions.

Additionally, the draft was made publicly available on the Ministry of Public Security and the Governments online portals for public feedback before its enactment.

Notably, Decree 100/2019, the decree being replaced, was also issued via the expedited process, taking effect on January 1, 2020, just two days after its signing on December 30, 2019.

In line with Decree 168/2024, traffic police are actively inspecting traffic light systems nationwide to identify faulty or malfunctioning lights.

Recommendations are being made for repairs or replacements to ensure fair enforcement and avoid unjust penalties for road users.

Traffic light cycles will also be adjusted to reflect local traffic conditions. "Our goal is to ensure smooth traffic flow and issue penalties only where deserved, fostering public confidence in traffic law enforcement," the representative stated.

Under the new regulations, traffic police will have the authority to manage and adjust traffic light cycles to improve order and reduce congestion.

Maintenance and data shared from the traffic signal systems will remain the responsibility of the agencies under provincial Peoples Committees and the Ministry of Transport.

When a driver runs a red light, evidence such as photos and video clips captured by traffic signal centres will be relayed to nearby traffic police. This enables officers to inform offenders and issue penalties on-site immediately.

The representative also confirmed that individuals who violate traffic laws while yielding to priority vehicles will not be penalised.  VNS
A local dance and performance artist has been accused of using racial slurs and damaging artwork during Non-Monolith, an African American art exhibit that was part of a DreamWeek event. San Antonio Ethnic Art Society The "Non-Monolith" pop-up gallery is focused on Black mens voices and featured various mediums, including sculpture, painting, drawings, wood carvings, and mixed media pieces. Additional viewing hours were held Sunday. The art exhibit in which a local performance artist is accused of using racial slurs and damaging artwork, was part of a DreamWeek event. San Antonio Ethnic Art Society Facebook Adel Hernandez, a local dance and performance artist, has been accused of using racial slurs and damaging artwork during Non-Monolith, an African American art exhibit that was part of a DreamWeek event. San Antonio Ethnic Art Society

A local dance and performance artist has been accused of using racial slurs and damaging artwork during an African American art exhibit that was part of a DreamWeek event.

The incident, which is detailed in a San Antonio police report, occurred Saturday night during the opening reception of Non-Monolith, a group art exhibition featuring works from 15 African-American men, hosted at La Zona Cultural, located at 337 West Commerce Street.

The San Antonio police report notes the offense as criminal mischief, causing damages between $2,500 and $30,000. The name of the suspect and the estimated cost of the damaged art were redacted from the report.

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Artist Calvin Pressley, whose painting was damaged, filed the report. He told police that he believed the incident was a hate crime, according to the report.

In a Facebook post, the San Antonio Ethnic Art Society, a multicultural artist collective nonprofit that hosted the art exhibit, identifies the man it said is responsible for the disruption: Adel Hernandez.

"Attendee Adel Hernandez unexpectedly, and without provocation, threw wine on artwork and shouted racial slurs. The outburst and defacement were painful and extremely disturbing as they occurred at a family event that included San Antonio residents from a three-month old to those in their mid-80s," the nonprofit wrote.

Adel Hernandez, who identifies as Queer and Tejanx-Chicanx, is listed on the City of San Antonio Arts & Culture website.

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Hernandez has not responded to requests for comment from the San Antonio Express-News.

In his resume, which is posted on the city website, Hernandez said they are a New York University graduate with a masters degree in performance studies. They also list receiving some small grants from the City of San Antonio.

In an interview with the Express-News, SAEAS President Barbara Felix said the incident was very disturbing and distressful to the audience and artists.

We had a beautiful exhibition that was well received by the community. There was jazz playing, we had a very diverse crowd disrupted by an act of hate because of a word that he used that was so vile, she said. We are not letting that deter the event because it was a celebration. It was a beautiful night, having an event with artists who were able to speak about beautiful work.

The "Non-Monolith" pop-up gallery is focused on Black mens voices and featured various mediums, including sculpture, painting, drawings, wood carvings, and mixed media pieces. Additional viewing hours were held Sunday.

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People were telling me about how they could see things in the art that they connected to, Felix said. Thats the power of art. We want to be sure that their voices are adding to the tapestry of our city. We have a beautiful culture and we are a part of it.

Nearly 150 people were at the exhibit, which the nonprofit said was one of the first of the DreamWeek events that lean into the citys annual celebration of Dr. Kings messages of tolerance and respect, but found themselves subjected to the opposite.

Local artist Kaldric Deshon Dow also posted about the incident on Facebook.

"Had an art show tonight that focused on black male artist and this guy started shouting and throwing wine on the artwork and yelling the N word. After the drama played out I realized there was an importance in the work that I do," he wrote. "The representation of African Americans makes some people uncomfortable perhaps. Either way the show was successful as many people made it out and enjoyed the various works. Anyway I wanted to share because the occurrence was odd but enlightening to say the least."

Felix said Hernandez, whom she has known for about six years, is a talented dancer who is well known in the art and LGBTQ+ community. She said she was shocked to hear their outburst, which she doesn't believe was planned.

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Aissatou Sidime-Blanton, vice president of SAEAS, told the Express-News she was speaking with Hernandez when he had the outburst. Felix had just introduced her and Hernandez.

Sidime-Blanton said Hernandez seemed polite at first, asking to learn more about the nonprofit. She explained how she supports artists, but suddenly, Hernandez raised his voice, asking her what she was doing to support him and saying that she was not supporting them.

It just started to escalate, Sidime-Blanton said, adding that she's not sure what "triggered him."

Ximena Alvarez, a San Antonio police spokesperson, said Monday afternoon that the case remains under investigation and no arrests were made.

The police report states that the suspect, presumably Hernandez, asks Sidime-Blanton,What are you doing to support me? Support the Latino artist community?

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Hernandez then turns to another woman, telling her she was not part of the Latino community and calling her a "Latina (expletive)," according to the police report.

Then, "he called everyone around him the 'N word' and other racial slurs as he exited the venue," witnesses told police.

By that point, the jazz music had stopped, Sidime-Blanton said.

Hernandez tossed wine over his shoulder onto a painting, which splattered onto a second image. Then, he swung and slammed his right hand on another as he exited.

A witness told police that Hernandez then called everyone around him the N-word and other racial slurs as he left, the report states.

My impression is that it was an internal trigger, but then it came to let me show what I can do when Im in control in this space, Sidime-Blanton said. It was stunning, completely unexpected, unwarranted and unfortunate. I hurt for the 15 men who spent months preparing the art work thats up in that exhibition and who wanted to be seen.

We were assaulted verbally and the artwork was damaged intentionally, Sidime-Blanton said.

I can tell you there are members who are in the show who cant talk about it, who get very emotional in terms of near tears about it based on that and its really unfortunate, Sidime-Blanton said. I dont think theres been an exhibition like this in the city before"

Hernandez has been banned from SAEAS events.

Mr. Hernandez will not be invited or welcome at any future SAEAS events until remorse and restitution have been just as publicly exhibited, SAEAS officials said

SAEAS officials told police they have concerns that Hernandez will return to one of their events, but police told them to make reports if that happens, according to the police report.

The nonprofit has vowed to continue its mission.

No one should feel unsafe or threatened in a place designed to foster uplift and enlightenment, the society said in a statement. However, just as SAEAS has faced varied obstacles over our organizations 42-year history, we will not be deterred from our mission of creating spaces.
HA NOI  Trade unions and local authorities are currently engaged in activities to support workers in industrial zones, as well as the poor and those facing difficult circumstances, as they prepare to celebrate Tet (Lunar New Year) across the country.

On Sunday afternoon, the Confederation of Labour of Hung Yen Province held a "Tet Sum Vay (Tet Reunion)  Xuan on ang (Spring Joy Thanks to the Party)" programme and honoured outstanding enterprises for supporting workers.

During the event, nearly 2,500 union members and workers from the province participated, engaging in a variety of lively activities, including cultural performances, a banh chung (sticky rice cake) wrapping competition, a tug-of-war contest and shopping with "zero ong" prices and discounted purchases at 50 stalls at the 2025 Trade Union New Year Market.

Attendees also had the chance to win valuable prizes through a lucky draw, including televisions, refrigerators, motorcycles, warm blankets and bicycles.

The local Confederation of Labour also presented 500 Tet gift packages to workers facing particularly difficult circumstances in the province.

Each package, valued at VN1.8 million (US$71), consisted of VN1.5 million ($59) in cash and VN300,000 ($12) worth of goods.

The confederation also organised transport support for workers travelling home for the Tet holiday and distributed 400 "zero ong" shopping vouchers as well as nearly 2,000 Tet gift packages for low-income individuals, in collaboration with local businesses.

Certificates were awarded to 10 organisations and companies that contributed to the "Tet Sum Vay  Xuan on ang" programme and the 2025 Trade Union New Year Market.

In his remarks at the event, Ngo Duy Hieu, Vice President of the Viet Nam General Confederation of Labour, urged local unions in the province to continue fulfilling their role as representatives, protecting the legal and legitimate rights of union members and workers and maintaining the effectiveness of the programme.

Nguyen Le Huy, Deputy Chairman of the provincial People's Committee, said that the collaboration between trade unions and enterprises in organising the programme had significantly contributed to improving the material and spiritual well-being of workers.

He encouraged local trade unions to further enhance their efforts to attract more workers to participate in trade union activities and to continue their work of representing, protecting and supporting workers' legal rights and interests.

Also on Sunday, the Trade Union of Industrial Zones in Hai Duong Province held the "Tet Sum Vay  Xuan on ang" programme at Phuc ien Industrial Zone in Cam Giang District. It was one of many initiatives by the trade union to support workers in the province.

Under the programme, local enterprises gave bonuses to workers, organised New Year's banquets and held lucky draws.

Gifts were provided to workers in difficult circumstances and transport tickets were given to those travelling long distances home for the Tet holiday.

So far, 20 local trade unions have collaborated with employers to ensure that all workers enjoy a full and prosperous Tet.

Statistics show that the Trade Union of Industrial Zones manages 203 trade unions, representing 113,500 workers.

So far, 200 out of 201 businesses under the management of the Trade Union of Industrial Zones have paid their employees' full December salaries.

For the Tet holiday, the trade unions across the province plan to distribute Tet gifts to 113,410 workers, with a value totalling over VN34 billion ($1.33 million).

Tet bonuses for 113,331 workers will amount to VN509.9 billion ($20 million), averaging VN4.5 million ($177) per person.

The highest Tet bonus will exceed VN220 million ($8,650).

Additionally, 2,108 union members and workers from remote areas will receive travel tickets valued at VN438.9 million ($17,200), while 147 workers in financial difficulty will receive a total of VN118 million ($4,635) in assistance.

Supporting disadvantaged people

On Sunday, activities to support the poor and those in difficult situations were also held in Khanh Hoa and ien Bien provinces, helping people celebrate Tet and enjoy the festive season.

In Cam Lam District, Khanh Hoa Province, the "Goi yeu thuong  trao nu cuoi" (Loving Packages  Sharing Smiles) programme was held for disadvantaged children.

Hundreds of children participated in wrapping banh chung (sticky rice cakes) to share with 1,000 disadvantaged students from schools and orphanages in the district.

More than 600 Tet gift packages were also distributed to students from poor households and those being cared for at the ai An Shelter in Cam Phuoc ong, Cam Ranh City.

The gifts helped the children fully experience the Tet holiday season and also served as a source of encouragement for their continued studies.

A special feature of the programme was the launch of the "Community Nutrition Education  Food Edu" project, which aims to teach children and families about healthy eating, choosing nutritious foods and preparing scientifically balanced meals to improve health and prevent disease.

Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen, a member of the Khanh Hoa Provinces Red Cross Standing Committee, said that the "Goi yeu thuong  trao nu cuoi" programme was not only focused on giving Tet gifts, but also aimed to care for the health and nutrition of children, particularly those in remote and disadvantaged areas.

The organisers hoped the initiative would inspire a meaningful movement of humanitarian actions that would spread throughout the community.

The provincial Red Cross called on agencies, organisations, businesses, philanthropists and the public to continue supporting their efforts to assist more poor and disadvantaged people, ensuring they can celebrate Tet with joy and hope.

On the same day, at Phin Ho Commune in Nam Po District, ien Bien Province, more than 3,000 gift packages were distributed to local residents at a Spring Fair.

The fair, organised by the Districts Party and People's Committees as well as local philanthropists, also provided 1,000 free shopping vouchers to disadvantaged women and nearly 2,000 to children.

The items for sale at the fair included rice, farming tools, vegetables, clothing and livestock, with the total value of the goods reaching nearly VN11 billion ($432,600).

As part of the fair, traditional games, cultural exchanges, tug-of-war contests and folk dances were organised, helping to foster unity and strengthen the bonds between the region's ethnic communities, ensuring a warm and communal welcome for Tet.

Le Khanh Hoa, Party Secretary of the Nam Po Districts Party Committee, said the Spring Fair not only brought joy but also promoted solidarity and sharing between regions.

The gifts represented the communitys care and concern for its people, giving them hope and joy as they enter into the Lunar New Year.  VNS
HAI PHONG  Wind from the Nam Trieu Estuary in Thuy Nguyen City, on the outskirts of the northern port city of Hai Phong, is bone-chillingly cold at night.

It pierces through the vast workshops of the Nam Trieu Shipbuilding One Member Co. Ltd. (NASICO) under the Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (SBIC).

But cold winter days are the best time for shipbuilders in the north.

Unhindered by heat and humidity, the workshops are busy day and night with the sound of steel and the flashes of welding.

At the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025, the company received numerous orders, and the shipbuilders never stopped working.

Despite the hardship, they are proud of the products bearing the mark "made in Viet Nam".

Hard at work

At 1am, Nguyen Van Tuan, a level five worker (the highest level) and team leader of Processing Team No. 4 at the Ship Hull Workshop, is still labouring with his colleagues to process and assemble steel components of a 65,000DWT bulk cargo ship.

After each shift, every completed steel block is transported by a specialised vehicle to the yard, lifted onto a slipway, and connected into sections to form a ship, bringing with it the pride of the Nam Trieu shipbuilding brand.

Tuan started his career as a shipbuilder in late 1996. Since then, he has reached the highest level of a shipbuilder, with nearly 30 years of experience.

The small man from Hai Duong Province always works with passion and dedication. His greatest motivation is the love for the job.

This passion has kept him in the profession, even in times of extreme hardship -- such as upheavals in the shipbuilding industry or during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he had to work and live at the workshop for months.

Tuan also met his life partner at NASICO, and his in-laws are experienced shipbuilding workers whose family has a long tradition in the industry.

He said that in their time, manual welding was mainly used, so shipbuilders had to work in a toxic environment with low productivity.

Nowadays, thanks to advances in science and technology, modern machines have been put into use, significantly improving working conditions and achieving productivity 2.5 times higher than with manual welding.

But improving workers' skills has become even more difficult.

For NASICO, training and improving the skills of their shipbuilders is a top priority.

Every year, the company organises exams to upgrade workers qualification levels.

As technology develops and machinery becomes more complex, workers must regularly update their skills and adapt to new technology, gradually improving their professional qualifications and skills to create products that satisfy the most stringent requirements for domestic and international inspection organisations.

Tuan said that workers must pass a theory test to sit the skills test.

The exam requires performing difficult shipbuilding techniques, such as adjusting the shaft of the stern tube. When building a new one, the worker must align its centre with less than 1.5mm of deviation.

All must be done entirely by hand, without the help of machines. Evaluating the ability of a skilled worker is really not simple, he said.

With such difficulties, female shipbuilders face even greater challenges.

But for Nguyen Thi Cuc, a level 3/5 iron welder with 17 years of experience, the work is normal.

With a bright smile, the 47-year-old woman summarises her typical working day quite simply: I start out very worried about the progress of work, but end up very proud of the results I create."

In production, welders must be highly focused and skilful, especially in handling difficult details, ensuring good technique, aesthetics and quality.

More importantly, workers must comply with regulations on labour safety and environmental hygiene.

For a woman like Cuc, no matter how tired she is, at the end of the working day, she still has to return home and take care of the family.

Every woman wants to dress beautifully and do light work. But each person has their own thoughts, their own way of life, and their own favourite job. For me, protective clothing, gas masks and gloves are the most suitable outfits. Shipbuilders, whether male or female, only think: Go to work and return safely, said Cuc.

Welders, mechanics and assemblers, along with many other divisions and workshops in the shipbuilding industry, have to face dangers, toxic substances and the risk of work accidents.

One young female worker, 29-year-old Vi Thi Vuong, who is an ethnic Thai girl from the central province of Thanh Hoa, spoke about the hardships in the Metal Cleaning Workshop.

"Whether it is winter or summer, we always have to work in the vaults to sandblast, or clean off paint and rust. Although we are fully equipped with labour protection gear, including gas masks, with this working environment in a closed space with strong paint and grease smells, it is inevitable that there will be times when we get paint sickness, nausea and dizziness," she said.

Dedication

The most difficult time for NASICO shipbuilders was the same as for the industry in general: the economic recession of 2012-2014, when maritime transport stagnated, shipbuilding orders dropped dramatically, and workers were unemployed.

Tuan said: Both my wife and I worked in shifts, earning only 20 days a month, and we had to do other jobs. Every family of shipbuilders in our company was in the same situation. Fortunately, the company's leaders found every way to ensure income for workers to maintain their livelihoods.

Head of the Organisation and Administration Divison Nguyen Hoang Hai said that not only workers, but many people working in management at that time also experienced economic pressures.

Personally, after many sleepless nights thinking and considering carefully, I realised that when the company is in trouble, the most important thing is solidarity, a spirit of sharing the joys and sorrows of the collective, said Hai.

After 10 years, the tireless efforts of all NASICO staff and employees have brought good results. Domestic and foreign partners have come to place a number of orders, ensuring jobs for workers over the next five years.

SBIC Acting General Director Tran Manh Ha commented: The collective of officers and shipbuilders of NASICO in particular, and the entire corporation in general, with their deep love for the profession and strong will, always have faith and are ready to face all challenges and difficulties.

"They not only sweat and work hard to create modern ships, but also put into them their national pride and the aspiration to bring the Vietnamese shipbuilding industry far on the world map."  VNS
ONG NAI  A male doctor in the southern province of ong Nai is facing charges of murder, robbery and illegal possession of military weapons after allegedly killing and dismembering his pregnant lover to conceal their extramarital affair.

On January 14, the ong Nai Provincial People's Procuracy issued an indictment against 36-year-old Danh Son, a general surgery specialist at ong Nai General Hospital, on these series of three charges.

According to the indictment, at the end of 2022, a 35-year-old woman named T.T.B.N. from Bien Hoa City brought a relative to ong Nai General Hospital for treatment, where she met Danh Son, who directly treated the patient.

Despite both being married, the two allegedly developed a romantic relationship.

By March 2024, the woman allegedly informed Danh Son that she was pregnant and demanded that he take responsibility, threatening to disclose their affair to their families and workplace. The charges state that Danh Son, afraid of the potential impact on his family and career, decided to kill his lover and dismember her body to eliminate evidence.

To carry out the crime, Danh Son allegedly bought a meat cleaver, surgical knives, a hammer and sleeping pills, which he hid in his private rest area at ong Nai General Hospital.

On April 13, 2024, Danh Son called his lover, asking her to come to his room to talk, and she agreed. At around 1pm the same day, she arrived at the room, where authorities believe the doctor convinced her to undergo an IV treatment to feel better. Believing him, she consented.

At this point, the indictment alleges that Danh Son secretly injected sleeping pills into the IV solution. About an hour later, when the woman was unconscious, he allegedly killed her and dismembered her body into multiple parts, placing them into plastic bags and disposing of them at various locations in Bien Hoa City and Vinh Cuu District.

After disposing of the body, authorities believe the doctor returned to his on-call room, rummaged through her backpack, and stole VN2.8 million (US$110), a gold bracelet, a ring, a necklace, a pair of earrings and two mobile phones.

According to the indictment, Danh Son then discarded the bloodstained clothes and blankets in the hospitals trash bin to cover up the crime. He also allegedly took the murder tools to a plantation area in Long Binh Ward (Bien Hoa City) to dispose of them.

The following day, he allegedly brought his lover's valuables to a gold shop in Bien Hoa City, exchanging them for three taels of new gold and receiving over VN1 million ($39) in cash. Authorities believe he used the victim's money for personal expenses.

To further erase any evidence, the indictment alleges that he searched for her motorbike in the hospitals parking lot, removed the licence plate, and discarded it at Suoi Linh Bridge (Bien Hoa City, ong Nai).

On April 26, 2024, the Criminal Investigation Police Department of ong Nai Province arrested Danh Son for investigation. A search of his residence in Tan Hiep Ward (Bien Hoa City) uncovered a revolver and five rounds of ammunition.  VNS
BANGKOK  Thailand and Pakistan have agreed to restart discussions under their Joint Trade Committee (JTC) at the ministerial level, ending a decade-long hiatus.

In recent talks between Thailands Minister of Commerce Pichai Naripthaphan and Pakistani Ambassador to Thailand Rukhsana Afzaal, the two nations outlined plans to enhance trade and economic cooperation. Key priorities include resuming negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and strengthening collaboration in industries such as food, textiles, gems and jewelry, fisheries, and tourism. Thailand is set to host the 4th JTC meeting later in 2025.

Pakistans large population of over 240 million, including 80 million working-age individuals, offers significant opportunities for trade partnerships. The countrys natural resources, such as seafood, gemstones, and minerals, complement Thailands manufacturing sectors, while Thai exports, such as synthetic fibers, chemicals, and automotive parts, are vital to Pakistans production chain. To build stronger ties, Thailand will participate in Pakistans My Karachi Oasis of Harmony Exhibition later this year, a platform to promote bilateral trade and cooperation.

Investment collaboration remains a major focus of the renewed discussions.

Pakistans Special Investment Facilitation Council is working to attract foreign investments in key sectors, including agriculture, information technology, renewable energy, mining, and tourism.

Meanwhile, Thailand has invited Pakistan to invest in its growing data centre sector, highlighting the countrys robust infrastructure and resource availability.

Between January and November 2024, trade between the two nations reached US$1.031 billion, with Thailand exporting goods worth $781.36 million and importing $250.40 million in products such as seafood, crude oil, and textiles.

The resumption of JTC talks signals a fresh commitment to deepening economic ties between Thailand and Pakistan. Pakistans expanding market and Thailands industrial strength present a promising platform for growth, allowing both nations to increase economic collaboration and development in the years ahead.  VNA/VNS
MANILA  President Marcos, US President Joe Biden, and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba vowed on Monday during a video call to further deepen cooperation under a trilateral arrangement in the face of rising tensions in Asias waters.

The US president said he was confident that his successor, Donald Trump, would see the value of continuing this partnership and that it is framed the right way.

Simply put, our countries have an interest in continuing this partnership and institutionalizing our cooperation across our governments so that it is built to last, Biden told both leaders.

Marcos who was with Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo and other senior government officials in Malacanang during the 25-minute call, expressed confidence that our three countries will continue to work together closely to sustain the gains that we have made in enhancing and deepening our ties.

The trilateral phone call was originally scheduled on Sunday, but Washington asked to move it a day later as US authorities grappled with containing the wildfires in California.

According to Biden, the United Staes, Philippines and Japan were able to make a lot of progress since the holding of the trilateral summit in Washington in April 2024.

In that meeting, the three countries pledged to work together in maintaining peace and security in Indo-Pacific region, one of the worlds busiest maritime zones.

For his part, Ishiba underscored the importance of enhancing their trilateral relations as he shared Bidens observation of improved cooperation among the allied countries.

Going forward, it is important to deepen trilateral cooperation in a variety of fields, Ishiba said.

The Philippines last year ratified a military agreement with Japan that would ease the entry of soldiers into each others country for joint military exercises. The coast guards of the three countries also staged joint exercises in 2023.  Malacanang/Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
PNHOM PENH  The twelve months of 2024 saw a five per cent decrease in fatal traffic accidents in Cambodia, with 1,509 people losing their lives on the Kingdoms roads, a drop of 81 from the 2023 figures.

Road safety experts have urged strict, transparent enforcement of the law, along with increased public education and nationwide funding to ensure a sustainable decline in the road toll.

Phorn Rim, spokesperson for the Cambodian Ministry of Public Works and Transport, reported that an average of four people died in road traffic accidents per day in 2024. The primary causes were recording as excessive speed and a failure to respect traffic laws.

From January 1 to December 31, there were 2,844 road traffic accidents recorded, resulting in 1,509 deaths, 2,273 serious injuries and 1,447 minor ones. Among those involved, 2,477 individuals were not wearing helmets.

When comparing 2024 to 2023, accidents decreased by some 473 cases (14 per cent). Deaths fell by 81 (5 per cent), serious injuries by 493 (18 per cent), minor injuries by 302 (17 per cent), and cases involving motorcyclists without helmets fell by 596 (19 per cent).

According to the transport ministry, the leading causes of accidents were speed (1,156 cases, 40.6 per cent), failure to respect right-of-way (649 cases, 23 per cent), improper lane changes (268 cases, 9.4 per cent), and reckless turning (221 cases, 8 per cent). Other contributing factors included risky overtaking (215 cases, 7.6 per cent), vehicle defects (114 cases, 4 per cent) and driving under the influence (105 cases, or just 3.7 per cent).

Kim Pagna, country director of the Asia Injury Prevention Foundation (AIP), described the reduction in accidents as a positive outcome, which reflected Cambodia's efforts to reduce traffic accidents.

This decline, while promising, shows theres more to do. The trend of decreasing fatalities and injuries year-on-year is something we strive for, ensuring continued progress, he said.

He noted fluctuations in traffic accident trends: after significant achievements in 2016-2018, incidents surged in 2019.

Efforts in 2020 and 2021 led to reductions, but incidents rose again in 2022 before declining in 2023 and 2024.

Pagna expressed optimism, stating that with intensified efforts and the implementation of key measures, Cambodia could further reduce fatalities and injuries, potentially achieving its 2030 goal of limiting traffic deaths to 1,229 annually.

To sustain progress, he emphasised the importance of consistent law enforcement with fairness and transparency, public education on traffic safety starting in schools and increased government investment.

He highlighted the need to address challenges for motorcyclists, who accounted for 70-80 per cent of fatalities, with a significant proportion of victims not wearing helmets, particularly at night and in rural areas.

Pagna also suggested technical training for motorcyclists, especially overrepresented groups such as workers, farmers and students, and advocated for license requirements for riders of motorcycles with engines up to 125cc.

In addition, he recommended improving road safety infrastructure, such as signage, lane markers and vehicle inspections, while encouraging the import of vehicles with high safety standards and improvements to emergency healthcare services.

Cambodias 10-year National Road Safety Action Plan requires over US$120 million in funding. He urged increased government investment, private sector involvement and support from development partners to ensure the plans success.

Our plan is very good, but the main problem is that we lack the funds to implement the entire plan. I urge the government to increase investment in road safety work as in other areas, he said.

He also encouraged private sector philanthropists and development partners to get involved in implementing the action plan.

The transport ministry has committed to improving road safety by inspecting high-risk areas and implementing additional safety measures, such as distributing helmets and educating road users.

Efforts by civil society and private entities, such as adopting internal traffic safety policies within schools and factories, have shown promising results in reducing accidents and fostered a culture of safety, added Pagna. THE PHNOM PENH POST/ANN
Thanks to its geographical advantages, Guangxi and ASEAN have significant potential for economic and trade cooperation. In the photo: A booth of a Vietnamese enterprise at the 21st China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO). (Photo: VNA)

Beijing - The China-ASEAN Medical Regional Procurement Platform has been recently launched at a ceremony in Fangchenggang city, Chinas Guangxi.

This is the first cross-border pharmaceutical regional centralised procurement platform guided by the National Medical Security Administration for local construction.

It is an information service platform that carries domestic and international medical centralised procurement business, realising the full process management of drugs, and medical consumables from centralised procurement to settlement.

Liao Pinhu, Vice Chairman of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, introduced that Guangxi has completed high-quality construction of the platform, the online Guangxi Medical Insurance Cloud Platform+N, and the China Medical Insurance Health Exhibition Hall, laying a solid foundation for carrying out procurement work for ASEAN and other countries.

Relying on this platform, Guangxi will actively promote the entry of domestically produced drugs and medical consumables into ASEAN countries, and innovate the establishment of convenient service channels for purchasing drugs at home and abroad, gradually meeting the real-time online drug purchasing needs of insured persons in Guangxi, medical personnel outside the region, and cross-border medical groups in ASEAN countries, Liao added.

China-ASEAN Trade Index released for first time The China-ASEAN Trade Index was released for the first time during the ongoing 18th China-ASEAN Expo and China-ASEAN Business and Investment Summit held in Nanning - the capital city of China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

China-ASEAN trade to get fresh booster An upgrade of the ASEAN-China free trade deal and positive impacts from the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership are set to benefit Vietnam-China trade ties.
Cargo vessel Dolphin 18 (Photo: qdnd.vn)

Kuala Lumpur - Eighteen Vietnamese fishermen onboard cargo vessel Dolphin 18 which encountered an incident at sea have safely entered Malaysia, the Vietnamese Embassy in Malaysia reported.

Nicolai Maersk, a Hong Kong-flagged vessel that rescued the fishermen, completed necessary arrangements for their entry into Malaysia and is now preparing procedures for their return to Vietnam.

According to the captain's report, the engine of the Vietnamese-registered freighter Dolphin 18 failed amidst harsh weather conditions, with strong winds and high waves, forcing the crew to send out an emergency distress signal. Shortly after that, Nicolai Maersk responded to the distress call and provided assistance. Afterwards, Dolphin 18 sank quickly.

Local media earlier reported that all 18 Vietnamese crew members aboard Dolphin 18 had been rescued by Nicolai Maersk. The incident occurred on January 11, about 274 nautical miles southwest of Vung Tau city in Vietnam's southern Ba Ria-Vung Tau province.

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) confirmed that its Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) was alerted by vessel Nicolai Maersk about a distress call from Dolphin 18. The MRCC coordinated the search and rescue efforts, issuing navigational broadcasts for nearby vessels to monitor and report any sightings of the distressed ship. It also informed its Vietnamese counterparts about the incident, emphasising that all 18 crew members had been successfully rescued using lifeboats. All rescued crew members were reported to be in good health.

Nicolai Maersk later disembarked the rescued fishermen at its next port of call in Tanjung Pelepas, Malaysia.
At the court in Thai Binh province on January 13 to hand down verdicts to National Assembly deputies Luu Binh Nhuong and Le Thanh Van as well as their associates. (Photo: VNA)

Thai Binh - The Peoples Court of the northern province of Thai Binh on January 13 handed down verdicts to former National Assembly deputies Luu Binh Nhuong and Le Thanh Van as well as their associates for extorting property and abusing positions and power to influence others for personal gain.

Nhuong was sentenced to 13 years in prison in total, comprising three years for the charge of extorting property and another 10 years for abusing positions and power to influence others for personal gain.

Meanwhile, Van received a seven-year prison term and Nguyen Van Vuong, former specialist of the Legal Department at the Presidential Office, must serve 14 years in prison for abusing positions and power to influence others for personal gain.

Pham Minh Cuong, residing in Thuy Xuan commune of Thai Thuy district, Thai Binh province, was sentenced to 11 years and 3 months in jail, comprising seven years for asset extortion, and four years and three months in a previously announced sentence for asset extortion and illegal detention.

Vu Dang Phuong, residing in the districts Thuy Truong commune, was given six-year imprisonment for asset extortion, and another two years and nine months in a previous announced punishment for causing public disorder.

The courts documents showed that the defendants had orchestrated various illegal activities, including the extortion of assets from Sao Do Groups Thai Binh branch, interference in civil court proceedings in Hai Phong city, and manipulation of project approval in Bac Ninh and Quang Ninh provinces. Those affected the social order and investment climate in the localities.

A significant portion of the case centred on the extortion of assets from Sao Do Group, which resulted in substantial financial damage.

As part of the verdict, the court ordered Nhuong to repay 7.1 billion VND (279,600 USD) to the State while Van must return 60 million VND. The court also acknowledged the voluntary settlement between Cuong and Sao Do Group, amounting to over 4 billion VND.

During the trial, all defendants expressed remorse for their wrongdoings and asked for leniency.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (R) and Arto Olavi Satonen, Minister for Employment from the Finnish Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, in Hanoi on January 13. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh received Arto Olavi Satonen, Minister for Employment from the Finnish Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, in Hanoi on January 13, believing that his visit would further bolster the traditional friendship and all-around cooperation between the two countries, especially in labour and employment.

The PM welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on labour cooperation between the Vietnamese Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA) and the Finnish Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, which was complemented by the successful Vietnam-Finland Labour Cooperation Forum.

Vietnam always values and advocates for further promoting and deepening the bilateral traditional friendship and multi-faceted cooperation, he said.

Acknowledging strides in bilateral economic, trade and investment collaboration, both sides agreed that it has not yet reached its full potential. Labour cooperation is identified as an area with ample room for further collaboration, where both countries can complement each other's strengths.

Looking to the future, the PM proposed continuing to explore the establishment of new mechanisms to step up cooperation in sci-tech, innovation, and vocational education, while also venturing into such new and promising fields as green transition, digital transformation, renewable energy, green economy and circular economy.

The focus will be on harnessing technology transfer, building tech infrastructure, and upskilling for high-tech industries to keep pace with the evolving job market.

With Vietnam's vibrant and expanding workforce of over 52 million, the PM encouraged Finland to keep the scholarship doors wide open for Vietnamese students.

The two ministries should agree on methods to effectively realise the newly-signed MoU, connect businesses from both countries and facilitate the mobility of Vietnamese workers to Finland, he said, noting Finland should inform workers about their rights and obligations, while Vietnam should equip its workforce with the necessary skills, legal understanding, and cultural awareness.

He also called for more high-level exchanges to cement political trust, pushing both countries to leverage the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) to lift trade and investment, aiming to match the true potential of their economies. Cultural and tourism cooperation was also highlighted as a priority.

With the Helsinki Mayor present, the PM floated ideas of city-to-city partnerships, particularly spotlighting Hanoi, and hoped for continued Finnish support for the Vietnamese community in the country.

Minister Satonen, in turn, described Vietnam as an important partner of Finland in the region, commending the positive contributions of the 50,000 Vietnamese people living, studying and working in Finland.

He marveled at Vietnam's development since his last visit in 2009 and agreed with the PMs proposals for cooperation, saying that Finland wishes to further deepen collaboration with Vietnam, especially in education, labour, and cultural exchange.

Helsinki is ready to welcome Vietnamese workers, professionals and students, eager to share its know-how and collaborate with Hanoi to make it an innovative city and attract more global investment, its mayor said.

Finland helps develop smart power grid in Viet Nam The Central Power Corporation and Finland's ABB Oy Company launched mini Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system projects in the central and Central Highlands regions with the aim to develop a smart power grid there.
Pet owners searching for a missing furry friend should beware of scammers who demand immediate payment to rescue their missing animal, the San Antonio Humane Society says.

The Humane Society said in a social media post last month that scammers pretending to be with the organization are calling pet owners claiming they've found the person's lost pet and demanding money for emergency surgery or other services.

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San Antonio resident Dana Kickler warned other pet owners to "be vigilant," writing on the Nextdoor website that she was targeted by the scam Monday. Less than 24 hours after posting on social media in search of her lost dog, she got a call.

A person claiming to be from the Humane Society told her the organization had found the dog and needed her to send a down payment for surgery by cash, Venmo or PayPal.

"He was saying that because they are a non-profit, the payment had to go directly to the vet techs. That was the biggest red flag," Kickler wrote.

Owners looking for missing pets have been targeted by scammers claiming to be with the San Antonio Humane Society. 123ducu/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Kickler is just one of many in San Antonio who are searching for lost pets, meaning there's a wide pool of people in the Alamo City that could be targeted. Tens of thousands of Facebook users have joined local groups for missing animals, with each group garnering more than 10 posts a day from pet owners.

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Kickler wanted to lay eyes on her dog before the surgery, but the scammer told her the Humane Society was closed. She wouldn't be able to reach anyone by calling back for that same reason, the man on the phone said.

"I still wasnt going for it and they said they would have to euthanize the dog, and as soon as I said I guess they would have to do that because I wasnt sending money to anyone without seeing the dog first, they hung up," Kickler wrote.

Caller ID impostor

The scammer initially called from a number that caller ID could not identify by name. Kickler asked for proof, and the man later called her back from what appeared on caller ID to be the Humane Society's real number.

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Scammers use technology to change the phone number appearing on your caller ID, according to the Federal Trade Commission.

"The San Antonio Humane Society will never contact you to request money in this manner," the organization said. "If your pet is found, we will follow proper protocols to reunite you safely and securely."

The Humane Society puts found pets on a temporary hold at the shelter to give pet owners a chance to find them, according to the organization's website. Pet parents can call the Humane Society at 210-226-7461 for more information on reclaiming an animal.

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Kickler is just one of many in San Antonio who are searching for lost pets, meaning there's a wide pool of people in the Alamo City that could be targeted. Tens of thousands of Facebook users have joined local groups for missing animals, with each group garnering more than 10 posts a day from pet owners.

The Humane Society urged the community to alert others about the recent scam in hopes no other pet owners will be harmed. Scammers can be extremely convincing, according to the FTC.

"They were persistent and promised my dog would return to me the same way he was before if they could proceed with the surgery," Kickler said.
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Vladimirovich Mishustin (C) arrives in Hanoi in the early morning of January 14, beginning his two-day official visit to Vietnam at the invitation of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi  Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Vladimirovich Mishustin arrived in Hanoi in the early morning of January 14, beginning his two-day official visit to Vietnam at the invitation of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

The Russian delegation was welcomed at Noi Bai International Airport by Minister  Chairman of the Government Office Tran Van Son, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang, Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Dang Minh Khoi, and Russian Ambassador to Vietnam Bezdetko Gennady Stepanovich.

PM Mishustin is accompanied by Deputy PM Overchuk Alexey Logvinovich, Deputy PM Chernyshenko Dmitry Nikolaevich, who is also Chairman of the Russian Sub-committee of the Russia-Vietnam Intergovernmental Committee for Trade - Economic and Scientific - Technical Cooperation, and several ministers and officials.

This is the first visit of PM Mishustin to Vietnam, aimed at strengthening the Vietnam-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and preparing for important activities in the bilateral relationship this year.

It demonstrates that both countries value their traditional friendship and are committed to further consolidating and enhancing the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Russia has affirmed Vietnam as a reliable partner and an important priority in its Look East policy, while Vietnam consistently regards Russia as one of top priorities in its foreign policy.

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, pning from economy, trade, energy, and science -technology, to education, culture, and defence-security.

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.

Russian enterprise eyes Vietnam's energy market Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan met with leaders of Russia's Novatek Group yesterday to discuss potential investments in liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects in Vietnam.

Russia looks to build on combined efforts Vietnam and Russia will intensify their bilateral economic, trade, and investment ties, with a focus laid on mutual funding flows, especially in energy, oil and gas, featured by prioritised projects.
Members of the McCollum High School Art Club paint a mural on the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo fairgrounds as part of a new program through the rodeo's Western Art Committee called San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo Western Murals. Photos courtesy of Harlandale ISD Student Nicole Garcia and other members of the McCollum High School Art Club paint a mural on the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo fairgrounds as part of a new program through the rodeo's Western Art Committee called San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo Western Murals. Photos courtesy of Harlandale ISD Young Women's Leadership Academy students paint a mural on the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo fairgrounds as part of a new program through the rodeo's Western Art Committee called San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo Western Murals. Photos courtesy of Western Art C

From a distance, the mural shows an iconic San Antonio scene  a cowboy atop a horse passing through a landscape that includes the Alamo, the River Walk and the world's largest cowboy boot.

But take a closer look and you'll find a trove of references and inside jokes.

The cowboy, the dominant figure in the 8-by-16-foot mural, represents the mascot of McCollum High School, whose art club painted the work that adorns the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo's Bexar County-owned grounds.

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The cowboy has a reddish beard just like one of the students' art teachers, Eric Schorp, who happened to be wearing a cowboy hat the day they painted the mural. There's also the Spurs' Coyote being chased by a bull, and a rodeo clown "losing his lunch."

In a depiction of a native people's village, one of them has blue hair  just like the artist who painted them, 12th-grader Fatima Abonce.

Abonce enjoyed blending her style with the seven other McCollum Art Club students in the mural, titled "Espiritu de San Antonio."

"Thats something I really enjoyed, especially because I dont really see San Antonio being represented a lot," Abonce said. "I really admire our Hispanic culture. I think thats really important, and I think we did a great job incorporating it into the mural.

"Espiritu de San Antonio" is displayed alongside a mural by Young Women's Leadership Academy students.

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The nonprofit behind the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo is putting on the mural program fir high school students for the first time this year, an expansion of its long-running Western Art Competition.

The bright wall art stands out against the otherwise bland concrete side of the Frost Bank Center, playing into San Antonio's burgeoning street art culture.

Highlighting the talents of local students  from creating art to raising livestock  and raising money for scholarships is a big part of the rodeo's purpose, said Clay Carabajal, architect of the mural program and chairman of the rodeo's Western Art Committee, which contributes about $135,000 to scholarships every year.

The students' murals will get a lot of exposure, from rodeo fans to the people who visit the Frost Bank Center throughout the year, including  as the students were excited about  big-time musicians who play concerts there.

I gave them a rip-roaring speech right before they started painting," Carabajal said. "'The mural you're about to paint will be seen by 1.5 million people. More importantly, it's seen by your favorite San Antonio Spurs, and rodeo people every day that they go into the Frost Bank Center. It's unavoidable. You have to see it.'

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The mural by Young Women's Leadership Academy features a Latina woman in charreria style, with two long braids, a red dress and turquoise jewelry, situated in a landscape of Texas cacti and blazing sunlight.

Charreria is rooted in Mexican ranching traditions and is similar to rodeos in the U.S. The YWLA muralists turned to charreria to represent the largely Mexican and Hispanic female student body at their school.

They might connect with the girl as shes looking into the distance very boldly with her dress," said 11th-grader Linda Lopez. "I feel like when you look at art, it either inspires you to feel like the image or it just makes you think of who you are yourself and reflect on the courage you get from that piece.

"When I look at it, I try to put myself in her shoes," she said. "It makes you feel a moment of power, even when others dont give that to you always."

The 11 YWLA students who created the mural are members of the school's 45-member National Art Honor Society.

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Ivanka Yadav took the lead on the mural's design, but everyone pitched in on the execution. The students took ownership of different parts of the mural, stamping the work with their own style. The cacti was Cassia Perezs creation, for example, and Audrina Miranda painted the sun.

Ive learned how to make something meaningful, how to get my story across through what Im making," said Cielo Garcia, one of the painters. "When I make something, its to tell a story, or its to tell an audience something, or even just to tell myself something. So Ive learned how to really effectively get that story across to the audience.

McCollum students said the mural project taught them to incorporate more and brighter colors into their work. They put into practice the concept of expressive color that their teacher, Eduardo De La Cruz, taught in class.

"Ive been trying to practice using unrealistic colors, bright colors like blue and yellow, for a person or an animal," Antonio Ruiz said. "For an animal, if it was brown, I would use pink or purple.

Nick Garcia has also been inspired by the mural's vibrancy.

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"Most of my art that I draw and paint, theyre mostly just dark colors," Garcia said. "But that was my first time working with bright, neon colors. I wasnt really used to it until we started painting. I started getting used to it, and I actually really liked it.

The plan is to add more murals annually, Carabajal said. The wall has room for eight murals, and each year more schools will add new ones. When the wall fills up, the oldest ones will be painted over, creating a rotating cycle of school and neighborhood representation.
Damning new report reveals extent of cancer waiting times crisis across Wales

This article is old - Published: Tuesday, Jan 14th, 2025

Cancer patients in Wales are experiencing unacceptably long waits for diagnosis and treatment, according to a damning new report released today (January 14) by Audit Wales.

Cancer is the leading cause of death in Wales, with non-melanoma skin cancer, bowel, breast, lung and prostate cancers remaining the most common types.

Whilst five-year cancer survival rates have increased to 62 per cent, it is estimated that four in 10 annual cancer cases could have been prevented.

Cancer survival outcomes in Wales have improved over recent years but are still poor compared to other countries, found Audit Wales.

Wales has the second highest cancer mortality rate in the UK after Scotland, with survival rates worse for people living in deprived areas compared to more affluent areas.

This is despite cancer services being the third-highest area of NHS spendingafter mental health and trauma and orthopaedicswith 719 million allocated in 2022-2023.

Real-term spending on cancer services has increased by 54% from 2009-10 to 2022-23.

Wales failing to hit waiting time targets

The report into cancer care services revealed that no health board in Wales has met the target of starting treatment for 75 per cent of cancer patients within 62 days of first suspicion since 2020.

Between August 2023 to August 2024 between 53 per cent and 61 per cent of patients started treatment within 62 days.

Audit Wales found that waiting times for some cancer types, including lower gastrointestinal, gynaecological, and urological cancers, are particularly long, with some patients waiting over 100 days to start treatment.

Early detection and diagnosis are key to survival for most cancers, with screening playing a vital role in early detection.

While the national bowel screening programme has expanded to include more people using a more sensitive test, Audit Wales found that the uptake of breast and cervical screenings were found to be below standard, with opportunities for improvement.

Between April and August 2024 just 69 per cent of eligible women and people with a cervix came forward for a cervical screening.

This is below the 80 per cent target.

A national lung screening programme, recommended by the UK National Screening Committee in 2022, has yet to be implemented in Wales, despite a successful pilot in Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board.

Audit Wales also highlighted opportunities to save lives and reduce pressure on NHS resources by addressing lifestyle factors that increase the risk of cancer.

Workforce Challenges and Wasted Investment

A growing demand for cancer diagnosis and treatment is a significant challenge for NHS Wales.

According to Audit Wales the number of newly diagnosed cancers has increased by 22 per cent from 2002 to 2021. Numbers of suspected cancer referrals have also increased.

Those referrals create demand even though more than 84 per cent of patients who are referred with a suspected cancer go on to find out that they do not have cancer.

This has coincided with gaps in staffing capacity.

The Welsh Government wants the waiting list to return to pre-pandemic levels. However, the report shows that this is unlikely without a significant increase in diagnosis and treatment activity.

Addressing the challenges facing cancer services in Wales requires strong and clear national leadership.

However, the report points to weaknesses in this area and in particular to a lack of clarity over the status of the national Cancer Improvement Plan for Wales that was launched in 2023.

It also calls for greater clarity over the respective roles of the Welsh Government and the NHS Executive in overseeing and supporting improvement.

Response

Auditor General, Adrian Crompton said that despite the increased investment into cancer services, too may people are experiencing unacceptably long waits for cancer diagnosis and treatment.

The Welsh Governments Quality Statement, the identification of nationally optimised pathways and the publication of a Cancer Improvement Plan are all examples of a clear commitment to secure high quality cancer care for the people of Wales, said the Auditor General.

However, despite this and increased investment over recent years, too many people are experiencing unacceptably long waits for cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Variations in performance and outcomes persist within and between health bodies in Wales, and insufficient attention is being placed on prevention of the lifestyle factors that can cause cancer and other major health conditions.

The arrangements for the national leadership and oversight of cancer services in Wales need to be clarified and strengthened as a matter of urgency.

This must include a clear statement on the status of the NHS Wales Cancer Improvement Plan and how the Welsh Government and NHS Executive expect it to be used, alongside other programmes and initiatives, to shape the improvements which are needed in cancer services in Wales.

Kate Seymour, Head of External Affairs at Macmillan Cancer Support, said todays report clearly shows the failure of the Welsh government to tackle the crisis in cancer waiting times.

The report concludes that without urgent action, the Welsh government is unlikely to achieve its more ambitious waiting times target of 80% by 2026, said Kate Seymour.

As recommended by the report, the Welsh government must urgently implement the Cancer Improvement Plan and be clear on how they will ensure accountability for delivery.

The most recent set of cancer waiting times figures for Wales found little sign of improvement, with 2024 on track to show the national target for cancer waiting times performance will be missed once again.

We must not forget there are real people facing agonising delays and worrying about whether they have cancer or when their treatment is going to start. People in Wales with cancer deserve better.

Political response

Plaid Cymrus spokesperson for Health and Social Care, Mabon ap Gwynfor MS described the report as a damning indictment of Labours lack of leadership on the NHS.

Mabon ap Gwynfor MS said: Not a single health board has met cancer treatment targets since 2020, and Labours only response seems to be throwing more money at the front line rather than coming up with actual solutions.

Many of the recommendations made in this report echo Plaid Cymrus plan for a more efficient NHS, published in November. Well change how the NHS is run and take urgent action to tackle record high waiting lists.

After 25 years of Labour, our patients patience has run out. Only Plaid Cymru offers solutions to the very real problems facing our communities.

Darren Millar MS, Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, added: After 26 years of Labour Governments, the Welsh NHS is broken.

Lets be frank, patients are suffering and dying unnecessarily due to excessive waits for cancer diagnosis and treatment

The Welsh Conservatives will fix our health service and hit these targets by screening more patients to ensure earlier detection of cancer and by delivering more NHS capacity for faster treatment.

If you or someone you love is affected by cancer then contact Macmillans free support line on 0808 808 00 00, open every day 8am to 8pm or visit the website at http://www.macmillan.org.uk.
A woman was struck and killed by a wanted man's vehicle during a chase with San Antonio police. Ken Branca

A woman was killed after being struck by a wanted suspect's vehicle following a police chase on the South Side.

San Antonio police were conducting a narcotics investigation around 12:15 a.m. near the 900 block of West Pyron Avenue.

Detectives believed a 24-year-old man there had a "large quantity of narcotics."

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When the wanted man left the location, police followed him. The man fled as they attempted to stop him, according to a police report.

Police terminated their pursuit of the wanted man after he refused to stop, but an SAPD helicopter continued to follow him.

The man was driving at a high rate of speed when he lost control of the vehicle, struck a concrete guardrail, and then struck a woman walking on the sidewalk, the report states.

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After the crash, the man attempted to run, but responding officers detained him.
5-star hotel in the philippines thanh pho Mong Cai

Trong xa hoi hien ai, game a tro thanh mot phan khong the thieu trong cuoc song cua con nguoi. Trong so o, tro choi la mot tro choi rat uoc mong oi chac chan se mang en niem vui va thu thach bat tan cho nguoi choi. Tiep theo, hay tim hieu sau hon ve tro choi va cho ban thay nhung gi no mang lai.

5-star hotel in the philippinesHa Noi Market Continues To Grow In The First Half Of 2024

In the first six months of 2024, Viet Nam welcomed 8.8 million international tourists, a 58% increase year-on-year (YoY) and a 4% rise compared to the same period 5-star hotel in the philippines in 2019.During the same period, Ha Noi welcomed 14 million visitors, marking a 13.7% increase YoY. Of these, domestic tourists reached 10.9 million with a 6% rise YoY, making up a significant portion of the total visitors to the capital. Although international tourists numbered only 3.1 million visits, they achieved a notable growth rate of 52.6% YoY. According to the Viet Nam National Administration of Tourism, the largest international markets include China, South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, the US, Cambodia, India, Thailand, Australia, and Malaysia.In June 2024, Ha Nois Department of Tourism estimated that the total number of tourists to the capital was 2.49 million visits, an increase of 12.5% compared to the same period in 2023. Among these, international tourists numbered approximately 496,000, marking a 55.9% increase YoY. In June 5-star hotel in the philippines 2024, the average room occupancy rate for hotels was estimated at 66%, up by 1.3% from May 2024 and 0.1% from June 2023.With the increase in tourist numbers, the total revenue from tourism reached VND 55.4 trillion, marking a 23% YoY increase. Thus, after six months, Ha Noi has achieved 52% of its annual visitor target and 51% of its tourism revenue target for 2024.These figures result from efforts to promote and develop tourism products that exploit Ha Nois distinctive cultural values. Renowned for its rich cultural and historical heritage, Ha Noi is favored by both international and domestic tourists as a top destination in the country and is increasingly competitive on a global scale. Ha Noi is also focusing on training human resources, improving infrastructure, tourism services, enhancing promotion and other key factors to attract investment and tourists. Consequently, Ha Noi is gradually establishing its leading position in the domestic and international tourism markets.For instance, in Q2/2024, Ha Nois Department of Tourism launched the Nam Thang Long  Ha Noi Heritage Road and a 
Texas state Rep. Jay Dean, R-Longview, at left, former Speaker Dade Phelan, R-Beaumont, celebrate Texas state Rep. Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, winning the speakership during opening day of the 89th Texas Legislative Session in Austin, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman) Stephen Spillman/Associated Press during ceremonies January 14th, 2025 at the opening day of the 89th Texas Legislature. Bob Daemmrich/Cotera/BDP, Inc. Rep. Dustin Burrows, talks with Rep. Rhetta Bowers, D-Rowlett, during ceremonies January 14th, 2025 at the opening day of the 89th Texas Legislature. Bob Daemmrich/Cotera/BDP, Inc. Texas state Rep. Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, right, waits results in the speaker race with former Speaker Dade Phelan, R-Beaumont, during opening day of the 89th Texas Legislative Session in Austin, Texas, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman) Stephen Spillman/Associated Press Texas state Rep. Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, takes the oath of office during the opening day of the 89th Texas Legislative Session in Austin, Texas, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman) Stephen Spillman/Associated Press Texas state Rep. Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, speaks to his family on the opening day of the 89th Texas Legislative Session in Austin, Texas, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Stephen Spillman) Stephen Spillman/Associated Press Dustdin Burrows shakes hands with Jeff Leach during ceremonies January 14th, 2025 at the opening day of the 89th Texas Legislature. Bob Daemmrich/Cotera/BDP, Inc.

The Texas House on Tuesday elected Rep. Dustin Burrows as its next speaker, elevating a conservative Republican and former top House deputy who has sought to rein in local Democratic elected officials.

The bipartisan vote, 85 to 55, was a rebuke of far-right Republicans and their wealthy donors, who had gone all in on a challenger, North Texas Rep. David Cook. Their campaign became especially heated in recent weeks, with attack mailers going out in lawmakers districts and the state GOP threatening to block any Republican members who voted for Burrows from appearing on its future primary ballots.

In the end, 49 of the chambers 62 Democrats joined 36 Republicans to lift Burrows over the edge. The victory was an assertion of the chambers longstanding independence, and it set up another session of likely clashes with the more conservative Texas Senate.

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Burrows called for unity in a speech after the vote, recalling that former Houston Democratic state Rep. Garnet Coleman once told him constituents are alike in that they all have problems in need of solutions.

The House is at its best when were tackling problems that are seemingly insurmountable, he said. We do that by building broad coalitions, united by shared values that are bigger and stronger than our geographical or our political differences.

The Lubbock Republican was first elected in 2014 and previously chaired the Houses influential Calendars Committee, which schedules bills for floor votes. He served former Speaker Dade Phelan as a top lieutenant and was supported by others from Phelans leadership team.

Phelan announced late last year he would not seek reelection to his position, facing opposition from the state GOP, many statewide elected officials and the influential West Texas oil billionaires Tim Dunn and Farris Wilks. Critics of the former speaker pointed in part to his push to impeach Attorney General Ken Paxton in 2023 on corruption and abuse of office charges. Paxton, who was later acquitted by the Senate, campaigned for Cook in the weeks leading up Tuesdays race.

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Cook emerged late last year as the consensus challenger, promising to strip Democrats of their few committee chairmanships and remove procedural roadblocks to the House quickly forcing through conservative measures.

Cook won the endorsement of the Texas House Republican Caucus in December and appeared to have both Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who leads the Senate, on his side. But Burrows was able to prevail thanks to support from a coalition of old-guard Republicans and Democrats, many of whom said they were voting against Cook and his supporters.

I understand the urge to ignore the Democrats and push our Republican agenda through without their consent, Rep. Charlie Geren, R-Fort Worth, said in a floor speech nominating Burrows. We're here to work for and with each other, for and with our constituents, and our constituents are not just Republicans, not just Democrats.

Burrows first took office in 2015. He runs his own law firm focusing on construction, agriculture, civil litigation and mediation. In 2023 he sponsored legislation that beefed up school security requirements in the wake of the Uvalde school shooting and a measure, known as the Death Star bill, that sought to block municipal governments from adopting left-leaning policies.

Rep. Mitch Little, a newly-elected Dallas Republican who represented Paxton in his Senate impeachment trial and backed Cook, said he expected the session to be borderline chaotic with Burrows leading the chamber. He warned that relying on Democratic support was a slippery slope, and that leaders should have the full backing of their party first.

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I think most Republican voters will have a hard time seeing how that's sustainable, he said.

Patrick slammed Burrows in a statement for having been "handed the speakership by Democrats, as has happened behind closed doors session after session since 2009." He laid out several of his priority items for next session, including school vouchers, bail reform and banning ownership of Texas land by "foreign adversaries."

"The voters will hold our new speaker accountable to keep his promise of being the most conservative speaker in Texas history," Patrick said.

After the vote, Cook appeared collegial, standing and applauding Burrows victory.

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Texas State Rep. Shawn Thierry during a campaign event alongside over 50 African American pastors at Sunnyside Park on Saturday, May 11, 2024, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer

Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday appointed former Houston state Rep. Shawn Thierry, who switched political parties after losing her Democratic primary, to the Texas Juvenile Justice Board.

The board, whose nine members are appointed by Abbott, develops rules that govern the Texas Juvenile Justice Department and oversees the state's secure youth offender facilities. Thierrys term will expire Feb. 1, 2029.

An attorney, Thierry served four terms in the Texas House and made waves last session when she bucked her party on LGBTQ issues.

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She was defeated in a primary runoff last spring by union organizer Lauren Ashley Simmons, who will now represent the district after winning the general election this November.

Thierrys political career has taken a remarkable turn since she went viral for a speech last year on the House floor defending her decision to support restrictions on treatments like puberty blockers and hormone therapy for youth. She also voted in favor of a ban on collegiate transgender athletes, angering many in the party who saw the votes as betrayals from a legislator who had previously won recognition for her support of LGBTQ initiatives.

In August, she announced her new role as director of political strategy for Genspect, an organization that opposes gender-affirming care for children and young people experiencing gender dysphoria. A little over a week later, she made public her decision to become a Republican, citing the issue as a main driver.

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Federal Bank is thrilled to announce the launch of its 'Pongalo Pongal' campaign, a vibrant celebration of the Pongal festival in Tamil Nadu. From January 5 to January 20, 2025, this special initiative aims to connect with the local community, honor the rich cultural heritage of the state, and offer customized card benefits.

Campaign Highlights:

Exclusive Offers: Enjoy up to 10% discounts on electronics, retail, grocery, and apparel purchases at select merchants like Poorvika Mobiles, Saravana Stores, Reliance Smart, Myntra, and more. Discounts vary by merchant and payment method, valid throughout January 2025.

Regional Get-Togethers: Join us at 'Pongalo Pongal' events across Tamil Nadu, including Chennai, Madurai, Salem, Erode, Coimbatore, Trichy, and Tirunelveli. Customers and employees will come together to prepare traditional Pongal dishes, fostering community spirit and goodwill. A roadshow will also promote local art forms like Poikkal Kuthira, Thakil, and Nadasaram.

Sweet Distribution at Semmozhi Poonga : On Pongal day, commuters will receive branded sweet boxes and keychains, creating a memorable festive experience.

"Federal Bank is proud to celebrate Pongal with the people of Tamil Nadu. This campaign reflects our commitment to understanding and honoring local traditions. We look forward to building stronger relationships with our customers and the community through these festive activities," said Jithesh P V, Senior Vice President & Zonal Head of Federal Bank.

The exclusive benefits, community events, cultural road shows, festive experience enhance the cultural and community experience for customers during the Pongal festival.
Mediaocean, the foundational partner for omnichannel advertising, released the findings from its 2025 H1 Advertising Outlook Report, which reveals how marketers are navigating rapid technological advancements and shifting consumer behaviors. The report highlights key findings, including the rise of generative AI as the top consumer trend, marketers increased investments in automation, and the continued prioritization of digital channels like social media, digital display/video, and Connected TV (CTV).

The 2025 Advertising Outlook Report was informed by a recent survey of nearly 700 marketing professionals. It includes a foreword by Brian Wieser, CEO and Principal of Madison and Wall, an advisory firm focused on the media and technology industries. The industry community has described Wieser as "Madison Avenues de facto Chief Economist."

The report explores AIs growing influence, the role of automation, and preparations for a multi-ID future, offering a comprehensive view of the advertising industrys trajectory.

Key Findings

Ad Spending Prioritization: Social media, digital display/video, and Connected TV (CTV) are the fastest-growing channels, with 68%, 67%, and 55% of marketers planning to increase spending in these areas, respectively. AI as a Top Trend: Generative AI has emerged as the leading consumer trend, surpassing CTV. 63% of marketers identify it as critical. Key advancements in AI are reshaping workflows and enabling more sophisticated advertising strategies. Automation on the Rise: Automation has become the fastest-growing investment area, with a 17% increase in adoption since mid-2024, as marketers seek to improve their workflow across media formats. Multi-ID Measurement: Advertisers are adopting multiple approaches to identity resolution to improve campaign measurement and attribution. Almost half cite this as a top concern for 2025. Creative-Media Gap: Despite slight improvements, 86% of advertisers report a lack of synchronization between creative and media processes, highlighting significant opportunities for growth.



In his foreword, Wieser reflects on the industrys resilience and innovation: "As we enter 2025, the advertising ecosystem continues to evolve rapidly. The interplay between technology, data, and creativity drives new opportunities for marketers to engage meaningfully with consumers. Mediaoceans insights offer a clear roadmap for navigating these complexities."

This years outlook report underscores the profound shifts already underway and intensifying across the advertising industry, said Aaron Goldman, CMO of Mediaocean. From the rise of AI and automation to the need for more comprehensive measurement frameworks, the insights in this report provide actionable guidance for brands and agencies looking to thrive and compete in a dynamic marketplace.

Generative AI is no longer a futuristic conceptits a cornerstone of todays advertising strategies, commented Deborah Wahl, Forbes CMO Hall of Fame member and former global CMO of General Motors. The moment were in reminds me of the electric vehicle transformation in the auto industry. To capitalize on the opportunity, nayimperative, marketers had to reimagine their business strategies and marketing programs. The same goes for AI, and the brands that embrace it now will see outsized returns.

The 2025 Advertising Outlook Report is the seventh in Mediaoceans series of bi-annual market analyses. It synthesizes perspectives from brands, agencies, media companies, measurement firms, and tech platforms, offering a comprehensive view of the advertising industry's current state and future trajectory. For a deeper dive into the report, please register to attend a webinar on Thursday, January 16, 2025, from 12 to 1 p.m. ETfeaturing Goldman, Wahl, and Wieser.

Also Read: Human creators future at risk from generative AI: Study
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), the UK's anti-trust watchdog, today announced the launch of its first major investigation under the new digital markets competition regime. The probe will scrutinize Google's dominance in search and search advertising services, examining its impact on consumers, businesses, and the broader economy. This is the first strategic market status (SMS) designation investigation under the new digital markets competition regime which came into force on 1 January 2025.



According to a CMA press release, Googles innovative services have generated significant benefits in the UK. Its search services are a gateway through which millions of people and businesses access and navigate the internet. In the UK, Google accounts for more than 90% of all general search queries, and more than 200,000 UK advertisers use Googles search advertising. Search is vital for economic growth. It facilitates businesses connecting with each other, with investors, and with their customers. And it generates a wealth of data that can be used to develop new AI products and services to foster innovation.



Given the importance of search as a key digital service for people, businesses and the economy, it is critical that competition works well. Effective competition ensures people benefit from greater choice, new and innovative services, and have control over their data. Search services are also important as a route to access the news. Effective competition could help ensure that people can access a wide range of content and that publishers are treated fairly for the use of their content.



For businesses, effective competition could keep down the costs of search advertising, equivalent to nearly 500 per household per year, in turn lowering prices across the economy. An effective, competitive market could also allow businesses to innovate in a way which creates alternatives to traditional search services, including by, for example, ensuring that new AI start-ups can compete with Google and other existing players on an equal footing.



Under the digital markets competition regime, the CMA may designate firms with SMS in relation to a particular digital activity. Once designated, the CMA can impose conduct requirements or propose pro-competition interventions to achieve positive outcomes for UK consumers and businesses.



The CMAs investigation will assess whether Google has SMS in the UK search and search advertising sectors and, in parallel, consider whether conduct requirements should be imposed in the event of a final designation decision.

The issues that will form part of the CMAs investigation include:

 Weak competition and barriers to entry and innovation in search. The CMA will assess how competition is working and if Google is using its position to prevent innovation by others. This includes whether barriers to entry are preventing other competitors from entering the market, in particular whether Google is able to shape the development of new AI services and interfaces, including answer engines, in ways which limit the competitive constraint they impose on Google Search.



 Possible leveraging of market power and ensuring open markets. This will include investigating whether Google is using its position in the market to self-preference its own services, for example specialised search services covering shopping and travel.



 Potential exploitative conduct. This will include investigating the collection and use of large quantities of consumer data without informed consent, and the use of publisher content without fair terms and conditions (including payment terms).

Potential conduct requirements could include, for example, requirements on Google to make the data it collects available to other businesses or giving publishers more control over how their data is used including in Googles AI services.

The CMA will take a proportionate and transparent approach to this investigation which must be completed within 9 months. It will now focus on engaging a wide range of stakeholders  including advertising firms, news publishers and user groups  as well as gathering evidence from Google before reaching a decision by October 2025.



Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA, said: Millions of people and businesses across the UK rely on Googles search and advertising services  with 90 per cent of searches happening on their platform and more than 200,000 UK businesses advertising there. Thats why its so important to ensure these services are delivering good outcomes for people and businesses and that there is a level playing field, especially as AI has the potential to transform search services. Its our job to ensure people get the full benefit of choice and innovation in search services and get a fair deal - for example in how their data is collected and stored. And for businesses, whether you are a rival search engine, an advertiser or a news organisation, we want to ensure there is a level playing field for all businesses, large and small, to succeed.
Innisfree, the iconic South Korean brand known for its nature-powered skincare launched its first ever Brand Film, featuring its debut Brand Ambassador Wamiqa Gabbi. The captivating film, created and produced by Social Whistles Studio, perfectly blends facts and fiction, to take the audience to an enchanting journey to Innisfrees Island - the birthplace of Innisfrees natural ingredients.

Wamiqa gets magically transported into the lush green Island, where she ventures through the enchanting landscape, and discovers the backstory of Innisfree and its natural ingredients. The brand film is full of interesting elements and subtle yet powerful symbols like a rabbit accompanying Wamiqa throughout the journey, symbolizing Innisfrees commitment to cruelty-free and animal-friendly beauty.

Speaking about her role, Wamiqa Gabbi expressed, Filming this felt like stepping into a fairytale. The film perfectly captures Innisfrees promise of purity and care, rooted in nature. Being part of this film was an incredible experience and Im honored to be associated with a brand that cares for the environment and animals as much as I do.

Commenting on the brand film, Paul Lee, Managing Director & Country Head of Innisfree shared, This brand film is more than just a campaign  its a celebration of natures treasures and the purity that defines Innisfree. We wanted to create something that feels immersive and brings our audience closer to the origins of our products. We hope this film inspires Indian consumers to embrace skincare that is not only effective but also kind to the planet.

Mini Sood Banerjee, Assistant Director & Head of Marketing added, At Innisfree, nature is not just an inspirationits our collaborator. From volcanic clusters to green tea seeds and cherry blossoms, every ingredient symbolizes the purity and effectiveness of nature. The song Isle Be There isnt just a creative touch in the film  its a promise that Innisfree will continue to bring the goodness of Island to skincare lovers across India.

This brand film not only introduces the audience to Innisfrees hero products and ingredients but also highlights the brands ethos of sustainable and ethical beauty practices.
Religious tourism is a significant contributor to Indias tourism economy, with one in four Indians (25%) traveling to religious destinations in the past year. This is truly reflective of the countrys deep cultural and spiritual roots and the growing desire of Indians to travel. The Maha Kumbh, one of the worlds largest public gatherings, offers a unique opportunity to explore pilgrim movement, presence and behaviour at an unparalleled scale. Understanding the profiles, motivations and actions of its visitors will provide key insights into the evolving dynamics of faith-driven travel and provide unique opportunities for brands to engage with them.

Kantars TGI Report reveals some fascinating insights into the profile of pilgrims in India from past year. Here are some highlights:

Haridwar emerged as the most visited religious destination in India, followed by Shirdi, Tirupati, Ayodhya and Ajmer Sharif.

Across the country, North Indians most frequently visit Haridwar (54%), while South Indians predominantly favour Tirupati (82%), followed by Shirdi (59%). These preferences are largely influenced by the proximity of these destinations and a longstanding tradition of family travel to these pilgrimage sites.

Most religious tourists fall within the 25-44 age band, with those aged 25-34 visiting Haridwar the most, while the 35-44 age group preferring Ayodhya over other destinations.

A significant majority of visitors to Haridwar (61%) and Ayodhya (69%) were male, highlighting a notable gender skew among travellers to these destinations. This points to the need to make these destinations more inclusive and appealing to women tourists.

Religious tourism is predominantly skewed towards the affluent, as represented by NCCS A socio-economic class.

Recognizing the growing impact and importance of religious tourism, Kantar, the worlds leading data, insights, and consulting company is set to launch the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 Report, uncovering the intricate dynamics of pilgrims behaviours and habits, offering actionable insights for brands looking to connect with this audience.

Kantars Maha Kumbh Mela report will shed light on the spending habits, preferences and travel patterns of the pilgrimages, uncovering trends that impact the local economy and the broader tourism industry. This study will also highlight how digital platforms and services, such as travel apps and online payment methods, are influencing the experience of religious tourism, reflecting the growing integration of technology in traditional practices.

Puneet Avasthi, Director, Specialist Businesses, Insights Division- South Asia, Kantar, said As per Kantars TGI Report, religious tourism is a significant contributor to Indias tourism economy. These pilgrimage centres and congregations present unique opportunities for brands to connect with audiences in deeply meaningful ways. Our Maha Kumbh Mela Report will provide brand builders with actionable insights into consumer motivations, purchasing patterns, and engagement touchpoints in one of the worlds largest cultural events. By understanding the intersection of faith, culture, and commerce, brands can create authentic, impactful strategies that resonate with this diverse and growing audience.
The whos who of the Indian advertising industry converged in Mumbai on January 11, 2025 to celebrate media colossus Vikram Sakhuja, Group CEO, Madison Media & OOH, who was conferred with the AAAI Lifetime Achievement Award 2024. This prestigious award is the highest recognition in the Indian advertising industry, given to individuals whose work has made a lasting influence.

With nearly 40 years of experience, Vikram Sakhuja, an alumnus of IIT Delhi and IIM Calcutta, has held key roles at renowned organizations like P&G, Coca-Cola, Star TV, WPP, and Madison. His career began in 1984 with DCM Management Trainee, followed by his joining P&G in 1988, and later taking up brand marketing at Coca-Cola. He then moved to Star TV before joining WPP, where he became the first Indian Global CEO of a global advertising agency. Currently, he is the Equity Partner and Group CEO of Madison, India's largest independent media agency.

Contributions to the Industry

Sakhuja has played a significant role in the industry, having led GroupM South Asia and Mindshare, chaired FICCIs Advertising & Marketing Committee, and been a member of key industry boards such as BARC and AAAI. His leadership at GroupM introduced innovations in mobile, social media, and content, resulting in the agency winning over 50% of industry awards. Sakhujas initiatives have redefined Indias advertising landscape, from launching iconic brands like Ariel and Sprite to pioneering media research methods.

Industry Leaders Celebrate Vikram Sakhuja

Shashi Sinha, CEO, IPG Mediabrands India:

In my view, this is very appropriate recognition given his immense contributions, not just to his company, but to the industry as a whole. He holds a global role, and as the only true global CEO India has ever produced, his achievements are unparalleled. Serving as the Global CEO of Maxus is an exceptional milestone, setting him apart in terms of professional accomplishments.

On the industry front, he is deeply involved, contributing significantly to various platforms. He serves on the BARC platform, is the Vice Chairman of MRUC, and is actively involved with ABC. His dedication to industry bodies and his expertise as a research practitioner demonstrate his commitment to advancing the industry. These two key aspects  his remarkable professional achievements and his extensive contributions to the industry  make this recognition well-deserved.

Kartik Sharma, Group CEO, Omnicom Media Group India:

Working with Vikram is nothing short of transformative. Having had the privilege to collaborate with him, I can confidently say  and I know I speak for a good deal of people  that he is not just a phenomenal leader and mentor, but a rare gem in our industry. Vikram has an extraordinary gift: he sees your true potential, often before you do, and relentlessly inspires you to rise to the best version of yourself.

His unwavering tenacity and dedication over the years have shaped countless journeys, including mine, revealing the best in those fortunate enough to cross his path. A trailblazer of Indias advertising landscape, Vikrams influence and impact extend beyond the boardroom and across the entire industry.

I am so thrilled that he is being conferred with this well-deserved recognition by AAAI. A true gentleman, an inspiring confidant and an incredible leader, he embodies the excellence this award celebrates. And knowing Vikram, this is just one of many accolades his incredible journey will earn.

Anita Kotwani, CEO - Media, South Asia, dentsu:

A great leaders courage to fulfill his vision comes from passion, not position.  John Maxwell.

For me, Vikram is that boss who is passionate about the clients business, driving their goals, motivating teams to go that extra mile to excel as professionals. He has played an instrumental part in my growth journey as a professional and I feel proud to have had the opportunity to learn so much from Vikram.

Amin Lakhani, CEO Mindshare South Asia:

Vikrams influence goes far beyond his professional accomplishments. His authenticity and passion for excellence has inspired countless individuals. This recognition is not only a celebration of Vikrams achievements but also the values he embodies. We continue cheering for Vikram and a huge congratulations to him on reaching this incredible milestone!

Navin Khemka, CEO, EssenceMediacom South Asia:

Vikrams contributions to the advertising and media industry are unparalleled and have left an indelible impact on our industry, shaping its past, present, and future. When he was the global CEO for Maxus, I had the privilege of working with him closely. He has set benchmarks that many aspire to emulate. I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to him and wish him many such achievements in the future.

Sunil Lulla, Founder and Chief Evangelist, The Linus Adventures:

The Ad Industry does not easily let those not from advertising easily sit on the top of the hill. Vikram broke the myth  with his RD Burmanesque style of combining data, insights, market smarts, sheer grit, brilliant intelligence and his musical dance moves. Not unusual  just exceptional! Lionheart and braveheart in one. Congratulations to the blistering barnacles, aka Vikram Sakhuja  long live your reign!

Lara Balsara Vajifdar, Executive Director, Madison World:

I am delighted that Vikram is winning the AAAI Lifetime Achievement Award. I cant think of anyone more deserving than him to win this prestigious award. He has contributed immensely to Madison, his earlier companies and the media industry.

KV Sridhar, Founder & COO, Hypercollective:

I have known Vikram as a client since he was with Coca-Cola many decades ago. He has always been a forward-looking leader, who adopts newer thinking and technology.
Its not right that things can be said on TV or the floor of Congress, but not on our platforms. Joel Kaplan, Meta's newly appointed chief global affairs officer, minced no words while unveiling sweeping changes to the company's content moderation policies. The announcement marks a significant departure from Meta's previous approach, as it discontinues its partnerships with third-party fact-checkers and loosens restrictions on politically sensitive topics like immigration and gender identity.

Instead of relying on external fact-checkers, Meta plans to implement a system akin to "Community Notes," (similar to the one X has adopted under Elon Musk) allowing users to flag content they believe is inaccurate or requires additional context. CEO Mark Zuckerberg justified the changes, calling the previous guidelines disconnected from mainstream discourse.

Metas decision has drawn criticism from third-party fact-checking organisations and newsrooms worldwide, which have partnered with the platform for years. According to a WIRED article, fact-checking organisations such as Check Your Fact and Lead Stories have expressed frustration over Zuckerberg's allegations of political bias within the fact-checking programme. They insist on adhering to the highest standards of journalism and ethics, as outlined by the International Fact-Checking Network's code of principles.

Among the updates to Meta's Community Guidelines, significant revisions have been made to the Hateful Conduct policy. Content previously deemed prohibitedsuch as claims linking mental illness to gender expression or sexual orientation and gender-based role limitationswill now be allowed if presented as political or religious discourse. Critics argue that this move, inter alia, opens the door to harmful rhetoric targeting LGBTQ+ communities.

Metas fact-checking partners were reportedly caught off guard by the decision to abandon third-party fact-checking across Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. Nevertheless, the company maintains bans on severe attacks, including Holocaust denial, blackface, and overt dehumanizing language. However, the removal of provisions linking hateful speech to offline violence has raised alarms, especially given Metas controversial history of enabling real-world harm, such as during the Myanmar crisis. (A 2022 Amnesty International report has accused Meta of contributing to violence against the Rohingya in Myanmar through its algorithmic systems, which amplified hate speech and anti-Rohingya content.)

Meanwhile, Nicola Mendelsohn, Head of Global Business Group at Meta, wrote on LinkedIN that the platform will ensure brand safety and suitability through our robust suite of tools for advertisers.

The policy overhaul has ignited heated discussions about Metas global responsibility in regulating harmful content and the risks of amplifying divisive discourse. While the company frames the changes as a step toward greater free expression, critics fear they could exacerbate polarization and endanger vulnerable communities.

Should brands be worried?

Since Elon Musk's $44 billion acquisition of X in 2022, many advertisers have withdrawn their ads due to concerns over hate speech stemming from reduced content moderation, brand safety, and uncertainty about the platform's direction.

The impact of these policy changes continues to haunt X, as brand safety remains a top priority for marketers. According to a recent Kantars Media Reactions 2024 report, a net 26% of marketers have reported plans to reduce ad spend on X in 2025, the biggest recorded pullback from any major global ad platform.

The Kantars report has found that only 4% of marketers think adverts on X provide brand safety (in contrast to Google, which comes top for brand safety at 39%). Gonca Bubani, Global Thought Leadership Director  Media at Kantar, says that X has changed so much in recent years and can be unpredictable from one day to the next  its difficult to feel confident about your brand safety in that environment.

With Meta scaling back its content moderation policies in the US, is there a possibility of a similar backlash from advertisers in view of the growing concerns over brand safety? In this two-part series, Adgully attempts to analyse this aspect.

Brands and advertisers are likely to adopt a cautious "wait-and-watch" approach, opines Ashish Bhasin, Founder, The Bhasin Consulting Group. He doesn't foresee any immediate implications, but advertisers will undoubtedly monitor developments closely, particularly given their concerns around brand safety. According to him, ensuring that policy changes do not expose their brands to unsafe or inappropriate content is crucial.

Advertisers need reassurance that their associations will remain aligned with appropriate and ethical content. While there may not be any immediate action, brands will be cautious, observing how these changes unfold and their potential impactparticularly in India. Understanding the broader implications of these shifts is vital for strategizing their next steps, he says.

Bhasin points out the influence of Elon Musks constant policy changes at Twitter, especially regarding moderation. According to him, such decisions have had significant social implications, often polarizing the platform and creating a high-stakes, politically charged environment, especially in the US. At that time, some Indian brands may have reacted due to their affiliation with global networks or multinational corporations. Global decisions on advertising are often filtered down to Indian counterparts.

However, in this instance, we havent seen any significant stances from global MNCs yet. Therefore, Indian brands, including MNCs operating in India, are unlikely to alter their strategies immediately. Both globally and in India, the focus will be on observing outcomes and gauging whether these changes lead to any adverse impacts. If negative outcomes arise, action will likely follow. However, such scenarios often take time to develop, so a knee-jerk reaction seems unlikely at this point. Do Indian brands bear an ethical responsibility to evaluate their ad spending on platforms like Meta? Its an important question to consider, says Bhasin.

Advertisers value trust and safety, so when platforms fail to protect brand reputation, it raises red flags, says Siva Balakrishnan, CEO & Founder of Vserve.

We saw this with Twitter/X when Elon Musks leadership relaxed content moderation, leading to a wave of hate speech and impersonation. Many advertisers quickly pulled out, fearing their brands would be associated with harmful content. Now, with Meta scaling back moderation in the US, a similar scenario could unfold. Advertisers may start questioning the safety of their investments, especially if harmful or misleading content becomes prevalent. However, Metas vast reach and robust targeting tools may keep many brands hesitant to leave entirely. Instead, advertisers might push for stricter safeguards or look to newer platforms like TikTok or emerging social media players, says Balakrishnan.

He believes that in todays competitive digital landscape, band safety is non-negotiable. If Meta doesnt address concerns promptly, advertisers could shift budgets to platforms prioritizing moderation. Trust, after all, is easier lost than regained.

Advertisers have always had to go through the review process while deploying ads on Metas platforms. With their new community-driven approach, it is likely to get easier for advertisers to deploy ads, says Rishi Sen, Senior Vice President  Business, Strategy & Founding Partner, DO.

According to Sen, impersonation and overall safety has and will continue to be a concern in this ever-evolving landscape, with or without the third-party independent fact-checkers. As agency partners to clients, we need to be more vigilant than ever and ensure that we track our clients digital footprint rigorously and continue to flag any mischief that may take place at a higher frequency because of this change.

Chetan Asher, Founder and CEO, Tonic Worldwide, believes this move may cause some initial unrest and uneasiness among advertisers, but it is not likely to spark a significant backlash - at least not as an immediate, knee-jerk reaction. Metas platforms offer a much greater reach than X, and that potential is hard for many brands to dismiss. Asher also expects Meta to learn from Xs experiences with content moderation and address advertisers brand safety concerns accordingly.





Elon Musks acquisition was highly dramatized and accompanied by tremendous confusion as the leadership had changed and the employees themselves didn't know if they had a future, says Yash Chandiramani, Founder and Chief Strategist, Admatazz. This, according to him, led to advertisers cooling off for a bit. But brands did resume their spends. It was more to do with this confusion.

Twitter has always been a hotbed of strong political opinions and hate speech, so brands were also concerned about that and a little more careful about twitter. I don't think the same backlash is probable with the Meta issue but it's still possible to see some amount of hesitation amongst advertisers, he adds.





One must understand that facts are not censorship, and fact-checkers do not censor anything, points out Ahmed Aftab Naqvi, Global CEO & Co founder, Gozoop.

However, Naqvi adds, when platforms attempt to take control of this, the question of transparency is paramount because there are possibilities of bias coming into the picture too.

Meta's upcoming modifications will take effect across all its major social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. More than 3 billion people worldwide are on these platforms, and a large-scale backlash from brands may not occur. It's their universe. Of course, concerns will be raised if there isn't transparency; but Meta is too big for advertisers to completely avoid. As far as India is concerned, I think ours is a complex market, primarily due to its sheer size. Also, in a country where social and political tensions are high, brands are expected to take a stand as well. Brands must be mindful of what they say and where they communicate. Having said that, it's crucial that platforms take input from all stakeholders while implementing these policy changes. This is the only fair way to deal with it, Naqvi concludes.

Robin Thomas, Lead - Strategic Partnerships & Growth, White Rivers Media, believes that content moderation is evolving as a practical business response, reflecting the realities of todays digital ecosystem rather than a shift driven by idealism.

Thomas feels that despite mixed-reactions, the platform's proven brand safety systems and robust infrastructure remain strong, ensuring advertisers can confidently engage their audiences.

Forward-thinking brands understand that staying strategically active on major platforms is vital to sustaining market relevance. By embracing thoughtful advertising strategies and prioritising responsible practices, companies can safeguard their influence while contributing to a balanced digital environment. This collaboration between platforms, brands, and users underscores the power of aligning commercial priorities with social responsibility, he adds.

Ad performance in India presents a double-edged sword, observes Sunitha Natarajan, Director of Digital Strategy at Social Panga. "On one hand, reduced content moderation could initially boost user engagement by fostering increased interaction and a sense of ownership. On the other hand, the unchecked spread of misinformation poses a significant risk. This could erode user trust, impact ad visibility, and potentially drive advertisers away due to concerns over brand safety," she explains.

(Tomorrow: In the second part of this report, we will explore the societal implications of reduced content moderation in a market like India. We will also examine whether Indian brands have an ethical responsibility to reconsider their advertising spend on platforms with minimal content moderation.)
mPokket, a digital lending platform, recently launched a unique street campaign in Bangalore, designed to inspire young Indians to dream big and take action toward their goals. The campaign, centered around "The Guy with the Brown Board," invited passers-by to engage with aspirational messages that encouraged them to pursue their everyday dreams.

Over two days, vibrant placards featuring motivational messages like "Level up your wardrobe," "Grab that dream phone," and "Upgrade your workspace" caught the attention of thousands of young individuals across the city. The campaign resonated with the youth, sparking conversations about ambition, self-improvement, and financial empowerment.

By focusing on common aspirations, the campaign highlighted how mPokkets services help users take practical steps toward achieving their goalswhether it's upgrading skills, pursuing passions, or celebrating milestones. mPokket continues to serve as a trusted partner for millions, supporting them on their journey to financial independence and personal growth.

Gaurav Jalan, CEO & Founder of mPokket, shared, This campaign reflects our dedication to empowering the youth of India. We aim to help them pursue their dreams with confidence, providing the financial tools and support needed to turn their aspirations into reality.

Through such initiatives, mPokket reaffirms its commitment to fostering growth and progress for young Indians, helping them make bold moves toward a successful future.
One97 Communications Limited (OCL), which owns the brand Paytm, Indias leading payments and financial services distribution company and the pioneer of QR and mobile payments, is proud to announce its participation in Maha Kumbh 2025. Paytm has deployed its pioneered Soundbox and Card Machines across the mela, ensuring seamless mobile payment acceptance for crores of pilgrims attending this historic event.

For the first time, pilgrims at Maha Kumbh can seamlessly pay for parking, eateries, daily commutes, experiences, and travel arrangements using Paytm UPI, UPI Lite and card payments. Additionally, they can link their Rupay Credit Card on the Paytm app to make card payments directly through their phones while on the move. This initiative simplifies transactions, reduces reliance on cash, and enhances the pilgrimage experience by making payments easier and more convenient.

As a part of this initiative, Paytm has also launched the 'Bhavya Mahakumbh QR,' designed specifically for Maha Kumbh. This unique QR code is a tribute to the spiritual and cultural significance of the event, enabling merchants to offer seamless digital payment acceptance and enhancing the overall experience for pilgrims.

The company has also introduced 'Suraksha aur Suvidha ka Mahasangam,' a special campaign offering Paytm Gold worth 1 crore and lakhs of cashback every day. Pilgrims participating in the lucky draw can view the winners' names announced daily on the Paytm app. This initiative celebrates the spirit of Maha Kumbh while ensuring a seamless and secure payment experience for pilgrims.

Paytm spokesperson said, Maha Kumbh is a momentous occasion that brings together crores of people in celebration of faith and devotion. We have been deeply moved by the warmth and support of the merchants and the city in embracing digital payments, which has enabled us to play a meaningful role in this event. We also value and are thankful to the governments vision and efforts in organizing Maha Kumbh with such grandeur and creating opportunities to enhance the experience for everyone involved. We would also like to express our gratitude to the Prayagraj Mela Authority and local administration for their tireless efforts in ensuring smooth operations and an enriching experience for all pilgrims.

By bringing its payment solutions to Maha Kumbh 2025, Paytm demonstrates its commitment to supporting this historic occasion. With its innovative technologies and engaging campaigns, Paytm strives to make digital payments accessible, secure, and rewarding for crores of pilgrims attending Maha Kumbh 2025.
United Spirits Limited (Diageo India) announced the appointment of Praveen Someshwar as CEO-Designate, succeeding Hina Nagarajan.

Hina, currently Managing Director and CEO of Diageo India, will transition to a new role on Diageos Global Executive Committee after an impactful four-year tenure. She is credited with driving strong top-line growth, premiumizing the portfolio, and positioning Diageo India as a leader in the AlcoBev industry.

Praveen will join Diageo India on March 1, 2025, as CEO-Designate. Following necessary approvals, he will officially assume the roles of Managing Director and CEO on April 1, 2025, joining Diageo's Executive Committee.

Praveen brings a wealth of experience, having served as MD and CEO of HT Media for the past five years. At HT Media, he led prominent digital, print, and radio platforms, including the Hindustan Times, Mint, and multiple radio channels.



Previously, Praveen had a stellar 24-year career with PepsiCo, holding various leadership roles across General Management, Finance, and Strategy in India and the Asia Pacific region.

Debra Crew, Chief Executive, Diageo, remarked: Under Hinas leadership, Diageo India has delivered exceptional results, combining robust growth with impactful strategic initiatives. We are thrilled to welcome Praveen, whose passion for strategy and execution will be pivotal in driving the next phase of Diageo Indias growth.

Mahendra Kumar Sharma, Chairman, USL Board, added: Hinas visionary leadership has left an indelible mark on the business. We thank her for her exceptional contribution and look forward to working with Praveen as he steps into this crucial role.

Hina Nagarajan, reflecting on her tenure, said: It has been a privilege to lead Diageo India through a period of strong strategic progress, achieving sustained double-digit growth and market capitalisation of over INR 1 trillion (~US$ 12.5 billion). I am confident in the teams ability to reach greater heights under Praveens leadership.

Praveen Someshwar, expressing his enthusiasm, commented: I am delighted to join Diageo, a company with iconic brands and a strong commitment to sustainable growth in India. I look forward to working with my new colleagues to build on their remarkable achievements.

This leadership transition marks a new chapter for Diageo India, as the company continues its mission to drive innovation, premiumization, and sustainable growth in the AlcoBev sector.

Also Read: HT Media ropes in PepsiCo's Praveen Someshwar as CEO and MD
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba told US President Joe Biden that his blocking of Nippon Steel's takeover of US Steel raised "strong" concerns in both countries, local media reported Monday.

The comments came in a three-way call with the president of the Philippines that according to the White House also touched on China's "dangerous and unlawful" behaviour in the region.

Citing national security concerns, Biden nixed Nippon Steel's $14.9 billion acquisition of US Steel earlier this month, irking close ally Japan where the United States has some 54,000 military personnel.

"I said that strong voices of concerns are being raised not just in Japan but also in the US business community, and I urged (Biden) to dispel these feelings," Ishiba told reporters after the call on Monday.

Blocking a takeover by a Japanese firm is highly unusual and both firms have launched legal action, accusing the outgoing US president of "illegal interference".

Nippon Steel had touted the acquisition as a lifeline for its struggling US rival, but opponents warned the Japanese group would slash jobs despite its assurances to the contrary.

The takeover, which was announced in 2023, came in the run-up to last year's US presidential election and proved a political flashpoint.

US Steel is based in the swing state of Pennsylvania and both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris opposed the transaction.

Japanese firms invested almost $800 billion in the United States in 2023, more than any other country, and 14.3 percent of the total, according to official US data.

US firms are also the biggest outside investors in Japan.

Japan is also a close strategic ally for Washington as it seeks to counter China asserting its presence in contested areas of the South China Sea.

Both steel companies said Sunday that US authorities have extended the deadline for unwinding the acquisition until June 18.

Japan's Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, who will attend Trump's inauguration as US president on January 20, said it was important not to undermine the "big picture" of bilateral ties.

Iwaya also said that while in Washington he would seek talks with Marco Rubio, slated to be Trump's Secretary of State, and to lay the groundwork for a meeting between Ishiba and Trump.

Kyodo News cited government sources as saying that this could take place before mid-February.

During Trump's first term, he and Japan's then-prime minister Shinzo Abe, enjoyed warm relations. In December, Trump met Abe's widow at Mar-a-Lago.

In recent years, with an eye on China, Washington has sought to improve strategic relations with both Japan and the Philippines as well as with South Korea.

Biden, Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos and with Ishiba's predecessor Fumio Kishida held talks at the White House last April.

In another first, in 2023 Biden hosted Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol -- who briefly imposed martial law last month -- at Camp David.

Last year the Philippines ratified a key defence pact with Japan, which allows them to deploy troops on each other's soil.

On Monday Biden, Marcos and Ishiba "discussed trilateral maritime security and economic cooperation, as well as the People's Republic of China's dangerous and unlawful behaviour in the South China Sea," the White House said.

"The three Leaders agreed on the importance of continued coordination to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific," said a statement, which made no mention of the steel deal.

Marcos's office said that the call was to "reaffirm their commitment to strengthening cooperation in areas such as economic growth, emerging technologies, climate action, clean energy and regional security".

Biden also "highlighted the 'historic progress' made, particularly in maritime security, economic security and technological collaboration" between the three countries, the Philippines statement said.
Pulak Sarmah has been named Head of Corporate Brand Marketing at Sun Pharma.

Before joining Sun Pharma, Pulak spent 18 years with the Kotak Mahindra Group, holding marketing roles across various businesses, including Kotak Life, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and Kotak General Insurance, now rebranded as Zurich Kotak General Insurance.

Announcing his new role on LinkedIn, Pulak shared: "Today, I begin a new professional journey with Sun Pharma Laboratories Limited, after 18 years of building diverse brands within the Kotak Group. Excited for the opportunity to grow and scale the Sun Pharma brand. Thank you all for your love and support."

With nearly 20 years of experience in full-funnel marketing, Pulak began his career at Ogilvy & Mather, Mumbai, managing prominent brands such as World Gold Council, Ddamas, Red FM, and Kotak.

Also Read: Tejash Chheda joins Sun Pharma as GM - Head of Media
A growing North Alabama district is making a big investment in mental health, thanks to a $3.5 million federal grant.

Albertville City Schools, with funding from the U.S. Department of Educations School Based Mental Health Services program, plans to hire and train more mental health staff and invest in new programs that will help more students get access to quality counseling services.

This grant is a pivotal moment for Albertville City Schools, enabling us to strengthen mental health services for our students. It ensures they have the essential support to excel academically, build meaningful relationships and achieve emotional well-being, Superintendent Bart Reeves said in a news release.

A spokeswoman told AL.com that leaders plan to use the grant to fund at least one credentialed mental health counselor per school, for a possible total of six counselors, but the district is still working to determine where services are needed most. They also plan to offer scholarships for current staff to get a credential in mental health counseling as well as stipends for staff and counselors to participate in off-contract mental health training.

Read more coverage of Albertville City Schools.

About 16% of Albertville City Schools students missed more than 18 days of school last year, according to state data. Leaders plan to use a portion of the grant funding to hire a part-time employee who will work to address some of the root causes of chronic truancy. Part of their role will involve making regular home visits to identify students in need of mental health services.

The district also plans to create a program for local students to become mental health advocates, who will work closely with teachers, help their peers with challenges, and work to connect families to mental health services.

Additional funds will go toward translation services for mental health counseling sessions, as well as telehealth services.

The grant is part of a broader, $70 million federal initiative to increase the number of school counselors, social workers, psychologists and other mental health professionals, particularly in underserved areas.

Birmingham City Schools also received a $3.1 million grant from the program in 2024. Leaders planned to put the funding toward hiring as many as 25 mental health providers and therapists, as well other training and retention efforts.

Schools play a critical role in delivering mental health services, as students are more likely to seek care when it is readily available within their learning environment, the release stated. By integrating mental health care into schools, Albertville City Schools will be able to support more students through education, prevention and early intervention.
Participating Chick-fil-A restaurants in the Birmingham area are offering three weeks of complimentary menu items every Monday in January.

Patrons can score the freebies using the Chick-fil-A rewards app. The giveaway kicked off on Monday, January 13 and will run until Monday, January 27. The giveaway will run from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Heres the lineup for the rest of the month:

January 20: Medium Chick-fil-A Waffle Potato Fries

January 27: Cup of Chicken Tortilla Soup

Were excited to treat our neighbors in Birmingham to some of our beloved menu items, said Nathaniel Humphreville, the owner- of Chick-fil-A 5 Points, in a press release. We hope the weekly giveaways will bring a little warmth and joy to the winter days!

To claim the offer, guests can place an order at Birmingham-area Chick-fil-A restaurants through Monday, January 27. The limit is one per person, per Chick-fil-A account.
A 4-year-old was killed and four other people injured in weekend crash in Covington County.

The two-vehicle wreck happened at 5:22 p.m. Sunday on Alabama 55, about seven miles north of Red Level city limits.

ALEA Senior Trooper Kendra McKinney said the Chevrolet Equinox, in which the juvenile was a passenger, struck a Chevrolet Silverado driven by an 18-year-old.

The 4-year-old was airlifted to the hospital where he or she was pronounced dead.

Troopers do not release the names of juvenile victims.

The 18-year-old was not using a seat belt at the time of the crash, was injured and also taken to a hospital for treatment.

The driver of the Equinox, 34-year-old Catherine Grace Nixon, of Andalusia, was injured and airlifted to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola.

Two other children in the Equinox, ages 4 and 5, were also hospitalized.

The investigation is ongoing.
Freshman Democratic U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures of Alabama was named to the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee and the Agriculture Committee for the 119th Congress on Tuesday.

The appointments represented the first two congressional committees Figures, D-Mobile, will serve on since he was elected to serve in Alabamas 2nd congressional district seat.

These committees will allow us to have a direct role in delivering resources to address many critical needs in Alabamas Second Congressional District, Figures said in a statement. From the I-10 Bayway Bridge to ensuring our port has the resources it needs to thrive to supporting our famers and rural communities, these committee assignments are vital to moving our district and our state forward.

Figures is the only member of the Alabama congressional delegation to be named to the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee. He told AL.com on Tuesday that one priority for him will be to ensure that the Gulf Coast Amtrak service  offering twice-daily service from New Orleans to Mobile  moves forward. The project requires infrastructure work to be completed in Mobile before the trains can get started sometime during the summer of 2025.

The House Transportation & Infrastructure committee oversees all modes of transportation including railroads, mass transit, bridges, highways, aviation and maritime. It also has jurisdiction over other aspects of infrastructure, such as clean water and wastewater management, the transport of resources by pipeline, flood damage reduction, the management of federally owned real estate and public buildings, the development of depressed rural and urban areas, disaster preparedness and response, and hazardous materials.

Figures is also joining the Agriculture Committee. Also on that committee is Republican U.S. Rep. Barry Moore of Enterprise, who was elected last year to represent Alabamas 1st congressional district in the deep southern part of the state.

Said Figures, Being appointed to the Agriculture committee this year is crucial for our rural communities, with the upcoming reauthorization of the Farm Bill, which will provide needed resources for our farmers, allocate SNAP benefits, and protect and preserve our rural healthcare and hospital systems, and support our land grant schools across the State of Alabama.

Republican U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia campaigns for U.S. Rep. Barry Moore on Saturday, March 2, 2024, during a campaign stop at Steele Creek Lodge in Satsuma, Ala.John Sharp/jsharp@al.com

Moore, according to a spokesperson, will also serve on the House Judiciary Committee. He will be on the committees Immigration, Oversight and Crime subcommittees. The House Agriculture Committee has yet to finalize its subcommittee assignments.

Other committee highlights among the Alabama congressional delegation:

House Armed Services Chairman Mike Rogers, R-Ala., and Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., right, the ranking member, make statements as the House Rules Committee prepares to advance the fiscal 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, June 11, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)AP
Professors at the University of Alabama and students at the University of Alabama at Birmingham filed a federal lawsuit today challenging a new Alabama law that they described as a censorship bill that prevents them from learning, teaching, and engaging in classes and programs on diverse viewpoints and topics.

The Alabama State Conference of the NAACP is also a plaintiff in the lawsuit announced today by the ACLU of Alabama.

The lawsuit challenges a new Alabama law that banned diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in public colleges, local school boards, and state agencies.

The law also placed restrictions on the teaching of what it defines as divisive concepts.

Republicans who hold the majority in the Alabama Legislature passed the bill, SB 129, over the opposition of Democrats last year.

Read more: Alabamas anti-DEI law kicks in: College offices close, websites scrubbed

The lawsuit claims the three UA professors who are plaintiffs have either specifically received threats of discipline from university administrators for alleged noncompliance with SB 129 if they do not alter their curriculum to avoid certain viewpoints and/or fear that they will be accused of violating SB 129 if they do not alter their curriculum to excise certain viewpoints.

They have cancelled class projects, changed curriculum, and elected not to teach certain classes as a result of SB 129.

The lawsuit claims the three UAB students who are plaintiffs have suffered harm outside the classroom because student organizations to which they belong have lost on-campus office spaces and/or university funding due to their purported viewpoint or their purported inclusion in the Legislatures definition of DEI in violation of SB 129.

Inside of the classroom, Student Plaintiffs have well-founded concerns that they will not receive a robust and comprehensive education because SB 129 censors professors viewpoints disfavored by the Legislature, the lawsuit says.

The plaintiffs claim the new law violates the 1st Amendment and the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

SB 129 attempts to evade classroom discussions about racial discrimination and oppression, and undermine support for student groups and university offices and programs that were created to address unfair disadvantages experienced by Black students due to ongoing racial discrimination and/or the effects of racial discrimination, the lawsuit says.

Thus, the Alabama Legislature passed and enacted SB 129 with the intent to discriminate against Black people  the known beneficiaries of academic scholarship, university programs, and student activities aimed to address the ongoing effects of racial discrimination in the United States.

The law took effect Oct. 1 and has led to the closing of DEI offices on university campuses.

Gov. Kay Ivey, when she signed the bill into law in August, issued a statement:

My Administration has and will continue to value Alabamas rich diversity, however, I refuse to allow a few bad actors on college campuses  or wherever else for that matter  to go under the acronym of DEI, using taxpayer funds, to push their liberal political movement counter to what the majority of Alabamians believe.
Are you tired of adjusting your clock twice a year? Lawmakers are, once again, making another run at putting us on Daylight Saving Time permanently. It comes up every year, it seems like most people are on board, and then it quietly goes away.

We have that and more in the following report. Thanks for reading,

Ike

Burnin' daylight

If national politics has a version of Alabamas annual lottery head-fake, it has to be Daylight Saving Time.

First of all, as the issue comes up, once again, lets clarify the sides of the issue because people often say they hate Daylight Saving Time when thats not what they mean.

Daylight Saving Time is what were on during the summertime; you get an extra hour of daylight in the evening. Standard Time is what were on right now; youre sometimes driving home from work at 5 with your headlights on.

Many people would rather not spring forward and fall back every year, so they would prefer to remain on either Standard Time or Daylight Saving Time.

Of those people, it seems that most of them -- or at least the most vocal of them -- would prefer to remain on Daylight Saving Time, so we have more evening sun during the wintertime.

Both Alabamas U.S. senators, Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt, are backing a bill by Florida Republican Rick Scott that would put us forever on Daylight Saving Time, reports AL.coms Leada Gore.

This has been introduced several times before and has made it through the Senate before dying in the House of Representatives.

The first question that likely comes up is: Why cant we make this change at the state level, and dont some states already deviate from the spring-forward/fall-back cha-cha?

Per the Uniform Time Act of 1966, Alabama could decide to go permanently on Standard Time but not Daylight Saving Time. Thats what Hawaii and Arizona do. But that would just mean earlier evenings in the summertime and not affect winter evenings at all.

Which is the opposite of what the lawmakers want.

More ER options

Another freestanding emergency room has opened in Alabama, this one in Hartselle, reports AL.coms Savannah Tryens-Fernandes.

This is a trend weve seen in recent years, with now nearly a dozen freestanding ERs in the state. The freestanding ERs are staffed and equipped as you would expect an ER to be, but theyre not part of a hospital facility. They do need to be affiliated with a hospital. Cullman Regional Hospital and the City of Hartselle worked to open the Hartselle Health Park ER.

Were all well aware of the diminishing number of hospitals in rural parts of the state. The president of the Alabama Hospital Association has warned us that freestanding ERs arent a solution to that specific problem.

The freestanding ERs have taken hold in suburbs or places where sprawl or traffic situations make traveling to the hospital inconvenient. AHA President Don Williamson told us for a previous story that, in other places where rural hospitals have closed because they couldnt stay in business, the freestanding ERs face the same difficult economic environment that a hospital would.

Hartselle, meanwhile, finally has an ER facility in the city limits. That will save some people the 20-minute drive to Decatur for emergency services.

Flags flying

Gov. Kay Ivey has ordered that U.S. flags at the Alabama capitol and on state buildings be flown at full-staff on President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration day, Jan. 20, reports AL.coms Howard Koplowitz.

The move, at least in states under similar orders, apparently relieves Trump of concerns he had expressed over flags at half-staff during his inauguration.

President Biden ordered flags to be at half-staff for a 30-day period of mourning after President Jimmy Carters death. Thats standard procedure.

Trump objected to the order being in place during the change of power, however, taking to social media to claim that Democrats were giddy over the lower flags because they dont love America.

Nerdy copy editor side note: People often use the terms interchangeably, but per the AP Stylebook, half-mast is used on ships and naval stations ashore but half-staff is used elsewhere.

Lawmaker in court

An Alabama state lawmaker has agreed to be bound by a protective order in exchange for having domestic-violence charged dropped, reports AL.coms Heather Gann.

State House Rep. Tracy Estes, a Winfield Republican, was jailed in September on charges of third-degree domestic violence. His wife claimed she locked herself in a bedroom during an argument and that Estes threatened her in an incident that lasted a couple of hours. She claimed that his behavior had also happened previously.

The court agreement puts a protective order in effect for two years and states that if Estes makes contact with his wife it would amount to a breach of the order. Estes also has to pay court costs and complete a state-certified domestic-violence offender program.

A breach of the agreement would result in the charges being reinstated.

More Alabama News

Born on This Date

In 1936, R&B singer/songwriter Clarence Carter of Montgomery.

The podcast
Despite a federal jurys $4.5 million verdict, Birmingham will pay $750,000 to settle a federal lawsuit against an officer who shot two people nearly six years ago after a car chase.

Regardless of the amount that was ultimately decided or settled on, the important thing is that people have to be accountable, said Johnathan Austin, the Birmingham attorney who sued the city and the officer. Our citizens have rights that must be protected. When those rights are violated, there are consequences.

Birmingham lawyer Richard Rice was also in the longstanding litigation as lead attorney.

A jury in Birmingham last year awarded $4.5 million after finding that Officer Aric Mitchell used excessive force when he shot and killed 28-year-old Jamarcus Moore and injured Samantha Hardin. Body camera footage obtained and published by AL.com after the trial appeared to conflict with the police account of what happened on the night of June 15, 2019.

After the trial in federal court last year, the city filed an appeal. U.S. District Judge Anna Manasco brought down the total judgment to $2.75 million last August, court records show.

The court declines to hold that the unconstitutionality of Officer Mitchells conduct was clearly established at the time of the shooting, Judge Manasco said in an order, adding that Mitchell was entitled to qualified immunity.

And last week, the Birmingham City Council voted to pay $750,000 to settle the case and end the appeal process. The council voted unanimously without discussing the matter in its public meeting.

Rick Journey, the citys spokesperson, declined to comment.

The case will be dismissed on all claims/appeals once the parties have signed everything and filed a stipulation of dismissal, Austin said in a message to AL.com on Monday.

On the night of the shooting, Moore was driving with Hardin from Fairfield to Ensley when they noticed a police officer following them with flashing lights. Moore sped away from the officer because he had a warrant out for his arrest, according to the lawsuit. State court records show Moore had warrants for failure to appear in court on charges of drug possession, attempting to elude police and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The bodycam footage from 2019 shows a 20-minute chase that wound through Birmingham, Bessemer and into Hueytown. A report filed by Alabama Law Enforcement Agency says that as police chased the Toyota Camry along Interstate 59/20, someone fired gunshots from the passenger window, not at police but at other cars traveling on the highway.

The report also notes that no one ever came forward to report being shot at and that police never identified or found the people allegedly fired on.

Flashes of light, consistent with that of muzzle flash, appeared to have been recorded via video recordings from in-car cameras of BPD police vehicles regarding gunshots fired by an occupant of the Toyota Camry, says the state report from August of 2019.

Although the gunfire from the Toyota Camry had been heard and reported by multiple BPD officers the report reads, no information was found to exist or show that any person had seen or could identify (eyewitness) which occupant of the Toyota Camry (Moore or Hardin) had fired the gunshots.

According to time stamps on the video, the chase went on for about six more minutes after that report of gunfire before Mitchells patrol car crashed into the Camry.

Within seconds of colliding with the Camry, Mitchell got out of his vehicle and fired four shots into the driver side of the Camry from several feet away, the video appeared to show.

Mitchell told an internal affairs investigator that he saw Moore reaching for a gun. Police reported finding a gun on the driver side floorboard of the Camry, according to the state investigation and autopsy reports.

Moore, who had been driving the Camry, died at the scene on Allison-Bonnett Memorial Drive. The officers gunfire also hit Hardin and broke her leg.

Hardin and Moores sister filed the federal lawsuit in 2021, alleging the officer violated their civil rights. A report by state police said the officer fired his gun four times into the Camry.

Things could have ended a lot differently for Mr. Moore, had the police taken their time and gave things a chance to de-escalate, Austin told AL.com.

After the jury watched the bodycam video during last years trial Judge Manasco released the footage to AL.com over objections from the city and the officer.

She ruled that the public has a right to see the videos.

They are part of the public record in this case and are not and have never been sealed, Judge Manasco wrote in an order last February.

Our clients want closure, and closure is knowing exactly what happened to them, Austin told AL.com. Every family has that right to know what happened to their loved one, and you have to be accountable for that.
Evergreen-based Conecuh Sausage Co. will continue its work on a second manufacturing plant with an additional $400,000 in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Gov. Kay Ivey today announced the Community Development Block Grant that will be administered by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA), according to a recent ADECA release.

Conecuh Sausage is an Alabama food landmark recognized throughout the Southeast and as far north as the Canadian border, Ivey said.

I am thrilled by this companys success, and I am excited to see its continued growth, creating jobs right here in Alabama with this new facility in Andalusia.

The upcoming 102,000-square-foot plant, which the company says it is building to meet a growing market demand, is expected to employ 50 people.

The federal money will be used to provide sewer services and public water to the $49 million production facility and office complex that will be located in the Andalusia Industrial Park.

The city of Andalusia is contributing $80,000 in local funds for the project and has also allocated an adjacent 15 acres for a 20-unit apartment complex to house employees during training for their roles at the facility, the release said.

Future plans for a retail gift shop similar to one at the companys Evergreen plant along with proposed future expansion is predicted to create an additional 30 to 50 jobs for the area.

Conecuh Sausage has become as much an Alabama food icon as Wiregrass peanuts and Chilton County peaches, ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said.

ADECA is proud to be a part of this expansion project in Andalusia, and we wish them continued success as they go forward.
Israeli forces targeted another school-turned-shelter in Gaza on Sunday night as their military offensive continues after more than 15 months.

At least five people were reportedly killed in the strike on Gaza City's Salah al-Din school, which was sheltering people displaced by the ongoing conflict. Israel has consistently targeted shelters, many of which are affiliated with UNRWA, throughout the war.

Late Sunday and early Monday, northern Gaza also faced attacks, resulting in at least 11 more deaths. Casualties were reported in Jabalia and parts of eastern Shujaiya.

All this comes as Qatar, acting as a mediator for a ceasefire, presented a "final" draft of a ceasefire and hostage release agreement aimed at ending the war.

According to a source briefed on the negotiations, a breakthrough occurred in Doha after midnight, following talks between Israeli intelligence chiefs, President-elect Trump's Middle East envoy, and Qatar's prime minister, Reuters reported.

Medical sources told Al Jazeera that 33 Palestinians were killed in separate Israeli airstrikes on the northern Gaza Strip since dawn. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, Israel's ongoing war on Gaza has resulted in at least 46,584 deaths and 109,731 injuries since Oct. 7.

During a call on Sunday, the first publicly announced conversation between President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu since October, Biden emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza, the return of hostages, and an increase in humanitarian aid, facilitated by a halt in the fighting under the proposed deal.

This came a day after Netanyahu sent a high-ranking Israeli security delegation, including the heads of Mossad and Shin Bet, to Qatar for indirect ceasefire negotiations, mediated by Qatari, U.S., and Egyptian officials. U.S. officials are working to finalize the deal before Biden's term ends on Jan. 20.

Israeli media reported that Netanyahu was also engaging with cabinet members opposed to a ceasefire to convince them not to resign. Meanwhile, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy met his Israeli counterpart in Jerusalem to discuss the progress of the negotiations.

On Saturday, former U.S. President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, met with Netanyahu in efforts to secure a deal before Trump's inauguration. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken indicated on Thursday that an agreement was "very close" and that efforts would continue to "get it over the line" before Trump takes office, with any deal grounded in the proposals Biden outlined in May.

Despite the increased diplomatic activity, uncertainty remains around key issues, including whether a truce will lead to a permanent ceasefire and if the Israeli military will agree to a full withdrawal from Gaza.
Authorities are looking for family members of six people who have died in Jefferson County over the past month.

Their bodies are ready to be released for burial, but the Jefferson County Coroners Office has not been able to find and notify their next of kin.

Victor Lee, a 71-year-old Black male, was found dead Dec. 30 in the 200 block of Third Ave. S.W.

Lee was found dead inside his apartment by the property manager who was performing a welfare check at the request of a concerned friend.

His cause of death is pending, but Chief Deputy Coroner Bill Yates said there was no evidence of trauma or foul play.

Lee listed addresses in Birmingham, Center Point, and Montgomery in Alabama and in Los Angeles and Santa Barbara in California.

Beverly A. McBrayer(Contributed)

Beverly A. McBrayer, an 81-year-old white female, died Dec. 10 at UAB St. Vincents in Birmingham.

McBrayer, who lived in Nauvoo, died of natural causes.

She listed previous address in Carbon Hill, Jasper and Nauvoo.

Hugh Donnie Lawson, Jr(Contributed)

Hugh Donnie Lawson, Jr., a 54-year-old white male, died at UAB Hospital in Birmingham on Dec. 27.

Lawson lived in Parrish and was a patient at UAB where he died of natural causes.

He also listed previous addresses in Carbon Hill, Jasper, Nauvoo, and Parrish.

Kimberlie Dawn Caldwell(Contributed)

Kimberlie Dawn Caldwell, a 48-year-old Black female, died Dec. 30 at UAB St. Vincents.

Caldwell, who lived in Birmingham, died of natural causes.

She listed addresses in Birmingham and Center Point.

Monty Hale Wilson,(Contributed)

Monty Hale Wilson, a 74-year-old white male, died Jan. 7 in the 1900 block of Mountain Drive in Tarrant.

Wilson was found unresponsive by his roommate inside their home.

Yates said the cause of death is pending additional laboratory testing, but said there was no evidence of trauma or foul play.

Wilson in 1983 and 2002 listed a Perry Oliver of Robinwood as an emergency contact but, all efforts to locate Oliver have failed.

Warnie Robert Booth(Contributed)

Warnie Robert Booth, a 78-year-old white male, died Jan. 11 in the 2800 block of Highland Avenue South.

Booth was a tenant at Greenbriar at the Altamont Nursing Home and under the care of Compassus Hospice. He died of natural causes.

Yates said Booth had ties to Mobile from at least 1979-1990.

Family members are asked to call the coroners office at 205-930-3603.
A Florida man stands accused of multiple counts of sexual assault and threatening to kill a child if the childs mother did not have sex with him.

Gavin Jernigan is being charged with three counts of first degree rape, willful abuse of a child under 18, sodomy and harassment.

Jernigan was arrested last week in Florida but the alleged abuse occurred in Baldwin County. Records indicate Jernigan lives in Cantonment, Florida.

According to court documents, Jernigan attempted to coerce the victim several times by threatening to kill her child that is under one year old.

Jernigan also violently shook the young baby court documents allege.

Jernigan allegedly raped the victim several times and strangled her during one attack.

The documents also state that sleeping pills were used by Jernigan to incapacitate and sexually assault her.

Jernigans bond has been set at $231,000. If he makes bond the conditions of his bond are that he has no contact with the mother and child while being monitored on house arrest.
In Tuesday mornings confirmation hearing for U.S. Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R. Ala., said woke policies are to blame for declining military recruitment.

In one example, Tuberville said that he met with Navy SEALs who just got back from crawling around in the mud and the muck overseas, unknown places.... First week theyre back, what do they do, they had go through a week of DEI training.

Both are now out, he said.

They give it up.

But according to a report from MSNBC, Naval Special Warfare Command is not aware of the training Tuberville described.

Under Title 10 of United States Code, the Secretaries of the military departments (Army, Navy, and Air Force) have the statutory authority to train military personnel and administer to their morale and welfare.

Congress has legislated specific training requirements (e.g., financial literacy, military sexual assault prevention) for servicemembers, including training related to D&I issues, the code reads.

While certain military training might be required for students at the service academies, statute does not require or prohibit the inclusion of D&I topics, readings, or theories as part of the academic curricula.

According to an October report from The Military Times, there might be a few other leading reasons behind recruiting shortfalls.

The Pentagons Inspector General reported earlier this year that the majority of would-be recruits are not enlisting because of fear of death in combat, having grown up hearing about casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan, the article reads.

There is also increased competition between the military and the private sector for top talent, and private companies, on average, offer higher pay.

During the hearing, Tuberville also claimed that a general, who he did not name, told him that the military is spending more money on transgender restrooms than we are coverings for $100 million airplanes.

According to the U.S. Department of Defenses current handbook on transgender service in the U.S. military, bathrooms are labelled with only two gender markers, for men and women. And all service members must use military berthing, bathroom, and shower facilities in accordance with their gender marker.

To change their recognized gender marker, a military medical provider must determine that a service member has undergone a complete gender transition which must first be deemed medically necessary by that medical provider, the handbook states.

Gender dysphoria, a marked incongruence between ones self-identified gender and ones biological sex so great that it causes clinically significant distress, is a recognized medical condition within the U.S. military.

For some individuals, gender dysphoria can be alleviated through counseling, reads a 2019 DoD release. But for others, the treatment for gender dysphoria may include gender transition, which may involve living socially as the opposite gender without any anatomical changes or receiving hormone treatment or sex reassignment surgery.

Persons with gender dysphoria who seek to transition genders require special accommodations from military standards.

Under current military policy, a history of sex reassignment or genital reconstruction surgery is disqualifying unless all of the following conditions are met, as certified by a licensed medical provider:

(a) A period of 18 months has elapsed since the date of the most recent of any such surgery.

(b) No functional limitations or complications persist, and any additional surgery is not required.

History of cross-sex hormone therapy associated with gender transition is also disqualifying unless the individual has been stable on such hormones for 18 months or no longer requires such hormones, as certified by a licensed medical provider.

A history of gender dysphoria is disqualifying unless, as certified by a licensed mental health provider, the applicant has been stable without clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning for 18 months.

While there have been discussions around coed dorms and restrooms for some military groups in recent years, there have been no reports of this becoming a widespread practice.

Bathrooms inside the Pentagon also remain designated for men and women only.
Another shot of brutally cold air is expected to hit Alabama next week, and theres a non-zero chance for the s word to make another appearance in the forecast.

Snow was far from a sure thing, according to forecasters on Tuesday, but the potential for it will be something to keep an eye through this week.

The National Weather Service is expecting cool temperatures to continue this week, with highs expected to be in the 40s and 50s and lows in the 20s and 30s today and tonight.

Here are todays expected high temperatures:

High temperatures today (Tuesday) will be milder than they have been recently.NWS

Here are tonights expected low temperatures:

Here are tonight's forecast lows.NWS

The warmest day of the week looks to be Saturday, when temperatures will reach the 60s across the state.

Saturday could be a lot warmer.NWS

The forecast is expected to be dry until Friday or Saturday when the next substantial chance for rain arrives.

And it could be a good rain, with the potential for an inch or more for parts of the state.

Heres the five-day precipitation outlook, with all the rain expected in Alabama on Friday and Saturday:

Several inches of rain will be possible in parts of Alabama between Friday and Saturday.Weather Prediction Center

The weather service expects temperatures to remain above freezing this weekend, so the precipitation is expected to be all rain.

A shot of air straight from the arctic is expected to arrive in Alabama on Sunday and Monday, with much-below-average temperatures expected for the state.

The weather service thinks high temperatures in north Alabama will struggle to get into the 30s on Monday. Central Alabama will be in the 30s for highs and south Alabama will only get into the low 40s.

Here is the high temperature forecast for next Monday, Jan. 20:

Here are the expected high temperatures on Monday, Jan. 20.NWS

Low temperatures Monday night will again fall into the teens in north Alabama with 20s expected over more of central and south Alabama.

Forecast models are hinting at moisture levels rising enough to possibly bring some winter precipitation to the state on Monday or Tuesday, although its too soon to say if that will happen for sure.

The weather service in Huntsville said left open the possibility that there could be some light snow in north Alabama on Monday afternoon.

40 1 / 40 Snow in Alabama Jan. 10, 2025

However, the weather service in Birmingham as of Tuesday thinks that drier air moving in behind the front could curtail any wintry precipitation.

As usual when it comes to the potential for snow in Alabama, it will be a wait-and-see situation, but details could become more clear over the next few days.

There is more confidence in the idea that colder temperatures will hang around until the end of January. The eight- to 14-day temperature outlook continues to show a higher probability of below-average temperatures for Alabama from Jan. 21-27:
A Montevallo man has been charged after authorities say he led police on a chase before he crashed in the backyard of a Calera home.

The driver, authorities said, is one of two men who led law enforcement officers on pursuits Saturday night. The other man was killed in a crash on Interstate 65 in Pelham.

Jose Miqueas Rios-Romero, 22, is charged with attempting to elude, reckless endangerment and DUI, according to court records made public Monday.

He is being held in the Shelby County Jail on $97,000 bond.

Charging documents against Rios-Romero state he was seen traveling 90 mph in an area zoned for 45 mph. Alabaster police initiated their lights and sirens, but Rios-Romero did not stop and went on to run a red light at the intersection of Highway 87 and Smokey Road.

Rios-Romero continued fleeing, ultimately ending up in Calera. He lost control of his vehicle on George Roy Parkway near Nottingham Drive.

The vehicle ended up in someones backyard, damaging a guardrail and a citizens privacy fence and AC unit.

The suspect fled on foot and was ultimately caught hiding in bushes and arrested by a Calera officer approximately a half mile from the crash scene, said Calera Police Chief David Hyche.

The suspect refused medical treatment and was turned over to Alabaster police.

Rios-Romero was one of two drivers pursued in Saturday nights incident.

Authorities have said Rios-Romero and 21-year-old Elias Trejo Andino were both fleeing police when they split up.

Rios-Romero headed toward Calera and Andino got on I-65.

Alabama State Trooper Vu Quang said Andino was attempting to elude Alabaster police officers, Shelby County sheriffs deputies and ALEA state troopers.

It wasnt immediately clear if the chase was still ongoing when authorities say Andino crashed into a Nissan Altima driven by 22-year-old Tyrek Howard of Helena.

Howard was not involved in the chase.

After the initial crash, Andinos Camaro overturned, and Andino, who was not using a seat belt, was ejected.

Howards Altima left the roadway and struck several trees. Also not using a seat belt, Howard, too, was ejected.

Both Andino and Howard were pronounced dead on the scene.

A passenger in Howards car - 22-year-old Jazmine A. Davis of Montevallo, was taken to UAB Hospital with critical injuries.

The deadly crash happened shortly before 8:30 p.m. on I-65 northbound at mile marker 243, near the Cahaba Valley Road exit.

ALEAs State Bureau of Investigation is leading the probe.
Alabamas two U.S. senators joined the congressman representing Huntsville in introducing a resolution calling on President-elect Donald Trump to immediately proceed to establish U.S. Space Commands permanent headquarters at Redstone Arsenal, reversing President Bidens decision snubbing Alabama for Colorado.

The resolution introduced Monday in the House by Rep. Dale Strong, R-Huntsville, and in the Senate by Sens. Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville coincides with the fourth anniversary of the secretary of the Air Force announcing Redstone as the preferred location of Space Commands headquarters.

In a move Alabama elected officials claimed was politically motivated, Biden did not heed the secretarys advice, instead naming Colorado Springs as Space Command headquarters in July 2023 despite the location ranking fifth in a study.

Air Force documents obtained by AL.com showed Huntsville ranked higher than Colorado in 11 of 21 comparisons used by the government in seeking the best site for the new U.S. Space Commands permanent headquarters. Colorado only bested Alabama in three of the 21 categories.

Mondays resolution encourages President Donald J. Trump and his incoming second presidential administration to halt the Biden administrations disastrous decision and immediately proceed in establishing a permanent headquarters for the United States Space Command at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama.

It strongly commends Trumps first administration for completing a robust and fact-based Strategic Basing Action focused on what was best to ensure the national security and fiscal responsibility of the United States and well-being of service members and their families.

Conversely, the resolution strongly condemns Biden for disregarding the findings of the Strategic Basing Action and allowing the headquarters of the United States Space Command to be based at the fifth best location.

View the resolution below:
This is an opinion column.

Didja see the hitching post outside?

Id never been asked that before. Never. And Im from Oklahoma, which is why Im familiar with hitching posts. Even if Ive never used one to park a horse.

It wasnt a trick question, I presumed because the questioner was wearing a cowboy hat. A nice one, I could quickly tell. Im from Oklahoma.

I presumed he was serious, too, because I was in Cullman.

It was my first time there. First time in the city  the capital of Cullman County  less than an hour north of Birmingham, where Ive lived now for almost 11 years. But I never went to Cullman.

Never went because, frankly, Black people didnt go to Cullman. Thats what I was told in whispers and head shakes as I settled in after living in New York for more than three decades.

Cullman? Nah.

Because it was once a sundown town, theyd say.

I was only peripherally familiar with the term, to be frank. Even being a history junkie. Even being from Oklahoma, which supposedly had sundown towns, too.

I quickly learned its dark truth: Black people werent to be in sundown towns after the protection of sunlight faded beyond the horizon. Not in the middle of the 20th century when Jim Crow legal segregation, vile racial hatred and lynchings were at their peak.

But not even now, I was told in whispers and head shakes.

Nah.

Being from Oklahoma  from Tulsa, many of you know  Im familiar with the ugliest vestiges of segregations darkest truths. With its indignities and crimes. My youth was in the last days of legal segregation, so I saw some things.

My dad and I once stopped at one of those drive-ins where they hung a tray from your window so you could eat in your car. A woman brought the food out in a bag but no tray. You cant eat here, she said (or something close). Dad paid for the food, opened the bag to ensure the order was correct, then held it out the window and dumped the food at the womans feet. Then we left.

I was too young to know why he did what he did. Only later did it make sense: Proud Black men only had so many ways to confront Jim Crows knee on their neck. That was dads way.

My mother and other Black women in Tulsa were forced to put tissues inside hats before trying them on in downtown department stores. Try on clothes? They couldnt do that at all.

This and much worse happened throughout the country in the years before the Civil Rights Act of 1964 made segregation illegal in public spaces. Though, according to generations of lore among Black families, laws didnt matter after sundown in some cities throughout the South.

Dont get caught in those sundown towns after the sun falls below the horizon. Or you might be caught dead.

This horrid warning was shared by elders, passed down to their children and then to theirs. Passed down to keep them safe.

Whether still containing a nugget of truth, or not.

Late last year, Cullman, founded by five German families in 1873, saw its history stirred up in a blaring TikTok video that skewered Southern Livings designation of it as one of the cutest Christmas towns in the South and the perfect small town. Well, thats an impossibly high bar.

Other TikTok users (not all, though) jumped in defending the city. When AL.com shared a story about the Southern Living kudo on Facebook, commenters were split on whether its sundown rep lingered.

Social media banter around Birmingham was primarily among Blacks too young to have ever choked on the stench of segregation or hit the gas to cross the city line before dark. Some commenters were defiant, owning the right to protect themselves (read: open carry) just like everyone else. Others were kindred to those who whispered and shook their heads.

Nah. Im good.

I decided to go.

Dr. Joy DeGruy calls it post-traumatic slave syndrome (P.T.S.S.). Thats the title of her 2005 book, which describes it as a condition that exists as a consequence of multigenerational oppression of Africans and their descendants resulting from centuries of chattel slavery.

I call it generational trauma  the curse of fears passed down from our ancestors, fears that too often breathe far longer than they deserve to live. So long that they become self-diminishing, preventing us from entering spaces we have every right to be in, all because our ancestors once feared those spaces.

Either P.T.S.S. or generational trauma explains why some Black folks still wont enter Cullman.

Not me.

Truth is, sundown towns are enticing lore borne of the racial intimidation that rose from the ashes of the Civil War. In his 2005 book Sundown Towns, A Hidden Dimension of American Racism, the late historian and sociologist James W. Loewen, mentions Cullman among dozens of cities in the south and in northern states reputed to be sundown towns or incubators to the vestiges of the pervasive racism of the late 1800s through, well, who knows when?

Cullmans rep is largely based on the believed existence of a sign either at the city border or the railroad tracks (could have been one and the same) warning Blacks (not the term used): ... dont let the sun set behind your back.

Well, theres no physical (or even photographic) proof the sign was real - though it was very real in the hearts and minds of many, whites and Blacks told of the sign by their elders.

Former Alabama House Speaker Rep. Tom Drake, who grew up in Cullman County and died in 2017, once told the Tuscaloosa News his parents and grandparents saw the signs: I have no doubt about the signs, he said.

Interestingly, Loewen didnt mention the signs in his book. He did note, though, that a very real feeling of unwelcomeness in Cullman helped spur the birth of Colony, Alabama, just a few miles away.

Many formerly enslaved Blacks were given land in the area deemed too rocky to be fertile as compensation, Wallace State Community College history professor Robert Davis told NPR. Yet they transformed the land into fertile farms. Other Blacks were also lured to work in the fertile coal mines discovered there in the early 1900s.

Over decades, Colony grew into a clone of Tulsas Black Wall Street. African-Americans from all over the state would move to the Colony. It was like Harlem was to New York or Ensley was to Birmingham, Davis said. The Black community in Cullman County owned more land than any other community.

Some Colony residents, Leowen wrote, worked during the day in Cullman as domestics and such but made sure to leave town before dark.

Earlene Johnson, one of Colonys oldest residents and once its mayor, told NPR: Blacks were afraid to come through Cullman, even on the trains. And they would pull the shades down when they rolled through Cullman.

Cullman is still white-white, with just 1% of its 20,000 residents being Black. The city wasnt helped, either four years ago when the white son of school board president Amy Carter appeared on a vile 11-second video spewing white power and kill all the n-----s that was shot by another white student and shared for a good Snapchat chuckle.

I decided to go. With my wife. We were going to visit Cullman and stay after sundown.

Lets be real: Theres not a whole lot to do in Cullman. Its as small town as small towns get, which is not at all a knock.

We began our visit at Ave Maria Grotto at St. Bernard Abbey, a fascinating outdoor display of 125 small stone-and-cement-and-whatnot creations from the hands of Brother Joseph Zoetl, a monk at the Abbey in 1961.

Okay, so strolling through a popular art exhibit  and buying a loaf of the monks abbey-made raisin bread, which is sinfully good  isnt exactly diving headfirst into the deep-end of Cullman. We stayed there, walking through the cemetery on the grounds where the Abbeys monks, including Brother Joseph, are buried.

Stayed there long enough for the sun to fall below the horizon.

Well, here we are, I said to my wife. She didnt laugh.

Heres the dive: We rolled into the citys most popular restaurant  All Steak. On a Friday night. Without a reservation. (Thatll get you run out of just about any city.)

The two young people at the host station were pleasant, telling us thered be about a 30-minute wait. We asked if there was a bar where we could wait. There was, right through the door across the dining room.

There were a few glances as my wife and I walked through. Pleasant glances, but glances, nonetheless. Movie scene well, well, well glances.

As we made our way to two empty seats at the bar, one of the bartenders looked up. She was Black. I dont know who was more surprised, her or us.

Suddenly, it was a fam reunion. Of a sort. In the room, the three of us were still the one percent.

We decided to eat at the bar since the kitchen serviced it and the dining room. Before long we were chatting with an anesthesiologist, his wife and son next to us. (Also from Birmingham, alas, they were vacationing at nearby Smith Lake.) Others at the bar were as friendly as youd want. One guy even shared his dozen oysters on the half-shell with us.

Our meals were great and the bartenders were geniuses.

Didja see the hitching post outside?

Cowboy Hat was the mayor of the bar cast, a regular, as were many there. He owned a few horses (showed me a picture) and sometimes rode one to All-Steak, though not on this night. I was in Cullman.

Generational trauma and P.T.S.S. are very real for many, but we should not shut ourselves from anyplace, anywhere, merely because it shunned our ancestors. History isnt destiny unless we allow it to be, unless we dont turn the page.

Well go back  and stay well past sundown.

Lets be better tomorrow than we are today. My column appears on AL.com, and digital editions of The Birmingham News, Huntsville Times, and Mobile Press-Register. Tell me what you think at rjohnson@al.com, and follow me at twitter.com/roysj, Instagram @roysj and BlueSky.
The search for a missing Alabama mother and grandmother continued by land and air Tuesday along the Interstate 22 corridor.

Chastity Ann Terry, 39, was last seen just after 2 a.m. Friday at the Loves Truck Stop in Jasper.

Hamilton police, the Marion County Sheriffs Office and ALEAs aviation unit were among the team searching the I-22 area again on Tuesday.

Hamilton Police Chief Jordan Carter said Terry and 49-year-old Charles Williams Jr. were seen getting into an orange Jeep together.

We can confirm they walked out of the store together and we believe they then entered the orange jeep, Carter said.

The pair traveled I-22 west back toward Hamilton where, for some reason, they got off the interstate at Exit 22 and the jeep ended up in the ditch on the westbound ramp.

At that time, the chief said, snow and ice had started coming in.

Carter said witnesses reported seeing Williams get out of the vehicle. He told investigators Terry also exited the vehicle and was last seen on foot.

Thats why were focusing resources to that area, Carter said. He said they were in this area together. We dont have any evidence of that, but were having to deal with statements and people talking.

The chief said theres no reason or evidence at this point to believe Terry is injured or worse.

Our hope is that shes safe and well in a location, he said.

Sheriff Kevin Williams told reporters that Terry and Williams went to the Birmingham area to buy drugs.

Fentanyl, I believe it is,' the sheriff said. So I believe she was under the influence of something. Thats the information that we did have. Thats why they were traveling at that moment and coming back.

Carter said he could not confirm those statements.

I spoke with some of the family members, and I told them that as law enforcement we plan for the worst and hope for the best, Carter said. We want to plan as if, in fact, a serious crime has been committed but the reality of it is, we have no evidence or facts to support that an actual crime has been committed.

Williams remains in the Marion County Jail. He is charged with conspiracy to commit a controlled substance crime.

A prayer vigil for Terry was held Monday night at Christ Community Fellowship Church in Hamilton.

Our officers our dedicated to finding Ms. Terry, Carter said. Ive got officers volunteering to come in and work overtime, officers that are worried about her. Our department is worried about her, and I know the sheriffs office is working hard also.

Weve got a team of officers that are highly dedicated to protection and service, the chief said, and were going to do everything in our power to find her.

Terry is 5-feet, 6-inches tall and weighs 160 pounds. She has blonde hair and hazel eyes. She was wearing a gray hoodie, black pants, brown and white shoes.

Anyone with information is asked to call Hamilton police Sgt. Cody McCullar at 205-570-5871 or email cmccullar@hamiltoncityal.org. Tipsters can also call 911 or the non-emergency line at 205-921-7424.
A popular Louisiana-based chicken restaurant is looking to place another location in Alabama - this time, in the Birmingham area.

A representative of Raising Canes gave few details but confirmed that the Magic City is in the companys sights.

Raising Canes is excited to continue our expansion in Alabama and we are actively exploring opportunities to bring our signature ONE LOVE to Birmingham in the near future, the spokesperson said.

The company, beloved by Caniacs, began in Baton Rouge 28 years ago. It offers a menu of chicken fingers, fries, and other items.

Raising Canes opened 118 restaurants in 2024 and has more than 800 around the country. There are locations in Tuscaloosa and Mobile.
Alabamas sole remaining Macys store is still open, after having avoided the latest round of store closings by the venerable retail chain.

Last week, Macys announced another 66 stores would be shuttered as part of its Bold New Chapter strategy, which was announced last February.

The Birmingham location, in the Riverchase Galleria, was not among them - despite the fact that the store space has been for sale as a Big Box opportunity with SRS Real Estate Partners since last August.

The companys Bold New Chapter plan was formulated to return the company to profitable sales growth by measures that included closing about 150 underproductive stores over a three-year period, while investing in 350 Macys locations through fiscal 2026.

In a news release, the company said Macys enters 2025 well-positioned to build momentum with a stronger store fleet and remains focused on bringing this enhanced customer experience to more locations nationwide and through its digital channels.

Macys is among a growing list of companies that have struggled with keeping stores open among increasing retail competition.

After 48 years of business, Macys closed its other Birmingham store, at Brookwood Village, in 2022.
Beijing offers foreign travelers greater convenience

10:17, January 14, 2025 By Du Juan, Felix Bachand ( Chinadaily.com.cn

Staff members provide consultation services to a passenger from New Zealand at a service center in Beijing Capital International Airport in Beijing, capital of China, Jan 8, 2025. (Photo/Xinhua)

On a four-day transit to Beijing, two siblings from Poland who visited several places said they were very impressed by China after experiencing the city's advanced services for foreign tourists.

"We noticed we could pay with cash, card, or by scanning a QR code, and we were surprised to learn that facial recognition could also be used for payments," said Dagmara Paszkowska, who was visiting China with her brother Norbert.

As soon as foreign visitors arrive at the city's two major airports  Beijing Capital International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport  they will see Beijing Service counters, which are part of a new mobile payment and travel and transportation initiative that was launched on Jan 1 to facilitate visitors from abroad.

The Chinese capital's launch of the Beijing Service counters at the airports coincides with a surge in international arrivals propelled by China's extended visa-free policies, which offer transit visa-free access to travelers from 54 countries and exempts passport holders from 38 countries from needing visas for short stays.

Wang Hongyan, deputy head of the Beijing Bureau of Culture and Tourism's external exchange and cooperation department, said at a news conference on Monday that a daily average of 252 foreign nationals now enter Beijing with a temporary 240-hour entry permit. Before the policies were extended, the maximum stay with such a permit was 144 hours.

In 2024, Beijing recorded 3.94 million inbound visits, up 186.8 percent year-on-year. The city's tourism foreign exchange income reached $4.91 billion, an increase of 151.7 percent year-on-year, according to the bureau.

"We have been making efforts to improve the foreign visitors' overall experience in the city, including customer service, transportation, accommodations, sightseeing, shopping and payment," Wang said. "More service improvements will be carried out in Beijing, and we expect a 5 percent increase in inbound tourists in 2025."

At the international arrival zones at Beijing's two international airports, Beijing Service counters provide foreigners with one-stop service for a range of financial, communication, transportation, culture, and tourism needs.

Some foreign visitors say they are amazed by China's convenient digital payment system, though they are not familiar with it upon their arrival.

The counters also offer assistance with cash withdrawals using foreign bank cards and currency exchange, and staff members can help visitors download mobile payment apps.

In addition, foreigners at the airports can purchase a Beijing Pass, which is a versatile, rechargeable transportation card issued by the Beijing municipal government. Cardholders can not only use public transportation services in 300 cities, but can also use the pass in designated commercial, cultural and tourism areas.

According to the bureau, up to 39,000 Beijing Pass cards have been issued to foreign visitors since the program's launch in July.

To better introduce Beijing's traditional culture, the city now even offers free half-day trips to international transit passengers at Beijing Capital International Airport, according to the bureau.

Katia Houle, a representative for Trip.com, a travel platform, said that Beijing Express, a service that the company launched on Dec 27, enables visitors to register for free tours in the city.

"We offer free tours every single day. You sign up on the spot, and our tour guides are there," she said.

The first tour, which runs from 7:30 am to 1:00 pm, offers a direct trip from the airport to the Bada-ling section of the Great Wall and then returns to the airport. The second tour, from 1:30 pm to 9:00 pm, takes visitors downtown, where they visit the Temple of Heaven and pass Tian'anmen Square before returning to the airport.

Recently, other Chinese cities, including Shanghai, have also attracted thousands of foreign visitors due to the visa-free policies. In recent months, for example, an increasing number of South Korean visitors have flocked to Shanghai because of the low flight ticket prices and the short flight distance.

"I love the Shanghai style, which is fancy and modern," one South Korean who visited Shanghai last week posted on social media. "I went to several sightseeing spots in the city and tried delicious cuisine."

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
The United States unveiled new export rules Monday on chips used for artificial intelligence, furthering efforts to make it tough for China and other rivals to access advanced technology in Joe Biden's final days as president.

The restrictions build on curbs announced in 2023 on exporting certain AI chips to China, which the United States sees as a strategic competitor in the field of advanced semiconductors.

"The US leads the world in AI now -- both AI development and AI chip design -- and it's critical that we keep it that way," Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo told reporters.

But the effort drew industry criticism and sharp warnings that it would hurt US competitiveness.

Semiconductor Industry Association chief executive John Neuffer said: "We're deeply disappointed that a policy shift of this magnitude and impact is being rushed out the door days before a presidential transition and without any meaningful input from industry."

He added in a statement on Monday that the rule could cause "lasting damage to America's economy and global competitiveness" by ceding key markets to rivals.

Chip titan Nvidia said in a blog post that "while cloaked in the guise of an 'anti-China' measure, these rules would do nothing to enhance US security."

The new rules update controls on chips, requiring authorizations for exports, re-exports and in-country transfers -- while also including a series of exceptions for countries considered friendly to the United States.

AI data centers meanwhile will need to comply with enhanced security parameters in order to be able to import chips.

The rules make it "hard for our strategic competitors to use smuggling and remote access to evade our export control," White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said.

They also create "incentives for our friends and partners around the world to use trusted vendors for advanced AI," he added.

The new rules will take effect in 120 days, Raimondo said, giving the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump time to potentially make changes.

In its blog post, Nvidia stressed that the first Trump administration showed how the United States "wins through innovation, competition and by sharing our technologies with the world -- not by retreating behind a wall of government overreach."

Trump put heavy tariffs on China during his first presidential term.

However, his backers in Silicon Valley could also see the rules as an undue burden on their ability to export products.
Birmingham city leaders are engaged in a multifaceted approach to address its most pressing challenge of reducing homicides, Mayor Randall Woodfin said this afternoon.

But the answer is not simple.

Woodfin, delivering his annual State of the City message before the Birmingham Kiwanis Club, reserved the majority of his talk to detail recommendations from the citys crime commission to curtail record-breaking homicide numbers and tell what the city is already doing.

Woodfin noted that crime statistics represent real people and require complex efforts to resolve.

Its lives, its family members, its human beings, he said. Its a problem we simply cant police ourselves out of.

Birmingham ended 2024 with 151 homicides , the highest number in the city since 1933.

As Woodin seeks a third term in August the issue of crime has already become a central political theme from critics and challengers.

Woodfin called public safety an issue that unifies the entire city.

The crime commission recommendations include several items including increased policing, seeking a ban on so-called Glock gun switches, and blight removal.

Woodfin detailed how his administration and the city council were also working to address each area.

He reviewed a more aggressive program to spend $16 million to recruit police officers by offering $10,000 sign-on bonuses and incentives for remaining on the force.

Birminghams police numbers, a subject of political debate, have dipped from 822 officers in 2017 down to 639 in 2023, according to the citys 2023 annual comprehensive financial report.

Woodfin also discussed the citys amended operating budget which includes $19.5 million for street paving, new sidewalks, weed removal, and demolition of vacant buildings.

Like the police force, Birminghams public works department has also shrunk from 840 workers in 2017 to 536 in 2023, according to city reports.

Woodfin in his presentation Tuesday said poverty combined with low education achievement and a culture of retaliation makes communities ripe for gun violence.

Thats an equation that has caused long generational hurt, he said.

Along with policing, Woodfin announced two new programs to address conditions that serve as incubators for crime.

We have to restore hope to under-serviced neighborhoods throughout our city, he said.

Some programs already exist to assist, he said. For example, the city-founded Birmingham Promise program, a public-private partnership, has provided scholarships to 1,600 students in the last five years.

The new initiative is designed to reach people most at risk of getting caught in a cycle of criminal activity.

Woodfin cited the commission report that said 1% of the citys population has accounted for more than 50% of the violence.

Thats why we are making it a priority in working with an external team to launch what we are calling One Hood to break the cycle of violence through direct interaction with the people in our community most at risk, Woodfin said. By focusing on that one percent and injecting new life in all facets of our violence prevention and public safety sectors, we know we can decrease gun violence within our city.

He also announced a new Office of Resilience and Sustainability, which will address environmental and quality of life issues such as lowering carbon emissions and creating healthy food opportunities within the city.

Yes, I am optimistic. I am hopeful, he said. 2025 gives us the opportunity to shine brighter. 2025 also gives us the opportunity to shine together.

Following his speech, Woodfin participated in the customary question and answer session with Kiwanis members. However, he declined the usual press conference to take questions after his presentation, opting instead to sign copies of his new memoir, Son of Birmingham.
Pete Hegseth, President Trumps nominee for Secretary of Defense, is facing a relentless smear campaign that ranges from the petty to the absurd. Chief among these efforts are allegations from a disgruntled former employee of Concerned Veterans for America (CVA), where Hegseth served as CEOclaims that lack credibility and have resurfaced years after her brief tenure.

Meanwhile, critics have seized on other manufactured controversies, including Hegseths Christian tattoo, which has been assailed as extremist. This attack on his faithand on traditional Christian imageryreveals a deep hypocrisy, as such scrutiny would never be applied to other religious traditions. But these efforts to discredit Hegseth obscure the larger issue: his qualifications and commitment to reform, which make him the right choice to lead the Pentagon.

Civilian Oversight: A Foundational Principle

The criticism of Hegseth often boils down to the claim that he lacks sufficient military credentials, with detractors pointing to Lloyd Austin as the ideal model of leadership. But this argument undermines a foundational principle of American governance: civilian control of the military.

Since the nations founding, civilian leadership of the armed forces has been a safeguard against the concentration of military and political power. While the position of Secretary of Defense has existed only since 1947, its roots lie in the role of Secretary of War, which dates to the earliest days of the republic. To reinforce this principle, U.S. law prohibits individuals who have recently served as active-duty officers from holding the position, with exceptions granted only three timesfor George C. Marshall, James Mattis, and Lloyd Austin.

Hegseths critics, however, imply that only a retired general can effectively lead the Pentagon. This view is not only ahistorical but also misguided. Some of Americas most effective defense secretaries were civilians, including James Forrestal, the nations first Secretary of Defense. A former Wall Street banker, Forrestal was instrumental in modernizing the military during the postwar transition. Even figures like Robert McNamara, despite his polarizing legacy, showed the value of managerial ability in defense leadership.

The idea that Hegseth is unqualified because he did not reach the rank of general officer ignores his decorated service as an Army officer in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as his leadership at CVA. His record speaks to his ability to manage large, complex organizations and advocate for reformqualities sorely needed in the Pentagon.

The Double Standard of Lloyd Austin

Critics often cite Lloyd Austin as a contrast to Hegseth, yet Austins tenure has been marred by significant failures. Under his leadership, the Pentagon oversaw a disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan, ongoing recruitment shortfalls, and accountability lapses. Most glaringly, Austin disappeared for a medical procedure without informing the Commander-in-Chiefa breach of the chain of command so significant that is analogous to being AWOL.

Yet these same critics claim Hegseth is unqualified, not because of his record but because he challenges the entrenched defense establishment. The double standard is glaring.

Manufactured Controversies

As noted earlier, the opposition to Pete Hegseths nomination has been fueled by misleading claims and baseless allegations. Chief among them are grievances from Kat Dugan, a former CVA employee whose eight-month tenure ended after an inferior performance review. Following her resignation in December 2014preceded by disability filingsDugan has resurfaced years later with uncorroborated accusations. According to The Washington Free Beacon, she has been contacting former CVA colleagues and urging them to submit anonymous complaints to the Senate Armed Services Committee in an attempt to derail Hegseths confirmation.

Adding to the absurdity, several Senate Democrats have claimed they lack sufficient information to vote on Hegseths nomination because they do not have access to his FBI background check. This argument ignores the long-standing tradition of the FBI briefing only the chair and ranking member of Senate committees on the findings of background checks for Cabinet nominees. During these sessions, both Democrat and Republican leaders are allowed to review findings and ask questions, but no copies of the report are provided. This procedure has been followed for decades, yet these senators now pretend it is a lack of transparency.

Such manufactured controversies are nothing more than attempts to stall Hegseths confirmation and distract from his qualifications. The Senate owes it to the American people to rise above this partisan theater and focus on Hegseths recorda record that proves his commitment to accountability, reform, and the men and women in uniform.

The Tattoo Non-Issue

Perchance the most absurd criticism of Pete Hegseth centers on his tattooa depiction of the Jerusalem Cross and the phrase Deus Vult (God wills it). This centuries-old Christian symbol, featuring a central cross surrounded by four smaller crosses and paired with a Latin phrase tied to spiritual journeys and divine guidance, reflects a deeply rooted tradition of faith.

Critics, spearheaded by Senator Elizabeth Warren, have twisted this sacred imagery into something sinister, absurdly framing it as a signal of extremism. Such logic is both flawed and dangerous: the act of an extremist co-opting a symbol does not make the symbol itself extremist. This attack on Hegseths faith and his expression of it reflects a cultural hostility toward traditional religious valuesone that would never be applied to other faiths or traditions.

Such attacks not only reveal a deep-seated hostility toward religious orthodoxy but also risk setting a dangerous precedent where mere expressions of personal belief are weaponized through a partisan lens, undermining the long-held principle that ones faith should remain beyond the bounds of political assault.

At stake is not just fairness but the preservation of a core American value: the right to express ones faith without fear of partisan persecution.

This cudgel against Hegseth is not only unfounded but also deeply concerning. It mirrors the far-lefts efforts to vilify Justice Samuel Alito for displaying the Appeal to Heaven flag, misrepresenting its meaning entirely. These repeated distortions reveal a troubling pattern of cultural ignorance weaponized for partisan purposes, undermining legitimate debates over governance and qualifications.

Imagine the outrage if a nominee were attacked for displaying a widely recognized symbol of another faith tradition. Such scrutiny would rightly be condemned as religious intolerance. Yet because Hegseth is unapologetically Christian, his expression of faith is treated as fair game.

Warrens criticisms are particularly hypocritical given her own history of controversial claims of significant Native American ancestry, which were later debunked by DNA evidence. This hypocrisy is further exemplified by her radical political activism, which reveals her tendency to distort facts for political gain. Her concerns about who leads the Department of Defense ring hollow, as her record shows she views the Pentagon not as a vital institution for national security but as a piggy bank to fund her various political gimmicks. Whether misrepresenting her heritage or attacking Hegseths Christian faith, Warrens actions make her an unlikely arbiter of what constitutes extremism.

Why Pete Hegseth Is the Right Choice

Hegseth is by no means perfect, but come to think of it, none of us are. What matters is his record of service, his proven leadership, and his unwavering commitment to the military personnel who serve this country.

The Pentagon needs a leader who will challenge the status quo, prioritize the needs of service members, and demand results. Hegseths record proves he is uniquely suited to addressing these challenges.

A Test of Principles

The debate over Pete Hegseths nomination is not just about one man. It is a test of whether America still values civilian oversight of the military and respects religious freedom. By implying that only retired generals can lead the Pentagonand by attacking Hegseths Christian faithhis critics are undermining two of the core principles of American governance.

Hegseth represents an opportunity to reaffirm these principles while bringing bold, innovative leadership to the Department of Defense. The Senate must rise above partisan theater, honor the principles of civilian leadership and religious liberty, and confirm Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense without delay.

Charlton Allen is an attorney and former chief executive officer and chief judicial officer of the North Carolina Industrial Commission. He is the founder and editor of The American Salient and the host of the Modern Federalist podcast.

Image: Gage Skidmore from Peoria, AZ, United States of America, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons, unaltered.
On Joe Bidens first day in office in January 2021, he signed seventeen executive orders. These orders are notorious and remained controversial throughout his term in office. They included such measures as stopping the Keystone Pipeline  an order that was blamed for rising gasoline prices throughout Bidens term (the real cause of such price increases was the Biden administrations massive spending sprees, but the pipeline shutdown made the situation worse). Other Biden orders on that first day included renewed environmentalist-extremist measures such as rejoining the Paris Accords (wildfires continue unabated despite this order).

Biden also entered orders that allow illegal immigrants to be counted in the census and extended other benefits for illegal immigrants. Biden ordered a halt to border wall construction and certain deportations. He limited immigration enforcement activities by the federal government.

Bidens day-one orders extended a pause on the collection of student loan debt and extended prior eviction and foreclosure moratoriums. Biden used another order unilaterally to extend the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to LGBT and transgender claimants. Biden even entered one blanket order freezing the implementation of all pending regulations from the Trump administration  regardless of subject matter. These orders were prepared in advance. The Democrats had a thorough plan for opening the border, increasing our dependence on foreign oil, and otherwise advancing the radical left agenda. Biden was apparently unconcerned that these orders would be controversial and would fail to unite America.

In August of 2021, Joe Biden signed Executive Order 14037, which promotes the production of electric vehicles and singles out the state of California as a leading authority to be followed by the federal executive branch in promulgating this policy. In December 2021, Biden signed Executive Order 14057, which further promoted the policy of carbon free electricity production and emission free vehicles.

Bidens executive orders have continued. The above list is far from exhaustive. In January, 2025, Biden altered the order of succession in departments across the executive branch. The reason for this move is unclear. Few observers believe that Biden is truly responsible for this Order.

On January 5, 2025, the administration announced an executive order that would permanently ban oil drilling on 625 million acres of U.S. ocean. CNN assures us that this order will be difficult for Trump to reverse. That message is intended to provide ammunition for bureaucrat holdovers in the new administration as well as some members of the Republican party that will undoubtedly begin working against Trump.

These orders and others were created and signed without a national consensus and generally without legislative authority. These actions set a precedent that undermines the other two branches of government and the Constitution itself. All of Donald Trumps supporters are aware of what Joe Biden has done  especially these executive orders. Executive branch efforts to limit the authority of the other two branches have become notorious in the Biden-Obama administrations. The only way to take the initiative, reverse the prior encroachments on Constitutional checks and balances, and undo the harm of the past four years is to undo all recent executive orders. We cannot be afraid that such an action will be controversial or will fail to unite the American people. The left will hurl those arguments at the Trump administration no matter what. The Biden administration, together with a compliant media and Democrat allies across the country, have spent the past four years attempting to imprison Donald Trump, keep him off the ballot and worse. We cannot shrink from taking sweeping action for fear of political consequences.

Many Trump supporters became disillusioned during Trumps first term when none of those responsible for various illegal acts against Trump were prosecuted. Americans have endured a great deal of suffering as a result, including dubious election results in 2020 and economic upheaval at the hands of the Biden administration. Should President Trump fail to take sweeping action now, his supporters will be even less patient. Many Trump voters are expecting prosecutions now against numerous defendants. The least that Trump can do is to reverse Bidens executive orders. Such reversal can be effected in one order. President Trump can sign one order that would repeal all executive orders entered between January 20, 2021 and January 20, 2025 (and possibly even including the years 2009 through January 2017). This order would have the effect of reversing bad policy plus reinforcing the legislative authority of Congress. If any of Bidens orders happened to include good ideas (even a broken clock is right twice a day), then supporters can present those ideas to Congress as they should have in the first place.

The power of the legislative branch must be restored. We will not accomplish this goal by waiting for Congress to repeal some of Bidens executive orders one at a time. The border must be controlled. Congress already passed the laws necessary to accomplish this goal during Trumps first term. We do not need new laws, but to reverse Bidens actions that thwarted those laws. Bidens actions have been so extreme and in bad faith that a blanket order reversing those actions will seem generally acceptable. Anyone that complains can be told, Call your congressman.

Most importantly, a refusal to take sweeping action on day one will encourage more such extreme behavior in future Democrat administrations. The Democrats obviously were thorough in their plans for executive orders. We must, at least, equal that thoroughness and preparedness. If we fail to act, we will appear feckless and unable to respond to Democrat illegal initiatives. This appearance will undermine attempts to win future elections and the enthusiasm that reelected Donald Trump two months ago. That enthusiasm will not be sustained by mere cheerleading over Greenland. Donald Trumps voters are waiting for Joe Bidens destructive actions to be corrected.

Image: Public domain.
It looks like Kamala Harris's classy streak is over.

For awhile there, we thought something had changed in her when she graciously certified the 2024 election in the Senate and put on a decent appearance at Jimmy Carter's funeral. It seemed like a politically smart way of distinguishing herself from bitter Joe Biden and preserving her political viability.

But now the old Kamala is back, classless as ever, refusing to give the incoming vice president, J.D. Vance and his young family, a courtesy tour of the Naval Observatory, which serves as the vice presidential residence. She even could have proudly shown him all the renovations she had done.

But according to CBS News:

When JD Vance, his wife Usha and their three young children move into the Naval Observatory residence on Jan. 20, it will be their first time inside the white Queen Anne-style mansion that has been home to vice presidents since the 1970s. Vice President Kamala Harris has not extended an invitation for a formal sit-down or tour, multiple Democratic and Republican sources told CBS News. In November, Usha Vance, via intermediaries, reached out to staff for the home's current occupants, Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, seeking details including what they would need to childproof it. Ewan, Vivek and Mirabel Vance are all under the age of eight. The questions were initially rebuffed by a Harris political appointee.

Recall that then-Vice President Mike Pence offered such a tour for her back in 2020 to much fanfare in the press. Pence was praised widely for it.

But she wasn't about to return the favor. So much for a smooth transition, even if for nothing more than to stand in contrast to the disgusting Biden who's doing all he can to ensure there is no transition at all.

So here we are, and the CBS report says that Navy briefers are telling the young family what the place looks like. They'll find out if they were right when they move into the residence unawares. Coming in with young kids, lucky them.

It's odd to see, and raises a few eyebrows as to what's going on at that place in these waning days of the Biden administration.

Is the place a pigpen, strewn with booze bottles and doobie butts from Kamala in her cups? Is her inability to retain staff preventing some kind of cleanup? Is the possibility of that getting out to the public what's preventing the tour?

Or is there some domestic strife with hubby Doug Emhoff, billed "the office a******" by his law colleagues, preventing a happy home front for a tour?

Is Kamala out on some kind of last-minute taxpayer-paid shopping tour, which she seems to have planned for Singapore and Germany, and has supposedly called off? Did she fly off somewhere else for that, and thus, won't be around until the Jan. 20 handoff?

Or is she just in a snit, or so depressed she can't get out of bed? Someone noted that she posted a picture of herself at the Carter funeral with Trump's picture cropped out:

First Kamala Harris posted a Carter funeral picture with Trump hidden behind a post. Now this. @KamalaHarris @VP is a #soreloser.  Howard Notelling (@BluegrassPundit) January 14, 2025

Even from her own point of view, it seems shortsighted. What if she or someone in her family accidentally leaves something behind? She won't be in much position after this to call the Vances up and ask them to pop it in the mail for her.

There are a lot of possibilities here, plus just general bitterness sinking in as Kamala watches Democrat prospects collapse in California with the Palisades and Altadena fires which actually threatened her own home back in Brentwood, not the least from looters, a couple of which were picked up by the cops around her place over the weekend in what was a muddled story someone didn't want to get out.

If she wanted to classily decline to tour the residence with the Vances, either for real reasons or with a minor white lie, she could have said she was tending to fire matters back home in Brentwood and dispatched someone else to give the tour. Everyone would understand, and offer sympathy with that.

But she didn't want to do that.

She just wanted to decline. To a man with a young family. That tells us a lot about her.

Let's hope this puts paid to her remaining political career and she can go down with Gavin Newsom. What a crummy way to exit the vice presidential office.

Image: Wikimedia Commons via Picryl (cropped) // public domain
Los Angeles residents have been bombarded not only by wildfires, but by unintended and unnecessary evacuation orders which added to the chaos and further reducedif such was possible--their trust in government. As they began to understand the LA Fire Department wasnt going to be able to save their homes, some with the means turned to the private sector:

As [talent manager Adam] Leber rushed his family to safety amid a broader firestorm engulfing wide swaths of Los Angeles County, a private firefighting service arrived to ensure his 6,000-square-foot home  once owned by filmmaker Preston Sturges and rumored to be the site of Charlie Chaplins first wedding, according to an old real estate listing  remained standing. Leber is one of a growing number of Californians who, faced with the growing threat of wildfires in populated areas, have turned to private firefighting teams as an added layer of protection. Supporters of private firefighting teams argue they can augment the work of government-run efforts, stepping in to fill the cracks caused by depleted city and state budgets and an ever-worsening climate crisis.

Graphic: X Screenshot

As one might imagine, the specter of the wealthy being able to protect their lives, possessions and property where those of lesser means cant has aroused the indignation of the self-appointed guardians of the people, who argue a handful of private firefighters use water denied publicly supported firefighters. Its an argument that seems to make sense on its face, except as has widely been elsewhere reported, all too often there was no water, and as is just now being reported, there arent enough firefighters either:

[LA Fire Chief Kristin] Crowley wrote to the city's fire commissionersa five-person board appointed by Basson Nov. 18 and asked them to transmit the message to Bass and the city council. The fire department's size, she said, hadn't increased in decades despite significant population growth. "In many ways, the current staffing, deployment model, and size of the LAFD have not changed since the 1960s," wrote Crowley, who also complained that a spike in emergency calls and a shortage of fire stations had led to longer response times. In 2022, Crowley said, 61 percent of the department's firefighters failed to meet the 4-minute first response time, a national firefighting standard. The National Fire Protection Association, meanwhile, recommends that cities like Los Angeles employ some 1.51 to 1.81 firefighters per 1,000 residents. But Los Angeles, Crowley wrote, only staffs 0.91 firefighters per 1,000 people.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has been complaining that facts exposing his and other California politicians incompetence, DEI mania and general culpability for the wildfires is disinformation which must be censored. And so it has:

As the catastrophe unfolded, Crowley's memo disappeared from a city website. The New York Times referenced the memo in a Thursday piece but did not link to it. The memo was available online at this link as recently as Friday. By Saturday night, however, the memo was replaced with a message stating, "404! We are sorry, but the page you requested was not found."

Here's the real concern of those opposing private firefighting:

Moreover, they say, private firefighters widen the already-vast chasm between rich and poor, safeguarding the interests of the former at the expense of the latter. The rich suffer zero consequences of anything, even cataclysmic natural disasters, one user wrote on X, responding to a video the Chronicle posted showing private firefighters saving Lebers house. Private and firefighter should not be in the same sentence, wrote another.

Graphic: X Screenshot

The self-imagined and appointed elite dont really object to the rich having--and preserving--nice things. They object to losing the power to decide who gets, and gets to keep, them. The article notes some private firms contract with public fire departments, but thats just fine. In that case, government keeps the power to decide whose homes burn and whose dont.

As the flames neared, I immediately started researching private firefighters, [Leber] said. Quickly, he found a company that looked reputable, All Risk Shield. A crew arrived soon after, guarding the house until the local fire department arrived. Leber was so pleased with the companys work that he bought a suite of services for his Los Angeles home, including fire hardening and emergency response.

So. You live in an exclusive neighborhood in one of the most highly taxed states and cities in the nation. Your Fire Chief and head of the water department are DEI hires whose priorities aresurprise!DEI. The morbidly obese Assistant Fire Chief thinks if she had to rescue anyonewhich she cantits because they were in the wrong place. The Mayor was out of the country, the Governor is blaming Climate Change and Trump and all you wanted was for the services for which you pay outrageous taxes to work, but noooooooooo! When you have to hire private fire fighters, the problem is you.

Thats D/s/c non-thinking. Thats California.

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.
Born Ioseb Jughashvili on December 18, 1878, in the Georgian village of Gorihe adopted the pseudonym Joseph Stalin as did many Bolshevik revolutionaries such as Lenin (Ulyanov) and Trotsky (Bronstein). He first rose to prominence by brutally robbing banks to help fund the revolution. These were euphemistically called expropriations.

Be it understood that Stalin was not an ethnic Russian, but rather a Georgian, as was his chief henchman, Lavrentiy Beria. As Stalin was feared by many even in the Communist party, as was Beria. Nikita Khrushchev wrote in Khrushchev Remembers that, when Stalin died in 1953, Khrushchev called a meeting of the top dogs in the Politburo -- including Beria. When the meeting convened, two armed generals stepped out from behind a curtain and arrested Beria. That was the last he was ever seen.

Stalins penchant for brutality may be best expressed in his famous quote: One death is a tragedy, a million deaths a statistic. He also created the office of General Secretary of the Communist Party, which became his position. He was particularly jealous of other up-and-comers who were rising through the partys ranks. A rule of thumb was that the closer you rose up to Stalins level, the more dangerous your life became.

The tension between Russia and Ukraine traces back to Stalins expropriation of the Ukrainian grain harvest of 1932. The Soviet army was massed on the border to keep the Ukrainians from recapturing their lives and well over a million starved to death. Some also resorted to cannibalism. The Film Board of Canada produced a documentary on this subject titled Harvest of Despair which was originally turned down by PBS on specious grounds of fakery (some sounds had been added to archival footage). In truth it was considered excessively anti-communist.

The Soviet Union continued as a tyrannical empire for another 36 years after Stalins death until it collapsed under its own weight. Todays Russia is obviously still a dictatorship, but the Cold War seems to have ended. Meanwhile, we are becoming aware that there is now an American Stalin, but its not a person, it is instead a culture. It is still ruthless and violently jealous of threats to its power.

The term Deep State was hardly, if ever, uttered before President Trump began his first term. Now it is mentioned constantly. Stalin lives in the Deep State and its visible exposure to the rest of us is a serious threat to its continued influence. The overt persecution of Donald Trump via lawfare is what has caused this revelation. Stalin, however, had more tools at his disposal and was more willing to use them.

Outgoing Attorney General Merrick Garland may be considered the equivalent for the Deep State of Stalins Beria. Some credit should go to Mitch McConnell for keeping him off the Supreme Court.

Thanks to the freedom-loving bourgeois nature of American civilization, there are assumed limits on how far such politically motivated persecutions can go. It is, however, not a good idea to just expect a good outcome from challenges to entrenched government functionaries who wish to yield authority over the rest of us. Such is the political dynamic of today.

Donald Trump is our stalking horse. He draws incoming fire on purpose so as to reveal the Stalinist nature of the Deep State. And its working. Now, we just have to follow through and stifle the efforts of the nameless, faceless micromanagers who want to control our lives for imaginary reasons.

Image: AT via Magic Studio
We have not heard so much about the Panama Canal since candidate Ronald Reagan made it an issue back in 1979-80. It did not become a major issue for President Reagan because there was so much on the front pages about Jimmy Carter's failures.

The canal is back but for different reasons. Back then, it was all about "we built it and that's it." Now, it's more about China and the idea that it could become the national security nightmare that some feared back then.

Yes, it's about China and not really Panama. From China making electrical vehicles in Mexico to all those natural resources in Greenland, it's all about China.

I think that Gregg Curley is correct:

Trumps recent comments on the Panama Canals transit fees and Chinese influence have thrust the canal to the forefront of US strategic discourse. Chinese companies such as Landbridge Group and the Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings now operate ports at both ends of the canal. This presence raises concerns about potential dual-use infrastructure and strategic maneuvering, particularly given Chinas deepening ties to Latin America. The United States wields significant economic leverage over Panama. As the primary user of the canal and Panamas largest provider of foreign direct investment$3.8 billion annuallythe United States can influence Panamanian decision making. Conversely, the United States and its partners present few viable alternatives to Chinese investment in the region, a reality unlikely to change in the short term. Will Panama prioritize alignment with US interests to safeguard this support, or will it risk economic repercussions by favoring China and leveraging its control over this vital trade route? Alternatively, could US economic retaliation, Panamas reaction, and Chinese competition escalate tensions to the point that interventions are warranted under the treaty? Transit fees, which are calculated using a universally applicable formula, have surged in recent years. In part, these fee increases are a response to droughts in 2023 and early 2024, which restricted the number of ships that could transit the canal. Authorities raised fees to counteract revenue loss from the transit restrictions. Nonetheless, if costs continue to rise, and if China continues to expand its presence around the canal, then there may be louder calls to resurrect the Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine. This corollary asserts the United States right to intervene in the region to ensure stability and prevent foreign interference.

It makes total sense to get China out of the canal. I am not comfortable with the fact that something as vital as maritime commerce should be in the hands of an adversary of the U.S. It's as simple as that.

As I recall, we were promised back in 1979 that the canal would be neutral of international interference. Of course, it was the USSR that we were worried about back then. We took out a communist government in Grenada in 1983 because we didn't want MIGs that close to the canal. My point is that keeping the canal in neutral hands and away from adversaries was a condition of giving it to Panama.

China is not our friend, so lets get real about containing its expansion. Im glad that President is up to speed on this.

P.S. Check out my blog for posts, podcasts and videos.

Image: Pexels/ Michael D. Camphin
Minnesota. Land of a thousand lakes. Land of tampon dispensers in boys bathrooms. Land of a suddenlyand thankfully--invisible Tim Walz. Land of hating police and siccing the DOJ on them. Land of a violent, drug-addicted, felonious martyr. Land of Democrats/socialists/communist (D/s/cs) ignoring state and federal constitutions and making it up as they go. And now, land facing a constitutional crisis, as John Hinderaker at Powerline reports:

Minnesota is a purple state, balanced on a knifes edge, as the 2024 election showed. There are 134 Minnesota House districts, and when the returns were in, it looked like Republicans had gained enough seats so that the House would be tied, 67-67. But then it came to light that one of the Democrats candidates had cheated: in House District 40B, Democrat Curtis Johnson falsely claimed to reside in the district, a constitutional requirement.

D/s/c hold super majorities in Minnesotas House and Senate, and they have Tim Walz. Not only was Johnson caught, amazingly, a D/s/c infested and controlled state judiciary uncharacteristically upheld the law and barred Johnson from taking office, setting up a special election for a future time unknown.

So currently there are 133 elected representatives holding election certificates: 67 Republicans and 66 Democrats. Republicans hold a majority, brought about by the fact that Democrats cheated and got caught.

The legislature is due to convene on Tuesday, January 14 and D/s/cs plan to boycott, so horrified are they over Republican control of the House. Theyre not going to show up, because they think that will deny a quorum, effectively shutting down the legislature until they can figure out some way to regain the majority. Their problemamong manyis Article IV, Section 13 of the state Constitution:

Quorum. A majority of each house constitutes a quorum to transact business, but a smaller number may adjourn from day to day and compel the attendance of absent members in the manner and under the penalties it may provide.

Clearly, a majority of each house means bodies, not districts, so 67 republicans constitute a majority, which under the Minnesota Constitution is a quorum. Not only does the text of the Constitution support this commonsense interpretation, so does its drafting history:

During Minnesotas Constitutional Convention, the question of what constitutes a quorum came up. The consensus was that the language, as now contained in Article IV, was clear:

Mr. Morgan: I conceive that the word majority means a majority of the members sworn in.  There can be no other meaning attached to it, for we frequently find ourselves without a quorum, which is, less than a majority of the members sworn in. Based on that consensus, an amendment to the existing language was voted down.

Minnesotas Republican legislators have been given a rare opportunity to change the face of Minnesota politics:

Minnesota law provides that legislators may be recalled from office for misfeasance, malfeasance or nonfeasance. For a member of the legislature, deliberately not showing up for work is the ultimate nonfeasance, and trying to interfere with the ability of other legislators to do their jobs is malfeasance. Republicans are ready to file recall petitions against any Democrats who follow through on their threat to try to paralyze the legislature.

And in the meantime:

UPDATE: The Democrats are continuing to cheat, with an illegal swearing in ceremony on a Sunday afternoon before a retired Democratic Party judge:

Graphic: X Screenshot

When you violate a law in secret and subsequently proclaim that there is nothing to see here, you probably know youre doing something wrong. That proposition bears on the illegal swearing-in ceremony conducted by the Democrats yesterday afternoon at the Minnesota History Center by senior judge Kevin Burke (pictured in the thumbnail on the home page).

Graphic: X Screenshot

This is a blatant attempt to gaslight Minnesotans into thinking Republicans must power share with the D/s/c minority in the House. State Rep. Walter Hudson responded on X:

Graphic: X Screenshot

Thus do Minnesotans experience, on a smaller scale, the desperation of National D/s/cs to hold onto power at any cost. Ignoring the law and state Constitution come as easily to Minnesota D/s/cs as it does to their national cousins. Minnesotans will likely be spared the spectacle of assassination attempts as the impracticality of killing multiple Republicans should be obvious even to power-mad Minnesotans.

Hinderaker suggests these political ploys might finally convince Minnesotans D/s/cs are unworthy of their votes. Im not so sure. As Scott Johnson observed in his update: the Star Tribune is the house organ of the DFL The Stribs sole article to date on these events is, as Johnson put it, utterly unilluminating, and the Minneapolis/St. Paul area is the tail that wags the Minnesota political dog. Changing enough votes there is essential to changing the political landscape, and D/s/cs tend to be unable and unwilling to admit error.

Still, thanks to Powerline and House Republicans, they have that opportunity. Who knows? Minnesota judges might even continue to uphold the law.

On a different subject, if you are not already a subscriber, you may not know that weve implemented something new: A weekly newsletter with unique content from our editors for subscribers only. These essays alone are worth the cost of the subscription.

Mike McDaniel is a USAF veteran, classically trained musician, Japanese and European fencer, life-long athlete, firearm instructor, retired police officer and high school and college English teacher. He is a published author and blogger. His home blog is Stately McDaniel Manor.
It all started with a Snapchat post: get blasted. In this context, the phrase referred to being criticized or held accountable on social media. There was no mention of violence, no reference to firearms, and absolutely no threat of harm. Yet somehow, this innocuous post triggered a classmate at Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) in South Carolina to report it as a potential threat. What followed was a stunning display of administrative overreach and a glaring ignorance of the Bill of Rights  one that a federal judge has since stepped in to address.

The Colleges Overreaction

Initially, administrators at HGTC  located in the heart of South Carolinas Grand Strand  investigated the Snapchat post and judged it non-threatening after Leigha Lemoine, the student at the center of the controversy, explained its meaning. That should have been the end of it. But instead of moving on, HGTC decided to dig deep into Lemoines social media history. They unearthed an Instagram video showing her firing a handgun in a private, legal setting. The kicker? The video was over a year old and predated her enrollment at the college.

With no direct connection between the video and her role as a student, HGTC still cited it  along with the Snapchat post  as evidence of a safety concern. The college suspended Lemoine until summer 2025, banned her from campus, and claimed that her actions disrupted the educational environment.

A Court Steps In

Thankfully, reason  and the Constitution  prevailed. A federal judge recently issued a preliminary injunction in Lemoines favor, ordering HGTC to reinstate her in the cosmetology program and lift the no-trespass order against her. In doing so, the court delivered a decisive blow to HGTCs overreach. Or, to borrow the phrase at the heart of this case, HGTC got blasted.

The judges decision was clear: Lemoines speech is likely protected under the First Amendment, and her actions, including her lawful enjoyment of her Second Amendment rights, did not constitute a true threat. The colleges actions, in contrast, appeared to lack any constitutional justification, making their overreach not just misguided, but unlawful.

A Culture of Fear and Overreach

HGTCs conduct reflects a troubling trend in higher education: a culture of fear and overreach, where administrators prioritize appearances over principles.

Instead of treating the first report with the skepticism it deserved, the college administrators embarked on a fishing expedition, scouring Lemoines social media for anything they could use against her. What did they find? A lawful, constitutionally protected activity  firing a gun in a private setting. There were no threats, no ominous captions, and no connection to her college activities.

Yet HGTC pressed forward, using unrelated and innocuous incidents to justify an egregious punishment. Their argument for suspension was as flimsy as a wilted dandelion in a Category 5 storm.

The Court Got It Right

The federal courts intervention should serve as a wake-up call to HGTC and other institutions that engage in similar overreach. The First Amendment protects free speech  even speech that others might find uncomfortable or inconvenient. Lemoines Snapchat post and Instagram video may have sparked discomfort among some, but discomfort is not a constitutional justification for punishing lawful behavior.

Judge Dawsons ruling is not just a win for Lemoine; its a victory for every student who values his constitutional rights. Its a reminder to colleges across the nation that their role is to educate, not to police lawful expression or impose arbitrary punishments under the guise of safety.

Moving Forward

HGTCs actions werent just unconstitutional  they were an affront to common sense. By conflating lawful behavior with safety risks, the college undermined its credibility and inflicted unnecessary distress on a student who did nothing wrong.

The court was right to step in and restore Lemoines rights. But this case shouldnt have needed a lawsuit to reach a just conclusion. Institutions like HGTC must do better. Perhaps a crash course in Americas constitutionally protected liberties would serve its administrators well  before they, along with the good taxpayers of the Palmetto State, find themselves blasted once again.

Clearly, it isnt the students who need a lesson in responsibility. Its the administrators.

Charlton Allen is an attorney and former chief executive officer and chief judicial officer of the North Carolina Industrial Commission. He is the founder and editor of The American Salient and the host of the Modern Federalist podcast.

Image via Pxhere.
Last week, Meta was embroiled in controversy over internal changes enacted by its CEO. The company severely altered its social media moderation policies, including the handling of anti-LGBTQ speech. Now, Mark Zuckerberg went on the Joe Rogan podcast, where he defended Metas new policies and gave his views on other topics in a three-hour interview.

Zuckerbergs three-hour interview with Joe Rogan addresses changes in Metas moderation policies

One of the biggest recent changes to Metas social media is the removal of independent fact-checkers. These were organizations that determined whether a piece of information was reliable or misinformation according to their parameters. The company will replace them with a system similar to the Community Notes instituted by the Musk administration at X. This tech relies on votes from the community with different lines of thought to make corrections or add additional context to a post. Zuckerberg had previously said that fact-checkers could be politically biased.

Another important change is the increase in the thresholds of automated content filters. This means that moderation bots will now be more permissive. This will reduce the instances of good posts being wrongly penalized. Zuckerberg believes the current threshold was too strict.

Metas CEO wants his social platforms to offer true free expression. The whole point of social media is basically giving people the ability to share what they want. It goes back to our original mission to give people the power to share and make the world more open and connected, he said.

Metas changes come a week before Donald Trump is sworn in as the new president-elect of the United States. However, although the timing may suggest it, the CEO of the firm claims that it has nothing to do with the decision. As for Trump, Zuckerberg sees his upcoming presidential term with optimism. He says Trump just wants America to win. The new administration could be more proactive in defending American companies against the regulatory fury of the EU.

Zuckerberg denounces pressure to apply ideological censorship

Previously, Zuckerberg revealed that previous administrations pressured him to censor certain conservative-leaning speech on his social platforms. We just got to this point where there were things you just couldnt say [on our platforms] which were mainstream discourse, he said.

Zuckerberg mentions two specific moments when this happened: in the 2016 presidential election and during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. He acknowledges that Meta censored truthful information solely because it did not align with certain dominant discourses. For instance, Metas social platforms eliminated content about COVID vaccine side effects, labeling it as misinformation, despite the fact that it frequently contained accurate data.

The companys new policies and the adoption of Community Notes aim to prevent similar situations. The system aligns more with Mark Zuckerbergs current way of seeing things. If content needs a note, it is not removed but remains available with a correctionsupported by sources and confirmation from the community.

Zuckerbergs view on the current American social situation

Zuckerbergs three-hour interview with Joe Rogan touched on topics beyond Meta. The CEO of the firm also shared his point of view on the current political-social situation in the United States. He says that people now trust official discourse much less. This has led to the growth of alternative platforms, such as Rogans podcast.

Zuckerberg also referred to the fact that current American society is losing the role of masculinity, which he considers necessary. He mostly talks about corporations whose policies make America emasculated and neutered. Another thing that the CEO of Meta regrets is having given in too much to the media in the last decade.

How permissive will moderation be on Metas social platforms now?

Going back to the subject of Metas new moderation rules, Zuckerberg gives an example of how they will act now. Pete Hegseth, Trumps nominee for Secretary of Defense, advocates the idea that women should not serve in combat roles. The new Meta will not penalize anyone for expressing that idea, while the old one would have.

Last week, UFC boss Dana White was elected to Metas board with Zuckerbergs support. Analysts saw it as another move to curry favor with the upcoming Trump administration. However, Metas CEO revealed the real reason for the decision. We have a lot of governments and folks around the world putting a lot of pressure on our company and we need some strong people who are going to advise us on how to handle these situations, said Zuckerberg.

You can watch the full interview below.
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Texas oil tycoons Tim Dunn, left, and Farris Wilks, right, have financed conservative candidates for years. ""Dunn photo: Tim Fischer / Midland Reporter-Telegram; Wilks photo: Ronald W. Erdrich / Abilene Repo Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, left, and Gov. Greg Abbott, right, talk during a swearing in ceremony on the first day of the 88th Texas Legislative Session in Austin, Texas, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023. Eric Gay/Associated Press Texas House members with family and guests crowd the House Chamber at the Texas Capitol for the opening of the 88th Texas Legislative Session in Austin, Texas, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023. Eric Gay/Associated Press Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick presides in the Senate on the first day of the first special session at the Capitol in Austin, Texas, Tuesday, May 30, 2023. Jay Janner/Associated Press

The public gallery overlooking the Texas House of Representatives is nicknamed the owners box, because thats where major campaign donors and their lobbyists sit when overseeing lawmakers doing their bidding.

Typically, at least once per legislative session, an impassioned author of an endangered bill will urge representatives not to look up at the owners box for cues on how to vote. Instead, they argue, elected officials should vote their district.

Independent thinking is getting harder in the Texas Legislature. Texas House members voted Tuesday on whether to take another step toward becoming a rubber stamp for priorities set by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and his billionaire donors.

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Students of Texas government learn early that the lieutenant governor is the states most powerful politician. He decides who will chair senate committees and what bills have the possibility of becoming law. By comparison, the governors power is limited to vetoing bills and limited political appointments.

Patrick rules with an iron hand, refusing to allow a bill to pass unless a majority of Republicans support it. Even if a bill authored by a Democrat has enough Republican support to pass, Patrick will not allow a vote unless most GOP senators sign off on it.

The lieutenant governor cannot introduce a bill or have a vote. Over the last few election cycles, though, Patrick has rewarded those doing his bidding with powerful committee chairmanships. He has financed insurgent candidates in Republican primaries to drive out those who do not obey him.

Patricks power does not come from his political skills but from his campaign war chest. West Texas oil billionaires Tim Dunn, Farris Wilks and others with a Christian nationalist agenda give Patrick enough money that he doesnt have to worry about making anyone else happy.

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Last session, Republican senators consistently voted as a block to push forward Patricks priorities. When Patrick and Abbott disagree on an issueand they often dosenators side with the lieutenant governor. The post has never been more powerful.

This session, Patrick wants the House to play by his rules, which is why he asked Republican House members to elect Rep. David Cook of Mansfield to become the next Texas Speaker. Cook is a relatively inexperienced lawmaker but has pledged loyalty to the lieutenant governor and his financial backers.

The speaker is the third most powerful elected official in Texas because they appoint powerful committee chairs and the House Calendars Committee, which decides whether a bill gets a vote.

A Patrick acolyte holding the speakers gavel would give the lieutenant governor unprecedented power. Past speakers have foiled Patricks more extreme policies. Traditionally, speakers allow House members to vote in the best interest of their districts.

Former Speaker Joe Straus of San Antonio refused to force a vote on legislation vilifying LGBTQ youth. Dade Phelan of Beaumont failed to bring up a controversial school voucher bill when rural Republicans opposed it.

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Patrick used his enormous campaign chest to ensure both men lost the speakers gavel. The problem was never their indisputable conservatism but their independence. Patrick wants the next speaker and Republican House members in lockstep.

Patrick, Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton mounted unprecedented campaigns to defeat incumbent Republicans who refused to toe the line in the 2023 session.

Megadonors focused on boosting private schools and legislation steeped in Christian fundamentalism gave statewide officials more than $20 million to cleanse dissidents from the party. TikTok investor Jeff Yass gave Abbott $10 million and Patrick $750,000. Oil billionaires Tim Dunn and Farris Wilks and their political action committees gave Patrick more than $3 million, and Paxton $445,000.

Patrick, Abbott and Paxton forced two dozen Republicans out of the House and replaced them with handpicked candidates. Phelan won reelection but was so politically weakened he gave up the speakers gavel.

Factionalism is expected when a political party has held power for so long. But whats new is that a handful of billionaires are giving statewide officials so much money they dont have to look elsewhere for support. They have so much cash to influence local elections that Abbott, Patrick and Paxton can demand fealty.

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Texas Republican Party Chairman Abraham George, backed by the same men, is already discussing censuring or challenging Republican House members who dont fall in line.
The Motorola Razr 60 Ultra just took one step closer to its launch. The phone was certified by the BIS authority in India. It appeared under the XT2551 model number.

The Motorola Razr 60 Ultra moves closer to launch thanks to a certification

This certification, as per usual, does not reveal much. Well, nothing except the model number, really. As a reminder, the Motorola Razr 50 Ultra appeared with the XT2451 model number, that is how we know this is its successor.

The Motorola Razr 60 Ultra is allegedly codenamed Orion, and its expected to arrive mid-year. The Motorola Razr 50 Ultra dropped towards the end of June last year. So were expecting a similar launch timeframe for this model too.

Its design and specs are a mystery at this point

This phone is a complete mystery at this point, though. Its design did not leak, and the same goes for its specifications. Nothing has been rumored thus far either, it has been complete silence until now.

We are not expecting its design to change much compared to the Motorola Razr 50 Ultra, but who knows? Considering that no information leaked, we can only guess, really.

The Snapdragon 8s Elite will likely fuel the device

Current-gen model is fueled by the Snapdragon 8s Gen 3 chip. The new device could end up utilizing the rumored Snapdragon 8s Elite, unless Motorola jumps straight to the Snapdragon 8 Elite, which is not likely.

The phone will be water resistant, based on its predecessor, while Android 15 will come pre-installed. A large cover display is expected, as its predecessor has one too.

It remains to be seen if Motorola plans to improve the wireless charging speed on the device. Its predecessor supports 15W wireless charging, so it would be nice to an improvement in that area.

Do note that this smartphone will be called the Motorola Razr+ (2025) in the US. It will be the same device but have a different name in the States.
Artificial intelligence is already the present and future of the tech industry. Big companies have decided that implementing AI is the best way to advance more quickly. The US has always been one of the top names in this field, but Chinas fast progress could leave it behind if something isnt done soon. To avoid this, OpenAI urged the US government to promote funding for American AI projects, along with other measures.

More and more voices from the United States are asking the government for greater support for the local AI industry. Last week, Brad Smith, Microsofts vice chairman and president, warned about the pace of growth in the Chinese industry in terms of AI developments thanks to heavy government funding. This time, OpenAI, which is probably the most well-known AI company in the world, takes the same stance.

OpenAI wants more support and funding for the US AI industry to stay ahead of China

OpenAI shared a document called Economic Blueprint where it shows its vision for the development of artificial intelligence in the United States. The document mentions the need for state support to stay ahead of China. The company says the U.S. administration must act on certain key areas. Chips, data and energy are the keys to winning A.I reads the 15-page document.

In addition to government support, OpenAI urges the U.S. officials to attract foreign investment to local AI developments. Theres an estimated $175 billion sitting in global funds awaiting investment in AI projects, and if the U.S. doesnt attract those funds, they will flow to China-backed projects strengthening the Chinese Communist Partys global influence, the company says.

OpenAI also proposes regulations to prevent key U.S. AI developments from leaking out of the country. The document says adversaries must be prevented from gaining access to certain AI-based technologiesincluding modelsso they cannot misuse them. OpenAI will provide more details on its proposals at an event in Washington D.C. later this month.

OpenAI wants closer ties with the Trump administration

OpenAI is one of the firms that has been trying to forge ties with the incoming Trump administration. The new president-elect will take office in less than a week. David Sacks, a former PayPal executive, will lead the AI and cryptocurrencies segments in Trumps cabinet. The industry hopes that the new administration will be friendlier to them and more proactive in defending local firms against external regulations, such as those from the EU. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, personally donated $1 million to Trumps inauguration fund.
For a couple of years, sales in the smartphone market have been in decline. Factors such as the effects of COVID and shortages of key semiconductor materials severely impacted the industry. Now, after some hard times, 2024 marked the start of the smartphone markets recovery.

The downward trend of the smartphone market was more evident than ever in 2023. That year, we saw the lowest smartphone sales in the last decade. Manufacturers were moving in this situation as best they could, applying different strategies. Samsung and Google saw the implementation of artificial intelligence in their mobile devices as a potential way to make them more attractive. Now, it seems that the movement has paid off for both especially for Samsung.

2024 brought the first growth of the smartphone market in two years

During Q3 2024, Pixel 9 devices achieved the highest-ever quarterly sales in the history of the series. However, Google still has a lot of work ahead of it to establish its mobile devices in the global top 10. Meanwhile, Samsung managed to maintain its position as the leading smartphone brand in the world with a 19% market share. Apple keeps second place, boasting an 18% global market share.

According to a Counterpoint Research report, 2024 saw 4% growth in global smartphone sales. Xiaomi seems to have been the brand that has best navigated the turbulent waters of recent years. In 2024, the Chinese giant increased its global market share by 1% compared to 2023. It might not seem like much, but in the middle of the situation, it was a big milestone. In fact, Samsung and Apple each lost 1% of their global market share last year. Still, both maintained a fairly stable financial performance.

Xiaomis strategy has paid off

Its noteworthy that Xiaomi phones still have no presence in the United States. This makes its global position in the tech industry even more impressive. The companys strategy included restructuring its product portfolio, a bigger focus on the premium segment, and aggressive expansion into more countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa.

The report also highlights the good commercial performance of Samsungs Galaxy S24 and Galaxy A series. On the other hand, the iPhone 16 series has had a reception below expectations. Apparently, the Apple Intelligence suite is not proving to be the differentiating factor that the Cupertino giant expected.
Mark Eydelshteyn and Mikey Madison, right, in a scene from "Anora." Neon/Associated Press

"Anora," Sean Baker's raucous dramedy about a Brooklyn sex worker who falls for the scion of a Russian mobster, is the best film of the year, said the Houston Film Critics Society in a Tuesday morning release.

In fact, "Anora" picked up three awards overall, including best actress (Mikey Madison) and screenplay (Baker). It was followed by four films that won two honors each. They are: "The Brutalist" which won for director (Brady Corbet) and cinematography (Lol Crawley); "Conclave," which was chosen for ensemble cast and actor (Ralph Fiennes); "Emilia Perez" which received nods for supporting actress (Zoe Saldana) and foreign-language film; and "The Wild Robot" which won for animated feature and song ("Kiss the Sky").

The rest of the categories were divided among a variety of movies including "A Real Pain" (supporting actor, Kieran Culkin), "The Fall Guy" (stunt coordination team), "Challengers" (original score, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross) and visual effects ("Dune: Part Two").

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The Texas Independent Film Award (TIFA) went to Mike McGuff's "Runaway Radio," a documentary about Houston rock radio station KLOL.

The 38 member of the Houston Film Critics Society are working film journalists in online, print, TV and radio in Houston, San Antonio and southeast Texas. For more information, go to houstonfilmcritics.com

Here's the complete list of winners:

Picture: Anora

Director: Brady Corbet, The Brutalist

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Actor  Leading Role: Ralph Fiennes, Conclave

Actress  Leading Role: Mikey Madison, Anora

Actor  Supporting Role: Kieran Culkin, A Real Pain

Actress  Supporting Role: Zoe Saldana, Emilia Perez

Screenplay: Sean Baker, Anora

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Animated Feature: The Wild Robot

Cinematography: Lol Crawley, The Brutalist

Documentary Feature: Will & Harper

Foreign Language Feature: Emilia Perez

Original Score: Challengers, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross

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Original Song: The Wild Robot, "Kiss the Sky"

Visual Effects: Dune: Part Two

Stunt Coordination Team: The Fall Guy

Ensemble Cast: Conclave

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Nearly 400 migrants have arrived in the UK so far this year after the busiest day for Channel crossings since the start of 2025.

Home Office figures show 260 people made the journey in five boats on Monday  the third day of crossings in January.

Pictures showed men and women wearing blankets and life jackets being brought ashore from a Border Force boat in Dover, Kent, amid good weather conditions at sea.

The latest arrivals take the provisional total for the year to date to 388.

Home Office figures show 260 migrants arrived in the UK on Monday after crossing the Channel (Gareth Fuller/PA)

It comes just days after the Government confirmed the first death of the year of a migrant trying to reach the UK from the French coast.

The French coastguard said 35 people were rescued in the Channel overnight on Friday. According to media reports, a Syrian man was crushed by other people on a leaky dinghy.

Last year no crossings took place until January 13 when 124 people made the journey.

Separate figures published on Tuesday by the EU border agency Frontex show there were 67,552 detections of attempted Channel crossings to the UK last year, up 9% on 2023.

This number includes migrants who did not reach the English coast, having been intercepted soon after departure or turned back mid-journey by French authorities.

The most common nationalities of migrants attempting to reach the UK across the Channel were Afghan, Syrian and Vietnamese, according to the data.

Frontex also reported that irregular border crossings into the EU fell 38% in 2024 compared with 2023.

This was driven by a 59% year-on-year drop in arrivals across the central Mediterranean, due to fewer departures from Tunisia and Libya, plus a 78% decline on the western Balkans route thanks to a crackdown by local countries.

Migrants entering the EU via the eastern Mediterranean rose 14%, predominantly from Syria, Afghanistan and Egypt, Frontex said.
The UKs competition regulator has launched its first investigation under new digital markets rules to examine the position of Googles search services in the sector.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said its investigation would look to establish whether Googles search and search advertising services should be designated with strategic market status (SMS).

If so, new digital markets competition rules which came into effect at the start of the year as part of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (DMCCA) would require the tech giant to follow certain conduct requirements or pro-competition interventions imposed by the CMA.

The investigation will also look at whether any conduct requirements may need to be imposed.

Last year, the CMA closed existing competition investigations into Google and Apple ahead of these new laws coming into effect, but previously said it expected to open three of four investigations under the new regime in 2025.

Sarah Cardell, the CMAs chief executive, said: Millions of people and businesses across the UK rely on Googles search and advertising services  with 90% of searches happening on their platform and more than 200,000 UK businesses advertising there.

Thats why its so important to ensure these services are delivering good outcomes for people and businesses and that there is a level playing field, especially as AI has the potential to transform search services.

Its our job to ensure people get the full benefit of choice and innovation in search services and get a fair deal  for example in how their data is collected and stored.

And for businesses, whether you are a rival search engine, an advertiser or a news organisation, we want to ensure there is a level playing field for all businesses, large and small, to succeed.

The CMA said its investigation must be completed within nine months, and would take feedback from stakeholders, as well as evidence from Google, before reaching a decision by October this year.

A Google spokesperson said: People across the UK trust Google Search to help them find what they need.

Google Search supports millions of UK businesses to grow by reaching customers in innovative ways.

The CMAs announcement today recognises that: Search is vital for economic growth.

We will continue to engage constructively with the CMA to ensure that new rules benefit all types of websites, and still allow people in the UK to benefit from helpful and cutting-edge services.
Ministers have been urged to delay decisions on giving up control of the Chagos Islands until after Donald Trumps inauguration.

The UK and Mauritius said they have made good progress on a revised agreement, with Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam claiming the UK wants it finalised before Mr Trump is sworn in as president on January 20.

But Conservative MPs urged caution from the Government and suggested ministers hold off for at least week given hostility to the proposed arrangement from Mr Trumps allies.

The exchanges in the House of Commons came as preparations for Mr Trumps presidency were discussed at Cabinet on Tuesday.

Sir Keir Starmer is not expected to attend the inauguration but the Prime Minister and Mr Trump have discussed meeting at the earliest opportunity  with speculation a visit to Washington could come within weeks of the Republicans arrival in the White House.

The UK struck a deal with Mr Ramgoolams predecessor to cede sovereignty over the Chagos Islands  also known as the British Indian Ocean Territory  but lease back the strategically important UK-US military base on Diego Garcia for at least 99 years.

But the proposed agreement, which includes the UK paying an annual sum of money, was struck before elections in both Mauritius and the United States and has run into trouble since the results of those contests.

Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel asked in the Commons: Can the Foreign Secretary explain why hes surrendering the Chagos Islands and frontloading payments to the government of Mauritius to lease the base at Diego Garcia at a cost of 9 billion to UK taxpayers?

And if this is such a good deal, whys he so secretive about it?

Foreign Secretary David Lammy replied: I know that the shadow foreign secretary is new to the job but I just remind her that it was her government that did 10 rounds of negotiation on this issue, we picked it up, and remind her that the White House, State Department and the Pentagon believe that this is a good deal  as does the Indian government.

Shadow Foreign Office minister Andrew Rosindell earlier asked: Will he commit to this House to wait until after President Trump is in office and after he has had time to discuss this deal with the new administration before finalising any agreement with Mauritius  yes or no?

Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty, in his reply, said: Our deal secures the future security of the base on Diego Garcia. It has support across the US administration and indeed across the United States national security apparatus.

Conservative former minister Sir Edward Leigh said: Leaving aside whether its wise to spend 9 billion on giving away whats already yours, as the Trump administration is less than a week away, would it not be wise to wait another week, pause these negotiations, have a quiet word with the incoming secretary of state in America and then work out what is in our interests and the interests of our closest ally?

Elsewhere in Foreign Office questions, Mr Doughty refused to speculate on any policy decisions which Mr Trumps administration in Washington may make around the status of Greenland and Canada.

Mr Trump has made clear that he would want Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, under US control and also floated the idea of having Canada join the US.

Mr Doughty said: Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and the future of their constitutional arrangements is a matter for the people and government of Greenland and indeed the Kingdom of Denmark. It would be wrong to speculate on any policy decisions the incoming administration of President-elect Trump may make.

Outside the chamber, a Downing Street spokesman said the Prime Minister used the latest Cabinet meeting to speak of his determination to pursue a partnership with the US for the 21st century, which would protect security, advance our economic growth and leverage the opportunity of new technologies.

Mr Lammy, Defence Secretary John Healey and Chancellor Rachel Reeves also spoke about the huge opportunities to deepen the US-UK relationship.

Lord Mandelson, who is set to become the UKs ambassador in Washington, was spotted visiting No 10 shortly after the Cabinet meeting.
Jack Draper expects a hostile crowd to bring the best out of him at the Australian Open.

The British number one will face home favourite Thanasi Kokkinakis in the second round at Melbourne Park on Wednesday, with the match scheduled in the night session on John Cain Arena.

Draper scraped through his first-round match against Argentinas Mariano Navone in five sets, with the rust showing after disrupted preparations because of a hip injury that left him struggling to walk.

Thats definitely going to bring the best out of me, he said to the PA news agency ahead of the Kokkinakis clash.

I think its going to be a really good atmosphere. Whether the crowds with me or against me, I remember what it was like playing Futures (tournaments) with no one watching. Thats what I play for, to play in front of a lot of people and entertain.

Kokkinakis played one of the most memorable Australian Open matches of recent years against Andy Murray two years ago, with the Scot somehow clawing his way back from two sets down before winning a near six-hour contest at 4.05am.

Draper has also had close contests against the 28-year-old, although never previously in Australia, but he will not be seeking his countrymans advice, with Murray concentrating on his new job coaching Novak Djokovic.

I think Andys too focused on Novak but I did watch that match, said Draper. I know Thanasi is going to give it his all here in Melbourne. He always brings out great tennis so its going to be a really tough match.

We always have a battle so Im fully prepared and ready for that. Im going to have to improve my performance and I think thats a great chance to do it.

Question marks also surround the physical condition of Kokkinakis, who withdrew from his home tournament in Adelaide last week and then picked up a leg problem in his first-round match here.

While Murray appears to be off limits, Draper could have a chat with his old friend Jacob Fearnley, who handled one of the most challenging assignments at Melbourne Park with aplomb on his debut by beating Nick Kyrgios.

Australian fans cheer on Nick Kyrgios against Jacob Fearnley (Ng Han Guan/AP)

Draper revealed that, in hot-headed moments at junior tournaments, his parents would ask him why he could not behave more like the calm Fearnley.

Thats really cool, said the Scot. I wasnt really aware that that was a thing. We had a really good relationship growing up.

Draper turned professional as a teenager while Fearnley chose to go to college in the United States, but he has wasted no time making his mark since leaving Texas last spring and can break new ground when he takes on unseeded Frenchman Arthur Cazaux on Wednesday.

Draper and Fearnley were two of four British players to win on Monday, with Jodie Burrage and Harriet Dart also making it through.

Dart only found out she had been given a place in the draw as a lucky loser a couple of hours before her match against Jana Fett, which she finally won after more than three hours despite cramping and a calf problem.

The 28-year-old will hope to have recovered in time for a clash with 18th seed Donna Vekic.

Burrage has been given central billing in the night session on Rod Laver Arena for her match against third seed Coco Gauff.

Burrage was emotional at the end of her first-round win over Leolia Jeanjean on Monday having considered retirement late last season as she battled to work her way back after wrist and ankle injuries.

The 25-year-old already has experience of some of the sports biggest stages having lost heavily to Daria Kasatkina on Centre Court at Wimbledon in 2023 before a 6-3 6-2 defeat against Aryna Sabalenka at the US Open.

What an opportunity, said Burrage. Ill go out and Ill take it to her and see if I can do some damage.

I got killed on Centre. When I played Sabalenka, I played so much better because of what happened on Centre Court against Kasatkina.

Last year I didnt think Id be playing these kinds of matches again. So Im just going to relish the moment and see what happens.
Katie Boulter survived an intense encounter with Canadas Rebecca Marino to help set a new British record at the Australian Open.

For the first time, six British players have won first-round matches but Boulter had to work extremely hard to join Jack Draper, Emma Raducanu, Jodie Burrage, Harriet Dart and Jacob Fearnley in round two.

The 22nd seed was on the ropes early in the third set against her 98th-ranked opponent but, with fiancee Alex De Minaur heading from his own victory on Rod Laver Arena to cheer her on, Boulter dug out a 6-4 3-6 7-5 win.

That was way too stressful for me, said Boulter, who began her season in great form at the United Cup and headed to Melbourne Park with expectations high.

I would have preferred a much easier match. She came out firing today. That was massively mental for me. Ive been playing great tennis on the practice court and I really wanted to put that on the match court but sometimes when you try to force it it doesnt work and I found that out tonight.

Im just happy I found a way and sometimes thats what these first-round matches are about.

Marino lost to Raducanu at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in November but looked dangerous in the second set once she got her powerful serve and groundstrokes going.

Katie Boulter plays a low backhand (Vincent Thian/AP)

The 34-year-old was much more settled early on here while Boulter made a nervous start, back-to-back double faults handing over an early break, although that was swiftly retrieved.

The British number one then broke again to lead 4-3 and all appeared reasonably comfortable when she converted her third set point.

But Marino hit a purple patch to begin the second set, breaking the Boulter serve in the second game, and the British number ones frustration grew.

She usually maintains a positive demeanour but here she was smacking her racket against her hand and she could find no way to apply any real pressure to the Marino serve.

At the start of the deciding set the pressure was all on Boulter and she did well to save a break point in the opening game and then two more at 2-2.

After one point of the next game, De Minaur, who had been watching the contest from an exercise bike while he warmed down, sprinted down the steps to join his partners team.

Boulter needed all the support she could get and there was disbelief on her face at some of the shots Marino was making.

But she finally found some traction on return with the Canadian serving at 5-6 and took her second match point when Marino netted.
Kemi Badenoch has blamed peasants from sub-communities in foreign countries for the grooming gangs crisis.

The Conservative also told GB News hearing victims accounts were quite shocking as she reaffirmed calls for a national inquiry into the scandal.

Mrs Badenoch said cultural issues surrounding the problem also needed to be examined.

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch (House of Commons/UK Parliament/PA)

One is on the perpetrators side: where do these abusers come from? Theres a lot of misinformation, theres a lot of generalisation and many innocent people will end up being grouped in with them, she said.

But there is a systematic pattern of behaviour, not even just from one country, but from sub-communities within those countries.

People with a particular background, work background. People with a very poor background, a sort of peasant background, very, very rural, almost cut off from even the home origin countries that they might have been in.

Asked about the Tory leaders comments, Downing Street said it was not language Sir Keir Starmer would use.

The Prime Ministers official spokesman said: Its not language hes used, or indeed, Id envisage him using.

Mrs Badenoch has repeatedly clashed with Prime Minister Sir Keir over calls for a national inquiry.

The Governments line is crumbling. Even Labour Mayor, Andy Burnham knows there has to be a public inquiry into the rape gangs. It can be an inquiry that gets answers quickly It can draw on existing work and it can also COMPEL witnesses to attend and give evidence UNDER  Kemi Badenoch (@KemiBadenoch) January 10, 2025

The Government has previously knocked back calls for a national review in favour of locally-led inquiries, saying it is focused on implementing recommendations from Professor Alexis Jays 2022 report on the issue.

The issue gained international attention after tech billionaire Elon Musk posted a slew of attacks aimed at the Prime Minister over the issue at the start of the year.

Mrs Badenoch said a national inquiry would shine a light on the truth and hold people to account.

This is about those victims who deserve justice, she said.

The survivors who deserve justice by making sure that every single perpetrator we can find is caught and brought to justice, and those who failed in their duty to protect their children are held to account and exposed.

Mrs Badenochs comments came amid calls from Labour MP for Rotherham calling for a national inquiry into grooming gangs.

My plan to tackle child abuse in the UK, including a national inquiry. pic.twitter.com/M875IviQ3A  Sarah Champion (@SarahChampionMP) January 13, 2025

Sarah Champion called for a nationwide inquiry that would be led locally and probe the failings of authorities over grooming gangs.

She proposed a national Telford-style inquiry rolled out by the Home Office to areas that trigger the threshold for greater scrutiny.

The findings would then be fed back to the Home Office for a national response.

Child sexual abuse is endemic in the UK and needs to be recognised as a national priority, she said.

It is clear that the public distrusts governments and authorities when it comes to preventing and prosecuting child abuse, especially child sexual exploitation.

The Prime Minister is coming under increasing pressure to launch an inquiry (Henry Nicholls/PA)

She set out a five-point plan of recommendations including a national inquiry and a national audit to see if grooming gangs are still operating or cases have been missed.

Local inquiries lack the power to compel witnesses and would fail to satisfy the publics concern about cover-ups, she said.

Triggers for such inquiries in local areas could be local councils or police referring themselves or an independent panel raising concerns.

Victim or survivor reports could also trigger an inquiry under the model, Ms Champion said.

Dan Carden, who represents Liverpool Walton, became the first Labour MP to back calls for a national inquiry at the weekend.
Tulip Siddiq has become the third high-profile figure to leave Sir Keir Starmers Labour Government since the partys election victory in July last year.

Her resignation as Treasury minister on Tuesday came after the departures of Louise Haigh as transport secretary in November and Sue Gray as Downing Street chief of staff in October.

 Tulip Siddiq

The Labour MP for Hampstead and Highgate, who was first elected in 2015, stepped down as Treasury minister over allegations linked to her aunts political movement in Bangladesh.

Her aunt is the former Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled into exile after being deposed last year and is facing an investigation by an anti-corruption commission in Bangladesh, with Ms Siddiq reportedly named as part of the case.

Tulip Siddiq (Victoria Jones/PA)

Ms Siddiq has also come under scrutiny over her use of properties in London linked to her aunts allies.

In a letter to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, she said she had not breached the ministerial code but that continuing in her role would be a distraction.

Sir Keir accepted her resignation with sadness and said she had made a difficult decision and that he wanted to be clear that the door remains open for you going forward.

Ms Siddiq, who was replaced in the Treasury by Emma Reynolds, had referred herself to the Prime Ministers ethics tsar, Sir Laurie Magnus, who said he had not found any breach of the ministerial code but advised that Sir Keir reconsider her responsibilities.

 Louise Haigh

Ms Haigh resigned as transport secretary in November after it emerged that she had pleaded guilty to a criminal offence related to incorrectly telling police that a work mobile phone was stolen in 2013.

She had said she was mugged in London and gave police a list of stolen possessions, including a work phone, when she reported the incident.

Louise Haigh (Jordan Pettitt/PA)

She said she later found the phone was still in her house.

In a letter to Sir Keir, she said: I should have immediately informed my employer and not doing so straight away was a mistake.

I appreciate that whatever the facts of the matter, this issue will inevitably be a distraction from delivering on the work of this Government and the policies to which we are both committed.

It is understood the incident was disclosed to Sir Keir when she joined the shadow cabinet.

Ms Haigh pleaded guilty in court over the incident on the advice of a solicitor and magistrates gave her the lowest possible outcome, she said in a statement.

It is understood that it was a fraud offence and that the conviction is now spent.

Ms Haigh has been Sheffield Heeley MP since 2015 and held a number of shadow ministerial and shadow cabinet roles before becoming transport secretary when Labour won the election in July. Before she entered politics she spent time as a special constable.

She was replaced by Heidi Alexander as Transport Secretary in late November.

 Sue Gray

Ms Gray quit as the Downing Street chief of staff in October, less than 100 days into Sir Keirs Government, over fears she was becoming a distraction.

Sue Gray (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

The partygate report author had been a high-profile figure in the Prime Ministers top team since she was appointed while Labour was in opposition in 2023.

But in the weeks leading up to her resignation, Number 10 had been plagued by reports of infighting, as rows over Ms Grays salary and Government freebies began to dominate the headlines.

It was leaked to the BBC that Ms Gray was earning more than the Prime Minister, amid a series of briefings against her as chief of staff.

The broadcaster was told that she was earning 170,000  3,000 more than Sir Keir.

Her departure triggered a wider reshuffle of the Downing Street operation. She was replaced as chief of staff by Morgan McSweeney, one of the key figures in Labours election campaign who is reported to have clashed with his predecessor.

Ms Gray was set to become an envoy to the nations and regions after a break from government, but No 10 announced a month after her resignation that she had decided not to take the role.
Bogarde in Death in Venice, 1971. Photograph: Everett Collection Inc/Alamy

The film star Dirk Bogarde was clearly disturbed and troubled after MI5 warned him that his name had been given to the KGB as a practising homosexual and he risked being compromised in a sting operation, newly declassified intelligence files show.

Bogarde, who died in 1999 and never came out publicly but lived with his life partner and manager, Anthony Forwood, was told by security services that his name was on a list of six practising British homosexuals given to the Russians by an unnamed source who had himself been sexually compromised during a visit to Moscow in the late 1950s.

Separately, a KGB defector codenamed Kago had also informed MI5 that a young British actor, who appeared in a film with a name like the kingdom of something was the subject of a Russian recruitment attempt in Moscow in 1958-9.

Bogarde starred in the film Campbells Kingdom, and his name was also on the KGB list. This prompted MI5 to travel to the south of France in 1971 to warn him and to discover whether he had been subjected to any approaches.

Bogarde said the report was absurd. He was a man of 50 and able to behave in a responsible fashion, wrote the MI5 officer who interviewed the actor, then living in Grasse, at the British consulate in Nice.

Bogarde had never visited Russia and was clearly disturbed by the report, the agent reported in files released to the National Archives. He had committed no misdemeanours and always behaved circumspectly. For one thing, he had the greatest admiration and respect for his father  and would never do anything which would have upset his family.

Bogarde fretted about the prospect of ever visiting Russia, as he might be invited to visit or film there, and said that guests were usually required to drink a lot at parties and he might put his arm round another man. He had always kissed his father and he greeted male friends in the same way. I said that I thought a compromise would involve much more. Bogarde asked if this would mean a scene on a bed or a couch and I said it would.

With Bogarde ruled out as a candidate, MI5 agents scoured magazines including Variety for other actors who may have been in Moscow. Tommy Steele, Peter Arne, Michael Craig, Stanley Baxter and Bill Travers were all noted to have reportedly visited Moscow.

The defector Kago had described the actor as a young actor, a very nice man and nice looking. That ruled out Bogardes co-star in Campbells Kingdom, James Robertson Justice, who had visited Moscow. No one could call Justice young  he was born in 1912 [sic]; or good looking  he wears a full beard, read one memo.
The Texas Capitol on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2003, in Austin. Christobal Perez/Houston Chronicle

Founded in 1836 by the Allen brothers, Houston had become Texas most populous city and a major conduit behind its booming economy within a century of its establishment.

Many of the richest and most powerful Texans  from oilmen and railroad magnates to senators and governors  called the Bayou City home. Houstons geography and economic might still make it one of the most influential cities in the state and the country.

So how did Austin, a college town on the doorstep of the Texas Hill Country that has yet to reach 1 million residents, end up as the capital of the Lone Star State?

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Its a question thats puzzled this Houston transplant for years, so today, Ive settled on answering it. The story involves Houstons proud namesake, growing pains in the fledgling Texas Republic and a war that settled it all.

Lets look back.

Why was Houston initially considered for the capital of Texas?

After white settlers took control of parts of the Texas territory and broke away from Mexico in the 1830s, leaders of the newly established Republic of Texas searched for a home.

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They bounced around several towns (including Washington-on-the-Brazos, Harrisburg, Galveston, Velasco and Columbia) before settling on Houston in 1837 by order of its namesake Sam Houston, hero of the Texas Revolution and the first Texas president.

The young city was marketed as a promising trade hub and an ideal location for the capital due to its access to water via Buffalo Bayou and Galveston Bay. Texas first capitol building was erected on the site of the former Rice Hotel on Main and Texas in downtown Houston.

Unsurprisingly, Houstons climate was a significant drawback.

The area was plagued by extreme heat, humidity and frequent flooding, which made it uncomfortable and sometimes impractical for governmental operations. Texas leaders, like many white settlers across what is now the United States, were also eyeing expansion, and Houstons location along the Gulf of Mexico did little to promote westward growth.

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So in 1839, after Mirabeau B. Lamar became president of Texas, the capital was moved to a Central Texas settlement on the Colorado River named Waterloo, later renamed in honor of Stephen F. Austin.

Although Austin became the permanent seat of power in Texas, many worried it was at risk of incursions by the Mexican army and Native American forces along the frontier.

The debate over the state capital continued well into the next decade, coming to a head during President Houstons second stint.

What was the Texas Archive War?

Houstons return to office in 1841 was followed by an invasion of Mexican troops that left Austin particularly vulnerable. The Texas president fled Austin and returned to the city named in his honor, later ordering the Republics national archives be relocated there from the capital in a move that sparked a constitutional and political crisis.

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Seeing Houstons order as a ploy to strip the city of its capital status, Austin residents, including political and military leaders, responded fiercely. They ignored the instructions and formed patrols that searched wagons going in and out of the city so they could seize any government documents and return them.

Perhaps the most famous episode of what became known as the Texas Archive War of 1842 came on Dec. 30 of that year when Austin resident Angelina Eberly fired a cannon at forces tasked by Houston to remove the archives from the capital. The documents were later returned, and Eberly was immortalized with a statue in downtown Austin.

The Archive War solidified Austins position as the seat of the Texas government.

How did the decision to keep Austin as the capital shape Texas?

Located in the center of the Republic, Austin became a symbol of westward expansion and its leaders ambitions to be annexed by the United States in 1845.

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Austins role as the capital helped it land institutions such as the University of Texas in 1883, and it also positioned the city as the epicenter of political power in what would become the second-largest state by population in the U.S.

While Austin became the center of state politics, Houston evolved into a behemoth that helped power much of the states population and economic growth, focusing on industries like energy, healthcare and, eventually, aeronautics.

Houston may not be the capital today, but it is the heart that keeps Texas going.
A migrant at an arrivals centre for asylum seekers in the Reinickendorf district of Berlin - Fabrizio Bensch/Reuters

German police are investigating the far-Right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party over claims that it put election flyers mocked up as deportation tickets in migrants letterboxes.

The flyers, which look like plane tickets with the passenger listed as illegal immigrant, were circulated in the south-western city of Karlsruhe.

The destination is listed as safe country of origin and the date of travel is set as Feb 23  election day in Germany.

On the reverse side of the flyers is a list of the AfDs key migration policies, such as deporting illegal immigrants and stopping the Islamisation of Germany.

According to Die Zeit, the German newspaper, the tickets were posted into migrants letterboxes, prompting police in Karlsruhe to launch an investigation into suspected incitement against foreigners.

On the ticket, the passenger name is listed as illegal immigrant, the destination as safe country of origin and the date of travel as Feb 23

The flyers were created by the local Karlsruhe branch of AfD, which denied they deliberately targeted foreigners and insisted they were lawful. A spokesman for the partys national office said they had no involvement in the flyers.

The anti-migrant, Russia-friendly AfD is polling in second place ahead of next months elections and has been endorsed by Elon Musk, the tech billionaire who claims it is the only party that can save Germany.

Founded in 2013 as a Eurosceptic party, the AfD has since drifted to the far-Right and has been embroiled in a series of scandals over playing down Nazi war crimes. The party is currently classified by German security services as a suspected extremist group, a charge it denies.

In Karlsruhe, Marc Bernhard, a local AfD member, confirmed that around 20,000-30,000 flyers were printed. The election flyer is being distributed in Karlsruhe in as large numbers as possible and without any special requirements or restrictions, he said.

But Frank Mentrup, the centre-Left mayor of Karlsruhe, said that finding such notes in the letterbox reinforces a feeling of insecurity and fear in his community.

It came as Nancy Faeser, the German interior minister, proposed plans to provide Syrian refugees with exploratory flights back to their home country in response to the downfall of the Assad regime.

The tickets would allow Syrians to experience the country under the new rebel-backed government and find out whether their houses had been destroyed or their relatives were still alive, she said.

The German interior ministry said the trips could help Syrians make an informed decision about whether they wished to permanently return.

Germany hosts the largest number of Syrian refugees outside the Middle East, having opened its borders to people fleeing the Assad regime in 2015 under Angela Merkel, the then chancellor.

The Assad regime was toppled by Syrian rebels in December, prompting some refugees to consider a return home. Others have become German citizens, feel fully integrated into German society and prefer to remain.
Curious members of the public can get a close-up look at Al Capones favourite Colt .45 at the Mob Museum in Las Vegas - Ty Oneil/AP

Al Capones Colt 1911 .45-caliber pistol was so special that he named it sweetheart, because it saved his life so many times.

Now, the weapon will be showcased to the public for the first time as a part of a rare glimpse into the life of Americas most notorious gangster at the Mob Museum in downtown Las Vegas.

In a new exhibition, curious members of the public can get a close-up look at Capones favourite personal pistol and a short home movie shot by the mob boss himself in 1929.

The museum will offer glimpses into the life of Americas most notorious gangster - AP

After he died in 1947 of natural causes, Capones belongings stayed in the family for decades.

But some were later auctioned off in fear that they might be lost to the wildfires common in California where they now live, or that the items would be forgotten after their deaths.

One of the most treasured hand-me-downs was the Chicago mobsters Colt 1911 .45-caliber pistol that was popular during World War I.

In family lore, the pistol has taken on its own identity as a faithful companion to Capone, credited with saving the mobster more than once.

Diane Capone Pette, 81, granddaughter of the mobster, said: He called her  we refer to it as a her  his sweetheart.

She saved him and so she was very special to him and so very special to us.

Geoff Shumacher, historian and vice president of exhibits and programs at the museum, said the artefacts from the Capone family collection are one of a kind.

Most of the items already sold by the family at auction went to personal collectors, he said, adding: This is a slice of life that you can get nowhere else except at the museum.

Diane Capone Pette, 81, granddaughter of the mobster, said the pistol saved him and so she was very special to him - Rich Pedroncelli/AP

In 1929, a few years before Capone was convicted of federal tax evasion and sent to prison for seven years, he filmed a short home movie at his Miami waterfront mansion.

Capone is behind the camera and never appears in the black-and-white silent film, but it showcases a day with friends by the pool and on a boat. Two of those friends are fellow mobsters Lucky Luciano and Frank Costello.

The Mob Museum has the only physical copy of the 12-minute and 20-second home movie, which was captured on 16mm film.

In 1931 the mobster, bootlegger and American public enemy number one, was arrested for tax evasion.

A year later he was convicted and sentenced to 11 years in Atlanta and Alcatraz federal prisons.
Sara Sharif, 10, was murdered by her father and stepmother - Surrey Police/AFP via Getty Images

An exceptional decision to grant anonymity to the judges who oversaw Sara Sharifs care proceedings will raise public suspicion of the justice system, a court has heard.

Mr Justice Williams previously imposed an order banning the entirety of the British press from naming any family court judges involved in the 10-year-olds care before she was murdered.

On Tuesday, the Court of Appeal heard that the unwarranted and unprecedented ruling could not be allowed to stand.

Several media organisations, including The Telegraph, the BBC and freelance journalists Louise Tickle and Hannah Summers, are appealing against the decision.

Saras father, Urfan Sharif, 43 and her stepmother, Beinash Batool, 30 were sentenced in 2024 to life in prison for her murder after subjecting the schoolgirl to years of inconceivable cruelty.

Sara was found dead at the family home in Woking, Surrey, on Aug 10 2023 after being beaten, burned, hooded and strangled in a campaign of abuse.

Saras father opposes the appeal, while the childrens guardian, who represents her siblings, remains neutral.

In December 2024, Mr Justice Williams, a family court judge himself, granted three other family court judges anonymity after saying he did not believe the media could be trusted to report matters fairly.

He said that naming those involved in Saras case was the equivalent to holding the lookout on the Titanic responsible for its sinking.

He also suggested that naming the judges could result in a social media firestorm or virtual lynch mob.

Contrary to all established norms

Christopher Barnes, for Miss Tickle and Miss Summers, told the court that judges frequently sat on controversial cases and the granting of anonymity ran contrary to all established norms.

In written submission, he said: Judges sit in cases concerning terrorism, national security and organised crime without being granted anonymity, and with (presumably) necessary measures taken to properly ensure their safety, and security.

To seek anonymity for judges, save where (truly) exceptionally justified, is likely to have a corrosive impact on public confidence in the judiciary and the wider justice system.

Mr Barnes said that Mr Justice Williams had made an exceptional order against the entirety of the British media.

[The ruling] is likely to raise public suspicion and prove counterproductive, he added.

He told the court that the anonymity order was unjustified and undermines necessary efforts to increase transparency in the family justice system.

It cannot be allowed to stand, he said.

Sara was known to social services from the day she was born and had been taken into foster care twice before she died.

Care workers repeatedly raised significant concerns that Sara was at risk of physical and emotional abuse from her parents.

Despite three sets of hearings beginning in 2013, the allegations were never tested in court and Sara was repeatedly returned to her parents care.

Sharif was finally awarded joint residency of Sara at a private hearing in 2019, despite the judge being aware of numerous allegations of abuse and domestic violence against him.

Adam Wolanski, KC, representing The Telegraph and others, said in his submissions that the Titanic comparison made by Mr Justice Williams was bizarre and wrong.

He asked whether, if the decision was not overturned, other judges could potentially decide to grant themselves anonymity.

Are judges in future to make anonymity orders prohibiting identification of themselves? If so, when and in what circumstances? he said.

Mr Wolanski said judges were the face of justice itself. He said that the implications of the order could amount to censorship.

He added: Because of their role as dispensers of justice, judges must expect their decisions and their decision-making to be the subject of public scrutiny, including scrutiny which involves vigorous and trenchant criticism.

Grounded on concern for judges

Alex Verdan KC, for the childrens guardian, said that the judges decision seemed to be grounded on concern for the wellbeing of judges.

He added: For many professionals working within the family justice system, particularly those in a judicial role, the risks are all too real but all too infrequently acknowledged.

Sharif also opposed the naming of the judge and Cyrus Larizadeh KC said in his written submissions that he was concerned that no harm should come to the judge(s) who presided in the historic proceedings.

Surrey county council submitted that the appeal should be allowed.

The hearing before Sir Geoffrey Vos, Lady Justice King and Lord Justice Warby is expected to conclude on Wednesday.

Sir Geoffrey said the appeal raises questions that are of considerable public importance.

He later added: We are here to operate in public. It is what we do. We have to be scrutinised but not be exposed to known violence.

A judgment is expected in writing at a later date.
Kemi Badenoch said there is a systematic pattern of behaviour from sub-communities within some foreign countries - Eddie Mulholland for The Telegraph

Credit: GB News

Kemi Badenoch has blamed the grooming gangs scandal on people of a peasant background who come from sub-communities within some foreign countries.

The Tory leader repeated her call for a national inquiry and said it should investigate two cultural issues  where the abusers came from and the culture of silence.

Her comments came as pressure on Sir Keir Starmer continued to grow after a number of his MPs backed a fresh statutory investigation.

Mrs Badenoch told GB News: There are two cultural issues which I believe have been identified. One is on the perpetrators side  where do these abusers come from? Theres a lot of misinformation, theres a lot of generalisation, many innocent people end up being grouped in with them.

But if you look at it, there is a systematic pattern of behaviour, not even just from one country but from sub-communities within those countries. People with a particular background, particular class background, work background. People very, very poor, a sort of peasant background, very, very rural, almost cut off from even the home origin countries that they might have been in.

Theyre not necessarily first generation. The jobs that they were doing, taxi drivers, jobs which allowed them to exhibit this predatory behaviour. That is just one side.

Mrs Badenoch said the second issue was that of the culture of silence and the culture of move along, nothing to see here, adding: A national inquiry needs to look at the two cultural issues at the same time.

@KemiBadenoch claims perpetrators of rape gangs are from a "peasant background".



Do you agree with Kemi?@GBNEWS Exclusive interview with @CDP1882. pic.twitter.com/Vgn6sW7bdQ  Alex Armstrong (@alexharmstrong) January 13, 2025

The Prime Minister has insisted there is no need for another inquiry following the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, led by Prof Alexis Jay, in October 2022. Sir Keir has argued that victims want to see action rather than another review.

But a number of Labour figures have joined calls from the Tories and Reform UK for another investigation.

Sarah Champion, the MP for Rotherham, a grooming hotspot, said nothing less than a national inquiry into the failings of those in authority to prevent and be accountable for their failings would restore public faith in the police and local councils.

Her intervention came hours after Paul Waugh, the Labour MP for Rochdale, another grooming hotspot, said he would support an inquiry if it was backed by victims and did not interfere with live police investigations.

The Government has previously knocked back calls for a national review in favour of locally led inquiries, saying it is focused on implementing the recommendations from Prof Jays report.

The grooming gangs scandal gained international attention after Elon Musk, the tech billionaire, posted a number of attacks on Sir Keir over the issue at the start of the year.

On Monday, Downing Street restated its position that Sir Keir was against an inquiry because it would last too long and detract from the need to implement findings from a previous report into child sexual abuse.

However, in a sign that the position could change, the Prime Ministers spokesman said Ms Champions view absolutely carried weight and that we will be guided and led by the victims and survivors on this.
Joe Biden speaks at the state department in Washington on Monday. Photograph: Roberto Schmidt/AFP/Getty Images

On paper, few US presidents could boast the foreign policy bona fides of Joe Biden, a veteran statesman with nearly a half-century of experience before he even stepped into office.

But as his term comes to an end, critics have said that the president will leave a legacy of cautious and underpowered diplomacy, as even allies have conceded that the administration is still grasping for a cornerstone foreign policy success.

That hasnt stopped the Biden administration from declaring victory in its final days  and scrambling to secure a last-minute ceasefire in Gaza that could potentially salvage that legacy before Trump steps into office.

Thanks to our administration, the United States is winning the worldwide competition, Biden said in a final foreign policy speech on Monday delivered at the state department. Compared to four years ago, America is stronger, our alliances are stronger, our adversaries and competitors are weaker.

If this is winning, many Americans may struggle to imagine what losing would look like.

Bidens administration has spent much of its time and political capital abroad attempting to contain a series of foreign wars and crises in which it has seemed impotent to impose its will.

Related: Now all the rules are different: Ukraine braces for dealmaker Trump to enter negotiations

Ukraine remains under siege as Russia grinds down the defending army and Kyiv warily awaits a Trump administration that has demanded a negotiated peace with Vladimir Putin as quickly as possible.

Ukraine is still a free, independent country with the potential for a bright future, Biden said, arguing that he had left Trump with a strong hand. And we laid the foundation for the next administration so they can protect the bright future of the Ukrainian people.

In Israel, the US is involved in last-ditch talks to salvage a ceasefire deal whose general terms were first proposed by Biden more than six months ago. Diplomatic efforts mostly stalled as the Netanyahu administration expanded the war into Lebanon and continued the war in Gaza.

I have learned in many years of public service to never, never, never, ever give up, said Biden. The US was pressing hard to close this, he said, adding that Palestinians had been through hell and that the Palestinian people deserved peace.

Biden also defended his administrations withdrawal of the US military from Afghanistan, a decision that ended one of the USs forever wars but also led to the immediate collapse of the Afghan government and the return to power of the Taliban.

In his speech, Biden said he was the first president in decades whos not leaving a war in Afghanistan to his successor.

Biden said his decision would be vindicated in time, in a tacit acknowledgement of the withdrawal as perhaps his most controversial decision in office.

Ending the war was the right thing to do and I believe history will reflect that, he said.

And in a warning to the incoming administration, Biden said that the US must accept the dangers of climate change and invest in clean technologies before it is too late.

They dont even believe climate change is real  I think they come from a different century, Biden said of climate deniers in Trumps team. They are dead wrong. Its the single greatest existential threat to humanity.

As Biden exits the presidency, he will hand power back to a predecessor with a radically different view of the world and Americas place in it. While Bidens administration has been criticised for its excessive caution, Trump has already threatened to annex Greenland and the Panama canal.

It is a return to the kind of blunt power politics that Trump has claimed are what America needs now, as opposed to the internationalist approach that has characterised Bidens half-century in foreign policy.
Joe Biden at the White House on Monday. Photograph: Chris Kleponis/EPA

The Biden administration has notified Congress that it will remove Cuba from its list of state sponsors of terrorism in a deal the countrys communist government said would involve the gradual release of 553 political prisoners.

The deal, which administration officials said was negotiated through the Catholic church, was announced on Tuesday, just five days before Biden exits the White House and Donald Trump is inaugurated as the countrys 47th president.

An assessment has been completed and we do not have information that supports Cubas designation as being a state sponsor of terrorism, a senior administration official briefed reporters on Tuesday.

The Catholic church is significantly advancing an agreement with Cuba to undertake a set of actions that will allow for the humanitarian release of a significant number of political prisoners in Cuba and those who have been detained unjustly.

Cubas foreign ministry praised the US move.

Despite its limited scope, this is a decision that points to the right direction and is in line with the sustained and firm demand by the government and the people of Cuba, as well as the broad, emphatic and reiterated call by numerous governments, particularly those of Latin America and the Caribbean, it said in a statement.

The decision announced today by the United States, rectifies, in a very limited way, some aspects of a cruel and unjust policy.

But the USs economic blockade of the island continued, the foreign ministry added. The economic warfare is still in place and persists in posing a major obstacle to the development and recovery of the Cuban economy, with a high human cost for the population; and continues to be an incentive for emigration.

Maykel Gonzalez Vivero, a Cuban journalist and LGBTQ+ activist who was arrested during spontaneous street protests in 2021, said he hoped that the prisoner release would include figures such as the prominent dissident Jose Daniel Ferrer and the artists Luis Manuel Otero Alcantara and Maykel Osorbo Castillo Perez, saying: There is great uncertainty over the possibility that Trump might return Cuba to the list, but the prisoner release will not be reversed, so this is a great day for Cuba.

He added: Hopefully we are closer to the day when the Cuban people will no longer be the victims of a dark and utilitarian game of political chess.

Trump designated the country as a state sponsor of terrorism in 2021, shortly before he left office, for repeatedly providing support for acts of international terrorism in granting safe harbor to terrorists. Cuba had previously been removed from that list under Barack Obama. It first received the designation in 1982 during Ronald Reagans presidency.

Trumps decision enforced sanctions that penalize persons and countries engaging in certain trade with Cuba, restricts US foreign assistance, bans defense exports and sales, and imposes certain controls on exports of dual use items. The decision to repeal the status may help alleviate a significant humanitarian crisis on the island, which is less than 100 miles from the coast of Florida.

But Trump may still decide to redesignate the country as a state sponsor of terrorist after his inauguration on 20 January. Some Republican lawmakers criticised the decision and said they would work with Trump to reverse it.

Rick Scott, a conservative senator from Florida, called the decision Joe Bidens parting gift to dictators and terrorists around the world and said it was reckless and dangerous.

Ill be working with President Trump on DAY ONE to hold the Communist Cuban regime accountable and free the Cuban people, he said.

Sir George Hollingbery, the UK ambassador to Cuba, said: While this is clearly welcome, I think we can expect the new Trump administration to look to reimpose the designation as fast as they can. But that will probably take some time and theres not a total guarantee theyll be able to do it.

He added: That said, I cant honestly see any banks changing their business practices and I think theyll still exclude Cuba.

Colombias leftwing president, Gustavo Petro, celebrated Bidens move, writing on social media that the outgoing US president had always sought dialogue with Latin American diversity  Lifting blockades, even only partially, is a major step forward, Petro added.

In recent years several Latin American leaders had publicly called on the Biden administration to remove Cubas terrorism designation, with Brazils president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, last year telling the UN general assembly he believed it was unjustified.

Chiles progressive president, Gabriel Boric, had also petitioned Biden to change US policy and abandon sanctions against Cuba because, he argued, they affected Cuban people, not the Cuban government. During a 2023 visit to the US Boric told reporters: It is vitally important that the sanctions against Cuba are lifted and that Cuba is taken off the list of state sponsors of terror. We are convinced that it isnt one.
A man is carried on a stretcher after being rescued from underground during the official rescue operation at a disused gold mine shaft in Stilfontein Photograph: Kim Ludbrook/EPA

Thirty-six bodies have been brought out of an illegal goldmine in South Africa and 82 people have been taken out alive since Monday, after police blocked supplies of food, water and medicine to the workers underground in October in an attempt to force them out.

On Thursday, a letter brought up to the surface claimed there were 109 dead bodies underground. A video circulated by the NGO Mining Affected Communities United in Action (Macua) appeared to show more than 50 wrapped bodies laid out in a tunnel.

Another video showed emaciated men begging to be sent food and rescued. Macua had claimed there were between 400 and 800 people still alive and trapped underground before the operation began at the Buffelsfontein mine near Stilfontein, about 100 miles south-west of Johannesburg.

Police launched Operation Vala Umgodi (plug the hole) in late 2023 in an effort to stamp out illegal mining. In early November, they said their prevention of essential supplies being sent down the mineshafts around Stilfontein had forced hundreds of miners to the surface since mid-October as a result of starvation and dehydration. Later in November and December, they allowed some supplies to be sent down.

South African authorities have repeatedly argued the miners were free to resurface and that those who remained underground were trying to avoid arrest, pointing to more than 1,500 people who have emerged from another mineshaft in the area. Activists claimed the two mines were not connected underground.

I am happy, but at the very same time scared, because I dont know what to expect, Zinzi Tom, whose brother Ayanda was still reported to be underground on Tuesday morning, told the local TV station eNCA on Monday.

[The government] said they would smoke them out, indeed they smoked them out  So Im not OK, but Im hoping for the best, said Tom, who launched an urgent court case last week in response to the letter claiming 109 had died.

The authorities then launched the rescue operation, which they have said could take up to 16 days.

Illegal mining has flourished across South Africas north-eastern mining belt in recent years, as industrial mines have been exhausted and abandoned. There are about 30,000 zama zama miners, according to expert estimates, producing 10% of South Africas gold output in 6,000 abandoned mineshafts, often controlled by violent criminal syndicates.

A private company, Mines Rescue Services, is operating a crane-winched cage that can bring six people an hour to the surface. However, only local volunteers have been going down the 1.2-mile shaft at Buffelsfontein.

Its too risky for private or state workers to go down with the cage because its known that some of the zama zamas are armed to the teeth, and some of those who emerged have given statements that they were held against their will, said Makhosonke Buthelezi, a spokesperson for the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy.

The miners are either being arrested or taken to hospital, where they will recover before being detained, he said.

Reuters contributed to this report
Bridget Phillipson previously shelved the free speech laws in one of her first moves in Government - Wiktor Szymanowicz/Anadolu via Getty Images

The Government is to revive laws protecting free speech at universities following a backlash, The Telegraph understands.

Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, is poised to bring back the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act in a watered-down version in the coming weeks.

Ms Phillipson shelved the free speech laws last July, just days before they were due to come into force, in one of her first moves in Government.

The Education Secretary said then that she was pausing the Conservative legislation, designed to protect against so-called cancel culture. She said she would consider repealing it entirely, with Labour sources branding it a Tory hate charter.

Universities had also argued that it would result in extra red tape and leave them vulnerable to costly legal action at a time when the sector faces financial difficulty.

Academics fury stuns ministers

However, senior education sources told The Telegraph the Government would reinstate the laws later this month following widespread fury from academics.

The Tories left an unworkable dogs dinner where it came to freedom of speech, a Government source said. It was right that we paused and took the time to hear concerns about its impact.

Academic freedom matters more than students not being offended. Thats why we are taking forward the legislation  but crucially we are making sure it works.

While the Conservatives chased headlines and prosecuted culture wars, this Government is getting on a delivering the change that matters.

It comes as Ms Phillipson is set to face questions over her education policies, such as VAT on private school fees and the Governments proposed academy reforms, when she faces the Commons select committee on Wednesday.

A letter sent to her this week from Universities UK, which represents more than 140 higher education providers, said: We have appreciated the engagement undertaken by you and your colleagues as you consider next steps for the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act.

The lobbying group, which has urged Ms Phillipson to pare back the act, said universities were committed to working as constructive partners of government as this area is taken forward.

Ministers are understood to have been taken aback by the scale of backlash from academics over their decision to shelve the Act.

Almost 700 academics, including Richard Dawkins and several Nobel Prize winners, wrote an open letter to Ms Phillipson last summer warning that many university staff had been hounded, censured, silenced or even sacked for exercising free speech rights.

Under the original Tory policy, universities, colleges and student unions would have been required to actively promote free speech on campus, with those found to have breached these duties facing sanctions.

Academics and students would also have been able to seek compensation in court if they suffered financially following expulsion, dismissal or demotion.

Fears of cash going to lawyers instead of students

However, multiple education sources said they were now expecting the legislation to return without a compensation scheme for those whose free speech had been suppressed.

They told The Telegraph the Government would remove the compensation mechanism, known as the statutory tort, within the legislation.

Universities have lobbied ministers against the implementation of the tort, warning that it would create significant and unnecessary burdens.

UUK said in its letter to Ms Phillipson: As stated previously, we have significant concerns about the potential impact of the Act in its current form. Central to these concerns are the risks associated with the statutory tort.

We believe that the tort is likely to be used for vexatious claims, which will ultimately lead to considerable sums of money being spent on legal advice and action, which will divert extremely scarce resources away from supporting students and into the pockets of lawyers.

Other university groups also told The Telegraph they had expressed their concerns about the scheme to ministers in recent discussions.

The Telegraph has also seen a letter sent by Baroness Smith, the universities minister, to academics last week in which she expressed concerns about the compensation mechanism.

There is a real concern within HE [higher education providers] that the  Act is disproportionate, burdensome and damaging to the welfare of students, and that it would lead to costly legal action via the tort, she said.

Sources also said ministers were considering removing part of the legislation that would crack down on anonymous donations for universities. The Telegraph has been told that the Government may abolish part of the Act requiring the Office for Students to monitor overseas funding.

Last year an investigation by OpenDemocracy found that more than 281 million of anonymous donations had been made to Russell Group universities since 2017. Even without those elements, a decision to reinstate the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act will mark a major climbdown for the Government.

Government faces courtroom humiliation

Ms Phillipson is facing legal action after the Free Speech Union (FSU) launched a High Court case against her suspension of the Act, with a judicial review set to take place on Jan 23.

Losing would be a humiliating episode for the Government. The FSU has argued that Ms Phillipsons decision to pause the legislation went beyond her ministerial powers.

Toby Young, of the Free Speech Union, said the government U-turn came as no surprise - Guy Corbishley/Alamy Live News

In submissions to the High Court, it suggested the move granted her a mechanism for kicking the Act into the long grass indefinitely, without needing primary legislation to formally repeal the free speech laws.

The Act was introduced after a series of rows over the so-called cancellation of academics and students because of their views.

They include Kathleen Stock, a philosophy professor who resigned from Sussex University in 2021 after what she described as a witch-hunt over her views on transgender issues.

However, Ms Phillipson insisted in July that the legislation was not fit for purpose and risked imposing serious burdens on our world class universities. She also warned that it could expose students to harm and appalling hate speech on campuses.

Labour sources also claimed at the time that it would have created a platform for people to spout hate speech on campuses.

They said this could allow figures such as Tommy Robinson, the imprisoned founder of the English Defence League, Andrew Wakefield, a prominent anti-vaxxer, and Dr Wahid Asif Shaida, one of the key figures behind an Islamist terror group, to gain new legal protections to speak at universities.

A new complaints scheme overseen by Prof Arif Ahmed, the free speech director at the Office for Students, would still be implemented under the revised Act, sources told the Telegraph. This would grant the universities regulator new powers to penalise institutions that failed to protect staff and students from cancel culture.

Toby Young, the general secretary of the FSU, said: It comes as no surprise that the Government appears to have performed a U-turn in response to our claim. But the Free Speech Union hasnt received any communication from the Secretary of State, and the devil will be in the detail. In the meantime, we will be pressing on with our case.

Iain Mansfield, the head of education at Policy Exchange, said: While any watering down of the Act would be a disappointment. Even without the tort, it remains a vital tool to protecting free speech and tackling the chilling culture of censorship on campus.

The Department for Education was approached for comment.

What we do not want is additional bureaucracy that serves no one

By Prof Shitij Kapur

Freedom of speech, and its cousin academic freedom, are critical for universities  though how well they have delivered these is subject to ongoing public debate.

It is critical that the public and governments of all stripes are assured that our universities are places where all ideas, especially the controversial ones, can be expressed, debated and refined in a way that benefits students and society. It is with this in mind that leaders from across this sector have worked with successive governments to develop the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act.

The Act, introduced by the previous government, proposed a suite of measures  many of which were welcomed by the sector. It requires universities to not only protect but to actively promote free speech. Universities already see that as their duty.

In a recent UUK survey, 81 per cent of universities reported that they had reviewed their code of practice, and three quarters had reviewed other policies and procedures through the lens of the requirements of the Act. In the latest national students survey, 86 per cent of students in England said they felt free to express their ideas, opinions and beliefs. This shows things arent broken, but they could and should be improved.

Included in the Act, however, was a statutory tort that allowed for a university or students union to be legally challenged if an individual believed their freedom of speech had been breached. This tort remains controversial, and it is helpful that the current Government paused the implementation of the Bill to consult more widely.

I have been chairing a Universities UK advisory group on freedom of speech composed of university leaders, academics, student unions and legal experts, and we are committed to supporting effective and proportionate, and where necessary enhanced, oversight. What we do not want is additional bureaucracy that does not serve students, universities or society.

Bringing the tort into being would open the door to any number of claims, from the frivolous to those of malicious and hateful intent. Bringing the risk of court action into passionate disagreements on campus would prevent lecturers from covering difficult topics and would cool rather than encourage debate.

Any student, staff member or citizen could sue the university or its students union for perceived violation and the number of claims being made could be enormous. Our institutions are already struggling financially, and the claims this tort could enable would require additional dedicated teams of legal professionals and admin staff to address.

Some feel that there should be oversight beyond the university itself and this already exists. For example, students have recourse to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator and the Office for Students. If more needs to be done, it is better to use and improve the levers we have than create new ones.

There are those in our society who believe that some topics have become off limits for discussion at our universities. This is unacceptable. Our universities should be fora where anything within the confines of the law can be debated.

Universities, however, are not there to function as a Speakers Corner, where anyone can stand up and express an opinion that is not necessarily supported by facts. If academic freedom is to mean anything, it must be accompanied by the academic obligation for ideas and claims to be accompanied by evidence and reason. Proponents have an obligation to engage and respond to those questioning their assertions and conduct that debate and discourse in a civil manner.

Our universities are learning communities built on people living and working together, interacting with those from different faiths, backgrounds and opinions. As university leaders, we have an additional duty, a difficult one in these polarised times, to create a cohesive community of learning with members who passionately hold divergent views.

We look to achieve a community which nurtures disagreement, and that is why the threat of a statutory civil tort for internal disagreements is a problem.

The Act was motivated by those who advocate for free speech and academic freedom  a cause universities care deeply about. Universities have shown good faith and put in significant resources to proactively champion these freedoms and will continue to do so. Whatever shape the Act takes, especially the tort element, it is critical that the means does not defeat the end we all want.

Prof Shitij Kapur is the Vice-Chancellor & President of Kings College London
The Diego Garcia military base on the Chagos Islands which is used by both the UK and US - AFP via Getty Images

The deal to hand the Chagos Islands to Mauritius is set to be effectively signed off on Wednesday after Labour scrambled to finalise the agreement ahead of Donald Trumps inauguration.

A source close to the Mauritian government  which had been holding up the deal  claimed the two sides had reached a consensus on the pact following fresh talks in London.

The agreement is expected to be passed by a special council of ministers in Mauritius on Wednesday at 6.30am UK time, with just days to spare before Mr Trump returns to the White House on Monday, effectively giving the green light to the plans.

Sir Keir Starmer had been racing to get the agreement over the line before the inauguration to avoid a clash with the president-elect, who is said to be strongly opposed.

However, on Tuesday night there were indications that the Government may have got cold feet about announcing a final deal before Mr Trump returns to the White House, amid a backlash from Republicans.

A source on the UK side urged caution over assuming the deal was done, suggesting the Mauritians were getting ahead of themselves.

It was reported by the Financial Times that the Government wanted to delay a formal announcement of the completed deal until it had Mr Trumps blessing. A Foreign Office source stressed to The Telegraph that the UK would not give final sign-off on any deal without all key international partners on board.

The Mauritian government, which came into power in November, had been attempting to renegotiate parts of the agreement.

These include the length of the lease to continue UK and US use of the Diego Garcia military base, which was set at 99 years, and fair and equitable compensation for this, beyond the 90 million a year on offer.

It was reported on Tuesday night that the lease could be shortened to 50 years and that the latest version of the deal would see the UK pay seven years worth of instalments up front, worth around 630 million.

A source close to the Mauritian government told The Telegraph: We intend to agree before Jan 20.

PM has decided to discuss it in the cabinet on Wednesday and all the ministers are on the same page, supporting prime minister Ramgoolam on the agreement. The deal will be concluded this week.

We understand Keir Starmers Government is facing immense internal pressure, but we will have historic news this week for the people of both countries. It will be in the interests of both the nations.

News that the deal is set to be signed off imminently was criticised by allies of Mr Trump on Tuesday night.

John Kennedy, a Republican senator allied with Mr Trump, suggested on Tuesday that the Chagos deal could make war between the US and China more likely.

This week, Left-wingers in Britain are rushing to give away a strategic US military base in the Indian Ocean before President Trump takes office and could stop the deal, he said.

President Biden is going along. Ignoring the potential of war increases its likelihood.

Impact on US security

The president-elect is said to be sceptical of the pact because of its perceived implications for US security. There are concerns it will benefit China, which is expanding its influence in the region and has a trade deal with Mauritius.

Nigel Farage, the leader of Reform UK and a friend of Mr Trump, said the agreement would be met with outright hostility by the incoming president and his team.

The Telegraph understands that rival views have sprung up among UK officials on how Mr Trump will deal with the Chagos issue when he takes office later this month.

Some in Downing Street believe the new presidents team will soften their stance when they have been briefed on the situation by the US State Department, which supported the deal under Mr Bidens administration.

Civil servants working for Mr Biden believe the deal balances the UKs obligations under international law with the long-term security of the air base on Diego Garcia.

However, other officials are concerned that Mr Trump will view the handover as a concession to China and may revive fears the base will be threatened without UK ownership of the islands.

Just weeks after taking office, Labour agreed a deal with the previous Mauritian government to give away the strategically placed archipelago in the Indian Ocean.

But the agreement quickly hit a major hurdle after a change of power in Mauritius, with Navin Ramgoolam, the new leader, demanding fresh negotiations.

Bill of 9bn

Downing Street reportedly offered to provide a chunk of the reported 9 billion set to be paid over 99 years to lease back Diego Garcia upfront, in order to secure the deal in the run-up to Mr Trumps inauguration, which is taking place next week.

Gavin Glover, the Mauritian attorney general, visited London for talks this week and said on Monday that his team had not come out of the discussions empty-handed.

A source close to the Mauritian government told The Telegraph that the deal had been agreed and was set to be signed off by the Mauritians on Wednesday.

They said the UK and Mauritius had reached a consensus on finances and sovereignty, with a special council of ministers convening this week to approve the agreement.

A source said that the Mauritians had agreed to the 99-year lease and accepted a clause which allows the UK to exercise the sovereignty of Mauritius. However, there have been reports that the lease has been reduced to 50 years, and it is unclear which concessions  if any  have been agreed on the financial side.

Mr Ramgoolam had reportedly demanded 800 million a year for as long as Britain wanted to keep hold of the air base, along with billions more in reparations.

The treaty to enforce the deal would still need to be ratified by the UK Parliament after Mr Trump returned to the White House, although Labours vast Commons majority should see it pass comfortably.

Its a long-term deal

Downing Street would not be drawn into saying whether the 99-year lease on the Diego Garcia base could be shortened as part of the deal when asked on Tuesday.

Once an agreement is reached, further details of the treaty will be put before both Houses for scrutiny and treaty ratification in the usual way, a No 10 spokesman said.

He insisted the UK would only agree to a deal thats in our best interests and would never make any agreement that compromises national security.

Pressed about whether the lease could be reduced to 50 years, the spokesman responded: As I say, it is a long-term deal. We are not going to agree to a deal, finalise a deal, that is not on our terms, that doesnt secure the strong protections I just talked about.

The spokesman also denied the UK was trying to get a deal over the line before Mr Trump was inaugurated.

Downing Street has repeatedly refused to be drawn on how much the deal to give up the islands would cost the British taxpayer.

In the Commons, the Conservatives urged caution from the Government and suggested ministers hold off for at least a week given the hostility to the proposed arrangement from Mr Trumps allies.

If this is such a good deal, whys he so secretive about it? Dame Priti Patel, the shadow foreign secretary, asked.

David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, replied: I know that the shadow foreign secretary is new to the job but I just remind her that it was her government that did 10 rounds of negotiation on this issue, we picked it up, and remind her that the White House, State Department and the Pentagon believe that this is a good deal  as does the Indian government.

Dame Priti told The Telegraph: Labour have once again failed to defend the national interest. The fact they have been bullied by Mauritius into surrendering sovereignty of the Chagos Islands is the most shameful failure of British diplomacy this century.

Billions of pounds of British taxpayers money is being thrown away and our national security and defence is being put at risk unnecessarily because Keir Starmer and David Lammy are unwilling or unable to defend Britain which will also undermine our relationship with the USA and the incoming Trump administration who have signalled their opposition to this deal.

For months Labour have been negotiating in secret and hiding from the public and Parliament the details and costs of the surrender of sovereignty.

Just today Labour Ministers were asked by six MPs in the House of Commons for details on the Chagos surrender and now we know why they failed to answer and come clean. It looks like they are going to pay more and give up what limited control they claimed to have, breaking what little guarantees they previously gave.

So desperate is Keir Starmer and David Lammy to get the deal done before President Trump returns to office they caved in and backed down. Labour cannot be trusted with the defence and security of our country.
Sydney Missionary and Bible College, which is part of the Australian College of Theologys network of colleges. Photograph: Sydney Missionary & Bible College

A college that describes itself as Australias largest provider of theological education has become the nations 44th university, ending years of costly appeals and demonstrating the growing power of small religious providers.

The Australian College of Theology (ACT)  which will be renamed the Australian University of Theology  is the third religious institution to receive full university status since 2020.

In 2021, the Seventh-day Adventist church-owned Avondale University and theological school the University of Divinity were elevated to Australian university status, joining the Australian Catholic University, which faced backlash last year over a speech denouncing abortion and same-sex marriage made by a guest speaker at its graduation ceremony.

On Wednesday, the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (Teqsa) confirmed the ACT would follow suit, concluding a multi-year review process with the tribunal over whether the quality of the colleges research was high enough to be deemed a university.

The ACT says its chief purpose is to equip people to faithfully serve Gods church and Gods world through qualifications in ministry, theology and Christian studies.

The ACT dean and chief executive, Prof James Dalziel, said he was pleased the institutions long-term effort has been externally recognised.

About 2,500 students are enrolled each year across 16 affiliated colleges in Australia and New Zealand, studying courses such as A Christian Perspective on the History of Science, Evangelistic Preaching and Sexuality and Identity.

The deputy director of the Centre for the Study of Higher Education at the University of Melbourne, Associate Prof Gwilym Croucher, said there were no right answers on what institutions should be given the university title, which had been applied differently across the world and over the past century.

The first public universities [in Australia] specifically excluded theology as foundational, he said. But theres always been scholarly theological work done here.

The challenge in recent decades for policymakers and people in higher education is that the title itself conveys a lot of authority, leading to concern about the market power it provides.

Related: Half of the psychiatrists in NSWs public service are preparing to resign. Heres why

Croucher said the elevation of religious institutions to university status in recent years could be attributed to their long history. He pointed to ACU  a well-established and respected public university  as complicating the debate on whether universities should be secular.

Would it be fair to stop other theological-based [institutions] elevated to university status? he said.

The broader question is, is it acceptable to the Australian community that a university teaches and researches in a narrow field  what we dont want is to inadvertently diminish the university title, while making sure universities doing good work arent excluded.

Itll be more interesting to see whether we have new universities created that dont have as long a history.

The ACT was first founded by the Church of England in 1891 and granted self-accrediting authority in 2010. It has sought to become a university since 2016, with its initial application refused by Teqsa three years later, prompting an appeal to the administrative appeals tribunal (AAT).

In 2022, it was registered as a university college  one step down from an Australian university  after a review into provider categories commissioned by the former Coalition government to support its goals for a diverse high quality higher education sector.

Teqsa cited the presentation of new evidence as the reason for its upgraded status.

Half of the eight university colleges registered as a result of the reforms are religious, including Sydney College of Divinity, Excelsia College, Moore Theological College and Alphacrucis University College.

In October 2024, the AAT handed down its decision, ruling the ACT met the grounds for university registration, subject to consultation with state and territory education ministers. None opposed the change in provider status.

Teqsa had contended the ACTs research was not of a high enough standard for registration, arguing a university is not just simply a benefit that [an] institution pays its dues and is entitled to as of right.

It is a very, very significant status which reflects on Australias place in the international community, both in teaching and in research.

The ACT argued religious studies received very little funding but the college had still managed to release research at a world standard.

University colleges do not receive research block grant funding from the federal government and cannot apply for competitive grants from bodies such as the Australian Research Council.

As a result of the registration, the ACT will change its name to the Australian University of Theology (AUT) and seek access to government research and infrastructure funding.

The ACT reported a net operating loss of $578,000 in 2023, primarily attributed to legal expenses related to the tribunal process.

Its enrolments have dropped by about 30% in the past five years, described as an ongoing challenge for providers in the theology sector in its annual report.

In a statement on the universitys website, Dalziel said: As the ACT enters this new season, we need to remember that our calling is something different to just focusing on status.

Its a calling to faithfully equip people to serve Gods church and Gods world.

Independent Higher Education Australia, of which ACT is a member, congratulated the college for its significant achievement. Its CEO, Dr Peter Hendy, said Australias newest university had been a valued contributor and leader in the independent higher education sector.
Chef Aaron Bludorn pours sauce over coq au vin at Persied. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer

Before Aaron Bludorn moved to Houston a few years ago, he spent nearly a decade cooking dishes that called for the butter, cream and sauces common in French cuisine.

But after leaving the Michelin-starred Cafe Boulud in New York City for Space City to open Bludorn, the chef wanted to run far away from that style of cooking.

Bludorn was the new guy in town, and he was savvy enough to know that French cooking was often code for old-school. Unimaginative. Too formal.

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So he smartly went about cooking for Houstonians, with dishes such as grilled oysters, lobster pot pie and dry-aged burgers. The optics of a Manhattan-trained chef swooping in and trying to impress diners disappeared faster than a collapsing souffle.

When Bludorn opens Perseid at Hotel Saint Augustine Jan. 16, however, his French training will be front and center  with influences from the Texas Gulf Coast woven into the menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It will also be Bludorn Hospitalitys fourth restaurant in Houston.

Its a bistro though the eyes of Houston, Bludorn said. Its rooted in French cuisine with nods to Houstons culture throughout.

HOUSTON EATS: The Chronicles top 100 restaurants

Perseid at Hotel Saint Augustine in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer

While Perseid, 4110 Loretto, is Bludorns first hotel restaurant, its not the first time hes worked in such a setting.

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Bludorn knows the ins and outs of putting together a hotel restaurant menu. He drew on his experience at Cafe Boulud, which celebrity chef Daniel Boulud opened at the Surrey Hotel in Manhattans Upper East Side (it has since moved).

But one reason Bludorn was drawn to opening Perseid, which is part of Bunkhouse Hotels, was its proximity to the Menil Collection and the history of the French family behind it, the oil-industry-billionaire Schlumbergers, who collected art and shared it for free with Houstonians.

While Bludorn originally distanced himself from the cannon of French cooking, he started to realize that French influences can be seen across a variety of cuisines available in Houston.

The Creole and Cajun cooking in the South has a heavy influence pre-dating the Louisiana Purchase. Frances history of colonization in parts of West Africa and Vietnam is prevalent here, whether its spices used on meat skewers or baguettes used for banh mi.

We wanted a partner who was Houston through and through, said Jamie-Lynn Argenta, the regional vice president of food and beverage for Bunkhouse Hotels, via email. They needed to understand the city, its food culture now and also its history.

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Perseid's menu draws from French and Texas Gulf Coast influences.

Nearly two years in the making, Bludorn is ready to put French cooking on display at Perseid.

I took a chance that we would be ready to do it, Bludorn said.

MORE FROM BAO ONG: Houstons 10 best new restaurants of 2024 includes Bar Bludorn, Ema and Kira

Chef-partner of Hotel Saint Augustine Aaron Bludorn, from right, restaurant partner Cherif Mbodji and Michael Le, executive chef, pose for a photograph at Perseid. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer

Along with Cherif Mbodji, Bludorn Hospitalitys director of operations, Bludorn and his team are prepared to keep expanding their footprint in Houston.

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Theyve tapped Michael Le, who had been cooking at Navy Blue, to be Perseids executive chef.

A variety of dishes from Perseid.

Classic French dishes including escargot en vol au vent, coq au vin and terrines made from duck and foie gras have spots on the opening menu. Some of the dishes receive a Southern touch with sides of biscuits or a housemade potato chips for a smoked salmon dip.

Le turns to his Vietnamese roots for the St. Augustine Burger, which calls for a Maggi glaze  a condiment similar to soy sauce that has French roots and is common in Vietnamese cooking. He also adds on pickled carrots and cucumbers to complement the duck liver mousse served with the dish.

Desserts like beignets with spiced berry coulis and even cocktails, such as a one named after Rothko Chapel architect Howard Barnstone, build on the Houston themes.

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The dining room at Perseid seats about 75 people.

The main dining room with its ombre-hued walls and touches of Art Deco throughout seats about 75 customers. Theres also a patio, bar and a second floor for events.

When you walk through the hotel, you can see a Bludorn there, Mbodji said.

The Bunkhouse team named the restaurant Perseid, which is a reference to the meteor showers that peak in late summer, to play on Houstons connection with space exploration.
The Holiday Inn Express hotel in Rotherham, which was attacked during the riots in the summer. Photograph: Gary Calton/The Observer

Councils across England and Wales have said they are keen to help accommodate asylum seekers as the government attempts to move as many as possible out of hotels, in part to try to ease community tensions.

Angela Rayners housing and communities department is in talks with the Home Office about the possibility of exercising a 2026 break clause in contracts with three private companies that provide hotels for those waiting for asylum claims to be processed.

While the process is at an early stage, the Home Office is also keen on the idea of councils stepping in, which would save money and could help to distribute asylum seekers more widely.

As of the autumn, there were more than 36,000 people put up in more than 200 hotels, costing 3.7m a day. The hotels were provided by three private companies under contract to the Home Office: Serco, Mears and Clearsprings. If the break clause is not triggered, the contracts would then run to 2030.

The Local Government Association, which represents councils in England and Wales, said that while it had not been briefed about a possible shift away from the current model, councils would be keen to help if it happened.

Councils have a proud history of supporting new arrivals across the current range of asylum and resettlement programmes, said Louise Gittins, a councillor and the chair of the LGA.

We are aware that the number of arrivals, combined with the need to end the use of hotels, means that the Home Office are considering using a different approach to finding and managing accommodation for asylum seekers, including local authorities playing a more active role.

Any plans to move asylum seekers out of hotels would require work with councils to distribute people evenly, Gittins said. We are keen to work with government both to improve the current system and work towards longer-term change. Both need to deliver a fairer dispersal of asylum seekers around the country, an understanding of shared roles and responsibilities to keep people safe and supported and the funding needed to deliver this, and a place-based approach to wider cohesion and housing challenges.

Internal analysis of the issue from Rayners department, seen by the Guardian, argued that one pressing reason to make the change would be to ease tensions in areas where large numbers of people are put up in hotels, saying this was closely linked to riots and disturbances in a series of towns and cities last summer.

In one of the most violent incidents of the riots, some people tried to set fire to the Holiday Inn Express in Rotherham, which was being used to house asylum seekers, with others throwing objects at police.

Moving to a council-led approach would require significant changes, including to funding, the briefing document said, while arguing that removing profits for private companies could give more financial leeway.
Una Crown had her throat cut and was fatally stabbed in the chest - Cambridgeshire Police/PA

The violent death of an elderly housebound widow who was stabbed four times was initially considered by police as not suspicious, a court heard.

Una Crown, a tiny lady who was 4ft 10in tall and of slight build, had her throat cut and was fatally stabbed in the chest with wounds to her heart and both lungs, Cambridge Crown Court heard on Tuesday.

David Newton, a 70-year-old former boxer, is accused of murdering the 86-year-old former postmistress 12 years ago in Wisbech, Cambs.

Her body and clothes had been set on fire and two other separate fires were ignited in her bungalow, jurors were told.

Mr Newton, who lived around the corner from Mrs Crown, was first arrested 18 days after her burnt body was discovered lying in a pool of blood in the hallway of her bungalow by John Payne, her nephew by marriage, on Jan 13 2013.

Jurors heard how officers had initially treated the widows death as not suspicious, and allowed relatives of Mrs Crown to be in the house for two days following the discovery of her body.

John Price KC, prosecuting, labelled the decision by officers a grave error of judgment and cited the danger it presented in undermining the subsequent investigation.

David Newton, who denies murder, lived round the corner from the victim - Cambs Times/SWNS

He told the court: This delay in preserving the scene and the start of the investigation came about because of a grave error of judgment by police officers who went to the house on Jan 13 2013 in response to the emergency call.

They decided that the death of Mrs Crown was not suspicious.

He added: This should not have been allowed to happen until after the interior of the house had been forensically examined because evidence in the house can be lost or the scene disturbed.

Even with the benefit of hindsight, it may seem difficult to understand how those officers managed persuade themselves that this death should not be treated as suspicious, given they could see Mrs Crown had a wound to her neck, there was a lot of blood on the floor where she lay and there were three separate seats of fire within the house.

Mr Price explained to the court how ineffective Mr Newton was in trying to set fire to the body to allegedly conceal evidence of the murder.

If he had wished to burn down her house, there were other obviously far more effective ways of trying to do so. Did he just enjoy setting small fires? he asked of the dozen jurors in court.

Mr Newton was first arrested on suspicion of the murder on Jan 31 2013.

He was interviewed twice, once on the day of his arrest, and again four months later. In July, police told him he would not be charged.

Una Crown with her late husband Jack - Cambridgeshire Police/PA

However, 10 years later in March 2023, he was asked to provide fresh DNA evidence from a mouth swab.

His DNA was found to be a match on DNA that had only been discovered on Mrs Crowns fingernails in 2023, the prosecution said.

Mr Newton denies murder and has claimed that he was at home watching the usual Saturday night rubbish on television on the evening of the killing.

Judith Payne, Mrs Crowns niece by blood and John Paynes wife, was among the family members sat in the public gallery and in a statement read to jurors, she said: She did not belong to any outside groups or clubs and as there was no bus down where she lived.

She did not go out anywhere unless her friends or family picked her up  so she was quite housebound.

The trial is expected to last between four and five weeks.
An Israeli soldier launches an unmanned aerial vehicle  or drone  at an undisclosed position near the border with Gaza - ABIR SULTAN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Drone attacks are responsible for an increasing share of deaths among humanitarian workers and are disrupting vital aid work in conflict zones, research has shown.

In 2024, 53 healthcare workers and 16 aid workers were killed in drone strikes, an increase of more than 70 per cent on the previous year, according to a report by Insecurity Insight.

The report, which documents the use of armed drones in conflict zones around the world, is one of the first to focus on the impact the weapons are having on humanitarian efforts.

While fatalities from drone attacks only account for a small share of the overall humanitarian death toll  preliminary data from 2024 indicates that 292 aid workers and 870 health workers were killed in total  the reports authors said the sharp rise in drone-related deaths reflects a major shift in the nature of warfare.

They also say the increased drone threat is making vital humanitarian work more difficult and more dangerous.

Its particularly concerning because its new, and reflects the changing face of war, said Christina Wille, director of Insecurity Insight.

We should also not solely focus on how many aid workers have died because, in a way, thats the peak of the iceberg, she told The Telegraph.

The really big problem is how the use of drones shrinks the humanitarian space more and more, as it becomes more costly, more difficult, and more dangerous to deliver aid with devastating consequences for communities in need.

Since the first recorded incident involving a health worker in Syria in 2016, at least 94 health care workers have died in drone strikes in 12 countries, the researchers found.

Israels extensive use of armed drones in the fighting in Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon, as well as their widespread use by both sides in the war in Ukraine, are part of the reason why more than 70 per cent of these fatalities took place in 2024.

The report details numerous drone attacks which killed humanitarian workers in Gaza, prompting the suspension of aid programmes.

In total, Insecurity Insight documented 423 incidents where armed drones affected the delivery of healthcare or aid since 2016, and warned that 65 per cent of these strikes hit fixed locations  for instance a health facility, refugee camp or supply warehouse. Again, the vast majority of these incidents are recent, with 84 strikes in 2023, and 308 in 2024.

The overall proportion of incidents affecting humanitarian work linked to remotely piloted aircraft also doubled last year: six per cent of explosives that hit humanitarian work in 2023 were linked to drones, jumping to 12 per cent of all strikes in 2024.

Ms Wille said the surge  which is expected to continue  is partly a reflection of the increased use and availability of drones.

Once the preserve of the most advanced Western militaries, there has been an explosion in the number of drones in service around the world in the last 20 years and dozens of countries now operate large, fixed-wing unmanned aircraft capable of carrying out missile and bomb attacks.

But the rapid proliferation of the technology in recent years is not the only factor at play  the way they make the act of killing easier is also to blame for the heightened threat they pose.

I think the nature of drones have implications too, she said. Drone pilots sit in complete comfort in a command centre, with no risk to their own lives, at a distance from the target. This changes the dynamics of a conflict.

Ms Wille added: The other thing is that drones seem to be especially used by state forces in anti-insurgent or anti-terrorist activities. There seems to be a dangerous rhetoric that anyone with proximity to someone who is designated a terrorist is, by implication, considered supportive  and is therefore wrongly perceived as a legitimate target.

This makes it very, very dangerous for aid workers in all sorts of areas, but especially those that may be controlled by designated terrorist groups.

The report, called Hovering Threats and published on Tuesday, called for the aid sector to drone-proof their operations and train workers in how to mitigate the risks, and for warring parties to update their protocols to reflect the reality of new technology  and to follow international law.

Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security
vaccinating

The payment scheme for people injured by vaccines has cost taxpayers more to run than it has paid out to victims, official figures suggest, fuelling calls for urgent reform.

The Government has spent more than 25 million since Nov 1 2021 on medically assessing thousands of claims that vaccinations have left people seriously disabled.

It is more than the total 23.6 million that since that date has been paid out to 197 victims, with each claim worth 120,000.

The Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme (VDPS) was established in 1979 and pays tax-free cash to those deemed to have suffered life-changing injuries as a result of certain vaccinations  including those against Covid-19.

It awards a one-off 120,000 tax-free payment to people who have been severely injured, or to the families of those who have died, as a result of a vaccination.

A person must be judged to be at least 60 per cent disabled for the one-off payment, which is funded by taxpayers.

The scheme uses GMC-registered doctors with at least five years of experience to assess claimants medical records and other paperwork and decide on the balance of probabilities whether a claimant has become disabled as a result of taking a vaccine.

Offers too little ... too late

However, the scheme has been heavily criticised for being too slow to assess cases. Victims also claim that the payouts are insufficient and that the threshold claimants must meet to qualify for a payout is too harsh a measure.

Kate Scott, whose husband was left with permanent brain damage after taking the AstraZeneca vaccine against Covid-19, criticised the imbalance between the money the scheme costs to run and the sums paid out.

She said: It offers too little, to too few, too late and is more costly to administer than the benefits awarded.

Many individuals in critical need have waited too long for a decision: Nearly 1,000 waiting over 12 months  and more than 280 of these have been left waiting for over 18 months  for a decision, while the administrative costs of managing this inefficient and ineffective program continue to rise.

The scheme needs reform.

Kate Scott with husband Jamie, who was left with permanent brain damage after taking the AstraZeneca vaccine, described the compensation scheme as inefficient and ineffective - Andrew Fox

The VDPS has given more than 23.6 million to victims between the point that its administration was taken over by the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) on Nov 1 2021 and the end of last year, according to a freedom of information request.

It spent more than 25.1 million on the medical assessment of claims in the three years to Nov 1 2024, according to data released by the Department for Health.

The Telegraph revealed earlier this week that the Government was looking at changing the law regarding compensation for people harmed by Covid vaccines, amid concern it doesnt offer enough support.

Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, met with campaigners from the Vaccine Bereaved and Injured UK in September to discuss their concerns about the existing compensation scheme.

He then wrote to Mrs Scott, saying he had commissioned officials to work up a number of options to reform the scheme.

It is understood that he is considering setting up a bespoke programme for those making claims relating to Covid-19 jabs, similar to the scheme for victims of the infected blood scandal.

The existing scheme has been in place for decades, but has become overwhelmed by a huge volume of claims from those suffering side effects after Covid-19 vaccines.

Vaccine campaigners Andrew Gwynn, Kate Scott, Sheila Ward and Kelly Hatfield met with Wes Streeting, second from left, to discuss concerns about the compensation scheme

A spokesman for NHSBSA said: The VDPS has seen a significant increase in applications and the level of injuries described can vary quite dramatically. We have improved application information on our website, but we are still seeing a high number of applications for minor complaints.

Under the scheme rules we must ask for full medical records and a comprehensive medical assessment, even if there is no likelihood of an award being made. We are working with DHSC to explore opportunities to triage some of the applications we receive for minor side effects and conditions.

The formal procurement process for the medical assessment supplier contract was open and transparent, ensuring the spending of public money can be properly scrutinised.

It came as public hearings for the fourth module of the Covid-19 inquiry started in London on Tuesday.

Running until Jan 31, it will hear issues around vaccine safety from families of those who suffered side effects from Covid jabs.

In an opening submission, Anna Morris, representing UKCVFamily, Vaccine Injured Bereaved UK and the Scottish Vaccine Injury Group, said: The thousands of people that these three groups represent present what is an uncomfortable truth for many  that vaccine injury and death are part of the pandemic story.

She questioned if political pressure led to an environment in which the assessment and the regulation of the safety of vaccines was not as robust as it should have or could have been, or if a focus on jabs meant alternatives were overlooked.
An AfD poster for its increasingly provocative election campaign. Photograph: Filip Singer/EPA

German police have launched an investigation after the far-right Alternative fur Deutschland party distributed flyers designed to resemble plane tickets for deportation that were addressed to illegal immigrants as part of an increasingly provocative campaign for next months general election.

People from immigrant communities in the south-western city of Karlsruhe found the flyers in their letterboxes, although it was not immediately clear if they had been directly targeted.

The criminal police force in Karlsruhe said in a statement on Tuesday it had opened an investigation into persons unknown on suspicion of incitement of racial hatred.

A police spokesperson said a complaint had been filed referring to a social media post about the flyer, which had an AfD logo, a QR code linking to the website of the partys local chapter and the purported destination of a safe country of origin. Below that was the tagline: Only remigration can still save Germany.

The flyers strongly resemble the fake plane tickets distributed by the neo-Nazi NPD party in 2013 in a racist bid to discourage immigrant candidates from standing for parliament. Both campaigns recalled chilling Nazi-era appeals to Jews to leave Germany offering free tickets to Jerusalem  never to return with a design that also mimicked actual travel documents.

The Greens politician Beate Hoeft from Ettlingen, south of Karlsruhe, posted about the flyer on her Instagram account with the caption: People from a migrant background in the Karlsruhe region found this in their letterboxes, adding hashtags reading No AfD, Protect democracy and Beware the beginnings. She said she was in contact with one affected family.

The mayor of Karlsruhe, Frank Mentrup of the Social Democrats, accused the AfD of fomenting fear among communities that already felt anxious about far-right sentiment spreading in Germany.

The AfD MP Marc Bernhard, from Karlsruhe, told the public broadcaster SWR that 30,000 of the flyers had been printed and that they had been distributed at election campaign stands as well as dropped in residential mailboxes. He denied those with foreign-sounding names had been targeted, as well as any connection with the decade-old NPD campaign.

Markus Frohnmaier, the co-chair of the AfDs Baden-Wurttemberg state association, said he supported the creative action by local chapters. It was the partys goal to see the nearly 1 million Syrians in Germany returned home after the fall of the former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, he said, calling it enforcement of existing law.

One year after tens of thousands of Germans took to the streets in protest against reported secret AfD plans for mass remigration, the party openly embraced the term at its congress last weekend before the 23 February election.

The AfD, which authorities class as suspected rightwing extremist, is polling in second place with about 21% support behind the centre-right Christian Democrats, meaning it is highly unlikely to win an outright majority. All the mainstream democratic parties have ruled out forming a governing coalition with the hard right.
Partridges has announced it will close the doors to its Chelsea store in February - Greg Balfour Evans/Alamy

It has been at the beating heart of Chelsea for more than half a century.

But now fine food grocers Partridges has announced the closure of its original store.

The family-run shop, with its good things for the larder motto, secured a royal warrant as grocers to Queen Elizabeth in 1994 and was granted the same warrant by the King just weeks ago.

However, it will close its doors for the last time on Feb 2.

John Shepherd, the owner of Partridges, said: We are very sad to be leaving Chelsea after an incredible 53 years serving local residents.

Although our Chelsea chapter is coming to an end we are looking forward to building Partridges in smaller and more sustainable shop formats across London.

Mr Shepherd, who co-founded the store with Richard Shepherd, his late brother, continued: At the heart of our success though lies our experienced and knowledgeable team of staff, who we thank enormously for all their years of service.

We hope that this is not goodbye and that many of our current customers will venture over to Gloucester Road to visit us there.

The delicatessen began providing the Palace with products in 1991 - Mike Raison/dmg media Licensing

A second branch opened in Gloucester Road in the late 1990s, while the original Sloane Street branch relocated to Duke of York Square in 2004.

Its Saturday food market in the Duke of York Square has become a tourist attraction.

Mr Shepherd said: We are very proud to have recently achieved carbon neutrality for both our Chelsea and Gloucester Road stores, we have received a new royal warrant from King Charles and we have supported several hundred small artisan businesses by creating and curating the fine food market on the Duke of York Square on nearly 1,000 Saturdays.

We send all the traders our very best wishes for the future.

The stores royal ties began in 1991, when Buckingham Palace called asking for some of its products.

A spokesman for the store told the Daily Mail: At first, no one was sure which palace, but fortunately it turned out to be the Palace.

Partridges leapt at the opportunity and in 1994 was granted the royal warrant as grocers to Her Majesty the Queen.

The spokesman added the business had been unable to come to a contractual understanding with landlord Cadogan and added: I think theyll be sad to lose Partridges. Its a shame.

Hugh Seaborn, the chief executive of Cadogan, said: While I respect the decision of John Shepherd, of Partridges, I am deeply sorry to see them go.
A woman sits with a child at the site of Israeli bombardment on a residential block in Jalaa Street in Gaza City, 14 January 2025. Photograph: Omar Al-Qattaa/AFP/Getty Images

Hopes rose across Gaza on Tuesday that the war that has devastated the territory, killing more than 46,000 and displacing millions, was finally over.

Amid widespread reports that Hamas and Israel were in the final stages of agreeing a ceasefire agreement, residents of the embattled territory expressed mixed emotions: hope and fear for the future but pain and grief for the past 15 months.

I am optimistic and very happy  [but] I wish I could go back to Rafah, to my life and my school, said Ibrahim al-Aker, an 11-year-old from Rafah, who has been displaced seven times, lost 70 members of his family and was badly injured by a bullet earlier this year.

Muhammad al-Hallaq, 31, said he was living in an atmosphere of joy, mixed with feelings of fear.

Since the war began after the 7 October 2023 Hamas attacks on Israel, there has been only one pause in the 15 month conflict  a 10 day truce in November 2023  and previous reports that a ceasefire deal was close have repeatedly proved premature.

I am really worried that I will be disappointed this time again like so many times, said Hallaq, from Gaza Citys al-Daraj neighbourhood.

Hallaq said that his apartment had been badly damaged and his phone store destroyed.

Related: Fifteen months of Israeli bombardment leave conditions in Gaza unimaginable

Gaza is now a devastation, it has become uninhabitable  but I will stay  I will not leave, and I will not accept resettlement anywhere else. I hope peace will prevail here and that this grief will end soon.

The US, Egypt and Qatar have spent the past year trying to mediate a deal that would stop fighting, allow desperately needed aid to reach Gaza and secure the release of dozens of hostages captured by Hamas in its surprise attack into Israel that killed about 1,200 people mostly civilians  and triggered the conflict. About 100 are still held inside Gaza, although Israeli officials believe at least a third them are now dead.

Israels offensive in Gaza has reduced large areas of the territory to rubble and displaced about 90% of Gazas population of 2.3 million, many of whom are at risk of famine. Around two-thirds of of the people killed were civilians, according to local health authorities and the UN.

Tented camps now stretch across what were once beaches and fields. Almost all the territorys infrastructure  power cables, sewers, water pipes  has been destroyed along with much of its health care system. Aid workers describe some former busy cities as moonscapes.

This war was never just about bombing, said Wadiha al-Attar, 37, who lost 30 relatives in the conflict. Its also been about starvation, lack of food and clothing, and the complete absence of mental peace. Let them end the war, open the crossings, let food come in, and allow us to see our beloved ones and return to northern Gaza! Let them rebuild our houses after they were completely destroyed.

This war has been truly devastating. It has scorched everything, leaving no mercy for the people, the trees, the stones and even the animals. No one was spared. There were no homes untouched by sorrow and grief, whether in the north or south of Gaza. Everyone has lost loved ones, family and friends, said Attar, who fled north Gaza to the southern city of Khan Younis.

Fighting in Gaza has continued in recent days despite reports of an imminent ceasefire.

Two Israeli airstrikes overnight Monday-Tuesday in the central Gazan city of Deir al-Balah killed two women and their four children, who ranged in age from one month to nine years old. One of the women was pregnant and the baby did not survive, according to al-Aqsa Martyrs hospital, which received the bodies.



Another 12 people were killed in two strikes on the southern city of Khan Younis, according to the European hospital there.



There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military. Israel says it only targets militants and accuses Hamas of hiding among civilians in health facilities, shelters and tent camps for the displaced.

Five Israeli soldiers were killed by a roadside bomb that targeted their convoy in the north of Gaza on Monday.

Many civilian casualties are believed to be buried under rubble. A ceasefire will be an opportunity for at least some of Gazas displaced to return to former homes to search for the many thousands who are still missing.

It is still unclear who will run Gaza after the end of the war, and who might pay for the reconstruction. Just clearing rubble would take a fleet of 100 lorries 15 years to clear Gaza and cost between $500m (394m) and $600m, a UN assessment earlier this year found.

I really hope that someone takes charge of law and order be imposed, and that the chaotic situation we have had through the war is ended, said Hallaq. I dont care who runs Gaza, but I hope that it will be run by Palestinian businessmen and technocrats who have extensive experience and contacts and can impose their authority.

Israel has said it will not end the war leaving Hamas in power, and that it will retain security control over the enclave after the fighting ends. It has also rejected administration of Gaza by the Palestinian Authority, the western-backed body set up under the Oslo interim peace accords three decades ago that exercises limited sovereignty in the occupied West Bank.

The international community has said Gaza must be run by Palestinians, but efforts to find alternatives to the main factions among civil society or clan leaders have proved largely fruitless.

There have been discussions between Israel, the United Arab Emirates and the US over a provisional administration that would run Gaza until a reformed Palestinian Authority is able to take charge. Palestinian officials and western diplomats said yesterday that this was the most likely scenario if a ceasefire is concluded and holds.

The feeling is very mixed, but the overwhelming feeling is the joy of the end of death and our return to our natural life, which will take many years to restore, said Youssef Balousha, a 53-year-old photographer from Gaza City.
Despite the talks, two women and four children were killed by Israeli airstrikes on Deir al-Balah, in the central Gaza Strip, on Monday night. Photograph: Abdel Kareem Hana/AP

Negotiators met in Doha on Tuesday in an effort to hammer out the final details of a ceasefire in Gaza, as the warring sides were reported to be closing in on a deal and the US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, said the negotiations were right on the brink.

Israeli media and reports from the Qatari capital said the agreement would involve an initial release of 33 Israeli hostages, including children, women, elderly people and the sick, and up to 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, alongside a partial Israeli troop withdrawal in a first phase lasting 60 days.

After 16 days, talks would begin on a second phase of the agreement which would involve the release of other survivors among the 61 remaining hostages, including military-age men, and the bodies of those who have died. The Israeli military withdrawal would be completed in the course of this second stage.

Envoys representing the Biden White House and the incoming Trump administration are taking part in what was billed as a final round of talks, meeting delegates from Israel, Egypt and Qatar.

The US president-elect, Donald Trump, said negotiators were very close to finalising a deal that could halt the fighting which has claimed at least 45,000 Palestinian lives and left Gazas 2.3 million residents facing catastrophic conditions.

I understand that there has been a handshake and they are getting it finished  maybe by the end of the week, Trump told Newsmax on Monday night, as his envoy Steve Witkoff participated in the negotiations in Doha.

The truth of the matter is that this ceasefire and peace deal is being driven by Trumps team, one Pentagon official told the Guardian. And Biden, Blinken and the whole administration secured its legacy as enablers.

Blinken said on Tuesday that the negotiations were right on the brink but a deal had not been concluded yet.

Its closer than its ever been before, he said during a speech at the Atlantic Council. But, right now, as we sit here, we await final word from Hamas on its acceptance, and until we get that word, well remain on the brink.

Blinken on Tuesday indicated that Israel had agreed to a deal and that mediators were now waiting for a response from Hamas. The Associated Press on Tuesday evening reported that Hamas had accepted the draft agreement for a ceasefire and the release of hostages, citing two anonymous sources involved in the talks. That information has not been confirmed by the group publicly and an Israeli official told the news agency that details of the agreement were still being finalized.

In the speech, Blinken also outlined a vision for a postwar settlement under which Israel would accept a united leadership of Gaza and the West Bank territories under a reformed Palestinian Authority, and criticised the expansion of both official and illegal settlements. Israel has so far rejected those conditions.

Blinkens plan envisions significant involvement from the international community and Arab countries, including the possibility of deploying troops to stabilise security and facilitate humanitarian aid delivery. He also assessed that Hamas had recruited almost as many new militants as its lost.

Optimism over the negotiations has been tempered by past experience after earlier apparent breakthroughs ultimately failed to end the 15-month war in the face of opposition from the coalition government of the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, or obstruction from Hamas inside Gaza. The militant group is being led by Mohammed Sinwar, brother of Yahya Sinwar, the former head of Hamas and the mastermind of the 7 October attacks who was killed by Israel last October after a year-long manhunt.

Despite the talks, fighting in Gaza has continued. Late on Monday night, two Israeli airstrikes in the central city of Deir al-Balah killed two women and their four children, aged between 1 month and nine years old. Another 12 people were killed in two strikes on the southern city of Khan Younis.

Separately, at least six Palestinians were killed and several were injured late on Tuesday in an Israeli strike on Jenin in the West Bank.

Israels security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, declared his continued opposition to the agreement in a social media post on Tuesday in which he boasted that he and other far-right members of the coalition had blocked a ceasefire time after time in recent months. He appealed to a fellow hardliner, Bezalel Smotrich, to join his party in walking out of the coalition if Netanyahu accepted the deal under discussion.

On Monday, Smotrich, the head of one of the parties in the ruling coalition, denounced the agreement being worked out in Qatar as a surrender deal. The deal that is taking shape is a catastrophe for the national security of the state of Israel, he said.

Writing in the Haaretz newspaper, the military analyst Amos Harel said the weakest point in the blueprint being negotiated in Doha was the transition from the first to second phase.

Negotiations on the second phase are supposed to begin on the 16th day after it is signed, while the first phase is being implemented, Harel wrote. The understandable fear shared by the hostage families is that these talks will collapse, and that the only hostages that will be brought back are those from the first, humanitarian phase, namely women, elderly men, the sick and the wounded. Soldiers and young men will remain captives of Hamas for a long time as an insurance policy on the lives of the organisations leaders.

Biden proposed a phased ceasefire plan in May last year, claiming it was an Israeli-approved blueprint, but he was repeatedly frustrated by Netanyahus obstruction. Trump has reportedly sent repeated messages to Netanyahu that he wants the fighting to be over before he takes office on 20 January.

On Tuesday, representatives from the Hostages and Missing Families Forum met Netanyahu, who told them that talks were advancing and he was doing everything he can to bring about the release of all hostages, according to Israels Channel 12.

There are radical members such as Ben-Gvir and Smotrich who are obstructing the deal, Moshe Emilio Lavi, the brother-in-law of one of the hostages held by Hamas, told the Guardian. They are exploiting the hostage deal because they have other interests, like re-establishing settlements in northern Gaza. I just hope the government is not going to make an unwise decision this time.
The ceasefire truce began on Jan 19 and its first phase will last 42 days - Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters

Israel and Hamas have signed a ceasefire agreement to end the war and return the hostages kidnapped by the terror group during the Oct 7 attacks.

The truce began on Jan 19 and is a multi-stage deal, with the first period lasting 42 days.

If the conditions for the deals initial phase are met, discussions for the second and third stages will begin on the 16th day of the ceasefire taking effect.

Here is how it is expected to be implemented.

Stage one

Hamas will release at least three hostages each week over a six-week period under the agreements first phase.



This amounts to a total of 33 hostages, who mainly consist of children, women, men aged over 50 and the wounded or sick.

Hamas will hand the hostages to the Red Cross, which will transport them from Gaza to Israel. The first three hostages released on Jan 19  Romi Gonen, 24, Emily Damari, 28, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31  are women who were not serving in the Israeli army.

The next four hostages, Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, all 20, and Liri Albag, 19, were released on Saturday Jan 25.

Three women remain in Hamas captivity. Two of them are civilians while one was serving in the military when they were abducted during the Oct 7 attacks in 2023.

Three women were the first hostages to be released on Jan 19 since the ceasefire was agreed - Getty Images

The Israeli hostages will be released in exchange for almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners being held in Israeli jails, which is an issue that has proven to be a point of contention.

Hamas reportedly tried to push for some of its members and very high profile prisoners to be added to the release list before the ceasefire came into effect.

These were said to include Marwan Barghouti, a politician and militant leader serving a life sentence for the murder of five people during a Palestinian uprising in the early 2000s. He is regarded as being more popular with Palestinians than any other politician, despite having been shut away from the world for two decades.

Israel is understood to have refused to release Mr Barghouti, although a Hamas source said a number of important [Palestinian] prisoners will be freed.

On day seven of the ceasefire deal  when Hamas released the four female hostages  Israel was due to begin allowing Palestinians sheltering in Gazas south to return to the north but only on foot via the Al Rasheed coastal road.

On day 22, they will then be permitted to return to northern Gaza via the Salah al-Din Road, the main highway running through the enclave from north to south. It is unclear whether they must be on foot or if vehicles and carts will be allowed.

Stage one would see the number of aid trucks entering Gaza a day would be increased to 600 - Hatem Moussa/AP

A crossing on the Salah al-Din Road will be equipped with an X-ray machine and operated by a Qatari-Egyptian technical security team.

Israeli troops were to begin withdrawing from Gaza throughout stage one, however the issue of whether Israel will retain a military presence on the Philadelphi Corridor remains unclear. The Corridor is a narrow strip of land between Gaza and Egypt that Israel wants to control to prevent Hamas smuggling weapons.

According to a leaked version of the ceasefire deal seen by The Times of Israel, the country has agreed to gradually reduce the forces in the Corridor area during stage one and a full withdrawal will be completed by the end of the first stage.

However, Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, vowed to increase the number of troops on the Corridor during a speech on Jan 18. A senior Israeli diplomatic official also told Hebrew media on Jan 16 that Israeli forces would remain there throughout the first phase.

Mr Netanyahu previously vowed to resume fighting unless Hamas capacity to attack Israel is eliminated - Eduardo Munoz/Reuters

Many Israelis have agreed with Mr Netanyahu on this issue, seeing the Corridor as a lifeline for Hamas.

It is understood that the Israel Defense Forces will maintain a buffer zone along Gazas eastern and northern borders.

Soldiers will gradually begin withdrawing from the Netzarim Corridor, which is an IDF-controlled fortified belt across central Gaza that they use to launch operations and control the movement of Palestinians.

Mr Netanyahu had earlier vowed that the country would not under any circumstances leave the Netzarim axis.

Finally, the number of aid trucks entering Gaza would increase to 600 a day, marking an increase from the estimated 76 per day in December.

Stage Two

Hamas would release the remaining living hostages  mainly male soldiers  in return for the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.

Hamas will release at least three hostages each week under the first phase of the deal - Itai Ron/Reuters

Stage Three

The bodies of the remaining hostages would be returned in exchange for a three-to-five-year plan to rebuild Gaza under international supervision.

Longer-term concerns will also be addressed, such as who would be the next ruler of Gaza.

Mr Netanyahu has previously vowed to resume fighting unless Hamas capacity to govern the strip and to launch attacks on Israel is eliminated.
Damage is seen to the Altadena Community Church in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, in Altadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) Photograph: Carolyn Kaster/AP

Fire crews are trying to get the upper hand on blazes that are tearing through Los Angeles before expected high wind gusts threaten their progress. The fires, which may become the most expensive in US history, have killed at least 24 people, displaced thousands, destroyed more than 12,000 structures and have 100,000 people under evacuation orders.

Sustained winds of up to 40mph (64km/h) and gusts in the mountains reaching 65mph (105km/h) are predicted through Wednesday, forecasters said. Winds picked up on Monday and were expected to strengthen on Tuesday, fire behavior analyst Dennis Burns said.

And as Los Angeles holds its breath in anticipation of more strong winds, more stories of victims who have lost their lives, residents who have had their homes destroyed and historic structures and businesses that have been burned down are emerging.

Related: Dangerous winds expected to amplify California wildfires as death toll hits 24

The fires started last Tuesday, fueled by fierce Santa Ana winds that forecasters expect to kick back up through at least midweek. Cal Fire reported that the Palisades, Eaton, Kenneth and Hurst fires have consumed about 62 sq miles (160 sq km).

The Palisades fire, along the coast, is responsible for eight deaths, while the Eaton fire, further inland, has killed 16 others, the LA county medical examiners office said. At least 23 people are missing, and authorities said that number is expected to rise.

Investigators are still trying to determine what sparked the fires. They could be the countrys costliest ever. Government agencies have not provided preliminary damage estimates yet, but AccuWeather, a company that provides data on weather and its impact, puts the damage and economic losses at $250bn to $275bn.

The National Weather Service issued a rare warning about a particularly dangerous situation related to severe fire conditions beginning overnight Monday into Tuesday.

Strong Santa Ana winds have been largely blamed for turning the wildfires into infernos that leveled entire neighborhoods in and around Los Angeles where there has been no significant rainfall in more than eight months.

LA County Recovers, a government-run program, posted interactive maps on its website that show homes and other structures that have been damaged.

The maps for the Eaton and Palisades fires allow users to click on an icon and get a description of the type of structure, such as a home or commercial building, and the type of damage, such as major or destroyed.

Addresses may be entered into a search bar to find a specific location. Users can also see photos of the damaged buildings.

Price gouging has become an issue with hotels, short-term rentals and medical supplies. Scammers are also soliciting donations for bogus relief efforts, authorities said.

The flames have threatened and burned through several highly populated neighborhoods over the past week, including Pacific Palisades, Altadena and others.

Related: Where theres fire, theres smoke: Los Angeles blazes raise fears of super toxic lung damage

Real estate data tracker CoreLogic says the reconstruction cost value of commercial and residential properties inside areas where there are active fires could be $14.8bn. The estimate is based on more than 16,500 properties that could have been damaged in the blazes so far in the Palisades fire and the Eaton blaze burning just outside Los Angeles. The firm noted that not all properties in the areas scorched by the blazes may have necessarily been damaged or sustained damage equal to their full reconstruction cost.

Officials on Monday lowered the number of people under evacuation orders from about 150,000 to under 100,000. However, they cautioned that more evacuations could be ordered when high winds return this week.

Cal Fire reported containment of the Palisades fire at 14% and the Eaton fire at 33% as of Monday morning. Those two fires have burned a combined nearly 38,000 acres since they began last Tuesday.

The Kenneth fire, which broke out near West Hills in the San Fernando Valley, was completely contained, while the Hurst fire was 95% contained.
Missouri City Police Department welcomes Brandon Harris as its new chief. City of Missouri City

Missouri City Police Chief Brandon Harris got a $32,000 pay raise after surprisingly reneging on a plan to retire Jan. 1 and instead agreeing to a new contract to continue as the departments leader after a nationwide search for his replacement.

The veteran law enforcement leader earned $168,000 when he announced his retirement in 2024, according to an open records request filed by the Chronicle. But he signed a new contract when he agreed to stay on that will see him earn $200,000 per year, records show.

MORE FROM HOUSTON CHRONICLE: Houston police make 9 arrests for New Year's celebratory gunfire

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I am honored to continue serving the community I care deeply about and to lead the outstanding men and women of the Missouri City Police Department, Harris said in a news release. Together, we will continue to build on the departments strong foundation and ensure the safety and well-being of every resident.

The new contract also agrees to hire an additional assistant chief position, pending council action this month and allows Harris to work nine hours a day, to work five days one week and four days the next.

We are thrilled that he has agreed to remain in his role for the next three to five years and continue leading us forward, City Manager Angel Jones said at the time Harris announced he would stay on.

City officials explained in a news release that Harris retention came after they extended an offer to another candidate, but that candidate received a counteroffer and a promotion from their current agency.

But attorneys for the city in response to a records request for that offer said no such offer existed and there were no responsive documents.

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Its unclear exactly what made the city turn again to Harris. In late 2024, it held a panel for the community to meet the four finalists to replace Harris. They included one assistant chief in the Houston Police Department, Yasar Bashir, along with other police administrators from Philadelphia, Missouri and Illinois.

Harris was open to reconsidering his plan to retire if the city couldn't identify a successor, officials said in a prepared statement.

Harris took over as chief at the start of 2024. His abrupt retirement announcement came after a fatal crash involving a former Missouri City police officer, who is now criminally charged and accused of killing a woman and her teenage son.

In the months since the fatal crash, Missouri City legal representatives have shared little about the circumstances leading to the former officers indictment.

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Jacob Meagher did not pass his final viva voce oral examination - Solent News & Photo Agency

A law student is suing Cambridge University for discrimination after he failed his PhD, claiming the decision denied him a lucrative job as a barrister.

Jacob Meagher did not pass his final viva voce oral examination of his doctoral thesis, meaning he missed out on a place at a set of chambers, the High Court was told.

He is now seeking substantial damages from the world-famous institution, arguing he should have been given an alternative way of achieving a PhD.

Details of Mr Meaghers claim emerged in a court ruling which denied him permission to sue five members of Cambridges academic staff as well as the university itself.

Mr Justice Constable was told that the case was first brought in March 2024, almost a year after the result of his PhD.

Outlining the claim, the judge said: Mr Meagher is a student at the University of Cambridge undertaking a PhD in law. [He] did not successfully pass his final viva voce examination of his doctoral thesis.

He issued a claim against the university, together with five named individuals employed by the university.

The claim alleges disability discrimination and victimisation of various kinds under the Equality Act 2010, breach of contract and breach of common law duty of care.

[He] sought damages, on the basis that the non-completion of his PhD led to the lost opportunity to take up a tenancy as a barrister at a particular set of chambers and that Mr Meagher has, as such, suffered a substantial loss of earnings.

The court was told that Cambridge awards PhDs based on the completion of a 100,000-word thesis and an oral interview about it with two examiners appointed to assess his suitability.

On 26 April 2023, the outcome of Mr Meaghers viva was delivered, the judge continued.

They declined to recommend the award of PhD but indicated that Mr Meagher should be allowed to revise his thesis and resubmit it.

The court heard that Mr Meagher believes to have been discriminated against because of the universitys criteria, saying they placed him at a substantial disadvantage.

This is because he is less able than other candidates of the same ability to produce a singular lengthy and multifaceted piece of work such as a PhD thesis, the High Court was told.

Mr Meagher believes the university has negatively impacted his career prospects - iStockphoto

According to Mr Meaghers claim, Cambridge should have permitted him to have his suitability for award of a PhD to be assessed other than by way of a thesis.

He said that the universitys Disability Resource Centre had recommended that at the viva examiners follow a set of guidelines to help him.

These included asking specific rather than general questions, using the active, rather than the passive, voice and allowing him pauses and breaks after questions to allow him to mentally retrieve the words or information that he needed in order to answer.

The conduct of the viva caused significant damage to Mr Meaghers health, the court was told.

Following the initial 2024 hearing into the case, the law students application to sue the academic staff as well as the university was dismissed as were two aspects of his breach of contract claim.

Mr Meagher appealed against these rulings, which led to the latest judgment, in which Mr Justice Constable upheld the original decision regarding the individual faculty members but agreed to reinstate the breach of contract claim.

Mr Meagher, a qualified barrister since 2016, said: This case is not about particular adjustments; it concerns the conduct of an institution which is well known for its poor record when it comes to disability, dispute resolution, and student mental health support.

Cambridge Faculty of Law, and the university should be world-leading when it comes to disability and dispute resolution, that this is not the case raises important questions which the university has shown it does not wish to confront, this is to the detriment of all.

He claims that although it was recommended he be allowed to re-submit his thesis a university committee then changed its mind and denied him the opportunity to do this.

Following this, Mr Meagher obtained an injunction preventing the university from re-examining him without considering what adjustments were necessary until the claim was resolved.

In addition to re-instating the breach of contract claim, the High Court also has permission for breach of Consumer Rights Act, and duty of care claims to be heard.

It is understood the case will now be heard at County Court.
A scattering of the unidentified ball-shaped debris found washed ashore at Manly Beach and eight other beaches in Sydney's north. Photograph: Northern Beaches Council

Nine of Sydneys northern beaches have been closed after ball-shaped debris washed ashore.

The Northern Beaches council on Tuesday advised beachgoers to avoid Manly, Dee Why, Long Reef, Queenscliff, Freshwater, North and South Curl Curl, North Steyne and North Narrabeen beaches until further notice.

Related: NSW regulator chose to reveal content of Sydneys mystery beach balls on day of US election

In a post on Facebook, the council said it was working with the New South Wales Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to clean up the balls and send them for testing after the regulator alerted it to the debris.

Most of the samples identified were marble-sized, although a few were larger. They were white or grey in colour, the council said.

A spokesperson for Sydney Water described the debris as grease balls.

They said they were working with the EPA to investigate the cause.

The spokesperson said: Sydney Water can confirm there have been no issues with the normal operations of the Warriewood, North Head, Bondi, Malabar, and Cronulla Water Resource Recovery plants.

We comply with our licences as set by the NSW EPA and only discharge compliant wastewater during normal operations, they said.

The Northern Beaches mayor, Sue Heins, said the balls could be anything.

We dont know at the moment what it is and that makes it even more concerning, she said on Tuesday.

Theres something thats obviously leaking or dropping or whatever and floating out there and being tossed around. But whos actually dropped it or lost it or leaked it is something none of us know.

The discovery of the balls on the northern beaches comes after thousands of pieces of spherical debris washed up on several eastern suburbs beaches including Bondi, Bronte, Coogee and Tamarama in October last year, forcing their temporary closure.

Those mystery balls were initially widely reported to be tar balls comprising crude oil until testing coordinated with the EPA revealed they were consistent with human-generated waste  or likely lumps of fatberg, according to experts.

Guardian Australia reported the EPA had allegedly known for more than a week that the balls were consistent with human-generated waste before it made the information public as the US election results dominated headlines.

At the time, the EPA coordinated the release of a statement that revealed those balls comprised fatty acids, petroleum hydrocarbons and other organic and inorganic materials  including traces of drugs, hair, motor oil, food waste, animal matter and human faeces.

A Sydney Water spokesperson said there have been no issues with the normal operations of the Bondi or Malabar wastewater treatment plants.

Sydney Water acknowledges the tar balls may have absorbed wastewater discharge, which was already present in the water while forming, however, they did not form as a result of our wastewater discharges, it said at the time.

In early December, green, grey and black balls washed up on a beach in Kurnell, in Sydneys south, with beachgoers warned to avoid the area.

The EPA said at the time its officers had collected samples for analysis which would be tested and compared to the other debris found on the eastern beaches. The regulator has not provided a public update on that testing.

The NSW Greens environment spokesperson, Sue Higginson, said on Tuesday: Sydney Water has admitted that the human waste on beaches in Sydneys east last year may have absorbed wastewater discharges indicating that our current treatment systems are not fit for purpose and the question remains  how much waste products are discharged by Sydney Water as part of their normal operations?

The Greens said in December that the EPA didnt appear any closer to discovering the source of the debris washing up on Sydneys beaches.

The EPA cant explain the source of the human waste causing the fatbergs and it cant assure the public that Sydneys beaches are safe to use, Higginson said in late 2024.

Fatbergs form in sewers from material that does not dissolve in water  including oil and grease  piling up and sticking together.

The EPA was contacted for comment on Tuesday.
Protesters at a demonstration against anti-Semitism in central London last month - Vuk Valcic/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty

Nearly half of people worldwide hold anti-Semitic views, with hatred of Jews doubling in a decade, a major survey has revealed.

Research by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) found that 46 per cent of adults globally  and 12 per cent in the UK  have entrenched anti-Semitic beliefs.

This means an estimated 2.2 billion people worldwide, including 6.7 million adults in Britain, hold anti-Semitic views  twice the 1.09 billion identified in 2014.

The record level of anti-Semitism uncovered by the ADLs second Global 100 Index Score survey has led its directors to warn of a global emergency and call on governments to act.

Jonathan Greenblatt, the chief executive of the ADL, said: Anti-Semitism is nothing short of a global emergency, especially in a post-October 7 world.

We are seeing these trends play out from the Middle East to Asia, from Europe to North and South America.

The ADL, founded in 1913, is the worlds leading anti-hate organisation. Its latest poll of 58,000 adults across 103 countries measured belief in anti-Semitic tropes, identifying those who agreed with six or more of 11 negative stereotypes about Jews.

An average of 76 per cent in the Middle East and North Africa endorsed most tropes, including Jews have too much power in business, Jews loyalty is only to Israel, and Jews have a lot of irritating faults.

This dropped to around half in Asia, Eastern Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa, while in Western Europe one in five adults still held significant anti-Semitic views.

The highest levels of hatred towards Jews were found in the West Bank and Gaza, and Kuwait (97 per cent), followed by Indonesia (96 per cent). The lowest was Sweden (five per cent), while Norway, Canada, and the Netherlands were at eight per cent.

Though the UK ranks ninth lowest globally for anti-Semitic attitudes, nearly two in five (38 per cent) still endorse the dual loyalty trope, believing Jews are more loyal to Israel than the UK.

Marina Rosenberg, the ADLs senior vice president for international affairs, noted that even countries with lower anti-Semitic attitudes, like the UK, have seen many anti-Semitic incidents perpetrated by an emboldened small, vocal and violent minority.

Protesters marched from High Court to Parliament Square, London, on Dec 8 2024, as part of the March against Anti-Semitism - Matthew Chattle/Future Publishing/Getty

Globally, younger respondents showed higher levels of anti-Semitic beliefs, with 40 per cent of those under 35 believing Jews are responsible for most of the worlds wars and 47 per cent agreeing that Jews have a lot of irritating faults, compared with 23 per cent and 28 per cent respectively among those aged 65 and over.

The ADL also asked about the Israel-Hamas war and attitudes to those involved in the conflict. In the UK, fewer than half (43 per cent) view Israel favourably, while 63 per cent favour Palestine. Among those under 35, support drops to 32 per cent for Israel, rises to 75 per cent for Palestine and stands at 14 per cent for Hamas.

Globally, 67 per cent oppose boycotting Israeli products, while over 71 per cent support diplomatic relations with Israel.

The survey also revealed alarming rates of support for Hamas, with 23 per cent of respondents expressing a favourable view, rising to 29 per cent among those under 35.

Pollsters also found that less than half (48 per cent) of respondents believed the Holocaust happened, and the number of Jews who died has been fairly described by history, falling to 39 per cent among 18 to 34-year-olds.

While only four per cent overall responded that the Holocaust is a myth, 17 per cent engaged in distortion, arguing that the number of Jewish deaths was greatly exaggerated by history. Globally, the proportion of respondents who claimed to be unaware of the Holocaust was 20 per cent, down from nearly half in 2014.

Now is the time to act

Despite uncovering alarming anti-Semitic attitudes, the Global 100 data shows opportunities for progress, with 57 per cent of respondents recognising hatred toward Jews as a serious issue.

Mr Greenblatt said that, overall, the surveys deeply alarming findings make clear the need for new government interventions as well as more education, additional safeguards on social media, and new security protocols to prevent antisemitic hate crimes.

He added: This fight requires a whole-of-society approach  including government, civil society and individuals, and now is the time to act.
The Royal Cornwall hospital said: We are deeply sorry for the distress caused by [Iuliu Stans] serious professional misconduct and his abuse of the trust placed in him by patients. Photograph: Hugh Hastings/Getty Images

A hospital trust has admitted liability for the actions of a doctor found to have used invasive and intimate procedures on patients for sexual gratification.

Dr Iuliu Stan, who worked for the Royal Cornwall hospitals NHS trust between 2015 and 2020, was found by a tribunal to have subjected a number of patients to unnecessary use of rectal medication for men and boys.

A misconduct hearing held last year was told Stan inappropriately prescribed and administered rectal medication without obtaining informed consent, offering a chaperone or providing alternative options.

The tribunal found that Stans behaviour was sexually motivated in relation to multiple patients.

In statement, the Royal Cornwall hospital said: We have written to affected individuals to admit liability for the actions of Dr Stan and to offer an unreserved apology to victims. We are deeply sorry for the distress caused by his serious professional misconduct and his abuse of the trust placed in him by patients.

Whilst we must follow due legal process, we will be doing everything we can to bring investigations and claims made by his victims to an early conclusion.

Stan, who qualified in Romania, worked as a locum senior house officer in trauma and orthopaedics.

The tribunal report said: He had subjected patients to unnecessary, invasive and intimate procedures for his own sexual gratification. In some cases the same patient had been subjected to intimate and invasive procedures by Dr Stan on multiple occasions.

Stans registration as a doctor was immediately suspended and erased following the tribunal, which concluded in February 2024.

Solicitors representing patients affected by the doctors actions welcomed the apology and acceptance of liability from Royal Cornwall hospitals NHS trust.

Matthew Jones, from Thompsons Solicitors medical negligence team, said the firm was representing a growing number of patients. We welcome the trusts apology and its recognition of the considerable distress caused to patients by Dr Stans unacceptable behaviour, he said.

Whilst it is impossible to undo the harm caused, this acknowledgment and admission of negligence is an important step in helping patients find closure and holding those responsible to account.

A letter sent to the firm issued an unreserved apology to patients harmed by Stans misconduct and admitted his prescription and administration of rectal medication to certain patients was negligent, he added.

It followed correspondence to about 200 patients last summer, the firm said, which apologised for Stans professional misconduct and abuse of trust.

Jones said: The breadth and severity of the alleged misconduct by Dr Stan are deeply troubling. Based on the evidence and patterns of behaviour outlined in the tribunals report, we believe there may be hundreds of victims who suffered under his care.

We urge anyone who may have been affected to come forward and seek the support they need.
John Swinney has suggested he could seek a deal with the UK Government over the circumstances in which a second independence vote would happen - Jeff Mitchell/PA

Three opinion polls conducted weeks apart could be enough to trigger a new independence referendum under a Northern Ireland-style separation pact for Scotland, an SNP MSP has claimed.

Karen Adam backed an idea being touted by John Swinney, who has suggested over recent days that he could seek a deal with the UK Government over the circumstances in which a second independence vote would have to happen.

The convener of Holyroods human rights committee said that three recent polls had put independence ahead of remaining in the UK and that under such a framework, this could trigger a legally binding referendum.

The idea of an agreement over a referendum trigger was initially suggested in a joint paper by Kezia Dugdale, the former Scottish Labour leader, and Stephen Noon, the chief strategist for the Yes campaign in 2014, in September.

Shortly after it was published, Mr Swinney hired Mr Noon as a special adviser, leading to speculation he was keen on the idea.

While Mr Swinney has avoided setting out his preferred criteria, Karen Adam appeared to claim three opinion polls could be enough - Ken Jack/Getty Images Europe

Mr Noons paper stated that a referendum should happen based on a range of measures suggesting clear majority support for independence, including election results, over a sustained period. Mr Swinney has avoided setting out his preferred criteria.

However, Ms Adam appeared to claim three opinion polls conducted by private companies over a few weeks could be enough.

She pointed to three recent surveys that, with undecided voters removed, she said put support for independence at 53, 55, and 52 per cent respectively.

Imagine if those three consecutive polls showing most people in Scotland back independence could trigger a legally binding referendum, she wrote in her column for The National.

Its fair, its democratic, and most importantly, it puts the power where it belongs, with the people.

Something like this would also put serious pressure on Westminster to listen to what were saying. If it works for Northern Ireland, why not Scotland? Its about consent and accountability, two things any healthy democracy should be built on.

Kezia Dugdale, the former Scottish Labour leader, was one of two figures behind the idea of an agreement over a referendum trigger - Ken Jack/Getty Images Europe

Following the SNPs disastrous results at the general election in July, Mr Swinney has pivoted away from claiming a victory at the next Holyrood elections would force an independence vote, a tactic that failed under Nicola Sturgeon.

He has instead floated the prospect of attempting to negotiate a binding agreement over how a future vote could take place, similar to the deal over how Irish reunification would happen.

At the weekend, Mr Swinney said that it was not good enough that Northern Ireland had an agreed mechanism for leaving the UK, while Scotland did not.

Stephen Noon, the chief strategist for the Yes campaign in 2014, had stated that a referendum should happen based on a range of measures - Chris Watt

However, Rachael Hamilton, the deputy leader of the Scottish Tories, claimed that the SNP was attempting to chop and change criteria, looking for any old excuse to push their obsession.

She added: We desperately need a common-sense approach that will lower tax, cut waste and repair public services, rather than the SNPs damaging agenda that has failed Scottish households.
Princess of Wales at Royal Marsden Hospital - Chris Jackson/Getty Images

As the Princess of Wales stepped inside the Royal Marsden Hospital, it could at first glance have been any other royal visit she has made over the past 14 years.

Good morning, she said formally, with a firm handshake. Thank you for having me.

And that was the last bit of normality about it.

For this was not only the first solo engagement the Princess had made in more than a year, but a return to the hospital where, she revealed, she had her own chemotherapy.

It was the first time she had stepped through its front door, after months of quiet side-door visits for treatment under the strictest secrecy.

The Princess of Wales met Scout the therapy dog during her visit to the hospital - Chris Jackson/Getty Images

It is clear that the experience has changed her, and her royal life, forever.

As she wrapped a protective arm around a mother who burst into tears telling her about her teenage daughters treatment, rubbing her shoulder when she could do little else of practical help, this was a Princess who had walked that path and stands ready to help others along it too.

She swapped tales of treatment (she got attached to the port she had to deliver her medicine during her course of chemo, she said, and did not wear a cold cap to protect her hair); passing on advice about wearing warm clothes to fend off the side effects, and keeping on with the things that bring you joy.

At one point, she appeared to compare herself to a plant, laughing as she said she had needed loads of water and loads of sunlight.

The Princess of Wales talks with Kerr Melia on her visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital - Chris Jackson/PA

The illness could be harder on loved ones than the patient themselves, she ventured, nodding gratefully when someone praised how she had managed her three children  Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis  amazingly well.

It was clear, in short, that this visit meant something.

There were more smiling conversations than one might expect: some relief from both patient and royal visitor in finding a fellow traveller on the cancer journey.

When the Princess exclaimed oh my goodness, grimacing and touching a knee at a particularly difficult discussion, it was with the confidence of someone who knew exactly what was really going on.

This, remarkably, is the second time in a year that a senior member of the Royal family has returned to work after their own cancer diagnosis to visit a chemotherapy ward.

In April, the King  joined by the Queen  made a similar visit to thank the staff and researchers at the Macmillan Cancer Centre in London, expressing the same sentiment of gratitude for the care and compassion they give to patients in their darkest times.

The Princesss visit was a surprise to most; a more personal, emotional engagement than she has ever done before.

She was naturally reticent, and wary of saying anything that would overshadow the people she was there to see. However, the patients of the Royal Marsden made her seem more willing to open up.

Its the uncertainty of that initial diagnosis, she said, in a conversation with doctors, nurses and medical staff. Understanding the diagnosis, its a massive amount of information to take on as a patient.

Here, in her own words, was the explanation behind her gradual return to work.

Sometimes from the outside we all think youve finished treatment and you go back to things, she said. But its hard to get back to normal.

It was a real challenge, she said, nodding animatedly as a nurse discussed a longer-term side effect of losing track of conversations to add that yes, the words totally disappear.

In words echoing the sentiments of many cancer patients before her, she said it had made her appreciate all the small things in life that you take for granted.

The conversations stretched well beyond the usual royal small talk.

While the Princesss rare personal revelations will make the headlines, the vast majority of them were questions: how were people feeling, what was their treatment plan, how were their families coping?

This was a Princess with a new purpose. A year of serious illness changes everyone, but fewer have a greater chance to use it for good.

During the visit, the Princess was announced as the new joint patron of the Royal Marsden, alongside her husband Prince William, who has visited many times before officially and could not have expected what a part the hospital would come to play in his personal life.

Diana, a Princess of Wales remembered for her hospital bedside manner, was its former president.

As the Princess paused on her way out of the hospital, 20 minutes later than scheduled, she heard the very live, very immediate stories of the people who were on its wards that day.

Im sorry, she said to one, offering a hug. I wish there was more I could do to help.

The Princess greets staff at the Royal Marsden where she has been announced as the new joint patron alongside her husband the Prince of Wales - Chris Jackson/Getty Images

There is more she can do to help, and she has concrete plans to do so.

Hours after the visit, the Princess issued a message  signed C for Catherine  confirming that she was in remission and spelling out her hope of doing more to boost patient and family well-being  an area in which she is now indisputably an expert.

There is light at the end of that tunnel, she told one mother, holding her firmly by the shoulder.

Her visit, not as a Princess but as a fellow patient, illustrated that.
Nicola Sturgeon was arrested as part of a fraud probe into SNP finances in June 2023 - Andrew Milligan/PA

Police officers have attacked Scottish prosecutors over delays in deciding whether to bring charges against Nicola Sturgeon.

Force insiders have claimed that detectives are becoming increasingly frustrated at the perception they were dragging their heels over a probe into SNP finances, when in reality the investigation is said to have been completed several months ago.

The Crown Office hit back, claiming that a lack of official commentary on the case, known as Operation Branchform and which has been running for almost four years, reflects the integrity and fairness at the core of the Scottish legal system.

Ms Sturgeon, who this week announced her separation from husband Peter Murrell, was arrested as part of a fraud probe into SNP finances in June 2023.

Mr Murrell was charged in connection with embezzlement of party funds last April, but it has not yet been confirmed whether his case will progress to court.

Mr Murrell was charged in connection with embezzlement of party funds last April - Wattie Cheung

With Ms Sturgeons announcement that she is divorcing Mr Murrell fuelling speculation about the case, the Scottish Police Federation, which represents front-line officers, said its members were unfairly being blamed for an apparent lack of progress.

David Kennedy, general secretary of the Scottish Police Federation, revealed on Tuesday that the police investigation, as far as we are concerned, has been completed.

He said it was frustrating to see police being blamed for dragging their heels when charging decisions lay with prosecutors.

Mr Kennedy added: We need the Crown Office to make a decision one way or the other. For the public to move on, they need to know whats going to happen.

Mr Kennedy says that the police investigation has been completed - Andrew Milligan/PA Archive

Responding directly to growing criticism for the first time, the Crown Office said that prosecutors would not be swayed by external interference.

All criminal investigations in Scotland are conducted confidentially, a spokesman said.

The absence of official commentary reflects the integrity and fairness at the core of the Scottish legal system.

Prosecutors take decisions independently, free from political influence or external interference, relying on evidence and the law.

Detectives sent their findings to the Crown Office in August but are still awaiting instructions while their report is considered.

The Crown Office spokesman confirmed that prosecutors were reviewing a prosecution report into a 60-year-old man [Mr Murrell] and said connected investigations of a man aged 73 and a 54-year-old woman [former SNP treasurer Colin Beattie and Ms Sturgeon] are ongoing.

He added: They [professional prosecutors] will decide the next steps without involvement from the Lord Advocate or Solicitor General.

Figures within the SNP have also begun to demand a resolution, with Tommy Sheppard, a former MP, claiming last week that some voters would refuse to return to the party while the case remains ongoing.

The investigation was launched after around 600,000 in donations from supporters for independence referendum campaigns, which Ms Sturgeon promised but never delivered, was missing from party accounts despite assurances it would be ring-fenced.

The probe then moved beyond the initial allegations to focus on other matters such as potential embezzlement.

Detectives sent their findings to the Crown Office in August but are still awaiting instructions while their report is considered - Robert Perry/Getty Images Europe

Another police insider told the Scottish Daily Mail: Many of us are frustrated because it reflects badly on us. Weve done everything we can possibly do, weve reported the circumstances, and now a charging decision has to be made.

It is frustrating because the assumptions are that the police have not done their job, or are dragging their feet, or this is political and so on and so forth. We simply dont know whats going on at the Crown Office.

Ms Sturgeon, who strongly denies any wrongdoing, said last month that she knew nothing more about the police investigation 18 months after her arrest.

Sources close to her have rejected the suggestion that her split from her husband of almost 15 years, which she announced on Monday on Instagram, was in any way related to the police probe.

Calculating former first minister

However, Russell Findlay, the Scottish Tory leader, suggested on Tuesday that he believed the timing of the divorce announcement and the police investigation may be linked.

Ive got a calculator on the phone thats perhaps less calculating than the former first minister, he told journalists following a speech in Edinburgh.

She doesnt do very much at all without a reason. I guess it may well be connected to ongoing issues that are happening elsewhere. I guess time will soon tell.

Photographs were released on Tuesday showing Ms Sturgeon recently leaving an Edinburgh flat owned by author Val McDermid, a close friend who she has turned to for advice while writing her memoirs and performed stage shows with.

Insiders close to Ms Sturgeon said she was still living at her marital home with Mr Murrell, the former SNP chief executive, in Glasgow.

Ms McDermid is said to have offered her use of her New Town flat, which is not the writers main residence, for occasions when she needs somewhere to stay in Edinburgh.

Mr Murrell has not publicly addressed the charges against him. Like Ms Sturgeon, former SNP treasurer Mr Beattie was arrested in 2023 and is yet to find out whether he will face charges.
Blower cartoon - 15th January 2025

Theres only one thing worse than being drawn into conversation with the pub bore, and thats realising you are the pub bore. No one wants to talk to the sauced loner at the end of the bar, to hear implausible tales of past glories or weirdly confused ruminations on the days major issues.

Would we miss them, these regulars who violate social norms and use language effectively outlawed by the 2010 Equality Act, if they decided to stay at home? No more than we might miss the village gossip, the busybody who is always first to get wind of the latest scuttlebutt. Yet both are British archetypes, part of a national identity which is now under relentless assault from HR teams and sensitivity chiefs.

I rather like living in a country where a citizen can patronise their local watering hole and ramble freely. Where landlords have their own ways of dealing with annoying customers, as Peggy get out of my pub Mitchell used to demonstrate on a weekly basis.

But Angela Rayner has other ideas. As was reported this week, Labours forthcoming workers rights reforms could mean pubs are forced to ban customers from voicing contentious beliefs, for fear it might constitute harassment against employees.

Once you start to drill down into this, however, virtually anything could qualify.

Calling Jack Grealish a big girls blouse might offend women, as could the fair suggestion Rachel Reeves looks increasingly like a diversity hire. Disparaging comments about vegetarians might insult ethical vegans (a protected group). Talk of the weather could upset the climate alarmists.

If this all sounds familiar, its because similar legislation very nearly made its way onto the statute books in 2023, before the House of Lords, in a rare outbreak of common sense, removed the third-party harassment provision. But this was merely a stay of execution.

As for the battle against bosses taking on vicarious liability for their employees, that was lost decades ago. If they unknowingly hire a nuisance, who behaves inappropriately towards other employees or customers, the employer is on the hook. This is supposed to be linked to actions which take place in the course of employment, though in 2021 one employee successfully sued her company after she was groped by a colleague in the back of a taxi.

But how can publicans be expected to control the verbiage of inebriated patrons? They cant, nor should we expect them to.

Imagine not just the kind of conversations that could be banned, but the banal remarks which might still be permitted. Did you see that lovely article about collecting bottle tops in The Guardian?, perhaps; or, Ill have another alcohol-free lager, please. Who would bother going to The Saracens Head, if the experience is so sanitised?

And consider how this law might be abused: for low-paid bar staff, third-party harassment could be a nice little earner. After all, they only need to overhear offensive speech and, should bosses question the legitimacy of their complaint, they could cry slander and claim constructive dismissal.

Then there is the impact on freedom of expression, the only fundamental human right Labour seems unwilling to champion. It torpedoed the Higher Education Act designed to protect expression on campus, although there is now talk of it being revived after a backlash. It has pledged to toughen the draconian Online Safety Act. Yvette Cooper, unfathomably, has said police should record more non-crime hate incidents, something many experience every day with their recalcitrant teenagers.

Labour insist that the definition of what constitutes harassment  unwanted conduct that has the purpose or effect of violating the recipients dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment  sets a high bar for the measures to come into effect. It does no such thing. And even the Governments own Office for Equality and Opportunity  a body I was unaware existed until yesterday morning  has suggested there is insufficient evidence that third-party harassment is a major concern. Were sacrificing a small part of our identity for next to nothing.

Last year, more than 500 pubs closed as a consequence of high labour and energy costs. What they need  what we all need  is a bit of fun and Merrie England, not gloom and the Thought Police. What theyre getting is exactly what youd expect when you hand an ex-trade union shop steward and a superannuated lawyer the unfettered ability to create new legislation.
The colourful timber-clad Gremista houses designed by Richard Gibson in the late 1990s. Photograph: Richard Gibson Architects

In 1969 Richard Gibson, who has died aged 89, was appointed deputy county architect in Shetland. Moving with his family from north London to the northernmost islands of the United Kingdom enabled him to keep alive the ideals of modern architecture  in particular that good design should serve the public benefit  long after they went out of fashion elsewhere in the country.

After three years he set up his own practice, Richard Gibson Architects. He kept going through its unremunerative early years with the help of income from his wife Victorias successful knitwear business.

The slabs and tower blocks of the modern movement gave way to a more intimate scale. His work was characterised by care with the shared spaces between homes and by a responsiveness to the landscape and constructional traditions of Shetland. Architecture, he said, is not about designing icons but making a framework for people to live their lives.

The exploitation of North Sea oil brought new populations to Shetland, raising the need for new housing in the islands, and bringing some of the finance to pay for it. Gibson struck up a successful working relationship with the Hjaltland Housing Association, designing projects such as John Jamieson Closs in Lerwick, finished in 1984, where shaped sheltered courts and lanes were formed on a steeply sloping site.

This, like other of his earlier works in Shetland, was built of concrete blocks finished in the robust render known as harling. Gibson would in due course point out to his clients that the extraction of pebbles for this material was damaging local beaches, and persuaded them to build timber-framed and timber-clad homes instead. Such buildings, painted in a rich range of colours, can be seen in projects such as Gremista, finished in 1999, and Grodians, completed by Gibson and his practice in 2011.

As well as the housing for which he is best known, Gibson designed Hamnavoe primary school, the conversion of a former woollen mill into Scalloway Museum and a number of private houses and studios that achieved serene, light-filled interiors in the face of the stormy Shetland weather. He keenly appreciated the qualities of the islands traditional architecture, even the most modest examples, and successfully campaigned for the preservation of waterside industrial buildings in Lerwick.

Born in London, Richard was the son of Mary (nee Wethered) a puppeteer who worked for the BBC on progammes such as Watch With Mother, and Alec Gibson, an architect. He grew up steeped in modern architecture  his father worked for the pioneering multidisciplinary practice the Design Research Unit, with whom he designed the Regatta Restaurant at the Festival of Britain in 1951.

From Bedales school in Hampshire, Richard went to the Architectural Association in London, where his fellow students included Richard Rogers, Georgie Wolton and Neave Brown. He then worked for British Rail, Middlesex county council schools division and Hampstead borough council, which following reorganisation in 1965 became part of Camden council. Under the leadership of Sydney Cook, the borough was becoming a leader in the design of council housing.

In 1958 he married Victoria Richards, a designer, daughter of the artist Peggy Angus and of James Maude Richards, who for 34 years was editor of the Architectural Review. The Gibsons and their young family lived for a while in an estate of council tower blocks in Camden, an experience that convinced him  as he told me last year  that high level flats, with communal stairs and lifts, were not suitable for families with young children. He learned the importance of the relationship between a family and public space, and the value of siting a kitchen so that it gave a view of the entrance to a home.

Like several aspiring architects of the time, including the pioneer of sustainable modern architecture Ted Cullinan, he designed a house for himself and his family in the then-ramshackle mewses around Camden Square in London. But, although he had the career of a promising metropolitan architect, working in one of the most sought-after architectural departments of the time, he was dissatisfied. He disliked the office politics at Camden, especially when working with another borough, Haringey, on a project called Highgate New Town, and so applied for and eventually won the Shetland job.

Gibson was fond of doing a bit of hands-on construction himself. His familys off-grid holiday home, Clubbs, in a remote part of Shetland, was slowly constructed by hand out of the ruins of an old holiday cottage. Their house in Lerwick is a handsome waterside 18th-century stone building, its interior remodelled to Gibsons designs. When I visited last summer a nearly-complete boat, built by him, hung in its workshop.

Gibson retired in 2016, his practice continuing under the name of nee Gibson. In 2010 the Royal Institute of Architects in Scotland recognised him and his work with a lifetime achievement award.

He is survived by Victoria, their children, Emma, Carn, Fred, Ben and Amy, and by nine grandchildren. Their son Rock predeceased him.

 Richard Gibson, architect, born 19 November 1935; died 26 December 2024
Nicola Sturgeon, the former SNP leader, strongly denies any wrongdoing - Andrew Milligan/PA

The glacial progress of the massive investigation into what happened to the Missing Six Hundred Thousand Pounds of cash donated by ordinary members of the SNP has, at last, staggered forward.

It may have moved by as little as a centimetre but, to the donors who have been starved of information about what is, after all, their money, a few words from Scotlands shell-like prosecution authority came like a bolt from the blue  almost.

Stung, for all I know, by an increasing level of unhappiness from various sources, including this one, about the fact that we are now into the fourth year with no sign of a resolution in Operation Branchform  the police code name for the probe  the Crown Office hit back. Well, sort of.

The latest criticism came from the Scottish Police Federation, which is growing increasingly concerned about the delay, believing it reflects badly on its members  serving police officers.

This followed hard on the heels of Tommy Sheppard, a former senior nationalist MP, who claimed that the issue was hanging over the SNP like a spectre and was damaging its electoral chances.

David Kennedy, general secretary of the federation, claimed that the police investigation, as far as we are concerned, has been completed.

He said it was frustrating to see police being blamed for dragging their heels when charging decisions lay with prosecutors.

Mr Kennedy added: We need the Crown Office to make a decision one way or the other. For the public to move on, they need to know whats going to happen.

Police launched Operation Branchform in July 2021 - Lesley Martin/PA

There is a welcome edge to the federations words, which suggests a necessary fed-up-ness amongst the general public about this seemingly never-ending investigation, about which the Crown Office has thus far revealed precious little.

Furthermore, theyve got away with it thanks to a political class which is scared rigid of saying anything that might be taken for even mild criticism of Scotlands prosecuting authority.

For instance, a suggestion by this columnist that the Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain might be asked to explain whats going on to the Scottish Parliament has not been taken up by any political party. If it was London, the relevant law officer or minister would have been up before the beaks in the Commons long before now.

In their response to the latest criticism, the Crown Office statement was big on telling us what we knew already  namely that a 60-year-old man (Peter Murrell, Nicola Sturgeons soon-to-be-be-ex-husband) was the subject of a standard prosecution report  in other words, had been charged in connection with embezzlement of the missing money.

There were also the connected investigations of a 73-year-old man (former SNP Treasurer Colin Beattie) and a 54-year-old woman (Ms Sturgeon).

Nicola Sturgeon and Peter Murrell, pictured in 2019, announced on Monday that they had decided to end their marriage - Andrew Milligan/PA

Its statement also insisted that professional Crown Office prosecutors and independent counsel would decide the next steps and that neither the Lord Advocate nor the Solicitor General would be involved in that process.

We had to be reminded of this fact as both senior law officers had recused themselves from the final judgment, presumably because both are members of the Scottish Government  which to many observers is a glaring anomaly.

The Crown Office then gave itself a pat on the back in the statement, making plain how all Scotlands criminal investigations were conducted confidentially, before adding: The absence of official commentary reflects the integrity and fairness at the core of the Scottish legal system. Prosecutors take decisions independently, free from political influence or external interference, relying on evidence and the law.

This is all very well, but the vast majority of public opinion believes in the honesty and integrity of the police and Crown Office.

But I also believe that the reputation of both is becoming somewhat frazzled by the length of time it is taking for Operation Branchform to reach a conclusion.

Surely someone has an answer to what happened to all that money.
The Harris County Criminal Justice Center at 1201 Franklin as seen on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer

A Houston woman arrested last month in connection with the March death of a disabled teenager was previously investigated by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services for alleged child abuse and drug use, according to records from the agency.

Tracy Gonzales, 48, was caring for 16-year-old Nayeli Perez in March 2024 when the teenager died. Gonzales admitted to routinely beating Perez with a belt out of frustration for her inability to use the bathroom and eat on her own, according to a December arrest warrant.

The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences ruled the teen's death a homicide, stating she died from complications of dehydration, malnutrition and blunt and sharp force injuries. Gonzales was charged with injury to a disabled person with serious bodily injury, a felony.

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TEACHERS WANT SUPPORT: Texas teachers want state to add funding, student mental health support

Perez was previously diagnosed with severe emotional disturbance and found to be disabled in 2011. She was diagnosed with ADHD, depression and anxiety in 2022 and psychosis not due to substance or known mental condition in 2023, court records show.

Gonzales defense attorney did not respond to multiple phone calls.

DFPS reports showed Gonzales was investigated several times for allegations of child abuse and drug use since 2006, but did not have any open or active investigations when Perez lived with her or at the time of Perezs death.

Agency officials told the Chronicle Perez was placed in the care of Gonzales in the late summer of 2022 at the discretion of her previous caregiver, a family friend, after she was arrested for drug possession. Perez was not in the state's care at the time of her death.

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The agency only becomes involved with a child if there are reports of alleged child abuse or neglect.

"If nobody makes a call of abuse allegations, there's no way for us to know," said Christie Carrington, a former Child Protective Services caseworker. "As the state, we can't just go into your life."

Gonzales received $914 Social Security payments on Perez's behalf as of May 2023, according to court records.

She is accused of failing to report Perezs declining health to officials out of fear that CPS would take her two young daughters, according to the warrant.

Perez found lying on inflatable mattress in bathroom

Gonzales called 911 on March 25 when she discovered Perez unconscious and a little hard to the touch, according to the warrant. Gonzales had been away from her home and the teen for several hours.

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Gonzales told police she gave Perez breaths of air while awaiting first responders, but did not perform any chest compressions.

After receiving permission from Gonzales to enter the home, police said they noticed a strong smell of cleaning disinfectant when they walked into Perezs bedroom and found her body lying face up on the tile floor of her bathroom on top of a blue inflatable mattress.

At the time, she was only wearing a disposable diaper and officers said they observed fresh and healing wounds all over her body, including bruises on each side of her temple, according to court documents.

Officers found a belt with metal beads in Perezs bedroom, according to court records. Gonzales told police she would sometimes use the belt to hit Perez on the leg or the back, but that she would close her eyes and wouldnt remember where she would hit her.

Dr. John Powell, a licensed medical examiner who performed Perezs autopsy, told police she suffered a non-fatal stabbing or cutting wound to her vaginal area. He said she was likely anemic and had suffered blood loss as indicated by her pale organs.

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A history of state investigations

Gonzales was most recently investigated in 2018 over allegations of neglectful supervision of her infant child, according to DFPS records. Investigators found that Gonzales physically fought with her partner while holding her infant child, records show, and a drug screening showed she was positive for marijuana, methamphetamine and amphetamines. As a result, Gonzales agreed for her child to be placed with a family friend, agency records show. A risk assessment determined her risk level was high.

A 2009 DFPS investigation found Gonzales had reportedly caused bruising to her grandchild's thigh. The investigation confirmed allegations that she had medically and physically neglected her grandson, but was unable to determine if she had physically abused him. She was not allowed unsupervised access to the child after he was placed in a foster home.

In 2006, law enforcement discovered two of Gonzales' children playing in a parking lot with a third in a duplex. The children told officers they had been alone for two days and had no idea where their mother was, according to DFPS records. The department found the children to be filthy and unkempt. The children were also not enrolled in school, according to DFPS records. All three children were removed from Gonzales' care.

DFPS relies on mandatory reports

House Bill 63, which went into effect Sept. 1, 2023, prohibits anonymous reports of child abuse. Critics of the bill have expressed concern about child abuse that goes unreported as a result of the law. Others say it prevents the weaponization of the DFPS and child abuse allegations.

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CPS caseworkers rely on the fact that mandatory reporters, like teachers and doctors, must report alleged child abuse, Carrington said. However, in the months before her death, Perez had been pulled from school.
Cast members perform in Air Time, by Branch Nebula. Photograph: Johnny Chaing/Branch Nebula

The Sydney festival has offered refunds to audience members who reportedly walked out of several performances of a show last week, after complaints from the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies.

The peak Jewish representative body in NSW posted a community warning on its Facebook page on Friday, telling followers the festival production of Air Time, staged by the cross-discipline performance company Branch Nebula at Chippendales Seymour Centre, contained deeply offensive antisemitic messages with its inclusion of the contested river to the sea chant.

The board accused Branch Nebula of inciting violence by platforming a masked artist who recited the chant, which it characterised as calling for the extermination of the Jewish people, after which numerous attendees  reported being forced to walk out with their children.

The phrase from the river to the sea is politically charged and long contested  with defenders, including former Labor senator Fatima Payman, rejecting the assertion that it is antisemitic and arguing it expresses the desire for Palestinians to live in their homeland as free and equal citizens.

In the post, the board wrote that it was contacting the festival to demand refunds for those who had walked out of the show.

A spokesperson for the festival on Monday said it had refunded 19 ticket holders, covering an unspecified number of people.

The chair of Branch Nebula, John Baylis, told Guardian Australia a pre-recorded audio statement had been broadcast after the welcome to county before each of the companys five performances. The message had been recorded by a cast member whose parents are Palestinian.

As we make art and perform for you today, Palestinian people are experiencing a genocide implemented by Israel as well as the sustained destruction of Palestinian culture, people and land, the statement said.

We call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, and we stand in solidarity with all oppressed people around the world  From the river to the sea, always was and always will be.

The message also informed the audience they could seek further information by scanning QR codes installed in the theatre foyer, which linked users to the Australian Palestine Advocacy Network.

Baylis said the message had the prior approval of the companys management and fellow cast members.

There were objections from opening night, but probably only about five, six or seven walkouts, he said.

The festivals executive director, Christopher Tooher, and its chair, Kate Dundas, contacted Branch Nebula after its opening night on Tuesday requesting that the company cease broadcasting the message.

The company refused to comply.

We accept audience members right to disagree, but we stand by our artists right to express their views, Branch Nebula said in a prepared statement shared with Guardian Australia.

By accommodating the complaints and demands of a few, we would exclude people in our community and our team. We prioritise the wellbeing of our cast and the wide circle of our community who are sympathetic to oppressed people everywhere.

The festival responded by issuing a content warning to ticket holders for the remaining performances, stating the performance would contain sensitive and complex political issues, including the ongoing conflict in Gaza and reflected the personal views of the artists.

On Monday, the festival said in a statement it had requested Branch Nebula to withdraw or modify the pre-recorded message to address audience unease.

The content of Air Time reflected the views of the independent artists and company and not the Sydney festival as an organisation, the statement said.

We do not endorse messaging that could be interpreted as harmful or exclusionary, particularly with a family focused performance.

The statement said Branch Nebula had not notified the festival of its intention to include a statement about the Gaza conflict before the opening night.

Sydney festivals 2024 event received $7.9m in state and local government funding. The states arts minister, John Graham, told the Sunday Telegraph the government was not responsible for its programming.

While artistic freedom of expression is important that cannot be at the cost of social cohesion or making some people in our community feel singled out, unsafe or threatened, he is quoted in the newspaper.

The Guardian sought comment from the NSW Jewish Board of Deputies.
Naaja Nathanielsen: We have been trying to get more involvement from both the EU and the United States for many years now. Photograph: James Brooks/AFP/Getty Images

A Greenlandic government minister has said she views Donald Trumps interest in the territory as positive, saying it has acted as a wake-up call to Copenhagen after years of failing to adequately respond to its demands for action on minerals and alleged abuses by the Danish state.

Naaja Nathanielsen, Greenlands minister for housing, infrastructure, minerals, justice and gender equality, said the government had been trying to drum up interest in collaboration with both the EU and the US for many years, but it was only now that it was getting the attention it had been seeking.

Her comments came after the prime minister, Mute Egede, on Monday said Greenland had started a dialogue with the US and was seeking to cooperate with the Trump administration. He said his country was open to closer ties with the US and had its doors open in terms of mining.

Egede did not, however, say he would be open to a US takeover of the autonomous territory after the US president-elect raised alarm bells last week when he refused to rule out military intervention to gain control of Greenland.

Nathanielsen told the Guardian: We have been trying to get more involvement from both the EU and the United States for many years now, so I think this is to some extent, I would say with some hesitance, the kind of attention we have been seeking.

Usually, she said, the Danish media showed little interest in speaking to her about either minerals or the forced contraceptive scandal, in which at least 4,500 girls and women are believed to have been forcibly fitted with the contraceptive coil without their consent or knowledge at the hands of Danish doctors between 1966 and 1970 alone in an attempt to reduce the population of the former Danish colony.

But having spent the last week in Denmark for meetings that were planned before Trumps renewed interest in Greenland became a point of global interest and alarm in some quarters, Nathanielsen said she was suddenly inundated with interest.

In my everyday life as a minister for natural resources in Greenland I get a lot of attention from foreign press  I hardly ever speak to Danish press, she said.

The IUD scandal is another example. I get a lot of attention from outside media but from the Danish perspective theyre just not that interested. So I think this has been a wake-up call to Copenhagen.

She added that it was also true of Danish interest in the parenting test scandal which has resulted in the separation of Greenlandic parents from children.

Amid growing calls for independence from Denmark, Greenland will leverage US interest to demand justice from Denmark, she said.

I expect that from our side we will use this renewed interest in our relationship [with Denmark] to underscore the importance that they do not stop here. They have to look at the IUD scandal, they have to look at the adoptions and they have to claim responsibility and make sure these cases are settled and to make sure that we can give peace to the people who have been involved. I will definitely continue the pressure.

Greenland and the US are already collaborating on minerals as a result of a 2019 agreement made during the first Trump administration, but that agreement is coming to an end. Nathanielsen said Greenland was hoping for a new agreement.

So far, the US and Greenlands collaboration on minerals has included mapping, analysis, field work and direct marketing, she said. Now she hopes it will lead to financing to help get projects under way.
Donald Trump will be sworn in after after vice-president JD Vance takes the oath of office

On November 5, Donald Trump persuasively defeated Kamala Harris in the presidential election. He will return to the White House in January when he is inaugurated. Here is what to expect.

When will Donald Trump be sworn in as president?

Donald Trump will be sworn in on January 20 2025 at about midday, after vice-president JD Vance takes the oath of office.

Where will he be sworn in?

At the US Capitol building in Washington DC which is about 1.2 miles from the White House.

What happens on inauguration day?

Every four years, thousands of people fill up the National Mall in Washington DC to watch the elected president and vice-president be sworn into office.

The ceremony at the US Capitol will get under way at midday ET, after which point the transfer of power from the old administration to the new one will be complete.

The oath of office repeated by the vice-president dates back to 1884 and involves swearing to defend the Constitution of the United States and to faithfully discharge their duties as president.

The president is normally sworn in by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, with John Roberts expected to administer the oath for a fifth time on Jan 20.

After being sworn in, the president will issue their inaugural address in which they set forth their goals for the nation.

The day also serves as the occasion for the new presidents inaugural speech - Alex Wong/Getty

This is followed at 3pm by a military parade called the pass in review, when the new commander-in-chief inspects their troops for the first time.

During the parade, the president and vice-president lead a procession of regiments, marching bands and floats down Pennsylvania Avenue from the Capitol to the White House.

The traditional parade, which is watched by millions of Americans, dates back to the first inauguration, when local militias joined George Washingtons procession as he made his way from Mount Vernon, Virginia, to New York City to be sworn into office in 1789.

Owing to a calendar quirk, the 2025 inauguration also falls on the same day as Martin Luther King Jr Day.

It is just the second time that the state holiday honouring the civil rights leader has fallen on the same day as the inauguration.

How many people will attend the inauguration?

Turnout proved to be a bone of contention last time Mr Trump won the presidency. Aides claimed at the time that he had drawn the largest audience ever despite aerial photographs appearing to show significantly fewer numbers lining the national mall than had turned out for Barack Obamas inauguration in 2009.

Mr Trump caused controversy in 2017 when he suggested his crowd, left, was the biggest ever, despite picture comparisons suggesting the one for Barack Obama, right, was far bigger - Reuters

The National Parks Service, which manages the flow of people into Washingtons central thoroughfare, does not take attendance numbers.

However, reports suggest tens of thousands of people are expected to file into the capital over the weekend preceding the event, both for the inauguration itself and to take part in protests opposing Mr Trumps election victory.

How do you get tickets to the presidential inauguration?

Tickets to watch the inauguration from the grounds of the US Capitol are free, but are in high demand and must be applied for through local congressional district websites.

Those who are unsuccessful can still view the ceremony on large video screens on the National Mall, alongside thousands of other spectators.

The inauguration will also be streamed for those wanting to watch from home.
Tulip Siddiq, the anti-corruption minister, resigns amid accusations of corruption - Justin Sutcliffe

The anti-corruption minister has quit amid accusations of corruption. That couldnt be more poetic had she resigned in verse. There was a leader called Keir/ Who said the future is clear/ But six months in office/ He looks like a novice/ And his end feels surprisingly near.

Clothes-gate, Sue-gate, Haigh-gate, now Tulip-gate; the latter, Tulip Siddiq, exits the stage denying all, desiring not to be a distraction (mission accomplished: the press will never mention it).

When she was first questioned about links to her aunts party, allies said it was racist to suggest she was allegedly involved in Bangladesh politics just because shes Bangladeshi. Now she has quit, I wonder if shell be accused of giving encouragement to racists?

On an unrelated note, last week the PM said demanding a national inquiry into grooming gangs was far-Right; now Labour MPs are jumping on that very bandwagon. The poor man is surrounded by a vast Right-wing conspiracy that runs through his own party, nay into the very Cabinet itself! One assumes hes reporting a hate crime as I type.

Still, Tulip will distract from the other great resignation coming down the tube: Rachel Reeves. Reeves gave a statement to the House on her recent trip to China, from which she returns boasting 600 million of inward investment. Subtract the cost of sending 10,000 civil servants to Beijing, which ministers always do, and she probably secured us a net profit of 35.40.

Tulips departure will distract from the other great resignation coming down the tube: Rachel Reeves

Im told by my sources at the Hungry Wok in Soho that Red spies bugged her hotel room and only heard the sound of crying. They also informed the Politburo that parts of their guests CV are exaggerated, that she is not the current prime minister of Britain and cannot speak fluent Mandarin, though she had a good go at pretending to at the state banquet  nodding like a champion.

This is how one communist functionary, a toothless dwarf from Shanghai, mistakenly thought shed agreed to meet him later in his room. The poor man, 85-years-old, lay in wait for several hours, covered in plum sauce.

Rachels absence from economic debates in Parliament, said shadow chancellor Mel Stride, is known in Labour circles as the Peking Duck. Twas a good gag; his only one. Melanie over-performed, descended into panto and underwhelmed. This is the Hamlet of our time, he said of Reeves: To go or not to go, that is the question! The joke deservedly earned boos: MPs quoting Hamlet is trite. Why not Cymbeline or Troilus? Or Police Academy VI? Somehow, Melanie handed Reeves a Despatch Box win, and her job looked safer  for now.

Iain Duncan Smith and the Lib Dems made a better point: no use engaging in China if you dont get concessions on human rights, a subject that Reeves claimed was discussed in private (how British: never embarrass your host).

The Labour benches were sparse; the praise for Reeves was oleaginous. MP Preet Kaur Gill said: The Chancellor has only my admiration and support. The problem is that this is indeed all she has. It is the fragile confidence of her own party keeping her in place, not her abilities or dubious track record.
Tulip Siddiqs grandfather was the founding president of Bangladesh. Photograph: Johnny Armstead/Alamy

When Keir Starmer became the Labour leader in 2020, Tulip Siddiq described him in her local paper as a good friend through thick and thin.

On Tuesday, she found out where the limits of that friendship lay after the prime minister accepted her resignation from the government after weeks of revelations about Siddiqs closeness to her aunt, the former prime minister of Bangladesh.

It is with sadness I accept your resignation from your ministerial role, the prime minister wrote in an otherwise effusive letter praising her achievements.

Starmers bond with his Labour colleague and constituency neighbour in north London may have protected her over the past few weeks as revelations mounted about her links with her aunts deposed regime.

However, experts say her family background was always likely to pose a problem for her role in the British government, not least because her ministerial responsibilities included anti-corruption policy.

Related: Tulip Siddiq resigns as Treasury minister over alleged Bangladeshi financial links

David Bergman, a Dhaka-based investigative journalist, said: The reason Siddiq should have resigned was her significant moral lapse in failing to dissociate herself as the Bangladesh Awami League government led by her aunt which became increasingly authoritarian since 2013.

Siddiq was born in London but her history is indelibly bound up with Bangladesh. Her grandfather, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, was the countrys first leader after its bloody war of independence against Pakistan.

Mujib was assassinated in 1975 along with his three sons  but not his two daughters, who were on holiday in Germany. The older daughter, Hasina, returned to Bangladesh, where she became prime minister in 2009. Rehana, the younger, fled to London where she gained asylum, eventually giving birth to Siddiq.

Siddiq grew up in both London and Dhaka, and as a young person met Nelson Mandela, Bill Clinton and Mother Teresa alongside her aunt. She joined the Labour party aged 16 and worked for a range of organisations including Amnesty International and Save the Children.

Around this time however she was also working for her aunts party, describing herself as a spokesperson for the Awami League in the UK. According to a now-deleted section of her website, she worked as part of [the partys] UK and EU lobbying unit and election strategy team.

In 2013, she was pictured alongside her aunt meeting the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, in Moscow.

She insists she travelled to the Russian capital merely to meet her aunt, but Bangladeshi officials are now investigating whether she brokered a deal between the two countries for a nuclear power plant at an inflated price. They allege the deal allowed her family members to embezzle billions of pounds worth of public money.

Two years later, Siddiq was elected to parliament for the Labour party, a victory for which she credited local activists for the Awami League. Had it not been for your help, I would never have been able to stand here as a British MP, she said soon afterwards at a party rally in London which her aunt also attended.

She has also been pictured multiple times introducing her aunt to British politicians, including the former Commons speaker John Bercow.

In 2020, she nominated Starmer for the leadership of her party and was rewarded for her support with a job in the shadow education team. In 2021 she was promoted to the shadow Treasury team  taking the role into government when Labour won the election last year.

Throughout her career, Siddiq had faced questions about links to her aunts government, especially in its later years when it was accused of locking up its political opponents. But those questions re-emerged last summer when her aunt was deposed after days of student-led protests in Dhaka.

Officials in the new Bangladeshi government launched a inquiry into corruption at the heart of Sheikh Hasinas regime. Details also emerged about a series of properties she had lived in or owned which had been paid for by people connected to the Awami League.

Siddiq has maintained her innocence throughout, insisting her relationship with her aunt has always been personal rather than political. But earlier this month, senior officials in Downing Street told her to refer herself to Laurie Magnus, the prime ministers independent adviser on ministerial interests.

While Magnus was deliberating, senior government sources admitted she was likely to have to resign whether or not she was found to have broken the ministerial code.

In the end Magnus did not find she had broken the code, though he said there were still many questions about the accusations against her. Siddiq voluntarily stood aside, though a return to ministerial duties appears to be a possibility.

You have made a difficult decision, Starmer wrote in response to her resignation. [I] want to be clear that the door remains open for you going forward.
New plans to crack down on online ticket touting spivs could push fans into a black market, a shadow minister has warned.

Saqib Bhatti said that as an Oasis fan we know that we didnt have the necessary information upfront when tickets went on sale for the bands 25 Tour.

But he warned proposed ticket resale price caps  limiting resale prices to a maximum 30% of the original retail price  could see more money flowing into the pockets of ticket touts.

Sir Chris Bryant (right) with Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy (Jordan Pettit/PA)

Creative industries minister Sir Chris Bryant quoted lyrics from Charli xcxs single 360, when he told the Commons high resale prices for her tour were enough to shock you like defibrillators.

He said he had seen tickets originally priced at 54 go for as much as 400.

Sir Chris added that in addition to a new uplift cap on resale tickets  in the region between 0% and 30%  which the Government is consulting on, it will also look at dynamic or surge pricing.

A system of licences for resale platforms might also feature among the final plans.

Its not a consultation on whether to act, its a consultation on precisely how we should act, the minister said.

Mr Bhatti, a Conservative shadow culture minister, told MPs: We will consider carefully any proposals that could strengthen, improve or simplify the market for fans, but I also warn him, we will oppose regulation when it is just introduced for the sake of being new regulation.

The secondary ticket resale market plays an important role for artists, fans and venues.

It can provide a safer way to transfer unwanted tickets, ensuring that seats are not left empty at venues.

UK ban on ticket resale profiteering will be great news for fans. The permitted cap on ticket resale prices should be no more than 10% above the original price  ideally 0% as it is in Ireland. PH @fanfairalliance https://t.co/KrytZnsbF1  Coldplay (@coldplay) January 10, 2025

The minister claims in his consultation that his reforms will better protect fans, improve access to live events and support the creative sectors.

He claims that these proposals will give power back to fans and prevent them from being fleeced by ticket touts, however, we know that this isnt true.

We know that Labours plans will harm artists, they will harm fans, and they will harm venues and make those live events even harder to attend.

Mr Bhatti quoted Matthew Sinclair, of the Computer and Communications Industry Association, who warned that draconian regulation, targeting only the secondary market, will only mean more tickets changing hands in informal settings without the same protections that exist in proper marketplaces.

On ticket pricing, he said: We know that this will lead to an upsurge in black market activity and more money flowing into the pockets of ticket touts.

Mr Bhatti said the Government risked the prevention of spontaneous ticket purchases and claimed resale restrictions led to empty seats at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Sir Chris replied that the challenge was to address situations where tickets sell out within 20 minutes but appear on the resale market at inflated prices 21 minutes after the original release.

Coldplay backed the price cap proposals on Friday in a post on X, formerly Twitter, which read: The permitted cap on ticket resale prices should be no more than 10% above the original price  ideally 0% as it is in Ireland.

Sir Chris had earlier said: For far too long, ticket touts have leeched off fans passion.

In the past, it was spivs in long raincoats at the gates. Nowadays, its a trade made all the more pernicious by the internet, which enables modern-day touts hiding behind multiple false identities to hoover up tickets and sell them at vastly inflated prices.

Sharon Hodgson, the Labour MP for Washington and Gateshead South and chair of the APPG (All-party Parliamentary Group) on Ticket Abuse, said: The cap on resales should be set as low as possible, for example face value plus 5% or 10%, to take the incentive out of scalping.

She added legislation should be supranational to combat overseas operators, which Sir Chris would be difficult to achieve for live events held overseas.

On dynamic pricing, Sir Chris earlier told MPs that the key thing is that fans are treated openly and fairly with timely, transparent and accurate information being presented ahead of sales.

He said early bird and last-minute price reductions are absolutely fine and we have no intention to stop it.

The minister described new pricing strategies as being part of the Oasis moment before turning back to the resale market, when he said: We have a world-leading live events sector in the UK, but we dont have a secondary ticket market to match.

In the words of T Rex, its a rip off, such a rip off.
A promising drill artist and three gang associates have been jailed for life over the tit-for-tat revenge shooting of young father which was glorified in a rap video.

Kammar Henry-Richards, known as Kay-O, was involved in the murder of Kacey Boothe on August 13 2022 then boasted on video that the same gun was used to injure the victims brother two years earlier.

On Tuesday, the 26-year-old was jailed for life at the Old Bailey with a minimum term of 37 years for the murder.

Kammar Henry-Richards boasted about the killing in a drill video (Metropolitan Police/PA)

Judge Lynn Tayton KC said: This was a planned revenge attack arising out of gang rivalry in the context of an ongoing pattern of serious tit-for-tat violence.

It is sad that a young man with such bright prospects should have become involved in such offending.

She noted that drill music played a limited part in the evidence in the case which also included CCTV and cell site data.

Henry-Richards, Kamani Brightly-Donaldson, 25, of Romford, Jeffrey Gyimah, 23, and Joao Pateco-Te, 28, both of Hackney, were found guilty of murder, conspiracy to murder and conspiracy to possess a firearm or firearms with intent to endanger life.

Brightly-Donaldson was also convicted of having a prohibited firearm.

All four defendants had admitted being associated with the E9 or linked Holly Street gangs and had previous convictions.

Kamani Brightly-Donaldson was jailed for life with a minimum term of 38 years; Gyimah was handed a minimum term of 35 years; and Pateco-Te was told he would spend at least 37 years behind bars.

E9 gang associate Roody Thomas, 27, of Birmingham, who admitted having a prohibited firearm was jailed for five years.

Mr Boothe, 25, was shot as he got into his car outside the first birthday party of Mr Samanters child at the Peterhouse Community Centre in Walthamstow.

Mr Boothes older brother Kyle Boothe survived being shot with the same gun in August 2020.

Eleven days before the murder, Mr Samanters entirely innocent neighbour Abdi-Rahman Jeylaani was injured when he was shot as he sat in his car near his home in a case of mistaken identity.

After Mr Boothes death, Henry-Richards bragged about the killing in a rap video called Kay-O Laughing Stock.

The lyrics read: Big Boothe and Little got hit, same sig, thats a sour family.

Both got slapped at functions, neck and head, handguns come handy.

Prosecutor Anthony Orchard KC said: The video goaded London Fields Gang, one of the E9/Holly Street Gang enemies, and glorified the murder of Kacey Boothe.

The track contained specific information about the circumstances in which Kacey Boothe had been killed that were not in the public domain.

During the sentencing, Judge Tayton said Mr Boothe was targeted because of his association with Londons gang culture, but added: He was first and foremost a young man with his life ahead of him who leaves behind a mother, partner and children.

Earlier, Mr Boothes mother Marcia Rowe, said in an impact statement that there was no limit to the endless suffering we all feel and must live with every day.

She said: This unexplained callous murder has taken away Kaceys dreams and aspirations, at the age of just 25 when he had his whole life ahead of him.

Shanice Thomas-Brown, Mr Boothes partner, said in her impact statement that their children had been forced to develop an understanding of life, death, danger and violence.

She said: Losing Kacey is the worst thing thats ever happened to us and although he is not with us, his name will forever live on in our family.
Iraqi protesters opposed to a migration returns agreement with the UK chased their Prime Ministers car down the road as it left Downing Street.

Sir Keir Starmer and his counterpart, Mohammed Shia Al Sudani, were expected to begin talks on a bespoke returns agreement between the UK and Iraq as they met at No 10 on Tuesday.

Ahead of the meeting, Sir Keir said the deal was aimed at helping to dismantle people-smuggling gangs with links to Iraq.

But as the Iraqi leader arrived at Downing Street and shook hands with Sir Keir outside the famous black door, a group could be heard chanting outside its gates, with one heard to shout are you gambling with our lives?

Later, as Mr Sudanis car left Downing Street, the protesters began chanting again, and one of them could be seen to throw a projectile at one of the vehicles in his convoy, though it appeared to miss.

The group then chased the vehicles as they drove down Whitehall.

Police officers pursued them down the central London street, restraining them as they attempted to follow the cars.

The group came to a stop as the cars made away, and eventually left the location after speaking with the police.

One of the protesters identified themselves as members of a group opposed to the migration returns agreement between Iraq and the UK.

Farman Haji, a member of the group called the Dakok Organisation for Rights and Freedom, told the PA news agency that Iraqi lives would be in danger back home if they were returned.

Objects were thrown at the car carrying Mohammed Shia Al Sudani, the prime minister of Iraq (Kim Cheung/PA)

He added: We want to save a thousand, thousand lives in UK  Iraqi people, to not send them back home. That is what we (are) here today for.

Dakok is a registered charity in the UK which is intended to serve members of the Kurdish community living in Britain.

Following the two leaders meeting, a Downing Street spokesperson said they reflected on the situation in the Middle East and emphasised the importance of supporting peace and stability across the region following recent developments in Syria.

Sir Keir also welcomed the expanding partnership between the UK and Iraq and the announcement of the 12.3 billion trade package.

On illegal migration, the leaders discussed their intent to work towards a new and ambitious returns agreement between the UK and Iraq. They welcomed the progress on border security made during the Home Secretarys visit to Iraq in November and committed to working even more closely to disrupt people-smuggling networks, the spokesperson added.
Rare instances of vaccine side-effects must not be used to undermine the vital public health role that vaccination plays in keeping people safe from disease, the UK Covid-19 Inquiry has heard.

A lack of trust in the government and scientists contributed to false narratives about the mass vaccination programme during the pandemic, according to Hugo Keith, lead counsel to the inquiry.

This low level of trust appears to go hand in hand with high reliance on social media, high distrust about vaccine safety and high levels of vaccine hesitancy, he added.

Public hearings for the fourth module of the Covid-19 inquiry started in London on Tuesday.

They will run until January 31 and will look at the issues relating to the development and rollout of vaccines in the UK, as well as barriers to uptake, confidence in the jabs, access issues and issues around vaccine safety.

The probe will also explore if reforms to the UK vaccine damage payment scheme  which provides a one-off tax-free payment of 120,000 to those left disabled as a result of vaccines  are necessary.

During the hearing, the inquiry was shown a 15-minute video including accounts from a number of people who were affected by the vaccination programme, including those who suffered the rare and very rare side-effects.

Before it was played, Mr Keith said: I think in the public interest, its important that I seek to emphasise that the references in this video to the obvious and well-known fact that in very rare cases, vaccination has serious side-effects, as indeed do all medicines, must not be used as a platform to seek to undermine the vital public health role that vaccination plays in keeping people safe from disease, or to try to seek to argue that at a population level, vaccination is not overwhelmingly beneficial.

He emphasised the rarity or often, the extreme rarity of the serious adverse effects that were suffered, but added: Nevertheless, they did occur, and for those who did suffer serious side-effects, and even worse, the very small number of people whose loved ones died as a result, it was, of course, a complete tragedy, and nothing that can be said about the rarity of those terrible consequences can be taken, or should be taken, to diminish that loss.

In an opening submission, Anna Morris, representing UKCVFamily, Vaccine Injured Bereaved UK and the Scottish Vaccine Injury Group, said: The thousands of people that these three groups represent present what is an uncomfortable truth for many  that vaccine injury and death are part of the pandemic story.

She questioned if political pressure led to an environment in which the assessment and the regulation of the safety of vaccines was not as robust as it should have or could have been, or if a focus on jabs meant alternatives were overlooked.

Ms Morris also questioned if the public message to follow the science contributed to pressure around vaccines.

Our groups question whether that mantra and that mindset contributed to a culture of political and public pressure which dictated that vaccines were inherently good and that there would be no adverse reactions expected, she said.

The inquiry must have the courage to examine how the public messaging, narrative and the context of the vaccine rollout created a hostile environment for the reporting of Covid vaccine-related deaths and injury.

The inquiry will hear from representatives of bereaved families and vaccine injury groups on Wednesday, while Matt Hancock, who was health secretary from 2018 to June 2021, will give evidence on Thursday.

He will be followed by Professor Heidi Larson, an expert in vaccine hesitancy.

Citing Prof Larsons statement, Mr Keith said there was a gradual decline in trust in the vaccines from April 2021 because of a number of issues, including inequalities and barriers created by a lack of information.

He added: Its not necessary to inquire into why such false narratives were created and promoted, but it is obvious that this was contributed to by low trust in the government, in scientists and medics, and that lack of trust appears to go hand in hand with high reliance on social media, high distrust about vaccine safety and high levels of vaccine hesitancy.

Former health secretary Matt Hancock during a visit to the NHS vaccine centre in January 2021 (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

Module four will focus on three vaccines in particular, which were rolled out in the period ending June 2022.

These are jabs developed by Pfizer Biontech, Moderna and AstraZeneca.

While the Novavax and the Sanofi GSK vaccines will not be part of the module, it will look at the circumstances surrounding the Covid-19 jab developed by Valneva.

The UK had been due to receive 100 million doses of the French firms vaccine, but the Government cancelled the deal in September 2021.

Mr Keith said the circumstances surrounding that termination are not without controversy.

The inquiry will also look at other drugs used to treat Covid-19, including antivirals and anti-inflammatories.

It comes as the Covid-19 inquiry published its second Every Story Matters record, which is designed to assist chairwoman Baroness Heather Hallett in reaching conclusions and making recommendations on how to handle future pandemics.

The latest report includes thousands of peoples experiences with vaccines and therapeutics during the pandemic.

It recognises the subject of Covid-19 vaccines is an emotionally charged issue for some people.

There were some who felt an immense sense of relief over the jab that could mean life potentially returning to normal, while others remain concerned about how quickly it was developed and are still cautious, or even sceptical, about its benefits versus its risks.

Some told the inquiry they felt they had been given little choice during the pandemic over whether to have the jab, and others said they felt there was not enough information on potential side-effects.

While some people told researchers they were glad they did not have it, others said they believe taking the vaccine caused them injury or significant side-effects.
Rachel Reeves told an MP to get real and argued it is not reasonable to blame the Government for global volatility in markets, as she faced questions in the Commons over current turbulence.

The Chancellor was also criticised for her visit to China over the weekend, to which she responded by saying she was able to raise issues around human rights and the case of pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai.

As the Chancellor flew east, the pound plummeted south and Government debt rocketed north. Why? Because the markets dont believe her plan for growth, Conservative MP Dr Luke Evans said.

He added: What is she going to say to the markets to make them believe she really does understand how to deliver growth in the UK?

Ms Reeves replied: Theres been a global volatility in markets. I dont believe it reasonable to suggest that the reason why bond yields in the United States, in Germany and France have risen is because of decisions made by this Government. I think the honourable member opposite should just get real.

SNP MP Dave Doogan said it was beyond parody that Ms Reeves would go and throw herself at the mercy of the Chinese government, and come back with 600 million.

Ms Reeves had previously said that agreements reached in Beijing and Shanghai, where she held discussions on trade and investment, would be worth 600 million to the UK over the next five years.

During the statement on Tuesday, the Angus and Perthshire Glens MP added: When, not if, when her fiscal rules are breached, which will she do: increase borrowing, raise taxes, or cut spending?

Ms Reeves replied: Ive been really clear, we will meet our fiscal rules that I set out in the budget, and we will do that at all times.

Liberal Democrats Treasury spokeswoman Daisy Cooper (Maja Smiejkowska/PA)

Liberal Democrat Treasury spokeswoman Daisy Cooper described the 600 million as small beer and said the Chancellor should not have gone to China unless there was a commitment that Jimmy Lai was going to be released.

The Chancellor replied: (Ms Cooper) says that 600 million isnt worth it. Well, thats 600 million of tangible benefit for British businesses trading overseas.

I would have thought that the honourable lady would welcome enhanced trade and investment as a way to create more good jobs, paying decent wages in St Albans and indeed in all of our constituencies.

Now (Ms Cooper) says we shouldnt go to China because we need to raise difficult issues. Well, Im not sure how the honourable lady thinks were going to raise difficult issues unless we engage with the second-biggest economy in the world.

And because I went to China, I was able to raise issues around human rights, around forced labour, around Hong Kong and Jimmy Lai, and around the sanctioning of parliamentarians. You cant raise those issues unless you are in the room.

TUV MP Jim Allister (North Antrim) said: Does she have any concerns about the Confucius Institute? The Chinese government-backed operation across the Unite Kingdom, did she raise any concerns about that? And in respect of Jimmy Lai, what answer did she get?

Ms Reeves replied: When our Prime Minister met with President Xi Jinping in Rio last year they agreed that one of the points of key engagement is that were able to make clear our concerns about a range of issues, but in a way that was private, and Im not going to go into the details of that conversation.

But with all of the Chinese officials that I met at the weekend, I raised these issues, and the problem is that the party opposite for all their chuntering, they didnt raise these issues because they didnt even engage.

Conservative former leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith asked if the Government will allow import of goods that contain any slave labour from China.

Sir Iain, who is one of a number of MPs sanctioned by China, said: The reality I want to put to her is that while she was away, (clothing company) Shein refused, point blank in a select committee to answer the question whether they had slave labour in their supply chains, but the Government wants them to register here in London.

He added: So can I ask the Chancellor to be clear now to the House about the Governments position on slave labour?

Can she explain whether this Government will allow any products or services or companies to align themselves here or import goods into here that contain any slave labour, no matter how important that import is?

Ms Reeves replied: This Government is committed to working with international partners and businesses to ensure that global supply chains are free from human and labour rights abuses, as (Sir Iain) knows under Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015, commercial businesses who operate in the UK and have a turnover of more than 36 million are required to report annually on the steps they have taken, and quite right so because modern slavery is absolutely abhorrent and this Government continues to take steps to deal with it.
Houston Police headquarters, at 1200 Travis, photographed Tuesday, April 5, 2022, in Houston. Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer Close-up of marijuana plants at Compassionate Cultivation, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2018, in Austin. Marie D. De Jesus/Houston Chronicle

A purported rat colony in a downtown Houston police property room ate some mushrooms intended as evidence against two defendants, prosecutors on Monday said, warning at least 3,600 additional cases may be at risk of contamination.

Prosecutors told a host of criminal defense lawyers that the thousands of pending criminal cases have evidence in the vermin-infested room at the Houston Police Department 28-story high rise. The warning came in a Monday notice required under the Michael Morton Act, days after city and county leaders addressed the growing issue of rats in a property room teeming with evidence in old and new cases.

MORE ON THE RATS: HPD set to destroy hundreds of thousands of pounds of drug evidence following rat infestations

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The rats managed to eat their way into a drug cache at 1200 Travis linked to two arrests on felony drug possession charges, but those prosecutions are expected to continue, said Joshua Reiss, general counsel for the Harris County District Attorneys Office.

The mushrooms are still there, Reiss said. It got into the packaging and ate some of the organic material.

The impacted case stems from an October 2023 search of a Houston home where police officers seized nearly 2 pounds of mushrooms and other drugs, according to court documents. Reiss didnt know how much the pests ate, but the package will be weighed at some point to determine the difference, he said.

An attorney, Timothy Donahue, for one of the men declined to discuss the allegations at length.

Its very important for me to defendant my clients rights, but I intend to investigate how the rodents ate some of the evidence in this case, Donahue said.

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Reiss said the district attorneys office was made aware of the rat issue days before a news conference  held Friday at a different property room about a mile away  where Mayor John Whitmire lamented the growing number of rats in the property room that could be enjoying copious amounts of bagged marijuana. Police Chief Noe Diaz, however, revealed his department knew about the infestation as far back as October and have made attempts to control the rat population, which officials said has been isolated to the floor containing narcotics evidence.

Doug Griffith, Houston Police Officers Union president, complained as early as 2023 about the trove of evidence filling the 25th floor property room, where he said the rats live. He distributed photos of trash bags stuffed with drugs and other seized items filling shelves and being stacked on the floor.

He thinks the drugs should be stored elsewhere.

"We're bulging at the seams now," Griffith said.

In a statement, District Attorney Sean Teare said they have since changed their policy to allow Houston police to dispose of narcotics older than a decade  rather than the previous mandate of 20 years  in hopes it would make space.

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Teare also intends to review how court records address destruction of evidence in closed cases and task a prosecutor with helping police destroy aging property.
Three men have been unanimously found not guilty of killing a 32-year-old man after an Old Bailey jury forewoman in their first trial cleared them by mistake.

Adrian Keise was fatally stabbed in the back after a minor row erupted in violence outside Waterloo station in 2022.

On Tuesday, a jury deliberated for 55 minutes to find Paul Yusuff, 22, and his brother Matthew Yusuff, 24, not guilty of murder and an alternative charge of manslaughter.

Their friend Moussa Traore, 25, was cleared of manslaughter at the conclusion of a controversial retrial following their accidental acquittal last year.

As the verdicts were returned one of Mr Keises relatives walked out of court in tears, saying: I cant believe it. I actually cant believe it and they are going to do it again. Theyre going to do it again.

Speaking outside court, Paul Yusuffs barrister Kerim Fuad KC told reporters: Its so tragic that many lives have been ruined.

Two boys of good character with this hanging over them for two years, one of which was in custody.

Two juries, same verdict in only 55 minutes this time. Seems they got it right the first time.

The fresh verdicts from the jury in the weeks-long retrial, which is thought to have cost hundreds of thousands of pounds, come a year and three days after the first trial ended.

The original trial jury was reduced from 12 to 11 when one of their number became ill and died before Christmas 2023.

Last January 11, the family of Mr Keise had left court tearful and shaken after the defendants, from London, were unanimously found not guilty the first time.

Minutes later, the court was reconvened urgently after it emerged the forewoman of the jury had made a mistake and not all jurors had agreed on the verdicts.

The jurors were sent out to deliberate again, and, while they later found Paul Yusuff not guilty of possessing a blade or point, they were unable to reach verdicts on the other charges and were discharged a second time.

Judge Charles Gratwicke, who had come out of retirement to hear the first trial, had faced opposition from the defence when the forewomans error first came to light in a note minutes after he had discharged the jury.

After the original jury was discharged a second time, Mr Fuad said he remained extremely troubled by what had happened.

He had expressed concern that the defendants, who were all in custody at the time, were being detained illegally in light of the first verdicts.

The three men, who denied all the charges against them, went on to challenge their detention at HMP Belmarsh ahead of their retrial in December.

Their barristers had argued that the first not guilty verdicts were valid and should not have been reopened.

Three High Court judges rejected their case, concluding that the jury forewoman had suffered a form of stage fright amid the stressful environment of court proceedings.

Ahead of their retrial, the defendants were eventually granted bail, but Mr Traore was remanded in custody mid-trial after absenting himself for two days.

The court had heard how Mr Keise was chased down the street and stabbed three times in the back by Paul Yusuff after a minor row escalated into violence in the early hours of October 29 2022.

Mr Keise was unable to defend himself when surrounded by all three defendants, with Matthew Yusuff wielding a bottle, it was alleged.

He was rushed to hospital where he later died from his injuries.

Mr Keise had spent the evening drinking with friends at the Thirsty Bear pub in nearby Stamford Street before his path crossed with the defendants near the Cubana Bar in Lower Marsh, near Waterloo station.

Prosecutor Ed Brown KC had said: An innocuous, minor and quite insignificant disagreement grew to an altercation and then escalated into a period of uncontrolled violence quite out of any proportion to the initiating event  all taking place in the streets of central London.

It was, and is, a tragic waste of a life for which there was, and is, no justification  in law or otherwise.

The Yusuff brothers had claimed they acted in self-defence and Mr Traore declined to give evidence.

Judge Sarah Whitehouse KC, who presided over the retrial, thanked the jurors before they left court.
There has been a significant increase in the proportion of women seeking abortions who are using natural methods to prevent pregnancy, such as tracking periods on smartphone apps, a study suggests.

The proportion who reported using no contraception at all when they fell pregnant also increased by 14% between 2018 and 2023, analysis found.

It comes as researchers highlighted a shift in contraception use in the last five years, from more reliable hormonal contraceptives such as the pill, to fertility awareness-based methods.

These natural methods involve tracking menstrual cycles or symptoms of ovulation, such as changes to cervical mucus or basal body temperature, usually using smartphone apps.

This helps to estimate a womans fertile window, with couples avoiding sex on these days to prevent pregnancy.

However, researchers from the University of Edinburgh said these methods can be less reliable, with the potential to increase unintended pregnancies.

For the study researchers looked at data from the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (Bpas) to explore what methods of contraception women who requested abortions were using.

The team compared two periods of time: January to June 2018, which included 33,495 women, and January to June 2023, which included 55,055 women.

Researchers found reported use of fertility awareness-based methods at the time of conception increased from 0.4% in 2018 to 2.5% in 2023.

The age of the women using these methods also fell from almost 30 to 27, analysis showed.

Women taking hormonal contraceptives such as the pill, the mini pill, patches and vaginal rings declined from 18.8% in 2018 to 11.3% in 2023.

Use of the contraceptive implant  a small rod placed under the skin which releases a hormone to stop the ovaries releasing an egg each month  fell from 3% to 0.6% over the period.

Those who reported using no form of contraception when they fell pregnant increased from 56% in 2018 to 70% in 2023.

Researchers said the findings, published in BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health, show a shift in contraception use from more reliable hormonal methods of contraception to less reliable fertility awareness-based methods of contraception among abortion patients.

They added: There appears to have been a significant increase in the proportion of individuals attending Bpas for abortion who use fertility awareness-based methods as a form of contraception and are using no method of contraception.

This may be a result of preference or it may be related to difficulties with access to more effective methods of contraception in the preconception and post-abortion periods.

It was also suggested that hormone hesitancy attributed to the influence of social media has been reported in other European countries.

The team added that further research is needed to explore the reasons for the change, but warned: The decline in use of effective contraception and increase in abortion rates have wider implications for healthcare services.

The study also found that the proportion of women who were seven weeks pregnant or under when they requested an abortion from Bpas services rose to 59.4% in 2023 compared with 35.6% in 2018, the study found.

Fewer women aged 25 or under requested an abortion in 2023 compared with 2018, the study found, while the proportion of women from ethnic minorities rose along with the proportion of medical abortions requested.

Researchers said that further research is required to investigate the underlying driving forces of this shift in contraceptive methods, but added: In the interim, investment will be needed for accessible abortion and contraception services to meet demand.

Speaking of the findings, Dr Patricia Lohr, director of research and innovation at Bpas, said: This study of abortion patients showed a rise in the use of fertility awareness-based methods and a decline in hormonal contraception.

This may indicate women are making different contraceptive choices or cant get the methods they want.

A separate Bpas survey of the general population found that nearly half of women (49%) face barriers to accessing contraception, such as long waits for appointments, which restrict their ability to choose the methods that work best for them.

In this context, abortion remains a vital option, whether as a back-up when contraception fails or as an alternative when contraception is unavailable or unsuitable. Ensuring access to abortion care is crucial to supporting women in making the choices that are right for them.

At the same time, its vital to push for modern, innovative contraceptive methods that fit seamlessly into womens lives and address concerns about side effects.

Women deserve a full range of options that meet their needs without compromise.
Ronan Keating has tearfully recalled the grief among his Boyzone bandmates after Stephen Gatelys death, a trailer for a new documentary shows.

Boyzone: No Matter What sees the Irish groups stars Ronan Keating, Keith Duffy, Shane Lynch and Michael Mikey Graham, and former manger Louis Walsh, explore the height of their fame, the issues they dealt with as their success grew, and their break-up.

Gately died in 2009 at the age of 33 shortly after the band  known for the hits Words, All That I Need and No Matter What  staged a comeback.

They continued as a four-piece and in 2018 they celebrated their 25th anniversary with their last tour and album, which featured a tribute to Gately, a reworking of a demo the singer recorded in 2002, which includes his vocals.

In the Sky Documentaries teaser, Duffy emotionally recalls how at first he could not understand the news, saying no, no, no, not our Stephen, while Keating is shown breaking down in tears.

Clips are also shown of the band starting off, including an interview with Irish TV presenter Gay Byrne, where he jokes he has heard they do not sing, and Keating admitting they werent perfect or polished.

Graham says he just wanted out, I wanted to get away from that toxic environment, while Duffy says there were things that happened that were cruel, and Lynch claims Walsh promised us the sun, the moon and the stars.

Ronan Keating has talked about his years in Boyzone (Ian West/PA)

Elsewhere, Walsh recalls forming the five-piece in 1993, saying: I prefer ordinary people, they work harder and they do whatever you want at the start.

He also says: They believed their own publicity, they forgot I wrote it.

Walsh talks about Gately saying he was living the dream while making references to him hiding his sexuality, until Duffy calls the press absolutely scandalous for what they did to Stephen.

Boyzone (left to right) was made up of Keith Duffy, Ronan Keating, Mikey Graham, Stephen Gately and Shane Lynch (Michael Chester/PA)

In 1999, Gately came out as gay after discovering that someone was trying to sell this story to newspapers, a spokesperson said at the time.

The trailer also sees Walsh smiling, and saying: He (Stephen) got the front page.

Gately died of natural causes at the age of 33 on October 10 2009 at his holiday home in Majorca.

Boyzone: No Matter What is on February 2 on Sky Documentaries and streaming service NOW.
A second man has pleaded not guilty to helping former soldier Daniel Khalife after he escaped from prison.

Adeel Khan, 30, from Waltham Forest, east London, is accused of helping Khalife after he escaped from HMP Wandsworth by tying himself to the underside of a food delivery truck in September 2023.

Khan was in custody at HMP Wandsworth at the same time as Khalife and he is charged with having an illicit phone inside the prison between September 1 and 9 2023.

Adeel Khan at Westminster Magistrates Court where he is accused of helping ex-soldier Daniel Khalife after he escaped from prison (Jonathan Brady/PA)

Westminster Magistrates Court heard on Tuesday that Khan allegedly shared the phone with Khalife when they were both inside.

It is alleged that Khan used the device to help the former soldier access cash after he fled Wandsworth on September 6.

Khan wore a white shirt with his hair tied back as he pleaded not guilty to assisting an escaped prisoner and possessing a phone inside prison.

He was granted conditional bail and ordered to surrender his passport to a police station before 4pm on Wednesday, and to sleep at an address in Waltham Forest.

Khan will next appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court on February 4 where his case will be tied in with Imran Chowdhurys, the court heard.

Last week Chowdhury, 25, from Chingford, east London, was also charged with helping Khalife after he broke out of jail.

Imran Chowdhury leaving Westminster Magistrates Court where he pleaded not guilty to assisting former soldier Daniel Khalife as he escaped from prison (Lucy North/PA)

It is alleged that Khan used the phone to instruct Chowdhury to meet Khalife and take him to a cash point on the evening of September 6.

Chowdhury allegedly withdrew 400 from his account for Khalife.

He appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court on January 7 and denied one count of assisting an escaped prisoner.

He was bailed to appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court on February 4.

Khalife, 23, was found guilty of spying for Iran after a trial in November 2024.

Jurors at Woolwich Crown Court found he had breached the Official Secrets and Terrorism Acts.

He had already admitted escaping from Wandsworth Prison, but was cleared of carrying out a bomb hoax at the Army barracks where he had been based.
Sir Stephen Fry has hailed his former co-star Tony Slattery as the gentlest, sweetest soul with a deeply talented wit following his death aged 65.

Actor and comedian Slattery, known for Channel 4s comedy improvisation show Whose Line Is It Anyway?, died on Tuesday morning following a heart attack, his partner, the actor Mark Michael Hutchinson announced.

Alongside his stand-up, Slattery appeared in the 1992 comedy Peters Friends alongside Sir Stephen, Dame Emma Thompson and Hugh Laurie, who he met at the University of Cambridge.

Alongside a photo of the stars from their younger days, Sir Stephen wrote on Instagram: So very sad to have lost the wonderful Tony Slattery, just about the gentlest, sweetest soul I ever knew.

Not to mention a screamingly funny and deeply talented wit and clown.

He said it was a cruel irony that fate should snatch him from us when Slattery had begun to emerge from his lifelong battle with so many dark demons, as he had recently been touring with a comedy show in England and launched a podcast, Tony Slatterys Rambling Club, in October.

Sir Stephen added: Lovely, at least, this past year for him to have found to his joyous surprise that he was still remembered and held in great affection.

Love and condolences to Mark, his staunch, devoted life partner of almost 40 years.

Sir Stephen Fry, bottom, pictured Jennifer Saunders, Hugh Laurie, Emma Freud and Tony Slattery, right, in 1991 (PA)

Actor and musician Richard Vranch, who provided the music for Whose Line Is It Anyway?, also paid tribute to the star.

In a statement provided to the PA news agency, he said: I first met Tony in 1981. We auditioned for the Cambridge Footlights as Iris Murdoch vs The Smog Monster and performed on the emerging London alternative comedy scene.

Tony was hugely talented in many fields and a very good friend. We giggled like kids whenever we met up over the years. RIP.

Vranch, 65, was the improvising pianist and guitarist on the comedy show from 1988 until 1998, when he was replaced by Laura Hall for its 10th and last series.

Tony Slattery, left, with Barry Took, centre, and Mike Read (PA)

Comedian and actor Les Dennis remembered Slattery as a wonderful talent and a nice man.

Phoenix Nights star Ted Robbins said he was devastated to hear his dear friend had died, adding: He was hugely talented, immensely kind and we shared so many wonderful times.

He also sent his heartfelt thoughts & prayers to Hutchinson, who he said had always been there for him.

Actor James Dreyfus thanked Slattery for making him laugh long and hard every time he saw him.

Samantha Janus, with Gary Olsen, second left, Neil Morrissey and Tony Slattery, right, in 1998 (Neil Munns/PA)

Tributes have also been paid by comedians Richard K Herring and Al Murray, along with radio DJ Mike Read.

Read, who appeared with Slattery on Classic FM quiz show A Question Of Classics alongside the late TV host Barry Took, recalled the fun they used to have together.

Murray described him as such a dazzling talent, while Herring said: Oh, Tony.

Tom Walker, best known as the satirical journalist personality Jonathan Pie, called the news absolutely heartbreaking, and referred to Slattery as a genius.

Born on November 9 1959, Slattery became the president of the improvisation group Cambridge Footlights when he studied at the university, which also featured Sir Stephen, Dame Emma and Laurie amongst its members at the time.

He also appeared in 1992 crime thriller The Crying Game and 1989 black comedy How To Get Ahead In Advertising with Richard E Grant.

His TV appearances included featuring on the comedy panel shows Just A Minute and Have I Got News For You.

Slattery also had prominent roles in the theatre, receiving a 1995 Olivier Award nomination for best comedy performance for the Tim Firth play Nevilles Island, which was later made into a film starring Timothy Spall. He also starred in Second World War-set production Privates On Parade, based on the film of the same name, as ace impersonator Captain Terri Dennis.

His West End debut was in the 1930s-style musical Radio Times, and on TV he also played a detective in Tiger Bastable, a gentlemen comedy spoof, and the title character in sitcom Just A Gigolo.

In 2020, Slattery  who regularly spoke openly about his bipolar disorder  revealed he went bankrupt following a battle with substance abuse and mental health issues.

He told the Radio Times that his fiscal illiteracy and general innumeracy as well as his misplaced trust in people had also contributed to his money problems.

Slattery released the BBC Two Horizon documentary Whats The Matter With Tony Slattery? in the same year, which saw him and Hutchinson visit leading experts on mood disorders and addiction.

He had previously appeared in 2006 BBC Two programme The Secret Life Of The Manic Depressive to speak about his condition.

I rented a huge warehouse by the River Thames. I just stayed in there on my own, didnt open the mail or answer the phone for months and months and months, he said.

I was just in a pool of despair and mania.

Slattery also made appearances in the final Carry On film Carry On Columbus, Robin Hood, Red Dwarf, The English Harem, Cold Blood, The Royal and Coronation Street.

He won the first Perrier Award at the Edinburgh Fringe along with Sir Stephen and Dame Emma, was one of the original patrons of Leicester Comedy Festival with Norman Wisdom and Sean Hughes, and had been a rector at the University of Dundee.

Slattery is survived by his partner of more than three decades, Hutchinson.

A statement on behalf of Hutchinson announcing the news said: It is with great sadness we must announce actor and comedian Tony Slattery, aged 65, has passed away today, Tuesday morning, following a heart attack on Sunday evening.
Plans for an extreme hike in property taxes in Spain will be a blow to buyers from the UK and could prompt them to consider alternatives such as Cyprus and Greece, experts have said.

Measures being proposed in Spain to ease pressures on its housing situation include an up to 100% tax on properties bought by non-European Union residents.

Toby Leek, president of property professionals body NAEA Propertymark, said: Many Brits may take the news of heightened property taxes in Spain as a blow considering moving to such a location could well have been a lifelong ambition, especially with the convenient location and, of course, the improved weather it provides.

He said that, while it can be appreciated that Spain is addressing its own housing emergency and looking after Spanish citizens, the proposal is quite an extreme increase.

Mr Leek added: Many Brits will likely be put off by this extreme hike in property taxes and will be looking to other countries such as Cyprus and Greece with lower property tax levels for their dream home move.

Spains Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has been quoted as saying the overall goal is to provide more housing, better regulation and greater aid.

Non-EU residents bought 27,000 properties in Spain in 2023, not to live in but to make money from, he said.

Like the UK, Spain has been dealing with pressures on housing costs.

Rents are seen as a particular issue in major cities such as Barcelona and Madrid, while house prices have also been rising.

Levels of tourism and short-term lets have been seen as compounding problems.

Seila Sanches Lucas, a lawyer at international law firm Broadfield, who helps clients buy and sell property in Spain, said: The proposal by the Spanish Prime Minister will be concerning for those that have already chosen to retire in Spain and for those considering a retirement in the sun.

It is just a proposal at this point in time and is not guaranteed to make it onto the Spanish statute books.

Even if adopted, the legislative process in Spain is tortuously slow and it is perhaps a little early for UK nationals to worry about this proposal.

If adopted, there are many other jurisdictions looking to attract wealthy retirees and investors. For example, Dubai has been called the new Marbella.

Isobel Neilson, director at law firm and global immigration specialists Fragomen, said that if the proposals for a 100% tax on home ownership for non-EU nationals were to be introduced, our clients would most likely look to rent instead of buying or alternatively explore other more favourable EU jurisdictions.

She said people may look towards Portugal or Italy, for example.

Stephen Abletshauser, private client partner at Spencer West LLP, said: This populist move by the Spanish government may well prove to be a long-term own goal.

The likes of Turkey, Italy, Malta, Cyprus and even France will welcome this decision in a fiercely competitive market for wealthy non-residents retiring in the sunshine.

Sarah Coles, head of personal finance at Hargreaves Lansdown, highlighted the potential impacts for those who already own homes in Spain.

She said: For those who currently own, the question is what this will do to the resale value of their home. The aim is to make these homes more affordable, which effectively means a price cut for those who already have a holiday home in the country.

It could encourage people to rush to sell up before the rate of tax ramps up, which could force prices down even before the new tax rate is introduced.

Richard Donnell, executive director at property website Zoopla, said: Data shows there are over 100,000 Brits drawing their state pension living in Spain, a number that has remained broadly constant in recent years.

He added: It is unclear what the proposed tax would be aimed at but it appears to be aimed at investors rather than homeowners. The taxes for overseas buyers have increased for those buying in Britain in recent years, especially as part of a company structure.

Kate Everett-Allen, head of European research at Knight Frank, described details of the proposals as sparse.

She said: Restrictions on foreign buyers are not new. Countries like Switzerland, Singapore, New Zealand, and Canada have implemented various measures, including higher taxes, outright bans, and limiting property purchases to new homes only.
Renters are facing eviction from their homes while new protections are being debated in Parliament, according to a former Labour leader.

Jeremy Corbyn, Independent MP for Islington North, said property owners are using unreasonable arguments to end tenancies early before the new Renters Rights Bill becomes law.

The Bill is due to clear the Commons on Tuesday, with the Government saying it would end no-fault evictions, end bidding wars for tenancies and cap price rises faced by those in the sector.

Housing minister Matthew Pennycook acknowledged there was a lot of bad practice in the sector that the Government is keen to clamp down on.

However, Conservative MPs gave warnings that more changes to the law could see an exodus of landlords, limiting the supply of homes for rent and driving rents up further as a result.

Mr Corbyn asked the minister: Is he aware that there seems to be quite a lot of landlords at the present time who are using unreasonable arguments in order to terminate tenancies or raise rents ahead of this legislation coming in?

Is there anything that he or his department can do to protect tenants during this quite stressful period for them?

Mr Pennycook said: There is a lot of bad practice out there. Thats the very reason why the Government have acted so quickly to ensure these reforms are introduced and were confident these reforms once in place will provide tenants with the protection they deserve.

In the interim, Im afraid there will continue to be bad practice of the kind this Bill will stamp out.

Shadow housing minister David Simmonds said the Bill had many shortcomings.

He said it could create concerns around the availability, and the affordability of accommodation in the private rented sector.

Mr Simmonds said: (The Government) came after the farmers, they came after the pubs, they came after the small businesses, they came after the private schools, they came after our local councils and now this Bill, in its new form, comes after our tenants and our landlords.

Its very clear by the number of Government amendments which the minister referred to in his introduction, the points we made in committee, that this Bill has many shortcomings that need to be addressed.

Mr Simmonds added: Even a Labour council, a bastion like Lambeth, led by the Labour chair of London councils, is rushing to use section 21 to evict its own tenants in advance of this Bill, because of the impact that it will have  a Labour council and a Labour Government putting their own people out of their homes.

Conservative former minister Graham Stuart said the previous Conservative government had made errors over the rental market, but that new Labour reforms could worsen the situation.

With the freedom of the backbenches, I think the last Conservative government got this wrong when they stopped landlords being able to offset the interest payments on the mortgage for that commercial asset against their income, Mr Stuart said. It was one step among many which actually reduced the number of landlords coming into the market.

Fellow Conservative MP Rebecca Smith (South West Devon) said: Weve already heard about the challenge that (landlords) have for economic drivers, and also the risk of the market shrinking. I know we talked a lot about that at second reading, but ultimately we are seeing landlords leaving the market.

She added: If there are fewer homes for those people to rent, we are kind of in a worse situation.

Labour MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy (Clapham and Brixton Hill), who is a renter, called for price rises to be capped at CPI or wage growth.

Im yet to hear a compelling reason why landlords should see their incomes grow faster than people who actually work for a living, she said.

Green Party MP Carla Denyer (Bristol Central) spoke in favour of amending the Bill to introduce rent controls, saying: We have people on the streets and in temporary accommodation because they cannot afford their rent.

New clause seven proposes a Living Rent Body to set the rules to be applied to the calculation of rent levels between tenancies. That would control rents and make them fair, considering factors such as the homes property type, condition, size, average local incomes and so on; local flexibility would be important in this.

Ms Denyer welcomed the Bill for giving renters a set of new rights, adding: But rent controls are still needed because having the right to something you cannot afford and cannot access is no help to anyone.
Three men who are allegedly part of a global people smuggling network moving migrants from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) into the UK and Europe have been arrested.

They have been linked to the same network as Amanj Hasan Zada, an Iranian national who dubbed himself the best smuggler and was jailed for 17 years in November after he arranged Channel small boat crossings from his home in Lancashire.

The men, who are from Sulaymaniyah, allegedly acted as a coordinator, a banker and a middle-man and were arrested in the KRI between January 8-12, according to the National Crime Agency (NCA) who worked with the Kurdistan Region Security Council and Kurdistan Region Security Agency to detain the gang members.

This was the first time the NCA has worked with Asayish (security) agencies in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah to target high-ranking people smugglers (NCA/PA)

All three men, who previously they thought they were untouchable, are in custody and face prosecution for human trafficking offences by the KRI authorities.

This was the first time the NCA has worked with Asayish (security) agencies in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah to target high-ranking people smugglers who are trying to transport migrants across Europe and into small boats to the UK.

The investigation also drew praise from Home Secretary Yvette Cooper who said the operation would have a material effect on the criminal networks currently trafficking people across Europe.

Amanj Hasan Zada, of Stefano Road, Preston, was convicted by a jury of three counts of facilitating illegal immigration after a two-week trial at Preston Crown Court.

He advertised his business on social media under the name Amanj Zaman and featured videos of thankful migrants who paid for his services.

The men were linked to the same network as Amanj Hasan Zada, an Iranian national who dubbed himself the best smuggler (NCA/PA)

One video found on YouTube by the NCA  thought to have been recorded in Iraq in 2021  showed him at a party with musicians singing a song in Kurdish feting him as the best smuggler, saying all the other smugglers have learned from him, while he throws cash at them and fires a gun in the air in celebration.

The latest arrests include a 38-year-old man who is accused of working with the network to co-ordinate the movements of more than a dozen yachts transporting migrants into Greece or Italy, according to the NCA.

Each boat would contain 60 or 70 people, who would then be moved on to northern Europe or the UK.

A Hawala banker, aged in his 40s, who allegedly processed financial transactions on behalf of Zada, has also been detained.

Another man in his 30s from Sulaymaniyah who is accused of being a middle-man gathering migrants for movement by Zadas network is also in custody.

Ms Cooper said: Just seven weeks ago, as part of the Governments Plan for Change, I signed the UKs landmark deal on law enforcement cooperation and border security with Iraq and met with the Kurdish Regional Government, signalling our determination to work together to dismantle the criminal smuggling gangs operating through that region.

Our security agreement with Iraq is already showing its impact. By sharing the expertise of our Border Security Command, enhancing intelligence-sharing, and providing additional funding to support Iraqs law enforcement capabilities, we are able to target the people smuggling gangs at source.

Amanj Hasan Zada, who was convicted by a jury of three counts of facilitating illegal immigration after a two-week trial at Preston Crown Court (NCA)

NCA director general of operations Rob Jones said: This is the next significant step in taking on the people smuggling gangs who dominate the deadly cross-Channel small boat trade, many of whom operate from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

Previously they thought they were untouchable, but thanks to our co-operation with the KRI authorities, we have demonstrated that this is no longer the case and they will be held to account.

Branch commander Martin Clarke, who was part of the team of NCA officers who flew out to Kurdistan Region of Iraq, said the trail of the network had been followed from Amanj Hasan Zada in his house in Preston and back to Sulaymaniyah where it is believed this gang were operating and recruiting.

He thanked the Asayish agencies, adding: Like us they recognise that these gangs are risking the lives of those they transport, feeding them lies via their social media channels, and claiming journeys are one hundred percent safe.

More than 70 people lost their lives attempting to cross the Channel in small boats in 2024, so this trade must stop.
Tiger Woods has pledged to provide support for communities devastated by wildfires in Los Angeles.

The Californian city has been ravaged by blazes that have destroyed thousands of homes and killed at least 24 people.

Former world number one Woods wrote in a statement on X: The devastation that is ongoing with the LA fires is such a tragedy and, being from California, it hits home.

My heart is with those who have suffered unimaginable loss. Thank you to the incredible heroes that are the first responders helping to contain and save the community of Los Angeles.

We plan to provide an update on our own charitable efforts to help these communities in the coming weeks. Stay Strong LA!

Fifteen-time major winner Woods is due to host the PGA Tours Genesis Invitational tournament at the Riviera Country Club in LA next month.

The area around Riviera, Pacific Palisades, has been badly affected by the fires with many residents evacuated.
TikTok has said reports it could sell its US business to X owner Elon Musk are pure fiction.

According to Bloomberg News, officials in China  the home of TikToks parent firm ByteDance  are weighing up a possible sale to the billionaire X owner if it can not overturn an impending US ban.

But in response to the reports, a TikTok spokesperson said: We cant be expected to comment on pure fiction.

TikTok is facing a ban in the US from January 19 over US national security concerns about China and what it believes is its possible influence over TikTok  something the company has always denied.

Billionaire X owner Elon Musk (Kirsty Wigglesworth/PA)

ByteDance has been told to either sell TikToks US business or face the app being banned in the United States.

The report said Chinese officials are now in preliminary talks about a potential sale to Mr Musk should the firm be unable to block the ban.

It said the social media giants US business could either be sold through a competitive process or through an arrangement by the Chinese government, suggesting the apps future is no longer solely in the hands of ByteDance.

Incoming US president Donald Trump has suggested his administration would block the ban, but he enters office after it is due to take effect.

He has called for the deadline to be pushed back to give him time to negotiate a political resolution.

Last week during a hearing on the issue, the US Supreme Court appeared inclined to uphold the ban, with justices seeming to be 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.

ByteDance has previously 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.

TikTok has previously been banned from Government devices in the UK and some other countries over concerns about ByteDances links to China.
University of St. Thomas Director of the Center Semillero, Fr. Dempsey Rosales-Acosta, stands in front of a contemporary mural of recognizing university namesake St. Thomas in the context of the Hispanic community Friday, Dec. 8, 2023 in Houston. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer University of St. Thomas Freshman Aaron Hinojosa, 18, moves in on freshmen move-in day to start the fall semester on Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023 in Houston. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer University of St. Thomas Director of the Center Semillero, Fr. Dempsey Rosales-Acosta, demonstrates a Spanish language mass in the Chapel of St. Basil on the campus of University of St. Thomas, Friday, Dec. 8, 2023 in Houston. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer

More than 80 current and former faculty at the University of St. Thomas have signed a letter of support for Interim President Fr. Dempsey Rosales-Acosta, countering a suspicion that some of their colleagues aim to undermine the authority of the new leader as he tries to clean up the private Catholic school in Houston.

The signees said that their concerns stemmed from an emergency Faculty Senate meeting on Dec. 30, where present members passed resolutions related to job security during the search for a permanent president. The critics questioned the timing of the meeting, which many people couldnt attend because of the holiday.

Although the resolutions were ultimately passed, the signees below question the appropriateness of those outcomes and believe the actions taken in that Faculty meeting are not congruent with the Faculty Senate's role, they said in the Dec. 31 letter to the universitys board of directors. We are hopeful that the leadership of Fr. Dempsey and his team will bring the necessary changes and stability to UST, particularly if they are allowed to exercise the full authority that their positions require.

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The professors who signed the letter outnumbered the 55 people who voted for the faculty senate resolutions for "stability in university governance." The move of others to come out and back Rosales-Acosta signals a division in the faculty ranks  one of those factions vocally stating a desire for reforms and the other seeking protections during anticipated changes under the interim president. Rosales-Acosta did not respond to a request for comment by the time of publication.

The board of directors last month appointed the clergyman and theology professor to take over from Richard Ludwick, who resigned after seven years as president of the university. The shakeup followed several others in the administration in 2024  including the exits of the vice president of academic affairs, chief legal counsel and chief of staff  and years of budget deficits that have threatened the financial health of UST.

Ludwick's administration had also faced criticisms from a group called UST Concerned Students, which released a series of YouTube videos alleging that they didn't receive proper recourse after raising concerns about course availability, academic quality and safety on campus.

Two days before Rosales-Acosta stepped his new role on Jan. 1, the Faculty Senate convened its meeting to approve a series of statements surrounding the transition.

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One of those statements requested the university to release information about the job descriptions and reporting structure of the interim president and interim chief operations officer, Margie Harris. The second requested that Rosales-Acosta's office refrain from terminating, non-renewing or demoting administrators and faculty, and a third directed the Faculty Senate to work on new proposals to improve job security. Those passed 55-12, Chair Brian Carl said in a Monday letter to faculty, which was obtained by the Houston Chronicle.

Another statement requested the reinstatement of a faculty member, which passed 43-10 in a separate vote. Carl, who did not answer a request for an interview, said the interim job descriptions for the new leaders have not yet been posted. But he was not aware of any changes to faculty members' employment statuses since the resolution passed, he added.

Bob Corrigan, chair of UST's governing board, responded to the rift on Monday in a statement to the Houston Chronicle. The group will meet Thursday to review board procedures and meet with Rosales-Acosta to establish the universitys strategic direction, a spokesperson said.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are confident in Fr. Dempseys ability to lead our university and shepherd us to further excellence during this transition," Corrigan said. "We are glad to have the support of our esteemed faculty.

In his first couple weeks leading the university, Rosales Acosta implemented a hiring freeze to allow the school to assess its financial situation and implement a more structured approach to budgetary accountability, he and his chief financial officer said in an email to faculty and staff on Friday.

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He also informed the UST community in the letter of the board's appointment of Harris, who began working in December. The spring semester started Monday at the campus in Montrose, which enrolls about 4,300 students.
Tulip Siddiq quit as a Treasury minister after the ministerial standards watchdog said it was regrettable she was not more alert to the reputational risk caused by her links to her aunts political movement in Bangladesh.

Ms Siddiqs aunt is the former Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled into exile after being deposed last year and is facing an investigation by an anti-corruption commission in Bangladesh, with the Labour MP reportedly named as part of the case.

Ms Siddiq  who as City minister had responsibility for tackling financial corruption  has also come under intense scrutiny over her use of properties in London linked to her aunts allies.

In her resignation letter the Hampstead and Highgate MP, a parliamentary neighbour of the Prime Minister, told Sir Keir Starmer that she had not breached the ministerial code but that continuing in her role would be a distraction.

Sir Keir said he accepted her resignation with sadness and said she had made a difficult decision and that he wanted to be clear that the door remains open for you going forward.

She had referred herself to the Prime Ministers ethics tsar, Sir Laurie Magnus, who said he had not found any breach of the ministerial code but advised that Sir Keir reconsider her responsibilities.

After a fact-finding exercise, Sir Laurie told the Prime Minister: Given the nature of Ms Siddiqs ministerial responsibilities, which include the promotion of the UK financial services sector and the inherent probity of its regulatory framework as a core component of the UK economy and its growth, it is regrettable that she was not more alert to the potential reputational risks  both to her and the Government  arising from her close familys association with Bangladesh.

I would not advise that this shortcoming should be taken as a breach of the Ministerial Code, but you will want to consider her ongoing responsibilities in the light of this.

An independent review has confirmed that I have not breached the Ministerial Code and there is no evidence to suggest I have acted improperly. Nonetheless, to avoid distraction for the Government, I have resigned as City Minister. Here is my full letter to the Prime Minister. pic.twitter.com/kZeWZfEsei  Tulip Siddiq (@TulipSiddiq) January 14, 2025

Sir Keir received the independent adviser on ministerial standards findings on Tuesday and spoke to Ms Siddiq by phone, after which she resigned.

The minister was alleged to have been involved in brokering a 2013 deal with Russia for a nuclear power plant in Bangladesh in which large sums of cash are said to have been embezzled.

Sir Laurie said: Ms Siddiq has explained the context of her visit to Moscow in 2013, including her attendance at the signing ceremony for the nuclear power plant.

She has stated that the visit was solely for the social purpose of joining family and enjoying the tourist access to the city facilitated as a result of her aunts official visit as head of state.

Ms Siddiq is clear that she had no involvement in any inter-governmental discussions between Bangladesh and Russia or any form of official role. I accept this at face value, but should note that this visit may form part of investigations in Bangladesh.

She was also given an apartment in Kings Cross in 2004 by Abdul Motalif, an associate of members of the Awami League party in Bangladesh.

Sir Laurie said: Ms Siddiq acknowledges that, over an extended period, she was unaware of the origins of her ownership of her flat in Kings Cross, despite having signed a Land Registry transfer form relating to the gift at the time.

She remained under the impression that her parents had given the flat to her, having purchased it from the previous owner.

The public were inadvertently misled as a result in replies to questions about the flat, which was an unfortunate misunderstanding which led to Ms Siddiqs public correction of the origins of her ownership after she became a minister.

For a period up to 2018 she also lived in a flat in Hampstead, north London, which had been given to her sister in 2009 by lawyer Moin Ghani, who had represented the Hasina administration.

Ms Siddiq has provided considerable background information to confirm that the tax treatment and funding arrangements were in order, but  in light of the age of the transactions  has not at this point been able to provide conclusive documentation to this effect, Sir Laurie said.

Given the intensity of the allegations concerning these transactions, it is regrettable (even if understandable in the context of their heritage) that this conclusive information is not available.

It was clear at the weekend that the anti-corruption minister's position was completely untenable. Yet Keir Starmer dithered and delayed to protect his close friend. Even now, as Bangladesh files a criminal case against Tulip Siddiq, he expresses 'sadness' at her inevitable https://t.co/M0CAnVjXX7  Kemi Badenoch (@KemiBadenoch) January 14, 2025

Ms Siddiq said: Having conducted an in-depth review of the matter at my request, Sir Laurie has confirmed that I have not breached the Ministerial Code. As he notes, there is no evidence to suggest that I have acted improperly in relation to the properties I have owned or lived in.

My family connections are a matter of public record, and when I became a minister I provided the full details of my relationships and private interests to the Government.

However it is clear that continuing in my role as Economic Secretary to the Treasury is likely to be a distraction from the work of Government.

Sir Keir told her: I appreciate that to end ongoing distraction from delivering our agenda to change Britain, you have made a difficult decision and want to be clear that the door remains open for you going forward.

But Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said Sir Keir had dithered and delayed to protect his ally.

The letter by Sir Laurie Magnus to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer regarding Treasury minister Tulip Siddiq (Downing Street/PA)

She said: It was clear at the weekend that the anti-corruption ministers position was completely untenable. Yet Keir Starmer dithered and delayed to protect his close friend.

Even now, as Bangladesh files a criminal case against Tulip Siddiq, he expresses sadness at her inevitable resignation.

Weak leadership from a weak Prime Minister.

Liberal Democrat Cabinet Office spokeswoman Sarah Olney said: Its right Tulip Siddiq resigned, you cant have an anti-corruption minister mired in a corruption scandal.

Emma Reynolds has replaced Ms Siddiq in the Treasury, while former Resolution Foundation chief Torsten Bell has become a junior minister in the Department for Work and Pensions.
Tulip Siddiq has resigned as Treasury minister over allegations linked to her aunts political movement in Bangladesh.

Ms Siddiqs aunt is the former Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled into exile after being deposed last year and is facing an investigation by an anti-corruption commission in Bangladesh, with Ms Siddiq reportedly named as part of the case.

Ms Siddiq has also come under intense scrutiny over her use of properties in London linked to her aunts allies.

The Hampstead and Highgate MP said in a letter to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer that she had not breached the ministerial code but that continuing in her role would be a distraction.

Sir Keir said he accepted her resignation with sadness and said she had made a difficult decision and that he wanted to be clear that the door remains open for you going forward.

She had referred herself to the Prime Ministers ethics tsar, Sir Laurie Magnus, who said he had not found any breach of the ministerial code but advised that Sir Keir reconsider her responsibilities.

An independent review has confirmed that I have not breached the Ministerial Code and there is no evidence to suggest I have acted improperly. Nonetheless, to avoid distraction for the Government, I have resigned as City Minister. Here is my full letter to the Prime Minister. pic.twitter.com/kZeWZfEsei  Tulip Siddiq (@TulipSiddiq) January 14, 2025

The UK Anti-Corruption Coalition had called for Ms Siddiq to pass responsibilities for countering economic crime, money laundering and illicit finance to another minister.

The coalition  a group of the UKs leading anti-corruption organisations  said she had a serious conflict of interests regardless of whether Sir Laurie found she had breached the ministerial code.

Sir Laurie, the independent advisor on ministerial standards, reviewed her financial affairs and the background of properties she owns or has occupied and said he had found no evidence of any improprieties in Ms Siddiqs actions.

He said: It is regrettable that she was not more alert to the potential reputational risks  both to her and the Government  arising from her close familys association with Bangladesh.

I would not advise that this shortcoming should be taken as a breach of the Ministerial Code, but you will want to consider her ongoing responsibilities in the light of this.
The equalities regulator has warned of the complexity employers might face in deciding whether an overheard conversation in a workplace could amount to harassment.

The Governments Employment Rights Bill includes provisions to require employers to take all reasonable steps to prevent harassment at work by third parties.

The law would cover any workplace, so could include pubs, offices and healthcare settings where a third party is present, such as a customer, client or patient.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) warned of the complexity of the issue, which it said could be made more difficult if someone is expressing an opinion which amounts to a philosophical belief.

Philosophical beliefs could include views on religion or gender identity.

In written evidence to MPs last month, and first reported by The Times, the EHRC said there could be disproportionate restriction of the right to freedom of expression and that more analysis is needed on the potential impacts of the Bill before it is passed into law.

The regulator said current analysis has not addressed the complexity that would be faced by employers in determining whether conduct has a harassing effect, particularly in the case of overheard conversations.

It said the legal definition of what amounts to philosophical belief is complex and not well understood by employers, adding that it is arguable that these difficulties may lead to disproportionate restriction of the right to freedom of expression.

The EHRC called on the Government to undertake further analysis, particularly to take into account any additional complexity that may arise if the third party is expressing a philosophical or religious belief that is protected under the Equality Act 2010.

UKHospitality, the trade body for hospitality in the UK, said the burden of trying to police potentially complex issues should not fall on employers.

Its chief executive Kate Nicholls said: The EHRC has rightly pointed out that these are complex legal issues, which employers are not equipped to navigate and could impose disproportionate restrictions.

We agree with the EHRCs concerns and we dont believe that the burden of policing these issues should fall upon employers.

We would urge the Government to take these concerns seriously and think again.

It should follow the EHRCs recommendation to undertake further analysis, to ensure that theyre not imposing unenforceable and complex obligations upon employers.

John Kirkpatrick, EHRC chief executive, said: The Governments ambition is to address the issues faced by workers who are at a disadvantage in the labour market  including preventing sexual harassment and closing pay gaps.

But for this legislation to have the desired effect, it needs to be enforceable. For it to be enforceable, we need clarity on the role of regulators  including the EHRC  and sufficient resource to ensure compliance.

An Office for Equality and Opportunity spokesperson said: Free speech is a cornerstone of British values, but of course it is right that the Employment Rights Bill protects employees from workplace harassment, which is a serious issue.

As with all cases of harassment under the Equality Act 2010, courts and tribunals will continue to be required to balance rights on the facts of a particular case, including the rights of freedom of expression.
A widow was found murdered in her bungalow 12 years ago with her throat cut, a stab wound to her chest that passed through both her lungs and her heart and her clothing set on fire, a court heard.

But there was a two-day delay in preserving the scene at the house due to a grave error of judgment by police officers who went to the house and did not deem it suspicious, prosecutor John Price told jurors.

David Newton, now aged 70, of Magazine Close, Wisbech, denies murdering Una Crown at her home in Magazine Lane in the Cambridgeshire town on January 12 2013.

The 86-year-olds body was found in her hallway the following day by John Payne, the husband of her niece Judith Payne, who had driven to collect her to bring her to Sunday lunch at their house.

Mr Price said that police who attended on January 13 did not initially treat the scene as suspicious, and a murder investigation did not begin until January 15 2013  two days after Mrs Crowns body was found.

This followed a post-mortem examination on January 15 which recorded the cause of death as stab wounds to neck and chest.

Una Crown, 86, pictured with her late husband Jack (Cambridgeshire Police/PA)

He said that an officer had been asked to photograph all the rooms at the house on January 13, so we can therefore see how things appeared on the day the body was found, while it was still there and before family members were allowed into, and changed things, within the house.

He said there was no doubt that Una Crown was the victim of a crime of murder, the only issue that will arise for your (the jurys) decision is: who did it?

Mr Price told jurors at Cambridge Crown Court that the prosecution relies upon a combination of several different pieces of evidence to identify Newton as her alleged killer.

At their heart is scientific evidence, he said.

Its male DNA, the profile of which matches that of David Newton and which was discovered by scientists in 2023 on nail clippings, which had been taken from the fingers and thumb of the unburnt right hand of Una Crown.

He said the clippings had been taken at a post-mortem examination in 2013.

The prosecution alleges that it was David Newton who murdered Una Crown and that he did so acting alone, said Mr Price.

He it was who somehow got into her house that night.

We say he did so on the Saturday night  thats to say he killed her on the evening of January 12.

Once he was inside of her home, there came a time thereafter when he used a knife to stab her several times and to kill her.

The fatal assault, we say, most likely happened not long after he got into her house, but probably not immediately.

After he had killed her, he set fire to her body, and at some time while he was in the house, he set  two other fires.

Then we say he left, taking with him her key to the front door and using it to lock that door behind him.

He will probably have found that likely either in the keyhole on the inside of the front door or in her possession.

He said there were no signs of forced entry to the house, and no soot was found in Mrs Crowns lungs  suggesting she was not breathing at the time her clothing was set on fire.

Mr Price said Mrs Crowns throat had been cut and she had been stabbed four times to the front and left side of the chest.

One of the chest wounds had an entry point at the left side, he said.

It passed through both of her lungs and her heart before exiting on the right side.

He said that her killer had also set fire to the clothing she was wearing and there were two other seats of fire, a tea towel on a rail in the kitchen had been ignited, and there were burnt remnants of newspaper on the hall floor just outside the bathroom door.

Mr Price said that if the purpose of the arsonist in setting fire to the body of Una Crown had been to try and destroy the evidence of what he had done to her, then it was to prove ineffective.

Quite what his purpose might have been in setting the other two small fires is perhaps less clear, he continued.

If he had wanted to burn down the house entirely, you might think there were other obviously far more effective ways of trying to do so.

So we pose a question  did he just enjoy setting small fires?

The prosecution say evidence indicates Mrs Crown was killed between 7pm and 9pm on the Saturday evening.

He said that as to why he (Newton) went to her house on that night and as to why he then did to her what he did, these are not matters that the prosecution need prove.

Mr Price said Newton was not a person to whom she (Mrs Crown) was very close.

He said a witness had seen Newton out walking his dog in Magazine Lane on the evening of January 12.

The prosecutor said that the knife used to stab Mrs Crown will necessarily have been a long-bladed weapon  that knife has never been found.

He said that her front door key wasnt in the house on January 13 and like the knife used to kill her, has never been found.

Therefore you may conclude that the front door, given it was locked when Mr Payne arrived on the Sunday morning, must have been locked from the outside by the killer when he left using Una Crowns key to do so.

The trial, estimated to last four to five weeks, continues.
A woman in her 40s has been arrested on suspicion of murder after the body of a man was discovered at a property, Greater Manchester Police said.

The man, who was in his 50s, was found after police were called just before 7.30am on Sunday to an address on Hope Hey Lane in Little Hulton.

The results of a post-mortem examination have led detectives to believe his injuries are consistent with an assault, the force said.

The woman who has been arrested is being questioned in police custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Higginson, from the major incident team, said: Sadly, following the discovery of a body at a property in Little Hulton, we have now launched a murder investigation and we have a team of detectives working around the clock to understand the circumstances.

We do not believe there to be a threat to the wider public, but you will likely see an increased presence of police in your area whilst we conduct further inquiries.

Police are asking anyone who may have information or dashcam, CCTV, or doorbell footage from the area in the last 24 hours that could help the investigation to get in touch.

They can call police on 101 quoting log 650 of 12/01/25 or use the LiveChat function online at www.gmp.police.uk. They can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times via Getty Palisades Fire

10 people have been charged with crimes committed during the Palisades and Eaton fires, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced at a news conference Monday, Jan. 13.

"These felony charges are the result of a multi-agency collaboration," said Hochman. "It has been nothing short of incredibly impressive to be able to bring these charges this quickly."

Martrell Peoples and Damari Bell are each charged with one count of first-degree residential burglary and looting during an emergency or evacuation: grand theft. The two men are accused of looting a home in the early morning hours of Jan. 9 in the Mandeville Canyon area of Los Angeles.

Related: At Least 20 Arrested on Looting Accusations During California Wildfires: 'Zero Tolerance'

More than $200,000 worth of goods was allegedly stolen from the home, CBS News reported.

Travon Coleman is charged with one count of felony hit-and-run after he allegedly attempted to evade police, crashing into a vehicle and injuring the driver. He allegedly fled the scene.

Six others  Rudy Salazar, Lucia Jilrara Perez, Roy Sims, Ryan Sims, Naquan Dewey Reddix and Pierie Obannon  are charged with stealing property from homes during the Eaton Fire in Altadena.

Police recovered an Emmy award, which was stolen during one of the incidents.

Hochman said another suspect, Jose Gerardo Escobar, was charged with arson and attempted arson for trying to light a large tree on fire in a park in the city of Azusa. That charge is not related to the wildfires.



Justin Sullivan/Getty A view of homes destroyed by the Eaton Fire

"You're not gonna get away with it, and this team is not gonna let you get away with it," LAPD Assistant Chief Blake Chow said at the press conference. "I just wanted to tell the residents of Los Angeles, this team has your back. And as you can see with the investigation, when we get evidence of a crime, we leave no stone unturned and we find people, and we will bring them to justice and hand them over to the district attorney."



So far, more than 40 people have been arrested for burglary, looting, curfew violations, possession of narcotics, impersonating an officer, unauthorized drone usage and possession of firearms amid the fires in Los Angeles County.

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 FBI is currently investigating an incident in which a private drone collided with an aircraft working to put out the wildfires.

An FBI spokesperson told PEOPLE that the firefighting aircraft, known as a super scooper, was "thankfully" able to land safely after the collision with the drone. Nonetheless, the spokesperson added, the aircrafts left wing was heavily damaged in the crash.

The FBI spokesperson added that while we have conducted a significant investigation working with our partners in the public and private sector, and are continuing to make progress, we are seeking the publics help in order to identify the operator of the drone.

Eric Thayer/Getty A firefighter battles flames from the Palisades Fire on January 7, 2025 in the Pacific Palisades

Last week, in response to the uptick in arrests in the ravaged areas of Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Altadena and Pasadena where residents have been forced to evacuate, authorities asked the California National Guard for assistance. Hundreds have since been deployed.

Related: Hero Meteorologist Saved Hundreds with His Early Fire Warnings. Here's What He's Worried About Next (Exclusive)

Thanks to the incredible work of our first responders and emergency personnel, were throwing everything at our disposal  including our National Guard servicemembers  to protect communities in the days to come, Governor Gavin Newsom said in a press release on Jan. 9. And to those who would seek to take advantage of evacuated communities, let me be clear: looting will not be tolerated.

Authorities issued a 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew last week in evacuation and warning zones area in Los Angeles County to help prevent looting.

Click here to learn more about how to help the victims of the L.A. fires.



Read the original article on People
Less than a month before fires swept across Los Angeles, a group of longtime firefighters gathered at City Hall to plead for more resources. They were at a breaking point, one said. Another revealed that million-dollar fire trucks sat idle because budget cuts had shrunk the number of mechanics available to fix them.

Im going to say what people cant say, said Freddy Escobar, president of the citys fire union and a veteran firefighter. If we cut one position, if we close one station  the residents of Los Angeles are going to pay the ultimate sacrifice, and someone will die.

The firefighters concerns over resources, it seems, werent off the mark. A CNN analysis of the most recent data available from the 10 largest US cities and other comparable departments shows the Los Angeles Fire Department is less staffed than almost any other major city, leaving it struggling to meet both daily emergencies and larger disasters such as wildfires.

Despite being located in one of the most fire-prone areas in the country, the LAFD has less than one firefighter for every 1,000 residents. That compares to cities such as Chicago, Dallas and Houston, where staffing is closer to two firefighters for the same number of residents. Of the largest cities, only San Diego has fewer firefighters per capita.

Up the coast from LA, the city of San Francisco boasts more than 1,800 firefighters for around 1.5 million residents of the city and nearby communities, while LA has roughly 3,500 firefighters allotted to serve a city of nearly 4 million.

Experts have said no fire department in the world would have been able to take on such a perfect storm of conditions that resulted in LAs devastating blazes  which have burned more than 40,000 acres, destroyed more than 12,000 structures and caused at least 24 deaths.

LAs firefighters were joined by crews from across the state, including from the Los Angeles County Fire Department, which covers areas outside the city, including hard-hit Altadena. But images of residents in some neighborhoods trying to save homes with garden hoses and no firefighters in sight have sparked a new debate over whether city officials should have planned better and invested more in the LAFD, and what should be done to become better positioned for the next emergency.

Los Angeles City Councilmember Traci Parks speaks with LA Fire Chief Kristin Crowley and California Gov. Gavin Newsom. - Pete Brown

One of the speakers joining firefighters at the Fire Commission meeting last month was City Councilmember Traci Park. She warned resources were being strained beyond the brink despite a dangerously increasing risk of wildfire.

Time and time again, elected leaders in Los Angeles have failed to make meaningful investments in our public safety and as a result, Angelenos are suffering the consequences, Park said.

Just 21 days later, the Pacific Palisades community within Parks council district ended up as the epicenter of one of the fires.

LAs firefighters say the lack of resources is an everyday concern that extends beyond their ability to battle wildfires. They are also tasked with responding to structural fires, traffic accidents and medical emergencies, which have spiked amid a worsening homelessness crisis.

In a memo from the end of last year, Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley also expressed concerns that the fire departments staffing levels were half the size that a professional fire department should be, based on benchmarks recommended by the National Fire Protection Association.

In the memo, which the city has since removed from its website, Crowley wrote that the citys population had grown from about 2.5 million in 1960 to nearly 4 million in 2020. Yet the city has fewer fire stations today than it did back then, even as firefighters respond to a call volume that has quadrupled.

Crowley wrote that based on an analysis, the agency would need 62 new fire stations and hundreds more firefighters to meet the nationwide average for fire departments in densely populated cities.

LA Mayor Karen Bass has faced criticism for recent budget cuts at the department, though she defended them at a press conference last week as a product of tough budgetary times and said the impact of our budget really did not affect what weve been going through. She also said additional funding was allocated later that ultimately represented an increase in the agencys budget. Bass and the fire department did not immediately respond to a request for comment on CNNs findings.

The fire union says that the neglect of the agency is a problem that long predates Bass.

This isnt about one budget cycle. Its not about a single mayor. This has been the case for decades. We have been speaking about it for years now, Escobar, the union president, said in an interview with CNN. Its sad its taken this natural disaster and tragedy to highlight what we have been saying for decades.

In 2011, Los Angeles placed near dead last in a ranking of fire department staffing for the countrys 40 largest cities. The study, conducted by a New York City labor union, reviewed metrics including the number of firefighters, stations and engines.

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Last year, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, a non-profit organization whose mission is to support the citys fire department, issued a report, which included examples underscoring how much the department was struggling. Stations that were intended to house around six firefighters, for example, are now sleeping up to double that, according to the report. A single mini fridge was used to hold food for an entire station across all of their shifts, the report stated, and one washing machine has been used for more than 16 firefighters who need to clean their uniforms almost every day.

City budget constraints and limited resources result in firefighters frequently shouldering the costs for urgent repairs or replacements of basic items, like washing machines, coffee machines and ice machines, the report said, noting that nearly half of all stations have less than $1,000 of cash on hand in station accounts, which could quickly be drained by any number of necessary repairs.

Park, the councilwoman who sounded the alarm about a lack of resources last month, told CNN that she hopes this is a wake-up call and an opportunity to rethink how the city is prioritizing its competing needs. She has spent the past week surveying the destruction and speaking with firefighters who told her they had never seen anything like the situation that unfolded.

Whether (more resources) would have made a difference for this particular fire or not, I dont know. But on an average day here in Los Angeles, we dont have what we need, she said in an interview. They have miraculously done more with less  but its not fair to them.  We owe it to them and to their families to make sure theyre safe and they have what they need.

Do you have information or an experience to share about the LA fires? Email us at blake.ellis@cnn.com and melanie.hicken@cnn.com.

CNNs Yahya Abou-Ghazala contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
David Wells died after choking on steak in Aug. 2021. He was misidentified as his roommate.

A hospital patient died after being taken off life support when staff mistakenly asked the wrong family if they wanted to pull the plug, according to a lawsuit.

David Wells was unconscious and not breathing when he was rushed in an ambulance to PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver, Washington after choking on a piece of steak in August 2021.

However, he was wrongly identified as his hospital roommate, Mike Beehler, according to the lawsuit obtained by McClatchy News.

David Wells died after choking on steak in Aug. 2021. He was misidentified as his hospital roommate. KGW8/Shawn Wells

Hospital staff attempted to reach out to Wells family to make the tough decision to take him off life support  but instead called Beehlers sister, Debbie Danielson, mistakingly saying that he was the one in grave condition.

They said, Hes basically brain dead, Danielson told KGW. Do you want us to keep him on life support or do you want to pull the plug?

Danielson said she was forced to make the difficult choice to end her brothers life  only realizing they got the wrong patient when she got a phone call from her supposedly dead brother a week later.

I said, You cant be alive. Youre dead! Danielson recalled telling her brother.

But with the good news also came a grim reality.

We made life-ending decisions for a person we dont even know, Danielsons husband, Gary, told KGW.

Debbie Danielson made the tough decision to take her brother off life support  except the patient was not her brother. KGW8

PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center had reported the death to the county medical examiners office, and a death notice proclaiming Beehler had died on Aug. 9 ran in the local newspaper, the suit said.

Meanwhile, Wells body was sent to a funeral home, who contacted Beehlers relatives about final arrangements.

Beehler and Danielson both called the police to report the fatal mix-up, according to the lawsuit. The Clark County Medical Examiners Office later confirmed that it was Wells, not Beehler, who had died, and called his son to break the news.

Shawn Wells KGW8

They basically told me there was a medical emergency regarding my father. He had been pronounced dead, Shawn Wells told KGW.

A new death notice was published in the newspaper remembering the roommate. David C. Wells, 69, Vancouver, died Aug. 9, 2021.

He would not learn that strangers had determined the fate of his father for another two years when he was contacted by local news reporters.

Michael A. Beehler was misidentified as his roommate David Wells, who stopped breathing after choking. Family Handout/ KGW8

Im at a loss for words how badly they handled this, he told the outlet. Ill never be able to get that decision back.

Its disturbing. I dont know if Im going to get over it. They dropped the ball so egregiously, he added.

Shawn Wells, Beehler and Danielson are suing the hospital for negligence and causing severe emotional distress as a direct result of (PeaceHealths) extreme and outrageous conduct, the complaint says.

The three have also filed another lawsuit against American Medical Response ambulance service for misidentifying the patient, as well as All County Cremation & Burial funeral home, and the Clark County Medical Examiners Office for failing to disclose the error.

Both lawsuits seek an unspecified amount in damages.
House Speaker Mike Johnson says conditions may be placed on federal aid to California amid catastrophic wildfires because of what he said are issues with local leadership.

While talking to reporters on Monday, the Louisiana Republican said that there should be conditions" on proposed federal aid to California following the deadly fires still burning in the Los Angeles region.

"Obviously there's been water resources management, forest management mistakes, all sorts of problems. And it does come down to leadership and it appears to us that state and local leaders were derelict in their duty in many respects," Johnson told reporters at the Capitol. "So that's something that has to be factored in. I think there should probably be conditions on that aid. That's my personal view."

Florida Democratic Rep. Jared Moskowitz responded to the remark in a post on X, saying: "This is a mistake."

If you start this, it will never end," he said. "When Dems retake the House, they will condition aid to Florida and Texas. Disaster Aid must stay non partisan. I would fight democrats should they try and do this. The Speaker can find many other ways to hold people accountable.

At least 24 people have been killed in the fires, which have destroyed thousands of homes and businesses and are threatening to burn even more.

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) during a press conference on Tuesday, Dec. 17 on Capitol Hill in Washington.

Johnson not the only Republican calling for conditions

Other high-ranking Republicans have called for conditions to be placed on federal aid given to California.

During a Sunday interview with CBS "Face the Nation," Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso of Wyoming blamed policies of the liberal administration for the large scale of the fires.

I expect there will be strings attached to money that is ultimately approved and it has to do with being ready the next time because this was a gross failure this time, Barrasso said.

Republican Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin said in an interview with Newsmax that he would not vote for aid unless we see a dramatic change in how theyre gonna be handling these things in the future  These are decisions Californian Democrats have made  Its their fault.

California wildfires continue to burn in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood where Olympic swimming champion Gary Hall Jr. lived.

President-elect Donald Trump blames Gavin Newsom

As greater Los Angeles burns and California endures what may be its most costly disaster ever, President-elect Donald Trump has unleashed a volley of criticism at Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Trump said Wednesday that Newsom should resign as the fires raged and multiplied, posting on Truth Social: 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!!!

Newsom's director of communications Izzy Gardon fired back, saying on X last week: "The Governor is focused on protecting people, not playing politics, and making sure firefighters have all the resources they need."

Trump and Newsom have entered a war of words before during a natural disaster. Back in 2019, Trump went on to lambaste California and Newsom for continually reaching out to Washington for aid to combat the fires.

"No more," Trump said on X. "Get your act together Governor. You dont see close to the level of burn in other states."

Newsom responded on X that Trump doesn't believe in climate change, so "you are excused from this conversation." Newsom's office then issued a lengthy statement detailing the state's efforts at fire prevention.

Newsom's office didn't immediately respond to USA TODAY's request for comment about Johnson's and other Republicans' remarks about conditional aid on Monday.

What wildfires mean for you: Sign up for USA TODAY's Climate Point newsletter.

U.S. President Donald Trump visits the charred wreckage of Skyway Villa Mobile Home and RV Park with Governor-elect Gavin Newsom (L), FEMA head Brock Long (R), Paradise Mayor Jody Jones (2nd R) and Governor Jerry Brown in Paradise, California, U.S.

Biden has pledged aid for California

Amid the talks of conditions and the war of words between Trump and Newsom, President Joe Biden announced Thursday that the federal government will cover the cost of wildfire response measures necessary to protect lives, including debris removal, shelter and first responder salaries for 180 days.

Were going to make sure you get every resource you need, Biden said. At the end of the briefing, a reporter asked Biden whether he believed California would get the assistance it needs from the incoming administration.

Im not in a position to answer that question, he said. I pray to God they will.

Contributing: Janet Wilson, Tom Vanden Brook and Sarah D. Wire

Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Top Republicans say 'conditions' could be placed on California aid
SANTA MONICA - Police say they have recovered an Emmy Award and at least $200,000 in other items looted from homes abandoned during wildfire evacuations in the Los Angeles area.

Authorities on Monday announced charges against nine people accused of burglaries and looting in the Eaton and Palisades fire areas. They also said they are pursuing charges against people accused of impersonating firefighters to improperly access evacuation zones.

"The question is not if, but when, you will be caught if you engage in these crimes," Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said during a press conference. "These crimes are appalling and represent a direct attack on our community during a time of unprecedented loss and vulnerability."

More: Powerful winds threaten to erase firefighters' progress against LA fires: Live updates

Members of the Army National Guard from California stage near Will Rogers State beach on Jan. 13, 2025. Multiple wildfires in Southern California have damaged homes and demolished communities as Santa Ana winds were gaining strength Monday.

Authorities have also arrested dozens of people accused of violating closure orders, and security has tightened across the evacuation areas.

Officials did not release additional details Monday regarding who the Emmy statuette belonged to, but said several of the people arrested had criminal records that could land them lengthy prison sentences if convicted.

National Guard military police are assisting local police officers and the California Highway Patrol with both checkpoints and roving patrols in the evacuation areas. Authorities have acknowledged residents' fear of looting while they're unable to return home, and have repeatedly reassured evacuees that the heavy law enforcement presence will deter looting while also providing the capacity to track down anyone accused of breaking into empty homes.

Members of media are exempt from closure orders, and USA TODAY journalists passed through dozens of checkpoints and credential checks across Malibu, along the Pacific Coast Highway and through the hard-hit Palisades neighborhood. Aside from firefighters, utility workers and other recovery personnel in marked vehicles, there appeared to be almost no private vehicle traffic through the area.

More: Over 20 arrested for crimes amid California fires, including burglar 'dressed like a fireman'

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department officers patrol the streets to prevent looting in a neighborhood impacted by the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, U.S. January 9, 2025. REUTERS/Zaydee Sanchez

In Topanga Canyon, a small mountain community above Malibu, area resident and community volunteer Seth Monk said it's been a stressful time for evacuees. He said a small corps of locals remained in the canyon during the height of the fires, which were monitored by "arson patrol" volunteers. He said people who left have had a hard time connecting with those who remained, raising the level of frustration and fear.

"People are really worried about their homes," he said, citing a friend who had their house broken into. He said increased security seemed to be making a difference.

Firefighters continue to battle multiple wildfires in Southern California on Jan. 13, 2025, as Santa Ana winds were gaining strength Monday, hampering efforts to tamp down the explosion of fires that have killed at least 24 people and destroyed thousands of homes and businesses.

"There's only a couple roads in and those are blocked off," he said, referring to the police checkpoints.

Still, he said everyone jumped in their cars over the weekend and raced to a neighbor's house upon hearing a report of someone looting.

More: What is it the red fire retardant dropped by planes to fight LA wildfires?

Instead of a stranger, he said, it turned out to be an elderly local woman picking lemons from a neighbor's tree - with permission.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Looting after LA fires leads to police recovering Emmy Award, more
A Milby High School student crossing the train track to go to school Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024 at Milby High School in Houston. A 15-year-old student was struck and killed by a train while on the tracks Monday morning. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer Isabelle Gallegos, 16, was the second Milby High School student to pass away in December after she died in her sleep Dec. 24. Courtesy of Laura Gallegos A memorial that was created outside Milby High School for Sergio Rodriguez, 15, continues to grow on Thursday December 12, 2024 in Houston, TX. Rodriguez was struck and killed by a train around 7:30 a.m. near campus on Monday December 9, 2024. Sharon Steinmann Sendy Gomez, de 15 anos, deja flores en memoria de Sergio Rodriguez, el estudiante de Milby High School que fallecio mientras trataba de cruzar las vias del tren para llegar a la escuela el lunes 9 de diciembre de 2024 en Houston. Sharon Steinmann/Houston Chronicle

Two mothers embraced in shared grief after their children, both students at Houston ISD's Milby High School, died within days of each other in December.

Sergio Rodriguez, 15, was struck and killed by a train while walking to school on the morning of Dec. 9, reigniting calls for improved rail safety in Houston's East End. Less than 10 days after he was laid to rest, Laura Gallegos' 16-year-old daughter, Isabelle Gallegos, died in her sleep on Christmas Eve.

"We don't have kids to bury our kids. It's not the way it works," Gallegos said. "I did not know that I was going to be another mom (who lost her child,) ... but in a way, I was able to tell her how much she means to me."

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Isabelle, who had asthma, was being treated for walking pneumonia before she passed, although an official cause of death has not been released. Even amid their collective grief, Gallegos and other members of the Milby community are advocating for improved rail safety to create safer crossing for other students.

Isabelle, a third baseman on the Milby Buffs softball team, was a dedicated student who enrolled in college courses and planned to attend Texas Women's University to become a nurse practitioner. The junior, known for her goofy personality, was an "old soul" who fastidiously followed family traditions and spent hours on the phone with friends.

"I knew I really had a good kid," Gallegos said. "Kids were telling me, 'I was having a bad day, and just seeing Izzy smile, and then just her uplifting me (really helped.)' She just wanted to make your day when you were having a bad day, because she never wanted to see someone upset or sad ... she was just beautiful inside and out."

At benefits at the high school and her public visitation Jan. 9, friends and family shared their favorite memories of Isabelle, mourning their second loss in a month.

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A day after Isabelle was laid to rest, Harris County was granted $2 million to conduct a safety assessment on 14 rail crossings in Houston's East End. Part of $1.1 billion in funding granted to 123 rail projects by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Railroad Administration, the project will help fund Harris County's East End RAILS plan, which will assess 14 at-grade railroad crossings in the neighborhood.

Although the grant did not directly come from his death, U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia cited Sergio when announcing the grant Friday.

This grant will help address the dangers and disruptions caused by railroads intersecting our streets, creating a safer environment for everyonekids walking to school, first responders on critical calls, and families going about their day," Garcia said in a statement. "Its a meaningful step toward safer neighborhoods that East End residents deserve.

The study will analyze data, collaborate with railroads and emergency services and conduct community outreach on improving safety and mobility. Harris County and the City of Houston will provide a 20% match to the federal funds.

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Mayor John Whitmire, who joined a push to build a pedestrian bridge over the Milby crossing, said the project will provide much-needed relief to the long-beleaguered neighborhood.

These communities have been engaged on this issue for decades; I have heard from them my entire career," Houston mayor John Whitmire told the Chronicle in a statement. "The City of Houston is proud to partner with Harris County on this critical work, and our focus must be on getting to the implementation and relief that the East End deserves. Our neighbors rightfully expect all of us to get to work.

Houston ISD, which has 118 schools located near rail crossings, said it would prioritize nine "critical crossings" and launch a safety campaign in the wake of Sergio's death. District officials met with Union Pacific Monday, state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles said.

We know that this is not a problem we can solve on our own," Miles said. "We are working with (organizations) to see if we can get more than just

the Milby overpass, but maybe eight other schools that are most impacted by railroads. We're in conversations, (but) I don't want to get the impression this will be solved overnight."

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The Milby community gathered once more Saturday as Gallegos began plans for a scholarship program in honor of Isabelle. In the coming months, she said she hopes to dedicate a bench to Isabelle and Sergio on the Milby campus.
HPE is laying 5% of its workforce to cut costs. PAU BARRENA / AFP

Companies such as Meta, Microsoft, BlackRock, and Chevron are conducting layoffs.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping some workforces.

See the list of companies letting workers go in 2025.

Layoffs and other workforce reductions are continuing in 2025, following two years of significant job cuts across tech, media, finance, manufacturing, retail, and energy.

While the reasons for slimming staff vary, the cost-cutting measures are coming amid a backdrop of technological change. In a recent World Economic Forum survey, some 41% of companies worldwide said they expected to reduce their workforces over the next five years because of the rise of artificial intelligence.

Companies such as CNN, Dropbox, and IBM have previously announced job cuts related to AI. Tech jobs in big data, fintech, and AI are meanwhile expected to double by 2030, according to the WEF.

Here are the companies with job cuts planned or already underway in 2025 so far.

Adidas plans to cut up to 500 jobs in Germany.

Despite a strong year, Adidas is planning job cuts. Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Adidas said in January that it would reduce the size of its workforce at its headquarters in Herzogenaurach, Germany, impacting up to 500 jobs, CNBC reported.

If fully executed, it amounts to a reduction of nearly 9% at the company headquarters, which employs about 5,800 employees, according to the Adidas website.

The news came shortly after the company announced it had outperformed its profit expectations at the end of 2024, touting "better-than-expected" results in the fourth quarter.

"Strong growth across all regions and divisions proves the good job our teams are doing across regions and functions," CEO Bjrn Gulden said in a press release. "So although we are not yet where we want to be long term, I am very happy with this development which was much better than we had expected."

In a statement to BI, an Adidas spokesperson said the company had grown "too complex because of our current operating model."

"To set adidas up for long-term success," the spokesperson said, "we are now starting to look at how we align our operating model with the reality of how we work. This may have an impact on the organizational structure and number of roles based at our HQ in Herzogenaurach."

The company said it is not a cost-cutting measure and that it could not confirm concrete numbers.

Ally is cutting less than 5% of workers.

Ally is laying off about 500 employees. Ally Bank/Facebook

The digital-financial-services company Ally is laying off roughly 500 of its 11,000 employees, a spokesperson confirmed to BI.

"As we continue to right-size our company, we made the difficult decision to selectively reduce our workforce in some areas, while continuing to hire in our other areas of our business," the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson also said the company was offering severance, out-placement support, and the opportunity to apply for openings at Ally.

Ally made a similar level of cuts in October 2023, the Charlotte Observer reported.

BlackRock is cutting 1% of its workforce.

BlackRock was recently reported to be planning layoffs. Eric Thayer/Reuters

BlackRock told employees it was planning to cut about 200 people of its 21,000-strong workforce, Bloomberg reported in January.

The reductions were more than offset by some 3,750 workers who were added last year and another 2,000 expected to be added in 2025.

BlackRock's president, Rob Kapito, and its chief operating officer, Rob Goldstein, said the cuts would help realign the firm's resources with its strategy, Bloomberg reported.

Blue Origin

Blue Origin will lay off about 10% of its workforce. Mark Wilson/Getty Images

Jeff Bezos's rocket company, Blue Origin, is laying off about 10% of its workforce, a move that could affect more than 1,000 employees.

In a memo sent to staff in February and obtained by Business Insider, David Limp, the CEO of Blue Origin, said the company's priority going forward was "to scale our manufacturing output and launch cadence with speed, decisiveness and efficiency for our customers."

Limp specifically identified roles in engineering, research and development, and management as targets.

"We grew and hired incredibly fast in the last few years, and with that growth came more bureaucracy and less focus than we needed," Limp wrote. "It also became clear that the makeup of our organization must change to ensure our roles are best aligned with executing these priorities."

The news comes after last month's debut launch of the company's partially reusable rocket  New Glenn.

Boeing cut 400 roles from its moon rocket program

Boeing will cut 400 jobs from its moon rocket program amid delays and rising costs related to the Artemis missions. Stephen Brashear/Getty Images

Boeing announced on February 8 it plans to cut 400 roles from its moon rocket program amid delays and rising costs related to NASA's Artemis moon exploration missions.

Artemis 2, a crewed flight to orbit the moon on Boeing's space launch system, has been re-scheduled from late 2024 to September 2025. Artemis 3, intended to be the first astronaut moon landing in the program, was delayed from late 2025 and is now planned for September 2026.

"To align with revisions to the Artemis program and cost expectations, we informed our Space Launch Systems team of the potential for approximately 400 fewer positions by April 2025," a Boeing spokesperson told Business Insider. "We are working with our customer and seeking opportunities to redeploy employees across our company to minimize job losses and retain our talented teammates."

The company will issue 60-day notices of involuntary layoff to impacted employees "in coming weeks," the spokesperson said earlier this month.

Boeing cut 10% of its workforce last year.

BP slashed 7,700 staff and contractor positions worldwide.

Oil giant BP is cutting thousands of jobs. John Keeble/Getty Images

BP told Business Insider in January that it planned to cut 4,700 staff and 3,000 contractors, amounting to about 5% of its global workforce.

The cuts were part of a program to "simplify and focus" BP that began last year.

"We are strengthening our competitiveness and building in resilience as we lower our costs, drive performance improvement and play to our distinctive capabilities," the company said.

Bridgewater cut about 90 staff.

Bridgewater's layoffs will return its head count to where it was in 2023, a person familiar with the matter said. Bridgewater Associates

Bridgewater Associates cut 7% of its staff in January in an effort to stay lean, a person familiar with the matter told Business Insider.

The layoffs at the world's largest hedge fund bring its head count back to where it was in 2023, the person said.

The company's founder, Ray Dalio, said in a 2019 interview that about 30% of new employees were leaving the firm within 18 months.

Chevron is slashing up to 20% of its global headcount

Chevron is planning global cuts. PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images

Oil giant Chevron plans to cull 15% to 20% of its global workforce by the end of 2026, the company said in a statement to Business Insider in February.

Chevron employed 45,600 people as of December 2023, which means the layoff could cut 9,000 jobs.

The move aims to reduce costs and simplify the company's business as it completes its acquisition of oil producer Hess, which is held up in legal limbo. It is expected to save the company $2 billion to $3 billion by the end of 2026, the company said.

"Chevron is taking action to simplify our organizational structure, execute faster and more effectively, and position the company for stronger long-term competitiveness," a Chevron spokesperson said in a statement.

The cuts follow a series of layoffs at other oil and gas companies, including BP and natural gas producer EQT.

CNN plans to cut 200 jobs.

CNN is cutting staff in a bid to focus the business on its digital news services. Brandon Bell/Getty Images

Cable news giant CNN cut about 200 television-focused roles as part of a digital pivot. The cuts amounted to about 6% of the company's workforce.

In a memo sent to staff on January 23, CNN's CEO Mark Thompson said he aimed to "shift CNN's gravity towards the platforms and products where the audience themselves are shifting and, by doing that, to secure CNN's future as one of the world's greatest news organizations."

Estee Lauder will cut as many as 7,000 jobs

Estee Lauder is expanding a "Profit Recovery and Growth Plan." Budrul Chukrut/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Cosmetics giant Estee Lauder said in its second-quarter earnings release on February 4 that it will cut between 5,800 and 7,000 jobs as the company restructures over the next two years.

The cuts will focus on "rightsizing" certain teams, and it will look to outsource certain services. The company says it expects annual gross benefits of between $0.8 billion and $1.0 billion before tax.

HPE is laying off 2,500 employees

HPE is laying 5% of its workforce to cut costs. PAU BARRENA / AFP

Hewlett Packard Enterprise is cutting 2,500 jobs, or 5% of its employee base, CEO Antonio Neri said on an earnings call on March 6. The cuts are expected take to take place over the next 12 to 18 months.

"Doing so will better align our cost structure to our business mix and long-term strategy," Neri said. The company expects to save $350 million by 2027 because of the reduction.

HPE plummeted about 20% after hours on March 6 after it said business would be affected by recent tariffs, slow server and cloud sales, and "execution issues."

Kohl's is reducing about 10% of its roles

Kohl's is cutting staff to "increase efficiencies" and "improve profitability," its spokesperson said. Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Department store Kohl's announced on January 28 that it reduced about 10% of its corporate roles to "increase efficiencies" and "improve profitability for the long-term health and benefit of the business," a spokesperson told BI.

"Kohl's reduced approximately 10 percent of the roles that report into its corporate offices," the spokesperson said. "More than half of the total reduction will come from closing open positions while the remainder of the positions were currently held by our associates."

Less than 200 existing employees of the company would be impacted, she added.

This follows the company's announcement on January 9 that it would shutter 27 underperforming stores across 15 states by April.

The retailer has been struggling with declining sales, reporting an 8.8% decline in net sales in the third quarter of 2024.

Its previous CEO, Tom Kingsbury, stepped down on January 15. The company's board appointed Ashley Buchanan, a retail veteran who had held top jobs in The Michaels Companies, Macy's, and Walmart, as the new CEO.

Meta is cutting 5% of its workforce.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg told employees the company is targeting "low-performers," BI reported on Jan 14. Fabrice COFFRINI/AFP/Getty Images

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg told staff he "decided to raise the bar on performance management" and will act quickly to "move out low-performers," according to an internal memo seen by BI in January.

Those cuts started this month, according to records obtained by BI. Teams overseeing Facebook, the Horizon virtual reality platform, as well as logistics were among the hardest hit.

Previously, the company had laid off more than 21,000 workers since 2022.

Microchip Technology is slashing 2,000 jobs

Microchip Technology is cutting 2,000 jobs. Krystian Nawrocki/Getty Images

Microchip Technology is cutting its head count across the company by around 2,000 employees, the semiconductor company said on March 3.

The company estimated that it would incur between $30 million and $40 million in costs, including severance, severance benefits, and other restructuring costs.

The cuts would be communicated to employees in the March quarter and fully implemented by the end of the June quarter.

Last year, Microchip announced it was closing its Tempe, Arizona, facility because of slower-than-anticipated orders. The closure begins in May 2025 and is expected to affect 500 jobs.

Microchip's stock had fallen over 33% in the past year.

Microsoft made performance-based job cuts in January

Microsoft confirmed that job cuts were planned. NurPhoto/Getty Images

Microsoft cut an unspecified number of jobs in January based on employees' performance.

Workers were told that they wouldn't receive severance and that their benefits, such as medical insurance, would stop immediately, BI reported.

The company also laid off some employees in January at divisions including gaming and sales. A Microsoft spokesperson declined to say how many jobs were cut on the affected teams.

Porsche is cutting 3,900 jobs over the next few years

The Porsche logo on the front of a 2025 Porsche Taycan GTS EV. Benjamin Zhang/Business Insider

Porsche said on March 12 that it plans to cut 3,900 jobs in the coming years.

About 2,000 of the reductions will come with the expiration of fixed-term contractor positions, the German automaker said Wednesday. The company will make the other 1,900 reductions by 2029 through natural attrition and limiting hiring, it said.

Porsche said it also plans to discuss more potential changes with labor leaders in the second half of the year. "This will also make Porsche even more efficient in the medium and long term," the company said.

Salesforce is cutting more than 1,000 jobs

Despite a strong financial performance, Salesforce is cutting staff, Bloomberg reported. Gary Hershorn / Getty Images

Bloomberg reported in February that Salesforce, a cloud-based customer management software company, will slash more than 1,000 jobs from its nearly 73,000-strong workforce.

Affected employees will be eligible to apply to open internal roles, the outlet reported. The company is currently hiring salespeople focused on the company's new AI-powered products.

The cuts come despite Salesforce reporting a strong financial performance during its third-quarter earnings in December.

Representatives for Salesforce did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

Sonos cuts about 200 jobs

Sonos interim CEO Tom Conrad said the company has been pursuing too many projects under a "cloud of half-commitment." Christoph Dernbach/picture alliance via Getty Images

Sonos, a California-based audio equipment company, said in a February 5 release that it's cutting about 200 roles.

The announcement came nearly a month after Sonos CEO Patrick Spence stepped down from his position following a disastrous app rollout. The company's interim CEO Tom Conrad said in the statement that the layoff was part of an effort to create a "simpler organization."

"One thing I've observed first hand is that we've become mired in too many layers that have made collaboration and decision-making harder than it needs to be," Conrad said. "So across the company today we are reorganizing into flatter, smaller, and more focused teams."

Southwest Airlines

A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737. AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan announced in February that the company is laying off 15% of its corporate staff, or about 1,750 employees.

He said impacted workers will keep their pay, benefits, and bonuses through late April, when the separations will take effect.

The company told investors the cuts would provide a "partial year 2025 savings to be approximately $210 million and full-year 2026 savings to be approximately $300 million."

The move comes as Southwest tries to cut costs amid profitability problems. Jordan said this is the first significant layoff the company has had in its 53-year history.

An activist hedge fund took a stake in Southwest in June and has since helped restructure its board and change its business model to keep up with a changing industry. For example, it plans to end its long-standing open-seating policy to generate more seating revenue.

In recent months, the company has also reduced flight crew positions in Atlanta to cut costs.

Starbucks is laying off 1,100 corporate staff.

Starbucks is planning layoffs as part of a corporate restructuring. ANGELA WEISS / AFP via Getty Images

Starbucks will notify 1,100 corporate employees that they have been laid off on February 25.

CEO Brian Niccol said in a memo that the layoffs will make Starbucks "operate more efficiently, increase accountability, reduce complexity and drive better integration."

The layoffs won't affect employees at Starbucks stores, the company said.

Niccol told employees that layoffs were on the way in a separate memo in January. The company is trying to improve results after sales slid last year.

Stripe laid off 300 employees.

Stripe is cutting 300 jobs, according to a memo obtained by BI. Pavlo Gonchar/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

Payments platform Stripe laid off 300 employees, primarily in product, engineering, and operations, according to a January 20 memo obtained by BI.

Chief People Officer Rob McIntosh said in the memo that the company still planned on growing its head count to about 10,000 employees by the end of the year.

The Washington Post cut 4% of its non-newsroom workforce.

The Jeff Bezos-owned Washington Post is conducting layoffs in January. Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

The Washington Post eliminated less than 100 employees in an effort to cut costs, Reuters reported in January.

A spokesperson told the wire service that the changes would occur across multiple areas of the business and indicated that the cuts wouldn't affect the newsroom.

"The Washington Post is continuing its transformation to meet the needs of the industry, build a more sustainable future and reach audiences where they are," the spokesperson said, according to Reuters.

Wayfair laid off 340 tech employees

Wayfair laid off about 340 tech employees. Scott Olson/Getty Images

Wayfair announced in an SEC filing on March 7 that it would eliminate its Austin Technology Development Center and lay off around 340 tech workers.

The reorg comes as the technology team has accomplished "significant modernization and replatforming milestones," the company said in the filing. Wayfair said it plans to refocus resources and streamline operations to promote its "next phase of growth."

"With the foundation of this transformation now in place, our technology needs have shifted," the company said.

Wayfair expects to take on $33 to $38 million in costs as a result of the reorganization, consisting of severance, cash employee-related costs, benefits, and transitional costs.

Workday cut more than 8% of its workforce

Workday said it's cutting 8.5% of its workforce and focusing on AI. Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images

Workday, the human-resources software company, said in February that it is cutting 8.5% of its workforce, or around 1,750 employees. The layoffs came as the company focuses more on artificial intelligence.

In a note to employees, CEO Carl Eschenbach said that Workday will focus on hiring in areas related to artificial intelligence and work to expand its global presence.

"The environment we're operating in today demands a new approach, particularly given our size and scale," Eschenbach wrote. He said that affected employees will get at least 12 weeks of pay.

Is your company conducting layoffs? Got a tip?

Using a non-work device and an encrypted messaging service is recommended when contacting reporters. Tim Robberts/Getty Images

If you're an employee with a tip about coming job cuts, please contact Dominick via email or text/call/Signal at 646.768.4750. Responses will be kept confidential, and Business Insider strongly recommends using a personal email and a non-work device when reaching out.

Read the original article on Business Insider
WASHINGTON  The flags at the Capitol will fly at their full height when Donald Trump is sworn in as the 47th president next week, House Speaker Mike Johnson declared Tuesday.

On January 20th, the flags at the Capitol will fly at full-staff to celebrate our country coming together behind the inauguration of the president-elect, Johnson (R-La.) said in a statement.

The flags will be lowered back to half-staff the following day to continue honoring President Jimmy Carter, he added.

Johnson joins Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in ordering the flags be raised. AP

President Biden had ordered flags to half-staff for 30 days in commemoration of Carter, who passed away Dec. 29 at the age of 100.

The half-staff command applies to the White House, all public buildings and military posts, the lame-duck commander-in-chief announced in his order.

Republicans have pointed out in recent weeks that under the original order, flags would be half-staff during inaugural festivities in Washington, lending an awkward counterpoint to celebrations of Trumps swearing-in.

The president-elect himself had expressed annoyance earlier this month that the flags would not be raised for his inauguration, writing on Truth Social that Democrats were giddy about the implication the nation would be in mourning for his assumption of office.

Nobody wants to see this, and no American can be happy about it. Lets see how it plays out. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! Trump wrote Jan. 3.

Flags at Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Fla., were raised to full staff on Monday, despite GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis issuing a 30-day order similar to Bidens.

On Monday, GOP Texas Gov. Greg Abbott had announced that American flags at Lone Star State government outposts would be flown full-staff in recognition of Trumps inauguration.

Today, I ordered flags raised to full-staff at the Texas Capitol & state buildings for President Trumps inauguration, Abbott wrote on X. While we honor President Carters service, we also celebrate an incoming President & our bright future.

The 30-day period ordered by Biden is due to end Jan. 28.

Johnsons order only covers flags at the Capitol rather than other government buildings, though Trump can rescind Bidens order upon taking office at noon Jan. 20.
A ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas is on the brink of agreement Foreign Secretary David Lammy has said.

He said a deal to enable the rebuilding of Gaza with Israel safe and secure will allow the region to move forward in an atmosphere of peace, as MPs raised concerns on the safety of hostages held by Hamas.

The United States, Egypt and Qatar have spent the past year trying to mediate an end to the 15-month war in the region and secure the release of dozens of hostages captured in Hamass attack on October 7 2023.

Qatar, a key mediator in the talks, said Israel and Hamas are at the closest point yet to an agreement.

British-Israeli Emily Damari, 28, was kidnapped during the October 7 attack in 2023 and has been a hostage for 426 days.

During Foreign Office questions in the Commons, Labour MP Jake Richard (Rother Valley) said he met with Mandy Damari, Emilys mother, as had Mr Lammy during his most recent trip to Israel

He asked what steps the Government are taking to secure humanitarian access before the release of the hostages, which he claimed Hamas are disgracefully avoiding.

Mr Lammy replied: As has been said by Joe Biden, we may well be on the brink of a deal, and I know this whole House will want to see that deal emerge in the coming days.

He added: Rest assured that humanitarian access, as we have continued to press for the people of Gaza, is hugely important, but its as important for those hostages.

Mandy Damari, 63, mother of Emily Damari, 28, a British-Israeli who was kidnapped during the October 7 attack in 2023 (Jonathan Brady/PA)

Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel also referred to Ms Damari, and asked what resources the Government will be providing to support the hostages through this release process over the period of time that is now being speculated and their efforts to bring a sustainable end to this awful conflict?

Mr Lammy replied: On the issue of proof of life, we do all we can to establish this, (Dame Priti) will understand it is fast-moving, and even post any deal, before hostages come out can take some degree of time so I would not want to be pushed on that issue at the despatch box, but I want to reassure her that we are doing all we can to continue to make that necessary assessment.

As I say, we are, I hope, on the brink of a deal, it will be the first phase of a deal that will probably last six weeks.

And that is important to bear in mind, all of us in this House hope to get to a ceasefire and the necessary rebuilding of Gaza with Israel safe and secure, and that will be very important so that the Middle East can move forward in an atmosphere of peace.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said a deal to enable the rebuilding of Gaza with Israel safe and secure will allow the region to move forward in an atmosphere of peace'(Stefan Rousseau/PA)

Later in the session, Conservative MP Bob Blackman (Harrow East) called on the Government to sanction Iran and proscribe the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Members of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army, Irans air force and the IRGC Intelligence Organisation have been targeted with travel bans and asset freezes, but some MPs have called for further action.

The Government has previously said that the proscription of organisations is kept under review.

Mr Blackman told MPs: With the position that Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis, the proxies of Iran, are on the brink of defeat, the reality is that the risk to the region now is that Iran takes direct action.

Given that we want to see the end of that despotic regime that brutalises the people of Iran, now is the time, of course, sanctions and the prescription of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps once and for all.

Will the minister take the necessary action to bring that regime to its knees so that democracy can be restored to Iran?

Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer said: I can assure him that we are working urgently on measures to take the necessary action to deter the Iranian state from posing a threat to this country and to the region, and we will continue to update the House in due course.
Israels top general has resigned, citing the security failures that allowed Hamas 7 October attack, as at least 10 Palestinians were killed in an Israeli raid in the West Bank city of Jenin.

The Jenin raid also left at least 40 wounded, Palestinian health officials said, as Israels fragile ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza entered its third dayChief of Staff Lt General Herzi Halevi became the most prominent Israeli official to step down over the militant groups attack when he announced his resignation on Tuesday.

In Tel Aviv, four people were wounded in a stabbing attack on Tuesday evening, according to Israeli police, who said the attacker was killed by security forces at the scene.

Meanwhile, Hamas official Taher al-Nunu has said four female Israeli hostages will be released on Saturday in return for Palestinian prisoners in the second such exchange under the truce, according to AFP.

And US president Donald Trumps pick for ambassador to the UN, Elise Stefanik, has told a Senate confirmation hearing that Israel has a biblical right to dominion over the West Bank.

Key Points

Israels top general resigns citing failures over Hamas attack that ignited war in Gaza

At least ten Palestinians killed from Israeli attack on Jenin

Four injured in a Tel Aviv knife attack

Settlers attack Palestinian villages hours after Trump rescinded Biden sanctions

Were closing our live blog

11:44 , Alex Croft

We are pausing our live coverage of the developments in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories.

Before we do, here are the latest developments in the region from the past 24 hours:

Details emerged of a settler attack on Palestinian villages in the West Bank. Palestinian medics say 12 were injured, while local officials said houses, shops, nurseries and cars were attacked and burned.

The casualty toll in a raid by Israeli forces on Jenin in the West Bank has reached at least 10, with 40 wounded.

In Tel Aviv, four people were injured following a stabbing by a foreign national, which authorities believe was a terrorist attack.

Israel has been accused of breaching the ceasefire, with Palestinian news outlets reporting a 15-year-old boy is among those shot and injured in Gaza since the ceasefire came into effect.

Israels top general, Lt General Herzi Halevi, has stepped down citing the failures which allowed the October 7 attack to take place.

UN chief calls on Iran to renounce nuclear weapons

11:27 , Alex Croft

Iran must commit to not developing nuclear weapons, UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres said on Wednesday.

The country must make a first step towards improving relations in the Middle East and with United States by making clear there are no plans for further nuclear development, he said.

The most relevant question is Iran and relations between Iran, Israel and the United States, Mr Guterres said at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Here my hope is that the Iranians understand that it is important to once and for all make it clear that they will renounce to have nuclear weapons, at the same time that they engage constructively with the other countries of the region.

Israels top general resigns over 7 October Hamas attack  as military launches major West Bank offensive

11:12 , Alex Croft

Israels top general has announced his resignation over the security failures that allowed Hamas to attack southern Israel on 7 October 2023  saying he will stand down in March.

Lt General Herzi Halevi, the Israeli armed forces chief of staff, is the most prominent Israeli official to resign over the attack. The move comes just days into a fragile ceasefire in the Gaza war that was triggered by the attack, during which around 1,200 people were killed and another 250 people taken hostage. Israels retaliatory offensive in Gaza has killed 47,000 Palestinians according to the enclaves health ministry and forced 90 per cent of its 2.3 million residents from their homes.

As part of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire, 33 of the hostages still held in the territory are due to be released, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians held in Israeli jails over the course of six weeks. The first three hostages were released over the weekend, alongside 90 prisoners. A Hamas official told AFP that four women will be released this coming weekend, without naming them.

Chief international correspondent Bel Trew and international editor Chris Stevenson report:

Israels top general resigns over Hamas attack  as military launches West Bank raid

Qatari PM and Mossad chief to discuss second phase of hostage deal this week - report

10:48 , Alex Croft

The prime minister of Qatar, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, is set to meet with the boss of Israels intelligence agency to discuss the second phase of a hostage deal.

Qatars Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani will meet with Dedi Barnea of Mossad later this week, journalist Barak Ravid reported in Walla News.

The hostage deal requires negotiations on the second phase of the deal to begin on the 16th day of the ceasefire. Mr Thani is interested in beginning negiations before, Walla reported.

Within four weeks, the parties must have an agreement on the release of men under the age of 50 held by Hamas, in exchange for the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and a permanent ceasefire.

In pictures: Palestinians look through damage after West Bank settler attacks

10:22 , Alex Croft

Men check burnt structures following an attack by Israeli settlers in the Palestinian village of Jinsafut (AFP via Getty Images)

A Palestinian man checks the site of an attack by Israeli settlers in the Palestinian village of Jinsafut in the north of the occupied West Bank, on 21 January 2025 (AFP via Getty Images)

Palesitnian medics said 12 were injured in the attacks (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

They beat us every day: Freed Palestinian prisoners allege abuse in Israeli jails

09:42 , Bel Trew, Chief International Correspondent

They beat us every day: Freed Palestinian prisoners allege abuse in Israeli jails

More details on settler attack in West Bank that injured 12

09:13 , Alex Croft

Earlier, we reported that dozens of masked men believed to be Israeli settlers had marauded through at least two Palestinian villages in the Israeli-occupied West Bank late on Monday, attacking residents and terrorising neighbourhoods.

The Palestinian Red Crescent said it had treated 12 people who had been beaten by the men in the northern West Bank villages. The Israeli military said the men threw rocks at soldiers who arrived to disperse them and that an investigation had been launched.

Jalal Bashir, the head of Jinsafuts village council, said three houses, a nursery and a carpentry shop had been attacked.

"The settlers were masked and had incendiary materials," said Bashir. "Their numbers were large and unprecedented."

Louay Tayem, head of the local council in Al-Funduq, said dozens of men had fired shots, thrown stones, burned cars, and attacked homes and shops, the Associated Press reported.

Charred shells of cars littered the side of the road in Jinsafut on Tuesday, and residents were seen surveying the damage to a burned storage space.

Men check burnt structures following an attack by Israeli settlers in the Palestinian village of Jinsafut (AFP via Getty Images)

Southeast Asian ASEAN bloc welcomes Gaza ceasefire

08:52 , Alex Croft

The southeast Asian bloc ASEAN has welcomed a ceasefire in Gaza and called for its full implentation along with the release of all hostages, its chair Malaysia said.

We also call for a full, safe, rapid, and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance for the Palestinians, the bloc said in a statement released on Wednesday.

France issues arrest warrants against Syrias Assad

08:42 , Alex Croft

French investigating magistrates have issued an arrest warrant against deposed Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, on accusations of complicity in war crimes, a legal source said on Tuesday.

The mandate was issued on 20 January as part of an investigation into the case of Salah Abou Nabour, a Franco-Syrian national who was killed in a bombing raid in June 2017.

It is the second arrest warrant Assad faces in French courts, after he was charged in November 2023 for complicity in crimes against humanity and complicity in war crimes.

A French investigation into chemical attacks in Douma and Eastern Ghouta which killed more than 1,000 people in August 2013.

Assads government has denied using chemical weapons against its opponents in the civil war, which broke out in March 2011.

The former Syrian leader was overthrown in early December 2024 by insurgent forces led by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).

In pictures: Israeli vehicles in Jenin, West Bank, as 10 Palestinians killed

08:27 , Alex Croft

Israeli military vehicles operate during an Israeli raid in Jenin, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank (REUTERS)

At least 10 Palestinians have been killed in the raid (REUTERS)

Who in Israel has resigned over the Hamas attack?

08:03 , Namita Singh

Israels top general on Tuesday became the highest-ranking official to resign over Hamas 7 October 2023 attack, the worst security failure in the countrys history.

Like much of Israels top brass, Lt General Herzi Halevi remained in his post through the 15-month war in the Gaza Strip, the related conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon and tensions with Iran that led the two countries to exchange fire twice last year.

But days into a ceasefire with Hamas, and with the other conflicts having wound down, he and the head of Israels Southern Command, which oversees operations in Gaza, announced they would step down.

Their resignations are likely to fuel longstanding calls in Israel for a public inquiry into the security and intelligence failures.

Heres a look at who has taken the fall for 7 October and who hasnt.

Who in Israel has resigned over the Oct. 7 security breakdown, and who hasn't?

At least 10 killed in Jenin, says Palestinian health ministry

07:32 , Namita Singh

At least 10 have been killed in Israeli military raids on Tuesday, while 40 have been injured, according to the Palestinian health ministry.

It comes after the Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the launching of a large-scale and significant military operation to eradicate terrorism in the territory, which he dubbed operation Iron Wall.

He said that Israel is acting systematically and resolutely against the Iranian axis wherever it extends its arms  in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Judea and Samaria  and with our hands still outstretched.

Palestinian men hold up an ID card near a checkpoint on the day of an Israeli raid in Jenin, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, 22 January 2025 (Reuters)

Israel has 'biblical' dominion over West Bank, says Trumps UN nominee

07:16 , Namita Singh

President Donald Trumps pick for ambassador to the UN has said that Israel has a biblical right to dominion over the occupied West Bank.

Elise Stefanik made the remarks during her confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, when she was confronted over her backing of a position that aligns with the Israeli far-right.

She was asked if she agreed with those like Israels finance minister Bezalel Smotrich and former national security minister Itamar Ben Gvir who believe that Israel has a biblical right to the entire West Bank.

Representative Elise Stefanik testifies before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on her nomination to be ambassador to the United Nations (Getty Images)

Yes! Ms Stefanik replied.

Mr Trumps plan for peace and stability in the region would be very difficult to achieve ... if you continue to hold the view that you just expressed, shot back senator Chris Van Hollen, who was at her confirmation hearing.

Ms Stefanik repeatedly refused to say if Palestinians have the right to self-determination.

I think President Trump is uniquely positioned at this very challenging moment to bring peace to the region, to eradicate terrorists of Hamas and Hezbollah, to protect Israels national security. If you look at the failures, weve given billions of dollars, and this is just the bilateral aid to the Palestinians, and it has been abused by Hamas, Ms Stefanik said.

More than 2,400 aid trucks enter Gaza under truce, UN says no big looting issues

06:10 , Namita Singh

Nearly 900 humanitarian aid trucks entered the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, the third day of a ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas, as a senior UN official said so far there had been no apparent law-and-order issues.

The latest arrivals bring the three-day total to more than 2,400 trucks entering the enclave.

Throughout the 15-month war, the UN has described its humanitarian operation as opportunistic - facing problems with Israels military operation, access restrictions by Israel into and throughout Gaza and more recently looting by armed gangs.

Displaced Palestinians chase a humanitarian aid truck amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Rafah (EPA)

Muhannad Hadi, the top UN aid official for Gaza and the West Bank, said there had been minor incidents of looting in the past three days, but not like before.

Its not organised crime. Kids jumped on some trucks trying to take food baskets. There were some other people (who) tried to take some bottled water. Hopefully within few days this will all disappear once the people of Gaza realise that we will have aid enough for everybody.

Muhannad Hadi

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said 897 aid trucks entered the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, citing information it received from Israel and the guarantors for the ceasefire agreement - the United States, Egypt and Qatar.

The truce deal requires at least 600 truckloads of aid to be allowed into Gaza every day of the initial six-week ceasefire, including 50 carrying fuel. Half of those trucks are supposed to go to Gazas north, where experts have warned famine is imminent.

ICYMI: Israel's top general resigns over failure to stop Hamas attack as he calls for public inquiry

05:55 , Namita Singh

Israels top general has resigned, citing the security failures that allowed Hamas 7 October 2023, attack. Lt General Herzi Halevi is the most prominent Israeli official to resign over the attack.

He announced his resignation on Tuesday, just days into a fragile ceasefire with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Major General Yaron Finkelman, head of Israels Southern Command, which oversees operations in Gaza, also tendered his resignation.

Their resignations will likely add to calls for a public inquiry into the 7 October failures, something prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said must wait until the war is over.

Herzi Halevi, Chief of General Staff of the Israeli army, looks on before a meeting between the US and Israeli defence ministers (AFP via Getty Images)

Lt General Halevis resignation letter noted that the militarys investigations into those failures were currently in their final stages.And he made his most explicit call yet for a public inquiry in comments to journalists, saying it would be granted full transparency by the military.

Israels former defence minister, Yoav Gallant, was fired by Mr Netanyahu in November after the two clashed on a number of issues, including Mr Gallants pushing for a ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas.

Itamar Ben-Gvir, a far-right politician who resigned as Public Security Minister on Sunday over his opposition to the ceasefire, welcomed Lt General Halevis announcement and called on Mr Netanyahu to appoint a new chief of staff who will be strong and on the offensive in order to demolish Hamas.

Four wounded in Tel Aviv stabbing attack

05:06 , Namita Singh

Four people were wounded in a stabbing attack in central Tel Aviv yesterday evening, according to Israeli police, who said the attacker was killed by security forces at the scene.

Two people were in moderate condition and two had light wounds, according to Magen David Adom, Israels emergency rescue service. Ichilov Hospital said one person was in moderate-severe condition with a stab wound to the neck.

Police patrol the area along Nahalat Binyamin street and Rothschild after at a nearby restaurant, four people were stabbed and wounded on 21 January 2025 in Tel Aviv, Israel (Getty Images)

Police block off the area of a restaurant after a stabbing that left four people wounded on 21 January 2025 in Tel Aviv, Israel (Getty Images)

The attacker was reportedly killed by a civilian bystander (Getty Images)

Authorities only identified the attacker as a 28-year-old foreign national but believe the stabbings were a terrorist act. The attack took place in a bustling area filled with restaurants and cafes.

Another stabbing attack in Tel Aviv over the weekend left one person seriously wounded, and the attacker was also shot and wounded, police said at the time.

We found nothing: Palestinians return to destroyed homes and businesses in Gaza

05:03 , Namita Singh

Many Palestinians from the southern Gaza city of Rafah who returned to the area on Tuesday were shocked to find nothing left of their homes and businesses.

Manal Selim, a single mother of six, worked as a hairdresser and owned a shop that rented wedding and evening dresses. Her family lived upstairs.We thought wed find some place to live in or stay, she said. The destruction is scary. Its like an apocalypse.

Nour Abu Al Zamar salvage items from under the rubble of her destroyed family home, in Rafah (AP)

She broke down in tears seeing it all destroyed, pulling a few ripped dresses from under the rubble.This is my house. I built it brick by brick for 25 years, she said.

Elsewhere, Murad Miqdad found his home and electric appliance store in a three-story building completely destroyed.We found nothing, he said. Theres nothing to pull out of the house, and if you were able to pull anything out, you still wouldnt be able to use it.

UN says aid is flowing smoothly into Gaza

05:00 , Namita Singh

The UN humanitarian coordinator in Gaza says trucks from the UN, aid groups, governments and the private sector are arriving and no major looting has been reported beyond a few minor incidents.

Nearly 900 aid trucks entered Gaza on the third day of the ceasefire on Tuesday, the United Nations said. Thats significantly higher than the 600 trucks called for in the deal.

A displaced Palestinian chases a humanitarian aid truck amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Rafah (EPA)

Muhannad Hadi, who returned to Jerusalem from Gaza on Tuesday afternoon, told UN reporters by video that it was one of the happiest days of his 35-year humanitarian career to see Palestinians in the streets looking ahead with hope, some heading home and some starting to clean up the roads.

In his talks with families at a communal kitchen run by the UN World Food Program and elsewhere, he said, they all told him they need humanitarian assistance but want to go home, to work and earn money.

Displaced Palestinians chase a humanitarian aid truck (EPA)

They dont like the fact that they have been depending on humanitarian aid, Mr Hadi said. Palestinians talked about resuming education for their children and about the need for shelter, blankets and new clothes.

Mr Hadi, who is also the deputy UN coordinator for the Middle East peace process, said the UN hopes to start early recovery programmes, beginning with cash-for-work removing the tons of rubble in Gaza. But he said the UN must make sure the banking system is operating and electricity is back, stressing the critical role of UN member states and the private sector in early recovery.

Israel launches major operation in West Bank

04:19 , Namita Singh

Israel launched a major military operation Tuesday in the occupied West Bank city of Jenin that killed at least nine Palestinians and left at least 40 more people wounded, Palestinian health officials said, as Israels fragile ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza entered its third day.

In Tel Aviv, four people were wounded in a stabbing attack and the suspect was killed by security forces, according to Israeli police.

Authorities only identified the attacker as a 28-year-old foreign national but believe the stabbings were a terrorist act.

A Palestinian man checks the site of an attack by Israeli settlers in the Palestinian village of Jinsafut in the north of the occupied West Bank, on 21 January 2025 (AFP via Getty Images)

Settlers attack Palestinian villages hours after Trump rescinded Biden sanctions

03:30 , Namita Singh

Violence has surged in the West Bank, with Israel launching a deadly raid on the Jenin refugee camp on Tuesday. It comes as settler leaders rushed to praise Donald Trumps decision to reverse the sanctions imposed by the Biden administration aimed at punishing far-right settlers.

Late on Monday, dozens of masked men who are widely believed to be settlers marauded through at least two Palestinian villages and attacked homes and businesses, according to officials in Jinsafut and Al-Funduq, which are roughly 50km north of Jerusalem.

Smoke rises during clashes with Israeli forces near the checkpoint of Bet Forik at the entrance of Nablus, West Bank (EPA)

The Palestinian Red Crescent said it treated 12 people who were beaten by the men.

Jalal Bashir, the head of Jinsafuts village council, said that the men attacked three houses, a nursery and a carpentry shop located on the villages main road. Louay Tayem, head of the local council in Al-Funduq, said dozens of men had fired shots, thrown stones, burned cars, and attacked homes and shops.The settlers were masked and had incendiary materials, said Mr Bashir. Their numbers were large and unprecedented.

UN says it could take many years to rebuild widely devastated Gaza

03:00 , Tara Cobham

A United Nations damage assessment released this month showed that clearing over 50 million tonnes of rubble left in the aftermath of Israel's bombardment of Gaza could take 21 years and cost up to $1.2 billion.

To make matters worse, some of the debris is believed to be contaminated with asbestos, as some of the coastal enclaces devastated refugee camps, built up into cities since the 1940s, are known to have been constructed with the material.

Gaza health authorities say at least 47,000 people have been killed in the conflict, with the rubble likely holding the remains of thousands more.

A UN Development Programme reports says that development in the territory has been set back seven decades by the war.

"They [Gazans] are able to return home. ...It's a bit of a stretch of the imagination, I would say, to call it homes, because mostly, particularly in the north, it's mountains of rubble that they find. So they need help with that," Jens Laerke, spokesperson for the UN office for the Coordination of Humanitarian affairs, told a Geneva press briefing on Tuesday.

Displaced Palestinians return to Rafah in the Gaza Strip (Copyright 2025, The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Palestinians dig through rubble for bodies of loved ones

02:00 , Tara Cobham

Palestinian rescue workers continued the search for remains of Gazans buried under the wreckage of their houses and along the roadsides, locating at least 150 bodies since the truce went into effect, according to the Gaza civil emergency service.

Shocking images of decayed bodies spread on social media. At Shejaia cemetery, which had been flattened by Israeli tanks and bulldozers in previous months, several men dug up the ground searching for the graves of their relatives.

"I have been searching and looking for my father grave, my brothers grave and my brothers wifes grave, and I cant find them," Atef Jundiya, said at the cemetery in Gaza City.

"I mean, we are relieved by the ceasefire, but at the same time, we are still searching for our martyrs and searching for our graves and cant find them," Jundiya told Reuters.

The civil emergency service estimates that 10,000 bodies remain under the rubble, calling for heavy machinery and earth-moving vehicles to help in the extraction process, which officials expect to last for several months.

Palestinians head back home to destruction after truce deal with Israel

01:00 , Tara Cobham

Some Gazans have not been able to even recognise where they once lived and have consequently turned their back on shattered neighbourhoods to return to tents where they have sheltered for the past several months. Others have begun to clear debris to try to move back to the wreckage of their homes.

"We are cleaning the house, and removing the rubble, so we are able to return home. Those are the quilts, pillows, nothing was left at the house," said Palestinian woman Walaa El-Err, pointing to her destroyed belongings at her bombed-out home in Nuseirat, a decades-old refugee camp in central Gaza.

She said the feeling of returning to her neighbourhood was "indescribable". She said she'd stayed up all night on Saturday waiting for the truce to take effect the next day. But the optimism surrounding news of a ceasefire has faded.

"When I went into the camp, I teared up, as our camp was not like that, it was the best. When we left all the towers (and) homes were still untouched, and none of the neighbours had been killed," she lamented.

In Gaza City in the enclave's north, Abla, a mother of three children, waited for a few hours to make sure the truce held on Sunday before heading to her home in the Tel Al-Hawa suburb, demolished by Israeli bombardments and ground offensives.

The scene was "horrific" she said, as the seven-floor building had been levelled, "smashed like a piece of biscuit".

"I heard the area was hit hard and the house could have been gone, but I was driven by both doubt and hope that it could have been saved," she told Reuters via a chat app.

"What I found wasn't just a house, it is the box of memories, where I had my children, celebrated their birthday parties, made them food, and taught them their first words and moves," she said.

Palestinians walk through the rubble caused by the Israeli air and ground offensive in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip (Copyright 2025, The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Yemen vice-president says Trump return pivotal in fight against Iran backed-Houthis

00:00 , Tara Cobham

The vice president of Yemen's UN-recognised government on Tuesday welcomed Donald Trump's return as US president, saying it was a decisive turning point to curb the Iran-backed Houthis, who he said threaten regional stability and maritime security.

Aidarous al-Zubaidi told Reuters that Trump's strong leadership and willingness to employ military strength were in sharp contrast to the Biden administration, which he said had allowed the Houthis to consolidate power, bolster their military capabilities and extend their reach beyond Yemen.

"Trump knows what he wants. He is a strong decision-maker," Zubaidi said in an interview on the sidelines of the annual World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos.

"We are fans, admirers and supporters of Trump's policy .... because he has a personality that has enough decision-making power to rule America and the world," he said, adding that he expected talks with the incoming administration to begin soon.

Airlines cautiously return to Middle East

Tuesday 21 January 2025 23:00 , Tara Cobham

Concerns about conflict in the Middle East have prompted airlines to suspend flights to the region, but with the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in place, some are cautiously resuming their services.

Air France, Transavia France, EasyJet and Ita Airways are among the airlines to have recently announced planned resumptions to travel.

EasyJet is among the airlines to have recently announced planned resumptions to travel in the Middle East (Getty Images)

Harvard settles lawsuits over antisemitism on campus

Tuesday 21 January 2025 22:00 , Tara Cobham

Harvard University has agreed to provide additional protections for Jewish students to settle two lawsuits accusing the Ivy League school of becoming a hotbed of rampant antisemitism.

Under a settlement announced on Tuesday, Harvard will adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism when evaluating whether alleged discrimination or harassment violates the university's non-discrimination and anti-bullying policies.

Harvard will also post online a Frequently Asked Questions document related to those policies, report annually for five years on its responses to discrimination or harassment, and provide expert training on combating antisemitism to staff who review discrimination complaints.

Both lawsuits accused Harvard of violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bars federal funds recipients from allowing discrimination based on race, religion and national origin.

The lawsuits were among many accusing major universities of encouraging antisemitism after war broke out in Gaza in October 2023 between Israel and Hamas.

Both settlements include unspecified monetary terms. Harvard did not admit wrongdoing in agreeing to settle.

Harvard University has agreed to provide additional protections for Jewish students to settle two lawsuits accusing the Ivy League school of becoming a hotbed of rampant antisemitism (iStock/ Getty Images)

Palestinians confront a landscape of destruction in Gaza's 'ghost towns'

Tuesday 21 January 2025 21:00 , Tara Cobham

Palestinians in Gaza are confronting an apocalyptic landscape of devastation after a ceasefire paused more than 15 months of fighting between Israel and Hamas.

Across the tiny coastal enclave, where built-up refugee camps are interspersed between cities, drone footage captured by The Associated Press shows mounds of rubble stretching as far as the eye can see  remnants of the longest and deadliest war between Israel and Hamas in their blood-ridden history.

As you can see, it became a ghost town, said Hussein Barakat, 38, whose home in the southern city of Rafah was flattened. There is nothing, he said, as he sat drinking coffee on a brown armchair perched on the rubble of his three-story home, in a surreal scene.

Read the full report here:

Palestinians confront a landscape of destruction in Gaza's 'ghost towns'

Netanyahu pressed Starmer about Britains freeze on arms exports to Israel'

Tuesday 21 January 2025 20:30 , Tara Cobham

Benjamin Netanyahu pressed Sir Keir Starmer about Britain's freeze on arms exports to Israel, Israel's readout of Tuesday's discussion between the two prime ministers said.

A statement published by Israel's ministry of foreign affairs said: "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this afternoon (Tuesday January 21 2025), spoke with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer who thanked him for the release of British citizen Emily Damari and congratulated him on his actions for the release of the other hostages.

"Prime Minister Netanyahu raised the issue of the weapons export licences to Israel that have been frozen in the UK.

"Prime Minister Starmer said that an evaluation of the issue is being carried out."

The Government suspended 30 arms export licences for items used in Gaza by the Israeli defence forces in September last year, over concerns about Israel's compliance with human rights during the conflict.

Benjamin Netanyahu pressed Sir Keir Starmer about Britains freeze on arms exports to Israel, Israels readout of Tuesdays discussion between the two prime ministers said (AP)

Trump rescinds sanctions on far-right Israeli settlers

Tuesday 21 January 2025 20:00 , Tara Cobham

Among other Biden-era executive orders that US President Donald Trump rescinded Monday is one that authorises sanctions on people who undermine peace in the occupied West Bank.

The Biden administration used the executive order to impose a handful of sanctions on extremist settlers accused of using violence against Palestinians who live in the West Bank after violence erupted after Hamas' 7 October, 2023 attacks on Israel.

Settlers in the territory have celebrated the incoming Trump administration, believing it will take a more favorable approach to illegal settlements. During his first term, Trump took unprecedented steps to support Israel's territorial claims, including recognizing Jerusalem as its capital and moving the US Embassy there, and recognizing Israel's annexation of the Golan Heights.

Among other Biden-era executive orders that US President Donald Trump rescinded Monday is one that authorises sanctions on people who undermine peace in the occupied West Bank (AP)

Watch: Netanyahu thanks Trump for helping free Israeli hostages

Tuesday 21 January 2025 19:30 , Tara Cobham

Israeli commanding officers resignation letter in full

Tuesday 21 January 2025 19:00 , Chief international correspondent Bel Trew

Here is a translation of the letter from MG Yaron Finkelman, the Commanding Officer of the Southern Command, to the Chief of the General Staff, LTG Herzi Halevi:

Commander,

Led by my moral compass and the values that guide me, I have decided to leave my role as the Commanding Officer of the Southern Command and end my service in the IDF.

On 7 October, I failed in defending the western Negev and its beloved and heroic residents.

This failure will be etched into me for the rest of my life.

Out of responsibility to the State of Israel, the cherished and dear residents of the communities of the Gaza Envelope, the IDF, and my soldiers, I have since worked to lead the war against Hamas and the terrorist organizations in Gaza.

I had the privilege to command, during this war, remarkable commanders, male and female combat soldiers  the Generation of Victory.

Their fighting is a chapter of great heroism and valor in the history of the IDF and the state.

With deep pain, I will forever carry in my heart the memory of the fallen. The finest of our sons and daughters, courageous in spirit, heart, and deed.

We will march forward with their legacy, and I will always stand with the bereaved families.

Our wounded also remain with me, sharing their pain and their inspiring struggle toward recovery and health.

In this war, we dealt Hamas a significant blow.

It is imperative to continue striking the enemy, to bring home all our hostages, and to return the communities to their lands in safety and prosperity.

I thank you, commander, for your true partnership during these ultimate tests and for your stable and moral leadership.

I will continue my mission for as long as required.

Major General Yaron Finkelman,

Commanding Officer of the Southern Command

Some 72 bodies taken to Gazan hospitals in past 24 hours

Tuesday 21 January 2025 18:30 , Tara Cobham

Some 72 bodies have been taken to Gazan hospitals in the past 24 hours, almost all of them recovered from attacks before the ceasefire, Gazas Health Ministry said today.

An unknown number of bodies remain unreachable because they are in northern Gaza, where access remains restricted, or in buffer zones where Israeli forces are.

Israel's military campaign has killed over 47,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to local health authorities, who say women and children make up more than half of the fatalities but do not say how many of the dead were fighters. Israel says it killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence.

After 15 months of war, Hamas still rules over what remains of Gaza

Tuesday 21 January 2025 18:00 , Tara Cobham

As a ceasefire brought calm to Gaza's ruined cities, Hamas was quick to emerge from hiding.

The militant group has not only survived Israel's 15-month military campaign  among the deadliest and most destructive in recent memory  but it remains firmly in control of the coastal territory that now resembles an apocalyptic wasteland.

For all the might it deployed in Gaza, Israel failed to remove Hamas from power, one of its central war aims. That makes a return to fighting more likely, but the results might be the same.

Qatar PM hopes Palestinian Authority will return to Gaza when war ends

Tuesday 21 January 2025 17:30 , Tara Cobham

Qatar's Prime Minister has said he hoped the Palestinian Authority would return to play a governing role in Gaza once the war with Israel comes to an end.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Switzerland on Tuesday, two days after the ceasefire Qatar helped broker came into effect in Gaza, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani cautioned that Gazans  and not any other country  should dictate the way the enclave will be governed.

"We hope to see the PA back in Gaza. We hope to see a government that will really address the issues of the people over there. And there is a long way to go with Gaza and the destruction," he said in Davos.

How Gaza will be governed after the war was not directly addressed in the deal between Israel and militant group Hamas that led to an immediate ceasefire and hostage releases after nearly 15 months of talks mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the U.S.

Israel has rejected any governing role for Hamas, which ran Gaza before the war, but it has been almost equally opposed to rule by the Palestinian Authority, the body set up under the Oslo interim peace accords three decades ago that has limited governing power in the West Bank.

The PA, dominated by the Fatah faction created by former Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, faces opposition from rival faction Hamas, which drove the PA out of Gaza in 2007 after a brief civil war.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani speaking at the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Switzerland on Tuesday (REUTERS)

UN welcomes surge in aid into Gaza on day three of ceasefire  but warns massive needs remain

Tuesday 21 January 2025 17:03 , Chief international correspondent Bel Trew

The UN has welcomed the surge in lifesaving humanitarian aid into Gaza on day three of the ceasefire  but warned that massive needs remain across the devastated enclave.

The UN aid coordination office, OCHA, said on Tuesday that aid is entering the terriroty at scale in line with the ceasefire agreement.

Aid trucks began entering Gaza a few minutes after the deal entered into force on Sunday, said OCHA spokesperson Jens Laerke. Up to now  these two first days of entry - there [have] been no reports of looting or attacks against aid workers.

Scenes from Nuseirat refugee camp in #Gaza show people returning to what was once home. With such widespread devastation, the path to recovery will be long.



Many homes across the Gaza Strip have been destroyed. The needs for immediate aid and long-term support are critical. pic.twitter.com/c0Yvt4dpgp  UNRWA (@UNRWA) January 21, 2025

Islamic Jihad also condemns Israeli operation in Jenin

Tuesday 21 January 2025 17:00 , Tara Cobham

Islamic Jihad has also condemned the Israeli operation in Jenin.

The militant group, which is smaller and more radical than Hamas, said it reflected Israel's "failure to achieve its goals in Gaza". It said it was also a "desperate attempt" by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to save his governing coalition.

Full story: Israels top general resigns over 7 October Hamas attack  as military launches major West Bank offensive

Tuesday 21 January 2025 16:30 , Tara Cobham

Israels top general has announced his resignation over the security failures that allowed Hamas to attack southern Israel on 7 October 2023  saying he will stand down in March.

Lt General Herzi Halevi, the Israeli armed forces chief of staff, is the most prominent Israeli official to resign over the attack. The move comes just days into a fragile ceasefire in the Gaza war that was triggered by the attack, during which around 1,200 people were killed and another 250 people taken hostage. Israels retaliatory offensive in Gaza has killed 47,000 Palestinians according to the enclaves health ministry and forced 90 per cent of its 2.3 million residents from their homes.

As part of a the first, six-week, phase of the Gaza ceasefire, 33 of the hostages still held in the territory are due to be released, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians held in Israeli jails. The first three hostages were released over the weekend, alongside 90 prisoners. A Hamas official told AFP that four women will be released this coming weekend, without naming them.

Chief international correspondent Bel Trew, in Jerusalem, and international editor Chris Stevenson report:

Israels top general resigns over Hamas attack  as military launches West Bank raid

Starmer speaks with Netanyahu on third day of Israel-Hamas ceasefire

Tuesday 21 January 2025 16:00 , Tara Cobham

Sir Keir Starmer has spoken with Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as a ceasefire between his country and Hamas enters its third day.

Giving a readout of their phone call, a Downing Street spokesperson said: "The Prime Minister spoke to Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu today.

"The Prime Minister began by offering the UK's support for the hard-fought and long-awaited ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, which has now entered its third day.

"He offered his personal thanks for the work done by the Israeli government to secure the release of the hostages, including British hostage Emily Damari. To see the pictures of Emily finally back in her family's arms was a wonderful moment but a reminder of the human cost of the conflict, he added.

"The leaders moved on to discuss the need to see the next stages of the ceasefire deal implemented in full and on schedule, including the release of the remaining hostages. The Prime Minister reiterated that it was vital to ensure humanitarian aid can now flow uninterrupted into Gaza, to support the Palestinians who desperately need it.

"Both agreed that we must work towards a permanent and peaceful solution that guarantees Israel's security and stability. The Prime Minister added that the UK stands ready to do everything it can to support a political process, which should also lead to a viable and sovereign Palestinian state.

"They agreed to continue their close co-operation on defence and security matters in support of wider stability in the region - particularly in the face of the ongoing threat posed by Iran."

Sir Keir Starmer has spoken with Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as a ceasefire between his country and Hamas enters its third day (PA Wire)

UN alarmed by renewed violence perpetrated by settlers and Israeli forces in West Bank

Tuesday 21 January 2025 15:30 , Chief international correspondent Bel Trew

The UN has said it is alarmed by renewed violence perpetrated by settlers and Israeli forces in the West Bank.

The UN Human Rights Office for Palestine said today: OHCHR Palestine is alarmed by a wave of renewed violence perpetrated by settlers and Israeli security forces in the Occupied West Bank, coinciding with the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement and the release of hostages and detainees.

This has been accompanied by increased restrictions on Palestinians freedom of movement across the West Bank, including complete closure of some checkpoints and installation of new gates, effectively confining entire communities.

.@OHCHR_Palestine is alarmed by a wave of renewed violence perpetrated by settlers and Israeli security forces in the Occupied #WestBank, coinciding with the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement and the release of hostages and detainees. This has been accompanied by  UN Human Rights Palestine (@OHCHR_Palestine) January 20, 2025

Saudi foreign minister tells Davos Iran-Israel war should be avoided

Tuesday 21 January 2025 15:17 , Tara Cobham

A war between Israel and Iran should be avoided, Saudi Foreign Minister said in Davos on Tuesday, adding that he did not see the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump contributing to the risk of such conflict.

Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, who spoke during the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Switzerland, also said he would visit Lebanon later this week, the first such trip in more than a decade.

Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud spoke during the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Switzerland on Tuesday (REUTERS)

UPDATE: Death toll from Israeli attack on Jenin rises to eight Palestinians

Tuesday 21 January 2025 14:48 , Tara Cobham

Israeli security forces backed by helicopters raided the volatile West Bank city of Jenin on Tuesday, killing at least eight Palestinians in what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called a "large-scale and significant military operation".

The action, launched a day after US President Donald Trump declared he was lifting sanctions on ultranationalist Israeli settlers who attacked Palestinian villages, was announced by Netanyahu as a new offensive against Iranian-backed militants.

"We are acting systematically and resolutely against the Iranian axis wherever it extends its arms in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Judea and Samaria," Netanyahu said. Judea and Samaria are terms Israel uses for the occupied West Bank.

The military said soldiers, police and intelligence services had begun a counter-terrorism operation in Jenin. It follows a weeks-long operation by Palestinian security forces in self-rule areas of the West Bank to reassert control in the adjacent refugee camp, a major centre of armed militant groups including Hamas and Islamic Jihad, both of which get support from Iran.

As the operation began, Palestinian security forces withdrew from the refugee camp and the sound of heavy gunfire could be heard in mobile phone footage shared on social media.

Palestinian health services said at least eight Palestinians were killed and 35 wounded as the Israeli raid began, a week after an Israeli air strike in the Jenin refugee camp killed at least three Palestinians and wounded scores more.

Palestinian prisoners freed in Gaza ceasefire allege abuse in jail  and fear re-arrest by Israel

Tuesday 21 January 2025 14:45 , Tara Cobham

Palestinian prisoners released during Gazas ceasefire deal have alleged abuse inside Israels jails  saying they feel mixed emotions about being freed as they fear the fragile truce will not hold, and they may be arrested again.

Ecstatic crowds waving flags greeted the buses that left the sprawling Ofer prison complex in the occupied West Bank early on Monday. Inside were 90 Palestinian prisoners, all women, teenagers, and children, many of whom say they were abused and tortured inside Israels detention system  allegations that Israel has repeatedly denied.

They were freed as part of a long-fought-for ceasefire brokered by the US, Qatar and Egypt. Split into three phases, the initial six-week period will see Hamas release 33 hostages it seized during its bloody attacks on 7 October. In exchange, almost 2,000 Palestinians in Israeli detention would also be freed.

Chief international correspondent Bel Trew reports from Jerusalem:

Palestinian prisoners freed in Gaza deal allege abuse in jail  and fear re-arrest

7 October failure will burn my heart for all my life: Israeli commanding officer reveals reason for resignation

Tuesday 21 January 2025 14:18 , Chief international correspondent Bel Trew

The Israeli Commanding Officer has revealed his reason for resigning is similarly the failure over Hamas 7 October, 2023, attack, which will burn my heart for all my life.

In a handwritten note released today, MG Yaron Finkelman said: I decided to end my role as the commander of the South forces and my service in the IDF.

On 7 October, I failed to defend the western negev and its residents and beloved Heroes this failure will burn my heart for all my life.

Footage captures large number of Israeli military bulldozers arriving in Jenin

Tuesday 21 January 2025 14:10 , Chief international correspondent Bel Trew

Footage has captured a large number of Israeli military bulldozers arriving in the West Bank.

A large scale operation was launched on the city of Jenin today.

             . pic.twitter.com/JxG8ERdn6N     (@qudsn) January 21, 2025

Netanyahu issues statement on West Bank raids

Tuesday 21 January 2025 14:05 , Chief international correspondent Bel Trew

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a statement on the West Bank raids.

Today, he said: On the directive of the Security Cabinet, the IDF, the ISA and the Israel Police have today begun an extensive and significant military operation to defeat terrorism in Jenin  Iron Wall.

This is an additional step in achieving the objective that we have set  bolstering security in Judea and Samaria.

We are acting methodically and with determination against the Iranian axis wherever it reaches  in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and] Judea and Samaria  and we are still active.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a statement on the West Bank raids (IsraeliPM)

Top Israeli general issues statement taking responsiblity for terrible failure over Hamas attack

Tuesday 21 January 2025 13:54 , Tara Cobham

The top Israeli general who has resigned has said the IDF failed in its mission to protect Israels citizens when Hamas attacked the country on 7 October 2023, citing his responsibility for this terrible failure in his reasons for ending his tenure.

In a statement issued today, Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi said: On the morning of 7 October, under my command, the IDF failed in its mission to protect Israels citizens. The State of Israel paid a heavy and painful price  in lives lost, in hostages taken, and in those wounded both physically and emotionally. The courageous acts of many  security forces personnel, IDF soldiers and commanders, and brave civilians  were not enough to prevent this great disaster. My responsibility for this terrible failure accompanies me every day, every hour, and will remain with me for the rest of my life.

He continued: In recognition of my responsibility for the IDFs failure on 7 October, and at a time when the IDF has recorded extraordinary achievements and restored Israels deterrence and strength, I request to conclude my tenure on 6 March, 2025.

He added: In the time remaining, I will finalise the investigations and continue strengthening the IDFs readiness for the challenges ahead. This will ensure a smooth and structured transition of command to my successor.

I will always be a soldier of the State of Israel.

Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant-General Herzi Halevi (right) with former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant (AFP or licensors)

Israeli defence minister responds to top generals resignation

Tuesday 21 January 2025 13:47 , Tara Cobham

Israels defence minister has responded to the resignation of a top Israeli general over Hamas 7 October attack.

A spokesperson for Israel Katz said in a statement issued today: The Chief of Staff, Major General Herzi Halevi, informed me today of his desire to terminate his position for the reasons he detailed in his letter.

I would like to express my appreciation to the Chief of Staff and thank him for his contribution to the IDF throughout his years of service as a fighter and as a commander, and for his part in the great achievements of the IDF in the difficult war that was forced upon us.

The Chief of Staff will continue to fulfill his duties and will carry out an orderly overlap procedure until the end of his duties.

Israels defence minister has responded to the resignation of a top Israeli general over Hamas 7 October attack (REUTERS)

Israeli Commanding Officer also resigns

Tuesday 21 January 2025 13:44 , Tara Cobham

An Israeli Commanding Officer has also resigned.

The Commanding Officer of the Southern Command, MG Yaron Finkelman, informed the Chief of the General Staff today of his decision to end his service in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

Hamas urges Palestinians to escalate fighting against Israel in West Bank amid Jenin raid

Tuesday 21 January 2025 13:20 , Tara Cobham

Hamas has called upon Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank to escalate fighting against Israeli forces in response to a military offensive in the city of Jenin, the militant group said in a statement.

Israels top general resigns citing failures over Hamas attack that ignited war in Gaza

Tuesday 21 January 2025 13:19 , Tara Cobham

Israel's top general has resigned, citing the security failures that allowed Hamas' 7 October, 2023, attack.

Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi is the most prominent Israeli official to resign over the attack.

He announced his resignation Tuesday, just days into a fragile ceasefire with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, notifying Defense Minister Israel Katz that he intends to resign on 6 March.

In a statement, Halevi said he is leaving the military after recognizing my responsibility for the failure of the IDF on 7 October, and at the point in time in which the IDF has recorded significant achievements, and is in the process of implementing an agreement to release hostages.

Until 6 March, Halevi said, he will complete the investigations into the 7 October Hamas onslaught and prepare the IDF for future challenges.

I will transfer command of the IDF in a high-quality and thorough manner to my replacement, he adds.

The Israeli Chief of the General Staff Herzi Halevi (pictured front left) will resign his post in March, several Israeli media outlets report (Gil Cohen-Magen/Pool Photo via AP)

UPDATE: Major Israeli operation in West Bank leaves six dead and dozens wounded

Tuesday 21 January 2025 13:15 , Tara Cobham

A major Israeli military operation in the occupied West Bank has left at least six dead and dozens wounded, Palestinian health officials have said, as a fragile ceasefire in Gaza entered its third day.

The operation on Tuesday was centered in the city of Jenin, which has seen repeated Israeli incursions and gunbattles with militants in recent years, even before Hamas' 7 October, 2023, attack ignited the war in Gaza.

The Israeli military announced a "significant and broad military operation" in the West Bank, just days into a ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza that is supposed to last for six weeks and see 33 militant-held hostages released in return for hundreds of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

The Palestinian Health Ministry says more than 800 people have been killed in Israeli raids in the West Bank since the Israel-Hamas war.

UN highlights need for specialised care for 30,000 Palestinians with life-changing injuries

Tuesday 21 January 2025 13:00 , Tara Cobham

The UN has said 30,000 Palestinians have life-changing injuries and highlighted their need for specialised care.

The World Health Organization currently has a 60-day plan to increase beds and deploy overseas health workers to Gaza hospitals, said UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq.

Around one million children depend on humanitarian aid entering Gaza, says UN

Tuesday 21 January 2025 12:40 , Tara Cobham

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that the more than two million people in Gaza, about half of them children, depend on humanitarian aid entering the Strip, UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq has said.

UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher said on Sunday that the needs in Gaza are staggering and his office said on Monday that aid workers are ramping up the delivery of food, clean water, shelter materials and other essential supplies.

UPDATED: Two killed in Israeli strike in West Bank, Palestinians say

Tuesday 21 January 2025 12:20 , Tara Cobham

An Israeli strike on a built-up refugee camp in the occupied West Bank has killed two people, the Palestinian Health Ministry said Tuesday, as a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip entered a third day.

The Israeli military said in a statement that "forces have initiated a counterterrorism operation" in the area. The identity of those killed in the Jenin refugee camp, where militants are active, was not immediately clear.

Throughout the 15-month Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, Jenin has been a focus of Israeli raids into the occupied territory. The Palestinian Authority, which administers parts of the West Bank, launched its own raid into the area late last year, hoping to position itself as a serious player in governing postwar Gaza.

Violence in the West Bank has surged during the war in Gaza, with Israel saying it is operating to stamp out militancy. The Palestinian Health Ministry says more than 800 people have been killed in Israeli raids since the war began after Hamas' 7 October, 2023, attacks.

In pictures: Palestinian children chase aid trucks arriving in Gaza

Tuesday 21 January 2025 12:00 , Tara Cobham

Palestinians chase humanitarian aid trucks that arrived through the Kerem Shalom crossing from Egypt into Gaza (AP)

Humanitarian aid trucks are seen arriving in Rafah on Tuesday (AP)

A Palestinian child chases a humanitarian aid truck arriving in the Strip (AP)

UPDATE: One Palestinian reported killed in Israeli military raids in West Bank

Tuesday 21 January 2025 11:45 , Tara Cobham

Israeli security forces launched an operation in the volatile West Bank city of Jenin, killing at least one Palestinian, officials said on Tuesday.

The military said soldiers, police and intelligence services had begun a counter-terrorism action in the city, giving no further details.

Prior to the Israeli action, Palestinian security forces had been conducting a weeks-long operation to reassert control in the city and the adjacent refugee camp, a major centre of armed militant groups in the occupied West Bank.

Palestinian health services said at least one Palestinian was killed and four wounded as the Israeli raid began in Jenin, where an Israeli air strike last week in the refugee camp killed at least three Palestinians and wounded scores more.

The move into Jenin, where the Israeli army has carried out multiple raids and large-scale incursions over recent years, comes only days after the start of a ceasefire in Gaza and underscores the threat of more violence in the West Bank.

Late on Monday, bands of Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians, smashing cars and burning property, just as newly installed US President Donald Trump announced he was lifting sanctions on violent settlers.

The attack near the village of al-Funduq, in an area where three Israelis were killed in a shooting earlier this month, was the latest in a long sequence of incidents that have accelerated strongly since the start of the war in Gaza.

The military said it had opened an investigation into the incident, which it said involved dozens of Israeli civilians, some in masks.

Palestinians searching for bodies under rubble reportedly found 66 in Gaza yesterday

Tuesday 21 January 2025 11:25 , Tara Cobham

Palestinians searching for the thousands believed to be buried under rubble in Gaza found 66 bodies yesterday, according to Palestinian news agency Wafa.

They were found in the south and north of the Strip, it reported Palestinian medical sources as saying.

Palestinians stand near destroyed homes in the northern Gaza Strip (Reuters)

Two people reportedly shot in Gaza despite ceasefire deal

Tuesday 21 January 2025 11:00 , Tara Cobham

Two people have reportedly been shot in Gaza despite the ceasefire deal that is in place, according to Palestinian reports.

The civilians were injured in Israeli gunfire in two separate incidents on Tuesday, one in the sea of Gaza City and the other in the Sabra neighborhood, reported Palestinian news agency Wafa.

Israeli military begins operation in West Bank city of Jenin

Tuesday 21 January 2025 10:46 , Tara Cobham

Israeli security forces have begun an operation in the volatile West Bank city of Jenin, the military said on Tuesday, without providing further details.

Prior to the Israeli action, Palestinian security forces had been conducting a weeks-long operation to reassert control over the city, a major centre of armed militant groups.
 Loop Abroad

Veterinary medicine is an essential industry. There are billions of animals on the planet and all of them need proper attention, care, and treatment. When people think of veterinarians, though, they typically think about local vets who tend to household pets. But what about veterinarians and technicians who work with larger, more exotic animals?

Opportunities to work with large, wild animals are hard to come by for the aspiring vet. Fortunately, there are great organizations out there that link would-be veterinarians with global programs. Take Loop Abroad, for example. Its a student travel organization with the sole aim of providing the best hands-on study abroad programs for students pursuing a career in animal care. Since its founding in 2009, Loop Abroad has grown into a multinational effort, linking thousands of students with unique veterinary learning programs across the world.

Meet Jane Stine

Jane Stine is the co-founder and managing director of Loop Abroad. Loop Abroad

In some form or another, Loop Abroad co-founder Jane Stine has been involved in education. Originally from Massachusetts, Stine worked as Program Director for high school national leadership conferences around the US. From there, she earned a doctorate of law at Georgetown University, which led to a teaching career and the writing of the useful handbook The Everything Guide to Pre-Algebra.

The origin of Loop Abroad, however, came from a visit to Thailand with her husband Addam Stine in 2009. Their experience at the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, Thailand, inspired them to provide similar opportunities to enterprising students. We just thought that the work they were doing was amazing and that it would be a wonderful place to bring students who want to learn about animals, Stine shares with A-Z Animals.

Stine developed Loop Abroads first curriculum while earning her Master of Education from Harvard University. The first batch of high school students went to Thailand to learn about biology, different ecosystems, and animal science in general. Quickly, however, the organization realized the demand for veterinary medicine. Within the next couple of years, we realized that there really was a demand for veterinary-specific programs, Stine recalls. There were students who wanted to learn about it, but at the time, there really wasnt a lot of great options for them.

Stine called upon a high school friend and practicing veterinarian. Together, they formulated a two-week high school curriculum for their flagship program in Thailand. This proved a success and led to Loop Abroads steady expansion.

Loop Abroad

Students participating in Loop Abroad get experience with exotic wildlife as well as more common animals. Loop Abroad

When creating Loop Abroad, Stine and her husband had the express mission of providing the best hands-on study for students and making a positive impact on animal welfare and animal and marine conversation. Just as important is the development of the Loop Abroad model. Unlike other programs that offer trips to work with animals, Loop Abroad does not offer voluntourism. Its not really about going somewhere and saving the animals, Stine explains. Its about going there and learning what the people who live here, work here, and care for these animals are doing.

Loop Abroads guiding questions are:

Whats their expertise?

What can I learn from them?

How do they sustainably develop a way to care for those animals that has a positive impact?

This framework has allowed Loop Abroad to grow steadily. Students get an experience they cant get anywhere else. Organizations across the world that welcome these students into the fold receive dependable, consistent financial support. They know who is coming each year and what they can count on, Stine says.

Take the Elephant Nature Park in Thailand. The organization holds hundreds of elephants, thousands of cats and dogs, and a host of other animals like cows and water buffalo. Loop Abroads partnership with the park established a summer, pre-veterinary program. Students spend one week living at the park. There, they might learn how to do physical exams, help restrain animals for injections, or clean an abscess on an elephants foot. The interaction between students and larger, wild animals remains minimal to protect them. When students arent learning about elephants, they get more hands-on experience with domesticated animals and livestock. This allows aspiring veterinary students to get the best of both worlds.

Loop Abroad is not a program for those looking for cute encounters and Instagram-worthy photo opps. Its practical, hands-on experience for those seriously considering a career in veterinary medicine. Loop Abroad

The safety and respect of these animals, however, come first. This is not a program where were picking up baby monkeys and snuggling them or taking selfies, Stine explains. The care and safety of the animals we work with and the students we bring are very high priorities.

Academic Accreditation

Loop Abroad was founded with the mission of providing serious academic study for veterinary students, and it hasnt faltered. The locations of its programs might be exotic, but the learning that goes on is grounded in professionalism and expertise. Besides employing a number of veterinarians who are integral to developing curriculum, lessons, labs, and teaching plans, Loop Abroad offers accreditation for its spectrum of programs.

While it offers many programs, internships, and classes for middle and high school students as well as adults, most of Loop Abroads programs are for college undergraduates. Ranging between two and six weeks, these programs, once completed, provide students with credits for a college course through the University of Finley in Ohio. Much like conventional college, Loop Abroad students give presentations, take exams, and receive a final grade. If theyve chosen to get credit, they would get a transcript from the University of Finley, just like if they took the class on campus that summer, Stine says.

In its first summer, Loop Abroad hosted four students. Today, the program is global and serves thousands of students. Loop Abroad

The only difference is that Loop Abroad students earn college credit in exotic locales working with spectacular and rare animals. It may sound expensive, but actually, its quite accessible for most students. The trips for Loop Abroad programs are generally all-inclusive. The cost of a program is about the same as the cost of a three-credit course at a private university in the United States, Stine says.

To incentivize the various clinics, sanctuaries, rescues, rehabs, and zoos, Loop Abroad pays the organizations a fee. This allows the collaborating organizations to have a consistent amount of financial support and retain staff. As a result, Loop Abroad and its various partners create a positive feedback loop of students getting hands-on veterinary experience and organizations getting consistent support for their important work. The organization gets these wonderful students who are eager to learn to get some funding. The teaching veterinarians who come with us generally love this time with these students who are really passionate about what theyre learning, Stine says, adding, Its very rare that you find something great for everybody involved.

A Model of Success

Loop Abroads founding year featured a group of four students. Now, in its 16th year, the organization features programs in 11 different countries. Each year, Loop Abroad counts over a thousand enrollments for its various programs. The success of its mission has allowed Loop Abroad to provide over $1 million dollars in funding to different conservation clinics and research partners in this past year alone.

Even when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Loop Abroad survived the uncertainty by quickly pivoting to virtual options like live-streaming courses for students from programs in Thailand, Australia, and Belize. I think that was a time where we really saw that this is something special. By keeping funding alive and letting students have those experiences told us, Okay, theres not anything thats going to stop it,' Stine says.

This is not your average college class. Loop Abroad

How You Can Get Involved

For Stine, the future of Loop Abroad looks bright. Besides expanding course offerings and adding partnership programs in different countries, she expects to see a growing demand for health academic programs that combine human, animal, and environmental health.

For those interested in joining Loop Abroads programs or similar offerings but are worried about funding, Stine encourages people to look into scholarships like the U.S. Department of State-sponsored Gilman Scholarship. For U.S. Citizens, she also suggests the Pell Grant.

Either way, Stine and Loop Abroad are committed to providing rigorous but exciting study-abroad programs for veterinary medicine and animal conservation. Plus, the organization is responsive and happy to answer any questions. We encourage everyone who is planning to work in conservation or to practice veterinary medicine to seek out some time working or learning within another culture because it just expands your perspective and your understanding of how much your own sort of norms really are your own culture, Stine says.

Learn more at Loop Abroads website.

The post Loop Abroad Transforms Veterinary Education with Global Hands-On Programs appeared first on A-Z Animals.
Multiple fires raging across the Los Angeles area will cost insurers as much as $30 billion, Wells Fargo and Goldman Sachs estimated in a report released this week.

After accounting for non-insured damages, the total costs will balloon to $40 billion, the report said.

The ongoing fires, according to analysts, appear to already be the costliest wildfire event in California history.

The forecast would make the fires one of the 20 costliest natural disasters in U.S. history, when calculated as a share of the nations gross domestic product, analysts added.

MORE: LA fires live updates: How the Palisades Village managed to survive the firestorm

The wildfires have left a path of wreckage in their wake. More than 12,000 homes and other structures have burned down in the fire, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said.

At least 24 people have died and more than a dozen others remain unaccounted for as multiple wildfires, fueled by severe drought conditions and strong winds, continue to burn.

Thousands of firefighters are battling wildfires across 45 square miles of Los Angeles County. About 92,000 people remain under mandatory evacuation orders and another 89,000 are under evacuation warnings.

A rise in high-cost natural disasters has strained insurers and helped send home insurance premiums nationwide soaring, experts previously told ABC News. Plus, a recent bout of acute inflation has made homebuilding and repairs more expensive, they noted, exacerbating the cost crunch for insurers.

Industry unrest roiling the insurance market in California demonstrates the role climate change has played in skyrocketing premiums and struggling insurers, some experts said.

PHOTO: A worker surveys the damage from the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Jan. 13, 2025. (John Locher/AP)

The average home insurance price jumped a staggering 43% in California from January 2018 to December 2023, S&P Global found last year.

MORE: Debunking 5 claims about the California wildfires

Over recent years, many insurers have reduced coverage or stopped offering it altogether in California as wildfire risks have grown. With more frequent and intense wildfires, insurers face the prospect of more claims and higher costs.

While wildfires are a natural and necessary part of Earth's cycle, climate change and other more direct human influences have increased their likelihood. Climate change is making naturally occurring events more intense and more frequent, research shows.

Los Angeles residents and homes remain under threat from the wildfires.

A "particularly dangerous situation" with a red flag warning will go into effect in western Los Angeles County and most of Ventura County on Tuesday, weather officials said, with winds threatening to further fuel historic Southern California wildfires.

ABC News' Kevin Shalvey, David Brennan, Emily Shapiro, Meredith Deliso, Max Golembo, Matthew Glasser and Julia Jacobo contributed to this report.

Los Angeles fire losses could reach $30 billion for insurers originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Isaiah Trickey/FilmMagic; Daniele Venturelli/WireImage Lucy Liu in 2024; Bill Murray in 2019

Lucy Liu is reflecting on her confrontation with Bill Murray while filming Charlies Angels, 25 years after the movies release.

While on the set of the 2000 action-comedy, Liu allegedly had an uncomfortable moment with Murray, who started to hurl insults at her while they were filming a scene, using inexcusable and unacceptable language, she claimed to the Los Angeles Times in 2021. Even though she felt she probably had the least amount of privilege in terms of creatively participating, Liu said, she stuck up for herself.

In a new interview with The Guardian, published on Monday, Jan. 13, Liu, 56, said she has no regrets about the moment.

I really didnt think about it, the Kill Bill: Vol. 1 star told the outlet of her response to Murray, 74. I would have done that in any situation. I think when I sense something is not right, I am going to protect myself. Its an innate thing to do if you feel theres injustice, and I always feel that way.

Columbia/Kobal/Shutterstock Lucy Liu in 'Charlie's Angels'

Liu felt she couldnt stay quiet, telling The Guardian, If I was, it would have been a much easier road. But because Ive never been that person, we had to find a way.

After rumors about the on-set clash between Liu and Murray resurfaced on social media in 2021, Liu addressed the confrontation on the Los Angeles Times' Asian Enough podcast, acknowledging that some of the details were private.

As were doing the scene, Bill starts to sort of hurl insults, and I wont get into the specifics, but it kept going on and on, said Liu. I was, like, Wow, he seems like hes looking straight at me. I couldnt believe that [the comments] could be towards me, because what do I have to do with anything majorly important at that time? I literally do the look around my shoulder thing, like, 'Who is he talking to behind me?' I say, Im so sorry. Are you talking to me? And clearly he was, because then it started to become a one-on-one communication.

John Nacion/Variety via Getty Lucy Liu in November 2024

Some of the language was inexcusable and unacceptable, and I was not going to just sit there and take it," Liu continued in 2021. "So, yes, I stood up for myself, and I dont regret it. Because no matter how low on the totem pole you may be or wherever you came from, theres no need to condescend or to put other people down. And I would not stand down, and nor should I have.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

In the years since Liu came forward, Murray has faced several other allegations of inappropriate behavior on set. In October 2022, the actor settled with a female staffer from the set of Aziz Ansari's film Being Mortal after he allegedly kissed and straddled her, prompting Searchlight Pictures to halt production in April 2022.

"I did something I thought was funny, and it wasn't taken that way," Murray told CNBC in April 2022.

Also in October 2022, Seth Green told the hosts of the Good Mythical Morning podcast that  on the set of SNL when he was only 9 years old  Murray allegedly dangled him over a trashcan, holding him by the ankles and eventually dropping him into it. PEOPLE reached out to Murray's reps at the time and did not receive a response.

In an October 2022 interview with PEOPLE, Geena Davis alleged that Murray verbally berated her in front of the film crew while she waited for a wardrobe adjustment on the set of their 1990 comedy Quick Change. PEOPLE also reached out to Murray's reps when Davis made her allegations but did not receive a response.

"For publicity, I saw him after we made the movie, but other than that, I haven't seen him or spoken to him," Davis, who wrote about the incident in her memoir Dying of Politeness: A Memoir, said.

"I figure it's sort of rather universally known that he could be difficult to work with. And so I don't feel like I'm busting him in a way that will necessarily shock him. I think he knows very well the way he can behave."

A rep for Murray didn't immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.

Read the original article on People
pcess609/Istockphoto

Tiny plastic particles have been found throughout the human body, but researchers say theyre just starting to understand the impact.

When Jaime Ross, PhD, a neuroscientist and assistant professor at the University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy, decided to study how contaminating the drinking water of mice with tiny fragments of plastic might affect their cognitive function, she didnt expect the experiment to yield much.





But in just three weeks, Ross and her team found microplastics had made their way into the mices brains, passing the robust defenses of the blood-brain barrier. The researchers performed a variety of tests and found that the microplastic-exposed mice started exhibiting signs of cognitive decline similar to dementia.





I didnt really think we were going to see anything, Ross says. But when they examined the mices tissues, they were shocked. Every one we looked at we found the microplastics. It was surprising, especially finding them in the brain. Things are not supposed to go there!





The research findings from Ross team, published in August 2023, add to a slew of recent studies pointing to an alarming trend: microplastics are everywhere. Minuscule plastic particles that come from degraded plastic products are found throughout the environment. Scientists estimate there are 8-10 million metric tons of plastics in the oceans, and some of that is consumed by fish and other wildlife. Microplastics have been detected in fruits and vegetables, plastic water bottles, the air, cosmetics, and household dust. Now, researchers are finding them in almost every part of the human body, including in breast milk, the placenta, testicles, hearts, livers, and kidneys.





Despite these findings, experts say that little is known and understood about what impact these microplastics have on human health. A few studies have drawn associations between microplastics and poor health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease and low male fertility. And chemicals often found in plastics are known to cause a variety of health problems, including cancers, metabolic disorders, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and fertility issues.





But most of the studies raising alarm have been in labs or in animal models that dont give a complete picture of the effect on humans, says Mary Margaret Johnson, MD, PhD, a principal research scientist of environmental health at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston.





I do think there needs to be more funding devoted to researching how it really is impacting our organs and disease itself, she says.





What are microplastics?

Though plastics have become ubiquitous in modern life, they werent invented until the mid-1800s and werent produced on a large scale until the 1950s. Over the past century, technology to create a huge variety of malleable polymers (chains of large, repeating molecules) has evolved into the umbrella term plastics, which are often derived from petroleum and other fossil fuels, according to the Science History Institute in Philadelphia.





Plastics are used in most containers and packaging materials; in most of the fabrics that make clothing, bedding, carpeting, and towels; in the construction of buildings and motor vehicles; and in many of the materials used in health care settings to prevent the spread of infection, among many other uses.





The production of plastics worldwide has doubled in the last two decades, according to Our World in Data. Plastics versatility, durability, and low weight-to-strength ratio have made it an efficient material for many of lifes modern conveniences. However, by their nature, plastics can break down and degrade into smaller pieces. At the same time, scientists have found that plastic materials can exist for decades, if not longer, without completely disintegrating.





Scientists have studied the impact of plastic on the ecological environment for decades and have raised concerns about the health effects of some chemicals used in plastics. But its only within the last several years that researchers have discovered the extent to which microplastics (which range from 1 nanometer, 1/80,000 the width of a strand of hair, to 5 millimeters, the size of a pencil-top eraser) and nanoplastics (which are even smaller and invisible) have become embedded in the environment and in human bodies, explains Tracey Woodruff, PhD, MPH, a professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences and director of the Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine.





Woodruff, who has studied the effect of some chemicals found in plastics on human health, reproduction, and development for two decades, first started looking into microplastics in 2021. She and a group of scientists from across the University of California system reviewed hundreds of existing studies on microplastics and health and compiled a report for state lawmakers to consider during policymaking. Though mostly based on animal studies, Woodruff and her colleagues concluded that there was evidence that microplastics could harm fertility and increase cancer risk in humans.





Governments have not really fully figured out what theyre going to do about this, Woodruff says. There have been some efforts to ban the use of plastic microbeads in cosmetics, but not much beyond that, she adds.









Red flags for human health

While there havent yet been any definitive studies showing that microplastics cause health problems in humans, researchers have identified several red flags that call for further investigation.





In Ross research in mice, for example, the scientists used plastic particles that were clean, meaning that they did not have any of the known toxic chemicals found in many plastics and they were also free of bacteria and viruses that microplastics can pick up from environmental exposure. And yet, with the mere presence of the microplastics, the mice began to experience negative effects. This could be because the immune system recognizes the presence of a foreign invader and triggers inflammation, which can have a negative effect on a range of organs.





We just wanted to see the effect of plastic itself, but thats not what is really in the environment, Ross says. Plastics in the environment are not this way; theyre not pristine.





Ross work has raised even more questions about microplastics in the body.





Were trying to understand: How are they getting into the brain? What do they do? Where do they go? Do they get out? she says.





Sheela Sathyanarayana, MD, MPH, a professor in the University of Washington Department of Pediatrics and the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, worries that the harm from microplastics in the body could be compounded by what are known as endocrine disrupting chemicals that are found in many plastics.





Bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are just a few of the chemicals known to imitate hormones and disrupt the bodys natural endocrine system, which is responsible for making the hormones that govern processes such as growth and development, metabolism, appetite, mood, and certain aspects of reproduction





Sathyanarayana has focused her research on studying the impact of exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals on reproduction and has found that they can have a profound impact, especially during fetal development.





Thats when organ development is happening; thats when programming for later life happens, Sathyanarayana says. Whatever happens during pregnancy will affect your later life and health for the whole continuum.





She gave the example of research that found some women who experience famine while pregnant later have babies who experience obesity, likely because of the effect their mothers starvation has on the development of the babies metabolism.





Fetal exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals has been associated with abnormal development of reproductive organs in male babies, with increased risk of metabolic disorders in childhood, and may be associated with the child developing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Some of these chemicals have also been linked to lower sperm quality in men.





Woodruff also raises the concern that rising rates of younger people diagnosed with colon cancer and other cancers related to the gastrointestinal tract could be linked to ingested plastics and other chemicals.





I always recommend to people, try to reduce your plastic exposure as much as possible, Sathyanarayana says.





Reducing plastic in the world and at home

Because plastics are in almost every part of modern life, its extremely difficult to eliminate exposures, Sathyanarayana acknowledges, but she has found ways to reduce her own.





She carries a stainless-steel water bottle and avoids plastic water bottles. She doesnt microwave food in plastic containers and only uses glass, wood, or metal kitchen items, including mixing bowls, spoons, cutting boards, and food storage containers.





In her home, Sathyanarayana also takes her shoes off to avoid tracking in dust from the outside and uses a HEPA filter to capture particles from the air.





The Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment at UCSF offers additional tips to help minimize exposure to toxic chemicals, like those sometimes found in microplastics.





But Sathyanarayana admits there are some things that are tough to relinquish. For example, though most of her clothes are made of non-plastic cotton and wool, some of her clothes are made of plastic fibers, like the spandex, polyester, and nylon in her activewear.

The reality is we cant avoid plastics, she says. No one can.





Thats why the bulk of the responsibility for reducing microplastics exposure is on governments and manufacturers, Woodruff says. For example, regulatory bodies could require washing machines to include filters that catch microplastics coming from clothing. Or even better, clothing manufacturers could use less plastic, she says.





But theres still a lot of research and discussion that needs to happen to help policymakers understand the best way forward, Ross says.

I dont want to demonize plastics; theyre quite important, Ross says, adding that they have been lifesaving in health care settings. But do we really need our vegetables wrapped in plastic at the grocery store? Lets have a conversation about what we really need plastic for.





Bridget Balch, Staff Writer

Bridget Balch is a staff writer for AAMCNews whose areas of focus include medical research, health equity, and patient care.





This article originally appeared on Aamc.org and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org

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3 Winter Sleep Problems & How to Fix Them




The Israel Defense Forces continues its intense airstrike and ground campaigns in Gaza, particularly in the north of the strip. A latest round of peace talks to end the 15-month-old war has resumed in Qatar, with high-level delegations traveling to Doha.

Meanwhile, the November ceasefire in Lebanon is holding despite ongoing Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah targets, which Israeli officials say are responses to ceasefire violations by the Iranian-backed militant group. Israeli forces also remain active inside the Syrian border region as victorious rebels there build a transitional government.

Tensions remain high between Israel and Iran after tit-for-tat long-range strikes in recent months and threats of further military action from both sides. The IDF and the Yemeni Houthis also continue to exchange attacks.





Latest Developments





Jan 14, 6:44 AM

Qatar expecting ceasefire deal 'soon'

Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesperson said at a Tuesday briefing that participants in the ongoing Gaza ceasefire talks in Doha are close to a ceasefire deal.

PHOTO: A statue of a mother embracing a child is seen under a tree with photos of hostages kidnapped during Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack, in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Jan. 14, 2025. (Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters)

"We expect the agreement to be announced soon," the spokesperson said during the press conference.



Qatar is a key mediator between Israel and Hamas and has hosted several rounds of ceasefire talks in the capital Doha.



-ABC News' Nasser Atta





Jan 14, 6:26 AM

61 Palestinians killed in Gaza as ceasefire talks continue

The Gaza Ministry of Health said Tuesday that Israel Defense Forces strikes killed at least 61 Palestinians in the previous 24 hours and injured 281 more in the Hamas-run territory.

PHOTO: Palestinians carry the body of a relative killed in the Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip at Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir Al-Balah, on Jan. 14, 2025. (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP)

The total number of Palestinians killed since the war broke out on Oct. 7, 2023, is now 46,645 with 110,012 people injured, according to the ministry.



-ABC News' Somayeh Malekian





Jan 14, 6:19 AM

Hamas says Gaza talks are in 'final stages'

Hamas said in a statement Tuesday that ceasefire, prisoner and hostage release talks with Israel are in their "final stages," adding it hopes "that this round of negotiations will end with a clear and comprehensive agreement."

PHOTO: Men walk with bicycles through debris near the site of Israeli bombardment on a residential block in Jalaa Street in Gaza City on Jan. 14, 2025. (Omar Al-qattaa/AFP via Getty Images)

In a statement posted to the group's website, Hamas said it held meetings and consultations with leaders of other Palestinian factions regarding the progress made in ongoing negotiations in Doha, Qatar.



"During these contacts, the leaders of the forces and factions expressed their satisfaction with the course of the negotiations, stressing the need for general national preparation for the next stage and its requirements," Hamas said.



-ABC News' Nasser Atta





Jan 14, 6:12 AM

Israel hoping for ceasefire announcement 'soon,' official says

An Israeli government official told ABC News on Tuesday morning they "hope we can announce something soon" regarding a potential ceasefire in Gaza.

PHOTO: A boy pulls a cart loaded with salvaged items from the site of Israeli bombardment on a residential block in Jalaa Street in Gaza City on Jan. 14, 2025. (Omar Al-qattaa/AFP via Getty Images)

The official said there had been "real progress" on every part of the negotiation in the last few days.



The official added that Hamas has changed and they are no longer "dictating" the terms, but are negotiating. "We are close, but not there yet," they said.



-ABC News' Jordana Miller





Jan 13, 8:41 PM

Sirens sound in central Israel after projectile launched from Yemen: IDF

A projectile was fired from Yemen towards Israel, the IDF said in a release early Tuesday morning local time.



Sirens were sounded in a number of areas in central Israel, the IDF said.



Forces added that "several" attempts were made to intercept the missile, but the IDF did not say that it was.





Jan 13, 2:16 PM

Latest on hostages in ceasefire deal

Thirty-three hostages, living and dead, are expected to be freed in the first phase of the ceasefire deal, according to a person with direct knowledge of the ongoing negotiations.



There are 94 abductees remaining in Gaza, including 34 who have been confirmed dead, according to Israeli officials.



-ABC News' Jordana Miller





Jan 13, 5:18 AM

'Real chance' of ceasefire success, source says

A source close to the ongoing Gaza ceasefire talks in Qatar told ABC News that Israel is waiting for Hamas to approve moving into a final "closing round of negotiations," adding there is a "real chance" for a "breakthrough" after a diplomatic blitz in Doha this weekend.

PHOTO: A boy looks into cemetery where families displaced by conflict are taking shelter in Deir el-Balah in the central Gaza Strip on Jan. 12, 2025. (Eyad Baba/AFP via Getty Images)

"We still have ahead of us a closing round of negotiations," the source added



Reuters reported Monday that mediators in Qatar handed both Israel and Hamas a final draft of the ceasefire proposal, citing an official briefed on the negotiations.



Reuters reported that the official said a breakthrough was reached after talks between Steve Witkoff -- President-elect Donald Trump's Middle East envoy -- the Qatari prime minister and Israeli spy chiefs.



Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, meanwhile, said Monday "there is progress," and that the situation "looks much better than previously."



"I don't want to say more than that because I realize there are families and they are sensitive to every word, and every sentence," Saar added. "I hope that within a short time we will see things happening, but it is still to be proved."



-ABC News' Jordana Miller and Guy Davies





Jan 13, 5:17 AM

Far-right minister says potential Gaza ceasefire deal represents 'catastrophe'

Israel's far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said he will not support the potential Gaza ceasefire deal currently being negotiated in Qatar, describing it as "a catastrophe for the national security of Israel."

PHOTO: This picture taken from the Israeli side of the border with the Gaza Strip shows smoke plumes rising from explosions above destroyed buildings in the northern Gaza Strip on Jan. 13, 2025. (Menahem Kahana/AFP via Getty Images)

"We will not be part of a surrender deal that would include releasing arch terrorists, stopping the war and destroying its achievements that were bought with much blood and abandoning many hostages," Smotrich wrote in a post to X on Monday.



"Now is the time to continue with all our might, to occupy and cleanse the entire strip, to finally take control of humanitarian aid from Hamas and to open the gates of hell on Gaza until Hamas surrenders completely and all the hostages are returned."



-ABC News' Dana Savir





Jan 13, 3:19 AM

Netanyahu spoke with Biden on ceasefire and hostage deal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said he spoke with President Joe Biden on Sunday about progress in negotiating a ceasefire and hostage deal.



A senior White House administration official confirmed the call to ABC News.



PHOTO: This combination of pictures created on Jan. 12, 2025 shows President Joe Biden in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 3, 2025 and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Dec. 9, 2024. (Chris Kleponismaya Alleruzzo/AFP/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)



"The Prime Minister discussed with the US President the progress in negotiations for the release of our hostages, and updated him on the mandate he gave to the negotiating delegation to Doha, in order to promote the release of our hostages," Netanyahu's office wrote in a release about the call.



According to the White House, Biden and Netanyahu "discussed the fundamentally changed regional circumstances following the ceasefire deal in Lebanon, the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, and the weakening of Irans power in the region."



The call comes as Brett McGurk, the White House Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa, is in the Middle East for negotiations. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan told CNN's "State of the Union" on Sunday that McGurk is there to hammer out the "final details" of an agreement.



-ABC News' Jordana Miller and Michelle Stoddart





Jan 13, 3:13 AM

100 days of Israel's north Gaza assault

Sunday marked 100 days since the Israel Defense Forces launched its military operation in northern Gaza, with the toll of dead and missing Palestinians now at 5,000 people, according to a report published by the Gaza media office in the Hamas-run territory.

PHOTO: Smoke billows following an Israeli airstrike on Beit Hanoun in the Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel, on Jan. 12, 2025. (Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters)

Some 9,500 more people have been injured and 2,600 have been detained including women and children, the report said.



Israel continues striking targets across the strip. Over the last 24 hours, IDF attacks killed 24 Palestinians, according to data published by the Palestinian Health Ministry.



The report added that 46,565 Palestinians have been killed by Israel throughout Gaza since the war began in October 2023, with another 109,660 people injured.



Israeli attacks in the north of Gaza have targeted civilian infrastructures and hospitals, which combined with a siege of the area have worsened a humanitarian crisis there.



Calling for an end to the war, the Gaza media office report urged the international community -- including the UN -- to take immediate action to stop the assault and address the humanitarian crisis in the strip.



Israeli strikes on Gaza continued as Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dispatched senior negotiators to Qatar for ceasefire, prisoner and hostage release talks attended by President-elect Donald Trump's incoming Middle East adviser, Steven Witkoff, and President Joe Biden's outgoing adviser, Brett McGurk.



-ABC News' Samy Zyara and Jordana Miller

Click here to read the rest of the blog.
MINNEAPOLIS  Anyone who knows someone in need of physical support, whether it's due to age or disability, understands the challenge of getting professional help for tasks like bathing.

Currently, there's a personal care attendant shortage, but a Minneapolis woman with a knack for pampering people is stepping in.

Haneefah King is on a mission to help clean skin, but her helping goes deep and wide.

King owns Glo Skin Space in Crystal. As an esthetician by trade and a giver by nature, she lives by this statement: "Look every day, someone needs help."

According to King, there are often people who use wheelchairs or seniors, and she is driven to help.

"I would say it really comes from not being able to help my grandparents, them being in a different state as they aged, and just not being able to care for them the way I wish I could really fuels me to do what I do," said King.

Helen Donald is one of the people she helps.

"I thought I had strep throat and it was cancer," said Donald.

After being diagnosed with throat and neck cancer, Donald conquered 45 days in the hospital and dozens of chemo and radiation rounds. Donald says the journey is still humbling.

"I required a lot of help with bathing. It's really important," said Donald. "I have family, but you don't want family seeing you at your lowest. At least I didn't."

In between facials, and with approval from the Minnesota Department of Health, King is going to homes to help bathe people who need assistance.

It's because of King's help that Donald says she's glowing once more.

"I feel like a million dollars. I might be 18 again," said Donald. "I love it, I love it."

King's services are being well received.

"She came in with her gentle hands and rub down, and it didn't bother her. It was more of I am here to help you. I want you to get back on the level where you was, I am like wow," said Donald.

King says she saw a need.

"A lot of times the skin is caked up on their bodies. I know what taking care of it will do, like people not being turned over properly, you get bed sores and things like that. I think just having someone come in and exfoliate the skin is a good thing to do," said King.

She's been flooded with requests, and hopes to hire more people in hopes of keeping more people clean and stable.

"A lot of people don't want to live in assisted living. They want to remain in their own homes as much as they can, so this helps them stay independent," said King.

Whether it's a relaxing bath or a toxin detox, Donald is regaining her health and her dignity thanks to a mission that cleans the skin and refreshes the soul.

"It's like a newborn baby," said Donald.

King wants to expand her mobile bathing service by adding more staff. If you'd like to share her mission of helping, you can reach her at Go Skin Space.

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Feature: China, Ethiopia consolidate relations amid Chinese New Year celebration

Xinhua) 11:07, January 14, 2025

ADDIS ABABA, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Alem Sileshi was among the thousands attending a grand event Sunday, marking the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Ethiopia and the celebration of the upcoming Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.

The grand event, held at Friendship Park -- constructed by a Chinese contractor -- featured a wide array of activities, including a charity bazaar, Chinese cultural performances, traditional Chinese cuisine, and free medical services.

The Spring Festival will fall on Jan. 29 this year, ushering in the Year of the Snake, according to the Chinese lunar calendar.

Married to a Chinese man for 17 years in Bishoftu, a town about 45 km east of Addis Ababa, Sileshi has embraced both Chinese and Ethiopian traditions. She spoke warmly of her life, which includes preparing and enjoying traditional Chinese dishes.

"My sister and many women in our neighborhood have also married Chinese nationals," she said, highlighting how such relationships exemplify the growing people-to-people and cross-cultural ties between the two nations.

"There are varieties of traditional Chinese dishes at this event such as stinky tofu, fried rice, and dumplings. We tasted and found them all very delicious," said Sileshi, who drew similarities between Chinese and Ethiopian foods.

Her three children, bearing both Chinese and Ethiopian names, embody a cultural bridge between the two nations. They speak Chinese, English, and local languages fluently and enjoy traditional dishes from both countries, Sileshi said.

"My husband enjoys eating Doro Wat, a spicy Ethiopian chicken stew, while my children and I like eating Chinese foods including dumplings and fried noodles," said the Ethiopian mother, noting that her family celebrates both Chinese and Ethiopian holidays, dressing in the respective traditional attire of each culture.

Munir Mohammed, another visitor to the charity bazaar, praised the event for its noble cause -- supporting Ethiopian children with intellectual disabilities.

"I have bought some commodities at their discount prices. I have enjoyed the bazaar which promotes China-Ethiopia friendship and their cultural exchanges," Mohammed said.

The charity bazaar saw participation from 61 Chinese and local companies, with proceeds going to the Deborah Foundation, a non-profit organization supporting people with intellectual disabilities in Ethiopia, according to the event's organizers.

According to the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the relationship between China and Ethiopia has evolved since the landmark visit of Emperor Haile Selassie to Beijing in 1971. Over the past five decades, their ties have been strengthened through the principles of equality, non-interference, and mutual benefit.

Speaking at the event, Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia Chen Hai said the Spring Festival, which recently was inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List, is an important platform for sharing Chinese culture with the world.

"We have prepared a wide array of cultural experiences and foods with Chinese flavor so as to enable everyone to feel the rich charm of Chinese culture," Chen said at the event, which was organized by the Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in Ethiopia.

The ambassador stressed the need to take the 55th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between China and Ethiopia as a new starting point to implement the outcome of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit held in Beijing last year and work together toward modernization.

Recalling that China and Ethiopia had elevated their bilateral ties to an all-weather strategic partnership, Ethiopia's State Minister of Foreign Affairs Mesganu Arga highlighted the deep-rooted friendship between China and Ethiopia, which he described as grounded in shared values and historical parallels.

"Beyond economy, our partnership thrives on deep cultural ties. Through artistic collaborations, joint initiatives, and people-to-people exchanges, we have cultivated mutual understanding and solidarity, enriching the lives of our citizens and strengthening our shared bond," Arga noted.

He said Chinese investment has fostered industrialization and technological advancement in Ethiopia, citing the Eastern Industrial Zone and the Adama Wind Farm in the country's Oromia region as "shining" examples.

Arga also highlighted the thousands of Ethiopian students and professionals who have benefited from Chinese scholarships and training programs, emphasizing the importance of fostering lifelong connections between the people of China and Ethiopia to enrich human capital in both nations.

The state minister invited Chinese investors to explore key sectors in Ethiopia, including agriculture, manufacturing, mining, tourism, and the digital economy, to help achieve the country's vision of sustainable development and economic modernization.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.

Credit: Getty Images

Aquariums in the United States are full of life, color, and beauty. But the best aquariums don't just put some of the world's rarest, most intriguing, and majestical water-loving creatures within touching distance. The top-rated aquariums go one step further and help educate, conduct research into our oceans, and help rehabilitate injured animals, too.

For example, many aquariums we've listed in our guide are non-profit organizations that focus on conservation and research. While others run community outreach programs designed to inspire and educate on how to protect the planet's largest ecosystem for today, tomorrow, and beyond.

Maybe you already marvel at the many different types of saltwater fish you keep at home in one of the best fish tanks . Or perhaps you're the proud parent of one or more reptiles you can keep as pets . If you (or the kids) love our friends from the watery world, you'll want to dive into the many magical must-see aquariums the US has to offer  as there's so much to see, learn, and explore.

32 must-see aquariums in the United States

1. New England Aquarium, Massachusetts

Credit: Getty Images

From African Penguins to California Sea Lions, there are thousands of under-the-water animals to marvel at in this nonprofit research and conservation organization.

The only problem youll have is deciding what aquatic animals you want to see first. Will it be the African Penguins? The green sea turtles? Or the Giant Pacific Octopus?

2. Oregon Coast Aquarium, Oregon

Credit: Getty Images

For more than three decades, this Oregon-based non-profit has been a health advocate for marine wildlife.

Along with having ambassador animals (which help educate the public on their wild counterparts through amphitheater talks and presentations), a nature play area, and exhibits, there is a range of birds, fish, and marine mammals, like sea otters, that call this Oregon-based aquarium home.

3. Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, Florida

Credit: Getty Images

There is so much to see and learn at this Florida-based laboratory and aquarium. To start, you can see a whole host of magical marine creatures up close and personal, thanks to its 135,000-gallon shark habitat where seahorses, sea jellies, otters, and sea turtles thrive.

Then, once youre done admiring the underwater world behind glass, you can learn from scientists, educators, and stewards all about the challenges the coral reef is facing at the Motes Coral Research Exhibit. Or gain a better understanding of the local marine environment at the Motes Marine Science Education & Outreach Center.

4. Alaska SeaLife Centre, Alaska

Credit: Getty Images

Located in Seward, theres a range of marine animals, birds, fish, and invertebrates to become acquainted with at Alaska SeaLife Centre. For example, there are sea lions, ringed seals, spotted seals and tufted puffins, coho salmon, spot prawns (the largest shrimp in Alaska), and moon jellies.

Plus, if youre keen to explore further, you can buy additional tickets for close-up encounters like the Marine Mammal Encounter, the Octopus Encounter, the Puffin Encounter, and the Animal Care Sneak Peek  as the center is known for conducting research and animal rescue.

5. SeaWorld San Diego, California

Credit: Getty Images

From rides that take their inspiration from the underwater world to seasonal events, SeaWorld San Diego isnt just your average theme park.

Located just off Mission Bay, you can learn about conservation efforts worldwide in Explorers Reef before seeing lots of majestic marine life in HD at Dolphin Point, Turtle Reef, and Shark Encounter. In the latter exhibit, youll be able to walk through a 57-foot underwater tunnel to spot sharks swimming to their hearts content. So it's a dream for most animal lovers .

6. Mystic Aquarium, Connecticut

Credit: Getty Images

Want to see Beluga Whales? Keen to spot African Penguins? Plan on making 2025 the year you see California Sea Lions? If you answered yes to all of the above then Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut is the place to be.

You can be within touching distance of sharks, rays, and invertebrates and take a seat while you immerse yourself in VR experiences. The aquariums Ocean Solutions gallery is a must-visit too, because youll learn how to protect our oceans today, tomorrow, and beyond.

7. Birch Aquarium at Scripps, San Diego

Credit: Getty Images

Say hello to the worlds smallest penguins at Birch Aquarium at Scripps Beyster Family Little Blue Penguins exhibit. This inspirational installment allows you to see the remarkable journey penguins take from hatchlings to adults. It's too cute for words.

While the Seadragons & Seahorses exhibit will leave you loving these aquatic animals a whole load more as youll be able to marvel at weedy seadragons, different species of seahorses, pipefish, shrimpfish, and more!

8. Texas State Aquarium, Texas

Credit: Getty Images

From exhibits and exclusive encounters to presentations, educational programs, and immersive experiences, it would probably be quicker to list all the things you cant do at this Texas-based non-profit.

Go for the day and spot reef sharks by looking through a 68-foot-long acrylic window to get a clear view of a massive Spanish galleon shipwreck. Get one step closer to dolphins at Dolphin Bay and if youre curious about baby seahorses or jellyfish, the Aquatic Nursery will take you on a tour of these magical creatures at different life stages.

9. The Maui Ocean Centre, Hawaii

Credit: Getty Images

The aquatic world is your oyster at Hawaiis Maui Ocean Centre. If a cage-free dive with sharks, hundreds of fish, and stingrays sounds like your kinda thing, or taking an immersive yoga class while surrounded by the underwater world is where you find your solace, this one-of-a-kind animal attraction is the destination to go.

For example, the sites Turtle Lagoon exhibit mimics the sea creatures natural surroundings,and the Open Ocean exhibit holds 18,000 gallons of saltwater and plays host to more than 50 species of fish, including various sharks and rays. The Living Reef exhibit is a showcase of live Pacific corals. It's pure magic!

10. The Dallas World Aquarium, Texas

Credit: Getty Images

If youre based in Texas, this wildlife wonder is well worth a look in  and we dont say this lightly. Why?

Well, first up the aquarium has its own rainforest thats built over three floors, so you can spot sleepy sloths, birds taking flight and Saki monkeys getting up to no good. Secondly, the aquarium also has its own cenote, where you can view lizards, snakes, and stingrays along with hummingbirds and pelicans.

And thirdly? If you need another excuse to visit, once you head outdoors, you can see the South Africa exhibit which plays home to panther chameleons, geckos and tomato frogs.

11. Newport Aquarium, Kentucky

Credit: Getty Images

If youre looking for an underwater world, where you can spot playful penguins, rare white alligators, and stingrays, look no further than Newport Aquarium.

Opened in 1999, this animal attraction has the worlds first suspended rope Shark Bridge, where you can walk above a tank of sharks (if you dare). Another stand-out point? It also plays home to Hatching Harbor where you can surround yourself in a 25-foot-long habitat where youll spot baby animals growing every day. How cute!

12. Seattle Aquarium, Washington

Credit: Getty Images

You essentially get to explore three worlds of watery wonder for the price of one at The Seattle Aquarium. One ticket will get you access to the campus trio of exhibits including Pier 59 which has octopus, jellies, and touch pools, Pier 60 which has penguins, sea otters, and birds and the new Ocean Pavillion which houses the Coral Reef, Discovery Lab, and One Ocean Hall.

13. Sea Life Orlando, Florida

Credit: Getty Images

Who wouldnt want to visit the worlds largest family of aquariums? From axolotls and sting rays to turtles and sharks, there is a jam-packed schedule of animals to see here in Florida.

You can take behind-the-scenes tours, get up close and personal with reptiles at the Turtle Experience, and attend talks to widen your knowledge and feedings. Other not-to-be-missed highlights include a 360-degree Ocean Tunnel, a Jelly Wall, and a Coastal Rockpool.

14. New York Aquarium, Brooklyn

Credit: Getty Images

No trip to Coney Island would be complete without a visit to the New York Aquarium. There are more than 8,000 animals and 500 species to discover at this Brooklyn-based must-see including southern sea otters which have just arrived, a zebra shark, northern seahorses, and African Penguins.

Throughout April to October, you can spend some time with sea lions, penguins, and more at the sites Wild Encounter offering. While the Aquatheater lets you watch sea lions in all their glory.

15. Aquarium of the Bay, California

Credit: Getty Images

Located at Pier 39, there are more than 24,000 marine animals to revel in at Californias Aquarium of the Bay, including sharks, rays, and octopuses.

You can also take a closer look at these beautiful creatures going about their day thanks to the range of walk-through tunnel exhibits and touch pools. While the virtual science lessons about marine wildlife and conservation mean you can broaden your under-the-water knowledge at the same time, too.

16. Monterey Bay Aquarium, California

Credit: Getty Images

The whole idea behind this Bay-based aquarium in California is that you can get a divers eye view of the underwater world  and without having to get wet.

Dive Into The Deep, which is one of the latest exhibitions to open up at the aquarium and youll get to spot transparent jellies glowing, colorful crabs crawling, and fanged fish drifting along. Elsewhere, you can lose yourself in the magical world of African Penguins, sea otters, and sharks and enjoy live feedings and shows.

17. National Aquarium, Maryland

Credit: Getty Images

Based in Maryland? Then youll want to make a trip to The National Aquarium which was formerly known as The Baltimore Aquarium.

From American Bullfrogs to Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins, the tourist hot spot has a living collection of more than 20,000 animals. Back in 2008, The Australia: Wild Extremes exhibit scooped the crown for the Best Exhibit award from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums  and you can still marvel at this award-winning display today.

You should also make time to see the rooftop rainforest, the aquariums re-creation of an Indo-Pacific reef, and the multi-story shark tank.

18. Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies, Tennessee

Credit: Getty Images

Open 365 days of the year, aquatic animal fans can enjoy the magic of our oceans all year round at Ripleys Aquarium of the Smokies. And thankfully, there are bundles of animals to see so every time you go youll spot something different.

Highlights include giant sea turtles, 12-foot sharks, and penguins galore. There are also underwater tunnels, which put jellyfish and stingrays within touching distance, and you can make a trip across Shark Lagoon on a glass bottom boat.

19. Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta

Credit: Getty Images

Introducing the biggest aquarium in the USA. Containing a massive 6.3 million gallons of water, this humungous aquarium is home to whale sharks (the largest fish species in the ocean), the American alligator, manta rays, blue-spotted stingray, and the adorable orange, and loads of colorful tropical fish like the much-loved clown fish.

If youre feeling like you want to get closer to the animal action, you can also dive with gentle giants, make ever-lasting memories at the Penguin Encounter and reserve a seat at a sea lion presentation.

20. Tennessee Aquarium, Tennessee

Credit: Getty Images

Home to more than 12,000 animals, Tennessee Aquarium is located on the Tennessee River in downtown Chattanooga and it has one aim: to connect humans with nature in a bid to empower them to make more informed decisions about water and wildlife.

You can learn all about Gentoo penguins, spot giant sea turtles and watch amphibians like the blue poison dart frog go about their business. If you intend to do even more looking, the aquarium has even got an IMAX on site, which means you can watch movies every animal lover should see , like T. Rex and Animal Kingdom on repeat!

21. Aquarium of the Pacific, California

Credit: Getty Images

Youre spoilt for choice when it comes to aquariums in California. But the Aquarium of the Pacific is well worth visiting if youre in the Long Beach area  and for a multitude of reasons.

We say this because it includes more than 100 exhibits spanning 19 major habitats. So you can spend your day (or days!) reveling at the Shark Lagoon, feast your eyes on the Penguin Habitat, and discover the pure magic the underwater world has to offer at the Tropical Pacific Gallery, where you can spot more than a 1,000 colorful fish.

22. Shedd Aquarium, Illinois

Credit: Getty Images

Ready to experience what life looks like underwater? Then look no further than Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, which is overflowing with aquatic habitats.

You can explore the site's Wild Reef exhibit which will leave you in awe of the colorful coral reef and the many sharks, mandarin dragonets, and spotted rays that call this place home.

While the Polar Play Zone is an underwater viewing area where you can see otters dive, dolphins splash and penguins drift through the water.

23. The Florida Aquarium, Florida

Credit: Getty Images

Located in downtown Tampa, this 250,000 sq.ft aquarium will enable you to dive into another world from tree level to sea level.

Travel through the Wetlands of Florida exhibit where youll spot river otters, roseate spoonbills, and white ibises then take a Journey to Madagascar to feast your eyes on Tomato Frogs and ring-tailed Lemurs and move on to Stingray Beach where you can touch the slippery wing tip of a cownose ray.

Other highlights include the Coral Reef exhibit, which, with over 500,000 gallons of water, is the aquariums largest habitat. Check out the No Bone Zone, where you can admire sea stars, anemones, sea cucumbers, and more.

24. Audubon Aquarium, Louisiana

Credit: Getty Images

A watery world of awe awaits in New Orleans thanks to the Audubon Aquarium which not only plays host to an underwater kingdom but an insectarium and zoo, too.

So, whether you (or the kids) are keen on spotting leopards, youre eager to see butterflies or they really have their heart set on watching penguins swim, dive, feed, and waddle  you can do it all at this Louisiana-based spot.

25. OdySea Aquarium, Arizona

Credit: Getty Images

Hailed as the largest aquarium in Arizona, OdySea is not to be missed. Gape at paddlefish, spot tropical birds, and watch stingrays go about their day as they float through the water.

While you are here, those aged eight and above come face-to-face with African Penguins at the Penguin Encounter, meet Squidney, the aquariums beloved two-toed sloth, and don an OdySea Aquarium wetsuit and SeaTrek helmet to take a swim on the wild side underwater with fish, sting rays and even a shark!

26. The Adventure Aquarium, New Jersey

Credit: Getty Images

As its name suggests, adventure is at the heart of this aquarium in New Jersey. From up-close and personal animal encounters like snorkeling with sharks and rays or carefully tong-feeding sea turtles, The Adventure Aquarium is best known for having the worlds longest V-shaped Shark Bridge, along with the states longest Shark Tunnel.

Sharks aside, this aquarium is home to hippos, green and loggerhead sea turtles, two species of warm-weather penguin, a Giant Pacific Octopus, and moon jellyfish.

27. Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Nebraska

Credit: Getty Images

Animal lovers will adore whiling away their days at Omahas Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Nebraska as theres something for everyone.

Thrillseekers will love the rides, like the aerial tram that will take you from the Butterfly and Insect Pavilion to the sea lion viewing exhibit. While those keen to get stuck in will love being able to marvel at aquatic creatures at Sting Ray Beach.

Theres also an Alaskan Adventure, which is a splash ground with unique water features and you can feed giraffes their favorite food at Giraffe Encounter.

28. Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Ohio

Credit: Getty Images

Having been open for just under 100 years, you can see pretty much all that the amazing animal kingdom has to offer at this Ohio-based zoo and aquarium.

You might come to discover the animals that call the different bodies of water their home, like the majestical Florida Manatee, the nocturnal zebra sharks or the fascinating Humboldt Penguins, but youll end up staying (or coming back) for the giraffes, and polar bears and vervet monkeys.

29. Shark Reef Aquarium, Nevada

Credit: Getty Images

Taking a trip to the Las Vegas strip? Then armchair aquarists will want to immerse themselves in the world at Shark Reef Aquarium which has more than 2,000 animals to look at. This includes sea turtles, a rare golden crocodile, piranhas, and a 1.3 million-gallon shark exhibit.

You can also explore the South Pacific virtually thanks to the sites on-screen marine biologist who will take you on an immersive journey to spot humpback whales, tiger sharks and great hammerheads in the Bahamas.

30. Ripleys Aquarium of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Credit: Getty Images

Housing an 80,000 sq foot aquarium, the Myrtle Beach attraction was the global brands first-ever venture into the wonderful world of water, and today, its Ripleys second biggest aquarium in America.

If you take a visit, youll be mesmerized by Ornate Cowfish, Potbelly Seahorses, and American Lobsters at the Ocean Wonders exhibit. The sites Tropical Rainforest will enable you to come face-to-face with amphibians, like axolotls , and some of the best reptile pets , like iguanas.

31. Miami Seaquarium, Florida

Credit: Getty Images

Founded in 1955, this 38-acre oceanarium is one of the oldest to exist in the USA.

Located on the island of Virginia Key, this bigger-than-average aquarium mimics an ocean environment which means it has the space to home to larger aquatic creatures, like whales, orcas, and dolphins.

In addition to the rescue and rehabilitation efforts, the oceanarium is known and loved for its education and outreach programs, along with its once-in-a-lifetime experiences, like being able to dip with dolphins or take a swim with a seal.

32. EPCOT's SeaBase Aquarium

Credit: Getty Images

If you prefer to mix your aquariums with amusement parks, then big kids and little ones will want to venture to this theme park at the Walt Disney World Resort in Bay Lake, Florida.

Along with boarding a clam mobile in the hopes of spotting Nemo and his friends, you can surround yourself with marine life at the on-site SeaBase Aquarium, which is one of the largest man-made ocean environments on the planet. From sea turtles, reef fish, rays, and sharks  there are bundles to see.
LAPD officers keep the public and media out of an area under investigation after the Palisades fire. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

Prosecutors charged nine people with looting Monday in areas wrecked by the devastating Palisades and Eaton fires, and accused another man of intentionally setting a blaze in an Azusa park during last week's firestorm.

One trio of men is accused of stealing $200,000 worth of valuables from a home in Mandeville Canyon early Thursday, while another group is accused of stealing personal property, including an Emmy award, from an Altadena home during the Eaton Fire, according to L.A. County Dist. Atty. Nathan Hochman.

Let me be clear: If you exploit this tragedy to prey on victims of these deadly fires, we will find you and we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law," Hochman said.

The charges filed Monday involved three separate alleged looting incidents in the Pacific Palisades and Altadena, where fires have burned a combined 35,000 acres and destroyed more than 12,000 structures. At least 25 people have died, but that number is expected to rise.

Read more:Weather service issues its most severe fire warning for parts of L.A. area as winds pick up

In one case, authorities said a Ring camera captured several men moving through a residence on Mandeville Canyon Road, a street lined with multimillion dollar homes that sits at the entrance to a popular hiking trail. Two of them  Matrell Peoples, 22, and Damari Bell, 21  were charged with looting and residential burglary after they were arrested the next day near a Koreatown apartment, according to Hochman, who said police recovered some of the stolen property at their residence.

A third suspect, 27-year-old Travon Coleman, fled during the attempted arrest and allegedly caused a car crash that injured a bystander, said Hochman. Coleman is charged with committing a hit-and-run. Both he and Peoples could face life sentences under California's three-strikes law, as they each have two prior violent felony convictions.

Six others  Rudy Salazar, 19, Lucia Jilrara Perez, 36, Roy Sims, 18, Ryan Sims, 19, Naquan Dewey Reddix, 22, and Pierie Obannon, 19  were charged with residential burglary in thefts from several Altadena homes in the Eaton fire area last week, Hochman said.

Do not go ahead and engage in looting, engage in internet scams, engage in price gouging, do not violate evacuation orders," Hochman said Monday. "Do not commit any of these crimes in which people are trying to profit from the tragedy.

Authorities also displayed video of a fallen tree set aflame in Azusa's Pioneer Park, just two miles from the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains. Though the blaze was not connected to any of the wildfires that have devastated L.A. County, Police Chief Rocky Wenrick said the fire could have easily spread in last week's dangerous wind event.

Jose Gerardo Escobar, 39, has been charged with three counts of arson, Hochman said. Authorities did not say what, if any, motive there was behind the fire.

The Azusa incident marks the second alleged arson incident since the deadly wave of fires hit the Los Angeles area. Last week, Ventura County authorities named 33-year-old Juan Sierra as a "person of interest" in the Kenneth fire, which burned nearly 1,000 acres near the L.A.-Ventura County line and threatened homes in Calabasas.

Read more:Ventura County officials identify 'person of interest' in Kenneth fire

Sierra was arrested after residents saw him attempting to start a fire in a West Hills neighborhood on Thursday afternoon, according to a law enforcement document obtained by The Times. As of Monday afternoon, a case had yet to be presented to Ventura County prosecutors, according to a district attorney's office spokesman.

Officials have not determined a cause in any of the recent fires, but the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives' National Response Team is investigating.

Under California law, a person is guilty of looting when they commit a burglary in an area that is either subject to a state of emergency or evacuation order due to a natural disaster or riot. With the Los Angeles police and sheriff's departments reporting nearly 60 combined arrests for looting and curfew violations as of Monday, the number of prosecutions is expected to increase in coming days. L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna also said he expects more burglaries to be reported in fire zones as people are allowed back into damaged areas.

Alan Hamilton, the LAPD's chief of detectives, said several people were arrested over the weekend for posing as firefighters while attempting to enter an evacuation zone. The men were "conspiring to conduct illegal activity including looting in the area" of the Palisades fire, according to Hamilton, who said he expects charges to be presented to the district attorney's office soon.

Residents and law enforcement leaders have been on high alert about potential looters since the fires began. On Thursday, Luna and Supervisor Kathryn Barger pointed to looting arrests in the wreckage of the Palisades and Eaton fires as one reason to summon 400 members of the National Guard to L.A. County.

A curfew order has also been put in place in parts of Santa Monica, Pacific Palisades and Altadena, giving law enforcement the power to arrest anyone in the restricted areas on sight.

Residents in the fire zones have seemed more and more on edge.

In Kenter Canyon in Brentwood on Saturday, several evacuated homes had signs posted noting that the property was monitored by both surveillance cameras and private security to discourage potential thieves. LAPD cruisers and private security trucks were prevalent in the neighborhood as most other vehicles drove down from the hills.

In Santa Monica, police have chased at least 150 people from evacuation zones adjacent to the Palisades in the last week and recorded 42 arrests, according to Lt. Erika Aklufi.

Ten of those arrests were for burglary and six were for possessing burglary tools, she said. The remaining arrests were for other violations, including curfew, drug possession, driving violations, outstanding warrants, parole and probation violations. None of those arrested were from Santa Monica, she said.

We cannot allow people to prey on the devastation that has already happened," L.A. County Supervisor Lindsay Horvath said. "No one should take advantage of residents who have been forced to flee for their safety.

Times staff writer Clara Harter contributed to this report.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
By Sriparna Roy, Ananya Mariam Rajesh

(Reuters) -The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday proposed that food companies display nutrition labels on the front of the packages, in its latest push under the outgoing Biden administration to help consumers make healthier choices.

The agency's nutrition priorities are part of a government-wide effort to fight the country's chronic disease crisis, including health problems such as diabetes and heart illnesses.

If finalized, the proposal would give consumers readily visible information on the front about a food's saturated fat, sodium and added sugars  the three nutrients directly linked with chronic diseases when consumed in excess  with details that interpret these contents as "low", "med" or "high".

The World Health Organization in its draft guidelines in October had said packaged food and drinks should have easy-to-read nutritional information on the front of the products.

Countries such as Australia, Belgium, Chile, France and Italy have already made front-of-package labeling either mandatory or voluntary for companies.

"Nearly everyone knows or cares for someone with a chronic disease that is due, in part, to the food we eat. It is time we make it easier for consumers to glance, grab and go," said FDA Commissioner Robert Califf.

The proposed rule, if finalized, would likely impact companies from PepsiCo to Kraft Heinz and Hershey. The companies did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment.

"Big food companies won't be jazzed for this proposal but it's about time they be held accountable for honest marketing and improving the U.S. food supply," said Eva Greenthal, senior policy scientist at the Center for Science in the Public Interest.

Food manufacturers will need to add a "nutrition info box" to most products three years after the final rule's effective date for businesses with $10 million or more in annual food sales and four years after the effective date for businesses with less than $10 million in sales.

"It is also possible that manufacturers may reformulate products to be lower in saturated fat, sodium and added sugars, making them healthier," Rebecca Buckner, an FDA executive, said on a media call.

The FDA's move comes more than a month after Califf was grilled by a Senate committee led by U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders in addressing the country's obesity epidemic and the agency's regulation of the food and beverage industry.

The proposed FDA rule fails to adequately warn the American people of the dangers of consuming these unhealthy products, Sanders said in a statement.

He also added that he will be re-introducing legislation to require the food and beverage industry to put strong warning labels on their products, which will also ban junk food ads targeted at kids.

The hearing was on the heels of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's selection of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been critical of packaged foods, to lead the Department of Health and Human Services.

(Reporting by Sriparna Roy and Ananya Mariam Rajesh in Bengaluru, Jessica DiNapoli in New York; Editing by Shilpi Majumdar and Alan Barona)
The author and her husband moved from New Mexico to Iquitos, Peru. Courtesy of the author

After two years of being married, my Peruvian husband wanted to move back home.

I love adventures and adapt easily; I wold all my belongings in New Mexico and followed him.

Now, I live part-time in Peru and part-time in Las Vegas.

Moving to a new country is a life-changing experience, and my decision to relocate to Peru for my Peruvian husband was no exception.

After only two years of marriage living in the US, my husband wanted to move back to Peru and asked me to come with him. I found myself at a crossroads, faced with the choice between maintaining my familiar life in the US and embarking on a new adventure in a culturally rich and vibrant country.

As a retired US citizen with federal government and military service pensions, I thought I would adapt easily. As a seasoned travel writer and photographer, I was used to traveling and embracing cultural learning and diversity worldwide. I was ready for a change.

Ultimately, my love for my husband and desire to embrace a fresh chapter in life led me to choose Peru. I admit that my love for adventure made it easy for me to embrace this chapter.

My husband wasn't happy in the US

One of the most compelling reasons behind my decision to move was my partner's profound discontent with various aspects of life in the United States.

Understanding his struggles and uneasiness in the US made me realize that my decision to join him in Peru could provide the emotional support he needed to feel less alienated and more connected. This shared understanding of each other's different backgrounds and experiences was fundamental to my relocation choice.

I had to embrace a new culture

One of the most profound lessons I learned while moving to Peru is the importance of embracing cultural differences. Peru, a country steeped in rich history and diverse landscapes, offers an array of experiences that range from the lush Amazon rainforest to the majestic Andes mountains. The vibrant cultural tapestry, lively festivals, and fresh cuisine drew me in from the beginning.

Together, we explored ancient sites such as Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley, experiences that deepened my appreciation for Peru's rich history and stunning beauty.

The author moved to the Peruvian Amazon with her husband. Courtesy of the author

Cultural differences can be both exciting and challenging. However, embracing these differences enriches our lives and strengthens our relationships, creating a bond rooted in mutual respect and understanding.

Some things were hard to adapt for

Looking back, I wish I had conducted more extensive research on both the culture and the practicalities of life in Peru. Although I had a basic understanding of the country, I underestimated the importance of grasping cultural nuances, including climatic differences, communication styles, and social customs.

For example, I wasn't quite prepared to go from dry heat at altitude to the humid tropics at sea level. My four-season wardrobe included extreme weather gear associated with my wildlife photography. Few of my clothes, save for my safari outfits, were suitable for the rainforest.

Moving to another country involves a fair amount of paperwork and legal considerations. From visas to residency permits, navigating the bureaucratic landscape can be overwhelming. Though I did research in advance, everything seemed different once I was in Peru. I can't emphasize enough how important having a team of professionals to help you while in Peru is.

Applying for a "Rentista Visa" was stressful, expensive, and exhausting. I chose this route as my immigration status was not tied to my marriage but rather to my ability to support myself.

Additionally, healthcare is very different in Peru, and I left good insurance with Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Tricare behind in the states.

The US healthcare system offers cutting-edge medical technology and specialists, while Peru offers free or low-cost healthcare in theory. In practice and my experience, there is a lack of trained medical professionals, resulting in inadequate care for those who need it most. We live in the jungle gateway city of Iquitos. If you need any specialization, almost always, you must fly to Lima, about 1  hours.

Nowadays, I split my time between Iquitos, Peru and Las Vegas, as I eventually found it necessary to have a US presence for medical reasons. And sometimes, I just need to live in a country where you don't have to put your soiled toilet paper in a trash can because the decrepit sewer system can't process paper waste.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Gov. Gavin Newsom, center, with President Biden and Sen. Alex Padilla at a fire briefing in Santa Monicay. (Christina House/Los Angeles Times)

Gov. Gavin Newsom asked legislative leaders Monday to approve at least $2.5 billion in response to the wildfires that have ravaged Los Angeles County  a move that expands the focus of the special session in the California Capitol beyond strictly fighting President-elect Donald Trump.

The aid request comes as Democrats at the Capitol find themselves under mounting pressure to spend less time waging a national political battle against Trump as unprecedented blazes have left at least 25 dead and a trail of destruction in their own state.

Newsom issued a proclamation that broadens the scope of the special session and calls for the Legislature to approve $1 billion for emergency response, cleanup and recovery in Los Angeles County, which the state hopes to recover through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The plan, if approved by lawmakers, would also make $1.5 billion available in state funds to prepare for the threat of firestorms, windstorms and other natural disasters in addition to federal disaster money. Another yet-to-be-determined sum would support rebuilding and repairing schools.

"California is organizing a Marshall Plan to help Los Angeles rebuild faster and stronger  including billions in new and accelerated state funding so we can move faster to deliver for the thousands whove lost their homes and livelihoods in these firestorms," Newsom said in a statement.

Read more:The L.A. fire victims: Who they were

The governor originally called the special session less than two days after the presidential election, asking lawmakers to increase legal funding for the state Department of Justice in anticipation of the return of court battles between California and federal government over the environment, healthcare and other policy areas that played out during the president-elects first term.

The quick announcement immediately brought back the California-versus-Trump narrative that placed the Golden State at the forefront of the Democratic resistance to the White House and boosted Newsom's national profile. But the L.A. County wildfires have created a scenario in which state leaders will need to immediately work with their Republican foe for the benefit of Californians from his first day in office.

Biden declared a major disaster to support immediate response efforts and pledged the federal government's full support, but Trump will be in charge for the duration of the cleanup and recovery phase.

Newsom sent a letter to Trump on Friday inviting the incoming leader to California to meet with fire victims, survey the devastation in Los Angeles County and join him in thanking first responders. Trump, who blamed Newsom for the wildfires, has not responded, though his campaign donor and confidant Elon Musk appeared in Pacific Palisades on Sunday and promised to provide free Wi-Fi using Tesla Cybertrucks.

In a brief interview on the tarmac at Los Angeles International Airport after he greeted firefighters sent from Mexico, Newsom said Saturday that he "absolutely" does not regret calling the special session and that he would be "remiss not to prepare for" for an assault on California values.

Read more:Every wildfire currently burning in California

"We were involved in 122 lawsuits with the Trump administration, not just during my tenure, with the Brown tenure," Newsom said. "In 2018 before I got here, he tried to withhold disaster assistance from the people of California in Orange County. He did the same in Utah. He did the same thing in Georgia. Did the same thing in Puerto Rico. This is Donald Trump. Peak Trump."

But even as the governor stood his ground about his choice, the expansion of the special session reflects a recognition of the need to change the messaging from Sacramento as Republicans hammer the party in charge. Lawmakers canceled a special session hearing on Tuesday as many legislators remained in their Los Angeles districts in light of the fires.

Earlier Monday, state Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) said he would amend legislation to increase legal funding under the special session to $50 million from $25 million to fight Trump, with the increase going toward supporting immigrants fighting deportation. The plan drew backlash before it was even formally unveiled.

At a time when California should be laser focused on responding to the devastating wildfires in LA, Democrat lawmakers priority is creating a $50 million slush fund to hire government lawyers for hypothetical fights against the federal government and to defend criminal illegal immigrants from being returned to their home countries, Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher (R-Yuba City) said on X. "The disconnect between what Californians need and what Democrats are focused on is astounding."

Read more:What sparked the Palisades fire? A beloved hiking trail may hold the grim answers

A total of $10 million would go toward grants for legal aid groups helping vulnerable persons at risk of detention, deportation, eviction, wage theft, intimate partner violence, and other actions that put their safety at risk, as a result of potential or actual federal actions, according to the amended legislation.

Another $10 million would fund organizations that provide immigration-related services, including removal defense. And $5 million would supplement the existing California Access to Justice Commissions grants to nonprofit legal service providers. The commission supports indigent communities, including immigrants.

The funding talk comes amid Trumps promises to carry out mass deportations after he takes office. But even ahead of his inauguration, Border Patrol agents arrested dozens of immigrants in Bakersfield last week and said they plan to scale up the operation to Fresno and Sacramento.

Read more:'Particularly dangerous weather warning for L.A. fires are in effect, gusts of up to 72 mph reported

Advocates said the funding is urgently necessary.

The raids targeting farmworkers this week, which included racial profiling and the random arrest of individuals in public, offer a chilling preview of what is to come, said Lisa Knox, co-executive director of the California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice. This special session should be a foretaste of the bold action that Californias leaders must take to protect our communities civil rights and ensure our economy is not derailed by shortsighted and divisive federal policies.

In a statement, Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire (D-Healdsburg) called the governor's request for disaster funding "a down payment that will kickstart the clean-up of neighborhoods and start the process of rebuilding lives." He pledged to work quickly with Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas (D-Hollister) and Newsom to get people the funding they desperately need.

Ive seen the devastation firsthand in Altadena, Malibu and the Palisades," Rivas said in a statement. "People have lost homes, livelihoods and a sense of security. They are scared and angry, and we must act fast to expedite resources for clean-up and recovery. Our Assembly members in L.A. are listening to their residents and will bring feedback to the discussion as we consider the Governors proposal."

Luna reported from Sacramento and Castillo from Washington, D.C. Times staff writer Julia Wick in Los Angeles contributed to this report.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
By Anne Kauranen

HELSINKI (Reuters) - Crew on board an oil tanker accused of sabotaging undersea power and communications cables in the Baltic Sea were poised to cut other cables and pipelines when Finnish authorities boarded the vessel last month, the head of the Finnish investigation said.

Baltic Sea nations are on high alert after a string of power cable, telecom link and gas pipeline outages since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Leaders of the NATO member states around the Baltic Sea are set to meet in Helsinki on Tuesday to discuss the alliance's response to the threat.

On Dec. 26, Finnish authorities seized oil tanker Eagle S carrying Russian oil. They said they suspected the vessel had damaged the Finnish-Estonian Estlink 2 power line and four telecoms cables by dragging its anchor across the seabed for more than 100 km (60 miles).

The head of the investigation, Risto Lohi of the National Bureau of Investigation, told Reuters the vessel was threatening to cut a second power cable, Estlink1, and the BalticConnector gas pipe between Finland and Estonia at the time it was seized.

"There would have been an almost immediate danger that other cables or pipes related to our critical underwater infrastructure could have been damaged," he said.

Lohi said a ninth crew member from the ship had been added to a list of those being treated as suspects and barred from travelling. Finland announced earlier this month that eight of the 24 crew members were being barred from travel. The captain of the ship is Georgian and the crew are citizens of India and Georgia.

"We have heard and interrogated the crew, and at the moment we have nine crew members as suspects. They are under travel bans related to this to secure the investigation," Lohi said.

"Naturally, our priority are the individuals whose tasks or responsibilities include the navigation of the ship and the operations related to the anchors."

In another incident, Finland and other Baltic Sea nations suspect a Chinese bulk carrier, Yi Peng 3, of dragging its anchor to breach two undersea fibre-optic communications cables in November.

Sweden's Civil Defence Minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin said on Sunday said that authorities had determined the Chinese ship had also threatened to cut a power cable connecting the Baltic states and the Nordic countries.

"We can today report that it has been determined that there are traces of an anchor, probably from Yi Peng 3, also in connection with NordBalt-cable, that is, the connection between Sweden and Lithuania. This obviously illustrates the seriousness of the situation we find ourselves in," he told reporters.

(Reporting by Anne Kauranen and Essi Lehto in Helsinki; Additional reporting by Johan Ahlander in Stockholm; Editing by Peter Graff)
A Thai man accused of killing a former Cambodian opposition lawmaker in Bangkok said he committed the crime to repay someone who helped him during a tough period in his life, police told AFP.

Ekkalak Paenoi confessed to the crime Saturday in a livestream video after being charged with premeditated murder and unauthorized gun ownership. On Monday, a Thai court approved 12 days of detention for Ekkalak.

Lim Kimya, a former lawmaker for the dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), was gunned down on Tuesday by a motorcyclist as he arrived in Bangkok by bus from Cambodia with his French wife.

Cambodian opposition figures have accused the country's powerful former leader Hun Sen of ordering the shooting, although a government spokesman has denied official involvement.

Ekkalak  who Thai media have said was a former marine  was arrested in Cambodia on Wednesday, before being extradited to Thailand on Saturday.

Ekalak Paenoi (White Cap), A Thai gunman who was a suspect in the murder case of a former Cambodian MP Lim Kimya, arrives at the Royal Thai Police Aviation Division in Bangkok after extradited from Cambodia to Thailand. Lim Kimya, 74, was shot dead in Bangkok on January 7,2025. / Credit: Peerapon Boonyakiat/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

"The shooter said he took this job to pay a debt of gratitude to someone who had helped him during a tough period after he was sacked from the navy," said Attaporn Wongsiripreeda, a senior police official in Bangkok.

Some Thai media reports said he was paid 60,000 baht ($1,700), but Attaporn told a local broadcaster that Ekkalak claimed he did not receive payment.

Attaporn refused to elaborate when asked by AFP.

Another senior police official said Saturday that an arrest warrant for a Cambodian accomplice had also been issued.

Scores of Cambodian opposition activists have fled to Thailand in recent years to avoid alleged repression at home. Some were arrested and deported back to the country.

Hun Sen ruled Cambodia with an iron fist for nearly four decades, with rights groups accusing him of using the legal system to crush opposition to his rule.

He stepped down and handed power to his son Hun Manet in 2023, but is still seen as a major power in the kingdom.

On Tuesday, Hun Sen called for a new law to label anyone who attempts to topple Hun Manet's government as "terrorists."

The Cambodia National Rescue Party said in a statement it was "deeply shocked and appalled by the brutal and inhumane assassination" and urged Thai authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The Cambodia National Rescue Party had been expected to present a strong challenge to the ruling Cambodian People's Party of ex-Prime Minister Hun Sen in the 2018 general election. But as part of a sweeping crackdown on opposition before the poll, the high court dissolved the party, and the ruling party subsequently won every seat in the National Assembly.

Recent posts on Lim Kimya's Facebook page were critical of the government, including how it had spent state money unnecessarily on events that did not benefit the Cambodian people.

Under Hun Sen, who held power for almost four decades, Cambodia was widely criticized for human rights abuses that included the suppression of freedom of speech and association. He was succeeded in August 2023 by his American-educated son, Hun Manet, but there have been few signs of political liberalization.

Phil Robertson, director of the Asia Human Rights and Labour Advocates, said the shooting "has all the hallmarks of a political assassination, and looks to be a significant escalation in the use of transnational repression in Bangkok" to intimidate opposition of the ruling government.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden on Sunday met virtually with his counterparts from Japan and the Philippines to advance cooperation among the three countries, the White House said.

The three leaders discussed trilateral maritime security and economic cooperation, and China's "dangerous and unlawful behavior in the South China Sea," it said in a statement.

"The three leaders agreed on the importance of continued coordination to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific."

Biden spoke with Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. late on Sunday, a week before Biden leaves office and hands power to President-elect Donald Trump on Jan. 20.

Manila said the three countries, which met for a trilateral summit in Washington in April, agreed to further strengthen their ties in the face of growing tensions in regional waters.

The South China Sea, a conduit for more than $3 trillion of annual ship-borne commerce, has been plagued by rising tensions for years. China claims almost the entire South China Sea despite a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration found Beijing's sweeping claims had no legal basis.

The U.S. has increased its security engagements with the Philippines under Marcos, securing expanded access to Philippine bases.

The White House statement made no mention of any discussion about Nippon Steel's planned acquisition of U.S. Steel, which Biden blocked on Jan. 3 citing national security concerns.

Japan's foreign ministry said Ishiba asked Biden to allay concerns in the Japanese and U.S. business communities over the decision, noting that cooperation among allies and like-minded countries was indispensable for establishing resilient supply chains.

The White House had no immediate comment on the reported discussion.

(Reporting by Andrea Shalal; Editing by Christian Schmollinger)
One of Pope Francis lasting reforms will be his reshaping of the papacy to embrace simplicity and humility, as seen in his decisions to live in a Vatican guesthouse and carry his own briefcase onto the papal plane.

With the release of a new autobiography Tuesday, titled Hope, Francis underlines this shift with a remarkable openness about his past mistakes and wrongdoings. They include as a young man getting into a fight with a fellow student who even lost his senses after hitting his head when thrown to the ground, and insisting that he still commits errors and sins today.

For a pope, who Catholic theology holds is infallible when teaching on faith and morals, it is even more striking.

I feel I have a reputation I do not deserve, a public esteem of which I am not worthy, writes Francis, who was recently awarded the highest civilian honor in the United States by President Joe Biden. This, beyond doubt, is my strongest sentiment.

While the memoir covers major events in the Francis papacy, including the revelation that he faced two assassination attempts during his 2021 visit to Iraq, it does not offer many new details about the scandals and controversies hes had to address during his pontificate and the significant opposition hes encountered from some church quarters.

Pope Francis, surrounded by the shells of destroyed churches, leads a prayer for the victims of war at Hosh al-Bieaa Church Square, in Mosul, Iraq, once the de-facto capital of ISIS, on March 7, 2021. - Andrew Medichini/AP

On the Catholic Churchs sexual abuse scandal, the pope says he has felt called to take responsibility for all the evil committed by certain priests. Francis explained that as he began his pontificate in 2013, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI gave him a large white box filled with documents relating to the most difficult and painful situations: cases of abuse, corruption, dark dealings, wrongdoings. The pope recalls that when he was handed the box, his predecessor said everything is in here and that now its your turn to deal with the problems.

The 88-year-old pontiff also uses the memoir to address the crises facing todays world. Describing himself as having always been politically restless, he repeatedly condemns the evils of war, while linking the rise of populism today to that of the 1930s and Hitlers Germany. (Francis was born in 1936 and recalls his grandmother standing up to Mussolinis black shirts.)

Young people, he writes, need to know how a distorted populism is born and grows, recalling the German federal elections of 193233 and Adolf Hitler, the ex-infantryman obsessed by the defeat of World War I and about racial purity, who had promised the growth of Germany in the wake of a government that had failed.

The plight of refugees, for whom Francis has been a tireless advocate, is also personal. His paternal grandparents and father had planned to sail in 1927 on the Principessa Mafalda from Italy to Argentina, which sank with the loss of many lives, but ended up making a later crossing. It has made Francis sensitive to the dangers faced by todays migrants, and he criticizes those countries which produce weapons but then refuse and turn away the refugees who have been generated by those weapons and by those conflicts.

Pope Francis meets migrants at the Moria detention center on April 16, 2016 in Mytilene, Lesbos, Greece. - Andrea Bonetti/Greek Prime Minister's Office/Getty Images

Francis earthy humility can be traced back to his upbringing. In the memoir, the first Latin American pontiff recalls growing up in the Flores barrio in Buenos Aires, depicting a joyful, varied and close-knit community with people from different faiths but a place where he also saw the darker and more difficult side of existence, such as the prison world and prostitution.

Later, as a bishop in the Argentine capital, he ministered to prostitutes and recalls how he gave the last rites to one sex worker from his childhood neighbourhood, La Porota, saying that even now, I dont forget to pray for her on the day of her death. Francis awareness of human struggles, and his own failings, has made him insist time and again on the importance of Gods mercy. And throughout his pontificate, he has made efforts to welcome LGBTQ+ people, re-iterating in his memoir that God loves them (gay people) as they are and describing a group of transgender women who met him in the Vatican as daughters of God!

The new autobiography underlines that Francis remains a pope who has a voice that can connect with people beyond the institution of the Catholic Church. The memoir was written over six years in collaboration with Carlo Musso, from Italian publisher Mondadori, and is being released in major languages in over 80 countries.

It follows the publication of another Francis memoir, Life, last year. Hope was originally due to be published after the pontiffs death but its release has been brought forward to coincide with the Catholic Churchs jubilee year.

As for the future, the pope says he has not considered resigning, even though it is a possibility, and he addresses some of his health difficulties in recent years. Francis says that he is currently in good health and has physiotherapy twice a week, but the reality is, quite simply, that I am old. He never expected to be elected pope, he says, but since that moment has revealed a determination to remain grounded.

He explains how he shunned the papal apartments in the isolated Vaticans apostolic palace for the Casa Santa Marta guesthouse because he cannot live without people around me and insists on the importance of keeping a sense of humor. That is also evident in the memoir  for instance, when the pope explains how he was told to wear white trousers, rather than black, to go under his new white papal cassock.

They made me laugh. I dont want to be an ice cream seller, I said. And I kept my own, the pope writes.

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Catherine, the Princess of Wales, said Tuesday her cancer is in remission, about 10 months after announcing her diagnosis. Princess Kate made the announcement on social media after visiting the London hospital where she received treatment.

"It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focussed on recovery," she said in her post on Instagram after visiting the Royal Marsden Hospital in London. "As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal."

The princess had announced last March that cancer was discovered following an abdominal surgery and she was undergoing preventative chemotherapy.

In September, she said she had finished chemotherapy. She spoke about receiving the cancer treatment during her visit Tuesday. "It's really tough,'' she said, according to the Associated Press. "It's such a shock."

Kate spoke with patient Katherine Field about the chemotherapy port that's used to deliver the treatment, saying, "I got so attached to it," and joking that she was almost reluctant to have it removed, according to the AP.

Catherine, Princess of Wales, talks with Katherine Field as she visits The Royal Marsden hospital on Jan. 14, 2025, in London. / Credit: Chris Jackson/Pool via Reuters

On social media Tuesday, Kate said she visited the hospital to thank the staff "for looking after me so well during the past year."

"My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything," she said, referring to her husband, the Prince of Wales. "We couldn't have asked for more. The care and advice we have received throughout my time as a patient has been exceptional."

Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales, waves following a visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in west London on Jan. 14, 2025. / Credit: Chris Jackson/Pool/AFP via Getty Images

Kensington Palace also announced that she and William have become patrons of the hospital.

"My hope is, that by supporting groundbreaking research and clinical excellence, as well as promoting patient and family wellbeing, we might save many more lives, and transform the experience of all those impacted by cancer," Kate said on social media.

Since 2007, William has held the role of the hospital's president. His mother, Princess Diana, also held that position, according to the palace. The hospital is known as a world-leading cancer center with three sites in London.

Kate spoke with other patients as well as doctors and nurses during Tuesday's visit, according to Britain's Press Association news agency.

"The body is amazing at telling us 'you need to take time out,'" she said after learning about a man's diagnosis.

Catherine, Princess of Wales, visits The Royal Marsden hospital on Jan. 14, 2025, in London. / Credit: Chris Jackson/Pool via Reuters

She also talked about receiving her cancer diagnosis, according to the news agency.

"It's the uncertainty of that initial diagnosis," she said. "It's such a wealth of information. Understanding the diagnosis, it's a massive amount of information to take on as a patient. Having that continuity, in the clinical setting and outside in the home setting, is so important."

Close call between passenger jets over Phoenix airport

Warren releases intense questions for Hegseth confirmation hearing

Princess Catherine says cancer is in remission
Gov. Greg Abbott comments on the potential increase of illegal immigration from Venezuela during a press conference at the DPS Southeast Texas Regional Headquarters in Houston. Kirk Sides/Staff photographer

It did not take long on the first day of the Legislatures session for Gov. Greg Abbott to resume hostilities against the states largest city.

Just under 5 minutes into a speech kicking off the 140-day session, Abbott pointed to Houston as an example where people are not following the laws and need to be reined in.

The reality is there is a failure across this state to follow the constitutional laws of the United States and of this state, Abbott said.

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Then he referenced state Sens. Joan Huffman and Paul Bettencourt, both Houston Republicans, and told the crowd they are from a city where murderers are being let out on bail to commit other murders.

We have a problem with judges not adhering to the law, Abbott said. It is going to be up to us in the Senate and the House and me working with you to make sure we do something about that so we stop criminals from killing other innocent people in our state.

Action Bail Bonds is photographed at night Wednesday, June 30, 2021, in downtown Houston. Defendants usually pay bail bonds companies 10 percent of their surety bond amount to get out of jail. Yi-Chin Lee, Houston Chronicle / Staff photographer

The shot  Abbott didnt single out any other cities  was unexpected for Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee, a Democrat and the chief civil lawyer for the county, who was in the audience in Austin as Abbott spoke. He said he was there mostly to try to show his willingness to work collaboratively with Republicans and Democrats in Austin and avoid some of the animosity that has dominated the relationship with the state over the last few years.

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It was disheartening to hear the governor take a warning shot at Harris County like that, Menefee said. But Im going to keep trying to partner with people.

Over the years, Abbott and the Texas Legislature have taken aim at Houston and Harris County over a host of issues, including election laws, taxes, the response to COVID-19, bail reform and even trying to ban them from regulating businesses like tow truck companies and music festivals.

Already this year, the Legislature has threatened to pass more laws to stop Harris from pursuing a guaranteed income program to help the poor like they did last year, which has been blocked by the courts after a lawsuit from Attorney General Ken Paxton.

For Abbott, a former judge and a Republican, bail reform has long been an unfulfilled priority in the Texas Legislature. For years, hes pushed for the Legislature to pass laws to end what he's called easy bail policies in places like Houston.

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We must shut and lock that revolving door by passing laws that keep dangerous criminals behind bars, Abbott said in 2023 at the start of the last regular session of the Legislature imploring them to pass tougher laws on the issue.
Denise Bradley / Newsquest / SWNS From left: Francis Woolf, Quin Jianoran and Felix Rehberg of Lupa Pizza in England with a Hawaiian

A pizza restaurant in England is letting customers know exactly where they stand when it comes to the pizza-on-pineapple debate.

Lupa Pizza in Norfolk is charging 100 ($122) for their Hawaiian pizza in hopes of encouraging customers to make better choices when it comes to their pizza after not being fans of the controversial dish.

We're not fans of pineapple over here and we dont think that anyone else should be either, Francis Woolf, owner and chief fruit consultant at the restaurant, tells PEOPLE.

However, if people do desperately need pineapple on their pizza  then they should be prepared to pay 100 for it, he says.

Lupa Pizza opened in June and sells the rest of its pizzas for $12$20, per the U.K. newspaper The Times.



Denise Bradley / Newsquest / SWNS Chef Quin Jianoran

Related: Is Pineapple Acceptable on Pizza? Justin Bieber, Paris Hilton and More Celebs Weigh In

Their pricey Hawaiian pizza is listed on the food delivery app Deliveroo, with customers able to get 20% off on Thursdays as stated on the restaurants Instagram  offering some sort of silver lining for fans of the topping.

The caption for the pizza on the app reads, Yeah, for 100 you can have it. Order the champagne too! Go on you Monster! The dish was added to the restaurant order list following several requests, per The Times.

Its obviously a contentious issue, Woolf tells PEOPLE of the pineapple-on-pizza debate. Everyones very polarized on the matter, but obviously [our restaurant] is taking it quite seriously.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.



Related: Americans Really Love Pepperoni on Pizza  But Hate Anchovies, According to Toppings Survey

And the decision to raise the price point for their pineapple pizza has clearly worked, as Woolf says nobody has forked out 100 yet for the order.

We think that pineapple is not a viable pizza topping and it shouldnt be on there, says Woolf. Tropical fruits dont belong on pizzas and I suppose we wanted to make our stance clear by charging 100 for it.

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

Despite the restaurants strong opinion against the dish, Woolf shares that he and his employees still love pineapple  in other formats of consumption.

Here, we absolutely love a Pina Colada. Id say it's all of our favorite drinks, he adds.



Read the original article on People
Dramatic video shows the moment an NYPD cop opened fire on a knife-wielding man inside a Bronx apartment building  which sources say may have resulted from a language barrier between the Spanish-speaking man and the cops.

The 32-year-old Spanish-speaking man  armed with a large kitchen knife  was shot once in the torso in the stairway of the East 148th Street building in Mott Haven Sunday evening with a language barrier likely a factor, police and sources said.

A neighbors Ring doorbell footage captures the moment a group of officers walk down the hall, where they encounter the man, who is not visible in the footage.

The officer opened fire on the knife-wielding suspect Sunday evening inside the building on East 138th Street in Mott Haven, cops said. Juan Rivera

Footage shows the officer yelling, Wait, wait! before firing off two rounds. Juan rivera

Muffled voices can be heard in the clip, though their exact exchange is difficult to decipher. Deputy Chief Rohan Griffith said in a late Sunday press conference that cops repeatedly demanded that the man drop the knife.

The footage then shows a female cop encountering the man  who remains out of view  and yells, Wait, wait! before firing off two rounds.

Shots fired! Shots fired! the officer screams into her radio.

Oh my God! I need assistance! I need a bus! the officer yells as she runs back and forth down the hallway. Oh my God! I have a male shot! I need a bus!

Law enforcement sources now say that the wounded man  who was hospitalized in stable condition  may not have understood the officers commands.

Juan Rivera captured the dramatic incident on his doorbell camera. Matthew McDermott

Additionally, the officers commands to wait are not aligned with the NYPDs training in such situations, the sources said.

Finally, the shooting victim was merely holding the knife to confront an air conditioner thief hed previously called 911 about, according to the sources.

The 911 caller was connected with a Spanish translator, and officers headed to the scene, the sources said.

But responding cops  who spoke English  were confused with the odd building layout and immediately went up to the second floor, while the caller was still downstairs, the sources said.

The wounded man was hospitalized in stable condition. Obtained by the NY Post

A separate Ring camera video shows the caller clutching a knife in one hand as he confronted another man  apparently the thief  in an outdoor alleyway.

Meanwhile, the officers had made their way back downstairs.

The moment the knifeman went back inside  closing the door behind him  two shots can be heard, followed by the officers scream.

The knife-wielding man was not pointing the weapon at cops, but instead may have been trying to point past the officers toward the direction of the AC unit thief, the sources said.

Neighbor Juan Rivera, 78, who provided the Ring camera footage, said the wounded man  who he knew for a long time  is a Mexican guy and that day he was completely drunk.

You can hear him when he talk to the police, the way he talk, hes completely out of his mind, said Rivera, who has lived in his apartment for 56 years. The lady there talked to him in English and he told them he doesnt speak English and they see the knife and they start shooting two times.

Rivera said the language barrier  and the knifemans intoxicated state  may have complicated matters.

The knifeman was also intoxicated at the time of the shooting, a neighbor said. NYPD

I told the detectives, when you have a situation like this, bring somebody that speaks Spanish and can control the situation and maybe they can avoid this, Rivera said. But they send somebody who speaks English when he doesnt speak English. It doesnt make any sense.

Whats going to happen? the neighbor added. Maybe that person is going to get killed or somebody else. When they made those shots you see they shot into someones door. They could hit anybody, innocent people. 

I dont know why they got so much training at the police academy and theyre not teaching that. They should know.

The knife-wielding man may have been trying to point cops in the direction of the AC unit thief, sources said. Matthew McDermott

Rivera said he had returned from walking one of his dogs, Cluey, when he encountered the multiple cops who descended on the scene of the shooting.

He also was there when the ambulance arrived.

What happened when they brought the ambulance services is they covered his face, Rivera said. They dont want anybody to see his face.

Rivera described the video as shameful and that hed never seen such a scene in his life.

My father grew up here; all my kids grew up here, he said. Right now its only my wife and me and my dogs here.

Its a shame we got a lot of theft, we got a lot of people coming and stealing things every day, he added. [Building management] spent a lot of money on those cameras and they do not work.
Pete Hegseth, Donald Trumps nominee to lead the Pentagon, acknowledged Tuesday he is not a perfect person but was defiant in the face of multiple allegations surrounding his past conduct during a contentious confirmation hearing.

Hegseth dismissed the allegation that he sexually assaulted a woman in 2017 as false and part of a coordinated smear campaign, claiming that the attacks against him were an attempt to use him to also smear the president-elect.

Democrats pressed Hegseth on allegations of sexual misconduct and excessive drinking. In one particularly contentious exchange, Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia pressed Hegseth on his infidelity stemming from the 2017 incident in a Monterey, California, hotel room, which prompted a sexual assault investigation by local police that did not result in any charges.

Democratic senators also confronted Hegseth with his prior comments suggesting that women should not serve in combat roles, raising quotes from his book published last year.

Hegseth responded that women make amazing contributions to the military, arguing that his comments questioning women serving in combat were tied to the militarys standards and readiness.

Hegseths confirmation hearing Tuesday before the Senate Armed Services Committee is the first of a flurry of hearings for Trumps Cabinet selections this week ahead of the president-elects inauguration on January 20. Hegseths hearing set a defiant tone for Trumps nominees ahead of the multiple controversial hearings ahead for the Senate in the coming weeks.

Ultimately, Hegseths nomination to become the next secretary of defense will depend on how Republicans view his confirmation. Republicans have a 53-47 majority in the Senate, meaning he does not need any Democratic support to win confirmation so long as he doesnt lose more than three Republicans.

In a sign of Hegseths strong position, Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, one of the Republicans who had initially expressed concerns about his nomination, said after the hearing later Tuesday that she would support him.

Here are takeaways from Tuesdays confirmation hearing:

Democrats press Hegseth on 2017 sexual assault allegation

Tuesdays hearing was the first time for Democrats on the committee  Hegseth did not meet with any Democrats beyond ranking member Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island  to press Hegseth on the allegations of sexual assault, workplace drinking and financial mismanagement.

Sen. Mazie Hirono, a Hawaii Democrat, pressed Hegseth on the 2017 sexual assault investigation, asking if hed ever faced discipline or entered into a settlement related to physical harassment or assault of a sexual nature.

I was falsely accused in October of 2017, it was fully investigated, and I was completely cleared, Hegseth said.

I dont think completely cleared is accurate, Hirono responded, noting his lawyer has said he entered into a non-disclosure agreement with his accuser as part of a settlement.

Kaine grilled Hegseth further, questioning the nominees judgement and pushing Hegseth to acknowledge his infidelity from the 2017 Monterey incident that hes described as a consensual sexual encounter.

Senator, I was falsely charged, fully investigated and completely cleared, Hegseth responded.

Hegseth speaks during his confirmation hearing on Tuesday. - Jacquelyn Martin/AP

So, you think you are completely cleared because you committed no crime. Thats your definition of cleared? Kaine responded. You had just fathered a child two months before by a woman that was not your wife. I am shocked that you would say youre completely cleared.

Hegseth also denied allegations of workplace drinking, while Democrats pressed him about not drinking if he was in charge of the Pentagon.

Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona ticked through a number of specific allegations raised about drinking, asking Hegseth to say whether they were true or false.

Anonymous smears, Hegseth responded repeatedly.

Hirono asked Hegeth: You recently promised some of my Republican colleagues that you stopped drinking and wont drink if confirmed. Correct?

Absolutely, Hegseth responded.

Will you resign as secretary of defense if you drink on the job, which is a 24/7 position? she said.

Ive made this commitment on behalf of the men and women I am serving, Hegseth responded.

Democrats used the allegations against Hegseth as part of a broader critique that he was not qualified to be defense secretary.

Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, an Army combat veteran who lost her legs serving in Iraq, repeatedly pushed Hegseth on his qualifications to run the Pentagon, quizzing him about the international security agreements and negotiations he will be expected to handle in the job.

What is the highest level of negotiations that you engaged in, that youve led in, because the secretary of defense does lead international security negotiations. There are three main ones that the secretary of defense leads and signs  can you name at least one of them? Duckworth asked.

Hegseth responded that he has not been involved in international security negotiations given he has not been in government. NATO might be one that youre referring to, he said in response to her question.

Hegseth dismisses allegations as coordinated smear campaign

Hegseth, an Army combat veteran and former host of Fox and Friends Weekend, told senators that Trump chose him to be defense secretary specifically because hes not like the defense secretaries of the past several decades.

He believes, and I humbly agree, that its time to give someone with dust on his boots the helm. A change agent, Hegseth said.

Hegseths nomination has been imperiled by multiple allegations that have emerged since he was tapped for the Pentagon role in November, including sexual assault, excessive drinking in the workplace and mismanagement of his nonprofits.

He initially appeared to be in jeopardy as Republican senators, including Ernst, expressed concern. But Trump has stood by his pick, and skeptical GOP senators have largely backed down amid a concerted campaign among Trump-allied activists to target Republicans who oppose his nominees.

Hegseth dismissed the allegations during Tuesdays hearing as false and anonymous attacks that were orchestrated by a coordinated smear campaign.

What became very evident to us from the beginning, there was a coordinated smear campaign orchestrated in the media against us, Hegseth said, adding that the allegations were an attempt to through him to smear Trump, whos had to endure the very same thing for much longer amounts of time.

Democrats press Hegseth over comments on women in combat

Several Senate Democrats pushed Hegseth to answer for his past public comments and writings in his 2023 book about women in the military, questioning whether he could give female service members a fair shot if hes in charge of the Pentagon.

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, a New Hampshire Democrat, asked Hegseth why women in the military should believe that they would have a fair shot and an equal opportunity to rise through the ranks?

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand accused Hegseth of denigrating active-duty service members, pointing to his past comments saying, We need moms, but not in the military, especially in combat units.

If you are saying that women shouldnt be serving in the military  and Im going to read you your quotes, because the quotes themselves are terrible  you will have to change how you see women to do this job well, Gillibrand said. And I dont know if you are capable of that.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand speaks during the confirmation hearing on Tuesday. - J. Scott Applewhite/AP

Hegseth responded that he has never disparaged women who serve in the military, and said he had personal experience of instances of standards being lowered, pointing to examples he was told by others while writing his book The War on Warriors.

He did not, however, provide a specific example of standards being lowered to bring women into units when pushed by Gillibrand to do so.

When Im talking about that issue, its not about the capabilities of men and women; its about standards, Hegseth said Tuesday.

No fireworks from Ernst during questioning

In perhaps the best sign for Hegseths confirmation chances, Ernsts questioning offered no fireworks, and her line of questioning suggested she and Hegseth have privately hashed out many of her initial concerns.

Ernst confirmed as much when she announced on an Iowa radio show Tuesday evening she was backing Hegseth.

He was adequately able to answer all of my questions. He pointed out the woke issues at the Pentagon. And I think were at a point where now we can start moving forward, people know where he stands on these issues. So I felt it was a good hearing, she told Iowa radio host Simon Conway, adding, Im breaking news, Simon. I figured you would ask this, so yes, I will be supporting President Trumps pick for secretary of defense, Pete Hegseth.

In November, Ernst first met with Hegseth as the allegations against him swirled. She declined to immediately back him, saying she still had questions, prompting Trump allies to launch a significant campaign to get her and any other wayward GOP senators on board with Hegseths nomination.

The Iowa Republican had follow-up conversations with Hegseth, and she signaled she was willing to support his confirmation process moving forward.

When it was her turn to question Hegseth, Ernst acknowledged the many frank conversations that she had with Hegseth.

You know that I dont keep any anything hidden. Pull no punches, Ernst said.

During her questioning, Ernst, an Army veteran, noted that she was not allowed to serve in a combat role when she was in the military. She said she wanted every man and woman to have the opportunity to serve in combat so long as they met the high standards, teeing up Hegseth on whether he agreed with her.

My answer is yes, exactly the way you caveated it, Hegseth said. Yes, women will have access to ground combat roles, given the standards will remain high.

Hegseth also pressed on policy issues including war crimes and torture

Hegseth defended his support for service members accused and convicted of war crimes on Tuesday, saying there was prosecutorial misconduct in their cases and that he was proud to ensure they were looked after.

Im not talking about disavowing the laws of war, or the Geneva Conventions or the Uniform Code of Military Justice, Hegseth said in response to questioning from Reed. Sir, Im talking about restrictive rules of engagement that these men and women behind me understand, theyve lived with on the battlefield, which has made it more difficult to defeat our enemies.

CNN has reported that Hegseth privately encouraged Trump during his first presidency to pardon some servicemen who were convicted of war crimes. Trump later pardoned two service members  Army Maj. Mathew Golsteyn and 1st Lt. Clint Lorance  and restored the rank of Navy SEAL Eddie Gallagher, who had been demoted.

Hegseth has since repeated his support for Gallagher, Golsteyn and Lorance.

Before Trumps pardons, Golsteyn had been charged with the 2010 murder of an Afghan civilian, to which he pleaded not guilty, and Lorance was found guilty of second-degree murder for ordering his troops to fire on three men on a motorcycle in Afghanistan. Gallagher had been acquitted of nearly all charges relating to the death of a 12-year-old ISIS fighter in Iraq but was found of posing for a photo with the fighter.

Hegseth was also pressed about his views on the Geneva Conventions and torture, including his position on waterboarding.

Sen. Angus King, a Maine independent who caucuses with Democrats, asked Hegseth whether he would support the use of waterboarding, pointing to a past quote in which he said that people like Trump and Sen. Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican, would be willing to use waterboarding to keep the US safe.

Are you OK with waterboarding? King asked.

The law of the land is that waterboarding is not legal, Hegseth responded, noting his service as an infantry platoon leader at Guantanamo Bay.

Republicans dismiss allegations as anonymous while Dems press for more

Republicans largely rallied to Hegseths defense while Democrats pressed Hegseth over the allegations surrounding his nomination.

Senate Armed Services Chairman Roger Wicker, a Mississippi Republican, claimed in his opening statement that the allegations against Hegseth were vastly coming from anonymous sources.

Regarding his personal conduct, Mr. Hegseth has admitted to falling short, as we all do from time to time, Wicker said. It is noteworthy that the vast majority of accusations leveled at Mr. Hegseth have come from anonymous sources. Contrast these anonymous accusations with the many public letters of support and commendation.

Other Republicans accused their Democratic colleagues of hypocrisy by bringing up the allegations surrounding the Pentagon nominee.

After Kaines grilling of Hegseth, GOP Sen. Kevin Cramer of North Dakota thanked Hegseth for his willingness to endure this and said he was embarrassed for this behavior.

Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma rhetorically asked Democrats on the committee why senators havent asked their colleagues to step down for infidelity or drinking during late-night votes.

How many senators have showed up drunk to vote at night? Have any of you guys asked them to step down and resign from their job? And dont tell me you havent, because I know you have, Mullin said.

Reed responded that if any senators were, in fact, nominated for secretary of defense, they would be subject to the same scrutiny now surrounding Hegseth. He noted that then-Sen. John Tower was nominated for defense secretary by President George H.W. Bush in 1989 and was rejected by the Senate amid questions over excessive drinking.

Reed argued that the Hegseth confirmation process was being rushed through, saying the FBIs background investigation of Hegseth was incomplete. He also pressed for the FBIs background check to be shared among all senators.

I believe the investigation was insufficient, frankly. Theres still FBI obligations to talk to people, Reed said.

The FBI did not interview several key women from Hegseths past, including his two ex-wives and the woman who accused him of sexually assaulting her in California in 2017, according to a person with knowledge of the FBIs report on Hegseth that was briefed to the Senate Armed Services Committee leadership this week.

Reed said that Hegseth was not qualified to meet the overwhelming demands of this job.

The totality of your own writings and alleged conduct would disqualify any service member from holding any leadership position in the military, much less being confirmed as the secretary of defense, Reed said.

This story has been updated with additional developments.

CNNs Natasha Bertrand, Haley Britzky, Michael Conte, Lauren Fox, Kaanita Iyer, Manu Raju and Haley Talbot contributed to this report.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
The U.S. and Texas state flags fly outside the state Capitol building, in Austin, Texas, on July 12, 2021.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday ordered that flags at the state Capitol and other state government buildings be raised to full staff for President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration next week, despite a White House proclamation that U.S. flags fly at half-staff until late January to honor the late President Jimmy Carter.

"While we honor the service of a former President, we must also celebrate the service of an incoming President and the bright future ahead for the United States of America, Abbott, a Republican and staunch Trump ally, said in a statement.

President Joe Biden issued the proclamation on Dec. 29, the day Carter died at age 100, in keeping with U.S. flag code which states that flags shouldnt be hoisted to full height following a presidents death. The proclamation lasts for 30 days and applies to flags at the White House and many federal and public buildings throughout the U.S.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, another Republican governor, cited Biden's proclamation when he announced last month that flags would be flown at half-staff at local and state buildings, until sunset on Jan. 28.

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Abbott's order.

Trump argued in a Truth Social post this month that Democrats were "all 'giddy' about our magnificent American Flag potentially being at 'half mast' during my Inauguration."

"Nobody wants to see this, and no American can be happy about it. Lets see how it plays out," Trump wrote.

A spokesperson for Trump did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Abbott's announcement.

The Associated Press reported that flags at Trump's Palm Beach club in Florida had been returned to full staff on Monday.

Carters casket laid in state last week, and a service was held at Washington National Cathedral on Thursday. Biden, Trump and other political figures and dignitaries paid their respects to the 39th president before a private service in Georgia.
The requests of two prisoners who have taken the unusual step of asking a federal judge to nullify their death row commutations granted by President Joe Biden should be denied because the act of leniency doesn't violate the Constitution, the Justice Department argued Monday in a court filing.

The inmates  Shannon Agofsky, 53, and Len Davis, 60  are being held in a federal prison in Terre Haute, Indiana, where the U.S. government puts inmates to death. A week after Biden announced he was commuting the sentences of 37 of the 40 prisoners on federal death row to life without the possibility of parole, Agofsky and Davis filed emergency motions seeking an injunction to block the change, arguing it could affect their appeals amid claims of innocence in their initial convictions.

In responding to Davis' request for an injunction, the U.S. government offered three reasons U.S. District Judge James Sweeney should deny it, writing that not only are commutations legal, but also that the president has the authority to decide them and a prisoner has "no authority to reject" one.

"The President's commutation of a sentence 'is the determination of the ultimate authority that the public welfare will be better served by inflicting less than what the judgment fixed,'" the U.S. attorneys wrote. "Allowing Davis to veto this action would encroach on this exclusive and ultimate authority that is 'part of the Constitutional scheme.'"

The Justice Department said Agofsky has failed to identify a "jurisdictional basis for his petition."

In his filing, Agofsky said he is worried that no longer being a death row inmate would strip him of heightened scrutiny in his case or the process in which courts should examine death penalty cases for errors because of the life and-death consequences of the sentence.

Besides requesting an injunction, the men also asked for co-counsel to be assigned to help them in the latest litigation.

Sweeney agreed last week and assigned the inmates representation through the Indiana Federal Community Defenders.

Sweeney noted in an order granting counsel that federal prisoners are entitled to counsel only when they are under death sentences or for evidentiary hearings in their cases.

"Here, Mr. Agofsky is no longer under a death sentence," Sweeney wrote. "Therefore, whether to appoint counsel is purely a discretionary matter."

He added that the court "harbors serious doubt that it has any power to block a commutation" but that "given the novelty of the legal question, the Court prefers to receive counseled briefing on the motion."

The Terre Haute Federal Correctional Complex in Terre Haute, Ind., in 2019.

Sweeney referred to a 1927 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that maintains that a president has the power to grant reprieves and pardons and that "the convict's consent is not required."

Agofsky, however, believes he has the right to refuse a commutation based on wording in the Constitution, which says a president "shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment."

According to Agofsky's wife, Laura, he said at issue is the word "grant," which he believes implies a person needs to have made an initial request. In his case, he said, as well as Davis', the men never requested commutations and refused it when asked multiple times to ask for a reduced sentence.

They contend that sets them apart from the other former death row inmates who did seek commutations.

Davis and Agofsky must reply to the Justice Department's response this week.

Agofsky was convicted in the 1989 murder of a bank president, Dan Short, whose body was found in an Oklahoma lake. Federal prosecutors said Agofsky and his brother, Joseph Agofsky, abducted and killed Short and made off with $71,000.

Both brothers were given life sentences. But it was while he was incarcerated in a Texas prison that Shannon Agofsky was convicted in the 2001 stomping death of a fellow inmate, Luther Plant, and was sentenced to death in 2004. (Joseph Agofsky died in prison in 2013.)

Davis, a former New Orleans police officer, was convicted in the 1994 murder of Kim Groves, who had filed a complaint accusing him of beating a teenager. Prosecutors said Davis hired a drug dealer to kill Groves, and they charged him with violating Groves' civil rights. Davis' original death sentence was thrown out by a federal appeals court but reinstated in 2005.

Davis "has always maintained his innocence and argued that federal court had no jurisdiction to try him for civil rights offenses," he wrote in his filing last month, requesting an injunction for his commutation.

Biden's sweeping clemency action was praised by anti-death penalty groups but also criticized by some of the victims' families, who say they believe death row prisoners are undeserving of such leniency.

Biden declined to grant commutations to three federal death row prisoners who were involved in mass killings or terrorist attacks.

Still, President-elect Donald Trump said after the announcement that he would "vigorously pursue the death penalty" during his second term. He has also said he would expand capital punishment on the federal level to include child rapists, migrants who kill U.S. citizens and law enforcement officers, and those convicted of drug and human trafficking, although how he would do so remains unclear.

Trump's first term ended with 13 federal inmates having been put to death. The Biden administration announced a moratorium on federal executions after he took office and said last month that he granted the death row commutations because "in good conscience, I cannot stand back and let a new administration resume executions that I halted."




By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Two Democratic lawmakers on Monday urged Congress and President Joe Biden to extend a Jan. 19 deadline for China-based ByteDance to sell the U.S. assets of TikTok or face a U.S. ban.

The Supreme Court held arguments Friday on Tiktok and ByteDance's challenge to the law. A lawyer for the companies, Noel Francisco, said it would be impossible to complete a sale by next week's deadline.

He said if banned, the the short video app used by 170 million Americans would quickly go dark and "essentially the platform shuts down."

Biden could extend the deadline by 90 days if he certifies ByteDance is making substantial progress toward a divestiture but it is unlikely ByteDance could meet that standard.

Senator Edward Markey said he planned to introduce legislation to delay the deadline by which ByteDance must sell TikTok or face a ban by an additional 270 days.

"A ban would dismantle a one-of-a-kind informational and cultural ecosystem, silencing millions in the process," Markey said Monday.

"A TikTok ban would impose serious consequences on millions of Americans who depend on the app for social connections and their economic livelihood. We cannot allow that to happen."

President-elect Donald Trump has asked the court to delay implementation of the law, arguing he should have time after taking office on Jan. 20 to pursue a "political resolution" to the issue.

Representative Ro Khanna, a Democrat, on Monday urged Biden and Trump "to put a pause on this ban so 170 million Americans don't lose their free speech. Millions of Americans' livelihood will be ended if this ban takes place."

If the court does not block the law by Sunday, new downloads of TikTok on Apple or Google app stores would be banned but existing users could continue to access the app for some period. Services would degrade and eventually stop working as companies will be barred from providing support.

The White House did not immediately comment.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Leslie Adler and Michael Perry)


remaining of

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Septet boy group Trendz will drop their new album in just a few weeks in March, announced its agency Global H Media on Monday.

"Trendz has been making major marks on the global market, and it is preparing to release a new album in March in Korea," the agency said in a press release.

"Trendz will also continue its global activities in 2025."

Trendz, pronounced "trend zee," debuted in 2022 as a seven-member boy band  Havit, Leon, Yoonwoo, Hankook, ra.L, Eunil, and Yechan  formed by Interpark Music Plus with their first EP Blue Set Chapter 1. Tracks.

The news of a comeback comes hot off the group's packed world tour, including stops at 22 cities around the world in 2024, including Paris and Rome.

The boy group will kick off its "New Dayz" European tour in March in support of the new project, announced the boy band's agency previously.

The 2025 tour will kick off on March 7 with stops in Romania, France, and Spain, among others, as well as performances in Asia and North America to be disclosed at a later date.

"We're finally going to meet FriendZ in Europe!" member Hankook said in an announcement video.

"We're preparing hard, and we're preparing a lot of special performances, so please look forward to it," said ra.L.
Data centre operator Adisyn has completed its acquisition of Israel-based semiconductor IP business 2D Generation, cementing its entry into the semiconductor space on 9 January.

The deal will give Adisyn the rights to 2D Generations patent solution allowing graphene coating at sub-300 degrees centigrade, which could lead to smaller next generation chips with lower power consumption, less heat and greater computational power.

On 2 December, 2D Generation announced to the ASX a business development agreement with M&T Semiconductor to facilitate partnerships with equipment vendors, semiconductor fabricators, fabless chipmakers, and end users.

In November 2024, ARN reported that Adisyn had received firm commitments from investors to raise $3 million via an equity capital placement, through the issue of 60 million shares at an issue price of $0.05 each.

The acquisition will allow Adisyn to leverage 2D Generations innovative semiconductor solution to generate opportunities in its target markets, including defence applications, data centres and cyber security, said Adisyn chairperson Shane Wee.

2D Generation is also a partner in the European Unions Connecting Chips joint undertaking with research and innovation partners including NVIDIA, IMEC, Valeo, Applied Minerals, NXP and Unity.
by Santosh Digal

After passing away today in Quezon City, the 74-year-old nun dedicated more than two decades of her life to caring for prisoners, giving them a second chance to reflect God's grace. There are about 215,000 detainees in the Philippines, with a ratio of 200 people incarcerated for every 100,000 inhabitants.

Manila (AsiaNews) - Sr Zenaida Cruz Cabrera, 74, of the Sisters of the Holy Eucharist, a strong advocate of restorative justice, which she called a healing ministry, died today in Quezon City. She dedicated more than 20 years of her life to the education of prisoners. On 11 January, she was rushed to Commonwealth Hospital, near the capital, following a heart attack. She was coordinator of the restorative justice department of Caritas Manila.

She was known for her mission of caring for people deprived of their liberty, providing them with opportunities for change, welcoming them back into families and communities and helping them to become participating members of society. Sr. Cabrera revealed that the charism of the congregation is to prepare the table of the Lord for prisoners according to the culture of salu-salo, a Filipino expression meaning to gather with friends and family to eat.

She dedicated her long and far-sighted service to assisting prisoners at the Archdiocese of Manila and the Sisters of the Holy Eucharist, whose headquarters is in Novaliches. She is considered a pioneer of her congregation, which specifically advocates the value of restorative justice in the Philippines. With the support of the community, the nuns enable incarcerated people to experience the transformative presence of Christ in their lives.

Cabrera was a former teacher who had obtained a master's degree in educational management. With her diligence and commitment, she coordinated the Caritas Manila sector in six surrounding dioceses, building a network of programmes and services for inmates, their families, communities and prison officials.

The service is carried out in close contact with government agencies, such as re-education institutions, the police, the Bureau of Corrections and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology. Restorative justice is based on recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration. The congregation has many volunteers serving in 10 prisons in Manila (five men's and five women's), as well as 11 districts and 13 prisons in Cubao, north-east of the capital; 10 districts and 13 prisons in the Antipolo diocese; and four districts plus the Malabon district prison.

Sr Zenaida Cruz Cabrera began her commitment to care for incarcerated people in the 1990s. She saw her ministry as supporting impoverished prisoners and their families. There are about 215,000 prisoners in the Philippines, with a ratio of 200 incarcerated people per 100,000 inhabitants, according to a report by Amnesty International.

The congregation's team usually offers detainees a second chance to return to their homes and reflect on God's grace. In fact, prisoners often experience a lack of material and moral support, suffering humiliation and rejection from their families and society. The financial support for the service provided by Sr. Zenaida Cruz Cabrera and the volunteers comes from the parishes, as the government budget is almost non-existent.
by Arundathie Abeysinghe

About 13 people have been killed in armed clashes between gangs and criminal groups in the past three months alone. In 2023, 61 people were killed and 47 wounded. Experts believe the phenomenon is facilitated by political connections.

Colombo (AsiaNews)  Gun violence involving organised crime is on the rise in Sri Lanka. About 103 people were killed in more than a hundred violent incidents reported from January to December 2024, an escalation of violence that worries the population.

In the last three months alone, 13 people were killed in shootings between gangs and criminal groups, the latest last Thursday in Ahungalla, Southern Province.

In 2023, 61 people were killed and 47 wounded in more than a hundred shootings. According to the police, most of these incidents are related to disputes among underworld gangs, taking place in some cases in broad daylight, with gunmen firing without hesitation in front of astonished witnesses.

One of the most serious incidents of 2023 involved the murder of five people near the Beliatta Exit of the Southern Expressway on 22 January, in which Saman Perera, leader of the Our Power of People party, also died.

Also in January, gunmen killed a Buddhist monk at a temple in Malwathu Hiripitiya, Gampaha. On 8 July, businessman Surendra Wasantha Perera, known as "Club Wasantha," was killed in Athurugiriya along with another person during the opening of a beauty salon in Athurugiriya.

The increase in gun violence reflects a growing disillusionment with the state, this according to lawyers Raja Selvadurai and Namini Samarakoon speaking to AsiaNews.

Sri Lankans increasingly believe that the state has abandoned them, and the increase in gun use may stem from a belief that legal avenues are ineffective and that they must take matters into their own hands for protection.

This loss of trust in the justice system, combined with an increase in drug use, has created a breeding ground for crime. What is more, despite laws against gun ownership, enforcement remains ineffective.

"The shortcomings of law enforcement allow criminals to act with impunity, further exacerbating the problem," the legal experts pointed out, reflecting systemic weaknesses that fuel a cycle of crime and distrust in institutions.

At a media briefing, police spokesman SSP Buddhika Manatunga said that although the number of incidents in 2024 compared to the previous year were down, police have beefed up their operations against organised crime.

We have issued (Interpol) Red Notices for 63 wanted criminals operating overseas, such as in Dubai, India, and Canada, he said. We also seized a significant cache of firearms in the past three months, including 37 pistols, 36 revolvers, 20 T56 rifles, and 2,202 other weapons such as shotguns and *galkatas (homemade hand guns).

A Special Task Force has played a key role in the last three months, arresting 56 people, including a woman in possession of three weapons.

Police will continue to disarm criminal networks, who have thrived in recent years. At the same time, they will continue ongoing efforts to bring to book those in possession of illegal firearms.

The growth of organised crime is also linked to political complicity, argue legal scholars Dushni Livera and Sampath Dissanayaka. Thugs and drug lords often have political connections, which is how they acquire weapons and operate with impunity.

In recent years, many underworld leaders have been freed in exchange for political favours, perpetuating a cycle of corruption and violence. For the experts, dismantling the underworld will take time and sustained effort.
Today's news: China is considering selling the US operations of TikTok to Elon Musk; The number of casualties among Tibetan monks after last week's earthquake is unknown; Nawaf Salam, president of the International Court of Justice in The Hague, is the new prime minister of Lebanon; More anti-government protests in Georgia, joined by the march of descendants of victims of Stalinist repressions.

SOUTH KOREA

The first hearing of South Korea's Constitutional Court, which has to decide whether to remove President Yoon Suk-yeol from office, lasted only four minutes due to the absence of the defendant: Yoon's lawyers had already let it be known that the president would not appear in court because an arrest warrant for a separate charge of insurrection is still valid against him. The next hearing is scheduled in two days.

CHINA - USA

Chinese authorities are considering selling TikTok's US operations to Elon Musk to avoid a ban on the app's use in the US. Beijing would prefer the app to remain owned by ByteDance's parent company, which has appealed to the US Supreme Court against the law requiring the sale of assets, but it is likely that in the coming days the judges will agree with the US government. In the meantime, TikTok users in the US are migrating to a Chinese app called RedNote, (Little Red Booklet, in Italian), a competitor of TikTok that is very popular among young people in China and Taiwan.

TIBET

At least two Buddhist monasteries were damaged by the strong earthquake in Tibet last week but the number of casualties among Tibetan clerics remains unknown. According to online reports, the 6.8 magnitude earthquake reduced the roofs and walls of a monastery and a women's convent about 15 km east of the epicentre in Tingri county, China, to rubble. Some nuns were trapped under the rubble. But the Chinese authorities did not disclose information on the damage to the places of worship.

BANGLADESH

Bangladesh's anti-corruption agency has filed a series of cases against former premier Sheikh Hasina and some members of her family in a case of alleged theft of lucrative building land in a suburb of the capital, Dhaka. Hasina has been a refugee in India since August last year and tensions on the border have not abated: yesterday Dhaka summoned the Indian ambassador and accused Delhi of building fences along the border and deploying security forces.

LEBANON

Nawaf Salam, President of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, has been appointed as the new Prime Minister of Lebanon, a position that, in the sectarian division system, falls to a Sunni Muslim. His appointment, following Joseph Aoun's appointment as President, contrasts with Hezbollah's wishes: Mohammed Raad, a leading member of the Iranian-backed Party of God, has accused his opponents of promoting fragmentation.

RUSSIA

The Natsionalnyj Tsentr Informatizatsii Group, one of Russia's leading IT companies, created by the state agency Rostekh, has declared bankruptcy, after 10 years of huge state funding that has dried up and not been renewed, abandoning the task of digitising the entire Russian healthcare system, the post office and many other sectors of the economy.

GEORGIA

The uninterrupted protest demonstrations in Tbilisi were joined by a march of the descendants of the victims of the Stalinist repressions of 1937-1938, in which more than 30,000 Georgians died, from Philharmonic Square to Rustaveli prospekt, joining the other demonstrators in front of the parliament to demand the release of those arrested in recent days.
En espanol

Mexican authorities offered protection to Natanael Cano this week after drug cartels threatened to kill him. However, the regional Mexican music artist, often dubbed the daredevil of the genre, didn't flinch. Instead, he responded with a sarcastic video.

The threat was deemed credible enough for Sonora State Prosecutor Gustavo Salas to intervene. It surfaced in the form of a "narcomanta" (a cartel banner) at a high school in Hermosillo, Mexico.

The banner read: "Stick to your profession as musicians. This isn't about singing corridos, it's about collaborating financially or through any illegal actions. If you ignore this warning, you will be executed. Att. Jalisco Mata Salaz." The message was printed on a tarp, which is a method often used by criminal organizations for public threats.

Several individuals were named in the warning, including Cano (nicknamed "El Nata" by his fans), Tito Torbellino Jr., Javier Rosas, and local groups in Hermosillo, Guaymas, Ciudad Obregon, and Navojoa.

The banner was signed by "Los Matasalas," a group reportedly created by "Los Chapitos"the faction of the Sinaloa Cartel led by the sons of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman. They are currently fighting for control of the cartel in a war against their rivals, "La Mayiza."

Experts note that "Los Chapitos" are vying for control over drug production and trafficking routes, including fentanyl, between Sonora and Arizona.

Natanael Cano's reaction

Cano is not the first regional Mexican artist to be targeted by drug cartels. Others, including Peso Pluma, have also faced death threats. However, this case is unique because the artists weren't just warned against performing in specific areas but accused of financing rival groups.

Most artists respond by canceling shows and avoiding the subject. However, Cano took a different approach. He made it very clear what he thought of the threat on his Instagram stories.

He posted a picture expressing his thoughts on the threat with a sarcastic caption: "The only blankets I'm worried about right now. Do you think they'll keep me warm?" followed by a laughing emoji. The photo showed two blankets featuring his face on a bed.

Cano's reaction suggests he's not overly concerned.

Whether Cano has taken the threat seriously or accepted the protection offered by the Sonora prosecutor remains unclear.

What is certain, however, is that the Sinaloa Cartel is embroiled in a violent internal war. The factions, led by "Los Chapitos" and "La Mayiza"supporters of El Mayo Flaco, son of Ismael "El Mayo" Zambadaare fighting for dominance. Zambada, a co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel alongside El Chapo, was captured last year in the United States.

Originally published in The Latin Times
by Steve Suwannarat

The Uyghurs were detained after arriving in Thailand ten years ago on their way to Turkey. They were reportedly forced to sign voluntary deportation papers, ahead of repatriation to China where their co-ethnics suffer harsh repression in Xinjiang. Thailand is not a party to the UN Convention on Refugees.

Bangkok (AsiaNews)  The Thai government is reportedly preparing to expel 43 ethnic Uyghur Chinese who have been in the country for ten years, the latest of a group of more than 300. Over the years, some were sent back to China, while others found refuge elsewhere.

On 8 January Thai authorities forced the Uyghurs to sign voluntary deportation papers. The decision to deport them probably stems from the expectation that the US will exert less pressure on Thailand with the changing of the guard in the White House, but also in anticipation of 50 years of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China.

Senator Angkhana Neelapaijit, a former head of the National Human Rights Commission, on Saturday called on Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to clarify whether the government has such a plan, which would expose the Uyghurs to retaliation. The mostly Muslim Uyghurs were once the majority in Xinjiang, where they continue to suffer extreme repression, including allegations of forced organ harvesting.

Thanks to the humanitarian organisations that have monitored their situation at Bangkoks Suan Phlu detention centre, the Uyghurs have issued an appeal to be allowed to go to a third country or be recognised as asylum seekers.

Thailand is exposed to Chinese influence as it grapples with mounting economic and political woes; as a result, people who seek refuge from persecution or war in the Southeast Asian country are stuck in limbo.

A decade ago, Uyghurs fleeing repression travelled to Thailand as a transit point before moving to Turkey with whom they share religious, cultural and linguistic ties.

Out of some 350 Uyghurs detained in March 2014 before they could cross the border into Muslim Malaysia, about 170  mostly women and children  were boarded on flights to Turkey 16 months later. Another 109 were expelled to the People's Republic of China and all traces of them have been lost.

Those who remained in Thailand were detained by the immigration service. A dozen managed to escape, but five were sentenced to prison terms for trying to escape in 2020 and five died in detention, including two minors.

The remaining 43 have been stuck in barely tolerable conditions, without contact with their families and their lawyers, separated from the other detainees. Representatives of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights have been banned from any contact with them.

This has been possible because the "Land of Smiles" is not a signatory to the 1951 UN Convention for Refugees and by national legislation that deems such asylum seekers as a threat to national security and therefore not subject to the National Screening Mechanism which would open up the possibility of staying in Thailand under limited conditions awaiting relocation.

Photo: Flick/langkawi
by Vladimir Rozanskij

According to research by the Modifiers agency, Russians are turning to both psychologists and representatives of the esoteric arts in their fight against stress in these war years. While traffic on astrology, fortune-telling and numerology sites has increased by 38% in the past year, the Moscow Duma is seeking to ban the advertising of fortune-tellers.

Moscow (AsiaNews) - Interest in the esoteric arts is growing rapidly in Russia, with traffic on astrology, fortune-telling and numerology websites up 38% in the past year, according to data published by the Yota agency. More and more hours are spent by Russians consulting these portals, and magic rituals are highly sought after, bringing in increasingly profitable business: in Siberia and the European part of Russia, the prices of spells and invoices are estimated to have risen by 40-50%.

To perform a chakra cleansing today, one has to pay a sum of over 15 thousand roubles (150 euros), while liberation from destructive influences goes up to 25 thousand roubles. While last year the occult market was moving around 2 trillion roubles, today it continues to grow month by month, and the Moscow Duma is trying to ban the advertising of fortune-tellers, tarot cards and other esoteric services.

In Siberia, shamans are especially active at the end of December, on the longest nights of the year, when, according to esoteric beliefs, the world of the living is closest to that in which the dead dwell. For this reason, rituals are celebrated on weekend nights with the eating of cakes and pancakes of the spirits of one's own generation.

In the Siberian region of Kemerovo, for example, an event was held in agreement with the local department of culture, gathering a group of shamans from Kuzbass, Khakasia and the neighbouring Krasnoyarsk region in the Kuznetsky Alatau Museum, with free access to the population advertised in the regional media.

The most fervent adherents of shamanism actually consider these public rites of kamlanija to be nothing more than theatrical performances, while the authentic ones are only known through the dedicated chat rooms of followers, who gather around the shaman not only to appease the spirits, but also to heal people in the course of the ritual, and one can participate in these special sessions by paying around 10-15 thousand roubles, as many people in search of salvation do.

As Kemerovo resident Olga Minakova, who has been taking part in the shamanic rituals since 2022, tells Sibir.Realii: I went the first time because I felt really bad, I didn't know what to do with my future, I was afraid that my husband would be called to mobilisation, and I could only see hunger and impenetrable darkness ahead. At first, she went to the Mabon festival on the day of the winter equinox, also known as the day of the falling leaves.

She assures that not even the sessions with the psychologist had given me such deep peace, receiving from the shaman a sense of purification, a source of energy and peace at the same time. Then she also went to the solstice for the feast of hope, entrusting all her wishes for the coming year, asking for the blessing of her ancestors and peace for the whole world, even though the shaman said that the war in Ukraine would only end in 2034, according to what the spirits revealed.

According to research by the analytical branch of the Modifiers agency, Russians turn to psychologists as well as representatives of the esoteric arts in their fight against stress in these war years. Many believe that Vladimir Putin's first trip to Mongolia in 2024 was also motivated by an encounter with shamans, as his trusted advisor Sergei Sojgu, a former defence minister originally from the Mongolian land of Tuva, has implied.

As revealed by political scientist Abbas Galljamov, the super-Putin oligarch brothers, Mikhail and Jurij Kovalcuk, are funding a major project to study shamanism, along with Tibetan Buddhism and Lamaism. In 2021, there were over 4,000 shamans in Russia, but their numbers have increased considerably during the war years, helping people even at a distance, ensuring the effectiveness of magic rituals even on Telegram channels and other network platforms, teaching the actions to be performed to find peace or support one's husbands and sons in war, obviously for a fee.
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Port Sudan, Sudan (PANA) - The Sudanese government on Tuesday reacted strongly to a retribution killing of civilians suspected of collaborating with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in central Sudan villages near Madani, 200 kms South of Khartoum, retaken by the army and supporting mobilized units, last week
Galian is the current head of the Constitutional Reform Council that was formed by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian in 2022 with the initial aim of proposing amendments to the current Armenian constitution. Pashinian changed the ad hoc bodys mandate last May, saying that it must draft a new constitution from scratch before January 2027. The move came as the Azerbaijani leaders continued to make the signing of a peace treaty with Armenia conditional on a change of its constitution which they say contains territorial claims to Azerbaijan.

Baku specifically wants Yerevan to remove a constitutional preamble that mentions Armenias 1990 declaration of independence, which in turn cites a 1989 unification act adopted by the legislative bodies of Soviet Armenia and the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast. The only legal way to do that is to enact an entirely new constitution through a referendum.

Former Justice Grigor Minasian said in August that the referendum will likely take place in 2027. Galian, who replaced Minasian in November, indicated that it could be held earlier.

Our task is to have a new draft constitution before the elections, she told a news conference.

As a new minister, I believe that I must assume the duty and responsibility to ultimately draft a new constitution, she said.

The Constitutional Reform Council has still not met to discuss the matter. One of its members, civic activist Daniel Ioannisian, said late last year that even the January 2027 deadline set by Pashinian is not realistic.

Pashinian rejected last month Bakus continuing demands for a change of Armenias constitution. He cited a ruling by the Armenian Constitutional Court that articles of the constitution take precedence over the reference to the 1990 declaration.

But Pashinian has also criticized the declaration, claiming that it poses a serious threat to Armenias national security.
We are establishing our U.S.-Armenia Strategic Partnership Commission, outgoing U.S. Secretary of States Antony Blinken announced before signing the commissions charter with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan in Washington.

This commission gives us a framework to expand our bilateral cooperation in a number of key areas: economic matters, security and defense, democracy, justice, inclusion and people-to-people exchanges, he said.

It really lays the foundation for even deeper cooperation and builds on our shared principles. We are increasingly strong partners and I think that is for the good of both of our countries as well as the region and beyond, Blinken added during the signing ceremony.

For his part, Mirzoyan said that the document underscores recent years remarkable growth of U.S.-Armenian ties.

We deeply value the unwavering U.S. support for Armenias independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, he said.

Blinken stressed that that support will continue, pointing to the security component of the bilateral Strategic Partnership Commission Charter.

Next month, in the coming weeks, we will have a customs and border patrol team to work with their Armenian counterparts on border security capacity building, he said. Strengthening security cooperation, enhancing Armenias peacekeeping capabilities through Eagle Partner [exercises]  is enhancing Armenias capacity to be a strong partner as well as to mind its borders.

Blinken did not elaborate on that assistance. Armenias borders with Iran and Turkey have for decades been protected by Russian border guards. The Armenian government has so far indicated no plans to seek their withdrawal despite its decision last year to push them out of the sole Armenian-Iranian border crossing and Yerevans Zvartnots airport made amid a deepening rift with Moscow.

Blinken also gave no indications that Washington will provide Armenia with weapons or other significant military support. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin likewise signaled no such plans after holding talks with Armenian Defense Minister Suren Papikian last month.

Blinken and Mirzoyan signed the document less than a week before U.S. President Joe Biden will complete his term in office and hand over power to Donald Trump. Mirzoyan said in this regard that Yerevan will work with the incoming U.S. administration in trying to achieve the ambitious goals set by the charter.

Mirzoyan and James OBrien, the U.S. assistant secretary of state for Europe and Eurasia, announced plans to upgrade the status of our bilateral dialogue to a Strategic Partnership Commission after chairing a session of a U.S.-Armenian task force in Yerevan in June. Russias Foreign Ministry warned at the time that closer ties with the U.S. could only create additional security risks and economic problems for Armenia. Moscow reacted more cautiously to the development earlier on Tuesday.
14 January 2025 20:11 (UTC+04:00)

Elnur Enveroglu Read more

The US aims at expanding with Canada as the 51st state, Panama 52nd, and Greenland 53rd.

This is according to new US President-elect Donald Trump, whose ambitious announcement caused a big resonance prior to his taking office in the White House.

Talking about the historical background of Canada, Donald Trump said it would be part of the USA without any military intervention. In his recent statement, Donald Trump claimed that the economic strength of the USA would enable her to annex the abovementioned territories under the new status of American states.

In his statement, D. Trump touched on multiple issues and he gave insight into many complex situations. For example, he says that military invasion in Panama and Greenland might be unavoidable as the US sees it as a security issue.

Donald Trump calls Panama a matter of economic security as Chinas interference is a stones throw away from his countrys territory.

Why Panama is so strategically important for the USA?

US-Panama confrontations have been since XIX centuries and it has been finalized with the US invasion of Panama in 1989 in order to arrest Manuel Noriega, the former dictator who ruled Panama without being an elected president for almost 6 years.

In our days, the Panama-US relations have been high in many aspects. The two countries cooperate in economic, political, security, and social development through U.S. and international agencies. Cultural ties between the two countries are strong and many Panamanians go to the United States for higher education and advanced training.

Besides that, according to the demographic indicator, 25,000 American citizens reside in Panama, many of which hold dual nationality.

However, since President-elect Donald Trumps announcement of annexing Panama, it has stood out as a focal point of huge strategic importance.

It is clear from President Trump's statements that as the China factor becomes a threat to the United States, it becomes necessary for the United States to have greater immunity to protection. Today, Chinese companies such as Landbridge Group and the Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings now operate ports at both ends of the canal. Moreover, the dual use of the canal also creates an opportunity for the expansion of relations between China and Latin American countries, which is a cause for further concern for America.

US intention of Canadas full integration

When we say Canada, we can say that we are almost in America. Both countries have preserved their historical roots, with their shared economic, political, and military strengths serving common interests. But new US President Donald Trump doesn't quite see it that way.

His ambition to annex Canada to the USA made him known as the new imperialist president. So, why Trump is so eager to see Canada as the 51st state of America?

Trump thinks unless Canada is fully annexed the USA, its full integration is not guaranteed, despite the economies and supply chains of both countries being fully integrated. It is a fact that every day, around 400,000 people and $2.7 billion in goods and services cross the Canada-U.S. border.

The close economic partnership has been facilitated by shared values and strong bilateral trade agreements. Due to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and its successor, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), both countries have gained better leverage in fostering economic cooperation and integration between the two nations. Cross-border projects, such as communications, highways, bridges, and pipelines have led to shared energy networks and transportation systems.

Furthermore, both Canada and the USA have established joint inspection agencies, share data and have harmonized regulations on everything from food to manufactured goods. Perhaps it is precisely because of these nuances that Donald Trump's desire to include Canada in America may be justified. There are also subtle issues that are not visible in the background of all the economic and political harmony. For example, disputes have included repeated trade disagreements, environmental concerns, Canadian concern for the future of oil exports, the issue of illegal immigration, the threat of terrorism, and illicit drug trade.

A similar situation is reflected in the military sphere. While everything seems glossy on the surface, some issues behind the scenes indicate deep rifts between the two countries. Canada cooperated closely with the United States during World War II and the Cold War, both through NORAD and NATO. However, in the last four decades, Canada has not been on this list. Thus, Canada has been reluctant to participate in US military operations that are not sanctioned by the United Nations, such as the Vietnam War or the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Canadian peacekeeping is a distinguishing feature that Canadians feel sets their military foreign policy apart from the United States.

Greenland says no way to sell its territory

A massive island, which seems to many to be just a large piece of ice, is actually home to a huge treasure. The island of Greenland, which is almost entirely populated by Danes, is also governed as an autonomous state.

Although it has been known as a colony of Denmark for many centuries, today this island is counting down the days to come under the control of the United States as Trumps remarks spark serious concerns.

Geographically, Greenland lies on the shortest route from North America to Europe, making it strategically important for the USA.

It is also home to a large American space facility and has some of the largest deposits of rare earth minerals, which are crucial in the manufacture of batteries and high-tech devices.

While Trump's views on Greenland have been making headlines in the media in recent days, his ambitions for the island date back to 2019. Trump had proposed purchasing the island during his first term as president. However, other issues on the agenda temporarily put the Greenland issue on hold.

Today, Donald Trump's return to the issue and calling it an "absolute necessity" has begun to arouse serious interest. Trump calls it a step taken for the security of America and the international community.

However, Prime Minister Egede previously said Greenland was not and would not be "for sale," while emphasising the importance of staying open to "co-operation and trade with the whole world".

If the US to resort military intervention

Donald Trump's ambitious ideas, which are the focus of interest of European politicians and interpreted by them in various forms, are causing greater excitement day by day. From January 20, decisions that can change the fate of the world map will come into force, which will lead to a change in the political vectors of many European countries.

Although some call these ideas of Trump rhetoric, there are many who also assume that they will come true. But how will this happen? Peacefully or militarily?

According to the new US president, national security cannot be compromised under any circumstances. For example, if Panama cooperates with the US at a high level in every field, this does not guarantee that it is a completely reliable ally.

For example, China's presence in the Panama Canal and its expansion policy may change relations at any moment. For this reason, the US may resort to military intervention.

Less than a week is left, and the questions that arise are seeking answers in the final decisions that Donald Trump will make.
14 January 2025 16:53 (UTC+04:00)

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A global scramble for natural gas is expected to ignite in 2025, Bloomberg reported, with Europes energy shortage set to trigger a competitive race that could price out developing countries across Asia and South America. According to Francisco Blanch, an analyst at Bank of America, There is no doubt that there will be an energy shortage in Europe this year.

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14 January 2025 15:36 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Azerbaijan and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) have initiated discussions on forming a strategic framework document for the next decade, covering the period 2026-2035, Azernews reports.

The Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan reported that First Deputy Minister of Economy Elnur Aliyev held a series of meetings during his visit to Saudi Arabia, including discussions with IsDB Group President Mohammed Suleiman Al-Jasir and Turkish Deputy Minister of Treasury and Finance Osman Celik.

At the IsDB "Directors' Meeting" in Saudi Arabia, participants deliberated on shaping the Bank's strategic framework for the coming decade, exchanging views on institutional priorities and addressing development needs in member countries.

Deputy Minister Aliyev underlined Azerbaijans effective cooperation with the IsDB and expressed appreciation for the Bank's support in various projects. He particularly highlighted the partnership document signed with the IsDB during COP29 in Baku for the "Construction of a Main Irrigation Canal from the Maiden Tower Reservoir" in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan. This project marks the first initiative financed by an international financial institution in Azerbaijan's liberated territories.

The framework discussions emphasized addressing reconstruction and rehabilitation needs in member countries, drought relief in climate-sensitive regions, and investing in large-scale infrastructure projects such as transport corridors, energy networks, and green infrastructure. The significance of digital transformation initiatives aligned with global sustainability goals was also noted.

The event reaffirmed the IsDBs commitment to fostering innovative and inclusive activities, strengthening its position as a trusted partner, and ensuring its strategies align with member countries' development priorities. It also underscored the importance of promoting international projects among member states with IsDBs support.

This strategic dialogue highlights Azerbaijans expanding collaboration with global financial institutions to advance sustainable development and economic growth.
14 January 2025 17:57 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

A new cultural center called the Ambassadors Cultural Club has been set up in Baku. Initiated by Arts Council Azerbaijan, this unique cultural platform aims to serve as a space for cultural exchange. Its main goal is to bring together artists, diplomats, and the general public to expand connections and share ideas.

The club hopes to provide fresh opportunities for interaction and inspiration, while also promoting the development of Azerbaijani culture on the world stage.

In an interview with AZERNEWS, head of the Arts Council Azerbaijan Dadash Mammadov, who heads the Arts Council Azerbaijan, discussed the inspiration behind the creation of the Ambassadors Cultural Club. He shared insights about its primary goals and talked about future projects that the Ambassadors Cultural Club plans to undertake.

Q.: How did you come up with the idea for the Ambassadors Cultural Club? What is the main mission of this platform for cultural exchange?

A.: The idea to create the Ambassadors Cultural Club arose from the desire to establish a dialogue between cultures and strengthen international cooperation through art. Azerbaijan has always been a bridge between the East and the West, and we aimed to create a platform that would allow us to share our cultural heritage and learn about the traditions of other countries. The main mission of the center is to serve as a point of contact for cultural exchange, to create projects that inspire and unite people, and to strengthen cultural ties between diplomats, artists, and the broader audience.

Q.: What aspects of Azerbaijani culture do you plan to highlight through this platform?

A.: Through the Ambassadors Cultural Club, we aim to highlight the unique aspects of Azerbaijani culture, such as traditional crafts, carpet weaving, music, visual arts, and contemporary art. Special attention is given to folk traditions that reflect the richness of our cultural identity.

Q.: What current social issues were addressed in the framework of the "Colorful Emotions" exhibition?

A.: The "Colorful Emotions" exhibition touched on the issues that concern our society today, such as environmental concerns, preservation of cultural heritage, gender equality, and the importance of inner harmony in the face of the rapid pace of life. Artists presented their reflections on how a person can find a balance between their personal peace and the challenges of modernity.

Q.: How will the center facilitate interaction between Azerbaijani cultural figures and the international audience?

A.: The Ambassadors Cultural Club will serve as a platform for organizing exhibitions, master classes, musical evenings, and discussions, where Azerbaijani artists, musicians, and creative individuals can present their work to an international audience. We also plan to invite foreign cultural figures for collaborative projects, which will promote bilateral exchange of knowledge, ideas, and creative experiences.

Q.: What future programs or events are planned as part of the Ambassadors Cultural Club?

A.: Various events are planned within the framework of the Ambassadors Cultural Club, aimed at promoting cultural exchange and bringing together creative individuals. These include art exhibitions featuring paintings and other forms of visual art created by both Azerbaijani and international artists; photo exhibitions focusing on the work of photographers and showcasing different genres-from documentary photography to fine art; workshops led by artists, craftspeople, and art enthusiasts; cultural evenings dedicated to the traditions and arts of various countries; networking cocktails where creative and diplomatic circles can exchange ideas and build connections; film screenings about art, providing an opportunity to immerse oneself in the world of creativity and learn more about artists, their processes, and legacies; festivals and thematic culture weeks from different countries, organized in collaboration with embassies; a ceramic duet symposium where two masters collaborate to create unique artworks; battle of the artists-a spectacular and creative competition demonstrating the skill and speed of the participants.

Q.: The Ambassadors Cultural Club project was implemented by the Arts Council Azerbaijan. What other projects does the Arts Council Azerbaijan plan to implement in the near future?

A.: The Arts Council Azerbaijan is actively developing and implementing initiatives aimed at fostering art and cultural exchange. One of the key projects includes the presentation of ArtMarket.az, a unique marketplace designed for the selling and promotion of works by Azerbaijani artists. Additionally, the council plans to organize an exhibition in collaboration with the Hungarian Embassy, titled "Hungary through the Eyes of Azerbaijani Artists," which will feature interpretations of Hungary's cultural and natural heritage as envisioned by Azerbaijani artists.

To strengthen intercultural dialogue, a series of workshops will be conducted in partnership with various embassies, aimed at creating new joint projects. The council is also set to launch the "Start" exhibition, which will provide a platform for talented young artists to express themselves and showcase their work.

Another initiative, the "Second Life" exhibition, is an innovative project dedicated to re-imagining old materials and ideas through contemporary art. This unique project focuses on transforming old, damaged carpets into art objects through painting, creatively combining the traditions of Azerbaijani carpet weaving with modern artistic approaches, and emphasizing sustainable development.

Furthermore, the "Khojaly" collection by Nazim Mammadov will be showcased, dedicated to commemorating the tragic events in Khojaly. This exhibition aims to preserve the memory of the tragedy while expressing cultural and human values through artistic lenses.

Photo Credits: Kamran Baghirov
14 January 2025 16:14 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

Secretary of the Azerbaijan Film-Makers Union, Honored Artist, director, and screenwriter Ziya Shikhlinsky is preparing to shoot a new film, Azernews reports.

The short documentary film will tell the story of Hokuma Aliyeva-a flight attendant on the Embraer 190 plane that crashed in the city of Aktau on December 25, 2024.

In the near future, filming of the short documentary dedicated to Hokuma Aliyeva is planned.

The artistic director of the film is the chairman of the Azerbaijan Film-Makers Union, People's Artist Rasim Balayev, while the script and direction are handled by Ziya Shikhlinsky, with cinematography by member of the board of the Azerbaijan Film-Makers Union, Honored Artist Adil Abbasov.

It is worth noting that by the decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, dated December 29, 2024, for her high professionalism, courage, and selflessness displayed while performing her official duties and saving the lives of passengers during the crash of the Embraer 190 passenger aircraft of the Closed Joint-Stock Company "Azerbaijan Airlines" on the Baku-Grozny route, Hokuma Aliyeva Jalil gizi was posthumously awarded the title of "National Hero of Azerbaijan."
14 January 2025 10:00 (UTC+04:00)

Qabil Ashirov Read more

As a result of operational-search activities carried out by the State Security Service (SSS) of Azerbaijan, Georgian citizen Aslanov Aqil Goyc oglu and Azerbaijani citizen Ismayilov Ceyhun Sahin oglu, who planned a terrorist act against a member of a religious community operating in Azerbaijan, were detained.

Azernews reports that Aqil Aslanov, who was involved in drug trafficking, met with employees of the special service of a third country through an acquaintance during his visit to that country in September 2024. These individuals showed Aqil Aslanov photographs of a member of a religious community in Azerbaijan and provided information about the individual, offering $200,000 for an assassination. By mutual agreement, Aqil Aslanov was initially instructed to collect and transfer necessary intelligence information about the community member and their workplace, for which he received an advance payment of $2,000.

Arriving in Baku to carry out the task, Aqil Aslanov, together with Ceyhun Ismayilov, whom he involved in criminal activities for material gain, gathered information about the religious community member. They sent the location details of the individual's residence and workplace to a representative of the foreign special service via a mobile phone application.

In connection with the incident, a criminal case is being investigated by the SSS under Articles 28, 214.2.1, 274, 276, and other articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and a court ordered the arrest of Aqil Aslanov and Ceyhun Ismayilov.
14 January 2025 12:23 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

The release of three Azerbaijani ships detained in Eritrean waters on November 7, 2024, remains pending due to ongoing investigations by the Eritrean authorities, Azernews reports.

According to a statement from "Caspian Marine Services B.V.," the documentation process for releasing the vessels has yet to be completed. "The reason why the ships have not yet been released is related to the Eritrean state. An investigation is currently underway in Eritrea in this regard. This will require some time," the company said.

The company assured that regular contact is being maintained with the crew members aboard the ships. "The condition of each of them is good. The crew members are provided with food, and they are in contact with their family members," the statement added.

The incident occurred on November 7 when the ships CMS Pahlevan, CMS Yigit, and CMS-3, sailing under the Azerbaijani flag and operated by the Azerbaijani branch of "Caspian Marine Services B.V.," made an unauthorized entry into Eritrean territorial waters. The vessels were en route from the Suez Canal to Abu Dhabi, UAE, when severe weather conditions forced them to deviate.

Despite prior contact with Eritrean port authorities, the ships were deemed to have entered the country's 12-mile territorial waters without authorization and were subsequently detained by local authorities.

A total of 24 crew members are on board the detained ships, including 18 Azerbaijani nationals and six foreign citizens.

Efforts are ongoing to resolve the issue and secure the release of the ships and their crew.
14 January 2025 13:33 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

The Western Azerbaijan Community has strongly condemned a slanderous broadcast aired on Germany's public radio channel, Deutschlandfunk, on January 12, 2025, accusing it of spreading biased narratives against the Azerbaijani people and state.

According to Azernews, the community expressed deep concern over the broadcast, which featured an interview with known Azerbaijanophobe Tessa Hofmann. The segment allegedly perpetuated claims of illegal actions against Armenians in Azerbaijan in 1990, presenting historical events through the lens of radical Armenian nationalist narratives.

The statement criticized the broadcast for ignoring the ethnic cleansing of over a million Azerbaijanis by Armenia during the conflict, as well as the occupation, destruction of Azerbaijani territories, and eradication of cultural heritage. It also highlighted the radio channels silence on the ethnic cleansing of 300,000 Azerbaijanis from Armenia between 1987 and 1991, during which 216 Azerbaijanis were killed.

The Western Azerbaijan Community emphasized that instead of promoting racially discriminatory broadcasts, Deutschlandfunk should condemn Armenia's policies of racism. The community referenced the recently uncovered speech by Armenia's first president, Levon Ter-Petrosyan, which openly acknowledged that ethnic cleansing against Azerbaijanis was a state policy during his tenure.

In its statement, the community denounced the discriminatory stance of Deutschlandfunk and called on the radios management to take appropriate measures to address this issue. It urged the channel to avoid creating tensions in the region and to ensure balanced and unbiased reporting in the future.
New York (PANA) - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will travel to Lebanon later this week for a solidarity visit with the country and its people, his Spokesperson announced on Monday during his daily briefing from New York
14 January 2025 17:39 (UTC+04:00)

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14 January 2025 19:00 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

The Armenian Foreign Ministry has announced that a document on the strategic partnership between Armenia and the United States will be signed today in Washington. Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken are scheduled to sign the agreement on January 14.

As the Biden administration's tenure draws to a close, this development raises questions about its motivations and implications for the region.

Elkhan Shahinoglu, Chairman of the Atlas Research Center (ATLASSAM), shared his insights on the matter with Azernews.

The working visit of Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan to Washington on January 14-15 and his meeting with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other officials here seems illogical at first glance. Because a few days after this meeting, Antony Blinken will be replaced as Secretary of State by someone else. After Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20, new faces will occupy state posts," Shahinoglu noted.

"In this case, what is the meaning of Ararat Mirzoyan's visit to Washington to meet with the old ones? Earlier, there was news that the US was planning to sign an agreement on a strategic partnership with Armenia. However, the State Department did not confirm this news. Ararat Mirzoyan, however, hinted that meetings would be held to discuss the document. It turns out that either Ararat Mirzoyan or the State Department is lying," he said.

The expert highlighted the strategic calculations behind Armenia's move:

"If Ararat Mirzoyan is meeting with the Secretary of State who will lose his post a few days before the change of power in the US, then there is something there. Official Yerevan is afraid that the Trump administration will strengthen the partnership with Azerbaijan in the South Caucasus. Apparently, they want to sign something with Washington now so that the Trump administration remains faithful to the agreement from the Biden era. However, for Trump, past agreements and treaties do not matter at all."

This development underscores Armenia's attempt to secure guarantees amid regional uncertainties and potential shifts in US foreign policy under a new administration. Whether this agreement will influence the balance of power in the South Caucasus remains to be seen.

Deputy Director of the Institute of Political Studies (Russia), Daria Grevchova, also shared her insights regarding it:

"Such a signed agreement, of course, creates a real threat in the region. We all see very well how the United States behaves in the international arena. This is the so-called projection of its power on other countries. And Armenia is precisely that projection of the United States, the US power in the South Caucasus region. And this is a very alarming call since we know that the United States is a great, strong power. And, of course, their main goal will not be peace and stability, but the creation of controlled chaos in the region.

"We see that Armenia will try with all its might to attract the United States to its side so that the United States will oppose Azerbaijan in the South Caucasus region. In this regard, various provocations are possible, precisely organized by Armenia in order to undermine relations between the United States and Azerbaijan. And Pashinyan is probably trying to show himself from the point of view of diplomatic power that Armenia is in allied relations with such a powerful and large state, and that Armenia can at any time turn to the United States for support, and the United States will provide this support.

"Perhaps, they will, if the goals and desires of the United States somehow coincide with the interests of the United States policy in the South Caucasus. We see that the signing of such agreements with a fairly strong partner that actively opposes Russia, and we have also heard government officials speak out against Azerbaijan, tells us that Pashinyan wants to sign a peace treaty, based precisely on the position of a strong partner who is not ready to make concessions to Azerbaijan. Therefore, the situation in the region with the signing of such an agreement is very tense and becomes really acute. It is also certainly impossible to say that this will be somehow positive, including for Armenia, because controlled chaos, as we see in the example of other states, never leads to anything good and beneficial for the country itself. And this will simply be, let's say, an arms race, a build-up of military power, and the creation of various kinds of provocations. Therefore, unfortunately, this behavior of Pashinyan shows that he is clearly a pro-Western politician and is trying to attract destabilization and a clear threat to security to the region."
14 January 2025 09:00 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

In the next five years, the United Kingdom plans to increase its "sovereign computing power" by 20 times and develop a new supercomputer to boost its global competitiveness in the artificial intelligence (AI) industry, Azernews reports.

According to the report, the new supercomputer will supplement the UK's existing high-performance computing systems, including Isambard-AI at the University of Bristol, which has nearly 5,000 graphics processing units (GPUs) for AI training, and Dawn at the University of Cambridge. By 2030, the UK aims to create infrastructure with 100,000 GPUs.

This information is included in a report commissioned by Matt Clifford, an expert advising British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The report states that the new facilities will primarily be used for AI applications in academia and government services.

This plan would position the UK as a global leader in AI, the head of the British government was quoted as saying by the Financial Times. Clifford's report, titled the AI Capabilities Action Plan, includes 50 recommendations and was submitted to the government in September. Its release was delayed for review by the Cabinet of Ministers. Among the approved recommendations are the creation of "accelerated development zones" for AI and the establishment of the AI Energy Council.
14 January 2025 08:00 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

The new Syrian authorities have announced their intention to make education in the country free, Azernews reports.

"Education is the right of every Syrian, and the government is committed to providing it for free. We are working on a new educational project that aligns with the aspirations of the people," said Minister al-Qadiri.

The minister also highlighted that there are approximately 350,000 teachers in Syria, but their monthly salary is only $20. "We are taking steps to increase teachers' salaries," he added.

The Transitional Government plans to update educational curricula by removing the ideological influence of the former regime. According to al-Qadiri, the overthrown government of Bashar al-Assad used educational materials to promote Baathist ideology, which, in turn, contributed to the country's stagnation. "We will implement changes to eliminate the legacy of the regime that destroyed Syria," he emphasized.

The Minister further explained that the new education system will focus on applied sciences to equip the future workforce with the practical skills needed to rebuild the country. However, the restoration of the education system faces significant challenges. Nearly half of Syria's 20,000 schools have been completely or partially destroyed, and the remaining schools require extensive repairs to meet the needs of the population.

The road ahead for Syria's education reform is fraught with difficulties, but it also presents a crucial opportunity for the country to break free from the past and shape a more promising future for its citizens. International support and investment in education will be essential to help Syria rebuild its infrastructure and foster a generation of skilled individuals capable of contributing to the nation's recovery and growth.
14 January 2025 23:30 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

The Chinese company ByteDance Ltd. may sell the TikTok short video application to Elon Musk, Bloomberg reports, citing informed sources. This scenario could become reality if the U.S. Supreme Court upholds the ban on the platform, Azernews reports.

During a debate on January 10, American judges indicated that the probability of a TikTok ban is quite high. The initiator of the ban was U.S. President Joe Biden, who signed a law requiring Chinese-owned ByteDance to cease TikTok operations in the United States by January 19, 2025, after a decision made in April 2024.

Late last year, former President Donald Trump, who is running for re-election, called for a delay in banning TikTok, expressing his desire to "save" the platform. In response to this, the Chinese government discussed the possibility of Elon Musk taking control of TikTok US, a version of the platform tailored specifically for the United States, and merging it with his existing app, X (formerly Twitter).

However, a final decision on the sale of the app has not yet been made, Bloomberg notes. TikToks developers, as well as Elon Musk and Chinese authorities, declined to comment to the agency. When asked by CNBC about Bloomberg's report, a TikTok representative replied, "We cannot be expected to comment on pure fiction."

This potential sale raises intriguing questions about the future of TikTok and its place in the broader landscape of social media. If the sale were to go through, it would mark a significant shift in the tech industry, with Musk potentially gaining control over two of the worlds largest social media platforms, TikTok US and X. This could reshape the dynamics of digital advertising, data privacy debates, and the ongoing geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China.
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Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on Monday reiterated its call for Israel to enable the delivery of lifesaving assistance to people across the Gaza Strip
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.
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One of Northern Irelands leading business organisations has announced its new chairman.

Brian Donaldson, chief executive of the Maxol Group, is the new CBI Northern Ireland Chair.

Brian has stepped up from CBI Northern Irelands Vice-Chair position, taking over from Richard Gillan, a managing partner at Grant Thornton Northern Ireland, who has been re-appointed Vice Chair after two years as Chair.

He takes up this position at a time when the global economy enters a new phase of protectionism and Northern Irelands economy navigates its way through an energy transition.

Maxol CEO Mr Donaldson was appointed in 2016, and served formerly as its Chief Operating Officer.

He has held many senior management roles in his 38 years with the privately-owned McMullan family business and played a key role in the development of the groups all-Ireland retail network of 252 service stations.

CBI NI director Angela McGowan said she was delighted by the appointment.

Having worked closely with him in recent years on issues such as electric vehicle infrastructure and energy, I know that he will bring a wealth of experience and strategic thinking to the CBI NI Council and the CBIs Chairs Committee.

Local CEOs expect a challenging 2025 as employment costs continue to rise, the labour market remains relatively tight and geo-political tensions are a cause for concern. Nonetheless, I am also confident that business leaders are thinking about the opportunities that technology, automation and the Windsor Framework present. I know that many CEOs will welcome Brians leadership during these changing times.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Richard for all his hard work and support as CBI NI Chair during a busy period which coincided with restoration of devolved government and a General Election. Richard has been a pleasure to work with and CBI Council members and the local team have thrived under his guidance.

Mr Donaldson said he was honoured to have been appointed.

The number one priority set out in the draft Programme for Government is to grow a competitive and sustainable economy and I am keen to seize on that ambition and to work with our political representatives to help make that a reality.

I recognise the ambition is not without its challenges. The greater tax burden now faced by businesses following the Autumn Budget threatens to impact their ability to plan and deliver growth.

Our local businesses need the CBIs support in many areas, including having access to a skilled workforce to help them drive economic growth. They also need a clear pathway to achieving a low-carbon economy.

As the voice of local business and the new Chair of the CBI we are ready to play our part in working collaboratively with our partners and key stakeholders in government to help shape policy and create the right conditions for a confident, energised and prosperous economy that not only serves to benefit everyone but will attract new investment for future generations.
Business activity in Northern Ireland has dropped for the first time in around a year with factors like the Holyhead port shutdown playing a part, a survey said today.

According to the Ulster Bank NI Growth Tracker, a fall in new orders meant business activity contracted for NI firms in December.

Nonetheless, employment increased during the month, although input costs were also going up.

Sebastian Burnside, NatWest chief economist, said: The Northern Ireland private sector ended 2024 on a softer note, recording the first reduction in business activity for more than a year on the back of a further decline in new orders.

"This represented a marked turnaround in fortunes for local firms as rapid growth was recorded through much of 2024, even through to as late as October, when Northern Ireland was the strongest performer across the UK.

He said Northern Ireland was the only part of the UK to see a rise in staffing levels during December, with employment now up for 24 months in a row.

The overall business activity index had dropped from 51.5 in November to 47.7 in December, the first fall in activity for 13 months.

In general, firms said waning customer demand was to blame, even though business sentiment had recovered slightly.

But confidence was weaker than the average for the year as whole, in some cases due to the UK Budget, though concerns about NI Waters budget were also playing on minds.

And supplier delivery times got longer for the fourth month in a row, with firms reporting delivery delays and disruption caused by the shutdown of Holyhead port in Wales after Storm Darragh in December. Its due to partially reopen this week.
Overall 8% rise in new car registrations in 2024 disguise winners and losers

Tesla sales in Northern Ireland declined 16% during 2024 with the Hyundai Kona emerging as the years most popular electric vehicle (EV), Business Telegraph can reveal.

As Elon Musk prepares to exert even greater influence on world events when US President Donald Trump takes office later this month, Mr Musks brainchild EV is facing growing competition in Northern Ireland.

According to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) analysed by economist Richard Ramsey, there were 1,008 Hyundai Kona sold here in 2024, putting it at the top of the EV tree.

And across the car market and all fuel types as a whole, Volkswagen had usurped Ford as NIs favourite brand, with 5,065 VWs driven off forecourts.

In contrast, Ford dropped to fifth place in the leader board of most popular brands overall.

There were 3,052 new Ford cars sold during 2024, brings its sales volumes back to the lowest level in at least 26 years, Mr Ramsey said.

Overall, he said Northern Ireland had experienced a strong year for new car registrations, with sales up 8% on average, a stronger rate of increase than than in the UK as whole.

However, Teslas fall in sales is far from just a Northern Ireland phenomenon. World-wide, its sales fell in 2024 for the first time in more than a decade, with numbers down 1% to 1.79 million.

In contrast, its biggest rival, Chinese disruptor BYD, recorded its best-ever year in 2024, with 4.3 million EVs and hybrids sold globally in 2024. It is sold in Northern Ireland through dealership Charles Hurst.

Mr Musk is preparing to take on a new role in Mr Trumps second White House administration as leader of the new US Department of Government Efficiency, a cost-cutting body.
Rachel Reeves will move to reassure turbulent financial markets amid high Government borrowing costs as she faces a grilling from MPs on Tuesday.

The Chancellor will answer questions in the Commons for the first time since her return from a trip to China criticised by political opponents for coinciding with a week of volatility for the pound and soaring yields on UK bonds.
Famous Belfast bars new owner: 'I want it to be busy, but not so successful that its unpleasant to be in for a pint'

Tomas Gorman discusses putting his stamp on the American Bar and his inspiration  No jukebox, no television, high quality food, a little art gallery on the walls.

American Bar owner Tomas Gorman (Photo by Kevin Scott)

James McNaney Tue 14 Jan 2025 at 08:45

Tomas Gorman has the rare pleasure of managing and owning his favourite pub in the city.
Councillors have voted decisively to reject plans for a fee to access Halloween events on Derrys Walls saying there was public anger and it would set a bad precedent.

Derry City & Strabane District Council had proposed charging people to enter the historic walls during its now-world-famous Halloween festival.

At todays meeting, councillors were asked to approve a ticketing system which would mean that people will have to pay for the Awakening the Walled City experience for the first time.

It is estimated that more than 120,000 visitors attended last years celebrations in Derry city and 20,000 across Strabane.

There is a plan to extend the Awakening the Walled City programme to a wider section of the walls and city centre streets.

The council had proposed charging 3 per person and 10 per family to help avoid long queues that have become commonplace during the event.

The report states: The PR AVE (advertising value equivalency) of the 2024 campaign achieved just over 7m and an overall reach of 317m.

It is important to note that some coverage value is yet to be included in those figures as they are not scheduled for release until 2025, including Discovery Channels Adventure Cities and ITVs Freds Tour De Ireland with Fred Sirieix, airing in Spring 2025, as well as an RTE documentary set to premiere during Halloween 2025.

As part of its marketing plan for 2025, the council wants to focus on amplifying its global appeal.

The campaigns core marketing messages will align closely with Tourism Irelands Home of Halloween initiative, reinforcing the destinations status as the birthplace of Halloween traditions, a council report says.

Currently, the overall Halloween budget for Derry and Strabane is 470,000.

This includes 335,000 from council rates, 25,000 from The Executive Office, and other income of 10,000.

An application to Tourism Northern Ireland for 100,000 is yet to be confirmed, and councillors were told to note that there has been a reduction over the past three years on the amount being awarded.

The report says that, in order to deliver this event to a high standard, at least an additional 70,000 in programming budget is needed, as well as 30,000 in marketing and related safety costs.

In order to implement a ticketing system on the walls and to ensure that there is both a commercial and free experience for all to enjoy, it is envisaged that an additional 75,000 would be required but would be offset against income, it adds.

The report says the impact of cost increases, funding cuts and overstretched interdepartmental budgets means that the delivery of this award-winning event in its current format will have to be reviewed going forward.

Sinn Fein councillor Grace Ui Niallais said her party cant support the paper and believes there could be equality implications despite the report saying that none exist.

She said there could be affordability concerns for people.

Ms Ui Niallais said she would like to see other revenue raising options explored.

UUP councillor Darren Guy said he was on the fence over the issue.

Mr Guy said hes seen mixed reviews on social media with some families saying theyd be happy to pay 10 if it meant the Walls were not packed and their children werent getting bumped into.

Councillor Rory Farrell said the SDLP could not support the proposal to charge as it could end up in a two-tier system with a premium experience for those who pay and a lesser experience for those who cant afford it.

DUP Councillor Julie Middleton said that she doesnt celebrate Halloween due to personal convictions and shared different views from constituents.

People Before Profit Councillor Shaun Harkin said it is community spirit that has driven the success of the festival.

He pointed out that the council area has the lowest disposable income and this would be exclusionary.

Mr Harkin said the proposal is generating anger and believes it would set a bad precedent.

Independent councillor Gary Donnelly said there would be backlash if this is approved and it is a slippery slope.

Councillors agreed that exploring a fee should be scrapped but they could look at the possibility of a ticketing system to manage crowd numbers.
A 34-year-old man has been charged in connection with the incident

Police have issued an appeal for information after a female nurse was assaulted and placed in a headlock during an incident at a Belfast hospital earlier this month.

The alleged assault took place at the Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital on Saturday January 11.

A 34-year-old man arrested at the scene appeared in court on Monday charged with offences including disorderly behaviour, common assault and possession of Class B drugs.

Police have made a further appeal for a man who intervened in the assault to come forward.

Sergeant Rice said: Shortly before 8:30pm, it was reported to police that a female nurse aged in her 20s was assaulted and placed in a headlock by a male assailant.

"A female receptionist in her 30s, also had her shoulder grabbed by the male during the incident.

As part of our ongoing investigation, we would like to speak with the man who intervened during the assault and brought the attacker to the ground, and was himself assaulted in the process.

"Detectives can be contacted by calling 101, quoting reference number 1315 11/01/25. Information can also be submitted online via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.

"You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.

The Royal Victoria Hospital

News Catch Up - Tuesday 14 January
The man will appear before the extradition court later today

A man wanted in Germany for a number of offences including rape and sexual assault against a child has been arrested in Northern Ireland.

The 38-year-old is due to stand trial for the offences which happened in Berlin between September 2020 and December 2021.

The PSNI confirmed they arrested the man in Portadown on Monday, with the man being detained on a German extradition warrant.

He is expected to appear later today before Laganside Extradition Court.

PSNI Sergeant Davey from the International Policing Unit said: Todays arrest is another example of the Police Service working closely with the National Crime Agency and our International Partners to locate fugitives and bring them before the Extradition Courts.

"Our message is clear, Northern Ireland is not a safe haven for any wanted persons trying to avoid arrest and the consequences of their previous actions. We will relentlessly pursue those that are trying to delay or deny justice to victims of crime."
Police have closed off a large section of the road

The crash occurred on the Antrim Road. Stock pic

Two pedestrians have been taken to hospital after they were struck by vehicles in separate incidents on Monday evening.

In Londonderry, one person was taken to hospital after being struck in the Francis Street area of the city.

A NI Ambulance Service (NIAS) spokesperson said: The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service received a 999 call at 20:02 on Monday January 13 following reports of a traffic incident involving a vehicle and a pedestrian, in the Francis St area of Derry City.

NIAS despatched one Emergency Crew to the incident.

Following assessment and initial treatment at the scene, one patient was taken to Altnagelvin Hospital.

It comes after one pedestrian was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital after being struck by a vehicle in Co Antrim earlier in the day.

Police closed a large section of a main road on the outskirts of Belfast as emergency services dealt with the incident on the Antrim Road in Newtownabbey on Monday evening.

The road has been closed from its junction with the Sandyknowes roundabout to its junction with the Hightown Road.

Diversions are in place.

The NI Ambulance Service (NIAS) confirmed one person was taken to hospital following the incident.

"The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service received a 999 call at 5.01pm on Monday January 13 following reports of a traffic incident involving a vehicle and a pedestrian, in the Antrim Road area of Glengormley, said a spokesperson.

"NIAS despatched two Emergency Crews, a HART Crew, an Advanced Paramedic and an Ambulance Officer to the incident.

"Ambulance Control also tasked the HEMS crew to attend by response car.

"Following assessment and initial treatment at the scene, one patient was taken to RVH.

The crash occurred on the Antrim Road. Stock pic

News Catch Up - Tuesday 14 January


First 'Amrit Snan' at Maha Kumbh 2025 on Makar Sankranti witnesses sea of devotees The Maha Kumbh 2025 festival began its most significant phase with the first 'Amrit Snan (holy dip)' on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti at the Triveni Sangam, the sacred confluence of the three sacred rivers, the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati. Thousands of seers and sadhus alongside millions of devotees, gathered at the site to take part in the ritual that marks the beginning of the grand spiritual gathering.



Ravindra Puri, a sant, expressed his feelings after taking the holy dip, stating, "We came here in the morning and took a dip in the auspicious river. Today is a very auspicious occasion. I encourage everyone to come here as it will bring them 'punya' (merit). Devotees will be allowed to take a dip after all the sants have performed the ritual."



Another spiritual leader, Nand Giri Maharaj, spoke about the unity and belief of the devotees, saying, "Today, I saw the faith of devotees and Sanatanis. It proves that there is no religion greater than 'Sanatan Dharma.' Every deity has come here to bathe in this sacred river. This is purifying our environment."



Sadhvi Niranjan highlighted the significance of the Maha Kumbh, emphasising its connection to deep faith.



"I want to congratulate everyone for this Maha Kumbh 2025. It is a festival of belief, and I also wish everyone a blessed Makar Sankranti. The crowd here shows the strength of Sanatan Dharma," she remarked.



Sadhu Swaroopanand pointed out the enthusiasm of the crowd and linked it to the nation's growing religious unity.



"People are very excited to take a dip in this auspicious river. The first 'Amrit Snan' of the Maha Kumbh is a sign that our country has become a 'Hindu Rashtra.' I congratulate everyone for this spiritual journey, which is the result of unwavering belief," he stated.



Swami Trivanand shared his thoughts on the grand scale of the event, stating, "This Maha Kumbh is very special as it comes after so many years. It is the biggest festival of our country and the world. We took a dip in this sacred river, a testament to the enduring presence of Sanatan Dharma."



Swami Govindanand also expressed his satisfaction, acknowledging the role of the authorities in ensuring a smooth experience for the devotees.



"I feel really blessed to be here. The efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath are commendable. The administration has worked hard to make everything comfortable. This is my fourth Maha Kumbh Snan," he said.



The administration has worked diligently to ensure the success of the event, planning the sequence of rituals to uphold the customs of Sanatan Dharma while maintaining order and discipline.



On Makar Sankranti alone, around 1.60 crore devotees are estimated to have taken a holy dip at the Sangam by noon, marking a grand start to the Maha Kumbh 2025 celebrations.




Latest | Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and Regional Independents reach deal for Irish Government

The Regional Independent group has secured two super junior ministries and two other junior ministriesFianna Fail will have eight full ministers at Cabinet to Fine Gaels seven ministersForeign Affairs to take in Trade as Fine Gael leader repeats Eamon Gilmore briefExpanded Public Expenditure Minister role with infrastructure, reform and digitalisation

L-R: Fine Gael leader Simon Harris, Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin, and Regional Independent TD Michael Lowry who led negotiations for the group

Fionnan Sheahan, Senan Molony and Gabija Gataveckaite Tue 14 Jan 2025 at 20:16







A deal has been reached to form the next Irish Government, after an agreement was reached between Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and the Regional Independent Group.
Scale of fires at NIs listed buildings laid bare, with 34 hit in 10 years

Politicians urged to step in and save built heritage for future generations

Primark Bank Buildings in Belfast city centre following a blaze that has gutted the store (Kevin Scott for Belfast Telegraph)

Andrew Madden Tue 14 Jan 2025 at 07:28

New figures have revealed the number of listed buildings across Northern Ireland that have been damaged or destroyed by fire in recent years.
The Princess of Wales talks with Katherine Field during a visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital, London, where she received her cancer treatment (Chris Jackson/PA)

The Princess of Wales has made an incredibly poignant visit to the hospital where she was treated for cancer to personally thank staff for her care.

Kate returned to the Royal Marsden Hospital in Chelsea, west London, on Tuesday morning, where she expressed her gratitude to her medical teams and showed support to patients undergoing cancer treatment.

The surprise official solo engagement  the princesss first of 2025  was described as an important moment in Kates personal journey.

It had not been previously disclosed that Kate, who underwent chemotherapy last year, was treated at the Marsden  a world-leading state-of-the art cancer centre known for its pioneering research.

Kate enters the Royal Marsden Hospital on Tuesday (Chris Jackson/PA)

A Kensington Palace spokesperson said: The princess wanted to make the journey to both show her gratitude to the incredible team, but also highlight the world-leading care and treatment the Marsden provides.

Kate, dressed in a long dark brown tartan coat and burgundy polo neck and skirt, said as she arrived at the hospitals main entrance: I was just saying, coming in the front entrance here, having made so many quiet, private visits, actually its quite nice.

Kate chatting to patient Katherine Field during a visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital (Chris Jackson/PA)

One woman told the princess as she sat with patients and their families on the ward: I think youve managed the children amazingly well.

Kate replied: Oh thats kind.

The princess added: The treatments are really so different and so varied, it impacts families differently.

Kate was said to have wanted to show her support in person to those going through cancer treatment.

Kate during her first official visit of the year (Chris Jackson/PA)

The unannounced visit coincided with the news that Kate has become joint royal patron of the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, alongside the Prince of Wales.

The patronage was once held by Diana, Princess of Wales, and William has been its president for many years, but will now serve as co-patron with Kate.

The Palace was keen to stress that the guidance around Kates return to public-facing engagements had not changed and it would continue to be gradual.

Today was about visiting the Marsden to reflect on her own personal journey, a spokesperson said.

Kate made her official visit on Tuesday (Chris Jackson/PA)

The princess, in her new role as patron, was said to be looking forward to supporting the Marsdens work in advancing cancer research, treatment and care as well as learning more about how it can benefit patients in the future.

Kate celebrated her 43rd birthday last week, with the Prince of Wales paying a heartfelt public tribute to her as the most incredible wife and mother, saying the strength youve shown over the last year has been remarkable.

The visit to the Marsden comes two days before the first anniversary of Kates admittance to the London Clinic for major abdominal surgery on January 16 2024.

She spent nearly two weeks in hospital after the operation, and was recuperating at home when she was told she had cancer and had to begin chemotherapy.

The Royal Marsden Hospital in Chelsea, west London (Dominic Lipinski/PA)

William described 2024 as brutal and probably the hardest year of his life, with his father, the King, also diagnosed with the disease.

In June, the princess, in a candid written message, revealed she was making good progress but had good days and bad days, was not out of the woods yet and was facing a few more months of treatment.

In September, the princess confirmed she had completed her treatment, but revealed that she, William and their children had faced an incredibly tough time.
Adeel Khan at Westminster Magistrates Court, London, where he is accused of helping ex-soldier Daniel Khalife after he escaped from prison (Jonathan Brady/PA)

A second man has pleaded not guilty to helping former soldier Daniel Khalife after he escaped from prison.

Adeel Khan, 30, from Waltham Forest, east London, is accused of helping Khalife after he escaped from HMP Wandsworth by tying himself to the underside of a food delivery truck in September 2023.

Khan was in custody at HMP Wandsworth at the same time as Khalife and he is charged with having an illicit phone inside the prison between September 1 and 9 2023.

Adeel Khan at Westminster Magistrates Court where he is accused of helping ex-soldier Daniel Khalife after he escaped from prison (Jonathan Brady/PA)

Westminster Magistrates Court heard on Tuesday that Khan allegedly shared the phone with Khalife when they were both inside.

It is alleged that Khan used the device to help the former soldier access cash after he fled Wandsworth on September 6.

Khan wore a white shirt with his hair tied back as he pleaded not guilty to assisting an escaped prisoner and possessing a phone inside prison.

He was granted conditional bail and ordered to surrender his passport to a police station before 4pm on Wednesday, and to sleep at an address in Waltham Forest.

Khan will next appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court on February 4 where his case will be tied in with Imran Chowdhurys, the court heard.

Last week Chowdhury, 25, from Chingford, east London, was also charged with helping Khalife after he broke out of jail.

Imran Chowdhury leaving Westminster Magistrates Court where he pleaded not guilty to assisting former soldier Daniel Khalife as he escaped from prison (Lucy North/PA)

It is alleged that Khan used the phone to instruct Chowdhury to meet Khalife and take him to a cash point on the evening of September 6.

Chowdhury allegedly withdrew 400 from his account for Khalife.

He appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court on January 7 and denied one count of assisting an escaped prisoner.

He was bailed to appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court on February 4.

Khalife, 23, was found guilty of spying for Iran after a trial in November 2024.

Jurors at Woolwich Crown Court found he had breached the Official Secrets and Terrorism Acts.

He had already admitted escaping from Wandsworth Prison, but was cleared of carrying out a bomb hoax at the Army barracks where he had been based.
Three men who were part of a global people smuggling network moving migrants from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) into the UK and Europe have been arrested, following a ground-breaking operation involving the National Crime Agency, Kurdistan Region Security Council and Kurdistan Region Security Agency (NCA/PA)

Three men who are allegedly part of a global people smuggling network moving migrants from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) into the UK and Europe have been arrested.

They have been linked to the same network as Amanj Hasan Zada, an Iranian national who dubbed himself the best smuggler and was jailed for 17 years in November after he arranged Channel small boat crossings from his home in Lancashire.

The men, who are from Sulaymaniyah, allegedly acted as a coordinator, a banker and a middle-man and were arrested in the KRI between January 8-12, according to the National Crime Agency (NCA) who worked with the Kurdistan Region Security Council and Kurdistan Region Security Agency to detain the gang members.

This was the first time the NCA has worked with Asayish (security) agencies in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah to target high-ranking people smugglers (NCA/PA)

All three men, who previously they thought they were untouchable, are in custody and face prosecution for human trafficking offences by the KRI authorities.

This was the first time the NCA has worked with Asayish (security) agencies in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah to target high-ranking people smugglers who are trying to transport migrants across Europe and into small boats to the UK.

The investigation also drew praise from Home Secretary Yvette Cooper who said the operation would have a material effect on the criminal networks currently trafficking people across Europe.

Amanj Hasan Zada, of Stefano Road, Preston, was convicted by a jury of three counts of facilitating illegal immigration after a two-week trial at Preston Crown Court.

He advertised his business on social media under the name Amanj Zaman and featured videos of thankful migrants who paid for his services.

The men were linked to the same network as Amanj Hasan Zada, an Iranian national who dubbed himself the best smuggler (NCA/PA)

One video found on YouTube by the NCA  thought to have been recorded in Iraq in 2021  showed him at a party with musicians singing a song in Kurdish feting him as the best smuggler, saying all the other smugglers have learned from him, while he throws cash at them and fires a gun in the air in celebration.

The latest arrests include a 38-year-old man who is accused of working with the network to co-ordinate the movements of more than a dozen yachts transporting migrants into Greece or Italy, according to the NCA.

Each boat would contain 60 or 70 people, who would then be moved on to northern Europe or the UK.

A Hawala banker, aged in his 40s, who allegedly processed financial transactions on behalf of Zada, has also been detained.

Another man in his 30s from Sulaymaniyah who is accused of being a middle-man gathering migrants for movement by Zadas network is also in custody.

Ms Cooper said: Just seven weeks ago, as part of the Governments Plan for Change, I signed the UKs landmark deal on law enforcement cooperation and border security with Iraq and met with the Kurdish Regional Government, signalling our determination to work together to dismantle the criminal smuggling gangs operating through that region.

Our security agreement with Iraq is already showing its impact. By sharing the expertise of our Border Security Command, enhancing intelligence-sharing, and providing additional funding to support Iraqs law enforcement capabilities, we are able to target the people smuggling gangs at source.

Amanj Hasan Zada, who was convicted by a jury of three counts of facilitating illegal immigration after a two-week trial at Preston Crown Court (NCA)

NCA director general of operations Rob Jones said: This is the next significant step in taking on the people smuggling gangs who dominate the deadly cross-Channel small boat trade, many of whom operate from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

Previously they thought they were untouchable, but thanks to our co-operation with the KRI authorities, we have demonstrated that this is no longer the case and they will be held to account.

Branch commander Martin Clarke, who was part of the team of NCA officers who flew out to Kurdistan Region of Iraq, said the trail of the network had been followed from Amanj Hasan Zada in his house in Preston and back to Sulaymaniyah where it is believed this gang were operating and recruiting.

He thanked the Asayish agencies, adding: Like us they recognise that these gangs are risking the lives of those they transport, feeding them lies via their social media channels, and claiming journeys are one hundred percent safe.

More than 70 people lost their lives attempting to cross the Channel in small boats in 2024, so this trade must stop.
Chief inspector of prisons Charlie Taylor accused the police and Government of giving up control of the airspace above HMP Manchester and HMP Long Lartin in Worcestershire (Niall Carson/PA)

Drones dropping drugs and weapons to dangerous prisoners being held in high-security jails are a threat to national security, a watchdog has warned.

Chief inspector of prisons Charlie Taylor accused the police and Government of giving up control of the airspace above HMP Manchester and HMP Long Lartin as he called on them and the security services to urgently confront activity from criminal gangs behind the supply.

Publishing findings on Tuesday after inspections at the two prisons in September and October, he raised serious concerns over safety and basic security, describing the jails as having thriving drug economies with nets and CCTV being allowed to fall into disrepair.

The scale of the problem at HMP Manchester, previously known as Strangeways, included inmates burning holes in windows to receive drone deliveries and prompted Mr Taylor to last year tell the Justice Secretary to put the prison into emergency measures.

Mr Taylor said: It is highly alarming that the police and prison service have in effect ceded the airspace above two high-security prisons to organised crime gangs which are able to deliver contraband to jails holding extremely dangerous prisoners, including some who have been designated as high-risk category A.

The safety of staff, prisoners and ultimately that of the public is seriously compromised by the failure to tackle what has become a threat to national security.

The prison service, the police and other security services must urgently confront organised gang activity and reduce the supply of drugs and other illicit items which so clearly undermine every aspect of prison life.

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) promised improvements including a crackdown on drugs after Mr Taylor found there to be catastrophic levels present at the category B prison in Manchester which can hold more than 700 men, including a handful of the most disruptive and high-risk prisoners under close supervision.

The number of weapons and other illicit items found in recent months was among the highest of all prisons holding adult men and the proportion of prisoners testing positive for drug use was very high at 39%, the report said.

Meanwhile, the findings on Long Lartin told of drones carrying large payloads of illicit items into the category A Worcestershire prison.

Holding almost 600 inmates, including those mainly serving life sentences and some very dangerous men, the number of drugs and phones coming into the jail was a serious concern.

More than 50% of prisoners told inspectors it was easy to get drugs and alcohol, which the watchdog branded an astonishing rate for a high-security jail, according to the report.

The latest warning comes after Mr Taylor likened another high-security jail, HMP Garth in Lancashire, to an airport because there were so many drones flying in drugs.

And a report from Independent Monitoring Boards (IMB)  made up of volunteers tasked by ministers with scrutinising conditions in custody  into crumbling jails in England and Wales said delays in fixing broken prison windows was making it easier for drones to be used to deliver drugs and weapons.

In December, MPs heard contraband was being taken into HMP Parc in South Wales in childrens nappies, while there were industrial specification drone drops from organised crime gangs.

Andrea Coomber, chief executive of the Howard League for Penal Reform, said: These appalling inspection reports are a warning that problems in prisons spill out into the towns and cities around them.

A system that has been asked to do too much, with too little, for too long is now so compromised as to become a threat to national security.

Pia Sinha, chief executive of the Prison Reform Trust, described the infiltration of criminal gangs in prisons as a serious and worrying development, arguing giving more power to governors to update security equipment and recruit staff as well as focusing on rehabilitating inmates would reduce demand for drugs.

An MoJ spokeswoman said: This Government inherited prisons in crisis  overcrowded, with drugs and violence rife.

We are gripping the situation by investing in prison maintenance and security, working with the police and others to tackle serious organised crime, and building more prison places to lock up dangerous criminals.
Mounting speculation over Chancellor Rachel Reevess political future dominates headlines on Wednesday as the UK faces mounting borrowing costs.

The Daily Telegraph leads on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer twice refusing to guarantee Ms Reeves would be Chancellor at the next election at a press conference before an aide backtracked.

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The Guardian reports Sir Keir has given Ms Reeves his full backing, while the Daily Star asks if it needs to buy another lettuce to represent the embattled chancellors political future.

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The Daily Mail suggests the Prime Minister is struggling to contain the Treasury turmoil.

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A worried farmer has pleaded for Ms Reeves to drop her brutal inheritance raid, the Daily Express reports.

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Meanwhile, the i says disability benefits could be slashed as Labour reveals nothing is off the table as it aims to cut costs.

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The Times splashes on pubs potentially banning customers from speaking about contentious issues like religious beliefs over fears of falling foul of Labours workers rights reforms.

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The Daily Mirror and Metro both lead on a man who was accused of driving his fiancee to suicide being cleared of manslaughter charges. He was convicted of assault and coercive control.

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The Independent writes mediators are close to brokering a peace deal between Israel and Hamas, with the next 24 hours considered pivotal.

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And EU shipyards are repairing Russian ice class tankers and offering them dock facilities despite western sanctions on the countrys energy sector, according to the Financial Times.
President Joe Biden waits to speak about foreign policy at the State Department in Washington (Susan Walsh/AP)

President Joe Biden said on Monday that his stewardship of American foreign policy has left the US safer and economically more secure, and that President-elect Donald Trump will inherit a country viewed as stronger and more reliable than it was four years ago.

Mr Biden trumpeted his administrations work on expanding Nato, rallying allies to provide Ukraine with military aid to fight Russia, and bolstering American chip manufacturing to better compete with China, during a wide-ranging speech to reflect on his foreign policy legacy a week before ceding the White House to Mr Trump.

Mr Bidens case for his achievements will be shadowed and shaped, at least in the near term, by the messy counterfactual that American voters once again turned to Mr Trump and his protectionist world view.

And he will leave office at a turbulent moment for the globe, with a series of conflicts raging.

Thanks to our administration, the United States is winning the worldwide competition compared to four years ago, Mr Biden said in his address at the State Department.

President Joe Biden with secretary of state Antony Blinken (Susan Walsh/AP)

America is stronger. Our alliances are stronger. Our adversaries and competitors are weaker. We have not gone to war to make these things happen.

The one-term Democrat took office in the throes of the worst global pandemic in a century, and his plans to repair alliances strained by four years of Mr Trumps America First world view were quickly stress-tested by international crises: the chaotic US withdrawal from Afghanistan, Russias 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and Hamas 2023 attack on Israel that triggered the war in the Middle East.

Mr Biden said he provided a steady hand when the world needed it most. He was tested by war, calamity and miscalculation.

My administration is leaving the next administration with a very strong hand to play, Mr Biden said. America is once again leading.

With the US completing its 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan, Mr Biden fulfilled a campaign promise to wind down Americas longest war.

But the 20-year conflict ended in disquieting fashion, the US-backed Afghan government collapsed, a grisly bombing killed 13 US troops and 170 others, and thousands of desperate Afghans descended on Kabuls airport in search of a way out before the final US aircraft departed over the Hindu Kush.

The Afghanistan debacle was a major setback just eight months into Mr Bidens presidency that he struggled to recover from.

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Ending the war was the right thing to do, and I believe history will reflect that, Mr Biden said.

Mr Bidens Republican detractors, including Mr Trump, cast it as a signal moment in a failed presidency.

Ill tell you what happened, he was so bad with Afghanistan, it was such a horrible embarrassment, most embarrassing moment in the history of our country, Mr Trump said in his lone 2024 presidential debate with Mr Biden, just weeks before he announced he was ending his re-election campaign.

With Russias invasion of Ukraine, Mr Biden rallied allies in Europe and beyond to provide Ukraine with billions in military and economic assistance, including more than 100 billion dollars (82 billion) from the US alone.

That allowed Kyiv to stay in the fight with Russian President Vladimir Putins vastly bigger and better-equipped military.

Mr Biden said his administration and its allies have laid the foundation for the Trump administration to help Ukraine eventually arrive at a moment where it can negotiate a just end to the nearly three-year old conflict.

Today, Ukraine is still a free and independent country with the potential for a bright future, Mr Biden said.

Mr Trump has criticised the cost of the war to US taxpayers and has vowed to bring the conflict to a quick end.

In the Middle East, Mr Biden has stood by Israel as it has worked to root out Hamas from Gaza.

That war spawned another in Lebanon, where Israel has mauled Irans most powerful ally, Hezbollah, even as Israel has launched successful airstrikes openly inside Iran for the first time.

The degradation of Hezbollah in turn played a role when Islamist-led rebels last month ousted longtime Syrian leader Bashar Assad, a brutal fixture of Irans Axis of Resistance.

Iran is weaker than its been in decades, Mr Biden said.

Mr Bidens relationship with Israels conservative leader Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been strained by the enormous Palestinian death toll in the fighting, now at more than 46,000 dead, and Israels blockade of the territory, which has left much of Gaza a hellscape where access to food and basic health care is severely limited.

Mr Trump, for his part, is warning that all hell will be unleashed on Hamas if the Israeli hostages being held in Gaza are not freed by Inauguration Day.
A surprising photograph of an undamaged Volkswagen van surrounded by destruction from a Los Angeles wildfire has astonished viewers.

Among those who were surprised was Megan Krystle Weinraub, a surf and skate board designer who owns the van.

She calls it Azul  Spanish for blue.

Her friend and business partner Preston Martin bought the 1977 vehicle on a whim and even lived in it for a year before selling it to Ms Weinraub.

The two friends went surfing the Sunday before the Palisades Fire erupted and then parked the van in a Malibu neighbourhood that was later destroyed.

Mr Martin figured the retro blue Volkswagen van he slept in for a year during college was a goner, so the surfboard maker was stunned to find that the vehicle survived.

Not only that, a photo of the vibrant bus taken by an Associated Press (AP) photographer was circulating widely on television and online, giving viewers a measure of joy.

There is magic in that van, Mr Martin, 24, said in an interview with the AP.

It makes no sense why this happened. It should have been toasted, but here we are.

Mr Martin purchased the 1977 Volkswagen Type 2 somewhat on a whim sometime around his junior year studying mechanical engineering at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

His mother, Tracey Martin, of Irvine, yelled at him for blowing his money, but Mr Martin told her he would save on rent by fixing up the inside and living in it in his senior year, which he did.

She came to love the bus, and sewed curtains for the windows.

Last summer he sold the van to his friend and business partner, Megan Krystle Weinraub, 29, who designs surf and skate boards under the Vibrant Boards brand.

Mr Martin makes carbon fibre surfboards under Starlite.

On January 5 the friends went surfing with the van.

Afterwards Mr Martin parked it on a flat spot up the hill from her apartment by the Getty Villa, as she is still learning to drive the manual transmission.

Two days later the Palisades Fire erupted, and Ms Weinraub fled with her dog, Bodi, and some dog food in her primary car.

Megan Krystle Weinraub with her dog Bodi in front of her Volkswagen van in Malibu, California (Macy DiCenso via AP)

She felt sad about Azul, but that was minor compared with those who lost homes or loved ones.

On Thursday a neighbour sent her a photo.

In the background was the bus, still blue and white and not at all damaged.

I freaked out, she said.

I was in the bathroom, and I screamed.

She called Mr Martin, who also freaked out.

He called his mother, who was ecstatic.

Ive never cried for a car before, Tracey Martin texted her son.

They were even more surprised when the AP photo aired on television and popped up online.

We made the news, Mr Martin said in a reel on an Instagram page, and Ms Weinraub contacted the photographer.

Ms Weinraub, whose home survived, has not been able to visit Azul because the area remains closed to the public.

The two are thrilled that the vans survival has touched so many people.

Its so cool that its become this, like, beacon of hope, Mr Martin said.

Everything around it was toasted, just destroyed. And then heres this bright blue shiny van, sitting right there.
Nato Secretary-General Mark Rutte announced on Tuesday that the alliance is launching a new mission to protect undersea cables in the Baltic Sea region (Antti Aimo-Koivisto/Lehtikuva/AP)

Nato is launching a new mission to protect undersea cables in the Baltic Sea region after a string of incidents that have heightened fears of Russian sabotage and spying in the strategic region, the alliances leader said on Tuesday.

Secretary-General Mark Rutte said the mission, dubbed Baltic Sentry, will include frigates, maritime patrol aircraft and a fleet of naval drones to provide enhanced surveillance and deterrence.

Across the alliance, we have seen elements of a campaign to destabilise our societies through cyber attacks, assassination attempts and sabotage, including possible sabotage of undersea cables in the Baltic Sea, he told reporters after a meeting in Helsinki with the leaders of Allied Baltic nations.

The Nato talks followed a string of incidents in the Baltic Sea region that have heightened concerns about possible Russian activities (Antti Aimo-Koivisto/Lehtikuva/AP)

As the meeting was taking place in Helsinki, there were reports on Polish state broadcaster TVP that a ship belonging to Russias shadow fleet was seen circling a natural gas pipeline that runs from Norway to Poland.

The fleet is made up of hundreds of ageing tankers of uncertain ownership and safety practices that are dodging sanctions and keeping the oil revenue flowing to Moscow.

Finland President Alexander Stubb said the issue had been discussed at the meeting, which also included leaders from Germany, Poland, Denmark, Sweden, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, but did not give details.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, speaking at a later news briefing in Helsinki, said he had not yet received a report on the matter but would inform the public once he learned more.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, front left, and Denmarks Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, front right, talk during a summit of the Baltic Sea Nato countries in Helsinki, Finland (Vesa Moilanen/Lehtikuva/AP)

Announcing the new operation, Mr Rutte noted that more than 95% of internet traffic is secured via undersea cables, and 808,000 miles (1.3m km) of cables guarantee an estimated 10 trillion US dollars (8.2 trillion) worth of financial transactions every day.

Across the alliance, we have seen elements of a campaign to destabilise our societies through cyber attacks, assassination attempts and sabotage, including possible sabotage of undersea cables in the Baltic Sea, he said.

He added that Natos adversaries must know the alliance will not accept attacks on its critical infrastructure, saying: We will do everything in our power to make sure that we fight back, that we are able to see what is happening and then take the next steps to make sure that that doesnt happen again.

Pressed for details about what the operation might involve, Mr Rutte declined to provide ship numbers, saying the figure could vary from week to week, and we dont want to make the enemy any wiser than he or she is already.

We will make use of the full range of possibilities we as an alliance have, he said, including remotely operated vehicles and drones.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz said in separate remarks to reporters that Germany will participate in the Baltic Sentry mission.

Asked whether that means Germany will contribute ships or surveillance planes and whether he made a specific offer, he replied: We will participate with everything we have in the way of naval capabilities; that will vary as far as the concrete possibilities of deployment are concerned.
Three years on, RCEP sees significant progress in promoting regional open cooperation

13:43, January 14, 2025 By Yang Yi ( People's Daily

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is the free trade agreement with the largest participating population in the world, as well as the largest economic and trade scale, and the greatest development potential.

Since the RCEP came into force in January 2022, it has delivered increasingly prominent institutional dividends such as tariff reductions, simplified customs procedures, and trade and investment facilitation. It has played a crucial role in safeguarding the stability and smooth flow of regional industrial and supply chains, propelling the Asia-Pacific into a new period of high-quality economic development.

On the morning of Jan. 2, 2025, a freight train loaded with fresh fruits and vegetables set off from Wangjiaying West Station in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan province, bound for Laos along the China-Laos Railway.

Photo shows the Boten Station of the China-Laos Railway in Luang Namtha, Laos. (Photo/Yang Yongquan)

This marked a new milestone for the railway, which has transported over 50 million tons of cargo, including 11.58 million tons of cross-border goods, since its full operation on Dec. 3, 2021.

Over the past three years since the RCEP came into force, the China-Laos Railway has emerged as a crucial transport corridor linking China, Thailand, Cambodia, and other countries. With the opening of more shipping routes, goods from Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Japan can now directly reach Xiamen Port and Quanzhou Port in southeast China's Fujian province, as well as ports in east China's Shandong province.

According to a study conducted by the Asian Development Bank, by 2030, the RCEP is expected to add $245 billion annually to regional income and 2.8 million jobs to regional employment. With the continuous improvement of regional connectivity, the RCEP will unleash more trade benefits.

Providing tremendous opportunities for regional enterprises

Boten town in northern Laos' Luang Namtha province, located only 3 kilometers from the Chinese border town of Mohan in Yunnan, is a crucial border station for transporting goods between China and Laos by land.

"Three years ago, there were only about a dozen customs clearance companies in Boten. Now, there are around 150," said Zhang Jianli, head of the freight transfer division at the Boten Station of the China-Laos Railway.

Inside the offices of these customs clearance companies, business agents were busy submitting documents, inspecting goods, and paying taxes to ensure timely shipment of goods for their customers.

Thanaleng Dry Port, a border checkpoint located between Lao capital Vientiane and border city Nong Khai in northeast Thailand, primarily handles goods that need to transit through Laos before reaching China or Thailand.

With the opening of the China-Laos Railway, the time needed to transport goods from Vientiane to Boten has reduced from two days by trucks to only around four hours, enhancing the logistics efficiency in the region.

By implementing tariff commitments, rules of origin, trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, and other trade regulations, the RCEP has maximized the integration of 27 trade arrangements and 44 investment agreements of its members in the region. This has effectively advanced the development of the multilateral trading system and helped maintain the stability of industrial and supply chains across the region.

An executive from the United Overseas Bank in Singapore said that the RCEP has broken down tariff barriers among its members and simplified trade rules. Singaporean enterprises can enjoy an average of 92 percent tariff reduction in China, which provides them with more favorable conditions for expanding their presence in the Chinese market.

A reach stacker lifts a container at the freight yard of the Vientiane South Station of the China-Laos Railway in Vientiane, Laos. (People's Daily/Yang Yi)

Unny Sankar Ravi Sankar, minister of economic affairs of the Malaysian Embassy in China, noted that the RCEP provides abundant opportunities for businesses and investors in the region, contributing to the stable economic development of the Asia-Pacific.

Invigorating regional economic integration

In December 2024, the RCEP Support Unit (RSU) was officially established in Jakarta with the joint efforts of China, the non-ASEAN rotating chair of the RCEP that year, and the ASEAN chair Indonesia.

Kao Kim Hourn, secretary-general of ASEAN, said that the establishment of the RSU was another significant milestone in the development of the RCEP. It will help implement the RCEP in a more comprehensive and high-quality manner and provide support to relevant institutions.

Over the past three years, the RCEP has been unleashing benefits in trade, investment, and regional value chains. As the largest economy of the RCEP, China has been an active promoter of high-quality implementation of the agreement. In the first three quarters of 2024, imports and exports between China and other RCEP members totaled 9.63 trillion yuan ($1.31 trillion), a year-on-year increase of 4.5 percent.

China's continuous expansion of high-level opening up has injected stability and vitality into the economic development of the Asia-Pacific, providing tremendous opportunities for regional countries to share China's development benefits.

Data released at the Boao Forum for Asia Bangkok Roundtable in August 2024 indicated that Cambodia is expected to graduate from LDC (least developed country) status by 2028 due to the development dividends brought by the RCEP.

Cambodian Ministry of Commerce's Secretary of State and spokesperson Penn Sovicheat, said that the RCEP and bilateral free trade agreements that Cambodia signed with countries like China and South Korea greatly boosted Cambodia's trade growth.

According to statistics released by the Department of Trade Negotiations under the Ministry of Commerce of Thailand, in the first ten months of 2024, Thailand's trade with other RCEP members reached around $269.7 billion, accounting for 53.13 percent of its total trade, up 2.69 percent from a year ago.

Tang Zhimin, director of China-ASEAN Studies at the Bangkok-based Panyapiwat Institute of Management, observed that the model of pre-establishment national treatment plus a negative list for foreign investment is one of the most important achievements of the RCEP investment rules.

"Since the implementation of the RCEP three years ago, China has made significant progress in facilitating services trade and investment cooperation with ASEAN countries, demonstrating an increasingly higher level of opening up," Tang noted.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun)
Susan Hayase and Tom Izu inside the replica of a camp barrack at the Japanese American Museum of San Jose on Jan. 10, 2025. The couple want to remind people about the role that the Alien Enemies Act played in incarcerating Japanese people like their parents before President-elect Donald Trump follows up on a promise to reactivate it for his mass deportation effort. Yalonda M. James/The Chronicle

Susan Hayase and Tom Izu fell in love while fighting for Japanese American reparations.

Tom was giving a speech, and hes clutching the lectern and talking really fast, Hayase recalled with a laugh. So, when the translator was translating his remarks into Japanese, I took him aside and I said, slow down  and he didnt.

In 1980, Hayase and Izu were attending a community-organized pilgrimage to Tule Lake near the California-Oregon border, where the American government had incarcerated Japanese Americans during World War II. In addition to issuing Executive Order 9066 to incarcerate 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry  most of whom were American citizens  President Franklin D. Roosevelt invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to detain 17,000 Japanese, 11,000 German and 3,000 Italian foreign nationals, according to the Brennan Center for Justice, a liberal policy institute in New York.

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My great uncle was picked up under the Alien Enemies Act, Hayase said.

Izus family, meanwhile, burned family records and childhood photos to protect his great uncle from the same fate as Hayases.

At an October campaign rally, President-elect Donald Trump said he would use the same act to deport migrants.

That its being resurrected like a zombie is really upsetting to a lot of Japanese Americans, Hayase said. We have to stop this.

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For more than 80 years, the Alien Enemies Act has lain dormant. Trumps vow to revive it against mostly Latino immigrants is part of a larger plan to repurpose laws meant for times of war to advance his nationalist domestic agenda, said Katherine Ebright, an attorney who focuses on constitutional war powers at the Brennan Center for Justice.

The Alien Enemies Act really could be a centerpiece of the mass deportation proposal, Ebright said.

Meanwhile, Japanese Americans who have been organizing to prevent this very scenario fear that the public has forgotten the Acts racist history.

The U.S. government used both Executive Order 9066 and the Alien Enemies Act to incarcerate people of Japanese ancestry during World War II. Library of Congress/Corbis/VCG via Getty Images

Alien Enemies Act, explained

The Alien Enemies Act originally targeted white Europeans, not immigrants of color, said Hidetaka Hirota, a UC Berkeley professor of U.S. immigration law and policy.

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Back in 1798, the U.S. was embroiled in diplomatic tension with France, a sort of 18th century Cold War period, said Hirota. President John Adams was clashing with Vice President Thomas Jefferson, who had lost to Adams in the 1796 election but would beat him in 1800.

Adams was a Federalist who believed in a central government stronger than the states, while Jefferson wanted the opposite and had the support of French radicals and Irish immigrants. So in 1798, Adams and a Federalist-controlled Congress passed the Alien and Sedition Acts, which included the Alien Enemies Act, to limit immigration by his rivals supporters.

The whole purpose was to really silence the voices of Adams opponents, Hirota said. The law was intended to delay the immigration of Jeffersons supporters and their political participation.

Adams move  like Trumps  was first and foremost a threat. Adams didnt actually deport any Jeffersonians after he passed the acts, but their passage led some of his opponents to flee the country. (In the Bay Area, some Dreamers, the recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, are already considering self-deportation ahead of a second Trump presidency.)

Today, the Alien and Sedition Acts are taught in schools as a violation of civil liberties and an overreach by the federal government, said Ebright.

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Even in the 1790s, Congress was deeply divided on whether these laws were consistent with our constitutional system, she said.

By 1802, most of the Alien and Sedition Acts expired or were repealed  except for the Alien Enemies Act, which allows the president to arrest, relocate and deport people from an enemy nation during wartime. The federal government used the Alien Enemies Act during three subsequent wars: the War of 1812 to limit where British people could live, during World War I to intern German and Austro-Hungarian nationals, and during WWII to detain Japanese, Italian and German immigrants.

But what Trump is proposing now, said Ebright, is unprecedented.

September 1942: California children from Japanese families, who had already been forcibly displaced from their homes, board a train from the Tanforan internment camp to another camp in Utah. Chronicle file photo/The Chronicle 1942

Wartime power during peacetime

The Alien Enemies Act is only valid during war  and its only ever been used during war. But Trump and the Republican Party have other plans, said Ebright.

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Attempted legal framing of migration as an invasion actually goes back to the 1990s, she said. Republican governors of states like New Jersey and Florida sued the Clinton administration, saying that the administration failed to meet its constitutional obligation to protect the states against invasion.

The courts threw out their cases, said Ebright, but their framing of migration as invasion lives on. And it could tee up Trumps invocation of a wartime act.

He has to show an imminent threat to trigger the Alien Enemies Act, so hes been very careful to use language like, the cartel activities are a threat to this country, said Naoko Fujii, a retired attorney whos part of the fight to repeal it.

In November, Trump said he would declare a national state of emergency and use the military to carry out mass deportations. I will immediately designate the cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, he said at a December 2024 press conference.

The idea is that we can misappropriate this wartime authority to create a turbocharged detention and deportation regime that bypasses the conventional protections that Congress has enacted for immigrants, Ebright said.

The Alien Enemies Act also doesnt include a method of implementation and is remarkably vague, Hirota said. But that doesnt mean Trump cant create one.

The worst-case scenario here is that Trump and the courts interpret this law to the extent that he could simply kidnap somebody on the street, he said.

Theres a precedent for what Hirota described. In the 1950s, the Immigration Naturalization Service under President Dwight D. Eisenhower raided Mexican American communities and forcefully deported documented and undocumented immigrants alike  over 1 million people in total. The Trump administration doesnt make a distinction between immigrants with or without documents either, Hirota contended.

Trump is against immigration in general: legal immigration and illegal immigration, he said. The Muslim ban, for example, was an assault on legal immigration, so generally, hes against the immigration of nonwhite non-Christians.

The fight to repeal

Back in 2010, when Barack Obama was president, Mike Honda, a South Bay congressman, feared whats unfolding now. It was midmorning in his Washington, D.C., office when he called then-Attorney General Eric Holder to tell him about a bill he was introducing to repeal the Alien Enemies Act.

We were both Democrats, people of color and attorneys, Honda recalled. I told him that this Alien Enemy Act is really dangerous.

In 1942, the U.S. government had detained a 1-year-old Honda and his Japanese parents in horse stables at the Merced County fairgrounds and then incarcerated them at Amache, an incarceration camp in Colorado.

Holder told him that the presidents office wouldnt support the bill, Honda, now 83, said.

He said, No, its not going to pass, Honda remembered. Its not necessary because it only applies if we declare war against a country.

The bill didnt make it to committee.

By then, conservative lawmakers were already describing immigration as a kind of invasion, said Ebright.

Lawmakers like Honda and attorneys like Fujii  whose great-grandfather was detained under the Alien Enemies Act in 1941  still advocate against the Act.

Its a relic from 1798 that has been used to discriminate against groups of people just based on their race or religion or nationality and offers no due process to these groups, said Fujii, a member of the San Jose chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League.

Last used during World War II to incarcerate Japanese Americans, the Alien Enemies Act resurfaced in October when President-elect Donald Trump vowed to use it to deport migrants. Dorothea Lange/Farm Security Administration/Office of War Information Photograph Collection (Library of Congress)

In 2020, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, with support from a retired Honda, introduced the Neighbors Not Enemies Act to repeal the Alien Enemies Act and reintroduced the bill in 2021, which was sponsored by Human Rights Watch, the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, and the Japanese American Citizens League. The bill has yet to be put up for a vote and is unlikely to pass, said Ebright.

One real challenge for the bill is that it currently does not have bipartisan sponsorship, she said. And the president-elect promising to use this law makes it much more challenging to have it moved now in a Republican-controlled Congress.

How Trump will or wont follow through on his campaign promise is unclear. For Izu and Hayase, whose parents were also incarcerated during the war, Japanese Americans have a role to play in protecting the people Trump is targeting.

At the Japanese American Museum of San Jose, Izu and Hayase will contribute to an exhibit about the Japanese American movement for reparations they were a part of, known as the Redress Movement.

When the U.S. government incarcerated Japanese American families during World War II, they strategically referred to their imprisonment using euphemistic terms like evacuation, relocation and, most enduringly, internment. For Tom Izu and Susan Hayase, a married couple working on an exhibit for the Japanese American Museum in San Jose, language was a key weapon against Japanese Americans that continues to decontextualize what really happened. Yalonda M. James/The Chronicle

This forgotten chapter of Japanese American history relates to this Alien Enemies Act, Hayase, 68, said. Were worried that a lot of people dont understand the tie between whats happening now to other immigrants and what happened to Japanese Americans.

It seems like our experience has been made abstract, Izu, 66, said. Meaning, oh yeah, the camps were wrong and we should be vigilant so that it doesnt happen again, but what does that really look like?

Izu and Hayase are still looking for answers as they organize immigrants rights trainings about what to do if Immigrations and Customs Enforcement comes knocking.

For Hirota, the same history thats steeped in racism also holds some answers.

Something that is often forgotten is that during the Reagan administration, a lot of immigrants were legalized, he said. So it could be done, but the reason why its not happening now is simply a lack of political will.
A town in Poland is encouraging Elon Musk to buy its vast 13th-century castle and turn it into his European headquarters.

The mayor of Glogowek Piotr Bujak said that he recently posted the invitation on Mr Musks social media platform X and has sent letters to his companies, advocating for him to buy the castle.

No price tag has been announced, and Mr Musk has not responded to the offer so far.

Glogowek Castle, top right, in Glogowek, Poland (Glogowek Town Hall/Stanislaw Stadnicki via AP)

Mr Bujak told The Associated Press (AP) that he saw media reports in Europe suggesting that the US tech billionaire is looking for a sizeable location, possibly a castle in Italy, as a hub for his operations on the continent.

Glogowek Castle in southwestern Poland boasts a rich history going back to the Middle Ages, briefly serving as Polands capital in the 17th century.

It has also hosted composer Ludwig van Beethoven, who wrote music there.

The castle has a very good vibe and is a perfect location for great things, Mr Bujak told the AP.

The area has a long winemaking tradition.

We do not feel worse than Tuscany. We have a perfect climate and this is the best place on Earth, Mr Bujak said.

The gate and coat of arms at Glogowek Castle in Poland (Glogowek Town Hall/Jaroslaw Jurkowski via AP)

Glogoweks picturesque location is within travelling distance of European capitals Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Bratislava and Warsaw.

There is room for a helicopter landing pad too.

The castle requires thorough renovation and needs a private investor, but offers vast spaces for living and business purposes.

It belongs to the town.
Vietnam and Russia have signed an agreement to boost co-operation on nuclear energy (Giang Huy/AP)

Vietnam and Russia have signed an agreement to boost co-operation on nuclear energy as Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin makes a two-day visit to Hanoi.

The Southeast Asian country has been trying to revive its nuclear energy plans after shelving the construction of two nuclear power plants in 2016 due to ballooning costs and concerns around safety. It hopes to become energy-sufficient and reach its goal of curbing additional greenhouse emissions by 2050.

The agreement was signed on Tuesday between Russias state-owned nuclear energy company Rosatom and Vietnams state-owned power utility EVN.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his Russian counterpart, Mikhail Mishustin, attend a welcome ceremony in Hanoi (Dmitry Astakhov/Sputnik/Government Pool/AP)

Mr Mishustin also held bilateral talks with his counterpart, Pham Minh Chinh, and met Vietnams Communist Party chief, To Lam, and the chairman of Vietnams National Assembly, Tran Thanh Man.

Vietnam is an important partner of Russia in Southeast Asia, Mr Mishustin said. Today we plan to discuss with you a comprehensive plan for co-operation between Russia and Vietnam, which runs until 2030.

He is set to meet President Luong Cuong on Wednesday.

Rosatoms general director, Alexey Likhachev, arrived in Hanoi earlier on Monday.

He said the company is ready to help Vietnam build nuclear power plants and centres, as well as share and localise Russian nuclear technology, according to Vietnamese state media.

Russia, which has been trying to bolster ties in Asia to offset its growing international isolation over its war in Ukraine, also agreed to transfer a scientific research vessel for marine research.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Vietnamese premier Pham Minh Chinh shake hands during the signing ceremony in Hanoi (Dmitry Astakhov/Sputnik/Government Pool/AP)

Mr Mishustin is a technocrat who has maintained a low political profile and was reappointed as Russias Prime Minister in 2024.

This is his first trip to Vietnam and comes after President Vladimir Putin travelled to Hanoi in June and agreed to work on a road map for a nuclear science and technology centre in Vietnam.

Hanoi and Moscow have had diplomatic relations since 1950 and have been close allies since the Cold War. Evidence of that long relationship and its influence can be seen in Vietnamese cities where Soviet-style apartment blocks co-exist alongside skyscrapers.

Bilateral trade between Russia and Vietnam was only 3.6 billion US dollars (3.0 billion) in 2023, compared with 171 billion dollars (140.6 billion) with China and 111 billion dollars (91.3 billion) with America.

And while Russia has accounted for 80% of Vietnams arms exports since the early 2000s, that has been declining over the years because of Vietnamese attempts to diversify its supplies.
Meet the local theatre legend lighting up the stage for over 50 years: NI has been good to me

Falklands-born Michael Poynor reflects on career spent front and back of house at Lyric and other venues, from protests on opening night of Jesus Christ Superstar to being quizzed during the Troubles because of his English accent.

Michael Poynor outside the Lyric in Belfast (Liam McBurney/RAZORPIX)

Maureen Coleman Tue 14 Jan 2025 at 15:08

A leading light in Northern Ireland theatre who is celebrating over five decades in the creative sector has told of his gratitude to his adopted home which allowed him to develop his skills, work in a variety of roles and help launch the careers of local talent.
The family of a man who was fatally shot by a Berkeley police officer in 2023 filed a lawsuit against the city claiming the shooting amounted to excessive force. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle 2020

The family of a man who was fatally shot by a Berkeley police officer in 2023 when, police video shows, he nearly ran over the officer filed a lawsuit against the city claiming the shooting amounted to excessive force.

The wrongful death lawsuit, filed Friday in federal court, stems from the police killing of David Bonino II on Grayson Street near Seventh Street in the early morning of Nov. 6, 2023. Berkeley officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the lawsuit.

The lawsuit  filed on behalf of Boninos siblings, Michael Anthony Bonino, Lacy Wentz, Tehya Dyani Little Cloud and Zoe Craven  claims Bonino, 39, was headed home with his girlfriend when he found his path blocked by a patrol vehicle in the middle of the street. To go around the patrol vehicle he drove onto the sidewalk, the suit says. Unbeknownst to him, the suit says, an officer had detained a man on the sidewalk.

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As Bonino drove past the officer, the officer shot him through the drivers window, even though the officer was not in Boninos path, according to the lawsuit. The shots, the suit says, were unnecessary. The lawsuit also faulted officers for not turning to other options, such as less lethal weapons.

Mr. Bonino IIs last moments were a painful, agonizing and torturous death, the lawsuit states.

The incident stemmed from a vehicle break-in reported moments earlier, according to police. A 911 caller said three burglars were involved, according to audio of the call police released last year along with video from officers body-worn cameras.

Officers detained one suspect.

The getaway vehicle, a Ford Expedition, took off, only to be blocked by an unoccupied patrol vehicle. The driver of the Expedition, identified as Bonino, reversed as another officer drove up the street, striking the front end of that patrol vehicle, according to body-worn camera video.

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Bonino then drove onto the sidewalk. An officer on the sidewalk issued a warning over the radio, according to the video: Hes trying to run us over! Hes trying to run us over!

Another officer and the detainee were standing on the sidewalk as Bonino drove past them in close proximity; the SUV squeezed between the officer and detainee on the drivers side and a building on the other side, the video shows. That officer shot Bonino, who died at a hospital.

The SUV turned out to be stolen, police said.

The detainee was arrested on suspicion of burglary. The passenger in the SUV was arrested on suspicion of burglary and vehicle theft.

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Bennington, VT (05201)

Today

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 29F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph..

Tonight

Some clouds this evening will give way to mainly clear skies overnight. Low 29F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph.
A recent art auction at Sothebys New York raised a whopping $21,018,680 for The Aso O. Tavitian Foundation. The collection included pieces from the philanthropist's New York City home and his home in Stockbridge. These pieces did not include the 331 works of art and more than $45 million Tavitian endowed to The Clark Art Institute.
PITTSFIELD  Former Berkshire Bank executive Michael P. Daly has been named CEO at Pittsfield Cooperative Bank, the company has announced.

The news comes just three days after Pittsfield Co-op announced that Jay Anderson, the banks president and CEO for 15 years, had stepped down for health reasons.

The Co-op nearly doubled its asset size to $400 million and experienced record profitability in multiple years during Andersons tenure, according to a statement released Monday afternoon.

In the news release, Pittsfield Co-op described Daly as a friend and customer of the institution since the 1980s.

Pittsfield Cooperative Bank appreciates Mikes willingness to step in and assist us, board Chair John J. Martin Jr. said in a statement announcing the move. We look forward to his help in creating and executing a thoughtful plan for the future and continued profitability.

A city native, Daly was motivated to step out of retirement by his local roots and friendships in the community and at Pittsfield Co-op, the bank said.

The spirit of a community bank is its connection to employees, local customers and the community, Daly said in the release. Thats what Im looking forward to most.

This arrangement wouldnt be happening if it wasnt in Pittsfield, Massachusetts and with Pittsfield Cooperative Bank, he said. I have had a long history with the bank, and I am thrilled to return and build on the success of this community bank.

Daly stepped down as president, CEO and director of Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Berkshire Bank's holding company, in 2018. An employee since 1986, when it was still known as Berkshire County Savings Bank, Daly was named president and CEO in 2002. Under his leadership, Berkshire Bank expanded from a county-focused financial institution to a regional bank with $12 billion in assets.

I loved my time at Berkshire, Daly said in the release. I will always be grateful to my board members and all of the employees for what we shared and accomplished in the community.

Seven years later, The chance to return to my hometown with a community bank is a really compelling opportunity.

Pittsfield Cooperative Bank is one of the oldest cooperative banks in the state and has achieved record earnings four out of five of the last fiscal years. It celebrated its 135th anniversary last year.
On the back side of the stone theres an inscription for Wesley Ford, a 16-year-old who died at the Battle of the Wilderness in May 1864. But theres no veterans marker, and Im wondering why," an inquirer wrote.
Three reports by scientists hired by a nonprofit document the plant and wildlife ecology of this area of proposed logging. The reports were sent to state officials for review.
BOSTON  Enrollment at the Massachusetts Health Connector is at a record high, with more than 348,000 people accessing coverage through the state's health insurance marketplace, officials said Monday ahead of a key deadline.

Open enrollment at the Connector closes on Jan. 23 for Bay Staters seeking health and dental insurance coverage that starts Feb. 1 or March 1. Officials said nearly 30,000 people have enrolled in new coverage, and that about 85 percent of all members are covered through heavily subsidized ConnectorCare programs.

"We lead the nation in health coverage, with more than 98 percent of our residents in coverage, but we want everyone else to have insurance coverage, too," Connector Executive Director Audrey Morse Gasteier said at a news conference on the Grand Staircase, where she was joined by more than two dozen "navigators" who help Bay Staters understand their coverage options and enroll in insurance plans offered through the Connector.

"We encourage anyone who needs health insurance coverage to sign up and do it now," she added. "Don't wait until the very, very last minute."

New Reps. Tara Hong of Lowell and Sean Reid of Lynn joined the Connector's public awareness push for the last 10 days of open enrollment, with Reps. Mike Connolly of Cambridge and Priscila Sousa of Framingham.

Massachusetts residents are required to have health insurance, or face a tax penalty if they don't enroll in coverage.

Highlighting the helps that's available to new members and Bay Staters looking to update their coverage, Morse Gasteier noted the Connector has more than 140 navigators in 50 locations across Massachusetts, and they collectively speak 30 languages. The Lynn Community Health Center helped 3,500 individuals access coverage through the Connector in 2024, said enrollment manager and lead navigator Suheli Rivera.

A two-year pilot program  with 2025 marking the second year of the initiative  expanded ConnectorCare income eligibility from 300 percent of the federal poverty level to 500 percent. Individuals earning up to $75,300 and families of four earning up to $156,000 this year can enroll in the expanded ConnectorCare plans.

The pilot features lower-premium and no-deductible policies, plus no-cost prescriptions for chronic diseases including diabetes and hypertension. More than 58,000 people have gained access to "more affordable health care than they did before due to the benefits of ConnectorCare," Morse Gasteier said.

Connolly praised the pilot, saying the "expansion is really working."

"I want to keep that going, and I want to continue that work. And I'm grateful to my colleagues in the Legislature who have put that forward," Connolly said.

The pilot program's fate will be among the decisions that Gov. Maura Healey and the Legislature will make during the approaching budget cycle where spending blueprints will lean on a 2.2 percent increase in tax revenue.

Once the Jan. 23 open enrollment deadline passes, Bay Staters can still seek coverage through the Connector under certain "qualifying" events, Morse Gasteier said. That includes losing insurance coverage from a job, having a baby and getting married.

"Also importantly, newly qualifying for ConnectorCare qualifies you for what's called a special enrollment period  the ability to enroll outside of the open enrollment period," Morse Gasteier said. "Newly qualifying for that, because there's been a change in your household income or some other factor, will allow you to enroll throughout the rest of the year, outside of open enrollment."
Studying 2 Peter 1:3-11 is a case for rightly handling the Word of Truth, especially verse ten. What does it mean to confirm your calling and election (2 Peter 1:10)? In The Message, its described as having life on a firm footing, which is a bit obscure. The New Living Translation says, work hard to prove that you really are among those God has called and chosen.

Is this a works-based approach to salvation? What was Peter teaching in 2 Peter 1?

What Does 'Calling and Election' Mean in 2 Peter 1:10?

Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to make your calling and election sure, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall.

It helps to understand the words Peter used. The word calling in this verse does not refer to a believers role or occupation, as in He has a calling to help the poor. In 2 Peter 1, a Christians calling is Gods drawing him or her to salvation. Earlier, Peter said God has called us by his own glory and goodness (1 Peter 1:3). In other words, God called us to Himself for His own excellent purposes and according to His good character.

The word election sometimes confuses Christians, but simply put, election is God sovereignly choosing or predestining a person to be saved. The Bible teaches that this occurred before the world's creation (Ephesians 1:4). Many scriptures mention Gods election.

Because God calls and elects, the believers salvation is already sure or certain from His perspective. Salvation is solely the work of God through Christs sinless life, death (substitutionary atonement), burial, and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1-4; 2 Corinthians 5:21).

Peters exhortation in verse 10 must be understood from the believers perspective.

How Are Believers Equipped for Godly Living?

According to 2 Peter 1:3, believers have everything required for fruitful living and growth in godliness. God provides the divine power and grace needed  absolutely nothing is lacking. Part of our equipping in the faith is knowing who God is and what He has done to provide salvation and make believers more like His Son. That knowledge comes through the Word of God.

Peter, moved by the Holy Spirit, taught that to maintain a holy life in a sinful world, we must be rooted and saturated with Gods great and precious promises (verse 4). Through the Word and the Spirit, the Father provides spiritual resources to perfect and sustain the life He gives.

Since Christ's work on the sinners behalf was the only work necessary for salvation, biblical Christianity is not a works-based approach to salvation. Its all God. But Peter suggests that our salvation works itself out in practical ways as we rely on Gods resources.

How Is the 'Proof' of Salvation Observable?

Peter exhorts believers to progress in the spiritual graces that prove they are indeed children of God. This is similar to what James taught. He refuted those who taught that a professing believer can have saving faith without producing good works (James 2:17-26.). We know from many other Scriptures that salvation is by faith alone. But as a new creation, a believers salvation results in a changed life that will be demonstrated through good works. Some people describe this as being saved from the inside out.

Old Testament saints were saved by faith in God and in anticipation of the coming Messiah, and their lives were often radically changed. Abram, an idolator, became Abraham, the father of nations. Egyptian-raised, fearful, and conflicted Moses became a mighty deliverer for Israel. In the New Testament, Mary Magdalene was transformed from a demon-possessed woman to a disciple of Christ. Saul of Tarsus, a Pharisee and persecutor of Christians, became a pillar of strength in the early church.

But what about believers who show little change? It may take time for spiritual growth from a baby believer to a mature Christian, but babies are designed to grow (Hebrews 5:12-14; 1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18). Stunted growth is not a matter of not having faith (salvation) but of not walking by faith (cooperating with God in sanctification).

Another reason works are important as proof of salvation is that people may not understand a professing believers choice to follow Christ, but the watching world notices good works. Jesus said we can know a persons true heart by their fruit or what manifests in their lives (Matthew 7:16-20). Paul said we are saved by faith, not works (Ephesians 2:8-9), but also said God created us to do good works (Ephesians 2:10). He also said Christians would be eager to do what is good (Titus 2:14).

Then Peter, desiring to help Christians see how they can grow as they lean into Gods power and resources, lists steps believers can take to grow spiritually.

Dont Lose a Minute to Grow!

In The Message, 2 Peter 1:5 begins, So dont lose a minute in building on what youve been given. Peters point is that because we have been given eternal life, we should work hard to cooperate with God in transforming our lives and showing the world we want to live for Jesus.

Peter says we are to add to our faith. Faith is the foundation of our growth, including conviction regarding beliefs. The reference to adding these things in verse ten is the list of qualities in verses five to seven: goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love. There seems to be a progressive development  qualities building upon each other  toward spiritual maturity.

Goodness is good character, moral character, or virtue. It sometimes requires boldness to stand for what is right (Philippians 4:8; Titus 2:7-8).

Knowledge is understanding who we are in Christ and what pleases God. Its also learning to recognize false teaching. It is related to wisdom and understanding (2 Peter 3:18; Proverbs 9:10).

Self-control or temperance is mastering evil desires (1 Corinthians 9:25-27). It includes living in moderation and obedience to the Word of God.

Perseverance, sometimes translated as patience, is patiently persisting in trials  not giving up  and even being willing to suffer for Christ (James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 1:7; 5:10).

Godliness is the desire to imitate God in His character and to obey Him. It is a valuable trait (1 Timothy 4:8b) connected to holy living (1 Peter 1:15-16).

Mutual affection, sometimes translated as brotherly affection, is the kind of love Christians are meant to have for brothers and sisters in the family of God (Hebrews 13:1; Mark 3:35). It is often expressed through kindness and serving.

Love in this passage is the Greek word agape, which means a special love that comes from God. It includes affection, benevolence, and sometimes sacrifice for the one who is loved. It is selfless and unconditional love. Jesus said the world would identify us as His disciples if we demonstrated agape love (John 13:35; Galatians 6:10).

What if We Dont Cultivate These Virtues?

In verse eight, Peter says if we continue to grow in faith and these seven qualities, they will keep us from being ineffective and unproductive in our knowledge of Jesus  our desire to be like Him. The surrendered and obedient child of God will want to be functional and fruitful for Christ and His kingdom.

But in verse nine, Peter suggests that believers who do not demonstrate these qualities are nearsighted and blind. There are two thoughts here. First, believers with stunted spiritual growth are nearsighted. Theyre too focused on earthly values and circumstances instead of things of eternal importance.

Also, they are blind. This does not mean they are not true believers. In the hymn Amazing Grace, clergyman and poet John Newton described his salvation: I once was blind, but now I see. That is blindness to salvation, which Satan tries to perpetuate (2 Corinthians 4:4). But Peter says believers can become blind to what God has accomplished for them and, in essence, to their identity in Christ. They forget that they have been cleansed from their past sins. The implication is that being cleansed from sin doesnt automatically equate to growing in goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love.

Peter says these virtues must be possessed in increasing measure (verse 8). They must be cultivated alongside faith so believers will not want to return to their past sinful behavior (1 Peter 4:1-3; Ephesians 5:8).

What Are the Ultimate Results of Adding These Virtues?

In verses ten and eleven, Peter expresses two ultimate results of our adding virtues to our faith as we prove we are Gods called and chosen.

First, when we do these things, we will never fall away or stumble in our assurance of our faith. Well be on a firm footing with God, confident that we belong to Him and that He is making us more like Jesus.

Second, Peter says we will receive a rich welcome into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Picture that! Our entry will be abundantly provided  well enter heaven as co-heirs with our Savior and blessed in the Beloved (Ephesians 1:6; 1 John 3:1a).

Are There Other Ways We Can Prove Our Salvation?

The passage in 2 Peter is not the only place we find evidence for genuine saving faith. Much evidence is noted in the book of 1 John, but there are other passages we can consider.

Abiding in the Lords teachings is evidence of salvation. In John 8:31, the Apostle John quotes Jesus as saying to the Jews who believed in Him, If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. John said this another way in 1 John 2:3, We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Keeping means obeying. Verse four says if were not obedient to the Lords commands, were liars and not true disciples.

Maintaining a clear conscience is another proof. God does not want us to live with a guilty conscience; He wants us to live in the freedom of our salvation. When we confess our sins, our hearts do not condemn us; we can have confidence before God (1 John 1:8-9; 3:21).

Developing attributes through the Holy Spirit is described in Galatians 5:22-23. It reminds us of the list in 2 Peter. When we exhibit the Fruit of the Spirit  fruit that the indwelling Spirit cultivates in us  we show that we are true children of God.

Receiving assurance that when we are in Christ, we are held securely in our salvation (John 10:28-29; 17:11, 15).

Fellowshipping with other Christians involves loving other believers as Christ has loved us (John 13:34-35; 1 John 3:14; 4:7-8). Years ago, a song said, Theyll know we are Christians by our love. This is perhaps the most significant evidence of our salvation  a powerful way to prove our calling and election.

Photo credit: Unsplash/Priscilla Du Preez

Dawn Wilson and her husband, Bob, live in Southern California. Dawn serves part-time with a womens revival ministry, Revive Our Hearts. She is the founder and director of Heart Choices Today, publishes Truth Talk with Dawn, and writes for Crosswalk.com and other publications. Her co-authored book is Truth Talk for Hurting Hearts: Discover Peace and Comfort Through Gods Perspective.
Pedestrians cross the street in front of a Starbucks on Ocean Street in Santa Cruz. The coffee chain is rolling out a new code of conduct and ending its open-door policy at company-owned stores. Bronte Wittpenn/The Chronicle 2022 Nicole Lipa prepares a drink at a Starbucks in Seattle in 2023. The coffee chain is rolling out a new code of conduct and ending its open-door policy at company-owned stores. Lindsey Wasson/Associated Press Starbucks is rolling out a new code of conduct that it says will prioritize paying customers while ensuring a welcoming environment. Adam Gray/Getty Images

Starbucks announced Monday that it is reversing its policy of welcoming anyone into its cafes without making a purchase.

The coffee chains new code of conduct, set to be posted in all North American company-owned stores by the end of the month, introduces stricter rules for customers.

The updated policy bans disruptive behaviors such as drug use, smoking, vaping, panhandling and violence. It also prohibits the consumption of outside alcohol and requires customers to purchase something to use store facilities, including bathrooms.

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Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson explained in a statement that the move was designed to prioritize paying customers while ensuring a welcoming environment.

We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable in our stores, she said, emphasizing that setting clear expectations for behavior and use of our spaces would benefit all customers.

The shift marks a significant departure from the companys previous open-door stance.

In 2018, after two Black men were arrested at a Philadelphia Starbucks for sitting in the store for a business meeting without making a purchase, the company implemented a policy that allowed anyone to use its spaces regardless of whether they were customers.

The move came after a public backlash and a commitment to address racial bias, including staff training and a settlement with the two men involved.

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However, over time, employees have reported an increase in unruly and even dangerous behavior, prompting the need for a policy update.

Starbucks president of North America, Sara Trilling, noted that the company had listened to employee concerns about how store spaces were being used.

We heard from partners that there is a need to reset expectations, Trilling said in a letter to managers.

The new policy comes amid a broader restructuring effort under CEO Brian Niccol, who took the helm in September.

Niccol is focused on revitalizing the Starbucks brand, which has faced challenges in recent years. These include slower sales and operational inefficiencies exacerbated by the growth of drive-thru and mobile ordering services.

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This policy change is part of Niccols broader Back to Starbucks strategy, aiming to return the company to its roots as a community-oriented coffeehouse.

Niccol stated in a company memo that Starbucks core values remain unchanged, despite the policy revisions.

We continue to focus on creating a welcoming and inclusive environment while maintaining high standards for behavior in our stores, he said.

Starbucks employees will receive training to enforce the new rules, which could include asking customers to leave or involving law enforcement if necessary.
Cal Fire engineer Garrett Scott, and Captain Evan Brack stand on a ridge as they lead members of the California Conservation Corps Monterey Bay Crew 1 in search of hotspots at the Palisades Fire near the Tarzana neighborhood of Los Angeles, Calif., Tuesday Jan. 14, 2025. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle Roberto Marquez of Dallas, Texas secures a cross at a memorial he built for fire victims at Lake Avenue and Villa Street in Pasadena, Calif., on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle Mike Hassler, a firefighter with Cal Fire Nevada-Yuba-Placer Unit, mops up on a hotspot at a home destroyed by the Eaton Fire in Altadena, Calif., Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle More high winds were expected to buttress Southern California, raising the risk of extreme fire danger. Baron/Lynx The skyline of Los Angeles is seen behind a burnt homesite after Eaton Fire in Altadena, Calif., on Monday, January 13, 2025. Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle

Firefighters in Los Angeles County increased containment Wednesday of the deadly Palisades and Eaton wildfires that began nine days. Nearly 100,000 residents were under evacuation orders and the death toll was 25.

As of Wednesday evening, the Eaton Fire was 45% contained and had burned 14,117 acres and damaged or destroyed at least 7,000 structures (including vehicles) in and around Altadena; the Palisades Fire was 23% contained and had burned 23,713 acres and damaged or destroyed more than 5,300 structures (including vehicles); and the Hurst Fire was 98% contained and had burned 799 acres in and around Sylmar.

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The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner in an update Wednesday afternoon confirmed the human remains of 24 of the 25 reported fire-related deaths. Officials said that the outstanding victim, who was found in the Pacific Palisades on Tuesday, is still awaiting response from the medical examiners office, officials said.

Two men in their mid-40's will face charges for allegedly breaking the citys established 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew for zones under evacuation orders or warnings, the Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday. The men were in restricted space within the Pacific Palisades at 4:30 a.m. Saturday, according to reporting from the Times, who cited charging documents. The curfew was established after 20 people were arrested on suspicion of looting after the fires, the Times reported.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has allocated $100 million to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to clear hazardous debris from the wreckage of the Palisades and Eaton fires, Gov. Gavin Newsoms office announced Wednesday. The agencies will begin removing explosive and highly toxic materials including pesticides, propane tanks and electric vehicle batteries from the fire zones as soon as is safe, the governors office said.

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Los Angeles County officials announced that in-person donations are at capacity, with many local charities overwhelmed by the generosity of the public. The county expressed gratitude for the overwhelming outpouring of generosity but noted that donations are well beyond what many charitable organizations can process at this time. To better manage support, LA County is working with partners to identify urgent needs and will launch a portal for a new fire relief fund. Monetary donations are encouraged.

The Santa Ana winds that fueled recent fires in Los Angeles County began to subside Wednesday afternoon. The National Weather Service noted, Dry conditions and locally gusty winds will linger into Thursday  especially in some mountains. Red Flag warnings expire at 6 p.m. today, except for the windiest mountains, which last until 3 p.m. Thursday. Good news: We are expecting a much-needed break from the fire weather concerns to close this week, the weather service said on X. Bad News: Next week is a concern. While confident that we will NOT see a repeat of last week, dangerous fire weather conditions are expected, it added.

The Walt Disney Co. announced it is opening its wardrobe warehouse to employees and their families who lost their homes in the recent wildfires in Los Angeles. The warehouse offers items from film and TV productions, with no limits on what people can take. Disney also pledged $15 million for rebuilding efforts after the Palisades and Eaton fires devastated thousands of homes. Heidi Chong, vice president of production shared services for Disney Entertainment Television, emphasized that the warehouse is organized for easy access. We really want to emphasize to the families: If you come here, weve already organized everything for you. Its all on display on the racks. You can find what you need, Chong said in a statement. There are no limits to the amounts that people are getting; its really about what they need.

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Actor Leonardo DiCaprio announced on Instagram he will donate $1 million to support wildfire recovery efforts in the Los Angeles area. Partnering with the conservation group Re: wild, DiCaprio described the organization as uniquely positioned to respond to environmental disasters. The funds will initially support the L.A. Fire Department Foundation, World Central Kitchen, SoCal Fire Fund, and others. DiCaprios donation comes amid similar pledges from Hollywood figures, including Eva Longoria and Jamie Lee Curtis, who each pledged $1 million, and Beyonces BeyGood Foundation, which donated $2.5 million.

State Farm, the largest insurer in California, has decided to cancel its planned Super Bowl commercial this year, citing the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles. The insurer, which had been preparing to air a second consecutive Big Game ad featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger as Agent State Farm, said it is prioritizing relief efforts in the wake of some of the regions most devastating fires. State Farm, its agents, and employees are all focused on helping customers impacted by the Southern California wildfires in the midst of this tragedy, a spokesperson said. Read more here.

All 17 schools in the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District were expected to remain closed through the end of this week, the district announced Wednesday. It remains unclear whether classes will resume next week

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The Federal Emergency Management Agnecy launched the Transitional Sheltering Assistance program to provide temporary lodging for individuals displaced by wildfires. The program allows eligible victims to stay in selected hotels or motels until they secure long-term housing.

TSA is a temporary program intended to provide short-term lodging for eligible disaster survivors whose primary residence is uninhabitable or inaccessible, FEMA said. Applicants must first apply for FEMA disaster assistance and will be notified if they qualify. FEMA covers room costs, taxes and non-refundable pet fees.

Reports of rent-gouging have poured in in the wake of the Los Angeles County fires, officials said, as thousands of people scramble for short-term housing after losing their homes. The county Department of Consumer and Business Affairs, which recently set up an online portal to report overcharging, received more than 260 complaints related to potential price gouging as of Tuesday.

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L.A. tenant advocates are mobilizing to push back against what they described as gouging by landlords. Read more here.

The Ventura County Fire Department reports the Auto Fire was 50% contained , with no growth expected. The fire remains at 61 acres. Firefighters are addressing isolated flare-ups and stubborn pockets of heat along the perimeter. Crews are reinforcing containment lines and managing smoldering brush. The fires cause is under investigation. Firefighters will remain on scene until this fire is fully contained, officials said.Here is the updated information about the active wildfires in Southern California, according to the Cal Fire incident page:

The San Francisco SPCA plans to transfer 30 cats and dogs from Southern California shelters affected by wildfires to provide relief.

On Monday, staff traveled to Los Angeles to deliver supplies and bring back animals from overcrowded shelters. During emergencies, animal shelters become vital community resources, and were seeing that play out right now, said Dr. Jennifer Scarlett, CEO of the San Francisco SPCA. Many shelters in the affected areas were already over capacity before the fires began. In San Francisco, were able to transfer their existing shelter animals to our shelter, so that they can maintain space for displaced pets closer to home, maximizing the chance of reunion with their families.

To prepare for the influx, the S.F. SPCA launched a free puppy adoption promotion and is also seeking foster volunteers. The organization said it may arrange more transports in the coming weeks.

Meteorologists said Tuesday there is a chance that a light drizzle could fall on the Eaton Fire zone and across the San Gabriel Valley in the coming days as the area enters a slightly wetter weather pattern.

The good news is that we are heading into a much more moist pattern this weekend, James White, an Eaton Fire incident meteorologist, said during a briefing Wednesday morning. There will be much higher humidity in general and there is even a very slight chance of rain, White said, noting that any rain was likely to be just a very light drizzle.

Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley defended the departments early wildfire response, stating that it adhered to established protocols.

We pre-deployed the resources in very, very calculated ways throughout the city, Crowley said during a Wednesday press briefing, addressing concerns about the delayed deployment of firefighters to the Pacific Palisades area before the Palisades Fire.

The Los Angeles Times reported that top LAFD commanders failed to mobilize 1,000 available firefighters and firefighting engines ahead of the fire, despite forecasts of intensifying winds. Crowley responded, We followed the system, and we surged where we could surge. Mayor Karen Bass echoed support for the department, stating, The buck always stops with me, while reinforcing confidence in the decisions made. Crowley also emphasized that firefighters did everything they could, calling the situation a what-if.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner publicly identified Altadena resident Zhi Feng Zhao, 84, as a victim of the Eaton Fire. Zhao died of smoke inhalation and thermal injuries at a residence on Tonia Avenue in Altadena, officials said.

The identification comes as the fires' death toll rose to 25, with the medical examiners confirming a new fatality Tuesday afternoon. The Eaton Fire has claimed 17 lives, making it the fifth-deadliest wildfire in California history.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass warned that the city is still in danger as wildfires continue to burn across Southern California.

She urged residents to stay on guard. As we know, we are still not quite out of the woods, and so I would just encourage and implore upon all Angelinos, please take the warning seriously and the evacuation notices seriously, Bass said Wednesday.

If you are in an area where there is a warning, get prepared now. Get packed. Take everything you need with you your medications and your pets if that is possible, she said.

Critical fire weather conditions continued in portions of Los Angeles and Ventura counties Wednesday morning amid dry, gusty winds. Relative humidity ranged from 15% to 25% with variable wind speeds. Gusts up to 53 mph were measured in Malibu Canyon but were calm at Burbank Airport.

For the Eaton Fire, winds were expected to calm through the day, with gentle wind by Thursday, according to National Weather Service meteorologist James White.

For the Palisades Fire, winds were forecast to gust up to 40 mph in the morning in the higher elevations of the fire. Weather service meteorologist Rich Thompson warned of sudden changes in wind direction, in the afternoon around the lower elevations of the fire, with winds generally weakening by Thursday.

Red flag warnings were scheduled to expire at 6 p.m. due to weakening winds across Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Calm winds and favorable firefighting conditions were expected this weekend, but more moderate to strong Santa Ana winds are likely Monday.

 Anthony Edwards

Search and rescue teams have completed about 78% of property searches in Altadena, covering an estimated 5,516 properties, according to LA County Sheriff Robert G. Luna. He expressed hope that operations could be finished by Thursday. No additional fatalities have been confirmed since Tuesday. At least 25 deaths are linked to the fires, with 17 from the Eaton Fire and 8 from the Palisades Fire, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiners Office reported.

Pauly Harter rubs his face as he finishes cleaning debris and soot on his driveway within the fire zone following the Eaton Fire in Altadena, Calif., Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. Harter, who was initially evacuated from his home during the fire, is attempting to resume a normal daily routine for his seven-year-old nonverbal son after his wifes passing a year ago, despite how much of the neighborhood has been destroyed by the fast-moving fire. Theyve been stuck within the fire zone since their return due to the tightening of security and the nightly curfew. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle

Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley urged caution for residents eager to return home, warning that the danger has not yet passed. Despite winds not reaching the anticipated 70 mph, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone cautioned that this could change, and we are still at risk.

Crowley highlighted ongoing safety hazards, noting that low humidity and strong winds continued to dry-out brush, raising fire risks.

We understand your desire to return to your community, however, significant safety and infrastructure issues remain, including downed power lines, broken gas lines, hazardous materials and unsafe water, Crowley said.

As strong Santa Ana winds continue, the South Coast Air Quality Management District warned that dust and ash from the Palisades, Eaton and other wildfire burn areas may degrade air quality through 7 p.m. Wednesday.

Air quality may reach unhealthy levels for sensitive groups, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said in an advisory. Children, older adults and people with heart or lung conditions were most at risk. Residents should stay indoors with windows closed and wear masks if going outside.

The National Weather Service in Los Angeles cautioned Wednesday morning that the region is not out of the woods yet, as winds were expected to intensify Wednesday.

Southern Californians face another 8 hours of hazardous winds fueling a particularly dangerous situation fire threat, with a highest-level red flag warning in effect for parts of Ventura and Los Angeles counties until 3 p.m.

Winds of 40-55 mph, with gusts up to 60 mph in some mountain areas, will ease by 6 p.m. The strongest winds were expected to miss the active fire zones, including the Palisades and Eaton fires. Some red flag warnings will extend into Thursday afternoon.

As of Wednesday morning, the Eaton Fire in Altadena was 45% contained after burning 14,117 acres since Jan. 7. The National Weather Service warned of a potentially particularly dangerous situation due to hazardous winds. At least 16 deaths and 4,627 destroyed structures have been confirmed from the Eaton Fire.

Here is the updated information about the active wildfires in Southern California, according to the Cal Fire incident page:

One week after the Palisades and Eaton fires swept through parts of Los Angeles County, combining to kill at least 25 and leveling countless homes and businesses, county officials appear poised to create a fund to assist victims grappling with their losses, the Los Angeles Times reported.

The countys Board of Supervisors has given the chief executive office a week to map out details regarding the fund. The fund is likely to consist of private donations that can be used to cover a range of expenses, such as moving costs and wage reimbursements, the Times reported.

More than 40 firefighters successfully stopped the forward progress of a brush fire that broke out near the Hansen Dam Recreation Area in the San Fernando Valley Tuesday afternoon, Los Angeles Fire Department officials said. The fire, first reported by LAFD just after 5 p.m., did not damage any nearby structures and no injuries were reported, officials said.

Los Angeles County launched an interactive map where people impacted by the Eaton Fire can search for their address and see whether and how severely their property was damaged, LA County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger said in a news release. The map uses information from Cal Fires ongoing damage inspections and is color-coded to reflect five levels of property damage, from no damage to more than 50% destroyed. More properties will be added to the map as inspections continue, according to Bargers office. In a statement, Barger said the map is meant for the countless residents who arent sure whether are not their homes are still standing. Barger added: My constituents need to know the scope of whats happened to their properties so they can begin applying for assistance and start their recovery process.

The Los Angeles City Council on Tuesday voted 15-0 to direct the city attorney to draft an ordinance that would ban evictions of tenants who are hosting extra occupants or pets due to the wildfires, the Los Angeles Times reported. Tenants would be required to notify landlords of unauthorized pets or people staying with them due to the Palisades, Eaton or other fires that occurred this month within 30 days after the order goes into effect, the Times reported. The order would last a year.

Multi-day time lapse photographs taken from space released this week by the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere at Colorado State University showed the rapid spread of flames and smoke as several fires broke out in greater Los Angeles. Watch the time lapse video here.

The death toll from the Los Angeles wildfires has risen to 25, with the countys medical examiner reporting a new fatality in a 4 p.m. update Tuesday. The victim died in the Eaton Fire, which has claimed 17 lives, making it the fifth-deadliest wildfire in California history. Of the 25 reported deaths, 21 have been confirmed as human remains.

Gov. Gavin Newsom reported that fire crews successfully extinguished at least 11 new fires overnight, thanks to strategic pre-positioning. Most fires were small blazes east of Los Angeles in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. In Ventura County, pre-positioning helped contain the Auto Fire to 56 acres, officials said.

At least 13 people remain missing in the Palisades Fire area, the Los Angeles Police Department said Tuesday. Of the 35 reported missing, 20 have been located safe and two are dead. Cmdr. Steve Embrich said that while 13 are unaccounted for, they are not presumed dead.

The Los Angeles Police Department arrested 14 people related to the Pacific Palisades wildfire, Cmdr. Steve Embrich announced Tuesday. Three arrests involved arson suspects outside the fire zone, while others included curfew violations, impersonating officials and vandalism. Looting is not just a crime against property; it also takes away any sense of security from evacuated residents and it will not be tolerated, Embrich said.

Caltrans crews on Tuesday were repairing portions of the Pacific Coast Highway damaged by the Palisades Fire. The scenic roadway has been closed between Malibu and Santa Monica.

It was unclear when the highway would reopen. More than 400 Caltrans workers were deployed across the greater Los Angeles area removing debris and repairing infrastructure destroyed by the fires, according to the transit agency.

The Palisades Fire stayed stayed mostly within existing fire lines for the past 24 hours, fire officials said Tuesday afternoon. There were few visible flames on the perimeter of the 23,700-acre blaze, but hot spots remained, CalFire Operations Chief Christian Litz said.

Firefighters were continuing to put out hot spots to protect all the structures that are standing in the fire zone, including those along the coastline from Pacific Palisades to Malibu, Litz said.

Greg Orozco, a firefighter with the California Conservation Corps Monterey Bay Crew 1, searches for hotspots during the Palisades Fire near the Tarzana neighborhood of Los Angeles, Calif., Tuesday Jan. 14, 2025. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle

The Auto Fire in Ventura County, which started Monday night, was 25% contained at 56 acres, according to the Cal Fire incident page. There were no active flames and firefighters were working to strengthen containment lines, Ventura County Fire Department spokesperson Scott Dettorre said Tuesday afternoon.



Here is the updated information about the active wildfires in Southern California, according to the Cal Fire incident page:

Palisades Fire (Los Angeles County): 23,713 acres, 17% contained

Eaton Fire (Los Angeles County): 14,117 acres, 35% contained

Hurst Fire (Los Angeles County): 799 acres, 97% contained

Auto Fire (Ventura County): 56 acres, 25% contained

Scout Fire (Riverside County): 2 acres, 0% contained

Cal Fires Damage Inspection Teams are in the Los Angeles area evaluating homes and properties affected by the ongoing fires.

These assessments gauge structural damage, support recovery efforts and inform future building code and wildfire mitigation changes, the agency said in an update. Damage details are available on the Cal Fire incident page: http://fire.ca.gov.

Nearly a dozen strike teams with bulldozers were building containment lines Tuesday to prevent flames from encroaching on the NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory in La Canada Flintridge on the westernmost edge of the Eaton Fire northwest of Pasadena, fire officials said. The fire has remained at about 14,000 acres for the past several days.

That means weve got this fire pinned down right now, said Don Freguilia, an operations section chief with California Interagency Incident Management. Freguilia said crews were working to prevent the fire from growing as new Santa Ana winds sweep through the area this week. We are in the heat of the wind event right now, we are in the thick of it, he said.

Alex Tardy, warning coordination meteorologist at the weather service office in San Diego warned Tuesday that next week will bring another period of strong winds.

Next week, another Santa Ana wind event Sunday night through Wednesday. Just a totally different weather system, same pattern, same result, Tardy said. Overall, the big difference will be onshore flow, west winds. The roles reverse, offshore flow to onshore flow.

This pattern will be conducive to even stronger Santa Ana winds. Moderate to strong north-northeast winds may return Monday night into Tuesday, creating more extreme fire weather conditions in the Los Angeles areas.

The bad weather news comes as the region at large is experiencing exceptionally dry conditions.

The bucket is 5%, out of 100% full. The whole region, from Los Angeles south, is flirting with the driest start to the wet season on record, Tardy said. Its really been a broken record. Normally in between a Santa Ana, youll get rain or a Pacific storm in an average year, but were not seeing that.

 Anthony Edwards

Rory Sykes, who was born blind with cerebral palsy, died when flames consumed the cottage where he lived on his familys 17-acre Malibu estate, his mother Shelley Sykes wrote in a post on X. The 32-year old had difficulty walking and died after Sykes said she couldnt put out the cinders on his roof with a hose because the water was switched off.

Anthony Mitchell and his adult son Justin died when the Eaton Fire overtook their Altadena home. Anthony, an amputee who used a wheelchair, and his son Justin, who had cerebral palsy, died waiting for an ambulance to come for them, the Washington Post reported.

A man identified as a person of interest in the fully contained Kenneth Fire is a convicted felon who entered country illegally, the Los Angeles Times reported Tuesday.

Los Angeles Police arrested the man last week for allegedly violating felony probation after officials said he attempted to start a fire near the location of the 1,000-acre blaze in the West Hills neighborhood north of Calabasas. FOX 11 LA obtained video of residents apparently confronting the man, who was seen carrying a blow torch.

The National Weather Service temporarily dropped the particularly dangerous situation tag to the red flag warning due to weaker-than-expected winds Tuesday, however another round of enhanced winds and extremely critical fire weather conditions was expected Wednesday morning.

The particularly dangerous situation red flag warning will again be in effect from 3 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, covering parts of Ventura County and northern portions of Los Angeles County.

The period of concern has shifted more to the day Wednesday, said weather service meteorologist Ryan Kittell, in a media briefing Tuesday afternoon.

Locally critical fire weather conditions are expected Thursday as winds ease, with significant improvement in conditions Friday through the weekend. More Santa Ana winds are likely early next week.

 Anthony Edwards

A small vegetation fire started Tuesday afternoon near the Santa Ana River in Riverside, about 55 miles east of Los Angeles, prompted an evacuation order for Mt. Rubidoux and surrounding areas, city officials said. There were 28 firefighters on the scene.

During a news conference at a city recovery center Tuesday afternoon, Mayor Karen Bass responded to claims she hasnt been present during the Los Angeles firestorms.

Let me just tell you, I dont always bring cameras with me where I go, but I have met with evacuees, I have been in the fire zones, Bass said. She acknowledged the emotional distress of affected families and commented on the misinformation spreading online around the fires.

Its really important to me personally to not get stuck in that and to be a person who is telling what is actually going on, Bass said.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, center, and Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, left, address the media at a press conference on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. Allen J. Schaben/TNS

Winds in Southern California werent as severe as forecasted, with gusts reaching 60 to 70 mph in the mountains early Tuesday, but remaining under 30 mph in valley and coastal areas.

The National Weather Service noted that winds are lighter than predicted, suggesting potential adjustments to warnings.

Winds (are) starting off generally a little lighter than expected as previous (weather) models were a little heavy handed for today, the weather service said. Some consideration will be given to modifying the current hazards, including possibly the (particularly dangerous situation red flag warning) areas.

While the extreme gusts havent materialized, the danger wasnt over. Winds could strengthen overnight, with more widespread and advisory-level gusts possible, particularly in the mountains, maintaining fire risks for crews fighting major blazes.

By Tuesday morning, the strongest wind gusts were confined to the in the San Gabriel and Santa Susana Mountains, particularly at locations above 5,000 ft., where wind gusts above 60 mph had been recorded.

At lower elevations, the strongest wind gusts continue to be focused west of the San Fernando valley and extended into Simi Valley and down towards the Ventura County coastline. Oxnard and Camarillo registered wind gusts from the northeast in the 25 to 30 mph range.

As the day progresses, a more diurnal wind pattern will emerge, which will see the strongest sustained winds (15 to 30 mph) and gusts (25 to 50 mph) confined to the elevation locations in the mountains and extending down into Ventura county in places like Thousand Oaks and Simi Valley.

As the wind field reduces in size during the daytime hours, the strongest winds will be focused on areas north of the Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire. But winds will still periodically gust into the 30 to 45 mph range, particularly on the north and northeast boundaries of the fires.

 Greg Porter

Los Angeles Fire Departments Dylan Casey and Mike Alvarez work on extinguishing a hot spot during aftermath of Palisades Fire along Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, California on Sunday, January 12, 2025. Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle

Two disaster resource centers opened Tuesday near the Los Angeles fire zones to assist people displaced by the blazes.

Doctors on site were offering prescriptions for essential medications lost during the fires, public health officials said. The centers, located in Pasadena and at UCLA, were staffed by local, state and federal who are there to help those impacted by the fires, said Kathryn Barger, chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

Investigators from Los Angeles Countys consumer and business affairs department are monitoring prices in the region and are working with prosecutors to address alleged violations, county officials said. People were encouraged to hold onto receipts and invoices and report incidents by calling 800-593-8222.

Rental costs in Los Angeles are already soaring, according to a review of Zillow postings by independent journalists Judd Legum and Noel Sims. In a blog post Tuesday, the pair said a five-bedroom home in Manhattan Beach that was previously listed for $8,750 per month had been bumped up to $19,750 monthly as of Monday.

A three-bedroom home in Tujunga previously listed for $4,100 was increased to $8,500 on the day the Pacific Palisades fire broke out, they said.

The entire Angeles National Forest in the San Gabriel Mountains and the San Gabriel Mountain National Monument will be closed through at least Sunday due to critical fire danger in the area, park officials said.

President-elect Donald Trump was invited to tour the areas of Los Angeles devastated by wildfires, Mayor Karen Bass announced Tuesday morning.

I have talked to key members of the incoming administration.  He has absolutely been invited, Bass said after a news conference. Trump has criticized California officials, particularly Gov. Gavin Newsom, for their handling of fire management and water issues.

Bass refrained from commenting on the citys response, noting, Well, I mean, you know, everything could be better, said Bass. There is no question about that. But she added that fire officials explained the scale of the disaster required far more resources than were available.

Los Angeles County fire victims who lost at least $10,000 of the current market value of their home may be eligible for property tax disaster relief, the California State Board of Equalization announced Tuesday.

People living in designated disaster zones will be eligible for a temporary reduction in property taxes following the fires. To qualify, property owners must file a claim with their County Assessors Office within 12 months, tax administrators said.

Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order on Tuesday that will help students and families displaced by the fires burning in Los Angeles County. Were cutting red tape to help damaged and destroyed schools quickly set up temporary facilities, ensuring students can return to classrooms as soon as possible, the governor tweeted.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 8: 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. Eric Thayer/Getty Images

Investigators in Ventura County were probing the cause of the Auto Fire, a brush fire that broke out late Monday in the Santa Clara River bottom in an area between Ventura and Oxnard. The 56-acre fire was confined to the river bottom and firefighters stopped forward progress shortly after midnight, county fire officials said. The fire was 100% contained as of Tuesday morning.

Los Angeles police officers arrested three people suspected of arson outside the fire zones in the past several days, Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell said Tuesday.

One suspected arsonist was arrested in North Hollywood on Sunday. The person was allegedly using a barbecue lighter to light fires, McDonnell said. Two additional suspected arsonists were arrested Monday in neighborhoods near the fire zones.

Investigators were actively searching for 24 missing people as of Tuesday morning, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said. All of the residents are adults, Luna said, with six reported missing from the Malibu area and 18 reported missing from the Altadena area.

Rescue crews using cadaver dogs performed extensive searches of more than 3,650 properties in the area of the Eaton Fire on Monday. The good news was no other remains were found, Luna said.

L.A. County Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone reported Tuesday morning that the Eaton Fire remained at 14,117 acres for the past two days and was 35% contained.

The good news is that weve had no increase in acreage, he said. Over 7,000 structures have been damaged or destroyed, with 3,235 firefighting personnel assigned to the blaze. Marrone also confirmed the water system was operational, ensuring adequate water supply and pressure. So far, 30% of damage inspections were complete, and residents could check recovery updates at recovery.lacounty.gov

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass signed a sweeping executive order Monday night to accelerate the rebuilding of homes and businesses lost in the ongoing fires ravaging the city.

We will do everything we can to get Angelenos back home, she said.

The order includes creating a task force for debris removal, expediting permit reviews, and waiving certain state and city review processes.

This unprecedented natural disaster warrants an unprecedented response that will expedite the rebuilding of homes, businesses and communities, Mayor Bass said.

This order is the first step in clearing away red tape and bureaucracy to organize around urgency, common sense and compassion.

Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order a day earlier exempting homeowners and businesses rebuilding after the fires from the California Environmental Quality Act, a law that can delay projects for years.

Palisades Fire

23,713 acres

17% containment

23,713 acres 17% containment Eaton Fire

14,117 acres

35% containment

Eaton Fire 14,117 acres 35% containment Hurst Fire

799 acres

97% containment

Hurst Fire 799 acres 97% containment Auto Fire

56 acres

100% containment

Dr. Anish Mahajan, chief deputy director for Los Angeles Countys public health department, urged residents affected by wildfire ash to wear proper respiratory masks, such as N95 or P100, for protection. These masks are designed to reduce exposure to harmful fine particles in ash and smoke, which can deeply affect your lungs, he said during a Tuesday morning press conference. Cloth masks and bandanas are insufficient for protection. Mahajan also noted that the South Coast Air Quality Management District issued a windblown dust advisory due to high winds.

A peak wind gust of 71 mph was recorded in the San Gabriel Mountains overnight, a sign that the next offshore wind even has begun. Overnight, wind gusts ranged from 40 to 60 mph in the Santa Susna and Santa Monica mountains, with gusts in the 30 to 40 mph range in the valleys.

 Greg Porter

The Los Angeles County Sheriffs Office arrested 39 people suspected of burglary, drone incidents and curfew violations as of Tuesday morning, said Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna. There were 33 people arrested in the Eaton Fire area and six in the Palisades area, Luna said. The number of arrests do not include arrests made by other law enforcement agencies.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath urged residents near the Palisades Fire Tuesday to evacuate now due to the risk of extreme fire behavior.

This is a particularly dangerous situation, she warned during a Tuesday morning briefing, with strong winds expected over the next 24 hours.

The fire has scorched 23,713 acres and was 17% contained. Over 5,000 fire personnel are responding. We are giving this fire everything weve got, according to Fire Chief Kristin Crowley.

High winds around Los Angeles wildfires put over 20,000 households at risk of power outages, according to Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath.

These outages, triggered by Public Safety Power Shutoffs, aim to prevent sparks from downed power lines.

Please take this moment now to charge your phones, your batteries, and devices to make sure you have backup, Horvath advised during a briefing Tuesday morning. Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone added, The shutoffs are necessary to prevent further fires.

Few travelers were streaming into Los Angeles International Airport Tuesday morning as residents braced for winds to pick up  and the possibility of more fires.

At least one American Airlines flight from San Francisco was eerily empty, with one passenger  at most  seated per row. Rush hour traffic was sparse on the wide boulevards of Inglewood and the famously clogged Interstate 405 freeway, giving the whole city an apocalyptic feel.

We hope that wherever you are going, you get there safely, an American Airlines flight attendant told passengers over the intercom as they touched down, her voice quavering with genuine concern.

 Rachel Swan

The Auto Fire in Ventura County expanded to 56 acres, Cal Fire reported.

It was located northwest of two major wildfires in Los Angeles. With high winds expected Tuesday morning, any additional new fires may spread quickly.
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Minister for enterprise and employment, Peter Burke, has said he is concerned for Meta staff following an announcement that it is planning to cut about five per cent of staff it considers to be its lowest performers.

Burke said his primary concern following the announcement was for the staff and their families who know must come to terms with it.

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Officials at my department and IDA Ireland are actively engaged with the company in relation to possible impact for its Irish operations," he said.

As a country we are close to full employment. The economy is well diversified, with hundreds of thousands of people employed by indigenous SMEs, pharmaceuticals, agri-food, med-tech and financial services.

The minister went on to point out that the company is a longstanding and key employer in Ireland, having first established operations in Ireland in 2008, and generating several thousand jobs directly and through contracted employment.

Business Meta plans to cut 5 per cent of lowest performing... Read More

Bloomberg has reported that an internal memo sent to staff by Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg said he had decided to raise the bar on performance management in order to move out low-performers faster.

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According to the memo, Mr Zuckerberg said the company typically manage out people who arent meeting expectations over the course of a year, but was now planning on more extensive performance-based cuts sooner.

Meta is said to have already cut about five per cent of low performers during 2024, but has a target of 10 per cent for its current performance cycle, which meant it was looking to exit approximately another five per cent of our current employees who have been with the company long enough to receive a performance rating.

In his note, Mr Zuckerberg said Meta would provide generous severance.
David Serota, a Pacific Palisades resident, took the photo at left from his bedroom window just after midnight on New Years night. Firefighters put it down quickly but experts said it may have rekindled. Serota took the photo, at right, of the Palisades fire on Jan. 7. David Serota David Serota, a Pacific Palisades resident, took the top photo from his bedroom window just after midnight on New Year's night. Firefighters put it down quickly but experts said it may have rekindled. Serota took the photo above, of the Palisades fire, on Jan. 7. David Serota

LOS ANGELES  Few recent Pacific Palisades Community Council meetings ended without residents in the fire-prone community complaining about teens launching fireworks into the sky over bone-dry vegetation and treacherous terrain.

Whether near the recreation center in town or on dirt trails in the mountains on the outskirts, residents would voice their frustrations over the nonchalant behavior in a community designated as among the states most hazardous by California fire officials.

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There have been problems lately with teens and firecrackers, and it seems to come up at almost every PPCC meeting, said Sue Kohl, president of the council that meets a couple of times a month. Kohl and most of her neighbors lost their homes.

Now, what some residents saw as innocent teen hijinks could be at the heart of an investigation into a deadly inferno that killed at least eight people and destroyed at least 1,200 structures. The Chronicle reported Saturday how a Jan. 1 fire, ignited shortly after the New Year rang in at midnight, could have been sparked by fireworks, according to residents who heard and saw them that night in the same area.

Experts said that fire, despite Los Angeles Fire Department personnel spending almost a full day at the scene, could have smoldered over six days and reignited on Jan. 7 when the massive blaze touched off.

Residents are now asking whether concerns over fireworks should have been taken more seriously. And asking whether much more could have been done to stop the activity. All fireworks are illegal in Los Angeles.

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On Monday, specialized Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agents reached the hillside where the Palisades Fire sparked to begin an investigation into the cause that could take months. The agency, which includes fireworks oversight, has not started a probe into the other Los Angeles area fires.

ATF spokesperson Ginger Colbrun said its too early to say whether fireworks played a role in sparking the Pacific Palisades fire.

ATF certified fire investigators did an initial assessment of the area, but the investigation has just begun, she said. We had additional expertise arrive over the weekend and the team is just starting to process the scene today.

Included on the team are certified wildland fire investigators.

People want and deserve answers, she said. However, it is way too early to speculate on the cause and origin. We want to give accurate answers, so we need to have time to do a thorough investigation.

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Asked whether investigators will look at a link between the Jan. 1 and Jan. 7 fires, she said, ATF will follow all and any leads until we have a determination for cause and origin.

In this composite, Don Griffin snapped the photo at left from his backyard of an early morning fire on Jan. 1 in Pacific Palisades that started after reports of fireworks in the neighborhood. Firefighters held that fire to 8 acres, but six days later, on Jan. 7, he photographed the start of the deadly Palisades Fire in the same area. Experts said its possible the first fire rekindled under strong winds. Courtesy Don Griffin

Don Griffin, whose photos of the starts of both fires showed their close proximity, said hes convinced fireworks started the Jan. 1 Lachman Fire that grew to only 9 acres.

We have seen or heard fireworks on July 4th and New Years in fire danger areas, he said. Its a common problem on the trails behind his house, including Skull Rock and Top of the World, popular hangout spots with isolation and beautiful views.

Its a place where kids hang out, drink, smoke weed and break bottles, Griffin said.

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They also light fireworks, said David Serota, a commercial director who lost his home on Fiske Street in Pacific Palisades. He wrote a scathing rebuke of the handling of the fireworks problem on his Instagram page and Nextdoor.

So many in our community had been trying for two years to go after and prosecute the kids that had been setting them off almost every Friday and Saturday night all over town, he wrote. We sat in the Palisades Town Council  meetings about it. The police told us they didnt have the resources to go after kids with fireworks. Despite the fact that theyd started fires previous to the one on New Years Eve.

He criticized neighbors who said fireworks complainers were overreacting to kids just having fun.

WE SOUNDED THE ALARM. WE SAW SOMETHING AND SAID SOMETHING, he wrote. But still we all sit here with no homes, no community, and all the evidence of our lives reduced to a pile of ash.

Dylan Casey and Mike Alvarez of the Los Angeles Fire Department work on extinguishing a hot spot during the aftermath of the Palisades Fire along the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu on Sunday. Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle

Maryam Zar, chair emeritus of the council in the coastal Los Angeles neighborhood tucked between Santa Monica and Malibu, said she could hear the fireworks on New Years Eve from her house.

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Usually the sound of the fireworks comes from the front of my house, which would be towards the beach, but on this Jan. 1 I heard what sounded like amateur fireworks from the backside of my house, which faces a hillside, she said. Just a few minutes later I heard the sounds of sirens and helicopters and realized a fire had broken out.

When she called the fire station on Jan. 7, firefighters acknowledged the blaze was launching from almost the same spot as the Jan. 1 fire.

Fire is always an issue, and every city official near and far warns everybody around New Years Eve and around Fourth of July not to engage in personal fireworks, she said. Its not news to us that we live in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone and that we need to be very cautious about how we handle fire.

The community council of about 50 volunteers is advisory and cant make laws, but it can influence local lawmakers and agencies, Zar said. Her house survived, likely because of brush clearance the council helped secure from the state, she said. Council members often address fire safety at meetings on issues including homeless encampments, propane tanks of street vendors, vegetation plantings, public BBQ pits and, most often of late, youngsters launching fireworks.

At the Nov. 14 meeting, the council discussed a morning fire the day before near North Palisades Drive. More than 60 firefighters and a helicopter airdropping water held the fire to an acre.

Later that meeting, a letter from Los Angeles Police Department senior lead officer for Pacific Palisades Brian Espin was read aloud, according to draft minutes. He discussed an undercover operation that targeted kids riding ebikes and electric scooters recklessly through the neighborhood, netting four citations.

He provided an update on kids shooting off fireworks over a recent weekend. He said he was able to identify the teen with the help of a local high school.

Detectives are reviewing the video and report information and conducting the necessary follow-ups for enforcement, he wrote. It is something we are taking very seriously.

Espin did not return requests for comment, with an automatic message saying he is busy working the Palisades Fire incident. Requests for comment from LAPD were not immediately returned.

A neighbor captured an image of adolescents setting off fireworks near the Palisades Recreation Center in February. Courtesy of Sue Pascoe

Sue Pasco, the editor of Circling the News, a blog covering Pacific Palisades, addressed the issue of illegal fireworks for years. In October 2023, she photographed a box of used fireworks on her street. Courtesy of Sue Pascoe

On Jan. 10, Sue Pascoe, a Pacific Palisades resident and editor of the blog Circling the News, posted on her site, three days after the fire, an article titled: Palisades Residents, Concerned about Fires, Were Ignored.

Residents from all areas of Pacific Palisades have warned officials that the fireworks that are being lit are causing fires, but no one has taken residents seriously, she wrote. She listed a number of suspicious fires, criticizing how officials never released the causes.

Pascoe, who lost her home on Radcliffe Avenue during Tuesdays blaze, said authorities have repeatedly told residents if they cant catch them in the act, theres nothing they can do. One woman who lives near the citys recreation center and surrounding park would confront the teenagers as they lit fireworks, Pascoe told the Chronicle, but theyd just show up the following weekend.

Theres definitely an attitude of, Oh, its just kids shooting off fireworks, what kid hasnt done that, said Pascoe, who has reported in Pacific Palisades for more than a decade. Well, thats fine if you live in the Midwest, but if you do it in a very high fire severity area youre just gambling. And this time our luck ran out.

As investigators speak to witnesses and collect evidence, Serota said he is dealing with waves of grief. As he leaves one tunnel of darkness, a new one appears.
Sir Stephen Fry has hailed his former co-star Tony Slattery as the gentlest, sweetest soul with a deeply talented wit following his death aged 65.

Actor and comedian Slattery, known for Channel 4s comedy improvisation show Whose Line Is It Anyway?, died on Tuesday morning following a heart attack, his partner the actor Mark Michael Hutchinson announced.

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Alongside his stand-up, Slattery appeared in the 1992 comedy Peters Friends alongside Sir Stephen, Dame Emma Thompson and Hugh Laurie, who he met at the University of Cambridge.

Alongside a photo of the stars from their younger days, Sir Stephen wrote on Instagram: So very sad to have lost the wonderful Tony Slattery, just about the gentlest, sweetest soul I ever knew.

Not to mention a screamingly funny and deeply talented wit and clown.

He said it was a cruel irony that fate should snatch him from us when Slattery had begun to emerge from his lifelong battle with so many dark demons, as he had recently been touring with a comedy show in England and launched a podcast, Tony Slatterys Rambling Club, in October.

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Sir Stephen added: Lovely, at least, this past year for him to have found to his joyous surprise that he was still remembered and held in great affection.

Love and condolences to Mark, his staunch, devoted life partner of almost 40 years.

Comedian and actor Les Dennis remembered Slattery as a wonderful talent and a nice man.

Phoenix Nights star Ted Robbins said he was devastated to hear his dear friend had died, adding: He was hugely talented, immensely kind and we shared so many wonderful times.

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He also sent his heartfelt thoughts & prayers to Hutchinson, who he said had always been there for him.

Actor James Dreyfus thanked Slattery for making him laugh long and hard every time he saw him.

Tributes have also been paid by comedians Richard K Herring and Al Murray, along with radio DJ Mike Read.

Sir Stephen Fry, bottom, pictured Jennifer Saunders, Hugh Laurie, Emma Freud and Tony Slattery, right, in 1991 (PA)

Read, who appeared with Slattery on Classic FM quiz show A Question Of Classics alongside late TV host Barry Took, recalled the fun they used to have together.

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Murray described him as such a dazzling talent, while Herring said: Oh, Tony.

Tom Walker, best known as the satirical journalist personality Jonathan Pie, called the news absolutely heartbreaking, and referred to Slattery as a genius.

Born on November 9 1959, Slattery became the president of the improvisation group Cambridge Footlights when he studied at the university, which also featured Sir Stephen, Dame Emma and Laurie amongst its members at the time.

He also appeared in 1992 crime thriller The Crying Game and 1989 black comedy How To Get Ahead In Advertising with Richard E Grant.

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His TV appearances included featuring on the comedy panel shows Just A Minute and Have I Got News For You.

Slattery also had prominent roles in the theatre, receiving a 1995 Olivier Award nod for best comedy performance for the Tim Firth play Nevilles Island, which was later made into a film starring Timothy Spall. He also starred in Second World War-set production Privates On Parade, based on the film of the same name, as ace impersonator Captain Terri Dennis.

His West End debut was in the 1930s-style musical Radio Times, and on TV he also played a detective in Tiger Bastable, a gentlemen comedy spoof, and the title character in sitcom Just A Gigolo.

Tony Slattery, left, with Barry Took, centre, and Mike Read (PA)

In 2020, Slattery  who regularly spoke openly about his bipolar disorder  revealed he went bankrupt following a battle with substance abuse and mental health issues.

He told the Radio Times that his fiscal illiteracy and general innumeracy as well as his misplaced trust in people had also contributed to his money problems.

Slattery released the BBC Two Horizon documentary Whats The Matter With Tony Slattery? in the same year, which saw him and Hutchinson visit leading experts on mood disorders and addiction.

He had previously appeared in 2006 BBC Two programme The Secret Life Of The Manic Depressive to speak about his condition.

I rented a huge warehouse by the River Thames. I just stayed in there on my own, didnt open the mail or answer the phone for months and months and months, he said.

I was just in a pool of despair and mania.

Samantha Janus, with Gary Olsen, second left, Neil Morrissey and Tony Slattery, right, in 1998 (Neil Munns/PA)

Slattery also made appearances in the final Carry On film Carry On Columbus, Robin Hood, Red Dwarf, The English Harem, Cold Blood, The Royal and Coronation Street.

Entertainment Tom Hanks hopes Here will teach people the import... Read More

He won the first Perrier Award at the Edinburgh Fringe along with Sir Stephen and Dame Emma, was one of the original patrons of Leicester Comedy Festival with Norman Wisdom and Sean Hughes, and had been a rector at the University of Dundee.

Slattery is survived by his partner of more than three decades, Hutchinson.

A statement on behalf of Hutchinson announcing the news said: It is with great sadness we must announce actor and comedian Tony Slattery, aged 65, has passed away today, Tuesday morning, following a heart attack on Sunday evening.
Actor Tom Hanks has said he hopes new film Here will teach audiences the importance of being in the moment.

The film, which tells the story of several generations of people who live on one plot of land over the course of a century, sees the 68-year-old reunited with Forrest Gump co-star Robin Wright, screenwriter Eric Roth and director Robert Zemeckis.

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Speaking about what he hoped viewers would learn from the film, Hanks told the PA news agency: I think the impermanence of what happens is something we just have to accept as part of the human condition, right?

The truth is, yesterday means nothing because theres nothing we can do to change it, and tomorrow, it means nothing because theres no way we can predict whats going to be.

All we can do is exist in the today.

We were talking about Michelle Dockerys character, (who) lived over 100 years ago, Ben Franklin in the Revolutionary War, that was 200 years ago, we have people that lived 6,000 years ago, and nobody knew that they were living in the past.

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Nobody knew that they were doing something other than dealing with what needed to be done right then and now.

Theres an awful lot of philosophy you can jam into that reality, and I think its manifested from the very first moment of the film, when Robin and I walk in as our older selves to an empty house void of anything that could be a memory other than what were carrying along in our heads.

And what speaks to impermanence, as well as also the importance of being in the moment right here, right now, better than that?

Hanks went on to talk about his reunion with Wright, Roth and Zemeckis, revealing that the trio had not expected to have the long careers they have had.

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He explained: Weve seen each other so much, and Robin has worked with Bob multiple times, as have I.

We did have a moment where the four of us, Eric Roth and Bob, and Robin, and I, were sitting around a table saying, well, didnt see this coming, did we?.

If you had gone back to 1994 and said, this is just the first of many, I dont think we would have believed it.

And it was something to note as one of the kindly things that can happen in a career thats marked with any sort of longevity, and then we had to forget it and just get along with the script that was in front of us, and the work that was due.

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An adaptation of the 1986 novel by Winston Groom, Forrest Gump (1994) follows Alabama man Forrest Gump (Hanks) recounting his life, which sees him end up in the middle of a number of historic events.

The film won six Oscars, including best actor for Hanks, best director for Zemeckis, and best screenplay based on previously published material for Roth.

Here, which will be released in Ireland on Friday, uses digital de-ageing software to make Hanks look younger while playing his character Richard Young throughout the course of his life.

Speaking about the technology, Hanks added: Its a great tool, because the super computing means you do not have to wait for post production to do the purely technical visual view of it.

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It was a bit intimidating, because we could see it in real time, 19 people could be in the scene, and then we could gather around the monitor and see exactly, more or less, how it was going to work.
Fingal County Council has received 171 new third party submissions on DAA plans to increase the annual passenger cap at Dublin airport to 40 million.

In a fresh wave of opposition against the lifting of the 32 million per annum passenger cap, the vast bulk of the new submissions are opposed to raising the cap and are in response to DAA's large tranche of further information lodged on its Infrastructure Application (IA) with the Council in November.

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As part of a 326-page submission, including appendices, St Margaret The Ward Residents Group has told the Council that it overwhelmingly opposes the expansion of operations at Dublin Airport due to the significant adverse impacts on public health, community well-being, and environmental sustainability.

They state that the evidence presented underscores that such an expansion is neither justified nor consistent with planning, environmental, or legal obligations. The current proposals exacerbate noise pollution, contravene established mitigation objectives, and fail to align with Irelands climate commitments.

On the climate impact, the residents group states that the application poses a significant threat to Irelands climate goals.

Former Dublin MEP, Ciaran Cuffe (Green Party) is requesting that the Council reject the application as it will increase noise exposure from aircraft to residents of greater Dublin and cause a significant increase in greenhouse gas emissions.

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He said: During a climate emergency, it is an act of folly to propose expanding airport passenger numbers by 25%.

He said that DAA states that there is unequivocal national demand for air travel which is essential to Ireland as an island state but "is unfortunately not prepared to address the limits that must be imposed on demand due to the existential threat posed by climate change".

In a separate submission, on behalf of the Childrens Rights Over Flights campaign, Louise OLeary states that in the context of the climate crisis, childrens rights need to be prioritised over any increased flights or expansion to Dublin Airport.

Former Environmental Editor at The Irish Times, Frank McDonald has told the council that he does "not believe that the untrammelled growth of Dublin Airport  or, indeed, Dublin itself  is in the national interest and would urge that permission is refused.

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The Kilcoskan National School Parents Association has told the council that if the passenger 40m cap is approved, this would mean more flights, more noise and more pollution over the children and staff at Kilcoskan National School which would be detrimental.

The association states that over the last two years, since the opening of the North Runway, "we have been dealing with the unapproved flight path going over the school and this has been causing tremendous stress for the school and local community..

A number of submissions lodged by individuals living in the north Dublin area state that it is simply unbelievable that a 25pc increase in passenger capacity and aircraft movements will result in no additional environmental impacts, as DAA suggests.

Dermot and Lisa Morris of Surgalstown South, Kilsallaghan, Co. Dublin contend that the DAA grant value of 20,000 to home-owners to fully insulate those homes that qualify is not adequate.

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DA Terminal 3 Ltd is a company set up by brothers, Ulick and Des McEvaddy to advance their plans for a third terminal at Dublin airport.

As part of a 35 submission, on behalf of DA Terminal 3 Ltd, CPWA Planning and Architecture state that there has been no provision in DAA's development proposal that has regard for the third terminal at Dublin airport.

Ireland Roscommon farmer has appeal rejected over false st... Read More

The submission contends that the DAA proposal is premature until such time as a location for the 3rd terminal is determined by the Dept of Transport.

However, chief executive of Fingal Chamber, Anthony Cooney has told the council that maintaining the 32 million passenger cap at Dublin Airport will have profound negative effects on Ireland's economy, employment, and international connectivity. Addressing this issue is crucial to support the country's economic growth and global competitiveness.

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On behalf of the Irish Aviation Research Institute, Trevor Buckley stated that raising the passenger cap to 40m is for the common good, to generate further economic growth for Ireland Inc, through new airline and route development creating new job and tourism opportunities.

In December, Fingal County Council received a separate application from DAA for an increase in the passenger cap to 36m per annum as it is likely that DAAs Infrastructure Application will be in the planning process for some time.
A hospital has apologised in the High Court for the failings in care to a man who later had to have his right kidney removed because of cancer.

Liam Moran had sued the HSE claiming that there was a failure to diagnose that he was suffering from or likely to be suffering from renal cancer in a proper and timely manner.

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His cancer, it was alleged, had been allowed to develop and spread unidentified, unmonitored and untreated until he was diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma in December 2019.

He had developed a large invasive and aggressive renal cell carcinoma, it was claimed, and had to have his right kidney removed five years ago.

In the High Court on Tuesday, 45-year old Mr Moran settled his action against the HSE.

His counsel Jeremy Maher SC, instructed by Cian OCarroll Solicitors, told the court that an apology from the hospital general manager Margaret Kelleher could be read to the court.

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It said: "On behalf of Midland Regional Hospital Mullingar, I would like to convey our sincere apologies for the failings in care provided to you and in particular the failure to arrange further review after February 15th, 2011.

"We appreciate how difficult this experience has been for you and your family.

It added: Once again, I apologise on behalf of the Midland Regional Hospital for the failings in your care whilst a patient of this hospital.

Fire protection engineer, Liam Moran (45) of Coole, Mullingar, Co Westmeath had sued the HSE over his care at Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar after he was referred there complaining of severe pain over his right kidney area.

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Mr Moran had a number of tests at the hospital in 2009 including a CT scan of his kidneys, and it was reported that a lesion did not show features of a complex cyst, and it was recommended he return for a repeat examination after several months.

In July 2010, a scan showed a lesion in the right kidney area but on February 15th, 2011, Mr Moran had a further CT examination which reported that the previous abnormality detected in the right kidney was unchanged. It is claimed after this he was lost to follow up.

In December 2019, Mr Moran attended at the hospital complaining of pain and a further CT examination showed a 6cm mass on the right kidney consistent with a primary renal malignancy. Mr Moran had his right kidney removed at another hospital in January 2020.

Ireland Laois man who crashed into St Patrick's Day parade... Read More

In the proceedings it was claimed there was an alleged failure to care for Mr Moran in a proper, skilful, diligent or timely manner and a failure to treat him when the tumour in his right kidney was amenable to minimally invasive treatment.

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There was, it was claimed, a failure to put in place any plan for operative intervention in relation to the tumour or abnormality identified in his right kidney.

It was also claimed there was a failure to have any or any adequate protocols or systems in place for the care and management of patients at risk of developing cancer and that he had been deprived of the opportunity of treatment when treatment would have assured a cure.

Mr Justice Paul Coffey noted the settlement.
The Minister for Higher Education, Patrick ODonovan, described the N20 main Limerick to Cork road as a glorified cattle track and that it was not safe for motorists.

Speaking Tuesday at the official sod turning of ground of a new Garda Station in Newcastle West, the Fine Gael Limerick TD said that a motorway between the two counties should be constructed as soon as possible.

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It is proposed that upgrading the N20 to a full motorway would reduce travel times between the two cities and improve road safety.

The second and third largest cities in the country should be linked with a high quality corridor. At the moment, they're linked by a glorified cattle track, its not safe, it has numerous accidents and incidents on it every year, said Minister ODonovan.

There are some desperately dangerous junctions on it, like at ORourkes Cross, Rock Hill and elsewhere, it carries a huge amount of traffic on a daily basis, and the sooner it is upgraded, and the sooner that we see a tender awarded and construction commence on the new M20, linking Limerick to Cork, the better.

The estimated cost of the road upgrade is around 2 billion, and motorists would have to pay a toll.

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It is expected that travel times between the two cities would be reduced by up to 30 minutes after the proposed upgrade.

Ireland Witness facing contempt proceedings for failure to... Read More

Last June it was reported that at least 64 people had been killed in road traffic collisions on the N20 over the previous 27 years, and that collisions on the route were likely to be four times more fatal than the average road in Ireland.

However, a lack of confirmed funding for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has created a level of uncertainty about the progression of the scheme, and it was not specifically mentioned in Budget 2025, delivered last October.

Despite this, Minister O'Donovan said: The government have committed to the M20 and I've always said that, in my view, because it cuts right through the heart of my constituency, that it should be a motorway.

I will be looking forward to the next Minister for Transport, whoever that is, to clear up the issue with regard to designation very quickly and make that road a motorway, he said.
A Roscommon farmer who made a false statement to gardai that his cattle were missing when they were actually in his neighbour's shed has failed in a bid to have the Supreme Court hear an appeal against his conviction and fine.

Gerard Harrington of Marian Road, Boyle, Co Roscommon, was convicted in July 2021 at Tullamore Circuit Criminal Court of making a false report or statement tending to give rise to apprehension for the safety of persons or property. He was sentenced in October 2021 and fined 6,500.

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In October 2015, Harrington reported to gardai that a number of his cattle were missing and gave details of the breed, tag number and value of each.

After making enquiries, gardai were led to a shed at Breedogue, Co Roscommon, where they found a number of cattle, six of which had tag numbers matching those reported missing by Harrington.

Last May at the Court of Appeal, Harrington, then 52, complained that the trial judge erred in ruling admissible a Garda interview, with his legal counsel submitting that the appellant had been inveigled to attend the Garda station in a manner that prevented him from having the opportunity to get legal advice.

There was not a scintilla of evidence to support the suggestion that the appellant had been tricked or trapped in any way, said Court of Appeal judge Mr Justice John Edwards in dismissing the appeal.

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Harrington had submitted 81 grounds of appeal, 34 of which he pressed at the appeal court, including a claim that the jury were subject to oppressive conditions due to hot weather.

Harrington then sought to have his case heard by the Supreme Court, who last week published a determination rejecting the application, finding that Harrington had not met the constitutional bar to have his appeal heard before them.

The Supreme Court noted it was suggested that Harringtons motivation for the false report arose after a local woman collided with a cow or a bull a few evenings before Harrington said the cattle had gone missing.

The Supreme Court ruled that Harrington agreed before the jury that he had not been arrested and had been told that he was not obliged to answer questions.

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Ireland Laois man who crashed into St Patrick's Day parade... Read More

The ruling states that Harrington confirmed that the memorandum contained his account of what he said had happened. Harrington argued, however, that he should have been arrested so that he would have had access to legal advice.

The Supreme Court said the issue raised was concerning compliance with the requirements of an EU directive on the rights of a person giving a voluntary interview in respect of both legal advice and the recordings of interviews.

The Supreme Court found that Harrington did not make admissions at any stage of the interview and insisted that his account, as recorded in the memorandum, was true.

"Nothing in the case turned upon its provisions given that no admissions were made, and the interview content was consistent with the case made at trial," the court ruled in dismissing the application.
Three men have gone on trial in the Central Criminal Court accused of raping and sexually assaulting a woman they met in a Dublin nightclub.

The three men, aged between 34 and 42, with addresses in Dublin and Wicklow have pleaded not guilty to a total of seven counts of rape, oral rape and sexual assault of the woman at an unknown location in a car and in a Dublin house on August 31st, 2019.

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The men cannot be named for legal reasons.

The first man, aged 39 with an address in Dublin, has pleaded not guilty to one count of raping the woman in his home address and not guilty to one count of oral rape and one count of sexually assaulting her in a car.

The second man, aged 42 with an address in Wicklow, has pleaded not guilty to one count of raping the woman in the car and one count of raping her in the house.

The third man, aged 34 with an address in Dublin, has pleaded not guilty to orally raping the woman in the house and sexually assaulting her in the car.

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In his opening address on Tuesday, Karl Finnegan SC, prosecuting, told the jury that while a complainant in a trial usually has very clear evidence of what allegedly happened to them, that's not what we have in this case.

The complainant's recollection of events on the night in question was extremely fragmented," he said.

The court heard that the woman and her friend were at a nightclub in Dublin city centre when they got talking to the three accused men, who were unknown to them.

At some point, the woman's friend decided to go home while she stayed in the club talking and engaging with the three men, Mr Finnegan said.

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The woman next remembered some important details, the jury was told.

She recalled getting into what she thought was a seven-seater taxi with a group of what she thought was four men; she recalled someone having sex with her in the back of the car; she recalled what she thought was the taxi driver getting into the car beside her and unzipping his trousers and she recalled being in someone's house.

The court heard the woman woke up in a house the next morning beside a man she did not know.

She left immediately, sent a pin drop to her friend from her phone and ordered a taxi. She immediately told her flatmate what had happened and went to gardai that morning.

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She was treated in a Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU) later that day, within 11 hours of the alleged assaults.

Toxicology reports showed the woman was highly intoxicated at the time these events were happening," prosecution counsel said.

The court heard investigating gardai got CCTV from the nightclub, which showed the woman getting into a car (not a taxi) with three men. The car was found to be registered to the 42-year-old man, the court heard.

The car journey was tracked on CCTV footage, which will be shown to the jury, Mr Finnegan said. The accused men were identified and their homes were searched in December 2019.

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Their mobile phones were seized and gardai found a Whatsapp conversation between the 39-year-old and the 34-year-old man, in which the older man asked his friend to send me a clip of your one.

The younger man replied: Which one? to which the other man replied with the name of the nightclub they had been in that night.

The younger man then sent two video clips, to which the older man responded: Listen to you laughing after she says 'No'.

Prosecution counsel said the video clips were not very clear. They were recorded on the 34-year-old man's phone.

The three men were interviewed by gardai by appointment in September 2020. They each described having sexual interactions of varying levels with the woman, but they said it was consensual.

The 39-year-old and the 42-year-old men both said they had sex with the woman, while the 34-year-old man said his only sexual interaction with the woman was when she performed oral sex on him in the house.

DNA from saliva inside the woman's underwear was matched to the 34-year-old and the 39-year-old, and as a result, the prosecution alleges the youngest man also sexually assaulted the woman by performing oral sex on her.

The 39-year-old man, whose home the woman woke up in, told gardai he kissed her goodbye at the front door the next morning before she got into a taxi. The other two said they left during the night.

When asked about the video, two of the men said the woman was saying no in relation to a request for anal sex, while another said she was saying no in relation to taking off her top.

Ireland Family left homeless after timber cabin home disma... Read More

Mr Finnegan told the jury: What this case boils down to is consent. He said it was up to the jury to consider whether (the woman) was capable of consent, given her level of intoxication.

He brought the jury through the law in relation to consent, which states a person does not consent if they are incapable because of the effect of alcohol or other drugs.

Mr Finnegan also cited legislation stating that if someone does not offer resistance that does not constitute consent.

The trial continues on Wednesday before Mr Justice Paul Burns and the jury.
Governments across Europe need to take action against a rise in antisemitism driving Jews to abandon the continent, according to the leader of the European Jewish Association (EJA).

EJA chairman Rabbi Menachem Margolin said 40,000 Jews have left Europe in recent years with no intention of returning as a result of a rise in antisemitic sentiment.

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The rabbi said antisemitism has skyrocketed by 2,000%, according to statistics he says have been collated by organisations which monitor antisemitism.

Mr Margolin said 2025 will be a critical year for European Jews because the course of action governments take to combat antisemitism will determine the future of Jewish communities on the continent.

Theres still a chance that Jewish people will be living in Europe, Mr Margolin told The Associated Press ahead of a gala dinner honouring former Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades for his efforts to foster closer Cyprus-Israel relations during his tenure.



The chairman of the European Jewish Association Rabbi Menachem Margolin attends a dinner during a two-day summit meeting of Jewish leaders in Europe (Petros Karadjias/AP)

But if the governments of Europe will not take serious measures that we are demanding from them in this year this is the beginning of the end of Jewish presence in Europe, he said.

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He said the EJA, the largest Jewish organisation in Europe representing several hundred Jewish communities, brought together Jewish leaders from across the continent for a summit on tackling rising antisemitism.

He said European governments need to move beyond mere verbal condemnations of antisemitic behaviour and take effective action to ensure the safety and security of Jewish institutions and Jews practising their customs in Europe.

Authorities also need to establish a code of conduct by which demonstrations against Israel do not devolve into antisemitic protests, Mr Margolin said.

These immediate steps should be accompanied by strong and swift punishment of individuals found guilty of antisemitic actions, he said, with Europe needing prosecutors who have a clear understanding of the many forms antisemitism can take, as well as programmes introduced in schools to educate people against antisemitic attitudes.

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But more important is the willingness of the government to combat antisemitism, said Mr Margolin.

He said antisemitism is coming from all sides of the political spectrum as Russias war in Ukraine fuels concern and uncertainty within Europe thats compounded by demographic change.

Mr Margolin attributed political shortsightedness to European elected officials who pretend to think that everything is just all right and do not understand the emergency of combating antisemitism.

He said his organisation chose to hold the summit in Cyprus because Jewish people on the eastern Mediterranean island nation feel very, very welcome and secure while the government has close relations with the state of Israel.

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According to Mr Margolin, opposition to the Jewish state is the prime reason for antisemitism in Europe.

The moment the government is friendly towards Israel and understands and defends Israels right to defend itself, it reduces a lot of tension against Jewish people, Mr Margolin said.
Hamas has accepted a draft agreement for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of dozens of hostages, two officials involved in the talks said on Tuesday.

An Israeli official said progress has been made, but the details are being finalised.

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The Associated Press obtained a copy of the proposed agreement, and an Egyptian official and a Hamas official confirmed its authenticity. The plan will need to be submitted to the Israeli Cabinet for final approval.

Qatar, a key mediator in the talks, said Israel and Hamas are at the closest point yet to an agreement.

The United States, Egypt and Qatar have spent the past year trying to mediate an end to the 15-month war and secure the release dozens of hostages captured in Hamass attack on October 7 2023 which triggered it.

Israeli soldiers look at destroyed motorcycles outside the town of Netivot in southern Israel (Ariel Schalit/AP)

Hamas-led militants killed around 1,200 people in the attack and abducted another 250. Some 100 people are still being held captive inside the Gaza Strip, and the military believes at least a third of them are dead.

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Any deal is expected to deliver a pause in fighting and bring Israel and Hamas a step closer to winding down the most deadly and destructive war theyve ever fought, a conflict that has destabilised the broader Middle East and sparked worldwide protests.

Israels retaliatory offensive has killed more than 46,000 Palestinians, more than half of them women and children, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which does not say how many of the dead were combatants. The Israeli military says it has killed more than 17,000 fighters, without providing evidence.

The offensive has reduced large areas of the territory to rubble and displaced around 90% of the Gaza Strips population of 2.3 million, with hundreds of thousands packed into tent camps along the coast where hunger is widespread.

Officials have expressed mounting optimism that they can conclude an agreement ahead of the January 20 inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump, whose Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, has joined the negotiations in the Qatari capital, Doha.

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The phased deal would be based on a framework laid out by President Joe Biden in May and endorsed by the UN Security Council.

Demonstrators in Tel Aviv, Israel, hold torches during a protest calling for the immediate release of the hostages held in the Gaza Strip by Hamas (Ohad Zwigenberg/AP)

In the first phase, Hamas would release dozens of the most vulnerable hostages seized in the attack on October 7th 2023 that triggered the war, in exchange for dozens of Palestinian prisoners as Israeli forces pull back from population centres. At least some Palestinians would be allowed to return to their homes and there would be a surge of humanitarian aid.

In the second phase, Hamas says it would release the remaining hostages in exchange for a large number of prisoners, a full Israeli withdrawal and a lasting ceasefire.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to keep fighting until Hamass military and governing capabilities have been destroyed and it no longer poses a threat.

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The gap between the two sides would be negotiated during the first phase.

It came as Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip overnight killed at least 18 people, including six women and four children.

Two strikes in the central Gaza city of Deir al-Balah killed two women and their four children, who ranged in age from one month to nine years old. One of the women was pregnant and the baby did not survive, according to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, where the bodies were taken.

Another 12 people were killed in two strikes on the southern city of Khan Younis, according to the European Hospital.

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There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military. Israel says it only targets militants and accuses them of hiding among civilians in shelters and tent camps for the displaced.

People look at the Gaza Strip from an observation point in Sderot, southern Israel (Ariel Schalit/AP)

Meanwhile, Yemens Iran-backed Houthi rebels fired a missile at central Israel, setting off sirens and sending people fleeing to shelters without causing any casualties.

Police said several homes were damaged outside Jerusalem and released a photo of a missile casing that had crashed into a roof.

The war has rippled across the region, igniting more than a year of fighting between Israel and Lebanons Hezbollah militants that ended with a tense ceasefire in November. Israel has also traded direct fire with Iran, which backs Hamas, Hezbollah and Yemens Houthis.

The Israeli military said it made several attempts to intercept the missile launched from Yemen early on Tuesday and that the missile was likely intercepted. It said an earlier missile fired from Yemen was also intercepted.

The Houthis, who captured Yemens capital, Sanaa, and much of the countrys north in 2014, have launched a series of missile and drone attacks on Israel and have attacked international shipping in the Red Sea.

The Houthis say they are fighting in solidarity with the Palestinians, but the vast majority of the targeted ships have no connection to the conflict.
Tens of thousands of naked Hindu ascetics and millions of pilgrims took dips in freezing water at the confluence of sacred rivers in northern India on Tuesday, in the first of a series of major baths in the Maha Kumbh festival, the largest religious congregation on Earth.

Holding tridents, swords, spears and small two-headed drums, ash-smeared Hindu holy men marched and rode chariots at sunrise toward the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati rivers in the northern city of Prayagraj.

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The men  with matted dreadlocks and crowns of marigolds  chanted religious slogans praising Hindu deity Lord Shiva on the way to the bathing site in a large procession with singing, drumming and blowing of horns.

Millions of Hindu pilgrims followed them.



Hindu ascetics arrive for a ritualistic dip at the confluence of the Rivers Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati during the Maha Kumbh festival in Prayagraj, India (Rajesh Kumar Singh/AP)

The Maha Kumbh festival  held every 12 years  started on Monday, with more than 15 million pilgrims bathing in the holy rivers, according to officials.

Over about the next six weeks, the festival is expected to draw more than 400 million people, many of whom will take part in elaborate rituals.

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Hindus believe bathing at the confluence will cleanse them of their sins and release them from the cycle of rebirth.

Among the bathers was Venkatesh Ramaling, a tech specialist from southern Pune city.

It is amazing to see how people are just diving in such cold water. People have such strong faith here, and looking at them I feel inspired, he said. After taking the bath, I feel really good and full of positivity.



Naga Sadhus, or naked Hindu holy men, take dips on one of the most auspicious days of the Maha Kumbh festival (Rajesh Kumar Singh/AP)

The festival has its roots in a Hindu tradition that says the god Vishnu wrested a golden pitcher containing the nectar of immortality from demons. Hindus believe that a few drops fell in the cities of Prayagraj, Nasik, Ujjain and Haridwar  the four places where the Kumbh festival has been held for centuries.

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The Kumbh rotates among the four pilgrimage sites about every three years on a date determined by the cosmic alignment of the Sun, Moon and Jupiter.

This years festival is the biggest and grandest of them all.

Authorities have built a sprawling tented city on the riverbanks to accommodate the holy men, pilgrims and tourists visiting the festival.

The government has provided more than 765 million US dollars (629 million) for the event, hoping to impress Indias largely Hindu population and draw visitors from around the world.

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Stephen Barker, a New York-based artist who was at the festival, said: It is some culmination, some distillation of so much spiritual pursuit, so it is fascinating to see everyone with one purpose.



Followers line the path as Hindu holy men walk in procession to bathe at the confluence of the Ganges, the Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers (Ashwini Bhatia/AP)

The tent city is equipped with 3,000 kitchens and 150,000 toilets. About 50,000 security personnel are also stationed in the city to maintain law and order and crowd management.

On Tuesday, millions thronged to the riverbanks, with some carrying clothes, blankets and food on their heads and others lugging wheeled bags.

Entire families and groups of people from faraway villages marched in huge lines as security personnel blared warnings to avoid stampedes that have marred the festival in the past.

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Rajnish Diwedi, a senior police official who oversees security at the festival, said at least 2,700 cameras, some powered by artificial intelligence (AI), are being used to send crowd movement and density information to four central control rooms, where officials can quickly deploy personnel. Police are also using automated systems to avoid stampedes, he said.

Groups of Hindu ascetics have set up sprawling camps at the site, with tens of thousands of pilgrims visiting them to hear religious discourses and attend prayers. These ascetics  called Naga Sadhus  are part of religious orders that were once mercenary armies who generally revere Hinduisms Lord Shiva.



Hindu pilgrims perform rituals after taking a holy dip in the Hooghly River in Kolkata, India (Bikas Das?AP)

Sri Digambar Ishwargiri, a Naga Sadhu who travelled from western Junagadh city, about 1,000 miles (1,600km) from Prayagraj, said a dip in the holy waters is a step towards attaining salvation. He sat cross-legged beside a small wood fire and ceremonial trident inside a tent as devotees visited him for blessings.

This is the holy place for salvation, he said, adding that ascetics like him are soldiers of the Hindu religion.

We safeguard our faith, he said.

Bathing takes place every day at the site, but on the most auspicious dates Hindu ascetics charge towards the holy rivers at dawn.

Many pilgrims also stay for the entire festival, observing austerity, giving alms and bathing at sunrise every day.

The river baths, prayer, meditation and yoga sessions and other religious rituals are organised by Hindu ascetics and supported with public funds.
Hugo Urbano De Leon Diaz, 30, was convicted of making criminal threats, child endangerment and brandishing a deadly weapon, officials said. Seng Kui Lim/Getty Images

A San Francisco jury convicted a 30-year-old man of threatening to kill a woman last year in a domestic violence incident, spokespersons for the district attorneys office said Monday.

Hugo Urbano De Leon Diaz, 30, was convicted of making criminal threats, child endangerment and brandishing a deadly weapon, officials said. De Leon Diaz will be sentenced Feb. 28 and is currently out of custody.

According to testimony presented at trial, De Leon Diaz grabbed a 10-inch kitchen knife on May 19 and threatened to kill a woman while the two were in an apartment. The victim hid in another room and called 911, during which time she and other witnesses said they saw and heard De Leon Diaz yelling obscenities and threats and banging on the walls and doors, officials said.

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A 4-year-old child, who was in the home, also witnessed the incident, officials said. De Leon Diaz was taken into custody when police arrived.

I would like to thank the jury for their service in this trial, said District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. The jurys verdict holds Mr. De Leon Diaz accountable and sends a clear message that domestic violence is unacceptable, and perpetrators will face consequences. I hope this verdict helps the survivor as she continues to heal from this trauma.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney John Robles.

A home should be a sanctuary, a place where families feel safe and secure  never a space for fear or violence, said Robles. This case is a clear example of why we must hold individuals accountable when they threaten that sense of safety.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and his wife Cristina Serra are to separate in a 'carefully considered decision", according to reports in Spain.

However, they have not split because of a third person, the Spanish journalist who broke the shock news has insisted.

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Lorena Vazquez, who forms part of a highly-respected duo of reporters known in Spain as the Mamarazzis, said overnight: Its been a carefully considered decision the couple discussed over several months.

They continue to have a cordial and affectionate relationship.

No-one else is involved. There are no third parties. We are going to carry on seeing them together.

She added after revealing the couples shock split: They werent expecting any journalists or media outlets would confirm this break-up but I can assure you theyre living apart and only a small handful of people knew about this.

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Guardiola, who has three grown-up children with his fashion boss wife, has always stayed at the family home - a 10 million mansion in Barcelonas most elite neighbourhood - when he has returned to the Catalan capital from Manchester.

It is not yet clear where he will base himself in the future when he spends time in Barcelona.

Cristina is expected to remain in the family home, which used to be owned by Peps former Mexican centre-back Rafa Marquez.

Guardiola purchased the property, situated in the high part of Barcelona, from a Russian businessman in February 2021.

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He is understood to have purchased it through a company he was running with his wife. The four-storey house, near to a six-mile stretch of dirt tracks on the outskirts of Barcelona called Carretera de les Aigues, has a large swimming pool in its grounds.

It occupies a plot of more than 22,000 square feet and the house itself is an impressive 8,000 square feet.

Catalan press seized on the house purchase, which was made public in June 2021, as a sign Guardiola could be planning a return to Barcelona following Joan Laportas election as its president.

Cristina Serra moved into the property two years after leaving Manchester to return to her home city.
Nato is launching a new mission to protect undersea cables in the Baltic Sea region after a string of incidents that have heightened fears of Russian sabotage and spying in the strategic region, the alliances leader said on Tuesday.

Secretary-General Mark Rutte said the mission, dubbed Baltic Sentry, will include frigates, maritime patrol aircraft and a fleet of naval drones to provide enhanced surveillance and deterrence.

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Across the alliance, we have seen elements of a campaign to destabilise our societies through cyber attacks, assassination attempts and sabotage, including possible sabotage of undersea cables in the Baltic Sea, he told reporters after a meeting in Helsinki with the leaders of Allied Baltic nations.



The Nato talks followed a string of incidents in the Baltic Sea region that have heightened concerns about possible Russian activities (Antti Aimo-Koivisto/Lehtikuva/AP)

As the meeting was taking place in Helsinki, there were reports on Polish state broadcaster TVP that a ship belonging to Russias shadow fleet was seen circling a natural gas pipeline that runs from Norway to Poland.

The fleet is made up of hundreds of ageing tankers of uncertain ownership and safety practices that are dodging sanctions and keeping the oil revenue flowing to Moscow.

Finland President Alexander Stubb said the issue had been discussed at the meeting, which also included leaders from Germany, Poland, Denmark, Sweden, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, but did not give details.

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Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, speaking at a later news briefing in Helsinki, said he had not yet received a report on the matter but would inform the public once he learned more.



German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, front left, and Denmarks Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, front right, talk during a summit of the Baltic Sea Nato countries in Helsinki, Finland (Vesa Moilanen/Lehtikuva/AP)

Announcing the new operation, Mr Rutte noted that more than 95% of internet traffic is secured via undersea cables, and 808,000 miles (1.3m km) of cables guarantee an estimated 10 trillion US dollars (8.2 trillion) worth of financial transactions every day.

Across the alliance, we have seen elements of a campaign to destabilise our societies through cyber attacks, assassination attempts and sabotage, including possible sabotage of undersea cables in the Baltic Sea, he said.

He added that Natos adversaries must know the alliance will not accept attacks on its critical infrastructure, saying: We will do everything in our power to make sure that we fight back, that we are able to see what is happening and then take the next steps to make sure that that doesnt happen again.

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Pressed for details about what the operation might involve, Mr Rutte declined to provide ship numbers, saying the figure could vary from week to week, and we dont want to make the enemy any wiser than he or she is already.

We will make use of the full range of possibilities we as an alliance have, he said, including remotely operated vehicles and drones.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz said in separate remarks to reporters that Germany will participate in the Baltic Sentry mission.

Asked whether that means Germany will contribute ships or surveillance planes and whether he made a specific offer, he replied: We will participate with everything we have in the way of naval capabilities; that will vary as far as the concrete possibilities of deployment are concerned.
North Korea has test-fired multiple missiles toward its eastern waters, South Koreas military said, as it continued its weapons demonstrations ahead of Donald Trumps return to the White House.

South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said the weapons were fired from a northern inland area and were suspected to be short-range ballistic missiles.

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It was not immediately clear how far the weapon flew.

The joint chiefs said the South Korean military has strengthened surveillance while sharing the launch information with the US and Japanese militaries.



A TV screen shows a file image of North Koreas missile launch on January 6 (Ahn Young-joon/AP)

It was North Koreas second launch event of 2025, following a ballistic launch last week.

North Korea said the January 6 test was a new hypersonic intermediate-range missile designed to strike remote targets in the Pacific as leader Kim Jong Un vowed to further expand his collection of nuclear-capable weapons to counter rival nations.

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The systems it demonstrated in 2024 included solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles designed to strike the US mainland and various shorter-range missiles designed to overwhelm missile defences in South Korea.

There are concerns its military capabilities could advance further through technology transfers from Russia as the two countries align over the war in Ukraine.

At a year-end political conference, Mr Kim vowed to implement the toughest anti-US policy and criticised the Biden administrations efforts to strengthen security cooperation with Seoul and Tokyo, which he described as a nuclear military bloc for aggression.

North Korean state media did not specify Mr Kims policy plans or mention any specific comments about Mr Trump.

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During his first term as president, Mr Trump met Mr Kim three times for talks on the Norths nuclear programme.
US and Arab mediators have made significant progress towards brokering a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war and the release of scores of hostages held in the Gaza Strip, but a deal has not been reached yet, officials said.

Four officials acknowledged progress has been made and said the coming days would be critical for ending more than 15 months of fighting that has destabilised the Middle East.

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They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss the talks.

A US official briefed on the negotiations said all sides are closer than weve ever been, but it could still fall apart. The official declined to predict the timing of a potential agreement because he said it is too uncertain, with multiple moving parts still in play.



Israeli soldiers seen in a tunnel (AP)

Two other officials, including one associated with Hamas, said there were still a number of hurdles.

On several occasions over the past year, US leaders have said they were on the verge of reaching a deal, only to have talks stall.

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Another person familiar with the talks said there had been a breakthrough overnight and there was a proposed deal on the table. Israeli and Hamas negotiators will take it to their leaders for final approval, the person said.

The person said mediators from Qatar had put renewed pressure on Hamas to accept the agreement, while US President-elect Donald Trumps envoy Steve Witkoff was pressing the Israelis. Mr Witkoff recently joined the negotiations and has been in the region in recent days.

Mediators have handed the draft deal to each side.



Palestinians look at a damaged residential building after an attack by Israel strike (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP)

An Egyptian official said there had been good progress, but it would likely take a few more days and the sides were aiming for a deal before Mr Trumps inauguration on January 20.

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A Hamas official who spoke anonymously because he was not authorised to brief the media said a number of contentious issues still need to be resolved, including an Israeli commitment to ending the war and details about the withdrawal of Israeli troops and the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners.

The Qatari palace said the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, met with the Hamas delegation in Doha as well as with Mr Witkoff and Brett McGurk, President Joe Bidens top Middle East adviser, as well as speaking on the phone with Mr Biden, who stressed the urgent need for a deal.
A Swedish artist is about to have the dream of a lifetime fulfilled: a small red model house he created will be launched into space this week and, if all goes according to plan, put on the surface of the Moon.

The Moonhouse, the size of a big hand, will hitch a ride to the Moon on a lunar lander operated by the Japanese company ispace.

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It is set for take-off on SpaceXs Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, at 1.11am (0611 GMT) on Wednesday.





Artist Mikael Genberg said he has been wanting to put his typically Swedish-looking miniature house on the Moon for 25 years.

It was a crazy, maybe idiotic, but at the same time, in my mind, really poetic thought to put a red house with white corners on the surface of the Moon, Genberg said in a video posted on Facebook.

And now its going to happen.

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Whats the purpose? Its art, he added.

Genberg, who is currently in Florida to watch Wednesdays launch in person, said he was very excited to finally see his house get shot into space.

Its small on this planet, but it will be big on the Moon  theres nothing like that in space, he told The Associated Press.





The house is made out of aluminium and daubed with a special, space-certified paint.

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It is 12 centimetres (4.7in) long, 8cm (3.1in) wide and 10cm (3.9in) tall.

Genbergs signature art project has already travelled the world in recent years.

The Moonhouse has been installed up in trees, underwater, was taken to the Great Wall of China, and even to the International Space Station 400 kilometres (248 miles) above Earth as a companion to Swedens first astronaut, Christer Fuglesang, according to the projects website.

While it was Genbergs idea to put the house on the Moon with the help of lunar rover Tenacious, about 70 people donated some seven million-10 million Swedish kronor (512,000-732,000) for the project, which also includes the flight, he said.

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The vision of the artwork merges with our own; to expand our planet and future, and to extend the sphere of human life into space, Julien-Alexandre Lamamy, the chief executive of ispace Europe, said in a statement.

If the launch is successful, Genberg says that once the rover lands on the Moon in about four months, it should release the house, take some pictures and leave it alone standing there for thousands and thousands and maybe millions of years.
The top aide of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol pleaded with law enforcement agencies on Tuesday to abandon their efforts to detain him over his imposition of martial law last month, as authorities prepared a second attempt to take him into custody.

Presidential Chief of Staff Chung Jin-suk said Mr Yoon could instead be questioned at a third site or at his residence, and said the anti-corruption agency and police are trying to drag him out as if he was a member of a South American drug cartel.

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However, one of the presidents lawyers said Mr Chung issued the message without consulting the legal team and they have no immediate plans to make the president available for questioning by investigators.



South Koreas Constitutional Court sits for the first formal hearing of a trial on the validity of President Yoon Suk Yeols impeachment (Kim Min-Hee/Pool/AP)

Mr Yoon has not left his official residence in Seoul for weeks, and the presidential security service prevented dozens of investigators from detaining him after a stand-off on January 3 which lasted nearly six hours.

The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials and police pledged more forceful measures to detain Mr Yoon while they jointly investigate whether his brief martial law declaration on December 3 amounted to an attempted rebellion.

The National Police Agency has convened multiple meetings of field commanders in Seoul and nearby Gyeonggi province in recent days to plan their detainment efforts, and the size of those forces fuelled speculation that more than 1,000 officers could be deployed in a possible multiday operation.

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The agency and police have openly warned that presidential bodyguards obstructing the execution of the warrant could be arrested.



South Korean police officers stand in front of the Constitutional Court in Seoul (Lee Jin-man/AP)

The anti-corruption agency and police have not confirmed when they might return to the presidential residence, which has been fortified with barbed wire and rows of vehicles blocking entry paths. But Mr Chung said he understood D-day to be Wednesday, without specifying the information he had.

Anti-corruption agency and police officials met representatives of the presidential security service on Tuesday morning for unspecified discussions regarding efforts to execute the detention warrant for Mr Yoon, the agency said. It was not immediately clear if any kind of compromise was reached.

Mr Yoon declared martial law and deployed troops around the National Assembly on December 3. It lasted only hours before politicians managed to get through the blockade and voted to lift the measure.

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His presidential powers were suspended when the opposition-dominated assembly voted to impeach him on December 14, accusing him of rebellion.

His fate now rests with the Constitutional Court, which has begun deliberating on whether to formally remove him from office or reject the charges and reinstate him.



A woman passes wreaths sent by supporters of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol outside the Constitutional Court in Seoul (Lee Jin-man/AP)

The Constitutional Court held its first formal hearing in the case on Tuesday.

The session lasted less than five minutes because Mr Yoon refused to attend, choosing to remain at his official residence while the detention warrant for him is active.

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The next hearing is set for Thursday, and the court will then proceed with the trial whether or not he attends.

The countrys acting leader, Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok, raised concerns on Monday about potential clashes between authorities and the presidential security service, which, despite a court warrant for Mr Yoons detention, has insisted it is obligated to protect the impeached president.

The anti-corruption agency and police have completed preparations for a siege, Mr Chung said.

They are ready to tear down the walls at any moment and handcuff President Yoon Suk Yeol, who remains isolated in his residence in Hannam-dong, and forcibly remove him, he added, accusing investigators of trying to humiliate the president.

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Supporters of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol stage a rally outside the Constitutional Court in Seoul (Lee Jin-man/AP)

Thousands of citizens are staying up through the night in front of the presidential residence, vowing to protect the president. If a conflict were to break out between the police and citizens, an unimaginable tragedy could occur.

Over the past two weeks, thousands of anti-Yoon and pro-Yoon protesters have gathered daily in competing rallies near his office in Seoul, anticipating another detention attempt.

Mr Yoons lawyers have claimed images of him being dragged out in handcuffs could trigger a huge backlash from his supporters and spark a civil war in a country deeply divided over ideological and generational lines.

In preventing Mr Yoons detention on January 3, presidential bodyguards were assisted by troops assigned to guard the presidential residence under the command of the presidential security service.

However, a Defence Ministry spokesman said on Tuesday that the troops will no longer participate in efforts to block the execution of Mr Yoons detention warrant and will focus solely on guarding the compounds perimeter.
Tulip Siddiq has resigned as the country's treasury minister over allegations linked to her aunts political movement in Bangladesh.

Ms Siddiqs aunt is the former Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled into exile after being deposed last year and is facing an investigation by an anti-corruption commission in Bangladesh, with Ms Siddiq reportedly named as part of the case.

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Ms Siddiq has also come under intense scrutiny over her use of properties in London linked to her aunts allies.

The Hampstead and Highgate MP said in a letter to UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer that she had not breached the ministerial code but that continuing in her role would be a distraction.

The British Prime Minister said he accepted her resignation with sadness and said she had made a difficult decision and that he wanted to be clear that the door remains open for you going forward.

She had referred herself to the Starmers ethics tsar, Sir Laurie Magnus, who said he had not found any breach of the ministerial code but advised that Sir Keir reconsider her responsibilities.

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An independent review has confirmed that I have not breached the Ministerial Code and there is no evidence to suggest I have acted improperly.



Nonetheless, to avoid distraction for the Government, I have resigned as City Minister.



Here is my full letter to the Prime Minister. pic.twitter.com/kZeWZfEsei  Tulip Siddiq (@TulipSiddiq) January 14, 2025

The UK Anti-Corruption Coalition had called for Ms Siddiq to pass responsibilities for countering economic crime, money laundering and illicit finance to another minister.

The coalition  a group of the UKs leading anti-corruption organisations  said she had a serious conflict of interests regardless of whether Sir Laurie found she had breached the ministerial code.

Entertainment Actor and comedian Tony Slattery dies aged 65 afte... Read More

Sir Laurie, the independent advisor on ministerial standards, reviewed her financial affairs and the background of properties she owns or has occupied and said he had found no evidence of any improprieties in Ms Siddiqs actions.

He said: It is regrettable that she was not more alert to the potential reputational risks  both to her and the Government  arising from her close familys association with Bangladesh.

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I would not advise that this shortcoming should be taken as a breach of the Ministerial Code, but you will want to consider her ongoing responsibilities in the light of this.
Vietnam and Russia have signed an agreement to boost co-operation on nuclear energy as Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin makes a two-day visit to Hanoi.

The Southeast Asian country has been trying to revive its nuclear energy plans after shelving the construction of two nuclear power plants in 2016 due to ballooning costs and concerns around safety. It hopes to become energy-sufficient and reach its goal of curbing additional greenhouse emissions by 2050.

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The agreement was signed on Tuesday between Russias state-owned nuclear energy company Rosatom and Vietnams state-owned power utility EVN.



Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his Russian counterpart, Mikhail Mishustin, attend a welcome ceremony in Hanoi (Dmitry Astakhov/Sputnik/Government Pool/AP)

Mr Mishustin also held bilateral talks with his counterpart, Pham Minh Chinh, and met Vietnams Communist Party chief, To Lam, and the chairman of Vietnams National Assembly, Tran Thanh Man.

Vietnam is an important partner of Russia in Southeast Asia, Mr Mishustin said. Today we plan to discuss with you a comprehensive plan for co-operation between Russia and Vietnam, which runs until 2030.

He is set to meet President Luong Cuong on Wednesday.

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Rosatoms general director, Alexey Likhachev, arrived in Hanoi earlier on Monday.

He said the company is ready to help Vietnam build nuclear power plants and centres, as well as share and localise Russian nuclear technology, according to Vietnamese state media.

Russia, which has been trying to bolster ties in Asia to offset its growing international isolation over its war in Ukraine, also agreed to transfer a scientific research vessel for marine research.



Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Vietnamese premier Pham Minh Chinh shake hands during the signing ceremony in Hanoi (Dmitry Astakhov/Sputnik/Government Pool/AP)

Mr Mishustin is a technocrat who has maintained a low political profile and was reappointed as Russias Prime Minister in 2024.

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This is his first trip to Vietnam and comes after President Vladimir Putin travelled to Hanoi in June and agreed to work on a road map for a nuclear science and technology centre in Vietnam.

Hanoi and Moscow have had diplomatic relations since 1950 and have been close allies since the Cold War. Evidence of that long relationship and its influence can be seen in Vietnamese cities where Soviet-style apartment blocks co-exist alongside skyscrapers.

Bilateral trade between Russia and Vietnam was only 3.6 billion US dollars (3.0 billion) in 2023, compared with 171 billion dollars (140.6 billion) with China and 111 billion dollars (91.3 billion) with America.

And while Russia has accounted for 80% of Vietnams arms exports since the early 2000s, that has been declining over the years because of Vietnamese attempts to diversify its supplies.
A missile fired by Yemens Houthi rebels has targeted central Israel, sounding sirens and causing people to flee into bomb shelters.

The Israeli military said several attempts were made to intercept a missile that was launched from Yemen and the missile was likely intercepted.

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The Magen David Adom emergency service in Israel said there were no injuries from the missile or falling debris, although some suffered injuries when running to shelters.

The Houthis were blamed for another missile attack on Monday night. Israels military said it intercepted that missile before it entered Israeli territory.

Yemens Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, who have held Yemens capital, Sanaa, since 2014, have launched direct attacks on Israel and some 100 commercial ships as part of their campaign over Israels war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

The rebels did not immediately acknowledge the attack, though it can take hours or even days for them to claim an assault.
Chinese officials are evaluating a potential option that involves Elon Musk acquiring the US operations of TikTok if the company fails to fend off a controversial ban on the short-video app, according to people familiar with the matter.

Beijing officials strongly prefer that TikTok remains under the ownership of parent ByteDance Ltd., the sources say, and the company is contesting the impending ban with an appeal to the US Supreme Court.

But the justices signalled during arguments on January 10 that they are likely to uphold the law.

Senior Chinese officials had already begun to debate contingency plans for TikTok as part of an expansive discussion on how to work with Donald Trumps administration, one of which involves Musk, said the sources, asking not to be identified revealing confidential discussions.

A law passed by the US Senate last year threatens to result in TikTok being banned in the US if the Chinese owner of TikTok, ByteDance, does not sell the app to a non-Chinese company.
Toro nigiri from a Sushi Simpin popup in Fremont in 2023. The owner is now opening his first restaurant. Cesar Hernandez/The Chronicle

One of the Bay Areas most popular  and unusual  sushi operations is opening a permanent restaurant.

Kinjo, from the chef behind underground popup Sushi Simpin, arrives at 1747 North Milpitas Blvd. in Milpitas on Jan. 18. (It will open for takeout first, then dine-in later this month.)

During the depths of the pandemic, people drove from all over the Bay Area to pick up boxes of pristine, restaurant-quality sushi from Andy Trans home. Tran had started making the to-go boxes for friends. But word of Sushi Simpin quickly spread, and his underground operation blew up into one of the most in-demand food popups in the Bay Area  until a call to the health department forced the unlicensed business to shut down in 2021.

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But Tran regrouped: He traveled to Japan and then returned to host private omakase dinners, including out of a secret location in Fremont. There, he was known for his irreverent style, including torching nigiri while wearing a leather harness and a ski mask emblazoned with the words, Yes, daddy.

Now, Tran hopes his new restaurant will be a neighborhood draw for affordable yet high-quality sushi. Because the colorful private dinners were more expensive than his takeout boxes, they priced out many of his loyal customers. At Kinjo, Tran said his goal is to put out omakase quality, but at mid-level prices. (Hes aiming for about $40 per person.)

Ankimo (monkfish liver) pate handroll from a Sushi Simpin dinner in 2023. Cesar Hernandez/The Chronicle

So Kinjo will serve intricate nigiri, including seasonal specialties like shirako (cod sperm), using techniques like dry-aging or marinating in kombu  but it will also offer Western-style sushi rolls with spicy tuna, spicy mayo and imitation crab. The opening menu also includes a toro taku futomaki roll, spicy sake maki roll and miso-grilled fish. A former Korean restaurant in a Milpitas strip mall, Kinjo is informal, with a small, two-seat sushi bar and casual dining room.

Tran didnt set out to open a sushi restaurant. Before Sushi Simpin, he worked low-rung tech jobs and made rotisserie chickens at Costco. (His LinkedIn profile colorfully describes the latter position as Tender to the Flames of the Sacred Chicken Wheel.) He later attended culinary school, and he thought hed specialize in Italian food  but instead fell for sushi. It was so deep and intricate and involved a lot of knives, which I liked a lot, he said.

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Yet Tran also felt intimidated by the specialty and its gatekeepers. Higher level sushi is a guarded art, where the cost of learning involves years of hazing, bullying, and general exploitation of labor before you are allowed into the club, the Sushi Simpin website reads. We intend to forgo the ancient teaching method and instruct our team in a streamlined, encouraging environment.

People flocked to Sushi Simpin for everything from dry-aged toro, seared ocean trout belly, handroll kits and chirashi boxes. It was part of a small but hugely popular pandemic wave of home-based sushi operations on the Peninsula and in the South Bay, including one where customers had to message the owner for a secret access code. They were followed by a boom in affordable takeout sushi in San Francisco and Oakland.

While hes no longer slinging sushi boxes out of his home, Tran hopes Kinjo will channel the same approachable, inclusive vibe.

We're not trying to say this style of sushi is better than any other style of sushi, Tran said. We want to make sushi that we find enjoyable and that were excited about.

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Victoria Police is investigating the unauthorised use of a helicopter to disrupt the acting premiers press conference in an apparent escalation of an ongoing pay dispute between the police union and the state government.

Ben Carroll was addressing the media at a childcare centre in Werribee on Tuesday when a police helicopter began circling overhead. The acting premier moved the press conference after police also pulled up in cars with messages scrawled on the windows criticising the governments stance on the pay dispute.

Victoria Police and its officers are in a long-running dispute over pay. Credit: Eddie Jim

Victoria Police says it is making inquiries into the helicopters movements.

The decision to deploy it was made by a police union delegate, not the force. It costs $10,000 an hour to operate the helicopter.
Cultured meat start-up Vow is shedding 30 per cent of its workforce, making 25 staff members redundant, with chief executive George Peppou blaming slower than expected regulatory approvals for the incredibly difficult decision.

The Sydney-based company has raised more than $US50 million ($80 million) from high-profile investors, including Hostplus and Blackbird Ventures, to manufacture its range of cultured meats  grown not from animals but from cells in stainless-steel tanks  and get them into high-end restaurants and supermarkets.

Vow chief George Peppou described the layoffs as an incredibly difficult decision. Credit: Jessica Hromas

Its novel meat products have made headlines globally, including foie gras made from the cells of Japanese quails and woolly mammoth meatballs made using DNA extracted from 1000-year-old cells of the ancient extinct creatures.

While some of its products have been served in restaurants in Hong Kong and Singapore, the start-up has yet to receive regulatory approvals to sell its products in Australia, and subsequently, this week is making a third of its staff redundant.
A Melbourne DJ who died after falling from a balcony in Bali has been remembered for her happy-go-lucky attitude and compassion.

Courtney Mills, a 37-year-old from Frankston, was found critically injured after an accident in Kuta in the early hours of last Friday, her sister said on social media.

Mills underwent multiple surgeries but died in hospital on Sunday.

We cant begin to imagine a world without your vibrance [and] spark, sister Kiani Mills said on Facebook. We know you have found peace, we know you have found happiness, but we will miss you every single day.
Nuuk, Greenland: Greenland is ready to talk.

Responding to the diplomatic earthquake set off last week by President-elect Donald Trump, who mused about taking over the gigantic island in the Arctic Ocean, Greenlands prime minister said the territory would like to work more closely with the United States on defence and natural resources.

A statue commemorating Hans Egede, the Danish missionary who founded Nuuk in 1728, stands on a hill overlooking the town in Greenland. Credit: Ivor Prickett/The New York Times

The reality is we are going to work with the US  yesterday, today and tomorrow, Prime Minister Mute Egede said at a news conference in Nuuk, Greenlands tiny, icebound capital on Monday (Tuesday AEDT).

But he was firm: Greenlanders did not want to become Americans.
Washington: Donald Trumps controversial pick to run the Pentagon has staunchly rejected allegations of sexual assault and aggressive drunkenness, insisting he was the target of a co-ordinated smear campaign designed to undermine the president-elect.

In a fiery confirmation hearing at Capitol Hill, former Fox & Friends host Pete Hegseth said that if he were appointed secretary of defence, as designated by the president-elect, he would work with Indo-Pacific allies to deter Chinas aggression in the region, get rid of diversity programs in the military, and overhaul the department to achieve Trumps mission to bring the warrior culture back.

Trumps defence secretary pick Pete Hegseth made a strong rebuttal of the allegations against him at the Senate Armed Services Committee. Credit: AP

He, like me, wants a Pentagon laser-focused on lethality, meritocracy, war-fighting, accountability, said Hegseth, a 44-year-old former Army National Guard officer who has railed against wokeness in the military.

The confirmation hearing was the first of many for Trumps contentious cabinet nominees, who also include vaccine sceptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr to run the federal Health Department; former Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard as his preferred director of national intelligence; and MAGA loyalist Kash Patel as FBI director.
While the ideal set-up would be for a buyer to sell their home before entering into a new one, this is not always possible on properties with multiple offers or that stay on the market for only a few weeks, or even days. Bridge financing offers a solution during these tricky transitions. These specialized short-term loans provide added, oftentimes necessary, funds to homeowners between homes when they want to jump on their next property before their existing residence has been sold. Conversely, if a property sells quickly, a bridge loan can prevent the homeowner from having to rent or pay for storage while they look for their next home.
Regional and capital city rental trends

While the combined regional areas have seen a healthier rental growth of 6.2% over the year, the major capitals have experienced more subdued increases, with Sydney and Melbourne notably slowing from double-digit growth in 2023 to just 3% and 4.1% in 2024, respectively.
The Atlas Fire leaves a Napa neighborhood in ruins. Donations after the 2017 fire were often misguided. Puertas Abiertas, a nonprofit that does outreach to the Latino community, received a mountain of dog food though people werent asking for it. Alex Washburn/The Chronicle 2017 Flames moved through the vineyards as the fast-moving wind-whipped Atlas Fire rages through the Napa and Sonoma counties on Oct. 9, 2017. Peter DaSilva/Special to the Chronicle 2017

Like so many people in Northern California, seeing the apocalyptic scenes in Los Angeles reminded me of the fires over the past decade that have ravaged our area, including in my hometown of Napa.

Over the past week, I have received so many texts and pleas from businesses and friends alike asking me to donate a myriad of items, ranging from used clothing to toy drives for those affected by the fires. But the hard truth is that wanting to help is not enough. Good intentions need to meet the actual needs of those who are struggling.

In 2017, when my childhood neighborhood burned down in the Atlas Fire, I saw this firsthand: Thousands of kind-hearted people wanted to help, but their efforts were often misguided. Puertas Abiertas, a nonprofit that does outreach to the Latino community, received a mountain of dog food from donors even though people werent asking for it. In Newtown, Conn., when a gunman killed 20 children and six adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012, the community had to get a warehouse to fit 67,000 stuffed animals donated from across the country, most of which residents had to send away.

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Disasters bring out the generosity in all of us. As World Central Kitchen founder Jose Andres has said, When things look the darkest, the best of humanity shines through. And with climate disasters on the rise, Americans charitable giving to those affected is also growing: a 2023 survey showed that nearly 3 in 5 American donors gave half or more of their total monetary donations last year to charities providing disaster relief.

If targeted, this generosity can be nothing short of life-changing. When I served as Gov. Gavin Newsoms senior adviser on philanthropic partnerships, shortly after the first case of COVID was discovered in California, my inbox was flooded with outreach from companies, donors and nonprofits all asking, How can we help? As a result, we leveraged $4.2 billion to develop over 50 partnerships, from launching the first network of drive-through COVID testing sites with Verily and providing 165,000 California students with devices and hotspots for distance learning with T-Mobile and Google, to providing 22 food banks with over 25 million meals.

The unprecedented destruction from the Los Angeles fires presents our state with yet another all-hands-on-deck moment. Government alone cannot solve our problems; we need the nimble capital and innovative ideas of the private sector and individuals to bring relief to the thousands of people who are suffering. And we need to invest in organizations on the ground that have trusted relationships with vulnerable communities who have lost everything.

But for those efforts to be successful, donors must do their homework. Cash is generally much more effective than donating goods. To be sure, families who have lost everything will certainly need donated goods in the early stages of recovery, and there are some beautiful examples of local donation sites that have been very successful in Los Angeles. But, in general, donors should focus on giving money to trusted charitable organizations rather than risk sending clothes, shoes and other stuff that may be costly to store and time-consuming to sort and distribute, ultimately doing more harm than good.

Donors should take the time to vet the organizations they support. Disasters are ripe for criminals who set up phony charitable organizations soliciting donations on behalf of people claiming to be victims of disaster. You can avoid falling prey to scams by doing background checks through trusted aggregator sites like GuideStar and Charity Navigator.

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Finally, its important to donate to organizations that have a history of disaster response. Many of these organizations arent just focused on short-term needs but also help support long-term resilience-building and recovery efforts. Philanthropy California has created a list of vetted funds that include the California Community Foundation Wildfire Relief Fund and the United Way of Greater Los Angeles Wildfire Response Fund, which are supporting nonprofits active in local relief and recovery efforts with a special focus on supporting underresourced communities.

About Opinion Guest opinions in Open Forum and Insight are produced by writers with expertise, personal experience or original insights on a subject of interest to our readers. Their views do not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Chronicle editorial board, which is committed to providing a diversity of ideas to our readership. Read more about our transparency and ethics policies

There was a time in my life when I wanted to help but didnt have a lot of money to donate in times of crisis. Fortunately, we can all help raise money to support organizations doing great work on the ground: Instead of collecting clothes to donate to survivors, host a yard sale and donate the funds to a disaster relief agency; bring friends together for cocktails for a cause; support a GoFundMe campaign for a family you know that has lost everything; run a 5K and solicit sponsorships to raise money for relief efforts or help your kids host a lemonade stand for fire victims.
Cirium Ascend Consultancy, part of the worlds most trusted source of aviation analytics, Cirium, has once again landed Airline Economics prestigious title of Appraiser of the Year at an award ceremony last night.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250113971776/en/

Cirium awarded 'Appraiser of the Year' (Photo: Business Wire)

This marks the tenth win for Cirium Ascend Consultancy, demonstrating its unparalleled expertise within aviation consultancy and underlining its unwavering commitment to excellence, transparency and accuracy.

The annual award was presented to Rob Morris, Global Head of Cirium Ascend Consultancy, at the Airline Economics Aviation 100 Global Leaders Awards 2025 in Dublin, Ireland, which celebrates the best companies, individuals and transactions in the aviation finance and leasing sector.

2025s landmark win makes it the first time a single firm has won the title 10 times, recognising Cirium Ascend Consultancys invaluable insights that have shaped the strategies of key players in the industry.

Voters of this years award praised Ciriums accurate, timely, and insightful aircraft appraisals that have provided the valuations and analysis needed to understand market outlook, evaluate risks, and identify opportunities.

Rob Morris, Global Head of Cirium Ascend Consultancy, said: As we start 2025, we are humbled to have been named Appraiser of the Year for the tenth time, reaching an impressive milestone in our history.

Winning this prestigious accolade not only symbolises the trust and confidence our industry has in us, but is a tribute to the Ascend Consultancy teams dedication and commitment throughout 2024. We have continued to strive for excellence, offering clients independent and transparent insights in a volatile year for OEMs, lessors, and the wider supply chain.

Cirium Ascend Consultancys contributions extend beyond appraisals, encompassing various aspects of aviation analytics such as risk management, asset tracking, and sustainability evaluations. The firms innovative solutions, including CO 2 emissions benchmarking and fuel consumption analysis, reflect its commitment to supporting the industrys transition towards a more sustainable future.

With worldwide teams, and the industrys largest team of ISTAT/ASA certified appraisers, Cirium Ascend Consultancy is poised to further drive industry analysis and improvement in 2025.

To find out more about Cirium Ascend Consultancy visit https://www.cirium.com/analytics-services/ascend-consultancy/

For Cirium media inquiries please contact [email protected]

About Cirium Ascend Consultancy

Cirium Ascend Consultancy, a division of Cirium, offers market-leading expertise to help inform and drive successful strategies in the commercial aviation industry. With a global team of seasoned consultants and analysts, Cirium Ascend Consultancy delivers comprehensive data, expert insights, and tailored services that directly impact strategic investments and open avenues for growth in aviation.

About Cirium

Cirium is the worlds most trusted source of aviation analytics. The company delivers powerful data and cutting-edge analytics to empower a wide spectrum of industry players. Equipping airlines, airports, travel enterprises, aircraft manufacturers, and financial entities with the clarity and intelligence they need to optimize their operations, make informed decisions, and accelerate revenue growth.

Cirium is part of LexisNexis Risk Solutions, a RELX business, which provides information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. The shares of RELX PLC are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York Stock Exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX.

For further information please follow Cirium on LinkedIn or visit cirium.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250113971776/en/
BeatRoute is the worlds only goal-driven sales enablement platform tailored for retail businesses. What sets it apart is its unique technology that enables companies to define their objectives within the platform and guide their sales teams, distributors, retailers, and channel influencers to achieve them. The platform is being used by 200+ enterprise brands, including Colgate, Perfetti Van Melle, Valvoline, Hero MotoCorp, and JSW Paints to achieve their sales goals.To access the full report, please visit https://beatroute.io/india-fmcg-outlook-report/
Mesmerise is proud to announce the creation of NeuRealities, Inc., a transformative company designed to revolutionize medical education and healthcare training. As part of a know-how agreement with Mayo Clinic, the new company seeks to leverage Mayo Clinics unparalleled clinical expertise and trusted knowledge with Mesmerises pioneering advancements in AI-powered spatial computing to set a new standard for excellence in immersive learning experiences.

NeuRealities aims to introduce an open-standards digital platform that redefines how healthcare professionals learn and train. By integrating hyper-realistic AI-enabled digital humans, adaptive immersive experiences, and dynamic content tailored to individual learners, the platform can address critical gaps in medical education. Its first initiativeCT training for radiologic techniciansdelivers interactive, hands-on scenarios that simplify complex medical concepts, allowing the potential for training to be more efficient, accessible, and effective.

Built on an exclusive worldwide agreement, NeuRealities enables access to Mayo Clinics expertise, allowing the intelligent platform to scale trusted expertise and human potential to reach learners worldwide. This commitment to democratizing access to trusted medical education fosters a new era of personalized learning, empowering healthcare professionals to meet the demands of an evolving industry with confidence and competence.

NeuRealities exemplifies a vision to create pioneering digital experiences that break traditional patterns of knowledge delivery, offering scalable, transformative solutions for reimagining healthcare education. This collaborative venture paves the way for a future where trusted expertise is available to anyone, anywhere, empowering healthcare professionals to deliver excellence in care and innovation across the globe.

About The Mesmerise Group

Since 2016, The Mesmerise Group has partnered with Fortune 500 companies to deliver transformative brand experiences, training sessions, and events designed to empower the enterprise. The company was founded by Daglar Cizmeci and Andrew Hawken, who are recognized experts in AI and spatial computing technologies. Their mission is to unlock the potential of these technologies and manage the opportunities and risks they present. The Mesmerise Group is a global company headquartered in London with locations throughout the U.S.

Mayo Clinic has a financial interest in the technology referenced in this press release. Mayo Clinic will use any revenue it receives to support its not-for-profit mission in patient care, education and research.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250113104722/en/
PopVax, an Indian full-stack biotechnology company developing broadly-protective mRNA vaccines using machine learning-enabled computational protein design, is delighted to announce that it has been awarded $2 million by the United States Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) as one of the winners of the Concept Stage of BARDAs Patch Forward Prize for its. PopVax is developing this vaccine in partnership with Germanys LTS Lohmann Therapie-Systeme AG (LTS), a leading player in transdermal drug delivery.The Patch Forward Prize is a multi-stage $50 million competition launched by BARDA to accelerate the development of microneedle patch-based RNA vaccines for COVID-19, seasonal influenza, and pandemic influenza. PopVax intends to use the award it has received to accelerate the development of its influenza vaccine programs, including its broadly-protective influenza vaccine intended to protect against all key seasonal and pandemic strains in a single shot, leveraging both the LTS microarray patch technology and other delivery modalities.PopVaxs prize-winning vaccine is built on its mRNA-encoded immunogen display approach, machine learning-enabled immunogen design feedback loop, and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) platform that boost the elicited strain-specific antibody response by as much as 250x in mice in comparison with a leading approved influenza vaccine, leading to significantly lower dosage requirements. The vaccine also elicits a broader immune response, including robust antibody titer against pandemic H5N1 influenza, a rising threat in the United States, despite not encoding an H5N1-specific immunogen.The LTS microarray patch delivery system allows for easy self-administration, since it is simple enough to be self-applied manually, solely by thumb pressure. Once applied, the microneedles that form the array dissolve within 15 minutes, ensuring that no sharp-edged waste remains. Formulation into a microarray patch also enhances the thermostability of the mRNA-LNP vaccine, significantly broadening its global reach and accessibility.PopVax has the ability to produce GMP-grade mRNA-LNP material at its RNA Foundry in Hyderabad, which it will combine with the MAP production capabilities of LTSs GMP facilities in Germany and the US to provide a rapid-response warm-base capacity for vaccines developed as part of this collaboration.This award from BARDA is a tremendous honour for the PopVax team and our wonderful partners at LTS Lohmann, said Soham Sankaran, Founder & CEO of PopVax. Combining our broadly-protective influenza vaccine technology with the LTS microarray patch for self-administration unlocks a future where individuals can protect themselves from both seasonal and pandemic influenza from the comfort of their own homes via a patch that is delivered straight to their front door, rather than waiting in long lines in crowded places for a vaccine and exposing themselves to further spread of infectious diseases, as happened just a few years ago at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. We are also excited about the greater thermostability conferred by the microarray patch formulation enhancing the utility of these vaccines in developing countries where below-freezing supply chains are not reliably available.PopVax & LTS Lohmann are now working to advance the self-administered patch-delivered seasonal influenza vaccine into preclinical studies this quarter.Mr. Sankaran presented on PopVaxs winning submission, and the companys ongoing efforts to develop broadly-protective mRNA vaccines against influenza and other pathogens, at the BARDA Vaccine Innovation Forum held during the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco on January 13, 2025. PopVax leadership will be in San Francisco from January 13-20 conducting meetings to evaluate potential partners for their vaccine programs, mRNA-LNP platforms, and machine-learning enabled protein design feedback loop.Inquiries and requests to meet with the PopVax team between January 13-20 in San Francisco can be directed to [email protected] The https://medicalcountermeasures.gov/barda/ ) is an office of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. BARDAs mission is to develop medical countermeasures that address the public health and medical consequences of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear accidents, incidents and attacks, pandemic influenza, and emerging infectious diseases. https://popvax.com ) has developed novel mRNA architectures for immunogen display, a lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery platform for mRNA using PopVax-designed novel ionizable lipids, and a machine learning-enabled feedback loop for immunogen design. These platforms collectively form the foundation of PopVaxs ability to rapidly take new mRNA biomedicines from concept to clinic. Founded in late 2021, and previously incubated at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CSIR-CCMB), PopVax now employs 70 people across its computational, experimental, analytical, process development, and quality teams at the RNA Foundry, its integrated R&D and cGMP-ready clinical dose production facility in Hyderabad.PopVaxs next-generation COVID-19 vaccine candidate has been selected for a Phase I trial conducted & sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), which is expected to begin in Q2 2025. The company has six novel vaccine candidates in its preclinical pipeline, and intends to initiate five clinical trials over the next two years. PopVaxs work has been funded in part via project agreements with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and with Balvi, a global health and biosecurity organization started by Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin.
Rep. Pete Aguilar, D-San Bernardino, said Tuesday that Democrats will not support any disaster aid legislation that comes with strings attached, as Republican House Speaker Mike Johnston has proposed. Win McNamee/Getty Images

WASHINGTON  Rep. Pete Aguilar said Tuesday that Democrats will not support any disaster aid legislation that comes with strings attached, as Republican House Speaker Mike Johnston has proposed.

We will not support conditions to disaster assistance, Aguilar, the third highest-ranking House Democrat, who represents San Bernardino, said Tuesday. Pointing to past disasters in red states that Congress quickly supplied aid for without partisan strings attached, Aguilar said federal relief needs to be free from partisan conditions. We did not put partisan conditions on Florida or Louisiana or to the Carolinas. Partisan conditions are not helpful and will distract from the help and, more importantly, delay the help thats necessary for the American public.

 L.A. fires live updates: Officials warn residents near Palisades Fire to evacuate now

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 California fire map & tracker: Latest updates on active fires throughout the state

Nearly 100,000 Southern California residents were under evacuation orders as of Tuesday morning. The death toll stands at 24 and is expected to grow.

As of Tuesday morning, the Eaton Fire had burned 14,117 acres and damaged or destroyed at least 7,000 structures (including vehicles) in and around Altadena. The Palisades Fire had burned 23,713 acres and damaged or destroyed more than 5,300 structures (including vehicles). The Hurst Fire had burned 799 acres in and around Sylmar.

Republicans have not specified what conditions they want from Democrats other than increasing the federal debt limit, a priority of President-elect Donald Trump. Johnson confirmed Monday that there have been discussions about tying wildfire aid to the debt limit.

Johnson said Monday that it appears to us that state and local leaders were derelict in their duties in many respects, specifically with water resource mismanagement, forest management mistakes and all sorts of problems. Trump frequently threatened to withhold disaster aid during his first term, but this is the first time prominent Republicans are echoing the threat. Disaster aid is typically a bipartisan effort.

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Many Republicans have repeated Trumps criticisms about Californias forest management. Californians has invested $2 billion in forest management since 2019, according to Politifact. The state has also doubled the number of Cal Fire personnel in that period (from 5,829 to 10,741), according to Politifact. Aguilar said that Democrats are prepared to have conversations about the steps that California has taken to protect itself, whether thats doubling the fire professionals in California to record number of resources, billions of dollars to clear it and brush in a preventative way, or, as the former president talks about, raking the leaves, California has put the resources in to do that work.

Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Torrance, who said neighborhoods in the northern part of his district were evacuated, blasted Johnson on Tuesday, saying it was outrageous for Speaker Johnson to try to tie conditions onto this disaster relief, or to tie disaster aid to unrelated concepts like the debt ceiling. We should not be leveraging the pain and suffering for fellow Americans to try to force through policy changes. When Mother Nature strikes, she doesnt care about party affiliation. At the end of the day, we are all Americans.

Aguilar said Johnson is trying to tether aid to the debt ceiling debate because he holds only a slim four-vote majority. He does not have the votes to raise the debt limit, so he is trying to do everything he can so Donald Trump can have a victory, so billionaires and the largest corporations can continue to enjoy tax treatment that they want. In order to do that, they have to raise the debt limit.

Aguilar said Democrats never conditioned disaster aid when they held the majority.

While Johnson is concerned about how much federal disaster relief aid California could receive, the state received $83 billion less in funding from the federal government than its residents sent to Washington in taxes, according to a 2024 report from the Rockefeller Institute of Government. Johnsons Louisiana, meanwhile, received $34 million more from the feds than its residents kicked back in taxes.

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California provides more in taxes to the federal government than it gets back in services, Lieu said. California is subsidizing a bunch of red states. And so if you want to just look at the actual number, it is even more outrageous that somehow Speaker Johnson wants to punish Americans who happen to live in Southern California, including Republicans who happen to live in Southern California.

Aguilar and freshman Democratic Rep. Luz Rivas, who represents parts of Los Angeles, both invited Johnson to California to see the damage first-hand. Aguilar sought to appeal to Johnsons deep religious beliefs.

Aguilar recalled visiting a fire-damaged neighborhood in Altadena last week with Rivas, and standing in an intersection between two churches that had been completely burned.

I guess my question to the speaker is, what do you tell those congregants, what do you tell those community members who will see delays because of politicizing the disaster assistance thats unfair? Aguilar said.
House Speaker Mike Johnson and other Republicans say they believe approval of wildfire aid to California should be contingent on policy changes. Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images

WASHINGTON  House Speaker Mike Johnson and other Republicans say they believe approval of wildfire aid to California to assist with devastating fires in Los Angeles County should be contingent on policy changes.

That is sure to put some California Republicans in a tough position between their party and their constituents.

Johnson said Monday that it appears to us that state and local leaders were derelict in their duties in many respects, specifically with water resource mismanagement, forest management mistakes and all sorts of problems. He said there have been discussions among House GOP leaders about tying the federal debt limit increase to federal wildfire aid, but we will see how it goes.

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Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-South Dakota, avoided directly answering the question about tying conditions to aid Monday, telling reporters he had no doubts there will be a discussion about how to respond and what role each level of government ought to play.

Trump frequently threatened to withhold disaster aid during his first term, but this is the first time prominent Republicans are backing him up. Disaster aid is typically a bipartisan effort.

When speaking to the conservative Newsmax network Monday, Wisconsin Republican Sen. Ron Johnson didnt mince words when it came to federal disaster relief aid for California: I certainly wouldnt vote for anything unless we see a dramatic change in how theyre gonna be handling these things in the future.

While many Republicans have now floated the idea of tying wildfire aid to policy changes California must agree to, few actual policies have been identified. Ohio Republican Rep. Warren Davidson told Fox News the fires were made worse by policies that the state government is doing without elaborating on what those policies were, and said, If they want the money, then there should be consequences where they have to change their policies. He did not detail what changes the state should make.

Many Republicans have repeated Trumps criticisms about Californias forest management. Californians has invested $2 billion in forest management since 2019, according to Politifact. The state has also doubled the number of CalFIRE personnel in that period (from 5,829 to 10,741), according to Politifact. Broadly, there is no water shortage in Southern California right now, despite Trumps claims that he would open some imaginary spigot, Politifact wrote.

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Democratic Rep. Ami Bera, of California, said Monday on social media that disaster aid should never be politicized. We must help our fellow Americans  without conditions.

Orange County GOP Rep. Young Kim, a Republican who represents a battleground district, is among those Republicans caught in the middle. Her district experienced a wildfire last fall. She understands the needs that come in the wake of such a natural disaster. At the same time, Kim said she was mindful of how much ($12 billion) remains in the federal disaster relief fund, an amount likely only to cover a small portion of what the eventual cost of the disaster would be.

We need to bring some relief to California, especially those who are affected with the recent wildfires that are blazing through the southland right now, Kim said.

Kim is also trying to convince fellow Republicans to do something else that would help Californians: increase how much federal taxpayers can deduct from their tax filing. Colloquially known as the SALT tax for state and local taxes, Trumps 2017 tax package capped the SALT deduction at $10,000 per year for property taxes plus state income or sales taxes.

Like many Bay Area communities, Kim represents an area with high property values  and the deduction helps many homeowners. My (districts) average home price is $1.3 million, so a $10,000 SALT cap doesnt help us. It needs to be significantly increased, she said.

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While the connection may seem tenuous, some Republicans link wildfire aid and the tax deduction because they see both as bailouts for California.

Kim said many Republicans representing lower-taxed red states do not feel that they need to subsidize the badly managed, mismanaged finances and mismanaged leadership of our state to a certain degree.

Kim was among several Republican legislators from California, New York and New Jersey  three high-tax states whose residents have been particularly hard hit by the tax law change  who met with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort last weekend to encourage him to support reinstating the deduction.

Meanwhile, Trumps critiques of Newsom as the fires raged (he derided him as Newscum,) prompted Newsom to announce Monday that he was expanding a special legislative session to prepare for Trumps presidency to also include aid for the wildfires.

He is calling for lawmakers to approve at least $2.5 billion in additional aid for the region as firefighters continue to battle the flames. The money would help fund recovery, cleanup, preparing for future wildfires and reopening schools in the area, according to his office.

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As the debate over wildfire aid ramps up in Congress, both sides have also accused the other of catering only to their wealthy supporters.

Davidson, the Ohio congressman, said President Joe Biden was more likely to sign off on aid where the Hollywood elites live.

Rep. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., meanwhile, said the threats were a way for Republicans to tee up a tax cut for the wealthy.

They need to raise the debt ceiling to pass their massive tax cut for the super wealthy. So the message is: We will only rebuild California if our billionaire and corporate friends get their money. Unreal, he wrote on X.

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American vlogger records captivating rural life in E China's Shandong

People's Daily Online) 14:37, January 14, 2025

1. Ryan Norman showcases the process of making the popular Chinese food jianbing guozi, a pancake with a crispy fried dough sheet, during a live-streaming session in Rizhao city, east China's Shandong Province. (Photo/Jiao Ruohang)

2. Ryan Norman (second from left) poses for a picture with his family. (Photo courtesy of the interviewee)

3. Ryan Norman selects sea food at a fair in Rizhao city, east China's Shandong Province. (Photo/Yang Yang)

4. Ryan Norman cooks fish at a fair in Rizhao city, east China's Shandong Province. (Photo/Ding Minhang)

Ryan Norman, a vlogger from the U.S., has been living in Rizhao city, east China's Shandong Province for 18 years. His videos showcase local folk customs in Shandong, capturing scenes like visiting fairs, making dumplings, and operating his B&B hotel. His content has garnered a large following both within and outside of China.

Norman has traveled to over 50 countries, but he chose to settle in China for the comfort it offers and its constant ability to surprise him. He moved to China in 2006 after graduating from university to work in foreign trade.

After working in China for a year, Norman chose to stay. He founded a foreign trade company and later established a factory. To better integrate into Chinese society, he learned Chinese and in just over a year was able to communicate.

In 2010, Norman married a local woman in Rizhao and decided to settle there, her hometown. He has many local friends.

During the May Day holiday in 2024, a video of Norman making Spanish mackerel dumplings and inviting tourists to taste them went viral. He also showcased Rizhao's natural and cultural attractions in the video.

In 2022, Norman opened an account on a short-video platform. That December, he made his first video, showcasing a trip to a fair with friends. The video featured Rizhao's specialty products and showed Norman cooking hot pot at the fair. It garnered nearly 80,000 likes, with many viewers saying they'd love to visit a fair like that.

"Visiting a fair is a cherished childhood memory for many in Shandong and a reflection of folk customs, capturing the essence of rural life. For me, it's also a way to embrace the local lifestyle. Through our videos, we hope to share Rizhao's rich traditions with a wider audience," said Norman.

Later, Norman brought his cookware to the fair, where he cooked and filmed simultaneously. Within a year of launching his account, he gained over 1 million followers. To date, his 195 videos have amassed nearly 10 million likes.

"It's not easy to produce these videos. My team of five often spends several days completing just one," said Norman. The rural Chinese elements showcased in his videos have drawn attention from overseas viewers, with his story even covered by foreign media outlets.

Norman would like to share his stories and experiences in China with his relatives and friends when he returns to the U.S. When dealing with curiosity and confusion of some Americans, he patiently answers their questions. "I hope that I can serve as a 'bridge' for friendly exchanges between the two countries," said Norman.

"Rizhao is developing rapidly," said Norman. "When I first settled here, the area where I live now was desolate. Today, high-rise buildings are everywhere, and the ecological environment is improving. I can travel to many places in China by high-speed train, and mobile payment is widespread, making life very convenient," he added.

Norman hopes to share his experiences with more people and inspire them to fall in love with Rizhao and China. "My mother loves Rizhao. My videos make her and her friends laugh, and they're also learning about Chinese culture through my influence," said Norman. He added that he plans to explore Rizhao's rural elements further and promote its specialty agricultural products, handicrafts, and food through live-streaming.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Elon Musk claimed that some of his X employees were threatened by a person wielding an ax in San Francisco. Police said they had no record of any such event. Evan Vucci/Associated Press

Days after Elon Musk yet again blasted San Francisco as a lawless city where an ax murderer ran unchecked and tried to kill his employees, local police dont have a clue what hes talking about.

Police said Monday that they could find no record of any such incident ever taking place.

Based on the information provided, we cannot find any incident that matches this description in that location in 2023 or 2024, said Evan Sernoffsky, a San Francisco police spokesperson.

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In a post on the social platform X, a website that the Tesla CEO owns, Musk wrote Saturday that an ax-wielding man attacked three X employees outside the former Twitter headquarters on Market Street about a year ago. Musk said that the employees reported the attempted murder to the police, but nothing was done.

The man later killed someone with that axe, Musk wrote on X. This insanity needs to stop.

Musk was replying to a post by the account End Wokeness about a repeat offender who allegedly stabbed a teenager to death in New York. His claims were the latest wild story that he has told about the state of public safety in San Francisco.

It was unclear whether the incident was reported to another law enforcement agency, or if the purported killing may have happened outside of San Francisco.

Musk did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent via X.

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Musks post on Saturday appeared to be the latest iteration of a story he has told repeatedly about someone getting killed because the police failed to hold a criminal accountable. Some of the details have changed between tellings.

In October, Musk told Tucker Carlson about how a man with an ax chased three employees as they were leaving the Twitter building. In that story, Musk said the man killed two people.

The police did nothing, and that guy with an ax subsequently murdered two people, Musk said. If you dont stop ax murderers while theyre attempting to ax murder, eventually theyll succeed in ax-murdering people.

Last April, he wrote on his social media site that a man with a machete threatened several X employees outside a Walgreens on San Franciscos Market Street.

They didnt report it, Musk wrote, because that doesnt constitute an arrestable crime in California. That guy later killed three people.

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Its unclear if he was referring to a different case. Police in California can, in fact, arrest someone for threatening a person with a weapon.

Musk has previously come under scrutiny for painting San Francisco as soft on crime.

A day after the killing of tech mogul Bob Lee, Musk suggested that the city wasnt doing enough to incarcerate repeat violent offenders.

As it turned out, the suspect in the case, Nima Momeni, was a tech consultant from a wealthy family who knew Lee personally. Momeni, who was convicted of killing Lee, was arrested but not charged in a stabbing nearly two decades earlier.
Oregons second largest port is getting another exception to a water pollution permit its violated for much of the last two decades.

Gov. Tina Kotek issued an executive order Monday afternoon declaring an economic emergency and allowing officials at the Port of Morrow in Boardman six weeks of relief  between Jan. 15 and Feb. 28  from state penalties for violating their wastewater permit and overapplying nitrogen contaminated water on farmland that sits atop an already contaminated underground aquifer.

That aquifer supplies drinking water to thousands of residents in Morrow and Umatilla counties in northeast Oregon, many of whom cannot drink water safely from their taps because of the pollution. Nitrates, which come from nitrogen, is unhealthy to drink for long periods when its above 10 milligrams per liter, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Studies have shown high levels of nitrate consumption can lead to higher risk of certain cancers and birth defects.

Port officials claim heavy rains have caused their wastewater storage lagoons to swell and that theyll either be forced to violate their permit by spreading some of the overflow into area fields beyond allowed limits or pause operations, which could result in layoffs or temporarily suspending employees.

The port has an economic output of more than $2.5 billion a year, according to its annual reports. The governors office said Monday that about 6,000 people in Morrow and Umatilla counties are employed by the port or by industries that rely on it.

My office has heard directly from producers and farmers in the Lower Umatilla Basin that pausing operations even for a short time in February would be devastating to the local economy and potentially shut down some operations permanently, Kotek said in the release. I did not make this decision lightly. We must balance protecting thousands of jobs in the region, the national food supply, and domestic well users during this short period of time during an unusually wet winter.

Port officials welcomed the action.

The port appreciates Governor Koteks emergency order to keep our regions economy running with low risk to groundwater as we proceed with our industrial wastewater treatment and water storage project, said Lisa Mittelsdorf, director of the port.

Higher precipitation

Precipitation in the Lower Umatilla Basin in November and December was 95% higher than the 20-year average for those two months, the release said, and is projected to be 40% higher than average for December and January.

Mike Hiatt, water quality permitting manager for the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, said the ports excess wastewater will be applied to fields at low risk of leaching nitrate into the groundwater aquifer and to fields that are away from domestic wells.

We have been very aggressive, in terms of DEQ with the port and the compliance plan, and we do want the community to know that we have been holding the port accountable, Hiatt said.

But that isnt the view of some critics. Kristin Anderson Ostrom, executive director of the nonprofit Oregon Rural Action thats helped with water issues in the counties, said the news that the port was receiving emergency privileges from the governors office was ludicrous.

The community has asked the governor multiple times since 2023 to declare an emergency, to address urgent public health concerns and to follow the law to protect our groundwater, she said. The governor quickly responded to the ports emergency request to again move the goal post and allow industry to continue to dump poisoned water on our land.

Long pollution history

The Port of Morrow has a long history of violating its state wastewater permit and has racked up thousands of violations for at least 17 of the last 18 years  according to an investigation by the Capital Chronicle. It is the largest wastewater permit holder regulated by the state, in terms of the volume of water it processes, DEQ officials say. The port handles up to 3.5 billion gallons of wastewater each year, and it added 1 billion gallons in just the last decade.

Under its current water permit with the state, the Port of Morrow agreed to cut back on 57 million gallons of wastewater generated during the winter months  about 1.5% of its annual wastewater volume  by limiting the amount of water used by some companies doing business at the port. Port officials have agreed to build a 750 million-gallon wastewater storage lagoon that will be completed this summer and to finish infrastructure needed for secondary treatment of wastewater stored in digesters, which will remove nitrogen from the water. The port is currently seeking a $430 million loan from EPA to finish the secondary treatment by 2029.

We know that this will be the last winter when land application will occur due to the upgrades that the Port of Morrow is currently making and the updated schedule that DEQ has required, Kotek said.
A GROUP of 30 Irish drivers led by Co Carlow man John OKelly started the New Year with an extraordinary 2,000km road trip delivering emergency vehicles from Dar es Salaam in Tanzania to Kampala in Uganda, raising vital funds for Hospice Africa Uganda (HAU) at the same time.

The convoy, which included several members of An Garda Siochana, delivered ten ambulances and five fire engines gifted by Japan to the Ugandan government. Along their journey, the group aimed to raise awareness and funds for HAU, a charity with strong Irish ties that has been providing compassionate care to critically ill and impoverished people in Uganda for more than three decades.

Borris native John OKelly, a successful steel engineer based in Dubai, is one of those leading the convoy. He previously organised a similar mission delivering emergency vehicles to Uganda five years ago. Johns involvement began through his friend Willy Ngoya, who runs an import-export business in Japan.

So far, the group has raised an impressive 75,000 for HAU, with a goal to reach 100,000 by the time they arrived in Kampala last week.

Founded 31 years ago by Professor Dr Anne Merriman, a Liverpool native of Irish descent who studied medicine at UCD in the 1950s, Hospice Africa Uganda has provided pain relief and palliative care to nearly 40,000 patients, many suffering from undiagnosed cancers. Supported by Hospice Africa Ireland, HAU has become a beacon of hope for patients and a training hub for healthcare workers across Africa through its Institute of Hospice and Palliative Care in Africa (IHPCA).

Explaining the mission, John said: Willy asked me to gather a group of volunteers to deliver vehicles to Uganda just before Covid-19. One of those on that trip was a dear friend, Ambrose Blaine from Co Mayo, who tragically died in a road accident three years ago. This journey is dedicated to his memory. He was a passionate supporter of HAU and Dr Anne Merriman, so we decided to raise funds for this incredible cause. Fellow organiser Tom Doyle from Tullamore, Co Offaly highlighted the challenges: Many of our team are first-timers to Africa. Its an incredible undertaking, uniting people from diverse backgrounds to deliver life-saving vehicles and support a cause that transforms lives. The group flew into Dar es Salaam on New Years Day and set off in convoy with the emergency vehicles on 3 January. They aimed to reach Kampala on 8 January, concluding their extraordinary journey by delivering the vehicles and the funds raised.

Hospice Africa Ugandas work extends beyond Uganda, spreading palliative care throughout the African continent through its Institute for Hospice and Palliative Care, which trains healthcare workers from across Africa in palliative care, sharing the vision of accessible, compassionate care.

To support this inspiring cause and help the group to reach its 100,000 target, donations can be made at www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/11553102.
THE atmosphere at the BT Young Scientist of the Year Exhibition in the RDS, Dublin over the weekend was electric, with secondary school students from all over Ireland buzzing with bright ideas, hard facts and enthusiasm.

Students from two Carlow schools were lucky enough to qualify for Irelands most prestigious competition for post-primary schools, with teams from St Marys Academy CBS and St Leos College up there with the best of them. Students from Colaiste Lorcain, Castledermot even scooped an award for their project, which looked at how speeding saves very little time but increases the chances of having a road-traffic accident.

Akhila Thelakattu, Claire O'Sullivan and Roisin O'Reilly from Colaiste Lorcain, Castledermot are presented with an award by Roisin Barton Murray, public information manager of eFlow

Three second-year boys from CBS Carlow  TJ Keating, Craig Power and Evan Glynn  worked for months on their project on hearing loss, while two girls from St Leos College  Fatima Naeem and Naomi Picovici  looked at the effect that chemically-treated wood has on biodiversity and nature.

CBS students TJ, Craig and Evan took on an ambitious project to unravel the mystery of age-related hearing loss and its potential link to dementia. With the guidance of their teacher Tracey Mason, their project The gradual decline of hearing with age explores how hearing often declines in people over the age of 50 and progresses gradually. What intrigued the students most was the growing body of evidence linking hearing loss to an increased risk of dementia.

The teamwork and collaboration among the students have been inspiring to watch. They have engaged in peer feedback, sharing of resources and learning from each others strengths. These experiences are fostering critical thinking, problem-solving skills and a sense of camaraderie that goes beyond the classroom, said CBS principal Fiona Lennon.

TJ Keating, Evan Glynn and Craig Power from St Mary's Academy CBS, Carlow with their project at the RDS

Fatima and Naomi from St Leos College showcased their project, Which wood you rather: an investigation into the concealed effects chemically-treated wood have on biodiversity and nature. Their innovative research highlighted environmental concerns and garnered significant attention.

Guided by teachers Kelley Comerford along with Mary Dunphy, as well as support from their English teacher Sean Woods, Fatima and Naomi worked strenuously on their project. School principal Niamh Broderick and deputy principal Emma Dwyer also supported them in qualifying for the young scientist exhibition.

Colaiste Lorcain students Akhila Thelakattu, Claire OSullivan and Roisin OReilly scooped an award for the project Educate to decelerate. Their project aimed to raise public awareness about how insignificant the time saved by speeding really is. They found that driving 10kph over the speed limit on a 50kph road for 30km saves only six minutes but increases the risk of a traffic incident by 40%.

The trio were presented with the eFlow STAR (Sustainable Transport Award Recognition) by eFlow public information manager Roisin Barton-Murray.
Louise Walsh

A Meath mother was left baffled when she received a call from gardai to say her purse had been turned in, complete with cash - six months after she lost it in Dublin.

Cathy Meehan actually hung up on the garda, thinking it was a prank call, because she initially couldn't remember losing her purse because of the time lapse.

But the garda rang back moments later to assure her that it was her purse containing all her back cards, up to 150 in cash and a lottery ticket, which had been handed into Shankill Garda Station last week.

The mother of two, from Navan, was attending a medical check-up with her son in Dun Laoghaire last year when she lost her purse on public transport.

"I lost my purse last July on the way to the National Rehabilitation Centre in Dublin with my son. I only noticed when I got there and the nurse said she would report it for me," she said.

"I wasn't sure where I dropped it but I had got a train to Bray and then a bus back to the centre so I thought maybe I had dropped it then.

"I cancelled my cards and there was a Euromillions lottery ticket in it as well as about 150 in cash. Especially because of the cash, I thought I'd definitely never see it again.

"I was gutted at the time to lose that money, which was for my rent. I hadn't a red cent to my name to get home so I had to ring my sister to come to Dun Laoghaire from Navan to bring my son and I home."

So when Cathy received a call from an unknown number last week, the last thing on her mind was her lost purse.

"A woman told me that my purse had been handed into Shankill Garda Station and I immediately thought it was a scam call because I hadn't lost my purse so I told her to feck off and hung up on her. Losing my purse last July never entered my head.

"But in fairness, she rang me back a few minutes later and insisted it was my purse and it had been handed in the day before, complete with all my cards, the lottery ticket and all my cash.

"I asked her if she had been going through old lost property and found it but she said it had only been handed in the day before. She didn't know any further details.

"The only thing I can think of is that it fell down the upholstery of one of the seats on the bus or train. But what are the odds of an honest person finding it six months later and handing it in, complete with the cash.

"I really believe in good karma. If I ever found a phone or a purse, I would always hand it in. It's not going to do you any good luck to hold onto it.

"I collected my purse on Tuesday and I couldn't believe everything was there - even the lottery ticket which is obviously out of date so I hope I didn't win on it!

"I'm just shocked and baffled by it all. Unfortunately the gardai on duty there on Tuesday couldn't tell me any more information about who handed it in or where it was found but I'd love to say a big thank you to the honest person who handed it in."
In the last week of October 2024, Nordic and Baltic animation professionals gathered for Norways main animation event, the Fredrikstad Animation Festival.

This years event presented a wide variety of Norwegian films, indicating a lively animation industry, despite recurring challenges in funding and workforce besetting the nation. After the festival, Cartoon Brew discussed the challenges and creative direction of the Norwegian animation industry, speaking with Tonje Skar Reiersen, head of the organization Nordic Animation and a producer at Mikrofilm, and Thomas Malmonte, producer at Animaskin and industry coordinator for Fredrikstads Production Day event.

According to Reiersen, the coronavirus pandemic helped shine a light on Norwegian animation, especially in the feature film department. Before COVID, there were only one or two local animated feature films released in Norway annually, sometimes none at all, she said. [In 2024], there will be four, and in 2025 we expect eight Norwegian productions to be released nationwide.

She attributed the growing output to the renewed popularity of animation in the live-action industry. Many of these feature films are carried out by live-action producers, she observed. Also, Norway has long had a strong culture of independent animated short films and family feature animation. But a new trend, spearheaded by exciting projects such as Qvistens Spermageddon or Mikrofilms Pesta, is opening new perspectives, with features aimed at young adults.

Spermageddon  a raunchy, cg-animated musical set partly in a relationship between a pair of inexperienced Norwegian teens, and partly in the adventures of a timid sperm  is scheduled to release next month in Nordic countries and France later in the year, and stands at the forefront of this new wave of Norwegian features. The film made a thunderous debut at the Annecy Animation Festival last year, where it received tremendous approval from festivalgoers at its midnight screening.

Norways biggest animation studio, Qvisten, produced Spermageddon on a tiny budget of 3.5 million euros ($3.58 million USD). For co-director and studio founder Rasmus A. Sivertsen, this is also a strength of the Norwegian animation industry. The studio has has typically dealt with small budgets, which has inspired the studio to explore new technologies and strategies. Sivertsen told the audience at Fredrikstad:

At Qvisten, we are always looking for tech that saves a buck. Thats why we have found ourselves to be software agnostics. At every step of our process, tools have to be challenged. We do not believe in a single software approach. Rather, we explore applications and avoid [technology] silos at all costs. That has helped us produce our films in-house for almost 30 years. It is important to state that endless budgets are not always the answer. Sometimes the budget-restraints push us to make stronger story-choices. It is in our DNA to choose the most effective [production methodologies], and the strongest ways to tell the story within our means.

Raymond Kreppene, chief technology officer at Qvisten, added that the studio had invested and built a standardized USD-based pipeline  using Universal Scene Description, an open-source project facilitating asset management  that has also helped them achieve a higher quality of animation without ballooning budgets.

We do cut a lot of corners and rely on automation where the results are good enough that only the artists will notice the flaws, Kreppene said. But in the future, we are confident that our USD-pipeline foundation will support much larger productions. Kreppene anticipates the need to develop new technology, but he remains focused on structuring his team. Growing from 80 dedicated talents to a team of 200 will require us to redefine responsibilities, introduce new roles, and adjust existing ones to support the expanded workforce. The challenge is to keep it efficient with a bigger team.

The studio asserts that crunching, or exploiting manpower, is not part of the studios mandate. We had some heavy moments while we have been working on multiple productions, Sitversen conceded. But we try to avoid those and stay true to our forward-looking approach. Every project at Qvisten has to pay what we call development tax. It allows us to improve our know-how as we develop our tools for upcoming productions and it eases the workload for our teams.

For Thomas Malmonte, a French producer who moved to Norway two years ago, Norwegian work culture is a blessing. Frankly, there is no crunch here, he told Cartoon Brew. Work hours are steady, and as the days finish early, so does the work. On Fridays, everybody leaves early to hit the hytte  their small and remote country house. Its very healthy.

A good work-life balance is key to us in Norway, added Reiersen. That doesnt mean that labor is more expensive than elsewhere. Its quite the opposite. I believe there is potential for even more international growth.

The growth is taking root at Mikrofilm, where Reiersen has launched several 2d feature co-productions. These include Titina  a Norwegian airship adventure  and The Ape Star (nominated for the European Film Award) with Denmarks Nrlum and the main Swedish producer Lee Film.

Meanwhile, another Norwegian production company, Maipo Films, delivered The Polar Bear Prince this winter  a Scandinavian folk tale about a prince who is transformed into a bear  which was a French and Belgian co-production. These films were made with a small budget compared to US animation budgets, noted Reiersen, but the quality is high. That helped us gain recognition in Europe, even though were not yet on American radars.

International recognition for Norwegian animated films, Reiersen believes, is only a matter of time. The optimism is based on Reiersens experience working with the Animation Norway branch of the National Producers Association. Producing animation in Norway today, we face two major challenges, Reiersen said. Firstly, we lack funding opportunities. National and Nordic TV broadcasters have small budgets, and there is no tax incentive strong enough to support the rise of the industry right now. Secondly, there is only one animation school in Norway, and we have to train local talents if we want to outsource less. If we can go beyond those two challenges, there could be a boom in Norway similar to what happened in Ireland.

The boom may well be under way, with the help of local events such as Fredrikstad, expanding European markets, and co-production forums like Cartoon Movie. The latter has selected five Norwegian animated features to be pitched at its 2025 edition, to take place this March in Bordeaux, France.

There is energy here, said Malmonte. You can feel it when talking to producers and the directors all over Norway. Studios such as Mikrofilm, Klipp og Lim, or live-action production houses such as Zwart Arbeid, and many others  they all want to do more. Its a very enthusiastic and super-active industry, and with the right backup for features and tv series, that could be the spark the industry needs to reach the next level.

We already have a good funding system in live-action, concluded Reiersen, and international ambitions are growing. Our animation industry is now filled with original stories aimed at a global audience, and we are exploring the U.S. market as well as Asia. I believe that with stronger backup and a good tax rebate system, the industry will blossom. Basically, its ready.
Adalberto Aldo Toledo is a city hall reporter with The San Francisco Chronicle covering the mayor and Board of Supervisors. He is a Venezuelan American from a family of longtime journalists.

Before joining the Chronicle in 2023, he reported on Peninsula governments and breaking news for the San Jose Mercury News. He also has bylines in the Dallas Morning News, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Champaign, Illinois News-Gazette.

Raised in Texas, he studied journalism with a print news focus at the University of North Texas Mayborn School of Journalism, where he worked as News Editor for the North Texas Daily student newspaper.
Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, has announced that his company will be laying off 5% of its workforce. Godofredo A. Vasquez/Associated Press

Meta Platforms Inc. is cutting around 5% of its workforce  approximately 3,600 jobs  through performance-based eliminations, a spokesperson for the Menlo Park tech giant confirmed on Tuesday.

According to an internal memo, obtained by Bloomberg News, CEO Mark Zuckerberg said, Ive decided to raise the bar on performance management and move out low performers faster. We typically manage out people who arent meeting expectations over the course of a year, but now were going to do more extensive performance-based cuts during this cycle.

The layoffs are part of Metas broader year of efficiency strategy, launched in 2023, which aims to streamline operations while hiring new talent to backfill positions by the end of 2025. Zuckerberg also revealed that Meta aims for 10% non-regrettable attrition by the end of the current performance cycle, indicating more cuts are likely.

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Zuckerberg outlined an intense year ahead, focused on advancing artificial intelligence, smart glasses and the future of social media.

As part of the restructuring, Meta will offer generous severance to affected employees, with U.S. employees expected to be notified by Feb. 10.

This announcement comes a week after the company confirmed the cancellation of its diversity, equity and inclusion program, citing recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions that have influenced its direction.

Meta will no longer focus on a diverse slate approach to hiring but will instead adopt fair and consistent practices to mitigate bias for all employees, regardless of background.

In addition, Meta has scaled back its third-party fact-checking program and loosened policies on hate speech and abuse. Zuckerberg, who announced these changes last week, said the company is prioritizing free expression.

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As part of this shift, Meta is moving its content moderation team from California to Texas and lifting restrictions on topics such as immigration and gender. For example, the company now permits discussions that could previously be deemed harmful, such as calling gay people mentally ill, under certain conditions.

Meta is also aligning itself with the incoming Trump administration.

In December, the company donated $1 million to Trumps inauguration fund, and Zuckerberg dined with the President-elect at his Mar-a-Lago club. Last week, Zuckerberg appointed Trump ally Dana White, UFC CEO, to Metas board.

Facebook remains the most-used social media platform in the U.S., reaching 68% of adults, though teen usage has dropped to 32%. Meta began its fact-checking program in 2016, in response to criticism over fake news during Trumps first election campaign.
When a light dusting of snow blankets the South, youd think it was a blizzard setting in. The reaction is often nothing short of comical and, at times, baffling. Let's take a deeper dive into why the South tends to overreact to even the slightest flake of snow.

First off, it's essential to understand how rare snow is in the Southern states. Unlike places like Minnesota or Colorado, where snow is an everyday winter inconvenience, most Southern states see snow maybe once or twice a year, if that. When it does happen, it's like the weather has made a special appearance, prompting everyone to go a bit wild.

Key Reasons for the Rare Snowfall:

Geographical Factors: The temperature rarely drops low enough for snow to form in many Southern regions.

Humidity Levels: The warmer, humid climate doesnt lend itself to consistent snow like the northern states.

Unprepared Infrastructure: Southern states often lack the equipment and resources to handle snow, leading to a heightened sense of urgency when it does fall.

Once snow starts falling, chaos often ensues. Grocery stores see shoppers clearing out bread, milk, and eggs as if preparing for the Apocalypse. Social media feeds light up with overly dramatic posts like, Were snowed in! or The end is near!

The First Signs of Panic:

Rush to Grocery Stores: Shelves empty within hours, as if people are prepping for a year-long hibernation.

Traffic Jams: Highway mishaps become a major headline, as locals struggle to navigate the icy roads, often causing gridlock.



School Closures: Schools tend to preemptively close, leading parents to scramble for child-care solutions.

Social media plays a huge role in amplifying the reaction to snow in the South. Memes, videos and hashtags surface almost immediately, and soon every social media platform is buzzing with commentary and humor.

A Few Entertaining Examples on Social Media:

Snow Day Memes: Photos featuring excited dogs playing in the snow paired with captions like, When it snows in Alabama, I become a snow angel!

Video Meltdowns: Clips of people trying to drive in the snow turn into viral sensations, highlighting the comical side of Southerners lack of snow-driving experience.

Weather Man Reports: Local news stations often turn these weather alerts into mini-events, bringing in meteorologists to deliver live reports that feel like theyre announcing the next lunar landing.

For many Southerners, snow isnt just a weather occurrence; its a delightful anomaly. Snow may bring back childhood memories of building snowmen or having snowball fights, which can create an overly sentimental attachment to the white stuff.

Why Snow is a Big Deal:

Memory-Making: Its more than just a weather event; it signifies joy, family time, and unique experiences.

Gone Too Soon: Since snow is rarely seen in the South, when it does fall, it often melts within hours. This fleeting quality turns each snow event into a cherished, albeit panic-filled, occasion.

So, while the South's overreaction to a simple dusting of snow might seem excessive to outsiders, it's all about context and culture. This unique response intertwines with regional identity, nostalgia, and the thrill of experiencing something out of the ordinary.

Next time a few snowflakes descend in the South, instead of chuckling from afar, join in the jubilation. Grab some hot cocoa, enjoy the majestic beauty of the snow, and perhaps snap a few selfies to document why a little snow garners such big reactions. After all, lifes too short not to enjoy these whimsical moments, even if they do come with a side of chaos.

Brett Campbell

* * *

I grew up in Tennessee in the '50s and '60s and remember vividly the ice storm of March 1960. In that and other years, snow events occurred multiple times every year. Every man, woman and child would listen intently to Luther on the radio to determine whether school had cancelled classes or that a place of business was closed. It is amazing that a one or two degree change in temperature in the upper and lower atmosphere can make such a profound difference in the outcome of a winter event such as what occurred in 1960. Thank goodness current technology helps meteorologists more accurately forecast our weather, but even the best prognosticators cannot bat a thousand when matched against fickle mother nature.

Mr. Campbell expressed one feeling that I agree with, that snow can and should be enjoyed and savored. It would have been more palatable had Mr. Campbell had said these things at the top of the column rather than waiting until the 15th, 17th and 18th paragraphs to say so. Most of this opinion piece was throwing jabs at Southerners for their understandable lack of experience driving in the snow and for taking precautions in the event of being snowed in. For us old-timers whose families weathered the 1960 ice storm, it does not feel comical to stock up on perishables when an imminent weather event is forecast. On the contrary, it shows a certain common sense based on our memories from 65 years ago.

My neighborhood was without power for over a week; my mother had to hand wash diapers for my little brother and my dad prepared most of our meals during that time on a kerosene heater. We were not allowed to play outside as we would normally do after a typical snowfall due to the danger of falling trees, limbs and power lines.

I do admit that some of the typical memes and overreactions that show up on social media do elicit a certain amount of headshaking. Mr. Campbell's sarcastic and hyperbolic comments engage in and amplify the ludicrous memes that social media continually pumps out, only in a written version. Nobody, nobody, nobody overreacted to the extent that they expected a snow "apocalypse" or that "the end is near" as he suggested.

Mr. Campbell noted, and I quote ...1) "most Southern states see snow maybe once or twice a year, if that" and 2) "Southern states often lack the equipment and resources to handle snow". The first quote is a perfect explanation for why the second quote is true. How financially irresponsible would it be for any governmental entity in our area such as state, county or local government to invest heavily in underutilized equipment or to hire an overabundance of personnel for the sole purpose of handling the infrequent occasions when roads are covered in snow? Hardly a day goes by that I am not made aware of the current high cost of living, which includes income, sales and property taxes. If Southern governmental entities purchased enough of the aforesaid underutilized equipment to handle those infrequent snow events, which citizen would be happy to have their taxes increased to cover the cost? I for one would not.

I have lived in Oklahoma and have visited Kansas, Utah and Minnesota numerous times in the winter, and have been in Switzerland, Austria, Germany several times in the winter months. Mr. Campbell accurately stated that southern states have "a warmer, humid climate". There is no comparison between most Midwest or Western snow, which is usually dry powder, and most Southern snow which has a much higher moisture content due to "warmer, humid climate". The "snowman snow" we usually get here in Tennessee will compact into ice with the slightest amount of pressure from a toddler's gloved hand. Skiers love powder because it won't compact easily into ice due to its much lower moisture content. Further, when wet, Southern snow melts and does not evaporate, dry off or drain off quickly enough from a roadway during the day, black ice forms, and it can be deadly especially at night because it is almost invisible.

Superintendent Justin Robertson has under his indirect care over 40,000 children in the Hamilton County School system. I for one am glad that he and his administration shouldered their responsibility by making the cautious (and perhaps unpopular to some) decision to preemptively cancel school on Friday the 10th and again on Monday. No inconvenience is worth the health, safety or life of even one person, whether it be a student, parent, bus driver, teacher or other employee.

Woody Sibold
With graduate degrees from some of the most prestigious institutions in Europe, research stints at Harvard University and Rice University and a post as scientist at the Center for Optical Quantum Technologies at the University of Hamburg in Germany, Dr. Rick Mukherjee now has a new distinction for his resume: inaugural director of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Quantum Center.He was selected for the post in mid-2024 and assumed the role on Dec. 1.I am deeply impressed by the University of Tennessee at Chattanoogas commitment to advancing quantum research, which stands as a testament to the Universitys foresight and dedication to shaping the future of technology, Dr.Mukherjee said. In addition, EPBs bold involvement into quantum networks further encapsulates the citys spirit to embrace this bright future.Accepting the position of director of the UTC Quantum Center is not only a tremendous honor, its a unique opportunity to contribute to this exciting vision.Dr. Mukherjee was at his most recent post, in Hamburg, Germany, since April 2022. Prior to that, he was a research associate from 2018 to 2022 at Imperial College London, a global top 10 university in science, engineering, business and medicine.After serving as a visiting scientist at the Harvard Institute for Theoretical Atomic Molecular and Optical Physics in summer 2017, Dr. Mukherjee held the post of visiting scholar at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research in Bhopal from 2017 to 2018. He completed a two-year postdoctoral research fellowship at Rice University in Houston in 2017.Dr. Mukherjee earned a doctorate at the Max Planck Institute for Physics of Complex Systems in Dresden, Germany. He completed two masters degrees. One is in theoretical and mathematical physics from the University of Cambridge in England, and the other is in astrophysics from Jacobs University in Bremen, Germany. He earned a bachelors degree in physics from St. Xaviers University in Mumbai, India.The focus on quantum information science and engineering is a new direction for UTC, said UTC Vice Chancellor for Research Reinhold Mann. The Quantum Center represents important opportunities for our students, the community and UTC research collaborations with other institutions."Dr. Mukherjees arrival is the latest milestone on an action-packed timeline toward creating a UTC program of excellence in Quantum Information Science and Engineering (QISE)," officials said. "That timeline began in 2022 with a focus on education and workforce development and on establishing use cases for QISE in Urban Systems and Energy Systems."In 2023, UTC became the first U.S. university to host a permanent connection to a commercially available quantum networkthe nations first, created by EPBand became a founding member of the Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative."With $3.5 million in funding from NIST, an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, the UTC Quantum Center will focus on four areas of activity: infrastructure; education and outreach; use of case-driven research and development; and business development to ensure the Centers sustainability."Over the next year or so, plans are to add courses to an existing UTC certificate program in QISE, which will result in a QISE minor for UTC undergraduates. Following that will be masters and doctoral programs in QISE."Just prior to Dr. Mukherjees arrival in Chattanooga, UTC Quantum Center Chief Technology Officer Tian Li was awarded almost $800,000 from the National Science Foundation for his successful proposal to the NSF ExpandQise program. Short for Expanding Capacity in Quantum Information Science and Engineering, ExpandQISE is intended to boost participation and research capacity in the field. The funding awarded to the project, for which Mr. Li serves as principal investigator, will enable UTC to hire postdoctoral researchers, graduate students and undergraduates; and to purchase specialized instruments to be used in conducting research.In September 2024, a search was launched for a Governors Chair scientist in QISE with a joint appointment at UTC and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The Governors Chair program was established in 2006 and funded by the state of Tennessee and ORNL to attract world-class scientists to broaden and enhance the research partnership between the UT System and ORNL, the nations largest multiprogram laboratory."In equipping UTC to establish new partnerships and grow existing ones across the UT system, with other universities in the region and at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, our Quantum Center is going to be an important asset for economic development in Tennessee, Vice-Chancellor Mann said. The Center will be an important part of fulfilling the Universitys role in workforce and talent development and offer unparalleled opportunities for our students.The Quantum Center is an entity within the UTC Research Institute.
From Bollywood to the Taj Mahal, and from riding a tuk tuk to enjoying the unique scents of popular Indian spices, guests at Creative Discovery Museum will soon have the opportunity to experience the wonders of India, a country rich in colorful traditions with a focus on the future, said officials. The Museums newest cultural exhibit, Namaste India, opens to the public on Saturday.

While encouraging global awareness and cultural appreciation, Namaste India features the art, food and traditions of the Indian culture. With the goal to inspire guests to compare the similarities and differences between their lives and those of children in the country of India, the exhibit features a variety of immersive environments including a dhaba (restaurant), marketplace, tuk tuk (or motorized rickshaw), home, and school as well as iconic spaces like the Taj Mahal and Bollywood.

CDM has hired Swati Patel as Community Engagement Coordinator to advise on the cultural connections that this exhibit brings to Chattanooga. Im honored and excited to work with CDM to share the rich tapestry of the Indian culture, including its vibrant festivals, traditions, and various artforms, with Chattanooga families, said Ms. Patel. As a second generation Indian American, I value and admire the unique blend of Indian and American culture and appreciate this opportunity to share my heritage with the community. Ms. Patel and the CDM team will bring a variety of programs and experiences to complement the exhibit throughout its time at the Museum.

The exhibit opens to the public on Saturday and will include an opening event from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. with story time at 11 a.m., henna artist in the Art Studio, a musical performance including a sitar and tabla and a kitchen demonstration and tasting at 2 p.m.

To provide authenticity and cultural accuracy, Namaste India was created by The Magic House, St. Louis Childrens Museum in partnership with the St. Louis Indian community. The Magic House formed the Namaste India advisory committee, made up of 32 professionals from around the St. Louis area, all of Indian heritage. Formed with input from the St. Louis Mosaic Project, the committee played a critical role in the exhibit creation process.

Namaste India is made possible thanks to generous donors, including lead gifts from the Asian American Chamber of Commerce, Bal Vihar of St. Louis, Bayer Fund, CEdge, Daugherty Business Solutions, Mastercard, Tim and Elizabeth Swank and Linda and Jesse Hunter as well as additional generous individual donors. Local sponsorship is provided by Lyndhurst Foundation. The exhibit is scheduled to open to the public on Saturday and will remain through May 11. Namaste India is included with admission to the Museum.
Political activities will be prominent at state and national capitals in the upcoming week, showcasing frustrations that transcend party lines. These frustrations can often escalate into anger and, ultimately, rage, prompting us to ask ourselves: Why is this happening?

What insights do we have? Life is undeniably brief, delicate, and fleeting. As you approach your final moments, you will unlikely be disappointed at not having devoted more time to online political debates or being immersed in politics.

Politics often energizes young individuals, igniting enthusiasm and a sense of purpose. However, as we transition into adulthood and beyond, many realize that life encompasses far more than the endless, cyclical debates that frequently lead to no resolution.

Once upon a time, politics was regarded positively, symbolizing public scrutiny and accountability. In contrast, it has since acquired a tarnished reputation, primarily due to its associations with deception, corruption, and incompetence.

The term schadenfreude, a German word meaning to take pleasure in the misfortune of others, finds its closest American equivalent in politics. Politicians often capitalize on our deeply rooted disdain for political discourse, significantly contributing to low voter turnout nationwide, making it exceedingly difficult to challenge incumbents with substantial campaign funds.

The challenges that have long influenced our cultural landscape have only intensified, resulting in a society increasingly polarized and entrenched in divisions. Many individuals harbor a lack of trust in politicians, perceiving them as self-serving and corrupt. Many believe that the government fails to respond to ordinary citizens' needs adequately and is overly swayed by well-organized special interest groups. Is it possible to alter this narrative?

We can only hope to change this perception when we learn to appreciate the value of life and acknowledge that our fellow human beings are the essence of our own existencethe true purpose of life itself. Our fellow citizens should not be viewed as interruptions or irritations; instead, we should welcome everyone to engage in meaningful discourse, including political conversations.

Cultivating a strong community among those around us is worth pursuing. We must create more opportunities for individuals to participate in thoughtful and respectful conversations, even when confronted with sharply contrasting political beliefs or interests.

Engaging in meaningful dialogue becomes increasingly daunting when we lack shared foundational principles or a mutual understanding of our shared reality. What one person perceives as logical reasoning may easily be dismissed as absurdity by another.



This growing absence of open dialogue and a decline in mutual respect have created formidable barriers that hinder our ability to engage in straightforward conversations with neighbors or those who may differ in appearance or ideology.

Unfortunately, we live in a politically divided society. The two-party system in the United States enhances the "us versus them" mentality. Politicians have skillfully exploited divisive issues to gain support and votes, reinforcing their grasp on power. This strategy must be challenged to create a more united society. As Aristotle wrote, the good of man must be the end of the science of politics.

Our goal should be to revive the spirit of open communication, fostering an atmosphere where we can bridge the divides that separate us and build more inclusive communities, states, and a united nation. By emphasizing the importance of respectful engagement, we can begin to dismantle the walls of misunderstanding and work toward a more cohesive society.

Tennessee will start a new legislative session on Jan. 14, and a new President will be inaugurated in Washington, DC, on Jan. 20. In both cases, one undeniable truth remains: life goes on. Tough times may not last, but tough individuals do.

So, take a moment to disconnect from the constant barrage of news. Step outside and breathe in the fresh air. Remember, you were never meant to carry the burdens of the entire world upon your shoulders. Life is more than politics.

JC Bowman

Executive Director of Professional Educators of Tennessee
The Chattanooga Airport announced that it has set a new all-time enplanement record, reaching 556,958 passengers in 2024. This surpasses the airports previous record of 554,050 enplanements set in 2019 and reflects a remarkable 14.17% increase from 487,829 in 2023.

This milestone marks a significant recovery and growth period for CHA following the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Like airports around the world, we experienced a significant loss during the pandemic in 2020, said April Cameron, CEO of the Chattanooga Airport. Weve worked extremely hard to rebuild service and recruit new flights from Chattanooga to major destinations, and this accomplishment is a testament to the resilience of our team and the ongoing support of our airline partners. We deeply appreciate their commitment to providing quality service to our community.

In addition to achieving this record-breaking enplanement milestone, CHA has made substantial investments to enhance the passenger experience. In March 2024, the airport completed a $28 million terminal renovation and expansion, adding 26,000 square feet of space. This project included two new boarding gates, a restaurant, a gift shop and a business center, ensuring the airport is well-equipped to meet growing demand.

Further enhancing convenience for travelers, CHA opened a four-level parking deck in July 2021, accommodating an additional 1,300 vehicles, including all rental car activities. These improvements reflect the airports commitment to providing a seamless and enhanced travel experience.

As chairman, I would like to thank our board of directors, airline partners and elected officials, such as U.S. Congressman Chuck Fleischmann and Tennessee State Senator Bo Watson. This record is also a testament to April Cameron, our CEO, and all our associates, said Jim Hall, chairman of the Chattanooga Airport. The recent addition to improve airline service and direct flights demonstrates our focus on serving the community and positioning CHA as a key economic driver for the region.

The Chattanooga Airport continues to connect the region to eleven major destinations with highly competitive fares and convenient service. Looking ahead, CHA is aggressively seeking opportunities to add more flights and expand its facilities to meet the needs of travelers and the community.
A detective testified Tuesday that notes were found in Jason Chen's bedroom at his parents house in which he listed derogatory items about the background of Jasmine Pace.

Chen is standing trial in the courtroom of Judge Boyd Patterson for first-degree murder and abuse of a corpse in the grisy death of the 22-year-old Ms. Pace.

Detective Zack Crawford said he finally located Chen at the two-story family residence in Nolensville, Tn., and got a search warrant to examine the house. He said he had thought it unusual that Chen was not taking any role in the search for his former girlfriend.

He said there were notes pinned to the wall in which Chen made reference to Ms. Pace, saying she had run away from home several times, went to Canada, was homeless at one point, she had a restraining order against her ex, and that her mother was an alcoholic.

One note said, "If law enforcement contacts other family members, what do they do?"

He wrote of Ms. Pace, "She would call me once a day every day."

In one note, he said the last time he saw Ms. Pace was Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, and the last time they spoke on the phone was Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022.

It was testified earlier that Ms. Pace and Chen had a one hour and 10 minute phone conversation on the late morning of Nov. 22, 2022, then she drove over to his apartment at 110 Tremont St.

She was never seen alive again, and her body was found stuffed in a suitcase that had been dumped along Suck Creek Road near the Tennessee River on Dec. 1, 2022.

Detective Crawford told of finding a large amount of blood in the Chen apartment and asking the TBI lab in Knoxville for a quick test. The blood came back to be that of Ms. Pace.

He and other detectives then went to the Chen home, arriving around 2 a.m. He said the parents answered the door, and the father called out, "Jason." He said Jason Chen then emerged from an upstairs bedroom and came down to the front door.

Detective Crawford said Chen's attitude was "defensive," asking if they had spoken to his lawyer yet.

He said Chen was wearing a "Henny Thing Goes" cap at the time, and was seen in it on other occasions.

Detective Crawford said Chen's white 2018 Toyota Camry was in the garage. It was confiscated along with a number of items from the house, including the notes and Chen's cellphone.

On phone records, the witness said one photo was found of Ms. Pace in Chen's bathroom the night of her disappearance.

He said there were multiple screen shots on Chen's phone of text messages he had gotten from Ms. Pace, but the actual texts themselves were missing.

In one message from Ms. Pace to Chen on the day she disappeared, she asked, "Hey, are we still good on dinner tonight?"

Detective Crawford said he received a call from the apartment building and told that workmen renovating the small unit had found new evidence.

He went to the apartment and said he saw a large amount of blood that had been overlooked before. It was under where Chen's bed had been.

He said pools of blood had soaked into the carpet, on down to the padding, and on to the subsurface.

He said before the apartment had been dimly lit and the bed was covering up that area.

Attorney Josh Weiss said in an opening statement on Monday afternoon that Chen had indeed killed Ms. Pace, but he said so after she became jealous and took after him with a wine bottle. He said there was no pre-meditation.
The Hunter Museum announces its upcoming exhibition The Long View: From Conservation to Sustainability / Works from the Bank of America Collection, which traces the history and impact of the environmental movement through art. The public is invited to the exhibitions opening reception taking place Jan. 30 at 6 p.m. (free to members and youth 17 and under; not-yet-members: $20).

The Long Views themes never lose relevance, said Bank of America Global Arts, Culture & Heritage Executive Brian Siegel, and we are pleased to showcase this exhibition at the Hunter Museum of American Art in Chattanooga  a city long known for its ties to the land.

The show comprises 88 photographs, paintings, works on paper and sculpture categorized into four thematic sections:

The Beginnings of Conservation features artists from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries whose works influenced the environmental movement. Included are John James Audubon, whose painstaking prints of birds and other wildlife inspired the founding of the Audubon Society, and photographer Carleton Watkins, whose vistas of Yosemite gave rise to the founding of the National Park Service.

Push and PullIndustry and Environment features works from the first half of the twentieth century, including iconic images by photojournalists Dorothea Lange and Arthur Rothstein of the Dust Bowl during the Great Depression, when unsustainable farming practices worsened the effect of an extreme draught, a disaster of both natural and human origin.

The Emergence of Conservation Activism focuses on postwar works and the ecology movement of the late 1960s and 1970s. When the first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970, millions of Americans celebrated this movement dedicated to protecting our world, brought to life in Robert Rauschenbergs Earth Day poster from the same year. Land artist Michael Heizers dialogue with the Earth, reversing geological history by leaving a human imprint, is seen in his Scrap Metal series, 1978, composed of aluminum and zinc waste recycled from Californias aeronautical industry.

In Working Towards a Sustainable Vision, contemporary artists including Richard Misrach, David Maisel, Terry Evans, and Aurora Robson focus our attention on ways humanity has radically transformed the planet, and how we must protect it. Ms. Robson, a multimedia artist and Toronto native now living in the Hudson Valley, will share her creative process and how she utilizes plastic debris to create her meditative artworks during an Art Wise talk at the Hunter on Thursday, March 6, at 6 p.m. The talk will be free and open to the public thanks to the generous support of Martha Mackey and Art Bridges Foundations Access for All Program.

In addition to Ms. Robsons talk, the Hunter will offer a number of other public programs, including interactive workshops and nature expeditions, during The Long View exhibition, which runs until May 4. To learn more about all upcoming exhibition-related programs and to buy tickets, visit huntermuseum.org.

Originally created to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of Earth Day, The Long View affirms Bank of Americas dedication to the environment and aligns with the Hunter Museums own commitment to sustainability. The exhibitions appearance at the Hunter is made possible by the generous support of Bank of America.
For decades, catalysts have been unsung heroes in daily life. These workhorses transform a starting material into a product or fuel with lower energy, like the yeast in bread making and human-made catalysts for converting raw materials into fuels more efficiently and sustainably. A promising class of these helpful substances, called single atom catalysts, has emerged, and researchers need new methods to better understand them. More specifically, they want to know how the structure of the sites where chemical reactions occur, called active sites, affects the catalysts ability to speed up the chemical reaction rate, known as the activity.

In an important step forward, researchers from the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL) at the Department of Energys SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory collaborated with a team from the University of California, Davis (UC Davis), to develop a new software tool that can provide more quantitative details about the structure of the active sites in single atom catalysts in much less time, compared to current methods. The results were published in ChemistryMethods.

Normally, a catalyst uses an inert support to stabilize nanometer-sized clusters of metal atoms, or metal nanoparticles. During catalysis, only the surface atoms act as active sites, leaving atoms in the interior of the nanoparticle unused. To maximize the utilization of each metal atom, researchers came up with a promising idea  single atom catalysts, where individual metal atoms are dispersed onto the support.

In designing and developing these catalysts, researchers need to understand the structure of the active sites so they can relate it to the activity. To learn more about the structure, the team used single platinum atoms stabilized on a magnesium oxide support as a case study for similar single atom catalysts. The studys lead author Rachita Rana, who recently received her PhD from UC Davis, utilized a technique called extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy, which reveals the average environment around the atom in the active site, such as the number and distance of neighboring atoms. Traditionally, with EXAFS data, researchers evaluate tens to hundreds of candidate structures before selecting the best fit. Instead, Rana proposed automating the analysis process by combining theoretical calculations, called density functional theory, and EXAFS. The first version of the software, QuantEXAFS, determined the structure for one kind of atom, platinum atoms in this case.

In reality, catalysts usually have both single atoms and nanoparticles. Building upon QuantEXAFS, Rana expanded the capabilities of the code to determine the fractions of these two forms, giving more specific information about the structure. MS-QuantEXAFS not only helps identify the active sites, but also quantifies the percentage of a specific site and automates the entire data analysis process, she said. If youre doing this manually, it typically could take you anywhere from a few days to months. With MS-QuantEXAFS, you could potentially do this analysis overnight on a local computer.
Home News Franklin Graham weighs in on whether God is 'judging' Hollywood with Calif. fires

Evangelist Franklin Graham has weighed in on whether or not God is judging Hollywood as fires continue to ravage Los Angeles, destroying entire communities and leaving thousands homeless.

People have lost everything. A lot of people are asking Why? and thats a hard question to answer. We want to reassure them of Gods love  that He cares for them and that He hasnt turned His back on them, Graham, the CEO of Samaritan's Purse, said when asked about the fires, which have killed at least 24 people and swept through 40,000 acres in the Greater Los Angeles area.

"Could God be judging Hollywood? I don't know, but I don't think so, he continued.

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The question is, do we know the Lord Jesus Christ? Are we prepared to stand before Him? If our house was burned and we were burned up in it, would we go into His presence? Would God receive us? And the only way we can be sure is by confessing our sins and asking for His forgiveness and by faith, believing on the name of the Lord Jesus, Christ, who took our sins and died on a cross. He was buried, and on the third day, God raised him to life. And if we're willing to believe that, just accept that by faith and ask Christ into our hearts, then God will forgive our sins. We can have that assurance, knowing that whatever storms come our way in life, we'll be prepared to stand before God."

Graham emphasized that modern technology amplifies the visibility of natural disasters like wildfires, making them seem more prevalent than in the past. While acknowledging that such storms will continue, he stressed the importance of sharing the message of God's love.

"The reality is we're going to have more storms like this. It's not going to get less, and the most important thing that we, as Christians, can do is make sure everyone understands that God loves them. And that when storms like this come, it's not God's judgment. I don't believe that for a second. We know that God loves us, he stressed.

Grahams remarks come as thousands of Los Angeles residents face displacement, property loss and ongoing uncertainty due to the wind-fed fires. Currently, there are three active fires in the wider area, while a smaller fire is nearly contained, according to California emergency responders.

The largest fire, in the Palisades area, has burned through more than 23,000 acres and is still only about 14% contained, despite the efforts of thousands of firefighters, the BBC reported.

Christian relief agencies and churches have worked tirelessly to support those impacted by the fires, including chaplains from the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team, who are working alongside Samaritans Purse to address the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of those who have been affected.

Convoy of Hope, CityServe, World Help and Send Relief have also launched relief efforts, while Zoe Church, led by Pastor Chad Veach, is partnering with organizations like the Los Angeles Dream Center to collect and distribute emergency supplies for victims of the fires.

On social media, Pastor Greg Laurie of Harvest Church has repeatedly encouraged Christians to pray for a reprieve from the blazes and recently set up a donation fund through his church to support relief efforts.

Lets join together in prayer for the brave firefighters battling the devastating wildfires here in Southern California. Pray for their safety and strength as they work tirelessly to contain the blazes. In the aftermath of this tragedy, lets also pray that people in our state turn to God, who alone can bring Beauty out of ashes. (Isaiah 61), he wrote in a Jan. 13 post.

Jack Hibbs, pastor of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills, recently blasted horrific politicians and labeled California a third-world state, citing what he described as profound leadership failures in the governments handling of the fires.

California is a third world state.  I have asked someone to run for governor, pleading with him to run for governor, he told his congregation. He lives in the San Francisco Bay area. He loves America.  He moved from Europe because he loves California. ... Steve Hilton.

Hibbs added, Democrats  destroyed America and California, referring to what he saw as government mismanagement.

On social media, Hibbs contended in a Jan. 8 post that environmental regulations worsened the crisis, alleging that state officials water policies resulted in our environment  a scorched earth policy. He wrote, Every single Democrat in California must go, and we will do everything we can to help them pack in 2026.
Home News Study finding many are 'fleeing' states with abortion bans is 'unpersuasive,' scholar says

A study making the rounds in the media claims that people are fleeing states that have passed laws against abortion following the U.S. Supreme Court's 2022 overturn of Roe v. Wade. However, a pro-life researcher believes the study fails to account for several factors.

The National Bureau of Economic Research published a study this month titled "Are People Fleeing States with Abortion Bans?," which analyzed population flows using change-of-address data from the U.S. Postal Service.

Researchers behind the study, led by Daniel L. Dench of the Georgia Institute of Technology, concluded that 13 states that enacted abortion restrictions have lost a net 36,000 residents every quarter since the U.S. Supreme Court's Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization ruling in June 2022 that ruled abortion is not a constitutional right.

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The study authors purported to find the effects are more prominent among single-person households than family households, suggesting that the effects are more significant among young adults.

Michael New, an assistant professor of social research at The Catholic University of America and a senior associate scholar at the pro-life research organization Charlotte Lozier Institute, highlighted several flaws he found regarding the study's data.

"First, not everyone who moves files a change-of-address card," New told The Christian Post in a statement. "The study also only considers data up until the second quarter of 2023. It does not consider data from 2024 or the last six months of 2023."

New pointed out further issues with the study in an article published Sunday by The National Review. According to New, the study appears to be missing data, an observation that prompted him to question the results further.

As New noted, for privacy reasons, "the U.S. Postal Service discloses only aggregate change-of-address data for ZIP codes where more than ten people reported a change of address."

The study authors concluded that the data indicates 13 states lost residents over abortion restrictions when several of these laws did not immediately go into effect after the Dobbs ruling.

Data from the U.S. Census Bureau does not match the findings, New adds.

Assessing U.S. Census Bureau data released this month, New found that 13 of the 16 states with near-total abortion bans or laws banning abortion when the unborn child's heartbeat becomes detectable experienced population increases in fiscal 2024.

These increases were because of interstate migration, according to the data analyzed by New.

"The only states with strong pro-life laws in effect that lost population because of interstate migration were Louisiana and Mississippi," New wrote.

Data from the census also found that states with permissive abortion policies, including California, New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Illinois and Maryland, lost population due to interstate migration in fiscal 2024, New stated.

"Ever since Dobbs, academic researchers have worked overtime to try to find evidence of the negative impact of pro-life laws," New told CP. "So far, they have not found much. This new NBER study is just the latest unpersuasive effort by researchers to claim that pro-life laws cause negative policy outcomes."

The authors behind the study for the National Bureau of Economic Research did not immediately respond to The Christian Post's request for comment.

In 2023, several media outlets reported on another report that claimed Texas' abortion ban was behind a spike in infant deaths.

A CNN report at the time cited data from the Texas Department of State Health Services, showing that around 2,200 infants died in the state in 2022, an 11.5% increase from the previous year.

While the article appeared to imply that the increase was due to the Texas Heartbeat Act, enacted in 2021, the report acknowledged that Texas experienced more than 10,000 more births than expected.

Illegal immigration and the COVID-19 pandemic's disruptions to prenatal care are other potential reasons for the increase in infant deaths, New contends.

"Additionally, the reporter engages in some statistical sleight of hand. While infant deaths increased in Texas in 2022, so did births," New wrote in a July 2023 article for The National Review.

The pro-life researcher asserted that it would be more appropriate to analyze the infant mortality rate instead, which, according to his calculations, rose by 6.6% in 2022.

"Furthermore, it should also be noted that the infant mortality rate in Texas in 2022 was well within recent historical norms," the scholar noted. "In fact, the Texas infant-mortality rate was actually lower in 2022 than in any year from 2007 to 2017. That, of course, receives no mention in the CNN article."
Home News South Dakota may require Louisiana-style Ten Commandments display in public schools

South Dakota lawmakers have introduced a bill that would require public schools to display a copy of the Ten Commandments in classrooms, comparable to a measure passed in Louisiana that is being legally challenged.

Senate Bill 51, which was introduced last week and primarily sponsored by Sen. John Carley and Rep. Phil Jensen, would mandate the display of the Decalogue in public schools.

The board of a school district shall display the Ten Commandments in each classroom in each school located within the district. The display must be a poster or document that is at least eight inches by fourteen inches, reads the bill.

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The text of the Ten Commandments must be the focus of the poster or document and must be printed in large, easily readable font.

Additionally, the legislation requires that a statement describing the historical significance of the Ten Commandments be included and that a display can also include other notable documents, such as the Mayflower Compact and the Declaration of Independence.

We need to illustrate our history and truth, some people may want to say, We dont want to talk about these topics,' but the Ten Commandments certainly were a part of the founding of our country, said Carley, as quoted by Dakota News Now.

If we find kids honoring their father and mother, a lot of parents will be happy about that. If we find people are not stealing, lying or murdering, I think our Sheriff Department and law enforcement will certainly be happy.

Critics of the legislation include the South Dakota chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, which they believe the bill, if enacted, will cause students who dont follow the states approved religious dictates to feel ostracized from their school community.

The First Amendment guarantees families and faith communities  not politicians or the government  the right to instill religious beliefs in their children. Displaying the Ten Commandments in our states classrooms blatantly violates this promise, stated the ACLU of South Dakota.

Students already have the right to engage in religious exercise and expression at school under current law. Students may, for example, voluntarily pray, read religious literature or engage in other religious activities during recess or lunch.

The ACLU chapter also cited the 1980 U.S. Supreme Court decision Stone v. Graham, in which the high court ruled 5-4 that a Kentucky law requiring schools to display the Ten Commandments violated the U.S. Constitution.

Last June, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry signed a bill that required public school classrooms to display "certain historical documents," including the Ten Commandments, the Mayflower Compact, the Declaration of Independence and the Northwest Ordinance.

A group of progressive organizations filed a complaint against the new law on behalf of an interfaith collection of parents, arguing that the measure was unconstitutional.

In November, U.S. District Judge John W. deGravelles, an Obama appointee, issued a lengthy ruling and order, temporarily blocking enforcement of the law while the litigation continued.

"Plaintiffs have established a viable Free Exercise claim," wrote deGravelles. "H.B. 71 is not neutral toward religion, and this is evident from the text of the statute, its effects, and the statements of lawmakers before and after the Act's passage."

However, later that month, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit issued an order allowing the law to take effect in the school districts that did not have parents challenging the legislation.
Home Opinion Hate to say this, but skeptics, please be more curious

Recently, I enjoyed reading Ayaan Hirsi Alis Why I am now a Christian. Ali detailed her journey from Islam to atheism and then to becoming a Christian. Her story is fascinating and compels the comprehensiveness and uniqueness of the Christian worldview. Nevertheless, I also appreciate reading counter-perspectives and so I read Michael Shermers article, Why I am not a Christian: a response to ... Alis declaration.

I expected Shermer to highlight the usual points. He emphasized how there isnt enough evidence for the Christian faith; that reason and science have allowed human flourishing; that morality doesnt need God; that whatever we dont know now could eventually be answered scientifically and become part of the ken of naturalized knowledge.



I believe its not a matter of debate anymore. I think its in every inquirers best interest that the term skepticism be replaced with curiosity in order to engender deeper thinking and fruitful discussion.

In my article, Atheisms obsession with God: is it cultural theism?, I wrote that Shermer is a likeable person and I wish to now add sincerely that he is a decent skeptic. I have already addressed Enlightenment humanism in Has denying the Christian God become intellectually disordered?, Skepticism, cultural confusion and the Christian faith, and Freethinking vs. faith: Which one brings true freedom? Again, its time to encourage people to think for themselves by emphasizing curiosity.

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Shermer defined atheism and noted how it is not a basis for addressing global problems. Thats fair enough. In doing so, however, he also upheld a brand of skepticism about the Christian faith, which I believe inherently deters deeper thought. As he wrote,

Atheism just designates a lack of belief in God. Full stop ... These descriptors are linguistic place-holders for mysteries we have yet to explain. Once explained, they move into the realm of the natural and the normal. If there is a realm of the supernatural or the paranormal, there is no way for a natural and normal being like us to perceive or understand it.

Inferential knowledge about God has compelled many reasonable people. Here it is conveniently dismissed by a full stop demand for empirical attestation. This brand of skepticism  there is no way  cannot spark the depth of thought that has always been characteristic of thinkers who were curious about matters of truth.

The Judeo-Christian heritage is perhaps the longest running cross-generational history over millennia and is ultimately a proposition to the intangible. In the beginning God is a claim that deep thinkers continue to take seriously. Countless people from all walks of life have joyfully and confidently discovered that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life. Of course there have been unbelievers. So what? The point is to let curiosity about human existence flourish, so people can think for themselves about the God questions.

Shermers skepticism seems to halt curiosity about where we came from, why we are here, and whether the grace of God can be real. He framed his response by skeptically pronouncing that its not possible for ... us to understand. This not possible for us should be restricted to those who wish to think like him, and leave everyone else to be curious and make up their own mind.

Furthermore, I honestly dont understand where Shermer gets the philosophical justification to stimulate thinking by a strict supplanting of Christian faith. For example, he values the rule of law in his view of Enlightenment humanism. Who makes the rule? Why so? Is it whoever is stronger intellectually, or politically, or economically, or physically, and then on what ultimate basis do the weaker have to contest? Shouldnt seekers be allowed to have the curiosity to think about a theistic explanation that has always been a strong argument? Shouldnt the Moral Law giver be part of thoughtful considerations? I realize that Shermer would probably concede that people are free to think as they wish, but his skepticism by definition doesnt allow enough curiosity to encourage deeper thinking.

Lets then eliminate the taboo that forbids students to learn how distinguished astrophysicists are making a scientific case for the God hypothesis. Why are educators not permitting students to think and decide for themselves? Some would reply because its religion. Why predetermine that decision for students? Why not allow them to decide as they educate about the how? What is the point of respecting the minds of students if educators are deciding for them? Arent these placing limits on thinking and dampening curiosity?

You may be interested to know what happened not long ago when a professor structured a course that encouraged students to think about the human dimensions being suggested by modern scientific observations. In his own words,

I discovered that my astronomy students were fascinated by modern discoveries in physics related to the origin and fine tuning of the universe, and by questions raised by those discoveries, questions concerning purpose and the meaning of life. So I approached the chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy ... He suggested ... to introduce a course at the interface of science and human concern. So, I drafted a course ... the course was reviewed positively ... and demand for the course remained brisk.[1]

Students were enthralled, saying, that the conversations were fascinating, engaging, and challenging in the best of ways. We enjoyed stretching our minds. [2] Powerful entities placed enormous pressure to have the course canceled, and so it was. I believe students were served an injustice. What can be so wrong about nurturing a curious intellectual appetite and challenging students to think deeply within the auspices of modern science? Why are people being discouraged from making up their own minds? Curiosity is being suppressed.

Ali made up her own mind. As a former Muslim, and then an atheist who associated with high-profile atheists, she must be well informed of Shermers brand of skepticism. She wrote, there is a better way to manage the challenges of existence than either Islam or unbelief had to offer.



Her declaration emphasized that the Christian faith provides unique answers for the complexities of humanity in todays world. What engendered this interesting journey? I believe it was curiosity. She apparently exercised deeper thinking than Shermers brand of skepticism.

1. Eric Hedin, Canceled Science: What some atheists dont want you to see (Discovery Institute: Seattle, 2021), 11, 13.

2. Ibid., 25-26.
January 13, 2025: While Israel and Iran were once allies and trading partners, that changed 45 years ago when an Islamic revolution produced a religious dictatorship dedicated to the destruction of Israel. By 2025 Israeli air strikes had destroyed Iranian missile production facilities and Israeli air defenses have stopped several Iran attacks on Israel. This was a relief to Arab Gulf oil states, who were increasingly fearful of an Iranian attack on them. While Iranian offensive capabilities have been neutralized, they have not been eliminated. Iran can rebuild. There can be no peace in the Middle East as long as Iranian interference continues. That interference stems from Iranian internal problems as well as Iranian efforts to dominate the region.

One thing that holds Iran back is internal chaos. Since late 2017 Iran has suffered continuing internal violence against the religious dictatorship. There was similar activity in 2009 to protest the lack of fair elections. The 2009 protests were put down with force as were the recent ones, with over a thousand dead in 2009 and several hundred since then.

What started in late 2017 was different, with the protestors calling for the corrupt religious rulers to be removed. Some called for a return of the constitutional monarchy the religious leaders replaced in the 1980s. Back then democracy was promised but never delivered. Even more disturbing were protestors calling for Islam to be banned and replaced with something else, like Zoroastrianism, the ancient Persian religion that Islam replaced, violently and sometimes incompletely in the 7th and 8th centuries. Before the 2017 unrest the religious government saw itself on the way to some major victories in Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen. The optimism turned out to be premature.

The good times were supposed to begin in the wake of a July 2015 treaty with America lifting the many sanctions Iran had collected for bad behavior since the 1990s. That did not, as many financial experts pointed out, solve the immediate cash crises because oil prices were still low. This was because continued use of fracking in North America triggered a 70 percent drop in the price of oil in 2013. Iran made their situation worse by trying to avoid complying with the 2015 treaty while still getting most of the sanctions lifted and, for a while, that seemed to be working. This backfired when the U.S. accused Iran of violating the 2015 deal and, by the terms of that agreement, the American could and did withdraw. That meant many of the sanctions returned in 2018. Even before the American action, foreign economists believed the Iranian economy wont get moving again for another decade. Now it is going to take even longer, and most Iranians were extremely angry about that. The 2017 protests continue, but more discreetly because of the threat of lethal retaliation. The senior clerics are worried and openly seeking a solution that does not include them losing power. Few Iranians are willing to accept that kind of compromise. The religious dictatorship is not only hated, but also seen as corrupt, incompetent, untrustworthy and willing to kill any Iranians that oppose them.

This has led to some odd acts of resistance. For example, in late 2022 a young woman was arrested by the lifestyle police and accused of not covering her hair properly with her hijab. While in custody the girl died, apparently from beatings. This led to months of protests. The government refused to change its hijab policy and the protests faded away in early 2023.

There are some more complications. Half the population consists of ethnic minorities, mainly Turks, Kurds, and Arabs, and some of these groups, including Arabs, Kurds and Baluchis, are getting more restive and violent, each for different reasons. The ruling Islamic conservatives are determined to support terrorism overseas and build nuclear weapons at home, rather than concentrating on improving the economy and living standards and addressing the corruption within their ranks.

Expensive efforts to aid pro-Iran groups in Syria, Yemen, Iraq, and Lebanon were presented as examples of the ancient Iranian empire being reborn. The government saw these foreign adventures as a way to distract an unhappy population. This ultimately had the opposite effect as Iranians realized their poverty was the result of all the billions spent on such overseas adventures.

At home the nuclear weapons project is still important because Iranian religious leaders have been increasingly vocal about how Iran should be the leader of the Islamic world and the guardian of the major Islamic shrines, especially Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia. Iranians believe having nuclear weapons would motivate the Arabs, and many others, to comply. The potential victims are not cooperating and some have retaliated. Israel destroyed Hezbollah while Saudi Arabia funded enough of Pakistans nuclear weapons program to have first call on some of Pakistans several hundred nuclear weapons. The Arabs have been kicked around by the Iranians for thousands of years and take any Iranian threats seriously.

That led to a major reform effort in Saudi Arabia with a new generation of leaders willing to take on corruption and go with alliances that benefit the Saudis. This includes openly working with Israel to deal with the Iranian threat.

Twice in 2024 Iran attacked Israel directly. In April Iran fired over 350 rockets and missiles were launched at Israel from Iran and Iran-backed groups in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen. Most were intercepted and those that got through hit nothing of value. In October another large attack saw 200 missiles and cruise missiles launched from Iran towards Israel. None hit their targets and most were intercepted by Israeli, American and British air defense efforts. Israeli retaliation was more severe this time with air strikes on Iranian factories producing key components of rockets and missiles. It will take Iran several years to rebuild all those facilities, assuming that Israel does not keep attacking rebuilt factories.

The October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel received little active support from other Moslem nations, in part because Saudi Arabia opposed the Iran-backed Hamas violence. This offensive involved six thousand Hamas gunmen who advanced out of Gaza and fought to enter Israel. Hamas overran a sparsely populated portion of southern Israel but were halted before they could advance further. Hamas lost 1,800 killed or captured after killing 1,180 Israelis and foreigners. The surviving 4,000 Hamas personnel fled back to Gaza, pursued by Israeli troops. As of early 2025 fighting continues in Gaza as Israeli forces seek to kill or capture as many remaining Hamas members as they can. For the moment, remaining Hamas fighters have been trapped in Gaza and neutralized.

In late 2024, during several months of operations, Israel managed to virtually destroy Iran-backed Hezbollah. This is a Lebanese Shia faction which operates as a de facto government with a well-armed militia. The term Hezbollah means Party of God and they worked for Iran. Without Iranian support Hezbollah would fade away. Thats what happened in late 2024, when a series of attacks, beginning with exploding pagers in September killed or wounded over 3,000 Hezbollah members, That, along with precise Israeli air strikes against Hezbollah leaders, left Hezbollah leaderless and Israels subsequent ground invasion of part of Hezbollahs territory shattered its ground forces.

There are still some remnants left. Hezbollah-run drug operations in eastern Lebanon are still operational. Hezbollah has long been active in the hashish and cocaine trade. The billions of dollars earned by drug operations is managed by a small number of Hezbollah members in the Persian Gulf state of Qatar. That money can be used to rebuild Hezbollah. America, European and most Persian Gulf nations want the Hezbollah treasury eliminated. That will be difficult to do. The Hezbollah money managers in Qatar have been dispensing and concealing their billions through late 2024 as the main Hezbollah organization in Lebanon was being taken apart.

Hezbollah can be reassembled by financing the revenge fantasies of the many Lebanese Shia that desire revenge. This became more difficult after the lightning early December campaign by a reorganized Islamic terrorist organization HTS, which quickly took control of Syria and sent the ruling Assad family into Russian exile. That means Hezbollah in Lebanon no longer has a land connection to Iran via Iraq and Syria. Iran was the primary supplier of weapons and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps or IRGC technical advisors for Hezbollah. Growing popular unrest in Iran makes it difficult for the IRGC to spare manpower to help rebuild Hezbollah.

It is possible for the new Hezbollah leadership and their Iranian overlords to find ways to get the men, weapons and training together to rebuild Hezbollah. If left alone, that could take years. Israel and the many other nations hostile to Hezbollah will interfere with the rebuilding. Hezbollah will reappear, but it will not be as powerful or as expansive as its predecessor. For Hezbollah fans, its better than nothing.

In less than two years the Iranian investment in Hamas and Hezbollah has been destroyed, along with the Iranian ability to produce more missiles. The economic sanctions remain in place as does the growing unrest among Iranians against their religious dictatorship government.
Home News 'The Chosen' star Elizabeth Tabish reveals how faith inspired role in refugee film 'Between Borders'

From starring as Mary Magdalene in The Chosen to her latest project, Between Borders, Elizabeth Tabish has built a reputation for choosing uplifting projects that both elevate and inspire audiences.

But according to the 38-year-old actress and professing Christian, who has starred in the series about Jesus and the people who met and followed Him since season one, it never used to be that way.

I used to take every [project] until it got to a point where I didn't even want to act anymore because I was so disappointed in the quality of female roles, the types of characters that were written, she told The Christian Post.

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The Chosen jump-started this new chapter for me, of, it's not about being picky about the roles. It's about really resonating with a role, and not just doing something because it's offered, or doing something because you have a cool scene or something. Its like, How do you want to be known, and how do you want to represent women?'

I'm really attracted to real people, to characters that feel very real, that have some sort of backstory or some sort of complication in themselves, maybe a little messy, maybe a little emotional. If it really moves me and touches a part of me [that will also touch] others when they see it, its so easy to say yes and get excited about.

Tabishs next project, Between Borders, is a poignant, faith-fueled new film that tells the true story of the Petrosyan family, Armenian refugees fleeing persecution in Azerbaijan and Russia in the late 1980s, ultimately seeking asylum in the United States.

Premiering at the Armenian Film Festival in September 2024, the movie offers a harrowing yet hopeful depiction of displacement, resilience and the enduring search for home.

For Tabish, who stars as protagonist Violetta Petrosyan, the project is a piece of her own heritage. She recalled the moment filmmaker Isaac Norris approached her with the project.

"I was at a conference, and he mentioned this script about an Armenian family. My antenna went up immediately. I'm part Armenian, and I've been eager to help tell Armenian stories," she shared.

"I saw my grandmother in this character. In her reactions, in her emotional state, in her attitude. I just thought, 'I know this person, and I was so eager to get to play her.

Set against the backdrop of the anti-Armenian pogroms in Baku during the late 1980s, Between Borders portrays the Petrosyan family's journey from a life of professional success to one of survival. Forced to flee to Volgograd, Russia, the family struggles with displacement and prejudice. Framed by their U.S. citizenship hearing, the story captures their determination to find a true home, aided by an inspiring group of American missionaries.

The real-life Petrosyan family, who were part of the filmmaking process, loved the finished product, Tabish said, adding: They were really excited about it, and they felt like they were depicted well  they were really happy with it, which is first priority.

Between Borders will be released in theaters Jan. 26-28, while Tabish is also gearing up for season five of The Chosen, which hits theaters in early April.

"Its an incredibly intense season," Tabish teased of the forthcoming season of The Chosen. Some of my favorite moments in the Gospels are portrayed. The Last Supper is a theme throughout, and it's just incredible. There's one scene in particular that I think a lot of women are really going to love. We get a chance to see the hearts of all of these female followers of Christ, and it's going to be a really touching scene, so I'm excited for people to see that. Mary gets a little feisty this season and really is on a mission, and so we kind of get to see a different side of her, which is fun.

Like "The Chosen," Tabish said "Between Borders" has the potential to change lives. She emphasized the importance of keeping such stories alive in public discourse, particularly regarding the Armenian plight.

"The Armenian story has been long and painful, and only recently has it been publicly acknowledged for what it truly was," she said. "If we dont talk about these stories, they risk being forgotten, and history will repeat itself."

The actress emphasized that the film resonates far beyond its specific cultural focus, offering a pointed commentary on the global refugee crisis and Americas identity as a haven for the displaced.

"Theres a moment at the end of the film when the poem at the base of the Statue of Liberty is recalled," Tabish explained. "Its a reminder of what America is meant to be  a safe place for people to rest, belong, and build a new home. Thats what makes this country so unique."

And faith, she added, plays a tremendous role in shaping the narrative. "The Petrosyan family grew up in a communist society, and when they were introduced to the Christian church, it was so foreign to them and so strange. But the tenets of what Jesus taught and how Jesus teaches us to be are the things that really transformed their lives. The love of Christ, the love of God, completely changed their lives. It gave them a sense of home, no matter where they lived. It gave them a sense of peace and stability.

Theres a moment in the film where Violetta talks about how Jesus said to love your enemies and turn the other cheek. And that's what she did. She tried to forgive; she tried to be kinder and not hold bitterness in her heart. You can see that affect her throughout the rest of her life, and you can see who she is now, and see what an incredible representation of a follower of Christ looks like.

Tabish cited Jesus Words in Matthew 19:21, where He instructs His followers to give to the poor: One of the most Christian things that you can do is take care of those who are on the outside and who are struggling, and really love them and care for them," she said. "You can see what life-changing effects that has."

Watch the trailer for "Between Borders" below.
Home News Republicans introduce legislation authorizing Trump to negotiate potential purchase of Greenland Greenland has record of more abortions than live births

Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives have introduced a bill that would authorize President-elect Donald Trump to enter into negotiations to purchase Greenland immediately after taking office.

Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., introduced the "Make Greenland Great Again Act" on Monday. The legislation authorizes Trump to "enter into negotiations with the Kingdom of Denmark to secure the acquisition of Greenland by the United States." The legislation requires Trump to "transmit to the appropriate congressional committees the agreement, including all related materials and annexes," within five days of securing it.

The measure gives Congress a 60-day window to review the agreement once it's secured. If Congress doesn't issue a joint resolution of disapproval within that window, then the agreement executed will take effect.

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Trump floated the idea of making Greenland part of the U.S. in a statement announcing Ken Howery as his pick to become U.S. ambassador to Denmark.

"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 declared.

Danish and Greenlandic leaders have pushed back on Trump's quest for Greenland.

Last week, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said that Greenlandic Prime Minister Mute Egede said, "Greenland is not for sale and will not be in the future either."

"Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders," Frederiksen said in an interview with Danish broadcaster TV 2, as quoted by Politico. "On one hand, I am pleased regarding the rise in American interest in Greenland. But of course, it is important that it takes place in a way where it is the Greenlanders' decision, what their future holds."

The official website of Greenland notes that Trump's previous suggestion that the U.S. was interested in buying the island, issued during his first administration, was "blankly rejected by the Greenlandic and Danish governments." However, a poll of 416 residents of Greenland conducted by Patriot Polling from Jan. 6-11 released Sunday suggests a majority of respondents (57.3%) favor joining the U.S., while 37.4% oppose it.

As explained by Encyclopedia Brittanica, Greenland's home-rule government is responsible for most domestic affairs, although it remains part of Denmark. Greenland, which has an estimated population of 56,800 as of 2024, is located just off the East Coast of Canada and is surrounded by the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans.

Abortion statistics compiled by William Robert Johnston, co-author of the "Abortion Worldwide Report," show that Greenland had the highest abortion rate in the world in 2023, with 100.71 abortions taking place for every 1,000 women between the ages of 15 and 39. Greenland also had more abortions than live births in 2023, with 716 live births and 1,034 abortions recorded.

The number of abortions in Greenland has consistently exceeded the number of live births every year since 2012. According to the pro-abortion Center for Reproductive Rights, Greenland allows abortion for any reason within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

French Guiana, where there were 60.64 abortions per 1,000 women between the ages of 15 and 39, was the country with the second-highest abortion rate in 2023. Other countries with high abortion rates in 2023 include Guadeloupe (56.60) and Martinique (44.15). Unlike Greenland, these countries had more live births than abortions.

On the other hand, countries with the lowest abortion rates in 2023 include: Brazil (0.06), Poland (0.07), Colombia (0.28) and Mexico (0.52). While the United Arab Emirates is listed as having the lowest abortion rate in the world (0.01), the data for that country comes from 2021. Like the UAE, several additional countries included on the list do not have updated statistics on abortion.

The U.S. is ranked in the middle when it comes to the abortion rate, with 16.63 abortions per 1,000 women in 2023.
Home News Vatican opens door to letting gay men pursue the priesthood in Italy

The Vatican has given its blessing to a document suggesting that those with same-sex attraction can pursue the priesthood in Italy.

The Italian Episcopal Conference, the group of Roman Catholic bishops in Italy, approved a document at its 78th General Conference in 2023 titled "The formation of priests in churches in Italy. Guidelines and standards for seminaries."

The Vatican's Office of the Dicastery for the Clergy granted a decree on Dec. 8, enabling it to go into effect shortly thereafter.

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The document quoted from a 2005 Vatican publication titled "Instruction Concerning the Criteria for the Discernment of Vocations with regard to Persons with Homosexual Tendencies in view of their Admission to the Seminary and to Holy Orders."

According to the Vatican, "In relation to people with homosexual tendencies who approach the Seminaries, or who discover this situation during training, in line with their own Magisterium, the Church, while deeply respecting the people in question, cannot admit to the Seminary and to Holy Orders those who practice homosexuality, present deeply rooted homosexual tendencies or support the so-called gay culture."

However, the guidelines that took effect Thursday suggest that people with same-sex attractions are not completely banned from pursuing the priesthood in Italy.

"In the training process, when one does reference homosexual tendencies, it is also appropriate not to reduce discernment only to this aspect, but, as for every candidate to grasp its meaning of the global framework of the young person's personality, so that, knowing himself and integrating the objectives of his human and priestly vocation, he reaches a general harmony," the document stated.

The guidelines stress that all candidates to the priesthood have an obligation to "welcome chastity as a gift, to freely choose it and live it responsibly in celibacy."

The document's approval by the Vatican comes after Pope Francis generated negative headlines last year as reports surfaced alleging that he used a derogatory Italian term loosely translated to "faggotry when discussing with 160 priests whether to admit men "with homosexual tendencies to seminaries."

He reiterated "the need to welcome them and accompany them in the Church and the prudential indication of the Dicastery for the Clergy regarding their entry into the seminary."

While maintaining that there was "an air of faggotry in the Vatican, Francis reportedly insisted that the Catholic Church should "be careful" to not "despise people with homosexual tendencies" but rather "to accompany them, because there are so many good people."

Even as he issued a call to "accompany" and "help" individuals with same-sex attraction, Francis remained adamant about the need to "be careful about accepting them in the seminary." A few weeks earlier, he delivered a message directly to the Italian Episcopal Conference as they were debating this issue, proclaiming, "If a young man wants to enter the seminary and has a homosexual tendency: stop him."

"This is something that the Dicastery for the Clergy has said and I support, because today the homosexual culture has progressed so much and there are good young men who want the Lord, but it's better not to [admit them to seminary]," the pontiff added.
Home News HTS rebels have 'mercilessly targeted' Syria's Christians in the past, expert warns

Christians in Syria cannot trust the armed Islamic alliance Hayat Tahrir al-Shams assurances that it intends to protect religious minorities, according to the leader of a watchdog group that has served the global persecuted church since 1995.

HTS is made up of former Islamic State and Al Qaeda fighters who are attempting to rebrand themselves to appear non-threatening, Jeff King, president of the United States-based International Christian Concern, told The Christian Post in an interview.

The public relations efforts, he believes, are a way to stall international communities from taking military action as HTS, which the U.S. recognizes as a foreign terror organization, consolidates more power.

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Theyre saying all of the right things. Oh, everything is fine! Christians are safe, King said. But theres no history of that.

These guys have absolutely mercilessly targeted the Christians in the past, he continued. This is radical Islam; we know who these guys are.

After HTS and rebel groups ousted President Bashar al-Assad in December, the rebels have met with Christian leaders and church representatives. Despite assurances that new government leaders will protect and respect the rights of Christians, church leaders have reacted with skepticism.

These concerns about the HTS-led coalition were exemplified in December when hundreds of Christians demonstrated after a large Christmas tree was set on fire. The perpetrators behind the attack are believed to be associated with a jihadi group, as La Croix reported at the time.

As ICC reported last week, an announcement on social media from Syrias Ministry of Education contained a series of proposed amendments to the national curriculum.

Among the changes proposed was an update to the phrase those who have are damned and have gone astray to instead read Jews and Christians.

While the new government has not implemented the proposed amendments, advocates such as the ICC fear that the suggestions could mean Syrias educational curriculum will lean toward a radical interpretation of Islam.

Other incidents that have continued to spark concerns include reports of Christian families in Maaloula in western Syria being pushed out of their homes and land. A separate incident last month involved unidentified assailants shooting at the walls of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Hama in Western Syria and attempting to demolish the buildings cross.

These incidents highlight the ongoing religious persecution and humanitarian crisis in Syria, particularly affecting the Christian minority, King, who has led ICC since 2003, warned. Maaloula, where Aramaic, the language of Jesus, is still spoken, faces potential cultural and religious cleansing, emphasizing the need for international attention and action to protect these ancient communities.

The persecution of Christians in Syria is not a new story, but the threats in Maaloula and elsewhere are an alarming reminder of the continuous threats to religious minorities in the region, he added.

Despite fears about what is in store for Christians going forward, at the moment, King believes HTS wants to focus on winning the battle of public relations.

I wouldnt suspect thered be an initial big, bold move against the Christians where the leopards going to show its spots, he said. I dont think thatll happen right away.

In the meantime, the ICC president urged nations around the world to take action and protect Christians in Syria from further persecution. One of the advocacy groups recommendations involves interfaith dialogue and international pressure to address persecution.

We cannot stand by as this ancient Christian community is pushed to the brink of extinction, King said. Its imperative that the global community acts to safeguard these historical and cultural landmarks, ensuring the survival of Christian presence in Syria.

This is a battle for the survival of Christians in Syria, for human rights, and for the soul of cultural diversity that is almost extinguished in the Middle East, he continued.
(Photo: Royal Mail)

Just when the Church of England needs some good news ... the Royal Mail has issued a set of special stamps celebrating the UK's most popular cleric.

Yes, the much-loved Vicar of Dibley is making a comeback to letterboxes across the country with eight new designs featuring episodes from the classic comedy series, shown by TV stations in the UK, US and across the world.

And I'd say this is excellent news for any vicars or church ministers working at the grassroots in communities served by the CofE.

The stamps  issued the same week that Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby laid down his crozier following his resignation  demonstrate the enduring popularity of the fictional country vicar played brilliantly by Dawn French.

The TV series gave millions of people  who might never visit a church or meet a vicar  a chance to get to know a kind, approachable person wearing a clerical collar. Few clergy are as hysterically funny as Geraldine Granger, but hopefully most of us are warm, friendly and welcoming.

The Vicar of Dibley sitcom ran for three series on the BBC from November 1994 to January 2007 and won numerous awards. Episodes can still be found on digital channels around the world, with extracts widely available online.

David Gold, Royal Mail's director of external affairs and policy, said: "The superb writing and the warmth and idiosyncrasies of its characters made The Vicar of Dibley one of the most loved TV comedies of all time."

The sitcom launched just eight months after the first British women were ordained as Church of England priests. Some say the series' success helped their introduction into the life of the church. Many of the first female vicars spoke of being likened to Geraldine Granger in their early days.

Other people have criticised the series for inaccurately depicting rural life and confusing the church's role in country communities. Personally, I wasn't too concerned about that.

At a time when trust in the Church hierarchy is low, I'll grasp at the good news of the stamps' release.

The CofE is facing major challenges because of its failure to respond adequately to safeguarding scandals and its lack of concern for survivors of abuse. A new Archbishop of Canterbury is seen as being part of the solution  though finding the right person will be a massive challenge.

In my own part of the CofE, a successor will soon be needed to Dr Alan Smith, who has announced his retirement after 16 years as Bishop of St Albans, overseeing a diocese that includes Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and parts of north London.

It may not be easy to find Bishop Alan's replacement  it's becoming increasingly hard to select people for the Church's most senior roles. Such are the challenges, and the divisions within the Church, that few people are acceptable to everyone.

Meanwhile, at the grassroots, the real-life Vicars of Dibley, in towns, suburbs and villages, are seeking to serve their local communities, and to bring the love of Christ to our broken world. Hard-pressed clergy continue faithfully to serve their congregations and communities, while scandals circle the hierarchy.

I can't help wondering whether the creators of Geraldine Granger might want a new challenge: to see what would happen if she was appointed as the new Archbishop ...

Rev Peter Crumpler is a Church of England minister in St Albans, Herts, UK, and a former communications director with the CofE.
OnlyFans model Bonnie Blue speaks with an employee at a Five Guys restaurant. (Photo: X/Harry_1514)

A Five Guys employee has gone viral on social media for his response to a British OnlyFans model propositioning him while at work, citing his Christian faith as he waits until marriage for sex.

The OnlyFans creator, identified as Bonnie Blue, approached the counter at a Five Guys branch and asked the employee in a recorded exchange, "Where are the five guys from?" as seen in the video shared on X.

She then followed up by asking if he was "on the menu," prompting the worker to respond, "The ... huh?"

Blue continued her inquiry, stating, "I didn't know if it was like a special room, or you can take me out back?" The employee again expressed confusion, saying, "Uh, I don't know what's happening."

Blue proceeded to propose a meeting outside of work, saying, "What about after your shift? I mean, I'd want to give you, you know, a good rating." The Five Guys worker replied, "I'm a Christian man, and I'm waiting until marriage."

Blue pressed further, asking, "Are you on it?"  referring to the menu. The employee stated, "No, I'm not," she answered, "Oh, that's a shame."

The employee's perspective surfaced on social media through a post on X by a user who goes by "ola." He wrote, "Bonnie Blue recording me at work was not on my bingo card for this year, but here we are, I guess." The post has been viewed over 10 million times.

Clips of the encounter drew widespread attention, with commenters directing comments of support at the Five Guys worker. It garnered more than 2,300 comments.

"Sue her," reads one comment, to which the employee responds, "Bro I'm broke."

Another comment reads, "Good for you for standing your ground and saving yourself for marriage! Not many are like that."

The 25-year-old Blue's online content has received significant scrutiny because she targets "barely legal" teenagers whom she calls "schoolies" for her collaborations. She reports making six-figures a month for her content.

She addressed those criticisms last year in an interview with Metro.

"They choose to contact me ... If they then come, I'm not forcing them. If I was forcing them off the street, dragging them up, then yeah, call me a predator, but it's not the case."

 The Christian Post
The world plunged headfirst into the AI revolution. Now many are admitting they werent quite ready.

The 2024 Board of Directors Survey from Gartner, for example, found that 80% of non-executive directors believe their current board practices and structures are inadequate to effectively oversee AI.

The 2024 Enterprise AI Readiness Radar report from Infosys, a digital services and consulting firm, found that only 2% of companies were fully prepared to implement AI at scale and that, despite the hype, AI is three to five years away from becoming a reality for most firms.
January 13, 2025: At the end of 2024 about 12,000 North Korean soldiers arrived in Russia and, after a short amount of additional training, were sent to fight along Russian troops in Ukraine. The North Koreans were first seen in combat during December. The Ukrainian forces facing them estimate that the North Koreans have suffered about 30 percent casualties so far because the Russians were using their Korean troops for frontal assaults. There were few Russian soldiers available for such costly attacks. Most remaining Russian troops were on the defensive. Ukraine had developed attack tactics that relied on self-propelled machine-guns and other close combat weapons as well as robotic vehicles to clear minefields. Russia may eventually copy this tech but for now they urgently need more soldiers and ammunition.

North Korea announced it will send as many soldiers to Ukraine as Russia requires. North Korea has worked with Russia in the past but never to the extent that North Korean soldiers were sent to fight for Russia in Ukraine while Russia finally agreed to upgrade North Korean strategic weapons systems

In June 2024, Russian and North Korea signed a Strategic Partnership treaty that obliged each nation to assist the other in wartime. In peacetime the two nations will supply mutual aid in military matters. North Korea wants assistance in perfecting and upgrading their nuclear weapons and launch platforms, including a modern SSBN or nuclear submarine carrying ready to launch missiles with nuclear warheads. Russian has such submarines but North Korea does not, and has been trying to develop them on its own.

When the North Korean munitions arrived in Ukraine and Russian troops began using the shells, they noted two things. First, that North Korean ammunition was unreliable and lacking accuracy. Worse North Korean shells could also be dangerous to use. Some of them detonated after leaving the gun barrel and eventually some detonated while inside the barrel. At this point the Russians had to stop using the North Korean shells, which had become more dangerous for their Russian users than the Ukrainians. Meanwhile, the North Korean munitions factories were working overtime to produce new shells to replace the older ones sold to the Russians. This was a good deal for North Korea because they unloaded their older artillery munitions and were now replacing it with newly manufactured shells, at least the ones not sold to Russia.

The need for the North Korean treaty is because Russian troops in Ukraine have suffered such high losses since early 2022 that the Russian army has run out of soldiers. Russia has lost over 700,000 killed or disabled fighting in Ukraine. Many of the wounded suffered further when they found that the Russian medical system was unable to adequately treat them. This led to many thousands of desertions and millions of military age men leaving the country.

Russian leader Vladimir Putin thought the Ukraine War would be over in days or weeks. It wasnt and is now in its third year. Unlike World War II, the Russians invaded Ukraine and are losing. Russias ability to continue the war is clearly less than Ukraines provided NATO and US support continues. The Russian government pays families of dead soldiers tens of thousands of dollars. For families in rural areas, where most of the dead soldiers came from, this amount of cash is life changing. Soldiers who were badly wounded in Ukraine get lesser amounts but still enough to greatly improve their lives. Russia is spending 8 percent of the government budget on these payments and that has reduced the anger over dead or disabled soldiers to manageable levels. These billions, plus even more spent on continuing the war, have forced the government to go into debt. North Korea also compensates the families of North Korean soldiers killed in Ukraine, but not with cash. North Korean families receive economic assistance, new housing, or medical treatments most North Koreans cannot afford.
The German Development Cooperation through GIZ is seeking an individual expert to provide legal expertise to the Ministry of Culture within the project Policy Advisory Fund. The services within the assignment will be provided in the period between January  July 2025.

The selected expert will conduct all the activities in accordance with the provisions of the Terms of Reference (ToR).

For the Terms of Reference (ToR) and eventual questions, please address a message to the e-mail: tenders-giz-moldova@giz.de, indicating the tender number in the message title, not later than January 22, 2025, 15:00 Chisinau local time.

The short-term expert shall meet the following criteria and qualifications:

Qualification and skills

Professional experience

The successful application shall include:

2. Financial Proposal, containing (in a separate document):

All personal data are for the internal use of GIZ; confidentiality is guaranteed.

Successful offerors will be further asked for additional documentation such as copy of ID, bank data and other, as it might be required for the contracting. The successful finalist will be issued a short-term consulting contract.

Applicants shall hold the Moldovan citizenship for a period of at least 6 months at the date of application.

Bids evaluation will be performed based on the ratio 70% for the technical Technical Proposal and 30% for the financial offer. Shortlisted candidates might be asked for an interview and additional information.

Applications shall be submitted in a sealed envelope to the GIZ country office  Chisinau, 73/1 Stefan cel Mare si Sfant Bvd., National Business Center, 9th floor  indicating the tender number 83481128, not later than January 24, 2025, 15:00 Chisinau local time.

Please note that applications received after the deadline, as well as incomplete applications will not be considered. Financial offers containing other currency than Moldovan Lei, will not be considered. GIZ retains the discretion to re-advertise or cancel this tender.

Shortlisted candidates might be asked for an interview and additional information.

Alte articole de la acest autor:
Context

EU4 Moldova Resilience  Secure States, Resilient Communities (EU4MR), a 1.5 year project funded by the European Commission through the Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI) and implemented by Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova (SFPL in Moldova). It is being launched as part of the European Unions support to the Republic of Moldova in the context of the specific challenges and changing needs that the country is currently facing. The overall objective and expected outcome of the EU4MR project is to increase the resilience of the Republic of Moldova to emergencies and potential security threats. To this end, the capacities of state institutions to detect and counter potential emergencies and security threats will be strengthened.

The name of the Good

The procurement of a new multifunctional truck equipped with a hydraulic manipulator and Hooklift. The truck is designed to support emergency response, disaster relief, and humanitarian assistance missions. It features a robust engine, advanced transmission, heavy-duty suspension, and ergonomic cabin, ensuring it meets the operational needs of General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (GIES) of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Moldova. The truck must comply with EU safety and environmental standards and be delivered within a specified timeframe, with comprehensive training and warranty support included.

Tasks and responsibilities of the applicants

Requirements for bidders:

Within the purchase call may apply legal entities who own:

Incomplete applications or those submitted after the deadline will not be evaluated.

You can find more details about the evaluation criteria and the application procedure by accessing the Terms of Reference.

Details about the technical specifications of the truck can be found here.

The deadline for submitting applications: 22.01.2025, 3:00 p.m

* By submitting the application, the applicant expressly and unequivocally consents to the processing of personal data by Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova for the purpose of carrying out the announced procurement. The applicant has the right to independently set the limits of confidentiality for the provided data and to specify which documents attached to the offer are confidential.

** Personal data will be processed by Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova for the purpose of conducting the procurement process, in accordance with the provisions of the applicable legislation and internal rules. Providing personal data is done voluntarily. Refusal to provide data will result in the inability to enter into a contract with Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova. Individuals have the right to obtain information regarding the purpose, scope, and method of processing personal data, the right to access their personal data, as well as to portability and rectification of that data. Personal data may be shared with donors, auditors, state authorities, including public legal entities, and lawyers for the purpose of auditing Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova, protecting rights, and resolving disputes. Personal data will not be transmitted to other third parties without the prior consent of the applicant. Any questions regarding personal data can be directed to Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova via email at info@solidarityfund.md.

*** For the transparency purpose of the procurement process, the results of the auction with information on the selected provider (name/ surname, service, price, period) will be published on the Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova website. Participation in the auction by sending documents signifies acceptance of the publication of the procurement results, except for information marked as confidential.

**** Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova reserves the right to cancel the procurement process at any time without any obligations towards the applicants and ensures that documents containing personal data will be destroyed, anonymized, or encrypted in accordance with internal regulations.

*****Solidarity Fund PL in Moldova ensures the highest standards of conduct and operates in accordance with the law, internal regulations, and policies regarding whistleblowing, report management, and combating harassment and discrimination. If you notice any alarming activity or situation that may indicate irregularities, unethical practices, or other unethical behaviors, please access the information here to learn how you can report these issues.

Alte articole de la acest autor:
Moldova pentru Educatie: Liceul Teoretic O. Ghibu din Orhei va avea unul dintre cele mai moderne blocuri alimentare din tara
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is currently implementing a project Public Finance for Development Project that requires the services of an National SDG Investor Map Consultant

The objective of this assignment is to technically support UNDP CO, IMA and UNDP SFH in the identification of priority sectors, subsectors, and target regions and to establish data points for Moldova Investor Maps IOA to help private investors identify investment opportunities and business models that will accelerate the achievement of SDGs as aligned to Moldovas national development priorities.



Deadline for submission of proposals: 28 January 2025, 16:30 (GMT+2).



For details regarding the competition and submission requirements, please visit the page: https://procurement-notices.undp.org/view_negotiation.cfm?nego_id=29477

Alte articole de la acest autor:
GIZ is looking for an Advisor on EU Integration Coordination Support for its project EU Integration Support Project (EUISP), financed by the German Government and focusing on areas of Cluster I Fundamentals, chapters 23: Judiciary and fundamental rights and chapter 24: Justice, freedom and security.

On 14 December 2023, the European Council decided to open accession negotiations with the Republic of Moldova. The Government of the Republic of Moldova is fully committed to the European integration process and has set out an ambitious agenda to align its legal and regulatory framework with the EU standards. To achieve this, the Government has established 35 working groups responsible for coordinating the integration process in various sectors / chapters and approved the National Action Plan for the Accession of the Republic of Moldova to the EU for the years 2024-2027. Moreover, within the Ministries, new positions of Deputy Secretary Generals have been established specifically tasked with overseeing the EU integration process.

The EUISP project aims at enhancing capacities of national key actors to steer and implement a cooperative and participative process of Moldovas EU alignment.

This position is expected to start in January 2025. The permanent workplace for this position is in Chisinau.

The overall responsibilities covered by this position are as follows:

Providing advice to the State Chancellery (Bureau for EU Integration), Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Internal Affairs, and other key actors aiming at strengthening capacities for process management and cooperation in areas of Cluster I Fundamentals with focus on negotiation chapters 23 and 24

Identifying needs for short-term support and demand-oriented support instruments

Providing backstopping and quality assurance support

Performing any other work-related tasks contributing to the project success.

Required qualifications:

Masters Degree in Public Administration, European Law, Human Rights, Development Studies, or related field

At least 6 years of senior professional working experience in reform coordination, organisational and process development and management in the context of EU integration

Previous experience working in/with government and state institutions in the intervention areas

Profound proven knowledge of the institutional setup, mandates and responsibilities in the intervention areas within the EU integration context

Profound knowledge of the international development and partnership building

Experience in coordinating large and complex processes with multiple actors, including government, civil society, academia, the public and the private sector

Proven excellent written and verbal skills in Romanian, English and Russian; German would be an advantage

Excellent interpersonal, organizational and time management skills. Mature initiative, tact and high sense of responsibility, ability to work independently and under pressure to tight deadlines

Effective negotiation and moderation skills

Profound IT skills

Strong drafting, presentation and reporting skills

Moldovan citizenship or holding permanent resident status in Moldova.

Applications, including detailed CV, references, and motivation letter (in English) shall be sent not later than 27 January 2025, time 15:00 to the address hr-giz-moldova@giz.de.

Please mention the position name in the title of your application message. Only shortlisted candidates will be asked for an interview. The finalist will be offered a fixed-term employment contract based on a 40-hour weekly work programme and concluded in line with the national labour legislation.

Please note that applications received after the deadline will not be considered. GIZ retains the discretion to re-advertise the position, to cancel the recruitment or offer an appointment at a lower grade or with a modified job description.

GIZ is committed to employment equity in the workplace and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply
The German Development Cooperation (GIZ) is looking for an Advisor on economic aspects related to energy efficient residential housing to join the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy team in Chisinau. The project component is financed jointly by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark.

This position is planned to start in March 2025 and last for a 12-month period with the possibility to be extended, based on a successful employment period and project extension. The Economic Advisor will be responsible for conducting in-depth economic analysis of energy market, focusing on the costs, benefits, and long-term impacts of Nearly-Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB) and Passive Houses (PH) in the residential building sector, analysing the economic implications of existing and proposed energy policies, including regulations, subsidies, loans, and incentive schemes, and performing cost-benefit analyses and evaluation of the economic feasibility for energy projects, with a focus on NZEB / PH, considering capital costs, operating expenses, potential revenues, and risk factors. The permanent workplace for this position is in Chisinau. The overall responsibilities covered by this position are as follows:

Required qualifications:

Applications, including detailed CV, references, and motivation letter (in English) shall be sent not later than 30th of January 2025, time 15:00 to the address hr-giz-moldova@giz.de .

Please mention the position name in the title of your application message. Only shortlisted candidates will be asked for an interview. The finalist will be offered a fixed-term employment contract based on a 40-hour weekly work programme and concluded in line with the national labour legislation.

Please note that applications received after the deadline will not be considered. GIZ retains the discretion to re-advertise the position, to cancel the recruitment or offer an appointment at a lower grade or with a modified job description.

GIZ is committed to employment equity in the workplace and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Alte articole de la acest autor:
The German Development Cooperation (GIZ) is looking for a Civil Engineer or Architect with expertise in construction works in the residential building sector to join the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy team in Chisinau. The project component is financed jointly by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

This position is planned to start in March 2025 and last for a 12-month period with the possibility to be extended, based on a successful employment period and project extension. The Civil Engineer or Architect will be in charge of technical analysis, procurement and quality control of construction works linked to energy efficiency and renewable energy in residential buildings. The framework is a Danish-funded pilot within the Moldovan Residential Energy Efficiency Fund (MREEF) focusing on residential single-family houses applying Nearly-Zero Energy Building (NZEB) standards and Passive House (PH) technologies. The permanent workplace for this position is in Chisinau. The overall responsibilities covered by this position are as follows:

Required qualifications:

Applications, including detailed CV, references, and motivation letter (in English) shall be sent not later than 27th of January 2025, time 15:00 to the address hr-giz-moldova@giz.de .

Please mention the position name in the title of your application message. Only shortlisted candidates will be asked for an interview. The finalist will be offered a fixed-term employment contract based on a 40-hour weekly work programme and concluded in line with the national labour legislation.

Please note that applications received after the deadline will not be considered. GIZ retains the discretion to re-advertise the position, to cancel the recruitment or offer an appointment at a lower grade or with a modified job description.

GIZ is committed to employment equity in the workplace and encourages qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Alte articole de la acest autor:
Changes to laws on charities transferring objects have been delayed further following last years general election, the government has confirmed.

Ex gratia payment rule changes, which form two sections of the Charities Act 2022, were set to come into force last year under the previous Conservative governments plans.

However, following the general election, the changes were not introduced in 2024 and the new Labour government is now considering how to proceed.

Concerns from previous administration

The previous government initially delayed implementation of sections 15 and 16 of the act in 2022 to allow further consideration of their implications.

Former charities minister Lord Kamall was concerned that the changes would remove the Commissions oversight of trustees decisions to restitute an object such as the return of the Benin bronzes to Nigeria by the Horniman Museum.

Then at the start of last year, former arts and heritage minister Lord Parkinson wrote to Charity Commission chair Orlando Fraser to confirm the governments plans to exclude overseas transfers of property from the laws, meaning charities would still need to seek the regulators approval.

It also revealed plans to exclude national museums and galleries from the provisions, meaning they would continue to be bound by their governing documents for transfers of all items.

Responding to the letter last year, Fraser said These provisions will help charities to save time and money in dealing with relatively small ex gratia payments, often relating to wills and legacies.

They will also allow the Commission to focus our resources more efficiently on larger and more complex cases.

A government spokesperson said it was now considering how best to commence sections 15 and 16 of the Charities Act 2022.

They declined to specify when the sections would now be introduced.

sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector,
January 14, 2025: Italian defense firm Leonardo recently developed BriteStorm, a more capable disposable air-launched decoy to protect aircraft from enemy aerial and ground based air defenses. In 2013 Leonardo put BriteCloud on the market. This battery powered decoy weighs one kilogram and fits into standard aircraft 55mm countermeasure dispensers. Some reprogramming of the aircraft fire control software allows pilots to manually release BriteCloud or have it done automatically when a threat is detected by the aircraft sensors. American and British aircraft have already adopted BriteCloud for use on Typhoon and F-16 aircraft as well as MQ-9 Predator drones.

BriteStorm not only updates BriteClouds capabilities but makes them more useful while adding new capabilities like creating the electronic illusion that the decoy is one or more real aircraft. This makes BriteStorm useful for suppressing and destroying enemy air defenses. BriteStorm is capable of quickly adapting to enemy systems that change frequencies during operation.

BriteCloud and BriteStorm are an upgrade but not a replacement for the earlier American Mald series of decoys. The MALD stands for Miniature Air-Launched Decoy, the most recent version is MALD-N, a powered disposable decoy that can broadcast signals imitating various radars and do so while networked. Thats what the N stands for. MALD-N can be networked with other MALD-Ns as well as manned aircraft. This enables all the MALD-Ns in a swarm to automatically share information and quickly make changes to maintain the maximum confusion for enemy radars. Theres a pilot or system operator monitoring all this and able to intervene if needed. The MALD-N is a variant of the 2012 MALD-J, the first jammer version of MALD.

The original ADM-160B MALD finally passed acceptance tests in 2009 and the air force agreed to buy it. MALD is a 115 kg powered decoy with a range of 900 kilometers and speed comparable with the cruise speed of several types of manned warplanes. MALD appears on the enemy radar as a warplane. MALD itself is a torpedo-shaped object that is about half the size of a Tomahawk cruise missile. MALD operates on the same principle as Tomahawk. When launched short wings pop out and a small jet engine starts. MALD deceives enemy radars with electronics that can generate signals that make MALD appear to be one of several actual warplanes. MALD is preprogrammed to fly a specific route with its electronic radar transmitter programmed to emit signals making the tiny MALD appear like a larger aircraft on the enemy radar.

It took fourteen years of sometimes wasted effort on earlier designs to finally get a MALD that worked effectively and reliably. All that extra work made it clear that MALD would be even more effective if it included active broadcasting jammers and work on MALD-J began in 2008, just as MALD was almost ready for mass production. MALD-J was ready in 2012. The jammer version was found to be even more effective. Since 2011 over 2,000 MALDs have been delivered or are on order. A thousand of these were in service by 2014. MALD was used successfully in Ukraine to protect guided bombs from Russian air defenses.

Initially, only the B-52, F-18, and F-16 were equipped to carry MALD. Over the years large UAVs and maritime patrol aircraft have been equipped to carry MALD. The navy operates MALD-J from F-18Es, which accompany EA-18G electronic warfare aircraft and is now equipping the new F-35. The EA-18G could carry MALD-J but this would be at the expense of range. The EA-18G needs as much range as it can get in order to go deep into enemy air space and destroy air defenses. The MALD manufacturer has also developed the needed equipment, like special racks so that up to 192 MALDs can be loaded on military transports and quickly launched.

MALD soon replaced the similar U.S. Navy jet-powered ADM-141C ITALD or Improved Tactical Air Launched Decoy, which entered service about the time MALD entered development. ITALD is 2.34 meters long with a 1.55 meter wingspan. It weighs 180 kg (400 pounds), has a top speed of 460 kilometers an hour, and a range of about 300 kilometers. ITALD, as well as the earlier 59 kg unpowered TALD, contains passive and active devices to enhance the radar image the enemy will receive when they spot the decoy. The navy bought about 200 ITALDs. In the late 1980s, the navy bought over 2,000 ADM-141 TALDs, which proved successful during the 1991 Gulf War. Israel also had success in combat with their version of TALD, which was developed from similar decoys designed in the 1970s based on Israeli and U.S. Navy experience with Russian-equipped Arab air defense systems. The U.S. Air Force didn't get interested until after the Cold War ended and that led to MALD. TALD was basically an updated version of the Israeli Samson, which the navy bought 500 of in the late 1980s and early 1990s as TALD and these were the ones used successfully in 1991 against Iraq.

The MALD is three meters long and its pop-out wings give it a 1.55 meter wingspan. The current versions weigh 130 kg and are powered by a small turbojet engine that gives it a speed of up to 1,000 kilometers an hour, for 45 minutes, at 11,000 meters, or 20 minutes at 1,000 meters. It can be programmed to fly a specific course to try and get enemy air defenses to open up so the enemy weapons can be spotted and destroyed. MALDs are also designed to be used in swarms to overwhelm enemy air defenses. The new MALDs cost nearly $300,000 each. The MALD-J is more expensive and about five percent heavier. The MALD-J was so successful in tests that the air force initially converted 200 of its MALDs to MALD-J.

Early on the MALD was supposed to be a 15 percent smaller, simpler, and cheaper at $30,000 each design. But, as is common with these projects, both the air force and the manufacturer kept coming up with new things the MALD had to have. Some were necessary while others were just part of the usual procurement politics. The current MALD has a range of nearly 900 kilometers and is reliable enough to be used in combat. The radar jamming capability of MALD-J was the first of many electronic warfare capabilities added to the higher-priced, at up to half a million dollars, or more, each version of MALD. MALD-X has almost completed development and contains more interchangeable modules, each performing a different EW or Electronic Warfare task. Thus the air force has pulled ahead in aerial decoy technology, although only the TALD/ITALD series has the distinction of having been tested, and successful, in combat.
The Charity Commission has closed a regulatory compliance case into Citizens Advice after assessing complaints of internal discrimination and political activities last year.

In September, campaigning charity UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) wrote to Citizens Advice about  worrying complaints  regarding alleged political campaigning and actions that it said breached its charitable objects, commission guidelines and UK law.

The letter shows that the incidents and activities related to staff supporting Palestine at work, including the publication of social media posts and use of the Palestinian flag as background during virtual meetings.

UKLFI raised these concerns with the commission which were then passed to a casework manager in the compliance casework team.

In October, the commission opened a compliance case into Citizens Advice to engage with its trustees and gather more information.

The commission has now closed its case and is not taking further action after finding no breach of the charitys objects or legal duties.

This was an internal matter

A commission spokesperson told Civil Society: We opened a regulatory compliance case into the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux and engaged with its trustees to assess concerns that the charity had breached its objects and legal duties relating to campaigning and political activity.

The commission found that this was an internal matter for the charitys trustees to address rather than an activity carried out by the charity, and it appeared that it wasnt a breach of the charitys objects or legal duties.

As part of the case, we issued regulatory advice to the trustees.

In a letter to UKLFI, the commission said the alleged campaigning and political activity was undertaken by Unite the Union or took place during a union meeting, rather than Citizens Advice itself.

The trustees provided assurances to demonstrate that theyve considered and reviewed the concerns raised with them and that theyre taking reasonable steps to manage the situation, the letter reads.

This includes obtaining legal advice, reviewing internal policies, and reminding employees of their duties when fulfilling union activity on (or using) the charitys property.

The letter adds that Citizens Advice was not the petitions author and did not engage in boycotting any products.

The trustees also provided assurances that they didnt procure lanyards displaying the Palestinian flag for its employees, nor did they promote their use.

UKLFIs response

In response, Caroline Turner, director of UKLFI, said the complaints were not that Citizens Advice had promoted the anti-Israel political campaigns, petitions and lanyards but that it had done nothing to prevent them.

Indeed, many managers at Citizens Advice had themselves participated in the anti-Israel petition, she told Civil Society.

This had caused a feeling of harassment and intimidation at work for Jewish employees, and certainly any Jewish clients would be shocked and offended by seeing Citizens Advice members promoting the Palestine cause after the 7 October massacre.

She added: It remains to be seen whether this behaviour will now be curbed, following the regulatory advice it has been given by the Charity Commission.

More charities reported to regulator

Separately, UKLFI recently wrote to 12 charities it said are associated with the Climate Justice Coalition (CJC), which it alleges may have been acting illegally by signing up to CJCs campaigns against Israel.

UKLFI accused CJC of listing anti-Israel campaigns on its website, including a campaign against arms sales to the country with Global Justice Now and a petition for a ceasefire with Friends of the Earth.

Several of the charities which are either members or associated with CJC dont include political campaigning against Israel as part of their charitable objects, UKLFI said.

Charities are allowed to conduct political campaigns as long as they further their charitable objectives, but in the case of the 12 charities identified by UKLFI, this wasnt the case.

UKLFI wrote to the charities in mid-November before reporting them to the regulator for allegedly breaching their charitable objects.

A commission spokesperson said: Concerns have been raised with us about a number of charities allegedly undertaking political activity outside of their charitable purposes.

Were currently assessing these to determine if there is a role for the commission, and any next steps.

sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector,
Wildfires that have ravaged swaths of Los Angeles could result in losses of as much as $30 billion for the insurance industry as the blazes rage on almost a week after they ignited.

The new estimates from Wells Fargo & Co. and Goldman Sachs Group Inc. analysts significantly exceed last weeks highest prediction from JPMorgan Chase & Co. that the fires stood to cost insurers roughly $20 billion.

Home-insurance providers will bear the brunt of the cost. Allstate Corp., Chubb Ltd., American International Group. and Travelers Cos are the most exposed among the firms covered by Wells Fargo analysts, according to a note the bank sent to clients Jan. 12.

Related: Los Angeles Fires Rage as High Winds Set to Return This Week

The most exposed insurers not covered by the bank include Mercury General Corp. and Cincinnati Financial Corp, according to the analysts.

Global property and casualty insurers are also beginning to acknowledge the disasters impact.

Japans Tokio Marine Holdings Inc. is making group-wide efforts to pay insurance claims to those affected as quickly as possible, President Satoru Komiya said at a briefing in Tokyo on Tuesday. Its too early to estimate the impact of the LA wildfires on the insurers business performance, he said.

Tokio Marine, along with Japans MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings Inc. and Sompo Holdings Inc., are collectively exposed to about 3% of insured damage from the California fires, according to an estimate from Steven Lam, an analyst with Bloomberg Intelligence.

Los Angeles is grappling with a second week of wind gusts exacerbating wildfires and hindering firefighters efforts to contain them. At least 24 people have died and more than 12,000 buildings across over 40,000 acres in the Pacific Palisades and Altadena neighborhoods burned to the ground.

Goldman Sachs analysts estimated insured losses between $10 billion to $30 billion, likely rising to around $40 billion when taking into account uninsured losses, according to a note dated Jan. 13. The fires are expected to have a drag on US nonfarm payrolls growth of 15,000 to 25,000 in January, the bank added.

Related: Mercury General Wildfire Losses Will Hit Reinsurance Cover. One Event?

As of Monday, the Palisades and Eaton fires remained largely uncontrolled.

Top photo: Damaged and destroyed buildings after the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. At least two rounds of vicious, dry Santa Ana winds are expected to blast through Southern California early this week, bringing powerful gusts that will challenge fire crews struggling to contain two destructive blazes and likely force thousands more residents to evacuate.

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.
CLEVELAND, Ohio  The water in Lake Erie is colder, but not cold enough to prevent the lake-effect from targeting the snow belt east of Cleveland.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for Ashtabula, Lake and Geauga counties, effective from 8 a.m. Tuesday until 4 p.m. Wednesday.

The good news is not a lot of snow is in the forecast. An estimated 3 to 5 inches could fall by Wednesday afternoon.

But travel still could be difficult because of squalls and wind gusts up to 35 mph. The Weather Service says northern Geauga County should see the largest amounts of snow, with snowfall rates of 1 inch per hour Tuesday afternoon into Tuesday evening.

The Ohio Department of Transportation is encouraging residents to delay unnecessary travel during the advisory.

Snow is possible in the Cleveland area but less than 1 inch of accumulation is expected. It will be cold on Tuesday, with highs in the low 20s but wind chills around minus-1. Winds will be steady around 13 to 16 mph and wind gusts will be near 30 mph.

The overnight low Tuesday will be in the mid-teens and it will remain windy, with gusts around 26 mph. Snow again is possible in the Cleveland area but there will be little accumulation.
January 14, 2025: The tragedy began eleven years ago on February 27th when Ukrainians demonstrated in the capital Kyiv. This became known as the Euromaidan protests, which ousted pro-Russia President Viktor Yanukovych because he refused to sign a trade agreement with the European Union or EU. With Yanukovych gone, Ukraine returned to its 2004 Constitution, which was amended in 2019 to include seeking to join the EU and NATO. The Russian response was to invade Ukraine in February 2014 and seize Crimea while Russian soldiers in civilian clothes and pro-Russian locals seized most of the eastern Ukraine Donbas region, This area contained most of two provinces, Donetsk and Luhansk, which local Russians renamed Donetsk People's Republic or DPR and the Luhansk People's Republic or LPR. Russia recognized the two as independent states and began sending in more Russian soldiers dressed as civilians along with more weapons and munitions.

Ukraine quickly mobilized soldiers and volunteer militias to stop the two new republics from expanding. Meanwhile Russia annexed Crimea and made it part of Russia. Thousands of Russians lived in Crimea, where Ukraine had leased the Russian Navy the port of Sebastopol as a base for the Black Sea Fleet. The Russians in the port included members of the Spetsnaz, the Russian special operation force. The Spetsnaz operatives managed the fake referendum that justified Russia annexing Crimea.

Crimea and the Donbas had ethnic Russian minorities that comprised about half the population in these areas. That made it easier for Russia to organize local militias to fight for Russia. Ukrainian Russians who refused were sent to Russia and persuaded to become pro-Russian.

The Russian government and its leader Vladimir Putin has warned the West to not get involved in Ukraine as otherwise Russia would consider using its nuclear weapons to protect Russian interests. This was a frightening development because Russia had, since the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991 cooperated in dismantling most of its nuclear weapons. The West provided billions in aid and technical assistance to help with this effort. Ukraine also agreed to give up the Soviet nukes it inherited in return for cash and a promise from Russia that Russia would never take advantage of the surrendered Ukrainian nukes to try and regain control of Ukraine.

Russia ignored all the evidence, from inside Russia and Ukraine, that its officials were lying about successful Russian efforts to grab Crimea and Donbas. The rest of the world feared this might lead to a nuclear war. At the very least it has become clear that the Russians felt they had the right to grab territory from neighbors and were willing to see themselves destroyed in a nuclear exchange if the rest of the world did not give in. Eventually this was revealed to be a Russian bluff, even though Putin would regularly threaten to go nuclear if he didnt get his way.

The low level fighting in Donbas continued from 2014 to 2022 and left about 11,000 dead, 59 percent of them pro-Russian. Over 300,000 Ukrainians were driven from their homes, many of them ending up in refugee camps. The Ukrainian military tried to get organized. Since Ukraine became independent in 1991 the military had been crippled by small budgets, corruption and a general attitude that military effectiveness was not important. Until the 2014 Russian invasion it was believed that the 1994 treaty with Russia and guaranteed by the United States and Britain would be honored and Russia would not invade. When it became obvious that Russia was reneging on that deal it was too late to quickly undo two decades of military mismanagement. There are too few officers who were honest and competent enough to get things done, like buying ammunition, recruiting and training troops and leading them into combat effectively. Despite that, between 2014 and 2022 Ukraine trained troops for combat, organized special counter-terror and urban combat units as quickly as it could and sent them off to Donbas. The United States and NATO provided help unofficially since there was not yet a formal military alliance with Ukraine.

The main problem was that by 2021 Russia had about ten times as many troops as Ukraine and for over a decade has been concentrating on getting theirs trained, equipped and in shape for combat. Ukraine had been at it for less than ten years. Thus when Russia sends in troops, which it did regularly between 2014 and 2022, the less competent Ukrainian forces had a hard time dealing with that. Russia was still reluctant to send in a larger force or one or two combat brigades and still pretended that the Donbas rebels were locals. Most of them were Russians, and most of those were Russian Federal Republic soldiers, including a number of the Spetsnaz operatives that keep rebels organized and functioning. That had been difficult with the Ukrainian August 2014 offensive which caused many of the local separatists to desert. This apparently caused Russia to send in troops rather than risk seeing the pro-Russian rebels crushed.

Russia was feeling a lot more internal opposition as families of Russian soldiers killed or captured inside Ukraine demanded information and explanations from the government. The state-controlled media kept this out of their news coverage but Russians published cell phone videos of the anguished families, and even Russian soldiers, contradicting the official government line that there were no Russian troops in Ukraine. This happened despite the families of dead or missing soldiers being warned to keep quiet, especially when foreign media was involved, about their loss or what they have learned. Some of the few remaining independent TV and radio stations also went public with what was really happening in eastern Ukraine. Hundreds of Russian troops had been killed, wounded or captured in eastern Ukraine and efforts to keep the troops and their families quiet were not working. Among Russians there was a lot of unhappiness with what their government was doing. Even some of the major Russian businessmen urged their government to reconsider. The businessmen, along with government and non-government economists, warned that the sanctions and loss of trust from the rest of the world would do enormous damage to the Russian economy. Senior government officials insisted that the West would back down and leave Ukraine with no choice but to let go of whatever territory Russia wanted. Most Russians were also appalled at their government's threat to use nuclear weapons. Nevertheless the idea of rebuilding the Russian Empire is popular with most Russians, especially older ones.

The 28 nations of the EU were divided on how far to go with EU wide economic sanctions. Some of the smaller nations do not want to suffer the economic pain the trade sanctions would cause them. The major trading nations especially the U.S. and Germany imposed their own sanctions and those hurt Russia the most. Moreover America, Britain and Germany, the major banking countries also made it more difficult for Russian banks to get desperately needed credit. Russia increasingly turned to China for help. But this made many Russian leaders nervous as China could make demands as payback for such aid and do it sooner rather than later. China has long-held territorial claims and much of the Russian Far East and wants more access to Russian markets and technology. Chinese help could cost more than Russia can afford in the long run.

August 23rd 2014 was the 75th anniversary of the secret, for a while Nazi-Soviet treaty in which the two dictatorships agreed to divide up East Europe. Thus when Germany invaded Poland in 1939, so did the Russians and each side knew where to stop and who would have what. Russia then seized the Baltic States and tried to take Finland, which defeated that invasion. This treaty ended in 1941 when Germany reneged and invaded Russia. Europeans dont like to dwell on the fact that they tried to negotiate with the Nazis and that allowed Germany to take a lot of territory without any interference from the major powers France and Britain. What happened in the late 1930s was happening again in 2014 Ukraine. Not the exact same situation.

In 2014 Germany was one of the pro-Ukraine powers and Russia is not as powerful, relatively, as the Soviet Union was back then. But the fundamentals are the same with a dictatorship pretending to be a democracy using all manner of subterfuge and deceit to justify aggression against a neighbor. In 2014 it was Ukraine but in 2008 Russia went after tiny Georgia and forced them to do what Russia wanted rather than what Georgians wanted. Then as now European nations are reluctant to confront the aggressor. The Russian threat to use their nukes is real, if remote. The fear of economic damage at home, even if it hurts Russia more from the use of sanctions against Russia, is a more immediate excuse to do nothing. Some EU members wanted to do as little as possible for Ukraine to avoid Russian economic retaliation.

Russia is a major trading partner with Western Europe and imposing sanctions caused lost business and unemployment in Europe. For European politicians the memory of what happened in the Great Depression of the 1930s is not as important as getting reelected. Moreover, many European leaders believed their Russian counterparts were desperate and not willing to take the public backlash in Russia if they backed off on Russias aggression and allowed Ukraine to keep its territory intact. Russian leader Vladimir Putin has never hidden his contempt for Western leaders and his belief that in a test of wills Russia will win and the West will back off, just as they did in 1939.

The growing list of sanctions against Russia hit the Russian arms industry particularly hard because new Russian weapons depend on Western suppliers for some of the high tech components needed. China took advantage of this by pointing out that China has become a major producer of high-end electronic and mechanical components and could probably replace Western suppliers now unavailable because of the sanctions. While Russia does not buy a lot of foreign weapons it does buy a lot of electronic components from the West. A lot of these items are dual use items that China and other East Asian countries also manufacture a lot of. China initially backed Russian efforts to annex parts of Ukraine. China believes they can replace enough Western suppliers to Russia to create about a billion dollars a year in additional business for Chinese firms.

By September 2014 the Ukrainian army had sent more troops to Donbas to keep defensive operations going. Ukraine also carried out a prisoner swap with Russia, sending back nine Russian paratroopers in return for 63 captured Ukrainian soldiers. Russian leaders were using a new term, New Russia to describe what they were doing in Ukraine and, without saying so, planned to do elsewhere. The objective was to restore the old Russian Empire. It was built by the czars over several centuries, taken over by the communists in the 1920s and then lost by the communists in 1991 when the Soviet Union collapsed. This caused half the Soviet population to leave for newly formed nations. Current Russian leaders, especially Vladimir Putin, are quite explicit in describing this loss of empire as the greatest tragedy of the 20th century. Many Russians agree, although most of the people in the 14 new nations created from the wreckage of that empire do not agree. Putin initially called for Ukraine to negotiate autonomy and eventually statehood for Donbas. That would be followed by Donbas asking to join the New Russia.

Ukraine responded by reviving conscription. It was only in 2013 that the always unpopular conscription was eliminated and the military went over to an all-volunteer force. Then came the Russian invasion. Before the end of 2014 over 100,000 young men were to be conscripted. It takes time to train new recruits and Ukraine asked NATO to supply trainers because many of the Ukrainian soldiers who would normally handle that were off fighting the Russians. Ukrainians were also discussing joining NATO, something many Ukrainians opposed in the past because there was fear it would make Russia very angry. That anger is no longer an issue but a reality and belonging to NATO seems one way, although a risky one, to keep the Russians out.

The fighting in Donbas was still going on in 2022 when Russia invaded northern Ukraine, hoping to quickly capture the Ukrainian capital Kyiv. That did not work out and Russia lost most of their modern tanks in that failed offensive. The surviving Russian troops were moved to Donbas, which has been a major front in the continuing Ukraine War.

Its unclear how this will end. Putin says he will fight a forever war until NATO countries tire of supporting Ukraine and ignore Russia conquering Ukraine. The Ukrainians insist they will keep fighting no matter what. To Ukrainians, the only thing worse than fighting Russians is being ruled by them.
Visa-free trips to China double in 2024

Xinhua) 14:54, January 14, 2025

BEIJING, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- The number of inbound trips made by foreigners to China under the country's visa-free policies in 2024 doubled compared with the previous year, indicating that China's expanded visa-free policies and related gestures promoting greater openness to the world are delivering benefits and gaining recognition from travelers globally.

Border inspection agencies across China handled 64.88 million cross-border trips by foreigners in 2024, up 82.9 percent from a year earlier. Among them, more than 20 million inbound trips by foreigners were made visa-free, a year-on-year increase of 112.3 percent, according to statistics released by the National Immigration Administration (NIA) on Tuesday.

This data showed that China recorded 610 million entries and exits in 2024 -- representing an increase of 43.9 percent from the 2023 figure.

In 2024, about 2.6 million Chinese visas were issued for foreigners, up 52.3 percent year on year, the administration's data revealed. Relevant authorities also provided greater convenience for 72,000 foreign nationals in terms of visa extension, renewal and reissuing in China.

Services for Chinese mainland residents keen to travel overseas have also been streamlined. In 2024, nearly 23.32 million passports were issued to Chinese citizens -- an annual increase of 26.5 percent. In addition, over 94.5 million permits or documents were issued to mainland residents for travel to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Macao Special Administrative Region and Taiwan region last year, marking a jump of 9.8 percent compared to 2023.

Last year, a total of 291 million cross-border trips were made by mainland residents, a year-on-year increase of 41.3 percent.

Meanwhile, mainland ports recorded 254 million cross-border trips made by Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan residents last year, up 38.8 percent year on year.

Immigration authorities also targeted crimes that sought to undermine border management, handling more than 35,000 cases and capturing over 79,000 suspects, according to the NIA.

Notably, relevant authorities busted nearly 500 drug-related cases, 105 of which involved narcotics weighing at least 10 kg -- arresting 653 people and seizing about 7.8 tonnes of narcotics.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Bristol Myers Squibb CEO Chris Boerner described his company's new drug, Cobenfy, which can be used to treat psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia, saying the treatment is effective without the serious side effects of other traditional medications.

"Unfortunately, until Cobenfy, we did not have a fundamentally new mechanism of action to treat those patients, and now we do," Boerner said. "We get efficacy on par with the best of the existing atypicals, but we don't see the side effect profile that you see with those drugs."

Schizophrenia is a debilitating mental illness that can cause hallucinations, delusions, paranoia and other emotional and behavioral issues. Many existing drugs that treat the condition come with side effects that lead patients to stop taking them, including weight gain and fatigue. The Food and Drug administration approved Cobenfy in September of 2024, and it is the first new type of treatment for the disorder in decades.

According to Boerner, doctors and schizophrenia patients are providing good feedback about Cobenfy, saying that it not only treats symptoms like hallucinations, but also provides relief for other cognitive impairments. He said Bristol Myers is researching other uses for the drug, including treatment for mania caused by bipolar disorder and psychosis seen in those with Alzheimer's disease.

Boerner also addressed concerns about upcoming patent expirations the company currently faces, which would likely lead to revenue losses. He said Bristol Myers has a "young portfolio growing assets," as well as "a string of new catalysts that are going to have data coming out over the next 18 to 24 months." He also said the company is in a strong financial position that allows it to continue to provide shareholders with "an attractive dividend."
Cleveland-Cliffs CEO Lourenco Goncalves said Monday he had a plan to buy U.S. Steel as he launched a tirade against Japan, calling the close U.S. ally "evil" during a press conference.

"I want to buy," Goncalves told journalists at the Butler works plant in Pennsylvania. "I have a plan, I have an all-American solution in place. The all-American solution centers on people, on workers."

Goncalves comments came after CNBC reported earlier Monday that Cleveland-Cliffs is partnering with Nucor in a potential bid for U.S. Steel. Cleveland-Cliffs is angling for U.S. Steel after President Joe Biden blocked the company's sale to Japan's Nippon Steel earlier this month, citing national security concerns.

Talk of a potential offer drove both U.S. Steel and Cleveland-Cliffs shares higher in trading on Monday, with shares closing up about 6% each. Nucor shares ended the day up 4%.

Goncalves launched a tirade against Japan during a press conference that ran more than 90 minutes and which was ostensibly held to mark the five-year anniversary of Cleveland-Cliffs acquisition of AK Steel.

The Cleveland Cliffs CEO attacked Japan as "evil," claiming that the U.S. ally had taught China how to dump steel on the U.S. market.

"Japan is evil. Japan taught China a lot of things," Goncalves said. "Japan taught China how to dump, how to have overcapacity, how to overproduce."

The CEO criticized Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba for expressing concern to Biden about the decision to block Nippon's acquisition of U.S. Steel. Goncalves challenged Ishiba to bring the same concerns to the White House when President-elect Donald Trump takes office.

"Japan beware," Goncalves said. "You don't understand who you are. You did not learn anything since 1945. You did not learn how good we are, how gracious we are, how magnanimous we are, how forgiving we are."

U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel have sued Goncalves, Cleveland-Cliffs, and United Steelworkers President David McCall in federal court, alleging that they coordinated actions to prevent the deal from taking place.

Goncalves has dismissed the lawsuit as a "shameless effort to scapegoat others for U.S. Steel's and Nippon Steel's self-inflicted disaster."

U.S. Steel said in a statement Monday that it remains committed to completing the merger agreement with Nippon. The company said it was "incredibly disappointed in the verbal attacks levied by Mr. Goncalves" against "the people of Japan  a critical U.S. ally."
Stock Chart Icon Stock chart icon Kraft Heinz's year-to-date stock performance.

Kraft Heinz : "That's the worst collection of brands I've ever seen. I think those guys should continue to go lower."

Stock Chart Icon Stock chart icon Ralph Lauren's year-to-date stock performance.

Ralph Lauren : "They've got tremendous design...You've got a winner there."

Stock Chart Icon Stock chart icon Aspen Aerogels' year-to-date stock performance.

Aspen Aerogels : "I would be very slow in buying that stock."

Stock Chart Icon Stock chart icon Arbutus Biopharma's year-to-date stock performance.

Arbutus Biopharma : "This is the ultimate spec."

Stock Chart Icon Stock chart icon Alaska Air Group's year-to-date stock performance.

Alaska Air Group : "They are so good, this is their moment. I think you have a total winner, I would stick with it."

Stock Chart Icon Stock chart icon KKR's year-to-date stock performance.

KKR : "I like the stock very much...I would be a buyer."

Stock Chart Icon Stock chart icon Crown Castle's year-to-date stock performance.

Crown Castle : "I have not liked Crown Castle for ages."

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Two Robinhood broker-dealers agreed to pay $45 million in combined penalties to settle administrative charges by the Securities and Exchange Commission that they violated more than 10 separate securities law provisions related to their brokerage operations.

The violations by Robinhood Securities LLC and Robinhood Financial LLC related to failures to report suspicious trading in a timely manner, failing to implement adequate identity theft protections, and failing to adequately address unauthorized access to Robinhood computer systems, the SEC said Monday.

The two Robinhood entities also had longstanding failures to maintain and preserve electronic communications, failed to retain copies of operational databases, and failed to maintain some customer communications as legally required between 2020 and 2021, according to the agency.

The SEC said that Robinhood Securities alone failed for more than five years "to provide complete and accurate securities trading information, known as blue sheet data" to the agency.

According to an SEC order made public Monday, "During the [Electronic Blue Sheets] Relevant Period, in response to requests from the Commission, Robinhood Securities made at least 11,849 EBS submissions to the Commission that contained inaccurate information or omissions, resulting from eleven types of errors."

"Those errors resulted in the misreporting of EBS data for at least 392 million transactions," the order said.
President Joe Biden. Irfan Khan | Los Angeles Times | Getty Images

The Biden administration announced this week yet another round of federal student loan forgiveness. More than 150,000 people stand to benefit from the roughly $4.2 billion in loan cancellation, which comes days before President Joe Biden leaves office. Here's who qualifies for the relief.

Students from schools that misled them

Nearly 85,000 people will get their federal student debt forgiven through the U.S. Department of Education's Borrower Defense Loan Discharge program. People may be eligible for the option if their school closed while they were enrolled or if they were misled by their school or didn't receive a quality education. More from Personal Finance:

How much, if any, bitcoin should you own?

Prices of top 25 Medicare Part D drugs have doubled

Nearly half of credit card users are carrying debt The Education Department said it had approved group discharges for 73,600 students who attended schools owned by the Center for Excellence in Higher Education, including Independence University and California College San Diego. The $1.15 billion in debt forgiveness will go to borrowers who attended these institutions between Jan. 1, 2006, and Aug. 1, 2021, the Education Department said. Another 11,000 borrowers will get their student debt canceled if they attended any location of Drake College of Business between Jan. 1, 2008, and July 31, 2015, when the school closed. That debt cancellation totals $107 million. Lastly, 280 borrowers who enrolled in the Criminal Justice Program at Lincoln Technical Institute's campus in Lowell, Massachusetts, between 2010 and 2012, or the Somerville, Massachusetts, campus from 2010 to 2013, will have their federal student debt cleared. These borrowers will receive a total of $1.4 million in loan forgiveness. Eligible borrowers who attended these institutions will receive the aid automatically, even if they didn't apply for it, the department said. Those who qualify should begin receiving emails in the coming days.

Borrowers with disabilities

An additional 61,000 federal student loan borrowers with a "total and permanent" disability will receive $2.5 billion in debt erasure, the Education Department said Monday. This round of relief includes some borrowers automatically approved for debt forgiveness through data matches with the U.S. Social Security Administration and the Department of Veteran Affairs. Other borrowers applied for the loan discharge. Borrowers may qualify for a Total and Permanent Disability, or TPD, Discharge if they suffer from a mental or physical disability that is severe and permanent, and prevents them from working. Proof of the disability can come from a doctor, the Social Security Administration, or the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Public servants
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An aircraft alledgedly carrying US businessman Donald Trump Jr. arrives in Nuuk, Greenland on January 7, 2025. Emil Stach | Afp | Getty Images

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's pursuit to acquire Greenland could well be motivated by critical minerals, with mining executives and researchers describing the island's massive resource potential as an "enormous opportunity." Trump's years-long bid to take control of the world's largest island has kicked into overdrive in recent weeks. Ahead of his inauguration on Jan. 20, Trump said U.S. ownership of the autonomous Danish territory is an "absolute necessity" for purposes related to "national security and freedom throughout the world." Trump has since doubled down on those comments, refusing to rule out the use of military or economic force to make Greenland a part of the U.S. Greenland's Prime Minister Mute Egede has told Trump that the Arctic island is "not for sale" and urged the international community to respect the territory's aspirations for independence. Alongside Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Egede has also recently called for talks with Trump to resolve the situation.

Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister Mute B. Egede attend a press conference in the Mirror Hall at the Prime Minister's Office, at Christiansborg in Copenhagen, Denmark, January 10, 2025. Tom Little | Reuters

Asked about Trump's fixation on making Greenland a part of the U.S., the president-elect's incoming national security advisor, Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla., was unequivocal. "This is about critical minerals. This is about natural resources," Waltz told Fox News in an interview on Jan. 9. "This is about reintroducing America in the Western Hemisphere," Waltz said. "You can call it Monroe Doctrine 2.0, but this is all part of the 'America First' agenda."

Greenland is going to become more and more topical; it is going to become more and more front and center because of the climate change discussion, the critical metals discussion and the geopolitical discussion. Roderick McIllree Executive director of 80 Mile

Critical minerals refer to a subset of materials considered essential to the energy transition. These minerals, which tend to have a high risk of supply chain disruption, include metals such as copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt and rare earth elements. Critical minerals and rare earth elements are vital components in emerging green technologies, such as wind turbines and electric vehicles, energy storage technologies and national security applications. China is the undisputed leader of the critical minerals supply chain, accounting for roughly 60% of the world's production of rare earth minerals and materials. U.S. officials have previously warned that this poses a strategic challenge amid the pivot to low-carbon energy sources.

In this aerial view melting icebergs crowd the Ilulissat Icefjord on July 16, 2024 near Ilulissat, Greenland. Sean Gallup | Getty Images News | Getty Images

Jakob Klve Keiding, senior consultant at the Geological Survey of Denmark and Greenland (GEUS), said a 2023 survey of Greenland's resource potential evaluated a total of 38 raw materials on the island, the vast majority of which have a relatively high or moderate potential. These materials include the rare earth metals graphite, niobium, platinum group metals, molybdenum, tantalum and titanium. "Overall, we can say that there is a huge potential for critical raw materials [in Greenland]," Keiding told CNBC via telephone. "Many of these are of great importance for the EU economy and, of course, it is not limited to just Europe. Many of these are also on the list of American [critical raw materials]," he added.

'Greenland is not for sale'

Aaja Chemnitz, a Greenland member of the Danish parliament from the Inuit Ataqatigiit party, described Trump's comments about Greenland as "disrespectful" and reaffirmed the prime minister's message by saying the territory is not for sale. "I'm not concerned. I think that some people in Greenland are quite concerned, but I think it is important for us to say that Greenland is not for sale, never has been for sale [and] never will be for sale," Chemnitz told CNBC's Silvia Amaro on Monday. Chemnitz said Greenlandic lawmakers would need to have "clear and very specific goals on how to collaborate with the U.S."

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Closer ties between Greenland and the U.S. moving forward, for instance, could help to facilitate investment in the island's mining industry, she added. "If we look at extraction, for example, of rare earths. This is something that we have been willing to do for a very long time. We've been looking for American investors, [but] we haven't found them, so they are quite welcome," Chemnitz said. The U.S. military maintains a permanent presence in northwest Greenland at the Pituffik Space Base, formerly known as Thule Air Base.

'A race for what's left'

Roderick McIllree, executive director of U.K.-based mining company 80 Mile, said he's been working in Greenland for just over 20 years on projects ranging from resource discovery to feasibility. "I think that what we're seeing in Greenland is really a race for what's left," McIllree told CNBC via video call. "A lot of independent state surveys are pointing to Greenland and its natural shelf boundaries as potentially hosting 20% to 25% of the last remaining extractable resources on the planet. Now, if that's right, that's an enormous opportunity for Greenland."

The Old Colonial Harbour of Nuuk, Greenland is pictured on August 30, 2024. Greenland, an icy land whose rugged landscapes are bewitching, wants to attract more tourists, a paradox for a territory that is particularly vulnerable to global warming and whose geographical isolation means that many people have to take planes to get there. James Brooks | Afp | Getty Images

80 Mile currently has three projects it is actively developing in Greenland, including a large oil concession on the island's east coast, a titanium project near Pituffik in the northwest and its Disko-Nuussuaq project in the southwest. Underlining the resource potential in the territory, McIllree said the firm's Disko project could be one of the largest occurrences of nickel and copper on the planet. "Greenland is going to become more and more topical; it is going to become more and more front and center because of the climate change discussion, the critical metals discussion and the geopolitical discussion. And its proximity to the U.S. really kind of makes it a natural jurisdiction for significant U.S. investment," McIllree said. "If Greenland play their cards right, this will lead to their independence," he added.

'Significant strategic interest'

In March last year, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen traveled to Nuuk, Greenland to inaugurate an EU office in the island's capital. The move, which came several months before Donald Trump Jnr.'s recent trip to the same city, was designed to firm up Europe's presence in the territory as well as the broader Arctic region. Von der Leyen announced two cooperation agreements totaling almost 94 million euros ($95.9 million) at the time, which she said would be used to invest in clean energy, critical raw materials and skills in Greenland.

(L-R) President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, Greenlandic Prime Minister Mute B Egede and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen sign an agreement on the opening of the European Commission's new office in Nuuk, Greenland, on March 15, 2024. Leiff Josefsen | Afp | Getty Images
A version of this article first appeared in CNBC's Healthy Returns newsletter, which brings the latest health-care news straight to your inbox. Subscribe here to receive future editions.

Good afternoon from San Francisco! This week, Ashley and I are attending the annual JPMorgan Health Care Conference  the largest gathering of biotech and pharma execs, investors and analysts in the U.S.

The conference is a pulse for what to expect from the health-care industry in 2025. Executives from companies large and small highlighted their key business and drug pipeline updates, but also weighed in on the Trump administration's potential impact on the sector and the outlook for the M&A and IPO markets.

Notably, the conference appears to have beefed up security around the main venue  the Westin St. Francis Hotel  this year in light of the killing of Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealth Group's insurance arm, in New York City in December. Cluster of cops appear to be stationed in the area surrounding the hotel and metal barriers line the entrances of the venue, which are flanked by several private security guards checking badges of attendees.

Meanwhile, a group of protesters waited outside the venue, clutching signs that slam the insurance industry, which has faced an eruption of pent-up anger and frustration from the public since the killing.

As usual, the conference kicked off with a few deals, including one of the largest deals we've seen since late 2023.

Here's a quick recap of what I've seen in the biotech and pharma space so far:

GSK on Monday also announced a $1 billion deal to acquire another privately held cancer drug developer, IDRx. The agreement gives GSK an experimental treatment for a rare gastrointestinal cancer

Moderna lowered its 2025 sales guidance by roughly $1 billion due to a few potential headwinds later this year, including increased competition in the Covid vaccine market, as the biotech company continues to slash costs.

Eli Lilly on Tuesday cut its revenue guidance as it said demand for its weight loss and diabetes drugs would not meet its high expectations.

Feel free to send any tips, suggestions, story ideas and data to Annika at annikakim.constantino@nbcuni.com.
Broadcom and Marvell Technology could see more significant gains than Nvidia in the new year, according to Jefferies. "We continue to like NVDA on the precipice of the Blackwell ramp but see more upside in AVGO and MRVL as they ride the wave of rising demand for custom silicon," wrote analyst Blayne Curtis. Curtis expects that opportunities remain in artificial intelligence even as the trade enters the "later innings." He views sectors beyond AI as "still early days." The firm sees the most upside in store for Broadcom. Curtis named it a top pick due to its strong and growing customer base. He also expects AI-related stocks to continue outperforming analog and semiconductor capital equipment, or semi-cap, names. "Analog setup remains challenging with recent commentary suggesting limited recovery in either Auto or Industrial, pushing the recovery trade into mid-year," he wrote. "Semi-Cap names need a reset to estimates but the stocks pulled back in 2H24 ... and we think investors likely warm up to these names before analog." Beyond Broadcom, the firm also named Marvell Technology as a stock with the potential for more significant upside to Nvidia with the rollout of Amazon 's Trainium2 chips. MRVL YTD mountain Shares so far this year Even after another strong calendar year from Nvidia, Jefferies remains bullish on the AI chip darling, noting that new product releases have historically been the "right time" to hold the stock. The company's Blackwell chip is set to launch this year. "Concerns about rumored Blackwell delays/April air pocket are overdone, and we still see NVDA capturing the lion's share of the exploding AI spend," he wrote.
The fastest-growing job in Australia is English teacher, according to LinkedIn's 2025 "Jobs on the Rise" report.

Australia's fastest-growing roles are from the education, travel and hospitality sectors  with titles such as English teacher, server and travel specialist making the top of LinkedIn's 2025 list of jobs on the rise.

"In 2024, we saw a strong focus on technology and engineering roles, with positions like cyber security analyst, platform engineer, and integration engineer leading the way [in Australia]," LinkedIn career expert Cayla Dengate told CNBC Make It.

While these remain crucial sectors, "the shift towards hospitality, travel, and education in 2025 reflects broader economic and societal trends," Dengate said. "This includes the recovery from the pandemic and the increasing importance of soft skills and continuous learning."

Notably, "English teacher" was ranked the fastest-growing role in Australia. That was driven by various factors such as the increasing need for English language skills as the country's international student population grows, said Dengate.

The resurgence seen in these sectors can present an opportunity for job seekers looking to enter or re-enter the workforce, she added.

LinkedIn's 2025 "Jobs on the Rise" report identified the fastest-growing job titles in Australia over the last three years, based on an analysis of millions of jobs started by LinkedIn members from January 2022 to July 2024.

These are the 15 fastest-growing roles in Australia, according to LinkedIn.
Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos will attend President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration, NBC News reported Tuesday. They'll be joined by Apple CEO Tim Cook, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday.

They will be seated on the platform near Cabinet officials and elected leaders, according to a person familiar with the planning of the inauguration who spoke to NBC News.

The prominent attendance of several tech luminaries and billionaires at Trump's inauguration signals how quickly the technology industry leadership has warmed up to Trump as he takes his second term as president.

During Trump's first term, Bezos regularly clashed with the president over his ownership of The Washington Post, Amazon's relationship with the U.S. Postal Service and how much tax the tech company paid. Zuckerberg also traded barbs with Trump, particularly over immigration and misinformation.

But as Trump takes office for a second time, the technology industry has contributed to his inaugural fund and several CEOs have praised Trump and offered well wishes for his administration.

Musk has joined Trump's administration in a role overseeing a forthcoming advisory board dubbed the Department of Government Efficiency that is looking to find government waste and cut it. He's also spent time with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida.

Amazon and Meta have contributed $1 million each to Trump's inaugural fund. Google also contributed $1 million, CNBC reported last week. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman contributed $1 million, and so has Apple CEO Tim Cook, according to a Axios report that the tech company has not commented on.

Reps for Musk, Zuckerberg and Bezos didn't immediately comment to NBC News. A representative for Apple declined to comment.
Cattle photographed in New Zealand. Agriculture plays a major role in New Zealand's economy, especially when it comes to exports. David Clapp | Stone | Getty Images

New Zealand's prime minister told CNBC the country has to look beyond its own backyard for trade opportunities, as the South Pacific island nation signs an economic partnership with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The free trade agreement, known formally as the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), is seen by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon as a chance to expand bilateral trade between the countries and makes the UAE one of the island's largest markets in the Middle East. "We've had a long-standing relationship over 40 years of diplomatic recognition, and really the chance now for us is to deepen and to broaden the economic relationship," Luxon told CNBC Monday. "That's why the signing of the CEPA and also the bilateral investment treaty is really important, because actually these are two small advanced economies in the world that actually have a lot in common and a

lot of common values, and we want to be able to work together and build out that relationship."

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New Zealand's key exports to the UAE include dairy, industrial products, meat, horticultural products and travel services, the government said as it announced the deal. The agreement, expected to come into force later this year, comes as the government aims to double the value of exports in 10 years. It said the CEPA will mean that 99% of New Zealand goods exporters are able to access the UAE market duty free. "This includes all New Zealand's dairy, red meat, horticultural and industrial products immediately when the Agreement enters into force," it noted. "One in four of our jobs in New Zealand are tied very much to trade," Luxon, head of the center-right New Zealand National Party who's been in power since late 2023, told CNBC's Dan Murphy in Abu Dhabi Monday. "When you see a New Zealand company that's exporting out to the world, it's able to pay its workers

7% higher salaries and wages, and they're often our more productive companies. The message to people at home is that they understand that we are a trading nation. We don't get rich just selling stuff to each other in the South Pacific or within New Zealand," he said. "We actually need to send out great products and services out into the world, of which there's huge demand for, and make sure we open up new markets like the Middle East to actually get those products too. In doing that, we bring more money back at home, and that, obviously, is the way in which we can afford better public services like health and education," Luxon added. New Zealand is in need of an economic boost after its economy contracted last year and entered recession territory in the third quarter. The economy shrunk by 1% in the July-September quarter, data released in December showed. The fall followed a 1.1% contraction in the previous quarter. Two straight quarters of negative growth is widely considered a technical recession.

WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND - NOVEMBER 03: Incoming Prime Minister and National Party leader Christopher Luxon speaks during a media stand-up at Parliament on November 03, 2023 in Wellington, New Zealand. Special votes cast overseas and by mail were certified on Friday, finally sealing the results of New Zealand's general elections. The Labour party was soundly defeated by the National Party, led by Christopher Luxon, winning the most votes. National will however need the support of both ACT and NZ First parties to form the next coalition Government. (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images) Hagen Hopkins | Getty Images News | Getty Images
When Samsung reported fourth-quarter preliminary profit that missed market forecasts in a big way, its stock rose. Investors put aside the numbers and instead focused on comments from Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, giving hope of a revival for Samsung in 2025. It comes after a near-$162-billion market cap wipeout for Samsung in 2024 driven by one major factor: the view that the tech giant had so far missed out on the AI boom which has boosted other tech companies across the board. Samsung's share price rise following Huang's comments  despite disappointing earnings  underscores how its success this year could hinge on Nvidia, whose CEO has proved on a number of occasions that his words have the power to move markets. Samsung declined to comment when contacted by CNBC. Samsung's challenges Samsung was once the dominant player in memory, a type of semiconductor used to store data that can be found in devices like laptops and smartphones. While the South Korean titan is known as a major player in consumer electronics, which does form a big part of its business, the bulk of its profit comes from semiconductors, and in particular the sale of memory. However, memory prices have been depressed amid sluggish demand which has weighed on Samsung's profitability. The company said operating profit for the quarter ended Dec. 31 would be around 6.5 trillion won ($4.47 billion), missing LSEG estimates of 7.7 trillion won. Why Nvidia matters for Samsung Nvidia chips and systems go into data centers where they are used to train huge artificial intelligence models such as those developed by OpenAI. Part of Nvidia's systems require a component known as high-bandwidth memory, or HBM. This next generation of memory involves stacking multiple dynamic random access memory (or DRAM) chips. With Samsung's leading position in traditional memory, many had thought the company would be a key supplier to Nvidia and play a major role in the AI boom. That  so far  has not come to pass. Samsung has fallen behind long-time rival SK Hynix in HBM, with analysts previously telling CNBC that this was due to Samsung's underinvestment in the technology. SK Hynix is Nvidia's top supplier of HBM and Nvidia has not certified Samsung's HBM to be used in its latest products. However, Nvidia's Huang told reporters last week that he was sure Samsung could redesign its HBM to meet the company's requirements. "I have confidence that Samsung will succeed with HBM memory. I have confidence like tomorrow is Wednesday," Huang reportedly said, according to media outlets at his press briefing. Huang's backing of Samsung sent shares higher; so far in January, they're around 1.7% higher. "Samsung's success in 2025 hinges on NVIDIA qualification," MS Hwang, research director at Counterpoint Research, told CNBC by email. Samsung redesign close? Chip firms are focusing on increasing the performance of their semiconductors while reducing power consumption. Huang's did not expand on the exact parts of Samsung's HBM that need a redesign but Counterpoint's Hwang said Samsung was shifting its focus from "chip size or cost to control power consumption or heat." "Changing process platform takes years, but the inflection point is expected to be in 2025," Hwang added. While Huang said he expects Samsung to succeed in its Nvidia qualification  and relatively quickly  Kazunori Ito, director of equity research at Morningstar, noted that the Nvidia CEO's comments didn't give any indication of a timeline for the redesign and certification. Instead, it may be a ploy from Huang to gain leverage over Nvidia's other HBM suppliers, Ito said. "NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang mentioned at CES that it will not take long for Samsung to redesign HBM and [be] certified, but I believe this only shows NVIDIA's intention to add Samsung to the HBM supplier list to get more supply and pricing power over suppliers," Ito told CNBC via email. "His comments have not changed much over the past few months, so it is hard for us to assess the timeline."
Secretary of Defense hopeful Pete Hegseth called himself the target of a "coordinated smear campaign" as he denied a raft of allegations about his personal and professional conduct at a high-stakes Senate confirmation hearing Tuesday. Hegseth said reports about his alleged sexual impropriety, alcohol abuse and mismanagement of nonprofits were based on "anonymous sources" and peddled by media outlets trying to "destroy me." But Democrats on the Senate Armed Services Committee grilled him about those and other controversies throughout the tense hearing on whether the 44-year-old Army National Guard veteran and former Fox News host is qualified to lead the Pentagon, the nation's largest government agency. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., homed in on Hegseth's admitted past infidelities and admonished him not to "make this into some anonymous press thing," noting that some allegations against him have been made on the record.

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Hegseth also faced an early grilling from Democrats about his past comments on the role of women and other groups in the military. "You've denigrated active-duty service members," said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y. "We have hundreds, hundreds of women who are currently in the infantry, lethal members of our military serving in the infantry. But you degrade them." Hegseth responded that he respected all female service members and that his concerns were solely about whether standards have been lowered for the troops. When Gillibrand asked for an example, Hegseth said there were quotas for female infantry officers. Gillibrand shot back, "That does not exist."

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Republicans on the Senate panel offered near-uniform praise for Hegseth, and many echoed his criticisms of the U.S. military's direction under the Biden administration. Others used their speaking times to defend Hegseth from the panel's Democrats. Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., at one point accused Democrats of hypocrisy over their questions. "How many senators do you know have got a divorce before cheating on their wives? Did you ask them to step down?" Mullin said. "No, but it's for show." The committee's chairman, Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., said in his opening remarks that Hegseth's unconventional candidacy may be what makes him "an excellent choice," and compared him to President-elect Donald Trump.

Pete Hegseth, US President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Defense Secretary, testifies during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Capitol Hill on January 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by SAUL LOEB / AFP) (Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images) Saul Loeb | Afp | Getty Images

But the committee's ranking Democrat, Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island, bluntly told Hegseth, "I do not believe that you are qualified to meet the overwhelming demands of this job." Reed said he finds the allegations against Hegseth "extremely alarming." "I voted in favor of all your predecessors, including those in the first Trump administration. Unfortunately, you lack the character and composure and competence to hold the position of secretary of Defense," Reed said. As he entered the hearing, Hegseth was greeted with a standing ovation from some audience members. But shortly after he began his opening remarks, Hegseth was interrupted three separate times by protesters who shouted at him as they were carried out of the room.

A protestor is carried out of the room by Capitol Police officers as Pete Hegseth, US President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Defense Secretary, testifies during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Capitol Hill on January 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. Allison Robbert | Afp | Getty Images

Trump has stood behind Hegseth, who has defended himself against the allegations. He denied being pushed out of the two vets' groups, and said he would not drink alcohol if he was confirmed as Defense secretary. He has also denied allegations that he sexually assaulted a woman at a hotel in 2017, while he was at Fox. A probe by police in Monterey, California, ended without charges against Hegseth. His attorney, who repeatedly called the accusations false, has acknowledged that Hegseth reached a confidential settlement with the woman. The district attorney later said she did not file charges because, "No charges were supported by proof beyond a reasonable doubt." In his opening remarks, Hegseth said he is "incredibly proud" of the work he did for the nonprofits, and defended his resume and leadership credentials. While he served tours in Guantanamo Bay, Iraq and Afghanistan, Hegseth has significantly less senior military or government experience than other recent Pentagon leaders. Current Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, for instance, has more than 40 years of military experience and had served as commander of U.S. Central Command. "It is true that I don't have a similar biography to Defense Secretaries of the last 30 years," Hegseth's opening statement said.
Here Tuesday's the biggest calls on Wall Street: Loop initiates Advanced Micro Devices as buy Loop said the stock has "dominant revenue exposure to mature end markets." "We are initiating coverage of AMD with a Buy rating and $175 tgt." Mizuho initiates Maplebearas buy Mizuho said the company has a "category-leading position." "We view competitive concerns overstated given CART's deep technology integration with grocers on inventory, and combined with its largest transactions data and specialized delivery workforce, the business model creates an unparalleled user experience..." Wells Fargo upgrades Air Products to overweight from equal weight Wells Fargo said the company's turnaround is underway and is answering shareholder concerns. "We upgrade APD to OW from EW and set a 12-month PT of $350 based on FY25E EV/EBITDA of 16.0x." Wells Fargo reiterates Netflix as overweight Wells said it's standing by the stock ahead of earnings next week. "We think NFLX could beat on Q4 subs, but upward '25 revisions could be constrained by the stronger USD + investing in the ad strategy. The stock has rerated to 35x P/E on sports/live. We like the long term, but we're less favorable on the setup." Goldman Sachs upgrades Hesai to buy from neutral Goldman said it's bullish on shares of the self-driving tech stock. "We upgrade Hesai to Buy (from Neutral) with a revised 12-month target price of US$18.4, implying 35% upside potential. Wells Fargo reiterates Microsoft as overweight Wells Fargo said it's bullish on the stock ahead of earnings later this month. "From our recent field work, we're expecting a balanced FQ2 w/o any major surprises from MSFT. See any clearing of AI capacity debate ( & clarity on Azure re-accel) as likely to unlock more significant 2H upside. Reiterate OW & $515 PT." Morgan Stanley upgrades Acuity Brands to overweight from equal weight Morgan Stanley said it's bullish on shares of the lighting company. "Structurally higher growth + gross margin not reflected in Consensus estimates nor AYI valuation." Goldman Sachs reiterates Meta as buy Goldman said it likes Meta ahead of earnings later this month. "We believe META mgmt remains focused on long-term opportunities (artificial intelligence & Reality Labs), with an increased focus on aligning investments across a world-class compute infrastructure, open-source software initiatives and a raised range of forward capex." JPMorgan reiterates Nvidia as overweight The firm said it's sticking with the stock following a meeting with Nvidia management at the JPMorgan healthcare conference. "The healthcare vertical business is estimated to drive $1B+ of annual recurring revenues in FY26, making it one of the top vertical market segments within Nvidia' s datacenter business." Deutsche Bank initiates Pony.ai as buy Deutsche said the China robotaxi tech company is best positioned. " Pony is a global leader in large-scale commercialization of autonomous mobility, mainly 'level 4' robotaxis. It is the only robotaxi technology company that has obtained all available regulatory permits in tier-1 cities in China, including public facing, fare-charging robotaxi services without safety drivers in Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, and public-facing road-testing robotaxis in Shanghai." BTIG upgrades Instacart to buy from neutral The firm said in its upgrade of the stock that it's a category leader. "We upgrade CART from Neutral to Buy and initiate a 12-month PT of $58. Highlights: 1) The immediate catalyst for the upgrade is a stepup in estimates with our tracking pointing to strong order growth, putting us above consensus for 4Q and 2025; 2) Bigger picture, CART is a leader in a secular growth category..." Bernstein reiterates Robinhood as outperform Bernstein said the stock is a top idea in 2025 and is well positioned in crypto. " Robinhood is our new Best Idea in our Global Digital Assets coverage. It has so far operated a constrained crypto business, but we expect this to change as the regulatory environment for crypto becomes more favorable." Barclays reiterates Netflix as underweight The firm raised its price target on the stock to $715 per share from $550. " Netflix's premium valuation is predicated on revenue growth being at least in the low double digit range." Jefferies names Broadcom a top pick Jefferies said the semis company is a top idea in 2025. "AVGO Top Pick but Plenty of Growth to Go Around." Bank of America names Ferrari a top pick Bank of America said the luxury auto company has a "strong product, pricing, tech, and earnings." "We have a Buy rating on RACE, which is a unique asset with significant intangible brand value and a true luxury status." Truist initiates Lockheed Martin as buy Truist said it sees an attractive entry point for the defense company. "We initiate coverage on LMT with a BUY rating/$579 PT. We believe LMT's recent 24.5% pullback off its recent high has created a compelling entry point." Seaport upgrades Visa to buy from neutral and downgrades Mastercard to neutral from buy The firm said it prefers Visa over Mastercard due to U.S. exposure. "We've upgraded Visa to Buy from Neutral  this year, we prefer it on a relative basis over Mastercard (downgrading Mastercard to Neutral from Buy). This is primarily due to Visa's more significant US exposure (a key theme of ours in '25) - we expect upside vs. consensus revenue/EPS for Visa this year." Morgan Stanley downgrades Las Vegas Sands to equal weight from overweight Morgan Stanley said it sees a more "balanced risk/reward." "As such, we downgrade LVS to EW from OW as consensus appears to already reflect strong underlying market growth plus share gains in Macau, resulting in less upside to #s and a more balanced risk-reward." Bank of America reiterates Alphabet as buy The firm raised its price target on the stock to $225 per share from $210. "With search still far overshadowing value of other businesses, we view 2025 as a pivotal year, which could help establish Google as either an Al leader (via AI Overview traction) or see elevation in search disruption risk."
Dave Bolotsky didn't want a career on Wall Street. Still, as a 22-year-old trying to move out of his parents' home and pay off his student loans, he took an analyst job at investment bank First Boston in 1985. By 1999, he had worked his way up to a managing director position at Goldman Sachs, where he says he was due to receive about $10 million worth of stock when the bank went public. He turned down that major bonus to pursue his own business idea instead: Uncommon Goods, an online, small-production gift store. The website offers a variety of products made by independent artists and designers, such as function-forward items like a popcorn bowl that separates out the unpopped kernels. Bolotsky had the idea after visiting a craft show and seeing the desire shoppers have for personalized, handcrafted items. "If I'm buying [you] a birthday gift, I want you to know that I went the extra mile, that I put some thought into it, and I know what makes you tick," he tells CNBC Make It. "You're not going to get that at Pottery Barn or some random store at the mall." Many people today would  and did, back then  balk at the idea of Bolotsky walking away from a $10 million payout. But, "my attitude was, I'm 36 years old, I don't want to live a life of regret, and money is not what makes me happy," Bolotsky says. Now, 25 years later, he still doesn't regret that decision.

Leaving Goldman Sachs 'seemed a little bit crazy'

"The idea of walking away just as Goldman's going public, seemed a little bit crazy," Bolotsky says. "My department gave me a going away present that had a baby picture of me and they gave me a huge jar of nuts [with it], and it said, 'David's nuts.'" His peers asked Bolotsky why he didn't just wait a year or two, collect his stock bonus, then leave Goldman Sachs with a hefty "nut" to start his new venture. "I felt that so much was changing, and so much was happening [with] the internet at that time, and it was still early days that there really was an opportunity," he says. Not only was it a risk to leave a multimillion-dollar bonus and a steady paycheck, but online shopping wasn't ubiquitous yet. Starting an ecommerce business was no sure thing. "While it was scary for me to leave [Goldman], I've always lived pretty conservatively from a financial perspective," Bolotsky says. He lived frugally and had been saving much of his Wall Street earnings, so "it was not nearly as big a risk as somebody who mortgages their home or takes on a lot of debt. I didn't have to do that." Uncommon Goods' early investors were "friends and family," he says, including retailers he'd gotten to know from his time as an analyst on Wall Street.

The path to profitability

Despite early sales success, it took a few years for Uncommon Goods to really get off the ground. Bolotsky was "loaning the business much of my life savings" for the first few years to make it to the lucrative winter holiday season. Bolotsky didn't take home a salary until 2005, living primarily off his savings in the meantime. The company started with hefty overhead costs that would have required rapid and exponential sales growth to recoup, Bolotsky says. Instead, it reduced operating costs dramatically by shrinking the team from 35 employees to five and downsizing the production space while growing sales at a realistic pace. Uncommon Goods had its first profitable year in 2003  four years after its inception. Since then, the company has remained profitable every year except 2022, when sales settled down from a pandemic boost, but operating costs grew and remained elevated. Profitability remains a priority for Bolotsky, but not if it were to mean compromising the company's core values. In 2007, Uncommon Goods became one of the first ever B corporations, a designation that shows a company is committed to promoting a positive social and environmental impact. Balancing those values  and the cost of doing so  with growing profitability is an ongoing challenge, but an important one for Bolotsky. Uncommon Goods' warehouse staff in Brooklyn, New York, earns a minimum of $20 an hour, for example. That's $4 above the minimum wage in the city and nearly triple the federal minimum wage of $7.25. "When business is great, it's easy to balance both [core values and profitability]," Bolotsky says. "When business isn't great, you have to make tough choices."

'Very happy with the path I've taken'
Special Counsel Jack Smith makes a statement to reporters about the 37 federal charges returned by a grand jury in an indictment of former U.S. President Donald Trump on charges of unauthorized retention of classified documents and conspiracy to obstruct justice as Smith speaks at his offices in Washington, U.S. June 9, 2023.

The U.S. Justice Department on Tuesday released Special Counsel Jack Smith's report on Donald Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 election, the last act of a prosecutor whose historic criminal cases were thwarted by Trump's November election victory.

The report is expected to detail Smith's decision to bring a four-count indictment against Trump accusing the Republican president-elect of plotting to obstruct the collection and certification of votes following his 2020 defeat by Democratic President Joe Biden.

A second section of the report details Smith's case accusing Trump of illegally retaining sensitive national security documents after leaving the White House in 2021. The Justice Department has committed not to make that portion public while legal proceedings continue against two Trump associates charged in the case.

Smith, who left the Justice Department last week, dropped both cases against Trump after he won last year's election, citing a longstanding Justice Department policy against prosecuting a sitting president. Neither reached a trial.

Trump pleaded not guilty to all charges. Regularly assailing Smith as "deranged," Trump depicted the cases as politically motivated attempts to damage his campaign and political movement.

Trump and his two former co-defendants in the classified documents case sought to block the release of the report, days before Trump is set to return to office on Jan. 20. Courts rebuffed their demands to prevent its publication altogether.

U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, who presided over the documents case, has ordered the Justice Department for now to halt plans to allow certain senior members of Congress to privately review the documents section of the report.

It's unclear how much new information the public portion of the report will contain.

Prosecutors gave a detailed view of their case against Trump in previous court filings. A congressional panel in 2022 published its own 700-page account of Trump's actions following the 2020 election.

Both investigations concluded that Trump spread false claims of widespread voter fraud following the 2020 election, pressured state lawmakers not to certify the vote and ultimately sought to use fraudulent groups of electors pledged to vote for Trump, in states actually won by Biden, in an attempt to stop Congress from certifying Biden's win.

The effort culminated in the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol when a mob of Trump supporters stormed Congress in a failed attempt to stop lawmakers from certifying the vote.

Smith's case faced legal hurdles even before Trump's election win. It was paused for months while Trump pressed his claim that he could not be prosecuted for official actions taken as president.

The U.S. Supreme Court's conservative majority largely sided with him, granting former presidents broad immunity from criminal prosecution.
Homegrown Welspun Corp Ltd (WCL) on Tuesday (January 14) announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Saudi Aramco to establish a state-of-the-art Longitudinal Submerged Arc Welded (LSAW) line pipe manufacturing facility in Saudi Arabia."We are now pleased to inform you that Saudi Aramco and Welspun Corp Ltd. signed an MOU of Strategic Cooperation to establish a state-of-the-art LSAW Line Pipe manufacturing capacity in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, at the ongoing Aramco IKTVA Forum & Exhibition 2025," Welspun Corp Ltd said in a regulatory filing.The announcement was made during the Aramco IKTVA Forum & Exhibition 2025. The proposed greenfield facility will have an annual production capacity of 350,000 metric tonne and will be set up under Welspun Corp's wholly owned subsidiary in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA).Welspun Corp had earlier received board approval for the project on November 8, 2024. Welspun Corp is a leading line pipe manufacturer globally has been a regular supplier of line pipes to Saudi Aramco for close to two decades and has been a part of many prestigious oil & gas pipeline projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.The proposed LSAW line pipe manufacturing facility of Welspun Corp in KSA shall be equipped with distinct and comprehensive capabilities to service future line pipe requirements of Saudi Aramco including, oil, gas, hydrogen transmission, and also CCUS developments.The said facility will be located in Dammam 3rd Industrial City, and commence its operations by mid-2026. Shares of Welspun Corp Ltd ended at 729.70, up by 8.25, or 1.14% on the BSE.
Chinas state oil companies and large private refiners are snapping up crude cargoes from the Middle East and elsewhere, hastening preparation for potential disruption in fuel supply as tighter sanctions on Russia and Iran threaten to curb near-term crude flows.Companies including Cnooc, Shandong Yulong Petrochemical Co and Jiangsu Eastern Shenghong Co are sending out urgent inquiries to buy crude for prompt delivery, traders said on Tuesday, adding multiple grades were being considered, from the Middle East, Africa and the Americas. Cargoes for February are particularly in demand, they said.The move from some of Chinas biggest oil buyers stems from concerns that small private refiners  already under pressure  could be forced to slash operating rates and cut back fuel output if they no longer have access to discounted Russian and Iranian crude. Most of the so-called teapots, clustered around the eastern province of Shandong, were navigating declining margins well before Washingtons latest curbs were announced on Friday.If small players falter, larger state refiners expect they will need to step in to prevent a domestic shortfall of fuels such as diesel  taking up market share but crucially guaranteeing energy security, a major concern for Beijing.Washingtons latest round of sanctions affects more than 180 tankers and some of Russias biggest crude producers. The measures have reverberated across the Asian oil market, with buyers, shippers and port operators scrambling to manage the fallout. Already, some sanctioned vessels carrying Russian ESPO crude to Shandong have started to idle or anchor off China as shippers consider their next steps.Spot crude buying interest among Chinese importers has been slowly strengthening over the past two months, after Iran increased offer prices for its crudes. But the urgency has ratcheted up this week, following a long list of US measures that aims squarely at the dark fleet tasked with ferrying sensitive cargoes across the world.This week, TotalEnergies SE sold prompt cargoes of Oman and UAEs Upper Zakum crude to buyers including Cnooc and Rongsheng Petrochemical Co., and offered Brazilian supplies of Lapa on Tuesday. Spot premiums for Oman crude, a medium-sour grade thats widely referenced and traded across the world, surged to almost $3 a barrel this week from $1.50-$1.70 last week. Supertanker rates for the Middle East to China route have also surged.
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Nobody could accuse the British government of lacking enthusiasm for artificial intelligence (AI). According to its newly published AI Opportunities Action Plan, the technologys blossoming will remake the British economy, boost productivity, smooth bureaucracy, and transform the quality of state services such as healthcare.

Through this, the government wants the UK to become an AI superpower, consolidating its position as the worlds third largest AI market, behind the US and China, the report said.

Part of the initiative is a 14 billion investment ($18 billion) by Vantage Data Centres, Nscale, and Kyndryl to build new data center infrastructure, on top of the 25 billion in AI investment announced at the International Investment Summit in October 2024.
A rash of planned feature and application retirements within the Microsoft 365 environment is the result of Microsoft wanting to centralize, modernize, operationalize customer spend, and ultimately economize by simplifying product offerings where it can, an industry analyst said Monday.

Jeremy Roberts, senior workshop director at Info-Tech Research Group, said the fact that a number of Microsoft 365 (M365) services have been or will soon be mothballed does not come as a surprise, as Microsoft has been making quite a few changes to the product. He described those changes as the nature of SaaS [software-as-a-service]. You get with it, or you get left behind.

The retirements will precede the end of support for Windows 10, which happens on October 14 of this year, and is a move that Roberts said has resulted in Microsoft facing quite a bit of resistance.
When you think about it, the whole idea of photography is almost unacceptably bonkers. Through a process of chemicals and paper  or, today, in a digital process that your average person couldnt begin to explain  we can see the past exactly as it happened. Before about 200 years ago, that wasnt only not possible, it was unthinkable. They would have burned you as a witch just for suggesting it.

Thats made it an important medium for documenting history, beauty or just plain awesomeness, to the point that if something incredible happens today, its almost guaranteed someone got a picture of it. My vote would go to the burning monk, user Curlaub told r/AskReddit, referring to the famous photo of Thich Quang uc burning alive in 1963 in protest of Vietnams persecution of Buddhists.

They then asked, What do you think is the single greatest photograph in history? and their fellow Redditors quickly showed just how many thousands of words certain pictures are worth.

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Writing jokes for movies is hard. Its especially hard if youre one of 17 monkeys in a writers room, all working on independent parts of a script by hitting keys at random. If you wind up with a joke that makes people laugh, congratulations  like we said, thats hard. But if you take a step back and look what every other monkey in the room wrote, suddenly, your joke might not make any sense at all.

4 Wakanda Forever Tells Us Evil A.I. Is Only in the Movies The Joke: In Wakanda Forever, super-inventor Shuri has an A.I. assistant. Her mother, Queen Ramonda, doesnt quite embrace this idea. I think that one day, artificial intelligence is going to kill us all, she says. Shuri laughs off this fear. Her A.I., she tells the Queen, isnt like the movies, mother. Walt Disney Pictures Movies arent realistic. They always have geniuses writing on glass for some reason. This is funny because the mothers unwarranted skepticism shows off the generation gap. Thats relevant because, spoiler, in a very short time, Ramonda is about to die horribly. Well look back at her every statement as dramatic irony from someone not long for this world. Okay, But: Lets leave aside how Shuri contrasts their reality with what life is like in movies, when they are, in fact, in a movie. Its always annoying when characters in movies do this, but writers insist on making them do so, perhaps relishing how much it annoys us. Shuri shouldnt consider homicidal A.I. something from the movies, and Ramonda shouldnt consider it something from the speculative future. Artificial intelligence already did try to kill everyone on Earth. Its name was Ultron. It was made of vibranium stolen from Wakanda. Ramondas late husband, the dead king, went to the United Nations to apologize for Wakandas unwitting role in its creation. He was assassinated that day. Ramondas son, the other dead king, was present that day as well. It was a whole thing. Walt Disney Pictures Its like saying, I fear a plane may hit a skyscraper one day, when your husband was shot at a 9/11 memorial. Lets Tweak It: I suppose Shuri could reply by saying, My A.I. isnt Ultron instead of, My A.I. isnt like the movies. Or she could say, A.I. already tried that, mother. Weve learned since then. Some fans like that sort of referential humor. But that leaves Ramonda either still reasonable in her fears or oblivious in forgetting about the last time A.I. rose up, and thats not what the movies going for. Advertisement Maybe the two shouldnt be arguing over new tech this way exactly. Wakanda is supposed to be so advanced that elements we see as controversial innovations might seem routine to them. So, we can show off the generation gap by Ramonda saying, I remember when I was a little girl, we were just satisfied using our parents A.I. We didnt feel the need to keep tinkering with it, like you do. Walt Disney Pictures Your own mom isnt skeptical about electricity but may be about other stuff. Actually, scrap the A.I. Even aside from how we have various real-world reasons to resent A.I., you only need an A.I. assistant in a story if the character is a loner, and their lack of friends is the point. Shuri is surrounded by other scientists in this scene and can talk to one of them, making the scene feel more alive. Advertisement Instead of having these two joke about A.I., make it a joke about the dangers of custom centrifuges. That sounds unwieldy, but I trust they could make this work.

3 Batman Thinks He Could Do Better Just Giving His Money Away The Joke: In The Flash, Batman briefly finds himself tied by Wonder Womans Lasso of Truth. So, he suddenly divulges, Id do a lot better just giving my money away. If I really want to end crime, I should end poverty. Warner Bros. Harley Quinn wont stop joyriding if poverty drops, but poverty is a problem. We agree on that. The idea that Bruce Waynes billions are a better path toward fixing Gotham than Batmans punches is a fun one to think about. It was fun when we came up with it, many years ago  and by we, I mean both audiences in general and Cracked specifically. Advertisement Advertisement Okay, But: The idea was even more fun when, years later, we pointed out that its actually wrong  and by we, I mean both Cracked in general and the writers behind that original video of ours specifically. In short: Philanthropy can help a city, which is why Bruce Wayne is a philanthropist. But it turns out his giving away money doesnt eliminate crime, and thats why hes Batman. Billions can only go so far in a city with an eight-figure population, a citys whose yearly budgets already in the billions. And even if we reduce poverty, crime remains. Not all criminals are starving. Warner Bros. Deadshot charges $2 million for a hit. That makes him a millionaire, and his clients are even richer. Thats true in the real world. Its more true in Gotham, which is plagued by not just crime but supervillains. Would donating money be enough to defeat a nuclear cave troll or an alien and his demon army, which are the threats we saw this Batman face before? Would it stop the rich son of a gangster stealing a virus to commit terrorism, which is the threat Batman thwarted in the very scene where he says this line? Advertisement But lets suppose we do want to say Batman could solve everything just by giving away money. He still cant be the one to voice this idea, unless youre going for a total parody. Hes going about this the wrong way might be the premise of the story, and it might well be an idea that he wrestles with or deludes himself over. But the script cant officially declare it a truth which he knows but is lying about. If he knows it for sure and doesnt adapt, hes not much of a hero. Warner Bros. And I dont mean like The Dark Knight said, Hes not a hero. They said a watchful protector's GOOD for Gotham. Lets Tweak It: If Batflecks last words must be a joke making fun of the character, it doesnt have to label him as secretly willfully hurting his city. It could be anything. Maybe hes giving some advice to Barry about how he needs to hone his skills. Then Diana says, Right, right. And the pecs? Advertisement Advertisement Pure vanity, says Batman. They serve no purpose in a fight, and theres virtually no situation when I need to push with my chest while the rest of me is immobile. I do incline presses just to look good. Camera pans to the lasso around his ankle.

2 An Important Name Missing From a Book The Joke: At the end of Game of Thrones, Sam shows up with a written chronicle of the events of the series, which he has named A Song of Ice and Fire. This is a nod to an old fan theory that the real Song of Ice and Fire books were actually all written by Sam  a theory that never made a lick of sense, by the way. Really, every scene in those books is Sams version of events? Even the separate lesbian scenes of Cersei and Daenerys ordering servants to pleasure them behind closed doors, which Sam has no way of knowing about? HBO Especially those scenes. Tyrion asks about his own role in the book. I dont believe youre mentioned, says Sam. Advertisement Now, someone learning their role in a larger story is too minor to mention  thats a fine joke. The best version of it surely came in The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, which reveals that our whole planet merits just a single word of description (later two words) in a cosmic guidebook. Okay, But: The joke only works if they convince us this humbled figures role really is minor enough to omit. Tyrion was found guilty of murdering the King of Westeros. Does this book skip over that part of the war? Advertisement HBO Its the War of the Five Kings. Listing how each died is the least the book can do. Tyrion also murdered other notable people, served as Hand under two monarchs, defended the city against invasion and attacked the city through invasion, married the current Queen of the North  but really, just being found guilty of killing the king should be enough that he cant possibly escape a mention. The maester who wrote this is incompetent could make for a joke, but its not the one the writers were going for here. Lets Tweak It: If they want a joke about the story being wider than one character realizes, they could do that. They could give Tyrions line in that scene to a character weve come to know but who actually doesnt matter. That character could be Sams gal pal Gilly, and when Sam reveals the book didnt mention her, we cut away and are left to just imagine what sitcom-style awkwardness this launches. Advertisement HBO She matters so little that she doesnt appear in the last couple episodes. Or if this must be a Tyrion joke, Tyrion could ask about something in the book other than his very existence. Thats quite the comprehensive history theyve written, he might say. I do hope they found room to document some of my adventures in the citys houses of ill repute. Hes not being serious, but Sam answers as though he is. We wrote of the carnage, mostly, he replies. There was just so much death to report. Eighty thousand people slain in a single day in this city alone. And now an entire continents on the brink of starvation. I just want whoever comes next to be able to learn how it happened. I want them to know where we went wrong. Right then, says Tyrion. No chapter on the brothels. Understood. Advertisement Advertisement
2 Broke Girls creator and podcast host Whitney Cummings is making headlines for all the wrong reasons, but thats still better than no press when you dont have any tour dates until next month.

Right now, the first responders and local governments of Los Angeles County are still trying to control the deadly and destructive wildfires that broke out last week when blistering winds reaching 90 mph rapidly accelerated numerous blazes in areas of Southern California that hadnt seen rain for eight months. The widespread disaster has already displaced as many as 92,000 Americans, taken 24 lives and destroyed more than 12,000 houses, businesses, schools and other structures as firefighters and local officials continue to work tirelessly to contain the inferno.

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While fire investigators have yet to determine what exactly sparked the numerous fires, the extreme weather and exceedingly dry conditions leave no doubt as to how the wildfires grew so immense, deadly and destructive  that is, unless youre a C-tier Talk Tuah guest who dropped your last two stand-up specials on OnlyFans.

The last few days of Cummings feed has everything you could ever expect from a washed-up comedian rebranding as a conservative conspiracy theorist: Shes shitting on Los Angeles and California despite the fact that she lives there, shes using a natural disaster to baselessly demonize the homeless instead of even considering how climate change could have exacerbated the extreme weather conditions and shes complaining about DEI hires and woke lesbian firefighters by calling out women by name whom she believes shouldnt be working their current life-saving jobs.

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Cummings just needs to plug some shady supplement and throw in an insane anti-immigrant take on these tunnels to perfect her Joe Rogan please have me back on your show publicity stunt.

It goes without saying that none of Cummings claims about homeless people starting the fires by pouring gasoline into the sewer system or woke lesbians slowing the work of the first responders have any basis in reported facts, but truth is never the point when a medium-talent who recently slid off all mainstream platforms starts trying to steer online discourse over current events. The amount of people I have seen waking up is really uplifting to me, reads the top comment on Cummings' TikTok post where she essentially doxxed the firefighters who are currently working to save her family and her home from the blazes.

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"Take a note from Tom Segura and Joe Rogan, and move to Texas baby," another alt-right supporter advised.

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An ex-fan lamented of Cummings current career arc, Damn. Youre falling into the anus of the internet. I thought you were a smart one.

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Its despicable to see a comedian who is struggling to book gigs besides her own podcast capitalize on a massive tragedy thats currently unfolding in her community by spreading disinformation, hate and Elon-Musk-level punchlines, but its not entirely unexpected. Cummings has been careening further and further to the right the longer Netflix has avoided her calls.

Unfortunately for Cummings, this heel turn is short-sighted  after the right bans all the porn websites, who will produce her specials?
Arguably the most dramatic incident in the early days of Saturday Night Live  with the possible exception of the time an elderly host got hammered during the show  was breakout star Chevy Chases departure at the end of the first season.

There have been multiple theories floated as to why exactly Chase left the hit show when it was in its infancy, a decision that he later came to regret. The most prominent explanation is that Chase wanted to pursue a film career, which he alluded to when he facetiously told David Letterman in 1980 that he quit SNL in order to get the big bucks in Hollywood. But then Chase more seriously explained that the hectic schedule had left him exhausted, and he felt as though his time at the show had run its course.

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In more recent years, Chase has offered up a slightly different, more personal reasoning for his premature exit, telling Today in 2007, I left for a girl that I was in love with. It had nothing to (do) with lucrative film deals awaiting me. I didnt make a movie for three years. It was just a lot of bunk ... I was very much in love with a girl who just would not leave California.

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The girl in question was his first wife, Jacqueline Carlin. He elaborated on just how disastrous this decision was during an appearance on WTF with Marc Maron in 2023. I somehow promised her that Id leave (SNL) after one year and come to her and all this shit. Which is the worst choice in the world. And Lorne wasnt happy about that.

Now it turns out that he may have reconsidered his decision to leave, had a certain executive producer been less reserved about expressing their platonic love.

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Lorne Michaels was recently profiled in The New Yorker by writer Susan Morrison, with material drawn from her soon to be released biography Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live. The piece contains info about Michaels and Chases relationship, including their first meeting while in line for Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Michaels, who was attending with their mutual friend Rob Reiner, was impressed by Chases elaborate pratfall.

I knew instantly that Lorne was a funny guy, Chase told Morrison. He wasnt an initiator of humor as much as a believer in humor. But when discussing his sudden withdrawal, Chase suggested that he would have actually stuck around had the reserved Michaels made more of a bromantic gesture. Keeping Chase at SNL wouldnt have fucking taken much! All he had to do is tell me he loved me, basically, the actor revealed. But his nature is to be above it in some fashion.

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Why didnt Michaels offer an emotional plea to keep Chase around? Chase thinks it may have been insecurity, confessing to Morrison, Frankly, I always felt back then that I was smarter than him, that I was really the guy who got the show going, not Lorne.

To be fair to Michaels, its hard to fault anyone for not expressing any warmth toward Chevy Chase.
If you fill out the right paperwork, you can force a government bureaucrat to sniff your shoes

In 1946, the Lanham Act declared that proprietary words, names and symbols could be protected by trademark if they were used in commerce. People soon started asking: What about smells? It took until 1990 for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to concede that the act didnt explicitly exclude stinks, so they had to be eligible.

Since then, only about 15 smells have been granted a trademark. Here are a few of the stenches stinking up rarified air

5 Proprietary Foot Stench You ever get back home after a long day, peel off your shoes, take a nice, long sniff and think: I hope no one steals this. If not, then you dont have what it takes to make it in the international shoe biz. There are two different shoe companies who have managed to call dibs on the unique stank that wafts from their products. Don't Miss One company, Sol Imports, owns the specific coconut scent they give their sandals, which is logical enough. Then theres Brazilian shoe company Grendene, which owns the bubblegum scent that cascades off of their rubbery pink jelly sandals. If people want to walk around imagining their feet are caked in old gum, who am I to judge? To accomplish this rare feat of legal dibs-calling, the bureaucrats in charge would have to smell it firsthand. They sent one of their shoes to the Commissioner for Trademarks with the note, The applicant  respectfully submits the enclosed sandal as evidence.

4 Play-Doh When your slogan is fun to play with, not to eat, its a safe bet that every market research audience for half a century had kids chomping entire fistfuls. Squeezing a chunk of Play-Doh makes you yearn to experience the mouthfeel, and that one scene from Hook where they chow down on impossibly colorful nothingness is seared into the brains of an entire generation. And that smell. That delicious, hearty, proprietary smell! If they really wanted kids not to eat it, they would have given it the carbon monoxide treatment, and make it smell like something the human body is naturally repulsed by. But everything about the combination of a sweet, slightly musky, vanilla-like fragrance, with slight overtones of cherry, and the natural smell of a salted, wheat-based dough makes me want to hurl my Chipotle across the room and bite into a log of that good Doh. Advertisement Its been immortalized by the Demeter Fragrance Library, and Hasbro was able to trademark it in 2018. Advertisement

3 Engine Oil One major criterion for trademarking a scent is that it serves no functional purpose. It must A) not be essential to the use or purpose of the article; and B) not impact the cost or quality of the article. Thats probably why there are so few trademarked scents  its hard to go on the record that your stink is both extremely special and completely pointless. And its hard to see how Manhattan Engine Oil threaded that needle. The company sells 20 different fuel fragrances, the whole point of which is to give a hint of flavor to your exhaust. Its the La Croix of carbon footprints. Only three of those 20 scents have been trademarked: Charged Strawberry, Cherry Bomb and Groovy Grape, leaving us with more questions than answers: Do those three flavors just straight-up not work, satisfying the no essential purpose clause? Or are they the three worst sellers, ticking the does not impact cost box? Most important of all: Who are you trying to impress with grape-scented car farts? Advertisement

2 Ukuleles Advertisement Based in Idaho, Eddy Finn Ukuleles acknowledges theyre not in traditional uke territory. But they hang their hat on their different vibe, and encourage their customers to unleash that inner voice that says, I want to be different. Anyone who picked up a ukulele in the halcyon days of 2010s Tumblr has absolutely looked themself in the mirror and said, I want to be different. But how would Eddy Finn differentiate itself as a company? By making their ukes smell like last call at the Time Square Margaritaville. They won a trademark for a pina colada-scented ukulele, easily satisfying the pointless and worthless criteria. But once they went into production, they ran into a whole new problem  when shipping anywhere outside of the U.S., the pina colada scent wore off, leaving customers with tragically ukulele-scented ukuleles. Advertisement
Photo-Illustration: Curbed; Photos: Myka Kielbon, Victoria Morris, Coco Peterson, Daniella Pineda, Jaime Cortez, Alex Zaragoza

On her way out the door of her home in Santa Monica last week, Melissa Rivers took a drawing by her mother, Joan Rivers. Its amazing what you grab, Melissa Rivers told a reporter on CNN. I know I can find the photos. But a drawing of hers I cant replace. The novelist Colm Toibin delivered the news that the personal library of Gary Indiana had been lost to the fires in Altadena in an essay that also described his own decision-making as he evacuated Los Angeles. He grabbed, of all things, a briefcase and a freebie tote from the Charleston Literary Festival  as if he would, for the little that is left of my life, always regret that I had not taken this briefcase and tote bag.

The calculus in such a situation can seem absurd, even to the people experiencing it in real time. I was stressed about choosing because it would not have mattered which thing I took, in a way, says the podcast producer Myka Kielbon, who evacuated an apartment in Glassell Park. Instead, if I lost my home, that object would matter because it would be the only thing I have left.

Curbed asked a dozen people who fled their homes in the wildfires about the objects they lost and what they saved.

Petersons art that survived (left) and his daughter Coco Petersons work that did not (right). Cleon Peterson; Coco Peterson (@cocopetersonart) . Petersons art that survived (left) and his daughter Coco Petersons work that did not (right). Cleon Peterson; Coco Peterson (@cocopetersonart) .

Cleon Peterson

Were right by Eaton Canyon, and on the right side of our house was basically a wall of flame. I didnt even grab a piece of my own art. My wife grabbed a car and the dog and my computer.

When my friends are reaching out to ask if Im okay, I think about the piece of art they gave me, like a painting by Adam Beris, or art I was storing for Mark Lanegan, who died in 2022.

Theres one ceramic piece, by my daughter  my wife and I are super sad that we lost that. Its an image of her as a 12-year-old holding a globe with the world on fire on top of her head. And its her in her overalls with her striped shirt on and brown hair. Its an interpretation of an image I made after the fires in Malibu. She was becoming this awesome artist, interpreting the world through her art just like I do. To me it was an image of uncontrollable powerlessness  that feeling you know everyone shares, but through a kids eyes. My daughters sculpture was a symbol of someone becoming who they are in a moment of time well never get back to.

Photo: Daniella Pineda

Daniella Pineda

The night of the fire my door was banging and my neighbor is there, warning me to get out, and I see this fireball ahead. I took ten seconds and grabbed my dog, my passport, my Social Security card, and my laptop.

I lost all my baby pictures in a house fire when I was maybe 3 years old, and this fire took the rest. There was a picture of me and my aunt Celeste in a pink sweater smiling, sitting at a table, and shes holding me on her lap and her hand is on my belly. Im a toddler wearing these little blue overalls and a long-sleeve little shirt, and my cousin Leah is also in the picture and were all smiling and looking at the camera. I had a pretty complicated upbringing  very unstable  and I lived with a lot of different family. But Celeste was my first mother. I wish I had taken that picture.

Jones on the red carpet of the Oscars the night he performed in a watch that became a treasured object. Photo: Momodu Mansaray/Getty Images

D-Nice

Derrick T. Jones, who performs as DJ D-Nice, was fortunate that his house survived the fires after he evacuated. On his way out the door, he grabbed the essentials  and a watch.

The watch was initially a loaner  I was DJ-ing the Oscars. I later asked the watch-maker if I could purchase it so I could etch the Oscars date on the back, with the hope of gifting it to one of my kids someday. How many DJs can say they played at the Oscars? It was a highlight of my career, and I wanted that keepsake to remain in my family.

Bob Buce

We were in that house a long time, 37 years. Last night, my 6-year-old granddaughter was asking me whether it was a big deal if you lost a house. It made me think. I had a box of all the things I collected from my life when I was a kid until now, arranged chronologically. There were things I made when I was 2 or 3 years old and stuff my mother made, like a book about how much I weighed and what presents we got from people. Then there were certificates and diplomas, or newspaper articles about me, all through my life.

And who cares. It didnt make any difference except I thought my daughter and son would want to look through it once before throwing it away. I had also saved a bunch of stuff my daughter and son gave to me when they were kids for the same reason. My 6-year-old granddaughter had already started to look at it. She was fascinated by it because there was stuff from her mother  my daughter. I would have taken that.

The portrait of Morriss grandmother hangs above a lamp. Photo: Victoria Morris

Victoria Morris

I lost my house and my business  both. I had a beautiful pottery studio and showroom. I dedicated my life to it. We left with next to nothing. My life history feels erased.

Im a fourth- or fifth-generation Californian. My mothers side has been here since the 1800s, so I had a lot of family heirlooms. But one of the biggest losses is the drawing of my grandmother by my great-grandfather Paul Swan. He was a portrait painter and sculptor and kind of famous in his lifetime. He was gay, but he had an early marriage. Distant relatives, they gave us this portrait of my grandmother.

To me its just such a deep, sweet thing. My grandmother was a really special person and to have a beautiful portrait of her when she was young was like having her in my house. She represents this kind of spiritual-safety person for me, this person who I kind of thought was watching over me.

From left: Photo: Seanay Singleton Photo: Seanay Singleton From top: Photo: Seanay Singleton Photo: Seanay Singleton

Seanay Singleton

My grandparents are 82 and 78, and they had lived in that house for 55 years. They were woken up out of their sleep by a loudspeaker on a police squad car, calling on people to evacuate. They were able to get out with the clothes they were wearing and identification.

It was a house that was lived in and full of life. What Ill miss, honestly, is the photos  all the family photos that lined the hallway walls. And in my grandmothers room, theres a picture of my grandfathers mother with them as children. The way things were burned up, there really was nothing left. Even the metal filing cabinets that were fireproof were all dented and everything inside of them burned.

Ondi Timoner

I edit from home and its where I made Last Flight Home. Its about my family, so I had 500 hours of filming of my family and my dad, and all the scrapbook and archival footage that you cant replace. And I had footage of my son from birth to age 21. I was going to make a film about him. And I had a huge crate of journals, so heavy it was hard to carry, from age 5 to age 52. Id been thinking about making a film about what its like to live behind a camera using the stories in journals and the footage of our family. Its like the end  a death of a kind. Its sort of a tabula rasa, an exercise in acceptance.

Morgan Doctor

My version of Ondis journals is my rehearsal recordings. I lost all my rehearsals from the first bands I played in and all the music I ever developed, especially early first four track recordings. Im 55 now, and those would have been from when I was 19 or 20. Im also thinking of my Nyckelharpa, a Swedish stringed instrument sometimes called a keyed violin. Theyre hard to find and Ive used it on every film score recently  maybe six films. And if you do find one, it wont have the same tone.

Photo: Alex Zaragoza

Alex Zaragoza

Were renters, but our house is filled with everything we own in the world. It was wild going around with an empty suitcase. I took photos, family heirlooms, jewelry, then I had a moment of going through my closet really fast, like if youre flipping through record sleeves. I was asking: What matters to me? What matters to me? What matters to me? Like, How many crop tops am I going to need if everything else in my life falls apart?

When I started writing TV, I was like, Oh, this is what money is like. And I bought myself a denim jacket from A.P.C.  a really nice denim work jacket. Never in my life would I have bought a $400 jacket before, and I took that.

From left: Art: Jaime Cortez; Photo: Beatriz Cortez Art: Jaime Cortez; Photo: Beatriz Cortez From top: Art: Jaime Cortez; Photo: Beatriz Cortez Art: Jaime Cortez; Photo: Beatriz Cortez

Beatriz Cortez

When the fires began, it was Tuesday night and I was still in Davis, where I teach, so I wasnt able to go back to my place to take everything out. I am sad about losing the two paintings by my father. He didnt make a career as an artist but he is an artist. It was great to be surrounded by another artist all my life and their work. One was of vegetables  red bell peppers that were huge. The other one was a self-portrait as a grape man. His face was purple and enlarged.

Every once in a while, I remember something I lost  my favorite shirt or my favorite boots. Those things can be replaced. My dad is 85 now, and I dont know if he could make those paintings now.

Stacks of MUJI notebooks on a bed where Kielbon has been staying. Photo: Myka Kielbon

Myka Kielbon

Looking around, I was like, What matters? I felt like I couldnt pick a single thing, but theres one shelf thats entirely journals, 30 to 40 of them. Ive journaled for ten years. Im a pretty good memory keeper for my friends and community. I do reread them a lot. I put all of them in a grocery bag.

Once I was in the car, I realized that I was stressed about choosing because it would not have mattered which thing I took, in a way. Instead, if I lost my home, that object would matter because it would be the only thing I have left.

Photo: Logan Lockner

Logan Lockner

It sounds like a joke, but its true  I took my copy of Virginia Woolfs To the Lighthouse. I remember reading this for the first time the summer after I graduated high school. I read it at the beach, not even intentionally. It was a big thing to me. I read it a few times throughout college. Yes, I could just get another copy of the book, but its not going to have my notes and marginalia and these layers. And losing that artifact would feel like losing touch with that history or tangible evidence of it.

These interviews were condensed and edited for clarity.
MBABANE  Eleven truck drivers from Eswatini were left traumatised after Mozambican nationals forced them out of their trucks, confiscated the keys and used the trucks to block traffic. This happened on Sunday between 2pm and 5pm, as detailed by National Road Transport Council Chairman Sihlangu Nhlabatsi. He said that Mozambican soldiers had to intervene, taking the keys back from the Mozambican nationals, and the trucks were then taken to a safe place. Nhlabatsi said the trucks were not damaged, but were used to block traffic by the protesting Mozambicans.



Intervention



All the drivers are safe, and the trucks are also safe, he said. It took the intervention of the soldiers to help the situation. He mentioned that the Mozambicans were not armed with guns when they took the keys from the drivers, but some were carrying knobkerries. This comes at a time when the Mozambican opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, whose return from exile last week sparked confrontations between supporters and police in the capital Maputo, has called for three days of protests this week. Mondlane insists he was robbed of victory in last Octobers elections, which saw the FRELIMO party officially being awarded a crushing win to extend half a century of rule. In a Facebook post late Saturday, Mondlane urged a national strike, as the new Parliament prepared to sit from yesterday, with FRELIMOs Daniel Chapo due to be invested as president tomorrow. Chapo, a 48-year-old former governor with no State experience, will succeed outgoing President Filipe Nyusi. These three days are important to decide what future the people want, Mondlane said in his post. We must declare a national strike and paralyse activities during these three days, he said.



Urging supporters to demonstrate our refusal of the official election result, he called for a peaceful mobilisation, adding that if the Assembly takes the oath, it is a betrayal of the will of the people. The countrys highest court confirmed the parliamentary seat allocation from the election just before Christmas, with FRELIMO obtaining 171 and PODEMOS, a small party that has become the main opposition grouping, winning 43. RENAMO, a historic opposition party resulting from the civil war, earned 28 seats while the opposition MDM group took eight. Let us demonstrate against the inauguration of those who betrayed the will of the people on Monday (yesterday) and against those who stole the will of the people on Wednesday (tomorrow), Mondlane said.



This is not the first time traffic has been blocked while demonstrators take to the streets in Mozambique. It has been previously reported that the protesters prevented all traffic along major thoroughfares, including the N4 Highway between Maputo and Matola, which is also the road linking the port of Maputo to South Africa. It has been reported that over 100 people have been killed since the protests began in Mozambique, and the number is rising.
If you've been wondering what happened to Baroness Bra, aka Ultimo lingerie tycoon Michelle Mone, stand by!

Both Channel 5 and the BBC are about to broadcast investigations into claims of fraud and bribery, involving Mone and her billionaire husband Doug Barrowman, over government contracts for personal protective equipment (PPE) awarded during the Covid pandemic.

To recap: Mone stands accused of abusing her privileged position in the House of Lords to lobby ministers to secure contracts worth more than 200million in May and June 2020 with PPE Medpro  then a newly formed consortium led by Barrowman  but failing to declare an interest in the company. He profited to the tune of 65million, and 29million of this was transferred to a trust of which Mone and her children were beneficiaries.

So far, so murky.

Currently, the National Crime Agency is investigating the payments to PPE Medpro, while the firm is being sued by the Government for 122million for 'breach of contract' over allegations that the surgical gowns it provided were unfit for use (PPE Medpro denies this).

Michelle Mone and Doug Barrowman

As a health minister during Covid, I was in the thick of the initial PPE crisis when the NHS didn't have enough kit, so Mone's case is of particular interest to me. And, full disclosure, I took part in the Channel 5 documentary, The Michelle Mone Scandal: Where Did Our Money Go?, set to air next Monday.

I knew that staff were having to cut up bin bags to use as makeshift aprons, and some were dying because they were not protected sufficiently. I'll never forget the heartbreaking conversation I had with the husband of one young nurse who lost her life.

MPs from all parties were telling me about firms in their constituencies that could provide PPE. I passed any referrals straight to civil servants so that they could relay them to the Cabinet Office and NHS teams.

I was unaware of any 'VIP fast-track' facility for those with government contacts that Mone is alleged to have benefited from. I wonder who else was using it?

I also want to know why the NCA probe is taking so long  almost four years and counting. The longer it goes on, the more likely it is to hamper proper scrutiny of what looks like an unconscionable abuse of public money at a time of national crisis.

It is my understanding that, when the Covid-19 Inquiry publicly examines the PPE contracts issued, Barrowman's firm will be exempt due to the ongoing NCA investigation. Neither he, Mone or the ministers involved in facilitating the PPE Medpro contract will be publicly cross-examined as other suppliers will be. How can this be allowed to happen?

Mone and Barrowman deny any wrongdoing  although she has since admitted to lying for more than three years about her involvement with PPE Medpro.

By lying to the Press, she lied to us all, and it's time for the truth to be told. The NCA's investigation can't conclude soon enough.

I was shocked to hear Nigel Farage hinting that Shamima Begum should be allowed to return to Britain. The Reform UK leader said he didn't 'classify her as an all-out Isis killer'.

Really? She might not have killed anyone, but by travelling from her east London home to Syria in 2015 and marrying, and then bearing the children of, an Islamic State terrorist, the teenage Begum made it clear where her loyalties lie. Now 25, that detention camp in Syria is where she should stay.

And, as self-preservation is the first instinct of every Cabinet minister, we can all relax. Yvette Cooper certainly won't want her legacy to be that of the woman who welcomed Begum back to the country she so cynically betrayed.

Transport chaos fuels WFH boom

Twice last week I was plunged into stressful travel situations while trying to get to London for business appointments.

The first time, I had to abandon my journey on the platform when it became apparent that my travel app and the station's notice board were lying to me and the train I'd bought a ticket for wasn't coming. I dashed back to the car park (I'd also paid to park there), jumped into my car and drove in instead.

In the second instance, the traffic was so bad I had to abort my meeting altogether. Ministers can spout all the right messages about the disadvantages of working from home and why we should all get back to the office but, with a transport system this bad, for many it isn't the lack of will that is preventing them from returning, but a lack of the means to get there.

Itching to try a salmon sperm facial?

Jennifer Aniston revealed in 2023 she'd had a she got a salmon sperm facial

New Year, new me, and to that end I've had a 250 salmon sperm facial.

Yes, you read that correctly. I don't want to try filler at my age, and if it's good enough for Jennifer Aniston So I'm having my face injected with 'micro-chains of salmon DNA derived from salmon sperm' once a month for three months. It will, I'm told, stimulate production of elastin and collagen and boost the growth of new blood vessels to give me the Jen glow-up.

After the first treatment I feel, well itchy, as if there are dozens of baby salmon trapped under my skin trying to get out. Time will tell if that's a good look.

Elon won't be fooled by Dom's blather

Further on the subject of things that are never going to happen, The Mail on Sunday revealed that Dominic Cummings is in WhatsApp cahoots with Elon Musk, egging him on to attack British policy and politicians.

I've no doubt Dom is spinning hard the line to Musk that he's about to start his own party, upend politics as we know it and run the UK. In his dreams, perhaps.

Cummings is the man David Cameron described as a 'career psychopath' long before he broke lockdown restrictions and drove to Barnard Castle to 'test his eyesight'.

As I highlighted in my book, The Plot, he's a cross between an anarchist and a disruptor, and has been at Michael Gove's trouble-making side for two

decades. As Boris Johnson's top aide in No 10, he was a constant source of leaks to Left-wing journalists  a creator of havoc who was referred to even in official meetings as 'the Dark Lord'.

For Cummings, it's his way or the highway. I doubt very much that Musk, arguably the richest and most successful man in the world, has fallen for Cummings's blather, blatant self-promotion and misplaced self-belief.
Weight-loss jabs present a dilemma for the NHS: they offer the first real hope of turning the tide of obesity, but, for now, the health service cant afford them.

In fact, if theyre prescribed for everyone who is eligible for them  that is people who are obese and suffering from a series of associated health problems  I am told they will bankrupt the NHS.

I discovered this while working on a special edition of the BBCs Panorama, which aired last night. It examined how the NHS is handling two new treatments  the drugs Wegovy and Mounjaro.

The BBC team was given exclusive access to a new weight management clinic at Guys Hospital in London, and followed a group of patients for six months to discover how they fare on the new drugs.

Theres no doubt about the scale of the problem. Two thirds of adults in the UK are overweight. Around one in three is obese. In England, the obesity rate has doubled in just 30 years.

According to trials, Wegovy and Mounjaro can help patients lose around 15 to 20 per cent of their body weight, the sort of weight loss that can have an impact on health, and greatly reduce a patients risk of many conditions, from diabetes to cancer, joint problems and heart disease.

Out of more than 130,000 eligible patients in south-east London, the Guys clinic reckons it can only see about 3,000 for the weight loss jab

Around 3.4 million patients in England are eligible for them on the NHS; people who have a body mass index (BMI) of more than 35 and health-related complications.

Many of those people will have diabetes, heart or joint problems caused by being overweight. So weight-loss drugs should deliver savings in the long-term.

But Im told that with a current cost of around 3,000 per year per patient, the health service simply cant afford to make full use of them.

If everyone eligible in England received them right now, that would be around 10 billion a year  half the entire NHS drugs budget.

These estimates come from Professor Naveed Sattar, an expert in cardiometabolic medicine at Glasgow University, who leads the UK governments Obesity Healthcare Goals programme. He told me: The cost of the drugs is still at a level where we cannot afford to treat several million people within the UK. It would simply bankrupt the NHS.

So for now, only a tiny proportion of patients are getting access to the drugs.

The Guys Hospital clinic has begun rolling out Wegovy to a small group of patients. One of them is Ray Lambert, who is 62 and works part-time in a care home in London. Hes struggled with his weight all his life and, at the start of his treatment, weighed 148kg (23st).

A few years ago, Ray was turned down for gall bladder surgery on the day of the operation when the medical team realised he was too big for the [operating] table. He has since had the surgery, but needs two more operations, and doctors have said he needs to lose weight first.

In July 2024, he became one of the first NHS patients to be prescribed Wegovy, taken via a weekly injection. His daughter, Sophie, told me it would be amazing if he could reach his goal of losing three stone: I wouldnt recognise him. It would be like having a brand new dad.

Even for the most seriously obese, the chances of getting a weight-loss drug on the NHS are low. Out of more than 130,000 eligible patients in south-east London, the Guys clinic reckons it can only see about 3,000.

Ozempic, the drug popularised by celebrities such as Sharon Osbourne, is also available on the NHS for type 2 diabetes, but most people wanting to lose weight are accessing it privately at a cost of 200 a month.

Both Ozempic and Wegovy contain semaglutide, which mimics a gut hormone that sends signals to our brain telling us we are full. Like all medicines, they come with side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation  but sometimes potentially serious complications including inflammation of the pancreas.

Ray does well on the drug and, after five months, theres a visible difference in his appearance. At an appointment at Guys just before Christmas, he weighed in at 134kg (21st), a weight loss of 14kg or two stone.

He was delighted and told me he felt blessed to have had access to the drug via the NHS. So, thus far at least, Ray is a success story.

But theres a catch. Professor Barbara McGowan, an expert in obesity and diabetes, who runs the weight management service at Guys, concedes that Ray will probably need to stay on weight-loss jabs for life: We know that from all the clinical trials, if you stop the medication, weight is regained. And this is the issue.

The health regulator, NICE, has said Wegovy can only be funded for two years for any patient. Mounjaro has been approved for use on the NHS without a time limit  but NICE has recommended a 12-year roll-out because of concerns the demand could overwhelm services.

Over the next three years its estimated that just 220,000 people in England will benefit from Mounjaro on the NHS  out of 3.4 million who are eligible.

Jean, 62 and a type 2 diabetic, hopes Mounjaro will help to get her weight and health back on track. She showed me a ten-year-old photo of herself when she was far lighter and healthier.

I was a fitness fanatic. I went to the gym practically every day. I dont know what happened, why I fell off the wagon, she said, admitting she had developed a terrible relationship with food, able to eat some 20 KFC chicken wings in a single sitting.

After just five weeks on the drug, Jeans food noise  the constant urge to eat  has been silenced and she is able to stop taking her insulin. Within two months she was back in the gym, and had lost over half a stone.

Professor Sattar reckons that more than nine in ten patients currently on weight-loss drugs in the UK are paying for them privately. The sad thing is that the people who need them most are probably the ones who cant afford them: obesity rates are much higher in areas of social deprivation.

With smoking levels continuing to fall, he now regards obesity as the major driver bar none  of long-term multiple health conditions and wants to see fundamental changes to our obesegenic society: more chances to be physically active, plus action on calorie-dense fast food, and encouraging people to eat more veg, fruit and fibre.

Both Professors Sattar and McGowan believe that weight-loss jabs have an important role to play and could eventually bring wider savings.

A five-year trial in Manchester is to look at the real-world impact of Mounjaro, including whether it helps some people struggling with obesity to get back into work.

One hopeful point is that Professor Sattar predicts that in ten years there could be 20 weight-loss drugs on the market, and the health benefits they bring could be even wider. So far, we know these drugs reduce the risk of heart attacks, diabetes, kidney disease, heart failure, sleep apnoea, liver disease, knee pain, and reduce blood pressure, he says.

A greater variety of weight-loss drugs should bring the price down  and if they succeed in countering expensive problems such as diabetes, heart disease and joint problems, they could even be a win for the NHS.
A savvy mum has shared a hack to get a free treat from Marks & Spencer on your birthday.

Sharing the revelation on TikTok, Jo, who goes by the username ThisMumCooks, shared the new way M&S customers can get their hands on a free birthday sweet treat.

'M&S have started giving away free gifts on your birthday and what's even better is you get an entire month to pick it up,' she said at the beginning of the video.

Jo, who boasts a popular social media following for her tips of cooking, budgeting and finding the best deals, gathered 290,000 views on the video with customers keen to nab a free birthday goodie.

She explained that shoppers keen to nab a free gift need to ensure they are signed up to the M&S Sparks app.

Similar to other supermarket's rewards schemes, such as Tesco Clubcard and Sainsbury's Nectar, the luxury retailer offers their own Sparks scheme to those who are signed up.

Customers should ensure that they fill in all their details, including their birthday, so they can ensure they make the most of the offer.

Sharing the revelation on TikTok , Jo, who goes by the username ThisMumCooks (pictured), shared the new way M&S customers can get their hands on a free birthday sweet treat

For those who are signed up to the rewards scheme, they will be able to select from a variety of treats anytime during their birthday month - but there is a possible catch.

Jo urged customers to 'be careful' since 'if you're birthday is at the end of the month, you may end up missing out'.

'So how do you get it? You get it via the Sparks app - which is definitely worth doing now,' she explained.

For those whose birthday's land towards the end of the month, they will need to ensure they access the gift on the day or earlier on in the month - since the freebie is only available during that month.

'I'm off the Marks and Spencer's to go and pick mine up and see what we can get,' she said in the clip, before going inside to select for the array of celebratory treats.

Heading down to the Trafford Centre food haul in Manchester, the TikToker revealed a sprawling selection of delicious sugary treats that are available as part of the freebie.

She explained that customers celebrating their birthday can choose their free gift from a wide variety of sweet treats.

'In regards to the free birthday gift, you can get anyone of these tubs of mini bites and there are so many to choose from.'

She explained that customers celebrating their birthday can choose their free gift from a wide variety of sweet treats.

And for those with a taste for chocolate, birthday celebrators can also pick up an alternative truffle treat.

Jo explained: 'Or you can pick a box of Swiss chocolate truffles and they've even though of those who have intolerances or wants a plant based version,' she added, revealing a generous selection of chocolates.

The retailer offers both dairy-free and vegan versions of the truffles, so everyone can find something to enjoy on their big day.

'I chose the dark chocolate truffles,' revealed the mother, showing off the orange swirled box of sweets.

'Like I say, if your birthday is at the end of the month, you only have your birthday month to pick it up .

'You can pick it up from the first, even if your birthday is on the 31st,' she confirmed.

For those celebrating their birthday's, they can select from a wide range of M&S mini bites including Caramel Millionaires, Extremely Chocolately Double Chocolate bites, Pretzel Fudge, Chocolate Cornflake and Rocky Road.

And for the health conscious, there is also a Jewelled Granola option too. Each of the 350g tubs have a monetary value of 3.25.

The retailer offers both dairy-free and vegan versions of the truffles, so everyone can find something to enjoy on their big day

And for a more luxurious option, customers can also pick up some delectable Swiss Chocolate Truffles in both milk and dark chocolate flavours.

The delicious molten chocolate bites come in a 205g box and usually cost 6.50 - though care free when selected as a birthday freebie.

For those with intolerances, the retailer are also offering the choice to select its Made Without Dairy Truffle Selection. The 120g box usually cost 6.

Also available is a 260g box of Plant Kitchen Cocoa Dusted Truffles, which would ordinarily cost 7.50.

An M&S spokesperson told Metro: As part of Sparks, our customer reward scheme, we are delighted to be offering Sparks customers a birthday treat to help them celebrate.

Customers will see this in their Sparks hub at the start of their birthday month. To make sure you dont miss out be sure to update your date of birth in your Sparks profile.

On the M&S website the Sparks FAQs section adds: The more you shop with Sparks, the more likely you are to be in with the chance of a free treat, or having your shopping paid for by us.

Make sure you also opt in to receive Sparks marketing messages to get the most out of Sparks, as well send you an email and/or a message via the M&S app every time a new treat arrives. Check your marketing preferences in your M&S account to choose how you would like to hear from us.
A British woman has sparked confusion after revealing she stocked up on grocery items like laundry pens and deodorant during a visit to the US.

Mollie Layton showed off the contents of her 'American haul' - comprising Tide pens and Mitchum deodorants that are easily available in the UK - in a video that has racked up more than three million views and 3,000 comments.

In the five-minute clip, Mollie can be seen unpacking a grocery bag bearing the logo of Target, a popular US supermarket chain, as she tells her followers: 'I'm going to show you everything I bought back from America on my recent trip.'

Her first purchase was a set of laundry pens from Tide that Mollie described as 'on-the-go stain removal pens' before adding: 'I don't know why we don't have something like this in the UK.'

Stain pens are available to purchase on Amazon, with a set of three retailing for 9.64.

Mollie also brought back bottles of EOS Vanilla Cashmere moisturiser that 'went viral on TikTok', dissolvable Listerine strips, Crest whitening toothpaste, and a double-pack of Mitchum deodorants.

While Mitchum's range of antiperspirants and deodorants are available to buy across the UK, including at supermarkets such as Boots, Asda, and Sainsbury's, Mollie explained 'you can only get the small ones' in the country.

TikTok influencer Mollie Layton showed off the contents of her 'American haul' - comprising Tide pens and Mitchum deodorants, in a video that has racked up over three million views and 3,000 comments

In the five-minute clip, Mollie can be seen unpacking a grocery bag bearing the logo of Target, a popular US supermarket chain

Meanwhile, Crest toothpaste retails on Amazon for around 6, with plenty of other teeth whitening products from brands such as Boots, Colgate, Oral B, Pearl Drops, and Arm & Hammer available in online and offline grocery stores.

While the Listerine strips are no longer available in offline shops, customers can order a pack of six that is priced at 35 from Amazon if they are want an icy hit of nostalgia.

Reacting to Mollie's haul of products, one person wrote: 'Those Listerine strip things, didn't we used to sell something like that in the UK like years ago?' one user wrote.

'You can get them on Amazon still,' another replied.

A third person expressed their disbelief over the apparent lack of everyday grocery items in the UK, writing: 'bro what DOES the UK have!? bringing back deodorant and toothpaste has me weak lol.'

'I'm confused,' one American user said. 'You guys don't have toothpaste?'

Some people pointed out that a lot of the products Mollie brought back from the US contain harmful chemicals that are banned in the UK.

Other items on Mollie's grocery list included sauces and condiments from Trader Joe's - another popular American supermarket chain - including pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spice, Taco Bell hot sauce, and everything bagel seasoning.

TikTok users expressed their confusion after Mollie revealed she bought toothpaste and deodorant from the US

She also revealed she picked up bottles of Trader Joe's hand sanitiser, as well as decorative items such as pumpkin plush toys and a fall-inspired pillow.

One user pointed out that 'there's a company in the UK that does everything bagel seasoning called Condiminiac.

Mollie's post also sparked discussion about what products Americans visiting the UK should load up on, with one person sharing their definitive list.

'Chocolate digestive biscuits, Heinz beans, chocolate, French skin care is not as cheap as France but still much cheaper than the States.'

Meanwhile, an American man living in the UK previously took to the video-sharing platform to shared four observations about Tesco supermarkets - admitting one modern aspect of British superstores baffled him.

Documenting his visit to a Tesco store, influencer Kalani Smith expressed his surprise over its closing times, the variety of sausages that were laid out in the refrigerated meats aisle, as well as the convenience of their self-checkout counters.

He said: 'It's kinda weird. You can scan your stuff and pay for it with these little handheld devices. We don't really have these in the U.S.'

Lastly, the content creator highlighted the difference between the frozen aisles in the UK and U.S.

As he explored the area, he explained: 'I think what's really weird compared to America is there's only three rows for frozen meals, whereas I feel like we have more of these in America.'
MBABANE  Mbabane Magistrate Sifiso Vilakati wants answers on motorists who were not brought to court after they were arrested for drink-driving. This comes after the magistrate noted with concern that three motorists who were arrested for drink-driving in Mbabane did not show up in court for the charges against them. The judicial officer started by questioning the absence of Banele Shabangu, who was not in court when his name was called three times. Procedurally, the name of an accused is called three times to ascertain if he/she is not present inside the courtroom. If he/she does not respond, the Crown applies for a warrant of arrest against the accused. However, there are circumstances where the Crown can apply for the matter to be removed from the court roll.



What happened to Banele Shabangu because he was arrested and charged for drink-driving? Was he not supposed to be in court today, just like the other motorists who were arrested and charged for the offence? Vilakati asked. A police officer who was present in court, told the court that Shabangu was out of custody. Angiyiva lentfo lena (I cant make sense of this), Vilakati said, after the Crown had applied for the matter to be removed from the court roll. Vilakati also asked the whereabouts of Senzo Nkosi, who also did not show up when his name was called three times. Vilakati said he would not remove the matter from the court roll, stating that he wanted the duo in court. He said the fact that they were out of custody gave the court the impression that they were given a favour while other motorists were detained in custody. I am not removing them from the court roll. I want them here. They are supposed to be here even if they were released on whatever circumstances after being charged. Removing them from the court roll would be unfair to the other motorists, who were charged with the same offence. I want them here, reiterated Vilakati.



Explanation



Vilakati noted that Dorrington Matiwane was the third person who did not appear in court after being arrested and charged for drink-driving. He said he would keep the charge sheets until he got a full explanation on why the trio was not in court after they were charged for drink-driving. He said he would not turn a blind eye to the matter since other motorists spent the night in custody for the same offence. Nkosi, from South Africa, later showed up and was sentenced to two years imprisonment with an option of a fine of E2 000. It appeared that he recorded 1.53mg/l on the alcoholmeter. Just like in South Africa, drink-driving is a prosecutable offence in Eswatini, Vilakati said, while sentencing Nkosi.

At the time this report was compiled at 5:26pm, Shabangu and Matiwane had not shown up in court.



Worth noting is that the motorists dodged court after the police had declared their harsher stance on drink-driving as it is deemed one of the contributing factors to fatal road accidents in the country. When declaring the polices stance, the National Commissioner of Police Vusi Manoma Masango, said there would be zero tolerance towards those found to be driving on public roads while under the influence of intoxicating substances. Masango went to the extent of saying that drink-drivers would be named and shamed on the media in order to discourage them from committing the offence. Masango further stated that drink-driving cases would no longer be heard in chambers, so that offenders could not avoid publicity.
Alton Towers has revealed its newest ride which is set to be the first of its kind in the UK.

The theme park, based in Alton, Staffordshire, sees more than 2million visitors each year and adrenaline junkies will no doubt be excited for the newest rollercoaster.

It teased its latest addition with a new TV advert which saw a nuclear control panel whirr into life, designing and constructing the exciting new ride while neon green liquid dripped through, corroding the metal while an emergency alarm sounded in the distance.

The addition to the theme park is a topspin ride called the Toxicator.

Riders will be seated back-to-back before being flipped upside down where they will be suspended over a 'pool of toxic alien acid', according to The Sun.

The exhilarating ride will be the only topspin style ride in the park to be suspended above the ground, allowing passers by to walk underneath it and get up close to the terrifying experience.

The Toxicator will be 78ft tall (23m) and will be the tallest ride of its kind in the theme park and will be placed alongside the newly re-opened Nemesis reborn in the Forbidden Valley.

Alton Towers is hoping that 500 thrill-seekers per hour will be able to have a go on the new ride when it's opened.

Alton Towers has revealed its newest ride - the Toxicator - which is set to be the first of its kind in the UK and will feature an 'acid pool'

The announcement comes after one of Alton Towers' most cherished rides was redesigned last year as Nemesis reborn

Although there is no information about when the new ride will be open to the public, it didn't stop theme park fan from getting excited.

Adrenaline junkies took to Facebook to share their excitement about the ride, commenting underneath an announcement: 'This looks amazing'; 'I seriously can't wait to ride it!!'; '100% looking forward to it hope they add more green features to it'.

Bianca Sammut, Vice President of Alton Towers Resort, told the publication: 'Alton Towers is renowned for consistently delivering new and reimagined thrills for our fans and as the UK's only topspin ride, we're excited to welcome Toxicator to the park.

'We can't wait to challenge thrillseekers to submit to the spin. Located in the heart of Forbidden Valley, this is the latest chapter in the Nemesis story which has captivated generations of thrillseekers worldwide.

'We're not yet ready to reveal precisely when Toxicator will turn your world upside down, but rest assured the wait will be worth it.'

The announcement comes after one of Alton Towers' most cherished rides was reborn last year.

Alton Towers teased its latest addition with a new TV advert which saw a nuclear control panel whirr into life, designing and constructing the exciting new ride

The theme of the ride is nuclear and the advert showed neon green liquid dripping through the machine, corroding the metal while an emergency alarm sounded in the distance

After closing in November 2022 to undergo an extensive makeover, Nemesis opened with a bang as Nemesis Reborn.

Following the re-design, the rollercoaster's 250-tonne 716-metre-long white track is now black, with 'mysterious' red veins snaking along it.

And new audio-visual technology has been implemented, plunging visitors into an 'immersive experience from the outset'.

Dramatic drone footage from March showed the ride in action, with fans able to strap themselves in for the first time on Saturday and experience its four full inversions, 'hair-raising corkscrews' and 'nerve-shredding drops', along with speeds of 50mph and G Forces of 3.5.

The story behind the transformation is that Nemesis is 'now a predator, seeking vengeance on the shadowy Phalanx organisation that kept it prisoner'.
This is how police officers set a clever trap to catch a Mexican drugs cartel infiltrating the UK with crystal meth.

In the latest episode of 24 Hours in Police Custody on Channel 4, viewers were given the inside track on a major police operation that led to the seizure of drugs worth over 1.5 million in Norwich.

Cameras followed the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit, which specialises in tackling serious and organised crime, as they began a covert operation against a Latin American cartel, which they believe were importing huge quantities of drugs into the UK.

Police then seized a package from Colombia at Stansted Airport containing just shy of 1kg of cocaine packed in a boat part, with a wholesale value of 30,000.

After finding the drugs hidden in the secret compartment, detectives realised they could potentially break the international crime gang by exploiting their discovery.

They decided to replace them with dummy drugs and allow the fake cargo to be delivered to their final destination.

In nail-biting scenes, surveillance teams watched as the consignment was delivered to a luxury property in Norwich and the order was given to move in to make arrests.

Officers found Mexican national Axel Cruz living in the apartment, who was taken into custody. A search revealed a large quantity of a substance which resembles shards of glass with a strong chemical smell.

Forensic analysis then established that the substance was a whopping 11.8 kilos of methyl-amphetamine, otherwise known as crystal meth - a highly addictive drug that can be manufactured synthetically in large quantities.

Cruz, a tattooist, said the bags were for his 'ink', but officers soon confirmed the very suspicious substance stashed inside a bag for life, covered in a watermelon pattern.

As officers explained, the huge quantity of the Class A drug had a street value of 1.2million.

'It looks like it's from Breaking Bad,' one exclaimed.

Cruz initially denied any knowledge of having cocaine in his apartment, saying in a police interview: To be honest I woke up to a guy knocking at my door, he was standing there with a box.

'I was half asleep and I accepted it, took it in, I dont know, curiosity got the best of me and I decided to open it.'

This is how police officers set a clever trap to catch a Mexican drugs cartel infiltrating the UK with crystal meth

Officers found Mexican national Axel Cruz living in the apartment, who was taken into custody

In the latest episode of 24 Hours in Police Custody on Channel 4 , viewers were given the inside track on a major police operation that led to the seizure of drugs worth over 1.5 million in Norwich

He added it was 'all a big coincidence' - but when officers brought up the crystal meth, he asked to speak to his solicitor.

He said: 'I had no clue about that. I've never seen that in my life. I would have chucked that in the f***ing river.'

But after more questioning, he could no longer deny his guilt - but did admit he didn't know who was in charge of the overall operation.

It was revealed that the dangerous drug - rarely found in the UK - had entered the retail drugs market with potentially devastating consequences.

Detective Chief Inspector Mike Birch admits in the show: 'It's a huge concern to see the cartel trying to infiltrate our region.

'The cartels are so prolific, all they want is to be able to flood the market here with their commodity.'

Axel Cruz pleaded guilty to the importation of cocaine and methyl-amphetamine - he was sentenced to 16 years in prison and will be deported when he has finished his sentence.

As explained in the programme, he had one previous conviction for the possession of a machete.

Cameras followed the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit, which specialises in tackling serious and organised crime , as they began a covert operation against a Latin American cartel, which they believe were importing huge quantities of drugs into the UK

Elsewhere, the programme also featured the stories of Toby Bunting and Daniel Fordham - who had also been recruited by cartels.

Bunting was sentenced to 2 years and six months for possession with intent to supply, while Fordham was sentenced to 10 years.

24 Hours In Police Custody is available to stream now on Channel 4.
The latest beauty trend isn't lipstick you can wipe off.

Semipermanent blush is a new cosmetic tattoo that's all the rage, although some people on social media are mercilessly mocking the way it looks, comparing the flush to a 'sunburn.'

This isn't the first time permanent makeup has become popular - plenty of people have gotten their eyebrows powdered or micro-bladed, their eyeliner tattooed, and their lips blushed.

The expensive, sometimes painful procedures can make an at-home beauty routine easier, because it looks like people wake up with their makeup on, but it can also fade into strange colors and require expensive, painful upkeep.

The cheek blush process usually involves putting pigment into the top layers of the skin, like microneedling.

While it's vibrant at first, it eventually heels and looks more natural and flushed.

Velvet Cosmetic Tattoos, owned by Savannah Marie Messenger, has gone viral on social media for cheek blushing after she practiced on her feet to perfect the technique.

Savannah now offers the service for $300 to $400 in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, but makes sure to go over all the risks with clients, from not being able to use retinol to no laser treatments.

Velvet Cosmetic Tattoos, owned by Savannah Messenger, has gone viral on social media for cheek blushing after she practiced on her feet to perfect the technique

Makeup Artist and esthetician Erica Marie Gatt told FEMAIL that permanent makeup is so popular right now because it's 'no longer bold changes'

Makeup Artist and esthetician Erica Marie Gatt told FEMAIL that permanent makeup is so popular right now because it's 'no longer bold changes, but a subtle, artfully detailed approach.'

Erica, who's based in Hermosa Beach, California, said it's become popular with women who 'never leave their home without makeup or like the ease of having a natural flush without spending the time to create it.'

While Erica called permanent makeup 'a win-win for time saving,' she warned there's 'always a risk involved.'

Erica, who has worked with celebrities including Vanessa Hudgens, Sofia Vergara, and the Kardashians, explained the process is 'similar to getting a tattoo, but the semi permanent blush is not as invasive.'

'You may need more than one treatment and over time the color may fade,' Erica said.

Permanent makeup artist Laura Kay told DailyMail.com that permanent blush is a 'definite no' for her

Permanent makeup expert Laura Kay told DailyMail.com that permanent blush is a 'definite no' for her, calling the trend 'a little bit crazy and extreme.'

'Why would you want to put red or pink on your face with permanent ink just to fit a trend?' Laura, who's a top authority in the field, asked.

'It's not something I would recommend or offer as a treatment, as a permanent makeup artist and trainer,' Laura, based in London, said.

'If it goes wrong, it will be extremely painful to remove, and you could be left with long-lasting scars, not to mention an expensive mistake, as you could spend thousands going to a permanent makeup removal expert,' Laura warned.

Laura also explained that it's possible people will cover up the blush after they apply moisturizer and foundation.

'These cheek blush tattoos just look like broken capillaries on your face, and most people spend ages trying to get rid of any redness, not put it back on,' the permanent makeup artist said.

'You also don't know how the pigment will age over time,' Laura warned, asking, 'Do you really want to look like you have a red or pinkish face all the time?'

Cheek blush tattoos last between one to three years, and clients have to come in for touch-up sessions to maintain the color

Makeup artist Alexa Persico told DailyMail.com, 'The procedure involves tattooing pigments into the skin, so choosing a licensed and experienced permanent makeup artist is critical'

Alexa believes the viral trend is so popular because 'it aligns with the current obsession with natural, glowy skin'

Celebrity makeup artist and beauty expert Alexa Persico warned DailyMail.com, 'The procedure involves tattooing pigments into the skin, so choosing a licensed and experienced permanent makeup artist is critical,' adding that women need to make sure that the pigments and tools used are safe, hypoallergenic, and approved for cosmetic use.

Alexa, who has more than 14 years of experience in the beauty industry, advised that 'risks can include uneven pigmentation, skin irritation, or infections if proper hygiene and techniques aren't followed.'

Alexa suggested that people with sensitive or acne-prone skin consult a dermatologist first.

The celeb MUA also wants to remind people that trends change and are cyclical, so it's possible that people won't want the same flushed face in a few years.

However, there are potential risks. Alexa explained that 'the color may not heal as expected - it could look too bright, uneven, or fade poorly over time,' and if you're not happy with the shade, 'removal can also be difficult and costly.'
OnlyFans is now a multibillion-dollar company, raking in a record-breaking $6.6billion in revenue last year.

And with so much money to be made, young women are resorting to increasingly extreme 'stunts' to win subscribers - including degrading sex sessions with dozens, hundreds, even thousands of men at a time.

Lily Phillips, from England, captured the public's attention after starring in the YouTube documentary, I Slept With 100 Men in One Day. And Australian Annie Knight proudly claims to be her nation's 'most sexually active woman'.

But perhaps the most notorious example is British sex worker Bonnie Blue.

Known for her headline-making tours of Spring Break, Freshers' Week and Schoolies where she sleeps with 'barely legal students' on camera, 25-year-old Bonnie now claims to have bedded 1,057 men in just 12 hours - or one every 41 seconds.

Whether or not her 'world record' is legitimate, Bonnie would be advised to look at what happened to some of the women who came before her, as they serve as a cautionary tale for porn stars who view sex as an endurance sport.

Kim Halsey, best known by her stage name Houston, became an X-rated sensation in the late '90s after breaking the world record for the most sexual partners in one session for her now notorious film, The World's Biggest Gang Bang III.

The plan going in was to sleep with 500 men, easily breaking Jasmin St. Claire's record of 300, but the stunt was such a success that Houston made it to 620 men before calling it a day.

With so much money to be made on OnlyFans, young women like Bonnie Blue (pictured) are resorting to increasingly extreme 'stunts' to win subscribers - including degrading sex sessions with dozens, hundreds, even thousands of men at a time

Kim Halsey, best known by her stage name Houston, became an X-rated sensation in the late '90s after breaking the world record for the most sexual partners in one session

Houston (left) has been called 'the original Lily Phillips'. Phillips (right) went viral late last year after sleeping with 100 men in a single night

The movie became an instant bestseller and catapulted the single mother to instant infamy.

She appeared all over TV and radio, signed a record deal, toured the world, dated celebrities, and even auctioned off a piece of her own labia for six figures.

However, behind the scenes, Houston was dealing with a dangerous drug addiction, financial issues, and creepy male fans who recognised her everywhere she went.

While Houston publicly portrayed herself as an empowered adult superstar during the height of her fame, the truth about her raunchy career couldn't be any more grim.

In order to land her career-making role in the record-breaking film, Houston first had to partake in a taboo sex act with one of the video's producers.

Detailing the ordeal in her 2012 autobiography titled Pretty Enough: The Story of the Gang Bang Queen, Houston wrote, 'When I agreed to do it, he did everything he could to degrade me as much as possible.'

She continued, 'Spitting on me, calling me a w***e, doing everything he could to make me feel like a piece of s**t.'

Once she secured her starring role, Houston got a religious tattoo of a cherub.

On the big day of filming her record-breaking adult film, Houston, dressed like a sexy speed racer, was surrounded by throngs of men, fluffers, lighting technicians, and a camera crew

The plan going in was to sleep with 500 men, but the stunt was such a success that Houston made it to an eye-watering 620 fellas before calling it a day

'It was my way of asking God to forgive me for what I was about to do,' she confessed.

'It may surprise you to hear that, but my faith has always been very important to me, even when I put it on the backburner sometimes.'

On the big day of filming, Houston, dressed like a sexy speed racer, was surrounded by throngs of men, fluffers, lighting technicians and a camera crew.

She admits that she used 'porn math' to reach 620 sex acts in just eight hours, meaning that any penetration, no matter how brief, was counted.

While her suitors all had to be tested to prove they were disease free, the group wasn't exactly what you'd describe as gentlemen.

Describing the participants, Houston said that the diverse gang included a 'speed freak in full-blown psychosis', a Burt Reynolds impersonator, and worst of all, a male performer who had put his own mother in a porn film to pay off a gambling debt.

'One by one they climbed on top of me, and their faces became a blur,' Houston wrote.

The movie became an instant bestseller and catapulted the single mother to instant infamy

At the height of her fame, Houston appeared all over TV and radio, signed a record deal, toured the world and even dated A-list celebrities

After passing 500, Houston decided to keep going 'for another round or two' until she was so exhausted that she had to stop.

'Something was collapsing inside me, physically and emotionally,' she recalled.

'I felt as if somebody had aimed a flamethrower at my crotch. I retreated backstage and applied ice to my swollen and battered vagina, fighting back tears.'

After breaking the previous record and then some, Houston and the crew celebrated by chowing down on mozzarella sticks at fast food chain TGI Friday's.

'The next day, I caught a flight to Mexico and spent the next two weeks recovering,' she wrote.

After a short break, Houston got back to work by touring strip clubs across the country and reveling in her newfound celebrity status.

By the end of the year, she'd pocketed close to a million dollars and was the highest-paid feature dancer next to porn legend Jenna Jameson.

'I had more than enough to pay for the cost of raising my daughter,' she wrote.

'I bought a house in Granada Hills and several cars. I'm not sure where the rest of the excess cash went, but I'd guess a fair amount went to drug dealers, liquor stores, clothing designers, home remodelers, and plastic surgeons.'

Behind the scenes, Houston was dealing with a dangerous drug addiction, financial issues, and creepy male fans who recognized her everywhere she went

Houston eventually quit drugs and pornography and joined a Christian church that focused on sex workers

As her fame and bank account grew, so did Houston's addiction to both drugs and plastic surgery.

She confessed to using cocaine and crystal meth to keep her energized for her grueling strip club gigs, and would often go for days without eating.

By 2002, her bank account was dwindling and the house she'd bought with her hard-earned bucks was facing foreclosure.

'I had always been a functional addict in that I was obviously addicted to all the drugs I was doing, but I somehow managed to always do the work I was supposed to do in order to provide for my daughter and myself,' she wrote.

'But by this point, there was so much money going into drugs that no matter how much I was earning, it just wasn't enough,' she continued.

'One day I realized that I was going to die soon if I didn't change anything.'

On top of her crippling drug addiction, Houston was also battling a penchant for plastic surgery that had almost killed her.

'No matter how many compliments I've gotten, no matter how many people told me how attractive they thought I was, no matter how many beauty contests I won, I never felt pretty enough,' she admitted.

'Plastic surgery offered me the ability to fix things I hated about myself, but as time went on, it became an addiction, an obsession.'

She detailed her spiral into drug addiction in her 2012 memoir, Pretty Enough: The Story of the Gang Bang Queen

At one point, she almost died after getting a labiaplasty and breast revision in one sitting.

She was replacing her silicone implants with saline ones at the time, but after the surgery, one of her breasts clotted and cut off the oxygen to her brain.

It swelled up to the size of a watermelon before Houston passed out and was rushed into emergency surgery, which narrowly saved her life.

In an attempt to turn her life around, Houston fled Los Angeles for Las Vegas, with the goal of starting fresh in a new city.

However, she took her drug addiction with her, and admitted to having her dealers back in LA mail her drugs in bath salt containers so she could keep up her habit.

Eventually she became so drug addled that she couldn't pick her daughter up from school.

Reaching her lowest point, Houston turned to the only person left that could help her.

'I crawled into my closet and crawled on the flood and I prayed,' she wrote.

'God, please help me get off the drugs. Please. I want to be a mother for once. I don't want to be Houston any more,' she begged.

She decided to go cold turkey, and after finally getting clean, the blonde bombshell quit porn and enrolled in real estate school.

Unfortunately, this wasn't the end of her troubles.

OnlyFans star Lily Phillips is attempting to surpass Houston's sex record by bedding 1,000 men in 24 hours

The 23-year-old famously broke down in tears after sleeping with 100 men in one night

After earning her real estate license and joining a reputable agency in Nevada, Houston was fired when her bosses discovered her X-rated past.

She pleaded for her job and told her bosses that she'd been out of the industry for close to a decade, but they wouldn't budge.

'There's no way we can have someone with your reputation on the front lines for us,' they told her.

A week after getting fired, Houston was diagnosed with stage three cancer.

Having blown through all her porn money and now unemployed, Houston turned to her parents, among others, to help pay for her treatment.

She had fifteen lymph nodes removed from her arm and miraculously, despite being given a 20 percent chance of survival, she lived.

The experience only increased Houston's faith in God, and she eventually joined a church that focused on embracing people who had come from sex work.

'Now, I feel I have a mission in Christ,' she wrote in her memoir. 'You don't just have to sell your body to make money.'

Houston's hardships serve as a cautionary tale to many of today's OnlyFans starlets, who are pushing the envelope further and further in a bid for fame and fortune.

British sex worker Bonnie Blue (pictured) outraged the world after bedding barely legal students during Spring Break and Schoolies

Annie Knight is making six figures a month as 'Australia's most sexually active woman'

Lily recently shocked the world after revealing that she'd had sex with over 100 men in one night as part of a stunt to promote her OnlyFans - and that her next goal is to bed 1,000 men in 24 hours.

Her antics have even shocked some of her fellow sex workers, including OnlyFans sensation Kassidie Kosa, who blasted Lily's outrageous behaviour and warned others not to follow in her footsteps.

'Honestly, I think doing something that extreme can be a form of self-harm, even if people don't always see it that way,' she previously told DailyMail.com.

'It feels like it could come from a deeper emotional place  whether it's the need for attention, validation or just trying to stand out in such a competitive space like OnlyFans,' she continued.

'I totally respect that people can make their own choices but this kind of behavior isn't sustainable or healthy in the long run.'

Kassidie, who currently earns seven figures on OnlyFans, also fears that Lily's behavior could encourage other models to go to extreme lengths to create content.

'It also sends a message to others in the industry that pushing yourself to dangerous extremes is normal, and that's just not okay,' she said.

'I truly think she needs help  and I say that with so much respect. The fact that she now plans to sleep with even more men next time is really alarming.

'It's not sustainable, it's not healthy, and it shouldn't be normalised,' she warned.
I'm ashamed to admit it, but I've had a couple of run-ins with Ozempic over the past few months.

My first encounter happened in the lead-up to my 40th birthday party.

Overexcited about the big, boozy bash I was hosting, I decided on a theme: Saucy Secrets. (I know, so on brand). I envisioned everyone rocking their sexiest, skimpiest outfits, leaning into the chaos of the night.

What I hadn't considered was that I, too, would have to wear something sexy and skimpy. Cue panic.

After a glorious winter of carb-heavy stews, calorie-loaded red wines, and the occasional late-night chocolate binge, my body wasn't quite PVC-dress ready. Crap.

Desperate to shred some weight fast, I turned to a friend who had 'stumbled upon' some Ozempic. Fuelled by Dutch courage after a few wines, we decided to inject each other with it.

But there was an issue: the dose we had wasn't tailored for us. It was prescribed to someone much heavier, and at 1mg, it was way too high. Giggling in a toilet cubicle like schoolgirls sneaking a cigarette, we madly googled for solutions.

Turns out, you can't lower the dose. It's not like splitting a pill. So, mercifully, common sense prevailed and, instead of injecting ourselves, we chucked out the black market Ozempic and hit the gym like maniacs in the weeks leading up to my party.

Emily*, in her mid-30s, was desperate to fit into a slinky red dress she bought online, only to end up in emergency (stock image posed by models)

That's right, ladies. Sometimes it's better to just do it the old-fashioned way.

The second time I encountered the weight loss jab everyone is buzzing about was at a fancy alcohol launch party.

As I mingled with socialites, 'It' girls and the poshest of posh school mums, I noticed a curious trend - everyone looked noticeably slimmer. It didn't take long to uncover the reason. The hot topic of the night was Ozempic.

Questions like 'Where did you get yours?' and 'Can you introduce me to your doctor?' filled the room. Yawn.

If I'm being honest, it makes for a 'snore' of a night. I want the real goss, like who's shagging who. But the topic didn't really budge.

One guest spilled the beans: apparently, they all used online telehealth systems. The trick? Turning their cameras off during Zoom consultations and claiming to be at least 50kg heavier than they actually were. Prescriptions were being handed out for $400 a pop, no questions asked. I was shocked.

A friend of mine even managed to score a link to a particularly lenient telehealth doctor. And that brings me to my third Ozempic encounter: a front-row seat to her rollercoaster of side effects.

From day one, the texts came in fast and frantic. She'd taken a dose far too high, resulting in three days of vomiting, sweating and total exhaustion. 'I feel like I'm dying,' one read. I feared it would be her last message and that I'd be hearing about her death on the six o'clock news.

Sarah*, a 42-year-old teacher, decided to give Ozempic a whirl after hearing her Pilates group rave about it. She ended up needing surgery after her ill-fated experiment (stock image)

Luckily, it wasn't fatal. And by the time her body adjusted, she had, indeed, lost weight, but at what cost? When I asked her if it was worth it, her emphatic 'No!' said it all. Well, that was $400 wasted.

So, it got me thinking, who else has had nasty run in with this medication that they are clearly not supposed to be taking? I threw the question out to my Instagram followers, and it's safe to say the messages came in thick and fast.

Here are just some of the experiences people had on Ozempic:

Emily*, in her mid-30s, was all set to turn heads at her ex's engagement party. Desperate to fit into a slinky red dress she bought online (a size smaller than her usual), she begged a friend for an Ozempic hook-up.

The catch? Emily wasn't overweight, but she told a telehealth doctor she was tipping the scales at 120kg (where have I heard that one before?) Cue an expensive prescription, a painful prick... and a dangerously large doze of semaglutide.

At first, she thought it was genius: her appetite was non-existent. But then, the nausea kicked in.

A week later, she was with a friend-with-benefits when she felt a stabbing pain in her stomach that sent her straight to the emergency room. (Oh, God, even I experienced the second hand embarrassment from this story).

Turns out, the high dose triggered acute pancreatitis. When the doctor asked why she was taking Ozempic, she was mortified to admit, 'I just wanted to look hot in a dress.' Lesson learned the hard way.

Then there was Sarah*, a 42-year-old school teacher who decided to give Ozempic a whirl after hearing her Pilates group rave about its 'miracle' weight-loss powers.

She wasn't overweight by any medical standard but she told me she thought, 'Hey, why not shed a few kilos before my beach holiday?' A friend from her Pilates class hooked her up with some and boom! It was on.

Day one? She felt invincible. By week two, though, she was so constipated it hurt to move. Things got worse when she developed a bowel obstruction so severe it landed her in surgery.

Let's just say, her dream of poolside selfies in a bikini was replaced by a hospital gown and a grimace.

Jana Hocking was tempted by dodgy Ozempic in the lead-up to her 40th birthday. Luckily, she gave up on the idea when she realised the dose she had procured was dangerously high and decided to hit the gym instead. (Jana is shown arriving at her party)

And finally there was Mark*, a 50-year-old tech guy fresh out of a nasty divorce.

He admitted he didn't need Ozempic but knew he was competing against some fit-looking guys on the dating apps, and his dad bod just wasn't cutting it.

His BMI was normal, and his diabetes was under control, but after a friend told him about the 'shredding magic' of Ozempic, he decided to get in on the action.

Turns out there is a particular gym in Sydney that sells it from their back room. Naughty!

At first, the kilos melted off, and he was loving life. But then, he started feeling full after just two bites of chicken breast.

Weeks later, he couldn't ignore the fatigue, thinning hair and constant bloating.

Turns out, the drug had triggered gastroparesis, leaving him malnourished and looking more ghostly than gains-worthy. Lessons were learned.

Other followers chimed in with their horror stories. One guy said it made it 'harder to concentrate at work', while another woman confessed to vomiting blood more than once.

A husband revealed his wife could no longer hold her drink on Ozempic, saying, 'It was like dating a teenager again. She was a messy drunk after just a few drinks. It became a nightmare.'

Here's the harsh truth: if you're not prescribed Ozempic for actual medical reasons, you're playing a dangerous game.

Sure, the promise of shedding kilos is tempting, but so is eating an entire cheesecake, and we all know how that ends.

Save yourself the drama, and the dry heaving, and stick to something safer, like Pilates or Spanx. Your health will thank you for it.

*Names have been changed.

A disclaimer: Ozempic is only approved for the treatment of diabetes in Australia. While some doctors may prescribe it for weight loss after a thorough assessment of their patient's needs, Daily Mail Australia is not endorsing its use for this purpose. You should always seek advice from a medical professional. Lying to a doctor to obtain a prescription is illegal and could lead to overdose or death.
The Princess of Wales was effortlessly elegant in an all-red ensemble - as she made a deeply emotional visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in London this morning, where it can now be revealed she has been undergoing her own cancer treatment.

Kate Middleton, 43, added a pop of colour to the dreary January weather in a burgundy 770 turtleneck from Gabriela Hearst and Edeline Lee's 595 'Plait' skirt - both of which she has worn before - as she embarked on her first major solo engagement in more than a year.

The compassionate mother-of-three met with patients to show her support and personally thanked staff for their exceptional care, support and compassion over the past 12 months.

The royal teamed her sophisticated look with burgundy stiletto heels and wore her chestnut tresses down in loose waves and opted for a warm toned make-up look. Later, she was seen sporting the Blaze Milano 'Lahloo Anyway' checked wool blazer - currently 979 on the site - over her ensemble that she paired with a matching leather handbag.

Kate is clearly a fan of the coat, having worn it as recently as September, as she attended a Sunday church service near Balmoral.

It came as Kensington Palace revealed that the princess will join her husband as joint Royal Patron of the Marsden, a role that Prince Williams mother Diana, Princess of Wales, once held before her.

A spokesman told the Mail: The princess wanted to make the journey to both show her gratitude to the incredible team, but also highlight the world leading care and treatment the Marsden provides.

As revealed by the Mail on Sunday earlier this month, todays visit is one of a small number of engagements Catherine will undertake this year as part of a deliberately slow and measured return to duties.

Indeed, Kensington Palace were keen to stress today that that the guidance around the Princess return to public-facing engagements hasnt changed and that it would continue to be gradual.

As revealed by the Mail on Sunday earlier this month, todays visit is one of a small number of engagements Catherine will undertake this year as part of a deliberately slow and measured return to duties. She opted for an elegant all-red ensemble

The coat was the perfect flair of winter elegance, keeping the Princess warm during the chilly weather

Kate sat down as she chatted with others at the hospital, looking animated and immersed in conversation

The loose waves showed off the caramel highlights in Kate's chestnut tresses during the visit today

An animated Kate grinned and smiled as she spoke with others, opting for a glamorous make-up look

Kate wore a red turtleneck jumper with a matching long skirt, cementing the perfect winter look this morning

The Princess - pictured with Scout the therapy dog - also sported a tartan coat and carried a matching purse

The royal was sophisticated as ever in a burgundy outfit which was the perfect choice for January

Today was about visiting the Marsden to reflect on her own personal journey, an aide emphasised.

It is understood that the visit was always planned to be a solo engagement for the princess, even though her husband is already patron, as it was felt important for her to visit the Marsden independently to reflect on her own personal journey. The decision has Williams full backing and support.

The princess announced in September that she had completed a gruelling course of preventative chemotherapy after doctors found evidence of cancer following serious abdominal surgery in January.

In a moving personal statement Catherine spoke openly about the incredibly tough year she had endured and the complex, scary and unpredictable nature of her diagnosis and treatment.

Throughout it all, she made clear, her and Williams priority has been to protect their three young children.

Kate was the image of elegance as she sported an all red ensemble for her visit to to The Royal Marsden Hospital this morning

The princess was animated as she chatted with patients during today's visit. She opted for a scarlet jumper and skirt

Kate wore her chestnut hair down in loose waves, and opted for a glamorous make-up look this morning

She sported a monochrome look in the red sweater and skirt, teaming the look with burgundy stilettos

Kate was all smiles as she chatted with others during today's visit to The Royal Marsden Hospital

The palace has not yet revealed details of the cancer she was diagnosed with or the nature of the operation she first underwent other than to describe it as planned abdominal surgery.

However it was serious enough for to require several months of recuperation alone, even before her cancer diagnosis and has left the princess warning that her road to recovery is still ongoing.

Last week Prince William marked her birthday by posting a rare public tribute to his wife, paying tribute to the strength she has shown and expressing love and pride that he, Princess George, Princess Charlotte and little Prince Louis have for her.

The last major solo engagement undertaken by the princess before her health took a turn for the worse was on December 5 2023 when she visited the Evelina Childrens Hospital in London to open its day surgery unit.

She subsequently hosted her annual carol service with her family and attended Wimbledon last year with Princess Charlotte, as well as events such as Trooping the Colour, but always with other family members.

Todays special visit was carried out amid a strict security blackout with minimal media present in order to protect the privacy of patients currently undergoing scheduled cancer treatments and so as not to disrupt the daily workings of the hospital.

As she met with staff and patients who are currently receiving treatment, sources described the visit as incredibly poignant.

The Royal Marsden is a research active cancer centre and plays an important role in helping advance cancer treatment for others here in the UK and around the world.

The Princess of Wales was effortlessly elegant in an all-red ensemble - as she made a deeply emotional visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in London this morning, where it can now be revealed she has been undergoing her own cancer treatment

Kate Middleton, 43, added a pop of colour to the dreary January weather in a scarlet turtleneck and skirt as she embarked on her first major solo engagement in more than a year

In her new role as joint Royal Patron, Her Royal Highness is said to be looking forward to supporting The Marsdens work in advancing cancer research, treatment, and care as well as learning more about how it can benefit patients in the future.

In its announcement Kensington Palace said: The Prince and Princess of Wales have today become Joint Patrons of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust.

The patronage update has been announced following a visit by Her Royal Highness to the hospitals Chelsea site earlier today and follows The Princess own personal cancer journey, during which she received treatment from The Royal Marsden.

Todays visit saw The Princess meet patients currently undergoing treatment as well as staff working in different roles across the hospital.

Dame Cally Palmer, Chief Executive of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, said: We were honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales to The Royal Marsden in Chelsea this morning, and are delighted that Her Royal Highness is now joining His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales in becoming Joint Patrons of our specialist cancer centre.

We are incredibly fortunate to receive Royal Patronage  it is inspiring for staff and patients and enables us to shine a light on the outstanding work our staff deliver every day for patients and their families.

The Royal Marsden opened its doors in 1851 as the worlds first hospital dedicated to cancer diagnosis, treatment, research and education.

Today, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is a world-leading cancer centre operating across three sites in Chelsea, Sutton and Cavendish Square in central London.

Last week Prince William shared a sweet tribute to Kate Middleton, alongside an unseen black and white portrait of her

The Prince of Wales's heartwarming birthday message to his 'incredible' wife signals a new era of open affection for the Firm - breaking from the traditional 'stiff-upper lip' mentality - a royal historian has claimed. William and Kate pictured at their wedding

In an unusually personal message, William praised his wife's strength and added that he, George, Charlotte and Louis were 'so proud of her'

The Prince of Wales has held the role of President of The Royal Marsden since 2007, a position which was previously held by his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.

The Prince of Wales most recently visited The Royal Marsden to open their Oak Cancer Centre in Sutton in June 2023.

The outing comes one week after the royal's birthday, which was marked by a sweet message from her husband Prince William.

On Thursday the father-of-three shared a heartwarming Instagram tribute to Kate, alongside an unseen black and white portrait of her.

In an unusually personal message, William, 42, praised his wife's strength and added that he, George, Charlotte and Louis were 'so proud of her'.

The future king signed the message off with 'Happy Birthday, Catherine. We love you. W'.

In the picture, taken by royal photographer Matt Porteous in Windsor last summer, the Princess is seen relaxed at home, in jeans, a blazer and checked scarf.

She posed with her hands in her pocket - showing off her dazzling engagement ring - while wearing her hair in a gentle wave.

'Happy birthday to the Princess of Wales,' a sweet message on the Royal Family account read last week

A personal message - and unseen photo - is an unusual thing for the Royal Family to do for a non-major birthday.

It is perhaps the most emotive message William has ever shared about his wife.

'To the most incredible wife and mother. The strength youve shown over the last year has been remarkable. George, Charlotte, Louis and I are so proud of you. Happy Birthday, Catherine. We love you. W,' the message, shared to Instagram and X, reads.

Matt Porteous has taken pictures of William, Kate and their children dozens of times - as well as accompanying them on royal tours.

The King and Queen also shared their own tribute to Kate, while many members of the public and Kate's patronages have also sent well wishes.

The royal mother-of-three, who was born in Reading on January 9, 1982, turned 43 last week after enduring an annus horribilis in 2024.

Shortly after marking her 42nd birthday last January, Kensington Palace announced the Princess of Wales had been taken to hospital for abdominal surgery and was to pause public-facing duties while she recovered.

However, her time out of the spotlight fuelled wild speculation about her health and in March 2024 the Princess released an extraordinarily candid clip in which she announced to the world that doctors determined 'cancer had been present' in her body after carrying out tests.

Prince William (pictured with his wife and children) reduced his public engagements as he put family life and Kate's recovery front and centre

The news sent the nation, and indeed the world, into a state of shock as Kate revealed she would be undergoing chemotherapy treatment and was taking time out of public duties indefinitely as she prioritised her recovery.

Meanwhile, Prince William also reduced his public engagements as he put family life and his wife's recovery front and centre - while his father King Charles also received cancer treatment.

Nonetheless, the Prince of Wales still honoured some public duties and revealed glimpses of the extremely difficult year the family had endured.

Speaking in Cape Town, South Africa, on a visit in November for his Earthshot Awards, William, 42, said 2024 had been 'the hardest year of my life'.

Thankfully, after months out of the spotlight as she continued treatment, the Princess announced in September - in another extremely emotive clip - that her chemotherapy had come to an end and her focus was now on remaining 'cancer-free'.

She announced she would be dipping her toes back into public life while ensuring her recovery was still her main focus.

And as she resumed some public facing duties, the Princess showed royal fans the causes that she perhaps cherishes the most.

One of Kate's first engagements was a meeting with the late Liz Hatton, an aspiring photographer with a rare form of cancer who wanted to photograph an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle as part of her 'bucket list'.

The Prince of Wales has paid tribute to his wife Kate as she turns 43 today following an annus horribilis last year as she battled cancer

The nation's hearts were warmed by a photo of the Princess and Liz sharing a warm hug in the royal residence - knowing it was an embrace that meant everything to both.

Tragically, Liz passed away on November 27 - days before her family had planned an early Christmas celebration with her.

Following Liz's death the Prince and Princess of Wales issued a statement praising her as a 'brave and humble young woman'.

Other engagements carried out by Kate included a visit to Southport in September, where tragedy had struck just months earlier when three young girls, Bebe King, six, Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, and Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, had been stabbed to death at a Taylor Swift dance party.

Appearing alongside Prince William, Kate met with community leaders as the area tried to rebuild following the horrific incident. Privately, she also met with families of the children who had been affected.

Perhaps Kate's most prominent return to the spotlight was her Together at Christmas carol service, an event she hosts every year and which she holds extremely close to her heart.

Speaking at the event as she addressed guests who had been hand picked to attend at Westminster Abbey, the Princess said: 'Christmas is one of my favourite times of the year, it is a time for presents, tinsel and mince pies, but it's also a time to slow down and reflect on the deeper things that connect us all.

'It is when we stop and take ourselves away from the pressures of daily life, that we find the space to live our lives with an open heart, with love, kindness and forgiveness, so much of what the Christmas spirit is all about.

'The Christmas story encourages us to consider the experiences and feelings of others. It also reflects our own vulnerabilities and reminds us of the importance of giving and receiving empathy, as well as just how much we need each other in spite of our differences. Above all else, it encourages us to turn to love, not fear.'

The theme of this year's 'Together at Christmas' concert is love and empathy, which is perhaps suitable considering the difficult year the Princess has had.

Kate continued: 'The love that we show ourselves and the love we show others. Love that listens with empathy, love that is kind and understanding, love that is forgiving, and love that brings joy and hope.

'It is love which is the greatest gift we can receive, not just at Christmas but every day of our lives.'

Her message was told in the form of a voice over played at the start of the 'Together at Christmas' carol concert at Westminster Abbey.
Queen Maxima of the Netherlands looked radiant as she stepped out in a statement purple coat to attend a reception in Amsterdam today.

The Dutch royal, 53, made her stylish appearance on Tuesday for a New Year's reception for foreign diplomats and employees at the Royal Palace in the Netherlands.

The mother-of-three looked nothing short of sensational in the knee-length A-line Claes Iversen coat which featured starburst sequined embellishments across the body and sleeves.

She added a matching burgundy snake-skin clutch and opted for minimal jewellery to compliment her soft make-up.

She finished off her look by sweeping her blonde hair back off her face and letting it fall down her back.

Them monarch appeared to be in high spirits as she made her way inside the royal palace, beaming and waving to crowds waiting outside in the Dutch capital.

The queen last wore the chic coat in 2021 and previously stepped out in it on several occasion in 2017, marking the coat as a firm favourite.

Maxima's outing comes after she put on a dazzling display in November as she was spotted in red checkered suit to attend an event in Assen.

Queen Maxima, 53, of the Netherlands looked radiant as she stepped out in a statement purple coat to attend a a New Year's reception at the Royal Palace in the Netherlands

The royal stepped out in a stunning cherry red ensemble as she arrived in Assen in the Netherlands, for the the 50th anniversary of the Northern Development Company.

She looked every inch the glamorous queen in a bold red number. The queen beamed from ear to ear as arrived in the northern Dutch city.

She wore a stylish tailored blazer with fitted suit trousers. Maxima looked stunning in the cinched in jacket as she showed off her slender physique.

The red checkered ensemble was perfectly matched to the queen's autumnal red floppy hat.

Maxima previously wore the fashionable hat and suit combination when attending an event in 2018.

She wore a set of chic gold earrings and a blood red broach in the shape of a coneflower.

Maxima wore her typical glam makeup look with a full glowing base and dark lined eyes. She sealed the deal with a smattering of illuminating highlighter and rose pink lipstick.

She wore her sleek blonde tresses in an up do beneath her stylish wide brimmed hat.

The mother-of-three looked nothing short of sensational in the Claes Iversen coat which featured starburst sequined embellishments across the body and sleeves

The royal added a matching burgundy snake-skin clutch and opted for minimal jewellery to compliment her soft make-up

Maxima accessorised the outfit with a pair of sophisticated red leather gloves and heeled boots in a matching shade of bold red.

Arriving at the event on Wednesday, Maxima was spotted beaming as she bent down to shake hands with a young girl.

The queen then greeted other officials who were present at the 50th anniversary of the Northern Development Company.

As she headed towards the celebrations at the venue in Assen, Maxima carried a stunning bouquet of flowers in colours that matched her outfit.

Before her appearance in Assen, the Dutch royal jetted off south-east Asia to attend Singapore FinTech festival in early November.

The queen also met with Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong at the Istana presidential palace in her capacity as the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Advocate for Financial Health (UNSGSA).

Maxima looked as youthful as ever in the yellow number from Belgian fashion house Natan, one of her favourite places to shop.

The bright piece reflected Maxima's beaming expression, as she appeared in great spirits for the second day of her three-day trip.

She finished off her look by sweeping her blonde hair back off her face and letting it fall down her back

And Maxima appeared to be in high spirits as she made her way inside the royal palace, beaming and waving to crowds waiting outside in the Dutch capital

The mother-of-three has been seen in the dress several times since 2015, which was elegantly decorated with a woven floral motif, and complemented with a flattering belt.

She kept her blonde tresses loose and opted for her classic natural make-up style.

Maxima also attended a fireside chat event during the Singapore FinTech festival, which took place from November and was the reason for her visit.

The Singapore FinTech Festival is the largest in the world of its kind. The annual events seeks to recognise innovative FinTech solutions, financial institutions, technology companies.
Caroline Darian has detailed her story in memoir I'll Never Call Him Dad Again

Gisele Pelicot's daughter has revealed how her mother had breakfast with her father, now dubbed the 'Monster of Avignon', on the morning he was arrested for drugging her and allowing her to be raped by dozens of men including himself.

Caroline Darian, who has detailed her family's agony in a new memoir, I'll Never Call Him Dad Again, has laid bare the chillingly ordinary morning her parents had shared together before Gisele's life was turned upside down by revelations of her husband's depravity.

The book tells how, on November 2, 2020, Gisele ate breakfast as normal with her 'astonishingly calm' husband before they were due to travel to the police station in Carpentras together in relation to what she thought was her husband's upskirting arrest.

Dominique, Gisele's husband of nearly 50 years, had been arrested two months earlier after being caught trying to capture photos up women's skirts in an E.Leclerc supermarket. Upon his arrest, Caroline says, the Monster of Avignon told his wife he had done 'something really stupid' and explained it away, meaning his wife had chosen to stick by him.

On the morning Dominique was due to visit the police station in relation to the incident, Caroline writes that she followed her husband 'blithely unaware of what awaited her' when she was shown photos of her husband drugging her before inviting dozens of men to rape her while she was unconscious - which were found on his computer after it was seized in the upskirting investigation.

'In the car, my father seems perfectly calm,' she writes, of Dominique's drive to the police station, 'like someone come to iron out a little paperwork'. She describes how her father calmly agrees to go with a police officer into an interview room, 'convinced he can work his way out of the situation'.

That was the last time Gisele would see her husband before learning the sickening truth of his depravity; as an hour later she too was called into an interview room, where she was confronted with photos of herself, unconscious, 'lying on her stomach with a man behind her'.

Gisele, 72, has since become a face of bravery as her husband's sickening crimes against her in a nine-year campaign of abuse have been played out in court, earning him the nickname the Monster of Avignon. Last month, he was jailed for 20 years for drugging her and recruiting strangers to rape her, and also raping her himself.

A memoir written by Caroline Darian, the daughter of Gisele Pelicot, has detailed her mother's final moments with her father, Dominique, before she learnt of his sickening sexual crimes against her over nearly a decade in which he drugged and raped her, and invited dozens of men to assault her while she was unconscious. Pictured: Gisele and Caroline walking to court in September 2024

Gisele and Dominique's daughter tells how her mother was 'thrown' by an officer's questioning as he asked about her sex life with her husband - and if they, as a couple, had ever been into group sex.

Gisele replied: 'Certainly not. I couldn't bear to have someone else touch me like that. For me, sex is about love.'

She also defended her husband's character, describing him as a 'good person, always attentive to others, always ready to give a hand'.

But her perfect family life was shattered minutes later when officers showed her the images of herself being abused by one of at least 72 men who had been invited by Dominique via a sick chatroom called 'Without her Knowledge' to rape her.

'Mum feels a stab of pain in her chest. She digs out her glasses,' Caroline writes.

She adds: 'At best, Mum grasps half of what she hears, but that's more than enough to crush her.'

The memoir details Gisele's state of shock as she left the police station after her world had been turned upside down, leading her to become 'robotic' in her movements when she returned home to learn police had carried out another raid, and proceeded to tidy up.

Caroline reveals, in a heartbreaking detail: '[Gisele] washes, dries and irons clothes for my father, packing them up to take to the police station so that he has something to change into.'

Gisele (pictured in December) has been hailed for her bravery during the trial as she becomes the face of strength in the wake of her depraved husband's sickening crimes

Caroline's memoir details the mundane morning Gisele spent with Dominique before they travelled to the police station where he was to be questioned for what Gisele thought was an upskirting incident

Dominique Pelicot (pictured) was sentenced to 20 years in jail for subjecting his wife to a nine year-long campaign of 'chemical submission' rape

Caroline Darian's book tells her own story at learning her father, whom she'd held fond memories of playing Barry White in the car on long family drives with her brothers, had carried out the most shocking case of 'chemical submission' sexual assaults the world has ever seen against her mother.

Dominique Pelicot crushed anti-anxiety medication and sleeping pills into Gisele's drinks and dinner for years, before dressing her in underwear and inviting complete strangers, including some who carried sexually transmitted diseases, to come to his house and rape her while she was unconscious.

The mother-of-one, 46, also details her horror at learning her father's computer also contained photos of herself drugged on a bed, in a folder labelled 'my naked daughter'. To this day, Caroline is haunted by not knowing if he abused her.

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.'

Gisele Pelicot (C), and her daughter Caroline Darian (L) speak with the media after leaving the criminal court in Avignon

'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 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.
From her tireless humanitarian work to her effortless charm, there are countless reasons as to why Diana has gone down in history as the 'People's Princess'.

In her 36 years, the late mother-of-two, who was the patron of over 100 charities, was famous for regularly visiting hospitals across the UK - lifting the spirits of both patients and staff.

And it seems her daughter-in-law, who inherited Diana's title in 2022, is determined to carry on her legacy.

This morning, the Princess of Wales deeply emotional visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in London - where she took the time to speak with cancer patients and medical professionals working on the wards.

As well as being one of Diana's patronages, it has now been confirmed that the hospital is where Kate has been receiving her own cancer treatment over the past year.

On her first major solo engagement in more than a year, the royal met with patients to show her support and personally thank staff for their 'exceptional care, support and compassion'.

The visit comes as Kensington Palace revealed the Princess of Wales will join her husband as joint royal patron of the Marsden, a role that Prince William's mother Diana, Princess of Wales once held before her.

Pictured: the Princess of Wales speaks with a cancer patient at the Royal Marsden in London this morning

Pictured: Princess Diana during a visit to St Mary's Hospital's Paediatric Intensive Care Unit in April 1997

Princess Diana was appointed patron of the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation in 1989 and held the role until her tragic death in 1997.

However, the royal took an interest in the hospital long before she was appointed patron and president.

The Princess of Wales was pictured visiting their cancer ward in 1982, just over a year after she married Prince Charles.

She then visited the hospital, where her late cousin Conway Seymour received his leukemia treatment, again in 1984 before then laying a ceremonial foundation stone in 1990.

In February 1993, Diana opened the Royal Marsden's Wolfson Childrens Cancer Unit and paid regular visits to the ward to meet young patients.

One year before her death, the late royal hosted a fundraising event for the Royal Marsden, which raised over 1m for cancer research.

During the poignant visit today, Kate echoed her husband's mother as she took time to speak with cancer patients on the ward.

At one point, the Princess sat down with one woman - who was wearing a cold cap to prevent hair loss - and said: 'When did you first start treatment? Oh, today? How are you finding it?'

Catherine, Princess of Wales speaks with cancer patient Peter Burton during a visit to The Royal Marsden Hospital

Pictured: Princess Diana opening the Royal Marsden's Wolfson Childrens Cancer Unit in February 1993

Pictured: Princess Diana meeting young patients at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London before her death in 1997

Pictured: the Princess of Wales walks through the Royal Marsden Hospital's gates in London this morning

After offering a listening ear to patients, the royal mother-of-three was also pictured laughing with the staff who supported her during her own course of treatment - which ended in September 2024.

The Royal Marsden, which first opened in 1851, was the worlds first hospital dedicated to cancer diagnosis, treatment, research and education.

What's more, Prince William has also has a close connection to his mother's old patronage - and even completed work experience at the Royal Marsden during his time at university.

In 2015, he also launched the appeal for the Oak Cancer Centre in Sutton, which opened its doors in June 2023.

Shortly after their wedding in 2011, the Prince and Princess of Wales opened the The Oak Cancer Centre for Children and Young People - where one mother praised Kate for 'asking loads of questions' and expressing her sympathy for her young son who was battling the disease.

As she walked through the main entrance to the hospital's Chelsea site this morning, the Princess - dressed in a long brown winter coat and heels - was heard saying: 'I was just saying, coming in the front entrance here, having made so many quiet, private visits, actually it's quite nice.'

The Princess of Wales speaks to a patient at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London today

Pictured: Princess Diana receives a bouquet of flowers from Philip Loft at the Royal Marsden Hospital in March 1993

Princess Diana pictured when she officially opened the new clinical block of the Royal Marsden Hospital

Diana, Princess of Wales holds four year-old Holly Hunt - the youngest winner of the children's art competition organised in aid of the Royal Marsden Hospital in 1994

Kate meets with patients to show her support during her trip to the Royal Marsden this morning

The Princess of Wales speaks to a patient at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London today

The Princess of Wales arrives for a visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in Chelsea today

Dame Cally Palmer, Chief Executive of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, said: 'We were honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales to The Royal Marsden in Chelsea this morning, and are delighted that Her Royal Highness is now joining His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales in becoming Joint Patrons of our specialist cancer centre.

'We are incredibly fortunate to receive Royal Patronage  it is inspiring for staff and patients and enables us to shine a light on the outstanding work our staff deliver every day for patients and their families.'

In her new role as joint royal patron, Catherine is said to be looking forward to supporting the Marsden's work in advancing cancer research, treatment, and care as well as learning more about how it can benefit patients in the future.

The last major solo engagement undertaken by the Princess before her health took a turn for the worse was on December 5, 2023 when she visited the Evelina Children's Hospital in London to open its day surgery unit.

She subsequently hosted her annual carol service with her family and attended Wimbledon last year with Charlotte, as well as events such as Trooping the Colour, but always with other family members.

Today's special visit was carried out amid a strict security blackout with minimal media present in order to protect the privacy of patients currently undergoing scheduled cancer treatments and so as not to disrupt the daily workings of the hospital.
King Charles held an audience with Iraq's prime minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani at Buckingham Palace today, as the royal returns to work amid ongoing cancer treatment.

The monarch, 76, greeted Al-Sudani, 54, on Tuesday - ahead of the Iraqi PM's meeting with Sir Keir Starmer on Tuesday.

The prime ministers are expected to sign a new bilateral security deal and strategic partnership accord during a landmark visit aimed at strengthening ties between Iraq and Britain - against the backdrop of seismic shifts in the Middle East.

Writing about his visit to the UK in The Telegraph, Al-Sudani described his meeting with Charles as one of 'symbolic significance'.

'it underscores the enduring historical ties between our two countries and highlights the importance we place on deepening dialogue and coordination on issues of security, stability and development in our region,' the politician, who came to power in 2022, added.

Following his visit to Buckingham Palace, Al-Sudani is expected to travel to Downing Street for his meeting with Starmer later on Tueday.

The King's audience with the Iraqi prime minister comes after Buckingham Palace confirmed Charles will visit Poland to attend commemoration events for the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz later this month.

Charles, who was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer last year, will attend a service on January 27 and meet with members of the local community in Krakow.

King Charles held an audience with Iraq 's prime minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani at Buckingham Palace today

The monarch, 76, who is still undergoing treatment for cancer, greeted Al-Sudani, 54, ahead of the Iraqi PM's meeting with Sir Keir Starmer on Tuesday.

The visit will mark 80 years since the liberation of the former German Nazi concentration camp on January 27, 1945.

It will be The Kings fifth to Poland - the more recent of which include a 2008 trip with Queen Camilla and in 2010 as part of a wider European tour to Hungary and the Czech Republic.

His Majesty will also meet the President of the Republic of Poland, Mr Andrzej Duda.

The King's cancer treatment is continuing into this year, a Buckingham Palace source previously revealed.

The source has said the 76-year-old's health is still being 'managed' but is 'moving in a positive direction'.

His Majesty intends to return to a full programme of public duties next year. This will include 'exciting' UK and international visits in the first half of 2025, the insider said.

'His treatment has been moving in a positive direction, as a managed condition the treatment cycle will continue into the new year', the Palace source said.

The king's audience with Al-Sudani comes one day after the Daily Mail's Richard Eden reported he will host his royal medical team for an 'important get together' in Balmoral in the coming days.

The King's audience with the Iraqi prime minister comes after Buckingham Palace confirmed Charles will visit Poland to attend commemoration events for the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz later this month

The team will be visiting the royals' Aberdeenshire retreat for a meeting to discuss all health matters relating to The Firm.

A royal source, however, stressed that the meeting is an annual event not related to the cancer treatment of the King or the Princess of Wales, who is making a gradual return to work after completing a course of preventative chemotherapy last September.

Charles has been carrying on with his duties despite facing a personally challenging year in which both he and the Princess of Wales were diagnosed with cancer.

News of Charles' cancer, undisclosed in its form, came in February, after it was discovered while he was treated in hospital for an enlarged prostate in January.

He cancelled all face-to-face public duties but returned in April and has since travelled to France for D-Day commemorations, hosted incoming state visits for the Emperor of Japan and the Emir of Qatar, and undertaken a hectic tour to Australia and Samoa with the Queen, despite still undergoing outpatient cancer treatment.

On the same day that Charles met Al-Sudani at Buckingham Palace, Kate, 43, embarked on her first major major solo engagement in more than a year.

The Princess of Wales was effortlessly elegant in an all-red ensemble - as she made a deeply emotional visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in London this morning, where it can now be revealed she has been undergoing her own cancer treatment.

The compassionate mother-of-three met with patients to show her support and personally thanked staff for their exceptional care, support and compassion over the past 12 months.

As revealed by the Mail on Sunday earlier this month, todays visit is one of a small number of engagements Catherine will undertake this year as part of a deliberately slow and measured return to duties. She opted for an elegant all-red ensemble

It came as Kensington Palace revealed that the princess will join her husband as joint Royal Patron of the Marsden, a role that Prince Williams mother Diana, Princess of Wales, once held before her.

As revealed by the Mail on Sunday earlier this month, todays visit is one of a small number of engagements Catherine will undertake this year as part of a deliberately slow and measured return to duties.

Meanwhile, Charles and Queen Camilla are set to travel to Italy, for their first major royal tour of the year.

The visit will see him meet with Pope Francis for the first time as monarch.

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.
MANZINI - A young woman who abandoned her four-month-old baby, only to be found 11 days later at a drinking spot, will now spend five years in prison.

Sihlelelwe Dlamini, who was sentenced by Manzini Principal Magistrate Florence Msibi, was found guilty of abandoning her child at Ngwane Park on December 31. She was charged with contravening Section 48 (1) of the Childrens Protection and Welfare Act 2012. Dlamini was given a five-year sentence without an option to pay a fine. During the trial, Dlamini explained that she had left her baby boy with a woman at Ngwane Park around 8am on the day in question. She said she had intended to go to Matsapha to find money from a friend. However, when she arrived, her friend had no money. Dlamini said instead of returning home, where she had been chased away, or going back to Ngwane Park, where her sister had also turned her away, she decided to stay with another friend. She claimed that she could not return for her baby because the friend who had offered her a place to stay in Matsapha did not want the noise of a child in their house.



Dlamini further explained that her father had kicked her out after learning she was pregnant, and her sister had taken her in at Ngwane Park, but had eventually also forced her to leave. She admitted that she felt she was burdensome to her sister, making communication difficult towards her sister. At this point, Crown Prosecutor Mlindi Mthethwa intervened, pointing out that Dlamini had been found with men 11 days after abandoning her child, at a drinking spot in Matsapha. It was then that Dlamini confessed that she had been drinking alcohol when the police found her. She claimed that she thought the baby was still with the woman she had left him with. Dlamini apologised to the court and asked for a lenient sentence. However, Mthethwa submitted that the charges Dlamini faced, under Section 48(1) of the Childrens Protection and Welfare Act, warranted a custodial sentence.



Exposes



He mentioned that the law stipulates that anyone who neglects, abandons or exposes a child in a way that could cause harm is liable to a sentence of at least five years in prison.

The Crown submits that the court should consider a sentence of imprisonment. The evidence before this court indicates that there is a psychological and physical issue that needs to be addressed. The accused appears to be someone who is out of touch with reality. She left her baby for 11 days, showing no remorse. Instead, she was found drinking alcohol with men, having left her child behind as though it were nothing more than a package, Mthethwa said. The Crown went on to suggest that imprisonment could offer Dlamini the chance to receive the care and rehabilitation she clearly needed. He said that, during her time in prison, she would have the opportunity to bond with her child, and might return a changed person. Before delivering the sentence, Magistrate Msibi condemned Dlaminis actions, stating that her behaviour showed a lack of care and responsibility. This is a human life you are playing with, and he is just four months old. It was your choice to have this baby, and it is your responsibility to care for him, not to treat him as if he were a toy. You will spend five years in prison, and there will be no option to pay a fine.
Macy's shocked shoppers when it announced it was closing its doors - but some loyal customers revealed how they knew the mall chain had been going downhill over the years.

Macy's recently revealed the first 66 of the 150 stores shutting down over the next four to 12 months, leaving only 350 stores.

Some famous locations are closing, including Philadelphia's historic Wanamaker Building and the iconic Downtown Brooklyn locale.

The former retail giant is going to have clearance sales up to 90 percent off in the days leading up to the store closures.

Tony Spring, chairman and chief executive officer of Macy's, previously said: 'We are closing underproductive Macy's stores to allow us to focus our resources in our goforward stores.'

Macy's is revamping the stores it is not closing, and has plans to expand with 15 new Bloomingdale's and 30 new Bluemercury locations.

On Reddit, longtime shoppers shared memories, as some explained how they knew Macy's was declining long before they closed many of the outlets.

One Reddit user wrote, 'Macy's used to be such a nice store,' before explaining the signs.

Macy's revealed the first 66 of the 150 stores shutting down over the next four to 12 months, leaving only 350 stores

On Reddit, longtime shoppers aired their grievances - although some explained how they knew Macy's was going downhill long before they closed many of the stores

'The biggest signal for that to me was their switch to plastic bags. I know it's a dumb thing but paper bags are just better,' a Reddit user revealed

'I hated it when they took over Marshall Field's in Chicago, but it was still a nice, gorgeous, sort of high-end store,' one Reddit user said, naming the former upscale department store.

'Then they started to slide,' they said.

'The biggest signal for that to me was their switch to plastic bags. I know it's a dumb thing but paper bags are just better,' the Reddit user announced.

Macy's made the switch from paper bags, which higher end department stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Bloomingdale's still use, to plastic bags, which are a go-to for inexpensive retail chains.

Other shoppers explained signs they saw that the retail giant was slowly losing its power as people switched to shopping online.

'The problem with these big box stores, is that we don't need a place that sells "everything" anymore - we have the internet for that,' one person said.

They explained that specialty stores are superior, especially since it's difficult to sort through the selection at Macy's.

'What we do need are places that we can reliably find what we're looking for. Better selection for a smaller category of items.'

Many people shared their memories on social media, with one writing on Reddit, 'For nostalgic reasons, I'm so sad'

'I hated it when they took over Marshall Field's in Chicago, but it was still a nice, gorgeous, sort of high-end store,' one Reddit user said. 'Then they started to slide'

'Wouldn't be surprised if eventually the 34th Street Herald Square location remains the only physical store for the entire company,' one commenter wrote about the flagship store, which famously hosts the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

In another Reddit thread, shoppers recalled memories of the Center City Philadelphia location.

Many people shared their thoughts on social media, with one writing on Reddit, 'For nostalgic reasons, I'm so sad.'

'So many memories growing up with the light show and the organ,' they continued.

However, some were ready for Macy's to be gone.

'Honestly this is about 10 years overdue - place looked worse than a TJ Maxx on Black Friday,' they wrote.

'Beautiful building as long as you only looked at the walls and ceiling.'
Steamy romance novels are wildly popular on social media, as raunchy romantic comedies and fantasy books became favorites with Gen Z.

Gen Z (between 11 and 26) and millennials (between 28 and 43) are particularly passionate about reading and sharing their favorite spicy romance novels, especially on TikTok.

Book lovers share videos on 'BookTok,' which is sometimes called 'SmutTok,' to recommend their wildest reads.

However, not everyone is looking for descriptive bedroom scenes.

In fact, Madison Rawlings gives 'closed door romance recommendations,' providing book options for readers who don't want to know what happens between characters in the bedroom.

'If you're a reader that likes little to no spice, you're in the right place!' Madison's Instagram bio for Cleaned Up Romance reads.

Madi shared her most-viewed video on TikTok and explained the purpose of her account.

In the description, Madi said her website gives 'a spice rating with an explanation of why it's rated that.'

Steamy romance novels are wildly popular on social media, as raunchy romantic comedies and fantasy books became favorites with Gen Z (stock image)

Madi said she provides 'where EXACTLY to start skipping and where to continue to completely skip the spice and anything important to the plot that you might've missed.'

'We have just under 50 spice guides on the site, you can request a book to be added if we don't have it,' Madi said, telling followers to 'let me know what you think.'

However, many women were appalled by the concept, joking that their TikTok algorithm no longer understood what they were looking for - and that they specifically seek out dirty talk.

'This reached my For You Page by mistake,' one woman joked.

'Wait, people aren't reading the book for the spice???!!! Pick a different book then???' another woman asked.

'Even cookbooks have spice in them,' a commenter quipped.

Some said they'd use her website to specifically search for the bedroom scenes, with one writing, 'Not me skimming the dialogue to get to the spice.'

However, not everyone disagreed with the idea.

Some women said they'd use the guides to screen books for their children, while others said they'd use it for religious purposes or because they found sex scenes triggering.

Madison Rawlings gives 'closed door romance recommendations,' providing book options for readers who don't want to know what happens between characters in the bedroom

Some women said they'd use the guides to screen books for their children and others said they'd use it for religious purposes or because they found sex scenes 'triggering'

'I love this! People are taking it a weird way but sometimes the spice is bad, and I just don't like to read the descriptions anyway. I'm not young adult, I shouldn't have to read young adult,' a commenter replied.

'I usually skip over the spice because it's too much and gets annoying,' another agreed.

'Sometimes I want to read a book and don't want to read six plus spicy scenes but still want to read the rest of the plot,' a commenter weighed in.

'This is actually good because if you can't read spice because of religion or just don't like reading it but want to read popular books then you can enjoy it,' a reader said, calling it a 'great inclusive idea.'

'I hate spice scenes. Sometimes they're so unexpected and are triggering for me as I've gone through trauma. Thank you for this,' one grateful woman praised.
The Princess of Wales took a trip to Royal Marsden Hospital in London today

The Princess of Wales met a cancer patient at the same hospital where she received care for her illness last year.

The touching moment was captured on camera and posted online, as Kate, 43, underwent her first solo visit in a year at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London.

The woman could be heard thanking the future queen for 'all her support' to the patients, the hospital and its staff.

Kate responded: 'No, but the least I could do is to come and shine a spotlight on the amazing work going on here at the Marsden. It's extraordinary.

'The amount of resilience I've seen here today through patients but also loved ones who are supporting those going through difficult times is inspiring.'

A man who was with the woman then said: 'It's the most amazing place, they've taken such good care of her.'

Kate then responded: 'Good, that's what we need to highlight and support but not only that, also the amazing ground-breaking research that is happening here.'

He then told the princess that the woman had undergone immunotherapy, which is a type of cancer treatment that helps the immune system recognise and attack cancer cells.

The touching moment was captured on camera and posted online, as Kate, 43, underwent her first solo visit in a year at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London

The royal then asked how she had found immunotherapy, to which the woman responded: 'Everything has been fantastic.'

Kate said: 'All these things matter, the support systems both here and in hospital and in communities and it makes a big difference to a patient's wellbeing.'

Before exiting the hospital, the mother-of-three shook the hands of some of the medical staff and thanked them. She said: 'It's very nice to meet you, good luck with everything.'

Elsewhere, Kate was seen taking the time to engage in conversation with staff working the wards, thanking them for their 'exceptional care, support and compassion' over the past 12 months.

Kate also revealed how she struggled with a gruelling course of preventative chemotherapy.

The royal said: 'It's really tough,' as she empathised with one patient who was having chemotherapy. 'It's such a shock'.

Recalling words of advice that helped her, the princess added: 'Everyone said to me please keep a positive mindset, it makes such a difference,' she said, adding that 'When I came in everyone said make sure you have all your warm things [clothes] on' because of the side effects.

The woman could be heard thanking the future queen for 'all her support' to the patients, the hospital and its staff

The Princess of Wales walking in to the hospital in London

The Princess of Wales meets Scout, the Royal Marsden Hospital's therapy dog

The Princess of Wales talks with patient Peter Burton at the Royal Marsden Hospital today

The princess asked patient's details of their treatment, trials, wellbeing, and asked after their families.

'Oh my goodness,' she exclaimed on occasion, hearing difficult accounts of long treatment, and shook her head sympathetically.

Of the importance of looking after oneself during and after treatment, she said: 'I really felt like I needed to get the sun. You need loads of water and loads of sunlight.'

When one woman's machinery started beeping during their conversation, signalling treatment was needed, she said: 'I recognise that beep!'

Hearing about one man's diagnosis, the Princess said: 'The body is amazing at telling us 'you need to take time out'.'

Ruth Bosworth, whose husband Richard was having treatment, told the Princess she had 'managed the children [George, Charlotte and Louis] so well', making her smile warmly. 'Oh, that's kind,' she replied.

A number of the patients opened the conversation by asking how the Princess was feeling. She replied that she was doing well, but recalled the cycle of treatment saying 'sometimes you feel relatively well, and then you have another one.'

The Princess of Wales arrives for a visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in Chelsea today

'Sometimes from the outside we all think you've finished treatment and you go back to things. But it's hard to get back to normal,' she said

As she walked through the main entrance to the hospital's Chelsea site, the Princess - dressed in a long brown winter coat and heels - was heard to say: 'Coming in the front entrance here, having made so many quiet, private visits, actually it's quite nice.'

Sitting down to talk to one lady who was undergoing treatment, wearing a cold cap to prevent hair loss, Catherine said: 'When did you first start treatment? Oh, today? How are you finding it?'

She hugged one well-wisher and told them: 'I wanted to come and show my support for the amazing work that's going on here and for those who are going through treatment and having such a hard time. Are you OK? There is light at the end of that tunnel. Very nice to meet you and best of luck. You are in the best of hands.'

Chatting with staff, Catherine said: 'You think treatment's finished, crack on with that daily tasks, but that's still like a real challenge. And talking the words totally disappear understanding that as a patient, yes there are side effects around treatment, but actually there are more long-term side effects.'

And she told one patient: 'The resilience you need to get through, first of all, a small taster of what you've gone through. It's to keep coming back.to be as positive as you are. The treatments are really so different and so varied, it impacts families differently.'

Another lady told her: 'I think you've managed the children amazingly well,' to which she replied: 'Oh, that's kind.'

The visit comes as Kensington Palace revealed the Princess of Wales will join her husband as joint royal patron of the Marsden, a role that Prince William's mother Diana, Princess of Wales once held before her.

Kate also revealed today that she is in remission from cancer. In a message on social media, signed 'C', she said: 'I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you to The Royal Marsden for looking after me so well during the past year.

'My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything.

'We couldn't have asked for more. The care and advice we have received throughout my time as a patient has been exceptional.

'In my new role as Joint Patron of The Royal Marsden, my hope is that by supporting groundbreaking research and clinical excellence, as well as promoting patient and family wellbeing, we might save many more lives, and transform the experience of all those impacted by cancer.

'It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focussed on recovery. As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal.

'I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.'
Queen Maxima of the Netherlands was typically stylish in a purple ensemble today as she took part in a community embroidery project in The Hague.

The royal, 53, participated in the At Home in The Hague art project run by the organisation Haags Verhaal.

Focused on finding the common thread that makes different people feel at home in the Dutch city, participants illustrate their sense of being at home by sewing a symbol or a phrase on a piece of fabric using a red thread.

Maxima, who looked striking in a purple outfit and tan high heels, threw herself into the project, embroidering a piece of fabric with her initial, 'M'.

Dressed for the cool weather in a beige double-breasted coat with a waist belt, the royal soon removed her outerwear to reveal a pair of purple satin trousers and a matching top with statement sleeves.

She completed her look with a pair of towering tan suede heels and a matching clutch bag.

The beaming queen wore her blond, shoulder-length hair down in a classic blow dry and looked typically radiant despite wearing minimal make-up.

She added a pair of statement green and blue earrings and sported a slim watch on her left wrist along with a gold charm bracelet.

Queen Maxima of the Netherlands (pictured) was typically stylish in a purple ensemble today as she took part in a community embroidery project in The Hague

The Dutch queen arrived at the venue in a double-breasted beige coat with a waist belt

Maxima joined participants at the embroidery session, chatting and laughing with the other men and women as she embarked on her own sewing project - which she proudly held up for photographers.

She was later pictured pinning her work to a hut structure covered in participants' creations.

Queen Maxima had a packed itinerary on Tuesday, attending a reception in Amsterdam this morning before making her way to The Hague.

For a New Year's reception for foreign diplomats and employees at the Royal Palace in the Dutch capital earlier today, she looked sensational in a statement coat.

The knee-length, A-line coat by Danish designer Claes Iversen featured starburst sequined embellishments across the body and sleeves.

She added a matching burgundy snake-skin clutch and opted for minimal jewellery and soft make-up.

With her shoulder-length blond hair in a classic blow dry, she was typically radiant on Tuesday afternoon

Maxima was pictured laughing with the other participants at the event, which is focused on expressing the common thread that makes different people feel at home in The Hague

She showed off her embroidery, which featured her initial, 'M', in red thread

The royal added her artwork to a hut structure which was already adorned with hundreds of pieces of embroidered fabric

Maxima appeared delighted to have the opportunity to engage with community members

Her purple outfit was complemented by tan suede high heels and a matching clutch bag

Maxima completed her look by sweeping her blonde hair off her face and letting it fall down her back.

The monarch appeared in high spirits as she entered the royal palace, smiling and waving to the assembled crowds.

She last wore the chic coat in 2021, having previously shown it off in 2017, marking it as a firm favourite.

Maxima's outing comes after she put on a dazzling display in November when she was pictured in red checkered suit at an event in Assen in the in the Northeastern Netherlands.

The royal chose a stunning cherry red ensemble for the the 50th anniversary of the Northern Development Company.

The monarch appeared focused on her work, taking care not to make a mistake

She appeared to receive pointers from other participants who were perhaps more experienced

She wore a slim watch on her left wrist and along with a charm bracelet

The smiling queen had already attended an event in Amsterdam this morning but was enthusiastic as ever

She appeared to charm the facilitators of the community embroidery event in The Hague

Dressed in a stylish tailored blazer and fitted suit trousers, she looked superb for the occasion.

The red check outfit was perfectly complemented by Queen Maxima's autumnal red hat.
Beach lovers are flocking to Aslings Beach Rock Pool, a breathtaking man-made pool nestled in the candy-striped cliffs of Eden, New South Wales.

This Sapphire Coast treasure, a three hour and 15 minute drive southeast of Canberra, has been hailed as a 'must-visit' destination for its unique charm and stunning surroundings.

Eden's pristine coastline, abundant wildlife, and relaxed charm have earned it a reputation as a top tourist destination in Australia.

The Aslings Beach Rock Pool is a jewel in its crown, perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.

With its vivid colours, peaceful waters, and escape from the hustle of crowded city beaches, it's no wonder this hidden gem is winning hearts across the country.

Carved into rock formations featuring pastel pink, white, and purple stripes, the pool offers a serene escape, refreshed by the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean.

Depending on the tide and weather, the pool's depth and vivid turquoise hue fluctuate, making it a favourite for swimmers and photographers.

Constructed in 1961, the pool provides a sheltered spot for a refreshing dip, protected from the ocean's strong waves.

Beach lovers and adventurers are flocking to Aslings Beach Rock Pool, a breathtaking man-made pool nestled in the candy-striped cliffs of Eden

Eden's pristine coastline, abundant wildlife, and relaxed charm have earned it a reputation as a top destination

Carved into rock formations featuring pastel pink, white, and purple stripes, the pool offers a serene escape, refreshed by the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean

Families love the calm waters during low tide, where children can safely splash around.

Visitors describe the experience as 'swimming in a candy-coloured cave' and frequently praise its Instagram-worthy beauty.

While there's no direct road access, intrepid travellers willing to scramble over the rocks at Aslings Beach's southern end will be rewarded with this unique seaside oasis.

'Absolutely in love with this place,' one visitor raved online. 'With the strong waves outside the pool and yet so serene inside, it's just so cool!'

'It's the perfect day trip destination if you want some quiet time in a beautiful spot,' another wrote.

Aslings Beach Rock Pool has become an alluring alternative for those looking to avoid the crowded shores of Sydney and Melbourne.

With its remote location and peaceful atmosphere, it offers a more intimate coastal experience, free from the bustling crowds that flood Australia's popular city beaches.

Travellers seeking tranquility and unspoiled beauty have found their haven in this Sapphire Coast gem, just a short drive from Eden's town centre.

Visitors describe the experience as 'swimming in a candy-coloured cave' and frequently praise its Instagram-worthy beauty

Travellers seeking tranquility and unspoiled beauty have found their haven in this Sapphire Coast gem, just a short drive from Eden's town centre

The dreamy Rock Pool sits on the southern end of Aslings Beach near the coastal town of Eden in New South Wales, three hours and 15 minutes' drive south-east of Canberra

How can I get to Aslings Beach Rock Pool?

From Canberra, follow the Monaro Highway to Princes Highway, and turn off toward Aslings Beach near Eden's CBD.

You can park nearby and trek along the beach to reach the hidden pool.

Eden offers a range of activities for nature and history enthusiasts.

Take a whale-watching tour during migration season or explore the Eden Killer Whale Museum for insights into the area's maritime past.

Nature lovers can visit Ben Boyd National Park or enjoy the scenic walks at Pambula River Mouth.
A 48-year-old woman has claimed antidepressants left her bedridden, suicidal and reliant on her parents to cater for her every waking need.

Lingling Wang, a banking consultant from Surrey, was prescribed three different types of the medicine by her GP over just a few months, for anxiety and insomnia.

Within weeks of taking the first tablet Ms Wang said her symptoms went from mild to severe and she now believes she would have killed herself had she not come off the drugs after a year.

Two of the antidepressants she was prescribed, sertraline and citalopram, were also taken by Thomas Kingston  husband of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent's daughter  who took in own life in February last year.

Mr Kingston, 45, who was married to Lady Gabriella Kingston, a second cousin of the King, was first prescribed sertraline before being moved to citalopram after his symptoms failed to improve.

His death prompted a coroner to warn there was a lack of communication over the 'risks of suicide' associated with antidepressants.

Now, Ms Wang has added her experience to the debate, claiming she wasn't made adequately aware of the risks of the drugs after being prescribed them last January.

'My life is finished  I lost my job, almost all my friends, Im bedridden, I have to rely on my family to feed me,' she said a year after being prescribed the medication.

Lingling Wang, 48, from Surrey, (pictured) revealed she would have killed herself had she not come off the drugs after a year

Ms Wang, who previously worked as a senior consultant in a bank, claims she was not made adequately aware of the side effects of the drugs when she was prescribed them last January

Recalling her ordeal, Ms Wang told The Independent she was first prescribed a drug called mirtazapine by her GP for insomnia and mild anxiety.

But after a few weeks she started to suffer from severe anxiety, low mood and her insomnia also didn't improve.

Her GP then advised her to wean off mirtazapine and instead start a type of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)  the most commonly prescribed family of antidepressant  called citalopram.

But again, Ms Wang suffered with 'huge waves of anxiety'. She added that the drug also left her feeling as though her brain was 'completely frozen'.

Eventually, she was told to come off both medications and to take another SSRI called sertraline, which she said only left her feeling worse and 'crying for help'.

Her anxiety became so severe she was forced to stay with her parents in China, where she saw a psychiatrist who helped her come off sertraline.

Ms Wang said she believes that if she had stayed on the drug, she would have killed herself.

Thomas Kingston (left), the husband of Lady Gabriella Windsor (right), took his life following an adverse effect to prescribed medication, an inquest heard

SSRIs, of which eight are prescribed in the UK, are considered a go-to medication for depression primarily because they are thought to have fewer side effects than most other types of antidepressants.

However, guidance for doctors written by NHS watchdog NICE acknowledges the increased risk of suicide when starting an SSRI  although this is said to be most heightened in those aged under 30.

'Monitor people carefully during the first few weeks of SSRI treatment; in particular, be alert for signs of suicidal ideation, akathisia, and increased anxiety and agitation,' the guidance reads.

The body also warns against stopping antidepressants suddenly, due to the risk of withdrawal symptoms  which include stomach problems, insomnia, increased anxiety and extremely low mood.

Instead, patients must be gradually tapered off the drugs.

NICE guidance also states that treatment should be continued for at least four weeks before switching antidepressants if one does not work.

Ms Wang submitted a formal complaint to her NHS trust following her experience.

But a review found she had been informed of the need to stop antidepressants carefully and was sent a link to information about sertraline.

The UK's medicines regulator, Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is currently reviewing 30 antidepressants including citalopram, sertraline and mirtazapine

It comes as an inquest into the death of Mr Kingston found he had been experiencing anxiety and had not long stopped taking antidepressants when he took his own life.

Despite his symptoms, the financier 'had not expressed any suicidal ideation' and the coroner for Gloucestershire, Katy Skerrett, said his 'intent remains unclear' as he was suffering from 'adverse effects of medications he had recently been prescribed'.

Now, in a prevention of future deaths report, Ms Skerrett, the senior coroner for Gloucestershire, has raised concerns over whether there is 'adequate communication' regarding the risks of suicide with such pills.

Returning a verdict of suicide, she also questioned whether the current guidance to 'persist' with the drugs is 'appropriate' in circumstances when the individual is suffering 'adverse side effects'.

NHS figures show there was an estimated 89 million antidepressant drug items prescribed in 2023-24 an increase of 3.3 per cent since 2022-23.

The UK's medicines regulator, Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is currently reviewing 30 antidepressants including citalopram, sertraline and mirtazapine, after families expressed concern over the loss of their loved ones.

Since 2014, the MRHA has received more than 71 alerts over fatalities linked to the antidepressant citalopram and 114 alerts over fatal adverse reactions linked to sertraline.

But The Independent notes the data does not conclude if the drug was the direct cause of death.

This NHS data shows the number of Brits taking each type of antidepressant medication over the past eight years. The line with the green triangles indicates the the total number of patients

Antidepressant use has soared in Britain in recent years, despite growing unease among experts about the effectiveness of the drugs in treating depression.

People with depression are thought to have low levels of serotonin, though there is scientific debate over this, and SSRIs combat this by boosting these levels.

However, some experts suspect the drugs could be causing too much serotonin to be released, with consequences for people's health.

Psychiatrists advise patients concerned about the side effects of antidepressants to talk to their medical professional about their options.

Clinicians can sometimes offer an alternative dose, a different drug entirely, or prescribe another medication to combat side effects.

They urge patients who are taking them not to quit without talking to the medical professional responsible for their care first to ensure they are adequately supported.
Thousands of Brits are mistaking the 'normal stresses of life' for mental health problems  and incorrectly diagnosing themselves with psychiatric conditions, one of the UK's most eminent GPs has warned.

Professor Dame Clare Gerada, former president of the Royal College of General Practitioners, told MailOnline that Britain has a 'problem' with people 'seeking labels to explain their worries'.

Professor Gerada's concerns echo that of former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair's, who yesterday warned against over-medicalising the 'ups and downs of life'.

Sir Tony, who served as PM from 1997 to 2007, said there was a danger of telling too many people going through life's normal challenges that they are suffering a mental health condition.

'There are people of all different ages wishing for a diagnosis or a label,' Professor Gerada said.

'They'd rather have a label than consider why their life might be challenging, or where it could have gone wrong.'

Professor Gerada's comments add to a growing chorus of concern among some of the UK's top psychiatric professionals, who say self-diagnoses of mental illness are increasing pressure on an already strained NHS.

Dr Sameer Jauhar, a psychiatrist and senior clinical lecturer at King's College London, told MailOnline there was a 'huge' difference between the symptoms people 'self report' and the medical criteria for diagnosing mental illness.

Professor Dame Clare Gerada, former president of the Royal College of General Practitioners, said the UK had now 'reached a tipping point' and people were seeking labels 'to explain their worries'

Former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair yesterday warned against over-medicalising the 'ups and downs' of life

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'When many people talk about their mental health, they often describe something that isn't what we call depression in the profession,' he said.

'Clinical depression is not just low mood. It's motor effects  someone's body movements slowing down, for example.

'It can affect your attention, your concentration, your memory. Just saying that you have low mood doesn't necessarily mean that you have depression.

'When Tony Blair says people are self diagnosing, he's correct.'

Professor Carmine Pariante, an expert in biological psychiatry at King's College London, also warned that a greater awareness of mental health conditions has led some to 'think they have an illness rather than just experiencing difficult levels of stress or anxiety that come with life'.

He told MailOnline: 'Lots of people who have significant levels of depression don't seek help which is a big problem.

'But in the case of many others, we need to be brave and give people the assurance that what they're experiencing is normal and help them to take responsibility for their wellbeing by doing things to improve their emotional health like exercising or seeing friends.'

Latest statistics show that the number of people seeking help for mental illness has surged by two fifths since before the pandemic, reaching almost 4million.

More than 200,000 children in England  or 4,000 every week  were waiting to begin treatment in the past year

Striking new figures show that show the number of children referred for specialist anxiety treatment has doubled in just four years

Meanwhile, the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show almost a quarter of children in England now have a 'probable mental disorder'  up from one in the five in the previous year.

Professor Gerada said a main driver of misdiagnosis is the widespread 'inappropriate use' of terms used to describe mental illness.

She said: 'Instead of saying "I'm sad today", children will use the words "I'm depressed today or anxious".

'People wrongly think of loneliness, home sickness, exam stress, even stress at work as a mental illness.

'When you go to university or college, it's normal to feel lonely, to feel that you don't know where you are, to feel homesick. That's normal. That's not a mental illness.

'We need to stop the expectation that we're supposed to be miserable.'

While many find working a struggle when they feel low, Professor Gerada said, the routine of working life can be an effective mood booster.

'There has been a temptation to take time off work when life becomes challenging,' she said. 'But work is actually the thing that will protect you.'

Speaking on the Jimmy's Jobs of the Future podcast yesterday, Sir Tony said Britain had become 'very, very focused on mental health and with people self-diagnosing'.

The former PM added: 'We're spending vastly more on mental health now than we did a few years ago. And it's hard to see what the objective reasons for that are.

'Life has its ups and downs and everybody experiences those.

'And you've got to be careful of encouraging people to think they've got some sort of condition other than simply confronting the challenges of life.'

Responding directly to his comments, Professor Dame Clare said: 'We are spending more and more and more on mental health and seeing worse and worse and worse mental health.

'Where the mental health resources need to be spent are on inpatient beds, patients with severe psychosis, severe depression, bipolar disorder, people with drug and alcohol problems.

'What we seem to be spending more and more on is diagnosing 26-year-olds with ADHD and giving them lifelong medication which may cause addiction, psychosis, dependence and physical health problems.

'We're spending it in the wrong place.'

Last year the NHS launched a taskforce to examine a concerning rise in children and adults being diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Yesterday, Professor Brendan Kelly, an expert in psychiatry at Trinity College Dublin also warned it was important that Brits avoid 'over-medicalising things'.

'The problems we face day to day, the problems we face at work, the problems with other people  they're not necessarily mental health issues or mental illnesses,' he said.

'I do think we need to think carefully so we don't disempower people from finding solutions to problems in their lives by suddenly declaring that they are mentally ill'.

He told The Hard Shoulder podcast: 'Some problems in life, the ups and downs of life, the stresses, some of the relationship consequences aren't mental health problems  they're life problems.

'There's no benefit to labelling all these as mental health issues if it doesn't empower the person to find solutions.'

In October NHS England said it was treating 55 per cent more under-18s than before the pandemic.

At the time a spokesperson added: 'We know there is much more to do to reduce unacceptably long waits for patients and ensure every young person who needs it is able to access specialist mental health support.

'We have added an extra 40,000 mental health staff, and plans are in place to ensure more than one in two pupils and learners in schools and colleges have access to an NHS mental health team in the classroom by spring 2025, way ahead of the original target.'

Dozens of studies have recently highlighted how the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have hindered children's development and may have exacerbated mental health issues.

Youngsters from all economic backgrounds have suffered setbacks to their emotional and social development, researchers have found.

Unprecedented stay-at-home orders and the closure of schools were among the key policies introduced at the start of the pandemic and hugely disrupted children's lives.

In August, concerning new figures also showed the number of children referred for specialist anxiety treatment has doubled in just four years.

More than 200,000 children in England  or 4,000 every week  were waiting to begin treatment in the past year.

This is up more than 100,000 on 2019/2020 when almost 99,000 were stuck in the queue.
Injections of a common household disinfectant could help make radiotherapy more effective against some types of breast cancer.

Hydrogen peroxide creates a toxic environment for cancer cells. The jabs, given directly into the tumour, weaken the cells, making them more vulnerable to radiotherapy.

The peroxide is combined with sodium hyaluronate (used in skin care and for treating stiff knee joints) and this forms a viscous gel which ensures the peroxide's slow release over 48 hours, to give it time to take effect.

Early studies involving breast cancer patients in Japan found giving the injections, called Kochi Oxydol Radiation Therapy for Unresectable Carcinoma (KORTUC), alongside radiotherapy made it more successful at shrinking tumours. In one study, published in Molecular and Clinical Oncology in 2021, giving the jabs alongside radiotherapy led breast tumours to shrink by on average 97 per cent  that's three times the success rate of radiotherapy alone.

Now the jabs will be tested in a UK trial on women with large tumours or those whose disease has spread beyond the breast.

Breast cancer patients often have radiotherapy after surgery to lower the risk of the cancer returning, but the bigger the tumour the worse the success rate.

The jabs will be tested in a UK trial on women with large tumours or those whose disease has spread beyond the breast.

While we know it best as a cleaning agent and for its use in antiseptic wipes, hydrogen peroxide is produced by every cell in the body and has a range of functions

It's also offered to patients with breast cancer that has spread, when it won't cure the disease but can extend survival.

Now a trial involving 184 breast cancer patients at six UK hospitals, including the Royal Marsden NHS Trust in London, will judge the effectiveness of the injection in women with larger tumours over 3cm and where the cancer has spread to lymph nodes. Half the patients will receive the injections plus radiotherapy; the others will receive radiotherapy only.

An earlier study at Royal Marsden, involving 12 women with breast tumours which were surgically inoperable, showed that the jabs helped control tumour growth for up to two years. The women had twice-weekly injections (the procedure lasts 15 minutes and is done under local anaesthetic) for three weeks before radiotherapy.

Dr Navita Somaiah, a clinical oncologist at Royal Marsden, says the treatment could be used for 'multiple cancer types'

The results of the study, published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics in 2020, showed that in women who had not responded to other treatments, the injections and radiotherapy helped control the growth of a tumour for 12 to 24 months.

'Hydrogen peroxide is a cheap, well understood and readily available compound, and our studies show that it could boost the effectiveness of radiotherapy,' says Dr Navita Somaiah, a clinical oncologist at Royal Marsden.

'Our hope is that using this solution will mean that many patients with breast cancer will be able to have more effective treatment, or even open up new options.'

She says the treatment could be used for 'multiple cancer types'.

While we know it best as a cleaning agent and for its use in antiseptic wipes to clean wounds, hydrogen peroxide is produced by every cell in the body and has a range of functions, including acting as a messenger between cells. It is broken down in the body into oxygen and water by the enzyme catalase.

The solution in the injections, 0.5 per cent, is much weaker than the hydrogen peroxide used in antiseptic wipes, for instance.

When this solution is broken down in the body, it creates an oxygen-rich environment which in turn stresses and weakens cancer cells, making them more vulnerable to radiotherapy (cancer cells have evolved to thrive in low-oxygen environments because the network of blood vessels that bring oxygen to them often can't keep up with their rate of growth).

KORTUC was invented by Professor Yasuhiro Ogawa, an emeritus professor at Kochi University in Japan, in 2006 and was originally developed for advanced breast cancer but has since been tested on other types of advanced cancer, such as cervical.

A 2023 study in Oncology Letters, involving 14 women with recurrent cervical cancer, found that KORTUC, given two hours before interstitial brachytherapy, a form of radiotherapy administered as radioactive pellets placed within the tumour, improved the prognosis for patients.

The tumour did not get bigger in 79 per cent of patients who underwent the combination regimen, compared with 63 per cent having radiotherapy only.

The reported side-effects of KORTUC have so far been limited to discomfort at the injection site for up to 24 hours. Professor Karol Sikora, a clinical oncologist based in London, is however cautious.

He told Good Health: 'We have only seen a preliminary study so far and there were only 12 patients in it. There are a lot of good ideas but this needs a lot more work to study the dose response and potential for unpleasant side-effects. The upcoming trial results are necessary before anyone gets excited.'
It's the social media hashtag adorning everything from pictures of sunsets to girls' nights out: 'serotonin moments', a phrase now synonymous with happiness.

Serotonin, of course, is one of the neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) that carry messages between nerve cells in the brain. This hyper-focus on serotonin reflects how deeply embedded it is in our society that a serotonin imbalance or deficiency is what causes depression.

Indeed, all mental health problems  as they're now referred to  are overwhelmingly seen as medical conditions arising from a chemical imbalance, or something similar, which needs correcting with drugs just like other diseases.

In the case of depression, the prescription is likely to be for antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)  Prozac is the most famous  which claim to 'fix' levels of serotonin.

So widely believed is this idea of antidepressants being a chemical 'fix' for an 'imbalance' that you can now also buy antidepressant-themed paraphernalia joking about their widespread use: T-shirts, keyrings and bags carry slogans such as 'If you're happy and you know it, thank your meds' and 'Today's good mood is sponsored by antidepressants'.

But what if I told you this idea of a chemical imbalance is a myth?

The fact is the theory that depression is caused by low serotonin is not supported by reliable evidence. Put simply, the emperor has no clothes  and this matters, because our widespread use of antidepressants for mental health problems is grounded in this myth.

Senior NHS psychiatrist Professor Joanna Moncrieff said she's been vilified for showing that medicating misery by doling out antidepressants is based on a myth

Data shows that 8.6 million people in England were taking an antidepressant in 2022-23  almost 19 per cent of adults. Increasing numbers also use anti-depressants long-term, often for years. More than half of those taking antidepressants in England have been taking them for at least a year  and these are mainly SSRIs.

Having been a senior NHS psychiatrist for more than 20 years, alongside conducting research and academic work, I've witnessed how the myth that antidepressants normalise an underlying brain dysfunction has facilitated the successful promotion of highly profitable drugs  drugs whose harmful effects were never properly investigated.

At the same time, the quest for money and professional status has lured the psychiatric profession (whether individuals are consciously aware of it or not) into promoting these barely useful and potentially harmful drugs.

And the hubris of the scientific community has also made it unwilling to consider challenges to its worldview, however well evidenced those challenges are.

People have been profoundly misled about antidepressants.

Not only have they never been shown to rectify a chemical imbalance or any other abnormality, but  as I shall explain  they actually interfere with the normal state of the brain, just like alcohol and other mind-altering drugs. This is how they can produce potentially devastating side-effects  from rare suicidal thoughts to severe sexual problems.

My view on depression is that it's a complex emotional state usually arising from life difficulties, rather than a biologically determined condition. I have no problem if people choose to take antidepressants. And, of course, they should only stop taking them under medical guidance.

But I also want people to be properly informed about what they take. This was my aim in 2022 when I published a comprehensive overview of research into depression and serotonin in the journal Molecular Psychiatry.

It showed that, despite decades of heavily funded investigations, there was no convincing evidence that depression is caused by an abnormality in serotonin.

This review is now one of the most widely read and influential scientific papers of modern times, ranked by Altmetric, an online influence tracker, in the top five per cent of all papers.

People are reading this paper because they are stunned to find that the link between depression and serotonin is not backed up by evidence. The view of depression as a brain disorder is seen as the unalterable truth.

Serotonin is a chemical found in various parts of the body  most is located in the gut and in blood cells known as platelets. Only around 8 per cent is in the brain.

One academic from Oxford University said 'it would be surprising if such a widely distributed brain neuromodulatory system [i.e. serotonin] was completely uninvolved in the complex experiences that make up clinical depression'.

But this is the equivalent of saying blood is involved in depression because it's also 'widely distributed' all over the brain.

In fact, there have been hundreds, if not thousands, of studies attempting to identify how brain chemicals affect emotions, intelligence and behaviour. They have shown little evidence of any links.

While my team and I weren't the first to suggest the serotonin depression theory was unproven, no one was aware quite how weak the evidence was. For example, because you can't stick needles into people's brains, it's generally agreed that the most direct measure we have of serotonin in the brain is the concentration of the main breakdown product of serotonin known as 5-HIAA  a molecule in the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain, which can be analysed via a lumbar puncture.

We identified 19 studies that looked at this. Overall, they found no difference in the level of this molecule when comparing people with and without depression.

Surprisingly, our review also found research suggesting long-term antidepressant use may reduce serotonin levels.

Three studies involving a total of 2,469 post-menopausal women showed that those who were using antidepressants for any condition, such as depression, pain or anxiety, had lower serotonin levels than those not taking antidepressants. So despite the theory that SSRIs boost serotonin, this was evidence that they may reduce serotonin, at least when used for a sustained period.

You wouldn't know any of this from reports regularly describing how serotonin produces 'a sense of wellbeing and happiness'  nor from members of the psychiatric profession who reacted to our paper with disdain and panic, which truly shocked me.

Although I've been challenging the mainstream story about antidepressants for decades, the publication of the serotonin paper meant I could no longer be ignored by the psychiatric establishment.

It went into attack mode and tried to neutralise our findings and divert attention from their implications for our use of antidepressants, in order to avoid public debate.

It deluged the academic literature and the public with a host of other unconvincing studies and alternative theories, dressed up with complex language and technical details.

The UK's Science Media Centre coordinated the initial response to our paper. Its mission is to improve the public understanding of science  a laudable aim  but it receives funding from numerous pharmaceutical companies as well as the industry's trade association, the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry. Its spokesmen on mental health regularly include advocates of drug treatment and biological interventions.

Ironically, the Science Media Centre had originally been approached by my university, University College London, to collaborate on publicising the paper, as it does for other important research.

But it then withdrew that offer and released a briefing featuring seven psychiatrists criticising the paper. A spokesman for the Royal College of Psychiatrists was also quoted, reassuring people about antidepressants.

Subsequently a group of 36 psychiatrists submitted a response to Molecular Psychiatry, the journal that had published our paper. They disputed minor points of methodology and claimed there was some evidence for the role of serotonin in depression. They continued to attempt to discredit the paper, both online and to anyone who would listen.

Her study suggests there was no convincing evidence that depression is caused by an abnormality in serotonin

The medical press, reluctant to cover our original research, seemed delighted to report this criticism.

I was even reliably informed by an attendee that cheers went up at the British Association for Psychopharmacology conference in 2023 when the questioning of our review was mentioned.

It seems that our findings had become a cause celebre in some professional circles.

I shouldn't have been surprised. After all, the serotonin thesis has been kept alive because the pharmaceutical industry has long recognised that medicating misery is a lucrative market.

Indeed, SSRIs were marketed in the 1990s to step in for drugs such as Valium. The scandal of the mass prescription of highly addictive drugs such as Valium brought the idea of using medication to numb emotions into disrepute.

So a new narrative was needed if drugs were still to be marketed for psychological problems.

The 'chemical imbalance' was that narrative, enabling SSRIs to be presented as the opposite of emotional anaesthetics.

Instead they were said to be sophisticated medical agents targeting an underlying 'disease'  the disease of depression. How could people resist this sort of message, especially when it was delivered not just by drug firms, but by their own doctors?

Surely, though, you must be thinking, SSRIs were tested by drug companies for effectiveness before being launched on the public? Yes and no.

First, measuring depression isn't simple  it's not like taking blood pressure. The scales that are used don't entirely make sense. One scale, for example, rates you as depressed if you spontaneously say you are, rather than if you only admit it after being questioned.

And we can't be confident that someone who scores 20 points on a depression scale is more depressed than someone who scores ten, and it certainly makes no sense to say they're twice as depressed.

Furthermore, clinical trials show antidepressants are not much better than a placebo pill. In fact the difference is so small, it's unlikely to have any real impact on people's lives.

Then there's the problem that this small effect is probably not a real effect of antidepressants at all. I was first alerted to this when I was a junior psychiatrist wondering why my colleagues thought antidepressants were so effective, which was different from my experience. I asked a more senior doctor what he thought.

He said antidepressants were 'active' placebos, and referred me to a 1982 paper in the British Journal of Psychiatry. Reading it was a lightbulb moment.

The paper, by a psychiatrist called Richard Thomson, pointed out that because antidepressants are active drugs, with recognisable side-effects such as drowsiness, sexual dysfunction and emotional blunting, it's likely some people in trials will figure out if they're taking antidepressants or the placebo. Researchers may also be able to guess who's taking what.

We know that a person's mood is strongly affected by whether they think they're getting the real active drug  therefore if they can guess that they got the antidepressant, this will improve their mood. Conversely, those who suspect they're on the placebo may feel disappointed, making their mood worse.

Researchers might also rate people they suspect to be taking the real drug as doing better. So the effects of the drug may actually be due to what's known as an 'amplified' placebo effect. This is a combination of the ordinary placebo effect  the psychological benefit of taking a tablet  amplified by the boost people derive from side effects, because it suggests they're getting the real drug, and they respond to that.

When I later updated Thomson's review it confirmed that there's little, if any, difference between antidepressants and an active placebo. Despite this, psychiatrists continue to insist that 'antidepressants work'  and that it doesn't matter if we don't understand why.

Prescribing drugs has also long fulfilled the ambitions of the psychiatric profession to be just like other doctors  bringing them 'out of the asylum' by administering pills to make patients better.

The introduction of SSRIs and other drugs in the late 1980s made psychiatrists an important industry target. They became accustomed to drug company inducements.

In the early 1990s, I saw drug company paraphernalia everywhere. Doctors wrote with drug company pens on drug company sticky notes; tea was served in drug company mugs.

At least once a week a lavish lunch would be provided, courtesy of one firm or another. This would be followed by a promotional talk, dressed up as education, provided by the drug company representative or a senior psychiatrist in the company's pay. Conferences took place at expensive hotels. 'Key opinion leaders' among the profession were paid generously for giving presentations about a firm's product.

The money massaged the profession's vulnerable ego. Antidepressants brought psychiatrists the kudos they craved.

This is not meant to impugn anyone's motives. The drug industry does develop useful products. Working with it to bring genuine therapeutic innovations is not inherently wrong.

But pharmaceutical companies are ultimately interested in profit. And the potential side effects of SSRIs are significant.

Known to prolong bleeding time, they have been linked to haemorrhages, birth complications and strokes. Evidence suggests they reduce bone mineral density, causing osteoporosis and fractures. In younger people, antidepressants can cause agitation and impulsivity (and, though it is rare, suicidal behaviour).

Severe withdrawal reactions are also associated with them, and these sometimes last for years.

Another potentially devastating and sometimes long-term complication is sexual dysfunction. Antidepressants can reduce sexual desire; delay and minimise orgasm intensity; and cause erectile problems and delayed ejaculation.

No one should be prescribed antidepressants without being warned about these effects in the strongest possible terms, yet the medical community has not been quick to publicise them.

When I see patients who want to start antidepressants, I explain that they have these harmful effects and that they also cause emotional blunting, which may reduce the intensity of their feelings.

I also add that there is minimal evidence that they are helpful. I encourage people to try other measures to improve their mood  first by addressing the problems that are making them low or anxious, and second through engaging in things such as exercise or mindfulness.

The reality is psychiatric drugs such as antidepressants affect us in the same sort of way as alcohol or recreational drugs.

They, too, can 'drown our sorrows', or at least suppress them. But far from correcting an underlying chemical imbalance or abnormality, psychiatric drugs change our normal brain chemistry.

As the serotonin thesis continues to tarnish, its champions are showing signs of wanting to persuade us that depression is instead something to do with other biological abnormalities  perhaps nerve cell connections. Yet these new ideas aren't supported by convincing evidence either.

An array of substances linked to recreational drugs are being promoted for depression, including ketamine and psychedelics. They're claimed to counteract an underlying biological abnormality or deficiency  often by people with links to firms marketing them.

The message remains the same  depression is in the brain and drugs can fix it.

The pharmaceutical industry and its allies need business to go on as usual. That way, the market will be sustained and people won't pause to think about the fact that they're taking foreign chemicals into their bodies  chemicals we understand little about and which are unlikely to be harmless, especially if taken day in, day out, for years on end.
Paramedics are unable to respond to 100,000 urgent 999 calls every month because they are stuck outside hospitals waiting to hand over patients, figures suggest.

Health charities warn the delays are endangering thousands of lives, with heart attack and stroke victims among those left waiting too long for crews to arrive.

National guidance says patients arriving at A&E by ambulance should be passed in to the care of hospital staff within 15 minutes.

But NHS England data shows more than four in ten (42.2 per cent) such arrivals last week waited at least 30 minutes - the highest figure so far this winter.

There were 1,313,218 lost job cycles in the past year as a direct result of ambulance handover delays, according to an analysis of NHS data by the Guardian and the Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE).

Doctors said the figures - equivalent to 3,500 a day - are jaw-dropping and called on ministers to take immediate action to tackle the problem.

Anna Parry, managing director of AACE, which represents the bosses of Englands 10 regional NHS ambulance services, warned: Lost job cycles have a profound impact on the resources available to local ambulance services.

The most detrimental impact is on 999 patients with life-threatening conditions who need us most, she added.The crisis is being caused by soaring demand for emergency care, staff shortages and a lack of social care beds.

More than four in ten (42.2 per cent) ambulance arrivals last week waited at least 30 minutes - the highest figure so far this winter - double the 15 minutes stipulated in national guidance (file photo)

There were 1,313,218 lost job cycles in the past year as a direct result of ambulance handover delays (file photo)

This means hospitals cannot discharge patients who are medically fit to leave, so struggle to find space for new arrivals waiting in ambulances outside.

Dr Sonya Babu-Narayan, clinical director at the British Heart Foundation, said: This inevitably has a knock-on effect where ambulance staff caring for patients at the hospital cannot go out to the next call.

This desperate situation becomes all the more pressing as the NHS grapples with the huge challenges it faces this winter.

Every minute that passes when someone has had a heart attack or stroke risked further harm and even death, she added.

She said: No patient and their family should have to endure dramatic delays, and its a tragedy to see this happening on such a large scale.

There have been reports of ambulances queuing 18 deep outside hospital, some crews waiting eight hours to drop-off a single patient, and pensioners left all night on the floor at home waiting for an ambulance after suffering a fall.

NHS England said handover delays had improved before winter, but accepted there was clearly much more still to do to reduce unacceptably long waits for patients in some parts of the country.It is prioritising the sickest patients, a spokesperson added.
Su-30 fighter jets engage in flight training

China Military Online) 15:02, January 14, 2025

A Su-30 fighter jet attached to a brigade with the air force under Chinese PLA Eastern Theater Command taxies on the runway during a flight training exercise on January 4, 2025. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Huang Guotai)

Su-30 fighter jets attached to a brigade with the air force under Chinese PLA Eastern Theater Command taxi on the runway during a flight training exercise, on January 4, 2025. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Huang Guotai)

A pilot assigned to a brigade with the air force under Chinese PLA Eastern Theater Command climbs into the cockpit of his SU-30 fighter jet during a flight training exercise on January 4, 2025. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Huang Guotai)

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
MBABANE - Just as the nation begins to recover from the facata scams, a new wave of cybercriminals is targeting emaSwati through WhatsApp hacking.

In this latest scheme, scammers gain unauthorised access to individuals WhatsApp accounts and, posing as the legitimate account holders, send distress messages to their contacts, pleading for urgent financial assistance. According to the police, these messages typically involve fabricated scenarios, such as being stranded in a foreign country, held hostage, or facing a dire medical emergency. Scammers often target specific individuals within the victims contact list, exploiting existing relationships to increase the likelihood of successful extortion attempts. The requested amounts vary significantly, ranging from E5 000 to E20 000.



Confirmed



Assistant Commissioner Director Fraud and Commercial Unit Nicholas Jele confirmed that the Royal Eswatini Police Service (REPS) is currently investigating five such cases, where individuals WhatsApp accounts were compromised. He urged the public to remain vigilant and exercise extreme caution when receiving unexpected messages requesting financial assistance, especially those from contacts who may be experiencing difficulties. To enhance security, individuals should enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), which adds an extra layer of security by requiring a unique code, typically sent via SMS, in addition to their password. They should also be wary of clicking on any links or downloading any attachments from unknown senders or suspicious sources. Regularly updating ones WhatsApp to the latest version is crucial as updates often include security enhancements.



Furthermore, individuals should avoid sharing sensitive information like their date of birth, phone number and location with unknown contacts. If they suspect that their WhatsApp account has been compromised, they should immediately report it to WhatsApp and change their password. If individuals receive a suspicious message from a contact requesting money, they should attempt to verify the authenticity of the request through an independent channel, such as a phone call. It is crucial to avoid sending any money to unknown accounts or individuals based solely on a WhatsApp message. Finally, reporting the incident to REPS and informing WhatsApp about the compromised account is essential. Meanwhile, a 15-year-old boy, the youngest accused in the facata scams case, has been charged with fraud involving a sum of over E200 000.



*Sabelwe from Mbadlane, appeared before Manzini Principal Magistrate Florence Msibi. He faces a total of 65 counts. He was charged for allegedly contravening the Prevention of Organised Crime Act of 2018, Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (Prevention) Act of 2011 and theft by false pretences. The minor, who was arrested in Ezulwini, is accused of being part of a criminal gang involved in defrauding victims by misrepresenting that they were assisting with removing hacking viruses from their cellphones and bank accounts. The victims were tricked into providing their internet banking credentials, leading to the theft of substantial sums.

Over 40 people have been arrested in connection with these electronic scams. The largest amount allegedly stolen by the minor was E134 084.16 from Sebentile Simelane in Matsapha in October 2024. In another incident, he is accused of stealing E6 790 from Winile Shabangu at Maphalaleni in November 2024. Last week, a 19-year-old man, currently out on bail for two Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence (SODV) charges, was arrested in the Facata scams. He was accused of swindling a victim more than E400 000. Sinenkhosi Ncamiso Sikhosana, from Thulwane, appeared before Manzini Principal Magistrate Florence Msibi, facing a total of 70 charges.

Cybercrime



These charges include theft by false pretences, contravention of the Prevention of Organised Crimes Act (POCA) No.11 of 2018, and violations of the Computer Crime, Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism (Prevention) Act of 2011, as well as the Cybercrime Act No.6 of 2022. The Crown applied for the detention of various items, including Eswatini Mobile and MTN SIM cards, a black Oale cellphone, and a SIM card PUK number. The court granted the order, and the minor was remanded in custody until January 22, pending committal to the High Court.




A dermatologist has revealed two surprising products that will banish dry skin on the feet  and why even the thickest moisturiser might not help you.

Dr Abigail Waldman told her 264,000 followers on Instagram that the thick cosmetic creams are in fact useless for treating dry and scaly skin.

That's because scaly feet is likely not to be due to dry skin at all, but instead a common fungal infection.

The assistant professor of dermatology at Harvard University recommended those afflicted by the unsightly problem should bathe their feet in athlete's foot cream and antidandruff shampoo.

She explained that the foot fungus tinea pedis  also known as athlete's foot  is very common and often mistaken for dry skin.

The fungus is best known for causing itchy, white patches of cracked skin between the toes.

But it can also cause dry, scaly skin on other parts of the foot including the heels.

Dr Waldman said: 'Tinea pedis (foot fungus) is very common and is often mistaken for dry skin.

'Moisturiser wont help and instead treat with an athlete's foot cream like clotrimazole or Lamisil, or wash with anti-dandruff shampoo like Selsun blue.'

These over-the-counter creams can help to destroy the fungus, and anti-dandruff shampoo contains chemicals such as zinc pyrithione and selenium sulfide that prevents skin flaking.

Athlete's foot can be caught by walking barefoot in places where someone else has athlete's foot, like changing rooms and showers, the NHS explains.

Having wet or sweaty feet or having cuts on the skin can make someone more susceptible to catching it.

Studies suggest the fungal infection affects around 15 per cent of people each year globally.

Fungus thrives in warm, damp, moist areas  meaning feet provide the perfect environment, as they have around 250,000 sweat glands, providing an ideal breeding ground.

Fungal infections are highly contagious and can spread to anywhere on your skin, including your scalp, hands and even your groin.

This is especially likely if you use the same towel for your feet as for the rest of your body.

Athlete's foot is unlikely to get better on its own and antifungal medicines, including creams, sprays and powders, can be bought from a pharmacy.

Dry and cracked heels can also be caused by a lack of moisture on the skin.

The NHS recommends filing the hard skin using a pumice foot stone, using moisturiser on the skin after washing and continuing to apply cream to prevent reoccurrence.
Experts have ranked the nine beverages most likely to send you running to the bathroom.

On average, most people pee anywhere from four to eight times a day, including once or twice throughout the night.

However, if you find yourself racing to the bathroom every couple of hours, it could have something to do with what you're drinking.

Doctors told DailyMail.com that a beer or glass of wine is most likely to make you pee, as alcohol disrupts hormones that normally suppress urine production. This makes the body produce more urine.

Energy drinks like Monster and Red Bull followed close behind, as their high caffeine from stimulants like guarana content can irritate the bladder and reduce bladder control.

This irritation tells the brain the bladder is full, even if it isn't, signaling a need to use the bathroom.

Other caffeinated drinks like coffee and tea may also act as bladder irritants, ranking them in third place.

Meanwhile, decaf coffee and smoothies are the least bathroom break-inducing drinks, as they are made with low-acidic ingredients not shown to disrupt the bladder.

Aside from being inconvenient, experts also warned that frequent urination can lead to long-term issues like incontinence, urgency, restless sleep, and pelvic floor dysfunction.

Dr Justin Houman, a urologist and professor of urology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, ranked the drinks most likely to send you to the bathroom

Dr Houman ranked alcohol as the most irritating beverage for the bladder. This is due to it acting as a diuretic, meaning it tells the kidneys to produce more urine

Your browser does not support iframes.

Dr Justin Houman, a urologist and professor of urology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, told DailyMail.com alcoholic beverages are the number one drink that will make you pee.

Normally, the brain's hypothalamus - the part of the brain that helps manage your body temperature, hunger and thirst, mood, sex drive, blood pressure and sleep - produces antidiuretic hormone (ADH), a chemical that regulates the body's water and salt levels.

ADH tells the kidneys to reabsorb more water, reducing the amount of urine they produce.

However, alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it blocks ADH and makes fluids run through the body faster, which makes it feel like you need to urinate.

Dr Houman said: 'Alcohol suppresses ADH, which normally signals the kidneys to reabsorb water. Without ADH, the kidneys excrete more water, increasing urine production.'

Beverages with a higher alcohol content, such as wine and liquor, tend to be more diuretic than lower-alcohol beverages like beer, making this effect more pronounced.

Dr Houman said alcohol also irritates the lining of the bladder. This irritation stimulates the detrusor muscle, which contracts during urination, making the bladder more sensitive and prompting the feeling of needing to pee.

Next on his list was caffeinated drinks, with energy drinks coming out on top.

While the content varies, these usually contain anywhere from 80 to 160 milligrams, up to twice the amount of caffeine in a cup of coffee.

Dr Houman said because energy drinks are high in caffeine and other stimulants like guarana, they also act as a diuretic, 'increasing urine production, and also irritat[ing] the bladder, causing urgency and frequency.'

Some energy drinks like Red Bull also contain taurine, an amino acid thought to improve clarity.

However, taurine helps maintain cell volume and increases the amount of interstitial fluid, which surrounds cells and carries nutrients and waste. This then can suppress ADH, much like alcohol does.

Dr Houman also pointed to added sugar found in energy drinks, which has been shown to increase bladder urgency.

In addition to being a diuretic, coffee can irritate the lining of the bladder, leading to increased urgency

Smoothies can irritate the bladder lining, depending on the fruit used. Dr Houman recommended low-acid fruits like bananas, melons, and apples

Coffee and tea followed closely behind, taking third place on Dr Houman's list, as they have the same diuretic properties as energy drinks but contain less caffeine.

One recent study in the journal Current Urology, for example, found just under half of participants over age 60 who complained of an overactive bladder also consumed more than 300 milligrams of caffeine per day.

This is roughly three cups of coffee or six cups of tea.

Dr Houman ranked carbonated sodas as fourth on his list.

These fizzy drinks contain dissolved carbon dioxide, which creates an acidic environment that stimulates the bladder lining, leading to increased bladder urgency.

Caffeine exacerbates this effect, along with other additives in sodas.

Dr Houman said: 'Sugar and artificial sweeteners can also contribute to irritation.'

A 2020 study in the journal Menopause, for example, found women who drank at least one artificially sweetened beverage per day were 10 percent more likely to experience incontinence compared to those who didn't drink them.

This irritation can also be caused by plain seltzers, though Dr Houman said 'the effect is milder than soda' due to the lack of caffeine and sugar.

On the lower end of the list, Dr Houman mentioned fruit juices.

He said: 'Many fruit juices, especially citrus-based ones, are highly acidic and can irritate the bladder.'

One recent study of nearly 600 women with bladder diseases and pain found fruits high in citrus like lemons, oranges, and grapefruit worsened their symptoms.

Dr Houman pointed to similar effects with smoothies made from high-acid fruits like citrus, grapes, berries, and pineapple.

Though coffee and tea ranked high on Dr Houman's list, decaffeinated or herbal varieties came in at the bottom of the list.

He said the lack of caffeine leaves a 'minimal impact on bladder function compared to caffeinated drinks.'

'Enjoy the taste without the bladder stimulation caused by caffeine,' he added.

Smoothies made with low-acid fruits like bananas, melons, and apples were at the bottom of the list. While low in acid, these fruits are high in water content, making them more hydrating than smoothies made with citrus.

Dr Houman said: 'Highly acidic fruits like oranges or pineapples can irritate the bladder, while those made with low-acid fruits are less likely to cause issues.'
Hollywood loves a comeback story.

Now, plastic surgeons have revealed the secrets of the celebrities who've had the biggest glow-ups in recent years (despite many being in the latter halves of their careers).

After being mocked over plastic surgery rumors in January 2021, Demi Moore, 62, was widely praised for her age-defying and wrinkle-free look at the Golden Globes this month  where she won Best Actress in a Motion Picture.

Meanwhile, Lindsay Lohan, 38, turned heads in late November after revealing her age-defying and youthful new look on the red carpet in Los Angeles following years of unflattering coverage as she battled drug addiction.

And Kristen Wiig, 51, made waves after she debuted her 'refreshed' looks on Saturday Night Live  following years spent expanding her resume beyond comedy.

Dr Anthony Youn, who is based in New York City, also commended Christina Aguilera, 44, for her transformation  after the star returned to the stage last year for a residency in Las Vegas.

And it's not just them, with plastic surgeons having previously praised young celebrities like Sabrina Carpenter, 25, and Bad Bunny, 30, for their new looks.

Dr Youn said he thinks the celebrities have had subtle cosmetic work done that doesn't 'yell', but rather 'whispers'.

Lindsay Lohan pictured left in Mean Girls in 2004 and right after stepping out for the launch of her new rom-com in Los Angeles 20 years later. Surgeons suggest she has had lip filler and a nose job. Some also claim she may have had an upper bletharoplasty to remove skin from above her eyes. Her father has previously said she had Botox, filler and peels

Sabrina Carpenter is pictured above (left) in 2014 and again in May 2024 (right) at a fashion show in New York City. Plastic surgeons suggest the star has had a nose job and received filler in her cheeks and lips. Some suggest she may have also had an upper bletharoplasty. Carpenter has not commented on having any alleged surgery

'There is a huge buzz on social media about certain celebrities who suddenly look incredible,' he said introducing his video.

'Yes, we're talking about you, Lindsay Lohan, Christina Aguilera and Demi Moore.'

Dr Youn said celebrities reinventing their looks likely had an upper blepharoplasty, or an upper eyelid lift.

He did not say which had the surgery, but all three celebrities included in his video are rumored to have gone under the knife for these.

Plastic surgeons have previously speculated to DailyMail.com that both Lindsay and Christina have had work on their upper eyelids. Others have also suggested Sabrina Carpenter, Taylor Swift and close friend Blake Lively have had the procedure.

This surgery, priced from $10,000, involves removing skin from the area above the eyes to open them up and give a more youthful appearance.

And the one-hour operation doesn't leave a visible scar, with surgeons making incisions into the crease of the eyelid.

Dr Youn said: 'The operation can be done so that the change is so subtle.

'But [also] enough of a change that it can make the upper eyelids look like they did when the person was in their 20s.'

All four celebrities have either denied having an upper bletharoplasty or not responded to the allegations.

Demi, pictured in January 2021 (left) and in October last year (right), has long been known for maintaining her youthful looks. Surgeons suggest she may have had laser skin resurfacing or a chemical peel to achieve her smooth skin. Some surgeons suggest she may have had a facelift

Kristen Wiig, 51, is shown above in 2013 (left) and again in April last year (right). Some surgeons have suggested she had a facelift, but others also say the transformation could be partially down to the makeup and lighting. Kristen has not responded to the allegations

The other major surgery Dr Youn mentioned was a lower facelift, or a facelift to the lower third of the face.

Again, he did not say exactly which celebrity he believes has had the procedure, but all three celebrities he mentioned in the introduction  Lindsay, Christina and Demi  have previously been accused of having some form of face lift.

Surgeons have also previously alleged that Bad Bunny, 30, had a deep plane facelift  which lifts and repositions deep layers of facial tissue  and that Kristen Wiig has had a facelift.

A $3,500 to $20,000 lower facelift operation involves lifting the skin in this area, reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

Typically done on men and women between 40 and 70 years old, some surgeons have reported in recent years people in their 30s have come forward for the procedure.

Some surgeons urge people in their 30s to have the surgery, saying it can give better results at this age because the skin is more elastic.

None of the celebrities have confirmed they had the surgery, or have denied that they had a facelift.

During the 10-minute video, Dr Youn devoted eight minutes to discussing the various skin treatments the celebrities are likely using.

These included xeomin, a Botox-like agent that has been designed to treat frown lines and lasts for up to six months, and a morpheus8 treatment, which uses radiofrequency energy and micro needling to tighten skin, reduce wrinkles and improve skin texture.

He also suggested many celebrities may be using Ozempic or a similar weight-loss injection to help themselves appear more youthful.

Lindsay has previously said she uses morpheus8 and IPL, or intense pulse light, which is great for evening the skin and removing unwanted spots and pigment.

Christina has previously said she is a 'big fan' of moisturizer, while Demi has said she uses an $800 cream full of peptides on her face.

Plastic surgeons told DailyMail.com previously that Aguilera has likely undergone a facelift to sculpt her cheekbones and smooth the lines between her nose and lips. She has also likely undergone filler there, as well as to her lips. There are also suggestions that she used a weight-loss drug like Ozempic, although she denies this

One of the most dramatic celebrity transformations debuted in recent years is likely that of Bad Bunny (pictured). Aged 30 years old, plastic surgeons say the rapper may have received filler in his lips and jawline to augment his facial features, as well as a nose job

Overtime, men gain about 5.7lbs every decade  he said  while women gain around 12lbs per decade.

Losing weight can help to reverse these age-related changes, Dr Youn said, and make a celebrity appear more like their youthful selves.

Christina Aguilera, 44, was previously accused of using weight-loss drugs after she sported a much thinner frame last year.

She denied the suggestion, however, telling reporters: 'I have maturity now where I just don't give a f*** about your opinion.'
Stand up comedian Tony Slattery has died at the age of 65 following a heart attack, his partner of 40 years Mark Michael Hutchinson has revealed.

While further details of the actor's heart health are yet to be revealed, he often spoke out about his challenges with multiple other health difficulties over the years.

The actor, best known as a star of Channel 4's Whose Line Is It Anyway?, fought addiction to cocaine and alcohol, and was open about his mental health diagnoses of bipolar disorder and depression.

In the years before his passing, he spent his days away from the limelight following a public admission of the difficulties he'd faced throughout his life.

Childhood trauma, addiction and money worries

In 2019, the comic  a contemporary of Dame Emma Thompson, Sir Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie at the University of Cambridge  revealed to interviewers that he'd battled addiction and had suffered sexual abuse as a child.

He admitted that his lowest moments, he was taking 10 grams of cocaine and downing two bottles of vodka each day to cope with haunting memories of being raped by a priest at eight years-old.

In 2020, Slattery revealed his troubles and drug habit had led him to go bankrupt.

He told the Radio Times that his 'fiscal illiteracy and general innumeracy' as well as his 'misplaced trust in people' had also contributed to his money problems.

Tony Slattery on Christmas Day in an Instagram post for fans as he promoted his Rambling Club podcast. He has died aged 65

Candid: Tony Slattery has detailed his harrowing battle with addiction and bipolar disorder during an appearance on Thursday's edition of This Morning

He said: 'If you're not born into money, you don't know when it's going to stop, you think it's streak of luck. I really enjoyed working but all work no play takes its toll.

'The overwork, no holidays, no taking a break, eventually you snap, you try to replace it with something. In my case, it was cocaine.

'Then the booze came along, then the depression set in... I was drinking two bottles of vodka a day and doing 10 grams of coke.'

After quitting his drug habit, he sent it off for toxicology report, which found he had actually been snorting 5 per cent cocaine, cut glass and  to his horror, human and animal faeces.

Talking about his experience with the drug, he said: 'It's not fun, I wouldn't recommend it, the devil's dandruff, it heightens makes you uninterruptible, irrational, disinterested.'

Battles with bipolar disorder

In the early noughties, Slattery met with a psychiatrist, who diagnosed him with bipolar disorder, a mental health condition that affects your moods, which can swing from one extreme to another.

Mr Slattery, second from left, with members of the 1981 Cambridge University Footlights Revue including Stephen Fry, Emma Thompson, Paul Shearer, Penny Dwyer and Hugh Laurie (left to right)

The actor and comedian was one of the biggest names on TV and radio

He passed away following a heart attack on Sunday night

Tony Slattery and his partner of 40 years Mark Michael Hutchinson (left), pictured together in 2020 for the documentary: What's the Matter with Tony Slattery?, which studied the link between depression and addiction

Speaking of the condition, which affects more than 1million Brits, he said: 'Bipolarity is like autism or any disease, it's a huge spectrum, it's everything in between.'

He added: 'The isolation that comes with bipolarity and depression, you alienate people. They want to like you and love you, if you don't answer messages that's all they can do.'

His partner Mark Michael Hutchinson, who met Slattery when they starred in a 1986 West End musical, admitted in a 2020 BBC documentary about his battle with alcohol and mental health that looking after him is a challenge.

He described Slattery as 'always being on edge' and 'erratic', saying he's seen 'dozens' of versions of him over the years.

Bouts of paranoia and mania

In the BBC documentary, Slattery explained he suffered regular bouts of paranoia.

The actor recalled throwing pieces of electrical equipment in the Thames, convinced they had been tapped and said he would do it so often, the police had to be called.

'He kept mentioning that he was being spied on,' Hutchinson explained, adding the actor had, at times, has been a danger to himself.

Slattery also appeared in a 2006 BBC Two programme The Secret Life Of The Manic Depressive to speak about his condition.

He said: 'I rented a huge warehouse by the River Thames. I just stayed in there on my own, didn't open the mail or answer the phone for months and months and months.

'I was just in a pool of despair and mania.'
So, does anyone want to buy a used war, and take it over? I can't think why they would do so. You might as well rush to obtain an unexploded bomb, or a leaking canister of some horrible virus.
MSNBC announced a bold programming shake-up as the liberal news network grapples with plummeting ratings and the departure of key stars.

For President elect Donald Trump's first 100 days in office, primetime anchor Rachel Maddow will host her show five nights a week as the network attempts to reclaim its once-dominant position in the cable news sphere.

The channel has rated a solid third when placed next to rivals CNN and Fox.

In the 25-54 demographic, MSNBC averaged 55,000 in December, compared to 114,000 in December 2023, while CNN averaged 69,000, compared to 108,000. Fox News averaged 292,000, compared to 214,000 a year earlier.

But execs hope the new schedule might help stem the loss of viewers. The new schedule will see Maddow temporarily hosting her show every weeknight at 9pm.

The move comes months after the CEO is said to have slashed Maddow's pay by some $5million, after she agreed to stay with the network for another five years.

She had reportedly been earning a $30million salary for her weekly show - the second highest paid anchor in television news after Sean Hannity at Fox News who pulls in $45million.

The schedule marks a huge increase in on-air time for Maddow following her reduced schedule of just presenting one night a week - each Monday and costing the network about $500,000 an episode.

MSNBC is battling plummeting ratings but its new schedule will see Rachel Maddow, pictured, temporarily hosting her show every weeknight at 9pm during Donald Trump's first 100 days

During Trump's first term in office, Maddow's clout was considerable with her incisive commentary and rigorous reporting anchoring the network's identity

Through April 30, Alex Wagner, pictured, who has served as Maddow's successor on Tuesdays through Fridays, will pivot to field reporting

Maddow made the decision to scale back in 2021 following the signing of a lucrative contract that allowed her to focus on other ventures, including podcasts and documentaries.

But MSNBC execs hope Trump's return to the White House will reignite viewer interest in left-wing politics.

In December, the boss of the media firm that oversees MSNBC said that he wanted more Republican voices on the network - and to move more opinion content out of primetime along with cuts to some high-profile presenters' pay.

SpinCo CEO Mark Lazarus expressed his desire for a new direction as the network looks to shed the perception of liberal bias at MSNBC.

The network's ratings have been in free fall since President Joe Biden won the 2020 election, with audiences tuning out as the frenetic pace of Trump-era news coverage gave way to comparatively subdued headlines.

CEO Mark Lazarus has promised 'a new growth trajectory' for not only MSNBC, but all the channels in his stable - with MSNBC in the midst of a post-elections ratings slump.

From the day after the 2024 election, MSNBC has averaged around 603,000 total viewers in primetime.

The reasons for the drop are being widely debated, with many laying blame on viewers being deterred by the outcome of the election.

SpinCo CEO Mark Lazarus has expressed his desire for the new direction several times last year as he looks to shed the perception of liberal bias at MSNBC

Maddow earns $25 million a year at MSNBC even though she only goes on the air once a week - but she will be on five nights a week from next Monday until the end of April

Maddow's viewership last peaked in 2020, but has declined rapidly since the 2024 election

Among other changes is a new fact-checking segment to be hosted by Chris Hayes called, 'Here Is What Is True'

Last month, Maddow reportedly became enraged when her MSNBC Morning Joe colleagues Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinskifor visited Trump at Mar-a-Lago.

Lazarus has already made it clear the network should welcome all sorts of voices, the sources have said.

During Trump's first term in office, Maddow's clout was considerable with her incisive commentary and rigorous reporting anchoring the network's identity.

But her reduced schedule in recent years has left a void that executives have struggled to fill.

While Maddow continues to draw large audiences on her limited appearances, her absence from nightly programming has coincided with an overall decline in viewership, raising questions about MSNBC's dependence on her star power.

According to Nielsen data, the 9pm time slot, once a bastion of progressive commentary, has been especially hard-hit, underscoring the stakes of Maddow's full-time return.

Through April 30, Alex Wagner, who has served as Maddow's successor on Tuesdays through Fridays, will pivot to field reporting.

Her assignment will be to chronicle the immediate impacts of Trump's policies on the electorate.

The decision signals a recalibration of Wagner's role, positioning her as a journalistic counterweight to Maddow's analysis-driven approach.

Last month, Maddow reportedly became enraged when her Morning Joe colleagues Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinskifor visited Trump at Mar-a-Lago.

Maddow, along with other hosts at the troubled network, called the move by the married co-hosts 'opportunistic.'

'They have lost a lot of credibility. Rachel Maddow is pissed at them as are other presenters like Chris Hayes and Ari Melber. They are so frustrated,' an unnamed MSNBC journalist said.

MSNBC disputed the report, claiming that Maddow hasn't said anything on air or off air about Scarborough and Brzezinski meeting with Trump.

MSNBC has suffered a major slump in ratings since Donald Trump won the 2024 Presidential Election as conservative Fox continues to gain viewers

Fox boasted that 'more Independents and Democrats continue to tune in' its network, while others continue to struggle ahead of Trump's second term

'Any insinuation otherwise is merely speculative and not from a source who is familiar with the matter,' a network spokesperson said.

The network's struggles are emblematic of a challenging media landscape in general.

As streaming platforms siphon off traditional TV audiences and political polarization deepens, MSNBC faces the dual challenge of retaining its core viewers while attracting new ones.

The Maddow gambit, while high-profile, is far from a guaranteed solution.

In addition to Maddow's expanded role, MSNBC has also introduced other programming changes aimed at bolstering its credibility and appeal.

Over at Fox, Neil Cavuto's departure marks the end of an era for the network's straight-news programming and signals the channel's continued tilt toward opinion-driven content

Conservative pundit Will Cain, known for his combative style on Fox & Friends will take over the 4pm weekday slot, replacing Neil Cavuto

Notably, Chris Hayes will debut a fact-checking segment titled 'Here Is What Is True,' in an effort to combat misinformation and reaffirm the network's commitment to evidence-based journalism.

MSNBC is not the only network recalibrating in the face of shifting political winds.

On the other end of the political spectrum, Fox News announced its own programming shuffle on Monday.

Conservative pundit Will Cain, known for his combative style on Fox & Friends will take over the 4pm weekday slot, replacing Neil Cavuto.

Cavuto's departure marks the end of an era for Fox's straight-news programming and signals the network's continued tilt toward opinion-driven content.
It's been ten years since Salim Mehajer's sensational 'wedding of the century' brought Sydney to a standstill - and thrust seven women dramatically into the limelight: his young wife and his six sisters.

The lives of the Mehajer women have never been the same since, and now, with Salim locked up in jail as a convicted fraudster, and as the anniversary of his raucous nuptials approaches, the women still suffer the fallout from his infamy.

But after his jail sentences, bankruptcies, ruined livelihoods, their own big weddings and spectacular break-ups, the Mehajer sisters - Fatima, Zenah, Sanaa, Aisha, Mary and Kat - may have at last achieved some peace and happiness.

Like Salim, most of the sisters still enjoy a cosmetically enhanced 'Kardashian look' common among cashed-up western Sydney housewives, but unlike him they have mostly stayed out of the headlines.

Four of the Mehajer sisters, from left, Sanaa, Kat, Fatima and Mary

A rare old photo of all six Mehajer sisters, from left, Sanaa, Zenah, Aisha, Kat, Fatima and Mary

The $1.4million wedding between Salim Mehajer and Aysha April Learmonth in 2015 thrust the couple, and Salim's six glamorous sisters, into the limelight

Salim hasn't scored a win since he successfully shut down an entire street in Sydney's west with a crazy marriage procession involving four helicopters, a fleet of luxury cars, a seaplane, a fighter jet and a motorcade of Harley-Davidsons.

The disgraced property developer and bankrupted one-time Auburn deputy mayor is currently in a prison cell in northwestern Sydney's John Morony Correctional Centre, where he will stay until at least mid-2025.

The name Salim Mehajer only made news this past week because his old mansion - scene of the $1.4million wedding in 2015 and, later, music videos by rappers Tyga and Bow Wow filmed on the home's marble staircase - was allegedly firebombed.

Mehajer's outlandish antics, including committing electoral fraud and staging a car crash, along with acts of domestic violence, have kept sending him back to jail for years.

While his six sisters and ex-wife were dragged along through Salim's ups and downs, they are managing to distance themselves from his notoriety.

Daily Mail Australia exclusively revealed late last year what had happened to Salim's young bride Aysha Amelia Mehajer in the years since she met him, married him, and swiftly fled his chaos.

Now we uncover what has happened to the other women in his family...

KAT SAKALAKI a.k.a. KHADIJEH MEHAJER

Two kids, a luxury life and keeping the romance alive

Not the oldest of Salim's sisters, but arguably the 'boss' or Kim Kardashian of the siblings, Kat Sakalaki has carved out a comfortable life for herself.

When Khadijeh, or 'Kat', took a leaf out of her brother's playbook in 2016 and held a mega-wedding of her own, rumoured to have cost upwards of $1million, it seems she married the right person.

The video of Kat's lavish nuptials at Doltone House to IT engineer Ibrahim Sakalaki is still linked on his private Instagram page, below his status of 'husband to @katsakalaki' with a ring and heart emoji and the words 'Daddy to Abraham & Summer'.

Our photographer found Kat attending a pre-birthday lunch with friends and her four-year-old daughter, Summer, in trendy Newtown last week, just days before turning 33

On the eve of her birthday, Mrs Sakalaki emerged from her stylish five-bedroom home with her hair up in curlers to clear out her white Tesla before taking her friends out to lunch

Kat Sakalaki lives with husband Ibrahim and their two children in a $2million house with a pool in western Sydney and enjoys an opulent lifestyle

Kat and Ibrahim, who live in a $2million house with a pool in western Sydney, had a son, now aged seven, the year after they married, then a daughter, born in 2021, now aged four.

Kat's invitation and bonbonniere business, Kat's Korner, does not seem to have thrived, but the Sakalakis nonetheless live an opulent lifestyle.

She previously made headlines when pictures first emerged of her dramatic physical transformation, and she has maintained the look over the years.

Kat Sakalaki, the 'boss' Mehajer sister, is pictured celebrating her 33rd birthday at Double Bay on Sunday with her IT engineer husband, Ibrahim

Kat is seen at the Intercontinental, Double Bay, for her birthday last weekend

Last week, on the eve of her birthday, Mrs Sakalaki emerged from her stylish five-bedroom home with her hair up in curlers to receive an Ikea flatpack delivery and clear out her white Tesla before taking friends to lunch.

At about midday, Kat came out in a Miu Miu shirt and jeans with her daughter dressed up in pink with her hair in a bow.

They drove off to pick up two women then went for lunch at the Italian Bowl in Newtown, in Sydney's inner west.

Kat with her sister Mary at the baby shower for their sister Sanaa, who welcomed a girl in 2023

Kat first made headlines when pictures emerged of her dramatic physical transformation, and she has maintained the look over the years. (Pictured before undergoing cosmetic procedures)

At the weekend, to celebrate Kat's 33rd, she and her husband went to the Intercontinental Hotel in exclusive Double Bay and had a romantic dinner together.

The couple and their children holidayed at the Luna Beach Club in Bali before last Christmas and regularly enjoy overseas vacations.

With more than 30,000 Instagram followers, Ms Sakalaki regularly posts about her idyllic life and her growing tribe of nieces and nephews as her sisters have more children.

As for her role within the close-knit family, Kat is said to be the glue that keeps the Mehajer girls together, and describes her sisters as 'built-in best friends'.

MARY MEHAJER

Glamorous fashion influencer

Mehajer's younger sister Mary burst into the spotlight as a teenager when she controversially won a beauty contest, Miss Lebanon Australia, in 2016.

Then aged 18, Mary dismissed claims from other contestants that the contest had been 'rigged' and judges swayed by her brother Salim's sponsorship of the event.

This was despite the fact she was able to enter only three weeks before the pageant.

Mary later said she was proud of her win and challenged her critics, saying, 'I would love for [New South Wales Fair Trading] to investigate and see that I won fairly.'

Mary is a burgeoning Instagram fashion influencer, with nearly 15,000 followers

Mary is pictured in 2016 when she controversially won Miss Lebanon Australia. She is seen with her pregnant sister Zenah Osman and brother-in-law Khaled Osman

Mary regularly posts photos in stylish dresses and heavy makeup, and pumps out promotional brand content to her followers

Nowadays, 26-year-old Mary is a burgeoning Instagram fashion influencer, with nearly 15,000 followers, and appears to maintain a glamorous lifestyle.

She regularly posts photos in stylish dresses and heavy makeup, and pumps out promotional brand content to her followers.

Mary remains close with her older sister Sanaa, who is just two years her senior, and attended the opening of her charity, Girls on a Mission.

SANAA MEHAJER

Briefly married to a convicted killer, had a baby and got a legal degree

Sanaa, the second youngest of Salim's sisters, long flew under the radar as her older siblings made headlines.

But towards the end of 2017, she emerged from the family shadows, with Daily Mail Australia revealing she had suddenly tied the knot with Moudi Tajjour.

Tajjour, who is John Ibrahim's cousin, is the former president of the Nomads outlaw motorcycle gang. He was once jailed for manslaughter.

Sanaa Mehajer has gone from bikie wife to charity executive and now a mother of one with a law degree

Towards the end of 2017, she emerged from the family shadows, with Daily Mail Australia revealing she had suddenly tied the knot with Moudi Tajjour, former president of the Nomads outlaw motorcycle gang

Sanaa Mehajer, left, with her younger sister, Mary

Their marriage was short-lived and ended with police bringing an AVO out against Tajjour on her behalf.

Sanaa, 29, previously said she knew the relationship was over during their honeymoon when Tajjour allegedly called her names.

She said she knew about his violent past but insisted she did not see bad behaviour from him before they wed.

Sanaa announced a charity called Girls on a Mission (GOAM), to help victims of domestic violence, in 2017, and travelled to Lebanon to campaign for disadvantaged women and girls affected by poverty.

Sanaa's charity called Girls on a Mission helped victims of domestic violence, and in 2017 (above) she travelled to Lebanon to campaign for girls affected by poverty

Sanaa reinvented herself again, and went to university for three years to study for her Juris Doctor, a graduate degree which entitles her to practise as a lawyer. Pictured graduating while heavily pregnant, alongside sister Kat

The charity's registration as a public benevolent institution (PBI) in Australia has since ended.

However, Sanaa reinvented herself again, and went to university for three years to study for her Juris Doctor, a graduate degree which entitles her to practise as a lawyer.

Long considered the sister with the biggest social conscience - she campaigned against the 2015 executions of Bali Nine ringleaders Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran - Sanaa graduated in 2023.

She did so while heavily pregnant with her baby daughter. After her graduation ceremony, her sister Kat posing alongside Sanaa in a mortarboard and wrote on Instagram: 'She did it with a baby on board! Proud of my beautiful sis.'

In 2018, Sanaa revealed that her sisters, Salim and their other brother, Khaled, were 'all super close, but we live separate lives now', adding that the Mehajer girls regularly made time for each other.

'I don't like to comment on my siblings but we're each other's number one fans, we're always the first to be there for each other and we catch up every week.'

ZENAH OSMAN

More legal aggravation

Arguably the most low profile of the Mehajer women is Zenah Osman, a former solicitor.

The only one of Salim's six sisters to wear the traditional Muslim headwear, the hijab, Zenah lives in Merrylands in western Sydney with husband Khaled and their four children in a massive six-bedroom home.

In 2018, Ms Osman was struck off the New South Wales roll of lawyers for trying to mislead the Federal Court.

Ms Osman had told the court she worked for a number of creditors for her brother's collapsed development company.

The NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal found Ms Osman 'knew or ought to have known' her claim about acting for the creditors 'was false'.

Arguably the most low profile of the Mehajer women is Zenah Osman, pictured at her western Sydney home on Monday

Zenah, the only sister to wear the traditional Muslim headgear, the hijab, lives in a massive six-bedroom home with husband Khaled and their four kids

Zenah Osman, above with husband Khaled, was struck off the lawyer's roll and ordered to pay New South Wales Law Society's costs

In documents published online, the tribunal said there was 'no evidence' she had demonstrated any remorse over the incident.

'It is trite to say that a legal practitioner misleading a court in which she or he appears must be amongst the most egregious misconduct that a legal professional can commit,' the three-member tribunal ruled.

Ms Osman was struck off the lawyer's roll and ordered to pay the New South Wales Law Society's costs.

In 2023, Zenah was in the news again when her brother Salim denied forging the signatures of his former high-profile lawyer and his sister after a stack of cash was found in his home.

In 2023, Zenah was in the news again when her brother Salim (pictured with Zenah) was convicted of forging her signature and that of solicitor Zali Burrows

In July 2023, Salim Mehajer was found guilty of four fraud offences after forging the signatures of his ex-lawyer and sister Zenah, pictured above at her Sydney home on Monday

Police alleged he falsely signed the name of solicitor Zali Burrows in order to witness his own signature in a document submitted to the Federal Court.

Ms Burrows denied in court it was her signature on the documents.

Zenah Osman also took the witness stand where she was questioned about a statutory declaration Mehajer claimed was written and signed by her and witnessed by Ms Burrows.

The document sought to have the $6,530 in cash, which was seized during raids at Mehajer's Kirribilli home, returned.

When Ms Osman was asked whether she knew about the documents, she told the court she had only been made aware by the detective 'two weeks ago'.

She also repeatedly denied having signed the document.

In July 2023, Mehajer was found guilty of four fraud offences after forging the signatures of his ex-lawyer and sister.

FATIMA ELKHEIR nee MEHAJER

Suspended jail sentence for electoral fraud

Mehajer's sister Fatima Elkheir made headlines in 2016 when the Australian Federal Police accused her of involvement in a dodgy election plan with her brother.

Prosecutors allege Salim and Fatima submitted 77 online applications to enrol or update voter details with false information, in the lead-up to the 2012 Auburn council election.

Elkheir, now 34, pleaded guilty to 77 charges against her and narrowly escaped time behind bars for her involvement.

She was given a two-month suspended prison sentence and put on a $500 nine-month good behaviour bond for electoral fraud.

Fatima Elkheir, now 34, pleaded guilty in 2018 to 77 charges against her and narrowly escaped time behind bars for her involvement in a dodgy election plan

Fatima Elkhei and her husband Jamal Elkheir

In 2016, Fatima and Jamal Elkheir splashed $10,000 on their daughter's princess-themed first birthday party

A magistrate said text messages between Elkheir and Mehajer showed she had been reluctant to get involved in the fraud.

Like her brother, Elkheir has shown a taste for big-budget celebrations.

In 2016, she splashed $10,000 on her daughter's princess-themed first birthday party. Photos from the lavish event showed the family posing happily together.

AISHA SAYOUR

Married to an Ibrahim, now has four children

When Aisha Mehajer (sometimes spelled 'Aiisha') got married in 2017, it was seen as the merging of two of Sydney's most notorious Lebanese-Australian families.

The Mehajers had been made famous by the antics of Salim. The Ibrahims were household names, from Kings Cross nightclub identity John Ibrahim, to his brother Sam, a convicted criminal.

Aisha married Hassan Sam Sayour, John Ibrahim's nephew and the son of Maha Sayour, aka Jazz Dior, who was jailed in 2017 for unlawfully supplying firearms.

Sam Sayour and Aisha Mehajer were married in 2017 and now have four children

When Aisha Mehajer got married in 2017 to Sam Sayour, it was seen as the merging of two of Sydney's most notorious Lebanese-Australian families

Like Kat, Aisha has also gone under a drastic physical transformation over the past decade

Sisters Aisha Sayour and Zenah Osman are pictured together after Aisha's drastic physical transformation

Aisha Mehajer, above at a younger age, is now married with four children

Sam Sayour with the four children he shares with Aisha Mehajer

Aisha and Sam Sayour now have two sons and two daughters, and Sam Sayour has become a passionate breeder of American bulldogs in Sydney's northwestern suburbs

The night before their wedding at the Mehajer family house in Merrylands - where Sam + Aisha 18.11.17 was inscribed on the footpath - there was a drive-by shooting of Ibrahim bodyguard Semi 'Tongan Sam' Ngata.

The extravagant wedding proceeded nevertheless after police searched the house and surrounding streets.

Like Kat, Aisha has also gone under a drastic physical transformation over the past decade.

Soon after the wedding, it was revealed that the bloodline merger of the two Sydney families had borne fruit, and the couple's first son was born in late 2018.

They now have two sons and two daughters, and Sam Sayour has become a passionate breeder of American bulldogs in Sydney's northwestern suburbs.

Sayour regularly posts on his Federal Bullies site on Instagram, mostly enthusing about his prized dogs, or ranting about the industry.

Aisha has gone private on social media, but her husband sometimes proudly posts images and videos of their four young children.
EXCLUSIVE

A legal row has erupted among top bosses at Sydney Metro as a Scots-born project director claims he has suffered racial discrimination and bullying in the workplace.

Gordon Fraser Scully, 43, is currently an associate director in the Metro surveillance sector after working on Australia's biggest public transport project for eight years.

But in a legal action against NSW Department of Transport, he alleges he suffered racial discrimination in 2023.

According to his claim tendered in the NSW Civil Court, Mr Scully applied for a promotion in February 2023 and was interviewed for the position in April.

However he was unsuccessful, and he claims he missed out because a female boss told colleagues 'people could not understand him because of his Scottish accent'.

A male colleague told Mr Scully on March 21, 2023, that the manager said the project director 'talked too much, his communication style was causing misunderstandings or that his approach was wrong'.

Mr Scully interpreted the feedback as 'potentially racially vindicative targeting my Scottish accent and heritage', according to the documents submitted in his claim.

During the hearing, Mr Scully said he believed that he had been discriminated against because of his Scottish accent and heritage, but conceded that no one had stated or inferred that was the case

Sydney Metro is Australia's biggest public transport project. Pictured is one of the project's construction's sites in western Sydney

Two days later, Mr Scully attended a meeting with the male colleague and his female second manager, where she advised that there had been feedback that 'was not positive' and that his style 'was not palatable to others and there is too much conflict'.

Following the meeting, Mr Scully concluded that there appeared to be 'an association between my racial background and the unfolding recruitment process'.

Mr Scully also claims another colleague told him to 'go out into the street and jump under a bus' in June 2023 because he sent an email to a senior manager criticising his conduct during a meeting.

Mr Scully launched his legal action last August, claiming Sydney Metro breached anti-discrimination laws, by denying or limiting his access to opportunities on the ground of race.

However, his matter was dismissed last month after the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal found there was no evidence that Mr Scully was discriminated against because he was Scottish.

Pictured is a Sydney Metro train during testing in 2018

In her ruling, Senior Member Larissa Andelman noted that while Mr Scully believes the problems identified by his female colleague stemmed from his race or accent, he also acknowledged that no one directly stated or implied that was the case.

'There is no evidence that the assertion that Mr Scully talked too much was linked to his Scottish heritage,' Ms Andelman found.

'There is no evidence that the respondent preferred to appoint a person to the role who was not Scottish.

'There was no evidence of any association between Mr Scullys Scottish heritage and the decisions made by the respondent during the recruitment process.

'Furthermore, Mr Scully was interviewed for the role following the meeting on March 23 and there is no evidence that the meeting had any bearing on the recruitment process or decision making.'

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mr Scully for comment.
A person has died at a popular holiday spot in front of shocked beachgoers.

Emergency services were called to Umina Beach on the NSW Central Coast shortly after 7pm on Sunday night following reports of a person was found unresponsive and not breathing.

They could not be revived, despite the desperate efforts of paramedics.

A NSW Police spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia that 'the incident has been deemed a medical episode at this stage'.

A beachgoer was found unresponsive on the NSW Central Coast on Sunday night

Photos of the cordoned off scene show officers surrounding the body lying in the middle of a car park covered with a sheet under a tent.

A woman was heard sobbing inconsolably while other members of the group could be seen with hands on knees in shock.

NSW Police will prepare a report for the coroner.
A climate activist who graffitied the word 'liar' on the federal environment minister's office said he is unrepentant and has encouraged others to follow his lead by acting on their principles.

Zack Schofield, who says politicians 'lie to the public', used red spray paint to deface Tanya Plibersek's Sydney electorate office in December.

The events were filmed and broadcast on social media by Rising Tide, an activist group behind a major coal port blockade in November that led to more than 100 arrests.

Schofield handed himself in after flagging with the media his intention to attend a local police station, a move that was also filmed and uploaded to social media.

The 25-year-old law student, who was charged with trespassing and destroying or damaging property, appeared at Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court on Monday.

He proudly told reporters he took full responsibility for his actions, which were partially spurred by comments made by Ms Plibersek on Instagram that the Albanese government had not approved any new coal mines in 2024 - which is true.

'Under her watch, she's approved seven,' he said, referring to mine extensions that were approved by the federal government rather than new mines.

These include MACH Energy's Mount Pleasant mine, Ashton Coal Operations' Ravensworth mine, Whitehaven Coal's Narrabri mine and Idemitsu's Boggabri mine in NSW.

Zachary 'Zack' Edward Jaworowski Schofield (pictured) took a can of red spray paint to Tanya Plibersek's office in December

The climate activist who graffitied the word 'liar' on the federal environment minister's Sydney office (pictured)

In Queensland, the federal government green-lit expansions for BHP Mitsubishi's Caval Ridge mine, Jellinbah Group's Lake Vermont Meadowbrook coal project and Vitrinite's Vulcan South coal mine.

'Everyday Australians like to see when politicians are actually called out for lying to the public,' Schofield said outside court.

'That was something that I was very happy to do.'

Police allege Mr Schofield unlawfully gained entry to the office complex in which Ms Plibersek's electoral office is located by entering the door when a tenant left.

He then walked into Redfern police station to declare his actions; still holding the can of spray-paint.

Police allege the law student unlawfully gained entry to the office complex in which Ms Plibersek's office is located by entering the door when a tenant left

He said his actions were partially spurred by comments made by Ms Plibersek (pictured beside Anthony Albanese) that government had not approved any new coal mines in 2024

'The important thing to note is that unlike our federal politicians, I'm here to take responsibility for my actions and will happily face the consequences,' he said in a video clip at the time.

'We are in a climate crisis, this is what's required to tell the truth to power.'

A spokeswoman for Ms Plibersek said no new coal mines had been approved in 2024, noting the projects signed off by the government were all extensions to existing mines.

These expansions would have to comply with Australia's net-zero targets and strict environmental conditions, she added.

'They will all be assessed against the government's strong climate safeguard laws that the Greens party and independents helped design, and that they voted for,' the spokeswoman said.

Ms Plibersek previously said vandalism and intimidation was 'completely unacceptable,' and the graffiti had distracted her staff from helping the community with matters such as Medicare, Centrelink and disability support.

'The way we disagree matters,' she said. 'It should be peaceful, respectful and lawful.'

Schofield, a legal student, represented himself in court.

He was granted an adjournment after telling a registrar he had only just retained a lawyer.

His case will return to court on February 3.
A former high energy Democratic fundraiser, failed congressional candidate and social media influencer is now raising money for President-elect Donald Trumps inaugural committee.

Lindy Li made the shocking 180 after an extraordinary journey though a crazy year in Democratic politics culminating in Kamala Harris' historic loss to Donald Trump.

Its been one of the most painful and rewarding moments of my life, Li told DailyMail.com in an exclusive interview.

During the 2024 election, Lindy was considered a consummate Democratic influencer combined with her ability to fundraise for the Democratic Party.

She was invited to join events with President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and First Lady Jill Biden and she championed all of them on her social media platform.

Named by WIRED magazine as one of the top influencers of the 2024 election, Li was invited to the Democratic National Committee last August as an official credentialed influencer and given access to events.

On TV she celebrated Bidens vitality, Kamala Harris political strengths and condemned Trumps racism and the overall toxicity of the MAGA movement.

At the last Kamala Harris campaign rally in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Li was there in the front row with prominent figures and Bidens daughter Ashley and others to cheer on Harris as the historic first female president on the United States.

But that all came crashing down on Election Day, when Harris lost badly and it was clear that Democrats had seriously oversold their chances at beating Donald Trump.

Political influencer and Democratic fundraiser Lindy Li on her journey to the Republican party

Political influencer and Democratic fundraiser Lindy Li snaps a photo with President Joe Biden

That infuriated Li, who had invested a great deal of personal time and energy in the campaign.

She was outraged that for months, Democrats had told her and others that Harris would easily sweep the election and encouraged them to raise more money and work harder. Crestfallen, she explained that she realized that top leaders in the Democratic Party were just 'lying' to her the entire time.

That inspired her to go public to criticize the campaign for their obvious failures and outrage at the way Democrats spent her and her fellow donors money.

She was angry, but still a Democrat who wanted to voice her criticism and frustration for the party.

It was just startling how there was no sense of responsibility. They essentially set $2 billion on fire in 100 days, she said in an interview after the election with NewsNation.

For Li to criticize the party post-election was a massive shift in her life, but one she did not expect would change her political identity.

Lindy Li poses for a photo with Vice President Kamala Harris

Lindy Li participates in a Hotties for Harris event during the 2024 campaign

Born in China, she moved to America at the age of four and went to Princeton. She self-described herself as a book worm and a wallflower who majored in philosophy, championing issues of climate change and even ran and won and unlikely campaign for class president.

After college, she took a job at Morgan Stanley, but continued pursuing a dream of running for political office. She worked enthusiastically to boost Democrats for decades, interning with former congressman Joe Sestak, and even unsuccessfully running for Congress herself at the age of 25.

In many ways Lindy Li could have been the next rising political star in the Democratic Party. A Chinese immigrant, whose great-grandfather was murdered by communists, ran as an inspirational figure who believed in the promise of America. But every attempt at running for office ended in the establishment figures in Pennsylvania crushing her political aspirations.

She continued on as a fundraiser and a media personality, trashing Trump and his MAGA movement at every opportunity.

In March 2013, Li described Trump as a serial rapist and that the Conservative Political Action Conference was a gathering of sexual predators. Any criticism of the woke Democratic Party, she insisted, was just an excuse for Republicans to be anti-black.

But when Kamala Harris lost, Li turned her criticism to the failed political consultants within the Democratic Party.

Her criticism was not received well by the wounded Democratic influencer community who had sat with her in the same events with Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and White House officials.

All I did is tell the truth I literally thats all I did, all I did is tell it like it was, she reflected.

Predictably, Li found her social media accounts swamped with accusations of being a Chinese spy, a traitor and a flood of the usual racist and sexist slurs from angry followers.

Lindy Li at the White House

Political influencer Lindy Li on her instagram

The Chinese communist party killed my great grandfather and thats why we left the country, like give me a f***ing break .. for someone to say something that heinous it just shows that the racism of the Democratic Party was there all along, she said.

Despite her love for the Democratic party, Li was no socialist, as she had participated in a Fox News documentary in 2020 revealing her loathing for communist China and a warning to supporters of committed Democratic socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders.

Republicans took notice, spotting an opportunity to recruit a disaffected Democrat to the Trump team.

Prominent Republicans put Li in touch with Trumps son Eric who directed her to RNC officials and Trump transition organizers.

Now she is doing the unthinkable, raising money for the president-elect she fought against for nearly a decade.

Li estimated to DailyMail.com that she had raised funds within six-figure range for the Trump transition team in the short time she started soliciting donations. The Trump transition team did not respond to a request for comment.

Republicans, Li said, accepted her with open arms, even inviting her to Trump's club Mar-a-Lago for the year-end fundraisers and festivities. She did not go to Mar-a-Lago but was touched by the warm welcome that Trump supporters were willing to give her.

With Democrats, Li said she fought tooth and nail just to get recognized. Republicans, she said, were far more welcoming.

Its like night and day, she said, citing daily communications from Republicans on the committee.

Many Democrats are furious at her betrayal, but Li argued they made a mistake by failing to recognize their failures and accept criticism.

Theyd rather destroy the critics rather than than accept that the party might have done something wrong, its more convenient to blame me, she said.

Li says her family and lose friends are accepting of her identity flip, but the influencers she spent time with during the election are now out to destroy her.

Political influencer and former Democratic Fundraiser Lindy Li

Political influencer and former Democratic Fundraiser Lindy Li appears with Sen. John Fetterman

My real friends are all supportive, but my political friends, its just been really bad. Its a cult. The way that theyve treated me is difficult, she said.

She is also quietly recruiting former DNC donors on Trumps behalf, as many in her community are already looking beyond the Democratic Party.

Im not the only donor, Im just the only one who is a public figure and willing to speak out, everyone else is afraid for their own necks, she said.

Trumps reelection represented a shift, she argued, as more Americans were ready to give him a chance.

I think people have had enough of the Oh Trump is really bad were going to pre-hate everything he does, she explained. 'I think its dead.

Once a prominent Democratic guest, Li is preparing to attend the inauguration of the man she worked for months to defeat.

At the moment, she's grateful that Trump-supporting Republicans welcomed her into their party.

They are so much more human with me,' she explained. 'With the DNC it was so mercenary it felt that everyone had dollar signs in their eyes, they treated me like a wallet it was just so disgusting and gross.'
A lecture by the highest ranking transgender officer in the armed forces; a celebration of Loving Day and sessions on 'equity assurance training.'

A trove of flyers obtained by DailyMail.com from serving CIA officers lays bare the extent of the agency's 'diversity, equity and inclusion' work triggering fresh accusations that it is being distracted from its core job of protecting Americans from foreign threats.

But Trump transition insiders say those concerns will be tackled head on by John Ratcliffe, who is the president-elect's pick to lead the agency, and who will be grilled by senators about his plans on Wednesday.

'I suspect Ratcliffe is going to come in like a wrecking ball to the woke deep staters,' said a source familiar with his plans.

'The mission is all he cares about.

'No more politicized intelligence products. No more social experiments.

'Nothing and no one that distracts from the mission of collecting foreign intelligence and keeping Americans safe.'

The list of targets is laid out in more than 20 flyers collected by disgruntled staff.

DailyMail.com obtained a series of flyers for events at CIA headquarters from serving officers. They include a lecture by the highest-ranking transgender officer

Some include the logo: 'DEIA Enables Mission,' suggesting that diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility improve the ability of the CIA to get its job done

John Ratcliffe was Trump's director of national intelligence from 2020-21. He has nominated to lead the CIA and is due to appear before the Senate Intelligence Committee

For Pride Month last year, CIA agents were invited to a lecture by Admiral Rachel Levine, assistant secretary at Health and Human Services, the first openly transgender four-star officer in the armed forces.

A year before, CIA headquarters held a week of events to mark 'Loving Day,' the anniversary of a 1967 court judgment allowing interracial marriages in Virginia.

Then there are support groups for people getting divorced; 'Orange Shirt Day,' to remember indigenous people affected by their experiences in residential schools; 'intentional parenting' sessions; and even lessons in importing dogs from overseas postings.

Officers are invited to join the Multicultural Inclusion Exchange or the Peer Support Cadre.

Some carry the slogan 'DEIA enables mission,' suggesting that diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility help the CIA to do its job.

The events may be appropriate for a consumer-facing hipster coffeeshop but not for agents whose prime focus is on completing the mission, said a former CIA paramilitary operations officer.

'We're the point of the spear for the Agency and we don't have time for this nonsense,' he said. 'And that's what it is: Nonsense.'

The issue will come into focus on Wednesday when Ratcliffe will appear before the Senate intelligence committee for his confirmation hearing.

He is expected to address the topic of the CIA's DEI work in his opening statement as he sets out his broader goals and ambitions.

The flyers

He is one of a string of Trump appointees who have promised to tackle what they see as a 'woke' agenda.

At the same time, the private sector has responded to the election by jettisoning DEI policies. Meta and Amazon are among the companies scaling back or winding down diversity programs that were introduced in the wake of protests against the police killings of George Floyd and other Black Americans in 2020.

The CIA also ran a string of events entitled 'The Black experience' where audiences could hear from what was billed as a 'diverse generational panel.'

'Were an agency that has to operate in a lot of diverse landscapes around the world. Having a diverse workforce is crucial to our mission,' said an agency spokesperson.

'Not only is it the right thing to do, but it's the smart thing to do for us to take full advantage of the richness of our own society, whether thats about ethnicity or language or gender or anything else, because thats going to make us a stronger intelligence service.'

A 20-year veteran, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the current approach put the cart before the horse.

'We used to say diversity is our strength. I get that,' he said.

'But when diversity became the overriding emphasis it ends up like the old rule of convoys when the ships traveled at the speed of the slowest boat.

'And that's what we ended up with.'

One of the Trump aides in the running to be deputy director of the CIA has previously voiced concerns about its direction.

Cliff Sims, deputy director of national intelligence for strategy and communications during the first Trump term, described his shock at walking into the CIA's cafeteria for the first time and seeing a 'Trans lives are human lives' poster.

'Even in here, I thought to myself, considering how someone had taken time out of their day protecting the security of America from dangerous foreign actors in order to promote the latest iteration of identity politics,' he wrote in his recent book "The Darkness Has Not Overcome."

DailyMail.com was passed more than 20 flyers

He is now part of the Trump transition landing team at the agency.

Peter Hegseth, Trump's nominee to lead the Department of Defense, was chosen in part because of his attacks on DEI.

'DEI amplifies differences, creates grievances, and excludes anyone who wont bow down to the cultural Marxist revolution ripping through the Pentagon,' he wrote in his book "The War on Warriors.'

'Forget DEI. The acronym should be DIE or IED. It will kill our military worse than any IED ever could.'

The CIA was panned at the start of the Biden administration for a recruitment video that featured a recruit who described herself as an 'intersectional cisgender millennial'.

The unnamed CIA officer, 36, tells viewers she is 'unapologetically me', adding that she to suffer from 'imposter syndrome' but now refuses to 'internalize misguided patriarchal ideas of what a woman can or should be.'

Former CIA officer Bryan Dean Wright, tweeted: 'The CIA used to be about mission to country. (I speak from experience).

'Now it's now about demanding  and getting  accommodation to fix an emotional wound or advance a personal agenda. America is less safe with this new CIA, and dangerously more political.'
Furious Brits today spoke out against Spain's proposals for a bombshell second home tax that could double the cost of buying a property.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez yesterday announced a new package of 12 measures designed to win over residents furious with the lack of available homes.

One contentious proposal - which comes amid a housing crisis and a string of anti-tourist protests - is the introduction of a tax for non-EU citizens buying houses in the country who do not already reside in Spain.

The government suggested levying a tax on non-EU residents, including Brits, by raising the amount paid when purchasing a house to 100 per cent of the value of the property.

Worried Brits said the proposals could force them to call off their relocation plans, while the owners of existing homes feared they would not be able to find a buyer.

The 100 per cent tax would put rocket boosters under Spain's famously affordable property prices, with a five-bed coastal villa in Andalucia that's currently being advertised for 400,000 rising to 800,000, and a two-bed holiday flat in Malaga going from 282,096 to 564,192.

Kate Spalton, 68, is thinking about selling her two-bedroom holiday home in Cala Blanca, Menorca but is now worried she won't be able to if non-EU citizens face a massive extra charge.

The 100 per cent tax would put rocket boosters under Spain's famously affordable property prices, with a five-bed coastal villa in Andalucia that's currently being advertised for just under 400,000 costing 800,000

A three-bed holiday apartment in the Balearics can be snapped up for around 399,879. This would also double

An interior photo of the stunning property

She told MailOnline: 'I have been holidaying here for 25 years and finally bought my own place eight years ago. As I am nearing 70 I had thought of selling in the next couple of years but with this tax nobody will want to buy.

'I'm horrified to be honest. Menorca is very much a tourist island and we seem to be getting stymied at every turn. I feel this is really victimising non-EU people when the Balearics also attract a lot of Germans and Spanish second home owners from Madrid.

'I support the economy by employing local Spaniards to paint my home and do the plumbing, I go to local supermarkets and don't take anything with me.

'All that will happen is that I will leave my home empty and eventually in disrepair. That's not in anyone's interests. This is a disaster for everyone and British tourism will fall away completely.'

Estate agents warned that the measures - if enacted - would harm the Spanish economy by depriving local businesses of revenue from foreign visitors.

Sean Wooley is a British expat who lives in Marbella and runs Cloud Nine Spain, which sells 'prestige' properties to wealthy buyers.

He told MailOnline: 'Spain needs to be careful what it wishes for, bearing in mind that tourism is its number one export, and the country has attracted a huge amount of tax revenue from people who have relocated to Spain for a better quality life.

'For sure, they need to take care of their own, but they need to be careful that they dont alienate those foreigners that have helped to create wealth for those everyday Spaniards who are now demanding change.'

A two-bed flat in this complex is Malaga is currently 282,096, but could end up being 564,192

British second home owner Kate Spalton said she was 'horrified' by the proposals

The 68-year-old is thinking about selling her two-bedroom holiday home in Cala Blanca, Menorca but is now worried she won't be able to

However, he noted that the policies still needed to go through the Spanish parliament, which would be 'no easy feat' given Mr Sanchez lacks a meaningful majority.

This message was echoed by Jose M. Lopez-Avalos, a solicitor at Malaga Solicitors, who said that 'for the moment Brits should not worry'.

Dismissing the plans as 'demagoguery measures that will not sort out the housing problem', he suggested they would take 'months if not years' to come into force, and may never.

He added that it would be better to 'promote new building, reduce taxation and reduce the bureaucracy of local councils'.

Gomer Evans, a Welsh musician, suggested there were many or half-built holiday properties in Spain that could be converted instead.

'Housing shortage in Spain? That is nonsense,' he said. 'There are literally hundreds of thousands of villa's and luxury apartments that have been abandoned after being built illegally.'

House-buyers in Spain are currently expected to pay costs and taxes worth between 10 and 12 per cent of the price of the house, depending on where it is.

Mr Sanchez said that the new 100 per cent tariff would help 'prioritise the availability of housing for residents'.

Sean Wooley, who runs a prestige property agency, said Spain should be 'careful about it wishes for'

Gomer Evans, a Welsh musician, suggested there were many or half-built holiday properties in Spain that could be converted instead

He shared this photo of empty houses near to where he has a villa in Marbella

He noted that in 2023 alone, non-residents from outside of the EU bought 27,000 houses and flats in Spain, 'not to live in them, but mainly to speculate'.

He said this was 'something that, in the context of the shortages we are experiencing, we cannot afford'.

Spain has seen massive demonstrations grow year-on-year, with aggrieved locals decrying the housing shortage while opportunists buy up homes and rent them out to holidaymakers, or leave them vacant for most of the year.

Residency in Spain is open to UK nationals and other non-EU citizens planning to stay longer than 90 days, subject to fees and proof of financial stability.

Sanchez's radical plan to address the housing crisis was presented yesterday, outlining 12 measures focused on reforming the construction industry, ensuring affordable rentals and offering incentives to those who follow renting guidelines.

This includes transferring land to a new Public Housing Company that the government says it will use to build thousands of new affordable rental houses.

Protesters hold a banner reading 'Mallorca is not for sale' at an anti-mass tourism protest on May 25, 2024

Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez speaks in Madrid on January 8, 2025

Mr Sanchez said in the first half of this year the company will begin to incorporate more than 30,000 Sareb homes, some 13,000 with immediate effect.

The government also hopes to 'rehabilitate' vacant homes for additional 'affordable rental', offering incentives to those who renovate flats and make it available for an extended period of time.

It hopes an income tax exemption for owners letting out their homes according to the 'Reference Price Index' will encourage a healthier rental ecosystem.

In a bid to ensure Spaniards can access homes before wealthy non-EU citizens, the proposals also include a measure to 'limit' the purchase of homes by people who 'do not reside in our country'.

This is to be tightened with regulations on fraud for seasonal rentals, disincentivising those who illicitly look to make the most of Spain's lucrative tourist season.

'The objective with all these measures is clear. What we want is to protect citizens, to find a better balance between tourism and investment, which are two key activities for our economy,' Mr Sanchez said.

'And also, logically, access to housing, which is a constitutional right of the people and a legitimate objective of our Government when we say that we want to make it the fifth Pillar of the welfare state.'

Mr Sanchez assured the increased power given to the state to purchase properties and land will be backed by a guarantee ensuring all housing built by the State remains public property indefinitely.

The aim of the ambitious plan is that 'what is built and rehabilitated with public money will always remain the property of the Spanish people and will not end up in the hands of vulture funds', he insisted.
READ MORE: Poll reveals what Aussies REALLY think about the controversy surrounding our national holiday

Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has called out a radical activist who encouraged followers to destroy monuments and disrupt celebrations on Australia Day.

Activist Elsa Tuet-Rosenberg encouraged demonstrators to burn heritage sites and destroy anything with colonial links, including 'European trees'.

The shadow minister for Indigenous Australians warned her, and other demonstrators, that Australia would not tolerate such violence.

'Calls for violence on Australia Day should absolutely be condemned,' Senator Price told Sky News on Monday.

'We have seen all too recently in our country what happens when we fail to stop those who would resort to violent forms of activism early on.'

Ms Tuet-Rosenberg, who describes herself as a 'queer, multi-racial woman of colour', has put out the call to violence in several inflammatory social media posts.

'It's just over two weeks until invasion day. Go and play snatch the flag. Burn them all,' one story shared to her Instagram read.

'Someone go set fire to Cooks Cottage. Go and destroy monuments to colonisation. All of them. Chop down their European trees.

Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has called out a far-left extremist who encouraged followers to destroy monuments and disrupt celebrations on Australia Day

Highly controversial activist Elsa Tuet-Rosenberg encouraged violence on Australia Day

'Set fire to their heritage sites. Behead their statues and topple them at their base.

'F*** up their dumb war memorials which glorify western imperialism while refusing to acknowledge the frontier wars.

'Universities, suburbs, streets, shops etc named after genocidal colonisers? F*** them up too!'

In another post, Ms Tuet-Rosenberg encouraged her followers to have 'fun' while disrupting celebrations on January 26.

'Topping statues and burning monuments of genocidal colonisers is an absolute basic bare minimum, it is essentially just a bit of fun,' her story read.

'Go out this silly season and have as much fun as you can.

'And dont forget charge your grinder batteries and bring your lighters!'

Senator Price implored Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to condemn these calls for violence on January 26.

Ms Tuet-Rosenberg (pictured) told her followers to target flags and historic monuments on Australia Day

'I would expect the Prime Minister to publicly condemn calls for violence on Australia Day in the strongest terms,' she said.

Ms Tuet-Rosenberg last year doxxed hundreds of Jewish businesses and artists.

In a series of almost 200 Instagram stories, she shared their private information and told her 8,000 followers to 'let these f..king Zionists know no f..king peace'.

Ms Tuet-Rosenberg is also the co-founder of 'anti-oppression and anti-racism training and consulting' business, Hue.

The company lost its contract with the Australian Human Rights Commission to produce anti-racism training materials after Ms Tuet-Rosenberg's behaviour came to light.

Despite the calls for disruption, 69 per cent of respondents to recent polling agreed with keeping the date of Australia Day on January 26.

The date of the national holiday has come under fire in recent years as it marks the day the First Fleet arrived in Sydney Harbour in 1788, beginning colonisation of the continent.

Supporters view the date as the beginning of modern Australia while critics claim it was the start of Indigenous people's suffering under then-English rule.

Recent polling found 69 per cent of Australians supported Australia Day being celebrated on January 26

Senator Price blamed the increased division in the community over Australia Day on Mr Albanese's bungled Voice to Parliament referendum in 2023.

'It gave people permission to push back against loud minorities who don't represent the views of the majority, and we should be thankful for that,' she said.

At least 81 councils across Australia will not host Australia Day citizenship ceremonies this year, ostensibly for ideological reasons while also giving themselves the day off.

It marks a sharp jump from just four councils who refused last year.

Mr Albanese in 2022 allowed councils to cancel citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day - a policy the Opposition has promised to change if elected this year.

Assistant minister to the Prime Minister Patrick Gorman said Australia Day was a time to 'respect, reflect and celebrate'.

'Australia Day is a day to reflect on our complete and complex history, and acknowledge the past, respect and celebrate First Nations Peoples' survival, resilience and enduring culture,' he said.

'As Australians, there is much of which we can be proud - our democracy, our shared values, the strength, diversity and generosity of our people and our beautiful natural environment.

'Australia Day is about so much more than the events of one day  it is about who we are as a nation and what we aspire to be.'
The late Queen was not officially told that one of her senior courtiers was a Russian spy for almost a decade after he confessed, secret MI5 files reveal today.

The newly declassified papers tell how the Queen was left in the dark about the scale of the treachery of Anthony Blunt.

He was allowed to continue in his role as the Surveyor of the Queens Pictures and a distinguished art historian until 1973  having confessed to being a spy in 1964.

An extraordinary conspiracy of silence about the enemy agent at the heart of the British state extended to the prime minister at the time, Sir Alec Douglas-Home, who was also not informed of Blunts confession. It was kept for years from government ministers and even the Foreign Office.

While a fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge, Blunt had been recruited in the 1930s into a notorious Soviet spy ring, later known as the Cambridge Five.

As a senior MI5 officer during the Second World War, Blunt passed vast quantities of secret intelligence to his KGB handlers and was able to give warning to fellow agents of counter-intelligence operations that might endanger them.

From 1945 he served as Surveyor of George VIs Pictures, but Blunt continued passing on secrets and in 1951 was able to help fellow Cambridge spies Guy Burgess and Donald Maclean escape to Russia.

In 1964 after the defection of another Cambridge spy, Kim Philby, Blunt was confronted by MI5 and secretly confessed. But it was hushed up to prevent a public scandal. MI5 files released to the National Archives in Kew, west London, suggest spy chiefs and the Palace kept the truth from the Queen because they didnt want to add to her worries.

Anthony Blunt, former surveyor of the Queen's pictures, photographed at the Courtauld Institute in 1970 with Queen Elizabeth II

Newly-declassified files show the Queen was only told the full story a decade after the royal courtier (pictured) confessed to spying for the KGB

The papers are being released as part of an unprecedented collaboration with MI5 and the National Archives on a exhibition focusing on the history and work of MI5 which is due to open in the spring.

On November 6, 1972, then MI5 chief Sir Michael Bowen Hanley met Sir Martin Charteris, the Queens private secretary who said only he and his aide Philip Moore knew about Blunt at the Palace.

Charteris thought that the Queen did not know and he saw no advantage in telling her about it now; it would only add to her worries and there was nothing that could be done about him, Sir Michael wrote. MI5 advised the Palace to sever links with Blunt, but the Queens Private Secretary refused, saying although she was not at all keen on Blunt, the Queen saw him rarely and his role was coming to end.

In February 1973, then prime minister Edward Heath ordered the Queen be informed amid growing concern in Whitehall that the truth would come out as Blunt was seriously ill with cancer and his death would unleash a torrent of speculation.

On March 19, 1973, Sir Michael wrote: Charteris wrote that he had spoken to the Queen about the Blunt case. She took it all very calmly and without surprise.

She remembered that he had been under suspicion way back in the aftermath of the Burgess/Maclean case.

The papers are being released as part of an unprecedented collaboration with MI5 and the National Archives on an exhibition focusing on the history and work of MI5

Obviously somebody mentioned something to her in the early 1950s, perhaps quite soon after her accession.

According to the official history of MI5 by Professor Christopher Andrew, the Queen had been warned in more general terms after Blunts confession.

Blunts treachery was not made public until 1979 when he was stripped of the knighthood. He died in 1983.

The files released today include a report of Blunts 1964 confession to MI5 officer Arthur Martin.

Blunts cheek twitched after being confronted with evidence of recruiting other spies, before he said: Give me five minutes while I wrestle with my conscience.

He went out of the room and got himself a drink before confessing.
He once declared: 'There's something wrong with actors, we've always been a suspect breed.'

But Hollywood star Dirk Bogarde could never have guessed that he would fall under suspicion by MI5 who spent six years investigating whether he had been recruited by Russian spies.

Newly declassified MI5 files reveal that an investigation began into the screen legend after an unnamed source claimed a young actor had been approached by Russian intelligence services while visiting Moscow in 1958-59.

MI5 feared that Bogarde could have been the target of a gay 'entrapment' by the KGB, after it was claimed his name was on a list of 'six practising British homosexuals' passed to Russians.

Spies poured over press cuttings and Variety magazine for information about him and actors visiting Moscow around that time, considering other British stars including James Robertson-Justice, Peter Arne and entertainer Tommy Steele.

One source told MI5 in 1963: 'Bogarde is known in the right circles to be a homosexual. He is proud of it'.

Their handler replied: Many thanks, I think he is also known in the wrong circles as such.

Bogarde is described in the files as 'indisputably queer but quite charming' and officers found no evidence that he had ever travelled to Russia.

It was claimed Dirk Bogarde (pictured on the set of La Caduta Degli Dei) was on a list of 'six practising British homosexuals' passed to Russians

The star, who died in 1999, never came out publicly as gay, although he maintained a long-term relationship with his manager, Anthony Forwood.

Having made his name in the popular Doctor series of comedies in the 1950s, Bogarde subsequently appeared in a number of pioneering films with gay themes, most notably Death In Venice.

In 1971, MI5 arranged for an officer to interview him at the British consulate in Nice where Bogarde was visting to see his dentist in Monte Carlo.

A report from the interview reveals the star was 'clearly disturbed' after being told that his name was on a list handed to the KGB.

The officer reported: 'Bogarde said that the report was absurd and he did not know how the KGB could have received this information. He was a man of 50 and able to behave in a responsible fashion.

'Bogarde had no idea as to how the report may have reached the KGB and was clearly disturbed by it.'

The officer recalled: 'Bogarde asked whether he should go to Russia as he might be invited to visit or film there, and said that guests were usually required to drink a lot at parties and he might put his arm round another man.

Sir Dirk, who died in 1999, never came out publicly as gay, but maintained a long-term relationship with his manager, Anthony Forwood

'He had always kissed his father and he greeted his male friends in the same way.

'I said that I thought a compromise would involve much more. Bogarde asked if this would mean a scene on a bed or couch and I said that it would.'

The MI5 report concluded that Bogarde 'did not seem to be a promising target' for Russia, adding: 'Bogarde is a retiring, serious man who is probably dominated in his private life by Forwood.

'Although evidence about his homosexuality seems too strong to discount, there was no reason to doubt his evidence on other matters.'

The case was closed with bosses describing it as an 'unsatisfactory investigation' where 'considerable amount of time and effort was expended to apparently little purpose'.
Cambridge spy Kim Philby had no regrets about his treachery, his interrogators said after he was unmasked.

The double agents confession has been published in full for the first time in newly declassified MI5 files.

After being recruited at Cambridge University in 1934, Philby joined MI6  which mainly handled covert operations overseas  in 1940 and was once tipped as a potential leader of the organisation before he was unmasked as a Soviet spy in 1963 and was forced to flee to Moscow.

In January 1963 Philby confessed to MI6 officer Nicholas Elliott that he had been working for the Russians since the 1930s  but he lied about breaking off contact in 1946 and claimed fellow Cambridge spy Anthony Blunt would never work for the Russians.

Philby told Mr Elliott: Heres the scoop, as it were. I have had this particular moment in mind for 28 years almost, that conclusive proof would come out.

He then said he had a choice between suicide and prosecution, adding: This is not in any sense blackmail, but a statement of the alternatives before me.

He admitted betraying Konstantin Volkov, a KGB officer who tried to defect to the West, bringing with him details of traitors operating in British intelligence and the Foreign Office. This would have led to Philbys exposure.

Instead, as a result of Philbys intervention, he was abducted by the Russians in Istanbul and executed.

Kim Philby joined MI6 in 1940 and was once tipped as a potential leader of the organisation before he was unmasked as a Soviet spy in 1963

In January 1963 Philby (pictured) confessed to MI6 officer Nicholas Elliott that he had been working for the Russians since the 1930s

The double agents confession has been published in full for the first time in newly declassified MI5 files

Philby described his life in MI6 as a time of controlled schizophrenia, adding: I really did feel a tremendous loyalty to MI6, I was treated very, very well in it and I made some really marvellous friends there. But the over-ruling inspiration was the other side.

Mr Elliott noted of Philby: If he had his whole life to lead again, he would probably have behaved in the same way.

Philby agent first fell under suspicion after fellow Cambridge spies, Donald Maclean and Guy Burgess, fled to Russia in 1951 but he managed to dodge MI5 interrogators who said he was an enigma.

The files also include a letter Philby wrote to his wife before sailing to Moscow, telling his beloved Eleanor that he had been called away at short notice.

I am sorry I cannot be more explicit at the moment but my plans are somewhat vague, he wrote.

Philby signed off, saying: Dont worry about anything. We will meet again soon. All love to the kiddies.

They later divorced. Philby died in 1988.
EXCLUSIVE

A wannabe TikTok star has admitted bashing his influencer girlfriend after they had sex in a hotel room before telling her, 'we can fix this - I love you so much'.

Rabih Houchar initially denied viciously assaulting Tara Eslami after she had flown from Melbourne to Sydney to celebrate the birthday of fellow influencer Alia Elhassan.

Houchar, whose TikTok account 'dior_onma_body' has been stripped of all content but retains 16,800 followers, remains at liberty after pleading guilty to assault occasioning actually bodily harm.

He is banned from using the internet as part of his bail conditions and has no source of income other than the $1,000 to $1,500 a week he previously claimed to earn from his social media accounts.

The 27-year-old already had a history of violent offending including serving a jail term for robbery in company before attacking Ms Eslami seven months ago.

Ms Eslami, who is also known as Tara Eve and has more than 22,000 followers across TikTok and Instagram, travelled to Sydney for Ms Elhassan's birthday bash on June 15 last year.

The boat party attracted a crowd of popular TikTokers including Ms Elhassan's sister Jenny Elhassan and Evelyn Ellis, who boasts almost 238,000 followers.

Videos posted online showed revellers cruising around the city in luxury cars, dancing on a yacht while sipping champagne, then heading to a room at the Crown hotel.

Wannabe TikTok star Rabih Houchar (above) has admitted bashing his influencer girlfriend after they had sex in a hotel room then telling her 'we can fix this - I love you so much'

About 1pm the next day, Ms Eslami had lunch with Houchar, with whom she had been in an on-again, off-again relationship for eight months.

According to a statement of facts tendered in Downing Centre Local Court, the couple argued during the meal but Ms Eslami described the disagreement as 'nothing major'.

After lunch the pair returned to room 1006 at the Vibe Hotel in Sussex Street where Ms Eslami began reading text messages from a female friend Houchar didn't like.

At a bail hearing in August, it was alleged Houchar told Ms Eslami, 'I don't like the girls you are hanging out with' then seized her phone and cracked the screen.

The Supreme Court heard Ms Eslami took her phone back and said, 'I'm going to call the police. I should have done this earlier.'

Houchar responded by kissing Ms Eslami and telling her: 'I'm sorry, let me fix this, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have reacted the way I did, let's go and buy you a new phone now.'

He repeatedly apologised , saying 'I'm sorry, let me fix this', according to the statement of facts.

'The victim realised the accused had calmed down and became empathetic and both engaged in sexual intercourse,' the statement said.

Rabih Houchar initially denied assaulting Tara Eslami (above) after she attended had flown from Melbourne to Sydney to celebrate the birthday of fellow influencer Alia Elhassan

Videos showed birthday revellers cruising around the city in luxury cars and sipping champagne on a yacht. Ms Eslami is pictured banging a drum on the yacht during the party

'After the sexual intercourse the accused said, "We can part after this, you don't need to go to the cops".'

Houchar, who has a child in Perth, then showed Ms Eslami pictures of other women on Snapchat, insinuating that he could be with another woman.

A further argument ensued and Ms Eslami walked towards the door but Houchar stopped her from leaving by grabbing her arm.

'I'm not scared of you,' Ms Eslami told Houchar.

'You're not gonna scare me this time - just leave. I'm going to to go to the police and show them my phone. I have voice recordings from before.'

As Ms Eslami packed her bag and headed once more for the door, Houchar pulled her back by the shirt, causing it to rip open.

He dragged Ms Eslami by the hair across the floor to the bed then began punching her in the face.

'The victim can't recall how many punches as it happened so fast,' the statement of facts said.

The day after Ms Eslami (above) attended Alia Elhassan's birthday party in Sydney she went to lunch with Rabih Houchar. During the meal the pair had a minor argument

After Ms Eslami and Houchar had lunch they returned to room 1006 at the Vibe Hotel in Sussex Street where he assaulted her. A room at the hotel is pictured

Ms Eslami felt dizzy and suffered a cut lip and a bump to her forehead.

When Houchar had finished assaulting Ms Eslami he walked away and started punching himself in the head.

A concerned Ms Eslami took Houchar by the arms and told him to calm down. He responded by saying, 'Why are you doing this to me? We can fix this - I love you so much.'

Ms Eslami led Houchar to the bed and got something cold from the fridge to apply to his head.

While Houchar tended to his own injuries Ms Eslami again tried to flee but he grabbed her arm and led her back to the bed.

As Houchar continued to apologise, Ms Eslami told him, 'F*** off, please leave me alone, I'm done, I don't ever want to see you again.'

Houchar then got on top of Ms Eslami and punched her in the head. Ms Eslami begged Houchar to stop but he used his legs to hold her still.

'Stop? I'm going to jail,' he said, before Ms Eslami managed to escape.

When Ms Eslami (circled) tried to flee the hotel Houchar pulled her back by the shirt, causing it to rip open. He dragged Ms Eslami by the hair then began punching her in the face

When Houchar (above) had finished assaulting Ms Eslami he walked away and started punching himself in the head. Ms Eslami took Houchar by the arms and told him to calm down

Police arrived at the hotel about 7.40pm and spoke separately to Ms Eslami and Houchar, who claimed the couple had only had a verbal dispute.

Houchar was refused bail when he pleaded not guilty the next day to assault occasioning actual bodily harm, destroying or damaging property and stalk or intimidate.

He was granted bail on August 19 and pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm at Downing Centre Local Court on November 29 when the other charges with withdrawn. An additional charge of common assault was also dismissed.

At the same time magistrate Janet Wahlquist imposed a two-year apprehended domestic violence order to protect Ms Eslami from Houchar.

Houchar was jailed for a minimum two years and three months in July 2017 for robbery in company and dealing with the proceeds of crime.

He was sentenced to an 18-month community correction order in September 2022 after being convicted of intentionally distributing an intimate image without consent.

In an unrelated matter, Jenny Elhassan made headlines in April 2022 when she was the victim of an acid attack by three masked men who threw a corrosive substance on her face outside a Chinatown restaurant.

Alia Elhassan was previously married to convicted drug smuggler Steven Elmir, once regarded as among Sydney's most feared underworld figures.

Houchar, from Guildford in Sydney's west, will face a sentencing hearing later this month.
An irate California pastor has gone viral for his sermon hitting out at the state's Democratic leadership as deadly wildfires continue to spread across Los Angeles.

Jack Hibbs, the founding pastor of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills, did not mince words as he spoke out about the failures of Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom, calling them both 'incompetent' for their handling of the massive blazes.

'This is the most wealthy state in the 50. We pay the most in taxes, the most in gas, we pay the most in electricity, you name it - if it's in California, we pay the most for it,' he began.

'Why? Because of our government.

'Why? Because of things that Sacramento does because they can,' Hibbs said of the seat of California's state government.

He went on to say that California has been under complete Democratic control, noting that the party has a 'supermajority' in the state government - which he said means 'nobody can oppose their decision making.

'And now you've got it, you got a situation where a catastrophe came and the billions of dollars that you and I gave were diverted to other woke stupid Democratic projects.

'That's not hyperbole, that's a fact,' he said amid uproar over the Los Angeles Fire Department's diversity chief being paid over $300,000 - despite apparently admitting that she cannot pull a man out of a burning building.

Jack Hibbs, the founding pastor of Calvary Chapel Chino Hills, has gone viral for his sermon hitting out at the state's Democratic leadership as deadly wildfires continue to spread across Los Angeles

'I'm upset and I'm angry, and it's the right kind of anger,' Hibbs told his congregation as he spoke out about Los Angeles' fire hydrants being left without water and hit out at President Joe Biden's explanation.

The president brazenly claimed that the hydrants were turned off to save electricity.

'In some cases, that might be true. If the hydrants are on top of a mountain, you need a motor to drive the water up,' Hibbs admitted.

But, he said, 'That's extremely rare, and it wasn't the case in these fires,' which he blamed on 'bad management [and] horrific politicians who took your money and took trips like Karen Bass, the mayor of LA, she decided to go to Africa the week of the fires to go on a little you paid for.

'She was really put out when she was told to come home,' Hibbs claimed, before launching into an attack on Newsom, who he said was caught laughing on tape at one of the command centers.

'It's time to replace the leadership in California,' Hibbs concluded, to raucous applause.

'You don't need any more examples,' he said. 'These fires could have been stopped.'

But Hibbs was not the only one criticizing the government's handling of the fires, as Elon Musk - who is set to lead incoming President Donald Trump's new Department of Government Efficiency - posting about the state's leadership just two days after the fires broke out.

He hit out at California Gov. Gavin Newsom, pictured second from right, for laughing at one of the command centers

Hibbs also directed his anger at Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who was on a trip to Ghana when the fires broke out

'The immense loss of homes in LA is primarily due to: 1. Nonsensical overregulation that prevented creating fire breaks and doing brush clearing. 2. Bad governance at the state and local level that resulted in a shortage of water,' he wrote on X.

Businessman and mayoral candidate Rick Caruso also blasted local officials last week for failing to refill the water supplies despite knowing that strong winds which could whip up wildfires were on the way.

'The (firefighters') hands have been tied. They can't fight a fire without water and the resources that are needed. Everybody knew these winds were coming,' Caruso told Fox 11.

'The other question has to be, were all the things in place to try to mitigate the damage here?

'The real issue to me here is two-fold. We've had decades to remove the brush in these hills that spreads so quickly, and the second is, we've got to have water.

'My understanding is the reservoir was not refilled in time, in a timely manner to keep the hydrants going... this is basic stuff, this isn't high science here.

'It's all about leadership and management that we're seeing a failure of, and all of these residents are paying the ultimate price for that.'

As of Monday, more than 100,000 people signed a petition calling on Newsom to resign from his position as the fires destroyed more than 62 square miles across the most affluent neighborhoods of LA, with A-list celebrity homes and restaurant hotspots among the 12,300 structures wiped out.

The fires destroyed more than 62 square miles across the most affluent neighborhoods of LA

Firefighters' efforts have been hindered by a lack of water in the hydrants

More than 12,000 structures have been wiped out in the fires, and 150,000 people were forced to evacuate

The blazes have also taken the lives of at least 24 people, though officials have warned that the fatality total is likely to climb, with at least 16 people still missing and 150,000 forced to evacuate from their homes.

Local fire departments have also warned that harsher winds and more fire would prevent those under mandatory evacuation orders from returning home to assess the damage.

'Life-threatening winds and dangerously low humidity are forecast for much of Southern California, creating a significant risk of rapid fire spread,' the California fire service (CalFire) said in a statement. 'The winds will cause increased fire activity.'
Eerie footage has offered a peak inside one of Pacific Palisades' few surviving structures after the apocalyptic Los Angeles fires almost wiped the city off the map.

Billionaire developer Rick Caruso's Palisades Village Mall was directly in the path of the Palisades fire, which has already burned through 23,713 acres of prime southern California real estate, destroyed 5,000 structures and killed at least eight people.

But the quick thinking businessman, who ran against embattled mayor Karen Bass for the job in 2022 and is worth an estimated $5.8billion, hired a convoy of private firefighters and water tankers to protect his mall.

Jarring video shows that Monument Street, where the mall is located, has been cut down the middle.

On one side of the now-abandoned street there is nothing but debris, ash and rubble where million-dollar homes once stood, juxtaposed by the relatively unscathed mall on the other side of the road.

A Starbucks directly across from Palisades Village was entirely destroyed in the fire, along with most other structures in the area.

But Caruso's privately hired team managed to save the mall, which now resembles a ghost town amid mandatory evacuation orders for the region.

Fire crews for hire can cost between $3,000 and $10,000 a day and are mostly contracted with insurance companies or the government.

Eerie footage has offered a peak inside one of Pacific Palisades' few surviving structures after the apocalyptic Los Angeles fires almost wiped the city off the map

The quick thinking businessman, who ran against embattled mayor Karen Bass for the job in 2022 and is worth an estimated $5.8billion, hired a convoy of private firefighters and water tankers to protect his mall

The mall was spared while much of Pacific Palisades was reduced to rubble

Much of Pacific Palisades was reduced to rubble during the tragedy

Rick Caruso, the Businessman Who Ran Against Karen Bass for Mayor, Saved Palisades Village Mall with Private Firefighters, Water Tankers pic.twitter.com/DwUB3zLbvF  Breitbart News (@BreitbartNews) January 12, 2025

'Our property is standing,' Mr. Caruso told the New York Times. 'Everything around us is gone. It is like a war zone.'

Now, National Guard members are keeping guard outside the designer stores to prevent looting.

The businesses - including Erewhon, Saint Laurent, Reformation and Lululemon - remain closed as the clean-up begins.

Caruso served as Commissioner for the L.A. Department of Water and Power and has been highly critical of Bass for her handling of the crisis.

'This is an absolute mismanagement by the city and I'm going to be very honest, we've got a mayor that's out of the country and we've got a city that's burning,' he said the night the fires broke out.

Caruso said two of his children's houses were destroyed in the inferno.

'This was a disaster waiting to happen and what's predictable is preventable and who's paying the price is all these people and their homes tonight.'

'It looks like we're in a third-world country here.'

Jarring video shows that Monument Street has been cut down the middle. On one side of the street there is nothing but debris, ash and rubble where million-dollar homes once stood, juxtaposed by the relatively unscathed mall on the other side of the road

The mall was saved by privately hired firefighters and water tanks

The Palisades Fire descends upon a liquor store in Pacific Palisades

Large swathes of the Pacific Palisades neighborhood were destroyed

When the fires erupted, Bass halfway around the globe, on a trip to Ghana as part of a presidential delegation. She had been warned before departing of the critical fire threat.

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.

She has since faced calls to step down amid widespread fury about her handling of the crisis.

Caruso and his wife this week pledged $5million to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation.

'The devastation to our city and community is unthinkable,' he said in an X post.

'The colossal efforts of our Los Angeles Fire Department cannot be overstated, and lives, homes, and businesses have been saved thanks to their unwavering commitment to fighting a good fight.

'But this fight is far from over. Due to budget deficits in the Los Angeles Fire Department, which left them under-resourced, the inconceivable has become reality.

'Los Angeles Fire Chief Crowley and her team of firefighters and paramedics are desperately in need of funding.

The California National Guard is stationed across the region

Caruso (right) ran against embattled mayor Karen Bass (left) for the job in 2022

The Palisades Fire - the largest of the three blazes ripping through Los Angeles - ignited on January 7 has scorched 23,713 acres

'Today, Tina and I pledge $5 million to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, to be used at its discretion, so that Chief Crowley and her team can continue their heroic work across the City and the greater Los Angeles area.

Four fires have burned through 40,000 acres across the most affluent neighborhoods in LA, with A-list celebrity homes and restaurant hotspots among the 12,300 structures wiped out.

The Los Angeles medical examiner updated the death count on Sunday afternoon, revealing 24 people are now confirmed dead as a result of the two largest fires.

But dozens more are unaccounted for as evacuees locked out of their suburbs face an anxious wait to return home and see what - if anything - remains.

With cadaver dogs now being brought in to locate human remains, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna has warned the death toll will likely continue to rise.

'The Los Angeles County Coroner's Office and the Los Angeles County Fire Department [are] using cadaver dogs, doing grid searches,' he said.
A group of bipartisan Californians have a plan to chase liberal Governor Gavin Newsom out of office for his 'woeful' response to the LA wildfires.

The Democrat, 57, has faced calls to resign for the devastating handling of the catastrophe, with everyone from Donald Trump to Hollywood stars slamming his and Mayor Karen Bass' lack of leadership.

Saving California, a group that touts itself as a 'non-partisan coalition of working families, professionals and community advocates' have launched another recall against Newsom.

Newsom faced and won his first recall battle - which was launched for his response to the COVID-19 pandemic - for California in September 2021 in a landslide victory.

Randy Economy, a key spokesperson and senior adviser to the first campaign and a former advisor to RFK Jr., founded the initial effort late last year.

Now, while he acknowledges that he was already done with Newsom because of 'increased costs of living, increased crime, increased drug use and homelessness' among other issues, the wildfires has pushed him into further action.

Economy calls Newsom 'woefully unprepared and incompetent' as the wildfires continue to rage through the city.

'Leadership is solving problems, not passing the buck and the blame, and Californians can no longer afford to have an empty suit occupying the governorship,' he said in a statement.

Hollywood loves a sequel and Gavin Newsom may be seeing one, as a bipartisan group attempts to make the California governor face a recall for the second time

The Democrat, 57, has faced calls to resign for the devastating and incompetent response to the LA wildfires

He called the recall a 'last hope' to get rid of Newsom before he is term-limited out of office in 2027.

They plan to serve the governor with papers in the next two weeks.

A spokesperson for Newsom told Newsweek that the governor is '100 percent focused on the fires, ongoing rescue efforts and the recovery process - not politics.'

'Readers still should have the context that the same group of far-right Trump acolytes have launched six different recall attempts against the governor since he's taken office, each of which have failed spectacularly.

'Even Republican Party leaders have criticized these repeated attempts as a brazen campaign finance 'grift,' and the recall organizers have been sued by their own donors for pocketing funds raised previously.'

This comes as Newsom faces fury after claiming he does not know how the Los Angeles wildfires happened - while appearing to cast blame on other officials, including LA mayor Karen Bass.

When asked for comment, a spokesperson for Saving California that a recall for Bass wasn't being ruled out by the group but for now, Newsom is their focus.

Most recently, Newsom was slammed for trying to draw in donations for the victims through his own Super PAC.

Randy Economy, a key spokesperson and senior adviser to the first campaign and a former advisor to RFK Jr., founded the effort late last year

When asked for comment, a spokesperson for Saving California that a recall for LA Mayor Karen Bass wasn't being ruled out by the group but for now, Newsom is their focus

The governor shared a link to californiafirefacts.com - a website created by his campaign committee - claiming it would combat misinformation about the devastating Los Angeles fires.

He has been steering donations meant for California wildfire victims through his super PAC's fundraising page, which collects donors' personal information for Democratic databases.

But critics quickly noticed that while the site encourages donations to the California Fire Foundation, it funnels all contributions through ActBlue, the Democratic Party's fundraising platform, via Newsom's Campaign for Democracy super PAC.

Donors who provide phone numbers are also automatically enrolled to receive text messages from Newsom's political organization.

Newsom has been blasted for his attempt to harvest donor data while victims lose homes.

It sparked immediate backlash with critics pointing out that the California Fire Foundation already accepts direct donations without requiring Democratic Party middlemen.

Newsom has been accused of 'passing the buck' in his latest attempts to defend his response to the devastating 'Palisade Fire' inferno across the state, as the official death toll today rose to 16.

The man previously touted as a potential Democrat presidential candidate has also been criticized over $100million cuts to funding earmarked for tackling wildfires

A fire fighting helicopter drops water as the Palisades fire grows near the Mandeville Canyon neighborhood and Encino, California, on January 11

The controversy comes as Los Angeles residents continue to grapple with devastating wildfires that have destroyed homes and forced widespread evacuations across the region.

As the official death toll from the fires climbs to 24, anxious residents are preparing for another 72 hours of hellish weather conditions expected to propel the fires in new directions.

The fatality total is expected to climb, with at least 16 people still missing and 150,000 forced to evacuate their homes.

In all, four fires have consumed more than 62 square miles across the most affluent neighborhoods of LA, with A-list celebrity homes and restaurant hotspots among the 12,300 structures wiped out.

Local fire departments have warned that harsher winds and more fire would prevent those under mandatory evacuation orders from returning home to assess the damage.

'Life-threatening winds and dangerously low humidity are forecast for much of Southern California, creating a significant risk of rapid fire spread,' the California fire service (CalFire) said in a statement. 'The winds will cause increased fire activity.'

The Eaton Fire near Pasadena and the Palisades Fire, in a wealthy enclave along the Pacific Coast, alone accounted for 59 square miles (nearly 153 square kilometers).

Nearly 70,000 customers were without power across California as of Sunday, more than half of them in Los Angeles County, according to PowerOutrage.com.

Extreme dry weather conditions due to a prolonged drought, dry vegetation and powerful Santa Ana winds that reached up to 80 mph in some areas this week created the 'perfect storm' for the fires.

Two people have also been arrested for allegedly lighting fires in the county too, including Ruben Montes, 29, who was detained for arson on Sunday in Irwindale, roughly 16 miles away from Altadena, where the deadly Eaton Fire continues to rage.

Mexican national Juan Manuel Sierra-Leyva, was also taken into custody after allegedly being caught on video walking with a yellow blowtorch before he was confronted by residents in Calabasas, west of Beverly Hills.
Reform UK is now only a single percentage point behind Labour, according to a poll today.

Research from YouGov puts Reform on 24 per cent and Labour on 25 per cent - down a whopping 9 percentage points from their winning vote share at the 2024 UK election.

Nigel Farage's party had leapfrogged the Conservatives on 22 per cent.

Reform UK has been making waves in the headlines recently after rumours that tech tycoon Elon Musk was planning to donate a $100million war chest to the party.

While those rumours appeared to fizzle out following Mr Musk's claim that Mr Farage 'doesn't have what it takes', there is no question that Mr Farage has seen an extraordinary change in the British political landscape.

In March 2024 Reform hit a then all-time high of 14 per cent, a figure they managed to retain in the general election later that year.

But they are now close to doubling that figure, while the Tories, two months after Kemi Badenoch was elected leader, are languishing in third place - down 2 points from their general election performance.

The new research puts Labour on 26 per cent, Reform UK on 25 per cent, the Tories on 22 per cent, the Lib Dems on 14 per cent and the Greens on 8 per cent.

Mr Farage seems to be hitting the target with voters according to a new YouGov poll which sees Reform UK winning the support of 24 per cent of voters

Sir Keir Starmer is now facing a three-way split in parliament, with Reform UK challenging Labour and the Conservatives for voters' support

Two months after Kemi Badenoch was elected Conservative leader, the Tories are languishing in third place in the polls - down two points on their performance at the 2024 general election

That is a major turnaround from where things stood at the general election back in July, in which Labour topped the polls on 35 per cent, the Tories were a clear second on 24 per cent, Reform got 15 per cent, the Lib Dems 13 per cent and the Greens 7 per cent.

Such a sea-change in voting intentions could spell a tricky parliament for Sir Keir Starmer who now faces potshots from two right-leaning parties in the face of a drastic loss of support for his own party.

In general the assessment of Sir Keir's first six months in office is damning, with only 10 per cent of voters judging that he has been successful and an overwhelming majortity (60 per cent) saying he has been unsuccessful.

Labour insiders are also worried at how the party is hemorrhaging voters to other parties across the political spectrum.

The new data found that they have retained only 54 per cent of supporters from the general election - while 7 percent have defected to the Lib Dems, 6 per cent to the Green Party, 5 per cent to Reform UK and 4 per cent to the Tories.

Meanwhile almost a quarter of those who voted Labour in the polls (23 per cent) either did not say, weren't sure or had decided not to vote at all.

Labour also faces a problem with elderly voters in light of policies like the removal of the winter fuel allowance, with only 14 per cent of OAPs now saying they would cast their vote for Labour - down eight percentage points from the election.

There had previously been rumours that Elon Musk was planning to donate $100million to Nigel Farage's Reform UK Party

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and Party Treasurer Nick Candy recently traveled to meet with Mr 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

Nevertheless Labour can take some solace in the fact that the Tories appear to remain a toxic brand for voters.

Reform UK are the least unpopular party, with a net favourability rating of -32, Labour a touch worse on -34 and the Tories down on -45.

In total YouGov interviewed 2,279 voters in Great Britain on Sunday January 12 and Monday January 13 for the first of their weekly voting intention polls for Sky News, shared with The Times.
Naomi Biden shared an adorable photo of her son in an update from the hospital just five days after giving birth.

'Sweet Wilie,' she wrote with a heart emoji, sharing a picture of her son wrapped in a blanket, wearing a hat.

Husband Peter Neal also showed his family prides, showing a photo of himself and Naomi cuddled on the hospital bed with their son.

'30 fingers 30 toes,' he wrote. In the photo, Naomi had her eyes closed but was smiling. Baby William appeared to be sleeping. Tufts of brown hair peeked out from his baby bonnet.

William Brannon Neal, IV, was born on January 8th via cesarean section at Cedars Sinai Hospital. He is President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden first great-grandchild. He arrived weighing 10 lbs and 4 ounces.

The first couple visited him at the hospital on the day he was born as the California wildfires roared just miles away.

Naomi's father Hunter Biden and his second wife Melissa Cohen and their young son Beau were spotted arriving at the hospital as the presidential motorcade rolled in.

First Lady Jill Biden later shared a photo of her with the president. Biden his holding his great grandson. The first lady is fixing a hat on his head.

'30 fingers 30 toes,' Peter Neal wrote of son William Brannon Neal, IV and wife Naomi

William Brannon Neal, IV, was born on January 8th via cesarean section at Cedars Sinai Hospital

First lady Jill Biden (left) and President Joe Biden (right) welcomed their first great-grandchild Wednesday: William Brannon Neal, IV (center) - the son of Naomi Biden and her husband Peter Neal

The president and first lady were in California on what the White House said was an official visit.

Cedars Sinai Hospital is not in an evacuation area.

The Bidens knew Naomi's delivery date in advance.

Biden told USA Today, in an interview conducted last week, that Naomi was scheduled to have a c-section on Wednesday. And that he was going to California to see her.

'I'm about to be a great-grandfather, Jesus God,' he said.

'I'm going out to California. She's due to have a cesarean on the 8th of January,' he added.

Naomi Biden, 30, is the eldest daughter of Hunter Biden and his ex-wife Kathleen Buhle.

William is Hunter's first grandchild and the Bidens' first great-grandchild.

Jill Biden addressed the Biden family news at a women's health conference she was hosting at the White House last month.

'We've talked about this all this morning - research that uses genetics to find a cause of extreme morning sickness, and I heard this a couple weeks ago, and I was particularly interested because my own granddaughter was going through the same thing,' she said.

Then she burst into a big smile and announced: 'Because we're going to be great grandparents!'

The room burst into applause.

The Bidens spent Christmas together at the White House. Ashley Biden, the Bidens' daughter, posted a family photo to her instagram story.

In it, Naomi stands at the back with husband Peter, her stomach hidden by other family members.

Naomi Biden (right), with husband Peter Neal (left), at a state dinner for Kenya in May. She kept her pregnancy under wraps until Election Day. DailyMail.com reported that she was expecting the same month of the Kenya state dinner

Ashely Biden posted a family photo to her instagram story over Christmas showing all the Biden family celebrating the holiday at the White House

Naomi Biden announced her pregnancy on Election Night

Naomi Biden announced her pregnancy on the night of the 2024 presidential election with a post to her Instagram account.

'(we) voted,' she wrote on her Instagram story, displaying a prominent baby bump with an 'I voted' sticker on it.

DailyMail.com exclusively revealed in May that Naomi and her husband Peter Neal were expecting their first child.

Speculation has been rampant for months that she was expecting. It was the talk of a state dinner in May.

Naomi, who is known for wearing fitted clothes to her slim figure, donned loose fitting gowns during multiple occasions when she was seen in public.

As she and Neal entered a state dinner at the White House for Kenya in May, Neal appeared to be gesturing at his wife's stomach as they posed for photos.

As she leaned into him, what appeared to be a baby bump was seen in her long, roomy pleated metallic cape and dress set from Diana Ayad.

At one point, Neal appeared to be pointing to her bump.

Naomi Biden and Peter Biden had their wedding at the White House - above they attended the White House Correspondents Dinner in April 2022

Naomi Biden (right) also wore a flowy frock to a White House state dinner with Japan in April

A month before, Naomi sported a different flowy frock to a White House state dinner with Japan.

She and Peter briefly lived at the White House before moving to Georgetown and then relocating to the west coast.

They married in an opulent ceremony on the South Lawn on November 19, 2022.

She was the first presidential grandchild to be married at the White House.
Charlamagne tha God trashed liberals for celebrating Donald Trump's conviction in his hush money case and called the entire thing a 'waste of time.'

Trump was officially sentenced in the New York hush money case involving porn star Stormy Daniels, putting him on track to become the first convicted felon to be sworn in as President of the United States.

The President-elect, 78, appeared virtually for his hearing on Friday in Manhattan Criminal Court where Judge Juan Merchan sentenced him to an unconditional discharge, avoiding fines, probation and jail time.

Charlamagne, real name Leonard McElvey, had no interest in the verdict and declared the entire process useless on The Breakfast Club Monday.

'What a waste of time. I mean, what a waste of time. Pure political theater. They were never, ever going to convict a former, or sitting, president of nothing,' he said.

Despite being a Kamala Harris supporter, Charlamagne dressed down the left for trying to claim it as a victory.

'And what was even more ridiculous was watching, you know, liberals celebrate this. Like, this is not a win. Who cares if you can call him a convicted felon when you still gotta call him president for the next four years? Who cares?'

He ultimately said that 'they're not going to do anything to him. It's a waste of time... it's foolishness.'

Charlamagne tha God trashed liberals for celebrating Donald Trump 's conviction in his hush money case and called the entire thing a 'waste of time'

Trump was officially sentenced in the New York hush money case involving porn star Stormy Daniels , putting him on track to become the first convicted felon to be sworn in as President of the United States

'They're not going to do anything to him. It's a waste of time it's foolishness,' he added.

When co-host DJ Envy pointed out the costs to New Yorkers, Charlamagne became frustrated and called out those bringing cases against Trump in New York and Georgia.

'Somebody needs to ask them, the Fani Willis's of the world, like, 'What's the point? What are you trying to prove right now?'

The 'no-penalty' sentence, which finalizes Trump's criminal conviction of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records from his trial in May, means the incoming president will avoid jail time, hefty fines, and probation.

Although a slap on the wrist, it will go on his permanent record and make him the first American president to take the White House as a convicted felon when he is sworn in on January 20.

Speaking to the court via Zoom before learning his fate, Trump described the proceedings as a 'very terrible experience' and claimed it was a case Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg never wanted to bring.

'This has been a political witch hunt, it was done to damage my reputation so I would lose the election,' he said, sitting alongside his attorney Todd Blanche.

'The people of our country got to see this first hand and voted, I won and got the largest number of votes of any Republican candidate in history.'

Trump also attacked his former fixer and a key witness in the case Michael Cohen, calling him a 'totally discredited person.'

President-elect Trump appeared virtually in front of New York State Judge Juan Merchan for his sentencing hearing on Friday. He was given an unconditional discharge, a 'no-penalty' sentence without jail time, fines, or probation

Speaking alongside his attorney Todd Blanche before learning his fate, Trump told the court 'this has been a very terrible experience'

He added: 'I'm innocent, I did nothing wrong. The business records were extremely accurate, it was done by an accountant who gave very credible testimony.

'With all that's happening in our country today, with the city burning to the ground... with all of the problems going on... I got indicted over calling a legal expense a legal expense.

'I think it's an embarrassment to New York,' he continued.

Explaining his decision, Judge Merchan called it 'the only lawful sentence' the court could impose 'without encroaching on the highest office of the land'.

'The legal protections afforded to the office of the President have been laid out by our founders, the conditions, and the United States Supreme Court,' he added.

'The considerable indeed extraordinary legal protections afforded by the chief executive is a fact that overrides all others'.

The judge, however, noted that the protections of the Presidency 'are not a mitigating factor' for the crime.

'They do not reduce the seriousness of the crime or justifies its commission in any way. One power they do not provide is the power to erase a jury verdict.

Trump was forced to attend his sentencing on Friday despite dogged efforts by his legal team to block or delay the hearing, including a last-ditch appeal to the Supreme Court

Trump was convicted on 34 felony counts related to hush payments to porn star Stormy Daniels after a seven-week trial in May. His sentencing finalizes his status as a convicted felon and will make him the first president in US history to take the White House with a criminal conviction

'Ordinary citizens do not receive those legal protections. It is the Office of the President that bestows those to the office holder,' the judge explained.

'At this time I impose that sentence to cover all 34 counts.'

At the end of his remarks Judge Merchan addressed Trump directly: 'Sir, I wish you God's speed as you assume a second term in office.'

The lighter sentence has been given to low-level offenders in New York, including lawyers who have failed to pay taxes, drivers who speed and trespassers.

Although he won't be able to possess a firearm as a felon, he is still able to serve as commander-in-chief.

He will also be able to continue to vote in his home state of Florida. The state allows convicted felons to vote as long as they are not behind bars.

Trump was forced to attend his sentencing on Friday despite dogged efforts by his legal team to block or delay the hearing, including a last-ditch appeal to the Supreme Court.

The Court ultimately rejected the request in a 5-4 ruling Thursday evening that found that sentencing Trump would not be an insurmountable burden as he takes back the White House, noting that Judge Juan Merchan has indicated he would not give the incoming president any jail time, fines, or probation.

Demonstrators gathered to protest outside Manhattan criminal court before the start of the sentencing in President-elect Donald Trump's hush money case on Friday

Trump supporters display a giant flag outside the Manhattan Criminal Court in New York ahead of his sentencing

Media wait to enter Manhattan Criminal Court ahead of Trump's sentencing hearing. He was sentenced to unconditional discharge

'First, the alleged evidentiary violations as president-elect Trump's state-court trial can be addressed in the ordinary course of appeal,' the unsigned ruling said.

'Second, the burden that sentencing will impose on the president elect's responsibilities is relatively insurmountable in light of the trial court's stated intent to impose a sentence of 'unconditional discharge' after a brief virtual hearing.'

Among those who supported the decision were Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, Amy Coney Barrett and Ketanji Brown.

Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh would have delayed the sentencing, the order states.

Reacting to the news Thursday night, Trump called the Supreme Court's ruling a 'fair decision' but vowed to appeal the case.

The 78-year-old appeared content with the decision, even though conservative justices Amy Coney Barrett - who he appointed to the court - and Chief Justice John Roberts sided with the liberals who supported the decision.

Still, the incoming president criticized the ruling, as he hurled insults at Merchan.

'I am innocent of all of the judge's made up, fake charges,' he wrote on his Truth Social platform.

He railed against the decision in a post on his Truth Social platform Thursday night

The Supreme Court, which already gave him an important victory in its presidential immunity decision, ultimately ruled in a 5-4 decision Thursday that the President-elect's sentencing should go on

He added that he was appreciative of 'the time and effort of the United States Supreme Court in trying to remedy the great injustice done to me.'

Trump then reiterated the message at a news conference from his Mar-a-Lago estate later Thursday night.

'We're going to appeal anyway, just psychologically, because frankly it's a disgrace,' he said, though he noted he found a silver lining in reading the Supreme Court decision.

'I read it and I thought it was a fair decision, actually, so I'll do my little thing tomorrow. They can have fun with their little political opponent,' he said, trying to paint the judge as politically-motivated.

Trump's legal team, led by lawyer Todd Blanche, who was tapped for a top Justice Department post, had argued that Trump should be spared sentencing based on the court's monumental presidential immunity decision last summer.

In their filing on Wednesday, his lawyers asked to halt proceedings, claiming sentencing would cause 'grave injustice and harm to the institution of the Presidency and the operations of the federal government.'

The Supreme Court asked Manhattan prosecutors to respond to Trump's request by Thursday morning. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said the office planned to respond in court papers, which later showed prosecutors urging the high court to let the proceeding move forward.

Trump's 11th-hour plea to the Supreme Court came a day after an appeals court rejected his request to have Friday's sentencing delayed. He had also asked Judge Merchan to delay sentencing pending his appeal.

Justice Juan Merchan on Monday denied the incoming president's motion to delay the case

Trump's lawyers lodged a 500-page appeal on Tuesday morning

The New York Court of Appeals denied the request Tuesday, with Associate Justice Ellen Gesmer of the Appellate Division issuing a one-line ruling: 'After consideration of the papers submitted and the extensive oral argument, (Trump's) application for an interim stay is denied.'

Trump was convicted by a New York jury last year on 34 counts of falsifying business records in a trial that featured testimony by former Trump 'fixer' Michael Cohen and porn star Stormy Daniels, who claims she had a sexual affair with Trump. Trump denies the affair.

He had successfully delayed his sentencing until after the November election, but the denial by New York's Court of Appeals marked his third failed attempt to block proceedings in the case.

Judge Merchan had signaled that he might not impose jail time or even a fine  although that didn't stop Trump from going after the judge in a rambling press conference.

'We have a judge in New York as a very crooked judge, I'm under a gag order. I can't even talk about aspects of the case that are the most vital aspects,' Trump complained at Mar-a-Lago at an event.

Merchan said he would move forward anyway, and said his legal teams raised arguments were mostly 'a repetition of the arguments he has raised numerous times in the past.'

Merchan determined last month that the evidence presented at the trial earlier this year was related 'entirely to unofficial conduct' and therefore did not amount to official actions as president.
EXCLUSIVE

A glamorous New Zealand influencer who recently separated from her husband has showcased her new romance with a convicted rapist, which has left fans shocked.

Auckland-based diamond store owner and jewellery designer Sera Cruickshank hard launched her new boyfriend in a video shared with her 25,000 followers on January 1.

She didn't name the latest lover in the clip but tagged him in the video and eagle-eyed online sleuths spotted he was wearing an electronic monitoring bracelet on his ankle.

He was identified as Jamie Foster, a former police officer, who was convicted in March 2020 of raping a sleeping colleague at a motel in 2019 and sentenced to six years in prison.

He was released on parole in April 2022, but must still wear the ankle bracelet visible in the photos that Cruickshank shared of the couple's recent adventures.

The footage, featuring Lewis Capaldi's track 'Love The Hell Out Of You', showed the couple enjoying road trips, beach visits, and lunch dates, with Foster at one point lovingly kissing Cruickshank's hand.

'The contrast that was 2024,' the mum of two wrote alongside the clip. 'Simply the worst and best times of my life.

'Good morning 2025.'

Kiwi influencer Sera Cruickshank has hard launched her new relationship with convicted rapist Jamie Foster over Instagram

Foster (pictured), a former cop, was convicted in 2020 of raping a sleeping colleague while away on a work assignment

Cruickshank's relationship update comes after she recently quietly separated from her husband Dan Cruickshank.

She married Mr Cruickshank, who owns Auckland construction company buildforce, in 2017 and the former couple share two kids.

Friends were quick to send their well wishes to Cruickshank on her new relationship and the year ahead, but many were shocked by choice of new man.

'Happy New Year Queen! Congratulations on making it through the s** storm of 2024 and emerging better than ever,' one friend wrote.

'Happy new year beautiful girl! Thankful for you, proud of you AND everything youve done including this reel - Happily ever after darling,' another said.

However, others were stunned by her surprising new relationship.

'Jesus,' one wrote online.

'Mamma I'm in love with a criminal,' another said.

'Wow. That's f***ed up,' a third wrote.

Cruickshank shared photos of the couple on Instagram on January 1 along with the son 'Love The Hell Out Of You' by Lewis Capaldi

In one of the photos, Foster could be seen sporting an ankle bracelet as he walked along the beach

Another photo showed him tenderly kissing her hand as they drove together in a car

Foster and his victim had been staying at a Kerikeri motel in New Zealand's Northland with a group of officers, assigned to help police the 2019 Waitangi Day events at the Treaty Grounds at the time of the rape.

The group were partying and drinking alcohol which was being stored in the room Foster was staying in with a male colleague.

As the woman went to the room to get a drink, Foster groped her and she told him to stop.

She later returned to the room at the end of the night and woke about 2.30am to find Foster raping her.

At his rape trial, Foster claimed the sex was consensual and that he believed the woman's reaction to the groping incident meant 'not yet'.

He said he also believed the woman had invited him to go to her room later.

However, the jury found Foster guilty, and repeated efforts by Foster to appeal against his convictions were rejected.

At the time of his release, the New Zealand Parole Board noted that Foster's risk to the community was 'low' and he poses a 'below average' risk of sexual re-offending.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Cruickshank and Foster for comment.
Eerie Ring doorbell camera footage has captured the last movements of 25-year-old North Carolina found dead in the woods in a horrifying murder mystery.

Heather Williams was last seen on January 4 leaving her home in Fayetteville sometime after 10pm entering a gray four-door sedan with an unknown person.

Heather lost the ability to speak after a car accident put her in a coma. Her family say she was extremely vulnerable, and fear a cruel predator took advantage of her.

Much of her final moments remains unclear.

On Friday, nearly a week after she went missing, detectives with the Fayetteville Police Department were led to a wooded area near Newark and State Avenue where her body was discovered.

It is unclear if the person who led police to the site was involved in Williams murder, and police are yet to reveal how she died.

Mary Williams, 27, Heather's older sister told DailyMail.com that she is 'praying that someone comes forward.'

'The person is still out there,' she said. 'Somebody has seen something, heard something or knows something and we hope they go to the police.'

Heather was last seen leaving her house just before 10pm on January 4

She approached a sedan, whose driver the family said they did not know

Fayetteville police located the remains of Heather Williams on Friday

Her heartbroken sister shared that her sister, who was a talented softball player, was a junior in high school when she was hit by a car when she was walking on a road in October 2015 and nearly died.

The accident put her in a coma for months and she had to have part of her skull removed. After intense recovery she was starting to learn how to walk and talk again.

'If you looked at her you wouldn't know anything was wrong with her,' Mary said.

'A lot of people didn't unless they had a conversation with her or saw her walk - you can definitely see her limp. Her speech was limited but she was making progress.'

Despite her sister's cognitive disabilities she said her sister just wanted to be a 'normal 25-year-old.'

'Her disabilities made her naive and trusting and she just thought everyone wanted to be her friend,' Mary said.

'We tried to protect her and keep her safe but at the end of the day she was 25 and wanted to do what 25-year-olds were doing.'

She explained to DailyMail.com: 'It was really trying to find a fine line between protecting her and not making her life miserable.'

Weeks before her murder, Mary said that she and her parents filed for guardianship or get her somewhere to continue rehabilitation and meet other young people with similar needs.

Her sister, Mary Williams, said she and her family had been holding out hope that Heather would still come home after she disappeared on January 4

Heather Williams, a green-eyed brunette, was murdered and a suspect has not yet been named

The night she left the house it was after her parents went to sleep.

'She goes out the door. She is on the phone with somebody. She is standing outside the house. She looks like she is waiting for someone to pick her up. She sees the car and starts walking towards the car to get in,' Mary explained.

Around 12.10 am a text message was sent the last reported activity on her phone. Police have not revealed what was in the message, or who she sent it to.

Police have ruled Williams death a homicide but would not share any further information about the case only calling it an 'active investigation.'

Mary said that she has 'no idea' what her sister's final text message said. 'I really wish I knew.'

She said the police are not sharing very much information with her and her family.

'They havent told us much but my mom said that they havent ruled out the possibility of a sexual assault - my understanding is that she was nude or partially nude as awful as that is,' Mary said.

When asked if she knew if the person who led detectives to her sister's body was the same person involved in her death, she said the detectives have not told them yet.

'I know they dont want us to hinder the investigation we are waiting on pins and needles  we have not been told who led them to her body.

Mary said the autopsy has not been released which she said has been 'really tough for us.'

Mary, 27, giving her sister Heather, 25, a piggy back ride on the beach

'I feel like I am all cried out at this point thinking about what her final moments were like and what she went through,' she said.

'We have no idea what happened. They told us they believe someone killed her.

Mary said for the seven days her sister was missing she and her family 'were playing detective.'

'We were trying to piece together her phone records, her call records, her Facebook posts trying to piece together where in the world she could be without her medication. She has never been gone that long.'

Her voice cracked, I knew something was wrong but you never would think that would be the outcome you always want to think best case.

'We thought she would be walking through the door laughing and giggling and everything would be fine. We dont even know what day she died. My parents are torn up and devastated.'

Mary explained that her sister 'didnt have the capacity to make safe decisions and know when a situation was dangerous.'

She told DailyMail.com that 'our main thing was lets get her somewhere where she can wake up and be with like-minded people, people trying to learn to talk again  go to the movies, go bowling, trying to find her people in a similar state of mind as hers.

The wooded area where Heather's body was found less than a week after she had gone missing

A dated family photo of Heather with her parents and four siblings.

She said her parents are relying on their Christian faith to get them through this horrific ordeal.

They want to see justice for their daughter but also said that they 'forgive' the person who murdered their daughter.

'As hard as this is they are relying on their faith and they forgive whoever did this in the same way that their sins have been forgiven,' she said.

'We just ask whoever it is to please come forward and to do the right thing.

She said she hopes the public will remember her sister 'as somebody who has, you know, persevered and somebody who always wore a smile and can make people laugh and didn't care what anybody thought about her.'

She added in a Facebook post announcing Heather's death that, 'Our family finds comfort in the love that Heather had for God and through all her trials and tribulations, she has never lost her faith, and I know we won't lose ours either.

'I thank God for the years we had with her,' Mary said.
Prince Edward, dispatched to Jimmy Carters funeral in Washington National Cathedral in the hope of schmoozing Donald Trump, was seated so far from the incoming president he didnt even get to wave at him.

He was put in the equivalent of the naughty pew with Trump enemies Justin Trudeau and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

Worse, when Gordon Brown brought him to Carters lying in state at the Rotunda they were described by an official as Prime Minister Brown and tour aide. Gordon didnt offer a correction to either error.

Prince Edward was sat next to Justin Trudeau (right) and in front of Gordon Brown at Jimmy Carter's funeral in Washington National Cathedral

President-elect Donald Trump and his wife Melania arriving at the state funeral

Coleen Rooney had to console son Cass, six, after he boasted to his teacher that hed met Donald Trump. He and his three brothers had accompanied Coleen and dad Wayne, then with DC United, to the White House.

The boys were eating chicken nuggets on the floor under the table! recalls Coleen. Casss teacher told him to send a photo in. So Im thinking, She doesnt believe him, so we emailed the photo in.

Banished from The Traitors Armani Gouveia, pictured, tells Radio Times she applied for the BBC treacheryfest when she was depressed after a miscarriage.

The Traitors really was my escapism, she says. When Im excited and whenever my emotions are high, Im just like blah, blah, blah Im hyperactive. After filming, I was diagnosed with ADHD.

But has she yet focused her attention on forgiving sister and fellow contestant Maia for outing her as a traitor?

Armani Gouveia revealed she applied for The Traitors when she was depressed after a miscarriage

Shirley Temple-haired conductor, Sir Simon Rattle, fresh from conducting the London Symphony Orchestra at the Barbican on Sunday, recalls his friend Simon Callow being summoned by his parents Denis and Pauline with an urgent request.

They were very anxious and wanted to talk to me about a sensitive matter that they really couldnt raise, remembers Rattle. They asked Simon to ask me to get my hair cut. Alas Callow had to file the request under Mission Impossible.

Father and son duo Jack and Michael Whitehall end up awkwardly sparring during an Australian TV appearance.

Is Michael going to go through make-up? asks Jack, 36. Were very excited weve dug him up from his coffin.

Curmudgeonly Michael, 84, snaps: I cannot believe that weve travelled halfway around the world and all were getting off you is a load of old, recycled material...you used to tell these gags when you were in short trousers.

Labour's Pat McFadden, wheeled out yesterday to hawk Keir Starmers artificial intelligence drive, is asked by LBCs Nick Ferrari if he would be happy with his grandchildren being taught by AI.

Children actually, replied McFadden tartly. Easy mistake to make. Wizened Pat is only 59 but looks ready to retire to the adios inn.
If youre entering retirement and are tempted to pick up the odd glass of wine, try not to feel too bad about it.

Thats because drinking in moderation during this transitional period could actually help protect against depression, according to a study.

Researchers tracked more than 27,500 people across 14 years, recording their drinking habits as well as their health conditions.

They found that overall, retirees showed more signs of depression than those who were still working.

But analysis revealed that retirees who drank in moderation appeared to have fewer symptoms of depression than those who binged on alcohol or abstained completely.

Drinking in moderation was classed as having one to three drinks a day for women, and one to four for men.

Binge drinking, meanwhile, was classed as having four or more drinks per day for women, or five or more drinks per day for men.

The authors said moderate drinking may be linked with fewer depressive symptoms due to alcohols ability to lift mood through socialisation.

New research has found that drinking in moderation in retirement can reduce depression (file photo)

Overall, retirees showed more signs of depression than those who were still working (file photo)

But they warned that they dont advocate regularly having a drink or two to adjust to retirement.

Dr Antonia Diaz-Valdes, from Universidad Mayor in Chile, said: Drinking alcohol increases the risk of falls and other injuries and can lead to dependency - and the poor health that typically comes with it.

There is no doubt that adjusting to retirement can be difficult for some but turning to alcohol is not the answer.

Overall, the authors said it is vital that people are given support when they retire to prevent them from turning to heavy alcohol use to help them adjust to the change.

Providing alternative coping mechanisms to heavy alcohol consumption for retirees is crucial, Dr Christina Seller, from Simmons University in Boston, added.

The findings were published in the journal Aging and Mental Health.
For new spies, it was a guide for your eyes only.

But in 1951 it seems life in the shadows was less glamorous than a James Bond movie.

New recruits faced a strict selection criteria with only men 5ft 7in - 5ft 8ins tall who did not resemble police officers accepted for the difficult work of surveillance.

A 17-page official MI5 guide on observation declassified today reveals that bosses considered the ideal spy was born and not made, with many candidates lacking the patience required for the exacting job.

Unlike in the movies, spies in 1951 were urged to ditch false moustaches and beards because of the danger of them showing up under lighting.

Instead, new recruits should be of rather nondescript type seeking to blend in, saving trademark 007 tuxedo only for the West End.

The guide says: A watcher must adapt himself to the locality in which he is called upon to keep observation, e.g., he must wear old clothes, cap, muffler, etc., in the slum quarters, and be better dressed for the West End where he frequently has to enter hotels, blocks of residential flats or office buildings.

The use of facial disguise is not recommended. It may be considered essential in Secret Service films but in practice it is to be deplored.

A false moustache or beard is easily detected, especially under the high lights of a restaurant, pub, or in a tube train.

A page from a training guide on 'Observation' reads 'this is a small lift - watcher beware 's' does not spot you - best use the stair

The next frame reads 'A spots him coming - walks on apace. B crosses over to take up the chase

The next part of the guide reads 'S turns the corner, B takes the lead. A watches B till its safe to proceed

Rookie MI5 watchers were given illustrations showing how to pursue a target on foot and told: Observation is a very onerous and exacting profession.

Screen sleuths of the secret service thriller or detective novel appeal to the uninitiated, but in actual practice there is little glamour and much monotony in such a calling as observation.

The ideal watcher should not be more than 5ft 7ins or 5ft 8ins in height, looking as unlike a policeman as possible.

It is a mistake to use men who are too short as they are just as conspicuous as tall men.

A watcher should be of a rather nondescript type.

Good eyesight and hearing is essential and spies are told not to underestimate the enemy: Dont belittle the person you are following.

If he does appear simple, appearances are often deceptive.

The guide advises: Keep about 25-30 yards behind the quarry, and when on the move by foot it is preferable to keep on the opposite pavement, except in very busy streets.

Life as a spy in the 1950s was far less glamorous than a James Bond movie. Pictured: Daniel Craig as James Bond

Be prepared for the suspect to board a moving vehicle such as a bus tram or train, or hailing a cruising taxi, or any other device to shake off a tail.

When he is a suspicious a suspect will often board a train just before the doors close, making himself the last one on the train, or he may alight at the last moment: so do not give him any rope on such occasions.

If the target flees, spies should have change ready to hop in a cab after them: Concoct a suitable tale which may go down with the cabby, such as a divorce case, absconding husband or wife, and promise the driver a good tip.

But recruits are told never get in the same elevator as their prey.

At post offices or railway stations, agents are encouraged to try for a brief glance at names and addresses

Spies are also told to frequently change their routes home, clothes and places of drinking frequently so as to avoid being followed themselves.

Ironically, surveillance was the job of just one elderly detective when MI5 was formed.

In 1910, MI5 bought its first surveillance camera at a cost of 3 and 10 shillings.

In its infancy, the organisation was not well-funded and MI5 only bought its second motor car from the wages of a German spy who British spies impersonated long after he had been executed.
Hamish Macdonald has been revealed as the new host of Sydney Mornings on ABC Radio.

He will replace Sarah Macdonald after she was unceremoniously dumped by the national broadcaster late last year.

Macdonald will host the program four days a week while journalist Kathryn Robinson will helm the show on Friday.

'First and foremost I'd like to pay tribute to the hard work and dedication of Sarah Macdonald,' Macdonald said. 'I know these are big shoes to fill.'

'I'm looking forward to putting my head down, getting to work from Monday and serving the wonderful 702 audience in what will be a huge year of news for Sydney.'

His reference to 702 is ABC Radio Sydney's wavelength on the dial.

The departure of Sarah McDonald was accompanied by that of Simon Marnie, who was also told his contract would not be renewed, while Richard Glover and Robbie Buck both left their respective programs.

Hamish Macdonald has been revealed as the new host of Sydney Mornings on ABC Radio

Ben Latimer, ABC's head of audio told ABC staff in a statement at the time that the changes were 'driven by rapidly evolving audience expectations'.

'Change is never easy and of course the impact on some of our colleagues is difficult,' he wrote.

He added the decisions for the 2025 roster have been 'carefully thought through and discussed' and noted the ABC is 'navigating a period of significant transition'.

In other changes to the Radio Sydney roster, Dom Knight will host Friday Drive and Saturday Mornings, while science and technology journalist Rae Johnston will present Sunday Mornings.

Chris Bath will also start her new role presenting Monday to Thursday Drive and Charlie Pickering will present Thank God It's Friday!

Sarah Macdonald announced her 'disappointment' in departing from the ABC, telling her audience live on air that 'I'm not going to be on the radio with you next year.

'The ABC has decided not to renew my contract here at Mornings ... I am proud of what I've done.

'The ratings are up, I've broken lots of stories, had the first interview with the new governor general, I got the premier of New South Wales to regularly take your calls, led the election coverage, led the move to our Parramatta studios.'

Signage is seen at the ABC offices in Ultimo, Sydney. It has announced many changes for 2025

Former Media Watch host Paul Barry took to social media at the time to express his disbelief at Macdonald's parting after decades of service.

'She's brilliant, one of the best things on radio. WTAF,' Barry wrote in a post to social media.

Morning show rival Ray Hadley also praised Macdonald.

'I don't know Sarah Macdonald but I do know one thing about her, she's a quality broadcaster and I would say that quality broadcasters are in short supply at the ABC,' he told listeners.

Simon Marnie's emotional final show after three decades of presenting was attended by hundreds outside Government House in Sydney in early December.

Among those in attendance was Robbie Buck, Governor-General Sam Mostyn and NSW Governor Margaret Beazley.

Buck told Marnie 'we love you  we're going to miss you', before quietly announcing he would too be leaving Aunty on his show later that night.

'I wanted to say a big thank you', Governor-General Mostyn told Marnie.
Millions of Australians have been warned to prepare for thunderstorms and heavy rain, as a powerful wet weather system sweeps across the country in the coming week.

The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast rain for much of the east coast, stretching from central Queensland to Tasmania.

Severe thunderstorms are expected in Queensland, New South Wales, the ACT, and Victoria, potentially bringing heavy rain, hail and damaging winds.

Tuesday will remain relatively dry before wet and stormy weather develops in the evening.

Sydney and Canberra are expected to be hit with wet weather for the rest of the week, with rain and showers predicted to continue until next Monday.

Rain is also forecast for Melbourne on Wednesday.

The cold front and linked trough will cross NSW into southern Queensland on Thursday, bringing showers, storms and gusty winds.

Meanwhile, shower and thunderstorm activity is expected to increase across the tropical north this week, particularly northern Western Australia and the western Top End.

Pictured, Weatherzone's predicted rainfall accumulation across Australia up until 11am on Sunday, January 19, according to the ECMWF model

A tropical low currently situated over the northern waters off Western Australia is expected to remain stationary, with a low likelihood of developing into a tropical cyclone starting Thursday.

Another tropical low may form near the Kimberley coast starting late Thursday, with a low likelihood of intensifying into a tropical cyclone from Friday onwards.

'Regardless of tropical cyclone development, these tropical lows have the potential to bring significant rain, wind and wave impacts to the northern WA coastline later this week, or next week,' the BoM said.

Forecast rain for Australia on Wednesday

Forecast rain for Australia on Thursday

Sydney

Tuesday: Possible shower. Chance of a thunderstorm, possibly severe. Winds up to 20km/h.

Wednesday: Showers. Chance of a thunderstorm. Up to 15mm of rain. Winds up to 40km/h. Min 21C Max 31C.

Thursday: Showers. Chance of a thunderstorm. Up to 8mm of rain. Winds up to 40km/h. Min 19C Max 26C.

Friday: Showers. Chance of a thunderstorm. Up to 9mm of rain. Winds up to 55km/h. Min 18C Max 24C.

Saturday: Showers. Up to 10mm of rain. Winds up to 40km/h. Min 18C Max 25C.

Melbourne

Tuesday: Showers. Chance of a thunderstorm. Winds up to 20km/h. Max 30C.

Wednesday: Slight chance of a shower. Winds up to 20km/h. Min 22C Max 33C.

Thursday: Shower or two. Chance of a thunderstorm. Winds up to 25km/h. Min 23C Max 37C.

Friday: Possible shower. Chance of a thunderstorm. Winds up to 25km/h. Min 21C Max 31C.

Saturday: Possible shower. Winds up to 25km/h. Min21C Max 31C.

Brisbane

Tuesday: Possible shower. Chance of a thunderstorm. Winds up to 20km/h. Max 30C.

Wednesday: Slight chance of a shower. Winds up to 20km/h. Min 22C Max 33C.

Thursday: Shower or two. Chance of a thunderstorm. Winds up to 25km/h. Min 23C Max 37C.

Friday: Possible shower. Chance of a thunderstorm. Winds up to 25km/h. Min 21C Max 31C.

Saturday: Possible shower. Winds up to 25km/h. Min 21C Max 31C.

The wet weather is expected to drench much of Australian's east, with rain stretching from central Queensland down to Tasmania

Canberra

Tuesday: Showers. Chance of a thunderstorm. Winds up to 20km/h. Max 32C.

Wednesday: Showers. Chance of a thunderstorm. Up to 10mm of rain. Winds up to 25km/h. Min 16C Max 32C.

Thursday: Possible shower. Chance of a thunderstorm. Winds up to 25km/h. Min 13C Max 25C.

Friday: Mostly sunny. Slight chance of a shower. Winds up to 30km/h. Min 10C Max 24C.

Saturday: Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower. Min 11C Max 22C.

Adelaide

Tuesday: Possible late shower. Winds up to 30km/h. Max 33C.

Wednesday: Shower or two. Winds up to 40km/h. Min 18C Max 24C.

Thursday: Cloudy. Winds up to 30km/h. Min 15C Max 25C.

Friday: Mostly sunny. Winds up to 30km/h. Min 17C Max 30C.

Saturday: Sunny. Winds up to 20km/h. Min 17C Max 32C.

Hobart

Tuesday: Mostly cloudy. Winds up to 20km/h. Max 21C.

Wednesday: Showers. Chance of a thunderstorm. Up to 15mm of rain. Winds up to 25km/h. Min 15C Max 25C.

Thursday: Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower. Winds up to 25km/h. Min 15C Max 22C.

Friday: Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower. Winds up to 25km/h. Min 15C Max 20C.

Saturday: Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower. Winds up to 25km/h. Min 13C Max 20C.

Perth

Tuesday: Mostly sunny. Winds up to 35km/h. Max 26C.

Wednesday: Sunny. Winds up to 30km/h. Min 15C Max 30C.

Thursday: Sunny. Winds up to 35km/h. Min 19C Max 40C.

Friday: Shower or two. Chance of a thunderstorm. Up to 5mm of rain. Winds up to 35km/h. Min 22C Max 30C.

Saturday: Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a shower. Winds up to 30km/h. Min 17C Max 26C.

Darwin

Tuesday: Shower or two. Chance of a thunderstorm. Winds up to 20km/h. Max 33C.

Wednesday: Showers. Chance of a thunderstorm. Up to 20mm of rain. Winds up to 20km/h. Min 25C Max 33C.

Thursday: Showers. Chance of a thunderstorm. Up to 35mm of rain. Winds up to 20km/h. Min 25C Max 32C.

Friday: Showers. Chance of a thunderstorm. Up to 35mm of rain. Winds up to 20km/h. Min 25C Max 32C.

Saturday: Showers. Chance of a thunderstorm. Up to 30mm of rain. Winds up to 20km/h. Min 25C Max 32C.
The future of TikTok's operations in US hangs in the balance, but a new proposal has emerged in a deal put together by Chinese officials thrusting Elon Musk into the spotlight once again.

The bold contingency plan would see Musk acquire TikTok's US operations if the embattled app fails to avert a looming ban that may come into effect on the last day of Joe Biden's presidency.

Aside from all the geopolitical and economic implications, the deal might even go so far as to reshape the relationship between China and the United States.

For ByteDance Ltd, TikTok's parent company, the stakes could not be higher as it desperately fights the ban with an appeal to the US Supreme Court.

But after oral arguments on January 10, the justices appear poised to uphold the legislation.

TikTok's legal team has argued that banning the app violates American's First Amendment's free speech protections. However, national security concerns, underscored by the Supreme Court justices, may outweigh those arguments.

The grim outlook for TikTok has spurred Beijing officials to explore alternative options, including the involvement of Musk, who may be uniquely positioned to bridge the divide between the world's two largest economies.

'Senior Chinese officials had already begun to debate contingency plans for TikTok,' sources familiar with the matter told Bloomberg.

A new proposal has emerged in a deal put together by Chinese officials thrusting Elon Musk into the spotlight once again that would see Musk acquire TikTok's US operations

For ByteDance Ltd, TikTok's parent company, the stakes could not be higher as it desperately fights the ban with an appeal to the US Supreme Court

One intriguing possibility involves Musk's company, X (formerly Twitter), taking control of TikTok's US operations.

With more than 170 million users, TikTok would provide Musk's platform with a massive user base and a treasure trove of data - and the perfect complement to his burgeoning AI enterprise, xAI.

Such a move could help X attract advertisers while solidifying Musk's influence across social media, artificial intelligence, and global trade.

Musk's ties to Trump's administration adds another layer of intrigue to the potential deal.

Having donated more than $250 million to Trump's re-election campaign, Musk is seen as a trusted ally by the incoming administration.

It's not clear how much ByteDance knows about the Chinese government discussions or whether TikTok and Musk have been involved. It's also unclear whether Musk, TikTok and ByteDance have held any talks about the terms of any possible deal, Bloomberg reports.

Trump's plan to delay TikTok's ban until he assumes office on January 20 suggests Musk's potential acquisition could be a strategic point of negotiation between Washington and Beijing.

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.'

Despite his alignment with Trump, Musk has publicly opposed banning TikTok

Sarah Baus and Tiffany Cianci, who say they area a 'long-form educational content creator,' livestream to TikTok outside the Supreme Court on Friday in Washington by the Supreme Court

If the ban is 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.

The justices are expected to act within days, almost certainly ahead of Sunday's deadline.

Content creators and small business owners who rely on the app are awaiting a decision with anxiety.

Despite his alignment with Trump, Musk has publicly opposed banning TikTok.

In April, he tweeted, 'In my opinion, TikTok should not be banned in the USA, even though such a ban may benefit the X platform. Doing so would be contrary to freedom of speech and expression. It is not what America stands for.'

The Chinese government's 'golden share' in a ByteDance affiliate gives it significant influence over TikTok's fate.

Export rules, particularly those concerning software algorithms, further complicate any potential sale.

ByteDance's algorithm, which powers TikTok's recommendation engine, is a crown jewel Beijing is unlikely to relinquish easily.

The government's approval would be crucial for any deal, particularly one involving a high-profile figure like Musk.

Content creators and small business owners who rely on the app are awaiting a decision about the ban with anxiety

Having donated more than $250 million to Trump's re-election campaign, Musk is seen as a trusted ally by the incoming administration

TikTok's US operations could fetch a staggering $40 billion to $50 billion, according to Bloomberg Intelligence analysts.

While Musk's wealth is vast with him said to be worth $420 billion, such a deal would likely necessitate significant financial maneuvering.

Complicating matters, other high-profile bidders, including billionaire Frank McCourt and Shark Tank investor Kevin O'Leary, are reportedly pursuing TikTok through a venture called Project Liberty.

Microsoft and Oracle, previous contenders for TikTok's US business, also remain in the mix.

Whether a competitive bidding process will ensue or a government-mandated sale will be arranged remains uncertain.

Even if Musk emerges as the frontrunner, the logistical complexity of spinning off TikTok's US operations cannot be overstated.

Lawyers for TikTok have argued that such a move would be 'extraordinarily difficult,' affecting shareholders and operational structures on both sides of the Pacific.

Beijing's willingness to entertain Musk's involvement highlights the broader geopolitical stakes.

The TikTok negotiations could become a key bargaining chip as China braces for tough talks with Trump's administration over tariffs and export controls.

With Musk's history of working with Chinese officials through Tesla's operations in Shanghai, he could seen as a pragmatic choice.

If TikTok isnt sold to an approved buyer, the federal law would prohibit app stores, such as those operated by Apple and Google, from offering the popular 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 won't 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.

U.S. 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 thats 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.
EXCLUSIVE

Bali Nine drug smuggler Matthew Norman has made a harrowing secret pilgrimage to his mother's graveside after his release from his prison hell.

Norman's mother Robyn never got to see her son walk free from jail before she tragically died in January 2024 while he was still serving almost 20 years for trafficking heroin.

But after his sudden release from Bali's notorious Kerobokan Prison last month, one of the first things Norman, 38, did on his return to Australia was to visit her grave.

He has been living at the $4million home of a Christian family in Torquay, on the Great Ocean Road south of Melbourne, since his release and attending a local church.

He has also been reconnecting with friends and family, including his father Michael who has also relocated back to Australia from Bali following his son's release.

Norman's Indonesian wife, Anita, who has joined him as he rebuilds his life in his home country, has revealed how he has tried to settle back into life as a free man.

'Thank you for all of our lovely friends that keep praying for this miracle,' she posted on Facebook.

'Rejoice, happiness. Visited his mum's grave and his dad and his pop and sisters, uncles and nephews.'

Bali Nine drug smuggler Matthew Norman (pictured) has made a harrowing secret pilgrimage to his mother's graveside after his release from his prison hell.

His Indonesian wife, Anita, who has joined Matthew Norman (pictured together) as he rebuilds his life in his home country, has revealed how he has tried to settle back into life as a free man

Norman has been living at the $4million home of a Christian family in Torquay, on the Great Ocean Road south of Melbourne, since his release and attending a local church

Norman was pictured with Anita and his family on January 5 for the first time since he was released from jail

Questions had been raised about whether Norman would be forced to live apart from his wife and stepdaughter, 15, following his release.

Anita and her daughter can travel to Australia through normal visa application processes, but it remains unclear if they will be allowed to stay in the country permanently.

They were seen staying at the four bedroom, two-storey waterfront mansion in Torquay, just a stone's throw from Cosy Corner, a popular beach with families because of its calm swells.

The property is owned by Christian couple Ann and Alan Wilkins who offered it to Norman after forming a close relationship while he was in prison.

The property is owned by Christian couple Ann and Alan Wilkins who offered it to Norman after forming a close relationship while he was in prison

Matthew Norman (left) looked happy and relieved after spending almost 20 years in jail for drug smuggling

Norman married his Indonesian girlfriend Anita (pictured) at the Kerobokan jail in 2014

Norman was sentenced to death in 2006 after he was caught trying to smuggle more than 8kg of heroin out of Bali. The sentence was reduced to life in prison in 2008.

He met Anita while he was in prison and the couple married at the Kerobokan jail in 2014. Norman also became a father to her daughter Stella, 15.

Norman was just 18 when he was arrested and is the youngest member of the Bali Nine, three of whom are dead - two executed and one who died from cancer.

He left school aged 16 because he wanted to work and make money rather than finish his HSC and later said he had been 'reckless, callous, wanted to cut corners in life'.

His jail sentence had a serious effect on his family back home, with one of his sisters became anorexic and another was harassed because of her brother's crime.

His parents were also subjected to vicious hate mail in the wake of his arrest and subsequent imprisonment.

Norman was one of just two of the original Bali Nine who remained in Kerobokan until his release, where he designed t-shirts, bags and posters and applied for sentence reductions.

The couple, who married in Kerobokan prison in 2014, is pictured with family and friends on Sunday

Matthew Norman has been spending time among the congregation at a packed church since touching down in Australia, his wife revealed in her social media posts

Anita Norman shared a photo of the airport while she was waiting to reunite with her husband Matthew Norman

He admitted that every day was 'just a struggle to keep doing good things' amid the 'chaos' of prison.

Norman, along with Scott Rush, Michael Czugaj, Martin Stephens and Si Yi Chen were all released from prison in Indonesia last month, after being jailed almost 20 years ago.

They were transferred home to Australia after the federal government struck a deal with Indonesia in a top secret mission following weeks of negotiations.

The development came after Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese requested the transfer at a meeting with new Indonesian president Prabowo Subianto at the APEC Summit in November.

President Subianto agreed to let the prisoners free on humanitarian grounds.

Tan Duc Thanh Nguyen, another of the Bali Nine drug mules who had collectively attempted to smuggle 8.7kg of heroin, died from stomach cancer behind bars in 2018.

Chan and Sukumaran were executed in 2015, while Renae Lawrence was released after serving 13 years.

On December 30, Rush appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court to learn his fate in relation to a string of crimes committed 20 years ago.

Anita also shared multiple tourist snaps of places she had visited with Matthew since he became a free man last month including Circular Quay on Sydney harbourside

Supported by his parents Lee and Christine, Rush faced the court over historical charges which predated his 2005 arrest at Bali Airport.

The now 39-year-old pleaded guilty to charges of fraud, receiving tainted property, theft and entering premises, all committed when he was 19.

The police prosecutor Matthew Bach agreed with the submission and Magistrate Patricia Kirkman-Scroope convicted Rush for 13 offences, but did not further punish him.
Dame Deborah James will be 'up there grinning from ear to ear' after the NHS announced it would drop the bowel cancer screening age from 60.

The campaigner, who passed away from the illness in 2022 at the age of 40, had led the calls for the screening age to change in the later years of her life and raised more than 16million for research into the disease.

The change means hundreds of thousands of people aged 50 and 52 will receive a bowel cancer testing kit in the post.

Upon hearing the news, Dame Deborah's mother Heather James told The Sun: 'Deborah will be up there grinning from ear to ear, jumping for joy.

'But I know she would want to urge anyone who gets a screening invite to take the test!

'She was all too aware that many people ignore the invite and put off their test, a decision that can prove fatal.'

Dame Deborah was a journalist and campaigner who hosted the podcast You, Me and the Big C and spoke about her cancer journey online under the name Bowelbabe.

After being diagnosed with bowel cancer when she was 35 years old in 2016, Deborah became a viral sensation through her social media content as she danced her way through chemotherapy and lived with 'rebellious hope'.

Deborah James, who passed away from the illness in 2022 at the age of 40, had led the calls for the screening age to change in the later years of her life

Upon hearing the news, Dame Deborah's mother Heather James said her late daughter would be 'up there grinning from ear to ear'

Around 850,000 more people will now be included in the bowel cancer screening programme, with those aged 50 and 52 receiving kits by the end of March (file image)

Thanks to her campaigning, around 850,000 more people will now be included in the bowel cancer screening programme, with those aged 50 and 52 receiving kits by the end of March.

People aged 51 and 53 will need to wait until their next birthday but will then be posted a kit.

The current programme covers people aged 54 to 74, with the expansion meaning everyone aged 50 to 74 will eventually be offered a home-screening test to help detect bowel cancer.

The faecal immunochemical test (FIT) checks for blood in a stool sample, with people collecting their own sample at home before posting it back to NHS labs in a prepaid return envelope.

Results are then sent out to people, along with any information about further tests, if required.

The NHS is urging people to take up the test after figures showed that fewer than 60 per cent of 54 to 57-year-olds do so, compared with more than 70% of those aged 60 to 74.

People are much more likely to survive bowel cancer or have successful treatment if the disease is caught before it has spread.

Steve Russell, national director for vaccinations and screening at NHS England, said: 'Lives are saved when cancers are caught early and the expansion of the NHS bowel cancer screening programme to those aged 50 will help to spot signs of bowel cancer sooner, and potentially save thousands of lives.

'We are seeing positive uptake of the home-testing FIT kits, with over two-thirds of those eligible returning their tests, but this drops off in the lower age groups and we want to see even more people taking up the offer.

'While taking a test for bowel cancer may be the last thing you're thinking about as you enter the new year, it could save your life, so if you've got a FIT kit hiding in a drawer at home, I would encourage you to return it quickly as you can.

Bowel cancer can cause you to have blood in your stools, a change in bowel habit, a lump inside your bowel which can cause an obstructions. Some people also suffer with weight loss a s a result of these symptoms

Deborah James raised more than 16million for research into the disease

Speaking about her daughter (right), Helen James (left) said: 'She was all too aware that many people ignore the invite and put off their test, a decision that can prove fatal'

'Most people won't have signs of cancer, but if the test does detect anything, we can ensure they are sent on for further tests and treatment.'

Professor Peter Johnson, national clinical director for cancer at NHS England, said: 'Thousands of people in England develop bowel cancer each year, and there are concerns that it is becoming more common for people in their 50s.

'There is no need to feel embarrassed about poo - the test is quick and simple to use and can detect signs of bowel cancer, often before symptoms appear, so please do return your FIT kit if you are sent one.

'If anyone experiences symptoms such as blood in their poo or severe stomach pain, no matter their age, they should speak to their GP and get it checked out as soon as possible.'

Data suggests that around 2 per cent of people who have the FIT test will need further investigation.

While the bowel cancer screening programme will cover those aged 50 to 74, anyone aged 75 and over can request a kit by phoning the NHS bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 60 60.

The move comes after research last week showed that a glass of milk a day cuts the risk of bowel cancer by almost a fifth.

Researchers from the University of Oxford said they have found the strongest evidence yet that calcium protects against the deadly disease.

Dame Deborah James (pictured) was a journalist and campaigner who hosted the podcast You, Me and the Big C and spoke about her cancer journey online under the name Bowelbabe

The team also discovered that having the equivalent of a glass of wine every day increases the risk of bowel cancer by 15 per cent.

Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting people in the UK, with more than 44,000 new cases every year.

More than half of cases are preventable, with 13 per cent caused by eating processed meat and 11 per cent caused by overweight and obesity.

Public health and prevention minister Andrew Gwynne said: 'The evidence is overwhelming - this rollout will catch more cases at an earlier stage, preventing deaths and giving our fantastic NHS staff the precious time needed to treat people earlier and improve their life chances.'

Dr Lisa Wilde, director of research and external affairs at Bowel Cancer UK, said: 'Screening is one of the best ways to spot bowel cancer at an early stage, when it is treatable and curable.

'In fact, more than nine in 10 people survive bowel cancer when it's diagnosed at the earliest stage.'

Anyone with symptoms of bowel cancer is urged to contact their GP and not wait for a test.

Signs include stomach pain lasting three weeks or more, blood in stools, diarrhoea or constipation for no obvious reason lasting three weeks or more, a feeling of not having emptied the bowels after going to the toilet, bottom pain and loose, pale or greasy stools.
24 Hours In Police Custody (Channel 4)

Rating:

Picture a drugs dealer and you might imagine a Mexican tattoo artist with a machete in his closet and a rucksack full of crystal meth.

Thats not a cheap racist stereotype: during a real-life raid filmed on 24 Hours In Police Custody, officers arrested a man fitting exactly that description . . . in Norwich, of all places.

Axel Cruz was caught after customs officials at Stansted Airport intercepted a kilo of cocaine, hidden inside a consignment of gym equipment addressed to his apartment. He was sentenced to 16 years in jail.

The character you probably didnt envisage as a drug peddler was 50-year-old Toby Bunting, a senior clinical nurse at a London hospital who was recovering from recent cardiac surgery.

Toby fell asleep in his car after pulling over into a layby, while driving home from a party. Next thing he knew, police were knocking on his window.

The moment was captured on an officers bodycam. It would have been comical, if it hadnt been so pathetic. Scattered over the car seats were the remnants of a Chinese takeaway, an assortment of sex toys . . . and bags of white powder. Clearly, that was quite a party.

Toby knew at once that his life was ruined. He made a few desperate attempts to lie his way out of trouble, then burst into tears and begged for mercy. At the station, he tried to act the innocent: I didnt know there was going to be drugs at the party. I was asked to get rid of it, and thats how it ended up in my vehicle.

Axel Cruz was caught after customs officials at Stansted Airport intercepted a kilo of cocaine

The moment was captured on an officers bodycam. It would have been comical, if it hadnt been so pathetic

Scattered over the car seats were the remnants of a Chinese takeaway, an assortment of sex toys and bags of white powde

Toby knew at once that his life was ruined. He made a few desperate attempts to lie his way out of trouble

One of the interviewing officers sighed heavily. It had clearly been a long morning. Ill be totally honest with you, Toby, he said, I dont believe anything youve told us there.

Realising that no jury would believe him either, Toby pleaded guilty to four counts of possession with intent to supply, and was sentenced to two-and-a-half years.

I feel sorry for him, remarked a female officer. He is a character.

Her sympathy was misplaced. Toby had 800 in cash in his car, and was clearly making a lot of money selling illegal drugs when, as a nurse, he must have known the horrific damage they do.

But it was harder not to feel pity for Daniel Fordham, a young father struggling with debts who agreed to store a shipload of cocaine at his house for the Mexican tattooist. Fordham was promised 15,000 for taking the risk, money that he hoped would set him on his feet.

Instead, police smashed down his door early one morning and arrested him in front of his children. Hes now doing 10 years . . . and he didnt get the 15 grand. I cant believe how stupid Ive been, he said.

These overlapping stories gave three very different perspectives on a toxic trade. There was no pretence that all this was dealt with in 24 hours, as happened in previous series.

That always did feel like an artificial format. Straightforward case histories work much better.
A western Sydney mayor has called out 'woke' councils across the country who are opting not to hold their citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day.

It comes as Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has announced he would reinstate a requirement for councils to hold their ceremonies on January 26.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made a policy change in 2022 which allowed councils to hold the ceremonies up to three days before or after the national holiday.

Since then, four councils out of 537 opted out of ceremonies on Australia Day in 2023, and then 81 councils in 2024.

Fairfield Mayor Frank Carbone believes the councils abandoning the day have 'obviously got an agenda'.

'I think that many councils take advantage of the current system, they're a little bit woke in my view compared to our council, and they try and find an excuse to not hold it,' Mr Carbone told Sky News Australia.

'And I think that's a real shame. I agree in theory that it should be done on Australia Day.

'It's not just citizenship, it's also the awards ceremony.'

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made a policy change in 2022 which allowed councils to hold the ceremonies on other days

Fairfield Mayor Frank Carbone believes the councils abandoning the day have 'obviously got an agenda'

Mr Carbone won't have to change anything if Dutton comes to power, because his council already holds its citizenship ceremony on Australia Day.

He said he agreed in principle with Dutton's policy.

'He's trying to instill pride, and actually trying to value the importance of the day, by having it on Australia Day.

'I think we all recognise and accept that it would be beautiful to have every single one of those ceremonies on that one day, which is a very important day to us all.'

He said some councils may face staff shortages and incur higher costs to hold the ceremony on the day itself, but insisted they should 'wear' the cost.

Blacktown councillor Allan Green told Daily Mail Australia that holding the ceremonies on January 26 was the 'best way to celebrate our national day'.

'It's important for new citizens to adopt our key values and to feel the national pride associated with Australia Day,' Mr Green said.

'Also there always is an Indigenous component to the ceremony.'

Four councils out of 537 opted out of ceremonies on Australia Day in 2023, and then 81 councils in 2024

He said Blacktown City Council has always held its ceremonies on Australia Day.

'Councils that do not hold citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day are showing a lack of respect for the day.

'Those councils are being disloyal to our national identity. It's an offensive and disgraceful act.'

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has avoided a debate with Dutton on the issue, only saying on Tuesday that his local council in Marrickville holds events on Australia Day.

'I will be attending the national Australia Day commemorations [in Canberra] as I have done every year in which I have been Labor leader,' Mr Albanese said.

'I hope that Peter Dutton this year makes a choice to join the national Australia Day celebrations in Canberra. That is what I did as the opposition leader.'
By his own admission, Keith Scovell's creations would horrify small children  and no doubt the stars from whom he draws his inspiration.

But unflattering though they may be, the amateur baker insists his cakes are made with love, and more than a healthy dose of mischief.

The 55-year-old has won a legion of fans on social media with his hilarious caricature bakes, modelled on celebrities ranging from Donald Trump to Freddie Mercury and the King and Queen.

The HR consultant, who lives in north-west London, makes videos of his baking projects on his Kakes by Keith account  and attracted nearly 200,000 views on TikTok with his unique take on Claudia Winkleman, complete with Tic Tac teeth.

The baker has been making his unique cakes since before the coronavirus pandemic, but only started posting his creations on social media at the end of last year.

Mr Scovell hastened to add: 'I love Claudia, by the way, and I love The Traitors. I thought how characteristic her face is  the hair, the eyes, the smile...'

He said he enjoys seeing 'people smile and laughing' at his cakes  simple Victoria sponges  and admits his skills are 'very basic'.

Admitting he loves cakes that are 'off beat', he said: 'The mouth is never, to the cake I create, true to form. It's always the comedy part, I think.'

ONE: Keith Scovell makes hilarious caricature bakes modelled on celebrities. Can you tell who these two are?

TWO: Can you guess who this caricature bake is inspired by?

THREE: Mr Scovell insists his cakes, while unflattering with tic tac teeth, are made with love - and mischief

FOUR: Can you tell on which pop star this cake is modelled?

FIVE AND SIX: Kakes by Keith has racked up hundreds of thousands of views on social media and Mr Scovell says he is yet to receive a negative comment about his creations

He credits his ability to lip read as helping him create his striking cake designs.

'I think I've got a knack of looking at people's faces because I was born almost deaf, so I do have a huge hearing (impairment),' he explained.

'I think because I've learned to lip read and learn people's facial expressions and their faces I think that's how you can pick up a point on somebody's face, so that's your reference.

Making cakes for just his friends and family, Mr Scovell created a Taylor Swift cake - complete with fizzy cola flavoured straw sweets for hair, pink icing for skin and massive fingers to hold her microphone - for his niece's 18th birthday.

The confections take around two to three hours to create plus the standard cooking time for a simple Victoria sponge, which is the base for all his creations.

Despite initially being daunted by the online reaction to his creations, Mr Scovell said he seldom receives a negative comment.

'At any age, anything you do and it makes you smile, don't keep it to yourself. Make others smile,' he said.

'If it's made you smile, it's going to make someone else smile, so it's going to make someone's day.'
Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones has made a desperate last-ditch effort to save his Infowars platform from a bankruptcy auction.

First United American Companies, which runs a website in Jones' names that sells nutritional supplements, submitted an offer of more than $7million to buy the website, an attorney overseeing Jones' bankruptcy told a judge at a brief hearing in Houston on Monday.

The figure is more than double what the company proposed during a closed-bid auction in November, when it lost to The Onion satirical news outlet, which offered $1.75million in addition to an agreement with the families of victims from the 2012 Sandy Hook massacre.

Global Tetrahedron, the parent company of The Onion, said the agreement would decrease the overall amount of debt Jones owed to the families - after he was ordered to pay nearly $1.5billion in defamation lawsuits from Connecticut and Texas filed by relatives of victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.

It also planned to kick Jones out and relaunch Infowars in January as a parody, while First United American Companies was expected to let Jones stay on at Infowars.

Christopher Murray, the bankruptcy trustee in charge of selling Jones' assets, valued Global Tetrahedron's bid at $7million, according to the Houston Chronicle.

But US Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez later halted the sale to The Onion, saying the bidding process was flawed, not transparent and didn't raise enough money for creditors. He also said there was too much confusion about The Onion's bid and its actual value.

A company affiliated with conspiracy theorist Alex Jones has made a desperate last-ditch effort to save his Infowars platform from a bankruptcy auction

The explosive site is being sold as part of Jones' bankruptcy proceedings

Now, Joshua Wolfshohl, an attorney representing Murray, said he expects to receive another bid from Global Tetrahedron to further compete with First United American Companies.

He said Murray will then evaluate both offers.

'I dont know exactly what its going to look like,' the attorney said of Murray's final decision.

'But I think we would come back to the court and say, "Judge, heres what weve got. Lets talk about a sale process, one that your honors comfortable with, possibly with an auction."'

He also noted that some roadblocks hindering the sale of the explosive conspiracy website have been removed.

Court filings obtained by the Chronicle show Murray reached a settlement with PQPR Holdings, a supplemental company owned by Jones and his parents, to pay them $375,000 in exchange for it lifting its liens against Infowars and its parent company, Free Speech Systems.

A second proposed agreement was reached on Friday between the Sandy Hook families from Texas and those from Connecticut, who won their cases proving that Jones defamed their families by calling the 2012 shooting that killed 20 children and six educators a hoax staged by actors and aimed at increasing gun control.

Jones was ordered to pay the families of the Sandy Hook victims nearly $1.5billion in defamation lawsuits

The families of the victims in Texas and Connecticut have reached an agreement to split up his assets

The conspiracy theorist was forced to declare bankruptcy following the judgments in late 2022, and the majority of the proceeds from the sale of Infowars - as well as from many of Jones' personal assets that are being sold - will go to the families.

Other proceeds will go to Jones' other creditors.

But the families of the victims in Texas and Connecticut have been at odds over how to divide Jones' assets, with the Texas-based families trying to get more cash from Jones as the Connecticut-based families prioritized shutting down Infowars, according to Reuters.

Part of the problem stemmed from the fact that the families in Connecticut won a more than $1.4billion judgment against Jones, while those in Texas were awarded about $50million.

Under the new agreement, the families in the Texas suit would get at least $4million, $1million of which would be paid within seven days of court-approval, and the Connecticut families would get at least $12 million.

After that, the Texas families will receive 25 percent of any future payments, and the Connecticut families would get the remaining 75 percent.

The Texas families also agreed to limit their participation in the rest of Jones' bankruptcy case and show their support for the families still in Connecticut.

'I am pleased to report we spent most of the holidays working through these issues, and we have a compromise between the trustee and the Texas and Connecticut families, primarily concerning the allocation of the estate funds,' Wolfshohl told Judge Lopez Monday, according to CT Insider.

'We heard Your Honor say to get this case back on track. We were able to get this across the finish line.'

Avi Moshenberg, an attorney representing the families from Texas, added that both parties are '100 percent aligned' with the agreement, and Kyle Kimpler, an attorney for the Connecticut families, said: 'This settlement with the Texas families is a milestone event and puts the families back on the same side.'

The two parties are now due back in court on January 23, when Lopez will consider ratifying the deal.

Representatives of The Onion and First American United did not immediately return phone and email messages seeking comment.
Pubs could ban customers from talking about topics such as transgender rights if landlords think they are harassing staff under Labour's new workers' rights charter.

The proposed legislation, which is expected to come into force next year, puts a duty on employers to prevent workers from being harassed by third parties such as customers.

That could prove difficult from employers to enforce, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has warned, when it applies to more philosophical debates in venues like pubs, The Times reported.

The controversial charter risks becoming 'an adventure playground for employment rights lawyers', according to a leading industry voice.

The legislation will scrap anti-strike laws brought in by the last Conservative government and introduce a string of new employment rights championed by the trade unions.

The government's own impact assessment found the legislation was likely to cost business up to 5 billion a year, but many business leaders fear the damage will be far greater.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission has warned that it could 'curtail' freedom of expression and be applied to 'overheard conversations'.

If staff hear punters discussing religious views, transgender rights or women's rights in a 'contentious manner', the customers could be handed a ban.

Labour's proposed workers' rights charter, expected to come into force next year, has so far proved controversial

The charter puts a duty on employers to prevent workers from being harassed by third parties such as customers - put that may prove problematic to enforce when it comes to philosophical beliefs like trans rights

Experts say discussing controversial topics like religion in the pub could be banned under Labour's controversial workers' rights charter

The conversation would count as harassment if it is 'unwanted conduct that has the purpose or effect of violating the recipient's dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment'.

This is compounded if it is an opinion about a protected characteristic under the Equality Act.

These include religious beliefs, views on women's and transgender rights, both those known as gender critical and a belief in gender identity, political philosophies and ethical veganism.

The chief executive of UKHospitality said it is a 'complex' issue but they don't think 'the burden of policing these issues should fall upon employers'.

urged ministers to think again about measures in the Employment Rights Bill, which he warned would cost jobs and damage growth.

Rupert Soames, the president of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI)

Mr Soames said the measures would compound the harm done by Rachel Reeves's 25 billion raid on employers' National Insurance.

He told BBC radio Four's Today programme that the legislation would drive up unemployment.

Speaking about the impact on business, he said: 'I think not only will they not employ, I think they will let people go. I think there could be quite an ugly rush before some of these things come into force.

'Nobody wants this, but the things like the probation periods in the Employment Rights Bill, we don't want that to become an adventure playground for employment rights lawyers.'

The EHRC told The Times that many employers may not understand what counts as a topic protected by equality law.

'The legal definition of what amounts to philosophical belief is complex and not well understood by employers. It is arguable that these difficulties may lead to disproportionate restriction of the right to freedom of expression under Article 10 ECHR,' a spokesperson said.

CBI president Rupert Soames said Labour's workers' rights bill would costs jobs and hit growth

Mr Soames said the legislation would compound the harm done by Rachel Reeves's 25 billion raid on employers' national insurance

The Bank of England. Downing Street said ministers would continue to engage with businesses on the details of the legislation

But in evidence to MPs examining the Bill, it said sexual harassment by third parties was a significant issue in customer-facing jobs and for young people, and it supported measures specifically addressing it.

But protection from other types of harassment raises 'complex questions' and the EHRC is worried about the effects on free speech.

The government said the threshold for what constitutes harassment is high.

Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality, said employers who don't understand the complexities of equality legislation could 'impose disproportionate restrictions'.

An Office for Equality and Opportunity spokesman said: 'Free speech is a cornerstone of British values but of course it is right that the Employment Rights Bill protects employees from workplace harassment, which is a serious issue.

'As with all cases of harassment under the Equality Act 2010, courts and tribunals will continue to be required to balance rights on the facts of a particular case, including the rights of freedom of expression.'

The Employment Rights Bill will bring in guaranteed hours provisions on zero-hours contracts and allow workers to bring unfair dismissal claims from the first day of employment.

But it will also introduce a new statutory probation period designed to make it easier for employers to dismiss new hires if they are found to be unsuitable for the job.

Downing Street said ministers would continue to 'engage' with business on the detail of the legislation, but insisted the government was committed to it.

The PM's official spokesman claimed the measures would lead to 'higher productivity for workers and higher returns for business'.

He added: 'Many workers already deliver higher workers' rights because it is in their own interests.'
An NHS nurse in charge of a women's psychiatric unit has been banned after using racist slurs.

Jaden Rachel Dios Hole called a black colleague the N-word, claimed one worker would receive a sick note from a 'witch doctor' and asked a colleague if he was 'from the plantation'.

The remarks came within a list of offensive comments made by Hole between 2017 and 2020, a disciplinary panel at the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) was told.

Hole was co-chair of the Sussex Partnership LGBT Staff Network, which helps to safeguard the rights of gay and transgender staff at the Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

On top of this, the nurse also worked as a ward manager at a women's mental health trauma unit in Chichester.

While apparently intoxicated, Hole called a black colleague 'my n*****' while they were on their way home from a team-building event, the NMC hearing heard.

Hole insisted to the panel that they had not meant to cause offence and that it was a reference to a Snoop Dog song playing on the radio in the car.

However, two staff members inside the vehicle at the time said they had 'no recollection' of the song being played during the journey.

Jaden Rachel Dios Hole (pictured) called a black colleague 'my n*****' and claimed one absent worker would receive a sick note from a 'witch doctor'

The nurse, who was co-chair of the Sussex Partnership LGBT Staff Network, has now been struck off

The nurse was a ward manager at a women's mental health trauma unit in Chichester

The panel concluded that the remark was 'racially abusive'.

During a different conversation, when a black member of staff was off sick, Hole allegedly told colleagues: 'I wonder which witch doctor she was going to get that sick note from.'

The nurse also allegedly spoke to a colleague using words to the effect: 'Who are you? The man from the plantation?'

Hole has worked in psychiatric healthcare for three decades and was employed at the Sussex Partnership Foundation in 2014, their LinkedIn profile stated.

The nurse was suspended after colleagues reported their behaviour and they were referred to the NMC in May 2021.

Seven charges were then either admitted by Hole or proven following the NMC hearing.

The nurse's lawyer told the panel that his client had shown 'great remorse', adding that they had accepted their conduct fell well below the acceptable standard.

Part of the case was held in private as the defence were concerned the case would be reported as 'a trans-identifying man working on a psychiatric ward who is found to be impaired'.

A spokesperson from the Sussex trust said: 'When the allegations of racism came to light, we acted immediately to investigate.

'We are committed to providing inclusive and anti-racist healthcare services.'
In College Rover, a study revealed that 45% of American college students oppose mandatory Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) classes. According to them, participating in such classes deprives one of personal choice and ideological freedom, though 54% still advocate for such classes to be made mandatory.

Based on more than 1,000 college students, the opinion reveals a stark division in attitudes, considering the Trump Administration's plan to abolish DEI initiatives.

Despite the split, FOX News reported that students generally are favorable toward DEI programs. In fact, 70% of respondents believe these programs improve their understanding of diversity and inclusion. Democratic students tend to be more supportive than their Republican counterparts, with 79% of the former describing DEI as beneficial, compared with 64% of the latter.

Still, fewer students are interested in taking courses specifically focused on race, gender, or identity, with only 47% expressing a willingness to enroll in such classes.

The survey also implies that as much as the students fear judgment on such sensitive matters as race and gender, especially in a space of academic engagement, they still view DEI programs as beneficial for developing openness. The college founder, Bill Townsend raises an argument that perhaps this openness can be attributed to the academic environments where discussion and dialogue are encouraged, even though public criticism of DEI programs continues to thrive.

Read more: US Public Universities Shift DEI Funds to Other Priorities Over Budget and Policy Pressures

DEI Programs in the Future

In response to these growing criticisms, many universities are cutting back DEI programs. For example, the University of Texas and the University of Michigan completely eliminated DEI offices, training, and requirements, both citing concerns related to freedom of expression. Additionally, states Florida, Iowa, and North Carolina recently diverted funding taken from DEI initiatives to funding public safety areas.

University Herald also reported that US public universities are investing their DEI funding in other sectors over budget issues.

While some believe the removal of DEI programs undermines efforts toward greater inclusion, Townsend cautioned that the scales must be balanced. In fact, he said abandoning all DEI work could do more harm than good because "half-baked initiatives" could ultimately be counterproductive.
A first-year tradie has lifted the lid on the astonishing six-figure salary he is earning, revealing he is making more than seasoned teachers, nurses and police officers.

The young Queensland electrician made the revelation after he was stopped on the street by jobs app Getahead on Monday.

He revealed he was earning $50-an-hour working on the Queen's Wharf, which is the largest construction project in the Sunshine State.

'I used to work on the Sunshine Coast. I've been doing my apprenticeship for about a year,' he said.

'I'm getting like triple what I was.'

His hourly rate means he's on at least $100,000-a-year.

It's possibly more given tradesmen often work an extra half day on the weekend.

A second-year electrician working on Queen's Wharf said he was earning $150,000 a year.

An young Queensland electrician has stunned Aussies with his first-year wage

Social media followers couldn't believe how much cash the inexperienced worker was reeling in.

'$50 an hour as first year? Bruh I'm third year apprenticeship plumber on $25,' one wrote.

'Huh? I made $6.30 first year in 2006. Why are people complaining about cost of living?' another said.

The starting salary for a probationary constable at the NSW Police Force is $81,500 while a Constable Level 5 is on $92,281.

The average salary for nurses in NSW ranges from $70,000 to $98,000 a year.

The Queensland apprentice is one on the lucky ones however.

Pay rates for apprentices on union enterprise bargaining agreements, like the ones at the Queen's Wharf project, are much higher than the award.

Most first year sparkies are on about $20-an-hour.

Some electricians are earning far more than nurses, police officers and teachers (stock image)

Those pay rates are the reason Australia is facing a tradie shortage.

New data has revealed there were roughly 2,000 fewer apprentices in 2024 compared to 2023 and 25,000 fewer non-trade roles like labourers.

Earlier this week, a boomer tradie shared a blunt message after young Aussies revealed they were turning down jobs because they didn't pay six figures.

The 61-year-old said he'd spent four-and-a-half decades in the gritty plumbing industry but was making $180,000-a-year before he retired.

He said he only cracked the six-figure mark after putting in years of hard work and urged young Aussies to roll up their sleeves if they wanted a similar salary.

Last year, a laid-black tradie has casually revealed the eyewatering amount of money he can make in just one week.

The tree lopper from Queensland, in a TikTok video interview by Getahead, said he was earning $35 an hour but had previously raked in $26,000 cash for a 40 hour week.
A 71-year-old former 'MAGA Granny' who was arrested for participating in the January 6 riot has turned on Donald Trump and will refuse a pardon if he offers her one.

Pamela Hemphill, a retired substance abuse counselor was gifted a trip to the 'Stop the Steal' rally and entered the Capitol that day after voting for Donald Trump in 2016 and 2020.

The Idaho native was also seen on photographs released by the FBI inside the Capitol during the riots.

Hemphill copped to one misdemeanor count of parading, demonstrating or picketing in the Capitol building and was sentenced to two months in jail.

But the grandmother now calls the MAGA movement a 'cult' and compares Trump to 'his friend Jeffrey Epstein.'

Trump has promised sweeping pardons for many of those charged in connection with the attack, declaring he would act 'very quickly' on Day 1 of his presidency.

However, Hemphill has no interest and has done a complete face turn on the president-elect, writing on social media Monday: 'I will refuse a pardon from felon Trump!'

She claims that she's being 'bullied by MAGA' and that some have attempted to call her probation officer on her to get Hemphill in further trouble.

Hemphill says the bullies thought she would stop speaking out against Trump but they 'just give me more confidence to continue!'

A 71-year-old former 'MAGA Granny' who was arrested for participating in the January 6 riot has turned on Donald Trump and will refuse if he pardons her

Pamela Hemphill (circled), a retired substance abuse counselor was gifted a trip to the 'Stop the Steal' rally and was revealed to have entered the Capitol that day after voting for Donald Trump in 2016 and 2020

The grandmother admitted to USA Today in August that she was voting for Kamala Harris in the 2024 election and hasn't been moved by Trump's victory in November.

Hemphill was seen pushing her way past the police multiple times as the riot began and eventually was seen yelling: 'Come on in, come on, have fun This is your house!'

Upon her 2022 conviction, she apologized for 'everything I said and did at the Capitol.'

She eventually served out her 60 days in a California jail cell.

Hemphill has resisted Trump's attempts to curry favor with her before, including in 2023, when he made an example of how she was getting more prison time than Hunter Biden.

She responded: 'Please Donald Trump dont be using me for anything, Im not a victim of Jan6, I pleaded guilty because I was guilty!'

Hemphill has since declared supporting Trump to be akin to being in a 'cult' in a CNN interview.

'I started seeing the narcissistic behavior. And I said, Wait, wait, this is gaslighting. This is not true, she told The Daily Beast.

Trump has promised sweeping pardons for many of those charged in connection with the attack, declaring he would act 'very quickly' on Day 1 of his presidency. However, Hemphill has no interest

Hemphill has resisted Trump's attempts to curry favor with her before, including in 2023, when he made an example of how she was getting more prison time than Hunter Biden

Trump has promised to use his clemency power on behalf of many of those who tried to overturn the results of the election that Trump lost in 2020.

Critics have characterized it as Trump promising to undermine the rule of law.

But Trump told Time at the end of last year that not everyone would be entitled to a pardon.

'I'm going to do case-by-case, and if they were non-violent, I think they've been greatly punished,' he said. 'And the answer is I will be doing that, yeah, I'm going to look if there's some that really were out of control.'

Trump said he would issue pardons to rioters on 'Day 1' of his presidency, which begins next Monday, January 20.

'Most likely, I'll do it very quickly,' he said recently on NBC's Meet the Press.

He added that 'those people have suffered long and hard. And there may be some exceptions to it. I have to look. But, you know, if somebody was radical, crazy.'

More than 1,500 people have been charged with federal crimes stemming from the siege that left more than 100 police officers injured and sent lawmakers running into hiding as they met to certify Democrat Joe Biden's 2020 victory .

Hemphill was seen pushing her way past the police multiple times as the riot began and eventually was seen yelling: 'Come on in, come on, have fun This is your house!'

Hemphill (circled) has since declared supporting Trump to be akin to being in a 'cult'

Hundreds of people who did not engage in destruction or violence were charged only with misdemeanor offenses for illegally entering the Capitol.

Others were charged with felony offenses, including assault for beating police officers.

Leaders of the Oath Keepers and the Proud Boys extremist groups were convicted of seditious conspiracy for what prosecutors described as plots to use violence to stop the peaceful transfer of power from Trump, the Republican incumbent, to Biden.

Some Republican lawmakers are pushing for Trump to pardon all the January 6 rioters.

Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene said those in prison over the attacks - no matter their crime - should be released.

'Even the ones that fought Capitol Police, caused damage to the Capitol, I think they've served their time, and I think they should all be pardoned and released from prison,' Greene said.
A baby-faced weather buff has been hailed a hero for sounding the alarm about the impending Los Angeles fires and urging his community to flee ahead of the inferno.

Altadena local Edgar McGregor, 24, was sharing updates in his community Facebook page on January 7, hours before several megafires erupted throughout southern California.

He warned his neighbors not to go to sleep, to pack a bag and to be prepared to evacuate in an instant.

Speaking to People, McGregor said it dawned on him a week prior to the fires that the weather event could be 'cataclysmic,' and began the arduous task of convincing anybody who would listen.

'I knew on Dec. 30th that when this windstorm hit, the conditions would be carbon copies of the conditions that were on the ground in Lahaina, Hawaii, and in Paradise, which both were completely leveled and lost around a hundred people each,' he said.

The dry brush had been piling up for months, and without any rain leading into winter, when McGregor saw the winds in the forecast around New Years Day, he knew the risk was enormous.

'I told people, if a wildfire breaks out, there'll be a thousand homes burned down. This would be cataclysmic.'

McGregor feared his warnings may have been a little 'excessive', but he has since been proven right.

Altadena local Edgar McGregor, 24, was sharing updates in his community Facebook page on January 7, hours before several megafires erupted throughout southern California

He warned his neighbors not to go to sleep, to pack a bag and to be prepared to evacuate in an instant

The Eaton fire which tore through his neighborhood and Pasadena at the foot of the mountains has already burned through 14,117 acres, destroyed at least 7,000 structures and cost 16 people their lives

McGregor feared his warnings may have been a little 'excessive', but he has since been proven right

The Eaton fire which tore through his neighborhood and Pasadena at the foot of the mountains has already burned through 14,117 acres, destroyed at least 7,000 structures and cost 16 people their lives.

Mandy Moore's home was among those charred beyond recognition in the Eaton fire.

And a larger fire which was the first to break out in the ritzy celebrity enclave of Pacific Palisades has destroyed 24,707 acres of land stretching from Santa Monica to Malibu.

Miles Teller, Mel Gibson and Paris Hilton are among A-list celebrities who lost their homes in the inferno.

McGregor watched as the fire tore through his community, destroying his neighbor's homes along with hundreds in the blocks surrounding his house.

Miraculously, his own home survived the inferno.

McGregor is an avid hiker and has been watching with dismay as his local canyons fill with brush and dead leaves, which serve as ignition for a fire.

'For years I've been telling people this canyon, it's been decades since we last had a wildfire, and the fuels are abundant,' he said.

'I see dead trees that have accumulated everywhere. So I knew this was coming. I certainly didn't think January was the month it would occur, but I hope that I did my job in warning everybody.'

Your browser does not support iframes.

McGregor watched as the fire tore through his community, destroying his neighbor's homes along with hundreds in the blocks surrounding his house

In the Facebook group where McGregor initially posted his warnings, he has been inundated with comments from grateful locals who credit him with saving their lives

The fire tore through the communities of Pasadena and Altadena

The 24-year-old climate scientist does not anticipate the red flag winds predicted in the coming days will pose any further threat.

But he said if the persistent dry spell continues and there isn't rainfall soon, Hollywood and Santa Barbara could 'face disaster' within weeks.

'In the next couple of weeks, if we get another major windstorm, it could be Hollywood that faces disaster next. Santa Barbara. Any of these foothill towns. And then when it rains, we have the mudslides to get through.'

'This is not over yet.'

In the Facebook group where McGregor initially posted his warnings, he has been inundated with comments from grateful locals who credit him with saving their lives.

'Your warnings saved so many lives and allowed us to prepare for evacuating well ahead of time. Glad you're finally getting the widespread recognition that you deserve,' one local said.

'Your update was the first notification I got for the fire and we acted immediately. We cannot thank you enough. you are a HERO,' another added.

At 8am on January 7, McGregor shared a lengthy forecast urging his neighbors to 'please take today to prepare.'

In the Facebook group where McGregor initially posted his warnings, he has been inundated with comments from grateful locals who credit him with saving their lives

The Palisades Fire reached over 23,000 acres by Sunday night

'This first round, which is currently causing low-end class-3 conditions in Altadena, is peanuts to what could be coming,' he wrote.

The fire hit at 6pm that evening.

Both the Eaton fire and Palisades fire continue to burn as:

While the fires have been rapidly spread by Santa Ana winds, new lawsuits from homeowners who lost everything blamed utility company Southern California Edison for the blaze itself.

The lawsuits claim SoCal Edison's electrical equipment started the Eaton blaze -which has razed the mountainous neighborhoods of Pasadena and Altadena and is one of the major wildfires, according to court filings.

A spokesperson said in a statement its electrical equipment was unlikely to have caused the Eaton fire, but extraordinary timestamped footage appears to show the blaze first taking off from a set of power lines.

The suits cited eyewitness accounts and images that appeared to show a fire at the base of a transmission tower owned by Southern California Edison (SCE) before powerful Santa Ana wind gusts quickly spread the flames.

Your browser does not support iframes.

Witnesses shared videos on social media of a fire at the base of a transmission tower allegedly taken shortly after the start of the Eaton Fire.

Altadena resident Marcus Errico had earlier told CNN he saw the very first flames of the Eaton fire at the base of a transmission tower.

'I could see right across from us on the hillside in Eaton Canyon, there are a series of transformer towers with power lines stretching up into the mountains. And at the base of one, there was just a small ring of flames around the whole base.' he said.

'I can't say definitively that it was the power lines that caused it, but I can say definitively that the first fire in Pasadena and Altadena  Eaton Canyon is right on the edge of Altadena and Pasadena  that's where the fire began.

'It was under that tower on Tuesday night. It was - it began as a small little blaze underneath and within 10 minutes, the whole hillside was engulfed in the fire.'
The family of a man whose life support was wrongly switched off in a bizarre case of mistaken identity are demanding answers from the Washington State hospital where he died.

In what is a shocking tale of misidentification and heartbreak, two families have now been left grappling with unimaginable consequences.

The ordeal began on August 8, 2021, when David Wells, 69, choked on a piece of steak while eating dinner and was rushed to PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver, Washington.

Unconscious and unable to breathe, Wells was placed on life support.

But a mix-up at the hospital led staff to contact the family of his hospital roommate, Michael Beehler, 60, instead of Wells' own relatives.

'They said, "He's basically brain dead," recalled Debbie Danielson, Beehler's sister to KGW. 'Do you want us to keep him on life support or do you want to pull the plug?' hospital staff asked.

Faced with an excruciating decision, Danielson and her husband, Gary, agreed to end life support.

But unbeknownst to them, the man they had authorized to die was not their brother at all. It was the life of David Wells - a man sharing the same hospital room. And in a tragic twist, Michael Beehler was alive and well.

David Wells choked on a piece of steak and was rushed to hospital. Unconscious and unable to breathe, Wells was placed on life support but another family made the decision to pull the plug

PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center in Vancouver, Washington is now being sued by both families involved in the mix-up

A death notice even appeared for Beehler in the local newspaper: 'Michael A. Beehler, 60, Vancouver, died August 9, 2021'.

'That whole week was kind of a blur. Trying to come up with funeral arrangements, letting family members know that he passed away,' explained Danielson - but the following week, she received a phone call that turned her world upside down.

It was her brother, Mike, on the other end of the line. 'I said, "You can't be alive. You're dead!"' Danielson recounted.

The mistake was only brought to light when Beehler became confused as to why his cellphone service had been deactivated and called his family.

The realization that the wrong man had been taken off life support led Beehler and Danielson to notify the police and demand answers.

'We made life-ending decisions for a person we dont even know,' Gary Danielson said. 'We never got an explanation. We never got a sorry or anything.'

Emails from the Clark County Medical Examiner's Office revealed the extent of the misidentification.

After Wells passed away on August 9, his body was incorrectly identified as Beehler's and sent to a funeral home.

David Wells had been confused for this man, Michael Beehler of Vancouver, who had been sharing the same room. Beehler's family were told that he had died - even though he hadn't

While preparing for her brother Michael's funeral, Debbie Danielson and husband Gary received a surprise phone call from him asking why his cellphone had been cut off

Beehler's sister, Debbie Danielson, pictured, was told her brother was "brain dead" and agreed to end life support

'We made life-ending decisions for a person we dont even know,' Gary Danielson said. 'We never got an explanation. We never got a sorry or anything.'

The death notice for Beehler was published, further cementing the hospitals tragic mistake

Beehler, right, was alive and called his sister, Debbie, days later, revealing the grave error

Both families, including that of Michael Beehler, pictured, are suing the hospital, ambulance service, and medical examiner for negligence and distress

'When we went to the funeral director, I was like, "Dont we need to identify him?" 'No, well just take it from here,"' they told him.

Meanwhile, Wells' family was left in the dark, believing their loved one had died under more routine circumstances.

Shawn Wells, David Wells' son, described the emotional toll of learning that strangers had decided his father's fate - something he didn't find out about until 2023 - two years later.

'I'm at a loss for words how badly they handled this,' he said. 'I'll never be able to get that decision back. It's something I'll carry with me forever.'

To make matters worse, Shawn discovered that his father's organs were donated against his wishes. 'It's disturbing,' he said. 'They dropped the ball so egregiously.

'It would have been a very easily identifiable mark on his body. Even if there was any slight confusion about his identity, I think it would have been quickly resolved,' Shawn said.

The families of Wells and Beehler are now suing PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center, along with the ambulance service, funeral home, and Clark County Medical Examiner's Office, accusing them of negligence and severe emotional distress.

The lawsuit alleges that misidentification errors began with the initial 911 call and continued throughout the process, at every stage from the hospital to the funeral home.

The error caused David Wells' organs to be donated against his wishes, adding to the family's pain

Shawn Wells whose father was the one to die described the incident as 'disturbing' and 'something he may never recover from'

After Wells passed away on August 9, his body was incorrectly identified as Beehler's and sent to a funeral home. No identification of the body was ever made only adding to the mix-up

A death notice was published in the newspaper for David Wells the following week

'They checked my ID. That was about it,' Beehler recalled, describing the chaotic scene when medics arrived at his apartment.

Health experts have pointed out that patient misidentification, while rare, can have devastating consequences.

Dr. Thomas Gallagher, a medical ethics researcher, emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in such cases.

'When something goes wrong in healthcare, it is critical that practitioners and organizations proactively reach out to explain what happened and apologize,' he said.

Despite calls for accountability, PeaceHealth has declined to provide specific details, as to how the mix-up was able to occur citing patient privacy laws.

A spokesperson for the hospital stated: 'PeaceHealth has worked diligently to strengthen our patient identification processes... Our unwavering commitment of caring for our community remains stronger than ever.'

In the wake of the incident, the Clark County Medical Examiner's Office has revised its protocols to require family members to identify deceased individuals or to use fingerprinting when direct identification is not possible.

Sadly, the changes come too late for the Wells and Beehler families, who are left with questions that still remain unanswered.

'It's a pretty messed up situation,' Beehler said. 'Somebody messed up.'
A Washington mother-of-seven's killer has finally been identified more than two decades after her body was found dumped in vegetation - but he cannot be charged.

Investigators with the Island County Sheriff's Office were able to confirm that Carl D. Schlobom, 69, killed Tamara 'Tammy' Mattson, 39, over a dispute about a drug deal, and left her body at Camino Island State Park - where it was located on December 9, 2003, the sheriff's office announced on social media last week.

But Schlobom, who is currently serving a life sentence without parole for another murder in Arizona, cannot be prosecuted because he now suffers from advanced dementia.

Authorities explained that deputies spent six years pursuing leads and interviewing Mattson's acquaintances.

Then in the summer of 2009, the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab was able to develop a DNA profile from a minute amount of human biological material fund on a cigarette butt that was lying in a parking lot near where Mattson's body was found.

The DNA matched that of Schlobom, whose genetic material had already added to the national database following his conviction in Arizona.

Yet that only proved that Schlobom was at the park - and not that he was at the scene when Mattson was killed.

So detectives continued their investigation into Schlobom, trying to learn everything they could about him and his connection to the mother-of-seven, while also ruling out other potential suspects from DNA collected from other litter at the park.

Investigators with the Island County Sheriff's Office were able to confirm that Carl D. Schlobom, 69, killed Tamara 'Tammy' Mattson, 39, a mother-of-seven

Her body was found dumped in vegetation on December 9, 2003

By 2019, then-Detective Shawn Warwick and Detective Ed Wallace went to the Arizona prison to question Schlobom about Mattson's death.

But he refused to answer questions, and the investigation was put on hold during the COVID pandemic.

Meanwhile, Mattson's family continued to push for answers with each anniversary of her passing.

'I called and I called and would have a conversation, and they'd explain to me they don't have enough and if they heard anything, they'd let me know, but I stayed on Tammy's case for many, many years,' Mattson's aunt Debra Darling told KOMO.

'I wanted justice for her mother and her kids, she deserved that.'

Finally in April 2021, Schlobom wrote a letter to Island County detectives saying he had information about Mattson's death and that - in exchange for a long list of demands - he would provide information about the murder.

'Of all his crazy demands, the only one I considered was to allow him to spend the rest of his life in a Washington prison, if he turned out to be the murderer and pleaded guilty,' Prosecutor Greg Banks said.

Mattson's family continued to push for answers with each anniversary of her passing

He then arranged a 'free talk' with Schlobom, where they could question him under a temporary grant of immunity.

'Without his confession, we were stuck,' Banks explained. 'This allowed him to speak candidly, and allowed us to verify that he was the killer before we would negotiate any kind of deal.'

Following the interview, detectives were confident they had the Mattson's killer.

'We're always wary when talking with a suspect who is trying to get a deal from us,' Banks said.

'But in this case everything he said was consistent with what we knew and was information that nobody else could have known. His memory was quite good at the time.'

Schlobom then agreed that, once prison transfer arrangements were finalized between Arizona and the Washington Department of Corrections, he would sign a sworn confession and be charged in Island County with premeditated murder in the first degree and kidnapping in the first degree.

But detectives could not reach a deal for Schlobom to serve his sentence in Washington rather than being transferred back to Arizona.

At the time, the Washington Department of Corrections was releasing prisoners who were most at risk of COVID.

Without the guarantee Schlobom could stay in Washington, he refused to sign a confession - and without a confession, there was no proof he was the murderer and he could not be charged.

Investigators were able to connect Schlobom to the scene from DNA found on a cigarette butt

Last year, an extradition official also told Banks the two states might be willing to work something out, and Banks tried to rekindle the negotiations, but attempts to reach him were met with silence.

Eventually, one of Schlobom's family members reached out to Banks and told him that Schlobom suffered a series of debilitating strokes and had advanced dementia.

She said she doubted Schlobom could read or understand the content of the letters that Banks had been sending.

Officials in Arizona then confirmed that Schlobom was suffering from advanced dementia last month, and said he is confined to the Special Needs Unit due to his need for round-the-clock care and monitoring.

'He's not charged with Tammy's murder, but he's going to spend the rest of his life in prison and he has to answer to one,' Darling said.

'He has another one he's going to have to answer to, one much bigger.'
Joe Biden last night said a Gaza peace deal was on the brink of coming to fruition.

In his final foreign policy address before he leaves office next week, the US president said the agreement between Israel and Hamas will secure the release of hostages and achieve a ceasefire.

In the war between Israel and Hamas, were on the brink of a proposal that I laid out in detail months ago finally coming to fruition, Mr Biden said.

He insisted that his administration was working urgently to close the deal.

Israels Channel 12 news station last night broadcast details of the agreements first phase, which would last 42 days and see 33 hostages alive and dead exchanged for jailed terrorists with blood on their hands.

It said this would free all female soldiers, women, living men over the age of 50 and sick men under 50.

Hamas has previously demanded that Israel withdraws from Gaza before any of the 96 remaining hostages are released, which Israel has said was unacceptable. But now Israel has agreed to withdraw from the strip once all the hostages are released.

The US president (pictured on Monday) said the agreement between Israel and Hamas will secure the release of hostages and achieve a ceasefire

Joe Biden meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on July 25, 2024

People in Tel Aviv, Israel gather to stage a protest demanding ceasefire and resignation of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Gaza on January 11

Smoke rises from a building destroyed in Israeli airstrike at the Bureij camp for Palestinian refugees in the central Gaza Strip on January 12

An Israeli soldier sits on top of a tank at a camp, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, near the Israel-Gaza border, in Israel, January 12

A man mourns over the body of his daughter who was killed during an Israeli strike in Gaza City on January 13

An Israeli official told The Telegraph the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) would remain in Gaza until the last hostage is freed.

This would be the first time it has made such a commitment to pull out of the strip. The source added that Israel was waiting for Hamas officials in Gaza to approve the deal.

Meanwhile, London-based Qatari news outlet Al-Quds Al-Arabi reported that Israel has sought a 1.5km buffer zone along the Gaza border under Israeli control as a condition of pulling out.

Israel also needs to know how many hostages on its list are alive, while Hamas is bartering over the number of prisoners it will get back.

Qatari mediators handed both sides a final draft yesterday after a midnight breakthrough in Doha.

Israeli sources said they have broadly accepted the terms, as have Hamas leaders abroad with an official involved saying the direction is positive. Now everything depends on the terror groups de facto leader in Gaza, Mohammed Sinwar, who took control after his brother, Yahya, was killed last year.

A man walks through the rubble of buildings destroyed in Israeli airstrikes at the Bureij camp for Palestinian refugees in the central Gaza Strip on January 12

Men mourn over the body of a loved one killed during an Israeli strike in Gaza City on January 13

Smoke billows from explosions above destroyed buildings in the northern Gaza Strip on January 13

But Mohammed is seen as even more hardline than his sibling, a mastermind of the October 7 atrocity that started the war in 2023.

Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also faces challenges from far-Right coalition allies who have threatened to collapse the government if he makes peace.

A US official said: The next 24 hours will be pivotal to reaching the deal.

Donald Trumps incoming US envoy, Steve Witkoff, attended the talks, as did Mr Bidens outgoing counterpart, Brett McGurk.
The bruised and battered city of Los Angeles remains on high alert as the extreme weather conditions which sparked apocalyptic infernos intensify again and officials 'do away with' the term 'fire season.'

Forecasters warn the most intense threat this week will be on Tuesday morning with wind gusts nearing 70mph fanning the flames of two ongoing fires and complicating the ongoing searches for up to two dozen people missing in evacuation zones.

Firefighters are still battling to get the major blazes under control. They've torn through more than 40,000 acres of land, destroyed an estimated 12,300 structures and cost at least 24 people their lives.

The death toll is expected to grow as cadaver dogs gain access to the smoldering wreckages of entire neighborhoods which, Jay Leno noted, simply 'no longer exist.'

The winter infernos have forced authorities to rethink the way they've historically mapped out 'fire seasons' throughout the year.

Cal Fire information officer David Acuna said the official body have now 'done away with the term fire season' because it simply is no longer accurate.

'We now refer to it as fire year,' he said.

Looking to the week ahead, Acuna warned: 'Anything that is not currently on fire or was not on fire means that it's a potential start. There's so much fuel on the ground, and by that, I mean grass and brush.'

The bruised and battered city of Los Angeles remains on high alert as the extreme weather conditions which sparked apocalyptic infernos intensify again

Firefighters are still battling to get the major blazes under control. They've torn through more than 40,000 acres of land, destroyed an estimated 12,300 structures and cost at least 24 people their lives

The death toll is expected to grow as cadaver dogs gain access to the smoldering wreckages of entire neighborhoods which simply 'no longer exist'

Jay Leno compared the disaster on Monday night to the 9/11 attacks, telling CNN: 'Not that 9/11 was a natural disaster, but it's literally on that scale.'

'It's an entire city wiped out,' he said.

'Pacific Palisades - it doesn't exist and probably won't exist for the next five, six years.'

The sheer scale of the devastation is unprecedented, with prime real estate stretching from Malibu to the Palisades and down to Santa Monica wiped off the map.

Miles Teller, Mel Gibson and Paris Hilton are among A-list celebrities who lost their homes in the inferno.

The Palisades fire remains just 14 per cent contained, having burned through 23,713 acres.

Among the losses were an estimated 100,000 scores by 20th century composer Arnold Schoenberg.

His 83-year-old son, Larry, said all of the inventory was kept in a building behind his Palisades home.

'It's brutal,' he said. 'We lost everything.'

Miles Teller, Mel Gibson and Paris Hilton are among A-list celebrities who lost their homes in the inferno

Charred homes and burnt cars are pictured amid the rubble of the fire-ravaged Pacific Palisades

A firefighter walks past homes destroyed in the Palisades Fire

The Palisades Fire - the largest of the three blazes ripping through Los Angeles - ignited on January 7 has scorched 23,713 acres

Inland at Pasadena and Altadena, the scale of the devastation is measured differently.

The Eaton fire has burned through less land than the Pasadena fire, but the human cost is far greater.

Already, 16 bodies have been found in the carnage. Some 7,000 structures are estimated to be gone, but the process of examining what remains is slow going.

Mandy Moore's home was among those charred beyond recognition in the Eaton fire, which spans 14,117 acres.

It is just 33 per cent contained.

Los Angeles is already one of America's lease affordable cities, and now there are 92,000 locals who have found themselves displaced and forbidden from returning home even if their houses did survive the inferno.

It means competition is rife for the shelter beds, hotel rooms and temporary evacuation accommodation which has been set up to house them all.

Authorities estimate they will be able to begin reopening evacuation zones by Thursday morning, after the high intensity 'life threatening' wind event forecast over the coming days - and the risk of more fire weather - subsides.

The National Weather Service warned the winds forecast between today and Wednesday evening could lead to 'explosive fire growth', but by Thursday the conditions are due to change and give firefighters the upper hand.

The fires continue to burn as:

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McGregor warned his neighbors not to go to sleep, to pack a bag and to be prepared to evacuate in an instant

Altadena local Edgar McGregor, 24, was sharing updates in his community Facebook page on January 7, hours before several megafires erupted throughout southern California

Your browser does not support iframes.

Stories of heroism emerged as locals say the toll in Altadena and Pasadena could have been far greater if it weren't for the relentless work of baby-faced weather buff Edgar McGregor.

The 24-year-old Altadena local was sharing updates in his community Facebook page on January 7, hours before several megafires erupted throughout southern California.

He warned his neighbors not to go to sleep, to pack a bag and to be prepared to evacuate in an instant.

Speaking to People, McGregor said it dawned on him a week prior to the fires that the weather event could be 'cataclysmic,' and began the arduous task of convincing anybody who would listen.

'I knew on Dec. 30th that when this windstorm hit, the conditions would be carbon copies of the conditions that were on the ground in Lahaina, Hawaii, and in Paradise, which both were completely leveled and lost around a hundred people each,' he said.

The dry brush had been piling up for months, and without any rain leading into winter, when McGregor saw the winds in the forecast around New Years Day, he knew the risk was enormous.

'I told people, if a wildfire breaks out, there'll be a thousand homes burned down. This would be cataclysmic.'

Now, Democrat Governor Gavin Newsom risks being out of office for his 'woeful' response to the LA wildfires.

Hollywood loves a sequel and Gavin Newsom may be seeing one, as a bipartisan group attempts to make the California governor face a recall for the second time

Newsom, 57, has faced calls to resign for the devastating handling of the catastrophe, with everyone from Donald Trump to Hollywood stars slamming his and Mayor Karen Bass' lack of leadership.

Saving California, a group that touts itself as a 'non-partisan coalition of working families, professionals and community advocates' have launched another recall against Newsom.

A spokesperson for Newsom told Newsweek that the governor is '100 percent focused on the fires, ongoing rescue efforts and the recovery process - not politics.'

He sparked fury after claiming he does not know how the Los Angeles wildfires happened - while appearing to cast blame on other officials, including LA mayor Karen Bass.
Steve Bannon continued his warpath against some of Donald Trump's newer allies Monday, attacking Mark Zuckerberg as untrustworthy and in it for himself.

Zuckerberg, whose Meta group owns Facebook, Instagram and Threads, is in the midst of an abrupt policy shift that took users and staff by surprise.

He announced he would end the fact-checking program, moved to allow for LGBT people to be called mentally ill, promoted his most Trump-favoring executive, and put UFC boss Dana White on the board.

Bannon - who last week trashed 'evil' and 'racist' Elon Musk - remains unmoved by Big Tech's embrace of the president-elect, publicly speaking out against Zuckerberg on his War Room show Monday.

'Zuckerberg can't be trusted  at all! He came in the Oval Office. They allowed him in the Oval Office when I was there, and I went absolutely bonkers,' Bannon said.

He added: 'But he still got to the Oval Office and later he put up $450 million of his own money to steal the 2020 election. To steal the 2020 election.'

Bannon is referring to the so-called 'Zuckerbucks' scheme that gave over $400 million to non-profits that aided in the administration and infrastructure of the 2020 election.

Analysis shows Biden-winning counties were three times more likely to get funding from the organizations than Trump ones, and the Democrats were reportedly given a significant boost in key swing states through promotion of practices that have typically favoured their vote tally, such as mail-in voting.

Steve Bannon continued his warpath against some of Donald Trump 's newer allies Monday, attacking Mark Zuckerberg as untrustworthy and in it for himself

Zuckerberg, whose Meta group owns Facebook , Instagram and Threads, is in the midst of an abrupt policy shift that took users and staff by surprise

On Sunday, Bannon told the New York Post that Zuckerberg was 'the worst of the worst.'

'He had the biggest platform and went out of his way to try to crush the truth. Remember what he did to the laptop and anything from the pandemic  He's been dead wrong on everything,' Bannon said.

'He's immature and lacks the judgment to have that much power and that much control.'

On Monday, Bannon said Zuckerberg and other Big Tech CEOs were now 'supplicants' to Trump because he 'is coming in with the American people.'

'But after six months, a year of hard fighting and resistance at the administration and deep level and the corporations is Zuckerberg and these guys can they be counted on? Only thing they can be counted on is look after their own self-interest. That's it.'

Bannon himself was banned from Facebook permanently in November of 2020 for suggesting that Dr Anthony Fauci and FBI Director Christopher Wray should be beheaded for not being pro-Trump enough to serve in his administration.

It is clear he maintains hard feelings toward Zuckerberg, who has never reversed the ban.

'I don't care how much he grovels to Donald Trump now as a supplicant. He will turn and he will turn hard as soon as it's in his self-interest. Zuckerberg places the republic in a very dangerous situation, saddling the country with a nerd culture, nerd rule,' said Bannon to the Post.

Bannon has criticized several of Donald Trump's recent allies from Big Tech

Bannon - who last week trashed 'evil' and 'racist' Elon Musk - remains unmoved by Big Tech's embrace of the president-elect, publicly speaking out against Zuckerberg on his War Room show Monday

'The combo of tech and money is a unique national security threat to the US.'

Bannon's criticism of 'nerd rule' clearly extends to his comments on Musk, saying that he will take the billionaire down before Trump's Inauguration day this month.

'I will have Elon Musk run out of here by Inauguration Day,' Bannon told the Italian ouetlet Corriere della Sera in an interview translated on the conservative site Breitbart.

He went on: '[Musk] will not have a blue pass to the White House, he will not have full access to the White House, he will be like any other person.'

It's not clear whether Bannon has any pull or influence left in Trump's mind or his circle.

'He is a truly evil guy, a very bad guy,' Bannon insisted. 'I made it my personal thing to take this guy down.'

'Before, because he put money in, I was prepared to tolerate it; I'm not prepared to tolerate it anymore,' he added.

Musk became a staunch and vocal Trump supporter after the first failed assassination attempt against Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania in late June this summer.

Bannon's criticism of 'nerd rule' clearly extends to his comments on Musk, saying that he will take the billionaire down before Trump's Inauguration day this month

'He should go back to South Africa,' Bannon said of Musk. Why do we have South Africans, the most racist people on earth, white South Africans, we have them making any comments at all on what goes on in the United States?'

'We have been fighting this fight for ten years,' he declared. 'We are going to expose the entire corruption of the American system, of how money controls everything and hopefully we'll inspire you in Italy to wake up,' he told Corriere della Sera.

Trump selected him to co-lead his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a new group he created with the aim of cutting government waste and reducing the budget. It has an end date of July 4, 2026, meaning Musk and co-chair Vivek Ramamswamy have just a year to reach their goal.

Meanwhile, Bannon served as a chief strategist and senior counselor to Trump for just seven months at the start of his first term from January to August 2017.

He is still a hero in the pro-MAGA movement and was recently seen at Trump's Mar-a-Lago club, where Musk is reportedly renting a $2,000-per-night cottage where he has been holed up since the November election.

Now, Bannon appears to be turning his ire toward Zuckerberg.

Zuckerberg dined with Trump at Mar-a-Lago after the election, donated $1 million to his inauguration and sat down with him a second time on Friday.

He strode from his car to his Gulfstream G650 jet at Palm Beach International Airport, wearing a navy suit and appropriately red tie.

Bannon served as a chief strategist and senior counselor to Trump for just seven months at the start of his first term from January to August 2017

It's not clear whether Bannon has any pull or influence left in Trump's mind or his circle

His jet was notably smaller than the modified Boeing 757 'Trump Force One' it was parked next to on the tarmac.

During a five-minute video explaining the new policies, Zuckerberg claimed his fact-checking 'reached a point where it's just too many mistakes and too much censorship'.

'Fact-checkers have just been too politically biased and have destroyed more trust than they've created,' he said.

Joel Kaplan, a Trump ally whom Zuckerberg promoted to chief global affairs officer after the election, also claimed on Fox News that there was 'too much political bias' in Meta's fact-checking program.

These claims stood at odds with independent studies, which determined that the program helped to reduce misinformation.

Fewer people believed falsehoods than before it was implemented, they found.

Zuckerberg admitted misinformation would rise, but insisted it was more important to allow mostly unfettered free expression.

'The reality is that this is a trade-off. It means that we're going to catch less bad stuff, but we'll also reduce the number of innocent people's posts and accounts that we accidentally take down,' he said.

Another policy shift that many found alarming was the removal of protections against the abuse of LGBT people.

Meta users will be able to share 'allegations of mental illness or abnormality when based on gender or sexual orientation, given political and religious discourse about transgenderism and homosexuality'.

Zuckerberg said this was part of a push to 'get rid of a bunch of restrictions on topics like immigration and gender that are just out of touch with mainstream discourse'.
The notorious Colorado apartment complex that was taken over by the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang has been ordered to close.

Judge Shawn Day ruled that the property presents 'an imminent threat to public safety and welfare' as he granted an emergency order to close the Edge of Lowry complex in Aurora, the Denver Post reports.

City officials had requested the order as they pursue criminal negligence charges against the property owners, Five Dallas Partners.

They described the 60-unit property as 'an epicenter for unmitigated violent crimes and property crimes' in court documents, citing the alleged kidnapping and torture of two residents by two suspected members of the Venezuelan gang.

The order would now force residents at the complex to move out, but authorities said they are working with 'Arapahoe County and other community partners' to provide relocation assistance.

However, it remains unclear how many people are living at the complex, with city leaders claiming that their dealings with similar properties indicate there could be anywhere from two to 12 people living in each unit.

The city is now working to hire an outside company that will manage the closure process, including going door-to-door to take a census of how many residents would need to be relocated.

Authorities would now like to close the complex by mid-February, city attorney Pete Schulte said following a court hearing on Monday.

An Aurora municipal judge ordered the Edge of Lowry apartment complex to close on Monday, ruling it presents 'an imminent threat to public safety and welfare'

Attorneys for the Edge of Lowry owners, meanwhile, filed a motion to withdraw from the criminal negligence case late Monday.

'This is stall, stall, stall,' City Attorney Pete Schulte argued, according to the Denver Post.

'We see that with this group again and again.'

Attorney Bud Slatkin, an attorney representing the Edge of Lowry owners, objected.

'We are not in the business of stalling,' he argued, as he appeared virtually in court.

'We are in the process of protecting these residents and being good citizens of the city of Aurora.'

Five Dallas Partners and co-owners CBZ Management have not yet filed a petition to reconsider the emergency closure, not have they paid the $98 court fee to move forward with a jury trial in the criminal negligence case.

But Slotkin said he would pay it by the end of the day on Monday.

The problems at the Edge of Lowry complex first came to light in August when footage from a doorbell camera shared by residents - who are migrants themselves - showed several armed men running up to a unit and threatening residents

A hidden compartment in the wall at the Edge of Lowry apartments shows where suspect TdA members hid guns so police would not find them

The problems at the Edge of Lowry complex first came to light in August when footage from a doorbell camera shared by residents - who are migrants themselves - showed several armed men running up to a unit and threatening residents.

As reporting by DailyMail.com revealed, the gang had control of the property by seizing empty apartment units and illegally renting them out to other migrants.

The empty units were also used as drug and prostitution dens were johns paid money for sex with women and most horrifically, children.

They also threatened apartment office staff who tried to bring order and evict the gang bangers from empty units- beating one man to a bloody pulp.

Last month, Tren de Aragua members brutalized a couple at the complex, with Police Chief Todd Chamberlain claiming that a man and woman who lived in the complex were held against their will and 'tortured' by 13 to 15 armed men.

Police have charged nine people with kidnapping, assault and robbery after they allegedly tortured a couple last month

'Victims were held against their will, they were actually bound, both the male and the female,' the chief explained.

'They were pistol whipped, they were beaten, they were terrorized. The fact that one human could treat another human like this is appalling.'

While the pair was being held hostage, the attackers went to the unit where the victims live and stole items from them.

Eventually the gangsters released the victims, who reported what happened to them to 911 just before 2 a.m.

The top cop says he can't be certain the attackers are TdA members - but multiple local officers rubbished that 'laughable' claim to DailyMail.com

'It could only be them,' one local cop told DailyMail.com. 'They run Edge of Lowry.'

They added that even Aurora police officers are instructed not to respond to the property alone and must have backup, usually several other officers, before TdA is considered so dangerous.

Nine people have since been charged with kidnapping, assault and robbery in connection to the incident, and seven people are still being investigated for their connection.

A map showing three Colorado apartment complexes taken over by the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang

Chamberlain continued to blame the apartment's management on Monday for the incident, claiming they failed to address issues at the complex.

'The problem is a mismanaged location that allowed this crime to flourish,' he argued.

The owners have also previously argued in court documents that they could not retain a management team for the apartment complex due to the rampant criminal activity.

But they claimed that the problems were caused by 'willful, reckless or negligent acts taken by the city and its agencies.'

A hearing in the negligence case is now scheduled for March.
A popular influencer has blasted cruise line P&O for its 'abysmal' service and 'inedible' food on a recent voyage.

Emma Metzger, 28, from Brisbane shared a video detailing her eight-day journey of the Pacific Islands with her husband on board the Pacific Encounter.

She described her first P&O experience as 'absolutely awful', citing terrible food, uninterested staff and cancelled onboard activities.

Ms Metzger told her 200,000 followers in a TikTok video that she expected much more even though P&O was the cheaper option among the various cruise lines.

'It was really understaffed, so there was one bartender on at each bar, so you wait 20 minutes for a drink, whereas on Princess Cruises you have an app and your drink will just come to you and find you wherever you are,' she said.

'I do understand that P&O is supposed to be the cheaper option but we looked at how much we spent on the last Princess cruise, which was three days longer, and what we spent on this one, it was not actually that different. Maybe a $500 difference.

'The experience is worlds apart.'

Emma Metzger, 28, recently had a terrible experience on an eight-day trip on the P&O cruise ship Encounter

Ms Metzger, from Brisbane, said the ship's staff were unenthusiastic and that the on-board activities were lacklustre (pictured, stock image)

Ms Metzger claimed that the food was so bad she had to spit it out.

'This food genuinely, I'm not even joking, most of the meals were inedible,' Mrs Metzger said.

'I've never had that cliche experience of spitting food out into my napkin but I did, that's how bad it was.

'I could talk forever about how bad the food was, two of the three dining rooms that you go to were horrific.'

During the voyage, Ms Metzger asked P&O staff if their service had been impacted by the upcoming merger.

She claimed that they 'didn't really care' about her questions.

'Potentially this is because they're losing their jobs with the new takeover,' she said.

The company will merge with Carnival Cruises in March, when the P&O brand will be retired and its ships integrated into Carnival's existing fleet.

Despite asking staff why the service was seemingly so bad Ms Metzger said she was still met with uncaring responses (stock image of P&O Pacific Encounter)

Ms Metzger also claimed that at least half of the onboard events were cancelled without informing passengers.

'We'd go to them and they just weren't on,' she added.

When ordering drinks, the couple ran into similar disappointments when her husband was declined a Long Island Iced Tea.

Ms Metzger felt unappreciated as a passenger as she slammed the 'half a**' attitude of P&O staffers.

'The point of a cruise is to have that luxury experience,' she said.

Despite her experience however, Ms Metzger insisted that her criticisms were just of P&O and was 'not reflective of cruising in general'.

'So if you've just been on this one and think that people recommending cruises are crazy that's not true,' she added.

A P&O spokesperson said its staff tried hard to make every passenger's experience a unique and special one.

'Our kitchens prepare meals for 3000 guests every day, and we are sorry if this guest feels her dining experience fell short of her expectations,' the spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia.

'The vast majority of P&O crew have accepted roles with Carnival Cruise Line into the future and are looking forward to continuing to see our beloved Aussie guests on-board our ships.'
Free tuition is spiking up college enrollment rates, but professors claim that this has led to overcrowded classrooms and stretched college resources, more so in community colleges.

Recently, a professor at Cape Cod Community College, noted that her college alone had a 3,000-student increase in enrollment for just one semester, leading administrators to close the doors to further enrollment because of capacity constraints.

According to NBC Boston, the rapid growth in enrollment followed the state's free tuition for all community college students, an extension of a 2023 program that made community college free to students over 25. State data bears out the success of the program: enrollment jumped 8.7% in 2023 and another 14% in 2024.

At the moment, all Massachusetts community colleges are experiencing growth, while other states report a drop in freshman college enrollment rate.

Strained College Resources Over Free Tuition

While colleges' enrollments are up, colleges are not able to keep up even by hiring adequate staffing. Classes are doubled for some, while professors are struggling with overcrowding and insufficient resources. Professors argue that this is hard when there is so much more than before in a classroom but without more faculty and staff.

The lack of preparation for such growth has also caused confusion among students. NBC Boston shared that a student enrolled in a professor's online communications class with the intention of learning basic computer skills, an example of mismatched expectations and resources in an overburdened system.

The initiative of free tuition has opened doors to thousands of students, but success lies in the college's ability to get the right resources to keep up with increasing demands. As enrollments continue to grow, educators are calling upon state officials to bridge these gaps to ensure free community college becomes sustainable and works well for all, especially as free tuition expands more towards middle-income families, per the University Herald.
Donald Trump raged against 'lamebrained' Jack Smith during a 1am Truth Social rant after the special counsel dropped his bombshell January 6 report in the dead of night.

Smith stood by his decision to bring charges against Trump in the much-anticipated report and insisted he would have been convicted of Conspiracy to Defraud the United States had he not won the election for president.

In a scathing statement issued along with the report, Smith admonished Trump for what he described as excessive lies and deceit to upend the American enterprise.

'The throughline of all of Mr. Trump's criminal efforts was deceit - knowingly false claims of election fraud - and the evidence shows that Mr. Trump used these lies as a weapon to defeat a federal government function foundational to the United States' democratic process,' the report states.

The comprehensive report, coming just days before Trump is to return to the White House on January 20, focuses fresh attention on his extensive but failed effort to cling to power in 2020.

Trump quickly slammed the report in a Truth Social post at about 1:41am.

'Deranged Jack Smith was unable to successfully prosecute the Political Opponent of his 'boss,' Crooked Joe Biden, so he ends up writing yet another 'Report' based on information that the Unselect Committee of Political Hacks and Thugs ILLEGALLY DESTROYED AND DELETED, because it showed how totally innocent I was, and how completely guilty Nancy Pelosi, and others, were,' the post read.

The president-elect then followed it up with two more missives to his social media platform.

'To show you how desperate Deranged Jack Smith is, he released his Fake findings at 1:00 A.M. in the morning. Did he say that the Unselect Committee illegally destroyed and deleted all of the evidence.'

He followed it up with his trademark: 'MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!'

Donald Trump raged against special counsel Jack Smith's report in a late night rant to Truth Social shortly after it was released

Trump has already hit back at the report in multiple Truth Social posts

With the prosecution foreclosed thanks to Trump's election victory, the 137-page document is expected to be the final Justice Department chronicle of the probes.

Smith, who resigned on Sunday after completing two criminal investigations, wrote to Attorney General Merrick Garland that he believed had Trump stood trial on the charges, he would have been convicted.

'The department's view that the Constitution prohibits the continued indictment and prosecution of a president is categorical and does not turn on the gravity of the crimes charged, the strength of the government's proof or the merits of the prosecution, which the office stands fully behind,' Smith wrote.

'Indeed, but for Mr. Trump's election and imminent return to the presidency, the office assessed that the admissible evidence was sufficient to obtain and sustain a conviction at trial,' he added.

Trump called Smith 'a lamebrain prosecutor who was unable to get his case tried before the Election, which I won in a landslide. THE VOTERS HAVE SPOKEN!!!'

Smith wrote the report, which was transmitted to Congress early Tuesday after a judge refused to block its release. It describes prosecutors' charging decisions in the case that resulted in Trump being indicted for taking a trove of national security documents to Mar-a-Lago.

They also include the decision to charge Trump with heading a conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election.

The document includes, for the first time, a detailed assessment from Smith about his investigation, as well as a defense by Smith against criticism by Trump and his allies that the investigation was politicized.

Though Smith sought to salvage the indictment, the team dismissed it entirely in November because of longstanding Justice Department policy that says sitting presidents cannot face federal prosecution.

'While we were not able to bring the cases we charged to trial, I believe the fact that our team stood up for the rule of law matters,' Smith continued.

'I believe the example our team set for others to fight for justice without regard for the personal costs matters.'

Another 'significant challenge' was Trump's 'ability and willingness to use his influence and following on social media to target witnesses, courts, prosecutors,' which led prosecutors to seek a gag order to protect potential witnesses from harassment, Smith wrote.

'Mr. Trump's resort to intimidation and harassment during the investigation was not new, as demonstrated by his actions during the charged conspiracies,' Smith wrote.

'A fundamental component of Mr. Trump's conduct underlying the charges in the Election Case was his pattern of using social media - at the time, Twitter - to publicly attack and seek to influence state and federal officials, judges, and election workers who refused to support false claims that the election had been stolen or who otherwise resisted complicity in Mr. Trump's scheme,' he added.

Smith also for the first time explained the thought process behind his teams prosecution decisions, writing that his office decided not to charge Trump with incitement in part because of free speech concerns, or with insurrection because he was the sitting president at the time and there was doubt about proceeding to trial with the offense - of which there was no record of having been prosecuted before.

The special counsel brought a superseding indictment in the January 6th case that narrowed the case after the Supreme Court issued issued its summer decision giving presidents presidential immunity from prosecution for official acts while in office.

With the prosecution foreclosed thanks to Trump's election victory, the 137-page document is expected to be the final Justice Department chronicle of the probes

He wrote to Attorney General Merrick Garland that he believed had Trump stood trial on the charges, he would have been convicted

Trump was charged with willful retention of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago, in a case Cannon dismissed this summer that was on appeal when Trump won the November election.

Trump's team previously argued that the report, under DOJ regulations, merely spews 'conspiracy theories,' and say it is unfair to release it, saying it violates his presumption of innocence. Trump, meanwhile, has continued to attack Smith publicly.

The DOJ said the volume on the classified documents case would be provided to key members of Congress for both parties for private review in redacted form.

'This limited disclosure will further the public interest in keeping congressional leadership apprised of a significant matter within the Department while safeguarding defendants interests,' DOJ wrote.

Once Trump takes office January 20th, his own Justice Department will get to make determinations on whether the report on the classified documents case ever gets released. Trump has repeatedly called the prosecutions against him 'witch hunts.'

He has nominated loyalist former Florida AG Pam Bondi to lead the agency.

Both of Trump's codefendants in the case, longtime valet Waltine Nauta and Carlos de Oliveira, a Mar-a-Lago property manager, have been in his longtime employ. Both have pleaded not guilty to charges against them.

Neither of Smith's cases against Trump reached trial and the president-elect has fiercely maintained his innocence during the 'political' prosecution.

Trump tore into the special counsel during an hour-long press conference at Mar-a-Lago last week.

Smith's team asked a judge to set aside the January 6 case, saying 'This outcome is not based on the merits or strength of the case against the defendant'

One of the volumes in Smith's report relates to Trump's possession of national security documents to Mar-a-Lago

'[Smith's] picture was perfect, because you look at his picture, you say that's a bad guy with his robe  his purple robe  and he executes people. He shouldn't be allowed to execute people, because he'll execute everybody. He's a nutjob. But we won all of those cases with him.'

He went on praise 'brilliant' Judge Aileen Cannon in Florida who ruled that Smith's special counsel appointment was unlawful last year.

Smith himself asked that the January 6 case against Trump be withdrawn after he defeated Kamala Harris in the election. Prosecutors also stood down in the classified documents case, where they were appealing a district judge's order to dismiss the case.

'And some judges and prosecutors say, look, the only way I'm going to get these people off my back is to give victory to them,' said Trump.

'They're playing the ref. I think it's illegal what they do ... It's worse than talking to a judge. But the judge in Florida, Judge Cannon, was brilliant and tough, and she didn't stand for it. And I don't know her  and never met her until the case  and I don't believe I said even one word to her,' Trump said.

Material in the special counsel's report could damage the incoming administration just as it is trying to get underway after what Trump's lawyers call a 'national mandate from the voters.'

Trump lawyers John Lauro and Todd Blanche  who Trump is nominating to a top DOJ role  claimed in a blistering letter to Garland that the draft report is a 'politically-motivated attack.'

They call it the product of a 'bad-faith crusade', and claim Smith lacks the authority to produce it, and that it 'violates fundamental norms regarding the presumption of innocence,' including toward third parties charged alongside Trump.

Trump tore into the special counsel during an hour-long press conference at Mar-a-Lago last week

They say the 'release of any confidential report prepared by this out-of-control private citizen unconstitutionally posing as a prosecutor would be nothing more than a lawless political stunt, designed to politically harm President Trump and justify the huge sums of taxpayer money Smith unconstitutionally spent on his failed and dismissed cases.'

The legal cases against Trump imploded after he won the presidential election, in part due to longstanding DOJ guidelines against charging the president while in office.

Trump-appointed Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed the classified documents case against Trump, accepting his lawyers' argument that Smith's appointment wasn't constitutional.

That decision was on appeal when Trump won the election in November.

The release of a major final report by a special counsel can be an explosive event. Special Counsel Robert Hur's final report on the Hunter Biden saga last spring contained damaging language calling President Joe Biden an 'elderly man with a poor memory' that reverberated through the campaign.

Trump's team says a 'one-sided, improper report' would violate the presidential immunity principles established by the Supreme Court.

They were able to view the draft report in D.C., and say its first volume 'asserts, without any jury determination, that President Trump and others 'engaged in an unprecedented criminal effort,' was 'the head of the criminal conspiracies,' and harbored a 'criminal design.'

They cite page 68 and 69 of the still unseen draft report, with other citations running through page 108.

The second volume 'asserts that Trump 'violated multiple federal criminals laws,' with citations up to page 121  suggestion a lengthy report of beyond 200 pages.

The letter faults Smith for filing 'gratuitous speaking indictments,' holding a 'lawless press conference,' and filing 'extremely serious, and entirely false, allegations' against Trump in the January 6 case and the classified documents case.

At the same time, Trump co-defendants in the documents case, Walt Nauta and Carlos de Oliveira, have asked Judge Cannon to block Garland from releasing the report, arguing it would prevent them from getting a fair trial.

Their obstruction cases continue even after Smith withdrew the government's appeal to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals.

The lawyers blast Smith and his team 'as the inauguration approaches' of efforts to put out a report that is 'not a legitimate use of taxpayer funds,' and accuse him of 'lawfare'  a phrase invoked by Trump himself.

They accuse him of 'unlawfully' encroaching on the 'Executive authority of the incoming Administration of President Trump to resolve the issues surrounding Smith's Office in accordance with President Trump's commanding national mandate from the voters.'
A rail union have threatened industrial action unless one of their members who was unfairly sacked after being wrongly accused of calling a cleaner a 'Nazi food thrower' is reinstated.

RMT member and signaller Michael Knox, 61, was accused of 'kicking off' when he his food on a kitchen counter after a cleaner had cleared out an office fridge.

He was accused of calling her a 'Nazi food thrower' but has won a 70,000 pay-out at his employment tribunal for unfair dismissal and breach of contract, after it was ruled he did not say say the phrase.

Network Rail, his employer, had originally concluded he called the agency cleaner a 'Nazi', and sacked him for gross misconduct.

This prompted members of the RMT trade union, of which Mr Knox was a representative, to vote for strike action after his dismissal, an employment tribunal was told.

The employment tribunal in Reading heard that in January 2021, cleaner Bogamil Jacek Plaszcyca was working in the staff kitchen at the Thames Valley Signalling Centre in Didcot.

The centre is responsible for signalling trains from Paddington to the Welsh border.

The militant RMT union have threatened industrial action unless one of their members who was sacked over untrue claims he called a cleaner a 'Nazi food thrower' is reinstated

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch requested a director's review of the decision, but it was rejected, the tribunal was told

It was the cleaning agency's policy that the fridges should be checked on a Friday, and any food left not named and dated should be thrown out, the tribunal heard.

The policy had caused 'friction', and anger about it had been 'rumbling on for some time', the tribunal was told.

After an investigation, the signaller was invited to a disciplinary hearing to face an allegation of calling the cleaner a 'f****** Polish Nazi food thrower', the tribunal heard.

When interviewed by his managers, Mr Knox admitted going into the kitchen, seeing some of his son's food on the counter and telling a colleague: 'It's a f****** disgrace'.

He denied saying anything offensive to the cleaner, the tribunal heard.

Setting out the reason for dismissal, a manager said Mr Knox had 'failed in his capacity as an influential person within that workplace to stop this behaviour from happening'.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch requested a director's review of the decision, but it was rejected, the tribunal was told.

The panel concluded that while Mr Knox had been 'loud' and at the centre of a 'ruckus and commotion', it could not be sure what was actually said.

'We find, on the evidence, that any inappropriate words said were said for the benefit of those in the operations room, rather than directly to the cleaner,' the tribunal said.

The signaller was awarded 8,700 damages for breach of contract, a basic award of of 15,500, as well as 52,000 compensation for unfair dismissal.

An RMT spokesperson told the PA news agency: 'Following Mr Knox's successful claim for unfair dismissal, breach of contract and the fact the tribunal found that he did not say what he was accused of, we demand his full reinstatement into his role at Network Rail immediately or we will consider our industrial response.'
Food experts have weighed in on if pineapple on pizza is an unforgivable sin or an acceptable choice after an Italian restaurant agreed to make Hawaiians with a catch.

Lupa Pizza in Norwich has started charging 100 to customers who decide to order a dish with pineapple as a topping - simply because they do not believe the fruit belongs on the meal.

Their listing for a Hawaiian on Deliveroo is set at a staggering 100, accompanied by a cheeky message that reads: 'Yeah, for 100 you can have it. Order the champagne too! Go on you monster!'

But experts say it is '100 per cent acceptable' to have the fruit topping.

One even pointed to the trend of having hot honey drizzled on pizza as proof of people liking a 'burst of sweetness' with their meal.

Another said it's important to have choices, even if pineapple isn't the most 'traditional' option.

Kelly Peak, from food producer company Peak & The Pantry, told MailOnline: 'Pineapple on pizza is 100 per cent acceptable.

'People love the mix of sweet, salty, and tangy  it's why the combo has stuck around for so long.

Lupa Pizza in Norwich has started charging 100 to customers who decide to order a dish with pineapple as a topping

From left, Francis Woolf, Quin Jianoran, and Felix Rehberg, of Lupa Pizza in Norwich, Norfolk, looking at a Hawaiian pizza with disgust

Lupa's owner and head chef told the Norwich Evening News that due to their hatred of the sweet topping, they have increased the price for all those that are fans

The restaurant, which opened in June 2024, claims it caters to all tastes - as long as the customer does not approve of pineapple chunks on their pizzas

'You only have to look at how popular hot honey has become on pizzas to see that we're all about mixing things up these days.

Food blogger Lavania Oluban, who is a food and nutrition teacher in Birmingham, shows a pizza with pineapple that her students made

'Pineapple gives that same burst of sweetness that balances out the cheese and savoury toppings. Whether you love it or hate it, it's here to stay.'

Food blogger Lavania Oluban, who is a food and nutrition teacher in Birmingham and runs goes by The Amazing Adventures of Me on social media, said: 'Every time we make pizza from scratch, the topic of pineapple on pizza sparks a lively debate.

'It's a divisive issue, with students holding strong opinions on both sides.

'In class, we start by making pizza dough together, and I provide a variety of fruit and vegetable toppings for students to choose from.

'While it might not be the most traditional option, offering food choices is both important and a privilege.

'Ultimately, it's all about personal preference. If students are enjoying the process of creating delicious food from scratch and managing to include one of their five-a-day, I say go for it!

'Did you know pineapple is rich in vitamin C, which helps with iron absorption? It's also packed with antioxidants and is a fantastic source of fibre!'

Lupa's owner and head chef told the Norwich Evening News that due to their hatred of the sweet topping, they have increased the price for all those that are fans.

Co-owner Francis Woolf said: 'I absolutely loathe pineapple on a pizza', while head chef Quin Jianoran added: 'I love a pina colada, but pineapple on pizza? Never. I'd rather put a bloody strawberry on one than that tropical menace.'

The restaurant, which opened in June 2024, claims it caters to all tastes - as long as the customer does not approve of pineapple chunks on their pizzas.

Lupa offers customisable pizzas where individuals can choose their own toppings.

But they also offer interesting monthly specials including beef shin rendang and garlic whipped tofu.

In response to swirling controversy online, Lupa set up a digital poll to find out what the public really think about the dilemma.

If 'yes' wins, they say they'll offer the Hawaiian as one of those monthly specials  but only begrudgingly.

'If pineapple wins the vote, I'll make it, but I won't be happy about it  and I might charge 200 next time,' Quin said.

Despite their distain for the pizza topping it seems Brits are in favour pineapple on pizza, with around 53 per cent of the public saying they enjoy it as a topping, a YouGov poll found.

To celebrate the controversy, Lupa have decided to start offering pina colada cocktails as part of their menu.

The ham and pineapple combo was believed to have been invented in Canada in 1962 by Sam Panopoulos, a Greek immigrant inspired by the sweet and savoury tang of Chinese-American dishes - not in Hawaii.

It coincided with a fascination with Tiki culture which followed Hawaii becoming an American state in 1959, with canned pineapple becoming a popular imported item.
Negotiators will meet in Doha today to work towards closing a deal to end the war in Gaza after delegates from Israel and Hamas were handed a 'final' draft of an agreement on Monday.

U.S. President Joe Biden heralded the provisional agreement, laying out ceasefire terms and a hostage release deal, saying it was on 'the brink' of coming to fruition after more than a year of impasse since the last major truce.

Mediators gave Israel and Hamas a final draft of an agreement yesterday, an official briefed on the negotiations said, following a midnight 'breakthrough' in talks attended by envoys of both the outgoing U.S. president and President-elect Donald Trump.

'The deal ... would free the hostages, halt the fighting, provide security to Israel and allow us to significantly surge humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians who suffered terribly in this war that Hamas started,' Biden said in a speech on Monday to highlight his foreign policy achievements.

If successful, the ceasefire deal would cap over a year of start-and-stop talks and lead to the biggest release of Israeli hostages since the early days of the conflict, when Hamas freed about half of its prisoners in exchange for 240 Palestinian detainees held by Israel.

The official briefed on the talks, who did not want to be identified, said the text for a ceasefire and release of hostages was presented by Qatar to both sides at talks in Doha.

'I think there is a good chance we can close this ... the parties are right on the cusp of being able to close this deal,' Biden's national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters on Monday.

US President Joe Biden delivers the last foreign policy speech of his presidency at the State Department in Washington, DC, USA, 13 January 2025

Demonstrators hold signs and flares during a protest calling for the immediate release of the hostages held in the Gaza Strip by the Hamas militant group in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Jan. 13

Smoke rises from a building destroyed in Israeli airstrike at the Bureij camp for Palestinian refugees in the central Gaza Strip on January 12

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the ball was in Hamas' court. He is due to present a post-war plan for Gaza on Tuesday, Axios reported.

Hamas said it was keen to reach a deal to end the fighting, which upended the Middle East.

An Israeli official said negotiations were in advanced stages for the release of up to 33 hostages as part of the deal.

Ninety-eight hostages remain in Gaza, according to Israeli authorities.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar told reporters: 'There is progress, it looks much better than previously.

'I want to thank our American friends for the huge efforts they are investing to secure a hostage deal.'

'The negotiation over some core issues made progress and we are working to conclude what remains soon,' a Hamas official said.

Israel launched its assault in 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.

A Palestinian girl sits amid the rubble of buildings destroyed in Israeli airstrikes, in Gaza City on January 11

Ninety-eight hostages remain in Gaza, according to Israeli authorities (Pic: Tel Aviv, Jan 11)

Smoke billows from explosions above destroyed buildings in the northern Gaza Strip on January 13

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 most of its population displaced.

The warring sides have broadly agreed for months on the principle of halting the fighting in return for the release of hostages held by Hamas and Palestinian detainees held by Israel.

But Hamas has always insisted a deal must lead to a permanent end to the war and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, while Israel has said it will not end the war until Hamas is dismantled.

Trump's Jan. 20 inauguration is now widely seen as a de facto deadline for a ceasefire agreement.

Trump has said there would be 'hell to pay' unless hostages held by Hamas are freed before he takes office.

Blinken said negotiators wanted to make sure Trump would continue to back the deal on the table so the attendance at the ceasefire talks of Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, along with Biden's envoy Brett McGurk, has been 'critical.'

An Israeli official who briefed reporters on the proposed deal said its first stage would see 33 hostages set free, including children, women, some of whom are female soldiers, men above 50, and the wounded and sick.

On the 16th day of the ceasefire, negotiations would start on a second stage during which the remaining living hostages - male soldiers and men of military age - would be released and the bodies of dead hostages returned.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken introduces President Joe Biden for Biden's final foreign policy speech in the Ben Franklin Room at the State Department's Harry S. Truman headquarters building on January 13

Palestinians displaced by the war and living in makeshift tents in Deir al-Balah, Gaza on January 13

Right wing Israelis hold images of fallen soldiers during a march in Jerusalem rejecting a potential deal with Hamas, on January 13

The deal would see a phased troop withdrawal, with Israeli forces remaining in the border perimeter to defend Israeli border towns and villages.

There would be security arrangements in the Philadelphi corridor, along the southern edge of Gaza, with Israel withdrawing from parts of it after the first few days of the deal.

Unarmed North Gaza residents would be allowed back, with a mechanism to ensure no weapons are moved there. Israeli troops will withdraw from the Netzarim corridor in central Gaza.

The Israeli official said Palestinian militants convicted of murder or deadly attacks would also be released but numbers would depend on the number of live hostages, which was still unknown, and they would not include fighters who took part in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel.
A historic cathedral where Mary Queen of Scots and Catherine of Aragon were buried is facing going part-time unless it can raise 300,000 by Easter.

Peterborough Cathedral declared it is 'in crisis' and will not be able to stay open seven days a week unless it receives a vital cast boost.

Religious leaders at the medieval abbey have cited a decline in donations and impending rise in National Insurance (NI) costs for its cash woes.

Cathedral Dean, the Very Reverend Christopher Dalliston, warned the church, built in 1118AD, would need to 'drastically reduce' what it can offer its flock without an urgent injection of funds.

It comes after the Dean suggested Chancellor Rachel Reeves' tax-raid budget was partly behind its financial strain, after she ordered an increase to employers' NI contributions.

The Very Rev Dalliston told the Telegraph: 'We must urgently address this current situation. We risk closing our doors.

'We risk the loss of some of these critically important programmes that benefit so many in our city.'

He added the problem, fuelled partly by the cost of living crisis, was not just specific to Peterborough.

So far a number of public events hosted by the cathedral such as a 'rave in the nave' disco and 39-a-ticket 'night of Ibiza classics' have managed to stave things off but rising costs prove increasingly difficult to manage.

Religious leaders have warned Peterborough Cathedral will not survive without the cash boost amid a decline in donations and rise in National Insurance costs

The Guildhall in Cathedral Square in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire. The Cathedral has been central to Peterborough's history for nearly 1,400 years but 300,000 is required by the end of March 2025 to keep it afloat seven days a week

In a conference on Monday morning where he launched his Cathedral in Crisis fundraising campaign, the dean said: 'This cathedral has been at the heart of the diocese for nearly 1,400 years. It belongs to everyone in this city and beyond. We urgently need your support to keep its doors open and ensure it remains a place of inspiration and sanctuary for all.'

It currently costs around 2 million to run the building each year, with 15 per cent of the cathedral's income being made up of a church of England grant.

Worship and musical programmes as well as educational initiatives are currently in the firing line as activities Peterborough Cathedral is hoping to maintain.

The dean said: 'Our income has kept growing, but we have faced really difficult financial impacts. Covid, the cost of living crisis, rising fuel bills, increasing employment costs  all of this has meant that our outgoings have risen faster than our income.

'Our situation is particularly acute and our reserves are few. We have virtually nothing to draw on to help us ride through this particular storm.'

He also suggested to the BBC that the cathedral might have to consider introducing a visitors fee, as 'whether we can continue to make it free as we have really longed to do' was now up for discussion.

Aerial view of Peterborough Cathedral, also known as Saint Peter's Cathedral. It currently costs around 2 million to run the building each year, with 15 per cent of the cathedral's income being made up of a church of England grant

So far a number of public events hosted by the cathedral such as a 'rave in the nave' disco and 39-a-ticket 'night of Ibiza classics' have managed to stave things off but rising costs prove increasingly difficult to manage

Peterborough Cathedral was founded in the Anglo-Saxon period and dedicated to the Apostles St Paul, St Peter and St Andrew.

Catherine of Aragon - Henry VIII's first wife - has been buried in the building since 1536 with gold letters at the site reading "Katharine Queen of England", a title she was denied at the time of her death.

In 1587, the body of Mary Queen of Scots was initially buried at the Cathedral after her execution but was later removed to Westminster Abbey on the orders of her son, King James VI of Scotland and James I of England.

Catherine of Aragon has been buried in the building since 1536 with gold letters at the site reading "Katharine Queen of England", a title she was denied at the time of her death
A British grandmother claims she blacked out and ended up roaming her hotel naked for hours after drinking from a 'spiked' bucket of alcohol in Thailand.

Janet West, 61, recalled her harrowing ordeal in Bangkok amid ongoing investigations into the deaths of six tourists in nearby Laos, in what is believed to be a mass incident of methanol poisoning from shots and booze buckets.

The mother-of-two from Swansea, Wales, celebrated the Thai New Year on the city's famous Khaosan Road, drinking what she thought was whisky and coke from a bucket.

She said that after going to bed she thought she dreamt about being escorted back to her room by hotel staff.

But she later discovered it wasn't a dream - they told her she had been wandering around naked for four hours.

'I was lucky to survive and to have no side effects but I'm frightened to drink the local spirits in Thailand now,' said Janet.

'The local alcohol is not distilled properly and, although it's cheap, it's not worth the risk - stick to imported spirits or bottled beer.'

Janet, now retired, visited Thailand for the local new year celebrations in April 2019, and has been travelling the world solo since 2022, but says the incident has made her think twice about drinking in the region.

Janet West visited Bangkok to celebrate the Thai New Year in April 2019

She said she bought a bucket of whisky and coke, but believes it was spiked

Janet, who formerly worked in the army and in a bar, said that she visited the country again in 2023, but rarely drinks out there now.

Recalling the night she suspects she was poisoned, she says she was later told by staff she walked naked out of the room she was sharing with her boyfriend shortly after going to sleep.

She later recalled she believed she was a pregnant teenager and had to get transport to a special delivery unit.

She came to when hotel staff noticed her trying to leave the building and ushered her back up to her room, she was later told.

She said: 'On that visit we were buying buckets of whisky and coke but I haven't a clue what we were really drinking.

'Afterwards people told me it was ethanol, because of the incomplete distillation process.'

She said other tourists had warned her about people dying or going blind after drinking from the buckets of cheap booze.

'It's really difficult because shots are just poured down your neck in Thailand.

'They just knock on your door shouting 'free shots', and nobody questions them.

Janet West with her then partner, David, while in Thailand

Janet first fell in love with Thailands food, golden temples, warm sea and beautiful beaches in 2016. After her terrifying visit in April 2019 she went again in 2023 - but says she doesnt drink much out there now.

Janet said staff she she was likely drinking ethanol laced drinks that night.

'I feel so sad for the unfortunate travellers in Laos, and so disgusted with the people who made the alcohol and sold it.'

Six people including a British student died after swallowing drinks believed to have been mixed with methanol - a cheap, toxic substance used to 'bulk out' alcoholic drinks.

Simone White, 28, from Orpington, Kent, died after taking shots believed to have contained methanol at a hostel in Laos in November.

Sue White, mother to British victim, told The Sun how the hostel offered free whisky or vodka shots for two hours every night.

Hostel manager Duong Duc Toan and bartender Toan Van Vanng denied diluting their alcohol with methanol when questioned.

Toan said he bought the alcohol from a certified distributor and that free shots of Tiger Vodka had been served to around 100 guests.

He said he had yet to received any complaints from other backpackers who been given shots on the night.

He also drank from one of the vodka bottles that were in use on the night to prove it was safe.

But Ms White said her 'kind, fun-loving' daughter and friends took 'six shots' each, watered down with Sprite, before falling ill and having 'trouble breathing'.

She told The Sun how Simone and two friends took themselves to hospital the day after, but were 'dismissed' by medics, who told them they had food poisoning.

By the time an ambulance arrived to take them on to a private facility, Simone was already 'delirious', her mother said, adding 'I think, basically, it had already affected her brain'.

Simone White, 28, died in hospital after drinking alcohol suspected to have been laced with methanol in the backpacking hotspot Vang Vieng

Victims of the suspected poisonings had been staying at Nana's Backpackers Hostel in Vang Vieng

Australians Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, both 19, also tragically died after consuming alcohol while staying at the hostel in Laos.

The victims, who were in Laos celebrating their graduation, were taken to hospital after being found unresponsive, having failed to check out of the Nana Backpacker hotel.

Ms Jones and Ms Bowles did not leave their dorm at the hostel 24 hours after going to Jaidee Bar and reported feeling unwell on November 13, before being rushed to hospitals in Bangkok.

CCTV from inside the hostel shows one of the women being transported to a local clinic on the back of a motorbike being driven by a hotel staff worker.

James Louis Hutson, a 57-year-old American, and Danish citizens Anne-Sofie Orkild Coyman, 20, and Freja Vennervald Sorensen, 21, were also named as victims in a spate of tragic deaths believed to be linked to methanol poisoning.
The number of migrants granted asylum in Sweden dropped to the lowest level in 40 years in 2024, according to the country's government - the result of a decade-long crackdown on immigration.

Sweden stunned the world by taking in nearly 163,000 asylum seekers during the 2015 migrant crisis - the highest number per capita of any EU country.

But following a dramatic policy reversal, just 6,250 asylum-related residence permits were granted in the Scandinavian country last year, according to Migration Minister Johan Forssell, who cited fresh statistics from the Migration Agency.

That figure does not include Ukrainians, who have been granted temporary protection throughout the European Union.

The number of people who applied for asylum in Sweden in 2024 was 9,645, the lowest since 1996 and down by 42 percent since 2022.

The huge influx of migrants in 2015 onwards made it impossible to effectively integrate all of the new arrivals, Mr Forssell has now said, with insufficient housing, schools and work opportunities.

This prompted successive left and right-wing governments to tighten rules around asylum, with the most hardline immigration policies coming in following the landmark 2022 election.

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson's centre-right minority government, propped up by the anti-immigration Sweden Democrats, brought in a sweeping package of reforms.

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Recent measures introduced to reduce migration include the granting of only temporary residence permits to asylum seekers, tighter family reunification requirements, and raising income requirements for work visas for non-EU citizens.

The current government has also announced plans to offer immigrants $34,000 to leave the country, and to make it easier to expel migrants for substance abuse, association with criminal groups or statements threatening 'Swedish values'.

Mr Forssell, who has overseen the crackdown since he took up his office in September 2022, told reporters: 'While the number of asylum seekers is historically low, the number being granted asylum is also low.

'Today, three out of four people seeking asylum in Sweden are not considered to have sufficient grounds to be granted residency. They are therefore not refugees, and they must return home,' he said.

Mr Forssell noted that Sweden's low levels stood out, with the number of asylum seekers in the European Union, Norway and Switzerland topping one million last year, nearing the level seen during the 2015 migrant crisis.

He said Sweden would need to continue to keep its numbers down in the coming years.

Forssell told The Times earlier this month: 'We are implementing what we describe as a paradigm shift in Swedish migration policy, and we are doing this with a very outspoken agenda that we want to limit the number of people seeking asylum here in Sweden'.

He explained that the move does not mean that the country does not like migrants, or understand the situation they face, but because it is 'impossible' to manage the task of integration when there is such a huge influx each year.

'What happened during the refugee crisis was that all these very nice words, all this open-heart policy, met a very tough reality,' Mr Forssell added.

Migrants, mainly from Syria and Iraq, walk at the E45 freeway from Padborg, on the Danish-German border, heading north to try to get to Sweden on September 9, 2015

Security staff check IDs of travellers from Denmark to Sweden as part of measures to reduce the flow of migrants into the country in 2015

Sweden once considered itself to be a 'humanitarian superpower', a haven for the war-weary and persecuted, but over the years it has struggled to integrate many of its newcomers.

Even after the 2015 migration wave, Sweden held onto its open-hearted ideals, but as gang-related gun violence and bombings soared, critics warned that the country was being stretched to breaking point.

In 2023, Sweden had by far the EU's highest rate of per capita and by December 2024, 40 people had been shot dead in the country - a chilling number for a European country of only 10 million people.

These figures represented a 35 per cent decrease compared to 2022, the most lethal year of the gang wars, when 63 people were shot dead.

Police said gangs have begun using social media platforms as 'digital marketplaces' to openly recruit children, some as young as 11, to commit murders and bombings across the Nordic region.

Inexperienced teenagers, seen as expendable by the gangs, are easier for police to catch than those ordering the shootings.

Still, 72 per cent of deadly shootings were solved in 2023, compared to just 29 per cent in 2022, helped in part by surging camera surveillance.

Police said they aimed to employ 2,500 cameras and drones this year, a five-fold increase from five years ago.

The radical right-wing Sweden Democrats capitalised on this discontent, gaining ground by highlighting problems linked to immigration.

Scandinavian neighbours began issuing warnings about 'Swedish conditions,' alarmed by the spillover of gang violence into their own borders.

Even the traditionally centre-left Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson conceded at the time that Sweden didn't need more 'Somalitowns' or 'Little Italies'.

Things changed with the 2022 election, with reforms coming thick and fast after the Moderates formred a government by striking a deal with the Sweden Democrats, giving the conservative party significant influence over crime and immigration policies.

Family reunifications have been tightened, residency permits are more easily revoked, and asylum rights have been slashed to the bare minimum allowed under EU law.

Immigrants who do not qualify for residency are being urged to return home, with some placed under electronic surveillance or confined to special centres.

Sweden's immigration policy has undergone a seismic shift, abandoning its once open-handed approach in favour of stricter rules and a focus on control.

People hold a banner 'refugees welcome' as they take part in a demonstration in solidarity with refugees seeking asylum in Europe after fleeing their home countries in Stockholm on September 12, 2015

The government is now steering away from traditional asylum status and pushing more migrants into the weaker 'subsidiary protection' category.

This status, unlike full asylum, requires renewal every 13 months and only extends beyond three years for those who can prove they are financially independent.

Mr Forssell has made no apologies for the hardline approach, and speaking candidly, he revealed that the goal is to return to a pre-1970s immigration model, prioritising skilled 'guest workers' and limiting asylum to only those with indisputable claims.

'We're going back to basics,' he explained, adding that restricting family reunification has already delivered results.

The minister also wants to introduce mandatory language and integration tests for anyone seeking Swedish citizenship.

Three teenagers were sentenced after a man was murdered while eating dinner at a restaurant south of Stockholm in March, with the 17-year-old who is believed to have fired the fatal shot handed a jail term

While most European nations adopted such measures years ago, Sweden's reluctance to follow suit was once a badge of pride, but now, even Forssell dismisses the previous policy as absurd.

He blasted the ability of becoming a Swedish citizen if an individual can not speak the language or known little to nothing about the country as 'stupid'.

Sweden's shift is also reflected in its refugee demographics.

Syrians, who made up a third of the 2015 wave, now dominate Sweden's refugee population, numbering 111,000.

Many of them are expected to return home as the Assad regime stabilises, but Mr Forssell estimates that some 100,000 undocumented immigrants remain in Sweden, forming what he calls a 'shadow society.'

This shadow society represents one of Sweden's toughest challenges.

These undocumented individuals, many with no right to stay, exist on the margins, out of reach of the state's systems but still within its borders.

Mr Forssell is determined to crack down, especially on those who have committed crimes yet managed to avoid deportation due to legal loopholes.

Currently, even convicted criminals who can't be deported are allowed to remain in Sweden, receiving benefits and holding jobs.

The minister called this 'completely unacceptable' and vowed to end it, defiantly stating that if an individual is not granted asylum, then they must return home.

In the past, Sweden's leniency allowed undocumented immigrants to reapply for asylum after four years of living in the shadows, a policy Forssell says led to tragic consequences.

It's a stark turnaround for a nation once celebrated as a haven for refugees.

A decade ago, when Forssell served as a migration spokesman, foreign observers would marvel at Sweden's utopian image.

The minister said Sweden was once recognised as a country where everything worked perfectly before it erupted into chaos.

But now, nations are asking Sweden how they flipped the situation so quickly, becoming a role model in handling a seemingly out-of-control immigration crisis.

And although Sweden may no longer be the superpower of its humanitarian heyday, under Forssell's leadership, it has carved out a new identity - one that prioritises control, integration, and a no-nonsense approach to immigration.
A scammer duped a French woman into paying out hundreds of thousands of pounds after convincing her they were Brad Pitt with reels of AI-generated images.

The 53-year-old victim shelled out 830,000 euros (697,000) to help with what she believed was cancer treatment for the film star.

The interior designer told French channel TF1 that the ordeal started when she received a message on social media from someone claiming to be the actor's mother after sharing photos of her lavish ski trip to Tignes on Instagram.

A day later, she received a second message from an account posing as Brad Pitt, saying his mother had spoken a lot about her already.

The victim, who said she was going through a difficult period with her millionaire husband, said she struck up an unlikely friendship with the account from February 2023, receiving poems and kind affirmations.

'There are so few men who write you this kind of thing. I liked the man I was talking to. He knew how to talk to women, it was always very well done,' she said, as reported by BFMTV.

She revealed she did have her suspicions and thought the account was fake at first, but after messaging every day and receiving AI generated photos and videos of the star, she became more at ease.

The victim, who said she was going through a difficult period with her millionaire husband, said she struck up an unlikely friendship with the account from February 2023

She finally filed a complaint in summer 2024, triggering an investigation

Soon after he began sending badly generated images apparently from a hospital bed

Soon the blossoming relationship took a turn as the fake Brad Pitt proposed to her and overwhelmed her with the promise of fancy gifts.

The only catch was that she would need to pay customs fees to receive them.

This soon added up to 9,000 euros (7,566).

With the victim already having shown willing to part with money, the scammer went on to make more and more absurd requests.

When the victim told her 'friend' that she was expecting a hefty divorce settlement from her husband, the scammer upped the stakes.

The Brad Pitt account appealed for help in funding urgent kidney cancer treatment, lamenting that they could not access funds due to their ongoing divorce from Angelina Jolie.

The scammer reportedly began sending AI-generated photos of Brad Pitt apparently from the confines of a hospital bed.

The two communicated by text and with photos, but the victim said he was never free for a call - a trope of online scam artists.

The victim started receiving requests for large sums of money having disclosed she was getting a divorce from her wealthy husband

The scammer sent her pictures of an AI generated Brad Pitt to garner sympathy and cash

The two communicated by text and with photos, but she said he was never free for a call - a trope of online scam artists

In sum, she parted with nearly one million euros over the course of the relationship until her suspicions were roused by seeing the actor with his new girlfriend, Ines de Ramon, in the press.

The victim went to the authorities with the story, who launched an investigation.

It was unclear whether she had been able to recoup any of her money nearly two years since the relationship started.

BFMTV reports that the victim is currently hospitalised in a clinic, with severe depression.

Followers of the story shared some sympathy for the victim.

Sarah Bee wrote on X: 'Romance scams are the cruellest.'

Another user questioned whether the victim could have Googled whether the Fight Club star was in hospital to verify the claims.

The victim parted with nearly one million euros before her suspicions were roused

She started having doubts when the star was pictured not in hospital - and with his new partner

Some of the AI generated photos allegedly sent to the victim circulated on social media

One user weighed in: 'Why you need to know what your old folks are up to before they give away your inheritance to Brad Pitt'

User Jay Kennedy replied: 'My step mom will not stop sending money to the Cello player.

'My father and I keep telling her. She just keeps going to get gift cards.

'Its sad how lonely and lost older people get. To where they are so delusional and do this.'
Fears are growing over a 'serial attacker' who is allegedly coming up behind woman and cutting off their hair before fleeing.

Police have stepped up patrols in Sidcup, south east London, following claims online about a random attacker preying on women on the streets.

One post which has been widely shared online warned: 'To all the girls and women of Sidcup, be aware there's a serial attacker who is randomly attacking women from behind.

'So far he has attacked five people and likes cutting off hair so please be careful.'

It was further alleged that one woman had been 'badly beaten'.

The Met Police confirmed to MailOnline that it was aware of concerns over assaults on women and that it had reported to an incident last week.

Detectives are 'working hard to try and locate a suspect'.

A spokesman for the force said: 'We are aware of social media posts regarding assaults on women in the Sidcup area.

Concerned residents have claimed there is a man randomly attacking women in Sidcup. Pictured: Foots Cray Meadows in Sidcup

One post which has been widely shared online warned: 'To all the girls and women of Sidcup, be aware there's a serial attacker who is randomly attacking women from behind.' Concerned residents say they hope any attacker is caught

'We can confirm we responded to a single incident that occurred on Tuesday, 7 January at 20:41hrs in Mallard Walk in which a woman reported having her hair cut by a man.

'Please be assured that we are working hard to try and locate a suspect, and local officers have been tasked with high visibility patrols in these areas.

'If you have any further information, or have been a victim of a similar crime, please contact us by either calling 101, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online via www.met.police.uk/report - quoting 6616/07Jan.'

One woman claimed that it was her 'very good friend' who was attacked on Mallard Walk.

She alleged that the victim was 'putting her rubbish done the chute and he came up behind her and cut a lot of her hair off'.

Concerned residents have taken to local Facebook groups to share warnings about the alleged attacker.

As police step up patrols, one said: 'Hope he is caught soon,those poor women must have been petrified and traumatised by these attacks and if his violently attacking them, he could up his actions to something even worse.'
JD Wetherspoon today revealed it will open four new pubs at Haven holiday parks in England this spring in a 6.7million investment as the duo expand their partnership.

The new sites will be located at Devon Cliffs in Exmouth, Kent Coast in Allhallows, Cleethorpes Beach in Lincolnshire and Haggerston Castle in Northumberland.

It comes nearly a year after the British pub chain opened its first site at a Haven park in March 2024 at Primrose Valley Holiday Park in Filey, North Yorkshire.

Haven has invested 6.7million into the new pubs, as part of a broader 8.3million drive to improve the park operator's food and drink offerings for 2025.

The latter total also includes two new Burger Kings at Haven's Hopton Holiday Village in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, and Lakeland Leisure Park in Flookburgh, Cumbria.

Some 60 new venues have opened at Haven's brands and franchise partners in the past five years, including Papa Johns, Millie's Cookies, Slim Chickens and Chopstix.

Haven chief executive Simon Palethorpe said today: 'We are delighted to expand our partnership with JD Wetherspoon by introducing four new pubs at our parks.

'The success of The Five Stones at Primrose Valley reflects our ongoing efforts to grow and enhance our food and beverage partnerships and offerings.

An artist's impression of the Wetherspoon pub planned for Cleethorpes Beach in Lincolnshire

Wetherspoon opened the Five Stones pub at Primrose Valley Holiday Park in Filey last March

'We look forward to bringing this experience to even more locations across the UK for our guests and holiday homeowners to enjoy.'

Wetherspoon chief executive John Hutson also said: 'We look forward to the opening of the four new Wetherspoon pubs at Haven holiday parks.

'Our pub at Primrose Valley has proven a great success and we are confident that the four new pubs will be welcomed by guests and owners.'

In its most recent results last November, Wetherspoon said like-for-like sales in the first quarter of its 2024/2025 financial year were 5.9 per cent higher than the same period a year prior.

But the chain, which runs nearly 800 pubs across the UK, added that its tax and business costs are expected to increase by about 60million over the next tax year.

Wetherspoon said its total sales were up 4.6 per cent for the year-to-date, outperforming the sector's range of 1 to 2 per cent over the same period.

The company opened nine pubs in 2024, including at London Bridge station, Fulham Broadway Tube station and Manchester Airport, and sold five pubs during the year.
by Richard Farr

After I moved from the UK to the US it took me only a couple of years to cede to my friends pleas and start driving on the right. When in Rome, and all that. But I still like to irritate Americans by maintaining that we Brits are better at this essential mechanical skill. I mean, when we drive, we drive. Or, OK, we drive while texting, shaving, putting on makeup, or having sex. However, we absolutely draw the line at driving with a gallon of Coke in one hand and a three-pound tub of fries clutched between our sweating thighs, while using a dripping Deluxe Double Bacon MegaBurger with Extra Pepper Jack as the sole point of contact with the steering wheel.

My wife still teases me about my unwillingness to eat while driving, and conceivably Im wrong to suspect that getting a spear of dill pickle in the eye increases accident rates on American roads. But on a related safety issue my prejudices have been given support recently both by unimpeachably anecdotal evidence and, better yet, a random video I found on YouTube.

The typical American freeway has three to five lanes. (If nineteen, youre in L.A.) Widespread laws ban trucks from the far left lane. A large majority of states have at least something on the books requiring all traffic to move over unless exiting or overtaking. Even those members of the Union in a primitive stage of legal development (Hello CA! Hello MA!) at least encourage this behavior, because everyone whos ever thought about it agrees that lane discipline improves both efficiency and safety.

Yet many American drivers seem never to have thought about it. Whether burger-steering at the speed limit or at that most annoying 4 mph less, they love to camp out in the middle lane or even the left one, sometimes for days at a stretch, strenuously exercising their Constitutional right never to look in the mirror or exhibit any awareness of the traffic around them. Recently on I-5 near Seattle my car and several others were stuck for miles, at sixty-something in a seventy limit, behind three cars that were flying next to one another as if in formation, one per available lane. It was like trying to shop in a hurry at Costco on Saturday.

A video explainer by Christophe Haubursin and Joseph Stromberg, available on Youtube, confirms my darkest suspicions: this one particular national driving tradition / habit / symptom / affliction / pathology, so immediately striking to foreigners, (a) messes with the national blood pressure averages, (b) makes Eisenhowers magnificent highway system far less efficient than it might be, and (c) kills large numbers of people.

An ugly bit of backstory. For a while it looked as if we might be seeing a long-term decline in road fatalities, but this is mostly cherry-picking. From a staggeringly appalling 53,524 road deaths in the US in 1979 (please stop right here and read that number again, slowly) there was a decline to only about 35,000 deaths a year by 2010-14, a 35% reduction. Popular explanations include better brakes, better tires, the demise of the disco mix tape, and larger burgers that offer better contact with the steering wheel. But my state of Washington is typical in having seen traffic deaths almost double again from 2013 to 2023; nationally, a sharp upward spike began in 2015 and now were almost all the way back to 1970s levels of carnage: 46,980 deaths in 2021; 46,027 in 2022.

Heres a big slice of context to chew on, or choke on. During 1968 and 1969, the two bloodiest years of the Vietnam war, a total of 28,679 American soldiers died from combat and all other causes. Our history books and war memorials suggest that this is a fact worthy of some attention. Yet road crashes end the lives of far more Americans than that every single year, year after year after year. The US withdrew from Vietnam in 1975. In the half century since, fatalities in the Civil Road War have exceeded the entire current populations of Seattle and San Francisco combined.

That statistic is worse than it looks. A large percentage of the victims are pedestrians (typically 7,000 per year, including many children) and cyclists  not the people belching fry-grease while careening around at ten over the limit in mortgaged blocks of steel. And the US has done far worse than most at reducing deaths in recent decades.

I once had trouble renting a car in Ireland. My American credit card company, on whose insurance coverage I routinely rely, said in their small print that they excluded Ireland (uniquely among countries in western Europe) as a bad risk. A bit of research revealed that this is like being told by a Yemeni warlord that its risky to drive in Canberra. Ireland has safer roads than most European countries; it has much, much safer roads than the US. The annual rate of road fatalities for Ireland is around 3 per 100,000 people. Norway and Japan do better at 2 per 100,000. France, Canada and Hungary do worse at around 5 per 100,000. The USs number is a sensationally appalling 13. Its most obvious peer country is Kazakhstan.

Where do all the United Statess excess road deaths come from? No doubt optimism, individual liberty, and the incorruptible dignity of the Supreme Court have something to do with it. Also a passion for ever-larger vehicles, which are much more likely to kill people; also roads designed to maximize speed even in densely populated areas; also one of the rich worlds worst systems of road markings. (News alert to American planners: paint has been invented. Reflective paint has been invented. Little reflective beads embedded in the roadway have been invented.) Primitive US headlight technology is another factor thats had a lot of press; then theres legalized pot, and even the ubiquity of automatic transmission  evidence suggests both that using a stick shift forces you to pay more attention to the mechanics of driving and that, by occupying your hands, it makes you less tempted to fiddle with your binkie phone.

Last but not least, and tellingly unmentioned anywhere as far as I can see  perhaps because the implication that most Americans have simply never been trained to drive properly is unacceptably embarrassing  is that in many US states the driving test is almost comically easy to pass.

Still, I want to put in a word for one particular consequence of that last factor: Clueless Lane Camper Syndrome. Being mainly a freeway problem, CLAMPS cant be Deaths chief henchman. But it is dangerous, not merely annoying, because it makes other drivers slow down more, speed up more, and change lanes more. Research going back over fifty years indicates that driving slower than the surrounding traffic contributes as much to freeway collision rates as moderate speeding.

If youre a European or British driver, or the author of one of those state laws, this rings true. Its the most basic common senseright up there with using your turn signals, looking in the mirror once or twice a month, and not steering with a cheeseburger: Slow stays right, Faster moves to the middle only until theres space on the right, and Faster Still goes all the way to the left lane only until theres space in the middle or on the right. The fact that so many American drivers dont get this, or stand in relentless ideological opposition to it, is one of the first things you notice after you get off the plane.

Lets suppose for the sake of argument that CLAMPS causes only one per cent of all those excess cases of your husband / wife / child / will not be coming home tonight.

Relative to the Ireland death rate, the US excess  how many lives would be saved each year by getting from 13 per 100,000 down to 3 per 100,000  is about 35,000 souls. So in this case an instant end to lane-camping would not only cause national rejoicing when everyone discovered that New York to Boston took half an hour less  free cheeseburgers all round!  but would also be like saving all the lives in an otherwise doomed 787.

Attentive readers may say I am pulling that sort of number out of a hat. I say: I had no choice, because as far as I can tell we dont have a clue. Lets get brave and do the research. Lets see if we can give CLAMPS a body count.

On no account do I wish to overshadow the many other good suggestions by US safety advocates. They favor proven life-savers like lower suburban and interurban speed limits, stronger and more fully automated enforcement of those limits (big fat tickets, it turns out, concentrate the mind wonderfully), and a scorched-earth policy towards intoxication and cell phone use. Three cheers! I only want to suggest that we improve driver education so that it covers the proper use of a burger. And what a mirror is. And how to use the stalky thing next to the steering wheel that makes the pretty yellow lights flash.

And, above all, how this knowledge makes it so much easier and safer to move over.

***

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Staggering images appear to show around 100 fire trucks sitting idly in a Los Angeles repair lot as fires ravage the city.

The pictures, captured by a local activist, shows scores of essential firefighting vehicles sitting in the LA Fire Department's Bureau Of Supply and Maintenance lot on North Avenue 19 in the city's northeast.

LA fire chief Kristin Crowley said in an interview with CNN: 'We have over 100 fire apparatus out of service. Having these apparatus, and the proper amount of mechanics would have helped.'

The LAFD has a total of 183 trucks, meaning that more than half of the city's fire trucks are out of commission as the fires continue to burn through dense urban spaces, killing at least 24, displacing more than 200,000 and destroying over 12,000 buildings.

It comes just three months after the LAFD made a request to the city's council to replace the entire fleet at the cost of $96.5million.

The LAFD said in its request: 'Many vehicles have surpasses their expected service life, leading to increased maintenance costs, reduces parts availability and potential downtime.'

The fire service also requested more than $1.9million to restore 16 maintenance positions 'deleted' in last year's budget.

It said in its request: 'The positions support fleet maintenance, equipment engineering, purchasing and warehouse management and distribution.'

The footage, captured by a local activist, shows scores of essential firefighting vehicles sitting in the LA Fire Department's Bureau Of Supply and Maintenance lot

LA fire chief Kristin Crowley said in an interview with CNN: 'We have over 100 fire apparatus out of service. Having these apparatus, and the proper amount of mechanics would have helped'

A firefighter battles the Palisades Fire as it burns a structure in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles on January 7

The positions requested include one truck operator, one tire repairer, four heavy duty equipment mechanics, nine mechanical helpers, one carpenter, one general automotive supervisor, two administrative clerks and one storekeeper.

LA's fire chief Kristin Crowley told Jake Tapper on CNN: 'Over the last 3 years, we have been clear that the fire department needs help.'

She added that she has emphasized how 'understaffed, under-resourced, and underfunded the LAFD is', adding: 'I rang the bell that these additional cuts could be very very devastating for our ability to provide public safety.'

The fires that began Tuesday north of downtown LA have burned more than 12,000 homes, cars and other structures.

Authorities haven't determined an official cause for any of the fires.

Additional water tankers and scores of firefighters have arrived at the Los Angeles area ahead of fierce winds that were forecast to return and threaten the progress made so far in the fight against the infernos.

On Monday, planes doused homes and hillsides with bright pink fire-retardant chemicals, while crews and fire engines were being placed near particularly vulnerable spots with dry brush.

Dozens of water trucks rolled in to replenish supplies after hydrants ran dry last week when the two largest fires erupted.

The LAFD has a total of 183 trucks, meaning that more than half of the city's fire trucks are out of commission

As the death toll surged to 24 in recent days, officials warned that the figure is expected to grow as crews struggle to access the smoldering wreckages of entire neighborhoods

Firefighters in the stricken Palisades area have been overwhelmed by the rapidly spreading fires, amid scrutiny on the state's response

Bass and other officials - who have faced criticism over their initial response to fires that began last week - expressed confidence Monday that the region was ready to face the new threat with additional firefighters brought in from around the U.S., as well as Canada and Mexico.

'We're absolutely better prepared,' LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said when asked what will be different from a week ago, when hurricane-force winds propelled multiple fires across the parched, brush-filled region that hasn't seen rain in more than eight months.

There have been more than a dozen wildfires in Southern California since Jan. 1, mostly in the greater Los Angeles area.

The latest started late Monday in a dry riverbed in Oxnard, about 55 miles (about 89 kilometers) northwest of Los Angeles, and was burning in an agricultural area.

The winds are predicted to pick up starting early Tuesday and continue through midday Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.

They are not expected to reach hurricane-force like last week, but they could ground firefighting aircraft, Marrone said, warning if winds reach 70 mph (112 kph), 'it's going to be very difficult to contain that fire.'

Fire officials advised residents in high-risk areas to just leave home - and not wait for formal evacuation orders - if they sense danger.

In less than a week, four fires around the nation's second-biggest city have scorched more than 62 square miles (160 square kilometers), roughly three times the size of Manhattan.

At least 24 people have died and 12,000 buildings burned to the ground in multiple fires across Los Angeles this month

A Pacific Palisades resident surveys the damage to his neighborhood after it was devastated by fires over the past week

The National Weather Service warned the weather will be 'particularly dangerous' on Tuesday, when wind gusts could reach 65 mph (105 kph). A large part of Southern California around Los Angeles is under this extreme fire danger warning through Wednesday, including densely populated Thousand Oaks, Northridge and Simi Valley.

The Eaton Fire near Pasadena is roughly one-third contained, while the largest blaze in Pacific Palisades on the coast is far less contained.

The death toll is likely to rise, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said Monday. At least two dozen were missing, he said.

Luna said he understands that people are eager to return to their homes and neighborhoods to survey the damage, but he asked for their patience. 'We have people literally looking for the remains of your neighbors,' he said.

At a Monday evening community meeting about the Palisades Fire, a Los Angeles Police Department official said many people reported as missing had been found. It wasn't clear if there was overlap in the numbers shared by the sheriff.
Hundreds of passengers scheduled to take a British Airways flight from London to Brussels were left with the Monday morning blues after a crew member mistakenly activated an emergency slide.

The error, which caused a lengthy delay and is likely to have cost the airline about 100,000, resulted in the Airbus A321 being taken out of service.

No passengers were on board at the time.

Emergency services attended the scene as a precautionary measure, in line with standard practice.

The incident caused a three-hour delay before another plane was ushered into service for the one-hour, 15-minute flight to Belgium.

'The crew member wasnt thinking and made the most basic of errors by deploying the emergency slide while on the ground at Heathrow,' a source told the Sun.

'Its a minimum 100,000 mistake and knocked out services for the rest of the day.

'This error is not easy to achieve, it really beggars belief. Staff are trained to know the basics.'

British Airways said in a statement that they had apologised to travellers.

The mistaken deployment of an emergency slide on a British Airways service scheduled to fly from London to Brussels on Monday led to a three-hour delay

While no passengers were on board, emergency services attended the scene as a precautionary measure, in line with standard practice

A BA flight lands at Heathrow airport. A similar mishap befell the airline last year, when the captain of a flight to Romania inadvertently deployed an emergency slide before take-off

'We apologised to customers for the delay and our teams worked hard to arrange a replacement aircraft so customers were able to travel with us as planned,' said the company.

Video footage of the incident showed police and fire services pulled up alongside the aircraft, with the inflated slide hanging from the side of the fuselage.

Repacking evacuation slides is a costly business, necessitating repair, reinstallation and safety tests.

Failures are almost invariably the result of human error, according to aviation experts.

The latest incident is the second of its kind to befall British Airways over the past year.

Last February, the captain of a BA flight to Romania inadvertently deployed an emergency slide before take-off, causing a similar hold-up.
Kemi Badenoch has blamed 'peasant' immigrants from poor parts of foreign countries for the grooming gangs crisis.

The Tory leader suggested problems came from 'sub-communities' within countries that were 'very rural'.

In an interview with GB News, she said examining the cultural issues was one of the main reasons she backed a national inquiry.

'One is on the perpetrators' side: where do these abusers come from? There's a lot of misinformation, there's a lot of generalisation and many innocent people will end up being grouped in with them,' she said.

'But there is a systematic pattern of behaviour, not even just from one country, but from sub-communities within those countries.

'People with a particular background, work background. People with a very poor background, a sort of peasant background, very, very rural, almost cut off from even the home origin countries that they might have been in.'

The comments were branded 'shocking' by the Greens, while Labour MP Diane Abbott said Ms Badenoch was showing 'gross opportunism'.

No10 said PM Keir Starmer would not use the same language.

Kemi Badenoch has blamed 'peasant' immigrants from poor parts of foreign countries for the grooming gangs crisis

Ms Badenoch has repeatedly clashed with Keir Starmer (pictured) over calls for a national inquiry

Labour MP Diane Abbott said Ms Badenoch was showing 'gross opportunism'

Ms Badenoch has repeatedly clashed with Sir Keir over calls for a national inquiry.

The Government has so far knocked back calls for a national review in favour of locally-led inquiries.

The PM has argued that the focus should be on implementing recommendations from Professor Alexis Jay's 2022 report.

The issue resufarced after US billionaire Elon Musk posted a slew of attacks aimed at the PM over the issue at the start of the year.

Mrs Badenoch said a national inquiry would shine a light on the truth and hold people to account.

'This is about those victims who deserve justice,' she said.

'The survivors who deserve justice by making sure that every single perpetrator we can find is caught and brought to justice, and those who failed in their duty to protect their children are held to account and exposed.'

Ms Badenoch's comments came after the Labour MP for Rotherham joined calls for a national inquiry into grooming gangs.

Sarah Champion called for a nationwide inquiry that would be led locally and probe the failings of authorities over grooming gangs.

She proposed a national 'Telford-style' inquiry rolled out by the Home Office to areas that trigger the threshold for greater scrutiny.

The findings would then be fed back to the Home Office for a national response.

'Child sexual abuse is endemic in the UK and needs to be recognised as a national priority,' she said.

'It is clear that the public distrusts governments and authorities when it comes to preventing and prosecuting child abuse, especially child sexual exploitation.'

Sarah Champion called for a nationwide inquiry that would be led locally and probe the failings of authorities over grooming gangs

She set out a five-point plan of recommendations including a national inquiry and a 'national audit' to see if grooming gangs are still operating or cases have been missed.

Local inquiries lack the power to compel witnesses and would fail to satisfy the public's concern about cover-ups, she said.

Triggers for such inquiries in local areas could be local councils or police referring themselves or an independent panel raising concerns.

Victim or survivor reports could also trigger an inquiry under the model, Ms Champion said.

Dan Carden, who represents Liverpool Walton, became the first Labour MP to back calls for a national inquiry at the weekend.

Green Party Co-Leader Carla Denyer said: 'These comments are shockingly offensive and irresponsible.

'Kemi Badenoch is the leader of the opposition  she should know better than to peddle this backwards Islamophobia which only leads to division and hatred in our communities, and drives support for the far right.'
The SNP has banned children from eating birthday cakes and other sweet treats while at nursery in a bid to tackle 'unhealthy' eating.

John Swinney's government has introduced new guidance for youngsters in early education limiting the types of food they can eat in a bid to halve childhood obesity and tackle health inequalities across the country.

It comes after last year, a report found the obesity rate in Scotland was 'concerningly high by the start of primary school', with at least half of children believed to be dangerously overweight by the age of 14.

The SNP's Setting the Table Guidance, which is targeted at children between zero and five, will come into force on August 1 and will see childhood favourites such as chicken nuggets, fish fingers and any form of confectionary taken off the menu.

The guidance also warns parents and education providers about bringing in birthday cakes, saying it can lead to children eating 'unhealthy foods several times a week'.

Instead, it urges parents to offer treats with 'healthy ingredients' or to find an alternative way of celebrating the occasion such as a 'special activity' or 'special trip'.

It adds that savoury snacks such as crisps, which 'tend to be high in fat and salt', must be replaced with plain oatcakes, savoury crackers, rice cakes and breadsticks that can be accompanied with cheese, houmous or even salmon pate.

Fruit juices and smoothies will also be banned 'due to their high free sugar content and/or sweet taste', with youngsters limited to a choice of just plain water, plain milk or an 'unsweetened fortified non-dairy alternative'.

John Swinney's (pictured) government has introduced new guidance for youngsters in early education limiting the types of food they can eat

The guidance warns parents and education providers about bringing in birthday cakes, saying it can lead to children eating 'unhealthy foods several times a week' (Stock image)

Fruit juices and smoothies will also be banned 'due to their high free sugar content and/ or sweet taste' (Stock image)

The guidance states: 'Fruit juices and smoothies should not be made available at any point over the day.

'While sugars found in whole fruit don't have a negative effect on our health, the free sugars found in fruit juice can be harmful to teeth. Fruit juice is acidic, and the fibre is also lost in processing.'

'Processed' fruit bars and fruit and vegetable crisps should also not be served, the guidance says.

Condiments such as ketchup should only be used 'when required to enhance flavour or add moisture', the guidance adds, for example on a burger when it would otherwise be 'too dry'.

Other banned items include 'chocolate in any form, any product containing or wholly or partially coated with chocolate and any chocolate flavoured substance' as well as 'non-chocolate confectionery' such as liquorice, mints, lollipops, fudge, toffee, sherbet, marshmallows, sprinkles, or chewing gum.

'Any sugared, or wholly or partially yoghurt coated products' including yoghurt coated fruit and nuts, or yoghurt drizzled cereal bars and biscuits, will also be taken off the menu.

The 108 page document also shares a number of sample menus that would be deemed acceptable to serve to children.

A carrot and butter bean soup with a wholemeal roll is used as an example of what to serve for tea, while toast with spread, plain yoghurt and peach slices is deemed a suitable breakfast meal.

Condiments such as ketchup should only be used 'when required to enhance flavour or add moisture', the guidance adds (Stock image)

A carrot and butter bean soup with a wholemeal roll is used as an example of what to serve for tea (Stock image)

In terms of drinks, children will only be allowed to drink still, plain water and plain milk or an 'unsweetened fortified non-dairy alternative'.

Meanwhile, fruit juice, vegetable juice, smoothies, flavoured milk, fruit juice combinations and diluting juice, including those with no added sugar or sugar free, will be banned 'due to their high free sugar content and/ or sweet taste'.

The guidance comes just under a year since the government's Growing Up in Scotland (GUS) study found at least half of Children in Scotland are now believed to be dangerously overweight by the age of 14.

Obesity Action Scotland and University of Glasgow researchers followed more than 5,000 youngsters born between 2004 and 2005 for the GUS study. Some 1,697 of them had their measurements taken at ages four, ten and 14.

The prevalence of overweight and obese children rose from a quarter when they were aged four, to 37 per cent of the youngsters by the time they were 14.

But the report, warned it is likely 'at least half of Scottish children today will experience overweight or obesity by the age of 14'.

Being overweight or obese as a child can also have devastating health impacts as it not only has negative effects on child mental health, but is linked to obesity in adulthood and is a risk factor for type two diabetes and high blood pressure, the report said.

Childhood obesity is also associated with premature mortality, the report stated. Children from the most deprived areas were found to be 2.6 times more likely to be obese than those living in the wealthiest postcodes.

Natalie Don pictured with former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in April 2021

The Setting the Table Guidance was hailed by Natalie Don-Innes, Minister for Children, Young People and The Promise, for providing 'nutritional guidance, food standards and practical advice for all providers and for those who cater for early years services in Scotland.'

But critics of the advice have claimed it is an 'overreach' and seems 'out of all proportion' for encouraging healthy eating.

Roz McCall, the Scottish Tory children and young people spokeswoman, told The Times: 'Everybody wants to promote healthier eating, especially when children are young, but it won't happen by imposing such draconian rules or blanket prohibitions.

'These guidelines risk becoming an onerous requirement for childminders and nurseries, and most people will see things like a ban on birthday cake as the worst kind of nanny-state overreach.'

Martin Whitfield, the Scottish Labour children and young person's spokesman, told The Times: 'It's right that nurseries and playgroups promote healthy-eating habits but this heavy-handed approach seems out of all proportion.

'The Scottish government should support nurseries to offer healthy choices instead of forging ahead with this sweeping ban.'

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'It is not accurate to say that birthday cakes are being banned in childcare settings. The updated Setting The Table guidance makes recommendations designed to support childcare providers in ensuring that young children are offered meals, snacks and drinks that support healthy eating habits.'
Two young Brits were allegedly caught up in a swathe of harrowing sexual assault attacks on tourists marking New Year's Eve in Milan.

The British couple were said to have been with six young Belgian students when they were allegedly attacked by a mob of young men.

Italian police are investigating claims brought by the couple and the students that they were surrounded by dozens of men and groped.

The students had gathered to watch the fireworks on the Piazza del Duomo, outside Milan's cathedral, where men in balaclavas were filmed shooting fireworks into the crowd.

They said they felt unsafe and tried to leave, but were suddenly confronted by a mob of 30 to 40 men shouting 'vaffanculo Italia' (f*** you Italy) 'polizia di merda' ('s*** police').

'That's when we were touched on our bodies, on our clothes and some of us, including myself, inside our clothes,' one of the students, Laura, recounted to Belgian media.

'Three out of us four girls were sexually assaulted. A friend had her breasts groped and her buttocks touched. [The men] put their hands in my pants. It went very far.'

Belgian outlet Sudinfo reports that the group were joined by an English man and woman who joined them in filing a formal complaint.

The story is reminiscent of the horrifying mass assaults in Cologne on New Year's Eve 2015-16, when hundreds of women were sexually assaulted, harassed, and robbed during celebrations near the city's main train station and iconic cathedral.

Laura Barbier (right), 20, a student from Liege, in Belgium, had travelled to Milan, Italy , with five friends aged between 20 and 21 to celebrate the New Year

Footage from New Year's Eve of the Piazza del Duomo shows chaotic scenes

The group of students watched the fireworks on the Piazza del Duomo outside Milan's cathedral, where men wearing balaclavas were filmed causing chaotic scenes by shooting fireworks into the crowd on the same night

Belgian outlet Sudinfo reported on Friday that the two British nationals, 'a girl and her boyfriend', met the six young travellers from Liege in Milan on the afternoon of December 31.

They then reportedly decided to stick together and travelled to the Piazza del Duomo to bring in the new year.

The students claimed they were assaulted by a group of men between the ages of 20 and 40 years old.

'The boys tried to defend us, but they couldn't do anything,' 20-year-old Laura recounted.

'There were so many people around us that we couldn't move.'

After witnessing the alleged attacks, the British couple 'then went to the police and filed a complaint'.

Milan prosecutors have since opened an investigation into allegations that the young Belgians were sexually assaulted by men only identified as being from North Africa, Italian news agency ANSA reports.

'Three out of us four girls were sexually assaulted. A friend had her breasts groped and her buttocks touched. [The men] put their hands in my pants. It went very far,' Laura (pictured) told Belgian broadcaster RTL

But Laura claimed that when she and her friends went to the local police to report the attacks, they were told that 'it would be useless' before being sent away.

Investigators will now try to understand whether the British victims were assaulted by the same people or whether the attacks occurred at a different time, Fanpage reports.

Laura, who has since been receiving psychological counselling over her ordeal at a hospital back in Belgium, said she wanted to speak up to stop similar attacks from happening to other young women.

She told RTL: 'I can't let this happen like this. I thought it only happened in the movies. I can't keep quiet.'

Investigators now believe the testimony is 'detailed and credible', according to Sudinfo.

France advises reporting sexual harassment by phone or to the police at a station.

The attack has been compared to the scenes from New Year's Eve in the German city of Cologne at the end of 2015 when women reported being sexually assaulted and harassed during celebrations near the cathedral.

The situation caused particular outrage after Cologne police insisted that there had been no significant problems, before the real scale of the attacks was revealed in local media reports.

Over 1,200 criminal complaints were filed, including over 500 allegations of sexual assault.

The attacks in Germany were reportedly carried out by large groups of men described as predominantly of North African and Arab descent.
America has warned China that 'today is not the day to start World War III' as the US Air Force unveiled its latest weapon to combat Beijing's military advances.

The US is 'accelerating tests' and development of its B-21 Raider, a stealth bomber that will be capable of delivering precision long-range strikes anywhere in the world.

The military placed an initial order of 100 aircraft, with experts expecting more B-21 Raiders to be commissioned soon afterwards.

America unveiled the new bomber just weeks after China's military revealed two new combat aircraft of its own and surrounded Taiwan in an unannounced exercise, that was the world's largest naval demonstration since the end of World War II.

Experts warn that by 2027, China is expected to outnumber US forces in the areas west of the international dateline where American forces are deployed.

The People's Liberation Army (PLA) is also rapidly advancing, with American officials warning its pace of modernization is 'unprecedented and far outpacing' US efforts.

'The PLA is the largest and most modern that it has even been. That is risk. That is uncertainty,' 412th Test Wing commander Brig. Gen. Doug Wickert warned during a briefing earlier this month. 'We are the smallest and oldest that we have ever been.'

Wickert, who leads one of the most important Air Force units, further argued the US 'cannot afford' to take a 'step backward', before unveiling the new B-21 Raider and issuing his stark warning to Beijing.

'Today is not the day to start World War III, because we have this,' he said, gesturing to a large projection of the bomber.

Brig. Gen. Doug Wickert, pointing to a projection of the US Air Force's B-21 Raider, warned Beijing: 'Today is not the day to start World War III, because we have this'

America unveiled the new bomber just weeks after China's military revealed two new combat aircraft of its own. Pictured is an image that was widely circulated online in December showing what might have been the maiden flight of China's sixth-generation fighter jet

This photograph appears to show a Chinese advanced stealth fighter flying for the first time on December 26, 2024

The Edwards Air Force Base is currently 'accelerating' tests of the B-21 bomber and 'delivering integrated capability to the warfighter', Wickert revealed.

'This is one of the many, many things that you are working on right here that will change [PLA] Chairman Xi Jinping's calculus about our readiness,' he said.

The PLA is preparing for conflict, according to US officials, who cited how the Chinese military in December was conducting mock aerial attacks on shipping in Taiwan's waters and formed a two-deep naval blockade to restrict sea and air approaches from the west.

Beijing's new super long range fighter jet also appeared to take its maiden voyage on December 26 last year. The new jet was spotted alongside a Chengdu J-20, the current generation of fighters.

The jet was seen flying with its landing gear open, a standard practice during early testing stages, from the airfield of the Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group, which develops Chinese drones and fighters.

China's new fighter is speculated to have the ability to fly on edge of space and has been designed to target US early warning aircraft and tankers that could not be reached before, according to defense news and analysis website The War Zone .

The Edwards Air Force Base is currently 'accelerating' tests of the B-21 bomber and 'delivering integrated capability to the warfighter', Wickert revealed. Pictured is a previously released picture of the B-21 Raider

An undated photograph released by the US Air Force in May 2024 shows a B-21 Raider conducting ground testing, taxiing and flying operations at Edwards Air Force Base, California

In addition to testing its new jet, Wickert says that Beijing has also built a full-scale replica of Taiwan's Taichung International Airport in the Gobi Desert, complete with runways, taxiways and parking lots.

Nearby, the PLA has created a life-size outline of a US Navy USS Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier and has mock-ups of US destroyers that 'weave evasively through the desert on rails'.

'Do you think we know what they're doing, what they're planning?' Wickert said. 'Based on what you know now, can you update your assessment of the risk to the world and how important our mission is?

'And that's why what we are doing here at Edwards Air Force Base is so very important, because we are developing and modernizing and doing those things that will change Chairman Xi's calculus.'

He added: 'We cannot afford to have to take a step backward because we have a mishap. Our mission is too important.'

Wickert also highlighted the threat of Chinese cyber espionage, noting how at least 'at least a dozen telecom companies' have admitted that their critical infrastructure was 'infected' by Beijing malware, leaving the US and its western allies vulnerable.

'The CCP now knows who my government phone has talked to for at least the last four years, and they're still there and we can't get them out,' he said. 'That's uncertainty. That's risk. And it makes for a very, very dangerous world right now.'

China's aircraft appeared in social media posts last month, revealing a large, three-engine warplane with a cockpit and diamond-style wing with no vertical tails - which may help the aircraft to avoid being detected in radars

The new Chinese jet, pictured, was spotted flying in December alongside a Chengdu J-20 - Beijing's current generation of fighter jet

The B-21 is expected to become the backbone of Global Strike Command's bomber fleet and will incrementally replace the B-1 Lancer and B-2 Spirit.

It is a long-range, highly survivable, penetrating strike stealth bomber that will play a major role supporting national security objectives and assisting US allies and partners across the globe.

The weapon system - with each one each one is projected to cost $750 million - is manufactured under the Air Force's contract with Northrop Grumman. The B-21 Raider weighs around 30,000 pounds, has a wing span of 172 feet and can reach maximum speeds of 621 miles per hour.

It is touted to be virtually 'invisible' to all enemy stealth radars and will equipped with the latest features in military tech.

'It is designed with an open systems architecture, enabling rapid insertion of mature technologies, and allowing the aircraft to remain effective as threats evolve over time,' according to the US Air Force.

Brig. Gen. Doug Wickert, commander of the Air Force's 412th Test Wing, shows off footage of China's potential "sixth-generation" fighter jets during a presentation at Edwards Air Force Base on Janaury 6, 2025

Wickert, pictured in front of a projection of a Chinese combat aircraft on January 6 this year, warned the People's Liberation Army (PLA) is also rapidly advancing and its pace of modernization is 'unprecedented and far outpacing' US efforts

The B-21 Raider is a nuclear-capable craft and the first of its kind to be introduced since the end of the Cold War. Long term, the Air Force hopes to have at least 220 of them to replace old B-1 and B-2 bombers.

The service previously estimated that the program will likely cost at least $203billion over 30 years to develop, purchase and maintain the B-21 fleet.

The B-21 is part of the Pentagon's efforts to modernize all three legs of its nuclear triad, which also includes silo-launched nuclear ballistic missiles and submarine-launched warheads, as it shifts from the counterterrorism campaigns of recent decades to meet China's rapid military modernization.
Mauritius has hinted it has secured more concessions from the UK on the Chagos Islands.

Keir Starmer has been pushing for a quick agreement on ceding sovereignty of the archipelago - with just a week to go before Donald Trump re-enters the White House.

Britain is thought to be ready to hand Mauritius about 90million a year to keep control of the strategically important UK-US military base on Diego Garcia.

But the prospect has sparked fury from Tories and allies of Mr Trump.

A joint statement from the countries yesterday said 'good progress' had been made during talks in London.

And Mauritian attorney general Gavin Glover told reporters in Port Louis: 'We had a productive meeting in London and have not come empty-handed from London.'

The new PM Navin Ramgoolam is understood to have pushed for more money after restarting negotiations, arguing that the draft deal he inherited on taking office in November 2024 'would not produce the benefits that the nation could expect'.

There are claims the UK could pay an initial sum covering several years as a 'sweetener' to get the pact across the line.

Labour made the shock announcement in October that it was going to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, which has been a British overseas territory for more than 200 years

Keir Starmer's spokesman previously dismissed reports that the Chagos Islands deal could cost Britain 800million a year as 'completely out of the ballpark'

The joint statement released yesterday said: 'Representatives from Mauritius and the UK held further productive discussions in London this week on the future of the Chagos Archipelago.

'Good progress has been made and discussions are ongoing to reach an agreement that is in both sides' interests.

'Both countries reiterated their commitment to concluding a treaty providing that Mauritius is sovereign over the Chagos Archipelago; and that would ensure the long-term, secure and effective operation of the base on Diego Garcia.'

According to the Financial Times and Bloomberg, the Government is offering to frontload a tranche of payments to Mauritius in order to finalise the draft agreement.

Ministers have so far kept silent on how much it will cost the UK to lease the military base on Diego Garcia, the largest of the Chagos Islands, under the terms of the deal.

But it is reported Britain is offering about 90million a year for the initial 99-year lease, which would be a total of 8.9billion.

Downing Street has not denied that the Chagos Islands deal could cost 90million a year - but No10 said it would not get into a 'running commentary on those discussions'.

Keir Starmer's spokesman previously dismissed reports that the Chagos Islands deal could cost Britain 800million a year as 'completely out of the ballpark'.

Labour sparked shock in October by announcing that it was going to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, which has been a British overseas territory for more than 200 years.

As part of the arrangement, the Diego Garcia base will remain operational for at least 99 years.

A joint statement said 'further productive discussions' had been held on reaching an agreement 'in both sides' interests'

But the former leader of Mauritius who agreed it, Pravind Jugnauth, was ousted in a recent election and the deal has yet to be officially signed.

Opponents of the handover - who have expressed concern that Mauritius is an ally of China - are hopeful that Mr Trump will force Labour to scrap the deal when he returns to the White House.

Labour has insisted it had to strike a deal to protect the Diego Garcia base after the International Court of Justice ruled the UK's administration of the islands was 'unlawful'.

Chagossians were forced to leave the central Indian Ocean territory by 1973 to make way for the military base.
Detectives now fear two sisters who vanished a week ago in Aberdeen went into a river - but insisted there remained no evidence to suggest criminality.

Eliza and Henrietta Huszti, 32, who are part of a set of triplets, went missing from the city last Tuesday, January 7 in freezing conditions.

The pair, who are originally from Hungary, were last seen on CCTV walking on Victoria Bridge over the River Dee just after 2am.

Since then specialist search teams including marine divers and police dogs have been out in force on and along the river as concerns for their safety grows.

Today, Police Scotland Superintendent David Howison said: 'All our enquiries to date don't provide any evidence that there's been criminality involved in the disappearance.

'There's obviously significant concern when people are unaccounted for for such a significant period of time. But extensive police enquiries to date have not identified any suspicious circumstances.'

He added: 'We have a number of hypotheses and we're remaining really open minded in terms of what may have happened.

'But one of the main theories is that for some reason the sisters have entered the water here, and that's why a lot of the search activity that you'll seen over the last few days has been focused in and around the river.'

Eliza and Henrietta Huszti went missing from Aberdeen last Tuesday in freezing conditions

A police dive boat on the River Dee at Aberdeen Harbour during the search for the sisters today

The two Hungarian women are part of a set of triplets (pictured with their brother Jozsef)

A police diver in the River Dee at Aberdeen Harbour during the search for the sisters today

Superintendent Howison said the alarm was raised by their landlord at the home they rented, adding: 'In the days preceding, the sisters had indicated to the landlord that they intended to leave their tenancy.

'The landlord carried out enquiries at the address which has led them to be concerned about the whereabouts of the sisters specifically due to some materials, personal possessions that had been left within the address.'

He continued: 'There's nothing specific within the property to suggest that they had either an intention to disappear or an intention to do themselves harm.

'What there was within the property, there were a number of personal possessions which are now in the possession of the police and those are thing that we can interrogate to glean further information in relation to the wider circumstances.

'But nothing to explicitly suggest that they wanted to either leave the area immediately or they had any intent to do themselves harm.'

He also confirmed that the landlord had been identified as a witness, but there were no suspects and it remained a missing person's inquiry rather than a criminal inquiry.

Police divers on the River Dee in Aberdeen today during the search for the Huszti sisters

Eliza and Henrietta Huszti were last seen on CCTV just after 2am last Tuesday in Aberdeen

A police dive boat on the River Dee at Aberdeen Harbour during the search for the sisters today

Police Scotland Superintendent David Howison said today there is no evidence of criminality

The path where the girls were last seen, next to the River Dee in Aberdeen, pictured today

A police dive boat on the River Dee at Aberdeen Harbour during the search for the sisters today

The sisters were last seen on CCTV in Aberdeen's Market Street after leaving their home

A police dive boat on the River Dee at Aberdeen Harbour during the search for the sisters today

Police also said there is no evidence the sisters left the immediate area and yesterday specialist search officers focused on the riverbanks between Wellington Bridge and the South Harbour.

In a heartfelt statement issued through Police Scotland, the sisters' family have urged anyone with information to contact the police.

Relatives said: 'This has been a very worrying and upsetting time for our family. We are really worried about Eliza and Henrietta and all we want is for them to be found.

'If you think you might have any information which could help the police with finding Eliza and Henrietta then please pass this on as quickly as you can.'

They said they 'appreciate' all the support their family has received and asked that their privacy is respected at this time.

Edit, the other triplet, has said her two sisters were very close and did most things together.

The sisters' brother, Jozsef, has told the BBC that their mother spoke to the pair on the first Saturday in January and that nothing seemed out of the ordinary with them.

A police dive boat on the River Dee at Aberdeen Harbour during the search for the sisters today

A police diver on the River Dee at Aberdeen Harbour during the search for the sisters today

Police divers on the River Dee in Aberdeen today during the search for the Huszti sisters

This map shows the areas which are being searched for the sisters in Aberdeen

A police dive boat on the River Dee at Aberdeen Harbour during the search for the sisters today

Police divers on the River Dee in Aberdeen today during the search for the Huszti sisters

Police Scotland's Superintendent David Howieson giving an update to the media today

A police dive boat on the River Dee at Aberdeen Harbour during the search for the sisters today

Police divers on the River Dee in Aberdeen today during the search for the Huszti sisters

The last sighting of them was caught on CCTV cameras, which showed they had crossed the bridge towards the Torry area and turned right on to a footpath next to the River Dee, heading in the direction of Aberdeen Boat Club.

Both are described as white, of slim build and have long brown hair.

Search and rescue boats have been out on the river over the weekend, while a police helicopter has also been scouring the area from above.

Officers are also examining CCTV footage from the area, as well as carrying out door-to-door enquiries and speaking to local businesses.

Police Scotland Chief Inspector Darren Bruce said: 'Eliza and Henrietta's family remain extremely worried about them and we are in regular contact with them as our searches continue.

'We know that people across Aberdeen are also seriously concerned for the two missing sisters and I would again urge anyone with information which could help to get in touch with us.

He added: 'The River Dee remains the focus of our searches as there is no evidence of the sisters leaving the immediate area.'

'I would again ask, if you were in the area in the early hours of last Tuesday morning, please think back, did you notice anyone matching their description?

'Even if it doesn't seem significant, please pass any information on. Any piece of information could prove crucial.'

Angone with private CCTV or dash-cam footage from around the time is urged to contact police on 101 quoting incident number 0735 of Tuesday January 7, 2025
Hamas has accepted a draft agreement for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of dozens of hostages, two officials involved in the talks said today.

Mediator Qatar said the negotiations were at the 'closest point' yet to sealing a deal.

An Israeli official said progress has been made, but the details are being finalised. The plan would need to be submitted to the Israeli Cabinet for final approval.

All three officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the closed-door talks.

Two Palestinian sources close to Hamas told AFP today that Israel would release about 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in the first stage of a Gaza truce deal in exchange for 33 hostages.

'Israel will release about 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, including several with lengthy sentences,' one of the two sources said.

An Israeli government official said that 'several hundred terrorists will be released' as part of the first phase of the deal.

The Associated Press obtained a copy of the proposed agreement, and an Egyptian official and a Hamas official confirmed its authenticity.

The deal is hoped to pave the way for a more enduring peace deal after 15 months of gruelling conflict.

Supporters of Israeli hostages block a road as they demand a deal during a protest amid ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza, in Tel Aviv, Israel January 13, 2025

Palestinians inspect a destroyed tent shelter following Israeli airstrikes at a makeshift displacement camp in Deir el-Balah in the central Gaza Strip on January 14

Smoke billows as buildings lie in ruin in Beit Hanoun in the Gaza Strip, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, as seen from southern Israel, January 7

Qatar announced today that obstacles to a deal between Israel and Hamas for a truce and hostage exchange had been overcome after months of stalled negotiations.

'During the past months, there were underlying issues, major issues between the two parties unresolved,' Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari told a news conference.

'These issues were resolved during the talks in the past couple of weeks, and therefore we have reached a point where the major issues that were preventing a deal from happening were addressed.'

The address is the most significant acknowledgement of progress in talks since the November 2023 truce, which saw a temporary pause in the fighting, the release of some 50 Israeli hostages and 150 Palestinian prisoners, as well as the entry of more humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Both sides have accused each other of blocking the road to a more lasting solution to the conflict.

Hamas said in a statement today it hoped the talks in Doha could lead to a 'clear and comprehensive agreement'.

Qatar foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari was hopeful about the progress, but insisted 'until there is an announcement... we shouldn't be over-excited about what's happening right now'.

The United States, Egypt and Qatar have spent the past year trying to mediate an end the 15-month war and secure the release dozens of hostages captured in Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack.

Ninety-eight hostages are still captive inside Gaza, according to Israeli authorities, and the military believes at least a third them are dead.

Israeli soldiers watch as smoke billows and buildings lie in ruin in Beit Hanoun, in the Gaza Strip, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, as seen from southern Israel, January 8, 2025.

A man is comforted as he mourns by body bags containing victims killed during Israeli bombardment, outside the morgue of the Gaza European Hospital in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on January 14, 2025

Men and children stand next to a destroyed car amidst debris and rubble by a collapsed building at the site of Israeli bombardment on a residential block in Jalaa Street in Gaza City on January 14, 2025

The people of Gaza have suffered heavily from Israel's devastating retaliatory campaign, with as many as 46,645 people killed since October 2023, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory, figures that the UN considers reliable.

The three-phase agreement for a ceasefire under discussion - based on a framework laid out by U.S. President Joe Biden and endorsed by the U.N. Security Council - would begin with the gradual release of 33 hostages over a six-week period, including women, children, older adults and wounded civilians in exchange for potentially hundreds of Palestinian women and children imprisoned by Israel.

Among the 33 would be five female Israeli soldiers, each of whom would be released in exchange for 50 Palestinian prisoners, including 30 convicted militants who are serving life sentences. By the end of the first phase, all civilian captives - living or dead - will have been released.

During this first, 42-day phase, Israeli forces would withdraw from population centers, Palestinians would be allowed to start returning to their homes in northern Gaza and there would be a surge of humanitarian aid, with some 600 trucks entering each day.

Details of the second phase still must be negotiated during the first. Those details remain difficult to resolve - and the deal does not include written guarantees that the ceasefire will continue until a deal is reached. That leaves the potential for Israel to resume its military campaign after the first phase ends.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken introduces President Joe Biden for Biden's final foreign policy speech in the Ben Franklin Room at the State Department's Harry S. Truman headquarters building on January 13, 2025

A smoke plume rising from explosions above destroyed buildings in the northern Gaza Strip on January 13, 2025

Palestinians mourn the death of their relatives, including children, who were killed in an Israeli airstrike on their shelter in Deir el-Balah in the central Gaza Strip on January 14, 2025

The three mediators, however, have given Hamas verbal guarantees that negotiations will continue as planned and that they will press for a deal to implement the second and third phases before the end of the first, the Egyptian official said.

The deal would allow Israel throughout the first phase to remain in control of the Philadelphi Corridor, the band of territory along Gaza's border with Egypt, which Hamas had initially demanded Israel withdraw from.

But Israel would pull out from the Netzarim Corridor, a belt across central Gaza where it had sought a mechanism for searching Palestinians for arms when they return to the territory's north.

In the second phase, Hamas would release the remaining living captives, mainly male soldiers, in exchange for more prisoners and the "complete withdrawal" of Israeli forces from Gaza, according to the draft agreement.

Hamas has said it will not free the remaining hostages without an end to the war and a complete Israeli withdrawal, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has in the past vowed to resume fighting unless Hamas's military and governing capabilities are eliminated.

Unless an alternative government for Gaza is worked out in those talks, it could leave Hamas in charge of the territory.

In a third phase, the bodies of remaining hostages would be returned in exchange for a three- to five-year reconstruction plan to be carried out in Gaza under international supervision.
A chilling crime scene photo may mark the exact spot where the devastating Palisades Fire that has destroyed a swathe of Los Angeles started.

Part of the Temescal Ridge trail near Via Las Palmas and Via La Costa in LA's Palisades-Highland community was seen cordoned off with crime scene tape Monday night.

The tape appeared to surround a burn scar, KTLA reported. Fireworks are illegal in LA, but Pacific Palisades teens are feared to have triggered an initial small blaze by setting off fireworks on the trail on New Years Eve.

Drought-like conditions and high winds mean that although that initial fire was put out, it may have smoldered for six days before re-igniting, investigators now believe according to sources to the San Francisco Chronicle.

'Theres been no definitive determination that it is arson at this point,' LAPD Asst. Chief Dominic Choi told the outlet. 'But we are looking at every angle.'

It is the largest of at least six fires that have devastated the Los Angeles area to become the most destructive in modern California history.

At least 24 people losing their lives and over 12,000 buildings burning to the ground. The Palisades Fire has razed much of the Pacific Palisades, once a stunning coastal enclave home to the rich and famous.

Los Angeles' Fire Department says around 14% of the 24,000 acre blaze has been contained as of Tuesday morning.

At least eight of the 24 people killed by the wildfires died in the Palisades blaze.

New crime scene photos show investigators descended on the popular Temescal Ridge hiking spot as the potential source of the deadly Pacific Palisades fire

A Pacific Palisades resident surveys the damage to his neighborhood after it was devastated by fires over the past week

Residents have reportedly complained to the Pacific Palisades Community Council for some time over local youths setting off firefights in the bone-dry area.

'There have been problems lately with teens and firecrackers, and it seems to come up at almost every PPCC meeting,' said Sue Kohl, president of the council, told the Chronicle.

Now some are questioning if more should have been done to prevent the activity as experts say unseasonably dry conditions and high winds created a tinderbox-like environment.

Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) descended on the Temescal Ridge trail on Monday to investigate it as a potential cause of the Palisades Fire.

ATF spokesperson Ginger Colbrun tentatively confirmed the investigation but said it was too early to say if the fireworks fire may have played a role.

'ATF certified fire investigators did an initial assessment of the area, but the investigation has just begun,' she said Monday. 'We had additional expertise arrive over the weekend and the team is just starting to process the scene today.'

'People want and deserve answers,' Colbrun continued, noting that certified wildland fire investigators had joined the effort.

'However, it is way too early to speculate on the cause and origin. We want to give accurate answers, so we need to have time to do a thorough investigation.'

At least 24 people have died and 12,000 buildings burned to the ground in multiple fires across Los Angeles this month

Firefighters in the stricken Palisades area have been overwhelmed by the rapidly spreading fires, amid scrutiny on the state's response

While the ATF was wary of blaming the alleged fireworks fire for the blaze that has devastated much of the area, locals say they are convinced it is to blame.

Don Griffin, who shared images of both fires near his home showing them with essentially the same start point, told the SF Chronicle that he has repeatedly heard of teens setting off fireworks and flares in 'fire danger areas.'

'Its a place where kids hang out, drink, smoke weed and break bottles,' Griffin said.

Images shared with the outlet show teens setting off large stacks of fireworks has been an issue for some time, including a huge explosion at the Palisades Recreation Center in February.

'So many in our community had been trying for two years to go after and prosecute the kids that had been setting them off almost every Friday and Saturday night all over town,' David Serota, a commercial director who lost his home, also wrote this week on social media.

'We sat in the Palisades Town Council  meetings about it. The police told us they didnt have the resources to go after kids with fireworks. Despite the fact that theyd started fires previous to the one on New Years Eve.'

'WE SOUNDED THE ALARM. WE SAW SOMETHING AND SAID SOMETHING,' he concluded the scathing caption.

'But still we all sit here with no homes, no community, and all the evidence of our lives reduced to a pile of ash.'

As the death toll surged to 24 in recent days, officials warned that the figure is expected to grow as crews struggle to access the smoldering wreckages of entire neighborhoods

Experts warn that drought-like conditions and high winds have created the perfect conditions for wildfires to erupt and spread rapidly

It comes as Los Angeles was placed under an unprecedented wind warning amid fears 70mph gusts could trigger a new inferno.

The National Weather Service issued a fourth 'particularly dangerous situation' warning to take effect 4am Tuesday, cautioning that winds of up to 70mph will last through noon Wednesday.

Huge swaths of the bone-dry city are under the new warning from Ventura across much of the San Fernando Valley, while areas from San Diego to San Bernardino remain under conventional red flag warnings.

The fourth warning comes after the previous three this fire season brought havoc to the densely populated area, including the ongoing Palisades and Eaton fires that have become among the deadliest in California history.

Much of the area around Malibu and the Pacific Palisades are also under the new warning, where at least 24 people have died and over 12,000 buildings have been destroyed in multiple fires.

Meteorologists warn that unseasonable drought-like conditions have turned the city into potential kindling as high winds set in.

The last significant rainfall in downtown Los Angeles came in May 2024, and since October 1 just 0.16 inches of rain has fallen - compared to a historical average of 5.34 inches by this time, reports the LA Times.

Climatologist Bill Patzert told the outlet that 'the past nine months has been one of the driest in the historical record going back to 1900. During my career, Ive never seen punishing Santa Ana events so overwhelm the normal winter rain season.'
The armed gang behind a Grindr plot which targeted men on the dating app before robbing them of thousands of pounds have received jail sentences totalling almost 80 years.

Over a ten-month period between 2023 and 2024, the five-member crew lured unsuspecting men to supposed dates using the gay dating app.

However the robbers, their faces hidden behind masks, would then brutally attack the men and steal their belongings.

The robberies occurred across Birmingham and Derby, with the gang also staging a number of car breakdowns to coax passersby into a trap before robbing them.

Victims were left with broken eye sockets, a dislocated shoulder and a broken nose as well as other injuries, many of which required hospital treatment.

Birmingham Crown Court was shown footage of the thugs pretending to have mechanical issues with their car in Derby before attacking the Good Samaritans who came to lend a hand.

The court also heard the intricacies of their Grindr scam, where men would be held for hours in fear for their lives before their phones were used to transfer large sums of money.

The five men also stole vehicles and house keys from some of their targets, threatening to stab them with large weapons if they did not comply.

Wasim Omar was jailed for 17 years and three months by Birmingham Crown Court

Ali Hassan was jailed for 16 years and nine months by Birmingham Crown Court

A member of the gang seen rushing to a cashpoint in order to withdraw the funds of one of their victims

The thugs pretended their car was broken down on this street in Derby before robbing people who rushed to their aid

CCTV footage also captured the gang using some victim's bank cards to withdraw cash from ATMs and shops, even celebrating after getting their hands on the cash.

The gang also went to great lengths to disguise their identities as they committed their crimes, and often would wear masks or push the faces of victims into the ground to stop them from looking at them.

Following a lengthy investigation by West Midlands Police, the gang were finally apprehended last year.

Detectives who had trawled through dozens of hours of CCTV footage and analysed the gang's phone and bank records in order to build a formidable case against its members.

On Monday, after being found guilty of the robberies last September, the five person gang was jailed for a combined 78 years and ten months.

Wasim Omar, 24, was jailed for 17 years and three months, with Ali Hassan, 20, and Abubaker Alezawy, 21, being sentenced to 16 years and nine months and 16 years and five months respectively.

Demalji Hadza, 21, was sentenced to 16 years and two months while Mohammed Sharif, 22, was jailed for 12 years and three months.

Demalji Hadza was jailed for 16 years and two months by Birmingham Crown Court

Police said the robberies had been 'calculated' and deliberately targeted 'vulnerable, easy' victims (pictured: a member of the gang withdrawing cash)

Detective Inspector Tom Lyons, of West Midlands Police's Birmingham team, said: 'This was a calculated series of robberies with Hadza, Alezawy, Hasan, Omar and Sharif, deliberately targeting victims because they believed they were vulnerable, easy targets.

'My team conducted a lengthy investigation which required piecing together many strands of evidence.

'I know that it took the victims in this case a huge amount of bravery and courage to come forward and support the criminal justice process through to trial - and I commend them for doing so.

'Their evidence enabled us to launch a full-scale investigation and build a strong case, which ultimately brought the offenders to justice, and has undoubtedly prevented many other people from becoming a victim.'

Speaking after yesterday's sentencing, DC Sarah Byrne added: 'Convicting these individuals would have never been possible without the victims' bravery in sharing their accounts with the police and court.'
Pete Hegseth's confirmation hearing descended into chaos as Democrats tore into his womanizing past and protestors interrupted proceedings.

The Army veteran and former Fox News host was the first of Trump's Cabinet picks to be interrogated by senators.

He is facing scrutiny over his past 'cheating' and sexual exploits as well as past 'binge drinking,' dismissing allegations as 'anonymous smears.'

Despite the spectacle, Hegseth is not backing down from his nomination to head the Pentagon, admitting 'I am not a perfect person' in an emotional moment crediting his wife Jennifer for his personal transformation.

Follow all the developments in DailyMail.com's live blog
His death at the young age of 32 sent shockwaves through BBC Scotland as colleagues grieved the loss of a popular and talented journalist.

Now the broadcaster has announced it will play its part in honouring the memory of Nick Sheridan with a bursary set up in his name.

Mr Sheridan died in March last year after suffering a suspected brain aneurysm, prompting doctors to place him in an induced coma.

Now BBC Scotland has announced it has jointly launched the Nick Sheridan Memorial Bursary in collaboration with fellow broadcaster STV and the University of the West of Scotland (UWS), where Sheridan was a part-time lecturer.

The bursary will be jointly funded by BBC Scotland and STV, while the university will administer the scheme and select the winning candidate from their third year course work.

The first award is due to be made for the start of the next academic year in autumn 2025.

The successful applicant will be granted 1,500 plus a weeks paid work experience at both BBC Scotland and STV after graduation.

Alongside an outstanding journalism career at BBC Scotland and STV, Sheridan also taught on the Television, Radio and Podcast production course at UWS, and was passionate about supporting the development of future talent in the industry.

Nick Sheridan died in March last year at the age of 32 after suffering a suspected aneurysm

Mr Sheridan joined BBC Scotland in 2018, where he presented shows including the flagship news programme Reporting Scotland.

Originally from Wexford in Ireland, Mr Sheridan had also worked for STV and RTE

In a touching response, Mr Sheridans brother Brian said: We are humbled and truly grateful to the BBC, STV and the University of the West of Scotland for coming together to develop this bursary in Nicks name, of which he would be so proud.

'Nick was hugely passionate about developing the talents of future journalists, and this bursary offers a wonderful opportunity for a young person to honour this passion for media in his name.

Hayley Valentine, Director, BBC Scotland, said: Nick was the heart and soul of the BBC Scotland newsroom, and we miss him every day. Im delighted were able to announce this bursary in his name with our partners at STV and UWS.

Its a fitting tribute and I hope it helps students capable of matching Nicks considerable talent realise that potential. I look forward to meeting the first recipient of the Nick Sheridan Memorial Bursary later this year.

Linda Grimes Douglas, Head of News and Current Affairs at STV, said: Nick was a highly skilled broadcaster and an impeccable journalist with a natural flair for storytelling. His talent and warm sense of humour made him a pleasure to have in the newsroom.

We are so pleased to be partnering with BBC Scotland and the University of the West of Scotland in the creation of this special bursary, to support new broadcast and published journalism talent in his name.

Originally from Wexford in Ireland, Mr Sheridan had worked for STV and RTE in Dublin before joining BBC Scotland in 2018, where he presented shows including the flagship news programme Reporting Scotland.

He was also building a name for himself as a childrens author.

A keen runner, he enjoyed outdoor swimming in Scotlands lochs.

His final Instagram post, at the end of January 2024, showed him posing with other authors who had been nominated for the best childrens novel in the Nero Book Awards.

Mr Sheridans first book, Breaking News: How to Tell Whats Real from Whats Rubbish, was published in 2021 and his first fiction novel for children, The Case of the Runaway Brain, was released in 2022. The second in the series, The Case of the Phantom Treasure, came out last year.

Professor Dr Kasim Sheikh, Dean of the School of Business and Creative Industries at UWS, said: Nick Sheridan made a huge impact on the lives of UWS students during his time with us. He was generous with his expertise, his time, and his humanity.

The university has an excellent track record of producing work-ready graduates, and it is wonderful that this award, made in his name by the BBC and STV, will support the next generation of students as they consider careers in the broadcast industries.
A 'failing' secondary school that went to war on its students' smart phones has seen its results soar above the national average.

Staff at Cumberland Community School in Newham, East London, made headlines in 2023 when they persuaded half their students to delete social media apps from their phones over the exam season.

TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram were ditched for two months to be replaced by compulsory revision sessions - with some students agreeing to surrender their smart phones entirely to avoid any temptation or distraction.

Since repeating the pioneering effort last year, the school's progress score has jumped by a grade and a quarter, leaving it among the most consistently improved in the UK.

And the inner-city academy now has 62 percent its of GCSE students achieving at least a Grade 5 in both English and maths  sixteen points above the average across England.

'The social media ban was a game changer for us because all of a sudden our students were 100 percent focused on revising for their exams,' said headteacher Ekhlas Rahman.

'The (2023) cohort that stuck to it throughout the revision and exam period did significantly better than they were predicted. We did it again this last year and the results were similar.

Amin Opayemi and Dania Olajide were among students at Cumberland Community School in Newham, East London who ditched social media while sitting their GCSEs

Headteacher Ekhlas Rahman said the initiative was a 'game changer' after exam results soared (Picture: cumberlandcst.org)

'Huge credit goes to our staff and students who have put so much effort into this sustained improvement.'

Concern about the impact of smartphones on children's development has continued to grow since the school came up with its groundbreaking scheme.

Regulator Ofcom reported last year that 90 percent of 11-year-olds already have a smartphone, with 99 percent of children spending time online.

Although most social media platforms have a minimum age of 13, as many as six in 10 children aged between eight and 12 have their own account, the research found.

And three-in-five schoolchildren reported being contacted online in a way that made them feel uncomfortable.

The outgoing Tory government issued new guidance to schools in February, with then education secretary Gillian Keegan urging headteachers to ban the use of smartphones in schools, including during break periods.

Eton College banned all but basic 'brick' phones for its Year nine students during the school day in May last year.

That was followed by news that Ormiston Academies Trust, a managing group of schools with over 35,000 pupils attending across the UK, would be banning phones in the classroom due to 'overwhelming' relationship between excessive smartphone usage and poor mental health amongst the young.

Students were urged to hand over their phones to staff for up to two months

The inner-city school is now among the most consistently improved in the UK (Gov.uk)

And a study by think tank Policy Exchange in October found that in schools which already implement an effective ban - where smartphones are stored securely or barred from campus entirely - are shown to achieve GSCE results one to two grades higher than students in schools with more lenient smartphone policies.

But the Labour government has resisted calls for a total ban on smartphones in schools, insisting that recent legislation should be given time to take effect.

'We all want to find the best way of ensuring children are kept safe while also benefiting from the latest digital technology,' a spokesman told the BBC.

'The Online Safety Act will introduce strong safeguards for children, preventing them from accessing harmful and age-inappropriate content.

'This will include requiring companies to check the age of children so that parents can have peace of mind about the safety of their children online.

'The vast majority of schools already handle the use of mobile phones effectively, including with bans.

'Legislating for an outright ban would simply remove the autonomy from school leaders who know their pupils and their communities best.'

Cumberland Community School is operated by the operated by the Community Schools Trust, and Mr Rahman said he was not surprised that other schools were beginning to follow his lead.

'Five years ago this school was failing its students,' he explained.

'That meant they were not getting the grades to go into higher education.

'Now we are among the top performing in the country, it means much greater opportunity for our students.'
Four teenage migrants found guilty of gang raping a woman in the Netherlands have been jailed for a maximum of just 15 months, Dutch media reports.

The perpetrators, aged between 16 and 18, carried out the attack on the 33-year-old victim in a park in the southern city of Helmond in December 2023.

The woman, who was homeless, was sat alone on a bench before being surrounded by the group and dragged into a grassy field.

There she was pushed to the ground, beaten and brutally raped, according to news outlet NRC. Her mobile phone was also stolen.

The teenagers, described as 'unaccompanied foreign minors', were sentenced on Monday and handed sentences in a juvenile detention centre due to their age.

Police officers reportedly found the woman partially naked and with a swollen nose and jaw following the vicious attack.

The attackers' sentences, three months of which are conditional, come in at far lower than the two years demanded by prosecutors.

In its judgement, the Den Bosch court reportedly stated that the youths needed 'guidance' on how to function in Dutch society.

The woman was sat alone on a bench in the park before being surrounded by the group and dragged into a grassy field. Pictured: Burgemeester Geukerspark in Helmond

The verdict, which has been slammed as lenient, took into account the 'lack of supervision and guidance' offered to the perpetrators.

The court admitted that such a vile act 'evokes feelings of disgust and indignation in society and in particular feelings of insecurity among women.'

The conditional element of the sentence is hoped to deter the teenagers from reoffending, the judge reportedly said.

The group was also ordered to jointly pay 15,000 euros in damages to the victim.

A fifth suspect was found guilty of assaulting the woman and was handed four months in juvenile detention.

The trial took place behind closed doors due to the perpetrators' ages at the time of the attack.
Six survivors with horrendous injuries are fighting for their lives following a fatal New Year's Eve fireworks explosion in Hawaii that claimed four lives.

Four people, including a three-year-old boy, were killed from an illegal fireworks display that injured 20 others and caused 'pure chaos' during a New Year's Eve celebration in the Honolulu neighborhood of Aliamanu earlier this month.

Six of those injured were life-flighted to an Arizona burn unit where they remain critical.

'Just very, very sad - nothing I have ever seen in EMS,' Honolulu EMS Director Jim Ireland told Hawaii News Now.

'Some of the folk who were here who have been to war, who have been in combat, said it reminded them of things they have seen in combat.'

Abigail Allie, Kevin Vallesteros, Tommy Dao, Melissa Cabrera, Sammi Feliciano and Drew Sanbei were among those who suffered severe burn injuries from the blast.

'Everybody is still intubated,' Dr. Kevin Foster, the director of the hospital, told Hawaii News Now.

Two of those victims, Vallesteros and Cabrera, are new parents.

Others who were injured remain in Hawaii for treatment, including Robert Ishii, who is suffering from severe burns to his hands, arms, feet, back and face

Vallesteros's injuries require extensive medical care, including treatment for burns over 82 percent of his body and a compound fracture on his left leg, according to a GoFundMe page.

The family of Vallestero, who is still breathing with the help of a ventilator, were told that he also needs the additional help of a dialysis machine.

Meanwhile Cabrera also sustained grave injuries - their three-month-old son now being taken care of by both of their families.

Allie, a 29-year-old high school graduate and valedictorian, sustained severe injuries and burns beyond recognition, according to a GoFundMe page.

She tragically suffered burns across 67 percent of her body with a very long road to recovery ahead.

Dao, who is identified as Allie's boyfriend, is also suffering from injuries beyond recognition with 62 percent of his body burned from the explosion.

Feliciano was also transported to Arizona to receive treatment for burns across 72 percent of his body.

Sanbei, the sixth critical patient, is being treated for burn injuries across 63 percent of his body.

Kevin Vallesteros and Melissa Cabrera are among six of the victims who were transferred to an Arizona burn unit in critical condition following the deadly New Year's Eve fireworks explosion in Hawaii that claimed the lives of four

Tommy Dao along with his girlfriend Abigail Allie were also life-flighted to the Arizona burn center with extensive injuries and burns

Sammi Feliciano was also transported to Arizona to receive treatment for burns across 72 percent of his body

Drew Sanbei, the sixth critical patient, is being treated for burn injuries across 63 percent of his body

The horrifying injuries came after a large mortar-style firework tipped over just after being lit and fired sideways into crates holding additional fireworks during a New Year's Eve celebration

The action led to the ignition of a fiery, powerful explosion that killed four people and left more than two dozen others severely wounded at a home on Keaka Drive in the Aliamanu neighborhood

Minutes after the midnight explosion - which was labeled as a 'mass casualty incident' - emergency crews rushed to the grisly and chaotic scene

All six victims have undergone surgeries to remove their burns with more surgeries planned for the near-future.

Closing the wounds and performing skin grafts are the next steps in the process for the majority of them.

However, many of them are said to be making good progress and 'everybody is stable,' Foster told Hawaii News Now.

Others who were injured remain in Hawaii for treatment, including Robert Ishii, who is suffering from severe burns to his hands, arms, feet, back and face, according to his GoFundMe page.

The horrifying injuries came after a large mortar-style firework tipped over just after being lit and fired sideways into crates holding additional fireworks during a New Year's Eve celebration.

This led to the ignition of a fiery, powerful explosion that killed four people and left more than two dozen others severely wounded at a home on Keaka Drive.

Some of the injuries were so gruesome that 'brain matter' was left on the street.

'In the next couple of days, it's likely that some of the people that didn't even look that bad will die because their lungs were burned out,' Hawaii Governor Josh Green said, according to Hawaii News Now.

Captured footage showed a sudden series of uncontrolled fireworks explosions going off at ground level in rapid succession, in contrast to those in the air, which led to the destruction of the home

Some of the injuries were so gruesome that 'brain matter' was left on the street

Those with the most severe injuries were eventually flown on a C-17 military plane to Diane & Bruce Halle Arizona Burn Center in Phoenix, Arizona, for long-term care

'And that's what you happen to see when explosions happen right in front of you.'

Minutes after the midnight explosion - which was labeled as a 'mass casualty incident' - emergency crews rushed to the grisly and chaotic scene.

More than a dozen ambulances responded along with medical teams who set up a triage and a special area near Salt Lake Boulevard to transport patients.

'The truth is that people had traumatic injuries so badly that brain material was across the sidewalk from the ferocity of this explosion, and we want people to hear that because that is what is really possible with these explosive fireworks,' Green added.

'Some of the deceased had injuries that were tragic, that traumatic. We're talking about the worst possible warzone injuries that took their lives.'

Honolulu residents Nick Wendrych and Adrian Montecinos filmed the rogue explosion as they celebrated on a balcony, unaware of the chaos below.

Their footage captured a sudden series of uncontrolled fireworks explosions going off at ground level in rapid succession, in contrast to those in the air.

Another video shot at ground level showed the explosions causing chaos in the streets as people ran for their lives.

The hospital, which offered to take the patients as part of its commitment to providing advanced care to victims worldwide, has 50 beds and a specialized burn unit that is considered one of the largest burn centers in the country

Abigail Allie, a 29-year-old high school graduate and valedictorian, sustained severe injuries and burns beyond recognition across 67 percent of her body

Vallesteros's injuries require extensive medical care, including treatment for burns over 82 percent of his body and a compound fracture on his left leg

Dao, who is identified as Allie's boyfriend, is also suffering from injuries beyond recognition with 62 percent of his body burned from the explosion

The Queen's Medical Care Center in Honolulu were overwhelmed with 20 to 25 patients coming to the facility in critical condition - roughly three times the number they typically see, Hawaii News Now reported.

'My people and the hospital came together. It was pure chaos and people were doing things that weren't part of their job descriptions just to help,' Malia Eischen, The Queen's Medical Center trauma surgeon, told Hawaii News Now.

'It's just such a tragedy, and just to have so many people that you are close with, friends and family all be injured at the same time, it's devastating,' she added.

Those with the most severe injuries were eventually flown on a C-17 military plane to Diane & Bruce Halle Arizona Burn Center in Phoenix, Arizona, for long-term care.

The hospital, which offered to take the patients as part of its commitment to providing advanced care to victims worldwide, has 50 beds and a specialized burn unit that is considered one of the largest burn centers in the country, Hawaii News Now reported.

More than 30 staff were aboard the plane - six personnel per burn victim.

The crew included military personnel from both Hawaii and the mainland, along with specialists in air transport, doctors, nurses aides and respiratory specialists.

All of those critically injured are expected to remain in Arizona anywhere from six to 12 months.

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said his administration is now working with federal and state agencies to strengthen law enforcement and impose tougher penalties to stop the import of illegal fireworks into harbors and airports

More than a dozen ambulances responded along with medical teams who set up a triage and a special area near Salt Lake Boulevard to transport patients

Two people were pronounced dead at the scene, and a 23-year-old female along with a three-year-old boy later also succumbed to their injuries

Two women were pronounced dead at the home after the blast with a third woman, 23, along with a three-year-old boy, dying shortly after.

Jennifer Van, 23, was killed from the blast alongside two sisters who were later identified as Nelie Turbalba Ibarra and Lita.

On the night of the explosion, Van had been welcoming the New Year with her friends and family when an accidental spark led to a faulty cache of fireworks to explode.

Van was with her sister and younger half-brother at the time of the disaster which occurred just after midnight, but in all of the chaos the pair were unable to find her.

'After a desperate search and several hours of distress, my parents finally located her in a hospital, only to learn that she had sustained life-threatening injuries,' Tammy, Van's sister, explained in a family GoFundMe.

'She was pronounced dead early that morning, where my parents witnessed their beautiful first born motionless, leaving us shattered and in disbelief. We are grateful for everyone who was present that day and helped out when they could.'

Aside from Van, Nelie Ibarra, 58, lost her life. She was described as having an 'infectious laughter and boundless generosity' that 'touched everyone she met', in a GoFundMe set up by her stepdaughter Ritchelyn Peterson.

In a separate GoFundMe for Lita's family, they revealed that her son Junior 'also sustained extensive fire-related injuries,' and that her '3-year-old grandson has suffered the most extensive injuries with most of his body burned.'

Sisters Nelie Ibarra and Lita, along with Lita's three-year-old granson, were killed in the illegal fireworks display during the New Year's Eve celebration

Medical Examiners also identified 23-year-old Jennifer Van as another person who was killed from the blast

Honolulu EMS Director Jim Ireland told Hawaii News Now that the tragedy, which was the deadliest firework incident that Hawaii had seen in 14 years, was nothing that he had ever seen before in EMS

In addition, Lita's daughter Charmaine 'Char' Benigno, a mother-of-two, suffered 'burns beyond recognition'.

Nelie and Lita's neice Sheena Turalva wrote in a GoFundMe that the death of her two aunts is an 'unimaginable tragedy and 'heartbreaking loss'.

Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi said his administration is now working with federal and state agencies to strengthen law enforcement and impose tougher penalties to stop the import of illegal fireworks into harbors and airports, Hawaii News Now reported.

'This incident is a painful reminder of the danger posed by illegal fireworks. They put our lives at risk; they drain our first responders; and they disrupt our neighborhoods,' he said.

'We cannot allow this senseless danger to persist and we will take decisive action to ensure the safety and well-being of our Oahu residents.'

The blast was Hawaii's deadliest fireworks incident in 14 years.
A group of women from all over the country have converged on a South Florida courthouse to stick up for a teenage boy charged with murdering his own mother.

Derek Rosa, 14, allegedly admitted to police that he stabbed his mother Irina Garcia, 39, over 40 times in their Hialeah apartment on October 12, 2023.

Despite the apparent confession and other evidence against the boy, the women, many of them unrelated to Rosa, held a protest in and outside the Metro Justice building in Miami, NBC 6 South Florida reported.

They traveled all the way from Illinois, California, Kentucky and Texas to proclaim Rosa is innocent.

Ariana Reyes is from Chicago and was at the protest. She said it was her ninth trip to Miami for Rosa, who faces a first degree murder charge.

'We want Derek Rosa's freedom. We want justice for Irina Garcia. We want the real person who committed this passion crime to be charged fully. Derek Rosa did not do it. He's a child,' Reyes said in front of news cameras.

Rosa is currently in Miami-Dade jail as he awaits trial, where he'll be tried as an adult despite being 13 when he allegedly committed the crime. He has pleaded not guilty.

Reyes said she is not related to Rosa but got involved after reading about 'this case on social media.'

Ariana Reyes of Chicago, along with a number of other out-of-town moms, showed up in Miami to express support for Derek Rosa, a 14-year-old boy who has been charged with murdering his mother

Rosa (left) allegedly stabbed and killed his mother, Irina Garcia, 39 (right) before sending photos of her body to a friend on social media

'I got really really touched about the case of Derek Rosa and what happened to his mom,' she said.

The other women who were at the protest were reportedly chanting 'free Derek,' outside the courthouse, WSVN reported.

This certainly isn't the limit to Rosa's support, as a Change.org petition arguing that he is innocent has 26,671 verified signatures.

On the night of the murder, Rosa called 911 to report that his dead mother was lying in a pool of blood.

When the dispatcher asked if Garcia could be helped, Rosa responded: 'Miss, she's dead.'

'I took pictures and I told my friends about it. Was that bad?' he then asked the dispatcher.

'You sent pictures to your friends of what you did?' she confirmed with Rosa.

'Yeah,' he replied.

Just hours before this, Ring doorbell footage showed Rosa talking with his mom like nothing was wrong, as she sat in a chair with her two-week old baby.

The 13-year-old allegedly sent this smiling selfie to a friend immediately after stabbing his mother, displaying a sign with what appears to be blood covering his hands

Hours before the 911 call, Rosa was seen casually chatting to his mom as if nothing was wrong

Crime scene photos, released in December, showed Rosa standing over his mother's bed at 11pm, before he allegedly killed her. His newborn baby sister's crib is by her bed

In December 2023, prosecutors released baby monitor footage showing Rosa standing over his sleeping mom in her bed, moments before he allegedly murdered her.

The time stamp on the static image was 11pm. Rosa called 911 to report the murder around 11:30pm.

When officers arrived at the home, they found Garcia on the floor with dozens of knife wounds, including a slashed artery in her neck. The baby was found in her crib unharmed.

Rosa is also accused of taking a smiling selfie that he sent to a friend directly after the killing, where he was sticking his tongue out with what appears to be blood smeared on his hands.

Investigators claim they have pictures Rosa took of his mother's lifeless body on the floor following the stabbing.

Rosa also allegedly claimed that he found two guns owned by his stepfather after the stabbing and planned to commit suicide but didn't go through with the plan.

After Rosa was apprehended and brought in for an interview, he was heard telling detectives: 'I woke up, I grabbed one of the kitchen knives and I went to her room... I killed her.'

He was also seen nodding 'yes' when detectives asked if he killed Garcia.

Footage released by police showed Rosa calmly nodding his head yes when a detective asked him whether he killed his mother

Prosecutors nor police have ever offered up a possible motive for Garcia's murder. Rosa is pictured with his pregnant mother and stepfather

Prosecutors nor police have ever offered up a possible motive for Garcia's murder, with Rosa's shocked loved ones saying he displayed no outward signs of mental health struggles.

Outside a court hearing in October 2023, a family member told the media in Spanish that Rosa 'is not an adult at all' and that 'he is a child that still plays.'

'Derek is a good boy. Affectionate, loving. This is not like Derek. No one knows Derek like we know him. And this is not Derek, so you know,' the family member said.

His family has long been advocated for Rosa to be held in a juvenile facility instead of an adult prison, a request that has so far been denied.

Rosa's trial is expected to start in February. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. He will be spared the death penalty because of his age.
Dozens of those accused of looting homes and stores in the ritzy Pacific Palisades enclave of LA during the deadly fires have been pictured in police mugshots.

Cops charged more than 40 detainees with various offenses including burglary and drug possession since the fires broke out on January 7.

Remarkably, none of those arrested were actually living in the evacuation zone and seemingly travelled with the intention of taking advantage of the devastation.

Santa Monica Police said each suspect was arrested within an evacuated area and most of them were in violation of the overnight curfew law from sunset to sunrise.

The fires have claimed at least 24 lives, with weary residents now preparing for another 24 hours of hellish weather conditions which are expected to propel the fires in new directions.

The four fires have destroyed more than 40,000 acres across the most affluent neighborhoods of LA, with A-list celebrity homes and restaurant hotspots among the 12,300 structures wiped out.

A gallery of shame shows the people accused of taking advantage of the destruction by thieving possessions from evacuated homes and by combing the rubble for hidden treasures.

Santa Monica Police said officers detained ten burglary suspects within the Palisades Fire evacuation zone and six of those arrested were carrying 'burglary tools'.

Three of the ten burglary suspects have been pictured, including Joshua Kaliel Love - who was found carrying a dagger, a window-breaking tool, a mask, gloves, narcotics and a gold window punch, cops said.

A gallery of shame shows the people accused of taking advantage of the carnage, including Joshua Kaliel Love (second row, first column), Miguel Angel Dorantes (second row, third column), and Dominic Pacheco Magana (first row, third column)

Santa Monica Police said officers detained ten burglary suspects within the Palisades Fire evacuation zone and six of those arrested were carrying 'burglary tools'

Santa Monica Police said each suspect was detained within an evacuated area and most of them were in violation of the overnight curfew law

Officers arrested Kaliel Love, who was on probation, in an alley behind the 600 block of the San Vicente Boulevard after he tried to evade police by running away.

Dominic Pacheco Magana, 18, and Miguel Angel Dorantes, 22, are also accused of conspiring to burgle homes after they were pulled over driving a van displaying stolen registration stickers.

Officers scoured the vehicle and found black Nike nylon gloves, a black ski mask and three large freight tote bags and black t-shirts.

Pacheco's phone had the Watch Duty app open. The app monitors fire and evacuation zones.

'Based on the items located inside the vehicle, the location of the vehicle stop, the ski mask, and the attempt to conceal their identity and avoid detection by removing the license plate, officers arrested the duo for being in the mandatory evacuation area with the specific intent to commit residential burglaries,' police said.

Santa Monica Police said two people were also arrested for being in possession of concealed handguns.

The rest of the detainees were arrested for violations including drug possession, driving violations, outstanding warrants, parole and probation violations.

Santa Monica Police said there was a 'significant increase in the normal number of arrests in the neighborhoods in the evacuation zones north of Montana and Wilmont'.

Police have charged more than 40 detainees with various offenses including burglary and drug possession since the fires broke out on January 7. The fires are ongoing across Los Angeles

Some suspects were pulled over in vehicles displaying fake license plates (shown above)

A firefighting helicopter drops water on the inferno as the Palisades Fire grows out of control

'Our dedicated team of officers did a phenomenal job saturating the evacuation areas and tamping down criminal activity,' the department said in a media release.

Two people have also been arrested for lighting fires, including Ruben Montes, 29, who was detained for arson on Sunday in Irwindale, roughly 16 miles away from Altadena, where the deadly Eaton Fire continues to rage.

Mexican national Juan Manuel Sierra-Leyva, was also taken into custody after allegedly being caught on video walking with a yellow blowtorch before he was confronted by residents in Calabasas, west of Beverly Hills.

Extreme dry weather conditions due to a prolonged drought, dry vegetation and powerful Santa Ana winds that reached up to 80 mph in some areas this week created the 'perfect storm' for the fires.

National Weather Service meteorologist Todd Hall said dry winds reached speeds of 40mph on Tuesday morning in coastal and valley areas and 50mph in the mountains.

Gusts up to 65mph were forecast to continue through midday Wednesday as firefighters struggle to contain the infernos.

The Palisades Fire, which had razed 23,700 acres as of 10am Tuesday, is only 17 percent contained.

Just north of Pasadena, the Eaton Fire has burned through more than 14,000 acres, and was only 35 percent contained by 10am Tuesday.

The Hurst Fire north of San Fernando is almost extinguished with a 97 percent containment after burning through 800 acres.

A fourth major blaze - the Auto Fire - broke out on Tuesday in Ventura. The latest inferno has burned through 56 acres so far and is zero percent contained, per the Cal Fire heatmap.
This is the frightening moment a Chicago police officer pulled a coyote out of a refrigerated section of a grocery store as shocked shoppers stood by.

Aldi shoppers got more than they bargained for after an adult male coyote managed to station itself inside a lettuce display on Monday morning.

An officer can be seen poking the animal's behind with the end of a floor mop before grabbing hold of its bushy tail.

Another officer watched on and a customer filmed from several feet away, a video posted to social media showed.

As the officer tugged, the animal's butt began to emerge, causing the shelf above it to move upward. Shortly afterward, the animal came scrambling out of the space, limbs flailing as it raced to get back into the case.

The video cut off after the animal seemingly slipped back in behind some lettuce to the frustration of the officers.

Authorities were able to get the animal out again and he was taken into animal control around 10am, according to The Chicago Tribune.

The coyote was taken to the animal control facility, and was transferred to Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation for a checkup before its release back to the wild.

Aldi shoppers got more than they bargained for after an adult male coyote managed to station itself inside a lettuce display on Monday morning

'The coyote appears uninjured, but Flint Creek will conduct an assessment to confirm its health before releasing it back into the wild if deemed appropriate,' animal control told NBC Chicago.

No injuries were reported due to the incident.

This is not the first time Chicagoans have faced coyotes in grocery stores.

A docile coyote wandered into a Quiznos sandwich shop around lunchtime in 2007, according to The Tribune.

Coyotes typically avoid humans, but once in a while, they will find themselves amongst them and try to find a hiding spot.

'What happens is, theyre out during the night. Mostly, they do a real good job of avoiding us,' Chris Anchor, a wildlife biologist, told The Tribune.

'Occasionally, one will get caught out in the more human-accessible areas, and they get flushed from where they are. They hold up for the day, and they end up running down the sidewalk when somebody opens the door.'

Coyote mating season runs between January and March, which leads to increased sightings and human encounters.

The coyote was taken to the animal control facility, and was transferred to Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation for a checkup before its release back to the wild

Animal Control reminds those who encounter the beast to make themselves big and loud and to slowly back away. One should not run from or approach a coyote, according to Urban Coyote Research.

Coyotes can carry rabies and anyone that is exhibiting symptoms of the disease - foaming at the mouth, excessive aggressive, salivation, and more - should report the animal, according to the Humane Society.

'Immediately seek medical treatment for bites or scratches inflicted by unknown animals,' it said.

Rabies has nearly a 100 percent fatality rate.

Coyotes do not usually attack humans. Only one attack has been documented in Chicago in January 2020.
A sick British grandmother who has been stranded in a Florida hospital with no travel insurance for seven weeks after catching Covid on the trip of a lifetime has had her trip home further delayed.

Patricia Bunting, 76, had been on a three-week holiday with her grandson and two sons to Disney World when she was hospitalised at the end of November.

She spent five days in intensive care with Covid before contracting pneumonia, which left her fighting for her life.

Ms Bunting, who is currently catheterised and immobile, has been stuck on US soil ever since whilst her medical bills soared on a daily basis.

Her anxious family have raised more than 40,000 as part of an effort to get the mother-of-four home to Wigan and to help cover her medical bills.

January 10, her 'relieved' daughter, Emma, announced that a medical flight to transfer her mother from Orlando, Florida, to Wigan Infirmary had been scheduled for January 14.

However, Ms Bunting did not fly home today and remains in Florida.

On Monday, Emma revealed that 'complications' meant her mother would have to stay, with no sign of when she can return home.

British grandmother Patricia Bunting has been stranded in Florida for seven weeks after falling ill with Covid and developing pneumonia

Ms Bunting had been on a three week holiday with her grandson and two sons to Disney World when she fell ill and was hospitalised at Orland's Dr P. Phillips Hospital in November

Emma said: 'I'm afraid mum isn't coming home yet due to complications, so she's in hospital in the US.

'I haven't got an exact date as of yet when she will be returning I'm afraid.

'It's a massive blow and shock to all our family as we are eagerly waiting for mum's safe return.'

Patricia, who has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and atrial fibrillation (AF), which causes an abnormal and erratic heart rate, has been bed-ridden since late November.

The widow spent two years saving up for the family holiday, but couldn't afford the 3,000 travel insurance quoted to her for the trip due to her pre-existing conditions.

However, she decided to fly anyway, alongside her children and grandson, fearing that the holiday may be her last ever trip to the US, which she dubbed her 'happy place', due to her age and poor health.

On Saturday, November 23, Patricia complained to her family of exhaustion before passing out in the bathroom.

She then spent five days in intensive care at Orlando's Dr P Phillips Hospital.

Patricia's family started a GoFundMe to raise enough money to bring her back home to the UK

A total of 40,000 was raised to help get Patricia home and Emma thanked all of those who donated for their 'kindness and generosity'

Her sons and grandson had to take their scheduled flight home on November 28 after running out of money.

Emma said the British Embassy in Miami had been unable to help, only asking how they planned to pay the medical bills.

The hospital had been able to help with low cost accommodation, but the average healthcare spending per head in the US was $12,555 (9,800) in 2022, according to analysts.

When Ms Bunting's family hit the 40,000 mark on GoFundMe, Emma thanked all of those who donated for their 'kindness and generosity', adding: 'Its because of you that weve been able to make this happen.'

The family say they will keep the GoFundMe page open as they wait to receive the final medical bill.

Emma had previously said that the cost of a dedicated air ambulance to bring her mother back home was 130,000.

Patricia is a former cleaner and factory worker. According to her family she had considered getting health insurance for the trip, but when it was quoted at around 3,000 she decided to go without it.

Five days before she was scheduled to fly home on November 3, Patricia passed out in her hotel bathroom and was rushed to hospital.

As well as contracting Covid and pneumonia, she also suffered a gastrointestinal bleed and blood clots in her legs.

Patricia receives a state pension and since her bus driver husband Joseph died of a heart attack in 1993, she also receives a small widow's pension.

Her family said that she was determined to have one final foreign holiday with her grandson William, who is 23 and has autism.

The pair were joined on their three-week trip to Walt Disney World in Florida by her unemployed sons Paul, 40, (Emma's twin brother) and David, 42, who both live with their mother in Wigan.

Earlier this month a spokesman for Orlando Health Dr. P. Phillips Hospital described Mrs Bunting's condition as 'serious'.

In a statement, the hospital added: 'Although we can't comment on specific patient cases, Orlando Health has a longstanding generous financial assistance program for patients who have limited or no resources to pay for medically necessary services rendered at an Orlando Health facility.

'Orlando is a popular international tourist destination and we encourage all visitors to consider purchasing travel insurance for unexpected, emergency medical expenses.'
Andrew Tate has been freed from his house arrest measure by a Romanian court in a new victory for the influencer now facing trial over human trafficking charges.

A spokesperson for the kickboxer and his brother, Tristan, said today the measure had been lifted and replaced with judicial control, which will limit travel.

The lighter, preventative measure will be in place pending a criminal investigation, with the brothers facing trial for numerous alleged crimes in Romania.

Responding to the news on X, Andrew Tate claimed: 'I told you they set me up 3 years ago. No victims, no evidence.... MATRIX ATTACK.

'Now I will become Prime Minister to make sure this never happens again.'

The brothers had been ordered to remain under house arrest in Romania in August 2024 as prosecutors investigated new allegations including sex with a minor and trafficking underage persons.

Andrew Tate gestures while speaking outside the Bucharest Tribunal in Bucharest, Romania, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025

Andrew Tate waves as he exits the Bucharest Tribunal with his brother Tristan, in Bucharest, Romania, Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025

Under the new measures, the Tate brothers must remain in Romania on probation.

His lawyers said in a statement: 'In a crucial legal decision, the Romanian courts have today lifted the house arrest imposed on Andrew Emory Tate, replacing it with judicial control (probation).

'This ruling marks a decisive step forward, granting Andrew the freedom to travel throughout Romania while adhering to the required legal conditions.

'Once again, this decision highlights the Romanian justice system's commitment to fairness and transparency, showcasing its dedication to upholding due process and the rule of law.'

Andrew and Tristan had been placed on house arrest last August amid a police investigation in claims a 17-year-old girl was trafficked to Britain and made to 'perform sexual acts in order to produce pornographic material'.

One of the men is also alleged to have engaged in 'sexual relations' with a 15-year-old.

Andrew and Tristan Tate were arrested in June 2023, and deny the charges against them.

Last month, the brothers secured a legal victory as a Romanian court refused to put them on trial over human trafficking charges.

Prosecutors allege that 38-year-old Tate, his brother, 36, and two women set up a criminal organisation and sexually exploited several victims.

But the court postponed the possibility of a trial, citing 'irregularities' in the indictment of Tate in mid-November, and ordering prosecutors to rectify them.

Andrew Tate (R) gestures while speaking with TV reporters about his new planned party after a hearing on return of confiscated goods at Bucharest Court in Bucharest, 9 January 2025

Andrew Tate, next to his brother Tristan Tate, gestures while talking to media representatives after exiting the Bucharest courthouse, in Bucharest, Romania, January 9

The Bucharest appeals court decided to 'return to the Public Prosecutor's Office... the case in which the indictment was issued, by which the contestants were sent to trial', it said in a statement.

Prosecutors will not have to decide whether to bring new evidence to back up their charges, or to amend them.

The pair had previously been placed under house arrest in Romania pending a trial on rape and human trafficking charges, but the measures were also later overturned in August 2023.

In July 2024, courts ruled that both brothers could leave Romania, but must stay in the EU.
A mother of three has been arrested after a horrifying video showed her trying to light her three-year-old daughter on fire as the toddler screamed hysterically.

The harrowing footage showed Darlyn Perez holding a lighter to the defenseless child in the kitchen of her home in Boca del Rio Viejo, a village in the Honduran city of Marcovia, over the weekend.

The child can be heard sobbing 'No' as her mother held the lighter underneath the innocent girl.

The deranged mom is also seen slapping the toddler twice and saying, 'She's going to stay their kneeling.'

Perez then approached the person recording the heinous act and slapped the phone.

The video spread on social media, drawing the attention of local authorities, which apprehended Perez on Monday.

As she was escorted to the police station, a tearful Perez was asked by a reporter if she had any remorse for her actions.

'I regret it,' she said.

Darlyn Perez was arrested in Marcovia, Honduras on Monday after she was caught on video attempting to light her three-year-old daughter on fire

The mother-of-three was arrested Monday and is facing an aggravated child abuse charge

Authorities took custody of the mother's three girls - aged 1, 3 and 6 - after the heinous act

When asked what drove her to commit such cruel form of punishment, Perez claimed she had no idea.

'I don't know. I was calm,' she said. 'I don't mistreat my girl.'

Perez nodded her head 'yes' when asked if it was the first time she tried to commit such an act.

'I take care of my daughter,' she said. 'I would never do it again.'

The girl and her two other sisters, aged 1 and 6, were removed from the home and placed under the care of the Secretariat of Children, Adolescents and Family.

Perez is facing a charge of aggravated child abuse.
Greenland is 'ready' to work with Donald Trump even if they're not ready to become part of the United States.

'The reality is we are going to work with the U.S.  yesterday, today and tomorrow,' Mute Egede, the premier of Greenland, said at a news conference in Nuuk, the island's capital.

However, he also had words of caution.

'We have to be very smart on how we act,' he said. 'The power struggles between the superpowers are rising and are now knocking on our door.'

Both Denmark and Greenland repeatedly have said the island is not for sale, despite Trump's repeated entrees to purchase it. The president-elect has not ruled out using force to take it, arguing it's a national security issue.

Greenland is strategically important and also home to many rare earth minerals important to technology. Denmark holds nominal sovereignty over the island, an arrangement dating back to colonial times.

Trump's words raised alarm in some sectors. Denmark and the United States are both members of the NATO alliance and have been allies going back to World War II.

Mute Egede, the premier of Greenland, said his country is ready to work with Donald Trump

However, incoming Vice President J.D. Vance dismissed Trump's threat of military force, when he spoke to Fox News Sunday, although he highlighted Greenland's strategic importance and its rich resources.

Egede said Vance's words were reassuring.

'It was worrying when we first heard it. But the vice president said yesterday that they have no interest in using weapons. Our interest is in cooperation,' Egede said.

He did admit he was 'shocked' at Trump's threat, which came the same day the president-elect's eldest son Don Jr. made a surprising visit to the island.

Greenland, a former colony of Denmark since the 18th century, became a self-governing Danish territory in 1953.

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 such as copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt and rare earth elements. Those are vital components in emerging green technologies, such as wind turbines and electric vehicles, energy storage technologies and national security applications.

Currently, Denmark retains responsibility for Greenland's defense.

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'

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.

The United States has been interested in Greenland for decades as has Russian, China and other European countries.

Greenland controls Arctic shipping lanes and its extensive mineral resources that are no longer considered out of reach thanks to global warming melting the ice covering the land.

The United States tried - and failed - to buy Greenland after World War II. But it did establish the Pituffik Space Base at the northern end of the island.

At 836,000 square miles, Greenland is a scarcely 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

Multiple politicians, including Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, sent a clear message to Trump: 'Greenland is not for sale.'

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 road rage 'Karen' filmed being body slammed by a man she attacked unprovoked has broken her silence to say she has 'learned her lesson.'

Katreena Aiken, 36, voluntarily identified herself as the 'Karen' seen in the now-viral incident which took place in Toledo earlier this month.

The mom ended up being body slammed into the ground after she attacked a passenger in a car during a confrontation as he tried to walk away from her.

Aiken took to her local community Facebook page to confirm her identity as the driver of the distinctive blue Ford sedan seen in the video.

Her admission prompted a flurry of questions from other members, including whether she managed to 'learn that day'.

'Sure did! Hopefully we all learned a lesson! Ifktr [I know that's right],' Aiken replied.

However, it is not the mom's first brush with trouble, as online records show she was handed a 60-day suspended jail sentence for obstructing a business in 2011.

She pleaded no contest to the misdemeanor charge and was also slapped with an $1,000 fine, plus court costs. Further details have yet to emerge.

Ohio woman Katreena Aiken, who was filmed being body slammed into the ground after she attacked a man during a traffic altercation, said she 'learned her lesson'

Aiken, 36, identified herself as the 'Karen' seen in the now-viral incident which took place in Toledo earlier this month

Her Facebook page indicates that Aiken is a mom-of-one to her daughter.

In the video, Aiken was seen yelling at the driver of a red sedan behind her about being too close to her car.

She hurled a volley of foul mouthed threats before a man in pajamas stepped out of the passenger door of the red car to remonstrate with her.

'Let's go, get out of the f***ing car,' she screamed as she opened her arms toward the other driver.

The male passenger then got out of the red car as Aiken continued to yell at the driver who remained in the vehicle the entire time.

'Don't touch my car!' the driver of the red vehicle yelled.

'I didn't touch your f***ing car. You were on my,' the Aiken shouted, before turning her attention to the man.

'My man's right f***ing there. Come and put your f***ing hands on me,' she taunted.

The incident took place in Toledo, Ohio on January 4 after she began yelling at a male passenger

Aiken was left lying in the icy road after she tried to punch the passenger and he retaliated

Deciding there was no point in trying to calm her down, the man started to walk away.

But this only enraged Aiken further and prompted her to land an unprovoked punch on the man when his back was turned.

The man then quickly turned around, struck her back and slammed her onto the icy road with a sickening thud before pulling off in the red car.

Aiken was left clutching her head and moaning before another motorist who appeared to have witnessed the chaos pulled up and told her to get into her car.

She was seen hobbling away, but did not give any indication she'd been seriously injured by the beat-down.

Police in Toledo said no-one had called the incident in and that there were no plans to pursue any criminal charges.
The hospital trust that employed a doctor who administered rectal drugs to young boys for his own sexual gratification has issued an unreserved apology to his victims.

Dr Iuliu Stan worked at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust between 2015 and 2020, but was last year found to have committed the 'unnecessary, invasive and intimate procedures' by a medical practitioners tribunal.

Having trained in his native Romania, Dr Stan moved to the south-west of England where he worked as a locum senior house officer in trauma and orthopaedics.

Twenty-one patients over a five-year period were 'preyed on' in this way, a 2024 tribunal ruled. An undisclosed number were minors.

One victim had their genitals needlessly manhandled by the disgraced medic.

Another, a teenager, had a tube used to empty his bladder inserted into his penis without clinical justification, contracting a bacterial infection as a result.

The tribunal also heard how one patient was so uncomfortable with the doctor's 'strange and distressing' behaviour that he tried to discharge himself from hospital before receiving antibiotics.

Dr Stan, who previously enjoyed an unblemished record, was erased from the medical register with immediate effect by the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) following the findings of the tribunal.

Dr Iuliu Stan. who originally trained in Romania, has been erased from the UK medical register after a tribunal found he subjected men and boys to unnecessary, invasive and intimate procedures for his own sexual gratification

Authorities were alerted to the medic's treatment of patients in 2020 when a father became concerned about the 'length of time' Dr Stan took while giving his child a painkiller via the rectum.

In considering whether his behaviour was sexually motivated, the tribunal noted the patterns of behaviour and which patients he personally gave medication to.

For example, of the 51 enemas Dr Stan prescribed, he only personally administered eight, all to males under the age of 40, including twice for a 17-year-old boy.

In another cited example, Dr Stan administered rectal-based painkillers himself on 277 occasions for male patients, but only once for a female patient.

In contrast, on occasions when Dr Stan prescribed non-rectal painkillers, such as intravenous drips, he didn't administer any personally for either sex.

The doctor defended his actions by claiming the use of rectal painkillers is much more common in Romanian medicine than in the UK.

In a statement, the Royal Cornwall Hospital said: 'We have written to affected individuals to admit liability for the actions of Dr Stan and to offer an unreserved apology to victims.

'We are deeply sorry for the distress caused by his serious professional misconduct and his abuse of the trust placed in him by patients.

'Whilst we must follow due legal process, we will be doing everything we can to bring investigations and claims made by his victims to an early conclusion.'

Patients at Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (pictured) were subjected to unnecessary anal examinations and medications being inserted into their rectums by Dr Stan

Matthew Jones, from Thompsons' Solicitors medical negligence team, said the firm was representing a 'growing number' of patients.

'We welcome the trust's apology and its recognition of the considerable distress caused to patients by Dr Stan's unacceptable behaviour,' he said.

'Whilst it is impossible to undo the harm caused, this acknowledgment and admission of negligence is an important step in helping patients find closure and holding those responsible to account.'

Mr Jones added: 'The breadth and severity of the alleged misconduct by Dr Stan are deeply troubling.

'Based on the evidence and patterns of behaviour outlined in the tribunal's report, we believe there may be hundreds of victims who suffered under his care.

'We urge anyone who may have been affected to come forward and seek the support they need.'
Rachel Reeves was today challenged over Chinese slave labour and jailed British citizen Jimmy Lai as she scrambled to defend her visit to Beijing and Shanghai.

The recently-returned Chancellor updated MPs on her controversial overseas trip, which she went ahead with despite growing economic alarm in Britain.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Ms Reeves' hailed how she had secured 600million of investment in the UK over five years as a result of her talks in China.

But MPs branded it 'small beer', while also noting it was a fraction of the estimated impact of soaring Government borrowing costs amid recent market turmoil.

In her statement to the Commons, the Chancellor insisted that 'not engaging is simply not an option' when it comes to Britain's relationship with China.

She highlighted how the Asian giant is the 'second biggest economy in the world and our fourth largest trading partner.

'Growth is the number one mission of this Labour Government,' Ms Reeves said.

'And to grow the economy, we need to help great British businesses export around the world, that includes to China.'

But former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith expressed concerns about Labour's re-engagement with China, after relations with Beijing cooled under the Conservatives.

Rachel Reeves was today challenged over Chinese slave labour and jailed British citizen Jimmy Lai as she scrambled to defend her visit to Beijing and Shanghai

Former Tory leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith expressed concerns about Labour's re-engagement with China, after relations with Beijing cooled under the Conservatives

Liberal Democrat Treasury spokeswoman Daisy Cooper told Ms Reeves that she 'should not have gone to China unless there was a commitment that Jimmy Lai was going to be released'

Mr Lai, a media tycoon and pro-democracy activist, was jailed in late 2020 in Hong Kong

Sir Iain said the UK-China Economic and Financial Dialogue, which Ms Reeves re-started on her trip, was previously paused after the 'brutal imposition' of new national security laws in Hong Kong.

'When the Chancellor and the Government now go back to engage and re-open that dialogue, she does so on the basis that things have got worse, not better,' Sir Iain told Ms Reeves of China's crackdown in Hong Kong.

Sir Iain also noted how, while Ms Reeves was abroad, fast-fashion retailer Shein 'point blank' refused to tell a committee of MPs whether they had slave labour in their supply chains.

The company has faced claims that some of its clothes contain cotton from Xinjiang, where China has been accused of subjecting Uyghurs to forced labour and genocide.

Ms Reeves insisted the Government was 'committed to working with international partners and businesses' to ensure supply chains are free from human rights abuses.

Sir Iain wore a 'Free Jimmy Lai' badge on the lapel of his jacket as he grilled Ms Reeves, and he was not the only MP to highlight the case of the detained British citizen.

Liberal Democrat Treasury spokeswoman Daisy Cooper earlier told Ms Reeves that she 'should not have gone to China unless there was a commitment that Jimmy Lai was going to be released'.

The media tycoon and pro-democracy activist was detained in late 2020 in Hong Kong.

He is currently being held in solitary confinement after being accused of violating the territory's new national security law, which was imposed by China.

Ms Reeves said she was only able to raise issues around human rights, forced labour, Hong Kong, Jimmy Lai, and China's sanctioning of UK parliamentarians because she had travelled to Beijing.

'You can't raise those issues unless you are in the room,' the Chancellor told MPs.

Ms Cooper had also swiped that Ms Reeves' 'much-lauded' trip to China 'is only worth 600 million to the UK over the next five years, adding: 'This really is small beer.'

Quizzed by TUV MP Jim Allister on the outcome of her conversations with Chinese ministers about Mr Lai, Ms Reeves refused to divulge the details of her talks.

'I'm not going to go into the details of those conversations,' she said.
For Los Angeles County fire expert Drew Smith, the writing was on the wall.

In October 2023, he predicted a 'nightmare scenario' of Santa Ana winds fanning fast-spreading flames across parched vegetation and devouring whole communities in their wake.

Smith's unheeded warnings came to pass in spectacular fashion last week, when wildfires engulfed the city, killing at least 24 people, scorching 12,000 structures and forcing tens of thousands from their homes.

The accuracy of his predications casts further doubt on the California officials tasked with protecting the city, who have been accused of failing to manage the land and have enough crews and water ready to douse blazes.

Back in 2023, Smith, said his fear of such a fast-spreading wildfire 'keeps me up at night.'

'That worst-case scenario fire with our residents at home with limited options. It's terrifying,' he told the website LAist.

He was referring to Topanga Canyon  an area where homes have been devastated by the Palisades Fire, the largest of the blazes that have devoured an area the size of Washington DC this month.

Smith, a fire behavior analyst, warned that all the elements were in place for a savage inferno.

He pointed out dense chaparral that hadn't burned in decades  plenty of fuel ready to go up in smoke.

LA fire expert Drew Smith made scarily accurate predictions about the fires in October 2023

Smith warned of a fast-moving blaze fanned by Santa Ana winds that would engulf homes and claim dozens of lives

A spark from a power line or a passing car would ignite some of the dry brush that covers the area, he predicted.

That, he continued, would be fanned by the blustery Santa Ana winds from the east.

As the fire spread, he warned that residents could struggle to flee in time through the narrow roads that snake along the canyons.

The flames would move so fast, they would pass from the San Fernando Valley to the Pacific Ocean in a few hours, he warned.

Back then, he said he would 'not be surprised' if dozens of residents lost their lives in a fast-moving fire.

'We are training for that,' he added.

It could be as bad as the 2018 Camp Fire, which destroyed the town of Paradise and claimed some 85 lives, or the fast-moving Woolsey Fire that same year, which traversed 17 miles from LA to Malibu in less than 24 hours, he predicted.

'Don't get lured into a false sense of security because we've had a very passive fire season,' Smith said ominously.

'Under the right conditions, we have a high potential for a devastating fire in the Santa Monica Mountains that hasn't seen fire frequency in 25 years.'

In the wake of this month's calamity, Smith's warnings from 14 months ago look like a terrifying prophecy.

Firefighters tackling the Palisades Fire said they couldn't get enough water out of hydrants to douse burning homes

Smiths predictions cast doubt on whether California Governor Gavin Newsom and other officials did enough to protect LA

Newsom is accused of neglecting the kinds of land management clearing that stops blazes from happening in the first place

Entire LA neighborhoods have been reduced to into smoldering ash and piles of rubble, and leaving behind an apocalyptic hellscape.

As of Monday, more than 92,000 LA County residents were under evacuation orders  down from more than 150,000  while a further 89,000 faced evacuation warnings.

The Palisades Fire, where Smith made his scary prediction, had wiped out upscale communities, burned 23,713 acres and was 14 percent contained.

The Eaton Fire in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains east of the city consumed another 14,117 acres and was 33 percent contained, Cal Fire said.

A third fire, the Hurst, spanning 799 acres was 95 percent contained, while three other fires in the county have been fully brought under control in recent days.

California Gov Gavin Newsom has said the blazes could rank as the most devastating natural disaster in US history.

It's already the costliest wildfire in terms of insured losses.

But the scale of the tragedy  and the accuracy of Smith's predictions  raise doubts about whether Newsom and other officials were cognizant of the impending risks.

Firefighters tackling the Palisades Fire said the lack of water pressure in fire hydrants left them unable to douse burning homes.

The nearby Santa Ynez Reservoir, a 117-million-gallon water resource, was under renovation and empty when fires tore through the area.

California officials have been accused of failing to preempt wildfires with controlled burns and felling

Angry locals sued the LA Department of Water and Power on Monday, saying it failed to manage the water supplies needed to fight fires, including those in the reservoir.

President-elect Donald Trump slammed Newsom and other California officials for 'incompetent' efforts to tackle the blazes, saying they 'have no idea how to put them out.'

Top Republicans in the US Congress are considering imposing conditions on disaster aid, accusing the state's Democratic leadership of mismanaging water resources and forests.

Newsom, widely seen as a potential Democratic presidential candidate in 2028, has faced criticism for his land management policies, with seasonal blazes ravaging the Golden State throughout his time in office.

Investigations by California-based media outlets have repeatedly bashed him for failing to deliver on his promises upon taking office in 2019 of revamping the state's wildfire strategy.

He's been accused of overstating his accomplishments and pulling much-needed funding from fire safety and land management even as the amount of burnable fuel was piling up to dangerous levels.

Newsom's office and Smith did not immediately respond to DailyMail.com's requests for comment.
Jurors in the trial of the 70-year-old man accused of murdering postmistress Una Crown today heard the chilling 999 call a neighbour's care worker made after discovering her remains.

David Newton, 70, denies murdering Mrs Crown at her Cambridgeshire home in January 2013.

The 86-year-old retiree had been due to visit her niece for Sunday lunch on the day her body was found by a relative and the care worker.

However, she was found in a pool of her own blood inside her property later that day, with her clothing set alight in what appeared to have been an attempt to destroy evidence.

Investigators had originally believed Mrs Crown had accidentally set herself on fire using her cooker, but a pathologist later found stab wounds to her neck and chest along with defensive wounds to her hands.

As a result, detectives launched a murder inquiry and revealed that Mrs Crown's wedding ring, front door key, and 40 were missing.

After a decade without a breakthrough, the case was featured on BBC's Crimewatch programme in 2023 with a 20,000 reward offered for information leading to an arrest. Newton was subsequently arrested by authorities in April 2024.

Appearing before Cambridge Crown Court on Tuesday, Mr Newton, a retired boxer, wore black-rimmed glasses, a dark-coloured jumper and jeans and was assisted by an intermediary as he listened to the prosecution opening from the secure dock.

Una Crown, 86, who was stabbed before her body was torched at her home 12 years ago

David Newton, 70, has been charged with the murder of the pensioner

Una Crown and her late husband Jack Crown. The widow's murder has been unsolved for years

Una Crown's bungalow in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire

Care agency worker Julie Buckle had been working at Mrs Crown's neighbour's house before discovering her body alongside Mrs Crown's niece's husband.

Ms Buckle described in an earlier police statement the moment she found the widower on the floor of her home.

'The door opened easily', she recalled.

'I could see Una lying on the floor about four to five feet from the front door, with her feet towards the front door, her head towards the kitchen.

'Una was lying with her face down into the carpet, her arms by her side, her legs straight out behind her.

'I could see either blood or body fluids around her and assumed she wasn't alive'.

Having discovered Mrs Crown's remains, Ms Buckle called 999, with the recording played before Cambridge Crown Court.

In it, the care worker can be heard describing a fire on the kitchen wall, a burnt tea towel on a rail and burnt debris on the hallway floor.

An exasperated Ms Buckle could be heard telling the 999 operator: 'I think she's been on fire'.

The trial, which is estimated to last four weeks, continues.
A Florida mother was arrested after she allegedly punished her five-year-old son by leaving him alone in a park.

Alize Angel Rodriguez, 20, was arrested on Sunday in Miami Beach after concerned witnesses spotted the young boy walking around alone in Flamingo Park for about 20 minutes.

Others told cops that they also spotted his mother, Rodriguez, driving away from the area in a gray Toyota without her child.

The child told officers and bystanders that Rodriquez often leaves him to fend for himself in the park when he misbehaves, according to her arrest report, obtained by DailyMail.com.

Those who found the abandoned child also noted that when they saw Rodriguez, she appeared 'incoherent and possibly under the influence,' the report said.

Police then found a purse that she had thrown into bushes after a witness saw her toss it as they walked on Meridian Avenue. Rodriguez was soon spotted nearby and taken into custody.

Inside the bag, authorities discovered marijuana and multiple pills, including Xanax, a food stamp card, small paper bags, medium-sized paper bags, and three mylar pouches.

Rodriguez denied that she was under the influence. She did make some kind of admission to police, but it has since been redacted from the publicly released report, records show.

Alize Angel Rodriguez, 20, was arrested on Sunday in Miami Beach after concerned witnesses saw her five-year-old son alone for about 20 minutes

Others told cops that they also spotted his mother, Rodriguez, driving away from the area in a gray Toyota without her child

She was transported to the Miami Beach holding facility and is currently being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.

Rodriguez is facing felony charges of child neglect without great bodily harm and possession of a controlled substance.

She is also facing a misdemeanor charge for the possession of cannabis, records show.

On Monday, she was seen in court with a green suicide smock as she attempted to make a statement, but was soon cut off by the judge.

'You don't have to say anything. You've got a good lawyer - let him do the talking,' Judge Mindy S. Glazer said as Rodriguez smiled.

During the hearing, her lawyer requested that her client get a reasonable bond amount set so Rodriguez 'can be with her son once again.'

'She ain't gonna be with her son. I'm entering a stay away order to be sent to DCF,' Glazer responded. Her child has been placed in the custody of his maternal grandmother.

On Monday, Rodriguez was seen in court with a green suicide smock as she attempted to make a statement, but was soon cut off by the judge

She is currently being held without bond. Her next court hearing is scheduled for February 11, records show.

In December, officials found a one-month-old baby abandoned in a car seat on a Colorado highway.

Deputies from the Adams County Sheriffs Office responded to 911 calls about a baby boy found near a median on 7490 Pecos St on Christmas Day.

The child was wearing only a diaper and sitting in a car seat carrier.

Police launched a search for the youngster's parents, putting a callout on social media urging anybody with information to alert authorities.

By 8.40pm that night the department said that the child's biological parents, Jarvis Sims and Christina Thurman, were located.

They were arrested and charged with felony child abuse.
Pete Hegseth was forced to confront allegations of sexual misconduct, infidelity and and heavy drinking during his high-stakes Senate confirmation hearing on Tuesday.

The former Fox News arrived on Capitol Hill smiling after a standing ovation and 'USA' chants, but soon protests and chaos broke out as noisy activists were carried out by Capitol Police.

Democrats hurled a slew of allegations against him, interrogated his past comments on women in the military and 'woke' policies and suggested he wasn't qualified to lead the government department with a budget of more than $800billion.

The 44-year-old fired back by claiming the Pentagon needs to be transformed and be more accountable for failures, such as the catastrophic Afghanistan withdrawal.

He paid tribute to his family - who have been at the center of salacious claims - before he tried to swat away a torrent of questions from fired-up Senators picking apart his resume.

It remains to be seen if Hegseth can garner enough support to forward his rocky nomination and become Donald Trump's next defense secretary.

Looming large over Hegseth were myriad allegations of his past sexual misconduct, binge drinking and mismanagement of veterans' organizations.

These allegations have threatened to tank Hegseth's chances of getting the Pentagon's top job.

He is widely considered to be Trump's most at-risk Cabinet nominee who is set to go through the bruising confirmation process.

Shortly after hearing began, Chairman Roger Wicker, R-Miss., gave Hegseth the opportunity address the allegations head-on.

'I'm not a perfect person as has been acknowledged,' Hegseth said emotionally, adding he has been 'saved by the grace of God, by Jesus and Jenny' his wife, 39.

'I'm not a perfect person but redemption is real. And God forged me in ways that I know I'm prepared for,' the 44-year-old said resolutely. 'And I'm honored by the people standing and sitting behind me and I look forward to leading.'

Pete Hegseth makes an opening statement during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing to examine his expected nomination to be Secretary of Defense, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. He addressed reports of his allegedly scandalous behavior saying that 'redemption is real'

Jennifer Rauchet, wife of Pete Hegseth, sits behind her husband as he addresses reports of sexual misconduct

Hegseth, an Army veteran and the former host of 'FOX & Friends Weekend' on was the first of the incoming Trump administration's nominees to face questions from Senators. Hegseth was joined by Rep. Michael Waltz (R-FL) (L) and former Senator Norm Coleman (R-MN) (R)

These eye-raising reports include accusations of rape, getting drunk on the job and other mischief. Almost all of the allegations came out after Hegseth was first nominated to secretary of defense in November.

One incident at a California hotel in 2017 involved a married woman claiming Hegseth allegedly sexually assaulted her, though despite her filing a police report, charges were never brought.

He said he was 'falsely accused' and was later 'completely cleared' for the incident.

An email from Hegseth's mother condemning her son of being an 'abuser of women' also surfaced after Trump announced he wanted the veteran to run the Pentagon.

Hegseth, meanwhile, has denied wrongdoing in the allegations against him and his mother has said she rescinded the email and defends her son.

'From the beginning, there was a coordinated smear campaign orchestrated in the media against us,' he said of the scathing reports during the hearing.

'That was clear from moment one, and what we knew is that it wasn't about me, most of it was about President Donald Trump,' he continued, claiming the target on his back only grew after he was nominated.

Democratic Senator Tim Kaine also ripped Hegseth for being unfaithful to one of his past wives.

'You have admitted that you had sex while you were married to your wife,' Kaine told Hegseth. 'You just had fathered a child!'

The nominee responded: 'I will allow your words to speak for themself.'

Kaine continued, questioning Hegseth's morality, wondering how he could take the oath of office seriously if he could not uphold his own wedding vows.

Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (L) and Kristen Gillibrand (R) during Pete Hegseth's confirmation hearing

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y.,speaks during the Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing for Pete Hegseth

Lawmakers also ruthlessly pressed the 44-year-old father of seven about his past comments on women in the military.

A testy moment came when the second most senior Democrat on the panel, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., pressed Hegseth on his past comments about how women should not serve in combat.

'What do you have to say to the almost 400,000 women who are serving today about your position on whether they should be capable to rise through the highest ranks of our military?'

The nominee shot back: 'I would say I would be honored to have the opportunity to serve alongside you, shoulder to shoulder, men and women, black, white, all backgrounds with a shared purpose. Our differences are not what define us.'

Shaheen responded quickly: 'Well, I appreciate your 11th hour conversion.'

Sen. Kristen Gillibrand, D-N.Y., also skewered Hegseth for his past comments about women and gay service members.

'Women you have denigrated, you have also denigrated members of the LGBT community,' Gillibrand yelled at Hegseth.

'You said in your statement you don't want politics in the DOD,' Gillibrand continued. 'Everything you said in these public statements is politics.'

She did not hold back on about Hegseth's past remarks: ''I don't want women. I don't want moms.''

'What's wrong with the mom once you have babies, you therefore no longer able to be lethal?' the senator asked. 'I mean, you're basically saying women, after they have children, can't ever serve in the military to combat.

Gillibrand told the former Fox News host his past comments were 'beneath the position that you are aspiring to.'

Hegseth confirmed he would allow women to serve in combat roles, despite saying in the past he would rather them not

Protesters with the group CodePink demonstrate at the start of the Senate Armed Services confirmation hearing for President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Capitol Hill

Later in the hearing Hegseth confirmed that women will be able to continue serving in combat roles. He said that 'readiness and meritocracy' must be front and center at the Pentagon.

Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, also pressed Hegseth on reports about his drinking at work in the past.

'I have read multiple reports of your regularly being drunk at work by people who work with,' she said.

The nominee said they were 'false' reports and denied them.

He then confirmed that he would not drink if appointed to the secretary of defense, a claim he had made before.

Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, said she thinks Hegseth would use military force to take Greenland and the Panama Canal

Hirono also pressed Hegseth on whether he would take over Greenland at the behest of Trump.

'Would you use our military to take over Greenland?'

Hegseth saying he would 'never in this public forum' talk about Trump's military plans.

She said it sounded to her like he would 'basically invade Greenland and take over the Panama Canal.'

Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Olka., hit back at criticisms about Pete Hegseth's infidelity and past drinking habits by taking aim at his colleagues.

'How many senators have shown up drunk to vote at night?' he questioned his colleagues. 'Dont tell me you havent seen it, because I know you have,'

Before the Republican spoke, several Democrats called into question reports about Hegseth's drinking and 'cheating on his wife.'

'How many senators have gotten a divorce for cheating?' Mullin continued. 'Did you ask them to step down?'

Senator Markwayne Mullin called out senators for getting drunk on the job and cheating on their spouses, two criticisms lawmakers lobbed at Hegseth

A protestor holding an anti-Hegseth sign. He was later asked to leave

In addition to fiery exchanges between the nominee and the lawmakers, sparks flew in the crowd as activists broke out in protests before being carried out by Capitol Police.

'You are a Christian zionist and you support the war in Gaza by the zionists,' the first of several protestors broke out shortly after Hegseth's opening remarks began.

It was an older man wearing a white suit who introduced himself as a veteran. The man shouting at Trump's nominee was soon carried out sideways by Capitol Police.

Soon after, the room was settled down another protestor started yelling.

A woman in fatigues was creamed 'we need money for veterans' and 'veterans are committing suicide.'

A third man began chanting about the U.S. giving '$8 billion to Israel to slaughter children.'

The man made such a fuss that within seconds he was carried out by at least four Capitol Police who hoisted him by all arms and legs.

Another protestor shouted: 'You are a misogynist.'

Megyn Kelly looks on before the start of the Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing for Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's choice to be Defense secretary

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) stands next to protesters as she arrives for the Senate Armed Services confirmation hearing

Aside from the fireworks, the nominee did provide some policy positions as well.

He committed to reinstating the 8,000 service members with backpay who were cut from the military for not getting a COVID shot.

He noted how it was a priority of Trump's and that the soldiers were 'were forced out because of an experimental vaccine.'

'In President Trumps Defense Department they will be apologized to, they will be reinstated with pay and rank.'

The 44-year-old also told Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, that he would create a body to oversee sexual assault prevention and response in the military should he be confirmed.
Actress Patricia Heaton laid into California's embattled leadership for 'dropping the ball' in their response to the devastating Los Angeles fires.

The Everybody Loves Raymond star raged at the apparent unpreparedness of Los Angeles' emergency services as she told Fox News the city was learning a 'very harsh lesson.'

'I know some of the officials were saying, Well, the system was overwhelmed. Well, in case of a huge fire, of course it's going to be overwhelmed,' she said.

'You should know that and have been prepared for that.'

Heaton, who now lives in Nashville, Tennessee, questioned where the significant tax dollars that the Los Angeles area rakes in have been spent, and said residents 'can't just rely on the government to take care of things.'

'I think there's a lot of money spent in LA, and we can't figure out where it's going,' she continued.

'In 2014, a (proposition) was passed to create new reservoirs... zero were created. Because they were protecting the smelt or something.'

Heaton was referencing California Governor Gavin Newsom's initiative to conserve the delta smelt fish that have been alleged to have disrupted water supplies across the now-scorched city.

Newsom has come under mounting criticism alongside Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for the city's overwhelmed response to the fires, which have so far killed at least 24 people and burned over 12,000 buildings to the ground.

Everybody Loves Raymond actress Patricia Heaton laid into California 's embattled leadership for 'dropping the ball' in their response to the devastating Los Angeles fires

As the death toll surged to 24 in recent days, officials warned that the figure is expected to grow as crews struggle to access the smoldering wreckages of entire neighborhoods

Authorities predict rebuilding Los Angeles could cost upwards of $150 billion and take over a decade, as Heaton hit out at state leaders for 'a lot of money spent in LA, and we can't figure out where it's going'

Bass was met with widespread backlash for her approach to handling the crisis, with the mayor panned for being out of the country in the first days of the fires and for slashing the city's fire department budget.

She was then caught in footage standing in stunned silence as a Sky News reporter questioned her response and refusal to apologize to residents.

Heaton said this week that after seeing how Bass and Newsom handled the disaster, progress will only come from 'people coming together in your community and insisting on getting stuff done.'

'And sadly, this is a very, very, very harsh lesson,' she continued to Fox News.

'But I guess that's what it takes to kind of break apart that bureaucracy and get the stuff done that the government is supposed to do, which is take care of the infrastructure first and foremost.'

Heaton joined other celebrities including Chris Pratt and Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson in working with the LA Dream Center since the fires broke out, helping the initiative to provide aid to victims.

Heaton said this week that Los Angelinos were learning a 'very harsh lesson' in the wake of the fires as she condemned California's leadership during the crisis

Heaton named California Governor Gavin Newsom's safeguarding of a tiny fish that have been alleged to have disrupted water supplies ahead of the fires

Officials have issued an unprecedented fourth 'particularly dangerous situation' fire weather warning as high winds are set to hit the fire-ravaged Los Angeles area

Experts warn that drought-like conditions and high winds have created the perfect conditions for wildfires to erupt and spread rapidly

She said she has been supporting the organization from her home in Nashville, and said leaving Los Angeles for the Tennessee city was the 'right decision' for her.

'My four sons still live in LA, and we go back to hang out and take meetings,' Heaton continued.

'And we have many friends there and are doing business there, but Nashville seems to be welcoming a lot of people from our industry. So I'm not the only one that made this decision.'

Heaton said Nashville is 'filling up' with Californians, and had 'a feeling after this fire we're going to get another huge amount of talented, creative people who have decided, you know, they've had enough.'

'They can be creative without worrying about houses burning down and taxes going up and crime and all that stuff,' she said.

Heaton is far from the only Hollywood celebrity to condemn the response to the wildfires, with actress and former First Lady of California Maria Shriver saying this week that 'LA cannot go forward with the status quo.'

It comes as Los Angeles was placed under an unprecedented wind warning amid fears 70mph gusts could trigger a new inferno.

The National Weather Service issued a fourth 'particularly dangerous situation' warning to take effect 4am Tuesday, cautioning that winds of up to 70mph will last through noon Wednesday.

Huge swaths of the bone-dry city are under the new warning from Ventura across much of the San Fernando Valley, while areas from San Diego to San Bernardino remain under conventional red flag warnings.

Overwhelmed fire crews received bad news Tuesday as forecasters issued an urgent 'particularly dangerous situation' warning over winds of up to 70mph that will last through noon Wednesday

The fourth warning comes after the previous three this fire season brought havoc to the densely populated area, including the ongoing Palisades and Eaton fires that have become among the deadliest in California history.

Much of the area around Malibu and the Pacific Palisades are also under the new warning, where at least 24 people have died and over 12,000 buildings have been destroyed in multiple fires.

Meteorologists warn that unseasonable drought-like conditions have turned the city into potential kindling as high winds set in.

The last significant rainfall in downtown Los Angeles came in May 2024, and since October 1 just 0.16 inches of rain has fallen - compared to a historical average of 5.34 inches by this time, reports the LA Times.

Climatologist Bill Patzert told the outlet that 'the past nine months has been one of the driest in the historical record going back to 1900. During my career, Ive never seen punishing Santa Ana events so overwhelm the normal winter rain season.'
Mauritius is poised to sign off a deal to take control of the Chagos Islands from the UK as early as tomorrow amid claims Labour will pay billions to cede British sovereignty.

Keir Starmer has been pushing for a quick agreement to hand over control of the archipelago - formally the British Indian Ocean Territory - with just a week to go before Donald Trump re-enters the White House.

And media reports from the Indian Ocean suggest a 'special council of ministers' will gather in Port Louis tomorrow to finalise a deal reportedly worth 9billion.

Britain is thought to be ready to hand Mauritius about 90million a year to keep control of the strategically important UK-US military base on Diego Garcia.

But the prospect has sparked fury from Tories and allies of Mr Trump, with ministers today urged to delay any decisions until after Trump's inauguration next week.

Shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel said Labour had been 'bullied' by Mauritius into committing 'the most shameful failure of British diplomacy this century'.

'Billions of pounds of British taxpayers' money is being thrown away and our national security and defence is being put at risk unnecessarily because Keir Starmer and David Lammy are unwilling or unable to defend Britain, which will also undermine our relationship with the USA and the incoming Trump administration who have signalled their opposition to this deal.

'So desperate is Keir Starmer and David Lammy to get the deal done before President Trump returns to office they caved in and backed down. Labour cannot be trusted with the defence and security of our country.'

Labour made the shock announcement in October that it was going to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, which has been a British overseas territory for more than 200 years

Keir Starmer's spokesman previously dismissed reports that the Chagos Islands deal could cost Britain 800million a year as 'completely out of the ballpark'

A joint statement from the countries yesterday said 'good progress' had been made during talks in London.

And Mauritian attorney general Gavin Glover told reporters in Port Louis: 'We had a productive meeting in London and have not come empty-handed from London.'

The new PM Navin Ramgoolam is understood to have pushed for more money after restarting negotiations, arguing that the draft deal he inherited on taking office in November 2024 'would not produce the benefits that the nation could expect'.

There are claims the UK could pay an initial sum covering several years as a 'sweetener' to get the pact across the line.

But Conservative MPs urged caution from the Government and suggested ministers hold off for at least week given hostility to the proposed arrangement from Mr Trump's allies.

The exchanges in the House of Commons came as preparations for Mr Trump's presidency were discussed at Cabinet on Tuesday.

Sir Keir Starmer is not expected to attend the inauguration but the Prime Minister and Mr Trump have discussed meeting 'at the earliest opportunity'  with speculation a visit to Washington could come within weeks of the Republican's arrival in the White House.

Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel asked in the Commons: 'Can the Foreign Secretary explain why he's surrendering the Chagos Islands and frontloading payments to the government of Mauritius to lease the base at Diego Garcia at a cost of 9 billion to UK taxpayers?

'And if this is such a good deal, why's he so secretive about it?'

Foreign Secretary David Lammy replied: 'I know that the shadow foreign secretary is new to the job but I just remind her that it was her government that did 10 rounds of negotiation on this issue, we picked it up, and remind her that the White House, State Department and the Pentagon believe that this is a good deal  as does the Indian government.'

Shadow Foreign Office minister Andrew Rosindell earlier asked: 'Will he commit to this House to wait until after President Trump is in office and after he has had time to discuss this deal with the new administration before finalising any agreement with Mauritius  yes or no?'

Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty, in his reply, said: 'Our deal secures the future security of the base on Diego Garcia. It has support across the US administration and indeed across the United States national security apparatus.'

The joint statement released yesterday said: 'Representatives from Mauritius and the UK held further productive discussions in London this week on the future of the Chagos Archipelago.

'Good progress has been made and discussions are ongoing to reach an agreement that is in both sides' interests.

'Both countries reiterated their commitment to concluding a treaty providing that Mauritius is sovereign over the Chagos Archipelago; and that would ensure the long-term, secure and effective operation of the base on Diego Garcia.'

According to the Financial Times and Bloomberg, the Government is offering to frontload a tranche of payments to Mauritius in order to finalise the draft agreement.

Ministers have so far kept silent on how much it will cost the UK to lease the military base on Diego Garcia, the largest of the Chagos Islands, under the terms of the deal.

A joint statement said 'further productive discussions' had been held on reaching an agreement 'in both sides' interests'

But it is reported Britain is offering about 90million a year for the initial 99-year lease, which would be a total of 8.9billion.

Downing Street has not denied that the Chagos Islands deal could cost 90million a year - but No10 said it would not get into a 'running commentary on those discussions'.

Keir Starmer's spokesman previously dismissed reports that the Chagos Islands deal could cost Britain 800million a year as 'completely out of the ballpark'.

Labour sparked shock in October by announcing that it was going to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, which has been a British overseas territory for more than 200 years.

As part of the arrangement, the Diego Garcia base will remain operational for at least 99 years.

But the former leader of Mauritius who agreed it, Pravind Jugnauth, was ousted in a recent election and the deal has yet to be officially signed.

Opponents of the handover - who have expressed concern that Mauritius is an ally of China - are hopeful that Mr Trump will force Labour to scrap the deal when he returns to the White House.

Labour has insisted it had to strike a deal to protect the Diego Garcia base after the International Court of Justice ruled the UK's administration of the islands was 'unlawful'.

Chagossians were forced to leave the central Indian Ocean territory by 1973 to make way for the military base.
Fighting has intensified in the Russian region of Kursk, with Ukrainian forces taking out whole columns of tanks and the battlefield littered with the corpses of Russian and North Korean soldiers, chilling pictures purportedly show.

Desperate to reclaim the region, part of which was first seized by Kyiv's forces back in August and has been defended by Ukraine since, Vladimir Putin has sent wave after wave of troops to die as 'cannon fodder'.

So exhausted by the rate with which they have been killing their enemies, Ukrainian machine gunners are being replaced regularly, according to reports.

One soldier likened the onslaught to the bloody sieges of eastern Ukrainian cities like Bakhmut, saying that 'after two hours [gun operators] couldn't take it anymore.'

'Here, the Russians need to take this territory at any cost, and are pouring all their strength into it, while we are giving everything we have to hold it,' Sergeant Oleksandr, 46, a Ukrainian infantry platoon leader, told the New York Times.

'We're holding on, destroying, destroying, destroying - so much that it's hard to even comprehend.'

Aiming to retake the town of Malaya Loknya, a key Ukrainian stronghold in the region, Putin's forces reportedly launched a series of massive combined assaults involving some 50 armoured vehicles and hundreds of soldiers.

Ukrainian forces reportedly decimated the columns by disabling the lead vehicles with landmines and drone strikes, forcing those behind them to stop in their tracks.

Images shared by Euromaidan Press shows what appear to be Russian soldiers cowering in ditches and beneath trees as they are hunted by Ukrainian drones

Footage appears to show the bodies of Russian soldiers who tried to take cover in the frozen Kursk wasteland

A Ukrainian serviceman of the mobile air defense unit sits behind an anti-UAV machine gun

Sitting ducks in the line of fire, the Russian soldiers inside the vehicles then abandoned them and attempted to take cover in nearby trenches, allowing them to be easily taken out by Ukrainian gunfire and grenades dropped by drones.

Images shared by Euromaidan Press shows what appear to be Russian soldiers cowering in ditches and beneath trees as they are hunted by Ukrainian drones.

Due to the huge manpower enlisted by Moscow and the massive scale of attacks, Putin's forces have been able to make ground in the region over recent days.

At an extremely high cost, with nearly a full mechanized company said to have been lost in one day, they have reportedly been able to take back control of the villages of Leonidovo and the eastern part of Novoivanovka.

Their 'meat assaults' have been assisted over recent months by the deployment of an estimated 12,000 North Korean soldiers, which Ukrainian soldiers say has made battles even more bloody.

'They are putting our fronts under massive pressure and are constantly finding weak points where they can break through,' a platoon leader said.

It comes after harrowing footage purportedly showed the corpses of more than a dozen North Korean troops lined up on the battlefield.

The Ukrainian OSINT group said that the video 'confirms that the Russian command continues to massively use Koreans as cannon fodder for infantry assaults on Ukrainian army positions'.

The North Koreans were sent in 'ahead of Russian units' to storm frontline positions' in Russia's Kursk region, contested amid a blistering Ukrainian offensive, it added.

Following a battle in Kursk this week, Ukrainian special forces scoured the bodies of more than a dozen slain North Korean enemy soldiers.

They found one still alive, but as they approached, he detonated a grenade, blowing himself up, according to a description of the fighting posted on social media by Ukraine's Special Operations Forces on Monday.

The forces said their soldiers escaped the blast uninjured.

The Ukrainian OSINT group said that the video 'confirms that the Russian command continues to massively use Koreans as cannon fodder for infantry assaults on Ukrainian army positions'

Macabre footage purports to show a row of North Korean soldiers killed in Kursk

The North Koreans were reportedly sent in 'ahead of Russian units' to storm frontline positions' in Russia's Kursk region, contested amid a blistering Ukrainian offensive

The report could not be verified, but it is among mounting evidence from the battlefield, intelligence reports and testimonies of defectors that some North Korean soldiers are resorting to extreme measures as they support Russia's three-year war with Ukraine.

'Self-detonation and suicides: that's the reality about North Korea,' said Kim, a 32-year-old former North Korean soldier who defected to the South in 2022, requesting he only be identified by his surname due to fears of reprisals against his family left in the North.

'These soldiers who left home for a fight there have been brainwashed and are truly ready to sacrifice themselves for Kim Jong Un,' he added, referring to the reclusive North Korean leader.

Moscow and Pyongyang initially dismissed reports about the North's troop deployment as 'fake news'.

But Russian president Vladimir Putin in October did not deny that North Korean soldiers were currently in Russia and a North Korean official said any such deployment would be lawful.

A North Korean soldier held after being captured by the Ukrainian army on January 11

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday the country's military had captured two North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region of Russia

Earlier reports say the faces of the corpses have been deliberately disfigured - including by burning - to stop them being identified as North Koreans.

Ukraine and South Korea reported late last year that North Korea had sent at least 10,000 troops to support Putin's war effort as Ukraine began to make gains inside Kursk.

As many as 300 North Korean soldiers are believed to have been killed, with a further 2,700 wounded, in clashes so far, South Korean lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun told reporters on Monday.

He added that Pyongyang's troops have been told to kill themselves before allowing themselves to be captured alive.

Ukraine this week released videos of what it said were two captured North Korean soldiers.

One of the soldiers expressed a desire to stay in Ukraine, and the other to return to North Korea, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
Former first lady Michelle Obama is skipping President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on Monday after missing President Jimmy Carter's funeral last week.

Her spokesperson declined to provide a reason for the snub.

'Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies. Former first lady Michelle Obama will not attend the upcoming inauguration,' the Office of Barack and Michelle Obama told the Associated Press.

She missed Carter's funeral at the Washington National Cathedral on Thursday due to a 'scheduling conflict' as she enjoyed an extended holiday break in Hawaii, where President Barack Obama was born.

She celebrates her 61st birthday on Friday.

The former first lady has been less publicly engaged since the death of her mother, Marian Robinson, in May.

When she spoke at the Democratic National Convention in August, she remarked that her grief almost kept her from coming onstage.

'I still feel her loss so profoundly - I wan't even sure I'd be steady enough to stand before you tonight,' she told the massive crowd at Chicago's United Center.

Still she headlined several campaign events for Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, ahead of Election Day.

Former first lady Michelle Obama is skipping President-elect Donald Trump 's inauguration on Monday after missing President Jimmy Carter's funeral last week. The former first lady has been less publicly engaged since the death of her mother, Marian Robinson, in May

After speaking at the Democratic National Convention (above) she headlined several events for Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, who lost to President-elect Donald Trump in the November election. Michelle has been on an extended holiday in Hawaii

Generally former presidents and first ladies have attended inauguration - even for the president of the opposite party - unless they were suffering from health issues.

But Trump blew up that modern precedent four years ago, by refusing to attend the swearing-in ceremony of his successor, President Joe Biden.

First lady Melania Trump also skipped Biden's inauguration.

Barack Obama is still planning to attend Monday's swearing-in.

Obama and Trump lit up the internet on Thursday when they appeared extremely chatty at Carter's memorial service.

It comes after Trump pushed the 'birther' conspiracy theory about Obama - that the country's first black president was born in Kenya not Hawaii.

Obama in turn humiliated Trump onstage at the White House Correspondents' Dinner in 2011, considered one of the motivations for Trump to run for the White House in 2016.

Ahead of the program, Obama appeared to be laughing at something Trump said.

Former President Barack Obama (left) joins his wife Michelle Obama (right) onstage at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in August. She had cut down on public events after the death of her mother Marian Robinson in May

Former President Barack Obama (left) appears to be laughing at something President-elect Donald Trump (right) told him during the funeral for President Jimmy Carter at the Washington National Cathedral on Thursday

Michelle Obama was the only spouse absent during President Jimmy Carter's funeral on Thursday. President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, second gentleman Doug Emhoff, former President Bill Clinton, former first lady Hillary Clinton, former President George W. Bush, former first lady Laura Bush, former President Barack Obama, former President and President-elect Donald Trump, former first lady Melania Trump, former Vice President Al Gore, former Vice President Mike Pence were all in attendance

Other dignitaries did not react to the Trumps' arrival that way.

Former second lady Karen Pence refused to acknowledge the Trumps.

She stayed seated, looking straight ahead, as they walked by.

Former Vice President Mike Pence stood and shook Trump's hand after former Vice President Al Gore did the same.

The Trumps and Pences had a falling out in the aftermath of January 6 when the MAGA crowd erected gallows and chanted 'hang Mike Pence.'

Former President George W. Bush initially walked by the Trumps to greet Obama instead as he arrived at the Washington National Cathedral.

He gave Obama a friendly tap on the belly.

Bush later shook hands with the incoming president.

While Bush didn't go as far as his former Vice President Dick Cheney, who alongside daughter Liz, endorsed Harris, he publicly warned the country about the threats of domestic terrorism on the September 11 anniversary following January 6.

Trump, in turn, said that Bush had 'a failed and uninspiring presidency' and shouldn't be 'lecturing' the public about domestic terrorism.

Prior to that, Trump humiliated Bush's brother Jeb on the 2016 campaign trail, mocking the former Florida governor for being 'low energy' - a dig that stuck.

Bush - along with his wife Laura - are slated to attend inauguration on Monday.

They'll again be joined by former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State and Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, with Obama attending solo.
A Liberal Democrat council that ushered in a four-day week has refused to ban moonlighting after it emerged one-in-six of their staff had second jobs on their allocated days off.

South Cambrigdeshire District Council began trialling the scheme in 2023, under which workers would work 80 per cent of their contracted hours, with no loss of pay.

Despite critics previously slamming the scheme as poor value for taxpayers money - and the then Tory government trying to shut it down - the scheme went ahead.

And even though it has come to light 16 per cent of council staff do 'other paid work' although the time off is to 'recover and re-energise' from a more 'intense' week, council chiefs have refused to take action and introduce tighter rules and restrictions.

Members of the Lib Dem-controlled councils cabinet insisted safeguards were already in place to prevent any staff taking jobs which represented a conflict of interest.

The councils leader, Bridget Smith, also dismissed calls for her to quit over the controversial issue, saying she believed the council performed outstandingly well.

South Cambridgeshire District Council are now preparing a public consultation before deciding whether to make it permanent.

They are also now insisting that most of those with second jobs are waste workers who were already doing the extra work outside their contracted hours before the four day week was started.

South Cambridgeshire District Council began trialling the scheme in 2023 under which workers would work 80 per cent of their contracted hours, with no loss of pay

Bridget Smith, the leader of South Cambridgeshire district council which has continued the scheme which started in 2023

Independent councillor Dan Lentell had submitted a motion for discussion at the councils Cabinet meeting today, calling for proper checks about second jobs to be put in place.

He claimed that value for money was not being delivered if staff were using their day off to work for another employer.

Mr Lentell called for monitoring to guarantee staff followed a Code of Conduct for second jobs, and only did them if it did not conflict with their duties or undermine public trust.

He also called for the council to maintain a register of interests to ensure transparency and compliance by those participating in the trial.

But John Williams, the councils lead Cabinet member for resources, insisted that the issues were already covered by existing policies, preventing staff from taking on extra work when there would be a conflict of interest.

Mr Lentell had also asked for the council to ban moonlighting staff offering or selling professional services back to the council on their days off.

But Mr Williams insisted that such a move would affect long standing council policies to bring in staff for overtime on special occasions, such as those in the accounts department doing weekend overtime when council tax bills were due .

Mr Lentell said in a statement read out at the meeting that council taxpayers were unhappy with the four day week and did not believe it was value for money.

Independent councillor Dan Lentell previously put forward a motion on January 14, calling for proper checks to be carried out after it emerged one in six council staff were 'moonlighting'

He also insisted the trial had not been properly debated by the council and said the public were due to be fobbed off with another skewed consultation.

Mr Lentell went on to urge council leader Bridget Smith to take responsibility and resign without delay.

But she dismissed his call after insisting that the public would have the opportunity to vote councillors in or out at the next local elections.

She added that his references to moonlighting were deeply offensive to staff before fellow councillors voted down Mr Lentells motion.

Tory councillor Dr Richard Williams insisted that local residents had real concern about the four day week which he described as a flawed policy

He said it was perfectly reasonable and rational for council staff to try and earn more money on their days off.

Tory group leader Heather Williams said that staff on days off should still be available to work for the council in emergencies, and should not have obligations elsewhere. She described the lack of safeguards as a complete and utter failure.

But John Williams insisted that staff were not doing second jobs when they would otherwise be working for the council. and those who worked elsewhere had already been doing so before the trial started.

He added: They were not doing their second jobs during the time they were working for the council and that still applies. It is a complete red herring being brought up by the opposition.

Mr Williams insisted that the four day week had actually saved money because jobs at the council were now more attractive and hard to fill posts were now being filled, meaning that expensive agency staff did not have to be employed.

He said all the evidence was that the four day week had brought about an improvement in productivity and was delivering better services for the council.

Elliot Keck, head of campaigns at the TaxPayers Alliance, told MailOnline last week: Local taxpayers will be rightly worried that council staff balancing multiple jobs will not be able to deliver the high-quality services expected.

The trial of a four-day week in South Cambridgeshire attracted criticism from the councils Tory group leader Heather Williams

The independent health and wellbeing survey which states 16 per cent of staff were working elsewhere on paid days off  compared to one per cent in 2023 - was slipped out in June last year.

It also reveals 56 per cent of staff said they had made efforts to cram their workload into a shorter week with less procrastination.

Seven in ten also said they had improved efficiency and 42 per cent admitted they had reduced social interaction with colleagues  suggesting many had not been fully committed to their jobs previously.

South Cambridgeshire began a three-month pilot into the four-day week in January 2023 for 450 desk-based staff and claimed early checks indicated services were not affected, while employees were happier.

In May that year, it decided to continue the trial for another 12 months and extended it to cover binmen and cleaners.

The then Tory government wrote to the council, demanding the experiment be terminated but it has continued regardless.

The trial came under further fire when it emerged a 2023 report by Cambridge University academics at the Bennett Institute for Public Policy  which hailed the initial three-month trial as a great success  had been edited by the council prior to publication.

Exchanges included one council official worrying there was too much detail which might allow critics to rip the 4DW (four-day week) apart and asking if they could propose changes.

A researcher replied: Sure well work towards a version that works for you!

Kevin Hollinrake MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, said last week: We warned of the obvious consequences of this policy.

Far from the extra day off every week to recover and re-energise, the simple fact is that a four-day week means less work from council employees and poor value for money for ratepayers.

The council should apologise to the residents of South Cambridgeshire whose money they are playing with.

Lee Rowley, the minister for local government, previously wrote a letter to Bridget Smith, the leader of South Cambridgeshire district council, calling on it to 'end your experiment immediately'

A South Cambridgeshire District Council spokesperson said: In the 2024 survey, 62 of the 69 people who said they were carrying out other paid work on their non-working day are in the Shared Waste Service.

This is not surprising, as we knew that a number of Waste colleagues had second jobs prior to the trial, for example an evening cleaning job.

It is not unusual in the Shared Waste Service for these colleagues to take on second part-time jobs.

Following this question we have conducted another survey specifically to ask employees based at the Waterbeach Depot about secondary employment.

Of the 189 staff who work out of the depot, we have been able to survey 170 employees so far. All employees who said they have a second job confirmed that they had it before the trial.

Whilst its not possible to identify everyone from the April survey, the practice of a second job for all the employees we surveyed pre-dated the trial.
Tulip Siddiq resigned from the Government tonight, saying she did not want to be a 'distraction' after a sleaze probe condemned her 'regrettable' behaviour.

The Treasury minister has been under fire over her powerful family in Bangladesh, with claims she is being looked into by a corruption investigation of her aunt - exiled former Bangladesh premier Sheikh Hasina.

Ms Siddiq has also faced intense scrutiny over her use of London properties linked to her aunt's allies.

In a letter to Sir Keir Starmer, a close friend and constituency neighbour in the capital, the MP stressed the Government's independent adviser Sir Laurie Magnus had found she did not breach the ministerial code.

Ms Siddiq said she did not act 'improperly' and had provided 'full details of her relationships and private interests' to the Government.

But she acknowledged that staying as a Treasury minister would be a 'distraction from the work of the Government', after Sir Laurie's report suggested the premier should 'consider' whether she could continue with anti-corruption duties.

He said it was 'regrettable that she was not more alert to potential reputational risks  both to her and the Government' - pointing out that Ms Siddiq was 'unaware of the origins of her ownership of her flat in Kings Cross' despite signing Land Registry forms.

Sir Keir expressed 'sadness' at the departure and left the door open for a return at a later date. Emma Reynolds was immediately installed as a replacement Economic Secretary to the Treasury.

But the Tories accused Sir Keir of 'dither and delay' over Ms Siddiq's fate, saying it had been clear for days that her position was 'untenable'.

In a letter to Keir Starmer, Tulip Siddiq insisted the independent adviser had found she did not breach the ministerial code

Ms Siddiq acknowledged that continuing as a Treasury minister would be a 'distraction from the work of the Government'

Ms Siddiq and Sir Keir, whose constituencies neighbour each other, at the election count in 2015

Ms Siddiq (left) with her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, (centre) and Vladimir Putin (right) in 2013

Sir Laurie said that it was 'regrettable that she was not more alert to the potential reputational risks'

'Ed Stone' architect gets pensions role The Labour stalwart blamed for Ed Miliband's 'Ed Stone' debacle has been handed a key pensions job. Torsten Bell, one of Mr Miliband's key advisers in 2015 who became an MP in Labour's landslide last year, was made a minister in the reshuffle after Tulip Siddiq's resignation tonight. He has replaced Emma Reynolds, who has taken Ms Siddiq's old post at the Treasury. Advertisement

Ms Siddiq has been using properties linked to 'despot' Sheikh Hasina, who was deposed last summer after 20 years in power amid allegations of corruption and brutality.

Despite her claims that the pair 'never talk about politics', blog posts and the discovery of Ms Siddiq's Labour posters in her aunt's former palace suggest otherwise.

Ms Siddiq, her aunt and other family members are reportedly being investigated over allegations that billions were embezzled from a nuclear power plant project. The minister denies any wrongdoing.

Sir Laurie wrote in his letter to Sir Keir: 'Given the nature of Ms Siddiq's ministerial responsibilities, which include the promotion of the UK financial services sector and the inherent probity of its regulatory framework as a core component of the UK economy and its growth, it is regrettable that she was not more alert to the potential reputational risks  both to her and the Government  arising from her close family's association with Bangladesh.

'I would not advise that this shortcoming should be taken as a breach of the Ministerial Code, but you will want to consider her ongoing responsibilities in the light of this.'

Sir Laurie said her association with 'one of the principal families involved in Bangladesh politics' had 'exposed her to allegations of misconduct by association'.

He said the former Treasury minister 'was unaware of the origins of her ownership of her flat in Kings Cross, despite having signed a Land Registry transfer form, relating to the gift at the time,' adding: 'Ms Siddiq remained under the impression that her parents had given the flat to her, having purchased it from the previous owner.'

Turning to a visit to Moscow, Russia, in 2013, including her attendance at the signing ceremony for a nuclear power plant, Sir Laurie said: 'Ms Siddiq is clear that she had no involvement in any inter-governmental discussions between Bangladesh and Russia or any form of official role. I accept this at face value, but should note that this visit may form part of investigations in Bangladesh.'

Sir Laurie said he had not been able to get 'comprehensive comfort' about the circumstances of properties linked to Ms Siddiq.

However, he stressed he had no evidence of 'improprieties' or 'unusual financial arrangements'.

'A lack of records and lapse of time has meant that, unfortunately, I have not been able to obtain comprehensive comfort in relation to all the UK property-related matters referred to in the media,' the adviser wrote.

'However, I have not identified evidence of improprieties connected with the actions taken by Ms Siddiq and/or her husband in relation to their ownership or occupation of the London properties that have been the subject of press attention.

'Similarly, I have found no suggestion of any unusual financial arrangements relating to Ms Siddiq's ownership or occupation of the properties in question involving the Awami League (or its affiliated organisations) or the state of Bangladesh.

'In addition, I have found no evidence to suggest that Ms Siddiq's and/or her husband's financial assets, as disclosed to me, derive from anything other than legitimate means.'

In her letter to Sir Keir, Ms Siddiq said: 'Having conducted an in-depth review of the matter at my request, Sir Laurie has confirmed that I have not breached the Ministerial Code. As he notes, there is no evidence to suggest that I have acted improperly in relation to the properties I have owned or lived in.

'My family connections are a matter of public record, and when I became a minister I provided the full details of my relationships and private interests to the Government.

'However it is clear that continuing in my role as Economic Secretary to the Treasury is likely to be a distraction from the work of Government. My loyalty is and always will be to this Labour Government and the programme of national renewal and transformation it has embarked upon. I have therefore decided to resign from my ministerial position.'

The PM said he was accepting Ms Siddiq's resignation 'with sadness' and the 'door remains open' for her to return to government.

'I want to thank you for your commitment during your time as Economic Secretary to the Treasury including spearheading the rollout of banking hubs and opening our 100th site, leading our thinking on financial inclusion, and contributing to the success of the Chancellor's first Mansion House speech,' he said.

'In accepting your resignation, I also wish to be clear that Sir Laurie Magnus as independent adviser has assured me he found no breach of the Ministerial Code and no evidence of financial improprieties on your part. I want to thank you for self-referring to the independent adviser and for your full co-operation with the establishment of facts.

'I appreciate that to end ongoing distraction from delivering our agenda to change Britain, you have made a difficult decision and want to be clear that the door remains open for you going forward.'

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said: 'It was clear at the weekend that the anti-corruption minister's position was completely untenable.

'Yet Keir Starmer dithered and delayed to protect his close friend.

'Even now, as Bangladesh files a criminal case against Tulip Siddiq, he expresses 'sadness' at her inevitable resignation. Weak leadership from a weak Prime Minister.'

Only this morning a fellow minister was insisting that Ms Siddiq was 'getting on with doing her job'.

The Tor accused Sir Keir of 'dither and delay' over Ms Siddiq's fate, saying it was clear her position was 'untenable'

Asked how she could carry on doing her job while the investigation takes place, Dan Jarvis told Times Radio: 'There is now an independent process where he's (ethics adviser Sir Laurie Magnus) looking to establish the facts of this case and he will make a judgment. I am not independent in the sense that I'm a ministerial colleague of hers, so it's not for me to make a judgment.

'I'm sure that (the ethics adviser) will.'

Pressed again on whether she should stand aside, he said: 'She's getting on with doing her job corruption is a process that's managed across government, between the Home Office, the Treasury the Prime Minister's independent adviser is looking carefully at the circumstances of this particular case and the Prime Minister will ultimately make a decision.'
An adorable toddler has died in a freak sledding accident in North Carolina.

Ayden Sasser was playing in the snow in Whitsett, just east of Greensboro, on Saturday when tragedy struck.

The little boy died after his sled plunged into a pond in the quiet town and he became trapped under the ice. Police would not disclose his age.

Ayden's heartbroken mother, Angel Nicole Sasser, has shared a fundraiser to support her family in the wake of their son's death.

'My life...my baby...I don't know how to move forward...' the grieving mother wrote the day after he died.

'I just don't have words..no energy... nothing... this is all I have at the moment... I love you all. We just want lots of love... hugs... kind words,' she added on Tuesday.

Ayden was sledding with his friends when he plunged into the water around 9.12am on Saturday.

People tried to pull him out of the icy depths while neighbors made frantic 911 calls, but he could not be saved.

Ayden Sasser (pictured) has died in a horror sledding accident in Whitsett, North Carolina

Images from the scene show two colorful plastic sleds sat atop the iced-over pond, with a large break in the ice leading into dark, freezing water below

Ayden's heartbroken mother, Angel Nicole Sasser (pictured with Ayden and her husband Bryan), has shared a fundraiser to support her family in the wake of their son's death

Harrowing audio from the dispatchers who responded to the incident gives an insight into the horror which unfolded at the scene.

'Caller is hysterical,' a first responder can be heard saying in the audio shared with NBC affiliate WXII.

'Not answering our questions, screaming 'there's a child through the pond water'.

'Have another 911 caller confirm we have a rescue situation. Have one child in the water they can't reach; two potential rescuers are trying to get to him.'

'Fire is in the water right now. They're trying to get to him,' another first responder replied.

Images from the scene show two colorful plastic sleds sat atop the iced-over pond, with a large break in the ice leading into dark, freezing water below.

Ayden was pulled from the pond alive, but he later died in the hospital.

Ayden was playing in the snow in Whitsett, North Carolina, on Saturday when tragedy struck

Several people tried to help but the toddler could not be saved and died in the hospital

Guilford County Sheriff's Office deputies said two first responders and three more people who tried to help were also taken to the hospital.

The Whitsett Fire Department, Guilford County Emergency Medical Services and three other agencies also responded to the 911 calls.

Ayden's family has thanked people who have donated to their fundraiser.

'I am overwhelmed at the generous outpouring of so many friends, neighbors, and perhaps even strangers,' they wrote on the GoFundMe page.

'Let's keep up the momentum in support of this very special family and in memory of this precious little boy. A heartfelt thank you to all who have contributed so far.'
Vice President-elect J.D. Vance has not received an invitation for a formal sit-down with his predecessor.

Kamala Harris in her latest snub to the incoming administration will not give Sen. Vance a tour of the Naval Observatory residence, according to a new report from CBS News.

It's tradition for the sitting vice president to invite their replacement for a sit-down conversation and tour of their new residence.

Things have been tense in the vice president's residence following her defeat against Donald Trump in November in what was a contentious campaign filled with personal jabs.

And with Vance preparing to move his family of five into the Naval Observatory in just six days, he has still not received an invite from Harris.

Additionally, the report notes, the vice president-elect's wife Usha Vance has not been forthcoming with questions about childproofing the home.

Vice President Kamala Harris' latest snub to the incoming administration is a failure to carry out a long-held tradition to invite her successor to Number One Naval Observatory for a sit-down and tour of the vice president's residence

J.D. and Usha Vance have three children under the age of eight, and the incoming second lady was also snubbed by Harris' team when she reached out about childproofing the Naval Observatory residence

Staffers reached out to Harris' team to request information that would help with making the residence safe for the Vance children, all three of whom are under the age of eight.

After facing roadblocks regarding the request from Harris' staffers, Navy aides who oversee the home communicated with the incoming second family and are making arrangements to accommodate the Vance kids.

Sources close with Harris suggest the behavior is payback after the current VP didn't receive a rosy welcome when Donald Trump refused to acknowledge his 2020 election loss.

But advisers to former Vice President Mike Pence told CBS that he did extend the traditional invite for Harris to come tour the Naval Observatory.

The Vice President's residence is located in Northwest Washington, D.c. at Number One Observatory Circle, which sits on the grounds of the U.S. Naval Observatory.

Ewan Vance, 7, is the incoming second couple's first child. They also share another son, Vivek, 4, and Mirabel, 2.

This is the first time in decades that the Naval Observatory will house young children of the vice president.
Landlords will be banned from demanding more than a month's rent in advance from tenants under new laws.

Changes to Labour's Renters' Rights Bill will prevent landlords or letting agencies from encouraging 'de facto bidding wars' between prospective renters.

Housing minister Matthew Pennycook told MPs, in some parts of the country, that tenants were being asked to offer six, nine or even 12 months' of rent in advance.

This left them having to choose between 'stretching their finances to breaking point' or walking away from a property to 'potentially risk homelessness', he said.

Mr Pennycook warned landlords and letting agencies they will face fines of up to 5,000 if they 'set tenants against each other' by asking for huge up-front payments.

He announced that further changes to the Bill being made by the Government would see extra protection for tenants from 'unreasonable requests' for early rent payments.

The minister spoke in the House of Commons as MPs began their consideration of the remaining stages of the Bill.

Angela Rayner, the Housing Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister, has hit out at 'outrageous upfront costs' being demanded by landlords from new tenants.

But landlord groups have warned that capping advance rent payments at one month's rent could leave property owners at risk if tenants have no other way of proving their ability to pay rent on an ongoing basis.

Landlords will be banned from demanding more than a month's rent in advance from tenants under new laws

Angela Rayner, the Housing Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister, has hit out at 'outrageous upfront costs' being demanded by landlords from new tenants

Housing minister Matthew Pennycook told MPs, in some parts of the country, that tenants were being asked to offer six, nine or even 12 months' of rent in advance

The groups, including the National Residential Landlords Association, British Property Federation and Propertymark, said the Government's proposed changes 'risk making access to rented housing harder for the very people we want to support'.

But the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said landlords would still be able to require a security deposit of up to six weeks' rent, giving them the confidence tenants can sustain their tenancy agreements.

Mr Pennycook told MPs this afternoon: 'This Government has long recognised that demands for extortionate amounts of rent in advance put undue financial strain on tenants and can exclude certain groups from renting altogether.

'The typical story is all too familiar - tenants find and view a property that as advertised matches their budget.

'Only to find that, on application, they're suddenly asked to pay several months' rent up front to secure it. Tenants in such circumstances almost always confront an impossible choice.

'Do they find a way to make a large rent in advance payment, thereby potentially stretching their finances to breaking point? Or do they walk away and potentially risk homelessness if they are unable to find an alternative?'

Homeseekers were being 'encouraged to offer ever larger sums up front to outdo the competition and secure a home that may or may not be of a good standard, or risk being locked out of renting altogether', the minister added.

Mr Pennycook said the Government's changes to the Bill would 'prevent unscrupulous landlords from using rent in advance to either set tenants against each other in de facto bidding wars, or exclude altogether certain types of renters who are otherwise perfectly able to afford the monthly rent on a property'.

The minister said further amendments to the Bill would see tenants 'continue to be protected from unreasonable requests for rent to be paid early, once a tenancy has commenced'.

'The effect of these amendments would be that tenants can be certain the financial outlay to secure a tenancy will not exceed the cost of a tenancy deposit and the first month's rent,' he told MPs.

'And they will not be required to pay their rent earlier than agreed. It would thereby reduce the barriers that stop tenants moving from substandard or insecure housing.'

Alex Sobel, Labour MP for Leeds Central and Headingley, thanks Mr Pennycook and Ms Rayner for the Government's changes to the Bill, after he previously tabled his own amendment on capping rents in advance.

'The day we have been waiting for has come,' he posted on social media.

Later in the Commons debate on the Bill, former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn claimed some landlords are pre-emptively putting up rents by 20 per cent in anticipation of the new laws.

The now-independent MP for Islington North asked Mr Pennycook if he would introduce protections in the meantime to stop tenants being subject to well-above inflation rises.

Mr Corbyn said rent levels were going up by '10 per cent, 15 per cent, sometimes 20 per cent'.

He added: 'Long-term, private sector tenants are at threat because the landlord knows this Bill is coming, and knows that there's going to be greater restrictions.

'Maybe there should be more restrictions, but greater restrictions on them in the future to raise rents and certainly no-fault evictions and are trying to evict large numbers of tenants at the present time.

'I am meeting many constituents who are going through incredible levels of stress about this at the present time.

'I realise this Bill is not yet law, it's got to go through the House of Lords, I'm not quite clear what date the Bill is going to finally be enacted, I just hope it's soon.

'I would urge the minister to consider any kind of urgent action and advice he can give to protect existing tenants in the run-up to the introduction of this particular piece of legislation.'
British tourists are allegedly being spiked and plied with 'free' alcohol before having their bank accounts emptied by nightclub staff in Bucharest.

Police launched a crackdown on clubs in the stag do hotspot after three Brits, along with one American and a German, were targeted in two different clubs in the Romanian capital.

Two club owners and a number of bartenders, waiters, hostesses and a taxi driver are now facing trial over the alleged attacks, which reportedly saw victims spiked, robbed and even kidnapped.

Tourists were picked out while walking around the city's Old Town before being lured to clubs, according to prosecutors working on the case.

They were then offered free booze and the services of private dancers, who would encourage them to keep drinking, according to reports.

Once they were intoxicated, bar workers would take their phones or bank cards and charge them extortionate prices, according to police.

Mobiles and banking apps were then unlocked using facial recognition, with people's cash transferred or payments made on card machines, it is alleged.

The probe was launched after a British tourist filed a complaint with Bucharest police in March last year.

The man claimed that he was charged a staggering 10,000 for a taxi to his hotel, The Sun reports, while another Brit claimed he was illegally charged 15,000 at a club while he was drunk.

Police in the Romanian capital raided a residence in the investigation, which began in March

CCTV footage allegedly shows a drunk tourist being led somewhere by one of the defendants

Stacks of cash were found during one of the raids. Up to 70,000 is believed to have been taken in total

Another British reveller reportedly claimed they had more than 10,000 taken from them in a similar way.

In one of the cases, a waitress at the Afrodite Club made 13 illegal cash transfers to the tune of almost 15,000 from a Brit's account, prosecutors reportedly said in the indictment.

The alleged perpetrators are then claimed to have broken into an apartment where an American tourist was staying in April of last year.

They took jewellery, devices including an iPad, a laptop and two phones, a passport and a bank card, according to police.

They used the card to splurge 40,000 within a fortnight. While attempting to recover his belongings, the tourist was allegedly kidnapped by the defendants.

He was allegedly locked up for five days in a club in the Old Town while the defendants went on a spending spree, and only escaped when he managed to call for help through a crack in the window.

Prosecutors believe a total of 70,000 has been robbed from unsuspecting tourists.

Police executed arrest and search warrants and managed to recover stacks of cash and a Rolex watch, as well as a firearm.

View shows Bucharest Old Town square, outdoor cafes and revellers

Police managed to recover a watch, which appears to be a Rolex, during the raids

The first arrests were made in June and the offences are believed to have been committed between November 2023 and May 2024

Prosecutors say that the defendants used the fact that tourists usually spend just a few days in the party hotspot to their advantage, as many would rather leave than have to deal with making a police complaint.

The first arrests were made in June and the offences are believed to have been committed between November 2023 and May 2024.

The trial is set to begin at the High Court in Bucharest in the spring.
China records 20.115m visa-free entries in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 112.3 percent

15:09, January 14, 2025 By Yin Yeping ( Global Times

As China includes more countries in its visa waiver program and improves facilitation measures, the arrivals of foreign tourists have kept rising, said Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Guo Jiakun on Tuesday. Citing national immigration data, Guo said that in 2024, the number of inbound and outbound travels by foreign nationals stood at 64.882 million, up by 82.9 percent year-on-year. Among them, 20.115 million entered China visa-free, up by 112.3 percent year-on-year.

During the just concluded New Year holiday, arrivals of foreign nationals grew by 34 percent year-on-year, he further noted.

With the Chinese New Year of the Snake half a month away, which is the first Spring Festival since the inscription of the festival on the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list, we welcome foreign tourists to join China's celebration of the Spring Festival, experience the joy of the Chinese New Year, feel the warmth of Chinese hospitality, and usher in an auspicious Year of the Snake, Guo said.

The spokesperson's remarks were made in response to media questions about a recent document issued by the General Office of the State Council on fostering new growth points in culture and tourism consumption, including expanding the list of visa-free countries.

China saw a positive trend in inbound tourism, with "a significant increase in foreign visitor numbers in 2024," per the National Immigration Administration (NIA).

On Tuesday, Lu Ning, spokesperson for the NIA, reported that immigration authorities nationwide inspected a total of 610 million entries and exits, a 43.9 percent year-on-year rise. Among them, 64.88 million were foreign nationals, up 82.9 percent year-on-year.

According to the NIA spokesperson, throughout the year, 2.597 million visas were issued to foreign nationals, a 52.3 percent year-on-year increase.

China fully expanded and optimized its transit visa-free policy in 2024, with the number of people eligible for this policy increasing by 113.5 percent year-on-year. Notably, following the significant relaxation of the visa-free transit policy last December, the number of travelers benefiting from it rose by 29.5 percent month-on-month, according to the NIA.

Last year's growth in inbound tourism was primarily driven by the optimization of China's visa-free policy, which provided greater convenience for foreign visitors, Yang Jinsong, an expert with the China Tourism Academy, told the Global Times on Tuesday.

Moreover, the continued recovery of the supply chain after the pandemic, including the resumption of direct flights and enhanced reception capacity of domestic tourism agencies, along with China's facilitation measures such as easier payment options, all contributed to the increase in inbound tourism, Yang said.

In December, China announced a significant relaxation of its visa-free transit policy, extending the permitted stay for eligible foreign travelers from the original 72 and 144 hours to 240 hours, or 10 days, with immediate effect.

Under the updated policy, eligible citizens from 54 countries can enter China visa-free when transiting to a third country or region.

With favorable inbound travel policies, several foreign nationals told the Global Times that they or their friends have recently visited China or are planning to do so soon.

Samantha Quinn, an Australian female who lives and works in Beijing, told the Global Times on Tuesday that her family has already taken advantage of China's visa-free policy for Australian citizens and made a rather spontaneous trip to Beijing.

"They (my family) actually just left yesterday. I can also see friends making plans for a visit, and some have already visited," Quinn said, noting that the visa-free policy is definitely opening more doors for those who have always wanted to visit but didn't want to go through the tedious visa process.

Osamu Onodera, chief representative for China and Northeast Asia of the Japan External Trade Organization, told the Global Times on Tuesday that he knew a Japanese family that was planning to travel to China because of the visa-free policy.

The visa-free policy has benefited people from Japan in many aspects including making it easier for family members to visit as well as businesspeople, who may be able to come more casually for business discussions, Onodera said.

Jyri Lintunen, vice chair of FinnCham South China, told the Global Times on Tuesday that he can see that there are more and more foreigners coming to China due to the visa-free policy. "I sincerely wish that this policy could become a more long-term one," he said.

With the market effects of the visa-free policy continuing to be unleashed, as well as the further implementation of measures such as easy payments for foreigners in China, inbound travel in 2025 is expected to maintain a positive growth trend, Hong Tao, director of the Institute of Business Economics at the Beijing Technology and Business University, told the Global Times, expressing optimism for this year's inbound tourism outlook.

The upcoming Spring Festival will be the first since China's successful heritage application, which is expected to attract foreign visitors to experience Chinese culture, further boosting inbound tourism, Hong said.

(Web editor: Tian Yi, Zhong Wenxing)
The ex-wife of a tech billionaire has accused the lawyer representing Diddy's alleged victims of knowingly infecting her with a sexually transmitted infection.

Claudia Brady claims Tony Buzbee left her with an 'incurable' venereal disease and used his talents as an attorney to manipulate her out of being able to secure any recourse, according to a new lawsuit.

Buzbee, who is representing more than 150 people accusing Sean 'Diddy' Combs of sexual assault, has strenuously denied Brady's 'outrageous' claims.

Brady is seeking unspecified damages to be determined at trial over the explosive claims.

She alleges that Buzbee persuaded her to let him represent her during her divorce pro bono to make amends for his 'deceit and carelessness'.

However, she claims that he then, 'used the opportunity to doctor Plaintiffs medical records' to make it appears as though her ex-husband, tech mogul Greg Brady was the one who infected her.

Buzbee also, 'failed in his duties to obtain her the best settlement' in a bid to 'resolve the matter as quickly as possible to bury his egregious misconduct', according to the filings.

Brady claims that Buzbee was 'apologetic and unsurprised' when she informed him of her diagnosis as, 'he was already aware that he had a venereal disease'.

Claudia Brady, the ex-wife of a tech billionaire, has accused the lawyer representing Diddy 's alleged victims of knowingly infecting her with a sexually transmitted infection

Brady claims Tony Buzbee left her with an 'incurable' venereal disease and used his talents as an attorney to manipulate her out of being able to secure any recourse

'Defendant instructed Plaintiff not to tell anyone and offered to provide free legal services as compensation for his deceit and carelessness that resulted in Plaintiff contracting an incurable disease,' the lawsuit reads.

It adds that Buzbee became 'possessive' of Brady, 'in an effort to keep her close and manipulate her into keeping his secret'.

It details an incident where Buzbee allegedly attacked Brady in a jealous rage after seeing her speaking to another man at a bar.

'In a jealous rage, Defendant smashed Plaintiffs glass into her face, causing Plaintiffs front teeth to chip,' the lawsuit states.

'Plaintiff became fearful of what Defendant would do if she ever spoke out against Defendant and stayed silent until filing this lawsuit.'

Brady claims that Buzbee offered to represent her during her divorce three years later, but used the opportunity to try and 'blackmail' her ex-husband and allegedly cover up his behavior.

'Defendant falsified the tests to show that she contracted the venereal disease in 2020, from her soon-to-be ex-husband, rather than in 2018 from Defendant,' the lawsuit states.

Brady accuses Buzbee of attempting to unsuccessfully blackmail her ex-husband by presenting him with the evidence he had passed on the infection.

She also claims he persuaded her to let him represent her in her divorce proceedings and used the opportunity to hamper chances of obtaining a fair settlement

Buzbee has strongly denied all her claims and alleges that that Brady has made similar allegations about other men

As the proceedings progressed, Brady entered into an agreement that resulted in a 'dramatic loss' at the 'insistence and direction' of Buzbee, per the filings.

'Defendant insisted that the divorce settle quickly and without discovery,' the lawsuit sates.

'Defendant provided this advice to avoid production of documents that would uncover his fraud and his role in infecting Plaintiff with a venereal disease in 2018.'

However, Buzbee has rejected Brady's allegations.

'This person has previously made the exact same outrageous claims against two other men,' he said.

'She isnt credible and her claims are ridiculous. This case will be dismissed.

'Since filing the Diddy cases there has been a concerted effort to try and discredit our law firm. We wont be bullied or intimidated by this kind of trash.'

Brady previously filed a lawsuit against her ex-husband in which she accused him of using funds from his federal government-contracted company to sex traffic women onto his yachts.

Brady previously accused her ex-husband Greg Brady of sex trafficking women onto his yachts in another lawsuit. The tech mogul denied her claims

She alleged that some of the women were sexually assaulted and contracted herpes from the encounters.

Her ex-husband faced no criminal charges and previously said he 'categorically denies' all of Brady's allegations.

He he filed his own lawsuit against his ex-wife, accusing her of conducting a smear campaign, which she denied.The case was abandoned last year.
MAGA loyalist Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna has a message for those who oppose Donald Trump's controversial defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth.

The Republican Florida lawmaker was spotted in the packed audience as Hegseth's Senate confirmation hearing got underway on Tuesday.

She was there to submit letters of support from women veterans as Hegseth braced for brutal questioning from Democrats including over his past public remarks in which he claimed women should not serve in combat.

Democrats have blasted a series of Hegseth's past comments and writings as an author and Fox News personality as well has his qualifications for the job.

But Luna argued Hegseth, 44, would be a 'great' defense secretary and pushed back on those who would vote against his confirmation.

'The one thing that I would like to see in our next secretary of defense, which he checks that box, is he has combat experience,' she said.

'We need people that have served in the frontlines and understand the gravity of their decisions in that it will impact people. This is a life death decision,' Luna said.

Luna predicted that Hegseth will have the necessary votes for his confirmation despite him undergoing grueling questioning by Democratic members of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

MAGA loyalist Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna has a message for those who oppose Donald Trump 's controversial defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth.

Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) standing on the left next to anti-Hegseth protesters at the start of Pete Hegseth's senate confirmation hearing as she showed up to support President-elect Trump's defense secretary nominee

Since becoming the nominee for defense secretary, Hegseth has walked back multiple public instances where he has said he does not believe women should serve in combat.

During the hearing Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) among others slammed Hegseth for his remarks on women in combat.

Shaheen asked Hegseth if he thought the women who served on the committee and in the military made it 'less effective and less capable.'

He claimed his past comments were not about women's capabilities but about military 'standards.' But Shaheen countered his public statements have not been to that effect.

'Everything you've said in these public statements is politics. "I don't want women. I don't want moms." What's wrong with a mom by the way? Once you are babies therefore you're no longer able to be lethal?' Gillibrand asked.

'I mean, you're basically saying women after they have children can't ever serve in the military in a combat role. It's a silly thing to say,' she said.

President-elect Trump's defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth was forced to defend past comments against women serving in combat as well as misconduct allegations during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee

I am excited to announce I have been given the November and December cover of @MaximMag ! This is a special issue titled the American Dream! I am honored to share my story and talk politics with so many young people around the country.



The magazine is now available in pic.twitter.com/3LfjdtFOan  Anna Paulina Luna (@realannapaulina) November 1, 2024

Luna, who served in the U.S. Air Force, also defended Hegseth's comments on women in combat.

'Mr. Hegseth supports women in the military, but there are certain roles that I would actually deem are very dangerous for women in the military,' Luna declared.

She said women in 'different combat roles, but I think that needs to be addressed very, very carefully.'

Luna said she would also hope senators wouldn't want to 'send our daughter to the draft.'

MAGA loyalist Rep. Luna posing with guns for an image posted on social media. She defended Hegseth's past comments on women serving in combat and said women in combat needs to be addressed 'very, very carefully'

Hegseth was also accused of sexual assault in 2017. His accuser told police it happened at a hotel and he would not let her leave, but criminal charges were never filed.

He previously entered a settlement agreement with his accuser but has denied the allegation.

Other Democratic senators have also taken issue with accusations by his former colleagues of Hegseth drinking on the job.

During the hearing, he would not commit to resigning should be be found drinking on the job as defense secretary.

Luna dismissed concerns over Hegseth's nomination as an 'anonymous smear campaign.'
Pete Hegseth's wife looked stoic as her husband was forced to respond to questions about alleged drunkenness at work and being unfaithful to his second wife.

Hegseth, a former Fox News personality Donald Trump nominated to lead the Pentagon, was grilled Tuesday during his Senate confirmation hearing.

Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), pressed Hegseth about reports traced to a whistleblower who said he was repeatedly intoxicated while working for a veterans' nonprofit and reports his drinking concerned his former cable TV colleagues.

'I have read multiple reports of your regularly being drunk at work, including by people who worked with you at Fox News. Do you know that being drunk at work is prohibited for service members under the [Uniformed Code of Military Justice]?' the senator asked him.

Pressed for a 'yes or no,' Hegseth said 'those are multiple, false, anonymous reports peddled by NBC,' before the senator cut him off.

He said they were 'directly contradicted' by people at Fox, continuing to answer while Hirono continued to press him.

His wife Jennifer, 39, looked like a statue sitting immediately behind him as she kept a straight face during the dramatic back-and-forth.

She is Hegseth's third wife and they share seven children in their 'blended family.'

Pete Hegseth 's wife looked stoic as he was forced to respond to questions about alleged drunkenness at work and being unfaithful to his second wife

Jennifer, 39, looked like a statue sitting immediately behind him as she kept a straight face during the dramatic back-and-forth

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced allegations of drunkness at work and cheating on his ex wife during his Senate confirmation hearing

Hirono cited his opening statement and said he committed 'to holding leaders accountable at all levels  that includes you, of course.

'You recently promised some of my Republican colleagues that you stopped drinking and won't drink if confirmed correct?'

'Absolutely,' answered Hegseth, who has admitted to excessive drinking and partying in the past but vowed Tuesday to represent DOD employees and troops in harm's way.

'Will you resign as secretary of Defense if you drink on the job, which is a 24/7 position,' she said. 'I've made this commitment ...' Hegseth tried to answer.

Hirono asked him again whether he would resign.

'I'm not hearing an answer to my question, so I'm going to move on,' said Hirono.

Trump allies blasted Hirono online, with Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) saying she was 'playing judge, jury, and executioner based on lies and stupidity.'

But the issue of alleged drinking helped tank the nomination of Sen. John Tower for the same DOD post during the George H.W. Bush administration.

Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) brought up Hegseth's personal life. He was married to his second wife, Samantha, when she discovered Hegseth's mistress had given birth to a daughter.

Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, brought up allegations Hegseth was intoxicated at work

Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) told Hegseth he 'cheated' on his second wife when he had a child with another woman during their marriage

Weeks later he faced sexual assault allegations, deciding to pay off his accuser despite denying the alleged conduct. Hegseth lawyer Timothy Parlatore said his client paid the woman for her silence because he did not want to lose his job, while dismissing the allegations as 'baseless' and tantamount to a 'successful extortion'.

Kaine asked Hegseth how he could 'so casually cheat on a second wife and cheat on the mother of a child that had been born two months before, and you tell us you were completely cleared.'

'So how is that a complete clear,' he asked?

'Senator, her child's name is Gwendolyn Hope Hegseth, and she's a child of God, and she's seven years old.'

'You cheated on the mother of that child less than two months after that daughter was born, didn't you,' Kaine pressed.

'Those were false charges. It was fully investigated, and I was completely cleared,' Hegseth said, referencing the 2017 assault allegations.

No charges were filed. Sources said the FBI did not interview the woman accuser as part of Hegseth's background check, ABC reported.

Hegseth said he was 'not a perfect person,' and it was Hegseth, a former National Guard officer, who brought up the religious tattoo he says caused him to be bumped from helping secure President Joe Biden's inauguration.

Kaine's blasts came weeks after he declined to name names while raising general concerns about Trump nominees to DailyMail.com.

'I see people that make me wonder,' he said before the holidays. 'I think Im going to save that for next year,' he said.
A female British skier has died after crashing into another UK tourist on a black slope in France.

Emergency services rushed to Les Arcs resort in the Savoyard district at around 10.30am today following reports of the violent collision involving the two skiers.

The unnamed British woman, 62, is said to have crashed head-on into a 35-year-old British man on the black slope of the Aiguille Rouge run after losing control of her skis and died following the crash.

Paramedics tried to resuscitate her, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to French news outlet Le Dauphine, the British man, who was stationary at the time of the collision, suffered from a broken leg and was transported to a local medical centre.

MailOnline has contacted the ski resort comment.

A female British skier has died after crashing into another UK tourist on a black slope in France

Both victims were reportedly wearing helmets.

An investigation is being carried out to determine the exact cause of the accident, according to AFP.

Les Arcs is a popular ski resort in the Alps.
'I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you to The Royal Marsden for looking after me so well during the past year,' the post read.

'My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything.

'We couldn't have asked for more. The care and advice we have received throughout my time as a patient has been exceptional.

'In my new role as Joint Patron of The Royal Marsden, my hope is that by supporting groundbreaking research and clinical excellence, as well as promoting patient and family wellbeing, we might save many more lives, and transform the experience of all those impacted by cancer.

'It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focussed on recovery. As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal.
JK Rowling has condemned the 'literary crowd' for their 'strangely muted' reaction to allegations against Neil Gaiman despite them having a 'hell of a lot to say' about Harvey Weinstein.

Rowling, 59, claimed the embattled Good Omens author's fans had remained 'strangely muted' after claims of sexual misconduct were made against him by five women, all of which he has denied.

Yesterday, the 64-year-old was further accused of raping his son's nanny in an outdoor bathtub on February 4, 2022, which he also denies.

Production of many of the writer's shows have reportedly been paused, including Amazon drama Good Omens.

The fantasy drama, which was also aired on BBC Two in 2020, stars David Tennant and Michael Sheen and is based on the book which was co-written by Gaiman and Terry Pratchett. They have not yet commented on any of the allegations.

Disney also suspended work on its feature adaptation of Gaiman's 2008 'The Graveyard Book' after the allegations surfaced.

Speaking on social media, Rowling said: 'The literary crowd that had a hell of a lot to say about Harvey Weinstein before he was convicted has been strangely muted in its response to multiple accusations against Neil Gaiman from young women who'd never met, yet - as with Weinstein - tell remarkably similar stories.'

Claims of sexual misconduct were made against Neil Gaiman by five women, all of which he has denied. He was further accused of raping his son's nanny yesterday, which he also denies

Rowling, 59, claimed the embattled Good Omens author's fans had remained 'strangely muted'

The comment comes shortly after a shocking report in Vulture reported new claims from additional women who say Gaiman assaulted them. The author has vehemently denied all allegations.

Former movie mogul Weinstein was convicted in New York and Los Angeles for a string of sex offences and had been serving a 23 year sentence, before charges were overturned after an appeals court ruled the judge made a 'crucial' error in the initial trial. Allegations being made against him were credited with starting the #MeToo movement.

Scarlett Pavlovich told the outlet Gaiman raped her while she was nannying the son he shares with ex-wife Amanda Palmer.

She said Gaiman encouraged her to take a bath after they had finished dinner despite her resistance.

After she stripped down and got in, she claimed Gaiman got naked and joined. Pavlovich said the situation escalated from there and Gaiman sexually assaulted her.

She described that he penetrated her with his fingers, before attempting to do so with his penis - all while she told him no.

Pavlovich recalled how as Gaiman was climaxing, he asked if he could ejaculate on a certain part of her body - to which she declined. She claims he did so anyway.

He allegedly told her during the act: 'Call me master. Be a good girl. You're a good little girl.'

Disney suspended work on its feature adaptation of Gaiman's 2008 'The Graveyard Book' after the allegations surfaced

The fantasy drama, which was also aired on BBC Two in 2020, stars David Tennant and Michael Sheen and is based on the book which was co-written by Gaiman and Terry Pratchett. They have not yet commented on any of the allegations

Pavlovich recalled how she cried and Googled 'Me Too' and 'Neil Gaiman' in the hours after the bathtub ordeal.

Despite what she allegedly endured, Palmer and Gaiman offered Pavlovich the chance to move to England and Scotland with them to continue her nannying job, to which she agreed.

After Palmer offered the role, Pavlovich texted Gaiman: 'I am consumed by thoughts of you, the things you will do to me. I'm so hungry. What a terrible creature you've turned me into,' according to Vulture.

In another incident, which occurred at a home on the New Zealand island of Waiheke, Pavlovich said Gaiman assaulted her while she was cleaning up the kitchen.

She said the author approached her from behind, pushed down her pants, began to beat her with his belt and then tried to penetrate her anally without lubrication.

After screaming no, Pavlovich said he grabbed butter out of the kitchen and used that as lubrication and penetrated her without using protection.

Pavlovich claimed when the rape was over he called her 'slave' and ordered her to 'clean him up.'

The allegations published by the magazine detailed how Gaiman's alleged horror would continue, night on night - causing the evenings of abuse to 'blur together.'

Stars of Amazon Prime Video's Good Omens David Tennant, Michael Sheen and writer Neil Gaiman at a Good Omens themed escape room in Soho

Pavlovich claimed she would pass out from the pain of the sexual encounters, and recalled one instance when he was so forceful that she vomited over him - before he told her to lick it up.

The abuse would allegedly occur while Gaiman's young son was in the room, she said. The author's representatives told the magazine the claims are 'false, not to mention, deplorable.'

Weeks later, Pavlovich said she received an NDA dated to the first night of her employment - the date of the bathtub ordeal.

The woman said she signed the document, and received a bank transfer from Gaiman for $1,700 for her babysitting work, and soon after she received the first of nine payments totaling about $9,200.

Pavlovich filed a police report accusing Gaiman of sexual assault in January 2023.

A second woman, Kendra Stout, told the outlet Gaiman forced her to have rough sex with him.

Stout said during one experience with Gaiman she had a urinary tract infection and asked Gaiman not to penetrate her, but he ignored her.

The Tortoise podcast, hosted by journalist and broadcaster Rachel Johnson, first broke the news of allegations of sexual abuse by Gaiman.

Gaiman is known for his best-selling books which include Coraline, American Gods and The Sandman

Two women claimed he made them engage in 'rough and degrading sex' which was not always consensual, and told them to call him 'master.'

In an investigation by Tortoise Media for a podcast co-hosted by Boris Johnson's sister Rachel Johnson, two women who had been in consensual relationships with Gaiman accused him of sexual assault.

They claimed he made them engage in 'rough and degrading sex' which was not always consensual, and told them to call him 'master'.

Gaiman has strongly denied the allegations, stating that all sexual relations with the two women was consensual.

Two other women also came forward with allegations following Tortoise's investigation.

Writer Julia Hobsbawm said Gaiman had made an 'aggressive, unwanted pass' at her at her flat in 1986, jumping on her 'out of the blue' and attempting to kiss her.

Gaiman says he had stopped kissing Ms Hobsbawm when he realised she did not want him to.

Another woman, mother-of-three Caroline Wallner, alleged that he pressured her to have sex with him in return for allowing her live with her daughters at his property in New York. She alleges it took place over a four year period from 2017, after she split from her ex-husband.

Gaiman insists the relationship was consensual.

A fifth woman has also alleged that Gaiman kissed and groped her when on a bus during a book tour of the US back in July 2013.

The author says he stopped kissing the woman when he knew she did not want him to, and denies the claims of groping.

Gaiman is known for his best-selling books which include Coraline, American Gods and The Sandman.

MailOnline has contacted Gaiman for comment.
Did YOU see what happened? If so, email frankie.elliott@mailonline.co.uk

A family-run Italian restaurant has claimed a couple left without paying their 83 bill after telling staff they were going outside for a cigarette.

Belluno, an Italian restaurant in Newton St Cyres, Devon, called out the alleged culprits on Facebook with a post that contained CCTV images of the pair at the establishment.

The photos appear to show them arriving at the eatery, with the man wearing a cream Fred Perry jumper and the woman wearing a black hat and white fur coat.

Bosses at the restaurant claim the couple failed to return to their table after heading out for a smoke during their meal on January 9.

They accused the couple of 'pretending' to smoke, using the excuse to flee the scene and leave their 83.45 bill unpaid.

The restaurant slammed the alleged dine and dash incident as 'just not acceptable'.

Writing in a post on Facebook on January 10, Belluno Italian Restaurant said: 'We love being part of the friendly community here, but last night this couple come and ate at Belluno and they did a runner after pretending they were smoking.

'We completely understand that lots of people are struggling with the cost of living, but we work really hard as a family business and stealing from anyone never mind a business is just not acceptable.

Belluno, an Italian restaurant in Newton St Cyres, Devon, called out the alleged culprits on Facebook with a post that contained CCTV images of the pair at the establishment

The photos appear to show them arriving at the eatery, with the man wearing a cream Fred Perry jumper and the woman wearing a black hat and white fur coat

'The bill was 83.45. If anyone know these people please let us know.'

A number of people commented on the restaurant's social media post and expressed their shock at the alleged actions of the couple.

One person said: 'This is appalling, so many businesses are struggling. Soon we will need to pay before we eat. What is wrong with people, they don't look hard up!'

Another said: 'It's called being a thief no matter what the circumstances and there are plenty of good food banks that would help them if they really can't afford food. However if they can afford to smoke they can afford to eat!'

A third added: 'There are no excuses for this behaviour, theft is theft, maybe if more businesses put up photos and shamed ppl, they might think twice. Someone will recognize them.'

MailOnline have approached Belluno for a comment.
Elon Musk has questioned the death of a ChatGPT whistleblower who was found dead by suicide after speaking out against the tech company.

Former OpenAI researcher Suchir Balaji, 26, was found dead on November 26, three months after he accused the company of violating copyright laws in their development of ChatGPT.

Police said they found no evidence of foul play at the scene and ruled the death a suicide. Still, Balaji's parents, Poornima Ramarao and Balaji Ramamurthy have continued to question the circumstances of their son's death.

Musk, who co-founded OpenAI in 2015, weighed in on Balaji's death in December, writing on X, 'This doesn't seem like a suicide.'

Tesla's founder has battled with OpenAI and its CEO, Sam Altman, since they refused his offer to buy them out in 2018. Musk has since slammed OpenAI for accepting $90 billion of funding, saying the commercial enterprise flies in the face of its original mission - to help fight threats to humanity posed by AI.

Musk reposted a video over the weekend of Balaji's parents' interview claiming their son had been against the company turning into a for-profit organization.

'The reason he joined OpenAI was his belief that AI will help humanity. He was very impressed with OpenAI initially because they were nonprofit,' the grieving mother said.

'His concern started to become wider as we learn now that when they went public. That's when his concern started to arise, and he started questioning himself, as he's mentioned in the interview.'

Former OpenAI researcher Suchir Balaji (pictured), 26, was found dead on November 26, three months after he accused the company of violating copyright laws

Balaji's parents Poornima Ramarao and Balaji Ramamurthy have continued to question the circumstances of their son's death

Balaji's parents are demanding that the FBI look into his death, saying it 'doesn't look like a normal situation.'

San Francisco Police Officers were called to his home to conduct a wellness check when they found him deceased.

However, his parents claim there was blood in their son's bathroom when he was found dead of an apparent suicide.

'There was nobody else on the scene, that doesn't mean [police] can just come to conclusion,' Balaji's grieving mother said at a vigil for him, as reported by ABC 7.

'And we have seen the blood shots in the bathroom, signs of fight in the bathroom.'

It's unclear what photos Balaji's parents were referencing.

Balaji's father said he was the last person to talk to him on his birthday week, and his son seemed happy, 'not depressed or anything.'

'He made plans to see us in January,' Ramarao, an engineer at Microsoft, added. 'That was the last phone conversation he had with anyone...

Balaji's parents claim their son had been against the company turning into a for-profit organization

'He went into his apartment and never came out. How can anyone believe that there was no note left?'

Balaji had been a researcher for the artificial intelligence company for four years after joining in 2020.

After the AI system was released in 2022, Balaji began to question if the data that was gathered was an infringement on copyright.

In August, he left OpenAI because he 'no longer wanted to contribute to technologies that he believed would bring society more harm than benefit,' reported the New York Times.

'If you believe what I believe, you have to just leave the company,' he told the outlet.

Over the past two years, companies like OpenAI have been sued by various individuals and businesses for claims on their copyrighted material.

His role and knowledge in legal proceedings against the company was considered 'crucial.'

The New York Times was involved in its own lawsuit against OpenAI and its primary partner, Microsoft, who both denied claims that they had used millions of published articles to inform the intelligence and began competing with the outlet as a result.

Musk has slammed OpenAI for accepting $90 billion of funding, saying the commercial enterprise flies in the face of its original mission

Balaji left OpenAI because he 'no longer wanted to contribute to technologies that he believed would bring society more harm than benefit'

On November 18, the outlet filed a letter in federal court that named Balaji as a person with 'unique and relevant documents' that would be used in their litigation against Open AI.

Their suit said: 'Microsoft and OpenAI simply take the work product of reporters, journalists, editorial writers, editors and others who contribute to the work of local newspapers - all without any regard for the efforts, much less the legal rights, of those who create and publish the news on which local communities rely.'

Whilst other researchers have warned of potential future risks of the technology, such as becoming a danger to humanity, Balaji told the Times that he believes the risk to be far more 'immediate' than feared.

He added: 'I thought that AI was a thing that could be used to solve unsolvable problems, like curing diseases and stopping ageing. I thought we could invent some kind of scientist that could help solve them.'

Balaji said that he believed the threats posed by chatbots, such as ChatGPT, were destroying the commercial viability of the individuals, businesses and internet services that created the digital data used to train such systems.

'This is not a sustainable model for the internet ecosystem as a whole,' he said.
Fake apartment ads have quickly dominated the housing market in California, proving that if something looks too good to be true - it probably is.

Scam listings emerged as a major problem for aspiring renters looking for a home in San Francisco back in 2023, but the deeply dark rabbit hole still exists - just more polished and hard to spot.

'Now those listings have grown up, and scammers have learned a new trick: copy and paste,' Dan Gentile, a senior culture editor at SFGate.

With the hopes of uncovering a rare real estate deal, Gentile sets out on a quest through websites such as Craigslist every few years to search for a home further than the length of a studio apartment.

But along the way, he undercovers the underbelly of apartment rental scams.

For years, the majority of fake rentals on Craigslist preyed upon renters' dreams of finding a landlord who miraculously hasn't changed their rent in accordance with the changing of the times.

Broken English, stories of the property's history and photos seemingly taken with a 5 megapixel Sony Cybershot camera are part of the ad's description, making the deal seem legit.

But those same homes aren't often diamonds found in the rough.

'Everything about the contemporary San Francisco apartment scam listing looks real, except the price,' Gentile wrote in his recent article on SFGate.

Fake apartment ads have quickly dominated the housing market in the bustling city of San Francisco, California, over the last few years

Dan Gentile, a senior culture editor at SFGate, sets out on a quest through websites such as Craigslist every few years to search for a home in the city further than the length of a studio apartment, but has uncovered dozens of fraudulent listings in the process

'That's because scammers now lift real photos and descriptions from listings, going so far as to include the actual addresses.'

Like many others, Gentile is always keeping an eye open for an elusive $1,600-per-month dream home.

Although listing sites like Zillow have claimed to have upgraded their scam filters with a combination of human moderation and AI bots, Facebook Marketplace and other group pages have become scam central.

Having investigated the theory before, the initial process for Gentile always begins the same way - opening a Craigslist email alert for a listing with promises of a prime location along with other factors such as an abundance of natural light.

The best part - the price is usually listed under $2,000.

A link is attached to the email, which leads the interested buyer, in this case being Gentile, into a second Craigslist page consisting of additional descriptions into the residence.

He then shoots off an email to the seller, informing them of his average credit score and career.

Almost immediately, he receives a reply back asking for a phone number with a text coming through just seconds later - the process sometimes being set into motion as late as two in the morning.

Gentile then tries to set up a viewing, but not before he is asked about prior evictions and criminal records.

Now rental scams are harder to spot, including the pictured apartment listed for $1,680, which lifts real photos and descriptions from legit listings - even going so far as to include the actual address

Pictured above is the actual property, which can be seen listed for $1,195,000 on Zillow

'Here comes the turn, the place cheap rent dreams must go to die,' Gentile wrote. 'The background check.'

To continue through the process, he must click an email with a hyperlink leading to www.mightstealyouridentity.com or MSYI - a website to share your birthday, driver's license number and model of your car for a $30 fee.

Many people fall victim at this stage with 70 percent going even further and putting down a security deposit - 62 percent of whom having lost more than $500 in the process, according to a recent Rently survey.

But Gentile has had at least a dozen similar exchanges while hunting for a home in the bustling city of San Fran.

Most recently, a contemporary apartment with hobbit-height ceilings standing in Noe Valley caught his eye - leading him down the same trial-and-error path yet again.

Gentile sent his first response on Christmas Eve and was notified that the 'landlord' wasn't touring the home until after the holidays.

While the conversation went back-and-forth, including discussions on the furnishings that could be included for no extra cost, the owner vanished without even sending an invite to their MSYI portal.

After following up a few more times, the ad was soon met with a notification - flagged for removal.

Rental scams in San Francisco have become so common that it has led to fear amongst aspiring renters - nearly half of renters in the city have experienced a suspicious apartment listing as of 2024

For years, the majority of fake rentals on Craigslist preyed upon renters' dreams of finding a landlord who miraculously hasn't changed their rent in accordance with the changing of the times

'These scammers aren't reinventing the wheel here, but what struck me the most on this round is that the fraud listings themselves now look indistinguishable from real ads,' Gentile wrote.

'It makes chasing rare deals feel like a fool's errand, adding to what's already one of the most demoralizing things about living in the city.'

Apartments.com lists the average rent for a 405-square-foot studio apartment in San Francisco at $2,235 and a one-bedroom at $2,896.

Overall, rent prices rose 1.6 percent over the past year.

Although cheaper prices do exist - Gentile himself has spotted dozens of legit one-bedroom places within the $2,200 to $2,500 range - the likelihood of being scammed remains a possibility.

Back in 2022, Gentile won an investigative journalism award for pursuing a scammer right up to his fake doorstep.

A Craigslist post for a one-bedroom apartment in prime Mission was listed at $1,500 a month - a price that seems to good to be true.

In September of 2022, a man named Lewis answered Gentile's call of interest and proceeded to ask him how fast he could get to the residence.

Although listing sites like Zillow have claimed to have upgraded their scam filters with a combination of human moderation and AI bots, Facebook Marketplace and other group pages have become scam central

A majority of renters blame the rental platforms themselves for shaking their confidence in the market

Within 30 minutes, Gentile was standing in the rain on the sidewalk of Treat Avenue, waiting for Lewis to arrive.

When Lewis still hadn't arrived, Gentile unlatched the fence and headed over to the back of a hidden two-story compound of apartments.

He was able to see that Unit A was empty through a window, besides a bottle of hand sanitizer on the kitchen counter.

But Lewis failed to arrive at all.

Gentile called Lewis back with basic questions including if he lived in the city and where - each of them being answered like a real San Francisco human being.

Lewis then texted Gentile a Rently link that he claimed would supply a lockbox code, but the link listed the rent as $2,600.

He explained away the change in price by informing Gentile that the room was initially discounted due to the pandemic.

But a pop-up notification showed the real landlord's phone number - warning the user that if they were communicating with anyone else they were being scammed.

Gentile read the prompt aloud while still on the phone with Lewis, who quickly became panicked - affirming that the apartment did belong to him and he could be trusted.

It's safe to say Gentile never received the keys to that home.

Fraudulent listings have become so common that 90 percent of renters are worried about falling victim themselves, according to the Rently survey.

Among those who have fallen victim to a rental scam, 88 percent have came across the fake listing on Facebook while 12 percent discovered it on Craigslist.

Seventy percent of victims already paid their security deposit before they even realized they were scammed.

Nearly half of those people have lost more than $1,000 during the process.

According to Apartment List, nearly half of renters in San Francisco have experienced a suspicious apartment listing as of 2024.

When looking for a home, a 'no-screening' application process, unrealistic prices and listings with vague information should be viewed as red flags

Gentile said: 'These scammers aren't reinventing the wheel here, but what struck me the most on this round is that the fraud listings themselves now look indistinguishable from real ads'

A majority of renters blame the rental platforms themselves for shaking their confidence in the market.

Thirty-nine percent place the blame on online rental platforms with the additional 23 percent blaming landlords.

In an effort to halt the problem, renters have pushed for more proactive prevention efforts from the broader rental industry.

A whopping 92 percent of renters have noted how it is 'important' or 'very important' that landlords and property management companies use better technology to prevent the influx of scams.

When looking for a home, a 'no-screening' application process, unrealistic prices and listings with vague information should be viewed as red flags.

'Rental fraud isn't just a financial crime - it's a direct attack on the trust and stability that renters depend on during one of life's most critical decisions,' Merrick Lackner, Rently's CEO, said.

'Our industry must lead the charge in outpacing scammers with stronger safeguards, transparency and education, ensuing every renter can search for a home without fear of exploitation.'

As for Gentile's own personal rental battle, he still hasn't signed any papers for a brand new place.

Yet through the old-fashioned method of house hunting, he may have found something through friends.

'But until I have the keys in hand, I'll probably keep texting Marys/Sarahs/Kristins, digging through the darkness of Craigslist for that rare cheap apartment flooded with light,' he wrote.
A kind anti-homelessness campaigner is himself now living on the streets after his family's home was razed by the Los Angeles wildfires.

Anthony Ruffin said he has been left heartbroken after the home his father first bought in 1972 in a redlined area of Altadena, California was lost to the Eaton Fire this week.

The home he was brought up in and later bought from his parents was among over 12,000 structures that have been razed to the ground since the outbreak of the Los Angeles fires a week ago, killing at least 24 people.

He told the LA Times that he and his wife Jonni Miller, who is also a social worker with the homeless community, were forced to evacuate their home on January 8, leaving behind a trove of precious family heirlooms.

'It's terrible,' he told the outlet through tears this week.

He formerly worked for the charity Housing Works and currently works on Skid Row for the County Department of Health Services.

Ruffin became a well-known public servant in the area as he would check in on clients through weekends and nights, helping countless numbers of California's growing homeless community to find housing.

Yet after losing everything to the fires, Ruffin said he and his wife were already getting back to work to help those even less fortunate than themselves.

'I gotta meet up with somebody today whos homeless and try to help him get into housing,' he said. 'I also did that on Friday. I gotta help somebody, every day... I got my own problems, but Im fortunate.

'So many of the people down there on Skid Row are dealing with addiction and homelessness and dont have some of the resources I have. I mean, I got a motel room right now, and they dont have that.'

Anthony Ruffin and his wife Jonni, both homelessness campaigners, said they lost 'all material possessions' in the Los Angeles fires

Ruffin said he has been left heartbroken after the home his father first bought in 1972 (pictured) in a redlined area of Altadena, California was lost to the Eaton Fire this week.

Ruffin and his wife set up a GoFundMe this week to help rebuild their lives, but said they intend to share the funds with neighbors after their entire street was burned to the ground.

He wrote in the fundraiser: 'We have lost all of our material possessions, including many family heirlooms.

'We are fortunate to have made it to safety with our dog and one of our cats. Sadly, we lost one cat and two of our chickens in the fire, in addition to our home.

'My home was purchased by my father in 1972 on that side of Altadena because African Americans were only allowed to live on that side. With a low-paying job and hard work, my father was able to secure that home.

'I don't want to lose the home that my parents worked so hard for.'

He said losing the home a week ago was gut-wrenching as he 'worked two jobs to hold onto that property, because I knew how much it meant to my family.'

'We really fixed the house up and got it looking really decent.'

He said his mother and stepfather, now 76 and 83, were 'devastated' to hear the home burned to the ground, saying they 'can't stop crying.'

In a Facebook post this week sharing the fundraiser, Ruffin's wife Jonni said her family had been 'trying to manage this tragedy privately', but admitted 'we are human and need some help.'

'We will gladly welcome any support and love you are able to send our way...be it $5, prayers or positive vibes. With all our hearts, thank you.'

Even after losing everything to the fires, Ruffin said he and his wife were already getting back to work to help those even less fortunate than themselves

'I got my own problems, but Im fortunate,' Ruffin said as he pledged to get back to work

As the death toll surged to 24 in recent days, officials warned that the figure is expected to grow as crews struggle to access the smoldering wreckages of entire neighborhoods

Experts warn that drought-like conditions and high winds have created the perfect conditions for wildfires to erupt and spread rapidly

It comes as Los Angeles was placed under an unprecedented wind warning amid fears 70mph gusts could trigger a new inferno.

The National Weather Service issued a fourth 'particularly dangerous situation' warning to take effect 4am Tuesday, cautioning that winds of up to 70mph will last through noon Wednesday.

Huge swaths of the bone-dry city are under the new warning from Ventura across much of the San Fernando Valley, while areas from San Diego to San Bernardino remain under conventional red flag warnings.

The fourth warning comes after the previous three this fire season brought havoc to the densely populated area, including the ongoing Palisades and Eaton fires that have become among the deadliest in California history.

Much of the area around Malibu and the Pacific Palisades are also under the new warning, where at least 24 people have died and over 12,000 buildings have been destroyed in multiple fires.

Meteorologists warn that unseasonable drought-like conditions have turned the city into potential kindling as high winds set in.

The last significant rainfall in downtown Los Angeles came in May 2024, and since October 1 just 0.16 inches of rain has fallen - compared to a historical average of 5.34 inches by this time, reports the LA Times.

Climatologist Bill Patzert told the outlet that 'the past nine months has been one of the driest in the historical record going back to 1900. During my career, Ive never seen punishing Santa Ana events so overwhelm the normal winter rain season.'
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston was embarrassingly heckled about the slew of migrants that have entered the Democratic city.

Johnston, who stood next to Denver Chief of Police Ron Thomas during a press conference on January 13 about stabbings that had occurred in the city over the weekend, was called a 'f***ing coward mayor' by a man in the crowd.

'Yeah, I saw you at the parade, you f***ing coward mayor,' a person yelled as Johnston turned his head toward them.

He then added, derailing the mayor's train of thought: 'It's your fault! Crime-loving Democrats are burning this city down!'

Johnston, who became mayor in 2023, then turned his attention back to the podium, smirking a bit, as Thomas tried to continue on with his statement.

'You f***ing a**hole,' another shouted. Someone else shouted something inaudible as a sign language interpreter continued on.

After the heckling died down, Thomas grabbed the microphone and said: 'I'm sorry, can you repeat the question?'

In December it was revealed in a new study that Denver has spent a staggering $356 million of taxpayer money on migrants in the city, amid growing resentment from residents who say the migrant crisis has crippled the city.

The figure was revealed by the Common Sense Institute (CSI), finding that Johnston has spent the equivalent of $7,900 per migrant in his city.

Mayor Mike Johnston, who stood next to Denver Chief of Police Ron Thomas during a recent press conference, was called a 'f**ing coward mayor' by a man in the crowd

He was repeatedly heckled about his support of allowing migrants into the city. (Pictured: Johnston in September 2023)

Denver's sanctuary city status has come under scrutiny amid the huge influx of migrants, which CSI estimates has seen around 45,000 migrants arrive in the Democratic city since December 2022.

Johnston has insisted he is 'not afraid' of being jailed over his staunch opposition to President-elect Donald Trump's mass deportation plans.

The Democrat leader has been outspoken in his criticism of Trump and his new 'Border Czar' Tom Homan, who has directly threatened Johnston with jail time if he stands in their way.

In an appearance with Fox News' Hannity, Homan said: 'Me and the Denver mayor, we agree on one thing; he's willing to go to jail. I'm willing to put him in jail.'

Johnston has argued that the deportation plan is an inhumane solution to the migrant crisis, and described it to CNN as '10-year-old kids being taken out of class in handcuffs.'

He also compared Trump's mass deportation plans to the infamous 1989 Tiananmen square protests in China and insisted that Denver residents support his efforts.

'More than us having [Denver Police] stationed at the county line to keep them out, you would have 50,000 Denverites there,' he said.

'It's like the Tiananmen Square moment with the rose and the gun, right? You'd have every one of those Highland moms who came out for the migrants. And you do not want to mess with them.'

In December it was revealed in a new study that Denver has spent a staggering $356 million of taxpayer money on migrants in the city. (Pictured: Migrants lying on the floor of a makeshift shelter in Denver in January 2023)

The politician's comment is a reference to the student-led pro democracy protests centered on Beijing's Tiananmen Square which ended up becoming China's greatest political upheaval since the end of the Cultural Revolution more than a decade earlier.

For seven weeks, tens of thousands of people gathered in the square demanding economic, social and political liberalization following decades of repression under the Chinese Communist Party.

The protests turned deadly when the Chinese government deployed troops who engaged in bloody clashes with demonstrators, leaving several hundred dead.

Johnston also highlighted that city police would not assist in federal immigration enforcement and noted that Colorado is unlikely to allow federal forces to take action within the state.

He is not the only Democratic leader looking to challenge the incoming Trump administration.

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker recently said he would uphold his state's sanctuary policies and declared that: 'If you come for my people, you come through me.'

Johnston has insisted he was 'not afraid' of being jailed over his staunch opposition to President-elect Donald Trump's mass deportation plans

There are nearly 12 million undocumented immigrants across the US currently, according to the Center for Migration Studies. (Pictured: Colombian migrants in Denver in February 2024)

There are nearly 12 million undocumented immigrants across the US currently, according to the Center for Migration Studies.

Trump clinched the 2024 presidential election after a campaign that promised large-scale deportations of undocumented migrants and a return to fast-tracked deportations to Mexico, in addition to halting entries across the US border with Mexico.

The president-elect's proposed immigration policies also include ending birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants.

During his previous administration, between 2017 and 2021, Trump put in place policies that left hundreds of thousands of migrants stranded in camps along the Mexican border, reshaping U.S. immigration politics.

More than 3,000 Mexican migrants were pictured marching towards America on Election Day earlier this month after Trump vowed to carry out 'the largest deportation operation in American history.'

US Border Patrol was aware the election could trigger mass migrations of asylum seekers, according to sources who told that the migrants wanted to arrive in the country as 'one last f*** you to America' before Trump takes office.
A 12-year-old girl who was completely destroyed by an alleged rape attack wrote I just want to be happy again minutes before she took a fatal overdose, it emerged today.

Tragic Semina Halliwell also told how she no longer wanted to live but at the same time didnt want to hurt the few people that she loved.

The schoolgirl had felt like she wasnt believed when a detective listening to her account of being sexually assaulted by a boy told her it was her word against his, her mother has told an inquest.

Rachel Halliwell yesterday claimed the officers treated her daughter unprofessionally and made her feel like an inconvenience.

Semina initially hadnt wanted to take the alleged rape in January 2021 any further.

But after learning that the same boy had allegedly sexually assaulted another girl, she changed her mind, her mother Rachel said yesterday.

However while police were at the family home in Southport, Merseyside in June 2021 over an unrelated assault, Semina said Ive had enough of this and went upstairs.

Tragically she took an overdose of prescription medication.

Semina Halliwell (pictured) died on June 12 last year after overdosing on prescription medication

This is the last picture of schoolgirl Semina Halliwell, from Southport, Merseyside, who took her own life in June 2021

Despite being rushed to Alder Hey Childrens Hospital in Liverpool where she underwent intensive medical treatment, Seminas life support had to be withdrawn three days later, on June 12.

Today the second day of her inquest heard details of heartbreaking social media posts Semina wrote on the evening of June 8 shortly before taking the overdose.

In one written late in the evening she posted I have no feelings and I just want to be happy again.

In a second she posted: Theres nothing worse than not wanting to be alive anymore but not wanting to end it either because you dont want to hurt the few people around that you love.

So you just wake up and exist everyday knowing how much it hurts.

In another in the early hours of June 9, she wrote: When does everything get better and when do you start to get over him?

The hearing also heard details of a WhatsApp exchange between Semina and her mother on March 28, the day she told police she didnt want to give a formal interview over her allegation.

In the exchange, Mrs Halliwell tells Semina that it is her decision whether to go ahead.

Rachel Halliwell (pictured) said her daughter was a 'happy, normal little girl', but the alleged sexual assault 'completely destroyed' her and left her fearful of leaving the house

If youre not comfortable doing it then you dont have to, she wrote.

Ill love you and support you whatever you want.

Semina replied that she was worried about letting her mother down.

I dont want to let him get away with it, but at the same time I just want to forget about it, she wrote.

I dont know what to do about it.

Yesterday the hearing at Bootle Town Hall was told that Semina  who was autistic  was completely destroyed by the alleged rape.

Mrs Halliwell said she informed Seminas teachers at Stanley High School in Southport about the alleged rape and also subsequent physical assaults on her daughter, but they were no help.

She contacted police, but when officers attended the way they spoke to her and the way they presented themselves in my view was unprofessional, she said.

Semina Halliwell (pictured) was just 12 years old when she died in June 2021

It was almost like they couldnt be bothered, she said.

Questioned earlier by assistant coroner Johanna Thompson, Mrs Halliwell said a male detective told Semina the case amounted to her word against his.

The comment made her feel like she wasnt believed, she added.

The officer also asked Did she want it hanging over her head? Mrs Halliwell said, adding: Thats not the way to speak to any victim.

However after initially deciding not to pursue her complaint, Semina later decided to go ahead after learning the same boy had allegedly attacked another girl, her mother said.

She said enough was enough.

Asked what the outcome would have been had Semina received better support after making the rape allegation, her mother replied: Shed still be here today.

Earlier Barnabas Branston, representing Merseyside Police, stressed that as far as officers were concerned at the time of Seminas death, her video interview about the rape allegation was still due to go ahead.

Rachel Halliwell (pictured here with her daughter) said Semina was treated 'unprofessionally' by Merseyside Police

The hearing also heard how agencies including childrens services had been involved with Seminas family from as early as 2015 and that she had been classified as vulnerable.

She was also having appointments with the child and adolescent mental health services.

Issues included incidents of alleged physical assaults by Seminas older sibling on their mother and an earlier suicide attempt in the family.

Donna Buck, an educational nurse, said she met Semina in 2020 to ask how she was settling into secondary school.

She said she directed Semina to information about how to cut down on self-harming as well as staying safe on social media, but that there were no concerns about her overall wellbeing.

In April 2021 the school was informed about Semina having had sex with a 13-year-old boy at the family home, she said.

Her mother later confided that she was worried about Semina becoming promiscuous and wearing clothes which made her look sexy, she added.

Ms Buck said she saw Semina again in May 2021 at which point she denied having any suicidal thoughts.

A twelve-year-old girl called Semina Halliwell took a fatal overdose after police officers investigating her claim that a boy had raped her said it was 'her word against his', her mother Rachel Halliwell (pictured in the white coat) told an inquest today

A meeting was planned the following month about Seminas status as a child in need, she said.

But tragically she was informed on June 9 that Semina had taken an overdose and that it was likely to prove fatal due to the toxicity of the medication she had taken.

Harriet Johnson, representing Seminas mother, asked Ms Buck why she hadnt discussed the alleged sexual assault when she saw the schoolgirl in May.

Ms Bull said she hadnt felt it was appropriate to bring it up given that there was an ongoing police investigation and Semina was also receiving help from other professionals, including social workers.

For confidential support call the Samaritans in the UK on 116 123, visit a local Samaritans branch.

The hearing continues.
The deaths of at least two more babies are being investigated by detectives as part of the ongoing police inquiry into serial child killer Lucy Letby.

The former neo-natal nurse was convicted of murdering seven babies at the Countess of Chester Hospital during a 13-month killing spree, between June 2015 and June 2016.

But another 10 infants died over the same period  six at the Countess and four at neo-natal units elsewhere, following their transfer to other NHS hospitals for more specialist care.

A document published by the legal team of the Thirlwall Inquiry, the public inquiry looking into Letby's crimes, revealed all 17 deaths have been looked at by Cheshire Constabulary but only two remain under investigation.

The document overview states: 'Two of the deaths that occurred on a neonatal Unit (either at the Countess of Chester Hospital or other hospital neonatal units post transfer) remain the subject of ongoing police investigation.'

The document does not explain exactly when in 2015 or 2016, or where the two infant deaths under investigation took place.

Cheshire Police have pledged to look into the cases of all 4,000 babies Letby treated at the Countess, and Liverpool Women's Hospital, where she trained as a student, during the 'footprint' of her five-year career.

Only last month detectives confirmed they had visited Letby, 35, in prison to interview her on suspicion of murdering and harming more children.

The former neo-natal nurse was convicted of murdering seven babies at the Countess of Chester Hospital during a 13-month killing spree, between June 2015 and June 2016

The public inquiry looking into Letby's crimes, revealed all 17 deaths have been looked at by Cheshire Constabulary but only two remain under investigation

Police declined to comment on the document and previously refused to reveal exactly how many specific cases Letby  one of only four women sentenced to a whole life term in UK legal history  has been questioned about.

But sources have told the Mail that any charges won't be brought until 'well into the New Year.'

Last year Dr Stephen Brearey, the senior paediatrician on the neo-natal unit at the Countess, told the public inquiry that he believes Letby 'likely' murdered or attacked more babies before she killed her first victim, in June 2015.

He said he has suspicions about other deaths and collapses, which at the time staff believed were normal, or had natural causes.

Letby was on duty, or had been working the shift prior, for 12 of 13 baby deaths that occurred at the Countess of Chester Hospital between March 2015 and July 2016.

She was convicted of murdering seven children and found guilty of trying to kill seven others who suffered unexplained collapses, including one she attacked twice, over the same period.

One of her attempted murder victims, Baby K, died after being transferred to Arrowe Park Hospital, on the Wirral, several days after Letby deliberately dislodged her breathing tube.

She was initially charged with Baby K's murder but prosecutors downgraded the offence to attempted murder before the original trial began, in October 2023, amid concerns they could not prove Letby's attack caused the child's subsequent death.

A sign outside the Countess of Chester Hospital in Chester where Letby worked

Letby was on duty, or had been working the shift prior, for 12 of 13 baby deaths that occurred at the Countess of Chester Hospital between March 2015 and July 2016

Screen grab taken from body worn camera footage issued by Cheshire Constabulary of the arrest of Lucy Letby

The other nine babies who died in 2015 and 2016 - who did not feature in the criminal trial - also feature in the legal team's overview document.

Among details listed are the cause of death recorded at post-mortem or the registered cause of death, with several citing congenital conditions or abnormalities.

Dr Dewi Evans, the former lead prosecution witness at Letby's original trial, previously told the Mail he had concerns over the deaths of at least three children and the collapses of as many as 15 more, including one potentially poisoned with insulin who were not included on the original indictment.

He said he had suspicions that Letby experimented with moving babies' breathing tubes as a method of causing harm before she began injecting air into their bloodstreams, or into their tummies via their nasal feeding tubes in a bid to kill.

'One thing we can be reasonably sure of is that Lucy Letby did not turn up to work one day and decide to inject a baby with air into their bloodstream,' he said.

'I think the modus operandi evolved over time and I think that prior to air embolus tube displacement was probably something that she did.'

Dr Rachel Lambie, who worked as a registrar at the Countess, has also told the inquiry that, around a fortnight before Letby murdered her first victim, known as Baby A, in June 2015, another 'very, very unusual event' occurred on the ward.

Although she didn't go into details, the medic confirmed she has since given a statement to detectives about the incident.

The inquiry has heard that babies breathing tubes became dislodged on 40 per cent of shifts Letby worked at Liverpool Women's Hospital, between October and December 2012, and January and February 2015.

According to the BBC, babies suffered potentially life-threatening incidents on almost a third of the 33 shifts she worked while training at the Liverpool Trust.

In one case, from November 2012, a baby boy being cared for by Letby collapsed and water was later discovered in his breathing tube, which experts say is highly irregular.

Letby, of Hereford, maintains her innocence and has twice applied, but failed, to have her convictions dismissed by the Court of Appeal. She is serving 15 whole life tariffs and will die in jail.
A Texas teenager has died after his younger brother accidentally shot him - and their father keeled over moments later while trying to save his dying son.

The horror double-tragedy unfolded at their home in Texas City, just outside Houston in the early hours of Monday morning.

Texas City Police said the 15-year-old boy accidentally shot his 17-year-old brother Joshua Gonzales at their home around 1am.

Their father, Julian Gonzales, attempted to save his dying son, but 'suffered a fatal medical episode' in the process.

'The 15-year-old was questioned by detectives and has been released pending additional investigation,' police said.

'Further details will be provided by the Texas City Police Department once the district attorney's office has completed its review of the incident.'

Julian, known by his friends as Jay, was a beloved tattoo artist who owned a studio in Texas City called Artistic Image, according to his Facebook profile.

Texas teenager Joshua Gonzales (pictured right), 17, has died after his 15-year-old brother accidentally shot him - and their father Julian Gonzales (pictured left) keeled over moments later while trying to save his dying son on Monday morning

The horror double-tragedy unfolded at their home in Texas City, just outside Houston in the early hours of Monday morning, cops confirmed. (Pictured: Joshua and Julian)

His business partner Melo Salazar spoke with Fox26 about his shock death.

'He wasn't my blood family, but he was my brother,' Salazar told the outlet.

'He was all about those boys. He was a single father. So, he did a lot for them. Everything was for them.'

Julian witnessed his 15-year-old son shoot his older brother, according to Click 2 Houston.

Texas City Independent School District confirmed to KHOU that Joshua had been a student there.

'We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our students,' the district said in a statement

'Our thoughts are with the family and all those who cared for them during this difficult time.'

Photographs on Julian's social media profiles show him at work in his tattoo studio, and smiling with his son during happier times.

Julian, known by his friends as Jay, was a beloved tattoo artist who owned a studio in Texas City called Artistic Image, according to his Facebook profile

Texas City Police said a 15-year-old boy 'accidentally' shot his 17-year-old brother, Joshua Gonzales, at their home on the 300 block of 10th Avenue North around 1am

It comes after a 15-year-old boy fatally shot his parents and three siblings in Fall City, Washington before checking their pulses to make sure they were dead.

The unnamed teenager massacred all but one of his family members with his father's Glock handgun at their luxury $1.4 million home in the leafy town.

Electrical engineer Mark Humiston, 43, and his registered nurse wife Sarah, 42, were found dead at the home along with three of their children, Benjamin, 13, Joshua, 9 and Katheryn, 7.

The 11-year-old sole surviving daughter played dead before she escaped the bloodbath through a 'fire window' in her room and ran about a quarter of a mile away to a neighbor's house.

She told police that her alleged killer brother checked the pulses of his dead relatives afterwards, but didn't come to check hers.
A convicted criminal and drug dealer who acted as the 'middle man' in the sale of a 30,000 Cartier watch stolen from the stately home of the Duke of Westminster has been jailed for more than four years.

Nathan Elliott, 31, claimed that he had bought the Cartier London Tank JC watch from a friend for 150 and 'thought it was a bargain', Chester Crown Court was told.

But the timepiece was in fact one of three valuable watches stolen from the Duke of Westminister's bedroom at Eaton Hall, Cheshire in August 2022 by burglar Matthew Turner, who was working on the Duke's estate as a decorator.

Turner, a drug addict, also took a Panerai Luminor Marina and a Breitling - a 21st birthday present from the duke's parents. Both were worth 7,000 and neither have been recovered.

Hugh Grosvenor, the Duke of Westminster and Britain's 11th richest person, told an earlier hearing in a statement that the watches were of 'huge sentimental value' to him.

The duke is a close friend of Prince William and Prince Harry, he is the godfather of Prince George, William's eldest child, and Prince Harry's son Archie. King Charles is one of his godparents.

Elliott, of Ellesmere Port, Cheshire was jailed for a total of four years and ten months for possession of criminal property and for his role in an 'sophisticated and well structured' conspiracy to sell cannabis.

Nathan Elliott, 31, claimed that he had bought the Cartier London Tank JC watch from a friend for 150 and 'thought it was a bargain', Chester Crown Court was told

Hugh Grosvenor, the Duke of Westminster and Britain's 11th richest person, told an earlier hearing in a statement that the watches were of 'huge sentimental value' to him

The duke is a close friend of Prince William and Prince Harry. Pictured: At his wedding to Olivia Henson in June last year

The timepiece was one of three valuable watches stolen from the Duke of Westminister's bedroom at Eaton Hall, Cheshire in August 2022 by burglar Matthew Turner (pictured) who was working on the Duke's estate as a decorator

Prosecutor Sion ap Michangel told the court yesterday that the Cartier watch turned up at a Bath auction house in November 2022 where it was sold for 22,500.

The 'rare and easily recognisable' watch had been put up for sale at the auction by Elliott and his partner Kayleigh Gordon but had been spotted by enthusiast Harry Fane who contacted the Duke of Westminister.

The court heard the theft was only uncovered 'in an amazing coincidence' when Mr Fane, who originally sold the watch to the duke for 18,000 spotted it on an auction house website.

Turner of Great Sutton, Chester was given a 20 month sentence suspended for two years at an earlier hearing and Gordon, of Ellesmere Port was given a nine months suspended for two years.

As he was sentenced, the duke said: 'My bedroom was a private, extremely personal space within my home.

'Someone trusted to do a job has entered my room and stolen my possessions. This has sadly affected the trust I have in a company I trusted to decorate my home.'

The judge sentencing Turner warned him: 'You have escaped prison by the skin of your teeth.

'I am sure all three watches, particularly the Breitling watch purchased by the duke's now late father, would have particular sentimental value.'

Elliott, of Ellesmere Port, Cheshire was jailed for a total of four years and ten months for possession of criminal property and for his role in an 'sophisticated and well structured' conspiracy to sell cannabis

The duke is a close friend of Prince William and Prince Harry , he is the godfather of Prince George, William's eldest child, and Prince Harry's son Archie. Pictured: Hugh Grosvenor and Prince William in 2004

The duke had instructed workmen to decorate rooms at Eaton Hall (pictured) but not his bedroom

A Cartier London Tank JC wristwatch was among the items taken during the burglary last August

A Panerai Luminor Marina watch was also swiped by the thief

The court heard Turner was working for a well-respected, family-owned decorating firm which had done regular jobs for the Duke of Westminster's family for 50 years.

The duke's bedroom was not among the rooms needing refurbishment when the company was working at Eaton Hall at the time of the thefts in August 2022.

Elliott was one of 16 defendants sentenced for their role in a 'industrial and well structured' conspiracy to sell cannabis throughout Merseyside and Cheshire.

Mr ap Michangel said Elliott had just been released from prison for a separate offence in September 2023 when he 'immediately' became involved in the operation to distribute drugs from a unit on an industrial estate in Ellesmere Port.

He said he played 'a significant role' in the 'storage, preparation and distribution' of cannabis for five months until his arrest in March 2024.

Judge Simon Berkson jailed Elliott for eight months for possession or criminal property and gave him a consecutive sentence of 50 months for his role in the cannabis conspiracy.

He told him: 'The watch had been stolen and was sold at auction for 22,500. You acted as the middle man between the burglar and the seller. You played an important role.'

The judge said that he had also played 'a significant role' in the cannabis conspiracy and had been seen moving 'bulk amounts of cannabis' from the storage unit.
The Biden administration announced Tuesday it was lifting Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, triggering an angry wave of condemnation from Republicans.

A senior administration official told reporters that other steps to improve relations with the communist island included reversing a Trump-era order restricting financial transactions with military and government officials.

And the Cuban government is expected to free a significant number of political prisoners as part of an agreement with the Catholic Church.

Sen. Ted Cruz, whose father was Cuban, immediately promised to work with Donald Trump's incoming administration to reimpose the state sponsor of terrorism tag.

'Obama-Biden officials are continuing their legacy of closing out administrations with rank appeasement of the Cuban regime,' he said.

'They push these policies both because they believe in them and to undermine the incoming Trump administration and Republican Congress.'

He warned that any softening of the U.S. stance to the island risked 'incredible damage' to American national security.

Sen. Rick Scott of Florida called it Biden's 'parting gift to dictators and terrorists around the world.'

On Tuesday afternoon Sen. Ted Cruz slammed the expected move, and promised to work with the incoming Trump administration to reinstate the designation

Aparade commemorating the 66th anniversary of the caravan of freedom, led by the late Fidel Castro, in Havana, Cuba, on 8 January 2025

It is the latest back and forth on the issue.

Barack Obama's administration lifted the designation during a period of warming relations, but it was reimposed on Jan. 11, 2021 during the final days of Donald Trump's time in office.

Officials cited Cuba's closeness to the oppressive regime in Venezuela as justification as well as its refusal to extradite Colombian rebels to Colombia.

The designation comes with consequences, barring U.S. economic aid, arms exports and the sort of red flag that puts off other countries from doing business with Cuba.

Biden signaled during the 2020 election campaign that he would pursue a softer line but has left to his final week to change policy.

'First President Biden will be notifying Congress today that he seeks to remove Cuba from the State Department's State Sponsor of Terrorism list,' said the official.

'An assessment has been completed, and we do not have information that supports Cuba's designation as being a state sponsor of terrorism.'

He added that it was a unilateral move and that it would help the Cuban people.

Rep. Carlos Gimenez, a South Florida Republican, called Biden a 'pathetic coward' on X

Sen. Rick Scott of Florida called the move Biden's 'parting gift to dictators and terrorists around the world' and said it was a threat to national security

President Joe Biden promised action during the 2020 election campaign but waited until the final week of his presidency to soften the US stance on Cuba

Human rights groups and activists, including the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, have been pushing Biden to lift restrictions, warning that Cuba was close to economic collapse.

Some 35 former leaders from around the world wrote to Biden in September, urging him to remove the state sponsor of terrorism label.

'The reasons we state for requesting the removal of Cuba from the list of State sponsors of terrorism are based on a strong humanitarian appeal that seeks to alleviate the situation of millions of innocent people and our deep conviction that the government of Cuba is seriously committed against terrorism and in favor of peace in the region and the world,' said the letter, signed by Dilma Rousseff, former president of Brazil, and Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, former president of Argentina, among others.

'No country should compromise for political purposes the seriousness of the fight against the scourge of terrorism.'

The issue is certain to be raised with Trump's incoming secretary of state, Marco Rubio, when he appears before senators for his confirmation hearing Wednesday.

His family left Cuba before the communist revolution brought Fidel Castro to power but he has long been hawkish in his position on sanctions against the island.

Erik Prince, Blackwater founder and ally of Trump, posted: 'The Biden team is so consistently wrong they cannot be this stupid, they must be trying to ruin our Republic. Cuba is the nexus of socialist rot throughout Latin America.'

Rep. Carlos Gimenez, a South Florida Republican, called Biden a 'pathetic coward' on X.

'Come January 20th, there will be a NEW SHERIFF in town & President Trump alongside Secretary of State will not only put #Cuba BACK on the list but PULVERIZE the regime once & for all,' he wrote.
Two sisters who mysteriously vanished eight days ago had told their landlord they intended to end their tenancy the day before they went missing, police have said.

But officers investigating the disappearance of Eliza and Henrietta Huszti, 32, from Aberdeen said there was nothing to suggest they planned to leave the city and their lack of contact with family was massively out of character.

The sisters, who are part of a set of triplets, have not been seen since CCTV captured them walking on Victoria Bridge over the River Dee just after 2am last Tuesday.

They were then seen to turn right on to a narrow footpath along the riverbank towards Aberdeen Boat Club but failed to emerge on CCTV at the other end of the path.

But speaking from the scene yesterday Police Scotland Superintendent David Howieson said from extensive enquiries so far there was nothing to suggest a third party was involved and stressed this is not a criminal investigation, its a missing persons enquiry.

He admitted that one of the strongest theories was that the sisters have by reasons unknown ended up in the water. But he said officers were keeping an open mind.

He said: There is nothing to indicate their intention to come here and enter the water, but that has to be a theory.

It was completely out of character for them both to be out at that time of the morning in Aberdeen but also for them to be in this area. We have no indication as to a connection with this area at all.

Eliza and Henrietta Huszti went missing last Tuesday

The 32-year-old sisters were last seen on CCTV in Market Street after leaving their home in Aberdeen city centre on Tuesday at around 2.12am.

He explained that the day before they vanished, their landlord had received an indication from the sisters that they intended to leave the tenancy.

Following this correspondence, the landlord visited the flat and when they became concerned that their personal belongings were left behind, they contacted the police.

Superintendent Howieson said: There was no indication in the correspondence to suggest they intended to leave that day, simply that they intended to leave the tenancy. But it would appear that they have left that day and we are certain that they havent returned.

The sisters are said to have taken a fairly direct route through the city centre with CCTV capturing their journey, before the last sighting of them reaching the River Dee.

The women, who are described as white, slim, with long, brown hair, were dressed for the freezing conditions that morning and were in possession of at least one mobile phone and a handbag.

But as specialist searches involving divers and police dogs entered their seventh day on and along the river bank, Superintendent Howieson conceded they havent found any personal items that we think are linked to the missing sisters.

He said: It may be the case that if they have entered the water for reasons unknown those possessions have gone with them, but we simply dont know at this point.

He added: We also know there were a number of personal effects in the flat that if they planned to go away for an extended period of time, we would have expected them to take with them.

The sisters, who are originally from Hungary, had been in contact with family at the new year and were described as being happy and sociable.

Superintendent Howieson said: There was no reason for concern at all. This is massively out of character and that explains the level of concern everyone has.

Police divers search for the sisters in the River Dee in Aberdeen

He said they were not ruling anything out but admitted: One of the strongest theories we have is that for unknown reasons they have entered the water.

We can say with a high degree of confidence they have crossed the bridge and entered the path and a high degree of confidence they havent left the area by means captured on CCTV. But its not impossible and until it is impossible we will continue to investigate.

The other side of the road from the path they were walking has high security fencing surrounding the industrial site.

But he said officers remained open minded to the fact they may have left the area simply by means that we have been unable to evidence on CCTV.

That wouldnt be by the most obvious means, but its possible, he added.

Officers are carrying out door to door enquires in the wider vicinity to find out if anyone else may have seen them in the early hours.

CCTV also picked up audio but Superintendent Howieson said there was nothing to suggest the sisters were heard on it as it was a busy part of the city, even in the early hours.

Anyone who frequents the area regularly at that time is urged to contact police, not only if they think they have seen the sisters, but to give a description of who is going around and what its like at that time which may assist with the investigation.
An elderly Los Angeles woman said 'I'm fine, I'm calm' to a friend who tried to rescue her from her home shortly before she was killed by the Los Angeles fires.

Kimberly Winiecki, 77, tragically died in her home in Altadena after it was engulfed in the Eaton Fire.

Her close friend Jeannette McMahon told CNN that she had just seen Winiecki the day before the Eaton Fire broke out on January 7, with no idea of the chaos the fires would bring over the next week.

'We were good friends,' she said. 'On Monday night we had dinner, well, what we didnt know was going to be our farewell dinner.'

McMahon said when the fires spread rapidly towards their homes, she tried to help Winiecki evacuate, but her friend was not concerned enough to flee.

'The winds picked up on Tuesday and then around 8 p.m. I could see the fire from my home, so I texted Kim and said, Kim, I need to come pick you up,'' she recalled.

In their final texts, McMahon said her friend assured her she was calm about the situation.

After failing to get ahold of her friend the next day, Winiecki's brother said officials notified him that she was among 24 people who have so far lost their lives in the devastating fires.

Kimberly Winiecki, 77, tragically died in her home in Altadena, California in the Eaton Fire last week after texting her best friend that she was 'fine and calm'

Winiecki's home was destroyed in the Eaton Fire, one of six large wildfires in the Los Angeles area that killed at least 24 people over the last week and burned over 12,000 buildings

A search and rescue officer seen searching through rubble in Altadena, California after the Eaton Fire ravaged the city

Officials said after the death toll surged to 24 in recent days that they expect the true number to continue rising as firefighting crews struggle to access scorched areas of Los Angeles.

Winiecki's close friends said she wasn't among those who evacuated in the first days of the wildfires, which spread in at unprecedented speed due to drought-like conditions and high winds.

McMahon remembered her friend as a 'very intelligent woman' who was 'so sensitive and expressive.'

'She was a writer and a delight to be with. It was such a joy to be around her,' she recalled.

She said the two of them met at least twice a week for the past 20 years, and they enjoyed 'many parties' together.

'Dinner parties and gatherings and Kim was a part of them.

'She didnt like being in pictures, but she used to love taking photos of our gatherings and table settings and sending the photos to her sister. Ill miss her insightfulness and wittiness.'

The high winds that spread the fires rapidly through the Los Angeles area led the National Weather Service to issue an unprecedented fourth 'particularly dangerous situation' wind warning on Tuesday.

Winiecki's friend Jeanneatte McMahon (right) said she was devastated by the loss of her close friend of 20 years, who she described as a 'very intelligent woman' who was 'so sensitive and expressive'

Experts warn that drought-like conditions and high winds have created the perfect conditions for wildfires to erupt and spread rapidly

On Tuesday, officials issued an unprecedented fourth 'particularly dangerous situation' fire weather warning as high winds are set to hit the fire-ravaged Los Angeles area

The NWS said wind gusts upwards of 70mph were forecast, with the warnings taking effect at 4am Tuesday and lasting through noon Wednesday.

Much of the area around Malibu, Ventura and the Pacific Palisades are under the new warning, where at least 24 people have died and over 12,000 buildings have been destroyed in multiple fires.

Meteorologists warn that unseasonable drought-like conditions have turned the city into potential kindling as high winds set in.

The last significant rainfall in downtown Los Angeles came in May 2024, and since October 1 just 0.16 inches of rain has fallen - compared to a historical average of 5.34 inches by this time, reports the LA Times.

Climatologist Bill Patzert told the outlet that 'the past nine months has been one of the driest in the historical record going back to 1900. During my career, Ive never seen punishing Santa Ana events so overwhelm the normal winter rain season.'

While officials search for a cause of the fires, speculation has fallen on several alleged arsonists who have been accused of deliberately starting the blazes.

After a homeless illegal immigrant was caught last week with a blowtorch and was arrested, new DailyMail.com footage captured the moment another alleged arsonist was stopped by locals.

New crime scene photos show investigators descended on the popular Temescal Ridge hiking spot as the potential source of the deadly Pacific Palisades fire

Huge swathes of Los Angeles have been lost to the fires, with experts predicting it could cost upwards of $150 billion and take 10 years to rebuild the city

A video filmed by author Paul Haddad showed locals confronting the man in a plaid shirt who lit a pile of dead leaves and twigs in a built-up area next to the LA River in the east part of the Los Feliz neighborhood.

They held his arms behind his back and pushed him to the ground as they waited for police to arrive on the scene near the Kenneth Fire, which has since been contained.

One witness later recounted that the suspect was 'very focused on moving forward with the blow torch', telling FOX 11 the suspect said: 'I can't stop. I can't stop. I'm not putting this down. I'm doing this.'

Renata Grinshpun also recalled how the community 'really banded together as a group'. She told KTLA: 'A few gentlemen surrounded him and got him on his knees. They got some zip ties, a rope and we were able to do a citizen's arrest.'

As investigations continue, the source of the largest of the fires, the Palisades Fire, was potentially tracked to fireworks over New Years on a popular hiking trail.

Part of the Temescal Ridge trail near Via Las Palmas and Via La Costa in LA's Palisades-Highland community was seen cordoned off with crime scene tape Monday night.

The tape appeared to surround a burn scar, KTLA reported. Fireworks are illegal in LA, but Pacific Palisades teens are feared to have triggered an initial small blaze by setting off fireworks on the trail a week before the fire started on January 7.

Drought-like conditions and high winds mean that although that initial fire was put out, it may have smoldered for six days before re-igniting, investigators now believe according to sources to the San Francisco Chronicle.

'Theres been no definitive determination that it is arson at this point,' LAPD Asst. Chief Dominic Choi told the outlet. 'But we are looking at every angle.'
Diddy is demanding authorities hand over videos of his so-called 'freak offs', alleging they will prove he is completely innocent.

In a letter to Judge Arun Subramanian on Tuesday, his lawyers asked the judge to have prosecutors produce the nine videos he is said to have partaken in for them.

Prosecutors have described them as 'elaborate and produced sex performances' arranged and directed by Combs while he masturbated and often recorded them.

His lawyers say they absolve him of any wrongdoing and show 'private sexual activity' between himself and then partner Cassie Ventura.

Prosecutors refused to hand over the videos after Combs was charged and his lawyers only got to see their contents in November and December.

The videos have been kept under wraps due to the attorney of Ventura requesting they not be produced to protect her privacy, to which the government agreed.

Due to such constraints, Diddy's lawyer are only able to view them under the supervision of law enforcement and are now asking for better access.

It goes on to add Ventura, named in the indictment and court documents as Victim 1, 'not only consented, but thoroughly enjoyed herself'.

His lawyers say that the videos absolve him of any wrongdoing and show 'private sexual activity' between himself and then partner Cassie Ventura, the pair are seen here in 2018

His lawyers say that the videos absolve him of any wrongdoing and show 'private sexual activity between fully consenting adults in a long-term relationship'

Their filing says: 'These videos unambiguously show that the person alleged in the indictment not only consented by thoroughly enjoyed herself.

'The recordings also directly refute the allegations that Mr. Combs kept these videos as "collateral".

'These recordings were not on Mr. Combs' devices and were not seized from his homes.

'Rather, Victim-1 kept these videos on her own device for years and produced them to the government herself.'

It says: 'There are no secret cameras, no orgies, no other celebrities involved, no underground tunnels, no minors and not so much as a hint of coercion or violence.'

His lawyers say the videos are unquestionably material at the core of the case against Diddy and is material necessary in preparing their own defense.

They say Diddy will need to extract portions of the videos to create trial exhibits, stills and transcripts.

It adds there is no good cause to prevent the production of the videos as the case does not involve classified information or child pornography.

In what seems to be the first insight into the content of the videos, they add that the clips are largely inaudible.

Another alleged victim claimed Sean Combs raped ad drugged her when she was a teen nearly 25 years ago when she came across the rapper at a Manhattan residential building where Diddy's girlfriend lived

'On certain videos, the lighting is also very bad, and the images are quite dark and grainy', it continues.

His lawyers add: 'Any fair-minded viewer of the videos will quickly conclude that the prosecution of Mr. Combs is both sexist and puritanical.

'It is sexist because the government's theory perpetuates stereotypes of female victimhood and lack of agency.

'The prosecution reflects a paternalistic view that the government is here to protect women, who cannot be trusted to make their own decision about sex, and are not capable of consenting to sex that the prosecutors view as outside the "norm".'

Combs, 55, remains locked up at Brooklyn's infamous Metropolitan Detention Center in New York after he was arrested in September of last year.

Prosecutors have said that he openly engaged in the 'freak offs' which are said to have involved baby oil and the use of drugs.

Diddy's associates would allegedly ply victims with drugs to keep them compliant and would make threats against anyone refusing to engage.

Diddy is currently locked up at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center ahead of his trial on May 5

He has pleaded not guilty to charges alleging he coerced and abused women for years, aided by associates and employees, and silenced victims through blackmail and violence, including kidnapping, arson and physical beatings.

Earlier this week a woman came forward claiming she was drugged and raped by Combs after being lured into his car when she was a teenage babysitter.

The lawsuit is among more than 20 civil suits filed against Combs in New York, Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

Combs was denied bail three times by two separate judges, and will remain in jail until his criminal trial, which is set for May 5. He is facing life in prison if he is found guilty of the racketeering charge.
A Republican congresswoman is set to reintroduce a set of bills that will impose the death penalty on those convicted of sex crimes against children.

Staunch Donald Trump ally Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., first introduced two of the bills during last year's Congress, but neither of them succeeded in gaining traction.

'If you are raping someone, if you're molesting someone, you are essentially murdering their soul. Those people never actually fully recover,' Luna told Fox News Digital in an interview Tuesday.

'I've actually sat on a committee with a very prominent [female House Democrat] who actually talked about the fact that she was molested as a child. And so you can see that it impacts and really hurts people,' Luna said.

The 'Holding Child Predators Accountable Act' mandated the death penalty or life imprisonment for anyone found guilty of 'producing, distributing, or possessing child pornography,' according to a media release from Luna's office on April 11, 2024.

The 'No Repeat Child Sex Offenders Act' was a more broad bill that likewise would have forced judges to impose death or life in prison for people convicted of child sex trafficking.

That bill would have covered a wide variety of crimes including 'sexual exploitation, trafficking, abuse of minors, transportation for sexual activities, coercion into prostitution, operation of sexual exploitation enterprises, production of child pornography, and other forms of sexual abuse and contact.'

As the law stands right now, first time offenders convicted of distributing or possessing child porn could be sentenced to as little as five years in prison or as many as 20 years. Repeat offenders could get 15 to 40 years behind bars.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., will be reintroducing a package of bills that greatly increase the penalties faced by people found guilty of child sex crimes

When it comes to child sex trafficking, there's a wider range. Offenders could be sentenced to 10 years or life in prison, according to Title 18 of the United States Code.

Of course, Luna's two bills, if passed, would erase these gradations entirely.

A third bill she plans to reintroduce will require people guilty of raping or sexually abusing adults to receive a mandatory minimum of 30 years to life in prison.

Luna theorized that her efforts to pass these bills failed last year because of her insistence on including the death penalty as a punishment.

'I was really pushing this last Congress, and I was pretty surprised that there didn't seem to be a massive appetite to push this,' she said. 'I mean, it got a lot of good press but when it was introduced you just didn't see a lot of my colleagues wanting to jump on board.'

'I think some people will look at the death penalty and say we shouldn't be doing it, but again, in my opinion, you cannot rehabilitate a predator,' she added.

Luna told Fox that while she was at dinner with President-elect Trump at Mar-a-Lago over the weekend, she brought up these bills with him and said he was 'supportive.'

Luna said Trump raised the salience of the issue of child sex trafficking on the campaign trail, which has her hopeful that her legislative package will pass this time.

Last August, Trump called for the death penalty 'for anyone guilty of child or woman sex trafficking' while talking about punishments for illegal migrants.

Luna is pictured with Elon Musk, incoming head of the Department of Government Efficiency, at Mar-a-Lago this past weekend. Several factions of House Republican's visited Donald Trump's resort in Palm Beach, Florida, hoping to get the president-elect on board with their policy priorities

Luna said she and Trump discussed her bills against pedophiles over dinner and said he was 'supportive'

His tough-on-crime comments came during a campaign event along the U.S.-Mexico border in Arizona.

Luna said she and Trump discussed amending the sentencing guidelines via executive order but eventually came to the conclusion that an act of Congress would be necessary.

'We can't pass something like this by executive order because it would, in many cases, raise the mandatory minimums for some of these crimes. And so it has to be done through Congress first,' Luna said.

Luna, along with many other House Republicans, visited Trump in Palm Beach, Florida, on Saturday to discuss their policy objectives ahead of him being sworn in on January 20.

The 219 - 215 advantage held by the GOP currently will soon drop to 217 - 215 after two lawmakers join the Trump administration.

This makes it crucial for the party to find common ground on big ticket policies like immigration reform, the extension of the president-elect's 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, cuts to federal spending and the military budget.
The failure of a marriage is always a matter of regret, even when the couple involved remains on good terms.

So there was no pleasure to be taken from the announcement by former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon that her marriage to Peter Murrell, ex-chief executive of the SNP, was over.

There was no surprise, either. Friends of Ms Sturgeons have been speculating for some time about the state of her relationship with Mr Murrell.

Two years ago, a confidante of the politician told me he expected a separation announcement any day now.

In her statement on Monday, Ms Sturgeon made clear that the couples marriage has effectively been over for some time.

To all intents and purposes, Ms Sturgeon wrote, we have been separated for some time now and feel it is time to bring others up to speed with where we are.

It goes without saying that we still care deeply for each other, and always will.

But with the end of one chapter, comes the beginning of another and it would appear that, post-marriage, Ms Sturgeon has a plot-twist up her sleeve.

Former SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon announced her marriage to former party chief executive Peter Murrell was ending

Ms Sturgeon was obsessive in her pursuit of a second independence referendum

Since her early 20s, Ms Sturgeon has been a fixture in public life. Those of a certain age will recall her as a stern-faced young nationalist, popping up on TV news to denounce this or that unionist outrage.

During those formative political years of the 1990s, Ms Sturgeon earned the rather sexist nickname Nippy Sweetie for her perceived lack of humour.

That version of Nicola Sturgeon endured into the 21st century when she began a period of reinvention.

By the time Alex Salmond had returned, in 2004, for his second spell as SNP leader, Ms Sturgeon had succumbed to the influence of stylists. Out went the drab, black trouser suits and in came brightly-coloured designer outfits that ensured the politician stood out in photographs.

And with that new look came a new attitude. The combative Ms Sturgeon of old was replaced by a new, softer model who claimed to understand and care about the concerns of the Unionist majority in Scotland.

Over time, in power, another version - perhaps, say friends, the real version - of Nicola Sturgeon emerged.

Arrogant, unwilling to listen to criticism, and utterly obsessive in her pursuit of a second independence referendum unwanted by voters, Ms Sturgeon spent much of her time as First Minister as a distant monomaniac, rejecting the advice of colleagues and cutting loose anyone who did not show absolute loyalty to her vision.

When Ms Sturgeon finally did shift her attention away from the constitutional battle, she brought the same obsessive zeal to the issue of gender reform.

Ms Sturgeons desire to introduce self-ID for trans people, allowing those born male to declare themselves female and enter legally-protected women-only spaces, set her at odds with Scottish voters.

After years as the Selfie Queen, when she could expect to walk the streets of Scotland to adoration (or, at worst, indifference), Ms Sturgeon resigned in 2023 as the most divisive figure in Scottish politics, a truth she acknowledged in her announcement of her decision to step down.

Since then, our former First Minister has attempted a further re-invention.

She secured a whopping 300,000 deal for what she says will be a deeply personal and revealing memoir and has appeared on sundry podcasts and TV programmes - most notably on ITVs coverage of last Julys General Election - where she proclaims on the issues of the day like the great stateswoman she most assuredly is not.

Nicola Sturgeons political career is all but over. She did submit an application, last year, to be an SNP candidate in the 2026 election but neither colleagues nor friends expect her to actually stand.

The ongoing police investigation - Operation Branchform - into allegations of financial impropriety in the SNP during the time Ms Sturgeon was leader and her estranged husband chief executive has, although she is currently charged with no crime, tarnished her reputation.

Hannah Bardell, Val McDermid, Nicola Sturgeon and Joe Sharpe attend the DIVA Awards 2024

Declaring her intention to stand in 2026 was, says one friend, Ms Sturgeons way of saying she has nothing to fear and nothing to hide.

Mr Murrell has been charged, however, and Operation Branchform may yet further damage the SNP.

But thats the grubby world of politics. The latest iteration of Nicola Sturgeon has already started to move onto new pastures.

Her separation announcement, white text on a deep purple background, was pitched not at the political activists who swarm around X exchanging gossip and spinning lies into fact but to the inhabitants of Instagram, the site where those of a certain age go to show their just-hip-enough credentials with photographs of Ottolenghi suppers cooked and Booker-shortlisted novels read.

Ms Sturgeon broke the news to her fans - for there simply must be fans - as if she were a Love Island reject whose followers hang on her every word: we feel it is time to bring others up to speed with where we are.

Beyond social media, in the real world, Ms Sturgeons rebrand moves on, apace.

In March, she and her friend, the best-selling crime novelist Val McDermid - in whose Edinburgh flat the former First Minister has stayed while attending Holyrood - will headline an event at the Glasgow Comedy Festival. Books and Banter promises to be a night of lively chat and guaranteed laughs.

Those who served under Ms Sturgeon when she was First Minister remember the tensest possible conversations and precious few laughs.

Most politicians allow time to take care of matters of legacy. Nicola Sturgeon has no intention of doing so.

Rather, the former First Minister - having left office in failure - has spent the past two years rewriting history and her place in it.

She takes credit for an energised independence movement even when former nationalists allies turn on each other.

Ms Sturgeon and Mr Murrell outside a polling station in 2022

Shortly before Christmas, Ms Sturgeon gave an interview in which she claimed her deeply unpopular gender reforms had been supported by voters and undermined by unnamed shadowy forces.

This flies the the face of reality. Voters were - and remain - opposed to the sweeping gender reforms Ms Sturgeon continues to champion.

More recently, she claimed that during the time when Alex Salmond was First Minister, she intervened on a number of occasions when his behaviour was unacceptable.

If she did so, she was remarkably discreet for former colleagues were surprised by her assertion.

When Ms Sturgeon stepped down as SNP leader and First Minister almost two years ago, she left a party - and, indeed, a nation - divided.

Her obsessions with independence and trans rights had blinded her to the needs of voters while in power; her legacy was an NHS on its knees and failing public services across the board.

Now, Ms Sturgeon wants us to see her not as a politician (for to do so would be to remember her inadequacies) but as an entertainer and an influencer.

Newly single and ready to self-promote, Nicola Sturgeon is set for a life out of politics, far away from the chaos she caused in office.
Donald Trump announced the creation of a powerful new government agency that will collect billions of dollars in taxes and tariffs from foreign countries.

The brand new agency - cleverly titled the External Revenue Service - does the exact opposite of the already established Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which taxes Americans.

It's the second department that Trump has unilaterally created after tapping billionaire Elon Musk and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy to lead DOGE.

I am today announcing that I will create the EXTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE to collect our Tariffs, Duties, and all Revenue that come from Foreign sources, Trump wrote on social media.

Trump argued that the United States government has relied too much on taxing Americans for revenue, specifically pointing to the much-loathed Internal Revenue Service (IRS) efforts to collect more taxes.

Through soft and pathetically weak Trade agreements, the American Economy has delivered growth and prosperity to the World, while taxing ourselves. It is time for that to change, he wrote.

Currently the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) collects tariffs, so any new agency would have to reorganize the current system.

The president-elects statement will likely have an impact on the Senate confirmation hearings of his economic cabinet picks, as senators will want a thorough explaining of his thinking on the issue.

The IRS sits under the purview of the Treasury Department, soon to be led by hedge fund manager Scott Bessent once he clears the Senate confirmation process.

It's unclear whether Trump will tap a separate head to lead the new department.

US President-elect Donald Trump proposed a new government agency to collect more tariffs

Scott Bessent, Trump's Treasury Secretary pick, meets with Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) in Washington, DC, last Tuesday

Trump appears to be making his announcement to emphasize the amount of money the United States can collect from foreign countries on trade.

We will begin charging those that make money off of us with Trade, and they will start paying, he wrote. FINALLY, their fair share.

Trump indicated he would create the new agency on his first day as president.

For years, Trump has adamantly campaigned on the issue of raising tariffs on foreign goods coming into the United States, even as producers warn him away from sparking a trade war.

Trump has proposed a widespread 10 percent tariff on global imports to raise revenue for the United States.

He also views tariffs as an ecumenic weapon, as he has threatened China with tariffs as high as 60 percent if they do not do more to reduct the amount of fentanyl flowing into the United States through Mexico.

Trump has also proposed higher tariffs on Mexico and Canada, if they do not do more to reduce the number of drugs and migrants coming across the border.

He has only escalated his tariff proposals since the election, even suggesting that Canada join the United States as the 51st state to avoid higher charges on their imported goods.

It's the second department that Trump has unilaterally created after tapping billionaire Elon Musk and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy to lead DOGE

President-elect Donald Trump has long endorsed the use of tariffs to raise revenue

I am a Tariff Man, he wrote in 2018. When people or countries come in to raid the great wealth of our Nation, I want them to pay for the privilege of doing so.

If Trump had his way, it is likely he would eliminate income taxes altogether.

During the campaign, Trump promised to end all kinds of taxes including taxes on tips, social security benefits, and overtime pay.

'When we were a smart country, in the 1890s  this is when the country was relatively the richest it ever was. It had all tariffs. It didnt have an income tax,' he said during a meeting with barbers in New York City in October.

When he was asked about the proposal during an interview with podcaster Joe Rogan, Trump indicated he was serious.

'Yeah, sure. Why not?' he replied when asked by Rogan about the idea.

Trump cited the 25th president of the United States William McKinley's views endorsing tariffs, calling him the 'tariff king' who 'spoke beautifully of tariffs.'

'Around in the early 1900s, they switched over stupidly to frankly an income tax,' he continued. 'And you know why? Because countries were putting a lot of pressure on America.'
The New Orleans terrorist, who killed 14 and injured 57 others on New Year's Day, searched the internet for similar massacres and how to access certain structures before going on his violent rampage.

Horror unfolded after Shamsud Din Jabbar, 42, drove a white Ford F-150 into pedestrians ringing in 2025 in New Orleans' French Quarter around 3.15am local time.

On Tuesday, the FBI disclosed the latest, chilling trove of information about the sickening terror attack - including that hours before Jabbar's killing spree, he looked up information on the car used in the German Christmas market attack.

On December 20, 2024, an SUV driven by a 50-year-old Saudi doctor named Taleb al-Abdulmohsen allegedly plowed into a crowd at the famous Christmas market in Magdeburg, killing five and injuring approximately 200 civilians.

A 'review of his electronics' also showed that Jabbar looked up how to access a balcony on Bourbon Street, information on 'several shootings in the city', and details about Mardi Gras, 'as late as mid-November,' the agency found.

The FBI also uncovered that Jabbar hopped on a train from Houston, Texas to New Orleans on November 10, returning later that day on a bus.

'While in the city, Jabbar looked at an apartment for rent on Orleans Street. Just days after his travel he applied to rent the apartment but later told the landlord he changed his mind,' the FBI said.

The agency continues to probe Jabbar's motive behind the senseless massacre, sharing that evidence has pointed them to believe that he 'became a more devout Muslim in 2022.'

New Orleans terrorist Shamsud Din Jabbar, 42, looked up what car was used in the German Christmas market attack just hours before he plowed into revelers on New Year's Day

Jabbar drove a rented F-150 into pedestrians ringing in 2025 in New Orleans' French Quarter around 3.15am local time that day, killing 14 and injuring 57

'During this time, Jabbar began isolating himself from society. Around the spring of 2024, Jabbar began following extremist views,' the FBI noted.

Prior to the attack, Jabbar published a series of videos on social media, pledging his allegiance to ISIS.

An ISIS flag was then found on a flag pole attached to his rented car following the tragic incident.

Last week, New Orleans Field Office Lyonel Myrthil said the FBI is looking into another recent trip Jabbar took to Canada.

'We have tracked that Jabbar traveled to Cairo, Egypt , from June 22 until July 3 of 2023,' Myrthil said.

'A few days later, he flew to Ontario, Canada on July 10 and returned to the U.S. on July 13, 2023.

'Our agents are getting answers as to where he went, who he met with and how those trysts may or may not tie into his actions here in our city.'

He also visited New Orleans in October, as he was seen walking around with Meta glasses on his face to record a video as he rode through the French Quarter on a bicycle, Myrthil said.

Other footage captured Jabbar wearing a brown coat planting the coolers containing the IEDs on the busy NOLA streets.

The video showed the terrorist riding down the bustling streets where he would later plow down pedestrians with the truck.

'Jabbar wore a pair of Meta glasses when he conducted the attack on Bourbon Street, but he did not activate the glasses to live stream his actions,' said Myrthil.

Surveillance footage captured him stopping at gun stores and shops where he purchased one of the ice chests used to hold the improvised explosive devices (IEDs) he planted.

Other footage captured Jabbar wearing a brown coat planting the coolers containing the IEDs on the busy NOLA streets.

He reserved the vehicle used in the attack more than six weeks earlier, on November 14, according to law enforcement officials who spoke to The Associated Press.

Jabbar had suspected bomb-making materials at his Houston home, which contained a workbench in the garage and hazardous materials believed to have been used to make explosive devices, officials familiar with a search conducted there said.

Authorities found crude bombs in the neighborhood of the attack in an apparent attempt to cause more carnage.

Two improvised explosive devices left in coolers several blocks apart were rendered safe at the scene. Other devices were determined to be nonfunctional.

Jabbar purchased a cooler in Vidor, Texas, hours before the attack and gun oil from a store in Sulphur, Louisiana, investigators said.

He also tried to burn down the house by setting a small fire in a hallway with accelerants but the flames burned out before firefighters arrived.

Jabbar exited the crashed truck wearing a ballistic vest and helmet and fired at police, wounding at least two officers before he was fatally shot by police.

New Orleans police have declined to say how many shots were fired by Jabbar and the officers or whether any bystanders may have been hit, citing the active investigation.

The coroner's office said all the victims died from blunt force injuries while Jabbar was fatally shot in a firefight with police.

The youngest victim was 18 years old and the oldest was 63. Most victims were in their 20s.

They came from Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, New York, New Jersey and the United Kingdom.
Fed-up villagers have put up posters, banners, and bunting  welcoming drivers to 'Pothole land' due to the state of their failing roads.

Locals in a Welsh valley hope the theme park-style campaign will highlight the awful conditions of the hazard-strewn streets, which they say have potholes up to 10 inches deep.

It comes as the total cost of repairing vehicles damaged by potholes hit a record high last year, new figures show.

The campaigning residents of villages and hamlets in the Ceiriog Valley, near Wrexham, say some potholes on their streets are so large they have nicknamed them 'elephant traps' - and boast they are among the 'deepest, longest and widest in Wales'.

Drivers in the valley are also being left with huge repair bills and that even 999 vehicles have been affected.

Wrexham councillor Trevor Bates, who drives a 4x4, said: 'Two broken springs in a few months cost me 600. This is no joke.

'Yet Wrexham Council has had to bow to the legal power of the off-road brigade and repair mountain tracks at a cost of thousands - and Welsh Government can find money for a new National Park.

'With the dire shortage of funding for rural roads I don't see how any significant improvement will happen in the near future.'

Fed-up villagers have put up posters, banners, and bunting  welcoming drivers to 'Pothole land' due to the state of their failing roads

The campaigning residents of villages and hamlets in the Ceiriog Valley, near Wrexham, say some potholes on their streets are so large they have nicknamed them 'elephant traps' - and boast they are among the 'deepest, longest and widest in Wales'

'Pothole Land' is a campaign set out by residents to highlight the awful road conditions which is damaging their vehicles and isolating those elderly living in the area

He added that desperate residents have been infilling the holes themselves with concrete.

Residents of Ceiriog Valley, which has 92 miles of roads, have called the 'Pothole Land' campaign a 'brilliant', and 'inspired' way of highlighting the issue.

One woman said: 'Road taxes and council tax astronomical up here. What do we get in return? Forgotten about.'

Wrexham Council said works are 'prioritised based upon annual condition survey data'.

National Pothole Day was created by campaign group the Pothole Partnership, which is urging councils to prioritise permanent resurfacing over 'patching' which often leads to potholes reappearing.

The Government is spending nearly 1.6 billion on road maintenance in England in 2025/26, a 500 million uplift on the previous 12 months.

But the cost of bringing pothole-plagued local roads in England and Wales up to scratch has been estimated at 16.3 billion.

Drivers in the valley are also being left with huge repair bills and that even 999 vehicles have been affected

The Department for Transport previously said it will make sure highway authorities 'spend the money wisely' and deliver 'proactive maintenance' before potholes form.

A quarter of the increased funding will be held back until authorities have demonstrated they are using it well.

Adam Hug, of the Local Government Association, which represents councils, called on the Government to 'reconsider' this move, to 'give councils the greater certainty they need'.

He added: 'Greater and sustainable long-term funding will enable councils to far more effectively plan for and invest in preventative treatments.'

AA president Edmund King said: 'The Government is beginning to instigate policies that should lead to longer term fixes rather than the recent patchwork approach.'

A Department for Transport spokesman said: 'Britain deserves better roads, and it now has a Government that will deliver them.'
A woman was arrested after doing a nude photoshoot on a popular seaside sculpture in Mexico.

Olga Larrea was seen in video footage stepping on the base of the La Perla sculpture in the city of La Paz on Saturday and quickly removing her dress as a photographer prepared take snaps.

The 30-year-old then hurled her dressed at the photographer and climbed atop the monument, which resembles a pearl sitting in an open clam.

She posed on the sculpture as traffic along the two-lane avenue next to the boardwalk slowed and bystanders looked on in shock.

Larrea then signaled to her photographer to hand her her dress and clibmed down.

The Mexico City resident was approached by cops and she was placed under arrest.

She was taken to the local prosecutor's office and released after paying a fine of 3,365 Mexican pesos, or about $163.

Larrea had posted the photoshoot pictures on her Facebook account before deleting them.

Mexico City resident Olga Larrea was arrested Saturday in La Paz for doing a nude photoshoot on La Perla, a famous sculpture located on the boardwalk

Video footage showed 30-year-old removing her dress and climbing onto the sculpture

The nudist model was critical of the authorities for arresting and fining her. 'Why is the human body censored, but not violence?' she said

The nudist was critical of the authorities for not granting her the right to express herself.

'Guess who was arrested for simply existing?' she wrote.

'Why is the human body censored, but not violence?

'Nudity is not offensive, it is natural. Let's stop the shaming, reclaim our freedom and normalize what is human.'

Users on social media blasted Larrea for the move.

'Let her show off her body in another place where it is allowed to go nude, where she does not damage any sculpture,' one said.

Another commented that authorities should fully prosecute her instead of letting her walk away with a fine.
The cost of building the new Sizewell C nuclear power station is expected to reach 40billion - double the original estimate.

The cost overruns on the project in Suffolk will ring alarm bells as the nuclear plant is considered vital for keeping the lights on as the UK switches to renewable power.

The original 20bn cost of the power plant was given by developer EDF and the UK government in 2020.

But now a price tag of nearer to 40bn is expected, according to people close to the negotiations over the flagship energy scheme cited by the Financial Times.

The soaring price will be paid for by consumers with a higher cost to their bills during the schemes construction, which has not yet begun.

When completed - expected in the 2030s - it will supply enough power to supply 6million homes.

The cost will make the plant the second most expensive nuclear plant in the world - after its sister plant Hinkley Point C currently being built which is expected to cost even more at 46bn.

Sizewell C was meant to be cheaper than Hinkley as it is being built to a similar design, so it would be able to benefit from lessons learned in its construction.

The cost of building the new Sizewell C nuclear power station is expected to reach 40billion - double the original estimate (pictured: EDF's Sizewell B nuclear power station)

When completed - expected in the 2030s - it will supply enough power to supply 6million homes (pictured: Drawings of Sizewell C)

Campaign poster about stopping construction of Sizewell C nuclear power station

But escalating building costs and overruns at Hinkley Point C are pushing up costs on Sizewell C. No new nuclear plant has been built in the UK since 1987.

The Treasury is due to decide whether to go ahead with Sizewell C in this years multiyear spending review, according to officials cited by the FT.

Earlier this month the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (Desnz) said it could not reveal the current cost estimate for the project as it was commercially sensitive.

The government has already awarded 3.7bn of state funding to the project.

Ministers had planned to reach a final investment decision by the end of 2024 but were forced to delay this until spring 2025. Now there is industry speculation that any deal could slip beyond the autumn.

Alison Downes, executive director of campaign group Stop Sizewell C, urged the government to reveal the true cost of the project, adding: This secrecy around Sizewell C is inexcusable.

Warning sign on the perimeter of Sizewell B nuclear power station, Near Leiston, Suffolk, UK

The Treasury is due to decide whether to go ahead with Sizewell C in this years multiyear spending review (pictured: Campaign poster about stopping construction of Sizewell C)

Nuclear power currently supplies about 14 per cent of the UKs electricity and many experts say it will be critical to push to cut carbon dioxide emissions to net zero by 2050.

However, all but one of Britains current ageing fleet of plants is due to close by March 2030, potentially sooner if planned life extensions cannot go ahead.

A spokesperson for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said: We do not recognise this speculative figure - discussions with investors are ongoing and commercially sensitive.

New nuclear power stations such as Sizewell C will play an important role in helping the UK achieve energy security and net zero, while securing thousands of good, skilled jobs and supporting our energy independence beyond 2030.

The project is expected to reduce the cost of the electricity system, boost our supply of secure homegrown power and generate major investment nationwide.

Joint managing directors of Sizewell C, Nigel Cann and Julia Pyke, said in a statement that the claims are not accurate and do not reflect the significant savings we are already making because we are building on the achievements at Hinkley Point C.

They added: The real question to ask is what is the cost of not doing Sizewell C?

This winter we have seen prolonged periods of dull, calm weather and low output from wind and solar.

EDF was approached for comment.
Gavin Newsom admitted he never attended a formal rehabilitation program for alcohol abuse after his affair with his best friend's wife was exposed, despite previous reports suggesting he had.

The Governor of California publicly stated he would be seeking help for his alcohol issues in 2007, amid the fallout from his relationship with his campaign manager Alex Rourk's spouse, Ruby Rippey-Tourk.

However, more than a decade went by before he revealed that he had never entered rehab, as had been extensively reported.

The issue has reared its head again amid intense scrutiny of Newsom over his response to the California wildfires.

In 2018, the then-aspiring governor revealed he quit drinking for two years entirely shortly after the affair, but was back to drinking in moderation.

He credited his sobriety to the Delancey Street Foundation in San Francisco and its CEO, Mimi Silbert.

'There's no rehab. I just stopped,' he told the Sacramento Bee during his 2018 run for office. 'There was no treatment, no nothing related to any of that stuff. I stopped because I thought it was a good thing to stop.

'There is no 12-step (program) here,' Newsom added of his time with Delancey Street. 'There are no issues with that. There never was. This was a need to reset.'

Gavin Newsom admitted he never attended a formal rehabilitation program for alcohol abuse after his affair with his best friend's wife was exposed, despite previous reports suggesting he had

The California Governor suggested he would get help for his drinking after admitting to an affair with his subordinate Ruby Rippey-Tourk (pictured) while he was Mayor of San Francisco

Newsom said he decided to give up booze after admitting to an affair with Rippey-Tourk, now Rippey-Gibney, who was his secretary when he was mayor of San Francisco.

At the time, Newsom was also married to Fox news host Kimberly Guilfoyle.

He revealed the affair during a February 2007 press conference, pledging to seek help for alcohol issues a few days later.

'My problems with alcohol are not an excuse for my personal lapses in judgment,' Newsom said in a statement reported across several news outlets.

'Upon reflection with friends and family this weekend, I have come to the conclusion that I will be a better person without alcohol in my life.'

However his admissions in 2018 alter the narrative about rehab which had gone unchecked for several years.

Newsom has come under fire again in recent days for his response to the Los Angeles wildfires, which many feel has been lackluster.

Many online commentators have dredged up his past as further evidence of his inefficacy as a leader.

Newsom was married to Kimberly Guilfoyle at the time of the affair. He later came out and admitted that while he had attended counselling and briefly gone sober, he never attended rehab

The California Governor's past has come under the microscope again amid scrutiny over his response to the disaster

'Look, its not my problem if this guy has affairs and drinks too much,' attorney Laura Powell wrote.

'But when he has an affair with a subordinate, and when he misleads the public into thinking hes turning over a new leaf by going into rehab, it becomes everyones business.'

'While San Francisco Mayor, a married Gavin Newsom had an affair with with his Campaign Managers wife! Gavin has always been SCUM!' Another person added.

'Governor Newsom has some mental issues going on,' one person wrote.

'We cannot have a narcissist, self-centered, egotistical, alcoholic, womanizer, running our beautiful state of California. Who thinks Gavin Newsom needs to step down.'

Newsom maintains he no longer has a drinking problem and is a partner in several wineries through PlumpJack Wines, the company he founded in the early 1990s.

The governor was recently left floundering for answers after he was accosted by an angry mom who was begging for answers after her daughter's school burned down.

And in a recent interview on Pod Save America he attempted to shunt blame onto Los Angeles officials, stating that he wasn't 'getting straight answers' when asking about the response.
Britons will invest their money in places such as Greece and Cyprus instead of Spain amid plans for an extreme hike in property taxes, experts have warned.

Measures being proposed in Spain to ease pressures on its housing situation include tax increase of up to 100 per cent on properties bought by non-European Union residents.

Toby Leek, president of property professionals body NAEA Propertymark, said: Many Brits may take the news of heightened property taxes in Spain as a blow considering moving to such a location could well have been a lifelong ambition, especially with the convenient location and, of course, the improved weather it provides.

He said that, while it can be appreciated that Spain is addressing its own housing emergency and looking after Spanish citizens, the proposal is quite an extreme increase.

Mr Leek added: Many Brits will likely be put off by this extreme hike in property taxes and will be looking to other countries such as Cyprus and Greece with lower property tax levels for their dream home move.

Spains Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said the overall goal is to provide more housing, better regulation and greater aid.

Non-EU residents bought 27,000 properties in Spain in 2023, not to live in but to make money from, he said.

Like the UK, Spain has been dealing with pressures on housing costs.

Spains Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said the overall goal is to provide more housing, better regulation and greater aid

Britons will invest their money in places such as Greece instead of Spain amid plans for an extreme hike in property taxes Pictured: Santorini, Greece.

Measures being proposed in Spain to ease pressures on its housing situation include tax increase of up to 100 per cent on properties bought by non-European Union residents. Pictured: Limassol, Cyprus

Rents are seen as a particular issue in major cities such as Barcelona and Madrid, while house prices have also been rising.

Levels of tourism and short-term lets have been seen as compounding problems.

Seila Sanches Lucas, a lawyer at international law firm Broadfield, who helps clients buy and sell property in Spain, said: The proposal by the Spanish Prime Minister will be concerning for those that have already chosen to retire in Spain and for those considering a retirement in the sun.

It is just a proposal at this point in time and is not guaranteed to make it onto the Spanish statute books.

Even if adopted, the legislative process in Spain is tortuously slow and it is perhaps a little early for UK nationals to worry about this proposal.

If adopted, there are many other jurisdictions looking to attract wealthy retirees and investors. For example, Dubai has been called the new Marbella.

A three-bed holiday apartment in the Balearics can be snapped up for around 399,879. This would also double

The 100 per cent tax would put rocket boosters under Spain's famously affordable property prices, with a five-bed coastal villa in Andalucia that's currently being advertised for just under 400,000 costing 800,000

Protesters hold a banner reading 'Mallorca is not for sale' at an anti-mass tourism protest on May 25, 2024

Tenerife locals hold placards raising concerns about the impact of mass tourism, October 2024

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Isobel Neilson, director at law firm and global immigration specialists Fragomen, said that if the proposals for a 100% tax on home ownership for non-EU nationals were to be introduced, our clients would most likely look to rent instead of buying or alternatively explore other more favourable EU jurisdictions.

She said people may look towards Portugal or Italy, for example.

Stephen Abletshauser, private client partner at Spencer West LLP, said: This populist move by the Spanish government may well prove to be a long-term own goal.

The likes of Turkey, Italy, Malta, Cyprus and even France will welcome this decision in a fiercely competitive market for wealthy non-residents retiring in the sunshine.
The mystery surrounding a Florida man who has been missing for more than two years has deepened after his remote lakeside home went up in flames last week.

John Henry Mallouk, 78, was last seen in August 2022, and worried relatives reported him missing in January 2023.

Martin County Sheriffs Office searched his home on the eastern bank of Lake Okeechobee at the time and found no signs of foul play.

'The premises appeared untouched, with doors left unlocked, food still in the refrigerator, and a cell phone abandoned on the counter,' the office said.

Detectives did not unearth any clues, and Mallouk's family still has not seen or heard from him in the months which followed.

On Friday night, the mystery deepened even further when his empty house on the 12000 block of Conners Highway went up in flames, along with several cars.

The surrounding area is agricultural, and the nearest sign of civilization is the village of Indiantown - a 105-mile drive northwest from Miami.

John Henry Mallouk, 78, was last seen in August 2022, and worried relatives reported him missing in January 2023, police said

Shocking satellite photographs show the property was burned to a crisp, with only the outer structure still in tact while the interior has been razed to the ground

Among the cars destroyed were a classic 1955 red convertible Thunderbird. The vehicles were parked in a carport when they were burned

'In light of the recent fire, detectives revisited the site to search for any additional clues that could shed light on Mallouk's disappearance and to explore whether there might be a correlation between the fire and his case,' the sheriff's office said.

'Detectives are urging anyone with information about the fire or the whereabouts of John Henry Mallouk to contact the Martin County Sheriffs Office Criminal Investigations Division.

'Updates on the investigation will be released as information becomes available.'

Mallouk has been described by missing persons campaign group the Charley Project as a 5ft 10in Caucasian male with gray hair and brown eyes.

He had a mustache when he disappeared.

Shocking satellite photographs show the property was burned to a crisp, with only the outer structure still in tact while the interior has been razed to the ground.

All furnishings and interior walls were completely obliterated in the inferno. The structure was still smoking the next day.

Eerily, surrounding trees and foliage appeared untouched by the blaze.

Zillow images of the $340,900 home before it was destroyed show a sun-drenched three-story property with rustic wooden fittings

All furnishings and interior walls were completely obliterated in the inferno, images show

Among the cars destroyed were a classic 1955 red convertible Thunderbird (pictured)

Among the cars destroyed were a classic 1955 red convertible Thunderbird. The vehicles were parked in a carport when they were burned.

Zillow images of the $340,900 home before it was destroyed show a sun-drenched three-story property with rustic wooden fittings.

The home had two bedrooms, one with a double bed and one sporting bunkbeds, two bathrooms, and a large living and kitchen area.

It opened out back on to a wooden decking area with outdoor tables, chairs and a parasol, with a lush green backyard.

The lake was visible from the home, along with surrounding forest land.
Socialite James Stunt today told a court about his gilded life of luxury before becoming embroiled in a 207 million international money laundering operation and collapsing into bankruptcy.

He and his 'staggeringly wealthy' ex-wife, Formula One heiress Petra Ecclestone, spent 69 million in seven years while he gambled millions in the world's swankiest casinos, Leeds Crown Court heard.

Stunt detailed his huge charitable donations and how his generosity earned him a private audience with the Prince of Wales, now the King.

The son of a wealthy businessman, he was protected by bodyguards from the age of 16, attended business school with European royals, children of oligarchs and was mentored by Australian tycoon Kerry Packer.

But the 42-year-old, who had three children with Ms Ecclestone before they divorced in 2017, paid the price for his high-rolling lifestyle with addictions to a variety of drugs, a jury was told.

Stunt also told the court his problems meant he had not seen his children for years as the split had become 'acrimonious.'

And as his life spiralled out of control his offices were raided by police and 'all his worldly goods' frozen by a court order that remains in force today.

Stunt and four co-defendants all deny money laundering. The prosecution claim they were involved in an operation to turn 'dirty' money into 'clean' gold.

James Stunt made huge charity donations during his marriage to Petra Ecclestone and his generosity earnt him an audience with King Charles, the court heard

A look at Stunt's huge mansion in Los Angeles which he shared with his 'staggeringly wealthy' ex-wife, Formula One heiress Petra Ecclestone

Vast amounts of 'criminal cash' were allegedly paid into the bank accounts of a Bradford-based company Fowler Oldfield Ltd, dealing in precious metals and jewellery.

This effectively bypassed official checks into the source of the money, which was then used to buy gold, the jury was told.

The court heard Stunt had no criminal convictions until he was convicted in April last year of causing racially aggravated harassment, alarm or distress to a black police officer who was involved in a raid on his London home.

James Stunt's charity donations earnt him audience with King Charles James Stunt made huge charity donations during his marriage to wealthy heiress Petra Ecclestone and his generosity earnt him an audience with King Charles, the court heard. With access to a fortune in cash, Stunt made specific donations totalling 2.2 million, which he said he kept anonymous at the time and he was now revealing as part of his defence evidence. The Princes Trust was a charity he gave at least 65,000 to and the court heard Stunt was granted a private audience with the Prince of Wales, now the King. A photograph showing the two men smiling and posing together was shown to the jury. Stunt confirmed to his KC that the photograph was in a frame in his London office when it was raided by police investigating an alleged money laundering operation. The court heard Stunt also donated 50,000 to the Great Steward of Scotland Dumfries House, that the King has a connection with. Detailing further charity donations, Stunt revealed he gave 361,000 to Unicef UK, 315,000 to a charity to help children with special needs run by the businessman John Caudwell and 250,000 to a foundation at his former boarding school, Bradfield School. The Elton John Aids Foundation received 250,000 of Stunts cash and he gave 220,000 to the Aspinall Foundation, concerned with wildlife conservation in Africa. Great Ormond Street Hospital in London was given 118,000 and he also donated to a trust at Harrow School for under-privileged children. A charity run by Princess Charlene of Monaco received thousands of pounds. Stunt also told the jury about a grand charity dinner his company sponsored at a cost of 300,000. The court heard the Prince of Wales was guest speaker. Many wealthy families attended the event known as the Ormeley dinner. Stunt donated two gold bars to raise money for charity. I made them the most beautiful bars on earth, I was so proud of them, he said. He said he bid 250,000 for his own gold bars and said if anyone outbid him he would donate the cash for free. Tycoon Nick Candy bought the gold, the court heard. Stunt made a similar 150,000 for a stay on Richard Bransons Necker Island and again donated the cash after another bidder took up his challenge to outbid him. The cash went to a wonderful wildlife preservation charity to help endangered species, he said. The case continues. Advertisement

Stunt admitted calling the officer an 'Uncle Tom' and he said: 'I accept the conviction and did the community service. I apologise to the officer.'

He added: 'There's not a racist bone in my body.'

Stunt's KC took him through the story of his life.

As a 16-year-old he was living alone in his father's Chelsea Harbour flat in London, protected by bodyguards, he called his 'security nannies.'

After years of boarding school and private education, he spent six years at an elite business school in London.

Stunt told the court the Regent's Business School was a 'who's who of multiple heads of state, child oligarchs and children of oligarchs and European royal families.'

Kerry Packer, the Australian businessman, was a mentor. 'I spent four or five years being tutored by him,' Stunt said.

'I tried to emulate him, he was my idol for multiple reasons. He was so down-to-earth, the coolest.'

Stunt said he met his future wife Petra in 2008 and they married in 2011 in a grand castle wedding in Italy, attended by 400 guests, including royals, movie and pop stars.

He told the court he insisted on signing a pre-nuptial agreement that meant he would get only 16m of his wife's enormous wealth if they divorced.

When that happened six years later Stunt said he received 10m as his father-in-law Bernie Ecclestone paid out millions to settle a claim by a bank in connection with Stunt's gold manufacturing business.

The couple lived in a huge mansion in Los Angeles  which has not been burnt down in the recent fires  and had an army of domestic staff.

Stunt said he never worked during their marriage. Together the couple managed to spend 69m in seven years on 'investments, fine wine, art, cars and properties.'

Talking about married life, he described himself as a 'Luddite and techphobe.'

Stunt said he has never had an email address and anyone wishing to email him during his marriage would contact his wife who would read it to him and reply on his behalf.

'She would joke she was the richest unpaid PA on earth,' he said.

In similar vein his phone couldn't use the internet and was used for texts and calls only.

He said he was once 'exceptionally close' to Mr Ecclestone but the divorce ended their relationship. 'I don't blame him, he is going to side with his daughter,' he said.

Stunt also confessed he hadn't seen his daughter aged 10 and eight-year-old twin boys for years 'It will be resolved at the end of the trial God willing.'

His KC Trevor Burke also asked Stunt about his 'addictions' that had played a significant part in his life.

Stunt said he has suffered from ADHD from the age of 11 and is currently prescribed a form of the drug Ritalin as well as Valium. He is also dyslexic and suffers from dyscalculia, meaning he struggles with numbers.

He told the court he has taken Valium since suffering a panic attack at the 2008 Monza grand prix and being injected with the drug by the Formula One doctor.

A back injury in 2015 led to him being addicted to the painkiller tramadol, the court heard. 'It's basically a legal heroin,' said Stunt.

James Stunt, pictured with new girlfriend Helena Robinson at Leeds Cloth Hall Court in 2022

Petra Ecclestone pictured after a dinner date in Santa Monica with her husband Sam Palmer

Between the ages of 16 and 40 he said he smoked up to 50 cigarettes a day and now vaped.

Gambling was another addiction but he told the jury he made a profit over the years. 'Ironically I am one of the few gamblers who is not down,' he said.

'I had a 5 million credit in every casino in the world.'

After his divorce and the collapse of his business Stunt said he became a cocaine addict at the age of 36. The drug was supplied by a bodyguard and he took it 'pretty much every day,' he said.

During this period his parents ceased contact and imposed 'tough love,' he said.

In 2020 Stunt was admitted to hospital on a number of occasions after taking 'accidental overdoses,' the court heard.

He said he 'almost died' of sepsis during the pandemic in June 2020.

'I decided to quit cocaine and I did. I have been abstinent ever since.'

Instead he 'resumed prescription medication for anxiety. Stunt told the court he was 'in lockdown' even before everyone followed in the pandemic.

James Stunt arrives at the Rolls Building, in London, on March 6 2024 as his bankruptcy trial continues

With access to a fortune in cash, Stunt made specific donations totalling 2.2 million which earnt him an audience with King Charles

'I was a bit like Howard Hughes, I never went out and stayed at home.'

Other traumatic events in his life were revealed in court.

Stunt said burglars raided his London home and stole 40m of jewellery which was not insured. One of his bodyguards was later convicted in relation to the raid, the court heard.

Then in 2020 Stunt and his girlfriend Helena Robinson endured a terrifying raid at their Knightsbridge home, the court heard.

Masked gunmen 'garrotted and pistol-whipped me' and held a gun to his girlfriend's head, he said. They escaped with a 500,000 watch.

Stunt said he 'attempted to chase after them' and went outside to find a 'waiting police car.' The raiders were never caught, the court heard.

The once wealthy socialite effectively lost everything after police raided his business and accused him of money laundering criminal cash.

A court order in 2018 froze all his assets, including 100 works of art, fine wine worth millions, eight cars, six properties and cash.

He was initially given a 1,000 weekly allowance and was 'bankrupt for a year.'

'I lost all my homes and am dependent on my father,' he said.

Stunt said his assets would remain frozen until the end of the trial.

'It's completely ruined my life,' he added.

Stunt, 42, Gregory Frankel, 47, Daniel Rawson, 47, Haroon Rashid, 54, and Arjun Babber, 32, all deny money laundering.

The case continues.
Tulip Siddiq finally quit her Treasury post last night.

It came 26 days after the Mail revealed she was facing a major corruption probe in Bangladesh.

The anti-corruption minister and close friend of Sir Keir Starmer resigned after he was effectively advised to sack her over her links to her aunts regime in Dhaka.

Sir Laurie Magnus, the Prime Ministers ethics adviser, said it was regrettable that she had not been more alert to the reputational risks of her family ties to the deposed former prime minister of Bangladesh.

He also described as regrettable her inability to produce conclusive evidence that the tax and funding arrangements for the houses she used that were connected to Sheikh Hasina were in order.

After Ms Siddiq was accused of lying to The Mail on Sunday about who had gifted her a flat, he said it was unfortunate that she had been forced to correct the record.

He concluded that while she had not broken the ministerial code  and he had not identified evidence of improprieties  Sir Keir should consider her ongoing responsibilities as anti-corruption minister.

Despite Sir Lauries damning advice, the PM  a close personal friend and political ally of Ms Siddiqs  told her that the door remains open for you going forward in his reply.

Tulip Siddiq (pictured on Tuesday) resigned from the Government, saying she did not want to be a 'distraction'

Ms Siddiq acknowledged that continuing as a Treasury minister would be a 'distraction from the work of the Government'

Ms Siddiq and Sir Keir, whose constituencies neighbour each other, at the election count in 2015

Ms Siddiq (left) with her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, (centre) and Vladimir Putin (right) in 2013

He said he accepted his City ministers resignation with sadness and said that she had made a difficult decision.

It comes as the Prime Minister is also facing pressure over Chancellor Rachel Reeves.

She is on course to break her own newly-minted fiscal rules as soaring Government borrowing costs threaten to derail Labours spending plans.

Yesterday the Mail labelled Ms Reeves and Ms Siddiq as Labours two lame ducks.

Ms Reeves was faced with taunts over quitting herself yesterday when she was grilled by MPs, with Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride saying: To go, or not to go, that is now a question.

On Monday Sir Keir was forced into insisting that he backed Ms Reeves to remain Chancellor until the end of the Parliament  after earlier refusing to do so.

Ms Siddiqs treatment differs markedly from that of former transport secretary Louise Haigh who quit almost immediately following questions about a fraud conviction.

The Prime Minister (pictured on Tuesday) is also facing pressure over Chancellor Rachel Reeves. She is on course to break her own newly-minted fiscal rules as soaring Government borrowing costs threaten to derail Labours spending plans.

On Monday Sir Keir was forced into insisting that he backed Ms Reeves to remain Chancellor until the end of the parliament  after earlier refusing to do so

The handling of the crisis over Ms Siddiqs links to her aunt Sheikh Hasinas regime has raised questions about the PMs political judgment.

The day before her departure, No 10 voiced full confidence in her in spite of several weeks of damaging headlines. Last night, opposition parties rounded on the Government for drawing out the process in the face of mounting calls for Ms Siddiq to resign.

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch accused the PM of weak leadership and questioned whether he had delayed the process due to his friendship with the minister.

She said: It was clear at the weekend that the anti-corruption ministers position was completely untenable. Yet Keir Starmer dithered and delayed to protect his close friend.

Even now, as Bangladesh files a criminal case against Tulip Siddiq, he expresses sadness at her inevitable resignation.

Weak leadership from a weak Prime Minister.

Keir Starmer accepted his City ministers resignation with sadness and said that she had made a difficult decision. (Pictured: The letter from the PM to Ms Siddiq)

Treasury job for architect of Milibands Ed Stone fiasco The brains behind the infamous Ed Stone was made a Treasury minister last night in a mini-reshuffle triggered by Tulip Siddiqs resignation. Torsten Bell was appointed a junior minister in both the Treasury and the Department for Work and Pensions. He was Ed Milibands policy chief and the architect of the Ed Stone  an 8ft slab of limestone on which the then-Labour leaders pledges were carved during the 2015 election. Among his promises were controls on immigration and a strong economic foundation. Labour lost the election and the fate of the heavily-ridiculed monolith became the subject of much speculation. It is believed to have been destroyed. Before working for Mr Miliband, Mr Bell served as a Treasury civil servant and adviser to Alistair Darling. He was chief executive of Left-wing think tank the Resolution Foundation before being elected MP for Swansea West last year. Advertisement

Liberal Democrat spokesman Sarah Olney said: Its right Tulip Siddiq resigned, you cant have an anti-corruption minister mired in a corruption scandal.

The Institute for Government said the handling of the row showed Labour were not yet used to the scrutiny of Government.

It added: Having been so quick to loudly criticise the last government for its perceived failings on ethics and integrity, Starmer and his team need to show that they truly understand the importance of meeting the standards that they promised to uphold once in office.

Sheikh Hasina was deposed as Bangladeshs prime minister in August amid allegations of corruption and brutality.

Ms Siddiq and members of her family are under investigation by an anti-corruption commission set up by the new government in Dhaka.

She was alleged to have been involved in brokering a 2013 deal with Russia for a nuclear power plant in Bangladesh in which billions are said to have been embezzled.

She has also been named in a second investigation into the illegal allocation of land to members of her family during her time as an MP.

Ms Siddiq referred herself to Sir Laurie last week following mounting questions about her use of properties connected to her aunt. In her resignation letter, she cited the row over her connections as a distraction to the Government.

Last night she was replaced by pensions minister Emma Reynolds, who will take over her City brief.

Questions were immediately raised about the appointment after it emerged that she allegedly lobbied the last government to water down restrictions on Chinese business activity.

Ms Reynolds will be replaced by former Resolution Foundation chief and now Labour MP Torsten Bell.
Supporters of South Korea's President are locked in a stand-off with police as officers try to arrest the impeached premier.

Yoon Suk Yeol lunged the country into political chaos last month over his botched attempt to declare martial law, which triggered political chaos engulfing Asia's fourth-largest economy and a key US ally.

The leader has since holed up in the presidential residence, surrounded by hundreds of loyal security officers.

Dramatic photographs have since shown police laying siege to the property by cutting through the barbed wire perimeter, before trekking up the hill towards the waiting president.

Over the last week thousands have protested outside his gates, with an arrest warrant for alleged insurrection expiring at midnight on Monday and many demanding his immediate arrest.

Now the country's law enforcement have massed outside the property in the capital Seoul as they attempt to detain him for a second time.

The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials and police are jointly investigating whether Yoons brief martial law declaration on December 3 amounted to an attempted rebellion.

They pledged more forceful measures to detain him after the presidential security service blocked their initial efforts on January 3.

Dramatic photographs have since shown police laying siege to the property by cutting through the barbed wire perimeter

Officers could then be spotted trekking up the hill towards the waiting president

Yoon Suk Yeol lunged the country into political chaos last month over his botched attempt to declare martial law

Investigators from the police make their way to the official residence of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeo

Police officers gather in front of the official residence of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol

A person adjusts barbed wire between vehicles blocking the entrance to the compound of the presidential residence

Police officers walk toward the official residence of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol

Security guards (rear) are on standby at the official residence of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol

Despite a court warrant for Yoons detention, the presidential security service has insisted its obligated to protect the impeached president and has fortified the compound with barbed wire and rows of buses blocking paths.

Vehicles from the anti-corruption agency were spotted near the residence, while rows of police officers dressed in black jackets were observed approaching its gate.

TV footage showed lawmakers from Yoons People Power Party, along with at least one of his lawyers, lined up near the residences gate, apparently arguing with anti-corruption officials and police officers attempting to enter.

Hundreds of Yoons supporters and critics held competing protests near the residence - one side vowing to protect him, the other calling for his imprisonment - while thousands of police officers in yellow jackets closely monitored the situation, setting up perimeters with buses.

Insurrection, one of a few crimes not subject to presidential immunity, means he could be sentenced to prison or, at worst, the death penalty.

If the warrant is executed, Yoon would become the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested.

Yoons top aide pleaded with law enforcement agencies yesterday to abandon their efforts to detain him.

Presidential Chief of Staff Chung Jin-suk said Yoon could instead be questioned at a 'third site' or at his residence and said the anti-corruption agency and police were trying to drag him out like he was a member of a 'South American drug cartel.'

Police officers stand in front of the gate of the presidential residence of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, South Korea

A police vehicle arrives at the entrance of the official residence of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol

Police officers patrol near the residence of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol

Police officers stand in front of the gate of the presidential residence of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in Seoul, South Korea

Police officers patrol near the residence of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol

People gather outside the official residence of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, as authorities, including the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials, are seeking to execute an arrest warrant

But Yoon Kab-keun, one of the presidents lawyers, said Chung issued the message without consulting them and that the legal team has no immediate plan to make the president available for questioning by investigators.

If investigators manage to detain Yoon Suk Yeol, they will likely ask a court for permission to make a formal arrest. Otherwise, he will be released after 48 hours.

Yoon has not left his official residence in Seoul for weeks, and the presidential security service prevented dozens of investigators from detaining him after a nearly six-hour standoff on January 3.

The National Police Agency has convened multiple meetings of field commanders in Seoul and nearby Gyeonggi province in recent days to plan their detainment efforts and the size of those forces fueled speculation that more than a thousand officers could be deployed in a possible multiday operation.

The agency and police have openly warned that presidential bodyguards obstructing the execution of the warrant could be arrested.

Yoon declared martial law and deployed troops around the National Assembly on December 3. It lasted only hours before lawmakers managed to get through the blockade and vote to lift the measure.

Yoon's presidential powers were suspended when the opposition-dominated assembly voted to impeach him on December 14, accusing him of rebellion.

His fate now rests with the Constitutional Court, which has begun deliberating on whether to formally remove Yoon from office or reject the charges and reinstate him.
GOP Congresswoman Nancy Mace challenged Democratic colleague Jasmine Crockett to 'take it outside' during a vicious clash while members were meeting on Tuesday.

Congresswoman Crockett (D-Texas) was speaking during a House Oversight Committee meeting when she responded to comments by Mace.

'Somebody's campaign coffers really are struggling right now, so she's going to keep saying "trans trans trans" so that people will feel threatened, and child listen," Crockett said when Mace cut in.

'I am no child. Do not call me a child. I am no child. Don't even start,' the South Carolina Republican could be heard speaking over her.

'I'm a grown woman. I'm 47-years-old. I've broken more glass ceilings than you ever will,' Mace continued.

Crockett tried to reclaim her time to speak, and the committee Chairman James Comer tried to cut in, but Mace was not done.

'You will not do that. I am not a child. I am not a child. If you want to take it outside, we can do that,' the GOP lawmaker said.

Mace then pushed away the microphone as if to rise, but she did not stand up.

Rep. Nancy Mace asked to 'take it outside' in a hearing after Rep. Jasmine Crockett used 'child' while referring to her in a spat over trans rights

The eye-popping spat on Capitol Hill came as lawmakers were discussing subcommittees and civil rights.

Crockett had called for a civil rights subcommittee to be reinstituted to focus on protecting freedoms.

That's when Mace responded that she believes in civil rights for all Americans but slammed Democrats for talking about the right to privacy. She claimed the party 'can't define what a woman is and won't give women the right to privacy.'

'You all want men with penises, chicks with dicks, in the bathroom with us,' Mace declared in the hearing.

Mace argued it was hypocritical for Democrats to be discussing the right to privacy and civil rights.

Her comments come as the South Carolina congresswoman has been crusading against transgender women being allowed to use women's restrooms.

Ahead of the new Congress, Mace pushed a ban on trans women using women's restrooms on Capitol Hill just as the first trans member of Congress, Congresswoman Sarah McBride, was set to be sworn in.

Speaker Mike Johnson sided with Mace on the issue, but she has repeatedly focused on it ever since and continues to attack transpeople in her speeches and online.

Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) has been on a crusade over transpeople and restrooms since she called for trans women to be banned from using women's restrooms at the U.S. Capitol last year

In the meeting on Tuesday, she accused Democrats of not respecting women, abuse victims and claimed they want women to have to undress in front of men in locker rooms.

She also used derogatory slur for a transperson and accused Democrats of stripping women's rights away.

That's when Crockett made the 'child' comment which sparked Mace to fire back about taking it outside.

In response to the escalating confrontation, Democratic Congressman Maxwell Frost accused Mace of inciting violence against another member while another lawmaker accused her of violating decorum rules.

But Mace shot back that her remarks were not inciting violence.

The clash between Mace and Crockett occurred during a House Oversight Committee hearing on Tuesday

Congresswoman Crockett (D-Texas) slammed Mace's accusations that Democrats do not look out for women in the hearing

After a brief pause, Comer ruled that Mace's comments were ok. It was also questioned whether Crockett saying 'child' was belittling.

Eventually, the meeting got back on track, and Crockett was able to resume her remarks where she pushed back on the accusation that Democrats don't look out for women.

Crockett pointed out that her party pushed for the Equal Rights Amendment.

She also accused Mace of 'fantasizing' about the threat of trans people in locker rooms and bathrooms while she has yet to hear actual testimony about someone experiencing it.

The Texas lawmaker said of the 766,000 people she represents, she has never had a single constituent come to her and say they were concerned about being raped by a trans person.
One of the world's richest men will soon occupy an office at the White House, after President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated next week.

Billionaire Elon Musk has been granted office space at the White House, according to the New York Times citing people briefed on the plans.

Musk was appointed by Trump to run a Department of Government Efficiency to scrutinize federal spending along with former presidential candidate tech entrepreneur Trump booster Vivek Ramaswamy.

The position will not be in the actual White House building, however, but rather in the large Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House complex.

Only a select few of Trump's staff actually work in the West Wing of the White House.

But Musk's physical proximity to Trump could still be close enough to allow him to further influence the president, if he decides to cross the street.

Musk, who has embraced the title 'First Buddy' of Trump, donated millions to the president-elect's campaign efforts and has spent a great deal of time with him since the election.

Democrats are furious at Musk's proximity to the president, frequently branding him as Trump's 'co-president' because of his cozy relationship with Trump.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and Elon Musk watch the launch of the sixth test flight of the SpaceX Starship rocket

The Eisenhower Executive Office Building is on the White House complex, but across the street from the actual Oval Office

Musk's companies receive billions of dollars in government contracts with the federal government, especially SpaceX, the groundbreaking rocket company changing space travel.

Trump and Musk traveled together to view a rocket launch with his entourage, as part of an event encouraging the growth of the space industry.

News of Musk's office at the White House breaks just as former Trump strategist and senior counselor Steve Bannon said he would work to keep Musk away from Trump's second term White House.

'He will not have a blue pass to the White House, he will not have full access to the White House, he will be like any other person,' Bannon said, describing the tech billionaire as 'a truly evil guy.'

Bannon commented on Musk in an interview with Italian news outlet Corriere della Sera.

Elon Musk speaks with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and guests at a viewing of the launch of the sixth test flight of the SpaceX Starship

Steve Bannon, former advisor to former U.S. President and now President-elect Donald Trump,

The one-time Trump allies clashed recently over a debate about H-1B visas, which offering legal status for foreigners who want to work in the United States, primarily for tech companies.

Critics of H-1B visas argue that skilled Americans should get tech jobs over foreign workers.

Bannon vowed he would emerge victorious over Musk and his fellow tech moguls.

'We have been fighting this fight for ten years,' Bannon said. 'We are going to expose the entire corruption of the American system, of how money controls everything and hopefully we'll inspire you in Italy to wake up,' he said.
Ministers came under fire yesterday for a 'wholly inappropriate' law change which paves the way for Gerry Adams to receive tens of thousands of pounds in compensation.

The former Sinn Fein leader has been blocked from getting compensation for unlawful detention by legislation passed under the previous Tory administration.

But the Labour government is planning to repeal this after Northern Ireland's High Court ruled that it breaches the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

There is no obligation for ministers to follow the Belfast court's ruling but they have decided to without challenging it. Northern Ireland's High Court delivered its ruling last February.

It opens the door for Mr Adams, who has always denied being a member of the IRA, and hundreds of other former suspected terrorists to lodge taxpayer-funded compensation claims.

Sixteen peers - several of them former judges and top lawyers - last night criticised ministers as part of a report opposing the move drawn up by the Policy Exchange think tank.

In a foreword to the report, they branded the Government's move 'wholly inappropriate' and said that paying compensation would be a 'very poor use of scarce public funds in a time of national economic crisis'.

They added: 'We strongly support Policy Exchange's critique of the [Northern Ireland] High Court's judgment and the Government's response to it and call on the Government now to reconsider.'

The law change paves the way for Gerry Adams to receive tens of thousands of pounds in compensation for alleged unlawful detention

Sinn Fein leaders Gerry Adams and Martin McGuiness attend the funeral of Patrick Kelly, the reputed IRA commander in East Tyrone, in May 1987

Lord Wolfson KC, the Shadow Attorney General, said the Government's pledge to press ahead because of its 'absolute commitment' to human rights 'makes no sense'.

Professor Richard Ekins KC, a law professor at the University of Oxford, said: 'The Government has wrongly taken the say-so of a single High Court judge in Northern Ireland to justify reversing recently enacted and entirely reasonable legislation.

'The Government's decision to change the law is inexplicable and unjustifiable.

'It will reopen the door to a wave of meritless litigation in relation to events of over 50 years ago, which may result in hundreds of people who were lawfully detained then for suspected involvement in terrorism now being paid compensation, which is an unjust and wasteful use of public money.'

Experts said that Mr Adams could get tens of thousands of pounds if the new legislation, tabled by ministers last month, passes.

If hundreds of others also lodge claims, it raises the prospect of the compensation bill reaching tens of millions of pounds.

It will anger groups such as pensioners and farmers, who lost out in Chancellor Rachel Reeves's budget.

Mr Adams was twice detained without trial during the Troubles, a practice introduced by UK ministers in Northern Ireland in a bid to contain spiralling violence in the early 1970s.

He was interned under article 4 of the Detention of Terrorists (Northern Ireland) Order 1972, which covered anyone 'suspected of having been concerned in the commission or attempted commission of any act of terrorism'.

More than 1,900 people suspected of being members of paramilitary or terror groups such as the IRA were detained under the powers.

In 2020, the UK Supreme Court agreed that Mr Adams and others were unlawfully detained.

An picture of Gerry Adams (centre) in Belfast in 1973, acting as a member of the IRA guard of honour at the funeral of a member who was killed whilst planting a bomb

Mr Adams was detained at the Maze high-security jail near Belfast, also known as Long Kesh internment camp

Gerry Adams was the president of Sinn Fein between 13 November 1983 and 10 February 2018

But this conclusion was reached on a technicality, which was that then Northern Ireland Secretary Willie Whitelaw had not personally signed the interim custody order.

Tory ministers rejected the ruling before passing the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023, which under sections 46 and 47 blocked Mr Adams and hundreds of others from lodging claims.

But Labour has tabled secondary legislation which would repeal these sections.

It is likely to pass the Commons because the party has a huge majority.

But it could run into trouble in the Lords, where the Tories have a majority.

Other peers which backed the Policy Exchange report included former Cabinet Secretary Lord Butler of Brockwell, ex-Master of the Rolls and Head of Civil Justice Lord Etherton KC and former Home Secretary Lord Howard of Lympne.

Lord Macdonald of River Glaven KC, a former Director of Public Prosecutions, and Margaret Thatcher's ex-Private Secretary, Lord Powell of Bayswater, also signed it.

The Northern Department, which has tabled the legislation, was contacted for comment.

Ministers tabled a Remedial Order, secondary legislation which gives Parliament 60 days to consider it before becoming law, unless it is voted down.
Megyn Kelly hit out at the three female leaders of the Los Angeles Fire Department as wildfires continue to devastate Southern California.

Kelly, a former Fox News host, took special aim at Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, Training and Support Bureau Commander Jaime Brown and Deputy Chief in Equity and Human Resources Bureau Kristine Larson amid criticism that the city focused too much on diversity, equity and inclusion efforts to properly prepare forces to battle the fires.

'These three women who are at the top there are all, I mean honestly, I'm not trying to be mean, but they're obese,' Kelly said on her podcast Monday. 'These are overweight, out of shape women.

'And the last thing I want to see if I am in a burning building is A) a woman and B) an obese woman,' she continued.

'Who takes comfort [in that]? "I'm going to die, but it's in the presence of an obese lesbian,"' Kelly asked rhetorically, before she started to laugh at the notion.

'This is ridiculous,' she said.

'I speak for all women - I believe speak for all females in Los Angeles - when I say: We want a strong man to rescue us. That's what we want,' she concluded.

'Do we ask for too much?'

Megyn Kelly hit out at the three female leaders of the Los Angeles Fire Department for their weight in her podcast on Monday

She took special aim at Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, Training and Support Bureau Commander Jaime Brown and Deputy Chief in Equity and Human Resources Bureau Kristine Larson

Kelly's comments came in stark contrast to remarks Larson made in a now-viral video from 2019, in which she insisted residents want to be rescued by someone with whom they identify.

'It gives that person a little bit more ease, knowing that somebody might understand their situation better,' Larson said.

She also seemed to blame helpless fire victims for their need to be rescued as she addressed concerns that female firefighters may not be strong enough to carry a man out of a burning building.

'He got himself in the wrong place if I have to carry him out of a fire,' Larson stunningly claimed.

Her comments infuriated many online, as the deadly blazes claimed the lives of at least 24 people and left more than 200,000 residents having to flee their homes.

'Los Angeles Fire Department Assistant Chief #KristineLarson should NOT be in her position if a heavy man is someone she wont even consider rescuing from a fire,' one California resident posted on X.

'Shes better off working at Walmart or McDonalds.'

Larson has been ridiculed online for insisting in a 2019 video that residents want to be rescued by someone with whom they identify

Other city officials have also come under fire, namely Mayor Karen Bass, who slashed the fire department's budget in the years before the massive fires erupted.

In fact, the LA Fire Department was left begging the city's council to approve nearly $100million to replace its entire fleet just two months ago.

'Many vehicles have surpasses their expected service life, leading to increased maintenance costs, reduces parts availability and potential downtime,' the department wrote in its request after years of depleted funds.

The department's budget steadily grew from from $674.27million in 2019 to $819.64million in 2025, but it faced a significant fall this year from $837.19million in 2024.

Fire Chief Kristin Crowley wrote in a December memo that the cut of $17.6million 'adversely affected the Departments ability to maintain core operations, such as technology and communication infrastructure, payroll processing, training, fire prevention, and community education.'

She also noted there was a $7million reduction in overtime pay.

AccuWeather estimates that the damage and economic losses from the blazes could be anywhere from $250billion to $275billion, marking the nation's costliest disaster ever

The wildfires in Southern California have taken the lives of at least 24 people and displaced more than 200,000 residents

Yet a leaked memo last week revealed that Bass demanded the LAFD make an additional $49million budget cut, on top of the $17.6million cut.

The extra cuts, requested just days before fires broke out and devastated swathes of Los Angeles, would have shut down 16 fire stations and crippled the department's ability to respond to emergencies, sources previously told DailyMail.com.

Meanwhile, the larger Los Angeles County has been accused of throwing money at DEI initiatives while cutting its own firefighting budget.

Fox News reported that hundreds of thousands of dollars were spent on initiatives including $14,010 to the Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles, $190,000 to the Homeless and HIV needle exchange program, and $100,000 of county funds to pay for Juneteenth celebrations.

But now, AccuWeather - a company that provides data on weather and its impact - estimates that the damage and economic losses from the blazes could be anywhere from $250billion to $275billion, marking the nation's costliest disaster ever.
Anthony Albanese has refused to be drawn on Peter Dutton's commitment to force councils to hold Australia Day events on January 26.

The Prime Minister was pressed on the issue after the Opposition Leader announced on Monday he would make it mandatory for for councils to hold citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day.

In late 2022, the Labor government scrapped a previous rule which mandated that councils held citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day.

It led to over 80 councils last year deciding against holding Australia Day ceremonies on January 26.

But Mr Dutton has vowed to reinstate the old rules if the Coalition wins the federal election, which must be held before May.

Mr Albanese was pressed on the issue on Tuesday but refused to comment on his rival's headline-grabbing commitment.

'I will be attending the national Australia Day commemorations [in Canberra] as I have done every year in which I have been Labor leader,' Mr Albanese said.

'I hope that Peter Dutton this year makes a choice to join the national Australia Day celebrations in Canberra. That is what I did as the opposition leader.'

The Prime Minister was pressed on the issue after the Opposition Leader announced he would make it mandatory for for councils to hold citizenship ceremonies on Australia Day

It led to over 80 councils last year deciding against holding Australia Day ceremonies on January 26

Finance Minister Katy Gallagher, who appeared alongside Mr Albanese at the press conference, was quizzed on the issue and also sought to highlight how Mr Dutton was often a no-show at the Australia Day ceremony in Canberra.

She claimed she was 'not sure' if she had seen the Opposition Leader there in previous years.

But the leader of the Liberal party dismissed the criticism, claiming the suggestion was 'pretty unhinged'.

'Part of the reason we have found ourselves in the mess at the moment with councils running in every direction is because the prime minister removed the requirement for councils to hold their citizenship ceremony on Australia Day,' Mr Dutton said.

'If the prime minister doesn't have the strength of leadership to stand up to mayors and others who don't want to celebrate Australia Day, then our country's in more trouble than we first realised.'

Mr Dutton said Australians should recognise the good and bad in its history and not be ashamed of its national day.

'There are millions of Australians who have made the migrant journey to our country, they have enriched this country, and for many of them Australia Day is sacrosanct because they became citizens on that day,' Mr Dutton said.

'We have an incredible Indigenous history we should celebrate, and we have an incredible migrant story we should celebrate that as well.'

But Mr Dutton (pictured) has vowed to reinstate the old rules if the Coalition wins the federal election, which must be held before May

Australia Day, observed each year on January 26, marks the landing of the First Fleet in 1788 when the first governor of the British colony of New South Wales, Arthur Philip, hoisted the Union Jack at Sydney Cove.

But, for many Indigenous people, it is regarded as 'Invasion Day' or the 'Day of Mourning'.

A recent poll, conducted by the right-wing Institute of Public Affairs (IPA), found that 69 per cent of 1,002 respondents agreed that the national public holiday should remain on January 26 - a six point increase from 12 months ago.
One in five Australian adults hold strong anti-Semitic beliefs, according to a surprising new poll.

A survey carried out by the Anti-Defamation League found that 46 per cent of the world's adult population  an estimated 2.2 billion people  harbour 'deeply-entrenched anti-Semitic attitudes'  double the number a decade ago.

Australia's own Index Score, which ranks respondents' negative stereotypes about Jews such as a lack of belief in the Holocaust or the conspiracy that Jews control world events, has increased by six percentage points since 2014.

Around 20 per cent of Australians  equivalent to 4.2million people  hold anti-Semitic beliefs, with an alarming number of young people believing the Holocaust was a myth.

The shocking findings come amid a recent wave of anti-Semitic attacks in Sydney, with two synagogues being targeted by masked vandals who spray painted Swastikas across the places of worship last weekend.

The survey also found that 20 per cent of respondents worldwide have not heard about the Holocaust.

Globally, less than half (48 per cent) recognise the Holocaust's historical accuracy, which falls to 39 per cent in the 18-34 age group.

While three in five (61 per cent) of Australian respondents believe the Holocaust is described accurately, fewer younger respondents agree.

Those 18-49 aged are more likely to think the death toll was exaggerated (18 per cent), never heard of the Holocaust (nine per cent), or believed it was a myth (8 per cent).

A survey carried out by the Anti-Defamation League found that 46 per cent of the world's adult population harbour 'deeply-entrenched anti-Semitic attitudes'  double the number a decade ago. Pictured is anti-Semitic graffiti spray painted on a wall behind a burnt out car in Woollahra, in Sydney's east

The shocking findings come amid a recent wave of anti-Semitic attacks in Sydney. Pictured is the southern Sydney synagogue in Allawah after it was targeted last Friday

In Australia, nearly three in five (57 pre cent) of people view Palestine favourably, compared to just 40 per cent who feel the same about Israel.

Meanwhile, one in five express favorability toward Hamas, including a third of 1834-year-olds and 39 per cent of individuals who moved to Australia as adults.

Australia was the 15th least anti-Semitic country out of 103.

Marina Rosenberg, ADL Senior Vice President for International Affairs, said anti-Semitic tropes were becoming 'alarmingly normalized across societies worldwide'.

'This dangerous trend is not just a threat to Jewish communitiesit's a warning to us all,' she said.

'Even in countries with the lowest levels of anti-Semitic attitudes globally, we've seen many anti-Semitic incidents perpetrated by an emboldened small, vocal and violent minority.'

ADL chief executive and former adviser to Barrack Obama Jonathan A. Greenblatt, called for a 'whole-of-society approach' to tackle the scourge of anti-Semitic.

'It's clear that we need new government interventions, more education, additional safeguards on social media, and new security protocols to prevent anti-Semitic hate crimes,' he said.

First launched in 2014, the ADL Global 100 remains the world's most extensive study of anti-Semitic attitudes.

Around 10 red swastikas were sprayed on the front walls of the Newtown Synagogue (pictured) in Sydney's inner-west last Saturday

Police later released CCTV footage of two hooded men seen outside the synagogue around 4.25am on Saturday (pictured)

One man was seen pushing a mountain bike along the street (pictured)

It represents the percentage of respondents who answered 'definitely true' or 'probably true' to six or more of the 11 negative stereotypes about Jews that were tested.

For the latest survey, more than 58,000 adults from 103 countries and territories were surveyed, representing 94 percent of the global adult population.

All interviews were conducted between July 23 and November 13, 2024 and carried out via telephone, face-to-face or online questionnaires.

The Southern Sydney Synagogue in the suburb of Allawah was targeted last Friday morning by anti-Semitic vandals who daubed a number of large red Swastikas at the entrance to the place of worship.

The next morning, Newtown Synagogue in Sydney's inner-west, was similarly targeted.

Police have since released CCTV footage of two hooded men seen outside the synagogue around 4.25am on Saturday.

NSW Premier Chris Minns condemned the incident in Newtown and urged anyone who may have witnessed the act, to come forward.

,Restaurateur Alan Yazbek pleaded guilty to displaying a Nazi symbol during a pro-Palestine rally in Sydney 's Hyde Park on October 6 last year (pictured)

'These people are determined to divide our community in two. We will always call out these acts for what they are - monstrous and appalling,' Mr Minns said.

The Premier also announced the extension of a one-off grant of $340,000 towards enhanced temporary security measures for the NSW Jewish community.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also condemned the incident and said in a post to X on Saturday that those who committed the act 'should face the full force of the law'.

'The vile graffiti we've seen overnight, including at the Newtown Synagogue, is abhorrent and needs to stop immediately,' Mr Albanese wrote.

'We made it illegal to use Nazi and other hate symbols because there's no place in Australia for anti-Semitism.'

The most recent attack saw 'gas the Jews' graffitied on a wall near Sydenham train station on Monday

They are the latest attacks in a long and depressing list of anti-Semitic incidents to occur in Australia since the October 7 terror attacks.

Restaurateur Alan Yazbek pleaded guilty to displaying a Nazi symbol during a pro-Palestine rally in Sydney's Hyde Park on October 6 last year.

The co-owner of the Nomad Restaurant Group appeared in Downing Centre Local Court last month, where he was issued a 12-month conditional release without a conviction.
Turning 21 often calls for a celebration, but Princess Catharina-Amalia of the Netherlands marked the milestone in spectacular fashion.

Just days before her birthday, the Princess attended a state banquet, exuding elegance as the heir apparent to the Dutch throne.

Alongside her parents, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima, Catharina-Amalia welcomed Portugal's president, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, during a two-day state visit.

For the occasion, she dazzled in a lavender sequinned gown by Japanese designer Tadashi Shoji. The dress featured a striking sweetheart neckline and dramatic cape - an emerging style signature for the young Princess.

As a tribute to her guests, Catharina-Amalia wore the red sash and gold star of Portugal's Order of Christ, which was given to her earlier in the day.

Her accessories carried rich symbolism: diamond earrings from the royal vault, a diamond collet necklace, and a diamond bracelet steeped in family history.

The bracelet, a smaller piece crafted from the Dutch East Indies Bracelet, was originally gifted to her great-grandmother, Queen Juliana, as a wedding present in 1937.

The highlight of her ensemble, however, was the Dutch Star Tiara. A true masterpiece, it combines elements from various royal tiaras passed down through generations.

King Willem-Alexander and his daughter Princess Catharina-Amalia pictured at a recent state banquet

Queen Maxima created the design for her wedding in 2002 by customising a diamond festoon base from the Pearl Button Tiara, replacing the pearl accents with sparkling diamond stars.

This tiara was originally crafted from five pearl and diamond buttons set on a diamond festoon base. The intricate diamond design surrounding each large pearl resembled flower petals.

The buttons themselves began as brooches, which were worn in the 19th century by Queen Sophie, wife of Willem III.

It is speculated that the festoon base of the tiara may have initially been part of a coronet also owned by Queen Sophie.

However, the tiara in its current form did not make a public appearance until 1965, when it was worn by Queen Juliana.

When Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands was invested as queen in 1980 following her mother's abdication, she chose the Pearl Button Tiara for the occasion.

It has also graced two royal weddings: Princess Margriet to Pieter van Vollenhoven in 1967 and Prince Willem-Alexander to Maxima Zorreguieta Cerruti in 2002.

At these events, the tiara saw notable transformations. Princess Margriet wore it with the original pearl buttons, while Maxima swapped the pearls for five diamond stars, which were originally brooches gifted to King Willem III's second wife, Queen Emma, on her marriage in 1879.

Alongside her parents, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima, Princess Catharina-Amalia, wearing a lavender sequinned gown by Japanese designer Tadashi Shoji

The highlight of Catharina-Amalia's ensemble was the Dutch Star Tiara. Her mother Queen Maxima (right) created the design for her wedding in 2002 by customising a diamond festoon base from the Pearl Button Tiara, replacing the pearl accents with sparkling diamond stars

Princess Margriet wore the Pearl Button Tiara for her wedding to Pieter van Vollenhoven in January 1967

When Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands was invested as Queen in April 1980 following her mother's abdication, she chose the Pearl Button Tiara for the occasion

Maxima remains the only royal to have worn both versions of the tiara.

Inspired by her mother, Catharina-Amalia's preference for bold, structured silhouettes reflects her modern elegance and growing confidence.

While the Princess is still studying, at the University of Amsterdam for a Bachelor of Science degree in Politics, Psychology, Law and Economics, she has gradually begun stepping into her future role as queen.

In January 2023, she embarked on her first overseas tour, visiting the Dutch Caribbean. And in April this year, she attended her first state banquet, hosted by the Spanish royal family.

Her tiara debut, however, took place earlier, in June 2022, at Princess Ingrid Alexandra of Norway's 18th birthday gala, where she wore the renowned Dutch Star Button Tiara.

Since then, she has showcased the Ruby Peacock Tiara and Queen Emma of the Netherlands' Sapphire Tiara.

Catharina-Amalia became heir apparent in 2013, following her father's accession to the throne after Queen Beatrix's abdication.
The Wales family displayed a united front on Christmas Day, marking a poignant moment after a challenging year for the royals.

Princess Kate led the way in a festive green outfit, perfectly complementing Prince William and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis, who each incorporated the hue into their looks.

Their coordinating outfits captivated onlookers, presenting a refined image that underscores their bond as a close-knit family.

However, this isn't the first time the royals have embraced matching outfits. They frequently gravitate towards a cohesive colour palette, with blue being a consistent favourite.

The delicate hue conveys serenity and stability, hinting at a strategic choice to reflect the family's composed and harmonious image.

Kate, in particular, has cultivated a strong association with the shade, from the iconic Issa dress she wore for her engagement announcement to her sapphire engagement ring.

Aligning their clothing choices offers the added advantage of giving the Wales family's image a timeless quality, less susceptible to looking dated over time - as we explore below.

Christmas Day church service, December 2024

The Wales family delighted royal fans as they arrived at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, dressed in coordinated navy and green ensembles.

Kate opted for her hunter-green Alexander McQueen coat, paired with a tartan scarf that subtly mirrored the ties worn by George and Louis.

Charlotte complemented the theme with a structured navy tartan coat, perfectly matching the deep blue of William's tie, creating a polished look.

The Wales family delighted royal fans as they arrived at St Mary Magdalene Church in Sandringham, dressed in coordinated navy and green ensembles

Together at Christmas carol concert, December 2023

At the 2023 Christmas carol concert, Kate shone in a burgundy ensemble, featuring a Eponine London coat dress and Gianvito Rossi court shoes.

Her look harmonised with William and Charlotte, who both incorporated the autumnal hue into their outfits.

George mirrored his father's style in a classic navy suit, which subtly tied in with Charlotte's opaque tights, completing the family's cohesive appearance.

The Wales family showcased a cohesive appearance at the 2023 Christmas carol concert held at Westminster Abbey

Easter Sunday church service, April 2023

The Wales family embraced varying shades of blue for the 2023 Easter Sunday church service, showcasing their signature style.

Kate stood out in a striking Catherine Walker coat, paired with a pillbox hat by Lock & Co.

George complemented his mother's sapphire tone with a matching tie, while Charlotte and Louis added a lighter touch to the palette, incorporating sky blue into their outfits for a harmonious look.

Kate, William and their children embraced varying shades of blue for the 2023 Easter Sunday church service, showcasing their signature coordinated style

Big Night In, April 2023

In April 2023, Kate, William, and their children joined the nation in applauding the NHS during the 'Clap for Carers' initiative as part of the BBC's Big Night In.

The family of five stood on the doorstep of Anmer Hall, clapping in tribute to doctors and nurses, in a heartfelt clip shared on both the television programme and Instagram.

Kate looked radiant in a floral dress by Ghost, while the rest of the family coordinated in shades of blue.

During the 'Clap for Carers' initiative, the family of five coordinated in shades of blue

Easter Sunday church service, April 2022

Blue was once again the colour of choice for the Easter Sunday church service in 2022.

Kate chose a pastel blue coat dress by Emilia Wickstead, teamed with tonal accessories, including a pleated headband by Jane Taylor.

Charlotte echoed her mother's look in a floral dress and blue tights, seamlessly matching the shade of Kate's coat.

William selected a classic navy suit, while George joined in with a sky blue shirt and navy tie, completing the family's stylish appearance.
Within a day of what the Sussexes no doubt considered another triumphant show of compassion, captured on camera volunteering during the LA wildfires, a real Hollywood star, Justine Bateman, condemned them as 'no better than ambulance chasers'.

Just as they sat back, self-satisfied in their nine-bedroom 23million Montecito mansion  which they claim they have opened to friends fleeing the carnage  the floodgates opened.

Rather than gushing gratitude for their kindness, a tidal wave of criticism followed  led by Bateman who reflected the mood of countless others worldwide on social media.

'What a repulsive 'photo op' they achieved,' she wrote on X.

Pointing out that they live 90 miles away from the LA fires, she added: 'They don't live here, they are tourists, Disaster Tourists.'

Despite fulsome and grovelling gratitude from the local mayor Victor Gordo who said they were 'great people' with 'great personalities', the public had already made up its mind.

With their popularity tanking in the US, this was just another attempt by Megs and Harry  who were previously described by the boss of Spotify as 'f****** grifters'  to cleanse their reputation and polish up their tarnished halos.

And they are in desperate need of good publicity ahead of Meghan's new Netflix series With Love, Meghan  upon which their future finances depend.

Harry and Meghan were labelled 'disaster tourists' after travelling 90 miles from their home where they were captured on camera as they met victims of the LA fires

Hollywood actress Justine Bateman condemned the Sussexes as 'no better than ambulance chasers'

Due to launch tomorrow, Sussex sources say the duchess asked for her series to be delayed out of respect for the victims of the fires. Good move, Megs, as that wouldn't be a good look: a carefree millionaire duchess turned ordinary mom cooking up love and compassion while LA burns to the ground.

Such is the scepticism towards Megs and Harry, there were even scathing reports on social media that their photo op last Friday was all a set-up. Social media users claimed they had appeared at the evacuation centre for only 17 minutes, accompanied by their security detail and a woman they hugged who arrived and left with the Sussexes.

Oh dear, how did it all go so wrong for Megs and Harry? Perhaps because every time they reach out  often trailled by a camera crew  to show their calculated compassion and care, all we can remember is Meg's abandonment of her father Thomas or Harry's cruelty to his own family.

And yet it could all have been so different. If only the smug, bit-part actress Meghan  who thought she knew it all  had taken a leaf out of Kate's book in handling grief with dignity.

Before Kate and William made an emotional pilgrimage to Southport weeks after the horrific murders of three little girls, we understand they sent private messages of comfort to the grieving families.

And in a deeply personal public message, the Princess of Wales  then still recovering from chemotherapy  wrote: 'As parents we cannot begin to understand what the families, friends and loved ones of those killed and injured in Southport today are going through.'

That visit to Southport in October was Catherine's most significant public engagement since her illness was announced. She and William met each of the grieving families of Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, nine, for half an hour  in private.

No media was tipped off about the visits. No cameras were allowed to witness their harrowing meetings. There was no film crew to catch Kate's tears, offering comfort from one mother to another. No pictures of William's despair as a man who could perhaps understand the depths of such loss, having lost his own mother so young.

Kate and William meeting one of the emergency services crew who dealt with the aftermath of the knife attack on children in Southport in July that left three girls dead - the couple's meeting with bereaved families was kept private

Their meetings were completely covert and not announced publicly until Kate and William had left. No single detail of those meetings was released to the media 'in respect for their ongoing grief'.

They also met privately with dance teacher Leanne Lucas, 35, who was seriously injured as she shielded youngsters when they were attacked by a knifeman during a Taylor Swift-themed summer holiday class in July.

A small media contingency was allowed to briefly film their visit to the first responders and others affected by the tragedy  and that was it.

The future King and Queen left quietly, without fanfare, and without a Netflix film crew in tow. Only a keen eye would have noted how distressed Kate, especially, looked.

And they kept their promise to keep the little girls and their families in their prayers. Kate invited the children who survived the Southport stabbings to her Christmas carol service as special guests, the charity Stronger Together ensuring they were supported along with their families in London for three days.

All of which reminded me of the finest example of dignity in grief, when the late Queen Elizabeth was originally pilloried for not immediately visiting the Welsh mining village of Aberfan in 1966 after a devastating coal slurry avalanche killed 144 people  including 116 children still in their classrooms.

First responders, as we call them today, all said the Queen did the right thing in arriving eight days after the disaster. Her presence there, with all the security and preparation a visit from the Queen would involve, would have got in the way of their work trying to save the few survivors and recover the broken bodies of children for their loved ones to bury.

Royal author Penny Junor said that, far from being apathetic towards the tragedy, she 'showed her humanity' to the locals in a quiet manner.

When she arrived, the Queen spoke privately for half an hour with families who had lost husbands, wives and children  including one woman grieving the loss of seven members of her family.

Junor recalls: 'The Queen just sat with her, quietly, saying nothing for half an hour. That was the Queen showing her humility.'

Our late Queen Elizabeth and our future Queen Catherine both understood what comfort is to those suffering such terrible tragedies, about the dignity and most importantly privacy such grieving requires.

Dignity and privacy are two concepts Meghan will never understand. Sadly for her, as she has demonstrated, no good deed is worth doing unless you have a camera crew around to capture every second of your compassion.

The Mail's royal expert, Robert Hardman, set the record straight saying that the Queen was unable to visit Aberfan 'until she could control her heartfelt emotions, as a young mother herself, she knew she would be as overwhelmed as everyone else'.

After all, he added: 'The last thing people want is a sobbing Queen on their shoulder.'

Did Meghan ever consider, as she tearfully hugged the victims of the LA fires, that the last thing they needed was a publicity-seeking, celebrity duchess sobbing on their shoulder?
From her moving video statement last March to Septembers extraordinarily intimate family video, the Princess of Wales has shown admirable determination to speak about the devastating challenges of her cancer journey on her own terms.

I can reveal that today's visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in West London - where she announced she is in remission - was the next stage in a carefully calibrated plan to manage her recovery and measured return to official duties - and one that is being decided by Catherine herself, rather than palace courtiers, at every stage.

It is another example of the quiet, unhurried conviction that the instinctively-shy boarding school girl from Berkshire has shown since marrying into the Royal Family more than a decade ago, particularly as regards her own royal duties and the upbringing of her children.

And it is one that she has always been determined should not be buffeted by knee-jerk reactions to public (or media) opinion, or even that of other family members, no mean feat in todays instantly-reactive, social media-dominated world.

Kate chats with patients on her visit to the Royal Marsden hospital today, the next stage in a carefully calibrated plan to manage her recovery and measured return to official duties

Kate speaks with another patient at the hospital, after she spent a year largely absent from public appearances as she struggled through her own cancer diagnosis

Kate arrives at the hospital this morning, where she also received treatment during her own cancer journey

Earlier this month I revealed that people should not expect Catherine or her team to press a sudden reset button in January after the last 12 months, during which the princess has largely been absent from the public gaze.

For the time being she would continue to put her family, not the family, first.

That was confirmed to me again by a senior royal aide just a few hours ago when discussing the princess upcoming engagement.

They stressed that Kensington Palaces guidance about her return to public facing duties hadnt changed, and that it would very much continue to be slow and gradual over many months to come.

What was also made clear to me was that todays visit was the instinctive reaction of a woman who has been to hell and back over the past year but knows she has the benefit of an exceptional public platform to empathise with those going through the same physical and emotional strain - and to thank those working in our health services in challenging conditions to make patients lives more bearable.

Today was about visiting the Marsden to reflect on her own personal journey, they emphasised.

The princess thanked staff at the hospital for their care and compassion. She also spoke to cancer patients and offered them her support

The Royal Marsden Hospital in Chelsea, which Kate visited today to speak with those undergoing cancer treatment

Her decision has, of course, the full backing of her husband, Prince William, who last week issued an extraordinary and unprecedented tribute to his adored wife on her 43rd birthday, praising her strength and making clear his and the childrens pride in her.

William is an emotional man in private but traditionally less comfortable showing those feelings publicly, and it was clear to anyone who knows him this was a sign of the huge emotional strain he has felt as a husband and father over the last year.

The last time I visited the Royal Marsden in Chelsea was with the prince in May 2022 when he met, among many others, a lovely lady called Lorraine Kimber - a friend of bowl cancer campaigner Dame Deborah James - who was receiving treatment there for pancreatic cancer.

I later heard from her devastated husband that she sadly died in December that year after an admirably brave fight against the disease, selfless to the last.

I know that the Prince of Wales was privately told about her sad passing, too, and I am sure the fact that his own wife would go on to have treatment at the same hospital little more than a year later will have provoked a maelstrom of emotions in him.

As I have often said over the last year when writing about both Catherine and the Kings respective cancer battles, both acknowledge the privileged position they occupy.

But cancer is a leveller and there is little one-upmanship to be had when it comes to the sheer terror of being told that you have a potentially fatal disease - and in the princesss case, at such a relatively young age.

The Princess of Wales has shown admirable determination to speak about the devastating challenges of her 'cancer journey' on her own terms, writes Rebecca English

The Princess of Wales speaks with members of the Emergency Services during a visit to Southport Community Centre in October last year

Listening to her talk to cancer patients today - some actually undergoing chemotherapy treatment while they spoke - it was clear that Catherine, typically, wanted to focus on them, not herself.

When one couple complimented her on how amazingly well she and William had managed the situation with their children, she replied coyly, oh thats kind and moved on to ask about how the impact had been on them.

My understanding is that this will continue to be her approach over the coming weeks and months.

If and when she is ready to tell us more, she will. And until then she will continue to use her voice to amplify the experiences of those who cant.

And always in the way she - and nobody else - thinks is right.
Americans who were part of 'gifted and talented' education programs in the 1980s and 1990s believe they were part of a secret government intelligence program.

The Gifted And Talented Education program (GATE) provides students with advanced curriculum and activities to foster creativity and critical thinking skills.

But many former students believe they were actually part of a secret CIA initiative to test the supernatural abilities of children with above average intelligence.

One woman, who claimed to be part of the program in the 1990s, shared a workbook she purportedly used during class, showing she was cracking codes and learning Russian.

'The stuff I found in there  I'm like, what were you training us for?' she said.

Some former GATE students argued that the program was tied to the CIA's Gateway Program that was developed in the 1980s to explore the limitations of human consciousness using sound, meditation and other techniques.

A document released by the CIA explains that these recordings typically featured a series of 'non-verbal audio patterns' masked by sounds like crashing waves or wind blowing through the trees.

Many alumni of GATE programs recalled being subjected to the same audio 'tests' at school.

One woman who claimed to be part of the program in the 1990s shared a workbook used during class, showing she was cracking codes and learning Russia. 'The stuff I found in there  I'm like, what were you training us for?' she said

'Some of them were basic IQ tests, but many of them were of the meditation-type testing, where we had to listen to a woman's voice on an audio tape with big earphones,' said one former GATE student who goes by Rachel on TikTok.

'They were facilitated by people who did not work at our school,' she added in a recent video.

Former GATE students have shared the audio that they say they had to listen to during 'testing' sessions.

The clip features a series of high-pitched, electronic-sounding noises followed by a man's monotone voice.

'This is the first step along your path to a gateway,' the man's voice states.

'The gateway beyond which is discovery, your own discovery of reality, of truth, of who and what you are.'

The audio then guides the listener through a meditation, asking them to assume a 'relaxed position' and listen to the sound of ocean waves.

This audio was developed by the Monroe Institute for the CIA's Gateway Program. Those who claim that it was used on them in schools believe that the agency was 'exploring psychic phenomena in children.'

A woman who goes by Anna Mills shared some of the worksheets from her school's GATE program that included several assignments on cracking codes and deciphering messages

The CIA's Gateway Program, developed and launched by the Monroe Institute of Applied Sciences in the early 1980s, used sound, meditation and other techniques to explore the limitations of human consciousness

While there is no evidence of the CIA using a secret curriculum to uncover abilities in American children, the agency was monitoring 'psychic children in China.'

In a document dated January 1985, the CIA discussed how young boys and girls of the nation were 'capable of extraordinary physical feats, including the ability to emerge unscathed when struck on the chest with the blade of a sword.'

A young boy mentioned in the report ''peered' inside the womb of a pregnant woman, only to announce that the fetus had now head.' And the diagnosis turned out to be correct.

There are no reports linking the CIA to American schools, but former students of GATE shared some of the worksheets, activities and assignments they completed, leaving them baffled.

'They had us doing worksheets in Morse code,' Anna Mills shared in recent TikTok video.

She said many of assignments revolved around understanding and using codes.

One was even titled 'Codes to Crack.'

Another worksheet was titled 'Strange Message,' which prompted students to 'use the following code (the alphabet reveres) to decipher the message.

She also said some of the coding were also just symbols.

On the page, it appears the teacher wrote 'tie for 1st,' suggesting students were also timed during the activity.

In addition to learning how to use Morse and other forms of code, Mills and the other kids in her GATE program were instructed in Russian.

'I know each of the programs was different, so different decades, different states had different programs. But for ours, Russian was a big part of it,' she said in follow-up video.

Mills went on to explain an activity that she and her classmates did, called a 'tile wall.'

The instructions included a list of words that the students could include on their tile, which were 'peace, America, love, freedom, Russia, flag, hope and happiness.'

Beyond these unverified anecdotal reports, there is no evidence to suggest that Gifted and Talented Education programs are in any way tied to the CIA.

But claims of 'eerie similarities' between these childhood memories, the classified Gateway Program and other CIA operations have swept social media, prompting many to think back to their school experiences and question what was going on.
READ MORE: TikTok could be banned - here's what it means for YOU

As TikTok faces a ban in the US, thousands of American users are flocking to a little-known Chinese alternative called RedNote.

On Monday, the China-owned app, known locally as 'Xiaohongshu', became the most downloaded free app in Apple's App Store in the US.

The name has been linked with the colour of the Chinese Communist Party, although Chinese culture in general reveres the colour as a symbol of good fortune and prosperity.

'RedNote' also evokes the Chinese tradition of giving and receiving red envelopes containing monetary gifts and well-wishes.

On RedNote, some users have been welcoming 'TikTok refugees'  TikTok users who are jumping ship in the lead-up to Sunday (January 19).

If TikTok's owner doesn't sell the platform to a non-'foreign adversary' by then, it will become illegal for American internet services to support or distribute it.

But how does RedNote work? And is it really that different from TikTok?

Here's everything you need to know about the latest social media rival.

RedNote, also known as Xiaohongshu, is a Chinese social media platform that combines elements of Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest

The Chinese app, a rival to TikTok, became the most downloaded free app in Apple's App Store in the US on Monday

WHAT IS REDNOTE?

RedNote, known in China as Xiaohongshu which is the Mandarin term for 'little red book', is a Chinese social media and e-commerce platform.

Launched in Shanghai in 2013, RedNote combines elements of Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest, allowing users to share lifestyle content, product reviews, and short videos.

RedNote also lets users livestream video clips and offers integrated e-commerce features that allow people to shop directly within the app.

While TikTok focuses on short-form videos, RedNote also includes images, reviews and community discussions.

With over 300 million monthly active users, it has gained popularity as an alternative to TikTok amid concerns over a potential ban on the latter in the US.

During the pandemic, RedNote saw explosive growth among younger Chinese users  particularly women  who now make up 79 per cent of its 300 million active monthly users, according to New York Post.

Although the two apps look similar, RedNote is not a TikTok clone and the two are owned by different companies  Shanghai-based Xingyin Information Technology and Beijing-based ByteDance, respectively.

Much like on TikTok, RedNote users vertically scroll through feeds of short-form videos based on their interests

'RedNote' has been linked with the colour of the Chinese Communist Party, but Chinese culture reveres the colour as a symbol of good fortune. It also evokes the Chinese tradition of giving and receiving red envelopes containing monetary gifts and well-wishes (file photo)

TikTok alternatives and their owners RedNote - Xingyin Information Technology (China)

- Xingyin Information Technology (China) Lemon8 - ByteDance (China)

- ByteDance (China) Triller - Triller Inc (California)

- Triller Inc (California) Clapper - Clapper (Texas)

- Clapper (Texas) Neptune - Neptune (Arizona) Advertisement

RedNote was launched in 2013  three years before TikTok  and has long been popular in China but is now being discovered by a western audience.

HOW DOES REDNOTE WORK?

Much like on TikTok, RedNote users vertically scroll through feeds of short-form videos based on their interests.

RedNote's sign-up process is fairly simple, although it does take personal data including your name, age, email address and phone number.

If you enter your phone number for the login you'll have to enter a verification code, although many western users have said they haven't received theirs.

After you download the free app to your phone, you can sign in with your mobile number or alternatively your Apple or Google account.

From there you choose your gender, age and interests, from travel to fitness, painting, pets, recipes, movies and video games.

Then you tap on 'start exploring' and you should be directed to the home screen, which will feature a range of tailored videos based on your selections.

RedNote also lets users livestream video clips and offers integrated e-commerce features that allows people to shop directly within the app

'TikTok refugees' is a trending term on social media, referring to the people jumping ship as a ban in the US looms

Tapping on a red cross icon at the bottom will let you create and share your own posts, while you can comment on other people's posts.

WHY ARE PEOPLE JOINING REDNOTE?

TikTok could be banned across the US on January 19, meaning users are scrambling to find alternative apps with similar features.

A US law sets a January 19 deadline for ByteDance to sell the popular social media platform or face a ban on national security grounds.

A lawyer for TikTok, Noel Francisco, said it would be impossible to complete a sale by then of the short video app used by 170 million Americans and said the site would quickly go dark and 'essentially the platform shuts down'.

TikTok also claims the decision would be a violation of free speech for its millions of American users in the nation.

WHAT'S THE VERDICT ON REDNOTE?

Nina, a new RedNote user from Texas, described the Chinese people as 'so kind', adding: 'I wouldn't want to part ways with such a lovely community.'

Much like on TikTok, RedNote users vertically scroll through feeds of short-form videos based on their interests. RedNote's sign-up process is fairly simple, although it does take personal data including your name, age, email address and phone number

An X user posted this RedNote video of a Chinese user addressing Americans, who said 'it's so amazing to have you here', adding 'it feels so special'

Americans are 'helping the Chinese with their English homework', according to one X (Twitter) user who posted a screenshot

Americans are 'finding themselves having lovely interactions with the millions of Chinese citizens', this X user posted

'After I opened an account on RedNote, I found it very similar to TikTok and it's one of the few Chinese apps that are available in the US App Store,' Nina told Global Times.

Although RedNote's primary language is Mandarin, American users are reportedly being helped to navigate the platform by its predominantly eastern userbase.

In turn, Americans are 'helping the Chinese with their English homework', according to one X (Twitter) user who posted a screenshot.

On X, other users have been sharing their experiences, with one posting: 'Existing [RedNote] users are super welcoming.'

One said Americans are 'finding themselves having lovely interactions with the millions of Chinese citizens on the app & inadvertently undoing decades of U.S. propaganda.'

Another user posted a RedNote video featuring a Chinese user addressing Americans, saying 'it's so amazing to have you here', adding 'it feels so special'.
UK wildlife watchers have been treated to an incredible spectacle in the first few weeks of this year as humpback whales make a splash in Britain's waters.

The once-endangered whales have been spotted along the Sussex coastline, all the way from Eastbourne to Hastings.

Other whales have made an appearance off the coast of Deal in Kent, while two more have been spotted in Cornwall in the last few days.

Stunning videos show the 40-tonne mammals breaching above the waves in majestic leaps before crashing down with a splash.

Whale experts say these sightings in the UK are not unheard of, but that it is very rare for humpbacks to travel up the east coast.

Their sudden appearance has sparked hopes that the numbers of humpback whales could be rising after coming close to extinction in the 1990s.

However, some scientists are concerned that the changing patterns could be a sign that warming waters are pushing whales further afield in search of food.

Danny Groves, head of communications at the Whale and Dolphin Conservation, told MailOnline: 'Humpback populations, in general, are recovering after their numbers were decimated by hunting, but it could also be that humpbacks are being forced to change their movements due to changes in climate.'

Wildlife fans in Sussex have been treated to an incredible spectacle during the first weeks of the year as humpback whales make a rare appearance along the UK's East coast. Pictured: A whale breaches near Hastings on January 3

Humpback whales normally appear off the West coast near Cornwall. But this year they have been found travelling down from the Arctic along the Sussex Coast. Pictured: A humpback whale spotted by a member of the public in Hastings

Since the start of the year, humpback whales have been recorded by keen wildlife watchers making an appearance all along the UK's South East coast.

According to the Sussex Dolphin Project, which has been recording these sightings, whales have now been seen at Rye, Pett Level, Fairlight, Hastings, St Leonards, Bexhill, Pevensey and Eastbourne.

Earlier sightings were also made at Beachy Head in Sussex and Dungeness in Kent.

As well as providing some incredible views for wildlife fans, these sightings also offer valuable insight into whale behaviour.

In one video, recorded just off the coast of Hastings, a whale can be seen breaching several times.

Scientists believe that this signature behaviour is used as a form of communication, allowing whales to send messages over vast distances.

Likewise, a sighting on January 12 in the Birling Gap shows a whale slapping its front pectoral fin into the surface of the water.

In a post on Instagram, the Sussex Dolphin Project wrote: 'This is a form of non-verbal communication to attract attention and communicate with other whales.'

The sightings reveal some fascinating details of the whales' behaviour. In this sighting, made on January 12 in the Birling Gap, you can see a whale slapping its pectoral fin on the water. Scientists believe this is a form of long-range communication

These sightings are made all the more exciting by how rare it is to see humpback whales in this part of the UK.

Humpbacks spend the winter up in the Arctic circle feeding on krill and herring before heading southwards at the start of the year.

But their routes typically bring them along the UK's west coast, past Newquay and the Isles of Scilly where they are often seen.

Dr Carol Sparling, director of the Sea Mammal Research Unit at the University of St Andrews, told MailOnline: 'While not as common as our more resident whale species, such as minke whales, humpback whale sightings have become increasingly more common around the UK in recent years, with winter being the main time to see them.'

If you are hoping to catch sight of a passing whale, Dr Sparling says a calm sea, a pair of binoculars and plenty of patience are needed.

The best areas are around Scotland where this species can be seen alongside Orcas, minke whales, and bottlenose dolphins.

Yet with sightings continuing, there could still be chances to see these beautiful creatures on their migration towards warmer waters in the South.

The sudden flurry of whale sightings has been taken by many as a promising sign that the species is on its way to recovery.

Whales have also been seen breaching in a number of places including in Cornwall (pictured). Experts believe that humpback whales uses these leaps to send messages over vast distances

Meanwhile, more humpbacks have also been spotted along their usual migratory routes near Cornwall. Experts say this could be due to an encouraging increase in the humpback whale population since the abolition of commercial hunting. Pictured: A humpback seen from a drone at Watergate Bay in Cornwall on January 2

Due to commercialised hunting from the 20th century onwards, whale populations plunged to critical levels by the 1990s.

But as bans on whaling have been enforced, their numbers have gradually recovered.

Currently, it is estimated that there are around 84,000 humpbacks living in the wild with the IUCN, the leading body for conservation status, now listing them as a species of 'least concern'.

Dr Sparling says: 'Globally the humpback whale population is growing, as it recovers after the cessation of commercial whaling, so we may continue to see rises in sightings around the UK.

'We could be seeing a re-occurrence in areas used regularly prior to whaling.'

Humpback whales make some of the longest migrations of any known species, with one individual travelling over 8,000 miles across three oceans from Columbia to Zanzibar.

This means that the whales spotted off the Sussex coast could just be passing through and more studies will be needed to determine if these animals are sticking around.

'Although this is not proven, whales around the UK in winter may be stopping off on their migration south to feed on shoaling fish around our coasts, or they may be animals not making the full migration south to breed,' says Dr Sparling.

Humpback Whales have been spotted around the English coast this week! One was spotted breaching along the Sussex coastline, all the way from Hastings to Eastbourne and the second was seen off of the coast of Cornwall 

Find out more: https://t.co/3Cs4I36HIF



: Molly Wates pic.twitter.com/G2xgddqdET  Marine Conservation Society (@mcsuk) January 8, 2025

But a growing number of whales around the UK is not necessarily an entirely good sign for the species.

Global ocean temperatures have risen in recent decades due to human-caused climate change, which has a big knock-on effect on global marine wildlife.

Meanwhile, overfishing has depleted stocks of key species leading to significant changes in the distribution of humpback whales' feeding grounds.

This has led to concerns that whales might be travelling out of their normal routes to seek out a dwindling food supply.

Lauren O'Brien, a spokesperson for the Marine Conservation Society, told MailOnline: 'It is possible that this is due to climate change altering the distribution of marine species, including humpback whales.

'As a result, they may be forced to travel further afield in search of suitable habitats or prey, such as krill and herring.'

However, more observation will be needed to determine whether the number of whales really is increasing and if this has any connection to climate change.
Scientists have reconstructed the face of a long-lost human ancestor that may have played a critical role in our evolution.

They used the Harbin skull, also known as 'Dragon Man,' which is a 150,000-year-old nearly complete human skull discovered in China in 1933.

Paleoartist John Gurche utilized fossils and genetic data from the extinct species to recreate plastic replicas of remains.

He estimated the facial features of the ancient hominid using the eye-to-socket size ratio that is shared between African Apes and modern humans, and by measuring aspects of the skull's bone structure to determine the shape and size of the nose.

Gurche then overlaid muscle on to the face by following markings on the skull left behind from chewing, revealing the first true look at an 'unknown human.'

The species, named 'Denisovans' after a cave some of their remains were found in, lived between 200,000 and 25,000 years ago.

Their fossil and DNA records show that they lived on the Tibetan plateau, but traveled far and wide, with traces of their presence found in Southeast Asia, Siberia and Oceania.

Scientists first sequenced their genetic code in 2010 using a 60,000-year-old finger bone recovered from Denisova Cave in Siberia, finding Denisovan DNA in modern-day humans all over the world and particularly in Papua New Guinea populations.

Scientists have reconstructed the face of a long-lost human ancestor that may have played a critical role in our evolution

This is strong evidence to suggest that Denisovans interbred with Homo sapiens before they disappeared. Alongside Neanderthals, these ancient humans are our closest extinct relatives.

Researchers believe that this crossbreeding helped Homo sapiens adapt to new environments as they expanded their range across the world, and thus played an important part in our evolutionary history.

Despite a wave of research over the last two decades, much remains unknown about these early humans, as their fossil record is incredibly sparse compared to that of Neanderthals.

But thanks to a skull that was hidden in northeastern China for over 80 years, we can now see what our Denisovan ancestors really looked like.

The skull was found by a worker in Harbin, China in 1933. While it is similar in size to a modern human cranium, it has a wider mouth and a more prominent brow.

Upon discovering the remarkably complete 150,000-year-old fossil, he hid it inside a well where it remained for the rest of the 20th century.

In 2018, the skull resurfaced when the Chinese worker told his grandson about it shortly before he died.

Today, this fossil is known as the Harbin skull.

But there is a strong possibility that the Harbin skull is Denisovan, researchers say. A paleoartist used a plastic replica of this skull to begin reconstructing the Denisovan's face

The primary evidence to support the Harbin's skull's Denisovan lineage is the morphological similarity between it and a jawbone found in Xiahe Cave on the Tibetan Plateau in 1980

Gurche used this skull to create a lifelike reconstruction of the Denisovan face.

Paleoartists use fossils and genetic data to determine what ancient species looked like when they were alive, then create models or illustrations of their appearance.

Gurche is famous for his hyperrealistic sculptures. His goal is always to get as close as he can to 'looking into the eyes of these extinct species,' he told National Geographic.

He used a plastic replica of the Harbin skull, commissioned by National Geographic, to begin making his Denisovan model.

Then, Gurche estimated the size of the Denisovan's eyes using comparative anatomy, which is the process of comparing and contrasting the anatomy of different species.

He knew African apes and humans share a similar ratio of eyeball diameter to eye socket size, so he used this ratio to sculpt the eyes.

As for the nose, Gurche studied and carefully measured the bone structure of the Harbin skull to infer how wide the nasal cartilage might have been, and how far the nose protruded out from the face.

Many other fossils of Denisovan lineage have been recovered across the world, including this molar found in in Laos. But compared to Neanderthals, the Denisovan fossil record is sparse

All human skulls bear markings that indicate the position of the chewing muscles on the sides of the head, so he used these in addition to other measurements that indicate their thickness in order to build out the Denisovan's face shape.

The Denisovan facial reconstruction is featured on February 2025 cover of National Geographic

The end result is a lifelike, science-backed rendering of this ancient human's appearance, offering the most realistic look at our Denisovan's ancestors to-date.

For more on this story, visit Natgeo.com.

Today, the Harbin skull's lineage is still debated as there is no definitive genetic evidence to confirm what species it belongs to.

But experts believe there is a strong possibility that the skull is Denisovan.

The primary evidence to support this is the morphological similarity between the Harbin skull and a jawbone found in Xiahe Cave on the Tibetan Plateau in 1980.

Although the 160,000-year-old jawbone found 45 years ago contained no viable traces of genetic material, scientists were able to identify its lineage in 2016 using a new technique that indirectly analyzes a fossil's DNA through its longer-lasting proteins.

Unraveling exactly how the Denisovans were able to travel thousands of miles across the world, and why they disappeared, will require more fossils

That analysis revealed that the jawbone was Denisovan, and its similarity to the Harbin skull suggests that fossil likely is too.

What's more, the skull was found within the known geographic range of Denisovans, and was dated to a similar age.

Based on this evidence, some experts believe the Harbin skull is the most complete Denisovan fossil ever found.

Though this new look at the Denisovan face marks a major leap forward in scientists' understanding of this extinct human species, unraveling exactly how they were able to travel thousands of miles across the world, and why they disappeared, will require more fossils.
Jimmy Kimmel returned to Hollywood on Monday to film a new episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live, after canceling tapings last week due to Los Angeles wildfires.

The 57-year-old late-night talk show host filmed and aired a new episode of JKL on Monday, which featured guests Snoop Dogg and Roy Wood Jr.

The episode began with a passionate monologue though, where Kimmel got emotional discussing the massive damage caused by the fires throughout Los Angeles.

He got teary almost immediately, opening with, 'As you know, it's been a very scary, very stressful, very strange week here in L.A., where we work, where we live, where our kids go to school.'

He added they had to evacuate his studio on Hollywood Boulevard on Wednesday, sharing footage of one of the fires that was quite close to the building.

Kimmel continued that, 'some of our co-workers lost their homes,' as he started getting choked up again, adding, 'It's been terrible.'

He got teary almost immediately, opening with, 'As you know, it's been a very scary, very stressful, very strange week here in L.A., where we work, where we live, where our kids go to school'

He added they had to evacuate his studio on Hollywood Boulevard on Wednesday, sharing footage of one of the fires that was quite close to the building

Kimmel continued that, 'some of our co-workers lost their homes,' as he started getting choked up again, adding, 'It's been terrible'

'Everyone who lives in this city knows someone, most of us multiple people, family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, whose houses have burned down,' he solemnly said.

He added that, 'we don't even know that it's over,' because the strong Santa Ana winds that fueled the fires - some upwards of 100 MPH - have returned on Monday.

'I think I speak for all of us when I say it has been sickening, shocking, awful experience but has also been in a lot of ways, a beautiful experience,' he said.

'Because once again, we see our fellow men and women coming together to support each other. People who lost their own homes were out volunteering in parking lots, helping others who lost theirs,' he added.

He also bashed President-Elect Donald Trump for, 'all the vile and irresponsible and stupid things  our alleged future President  and his gaggle of scumbags  chose to say  during our darkest and most terrifying hour.'

'The fact that they chose to attack our firefighters  who apparently arent white enough  to be out there, risking their lives on our behalf is its disgusting. But its not surprising,' Kimmel continued.

He went on to thank not only the local Los Angeles firefighters but those who flew in from Nevada, Arizona, Texas, Oregon, Utah, Colorado, Washington, Northern California, New Mexico, Idaho, Maine, along with Mexico and Canada,

He went on to thank, 'the police, National Guard, rescue workers, doctors, the nurses, EMTs and pilots working 12-hour shifts. Thank God for all of you.'

'Everyone who lives in this city knows someone, most of us multiple people, family, friends, colleagues, neighbors, whose houses have burned down,' he solemnly said.

'Because once again, we see our fellow men and women coming together to support each other. People who lost their own homes were out volunteering in parking lots, helping others who lost theirs,' he added

He went on to thank, 'the police, National Guard, rescue workers, doctors, the nurses, EMTs and pilots working 12-hour shifts. Thank God for all of you'

Kimmel also praised local news reporters, 'for reminding us how important local television and radio and newspapers are.'

He added that there were '19 people and four dogs' living in his home on Thursday, adding, 'It was unlike anything I have ever experienced.'

He added that one of Jimmy Kimmel Live's producers, a woman named Hera, had to evacuate and asked her eight-year-old son to pack 'his most important stuff.'

'In that bag she discovered eight pairs of boxer shorts and a container filled with his baby teeth. He's apparently saving them up for the tooth fairy. It's basically his bank account that he took with him,' Kimmel said.

He added that his show's parent company Disney donated $15 million to relief efforts, while praising World Central Kitchen chefs Susan Fenifer and Mary Sue Milliken, speaking to them on the air from Pacific Palisades where they're feeding people.

He also spoke live with actor Steve Guttenberg, who was shown on local news broadcasts as helping people in Pacific Palisades move abandoned cars so emergency vehicles can get through.

'Its a really, really tough time right now. But you know, I appreciate, everybody, the LA Fire and all the companies that are helping. Its a tough time,' Guttenberg said.

The actor added that he's been out in his Pacific Palisades neighborhood putting out smaller fires with his neighbors and also saving stray dogs as well.

He added that his show's parent company Disney donated $15 million to relief efforts, while praising World Central Kitchen chefs Susan Fenifer and Mary Sue Milliken, speaking to them on the air from Pacific Palisades where they're feeding people

He also spoke live with actor Steve Guttenberg, who was shown on local news broadcasts as helping people in Pacific Palisades move abandoned cars so emergency vehicles can get through

He also bashed those who have been caught looting homes that have burned to the ground in the aftermath of these fires.

'There should be a law that says if you get caught burglarizing a home during a fire, you automatically have to trade places in prison with one of the inmates that is out there working to save the people from the fire, he said, referring to the numerous L.A. prison inmates who are tasked with fighting fires.

He concluded his monologue stating, 'You know, over most of the last week, weve seen some very upsetting images, but weve also seen countless examples of courage and compassion from our neighbors under literal fire.'

He went on to show a montage filled with footage from local Los Angeles news reports showcasing the kindness of Angelenos that has been on display over the past week.
A recent Antiques Roadshow guest brought her mother's beautiful diamond engagement ring to get appraised, but the story behind the piece of jewelry was perhaps even more eye-catching than the ring itself.

The guest, donning a gray Arkansas sweatshirt, explained that her father bought the ring for her mother after she nearly drowned in the Arkansas River sometime in the 1980s.

The stunning diamond ring cost $5,000 at the time, but the appraiser, Sarah Churgin, said that it was today worth around $70,000.

Her mother, who couldn't swim, fell off the family's house boat while they were preparing to dock at the Island Harbor Marina in Pine Bluff, about 50 miles south of Little Rock.

'The undercurrent pulled her under, and she didn't come back up. And so we were all panicking and we thought she was drowning,' she recalled. 'Finally, daddy and my brothers jumped in, and I jumped in, and we found her, and we pulled her back up.'

Her father was so traumatized by the incident that he 'sold the house boat the next day' and bought her the ring.

'We used to always kid her, saying, "Mama, you're wearing our houseboat,"' the guest said. 'We were just glad to have our mother safe and sound.'

And her father didn't get the ring from any old jewelry store. He got it from his friend 'Zappy,' who was apparently trying to avoid proposing to his girlfriend.

The Antiques Roadshow guest teared up at one point when she explained how much it meant to her that her mother's ring was being featured on the show

The appraiser, Sarah Churgin, heaped praise on the ring's construction and determined that the 'clean, brilliant cut diamond' was almost 3.5 carats

The ring had a total carat weight of above five carats, which Churgin said made it worth $60,000 to $70,000

'Zappy told daddy, "I've got to sell this ring before this woman makes me marry her," and so daddy went over to Zappy's and bought the ring the next day,' the guest said.

Her father bought the ring for $5,000, and her mother spent the next decades of her life flaunting the ring at 'her little luncheons.'

'She wanted me to have it, and she wanted to pass it down to my daughter. Mama had passed away about 20 years ago, and I've been wearing it ever since,' the guest said.

'I know my mother is smiling down from heaven. Just means so much to me that this ring is on this show today. It just breaks my heart that this ring is on this show today,' she said through tears.

The appraiser, Churgin, heaped praise on the ring's construction and determined that the 'clean, brilliant cut diamond' was almost 3.5 carats.

'It's really a spectacular and comfortable piece of jewelry. It's platinum, from the 1950s. It's probably made right here in America. It's a beautifully made mounting with round, brilliant cut stones that graduate,' Churgin said.

The ring had a total carat weight of above five carats, which Churgin said made it worth $60,000 to $70,000.

'Geez-o-Pete-o! Oh wow! Man. I better get some insurance on it,' the guest said.
Kanye West's ex Kim Kardashian and their four children fled her Calabasas, California home last week as wildfire flames licked at its doorstep.

Perhaps, if Kardashian needed somewhere to stay, she could have taken shelter at West's sprawling new $35 million mega-mansion in nearby Beverly Hills.

There's plenty of room. The 20,000-square-foot pad boasts 11 bedrooms, 18 bathrooms, two swimming pools and a spa. But it's unlikely that daddy would have been home.

After all, the eccentric 47-year-old rapper, producer and entrepreneur has hardly set foot in the US in the past eight months.

He has kept his distance even as Kardashian, 44, has accused him of being an absent father to their children, North, 11, Saint, 9, Chicago, 6, and Psalm, 5. And his long absence has prompted West's fans and critics alike to question just what is keeping him away.

Kanye West 's ex Kim Kardashian and their four children, Psalm, Chicago, Saint and North (pictured here), fled her Calabasas home last week as wildfire flames flicked at its doorstep.

If Kim Kardashian needs somewhere to stay, she could take shelter at West's sprawling new $35 million mega-mansion in nearby Beverly Hills.

The eccentric 47-year-old rapper, producer and entrepreneur (pictured here with wife Bianca Censori) has hardly set foot in the US in the past eight months.

But now sources exclusively tell Daily Mail there is a reason West has not been around and it has nothing to do with avoiding his parental duties.

'Kanye's reasoning for not being [in America] has nothing to do with his children and has everything to do with the multiple lawsuits that he is facing in the states,' the sources told the Mail.

Indeed, West has been globe-trotting with wife Bianca Censori, traveling from Tuscany in May, to Paris, then, controversially, Russia in June  even as his legal troubles accumulated.

West was pictured at a family party in Los Angeles in August and then a few days later, driving in a Tesla Cybertruck past a Donald Trump rally in Beverly Hills. He's now reportedly living in Tokyo. And last week, he celebrated his wife's 30th birthday alongside her parents at a rooftop restaurant in Dubai.

The familial scene was a far cry from the hedonistic spectacle the couple hosted in the Maldives on January 5. Videos posted to social media showed Censori writhing on the dance floor  her legs wrapped around her husband's waist as he planted his face in her bosom.

These antics no longer shock, but West's choice of such far-flung destinations  some as distant from the US (and West's children) as is earthly possible  are raising questions over his months-long absence from America.

'With all this stuff with Diddy, Kanye is terrified,' the sources said.

Disgraced media mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs is currently in federal custody facing a litany of charges, including sex trafficking related to drug-fuelled 'freak-off' orgies.

It was in June, just when West began spending more time abroad, that he was named in an ongoing wrongful termination and sexual harassment lawsuit by his former assistant, and Censori-lookalike, Lauren Pisciotta, 36.

Pisciotta claimed West had subjected her to repeated incidents of sexual harassment when she worked for him in 2021 and 2022, and that he fired her after she refused to sleep with him.

West has denied all the claims.

Then in an updated filing in October, Pisciotta added a raft of new accusations. She alleged that she was sexually assaulted by West sometime before she began working for him in 2021.

West has been globe-trotting with wife Bianca Censori, traveling from Tuscany in May, to Paris, then, controversially, Russia in June (they are pictured together in the Maldives on January 5).

'With all this stuff with Diddy, Kanye is terrified,' sources said. Disgraced media mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs (pictured left) is currently in federal custody facing a litany of charges.

Pisciotta claimed the incident occurred during a party at a Santa Monica recording studio, where Combs was allegedly present.

She claims that she was told to either have a drink or leave and beverages 'poured at the direction of West' were served. After drinking, she allegedly 'slip[ed] into an altered and highly-impaired state.'

Only years later, Pisciotta says, did West suggest to her that they had sexual relations that evening.

Pisciotta also alleged that as West's personal assistant she was tasked with organizing orgies and was asked to recruit sex workers and procure a supply of sexual-enhancement products that West allegedly called his 'sex honey'.

Pisciotta's lawyer, Mark Koorenny, said in filings in November that West had been 'out of the country' and he accused the rapper of 'evading service [of a subpoena]' stalling the lawsuit.

West's lawyers have denied all of these allegations as well and did not respond to the Mail's request to respond to this reporting.

In June, West lawyers said they are preparing a countersuit against Pisciotta.

Sources tell the Mail that, despite maintaining his innocence, West fears being dragged into litigation, perhaps as a witness, around Combs' case.

After all, Kanye and Combs were once fast friends.

Combs once credited West with helping re-kindle his 'love' with hip hop and over the years they've publicly partied together, including at Diddy's lavish, star-studded 50th birthday party held in a Beverly Hills mansion in 2019.

In 2022, West presented Diddy with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the BET Awards. He said at the time: 'I go to him for advice to this day. He inspired so many of my choices.'

The friendship crumbled later that year in October, however, when West wore a t-shirt branded with the slogan White Lives Matter in apparent mockery of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Diddy called the stunt 'tone deaf' and the pair had a furious argument over text that Kanye later shared to his Instagram.

'I told you this was war,' West tells Diddy in the exchange. 'Now gone get you some business.' The pair have reportedly been feuding since.

In June, West was named in an ongoing wrongful termination and sexual harassment lawsuit by his former assistant, and Censori-lookalike, Lauren Pisciotta, 36 (pictured).

And the Pisciotta suit is not the only legal worry that West is facing.

In October, an anonymous former staff member, hired to work on Kanye's hapless 2024 presidential campaign, claimed Kanye had threatened to kill him.

Former America's Next Top Model contestant Jennifer An alleged in a lawsuit lodged in November that West choked her in a 'pornographic' way on the set of a music video in 2010.

And there's another legal action brought by the former project manager of West's Malibu home in 2023, alleging, among other things, that Kanye withheld payment and violated labor rules.

With all the allegations waiting, it may not be surprising Kanye seems to be avoiding America, even at the cost of spending time with his children.

'Kanye loves his kids more than life itself and has said this many times. He speaks to them and Facetimes with them often. North is a daddy's little girl.

'[West] maintains his innocence, but this is what he's keeping out of the country for,' the Mail is told.

But as the suits continue to progress and his children likely grapple with the trauma of living in fire-ravaged Los Angeles, West may soon have no choice but to return and face the music.
Pip Edwards isn't the only one with a new man to show off.

Just weeks ago, the P.E Nation co-founder debuted her boyfriend Joshua Clapp during a sun-soaked outing at Camp Cove.

And on Monday morning, her former business partner Claire Greaves - with whom she launched the trendy activewear label in 2016 - pulled off a similar 'hard launch' at Avalon Beach.

Claire, whose 11-year marriage to cinematographer Tim Tregoning ended quietly in mid-2022, was spotted cosying up to mixologist and bar tsar Matt Whiley.

And it wouldn't be a Sydney society story without a little intrigue...

Matt has a surprising connection to Claire's former friend and business partner Pip, who last year parted ways with P.E Nation and returned to Ksubi as creative director.

Pip Edwards' P.E Nation co-founder Claire Greaves (right) was spotted cosying up to a new man on Monday, after her split from ex-husband Tim Tregoning

Claire and Matt Whiley, an award-winning hospitality guru, went for a dip at Avalon Beach

The entrepreneur stripped down to a conservative-cut white bikini which sat high on her waist

Pip Edwards (left) debuted her latest squeeze, Joshua Clapp (right), at Camp Cove last month

As the couple arrived at the beach with green towels slung over their shoulders, Claire pulled a blue cap down low over her face, hiding her eyes behind a pair of dark shades.

The entrepreneur then stripped down to a conservative-cut white bikini which sat high on her waist, before she and Matt, an award-winning cocktail maker, headed into the ocean for a swim.

Matt is best known for his sustainability-focused bar Re in Sydney.

Also the creator of the boutique gin company Wolf's Nose, he has positioned himself as a nightlife pillar, co-founding seven award-winning bars in Sydney and London.

While Claire has distanced herself from her old friend Pip since their falling-out, they remain connected through their respective new partners, which may lead to some awkwardness down the track.

You see, Matt is friends with Joshua, Pip's latest squeeze. The two men are both big names in the hospitality game, with Josh owning the construction and design firm Steel and Stitch, which is behind several high-profile Sydney venues.

As recently as last year, Joshua designed Matt's temporary Little Cooler bar, which he opened in the basement of a building set to be demolished in just a few years.

Claire and Matt headed into the ocean for a swim

As the couple arrived at the beach with green towels slung over their shoulders, Claire pulled a blue cap down low over her face, hiding her eyes behind a pair of dark shades

While Claire has distanced herself from Pip since their falling-out, they remain connected through their respective new partners, which may lead to some awkwardness down the track

There was a professional rift between Pip and Claire last year which saw the end of one of the Australian fashion industry's most lucrative and enduring partnerships.

Claire co-founded P.E Nation with Pip, and the athleisure brand beloved by eastern suburbs yummy mummies went on to make them multimillionaires. But Claire stepped down from her day-to-day role at the label in March last year.

At the time, P.E Nation said in a statement she would be 'pursuing other creative endeavours' and taking her career in a new direction.

Claire and Pip were then hit by rumours of a falling-out, and Pip later wiped all traces of Claire from P.E Nation's social media in a seemingly telling move, erasing years of posts promoting the sportswear brand.

Pip took over as the sole creative director after Claire's exit and gave the brand an overhaul and relaunch, but she later confirmed she too was stepping down.

In August, Pip announced she was also taking a 'step back' and would no longer hold the creative director position that she took over following Claire's exit. The following month, in September, she returned to streetwear label Ksubi - the brand where she first made her name in the Noughties - as its creative director.

While neither woman has revealed the reason why they went their separate ways, Pip said in June last year that Claire 'was the product one' in their business partnership.

Matt is friends with Joshua Clapp, Pip's new boyfriend

The two men are both big names in the hospitality game, with Josh owning the construction and design firm Steel and Stitch, which is behind several high-profile Sydney venues

'In P.E. Nation with my business partner - she was the product one. She was an amazing designer and I was more the marketing side of things,' she said on the Kyle and Jackie O Show at the time.

Pip went on to say she had fond memories of working with her former partner and praised Claire for being an 'amazing designer'.

Before her business partnership came to an end, Claire separated from her husband Tim in mid-2022, although they would not announce it until January the next year.

'It is very amicable, we still love each other, we are co-parenting and he remains a great friend,' she said in an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald.

'Things change and that's just what happened for us, but we are getting through that with a lot of respect and support for each other.'

Claire and Pip (pictured together) co-founded athleisure label P.E Nation in 2016, but they both went their separate ways and 'stepped away' from the company last year
TikTok star Sopha Dopha - real name Sophia Begg - recently celebrated her 21st birthday in style with a wild party on the Sydney Harbour.

Throughout the day, Sophia could be seen making out with a mystery beau who she has been dating for about one year.

The online personality, who boasts 1.3million followers on TikTok, has yet to show his face, only sharing her partner's voice off-camera or in photos shared to her Instagram with his head cropped out or covered by her hand.

Sophia took to her socials in December with a slew of content from her birthday celebration and she unwittingly revealed the identity of her high school sweetheart.

Daily Mail Australia can reveal Sophia's man of mystery is Simon Collis, who she attended Terrigal High School with before enrolling in St. Joseph's Catholic College in East Gosford.

Simon, 21, has a private Instagram account with 443 followers and has made a mere 11 posts. His display picture shows the young couple posing together in his bedroom for a selfie.

TikTok star Sopha Dophareal name Sophia Begg recently celebrated her 21st birthday in style with a wild party on the Sydney Harbour

The online personality, who boasts 1.3million followers on TikTok, has yet to show his face, only sharing her partner's voice off-camera or in photos shared to her Instagram with his head cropped out or covered by her hand

Daily Mail Australia can reveal Sophia's man of mystery is Simon Collis, who she attended Terrigal High School with before enrolling in St. Joseph's Catholic College in East Gosford

Simon comes from a close knit family and is the youngest of three siblings, including an older brother and an older sister.

His father Andy Collis is an expressive painter and art academic, who attended Sophia's 21st birthday party alongside his older brother Tom and Tom's wife, Rachel.

'Great night on an amazing yacht cruising around Sydney harbour last night to celebrate the 21st birthday of a beautiful friend. Xx thank you S. X,' Andy captioned a carousel of videos and photos from the early hours of Sophia's debaucherous birthday celebration.

In it, Simon can be seen relaxing with his family members and later, dancing with them aboard the rented yacht and Sophia's scantily clad besties.

'Looked like a wonderful birthday party. I'm still waiting for 'S' to be revealed,' a family friend comment on the post, referring to Simon.

The young couple appear to be smitten, with Sophia also commenting on Simon's dad's posts.

He celebrated his own 21st birthday last April, with Andy sharing a touching tribute to his son on Instagram, writing: 'Its our youngest childs birthday: Simon is 21!! I love you, son - more than youll ever know. Have a brilliant birthday. X.'

It's unknown which profession Simon is in, however the entire Collis clan makes annual visits to volunteer at Kirsten Jade Childrens rescue center in Thailand - an orphanage housing 50 children in Chiang Mai.

Simon, 21, has a private Instagram account with 443 followers and has made a mere 11 posts. His display picture shows the young couple posing together in his bedroom for a selfie

TikTok star Sopha Dopha's boyfriend Simon (Right) pictured with his parents and siblings

It's entirely possible that Simon, who has little to no social media presence himself, is reluctant to be served up to Sophia's Gen Z following for dissection

Simon and Tom appear to be continuing this work, with Tom sharing a GoFundMe online.

Perhaps Simon, who has little to no social media presence himself, is reluctant to be served up to Sophia's Gen Z following for dissection or comparison to her influencer ex-boyfriend.

She shared a video to TikTok in June, in which she appeared to take aim at ex Jordan Menadue - of Fitzroy Garage Sesh internet fame - while lashing out at an unnamed ex.

In the now-deleted TikTok, the influencer wrote: 'I have my own business, dream car, investment property and its probably because I dont have to pay for everything for you anymore.'

The video received mixed responses, with some fans slamming Sophia for flaunting the fact that she's a landlord, while others thought taking a swipe at an ex whilst in a new relationship (with Simon) was in bad taste.

'Honestly ridiculous how long these comments/videos have gone on for without me saying anything,' Jordan wrote back in his own Tvideo, which gained more than 644K views.

'It is a form of online bullying and you need to be called out for it. Be a good role model for your millions of young followers. Please leave me alone. Thank you. #don'tbeabully.'

Sophia pictured kissing her partner Simon during her 21st birthday yacht party on Sydney Harbour, also uploading this photo in which she's partially covering his face

As the messiness continued to unfold on social media, online gossip sleuths began to screenshot and share the tea in a popular Tea Time Facebook group.

Days later, the embattled internet model was forced to deny claims she was rude to DJ Maddy Spencer at the TikTok Awards.

Several months out from her 17th birthday, Sophia posted her first video to TikTok.

In an interview with Stellar magazine, the influencer said that a nine-month bout of glandular fever during Year 12 dashed her HSC results and lifelong dream of becoming a doctor.
Mauricio Umansky has been slapped with a whole new set of tax liens following his $31,000 unsettled debt from previous years.

DailyMail.com has learned that the Buying Beverly Hills star was hit with four new tax liens last month that add up to $20,000.

The tax liens, which were filed in the Los Angeles County Recorder's Office, were filed against Mauricio, 54, and his real estate companies, UMRO Realty Group and The Agency.

The tax liens obtained exclusively by DailyMail.com show that four of his offices in California each have unpaid taxes from 2024.

The most expensive one is for his Beverly Hills office - which is where Netflix filmed the first two seasons of his show before it got canceled - for $12,664.88.

Another tax lien is in Calabasas for $4,732.14, another lien is for The Agency's Sherman Oaks office, which is for $2,373.92, and the fourth tax lien is for the Marina Del Rey office, which is for $297.16.

DailyMail.com has exclusively learned that the Buying Beverly Hills star was hit with four new tax liens last month that accumulate to $20k

Mauricio and his estranged wife Kyle Richards were previously issued a tax lien for owing $6.5k in taxes

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star announced her split from Mauricio in October 2023

Thus, the combined total for his new tax liens is $20,068.10.

DailyMail.com has reached out to Mauricio Umansky's rep for comment.

DailyMail.com previously reported that The Agency co-founder still has a total of $31,464.50 in unpaid taxes for the tax years 2022 and 2023 - making his total debt $51,532.60 exactly.

The multiple state tax liens, issued to UMRO Realty Corp and The Agency in the care of Mauricio, were for his various offices in Calabasas, Marina Del Rey, Pasadena, Beverly Hills and Sherman Oaks.

On December 20, 2023, The Agency was hit with three liens in the amounts of $4,673.64, $3,878.19 and $290.15.

Prior to this, The Agency was hit with four liens on December 14, 2022, in the amounts of $16,777.97, $3,454.41, $2,120.67 and $269.47.

Additional documents obtained over the summer showed that Mauricio and his estranged wife Kyle Richards still have not paid off a $6,500 lien for their 2022 taxes.

The Franchise Tax Board in the State of California issued a tax lien to the exes on June 25, 2024, for owing $6,542.50 in taxes for the year 2022.

The former couple has been living separately ever since the real estate mogul moved into his own condo in May of last year

Mauricio and Kyle raised four daughters together - Alexia, 28, Portia, 17, Sophia, 24, and Farrah, 36 (from left to right)

Mauricio and his real estate companies, UMRO Realty Group and The Agency, still owe $31k in unsettled debt from previous tax liens, DailyMail.com can exclusively reveal

The tax lien included the address of the former couple's marital home - their seven bedroom, eight bath mansion in Encino, which they purchased in 2017 for $8.2 million.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star has remained in their marital home while Mauricio has moved out into a luxury West Hollywood condo.

Shortly after DailyMail.com reported on the lien, Mauricio and Kyle, 56, - who announced their split in October 2023 after 27 years of marriage - were quick to make a payment to the government.

A release of their tax lien was filed on August 9, 2024, in the Los Angeles County Recorder's Office.

Around the same time, Mauricio found himself in legal hot water over some allegedly fraudulent PPP loans he received during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The real estate mogul and The Agency were accused by plaintiff Realtor LLC of fraudulently obtaining $3.5 million in PPP loans during the pandemic.

The lawsuit alleges that the company falsified their applications for the Payroll Protection Plan (PPP) and the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES) loans, and that they received $3,521,153.

Mauricio has denied the claims and a rep for The Agency has since responded, stating, 'The claims in this case do not reflect the reality of our operations and financial situation at the time we filed for our PPP loans, and we intend to vigorously defend against these meritless claims.'

Kyle and Mauricio have paid off their $6.5k tax lien that was issued in June 2024 shortly after in August 2024 after DailyMail.com reported about the unsettled debt

The Buying Beverly Hills star posted about the California wildfires, telling his followers that he was 'praying for all who lost their homes'

Mauricio's post received some backlash after fans thought his post was about promoting his business The Agency

Fans commented on Mauricio's post with one follower bringing up his $3.5 million lawsuit

The federal lawsuit was filed in July 2023, but, according to InTouch, the case did not get unsealed until last summer.

Mauricio and the other defendants filed a Motion to Dismiss in December, and then a hearing took place earlier this month, but a decision has yet to be made by the judge overseeing the case.

Mauricio, meanwhile, has been slammed by fans over apparently looking for real estate clients amid the catastrophic Pacific Palisades wildfires.

The wildfires are rapidly spreading across Los Angeles with firefighters conceding they remain powerless to contain the flames because of the strong winds.

It has been reported that at least 24 people have been killed in the fires.

Sharing devastating images of the fire from his home, Mauricio took to Instagram to write: 'I am praying for all who lost their homes.

'I'm praying for Los Angeles and for winds to stop. I am praying for our brave fire fighters. This is so devastating myself and The Agency will do whatever we can in our power to help.'

The reality star's post was swiftly slammed by followers with one writing: 'Helping how? Charging $50 million for a house?' which prompted a reply from a follower.

Mauricio and Kyle have yet to file for divorce although it has been a topic of conversation on this season of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

Kyle continues to shed light on her marital issues in new episodes of RHOBH, which air every Tuesday at 8/7c on Bravo

The follower wrote: 'Getting sued by PPP fraud for stealing from the state of California?'

Someone else commented: 'Thoughts and prayers with LA and I dont think trying to sell houses immediately after people lost homes, memories and animals. Plus natural beauty is a great idea.'

On Friday, Mauricio announced The Agency in Marina Del Rey - one of the offices that has an active tax lien - will be accepting donations for the wildfire victims.

'The Agencys Donation & Resource Center at 13470 Washington Blvd, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292 will begin accepting drop-offs at 9 AM on January 11th, with pick-up available January 12th19th from 9 AM  6 PM.

'Share this with your community members today, and stay safe, L.A,' he wrote.
READ MORE: Elsa Pataky puts on a leggy display in beige mini shorts

Australian jewellery designer Buck Palmer has been soaking up the sun with his supermodel girlfriend Alessandra Ambrosio in Rio de Janeiro.

The pair were all smiles on Monday as they strolled arm in arm through the streets, blending into the laid-back Brazilian lifestyle in coordinated summer outfits.

Alessandra, 43, looked stunning in a white lace crop top paired with flowing pastel-yellow trousers and accessorised with trendy white sunglasses and sandals.

The Brazilian supermodel radiated glamour in the stylish top which highlighted her toned figure, paired with soft, flowing pastel-yellow trousers for a breezy, feminine look.

The Victoria's Secret Angel's long, glossy hair cascaded in natural waves and framed her face beautifully and she completed that with understated jewellery.

Australian jewellery designer Buck Palmer was spotted soaking up the sun with his supermodel girlfriend Alessandra Ambrosio in Rio de Janeiro on Monday. Both pictured

Meanwhile, Buck kept it casual yet stylish in a crisp white T-shirt, beige trousers, and green Chuck Taylor sneakers, topped off with a green LA-branded cap and aviator sunglasses.

The strolled through the streets and soaked up the vibrant energy of the city before being seen laughing as they posed for a selfie on a hotel balcony, with Buck cheekily flashing a peace signal.

Bucks highly publicised split from Australian model Ashley Hart came in 2017, after two years of marriage.

In December, Alessandra declared her love for new boyfriend Buck in a gushing birthday tribute.

The Victoria's Secret model and the Australian jewellery designer went public with their romance late last year at a party at Art Basel in Miami.

Alessandra, 43, looked effortlessly stunning in a white lace crop top paired with flowing pastel-yellow trousers and accessorised with trendy white sunglasses and sandals

The pair were all smiles as they strolled arm in arm through the vibrant streets, blending into the laid-back Brazilian lifestyle in coordinated summer outfits

Now, Alessandra has hinted their relationship is getting serious as she took to Instagram to share a loved-up birthday tribute to Buck.

She teased their romance has been going on for quite some time as she shared a huge gallery of smitten photographs and videos of them both.

Among the slideshow were sweet pictures of them cosied up for romantic date nights and packing on the PDA as they shared a string of kisses.

In a caption, she declared her love for her new partner, whose ex-wife Ashley Hart is the sister of Alessandra's fellow Victoria Secret model Jessica Hart.

She penned: '[Heart] you, birthday boy!!!'

Monday's stroll was a rare public display of affection for the couple, who have kept their romance relatively private and under wraps until now.

Though they only went public with their relationship earlier this month, it appears the couple have been dating for quite some time if Alessandra's post is anything to go by.

She had previously featured with Buck in photographs shared to Instagram of them having fun at the beach during a trip to the island of Kauai in Hawaii.
Spencer Pratt humorously addressed pregnancy rumors on Monday, responding to fan speculation following the LA fires that destroyed his and wife Heidi Montag's home.

The Hills alum, 41, took to TikTok to clarify a fan's question about whether Heidi, 38, who had been spotted enjoying some retail therapy amidst the chaos, was expecting another child.

'No, Heidis not pregnant,' Spencer said. 'Shell never be pregnant again. Were very happy with our two children.'

The couple, along with their two young sons, Gunner, 7, and Ryker, 2, were forced to evacuate their Pacific Palisades home, which they had purchased for $2.5 million in 2017.

Spencer continued with his trademark humor, 'Maybe shes not super skinny, but she looks skinny to me. But then again, our house burned down with our treadmill, so maybe Heidi hasnt worked out in two weeks and has been eating bagels and pasta and drinking wine and doesnt look like a skinny runway model in your opinion.'

He added, 'I think she looks great, but maybe thats the case.  Full disclosure, we havent had s-e-x in a long time since these fires have happened. So yeah, no baby cause no one is really in that baby-making mood over here.'

Spencer Pratt humorously addressed pregnancy rumors on Monday, responding to fan speculation following the LA fires that destroyed his and wife Heidi Montag's home; (seen in 2022)

The Hills alum, 41, took to TikTok to clarify a fan's question about whether Heidi, 38, who had been spotted enjoying some retail therapy amidst the chaos , was expecting another child

The clip comes as the couple are pursuing a new TV deal as they seek financial support after losing their home in the LA fires.

On Saturday, he took to TikTok to update fans about their efforts to land a TV project, revealing his agents have a 'big call' with Hulu on Monday and urging fans to flood the streaming service's social media with requests for a new 'Speidi' show.

'So then on Monday, Hulus social media department calls and goes, "You better give Heidi and Spencer a new docuseries about rebuilding their lives and their house out of the rubble,"' Spencer said with a smile.

His raw honesty, along with the emotional moments shared with Heidi, has sparked an outpouring of fan support.

One tweeted, 'Im so happy for Heidi and Spencer and I love that so many are trying to help them. They lost everything.'

In fact, the Spiedi fan club has even propelled Heidis debut album Superficialoriginally released in 2010back to the top of the charts.

Perez Hilton also got in on the act, posting a clip of himself dancing to Heidis music and captioning it, 'Streaming #HeidiMontags music to help her and @SpencerPratt rebuild after their home burned down in #LosAngeles. Add @HeidiMontag to your playlists and listen! #Speidi #PacificPalisades.'

And Spencers online support for Heidis music has not gone unnoticed.

'No, Heidis not pregnant,' Spencer said. 'Shell never be pregnant again. Were very happy with our two childrenm' (Spencer, Heidi, Gunner, 7, and Ryker, 2, in December 2024)

Spencer continued with his trademark humor, 'Maybe shes not super skinny, but she looks skinny to me. But then again, our house burned down with our treadmill, so maybe Heidi hasnt worked out in two weeks and has been eating bagels and pasta and drinking wine and doesnt look like a skinny runway model in your opinion'

He added, 'I think she looks great, but maybe thats the case.  Full disclosure, we havent had s-e-x in a long time since these fires have happened. So yeah, no baby cause no one is really in that baby-making mood over here'

One fan tweeted, 'Ive spent the better half of my Saturday keeping up with Spencer Pratt, and he literally got the whole TikTok/IG community to listen to Heidis new album until it climbed the charts. What a great husband.'

Another gushed, 'If your man doesnt support you like @spencerpratt supports @heidimontag, then hes not the right man.'

Meanwhile, one fan playfully referenced Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, saying, 'Forget Meghan and Harry, give us Heidi and Spencer.'

Meghan McCain also chimed in with her own observation, tweeting, 'If some network doesnt give @spencerpratt & @heidimontag a reality show about rebuilding their lives after this fire, you are literally leaving millions of dollars of advertising handed to you by every millennial in America who will watch it.'

His raw honesty, along with the emotional moments shared with Heidi, has sparked an outpouring of fan support

The Hills alums, who married in 2008, were forced to flee their Pacific Palisades residence as the inferno has claimed at least 16 lives and triggered over 100,000 evacuations

Heidi Montag has thanked fans for pushing her debut album back to the top of the charts after the home she shares with husband Spencer Pratt was destroyed in the sweeping LA bushfires

The support pouring in for the couple has been incredible, showing just how strong the community isand how much people still love Speidi.

Taking to Instagram on Sunday, a grateful Heidi said: 'Thank you for the overwhelming love and support of my music, and really rallying behind us in this devastating time, and making it such a blessing.

'Thank you for helping support us, helping build us back up, helping to encourage us, give us hope and faith and excitement in such a dark, dark time, so thank you so much.

Acknowledging the album's original January 11 release date, she added: 'It's the 15 year anniversary of Superficial, so the timing is crazy, it's just so crazy. Thank you.'

Heidi previously admitted she she only has 'two pairs of jeans and two shirts' left after she and husband Spencer were forced to flee their Pacific Palisades home.

The couple evacuated the property with their two sons after huge fires began to spread through the exclusive celebrity enclave, and images have since shown that their property has been destroyed.
Channel Seven star Peter Mitchell has been called out for his lack of ad-libbing abilities during an awkward exchange with fellow newsreader Mike Amor.

During Monday's 4pm broadcast, the two were engaged in some unscripted banter when Peter appeared to struggle to find the right words.

Mike, who presents the afternoon weekday news bulletin in Melbourne, casually asked, 'A big welcome back to Peter Mitchell! Mitch, good to see you. How was your break?'

Despite being Seven's chief news presenter in Melbourne for over 20 years, Peter seemed momentarily lost for words.

'Very nice, thank you Mike,' Peter responded, but then awkwardly fumbled his words as he continued.

'Summertime off, what more can you expect? It was lovely and great to be back. Batteries fully charged.'

Channel Seven star Peter Mitchell (pictured) has been called out for his lack of ad-libbing abilities during an awkward exchange with Mike Amor

The awkwardness didn't end there, as Peter also struggled to deliver a preview of the upcoming 6pm headlines.

'Okay, well, there's been a bad police car chase through Melbourne's west and Cassie Zervos, our crime reporter, has all the details,' Peter said, seemingly caught off guard.

He continued the uncomfortable exchange with: 'Mike, you also realise it's only a few weeks until the start of back-to-school?'

'Oh right,' Mike replied with a laugh.

Peter added: 'It's very expensive as we know, all those uniforms and books and everything else. The Smith Family had come up with an idea and they want to help relieve families, and we've got that one as well.'

There seemed to be an issue with the autocue, as Peter could be seen shuffling papers while struggling to articulate his thoughts.

Mike and Peter's awkward banter did not go unnoticed on the Media Spy forums, where many suggested that the exchange highlighted Peters difficulty with spontaneous conversation.

'Just watched the Mike and Mitch interview on 7plus - super awkward,' one viewer commented.

Despite being Seven's chief news presenter in Melbourne for over 20 years, Peter seemed momentarily lost for words

There appeared to be an issue with the autocue

'Mitch seemed almost nervous, which is surprising for someone whos been a lead anchor for so many years.'

One viewer suggested there may have been a conspiracy afoot, suggesting that staffers set Peter up to fail.

'Was Mitch set up by staffers to fail sans autocue? Felt like watching an episode of Frontline when Mike didnt have his reaction scripted,' they said.

Another went a step further, suggesting that it could have been Mike Amor who had been the cause of Peter's performance.

'Maybe by Mike lol. It really threw him off asking about his holiday. Surely, they know ad-lib isnt his strong suit. So why put him in situations like that?

Another viewer chimed in with: 'I actually agree with this.'

'The producer or director putting this together should have worked closer with Mitch. They know add lipping isnt hes strong point, so why do it?'

One viewer suggested there may've been a conspiracy afoot, suggesting that staffers or even Mike Amor himself may've set Peter up to fail.

One viewer put the blame well and truly on producers who would've known Peter wasn't the 'greatest' when it comes to as-libbing.

'Yes, its awkward, but it does give the impression that they just threw him in the studio with nothing prepared and just asked them to fill 30 seconds,' they said.

'Knowing that ad-libbing isnt his greatest strength, it was sloppy production.'

Peter has been the chief news presenter at Seven News Melbourne since 2000 after helming the weekend news bulletin.
Rebecca Judd woke up on Tuesday morning with an embarrassing virus.

The AFL WAG, 41, posted a clip to Instagram in which she expressed her frustration after she unexpectedly got a cold sore and scratched her face.

'Guys, what the hell? I had a dream last night that I scratched my head, it hurt. I woke up and there was blood on my pillow,' Bec began.

Bec was not her usual glamorous self in the clip, sporting a sore on her lips and a large red scratch on her forehead.

'I scratched my head in both my dream and real life! In the beauty wars today, scratched head, cold sore, chipped shellac.'

The brunette added she would be going to the Australian Open in Melbourne later that afternoon and needed to perform some urgent beauty work to ensure she looked her best.

Rebecca Judd woke up on Tuesday morning with an embarrassing virus

'I need to make this disappear, let's see how we go!'

A relieved Bec posted a follow-up clip in which she looked like her normally stunning self with the facial sore no longer visible.

She revealed she had used concealer to hide them.

'I drew on my lips and now I am going to leave them, I used a matching liner to the colour of my lips,' she explained.

'I quite like the swelling from the cold sore, nice and juicy lips!'

The Perth-born influencer has developed a reputation for frequently sharing beauty and fitness clips to social media.

In May 2023, Bec told the Herald Sun she 'loves' seeing the success of her activewear label after years of hard work.

'It is a real Melbourne local brand and I love seeing people everywhere wearing it,' she said. It's not easy but 10 years in it is good, it is really good.'

'The brand essence of Jaggad is the unstoppable woman and to be unstoppable we need to embrace imperfection,' Bec added.

The AFL WAG, 41, posted a clip to Instagram in which she expressed her frustration after she unexpectedly got a cold sore and scratched her face

The brunette added she would be going to the Australian Open in Melbourne later that afternoon and needed to perform some urgent beauty work to ensure she looked her best

As well as heading up her very own brand, Bec has also carved out a successful career as a social media star, nabbing a whole string of lucrative paid partnerships.

The Australian model famously kicked off her career by wearing a now-famous plunging red dress while storming the awards ceremony back in 2004.

Her head-turning looks have since become a staple at the glitzy event but Bec has been notably absent from the red carpet ever since 2018.

Bec burst onto the scene at age 21 when she wore a red dress with a plunging neckline to the 2004 Brownlow Medal alongside her boyfriend Chris Judd.

The outfit, which boasted a neckline that dipped below her belly button and a daring thigh split, was created by Perth designer Ruth Tarvydas, and was valued at $2,000.

Chris and Bec tied the knot in 2010 and they now share four children - daughter Billie, nine, son Oscar, 12, and twins Darcy and Tom.
Coronation Street actor Simon Gregson is reportedly under investigation following the collapse of his production company, which owes 165,000 to HMRC and a bank.

Liquidators, brought in to break up Simon Gregson Productions Ltd, have filed a report to the Government regarding Gregson's conduct as a director, The Sun reports.

The report, submitted under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986, was allegedly sent to the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS).

Although the details remain confidential, the liquidators have reportedly demanded repayment of 252,000 transferred from the company's funds into an account controlled by the actor.

The liquidators have concluded in official documents that there are no remaining avenues to reclaim the actor's debts, the newspaper has claimed.

In a statement, the liquidators said: 'As this is a confidential report, we are not able to disclose the contents.

'Shortly after our appointment, we made an initial assessment of whether there could be any matters that might lead to recoveries for the estate and what further investigations may be appropriate.

'This assessment look into account information provided by creditors either at the initial meeting or as a response to our request to complete an investigation questionnaire.

Simon Gregson is under investigation following the collapse of his production company, which owes 165,000 to HMRC and a bank

A report into Gregson's conduct has been sent to the Government (pictured in Coronation Street)

'Our examinations have not revealed any issues requiring further investigation.'

The MailOnline has contacted Gregson's agent for comment.

But despite his financial troubles, Simon Gregson, 50, reportedly earned a 250,000 fee from his 2021 appearance on I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! and is said to earn 150,000 annually from his role as Steve McDonald on Coronation Street.

However, his production company struggled during the pandemic, forcing him to take drastic measures to address the mounting debt.

Speaking on Good Morning Britain, Gregson admitted he signed up for the jungle reality show because 'the money is good' and it was 'enough to get him out of trouble'.

He even jokingly compared the fee to a 'solid gold diamond goblet.'

Gregson's company officially went into liquidation on November 9, 2023, leaving significant debts, including 125,002 owed to HMRC, 35,000 to Coutts Bank for a Covid loan, and 5,002 to trade and expense creditors.

Gregson attempted to chip away at the debts by selling old office furniture in January 2024 and agreed to pay back creditors 1,500 a month.

According to the liquidators report, 9,000 has been repaid so far.

If the remaining balance is not settled within 36 months, Gregson has been advised the debt will need to be cleared through the sale of his home.

The Bounce Back Loan Scheme, designed to support businesses hit by the pandemic, formed part of the debts owed by Gregsons company.

The Coronation Street actor, 50, has blamed a 'court paper error' for the confusion surrounding the status of his relationship with Emma (pictured with wife Emma in 2017)

Simon first appeared in the ITV soap in December 1989 when he was just 15-years-old, and instantly became a household name as millions of viewers tuned in to watch his exploits as tearaway teen Steve McDonald [pictured in 1991]

Earlier this month the actor admitted 'I didn't think I could come here today' as he openly discussed his struggle with anxiety attacks live on Loose Women

It has now been reported that the couple have 'no idea' why the report lists Emma as Simon's estranged wife (pictured in 2010)

However, the ITV stars efforts to save the business were ultimately unsuccessful.

The investigation by BEIS will determine whether any further action is required regarding Gregsons conduct as a director.

In the meantime, the actor faces the daunting task of repaying creditors and resolving the financial fallout from his companys collapse.

The news of the liquidator's conduct report comes after Gregson was forced to deny claims he had separated from his wife Emma.

The soap star blamed a 'court paper error' for the confusion surrounding the status of his marital relationship.

It was first assumed Simon and Emma had split after she was referred to as his 'estranged wife' in court documentation about his repayments to his firm.

However it has now been reported that the couple have 'no idea' why the report lists Emma as Simon's estranged wife.

A source told The Mirror: 'Simon and Emma have not split and are still very much together. Simon has no idea why Emma is listed as his 'estranged wife' in financial paperwork.'

The actor first appeared on Corrie in December 1989 when he was just 15-years-old, and instantly became a household name as millions of viewers tuned in to watch his exploits as tearaway teen Steve McDonald.

Earlier this month the actor admitted 'I didn't think I could come here today' as he openly discussed his struggle with anxiety attacks live on Loose Women.

He appeared on the panel to discuss his journey and coping strategies, hoping to provide support for others experiencing similar struggles.
Amanda Bynes was pictured enjoying an outing with pal Paul Sieminski in Los Angeles on Sunday.

The former actress, 38, rocked an oversized long-sleeve statement shirt emblazoned with the word 'overthinking.'

She completed her comfortable look with a pair of black leggings and chunky black boots.

The What a Girl Wants star  who recently hosted an art show  accessorized her outfit with a white Prada purse and pearl earrings, as well as a nose ring.

Bynes showcased her platinum blonde hair styled in a half-up, half-down look. She finalized the look with classic black eyeliner.

Her companion sported a colorful ensemble, featuring a green top with a pastel yellow shirt and a floral skirt.

Amanda Bynes, 38, was pictured enjoying an outing with pal Paul Sieminski in Los Angeles on Sunday

Bynes and Sieminski previously had a podcast titled 'Amanda Bynes & Paul Sieminski: The Podcast.' She announced it in November 2023.

However, after releasing only one episode with tattoo artist Dahlia Moth, Bynes said in December that the podcast would be put on hold.

Their Sunday outing comes about three weeks after the ex All That cast member hosted an art show, which was attended by Noah Cyrus.

In December she collaborated with fashion designer Austin Babbitt, aka Asspizza, to pull off the event after working on and releasing a set of clothing designs together.

The soiree was held at the PLANTS + SPACES store in Los Angeles and tickets sold out, according to a link shared on Amanda's Instagram account.

In early October Bynes revealed that she'd worked on several clothing articles with Austin.

Their collection includes a $60 white T-shirt with a bold-lined black sketch of a woman resembling the retired actress.

Other pieces offered on Babbitt's website are three iterations of $100 shorts with more original drawings.

Sharing the items via her Instagram Stories at the time, Amanda wrote, 'My associate's of art degree majoring in product development at FIDM paid off.'

The former actress rocked an oversized long-sleeve statement shirt emblazoned with the word 'overthinking'

Bynes and Sieminski previously had a podcast titled 'Amanda Bynes & Paul Sieminski: The Podcast' in 2023, however it was put on hold after just one episode

Amanda successfully hosted an art show a few weeks ago

Following the event, Amanda shared two snapshots from the party as she posed with a friend

The former child star said in a statement to People magazine that she and Babbitt were 'working on doing a pop-up art show in December' and that it would 'have art and clothing,' and now it seems the undertaking went off without a hitch.

Following the event, Amanda shared two snapshots from the party as she posed with a friend.

The former Hollywood star graduated from Californias Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) in 2019.

She previously hinted at doing a fashion collection of her own, announcing her plans to her followers after graduating from FIDM.

Back in October of 2022 she revealed that she was attending cosmetology school to become a manicurist.

However, this past April, Amanda explained that she hasn't passed the board exam to obtain her manicurist license despite various attempts.

Her new fashion collaboration comes 14 years after Bynes retired from acting amid mental health issues and substance abuse.

The California-born star started out in the industry at the age of seven, and went on to become one of the biggest child actors of her generation.

She later transitioned to a teenage romcom queen, starring in a number of successful films, including She's the Man, alongside Channing Tatum, in 2006.

In 2010 she declared on Twitter - at the age of 24 - that she would be retiring, writing that 'being an actress isnt as fun as it may seem.'

It comes 14 years after Bynes retired from acting amid mental health issues and substance abuse; seen at the 2011 MTV Movie Awards in Universal City, California

The retirement was a short-lived one, and Bynes returned to work just a few weeks later, announcing she would star in the 2010 film Easy A, along with Emma Stone and Penn Badgley.

However, her career took a hit following a 2012 DUI arrest, culminating in her being charged with two misdemeanor counts of hit-and-run.

And her troubles didn't end there, as the following year, the actress was placed under a nine-year-long conservatorship - following a continued struggle with mental health and substance abuse issues.

In 2019, Bynes checked into a mental health facility following a relapse.

The former child star had planned a Hollywood comeback in 2018, and that decision contributed to her relapse, it was reported at the time.

In 2022 Bynes' conservatorship of nine years was terminated, after a judge ruled the legal arrangement was 'no longer required.'
Paris Hilton has been praised by fans after she spent a day giving back to those afflicted by the LA fires.

The star stepped up to volunteer at numerous organizations on Sunday, including the Pasadena Humane Society, where she met a cat who was separated from his family during the blaze in Altadena.

Hilton, who heartbreakingly lost her own Malibu home in the Palisades fire, stroked the cat as she stood by his cage in a video attempting to reunite the feline with his owner.

The animal lover, 43, is also opening her home to a foster dog whose family had to surrender him after they lost their own home.

'Hey everybody I am here at Pasadena Humane Society and today I am here with this cat,' Paris began as she stood by the cat.

'He has been here for four days so far and does not have a collar or a microchip so they don't know who its owner is, so I wanted to show him so you guys could see and so he can go back to his home.

Paris Hilton has been praised by fans after she spent a day giving back to those afflicted by the LA fires

'And I'm also going to be fostering another dog who was surrendered by his family who lost their home in the fire.

'And we're going to go and see if there's any other dogs where they're still looking for their owners and just wanna tell everyone and this is such an incredible charity. What they do for animals and they're doing so much work. So what's most important is getting donations.'

'I just wanted to come here today and to share my platform and raise awareness and really highlight incredible foundations that are just doing this work because this is is - these are our babies. And we're going to find your owner.'

'I love you!' she told the kitty. 'And he was from the Altadena fires,' she added.

She included details about the cat on the video and shared a longer clip of her doting on the animal.

Paris gained a new fan that day as the cat was clearly loving the affection, even nuzzling her LA Dodgers cap.

'I love you,' she gushed.

Paris also stopped by Baby2Baby, a non-profit benefiting children living in poverty, in addition to a Hilton in Montebello, a city in Los Angeles County.

Hilton, 43, stroked the cat as she stood by his cage in a video attempting to reunite the feline with his owner

Hilton was attempting to reunite the cat with his owner after the feline was separated during the Altadena blaze

Hilton said the hotel was hosting families displaced by the fires and she was dropping off various items to give to them.

'Yesterday, I had the privilege of volunteering to support the inspiring impact work happening across my home city, Los Angeles (glittering heart emoji). The day was such a powerful reminder that by lending a helping hand, or donating what you can, we all have the power to help those in need,' she said.

'My first stop was @Baby2Baby, where my team and I helped pack essential supplies for babies and young children. Then we got a chance to visit @PasadenaHumane and was so moved by their life-saving work to help our animal community. Im so grateful that Im able to bring home Zuzu, our new foster (pet and heart emojis) whose family unfortunately had to surrender her after their home was destroyed in the wildfires.

Hilton found a new fan in the feline

The cat luxuriated in the pets as Hilton raised awareness about his presence in the shelter

She included information about the cat in the hopes of reuniting him with the owner

Fans praised Hilton in the comments sections of her numerous volunteer work posts

'Fostering is such an important way to help when youre able toif you can, please consider giving a temporary or permanent home to animals in need (house and pawprint emojis) From there, we picked up essential items and gifts for the displaced families weve been hosting at the @Hilton in Montebello. My heart goes out to them and being able to bring comfort and a smile to their faces is something I will never forget (broken heart emoji).

'We are doing everything we can to support displaced families through my nonprofit, 11:11 Media Impact. Thanks to the generosity of so many, weve already raised over $600,000 in 3 days (emojis) and our goal is to reach $1 million to provide cash assistance, housing, and essentials to those affected. Please visit my link in bio if youre able to support.

'Every bit helps, and together we can meaningfully impact families lives (glittering heart emoji). Please visit my link in bio if youre able to support. #1111Impact #LAWildfires #SlivingForACause.'

In the comments section to her various posts, fans praised Hilton for her volunteer work.

'God bless you always Earth Angel!' one gushed.

'You are an angel,' another posted.

'you are the only billionaire that I like you have the biggest heart in the world,' another wrote.
Skye Wheatley has shared details of a terrifying family ordeal after one of her children recently suffered a medical episode.

The 30-year-old influencer took to her social media on Monday to reveal that her son Bear, three, was now recovering in hospital after suffering a 'blackout seizure'.

Telling followers that the experience was 'traumatic', the mother-of-two shared the fortunate news that her little boy is now 'safe and well'.

Posting a picture of herself comforting Bear in his hospital bed in the Instagram Story, Skye mentioned the health update.

'Also, guys Bearzie is okay. He had a blackout seizure that was pretty traumatic as I had no idea what was happening, but he's safe and well,' she wrote.

It comes after the former Big Brother star confirmed she is 'on' with with her on-again-off-again partner Lachlan Waugh following a series of brief splits.

Skye Wheatley has shared details of a terrifying family ordeal after one of her kids suffered a medical episode. She shares children Forest, six, and Bear, three with Lachlan Waugh

The former Big Brother star, 30, took to her social media on Monday to reveal that her three-year-old son Bear was now recovering in hospital after suffering a 'blackout seizure'

The couple have been together for six years and share two children - sons Forest, six, and Bear, three.

Meanwhile, Skye was left tearing her hair out earlier this month as she shared an update on how renovations are going at her lavish Gold Coast mansion.

The I'm A Celebrity winner posted images of the luxury pool currently being built in her backyard, saying the tiling has been a disaster.

Sharing several photos, the influencer went on a rant about how 'stressed' she is over the renovation, especially after discoloured tiles were installed by her pool.

The vent session began when Skye took to her Instagram Stories to start a Q&A with her followers about the 'crazy' pavement in her backyard.

'There's all this black/brown s*** through our crazy pave. Lachy [her partner] said "it's natural" when I asked about it, but I've never seen this before,' she said.

'Is there any professionals out there that know if this is normal or should we ask tilers to re-tile?'

Alongside the caption, Skye included an image of the stairs leading down to her lavish pool in the making, circling all the discoloured brown areas on the edges of the tiles.

The former Big Brother star and her partner have had an off-again, on-again romance over the last six years. Pictured: Skye, Lachlan and their children

She then shared another angle of the area, saying: 'The reno is actually causing so much stress and everyday I wake up so tired and don't even want to get out of bed.

'Like, actually ready to sell at this point. We are way in over our heads with this project. It's fkn massive and so draining.'

She added that she was originally willing to look past the discolouration in the tile because she was just 'happy' things were getting done, but is now 'upset' over it.

'I'm that much of a perfectionist but also so busy with my own work that I don't have time to fkn stand there and supervise the trades and overlook every little thing.

'But you really do need to do that in situations like this. That's why there's PROJECT MANAGERS on every job. Our job does not have a project manager and it shows.'

Skye went on to say she would likely call the tilers back in to replace the discoloured tiles, as they 'threw away' plenty of 'clean' tiles they could have used instead.

Skye rose to fame back on Big Brother Australia in 2014 and is now a full-time influencer with 661,000 followers.

In 2023, Skye put her $75,000 Mercedes on the market to help finance the renovation work on her luxurious Gold Coast mansion.

The former Big Brother star-turned-influencer shared a snap of her white Mercedes to Instagram and asked interested buyers to message her.
Fans of the 1970 blockbuster Love Story were buzzing after one of the film's stars made a rare appearance in New Mexico, looking absolutely radiant at 85.

The iconic actress, who first graced the screen in 1969's Goodbye, Columbus, turned heads while running errands in a casual ensemble of a cardinal sweater and jeans on Tuesday.

The look was a far cry from the glamorous red carpet gowns she once wore with her leading men, including Steve McQueen, whom she divorced in 1978 after five years of marriage.

Famous for her long, beautiful brunette locks, the actress now rocks silver hair just as stunning, showing that time has only added to her natural beauty.

After leaving Tinseltown in 1978 for a quieter life away from the spotlightand a string of high-profile romances with Robert Evans, Warren Beatty, and othersshe still looked camera-ready in her rare outing.

Can you guess who this timeless star is?

Fans of the 1970 blockbuster Love Story were buzzing after one of the film's stars made a rare appearance in New Mexico , looking absolutely radiant at 85

The iconic actress, who first graced the screen in 1969's Goodbye, Columbus, turned heads while running errands in a casual ensemble of a cardinal sweater and jeans on Tuesday

If you guessed Ali MacGraw, youre right!

Born on April 1, 1939, in Pound Ridge, New York, MacGraw attended Wellesley College, studying art and English before pursuing a career in modeling and briefly assisting famed photographer Richard Avedon.

Her acting career took off in 1969 with Goodbye, Columbus, earning her a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress.

However, it was her role as Jenny Cavilleri in Love Story that made her a household name, earning an Academy Award nomination.

In 1972, she starred alongside McQueen in The Getaway, which solidified her status as one of Hollywood's biggest stars.

MacGraws personal life, however, was as turbulent as her career was successful.

She married McQueen in 1973, igniting a romance that would be marked by the struggles of substance abuse.

He was incredibly attractive most of the time, but there was also danger, there was a bad boy there, she told People in 2018, reflecting on their complicated relationship.

Ali MacGraw's look was a far cry from the glamorous red carpet gowns she once wore with her leading men, including Steve McQueen, whom she divorced in 1978 after five years of marriage; (seen in 1970)

Famous for her long, beautiful brunette locks, the actress now rocks silver hair just as stunning, showing that time has only added to her natural beauty

After leaving Tinseltown in 1978 for a quieter life away from the spotlightand a string of high-profile romances with Robert Evans, Warren Beatty, and othersshe still looked camera-ready in her rare outing

Born on April 1, 1939, in Pound Ridge, New York, MacGraw attended Wellesley College, studying art and English before pursuing a career in modeling and briefly assisting famed photographer Richard Avedon

However, it was her role as Jenny Cavilleri in Love Story that made her a household name, earning an Academy Award nomination

She married McQueen in 1973, igniting a romance that would be marked by the struggles of substance abuse

Ali with Roberts Evans in 1970

The couple separated in 1977 after five years of intense highs and lowsthree years before McQueen's death from cancer.

I wish we had both grown old sober, MacGraw confessed, adding, There were wonderful days and dreadful days.

Yet, she was quick to clarify, Im not a victim in any way. There were many times that were just wonderful and there were many times that were just ghastly.

Despite a peak career, MacGraw stepped away from Hollywood in the late 1970s.

She later settled in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she embraced a more private life, occasionally making appearances in film and TV but never returning to the level of fame she once had.
As one of the original supermodels of the seventies and eighties Jerry Hall's wardrobe of rare runway pieces is highly sought after.

And that is why her own daughter, Georgia May Jagger, is on a quest to buy back her mother's vintage items after the 68-year-old donated large swathes to a 2008 auction held in aid of a homeless charity.

Georgia May, 33, revealed how she dons pieces handed down to her by Ms Hall to high-profile events because, 'It's my way of saying if you have any of my mum's vintage clothes, I will buy them off you.'

For Vogue World in London in 2023, the daughter of Rolling Stones frontman, Mick Jagger, wore the same Bruce Oldfield gown her mother had been pictured in during the nineties.

Laughing with the London-based designer at a party Ms Hall, known for her old-school Hollywood glamour style, paired the gown with a string of pearls and red lipstick.

Thirty years later Georgia May, known for her barefaced gap-toothed look, sported the same gown with no necklace and a more subtle pink lip while her dyed blonde hair was a nod to her mother's trademark golden locks.

As one of the original supermodels of the seventies and eighties Jerry Hall's wardrobe of rare runway pieces is highly sought after

And that is why her own daughter, Georgia May Jagger (above), is on a quest to buy back her mother's vintage items

The mother-of-one also told Vogue how she had purchased her mother's pale-blue corseted Thierry Mugler dress featuring a rainbow-hued skirt and wore it to the launch of her vegan hair brand, Bleach, in Los Angeles in 2021.

Georgia May revealed her mother passed down a dozen pieces which she is 'very precious about' because her older sister, Lizzy, lost her vintage heirlooms in a fire in 2017.

Ms Hall shares Elizabeth, James, Georgia May and Gabriel with Mick Jagger, 81, who she was married to for nine years during the nineties.

The pair divorced in 1999 with Ms Hall going on to marry media magnate, Rupert Murdoch in 2016 before they split in 2022.

Georgia May welcomed her first child, Dean Lee Jagger Sedlick, in September with her 25-year-old skateboarder boyfriend, Cambryan Sedlick, 25.

The Vogue interview comes just after Georgia May joined Lennon Gallagher and his girlfriend Isobel Richmond at the Fendi Winter Holiday 2024 Collection Launch in London back in November.

The model looked chic in a classy checkered co-ord as she teamed a knee length pencil skirt with a matching trench coat and a pale blue long sleeved top.

Georgia topped off her outfit with a pair of beige strappy heels and styled her hair into loose curls.

Georgia and her skateboarder boyfriend Cambryan welcomed their baby boy in September and looked every inch the doting parents as they shared their first pictures.

She revealed how she dons pieces handed down to her to high-profile events because, 'It's my way of saying if you have any of my mum's vintage clothes, I will buy them off you'

The Vogue interview comes just after Georgia May joined Lennon Gallagher and his girlfriend Isobel Richmond at the Fendi Winter Holiday 2024 Collection Launch back in November

Georgia and her skateboarder boyfriend Cambryan welcomed their baby boy in September and looked every inch the doting parents as they shared their first pictures

The daughter of Jerry and Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger beamed as she cradled her little one, who was wrapped up in a blanket.

Updating her Instagram followers on their baby's arrival, Georgia shared: 'Our Son Dean Lee Jagger Sedlick was born September 30th. We are so in Love and happy and cant stop staring at him.

'Thanks @cambryans for being so incredible through everything and taking such good care of us.'

Georgia's mother Jerry, who made a sweet appearance in one of the polaroid snaps, originally shared the announcement to Instagram, revealing her grandson's name.

She wrote: 'Georgia May and my grandson Dean Lee Jagger Sedlick'.
Michael Zegen and Jennifer Damiano are married.

On Sunday, the 45-year-old The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel star and the Broadway actress exchanged vows at Palma restaurant in New York City.

Representatives for the Spring Awakening star told People Magazine that the lovebirds wed in an intimate, 'small Jewish ceremony' after the outlet published images from their big day.

The brunette vixen walked down the aisle modeling a figure-hugging silhouette wedding gown with lace sleeves and a chic high neckline. Her locks were styled in a sleek ponytail, complementing her polished, modern look.

Michael looked dapper in a navy blue tuxedo as the pair committed to forever with the starlet.

After their nuptials, Jennifer took to her Instagram Story to share behind the scenes snaps from their wedding that her pals posted and tagged her in via the platform.

Michael Zegen and Jennifer Damiano are married; seen June 2022

Theatrical publicist Chelsea Nachman shared a photo of the newly weds under a traditional Jewish chuppah in a flower-filled courtyard as their guested looked on.

Another stunning snap sees the bride posing with her gal pals for a selfie.

Jennifer's sister Codi also shared a photo of the new Mrs. Zegen smiling alongside their brother Pat and realtor Elizabeth Shay. And she also posed for snaps with various other guests.

Last year, Michael got candid about his engagement to his now-wife while promoting his role in Strategic Love Play.

Initially referring to her as his girlfriend, the actor quickly corrected himself, proudly calling her his 'fiancee.'

The pair's romance blossomed after they both starred in the off-Broadway production of Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice back in early 2020  which explored the lives of two couples navigating the complexities of the sexual revolution.

And their chemistry wasnt just confined to the stage. The Michael and Jennifer were spotted together with actor Richard Kind at Roundabout Theater's 2020 Gala, sparking speculation about their relationship.

The duo ultimately made their red carpet debut at the 2022 Tony Awards. At the ceremony, Jennifer reunited with her Spring Awakening co-stars for a brief performance, while Michael was there in support of his play Trouble in Mind.

The brunette vixen walked down the aisle modeling a figure-hugging silhouette wedding gown with lace sleeves and a chic high neckline

Chelsea Nachman shared a photo of the newly weds under a traditional Jewish chuppah in a flower-filled courtyard

The newly webs posed up a storm with other attendees

Jennifer's sister Codi also shared a photo of the new Mrs. Zegen smiling alongside their brother Pat and realtor Elizabeth Shay

She also posed for snaps with some close friends and family

The pair offer a cocktail called 'the iggy' at the reception, after their pup

An insider close the couple told People at the time that they were 'inseparable all night.'

'They were hanging out with each other in the corner of the bar and looked really happy. The Spring Awakening cast was all very friendly with Michael,' they added.

Now happily living together, the couple has made a cozy home for themselves, as Michael previously confirmed in an interview with the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.

Adding to their little family is their adorable dog, Iggy, who often makes appearances on the actor's Instagram.
Christina Haack has given an update on her ongoing divorce battle with estranged husband Josh Hall, who just went Instagram official with Stephanie Gabrys.

On a recent episode of Jeff Lewis Live, the 41-year-old real estate mogul said she and her ex are 'not even close' to resolving their separation after they each filed for divorce in July.

Haack said on the Radio Andy show, 'Were going to be going to trial, I hear.'

The HGTV star added sarcastically, 'Its going to be fun. Cant wait,' and revealed that 44-year-old Hall 'doesnt want to do mediation.'

On last Thursday's Jeff Lewis Live episode Christina bitterly dished, '[The court hasnt] ordered me yet but hes been asking me [for money]. Ive already had to give a little something but then he bought a Bentley. I gave him money to live and he bought a Bentley, but he also doesnt have a job, so.'

Meanwhile, Josh used Instagram Stories to wish his new girlfriend, Nahville-based bikini model Stephanie, a happy birthday on Monday.

Christina Haack has given an update on her ongoing divorce battle with estranged husband Josh Hall, revealing that they are headed to court to settle their split

Josh Hall, meanwhile, went Instagram official with new girlfriend Stephanie Gabrys on Monday

Sharing a loved-up photo of the influencer sitting on his lap in front of a fire pit, he wrote, 'Happy 35th to this real life [angel emoji].'

He had a huge smile on his face while his new woman, clad in a black beanie hat with a pom topper, wrapped an arm around him.

Haack and Hall filed for divorce one day apart last summer after celebrating their two-year wedding anniversary in April.

The mother-of-three, who has already been divorced twice, asked that neither party receive spousal support and requested that Hall pay her lawyer fees.

Hall is also seeking spousal support and asked for his ex to pay his attorney fees.

Christina is mom to daughter Taylor, 14, and son Brayden, nine, whom she shares with ex-husband Tarek El Moussa. She also shares five-year-old son Hudson with her other ex-husband, Ant Anstead.

The blonde beauty has secretly been dating a new man 'for months,' a source recently told DailyMail.com.

Following Christina's chat with Jeff Lewis, a spokesperson for her soon-to-be ex-husband shared with Us Weekly, 'Hall is not available for comment, as hes continuing to live his life in the present and celebrating his beautiful new girlfriends birthday.

On a recent episode of Jeff Lewis Live, the 41-year-old real estate mogul said she and her ex are 'not even close' to resolving their separation after they each filed for divorce in July

Christina has secretly been dating a new man 'for months,' a source told DailyMail.com

'With that said, its sad Christina must resort to low blows about her ex Josh to promote her new show. She should focus on her new boyfriend and stop talking about Josh. As the great Mariah Carey once sang, Why you so obsessed with me? We wish Christina the best.'

It was added, 'Christina knows nothing about Joshs life, and its sad she keeps speculating. Her accusations are baseless.'

According to the outlet, Hall is 'happily dating' the new woman in his life.

'Josh met someone wonderful in Nashville, and they have been happily dating for some time,' a source told the publication on Friday.

'Josh wasn't trying to date, but he met someone, and it was a perfect match,' the insider revealed.

Christina was formerly married to Ant Anstead, whom she said is now 'back on track' with

HGTV's The Flip Off stars Christina, her ex Tarek El Moussa and his wife Heather El Moussa. The show premieres on January 29 at 8/7c on HGTV

Back in August, Josh took to Instagram to make his first public statement amid his divorce from Christina.

He shared a selfie resting his head on his dog in a solemn post with a caption that read: 'I prefer privacy, especially during something as life changing as a divorce I did not ask for.'

Without naming Christina, he vowed, 'I will not publicly badmouth anyone as people have families, friends and others who respect and love them. Unfortunately the internet is forever.'

Engaging his 92.3K followers at the time, Hall continued: 'We are real humans, this is our life and I am not here to entertain people I dont know with my private matters.

'Those details will be handled fairly behind closed doors with our respective counsels in due time. Those who know each of us know who we are.'
Sean Penn compared the devastation in Los Angeles caused by ongoing fires to damage in the Middle East, in an interview with CNN's Anderson Cooper Monday evening.

'This is kind of been a worst case scenario concern of everyone in the area for a long time,' the Academy Award-winning actor, 64, told Cooper in an interview in Pacific Palisades, an area charred by the fire.

The Santa Monica, California native continued, 'It's sort of, you know, it's Gaza west up there,' in a reference to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

The Milk star explained how shocking it was to see the fires quickly erupt and eviscerate cities, even in areas where they are an annual concern.

'We know that there are going to be wildfires in this area ... so people do make a choice living in this area,' the Mystic River star said. 'But for the people living in, in particular, Pacific Palisades and Altadena and so on, this is so unexpected.'

The Oscar-winning star defended the response amid searing criticism aimed at top officials such as California Governor Gavin Newsome and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass.

Sean Penn, 64, compared the devastation in Los Angeles caused by ongoing fires to damage in the Middle East, in an interview with CNN's Anderson Cooper Monday evening, saying, 'It's sort of, you know, it's Gaza west up there'

Firefighters continued their work in the burning residential areas as wildfires continue to wreak havoc in LA Monday

'Um, I don't prescribe too much to the conversations of complaint in terms of reaction,' the Fast Times at Ridgemont High star said. 'In fact, I thank every last firefighter we have great firefighters from Cal Fire and LA City, LA County and all of those that have come in.

'But when you have the kind of winds that that we had, I don't think mankind has come up with a solution to that is bigger and more powerful than us.'

The Dead Man Walking actor said it was jarring to see a longstanding community wiped away by the blazes.

'It's really something to see an entire legacy of a community,' he said. 'I think of these nine-year-old kids who everyday would meet each other on the corner on their bikes, knowing every corner and every store and shop owner - and it's all gone - and so, it's it's more personal in that sense.

'I'm very, very immediately familiar. I'm not going to have to grow to be familiar with this area - so many people that we all know and care about lost their homes.'

Amid a Monday night death toll at 24, the I Am Sam actor said that he was grateful that there were not casualties in line with the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, where estimated death toll was around 220,000 people, according to the United Nations.

'Thank God not, you know, the number of life lost like we had in Port-au-Prince,' said the actor, who was involved in the relief efforts 15 years back.

Penn also chat about the efforts his nonprofit organization CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort) his made in the wake of the fires, including distributing cash vouchers, N95 masks and hygiene kits to people in need.

The Academy Award-winning actor chat with Cooper Monday in an interview in Pacific Palisades, an area charred by the fire

Amid a Monday night death toll at 24, Penn said that he was grateful that there were not casualties in line with the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, where estimated death toll was around 220,000 people

'We were on the ground day one and working in the the principal shelter at the Pasadena Civic Center addressing immediate needs,' Penn said, 'which is going to be cash assistance in particular, which are two kind of categories of there - those who can apply and need navigation on the application.

'And then there are those who don't have social security numbers, for various reasons, that we can then apply some of our funds to.'

He added, 'It just takes a slow closing of one's eyes to think about what it would mean if all of a sudden everything's gone.

'Along with, of course, the emotional trauma of it - so the cash is a necessary freedom to just get day-by-day.'

Penn also chat about the efforts his nonprofit organization CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort) his made in the wake of the fires

Officials Monday said the death toll had reached at least 24 people, according to the AP, adding that the total number of victims was expected to increase amid ongoing missing persons searches.

Officials on Monday said that the Palisades Fire was 11 percent contained, while the Eaton Fire was 27 percent contained, after having decimated an estimated area eclipsing 62 square miles.

The National Weather Service said in red flag warnings that 50 mph winds will continue to aggravate conditions from Monday to Wednesday, with an expected peak on Tuesday.

On Monday, President Joe Biden urged Congress 'to step up' and earmark the tens of billions of dollars it will take to rebuild the affected areas. He said that the federal government plans to pay for expenses over the next 180 days.

The president said at the White House that firefighters and first responders were 'the angels' amid their efforts to douse the blazes, while Vice President Kamala Harris said the aftermath of the fires were 'truly heartbreaking.'
Liam Hemsworth's glamorous girlfriend Gabriella Brooks has been cruelly trolled after she wished her partner of five years a happy 35th birthday on Monday.

The Australian model, 28, shared a gallery of photos to Instagram, which captured some of the sweet moments she has shared with Liam.

In one photo, Liam has his arm tenderly wrapped around Gabriella as they posed against a scenic nature background.

Gabriella captioned the gallery with some heartfelt words: 'Happy Birthday to my sunshine.'

Despite her sweet words many of Gabriella's followers quickly took to the comment section to troll her, comparing her appearance to Liam's ex-wife Miley Cyrus.

'You look just like Miley,' one person wrote.

Liam Hemsworth 's glamorous girlfriend Gabriella Brooks has been cruelly trolled after she wished her partner of five years a happy 35th birthday on Monday

Meanwhile, a second asked: 'Miley, is that you?'

'She looks like Disney Miley. And dresses somewhat like her too. Weird,' a third person chipped in.

The Hunger Games star found love again with Gabriella in late 2019, following his separation and later divorce from the American pop star.

Liam and Miley confirmed their split in August 2019 and finalised their divorce in January 2020 after less than a year of marriage.

The on/off couple first began dating in 2010 after meeting on the set of The Last Song and got engaged for the first time in May 2012.

However, they then split up in September 2013 before reuniting in 2016.

They went on to tie the knot in December 2018 before splitting for good just eight months later.

Despite her sweet words many of Gabriella's followers quickly took to the comment section to troll her, comparing her appearance to Liam's ex-wife Miley Cyrus

The Hunger Games star found love again with Gabriella in late 2019, following his separation and later divorce from the American pop star

Liam is believed to have then started dating Gabriella in December 2019.

They made their first red carpet appearance together in November 2020.

The ultra-private couple rarely post about each other on social media, and have only appeared in a handful of photos together.

Gabriella has carved out a career for herself as a model and made her catwalk debut at the 2023 Australia Fashion Week during the Cue fashion show.

Her debut was a landslide success and Cue's brand director Kate Bielenberg gushed over Gabriella's talents at the time.

'Gabby's amazing. She's such great girl and has such a great look,' she said in a statement, adding that she's the definition of 'cool girl vibes'.

'When she came in for castings, she was just so gorgeous and delighted everyone.'
Matilda Williams enjoyed a bundled up coffee run on Sunday.

The 19-year-old was spotted enjoying a cup of Joe days before the 16th anniversary of the death of her father, Heath Ledger.

Matilda was the spitting image of her father as she caught up with a pal over a cup of Joe in the NYC borough of Brooklyn.

Amid cold temperatures, Matilda protected herself from the weather with a green jacket and jeans. She donned bright red flats and carried a matching tote on her arm.

Matilda, whose mother is Michelle Williams, flashed a brilliant smile as she chatted with her pal and clutched a large cup of coffee.

Matilda's father Heath died in a New York City apartment on January 22, 2008, after accidentally overdosing following months of physical and mental exhaustion.

Matilda Williams bundled up for a coffee run in the New York City borough of Brooklyn on Sunday

Matilda is the daughter of Michelle Wiliams and the late actor Heath Ledger; pictured in 2005

The Dark Knight actor died aged 28 after taking a fatal cocktail of drugs, leaving behind his daughter, who was two years old at the time.

Michelle, who was in a relationship with Heath from 2004 to 2007 after meeting on set of Brokeback Mountain, decided to raise Matilda away from the spotlight.

The Blue Valentine star took a hiatus from acting and moved to upstate New York with Matilda after Heath's death.

She previously said the move stemmed from her desire to provide 'a sane home environment' for her daughter.

'We moved - we left Brooklyn and lived in the country for six years because it was an intolerable state of existence,' she told the New York Post in June 2016.

Years later, Michelle made the decision to return to the Big Apple and bought a property in Brooklyn, where she had lived before the move.

Before their break-up, Michelle and Heath had shared a $3.6million townhouse in Boerum Hill, a small neighbourhood in the northwestern portion of the borough.

Michelle, who is now married to theatre director Thomas Kail, previously spoke about wanting to give Matilda siblings in an interview with GQ in 2012.

Matilda caught up with a pal over coffee

She paired the coat with jeans rolled up at the hem, bright red flats, and a matching tote on her arm

Michelle and Heath pictured with Matilda in Brooklyn in 2006

Michelle and Heath at the premiere of Brokeback Mountain in 2005

Matilda's father in 2001

'I really wanted, and I really expected or imagined, that Matilda would have siblings that were close to her age. I wanted that for her. But I couldn't make that happen,' she said.

'And now that she's six, that isn't even a possibility anymore. So something that was making me feel impatient, that's been removed. For whatever reason, that's not our luck, or our path.'

However eight years later, she found her happy ending with Thomas, whom she married in 2020. They went on to welcome a baby boy later that year and a second child followed in 2022.
Chantelle Otten put on a stylish display as she lead celebrity arrivals at day three of the Australian Open as a guest of fashion house Ralph Lauren.

The sexologist, 33, looked effortlessly chic as she arrived on Tuesday in white pants, a matching coloured top and oversized denim jacket.

She completed her ensemble with a pair of white strappy heels, a gold necklace and dark sunglasses.

Chantelle, who is dating Paralympian Dylan Alcott, left her dark tresses straight and added to her stunning features with a glamorous make-up palette.

Chantelle was joined at the event by Nick Kyrgios' girlfriend Costeen Hatzi.

Costeen flaunted her incredible figure as she arrived in a tiny white skirt and a striped buttoned shirt.

Chantelle Otten (pictured) put on a stylish display as she lead celebrity arrivals at day three of the Australian Open as a guest of fashion house Ralph Lauren

The sexologist looked effortlessly chic as she arrived on Tuesday in white pants, a matching coloured top and oversized denim jacket

She accessorised her look with linen blazer and a pair of matching coloured shoes.

Costeen also wore a dark green cap and finished her ensemble with several gold bracelets and a black bag.

She styled her long brunette locks in waves and let her natural beauty shine with a subtle makeup palette.

AFL WAG Jessie Murphy and her husband Marc put on a loved-up display as they attended the event together.

The blonde beauty showed off her endless pins in a tiny white dress and dark navy blazer.

Jessie accessorised with a pair of white stilettos, gold earrings and a baby blue bag.

The WAG opted for a full-coverage base of makeup which she topped with a nude lip and several layers of mascara.

Marc also looked dapper in black pants, white sneakers and a buttoned shirt.

Chantelle was joined at the event by Nick Kyrgios' girlfriend Costeen Hatzi (pictured), who flaunted her incredible figure as she arrived in a tiny white skirt and a striped buttoned shirt

AFL WAG Jessie Murphy and her husband Marc (both pictured) put on a loved-up display as they attended the event together

The couple married in December 2016 and are parents to son Max, five, and daughter Imogen, two.

They tied the knot at the Luminare venue in South Melbourne.

The guest list included a Who's Who of Melbourne's social scene, including 'queen bee' footy WAG Rebecca.

The Murphys are believed to have started dating in 2011.
Jess Rowe looked downcast on Tuesday as she disembarked a Disney-themed cruise in Sydney with her two teenage daughters shortly after informing her fans about her husband Peter Overton's recent health scare.

The former Studio Ten host, 54, revealed that doctors had found a polyp on one of his vocal cords and the veteran Channel Nine newsreader had to undergo surgery.

Peter, 58, has been absent from presenting duties on Nine News for several months.

Jess shared a photo to Instagram of Peter hugging their pet dog and captioned it with some alarming words.

'Peter doesn't do Insta and he wanted me to share some news. He's off work for a little longer at the moment,' she wrote.

'After an Ear Nose and Throat surgeon discovered a polyp on one of his vocal cords, which explains his very raspy voice over the holidays.'

Jess Rowe looked downcast on Tuesday as she disembarked a Disney-themed cruise in Sydney with her two teenage daughters shortly after informing her fans about her husband Peter Overton's recent health scare

The former Studio Ten host, 54, revealed that doctors had found a polyp on one of his vocal cords and the veteran Channel Nine newsreader had to undergo surgery

A vocal cord polyp is a small, non-cancerous growth that can make your voice hoarse or raspy, often caused by overuse or irritation.

Recovery usually involves rest, therapy, and sometimes minor surgery.

She added that Peter had already been in surgery and had to minimise his speaking as part of the recovery process, meaning he wouldn't be able to return to work for some time.

'He was operated on. Part of his recovery is no talking for now (which is a HUGE challenge for him!!) Hopefully hell be back to Nine News soonish,' she explained.

'Big thanks to the great doctors, nurses, speech pathologist and Pete's wonderful work colleagues.'

Meanwhile, Jess looked somewhat downcast as she disembarked the Disney cruise in Sydney on Tuesday with her two girls, Allegra, 17, and Giselle, 15.

The former TV star looked the part in a quirky black and white top adorned with cartoon characters and a pair of Mickey Mouse printed trousers as she made her way off the cruise ship.

She accessorised with a costume jewellery tiara worn on her head and had her hands full with colourful bags, including one with leopard print and feathers.

The former TV star looked the part for the cruise in a quirky black and white top adorned with cartoon characters and a pair of Mickey Mouse printed trousers as she made her way off the cruise ship

Jess was joined on the cruise by her two daughters - Allegra, 17, and Giselle, 15

Many of Jess' celebrity friends quickly took to the comment section of her post to wish the veteran newsman a speedy recovery.

'Get well soon,' wrote Karl Stefanovic's wife Jasmine.

'We miss you Pete! Sending you love and healing during this time,' added Married At First Sight's Domenica Calarco.

British TV presenter Trisha Goddard chipped in: 'Sending love.'

Peter has presented Nine News Sydney since 2009, and his current co-host is Georgie Gardner.

It is the second significant health challenge Peter has experienced over the past year.

In April, he had to take some time off work after undergoing hip replacement surgery.

Peter and Jess first met when Jess was doing work experience at Channel Nine when she was 19.

Jess said Peter was one of the few people who spoke to her during her work experience stint, and they saw each other again years later at the Logies.

'As we were talking I was thinking, "Why can't I meet a nice man like this? Why am I not attracting really good, decent people like this beautiful man?"' she told Mamamia in May 2018.

In January the happy couple celebrated 21 years of marriage.
Eva Longoria has increased her initial $50,000 donation for Los Angeles fire relief and recovery to $1 million.

The 49-year-old actress and entrepreneur  who has evacuated her SoCal home  will support the Latino Community Foundation and the California Community Foundation with the generous contribution.

The organizations have pledged to assist in the immediate and long-term recuperation of the communities impacted by the weeklong wildfires that have ravaged the city.

Tens of thousands of residents have been forced to vacate their homes since the infernos sparked last Tuesday.

The death toll is currently at 24, and more than 40,000 acres have been scorched by the unprecedented flames.

Longoria's new $1 million donation is from the Courage and Civility Award presented to her by Jeff Bezos last March.

Eva Longoria has increased her initial $50,000 donation for Los Angeles fire relief and recovery to $1 million; pictured in December

Longoria's new $1 million donation is from the Courage and Civility Award presented to her by Jeff Bezos last March

Bezos' annual monetary prize of $50 million is given to those who make substantial contributions to society.

Longoria has a decade to name a charity to which she'll donate the money, and now she's chosen LA's fire recovery as the first recipient, per The Hollywood Reporter.

She will say more about her donation when she appears as co-host alongside Jenna Bush Hager on Jenna & Friends this Tuesday.

Following the co-hosting gig Eva will return to Los Angeles, where she will volunteer with Global Empowerment Mission and pay a visit to World Central Kitchens Eaton Fire operations.

The mother-of-one, who is married to movie producer Jose Baston, fought back tears in an emotional video shared to Instagram in the wake of the fire devastation.

The former Desperate Housewives star revealed she has evacuated her home after receiving a warning while hosting friends who had already fled the threatening fires.

'It's been a crazy week. Devastating for so many people. So many friends who've lost a lot. It's memories, things that people have worked really hard for,' she said while getting choked up.

'Anyways, we decided to evacuate because we were under a warning, and then we kept getting an alarm,' she explained.

L-R Bezos, his fiancee Lauren Sanchez, Cris Abrego, and Eva pictured at the 2024 Bezos Courage and Civility Awards on March 14, 2024

The death toll of the LA fires is currently at 24, and more than 40,000 acres have been scorched by the unprecedented flames; the Palisades Fire photographed on January 9

'I know a lot of people weren't so lucky. We've donated clothes, we literally emptied out my pantry to take down to all of the places that are accepting donations,' she said to online viewers.

Eva also vowed to match up to $50,000 of donations made to the organization This is About Humanity.

The funds will go to essential workers and families impacted by the fires.

'My heart breaks for the City of LA and the devastating fires that have affected so many lives. Im personally matching $50k to @thisisabouthumanitys efforts to support frontline essential workers, farm workers, day laborers and families impacted by these wildfires,' she captioned the video.

She added, 'I hope we can come together and support these resilient members of our community. Share, repost or donate if you can. Link in bio.'
Allison Holkers NDA, signed by family members of her late husband Stephen 'tWitch' Boss, is reportedly preventing them from profiting off his life story.

As the Boss family prepares to challenge Holker over allegations in her forthcoming book, TMZ reports that the NDA ensures Holker would be the sole beneficiary of any financial gain from his name.

The agreementsaid to have been presented to tWitchs family members before they could attend his funeralrestricts them from profiting from interviews, books, articles, or media projects related to him.

Anyone who signed the agreement has to hand over any earnings from those projects to Holker, effectively ensuring shes the only one who can benefit financially from his story.

Despite the NDA, tWitch's family has publicly criticized Holker for promoting her book, accusing her of portraying him in a negative light, including drug use claims, and labeling her a 'money-hungry opportunist' who is exploiting his memory for personal gain.

However, Holker has consistently stated that 100% of the proceeds from her book will go to the Move with Kindness Foundation, which she started in tWitch's honor.

Allison Holkers NDA, signed by family members of her late husband Stephen 'tWitch' Boss , is reportedly preventing them from profiting off his life story; (Allison and Stephen in 2018)

As the Boss family prepares to challenge Holker over allegations in her forthcoming book , TMZ reports that the NDA ensures Holker would be the sole beneficiary of any financial gain from his name

DailMail.com can exclusively report that the late dancer's family is 'preparing to fight back.'

A source close to the family revealed, 'tWitch's family is preparing to fight back against Allison after she came out with those scathing allegations about him.

'The family disapproves what she's said and will be speaking out about the untruths.'

The family also 'has not received an advanced copy' of her book and 'have to wait for the book to be released just like everyone else,' the insider spilled.

Allison's book, This Far: My Story of Love, Loss, and Embracing the Light, is expected to be released on February 4, and that's when the family will be able to read everything that was written about their relative.

'Once the memoir comes out next month, the family plans on releasing another statement after they read all the allegations written about him,' the source claimed.

'They don't believe she's telling the full truth and rather, that she has been misleading the public.'

The source continued, 'The family is fired up and won't be sitting back much longer, especially after what she put them through.

The agreementsaid to have been presented to tWitchs family members before they could attend his funeralrestricts them from profiting from interviews, books, articles, or media projects related to him

However, Holker has consistently stated that 100% of the proceeds from her book will go to the Move with Kindness Foundation, which she started in tWitch's honor

'They're furious that they were not given an advanced copy let alone not given a heads up about what's inside the book.'

The source went on to explain that, right now, they're not able to say too much because they aren't sure the limitations of speech given they and the family were 'forced to sign an NDA' following tWitch's death on December 13, 2022.

DailyMail.com has reached out to Allison Holker's rep for comment.

On Thursday, tWitch's mom Connie Boss Alexander took to Instagram to release a statement about the 'misleading and hurtful claims' about her son.

She said the family is 'absolutely appalled' and that the 'untruths about Stephen have crossed every line of decency.'

Boss' family has claimed that Allison 'refuses' to let the Boss family see tWitch's children

Stephen's cousin spoke out on X, calling Allison a 'crazy woman' who has been 'trying to tarnish his legacy' and 'exploit' him

His cousin also said she's 'tired' of keeping her mouth shut over family drama with Allison

'As his mother, I will not let these accusations go unanswered. We will not stand by while his name and legacy are tarnished. He doesnt deserve this, and the kids dont deserve this,' she wrote.

'For the last two years, I have remained quiet and away from the public eye to protect my family. My primary focus has been on healing and attempting to remain connected to my grandchildren.

'But when I read these dreadful claims about my baby, our beloved Stephen, I realized I could not stay silent any longer. Our family will ensure his name and memory are protected, and we are committed to defending his honor.'

Best known as the DJ on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Boss was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in a Los Angeles motel at the age of 40.

In an interview with People magazine, Boss' widow revealed she went through his journals in order to find a sense of clarity and she found a very painful secret which she says was even hidden from those closest to him.

She claimed that his journal entries alluded to him being sexually abused by a male figure during his childhood.

She also said that she had uncovered a 'cornucopia' of drugs including mushrooms, pills, and 'other substances that I had to look up on my phone' which were hidden in his shoe boxes.

'It was a really triggering moment for me because there were a lot of things I discovered in our closet that I did not know existed. It was very alarming to me to learn that there was so much happening that I had no clue [about],' Allison, 36, said.

The late choreographer, pictured with his mom Connie, passed away at the age of 40 in December 2022 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound

Boss' mom Connie released a statement on January 9, saying the family is 'absolutely appalled by the misleading and hurtful claims'

Stephen is survived by his three children: Weslie, 16, Maddox, 8, and Zaia, 5

One of Boss' cousins already took to X to call Allison a 'crazy woman' who is 'trying to tarnish his legacy' and claimed she is 'refusing' to let the Boss family see tWitch and Allison's kids - Weslie, 16, Maddox, 8, and Zaia, 5.

The cousin, who goes by 'Big Elle' on X, continued, 'I'm so tired of keeping my f***ing mouth shut bro. You did our family so mf dirty.'

Meanwhile, Boss brother Dre Rose reposted Allison's former friend's Instagram message commenting, 'No lies told'

He later shared another friends Instagram Story on his profile, which read, 'a disgrace and despicable human to do this to a grieving family.'

Courtney Ann Platt, Allison's ex-friend, slammed the book and its press as 'by far the most tacky, classless, opportunistic act I have ever seen in my entire life.'

She also claimed that the former Dancing with the Stars pro had people sign nondisclosure agreements to attend his funeral.

Courtney then criticized Allison for writing and publishing 'all the dirty laundry smearing his name and attempting to dim the bright loyal, loving, light that was your husband, my friend.'

She also slammed the widow for 'shamelessly sharing the pages' of her late husband's journal.

Courtney Ann Platt, Allison's ex-friend, slammed the book as 'by far the most tacky, classless, opportunistic act I have ever seen in my entire life'

The former Dancing with the Stars pro has since responded to the backlash

Allison said the purpose of her memoir was for other people to 'catch some [of] the red flags that I missed before it's too late'

'This smear campaign for a buck is absolutely not what he would have ever wanted. No matter how bad he was hurting. Not for second. You're a living, breathing bulldozer. Stick to your own demons. Shame on you Allison, shame on your money hungry team. Let my friend Rest in Peace not your PR,' she wrote on Instagram.

On Wednesday, in response to the backlash, Allison stressed her 'only intention' in writing the 240-page memoir was for other people to 'catch some [of] the red flags that I missed before it's too late.'

'My hope is that we don't need to lose another husband, brother, father, or friend to suicide,' she wrote via her Instagram Story.

'I believe that if Stephen were able to choose, he would choose to have his story told if it meant saving even one life. Much love to all those who have supported our family these many years.'

The Minnesota-born dancer claimed she's 'donating all the proceeds' of the book to her mental health focused foundation Move with Kindness, which she started in Stephen's honor.
Nicola Coughlan will follow in the footsteps of Nicole Kidman and Jenna Ortega after landing a six-figure beauty deal with a popular skincare brand.

The Irish star will front a new campaign for Neutrogena following a series of high-profile TV roles - notably Derry Girls and riotous Netflix period drama Bridgerton.

The brand has previously enlisted Hollywood stars Kidman and Ortega to promote their extensive range of skincare products.

And Coughlan, 38 - who has already shot her first Neutrogena advertising campaign - will step in having previously joined the growing army of celebrity ambassadors for Kim Kardashian's shapewear brand, SKIMS.

A source told The Sun: 'Nicola has filmed her campaign for Neutrogena and is thrilled to be on board with them.

'The deal is worth six figures, which is a great pay day for Nic to kick off 2025. Away from Bridgerton, Nicola has become a huge star in her own right.

Nicola Coughlan will follow in the footsteps of Nicole Kidman and Jenna Ortega after landing a six-figure beauty deal

Coughlan will step in having previously joined the growing army of celebrity ambassadors for Kim Kardashian 's shapewear brand, SKIMS (pictured)

'Getting signed up by Kim for SKIMS was massive for Nicola in building her CV and when Neutrogena came knocking she jumped at the chance.'

The Irish star was unveiled as a celebrity SKIMS model last June after starring in a tasteful promotional shoot for the Kim Kardashian owned brand.

The last seven years have been a whirlwind for Nicola after she was cast as Claire Devlin in the BBC sleeper hit Derry Girls. which skyrocketed her to national fame in the UK and Ireland.

From there, she was cast as Lady Penelope Featherington in smash hit Bridgerton, a role that put her on the international stage.

During a special screening Q&A in Dublin last June, a female journalist commented that she was 'very brave' to take the role, which some fans branded a 'backhanded comment'.

She quipped: 'You know, it is hard because I think women with my body type  women with perfect breasts  we don't get to see ourselves onscreen enough.

'And I'm very proud as a member of the perfect breasts community. I hope you enjoy seeing them.'

It's been a long journey to the top for Nicola, who worked in an opticians while living with her parents, hopping between Galway and London where she was a jobbing actor for decades.

The Irish actress shot to fame after starring as bubbly Clare Devlin in Derry Girls (pictured)

From there, she was cast as Lady Penelope Featherington in smash hit Bridgerton (pictured), a role that put her on the international stage

'I was 31 when Derry Girls happened,' she told Marie Claire. It's important for people to know I wasn't an overnight success.

'In my twenties, I didn't have money to be living in London and going to a million auditions. I had to work full time and it was hard.

'I left London a couple of times [and moved home], because it just wasn't happening.'

The Irish actress is now often pictured sitting on the front row of a Fashion Week shows, having befriended many celebrities and scored leading roles and topped various best dressed lists thanks to her work with stylist Aimee Croysdill.

MailOnline has contacted a representative for further comment.
Abbie Chatfield has stunned by revealing that she is not using her real surname.

In a TikTok video posted this week, The Bachelor star, 29, said that she uses a different family name on legal documents.

'Big reveal. Legally my surname actually isn't Chatfield and it hasn't been for two years,' she said.

'I changed my name to a different family name. I am changing it as soon as I can,' she continued.

'Whether I married a man or a woman or a non-binary person I would take their surname in a f***ing instant.'

Abbie did not reveal what the surname was and said she did not want to state it publicly.

Abbie Chatfield (pictured) has stunned by revealing that she is not using her real surname. In a TikTok video posted this week, The Bachelor star, 29, said that she uses a different family name on legal documents

She also said that she has 'no emotional attachment' to Chatfield as it belongs to 'a man who left his family.'

In the comment, Abbie further confessed that her name is not Abigail, but did not specify if it is just Abbie or something else.

Abbie also again hinted that she and boyfriend Adam Hyde are talking marriage as she insisted she would take his surname 'in an instant' if they wed.

It's the second time in recent weeks that the star has implied the pair may be looking to the future.

The podcaster and the Peking Duk musician went public with their romance in June of last year and have teased that things are getting very serious already.

Abbie took to her Instagram Stories recently to reveal that wedding bells might be ringing soon for her and Adam.

She told how she has already tried to reserve the Instagram handle 'Abbie Hyde', which would be her married name if she and Adam tie the knot.

Despite not yet being engaged, Abbie confessed that she tried to nab the username but was left devastated to learn that it has already been taken by someone else.

Abbie also again hinted that she and boyfriend Adam Hyde (left) are talking marriage as she insisted she would take his surname 'in an instant' if they wed

'If [me and Adam] ever break up, I'm actually going to f**king lose it,' she said.

'It took three glasses of Chardonnay [at] an influencer event [for] one of my friends to go 'do you have the Instagram handle saved for Abbie Hyde?' for me to then go and try to reserve Abbie Hyde as an Instagram handle.

'Not doing a bit, I was like I just won't tell Adam, I'll just reserve it now! It's not available by the way, if you were wondering.

'So I don't know what the f**k to do, now I'm plagued with the thought of, what am I going to change my Instagram handle to when I marry him?'

Abbie and Adam have been going from strength-to-strength since debuting their romance and she has even featured in his on-stage performances.

She joined Adam on stage for his band Peking Duk's New Year's Eve set at the Hindley St Music Hall in Adelaide as they rang in 2025 together.

In pictures shared to Instagram, the couple packed on the PDA as they weren't shy of sharing their affections in front of the thousands of fans in the crowds.

One on-stage video showed the couple leading the crowd in the countdown to 2025 before sharing another New Year's kiss.

The podcaster and the Peking Duk musician went public with their romance in June of last year and have teased that things are getting very serious already

Abbie also hammed it up with Adam's Peking Duk bandmate Reuben Styles on stage as they playfully ran at each other and bumped chests in front of the crowds.

Captioning the post, Abbie gushed: 'I had a crush on him for two years so severe I had to mute him on socials and now he stops mid NYE set to tell me he loves me????'

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.

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.

Abbie recently told Stellar Magazine that her relationship with Adam is the best she's ever had.

'It isn't like other people I've had flings with. And this is gonna sound a bit w**ky, but he's had a bigger career than me,' she said after concerns from fans that Adam is 'using her' for fame.

'I don't think he's using me for anything. He's successful in his own right.

'I think I'm cool for being with him, not the other way around.'

Abbie was friends with Adam for two years before they started dating, which she said has added to the trust between them.

'I guess with Adam it's different, because I trust the strength of our relationship,' she said.

'But also, us hanging out isn't a big, new thing. We've been hanging out publicly for years.'
Patsy Palmer has revealed how devastated she is for her children after their 'magical' community in Malibu was destroyed by the Los Angeles wildfires.

The EastEnders star, 52, watched on from London - where she is currently working - as the fires ravaged her 'home city' last week. She has now revealed that, while her home is still standing, she and her family have been left in shock by the damage caused.

On Tuesday, the actress - who relocated to the US in 2014 - appeared on ITV's Lorraine to talk about the ordeal along with her son Fenton, 22, who has flown to the UK to be with his mother.

Patsy shares three children, Fenton, 22, Emilia, 21, and Bertie, 14, with her ex-cabbie husband Richard and Charley Palmer Rothwell, 30 - her UK-based son with former partner Alfie Rothwell. Her first husband was director Nick Love, who is known for the films Football Factory and The Firm.

Patsy explained that miraculously her home has been spared from the fires, just weeks after another fire destroyed her immediate neighbours' houses. Patsy explained that the December blaze led to 'the most grateful Christmas just being in the house'.

'You know it's only stuff, but I really love all my bits and pieces. I know it's nothing compared to human life but for the kids it is their whole world,' she told Lorraine.

Patsy Palmer has revealed how devastated she is for her children after their 'magical' community in Malibu was destroyed by the Los Angeles wildfires (pictured with L-R her son Fenton, 22, daughter Emilia, 21, husband Richard and son Bertie 14)

On Tuesday, the actress appeared on ITV's Lorraine to talk about the ordeal along with her son Fenton, 22, who has flown to the UK to be with his mother

'For me it was really sad thinking of Bertie, you know that age of 14 when you just start hanging around and all your experiences with your friends. That was sad for me to think that has all been taken away from them.

'At drop off we see all the groups of kids and we always say "isn't it lovely they get to hang out in these beautiful places?" It's sunny, late nights, all of it, it's just magical and it's just taken away from them.'

'And these kids have had it happen a lot to them in the last few years. For them it's very traumatising.'

Fenton, who graduated from UCLA last year, told the show that he was keen to fly back to the UK to be with his mum after evacuating last week.

'I was a bit worried about the air quality, so I thought I'd just come be with my mum, but my sister, brother, and dad are still over there as well so hopefully we can get them over here but we have to figure out the dogs as well,' Fenton explained.

'My sister and her mates are getting together. They're helping as many people as they can,' Fenton explained. 'All of my best friends have lost their homes.'

Fenton added how his mum knew more than him about the extent of the fires as they had no power during the evacuation.

'It's the most bizarre thing you will ever go through,' Patsy agreed. 'And you've got no electric or anything so you can't really see what's going on in the news.'

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)

Patsy explained that another fire shortly before Christmas saw her immediate neightbours' houses burn down leading to 'the most grateful Christmas just being in the house'

'You know it's only stuff, but I really love all my bits and pieces. I know it's nothing compared to human life but for the kids it is their whole world,' she told Lorraine

Patsy shares photos of her kids' idyllic life in Malibu, recently posting photos of her youngest son Bertie to celebrate his 14th birthday

In the December birthday post Patsy shared throwback shots of her youngest son enjoying time on the beach near their home

She also confirmed that the family will be returning to LA and won't be moving back to the UK, explaining: 'We're very blessed, you know I'm just happy to wake up in the morning and be alive.'

On Saturday Patsy gave an emotional update on her home, which the family moved to in 2019, as she confirmed it was 'miraculously ok' but admitted she felt 'helpless' as devastating fires continue to sweep her 'hometown.

The EastEnders actress, 52, moved to Malibu in 2014 along with husband Richard and her four 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 often shares an insight into her life on Instagram, posting stunning photos of her breathtaking house, complete with uninterrupted ocean views and a pool

Patsy's model daughter Emilia, 21, also shares photos of her Malibu life with her 125k Instagram followers

On Saturday, Patsy gave an emotional update on her home as she confirmed it was 'miraculously OK'

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

The actress, 52, has been living in the States with her children and husband Richard Merkell for over ten years - relocating in 2014 when her time on EastEnders came to an end

'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 earlier fires hit the area, before 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.'

Patsy has previously 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'

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'

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.

Just last year Patsy admitted she would 'never live in the UK again' as she lives out her 'dream life' in Malibu

Speaking about her move, she previously said: 'We just wanted to try something new, we have a pretty normal life in an extraordinary place'

'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.

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.'

The actress has turned her attention to her career as a DJ, often travelling to Los Angeles, where she has performed at local venue Sunset at EDITION.

Patsy has also found a new passion as she launched her new wellness page on Instagram, Good and Proper, last year.
Richard Hammond is set to discuss his mental health and masculinity in an honest chat with his daughter Izzy, following the TV star's shock marriage split.

The Top Gear star, 55, confirmed the end of their 28-year marriage last week, with reports claiming Mindy, 59, wants to keep the Herefordshire castle in their impending divorce.

The father-daughter duo will be joined by celebrity guests Professor Green, David Harewood and Leigh Francis in the new series of their podcast, Who We Are Now.

It comes just days after Izzy, 24, branded her father an 'idiot' as she reflected on the nature of his job and his terrifying crashes over the years.

In the upcoming series, which will be released January 21, Richard and Izzy will detail their own journeys of self-growth and tackle stigmas.

The hosts will dive into topics including midlife crises, what makes a modern man, the menopause, and how to live a healthier life.

Richard Hammond, 55, is set to discuss his mental health and masculinity in an honest chat with his daughter Izzy, 24, following the TV star's shock marriage split from wife Mindy, 59,

The father-daughter duo will be joined by celebrity guests Professor Green, David Harewood and Leigh Francis in the new series of their podcast, Who We Are Now

The Top Gear star confirmed the end of their 28-year marriage last weeks, with reports claiming Mindy wants to keep the Herefordshire castle (pictured together in 2024)

Last week, Izzy shared an insight into her mother Mindy's 'frustrations' as she confessed her dad was not really around a lot during her childhood as he was away filming Top Gear and The Grand Tour.

Appearing on Ben Fowler's podcast Road To Success just days before the news of her parents' split, Izzy was asked: 'Would you call your dad a daredevil or an idiot?'

The keen motorhead replied: 'We've done handbrake turns around roundabouts, sorry I know that's incredibly illegal you might have to cut that out. He's an idiot'.

'He has that thing that racing drivers have where they just don't have the fear. Everyone has that line where it's like "okay I know where the line is", he just doesn't have that. He really genuinely would just go and go and go.'

In 2006 the presenter suffered life-threatening head injuries and was in a coma following a high-speed crash during filming for the hit BBC show.

Then later in 2017, Mindy publicly warned her husband that he would have to quit TV if he crashed his car badly again - after he was involved in a second high-speed crash.

Discussing how her father wasn't always around for her and her sister Willow, 22, she added: 'I always think it must be frustrating for my mum because probably some of my happiest memories are ironically with my dad because he wasn't there that much because he was filming.

'He wasn't there a lot and that's all I really knew growing up.'

In the upcoming series, which will be released January 21, Richard and Izzy will detail their own journeys of self-growth and tackle stigmas

It comes just days after Izzy branded her father an 'idiot' as she reflected on the nature of his job and his terrifying crashes over the years

The content creator confessed despite her dad not being around a lot during her childhood, some of her best memories have been with him (pictured together in April)

Richard, outside his Hereford workshop, was seen for the first time after splitting with his wife. He appeared to still be wearing a wedding ring in photos taken on Saturday

She explained some work trips meant he was gone for over a month adding: 'I mean I'm not this is sounding like I had some awful childhood, I really didn't at all.

'I think my parents were really good at navigating because they had no idea what was going to happen.

'But they were very good at sort of drip feeding information so we'd know a bit what he was doing but not enough to worry us because most of the time they were doing stupid stuff that we really shouldn't know about.'

Mindy previously said she had warned Richard about his reckless behaviour, saying to him: 'I did say three strikes and youre out. Youve had two goes.

Appearing on ITV's This Morning, Mindy said: 'He has one of these every ten years so Ive marked the next one in my diary.

Richard has repeatedly apologised to his wife and two daughters for putting them through more trauma.

Mindy said: Ive got teenage daughters and a nine-year-old man.

Meanwhile Izzy also opened up on the impact of her dad's terrifying Top Gear crash as she explained he could 'barely function, let alone be a father'.

She admitted: 'He has that thing that racing drivers have where they just don't have the fear. Everyone has that line where it's like "okay I know where the line is", he just doesn't have that' (pictured Richard's 2006 Top Gear crash)

Discussing how her father wasn't always around for her and her sister Willow, 22, she added: 'Some of my happiest memories are ironically with my dad because he wasn't there that much'

Richard has repeatedly apologised to his wife and two daughters for putting them through more trauma (pictured in 2017)

Izzy was just seven-years-old at the time, however in a recent podcast, released just days before Richard and his wife Mindy announced their split, she spoke candidly about how the incident affected the family and left him 'doolally'.

She explained: 'Obviously the crash affected all of us in varying different ways.

'I think I was seven and it was more the recovery I think that really was the thing that affected us as a family because he was absolutely doolally for months and months afterwards.

'He was just not with it at all and so I just have a lot of gaps in memory of him as a dad because for a long time he was barely a human, like he could barely function and was trying to relearn how to be a human being let alone be a father figure.'

At the time Mindy flew to be at her husband's bedside after he careered off the Swiss hillside after Richard was left in a coma for two weeks following the accident.

Last week, MailOnline revealed that Richard's wife Mindy ended their marriage months ago.

The former Top Gear star had been desperately trying to save his 28-year marriage until very recently, but the couple publicly announced they were splitting for good on Thursday.

Their shock split comes amid claims from insiders that Richard has become increasingly harder to live with in recent years due to injuries sustained in two near-fatal car crashes.

He endured a second brush with death after his 2million Rimac supercar careered off a hill and burst into flames as he raced at high speed through rural Switzerland in 2017

As part of an impending divorce battle, Mindy reportedly wants to keep the 7million Bollitree Castle in Herefordshire

An insider told the Mail: 'Richard has been through an awful lot and the knock-on effect from the crashes has impacted his relationship.

'It's understandable given the sheer magnitude of the accidents and the impact caused both physically and mentally, he's done so well to recover and get back to normal life.

'But they have changed him, there's no getting away from it, and his relationship with Mindy has been harmed during the fallout.'

Richard's representatives declined to comment when contacted by MailOnline.

As part of an impending divorce, Mindy reportedly wants to keep the 7million Bollitree Castle in Herefordshire.

In the wake of their split, Richard was said to have been banished to his converted barn where he stored his motorbikes, but has now moved to a rented property in a nearby village where he runs his 'Smallest Cog' car-restoration garage.

Richard married Mindy in 2002 after they first met back in 1995, with the presenter previously sharing that there was an instant attraction between them.

The new series of Who We Are Now with Izzy & Richard Hammond is available to listen to from Tuesday 21st January on Global Player, and all major platforms.
Gabby Allen and Marcel Somerville discuss sharing a bed together in Tuesday night's upcoming episode of Love Island: All Stars.

Scott Thomas also wastes no time grafting the girls as he pulls over India Reynolds for a flirty chat after they were coupled up together by the public.

As they battle to get airtime, Gabby and Marcel sit down for a long overdue chat about how they're feeling since they arrived.

Fitness influencer Gabby, 32, 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.

Joking about the public coupling them up, Gabby says: 'Theyre so used to seeing us together!'

She adds: 'Never thought Id share a bed with you again!'

Sparks fly high during Tuesday night's upcoming episode as the islanders scurry to get the most airtime with their flirty chats (India, Kaz and Gabby pictured)

Gabby Allen (pictured) and Marcel Somerville joke about sharing a bed together as they sit down for a long overdue chat

Getting chocked up, Marcel says: 'I feel better saying the things I should have said then. Im getting emotional'

Marcel and Gabby also said they fear their amicable friendship will give their fellow islanders the wrong impression.

Meanwhile, India opens up to Scott about past relationships and already drops the bomb about how many children he wants.

When Scott asks India what shes looking for she says: 'A husband and four children!'

Scott asks: 'Do you judge me on the old Scott?'

India laughs: 'No I judge you on the new one!'

Love Island All Star's latest bombshell has been revealed and is set to make a huge entrance in the episode.

Casey O'Gorman, who appeared on 2023's winter series and the first edition of All Star last year, will enter the South African villa and immediately ruffle feathers.

Fitness influencer Gabby, 32, hasn't seen the Blazin' Squad star, 39, (pictured) for six years after their relationship ended shortly after their stint in 2017 when Marcel cheated on her

Joking about the public coupling them up, Gabby says: 'Theyre so used to seeing us together! Never thought Id share a bed with you again!'

Scott Thomas also wastes no time grafting the girls' as he pulls over India Reynolds for a flirty chat after they were coupled up together by the public

India opens up to Scott about past relationships and already drops the bomb about how many children he wants

When Scott asks India what shes looking for she says: 'A husband and four children!'

In explosive scenes, Casey and one of the girls will clash heads after having a previous run-in outside the villa with neither of them holding back.

As he enters the villa, Olivia Hawkins laughs: 'Not again!'

One Islander in particular wastes no time in letting Casey know their opinion of him as when he starts explaining his team, the islander quips: 'Love Island girls outside the Villa, too.'

On his decision to return to Love Island for the third time, Casey said: 'Getting to go in within the first few days of the show, I feel like Ive got such a big opportunity to find someone and hopefully come out of the Villa potentially with a girlfriend.'

And it's no shock Casey's best pal Tom Clare will be rooting for him from the outside.

Casey said: 'When I was unsure about doing it for a third time - it is a lot - he was very much like, "Casey, you need to do it. Look at what happened to me and Id love that to happen to you and actually find someone. Doing it is such a good opportunity to do that". He said he has a really good feeling about this time for me.'

It comes after Ekin-Su Culculoglu returned to the ITV dating series at the end of Monday night's episode.

The former winner, 30, who scooped the 50,000 cash prize with ex Davide in June 2022, made her return at the end of the highly-anticipated launch show as she once again entered as a bombshell.

Love Island All Star's latest bombshell has been revealed and is set to make a huge entrance in the episode (Maya Jama pictured)

Casey O'Gorman, who appeared on 2023's winter series and the first edition of All Star last year, will enter the South African villa and immediately ruffle feathers

In explosive scenes, Casey and one of the girls clash heads after having a previous run-in outside the villa with neither of them holding back

One Islander in particular wastes no time in letting Casey know their opinion of him as when he starts explaining his team, the islander quips: 'Love Island girls outside the Villa, too' (pictured in 2023)

Speaking ahead of her comeback, the brunette beauty said: 'I want to return to Love Island again because it's where my journey started and has a special place in my heart.

'It's somewhere I've laughed, cried and learnt so much. The fact that there's an opportunity to do it again - why not!

'Why can't a winner go back in and re-write her story and have a second chance?! I think you should follow your gut and my gut is telling me to go back, so I'm listening to it.'

When quizzed on what she's looking for this time around, Ekin-Su revealed she wants 'someone who isn't overly self-obsessed and someone that's aware of flaws because we all have them.'

In what could be a swipe at Davide, she added: 'I'd like a man that will love me when I'm in the worst mood possible but still understands why and has no judgments.

'I'd like someone supportive, I don't care about looks and money - I want someone to be my biggest cheerleader.'

When it comes to red flags, the biggest one for Ekin-Su is 'someone selling the dream at the start, being perfect - because that's not real.'

She insisted: 'Real love and connection starts with the journey, a friendship and getting to know one another first.'

It comes after Ekin-Su Culculoglu returned to the ITV dating series at the end of Monday night's episode after previously scooping up the 50,000 cash prize with ex Davide in June 2022

It comes as Love Island All Stars viewers were left aghast by the show 'married and touching 40 years old' contestants during Monday's much-anticipated launch show and declared: 'This isn't for senior citizens!'.

The ITV2 series welcomed back a whole host of former stars with many now much older and with plenty of baggage as fans fumed they were 'embarrassing' themselves by returning to the villa.

While Marcel was the eldest at 39 and admitted he was still married, Scott Thomas was 36, making them both a decade older than youngest singleton Catherine Agbaje, 24.

Meanwhile Naz Majeed, 28, and Curtis Pritchard, also 28, revealed they were fresh out of relationships leaving viewers at home shouting at the TV.
David Spade has offered $5,000 to anyone who catches and gets police to arrest arsonists in Los Angeles.

The comedian, 60, made the announcement on his Instagram Stories page amid reports of people starting fires as California continues to be ravaged by deadly wildfires.

He said in a video filmed inside his car: 'I'm out in California and people are saying there's guys lighting fires out there, make this s*** worse.

'So, if you can find someone lighting a fire, and you catch somebody, and you get the cops to bust them and throw them in jail, I'll give you $5,000.

'So, keep your eyes peeled and do what you can out there.'

David spoke out after a homeless man was detained by LAPD for allegedly using a blowtorch to light up discarded Christmas trees and trash in Woodland Hills.

David Spade has offered $5,000 to anyone who catches and gets police to arrest arsonists in Los Angeles. The comedian, 60, made the announcement on his Instagram Stories page amid reports of people starting fires as California continues to be ravaged by deadly wildfires. Seen January 5

Spade is seen on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles on January 4

He was spotted at the same time the devastating Kenneth Fire had started  but police could not officially charge him with arson because they couldn't prove he had a direct connection to the blazes.

Among the stars who have given disaster relief cash to the needy in the wake of the fires are Jamie Lee Curtis.

The actress, 66, and her husband Christopher Guest, 62, have donated $1 million to those affected by the LA blazes.

She said on Instagram about the donation: '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 neighbours and friends are banding together to save each other, 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.'

Jamie had made a trip to New York City for a live television interview with Jimmy Fallon on Wednesday (08.01.25) when she heard the wildfires atrocity had started to erupt.

A firefighter monitors the spread of the Auto Fire in Oxnard, northwest of Los Angeles, California, on January 13

Speaking on Jimmy's 'Tonight Show' after she arrived, the actress said: 'I'm literally just about to cry. As you know where I live is on fire right now. 'Literally the entire city of the Pacific Palisades is burning. I flew here last night. I was on the plane, started getting texts and it's gnarly, you guys.

'It's just a catastrophe in Southern California.

'Obviously, there have been horrific fires in many places this is literally where I live.'

This comes after Julia Roberts delivered a spicy comment to criminals who are preying on the vulnerable during the LA fires.

On Monday the Pretty Woman star took to Instagram with a rare remark.

'F.U. looters,' wrote the mother of three who is married to movie cinematographer Danny Moder.

Indeed, looters are still targeting empty mansions in the $10M range that have been left unsupervised as families evacuate. In many areas the fire alarms are off because the power is out. And police are not accessing the areas easily due to fire hazards.

This comes as California governor Gavin Newsom accused the tech billionaire Elon Musk of 'encouraging looting.'

Elon has been sharing disinformation; Musk, who is President-elect Donald Trump's supporter.

Julia Roberts delivered a spicy comment to criminals who are preying on the vulnerable during the LA fires. On Monday the Pretty Woman star took to Instagram with a rare remark; seen in 2022

'F.U. looters,' wrote the mother of three who is married to movie cinematographer Danny Moder. Indeed, looters are still targeting empty mansions that have been left unsupervised as families evacuate. In many areas the fire alarms are off because the power is out. And police are not accessing the areas easily

Musk said that Gavin was decriminalizing looting but that is not true.

'Stop encouraging looting by lying and telling people it's decriminalized. It's not,' Newsom wrote. 'It's illegal  as it always has been.'

About 30 people have been arrested for suspected looting.

Most of Julia's post was about the devastation over the Palisades fires. 'There is so much healing and help needed. We will get through this,' wrote the Oscar-winning star.

She then plugged a talent agency that is reaching out with money.

'@caafoundation alongside @coreresponse @eifoundation @lausd are launching SoCal Fire Fund to assist in providing Immediate and Long Term support for all those impacted by these current fires.'

Julia is known to have owned a home in Malibu.

She then moved to San Francisco but sold her home. She has since been seen in the Bay Area, but it is not clear where she resides.

This comes after news the Oscars nominations have been delayed for a second time as wildfires raged across Los Angeles, according to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

The Academy previously offered a two-day extension to the voting window 'to give members more time to cast their ballots', pushing back the nominations announcement until January 19 as thousands were evacuated from their homes.

On Monday, chief executive Bill Kramer and Academy president Janet Yang confirmed nominations for the 97th Oscars will be rescheduled until January 23 in a virtual event 'without in-person media coverage'.

'We are all devastated by the impact of the fires and the profound losses experienced by so many in our community,' a joint statement said.

'The Academy has always been a unifying force within the film industry, and we are committed to standing together in the face of hardship.

Most of Julia's post was about the devastation over the Palisades fires. 'There is so much healing and help needed. We will get through this,' wrote the Oscar-winning star

'Due to the still-active fires in the Los Angeles area, we feel it is necessary to extend our voting period and move the date of our nominations announcement to allow additional time for our members.'

Mr Kramer and Ms Yang also confirmed they have made 'imperative' changes to scheduled events, including cancelling the annual nominees luncheon, to be 'sensitive to the infrastructure and lodging needs of the region in these next few weeks'.

The Oscars ceremony remains scheduled for Sunday, March 2 at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood.
Love Island is joining the support drive for Heidi Montag after she lost her family home in the Los Angeles wildfires.

MailOnline can reveal that the ITV2 show will play Heidi's song I'll Do It during Tuesday night's episode of its All Star series, which kicked off on Monday.

The show of support for Heidi, who alongside her husband Spencer Pratt has starred on The Hills and Celebrity Big Brother UK, comes after fans propelled her album to number one.

The Spiedi fan club has rallied behind the couple in the week since they lost the 2million house they share with their two sons to the devastating fires.

Heidi's debut album Superficial was officially released 15 years earlier but failed to land on any music charts, only selling around 1,000 copies in its first week.

But now the album has reached number one, prompting a delighted Spencer to gush about his love for his Brit fanbase on TikTok: 'Oh My God, my Brits over the pond they've got Speidi's back. Number one on iTunes.'

Love Island is joining the support drive for Heidi Montag after she and Spencer Pratt lost their family home in the Los Angeles wildfires

The ITV2 show will play Heidi's song I'll Do It during Tuesday night's episode of its All Star series, which kicked off on Monday

Celebrities such as supermodel Emily Ratajkowski have also shared their support for Heidi and Spencer by listening to the song on social media.

While grooving to the album inside her living room, model Emily declared,: 'Didn't expect this Heidi Montag song to be the soundtrack to the 2025 apocalypse but you know what f*** yeah.'

Heidi shared her gratitude in a video on Saturday. Acknowledging the album's original January 11 release date, she gushed: 'It's the 15 year anniversary of Superficial, so the timing is crazy, it's just so crazy. Thank you.'

The couple are also pursuing a new TV deal as they seek financial support after losing their home in the LA fires.

On Saturday, Spencer took to TikTok to update fans about their efforts to land a TV project, revealing his agents have a 'big call' with Hulu on Monday and urging fans to flood the streaming service's social media with requests for a new 'Speidi' show.

'So then on Monday, Hulus social media department calls and goes, "You better give Heidi and Spencer a new docuseries about rebuilding their lives and their house out of the rubble,"' Spencer said with a smile.

His raw honesty, along with the emotional moments shared with Heidi, has sparked an outpouring of fan support.

The show of support for Heidi, who alongside her husband Spencer Pratt has starred on The Hills and Celebrity Big Brother UK, comes after fans propelled her album to number one

The Spiedi fan club has rallied behind the couple in the week since they lost the 2million house they share with their two sons to the devastating fires

One tweeted, 'Im so happy for Heidi and Spencer and I love that so many are trying to help them. They lost everything.'

Heidi previously admitted she she only has 'two pairs of jeans and two shirts' left after she and husband Spencer were forced to flee their Pacific Palisades home.

The couple evacuated the property with their two sons after huge fires began to spread through the exclusive celebrity enclave, and images have since shown that their property has been destroyed.

Love Island: All Stars continues on ITV2 at 9pm.
Brooke Shields revealed that sex for her is 'painful' after menopause due to a diminishing drive and vaginal dryness as well as the vaginal rejuvenation procedure she didn't consent to years ago while undergoing a labia reduction.

'On a personal level, I'm in a place where sex can be painful,' the 59-year-old former child star wrote in chapter 10 of her newly-released book Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old.

'For me to fully enjoy sex at this point, I need my lotions and potions, the right sleepwear (maybe calling it sleepwear is contributing to the problem), my special pillow, and maybe a tequila so I can relax.'

Brooke continued: 'My doctor told me I should start taking testosterone  sure you might get a few more whiskers, but that's what tweezers are for  but I haven't gotten there yet. For now, I'm counting on the old "the more you have it, the more you'll enjoy it" approach.'

Shields recalls having a 'fervent sex drive' after losing her virginity, at age 22, to her Princeton University boyfriend, but she still felt inhibited.

Brooke Shields revealed that sex for her is 'painful' after menopause due to a diminishing drive and vaginal dryness as well as the vaginal rejuvenation procedure she didn't consent to years ago while undergoing a labia reduction (pictured Monday)

'I never felt like I could step into that appetite in the way that I wanted to,' the empty nester recalled.

'I waited that long [to have sex] because I had the weight of the world on me. And even once we started sleeping together, I never really let loose. Oh, how I wish I'd just let the lust take over!'

Brooke originally met her second husband Chris Henchy in 1999 on the Warner Bros lot, and they celebrated 23 years of wedded bliss last April.

'And now here I am, more than 35 years later, sometimes pretending I'm asleep when I know Chris is in the mood. And that has nothing to do with Chris  he's hot!' Shields admitted.

'I'm going through all the bodily s*** that comes with aging as a woman even in the best of times  the thinning hair and the peach fuzz and the brand-new belly fat and vaginal dryness and the diminishing sex drive  and in my natural state I feel less appealing to him than I ever did before.'

The native New Yorker and the 60-year-old retired movie producer are proud parents of two daughters - Grier, 18; and Rowan, 21 - who are both enrolled at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC.

Brooke co-authored her 256-page, sixth literary effort with Rachel Bertsche, and she kicks off her seven-date book tour at the Peter Jay Sharp Theatre in Manhattan on Tuesday night.

Shields will next executive produce and star as intrusive gynecologist Dr. Wright in Arnon Manor and Kelsey Bascom's upcoming diabetes coming-of-age comedy Quarter alongside her BFF Ali Wentworth, Raven-Symone, Eric Roberts, and Breckin Meyer.

The 59-year-old former child star wrote in chapter 10 of her newly-released book Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old: 'On a personal level, I'm in a place where sex can be painful'

Brooke continued: 'For me to fully enjoy sex at this point, I need my lotions and potions, the right sleepwear (maybe calling it sleepwear is contributing to the problem), my special pillow, and maybe a tequila so I can relax'

Shields added: 'My doctor told me I should start taking testosterone  sure you might get a few more whiskers, but that's what tweezers are for  but I haven't gotten there yet. For now, I'm counting on the old "the more you have it, the more you'll enjoy it" approach'

The empty nester recalls having a 'fervent sex drive' after losing her virginity, at age 22, to her Princeton University boyfriend, but she still felt inhibited (pictured in 1988)

Brooke wrote: 'I never felt like I could step into that appetite in the way that I wanted to. I waited that long [to have sex] because I had the weight of the world on me. And even once we started sleeping together, I never really let loose. Oh, how I wish I'd just let the lust take over!'

Shields originally met her second husband Chris Henchy in 1999 on the Warner Bros lot, and they celebrated 23 years of wedded bliss last April (pictured December 25)

The native New Yorker admitted: 'And now here I am, more than 35 years later, sometimes pretending I'm asleep when I know Chris is in the mood. And that has nothing to do with Chris  he's hot!' (pictured December 23)

Brooke and the 60-year-old retired movie producer are proud parents of two daughters - Grier, 18; and Rowan, 21 - who are both enrolled at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC (pictured December 25)

Shields co-authored her 256-page, sixth literary effort with Rachel Bertsche, and she kicks off her seven-date book tour at the Peter Jay Sharp Theatre in Manhattan on Tuesday night
Christina Applegate lashed out at people who think the LA fires are 'good' - and people have presumptions that Hollywood is only filled with celebrities and not normal people.

The actress, 53, spoke out about the fires and the criticism around them in the January 14th podcast episode with Jamie-Lynn Sigler for their MeSsy podcast.

Christina, who has Multiple Sclerosis, revealed that she had to evacuate her Hollywood Hills home for a few days due tot her fires and has a bag packed in case they have to urgently leave again.

'There's not really words for it,' Jamie-Lynn, 43, said of the fires.

'You know what I have words for? F*** people who are saying that it's, you know, good. It's Hollywood and those stupid Hollywood people. Like, you've gotta be kidding me,' Christina said.

She also said that the city of Los Angeles is not just celebrities, as some trolls may think: 'We're a small portion of the city.'

Christina Applegate lashed out at people who think the LA fires are 'good' and that Hollywood is only filled with celebrities and not normal people.

'I mean, this is a city of people that are working their a****s off at fast food chains or, you know, f***** builders and painters, and it's a myriad of groups of humans here, so to say good riddance is real sick, and I'm not liking that whatsoever,' Christina added.

Jamie advised Christina to 'tune out' the critics and trolls, to which Christina said: 'I've tuned it out because they're ridiculous, but I'm calling them out right now.'

Jamie said of the people of Los Angeles: 'They're all there for big dreams, and they work top to bottom, work their f****n a**** off.'

Jamie continued: 'And sure. Is there a group of people that have been affected that will have the ability to rebuild their lives? I wouldn't say easily, but soon? Yes.'

Adding: 'And are there thousands of other people that literally have no idea where they will begin? Yes. And we have to hold both of them in our hearts.'

The devastating fires in LA have led to over 40,000 acres burned and 24 people killed.

Over 150,000 people have evacuated due to the massive infernos - with the Palisades Fire being the largest ongoing fire and the Eaton Fire as the second.

The AP reported that over 12,000 structures have since burned in fires.

'You know what I have words for? F*** people who are saying that it's, you know, good. It's Hollywood and those stupid Hollywood people. Like, you've gotta be kidding me,' Christina said

The devastating fires in LA have led to over 40,000 acres burned and 24 people killed

The outlet noted that the burn area is larger than the city of San Francisco.

The LA fires began on Tuesday morning amid strong Santa Ana winds battering the area.

A number of celebrity homes have been destroyed in the fires, including Leighton Meester and Adam Brody's home, Ana Faris, Jeff Bridges, Paris Hilton, Mel Gibson, Miles Teller, Jhene Aiko, Anthony Hopkins and more.

Christina is battling chronic autoimmune disease Multiple Sclerosis, which she was diagnosed with in 2021.

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that causes damage to the nerve sheaths in the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms can include numbness, speech impairment, difficulties with muscular coordination, blurred vision, and severe fatigue.

The Bad Moms actress shares daughter, Sadie, 13, with husband Martyn LeNoble, 55.
Lauren Goodger has broken her silence after the news her ex partner Mark Wright is expecting a baby with wife Michelle Keegan.

The former TOWIE star had a decade-long relationship with co-star Mark until 2012 and was reportedly left 'devastated and anxious' after the announcement.

However, the reality star has now expressed her happiness for the couple's baby news as she insisted: 'I'm so happy he is going to be a dad, and I mean it.'

Speaking to Closer, Lauren confirmed: 'I'm not anxious, upset, or planning to leave Essex, and it didn't ruin my Christmas!'

Acknowledging that people will always be fascinated by her relationship with Mark due to their TOWIE past together she said she has moved on with her life.

The star added: 'It doesn't affect my life whether Mark is having a baby, I'm not obsessed with him, my life will carry on.'

Lauren Goodger has broken her silence on her ex Mark Wright and Michelle Keegan's baby news after reports she was left 'devastated and anxious' by the pregnancy announcement

However, the reality star has now expressed her happiness for the couple's baby news as she insisted: 'I'm so happy he is going to be a dad, and I mean it'

It comes after Lauren was hit with reports she was 'super anxious' that she may bump into happy couple Mark and Michelle as they both live near one another in Essex.

A source previously told The Sun: 'The news has been a huge blow to Lauren and she is devastated, especially as she's not had a great Christmas, so it's the icing on the cake.

'It's hit her hard, Mark's building his perfect family and she's being left behind.'

They continued: 'She's always had a lot of love for Mark, they were once childhood sweethearts and in an ideal world she would have reunited with him.

'Plus Michelle and Mark live close by, so she is super anxious that she will bump into them at some point which will be horrific for her.'

Lauren denied the comments to The Sun and MailOnline contacted Lauren's representatives for comment.

Mark and Lauren, who were together for ten years on and off, rose to fame on the ITVBe reality series, with storylines revolving around his numerous flirtations with other women, including Lucy Mecklenburgh and Sam Faiers.

Mark and Lauren even got engaged on TOWIE in March 2011 - only for the Essex lad to call things off five months later - and there has been bad blood between the pair ever since.

The star added: 'It doesn't affect my life whether Mark is having a baby, I'm not obsessed with him, my life will carry on'

The former TOWIE star had a decade-long relationship with co-star Mark until 2012 and she is now upset that she has 'been left behind'; pictured 2011

A source said: 'The news has been a huge blow to Lauren and she is devastated. It's hit her hard, Mark's building his perfect family and she's being left behind'; pictured 2011

A year and a half later, Mark and Michelle met on a group holiday to Dubai and fell madly in love.

In September 2013, less than a year after their New Year's break, the pair were engaged, trying the knot in May 2015.

But it hasn't always been smooth sailing between the happy couple and Lauren, although things are cordial these days.

Ahead of his wedding to Michelle, the former reality star took to social media to hit out at his long-term love on Twitter after a war words.

He had seemingly taken issue a Lauren's not-so-cryptic post, reading, 'She's the kind of girl a guy meets when he's too young and he f**ks up because there's too much living to do. But later he realises she's perfect'.,

Mark declared: 'If your reading this, please PLEASE respect my wife and STOP. I wish you well but leave me, my life and my wife out of it. Im sure there is other ways to make money [sic].'

He then went on to re-tweet a series of responses from fans, all supporting his stance.

Presenter Mark and former Coronation Street actress Michelle shared their happy news they are expecting their first child on Sunday in a sweet Instagram post.

Netflix star Michelle cradled her blossoming bump and wrote: '2025 is going to be a special one for us'

The couple received hundreds of congratulatory messages from friends and family on their Instagram post including from Rochelle Humes, Kelly Brook, Vicky Pattison, and best pal Arg.

Michelle and Mark's close pal has seemingly hinted that they are expecting a baby boy.

As fans and famous friends flooded the comments with their congratulations Michelle and Mark's pal Dylan Hunt, who owns Essex restaurant Sheesh, appeared to let the cat out of the bag, The Sun reports.

As fans and famous friends flooded the comments with their congratulations Michelle and Mark's pal Dylan Hunt (centre) who owns Essex restaurant Sheesh, let the cat out of the bag

With the entrepreneur teasing that Michelle and Mark's son could date his daughter Gia while offering his own congratulations

With the entrepreneur teasing that Michelle and Mark's son could date his daughter Gia while offering his own congratulations.

He wrote: 'Make sure he's Good Looking and Rich, then I might let him take Gia out'.

The publication also reported that one fan quickly spotted the clue and commented: 'So it's a boy lol'.

Meanwhile in her announcement Michelle shared a baby emoji sucking a blue dummy, which will no doubt leave fans speculating further.

The couple are frequent visitors to the restaurant and recently celebrated Mark's father's 68th birthday there.

It comes after Mark admitted the prospect of starting a family with wife Michelle was 'hard work' - eight years before announcing her pregnancy.

He had previously insisted he would wait for 'a year or two' before starting a family with former Coronation Street star Michelle, who he married in 2015, with the couple opting to put their careers first.

Appearing on Loose Women in 2016, he said: 'It's hard work with the pressure of having babies.'

The couple are frequent visitors to the restaurant and recently celebrated Mark's father's 68th birthday there (Wright family pictured)

Sheesh Restaurant in Essex pictured

The former TOWIE cast-member admitted much of the pressure came from his own family, as well as the expectation that any children they have will inherit their good looks.

He joked: 'We're going to give birth to an ugly duckling and let everyone down.

'Aunty Debbie is the first of the sisters to become a grandmother and she tells my mum every day that being a grandmother is so much better than being a mum.

'So now, my mum's on our case. Hurry up and make it happen, I want to be a nan.'

He added: 'I think we've got another year or two of her nagging and we'll just have to do it. When she gives birth there will be 300 Wrights around her.'

Michelle also revealed her 'frustration' at the constant questions she received about her baby plans.

Speaking to You Magazine in 2021, she also said: 'I'm used to people asking me but it's no one else's business.

'Nobody else knows what goes on behind closed doors. I think that's the reason that question affects me so much  it's very private! Mark is asked about it occasionally but I'm asked every single time.'

It comes after Mark admitted the prospect of starting a family with wife Michelle was 'hard work' - eight years before announcing her pregnancy

Michelle previously revealed her 'frustration' at the constant questions she received about her baby plans with Mark

Asked whether her family still asked her about her plans, she confessed: 'Not any more! People don't mean any harm by it, but they know what the answer's going to be.'

During a 2019 interview, Michelle, who was 32 at the time, spoke of her 'frustration' over being constantly asked, saying: 'In this day and age, you shouldn't ask questions like that.'

She said: 'They don't know the background of what's happening. It's no one else's business.

'I get so frustrated. I'm asked purely because I'm a woman. But I'm immune to it now  it's like a reaction and as soon as I hear it I brush it off, as it's no one else's business.'
EastEnders legend Pam St Clement sent fans wild when she was spotted shopping in Oxford this week.

The actress, 82, who starred as The Queen Vic's iconic barmaid Pat Butcher until 2012, was wearing quirky silver sunglasses while loading up her car boot after a shopping trip.

A TikTok user filmed the moment from their car, which was parked opposite Pam's. They shared it with their followers and captioned it: 'Queen Pat.'

Underneath the clip, one fan wrote: 'She's an icon'; 'The living legend';

'The queen isn't aging!!!'

Last year, Pam channelled her famous character Pat Butcher over the weekend when she stopped for a pint in Oxfordshire.

EastEnders legend Pam St Clement sent fans wild when she was spotted shopping in Oxford this week

The actress, 82, starred as The Queen Vic's iconic barmaid until 2012

She surprised fans when got behind the bar at McCafferty's at the White Hart in Bicester.

Pam joined a member of staff at the Irish pub for a photo, flashing a smile as she poured a pint.

She wrapped up warm in a white padded coat with a leopard print shirt layered underneath for her outing.

Sharing the photo to Facebook over the weekend, a member of staff from the pub wrote: 'Pat Butcher from Eastender's famous TV programme popped into McCafferty's to say hello.'

After 26 years in Walford, Pat left the square on New Year's Day 2012.

Pam revealed she had decided to kill off her character and felt that Albert Square was no longer realistic enough.

In a frank interview at the time she warned EastEnders producers that the popular soap was just too violent.

Pam said: 'I'm not too sure that one little area of London has quite so much violence and adultery as ours does.'

She was wearing quirky silver sunglasses while loading up her car boot after a shopping trip

Underneath the clip, one fan wrote: 'She's an icon'; 'The living legend'

Last year, Pam channelled her famous character Pat Butcher over the weekend when she stopped for a pint in Oxfordshire

Pam, who first appeared in Albert Square in 1986, filmed her final scenes in 2011 when her character, after being diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer, returned home to die

She continued: 'Maybe in the search to be over more interesting we are always pinning stories on things that are ever more 'out there', rather than remembering that good stories are about what happens in people's hearts and in their relationships.'

Pam, who first appeared in Albert Square in 1986, repeatedly told off producers for dismissing good story lines and not developing characters enough.

Her character was married four times, had worked as a prostitute and served time in prison, but her final scene in the soap was her most dramatic.

After being diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer, Pat returned to her home to die surrounded by her family.

Her exit also marked the end of an era as she was the last Walford matriarch remaining.
The nominations for the 2025 Oscars have been 'further delayed' amid the deadly L.A. wildfires but the ceremony is still scheduled for March 2, and everybody is saying the same thing about the show.

Earlier this week on Monday, it was revealed that the voting period has been extended to January 17 - after previously being postponed to January 14.

The announcement of the nominations will now take place on January 23.

However, social media users have shared their thoughts on the event, and suggested that the ceremony itself be changed to a telethon fundraiser to help raise money for the victims of the fires that began last week.

As of Tuesday, the catastrophic blazes have destroyed over 12,000 structures with the death toll rising to 24. A number of residents and celebrities have lost their homes including Miles Teller, Paris Hilton, Billy Crystal and Anthony Hopkins.

Four members of the Academy's board of governors as well as the former CEO additionally lost their houses in the fires, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Desperately Seeking Susan actress, Rosanna Arquette, 65, jumped to the app BlueSky to offer her own idea.

The nominations for the 2025 Oscars have been 'further delayed' amid the deadly L.A. wildfires but the ceremony is still scheduled for March 2 - and everybody is saying the same thing; Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande seen at 2024 Oscars in Hollywood

Earlier this week on Monday, it was revealed that the voting period has been extended to January 17 - after previously being postponed to January 14. The announcement of the nominations will now take place on January 23

'I'd love to see the Sag awards and Oscar and Grammys this year turn the shows into telethons to raise money for the community...'

'The city of los angeles, for families who've lost their homes and pets and life's memories and for our beloved fire fighters that have saved lives,' she wrote.

Her followers agreed, with one penning, 'How about the swag bags instead be usable gifts for those who lost homes or workplaces or jobs in those homes and workplaces!'

Another added, 'There used to be telethons all the time when I was growing up. That's a great idea! I was just thinking the other day why they stopped doing them.'

One follower applauded Arquette's suggestion and added, 'Couldn't agree more. Great idea!'

Over on X, other social media users also expressed their opinions for the 97th Annual Academy Awards.

A fan wrote, 'The Oscars have such a huge cultural impact - maybe they can lead the way in revitalizing the city. It's all about innovation and community, right?'

During an interview with Variety, Rosanna expanded on her post and told the outlet, 'This year, it's not just about celebrating art. It's about using art to rebuild, inspire and help those who need it most.'

As of Tuesday, the catastrophic blazes have destroyed over 12,000 structures with the death toll rising to 24; taken on January 7 in Pacific Palisades

Desperately Seeking Susan actress, Rosanna Arquette, 65, jumped to the app BlueSky to offer her own idea; seen in 2022 in L.A.

'I'd love to see the Sag awards and Oscar and Grammys this year turn the shows into telethons to raise money for the community,' she wrote

Her followers agreed, with one penning, 'How about the swag bags instead be usable gifts for those who lost homes or workplaces or jobs in those homes and workplaces!'

Another added, 'There used to be telethons all the time when I was growing up. That's a great idea! I was just thinking the other day why they stopped doing them'

One follower applauded Arquette's suggestion and added, 'Couldn't agree more. Great idea!'

A fan wrote, 'The Oscars have such a huge cultural impact - maybe they can lead the way in revitalizing the city. It's all about innovation and community, right?'

The Whole Nine Yards star said, 'I woke up the other night thinking, "What if we did a Jerry Lewis-style telethon but integrated it with the Oscars?"'

'Imagine Billy Crystal opening the show. He lost his home, but he's the perfect person to unite the room, to remind us of what we can achieve together.'

She shared her vision of both nominees and presenters helping to raise funds in real time - while dressed casually rather than tuxedos and gowns.

'Picture the best actor winner holding their Oscar in one hand and a cell phone in the other, taking donations from around the world. This could raise billions.'

Arquette - whose sister is fellow actress Patricia Arquette - continued, 'Let's have firefighters, teachers and community heroes on stage with the nominees. They're the backbone of this city, and they deserve to be seen.'

The star then emphasized, 'This isn't about actors rebuilding their mansions. It's about helping the people who can't rebuild - those who've lost everything and don't have the means to start over.'

While talking to Variety, Rosanna later added, 'Art has always given people hope. Now, we can use it to rebuild lives and show what were capable of when we come together...'

On Monday, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences delayed voting and the nominations announcement for a second time as fires continue to rage throughout Southern California.

During an interview with Variety, Rosanna expanded on her post and told the outlet, 'This year, it's not just about celebrating art. It's about using art to rebuild, inspire and help those who need it most'; seen in 2022 in West Hollywood

Arquette - whose sister is fellow actress Patricia Arquette - continued, 'Let's have firefighters, teachers and community heroes on stage with the nominees'; firefighters seen on January 10 battling Palisades fire

However, firefighters have begun to obtain a larger containment of the flames, especially with the Pacific Palisades and Eaton Fires.

Chief executive Bill Kramer and Academy president Janet Yang shared in a statement: 'We are devastated by the impact of the fires and the profound losses experienced by so many in our community.'

'The Academy has always been a unifying force within the film industry, and we are committed to standing together in the face of hardship.'

'Due to the still-active fires in the Los Angeles area, we feel it is necessary to extend our voting period and move the date of our nominations announcement to allow additional time for our members.'

The pair also expressed, 'Our members always share how important it is for us to come together as a community, and we are determined to use this opportunity to celebrate our resilient and compassionate industry.'

'We also look forward to honoring our frontline workers who have aided with the fires, recognizing those impacted, and encouraging people to join the Academy in supporting the relief efforts.'

In conclusion, Kramer and Yang positively added, 'We will get through this together and bring a sense of healing to our global film community.'

Last week on Wednesday, the Oscars nominations and voting period were both extended amid the L.A. fires.

On Monday, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences delayed voting and nomination announcement for a second time as fires continue to rage throughout Southern California; Emma Stone seen at 2024 Oscars

The 97th Academy Awards are still set to take place later this year on March 2 - and hosted by comedian and TV personality, Conan O'Brien; seen in 2023 in NYC

The 97th Academy Awards are still set to take place later this year on March 2 - and hosted by comedian and TV personality, Conan O'Brien.

Other awards events have also been cancelled or postponed since the deadly fires began.

The 2025 Critics Choice Awards was also postponed after being originally set to take place this week on Sunday, January 12. Instead, the event will now occur later this month on January 26.

The annual ceremony was going to be held over the weekend at Barker Hanger in Santa Monica - a city close to the Pacific Palisades wildfire.

The awards show will still be held at the Barker Hangar later this month, and hosted by Chelsea Handler.

The 67th Annual Grammy Awards are scheduled to go ahead on the original date of February 2 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

A statement was shared by both the Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. and the chair of the Academy's board of trustees, Tammy Hurt.

It read: 'Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. This city is our home, and we mourn the loss of life and destruction that have come to it in recent days.'

The 67th Annual Grammy Awards are scheduled to also go ahead on the original date of February 2 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles; Taylor Swift seen in February 2024 in L.A.

'In close coordination with local authorities to ensure public safety and responsible use of area resources, the 67th Grammy Awards telecast on CBS on Feb. 2 will proceed as planned.'

They added, 'This years show, however, will carry a renewed sense of purpose: raising additional funds to support wildfire relief efforts and honoring the bravery and dedication of first responders who risk their lives to protect ours.'

'In challenging times, music has the power to heal, comfort, and unite like nothing else.'

'The Grammys will not only honor the artistry and achievements of our music community but also serve as a platform to amplify the spirit of resilience that defines this great city of Los Angeles.'

The Recording Academy and MusiCares have also pledged $1 million to help music professionals amid the Southern California fires, and have also launched the L.A. Fire Relief Effort.

The nominations for the 2025 ceremony were announced two months earlier in November, with Beyonce leading with the most nods.

The blazes in L.A. County have since destroyed around 12,000 structures - which include houses, schools and churches.

The Palisades Fire which began early last week amid strong Santa Ana winds has burned around 23,700 acres and is now 17% contained as of Tuesday, per NBC News.

The nominations for the 2025 ceremony were announced two months earlier in November, with Beyonce leading with the most nods

The Palisades Fire which began early last week amid strong Santa Ana winds has burned around 23,700 acres and is now 17% contained as of Tuesday, per NBC News; taken on Monday in Pacific Palisades

The Eaton Fire in the Altadena and Pasadena area has destroyed 14,100 acres and is 35% contained.

88,000 people are still under evacuation orders throughout Southern California, and L.A. mayor Karen Bass issued an executive order on Monday to help rebuild homes at a quick pace, NBC reported.

Bass - who has faced severe criticism amid the fires - said in a statement: 'This order is the first step in clearing away red tape and bureaucracy to organize around urgency, common sense and compassion.'

However, high winds are expected through Wednesday of this week - with gusts in some areas set to hit around 40mph.
Brooke Shields has revealed that Tom Cruise 'eventually' apologized for ranting about her use of antidepressants in a shock 2005 interview.

Cruise, now 61, was widely slammed when he weighed in on Shields, 59, admitting using the drugs during her battle with postpartum depression in book Down Came The Rain during a chat on The Today Show,

He said: 'Here is a woman, and I care about Brooke Shields because I think she is an incredibly talented woman. You look at, where has her career gone?... These drugs are dangerous.

'The thing that I'm saying about Brooke is that there's misinformation. She doesn't understand the history of psychiatry... she doesn't know what these drugs are, and for her to promote it is irresponsible.'

He added the drugs 'don't cure anything' and said: ''You can use vitamins to help a woman through those things' - leading Shields to hit back at the time and take aim at his Scientology beliefs: 'Has he had a baby? Tom should stick to saving the world from aliens and let women decide which treatment is best for them.'

The Pretty Baby star wrote in new tome, Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old: Thoughts on Aging as a Woman that the Top Gun star had regretted his words and said sorry to her.

Brooke Shields has revealed that Tom Cruise 'eventually' apologized for ranting about her use of antidepressants in a shock 2005 interview

Cruise, now 61, was widely slammed when he weighed in on Shields, 59, admitting using the drugs during her battle with postpartum depression in book Down Came The Rain during a chat on The Today Show, He said: 'Where has her career gone?... These drugs are dangerous.

She wrote: 'It wasnt the worlds best apology, but its what he was capable of, and I accepted it.'

'Had Tom taken a public swing at me before I became a mother, I probably would have stayed quiet. I would have ignored his ridiculous rant.

'I might have been content to sit back while this very famous man hijacked my experience to advance his own (deluded) agenda. I would have been satisfied that his behavior would speak for itself.

'A decade earlier  I might have even regretted sharing my story or felt insecure that maybe my career was stalling while a powerful male movie star was singling me out, sure that Id never stand a chance in that fight.'

She said she was not only 'sticking up for herself' against 'irrational and dangerous comments from an unschooled actor who was speaking way out of his depth' but also 'spurr[ing] discussions on the reality and prevalence of postpartum depression.'

In 2006, Shields revealed Cruise had come to her house to personally apologize.

She told Jay Leno: 'He came over to my house, and he gave me a heartfelt apology. And he apologized for bringing me into the whole thing and for everything that happened.'

At the time Cruise's spokesman said 'he has not changed his position about antidepressants, which, as evidenced by the black label warnings issued by the FDA on these types of drugs, are unhealthy.'

He added the drugs 'don't cure anything' and said: ''You can use vitamins to help a woman through those things' - leading Shields to hit back at the time and take aim at his Scientology beliefs: 'Has he had a baby? Tom should stick to saving the world from aliens and let women decide which treatment is best for them'

The Pretty Baby star wrote in new tome, Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old: Thoughts on Aging as a Woman that the Top Gun star had regretted his words and said sorry to her.

In 2006, Shields revealed Cruise had come to her house to personally apologize. She told Jay Leno: 'He came over to my house, and he gave me a heartfelt apology. And he apologized for bringing me into the whole thing and for everything that happened' - Cruise pictured 2023

In 2023 Shields revealed Cruise had mysteriously stopped sending her a coconut cake every Christmas.

The Manhattan native speaking to People, said that she 'was on the list for a while' until the cakes suddenly stopped.

Cruise annually sends those in his Hollywood circle the $126 bundt cake put out by Doan's Bakery in Woodland Hills, California, according to the publication.

The actress and model said she 'was very happy' about receiving the cake each holiday season.

'I was on the list for a while - I had a good 10-year run, and I got the coconut cake every year,' said the actress, who has been on the promotional trail for her new Hulu doc Pretty Baby: Brooke Shields.

Shields noted to the magazine that the cakes were initially a gift from Cruise, his ex-wife Katie Holmes, 44, and their daughter Suri, 16, and that he took the names of the latter two off the accompanying cards and slowly stopped sending the cakes.

'It was from them and Suri, so it was the three of them, and then soon it was no Suri and no Katie and just Tom,' Shields said. 'Then it went from just Tom for a while, but not every holiday. And then the cake stopped.'

Cruise and Holmes - who were first romantically linked in 2005 - split in June of 2012 after five years of marriage.

The last time he was publicly seen with Suri was in 2013, and a source told Dailymail.com last month that the Top Gun leading man 'has no part' in his daughter's life.

Cruise and Holmes welcomed Suri on the same day in the same hospital as Shields gave birth to her second daughter Grier, with husband Chris Henchy, in April of 2006. The next year, the celeb couples hosted a joint birthday party for the children.

Shields said that Cruise and Holmes 'invited us to their wedding' in Italy in November of 2006. She said, 'I was like "Hell, yes, I going,"' adding that the experience 'was extraordinary.'

She said she hasn't a clue 'what happened' that led Cruise to stop sending the cakes, adding: 'I want to get back on that cake list. It's the best cake - Tom, I need to be back on the cake list.'
Jessica Brown Findlay opened up about her heartbreaking journey to motherhood, revealing she suffered four tragic miscarriages during her IVF process - including one just two months ago.

The Downton Abbey star, 35, is a proud mother to twin sons, whom she welcomed via IVF with her husband, Ziggy Heath, in November 2022.

In a candid conversation on Giovanna Fletcher's Happy Mum, Happy Baby podcast, Jessica shared her struggles along the way to extending her family.

When asked about her losses, Jessica revealed: 'Well, before the boys were born, I had three.

'I had two with conceiving unaided and one chemical miscarriage that happened with IVF that we knew was going to happen because the bloods had come back with really low numbers.

'They do a blood test and they want to see this number double, and it just wasn't. And then one happened about three, no, two and a half months ago.

Jessica Brown Findlay opened up about her heartbreaking journey to motherhood, revealing she suffered four tragic miscarriages during her IVF process, including one just two months ago

The Downton Abbey star, 35, is a proud mother to twin sons, whom she welcomed via IVF with her husband, Ziggy Heath, in November 2022

'So we... Maybe a bit more than that now. Yeah. I mean, we were kind of terrified but thrilled. And, you know, we went for a scan, we went back to our doctor, our amazing doctor who'd helped us get our twins.

'And she was so funny. She scanned me. There was one. And she was like, okay, great. Cool, cool.

'And she said, "oh, you're much cheaper than your brothers". She's very true. And it felt like this joyful, just, you know, gift out of the universe.'

Jessica then explained how she went to a friend's wedding and had a funny feeling in her gut that she was going to lose her unborn child.

She continued: 'This kind of intuition. We have it in positive circumstances, but there's also something [...] This sense of dread, just this real kind of thing that you just know.

'And I thought, okay, instead of me going to this wedding and googling wild theories and signs at 3am when I should be, you know, celebrating with our friends, I'm, I'm going to book myself in [...]And I went the next morning and I went for a scan, and there wasn't a heartbeat anymore.

'And, and I'd gone on my own because I was like, 'look, no, no, no, I'm fine. Because, you know, you're working. We've got the boys.

"I'm just going to go and if everything's okay, then I'll just come home". And if it's not, you know, we always say, we'll just cross the bridge, we'll just cross the bridge when we come to it. Let's just see what happens.

In a candid conversation on Giovanna Fletcher 's Happy Mum, Happy Baby podcast, Jessica shared her struggles along the way to extending her family

When asked about her losses, Jessica revealed: 'Well, before the boys were born, I had three'

'And I kind of made I was obviously devastated, but I just very clearly, you know, the woman sort of said what I should do and that I should get myself to a hospital.

'And I just kind of made a beeline for the hospital where the boys had been born because i wanted to be somewhere familiar.'

Jessica gave birth to her twins on Bonfire Night in 2022 after undergoing IVF treatment.

Reflecting on her pregnancy with the twins after suffering three miscarriages, she explained: 'Every day I was pregnant, I just wanted to enjoy that day as it was. And that day, they were.

'And at the end of this, they arriveamazing. But right now, I am. And it made me really sit and be present and really try to enjoy what it is.'

Giovanna replied: 'That makes me feel very emotional, Jessica. That's such a lovely way of looking at it.

'You know, because I think pregnancy after loss is such a tough thing. And you know, I've had three babies born after a loss, but even with the third, I was still looking back at the... you know, I had boys arrive, but still, you kind of can't help but go, 'Am I going to be caught out?''

Jessica said: 'Yeah, is it today that I laugh and think I'm fine? Or the day that I didn't think about it?

The actress married actor husband Ziggy in September 2020, after they met while filming the Hulu series Harlots in 2017 (pictured in September 2022)

'So, obviously, it will happen that day. And all of these kinds of mind things. And I was just like... there is nothing you can do. And so the idea of just being. But I can allow myself to try and have today.'

Announcing the news of the arrival of her twins, Jessica shared a snap on Instagram cradling her newborns with the caption: '5.11.22. Our boys! Remember Remember.

The star confirmed her pregnancy during a red carpet appearance at the Venice International Film Festival's closing ceremony in September 2022.

The actress previously revealed she had undergone four rounds of IVF treatment in the hope of having a child, and spoke candidly about her fertility struggles in a post earlier this year celebrating International Women's Day, along with a video of her injecting hormones.

In the post, she injected the hormones into her stomach, which typically increases the number of eggs produced by the ovaries.

The star posted a caption reminding her followers that 'their bodies are not the enemy', adding: 'Happy International Women's day! We do hard things and then go dancing.

'IVF has made me even more aware of just how much women are capable of and what we can achieve whilst going through pain and heart break.

'Your body is not the enemy. Love it. No matter what. Sending love and support to every woman I have ever met and all the ones I haven't but know what this is.'

The star's acting career took off when she starred as rebellious aristocrat Lady Sybil Crawley in Downton Abbey between 2010 and 2012 (pictured)

Jessica married Heath in a low-key wedding in 2020 with just 30 guests in attendance due to Covid restrictions, three years after meeting on the Hulu drama Harlots.

During her pregnancy, she revealed that she was struggling to find work after becoming pregnant.

Her acting career took off when she starred as rebellious aristocrat Lady Sybil Crawley in Downton Abbey.

The actress said the incident would have been treated differently if it had happened after the #MeToo movement in 2017.

She added: 'Women wouldn't have lost job opportunities and been traded on the dark web for a month before being leaked to the public because bodies are commodities.'

Jessica is currently starring alongside Anthony Welsh in the Paramount+ romantic comedy series The Flatshare, adapted from Beth O'Leary's global bestseller.

The series follows Leon (Welsh) and Jessica (Findlay) as they share a one-bed flat but without having met each other due to their opposing work schedules.

But, as Post-it notes between them start to fly and each gets unexpectedly drawn into the other's messy life, an attraction evolves.
Kanye West has finally been reunited with his children after reportedly spending 118 days apart as he continues life overseas, DailyMail.com can exclusively reveal.

The controversial rapper, 47, who has been traveling with Australian wife Bianca Censori, 30, for much of the last six months, was spotted in Japan with his three youngest children by ex-wife Kim Kardashian earlier on Tuesday.

Exclusive DailyMail.com photos and video show West visiting a 7-Eleven convenience store in Tokyo's Ginza district with Saint, nine, Chicago, six, and Psalm, five.

Dressed entirely in black, the dad-of-four left the store with his kids clutching huge bags of snacks, following a 10-minute visit.

Censori and eldest daughter North, 11, were not part of the group outing and it is not clear whether the preteen traveled to Japan to visit her dad with her siblings.

An onlooker told DailyMail.com that the Yeezy boss arrived in a black van with his bodyguards and declined selfies with passers-by.

Kanye West was seen reuniting with his children in Japan on Tuesday amid his extended stay overseas with wife Bianca Censori

The 47-year-old rapper was spotted taking three of his kids, Saint, 9, Chicago, 6, and Psalm, 5, to a 7-Eleven in the Ginza district of Tokyo. It is unclear if eldest daughter North, 11, traveled to see her father with her siblings

'A black van pulled out the front and all of a sudden the kids have gone running in and Kanye followed behind, trying to hide in the 7-Eleven with his hood up,' said the witness.

'The kids were buying up the store - they had two carrier bags full of random lollipops and snacks.

'Myself and a couple of other families noticed him.'

Kanye  or 'Ye' as he prefers to be known  was last seen with his children in public in September when they performed together at a Vultures 2 listening event in Haikou, China.

In the interim, he and Censori have lived a nomadic existence, drifting between Japan, China, and the Maldives.

The couple rang in the New Year in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where the pair also celebrated Censori's 30th birthday on January 5 with her parents.

Dressed head-to-toe in black, Ye left the store with the three kids carrying bags of snacks

A witness told DailyMail.com the Yeezy founder pulled up to the convenience store in a black van and spent about 10 minutes inside

Kanye, who was accompanied by a bodyguard during the trip, declined selfie requests from fans, according to witnesses

Ye's constant traveling has become a bone of contention between him and Kardashian, 44, in recent weeks with the reality star accusing him of an absent father to their children.

The rapper attracted further criticism after a series of hellish wildfires ignited around Los Angeles, including two that threatened the Calabasas neighborhood where his children live.

Despite the infernos blazing close to their home, Ye did not rush back from Japan to check on his children and has now flown them to Tokyo instead  a move that will invite more questions over why he is so reluctant to return to the US.

On Monday DailyMail.com revealed that his fear of being dragged into the sex abuse case that has seen his former pal Sean 'Diddy' Combs thrown in jail is partly to blame.

'Kanye's reasoning for not being [in America] has nothing to do with his children and has everything to do with the multiple lawsuits that he is facing in the states,' a source told DailyMail.com.

'With all this stuff with Diddy, Kanye is terrified.'

Kanye West has remained overseas as 2025 kicks off. The rapper was recently seen celebrating his wife Bianca's 30th birthday in Dubai after spending time in Japan and China for the past four months

The couple were snapped enjoying lunch at Ippudo Ginza in Tokyo, Japan on December 8

Meanwhile in LA, Kanye's wife ex-wife Kim Kardashian and their four young children - North, Saint, Chicago and Psalm - all had to evacuate their Hidden Hills, California mansion after the Kenneth Fire threatened to burn it down

Diddy is currently in federal custody facing a litany of charges, including sex trafficking related to drug-fueled 'freak-off' orgies.

Ye's extended travels began in June, when he was named in an ongoing wrongful termination and sexual harassment lawsuit by his former assistant, and Censori-lookalike, Lauren Pisciotta, 36.

Pisciotta claimed West had subjected her to repeated incidents of sexual harassment when she worked for him in 2021 and 2022, and that he fired her after she refused to sleep with him.

West has denied all the claims.

Then in an updated filing in October, Pisciotta added a raft of new accusations.

She alleged that she was sexually assaulted by West sometime before she began working for him in 2021.

'With all this stuff with Diddy, Kanye is terrified,' sources said. Disgraced media mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs (pictured left) is currently in federal custody facing a litany of charges.

Kim also told Winkler that she doesn't talk about raising her kids a lot because it comes with 'a lot of judgment'; Kardashian with all four of her children

Pisciotta claimed the incident occurred during a party at a Santa Monica recording studio, where Combs was allegedly present.

She claims that she was told to either have a drink or leave and beverages 'poured at the direction of West' were served. After drinking, she allegedly 'slip[ed] into an altered and highly-impaired state.'

Only years later, Pisciotta says, did West suggest to her that they had sexual relations that evening.

Pisciotta also alleged that as West's personal assistant she was tasked with organizing orgies and was asked to recruit sex workers and procure a supply of sexual-enhancement products that West allegedly called his 'sex honey'.

Pisciotta's lawyer, Mark Koorenny, said in filings in November that West had been 'out of the country' and he accused the rapper of 'evading service [of a subpoena]' stalling the lawsuit.

West's lawyers have denied all of these allegations as well.
Celebrity Bear Hunt was rocked by a huge feud which escalated so much show bosses were forced to call an emergency meeting.

Holly Willoughby, 43, will be swapping her glamorous red carpet ensembles for a pair of camouflage hot pants and hiking boots as she prepares to host the action-packed show in Costa Rica alongside adventurer Bear Grylls , 50, next month.

According to Netflix, the competition show, which is set to launch on the streaming service on February 5, sees a group of unlikely celebrities get dropped into the Central American jungle as prey for one of the world's most fearsome predators  Bear.

Now, it has been reported that tensions reached fever pitch among the celebrity cast, which included Strictly judge Shirley Ballas, model Lottie Moss and rugby hunk Danny Cipriani.

A source told The Sun: 'There were some big personalities there and naturally, tensions started to brew.

'Tempers started to fray and people didn't hold back.

Celebrity Bear Hunt was rocked by a huge feud which escalated so much show bosses were forced to call an emergency meeting

It has been reported that tensions reached fever pitch among the celebrity cast, which included Strictly judge Shirley Ballas , model Lottie Moss and rugby hunk Danny Cipriani

'Things got so bad one night that the big bosses called an emergency meeting to remind the celebs that this was supposed to be a family friendly show.

'This really didn't go down well with the stars, including Danny Cipriani  the last thing he wanted was to be on a show like Big Brother, which is full of rows and drama.'

MailOnline has contacted Netflix for comment.

Show bosses have pulled out all the stops with their latest line-up which features Spice Girl Mel B, Strictly judge Shirley Ballas, model Lottie Moss and more.

Bear believes theres an action hero inside us all - even the celebrities - but how strong is their will to survive?

As Bear puts them through their paces, those who fail to impress will face the dreaded 'Bear Hunt'  a brutal game of cat and mouse where theyll be hunted down by Bear himself and, if captured, face elimination from the show.

Last year, MailOnline revealed that Mel B had reportedly signed a six-figure deal to appear on the action-packed show.

Mel also reportedly told her pals that she signed up for the show to fund her wedding to fiance Rory McPhee, 36, which will take place at St Paul's Cathedral in London.

Holly Willoughby, 43, will be swapping her glamorous red carpet ensembles for a pair of camouflage hot pants and hiking boots as she prepares to host the action-packed show in Costa Rica alongside adventurer Bear Grylls, 50, next month

Show bosses have pulled out all the stops with their latest line-up (L-R Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, Lottie Moss, Danny Cipriani, Leomie Anderson, Boris Becker, Kola Bokinni, Joe Thomas, Zuhair Hassan, Mel B, Steph McGovern, and Shirley Ballas)

Mel, who announced her engagement to Rory in November 2022, revealed she is planning to tie the knot at the iconic cathedral because she is an MBE.

She first found fame in the iconic 90's girl group The Spice Girls and they most recently reunited for a tour in 2019.

In recent years the 49-year-old can often be found behind a judging panel with stints on Americas Got Talent, and The X Factor Australia.

Recently single Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas will be swapping her glamorous ballroom ensembles for jungle attire as she prepares to be pushed to her limits.

Having become a Ballroom and Latin champion before embarking on the world of TV, the 64-year-old knows a thing or two about hard work which could help her out on the show.

Last year, MailOnline revealed that Shirley was rumoured to be joining the line-up of the upcoming Netflix show after getting the all-clear following her cancer scare.

Shirley took to her Instagram at the time to share with her followers that the results from her three biopsies had come back all clear after having further testing done on her breasts following a routine mammogram.

Shirley told her fans: 'Thank you to you all for your well wishes following my two mammograms, one ultrasound and three biopsies last week.'

'I am feeling blessed to share that my results have come back all clear - there is no cancer present.'

Celebrity Bear Hunt will be arriving on Netflix next month and the star-studded lineup has now been confirmed

Holly Willoughby, 43, will be hosting the action-packed show in Costa Rica alongside adventurer Bear Grylls , 50

31-year-old model Leomie Anderson has been gracing catwalks for years and has walked in four consecutive Victoria's Secret Fashion shows from 2015 to 2018.

The British model then became a Victoria's Secret Angel in 2019 and was included in Forbes 30 under 30 list in 2020 for the art and culture category.

She has also dived into presenting taking over BBC's Glow Up: Britain's Next Makeup Star from Maya Jama.

Leomie is also the founder and designer of Lapp The Brand, a clothing line and online platform where women can share their stories and perspectives.

Now Leomie is set to take on Bear and the other celebrities in the action-packed competition.

Next up on the list is Boris Becker, 57.

The German tennis player has been Wimbledon champion not once, not twice, but three times.

The sportsman was even the youngest-ever winner of the gentlemens singles at the tournament, a feat he accomplished aged 17 in 1985.

Boris is also the former number one tennis player in the world.

Over the course of his career Boris won 49 singles titles and 15 doubles titles. He won singles titles in 14 countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Qatar, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the United States.

In 2002 Boris became a commentator for the BBC at Wimbledon - a job he continued doing for the following two decades (apart from the 2014, 2015, and 2016 seasons when he coached Novak Djokovic).

Another recently single competitor is Danny Cipriani, 37, who is a retired English rugby union player.

Last year, MailOnline revealed that Mel B had reportedly signed a six-figure deal to appear on the action-packed show

Recently single Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas will be swapping her glamorous ballroom ensembles for jungle attire as she prepares to be pushed to her limits

He officially retired from the sport in 2024 and is already exploring different avenues.

But the former rugby player already knows one of his co-stars, Shirley, having competed on the Strictly Christmas special in 2023.

Danny previously raised eyebrows with his sizzling chemistry with pro Jowita Przystal, 30, when he appeared in the Christmas Special, receiving an impressive score of 37 out of 40.

At the time the sportsman had just split from his wife Victoria after two years of marriage, and he and Jowita looked visibly cosy as they competed on the BBC show.

Another celebrity joining the line-up will be Zuhair Hassan, known professionally as Big Zuu.

Zuhair is an English rapper, singer, songwriter, DJ and television personality from West London but he is perhaps better known for being a TV Chef.

His shows have included Big Zuus Big Eats, and Big Zuus Breakfast Show.

In May 2022 Zuhair won two BAFTA TV Awards - entertainment performance and features for his show Big Zuu's Big Eats at the 2022 British Academy Television Awards.

In 2024 he also presented the documentary Big Zuu goes to Mecca, which followed the 29-year-old's Umrah pilgrimage to Mecca.

Mel B isn't the only girl band star as Una Healy is also on the line-up.

The Irish singer rose to fame in 2008 as a member of five-piece girl group The Saturdays.

Leomie Anderson has been gracing catwalks for years but now she will be swapping runways for jungle life

Three-times Wimbledon Champion Boris Becker will also be appearing on the show

Together the girl group sold over eight million records and 13 top ten singles before going on an indefinite hiatus in 2014.

The 43-year-old embraced a solo career after the band dispersed, and her most recent single Walk Away was released two years ago.

In June 2023 Una said the song is about 'having the courage to walk away from any relationship or situation that no longer serves you, to do it in style and to find the courage to move on to something better.'

Kola Bokinni is no stranger to a televised overseas challenge, having just competed on Celebrity Race Across the World .

He didn't win the gruelling cross-country expedition but perhaps he will have more luck on Celebrity Bear Hunt.

His first major on-screen credit was an episode of Charlie Brookers dark anthology series Black Mirror in 2016.

Three years later the 32-year-old was cast as Leyton in Netflix's reboot of crime drama series Top Boy.

But his most recognised role is Richmond AFC footballer Isaac in the heart-warming series Ted Lasso.

Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen is an English interior designer and TV personality best known for appearing on the BBC programme Changing Rooms.

The show, which saw two sets of friends swap keys to renovate a room in each others homes began in 1996 before briefly returning in 2021.

Laurence has also appeared as a judge on the 2010 series of the ITV reality talent show Popstar to Operastar as a critic alongside Meat Loaf and classically trained mentors Katherine Jenkins and Rolando Villazon.

The series was hosted by Myleene Klass and Alan Titchmarsh.

Another recently single competitor is Danny Cipriani who is a retired English rugby union player. He officially retired from the sport in 2024 and is already exploring different avenues

Between 2010 and 2011, Laurence presented the daytime ITV show Auction Party.

Now, Laurence will be put through his paces as Bear prepares to hunt him down in a brutal game of cat and mouse.

Steph McGovern is an English journalist and TV presenter.

She hosted Steph's Packed Lunch on Channel 4 from 2020 to 2023 and the popular show received a BAFTA nomination.

However, in October 2023 the broadcaster announced that the show would come to an end in December.

A statement at the time said: 'With audience habits changing quicker than ever, we have to make difficult decisions about which programmes to invest in to best drive our digital-first strategy and we have decided not to recommission Steph's Packed Lunch when its existing production contract ends in December 2023.'

'We remain as committed as ever to our mission to help level up the TV industry outside London and to our 50% origination out-of-London target.'

'We will be reinvesting the budget previously committed to Steph's Packed Lunch into other nations and regions productions.'

Since leaving the show in 2023, the 42-year-old presenter has been focused on her Radio 4 comedy panel show The Ultimate Choice, podcast The Rest is Money, and now Celebrity Bear Hunt.

English fashion model Lottie Moss has also been confirmed for the show after following her older sister Kate Moss into the world of modelling.

Lottie's first photoshoot was an appearance in Teen Vogue and her first full editorial was via Dazed Magazine.

That same year she was also featured in a series of ads for Calvin Klein, whom her half-sister has also modelled for.

English fashion model Lottie Moss has also been confirmed for the show after following her older sister Kate Moss into the world of modelling

Lottie was first shown on a Vogue front cover during 2016, appearing on the cover of Paris Vogue alongside model Lucky Blue Smith.

The 27-year-old has also dabbled in television and once appeared on Celebs Go Dating.

During the show, viewers saw the star engage in a romance with Adam Collard , but now she's taking things up a notch.

Another celebrity joining the line-up will be Joe Thomas.

Joe is an English actor and comedian who played Simon Cooper in the E4 sitcom The Inbetweeners and its two film adaptations, The Inbetweeners Movie and The Inbetweeners 2.

Following this Joe starred in the student sitcom Fresh Meat as Kingsley Owen and played a Maths teacher in the second series of Threesome.

In 2017, Joe began starring in the sitcom White Gold along with his Inbetweeners co-star James Buckley, 37.

Fans can't let the idea of an Inbetweeners reunion go, but for the moment the 41-year-old is otherwise engaged as he prepares to take on Bear.
Boy Meets World alum Danielle Fishel Karp might be officially cancer-free, but she's still suffering from a lot of pain nearly six months after being diagnosed with stage zero DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ).

According to breastcancer.org, DCIS is contained to your milk ducts (tubes that carry milk to the nipple) only, and it makes up 20% to 25% of new breast cancers diagnosed in the States.

The 43-year-old former child star previously revealed last October she successfully underwent two lumpectomies followed by 20 rounds of radiation treatments.

'I'm officially done with what is considered active cancer treatment,' Danielle announced on her iHeartRadio podcast Sunday.

'I did 15 rounds of whole breast radiation and then five rounds of targeted radiation, which just means they focus in on the very small area where my cancer was versus treating the entire breast. It will help significantly lower my chances of recurrence, which is always good news, but, boy, I am feeling the effects.'

Fishel explained to her Pod Meets World co-hosts Rider Strong and Will Friedle that her breasts are literally burned with a 'rash on top' due to the 'cumulative effect' of the radiation.

Boy Meets World alum Danielle Fishel Karp might be officially cancer-free, but she's still suffering from a lot of pain nearly six months after being diagnosed with stage zero DCIS (pictured November 8)

'It's very itchy, and, also, you can't itch it, because if you even come close to touching it, you wanna cry,' the two-time Children's & Family Emmy Award nominee lamented.

'It hurts to wear a bra, hurts to not wear a bra. It just hurts to sleep on my side, hurts to sleep, period. Hurts to be awake.'

And while Danielle is 'really very stinking tired' she knows 'it's not gonna last forever' since doctors reassured her she should feel better in 'two to three months.'

'If I wanna feel better faster, I need to work out and drink water,' Fishel said of her doctors' advice.

'I did start working out. I worked out yesterday. I'm gonna work out again on Friday because he said all the working out and drinking water helps my body get rid of all the damage that the radiation did.'

The Arizona-born beauty received a lot of love and support from her second husband Jensen Karp and their sons Adler, 5; and Keaton, 3.

The married couple of six years attended Calabasas High School together, but they didn't begin dating until 2017.

Danielle previously divorced her Cal State Fullerton sweetheart Tim Belusko in 2016 after a little more than two years of wedded bliss.

The 43-year-old former child star previously revealed last October she successfully underwent two lumpectomies followed by 20 rounds of radiation treatments: 'I'm officially done with what is considered active cancer treatment'

Danielle explained to her Pod Meets World co-hosts Rider Strong and Will Friedle that her breasts are literally burned with a 'rash on top' due to the 'cumulative effect' of the radiation

Fishel lamented: 'It's very itchy, and, also, you can't itch it, because if you even come close to touching it, you wanna cry. It hurts to wear a bra, hurts to not wear a bra. It just hurts to sleep on my side, hurts to sleep, period. Hurts to be awake'

And while the two-time Children's & Family Emmy Award nominee - who's beginning hormone therapy with the drug Tamoxifen - is 'really very stinking tired' she should feel better in 'two to three months'

Danielle said: 'If I wanna feel better faster, I need to work out and drink water...[My doctor] said all the working out and drinking water helps my body get rid of all the damage that the radiation did'

Fishel received a lot of love and support from her second husband Jensen Karp and their sons Adler, 5; and Keaton, 3 (pictured October 31)

The Arizona-born beauty - who hasn't had an acting gig since 2019 - directed the episode titled 'Potions Eleven' of Todd J. Greenwald's spin-off series Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, which airs this Friday on Disney Channel

Danielle originally began acting, at age 10, but her breakout role was playing hippie-turned-lawyer Topanga Matthews on the ABC sitcom (1993-2000) and the Disney Channel spin-off Girl Meets World (2014-2017)

Fishel - who hasn't had an acting gig since 2019 - directed the episode titled 'Potions Eleven' of Todd J. Greenwald's spin-off series Wizards Beyond Waverly Place, which airs this Friday on Disney Channel.

The Lopez vs. Lopez director - who runs vegan haircare company Be Free - is also every bit the influencer with paid partnerships for brands like Aflac, Hyundai, and Keebler.

Danielle originally began acting, at age 10, but her breakout role was playing hippie-turned-lawyer Topanga Matthews on the ABC sitcom (1993-2000) and the Disney Channel spin-off Girl Meets World (2014-2017).
Jay Leno appeared to be bruise-free when he volunteered to help out first responders battling the LA fires on Tuesday.

Late last year, the 74-year-old comedian and late-night talk show host revealed that his face and body were covered in dark bruises after he took a dangerous tumble down a hill just outside of a hotel he was staying out.

But he looked as if he had never been injured when he was pictured driving a shiny red vintage fire truck to an event in Los Angeles from his garage in Burbank.

The noted car enthusiast brought along hundreds of pounds of ribs to serve up to firefighters and other emergency services personnel as a token of gratitude for their service.

The event comes as massive fires continue to burn in Pacific Palisades and Altadena, along with smaller blazes across Los Angeles.

So far, 24 people have died as a result of the fires, and over 180,000 people have been forced to evacuate.

Jay Leno appeared to be bruise-free when he volunteered to help out first responders battling the LA fires on Tuesday

Late last year, the 74-year-old comedian and late-night talk show host revealed that his face and body were covered in dark bruises after he took a dangerous tumble down a hill just outside of a hotel he was staying out

In November, Leno stepped out with a horrifically bruised face and body

Leno's truck was considerably smaller than modern American fire trucks.

The convertible was compact and lower to the ground, and it was designed more like pickup truck with a long bed behind a front row of seating.

The former Tonight Show host was behind the wheel for the drive, and he was joined by a friend in the passenger seat.

The friend helped spot Leno has he backed out of his Burbank garage.

The stand-up veteran looked as casual as ever in a black-and-red plaid flannel hooded jacket, which he wore over a white shirt with thin black horizontal stripes.

He stuck to the workwear theme with rugged jeans, and he wore comfortable black shoes.

Leno's fire truck, which was decked out with spotlights and red emergency lights, had gold decorative paint wrapping around the hood and sides of the vehicle, and both doors were decorated with firefighting seals.

It apparently didn't have a full tank when they drove it out of the garage, so he had to drop by a gas station on the way to the charity cookout.

Jay looked as if he had never been injured when he was pictured driving a shiny red vintage fire truck to an event in Los Angeles from his garage in Burbank

The noted car enthusiast brought along hundreds of pounds of ribs to serve up to firefighters. The event comes as massive fires continue to burn in Pacific Palisades and Altadena, along with smaller blazes across LA

So far, 24 people have died as a result of the fires, and over 180,000 people have been forced to evacuate

Leno's truck was considerably smaller than modern American fire trucks

The convertible was compact and lower to the ground, and it was designed more like pickup truck with a long bed behind a front row of seating

The former Tonight Show host was behind the wheel for the drive, and he was joined by a friend in the passenger seat

The friend helped spot Leno has he backed out of his Burbank garage

The stand-up veteran looked as casual as ever in a black-and-red plaid flannel hooded jacket, which he wore over a white shirt with thin black horizontal stripes

He stuck to the workwear theme with rugged jeans, and he wore comfortable black shoes

Leno's fire truck, which was decked out with spotlights and red emergency lights, had gold decorative paint wrapping around the hood and sides of the vehicle, and both doors were decorated with firefighting seals

Leno flashed a peace sign for fans who had gathered around his car

The former television fixture worried fans last year after he appeared in November sporting terrible dark bruises all over his body

He also sported an eye patch, a sling for a broken wrist and a cast over one finger

He later revealed that he lost the entire nail on the injured finger

Later in November, Leno revealed to Inside Edition that he sustained the shocking injuries after taking a 60ft fall near a Hampton Inn in Greenhouse, Pennsylvania

Leno's friend was seen filling up at the pump while he went inside the attached convenience store.

The former television fixture worried fans last year after he appeared in November sporting terrible dark bruises all over his body, as well as an eye patch, a sling for a broken wrist and a cast over one finger, where he later revealed he lost the entire nail.

Later in November, Leno revealed to Inside Edition that he sustained the shocking injuries after taking a 60ft fall near a Hampton Inn in Greenhouse, Pennsylvania.

He said he had been trying to visit a nearby restaurant ahead of a show he was scheduled to perform that evening when he tried to take a shortcut.

'To get to [the restaurant], I didn't have a car, so you had to walk about a mile and a half around,' he explained.

'I said, "Well, the hill doesn't look that steep. It's about 6070 feet. Let me see if I can go down the hill,"' he continued.

But Leno lost his footing due to the steep slope and uneven terrain, and he crashed down to the bottom of the hill.

'Boom, boom, boom. I rolled down the hill, hit my head on a rock, knocked me in the eye,' Leno added of the incident.

The truck apparently didn't have a full tank when they drove it out of the garage, so he had to drop by a gas station on the way to the charity cookout

Leno's friend was seen filling up at the pump while he went inside the attached convenience store

Leno said his fall happened after he had been trying to visit a nearby restaurant ahead of a show he was scheduled to perform that evening when he tried to take a shortcut

'To get to [the restaurant], I didn't have a car, so you had to walk about a mile and a half around,' he explained

'I said, "Well, the hill doesn't look that steep. It's about 6070 feet. Let me see if I can go down the hill,"' he continued

But Leno lost his footing due to the steep slope and uneven terrain, and he crashed down to the bottom of the hill

'Boom, boom, boom. I rolled down the hill, hit my head on a rock, knocked me in the eye,' Leno added of the incident

Some fans didn't buy the explanation and took to social media to theorize about his injuries

Some posters joked that he was in debt to mobsters who had roughed him up over gambling losses

Fueling the conspiracy theories and jokes was a previous injury Leno sustained in 2023

That summer he broke both of his kneecaps in what he later said was a motorcycle crash

The accident-prone comic's injuries followed a 2022 incident in which he suffered serious burns to his face

Leno had to take the fire truck on the freeway as he drove to the cookout

Some fans didn't buy the explanation and took to social media to theorize about his injuries.

Some posters joked that he was in debt to mobsters who had roughed him up over gambling losses.

Fueling the conspiracy theories and jokes was a previous injury Leno sustained in 2023.

That summer he broke both of his kneecaps in what he later said was a motorcycle crash.

The accident-prone comic's injuries followed a 2022 incident in which he suffered serious burns to his face.

He had been working on an old steam-powered car that used gasoline to heat water, turning it into steam that could in turn move the pistons.

The car he was working on burst into flames without explanation, and Leno was reportedly sprayed on the face with the burning gasoline.

Firefighters were promptly called to the garage to put out the blaze, and Leno was taken to a hospital, but his injuries were not said to be life threatening.

At the time of the 2022 incident, he had been working on an old steam-powered car that used gasoline to heat water, turning it into steam that could in turn move the pistons

The car he was working on burst into flames without explanation, and Leno was reportedly sprayed on the face with the burning gasoline

Firefighters were promptly called to the garage to put out the blaze, and Leno was taken to a hospital, but his injuries were not said to be life threatening

Leno has maintained a busy stand-up career ever since signing off from The Tonight Show in 2014

Leno has maintained a busy stand-up career ever since signing off from The Tonight Show in 2014.

He began hosting the iconic late-night show in 1992, when he took over from Johnny Carson after behind-the-scenes feuding with Late Night host David Letterman, who was also vying for the job.

Leno led The Tonight Show until 2009, when he was replaced by Conan O'Brien, who had been promised the hosting gig years earlier by NBC.

But Leno didn't leave the network completely, and instead he began hosting The Jay Leno Show at 10 p.m. on week nights, ahead of The Tonight Show's regular time slot.

NBC affiliates complained of declining ratings for both shows, and after O'Brien refused a new plan to push his show back half an hour to allow Leno to do an intro stand-up show, the former Simpson's writer left the show, allowing Leno to return as Tonight Show host until 2014.
Matt Zukowski has shared very intimate details about his sex life with wife Tammy Hembrow.

The former Love Island Australia star, 29, revealed on his Where's Your Head At? podcast that he had sex with the fitness influencer under the Northern Lights during their honeymoon in Lapland.

'We were asleep and two hours later there was a bang on the door to see the aurora. I sleep naked so I quickly had to put my clothes on,' he explained.

'We went to a massive lake and stood in the middle of it and followed the lights. Then we came back to the resort and when into the spa at 2am.

'We watched the lights dancing above us and made love under the Northern Lights in the spa.'

Tammy and Matt were living it up at the stunning Aurora Collection Lapland Resort in Saariselka which is famed for views of the Northern Lights.

Matt Zukowski has shared very intimate details about his sex life with wife Tammy Hembrow

Clocking in at up to $1100 per night, the resort offers 'arctic scenery from the comfort of your own cabin', according to the website.

In November, Tammy and Matt exchanged vows in a gorgeous ceremony at Chateau Du Soleil in Byron Bay, NSW.

Tammy looked stunning in a Vera Wang strapless ivory and blush pink gown that featured an elaborate tulle train and a corset bodice, highlighting her ample cleavage.

The blonde beauty completed her look with a long ivory veil and her hair was styled with long hair extensions in a half ponytail with a middle part.

As the couple held hands, Tammy became emotional and broke down in tears while they exchanged vows and said, 'I do.'

She was supported by her bridesmaids: her sisters Amy, 34, and Emilee, 32, along with her half-sister Ava Olympia and Starlette Thynne.

Tammy and Zukowski got engaged in December 2023 following just three months of dating.

The jet-setting pair were engaged in the Maldives, before heading off to Greece and Bali for luxury holidays.

The 29-year-old revealed on his Where's Your Head At? podcast, he had sex with the fitness influencer under the Northern Lights in a spa during their honeymoon in Lapland

Tammy has been engaged twice before, the first time to influencer Reece Hawkins, who she shares her son Wolf and daughter Saskia with.

In November 2021 the fitness guru became engaged to restaurateur and former Ironman Matt Poole.

The pair, who split in December 2022 share one-year-old daughter Posy.

Prior to her wedding, Tammy revealed that she did not trust Zukowski when it came to the wedding vows.

Tammy joined her fiance on his Where's Your Head At podcast with co-host Anna McEvoy, and admitted she initially worried about Matt's vows.

The admission came when Anna asked Matt if he had finished writing his vows and the soon-to-be groom revealed he turned to Google for inspiration.

'I don't know how any other dude does it, but I Googled how to structure them,' Matt revealed.

'I got really overwhelmed, so I'm going to go over it with the celebrant.'

Tammy and Matt were living it up at the stunning Aurora Collection Lapland Resort in Saariselka which is famed for views of the Northern Lights

Tammy then chimed to admit she was 'worried' about what he would come up with.

'We did a questionnaire with our celebrant,' Tammy said. 'I've been a little bit worried about Matt's vows. Are they going to be romantic?'

After Matt protested he was romantic, Tammy agreed, adding that her concerns over Matt's vow-writing abilities were unfounded.

'You are very romantic but I had no idea how it was going to go,' Tammy told her fiance.

'We went through some of the questions and his answers were so sweet I literally wanted to cry,' she added.

'I have nothing to worry about this man is the sweetest.'
Starbucks has announced that customers must now make a purchase to enjoy its spaces, including restrooms.

On Monday, the company said it was reversing a policy that invited everyone into its stores.

This shift marks the end of a seven-year experiment in open-door inclusivity and comes as the coffee giant struggles to address declining sales and safety concerns across its North American stores.

Starbucks' new code of conduct, which takes effect on January 27, mandates that cafes, patios, and restrooms are reserved only for paying customers, their guests, and employees.

The rules explicitly ban harassment, smoking, outside alcohol, drug use, and panhandling. Violators will be asked to leave, and law enforcement may be involved if necessary.

Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson emphasized the intent behind the new rules: 'We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable in our stores. By setting clear expectations for behavior and use of our spaces, we can create a better environment for everyone.'

Starbucks said employees will receive training on enforcing the new policy.

The new rules reverse an open-door policy put in place in 2018, after two black men were arrested at a Philadelphia Starbucks where they had gone for a business meeting.

Starbucks has announced that customers must now make a purchase to enjoy its spaces, including restrooms

CEO Brian Niccol has said that he wants Starbucks to recapture the community coffeehouse feeling it used to have, before long drive-thru lines, mobile order backups and other issues made visits more of a chore

The individual store had a policy of asking non-paying customers to leave, and the men hadn't bought anything. But the arrest, which was caught on video, was a major embarrassment for the company.

It sparked national outrage leading to a temporary closure of all U.S. stores for racial sensitivity training.

At the time, Starbucks Chairman Howard Schultz said he didn't want people to feel 'less than' if they were refused access.

'We don't want to become a public bathroom, but we're going to make the right decision 100 percent of the time and give people the key,' Howard Schultz said during the crisis.

However, the fallout from that decision has been challenging for Starbucks employees and customers alike.

Since then, many baristas have reported dealing with loitering, inappropriate behavior, and even dangerous situations.

In 2022, Starbucks closed 16 U.S. stores, including locations in Los Angeles and Seattle, citing safety issues such as drug use and disruptive conduct.

Starbucks North America President Sara Trilling addressed the need for change in a letter, writing, 'There is a need to reset expectations for how our spaces should be used, and who uses them.'

Starbucks' new code of conduct, which takes effect on January 27, mandates that cafes, patios, and restrooms are reserved only for paying customers, their guests, and employees

Only time will tell if this reversal will brew success or leave a bitter aftertaste

In 2018, Rashon Nelson and Donte Robinson, both 23, were arrested at a Philadelphia Starbucks when a manager called to complain about them loitering

The company hopes the new rules will provide clarity for both employees and customers, helping to rebuild the coffeehouse's community-oriented atmosphere.

The new code of conduct aligns with efforts by new CEO Brian Niccol to reinvigorate Starbucks' brand and reverse three consecutive quarters of declining sales.

Niccol has vowed to restore Starbucks' reputation as a community hub by reintroducing cozy furniture, ceramic mugs, and condiment bars - features that had been removed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

He also announced a return to personal touches like baristas writing messages on cups and offering free refills for customers who linger after purchasing a drink.

The policy change has sparked debate among customers. Advocates of the new rules argue they address legitimate safety and cleanliness concerns, but critics see the move as a departure from the inclusive ethos Starbucks once championed.

Yet, the decision to restrict access has drawn criticism from those who valued Starbucks as a welcoming space for all.

Starbucks' decision is a bold move in its effort to reclaim its identity as a community coffeehouse

'People appreciated being able to pop into a Starbucks to use the bathroom,' admitted Trilling, reflecting on the trade-offs involved.

As part of the sweeping changes, Starbucks aims to address customer complaints about the erosion of its community vibe, which some blame on the rise of mobile orders and to-go business.

'Our stores will be inviting places to linger,' Niccol wrote in an open letter last year.

Starbucks' decision is a bold move in its effort to reclaim its identity as a community coffeehouse.

CEO Niccol has said that he wants Starbucks to recapture the community coffeehouse feeling it used to have, before long drive-thru lines, mobile order backups and other issues made visits more of a chore.

However, its success will depend on how well the company can strike a balance between safety, hospitality, and inclusivity - and whether it can win back customers who've grown disillusioned.

Only time will tell if this reversal will brew success or leave a bitter aftertaste.
McDonald's spinoff restaurant is closing multiple locations after just one year of operation, but the fast food chain assured fans that the closures weren't all bad news.

The iconic fast-food chain launched a drink-focused restaurant called CosMc's on December 7, 2023, with fun drinks and signature brews.

Throughout its year in operation, McDonald's launched six locations in Texas. Some locations were old McDonald's restaurants, while others were new, smaller prototypes.

Despite the initial enthusiasm and the creative menu, McDonald's announced last week that it would be shutting down three locations.

'We learned that the smaller format stores allow us to test new, unique circumstances that are reflective of our customer base,' McDonald's wrote in a press release.

'As a result, we will open two new smaller format stores in Texas in 2025, and close three of the larger locations that were remodeled into CosMcs locations.'

McDonald's has not yet announced where the new locations in Texas will be and if there are any plans for the abandoned CosMc's locations.

CosMc's saw great success when it first launched last year, piquing customers' curiosity on social media.

CosMc's opened one location in Illinois and six in Texas during its first year in business

CosMc's features an extensive menu of unique coffee and fruit drinks

When the spinoff's flagship location launched in Illinois, customers lined up for hours and even flew in from France and the UK to try the sugary drinks, McDonald's wrote in a press release.

Staff members were forced to implement a military-style operation to accommodate the large influx of customers. Police even had to monitor drive-thru lines as drivers were directed to wait in a holding pen.

Retail expert Neil Saunders previously told Dailymail.com that the business move was 'targeting the TikTok generation' with 'social media friendly' marketing. 'It's very wacky and colorful,' Saunders argued.

The spinoff is reminiscent of McDonald's hay day when the restaurant was decked out in bright colors and the Golden Arches could be spotted for miles away.

CosMc's embraces the original retro feel of McDonald's with its bold font and bright purple exterior. The inside of CosMc's features loud purple and yellow walls as employees dawn celestial aprons.

The menu includes a variety of unique beverages like a Sea Salted Carmelactic Shaken Espresso and a French Toast Galaxy Latte. CosMc's also features a selection of coffee drinks like americanos, cold brews, and drip coffee.

For non-coffee lovers, CosMc's sells smoothies and fruit drinks, including a Sprite Moonsplash and a Sour Tango Lemonade.

Before the restaurant chain rebranded to embrace a modern feel, the McDonald's characters were a major part of the experience.

Ronald McDonald led the gang, but the restaurant would often introduce new characters, including an alien named CosMc.

CosMc's new locations will be smaller than traditional McDonald's restaurants

CosMc's also offers food items including hashbrowns and McPops

CosMc's focuses on coffee drinks with an extensive menu of cold brews, lattes, and espresso drinks

The legend of CosMc's started when the alien would 'drop by McDonaldsland on "trade missions"' and 'steal' menu items.

After one mission in the 1980s, CosMc completed his mission and the spinoff restaurant was born.

The folklore says the alien continued to experiment with McDonald's menu in another galaxy until he finally brought CosMc's drinks down to Earth in 2023.

Despite the grim news of the three closing locations, fans of the beverage-forward spinoff shouldn't be too disappointed as McDonald's plans on going forward with newer smaller locations.

A communications representative for McDonald's told Dailymail.com that the company will continue testing CosMc's. The three locations shutting down in Texas were larger spaces that were initially used as McDonald's.
Chick-fil-A fans were thrilled to hear a fan-favorite special would return to its restaurants ahead of Valentine's Day.

The fast-food chain will feature Heart-Shaped Trays for a limited time at participating locations, according to food blog Snackolater.

The trays come filled with chicken nuggets, Chick-in-Minis, chocolate brownie halves or chocolate chunk cookies

'If you want to show someone you love them, a Chick-fil-A heart shaped tray is a surefire way to win them over,' Snackolater wrote.

The restaurant chain has not formally announced a rollout date for the trays, but Snackolator reported that multiple Chick-fil-A locations started offering them earlier this month.

'Typically these are available around the last week of January,' the blog reported.

Fans on social media were excited by the announcement.

'I have a feeling - I'm gonna show myself, how much I love me,' one Instagram user wrote.

Food blog Snackolator announced the return of Chick-fil-A's Heart-Shaped Trays in a January 13 Instagram post

'Newsflash I need more than 6 chocolate chunk cookies lol,' another added.

Some hungry users claimed they would be buying 'all' of the trays.

Others expressed concerned about the price, saying that would whether they took part in the holiday special.

Chick-fil-A has not confirmed how much money each tray will cost.

The chain has previously sold its 30-count Chick-fil-Nuggets for $18, 10-count Chick-n-Minis for $12, and six Chocolate Chunk Cookies for $9.

The restaurant has added a long list of goodies to its US menus over the past few months.

Fans were excited to see Chick-fil-A's Peppermint Chip Milkshake and peppermint-flavored hot and iced coffees at participating locations in November.

The items were available for a limited time and were taken off menus in early January.

Snackolator claimed that select Chick-fil-A restaurants began selling Heart-Shaped Trays earlier this month

Social media users have been eager to purchase the holiday special

Chick-fil-A also made headlines after announcing it would offer new menu items at its Truett's locations in Georgia.

Some of the new food items included banana pudding, tropical nuggets, and fried peach pie.

Participating Chick-fil-A restaurants in the US celebrated the New Year by bringing back the Grilled Spicy Deluxe Sandwich for the first time in years.

The sandwich, along with Key Lime seasonal beverages, have been available at participating Chick-fil-A restaurants since January 7.

Chick-fil-A has experienced financial success for years and has topped several 'best of' lists over the last 10 years.

The restaurant chain recently made headlines for losing its top spot on the best fast food restaurants in the US by USA Today.

The decline came after the chain announced it would shift from chicken raised with No Antibiotics Ever (NAE) to chicken raised with No Antibiotics Important to Human Medicine (NAIHM) in spring 2024.

'NAE means no antibiotics of any kind were used in raising the animal,' read the restaurant's March 25 statement.

Chick-fil-A restaurants nationwide began offering Grilled Spicy Deluxe Sandwiches and Key Lime seasonal beverages on January 7

'NAIHM restricts the use of those antibiotics that are important to human medicine and commonly used to treat people, and allows use of animal antibiotics only if the animal and those around it were to become sick.'

The company confirmed the poultry change was due to supply issues.

Chick-fil-A is expected to open its first restaurant in Singapore later this year.

Daily Mail has reached out to the company for comment.
A healthcare giant that operates 16 hospitals across four states has filed for bankruptcy - with plans to offload several of them.

Prospect Medical Holdings - which also owns 166 clinics across California, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island, and employs 12,600 people - filed for Chapter 11 protection in Texas on Saturday.

The company, which was once an active buyer of struggling hospitals, has debts of more than $400 million.

Prospect said on Saturday that its hospitals, medical centers, clinics and physicians' offices would continue to operate as normal while it restructures.

But, after that, the company will focus exclusively on its facilities in California, where it has seven hospitals.

It plans to sell its operations in the other three states to rival healthcare providers, along with transferring the associated jobs. It has faced problems offloading them in the past.

Two medical centers in Rhode Island - the Roger Williams Medical Center and Our Lady of Fatima Medical Center - are set to be sold to another healthcare company, Prospect confirmed.

But in Pennsylvania, it has yet to find a buyer for facilities including Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Chester and Taylor Hospital in Ridley Park.

The company owns facilities in California, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island (Pictured: Manchester Memorial Hospital in Connecticut)

Von Crockett, Prospect's CEO, said the company plans to focus on hospitals in California, and will sell operations in Rhode Island, Connecticut and Pennsylvania

There are also three hospitals up for sale in Connecticut, the Waterbury, Manchester Memorial, and Rockville General. A previous buyer is suing Prospect to get out of the deal after alleging they were rundown.

Von Crockett, Prospect's chief executive officer, said: '[The] actions represent an important step forward in our longstanding commitment to best serve the interests of our patients, physicians, employees, and communities.

'Divesting our operations outside of California will ensure that they receive necessary financial support so that the communities that rely on those facilities will maintain continued access to highly coordinated, personalized, and critical healthcare services long into the future.'

Problems at Prospect come less than a year after the collapse of Steward Health Care, another major hospital system backed by private equity.

Steward, which owned more than 30 hospitals across eight states, was reported by CBS to have been drained of hundreds of millions of dollars by private equity investors, potentially contributing to shortages of life-saving medical equipment.

Along with Steward, Prospect Medical has also been a focus of ongoing investigations by CBS into how how private equity investors have extracted millions from community hospitals.

Between 2010 and 2021, private equity firm Leonard Green & Partners held a majority stake in Prospect Medical.

The companys financial maneuvers included a $457 million dividend paid to leadership in 2018.

Sam Lee - the former CEO of Prospect, who is now the chairman - reportedly received around $90 million that year, while Leonard Green shareholders took home $257 million.

Both Prospect Medical and Steward relied on the value of their hospital real estate to help pay for large payouts for their owners.

There had been signs of distress at Prospect Medical since last year. Hospital landlord Medical Properties Trust sought to take control of some of the firm's health care facilities while accusing Prospect of defaulting on debt, Bloomberg reported.

Sam Lee - the former CEO of Prospect, who is now the chairman - reportedly received around $90 million in 2018

Prospect Medical said it is focusing on operating its hospitals in California, and plans to sell two of its medical centers in Rhode Island

In a press release announcing its restructuring, Prospect Medical said its hospitals would continue to operate as normal

The Steward bankruptcy drew government scrutiny and prompted debate about the regulation of private-equity owned hospitals whose failure could lead to devastating consequences for local communities.

Last week, a bipartisan committee said there was 'overwhelming evidence of financial mismanagement' as Leonard Green and Prospect Medical sought to drive profits, which led to hospitals serving vulnerable Americans to cut services or close altogether, CBS reported.

The committee report concluded that hospital systems backed by private equity may pose 'a threat to the nation's health care infrastructure, particularly in underserved and rural areas.'

Both Leonard Green and Prospect Medical dispute the committee's findings.

A Prospect Medical spokesperson said the company had spent more than $750 million in its hospitals and provided more than $900 million in charity and uncompensated care to patients.

'Nearly all the hospitals Prospect acquired were cash-starved, neglected, in disrepair and on the verge of closure or bankruptcy,' they added.

'In nearly every instance, no one else wanted to acquire them, and many were headed to closure.'
Jamie Dimon was not surprised by Donald Trump winning the presidential election in November - even though he had privately backed Kamala Harris.

The JPMorgan Chase CEO yesterday said he travelled all around the US and felt that Americans did not want to be 'lectured to' by the government.

Speaking to Lesley Stahl in an interview with CBS Sunday Morning, the billionaire banker responded with a definitive 'no' when asked if he was shocked by the result.

'People were angry at the - what do they call it? - the state, the swampineffective government,' Dimon said as the reason he thought Trump won.

'People wanted kind of more pro-growth and pro-business policies. They didn't want to be lectured to on social policies continuously.'

He continued: 'I think it's the lecturing part of it - the social superiority, it's the "My way or the highway."

'I traveled around the country. I felt it wherever I went.'

The 68-year-old's comments come after he refused to endorse either candidate in the election last year, despite reportedly privately backing Vice President Kamala Harris.

Speaking to Lesley Stahl in an interview with CBS Sunday Morning, the billionaire banker said he was not surprised by Donald Trump winning the presidential election

His wife Judy, however, knocked doors for Harris in the swing state of Michigan the weekend before voters headed to the polls.

She also donated nearly $200,000 to the Democratic National Committee and gave the Harris campaign $3,300 - the maximum individual donation allowed to be donated to a candidate's committee per election cycle, according to Open Secrets.

Dimon was also forced to publicly deny that he had endorsed Trump in October, after the then-presidential candidate made the false claim on his social media site Truth Social.

The billionaire banker also faced rumors during the election cycle that he could be recruited for roles in either potential administration.

But shortly following his victory, Trump declared in a Truth Social post that Dimon would not be joining his incoming administration.

'I respect Jamie Dimon, of JPMorgan Chase, greatly, but he will not be invited to be a part of the Trump Administration. I thank Jamie for his outstanding service to our Country!' Trump wrote on November 14.

Dimon was forced to publicly deny that he had endorsed Trump in October

President-elect Donald Trump took to Truth Social to say that JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon would not be 'invited' to join the second Trump White House

There was widespread grassroots support for Trump, including on social media

Dimon then pushed back soon after Trump's post against the idea that he would have joined a team under the President-elect.

'First of all, I wish the president well, and thank you, it's a very nice note,' he said at a summit in Lima, Peru.

'But I just want to tell the president also, I haven't had a boss in 25 years and I'm not about ready to start,' he added.

The banker, who has an estimated net worth of around $2.6 billion, said that his industry was 'dancing in the street' over Trump's win and incoming Republican majorities in the House of Representatives and Senate.

Many on Wall Street are looking forward to a second Trump administration, which they see as a boon to business.
Meta is sacking 3,600 employees identified as low performers - but is already in the process of replacing them.

The company, which owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, confirmed to AFP that CEO Mark Zuckerberg's decision will affect five percent of its workforce.

Meanwhile, Microsoft has said today it is pausing hiring in the US for its consulting unit. It also axed other roles earlier this month.

Unlike Meta - which is sacking workers not up to the job - Microsoft is looking to cut costs.

Meta had approximately 72,400 employees as of September.

'Ive decided to raise the bar on performance management and move out low-performers faster,' Zuckerberg said.

The CEO said the performance-based cuts are intended to ensure that the company has the 'strongest talent' and is able to 'bring new people in.'

Performance-based dismissals are a common practice among major US corporations.

The layoffs come amid broader changes at Meta, in advance of Donald Trump returning to the White House on January 20.

This photo illustration created in January 8, 2025, in Germany, shows the media giant Meta's logo displayed on a smartphone

Zuckerberg has recently aligned more closely with conservative ideas and political figures, including having dinner meetings with Trump and nominating a Republican as Meta's head of public affairs.

Last week, Zuckerberg announced the end of the company's US fact-checking program that aimed to combat misinformation on its platforms. The program had faced criticism from conservative voices who viewed it as censorship.

Under the new system, users will be able to add context to posts, similar to features on X, formerly Twitter, and championed by Elon Musk, the platforms owner.

The company has also scaled back its diversity initiatives and relaxed content moderation rules on Facebook and Instagram, particularly regarding certain forms of hostile speech.
Peeved by the unwarranted comments on Lok Sabha elections by social media giant Mark Zuckerberg, the Parliamentary Committee is to summon representatives of the Meta during the next couple of days.

In past also social media giants Facebook and the then Twitter, Amazon, Google were summoned by the Centre and Parliament committees on different issues including protection of data and its privacy and allegation over supporting a particular individual, group or party in elections.

The Centre led by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has already responded and countered to Meta CEO Mark Zuckerbergs claims that most incumbent governments, including BJP led NDA, lost their positions post the Covid -19 pandemic.

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, who heads the Parliaments Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology, sought an apology from social media giant Meta for tarnishing Indias image. He said that the panel will summon the firm very soon.

My committee will summon Meta for this incorrect information. Incorrect information about any democratic country tarnishes its image. This organisation will have to apologise to the Indian Parliament and the people here for this mistake, Dubey said in a statement.

A day earlier Vaishnaw took the lead to criticise Zuckerberg for making factually incorrect statement that the incumbent government in India lost the election in 2024 over issues arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is disappointing to see misinformation from Zuckerberg himself. Lets uphold facts and credibility, Vaishnaw said on several social media platforms including X (formerly Twitter) from where the matter has spiraled.

While Zuckerberg owns the controlling stake in the Meta group of companies, X is now headed by US Tycoon Elon Musk. From free food for 800 million, 2.2 billion free vaccines, and aid to nations worldwide during COVID, to leading India as the fastest-growing major economy, PM Modis decisive 3rd-term victory is a testament to good governance and public trust, Vaishnaw said in a statement.

Zuckerberg in a podcast said 2024 was the big election year around the world and in a lot of countries like India, the incumbent governments lost the polls.

The Meta chief was referring to 2024 Lok Sabha elections, in which BJP lost its majority and the third term of Narendra Modis government was formed by alliance partners like JDU and TDP as NDA alliance.

A lot of people in the United States focus on this as an American phenomenon, but I kind of think that the reaction to Covid probably caused a breakdown and trust in a lot of governments around the world, because 2024 was a big election year around the world. And you know there are all these countries, India, just like a ton of countries, that had elections and the incumbents, basically lost every single one of them, Meta CEO had mentioned in the podast.

This is not the first time that India has been irked by the irresponsible acts by these social media companies as in year 2020 also the then Information and Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had written to Zuckerberg accusing the social media platform employees of supporting people from a political predisposition that lost successive elections, and of abusing the Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) and his cabinet members.

The parliamentary standing committee on IT chaired by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor had summoned Facebook officials on the alleged misuse of its hate speech rules. The Parliament committee has also summoned officials of Amazon and Google on the certain issue earlier.
Hinting towards a deeper conspiracy behind the bomb threats being sent to schools and several educational institutions across Delhi-NCR in recent past, the Delhi Police on Tuesday revealed link of an NGO, who opposed the hanging of terrorist Afzal Guru and has a association with a political party, with the 12th class student who had sent mails to over 400 schools.

BJP alleged that the police investigation hints towards Aam Aadmi Partys (AAP) involvement in the case, charging that AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal is not just Delhis but the countrys enemy ahead of the Delhi elections.

The BJP has been targeting Chief Minister Atishi on her parents opposing the hanging of Guru. Addressing a Press conference, Special CP/Law and Order Division Zone-II Madhup Tiwari said that the minor has sent about seven threatening mails to more than 400 schools between February 12 and January 8. He also sent the mail on May 1 when about 250 schools received the hoax bomb threat creating large-scale panic and fear among both parents and children, disrupting normal lives of the public, the officer added.

The matter came to fore when the police identified a 16 year old for sending bomb threats to about 23 schools on January 8. The hoax threats were delivered through heavily encrypted email services and complex digital pathways, clearly indicating intent to conceal identity and evade detection, Tiwari said.

However, he added that considering technical complexities and advanced techniques used in sending such emails, the police started probing the role of other entities/players/associates. The police pulled out at the background of the juveniles family.

We wanted to see how this child could have done all this on his own. To investigate this, we did a background profiling of the entire family. It is revealed that one NGO, which is part of a civil society group, has a significant influence at the workplace of the juveniles guardian. It has a longstanding association and deep connection with a political party. This NGO is known for advocacy for the political party in open public domain and questions the legitimacy of Afzal Gurus hacking, a convicted terrorist involved in the 2001 Parliament attack, the officer said.

He said that due to the NGOs proximity to a political party, it raises critical questions about a possible larger conspiracy to create public unrest through disruptive tactics. Through scientific means, digital forensic analysis and other technical surveillance and intelligence apparatus, further deep investigation is in progress to ascertain the angle of larger conspiracy, players involved (directly or indirectly) behind this sinister activity and other such hoax mails, Tiwari said.

Meanwhile, this has led to creating a political uproar with BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi stating that the involvement of the NGO and its opposition to Gurus hanging clearly links it to AAP. Is the child only a shield for such NGOs who want to destroy the law and order of Delhi and create a state of fear for political gains? With the investigation, it is highly likely that the NGO is linked to AAP since we all know the partys deep links with NGO that have supported Afzal Guru and have been involved in anti national activities. Both of the parents of Delhi Chief Minister Atishi supported the clemency petition of Afzal Guru, he alleged.

He also demanded that Kejriwal come forward and clarify the partys relation with the NGO, stating that by not doing so they will deepen the doubt.

Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva has also said the AAP-da party will soon be fully exposed after the investigation is complete and will be ousted out of the national Capital for destroying it completely. I would say that Arvind Kejriwal is not only the enemy of Delhi, he is also the enemy of the entire nation, he said.

The police have registered a case under Section 351(3) (criminal intimidation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) along with Section 66F of the Information Technology Act, 2000.

They have also recovered a laptop and two mobile phones from the minor, which were subjected to preliminary forensic analysis, revealing conclusive and irrefutable digital evidence directly linking the accused to the threatening emails.

Through scientific means, digital forensic analysis and other technical surveillance and intelligence apparatus, further deep investigation is in progress to ascertain the angle of larger conspiracy, players involved (directly or indirectly) behind this sinister activity and other such hoax mails, an officer added.
India on Tuesday pressed Russia to release all the Indians recruited by the Russian military, following the death of another Indian national in the Russia-Ukraine conflict zone, taking the death toll to 10.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said an Indian national from Kerala has died and another has sustained injuries and is undergoing treatment at a hospital in Moscow. Jaiswal said the matter has been strongly taken up with Russian authorities in Moscow as well as with the Russian embassy in New Delhi. We have also reiterated our demand for an early discharge of the remaining Indian nationals, he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had strongly raised the issue of early discharge of the Indian nationals working in the Russian Army during his talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow in July last year.

The death of Binil TB, who hailed from Thrissur, was made public on Monday by one of his relatives. Though the MEA did not provide the circumstances of his death, he reportedly died on the frontlines of the conflict in Ukraine.

According to official data, nine Indians died while serving in the Russian Army in the last few months. Binil's death has taken the toll to 10. We have learnt of the unfortunate death of an Indian national from Kerala, who had apparently been recruited to serve in the Russian Army, Jaiswal said.

Another Indian national from Kerala, who was similarly recruited, has been injured and is receiving treatment in a hospital in Moscow, he said. The MEA offered condolences to the family of the deceased.

We offer our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. Our embassy in Moscow is in touch with the families, and all possible assistance is being rendered, Jaiswal said. We are working with the Russian authorities for an early transportation of the mortal remains to India. We have also sought an early discharge and repatriation to India of the injured person, he said.

The matter has been strongly taken up with Russian authorities in Moscow as well as with the Russian Embassy in New Delhi today, he added.

In October last year, Indian officials said 85 Indian nationals have been discharged from the Russian military and efforts are on to secure the release of 20 more.

In August 2024, the Russian embassy said Moscow and New Delhi are working in close coordination for an early identification and discharge of the Indian nationals who voluntarily joined contractual work in the military service and now want to return home.

Since April last year, the ministry of defence of the Russian Federation had stopped recruiting citizens of a number of foreign countries, including India, into the military service, it had said.
Former Union minister Sharad Pawar on Tuesday rubbished Union Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks that the BJP's victory in the Maharashtra assembly polls ended the politics of betrayal and treachery started by him in 1978.

I was the chief minister in 1978. I am not aware about his whereabouts then, Pawar told reporters in Mumbai. When I was the chief minister, there were people like Uttamrao Patil from Jan Sangh in my ministry, Pawar added.

The decorum of the post of home minister should be maintained, the NCP (SP) chief said, bemoaning the lack of communication between present political leaders. There used to be susanvad' (good communication) between political leaders earlier but that is missing now, he said.

"The victory of BJP in Maharashtra ended the politics of instability and backstabbing started by Sharad Pawar in 1978. You (people) have buried such politics 20-foot in the ground," Shah had said, addressing a state-level convention of BJP in Shirdi on Sunday.

Shah's apparent reference was to Pawar walking out of the Vasantdada Patil-led government in 1978 with 40 MLAs and becoming the CM. Pawar recalled that then PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee had made him the vice-chairman of the Disaster Management Authority after the Bhuj earthquake despite being in the opposition.

This country has seen many excellent home ministers, but none of them was externed from his state, Pawar said, in an apparent reference to Shah being externed in 2010 from Gujarat for two years in connection with the Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case. He was acquitted of all charges in 2014. When he (Shah) could not stay in Gujarat (after being externed), he went to Balasaheb Thackeray for help, Pawar said.

Asked about doubts over the opposition MVA coalition's future after Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut announced going solo in the local body elections in Maharashtra, Pawar said, There will be talks with Congress and Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders in the next 10 days to discuss important issues.

On speculation that he will extend support to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Pawar said, Not even a single MP of my party wants to go with BJP. Meanwhile, an editorial in Shiv Sena (UBT) mouthpiece Saamana described as language of arrogance Amit Shah's remarks that people of Maharashtra taught a lesson to Uddhav Thackeray for his betrayal politics.

Sharad Pawar and Balasaheb Thackeray helped Narendra Modi and Amit Shah during their crises, but they returned the favour by splitting the parties of these leaders. Is this not betrayal, the editorial asked.
China home to most automated terminals completed and under construction

15:31, January 14, 2025 By Han Xin ( People's Daily

At around 9 a.m., a ship laden with cargo arrived at a fully automated container terminal of Qingdao Port in east China's Shandong province. As the ship docked, intelligent operation promptly commenced.

Several gantry cranes descended from a height of tens of meters, their "arms" expertly grabbing and positioning the large containers onto automated guided vehicles (AGVs). Nearby, high-speed rail-mounted gantry cranes swiftly navigated the yard, accurately stacking and organizing the incoming containers.

Photo shows the Yangshan phase IV automated terminal in Shanghai. (People's Daily Online/Xu Congjun)

The smooth loading and unloading operations were made possible by automation.

"Construction of the fully automated terminal began in 2015, divided into three phases, with the third phase terminal becoming operational by the end of 2023," said an employee with Qingdao Port.

According to the employee, the terminal has lifted operational efficiency by six percent and throughput by 15 percent.

On Jan. 1, 2025, the automated container terminal at Qingdao Port achieved an average single-crane productivity of 60.9 units per hour during a loading task. This marks the 12th time that the terminal has set a world record for the automated container terminal's loading and unloading efficiency.

Heading north along the coastline from the port, there is a bulk cargo terminal that has been revitalized.

At the ore terminal in the west port area of Yantai Port, the work site was totally unmanned, but as an orange ship unloader swung its mechanical arm, cargos were grabbed out of the hold. Conveyor belts, rotating fast, worked in close coordination with reclaimers and loaders, handling cargos with high efficiency.

Thanks to fully automated terminal control technology, the ore terminal at Yantai Port has achieved unmanned operations throughout the entire work process. Compared to traditional operating modes, both the comprehensive unloading efficiency and bulk cargo loading efficiency have increased by over 20 percent.

Cargos are unloaded from a vessel at a fully automated terminal of Qingdao Port, east China's Shandong province, Dec. 3, 2024. (People's Daily Online/Zhang Jingang)

The two ports in the north and south of the Shandong Peninsula are vivid examples of the accelerated construction of intelligent ports across China.

According to data from China's Ministry of Transport, the country has built 52 automated container and bulk cargo terminals so far, ranking first in the world in terms of both completed and under-construction scales. Chinese ports also rank at the forefront globally in the level and application of automation technology.

In recent years, China has successively formulated and released a series of industry technical standards such as the design specifications for automated container terminals and automated coal and ore terminals, which have driven and supported the development of smart port construction. Some technical solutions for automated container terminals have been introduced overseas and applied in ports in some countries.

"To achieve full-process unmanned operation for ship loading and unloading, container transfer, and yard handling at a container terminal, a complete set of automated port machinery equipment and loading/unloading systems are indispensable," said Li Yiming, director of a design and research institute of Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (ZPMC).

Li took the Yangshan phase IV automated terminal in Shanghai as an example. When a large vessel docks, the quay crane is the primary equipment for loading and unloading containers at the terminal. By introducing dual-trolley automated quay cranes, it is possible to achieve a relay operation with two trolleys, increasing the efficiency of loading and unloading operations by 50 percent.

After the containers are unloaded, AGVs will efficiently transport the containers to the yard. Following this, the world's first dual-container automated rail-mounted gantry cranes come into play, capable of lifting two containers at one go, doubling the efficiency of yard operations.

"Up to now, ZPMC has provided a total of 28 automated quay cranes, 121 automated rail-mounted gantry cranes, 145 AGVs, and a complete set of loading and unloading systems, helping the Yangshan phase IV automated terminal become the largest and most intelligent fully automated container terminal in the world," said Li.

Photo shows an automated container terminal of Beibu Gulf Port in Qinzhou, south China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. (People's Daily Online/Liu Hui)

In recent years, the company has been involved in over 70 percent of automated terminal construction projects around the world, Li added.

The smooth and efficient operation of various port machinery, including shore cranes, rail-mounted gantry cranes, and AGVs, depends on a robust automation software system.

In the Meishan port area of Ningbo-Zhoushan Port in east China's Zhejiang province, real-time scenes of ship loading and unloading, automated operations of quay cranes and gantry cranes, and unmanned container trucks shuttling back and forth were displayed on a large screen. With the support of an independently developed automation software system, over a hundred sets of port machinery equipment have achieved precise and orderly scheduling, underpinning the formulation of production plans and complex task management for tens of millions of containers.

"The large-scale application of intelligent equipment has laid a solid foundation for the efficient operation of the port area, contributing to new highs of the port's throughput," said an executive of Ningbo Zhoushan Port Group.

In the first 11 months of 2024, Ningbo-Zhoushan Port reported a cargo throughput of 1.268 billion tons, a year-on-year increase of 3.27 percent, and completed a container throughput of 36.145 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), up 10.2 percent from a year ago.

In recent years, Chinese ports have been vigorously promoting the specialization and intelligent transformation of terminals, further enhancing port service capabilities. From January to November 2024, China's total port cargo throughput reached approximately 16.04 billion tons, showing a year-on-year increase of around 3.4 percent. The container throughput reached 300 million TEUs, with a year-on-year growth of 7.3 percent, maintaining a steady increase.

(Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun)
Comrades, commissars, Labour Party hierarchy, Bolsheviks, apparatchiks, Big State civil servants, train drivers, Marxist union bosses, NHS managers, and the rest of the scum proletariat. Screw the poxy Trump inauguration for the USA capitalist scum.

It has come to the attention of Supreme Comrade Starmer of the Peoples Republic of Soviet Britain that he has NOT been invited to the presidential inauguration of the capitalist swine Donald J. Trump. This is no problem for Comrade Starmer because he never wanted to go to such a disgusting event anyway. Why would the Supreme Comrade in charge of Soviet Britain be seen at such a blatantly capitalist, imperialist show of bourgeois wealthy greed and selfish indulgence? No! Comrade Starmer will NOT attend!

WE HAVE TOUCHDOWN!!! pic.twitter.com/6xrwCyYm7o  il Donaldo Trumpo (@PapiTrumpo) January 16, 2025



Instead, the selfless dear Comrade Starmer will be visiting a sock factory in East Grinstead where he will display his staunch communist inspection methods and maybe pick out a nice big pair of red socks for his meagre soviet wardrobe.

Here in Soviet Britain we pride ourselves in pursuing our progressive inclusive Marxist woke ideals, but we do not support things like Trumpism, orange skin, private business, jobs, wealth creation, aspiration, democracy or freedom of speech. To us, these are disgusting, selfish and greedy ideals that we steer away from.

If Trump or any of his capitalist swine lackeys reads this statement, good, we hope you read it and hang your heads in abject shame for not having as much virtue as us, and we sincerely hope your swine filled capitalist scum Trump inauguration sucks donkey poop.
The decision by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council to refuse planning permission for a wind farm has been taken to the Planning Appeals Commission (PAC); the appeal is being taken by the developer and the farmer involved.

The proposal for Renewable Energy Sources 6-turbine Magheramore wind farm was turned down by the councils planning committee on November 22, 2023.

Speaking to the County Derry Post, a spokesperson for the Save Benbradagh campaign group, said the closing date for submissions to the PAC on the issue was January 27, 2025.

The hearing is scheduled to take place in Belfast on Thursday, February 20, 2025, she added.

All of the previous objections to the wind turbines will still stand but the PAC, which is a judicial body, will examine the decision from scratch. Basically, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council will have to defend its reasons for refusing planning permission, as will the Historic Environment Division.

The Department for Communities Historic Environment Division records, protects, conserves and promotes the Norths historic environment.

According to the Save Benbradagh spokesperson, the PAC hearing will involve one or two planners and one or two people from the Historic Environment Division.

The developer will turn up with a team of about 13 people, including the top planning barristers in Northern Ireland, she added.

They have chosen an Informal Hearing. This means Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and Historic Environment will submit their statement of case and the opportunity for rebuttal is an oral delivery, which automatically also favours barristers.

The statistics for appeals against councils refusing to grant planning permission for wind farms being successful are very high - about 85%, so we are very much up against it here in Dungiven regarding that particular wind farm application.

Nevertheless we have been mounting a very determined campaign. We have postered the whole area and over the next fortnight we will be lodging as many new objections as possible."

The well informed spokesperson highlighted what it described as the bigger issue at play regarding wind farms.

She said: Northern Ireland has supposedly missed the boat for offshore wind. It is the only region in Britain and Ireland which does not have offshore wind doing the heavy lifting regarding net zero targets. Offshore wind is generally more efficient and generates bigger capacities and quantities.

According to the Northern Ireland Affairs Committees Renewable Energy and Net Zero in Northern Ireland hearings in Westminster, which took place from January to March 2024, we have missed targets because of the Stormont vacuums.

Essentially, that means, we are doubling our onshore wind to meet all of our 2030 Net Zero targets. That has massive implications for our landscape here in County Derry.

Northern Ireland currently has double the amount of generation of onshore wind than the Republic of Ireland. In addition, all of the wind turbines are located in the three North West Council areas: Derry City and Strabane District Council; Fermanagh and Omagh District Council; and Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council."

Save Benbradagh has grave concerns that Renewable NI - the private developer lobby group - is with SONI (NIs electricity Transmission System Operator) and the Department for the Economy to try to deliver 2030 targets purely on onshore wind.

All of the turbines are going to be in these three council areas. There is nothing in any other council area.

The Save Benbradagh campaign is also fighting against a proposal to site a wind farm on top of Banagher. Our wee area alone has actually got more live wind farm applications than anywhere else. We are just going to be surrounded by them.

We have already got the biggest wind farm in the North at Altahullion in Glenconway, with 50 turbines.

The problem is, at the time people thought, Yes, we will play our part. Everybody has to play a part in this, however, now it seems like we are playing the part of everybody.

Developers are now arguing the area is already spoiled by wind turbines so they are going to add more, said the spokesperson.

The Save Benbradagh campaign is determined to do all it can to protect the two local beauty spots of Banagher and Benbradagh.

The least we can do is to try and look after our scenic areas and also our nature areas.

We have red squirrels and everything in Banagher and I heard the first woodpecker last summer. If we dont protect them, who else is going to do it?

There were more than 400 objections lodged against the Banagher wind farm proposal. What people have got to understand is, it is not just Banagher which will be affected, the little hill on which they are proposing to site the turbines is the backdrop to the whole of dungiven. One of the reasons for the councils refusal was it sat oppressively over the settlement of Dungiven.

This is an area of outstanding natural beauty. Everybody that paints, paints Benbradagh. There are poems about it. There are songs about it. It is just part of our community. The Dungiven people see Benbradagh as basically theirs, even if the farmers own it.

It and Banagher are part of our history. Local people and visitors walk there all the time. They bring tourism into our town. If we take that away, the whole tourist industry will be ruined.

If this whole area is surrounded by wind turbines, no tourists will want to visit or stay in the area. We will end up with a disparaging nickname as some sort of windy hill.
The number of PSNI officers in Derry, Strabane and Limavady with a dedicated domestic violence remit has been halved in an unpublicised move, Derry News has learned.

There were previously six domestic violence officers across the area, this has now been reduced to three. The area covered has also been expanded to include Omagh, in County Tyrone.

In addition, an ongoing pilot project involving the PSNI and the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) in which police are no longer required to submit all domestic abuse investigation files to the PPS, means alleged perpetrators may now not be charged with any offence.

A PPS spokesperson told The Derry News: The pilot, which started in November 2023 and is running for 18 months, includes robust quality assurance measures and safeguards including specifically on cases involving potential domestic abuse.

The pilot is the result of detailed work between the PSNI and the PPS, with oversight from the Criminal Justice Board, and we have engaged extensively with key stakeholders, including Womens Aid and other victims groups, on it.

It is in recognition that a new, more proportionate approach is needed to deliver some services, particularly in the context of the long-term financial and resourcing pressures on both organisations. However, given the safeguards built in, it is not the case that fewer cases than would have done before are proceeding to court, and neither is that its intention.

Tackling domestic abuse is a key priority of the PPS and we take our responsibilities to victims extremely seriously. We handle all cases we receive from police in line with our Policy for Prosecuting Cases of Domestic Abuse, and consider them carefully, sensitively and objectively.

Under the previous operating model, police investigators had to submit all files to the PPS where an offence was suspected to have taken place, where there was an identifiable suspect and where there was any evidence, however weak, to link the suspect to the crime.

This included files where in the view of the investigating officer, the evidential Test for Prosecution could not be met.

According to the PPS spokesperson: Under the No File Decision pilot, police are not required to submit certain files where a recommendation not to prosecute is made for each of the suspects in the case, and where it is appropriate to take no further action.

Marie Brown, CEO of Foyle Womens Aid and the Family Justice Centre, said she intended to raise the reduction in domestic violence officers locally at the Derry Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP).

Belfast has between 12 and 14 domestic violence officers, which is not a fair allocation. There are clearly issues around equality of services for the West, she said.

A PSNI spokesperson confirmed there had been three domestic violence officers at Strand Road barracks, covering Derry city, Limavady and Strabane for at least five years.

The spokesperson said: The PSNI Public Protection Branch mirror the Health Trust boundaries - Western Trust will therefore cover more than one police District (including Fermanagh and Omagh, and Derry City and Strabane).

Currently there are three Public Protection Branch Domestic Abuse (DA) officers based in Strand Road that cover Limavady town, Derry City and Strabane. There are also three DA officers based in Omagh that cover Fermanagh and Omagh, however, if and when required, they can also serve Derry City and Strabane.

This has been the situation for at least five years.

Prosecutions at courts and case processing time for domestic abuse related cases dealt with in 2022/23 to 2023/24 have been published by @Justice_NI



Read more at: https://t.co/jlgRRtzXBH pic.twitter.com/Lh35FRpw80  Justice NI (@Justice_NI) January 7, 2025

Awareness about the reduction in domestic violence officers came as figures released by the Department for Justice this week showed the Derry City and Strabane District Council area recorded the second highest number of convictions for domestic abuse related offences in the North in 2022/23.

There were 106 domestic abuse convictions in Derry and Strabane, compared to 222 in Belfast.

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon was third with 93 convictions. The total number of convictions across all 11 local government districts was 840.

Also released this week, the 2023/24 statistics showed an overall increase in the number of convictions to 1,515.

Of those, Derry and Strabane had 153 convictions, third behind Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon with 214 convictions, and Belfast with 398.

The figures related to cases where there was a conviction for at least one offence prosecuted under the Domestic Abuse and Civil Proceedings Act (Northern Ireland) 2021. They also related to cases dealt with at Crown Court and magistrates courts.

Marie Brown highlighted that the way in which domestic violence figures are being calculated has also changed.

This happened under the Tory Government when the Home Office re-examined how domestic violence figures were counted, she said.

What we have now is that with one person there will be a range of incidents counted as one case of domestic violence.

They are not counting individual incidents, which makes it look like less domestic violence is taking place. In spite of this however the figures are up. For anyone wondering why this is, it is about resourcing.

In England, Scotland and Wales all of the police services were given extra money to tackle domestic violence but the PSNI wasnt given any. That is the key issue for us, the PSNI is not being given the money to focus on domestic violence victims.

15 or 16 years ago we had a lot more going on in terms of dealing with domestic violence. The situation is worse now. We need to resource this work, said Ms Brown.

Marie Brown said the PPS-PSNI pilot project should be referred to the Human Rights Commission.

We need to see if it is happening elsewhere and if is it safe? Is it the case that breaches of court orders are not being taken forward to the PPS? she added.

We also have to ask who within the PSNI is going to look at the domestic violence incident files and make the decision whether or not to forward them to the PPS?

We only have to look at the Katie Simpson case to see that the two officers involved have retired. That was a family in a police station, begging, saying there is a lot of information here.

I understand, Justice Minister Naomi Long has since brought in guidelines stating that during investigations, PSNI officers cant retire.

Questions need to be asked about how we are going to keep victims safe. How are we going to ensure confidence in the system? said Ms Brown.

A Department of Justice spokesperson told The Derry News: The decision whether or not to allow an officer to retire is an operational matter for the Chief Constable.

Marie Brown said, while it was good the number of convictions for domestic abuse related offences was going up, there were lots of perpetrators breaching court orders and being prosecuted.

She added: We know that a lot of women arent even going to the police, they are just getting non-molestation orders and not reporting offences at all.

If they do ring the police they are being told, There is no-one here or We just have your word. Women are worn out or fed up proving the breach.

I would like to see the PSNI taking a more proactive approach - taking finger prints off doors and using camera footage.

Domestic violence legislation needs resourced. It was passed here without funding and it was watered down in comparison to England. For example, housing was taken out of it.

There is a pressing issue here around housing and homelessness. Women experiencing domestic violence are often not able to afford accommodation whereas in England they are placed in a safe place as a priority, said MsBrown.

It emerged on Thursday, there had been, on average, 92 domestic abuse calls per day to the PSNI between Chirsmas and the New Year - January 2, 2025.

Responding to the figures, Commissioner Designate for Victims of Crime Geraldine Hanna said: Victims of domestic abuse often talk about how the festive period is a time of particular danger for them and this is sadly reflected in this data.

Over the last number of years we have increasingly heard the message from the government and the criminal justice system that domestic abuse is unacceptable and victims should come forward.

The challenge now for them is to make sure their actions match those messages. Victims need properly resourced support and a criminal justice system that deals with their cases efficiently and in a trauma-informed way.

I am pleased to see the police publishing this data. Capturing data like this is a key step in understanding and combating domestic abuse. Publishing it helps to inform the public and provide transparency.

Next year I would welcome the publication of some more specific demographic data including the break-down of the age of victims.

A day earlier, the First Minister and deputy First Minister announced the launch of the Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG) Local Change Fund, which will see 2 million shared across all 11 councils to enable them to support EVAWG action in their local areas.
A Derry City and Strabane District Sinn Fein councillor has voiced disappointment at what she described as the lack of progress in implementing Councils Ethical Procurement Policy (EPP).

Speaking at Tuesdays Governance and Strategic Policy (GSP) committee meeting, Cllr Emma McGinley said it had been hoped to have the policy developed in October 2024.

She added: This would have been in line with our overall aims of having the EPP completed and implemented within the last calendar year.

Obviously we have missed that target and I do understand that is to do with the implementation of the Procurement Act.

The Procurement Act 2023, which will change the rules that shape how public bodies buy goods and services, is due to come into effect on February 24, 2025, after much delay.

Cllr McGinley asked why Councils EPP could not have been introduced and later amended to comply with the Procurement Act.

She added: We dont want to see any unnecessary delays. I would like to see our EPP moved forward, not just for us to be able to implement the BDS policy that is our corporate position, but all the other elements outlined in the report that allows us to have an Ethical Procurement Policy for Council.

Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) IS a non-violent Palestinian-led movement promoting boycotts, divestments, and economic sanctions against Israel.

Councils chief executive said it would not have been good practice for Derry City and Strabane District Council to introduce its EPP in October 2024, as the Procurement Act was literally about to come in.

He added: But since we are now in a situation where there does appear to be a significant delay that issue could entirely be reconsidered.

Councils lead legal services officer said while the Procurement Act puts certain additional burdens on Council, it will also open additional opportunities in relation to what it wants to take forward in terms of ethical procurement, so the alignment of the two makes sense.

He added: There is some indication, potentially, the February 24 date may be pushed back.

If there is going to be significant delay then obviously officers would propose not to await the implementation of the Act but to take forward what it can at this stage and then to amend and update the policy whenever the procurement act is finally introduced.

Originally Derry City and Strabane District Council officers were aiming to have the EPP developed in October 2024 following the implementation of the new Procurement Act 2023.

In a report presented to the GSP committee it was stated the EPP could not be finalised until the new Procurement Act was implemented and Council was aware of the processes and procedures that need to be introduced to ensure it complied with the requirements of the Act.

According to the report, there are several strands of work currently underway within the Council which will lead to the development and implementation of an Ethical Procurement Policy within the next few months.

Officers in the Climate and Biodiversity Section are incorporating Ethical Procurement into Councils Responsible Procurement Strategy, which is being developed in collaboration with Sustainable Northern Ireland as part of the Innovate UK Programme.

The report added: The Council has considered in the past the ability of Council to implement the BDS campaign through procurement.

Whilst there are a number of legal impediments to this the BDS working group continues to explore the extent to which these aims might be progressed within a broader ethical procurement framework.

As members will be aware, the Council is represented on the Community Wealth Building Hub (CWB). This group consists of a number of social economic organisations in the council area and has previously presented to council.

The work of the CWB hub provides a forum to discuss all aspects of procurement and has a number of actions within its plan associated with council and the wider public procurement. This would be included within any revised ethical procurement policy.

In terms of Social Value Workshop (City Deal), the report said: The Council recognises the importance of social value clauses within our procurement and the potential to leave lasting legacies within communities after a capital build project has completed.

Council has already held a social value workshop with its city deal partners including UU, WHSCT, NWRC and various government departments.

The purpose of the workshop was to begin the conversation to ensure as we collectively develop our procurement documents for the various city deal projects, social value is an important element of those projects.
Publication of the findings of an Equality Commission investigation into Derry City and Strabane District Councils (DCSDC) Temporary Trading Licence byelaws has been postponed.

Councillors at Tuesdays Governance and Strategic Planning committee meeting were told the report would now be available in February.

The Commission had previously advised Council the investigation was continuing, and it was hoped to have a draft investigation report for its committee to consider at its December meeting. The delay is due to what the Commission described as staff absences and competing priorities.

The Equality Commission is investigating a complaint regarding alleged failure(s) of the Council to comply with the commitments in its approved Equality Scheme.

The complaint relates to actions regarding the Councils Temporary Trading Licence byelaws, and specifically the preparation and adoption of the Council report titled: Planned Approach to Temporary Street Trading Licensing for this Years Annual Relief of Derry Celebrations and the amendment to its criteria for deciding temporary street trading licenses in November 2022.

The regulations contained in the Planned Approach to Temporary Street Trading Licensing for this Years Annual Relief of Derry Celebrations prohibited the sale of any items likely to give rise to reasonable offence. These included the previously banned sale of items linked to paramilitary organisations.

The new criteria were opposed by DUP and UUP members of Council.

Derry City and Strabane District Councils ban on such items followed complaints in August 2022 about a stall at the Apprentice Boys annual Relief of Derry parade selling British army Parachute Regiment flags - the regiment responsible for Derrys Bloody Sunday - January 30, 1972 - in which 13 anti-internment demonstrators were shot and killed.

Relatives of the Bloody Sunday victims described the selling of Parachute flags as offensive, when photographs of the stall emerged.

In July 2023, Derry City and Strabane District Council sent letters to street traders, a few weeks before the annual Relief of Derry parade, informing them of the new byelaws.

Traders were also reminded about the ban on selling items linked to proscribed groups. In addition, the letter informed traders about the new ban on selling anything to do with the Parachute Regiment.

It said: While the Parachute Regiment is obviously not illegal, there are particular, well known sensitivities associated with the Regiment in this city.

Having regard to Councils Section 75 duties, which require Council to have regard to the desirability of promoting good relations between persons of different religious belief, political opinion or racial group, it is considered inappropriate for Council to authorise the display, sale or supply of items associated with the Parachute Regiment in temporary licences at this time.

However, a complaint was subsequently lodged with the ECNI about the councils stance.

The Commission wrote to the Derry City and Strabane District Councils chief executive on July 10, 2024 stating it had decided to investigate the matter.

In cases where an Investigation is authorised, a report is produced and the Commission is required to issue it to the parties to the investigation, that is, to the complainant and to the public authority.

The Commission must also send the report to the Secretary of State and the Northern Ireland Assembly.

A spokesperson for Derry City and Strabane District Council explained it would be inappropriate for Council to provide any further details in relation to this matter until the process was completed and those details were brought before the members of the Governance and Strategic Planning committee.
Removing a block on former Troubles internees, such as Gerry Adams, seeking compensation will deliver a taxpayer-funded pay day for ex-detainees, a think tank has claimed.

Policy Exchange has published a report criticising the Governments proposed repeal of legislation that had put a stop to such civil claims.

The relevant sections of the Legacy Act had been agreed by Parliament in 2023 in response to a Supreme Court judgment in 2020 that paved the way for former Sinn Fein leader Mr Adams to secure compensation over his internment without trial in the early 1970s.

Mr Adams won his appeal to overturn historical convictions for two attempted prison breaks, after he was interned without trial in 1973 at Long Kesh internment camp, also known as Maze Prison, near Lisburn.

The Supreme Court ruled that his detention was unlawful because the interim custody order (ICO) used to initially detain him had not been considered personally by then secretary of state for Northern Ireland Willie Whitelaw.

At the time of the case, the previous government contended that the ICOs were lawful due to a long-standing convention, known as the Carltona principle, where officials and junior ministers routinely act in the name of the Secretary of State.

Mr Adams subsequently successfully challenged a decision to deny an application for compensation for his detention.

However, the Legacy Act stopped such payouts to Mr Adams and other former internees.

The Act retrospectively validated the ICOs to make them lawful and halted civil claims related to the orders.

At the time, the then UK government said the legislation would prevent up to 400 compensation bids by former internees.

However, in February last year, the High Court in Belfast ruled that the provisions of the Act related to the ICOs were incompatible with the European Convention on Human Rights.

The current government has not appealed that judgment and has tabled a remedial order in Parliament that will repeal various parts of the Legacy Act, including the sections on ICOs.

The Policy Exchange paper criticising the move has been backed by 16 peers, including Shadow Attorney General Lord Wolfson KC.

The Governments decision to repeal sections 46 and 47 of the Northern Troubles Act 2023 is inexplicable and unexplained, he said.

Policy Exchanges compelling new paper lays bare the many constitutional and practical problems to which this decision gives rise.

Parliament must now ask hard questions about why the Government is determined to override Parliaments recent, unanimous decision to vindicate the Carltona principle and to block Gerry Adams from being paid public money.

The Governments defence of its decision to abandon a winnable appeal  that this signals its absolute commitment to the Human Rights Act  makes no sense and warrants the sharp criticism that this paper ably provides.

In response to the paper, a Government spokesperson said: The last governments approach to legacy was almost universally opposed in Northern Ireland.

During the Legacy Acts passage through parliament, that government belatedly agreed to an amendment on the custody orders, despite the original ruling having been made all the way back in 2020.

Last year, that amendment was ruled by the Northern Ireland courts to be unlawful and therefore it needs to be repealed.

It should not be forgotten that the Legacy Act also included a scheme that allowed for immunity from prosecution, including for those who committed the most appalling terrorist crimes.

We are also repealing these unlawful provisions  and will be bringing forward new primary legislation to address the full range of legacy issues.

We must never forget that the vast majority of deaths and injuries during the Troubles were caused by acts of terrorism.
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China's semiconductor sector reels from 10,000 bankruptcies as hiring frenzy collapses

China's economy remains on a downward trajectory, with weak domestic consumption. According to The Economic Observer, Shi Li, Dean of the Institute for Common Prosperity at Zhejiang University, estimates that 900 million people65% of the populationearn less than CNY3,000 (approx. US$410) per month, classifying them as low-income.

Yicai Global, citing data from JW Insights, reported that the average annual salary in China's semiconductor industry reached CNY340,000 in 2024over 100 times higher than the income of the country's 900 million low-income earners. Ph.D. holders with over 10 years of experience earn an even higher average of CNY1.05 million annually.

The wave of bankruptcies among Chinese chip design houses stems from the 20212022 semiconductor investment boom. Analysts highlight technological decoupling, weak supply chains, and fierce domestic competition as driving factors behind the closures that followed rapid, capital-fueled growth.

China's semiconductor industry at a 2023 crossroads

China's semiconductor project investments dropped 22% year-over-year to CNY1.2 trillion in 2023, down from CNY1.5 trillion in 2022, according to CINNO Research. The decline follows years of rapid industry expansion.

The rise and fall of Oppo's Zeku

Oppo's IC design subsidiary, Zeku, dissolved due to unsustainable SoC development costs. Its closure resulted in talent dispersal and contributed to the sharp decline in China's semiconductor investments.

During 20212022, chip R&D salaries surged 12 times, with key roles seeing up to sixfold increases, according to industry insiders. Capital-backed startups aggressively poached engineers from leading IC firms and multinationals by offering substantially higher pay.

The talent gap allowed individuals without chip design experience to enter the field. Employees from leading IDMs reported that process engineers in wafer manufacturing were enticed by high salaries to transition into chip design roles at startups.

Zeku aggressively expanded its workforce during the 20212022 boom. Tianyancha data shows that Zeku Technology (Shanghai) and Zeku Technology (Beijing) enrolled over 1,700 employees in social insurance in 2021, a 100% increase from 2020. By 2022, the number exceeded 2,50050% higher than in 2019driven largely by competitive salaries.

The 2023 semiconductor market downturn ended the hiring frenzy of prior years. Salary-doubling offers have largely disappeared, with companies now adopting more conservative recruitment strategies.

From hiring frenzy to industry fallout and cautious recruitment

The semiconductor market's financing slowdown has heightened financial pressures on companies. Despite this, R&D salaries remain resilient, with process and equipment engineers earning an average annual salary of CNY200,000up 7%8% from 2023.

Digital and analog chip engineers continue to earn higher salaries than other roles, averaging over CNY500,000 in 2024, despite a 1%8% decline from 2023.

Sales engineers and managers remain in high demand, with salaries rising by 4% to CNY200,000 and CNY300,000 annually, respectively. These roles demand extensive semiconductor sales experience and strong client relationship management skills.
Jensen Huang visits Taiwan amid AI chip export ban

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang arrived in Taiwan on January 14, 2025, for crucial meetings with TSMC and other key partners. His visit aims to address concerns over the US AI chip export ban, reported delays with the B200, and market speculation about cooling AI demand.

US introduces tiered export controls

The US government has implemented a comprehensive three-tier control system for AI chip exports. While Taiwan faces no restrictions, countries like China and Russia are banned from accessing advanced AI chips. The regulations extend to closed-weight dual-use AI models to prevent critical AI capabilities from reaching restricted nations.

Industry pushback intensifies

Nvidia, which dominates the global AI GPU market and has previously expressed concerns about US restrictions, strongly condemned the new measures. CEO Jensen Huang argued that these restrictions undermine US competitiveness, potentially allowing rival nations like China to advance. The company specifically criticized the Biden Administration for implementing such extensive regulations without proper legislative review, warning about risks to US semiconductor leadership.

Adding to the industry response, the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) joined in criticizing the Biden Administration, cautioning that the latest ban could surrender market share to competitors, impacting both the US economy and the semiconductor sector's global position.

Regional impact and enforcement challenges

Industry sources indicate that the US government's strategy toward China is unlikely to shift with the incoming administration. The notable exclusion of Singapore and other Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern countries from first-tier nation status suggests a tightening of AI chip controls. This particularly affects Singapore, which accounts for nearly 20% of Nvidia's sales, amid concerns about these regions' previous non-compliance through various indirect supply channels to China.

Market adaptation and future outlook

Despite the restrictions, both Nvidia and TSMC have adjusted their financial forecasts while maintaining optimistic outlooks. Global AI demand continues to rise, prompting governments worldwide to implement supportive AI development policies to maintain their competitive edge.

Looking ahead, demand for Nvidia's AI GPUs is expected to remain strong. The Taiwanese server supply chain maintains compliance with the export controls, while TSMC benefits from substantial AI chip orders with limited competition, supported by ongoing expansion efforts that ensure operational stability.
There has been a huge response online to the debate on Upfront with Katie Hannon regarding whether eulogies should be allowed at funerals.

The debate emerged from a lively discussion on Liveline with Joe Duffy last week, and last night's episode has had a major response online leaving viewers divided.

With some churches enforcing bans on eulogies and non-church music at funerals, guests and audience members debated on the show whether this should be allowed.

READ NEXT: The 5 household bills set to rise in 2025 and how to combat each hike

One woman, Dee, shared her heartbreaking story of not being allowed speak about her parents at their funeral on St Stephen's Day in 2023.

Dee told the show that she lost her two parents in the space of just 48 hours at Christmas.

She said that although her father's death was expected, her mother's was a complete shock. Her father passed away on 23 December and her mother died shortly after on Christmas Day.

Dee said that while being struck by this loss, she had the responsibility of arranging a "double funeral." She said that her mother had expressed her wish to have a eulogy at her funeral, but Dee sadly realised that this wouldn't be allowed when it came to organising the ceremony.

Before this time, Dee had not realised that there was a ban in her diocese on eulogies. She said that both eulogies were less than 3 minutes, yet she was still told no.

In the emotional interview, Dee said: "The priest never even came to see us before the rosary at the wake." She added: "It was all over text message."

She said that during the funeral she was thinking: "I am seething with anger because I cannot honour my parents." As she pointed out: "The fifth commandment is 'Honour your father and mother'."

Dee said she was still extremely angry over this.

Dee appeared on the Liveline debate last week and said that she only realised after this that another church nearby actually did allow eulogies.

This disparity has caused a lot of frustration with people, as it makes little sense how one diocese may have a blanket ban in place while the neighbouring diocese has none.

A priest from Thurles, Father Vincent Stapleton, also spoke on the show. His parish does allow eulogies. His balanced approach to the sensitive issue has garnered a lot of respect online.

He pointed out that although there has been cases of inappropriate language or music used at funerals in his parish, generally most people are respectful.

One woman on the show, however, disagreed with the entire idea of eulogies, saying at times it's like "going to a show in the gaiety."

The debate has caused a major stir online, with many agreeing or disagreeing.

One person agreed with a ban, saying on Facebook: "Agree totally. Mine will be private, no church, & no eulogy, if youve something nice to say, tell me before I go."

On the other side, someone else said: "I can't believe this is even being discussed, everyone has the right to a eulogy end of story."

Another person wrote: "A lot worse has happened in our churches than the use of bad language."

Where do you fall in the debate?
A man in his 30s who was found dead at home in Galway after an unreported crash has been named as local businessman Brian Bermingham.

His deaths has been confirmed with his family announcing on RIP.ie: "It is with deep sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Brian. Deeply loved by his mother Ann (Carty), his father Pat and his brother Alan. Very sadly missed by his aunts, uncles, relatives, Alan's partner Alison and the whole Porterhouse family, staff and customers."

The man from Gortard, Clarinbridge, Co. Galway was found dead on January 10, 2025. He had been involved in a crash in Clarinbridge the day before.

He has been described as "always loving, gentle and kind" with his death notice saying he had left many "precious memories" behind.

A further tribute to him read: "I was saddened to read about Brians death this morning. Brian did a lot for me and my business which I will be forever grateful for. My sincere condolences to Brians Mum, Dad, brother Alan and extended family.

May Brian Rest in Peace."

READ ALSO: 'I am heartbroken' - Irish mother in tribute as son (21) is found dead in Thailand

A third read: "Brian, you will always be in the hearts of our community, a gentle person with a gentle soul. Thank you for sharing your light, we were lucky to know you."

Another person said: "Sincere condolences to the Bermingham family on Brian's passing. He was a lovely man. A pleasure to chat & interact with. He will be greatly missed. May he Rest In Peace."

In an appeal, issued on Monday evening, gardai said the "unreported collision involving an SUV occurred on the L4102, a minor road at Slievaun, Clarinbridge, shortly after 9.15am on Thursday, January 9, 2025.

"The sole occupant of the car, a male in his 30s, was subsequently discovered deceased at his home in Clarinbridge on Friday, January 10, 2025," said a spokesperson.

Following the discovery of the man's body, the local Coroner was informed and a post-mortem examination was arranged. Following the completion of the post-mortem, gardai say they commenced a Fatal Traffic Collision investigation.

Garda Forensic Collision Investigators have examined the vehicle and the scene of the collision and investigating gardai are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision to come forward.

They are also urging motorists with dash-cam or video footage from the area at the time of the incident to contact them.

Anyone with information is requested to contact Oranmore garda station in Galway on 091 388030 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.

Funeral Arrangements:

Funeral Mass on Tuesday the 14th of January at 10.30am in Clarinbridge Church. Burial afterwards in Clarinbridge cemetery.
Six first year Business Studies students from Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) recently travelled to take part in the BIP (Blended Intensive Programme) Management Project in IUT Lens, France, accompanied by their lecturer Vicky Leahy.

The week-long Human Resources project included students from DKIT, Lens IUT, Bucharest University, Romania and Gaya Institute, Portugal. Each working group was made up of students from all four Institutes. The project developed and assessed students competencies in communication, teamwork, role-play and use of appropriate technology and media to complete tasks. The challenges were not only linguistic but also focused on cultural perspectives regarding the human resources project.

It was a busy week for all involved with some very early starts and late finishes. The trip included a cultural visit day where the group visited the VIMY memorial in honour of Canadian soldiers who died during WW1 and had a tour of a reconstructed trench. The students also enjoyed an uplifting seasonal visit to le Marche de Noel followed by a competitive bout of team bowling and pizza in Arras.

Read Next: Planning refused for apartment development at The Laurels in Dundalk

Amidst all of the wonderful cultural experience, the student groups had to prepare for the final interview, consisting of a role-play, a discussion of candidates choices and an analysis of their project, with students reflecting on the opportunities and challenges of working in a European team. The interview was evaluated by lecturers from each institute and the project was worth 3 ECTS (academic credits) for each student.

A visit to Louvre-Lens brought a cultural element to the end of the week with Cafe des langues in the evening where students presented a flavour of their own countries. It was a fantastic experience for all involved, and one that would not have been possible without Brian Woods DKIT Maths lecturer, Noreen Carney, from the International Office and Colette Henry, Head of Department of Business Studies.
The team at Louths Local Enterprise Office say they are proud to support five exceptional creative entrepreneurs who will showcase their talent and innovation at Showcase 2025. Taking place at the RDS Dublin from Sunday 19 to Tuesday 21 January 2025, Showcase is Irelands premier international event for craft, design, and giftware, attracting buyers from across the globe.

Showcase is a vital opportunity for local creatives to connect with international buyers and share their unique stories and products, explains Sarah Mallon of Local Enterprise Office Louth. This years participants highlight the incredible talent we have here in Louth, and were proud to see them represent our region on such a prominent stage.

Among the participants is Lana Dullaghan, whose Meaningful Home collection blends timeless styling with modern sensibilities. From elegant linen tableware to cozy wool throws, Lanas designs bring a sense of personal warmth and charm to every home. Her work, all created in Ireland, can be explored further at lanadullaghandesigns.com.

Maureen Hoey, founder of mojo&co, will showcase her thoughtfully designed range of wellness journals and personal development tools. These products aim to empower people to live intentionally, build positive habits, and feel more grounded in their daily lives. Learn more about Maureens inspiring creations at mojoandco.ie.

For children and families, Emma Duffy of My Forever Tooth Fairy has created a magical experience that reimagines the tooth fairy tradition. Her beautifully designed gift set includes a keepsake box, a Forever Tooth Fairy doll, and a heartwarming storybook. The collection can be viewed at myforevertoothfairy.com.

Fiona Lynch of Almond Rose Designs brings her playful and sustainable Pawsome Pet Cards to Showcase 2025. These charming cards celebrate the joy pets bring to our lives and are perfect for any occasion. For more details on Fionas unique designs, visit almondrosedesigns.ie.

Finally, Tracy Fry will showcase her artistic talent through statement resin maps and symbolic copper art. Inspired by her love of nature and Irish heritage, Tracys work merges topography with texture, creating modern pieces with timeless appeal. Discover her creations at tracyfry.ie

Showcase 2025 is where creativity meets opportunity, concludes Sarah Mallon. We are excited to see these talented makers bring their stories and products to an international stage, shining a spotlight on Louths vibrant creative sector.
There have been calls for the return of towing to address illegal parking across Cork city, with one councillor saying that he counted 42 cars parked illegally around Wellington Rd and MacCurtain St on just one day.

At last nights meeting of Cork City Council, Labour councillor for Cork city North East John Maher proposed that the council should introduce towing to address the ongoing issue of illegal parking on streets, on footpaths, and at bus stops.

In a report, a spokesperson for the councils executive explained: In approximately 2010/2011, the elected members of Cork City Council made the decision to terminate the city councils clamping and towing operation for a number of reasons  including the negative publicity/reaction to the service, the negative impact on shoppers and visitors to the city, and the net annual negative cost.

Net cost

The combined service operated at a net cost to Cork City Council of 328,000 in 2011 (previous years showing similar net costs), with the clamping element of the contract subsidising the cost of the towing element.

Cork City Councils experience demonstrated the very high cost of operating a towing service.

These costs included plant, manpower, storage yard, administrative overheads etc.

Based on the above, the reintroduction of towing would represent a retrograde step.

They added: It is imperative that alternative remedies  physical infrastructure/impediments, increase in parking charges, reduction of permits etc  should be explored in response to specified and demonstrated issues at identified locations where there is evidence of sustained and illegal dangerous parking.

Driver behaviour

Mr Maher said: I accept the report but, once again, were talking about driver behaviour and our lack of action to address it across the city. Were constantly asking about putting in more street furniture and planting, but thats not being done and the illegal parking continues.

Ive been in South Main St carpark the last few weekends, and there has been three floors empty.

There were 42 cars yesterday parked illegally around Wellington Rd and MacCurtain St  they did it because they got away with it. Next year, well again fight over budgets ... but were leaving people park illegally and losing money over it.

Mr Maher added: Over Christmas, the city centre was buzzing. It was a pleasure to be there, because there were gardai there enforcing the law. When we enforce the law, it works.

Housing estates

He was supported by his ward colleague, Fine Gaels Joe Kavanagh, who said: The illegal parking is growing and increasing in the city centre, and now its spilling over into housing estates.

I could name loads of estates just outside the city where people just come along, abandon their cars, and then walk into town. Were going to have to come up with some form of control mechanism.

Fianna Fails Colm Kelleher suggested two hours of free parking in the city council carparks if you show a receipt proving you have contributed to the citys economy, adding that this would have the dual effect of enticing people into the city.
A meeting will be held on the long-awaited Cork events centre later this month, city councillors have been told.

Labour councillor Peter Horgan asked who the members of the Project Development Board (PDB) for the events centre are, if they have met yet, and when councillors will be briefed.

He was told that the Project Development Board is now in place, and it is to be chaired by the assistant chief executive of Cork City Council, Brian Geaney, with representation from State agencies, government departments, and local stakeholders.

The council added: The first meeting of the Project Development Board is scheduled to take place on January 24.

The governance arrangements and any briefings of locally elected members can be considered by the board once it formally meets.

Mr Horgan told The Echo: I welcome the fact that Brian Geaney will chair this board.

We need to see the terms of reference in full and actioned so that confidence can be rebuilt in the events centre  we need assurances now.
A 26-year-old man was jailed for crimes that included breaking into a car parked outside a house in Glanmire and driving off in a car he stole in Bishopstown.

Adrian Cummins with an address at Sunvalley Court, Sunvalley Drive, Cork, also pleaded guilty to some theft and public order offences.

On July 23 2022 he stole a Toyota Vitz from St Josephs Lawn, Bishopstown, and two days later he drove into Circle K, Polefield, on the N20, put over 40 worth of fuel into the car and drove off without paying for it. The stolen car was never recovered.

Judge Mary Dorgan imposed a total sentence of eight months on him and suspended the last two months.

On November 13 2022 he drove another car into Roches service station at Whitechurch, County Cork, and left without paying for 36 worth of fuel.

On November 29 that year he trespassed on the curtilage of a house  the driveway of The Willows, Castlejane Woods, Glanmire, and sat into a car outside and interfered with property.

On June 6 2023 he was drunk and a danger at Friars Walk, Cork, and when gardai asked for his name and address he gave some details which were incorrect.

He had previous convictions for theft, burglary and robbery.

Defence solicitor Joseph Cuddigan said:

There is a tragic background. There was a probation report previously - Unfortunately, he was put on a probation bond and he failed to attend for appointments.

Judge Dorgan said: This narrows what the court can do.

Mr Cuddigan urged the judge to take into account that the accused had pleaded guilty to all charges against him and that he is a young man with certain difficulties.

Judge Dorgan also put the young man on a probation bond to take effect on his release from prison.

I think if he received help and was open to receiving it, it might be the makings of him, Judge Dorgan said.
Cork City Council is to write to Tanaiste Micheal Martin asking him to recant condolences on the death of Adolf Hitler made by his party founder Eamon de Valera 80 years ago.

Green Party councillor Oliver Moran proposed: That, on the occasion of 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz, remembering the genocide... by the Nazi government, that the incoming Government of Ireland will recant condolences on the death of Hitler conveyed by President Douglas Hyde and Taoiseach Eamon de Valera, and that this motion will be forwarded to An Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheal Martin.

Speaking at Monday nights council meeting, Mr Moran explained: We gave condolences, and we were the only democracy to do so.

It was motivated by what we now know was a misplaced sense of neutrality, our position of neutrality was developing and we insisted that there was no difference between (American president Franklin D) Roosevelt and Hitler, so expressions of condolences were sent to both.

He said it was a mistake at the time, but that the greater mistake has been not rectifying it since, and that the 80-year anniversary was the opportunity to do so.

Greatest error

Fianna Fails Colm Kelleher spoke in defence of his party founder, saying: We cant rewrite history, I do believe it was his (de Valeras) greatest error - but that man did more for this country than any other man.

His party colleague, Fergal Dennehy, asked: How does this motion benefit Cork City Council? I think its a bit nonsensical and I dont see any benefit in it, it will create an issue that doesnt exist, I dont see the purpose of wasting this councils time.

Fianna Fails John Sheehan criticised using the forum of council meetings for debates on historical events, but cautioned: If we vote against this motion, the headline will be that Cork City Council votes to keep the condolence to Hitler.

He added that his feeling was that it was a grave error on de Valeras part, in his opinion.

Rewrite history

Independent councillor Kieran McCarthy said he could not support the motion, saying: "This is just trying to rewrite history, but stated that he would support an amendment that the council remember the victims of the Holocaust.

Mr Moran argued: "It just needs to be admitted that it was stupid to give the condolence, but when asked about it in 2023 the Tanaiste did not admit it was a mistake like members of Fianna Fail have done tonight.

The motion went to a vote, where it was passed.

There were 13 votes in favour of the motion, including the Sinn Fein and Green Party councillors; Ted Tynan of the Workers Party; Niamh OConnor of the Social Democrats, and Brian McCarthy of People Before Profit  Solidarity.

Labours Laura Harmon; Fine Gaels Damian Boylan, as well as John Sheehan and Colm Kelleher from Fianna Fail, also voted in favour.

Five councillors voted against the motion; Independent Irelands Noel OFlynn; Independent's Kieran McCarthy and Albert Deasy, and Fianna Fails Sean Martin and Fergal Dennehy.

There were six abstentions in total, Labours Peter Horgan and John Maher; Fine Gaels Joe Kavanagh and Fianna Fails Tony Fitzgerald, Mary Rose Desmond and Terry Coleman.
A man charged with the murder of young mother Paula Canty in Mallow Co. Cork has been further remanded in custody.

Joseph Butler, 42, of The Belfry, Bridewell Lane, Mallow, Co Cork appeared by video link from Cork Prison before Judge Colm Roberts at Mallow District Court.

Court presenter Sergeant Majella OSullivan asked Judge Roberts to amend the charge sheet in relation to Mr Butler in order to reflect his correct date of birth.

She told the court that directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) were still awaited and said that it was the States application to further remand Mr Butler in custody.

Defence solicitor David OMeara he would agree to a further remand in custody for his client to appear before the court again by video link on January 28, 2025.

Judge Roberts said that he appreciated investigations were ongoing but the State should endeavour to give Mr Butler some kind of timeframe at the next hearing as to when to expect directions from the DPP.

Mr Butler is charged with the murder of 31-year-old mother of two Paula Canty whose body was discovered in an apartment at The Belfry, Bridewell Lane, Mallow on January 3.

Ms Cantys body showed evidence of violent assault.
A book of evidence was served yesterday on a 76-year-old man charged with defrauding the European Research Executive Agency of grants totalling over 500,000.

Sergeant Dave Delea confirmed service of the book of evidence on Tony Herbert on the charge which relates to an alleged offence between 2013 and 2015.

Judge John King acceded to an application by Sgt Delea to send the case forward to the next sessions of Cork Circuit Criminal Court commencing on February 4.

The European Research Executive Agency (REA) manages EU research grants, and the man accused of defrauding it totally denies the accusation.

Inspector Clodagh OSullivan charged Tony Herbert of Summerhill North, Cork, with a single charge which stated that between December 11, 2013, and September 30, 2015, did within the State, intentionally commit in whole or in part a fraud affecting the European communities financial interests, relating to expenditure to wit, REA payments consisting of pre-financing and interim payment, amounting to 587,350, payable under grant agreement dated December 11, 2013, contrary to Section 42 (a) of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001.

The accused is represented by Matheson Solicitors in Dublin.

Insp OSullivan said on the first occasion she cautioned the man that he did not have to reply to the charge, but that anything he might say would be written down and could be given in evidence.

Mr Herbert replied: I have in my hand official European Commission documents given to gardai 24 hours ago, which new evidence completely destroys this charge and establishes my complete innocence of any wrongdoing in this matter. I am totally innocent of this charge.
Applications are now open for the Cork Business Association (CBA) Cork Business of the Year Awards.

Now in its 68th year, the CBA awards are a cornerstone of the Cork city business community, celebrating the exceptional contributions of businesses that define the citys commercial, cultural, and community spirit.

The awards spotlight innovation, customer service, employee commitment, community engagement, sustainability, and growth, while honouring the owner/managers and teams who make Cork city a dynamic and vibrant hub for business.

Showcase

All city businesses are encouraged to participate and showcase their achievements across 11 award categories: Best Cork Hotel; Best VFI Pub; Sustainable Business Innovation; Best New Business; Best Cork Family Business; Best Cork Restaurant; Best Cork Cafe; Best Cork Retail Business; Best in Culture, Arts or Tourism; Best Festival or Event, and Best for Professional Services.

Three businesses will be shortlisted in each category, with the overall winners announced at the CBA Presidents Dinner and Awards night on March 29 at Corks Vienna Woods.

The event, MCd by Matt Cooper, will also feature a keynote speech from European commissioner Michael McGrath and a charity raffle offering fantastic prizes.

On the evening, two further awards, the Champion of Cork and an Overall Cork Business of the Year award, will be presented to businesses selected by the judging panel.

Honoured

Conor Butler, managing director of McKechnie Cleaning Services, 2024s overall winner, said: We were honoured to win the Overall Large Company of the Year Award  many companies and people have got to know who McKechnie are since winning this award.

CBA president Aaron Mansworth said the awards have really helped to strengthen our name, brand and reputation in Cork city.

"With a legacy spanning over six decades, the Cork Business of the Year awards don't just celebrate excellence - they sustain it.

This event is about recognising the businesses that make Cork city special and ensuring the CBA can continue its vital work to support and promote our incredible city year-round.

Applications to this years awards will be accepted until February 14. Tickets for the Presidents Dinner are now available online via: https://corkbusiness.ie/events/.
The Ortus Chamber Music Festival has announced its latest programme of events in honour of the organisations 10th anniversary.

The celebratory festival, which includes a range of concerts and events, will take place from February 27 to March 2 in venues across Cork city and county.

These will include Blackrock Castle, Dripsey Castle Estate, Sirius Arts Centre in Cobh, the Aula Maxima in UCC, the MTU Cork School of Music, and St Peters Cork.

Set up in 2016 by childhood friends Sinead OHalloran and Mairead Hickey who shared a strong desire to bring the worlds finest musicians to Cork, the 2025 festival will feature many of the worlds finest classical and trad musicians to truly celebrate their decade milestone.

In this years line-up, co-founder Ms OHalloran, cellist in the renowned Marmen Quartet, will perform with fellow quartet members Johannes Marmen and Laia Valentin Braun, who will both play violin and Bryony Gibson-Cornish on the viola.

They will also be joined by Slovenian clarinettist Aliaz Begus.

Beloved works

The programme will travel across the centuries with beloved works by Mozart, Brahms, Bartok, and Dvorak, as well as featuring contemporary works, including those by Irish composers Sam Perkin and Ben Dwyer.

The debut album from the Marmen, who have been signed to BIS, is set to be released this month, with music from this album featured at this years festival.

Also performing throughout the four-day festival will be Irish traditional group Strung, who specialise in a fusion of traditional Irish and classical music, comprising members Lucia MacPartlin and Maria Ryan, playing violin; Kaitlin Cullen-Verhuez, playing the cello, and Luke Howard, playing the piano.

Their act will further feature Ms MacPartlin and Ms Ryans fiddle duo.

Tickets for each event vary in price, starting from 15, and can be purchased online via the Ortus Chamber Music Festival website, or in-person at Pro Musica, 20 Oliver Plunkett Street, Cork.

For more information visit: http://ortusfestival.ie/.
A deal has been reached to form Irelands next government, after an agreement was finalised between Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and the Regional Independent Group.

It now paves the way to the formation of the countrys next government.

As the draft Programme for Government is finalised, it has been confirmed that two Independent TDs have been given two super junior ministerial roles.

The negotiating teams in Fianna Fail and Fine Gael have ended their discussions with the group, with the hope of having a draft Programme for Government document ready for publication soon.

Talks between the two parties and the Regional Independent Group, led by Tipperary North TD Michael Lowry, entered its final stages today.

The Regional Independent group, which has seven members, has been given two super junior ministerial roles, meaning that two of its members will have a seat at the Cabinet table.

The roles will be allocated to Galway East TD Sean Canney and Noel Grealish, TD for Galway West.

Marian Harkin, TD for Sligo-Leitrim and TD for Longford-Westmeath Kevin Boxer Moran will hold the junior ministerial roles.

Talks with brothers, Michael Healy-Rae and Danny Healy-Rae, are still ongoing.

Once finished, the text of the Programme for Government will then have to be ratified by Fianna Fail and Fine Gael members.

The Fianna Fail parliamentary party will hold a meeting tomorrow to discuss the document, which is expected to be published some hours before it takes place.

The Fine Gael parliamentary party will also meet to examine the contents of the document.

Both parties will then have to put the draft version of the Programme for Government to members for vote.

Fianna Fail will hold a conference this weekend to debate and vote on the contents.

Fine Gael will hold a series of regional meetings over the coming days.

It means that the parties are set to have everything agreed and finalised before the return of the Dail on January 22.

The government formation deal includes the return of the rotating Taoiseach arrangement.

Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin will likely be elected Taoiseach first.

Earlier this week, a Sunday Independent Ireland Thinks poll showed that most respondents were at least somewhat satisfied with a government consisting of Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and Regional Independents.

Some 23% were very satisfied, 32% were somewhat satisfied, 15% were somewhat unsatisfied while 29% were very unsatisfied with that composition.

The leaders of Fianna Fail and Fine Gael have faced criticism for engaging in government talks with Mr Lowry, who was heavily criticised in a judge-led inquiry examining payments to politicians.

The 70-year-old was criticised in a tribunal that was established in September 1997, which examined payments to former Taoiseach Charles Haughey and Mr Lowry.

The tribunals final report was published in March 2011 and found that Mr Lowry, a former Fine Gael TD, helped businessman Denis OBrien secure the States second mobile phone licence in 1995.

The tribunal also criticised his behaviour as profoundly corrupt.

Most respondents to the Sunday poll said Fianna Fail and Fine Gael should not be dealing with the Independent TD.

Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tanaiste Micheal Martin both refused to say whether they consider Mr Lowry to be trustworthy.
Gardai are appealing for witnesses following a fatal single vehicle crash in Clonakilty, in which a man in his 50s died during the early hours of this morning.

The man, who is being named locally as Marco Da Costa, worked in a bar in the town.

He was the sole occupant of the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The single vehicle incident happened on the N71 in Clonakilty town, at Faxbridge (Scallys SuperValu) Roundabout, at around approximately 12:15am.

His body was removed to Cork University Hospital, where a postmortem examination was due to take place.

The road was closed for a time with local diversions in place, but reopened this afternoon.

Mr Da Costa worked at the Courtyard Bar in Clonakilty.

In a statement on Facebook, the Courtyard Bar Clon said: This [Tuesday] morning, we received the tragic news that our friend and work colleague Marco Da Costa was involved in a fatal car accident. We are devastated by this news.

Marco started work at the Courtyard last year and made many friends along the way with his charming personality.

Our sympathies go out to Marcos work colleagues, friends, and family  especially his little girl Stella and his great friends Lynne and Rob.

The bar added that Mr Da Costa was a true gentleman and that they will miss him dearly.

Local councillor Daniel Sexton said the fatality marked a sad time for Clonakilty, saying his thoughts and prayers were with victims family and friends.

It [the road traffic collision] was right at the roundabout in the middle of Clonakilty.

The town is in shock.

It is just something you would not expect in that position in that part of town, the Independent Ireland councillor told The Echo.

Meanwhile, Independent West Cork councillor Finbarr Harrington said: It is a sad day for Clonakilty. A lot of people knew him from his work and stuff.

He had a lot of friends around Clon.

So, it is a deep shock and a deep sadness to the area. I just feel terrible for his family. It is really sad for the mans family, friends, work colleagues and for the wider Clon community.

Gardai have appealed to anyone who witnessed the crash or has any relevant information to contact Clonakilty Garda Station on 023 882 1570, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any other garda station.

Any road users who may have camera footage, including dash-cam, who were travelling in the area between 12am and 12:30am today are asked to make this footage available to gardai.
Disability services must be at the top of the next governments agenda.

We cannot have another five years of neglect for some of the most vulnerable people in this state. The crisis is acute and it spans across every aspect of life.

For children with disabilities, the Pilot Programme for school is still not in place. This means that the long-awaited return of therapists to special schools, first announced in September, 2022, is still only a promise on paper.

The pupils of these schools, and all special schools who should have access to therapists, cannot continue to wait to access these basic services.

We have heard first-hand the benefits of providing therapy in schools - children feel safe and are better able to learn, parents dont have to juggle competing appointments, and educators and therapists can work hand in hand for the children in their care.

Everybody seems to accept that at this stage, but we are now facing delay after delay.

This is not the fault of the National Council For Special Education (NCSE) and is definitely not the fault of schools, who have done their best, but it is a direct result of disability service underfunding.

Alongside this, CDNTs - the teams set up to deliver services in the community - are chronically understaffed and are struggling to even offer first appointments to countless children.

A protest against underfunding of disability and autism services in Cork city last year

A recent response I received from the HSE showed a 29% vacancy rate across all CDNTs in Cork with some as high as 43%.

When almost one in every three posts are unfilled, how can those working in the sector be expected to deliver the service these children need and deserve?

This is preventing child from reaching their full potential and creates life-changing limitations because of the lack of early intervention.

And so it falls to family members. Mothers who become school transport, SLT, or OT. Fathers trying to juggle parenting and providing therapies.

In the midst of all of this, there is the honest fact that having a child with disabilities is more expensive.

A 2021 Research Review submitted to the Department of Social Protection found that families with a child with disabilities would need an income 10-18% higher than those without a child with disabilities. Yet when families attempt to increase their income, often through overtime or second jobs adding even more pressure to already stretched parents, they can find themselves ultimately losing out.

Parents who care for children 24/7 fall foul of the Carers Allowance Means Test and suddenly see a sharp drop in income.

It is this situation that saw Sinn Fein commit to abolishing the Carers Means Test in government. Fianna Fail and Fine Gael followed suit over the election campaign and they must now follow through on this.

No family should be forced into poverty because of a means test and no-one who cares for a family member through love should be penalised financially.

The Carers Means Test is just one way that those with disabilities, and their loved ones, are impacted financially. As people age into adulthood, financial barriers are often the biggest block to independence for adults with disabilities. Households headed by a person with a disability face the highest rates of enforced deprivation in this state.

We need to see the Disability Allowance increased so that a minimum standard of living is possible.

This state has one of the lowest rates of people with disabilities in employment. We need to see a much stronger package of supports for those with disabilities in the workplace - an increase in Personal Assistant Hours and a review of our approach to entrepreneurs with a disability.

The government should be encouraging, and making it easier for, people with disabilities to unlock their full potential and use their talents through entrepreneurship.

In doing all this, we must also work tirelessly to make sure our physical environment is accessible for those with a disability. When planning permission for certain developments, including any public spaces, is being assessed, the local authority must seek opinions from certain organisations. These include tourism bodies, heritage bodies and environmental bodies. They do not include disability advocacy or support groups.

I have met with several of these groups who would be more than willing to engage in the planning process. I proposed this during the Planning Bill as part of a number of measures to make the planning process more disability friendly. This included requiring a Universal Design Audit with any public space planning and requiring accessible soft- and hard-copy documents for people to review.

This is because I strongly believe that if we make our spaces, our organisations and our systems accessible to those with disabilities, we make them accessible for all.

As we enter into another five years of potentially the same government, I worry we will not see the changes that have been promised by Fianna Fail and Fine Gael. I know this is a real concern for those with disabilities, and those who love them, right across Cork.

My message is we will fight tooth and nail to keep these issues at the top of every agenda. We must ensure people with disabilities can live full lives as equal citizens with access to work, education, services and independent living.
David Forsythe

A man who appeared before Judge John King at a special sitting of Clonakilty District Court has been charged with six offences including sexual assault and false imprisonment following an incident at a house in west Cork in the early hours of Sunday, January 12th, 2025.

Detective Garda Paul Cullen said that the 32-year-old Irish man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, made no reply when the charges were put to him.

The court was told it was alleged that the accused unlawfully entered the premises at about 4:30am where he allegedly sexually assaulted the woman who is in her late 30s and also physically assaulted her and her young teenage daughter.

The court heard that the man is also charged with two counts of false imprisonment and one count of burglary. The man was also charged in relation to a separate incident in Killarney where it is alleged that he drove off from a petrol station without paying on January 12th.

Court presenter Sergeant Tom Mulcahy said that gardai were opposing bail being granted due to the seriousness of the alleged offences.

Defence solicitor Plunkett Taffe told the court that his client would not be making a bail application initially but intended to do so at the next hearing.

Judge John King granted legal aid to Mr Taaffe and remanded the accused man in custody to appear again at Bandon District Court on January 20th pending directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions
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.

Fire trucks and utility vehicles along Pacific Coast Highway near homes destroyed in the Palisades fire in Pacific Palisades, California on Jan. 13, 2025. Mario Tama / Getty Images

As deadly wildfires continue to blaze around greater Los Angeles, the economic cost of the fires has now been estimated to be over $200 billion. That has made this tragedy, which started on January 7, potentially the most expensive wildfire event in U.S. history.

At least 24 people have died as of the time of writing, according to CBS News.

As Earth.org reported, the fires have already burned around 40,000 acres and counting, totaling an amount of land larger than San Francisco. More than 12,300 structures have been destroyed.

Of the five major fires burning in the Los Angeles area in early January, three are still active. The Hurst fire has burned 799 acres and is 97% contained at the time of writing. The Eaton fire has burned 14,117 acres of the Altadena and Pasadena areas and is currently 35% contained. The largest of the five fires, the Palisades fire, has burned 23,713 acres and is 17% contained as of 8 a.m. PT on Tuesday, January 14, according to data available from CAL FIRE.

Map of active LA fires on Jan. 14, 2025. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection

Official estimates of the damage have yet to be released; however, AccuWeather meteorologists have estimated the cost of these wildfires to be between $250 billion and $275 billion, an increase from the companys initial estimates of $135 billion and $150 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 said in a statement. 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.

The Palisades fire burned through a high cost of living area, where homes have a median value of more than $2 million, according to Porter.

Should a large number of additional structures be burned in the coming days, it may become the worst wildfire in modern California history based on the number of structures burned and economic loss, Porter added.

However, the economic damage does not just include the cost of multimillion dollar homes, but also lost businesses, relocation costs, job losses and emergency and long-term healthcare costs for fire-related injuries and exposure to poor air quality from the smoke.

Tragically, lives have been changed forever in just a matter of minutes. Many families may not be able to afford to rebuild or repair and return. Businesses may not be able to recover, and jobs will be permanently lost. Thousands of people are in desperate need of help, initially the basic and life-sustaining needs of food, water and shelter, as this tragedy unfolds, Porter said. Many families will face significant unexpected costs to relocate to another area in Southern California. The recovery process will be extremely expensive and emotionally challenging in the months and years to come.

AccuWeather is not alone in its prediction that this will be the costliest wildfire event in U.S. history. Aon PLC, an insurance broker, and Moodys, a data analytics company, both echoed the sentiment, although they did not provide cost estimates, The Associated Press reported.

The Los Angeles wildfires are expected to cost at least $20 billion in insured losses, Reuters reported. This would cause these fires to surpass the previous most costly wildfire, the 2018 Camp Fire in Butte County, California, which killed 85 people and cost $12.76 in insured losses.

Residents now fear a worsening housing crisis in the greater Los Angeles area, as rental prices have already started spiking despite a law preventing price increases of more than 10% for housing, food, medical supplies and other essentials during emergencies. As LAist reported, Zillow listings in Los Angeles were found to increase by 15% to 64% in the wake of the fires.

It will put a squeeze, especially on the adjacent communities, Michael Lens, a professor of urban planning and public policy at University of California, Los Angeles, told LAist. That might be particularly acute from the Palisades effect on the Westside.
Dr. Rutger Wijburg, COO of Infineon: Our new backend site is designed to operate with high efficiency, resilience and quality, ensuring that we can reliably deliver high-quality products to our customers.

Infineon is starting construction of a new backend semiconductor factory in Samut Prakan, Thailand, to diversify production and meet demand for high-performance modules. The carbon-neutral facility is scheduled to begin operations in 2026.

Infineon Technologies has broken ground for a new semiconductor backend production site in Samut Prakan, south of Bangkok, optimizing and further diversifying its manufacturing footprint.

The first building is planned to be ready for operations at the beginning of 2026. Further ramp-up will be managed flexibly in line with market demand. For 2025, all expenditures of the new site are already included in the Capex projections of the company. The project is supported by the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI). The highly automated fab will play a crucial role in diversifying Infineon's manufacturing landscape as global decarbonization and climate protection efforts drive demand for power modules, e.g. in industrial applications and renewables.

As decarbonization and digitalization are strong structural growth drivers for the semiconductor industry, we are establishing a state-of-the-art backend fab in Thailand to meet future customer demand and strengthen supply chain resilience. This investment is a key step in our strategy to further diversify our manufacturing footprint and optimize it in terms of costs, while matching the expansion of our frontend capacities, said Rutger Wijburg, COO of Infineon.

Thailand wants to become an important player in the semiconductor industry

The Thailand Board of Investment welcomes and supports the Infineon Technologies decision to invest in a new backend fab in Samut Prakan, Thailand. This strategic step underscores the importance of a close and reliable partnership between Infineon and the government of Thailand, and demonstrates the mutual confidence in Thailand's business environment and growth potential. The establishment of the National Semiconductor and Advanced Electronics Policy Committee in December 2024, along with Infineon's investment, will significantly enhance the regional semiconductor industry and ecosystem, positioning Thailand as a key player in the global semiconductor industry. We are committed to supporting the development of Thailand's electronics industry as well as the successful implementation of the expansion of Infineon's manufacturing site in the region, said Narit Therdsteerasukdi, the BOI's Secretary General.

Infineon will support developing a robust semiconductor ecosystem in Thailand, centrally located in Southeast Asia, covering key components and materials in the supply chain. By enhancing partnerships with local businesses and institutions, the company will strengthen the semiconductor ecosystem and the development of a skilled work force. Through close collaboration with universities and local entrepreneurs, Infineon helps to grow a talent pool of highly skilled engineers with expertise in advanced semiconductors. A comprehensive training and education program to improve competencies in AI, digitalization and automation has been developed. The first group of Thai engineers successfully completed this training program at other Infineon sites.

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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.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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.
With TikTok likely just days away from being banned in the US, the apps users are pushing some previously little-known apps to the top of Apple and Googles stores. The app that has so far seemed to benefit the most is a Chinese social media app called RedNote or Xiaohongshu, which translates to "little red book."

The TikTok-like app for shortform video is currently the number one app in Apples App Store and is in the 34th spot in Googles Play Store. RedNote has been gaining popularity as many TikTok creators have begun posting about their experiences trying out the Chinese app. Meanwhile, over on RedNote, a number of creators have shared videos about welcoming TikTok refugees to the service.

The app is set up very much like TikTok, with the ability to vertically scroll through feeds of shortform videos based on your interests. Much of the apps interface is in Chinese, so it can be a bit confusing to navigate, though there are some helpful videos on TikTok that explain how to change the apps language to English.

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While RedNote seems to have come out of nowhere, the app has been popular in China for years. CNBC reports that the more than decade-old app is seen as a challenger to ByteDances Douyin and e-commerce giant Alibaba, with about 300 million users.

RedNote isnt the only app thats been boosted by anxious TikTok users. Another ByteDance app, Lemon8, is also trending in both Apple and Googles stores, where its in the second and first spot, respectively. But while TikTok itself has at times boosted the app , Lemon8 will likely face the same fate as TikTok should the Supreme Court side with the Biden Administration, which seems likely .

Another video app called Flip , which describes itself as where social meets shopping, is also trending in both app stores. The app, from Los Angeles-based Humans, Inc., features shortform videos and an in-app storefront. Its currently ranked number 14 in Googles store and number four in Apples. The company was valued at more than $1 billion last year, according to Crunchbase .

Another app that has seemingly benefited from the impending TikTok ban is something called ReelShort. While the apps name sounds like a play on Instagrams reels and YouTube Shorts  both of which are well established TikTok clones  the app seems to be less of a TikTok clone and more of a wannabe streaming platform . The app features bite-sized clips of longer movies with bizarre titles like The Heiress Blacklisted her Husband and In Love with the Alpha. ReelShort is number seven in the App Store number two in Google Play.

While its unlikely any of these apps will remain popular for long, the fact that so many relatively unknown apps have risen to the top of the app stores so quickly is yet another sign of how influential TikToks users and creators can be. It also highlights how banning TikTok alone wont curb the influence of Chinese tech companies in the US.

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Ben Stiller has shared how reuniting with his wife, Christine Taylor, after their separation deepened their appreciation for their relationship.

The couple, who tied the knot in 2000 and have two children22-year-old Ella and 19-year-old Quinlininitially separated in 2017. However, during the pandemic, they found themselves living under the same roof again, which eventually led to their reconciliation.

In a recent interview with The New York Times, Stiller, 59, reflected on how the time apart strengthened their bond. "When we separated, it was just having space to see what our relationship was, what my life felt like when we weren't in that relationship, how much I loved our family unit," he said. "It was like three or four years that we weren't together but we always were connected. In my mind, I never didn't want us to be together."

He added, "I don't know where Christine was, you'd have to ask her, but COVID put us all together in the same house."

Stiller revealed that even after they began living together again, it took almost a year before they officially reunited.

Expressing gratitude for their renewed relationship, Stiller said, "I'm so grateful for it, and I think not that many people do come back together when they separate. There's nothing like that, when you come back. You have so much more appreciation for what you have, because we know we could not have it."

In March 2023, Taylor, 53, reflected on their separation during an appearance on 'The Drew Barrymore Show'. She admitted that they "got married very quickly" and eventually grew in different directions. "It was sort of like we were both at this impasse of 'let's figure out what's best: What's best for each other at this chapter in our lives?'" she explained. "That time apart for each of us to sort of get to know who we are... I feel like we needed some time to figure that out."

Taylor added that their reunion brought a sense of "freedom and comfort" rooted in their shared history.

In 2022, Stiller described their reconciliation as "unexpected" but "really wonderful for all of us."
The FBI and Los Angeles police visited Ben Affleck's Brentwood residence over the weekend as part of an investigation into unauthorized drone activity affecting firefighting efforts.

The FBI's Ground Intercept task force confirmed they were investigating a private drone that allegedly damaged a firefighting super scooper aircraft, and were checking local CCTV footage as part of their investigation.

"Members of the FBI's Ground Intercept task force are conducting activity in the area of the Palisades fire relative to unauthorized drone activity," an FBI press rep told 'Page Six' , who obtained the pictures of agents at Affleck's home, of the situation. "Agents and our local partners may be visible throughout the area, including at various residences, for this reason."

The visit comes after Affleck, 51, was forced to evacuate his $20 million bachelor pad due to the Palisades Fire that's been tearing through Southern California.

He initially sought refuge at his first ex-wife Jennifer Garner's home, where their three childrenViolet (19), Seraphina (16), and Samuel (12)reside. Though he was later able to return to his property, which escaped damage, sources close to 'Page Six' indicate he knows many others who lost their homes in the disaster.

Additionally, Affleck had an emotional reunion with his eldest daughter outside his home on Saturday. Sources also revealed that his second ex-wife, Jennifer Lopez, 55, has been regularly checking in on him and the children throughout the emergency.

The actor has reportedly been reaching out to help others affected by the fires, while dealing with the evacuation orders and ongoing investigation into the drone incident that potentially compromised firefighting efforts.
Karlissa Saffold Harvey recently clapped back at any fan who dared suggest her incarcerated son Blueface should be sent to fight the Palisades wildfires.

The Cali-born rap star, currently serving four years behind bars at North Kern State Prison in Delano, California, came into question when fans on her live began to speculate whether inmates  including her beloved son  would be commissioned to support firefighters.

Harvey immediately went into defense mode, arguing that not only is her son not going to fight fires, but suggested that they don't make "rich n****as" go fire fires.

Needless to say, fans were shocked by her response.

"They don't make rich n****as go fight fires in jail now," Harvey argued.

"They might make yo' son fight the fire though," the Zeus Network executive producer added while sitting at a sunny outdoor eating area alongside an unnamed individual, who can be heard laughing in the background.

"Not mine," she continued to laugh. "But they might make yours," she pointed to the camera. "He paying his taxes to be in there, okay? He in rehab. My son is in jail rehab," she reiterated, mixing her drink. "He's taking a break from life ... he's getting rehabilitated."

When the man she was with laughed and corrected her saying, "He's in jail," Harvey doubled-down on her sentiments. "Don't be trying to play with my baby, girl," she concluded in the clip.

Fans were disgruntled by her seemingly classist response to the suggestion that her incarcerated son would help fight fires, as many sounded off in the comment section sharing their thoughts on the matter.

"She sickens me," one fan wrote in the thread.

"In case you were wondering why he ended up there," a second poked at Harvey.

"That man will fight fires if they tell him too," a third suggested.

"With a mother like her who needs enemies," a fourth pondered.

"Respect to all the fire fighters who risk their lives to save people like her and the man who's laughing," another added.

The suggestion made by the fan comes as nearly 1,000 male and female inmates joined the frontlines to assist fire fighters in fighting the deadly wildfires in the state of California, per BBC.

As of Friday, 939 took their spot as part of a volunteer program reportedly led by California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), per the British outlet.

Fellow Angelenos,



The devastation to our city and community is unthinkable. The colossal efforts of our Los Angeles Fire Department cannot be overstated, and lives, homes, and businesses have been saved thanks to their unwavering commitment to fighting a good fight. But this pic.twitter.com/CYv6pW0es4  Rick J. Caruso (@RickCarusoLA) January 13, 2025

"When I was inside, they put us on the frontlines, wherever the main fire is, we went to it," Anthony Pedro told Rolling Stone as 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," he expressed, per the outlet.

California prisons and CalFire came together back in 1915 to officially establish the Conversation Camp Program. Volunteer inmates join forces with traditional fire crews in exchange for time outdoors, job training, and in some cases shorter sentences.

Inmates on the front line reportedly earn some money although very little, estimated at about $5.80 to $10.24 per day.

Blueface, 27, real name Jonathan Porter, began his four year sentence last year on September 4 following a probation violation related to a 2021 assault charge.
Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson stirred up social media with his candid response to news about his ex-fiancee, Sharelle Rosado, partnering with Shannon Sharpe's Club Shay Shay media platform for her podcast, Humble Baddies. Johnson, who co-hosts Nightcap with Sharpe, expressed frustration on X, writing, "So nobody was gonna run this by me first to see if I was okay with this partnership? ." He followed up with a bold statement: "Y'all got me f***ed up, I'll do my own damn podcast ."

Rosado later responded on X, writing, "lol quit crying."

lol quit crying https://t.co/asXDrGIwxY  Sharelle Rosado (@SharelleRosado_) January 13, 2025

The announcement about Rosado's podcast partnership prompted a flurry of reactions. Many social media users questioned whether Sharpe should have informed Johnson about the deal, given their professional relationship. One commenter wrote, "Out of friendship courtesy, Shannon could have said something. They are friends." Another added, "Damn Shannon ain't have the decency or respect for him to talk about it before he found out with the rest of the world?"

Other users speculated that Johnson's reaction might not be as serious as it seemed. "Real ones know he trolling ," one user remarked, while another suggested, "They are both chilling somewhere laughing."

Meanwhile, some applauded Rosado's move, with one commenter stating, "Her working a new job has nothing to do with their past relationship." Others interpreted the situation as a publicity stunt, with one user writing, "This is all PR!!! Good work lol."

Rosado chimed in to clarify her relationship status, responding to The Shade Room calling her Johnson's estranged wife with, "Lol not 'estranged wife' @theshaderoom when we got married?"

Sources close to Rosado previously revealed that her split from Johnson stemmed from an alleged incident where she found another woman in their bed. According to The Neighborhood Talk, the confrontation was reportedly captured on security footage, though Rosado has chosen not to release it publicly. Following the discovery, Rosado announced their breakup on social media, stating, "Chad and I are no longer together, please stop tagging us. He is a free man ladies."

Interestingly, Rosado had previously admitted on her Humble Baddies podcast to cheating on her first husband with Johnson, a decision she later expressed regret about as she reflected on her younger, less mature self.

While the nature of Johnson and Rosado's current relationship remains unclear, one thing is certain: their dynamic, coupled with Sharpe's involvement, has sparked conversations across social media about loyalty, professionalism, and personal boundaries.
Reality star Khloe Kardashian has sparked controversy with 'Community' star Yvette Nicole Brown after the reality star criticized Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass on Instagram amid the ongoing wildfire crisis.

In her Instagram Story, Kardashian sided with the L.A. Fire Chief's allegations that the mayor's budget cuts had hampered the fire department's ability to respond effectively to the fires, concluding her post with "Mayor Bass you are a joke!!!!"

The post quickly drew sharp criticism across social media platforms. Brown entered the conversation on January 13, sharing a pointed critique on Instagram. Brown posted a 2022 'Rolling Stone' article highlighting the Kardashian family's excessive water usage during Los Angeles' drought period.

Her caption read, "This is from 2022 when Los Angeles was in the midst of a drought. Every citizen was asked to conserve for the good of everyone else. Y'know because of fires? This is how some citizens responded to the ask. Is THIS a joke @khloekardashian?"

Kardashian has not replied at this time, though she's not known to simply hold her tongue when took to task. She has instead written thank you notes to firefighters and first responders by way of X.

Dear Firefighters, volunteers, First Responders, and frontline workers 



Thank you for your unwavering courage and dedication in the face of these devastating fires. Your tireless efforts to protect lives, homes, and communities do not go unnoticed. We are deeply grateful for  Khloe (@khloekardashian) January 12, 2025

The controversy comes as the Kardashian-Jenner family themselves have been forced to evacuate their homes due to the spreading fires. Sources confirmed to TMZ that all family members -- including Kim, Kourtney, Khloe, Rob, Kendall, Kylie, and Kris Jenner -- have evacuated their residences following orders as the Kenneth Fire burned across 1,000 acres northeast of Calabasas on Thursday.

Read more: Author Neil Gaiman Accused of Sexual Assault By 9 Women as Disturbing New Allegations Surface

The situation highlights the complex dynamics between celebrity commentary, public policy, and natural disasters, particularly given the Kardashian family's own history with environmental resources during crisis periods.
WNBA star player Caitlin Clark was forced to go incognito after a Texas man began obsessively messaging her on X and sharing "concerning" posts before driving to Indiana to be closer to her.

Michael Thomas Lewis, 55, wrote sexually violent and threatening messages and posts about the 22-year-old athlete starting in December 2024, according to reporting by FOX 59.

FBI officials were alerted to the messages and traced them back to Lewis, who they then learned had driven from Denton to Indianapolis.

"Been driving around your house 3x a day," Lewis messaged the Indiana Fever star while in Indianapolis. "But don't call the law just yet."

Law enforcement located the alleged stalker at a hotel in Indianapolis on Jan. 8. While questioning him about his social media activity, Lewis claimed he was in town for vacation and didn't mean any harm to Clark.

"It's an imagination, fantasy type thing and it's a joke, and it's nothing to do with threatening," he told police, according to the court documents obtained by FOX 59.

Lewis was arrested on Sunday and charged with felony stalking. If convicted, he faces up to $10,000 in fines and one to six years in prison.

Originally published by Latin Times
After using his personal plane to escape the destructive wildfires in Los Angeles, Leonardo DiCaprio was seen arriving in Mexico with his girlfriend, Vittoria Ceretti.

His father, George, and his wife, Peggy Ann Farrar, joined DiCaprio and Ceretti. The actor, dressed casually, was spotted getting off the aircraft.

The couple was spotted in Cabo San Lucas Friday, and his decision to travel via a private plane has resulted in criticism for DiCaprio, who is known for being an environmentalist.

'CLIMATE WARRIOR' LEONARDO DICAPRIO JUST ESCAPED THE LA FIRES ON HIS PRIVATE JET



Leonardo and his model girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti were spotted arriving in Cabo San Lucas Mexico on a private jet amid the devastating LA fires.



Source - Daily Mail pic.twitter.com/1DoTrByc0p  HustleBitch (@HustleBitch_) January 13, 2025

Critics, as reported by The Mirror, took to social media to brand him a "hypocrite" for using a private jet, especially as he has been referred to as a "climate warrior." Others claimed this is what "privilege" looks like.

Many have likewise criticized him for not helping out as the City of Angels continues to battle the fires that have been raging for days.

One wrote, "Imagine being like that. multi million dollar home burns down fly to another city in a private jet to go to your other multi million dollar home."

Here's what other X users are saying:

In prayer with #LosAngelesWildfires 



Shame on Leonardo di Caprio who left LA by Private Jet  helping no one  pic.twitter.com/GPfTIYT7y4  Europe, MAGA & Us (@Europeetnous) January 14, 2025

Climate Change alarmist Leonardo DiCaprio has fled the devastation of the California fires in a luxury private jet with his model girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti. It's OK when he does it! https://t.co/4Hvlfg3bZ9  m o d e r n i t y (@ModernityNews) January 13, 2025

Leonardo is part of the WEF Global Cabal. Never trust any of them. pic.twitter.com/o6ZyDQtenm  Jamie Girl (@Jamie29036) January 13, 2025

Over 100,000 people have had to leave their homes due to the flames, and 24 people have died as a result of them thus far. Among those who lost their homes are DiCaprio's fellow celebrities.
Reality TV star Courtney Stodden said she is now in a constant fight-or-flight mode amidst the LA wildfires and the resulting evacuation of thousands of residents.

As California continues to battle the ongoing fires in Pacific Palisades and other places, the reality TV personality posted herself getting quite emotional and crying about what is happening.

Stodden said on the post, "I was really hoping 2025 would be a fresh startfull of joy and good things. The holidays should've been a time of celebration, but instead, they felt like a lot of stress. I mean, I just got married and moved into my first homehuge milestones! But even with all that, it's come with its challenges."

"The fires have kept me on edge, and I haven't fully been able to catch my breath after moving around from rental to rental (all of my adult life). It's been so hard to watch, and it's impossible to ignore the constant threat," she added. "I already deal with anxiety, so now with the uncertainty, I'm constantly in that fight-or-flight mode, feeling like I can never fully settle or feel peace at home."

"I just really hope things start to get better," she wished.

As reported by Daily Mail UK, having to leave her beautiful Calabasas house has made her nostalgic for her childhood.

"Smoke has filled lungs, I am coughing, my eyes are welling with tears... my ex homestead is burnt to the ground," she said. "I see the fires glow from my new home, safe yet ready for evacuation."

The reality star clarified that she had to switch between rentals in the last several years due to financial difficulties following a divorce and broken engagement.

She shared that all of those feelings and anxieties are returning to her now that she had to pack and leave her new home.

NPR reported that firefighters have been fighting to contain a string of large flames in the Los Angeles region that have destroyed thousands of homes.
Two years after her daughter Lisa Marie Presley passed away, Priscilla Presley recently paid tribute to her memories.

The 79-year-old widow of Elvis Presley posted a sentimental image of her beloved only child on Instagram. On January 12, 2023, Lisa Marie passed away at the age of 54.

Priscilla said in her post, "I miss you more than words can say. I wish I could hold you, talk to you, see your smile just one more time. I wish you could see how much you are still loved, how deeply you are missed by all of us who carry you in our hearts."

Lisa Marie's daughter, Riley Keough, also shared heartfelt memories of her mother on Instagram.

Among the photos was a touching image of the late celebrity with her twins, Finley and Harper.

Initially posted by her half-sister Finley, she accompanied the pic with the caption, "2 years [heart emoji] i love you always."

Another image shared by Harper shows her mother embracing her and her twin. "I can't believe it's been two years. I miss you and love you so much, mama [heart, dove emoji]."

Riley Keough via Instagram Stories pic.twitter.com/nR3uYratYP  Riley Keough Photos (@keoughphotos) January 12, 2025

The heartfelt tributes come as Keough has assisted in completing Lisa Marie's posthumous memoir "From Here to the Great Unknown," a book that her mother had started before passing away. The book came out in October of 2024.

In an interview with "The View," the actress explained why she wanted to finish her mom's book.

"She had been through so much. She had gone through addiction and grief and all of these human, relatable things. And I think she felt that she should share that with the hopes that people would connect to it and relate to it and maybe feel a little less lonely in the world."

A medical emergency occurred in Lisa Marie's Calabasas, California, house on January 12, 2023. She received CPR to restart her heart as soon as she arrived at West Hills Hospital.

According to the results of the postmortem study, Lisa Marie's death was caused by a blockage in her small intestine, which resulted from bariatric surgery she had received to treat her obesity.

Although traces of opioids were found in her body at the time of her death, the coroner explained that these drugs were not involved in her demise.

Originally published on Music Times
Meek Mill had fans in stitches after he took to social media declaring his offer to buy TikTok.

As fans all over the world scramble to prepare for their favorite app to be banned, some potential heavy hitters have their eyes on purchasing the platform, which was developed by the tech company, ByteDance.

Standing as one of his highest viewed Tweets, the Maybach Music rap star was dragged by fans after posting the offer, which received a whopping 3.8 million views in less than 24 hours.

"Sell tik tok to me!" Mill, 37, simply captioned his tweet Monday night.

Sell tik tok to me!  MeekMill (@MeekMill) January 14, 2025

At this point, fans are somewhat used to Meek Mill writing questionable tweets, similarly to when the Dreams and Nightmares musician asked fans where he could buy gold in Africa, prompting his some 11 million followers to sigh.

That said, his followers are letting out that same sigh, seeing as though Meek's net worth was reported at around $20 million as of February 2024 per The U.S. Sun, while TikTok has an estimated worth of $100 billion with the algorithm -- or $30 to $40 billion without the algorithm -- per CBS News.

"How? Your sugar daddy is in custody," one fan responded to the rapper's offer, referring to rumors about his past association with Diddy. "TikTok is worth $100B my guy," a second reminded him. "Meek mill's networth $20M," a third added alongside laughing emojis. "Not right now meek," a fourth poked. That said, the 37-year-old Philly musician isn't the only celeb to make his offer known.

Meanwhile, Mr. Beast  arguably one of the most famous influencers on the internet  has also offered to buy the fan-favorite platform, posting to his following of over 30 million that he'd do it to prevent the app's cancellation.

"Okay fine, I'll buy Tik Tok so it doesn't get banned," Mr. Beast wrote Monday night. However, fans reacted more positively to this offer, as many urged the vlogger to "Save America." The internet sensation has hit an estimated net worth of $1 billion as of January 2025, per Parade.

Okay fine, Ill buy Tik Tok so it doesnt get banned  MrBeast (@MrBeast) January 14, 2025

Despite rumors swirling that tech billionaire boss Elon Musk was going to purchase the app, TikTok has busted that myth, denying any reports of potential sale to Musk, even if the platform is shut down, deeming the chatter "pure fiction."

"We can't be expected to comment on pure fiction," a spokesperson for TikTok told BBC.

U.S. lawmakers reportedly gave ByteDance one year to sell TikTok by January 19, or it will face a ban. The drama stems from the government's concern for national security in connection with its ties to China. This includes alleged potential to spread misinformation and espionage, per Axios.
Kate Middleton has announced that her cancer is officially in remission and she's also opening up about the challenges surrounding the long-term side effects of her cancer treatment.

In a statement on X on Jan. 14, Middleton said it was "a relief" to be in remission. Middleton took to the Kensington Royal social media on X to thank the medical team for taking care of her so well, while announcing the update in her battle with cancer.

"We couldn't have asked for more. The care and advice we have received throughout my time as a patient has been exceptional," she wrote.

"It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focused on recovery. As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal. I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support. C."

I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you to The Royal Marsden for looking after me so well during the past year.



My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything.



We couldnt have asked for more. pic.twitter.com/f3sA7yZdOi  The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) January 14, 2025

The Princess of Wales also made a surprise visit on Jan. 14 to the Royal Marsden Hospital located in London  the same place she was treated after abdominal surgery in January 2024 showed "cancer had been present." She was diagnosed with cancer in March.

After she received the unexpected diagnosis, the Princess began treatment in February before she'd completed the process, announcing that she was cancer free later that year in September.

Read more: Kathy Griffin Finalizes Bitter Divorce From Second Husband Randy Bick

"You think treatment's finished, crack on with that ... daily tasks, but that's still like a real challenge," Middleton, 43, told staff during her surprise visit.

"And talking... the words totally disappear... understanding that as a patient, yes there are side effects around treatment, but actually there are more long-term side effects," the princess added, according to the Daily Mail.

In sharing her experience with staff, the 43-year-old expressed the importance of the continuation of holistic care in addition to prioritizing "support" for those around the patient. The mother of three stressed that this is important "on good days and bad days."

"I feel like it's sometimes for the loved ones around us. They need support just as much as I did as the patient," she added.

The Princess took grace and time to thank The Royal Marsden medical staff for their help and support, as a spokesperson from the Kensington Palace stated: "The Princess wanted to make the journey to both show her gratitude to the incredible team, but also highlight the world-leading care and treatment the Marsden provides."
President Joe Biden says the Israel-Hamas hostage and ceasefire talks are on the "brink" of "finally coming to fruition." He says the deal frees the hostages, halts the fighting, provides Israel security and surges assistance to the Palestinians.
Denver, CO  January 14, 2025. Words and acronyms used by medical and care providers can confuse caregivers and older adults. Caregiving expert Pamela D Wilson released a new video on her YouTube Channel explaining 10 basic acronyms all persons navigating the healthcare system for aging adults should know.

These terms are frequently used, yet their relationships to one another are rarely explained. Few health or social care providers have the time or the skills to educate.

So, instead of feeling lost or intimidated by medical and care providers, learning these 10 basic terms will help caregivers and older adults become more knowledgeable when talking with doctors, nurses, and others who provide support in health and social care systems.

In this video, viewers can learn definitions of the following acronyms and how each term relates to the other. Wilson uses her professional experience to help caregivers understand the implications of aging and how to prevent and plan for unexpected experiences.

10 Terms Used by Healthcare Providers Caregivers Must Know

So even if you think you know these definitions, there's always more to know. Watch the video to learn about the 10 acronyms that Wilson shares in this video:

ADLs (activities of daily living)

IADLs (instrumental activities of daily living)

LTC and LTCI (long-term care and long-term care insurance)

SNF (skilled nursing facility)

POA (power of attorney)

PCP (primary care physician)

UTI (urinary tract infection)

DNR (do not resuscitate)

BM (bowel movement)

PT (physical therapy)

Putting the 10 Acronyms Together

One of the main reasons older adults go to a SNF after a hospital or an operation is for physical therapy and occupational therapy (PT and OT). Once an older adult returns home, a PCP can continue orders for rehabilitative therapy.

A DNR is a form usually kept in the home on the refrigerator for EMR (emergency responders) who might be called. PCPs help their patients understand what a DNR means and complete the form, which is usually printed on bright green paper.

Many older adults leave their homes for assisted living or a care community when they are no longer able to independently take care of themselves at home by performing ADLS and IADLS.

Some older adults admitted to a SNF are transferred to the LTC unit. Having a POA to help with paperwork can be helpful in these situations.

POAs can also help with other financial matters, medical supervision, and oversight, which includes monitoring UTIs and constipation, a concern to many older adults who worry about having BMs.

For aging adults and caregivers interested in learning more, Wilson's Caring for Aging Parents Blog and her caregiver library offer education and tips on topics related to caregiving, aging, healthcare, financial, and legal matters.

Pamela D Wilson Caregiving Expert, Advocate, & Speaker

Wilson is a caregiving expert with over twenty years of lived experience supporting caregivers and care receivers. Her experience as an expert witness in caregiving, home care, care management, and guardianship is an invaluable resource for individuals and families seeking consultations, organizations, financial planners, and law firms seeking a keynote speaker or litigation support.

Learn more about Pamela at www.pameladwilson.com.

CONTACT: Pamela D. Wilson +1 303-810-1816

#
Tuesday, January 14, 2025

One of the most crucial lessons I have learned over time is that being able to look at the world with clear eyes is half the battle in life. Regardless of our nationality, religion or other affiliation, we are all part of a global landscape where individuals and entire groups of people are constantly engaged in fierce competition for wealth, power, and the vast array of human aspirations. Inevitably, there are winners and losers.

The good news is that any victory or defeat in this endless war called life does not confer a permanent status on anyone. Individuals and groups whose victories endure are those who remain cognizant of the fact that they cannot rest on their laurels. And some of the most successful people in the world happen to be those who experienced crushing failures at some points in their lives and didnt let those setbacks derail their dreams but instead, used them as motivation to work even harder.

The natural world we inhabit is not an ideal place. More often than not, the competition for prizes does not run as fairly as one would hope. There are always people and nations that are more powerful than others. Those lucky mighty have frequently used their advantages to exploit the weak. That is the unfortunate reality of life.

How we deal with these injustices, whether we are individuals or nations, can heavily influence our life outcomes. It is possible to let our anger from being treated unfairly consume us to the point where we become paralyzed. When anyone falls into that state of incapacitation, nearly everything grinds to a halt. It is a trap that everyone must avoid getting sucked into.

There is no other continent on this planet that others have exploited as much as Africa has been. Through slavery and colonialism, several major powers plundered Africas resources, both human and natural. That pillaging occurred over several centuries. It explains why today, Africa is the continent that is struggling the most to provide a decent socio-economic life for its citizens. Therefore, any objective person has to acknowledge that wealthy nations, which did much of that plundering, have an obligation to help the continent get its economy off the ground.

There is endless debate about whether rich nations have done enough, and in the most effective ways, to help Africas socio-economic development. My view is that the verdict is mixed, at best. Given the scale of the exploitation, and how long it went on, compensating for it appropriately would require massive deployments of resources on a sustained basis over a lengthy period of time. But that is asking for the impossible in todays highly polarized world. Therefore, Africans must learn to work with whatever little they are able to obtain externally to supplement what they can muster internally. That is where the continents leaders havent helped themselves and their people.

Slavery effectively ended nearly two centuries ago. Unfortunately, colonialism continued long into the twentieth century. Ghanas declaration of independence from Britain in 1957 was the event that galvanized other sub-Saharan African countries to free themselves from colonial rule. All of the continents nations have thankfully managed to do so successfully.

Today, many African nationals say that the independence gained was largely in name only. They argue that the colonial masters left decades ago but they continue to plunder the continents resources from their remote locations. There is some truth to that claim. But for me, the far bigger problem is the inability, or failure, of Africans to properly shift their mindset from being a victim of exploitation to one of a player vying with others for rewards in a highly competitive world.

This victim mentality is holding Africa back in major ways. It is also the primary source of the disrespect that much of the rest of the world apparently has for the continent. As a native African, it has been quite painful for me to watch large groups of African heads of state being regularly summoned to economic summits in Washington, Beijing, St. Petersburg, Seoul, and elsewhere. They often travel en masse to those cities with begging bowls in hand. Their hosts know full well that many of the governments that these guests lead are leaky barrels. Whatever is put into those faulty containers drains out quickly because of uncontrolled corruption and gross mismanagement. So, those highly publicized conferences are often nothing more than photo ops.

What will really propel Africa forward is a willingness on the part of its people to take the global playing field as underdogs who are willing to fight tenaciously to win games, even against the strongest of opponents. That, exactly, is what one of the continents most illustrious sons has done. His accomplishments, and the paths he took to make his dreams come true, should become case studies in every institution of higher learning in Africa.

Aliko Dangote is a name that should be familiar to even the most casual observer of business and politics in Africa. Mr. Dangote is a Nigerian multi-billionaire and the wealthiest person in Africa. He founded Dangote Group, an industrial conglomerate with divisions that include cement production plants, sugar refineries, flour production facilities, and many others. Recently, he completed construction of the much-anticipated Dangote Petroleum Refinery, a 650,000 barrels per day integrated oil refinery in Nigeria.

The refinery is expected to meet 100 percent of Nigerias refined oil products requirements, with plenty left over for export. Its single-train facility is said to be the biggest in the world. At nearly 700 miles, the pipeline infrastructure serving the refinery also happens to be the largest globally, and is capable of handling up to 3 billion standard cubic feet (scf) of gas daily. According to a recent publication by Oil Price Information Service (OPIS), a U.S.-based energy commodities price reporting agency, the Dangote Refinery is already operating at 85 percent capacity. The facility is said to be sourcing much of its feedstock from Nigeria, but is also importing West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil from the U.S. The OPIS report went on to say that the facility is currently testing light sweet crude in preparation to export ultra-low sulfur gasoline to Europe and the U.S. in the early part of this year.

I have worked in the energy industry for over two decades. That long experience has provided me a comprehensive view of the global energy markets. I cant even begin to explain how impressive Mr. Dangotes accomplishment is. As most people know, the global oil market is dominated by state actorsSaudi Arabia, Russia, Iran, and othersand large, deep-pocketed multinational companies such as ExxonMobil, Chevron, and Shell. Energy markets are extremely volatile, and such large projects in the industry are some of the riskiest investments anywhere in the world. The fact that one persons company, regardless of where that individual is from, is able to take on these formidable opponents, break all those barriers, and make such an entry into this ultra-competitive space, is quite astounding. Every African should be proud of this man.

African leaders have long complained that they are not given seats at the global table when important decisions affecting the world are being made. It may sound like unfair treatment, and it probably is. But the harsh truth is that in this world, you have to bring something to the table to merit a seat at the table. Mr. Dangote has beautifully demonstrated how to gain access to that coveted piece of furniture. African heads of state should learn from his excellent example.

Mr. Dangotes singular accomplishments are almost beyond comprehension. Today, there are thousands of other African men and women who, in their own small ways, are channeling their entrepreneurial spirits into highly successful small businesses on the continent. Those people should all be highly celebrated. Together, they are helping to create a different image for Africa on the world stage.
Chinese veteran Zhang advances at Australian Open in straight sets

Xinhua) 16:05, January 14, 2025

MELBOURNE, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- China's veteran Zhang Shuai continued her career resurgence by winning her first round match at the Australian Open on Tuesday.

Zhang beat American player Mccartney Kessler 6-3, 6-4 in one hour and 16 minutes at Melbourne Park to progress to the second round in the singles draw at a Grand Slam tournament for the first time since the 2023 Australian Open.

The Chinese veteran, currently ranked 204th in the world, exhibited great control over her groundstrokes throughout the match, hitting 26 winners and only 11 unforced errors.

By comparison, Kessler, ranked 47th in the world, hit 18 winners and 22 unforced errors.

Zhang won 77 percent of her first serve points and 65 percent of those on her second serve compared to 57 and 43 percent respectively for Kessler.

It improves Zhang's career head-to-head record over the 25-year-old to 2-0. In their previous match at September's 2024 China Open in Beijing, Zhang ended a 24-match, 18-month singles losing streak before going on to reach the quarterfinals.

The Chinese player asserted herself in the opening game of the match when she broke Kessler's serve with a backhand winner. Kessler broke back to level the score at 3-3 but Zhang won three straight games from there to claim the opening set.

The first nine games of the second set went to serve. Serving to stay in the match trailing 5-4, Kessler hit two double faults to open the door for Zhang who took the opportunity on her first match point and the only break point chance for either player in the set.

Zhang and Kessler will meet again in the first round of the women's doubles, where Zhang and France's Kristina Mladenovic are the ninth seed.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Fairfield, MT (59436)

Today

Cloudy. Gusty winds this evening. Low 27F. W winds at 20 to 30 mph, decreasing to 10 to 15 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy. Gusty winds this evening. Low 27F. W winds at 20 to 30 mph, decreasing to 10 to 15 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.
U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana, speaks to a crowd of supporters in Helena on Nov. 4, 2024, a day before the 2024 election. (Photo by Blair Miller, Daily Montanan)

Jon Tester worked as a farmer long before he worked as a U.S. Senator, and this year, hes set to ramp up work on the family farm.

Thats one sure thing the Democrat from Big Sandy knows about the immediate future. Last year, he said, he and his wife, Sharla Tester, raised white wheat, red wheat, peas and hay.

They raised lentils before, but those take more time, he said, and until recently, time has been in short supply.

During the last 18 years, Tester worked double duty, farming and legislating, getting up at 2:30 a.m., on Mondays for the transition, a drive to Great Falls, a flight to Washington, D.C.  a feat even Republican U.S. Sen. Steve Daines took note of in his farewell message to Tester.

Daines tapped newcomer and fellow Bozeman businessman Tim Sheehy as the candidate to oust Tester, and this month, the successful Republican rival took his oath of office.

Meanwhile, Tester talked about whats ahead.

Maybe Ill play around with lentils again, Tester said.

Certainly, farm work is top of his list, but hes considered campaign finance reform a priority, and hell consider opportunities on that front, as well as others, including possible chances to teach.

Hindsight is 20-20

Tester lost his bid for a fourth term in the Senate despite outperforming Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris by 13 points in Montana. He said it was a tough cycle for Democrats, and he feels sad to lose his staffers.

But he also sees his loss in November as one for Montanans, not himself personally.

After rising in the ranks, Tester served as chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee and Veterans Affairs Committee, and influential people such as military contractors valued his opinion  because they had to.

I think its a missed opportunity, but not for me. I think its a missed opportunity for the state, Tester said.

Hindsight is 20-20, he said, but he doesnt see much he could have done differently. On the campaign trail, he stayed true to himself and his Montana roots, and he said voters picked the person they thought would do the job best.

Thats the way the process is supposed to work, Tester said.

In 2006, Tester himself ousted incumbent U.S. Sen. Conrad Burns in the Republicans bid for a fourth term. In Testers book, Grounded, he said Burns, now deceased, conceded the race to him with a joke, telling his opponent he slept like a baby  I woke up every hour and cried.

Focus on the farm

Although Tester sees his loss as one for the Treasure State, hes far from bawling about it for himself. He said the change brings him some relief personally, a return to a more sensible pace of life, more quality of life, a step back from a schedule so jam packed he hardly had time to breathe.

I can really focus on the farm, he said. Theres a lot of things on the farm that we didnt do because I was involved and just didnt have the time to do then. Now, were going to have time, hopefully.

Hell roll up barbed wire out the field and paint the barn, and he said generally, he wants to focus on agriculture and making sure the farm his grandfather homesteaded is in good shape for the next generation.

He said he kept on farming while in office partly because the countrys forefathers expected it of their leaders, just like Montana has citizen legislators. He wanted to lead by example, he said, but he has another simple reason, too.

I love doing it, he said.

Never say never

More work in politics isnt out of the question for Tester  you never say never on anything. If someone needs help on policies related to rural America or infrastructure or education, hell be happy to give his two bits.

Tester, also a former elementary school music teacher, school board member, and president of the Montana Senate in the state legislature, has said campaign finance reform is the most urgent issue for democracy. He believes too much money is spent on campaigns, and he doesnt believe its good for the country.

That is going to be something that Im very interested in doing because I think it has a negative impact on our country, Tester said.

His Senate race, of course, was a prime example of big money in politics.

In the 2024 cycle, Open Secrets ranked Montana as second in the U.S. for money spent on a Senate race by candidates and outside groups, at more than $288 million. (Ohio was No. 1, at more than $449 million.)

It was almost voter abuse, the number of ads that were on TV, Tester said. Hell, I didnt know who was paying for the ads (by outside groups).

Its money that could go to books for school children or rural broadband, he said.

Democrats should tout wins

This year, Montana will send an all GOP congressional delegation to Washington, D.C., and Republicans control the House and the Senate.

Republican Donald Trump took the White House again, but Tester said he believes Democrats still can win in the future. One way to do it is to point to their wins for the American people, he said, such as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

He said that means ensuring rural Americans know the outcome brings real dollars not just for subway travel in New York City, but for things like pothole repairs and bridge fixes in Montana.

A March 2024 fact sheet from the White House said the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will send $5.3 billion to Montana, and 504 projects already had been identified for funding, including for transportation and water.

The state takes credit for it, and some people underplayed it, Tester said. This is just a puny little bill, he said was the way some people described it. (But) it was a huge win for the American people.

Tester talked with the Daily Montanan about his future the day before Sheehy took his oath of office. He said he was prevented from making any agreements until then, but once the embargo lifted, he would start making more plans.

After tomorrow, (Ill) put some flies on the water and see what kind of people come along, Tester said.
PATASKALA, Ohio  A 75-year-old woman who died on Christmas Day after being attacked by her neighbors pig succumbed to extensive blood loss, according to the Licking County Coroners Office.

Rebecca Westergaard was found deceased outside her home in the 4000 block of Mink Street in Pataskala after relatives became concerned when she did not arrive for a holiday gathering. A police officer who responded to the scene saw a large pig on the property. Further investigation pointed to the pig, owned by a neighbor, being involved in the womans injuries.

According to Ken Ford, an Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator at Ohio State University, pigs are naturally inquisitive, and if they were more pets than farm animals, they may have set upon Westergaard believing she could play with or feed them.

There could be a lot of factors that would have been involved in this depending upon how these pigs were raised, he said.

Ford said that pigs dont hunt humans, but they can cause significant harm under the wrong circumstances.

Yes, there are horror stories where people in hog barns have gotten hurt and gotten in a pen and the pigs have basically mauled them to death  because they naturally are scavengers, he said. But as far as hunting them down and going after them directly to kill them or to eat them, that probably wasnt their original intent. It was probably that they were looking for food and they knew that a human (had) fed them previously.

Pataskala Police Chief Bruce Brooks said the city has had no prior complaints about the pig involved in the attack. The neighbors own at least two pigs and were ordered by police to quarantine them until further notice.

The Licking County Prosecutors office is looking at charges against the pigs owner, who has not been identified publicly. However, Brooks acknowledged that Ohio law regarding animal attacks  especially involving large livestock  can be complex.

Its the same statute  its animals at large, he said. If you look at the charge for animals at large, one might think that maybe thats not enough punishment, if thats the right word.  But unfortunately, I think thats maybe the direction its going. But again, I think thats something for the prosecutors office.

Deputy Coroner and Chief Forensic Pathologist Dr. C. Jeff Lee confirmed to Farm and Dairy that the victims death was primarily due to bleeding. She was not partially eaten by the pig, as was initially reported by some media outlets.

The skin was torn. Thats why we called it an extensive superficial injury because its the skin, the immediately underlying fat layer and the immediately top muscle layer  was torn, he said.

The family member who called in the welfare check told dispatchers that Westergaard had recently had surgery and other medical conditions. Lee added that there was no indication the pig repeatedly attacked Westergaard or spent long with her after she collapsed.

While toxicology results are pending, his office considers the case largely closed.

Ive never had another case where Ive known for sure pigs were the attacker, Lee said. Ive had dogs, other wild animals, but not pigs. But you dont have this situation very often, right?
Morrisons has shared a message expressing solidarity with British farmers over the Labour government's controversial changes to inheritance tax.

The retailer's chain's head of agriculture, Sophie Throup shared a clip on social media with a declaration to the industry - 'we're with you'.

From April 2026, inheritance tax relief rules will change, resulting in a 100% relief on the first 1m of assets and then 50% relief on assets after that, equating to an effective tax rate of 20%.

We understand your anger and your frustrations at the inheritance tax," Ms Throup said in the viral video message on Saturday (11 January).

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.

A message to British Farmers from Morrisons - were with you and support you ?? pic.twitter.com/9hfp1pluBj  Morrisons (@Morrisons) January 11, 2025

Weve been raising these concerns at the highest level of government since November last year and we will continue to do so.

The agriculture head concluded by offering direct assistance: "We are with you. We're here to help you. If you want to talk to me, please message me."

The video message was released after farmers blockaded a Morrisons distribution centre in Somerset on Friday evening (10 January), amid growing anger over the tax and retailers' low prices.

Numerous tractors protested outside the retailer's South West distribution centre, just off the M5 near Bridgwater.

Farmers are planning to escalate this style of protest, according to The Telegraph, which could cause a 'complete shutdown' of nationwide supermarket depots.

The UK's four farming unions, which includes the NFU, have also organised a nationwide day of action which is set to take place on 25 January.

The days events will vary from region to region, but the unions' overarching message is that the tax is 'badly thought out' and that it will 'crush family farming in Britain'.

A Defra spokesperson said: Our commitment to farmers remains steadfast  we have committed 5 billion to the farming budget over two years.

Our reform to agricultural and business property relief will mean farmers will pay a reduced inheritance tax rate of 20%, rather than the standard 40%, 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.
A new on-farm education pilot project programme is helping farmers deliver meaningful experiences to children, connecting them with the origins of their food.

The programme aims to supports farmers in the Lake District with accreditation, peer networking, and tools to engage schools and community groups.

The Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL)-funded initiative reimburses farmers for the visits, with school travel costs also covered.

Delivered by the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) in partnership with Linking Environment and Farming (LEAF), it could also encourage farmers to develop a new income stream.

The programme has so far attracted 14 Lake District farmers since its launch in April 2024, made possible by a FiPL grant of 57,000 from Defra via the LDNPA.

Ruth Suddaby, LDNPA learning manager, who is leading the programme, said: Participants, many new to hosting educational visits, began with fully funded training for the Countryside Educational Visits Accreditation Scheme (CEVAS).

"This nationally recognised certification equips farmers with skills to plan engaging, curriculum-linked activities, ensuring safe and practical learning.

"Accredited farmers are now hosting school visits, while others will complete their certification by December."

Michelle Hughes, one of the first to complete her updated CEVAS training, has hosted groups at her 55-acre organic farm at Low Stanger, Lorton.

Accredited farmers are now hosting school visits as part of the programme

She said: Ive gained fresh ideas for linking farm activities to the curriculum and tailoring visits to different needs.

"The pilots financial support covered course costs, reimbursed materials, and connected me with local schools and groups including Lorton and All Saints School and Cockermouth Caterpillars, a wildlife group for young nature detectives.

"Hosting events for them has been upliftingsharing ethical, sustainable farming while helping children connect with nature is so important.

Elsewhere, Helen Rawlinson and Adam Crowe at Hall Farm, Rusland have been keen for a while to host farm visits.

After completing the course, Helen, initially hesitant, said she now feels confident in planning and delivering engaging activities tied to their farm's seasonal work.

She said: Our local school, Leven Valley CE Primary School, has visited twice already to explore hedgerows, see our stock and understand how were farming with nature.

Ive learned how to adapt visits for different age groups, making them interactive, creative and fun.

"Meeting other farmers through this network has been a huge bonus, and hopefully well be able to host more visits for other schools in the future."
The Scottish government has provided reassurance to the farming industry that there is no intention to allow the reintroduction of lynx.

There are currently no licence applications to reintroduce the wild cat or any other large carnivorous species into Scotland, the Scottish government confirmed.

The assurance follows Eurasian lynx being illegally released in the Kingussie area of the Highlands, with some having already been recaptured.

One of the wild cats died after its capture late last week, while the other three are being cared for at Edinburgh Zoo.

Some conservation groups have been campaigning to have the species re-introduced into Scotland.

But the sheep sector has frequently said that any reintroduction could be far reaching, including the stress placed on farmers knowing that an apex predator is in the vicinity.

Evidence shows that some European sheep flocks have suffered great losses due to lynx predation.

Scottish government minister Alasdair Allan MSP sought to reassure the farming industry that the government had no plans to release the species into the wild.

He said: "The government does not believe that there is the necessary support amongst the Scottish public in general and land managers in particular for such a reintroduction to take place at present."

The National Sheep Association (NSA) has previously called for a 'full consultation' before any decision is taken to reintroduce the Eurasian Lynx.

The body's chief executive, Phil Stocker said there must be 'practical and science-based evidence and reasoning' from the government and charities.

He said: "NSA would advocate for a case-by-case approach to ensure there is a robust and clear strategy to ensure unintended consequences are avoided.

"As an organisation we will engage constructively with this conversation, on the understanding that it will inform whether a formal consultation should proceed in advance of any licence application.

As sheep farmers, we will be far more directly affected than most and we have a duty and a right to express our views."

SNP Westminster Rural Affairs spokesperson, Seamus Logan said the assurance from the Scottish government was 'very welcome'.

The Aberdeenshire North and Moray East MP said: "I am aware that this issue surfaces quite regularly when environmental organisations suggest reintroducing lynx to Scotland, and the events of the past few days are a good example of why this would be a bad idea.

The message needs to go out that there is no appetite for lynx reintroduction through any formal process and doing so illegally simply puts these animals and the wider environment at risk.
A bumper sticker initiative has been launched to support the various campaigns currently endeavouring to promote British agriculture.

Machinery distributor OPICO is giving away a series of bumper stickers at this week's LAMMA show to help bolster the farming industry with catchy slogans.

It comes as industry leaders are working to lobby government and raise awareness of the issues currently faced by farmers across the country, such as the inheritance tax controversy.

OPICO, based in Lincolnshire, will provide seven different sticker designs, urging people to 'Save a Farmer' by encouraging them to 'Eat Steak', 'Drink Milk', 'Eat Lamb', 'Drink Beer', 'Eat Chips', 'Drink Whisky' or 'Eat Bread'.

Its managing director James Woolway said: "We are fully aware of the increased pressure small businesses are now under following the proposed changes to inheritance tax relief and employers' National Insurance contributions outlined in last budget.

"We wanted to get behind the campaigns working to support our industry and highlight the challenges we're all under.

"That's how the bumper sticker idea came about - my hope is that we can get the message out to road users across the country who might otherwise be unaware of farming's current issues."

OPICO will provide seven different sticker designs to visitors to LAMMA

Even before the government's announcements during the autumn budget, farm incomes across the country were under significant pressure.

Whilst the fallout from Covid and the Ukraine war gave UK farming a boost in 2021 and 2022, the long-term decline of margins from agriculture has now resumed.

Because of this, Mr Woolay said it was now time to 'Save a Farmer': "Rural businesses of all shapes and sizes need the backing from the people who benefit most from their hard work - the great British public," he said.

"As a farmer's son myself, I feel it is important to help to explain the challenges facing rural businesses and garner support rather than just rely on media and social media soundbites.

"Now more than ever, we need to be championing British food and drink. Better still, we also need to encourage people to buy local - from farm shops, independent butchers or direct from farms."

OPICO has printed 5,000 'Save a Farmer' bumper stickers which will be handed out for free to those who visit its stand at the LAMMA show, (Hall 6, Stand 440).
Brooke Shields has jokingly wishes her body was a little higher and tighter.

Brooke Shields has jokingly wishes her body was a little higher and tighter

The actress, 59, has opened up about ageing in the public eye ahead of the publication of her new memoir Brooke Shields Is Not Allowed to Get Old.

She has now said about the book during an appearance on Good Morning America: Its important to understand where youve been, but I think its really joyous to say, I may not know where Im going, but Im here. This is a different age than it used to be.

And yeah, I want to look my best, and I want to be healthy. Again, I always say, I wish things were a little higher and tighter.

Referring to her two daughters  Rowan, 21, and 18-year-old Grier  she added: I look at my gorgeous baby girls, and theyre just buoyant.

But by the same token, Ive earned everything I have on my face.

Its important to pat yourself on the back and say, What do you want to do now? Youre no longer tied to biology in the same way.

Brooke also usus her book to blast a male surgeon for giving her a vaginal rejuvenation without consent.

She had experienced discomfort, bleeding and chafing since high school due to the length of her labia, and has now spoken out against a medic she says threw in a little bonus during surgery on her private parts.

She says in her upcoming autobiography she was recommended to undergo a labia reduction to fix her years of issues.

But she fumed she did not give consent about what happened in the operating room.

Brooke said after she went under the knife she had a checkup with her Beverly Hills surgeon, during which he proudly informed her hed added a little two-fer to which she hadnt consented.

The male doctor had given the Blue Lagoon star a vaginal rejuvenation, defined as decreasing the average diameter of the vagina, mainly for sexual reasons.

Brooke added in her book she was dumbfounded by the irreversible procedure, which she called an invasion.

She also compared it to a rape of some kind.
David Spade has offered $5,000 to anyone who catches and gets police to arrest arsonists in Los Angeles.

David Spade has offered $5,000 to anyone who catches and gets police to arrest arsonists in Los Angeles

The comedian, 60, made the announcement on his Instagram Stories page amid reports of people starting fires as California continues to be ravaged by deadly wildfires.

He said in a video filmed inside his car: Im out in California and people are saying theres guys lighting fires out there, make this s*** worse.

So, if you can find someone lighting a fire, and you catch somebody, and you get the cops to bust them and throw them in jail, Ill give you $5,000.

So, keep your eyes peeled and do what you can out there.

David spoke out after a homeless man was detained by LAPD for allegedly using a blowtorch to light up discarded Christmas trees and trash in Woodland Hills.

He was spotted at the same time the devastating Kenneth Fire had started  but police could not officially charge him with arson because they couldnt prove he had a direct connection to the blazes.

Among the stars who have given disaster relief cash to the needy in the wake of the fires are Jamie Lee Curtis.

The actress, 66, and her husband Christopher Guest, 62, have donated $1 million to those affected by the LA blazes.

She said on Instagram about the donation: 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 neighbours and friends are banding together to save each other, 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.

Jamie had made a trip to New York City for a live television interview with Jimmy Fallon on Wednesday (08.01.25) when she heard the wildfires atrocity had started to erupt.

Speaking on Jimmys Tonight Show after she arrived, the actress said: Im literally just about to cry. As you know where I live is on fire right now. Literally the entire city of the Pacific Palisades is burning. I flew here last night. I was on the plane, started getting texts and its gnarly, you guys.

"Its just a catastrophe in Southern California.

Obviously, there have been horrific fires in many places this is literally where I live.
The Grammy awards is going ahead as planned in LA with a renewed sense of purpose.

The Grammy awards is going ahead as planned in LA with a renewed sense of purpose

There were fears the ceremony at the Crypto.com Arena, set for 2 February, would be axed in the wake of the deadly wildfires still plaguing Southern California  which have now claimed at least 24 lives.

But Recording Academy and MusiCares CEO Harvey Mason Jr and Board of Trustees Chair Tammy Hurt have now released a statement saying it will be held as planned.

Shared by CNN Reporter Elizabeth Wagmeister on X, it opened: Dear Recording Academy Members, Our hearts go out to everyone affected by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles.

This city is our home, and we mourn the loss of life and destruction that have come to it in recent days.

In response to this crisis, the Recording Academy and MusiCares launched the Los Angeles Fire Relief Effort last week with an initial $1 million donation to support music creatives and professionals.

Referring to funding raised for wildfire victims and the awards sense of purpose this year in light of the wildfires devastation, the statement added: Thanks to additional contributions, we have already distributed over $2 million in emergency aid to those most in need  and we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing ongoing assistance.

In close coordination with local authorities to ensure public safety and responsible use of area resources, the 67th GRAMMY Awards telecast on CBS on February 2nd will proceed as planned.

This year's show, however, will carry a renewed sense of purpose:

raising additional funds to support wildfire relief efforts and honouring the bravery and dedication of first responders who risk their lives to protect ours.

In challenging times, music has the power to heal, comfort, and unite like nothing else.

The Grammys will not only honour the artistry and achievements of our music

community but also serve as a platform to amplify the spirit of resilience that defines this great city of Los Angeles.
Paris Hilton is planning to foster a dog given up during the LA wildfires.

Paris Hilton is planning to foster a dog given up during the LA wildfires

The billionaire hotel heiress, 43, was left reeling when her home was razed to the ground by the infernos that broke out a week ago, and she has now taken to Instagram to share videos from her time volunteering at the Pasadena Humane Society.

She revealed in the post she was going to be fostering another dog who was surrendered by his family who lost their home in the fire.

Paris shared a post showing her standing in front of some of the shelters crowded kennels, and added: Were gonna go and see if theres any other dogs where theyre still looking for their owners.

She also said she wanted to tell everyone the Pasadena Humane Society was an incredible charity doing so much work for hundreds of dogs, cats and pets affected by the wildfires blighting California.

Paris went on: Whats most important is getting donations  before calling animals in need our babies.

She added about one of the lost pets: This beautiful cat was found without a collar in #Altadena and has been in the shelter for the last four days.

Please share with anyone you know from the Altadena area so we can reconnect this baby with his owner! His animal ID is A519218.

The Palisades Fire alone has killed eight people and demolished nearly 24,000 acres, including Paris mansion in Malibu.

And the death toll from the California blazes as a whole has hit at least 24.

Paris announced to fans on Instagram last week about how she watched her home burning on the news: Heartbroken beyond words. Sitting with my family, watching the news, and seeing our home in Malibu burn to the ground on live TV is something no one should ever have to experience.

This home was where we built so many precious memories. Its where Phoenix took his first steps and where we dreamed of building a lifetime of memories with London.

Paris has son Phoenix, who is almost 2, and her daughter London, born in November 2023, with her 43-year-old husband Carter Reum.

She also described the loss of their family home as overwhelming and described the wildfires devastation as unimaginable.
Come January and India gears up for the first festival of the calendar year  Makar Sankranti! Celebrated all across the country, this festival is known by countless names such as Uttarayan, Bihu, Pongal, and so on. As diverse as our motherland is, this harvest festival is celebrated with various traditions and customs. Lets take a look at some of them.



Uttar Pradesh: People take holy dips in sacred rivers such as the Ganges and Yamuna, and offer prayers to the sun god.



Punjab & Haryana: Makar Sankranti is celebrated here as Maghi, with people offering prayers to the sun god, or performing puja at a gurudwara. People also participate in the langar or community kitchen, serving food to the needy. Traditional folk music and dance, such as bhangra and gidda are part of the celebrations with traditional food.

Image: Shutterstock



Gujarat: Popular as Uttarayan here, the festival is synonymous with kite flying. People are ready to battle it out in the skies on terraces right from the morning into the night over a period of two days. Undhiyu, a mix vegetable dish is popularly eaten, along with chiki, a sweet made of peanuts or sesame and jaggery.





Image: Shutterstock



Tamil Nadu: Pongal is celebrated here over a period of four days. The first day is dedicated to the worship of Indra, the rain god. Bhogi, a sweet dish made of rice, milk, and coconut is commonly eaten.



Andhra Pradesh & Telangana: Sankranti involves the worship of the sun god and the distribution of sweets. Pongali, a sweet dish made of rice and milk, and sweetened with jaggery is popular.



Karnataka: The festival is celebrated as Sankranti, with people worshiping the sun god and distributing sesame seeds and jaggery.





Image: Shutterstock



West Bengal: Sankranti is celebrated as Poush Sankranti here. People worship the sun god or pay homage to their ancestors. Traditional food, folk music and dances are enjoyed at community gatherings.



Odisha & Bihar: On Makar Sankranti, people worship the sun god, offer prayers and take dips in sacred rivers.



Read more: Your Guide To Picking The Best Protective Sunglasses For Uttarayan
The European Commission recently imposed definitive anti-dumping duties (ADD) on imports of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) from Egypt and the United States.

The measures follow an anti-dumping investigation that showed that dumped imports from these two countries were harming the European Union (EU) PVC industry, which was losing significant market share to such imports.

The investigation also showed that, without such measures, the situation of the blocs PVC industry would most likely continue to deteriorate and could lead to plant closures. The EU PVC industry currently directly employs 4,000 people across seven member states.

The European Commission recently imposed definitive anti-dumping duties (ADD) on PVC imports from Egypt and the US following an investigation that showed that dumped imports from these two countries were harming the EU PVC industry, which was losing significant market share to such imports. The ADD imposed are 74.2-100.1 per cent for imports from Egypt and 58-77 per cent for imports from the US.#

The ADD imposed range from 74.2 per cent to 100.1 per cent for imports from Egypt and from 58 per cent to 77 per cent for imports from the United States, an official release said.

PVC is a thermoplastic polymer used in the manufacturing of various products like pipes and fittings, films and foils, injection moulding and blow moulding. The EU market for PVC is worth 3.5 billion.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
Meta's stock experienced a notable 1.9% decline, closing at $603.97, despite reporting impressive fourth-quarter results that showcased a remarkable 19% revenue surge to $40.59 billion. The company's earnings per share reached $6.20, marking significant growth from previous periods. Despite the recent dip, the stock maintains a strong position, having climbed more than 68% from its 52-week low of $358.64, demonstrating sustained investor confidence in the company's long-term prospects.

Analyst Outlook Remains Positive

Wall Street analysts maintain an optimistic stance on Meta's future performance, setting an average price target of $663.71, suggesting substantial upward potential. Financial projections for 2024 indicate expected earnings per share of $22.67, while 2025 could mark a significant milestone with the company's first dividend payment, estimated at $2.01 per share. These positive forecasts come as Meta undergoes strategic organizational changes, including modifications to its workforce development programs, reflecting adaptations to evolving market conditions.

Ad

Fresh Meta information released. What's the impact for investors? Our latest independent report examines recent figures and market trends.

Read our updated Meta analysis...
Company Overview on La Colorada:

La Colorada Operations show US$25.9M NPV5, 11.9% IRR, US$53.9M CAPEX and 287k total ounces produced at a US$2,000/oz gold price

New mineral reserve at Junkyard Stockpile supports restart of mining at La Colorada that has commenced this month

El Creston expansion at La Colorada is expected to produce over 50,000 ounces of gold per year

Current drill program (five drill rigs) is targeting lower CAPEX and increased production for updated technical report planned for mid-2025

Au Price

(US$/oz Au) Net Cash Flow

(US$M) After-Tax NPV

@ 5.0% Discount Rate

(US$M) IRR

(%) Payback Period

(years) Payback Multiple 2,000 1 54.92 25.93 11.9 2.2 1.4 2,600 2 158.32 110.03 34.7 1.4 2.3

Base Gold Price assumption used in the La Colorada technical report. Comparison gold price.

Company Overview on San Agustin:

San Agustin Operations show US$12.7M NPV5, 156.1% IRR, US$4.2M CAPEX and 45k total ounces produced at a US$2,100/oz gold price

Receiving the Phase 4 Permit will allow for strong cash flow generation from San Agustin including funding San Agustin rehabilitation costs

Upon receipt of permit, expected in 2025, the Company will undertake drilling to potentially extend the mine life from oxide gold production and is reviewing the projects sulphide potential

Au Price

(US$/oz Au) Net Cash Flow

(US$M) After-Tax NPV

@ 5.0% Discount Rate

(US$M) IRR

(%) Payback Period

(years) Payback Multiple 2,100 1 14.83 12.67 156.1 0.8 1.1 2,600 2 28.84 25.22 365.0 0.3 2.2

Base Gold Price assumption used in the San Agustin technical report.. Comparison gold price.

Company Overview on San Antonio:

San Antonio Project Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) shows US$398.7M NPV5, 40.7% IRR, US$131.3M CAPEX and 1.1 million total ounces produced at a US$1,900/oz gold price

Mineral resource of 1.6 million ounces of gold at San Antonio project creates attractive optionality with high grade, low CAPEX, sub-US$1,100/oz ASIC and long mine life

Au Price

(US$/oz Au) Net Cash Flow

(US$M) After-Tax NPV

@ 5% Discount Rate

(US$M) IRR

(%) Payback Period

(years) Payback Multiple 1,900 1 651.21 398.66 40.7 2.0 5.2 2,600 2 1,135.42 715.05 58.8 1.5 8.3

Base Gold Price assumption used in the San Antonio technical report.. Comparison gold price.

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 13, 2025) - Heliostar Metals Ltd. (TSXV: HSTR) (OTCQX: HSTXF) (FSE: RGG1) ("Heliostar" or the "Company") advises that it has filed technical reports on the La Colorada Operations, the San Agustin Operations and the San Antonio Project. The technical reports were prepared on material projects acquired in 2024.

The technical reports are available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and on the Company's website (www.heliostarmetals.com).

Heliostar CEO, Charles Funk, commented "Heliostar has filed technical reports for three of its recently acquired Mexican projects. At La Colorada, we have restarted production this month with 2025 focused on the newly defined Junkyard Stockpile and then expanding to over 50,000 ounces of gold per year with the El Creston expansion. At San Agustin, the Phase 4 Permit area can generate strong cash flow and reduce closure costs. More importantly receiving expansion permits will provide the trigger to restart drilling, targeting further mine life expansion at the mine which has upside oxide and sulphide potential. The PEA at San Antonio demonstrates a rare, 1.0 Au g/t heap leach deposit with low CAPEX, low ASIC and a long mine life. It provides attractive optionality for our long-term growth. The combined projects have positive economics at conservative gold prices and significantly stronger returns at today's gold prices. In 2025, the Company will focus on reducing front-end capital requirements for El Creston to improve the project economics for the expansion decision and will continue to advance Ana Paula through its Feasibility Study."

LA COLORADA MINE

Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates and a life-of-mine (LOM) plan were completed for the 100% owned La Colorada Operations (La Colorada) located in the state of Sonora, Mexico. The LOM plan in the La Colorada technical report is based on continued production from three sequentially-staged deposits: the Junkyard Stockpile (La Chatarrera), the El Creston pit expansion (El Creston), and the Veta Madre pit expansion (Veta Madre). The La Colorada technical report that is the subject of this news release supersedes a technical report that was prepared on the La Colorada Mine by Argonaut Gold Inc., which had an effective date of October 1, 2021.

The La Colorada technical report includes first-time disclosure of a Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimate for the Junkyard and updated Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates for El Creston and Veta Madre. The LOM plan indicates a Probable Mineral Reserve of 377k ounces of gold exploited with two years of pre-strip and 4.1 years of mine life, from the effective date of the La Colorada technical report, at production rates up to the 13,000 t/d nameplate throughput capacity of the mine at an all-in sustaining capital cost of US$1,763/oz Au.

Key Highlights

La Colorada - Mineral Reserve & Production Highlights Mineral Reserves (kt) 1 18,159 Gold Grade (g/t Au) 0.65 Contained Gold (koz Au) 377 Processing Rate (t/d average) 2 8,292 Life of Mine (years) 3 4.1 Annual Production (oz Au per year, 2026) 14,564 Annual Production (oz Au per year, average 2027-2030) 64,309

Probable Mineral Reserve. Processing throughput rates vary over the Life of Mine, up to the nameplate capacity of about 13,000 t/d. Excludes 2 years of metals production from the Junkyard (2025) and from near-surface ore extracted during pre-stripping (2026).

La Colorada - Financial Highlights Average Cash Costs (US$ per oz AuEq) 1 1,549 Average AISC (US$ per oz AuEq) 1 1,763 Total Initial Capital Cost (US$M) 2 53.9 Total Sustainable Capital Cost (US$M) 9.8 Total LOM Capital Cost (US$M ) 63.7

Non-International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) measures. All-in sustaining costs (AISC) were first issued by the World Gold Council (WGC) in 2013. In light of new accounting standards and to support further consistency of application, the WGC published an updated Guidance note in 2018. Reflects capital investment before first metals production from El Creston. Further expenditure will be required after first metals production for pre-stripping. A maximum negative cash flow of US$139 million is projected at the base assumptions used in the La Colorada technical report.

La Colorada Return Estimates based on Gold Price1 US$2,000/oz 2

US$2,600/oz 3 IRR (%)

11.9 34.7 NPV @ 5.0% discount (US$M)

25.9 110.0 NPV @ 7.5% discount (US$M)

15.0 91.2 Payback (years)

2.2 1.4

All other key parameters set at base assumptions, including the 5% discount rate used. More detailed analysis is presented in the La Colorada technical report. Base Gold Price assumption used in the La Colorada technical report. Comparison gold price with reference to US$2,687.45 London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) PM gold price on trading day January 10, 2025.

La Colorada Mineral Resource Estimates

Mineral Resources were estimated at La Colorada for three deposits: El Creston, Veta Madre and the Junkyard, and are summarized in the following tables by deposit.

El Creston Mineral Resource Statement

Category Tonnes

(kt) Gold

Grade

(g/t) Silver

Grade

(g/t) Gold

Contained

Metal

(koz) Silver

Contained

Metal

(koz) Indicated 12,393 0.91 11.94 364 4,758 Inferred 202 0.70 6.07 5 39

Notes to accompany El Creston Mineral Resource table:

Mineral Resources are reported insitu, using the 2014 CIM Definition Standards, and have an effective date of 31 October 2024. The Qualified Person for the estimate is Mr. David Thomas, P.Geo., Associate Mineral Resource Estimator with Mine Technical Services. Mineral Resources are reported inclusive of Mineral Reserves. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral Resource estimates use the end of month October 2024 topography. Mineral Resources are constrained by a conceptual pit shell using the following assumptions: a gold price of US$2,150/oz Au; a silver price of US$26/oz Ag; rock mining cost of US$2.66/t mined; backfill mining cost of US$2.0/t mined; crushing and conveying cost of US$1.33/t processed; process and leaching cost of US$4.54/t processed; general and administrative cost of US$1.15/t processed; selling cost of US$0.66/t processed; gold metallurgical recovery of 79%; silver metallurgical recovery of 13%; and pit slope angles from 22 (pad), 35-42 (pit). Mineral Resources are reported at a gold equivalent cut-off of 0.14 g/t AuEq, using AuEq = (Au + Ag/equivalency factor), where equivalency factor = ((Au price in US$/g * Au recovery) / (Ag price in US$/g * Ag recovery)). This results in a Au:Ag ratio of 1:502.51. Totals may not sum due to rounding.

Veta Madre Mineral Resource Statement

Category Tonnes

(kt) Gold

Grade

(g/t) Silver

Grade

(g/t) Gold

Contained

Metal

(koz) Silver

Contained

Metal

(koz) Indicated 2,724 0.73 3.5 64 309 Inferred 77 0.53 2.5 1 6

Notes to accompany Veta Madre Mineral Resource table:

Mineral Resources are reported insitu, using the 2014 CIM Definition Standards, and have an effective date of 31 October, 2024. The Qualified Person for the estimate is Mr. David Thomas, P.Geo., Associate Mineral Resource Estimator with Mine Technical Services. Mineral Resources are reported inclusive of Mineral Reserves. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral Resource estimates use the end of month October 2024 topography. Mineral Resources are constrained by a conceptual pit shell using the following assumptions: a gold price of US$2,150/oz Au; a silver price of US$26/oz Ag; mining rock costs of US$2.55/t mined; crushing and conveying cost of US$1.33/t processed; process and leaching cost of US$4.54/t processed; general and administrative cost of US$1.15/t processed; selling cost of US$0.66/t processed; gold metallurgical recovery of 72%; silver metallurgical recovery 9.0%; and pit slope angles averaging 45. Mineral Resources are reported at a gold equivalent cut-off of 0.15 g/t AuEq, using AuEq = (Au + Ag/equivalency factor), where equivalency factor = ((Au price in US$/g * Au recovery) / (Ag price in US$/g * Ag recovery)). This results in a Au:Ag ratio of 1:661.54. Totals may not sum due to rounding.

La Chatarrera Mineral Resource Statement

Category Tonnes

(kt) Gold

Grade

(g/t) Silver

Grade

(g/t) Gold

Contained

Metal

(koz) Silver

Contained

Metal

(koz) Indicated 3,504 0.20 6.8 23 763 Inferred 1,220 0.41 33.29 16 1,305

Notes to accompany the Junkyard Stockpile Mineral Resource table:

Mineral Resources are reported in stockpiles, using the 2014 CIM Definition Standards, and have an effective date of 31 October, 2024. The Qualified Person for the estimate is Mr. David Thomas, P.Geo., of Mine Technical Services. Mineral Resources are reported inclusive of Mineral Reserves. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral Resource estimates use the end of month October 2024 topography. Mineral Resources are reported using the following assumptions: a gold price of US$2,150/oz Au; a silver price of US$26/oz Ag; a stockpile rehandle cost of US$1.30/t mined; crushing and conveying cost of US$1.72/t processed; process and leaching cost of US$3.10/t processed; general and administrative cost of US$1.15/t processed; selling cost of US$0.66/t processed; gold metallurgical recovery of 66%; and a silver metallurgical recovery of 27%. Mineral Resources are reported at a gold equivalent cut-off of 0.17 g/t AuEq, using AuEq = (Au + Ag/equivalency factor), where equivalency factor = ((Au price in US$/g * Au recovery) / (Ag price in US$/g * Ag recovery)). This results in a Au:Ag ratio of 1:202.14. Totals may not sum due to rounding.

La Colorada Mineral Reserve Estimates

Mineral Resources were converted to Mineral Reserves for El Creston, Veta Madre and the Junkyard.

The Mineral Reserve estimate is based on operation of the existing crusher and conveyor system having a nameplate throughput capacity of about 13,000 t/d, and continued operation of the heap leach and carbon-in-circuit (CIC) process circuit and refinery to process ore from the three deposits. The Mineral Reserve estimate is presented in the following table.

Mineral Reserves Statement

Classification Zone AuEq Cut-off

(g/t) Tonnes

(kt) Gold Grade

(g/t Au) Silver Grade (g/t Ag) Contained Gold

(koz) Contained Silver

(koz) Probable El Creston 0.160 12,841 0.76 10.1 312 4,181 Veta Madre 0.175 1,905 0.70 3.1 43 189 La Chatarrera 0.164 3,413 0.20 6.4 22 704 Total

18,159 0.65 8.69 377 5,074

Notes to accompany Mineral Reserves table:

Mineral Reserves are reported at the point of delivery to the process plant, using the 2014 CIM Definition Standards. Mineral Reserves have an effective date of 30 November 2024. The Qualified Person for the estimate is Mr. Jeffrey Choquette, P.E., of Hard Rock Consulting. A 0.16 g/t AuEq cut-off is used for reporting the Mineral Reserves at El Creston, and a 0.175 g/t AuEq cut-off is used for reporting Mineral Reserves at Veta Madre. Cut-offs were calculated based on a gold price of US$1,900/oz Au, silver price of US$23/oz Ag, processing costs of US$5.87/t, general and administrative costs of US$1.15/t, refining and selling costs of US$0.66/t, gold recovery of 79% for El Creston and 72% for Veta Madre and a silver recovery of 13% for El Creston and 9% for Veta Madre. The AuEq cut-off for the Junkyard Stockpile is 0.164 g/t AuEq based on metal prices of US$1,900/oz Au, and US$23/oz Ag, processing costs of US$4.82/t, general and administrative costs of US$1.15/t, refining and selling costs of US$0.66/t, gold recovery of 66% and a silver recovery of 27%. The AuEq calculation uses the formula AuEq = (Au + Ag/equivalency factor) where equivalency factor = ((Au price in US$/g * Au recovery) / (Ag price in US$/g * Ag recovery)). Mineral Reserves are reported within the ultimate reserve pit design. An external dilution factor of 10% and a metal loss of 5% were factored into the Mineral Reserves estimates. Tonnage and grade estimates are in metric units. Mineral Reserve tonnage and contained metal have been rounded to reflect the accuracy of the estimate, and numbers may not add due to rounding.

The LOM plan outlines sequential exploitation of the three deposits with two years of pre-production from the Junkyard (2025) and from near-surface ore extracted during pre-stripping (2026), before a production LOM of 4.1 years.





Figure 1 - Ore Mined by Pit Phase



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7729/237102_heliostar1.jpg

Note: Figure prepared by Hard Rock Consulting, 2024

La Colorada Operating Cost Estimates

The existing mining and process circuit at the La Colorada Mine remains unchanged for the proposed LOM plan in the La Colorada technical report, with exploitation of the three deposits benefitting from the installed capacity. The expected operating performance and operating cost forecasts were compiled with the benefit of benchmarking historical performance at La Colorada and the input of seasoned professionals knowledgeable of the conventional technologies being used at La Colorada, the expected consumption quantities of key supplies, and commercial pricing for goods and services in Mexico.

Total Operating Cost Summary

Operating Costs Operating Cost

($/oz AuEq) Operating Cost

($/t ore) Operating Cost

($/t mined) Total mining 1,038.63 17.02 2.06 Total processing 368.21 6.04

Total site general and administrative 68.40 1.12

Refinery and transport 26.37 0.43

Cash operating costs 1,501.61 24.61

Production taxes 27.14 0.44

Royalties 20.00 0.33

Total cash costs 1,548.74 25.39

Capital costs 214.11 3.51

Total AISC 1,762.86 28.90



La Colorada Capital Cost Estimates

The Junkyard only requires working capital to bring the deposit into production.

The initial capital cost for El Creston is estimated at US$54.0M, including US$9.0M capital for pad expansion and US$43.4M mining pre-stripping costs until first production. A significant pre-strip is required to fully exploit the El Creston deposit, comprising both capitalized and expensed pre-stripping costs.

The LOM plan includes US$6.8M for reclamation work at the end of the mine life.

Capital Cost Summary

Capital Costs Initial

(US$ M) Sustaining

(US$ M) Total LOM

(US$ M) Mine pre-production development 43.40 0.00 43.40 Contractor mobilization 0.21 0.00 0.21 Slope radar system 0.00 0.50 0.50 Leach pad expansion 8.97 2.13 11.10 Total direct costs 52.58 2.63 55.21 Owner costs and reclamation 0.00 6.80 6.80 Indirects and contingency 1.35 0.37 1.72 Total indirect costs 1.35 7.17 8.52 Total 53.93 9.80 63.73

La Colorada Economic Analysis

The financial analysis shows an after-tax net present value at a discount rate of 5% of US$25.9 M, an after-tax internal rate of return of 11.9%, and a payback period of 2.2 years. The forecast total lifespan of the Project is 4.1 years with two years of pre-production, although some metals production is planned in these two years. Approximately 377,000 oz of gold is projected to be mined, with 287,000 oz of gold recovered and produced for sale.

Summary Economic Results

Project Valuation Overview Units After Tax Before Tax Total cashflow US$ M 54.92 86.51 NPV @ 5.0% (base case) US$ M 25.93 49.77 NPV @ 7.5%; US$ M 14.99 35.82 NPV @ 10.0%; US$ M 5.90 24.14 Internal rate of return % 11.9 17.2 Payback period Years 2.15 2.04 Payback multiple

1.35 1.55 Total initial capital US$ M 53.93 53.93

Metal Prices

The La Colorada technical report includes a sensitivity analysis for key parameters impacting the forecast economic returns for La Colorada. The LOM plan and Mineral Reserves estimates are most sensitive to changes in the gold price, and gold grade. Since silver is projected to contribute only about 4% to the revenues. LOM variations in the silver price have limited impact on the cashflow forecast. The LOM plan and Mineral Reserves estimates are less sensitive to operating cost changes, and least sensitive to changes in capital costs.

Gold Price Sensitivity Analysis

Au Price

(US$/oz Au) Net Cash Flow

(US$ M) After-Tax NPV

@ 5.0% Discount Rate

(US$ M) IRR

(%) Payback Period

(years) Payback Multiple 1,000 -235.88 -203.08 - 0.0 0.0 1,200 -167.30 -149.64 - 0.0 0.2 1,400 -99.10 -96.46 -31.1 0.0 0.5 1,600 -30.90 -43.29 -7.0 0.0 0.8 1,800 19.43 -3.17 4.2 2.7 1.1 2,000 54.92 25.93 11.9 2.2 1.4 2,200 89.39 53.96 19.4 1.8 1.6 2,400 123.85 82.00 27.0 1.6 1.9 2,600 158.32 110.03 34.7 1.4 2.3 2,800 192.79 137.88 42.3 1.2 2.7 3,000 227.26 165.60 49.7 1.1 3.2

Commentary by the Company on Relevant Matters

The results from ongoing drilling and other technical studies being performed at El Creston are excluded from the La Colorada technical report but will be incorporated into a mineral resource model and will support a Mineral Reserve update that will be published with an updated technical report in mid-2025.

A total initial capital of $53.9M is a required, predominantly from waste stripping prior to the reaching the life-of-mine strip ratio. Further stripping is required after reaching the life-of-mine strip ratio and a maximum negative cash flow of US$139 million is projected at the base assumptions used in the La Colorada technical report (US$117M at US$2,600 gold).

The La Colorada technical report presents cash flows based on the base gold price used. With exploitation of the Junkyard starting this month, the project will generate revenues from sales based on current gold prices which are expected to be higher than the base gold price used in the La Colorada technical report.

The gold market has experienced significant upward price movement in the past few years and, considering that the gold price at the effective date of the La Colorada technical report is about 34% above the base gold price used in the La Colorada technical report. The sensitivity analysis presents gold price scenarios up to US$3,000/oz Au to understand the potential impact. From the base case price of $2,000/oz (years 2026-2031), a change in the average gold price of US$200/oz Au would change the NPV at a 5% discount rate by 108%, or approximately $28.0 M

Commentary by the Company on Next Steps and Permitting

Restart of mining activities at La Colorada has commenced at the Junkyard this month. The Company will provide production and cost guidance for 2025 later in January.

The Company will be continuing the current drill program and conducting other technical programs at El Creston and plans to complete updated technical study in mid-2025.

The drill program includes shallow infill drilling designed to support short-term mine planning, and a program of infill and expansion drilling deeper in the pit to include in the future update to Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimate.

Some ancillary permitting work is planned at El Creston and is expected to be completed by mid-2025. A change of land use permit is required to enable exploitation of Veta Madre.

Since the development plan for La Colorada represents a continuation of the historical operations, minimal capital investment is required for new equipment and facilities; however, pre-stripping at El Creston and Veta Madre will need to be financed. Subject to satisfactory conclusion of the planned work programs and arranging financing, the Company is anticipating making an investment decision at El Creston in 2H 2025.

Qualified Persons

The technical report for the La Colorado Mine was prepared for Heliostar Metals Inc. by Mr. Todd Wakefield, RM SME, Mr. David Thomas, P.Geo., Mr. Jeffrey Choquette, P.E., Mr. Carl Defilippi, RM SME, and Ms. Dawn Garcia, CPG. Each of these Qualified Persons has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release that was abstracted from the La Colorada technical report in their area of expertise and are independent of the Company.





SAN AGUSTIN MINE

Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates and a LOM plan were completed for the 100% owned San Agustin Operations (San Agustin) located in the state of Durango, Mexico. The LOM plan in the San Agustin technical report is based on an expansion of the existing open pit. The San Agustin technical report that is the subject of this news release supersedes a technical report that was prepared on the San Agustin Mine by Florida Canyon Gold Inc., which had an effective date of June 20, 2024.

The San Agustin technical report includes an updated Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimate. The LOM plan indicates that a Probable Mineral Reserve of 68k ounces of gold can be exploited based on 1.2 years of mine life at an all-in sustaining capital cost of US$1,990/oz Au.

Key Highlights

San Agustin - Mineral Reserve & Production Highlights Mineral Reserves (kt) 1 7,358 Grade (g/t Au) 0.29 Contained Gold (koz Au) 68 Processing Rate (t/d) 2 17,100 Life of Mine (years) 3 1.2 Annual Production (oz Au per year, average 2026-2027) 4 19,091

Probable Mineral Reserve. Processing throughput rates will vary over the Life of Mine, up to the nameplate capacity of about 30,000 t/d. Excludes one year of metals production from ongoing re-leaching of heap leach piles. Gold production in 2026 is 32,625 ounces.

San Agustin - Financial Highlights Average Unit Costs (US$ per oz AuEq) 1 1,605 Average AISC (US$ per oz AuEq) 1, 2 1,990 Total Initial Capital Cost (US$M) 4.2 Total Sustainable Capital Cost (US$M) 2 14.3 Total LOM Capital Cost (US$M) 18.5

Non-IFRS measures. AISC were first issued by the WGC in 2013. In light of new accounting standards and to support further consistency of application, the WGC published an updated Guidance note in 2018. Includes reclamation costs for San Agustin mine.

San Agustin Return Estimates based on Gold Price 1

US$2,100/oz 2 US$2,600/oz 3 IRR (%) 156.1 365.0 NPV @ 5.0% discount (US$M) 12.7 25.2 NPV @ 7.5% discount (US$M) 11.7 23.6 Payback (years) 0.8 0.3

All other key parameters set at base assumptions, including the 5% discount rate used. More detailed analysis is presented in the LSan Agustin technical report. Base Gold Price assumption used in the San Agustin technical report. Comparison gold price with reference to US$2,687.45 LBMA PM gold price on trading day January 10, 2025.

San Agustin Mineral Resource Estimates

Mineral Resources were estimated for San Agustin as summarized in the following table.

Mineral Resource Statement

Material

Type AuEq

Cutoff

(g/t AuEq) Confidence

Classification Tonnes

(kt) Gold Grade

(g/t Au) Silver Grade

(g/t Ag) Contained Gold

(koz) Contained Silver

(koz) Oxide 0.14 Indicated 17,154 0.30 11.5 165 6,333 Transitional 0.27 700 0.44 17.4 10 391 Sulphide argillic 0.41 5,348 0.80 14.0 138 2,403 Sulphide silicified 0.60 427 0.90 7.4 12 102 Total 23,629 0.43 12.2 325 9,229 Oxide 0.14 Inferred 1,273 0.29 9.2 12 378 Transitional 0.27 5 0.32 25.6 0 4 Sulphide argillic 0.41 121 0.64 9.6 2 38 Sulphide silicified 0.60 2 0.68 6.0 0 0 Total 1,401 0.32 9.4 14 421

Notes to accompany San Agustin Mineral Resource table:

Mineral Resources are reported insitu, using the 2014 CIM Definition Standards, and have an effective date of 30 November, 2024. The Qualified Person for the estimate is Mr. David Thomas, PGeo., Associate Mineral Resource Estimator with Mine Technical Services. Mineral Resources are reported inclusive of Mineral Reserves. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral Resource estimates are defined by end of month July 2024 topography. Mineral Resources are constrained by a conceptual pit shell using the following assumptions: a gold price of $2,150/oz Au; a silver price of $26.0/oz Ag; mining cost of $2.0/t mined; oxide process and leaching cost of $4.23/t processed; transition process and leaching cost of $5.14/t processed; sulphide argillic process and leaching cost of $5.36/t processed; sulphide silicic process and leaching cost of $4.94/t processed; general and administrative cost of $1.4/t processed; selling cost of $0.66/t processed; gold metallurgical recoveries from 17-66%; silver metallurgical recoveries from 9-10%; and pit slope angles of 45. Totals may not sum due to rounding.

San Agustin Mineral Reserve Estimates

The Mineral Reserve estimate at San Agustin is based on operation of the existing crusher and conveyor system having a nameplate throughput capacity of about 30,000 t/d and continued operation of the heap leach and CIC process circuit to processing ore from the expanded open pit. The Mineral Reserve estimate is presented in the following table.

Mineral Reserve Statement

Classification Material

Type AuEq Cut-off

(g/t AuEq) Tonnes

(kt) Gold Grade

(Au g/t) Silver Grade

(Ag g/t) Contained Gold

(koz) Contained Silver

(koz) Probable Oxide 0.156 7,281 0.29 16.24 67 3,803 Transition 0.310 77 0.39 31.39 1 77 Total

7,358 0.29 16.40 68 3,880

Notes to accompany Mineral Reserves table:

Mineral Reserves are reported at the point of delivery to the process plant, using the 2014 CIM Definition Standards. Mineral Reserves have an effective date of 30 November 2024. The Qualified Person for the estimate is Mr. Jeffrey Choquette, PE, of Hard Rock Consulting, LLC. A 0.156 g/t AuEq cut-off is used for reporting the Mineral Reserves in oxide, and a 0.310 g/t AuEq cut-off is used for reporting Mineral Reserves in transitional material. Cut-offs were calculated based on a gold price of US$1,900/oz Au, silver price of US$23/oz Ag, processing costs of US$4.23/t for oxide, processing costs of US$5.14/t for transitional, general and administrative costs of US$1.40/t, refining and selling costs of US$0.66/t, gold recovery of 66% for oxide and 38% for transitional and a silver recovery of 10% for oxide and transitional. The AuEq calculation uses the formula AuEq = (Au + Ag/equivalency factor) where equivalency factor = ((Au price in US$/g * Au recovery) / (Ag price in US$/g * Ag recovery)). Mineral Reserves are reported within the ultimate reserve pit design. An external dilution factor of 5% and a metal loss of 3% have been factored into the Mineral Reserve estimate. Tonnage and grade estimates are in metric units. Mineral Reserve tonnage and contained metal have been rounded to reflect the accuracy of the estimate, and numbers may not add due to rounding

Figure 2 - Ore Mined by Pit Phase

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7729/237102_212c8174c412ca9e_004full.jpg

Note: Figure prepared by Hard Rock Consulting, 2024

San Agustin Operating Cost Estimates

The existing mining and process circuit at San Agustin remains unchanged for the proposed LOM plan in the San Agustin technical report, with exploitation of the ore from the expanded open pit benefitting from the installed capacity. The expected operating performance and operating cost forecasts were compiled with the benefit of benchmarking historical performance at San Agustin and the input of seasoned professionals knowledgeable of the conventional technologies being used at San Agustin, the expected consumption quantities of key supplies, and commercial pricing for goods and services in Mexico.

Total Operating Cost Summary

Operating Costs Operating Cost

(US$/oz AuEq) Operating Cost

(US$/t ore) Operating Cost

(US$/t mined) Total mining 681.41 4.44 2.36 Total processing 699.96 4.56

Total site general and administrative 123.57 0.80

Refinery and transport 38.47 0.25

Cash operating costs 1,543.41 10.05

Production taxes 40.10 0.26

Royalties 21.00 0.14

Total cash costs 1,604.51 10.45

Capital costs 385.59 2.51

Total AISC 1,990.09 12.96



San Agustin Capital Cost Estimates

The initial capital cost is estimated at US$4.2M, including US$2.7M capital for Owner's costs and US$0.6M for an in-fill drill program.

The LOM plan includes US$13.6M for reclamation work at the end of the mine life.

Capital Cost Summary

Capital Costs Initial

(US$ M) Sustaining

(US$ M) Total LOM

(US$ M) Definition drilling Phase 4 Pit 0.60 0.00 0.60 Mine contractor mobilization and demobilization 0.15 0.05 0.20 Leach pad expansion 0.00 0.61 0.61 Total direct costs 0.75 0.66 1.41 Owner Costs and reclamation 3.40 13.57 16.97 Indirects and contingency 0.00 0.09 0.09 Total indirect costs 3.40 13.67 17.07 Total 4.15 14.33 18.48

San Agustin Economic Analysis

The financial analysis in the San Agustin technical report shows an after-tax net present value at a discount rate of 5% of US$12.7 million, an after-tax internal rate of return of 156%, and a payback period of 0.8 years. The forecast total lifespan of the Project is 1.2 years with 0.8 years of residual leaching. Approximately 67,800 oz of gold is projected to be mined, with 44,500 oz of gold recovered and produced for sale.

Summary Economic Results

Project Valuation Overview Units After Tax Before Tax Total cashflow US$ M 14.83 19.69 NPV @ 5.0% (base case) US$ M 12.67 19.46 NPV @ 7.5% US$ M 11.74 18.10 NPV @ 10.0% US$ M 10.88 16.86 Internal rate of return % 156.1 218.9 Payback period Years 0.79 0.59 Payback multiple

1.09 1.66 Total initial capital US$ M 4.15 4.15

Metal Prices

The San Agustin technical report includes a sensitivity analysis for key parameters impacting the forecast economic returns for San Agustin. The LOM plan and Mineral Reserves estimates are most sensitive to gold price and gold grade. Since silver is projected to contribute only about 9% to the San Agustin revenues, variations in the silver price have a small impact on the cashflow forecast. The LOM plan and Mineral Reserves estimates are less sensitive to operating cost changes, and least sensitive to changes in capital costs.

Gold Price Sensitivity Analysis

Au Price

(US$/oz Au) Net Cash Flow

(US$ M) After-Tax

NPV @ 5%

(US$ M) IRR

(%) Payback Period

(years) Payback

Multiple 1,000 -34.64 -31.50 - - - 1,200 -24.16 -22.18 - - - 1,400 -13.69 -12.86 - - - 1,600 -3.22 -3.53 -19.6 - - 1,800 4.75 3.62 38.2 1.6 0.4 2,000 12.03 10.16 119.8 1.1 0.9 2,100 14.83 12.67 156.1 0.8 1.1 2,200 17.63 15.18 194.8 0.6 1.3 2,400 23.23 20.20 277.4 0.4 1.8 2,600 28.84 25.22 365.0 0.3 2.2 2,800 34.44 30.23 455.6 0.2 2.7 3,000 40.05 35.25 548.3 0.2 3.2

Commentary by the Company on Relevant Matters

The San Agustin technical report presents cash flows based on the base gold price used. With exploitation of the Mineral Reserve as presented in the San Agustin technical report, the project will generate revenues from sales which may be higher than the base gold price used in the San Agustin technical report.

The gold market has experienced significant upward price movement in the past few years and, considering the gold price at the effective date of the San Agustin technical report is about 34% above the base gold price used in the San Agustin technical report. The sensitivity analysis presents gold price scenarios up to US$3,000 per ounce to understand the potential impact. From the base case price of $2,100/oz, a 10% change in the average gold price (or US$210/oz Au) would change the NPV at a 5% discount rate by 42%, or approximately $5.3 M.

Commentary by the Company on Next Steps and Permitting

Although mining activities at San Agustin ceased in August 2024, the Company is continuing re-leaching activities. The Company will provide production and cost guidance for 2025 later in January.

A change of land use permit is required to enable exploitation of the Mineral Reserve at San Agustin. Subject to obtaining the permit, the Company plans to conduct a small, in-fill drill program to provide geotechnical information and support short-term mine planning, and to complete other preparation work needed to restart the mining activities. These activities are expected to require 4-6 months to complete from permit approval.

Qualified Persons

The technical report for the San Agustin Mine was prepared for Heliostar Metals Inc. by Mr. Todd Wakefield, RM SME, Mr. David Thomas, P.Geo., Mr. Jeffrey Choquette, P.E., Mr. Carl Defilippi, RM SME, and Ms. Dawn Garcia, CPG. Each of these Qualified Persons has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release that was abstracted from the San Agustin technical report in their area of expertise and are independent of the Company.

SAN ANTONIO PRELIMINARY ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT

A Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) based on Mineral Resource estimates was completed for the 100% owned San Antonio Project (San Antonio Project technical report) located in the state of Baja California Sur, Mexico. The study considers construction and operation of a greenfield open pit and heap leach-CIC mine operation. The San Antonio Project technical report that is the subject of this news release supersedes a technical report that was prepared on the San Antonio Project by Argonaut Gold Inc., which had an effective date of 1 September, 2012.

The PEA is preliminary in nature and includes Inferred Mineral Resources that are too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as Mineral Reserves, and there is no certainty that the preliminary economic assessment will be realized.

Key Highlights

San Antonio PEA - Resource & Production Highlights Mineral Resource within PEA mine plan

Indicated Mineral Resources (kt) 49,410 Grade (g/t Au) 1.00 Contained Gold (koz Au) 1,590 Inferred Mineral Resources (kt) 5,397 Grade (g/t Au) 0.47 Contained Gold (koz Au) 82 Processing Rate (t/d) 10,960 Life of Mine (years) 13.7 Average recovery rate (% Au) 65.8 Annual Production (oz Au per year, average) 80,268 Life of Mine Production (Moz Au) 1.10

San Antonio PEA - Financial Highlights Average Unit Cash Costs (US$ per oz Au)1

898 Average AISC (US$ per oz Au)1

1,063 Total Initial Capital Cost (US$M)

131.3 Total Sustainable Capital Cost (US$M)

48.6 Total LOM Capital Cost (US$M)

179.9

Non-IFRS measures. AISC were first issued by the WGC in 2013. In light of new accounting standards and to support further consistency of application, the WGC published an updated Guidance note in 2018. Gold Price used in La Colorada technical report

San Antonio Return Estimates based on Gold Price 1

US$1,900/oz 2 US$2,600/oz 3 IRR (%) 40.7 58.8 NPV @ 5.0% discount (US$M) 398.7 715.1 NPV @ 7.5% discount (US$M) 315.1 575.9 Payback (years) 2.0 1.5

All other key parameters set at base assumptions, including the 5% discount rate used. More detailed analysis is presented in the San Antonio technical report. Base Gold Price assumption used in Technical Report. Comparison gold price with reference to US$2,687.45 LBMA PM gold price on trading day January 10, 2025.

San Antonio Mineral Resource Estimates

Mineral Resources were estimated for San Antonio Project as summarized in the following table.

Mineral Resource Statement

Confidence Classification Area Oxidation State Cut-off Grade

(g/t Au) Tonnage

(kt) Gold Grade

(g/t Au) Contained Metal

(koz Au) Indicated Los Planes Oxide and transition 0.095 15,839 0.91 461.2 Sulphide 0.156 26,607 1.10 943.7 Intermediate Oxide, transition, and sulphide 0.150 5,239 0.87 146.3 Las Colinas Oxide and transition 0.184 1,430 0.69 31.9 Sulphide 0.199 6,407 0.77 158.1 Total Oxide, transition, and sulphide 0.095-1.99 55,522 0.98 1,741.3 Inferred Los Planes Oxide and transition 0.095 5,479 0.34 59.1 Sulphide 0.156 1,319 0.71 30.2 Intermediate Alluvium, oxide, transition, and sulphide 0.150 660 0.43 9.2 Las Colinas Alluvium, oxide, and transition 0.184 689 0.49 10.9 Sulphide 0.199 579 0.59 11.0 La Colpa Alluvium, oxide, and transition 0.120 4,635 0.29 43.9 Sulphide 0.194 1,597 0.39 19.9 Total Alluvium, oxide, transition, and sulphide 0.095-1.99 14,957 0.38 184.4

Notes to Accompany Mineral Resource Table:

Mineral Resources are reported insitu, using the 2014 CIM Definition Standards. Mineral Resources have an effective date of 30 November, 2024. The Qualified Person for the estimate is Mr. Richard Schwering, RM SME, a Hard Rock Consulting employee. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral Resources are constrained within a conceptual open pit shell that used the following input parameters: gold price of US$2,150/oz; a mining cost of US$2/t mined, incremental mining cost of US$0.017/t mined for each 6 m depth; variable processing costs by oxidation state, ranging from US$3.84-5.26/t processed; general and administrative costs of US$1.00/t processed; finishing and selling costs of US$0.75/t processed; variable metallurgical recoveries by oxidation state, ranging from 44-86%; and variable pit slope angles ranging from 35-45. Mineral Resources are reported above variable cut-off grades, ranging from 0.095-1.99 g/t Au. Numbers have been rounded.

San Antonio Mineral Resources Scheduled Within PEA Mine Plan

A mine plan was prepared based on an open pit and heap leach-CIC mine operation, with mineralized material processed sequentially and concurrently from three distinct mineral zones within the San Antonio deposit.

Mineral Resource Scheduled Within PEA Mine Plan

Material Type Indicated Inferred Tonnes

(kt) Gold Grade

(g/t Au) Contained Gold

(koz Au) Tonnes

(kt) Gold Grade

(g/t Au) Contained Gold

(koz Au) Los Planes; oxide, mixed 15,566 0.92 458.0 3,569 0.40 46.3 Los Planes; sulphide 25,276 1.13 918.9 968 0.76 23.7 Intermediate; oxide, mixed 478 0.58 8.9 204 0.40 2.6 Intermediate; sulphide 3,242 0.88 91.3 120 0.44 1.7 Las Colinas; oxide, mixed 1,275 0.69 28.3 313 0.42 4.2 Las Colinas; sulphide 3,574 0.74 84.8 223 0.42 3.0 Total 49,410 1.00 1,590.2 5,397 0.47 81.6





Figure 3 - Mineralization Mined by Pit Phase



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7729/237102_212c8174c412ca9e_005full.jpg

San Antonio Operating Cost Estimates

The operating costs in the San Antonio Project technical report were estimated for mining, processing, and general administration activities for an open pit and heap leach-CIC mine operation.

Total Operating Cost Estimate

Operating Costs Operating Cost

(US$/oz Au) Operating Cost

(US$/t mineralized material) Operating Cost

(US$/t mined) Total mining 522.78 10.40 2.06 Total processing 204.24 4.06

Total site general and administrative 59.26 1.18

Refinery and transport 16.85 0.34

Cash operating costs 803.13 15.97

Production taxes 76.22 1.52

Royalties 19.00 0.38

Total cash costs 898.34 17.87

Capital costs 165.04 3.28

Total AISC 1,063.39 21.15



San Antonio Capital Cost Estimates

The initial capital cost including contingency was estimated at US$131.8M, with a 2-year pre-production phase for construction of the greenfield mine.

Total LOM Capital Costs

LOM Capital Costs Initial

(US$M) Sustaining

(US$M) Total LOM

(US$M) Mine area 4.36 5.00 9.36 General and administrative infrastructure 72.26 20.50 92.76 Processing 12.81 0.00 12.81 Total direct costs 89.43 25.50 114.93 Owner costs and reclamation 5.00 17.31 22.31 Project indirect costs 16.51 0.00 16.51 Contingency 20.35 5.80 26.16 Total indirect costs 41.86 23.11 64.97 Total 131.28 48.62 179.90

San Antonio Economic Analysis

The financial analysis in the San Antonio Project technical report shows an after-tax net present value at a discount rate of 5% of US$399M, an after-tax internal rate of return of 40.7%, and a payback period of 2.1 years. The forecast total lifespan is 14 years. Approximately 1.67 M ounces of gold is projected to be mined, with 1.10 M ounces of gold forecast to be recovered and produced for sale.

Summary Economic Results

Project Valuation Overview Units After Tax Before Tax Total cashflow US$ M 651.21 1,013.36 NPV @ 5.0% (base case) US$ M 398.66 635.33 NPV @ 7.5% US$ M 315.09 509.96 NPV @ 10.0% US$ M 250.14 412.36 Internal rate of return % 40.7 53.7 Payback period Years 2.05 1.71 Payback multiple

5.24 7.65 Total initial capital US$ M 138.59 138.59

Metal Prices

The San Antonio Project technical report includes a sensitivity analysis for key parameters impacting the cashflow forecast. The PEA LOM plan that is based on Mineral Resources is most sensitive to gold price and gold grade. It is less sensitive to operating cost changes, and least sensitive to changes in capital costs.

Gold Price Sensitivity Analysis

Au Price

(US$/oz Au) Net Cash Flow

(US$ M) After-Tax

NPV @ 5%

(US$ M) IRR

(%) Payback Period

(years) Payback

Multiple 1,000 11.34 -20.14 1.5 5.3 1.1 1,200 162.93 78.70 15.0 3.5 2.0 1,400 303.75 171.10 23.8 2.8 3.0 1,600 443.11 262.51 31.2 2.4 3.9 1,800 582.04 353.46 37.7 2.2 4.8 1,900 651.21 398.66 40.7 2.0 5.2 2,000 720.38 443.86 43.5 2.0 5.7 2,200 858.73 534.26 49.0 1.8 6.6 2,400 997.07 624.66 54.0 1.7 7.5 2,600 1,135.42 715.05 58.8 1.5 8.3 2,800 1,273.76 805.45 63.4 1.5 9.2 3,000 1,412.10 895.85 67.8 1.4 10.1

Commentary by the Company on Relevant Matters

The gold market has experienced significant upward price movement in the past few years and considering gold price at the effective date of the San Antonio technical report is about 41% above the base gold price used in the San Agustin Project technical report. The sensitivity analysis presents gold price scenarios up to US$3,000 per ounce to understand the potential impact. From the base case price of US$1,900/oz Au, a change in the average gold price of US$200/oz Au would change the NPV at a 5% discount rate by 22.7%, or approximately $90.4 M.

Commentary by the Company on Next Steps and Permitting

The Project requires further development planning and engineering. All major environmental and other permits will need to be obtained before an investment decision can be considered by Heliostar.

Based on the results from the San Antonio Project technical report, the Company will conduct a strategic Project review with the objective of identifying and evaluating the next development steps and challenges. The Company will also consider additional work programs and alternative business possibilities to potentially add Project value to the San Antonio Project as presented in the PEA. This strategic review is expected to require 3-4 months to complete.

Qualified Persons

The technical report for the San Antonio Project was prepared for Heliostar Metals Inc. by Mr. Todd Wakefield, RM SME, Mr. Richard Schwering RM SME, Mr. Jeffrey Choquette, P.E., Mr. Carl Defilippi, RM SME, and Ms. Dawn Garcia, CPG. Each of these Qualified Persons has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release that was abstracted from the San Antonio Project technical report in their area of expertise and are independent of the Company.

With respect to this News Release:

Qualified Persons for News Release

Sam Anderson, CPG, Gregg Bush, P.Eng. and Mike Gingles, MBA, the Company's Qualified Persons, as such term is defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, have reviewed the scientific and technical information not derived from the technical reports and included in this news release in the Company Overview, Commentary by the Company on Relevant Matters and Commentary by the Company on Next Steps and Permitting sections for each property and have approved the disclosure herein.

Data Verification

In addition, the Qualified Persons for each of the technical reports verified the data in the reports in their areas of expertise, and concluded that the information supported Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimation, and could be used in mine planning and economic analysis. The verification completed by each Qualified Person is discussed in each technical report and included site visits, and could include data audits, suitability of data for use in estimation and mine planning, quality assurance and quality control checks, review of available technical and economic study data, review of data collection and evaluation methods, review of production data including reconciliation where available, review of actual cost data for operations, and review of third-party inputs to forecasts.

The Company's Qualified persons verified the information that was not derived from the technical reports. The data verification included site visits, data audits, review of available study data, review of data collection and evaluation methods, review of production data including reconciliation where available, review of actual cost data for operations, and review of third-party inputs to forecasts, and consideration of the Company's plans for the projects.

About Heliostar Metals Ltd.

Heliostar aims to grow to become a mid-tier gold producer. The Company is focused on increasing production and developing new resources at the recently acquired La Colorada and San Agustin mines in Mexico, and on developing the 100% owned Ana Paula Project in Guerrero, Mexico.

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.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release includes certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target", "plan", "forecast", "may", "would", "could", "schedule" and similar words or expressions, identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information relate to, among other things, El Creston expansion at La Colorada is expected to produce over 50,000 ounces of gold per year, Current drill program (five drill rigs) is targeting lower CAPEX and increased production for an updated technical report planned for mid-2025, Receiving the Corner Permit allow for strong cash flow generation from San Agustin including funding San Agustin rehabilitation costs, Upon receipt of permit, expected in 2025, the Company will undertake drilling to potentially extend mine life from oxide gold production and is reviewing the projects sulphide potential, Mineral resource of 1.6 million ounces of gold at San Antonio project creates attractive optionality with high grade, low CAPEX, sub-US$1,100/oz ASIC and long mine life, the combined projects have positive economics at conservative gold prices and significantly stronger returns at today's gold prices and In 2025, the Company will focus on reducing front-end capital requirements for El Creston to improve the project economics for the expansion decision and will continue to advance Ana Paula through its Feasibility Study.

Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information relating to the terms and completion of the Facility, any future mineral production, liquidity, and future exploration plans are based on management's reasonable assumptions, estimates, expectations, analyses and opinions, which are based on management's experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, and other factors that management believes are relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, but which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, the receipt of necessary approvals, price of metals; no escalation in the severity of public health crises or ongoing military conflicts; costs of exploration and development; the estimated costs of development of exploration projects; and the Company's ability to operate in a safe and effective manner and its ability to obtain financing on reasonable terms.

These statements reflect the Company's respective current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of other assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management, 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 or forward-looking information and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: precious metals price volatility; risks associated with the conduct of the Company's mining activities in foreign jurisdictions; regulatory, consent or permitting delays; risks relating to reliance on the Company's management team and outside contractors; risks regarding exploration and mining activities; the Company's inability to obtain insurance to cover all risks, on a commercially reasonable basis or at all; currency fluctuations; risks regarding the failure to generate sufficient cash flow from operations; risks relating to project financing and equity issuances; risks and unknowns inherent in all mining projects, including the inaccuracy of reserves and resources, metallurgical recoveries and capital and operating costs of such projects; contests over title to properties, particularly title to undeveloped properties; laws and regulations governing the environment, health and safety; the ability of the communities in which the Company operates to manage and cope with the implications of public health crises; the economic and financial implications of public health crises, ongoing military conflicts and general economic factors to the Company; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities; employee relations, labour unrest or unavailability; the Company's interactions with surrounding communities; the Company's ability to successfully integrate acquired assets; the speculative nature of exploration and development, including the risks of diminishing quantities or grades of reserves; stock market volatility; conflicts of interest among certain directors and officers; lack of liquidity for shareholders of the Company; litigation risk; and the factors identified under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's public disclosure documents. Readers are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or forward-looking information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements or information, other than as required by applicable law.

This news release includes certain non-International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) measures. The Company has included these measures, in addition to conventional measures conforming with IFRS, to provide investors with an improved ability to evaluate the project and provide comparability between projects. The non-IFRS measures, which are generally considered standard measures within the mining industry albeit with non-standard definitions, are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. Cash costs (Cash Costs) are a common financial performance measure in the gold mining industry but with no standard meaning under IFRS. The Company believes that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, certain investors use this information to evaluate each project's economic results in the technical reports and each project's potential to generate operating earnings and cash flow. All-in Sustaining Costs (AISC) more fully defines the total costs associated with producing precious metals. The AISC is calculated based on guidelines published by the World Gold Council (WGC), which were first issued in 2013. In light of new accounting standards and to support further consistency of application, the WGC published an updated Guidance Note in 2018. Other companies may calculate this measure differently because of differences in underlying principles and policies applied. Differences may also arise due to a different definition of sustaining versus growth capital. Note that in respect of AISC metrics within the technical reports because such economics are disclosed at the project level, corporate general and administrative expenses were not included in the AISC calculations.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/237102

SOURCE: Heliostar Metals Ltd.
CHANGZHOU, China, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Arctech, the world's leading solar tracking and racking solutions provider, announced that it had signed a supply agreement with NORINCO International, part of China North Industries Corporation. Under this agreement, Arctech will supply its signature 1P single-axis solar tracking system SkyLine II for a 125 MW solar project located near Stolac, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), marking a significant milestone for Arctech in the European solar market.

Bosnia and Herzegovina, situated in Southeastern Europe, receives an average annual solar radiation of approximately 1,500 kWh/m2, offering substantial potential for the development of utility-scale solar projects. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the country is projected to have a photovoltaic power generation potential of up to 3 GW by 2030. In recent years, the local government has rolled out a comprehensive suite of policies, with the Bosnia and Herzegovina Energy Framework Strategy 2035 setting clear targets for the share of renewable energy in the national power generation mix.

Arctech started its local operations in Europe as early as 2013 by setting up a local office in Madrid, Spain. To better integrate into the European community, Arctech has since established a service center, regional headquarters, and R&D center in Madrid, Spain, along with a warehouse in Valencia, Spain. In November 2024, the company inaugurated its brand-new European headquarters in Madrid. Currently, Arctech has developed a comprehensive local service system that covers the entire lifecycle of solar projects, providing solution design, service support, delivery assurance, and O&M services to efficiently meet local project needs and contribute to the region's energy transition.

Regarding this collaboration, NORINCO International emphasized that Arctech not only provides differentiated and innovative products and technologies but also boasts a globally leading service and supply chain system. Moreover, Arctech has an extensive track record of experience in numerous GW-scale large projects across the globe, which instills confidence in this partnership.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2597330/The_Signing_Ceremony_125_MW_Solar_Project_Bosnia_Herzegovina.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/arctech-wins-a-125mw-solar-project-in-bosnia-and-herzegovina-making-strides-in-the-european-market-302349928.html
XtremeX Mining Technology Inc. (XMT), a leader in innovative drilling solutions, is excited to announce its cutting-edge AC-electric automated coiled tubing and electric top-drive diamond core drilling rig. This state-of-the-art technology will perform a funded field trial with Ivanhoe Electric (NYSE: IE; TSX: IE) at the Santa Cruz copper project in Arizona, targeting depths of up to 2,000 meters by twinning historic holes. Under the agreement, Ivanhoe Electric secures exclusivity on three XMT rigs for contracts lasting up to five years.

The XMT rig adapts proven oil and gas technology for the mining sector, enabling faster, safer, and more sustainable drilling. This patented hybrid drilling system builds on the success of an earlier prototype developed by the XMT team, offering a revolutionary approach to identifying critical minerals. By improving drilling speed, core recovery, and producing anticipated high-fidelity drill chips, the XMT rig is designed to deliver a versatile and efficient solution that surpasses conventional methods.

The XMT Series-A funding of $11M will drive the development and field deployment of the first hybrid rig at Santa Cruz. To support the successful manufacture and launch of this rig, GoGreen Partners have assembled a consortium of companies to collaborate, including Precision Drilling (TSX: PD; NYSE: PDS), preferred supplier Baker Hughes and other strategic partners including the Mines Venture Fund 1, LP.

XMT Founder and Chairman, Tom Wood, stated, "We are excited to collaborate with GoGreen Partners and a group of leading oil and gas technology companies, combined with mining sector technology providers to introduce this innovative hybrid coiled tubing and diamond core rig to the mining industry. The XMT team has a history of developing and commercializing some of the most advanced coiled tubing drilling systems. XMT's proven track record, coupled with Precision Drilling's rig technology and land drilling market position creates a formidable team to build our first rig. Additionally, GoGreen's introduction of Ivanhoe Electric, an innovator and world leader in mineral exploration, to test the rig at its Santa Cruz copper project is an exciting opportunity to prove the technology in the field."

XMT CEO, Matt Porter, added that "This hybrid coiled tubing rig will combine AC-electric power with highly automated controls enabling diamond core, rotary, and coiled tubing drilling. It offers a versatile solution for mineral exploration and delineation drilling. This technology provides a compelling value proposition by delivering faster, safer drilling operations and generating more information per dollar spent."

GoGreen Partners CEO, John Dowd, expressed confidence in XMT's potential, stating "Tom and the XMT team have spent the past 28 years developing, commercializing and monetizing innovative coiled tubing drilling rig technology in the oil and gas industry. In each instance selling the technology to larger market leading providers. As the demand for critical minerals intensifies to support the global energy transition, there is a race to identify new technologies to make mineral discovery and development faster, safer and more sustainable. We believe the XMT hybrid drill rig will be an essential tool in this enormous mining-industry challenge."

Govind Friedland, co-founder of GoGreen Partners and a seasoned mining entrepreneur, added, "As an alumnus of Colorado School of Mines, I'm especially excited to have the Mines Venture Fund as a strategic partner. As the number one ranked Mineral and Mining Engineering University in the QS World Rankings (2024), their industry-leading expertise, top-tier faculty and extensive network will be invaluable in helping us launch this venture."

Graham Boyd, Ivanhoe Electric's Senior Vice President of Exploration, highlighted the importance of the partnership with XMT in driving exploration innovation, adding "While mineral exploration has seen remarkable progress in areas like geoscience, geophysics, geochemistry, and advanced data processing, drilling remains a fundamental step in testing our concepts. Conventional diamond drilling-particularly for deep targets-is both the slowest and most expensive aspect of exploration, making it ripe for innovation. XMT's hybrid coiled tubing and diamond core rig represents a promising innovation, offering the potential to significantly accelerate the drilling process and reduce costs, enabling us to test more targets efficiently. With a successful trial at our Santa Cruz project-a high-grade underground copper deposit on private land in Arizona-Ivanhoe Electric will gain exclusive access to up to three XMT rigs for the next five years."

Today's announcement was made at the Future Minerals Forum taking place this week in Riyadh.

About XMT

XMT is a technology-driven hybrid coiled tubing drilling company specializing in adapting oil and gas innovations for the mining industry. XMT's hybrid drilling technology platform is poised to transform the mining exploration industry's approach to exploring for the next generation of energy transition and precious metals.

About GoGreen Partners

GoGreen Partners is a private equity firm established to harness the power of financial markets to accelerate the energy transition with a focus on building resilient, western-aligned supply chains. GoGreen finances enterprises that produce essential materials and bring market innovations that will advance the clean energy transition. GoGreen is committed to ensuring its projects utilize best-in-class technology and adhere to the highest environmental, social and governance standards.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250113080687/en/

Contacts:

Matt Porter

XtremeX Mining Technology

Phone: +1 (832) 499-2171

Email: mporter@xtremexmining.com

Website: www.xtremexmining.com

John Dowd

GoGreen Partners

Phone: +1 (617) 365-8595

Email: john.dowd@gogreenpartners.com

Website: www.gogreenpartners.com
Volkswagen Group faces significant headwinds as global deliveries are expected to fall below the nine-million mark in 2024, following a concerning three percent decline in the first three quarters. The company's stock currently trades at 91.22, substantially below its 52-week high of 128.60, reflecting investor concerns about the automotive giant's performance. This downturn is particularly evident in key markets, with Germany experiencing a sharp 21.3% decrease in sales, while China and North America recorded declines of 10.9% and 13% respectively. While brands like Seat/Cupra, Skoda, and Lamborghini showed growth, the core VW brand, along with Audi and Porsche, continues to struggle with declining sales figures.

Strategic Response

In response to these challenges, Volkswagen has initiated a comprehensive restructuring program. The plan includes reducing technical capacity in German facilities by over 700,000 vehicles and implementing a socially responsible workforce reduction of approximately 35,000 positions by 2030. These measures aim to optimize cost structures and enhance plant utilization efficiency, ultimately strengthening the company's competitive position in the global automotive market.

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u-blox AG / Key word(s): Miscellaneous

u-blox Announces Strategic Decision to Increase Focus on Locate Business and Phase Out Cellular as well as an Impairment



14-Jan-2025 / 06:55 CET/CEST

Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.





Thalwil, Switzerland - 14 January 2025 - u-blox (SIX: UBXN), a global provider of leading positioning and wireless communication technologies and services, announced the strategic decision to increase focus on its Locate business and phase out its Cellular business. This change positions u-blox as a leading and dedicated provider of GNSS semiconductor solutions in a dynamic and growing market, while retaining its value creative Short-Range business.

By further focusing on the Locate business, u-blox will be better positioned to drive innovation, leverage its unique technology assets, and address expanding opportunities within the global positioning market, including autonomous vehicles, industrial IoT, and tracking applications. This focused strategy is anticipated to reinforce u-blox's position as a premier provider of world-class location solutions.

After careful evaluation, u-blox has concluded that phasing out the Cellular business is the most viable course of action to ensure the company's long-term strategic focus and operational efficiency. u-blox's Cellular business currently has over 200 employees and generated revenue of CHF 27 million and adjusted EBIT loss in excess of CHF 15 million in H1 2024.

In its strategic review, u-blox decided to continue to improve the performance of its Short-Range business, which comprises Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules.

"This strategic shift will enable us to unlock even greater potential within the positioning technology market and accelerate the development of cutting-edge solutions for our customers," said Stephan Zizala, CEO of u-blox. "Our efforts to find a viable path forward for the Cellular business did not pan out, including exploring a potential sale, leading us to the decision to phase out this business. We will do our utmost to support our employees, customers and partners impacted by this decision."

The company will work closely with affected stakeholders to minimize disruptions and to ensure a smooth and responsible phase out process. u-blox will initiate the transition immediately. The majority of the cost reduction actions are expected to be executed in 2025.

The following financial impacts are expected:

Elimination of at least CHF 30 million EBIT annual losses

One-time negative EBIT impact of around CHF 65 million in Q1 2025 from restructuring, of which around 40 percent is cash[1]

One-time non-cash negative EBIT impact of CHF 31 million in Q4 2024 from intangible assets impairment (capitalized R&D)

Guidance for Q4 2024

u-blox confirms its previously communicated guidance for Q4 2024. It expects revenue of

CHF 60-70 million, and EBIT margin (adjusted)[2] of -25% to -15%.

Cost optimization program update

As of December 2024, u-blox achieved the completion of the CHF 20 million cost optimization program. The first savings will be reflected in the P&L in H2 2024, while the full effect is expected in H1 2025.

Webcast

u-blox will host a Q&A session to discuss the announcement of the phase out of its Cellular business today, 14 January 2025, at 14:00 CET. To register, please visit the webcast registration page .

[1] Before any potential positive proceeds from the business generated during the phase out phase.

[2] Excluding restructuring costs.

For further information, please contact:

Investor Relations Rafael Duarte Phone: +41 43 547 0693 rafael.duarte@u-blox.com

u-blox (SIX:UBXN) provides semiconductor chips, modules, and IoT services that reliably locate and connect every thing. Our cutting-edge solutions drive innovation for the car of the future and the Internet of Things. Headquartered in Thalwil (Zurich), Switzerland, we have a global presence of 1,400 experts who enable our customers to build solutions for a precise, smart, and sustainable future.

Join us on social media - X , Facebook , YouTube , LinkedIn and Instagram . ( www.u-blox.com )

Disclaimer

This release contains certain forward looking statements. Such forward looking statements reflect the current views of management and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements of the u blox Group to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These include risks related to the success of and demand for the Group's products, the potential for the Group's products to become obsolete, the Group's ability to defend its intellectual property, the Group's ability to develop and commercialize new products in a timely manner, the dynamic and competitive environment in which the Group operates, the regulatory environment, changes in currency exchange rates, the Group's ability to generate revenues and profitability, and the Group's ability to realize its expansion projects in a timely manner. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in this report. u blox is providing the information in this release as of this date and does not undertake any obligation to update any forward looking statements contained in it as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Reinet Investments SCA / Key word(s): Miscellaneous

REINET AGREES TO SELL ITS SHARES IN BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO P.L.C.



14-Jan-2025 / 07:00 CET/CEST

Release of an ad hoc announcement pursuant to Art. 53 LR

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.





Not for publication, release, transmission, distribution or forwarding, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, in, into or within the United States, Australia, Canada, Japan or any jurisdiction in which such publication, release or distribution would be unlawful, or to U.S. persons (as defined below). This announcement contains inside information. Further to the announcement by Reinet Investments S.C.A. ("Reinet") on 13 January 2025, Reinet today announces that its indirect subsidiary, Reinet Jersey Holdings Limited (" has agreed to sell 43,310,286 ordinary shares (the "Placing Shares") in British American Tobacco p.l.c. ("BAT") at a price of  28.20 per share to institutional investors, raising gross proceeds of some  1,221 million (the "Placing"). The Placing was completed through an aftermarket accelerated bookbuild process, which commenced on 13 January 2025. J.P. Morgan Securities plc ("J.P. Morgan") acted as Sole Global Coordinator and Bookrunner in connection with the Placing. At the time of Reinet's last reporting date of 30 September 2024, the interest in BAT comprised 24% of the net asset value of Reinet, being approximately 48.3 million BAT ordinary shares. Separate from the Placing, during November and December 2024, RJHL sold 5 million BAT ordinary shares through a dribble-out process on the London Stock Exchange realising gross proceeds of some 148.5 million. Some 11.1 million BAT ordinary shares previously pledged by RJHL as security for amounts drawn under certain credit facility arrangements of Reinet Fund S.C.A. F.I.S. ("Reinet Fund") have been released following the pre-payment of all the outstanding loan obligations early in January 2025. These BAT ordinary shares have been included in the Placing. Following the settlement and completion of the Placing which is expected to take place on 16 January 2025, Reinet and its subsidiaries will have fully exited their position in BAT and will no longer hold any interest in BAT. Reinet expects to announce the 31 December 2024 net asset value of Reinet Fund on or about 23 January 2025, with Reinet's management statement for the quarter ended 31 December 2024 expected to follow shortly thereafter. Reinet Fund intends using the proceeds from the Placing for its ongoing investment activity. BAT will not receive any proceeds from the Placing. Inside information This announcement contains inside information in relation to Reinet for the purposes of Article 7 of Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014 on market abuse. Caroline Apostol, Company Secretary, is the person responsible for arranging the release of this announcement. Important notices This announcement is for information purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation to acquire or sell any securities in Reinet or BAT or to participate in the Placing. Reinet reserves the right not to proceed with the Placing or to vary the terms of the Placing in any way. The Placing Shares generally have not been, and will not be, made available or marketed to the public in any jurisdiction. Forward-looking statements This announcement includes statements that are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. No assurances can be given that the forward-looking statements in this announcement will be realised. As a result, no undue reliance should be placed on these forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual events or otherwise. No offer The Placing and the distribution of this announcement and other information in connection with the Placing in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. No action has been taken that would permit the Placing or distribution of this announcement in any jurisdiction where action for such purpose is required. Persons into whose possession any document or other information referred to herein comes should inform themselves about and observe any such restriction. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. Neither this announcement nor anything contained herein shall form the basis of, or be relied upon in connection with, any offer or purchase whatsoever in any jurisdiction and shall not constitute or form part of an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction. THE PLACING SHARES HAVE NOT BEEN AND WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE "U.S. SECURITIES ACT"), OR THE SECURITIES LAWS OF, OR WITH ANY SECURITIES REGULATORY AUTHORITY OF, ANY STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF THE UNITED STATES, AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD, TRANSFERRED OR DELIVERED, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN, INTO OR WITHIN THE UNITED STATES OR TO U.S. PERSONS (AS DEFINED IN REGULATION S UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT) ("ABSENT REGISTRATION UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OR PURSUANT TO AN AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM, OR IN A TRANSACTION NOT SUBJECT TO, THE REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT AND IN COMPLIANCE WITH ANY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF THE UNITED STATES. REINET DOES NOT INTEND TO REGISTER ALL OR ANY PORTION OF THE PLACING SHARES IN THE UNITED STATES. NO PUBLIC OFFERING OF THE PLACING SHARES IS BEING MADE IN THE UNITED STATES, THE UNITED KINGDOM OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION. In any Member State of the European Economic Area ("EEA"), this announcement is only addressed to, and is only directed at, "qualified investors" (within the meaning of Article 2(e) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (the "Prospectus Regulation")) in that EEA Member State. In the United Kingdom this announcement is directed exclusively at persons who are "qualified investors" (as defined in the Prospectus Regulation as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018) (the "UK Prospectus Regulation") who are (i) investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (as amended, the "Order"), (ii) persons referred to in Article 49(2) (a) to (d) of the Order (high net worth entities, non-registered associations, etc.) and (iii) other persons to whom this document may be lawfully communicated or caused to be communicated (all such persons together being referred to as "relevant persons"). Any investment or investment activity in connection with this announcement will be available to, and will only be engaged with, qualified investors in the EEA or relevant persons in the United Kingdom. Any person who is not a qualified investor or a relevant person should not act or rely on this announcement or any of its contents. The information contained in this announcement constitutes factual information as contemplated in section 1(3)(a) of the South African Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act, No. 37 of 2002, as amended (the "FAIS Act") and should not be construed as an express or implied recommendation, guide or proposal that any particular transaction in respect of the Placing Shares or in relation to the business or future investments of BAT or Reinet, is appropriate to the particular investment objectives, financial situations or needs of a prospective investor, and nothing in this announcement should be construed as constituting the canvassing for, or marketing or advertising of, financial services in South Africa. Reinet is not a financial services provider licensed as such under the FAIS Act. In connection with the Placing, J.P. Morgan or any of its affiliates may take up a portion of the Placing Shares as a principal position and in that capacity may retain, purchase, sell or offer to sell for its own account such Placing Shares and other securities of BAT or related investments in connection with the Placing or otherwise. Accordingly, references to the Placing Shares being issued, offered, subscribed, acquired, placed or otherwise dealt in should be read as including any issue or offer to, or subscription, acquisition, placing or dealing by J.P. Morgan and any of its respective affiliates acting as investors for their own accounts. J.P. Morgan does not intend to disclose the extent of any such investment or transactions otherwise than in accordance with any legal or regulatory obligations to do so. J.P. Morgan Securities plc, which conducts its UK investment banking activities as J.P. Morgan Cazenove, is authorised by the Prudential Regulatory Authority ("PRA") and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA") and the PRA. J.P. Morgan Cazenove is acting for RJHL only in connection with the Placing and no one else, and will not be responsible to anyone other than RJHL for providing the protections offered to clients nor for providing advice in relation to the Placing Shares or the Placing, the contents of this announcement or any transaction, arrangement or other matter referred to in this announcement. Reinet Investments S.C.A.

R.C.S. Luxembourg B 16 576

Legal Entity Identifier: 222100830RQTFVV22S80

Registered office: 35, boulevard Prince Henri, L-1724 Luxembourg, Tel. (+352) 22 42 10, Fax (+352) 22 72 53

Email: info@reinet.com, website: www.reinet.com

End of Inside Information
Dutch Regulatory Authority CTGB Recommends European Approval; U.S. Review Ongoing

Ghent, BELGIUM, Jan. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Press release - inside information*

Biotalys), an Agricultural Technology (AgTech) company developing protein-based biocontrol solutions for sustainable crop protection, today provides an update on the regulatory review process of its first biofungicide, EVOCA**, in Europe and the United States.

European Union

Biotalys is very pleased to announce that the Dutch regulatory authority, CTGB (College voor de Toelating van Gewasbeschermingsmiddelen en Biociden), provided the company with its initial Draft Assessment Report, recommending the approval of EVOCA's active ingredient throughout the European Union. The CTGB will now send its draft report to the Dutch Institute for Health and Environment (RIVM) for potential input regarding classification, labelling and packaging requirements, resulting in the closure of the first phase of the regulatory review of EVOCA in Europe.

Biotalys CEO Kevin Helash said: "This is a significant milestone in the regulatory journey for our first biocontrol, and we see this as a major win for our team. The CTGB has extensive expertise in the evaluation of biocontrols, and we are very pleased with their recommendation for approval as we believe this validates the potential of our innovative AGROBODY technology platform for the development of novel biocontrol solutions for growers. While the review process is lengthy and there's a lot of work still to be done, earning the support of the regulator in one of the largest exporting countries of fruits and vegetables worldwide is a sign of confidence in our technology. We look forward to receiving our first full regulatory approval in Europe."

In the next phase, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and EU member states perform in-depth reviews of the dossier and provide feedback to the CTGB, while allowing Biotalys to deliver certain data requested by CTGB. This next phase is expected to take in total between 12 and 18 months and also includes a public consultation, ending with a vote by the European member states on the approval of the active ingredient at EU level.

The CTGB draft assessment report follows its recent decision, whereby the authority approved large-scale demonstration trials of EVOCA in greenhouses while allowing the harvested fruits and vegetables to be sold for human consumption.

United States

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continues its review of the regulatory dossier of EVOCA in the United States. Biotalys is working closely with the EPA to advance the dossier to a successful outcome and plans to provide an update on the EPA review in conjunction with the company's year-end results press release and investor webcast scheduled on 19 March 2025.

In parallel with the EPA, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, the company understands that the CDPR has finalized its own in-depth review, opening a path to a swift approval at state level pending EPA approval of the product at the federal level

* This press release contains inside information to the extent it relates to the draft report of the CTGB.

** EVOCA: Pending regulatory review. This product is not currently registered for sale or use in the European Union, the United States, or elsewhere and is not being offered for sale and no assurance can be given if and when registration will be obtained.

About EVOCA

EVOCA is a novel protein-based biofungicide that helps control the fungal diseases botrytis (grey mold) and powdery mildew in fruits and vegetables. EVOCA has demonstrated strong performance in trials across various regions, climates, soil types, production types, pathogen pressure and crops. If approved, EVOCA will pave the way for EVOCA NG which is expected to be the first commercial product out of the Biotalys' pipeline.

About Biotalys

Biotalys is an Agricultural Technology.

For further information, please contact:

Toon Musschoot, Head of IR & Communication

T: +32

Important Notice

Biotalys, its business, prospects and financial position remain exposed and subject to risks and uncertainties. A description of and reference to these risks and uncertainties can be found in the annual reporton the consolidated annual accounts published on the company's website.

This announcement contains statements which are "forward-looking statements" or could be considered as such. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the words 'aim', 'believe', 'estimate', 'anticipate', 'expect', 'intend', 'may', 'will', 'plan', 'continue', 'ongoing', 'possible', 'predict', 'plans', 'target', 'seek', 'would' or 'should', and contain statements made by the company regarding the intended results of its strategy. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties and readers are warned that none of these forward-looking statements offers any guarantee of future performance. Biotalys' actual results may differ materially from those predicted by the forward-looking statements. Biotalys makes no undertaking whatsoever to publish updates or adjustments to these forward-looking statements, unless required to do so by law.

Attachments
2024 revenue up compared to 2023 (18.2 million), despite a second half impacted by the drop in industrial investment.

Confirmed international footprint: 81% of revenue generated outside France, including 23% in North America and 52% in Europe (excluding France).

In the medium term, a change in market scale driven by OEMs and global players in the industrial vehicle sector: more discussions and prospects for new partnerships from 2025.

Arcure invites foreign investors to participate in the English speaking webinar organized today at 5 p.m., CET.

Arcure, a specialist in artificial intelligence for improving safety and productivity in industry, today announced unaudited annual revenue for the 2024 financial year of 18.7 million, up from the 2023 financial year (18.2 million).

Franck GAYRAUD, CEO and co-founder of Arcure, comments: "We are maintaining a growth trajectory in 2024, after a ramp up in 2023 and despite the slowdown in industrial investment observed in the second half of the year and the postponement of certain orders from major accounts in Europe and the United States. Our long-term growth confirms the broad opening of the embedded AI market in industry. The coming years will open a new stage in our development: conquering the market of industrial vehicle manufacturers and equipment suppliers. These global players are now engaged in the race to integrate AI technologies. The numerous discussions already underway could deliver results as early as 2025, with the signing, we hope, of promising agreements that will accelerate our growth. Our profitability, which is already unusual in the world of AI, is set to improve further in the years to come."

2024: a confirmed leadership in the global market for embedded AI solutions for industry

After a historic first half (10.1 million), revenues total 18.7 million for 2024, slightly up from 2023 (18.2 million). This revenue was achieved despite a context of a sharp slowdown in industrial investment and a drop in sales of new off-road vehicles, which generated order delays from major end-user accounts in the second half of the year.

The 2024 financial year, approaching the 20 million target announced in 2021, demonstrates Arcure's strong growth over the long term (80% since 2021, 146% since 2019).

Geographically, Arcure's commercial expansion recorded in recent years is confirmed. The group generates 81% of its revenue outside France, a rate that has been stable since 2023 (84%) and has increased significantly since 2021 (69%).

Concerning distribution channels, 65% of sales are indirect via distributors and dealers, 12% direct to user customers and 23% to OEMs, driven in particular by deliveries of the Last Buy Order in Blaxtair 3 from Liebherr.

OEMs and technology equipment manufacturers: a scale-up is coming

At the end of this 2024 financial year, Arcure plans to take advantage of both its transatlantic geographical presence to capture the expected market recovery linked to the massive investment policy expected in the USA, but also of a product offering expanded in terms of range and features, corresponding to the needs expressed by customers.

In the medium term, the market will be driven by vehicle manufacturers and technological equipment manufacturers for industrial vehicles. To date, the share of major manufacturers that have initiated a program to equip themselves with technologies such as those offered by Arcure represents an annual production of more than 800,000 vehicles per year. To address these needs, Arcure has intensified its commercial capabilities, with the recruitment in 2024 of a new team dedicated to the development of OEM partnerships. Arcure confirms that it is currently in direct discussions with world leaders producing a total of around 400,000 vehicles per year, in call for tender or pre-call for tender phases. The intensification of these exchanges should lead to initial decisions as early as 2025.

The overall penetration rate of AI technologies for safety and productivity remains below 1% today and could reach 10 to 25% by the end of the decade. In total, the annual volume of new equippable machines is estimated at 1.7 million per year (excluding China and India)[1], expected to grow strongly by the end of the decade[2].

Thanks to its technological expertise in AI, its specific databases, its integration and reputation into the industrial ecosystem, its knowledge of needs and its international footprint, Arcure is today ideally positioned to respond to the change in scale of its market and become the benchmark player in intelligent industrial vehicles.

Next meeting:

Webinar in English, for English speaking investors

January 14, 2025 at 5:00 p.m., CET.

Register at the following link: https://tinyurl.com/mscfw757

Only registered investors will be able to participate in this webinar.

Next financial publication:

Financial results for the 2024 financial year

March 27, 2025 before market opening

About Arcure

Founded in 2009, Arcure is an international group, specialized in artificial intelligence applied to perception technology for the industry, which develops and markets solutions to enhance the autonomy and safety of industrial machines and robots.

In particular, Arcure has developed Blaxtair, a state-of-the-art intelligent pedestrian detection solution, improving safety around commercial vehicles in many contexts, including the most difficult environments. Already sold more than 25,000 units in more than 50 countries, Blaxtair is used by the world's leading industrial companies and is gradually being adopted by machine manufacturers.

Arcure is headquartered in the Paris area, R&D offices and operational units in France, has a subsidiary in the United States and has sales offices in Germany, United Kingdom and Spain.

Arcure is listed on Euronext Growth (ISIN: FR0013398997 - Ticker: ALCUR). The group recorded an annual 18.7 million revenue in 2024, 81% of which was generated outside France.

Learn more at www.blaxtair.com

CONTACTS

INVESTORS RELATIONS

Marc Delaunay

investisseurs@arcure.net MEDIA RELATIONS

Marc Delaunay

marc.delaunay@blaxtair.com

[1] Sources: Statista and manufacturers data.

[2] Research and Markets, October 2024, https://tinyurl.com/33ezht4n

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LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Chemring Group PLC (CHG.L) announced that Roke has signed a multi-year agreement with a major US Prime Contractor for the supply of its high-speed Miniature Radar Altimeter. Valued at a minimum of 26 million pounds or US$32 million over four years, deliveries will begin in October 2025 with production taking place at Roke's Romsey, UK, facility.Roke's Miniature Radar Altimeter is the smallest and lowest mass radar altimeter of its type currently available for use in missile systems and uncrewed air vehicles. Roke's proprietary software algorithms and digital signal processing hardware enable highly accurate altitude measurement over land and sea when operating in high speed, low altitude, austere environments, Chemring said in a statement.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.
HIGHLIGHTS

Completion of the Share Purchase Agreement with Spartan Resources Limited (ASX: SPR) to acquire 100% of the Glenburgh Gold Project and the Mt Egerton Gold Project by purchasing 100% of the issued share capital in Gascoyne Resources (WA) Pty Ltd and Egerton Exploration Pty Ltd as announced by Benz on 6 November 2024

Spartan becomes a strategic cornerstone shareholder, owning approximately 15% of Benz, and will provide ongoing geological support to Benz

Spartan's General Manager, Nick Jolly, joins the Board as Spartan's nominee Director

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 14, 2025) - Benz Mining Corp. (TSXV: BZ) (ASX: BNZ) (Benz or the Company) is pleased to announce that it has completed the acquisition of 100% of the Glenburgh Gold Project (Glenburgh) and Mt Egerton Gold Project (Mt Egerton) located in the Gascoyne region of Western Australia from Spartan Resources Limited (ASX: SPR) (Spartan) (Acquisition). Spartan's nominee director, Mr Nicholas Jolly, has been appointed to the Board of Benz with effect from 14 January 2025.

As previously announced, consideration for the Acquisition consisted of an upfront cash payment of A$500,000 and the issue of 33,000,000 fully paid CHESS Depository Interests (CDIs) in Benz to Spartan. Deferred consideration payable to Spartan consists of an additional A$500,000 cash payment on the first anniversary after completion of the Acquisition, and an additional up to A$6,000,000 (in cash or fully paid CDIs), subject to the satisfaction of certain milestones (refer to Benz's announcement dated 6 November 2024 or the management information circular of the Company dated 15 November 2024). Each CDI represents one common share in the authorized capital of Benz.

As of the date of this news release, the Company highlights that two tenements associated with the Glenburgh project are still pending grant, while one tenement related to the Mt Egerton project is currently undergoing the renewal process. See Tenement Schedule below for more details.

Benz Executive Chairman, Evan Cranston, commented:

"We are thrilled to complete this transformational acquisition of the Glenburgh and Mt Egerton Gold Projects, marking an exciting new chapter for Benz Mining. These projects are located in a highly prospective and underexplored gold region, and we look forward to unlocking their full potential with our planned drilling programs. Our team is eager to update the market on our progress as we advance exploration and development in the coming months.

"On behalf of the Board and the Company, I am also delighted to welcome Mr Nicholas Jolly to the Benz Board as Spartan's nominee director. Nick's extensive experience and strategic insight will be invaluable as we integrate these projects and execute our growth plans."

Next Steps

Maiden Drill Program at Glenburgh Drill contractor selection is in the final stages, with pre-existing drill permits in place to fast-track the start date. Details of the initial program will be released in the coming weeks. Drilling will focus on extending high-grade shoot resources, such as Zone 126. A separate drilling program will target resource definition and enhancing orebody knowledge within the current resource area.

Downhole EM Testwork Trial downhole EM (electromagnetic) testwork will be conducted over Glenburgh mineralisation. This trial will assess whether the prospective mineralised package can be effectively detected, potentially accelerating exploration success.

Geological Reinterpretation Systematic rescanning of selected Glenburgh historical pulps will assist in mapping the mineralised package. Geological learnings from high-grade metamorphic terrain deposits, such as the world-class Tropicana deposit, will be applied to Glenburgh. Detailed structural mapping of outcropping mineralisation at the site will also be undertaken.

Updated Mineral Resource Following the completion of the maiden drill program and in-depth geological reinterpretation, an updated mineral resource estimate is anticipated. This update will incorporate all new drilling data and geological insights.



This announcement has been approved for release by the Board.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

About Benz Mining Corp.

Benz Mining Corp. (TSXV: BZ) (ASX: BNZ) is a pure-play gold exploration company dual-listed on the TSX Venture Exchange and Australian Securities Exchange. The Company owns the Eastmain Gold Project in Quebec, with a NI 43-101 and JORC (2012) compliant mineral resource of 1,005,000 ounces at 6.1g/t Au, showcasing Benz's focus on high-grade, high-margin assets in premier mining jurisdictions.

On 6 November 2024, Benz announced a binding agreement to acquire the Glenburgh and Mt Egerton Gold Projects in Western Australia from Spartan Resources Limited (ASX: SPR), which acquisition was completed 14 January 2025 and marks a transformational step, establishing Benz as a multi-jurisdictional gold exploration company with a focus on unlocking value in underexplored assets. The Glenburgh Project features a Mineral Resource Estimate of 16.3Mt at 1.0 g/t Au (510,100 ounces of contained gold). A technical report prepared under NI 43-101- Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101) titled "NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Glenburgh - Egerton Gold Project, Western Australia" with an effective date of 16 December 2024 has been filed with the TSX Venture Exchange and is available under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Benz's key point of difference lies in its team's deep geological expertise and the use of advanced geological techniques, particularly in high-metamorphic terrane exploration. The Company aims to rapidly grow its global resource base and solidify its position as a leading gold explorer across two of the world's most prolific gold regions.







For more information, please visit: https://benzmining.com/.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1818/237121_b93a4000c473492f_001full.jpg

Competent Person's Statement (JORC Code)

The Mineral Resource Estimates for the Eastmain Project and the Glenburgh Project were previously reported in accordance with Listing Rule 5.8 on 24 May 2023 and 6 November 2024, respectively. The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in the original market announcements and confirms that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the Estimates continue to apply and have not materially changed. The Company confirms that the form and context in which the Competent Person's findings are presented have not been materially modified from the original market announcements.

Historical Mineral Resource Estimates

All mineral resource estimates in respect of the Glenburgh Project in this news release are considered to be "historical estimates" as defined under NI 43-101. These historical estimates are not considered to be current and are not being treated as such. These estimates have been prepared in accordance with the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves prepared by the Joint Ore Reserves Committee of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Australian Institute of Geoscientists and Minerals Council of Australia (JORC Code) and have not been reported in accordance with NI 43-101. A qualified person (as defined in NI 43-101) (Qualified Person) has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimates as current mineral resources. A Qualified Person would need to review and verify the scientific information and conduct an analysis and reconciliation of historical data in order to verify the historical estimates as current mineral resources.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking information" or "forward looking statements" (collectively Forward-Looking Information) as such term is used in applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-Looking Information includes, but is not limited to, disclosure regarding the acquisition of the Glenburgh and Mt Egerton projects as well as certain tenements adjacent thereto and the anticipated benefits thereof, planned exploration and related activities on the Glenburgh and Mt Egerton projects. In certain cases, Forward-Looking Information can be identified by the use of words and phrases or variations of such words and phrases or statements such as "anticipates", "complete", "become", "expects", "next steps", "commitments" and "potential", in relation to certain actions, events or results "could", "may", "will", "would", be achieved. In preparing the Forward-Looking Information in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, that the tenements associate with the Glenburgh and Mt Egerton projects that are still pending grant or undergoing the renewal process will be granted and/or renewed, as applicable, in the timely manner and on reasonable terms, and all conditions precedent to completion of the acquisitions will be satisfied, in a timely manner; the Company will be able to raise additional capital as necessary; the current exploration, development, environmental and other objectives concerning the Company's Projects (including Glenburgh and Mt Egerton) can be achieved; and the continuity of the price of gold and other metals, economic and political conditions, and operations.

Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause plans, estimates and actual results to vary materially from those projected in such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause the forward-looking information in this news release to change or to be inaccurate include, but are not limited to, the risk that any of the assumptions referred to prove not to be valid or reliable, that occurrences such as those referred to above are realized and result in delays, or cessation in planned work, that the Company's financial condition and development plans change, and delays in regulatory approval, as well as the other risks and uncertainties applicable to the Company as set forth in the Company's continuous disclosure filings filed under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and www.asx.com.au. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on Forward-Looking Information. The Forward-looking information in this news release is based on plans, expectations, and estimates of management at the date the information is provided and the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, other than as required by applicable law.

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS RELEASE.

Schedule of Tenement being acquired under the acquisition

Tenement Number Grant/ Application Date Expiry Date Status Registered Holder Glenburgh Project E09/1325 29.03.2007 28.03.2025 Live Gascoyne Resources (WA) Pty Ltd E09/1764 09.05.2011 08.05.2025 Live Gascoyne Resources (WA) Pty Ltd E09/1865 19.12.2011 18.12.2025 Live Gascoyne Resources (WA) Pty Ltd E09/1866 19.12.2011 18.12.2025 Live Gascoyne Resources (WA) Pty Ltd E09/2025 07.02.2014 06.02.2026 Live Gascoyne Resources (WA) Pty Ltd E09/2148 15.09.2016 14.09.2026 Live Gascoyne Resources (WA) Pty Ltd E09/2352 26.02.2019 N/A Pending Gascoyne Resources (WA) Pty Ltd E09/2730 04.07.2023 03.07.2028 Live Gascoyne Resources (WA) Pty Ltd L09/56 02.07.2014 01.07.2035 Live Gascoyne Resources (WA) Pty Ltd L09/62 02.12.2014 01.12.2035 Live Gascoyne Resources (WA) Pty Ltd M09/148 10.02.2014 09.02.2035 Live Gascoyne Resources (WA) Pty Ltd M09/181 31.03.2021 N/A Pending Gascoyne Resources (WA) Pty Ltd Mt Egerton Project E52/2117 20.11.2008 19.11.2024 Live Egerton Exploration Pty Ltd E52/2515 11.02.2010 11.02.2026 Live Egerton Exploration Pty Ltd E52/3574 06.11.2017 05.11.2027 Live Egerton Exploration Pty Ltd E52/3756 11.02.2020 10.02.2025 Live Egerton Exploration Pty Ltd E52/3894 05.01.2021 04.01.2026 Live Egerton Exploration Pty Ltd M52/343 11.11.1992 10.11.2034 Live Egerton Exploration Pty Ltd M52/567 02.08.1995 01.08.2037 Live Egerton Exploration Pty Ltd

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/237121

SOURCE: Benz Mining Corp.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / January 14, 2025 / Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd ("SXGC" or the "Company") (TSXV:SXGC)(ASX:SX2) is pleased to announce that earlier today the Supreme Court of New South Wales (the "Court") approved the scheme of arrangement with Southern Cross Gold Ltd. ("SXG"), pursuant to which the Company will acquire 100% of the shares in SXG it does not already own (the "SXG Scheme").

SXG intends to lodge the Court's orders approving the Scheme with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission ("ASIC") tomorrow. Upon lodgement of orders with ASIC, the Scheme will be legally effective. SXG will also request that quotation of SXG Shares on the ASX be suspended from close of trading tomorrow.

Key dates to Implementation (all Australian Eastern Daylight Time "AEDT")

Event Date Effective Date The date on which the Scheme becomes Effective

Lodgement by SXG with ASIC of the Court orders approving the Scheme and lodgement of announcement to ASX

Last day of trading in SXG Shares on the ASX Suspension of SXG Shares from trading on the ASX from close of trading Wednesday, January 15, 2025 Southern Cross Gold Consolidated (formerly named Mawson) CDIs commence trading on the ASX on a deferred settlement basis under the code SX2 Thursday, January 16, 2025 Scheme Record Date Time and date for determining entitlements to the Scheme Consideration 7.00pm on Friday, January 17, 2025 Implementation Date Provision of the Scheme Consideration to Scheme Participants Friday, January 24, 2025 Sothern Cross Gold Consolidated (formerly named Mawson) CDIs commence trading on the ASX on a normal settlement basis under the code SX2 Tuesday, January 28, 2025

The Company has been advised by TSX Venture Exchange that the common shares of the Company will resume trading on the TSXV under the new ticker symbol " SXGC " effective Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at the opening of trading.

This announcement has been approved for release by the Board of Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd.

- Ends -

For further information, please contact:

Mariana Bermudez - Corporate Secretary

mbermudez@chasemgt.com or +1 604 685 9316

Executive Office

1305 - 1090 West Georgia Street Vancouver, BC, V6E 3V7, Canada

Nicholas Mead - Corporate Development

info@southerncrossgold.com.au or +61 415 153 122

Subsidiary Office

Level 21, 459 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000, Australia

Forward-Looking Statement

This news release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions and accordingly, actual results and future events could differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. You are hence cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of present or historical fact are forward-looking statements, including timing of the listing of Mawson's shares on the ASX, the benefits of the Arrangement and SXG Scheme to Mawson and SXG and the receipt of all required final approvals including without limitation applicable court, regulatory authorities and applicable stock exchanges. Forward-looking statements include words or expressions such as "proposed", "will", "subject to", "near future", "in the event", "would", "expect", "prepared to" and other similar words or expressions. Factors that could cause future results or events to differ materially from current expectations expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements include general business, economic, competitive, political, anticipated Swedish legislative changes on the current ban on uranium mining and social uncertainties; the state of capital markets, unforeseen events, developments, or factors causing any of the expectations, assumptions, and other factors ultimately being inaccurate or irrelevant; and other risks described in SXGC's and SXG's documents filed with Canadian or Australian securities regulatory authorities. You can find further information with respect to these and other risks in filings made by SXGC or SXG with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada or Australia, as applicable, and available for SXGC in Canada at www.sedarplus.ca . SXGC's documents are also available at www.southerncrossgold.com or www.mawsongold.com . We disclaim any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) or the Australian Securities Exchange accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Southern Cross Gold Consolidated Ltd.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
PORT VILA, Vanuatu, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Vantage Markets has been honored with "Best Range of Markets" award for 2025 by Compare Forex Brokers, a leading authority in evaluating trading platforms. This accolade reflects Vantage's commitment to offering an unparalleled range of tradable instruments, leverage options and suitability for diverse trading strategies while maintaining transparency, trust, and innovation.

Justin Grossbard, CEO and Head of Research at Compare Forex Brokers, commended Vantage for setting industry benchmarks, "Your commitment to providing a seamless trading experience, supported by innovative technology and a customer-focused approach, is truly commendable. Trust is at the heart of our industry, and Vantage Markets has continually set the benchmark for integrity and professionalism."

The recognition celebrates Vantage's dedication to offering a wide array of CFD markets, empowering traders with flexibility and choice. This includes forex, commodities, indices, shares, ETFs, and bonds CFDs, ensuring clients have access to diverse trading opportunities supported by cutting-edge tools and a robust platform.

Marc Despallieres, Chief Strategy & Trading Officer at Vantage, expressed gratitude for the award, "Winning the 'Best Range of Markets' award from Compare Forex Brokers is a proud moment for us. It underscores our dedication to delivering exceptional trading experiences through innovation and trust. This achievement reflects the hard work of our team and the trust our clients place in us. We remain committed to pushing boundaries and providing our global community with unparalleled opportunities."

As Vantage continues to evolve, the company is focused on maintaining its position as a leader in the trading industry by expanding its offerings, advancing technology, and fostering transparency.

For more information about Vantage Markets and its award-winning services, visit Vantage Markets.

About Vantage

Vantage Markets (or Vantage) is a multi-asset CFD broker offering clients access to a nimble and powerful service for trading Contracts for Difference (CFDs) products, including Forex, Commodities, Indices, Shares, ETFs, and Bonds.

With over 15 years of market experience, Vantage transcends the role of broker, providing a trusted trading ecosystem, an award-winning mobile trading app, and a user-friendly trading platform that empowers clients to seize trading opportunities. Download the Vantage App on App Store or Google Play.

trade smarter @vantage

RISK WARNING: CFD trading carries significant risks. You could lose more than your initial investment.

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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.
NICOSIA, Cyprus, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- flykk, the pan-European and UK digital payment app, announces the launch of its new flykk Diners Club International debit card in several priority markets. This offering combines the best of both worlds: the convenience and security of a globally accepted debit card with all the robust benefits Diners Club International offers.

With the new flykk Diners Club International Card, users can enjoy a range of exclusive Diners Club benefits, including access to more than 1,500 airport lounges and experiences around the world, travel insurance, and purchase protection. Additionally, the flykk Diners Club International Card also offers a range of other features and benefits that can delight users, including access to millions of amenities and premium Wi-Fi hotspots.

Key features of the flykk app, which flykk Diners Club cardholders can access, include bank transfers, free flykk-to-flykk transfers, dedicated money remittance channels and global money transfers. Users can easily transfer money between their flykk account and European Union (EU) bank accounts, as well as between other flykk users.

"Launching this partnership with Diners Club International is a significant milestone for ISX Financial," said Nikogiannis Karantzis, CEO of ISX Financial. "By combining the innovative flykk payment app with the benefits of the Diners Club International Card, we strive to offer users an unparalleled payment experience both online and in-store. With the flykk Diners Club International Card, users can enjoy all the convenience and security of a debit card, together with a range of other features and benefits that support their lifestyle."

Diners Club is accepted at millions of merchant locations and over 1.2 million ATM and cash access locations around the world. Diners Club is part of the Discover Global Network, the fastest growing global payments network[1]. Comprised of Diners Club International, Discover Network, PULSE, and more than 25 alliance partner networks across the globe, Discover Network has 345 million Discover Global Network Cardholders worldwide[2] and facilitated $589B+ in global transactions in 2023.

The flykk debit card is now available to users in selected markets in the EU, with plans to expand to additional markets in the coming months. To learn more about flykk and its innovative payment solutions, visit the flykk website at www.flykk.it.

"By combining our world-class benefits, services, and capabilities with flykk's comprehensive payment technology, we're able to offer users a more seamless payment experience," said Matt Sloan, Vice President of International Markets, EMEA at Discover Global Network. "We look forward to continuing to work closely with the team at ISX Financial to bring even more innovative payment solutions to users around the world."

To learn more about the flykk Diners Club Debit Card: www.flykk.it

To learn more about the ISX Financial and Discover Global Network partnership: https://insights.discoverglobalnetwork.com/insights/james-cameron-isx-financial-partnership

About ISX Financial:

ISX Financial EU PLC is a 'banktech' company that leverages its own technology to provide financial services to merchants across the EEA & UK. The company's combined payments stack and infrastructure provides a complete end-to-end transactional banking, FX, remittance and payment processing capability.

ISXMoney's multi-Currency IBAN accounts coupled with PaidBy instant open banking provides merchants with a tailored payment solution to reach any UK or EEA bank account holders.

ISX Financial's consumer product flykk, is a digital wallet that combines all its financial technology and infrastructure to create a retail product. flykk is a two-sided network developed on ISX' Financial's own platform that links both merchants and consumers around the globe to facilitate the processing of payment transactions. flykk allows customers to use their account for both purchase and paying for goods, as well as to transfer and withdraw funds, with the benefits of a Diners card for point-of-sale transactions.

ISX Financial's subsidiary Probanx also develops payment infrastructure for third parties, and provides connectivity to central banks, banks around the world and major card schemes.

[1] Based on signed network alliance agreements over the past fourteen years with major payment networks within respective countries - Panoramic Research study, conducted 2022

[2] Based on data provided to Discover by Network Alliances participants and other third party sources as of December 31, 2023.

Media enquiries: +35722015740, media@isxfinancial.com

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2291227/iSX_financial_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/isx-financial-launches-new-globally-accepted-flykk-debit-card-in-working-with-diners-club-international-302349277.html
ABU DHABI, UAE, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Investindustrial is pleased to announce the formal inauguration of its Abu Dhabi office. Attended by authorities and senior officials, this milestone marks a pivotal moment in the firm's journey to expand its global footprint. The Abu Dhabi strategy follows the successful blueprint of Investindustrial's office in Shanghai, which has been an accretive business development and value creation office for the firm since 2009. The Abu Dhabi office opened with a team of eight professionals, becoming the Middle East and Asia hub for the group's activities.

As a leading European investment group with over 15 billion in raised fund capital, Investindustrial is proud to announce that it has received the Financial Services Permission ("FSP") from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority ("FSRA") of ADGM. The newly granted licence will enable Investindustrial to provide financial services, including advisory, fundraising, marketing, and arranging, within or from the ADGM.

Andrea C. Bonomi, Chairman of Investindustrial, stated, "At the heart of Investindustrial's approach is the goal of pursuing a sustainable, industrially-driven strategy to build better global companies for the long-term. Establishing our office in Abu Dhabi underscores our commitment to fostering partnerships in the Middle East and supporting the region's transformative growth while unlocking these regions for our portfolio companies with significant opportunity to grow. These companies often have the potential to scale, but they require strategic guidance, operational expertise, and a global perspective to reach their full potential."

Arvind Ramamurthy, Chief Market Development Officer, ADGM, commented, "We congratulate Investindustrial's on receiving its FSP. The establishment of its Middle East and Asia hub in ADGM reflects the strength of our business environment and our ability to support global investment groups in achieving their growth ambitions. This milestone reinforces ADGM's position as a leading financial hub and its commitment to unlocking opportunities across the region."

The Middle East and Asia expansion is led by Emanuela Cisini (Partner, Co-Head of Operational Improvement), who relocated from London to Abu Dhabi. Emanuela has been with the firm for close to a decade, having led various teams across several Investindustrial offices. Under her leadership, the firm aims to grow its human capital in the Middle East, focusing on building on-the-ground operational capabilities that will contribute to the value creation across Investindustrial's portfolio companies by increasing footprint, enhancing manufacturing capabilities, and bringing high-growth companies to the Middle East.

Emanuela Cisini, Head of Middle East and Asia, commented: "We are excited about this new chapter. Leveraging on Investindustrial's global operational improvement expertise we take a hands-on approach in guiding our companies through the international expansion in the Gulf region building global leaders."

The opening of the Abu Dhabi office underscores a commitment to the region's economic objectives and sustainable growth. Investindustrial has a strong track record across sectors, with deep expertise in industrial manufacturing and sub-sectors such as food security, a critical area for the GCC. By supporting innovation and investment in sectors like specialty ingredients, frozen desserts, and private-label products, Investindustrial's efforts are aligned with regional priorities of helping foster growth.

Additionally, Investindustrial's portfolio companies in the consumer space - such as Zegna Group, Eataly, Flos, and B&B Italia - are already active in the region, and the new office in Abu Dhabi, will allow these companies to tap into greater regional opportunities and enhance their operational capabilities.

In addition to operational improvement capabilities, senior investment professionals have also relocated to Abu Dhabi to actively engage with local entrepreneurs and drive investments and growth for portfolio companies in the region. The team will work in close collaboration with the firm's global offices, reinforcing Investindustrial's commitment to becoming a truly global player in the mid-market investment space.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2596780/Investindustrial_Office.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/investindustrial-expands-its-presence-to-abu-dhabi-set-to-become-the-firms-middle-east-and-asia-hub-302350071.html
EQS-News: Marley Spoon Group SE / Key word(s): Personnel

Thorsten Struck becomes the new Chief Financial Officer of Marley Spoon Group SE and Marley Spoon SE



14.01.2025 / 11:24 CET/CEST

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.





Marley Spoon Group SE ("Marley Spoon" or the "Company"), a leading global subscription-based meal kit provider, is pleased to announce the appointment of Thorsten Struck as its new Chief Financial Officer "(CFO") and member of the Management Board as well as Chief Financial Officer ("CFO") and member of the Management Board of its subsidiary Marley Spoon SE, who joined the team in January 2025

"We are thrilled to welcome Thorsten to Marley Spoon, who is an accomplished CFO and business executive across many industries in both private and public companies. He has a proven track record of driving strong financial results by continuously improving financial processes and value-driven leadership. Thorsten's insights and experience will be extremely valuable in helping our global teams to drive efficiencies and deliver profitable growth. I am really excited for Thorsten to join our team and lead our global finance organization including FP&A, accounting, reporting, and tax as well as our legal function" says Daniel Raab, CEO of Marley Spoon.

"I am very excited to join the Marley Spoon Group and looking forward to working with the entire team to push the business to the next level and growth phase," says Thorsten Struck about his new role.

Thorsten Struck is a very experienced finance professional with extensive, international leadership experience across various companies incl. e-commerce and subscription-based business models, skilled in Analytics, Entrepreneurship, Management, Financing, and Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A). In his last position as the Chief Financial Officer at TechStyle Fashion Group, he oversaw the financial operations of brands like Fabletics. He held previous positions at Ricardo Group, eBay, mobile.de, and the Dresdner Bank. Throughout his career, Thorsten has demonstrated a strong commitment to teamwork and has led various organizational transformations and financial turnarounds.

Daniel Raab, CEO of Marley Spoon: "We thank Jennifer Bernstein, our previous CFO, for her significant contributions to Marley Spoon, including enhancing operational and financial performance. We wish her all the best as she embarks on her next chapter."

About Marley Spoon

Marley Spoon Group SE is a global direct-to-consumer (DTC) meal - kit company. Our Vision is to "Build a better everyday, just for you, just right". We started Marley Spoon in 2014 to help our customers to cook for their families and deal with their busy lives. We also felt there should be a more sustainable way to cook at home, reducing food waste that traditional supermarket supply chains generate. Marley Spoon currently operates various brands in three regions: Australia, the United States, and Europe (Austria, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands). Our meal-kit brands, Marley Spoon, Martha Stewart & Marley Spoon, and Dinnerly, bring pre-portioned fresh ingredients with tasty and simple recipes and other eating solutions reliably to our customers every week. Our customers just decide what to eat, when to eat, and leave behind the hassle of grocery shopping. Chefgood and bistroMD are our direct - to - consumer ready - to - heat (RTH) services that offer tasty, high-quality, healthy, and nutritious RTH meals and eating solutions for our wellness and health-focused customers.

14.01.2025 CET/CEST Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.

Archive at www.eqs-news.com


Business Leaders, extreme adventure athletes, Paralympians and trailblazers return to the UAE on Ride For Unity's 2025 Whistle-Stop Tour: Road to Resilience, to spread the message of unity, reconciliation, community and tolerance.

DUBAI, UAE, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- After the enormous success of Ride For Unity's 7 Days / 7 Emirates Tour through the UAE last January, the organization has returned for a two-day tour on January 16-17, 2025. Ride for Unity (RFU) has gathered 15 riders comprised of world-record breaking athletes, extreme adventurists and business leaders to cycle up Jebel Jais, the highest peak in the UAE at 1,934m, visit the WellSpring Private School and hold a free public event, 'Humanity in Leadership: The Future of Connection, Sustainability and Resilience' at the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Library in Dubai on January 17th at 5pm.

"Our second event in the UAE is more focused on engagement, reconnection and resilience. It's vital for us to give back to communities through legacy programs, which is why we're returning to WellSpring and donating bicycles to start a 'Learning to Ride' after school program, carried on by volunteer parents," explained Daniel Bernard, RFU Founder. He went on to say,"Our 'Humanity in Leadership' event has incredible super humans speaking and I challenge anyone not to be inspired by them. We have Maria Conceicao, the first Portuguese woman to summit Mt. Everest and holder of ten Guinness World Records, Naila Kiani, the fastest Pakistani to summit 11 of the 8,000m peaks in under three years, Dr Edith Shiro, a clinical psychologist on the 'Gift of Trauma', and so much more. We are living in tumultuous times and we really wanted to address and provide coping mechanisms and the foundations for unifying communities to get through it together,"

RFU Co-Founder, Leah Tedrow stated, "The response from our last tour has been overwhelming, and as a result, we'll be holding a week-long event in Rwanda this summer and in Miami, Florida later this winter. Sport has always been a powerful unifying force, and we've seen a huge global desire to provide a platform to revitalize and reconnect communities - especially in these incredibly divisive times. We've been honored to provide the platform for people to be heard and reunite, and it's our mission to continue to spread the message and medium for that to happen globally."

ABOUT RIDE FOR UNITY:

Ride For Unity (RFU) is a non-profit organization working to reconnect a fragmented world and communities through human connection and the medium of sport.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xslAV0XmEU

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2596602/Evoke.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ride-for-unity-returns-to-reconnect-communities-in-the-middle-east-302349639.html
LONDON and SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new climate modeling tool is predicting a seismic shift in energy, spelling out how over half of global energy demand will be met by solar power by 2035.

The S-Curve model, developed by physicist and solar industry pioneer, Andrew Birch, reveals that a clean transition is inevitable, on current known trends.

"On current growth trends, solar is on track to displace 50% of traditional energy supply within a decade-this should scare you if you're still financing coal, oil or gas," says Birch, who has started some of the leading global solar companies over the last 20 years.

Birch is challenging decades of inaccurate solar energy forecasting, correcting a flawed equation at the heart of projections: he says the metric of primary energy is only applicable to fossil fuels, as over half of fossil fuel energy is wasted when it is burned. The S-Curve uses delivered energy as the correct metric, revealing that when we are powered by solar, the electric economy will require 60% less energy than previously cited.

And his model corrects another long-held assumption: that solar's cost reductions and growth rates are going to stop. "Year after year, analysts have been wrong," says Birch. "Solar's learning curve has never ended, in fact, its growth rate has increased. When you combine this growth trend with the lower energy needed with electrification you get a solar-dominated system within just 10 years."

Birch has been collaborating with Prof Andrew Crossland CEng, Professor in Practice at Durham University Energy Institute, analyzing how solar electrification can benefit consumers in energy markets around the world.

Prof Crossland says: "The compounding effect of continued solar growth will have a profound impact on the global energy mix-and make electricity cheaper, more resilient and lower carbon. We call on all Governments to engage more with solar and distributed energy now so that it enables the grid of tomorrow."

The S-Curve projects forward solar's historical trends, predicting that it will continue to fall in cost by 10% a year and grow at 25% a year. This will see solar energy eclipse nuclear power this year, eclipse oil by 2031, and deliver over half the world's energy by 2035 in a classic S-curve technology shift.

"We've been told a clean transition will cripple the economy, when in fact, it will save us $9 trillion dollars a year by 2035," says Birch. "All we need is a level playing field. Just watch how quickly dirty fuels die in a fair fight when we stop the subsidies and remove clean tech tariffs."

Links

Learn about the S-Curve here.

Andrew Birch's bio here.

About Open Solar

OpenSolar is the world's leading solar design and proposal software with the mission to scale solar globally by providing installers with innovative software technology and an equally innovative business offering - the world's first entirely free-to-use design and sales platform. Over 31,000 solar installers in 150+ countries today use OpenSolar's end-to-end platform to manage and grow their businesses all in one place with class-leading solar design accuracy, interactive custom proposals, and a portfolio of fully integrated financing options, hardware ordering, and industry products & services.

Contact: Hartley Butler George, E: hartley@opensolar.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/half-of-energy-will-come-from-solar-by-2035-ground-breaking-climate-modeling-tool-challenges-previous-energy-projections-302349854.html
Highlight Intercepts:

NAK24-31:

248 m of 1.1% Copper Equivalent (CuEq) within;

308 metres of 0.97% CuEq within;

407 metres 0.78% CuEq from Surface

NAK24-35:

106 m of 0.53% CuEq and;

324 m of 0.45% CuEq within;

514 m of 0.42% CuEq within;

911 m of 0.33% CuEq from Surface

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 14, 2025) - American Eagle Gold Corp. (TSXV: AE) (OTCQB: AMEGF) ("American Eagle" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the expansion of the high-grade South Zone, intersecting 248 metres of 1.1% Copper Equivalent (CuEq) within a broader interval of 407 metres grading 0.78% CuEq starting 33 metres downhole in NAK24-31. The zone remains open to depth and to the south and southeast.

The Company also intersected significant mineralization at its northern step out drilling, with NAK24-35 intersecting 414 metres of 0.42% CuEq within a broader interval of 911 metres grading 0.33% CuEq beginning 11 metres downhole (view plan map of drill holes). This intercept represents an exciting new style of mineralization unique to the North Zone, with very consistent grade and high tenor sulphide species hosted almost entirely within intrusive bodies. Its full extent and potential remain to be fully determined, as the Company has only just initiated drill-testing in this area.

View Video of CEO Anthony Moreau and NAK Technical Team Discuss Results

NAK24-35, -37 and -38 were follow-up holes drilled to build on the success of holes NAK24-33 and NAK23-12 at the North Zone, which intersected a new and different style of visually higher-grade, disseminated bornite-style mineralization. The holes were drilled from near the northern limit of the NAK property clear-cut, extending farther north than any previous American Eagle holes, and were oriented across a range of azimuths to gain a better understanding of the extent and orientation of the controls for the newly-recognized style of mineralization, the full extent of which awaits systematic drill-testing.

"With another 'Chile-in BC ' hole, American Eagle is once-again showcasing the remarkable scale of high-grade mineralization at NAK's South Zone," said CEO Anthony Moreau. "In the north, our new drill results unexpectedly discovered the presence of a significant volume of mineralization of a different style than that in the South and Main zones. These northern step-out holes require study that will help shape our upcoming exploration strategy. The new northern boundary of known mineralization, in their geological and geophysical context, strongly suggest that we've only just begun to touch on the margins of an extensive mineralized system. Our team will continue to track this mineralization around the extent of the circular Babine porphyry mineralizing system. We continue to highlight the geological and geographic advantages of the NAK project. Its lower elevation, relatively flat topography, and excellent accessibility provide significant benefits, not only in terms of reduced drilling costs but also in lowering potential operating capital expenditures, setting it apart from our peers. Additionally, the project boasts excellent grades within a large, mineralized envelope, with multiple zones extending right to bedrock surface."

"With a robust treasury and a clear roadmap ahead, we're well-positioned to deliver more great results in 2025, with 30,000 meters of drilling planned, and fully funded budgets for the next 2 or 3 years. We're confident this will allow us to well define the project's potential, test its boundaries around the Babine porphyry, and possibly uncover some exciting surprises along the way."

American Eagle will present its detailed plan for 2025 in the near future.

Plan Map, Long Section and Drill Core Images:

Interactive plan view map of drilling to date at NAK

Core images for Assayed 2024 Drill Core

NAK24-31 Assay Results (Table 1) and Details*

Hole From (m) To (m) Length (m) Cu Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Mo (ppm) CuEq (%) NAK24-31 132 380 248 0.34% 0.74 1.43 287 1.10% within















NAK24-31 132 440 308 0.32% 0.63 1.30 239 0.97% within















NAK24-31 33 440 407 0.26% 0.49 1.05 208 0.78%

Cross Section of NAK24-31

* Copper Equivalent (CuEq) shown in Tables for drill intersections are calculated on a basis of US$ 3.75/lb for Cu, US$ 1,900/oz for Au, US$ 20/oz for Ag and US$ 25/lb for Mo, with 80% metallurgical recoveries assumed for all metals (Since it's unclear what metals will be the principal products, assuming different recoveries is premature at this stage). The formula is: CuEq. = Cu % + (Au grade in g/t x (Au recovery / Cu recovery) x [Au price  31] / [Cu price x 2200]) + (Ag grade in g/t x (Ag recovery / Cu recovery) x [Ag price  31] / [Cu price x 2200] + (Mo grade in % x (Mo recovery / Cu recovery) x [Mo price x 2200] / [Cu price x 2200]). The assays have not been capped.

NAK24-31 was collared 100 m east of NAK23-17, and was drilled at an inclination of 78 degrees, toward the east-southeast. It was designed to infill between the copper-gold-molybdenum mineralization encountered in NAK24-17, and the near-surface stockwork-style gold-copper mineralization encountered at the historical South Zone farther to the east. This hole hosted very strong copper and molybdenum mineralization. It is similar in style to that in NAK23-17, with high-grade anhydrite-quartz veins containing semi massive chalcopyrite and bornite (+/- molybdenite), all hosted by coarse pebble conglomerate and subordinate pebbly sandstone mineralized by disseminated chalcopyrite and bornite. The sedimentary rocks are intruded by dark porphyritic dykes near the top of hole, and by fine grained mafic dykes below 400 m. The hole ended at a depth of 493 m with the first appearance of Babine porphyry diking.

NAK24-35 Assay Results (Table 2) and Details *

Hole From (m) To (m) Length (m) Cu Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Mo (ppm) CuEq NAK24-35 196 302 106 0.43% 0.07 3.80 20 0.53% and















NAK24-35 386 710 324 0.30% 0.10 4.04 55 0.45% within















NAK24-35 196 710 514 0.30% 0.08 3.48 43 0.42% and















NAK24-35 536 682 146 0.21% 0.13 1.95 69 0.37% within















NAK24-35 11 923 911 0.23% 0.06 2.42 44 0.33%

Cross Section of NAK24-35

NAK24-35 was collared from the same location as NAK22-05, at the northern-most limit of the Company's 2022-24 NAK property drill campaigns. The hole was drilled to the northeast at an inclination of 65 degrees, with the aim of testing the promise hinted at by the Company's sulfide speciation model, in which the presence of bornite and chalcocite near to and along the western margin of the Babine porphyry suggests that the proportion of these higher tenor sulfides increases in that direction. NAK24-35 intersected hornfelsed fine grained sedimentary rocks intruded by porphyritic dykes down to a depth of approximately 200 m. Below this, novel, newly-recognized intrusive bodies were encountered down to a depth of just over 300m, with a characteristic pale colour and distinctive seriate texture, with subhedral plagioclase and, locally, potassium feldspar phenocrysts, occurring in what appears to be a translucent, generally sericitized and/or albitized matrix. The seriate bodies intrude fine-grained sedimentary host rocks and significantly host variably abundant disseminated bornite, chalcopyrite, and local chalcocite that is commonly distributed evenly throughout, and which may have replaced mafic minerals and/or iron oxides. These seriate bodies, locally intercalated with meter scale intervals of hornfelsed fine grained sedimentary rocks, continued to a depth of approximately 303 m, where a broad package of rocks correlative with the Babine porphyry was intersected. From 303 m to approximately 440 m, mineralization consisted of sparse, but striking, massive veins of bornite-chalcocite. At 440 m, a second, broader interval of seriate intrusive rocks was encountered, and it continued to a depth of 700 m, where it intrudes the Babine porphyry. As with the upper body, mineralization within the lower seriate intrusion also consists largely of fine-grained disseminations of bornite, chalcopyrite and subordinate chalcocite.

NAK24-38 Assay Results (Table 3) and Details*

Hole From (m) To (m) Length (m) Cu Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Mo (ppm) CuEq NAK24-38 15 98 83 0.36% 0.06 0.80 26 0.43% and















NAK24-38 596 727 131 0.22% 0.09 1.99 60 0.35% within















NAK24-38 15 890 875 0.19% 0.06 1.20 61 0.29%

Cross Section of NAK24-38

NAK24-38 was collared from the same location as NAK22-04, approximately 200 m to the south of NAK24-35/37, and was drilled to the north at an inclination of 55 degrees. The drill hole was designed to traverse from the strong near surface mineralization encountered closer to surface within fine grained sedimentary rocks in NAK22-04, through mineralized conglomerate down past the nearby lower mineralized seriate intrusion encountered in hole NAK24-35. As expected, in its upper reaches hole NAK23-38 intersected fine grained sedimentary rocks and conglomerate before intersecting a body of Babine porphyry at 450 m. At 596 m, the hole intersected a seriate intrusion and continued in it to a down hole depth of 727 m, where more Babine porphyry was encountered. Mineralization was strong in this hole down to a depth of approximately 400 m, consisting largely of disseminations and veins of chalcopyrite and lesser bornite. Between that point and where the seriate rocks were intersected, mineralization was more sporadic, and was manifest as local zones of bornite veining. Within the seriate intrusion, however, and in a manner similar to that observed in NAK24-35, fine disseminations of bornite, chalcopyrite, and local chalcocite occur throughout its length. Downhole of the seriate body and to the end of the hole, mineralized Babine porphyry yielded sporadic but commonly high-grades, with mineralization occurring as thin veinlets and fracture coatings of bornite.

NAK24-36 Assay Results (Table 4) and Details*

Hole From (m) To (m) Length (m) Cu Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Mo (ppm) CuEq NAK24-36 15 155 140 0.12% 0.10 0.47 21 0.21% within















NAK24-36 15 275 260 0.11% 0.08 0.41 66 0.21% within















NAK24-36 15 641 626 0.10% 0.06 0.39 59 0.19%

Cross Section of NAK24-36

NAK24-36, which was drilled in the southern part of the project, was a nearly 200 m step-out to the east from hole NAK24-28 at the historical gold-rich South Zone, with the hole traversing southeast at an inclination of 55 degrees toward the IP Embayment Zone. Lithologically, NAK24-36 is characterized by dark coloured immature pebbly sandstone and interlayered tuff that below 300 m are intruded by fine-grained mafic and intermediate composition dykes. The dykes are geochemically distinct from mafic dyking encountered farther to the south and west, and are cut by variably mineralized anhydrite veining, indicating that the dyking may pre-date or is at least coeval with the latest mineralizing event at NAK. Overall, mineralization in NAK24-36 returned consistently anomalous grades, with intervals of the host sedimentary rocks returning over 0.1 % Cu and 0.1 g/t Au. Mineralization below 300 m occurs as widely distributed veins of chalcopyrite and trace bornite, and is more prominent within sedimentary host rocks than in dykes.

NAK24-37 Assay Results (Table 5) and Details*

Hole From (m) To (m) Length (m) Cu Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Mo (ppm) CuEq NAK24-37 78 223 145 0.18% 0.03 0.59 29 0.23% and















NAK24-37 642 703 61 0.22% 0.08 1.50 58 0.33% within















NAK24-37 13 842 829 0.10% 0.04 0.63 26 0.15%

Cross Section of NAK24-37

NAK24-37 was drilled from the same collar as NK24-35, and was drilled to the east-northeast at an inclination of 55 degrees. The intent was to test for similar disseminated bornite-chalcopyrite (chalcocite)-bearing seriate intrusions to those intersected in drill hole NAK24-35 (and to a lesser extent, similarly mineralized, though geochemically distinct dykes in NAK24-33). As with NAK24-35, hole NAK24-37 collared into fine grained sedimentary rocks, but it encountered a mineralized, seriate intrusion at a notably shallower depth. Pervasive disseminated bornite and chalcopyrite mineralization in the seriate body, intersected between 75 and 232 m, yielded 0.23% CuEq. Below this, Babine porphyry rocks remained the dominant lithology until end of hole, with a secondary and narrower zone of seriate textured dykes, similarly mineralized, intercepted between 274 and 400 m. Mineralization throughout the remainder of the hole was typical of Babine porphyry rocks, with bornite as sparsely distributed veins and thin fracture coatings. A moderate uptick in mineralized vein density is present from 650 to 700 m, and includes semi massive chalcopyrite with hematite. The broad, lower intercept of seriate texture intrusive in NAK24-35 was not encountered in NAK24-37, suggesting that these seriate bodies do not conform to the well constrained steeply dipping, roughly north-south striking orientation of other mineralizing intrusive phases encountered at NAK.

Collar details for holes drilled in the 2022, 2023 and 2024 drill program (table 6):

Hole UTM_Grid UTM_East UTM_North Azimuth Dip TD News Release NAK22-01 NAD83_Z9 675281 6129359 n/a -90 881 07-Nov-22 NAK22-02 NAD83_Z9 675281 6129359 340 -70 984 05-Dec-22 NAK22-03 NAD83_Z9 675201 6129658 n/a -90 941 25-Jan-23 NAK22-04 NAD83_Z9 675181 6129862 n/a -90 548 25-Jan-23 NAK22-05 NAD83_Z9 675105 6130067 n/a -90 824 02-Mar-23 NAK22-06 NAD83_Z9 675376 6129782 260 -77 920 02-Mar-23 NAK22-07 NAD83_Z9 675181 6129862 170 -81 874 02-Mar-23 NAK23-08 NAD83_Z9 675341 6129341 270 -60 881 09-Aug-23 NAK23-09 NAD83_Z9 675990 6129284 20 -65 837 14-Sep-23 NAK23-10 NAD83_Z9 675357 6129415 270 -60 855 19-Sep-23 NAK23-11 NAD83_Z9 675215 6129340 270 -60 836 19-Sep-23 NAK23-12 NAD83_Z9 674999 6129846 80 -70 929 12-Oct-23 NAK23-13 NAD83_Z9 675205 6129773 270 -60 620 08-Jan-24 NAK23-14 NAD83_Z9 675260 6129934 260 -70 749 08-Jan-24 NAK23-15 NAD83_Z9 675211 6129232 270 -60 617 08-Jan-24 NAK23-16 NAD83_Z9 675166 6129479 265 -65 743 08-Jan-24 NAK23-17 NAD83_Z9 674969 6129377 105 -73 810 08-Jan-24 NAK24-18 NAD83_Z9 674961 6129472 90 -77 914 20-Aug-24 NAK24-19 NAD83_Z9 675219 6129388 120 -55 951 20-Aug-24 NAK24-20 NAD83_Z9 674946 6129573 90 -72 933 20-Aug-24 NAK24-21 NAD83_Z9 675264 6129415 n/a -90 419 20-Aug-24 NAK23-22 NAD83_Z9 674927 6129673 84 -71 943 21-Oct-24 NAK24-23 NAD83_Z9 675264 6129415 340 -70 526 20-Aug-24 NAK24-24 NAD83_Z9 675264 6129415 340 -55 950 21-Oct-24 NAK24-25 NAD83_Z9 674930 6129766 86 -74 923 21-Oct-24 NAK24-26 NAD83_Z9 675264 6129415 300 -60 586 21-Oct-24 NAK24-27 NAD83_Z9 674898 6129857 90 -70 977 03-Dec-24 NAK24-28 NAD83_Z9 675357 6129415 115 -55 632 21-Oct-24 NAK24-29 NAD83_Z9 675063 6129485 88 -70 599 03-Dec-24 NAK24-30 NAD83_Z9 675021 6129939 88 -72 899 03-Dec-24 NAK24-31 NAD83_Z9 675063 6129352 75 -78 494 This Release NAK24-32 NAD83_Z9 675049 6129581 88 -70 605 18-Dec-24 NAK24-33 NAD83_Z9 675044 6130018 88 -70 962 18-Dec-24 NAK24-34 NAD83_Z9 675031 6129671 87 -70 669 18-Dec-24 NAK24-35 NAD83_Z9 675105 6130067 43 -65 922 This Release NAK24-36 NAD83_Z9 675509 6129440 115 -55 641 This Release NAK24-37 NAD83_Z9 675105 6130067 75 -55 842 This Release NAK24-38 NAD83_Z9 675181 6129862 0 -55 890 This Release

QA/QC and Sampling Protocol

Sampling at NAK follows a rigorous methodology and internal QA/QC protocol. Drill core is halved on site, and samples are submitted to ALS Geochemistry in Langley, British Columbia for preparation and analysis. ALS is accredited to the ISO/IEC 17025 standard for assays. All analytical methods include quality control standards inserted at set frequencies. The entire sample interval is crushed and homogenized, and 250 g of the homogenized sample is pulped. All samples were analyzed for gold, silver, copper, molybdenum and a suite of 45 other major and trace elements. Analysis for gold is by fire assay fusion followed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES) on 30 g of pulp. Analysis for silver, copper, and molybdenum is by four-acid digestion followed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS). All other major and trace elements are analyzed by four-acid digestion followed by ICP-MS.

Internal QA/QC protocols dictate that individual core samples are no less than 70 cm and no greater than 3 m in length. To control standard, blank, and duplicate sample frequency, and to better constrain pass/fail re-analysis intervals, samples are submitted to the lab in 50 sample batches. Within each 50-sample batch, there is one gold-copper standard and two coarse reject duplicates, inserted at regular intervals, and two blank samples, inserted sequentially following well-mineralized samples where possible, for a total of 10% QA/QC samples. All gold and copper standard analyses from the 2024 program passed within 2 standard deviations of expected values. Where duplicate values differed significantly, the lower values from the resulting re-analyses were used.

About American Eagle's NAK Project

The NAK Project lies within the Babine copper-gold porphyry district of central British Columbia. It has excellent infrastructure through all-season roads and is close to the towns of Smithers, Houston, and Burns Lake, B.C., which lie along a major rail line and Provincial Highway 16. Historical drilling and geophysical, geological, and geochemical work at NAK, which began in the 1960's, tested only to shallow depths. Still, the work revealed a very large near-surface copper-gold system that measures over 1.5 km x 1.5 km. Drilling completed in 2022, 2023, and 2024 by American Eagle has returned significant intervals of high-grade copper-gold mineralization that reach beyond and much deeper than the historical drilling, indicating that zones of near-surface and deeper mineralization, locally with considerably higher grades, exist within the broader NAK property mineralizing system.

For the latest videos from American Eagle, Ore Group, and all things mining, subscribe to our YouTube Chanel: youtube.com/@theoregroup

About American Eagle Gold Corp.

American Eagle is dedicated to advancing its NAK copper-gold porphyry project in west-central British Columbia, Canada. The Company benefits from over $37 million in cash, bolstered by two strategic equity partnerships formed in the past two years with Teck Resources and South32. With substantial financial and technical resources, American Eagle Gold is well-positioned to drill, de-risk, and define the full potential of the NAK Copper-Gold porphyry project.

Q.P. Statement

Mark Bradley, B.Sc., M.Sc., P.Geo., a Certified Professional Geologist and 'qualified person' for the purposes of Canada's National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Properties, has verified and approved the information contained in this news release.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information in this press release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding whether the Company will be able to complete the Offering as anticipated, the receipt of regulatory approval, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, to complete the Offering, the intended use of proceeds and intended drill program or its anticipated results at the Company's NAK project, the ability of the Company to make the qualifying expenditures as anticipated by management, and other matters ancillary or incidental to the foregoing. This information is based on current expectations that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual results might differ materially from those suggested in forward-looking statements. American Eagle Gold Corp. assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward looking-statements unless and until required by securities laws applicable to American Eagle Gold Corp. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in filings by American Eagle Gold Corp. with Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available under American Eagle Gold Corp. profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the TSX Venture Exchange policies) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/236997

SOURCE: American Eagle Gold Corp.
Key findings in the 2025 InvestOps report:

A new report surveying 200 global buy-side operations leaders reveals that the majority (75%) understand the potential benefits of integrating AI, but need more information to integrate it into their investment processes.

The respondents qualitatively highlighted a need for AI to support with investment analysis, decision making, risk management, data management and client engagement.

The buy-side organizations plan to build more standardized data modeling (67%) and to consolidate systems for a common data layer (65%) to overcome challenges with their data infrastructure.

ESG investing continues to be the business area where respondents see the greatest opportunity for technological innovation (58%), particularly in North America (81%).

NEW YORK and LONDON, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Buy-side organizations worldwide require more information on how to integrate AI into the investment processes, reveals the InvestOps Report, "Investment Management 2025", commissioned by financial technology company SimCorp.

Based on a survey of 200 buy-side executives conducted by WBR Insights in Q4 of 2024, the report provides insights into the buy side's challenges and priorities entering into 2025.

The survey shows that 75 percent of respondents understand the potential benefits of AI but need more information on how to apply it effectively to the investment processes, such as investment analysis, decision making, risk management, data management and client engagement. When asked which areas that would benefit most from the use of an AI tool, one respondent noted "An AI tool can be used to uncover risks that might have remained unknown to us". Additionally, 16 percent feel unprepared to leverage AI, while 9 percent feel very prepared.

"AI is not about replacing jobs but augmenting human capabilities, enhancing decision-making processes, and increasing efficiency. However, the advancements in AI can deliver true value for investment professionals when supported by a unified data layer where all investment data is in one place, moving away from data siloes," said Georg Hetrodt, Chief Executive Officer at SimCorp.

When asked how to measure the success of an AI tool in the investment process, the buy-side leaders prioritize increased efficiency in data cleaning (46%), followed by enhanced data visualization (42%) and accelerated time to insights (41%).

Addressing data challenges

The report also found that nearly half of respondents (47%) say their current data infrastructure is a combination of in-house and third-party solutions, leading to data challenges. The top three priorities for addressing these in the near term are building more standardized data models (67%), consolidating systems for a common data layer (65%), and utilizing AI tools for better insights and data predictability (65%).

"Data is the "key" to the front office, yet many firms struggle with fragmented and inconsistent data sources," said Laura Kayrouz, Senior Partner & Global Co-Head of Investments at Alpha FMC and one of the report's contributors. "The first step to overcoming this challenge is a thorough data audit to identify gaps and redundancies. Once completed, firms should implement a robust data governance framework to ensure data accuracy, consistency, and compliance. This framework will form the foundation for a centralized data management solution, capable of breaking down silos and enabling unified data access across teams."

When asked about technology and operations, improving data and operations for multi-asset investment strategies (40%) ranked as the top initiative that the buy-side organizations are planning to implement. The main challenge for front office teams is the inability to manage multi-assets in one view (60%).

To effectively manage a multi-asset class portfolio - the primary challenge in supporting the front office - investment managers need a system architecture with a unified data layer that provides a total portfolio view in real time, with any changes made in one area of the business instantly reflected throughout the entire investment lifecycle for public and private markets. This is shown in the survey, where respondents plan to consolidate systems for a real time total portfolio view (64%) to address this challenge.

"What we see from this research is that investment managers increasingly need to invest in data strategies to support their goals and decision-making capabilities," said Marc Schroter, Chief Product Officer at SimCorp. "Otherwise, when firms diversify their portfolios across more asset types, they risk adding complexity to their system landscape. This could lead to disparate silos of investment positions across the business, which slows the velocity of information and impacts the ability to scale. There's a strong business case for data initiatives."

Other key findings from the 2025 Global InvestOps report include:

Improving operational efficiency is the top strategic priority guiding technology and operations investments for 2025.

is the top strategic priority guiding technology and operations investments for 2025. Inability to get a total firm-wide view of investments, risk and performance and launching new products in a timely manner are the key challenges for the buy-side firms' existing current models.

are the key challenges for the buy-side firms' existing current models. ESG investing is the business area with the greatest opportunity for technological innovation in the next few years, particularly in North America and APAC.

is the business area with the greatest opportunity for technological innovation in the next few years, particularly in North America and APAC. Greater transparency in outsourced operations data tops the list for how the firms want to enhance their operating models in the next 24 months.

tops the list for how the firms want to enhance their operating models in the next 24 months. Focus on core business is the most desired outcome by using an external service provider for non-core business processes.

To learn more about the findings and to access the full report, follow this link2025 Global InvestOps Report | SimCorp

Survey Methodology

In Q4 of 2024, WBR Insights surveyed 200 Directors of Investment Operations and similar across APAC, EMEA, and North America, to find out about the challenges they are facing in 2024.

The report itself will be split in four, looking at how respondents are balancing their strategic priorities, the impact of data, the evolution of operating models and technological innovations being brought to the table. The survey was conducted by appointment over the telephone.

The results were compiled and anonymized by WBR Insights and are presented here with analysis and commentary by SimCorp and the InvestOps community.

About SimCorp

SimCorp is a provider of industry-leading integrated investment management solutions for the global buy side.

Founded in 1971, with more than 3,500 employees across five continents, SimCorp is a truly global technology leader that empowers more than half of the world's top 100 financial companies through its integrated platform, services, and partner ecosystem.

SimCorp is a subsidiary of Deutsche Borse Group. As of 2024, SimCorp includes Axioma, the leading provider of risk and management and portfolio optimization solutions for the global buy side.

About WBR Insights

We use research-based content to drive conversations, share insights and deliver results. Connect with our audience of high-level decision-makers in Europe and Asia from industries including Retail & eCommerce, Supply Chain & Procurement, Finance, as well as many more. From whitepapers focused on your priorities, to benchmarking reports, infographics, and webinars, we can help you to inform and educate your readers and reach your marketing goals at the same time.

CONTACT: Sren Rathlou Top, Soren.R.Top@simcorp.com, +45 31 15 87 06

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2595364/SimCorp_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/ai-must-be-better-integrated-into-investment-process-new-buy-side-survey-by-simcorp-shows-302349181.html
Hands-on learning helps build confidence, yet only half of students have access to these experiences in science class, according to a new LEGO Education report. LEGO Education Science aims to change that.

BILLUND, Denmark, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, LEGO Education announced its new learning solution, LEGO Education Science, to help educators bring hands-on science learning to more students. Designed to boost engagement, LEGO Education Science features 120+ engaging, standards-aligned science lessons and ready-to-use class presentations that bring science to life for teachers and students (K-8 or ages 5-11+).

Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/lego/9312551-en-lego-education-science-hands-on-learning

Critical thinking skills and an understanding of science concepts and practices are increasingly needed for the future. Yet, the State of Classroom Engagement Report: Science Edition, a survey commissioned by LEGO Education, found that 45 percent of students who listed science as one of their "least favorite" subjects described it as "too hard", and 37 percent felt they were "bad at it." Notably, 58 percent of these students were girls, highlighting the ongoing STEM gap.

These findings underscore the need to reimagine science class to be more inclusive for students and teachers. In addition to understanding scientific concepts, science learning also plays a crucial role in developing skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and creativity. Every student deserves to succeed in science, and, together with educators, LEGO Education wants to make that a reality.

"Science teaches us to ask curious questions to understand the world around us," said Victor Saeijs, President of LEGO Education. "If students think they're not good at the subject or avoid it, we risk losing an entire generation of innovators and problem-solvers. We share your commitment as educators to excite and engage students with high-quality science education."

With LEGO Education Science, teachers have everything they need to instantly engage students in scientific phenomena and spark student creativity and problem-solving through hands-on learning. Lessons are aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), state, and national standards to easily integrate into existing curriculum. Students will learn about biomimicry (NGSS-LS1-1), ways the impact of natural events can be reduced (NGSS-4-ESS3-2), changes in kinetic energy (NGSS-MS-PS3-5), and much more.

Each lesson starts with a big question to spark curiosity and invite inquiry, while also connecting scientific principles to the real world for deeper comprehension. Students will explore multiple paths to a solution, ask key questions, and work with their peers. Kits are designed for use by up to four students together, with each student taking an active role in the lesson. This supports different learning abilities and develops collaboration and communication skills.

"It was inspiring to see my students' enthusiasm and creativity flourish," said Jill Snodgrass, a fourth-grade math and science teacher at Kernan Trail Elementary (Fla.) who tested the new solution with her class. "The tactile nature of working with LEGO bricks helps solidify their understanding by connecting abstract concepts to tangible outcomes. They were so excited to see their finished build for the lesson, especially when the rattlesnake used its shaking tail to ward off predators. Their collaboration and joy were truly a highlight of the day."

Hands-on learning makes learning more accessible for all students, yet only 55 percent of students globally get these experiences in science class, according to the report. LEGO Education Science unlocks 'aha' moments for students, empowers teachers, and engages the whole classroom with hands-on, collaborative lessons. Over 3,000 students in over 100 classrooms tested the new learning solution throughout its development.

"One of the most powerful things we can do as educators is to instill a lifelong love of learning in our students," said Andrew Sliwinski, Head of Product Experience at LEGO Education. "LEGO Education Science supports educators across the world to bring science standards to life in a new way with ready-made lessons and high quality, reusable LEGO bricks and hardware. I can't wait to see these learning experiences in the hands of students."

LEGO Education Science will begin shipping in August 2025. To learn more and sign up for updates, visit: www.LEGOEducation.com/science.

About LEGO Education Science

Includes 120+ lessons, teacher materials, and carefully selected LEGO bricks and hardware to enable hands-on learning

Provides getting started materials, lessons, standards mapping, facilitation notes, and ready-to-teach class presentations through the online Teacher Portal

Flexibility for teachers to select lessons based on grade bands (approximately 40 lessons per kit) or in the way that best supports their curriculum needs

Designed for use by up to four students per kit for increased collaboration and engagement

Available in three kits by grade band. In the U.S., it is recommended to purchase classroom bundles, but if purchased separately, the cost per kit is included below. In other markets, please contact your LEGO Education authorized reseller for complete pricing and availability. LEGO Education Science Kit K-2 ($329) 277 LEGO bricks 1 double motor USB charging cable Building instructions LEGO Education Science Kit 3-5 ($399) 335 LEGO bricks 1 double motor 1 controller 2 connection cards USB charging cable Building instructions LEGO Education Science Kit 6-8 ($499) 424 LEGO bricks 1 single motor 1 double motor 1 controller 1 color sensor 3 connection cards USB charging cable Building instructions



About the State of Classroom Engagement Report: Science Edition

A global survey conducted by LEGO Education of over 6,000 K-8 teachers, parents, students, and U.S. education administrators. Markets included Australia, Germany, South Korea, the UK, and the U.S. Total sample size: 6,650, including 2,400 teachers, 2,000 parents, 2,000 students (aged 5-14), and 250 U.S. education administrators. Fieldwork was completed May 15, 2024-June 15, 2024.

Download the report here. Key findings include:

Only a third (37 percent) of parents and half (52 percent) of science teachers surveyed globally believe students are engaged in science.

The majority of science teachers (73 percent) do not feel equipped to engage students in science, and 50 percent of U.S. administrators reported they don't understand how to effectively use science-specific resources.

Most science teachers and parents surveyed believe science education cultivates curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving, which are critical skills in the classroom and beyond.

Students with access to hands-on learning experiences are 1.5 times more likely to be confident in learning science than those that don't.

Three out of four science teachers who incorporate hands-on learning agree it fosters higher test scores and grades.

About LEGO Education

At LEGO Education, we are committed to providing educators and students with the most engaging, joyful learning experiences the classroom has ever seen. Part of the LEGO Group, our future-focused team of educators and innovators has built K-8 learning experiences for 45 years based on the LEGO brick, our learning through play methodology, and standards-driven learning outcomes. Together, we can equip every student with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed and empower them to rebuild the world better than they found it.

LEGO and the LEGO logo are trademarks and/or copyrights of the LEGO Group. 2025 The LEGO Group. All rights reserved.

Media Contact

Kelley Brescia

Kelley.brescia@LEGO.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/lego-education-announces-hands-on-learning-solution-for-k-8-science-302350164.html
DUBLIN, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- LUMA Vision Ltd., an innovative leader in Cardiac Navigation and Visualization technology, proudly announces the successful first-in-human use and enrollment in its LUMINIZE clinical study, using the groundbreaking VERAFEYE platform. This cutting-edge, four-dimensional catheter-based imaging system is designed to transform the field of interventional electrophysiology by providing unprecedented real-time visualization of the heart's chambers. The system magnetically tracks the navigation of 3rd party catheters, empowering clinicians to perform complex procedures with greater precision and control.

The VERAFEYE system combines state-of-the-art imaging technology with advanced maneuverability, enabling clinicians to capture highly detailed, four-dimensional images that update in real time. This allows for dynamic high-resolution navigation and visualization of the heart, crucial to performing today's advanced electrophysiology procedures with a wide variety of technologies. Traditional imaging catheters provide only two-dimensional imaging, often limiting clinicians' ability to view cardiac anatomy from all angles during procedures. The VERAFEYE catheter introduces a new era of intracardiac imaging, allowing for comprehensive, 360-degree visualization with enhanced depth and clarity. This enables the VERAFEYE Rapid Digital Anatomy (RDA) feature which allows clinicians to build CT quality reconstructions of both atrial chambers in under 60 seconds.

The first procedures, performed at the Mater Private Network, Dublin under the guidance of leading Electrophysiologist Professor Gabor Szeplaki, demonstrated the VERAFEYE systems potential to improve procedural workflows by enhancing accuracy, visualization, and control. Professor Szeplaki commented on the significance of this achievement: "The VERAFEYE system provides a level of detail and real-time spatial context that is unmatched by traditional imaging methods. This innovative technology represents a major leap forward in our ability to deliver precise and effective treatments for patients with complex heart conditions. VERAFEYE has the ability to provide all the navigation and imaging needed during today's single shot procedures in one system."

The successful use of the VERAFEYE system represents a significant step toward improving procedural workflows, improving patient outcomes, and broadening the potential for many of the innovative technologies that need navigation to deliver effective treatment. By providing real-time, volumetric images of the heart, interactive visualization, and navigation of catheters, the VERAFEYE system enables clinicians to make more informed decisions, potentially reducing procedure time and minimizing risks.

Fionn Lahart, CEO at LUMA Vision, expressed excitement about the technology's potential: "We are thrilled by this milestone and the future possibilities it opens for cardiac care in areas such as cardiac arrhythmias, left atrial appendage closure and structural heart conditions. The development of VERAFEYE is a testament to our team's commitment to pushing the boundaries of medical technology and with imminent market approval, we can equip clinicians with the tools they need to achieve better outcomes for patients worldwide."

About LUMA Vision

LUMA Vision is a privately held, medical device company based in Dublin, Ireland and Munich, Germany. LUMA Vision designs and develops cutting edge innovative technologies to significantly advance healthcare and solve truly global unmet clinical needs. VERAFEYE is a novel ultrasound based cardiac visualization and navigation platform for generating a 360-degree view, imaging all structures and devices around the catheter with an unprecedented field of view. With a commitment to advancing patient care, LUMA Vision focuses on delivering groundbreaking products that enhance clinical outcomes and improve lives around the world. LUMA Vision was founded by CEO Fionn Lahart and Chief Technology Officer Christoph Hennersperger. Learn more about LUMA Vision and VERAFEYE at www.lumavision.com

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2597555/LUMA_Vision_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/luma-vision-successfully-completes-first-in-human-procedures-with-its-novel-verafeye-navigation-and-visualization-platform-302350333.html
He is joined by Eva Longoria, Camille Cottin and Kim Go Eun as they embark on an enigmatic adventure showcasing Nespresso's covetable coffees

A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link.

VEVEY, Switzerland, Jan. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nespresso sets the stage for an enigmatic start of the year with global brand ambassador George Clooney, who returns to screens as 'Detective George'. Joining him are Eva Longoria, Camille Cottin, and Kim Go Eun in a mystery-inspired TV advert. Spotlighting Nespresso's exquisite offering of coffees as true treasures with unforgettable taste, the campaign depicts a playful coffee 'whodunit' set against an elegant backdrop.

The light-hearted yet suspenseful film transports viewers aboard a fictive luxurious train, where a captivating mystery takes place. A glamorous heiress, portrayed by Camille Cottin, reports a puzzling theft - not of her diamonds or pearls, but of her precious Nespresso coffee capsules. Thankfully, Detective George is on hand to investigate, uncovering clues and a suspicious cast of characters which ultimately lead him to the train's kitchen. As the tension builds, the question on everyone's mind is: who is behind the heist? Could it be the Chef, played by Eva Longoria? Or the Sous-Chef, played by Kim Go Eun?

Through playful twists and turns, the advert invites audiences to solve the mystery alongside Detective George, blending humour, charm, and sophistication - hallmarks of the Nespresso brand. The campaign offers a tantalising glimpse into the world of Nespresso, where each cup of coffee is a journey-filled with intrigue and unforgettable taste.

Watch the 60-second advert and 30-second advert

Speaking behind the scenes while shooting the film, George Clooney said: "Shooting with Nespresso is always a great time, and this particular campaign was unbelievably fun because of the script and the cast. This was my first time working with my long-time friend Eva, who made the perfect culinary duo with Kim trying to deceive me. They both brought such a vibrant energy to set and worked so seamlessly together. It was also wonderful to be reunited with Camille. She always brings a touch of sophistication, which was perfect for this role."

Eva Longoria also shared, "Nespresso campaigns are always iconic because of the casting, and I'm thrilled that I'm now part of the family. Shooting the campaign was such a fun experience because of how light and comedic the script was, as well as the rapport that we all had working alongside each other. I've known George for a long time, but this was our first time working on a project together, and it was such a pleasure being on set with him, Kim and Camille."

Commenting on her return to Nespresso, Camille Cottin mentioned: "It's such joy to reunite with George Clooney again and be part of this new Nespresso campaign. Working with him alongside two extremely talented women on a set built in the iconic Cinecitta studios in Rome was really fun. I had a great time with the entire team."

"I feel immense pride in being part on this global campaign," expressed Kim Go Eun. "Working with such a wonderful cast was an absolute joy, and we had a lot of fun bringing the script to life. Trying to deceive Detective George was definitely a highlight! Laughter filled our time on and off set. Collaborating with Nespresso has always been a pleasure, and this experience was truly special."

The advert will premiere globally on January 15, and is set to captivate audiences, bringing together coffee lovers and fans of cinematic storytelling. The mystery will also unfold for consumers across online, social media and in Nespresso boutiques throughout 2025.

CONTACTS

Nespresso HQ

JF Mercier

Global Brand PR

jean-francois.mercier@nespresso.com

Karla Otto London

Lewis Coffey

Global Communications

lewis.coffey@karlaotto.com

A PDF accompanying this announcement is available at http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/601e2190-1a2f-41c0-a791-f9ce96878845
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 14, 2025) - Kirkland Lake Discoveries (TSXV: KLDC) (OTC Pink: KLKLF) ("KLDC" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has completed its Phase 3 (Fall 2024) drill program at the Hargreaves shaft and the Jo Zone on the Goodfish-Kirana claim group. A total of five diamond drill holes (Table 1) aggregating 1,187 m were drilled completing the third of three phases previously announced (see July 20, 2023, news release).

The Company intersected anomalous gold at both the Jo Zone and Hargreaves shaft with highlights including:

Jo Zone (KLD24-27): Extensive gold mineralization across 37 m throughout the drill hole independent of rock type, including intervals of 4.5 m at 0.621 g/t Au, 13.66 m at 0.287 g/t Au, 1.2 m at 3.82 g/t Au, 5.6 m at 0.894 g/t Au, 5.23 m at 1.035 g/t Au and 7.29 m at 1.334 g/t Au

Hargreaves (KLD24-23, KLD24-24): Strong pervasive potassic-hematite alteration of syenite intercalated with Timiskaming conglomerate, similar to mineralization and alteration at Macassa and Young-Davidson Mines

Chief Executive Officer Stefan Sklepowicz commented, "The results from our Phase 3 drill program at the Jo Zone and Hargreaves shaft highlight the immense potential of our Goodfish-Kirana property. The extensive gold mineralization at the Jo Zone, independent of rock type, is particularly promising, while the newly identified gold zone in the Hargreaves footwall represents an exciting and untapped opportunity. These findings validate our exploration strategy and strengthen our commitment to unlocking the value of this district-scale land package."

The fall 2024 drill program had two objectives (see November 19, 2024, news release):

Target the area around and at the Hargreaves historical shaft Drill the Jo Zone footwall at the Jo Zone historical shaft

Figure 1 - Property map showing location of the Hargreaves and Jo Zone shafts.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5701/237105_42b1f189247908ad_001full.jpg

Table 1 - Drill hole locations and depths for Fall 2024 drill program.

Drill Hole # Easting Northing Azimuth Dip Total Depth (m) KLD24-23 578411 5336789 347 -45 180 KLD24-24 578411 5336789 035 -45 183 KLD24-25 578508 5337110 340 -45 303 KLD24-26 578420 5337171 343 -58 240 KLD24-27 573600 5338703 019 -65 281

Drill coordinates in UTM NAD83 Zone 17U datum. Total depth is drill core length.

Hargreaves Historical Shaft and Area Highlights

The Hargreaves shaft area (Figure 2) is hosted by Timiskaming sediments and conglomerates intruded by feldspar porphyry and syenite. It is located in close proximity to the Kirkland Lake Main Break, the same structure and geology responsible for the mile of seven mines in Kirkland Lake that hosted over 28 Moz of gold. The area features a significant concentration of historical pits and trenches, a 100 m deep shaft, positive surface sample results from 2024, and open-ended IP anomalies.

Figure 2 - Historical Hargreaves and Kirgood shafts underlain with LiDAR, bedrock geology, IP anomalies, structures, soil samples, gold showings, drill holes, and 2024 drill holes.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5701/237105_42b1f189247908ad_002full.jpg

Four drill holes (KLD24-23 through KLD24-26) were completed at the Hargreaves historical shaft area. Results are tabled below (Table 2).

Table 2 - Drill results for the Hargreaves shaft drilling.

Drill Hole # From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au g/t Comments KLD24-23 88 100 12.0 0.128 Altered Syenite KLD24-24 NSA







KLD24-25 NSA







KLD24-26 184.3 197.4 13.1 0.090 Strongly Altered & Deformed Gabbro

NSA=no significant assays

Holes KLD24-23 and KLD24-24 encountered strong pervasive potassic-hematite alteration of syenite intercalated with Timiskaming conglomerate. These formations exhibit quartz stockwork veining and local pyrite mineralization up to 5%, a geological environment similar to the Macassa Mine (Agnico Eagle) in the Kirkland Lake gold camp and the Young-Davidson gold mine (Alamos Gold) in Matachewan.

Notably, much of the syenite intersected in KLD24-23, between 27.5 and 162 meters downhole, contains anomalous gold values. These syenites were previously misidentified in surficial exploration efforts and align with an open-ended east-west IP anomaly. These findings underline the potential for significant mineralization, warranting further exploration and follow-up drilling.

Hole KLD24-26 intersected an anomalous gold system at the Hargreaves shaft. Silicification, bleaching, and pyrite mineralization in a gabbro revealed a previously untested gold zone in the Hargreaves vein footwall. This zone is also associated with an east-west open-ended IP anomaly.

Jo Zone Footwall Highlights

One drill hole KLD24-27 was completed at the Jo Zone historical shaft (Figure 3). The Jo Zone shear has a strike length of 650 m with mineralization to a vertical depth of 375 m. Anomalous and high-grade gold has been intersected in 88% of drill holes. Hole GK20-028 from a 2020 drill program intersected 1.22 g/t Au over 74 m starting at 87 m depth. This near surface intersection lies in the footwall to the Jo Zone and is interpreted to be an extensional vein system that has yet to be followed up on. Hangingwall high-grade gold mineralization was also intersected in previously drilled hole GK21-050 starting at 419.3 m, assaying 72.10 g/t Au in one half of the core and 561 g/t Au in the other half over 0.50 m, marking the highest assay to date on the Goodfish-Kirana Project. Highlights of drill hole KLD24-27 are provided in Table 3.

Figure 3 - Cross section of the Jo Zone holes GK20-028 and KLD24-27 with intercepted gold mineralization

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5701/237105_42b1f189247908ad_003full.jpg

Table 3 - Drill results for the Jo Zone drilling

Drill Hole # From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au g/t Comments KLD24-27 49.00 53.50 4.50 0.621 Jo Zone Footwall

128.20 141.86 13.66 0.287

including 134.54 141.86 7.32 0.396 Jo Zone Footwall

168.37 169.57 1.20 3.820 Quartz Feldspar Porphyry

175.40 181.00 5.60 0.894 Quartz Feldspar Porphyry

236.46 241.69 5.23 1.035 Jo Zone Shear

249.71 257.00 7.29 1.334 Breccia Zone and Hangingwall Fe-tholeiites including 254.00 255.00 1.00 5.417



Of significance in KLD24-27 is the extensive gold mineralization throughout the drill hole independent of rock type. Footwall Mg-tholeiites, an unexpected bleached and gold mineralized quartz-feldspar porphyry, the Jo Shear Zone, and the hangingwall Fe-tholeiites all contained widespread gold values. The Jo Zone remains a viable target of merit.

KLDC Treasure Hunters: Episode 8 - Drill Results

The Company is excited to share the results of its latest drill program in Episode 8 of KLDC Treasure Hunters. In this episode, Mike Kilbourne (Senior Geologist), Drake Hyden (Senior Geologist) and Stefan Sklepowicz (CEO) discuss the discovery of a new mineralized zone at Hargreaves, broad mineralization at Jo Zone, and the potential for similar look-a-likes.

The full episode is now available on the Company's YouTube Channel. Be sure to watch and stay updated on the progress of our exploration activities.

QP Statement

The technical information contained in this news release has been approved by Mike Kilbourne, P.Geo. who is a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

About Kirkland Lake Discoveries Corp.

Kirkland Lake Discoveries Corp. is a TSX Venture Exchange-listed company that has recently consolidated a district-scale, highly prospective land package in the Kirkland Lake Gold Camp in Ontario, Canada. The properties are situated within the Abitibi Greenstone Belt, one of the world's most richly endowed greenstone belts, with over 200 million ounces of gold produced to date.[1]

The Company's properties host regional and property-scale mineralized structures, considered second-order structures off the Larder Lake Cadillac Deformation Zone (LLCDZ), a major regional structure known for its spatial association with gold mines in the camp.

The properties assembled by the Company are grouped into two key areas: KL East, which includes the Lucky Strike Property, Arnold Property, and KL Central, and KL West, which encompasses the Goodfish-Kirana and the KL West Properties. KLDC's land position spans approximately 38,000 ha over 1,338 claims and 29 patented claims, making the Company the largest landholder in the Kirkland Lake region.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains 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 the future operations and activities of Kirkland Lake Discoveries, 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. Forward-looking statements in this news release relate to, among other things, the Company's three-phase drill program, the results thereof, and any impact therefrom. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by Kirkland Lake Discoveries, 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 ability to complete proposed exploration work, the results of exploration, continued availability of capital, changes in general economic, market and business conditions, and the ability to obtain any requisite approvals. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these items. Kirkland Lake Discoveries 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.

[1] Canada's Gold Exploration Frontier: The Abitibi Greenstone Belt - https://www.visualcapitalist.com/sp/canadas-gold-exploration-frontier-the-abitibi-greenstone-belt/

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/237105

SOURCE: Kirkland Lake Discoveries Corp.
TSXV: PGZ | OTCQX: PGZFF | FRA: 2EU

Escacena Project drill program to test five compelling new targets near the La Romana and Canada Honda copper-gold-tin discoveries - more than in any previous year

Drilling currently underway at La Romana copper-tin-silver deposit in preparation for maiden NI 43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate by mid-2025, including several wide step-out drillholes

Second drill rig being mobilized for maiden drill program at the highly prospective Bravo target 1km east of La Romana

Third drill rig scheduled to test the copper-nickel-cobalt-gold Carmenes Project in northern Spain in January

Robust treasury to fund 2025 programs

VANCOUVER, BC, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pan Global Resources Inc. ("Pan Global" or the "Company") (TSXV: PGZ) (OTCQX: PGZFF) (FRA: 2EU) today announced details of the 2025 exploration programs at the Company's 100%-owned Escacena and Carmenes Projects in Spain.

Extensive field exploration over the past year identified multiple drill targets at both the flagship Escacena Project in Andalucia and the highly prospective Carmenes Project north of Leon in northern Spain. The 2025 drilling campaign has already commenced and is ramping up to three drill rigs, including drilling of five new previously untested targets at Escacena and two anomalies at Carmenes. The campaign also aims to further delineate the extent of the La Romana deposit ahead of a maiden mineral resource estimate. This drill program will be completed by mid-2025.

"Of the more than 15 geophysical and geochemical anomalies at the target-rich Escacena Project, Pan Global's technical team has prioritized five compelling targets with coincident multi-indicators of mineralization for immediate drilling. In addition, the maiden drill programs at the Providencia and Profunda targets at Carmenes will commence this month. With the types of ore deposits being targeted typically occurring in clusters, the new discovery potential at both Escacena and Carmenes is high," said Pan Global President and CEO Tim Moody.

"At the La Romana copper-tin-silver deposit, wide step-out drilling is currently underway to test the extension of this mineralization beyond the 1.5km surface strike in preparation for a maiden resource. Drilling in 2024 showed the copper-tin-silver mineralization at La Romana is wide open, with grade increasing to the west and potential to significantly expand the deposit in several directions," said Mr. Moody.

The large high-priority Bravo target (approximately 1km east and along-trend from La Romana) has advanced to drill-ready stage and the maiden drill program will commence this month with drill positions currently being selected.

"All of the operating copper mines on the Iberian Pyrite Belt are comprised of multiple deposits, and several exceed more than 100 million tonnes in size. We are confident that with more than a dozen geophysical and geochemical anomalies at the Escacena Project remaining to be tested, the goal of discovering multiple deposits totalling 100 million tonnes of resource can be achieved," said Mr. Moody.

2025 Exploration Plan:

Three drill rigs will be active at the Escacena and Carmenes Projects, with more than 22 drillholes (~6,830 meters) planned on new targets in addition to expansion drilling at the La Romana discovery

At the Escacena Project, two drill rigs will focus on five untested targets - Bravo, Barbacena, Encina, Cortijo and El Pozo (see Figure 1 below)

A third drill rig will test the Providencia and Profunda targets in the Carmenes Project and a Heliborne Transient Electromagnetic survey will commence in January to identify additional targets beyond Providencia and Profunda

Maiden La Romana NI 43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate by mid-2025

Field exploration at Escacena will continue to asses the potential drill targets on additional anomalies

About the Escacena Project

The Escacena Project comprises a large, contiguous, 5,760-hectare land package controlled 100% by Pan Global in the east of the Iberian Pyrite Belt. The areas is highly prospective for volcanogenic massive mineralization. Escacena is located near the Las Cruces mine operated by Cobre Las Cruces/First Quantum, and is immediately adjacent to the former Aznalcollar and Los Frailes mines where Minera Los Frailes/Grupo Mexico is in the final permitting stage to allow new mine construction to commence. The Escacena Project hosts Pan Global's La Romana copper-tin-silver and Canada Honda copper-gold discoveries, and a number of other prospective targets, including, Bravo, Barbacena, El Pozo, Romana Norte, San Pablo, Zarcita, Hornitos, La Jarosa, Romana Deep, and Cortijo. A longer-term goal is to define 100 million tonnes of copper resources from a cluster of deposits in the Project area, comparable to other mine operations in the Iberian Pyrite Belt.

About the Carmenes Project

The Carmenes Project is located approx. 55km north of Leon in northern Spain and comprises five Investigation Permits totalling 5,653 hectares held 100% by Pan Global. The Project area includes the former Profunda and Providencia copper-cobalt-nickel underground mines that were operated continuously between 1860 and 1880, and intermittently until the 1930s. The Project area is highly prospective for carbonate-hosted "pipe-like" breccia style mineralization, with evidence of high grades of copper, nickel, cobalt, and gold. Initial exploration is targeting extensions to the copper-nickel-cobalt-gold mineralization beneath and adjacent to the mine workings. Numerous other smaller historical mine workings highlight potential for additional breccia pipes and other styles of mineralization.

About Pan Global Resources

Pan Global Resources Inc. is actively targeting copper-rich mineral deposits, given copper's compelling supply-demand fundamentals and outlook for strong long-term prices as a critical metal for global electrification and energy transition. The Company's flagship Escacena Project is located in the prolific Iberian Pyrite Belt in southern Spain, where a favourable permitting track record, excellent infrastructure, mining and professional expertise, and support for copper as a Strategic Raw Material by the European Commission collectively define a tier-one low-risk jurisdiction for mining investment. The Pan Global team comprises proven talent in exploration, discovery, development, and mine operations - all of which are committed to operating safely and with utmost respect for the environment and our partnered communities. The Company is a member, and operates under the principles, of the United Nations Global Compact.

Qualified Persons

Alvaro Merino, Vice President Exploration for Pan Global Resources and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has approved the scientific and technical information for this media release. Mr. Merino is not independent of the Company.

Forward-looking statements

Statements which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future. It is important to note that actual outcomes and the Company's actual results could differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information included in this media release are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking information should not be unduly relied upon. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, economic, competitive, governmental, environmental, and technological factors that may affect the Company's operations, markets, products, and prices. Readers should refer to the risk disclosures outlined in the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis of its audited financial statements filed with the British Columbia Securities Commission.

The forward-looking information contained in this media release is based on information available to the Company as of the date of this media release. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking information.

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.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Jason Mercier, VP Investor Relations and Communications, jason@panglobalresources.com / investors@panglobalresources.com, Tel: +1-236-886-9518, www.panglobalresources.com

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2596858/Pan_Global_Resources_Inc__PAN_GLOBAL_ACCELERATES_2025_EXPLORATIO.jpg

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2596882/Pan_Global_Resources_Inc__PAN_GLOBAL_ACCELERATES_2025_EXPLORATIO.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/pan-global-accelerates-2025-exploration-programs-to-test-multiple-copper-gold-tin-targets-in-spain-302350217.html
American Critical Minerals Corp. ("American Critical Minerals" or the"Company") (CSE:KCLI)(OTC PINK:APCOD)(Frankfurt:2P3) is pleased to provide a corporate update following the successful completion of several key initiatives in the final quarter of 2024 which position the Company well as it focuses on executing its core business plan and delivering shareholder value.

Fully Permitted for Potash, Lithium and By-Product Exploration & Development across all Federal and State Lands at Company's Green River Project - 7 Holes approved for Confirmation / Resource Drilling:

On October 2 2024, following a multi-year process, the US Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management ("BLM") approved the Company's Plan of Operations, including issuing 11 Prospecting Permits and authorizing 4 exploratory drill holes relating to approx. 25,480 acres of the Company's Green River Project in the Paradox Basin, Utah within the federally administered Red Wash Potash Leasing Area. Such approval is subject to standard terms and conditions, including environmental commitments (for BLM decision see BLM National NEPA Register):

American Critical Minerals is now one of only two companies across the entire Paradox Basin which has Federal Potash Prospecting Permits;

When combined with its BLM Placer Claims (lithium and by-products) and its State Leases, the Company has prospecting permits for both potash and lithium across its Green River Project (in excess of 32,530 acres);

The Company now has a total of 7 exploratory drill holes authorized and is positioned for brownfield / confirmation drilling: to validate high grade potash potential per exploration target of 600 million to 1 billion tonnes of sylvinite (average grades ranging from 19% to 29% KCL)*; to validate continuity of lithium brine formations / large lithium resources discovered in neighboring Anson Resources properties, both to the north and south and as shown in historic oil well data; and to establish an initial resource for potash, lithium and potential by-products.

The Paradox Basin is one of only eight designated Potash Super Basins globally with decades of historical potash production (www.intrepidpotash.com);

Recent development work has also validated the Basin's potential as one of the largest domestic sources of lithium in the US (www.ansonresources.com); and

The Company's Green River Project is in the heart of the Basin, which is producing potash and being developed for lithium, as such the Company is well positioned to help the US secure Supply Chain Independence for these critical minerals.

Re-branding, Name and Symbol Change and Strengthened Balance Sheet / Capital Structure

In late December 2024, the Company changed its name from "American Potash Corp." to "American Critical Minerals Corp." and adopted the new ticker symbol "KCLI". In addition to existing potash production, the Paradox Basin is now established as a major source of lithium brines in the United States. With the piloting and advanced development work on projects neighboring the Company's Green River Project (adjacent to the north and southeast), the scale of this opportunity is becoming more established. In addition to its existing NI 43-101 potash exploration target of 600 million to 1 billion tonnes of sylvinite with grades between 19 and 29% KCL*, the Green River Project is underlain by the combined Mississippian Leadville Formation and the Pennsylvanian Paradox Formation brine-bearing clastic layers, including lithium brines.

Lithium is well established as a critical mineral in the United States. Potash is already designated as such in a number of countries given its centrality to the domestic agricultural sector and the fact that the U.S. import dependency rate is over 90%, the United States Congress is actively considering adding potash to the National Critical Minerals list.** The Company believes that re-branding as American Critical Minerals better describes the opportunities it is pursuing. Potash and lithium are now both a key area of focus for the Company and it has re-branded accordingly.

In late December 2024, the Company also strengthened its balance sheet with an oversubscribed financing for gross proceeds of $1,076,400 to continue to advance the Company's Green River Project, focusing on both potash and lithium evaluation and exploration, and for general working capital purposes. The Company also consolidated its outstanding common share capital at a ratio of 2.5 pre-consolidation shares to 1 post-consolidation share. As a result of the consolidation and following completion of the financing, the number of issued and outstanding common shares was reduced from 137,077,449 to 54,830,979 shares providing the Company with a tighter capital structure moving forward.

Simon Clarke, President and CEO stated,"the Company enters 2025 in excellent shape and well positioned to execute its plans to launch confirmation / brownfield drilling and publish maiden potash and lithium resources during 2025. The final months of 2024 were highly successful for the Company and I would like to also thank the excellent team and Board of Directors that were assembled mid-late 2024 for all their efforts in helping drive the Company forward".

About American Critical Minerals' Green River Potash and Lithium Project

The Green River Potash and Lithium Project is situated within Utah's highly productive Paradox Basin, located 20 miles northwest of Moab, Utah and has significant logistical advantages including close proximity to major rail hubs, airport, roads, water, towns and labour markets. It also benefits from close proximity to the agricultural and industrial heartland of America and numerous potential end-users for its products.

The history of oil and gas production across the Paradox Basin provides geologic data from historic wells across the Project, and the wider Basin, validating and de-risking the potential for high grade potash and large amounts of contained lithium. Wells in and around the project reported lithium up to 500 parts per million ("ppm"), bromine up to 6,100 ppm and boron up to 1,260 ppm (Gilbride & Santos, 2012). This data is reinforced by nearby potash production and the advanced stage of neighbouring lithium projects. The Paradox Basin is believed to contain up to 56 billion tonnes of lithium brines, potentially the largest such resource in US.

The Company holds a 100% interest in eleven State of Utah (SITLA) mineral and minerals salt leases covering approximately 7,050 acres, 1,094 federal lithium brine claims (BLM Placer Claims) covering 21,150 acres, and 11 federal (BLM) potash prospecting permits covering approximately 25,480 acres. Through these leases, permits and claims the Company has the ability to explore for potash, lithium and potential by-products across the entire Green River Project (approx. 32,530 acres). The Company is authorized to drill a total of 7exploratory drill holes across the Project (pending bonding the recently issued [approved] 4 drill holes).

Intrepid Potash Inc. (NYSE: IPI) is America's largest potash company and only U.S. domestic potash producer and currently produces potash from its nearby Moab Solution Mine, which the Company believes provides strong evidence of stratigraphic continuity within this part of the Paradox Basin (www.intrepidpotash.com). Anson Resources Ltd. (ASX: ASN) has advanced lithium development projects contiguous to the northern boundary of our Green River Project and neighbouring to the south. Anson has a large initial resource, robust definitive feasibility study and has commenced piloting operations through its partnership with Koch Technology Solutions ("KTS"), as well as an offtake agreement with LG Energy Solution. The Anson exploration targets encompasses the combined Mississippian Leadville Formation and the Pennsylvanian Paradox Formation brine-bearing clastic layers, which also underlie American Critical Minerals' entire project area. (www.ansonresources.com)

In 2022, the U.S. imported approx. 96.5% of its annual potash requirements with domestic producers receiving a higher sales price due to proximity to market (intrepidpotash.com/ August 15, 2024, Investor Presentation). In March 2024, the US Senate introduce a Bill to include key fertilizers and potash on US Department of Interior list of Critical Minerals which already includes lithium. Recent market estimates suggest that the global potash market is over US$50 billion annually and growing at a compound annual growth rate ("CAGR") of close to 5%. Lithium demand is now estimated to be over 1 million tonnes globally and growing at close to a 20% CAGR.

Qualified Person

The Technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dean Besserer, P.Geo., the Chief Operations Officer ("COO") of the Company and a qualified person for the purposes of NI 43-101.

Engagement of SmallCap Communications Inc.

The Company also announces it has entered into an agreement with SmallCap Communications Inc., to provide strategic digital marketing services including; advertising and creative content development, lead generation campaigns, email campaigns, general consulting and strategic direction. The term of the engagement is for an initial period of four months commencing January 14, 2025 for aggregate cash consideration of C$150,000. SmallCap Communications Inc. and its principals are arm's length to the Company and as of the date hereof, to the Company's knowledge, SmallCap Communications Inc. (including its directors and officers) do not own any securities of the Company. The Company does not propose to issue any securities to SmallCap Communications Inc. in consideration for the services to be provided to the Company. SmallCap Communications Inc. can be reached at: 1245-200 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 1S4 and rebecca@smallcapcommunications.com.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Simon Clarke, President & CEO

Contact: (604)-551-9665

*Agapito Associates Inc. Technical report (October 2012) quantifies the Green River Potash Project's potash exploration potential in the form of a NI 43-101 Exploration Target. The Exploration Target estimate was prepared in accordance with the National Instrument 43-101 -Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). It should be noted that Exploration Targets are conceptual in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define them as Mineral Resources, and, while reasonable potential may exist, it is uncertain whether further exploration will result in the determination of a Mineral Resource under NI 43-101. The Exploration Target stated in the Agapito Report is not being reported as part of any Mineral Resource or Mineral Reserve.

**United States Geological Survey, Mineral Commodity Summaries, January 2024 (https://pubs.usgs.gov/periodicals/mcs2024/mcs2024-potash.pdf).

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking information is typically identified by words such as: believe, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from this forward-looking information include those described under the heading "Risks and Uncertainties" in the Company's most recently filed MD&A. The Company does not intend, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or revise the forward-looking information contained in this news release, except as required by law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. Such statements include, without limitation, statements regarding future confirmation drilling and its intended outcomes and the intended use of proceeds from the oversubscribed financing. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurances that such expectations will prove to be correct. All such forward-looking information is based on certain assumptions and analyses made by the Company in light of their experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors management believes are appropriate in the circumstances. This information, however, is subject to a variety of risks and information.

SOURCE: American Critical Minerals Corp

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 14, 2025) - Stock Trend Capital Inc. (CSE: PUMP) (FSE: P0G) (PTC Pink: STOCF) (the "Company" or "Stock Trend") announces that the Company has entered into a loan agreement (the "Loan Agreement") dated January 7, 2025, with 1001070426 Ontario Inc. dba eGOD Digital Labs ("eGod" or "the "Borrower"), whereby the Company has agreed to provide the Borrower with a loan in the amount of $1,000,000 (the "Loan"). The Loan is to support the Borrower's strategic initiatives and business operations.

The Loan: (i) accrues interest on the loan amount at a rate equal to 10% per annum; (ii) matures on June 30, 2026 (the "Maturity Date"); and (iii) is secured by first-priority security interest on the personal property of the Borrower, pursuant to a general security agreement.

In connection with the Loan, the Borrower agreed to issue to the Company an anti-dilution warrant (the "Anti-Dilution Warrant"), which entitles the Company to exercise the warrant to 25% of the Borrower for nominal consideration. The Borrower also agreed to pay Stock Trend a royalty in the amount of 7% of the revenue generated by the Borrower until a total amount of royalty of $500,000 has been paid to the Company (the "Royalty"). In addition, the Company has the right to elect to convert all or part of the Loan, together with any accrued interest and including the full Royalty entitlement, into fully-paid and non-assessable common shares of eGod, which if exercised by the Company may result in the Company owning more than 51% of the Borrower, inclusive of an exercise of the Anti-Dilution Warrant.

We are excited to provide this financial support to eGod Digital Labs and look forward to fostering the growth and success of their operations," said Anthony Durkacz, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Stock Trend Capital, "This agreement underscores our commitment to investing in high-potential opportunities while ensuring value for our shareholders through robust protections like anti-dilution warrants and royalty payments."

About eGOD Digital Labs

eGOD Digital Labs is focused on becoming a leader in the Dogecoin and Litecoin mining space. eGOD is dedicated to building sustainable, efficient, and scalable solutions that strengthen these networks. By leveraging advanced mining systems, eGOD aims to support the long-term growth and potential of Dogecoin and Litecoin. For additional information please visit www.egoddigital.com.

About Stock Trend

Stock Trend Capital Inc. is an investment issuer primarily focused on the AI sector, crypto sector, and the Canadian cannabis industry. The issuer intends to focus on investing in private and public entities with strong intellectual property, exceptional management and high growth potential that may be strategically positioned in the market.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of

STOCK TREND CAPITAL INC.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions, assumptions, factors and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. The opinions, assumptions, factors and estimates which may prove to be incorrect.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors include, among others: general economic, market, or business conditions; uninsured risks; regulatory changes; and 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. Forward-looking information in this news release may include statements about the completion of the Loan, the terms of the Loan, the use of proceeds from the Loan, and statements regarding management's expectations on the Company's future performance among other statements.

The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this release. Neither the CSE 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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/237039

SOURCE: Stock Trend Capital Inc.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 14, 2025) - Volta Metals Ltd. (CSE: VLTA) (FSE: D0W) ("Volta" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the results from the initial sampling of its recently acquired, wholly owned, ZigZag Property (the "Property"), that is contiguous to its Falcon West Lithium Project, located in the Thunder Bay Mining District of Northwest Ontario, Canada (Figure 1).







Figure 1. Dempster East Pegmatite and Falcon West Swarm mineralization trend in relation to the Company's large land package.

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A total of 21 samples (six representative characterization samples and 15 channel samples) were collected immediately following the acquisition of the ZigZag Project in November 2024 (See Company's news release dated November 22, 2024). The assays from these samples confirm the presence of very high-grade Lithium, Tantalum, Cesium, Rubidium, and Gallium mineralization at the Dempster East pegmatite located 7 km west of the Company's Falcon West pegmatite swarm (Table 1).

Table 1. Channel composite and grab sample lab results from Dempster East pegmatite on Volta's ZigZag Property





Li Li2O Be Cs Rb Nb Ta Ga Sn Nb/Ta K/Rb Unit Symbol ppm % ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm



Detection Limit 15

3 0.1 0.4 2.4 0.2 0.2 0.5



C476301 Grab 5530 1.20 151 330 2910 60.7 78.8 63.1 86.9 0.77 9.6 C476302 Grab 6800 1.48 92 799 3980 32.8 239 50.5 58.8 0.14 9.0 C476303 Grab 10900 2.37 187 479 2650 43.2 110 57.7 106 0.39 11.7 C476304 Grab 15000 3.26 36 813 2340 30.8 216 67.4 208 0.14 10.3 C476305 Grab 6620 1.44 103 857 4540 41 361 43.9 197 0.11 8.8 C476306 Grab 2790 0.61 135 160 995 97.3 262 56.8 69.3 0.37 9.0 C476307 Channel 10700 2.33 148 573 2660 38.9 186 66.1 97.7 0.21 7.5 C476308 Channel 9560 2.08 143 468 2150 38.9 345 54.1 628 0.11 7.4 C476311 Channel 5580 1.21 231 404 3070 58.8 107 54.7 68.7 0.55 8.8 C476312 Channel 1020 0.22 210 287 1650 85 145 60.4 98.7 0.59 7.3 C476315 Channel 2920 0.63 271 802 4920 78.5 457 78.1 214 0.17 5.7 C476316 Channel 4470 0.97 216 844 3110 52.4 395 64 156 0.13 4.8 C476317 Channel 5480 1.19 59 1240 4610 43.5 421 57.6 152 0.10 4.8 C476318 Channel 13700 2.98 79 1130 3020 37.9 196 73.8 189 0.19 5.0 C476319 Channel 9140 1.99 188 746 1880 55 159 59.5 91.1 0.35 7.4 C476320 Channel 5150 1.12 112 206 3070 44.4 66.7 48.1 47.6 0.67 11.1 C476322 Channel 1130 0.25 66 1970 3550 30.5 153 32.5 74.3 0.20 5.4 MEAN

6852 1.49 143 712 3006 51 229 58 150 0.31 7.9

The Company's technical advisor, Dr. Fred Breaks, reviewed the data and commented, "The initial bulk rock chemical data reveal significant pegmatite evolution that infers a transition from albite-spodumene-type into a complex-type pegmatite system. The elevated fractionation is highlighted by maximum values of Ta (457 ppm), Cs (1970 ppm), Rb (4920 ppm), Ga (78.1 ppm), and Sn (628 ppm), coupled with low, very evolved Nb/Ta and K/Rb ratios. Tantalum, a valuable specialty metal, ranges from 67 to 457 ppm. These data indicate their concentrations overlap the lower range of variation for these metals at the North Aubry and South Aubry pegmatites (Seymour Deposit 10.3Mt @ 1.03% Li2O), situated 20 km to the southwest (Tindle, Selway, and Breaks 2002), and signify the potential presence of further evolved spodumene pegmatites proximal to the Dempster East pegmatite."

ZigZag Property Geological Setting

The ZigZag property is located within the Caribou Greenstone Belt, which trends east-northeast along the top of Lake Nipigon. The Caribou Lake Greenstone Belt extends eastward from the larger Onamon-Tashota Greenstone Belt, and lies along the northern margin of the Wabigoon Subprovince and associated granitoid intrusions.

Structurally, the ZigZag property is bisected by two major deep-seated crustal structural trends that are considered to control significant lithium pegmatite swarms at Falcon West and the Aubury Pegmatite systems (Figure 2). The property is unexplored, and the Company considers the potential for the discovery of Ta-rich Lithium pegmatites as good to excellent.

Figure 2. Regional Geology Map - ZigZag Property, NW Ontario

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Dempster East Pegmatite

The Dempster East pegmatite was discovered in 1956 and initially explored by Dempster Explorations Ltd. The outcropping irregular pegmatite body has an inferred length of 56m. The dip of the pegmatite and its size are currently unknown. However, the outcrop lies on the side of a small hill, indicating the potential for a large size pegmatite body (Photo 1).

Six historic channel samples by Dempster Explorations Ltd. indicate an average grade of 1.88% Li2O. The mineralogy comprises abundant potassic feldspar and fine-grained prismatic spodumene associated with quartz, albite, muscovite, accessory blue apatite, and black tourmaline. There is no record of any historical drilling.

The recent sampling by the Company indicates the presence of high grade rare elements such as Gallium, Tantalum, Cesium and Rubidium, in addition to high-grade Lithium. The data indicates that the Dempster East pegmatite is highly evolved, marking the transition from an albite-spodumene type to a complex type pegmatite system, as is the case with Green Technology Metals' North Aubry pegmatite deposit to the west.

The Dempster East pegmatite has not been fully exposed on surface. The next steps of exploration will include stripping, prospecting, mapping, structural and a geophysical study of the area.

ASSAY RESULTS

Lithium

The average Li2O content in samples devoid of host rock enclaves is 1.49 wt.% Li2O (range: 0.22 to 3.26 wt.%) which compares well with the historical average of 1.88 wt.% Li2O.

Bulk rock analyses of the rare metals and fractionation indicator ratios (K/Rb and Nb/Ta) are presented in Table 1. A comparison of the Dempster East pegmatite with other lithium pegmatites in the Caribou Lake greenstone belt and elsewhere is given in Table 2. Calculation of the mean rare metal content for the Dempster East pegmatite was undertaken by filtering out samples with obvious host rock contamination as evidenced by significantly higher Ca, Fe, and Mg contents, as marked by asterisks in Table 1.

The lithochemistry accrued from this early stage of exploration will greatly aid in continuing exploration of the larger mineralized system. The presence of more evolved pegmatites supports the exploration model that two pegmatites systems may coalesce in the larger land package, with significant discovery potential to the east of the Dempster East pegmatite, towards the Companies Falcon West property as well as to the southwest. The company plans to continue to explore these highly prospective areas and generate additional targets for initial discovery drill testing.

Table 2. Comparative data for Li, Cs, Rb, Be, Ta, Nb, and Ga and ratios K/Rb and Nb/Ta for the Dempster East pegmatite vs other lithium pegmatites from the Caribou Lake greenstone belt and elsewhere



Lithium (ppm) Beryllium (ppm) Rubidium (ppm) Cesium (ppm) Gallium (ppm) Niobium (ppm) Tantalum (ppm) K/Rb Nb/Ta n Source

Mean Range Mean Range Mean Range Mean Range Mean Range Mean Range Mean Range Mean Range Mean Range



Dempster East spodumene pegmatite 6852 1020-15000 143 36-271 3006 995-4920 712 160-1970 58 32.5-78.1 51.2 30.8-97.3 229 66.7-457 7.9 4.8-11.7 0.31 0.10-0.77 16

Swole Lake complex-type, lepidolite-subtype pegmatite 615

272

843

41

41

77 327



21.1

0.23

1 1 North Aubry complex-type, spodumene-subtype Pegmatite 2296 12-15967 294 4-169 1894 34-10601 323 8-3284 75 37-247 396 9-9339 1197 47-10263 12.7 6-47.1 0.53 0.05-1.37 26 1 South Aubry complex-type, spodumene-subtype Pegmatite 2650 32-10140 186 13-411 1400 39-4310 268 19-916 42 31-46 36.2 24-72 97.6 7.4-300 13.2 12.8-13.3 0.63 0.12-1.44 5 1 AM albite-spodumene-type pegmatite, Falcon West (Volta Metals channel data) 5818 1560-7820 147 120-190 2576 2140-3220 210 118-267 58 47.9-68.1 64.1 53-73.8 65.6 29.7-79.4 8 7.7-9.0 1.3 0.4-2.0 7

Tanco complex-type pegmatite,Manitoba (average) 3534

221

5300

4526

79

90

649

5.5

0.14



2

n= number of samples

1. Tindle, A.G., Selway, J.B. and Breaks, F.W. 2006.Electron Microprobe and Bulk Rock and Mineral Compositions of Barren and Fertile

Peraluminous Granitic Rocks and Rare-Element Pegmatites, North-Central and Northeastern Superior Province of Ontario, Miscellaneous Release Data 210.

2. Stilling, A.1997. Bulk composition of the Tanco pegmatite at Bernic Lake, Manitoba, Canada.Unpublished MSc thesis, University of Manitoba, 76p.

Tantalum

Tantalum is significantly enriched in the Dempster East pegmatite. It has a mean value of 229 ppm and an overall range of 66.7 to 457 ppm, with 70% of analyses exceeding 100 ppm (Table 1). The Nb/Ta ratio has a mean upper continental crust average of 16 and reveals strong fractionation as ratios plunge to 0.10 - 0.67 (Table 2), which typically occurs in complex-type pegmatite systems such as the Tanco pegmatite deposit at Bernic Lake, Manitoba (Table 2).

As a reference, the average Ta at Greenbushes mine, Western Australia is 127ppm.

Cesium

The cesium contents of the Dempster East pegmatite areconsiderably elevated, with a mean of 712 ppm and a range of 160 to 1,970 ppm that infer a transition to a complex-type pegmatite system. Similar cesium values are documented from the adjacent North and South Aubry pegmatite deposits (323 and 268 ppm, respectively).

Furthermore, the mean cesium at Dempster East is considerably higher than the AM lithium pegmatite (210 ppm), 7km to the northeast that forms part of the Company's Falcon Lake pegmatite group, and supports an east-to-southwest direction of increasing fractionation for the ZigZag claim block. This supports previous data collected on Falcon West, that suggests the entire 7km unexplored structural fairway has good to excellent potential to host increasingly evolved pegmatites, containing multi-element rare elements.

Rubidium

Rubidium is also enriched with a mean value of 3,006 ppm (ranging from 995 to 4,920 ppm) and broadly shows a positive correlation with cesium. A significant number of Rb anomalies (61%) exceed the 2,000 ppm level. The K/Rb ratio, a useful indicator of magmatic fractionation, has a mean of 8.3 in a restricted range of 4.1 to 11.7 that overlaps the average for the Tanco pegmatite deposit at 5.5 and the data population of the North Aubry pegmatite (Table 2).

Gallium

Gallium is enriched in all samples with a mean of 58 ppm and a range of 32.5 to 78.1 ppm.

Gallium, is a critical component in semiconductors, telecommunications, renewable energy sectors and may also be considered as a possible heat exchange medium in nuclear reactors. Canada and the U.S. rely on gallium for telecommunications, defense, and green energy. Gallium is also used in semiconductors, AI circuitry, radar and microchips.

Photo 1. Channel sampling along the Dempster East Pegmatite on the ZigZag Property



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Geopolitical Considerations:

On December 3, 2024, China announced an immediate ban on the export of multiple critical metals, including gallium, exacerbating supply chain challenges. These restrictions are part of a broader trade conflict over critical technologies. Countries like the U.S., Canada, and numerous European countries are ramping up efforts to develop domestic gallium and rare earth sources and processing capabilities to reduce reliance on China.

China currently accounts for 98% of worldwide primary low-purity gallium production.

Despite gallium's importance to today's and future technologies, the United States is reliant on imports for 100% of its supply of this avant-garde tech metal. Most of these supplies, come from China. Canada currently has partnerships for critical minerals with the U.K., U.S., Australia, and Japan (https://www.canada.ca/en/campaign/critical-minerals-in-canada/our-critical-minerals-strategic-partnerships.html).

For reference, the Codero Deposit in Nevada is one of the largest unmined primary gallium deposits in North America, and contains 15M tonnes at 47.7ppm, with a cut off grade at 30ppm.

Tantalum

In Canada, the Sinomine owned Tanco Mine in Manitoba, has the largest tantalum reserves in Canada, estimated reserves of 2.1M tonnes of ore grading 0.22% tantalum. The mine also has 7.3M tonnes of ore grading 2.76% lithium. Tantalum has not been mined in the U.S. since 1959.

The most important uses for tantalum are in electrolytic capacitors and corrosion-resistant chemical equipment. Tantalum capacitors have the highest capacitance per unit volume of any capacitors and are used extensively in miniaturized electrical circuitry.

Rubidium

Today most rubidium is obtained as a byproduct of lithium. Rubidium has a critical role in emerging technologies and its limited supply make it a valuable strategic resource in quantum research. Rubidium is also used in fiber optics night-vision technology and telecommunications.

Upcoming Events

The Company will be attending and exhibiting on site at the 2025 Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada event ("PDAC 2025") in Toronto, ON. Volta is exhibiting in the Investors Exchange from March 2-5, 2025 at booth number 2728.

Additionally, Volta is pleased to announce that the Company has been selected to present at the Investor Forum as part of the Electric Materials at PDAC 2025. More details for the presentations can be found at this link: https://pdac.ca/convention-2025/programming-2025/corporate-presentation-forum-for-investors-2025/electric-materials-2-2025.

For more information on PDAC 2025, please click here.

Qualified Person

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Andrew Tims, P.Geo., who is an independent Qualified Person (QP) as defined in National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. The QP and the Company have not completed sufficient work to verify the historical information on the Properties, particularly regarding historical exploration, neighbouring companies, and government geological work.

For more information about the Company, view Volta's website at www.voltametals.ca.

ABOUT VOLTA METALS LTD.

Volta Metals Ltd. (CSE: VLTA) is a mineral exploration company focused on lithium, cesium, and tantalum and is based in Toronto, Ontario. It is currently exploring a critical minerals portfolio of lithium, cesium, tantalum and gallium projects in Northwestern Ontario, considered one of the most prolific emerging hard-rock lithium districts in the world. To find out more about Volta and its flagship Falcon West/ZigZag Project, please visit www.voltametals.ca.

Neither the CSE nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains forward-looking statements relating to product development, plans, strategies, and other statements that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "will," "may," "should," "anticipate," "expects," and similar expressions. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking information in this news release includes but is not limited to, the anticipated use of the net proceeds from the Offerings and the receipt of all necessary approvals for the Offering. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company's expectations include the risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulators; the fact that Volta's interests in its mineral properties are options only and there are no guarantee that such interest if earned, will be certain; the future prices and demand for lithium; and delays or the inability of the Company to obtain any necessary approvals, permits and authorizations required to carry out its business plans. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, other than as required by law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/237073

SOURCE: Volta Metals Ltd.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 14, 2025) - Legend Power Systems (TSXV: LPS) (OTCQB: LPSIF) ("Legend Power" or the "Company") a global leader in commercial electrical system solutions, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Unity Electric, an Equans company and the premier electrical contractor in the New York City metro area. This agreement marks a significant step in expanding the availability of Legend Power's SmartGATE platform to address critical power challenges for commercial properties in one of the world's most dynamic real estate markets.

Unity Electric is renowned for its extensive expertise and exceptional client portfolio, which includes many of the top names in New York commercial real estate. With this partnership, Unity Electric will serve as a key sales, distribution, and installation partner for SmartGATE, enhancing customer access to this new technology. Additionally, leveraging Equans' network of companies and capabilities across the globe, including its $19 billion in annual revenue and operations in more than 20 countries, opens new opportunities to scale Legend Power's solutions into new markets and industries.

"Partnering with Unity Electric aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver transformative energy solutions to commercial properties," said Mike Cioce, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Legend Power Systems. "Their strong presence in NYC and their connection to Equans' vast resources create an incredible platform to expand SmartGATE's impact. Together, we aim to address the region's unique power challenges, improve energy reliability, and drive customer goals."

SmartGATE is a turnkey energy management solution designed to optimize building electrical systems, improving performance and reducing energy waste. In NYC, where aging infrastructure and demanding energy profiles are prevalent creating power stability and quality challenges, SmartGATE provides a reliable and effective tool for managing these challenges. By deploying SmartGATE, Unity Electric can offer its clients measurable improvements in energy efficiency, operational performance, and sustainability.

"Legend Power's SmartGATE represents a breakthrough in addressing energy challenges that are central to our customers' success," said Andrew Dato, Executive Vice President at Unity Electric. "We're excited to integrate this new technology into our offerings, strengthening our ability to deliver top-tier solutions to the NYC metro area and beyond through our connection to Equans."

About SmartGATE

SmartGATE is an industry-leading, turnkey solution that identifies and fixes underperformance and waste in the electrical systems of commercial buildings. It enhances energy efficiency, reduces emissions, and improves financial and operational metrics for property owners.

About Legend Power Systems Inc.

Legend Power Systems Inc. (www.legendpower.com) provides an intelligent energy management platform that analyzes and resolves building energy challenges, significantly impacting asset management and corporate performance.

About Unity Electric, an Equans company

Unity Electric (www.unityig.com), an Equans company, is a leading electrical contractor known for delivering innovative solutions to some of the most prestigious commercial properties in the New York City metro area.

About Equans

Equans (www.equans.com), a subsidiary of the Bouygues group, is a global leader in the energy and services sector with operations in 20 countries, 90,000 employees working on 5 continents and a turnover of 18.8 billion euros in 2023. Equans designs, installs and supplies tailor-made solutions to improve its customers' equipment, systems and technical processes and optimize their use in support of their energy, industrial and digital transitions. Thanks to a strong local footprint based on its historic local brands and excellent technical expertise, Equans' highly qualified experts can support regions, cities, industries and buildings in the fields of HVAC-R, Fire Safety, Facility Management, Digital and ICT, Electricity, Mechanics and Robotics. Equans is the leader in the main European markets and is well-positioned in the United States, Canada and Latin America.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This Press Release may contain statements which constitute "forward-looking information", including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Company, its directors, or its officers with respect to the future business activities and operating performance of the Company. The words "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" and similar expressions, as they relate to the Company, or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future business activities or performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that the Company's future business activities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Such risks, uncertainties and factors are described in the periodic filings with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities, including the Company's quarterly and annual Management's Discussion & Analysis, which may be viewed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results to not be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements other than as may be required by applicable law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/237112

SOURCE: Legend Power Systems Inc.
HONG KONG, Jan 14, 2025 - (ACN Newswire) - - The 18th Asian Financial Forum (AFF) ended successfully today, drawing 3,600+ policymakers and business leaders from more than 50 countries and regions to discuss the latest developments in financial markets and investment opportunities- The event focused on how Hong Kong's position as an international financial centre can be leveraged to navigate and adapt during a period of change, paving the way for more high-profile conferences and exhibitions in the year ahead- More than 700 one-on-one AFF Deal-making meetings were held on-site, connecting funds and investment projects from around the world- On-site polling indicated that generative AI-led innovation (41.6%) and non-AI innovation, including digital infrastructure & healthcare (23%), were seen by most participants as the most critical growth engines in Asia Pacific.The 18th Asian Financial Forum (AFF), co-organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), successfully wrapped up today under the theme "Powering the Next Growth Engine". This year's forum attracted over 3,600 global financial and business elites from more than 50 countries and regions. The event leveraged Hong Kong's role as an international financial centre to strengthen the international communication platform, foster multilateral cooperation and promote mutually beneficial outcomes. Three high-level Mainland China officials attended the Opening Session of the AFF yesterday, including Zhou Ji, Executive Vice Director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council of the People's Republic of China and Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council; Dr Pan Gongsheng, Governor of the People's Bank of China; and Liu Zhenmin, Special Envoy for Climate Change of China.As the year's first large-scale international financial and business event in the region, the atmosphere at the AFF was vibrant and charged with a positive energy. The forum showcased emerging perspectives across the diverse sessions, all of which were well-attended and well-received by speakers and audiences alike. Leaders from around the world actively engaged in discussion throughout the two-day event, with more than 130 policymakers, international financial and multilateral organisation representatives, financial institutions, and global corporate leaders joining as speakers.The speaker at the Keynote Luncheon on the first day of this year's AFF was Prof Justin Lin Yifu, Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of the World Bank (2008-2012), who delivered an in-depth analysis of the shifting global economic landscape. Prof Lin pointed out: "In terms of purchasing power, China has the largest domestic market in the world. I think China can reach a 4.5 % growth rate on the average annually between 2019 and 2049. Thus China will continue to contribute around 30% of growth to the world every year. It's good not only for China, but also will be the most important asset of Hong Kong in the coming years."Keynote Luncheon today focused on AI: Future Industries and Implications, with Prof Stuart Russell, Co-chair of the World Economic Forum's Council on AI, sharing his insights into the development, application and governance of generative AI. Prof Russell said: "We could build AI systems that are guaranteed to further human interests but we aren't. Some may worry that the machines that we are building will become conscious and lose control, but competence should actually be the topic that we worry about. As history shows, we cause species to become extinct due to our competence, not our consciousness. We are training them to have human-like objectives, and that is a fundamental mistake. I am hoping that if we design the AI system well enough, they themselves will refuse to contribute to the enfeeblement of the human race." Another AI expert, Dr Kai-Fu Lee, Chairman of Sinovation Ventures, also addressed the transformative power of AI and its impact on technological advancements in the global business ecosystem during a dialogue session.In alignment with the HKSAR Government's initiatives to promote sustainable development in Hong Kong, sustainability emerged as a key focus at the forum. A session yesterday featured experts including Sue Lloyd, Vice Chair of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), who delved into the adoption of financial disclosure standards to enhance confidence in Hong Kong's capital markets. Today saw more discussions related to sustainable development, including a Breakfast Panel dedicating to transition finance and two more sessions - on sustainable investment and Post-COP29 Implementation: Enhance Climate Ambition and Enable Financing Action - at which Liu Zhenmin, Special Envoy for Climate Change of China, gave remarks.This afternoon saw the debut of the Gulf Cooperation Council Chapter, jointly organised by the AFF and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the HKSAR Government, and HE Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi, Secretary General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, delivered keynote remarks. Financial officials and representatives from Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates joined industry leaders from Hong Kong to share updates on economic developments in the Gulf region, highlight future investment opportunities, and examine ways to strengthen financial cooperation and investment between the member states of the GCC and Hong Kong.In addition, pioneers from a range of industries actively participated in sessions such as CIO Insights, Dialogues for Tomorrow and Global Spectrum, focusing on hot topics ranging from fintech and capital markets to female entrepreneurship and philanthropy. One of the heavyweight speakers at this year's AFF was Joe Tsai, Chairman of the Alibaba Group, who shared his views at a fireside chat moderated by Ronnie Chan, Honorary Chair, Hang Lung Properties Limited on how large companies spur economic development in a session titled Global Spectrum - The Role of Large Companies in Supporting Start-ups and Social Enterprises.Views on mainland and overseas industries and environmental economies tracked on-siteReal-time polling was conducted during the forum to gauge participants' views on various topics, such as the global economic outlook and China opportunities. It indicated that generative AI-led innovation (41.6%) and non-AI innovation, including digital infrastructure & healthcare (23%), were seen by participants as the most critical growth engines in the Asia Pacific region. Meanwhile, generative AI (31.4%) and advanced manufacturing (20%) were seen as the most promising growth sectors in Mainland China.More than 700 one-on-one matching meetings facilitated on-site over two daysThis year's AFF Deal-making, co-organised by the HKTDC and the Hong Kong Venture Capital and Private Equity Association (HKVCA), brought together more than 270 investors and over 560 investment projects with more than 700 one-on-one meetings held, covering a wide spectrum of sectors such as fintech, healthtech, deep tech, consumer goods, infrastructure and real estate, environment, energy and environmental technology. The meetings helped to connect funds and investment projects from across the globe.As always, the AFF featured several exhibition zones, set up with the aim of creating business connections and promoting networking, including the Fintech Showcase, Fintech HK Startup Salon, the InnoVenture Salon, and the Global Investment Zone. These zones featured more than 140 exhibitors including international financial institutions, technology companies, start-ups, investment promotion agencies and sponsors such as AFF Knowledge Partner EY, along with HSBC, Bank of China (Hong Kong), Standard Chartered Bank, UBS, Prudential, China International Capital Corporation (CICC) and Huatai International and more.Three other events ran concurrently with the AFF across the two days. The Hong Kong International Fundraising Roundtable 2025 yesterday convened C-suite leaders from overseas and mainland enterprises with Hong Kong's financial and professional service providers to address pressing financing and fundraising needs. The Malaysia-Hong Kong Islamic Finance Roundtable, co-organised with Malaysia International Islamic Financial Centre (MIFC) Leadership Council, facilitated the development of cross-border financial activities between Hong Kong and Islamic economies represented by Malaysia. Additionally, the Family Office Symposium, co-organised with the Private Wealth Management Association (PWMA), spotlighted Hong Kong's advantages as a premier family office destination and explored current investment trends.The Asian Financial Forum was a signature event of 2025 International Financial Week (IFW), which runs from 13 to 17 January and brings together more than 20 partner events to create synergies in the industry. These events cover many topics of global interest to the financial and business community, including private equity, family offices, net zero investing and generative AI, among others. This week of events helps underscore the importance of Hong Kong as an international financial hub.Websites- Asian Financial Forum: https://www.asianfinancialforum.com/conference/aff/en- Programme: https://www.asianfinancialforum.com/conference/aff/en/programme- Speaker list: https://www.asianfinancialforum.com/conference/aff/en/speakerAFF 2025 video footage: AFF 2025 footagePhoto download: https://bit.ly/4jdMdCQhttps://www.uphoto.cn/album_ia1082272835.htmlThe 18th Asian Financial Forum, co-organised by the HKSAR Government and the HKTDC, successfully wrapped up today, enjoying the participation of over 3,600 financial and business elites and creating a dynamic atmosphere for exchange and sharing on Hong Kong's future development landscape. Christopher Hui (left), Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the HKSAR Government, moderated the Plenary SessionProf Justin Lin Yifu, Chief Economist and Senior Vice President of the World Bank (2008-2012), delivered a keynote addressDistinguished speaker, Prof Stuart Russell, Co-chair of the World Economic Forum's Council on AI, shared his insights on the development, application, and governance of generative AI at today's Keynote LuncheonJoe Tsai, Chairman of the Alibaba Group, shared his views on how large companies spur economic development in a session titled "Global Spectrum" The Role of Large Companies in Supporting Start-ups and Social Enterprises"The afternoon session today marked the debut of the Gulf Cooperation Council Chapter, jointly organised by the AFF and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). HE Jasem Mohamed AlBudaiwi, Secretary General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, delivered keynote remarksMore than 700 one-on-one meetings were facilitated in this year's AFF Deal-making, connecting global funds with investment opportunities and involving over 270 investors and over 560 projectsThree other events ran concurrently with AFF, including the Malaysia-Hong Kong Islamic Finance RoundtableThis year, the AFF collaborated with various organisations to provide special travel, dining and shopping discounts and privileges for overseas participants joining the event. Activities include Peak Tram and Sky Terrace trips, the iconic Aqua Luna red-sail junk boat, and guided tours of Man Mo Temple and Tai Kwun arranged by the Hong Kong Tourism BoardMedia enquiriesYuan Tung Financial Relations Limited:Agnes Yiu Tel: (852) 3428 5690 Email: ayiu@yuantung.com.hkLouise Song Tel: (852) 3428 5691 Email: lsong@yuantung.com.hkHKTDC's Communications & Public Affairs Department:Clayton Lauw Tel: (852) 2584 4472 Email: clayton.y.lauw@hktdc.orgKaty Wong Tel: (852) 2584 4524 Email: katy.ky.wong@hktdc.orgAbout HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels.Source: HKTDCCopyright 2025 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.
Company also acquires additional mineral claims surrounding Jake, hosting an entire new potential copper-gold porphyry district

Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd. ("Quartz" or the "Company") (TSXV:QZM)(OTC PINK:QZMRF) is pleased to announce the Company's maiden, seven hole, 3,418 meter scout core drilling program has made a new British Columbia ("BC") copper-gold porphyry discovery at its 100%-owned Jake Project, located 160 kilometers north of Smithers (see Figure 1a and 1b).

Based on its successful drilling program, Quartz has also acquired a 100% interest in mineral claims capturing an entire new potential BC porphyry copper-gold district surrounding the Jake discovery (see Figure 2). Porphyry deposits are among the world's most important sources of copper, gold and silver and their discovery presents the potential for outsized gains, especially in periods of surging metal prices.

In addition to releasing the Jake discovery news today, Quartz has also launched new social media and awareness initiatives including an updated Website (www.quartzmountainresources.com) and Corporate Presentation (https://www.quartzmountainresources.com/investors/presentation). Quartz will also be presenting Discovery Core from both Maestro and Jake at the upcoming Association of Mineral Explorationists' ("AME") Round Up on January 20 and 21 in booth #924 located in the Vancouver Convention Centre East.

Jake Discovery Highlights:

The discovery of a new copper-gold porphyry system at Jake, was highlighted by drill hole JK24-05, with combined announced Cu intercepts in the hole totaling 355 meters (see Table 1).

TABLE 1 Drill Hole JK24-05 Assay ResultsA Drill Hole Incl. From (m) To (m) Int.1,2,3 (m) CuEQ4 (%) Cu (%) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Mo (%) JK24-05 21.00 78.00 57.00 0.30 0.18 0.077 2.7 0.012 108.00 191.04 83.04 0.25 0.18 0.062 2.9 0.004 Incl. 108.00 125.22 17.22 0.42 0.29 0.090 7.6 0.005 234.14 450.00 215.86 0.32 0.23 0.083 2.7 0.005 Incl. 234.14 308.00 73.86 0.40 0.30 0.120 2.5 0.003 and 234.14 269.02 34.88 0.49 0.37 0.144 3.3 0.001 Incl. 347.00 395.57 48.57 0.39 0.29 0.093 2.9 0.006

Note A. See Notes to Table 2

Bob Dickinson, Chairman of Quartz commented, "We are excited to announce the discovery of the new Jake copper-gold-silver porphyry system. We believe our maiden seven hole scout program has determined the location of the system's center nearby hole JK 24-05, where the highest grades are anticipated. The detailed results from the 7 core holes provide Quartz the critical scientific vectors to target the core of the porphyry system in the next phase of delineation drilling. Early observations from our drill program suggest geological similarities between Jake and the geological environment at the past producing Bell Mine, currently owned by Glencore and located 160 km southeast of Jake."

Figure 1a. Jake Location and Access

Figure 1b. Jake Location and HDI's BC Successes

The Jake Project is one of two key projects being advanced by Quartz in BC. The Jake maiden drill program followed the very successful maiden drill program at the Company's Maestro Project. The maiden drilling program at Maestro discovered thick, high-grade, gold-silver lodes hosted within extensive precious metal mineralization (see Quartz news release dated April 9, 2024). These exciting discoveries at both Maestro and Jake support the Company's strategy of targeting high value, high demand projects that have strong potential for future transactions. Quartz has now commenced planning for drill delineation programs during 2025, starting at Maestro (Phase One) and later at Jake (Phase Two).

Figure 2. Potential New BC Porphyry Copper District Acquired

Mr. Dickinson added, "Equally significant as the new copper-gold-silver discovery at Jake is our growing understanding of the broader system. Porphyries often occur in clusters, and our data suggests we may be on the verge of defining an entirely new porphyry district at Jake. As a result of our Jake porphyry discovery, Quartz acquired a 100% interest in mineral claims capturing a potential new BC porphyry copper-gold district surrounding the discovery. The Quartz team is committed to creating exceptional value for shareholders and these results, combined with the exciting recent discovery of high-grade gold-silver lodes at our Maestro Project, create a robust investment opportunity. We believe our next milestones, the drill delineation of the new Maestro discovery planned for 2025 and later the new Jake discovery will move Quartz rapidly forward towards potential transactions."

The successful Jake drilling included seven exploration drill holes that were completed on a hill side from three Pad sites (see Figure 3). These scout drill holes were fanned out in multiple directions over an area measuring 1,000 meters east-west and 600 meters vertical. Hole 1 on Pad A intersected classic quartz-sericite-pyrite altered rocks found peripheral to most porphyry copper deposits. Holes 2,3,4,5 were fanned out from Pad B. These holes intersected a major porphyry copper-gold-silver system with Hole 5 being closest to the center of the system. Holes 6 and 7 drilled from Pad C intersected intervals of epithermal precious metal zones and veinlets (see anomalous Au and Ag assay results) associated with highly anomalous zinc.

Figure 3. Jake, A New Porphyry Cu-Au-Ag Discovery

The Jake porphyry discovery area is highlighted by a classic Induced Polarization chargeability donut shape signature (see Figure 4) commonly targeted by porphyry explorers.

Figure 4. Jake Discovery Section A-B

Figure 5. Highly Anomalous Cu-Au-Mo Values in Soils Above Jake Discovery

Assay results from the 7 scout core holes completed at Jake during the discovery drill program are listed in Table 2 below.

Table 2

Jake Discovery Drill Program Assay Results

Notes:

Widths reported are drill widths, such that true thicknesses are unknown. All assay intervals represent length-weighted averages. Some figures may not sum exactly due to rounding. Copper equivalent (CuEQ) calculations use metal process prices of: Cu US$4.00/lb, Au US$2000/oz., Ag US$25/oz, and Mo US$15.00/lb, and conceptual recoveries of: Cu 85%, Au 75%, Ag 70% and Mo 82%. Conversion of metals to an equivalent copper grade based on these metal prices is relative to the copper price per unit mass factored by conceptual recoveries for those metals normalized to the conceptualized copper recovery. The metal equivalencies for each metal are added to the copper grade. The general formula for this is: CuEQ% = Cu% + ((Au g/t * (Au recovery / Cu recovery) * (Au $ per oz./31.1034768 / Cu $ per lb. * 22.04623)) + ((Ag g/t * (Ag recovery / Cu recovery) * (Ag $ per oz./ 31.1034768 / Cu $ per lb. * 22.04623)) + ((Mo% * (Mo recovery / Cu recovery) * (Mo $ per lb.) / Cu $ per lb.)).

About Jake

The 100% owned Jake Property is located 160 km north of Smithers in north central BC. It is accessible by helicopter and close to the Minaret airstrip, historical logging roads and railbeds which lead to mining support towns of Smithers, Fort St. James and Hazelton.

Quartz's first ever drill test of 3,418 meters in 7 holes during 2024 discovered a new porphyry copper-gold-silver system leading to the acquisition of 100% interest in mineral tenures over an entire new BC porphyry copper-gold district surrounding the Jake discovery. The next milestone towards a transaction will be delineation drilling of the new Jake discovery, currently being planned to commence after Maestro delineation drilling.

Mineralization at Jake is situated within a prominent rusty coloured gossan measuring 3.5 km long by 1.5 km wide. Within the gossan is north-trending dyke swarms that intrude into sedimentary rocks. The combination of extensive historical and recent exploration work has outlined a very expansive altered area at Jake hosting epithermal and porphyry-style sulphide disseminations and veinlets containing Cu-Au-Ag-Zn-Mo and Re. To delineate deposit targets within this large Jake mineral system for the recent drilling program, a series of modern surface exploration programs were completed in the period 2018-2023. This exploration work included detailed airborne magnetic surveying, geological mapping, geochemical sampling/modelling and Induced Polarization ("IP") surveying. These exploration surveys were designed to build on very compelling historical data on the Property developed by legendary porphyry copper explorers, including Kennco, Canadian Superior, Cities Service, Placer Development and Teck Corp. Taken together this comprehensive Jake Project technical database defined a significant-scale porphyry copper-gold deposit target and associated epithermal precious metal deposit targets which Quartz has capitalized on.

About Maestro

The 100% owned Maestro Project, located in central British Columbia, lies adjacent to Highway 16, 15 km north of Houston and 50 km south of Smithers, providing year-round road access to the Project and nearby infrastructure including, rail, hydroelectricity, and natural gas.

Quartz's first ever drill test, a maiden two-hole drill program at the Prodigy Zone on the Maestro Property (reported by Quartz News Release dated April 9th, 2024) discovered exciting high-grade Au-Ag lodes, hosted within an extensive epithermal Au-Ag system. The lodes and the more disseminated precious metals, intersected by the drill holes are both hosted within a large and earlier deposited, Mo-Cu porphyry system. Quartz's second core hole, PR-23-02 intersected 102 m grading 2.22 g/t Au and 104 g/t Ag, including 12 m grading 1.23 g/t Au and 586 g/t Ag and also 36 m of 5.73 g/t Au and 87 g/t Ag. These results indicate high potential for both bulk tonnage and underground high-grade gold and silver mineralization. Notably, green sericite alteration reminiscent of deposits such as Blackwater, which is currently being placed into production near Vanderhoof plays a significant role at Prodigy. The discovery is open in multiple directions and at depth, promising significant further potential. The next milestone towards a transaction will be delineation drilling of the new Prodigy discovery at Maestro, currently being planned to commence in HI 2025.

The Maestro property has a rich exploration history dating back to 1914, primarily focusing on the 110 million tonne Lone Pine Mo-Cu porphyry deposit (see Quartz news release March 19th, 2024) also located on the property. Quartz's successful drilling was based on a target developed by its comprehensive exploration programs, including soil/silt geochemical sampling, IP geophysics, airborne magnetic surveys, hyperspectral studies and detailed relogging of historical drill core, along with assaying for gold, pulp samples derived from historical assaying of numerous core holes located across the Maestro property that had not been assayed for gold.

Quality Assurance/Quality Control Program

Quartz drilled NQ size core in the 2024 drilling program at JAKE. All drill core was logged, photographed, and cut in half with a diamond saw. Half core samples from the JAKE drilling were sent to ALS Canada Ltd., Kamloops, B.C., for preparation and were analyzed at ALS Canada Ltd., North Vancouver, B.C. Both are ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited facilities. At the laboratory, samples were dried, crushed to 70% passing -2mm, and a 250 g split pulverized to better than 85% passing 75 microns. Samples were analyzed for Au by fire assay fusion of a 30 g sub-sample with an ICP-AES finish, and for 48 elements including Ag, Mo and Cu by a four-acid digestion, multi-element ICP-MS package. Overlimits for Pb and Zn were analyzed by four-acid digestion and ICP-AES finish. As part of a comprehensive Quality Assurance/Quality Control ("QAQC") program, Quartz Mountain control samples were inserted in each analytical batch at the following rates: standards one in 30 regular samples, in-line replicates one in 50 regular samples and at least two coarse blanks per analytical batch. The control sample results were then checked to ensure proper QAQC.

Qualified Person

Farshad Shirmohammad, M.Sc., P.Geo., a "Qualified Person" within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Minerals Projects, has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release.

About Quartz

Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd. (TSXV: QZM, OTC Pink: QZMRF) is a well-structured public company headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. Its successful mine finding management is focused on discovering and transacting high-value gold, silver, and copper projects in British Columbia. The Company owns 100% of the new Maestro high grade gold-silver discovery and 100% of the new Jake porphyry copper-gold-silver discovery. Both projects are permitted by the BC government for drilling activities and have access to infrastructure and high potential for the development of substantial resources and significant future transactions.

Quartz is associated with Hunter Dickinson Inc. ("HDI"), a company with over 35-years of successfully discovering, developing, and transacting mineral projects in Canada and internationally. Former HDI projects in BC include, Mount Milligan, Kemess South, and Gibraltar - all of which are porphyry deposits with current or former producing mines. Other well-known projects with HDI involvement include Sisson and Prosperity in Canada, Pebble and Florence in the United States, and Xietongmen in China.

Quartz is committed to the advancement of important scale, critical and essential mining assets while following responsible mineral development principles, including a mandate to employ best practice approaches in the engagement and involvement of local communities, and meeting rigorous environmental standards.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Robert Dickinson

Chairman

For further details, contact Robert Dickinson, Chairman at:

T: (604) 684-6365 or within North America at 1-800-667-2114.

E: info@quartzmountainresources.com

W: www.quartzmountainresources.com

TABLE 3 2024 Jake Drill Hole Locations Drill Hole UTM Easting Northing Elevation (m) Length (m) Azimuth (o) Dip (o) JK24-01 9U 603822 6233429 1097 461.5 300 -50 JK24-02 9U 603916 6233636 1208 557 300 -50 JK24-03 9U 603916 6233636 1208 383.5 345 -50 JK24-04 9U 603916 6233636 1208 300 45 -50 JK24-05 9U 603916 6233636 1208 573 300 -80 JK24-06 9U 604160 6233765 1210 570 70 -50 JK24-07 9U 604160 6233765 1210 572.8 70 -85

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information.

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking-statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts are forward-looking-statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Assumptions used by the Company to develop forward-looking statements include the following: the Company's projects will obtain all required environmental and other permits, and all land use and other licenses, studies and exploration of the Company's projects will continue to be positive, and no geological or technical problems will occur. Though the Company believes the expectations expressed in its forward-looking-statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are subject to future events and third party discretion such as regulatory personnel. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include variations in market prices, continuity of mineralization and exploration success, and potential environmental issues or liabilities associated with exploration, development and mining

activities, uncertainties related to the ability to obtain necessary permits, licenses and tenure and delays due to third party opposition, changes in and the effect of government policies regarding mining and natural resource exploration and exploitation, and exploration and development of properties located within Aboriginal groups asserted territories that may affect or be perceived to affect asserted aboriginal rights and title, and which may cause permitting delays or opposition by Aboriginal groups, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on the Company, and the risks and uncertainties connected with its business, investors should review the Company's home jurisdiction filings as www.sedarplus.ca and its 20F filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov.

SOURCE: Quartz Mountain Resources Ltd.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
ST JOHN'S, NL / ACCESSWIRE / January 14, 2025 / Atlas Salt Inc. ("Atlas Salt" or the "Company") (TSXV:SALT)(OTCQB:REMRF) is working with Oracle Corporation and deploying Oracle's suite of project and financial management solutions in support of the development of the Great Atlantic Salt Project.

Oracle's project management tools, including Oracle Aconex, Oracle Primavera Cloud, and Oracle NetSuite, have been integrated to streamline project timelines, financial controls, and collaboration across all stages of the Project. See Oracle's news release (available here) for additional details on the technological enhancements contributing to operational efficiency and risk mitigation at the Great Atlantic Salt Project.

Richard LaBelle, CEO of Atlas Salt, commented: "We are pleased to work with Oracle to bring the transformative impact of their solutions to our Project. The integrated system has been instrumental in maintaining transparency, efficiency, and control."

The Company encourages stakeholders to review Oracle's full news release at https://www.oracle.com/news/announcement/atlas_salt_unifies_project_teams_and_data_with_oracle_cloud_2025-01-14/ for comprehensive insights into the benefits and scope of the collaboration.

For further information about Atlas Salt and the Great Atlantic Salt Project, and ongoing updates, please visit https://atlassalt.com.

For further information about Oracle Construction and Engineering, please visit http://www.oracle.com/construction-and-engineering.

About Oracle Construction and Engineering

Asset owners and project leaders rely on Oracle Construction and Engineering solutions for the visibility and control, connected supply chain, and data security needed to drive performance and mitigate risk across their processes, projects, and organization. Our scalable cloud construction management software solutions enable digital transformation for teams that plan, build, and operate critical assets, improving efficiency, collaboration, and change control across the project lifecycle.

About Atlas Salt Inc.

Atlas Salt Inc. is developing Canada's next salt mine and is committed to responsible and sustainable mining practices. With a focus on innovation and efficiency, the company is poised to make significant contributions to the North American salt market while upholding its values of environmental stewardship and community engagement.

For information, please contact:

Richard LaBelle, CEO

investors@atlassalt.com

(709) 739-9545

We seek safe harbor.

Cautionary Statement

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider, (as the term is defined in the Policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This press release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation, statements relating to the future operating or financial performance of the Company, 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. Forward-looking statements in this press release relate to, among other things: obtaining financing, completion, delivery and timing of project components and requirements, and analysis and assumptions related thereto. Actual future results may differ materially. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the respective parties, are inherently subject to significant business, technical, economic, and competitive 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 timing, completion and delivery of required permits, supply arrangements and financing. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these times. Except as required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.

SOURCE: Atlas Salt

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Cardston, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - January 14, 2025) - American Creek Resources Ltd. (TSXV: AMK) ("the Corporation" or "American Creek") is pleased to announce that project operator and JV partner Tudor Gold ("Tudor") has initiated the permitting process for the construction of approximately 3,000 meters of underground development to provide an exploration ramp for targeting the Supercell One Zone (SC-1) with infill and expansion drilling, at the flagship Treaty Creek Project, located in the heart of the Golden Triangle of Northwestern British Columbia.

Ken Konkin P.Geo, President & CEO of Tudor Gold commented, "We are excited to move forward with plans to explore the high-grade underground Supercell One targets at the Treaty Creek Property through the construction of an underground exploration drift. This initiative is expected to substantially reduce both the cost and time required to drill and define the Supercell One Zone by utilizing underground drilling stations compared to conventional surface drilling. In addition to assisting the exploration goals, once completed, management believes that the underground infrastructure should provide long-term benefits to the project, potentially serving as a Fresh Air Raise or Return Air Raise to support future production mining of the high-grade Supercell One Zone and/or the CS600 Zone. Additionally, the underground development will be important in the selection of optimum material required for a 10,000-tonne test for a pilot process which would be required for a Feasibility Study. The advantages of driving an exploration development ramp are significant and this initiative is expected to bring substantial value to our Project."

Furthermore, Ken Konkin, stated, "The 2024 drilling results from the SC-1 Zone have been highly encouraging, corroborating the continuity and high-grade nature of gold mineralization in an area which is structurally and geologically analogous to Newmont Corporation's Brucejack gold deposit that was discovered in 2010. Once the underground exploration drift is completed, a year-round drilling program of approximately 25,000 meters is expected to focus on the Supercell One Zone and peripheral areas to further define the extent and geometry of the high-grade gold mineralization, which remains open along strike and up and down plunge. The objective is to accelerate the drilling program with the goal of fully unlocking this potential multi-million-ounce high-grade gold system. The Supercell System discovery was confirmed by several of the holes from last year's drilling program, however none of the results are included within the February 2024 Mineral Reserve Estimate of 27.9 million ounces of AuEq averaging 1.19 g/t AuEq (see press release dated February 20, 2024). We believe that the high-grade Supercell System is a major pivotal point in the evolution of the Goldstorm Deposit.

"To date, over 10,000 meters of drilling have targeted the Supercell One Zone, which appears to be on its way to becoming a major asset within the Goldstorm Deposit. The exploration drill campaign planned for the Supercell One Zone and the remainder of the Goldstorm Deposit is expected to further enhance this potential. The development of the underground exploration marks an important stage for Tudor Gold and its Treaty Creek Project, and we look forward to the opportunities this advancement will bring.

"Management believes that the proposed permitting of an underground exploration drift designed by Tudor Gold's engineering consultant Fuse Advisors, should greatly enhance what is already a large gold-copper-silver deposit. Management is optimistic that this initiative is likely to assist in attracting a strategic partnership with an experienced mining company that has the technical expertise and financial capacities to assist Tudor Gold in advancing the Treaty Creek Project."

Figure 1. Plan Map of Proposed Underground Development Targeting SC-1 High-Grade Gold Zone

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/682/237116_c57c13bd748baa80_001full.jpg

Figure 2. Long Section - Supercell One High-Grade Gold Drill Target

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/682/237116_c57c13bd748baa80_002full.jpg

About the Supercell-One Zone

The SC-1 discovery, confirmed during the 2024 exploration program, represents a significant potential economic target that is within, and peripheral to, the CS-600 Domain (see press releases dated February 2nd , August 14th, and September 11th, 2024). The gold-rich SC-1 system consists of four stacked, sub parallel structures within an area measuring up to 800 m in length by 400 m in depth. All four stacked, sub-parallel structures remain open in all directions and to depth. The results that confirmed the discovery of the SC-1 Zone which followed up the initial pre-2024 drilling that originally encountered a single 5 to 10-meter-wide interval of quartz-pyrite-gold micro-breccia structures superimposed or overprinted on the gold-copper-rich CS-600 Domain. Visual inspection of the drill core indicated consistent gold mineralization within the series of late-stage, gold-dominant, quartz-pyrite micro-breccia structures. In addition to expanding the size of the known high-grade mineral horizons, management believes that significant potential exists to discover more supercells within known domains and subparallel to the four newly discovered micro-breccia systems.

Table 1. Drill highlights from the nine holes targeting the SC-1 area:

Zone Hole From To Interval Au Ag Cu AuEQ (m) (m) (m) (g/t) (g/t) (%) (g/t) SC-1A GS-24-181 810.00 812.00 2.00 8.97 3.73 0.01 9.02 GS-24-183-W1 283.50 289.50 6.00 6.44 26.62 0.04 6.76 GS-24-186 787.50 789.00 1.50 9.78 22.46 0.02 10.40 SC-1B GS-24-181 886.50 889.50 3.00 8.28 126.50 1.21 11.05 GS-24-183-W1 423.60 429.90 6.30 4.26 224.59 5.96 13.89 GS-22-134 1215.00 1219.50 4.50 4.26 3.03 0.07 4.37 GS-23-176-W1 181.50 204.00 22.50 2.76 15.39 0.18 3.13 GS-23-170 1017.00 1036.50 19.50 4.12 6.83 0.08 4.29 SC-1C GS-22-134 1474.50 1500.00 25.50 9.66 1.23 0.24 9.96 GS-23-176-W1 451.50 466.50 15.00 14.89 4.72 0.60 15.64 GS-23-179 1129.50 1141.50 12.00 9.78 1.35 0.23 10.07 GS-24-187 919.50 922.50 3.00 10.89 0.97 0.02 10.92 GS-24-181 1095.00 1101.00 6.00 5.02 3.32 0.21 5.31 GS-24-183-W1 609.00 618.00 9.00 5.08 1.24 0.02 5.12 GS-22-151-W1 1024.50 1032.00 7.50 3.96 3.85 0.08 4.10 SC-1D GS-24-185 880.50 894.00 13.50 9.58 0.44 0.01 9.60 GS-24-184 953.85 960.00 6.15 5.44 63.77 1.62 8.09 GS-24-187 975.00 978.00 3.00 5.65 0.95 0.03 5.70

All assay values are uncut and intervals reflect drilled intercept lengths.

HQ and NQ2 diameter core samples were sawn in half and typically sampled at standard 1.5 m intervals.

The following metal prices were used to calculate the Au Eq metal content: Gold $1850/oz, Ag: $21/oz, Cu: $3.75/lb. Calculations used the formula AuEQ = Au g/t + (Ag g/t*0.0100901) + (Cu ppm*0.0001236). All metals are reported in USD and calculations consider recoveries of 90 % for gold, 80 % for copper, and 80 % for silver.

True widths have not been determined as the mineralized body remains open in all directions. Further drilling is required to determine the mineralized body orientation and true widths.

Figure 3. Drill Results from the SC-1 Zone within the Goldstorm Deposit.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/682/237116_c57c13bd748baa80_003full.jpg

The Supercell-One system remains open to the northwest, north, and east. Tudor Gold plans to further explore this higher-grade system and review other gold-dominant sub-domains as part of the Company's strategy to expand the high-grade gold potential of the Goldstorm Deposit. Such areas as R-66 and 300N show similar structural characteristics and are composed of similar gold-rich quartz-pyrite micro-breccia veinlets.

Tudor Gold is aiming for a scenario whereby the SC-1 Zone provides a potential path towards developing a large, multi-generational project that begins with a high-grade underground starter operation and expands into a substantial block-cave underground copper-gold-silver production.

Qualified Person

The Qualified Person for this news release for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 is Tudor Gold's President and CEO, Ken Konkin, P. Geo. He has read and approved the scientific and technical information that forms the basis for the disclosure contained in this news release.

QA/QC

Diamond drill core samples were prepared at MSA Labs' Preparation Laboratory in Terrace, BC and assayed at MSA Labs' Geochemical Laboratory in Langley, BC. Analytical accuracy and precision are monitored by the submission of blanks, certified standards and duplicate samples inserted at regular intervals into the sample stream by Tudor Gold personnel. MSA Laboratories quality system complies with the requirements for the International Standards ISO 17025 and ISO 9001. MSA Labs is independent of the Company.

About Treaty Creek

The Treaty Creek Project hosts the Goldstorm Deposit, comprising a large gold-copper porphyry system, as well as several other mineralized zones. As disclosed in the "NI-43-101 Technical Report for the Treaty Creek Project", dated April 5, 2024 prepared by Garth Kirkham Geosystems and JDS Energy & Mining Inc., the Goldstorm Deposit has an Indicated Mineral Resource of 27.87 million ounces (Moz) of AuEQ grading 1.19 g/t AuEQ (21.66 Moz gold grading 0.92 g/t, 2.87 billion pounds (Blbs) copper grading 0.18%, 128.73 Moz silver grading 5.48 g/t) and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 6.03 Moz of AuEQ grading 1.25 g/t AuEQ (4.88 Moz gold grading 1.01 g/t, 503.2 Mlb copper grading 0.15%, 28.97 Moz silver grading 6.02 g/t), with a pit constrained cut-off of 0.7 g/t AuEQ and an underground cut-off of 0.75 g/t AuEQ.

The Goldstorm Deposit has been categorized into three dominant mineral domains and several smaller mineral domains. The CS-600 domain largely consists of nested pulses of diorite intrusive stocks and hosts the majority of the copper mineralization within the Goldstorm Deposit. CS-600 has an Indicated Mineral Resource of 15.65 Moz AuEQ grading 1.22 g/t AuEQ (9.99 Moz gold grading 0.78 g/t, 2.73 Blbs copper grading 0.31%, 73.47 Moz silver grading 5.71 g/t) and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 2.86 Moz AuEQ grading 1.20 g/t AuEQ (1.87 Moz gold grading 0.79 g/t, 475.6 Mlb copper grading 0.29%, 13.4 Moz silver grading 5.63 g/t). The Goldstorm Deposit remains open in all directions and requires further exploration drilling to determine the size and extent of the Deposit.



1 AuEq = Au g/t + (Ag g/t*0.0098765) + (Cu ppm*0.0001185)

Treaty Creek JV Partnership

American Creek is a proud partner in the Treaty Creek Project.

The project is a Joint Venture with Tudor Gold owning 3/5th and acting as operator. American Creek and Teuton Resources each have a 1/5th interest in the project creating a 3:1 ownership relationship between Tudor Gold and American Creek.

American Creek and Teuton hold fully carried 20% interests, which means no development costs are incurred by these companies until a production notice is issued. This gives shareholders a unique opportunity, to avoid the dilutive effects of exploration while maintaining their full 20% exposure to one of the world's most exciting mega deposits.

About American Creek

American Creek is a Canadian junior mineral exploration company with gold and silver properties in British Columbia, Canada.

The Corporation has an interest in the Treaty Creek property, a joint venture project with Tudor Gold located in BC's prolific "Golden Triangle".

The Corporation also holds the Austruck-Bonanza gold property located near Kamloops.

Information relating to the Corporation is available on its website at www.americancreek.com.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statements regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. "Forward-looking information" includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the activities, events or developments that the Corporation expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including the completion and anticipated results of planned exploration activities. Generally, but not always, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative connation thereof.

Such forward-looking information and statements are based on numerous assumptions, including among others, that the Corporation's planned exploration activities will be completed in a timely manner. Although the assumptions made by the Corporation in providing forward-looking information or making forward-looking statements are considered reasonable by management at the time, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be accurate.

There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Corporation's plans or expectations include risks relating to the actual results of current exploration activities, fluctuating gold prices, possibility of equipment breakdowns and delays, exploration cost overruns, availability of capital and financing, general economic, market or business conditions, regulatory changes, timeliness of government or regulatory approvals and other risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by the Corporation with securities regulators.

Although the Corporation has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information or implied by 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 forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/237116

SOURCE: American Creek Resources Ltd.
The Global Antibiotic Research Development Partnership (GARDP) and the Swiss-based global biopharmaceutical company Debiopharm have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop Debio 1453, a novel compound representing a new antibiotic class that targets Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Multidrug-resistant strains of N. gonorrhoeae have emerged globally, limiting treatment options and elevating this pathogen to the high-priority category on the World Health Organization's Bacterial Priority Pathogen List. Such pathogens present distinct public health challenges that urgently require new treatments.

"Antibiotic-resistant gonorrhoea represents a serious threat to sexual and reproductive health," said Morgane Vanbiervliet, Manager of Market Intelligence Business Development, Infectious Diseases, Debiopharm. "Debio 1453 shows encouraging pre-clinical efficacy against resistant strains of N. gonorrhoeae. We are eager to continue to develop this compound in collaboration with GARDP."

Debiopharm has completed the preclinical development of Debio 1453 with ongoing support from the Combating Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria Biopharmaceutical Accelerator (CARB-X). The MOU between Debiopharm and GARDP now sets the stage for a new partnership to develop the compound for regulatory approval and help make the final product available and affordable to treat patients worldwide.

"We are very pleased to lay the groundwork for a future partnership with Debiopharm," said Yann Ferrisse, Director of Business Development at GARDP. "In line with our 2024-2028 strategy, we will continue to identify new opportunities like Debio 1453 to develop and make available treatments for gonorrhoea and other public health threats."

Innovative approaches are necessary to treat N. gonorrhoeae, which has gradually developed resistance to many classes of antibiotics used to treat gonorrhoea infections. A single muscular injection of ceftriaxone is now the last available recommended treatment globally. Recent reports of outbreaks of ceftriaxone-resistant "super gonorrhoea" have heightened the urgency for new antibiotic treatments.

Debio 1453 shows promising activity against ceftriaxone-resistant and other multidrug-resistant strains of N. gonorrhoeae. The compound uses a unique and novel mechanism of action to target the FabI enzyme, on which N. gonorrhoeae relies for its growth and survival. In studies thus far, no cross-resistance to any antibiotic class has been observed.

With more than 82 million new gonorrhoea infections occurring globally each year, gonorrhoea is the third most common sexually transmitted infection. It can cause serious, lifelong consequences in men and women, and can amplify the spread of HIV in high-prevalence settings. When left untreated in women, gonorrhoea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease that elevates the risk of complications in pregnancy, including the likelihood of ectopic pregnancies and infertility. Gonorrhoea can also be transmitted during birth to babies, who in turn can have health problems like gonococcal conjunctivitis.

Debiopharm

Debiopharm aims to develop innovative therapies that target high unmet medical needs primarily in oncology and bacterial infections. Bridging the gap between disruptive discovery products and real-world patient reach, we identify high-potential compounds and technologies for in-licensing, clinically demonstrate their safety and efficacy, and then hand stewardship to large pharmaceutical commercialization partners to maximize patient access globally.

For more information, please visit www.debiopharm.com

We're on X. Follow us @DebiopharmNews at http://twitter.com/DebiopharmNews

GARDP

We are a not-for-profit global health organization driven to protect people from the rise and spread of drug-resistant infections, one of the biggest threats to us all. By forging the public and private partnerships that matter, we develop and make accessible antibiotic treatments for people who need them. We receive vital support from the governments of Canada, Germany, Japan, Monaco, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the Canton of Geneva, the European Union, as well as the Bill Melinda Gates Foundation, Global Health EDCTP3, GSK, the RIGHT Foundation, the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) and Wellcome. We are GARDP, the Global Antibiotic Research Development Partnership. www.gardp.org

*CARB-X is a global non-profit partnership dedicated to supporting early-stage antibacterial research and development to address the rising threat of drug-resistant bacteria. Research reported in this press release is supported by CARB-X. CARB-X funding for this research is supported by federal funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response; Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority; under agreement number: 75A50122C00028, and by awards from Wellcome (WT224842), and Germany's Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). The content of this press release is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views CARB-X or its funders.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250114291716/en/

Contacts:

Contact Debiopharm

Dawn Bonine

Head of Communication

dawn.bonine@debiopharm.com

Tel: +41 (0)21 321 01 11

Contact GARDP

Aleida Auld

Communications Manager

aauld@gardp.org

Tel: +41 (0)22 555 19 90
Stellex Capital Management ("Stellex" or the "Company"), a middle-market private equity firm, is pleased to announce two additional hires to its business development team. Jennifer Colvin will join the team as a Director based in Washington D.C. and Scott Kingsley will join as a Vice President based in Boston, MA. Stellex has built a robust business development effort with existing team members based in the U.S. industrial heartland. Ms. Colvin and Mr. Kingsley will expand the team's efforts from a sector and geographic coverage perspective.

The Stellex business development team is responsible for sourcing deal opportunities for new Stellex platform investments and add-ons for existing Stellex platforms. Both Ms. Colvin and Mr. Kingsley have cultivated their own respective networks in the middle market deal community that will augment the Stellex team's existing relationships.

Ms. Colvin joins Stellex from Perkins Cole LLP, an AmLaw 50 firm, where she was most recently a business development director. Before that, she began her career with roles in marketing and business development at two middle-market private equity firms, Pfingsten Partners and Wynnchurch Capital. Ms. Colvin received her B.A. in History with a minor in Business from Indiana University.

Mr. Kingsley joins Stellex from Highview Capital, a middle-market private equity fund, where he was a Vice President on the business development team. Mr. Kingsley began his career as a Senior Associate at JMC Capital Partners, a private equity firm focused on industrial investments in the lower middle market. He holds a B.A. in Political Science from The College of the Holy Cross.

"We are pleased to welcome Scott and Jennifer to the Stellex team and look forward to their contributions to expanding our deal pipeline and supporting the strategic growth of our portfolio companies through targeted add-on investments," said Michael Stewart, Managing Partner at Stellex. "We continue to see a great deal of investment opportunities and acquisition targets in 2025 that align with the Stellex investment strategy."

About Stellex Capital Management LLC

With offices in New York, London, Pittsburgh and Detroit, Stellex Capital is a private equity firm with over $3.9 billion in AUM. Stellex seeks to identify and deploy capital in opportunities that stand to benefit from its operationally focused and hands-on approach to investing. Portfolio companies are supported by Stellex's industry knowledge, operating capabilities, network of senior executives, strategic insights, and access to capital. Sectors of particular focus include aerospace, defense government services, transportation logistics, manufacturing, real economy business services, food processing and tech-enabled services. Additional information may be found at www.stellexcapital.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250114651690/en/

Contacts:

Media contact:

Rosalia Scampoli

Marketcom PR

Tel: (914) 815-1465

rscampoli@marketcompr.com
Ares Capital Europe VI Final Close Exceeds Target and Hits Hard Cap, Creating the Largest Institutional Fund in the Global Direct Lending Market

Ares Management Corporation ("Ares") (NYSE: ARES), a leading global alternative investment manager, announced today the final closing of its sixth commingled European direct lending fund, Ares Capital Europe VI ("ACE VI" or the "Fund"). With total commitments of 17.1 billion, the Fund closed above its 15 billion target and reached its hard cap. Ares believes that ACE VI is the largest institutional fund in the global direct lending market to date based on LP equity commitments. The final Fund size represents an approximate 53% increase in LP commitments relative to its predecessor fund, Ares Capital Europe V, which closed in 2021 at its 11.1 billion hard cap. Including related vehicles and anticipated leverage, the total available capital for the Ares European Direct Lending strategy is expected to be approximately 30 billion.

Combined with the previously announced $33.6 billion of total capital raised for its Senior Direct Lending Fund III ("SDL III"), inclusive of related vehicles and anticipated leverage, Ares has closed on approximately $64.5 billion across its SDL III and ACE VI strategies cementing its global market leadership.

"The final closing of ACE VI underscores the strength of Ares' European direct lending platform as well as the strong demand from borrowers for flexible capital solutions," said Blair Jacobson, Partner and Co-Head of European Credit. "We thank our existing and new investors for their confidence in our longstanding and differentiated strategy."

"Over the past 18 years, we have continued to demonstrate our market leadership through our local pan-European approach," said Michael Dennis, Partner and Co-Head of European Credit. "Our team's deep regional and sector experience, alongside our longstanding sponsor and partner relationships, enable us to originate significant opportunities with high-quality borrowers."

"Our platform provides the scale, experience and innovation to identify new opportunities and navigate unexpected challenges, and our team is eager to continue building on our track record of success," said Matt Theodorakis, Partner and Co-Head of European Direct Lending at Ares. "We remain committed to the structuring discipline and selective capital deployment that have enabled our business to thrive throughout cycles."

Ares' European Direct Lending strategy comprises approximately 90 investment professionals across London, Paris, Frankfurt, Stockholm, Amsterdam and Madrid, as of September 30, 2024, and manages over $74 billion in assets, inclusive of the ACE VI commitments. Since its inception, the European Direct Lending business has completed nearly 380 investments totaling over 70 billion. ACE VI seeks to self-originate flexible financing solutions for high quality, market-leading European companies in defensive industries with EBITDA in excess of 10 million. The Fund targets a senior-secured weighting and focuses on capital preservation, a sole or lead lender position, and low volatility. ACE VI has already deployed significant capital, committing roughly 6.4 billion across over 50 investments to date.

About Ares Management Corporation

Ares Management Corporation (NYSE: ARES) is a leading global alternative investment manager offering clients complementary primary and secondary investment solutions across the credit, real estate, private equity and infrastructure asset classes. We seek to provide flexible capital to support businesses and create value for our stakeholders and within our communities. By collaborating across our investment groups, we aim to generate consistent and attractive investment returns throughout market cycles. As of September 30, 2024, Ares Management Corporation's global platform had approximately $464 billion of assets under management, with more than 3,100 employees operating across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East. For more information, please visit www.aresmgmt.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250114511414/en/

Contacts:

Media:

Giles Bethule, +44 7879615114

Jacob Silber, +1 212 301 0376

media.europe@aresmgmt.com
Greene Concepts Inc. (OTC Pink:INKW) is pleased to announce plans to establish a highly anticipated large-scale water refill station outside its bottling plant in Marion, NC. The station will enable the refill of water tankers for a wide range of government, commercial, and private needs while providing access to clean artesian water for domestic and international distribution.

This water initiative will establish a comprehensive water refill station network and reaffirms the Company's commitment to innovation and community/corporate responsibility. The refill station will be capable of dispensing thousands of gallons of water at a time, delivering substantial benefits across key areas, including environmental sustainability, economic efficiency, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, operational flexibility, and scalability.

Lenny Greene, CEO of Greene Concepts, shared his enthusiasm, "We are thrilled to launch this water refill station at our Marion facility, offering a sustainable solution for governmental, commercial, and individual needs. Sourced from the pristine aquifers of the Blue Ridge Mountains, our water meets all federal, state, and local regulations to ensure quality and safety. This initiative positions Greene Concepts as a leader in addressing water availability challenges locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally."

Mr. Greene continues, "Our 24/7 refill station will provide a reliable supply of clean water, playing a crucial role during emergencies such as natural disasters or water shortages. Additionally, this project strengthens partnerships with state and local governments while underscoring our commitment to sustainability, cost-conscious solutions, and public well-being. We are also in discussions with a region in the Middle East to supply retrofitted water containers via ships throughout the Middle East. This action further expands our global impact toward providing solutions to assist with the Middle East and North Africa water crisis."

Follow Greene Concepts, Inc. on Social Media (X) at: @GreeneConcepts

About Greene Concepts, Inc.

Greene Concepts, Inc. (http://www.greeneconcepts.com) is a publicly traded company whose purpose is to provide the world with high-quality, healthy and enhanced beverage choices that meet the nutritional needs of its consumers while refreshing their mind, body and spirit. The Company's flagship product, BE WATER, is a premium artesian bottled water that supports total body health and wellness. Greene Concepts' beverage and bottling plant is located in Marion, North Carolina, and their water is ethically sourced from spring and artesian wells that are fed from a natural aquifer located deep beneath the Blue Ridge Mountains. Greene Concepts continues to develop and market premium beverage brands designed to enhance the daily lives of consumers.

Safe Harbor: This Press Release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements are based on the current plans and expectations of management and are subject to a few uncertainties and risks that could significantly affect the company's current plans and expectations, as well as future results of operations and financial condition. A more extensive listing of risks and factors that may affect the company's business prospects and cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the reports and other documents filed by the company with the Securities and Exchange Commission and OTC Markets, Inc. OTC Disclosure and News Service. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, because of new information, future events or otherwise.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
2024 highlights include: Energy Sands exploration success, Jupiter acquisition, successful permitting

2025 milestones include: drilling at Energy Sands and Jupiter, evaluation of strategic acquisitions and corporate opportunities, macro and micro tailwinds

Pegasus Resources Inc. (TSXV:PEGA)(Frankfurt:0QS0)(OTC PINK:SLTFF) (the "Company" or "Pegasus") is pleased to reflect on a transformative 2024, marked by significant milestones that position the Company as a leading uranium explorer in Utah. With high-grade results, strategic acquisitions, and regulatory approvals, Pegasus is poised to capitalize on the surging demand for uranium, driven by the global transition to clean energy and increasing energy security concerns.

Pegasus achieved substantial progress in advancing its uranium exploration projects in Utah. With high-grade results, strategic acquisitions, and critical regulatory approvals, 2024 was a pivotal year of growth and development for the Company. Pegasus has continued to be a good steward of investor capital, adding significant value through creative and unique strategies. The Company continues to build relationships on the ground in Utah, which should continue to yield value creation opportunities.

Map 1: Utah Area Map

"2024 was a pivotal year for Pegasus, as we made significant strides in advancing our uranium exploration projects," stated Christian Timmins, CEO of Pegasus. "From the Energy Sands exploration success to the acquisition of the historically drilled Jupiter Project and securing key regulatory approvals, these achievements position the Company to define meaningful uranium resources in Utah-a region with proven uranium production."

"As the global demand for uranium accelerates, and M&A activity in North America signals a thriving sector, Pegasus is uniquely placed to create long-term shareholder value. Our focus in 2025 will be on executing our drill campaigns and evaluating strategic opportunities to further enhance our portfolio."

Insider Buying Signals Strong Leadership Confidence

Pegasus is pleased to spotlight recent insider buying activity, highlighting the unwavering confidence of its leadership team in the Company's growth potential and strategic direction.

Christian Timmins , CEO, and Noah Komavli , Director, have significantly increased their personal stakes in Pegasus through open market purchases and private placements. This demonstrates their strong belief in the Company's vision and commitment to advancing its uranium exploration projects.

Insider buying showcases the alignment between leadership and shareholder interests, reinforcing the team's confidence in Pegasus' ability to deliver value and drive meaningful progress. This proactive investment by Pegasus' insiders reflects their optimism about the Company's ability to unlock high-grade uranium resources and capitalize on the surging global demand for clean, reliable energy. It is a clear testament to the leadership's commitment to creating long-term value for shareholders.

Highlights from 2024

Energy Sands Exploration Success:

Collected 41 samples, with 13 showing over 1% U3O8, including a standout result of 18.8% U3O8.

Developed a geological model to guide future drilling, building on historical high-grade results and the success of the recent ground sampling program on this past-producing property.

Jupiter Project Acquisition:

Acquired a strategic uranium property featuring over 100+ densely drilled historical holes, providing valuable data for resource development.

Permits Secured:

Obtained the Notice of Intention (NOI) to commence exploration, enabling transformative drilling campaigns at the 100%-owned Energy Sands and the Jupiter projects in Utah.

Leadership Expansion:

Strengthened the team with the addition of Derrick Strickland to the Board of Directors and Mike Magrum to the Advisory Board, bringing decades of industry expertise.

2025 Outlook

Pegasus is poised to commence drilling at its two flagship uranium projects in Utah:

Energy Sands Project :

Jupiter Project:

Plans include 18 drill holes with an average depth of 178 feet, totaling approximately 3,200 feet of drilling. These efforts will target mineral-hosting paleochannels identified in the geological model and historical high-grade intercepts of over 2% U3O8.

The program includes 30 drill holes with an average depth of 550 feet, totaling approximately 15,360 feet of drilling. This property's extensive historical drilling data will guide efforts to define a current resource estimate.

With these drilling campaigns, Pegasus aims to further advance its projects toward resource development, meet the growing global demand for uranium, and strengthen its position in the energy sector. The Company remains committed to delivering shareholder value through strategic exploration and development initiatives.

Map 2: Jupiter Historic Drill holes

Evaluation of Strategic Acquisitions and Corporate Opportunities

Pegasus has been successful in its cost-efficient property expansion and acquisition strategy, as highlighted by the Jupiter acquisition, which will continue to be a core focus for value creation. The Company will continue to explore areas for collaboration and development of all its assets, as it seeks to create shareholder value.

Macro and Micro Tailwinds

The uranium sector is undergoing a renaissance, driven by surging global demand for clean energy and the growing need for secure domestic supply chains. Pegasus' Utah projects are strategically positioned to capitalize on these dynamics, supported by local infrastructure and proven uranium potential:

Macro Tailwinds: A Global Energy Shift

Surging Demand for Clean Energy : As nations worldwide pursue net-zero carbon emissions, nuclear power is emerging as a cornerstone of clean energy strategies. Its reliability as a baseload power source makes it indispensable in the transition away from fossil fuels.

Uranium Supply Deficit : Despite growing demand, uranium production has lagged, leading to tightening supplies. This supply-demand imbalance is setting the stage for sustained price increases.

US Government Support : The U.S. government has prioritized domestic uranium production, recognizing it as critical to energy security. Recent bipartisan initiatives, such as the establishment of a $75 million strategic uranium reserve, underscore the commitment to reducing reliance on foreign uranium supplies.

Nuclear Expansion: Over 60 new reactors are under construction globally, with many more in planning phases, ensuring long-term demand for uranium.

Micro Tailwinds: Utah's Strategic Importance

Proven Uranium Potential : Utah is home to established uranium mining districts and producing mines, highlighting the region's viability. With Pegasus' Energy Sands and Jupiter projects located in uranium-rich areas, the opportunity to contribute to domestic production has never been greater.

Proximity to Infrastructure : Utah benefits from existing uranium milling infrastructure, including Energy Fuels' White Mesa Mill-the only operational conventional uranium mill in the U.S.-positioning Pegasus for cost-effective development.

Energy Security Concerns : With geopolitical tensions affecting global energy markets, domestically sourced uranium is increasingly valued as a secure and reliable supply chain solution.

High-Grade Discoveries: Pegasus' exploration success, including Energy Sands sample results of up to 18.8% U3O8, positions the Company as a key player in unlocking new domestic uranium resources.

The Time Is Now

The combination of global uranium demand, supportive government policies, and the strategic advantages of Pegasus' Utah projects present a compelling opportunity for investors. Pegasus is uniquely positioned to capitalize on these tailwinds, advancing critical energy resources while delivering significant shareholder value.

NI 43-101 Disclosure

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Jacob Anderson, CPG, MAusIMM, who is a Resource Geologist for Dahrouge Geological Consulting USA Ltd., and a Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101, who has prepared and/or reviewed the content of this press release.

The results discussed in this document are historical. Pegasus nor the qualified person have performed sufficient work or data verification of the historical data. Although the historical results may not be reliable, the Company nevertheless believes that they provide an indication of the properties potential and are relevant for any future exploration programs.

About Pegasus Resources Inc.

Pegasus Resources Inc. is a diversified Junior Canadian Mineral Exploration Company with a focus on uranium, gold, and base metal properties in North America. The Company is also actively pursuing the right opportunity in other resources to enhance shareholder value. For additional information, please visit the Company at www.pegasusresourcesinc.com.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors:

Christian Timmins

President, CEO and Director

Pegasus Resources Inc.

700 - 838 West Hastings Street

Vancouver, BC V6C 0A6

PH: 1-403-597-3410

X: https://twitter.com/MrChris_Timmins

X: https://twitter.com/pegasusresinc

E: info@pegasusresourcesinc.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains certain information that may be deemed "forward-looking information" with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in the industry to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward-looking information includes statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur.

Although the Company believes the forward-looking information contained in this news release is reasonable based on information available on the date hereof, by its nature, forward-looking information involves assumptions and known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information.

Examples of such assumptions, risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, assumptions, risks and uncertainties associated with general economic conditions; adverse industry events; the receipt of required regulatory approvals and the timing of such approvals; that the Company maintains good relationships with the communities in which it operates or proposes to operate, future legislative and regulatory developments in the mining sector; the Company's ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access sufficient capital on favorable terms; mining industry and markets in Canada and generally; the ability of the Company to implement its business strategies; competition; the risk that any of the assumptions prove not to be valid or reliable, which could result in delays, or cessation in planned work, risks associated with the interpretation of data, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits, the possibility that results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations, as well as other assumptions risks and uncertainties applicable to mineral exploration and development activities and to the Company, including as set forth in the Company's public disclosure documents filed on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca.

The forward-looking information contained in this press release represents the expectations of Pegasus as of the date of this press release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. While Pegasus may elect to, it does not undertake to update this information at any particular time except as required in accordance with applicable laws.

SOURCE: Pegasus Resources, Inc.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - German real estate firm Deutsche Wohnen SE (DWHHF.PK), part of domestic real estate major Vonovia SE (VONOY), announced Tuesday its agreement to sell nursing company PFLEGEN & WOHNEN HAMBURG GmbH or P&W to Hamburg Municipal Holding Company HGV. The deal price of 380 million euros will be financed by HGV without burdening the budget.The Senate gave green light for the notarization of the final purchase agreement on January 17.Under the deal, the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg or FHH will acquire 13 nursing home locations in Hamburg including all associated properties with around 2,000 employees and approximately 2,400 nursing places from Deutsche Wohnen.The FHH will take over the facilities which Deutsche Wohnen currently operates as P&W to secure and strengthen the supply of elderly care in Hamburg in the long term.The company said the intended deal is based on extended due diligence and negotiations between the parties.Lars Urbansky, CEO of Deutsche Wohnen, said, 'With the sale to the City of Hamburg Deutsche Wohnen successfully places Pflegen & Wohnen Hamburg in good hands. We are handing over an economically healthy company with strong substance to a responsible new owner. The high quality of all operations will continue.'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.
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - CBRE Group, Inc. (CBRE), commercial real estate services and investment firm, Tuesday said it has agreed to acquire Industrious National Management Company, LLC, a provider oaf flexible workplace solutions, for an enterprise value of $800 million.CBRE, which already has about 40 percent stake in Industrious, will acquire the remaining equity interest for about $400 million. CBRE also had invested in Industrious through a $100 million convertible note.The deal, which is expected to close later this month, is estimated to add to 2025 EBITDA, or earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, and free cash flow immediately.CBRE will create a new business segment called Building Operations & Experience (BOE), to unify building operations, workplace experience and property management. The new BOE segment will be led by Jamie Hodari, Industrious' chief executive officer and co-founder. Hodari will also act as CBRE's Chief Commercial Officer.CBRE Chief Operating Officer Vikram Kohli now has the additional title of CEO, Advisory Services.With today's announcement, CBRE's four business segments for 2025 will be: Advisory Services, Building Operations & Experience, Project Management and Real Estate Investments.'The advancements we've announced today support our strategy of investing in resilient businesses that benefit from secular tailwinds, creating new and differentiated products and continually improving the capabilities of our leadership team,' said Bob Sulentic, CBRE's chair and chief executive officer.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.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Fourth Ministerial Roundtable meeting began today as part of the Future Minerals Forum, hosting government representatives from 90 countries, including 16 G20 nations. The event featured participation from 50 international organizations, NGOs and global leaders in the mining industry.

This government-led meeting seeks to bolster international collaboration in producing the critical minerals essential for the energy transition. It provides a platform for ministers and senior officials to discuss sustainable development strategies for the sector, focusing on mining as a catalyst for economic growth and social progress.

Delegates discussed:

Strategic Framework for Critical Minerals: Developing a collaborative framework in the Super Region of Africa, West, and Central Asia to fully harness the region's mineral potential. Sustainability: Development of responsible supply priorities that reflect local realities in supplier countries and enhance transparency through supply chain certification. Centers of Excellence: Establishing a network to drive investments, develop human capital, and accelerate technological innovation within the Super Region and supplier countries.

The Forum continues to expand its program of events, including a new 'Great Debates' feature, that honor its commitment to "a year of impact". In order to accommodate this larger-than-ever program, the Forum has been extended to an additional third day, including;

The inaugural Centers of Excellence and Technology meeting will bring together representatives from industry, academia, R&D and technology to establish a regional hub for capacity building and innovation.

meeting will bring together representatives from industry, academia, R&D and technology to establish a regional hub for capacity building and innovation. The second meeting of International Geological Survey leaders featuring geological survey organizations from Africa, Asia, and global institutions such as the U.S. Geological Survey, British Geological Survey, BRGM (France), and GTK (Finland). Discussions will focus on building capacity to increase geological surveying, enabling more exploration and increasing investment in the countries of the Super Region.

FMF 2025 will spotlight Women in Mining, an initiative to promote gender equality and attract Saudi women into the mining sector. It focuses on creating opportunities to empower women in what has traditionally been a male-dominated industry.

Rana Abdullah Zumai, Head of Women in Mining Saudi, said: "We are committed to expanding opportunities for women in mining and creating an inclusive future. We aim to break stereotypes, foster knowledge-sharing, and build a mining ecosystem that attracts and supports women."

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2597622/Future_Minerals_Forum.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2314209/5115033/Future_Minerals_Forum_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/fourth-future-minerals-forum-2025-kicks-off-with-90-countries-and-16-g20-nations-at-ministerial-roundtable-302350531.html
Ambience Healthcare, the leading AI platform for healthcare documentation, scribing, coding, CDI, and patient summaries, announced today a pilot study with St. Luke's Health System has resulted in a 25% reduction in clinician burnout and a nearly 23% increase in patient face time for clinicians.

St. Luke's Health System, headquartered in Boise, Idaho has more than 18,000 employees across eight medical centers and 370 clinics. Throughout much of the past year, clinicians at St. Luke's have utilized Ambience's AI platform, embedded directly inside of Epic's electronic health record, to automate routine tasks like documentation, coding and clinical documentation improvement, and patient summaries for clinicians.

Following a successful pilot across several clinical areas and departments, all St. Luke's clinicians will now have access to Ambience AI to support them before, during and after every visit with their patients.

"Our mission at St. Luke's is to improve the health of the people in the communities we serve," said Reid Stephan, vice president and chief information officer at St. Luke's. "With ambient AI technology, we can significantly remove the burden of administrative work from clinicians, allowing them to focus more on providing patients with best-in-class care."

Delivering impact across specialties and care settings

Ambience is already deployed at St. Luke's across 11 unique specialties, including Neurobehavioral Health, Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Adult Behavioral Health, Neurosurgery, Cardiology, Nephrology, Pediatric Nephrology, Pediatric Hematology Oncology, and Neurology.

Since launching the pilot with Ambience in early 2024, St. Luke's has seen significant improvements across a variety of key metrics through Epic's User Action Log, such as:

22.8% increase in patient face time

38.8% decrease in documentation time

40.2% decrease in documentation outside of working hours

30.3% decrease in hours to close encounters

25% decrease in severe clinician burnout

Within four weeks of kickoff, St. Luke's and Ambience launched Epic-integrated, specialty-specific modules that accounted for the specific needs of each service line, including organization-level customization that supported St. Luke's departmental goals.

The leader in health system-grade AI technology

Ambience's platform is built with robust security and compliance features, meeting industry standards such as HIPAA, SOC 2 Type I and II, and GDPR. Ambience also recently earned a 97.7/100 rating from KLAS Research in a Spotlight Emerging Solutions Report in the ambient AI category, underscoring its leadership in addressing healthcare administrative challenges.* In particular, the KLAS report highlights that Ambience's AI platform is "coding-aware," i.e., compliant from a coding and revenue cycle perspective.

"At St. Luke's, we needed an enterprise solution capable of supporting our diverse specialties, care settings and complex payer arrangements, from fee-for-service to value-based contracts," Stephan said. "We also sought a partner leading in AI innovation. Within just 12 weeks of rolling out, the choice was clear to move forward. We're also now rolling out frontier capabilities such as ambient inpatient support."

*This report was written with limited data.

About St. Luke's Health System

As an Idaho-based, not-for-profit, community-owned and community-led health system, St. Luke's is dedicated to its mission to improve the health of people in the communities it serves. From its founding in 1902 to today, St. Luke's has long been a leader in quality care and a vital partner in addressing community health needs.

About Ambience Healthcare

The mission of Ambience Healthcare is to supercharge clinicians with breakthrough generative AI technology. Leading health systems and provider organizations across North America partner with Ambience Healthcare to reduce clinician burnout, improve system efficiency, and enable high quality care. Founded in 2020 by Mike Ng and Nikhil Buduma, Ambience is headquartered in San Francisco, California, and has raised $100M in total funding from Kleiner Perkins, OpenAI Startup Fund, Andreessen Horowitz, Optum Ventures, Human Capital, Martin Ventures, AIX Ventures, AirTree Ventures, John Doerr, Jeff Dean, Richard Socher, Pieter Abbeel, Anne Wojcicki, Eren Bali, Jay Desai, Nish Bhat, Matt Mochary, and others. To learn more, visit ambiencehealthcare.com.

Media Contact

Corey Patchkofsky

Aria Marketing for Ambience Healthcare

cpatchkofsky@ariamarketing.com

203-710-2296

SOURCE: Ambience Healthcare

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Leading predictive data company Browsi LTD (Headquarters: Tel Aviv, Israel & New York, USA; CEO: Asaf Shamly) is proud to announce a partnership with OpenWeb. The collaboration leverages Browsi's advanced predictive data technology within OpenWeb's platform and technology to enhance revenue opportunities and ensure a seamless user experience.

Since its inception, Browsi has amassed a vast repository of non-PII, first-party data from millions of users, forming the foundation for its AI-driven predictions. This collaboration with OpenWeb brings Browsi's expertise to new heights, helping OpenWeb's clients make smarter, data-driven decisions about their digital assets and audience engagement.

Through this collaboration, OpenWeb has integrated Browsi's AI technology into its platform to provide clients with precise predictions and actionable insights. This empowers OpenWeb's clients to refine their strategies, optimize performance, and achieve measurable growth by making informed, data-driven decisions tailored to their audience and business objectives.

The partnership offers a range of key benefits. Browsi's AI seamlessly integrates into OpenWeb's platform, operating in the background to analyze vast amounts of data in real-time to predict user behavior and other metrics to optimize performance. This collaboration enhances revenue potential by optimizing widget placement opportunities, unlocking incremental revenue for OpenWeb's publishers. Additionally, the partnership prioritizes an uncompromising user experience by adhering to publisher guidelines and maintaining Core Web Vitals (CWV), ensuring user satisfaction is never compromised.

This partnership reflects the long-term vision shared by Browsi and OpenWeb. The partnership is built on the principle that "better together" means combining expertise to create products that improve both clients and audience outcomes.

"Our partnership with OpenWeb exemplifies how predictive AI can transform business outcomes," said Asaf Shamly, Co-Founder and CEO at Browsi. "By integrating our data-driven insights and predictive capabilities into OpenWeb's platform, we empower businesses to make smarter decisions, unlock untapped revenue streams, and deliver exceptional user experiences".

"At OpenWeb, we believe in creating technology that drives meaningful engagement between publishers and their audiences," said Haim Sasson, President and CFO at OpenWeb. "Our partnership with Browsi enhances this mission by integrating predictive insights that empower partners to optimize revenue while ensuring seamless, data-driven user experiences."

About Browsi

Browsi is a leading AI-driven SaaS company that empowers businesses to make intelligent, data-driven decisions. By leveraging its advanced AI predictive platform, powered by a vast dataset of first-party data collected since 2017 from millions of URLs, Browsi empowers data-driven businesses with actionable insights and real-time predictions into audience behavior and performance outcomes. Browsi is trusted by premium establishments such as CNN, TMZ, Kobe Shimbun, The Moneytizer, GMX, WebMD, Graham Media and more. Browsi's technology is available to publishers worldwide sold directly or via authorized partners and resellers like Fluct, Flux, Magnite, Amazon Publisher Services Connections Marketplace and more.

About OpenWeb

OpenWeb's mission is to improve online conversation. As a product company, OpenWeb partners with publishers and brands to build strong, direct relationships with their audiences. OpenWeb's technology empowers its partners to build vibrant communities rooted in healthy conversations and robust social experiences. OpenWeb works with more than 5,000 partners, hosting over 150 million monthly active users. To learn more about OpenWeb's platform visit OpenWeb.com, or follow @OpenWebHQ on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Contact Information

Liora Babo

VP Marketing

marketing@browsi.com

+972 547 304 757





SOURCE: browsi.com

View the original press release on accesswire.com
VIP Parties, Proven Strategies and Custom Marketing Insights Await You at Booth #7757

Dealers United recently announced that it will have a major presence at the 2025 NADA Show, Jan. 23-26 in New Orleans, where the automotive agency will be delivering a live workshop with actionable ad insights, VIP Bourbon Street experiences, and expert-led digital strategy sessions for auto dealers.

Attendees are invited to Booth #7757 to receive Dealers United's signature " 14-Point Digital Inspection ," a step-by-step review of dealers' marketing strategies. This expert-led service focuses on optimizing local SEO, enhancing SEM campaigns, and refining social media efforts to drive sales. Visitors who book a booth appointment can gain multiple entries for the "$5K-A-Day Sweepstakes," with one lucky winner receiving $5,000 each day of the show. See official rules for complete details.

On Friday, Jan. 24, and Saturday, Jan. 25, Dealers United and TikTok are hosting an exclusive two-day VIP Lounge in the Royal Sonesta Hotel on Bourbon Street, offering attendees a unique way to experience the heart of New Orleans. Guests will enjoy prime balcony views of the historic French Quarter, complete with bead tossing, hors d'oeuvres, a premium open bar, and valuable networking opportunities with automotive experts and TikTok representatives. Access to the VIP Lounge is by reservation only , with passes available at Booth #7757.

Dealers United will also host a live workshop led by Justin Friend, Senior Vice President of Dealers United, and Jay Healey, Chief Marketing Officer of Healey Brothers Automotive, on Saturday, Jan. 25, at 12:30 p.m. CT in Room #210. The workshop, titled "Exploring 17 Battle-Tested Social Ads," will show dealers how to leverage social media to capture market share and drive leads using proven strategies on top social platforms. Attendees will learn techniques for building a content-driven culture and creating an online presence that resonates with today's car buyers. Space is limited, so early registration is highly recommended to ensure attendance.

Plan Your NADA Experience



To maximize your experience at the 2025 NADA Show, Dealers United offers a lineup of activities and opportunities:

Visit Booth #7757 to book a 14-Point Digital Inspection, enter the "$5K-A-Day Sweepstakes," win prizes, and learn more about Dealers United's offerings.

RSVP for the live workshop to secure your seat at this valuable session.

Enjoy the Bourbon Street revelry and make industry connections at the VIP Lounge at Royal Sonesta, sponsored by Dealers United and TikTok.

Dealers United invites all attendees to make the most of the 2025 NADA Show by participating in these impactful events and sessions. Sign up now at www.dealersunited.com/nada to reserve your spot and prepare for an engaging and transformative experience in New Orleans.

About Dealers United:

Dealers United is the premier digital marketing partner for car dealerships looking to accelerate their online presence and drive more sales. Our experts specialize in Social, Search Engine Marketing, Search Engine Optimization, and - above all - building true partnerships with dealers. To learn more, visit www.dealersunited.com.

SOURCE: Dealers United

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Building Stronger Communities, One Charitable Donation at a Time

In addition to its longstanding community outreach and philanthropy programs, King Industries sets a new powerful example of corporate social responsibility through its beloved "Chemistry of Giving" initiative. This program not only reflects the company's commitment to making a meaningful difference, but also empowers its employees to give back to causes that are close to their hearts.

King Industries' Chemistry of Giving

Building Stronger Communities, One Charitable Donation at a Time

Now in its second year, the program initiates an intercompany raffle, which grants three employees the opportunity to select a charitable organization of their choice to receive a generous donation in the employee's name-fully funded by King Industries.

The Spirit Behind "Chemistry of Giving"

"I think everyone would like to give more to the charities that are close to their hearts." says Shenton King, VP Marketing & Business Development for King Industries. He adds, "King is in a unique position to empower our people with the gift of giving, and we think that is incredibly special, and so do our employees - who love the program!"

This initiative is designed to strengthen community ties and reflect the company's belief in shared success. By enabling employees to choose organizations meaningful to them, King Industries amplifies its collective impact and inspires a culture of compassion across its teams.

How the Initiative Works:

Winners are selected randomly, ensuring a fair and transparent process. Each winner has the privilege of selecting a nonprofit or charitable organization to receive the donation. King funds the charitable donations, allowing the company to make an impact on diverse causes.

The 2025 Winners:

This year, three King Industries employees were selected as winners, and their chosen charities reflect a wide range of impactful causes:

Save the Children of Fairfield, CT

Save the Children focuses on ensuring that children around the world have access to health, education, and protection from harm.

According to their representative:

"Your recent donation will help build a brighter future for children-ensuring they grow up healthy, educated, and safe."

Contributions like these support vital programs, including protecting children in conflict zones, providing education for displaced kids, and addressing nutritional needs in rural communities.

Dream Come True of Western Connecticut, Inc.

This grassroots organization fulfills the dreams of terminally ill children in Fairfield, New Haven, and Litchfield counties.

Board member Beth Luddy shared:

"This donation will go directly toward Dreams...From Disney trips to room makeovers, this contribution will bring joy to children and their families."

Person to Person

Dedicated to serving families in lower Fairfield County, P2P provides food, clothing, and financial assistance, along with workforce training programs.

Julie Moeller, Corporate Engagement Officer, highlighted:

"Every dollar we receive buys five dollars' worth of food, helping the 28,000 people we serve. This donation is essential to continuing our work."

King Industries is proud to continue this tradition, proving that philanthropy and industry leadership go hand in hand.

Contact Information

SOURCE: King Industries, Inc.

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Traction Capital has invested in Atlasticity, a consulting expert that specializes in Amazon Web Services (AWS), to accelerate innovation and redefine the future of cloud services for mid-sized and enterprise-level organizations across industries.

As an AWS Advanced Tier Services Partner, Atlasticity guides businesses to thrive through cloud adoption - enhancing resilience, optimizing costs and operational efficiency with modern technology strategies designed to maximize the full potential of AWS services. The company's expertise spans strategic planning and roadmapping, foundational security and scalable architectures, modernized infrastructures, data optimization, backup and disaster recovery, cloud operations, and more.

"Partnering with Traction Capital represents a significant milestone for Atlasticity," states Patrick Gibson, CEO of Atlasticity. "Their support will enable us to grow our team, enhance our services, and extend our reach to empower more clients."

Atlasticity's Founding Partners from left to right: Sacha Sweeney-Newman (CRO), John Spaulding (CTO), and Patrick Gibson (CEO).

Atlasticity's expert team, with over 40 years of combined experience in business technology solutions, brings together diverse industry leaders dedicated to delivering unparalleled AWS expertise. By focusing exclusively on AWS consulting, Atlasticity delivers an extremely high level of depth, agility, and specialization. This commitment allows customers to focus on core business applications and drive growth.

In its next phase of growth, Atlasticity plans to expand its team, build on its growing work with AWS, and strengthen its already robust customer relationships.

"We're thrilled to partner with Atlasticity," says Peyton Green, VP of Investments at Traction Capital. "Sacha, Patrick, and John are an exceptional team with deep expertise and a clear vision for the future. Even as a young company, Atlasticity has already secured an impressive roster of large partnerships, proving their ability to deliver value and scale quickly. We're excited to support their growth journey and can't wait to see what this team accomplishes next."

About Atlasticity

Atlasticity is a Minneapolis, MN-based company solely focused on providing AWS consulting and technical services nationwide. Specializing in strategy, data migration, cloud optimization, and business transformation, Atlasticity is an AWS Advanced Tier Services Partner recognized for its strong team of trained, certified technical professionals and proven customer experience. The company delivers exceptional solutions for both private and public sectors, organizes Immersion Days, and offers specialized services tailored to meet diverse business needs.

For more information, please visit: https://www.atlasticity.com/

Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/atlasticity/

Contact: Sacha Sweeney-Newman

Email: info@atlasticity.com

Phone: (612) 474-1939?

About Traction Capital

Traction Capital is a Minnesota-based growth equity firm comprised of successful business owners and entrepreneurs. Founded in 2020, the firm invests in and acquires Minnesota and Midwest early-stage and lower market growth companies stuck in the "capital gap". Traction Capital believes that investing both financial and "smart" capital with a proven business management process (EOS) during this critical stage sets businesses up for more rapid growth. They help founders with strategy and execution through our own experiences and that of their investors, to scale and exit at attractive valuations.

For more information, please visit: https://tractioncapital.com/

SOURCE: Alasticity

View the original press release on accesswire.com
One-Quarter of the Top 25 Private Equity Firms Have Collectively Eliminated 50K+ Hours of Manual Work Using Auquan

Auquan, the market leader in AI agents for deep work in financial services, today announced record growth for 2024, marked by significant enterprise adoption, strategic product launches, and the completion of its $8 million seed funding round. The company tripled revenue in less than a year by deploying RAG-powered AI agents to eliminate manual effort and complete entire tasks in mission-critical workflows for private markets, asset management, and other financial services firms. Customers including MetLife, UBS, and Capital Group including one-quarter of the top 25 private equity firms use Auquan to collectively save thousands of hours on previously manual tasks that they've shifted to high-value work.

Talented, creative professionals in finance enter the industry to work on complex problems and consequential deals, yet spend much of their time manually sifting through vast amounts of data spread across incompatible formats, document types, and languages. Whether executing due diligence and ESG in private equity, monitoring covenants in private credit, or preparing LP reports, highly skilled and compensated professionals throughout financial services are caught in an endless cycle of manually collecting and summarizing data not driving strategic impact.

Auquan changes this by fundamentally transforming how finance teams work. Unlike other AI tools that serve as systems of research, Auquan is a system of action that completes entire jobs to be done. With deep finance domain expertise baked into the product, Auquan autonomously turns unstructured data into structured insights and outcomes. Teams start each day with predrafted insights and alerts, completed compliance screens, and fully drafted due diligence and sustainability reports, empowering them to jump right into critical analysis, strengthening investor and company relationships and making better strategic decisions faster.

"2024 has been transformative, not just for Auquan but for all of the brilliant finance professionals we serve," said Chandini Jain, co-founder and CEO of Auquan. "When we founded Auquan, I witnessed incredibly talented people wasting their days grinding away on tedious and repetitive tasks. Today, our customers tell us they're not just saving thousands of hours they were previously squandering on mundane research and writing tasks; they're liberating their brightest minds to focus on meaningful and fulfilling work and creating real value for their firms."

Key 2024 Achievements:

Customer Success and Market Impact

Achieved adoption by one-quarter of top 25 private equity firms, including MetLife, Blue Owl, and BC Partners.

Completed ESG reporting and KYB workflows for major financial institutions autonomously, enhancing compliance and reducing risk.

Produced more than 3,300 company due diligence reports rated "indistinguishable from human analyst work," saving firms a collective 50,000 hours of work and $40 million in savings.

"This is the first time I've seen AI truly deliver in asset management. It works surprisingly well and produces real, tangible results." A portfolio manager at a top 10 global firm by AUM

Product and Technology Innovation

Built breakthrough end-to-end workflow automation: Auquan's RAG-based agentic AI decomposes complex processes into hundreds of discrete, autonomous tasks to complete entire workflows from investment analysis to compliance reporting with seamless accuracy.

Expanded coverage to 550,000+ companies across 2+ million data sources in 65+ languages, delivering real-time insights aligned with SFDR, CSRD, and SASB frameworks.

Deployed an industry-only, one-hour private company credit report service, setting new speed standards for opportunistic deal screening and evaluations.

Strategic Growth

Secured funding, led by Peak XV, to reach $8 million total seed funding raised.

Selected for the Microsoft UK GenAI Accelerator in partnership with NVIDIA, GitHub, and WeTransact.

Launched our AI agent platform on the Microsoft Azure Marketplace to simplify procurement for enterprise customers.

Looking Ahead

Building on this momentum in 2025, Auquan will focus on:

Expanding Auquan's agentic AI capabilities across risk, compliance and sustainability workflows, including due diligence, monitoring, KYC/KYB, and regulatory and LP reporting.

Accelerating market share growth in the U.S. and European financial services sectors.

Continuing investment in agentic AI to build a system of action that completes entire "jobs to be done" for finance professionals.

Building on its lead as the domain-specific AI platform for finance by expanding data, platform and interface integrations to align with requirements of its target finance users.

Product Availability and Implementation

Auquan delivers immediate value through turnkey solutions for critical financial workflows while supporting custom implementations for unique requirements. Customers see measurable ROI within hours or days of deployment.

To learn more about Auquan and request a demo, visit www.auquan.com.

About Auquan

Auquan is the market leader in AI agents for deep work in financial services, redefining how finance professionals work by eliminating the manual effort involved in complex, knowledge-intensive workflows. The company's agentic AI platform transforms unstructured data into structured insights across 550,000+ companies and other entities and completes entire jobs to be done autonomously. Leading global institutions including MetLife, Capital Group, and BC Partners rely on Auquan's AI agents to complete mission-critical workflows in risk monitoring, investment analysis, sustainability and compliance, enabling their teams to focus on high-impact work and strategic decision-making. Headquartered in London with offices in New York and Bangalore, Auquan is backed by Peak XV, Neotribe Ventures, Episode 1, and Stage 2 Capital. Learn more at www.auquan.com, and follow the company @auquan_ and on LinkedIn.

All brands and solution names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Tags: Auquan, Chandini Jain, AI agents, agentic AI, financial services, fintech, private credit, private lenders, retrieval augmented generation, RAG AI, investment banking, private equity, artificial intelligence, AI, compliance, risk monitoring, due diligence, generative AI, GenAI, large language model, LLM, ESG, greenwashing, enterprises, asset management

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250114426961/en/

Contacts:

Media Contact

Dottie O'Rourke

TECHMarket Communications, for Auquan

650-344-1260

Auquan@techmarket.com
The company is addressing the critical gaps left by legacy IT tools, transforming raw data into actionable insights to overcome cybersecurity risks, inefficiencies, and performance challenges.

WanAware is proud to announce the launch of its advanced intelligent observability platform, including its proprietary Knowledge Discovery Engine (KDE), setting a new standard for managing IT infrastructure. In a world where connected devices outnumber humans 50 to 1 , WanAware provides businesses with the tools to effectively address performance, availability, and security challenges in today's complex IT environments.

Addressing a 25-Year Gap in IT Solutions

WanAware addresses a long-standing challenge in IT observability: outdated legacy tools and antiquated models that aggregate data but fail to provide actionable insights. These limitations expose organizations to cybersecurity threats, inefficiencies, and performance bottlenecks. With the rapid growth of connected assets, IT teams face an overwhelming volume of data that traditional tools can't manage effectively. WanAware's platform, centered around its KDE, leverages advanced technologies to transform raw data into meaningful intelligence, offering real-time insights without the need for specialized expertise.

"Our mission has always been to elevate performance, availability, and security monitoring to meet the demands of modern IT ecosystems," says Jeff Collins, CEO of WanAware. "For too long, organizations have relied on outdated tools that generate noise without actionable guidance. WanAware changes that by offering intelligent observability, enabling teams to focus on what truly matters."

Key Differentiators

WanAware sets itself apart with various industry-first capabilities:

True Intelligent Visibility : The platform collects and analyzes over 10 billion globally connected IP addresses, refreshing data every four hours to provide real-time and historical insights. This unparalleled data depth offers organizations a comprehensive understanding of their IT environments.

Contextual Awareness : Using over 10 trillion data points, WanAware applies AI, machine learning, and advanced graph database infrastructure to contextualize and correlate data. This ensures organizations can identify patterns, behaviors, and critical risks with ease and before they occur, offering automated remediation workflows to minimize downtime and shift IT operations from reactive to predictive.

Agentless Architecture: The platform's agentless architecture eliminates the need for software rollouts or manual deployments, reducing costs and complexity while ensuring seamless scalability across diverse IT environments.

Business Impact Analysis : By analyzing the causal chain of IT issues, WanAware determines the Total Scope of Impact (TSOI), offering organizations a precise view of affected systems and enabling faster, more effective resolutions.

Integrated Security and Compliance: With real-time threat detection, vulnerability scanning, and zero-trust principles, WanAware ensures robust security alongside comprehensive observability.

Simplifying Everyday to Complex IT Challenges

Unlike traditional observability tools, WanAware's platform is designed for accessibility. Generalist IT teams can easily implement and operate the solution, eliminating the need for highly specialized expertise. This democratization of intelligent observability ensures organizations of all sizes-from small businesses to Fortune 100 companies-can harness its power.

The platform's ability to monitor both external and on-premise assets allows organizations to gain visibility across their entire IT ecosystem, including IoT devices, cloud services, and legacy infrastructure. WanAware's approach reduces noise by prioritizing actionable events, saving teams from wading through unnecessary alerts.

"Observability should be intelligent, not complex," says Wes Jensen, COO at WanAware. "Our platform sets a new standard by delivering clarity and confidence to organizations navigating an increasingly connected and data-driven landscape."

###

ABOUT WANAWARE:

WanAware is an innovator in intelligent observability, dedicated to solving the most pressing challenges in IT performance, availability, and security monitoring. By leveraging advanced technologies, including AI and machine learning, WanAware delivers actionable insights that empower organizations to achieve operational excellence. For more information, visit www.wanaware.com .

MEDIA CONTACT:

Nina Pfister, MAG PR at nina@mooringadvisorygroup.com ; T: 781-929-5620.

SOURCE: WanAware

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Black Book Research, a leading independent market research firm specializing in healthcare technology, has announced the findings of its 2025 Global Healthcare IT Rankings. The report provides an in-depth analysis of electronic health record (EHR) adoption, trends, and vendor performance in Australia, underscoring the significant progress the country has made in its digital health transformation. It also highlights the vendors delivering exceptional client experiences and user satisfaction in the Australian healthcare market.

EHR Adoption in Australia: Progress and Innovation

Australia has been a late adopter of digital health technologies compared to some developed nations, but substantial progress has been made in recent years. Nearly all Australians now have a digital health record, enabled by the national My Health Record system. As of November 2024, over 24.1 million Australians have registered on the platform, with more than 99% of records containing data. The system has supported over 118.2 million telehealth services, showcasing a shift towards patient-centric, technology-driven care.

Government investments exceeding $1.1 billion over four years, as outlined in the 2023-24 Federal Budget, are modernizing the healthcare system, focusing on interoperability, data sharing, and seamless integration across healthcare sectors. These efforts aim to ensure 100% healthcare interoperability by 2027, facilitating the smooth exchange of patient data across all care settings. Additionally, the adoption of digital health applications, such as telehealth, remote monitoring, and mobile health tools, has surged in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the growing demand for patient-centric care. Mobile health app downloads in Australia have risen by 150% between 2022 and 2024, reflecting this trend.

Australia's 2025 Top EHR Vendors by User Experience Ratings

Black Book Research has released its rankings of the leading EHR vendors in Australia for 2025, based on surveys assessing 18 key performance indicators. The rankings highlight the performance of vendors in areas such as interoperability, user satisfaction, and client support, with the following key players standing out:

Oracle Health (formerly Cerner) - Oracle Health has emerged as the top-performing vendor in Australia's 2025 Healthcare IT Rankings, receiving high praise for its robust interoperability, comprehensive platform design, and specialized support for various clinical workflows, including oncology care. Clients surveyed by Black Book Research highlighted the platform's ability to seamlessly integrate clinical and administrative workflows, leading to significant improvements in care coordination, operational efficiency, and patient outcomes.

Notable deployments of Oracle Health's system in Australia include Alfred Health and Western Health in Victoria. At Alfred Health, Oracle Health's platform has successfully integrated multiple clinical and administrative systems across their hospitals, resulting in a 25% improvement in operational efficiency and better coordination of care across various departments. Similarly, at Western Health, Oracle Health's system has streamlined operations across multiple facilities, optimizing workflows and improving patient outcomes through enhanced data integration and more efficient care delivery.

Additionally, Royal Melbourne Hospital and Melbourne Health have also implemented Oracle Health's platform, benefiting from its interoperability and data integration capabilities. These hospitals, part of the Melbourne Health Group, have leveraged Oracle Health's solutions to enhance care coordination across their multiple sites, improving decision-making and reducing clinical bottlenecks. The adaptability of Oracle Health's solutions has been particularly valuable in tailoring global systems to fit the specific needs of Australian healthcare providers, especially in multi-site deployments and complex areas such as oncology care, emergency departments, and critical care units. Oracle Health has been increasingly recognized for its role in regional health systems. In regions like Tasmania, Queensland, and New South Wales, Oracle Health's EHR solutions have supported health service integration, improving patient access to care through advanced data sharing and telehealth capabilities. Respondents from these areas have also highlighted the platform's ability to support remote patient monitoring and outpatient care management, key elements in Australia's transition to more patient-centered, technology-driven healthcare.

MEDITECH Expanse - MEDITECH Expanse has been highly rated for its robust data management capabilities and effective support for clinical workflow optimization. The platform's deployment at Ballarat Health Services in Victoria has received particular praise, where it streamlined access to patient data across multiple facilities, enabling more efficient decision-making and significantly improving operational performance. Additionally, Eastern Health in Victoria has implemented MEDITECH Expanse to enhance clinical and administrative workflows, further demonstrating the platform's effectiveness in large healthcare settings. The system's integration of advanced analytics has also contributed to high satisfaction scores from users within Australia's healthcare community, underscoring its value in optimizing care delivery and operational efficiency across various health services.

Altera Digital Health - Altera Digital Health continues to receive positive feedback for its cloud-based EHR solutions, especially in regional and remote healthcare settings across Australia. The company's solutions are praised for enhancing access to care, particularly in underserved areas like Gippsland, Victoria, and South Australia Health, where telehealth adoption has surged in recent years. In Gippsland, for example, telehealth services grew by 40% from 2022 to 2024, reflecting a broader trend of digital health adoption in rural communities. Altera's technology has played a critical role in overcoming rural healthcare delivery challenges, such as resource allocation and connectivity issues, by enabling healthcare providers to deliver more efficient, patient-centered care through improved remote monitoring, virtual consultations, and data sharing.

Telstra Health - Telstra Health has further cemented its leadership in interoperability with a continued focus on FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) standards, which facilitate seamless data exchange across Australia's healthcare systems. The company's Kyra Clinical solution has garnered widespread recognition for its ability to enable real-time data sharing across hospital networks, virtual care platforms, and remote health services. Clients from Queensland Health and other health organizations have praised Kyra for its impact on clinical decision-making and data flow optimization. Telstra Health's collaboration with Smile Digital Health to implement an FHIR-first Health Data Platform across Australia and New Zealand remains a cornerstone of its strategy, significantly advancing vendor-neutral interoperability and improving the coordination of care across the region. This initiative, along with other interoperability-focused projects, is expected to further enhance the nation's digital health infrastructure, supporting better outcomes and more efficient healthcare delivery.

InterSystems TrakCare - InterSystems TrakCare received high ratings for its unified healthcare information platforms with strong interoperability features. Clients such as St John of God Health Care and Epworth HealthCare cited improvements in care coordination and workflow efficiency across multiple facilities, with TrakCare's adaptability to diverse clinical workflows and seamless data exchange being particularly valued.

The Future of Digital Health in Australia

The rankings and feedback from Black Book Research emphasize the important role these vendors are playing in advancing Australia's digital health landscape. Respondents consistently cited improvements in interoperability, workflow efficiency, and access to care as key outcomes of EHR implementations. As Australia continues to prioritize interoperability and patient-centric care, vendors that deliver tailored, user-driven solutions will remain pivotal in supporting healthcare providers across the country's diverse care settings.

"Digital health in Australia is undergoing a transformative shift," said Black Book Research CEO Doug Brown. "Vendors that focus on seamless integration, robust client support, and cutting-edge solutions are positioning themselves as key drivers in shaping the future of healthcare, helping to optimize clinical workflows and enhance patient care across the country."

About Black Book Research

Black Book Research is a globally recognized authority in healthcare IT market analysis, delivering impartial and meticulously curated client satisfaction surveys. Renowned for its rigorous and unbiased methodology, Black Book provides comprehensive evaluations of vendor performance, adoption trends, and technological advancements worldwide. Since 2007, Black Book has been at the forefront of assessing vendor satisfaction in Australia, ensuring unparalleled depth and precision in capturing the nation's evolving healthcare IT landscape. For more information, visit BlackBookMarketResearch.com

SOURCE: Black Book Market Research LLC

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - January 14, 2025) - Record Resources Inc. (TSXV: REC) is pleased to announce it has entered into an option agreement to acquire a key property in the Temiskaming hydrogen camp, directly adjacent to Quebec Innovative Materials Corporation (QIMC)'s significant hydrogen discovery. This strategic acquisition positions Record as a prominent player in hydrogen exploration within Ontario's rapidly expanding renewable hydrogen sector.

The Lorrain-Bucke claim blocks acquired by Record are underlain by Huronian Group sedimentary and volcanic formations that unconformably overlie Archean metavolcanic and metasedimentary units of the Superior Province rocks. The Huronian Supergoup, in turn, is overlain by a thick succession of Ordovician limestone, dolostone and lesser amount of interbedded sandstone and local conglomerate. This is a geological setup associated with significant natural hydrogen resource potential.

These blocks are strategically located, between major rift faults in the Lake Temiskaming Graben structure, a tectonic feature recognized for its potential to host deep mantle-derived volatile-rich sources, including hydrogen. (See figure 1).

Furthermore, the claims' potential is further enhanced by the presence of ultramafic rocks exposed on the northern and eastern portions of the Rift basin in neighboring Quebec. These units exhibit a distinctive magnetic response that extends into Ontario, which suggests the presence of basement ultramafic rocks at the base of the Rift basin. The information is not necessarily indicative of the mineralization on the property.

Additionally, a prominent gravity low coincides with a large granitic intrusion mapped in the western Lorrain Township (see QIMC press release December 5, 2024). This gravity low anomaly is shown to extend westward into Lake Temiskaming and potentially marks the location of thick Paleozoic cover, which is a positive indication for deeper natural hydrogen resource potential.

This option and collaborative venture also strengthens Record's strategic relationship with QIMC, a leader in hydrogen exploration. QIMC will join Record as a partner, bringing its advanced methodologies and expertise to the relationship. This positions both companies to capitalize on the region's unique geological features and accelerate hydrogen exploration and extraction in the Temiskaming hydrogen camp.

Record Resources, as the optionee will issue an aggregate of 9,000,000 common shares to a group of arm's length optionors, namely Gravel Ridge Resources Ltd., 1544230 Ontario Inc., 0761585 BC Ltd. and QIMC and make a cash payment of $90,000 payable in four instalments over a four-year period from closing (the "Option Agreement"). The optionee can close on the acquisition at any time by paying to the optionor the balance of the cash payments due. A 2% Gross Revenue Royalty (GRR) shall be granted from the sale of hydrogen or any other mineral product from the property. The optionor will own half of the two percent royalty and the other half will be owned by the other vendors. Record may purchase from the optionor, at its sole option, 50% of the GRR at any time for $2,000,000. The option agreement was signed on December 12, 2025. No finders fees were paid. The Option Agreement remains subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

John Karagiannidis, CEO and Director of QIMC, stated: "We are thrilled to expand our partnership with Record Resources and contribute our proven hydrogen exploration methodologies and know-how to the Temiskaming hydrogen camp. This collaboration, alongside our recent agreement with DMED's extraction technology, underscores our shared commitment to unlocking the full potential of natural hydrogen resources. Together, we are laying the groundwork for Ontario to emerge alongside Quebec as cornerstones of the Canadian and North American hydrogen economy."

Michael Judson, CEO of Record Resources, added: "The option to acquire a key property is a transformative step for Record as we solidify our presence in the Temiskaming hydrogen camp. Our strengthened relationship with QIMC brings invaluable expertise and innovation to our operations. Together, we are committed to advancing hydrogen exploration and contributing to a sustainable energy future."

Please visit the company's website at www.recordgoldcorp.com for detailed location and geophysical maps related to the Lorrain-Bucke Property.

About Record Resources Inc.

Record Resources (TSXV: REC) is a Canadian exploration company. The company is focused on acquiring and developing its hydrogen and gold exploration properties. Record Resources is operated by a highly experienced and well connected management team which has access to extraordinary exploration opportunities and technical expertise. The company is also backed by an accomplished group of capital markets professionals.

Qualified Person:

Edward Procyshyn, P.Geo, a qualified person in accordance with National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release.

Website: www.recordgoldcorp.com

Cautionary Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes", an or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would" , "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate, among other things, to: approval of the Private Placement and obtaining a full revocation order. This forward-looking information reflects the Company's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to the Company and on assumptions the Company believes are reasonable. These assumptions include, but are not limited to: the market acceptance of the Private Placement; the ability of the Company to obtain a full revocation order and the receipt of all required approvals in connection with the foregoing. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; general capital market conditions and market price for securities; and the delay or failure to receive board, shareholder, court or regulatory approvals. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Except as required by law the Company does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

The Units and the securities comprising the Units have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirement. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities nor shall there be any sale of securities in the Unites States, or any other jurisdiction, in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Not for distribution to U.S. Newswire Services or for dissemination in the United States. Any failure to comply with this restriction may constitute a violation of U.S. Securities laws.





Figure 1. Record Resources claims in yellow

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1769/237137_f93b9a21a480b867_001full.jpg

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/237137

SOURCE: Record Resources Inc.
By Vicki Hyman

Mastercard

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / January 14, 2025 / From extending credit to Colombian micro-entrepreneurs to reducing maternal morbidity rates in Ethiopia to delivering lifesaving information to refugees around the world, the power of artificial intelligence is being matched with the potential for inclusion and economic empowerment.

Redefining how to use AI for social impact, five organizations will develop and scale their solutions as winners of the Artificial Intelligence to Accelerate Inclusion Challenge, which received more than 500 submissions across 82 countries. The winners - which also include a social enterprise for small-scale beekeepers in India and a U.S. initiative that connects patients with underutilized federal benefits - will receive $200,000 and technical assistance and mentorship with Mastercard and data.org, which sponsored the challenge.

The Mastercard Newsroom spoke to leaders from the winning organizations about the challenges of building AI solutions in the social sector, how they're mitigating bias and training their models to be inclusive, and what other sectors hold the most promise for the technology.

Bridging the funding gap for small businesses in Colombia: Quipu

In Colombia, nearly 6 million businesses are microenterprises, operating with fewer than 10 employees and a small amount of capital. Of those, only 9 percent can borrow formally, due to lack of information about their performance and absence of financial history, and this creates an enormous funding gap.

Quipu bridges the information gap in the informal economy by using AI to more accurately assess the creditworthiness of these smaller enterprises through a scoring model that analyzes nontraditional data, such as mobile transaction histories, social media interactions, SMS and payment patterns, and intelligent disbursement and credit collection. It also provides a financing platform and microloans that allow these businesses to build an alternative credit score based on both financial and nonfinancial information. Through Quipu's app, customers can apply in minutes for working capital that is disbursed in less than two days.

Bolstering community health care in Ethiopia: IDinsight

Two decades ago, Ethiopia launched a new model for rural health care, training and deploying thousands of health extension workers to serve local communities, which has resulted in significant improvements in maternal and child health, and declines in new HIV infections and tuberculosis- and malaria-related deaths, to name a few.

To build on that success, IDinsight is partnering with Last Mile Health and Ethiopia's Ministry of Health on an AI-powered call center that the health extension workers can contact for real-time medical guidance on complex cases. The organization's AI solution will include a case management system and a question-answering service based on comprehensive Ministry of Health guidelines, providing real-time support to call center agents who will further relay critical information to the health care workers via phone, allowing them to focus on patient care and delivering high-quality health care.

Delivering life-saving information to people in crisis around the world: International Rescue Committee's Signpost Project

A record 120 million people are displaced worldwide by conflict, natural disaster, poverty and violence. People impacted by crisis must make critical, life-changing decisions throughout their journey to safety with limited information. In 2015, the International Rescue Committee launched the Signpost Project, which establishes digital help centers for users to find accurate and timely information, access critical services and ask direct questions to local moderators, such as, How can I access housing? Will I be able to get a temporary work permit? Can I enroll my children in school?. Signpost has nearly 30 active programs worldwide, with over 6 million Signpost users in 2024.

However, information needs increase alongside the number of displaced people. During the 2023 crisis in Afghanistan, one Facebook post resulted in 30,000 messages within one month, overwhelming the local Signpost team of six moderators. In 2024, the IRC-led Signpost Project launched Signpost AI to enhance the delivery of critical information through AI agents and human oversight. This system aims to reduce the burden on moderators, enabling them to focus on more complex cases, while ensuring timely and accurate responses that improve access to resources and services for displaced populations globally.

Building a hive of knowledge for beekeepers in India: Buzzworthy Ventures

India remains a global agricultural dynamo, but one agricultural value chain lacks buzz: beekeeping. There are 400,000 small-scale beekeepers in India, many of whom struggle to sustain livelihoods, let alone enhance the economic potential of insect pollination for improving crop yields. In India, insect pollination contributes $22.52 billion a year, far exceeding the market size of honey and hive products, yet the potential remains vastly underutilized for crops essential to India's economy and nutrition.

So Buzzworthy Ventures created Beekind, an AI-driven mobile application to empower small-scale beekeepers, particularly women, small landholders, landless farmers and tribal populations in rural and marginalized communities. It provides real-time insights and predictive analytics, helping beekeepers manage their hive health, diagnoses diseases, improve honey production and adapt to changing climate conditions.

Closing the health-wealth gap in the U.S.: Link Health

Emergency physician Alister Martin often saw that poverty was the driving factor behind patients' visits to the emergency department. He realized that "money as medicine"-helping patients access cash assistance and federal benefits - could address the root causes of poor health by closing the health-wealth gap.

This led to the creation of Link Health, a program that connects patients with unspent federal aid programs like SNAP, WIC and Lifeline to ease the financial strain that exacerbates health disparities. The AI-enabled enrollment platform and chatbot aims to unlock $10 million in state and federal benefits to alleviate poverty, reduce financial stress and improve well-being.

What was the biggest challenge in getting your solution off the ground?

Mercedes Bidart, CEO and co-founder, Quipu

"The biggest challenge was to secure the first amount of capital to start lending to train our scores. Creating a new underwriting solution is like the chicken-and-egg problem: You need capital to build the solution, but you don't get it until you tested it."

Sid Ravinutula, chief data scientist, IDinsight

"The first challenge is technical. In a health care context, treatments and recommendations must be 100% accurate - there is no room for hallucinations. This requires a different approach than the popular retrieval-augmented generation architecture. We need to construct a graph that accurately captures treatments and diagnostic protocols.

"The second challenge is creating representative benchmarks and validation sets. Before iterating and improving the model, we need a dataset of questions and answers that these workers are likely to ask. This dataset must encompass all the topics they may inquire about and account for how they might ask - using shorthand, colloquial terms, emojis, etc. Building a high-quality benchmark dataset is expensive, as it often requires human annotation."

Andre Heller, program manager, Signpost

"One of the biggest challenges has been developing AI tools that are both inclusive and contextually accurate. Training AI to understand minority languages, regional dialects and culturally nuanced content requires extensive data curation, human expertise and testing. Additionally, ensuring that AI-generated responses uphold humanitarian principles and do not perpetuate bias has required building robust safeguards, such as human-in-the-loop oversight and constitutional rewrites for ethical output. Balancing innovation with these rigorous standards has been demanding but essential."

Monika Shukla, CEO and co-founder, Buzzworthy Ventures

"The primary challenge lay in bridging the gap between advanced AI technology and its adoption in grassroots, rural settings. While internet connectivity in India has grown exponentially - with over 700 million internet users in 2023, driven largely by affordable smartphones - access remains uneven. This digital divide, coupled with patchy network coverage in remote forests and villages, posed a significant obstacle to deploying AI-driven solutions that require consistent connectivity and user interaction."

Alister Martin, CEO, Link Health

"Navigating and accessing public benefits can be a hurdle for many families. However, the biggest challenge was integrating Link Health's intervention seamlessly into health care settings where providers are already overwhelmed. This required building trust among health care workers, ensuring that navigators didn't disrupt patient care while showing measurable benefits to patients and healthcare systems."

How do you ensure your solution is both bespoke and inclusive?

Mercedes Bidart, Quipu: "To mitigate bias, we use diverse datasets, regularly audit our AI models and apply human-in-the-loop validation to ensure fair and equitable credit assessments. Our algorithms are rigorously tested to prevent gender and racial bias, and we continuously monitor and update them to align with ethical standards. We also provide users with accessible redress processes, allowing them to challenge or appeal AI decisions."

Sid Ravinutula, IDinsight: "First, we are building this as an open-source solution. We hope this will accelerate the deployment of similar tools in other contexts by allowing organizations to build upon it for their specific needs. Second, we are ensuring it can be easily customized and extended for local contexts. This includes adhering to local guidelines, switching AI models or adding new guardrails. By creating a common model that can be fine-tuned for each context, we ensure the solution is widely applicable while respecting the unique requirements of each setting."

Andre Heller, Signpost: "Signpost AI is trained using curated, verified data from trusted sources and local NGOs. This ensures the AI reflects regional dialects, cultural norms and minority languages, filling critical gaps for underserved populations. AI agents support voice and text inputs, enabling accessibility for people with low literacy. Tools are tested and refined with native speakers and community moderators to validate accuracy and inclusivity. Our AI Constitution democratically establishes ethical rules, including nondiscrimination and trauma-sensitive language, with ongoing audits to mitigate bias."

Monika Shukla, Buzzworthy Ventures: "Beekind tailors its tech-and-touch solutions to specific regional, ecological and crop conditions, integrating hyperlocal factors such as climate, flora and farming practices. To achieve this, we actively involve local beekeepers, researchers, agricultural experts and community leaders in codesigning practices, models and implementation strategies, ensuring that the solution aligns with the lived realities of the people it serves. We prioritize women and smallholder farmers - key yet underserved contributors to India's agricultural ecosystem. For instance, by providing gender-sensitive training and creating inclusive spaces for dialogue, we empower women to actively participate in and benefit from the beekeeping value chain. Inclusivity is not just a principle; it is a practical cornerstone of our approach."

Alister Martin, Link Health: "Navigators meet patients where they are - physically and emotionally - often in waiting rooms, and tailor their approach to specific patient needs, such as enrolling older adults in benefits like Medicare Savings Programs. By designing systems that prioritize accessibility and use trusted community messengers, the program ensures it serves diverse populations effectively, especially underserved communities."

What is the biggest concern you have around AI?

Mercedes Bidart, Quipu: "The most important piece when building AI models is the dataset. A good model is one that has a good and fair outcome, and the only way of making that possible is training models with diverse datasets that represent the particularities of each region. The other important piece of the puzzle is the person/team that builds the model. Just 20% of AI jobs are done by women, which means the outcomes are not being reviewed from a gender lens. We need more women leading AI solutions."

Sid Ravinutula, IDinsight: "Reliability. In health care, an incorrect diagnosis or incomplete treatment can have catastrophic consequences. However, AI models inherently exhibit randomness. For instance, asking an AI the same question multiple times may yield slightly different responses. Similarly, rephrasing a question can produce varying answers. While most responses will likely convey the same message, some may be incomplete or misleading, potentially causing harm. Strong guardrails are essential to ensure all responses are correct, complete and respectful."

Andre Heller, Signpost: "The biggest concern is AI's potential to cause harm through bias, misinformation or exclusion. For vulnerable populations, incorrect information can have life-altering consequences. Ensuring AI is contextually accurate, transparent and ethical requires constant oversight, testing and collaboration with local experts. We address this by implementing human-in-the-loop oversight for quality control, bias audits and ethical reviews to refine responses, and transparent frameworks like the AI Constitution, which governs outputs and mitigates harmful risks. We remain vigilant in balancing AI innovation with accountability and trust."

Monika Shukla, Buzzworthy Ventures: "When AI models are trained using data that isn't fully representative of the communities they aim to serve, there is a risk of reinforcing existing inequalities. For instance, many AI systems are trained using data in major languages, leaving local dialects and oral languages underrepresented. In India, numerous tribal and regional communities speak languages that often lack robust digital datasets. This lack of representation can lead to models that fail to accurately interpret or respond to the needs of these communities. Additionally, regional accents, speech patterns and lived practices are often overlooked, making AI solutions less effective or even harmful for these groups."

Alister Martin, Link Health: "The biggest concern is the potential for AI systems to perpetuate existing biases, particularly when working with underserved populations. Without careful oversight, algorithms might inadvertently exclude those most in need or fail to account for the systemic inequities they face. Ensuring transparency, accountability and ethical use of AI in decision-making is critical to avoid exacerbating disparities. This is also why we keep humans in the loop at critical junctures in the process - and why we will continue to keep humans in the loop as we evolve our AI tools."

What sector outside your own has the potential to benefit the most from AI?

Mercedes Bidart, Quipu: "The educational sector. I believe education has changed and we have the opportunity of making it more democratic. What we have done in Quipu around education is a gen AI assistant on WhatsApp that supports our clients with their business management. There's no need to have one consultant per business. With one bot we can support the education and growth of millions."

Sid Ravinutula, IDinsight: "IDinsight is sector-agnostic. While this project focuses on health, we have developed AI solutions in education and social protection. Farmers face similar barriers to information as community health workers. They need to know the best crops to grow for their region and optimal fertilizer mixes, and assistance with diagnosing crop diseases and treatments. In education, AI use cases include personalized tutors, AI-generated lesson plans and AI-powered assessments and evaluations. We've used AI to identify out-of-school girls in India for an NGO working to increase girls' enrollment in schools. Finally, AI can help citizens access government benefits. It can assist in identifying eligibility and navigating the complex application process."

Andre Heller, Signpost: "With advances in AI, it's hard to think of a sector that won't be transformed. The question is when - two years or five? From business operations to data analysis to diagnostics in health care to research in virtually any field, everything will advance at a pace we've not yet seen. It's just a question of when people will be able to make effective use of it. A practical example: linkage between meteorology and disaster management. Weather alerts and disaster early warning systems, such as floods, hurricanes, droughts and extreme weather events, hold immense potential to benefit from AI. Advanced AI models can analyze real-time meteorological and hydrological data to forecast disasters more accurately and provide early warnings to a more holistic response that includes vulnerable people, local businesses, supply chains and government. Signpost has already begun leveraging AI for flood response through FloodHub, combining AI predictions with actionable, real-time updates to help communities prepare for and mitigate the impact of floods."

Monika Shukla, Buzzworthy Ventures: "The health care sector stands to benefit significantly from AI, particularly in diagnostics, personalized medicine and optimizing health care supply chains, especially in rural areas. AI-powered tools can assist with the early detection of diseases like malaria and tuberculosis through medical images or diagnostic tests. For instance, AI models can analyze chest X-rays or blood samples to detect early signs of disease, even in low-resource settings. This can lead to faster diagnoses and treatments, ultimately saving lives and reducing health care costs in underserved regions. AI can also streamline logistics in remote health care systems, ensuring timely delivery of medical supplies and vaccines to underserved areas, which is crucial for countries with large rural populations."

Alister Martin, Link Health: "Education stands to benefit greatly from AI, particularly in personalizing learning experiences for underserved students. AI can help identify gaps in learning, provide tailored support and offer multilingual resources to students and families in ways that traditional models cannot. By addressing inequities in access to quality education, AI could have a transformative impact on future health and socioeconomic outcomes."

Originally published by Mastercard

Follow along Mastercard's journey to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Mastercard on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Mastercard

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/mastercard

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Mastercard

View the original press release on accesswire.com
The New Scholarship Invites Students to Compete for $1,000 to Dedicate Toward Their Continued Studies

The Ryan Law Group wants to invite undergraduate and graduate students to apply for the firm's new scholarship, The Ryan Law Group Truth, Justice, and Fairness Scholarship . The scholarship promises $1,000 to a student whose interest in law will help them change the face of personal injury.

Students interested in applying for The Ryan Law Group Truth, Justice, and Fairness Scholarship must create a three-minute video answering the following questions:

How do you think you can improve the current personal injury law system?

How do you think you can better help/protect society with a law degree/as a graduate of Law Studies?

Students may use AI to generate B-roll for their videos, but they may not use AI to generate their script, create fake characters for their videos, modulate their voices or generate their videos wholesale. The misuse of AI can result in a student's application being removed from the application pool.

The Ryan Law Group invites students to use a wide range of creative tools, including Adobe Creative Cloud, to add interesting transitions and other editing effects to their videos. However, the firm will not select a scholarship winner based on the quality of their video editing.

Instead, the firm wants students to answer the scholarship's video questions carefully and comprehensively. The $1,000 award will go to the student who presents a comprehensive interpretation of modern personal injury law and their possible impact on it.

Students have until June 15, 2025,to complete their scholarship applications. The firm asks students to double-check their eligibility and make sure they have all of their materials before submitting their applications. The Ryan Law Group cannot accept or consider incomplete scholarship applications.

The Ryan Law Group looks forward to celebrating a student whose talents and dedication make them stand out from their incoming classmates. Interested students can visit the team's Terms and Conditions page to learn more about The Ryan Law Group Scholarship today.

About The Ryan Law Group

Los Angeles and Southern California residents have Andrew T. Ryan , Esq., to thank for The Ryan Law Group 's continued dedication to judicial justice. Since its inception, the firm has provided all of its personal injury clients with the high-caliber representation they need to recover from life-changing accidents.

The team with The Ryan Law Group strives to provide California residents with the legal advice that will help them quickly and efficiently navigate through the state's civil system. We want our clients to walk away from their cases with the support they need to thrive.

That's why The Ryan Law Group offers its services on contingency. There's no fee unless we win a settlement for our clients. Are you ready to learn more? Contact The Ryan Law Group today to book a free case consultation.

SOURCE: The Ryan Law Group

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Trane Recognized for Excellence in Consumer Trust, Leading HVAC Innovation and Sustainability for over a decade

SWORDS, IRELAND / ACCESSWIRE / January 14, 2025 / Trane - by Trane Technologies (NYSE:TT), a global climate innovator, has been named America's Most Trusted HVAC Brand for the 11th consecutive year by Lifestory Research.

The 2025 Lifestory Research America's Most Trusted Study surveyed 8,856 consumers nationwide between January and December 2024 to identify the most trusted HVAC brand. Trane achieved the highest Net Trust Quotient score (113.4) among top HVAC brands and was named a 5-star Thermostat Brand in America's Most Trusted Study for the fifth consecutive year with a Net Trust Quotient score of 110.6.

"Earning the title of America's Most Trusted HVAC brand for the 11th consecutive year is a testament to Trane's unwavering commitment to excellence", said Dwayne Cowan, President of Residential HVAC at Trane Technologies. "This recognition reflects our dedication to delivering innovative, reliable, and sustainable solutions that enhance homeowners' quality of life. Our customers' trust inspires us to create lasting impacts on comfort, energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.

Founded over a decade ago, Lifestory Research America's Most Trusted study provides valuable insights about consumer trust based on people's honest opinions and experiences over the course of 12 months. Brand trust is measured using the Lifestory Research Net Trust Quotient, where a score of 100 represents the average for all brands included. To be considered for this accolade, brands must achieve sufficient survey responses for a 95% confidence level and a margin of error no greater than 3%. Confidence level results are then compared to peer organizations of comparable size and complexity.

"For eleven consecutive years, Trane has earned the steadfast trust of its customers," said Eric Snider, President of Lifestory Research. "Customers considering the purchase of an HVAC system seek a brand dedicated to dependable, lasting solutions and Trane's consistent ability to meet these needs has earned their sustained confidence rating."

Through bold, industry-leading action, Trane Technologies is advancing its 2030 Sustainability Commitments, including the Gigaton Challenge - a pledge to reduce customer greenhouse gas emissions by 1 billion metric tons (or, one gigaton) - and its pledge to be net-zero by 2050. In 2014, the company set its first science-based 2020 Climate Commitments - accelerating innovation to achieve them two years ahead of schedule. The company is first in its industry with near and long-term emissions reduction targets externally validated by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi).

###

About Trane

Trane - by Trane Technologies (NYSE: TT), a global climate innovator - creates comfortable, energy efficient indoor environments for commercial and residential applications. For more information, please visit www.trane.com or www.tranetechnologies.com.

About Trane Technologies

Trane Technologies is a global climate innovator. Through our strategic brands Trane and Thermo King, and our portfolio of environmentally responsible products and services, we bring efficient and sustainable climate solutions to buildings, homes and transportation. For more on Trane Technologies, visit tranetechnologies.com.

 2025 Trane. All Rights Reserved.

All trademarks referenced in this document are the trademarks of their respective owners.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Trane Technologies on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Trane Technologies

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/trane-technologies

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Trane Technologies

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Kansas, Missouri--(Newsfile Corp. - January 14, 2025) - Kendall Law Group LLC is announcing its expanded focus on comprehensive legal advocacy for wrongful death cases in Kansas City, St. Joseph, and Independence. The firm offers dedicated representation for families navigating these challenging situations, providing extensive legal knowledge and unwavering commitment to justice for those affected by untimely deaths caused by negligent actions.

Kendall Law Group LLC offers dedicated legal advocacy for wrongful death cases in Kansas City, St. Joseph, and Independence, aiming to ensure families receive the justice and compensation they deserve

Wrongful death cases often arise from various circumstances, including motor vehicle accidents, medical negligence, defective products, trucking accidents, and dangerous conditions. The firm focuses on identifying liable parties and holding them accountable for the fatal injuries they cause. Wrongful death lawsuits are vital in seeking potential financial compensation for the deceased person's family, covering damages such as burial expenses, funeral expenses, loss of income, and non-economic damages, including emotional distress and loss of companionship.

The firm's attorneys thoroughly analyze police reports, medical records, accident scene evidence, and other legal documents to build cases. By pursuing wrongful death litigation, families can potentially secure fair settlements or judgments, aiming to ensure financial relief during these difficult times. For more information, visit https://kendallinjurylaw.com/.

Wrongful death cases often involve multiple legal issues, requiring thorough investigation to establish the responsible party's accountability. Whether the incident resulted from a workplace accident, defective product, or the wrongful actions of a fault driver, proving liability often demands clear evidence and addressing the duty of care owed by the negligent party. Personal injury attorneys at Kendall Law Group LLC carefully examine the facts to ensure that justice is served.

The legal process for filing a wrongful death lawsuit encompasses many complexities, such as calculating funeral costs, burial costs, and medical expenses incurred due to the fatal accident. Wrongful death lawyers also evaluate categories of damages, including compensation for losses related to medical care, financial costs, and emotional pain suffered by surviving family members. Exemplary damages may be pursued in cases where the negligent actions of the responsible party are egregious or reckless.

In certain situations, wrongful death cases may intersect with other legal matters, such as criminal charges against the responsible party. While criminal proceedings aim to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, a civil personal injury lawsuit focuses on holding the party accountable for financial injuries and other losses through the preponderance of the evidence. This dual-track approach can provide families with both a sense of justice and financial relief.

Kendall Law Group LLC on Google Maps

Kendall Law Group LLC is equipped to handle various aspects of personal injury law, including claims arising from product liability, motor vehicle accidents, and workplace injuries. The law firm's team strives to secure maximum compensation for clients by meticulously building cases supported by legal documents, eyewitness testimony, and expert analysis. This thorough approach ensures that families receive the support needed to move forward during challenging times.

Pursuing a wrongful death case often involves assessing both economic and non-economic damages. Financial costs such as medical bills, burial expenses, and funeral costs are quantifiable, while emotional pain, loss of companionship, and permanent injury to the family's well-being require detailed legal arguments. By addressing all aspects of the case, wrongful death attorneys aim to help families recover the financial resources they need to overcome their loss.

For victims' families seeking justice, a personal injury attorney at Kendall Law Group LLC provides the legal advocacy necessary to navigate the complexities of a wrongful death lawsuit. This law firm ensures that every legal action taken focuses on achieving fair and just compensation for the losses endured by the family.

The firm addresses all aspects of wrongful death claims, including the negotiation process with insurance companies. By holding negligent drivers, manufacturers of defective products, or other fault parties accountable, the legal team works to maximize compensation for victims.

Wrongful death actions require a comprehensive understanding of wrongful death laws and the types of damages available. Punitive damages, intended to punish negligent parties and prevent future careless actions, may be pursued alongside compensatory damages. Whether the case involves a fatal car accident, medical negligence, or trucking accidents, Kendall Law Group LLC ensures that each aspect of the wrongful death lawsuit is handled with precision.

The legal process also encompasses personal injury claims arising from related incidents. Civil actions filed against negligent behavior often involve the submission of accident reports, eyewitness accounts, and other critical evidence.

The attorneys at Kendall Law Group LLC assist clients throughout the entire process of filing wrongful death lawsuits, from the initial investigation to courtroom advocacy. Their dedicated team ensures that families receive support during their time of grief and financial stress, offering guidance on pursuing justice against negligent parties. Each case is tailored to address the unique circumstances of the deceased person's untimely death, whether it stems from unsafe conditions, defective products, or negligent drivers.

Listen to the "Navigating Legal Challenges and Triumphs with Brad Kendall" episode on the "The Attorney Post - If you don't know your rights, you don't have any!" Podcast.

For those facing the devastating consequences of wrongful death, Kendall Law Group LLC offers legal consultations and the resources needed to fight for compensation. To learn more or to schedule a consultation, visit https://kendallinjurylaw.com/.

Serving Kansas City, St. Joseph, and Independence, Kendall Law Group LLC fights for victims of wrongful death, providing expert legal guidance and compassionate support through challenging times.

About Kendall Law Group LLC

For over 30 years, Kendall Law Group has delivered favorable results and substantial settlements for personal injury clients. Founded in 2001 by Brad Kendall, the firm focus on helping individuals and families affected by personal injury or wrongful death due to negligence. Specializing in transportation accidents, nursing home neglect, and medical malpractice, the firm proudly serve the Kansas City, Missouri area.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/236431

SOURCE: Kendall Law Group LLC
Dallas, Texas--(Newsfile Corp. - January 14, 2025) - John R. Teakell Criminal Defense Attorney, based in Dallas, Texas, has announced an expansion of its legal services to Midland, Texas. Known for representing individuals facing federal drug trafficking charges and other drug-related offenses, the law firm is reinforcing its commitment to defending clients in complex federal cases across the region. With an emphasis on robust legal strategies and a comprehensive understanding of federal drug laws, the firm's defense team aims to offer support for those navigating the challenging legal landscapes of El Paso, Midland, and beyond.

Teakell Law's El Paso defense team extends its expertise to Midland, tackling federal drug trafficking and complex drug charges with strategic and aggressive legal representation

Federal drug trafficking cases often revolve around the possession, distribution, and sale of larger amounts of dangerous substances. Federal prosecutors frequently pursue these cases with vigor, as drug trafficking offenses pose a significant risk to public safety and national security. Under federal drug trafficking laws, individuals accused of these offenses may face severe penalties, including minimum sentences that can lead to years or even life in prison. The federal government enforces strict sentencing guidelines to deter trafficking activities, leaving little room for leniency without a strong defense strategy.

Possession of drugs and drug distribution charges are often key components of federal drug convictions. While drug possession may carry a lesser charge under certain circumstances, possession charges involving larger amounts or evidence of distribution activities are classified as federal offenses. A single drug transaction involving significant quantities of a controlled substance can trigger harsh federal drug trafficking convictions. In these cases, federal prosecutors often seek maximum sentences, particularly for those with a prior criminal history or involvement in repeated criminal activities.

Federal drug trafficking attorneys play a crucial role in challenging the evidence brought forth by federal prosecutors. For instance, cases with insufficient evidence to prove intent or involvement in trafficking activities may result in reduced charges or even dismissal. A skilled legal defense team can argue for reasonable doubt, particularly when the connection between the accused and the alleged drug transaction is tenuous. By presenting mitigating factors such as the possession of limited amounts of a controlled substance, attorneys may help clients avoid the most severe consequences, including life imprisonment.

Drug crime defense attorneys often work to secure outcomes that potentially minimize jail time and legal penalties for their clients. For those accused of federal drug offenses, a strong defense strategy may include negotiating for lesser charges or disputing the legitimacy of evidence obtained during the investigation.

Federal drug trafficking cases are complex and require a comprehensive understanding of federal laws, sentencing guidelines, and prosecutorial tactics. Defending against such charges demands legal expertise in evaluating evidence, addressing procedural errors, and protecting constitutional rights. By focusing on the specific circumstances of the alleged offense, including the amounts of drugs involved and the defendant's role, legal defense teams can craft compelling arguments.

Teakell Law on Google Maps

For individuals facing charges related to possession, distribution of drugs, or trafficking offenses, early intervention by a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer is essential. Whether the case involves limited amounts of a controlled substance or larger quantities with alleged trafficking activities, the stakes are high. Federal prison sentences, ranging from additional prison time for moderate-risk cases to life in prison for severe offenses, underscore the importance of mounting an effective legal defense. By addressing the risk of abuse and pursuing a fair resolution, defense attorneys strive to protect their clients' futures while navigating the complexities of federal law.

Federal drug trafficking charges often involve allegations of large-scale operations, including distribution, manufacturing, and smuggling of controlled substances. These charges carry severe penalties, including significant prison time, hefty fines, and the potential for a permanent criminal record. Teakell Law provides defense services for individuals accused of federal drug offenses, such as possession with intent to distribute, conspiracy to traffic illegal drugs, and distribution of controlled substances. Federal sentencing guidelines for such offenses are stringent, making it essential for defendants to secure a strong defense from a dedicated legal team with a track record of success in federal courts.

Drug-related cases often stem from federal investigations conducted by agencies. These cases frequently involve extensive evidence, including surveillance, controlled purchases, and witness testimonies. Teakell Law offers tailored legal representation for clients accused of crimes ranging from simple possession to more intricate cases involving allegations of interstate or international drug trafficking networks. Addressing federal charges requires a defense strategy that accounts for both the complexity of the allegations and the potential penalties under federal drug laws.

The legal team at Teakell Law emphasizes the importance of protecting constitutional rights throughout the legal process, including during search and seizure operations. Federal drug cases often involve questions regarding the admissibility of evidence, unlawful searches, and potential violations of due process. By challenging procedural errors and scrutinizing the validity of government evidence, the firm aims to achieve favorable outcomes, whether through reduced charges, dismissal, or acquittal.

The expansion into Midland signifies Teakell Law's dedication to serving communities in need of effective legal representation for federal drug crimes. For those facing accusations of drug trafficking, possession, or related charges, the firm offers the legal guidance necessary to navigate the complexities of federal prosecutions. With a strong focus on defending against severe penalties, the team seeks to provide clients with the best possible outcome under challenging circumstances.

Midland residents facing federal drug charges can now rely on Teakell Law's experienced El Paso defense team for comprehensive legal advocacy and skilled representation.

About John R. Teakell Criminal Defense Attorney

John R. Teakell brings over 20 years of courtroom experience with a focused background in criminal law and securities. His comprehensive understanding of both federal and state crimes, along with his expertise in navigating the complexities of federal and state court systems, allows him to adeptly handle cases ranging from misdemeanors to federal death penalty cases. Specializing in white collar crimes, drug offenses, violent crimes, sex crimes, and SEC litigation, Mr. Teakell has earned a reputation for meticulous attention to detail and effective defense strategies.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/236433

SOURCE: Teakell Law
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania--(Newsfile Corp. - January 14, 2025) - Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C., a prominent personal injury law firm headquartered in Philadelphia, is expanding its focus to serve commercial motor vehicle accident victims and rideshare crash victims in Harrisburg, PA. With a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding transportation-related claims, the firm remains dedicated to ensuring that accident victims receive justice and the compensation needed to rebuild their lives.





Harrisburg's trusted attorneys at Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. fight for the rights of rideshare and commercial motor vehicle accident victims across Pennsylvania.

Commercial motor vehicle accidents often result in significant physical injuries and financial burdens for those involved. Victims of these collisions, including truck crashes and delivery vehicle accidents, frequently face long-term consequences such as spinal cord injuries, internal organ damage, or even wrongful death. Additionally, rideshare accidents involving companies like Uber and Lyft present unique legal challenges, including navigating insurance policies and determining the liable parties. Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. provides the necessary legal advocacy to help clients secure rightful compensation for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and non-economic damages such as emotional distress and pain and suffering.

For victims of commercial motor vehicle accidents or rideshare crashes in Harrisburg and surrounding areas, legal guidance is essential to recovering damages. Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. is committed to assisting injured parties in holding fault drivers, transportation companies, or other negligent parties accountable. To learn more about legal options, schedule a consultation by visiting www.lowenthalabrams.com.

Commercial vehicle accident cases often involve various challenges, including identifying the company responsible for the driver's actions and determining the fault party. Commercial drivers are required to adhere to stricter safety regulations compared to operators of personal vehicles. Driver negligence, such as distracted driving, speeding, or failure to follow traffic laws, significantly increases the risk of accidents.

These types of accidents frequently result in severe injuries to both drivers and passengers, necessitating legal action to secure compensation for the harm caused.

Accident scenes involving commercial vehicles often present complex legal and factual scenarios. Personal injury lawyers meticulously investigate crash scenes, analyze evidence, and determine liability to ensure accident victims receive a fair settlement. Severe damage to passenger vehicles, combined with emotional pain and mental anguish, further underscores the need for legal representation in these cases. Legal professionals also work to establish connections between the fault party's actions and the resulting injuries to build a strong case.

Commercial vehicle accident claims frequently involve disputes with insurance companies that aim to minimize payouts. Personal injury attorneys advocate for injured parties to recover damages for medical expenses, vehicle damage, and other losses. When negotiating with insurers, an accident lawyer ensures that victims are not left to bear the financial burden of the incident. For fatal accidents, legal representation becomes even more crucial to support grieving families and pursue justice for the loss of a loved one.







Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. on Google Maps

Common types of commercial vehicle accidents include collisions involving delivery trucks, tractor-trailers, and other large vehicles. These incidents often result in substantial physical and financial harm to accident victims. Severe injuries, such as spinal cord damage or traumatic brain injuries, require extensive medical treatment and can lead to long-term consequences. Personal injury lawyers aim to recover comprehensive compensation, addressing both immediate needs and future challenges.

Pursuing a commercial vehicle accident settlement can be a complex process, particularly when multiple parties are involved. A dedicated accident lawyer evaluates the extent of the victim's injuries, the cost of medical treatment, and other factors to seek a fair settlement. By holding negligent parties accountable, personal injury attorneys play an essential role in helping victims move forward after devastating accidents.

Commercial motor vehicle accidents are often caused by driver fatigue, distracted driving, inadequate vehicle maintenance, or improper loading of cargo. These factors can significantly increase the risk of harm to other motorists, pedestrians, and passengers. Rideshare accidents, on the other hand, frequently involve issues of insurance coverage and liability, as multiple parties may be responsible for damages. Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. addresses these complexities by leveraging legal expertise to identify the accountable parties and pursue valid claims on behalf of injured individuals.

Victims of motor vehicle collisions often suffer catastrophic injuries, such as head trauma, broken bones, or nerve damage, requiring extensive medical care and ongoing rehabilitation. The firm's legal team works closely with medical professionals to evaluate the extent of bodily injury and the associated costs, ensuring that clients' claims reflect both current and future expenses. Through thorough investigations and collaboration with experts, Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. helps clients navigate the legal process and pursue fair compensation.

In addition to physical injuries, victims of rideshare crashes and commercial motor vehicle accidents often endure significant financial and emotional strain. Filing a personal injury lawsuit enables accident victims to recover monetary damages to address medical costs, lost income, and the impact on daily life. Whether dealing with a distracted truck driver, a negligent rideshare operator, or defective vehicle components, Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. builds strong cases designed to secure justice for those affected by preventable accidents.

With a commitment to legal excellence and client advocacy, Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. stands as a trusted ally for victims of motor vehicle accidents. The firm offers legal assistance on a contingency fee basis, ensuring that injured individuals have access to quality representation without upfront costs. By focusing on achieving favorable outcomes, the firm plays a vital role in helping victims recover and regain stability.





Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. provides legal support for Harrisburg commercial motor vehicle and rideshare accident victims, ensuring justice and fair compensation.

About Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C.

Lowenthal & Abrams, Injury Attorneys, has been a leading personal injury law firm in Philadelphia since 1975, securing over $100 million in results across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. Specializing in personal injury, medical malpractice, and workers' compensation cases, the firm is committed to achieving justice and obtaining the compensation clients deserve. With a dedicated team that includes a medical doctor and nurse on staff, and strong partnerships with medical professionals, Lowenthal & Abrams operates on a contingency basis, ensuring no upfront costs for clients.

Philadelphia, PA 19103, United States

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/236581

SOURCE: Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C.
Dfns, the leading wallet-as-a-service platform for crypto assets, has successfully closed a $16 million Series A, led by Further Ventures, the venture arm of Abu Dhabi's largest sovereign wealth fund, ADQ. This round also saw participation from historic investors such as White Star Capital, Hashed, Semantic, Techstars, and Bpifrance, alongside new backers including Motive Partners, Wintermute, and Motier Ventures.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250114288142/en/

(Photo: Business Wire)

Our Institutional Focus Paid Off

Two years ago, Dfns made a strategic up-market move focusing mainly on institutional clients. The company's vision has remained steadfast: institutional investors hold the key to driving crypto adoption as they have the lion's share of the global liquidity. To appeal to them, Dfns prioritized uncompromising bank-grade security, aligning with standard traditional financial systems and leveraging state-of-the-art technology to surpass expectations. As crypto assets gain in value, the risks and scrutiny surrounding them grow. By positioning itself as the most secure blockchain wallet infrastructure, Dfns has become the infrastructure of choice for trusted institutions navigating crypto and shaping its future inside finance.

Dfns has a reputation for transparency, reliability and security, with trust-building initiatives: industry-leading certifications, regulatory licenses, robust insurance, independent audits, and partnerships with global leaders. Its hallmark clients include Fidelity, Bridge (Stripe), Zodia Custody (Standard Chartered), Tungsten Custody (ADQ), and 130+ fintechs worldwide.

Strategic Use of Funds

Following its $13 million seed round in 2022, this new Series A funding will enable Dfns to accelerate the distribution of its multichain wallet infrastructure in 2025. The focus will be on expanding adoption among banks, payment services, trading platforms, investment apps, tokenization projects, government and corporate treasuries, and fund administrators, with an emphasis on the EU, UK, UAE, and US markets.

"We have a clear plan," said Clarisse Hagege, CEO of Dfns. "Crypto can be unpredictable, so we've learned to prioritize sustainable growth over rapid expansion. We're not looking to scale our workforce aggressively; instead, we aim to grow from 25 to 35 employees by year-end, provided we meet our targets and the market remains stable. Our focus is to deliver world-class infrastructure for our fintech clients. They demand bank-grade security, smarter transaction management, direct integrations, and better user and developer experiences. This is what we do best, and it's what we'll keep delivering."

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250114288142/en/

Contacts:

Press:

Christopher Grilhault des Fontaines

chris@dfns.co
DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Military robots market is projected to reach USD 26.49 billion by 2029, from USD 18.20 billion in 2024, at a CAGR of 7.8% according to a new report by MarketsandMarkets. The growth of the military robots market is driven by several factors, including the growing use of UAVs to counter-terrorism. These aerial robots are increasingly employed for targeted surveillance, precision strikes, and intelligence gathering in high-risk areas, minimizing the exposure of human soldiers.

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Military Robots Market Report Scope:

Report Coverage Details Market Revenue in 2024 $ 18.20 billion Estimated Value by 2029 $ 26.49 billion Growth Rate Poised to grow at a CAGR of 7.8% Market Size Available for 2020-2029 Forecast Period 2024-2029 Forecast Units Value (USD Million/Billion) Report Coverage Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends Segments Covered By Type, Application, Operational Technology, Propulsion, System, Deployment Method, Range, and End User Geographies Covered North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Rest of World Key Market Challenge Lack of Skilled and Trained Personnel to Operate UAVs Key Market Opportunities Increased defense budgets of different countries Key Market Drivers Growing Demand for Autonomous Systems in the Defense Sector

Similarly, Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) are witnessing increasing adoption for tasks like explosive ordnance disposal, and battlefield reconnaissance. In the marine domain, Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) and Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) are gaining traction for mine countermeasures, and maritime surveillance, with defense organizations investing significantly in enhancing their autonomous navigation and endurance. Collectively, the integration of these land, marine, and airborne robots reflects a growing trend toward reducing human risks and increasing operational efficiency in military operations.

Based on operational technology, the autonomous segment will grow at the highest CAGR in the military robots market during the forecast period.

The autonomous segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period due to the increasing demand for advanced technologies that can enhance operational efficiency, reduce human risk, and provide tactical advantages on the battlefield. These systems can operate in dangerous environments, conduct reconnaissance, and execute precision strikes with minimal human oversight, making them invaluable for modern warfare. Additionally, as defense forces look to minimize personnel casualties and enhance mission capabilities, the shift toward autonomous systems is accelerating, driving substantial growth in this segment. The continuous evolution of autonomous technologies and their integration with other military systems will further fuel their expansion in the coming years.

Based on the propulsion, the electric segment will lead the market during the forecast period.

The electric propulsion segment is expected to lead the military robots market during the forecast period due to its significant advantages in terms of efficiency, reliability, and operational flexibility. Electric propulsion systems offer quieter and more efficient performance, which is critical in military applications where stealth and energy conservation are paramount. These systems also benefit from lower maintenance costs, enhanced maneuverability, and the ability to operate in a wide range of environments without relying on fuel-based systems. Additionally, with advancements in battery technology and energy management systems, electric propulsion is becoming more viable for longer missions, further boosting its adoption in military robotics.

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North America is expected to capture the largest share during the forecast period in 2024.

North America is leading the military robots industry primarily due to its significant defense budgets, advanced technological capabilities, and strong focus on modernizing military operations. The US, in particular, is the largest spender on defense globally, a portion of which is dedicated to research, development, and procurement of autonomous systems. North America has a robust infrastructure for developing and testing cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence, robotics, and autonomous navigation systems, which are critical for military robots. The growing adoption of UAVs for surveillance and precision strikes, coupled with the use of UGVs and UUVs for reconnaissance, logistics, and maritime operations, underscores the region's leadership. Additionally, the presence of government programs like DARPA also plays a pivotal role in fostering innovation and maintaining North America's leadership in this sector.

The report profiles key players in military robots companies such as Northrop Grumman (US), Boeing (US), Lockheed Martin Corporation (US), Elbit Systems (Israel), Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (US), General Dynamics Corporation (US), BAE Systems (UK), Thales (France), L3harris Technologies Inc. (US), and Leonardo S.p.A (Italy).

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DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The global clinical informatics market, valued at US$ 198.33 Billion in 2023, is forecasted to grow at a robust CAGR of 16.0%, reaching US$ 231.45 Billion in 2024 and an impressive US$ 563.18 Billion by 2030. Advanced technologies in healthcare are growing due to the increasing use of such technologies, and AI and big data are very important in that regard. The increasing use of digital tools in healthcare, such as data from medical devices, electronic health records, and billing information, is creating vast amounts of data that AI can study to make things better and faster. Such government actions, such as President Biden's order in October 2023 to create guidelines for AI in healthcare, are supporting new ideas and helping to develop a skilled workforce. AI tools are also crucial in handling disease outbreaks. The World Health Organization uses AI to make early warning systems and epidemic predictions better, which helps improve healthcare decisions.

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Generative AI is reshaping healthcare by leveraging Artificial intelligence to enhance diagnostics, offering personalized risk assessments based on genetic and medical history. Many companies are actively pioneering the use of generative AI in healthcare, tackling diverse challenges and shaping the future of the industry. For instance, in June 2024, Cognizant (US) launched healthcare LLM solutions using Google Cloud's generative AI technology to help administrative functions optimize and drive quality care in critical domains such as appeals management, contract management, marketing, and plan selection.

Based on therapeutic area, the clinical informatics market is segmented into oncology, cardiology, neurology, respiratory disease, immunology, metabolic disorders, infectious disease and others. The oncology segment held the largest share of the therapeutic area market in 2023. Cancer care depends on managing and analyzing large amounts of data. With the arrival of personalized medicine, the health care provider would require better systems that enable data integration, easier sharing of patient records, and access to superior tools for information analysis. As treatment becomes more specific to the individual, increased demand will be for tools that enable complex genetic data and support decision making in cancer treatment.

Based on end users, the ambulatory surgical centers, ambulatory care centers, and other outpatient settings segment is expected to register the fastest growth in the clinical informatics market. This growth mainly occurs because healthcare facilities rely increasingly on clinical informatics solutions to manage patient data and improve operations while providing quality care. The facilities expand rapidly because outpatient care is cheaper than inpatient care. According to ASC Data, by the second quarter of 2024, there are a total of 11,555 Medicare and non-Medicare certified ASCs in the US With the growth of Ambulatory surgical centers and outpatient centers are the driving factors of a rising number of clinical informatics solutions implementations.

Based on the region, the clinical informatics market is segmented into five major regional segments, namely, North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East and Africa. The North American region dominated the clinical informatics market because of the integration of emerging technologies, including machine learning and big data analytics, into the healthcare informatics systems in laboratories, clinics, pharmacies, and hospitals for accurate personalized treatment plans. Moreover, government initiatives are led by the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC). These initiatives focus on improving health information technology (health IT) systems, enhancing interoperability, and advancing data sharing across healthcare providers. For instance, the ONC has allocated funding for the Health Information Exchange (HIE) and Immunization Information System (IIS) programs, with a maximum award of USD 10 million aimed at enhancing data-sharing capabilities.

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The Clinical Informatics market is dominated by key players. The major players operating in this market are, UnitedHealth Group (US), Koninklijke Philips N.V. (Netherlands), GE HealthCare (US), Cognizant (US), Oracle (US), Epic Systems Corporation. (US), ExlService Holdings, Inc. (US), EClinicalWorks (US), Medical Information Technology, Inc. (US), Siemens Healthineers (Germany), TruBridge. (US), Veradigm (US), AdvancedMD (US), athenahealth, Inc. (US), Merative (US), NVIDIA Corporation (US), AGFA HealthCare (Belgium), NXGN Management LLC (US), InterSystems Corporation (US), McKesson Corporation (US), Dedalus S.p.A. (Italy), IQVIA (US), SAS Institute Inc. (US), Wipro (India), Health Catalyst. (US), Tempus (US), Practice Fusion, Inc. (US), MedeAnalytics, Inc. (US), Medecision (US), Chartis (US), Allara Health (US), Surgical Information Systems (Georgia), Anumana, Inc. (US), Memora Health Inc. (US), and MediView XR, Inc. (US).

UnitedHealth Group.

UnitedHealth Group, one of the world's largest healthcare companies, has revenue of about USD 372 billion for the year 2023. Optum (Part of UnitedHealth Group) a health services company, completed a merger with Change Healthcare in October 2022 of a USD 7.8 billion. which gives them access to data from millions of healthcare transactions and boosts their clinical capabilities for the US population. Now the company operates through four business segments: Optum Health, Optum Insight, Optum Rx, and UnitedHealthcare. It offers healthcare products and insurance services and caters to various healthcare providers, such as hospitals, doctors, pharmacies, health plan organizations, and life science companies. The company brought over 900,000 new patients into their value-based care, health benefits, health tech, financial services, and pharmacy services in 2023 only. They care for more than 62 million people through private and government-run health programs and handle more than USD 500 million in annual payments.

Koninklijke Philips N.V.

Koninklijke Philips N.V. (Royal Philips) is the parent company of the Philips Group. The company works in four areas: Personal Health, Diagnosis & Treatment, Connected Care, and Others. The company aims to grow in both natural ways and by buying other businesses to increase its market presence. Strategic partnerships in high-potential markets and collaborations have been Philips' key growth strategy over the years. For example, in November 2023, Philips and NYU Langone Health partnered to focus on patient safety and outcomes. The collaboration integrated innovative health technologies, including digital pathology, clinical informatics, and AI-enabled diagnostics, enabling real-time collaboration among clinicians. Philips has developed partnerships with many large healthcare companies and promising AI start-ups in the healthcare industry, spread across various geographies. In October 2023, Philips collaborated with the World Stroke Organization (WSO) to prevent, treat, and rehabilitate strokes. It emphasized awareness, education, and advocacy. Among its significant subsidiaries are Philips Oral Healthcare, LLC (US), Philips GmbH (Germany), Philips Ultrasound, Inc. (US), and Philips Consumer Lifestyle B.V. (Netherlands).

GE Healthcare

GE HealthCare is a global medical technology, pharmaceutical diagnostics, and digital solutions innovator. The company's products, solutions, and services span the continuum of patient care, including screening, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring. Its customers include healthcare providers and researchers, including public, private, and academic institutions. It sells to a global sales team as well as its network of partners and distributors and other third-party companies. By the end of January 2023, GE completed the separation of HealthCare as an independent company capable of issuing stock in the public markets. The company operates in more than 170 countries across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East & Africa. Its subsidiaries include Dynamic Imaging, LLC (US), Whatman plc (UK), Image Diagnostic International GmbH (Germany), Clarient, Inc. (US), Thomas Medical Products, Inc. (US), Orbotech Medical Solutions Ltd. (Israel), and Biacore International AB (Sweden). The company serves customers in over 160 countries, conducts R&D in 18 countries, and manufactures its products in 20 countries worldwide. The company has a geographical presence in North America, Europe, the Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa.

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Ottawa, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 14, 2025) - Today on Parliament Hill, Canada's vehicle manufacturers and auto dealers formally called for the end of the federal electric vehicle sales mandates brought in by the government in 2023. The call to end the mandates comes in the wake of the federal government ending electric vehicle incentives under the federal iZEV program yesterday, and a failure to build adequate public charging infrastructure in Canada.

"Yesterday's announcement by the federal government to halt all consumer incentives for zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) comes at the same time as a slowdown in the buildout of public charging infrastructure. As a result of these developments, the federal government's mandated ZEV sales targets are increasingly unrealistic and must end," stated Brian Kingston President and CEO of the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association.

"Mandating Canadians to buy ZEVs without providing them the supports needed to switch to electric is a made-in-Canada policy failure," added Kingston.

"The Liberal federal government has backed away from supporting the transition to electric vehicles and now we are left with a completely unrealistic plan at the federal level. There is hypocrisy in imposing ambitious ZEV mandates and penalties on consumers when the government is showing a clear lack of motivation and support for their own policy goals," said Tim Reuss, President and CEO of the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association.

"The end of the federal consumer EV purchase incentive program while maintaining Electric Vehicle mandates will be a disaster for consumers, dealers, manufacturers and the Canadian economy," added Reuss.

"While incentives are not required forever, they do need to remain in place until at least price parity has largely been achieved, otherwise the largest barrier to EV adoption - price, will continue to hinder widespread adoption and put the government's ZEV mandate targets increasingly at risk," said David Adams, President & CEO of Global Automakers of Canada.

"If the government is going to mandate manufacturers to put ZEVs into the marketplace and pay severe penalties for not doing so, then government needs to ensure that it is doing its part to address key barriers to EV uptake - price and infrastructure. If they are not prepared to do that then the federal government (and Quebec and BC) must consider revising or eliminating their mandates as the fundamental assumptions and EV adoption rates on which the mandates were based, has changed," added Adams

On Parliament Hill the auto industry also pointed out the troubling lack of preparedness and foresight within the federal government by failing to secure adequate funding for the transition to electrified transportation that it actively promoted. The federal government is now the third ZEV mandate jurisdiction to significantly restrict or eliminate incentives to assist with the purchase of zero emission vehicles.

-- 30 -





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The Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association (CVMA) - cvma.ca

The Global Automakers of Canada (GAC) - globalautomakers.ca

The Canadian Automobile Dealers Association (CADA) - cada.ca

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To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/237142

SOURCE: Canadian Auto Dealers Association
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 14, 2025) - Big Red Mining Corp. (CSE: RED) (FSE: K8J) (the "Company" or "Big Red") is pleased to provide an update on the Antimony 2.0 Project considering China's recent announcement banning exports of gallium, germanium, and antimony to the United States. This strategic move, paired with September 2024 export restrictions, has exacerbated global concerns over supply chain stability for these indispensable materials.

Highlights

The Antimony market has become very restricted with the recent announcements by China.

Recent Prices for Antimony have increased in response to perceived shortages and there is a push to develop alternative sources of this metal

Big Red's Antimony 2.0 project in New Brunswick is poised to become even more interesting as North America strives to replace the output of antimony from China.

Additional soil samples collected by the original owner in the area where antimony was discovered have been submitted to the laboratory for analysis

Results include highly anomalous soil values for Antimony and Pathfinder Elements

An expanded soil sampling program is underway to further explore the area where antimony was discovered in soils

An IP survey has been scheduled to commence in early January to cover the areas of known antimony anomalies to assist in generating trenching and drilling targets.

Perspective

China is the world's leading producer of antimony, accounting for 48 percent of global production and 63 percent of U.S. antimony imports. The United States has no domestic antimony production and severely limited stockpiles. Since antimony export restrictions were imposed in September 2024, antimony shipments from China dropped 97 percent while prices rose 200 percent.

Antimony, a mineral vital for defense systems, renewable energy storage, and high-tech manufacturing has become the latest flashpoint in the resource security landscape. Industry experts warn that this trend could severely impact U.S. national defense readiness and the development of advanced technologies unless alternative sources are secured.

Antimony is in high demand globally and has been classified as a critical mineral. Antimony is a critical component for battery technology, advanced military systems, and other industrial applications. China announced Antimony export restrictions which took effect on Sept. 15, 2024 (source: Reuters, Aug. 28, 2024), and are expected to have significant implications for the global antimony supply chain. An extreme supply shortage since April has led to the sharpest price rally ever recorded in the antimony market since Fastmarkets started pricing the metal back in the early 1980s. Fastmarket-assessed Antimony metal prices in Rotterdam increased at their fastest rate in more than 40 years in the week to May 17, 2024 due to a severe supply squeeze after a month of continued extreme shortage of raw materials from China, Russia, and Southeast Asia.

The Property (Figure 1 Location)

The Antimony 2.0 property is located approximately 25 kilometers west of Fredericton, the provincial capital of New Brunswick and approximately 15 km north-northeast of the historic Lake George Antimony Mine which was North America's only primary antimony producer. The Lake George Antimony Mine operated for various periods from the 1860s to 1998 and produced as much as 4% of the world's demand of Antimony from 1970 through 1992.

Past work had identified antimony in soils on the property during reconnaissance sampling. Figure 2 is a brief compilation of past work and shows the proposed exploration.





Figure 1: The Antimony 2.0 Property Showing the Location of the Lake George Antimony Mine and Proposed IP and Soil survey areas.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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The Property

Big Red's optioned Antimony 2.0 Property has exciting antimony discoveries by personnel of Edge Exploration Inc. ("Edge") which include three particularly robust antimony soil anomalies. These findings stem from a 395-sample reconnaissance soil survey and drone-conducted magnetic survey. Geology is the same package of interbedded Silurian greywacke and argillite that characterizes Lake George Antimony Mine approximately 15 km to the southwest.

Soil samples with high antimony anomalies were previously collected by Edge personnel. The recent sampling has expanded the area of anomalous antimony values. The IP survey will be focused on the areas of anomalous soil values to detect areas of mineralization and to outline differences in resistivity which could indicate mineralizing conditions in the subsurface. The property has never been effectively explored even though gold has been panned from one of the streams draining the area. Since antimony is known to be associated with gold and because the property is close to and in a similar geological setting as the Lake Geoge Antimony Mine, previous owners included the analysis for this element in the early exploration.

This preliminary soil sampling program was successful in identifying an area of antimony on the property.

Recent Exploration

Exploration on The Antimony 2.0 Property by Big Red Mining has commenced with soil sampling and an IP Survey which will be completed in early January to explore the areas of antimony soil anomalies.

Previous soil samples collected on the property were submitted to Activation Laboratories for analysis. The results confirmed the presence of anomalous antimony in B-horizon soils.

The locations of the samples were in the area where antimony soil anomalies were previously identified.

Locations are presented on Figure 2:

Anomalous soil values in B-horizon soils were encountered over an area of approximately 150 by 120 meters with 12 results considered anomalous with values up to 35 times the average and over 80 times background. Results are presented below in Table 2. Figure 2 shows the locations of the samples. In addition to anomalous Antimony results there are also corresponding anomalous results for the pathfinder elements arsenic, molybdenum, copper and lead as shown on Table 3.





Figure 2: location of Soil Samples

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Figure 3: Results of Soil Samples Collected in 2022 and Recently Analyzed for Antimony by Big Red. Note the cluster of Anomalous Antimony.

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Table 2: Soil Sample Results with Antimony Greater than Two Times Average of 2.2 ppm. Note results up to 35 times the Average value.

Report Number: A24-13034 Report Date: 5/12/2024 Analyte Symbol Sb (ppm) Detection limit 0.02 Sample Number Value MAC 096 84 >35X Average MAC 140 76.8 MAC 110 26.1 >10X Average MAC 138 10.2 3 to 5X Average MAC 169 8.32 MAC 124 7.73 MAC 126 6.01 MAC 129 5.12 2X Average MAC 123 4.58 MAC 173 4.24 MAC 042 4.13 MAC 178 4

Table 3: Pathfinder Elements in relation to Anomalous Antimony

Analyte Symbol Cu As Mo Sb Pb Average 15.9 35.8 1.34 2.24 14.7 Background 8.00 15.00 0.60 1.10 7.00 MAC 096 47.8 908 1.03 84 43.8 MAC 140 24.4 736 0.71 76.8 47 MAC 110 33.6 118 9.34 26.1 11.9 MAC 138 28 38.1 0.94 10.2 22.5 MAC 169 37.8 865 1.61 8.32 40.6 MAC 124 14.4 103 1.26 7.73 15.2 MAC 126 59.7 74 9.49 6.01 45.1 MAC 129 47.9 131 8.76 5.12 32.5 MAC 123 38.3 52.8 6.47 4.58 19.4 MAC 173 31 44.8 3.36 4.24 23.4 MAC 042 40.1 46.7 8.88 4.13 19 MAC 178 38.7 37.2 3.4 4 19.3

Discussion

The results of the soil samples indicate that there are anomalous antimony values in this area of the Antimony 2.0 Property. The corresponding anomalous values for the pathfinder elements molybdenum, arsenic and the base metals copper and lead seem to indicate that there is a mineralizing event in the vicinity. The poor exposure in the area does not allow for examination by prospecting and unusually, for New Brunswick, there are no boulders or rocks on the surface. Notwithstanding this, it appears that the overburden in the area is shallow and soil sampling followed up by overburden stripping will be a very effective exploration methodology.

Jim Atkinson CEO of Big Red Commented "We are very excited by the results of these samples and are highly encouraged by the size and magnitude of the anomaly. During my tenure as the Head Geologist at the Lake George Antimony Mine we learned that the potential surface exposure of the veins could be limited due to the size of the orebodies. Therefore, we understand that detailed work will be required to develop this project. The fact that there is no bedrock exposure on the Antimony 2.0 property means that soil geochemical surveys will be valuable. To this end additional detailed soil sampling will be conducted in January. We are also conducting a test IP program to evaluate the usefulness of this technique. Atkinson continues; "We are proceeding to quickly explore this highly prospective antimony project for Big Red and we are glad to be able to focus on this critical metal. China's recent actions amplify the need for active exploration and development of antimony projects as well other critical metals in North America. With the work planned I am confident our initial exploration program will result in targets for follow-up trenching, sampling and eventually drilling."

The technical contents of this news release were reviewed and approved by Jim Atkinson, MSc., P.Geo., who is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

About Big Red Mining Corp.

Big Red holds an option to acquire a 100% interest in the Antimony 2.0 Property, which is located approximately 25 kilometers west of Fredericton, New Brunswick, and approximately 15 kilometers northeast of the historic Lake George antimony mine. The Lake George antimony mine operated for various periods from the 1860s to 1998 and produced as much as 4 per cent of the world's demand of antimony from 1970 through 1992. The Antimony 2.0 Property comprises over 35 square kilometers of relatively unexplored ground with excellent access via provincial and logging roads, and hydro power.

Antimony has been detected at highly anomalous levels in soil samples collected on the Antimony 2.0 Property by the optionor.

Big Red also holds an option to acquire a 100% interest in the Dobie Lake Copper Project (the "Dobie Lake Property"), which is located approximately 100 km from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. The Dobie Lake. Property surrounds and covers extensions of the past producing Jentina Mine and comprises 131 claims totaling 6,500 acres (26 square kilometers).

Big Red's management team possess extensive experience in financing, exploration, development and mining. Big Red intends to conduct exploration campaigns on each of its optioned properties with a goal of finding one or more minable resources.

WWW.BIGREDMINING.COM

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/237150

SOURCE: Big Red Mining Corp.
The interconnection with Air Liquide's largest RNG plant in the world marks a milestone in the clean energy future

NAPERVILLE, IL / ACCESSWIRE / January 14, 2025 / Southern Company

Southern Company

Nicor Gas celebrated the opening of its first renewable natural gas (RNG) interconnection with Air Liquide's largest RNG facility in the world. The plant converts biogas from a nearby landfill into energy through the utility's first-ever RNG interconnection. To mark this historic moment in Illinois's clean energy future, the companies hosted an official ribbon cutting ceremony, attended by company leaders, local and national elected officials and community partners.

"This interconnection is a significant step forward for Nicor Gas and Southern Company Gas on the path to a sustainable energy future for Illinois and facilitating economy-wide carbon reductions while fueling resiliency, energy security and the growth of the clean energy economy," said Wendell Dallas, president and CEO of Nicor Gas.

The interconnection was established under Nicor Gas' Renewable Gas Interconnection Pilot Program approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission in 2021. This is the utility's first-ever interconnection of a biogas upgrading plant to the Nicor Gas delivery system, which went live June 12, 2024.

Located in Rockford, Illinois, Air Liquide's state-of-the-art plant uses biogas from the adjacent Winnebago Landfill operated by Waste Connections, Inc. to create RNG. The plant is projected to produce approximately 1.3 million Metric Million British thermal units (MMBtu) per year, which is the estimated equivalent to replacing natural gas with RNG in 12,000 homes annually.

RNG is a low-carbon intensity fuel produced from biogas that is derived from organic waste sources such as household waste in landfills, wastewater treatment processes and agriculture. As organic waste decomposes, it produces biogas - a mixture of primarily methane and carbon dioxide. Instead of allowing it to be flared into the atmosphere, Air Liquide's Winnebago facility captures it at the landfill and purifies it into a pipeline-quality gas that is interchangeable with geologic natural gas. In some cases, RNG is one of the only energy sources that can have a negative carbon intensity on a lifecycle basis, depending on the feedstock.

Nicor Gas' pipeline infrastructure is a vital component in enabling reduced emissions for those entities who are purchasing and/or retiring the environmental attributes and delivering energy to end users, as well as encouraging RNG development. The company will receive and retire 13,900 MMbtu annually of environmental attributes associated with this project, contributing directly to Nicor Gas' reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from its operations.

To learn more about Nicor Gas's commitment to a clean energy future, visit https://www.nicorgas.com/sustainability.

About Nicor Gas

Nicor Gas is one of four natural gas distribution companies of Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO). Nicor Gas serves more than 2.3 million customers in a service territory that encompasses most of the northern third of Illinois, excluding the city of Chicago. For more information, visit nicorgas.com.

About Southern Company Gas

Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), America's premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.4 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states and more than 600,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural gas. Other nonutility businesses include investments in interstate pipelines, asset management for natural gas wholesale customers and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities.

For further information: Jennifer Golz, 331-222-8716, jgolz@southernco.com

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Southern Company on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: Southern Company

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/southern-company

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: Southern Company

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Fredericton, New Brunswick, Jan. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NextGen Digital Platforms Inc. (CSE:NXT) (FSE:Z12) ("NextGen" or the "Company") announces that it has received its listing on Tradegate Exchange in Germany. This move enhances Libero Copper's visibility and accessibility to European investors, providing an exciting opportunity to broaden its shareholder base.

"This listing on Tradegate Exchange marks an important milestone for NextGen as we continue to expand our capital markets presence in Europe," said Alexander Tjiang, Interim CEO of NextGen. "Our new listing provides us with a unique opportunity to connect with a diverse and growing pool of investors, further solidifying our commitment to greater accessibility and long-term growth."

About NextGen Digital Platforms Inc.

NextGen Digital Platforms Inc. (CSE: NXT) is listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange. The Company currently operates e-commerce platform PCSections.com ("PCS") and a hardware-as-a-service business supporting the artificial intelligence sector, called cloud AI hosting ("Cloud AI Hosting"). Both PCS and Cloud AI Hosting were developed in-house by NextGen. The Company also intends to democratize access to cryptocurrencies by providing investors with exposure to a diversified basket of digital assets through a regulated public vehicle. From time to time, the Company also intends to evaluate and acquire or develop other micro-technology platforms.

For More Information:

Alexander Tjiang, Interim Chief Executive Officer

(416) 300-7398

https://nextgendigital.ca/

?info@nextgendigital.ca

The CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This press release includes "forward-looking information" that is subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Forward-looking statements may include but are not limited to, statements relating to the completion of the Offering on the terms described herein or at all, and the use of proceeds and available funds following the completion of the Offering, and are subject to all of the risks and uncertainties normally incident to such events. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future events and that actual events or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements represent management's best judgment based on information currently available. No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law.
PRESS RELEASE

Paris, France - 14 January 2025

MOBILIZE AND AUTOSTRADE PER L'ITALIA FORGE A STRATEGIC ALLIANCE TO POWER SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY IN ITALY

Renault Group through its Mobilize brand and Autostrade per l'Italia through its subsidiary Free To X have signed a framework agreement to develop fast-charging infrastructure in Italy.

As part of the transaction, Mobilize will acquire a significant stake in Free To X, a subsidiary of Autostrade per l'Italia, dedicated to fast charging.

The existing Free To X network comprises over a hundred High-Power charging stations primarily located on highways, with an average distance of approximately 50 km between each station.

The parties intend to enhance Italy's charging infrastructure, focusing on premium locations beyond highways.

In a landmark move for the electric mobility sector, Mobilize, a Renault Group brand dedicated to new mobilities, and Free To X, a subsidiary of Autostrade per l'Italia, have announced a transaction that aims to accelerate the deployment of a high-power charging network across Italy.

Through this project, Mobilize is set to acquire a significant stake in Free To X, Autostrade per l'Italia's subsidiary dedicated to fast charging, supporting Mobilize's vision of establishing a strong presence in the fast-charging industry.

Free To X, one of the leaders in the high-power charging (HPC) market in Italy, operates a fast charge network comprising 110 stations, primarily located on highways. These stations deliver up to 400 kW of power and are accessible to all e-mobility service providers. Mobilize's investment will support the development of new opportunities beyond the highway network.

Completion of the transaction between Mobilize and Free To X, subsidiary of Autostrade per l'Italia, is subject to regulatory approvals.

"Entering into a partnership with Autostrade per l'Italia is a significant step in our mission to lead the transition towards sustainable mobility. By collaborating with Free To X, we are not only enhancing Italy's charging infrastructure but also aligning with our strategic ambitions to establish a robust fast-charging network across Europe, making electric mobility easier for all" said Gianluca De Ficchy, CEO of Mobilize.

"We are proud to join forces with Mobilize to provide fast and Hyperfast charging solutions for travelers boosting the growth outside the motorway network," said Giorgio Moroni, CEO of Free To X. "The transaction confirms the relevance of the Company in the sector as a Key enabler of low-emission mobility in the transition path towards more sustainable mobility."

About Mobilize: Mobilize is the Renault Group brand dedicated to new mobility trends. Mobilize supports the transition to more sustainable mobility by offering its personal and professional customers products and solutions linked to energy, financing, connectivity and fleet management. Mobilize also develops electric micro-mobility vehicles. Mobilize embodies the vision of sustainable, innovative mobility, and paves the way for accelerating the energy transition by making it accessible and tangible. Mobilize is present in 40 countries and employs more than 4,500 people. Mobilize Financial Services is under the direct supervision of the European Central Bank under the name of RCI Banque S.A. For more information, visit mobilize.com follow Mobilize on X, Instagram and LinkedIn.

MOBILIZE - PRESS CONTACT

Auriane Potel

+ 33 6 27 45 68 39

auriane.potel@mobilize-fs.com

Petra Le Luel

+33 6 03 11 56 74

petra.le-luel@mobilize.com

RENAULT GROUP- INVESTOR RELATIONS

Philippine de Schonen

+ 33 6 13 45 68 39

philippine.de-schonen@renault.com
Hanoi, Vietnam--(Newsfile Corp. - January 14, 2025) - ELNINO Technology and Media Co., Ltd. has unveiled a suite of digital solutions aimed at empowering businesses to achieve sustainable growth in an evolving online marketplace. With a strong emphasis on website optimization, online advertising, and integrated marketing strategies, the company continues to address the growing needs of businesses navigating the digital era.

Through the official platform, websiteviet.org, ELNINO delivers services designed to support businesses in establishing and enhancing their online presence. These services include cutting-edge web design, robust performance optimization, and advanced tools to improve operational efficiency. The company recognizes that a well-designed website is the cornerstone of any business's digital strategy, offering features such as mobile responsiveness, integrated SEO capabilities, and enhanced security measures to safeguard operations.

Website optimization remains a central focus, addressing the importance of creating seamless user experiences that cater to modern consumer expectations. ELNINO ensures that each website is crafted with attention to functionality, aesthetics, and efficiency, reflecting the unique identity of each client. Advanced optimization techniques enhance loading speeds, navigation ease, and compatibility across devices, including smartphones and tablets.

Advertising solutions offered at websiteviet.org provide businesses with precise strategies to engage target audiences effectively. These services encompass Google Ads and Facebook Ads management, enabling businesses to reach the right customers while optimizing campaign performance. Performance analytics are integral to this approach, ensuring data-driven decisions that maximize the impact of every advertising investment.

Integrated marketing strategies offered by ELNINO align diverse channels to create a cohesive digital presence. These strategies include search engine optimization to improve visibility, content marketing to engage audiences with relevant material, and email campaigns tailored to customer needs. Social media management is also a critical component, enabling businesses to maintain an active presence on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

As part of ongoing efforts to meet evolving market demands, ELNINO continues to innovate and adapt its services. This approach ensures that businesses remain competitive while addressing challenges associated with digital transformation. The company emphasizes a results-driven methodology, ensuring that clients can measure the effectiveness of their digital initiatives in terms of increased visibility, engagement, and growth.

Business Expansion in 2025: Website Safety Reviews

As part of its commitment to innovation and addressing emerging market needs, ELNINO has expanded its operations in 2025 to include evaluating and reviewing the safety of gaming websites in Vietnam. This new initiative is a response to growing concerns about online security and the need for transparency in the gaming industry.

The comprehensive solutions available at websiteviet.org reflect ELNINO's commitment to addressing the specific needs of businesses across various industries. The company's services cater to enterprises of all sizes, from startups seeking to establish a foothold in the market to established corporations aiming to optimize their operations.

Businesses seeking tailored digital solutions can explore the full range of services at websiteviet.org. For additional information, contact the hotline at 02871080836.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/236688

SOURCE: Media Feature
We live in a time where 92% of consumers Google a business before making purchase decisions, Trustpoint Xposure Managing Partner David Wilder has revolutionized the PR industry by harnessing artificial intelligence to secure guaranteed media placements in America's most prestigious publications."The digital landscape has fundamentally changed how business credibility is established," states Wilder. "Our data shows that 78% of C-suite executives won't even consider partnering with companies lacking strong media presence in top-tier publications. We've transformed this challenge into an opportunity."Through proprietary AI technology, Trustpoint Xposure has achieved unprecedented success rates in securing media coverage:

94% placement rate in Tier 1 publishers

Average client digital visibility increase of 312% within 90 days

87% reduction in time from pitch to publication

245% increase in client Google search authority scores

The Digital Credibility Crisis

Recent studies reveal a stark reality: 97% of potential clients will Google search a business or individual before engaging in any significant transaction. "What appears in those search results isn't just digital window dressing - it's the new corporate battleground," Wilder emphasizes. "Our AI systems identified that businesses with prominent media coverage are 4.3 times more likely to close high-value deals."

AI-Powered Media Placement Revolution

Trustpoint Xposure's breakthrough comes from its innovative application of artificial intelligence:

Real-time media opportunity identification across 100,000+ publications

Predictive analytics for pitch success probability

Automated content optimization for maximum media appeal

Dynamic reputation scoring and enhancement

"We're not just using AI to work faster - we're using it to work smarter," Wilder explains. "Our systems analyze millions of successful media placements to identify patterns that guarantee coverage. The results speak for themselves: our clients' average time to first major media placement has dropped from months to weeks."

Measurable Impact on Business Success

The numbers tell a compelling story:

Clients see an average 168% increase in inbound leads within 30 days of major media placement

89% report improved closing rates on high-value opportunities

Digital authority scores increase by an average of 285%

73% reduction in sales cycle length

Looking Ahead

As AI technology continues to evolve, Wilder sees even greater opportunities ahead. "We're just scratching the surface of what's possible. Our latest AI models predict that by 2026, digital reputation will account for 80% of purchase decisions in B2B transactions. Companies that aren't investing in their media presence today will find themselves increasingly invisible tomorrow."

For more information about Trustpoint Xposure's AI-powered media placement services, visit www.trustpointxposure.com or contact David Wilder at david@trustpointxposure.com.

About Trustpoint Xposure: Trustpoint Xposure is a leading strategic communications firm specializing in AI-powered media placement and digital reputation management. The company has revolutionized the PR industry through its innovative use of artificial intelligence to secure guaranteed media placements in top-tier publications.

Contact: David Wilder Managing Partner, Trustpoint Xposure Email: david@trustpointxposure.com Website: www.trustpointxposure.com

SOURCE: Trustpoint Xposure

View the original press release on accesswire.com
Thomas Schellhorn joins firm as Vice President, Asset Management in Germany; Justin Harvey, Managing Director, Head of UK and Europe, to relocate to London

Cabot Properties, a leading investor, developer and operator of logistics properties throughout the United States, Europe and Asia Pacific, today announced that it has expanded its European leadership team as it continues to grow its presence across the region. The firm has hired Thomas Schellhorn as Vice President to oversee asset management for Cabot's operations in Germany and the Netherlands. In this role, he will be responsible for leasing and capital improvement programs and will report to Jed Raymond, Senior Director and Head of Asset Management for UK and Europe. Justin Harvey, Managing Director and Head of UK and Europe, will relocate to Cabot's London office to continue leading the firm's overall strategy and operations across Europe.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250114998320/en/

Thomas Schellhorn, Vice President, Asset Management, Germany and The Netherlands (Photo: Business Wire)

"Justin has been an integral member of our team over the last 17 years, contributing to significant growth at Cabot at a key societal inflection point the growth of the ecommerce sector which spurred robust demand for high-quality, well-located industrial assets on a global basis," said Franz Colloredo-Mansfeld, Chairman and CEO of Cabot Properties. "As we recognized the opportunity to expand our investment activity outside the U.S. over a decade ago, he took on the challenging mandate to lead our investment activity and has generated impressive results to date. We've since grown our presence in Europe with teams located in the U.K., the Netherlands, and Germany. With Justin in London, the team in Europe is even better positioned to expand our investment activity."

Cabot has acquired more than 970,000 square meters of logistics properties in Europe and the U.K. since 2011, adding nearly 300,000 square meters to its portfolio in the last two years alone. The company has been active in the German market since 2019 and opened a Munich office in 2024 to support its continued local portfolio growth.

"We see strong opportunity and positive demand tailwinds in the European logistics market, making this a critical moment to expand our team and focus across the region," said Harvey. "Germany has one of the largest and most important logistics markets in Europe, and Thomas' depth of knowledge, experience and relationships will give us an excellent advantage for growth in that market. This will help enable our European team to effectively execute a targeted management strategy that we believe will provide long-term value for our investors."

Schellhorn joins Cabot following four years at Catella Real Estate AG, where he served as a Senior Asset Manager overseeing logistics properties and advising on acquisition and sustainability assessments. His experience in the German logistics real estate space has also spanned several leadership roles at reputable logistics and facility management firms including RLI Investors GmbH, Prologis Germany, DIW Instandhaltung Ltd., and the HOCHTIEF Group. Schellhorn studied facility management at the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein in Austria, graduating as a Qualified Engineer. He is also a Chartered Facility Management Surveyor with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

Harvey has been with Cabot since 2008, having served in various leadership positions throughout the firm's investment and finance teams prior to taking on his current role in overseeing the firm's investment activity in Europe. Prior to joining Cabot, Harvey worked at FLAG Capital Management. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Colby College and a Master of Business Administration from Dartmouth's Tuck School of Business.

About Cabot Properties

Cabot Properties is an international private equity real estate firm focused on the logistics sector. Founded in 1986, Cabot was one of the first real estate firms to provide institutional investors with access to the industrial property sector and has invested over $15 billion in logistics real estate, served over 4,200 tenants, and operated over 1,600 buildings totaling more than 230 million square feet. Cabot is headquartered in Boston with offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, London, Amsterdam, Sydney, Tokyo, and Munich. For more information, visit www.cabotprop.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250114998320/en/

Contacts:

Media:

ICR on behalf of Cabot Properties

CabotPR@icrinc.com
Hollywood, California--(Newsfile Corp. - January 14, 2025) - As the 16th annual Taste Awards honorees and nominations were announced, UnchainedTV was thrilled to receive a slew of nominations across a broad array of categories.

Kale Krew, an UnchainedTV Original Series, starring restaurateur Nemanja Golubovic and co-host Tamika Price, was nominated for 5 Taste Awards: Best Reality Series, Best Food Program - Online or Streaming, Best Green or Organic Program, Series or Film, Best City or Regional Program, and Best Set Design.





Hosts of Kale Krew Series in Chicago

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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Kale Krew Season One takes viewers on an adventurous tour of Chicago's vibrant plant-based scene featuring popular restaurants like Can't Believe It's Not Meat and the star's own vegan restaurant, Kale My Name.





Kale Krew showcases plant-based comfort food

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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An overjoyed Golubovic remarked, "I have always been motivated by my desire to make the world a more peaceful place and you can do that by developing a peaceful palate. That's where great plant-based cooking comes in. We show you Chicago's best."

Directed by Dejan Stamenkovic of Dreams Productions, Season One of Kale Krew is a love letter to Chicago, showing many iconic images of America's third largest city as the hosts jump from one fabulous vegan restaurant to the next.

UnchainedTV Founder and President Jane Velez-Mitchell said, "These nominations inspire all of us at the network to reach even higher. Now, the Kale Krew team is ready to globe trot and seek out the top vegan chefs wherever they are in the world."





Kale Krew Host Nemanja Golubovic and UnchainedTV President Jane Velez-Mitchell

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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Season Two kicks off in New York City's trendy Bowery district where Golubovic is joined by guest co-host and actress Jamie Logan of The Next Girl. Together, they visit the Bowery's ultra-popular Spicy Moon vegan restaurant and watch the chef work his magic with a spectacular array of veggies and sauces.

The Taste Awards ceremony, the premier broadcast awards show for Food, Fashion, Health, Travel and Lifestyle in television, online, streaming and film, will take place in Beverly Hills on March 10th, 2025.

UnchainedTV is the world's premier streaming TV network to promote the healthful, sustainable and compassionate plant-based lifestyle, featuring 2,000 vegan cooking shows, biographies, news broadcasts and documentaries. Visit: https://watch.unchainedtv.com/browse.

KALE KREW: UNCHAINEDTV'S HIT SERIES SHOWCASES CHICAGO'S VEGAN SCENE - UnchainedTV

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/237119

SOURCE: UnchainedTV
Layton, Utah--(Newsfile Corp. - January 14, 2025) - AllFood.Recipes is launching a new cultural recipe series celebrating this iconic dish by sharing its rich history, diverse variations, and its growing influence in global cuisine. Chilaquiles, a quintessential Mexican dish, has long been a favorite among food enthusiasts worldwide.

From traditional breakfast tables in Mexico to upscale restaurants in cosmopolitan cities, chilaquiles continues to captivate palates with its irresistible blend of flavors and textures.





Celebrating Chilaquiles

Chilaquiles: A Dish Rooted in Tradition

Chilaquiles, derived from the Nahuatl word "chilaquilitl," meaning "herbs or greens in chili broth," showcases the culinary ingenuity of Mexican heritage. This beloved dish features fried tortilla pieces simmered in salsa and garnished with crema, cheese, and proteins like shredded chicken or eggs. Its versatility allows for endless adaptations, reflecting regional tastes and personal creativity.

Explore All Food Recipe's comprehensive guide to making authentic chilaquiles at Celebrating Chilaquiles.

Embracing the Diversity of Mexican Cuisine

AllFood.Recipes is passionate about showcasing the diverse tapestry of Mexican cuisine. The platform showcases many must-try recipes that highlight the depth and vibrancy of Mexico's culinary traditions:

Gorditas Recipe - Delight in the soft and savory stuffed masa pockets.

Camarones a la Diabla - Spice up meals with this fiery shrimp recipe.

Chamoy - Discover the sweet, sour, and spicy condiment that defines Mexican snacks.

Esquites - Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Mexican street corn salad.

Esquites - Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Mexican street corn salad. Lentejas - Savor the comforting and nutritious Mexican-style lentils.

Why Chilaquiles Are Perfect for Any Meal

The guide covers the versailtity chilaquiles. From a leisurely brunch or a quick weeknight dinner, chilaquiles are the perfect choice. The combination of crispy tortillas, flavorful salsa, and hearty toppings makes it a versatile and satisfying dish for any time of the day.

Discover more ways to enjoy chilaquiles and other Mexican classics by visiting AllFood.Recipes

Bringing People Together Through Food

AllFood.Recipes believes food is more than sustenance-it's a way to bring people together. By sharing recipes and culinary insights, the company aims to inspire home cooks to explore new flavors and traditions. The platform is dedicated to celebrating the joy of cooking and fostering a deeper appreciation for the art of food.

Visit AllFood.Recipes to explore more recipes and join the company in celebrating the rich culinary heritage of Mexico. Let's make every meal an occasion to remember.





Chilaquiles

About All Food Recipes Inc

AllFood.Recipes is a culinary platform dedicated to sharing homemade, family-friendly recipes that blend authentic flavors with creative cooking. From appetizers to desserts, we provide thoughtfully crafted content designed to inspire both beginners and culinary experts. Our mission is to deliver unique recipes, practical tips, and step-by-step guides, making cooking a simple, delicious, and enjoyable experience. Visit us at https://allfood.recipes/

Press Inquiries

All Food Recipes Inc

https://allfood.recipes

Marce Grecevich

contact@allfood.recipes

800-325-7868

1201 N. Orange Street, Suite 600, Wilmington, DE 19801

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/237160

SOURCE: All Food Recipes Inc.
NEW YORK , Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ --

WHAT:

The United Nations Global Compact invites media and stakeholders to join impactful and interactive discussions at the SDG Tent during the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos, Switzerland. These sessions are designed to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and inspire transformative business action.

The SDG Tent is an inclusive and collaborative community meeting point where no WEF badge is required to attend. Visitors can also enjoy a warm beverage and snacks in the cafe.

WHEN:

21-22 January 2025

WHERE:

SDG Tent @ Hotel National

Obere Strasse 31, 7270 Davos Platz

Conveniently located a 7-minute walk from the Davos Platz train station and an 18-minute walk from the WEF Congress Centre.

FEATURED UN GLOBAL COMPACT SESSIONS

Investments in Technology and Innovation: Leading on Responsible Business for People and Planet

Date: 21 January 2025

Time: 7:00 - 8:30 CET

This exclusive executive breakfast will explore the role of innovation and technology, including AI, in driving sustainability and inclusivity. The session will feature three fireside chats highlighting:

Real-world examples of linking gender equality and innovation.

AI's role in enabling a sustainable transition, focusing on finance, climate, and nature.

Opportunities for inclusive economic growth in technology and innovation.

Leadership Dialogues Luncheon: 2025 Roadmap for Policy Advocacy

Date: 21 January 2025

Time: 11:30 - 13:30 CET

This high-level luncheon will convene the UN Secretary-General, the UN Global Compact Board, and engaged CEOs to discuss the 2025 policy advocacy roadmap. Topics will include positioning CEO voices for policy enablers and key global transitions, with outcomes feeding into the Global Compact's 25th anniversary, the World Social Summit, COP30, and Financing for Development.

Water Resilience Coalition CEO Circle

Date: 21 January 2025

Time: 14:00 - 16:00 CET

This invitation-only event will focus on the "Transformative Role of AI for Water Resilience," featuring discussions on innovative AI applications, mitigating risks, and enhancing water resilience.

From Silos to Synergy: Procurement's Role in Advancing the SDGs

Date: 22 January 2025

Time: 7:00 - 8:30 CET

This dynamic panel will examine sustainable procurement as a driver of the SDGs, with bold strategies for empowering women- and youth-led enterprises, leveraging AI for decision-making, and reshaping industries. The discussion will explore fast-tracking procurement to deliver profitability and sustainability.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:

Access to high-level discussions and thought leaders.

Interview opportunities with UN Global Compact leadership, including Sanda Ojiambo.

Press materials and key reports on advancing the SDGs.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

For more details and a complete listing of all sessions at the SDG Tent, please visit: https://events.unglobalcompact.org/WEF25

Notes to Editors

About the UN Global Compact

The ambition of the UN Global Compact is to accelerate and scale the global collective impact of business by upholding the Ten Principles and delivering the SDGs through accountable companies and ecosystems that enable change. With more than 20,000 participating companies, 5 Regional Hubs, 63 Country Networks covering 80 countries and 13 Country Managers establishing Networks in 18 other countries, the UN Global Compact is the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative - one Global Compact uniting business for a better world.

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2597908/UNGC_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/media-advisory-un-global-compact-hosts-sessions-at-the-sdg-tent-in-davos-to-drive-business-action-on-the-sustainable-development-goals-302350944.html
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 14, 2025) - First Majestic Silver Corp. (NYSE: AG) (TSX: AG) (FSE: FMV) (the "Company" or "First Majestic") is pleased to announce that, in connection with the Company's acquisition of Gatos Silver, Inc. (NYSE: GATO) (TSX: GATO) ("Gatos Silver"), the Company's shareholders have approved the issuance of up to 190,000,000 First Majestic common shares ("First Majestic Shares") to holders of shares of common stock of Gatos Silver ("Gatos Silver Shares") in exchange for the acquisition by the Company of all of the outstanding shares of Gatos Silver (the "Transaction"). Approximately 98.44% of the votes cast at the special meeting of the Company's shareholders that was held today were voted in favour of the resolution approving the issuance of up to 190,000,000 First Majestic Shares.

In addition, Gatos Silver's stockholders approved the merger agreement between First Majestic and Gatos Silver (the "Merger Resolution") at a special meeting of Gatos Silver stockholders that was held earlier today, with approximately 71.3% of the outstanding Gatos Silver Shares voted in favour of the Merger Resolution. Upon the consummation of the Transaction, Gatos Silver stockholders will receive 2.55 First Majestic Shares for each Gatos Silver Share held, with any fractional shares to be paid in cash, without interest.

Closing of the Transaction is expected to occur prior to market open on January 16, 2025, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the remaining customary closing conditions.

ABOUT FIRST MAJESTIC

First Majestic is a publicly traded mining company focused on silver and gold production in Mexico and the United States. The Company presently owns and operates the San Dimas Silver/Gold Mine, the Santa Elena Silver/Gold Mine, and the La Encantada Silver Mine as well as a portfolio of development and exploration assets, including the Jerritt Canyon Gold project located in northeastern Nevada, U.S.A.

First Majestic is proud to own and operate its own minting facility, First Mint, LLC, and to offer a portion of its silver production for sale to the public. Bars, ingots, coins and medallions are available for purchase online at www.firstmint.com, at some of the lowest premiums available.

On September 5, 2024, First Majestic and Gatos Silver announced that they had entered into a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which First Majestic will acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Gatos Silver common stock. More information relating to the Transaction can be found on the Company's website, www.firstmajestic.com.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbor created by such sections and other applicable laws and "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). These statements relate to future events or the future performance, business prospects or opportunities of First Majestic that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management of First Majestic made in good faith in light of management's experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to closing of the Transaction and timing related thereto. Assumptions may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Consequently, guidance cannot be guaranteed. As such, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon guidance and forward-looking statements as there can be no assurance that the plans, assumptions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward-looking statements.

Actual results may vary from forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to materially differ from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to satisfaction or waiver of all remaining applicable closing conditions for the Transaction on a timely basis or at all including, without limitation, the lack of material changes with respect to First Majestic and Gatos Silver and their respective businesses, as well as additional factors discussed in the section entitled "Description of the Business - Risk Factors" in First Majestic's most recently filed Annual Information Form, available under its profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, and as an exhibit to its most recently filed Form 40-F available on EDGAR at www.sec.gov/edgar or on First Majestic's website. Although First Majestic has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended.

First Majestic believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included herein should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date hereof. First Majestic does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, except as required by applicable laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/237184

SOURCE: First Majestic Silver Corp.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 14, 2025) - Globex Mining Enterprises Inc. (TSX: GMX) (OTCQX: GLBXF) would like to cordially invite you to visit us at Booth #420 at the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference (VRIC) to be held at the Vancouver Convention Centre West (1055 Canada Place, Vancouver) on Sunday January 19 - Monday January 20, 2025.

The Vancouver Resource Investment Conference 2025 will feature over 120 expert speakers, including globally respected economists, legendary money managers, and investors.

This year's conference promises an array of exceptional opportunities, including exclusive keynote sessions featuring 120 renowned speakers, unparalleled networking with over 5,000 industry professionals and investors, and interactive exhibits showcasing groundbreaking innovations across the resource sector. Attendees will gain invaluable insights into the commodities landscape, exploring emerging trends in precious metals, energy, critical minerals, and beyond.

For more information and/or to register for the conference please visit: https://cambridgehouse.com/vancouver-resource-investment-conference.

We look forward to seeing you there.

About the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference:

The Vancouver Resource Investment Conference has been the epicenter of junior mining investment in Canada for 25 years and attracts over 5000 mining investors annually. Previous years have been attended by former Prime Minister Stephen Harper and former President of Mexico Felipe Calderon.

The VRIC will include a marketplace of over 300 investment opportunities in the mining industry, spanning early-stage exploration to advanced producing mines.

SOURCE: Cambridge House International
New York, New York and Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 14, 2025) - Engel & Volkers has released its 2024 Year-End Canadian Luxury Real Estate Market Report, highlighting stability and demand for luxury and ultra-luxury real estate in 2024's second half.

Toronto's $10 million-plus sales tripled in the year's second half, and Vancouver's $2 million to $3.99 million detached homes remained stable, with price fluctuations under 5 per cent. Halifax saw a 51 per cent drop in $1 million to $1.99 million listings creating limited supply at the onset of 2025, while Montreal's 32 per cent listing decline maintained stability in the $1 million to $3.99 million range at a $1.5 million average price. Ottawa's $1 million to $1.99 million properties made up 9 per cent of transactions.

The report also highlights that home sellers in Canada's premium metro markets waiting for the "holy grail" spring market may face increased competition. The long-awaited market recalibration appears to be nearing its final phase, with several key national trends shaping the landscape.

First-time homebuyers are driving a surge in activity, fueled by new government incentives and an increased insured mortgage cap from $1 million to $1.5 million. Canada's condo market recovery remains tied to competition in the detached housing sector, while the country faces a looming supply shortage due to a slowdown in new developments. Additionally, Canada is addressing its skilled trades shortage with a $9 million investment to integrate 1,500 internationally trained professionals into the workforce.

"The Engel & Volkers 2024 Year-End Luxury Canadian Real Estate Market Report underscores the remarkable resilience of Canada's premium housing markets, particularly in cities like Toronto, where ultra-luxury home sales tripled from the first half to the second half of 2024," said Andrew Dinsmore, chief financial officer, Engel & Volkers Americas. "Toronto's tripling of $10 million-plus sales reflects a robust demand for high-value properties, while Vancouver's stability in the $2 million to $3.99 million range highlights the enduring appeal of the city's detached market. As we move into 2025, these trends, combined with government policies and shifts in buyer behaviour, will continue to shape the trajectory of the luxury real estate landscape."

2024 Year-End Canadian Luxury Real Estate Market Report

About Engel & Volkers

Engel & Volkers is a global luxury real estate brand. Founded in Hamburg, Germany, in 1977, Engel & Volkers draws on its rich European history to deliver a fresh approach to luxury real estate in the Americas with a focus on creating a personalized client experience at every stage of the home buying or selling process for today's savvy homeowner. The Engel & Volkers Network currently operates approximately 300 shop locations with approximately 6,000 real estate advisors in the Americas, contributing to the global Network of over 16,000 real estate professionals in more than 30 countries, offering both private and institutional clients a professionally tailored range of luxury services, including real estate and yachting. Committed to exceptional service, Engel & Volkers supports its network of advisors with an array of premium quality business services; marketing programs and platforms; as well as access to its global network of real estate professionals, property listings, and market data. Each brokerage is independently owned and operated. For more information, visit www.evrealestate.com.

-30-

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/237164

SOURCE: Engel & Volkers
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 14, 2025) - Kayden Hudda, Founder & Chairman, Diversity in Finance Network ("DIFN" or the "Network"), Argho Nandi, Board Member, Diversity in Finance Network, Tanisa Bakht, Board Member, Diversity in Finance Network, students and industry professionals, joined Rizwan Awan, President of Equity Trading for Market Opens and Closes, TMX Group, to close the market to celebrate the 4th Annual Diversity in Finance Conference (DIFC) and the Network's recent establishment as a non-profit organization.





Cannot view this video? Visit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5D9rGm0tBIw

For the third consecutive year, CIBC Capital Markets has hosted the Diversity in Finance Conference at CIBC Square and continues to support the Network's vision towards high quality education and talent development.

Founded in 2020, the Diversity in Finance Conference uniquely brings together over 200 professionals and students across Canada to celebrate diversity within the Capital Markets industry and support students in their career aspirations. With the help of a number of firms and professionals, this conference has been able to impact over 300 students in such a short time. CIBC Capital Markets is a founding and title sponsor for this phenomenal event and champions diversity alongside students and several other financial institutions. The conference brings together students from all backgrounds, with the goal to create better access to opportunities in the field.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/237193

SOURCE: Toronto Stock Exchange
How a key mechanism drives China-Latin America cooperation

Xinhua) 08:00, January 14, 2025

A container is lifted at Chancay Port in Peru, on Nov. 14, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Mengxin)

Over the past decade, China and its Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) partners have achieved notable progress in building mutual political trust, bolstering economic cooperation, boosting cultural exchanges, and better coordinating international affairs within the framework of the forum's mechanism.

BEIJING, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- This year marks the 10th anniversary of the launch of the China-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) Forum.

"The China-CELAC Forum, a young seedling in our eyes, needs the dedication and cultivation of both sides for it to grow bigger and stronger," said Chinese President Xi Jinping back in 2015 at the first ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC Forum.

Over the past decade, China and its Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) partners have achieved notable progress in building mutual political trust, bolstering economic cooperation, boosting cultural exchanges, and better coordinating international affairs within the framework of the forum's mechanism.

STRONGER POLITICAL TRUST

The forum has played an important role for China and Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries to compare notes in improving governance and aligning their respective development strategies in the past ten years.

Since 2015, three ministerial meetings have been held, as well as eight rounds of dialogue between the foreign ministers of China and the CELAC Quartet, which is composed of the group's previous, current and incoming Pro Tempore Presidency (PPT) and that of the Caribbean Community.

In addition, 43 thematic sub-forums have been established covering key areas such as agriculture, scientific and technological innovation, poverty alleviation, green development, disaster management, defense cooperation, exchanges between think tanks, and anti-corruption law enforcement.

In their in-depth exchanges, the two sides have also explored the path of modernization that suits their respective national conditions.

A series of activities have intensified and expanded exchanges and dialogue between China and LAC, including the IV China-CELAC Political Parties Forum, which gathered representatives of nearly 100 national and regional political parties from 30 LAC countries.

The China-CELAC Forum has evolved in a decade from a vision to a mechanism for practical cooperation, said Sun Yanfeng, a researcher at the Institute of Latin American Studies, under the aegis of the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations (CICIR).

Customers select newly arrived Chilean cherries at a supermarket in Tianjin, north China, Dec. 26, 2024. (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)

FLOURISHING ECONOMIC COOPERATION

Since December last year, ships loaded with Chilean cherries have sailed across the Pacific to Chinese ports in Guangzhou, Shanghai and Tianjin. As the Lunar New Year holiday arrives, Chinese consumers can enjoy these sweet and juicy cherries at the happy moment of family reunion.

Chilean exports exceeded 100 billion U.S. dollars in 2024, with a 51.4-percent increase in cherry shipments, whose main destination is China, according to the Central Bank of Chile. Other agricultural products from the region, such as Ecuadorian bananas, Nicaraguan honey and Honduran white shrimp, also enjoy growing popularity in the Chinese market.

China is Latin America and the Caribbean's second-largest trading partner and the largest trading partner for countries such as Chile, Brazil and Peru. Five countries in the region have a free trade agreement (FTA) with China. In addition, 2024 saw significant progress, such as the fifth round of negotiations towards a China-Honduras FTA and the upgrading of the China-Peru FTA.

A decade ago, China set the goal for bilateral trade between China and LAC countries to reach 500 billion dollars annually and cumulative investment to hit 250 billion dollars in the LAC region in 10 years.

According to official data, between January and September 2024, bilateral trade reached 427.4 billion dollars, with a year-on-year increase of 7.7 percent, and is expected to exceed the annual target. Chinese direct investment in the region reached 600.8 billion dollars in 2023, consolidating LAC as the second-largest destination for investment from China.

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has become a key platform for both sides to promote trade and economic cooperation. So far, China has signed Belt and Road cooperation documents with 22 LAC countries. Flagship projects jointly built under the BRI, including a four-lane highway in Jamaica, the first smart industrial park in Trinidad and Tobago, and the recently inaugurated Port of Chancay in Peru, have borne fruit.

Brazilian economist Ronnie Lins, director of the China-Brazil Center for Research and Business, said the evolution of LAC-China relations offers more and more opportunities for Latin American and Caribbean countries to achieve economic modernization and promote sustainable development with autonomy.

Members of a delegation of diplomatic envoys, agency representatives and journalists from Latin American and Caribbean countries visit an ancient town in Xiangyang, central China's Hubei Province, April 22, 2024. (Xinhua/Du Zixuan)

DIVERSIFIED CULTURAL EXCHANGES

In the past decade, the China-CELAC Forum has established a comprehensive, multi-level network of dialogue and cooperation that has enriched cultural exchange between China and LAC, strengthening ties between their people.

The China-LAC Year of Cultural Exchange and the "Bridge to the Future" program have promoted unique experiences such as visits by young Latin Americans to Dunhuang to learn about the ancient Silk Road.

Learning the Chinese language and culture has gained popularity in the region, with 57 Confucius Institutes and Classrooms established in 26 countries. Cultural exchanges, such as cultural relic exhibitions on ancient civilizations in China and Mexico, have promoted mutual understanding.

The opening of direct air routes between China and Brazil, Mexico and Cuba has facilitated tourism and trade exchanges, and boosted their commercial ties and tourism exchanges.

Experts and academics believe the China-CELAC Forum will continue to strengthen mutual understanding, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, and advance sustainable development.

Daniel Grimaldi, executive director of Chile 21, said that through open dialogue and mutual respect, China and Latin America can continue to build bridges that strengthen their relations and promote green development and shared modernization.

Luis Antonio Paulino, director of the Confucius Institute at Sao Paulo State University, said China-LAC relations have made impressive progress over the past decades, but there is still great potential to be tapped in the future.

Through joint efforts, China and Latin America can build a closer partnership while making a greater contribution to global prosperity and stability, he added.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Ruling parties of China, Japan call for enhanced inter-party exchanges

Xinhua) 16:18, January 14, 2025

BEIJING, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Senior members of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Japan's ruling coalition, formed by the Liberal Democratic Party and the Komeito Party, gathered in Beijing for the ninth meeting under an exchange mechanism, calling for enhanced exchanges between the ruling parties of the two countries.

Liu Jianchao, head of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, said China was willing to work with Japan to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, adhere to peaceful coexistence and promote the building of a constructive and stable China-Japan relationship that meets the requirements of the new era.

The ruling parties of the two countries should strengthen dialogue and communication and take concrete actions to promote the sound and stable development of China-Japan relations, Liu added.

Secretary General Hiroshi Moriyama of the Liberal Democratic Party and Secretary General Makoto Nishida of the Komeito Party said that the resumption of the meeting would play an important role in the improvement and development of bilateral relations.

They said they were willing to keep closer inter-party exchanges with China, enhance national friendship and deepen practical cooperation in various fields.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - January 14, 2025) - NuGen Medical Devices Inc. (TSXV: NGMD) (the "Company" or "NuGen") a leading developer of needle-free devices to administer therapeutics subcutaneously, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Liang Lin as the new Chief Executive Officer of NuGen.

Liang is the founder and CEO of Sol-Millennium Medical Group ("SolM"), an organization committed to transforming the medical device sector through innovative approaches and a strong focus on patient safety. He initiated the SolM project in Shanghai, motivated by a vision to enhance health outcomes for patients globally. His unwavering commitment to innovation has led to the development of advanced medical devices that not only meet but exceed industry standards. Under Liang's dynamic leadership, SolM has made significant strides in expanding its international footprint. The organization has successfully penetrated the North American and Brazilian markets through strategic acquisitions, including Inviro Medical Inc. and Medica Brazil. Additionally, SolM has established offices across Europe and the Middle East, allowing the company to address a diverse range of healthcare needs and adapt to the unique challenges of various healthcare systems. To support its ambitious growth objectives, SolM has invested heavily in research and development, creating state-of-the-art facilities in both Asia and Europe. This commitment to R&D has enabled the company to build a robust pipeline of innovative products poised to make a significant impact on the medical device industry.

Liang will leverage his extensive knowledge and experience in the medical device field to drive innovation and growth at NuGen. His thorough understanding of industry trends, regulatory requirements, and technological advancements will enable the company to navigate the complexities of the market effectively. With his guidance, NuGen is expected to flourish, capitalizing on new opportunities and expanding its product offerings. Liang's strong leadership abilities position him to inspire and energize the team at NuGen, promoting a culture of collaboration and excellence.

Liang joined the Company's board of directors in September 2024 concurrently with the closing of Sol-M's strategic investment in NuGen.

"As NuGen's Chairman, over the past 4 months, I have been actively working with management to further understand InsuJet'sTM production capabilities in order to meet anticipated global demand in 2025. With this challenge, along with the Company being properly capitalized, I am honoured to assume the role of CEO. My goal is to leverage my experience and grow sales worldwide. I am confident that my expertise in the medical device industry will serve us very well and my object will be met," commented Liang Lin, Chairman and CEO of NuGen.

The Company would like to extend its gratitude to Karen Dunlap, NuGen's former Interim Chief Executive Officer, who led the Company through this transition period. Ms. Dunlap will continue to be involved in the Company in her roles as a director and Chief Customer Officer.

About NuGen

NuGen is a leading developer of needle-free devices to administer therapeutics subcutaneously. The Company is marketing and selling its next-generation InsuJet needle-free injection system designed to improve the lives of millions of diabetics. InsuJet is approved for sale in 42 countries around the world.

For further information, please visit:

Websites: www.insujet.com, and www.nugenmd.com

Instagram: @NuGenMD

Twitter: @NuGenMD

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nugenmd/

Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Information:

Neither TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. The forward-looking information contained herein is given as of the date hereof and the Company assumes no responsibility to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/237155

SOURCE: NuGen Medical Devices Inc.
Daash Intelligence, a San Francisco, CA-based AI-powered predictive commerce intelligence platform for retail brands, raised $5.5M in Second Seed funding.

The round, which brought total funding to date to $8.25M, was led by Bullpen Capital with participation from GFT Ventures as well as from returning investors Silicon Road Ventures and Red Bike Capital.

The company intends to use the funds to scale its engineering and go-to-market teams and accelerate product development to meet demand for actionable data insights that enable beauty brands of all sizes to spot and leverage white space market opportunities.

Led by CEO Philip Smolin, Daash provides a platform that enables weekly retailer-specific updates for color cosmetics, skincare, fragrance, haircare, personal care and other brands seeking to understand how they are performing compared to their full set of competitors. Its proprietary AI combines multiple data sources to generate highly accurate sales and velocity estimates each week. By highlighting how key metrics shift over time, Daash solves one of beauty brands perpetual challengesgaining visibility into what brands, products and SKUs are gaining and losing share and whyenabling them to make better data-driven decisions and optimize performance.

FinSMEs

14/01/2025
VisitorReach, a US personalized communication tools company, received a strategic investment from Gloo.

The amount of the deal was not disclosed.

The company intends to use the funds to accelerate their services to local churches.

Founded in 2023 and led by President and CEO Marc Estes, VisitorReach helps churches build meaningful connections with people through personalized communication tools. The platform delivers personalized ads to people in a community and invites them to a conversation with a pastor through 1:1 text conversations. Tools like quick replies, a conversational assistant and guided journeys helps pastors to engage with new people and assist in ongoing assimilation efforts.

Its Digital Health Assessment offering has been used by more than 600 churches, providing a comprehensive checkup of a churchs online presence and suggestions for improvement.

Gloo is the technology platform connecting the Christian faith ecosystem. It connects ministry leaders to resources, people, insights and funding so their people and communities flourish and their organizations thrive. Gloo enables trusted exchange between organizations and people, so they can collaborate with greater confidence. The company serves over 80,000 churches and over 1,000 resource partners. Gloo is based in Boulder, Colorado.

FinSMEs

14/01/2025
As the Infra Safety campaign demonstrated, in the realm of manufacturing, electrical safety is not a luxury or an afterthoughtit is a foundational element that must be integrated into every design, system, and protocol read more

Between 2017 and 2020, accidents in Indias factories led to an average of three deaths and 11 injuries every day. Even more troubling, electrical accidents account for nearly 13 electrocution fatalities daily, the highest in any country in the world. The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) data further reveals that almost 40% of workplace fatalities are caused by electrical issues, a matter of grave concern.

Having said that, Indias manufacturing sector is growing rapidly with an expected expansion of 5% in 2024 and an increase in its share to 25% of the national economy by 2025. Employment in the sector is also on the rise, increasing by 7.5% in 2022-23 alone. However, as manufacturing surges, it is putting more and more workers at risk. If India is to achieve its vision of becoming a global manufacturing hub, electrical safety must become front and centre.

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Embracing Safety as a Foundational Element

Recognising this, Polycab, Indias largest manufacturer of wires and cables, in partnership with CNBC-TV18, has launched Infra Safety: Powering Indias Electrical Future, a series of conclaves to address the urgent need for electrical safety in the country. After holding the first conclave of this pioneering initiative in Mumbai in December 2024, Polycab presented the second Infra Safety Conclave in Chennai on January 7, 2025.

The discussions focused on manufacturing safety with experts from diverse sectors sharing their valuable insights. They included Gopa Kumar S, President of the National Federation of Engineers for Electrical Safety, A Thanapal, Assistant District Officer, Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue service, and R. Balakrishnan, VP & Head, MEP design, L&T. The manufacturing sector was represented by Srivats Ram, Managing Director, Wheels India and Chairman, CII, Tamil Nadu, and RA Krishnakumar, COO, Chettinad Cement Corporation. They were joined by Polycabs Executive Director Nikhil Jaisinghani and Executive President & Chief Business Officer Bhushan Sawhney.

The panelists emphasized the importance of safety standards, system audits, and reliable electrical infrastructure. The conclave also highlighted innovations such as IoT and advanced cabling solutions as the drivers of an electrically safer and more sustainable manufacturing future for India.

Prioritizing Electrical Safety

Electrical safety in manufacturing must be seen as a strategic priority, not just an afterthought, stated the panelists. While initiatives such as Make in India 2.0 and Aatmanirbhar Bharat have laid the foundation for industrial growth and advancement, it is imperative for Indias manufacturing sector to turn its focus on the critical role that electrical safety will play in this progress.

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Harish Bhardwaj, National Head, Industry Vertical, Polycab, highlighted the severity of electrical accidents in the country. He noted: The statistics are clear. Electrical accidents claim more than 5,000 lives annually. And productivity losses from disruptive power can pull down revenues by 5-10%. These are not mere numbers; they represent the human and economic cost of safety lapses.

The path to a safer, more sustainable manufacturing future requires collective effort, however. This requires collaboration between the government, industry leaders, safety experts and companies, and is essential to drive change and create a culture of safety in the countrys workforce.

Infra-Safety: A Critical Imperative in Nations Progress Story

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Pointing to Indias growing attractiveness as a global manufacturing sector, which will be pivotal for the countrys growth trajectory, Mr Bhardwaj noted: Foreign direct investments in the country have grown substantially by about 69% over the last decade. Along with this, there is also a huge need for infrastructure growth, and the government has been investing significantly in this space.

At the same time, Indias manufacturing scale-up requires a matching scale-up in safety with the embrace of modern safety standards_. India is a great place to set up manufacturing,_ said Srivats Ram, Managing Director of Wheels India and Chairman, CII, Tamil Nadu. But as we grow and become more competitive, it is essential to instil a safety culture in manufacturing to ensure we grow safely.

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While Indias competitive advantage lies in its large pool of skilled talent, by embedding safety and skill development into manufacturing practices, the country can build a safer, more efficient industry for long-term success.

From Reactive to Proactive

The conclave explored critical aspects of electrical safety in the Indian manufacturing sector, emphasizing the sectors preparedness to meet global safety standards, the challenges faced by manufacturers, and how these challenges could be turned into opportunities for growth and global competitiveness.

Chettinad Cements R A Krishnakumar highlighted a positive change in the sectors approach to electrical safety. Earlier, we had a reactive approach to safety, but we have become more proactive today, he noted.

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While acknowledging this trend, R. Balakrishnan, VP & Head of MEP Design, L&T pointed out the challenges faced by MSMEs with cost constraints and the lack of skilled manpower acting as significant barriers. The speed at which we adopt and practice safety measures will determine our global standing. However, for MSMEs, limited resources and awareness often hinder progress, he said.

Regulation and compliance

The Ministry of Heavy Industries upcoming regulation, effective August 2025, aims to standardize Indian practices with global norms. While this regulation will cover over 50,000 types of machinery, smaller manufacturers may face challenges with compliance costs and timelines.

Placing the need for robust safety audits and regulations in the context of the countrys emergence as an export hub, Gopa Kumar S., President of the National Federation of Engineers for Electrical Safety, pointed out: When it comes to exports, a strong audit team often evaluates manufacturing facilities to ensure compliance with international requirements.. Hence, the panelists urged the government to introduce subsidies and rewards for factories with exemplary safety records.

Another recurrent theme was the need to foster awareness of the importance of electrical safety. In a fireside chat, Bhushan Sawhney, Executive President & Chief Business Officer, Polycab, succinctly stated: India needs to bring in a safety culture which is different from having procedures and processes. This means that when people do their daily grind, they think about the safest way to do things. Those who are from the manufacturing sector would have noticed a difference in how they go about things today compared to what they did, say, 10 years ago.

Mr Sawhney reiterated the importance of incentivizing safety in the manufacturing sector to boost awareness. The government should reward industries and factories that prioritize and excel in safety measures. Creating awareness about the importance of safety is equally critical, he urged. A Surakshit Bharat can only be achieved when safety starts from the manufacturers, he added.

Role of Automation, Cables, and Smart Technologies

This requires three-fold action, pointed out A. Thanapal, Gl Fire E, MI Fire E (UK), Assistant District Officer, Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Service: In Tamil Nadu, nearly 814 industries faced fire accidents, of which 502 were because of electric hazards. How can we evade this? Electrical safety is nothing but applying the 3 Es  Engineering, education and enforcement.

India has a long way to go before it meets global manufacturing standards. Challenges like legacy machinery, outdated switchgear and low-quality components persist. However, innovations and technology can play a crucial role in bridging this gap. And the manufacturing sector can swiftly overhaul its safety measures by using IoT-enabled devices and advanced cables and wires to automate and transform its process control, averred Polycabs representatives. These smart technologies can reduce electrical incidents, improve productivity, and create safer workplaces, aligning Indias factories with international benchmarks and boosting the countrys manufacturing reputation.

Building a Culture of Electrical Safety in Manufacturing

While electrical safety is emerging as the foundation for global competitiveness in Indias rapidly advancing manufacturing landscape, every step in creating a robust safety culture requires collective effort  one that must be shaped by rigorous standards, open communication, and forward-thinking innovation.

According to Venkatesu C, Chairman of Electrical Safety at FSAI, it must all start with the basics of integrity testing. Integrity tests ensure that not just cables but also the accessories used can withstand adverse conditions, he explained. This principle forms the groundwork, ensuring that safety begins from the smallest components and is built upward.

However, safety is not just about the equipment, its also about empowering people. At FLSmidth Cement, safety has become a community effort, revealed its Head of Manufacturing, Krishnamoorthy Rathinavel. We share information in the local language with all workers. Regular weekly meetings with blue-collar workers help. We have safety community meetings every month where we talk about improvements, initiatives and implementing a safety culture.

R Gobinath from Optimal MEP Consultants pointed to the pivotal role played by MEP experts in bridging technical challenges and practical realities. Sometimes, consultants must take a firm stand. While codes exist, adapting them for clients ensures better understanding and avoids issues like recurring lithium accidents, he reflected, highlighting the need to balance adherence and innovation.

The Infra-Safety Conclave ended with key insights from Nikhil Jaisinghani, Executive Director at Polycab. Talking about electrical catastrophes, he said, Majority of the deaths in a fire accident take place because of smoke inhalation and the inability to move due to low visibility. We created a product called green wire, mostly for residential applications. This product gives out white smoke (in layman terms), so you can see and move around. Today it has become the largest selling premium product in the country. But it was not easy. We had to do a lot of awareness campaigns to educate people about it.

Nikhil also stressed the need to fix challenges early-on when adopting new technologies. This helps avoid safety gaps and ensures steady progress. He also shared how Polycab is closely working with NSDC to skill and educate electricians about best practices when it comes to safety. Safety is hygiene, not an expectation. It must always be present and non-negotiable in any circumstance.

As the Infra Safety campaign demonstrated, in the realm of manufacturing, electrical safety is not a luxury or an afterthoughtit is a foundational element that must be integrated into every design, system, and protocol.
South Africas Buffelsfontein Gold Mine has become the centre of a storm with civic groups saying 100 miners have died in an abandoned gold mine and that hundreds of others remain trapped deep underground, while authorities claim that the men can come out at any time but fear being arrested read more

A miner is transported on a stretcher by rescue workers after he was rescued from below ground in an abandoned gold mine in Stilfontein, South Africa. AP

South Africas Buffelsfontein Gold Mine has become the center of a storm.

Civic groups say at least 100 miners have died in an abandoned gold mine and that hundreds of others remain trapped deep underground.

Authorities, on the other hand, say that the men can come out at any time but fear being arrested.

Lets take a closer look:

What do we know?

The two sides are sticking to their versions.

Groups representing the miners say they are trapped deep underground in one of South Africas deepest mines. They say a proper rescue operation should have commenced months ago.

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They claim 100 have died of starvation or dehydration and that 500 others remain trapped

Authorities say the men were illegally mining at the Buffelsfontein Gold Mine and that they tried to force them out by cutting off their food and water supplies from the surface.

They say the men can simply come out of the mine.

Its not clear exactly how long the miners have been underground near the town of Stilfontein, about 150 kilometers southwest of Johannesburg. But its certain they have been there since at least November, when police first tried to force them out. Some members of the local community say their relatives have been trapped for nearly six months, since July.

Forensic service workers carry remains in blue body bags during a rescue operation to rescue miners from below ground in an abandoned gold mine. AP

Illegal mining is common in parts of gold-rich South Africa where companies close down mines that are no longer profitable, leaving informal miners to illegally enter them to try and find leftover deposits.

Large groups often go underground for months to maximiSe their profits, taking food, water, generators and other equipment with them, but also relying on others on the surface to send down more supplies.

What are authorities doing?

Police tried to force the miners out last year by cutting of their supplies and dismantling ropes they used to climb down into the mine and a pulley system used for supplies. A Cabinet minister said the aim was to smoke them out and the government would not send help because they were criminals.

That tactic is now being fiercely criticised by rights groups. Some of them won a court case in December forcing police and provincial authorities to allow food, water and medicine to be sent down to the miners again. But they say the supplies are not enough for all those who are trapped.

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Some miners have emerged in the last two months and been arrested. Police says that shows they can come out. But a spokesman for the Mining Affected Communities United in Action group, which is representing the miners and their families, said the miners who did escape undertook a treacherous days-long journey underground to a different shaft, and many are too weak to do that.

The police operation at Stilfontein last year was part of a countrywide crackdown on mining gangs known as zama zamas, or hustlers in the Zulu language, that have long been a problem in South Africa. The government estimates that there are about 6,000 abandoned mines and that close to $1 billion is lost annually in revenue due to illicit mining.

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What about recent events?

A community-led rescue effort began bringing survivors and bodies out of the Buffelsfontein mine on Friday, while authorities started an official rescue and recovery effort using a cage lowered into the mine.

Families of miners and activist protest as South Africas Police minister Senzo Mchunu visit an abandoned gold mine, where miners are rescued from below ground in an abandoned gold mine. AP

More than 20 bodies have been recovered and more than 30 survivors have been brought out, police said.

But it could take weeks to rescue survivors and bring bodies out as the cage can fit less than 10 people. Authorities have also said no official rescue personnel will go down into the mine because it is extremely dangerous.

A volunteer from the community who is familiar with the mine has been handling the cage as it is dropped deep underground_._

With inputs from agencies
Binil TB, who was 32 and a native of Wadakkanchery in Keralas Thrissur district, died in a drone attack during the Russia-Ukraine war. His relative, Jain TK, also from the same region, sustained severe injuries in the incident. Before the attack, Binil had informed his family that he and Jain had been assigned by the Russian army to active frontline duties in the ongoing conflict read more

An Indian man, who was serving in the Russian mercenary unit, died on the frontlines following a drone strike.

The man, identified as Binil TB, was originally from Kerala.

His relative, Jain TK, also from the same area, was severely injured in the attack.

ALSO READ | From being treated like slaves to witnessing friends death, plight of Indian men duped into joining Russian army

The Indian embassy notified his family of his death on Monday.

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Who was Binil TB?

1. Binil TB, who was 32, and 27-year-old Jain Kurian, found themselves trapped in a war zone since June 2024. They were allegedly recruited illegally by a Russian mercenary group after being promised electrician jobs by a recruitment agency that brought them to Russia.

2. Binil hailed from Wadakkanchery in Keralas Thrissur district.

3. He died in combat while fighting on the frontlines of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, according to the Non-Resident Keralites Affairs Department (NoRKA).

4. Binil, a mechanical diploma holder, had travelled to Russia on April 4, planning to work as an electrician. However, upon arrival, their passports were confiscated, and they were later sent to the war zone as part of the Russian Military Support Service, his family members claimed.

5. Stranded in a war-torn part of Ukraine now under Russian control, Binil and Jain lost their mobile phones and other belongings, which worsened their situation. They had been contacting authorities for assistance in returning home, their relatives claimed.

Residents look at their houses destroyed by the Russian missile strike, in Chernihiv, Ukraine. Reuters/File Photo

ALSO READ | Forced to go to battlefield: 3 Karnataka men tell who duped them into fighting in Russia-Ukraine war

6. The two men travelled to Russia on private visas arranged by a relative already serving in the Russian military. However, this relative was discharged earlier this year, along with several other Indians, after the Indian government intervened with Russian authorities.

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7. Binil had informed his family that he and Jain had been deployed to active frontline duties in the ongoing conflict.

8. At first, their responsibilities involved distributing food and supplies to soldiers stationed at the war front. But by December, due to a lack of personnel, they were provided with weapons, given minimal training, and sent to fight on the frontline, as per a report by Hindustan Times.

9. Binils wife, Joicy John, shared that he could only contact his family once a week, usually on Saturdays. During one such call, he informed them about the death of his companion, Sandeep, another Thrissur native, who had died in a drone strike while delivering food to soldiers in the war zone.

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10. Several Indians were reportedly deceived by agents offering high-paying jobs or Russian citizenship, only to be forced into serving in the Russian military. In May last year, police arrested four individuals allegedly linked to a trafficking network that lured young men to Russia with false promises of jobs or education, later forcing them into participating in the war in Ukraine.

ALSO READ | Moscow in July, Kyiv in August: How Modi has balanced Putin-Zelenskyy fight

Binil TBs family: What we know about wife Joicy John and son

Joicy, a resident of Kurancheri near Wadakkanchery, was overwhelmed with anxiety since receiving Binils last audio message in December.

Speaking to PTI that month, she revealed that Binils final message indicated they had been ordered to move to the war front.

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I have lost all peace of mind as it has been seven months since they left, said Joicy, a nurse at a private medical college in Thrissur who is currently on maternity leave.

Jain, whose house is close to Joicys, is also her cousin.

Until June, we were in regular contact with Binil. After that, we didnt hear anything from him. We assumed he was undergoing training and unable to use his mobile phone. It was only later that we learned they had lost everything, she added.

She said that approximately 45 Indians have been discharged so far. While some have returned to India, others are still waiting for their paperwork to be finalised.

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Of those who left with them, three individuals from Kollam, Ernakulam, and Thrissur have recently returned to Kerala, Joicy added.

In an emotional voice message last month, Binil said, The situation has worsened, and we have been told to go to the war front today. They instructed us to send a message home before leaving. Please inform everyone else.

Explosions are seen in the sky over the city during a Russian drone strike, in Kyiv, Ukraine. Reuters/File Photo

Indias stance on Russia-Ukraine war

In August last year, the spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Randhir Jaiswal, stated that India supports any practical and mutually acceptable resolution or format that could restore peace in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

During a briefing, Jaiswal said, The decision as to when and how to commence peace talks is the prerogative of the two parties to the conflict. As friends and partners, we would support any feasible and mutually acceptable solution or format that could restore peace

Responding to a query about Indians trapped in the Russian army during the briefing, Jaiswal informed that 15 people had been released and safely returned to India. He added that the Indian Embassy remains in regular contact with Russian authorities to assist those who wish to come back.

We have an update as of now, as of today we have 15 Indians who have been released and they have returned to India, there are others who are waiting for discharge. Our mission, our embassy, is in touch with Russian authorities, and we hope that those who want to return back to India will be released soon, he explained.

He also reiterated Indias long-standing stance of promoting constructive, solution-focused, and practical engagement with all parties involved to secure a negotiated resolution to the conflict.

With inputs from agencies
The families of the victims of one of Londons most notorious serial killers, Jack the Ripper, have called for a fresh investigation as new evidence in the case has emerged. The murders dating back to 1888 have remained a mystery, as the identity of the Ripper remains unknown even today read more

A depiction of one of the Jack the Ripper murders as shown in the The Illustrated Police News newspaper in October 1888. Image Courtesy: The Illustrated Police News

There are very few questions in the world that create as much intrigue as one  who is Jack the Ripper? Its a mystery that has endured for more than 130 years. But now, descendants of the victims of Jack the Ripper  one of the worlds most famous serial killers  are hoping to solve one of the most notorious unsolved crimes of all time.

Whats going on? We get to the bottom of it.

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Calls for fresh probe into Jack the Ripper murders

Descendants of some of the victims of the serial killer known as Jack the Ripper have called for a new investigation to be opened over 130 years after the murders rocked Britain. Calls for such a probe have come after new evidence has been found, which could pinpoint the identity of Jack the Ripper.

All of this comes as a bloodstained shawl found on Catherine Eddowes, the Rippers fourth victim, was found to contain both her DNA and the DNA of a man identified as Aaron Kosminski, a Polish barber who was a suspect at the time but was never arrested because police had no evidence linking him to the killings.

The discovery took place after Russell Edwards, an author and Ripper researcher bought the bloodstained shawl at an auction and then linked it to Eddowes and Kosminski through their descendants. According to reports, the shawl was found at the murder scene on September 30, 1888.

Edwards push for a new probe has gained support from Karen Miller, 53, the great-great-great-granddaughter of Eddowes.

The name Jack the Ripper has become sensationalised; it has gone down in history as this famous character, said Miller, as per a report in _The Time_s. What about the real name of the person who did this? Having the real person legally named in a court which can consider all the evidence would be a form of justice for the victims.

She added, We have got the proof, now we need this inquest to legally name the killer. It would mean a lot to me, to my family, to a lot of people to finally have this crime solved.

Descendants of Jack the Rippers victims  Mary Ann Nichols, Annie Chapman, Elizabeth Stride and Mary Jane Kelly  have also backed the campaign. As Mary Sue Parlour, whose husband Andy is distantly related to Ann Nichols told The Telegraph, There was no justice for these victims at the time. It was all such a long time ago.

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But it would mean a lot to finally be able to name the killer, to get some closure on this. These women have been dismissed as just prostitutes like they did not matter, but they did.

Even the family of Kosminski, who is believed to be Jack the Ripper, has extended support to a new inquest. Amanda Poulos, his three-times great-niece, said: Im more than happy to finally establish what really happened.

An old black and white photograph of a victim is passed around a group during a Jack the Ripper guided walk in London. Jack the Ripper remains one of the most notorious serial killers in history. File image/AFP

The horrific Jack the Ripper murders

The mystery of the Jack the Ripper murders began on August 31, 1888, when the body of a dead woman was found in Londons Whitechapel street. Her throat had been cut and her abdomen gouged open. She was later identified as Mary Ann Polly Nichols.

A week later, on September 8, the body of Annie Chapman was discovered bearing similar injuries as Nichols. However, British investigators also found that some of her internal organs had also been cut away and removed; her small intestines lay by her right shoulder.

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At the end of the month, came two other murders on one night: Elizabeth Stride, age 45, and Catherine Eddowes, age 46. In Eddowes case, her intestines had been ripped out and the killer had taken away her left kidney and uterus.

On November 9, 1888, came news of the fifth murder. Twenty-five-year-old Mary Jane Kelly was discovered brutally mutilated in a lodging house in Millers Court.

Other killings have also been attributed to this same killer, who came to be known as Jack the Ripper. The killings, also known as the Whitechapel murders, soon caught the attention of the country, with even Queen Victoria reportedly obsessed with the murders.

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The mystery behind the killer

As the killings gripped the attention of the country, many wanted to find out the identity of the killer. But Scotland Yard remained flummoxed. They were only sure of a few things: the first being that Jack the Ripper, as he was being called, acted alone. Secondly, all five women were active or former prostitutes and belonged to the lower class; and all the murders were committed after pub closing time.

But more than the victims, the focus remained on his identity. Many theories emerged and there were many suspects. For instance, some believed that it was Queen Victorias grandson, Prince Albert Victor, also known as the Duke of Clarence, who was the actual Jack the Ripper. Another outlandish theory posited that Charles Dodgson, better known by his pseudonym Lewis Carroll and author of Alices Adventures in Wonderland, was Jack the Ripper. This came about when a book in 1996 claimed that unscrambled anagrams in his books revealed the killings, an argument that has since been dismantled by historians.

But apart from the bizarre theories, the police did narrow it down to some suspects  over 150 of them. One of them was Francis Tumblety, an American-born quack doctor who possessed a collection of human organs and, it was reported, detested prostitutes.

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A contemporary sketch of Aaron Kosminski, who Russell Edwards claims was the notorious serial killer Jack the Ripper. File image/AFP

Another was school teacher Montague Druitt, who was from a wealthy background but had fallen on hard times, was also believed to be Jack the Ripper. His body was fished from the Thames shortly after the last murder.

Aaron Mordke Kosminski, the Polish immigrant barber, was never officially named as a suspect by any of the subsequent Ripper police investigations. However, one of the primary investigators in the case, Chief Inspector Swanson, was a firm believer in his guilt. There are notes about Kosminski from another officer, Assistant Chief Constable Sir Melville Mcnaghten, who described the man as having a hatred of women and displaying homicidal tendencies.

Another to be named as a suspect was American serial killer HH Holmes. Notorious for several gruesome murders during the 1893 Chicago Worlds Fair, it is also claimed he was Jack the Ripper.

The Jack the Ripper murders published in the Illustrated Police News, on October 27, 1988. File image/British Library/Reuters

The legacy of Jack the Ripper

The Jack the Ripper murders have become one of the worlds most famous killings. Since then, he has become the topic of several movies, books and even television shows. In fact, it wouldnt be inaccurate to say that there is no other serial killer in the world that has been sensationalised as much as Jack the Ripper.

The murders have also led to the creation of Ripperologists  people who study the Jack the Ripper mystery. This name was coined by Colin Wilson in 1970.

And in 2006, a BBC History magazine poll selected Jack the Ripper as the worst Briton in history.

Those who remain bewildered by the murders can also visit the Jack the Ripper Museum, which opened in east London in 2015.

With inputs from agencies
UK Labour MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi has demanded a probe into the Margaret Thatcher governments role in Operation Blue Star in June 1984. Dhesi has claimed that previous Tory governments tried to brush the issue under the carpet. But did Britain actually play a role in Operation Blue Star? read more

A Sikh man sits beside the wall of one of the complex of Golden Temple hit by the bullet shots during the operation Blue Star in Amritsar, Reuters

A Sikh Labour MP in the UK has demanded an independent inquiry into Britains role in Operation Blue Star .

Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, the MP from Slough, has demanded that the Labour government look into the actions of the Conservative regime under then prime minister Margaret Thatcher.

Dhesi claimed the previous Tory governments had tried to brush the issue under the carpet.

In 1984, the global Sikh community suffered catastrophic collective trauma when the then Indian government ordered the storming of the Golden Temple complex in Amritsar, which led to devastating destruction and bloodshed, with thousands of innocent people losing their lives, Dhesi said.

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Thirty years later, to our shock, new documents exposed that the Thatcher government had helped their Indian counterpart by providing advice prior to that military operation. In its pursuit of the truth and transparency, the British Sikh community duly launched a campaign for an independent inquiry to establish the extent of that involvement, he added.

While previous Conservative governments have tried to brush the issue under the carpet, Sikhs expected the new Labour government to establish that promised independent inquiry. When will that be initiated?

Leader of the Commons Lucy Powell agreed it was a matter of great importance to the Sikh community in the UK.

Powell last week said Dhesi was absolutely right to continue to raise it on behalf of the countrys Sikh community.

We need to get to the bottom of what happened, and I will ensure that the ministers responsible are in touch with him to discuss the matter further, she said.

But what do we know about Britains role in Operation Blue Star?

Lets take a closer look:

Operation Blue Star

First, lets take a brief look at Operation Blue Star.

The military operation, which took place in June 1984, was ordered by then prime minister Indira Gandhi.

The target? A group of Sikh militants who had holed up in the Golden Temple in Punjabs Amritsar.

The militants were led by Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale  a separatist who was advocating for the establishment of the state of Khalistan.

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Bhindranwale, who anointed himself the authentic voice of the Sikhs, had grown popular among some Sikh youths with his fiery rhetoric.

Bhindranwale and his followers took refuge in the Golden Temple  one of the holiest sites in the Sikh faith  to avoid being captured by the police.

In May 1984, Indira gave the Indian Army the nod to take out Bhindranwale and his followers.

This was done over the objections of many in the cabinet including Pranab Mukherjee.

By 29 May, 1984, troops from the 9th Infantry Division in Meerut and paramilitary commandos had reached Amritsar.

But Bhindranwale and his followers were ready.

They had already smuggled vast amounts of arms and ammunition into the Golden Temple and placed guns at strategic locations.

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They had also received training from Major General Shahbeg Singh  who had been dismissed by the Indian Army over corruption charges.

According to Britannica, the first exchange of fire between the militants and the army occurred on June 1, 1984.

Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi ordered the Indian military to remove the militants from the Golden Temple. PTI

By then Major General RS Brar had been sent to Punjab to lead the operation.

On June 2, as the military surrounded the Golden Temple, Indira went on All India Radio and said, Dont shed blood, shed hatred.

By June 3, the state was under curfew.

The military began its assault on June 4  which culminated in a midnight assault on June 6 that included heavy gunfire and tanks.

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On June 7, Bhindranwales body was found in the basement of the Akal Takht.

The Golden Temple was damaged and the Akhal Takht and an important Sikh library were completely destroyed.

According to BBC, authorities say around 400 people including 87 soldiers died during Operation Blue Star.

However, Sikh groups insist that the number is in the thousands.

As a fallout of the operation, Indira was assassinated by her two Sikh bodyguards.

Indiras death led to anti-Sikh riots across the country  particularly in Delhi.

Thousands were killed and thousands more were left injured and homeless.

What role did Britain play in the operation?

The issue has periodically surfaced in UK politics over the past few decades.

The last time it did so was under Prime Minister David Cameron in 2014.

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According to The Caravan, this came after independent journalist Phil Miller in January 2014 found declassified documents which showed that the UK government had answered favourably to India asking for help in Operation Bluestar.

As per BBC, Labour MP Tom Watson also claimed to have seen papers from Thatcher authorising Special Air Services (SAS) to work with the Indian government and said that a British adviser visited India and drawn up a plan.

Cameron then ordered an internal inquiry into the subject.

Then cabinet secretary Jeremy Heywood was tasked with inquiring into whether the UK government had spent a special forces officer to counsel the Indian government on how to remove militants from the Golden Temple.

As per Rediff.com, the British government in its report said it played a purely advisory and limited role in the operation.

The 12-page report, tabled by then foreign secretary William Hague in British Parliament, stated that the UK military advisor visited India between February 8 and 17.

Hague in the report added that the aim of the visit was to give advice to the Indian counter-terrorism team on the concepts of operation they were already working on including tactics and techniques.

I can confirm that the report makes clear that the military officers instructions were that no UK manpower or equipment should be offered beyond the visit of this single military adviser, the report stated.

The report said that this advice was given in response to an appeal from the Indian intelligence co-ordinator for expert military advice.

Margaret Thatcher was Britains first woman prime minister. File photo

The report said that the government agreed to do so on the basis of the UK High Commission saying it would be good for bilateral relations.

The report found no evidence that the UK provided equipment or tactical intelligence.

The report also pointed to Indiras letter to Thatcher dated June 14, 1984, which made no reference to any UK assistance.

This loss of life was an utter tragedy, Hague said at the time, as per BBC.

Understandably members of the Sikh community around the world still feel the pain and suffering caused by these events.

Then prime minister David Cameron said, I hope the manner in which we have investigated these dreadful events will provide some reassurance to the Sikh community, here in Britain and elsewhere.

A single UK military officer provided some advice. But critically, this advice was not followed, and it was a one-off.

Brar, who headed the operation, insists that the UK played no role in Operation Blue Star.

If some things went around months earlier or weeks earlier with other agencies, intelligence agencies, I am not aware of them, Brar told the BBC in 2014.

From the time I was given command of Operation Blue Star until I planned it and executed it, let me emphatically tell you that there was no involvement whatsoever as far as the British are concerned.

With inputs from agencies
High-level talks on the ceasefire in Gaza have gained momentum with some reporting that Israel and Hamas would sign off on it today (January 14). The draft proposal sent to both sides has called for the militant group to first release 33 hostages  living and dead. It also stipulates that the troops belonging to the Jewish nation will withdraw from most areas of the Gaza Strip and release Palestinian prisoners read more

Demonstrators hold torches during a protest calling for the release of the hostages held in the Gaza Strip by Hamas in Tel Aviv, Israel. As per a draft, the first phase of the ceasefire, if agreed upon, will see the release of 33 hostages held by the militant group. AP

Will Tuesday (January 14) finally be the day that we see a halt to the Gaza war with Israel and Hamas signing off on a ceasefire deal? If all goes as planned then a Gaza ceasefire deal could be announced as early as today.

This new and positive development comes as US and Qatari mediators have worked overtime to draw up a proposal that would appease both sides  Israel as well as Hamas. It also comes just days before incoming US President Donald Trump will take the oath of office on January 20.

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But whats in the proposal? What are the terms for a ceasefire deal? And will both sides, Israel and Hamas, accept the terms laid down in the proposal? Heres what we found out so far.

Whats in the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal?

The basic framework of the deal includes an exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners and a six-week ceasefire. During that time, there would be some Israeli troop withdrawals from Gaza, and more negotiations to try to reach more hostage-prisoner swaps and a final end to the war.

Release of hostages

According to officials involved in the making of the ceasefire deal said that in the first phase of this agreement, Hamas would release a group of 33 Israeli hostages, living and dead, including women, older men and hostages with illnesses. Israel had requested their release.

If this stage is carried out, then on the 16th day since the deal took effect, Israel will begin negotiations on a second stage to free the remaining captives  male soldiers and men of military age  and the bodies of slain hostages.

An Ultra-orthodox Jewish man walks past a graffiti that displays portraits of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, in Jerusalem. AP

It is said that of the 251 taken hostage by Hamas on October 7, 94 remain in Gaza, including the bodies of at least 34 confirmed dead by the Israel Defense Forces.

However, Israel has made it clear that it would not return the body of Yahya Sinwar, the brains of Hamas October 7 invasion, who was killed by Israeli troops in Rafah last October. This comes after it was reported that Hamas was demanding the body of its former leader in the first stage of the deal. It will not happen. Period, the official said in a statement, as per a Times of Israel report.

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Withdrawing troops

The ceasefire deal also has provisions for troop withdrawal. Under the complete ceasefire agreement, Israel will withdraw from most areas of the Gaza Strip and release large numbers of Palestinian security prisoners.

There would be security arrangements at the Philadelphi corridor, along the southern edge of Gaza, with Israel withdrawing from parts of it after the first few days of the deal.

The deal also calls for unarmed North Gaza residents to return home. However, there will be a mechanism put in place to ensure that no weapons are there. Israeli troops would also withdraw from the Netzarim corridor in central Gaza.

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Providing aid

The draft proposal for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas also includes humanitarian aid. The draft calls for an increase in humanitarian aid supplied to the Gaza Strip where thousands and millions are on the verge of death.

A man walks through the rubble of buildings destroyed in Israeli airstrikes at the Bureij camp for Palestinian refugees in the central Gaza Strip, as the war between Israel and Hamas militants continues. AFP

Governance of Gaza

The future of Gaza remains unknown as the draft has provided no language on who will govern it. Israel has said that Hamas can play no role in the governance of Gaza and also rejected the Palestinian Authoritys power. The Jewish nation has also said that it would retain security control over the enclave after the fighting ends.

The international community has said that Gaza must be run by Palestinians but efforts to find alternatives to the main factions among civil society or clan leaders have proved largely fruitless.

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What do the leaders say about the deal?

As the ceasefire deal seems to be almost done, US President Joe Biden on Monday (January 13) said, I have learned from my many years of public service to never, never, never, ever give up.

The deal we have structured would free the hostages, halt the fighting, provide security to Israel, and allow us to significantly surge humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians who suffered terribly in this war that Hamas started, Biden said.

US President Joe Biden delivers a speech at the State Department in Washington. He announced that the ceasefire deal seemed almost done. Reuters

Even US national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, echoed similar sentiments. We are close to a deal, and it can get done this week. I am not making a promise or prediction but it is there for the taking and we are going to work to make it happen, Sullivan said at a briefing at the White House on Monday. I think theres a good chance we can close this, he added.

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A Hamas official also confirmed that progress had been made on all issues and that a deal was possible in the coming two days as long as Israel did not change its position at the last minute.

However, in Israel, not everyone seemed to be keen on the terms laid down in the ceasefire deal. Bezalel Smotrich, a far-right member of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus ruling coalition, decried the emerging deal as a catastrophe for the national security of the state of Israel.

We will not be part of a surrender deal that would include releasing terrorist hostages, stopping the war and dissolving its achievements that were bought with much blood, and abandoning many hostages, Smotrich wrote on X.

This is the time to continue with all our might, to occupy and cleanse the entire Strip, to finally take control of humanitarian aid from Hamas, and to open the gates of hell on Gaza until Hamas surrenders completely and all the hostages are returned.

Will the Gaza ceasefire deal hold?

The US, Qatar and Egypt moderators who have been working hard at trying to piece together this deal are hopeful that Israel and Hamas would adhere to the terms, bringing an end to the hostilities between the two.

However, it is yet to be seen if the deal is accepted by both sides and then adhered to. As former Israeli intelligence official Avi Melamed told CNN that even if a deal were reached, the continued presence of the Israeli military and Hamas in Gaza during the first phase of its implementation could risk reigniting hostilities. That part is very sensitive because it could potentially have the seeds that result in  at some point for whatever the reason  reignition or flares of fighting in Gaza. Its not to say necessarily that that will happen, but its something that could happen and we should take it into consideration, he said.

A woman sits between placards with pictures of US President-elect Donald Trump, who has called for the release of the hostages before he takes oath on January 20. File image/Reuters

Theres also the fact that neither party, Israel nor Hamas, have agreed on the demand to end the war. The Benjamin Netanyahu-led country wants the deal to have enough space for the resumption of fighting. Analysts believe this is because Netanyahu fears that his right-wing coalition partners could take down his government and jeopardise his political future if he agrees to a deal that ends the war.

However, both sides seem to want to sign off on the deal before Trumps inauguration on January 20. Earlier, the US president-elect had said there would be hell to pay unless hostages held by Hamas were freed by the date he came to power.

Alon Pinkas, former Israeli ambassador and government adviser, speaking to Al Jazeera said that a very similar deal was discussed eight months ago too, but at the time Netanyahu refused to budge. However, as per Pinkas, Netanyahu would likely tell his far-right allies that the deal was the best he could get and that theres no point in alienating Trump a week before he takes office.

With inputs from agencies
India successfully test-fired its indigenously made Nag Mk-2 anti-tank guided missile in Pokhran on Monday. Now the DRDO has announced that the Nag system is ready for induction into the Indian Army. This gives New Delhi a boost in its weapons arsenal and also acts as a strong deterrent against Pakistan and China along the border read more

Indian Army successfully carries out trials of DRDO developed third Generation Anti-Tank Guided Missile NAG at Pokhran. File image/PTI

Indias weapons arsenal got a major boost on Monday (January 13) when India successfully carried out field evaluation trials of its homemade third-generation anti-tank guided missile Nag Mk-2.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), who is the brains behind the weapon, carried out the trials of the Nag Mk-2 at the Pokhran field range in Rajasthan. The DRDO also announced that the Nag Missile Carrier version-2 was also evaluated and now, the entire weapon system is ready for induction into the Indian Army.

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What exactly are the capabilities of the Nag Mk-2? Why the development of this weapon is a big boost to the Indian Army?

Successful trial of Nag Mk-2

On Monday, the DRDO carried out the field trial of the Nag Mk-2 in the presence of senior Indian Army officers.

#WATCH | Field evaluation trials of the DRDO developed Nag Mark 2 anti-tank guided missiles were successfully carried out in the Pokharan firing ranges: DRDO officials pic.twitter.com/0h6G5NyZai  ANI (@ANI) January 13, 2025

Field evaluation trials of indigenously-developed Nag Mk 2, the third-generation anti-tank fire-and-forget guided missile, were successfully conducted recently at Pokhran field range in the presence of senior officers of the Indian Army, said the DRDO in a statement.

During the three field trials, the missile systems destroyed precisely all the targets  maximum and minimum range, thus validating its firing range, it added.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the DRDO, the Indian Army and industry for the successful field evaluation trials of the entire weapon system of Nag Mk 2.

Indian Armys NAG Missile System during the 75th Republic Day parade, at the Kartavya Path in New Delhi. File image/PTI

Specifications and capabilities of Nag Mk-2

The Nag Mk-2 is an indigenously made all-weather, fire-and-forget, lock-on after launch, anti-tank guided missile (ATGM). What this means is that it requires minimal operator intervention post launch.

According to defence experts, the Nag Mk-2 is effective against modern armoured vehicles, including those equipped with Explosive Reactor Armour.

While the exact range remains classified, the Nag Mk-2 is estimated to have a range of seven to 10 kilometres, a significant improvement over its predecessor the Nag Mark 1, which had a 4-kilometre range.

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The missile also boasts a tandem high-explosive anti tank (HEAT) warhead for increased destructive power and a top-attack capability to strike the most vulnerable part of armoured targets.

The Nag Mk-2 missile is launched from the NAMICA, an armoured vehicle based on the Indian-made BMP-2 Sarath. For those who dont know, the Sarath is based off a Russian-origin BMP-II based system with amphibious capability.

The NAMICA provides a robust and mobile platform for the Nag missile system, allowing it to be deployed quickly and effectively across various terrains.

Significance of Nag Mk-2

With the successful trials of the Nag Mk-2, it is ready to be deployed in the Indian Army, pushing it one step further towards atma-nirbhar (self-dependence). Until now, the Indian Army was buying anti-tank missiles from other countries. For instance, India had to buy around 200 pieces of Spike anti-tank missiles from Israel as emergency purchases after the aggression by Chinas Peoples Liberation Army in Ladakh in 2020.

The need for anti-tank missiles was sorely felt after PLA amassed artillery, rockets and tanks in occupied Aksai Chin to deter India.

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The induction of the Nag Mk-2 will also serve as a deterrent against old rival Pakistan and its anti-India activities at the border. It also gives an edge to India over Pakistan when it comes to this technology. As of now, Islamabad has the Barq laser-guided missile. However, its reliant on Turkish technology and lacks the fire-and-forget capability of the Nag.

When it comes to China, it boasts of the HJ-10 with a comparable range to the Nag. But, it is heavily reliant on wire guidance making it more vulnerable to countermeasures. Moreover, the Nags advanced IIR seeker and top-attack mode further enhances its lethality against modern armour.

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With inputs from agencies
Amid the spiritual fervour and bustling celebrations at Maha Kumbh 2025 at Prayagraj, a political controversy brewed when Samajwadi Party leaders installed a statue of the partys late founder, Mulayam Singh Yadav, within the fairgrounds as a tribute. The move ignited sharp criticism from prominent seers and religious leaders, saying the former UP CM was an anti-Hindu and favoured Muslims read more

A political storm brewed when Samajwadi Party leaders installed a statue of the party's late founder, Mulayam Singh Yadav, within the Maha Kumbh fairgrounds. Image courtesy: Screengrab/X

Maha Kumbh, the grand spiritual gathering, commenced on Monday, drawing millions of saints, seers, devotees, and pilgrims to Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh. The city came alive as people from all walks of life arrived to take the holy dip and participate in the festivities.

Amid the spiritual fervour and bustling celebrations, a political storm brewed when Samajwadi Party leaders installed a statue of the partys late founder, Mulayam Singh Yadav, within the fairgrounds.

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The move sparked sharp criticism from prominent seers and religious leaders, who opposed the presence of the political figures statue at the religious event.

Heres a deeper dive into the unfolding controversy.

Why was Mulayam Singh Yadavs statue installed?

The sculpture, approximately two to three feet in height, was unveiled on January 13 at the Sector 16 campsite established by the Mulayam Singh Yadav Smriti Seva Sansthan, an organisation dedicated to promoting the late leaders legacy.

The statue was inaugurated by Mata Prasad Pandey, Leader of the Opposition in the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, who described it as a heartfelt homage to Netaji (a term of endearment for Mulayam Singh Yadav) and his lasting influence.

He was our leader, and the camp was organised to spread his thoughts and ideas, Pandey told PTI.

Mulayam Singh Yadav, who passed away in October 2022, remains a towering figure in Uttar Pradesh politics. As a three-time Chief Minister and former Defence Minister, he represented constituencies like Mainpuri and Azamgarh in a political career spanning over five decades as both an MLA and MP.

Explaining the purpose of the camp, Pandey added, Pilgrims and other people are welcome to go to the camp, have food, and stay there. He clarified that the statue was installed [symbolically] to honour Yadavs memory and would later be shifted to the Samajwadi Party office after the Maha Kumbh Mela.

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However, the statues presence sparked disapproval from members of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, the apex body of Hindu religious leaders.

The statue was inaugurated by Mata Prasad Pandey, Leader of the Opposition at a Maha Kumbh camp, who described it as a heartfelt homage to Netaji (a term of endearment for Mulayam Singh Yadav) and his lasting influence. File image/ PTI

Anti-Hindu, Anti-Sanatani

Mahant Ravindra Puri, President of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, strongly criticised the installation of Mulayam Singh Yadavs statue, accusing the late leader of consistently being anti-Hindu and anti-Sanatan.

He argued that the statue serves as a reminder to religious leaders of incidents where, under Yadavs leadership, members of their community were killed.

We have no objection to Mulayam Singh Yadavs statue. He was our Chief Minister, and no one can deny his political significance. But what message are they trying to convey by installing this statue now? Puri questioned.

Everyone knows about his contribution or lack thereof to the Ram temple movement. He has always been perceived as anti-Hindu, anti-Sanatan, and favouring Muslims, he added.

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Juna Akharas Mahamandaleshwar Yati Narsinghanand echoed Puris sentiments, supporting the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishads disapproval of the statue. Both leaders expressed concerns that placing the statue at an event as sacred as the Kumbh Mela, a major Hindu religious gathering, was an insult to their beliefs.

1.5 crore took holy dip on the first day

The 45-day Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 began early Monday, with an estimated 1.5 crore (15 million) devotees braving the severe cold to take a sacred dip at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.

Crowds, under tight security arrangements, thronged the Triveni Sangam, performing the holy ritual believed to cleanse sins and bring them closer to moksha.

Devotees take a holy dip at the Sangam on the first day of Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. PTI

Among the sea of worshippers, the Naga Sadhus also made their presence felt. These mystics, with their ash-smeared bodies, dreadlocked hair, and minimal clothingwearing only beads, garlands, and often smoking wooden pipescaptured the attention of visitors from all over the world.

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Also read: Meet the women Naga Sadhus at Maha Kumbh

Overall, the spiritual fervour brought together people from across India and the world, united by their faith and devotion.

In the next 45 days, over 40 crore visitors, including international pilgrims, are expected to attend the festival. Besides, seers claim the celestial permutations and combinations for the event are taking place after 144 years, making the occasion even more auspicious for the faithful.

With input from agencies
Los Angeles authorities are investigating whether New Years Eve fireworks sparked a small fire that later reignited into the catastrophic Palisades wildfire. With strong winds and parched vegetation fuelling the flames, the fires have devastated over 23,000 acres, destroyed thousands of homes, and caused 24 fatalities read more

A view shows the remains of homes destroyed by the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood in Los Angeles, California, US, January 11, 2025. File Image/Reuters

Los Angeles has been engulfed by catastrophic wildfires, leaving at least 24 people dead, thousands of homes destroyed, and tens of thousands of acres burned.

As investigators work to determine the origins of the fires, attention has turned to a New Years Eve blaze that may have reignited days later, fuelled by strong winds and dry conditions.

Are New Year eve fireworks to blame for the wildfires?

The devastating Palisades fire, which has ravaged over 23,000 acres, may have been rekindled from a smaller fire that occurred on New Years Eve. This earlier fire broke out in a brushy area near Temescal Ridge in the Santa Monica Mountains, close to where the Palisades fire later erupted.

According to satellite imagery analysed by The Washington Post, the burn scar from the New Years Eve fire matches the origin of the Palisades fire. The earlier blaze was extinguished by firefighters in the early hours of New Years Day, with mop-up operations completed by 5 am (local time).

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However, experts warn that residual heat from smoldering roots or vegetation can reignite under the right conditions. We know that fires rekindle and transition from smoldering to flaming, explained Michael Gollner, a fire scientist from UC Berkeley told The Washington Post. Its certainly possible that something from that previous fire had reignited and caused the ignition.

Local residents have also reported hearing fireworks in the area shortly before the New Years blaze began. One witness told The Washington Post that the fire was started by idiots who ignored the dry conditions and set off fireworks near the Skull Rock Trailhead. Another resident described hearing fireworks and noticing flames around 12:20 am (local time).

How did weather and vegetation affect the fire spread?

Southern California had been under high wildfire risk in the days leading up to the fires due to a combination of dry conditions and strong Santa Ana winds.

The National Weather Service warned that vegetation in the region was at near-critical moisture levels, making it highly susceptible to fire. The Telegraph quoted meteorologist Ariel Cohen who described the conditions as a recipe for fire, noting the potential for explosive growth as winds picked up.

There will be the potential  especially late Monday night through Wednesday  for explosive fire growth as those winds pick back up, Cohen added.

The Santa Ana winds likely played a significant role in reigniting and spreading the Palisades fire. These gusts, combined with the regions prolonged dry spell, created an environment where even a small ember could ignite a massive blaze. The winds intensified the flames, making containment efforts more challenging for firefighters.

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What is the destruction and human toll so far?

As of Monday morning, the fires have claimed at least 24 lives, with 16 people still reported missing. Thousands of homes have been reduced to rubble, and around 12,000 structures have been damaged or destroyed.

California Governor Gavin Newsom described the fires as potentially the worst natural disaster in US history in terms of economic damage. Losses are estimated to range between $250 billion and $275 billion, according to AccuWeather.

Meanwhile, Wells Fargo estimates the damages and economic losses could total between $60 billion and $130 billion.

In addition to the Palisades fire, the Eaton fire has burned 14,000 acres with 27 per cent containment, and the Hurst fire to the north has scorched 800 acres and is 89 per cent contained. Combined, these fires have stretched firefighting resources to the limit.

How has the emergency response been?

More than 14,000 firefighters from California and nine other states, as well as Mexico and Canada, have been deployed to combat the blazes. The response includes nearly 1,400 fire engines, 84 aircraft, and 70 additional water trucks. Fire retardant dropped by aircraft is being used to create barriers along hillsides, slowing the spread of the flames.

Volunteers have also rallied to support the firefighting and relief efforts. At Santa Anita Park racetrack in Arcadia, an improvised donation center has been set up to aid firefighters and evacuees.

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In Pacific Palisades, Elon Musk has stationed several Cybertrucks equipped with terminals for SpaceXs satellite internet service to maintain connectivity in affected areas.

Where has the official investigation reached?

The cause of the fires remains under investigation, with no official conclusions yet. Federal agents, including those from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), have been canvassing neighbourhoods near the suspected origin of the Palisades fire. Investigators are considering several potential ignition sources, including human activity and environmental factors.

Although lightning is the most common cause of wildfires in the US, it has been ruled out in this case. Utility companies, including Southern California Edison, have also stated that their equipment showed no anomalies at the time of ignition. The company did report a downed power line near the Hurst fire but denied responsibility for the Palisades fire.

This was once a small fire, said John Lentini, a fire investigation expert. People will focus on where the fire started, determine the origin, and look around the origin to determine the cause.

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Officials have stated that identifying the exact cause could take weeks or even months. Meanwhile, the FBI and ATF have been knocking on doors, speaking with residents who stayed behind during the fires, and collecting evidence from the burn site.

The fires have also brought a surge in looting in evacuated areas, prompting law enforcement to step up patrols. Captain Michael Lorenz of the LAPD said officers are detaining around 10 people a day, including individuals posing as firefighters to gain access to homes.

With inputs from agencies
Phos-Chek, a pink fire retardant, is being used to combat Californias wildfires, coating vegetation to slow flames. While crucial in wildfire management, it raises environmental concerns, particularly near waterways. Pilots face life-threatening risks deploying it, but for many communities, this solution is vital read more

An air tanker drops retardant while working to contain the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, January 13, 2025. File Image/AP

As wildfires ravage southern California, the striking images of bright red and pink powder being dropped from air tankers have captured public attention.

This powder, a fire retardant called Phos-Chek, plays a critical role in combating the relentless flames.

But what exactly is it made of, how does it work, and is it safe?

What is Phos-Chek and how does it work?

Phos-Chek, a fire retardant developed by the company Perimeter, has been a key tool in wildfire suppression since its introduction in 1963. Originally formulated to help firefighters combat large-scale blazes, its effectiveness quickly garnered global recognition.

Today, it is the most widely used fire retardant worldwide, aiding firefighting efforts in regions prone to wildfires across North America, Australia, and Europe.

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A vehicle is covered in retardant while crews battle the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon, January 11, 2025, in Los Angeles. File Image/AP

It is the primary fire retardant used by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and remains the most widely used retardant globally, according to a 2022 Associated Press report.

The substance is composed of 80 per cent water, 14 per cent fertilizer-like salts, and 6 per cent colouring agents and corrosion inhibitors. Its red and pink hues act as visual aids for pilots and firefighters to identify treated areas, although the colour fades after a few days of sunlight exposure.

When dropped, Phos-Chek coats vegetation and fire-prone land to slow the fires spread. It works by cooling and coating fuels, depleting oxygen, and altering how plant materials burn.

Retardant covers a hillside after crews battled the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon Monday, January 13, 2025 in Los Angeles. File Image/AP

They dont tend to drop [retardant] directly in the center of an ongoing fire, Daniel McCurry, an associate professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Southern California told NPR.

They tend to drop kind of at the barrier of it because theyre trying to prevent it from spreading. And the reason that these products are kind of useful for that potentially is that the active ingredient is not water. Right? Its the fertilizer. So even after the water evaporates, you still have that red stripe there for days or weeks.

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Is it safe for the environment?

While Phos-Chek is vital in wildfire mitigation, its use has sparked environmental debates. Critics argue that its deployment, particularly near waterways, can lead to contamination harmful to aquatic ecosystems.

For instance, concerns were raised after a 2022 lawsuit highlighted potential violations of clean water laws by the US Forest Service. Environmental groups pointed to studies suggesting that certain formulations could harm fish and other wildlife.

Retardant covers a backyard and pool after crews battled the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon, January 13, 2025 in Los Angeles. File Image/AP

On the other hand, supporters, including communities affected by wildfires, highlight its crucial role in preventing catastrophic destruction, with some citing past incidents where the retardant effectively safeguarded homes and lives.

The Forest Service enforces a mandatory ban on dropping fire retardants in sensitive areas, such as waterways and habitats of endangered species, except when human life or public safety is at risk. These measures aim to mitigate potential harm to aquatic life and ecosystems.

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In 2022, the Forest Service Employees for Environmental Ethics filed a lawsuit, claiming the agency violated clean water laws by using chemical retardants. A federal judge later ruled that the practice could continue while the Forest Service seeks a permit from the Environmental Protection Agency.

Fire retardant from crews battling the Palisades Fire coats a fence of ivy in Mandeville Canyon on January 13, 2025, in Los Angeles. File Image/AP

In response to environmental concerns, the Forest Service has transitioned to a newer Phos-Chek formula, MVP-Fx, which studies suggest is less toxic to aquatic life than the older LC95 formulation.

MVP is one of our latest technologies and is made with technical and food-grade ingredients, Perimeter told NPR. The company states that its products meet stringent safety standards, including Californias Proposition 65 requirements.

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How do pilots navigate with Phos-Chek?

Despite its effectiveness, deploying Phos-Chek involves significant risks. Pilots guiding air tankers are tasked with navigating low-altitude flights over rugged terrain, often in poor visibility and turbulent conditions caused by the fire itself.

Retardant covers a sign after crews battled the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon Monday, January 13, 2025, in Los Angeles. File Image/AP

These challenges increase the likelihood of accidents, and tragically, the job has claimed lives. From 2000 to 2013 alone, wildfire aviation accounted for 78 fatalities in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

How to remove it after?

The vibrant pink residue left by Phos-Chek can coat vehicles, rooftops, and driveways in affected areas, often leaving residents with an unexpected cleanup task.

Retardant covers the front of a property after crews battled the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon, January 13, 2025, in Los Angeles. File Image/AP

Perimeter advises cleaning it as soon as it is safe to do so, as the substance becomes harder to remove once dried. Warm water and mild detergents are effective for smaller surfaces, while pressure washers are recommended for larger areas.

With inputs from agencies
Special Counsel Jack Smiths report on Donald Trumps efforts to overturn the 2020 election was sent to Congress on Tuesday after US District Judge Aileen Cannon refused to block its release. Smith in the report reiterated his decision to bring charges and said Trump, had voters not returned him to the White House, would have been convicted in the case read more

Special Counsel Jack Smith has finally released his report on the January 6 insurrection.

Smith in the 137-page report, which was submitted on January 7, reiterated his decision to bring charges against Donald Trump.

He said Trump would have been convicted for trying to overturn the 2020 election had voters not returned him to the White House.

But who is Smith? What do we know about the report on Trump and what are its takeaways?

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Lets take a closer look:

Who is Smith?

As per Britannica, Smith was born on June 5, 1969.

His full name is John Luman Smith.

He was brought up in Clay suburb in Syracuse, New York.

He went to the State University of New York (SUNY) at Oneonta from which he graduated summa cum laude in 1991.

He next attended Harvard Law School, where he received a Juris Doctor degree in 1994.

Smith then worked as a prosecutor in the Manhattan District Attorneys office till 1999 and then served in the Brooklyn office of the US attorney for the Eastern District of New York.

Smith served in a variety of positions here including chief of criminal litigation.

As per BBC, Smith went after violent gangs, white-collar criminals and looked into cases of public corruption during his tenure as the US attorney.

He once spent a weekend sleeping in the hallway of an apartment building so he could convince a woman to take the witness stand in a domestic violence case.

He was also part of the team that investigated the assault of Haitian immigrant Abner Louima with a broomstick by the New York police.

The New York Times reported that it was his work on the team that in part led to Smith becoming Special Counsel.

Smith in 2008 became director of investigations for the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague.

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It was a position he served till 2010, when he returned to the United States to become head of the DOJs Public Integrity Section.

Smith told The Associated Press in 2010 that he saw the role of a prosecutor as serving people like his parents and others he grew up with in the town of Clay.

They pay their taxes, follow the rules, and they expect their public officials to do the same, he said then.

Jack Smith in 2008 became director of investigations for the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. AP

He described the change as leaving the dream job for a better one.

Smith had returned to the Justice Department at the time to oversee the departments then-troubled public integrity section, which was battered publicly for failing to turn over exculpatory evidence in the criminal trial of former Alaska Senator Ted Stevens, a Republican.

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Supporters lauded him as apolitical and hardworking.

During his tenure, his unit brought a series of high-profile cases against elected officials from both political parties. Not all were successful, and not all investigations resulted in criminal charges.

As per BBC, a corruption case brought against ex- Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell was overturned by the US Supreme Court.

The case against John Edwards saw the jury acquit the ex-Democratic vice-presidential nominee on one count and remained hung on all the others.

However, Smith did get ex-New York state Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver sent to prison for corruption.

Former Arizona congressman Rick Renzi  later pardoned by Trump  was also convicted.

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Smith later said that the failures were a powerful lesson.

When there isnt sufficient evidence to bring a case, you have to be able to admit that if its not there, its not there, Smith said. I think thats hard for people to do, and having been a prosecutor for 15 years that is something I can do.

Smith then served as first assistant US attorney and then acting US attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee (201517).

He was also vice president and head of litigation for the Hospital Corporation of America (201718).

As per BBC, Smith left government after not being permanently appointed by the Trump administration.

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In 2018, Smith went back to the ICC.

He served as a specialist prosecutor of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide committed by or against citizens of Kosovo between 1998 and 2000, as per Britannica.

Then, in November 2022, Smith was tapped to serve as the Special Counsel by Attorney General Merrick Garland.

Smith was tasked to look into the presence of classified documents at Trumps Florida estate as well as key aspects of a separate probe involving the January 6, 2021, insurrection and efforts to undo the 2020 election.

The New York Times reported that Smith at the time was getting ready to try ex-Kosovo president Hashim Thaci.

The move came just three days after Trump formally launched his 2024 candidacy.

The Department of Justice has long recognised that in certain extraordinary cases, it is in the publics interest to appoint a special prosecutor to independently manage an investigation and prosecution, Garland said at the time.

Throughout his career, Jack Smith has built a reputation as an impartial and determined prosecutor who leads teams with energy and focus to follow the facts wherever they lead, Garland said. As special counsel, he will exercise independent prosecutorial judgment to decide whether charges should be brought.

The extraordinary circumstances here demand it, Garland said of the appointment.

Smith said he intended to do his work independently and in the best traditions of the Department of Justice.

The pace of the investigations will not pause or flag under my watch, he vowed.

As per BBC, Smith is a triathlete.

He has finished over 100 triathlons since 2002 and even representing Team USA in the World Triathlon.

New York attorney Moe Fodeman, a friend and ex-colleague, told CNN that Smith was a literally insane triathlete and one of the best trial lawyers I have ever seen.

Lanny Breuer, who led the departments criminal division when Smith ran the public integrity section, called Smith an exquisite lawyer and an exquisite prosecutor.

Hes not political at all, Breuer said. Hes straight down the middle.

Trump on the other hand had called Smiths appointment a horrendous abuse of power and the latest in a long series of witch hunts, and insisted hed done nothing wrong.

BBC quoted Trump as saying that Smith had destroyed a lot of lives.

What hes done is just horrible, Trump added. The abuse of power - it is prosecutorial misconduct.

The report on Trump and its takeaways

Smiths report on Trumps efforts to overturn the 2020 election was sent to Congress on Tuesday.

This, after US District Judge Aileen Cannon refused to block its release.

A separate volume of the report focused on Trumps hoarding of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago, actions that formed the basis of a separate indictment against Trump, will remain under wraps for now.

Smith had dropped both cases against Trump after he defeated Vice-President Kamala Harris in the November 5 election.

Smith argued that a longstanding Justice Department rule against prosecuting sitting presidents made the cases against Trump untenable.

Smith in the report said Trump had interrupted a democratic process that had operated in a peaceful and orderly manner for more than 130 years.

Smith in the letter to Garland completely defended his decision to bring charges against Trump.

Jack Smith in the report said Donald Trump would have been convicted if voters had not returned him to office. File image/Reuters

To have done otherwise on the facts developed during our work would have been to shirk my duties as a prosecutor and a public servant. After nearly 30 years of public service, that is a choice I could not abide, he wrote as per NPR.

The Departments view that the Constitution prohibits the continued indictment and prosecution of a President is categorical and does not turn on the gravity of the crimes charged, the strength of the Governments proof, or the merits of the prosecution, which the Office stands fully behind, the report states.

Smith also denied any allegations of political interference.

To all who know me well, the claim from Mr Trump that my decisions as a prosecutor were influenced or directed by the Biden administration or other political actors is, in a word, laughable, he wrote.

I can assure you that neither l nor the prosecutors on my team would have tolerated or taken part in any action by our Office for partisan political purposes. My Office had one north star: to follow the facts and law wherever they led. Nothing more and nothing less.

While we were not able to bring the cases we charged to trial, I believe the fact that our team stood up for the rule of law matters, Smith wrote as per Time Magazine. I believe the example our team set for others to fight for justice without regard for the personal costs matters.

Smith also detailed the ways in which Trump sought to impede the investigation.

Mr Trumps resort to intimidation and harassment during the investigation was not new, as demonstrated by his actions during the charged conspiracies, Smith wrote.

A fundamental component of Mr Trumps conduct underlying the charges in the Election Case was his pattern of using social mediaat the time, Twitterto publicly attack and seek to influence state and federal officials, judges, and election workers who refused to support false claims that the election had been stolen or who otherwise resisted complicity in Mr Trumps scheme, he added.

Smith insisted that the evidence would have led to Trump being convicted at trial were he not elected president.

Indeed, but for Mr Trumps election and imminent return to the Presidency, the Office assessed that the admissible evidence was sufficient to obtain and sustain a conviction at trial, the report concluded.

Smith resigned from the US Justice Department on January 10.

As per Al Jazeera, Trump previously called Smith deranged and vowed to prosecute those who investigated him.

He responded early Tuesday with a post on his Truth Social platform, claiming he was totally innocent and calling Smith a lamebrain prosecutor who was unable to get his case tried before the Election. He added, The voters have spoken!!!

Trump is set to be inaugurated on January 20.

With inputs from agencies
As TikTok faces the threat of a US ban due to national security concerns, the question over potential buyers has risen. High-profile figures like Frank McCourt, Elon Musk, and Bobby Kotick are reportedly in discussions to acquire the apps US operations read more

With TikToks US operations facing a looming ban, speculations about potential buyers have risen. The popular short-video app has become a central point of tension between the US and China, as national security concerns over data privacy mount.

TikToks parent company, ByteDance, along with the Chinese government, has resisted calls to divest the platform. Despite this resistance, several high-profile players and entities have emerged as potential buyers if a sale becomes unavoidable.

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What the reasons are behind the sale talks

The US government has cited TikTok as a potential threat to national security due to its ties to China. Lawmakers fear that ByteDance could provide the Chinese government access to sensitive user data or use the app for covert influence campaigns targeting Americans.

These concerns led to bipartisan support for legislation requiring TikToks US operations to be sold or banned altogether.

However, ByteDance has consistently pushed back against these allegations, stating that its operations outside China are independent and secure. TikTok CEO Shou Chew has warned that separating the US version of the app from ByteDance could render the platform dysfunctional.

Moreover, the Chinese government has indicated that it would block any sale involving TikToks highly valuable algorithm, which is the cornerstone of the apps global success.

The algorithms exclusion from a potential deal complicates matters for any buyer, as it significantly impacts TikToks market value and operational appeal. ByteDance itself is valued at an estimated $225 billion, though experts suggest TikToks US operations alone, without the algorithm, would be worth around $20 billion.

Who could buy TikTok?

Frank McCourt

Leading the charge among potential buyers is billionaire Frank McCourt, the former owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Through his initiative, Project Liberty, McCourt has formally proposed acquiring TikToks US operations for $20 billion, excluding its algorithm.

McCourts vision for TikTok goes beyond maintaining the platforms popularity. Project Liberty aims to reimagine digital infrastructure by prioritising user data privacy and reducing the amount of personal information collected.

Frank McCourts net worth is currently a whopping $1.4 billion, according to Forbes. McCourt.com

This approach aligns with McCourts broader mission to fix the internet by creating a more decentralised and transparent online ecosystem.

The bid is backed by private equity firms, high-net-worth individuals, and public figures like Kevin OLeary from Shark Tank. McCourt has reportedly secured debt financing and verbal commitments from investors to support the acquisition.

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Preliminary talks have also been held with US government officials to navigate regulatory challenges and avoid a complete ban.

Elon Musk

Elon Musk has also emerged as a potential buyer, with reports suggesting that his social media platform X (formerly Twitter) could take over TikToks US operations. Musks interest in expanding Xs capabilities to include video content and social media engagement makes TikTok an attractive proposition.

US President-elect Donald Trump and Elon Musk watch the launch of the sixth test flight of the SpaceX Starship rocket in Brownsville, Texas, US, November 19, 2024. File Image/Reuters

Discussions around Musks involvement remain in the early stages, and the extent of his interest is unclear. However, his proven track record of innovation and willingness to take risks could position him as a formidable contender if ByteDance decides to sell.

Bobby Kotick

Another name in the mix is Bobby Kotick, the former CEO of Activision Blizzard. Following Activisions successful sale to Microsoft, Kotick has expressed interest in acquiring TikTok. He has reportedly held discussions with tech leaders, including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, to secure funding for the bid.

Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick in Downtown San Francisco, California, US, June 28, 2023. File Image/Reuters

While Kotick has kept a low profile regarding his plans, his experience in the tech and gaming industries could provide a unique perspective on managing TikToks US operations.

Microsoft and Walmart

Microsoft previously attempted to acquire the platform in 2020 but was unable to finalise the deal. Microsofts involvement could help it expand its social media presence, but it may also attract scrutiny from federal regulators concerned about market monopolies.

Walmart, under CEO Doug McMillon, also expressed interest in TikTok during the 2020 negotiations. The retail giants focus on e-commerce and digital advertising aligns well with TikToks capabilities, making it a logical candidate if ByteDance revisits the idea of a sale.

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What the complications are

Any potential sale of TikToks US operations faces numerous challenges. ByteDances refusal to include the algorithm in a deal significantly reduces the platforms value and functionality. Additionally, Beijings golden share in ByteDance gives the Chinese government leverage over any decisions regarding TikTok.

Regulatory hurdles in the US add another layer of challenges. A sale involving major tech companies like Microsoft or Elon Musks X could invite antitrust scrutiny. Political dynamics also play a role, as US President-elect Donald Trump was vocal about banning TikTok but may now oppose a ban given the platforms popularity among young voters.

The US Supreme Courts decision, expected by January 19, will likely determine TikToks future in the US. If ByteDance fails to address national security concerns, the app could face a complete ban, forcing millions of users to migrate to other platforms.

Alternatively, a sale could usher in a new era for TikTok under different ownership in the US.

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With inputs from agencies
Barbed wire installation at unfenced stretches of India-Bangladesh border was being carried out smoothly as per the mutually agreed deal between the two neighbouring nations. However, it was disrupted after Muhammad Yunus-led interim government took the charge after former former PM Sheikh Hasina fled in August read more

India and Bangladesh are engaged in a fresh row over the barbed-wire fencing of the international border as per the agreement signed between the two countries when toppled leader Sheikh Hasina was the prime minister in Dhaka. Before the latest objection by the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, the boundary question between India and Bangladesh was considered settled.

Installation of barbed wires at unfenced stretches on India-Bangladesh border was initiated in April last year by the Border Security Force (BSF) in accordance with the existing agreement as well as with prior notification to Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). All went smooth till December, when the Yunus-led interim government, which was installed in Bangladesh after a student agitation forced Hasina to flee the country, objected to the fencing activity. Some reports also suggested that the Yunus government was considering reneging Bangladeshs border agreement with India.

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A report by The Indian Express quoted sources in the BSF as saying that the work on installation of fences along the international border in West Bengals Malda district commenced in April and continued smoothly for the next three months. However, since November, after Yunus-led interim government assumed power in Bangladesh, the fencing work has been repeatedly halted, the report cited a BSF officer as saying.

Between April and June, the fencing work continued with prior notification to Bangladesh. The work was halted between July and October, due to the monsoon as several areas got submerged due to flooding. As the fencing work resumed in November, it faced a setback after BGB raised objections for the first time, the officer said.

The BSF officer went on to say that the fencing activities were resumed in December, ensuring that the BGB was " duly informed beforehand as per our existing agreement.

However, the interim Bangladesh government is now reneging on this agreement, saying they would review it, the officer said.

After facing disruption from the Bangladesh side on border fencing, another BSF officer quoted in the IE report said that the recent actions by the neighbouring country indicated a potential deviation from a previously agreed-upon joint fencing plan.

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India-Bangladesh border fencing row

On Sunday, Yunuss government alleged that India was attempting to install fences at five locations along the Indo-Bangla border, violating a bilateral agreement. Bangladeshs foreign ministry even went on to summon Indias High Commissioner Pranay Verma to express deep concern over recent activities of the BSF.

During the meeting, Bangladesh Foreign Secretary Jashim Uddin objected to the unauthorised attempt to put up barbed wire fencing at several places along the border, causing tensions and disturbances in the areas.

Verma, during the meeting, elucidated why India has been constructing barbed fencing along the border.

I just met [Bangladeshs] foreign secretary to discuss Indias commitment to ensuring a crime-free border, effectively addressing challenges of smuggling, movement of criminals and trafficking, Verma told the media in Dhaka after the meeting on Sunday.

Also Read: India-Bangladesh: Now border fencing row erupts as India protests Yunus govts remarks

We have an understanding with regard to fencing the border for security. BSF and BGB (Border Guard Bangladesh) have been in communication in this regard. We expect that understandings will be implemented and there will be a cooperative approach to combating crime, Verma said.

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Within hours, on Monday, Indias Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) summoned Bangladeshs Acting High Commissioner Md Nural Islam, reiterating its adherence to all protocols related to border management and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a crime-free border.

It was conveyed that, with regard to security measures at the border, including fencing, India observed all protocols and agreements between the two governments and between the Border Security Force and Border Guard Bangladesh, the MEA said in a statement.

Dismissing charges raised by Bangladesh, the MEA further stated that India reiterated its commitment to ensuring a crime-free border by effectively addressing the challenges of cross-border criminal activities, smuggling, movement of criminals, and trafficking. Barbed wire fencing, border lighting, installation of technical devices, and cattle fences are measures for securing the border.

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Fencing at Indo-Bangla border in West Bengal crucial

The 2,216 km porous India-Bangladesh border has been facing a host of security challenges including smuggling, trafficking, movement of criminals and illegal entry or infiltration. As much as 27 km stretch of the 172 km India-Bangladesh border in Malda district remains unfenced. Recently a dispute arose over the installation of barbed wires on a 1,200-metre stretch at Baishnabnagar village.

With around 50 per cent of its 2,216 km border with Bangladesh remaining unfenced, West Bengal faces heightened security risks.

Malda district is particularly vulnerable. Fencing in Malda is crucial for both India and Bangladesh as it will effectively curb cross-border crime, benefiting both nations, the IE report quoted a senior BSF officer as saying.
Police in Indias southern state of Kerala have arrested 44 men accused of raping an 18-year-old girl over a period of five years, a police official said on Tuesday, in a case that has shocked the coastal tourist resort read more

Police in Indias southern state of Kerala have arrested 44 men accused of raping an 18-year-old girl over a period of five years, a police official said on Tuesday, in a case that has shocked the coastal tourist resort.

The victim, an athlete who belongs to the so-called lower caste community known as Dalits, told police in a statement that she was sexually abused by 62 people over a period of five years.

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Police have identified 58 of those men, some of whom are minors and arrested 44 over the last two days, officials said.

We have identified the remaining 14 and they would be arrested soon, the Deputy Superintendent of Police in the Pathanamthitta district where the crimes took place, PS Nandakumar, told Reuters.

The case came to light after the girl narrated the gang rape to a volunteer during a gender awareness programme. Nandkumar, who heads the investigation, said details of how the crimes were committed were still being investigated.

In her statement to the police, the victim said abuse began when she was 13 after her neighbour allegedly raped her.

Local media reported that four of the accused were minors.

Under Indian law, accused in rape cases that involve lower castes do not immediately get bail. Reuters was not able to reach any of the accused for a comment.

There were more than 31,000 reported rapes in 2022 in India, the latest year for which data is available, and conviction rates are notoriously low.

The rape and murder of a trainee doctor in the eastern city of Kolkata caused outrage across the country last year, with protests and street marches calling for action against the accused.

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In the latest case of an Indian dying in the employment of Russian military in the war on Ukraine, 32-year-old Binil TB from Kerala was killed in a drone attack, according to his family read more

A serviceman of pro-Russian militia walks nest to a military convoy of armed forces of the separatist self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic (LNR) on a road in the Luhansk region, Ukraine February 27, 2022. (Photo: Reuters)

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has acknowledged the death of an Indian national in Kerala.

Earlier this week, the family of a 32-year-old man from Kerala, Binil TB, said they had learnt of his death from Indian officials at the embassy in Moscow.

They said that Binil died in a drone attack while he was in the employment of Russian army in the war with Ukraine.

Acknowledging the death, the MEA in a statement on Tuesday said that the government is aware of unfortunate death of an Indian national from Kerala who had apparently been recruited to serve in the Russian Army.

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Regarding a relative injured in the same attack, 27-year-old Jain TK, the MEA said, Another Indian national from Kerala, who was similarly recruited, has been injured and is receiving treatment in a hospital in Moscow.

The MEA said that the officials were working to facilitate the return of the deceaseds remains. It also said that officials were facilitating the early discharge of the injured relative.

We offer our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. Our Embassy in Moscow is in touch with the families and all possible assistance is being rendered. We are working with the Russian authorities for early transportation of the mortal remains to India. We have also sought the early discharge and repatriation to India of the injured person, said the MEA.

As for Russia employing Indians in its war on Ukraine, the MEA said that the subject has been raised with the Russian government.

The matter has been strongly taken up with the Russian authorities in Moscow as well as with the Russian Embassy in New Delhi today. We have also reiterated our demand for the early discharge of the remaining Indian nationals, said the MEA.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2024, it has been learnt that Russia has recruited several Indians often through fraudulent ways to fight in the war. The Indians are among several thousands of foreign fighters that Russia has roped in to fight its war. Estimates say that Russia could be employing as many as 55-60,000 foreign fighters in the war on Ukraine from many nations, such as India, Nepal, Ghana, Yemen, Cuba, North Korea, etc.

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In the case of Binil and Jain, their relative Saneesh told The Indian Express that officials at the Indian embassy in Moscow verbally confirmed the death.

Saneesh said, Binils wife Joicy, who has been in touch with the Indian Embassy in Moscow, got the information. When she called officials, they verbally confirmed that Binil had died. The officials said they had information in this regard from the Russian Army.
Gen Dwivedi said that the induction of women officers in various other posts will increase by 12 times by 2032 and by the end of this year the number of female officers will go up to 2,037. Currently, there are 115 women COs while 18 more are ready to join the military read more

Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi has hailed women officers contributions to the military saying they are performing exceedingly well and are mature. His praise for women army personnel comes months after a serving lieutenant general criticised them for not living up to the standards of commanding officers (CO).

Today, I just wish to assure you, women officers were doing exceedingly well, General Dwivedi said during a press conference ahead of Army Day.

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Gen Dwivedi said that the induction of women officers in various other posts will increase by 12 times by 2032 and by the end of this year the number of female officers will go up to 2,037. Currently, there are 115 women COs while 18 more are ready to join the military.

As far as the Army is concerned, we want strong women officers maybe Kaali Mata Ka Roop It means it has to be a gender-neutral approach, he added.

The Army started assigning women officers to command roles following a Supreme Court order in 2023.

Several women officers are now helming units in various forward locations, including in areas under the Northern and Eastern Commands.

What did the Lt General say?

In an unprecedented move, Lt General Rajeev Puri, a Corps Commander, had written a five-page letter to Eastern Army Commander Lt General Ram Chander Tiwari listing a series of issues impacting Army units commanded by women officers in the eastern sector.

During the last year, there has been an increase in the number of officer management issues in units commanded by women officers, he said in the letter.

He wrote that most cases pertain to lack of tact and understanding of the personal requirements of unit personnel, especially officers.

Lt Gen Puri also listed misplaced sense of entitlement, lack of empathy and a tendency to complain among the issues impacting the units.

Army orders probe

Replying to the letter in question, Gen Dwivedi said, The letter which got leaked out, shouldnt have gotten leaked out. A court of inquiry has been ordered about it. It is a perception, it is his perception. He has all the right to give out that perception and comment.

He added, It is an internal communication.

With inputs from PTI

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Taking over Greenland is not a completely new idea. The US, decades ago, offered to buy Greenland from Denmark, a long-secret plan that was revealed in the 1990s, even if US cannot buy the island it could find ways to exercise more influence over it read more

President-elect Donald Trump has expressed interest in acquiring Greenland. He is considering diplomatic and economic pressure on Denmark, aiming to expand American influence and cement his legacy. In the same breath, he wants Canada to become the US 51st state and also threatened to gain control of the Panama Canal. The US had earlier acquired Alaska from Russia in 1867 for $7.2 million (equivalent to $157 million in 2023), and it became the 49th state in January 1959. The US annexed Hawaii in 1898, which formally became the 50th state in August 1959.

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The US, including its dependencies, currently has a land area of 9,147,590 sq km. It is the third largest after Russia (16,376,870 sq km) and China (9,326,410 sq km). Canada is fourth by land area at 9,093,507 sq km but has the worlds largest water area, 891,163 sq km. Greenland, an island, is an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark with an area of 2,166,086 sq km. If the US were to acquire Greenland and make Canada its 51st state, the US land area would increase to a phenomenal 20,407,183 sq km, exceeding Russias by a significant figure. Just acquiring Greenland alone would mean an area of 11,313,676 sq km. Will Canada join the US? Many Canadians want to. Will Denmark part with Greenland, which has just 56,583 people? Is the debate.

Why Trump Wants Them

President-elect Donald Trump has reiterated his desire for the US to acquire Greenland and the Panama Canal, calling both critical to American national security. Asked if he would rule out using military or economic force in order to take over the autonomous Danish territory or the Canal, he responded, No, I cant assure you on either of those two, but I can say this: we need them for economic security. Amid all this, his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr paid a day-long personal visit to Greenland, arriving by private jet in the capital, Nuuk.

The US-Canada boundary is the worlds longest between two countries. Trump said the US spends billions of dollars protecting Canada, and they should be a state, he told reporters. Trump vowed to use economic force when asked if he would attempt to annex Canada and called their shared border an artificially drawn line. Among other things, Trump suggested renaming the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America.

Greenlands Ground Situation and Importance

Greenland is the worlds largest island that is not a continent and is a strategically important part of the Arctic region. Greenland is also home to a large American space facility. Trump had first expressed his interest in buying Greenland from Denmark in 2019.

A 2023 survey revealed that Greenland holds 25 out of 34 minerals classified as critical raw materials by the European Commission. These minerals include key materials for batteries, such as graphite and lithium, as well as rare earth elements used in electric vehicles and wind turbines. But Greenland banned the extraction of oil and natural gas for environmental reasons. Even the mining sector faces huge opposition from indigenous people. Therefore Greenlands economy is largely dependent on fishing, which makes up more than 95 percent of its exports. They get annual financial support from Denmark, which funds about half of the public budget.

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Greenland is part of NATO through the membership of Denmark and has strategic significance for the US military and for its ballistic missile early-warning system, as the shortest route from Europe to North America runs via this Arctic island. Trump suggested the island is crucial to military efforts to track Chinese and Russian ships, which he said are all over the place. It will help protect the free world, Trump said. He wants to make Greenland a part of the United States and does not rule out using military or economic power to get a hand over the island.

Greenland has wide-ranging autonomy, but its economy is largely dependent on subsidies from Copenhagen, and it remains part of the kingdom of Denmark. The islands capital, Nuuk, is closer to New York than the Danish capital, Copenhagen. Greenland is geographically part of the North American continent, and its crucial for the United States to stop any other major powers from gaining a presence on the island. China has been attempting to lease land on the island.

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Trumps push for Greenland is growing stronger after a Greenlander in a MAGA hat shared a video urging, Buy us. Buy Greenland, criticising Danish exploitation. The man expressed his dissatisfaction with Danish governance, claiming that Greenlands wealth, particularly its mineral resources, is exploited by Denmark, while the island remains unable to benefit fully from its riches.

Its not going to happen, said Biden Administrations US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, dismissing Donald Trumps idea of taking over Canada and Greenland. Blinken added, Its not a good idea, so lets not waste time discussing it. The general feeling is that Trump will resort to diplomatic or economic pressure on Denmark to acquire the worlds largest island that isnt a continent.

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Reaction on Greenland

Both Denmark and Panama have rejected any suggestion that they would give up territory. Before, Trump Jr said he was going on a personal day trip to talk to people and had no meetings planned with government officials. When asked about Trump Jrs visit to Greenland, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said that Greenland belongs to the Greenlanders and that only the local population could determine its future. She said, Greenland is not for sale and will not be in the future, but stressed Denmark needed close cooperation with the US, a NATO ally.

Greenland Prime Minister Mute Egede has stated that the island is not for sale and, in his New Year speech, stepped up a call for independence. Denmarks foreign minister, Lars Lokke Rasmussen, said, We fully recognise that Greenland has its own ambitions. If they materialise, Greenland will become independent, though hardly with an ambition to become a federal state in the United States.

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Trumps tacit threat of military action to take Greenland triggered warnings from both Germany and France, who said that the US even helping the island distance itself from Denmark could have diplomatic ramifications.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz was among the first to issue a response to Trumps statements, which he said sparked incomprehension among other European Union governments that he was in contact with. Several European leaders have cautioned Donald Trump against violating the sovereignty of other NATO allies. Borders must not be moved by force, and this principle applies to every country, whether in the East or West. The French foreign minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, was more assertive when he said during an interview that it was inconceivable that the EU would allow other states to attack their sovereign borders. There is also the likelihood of huge reactions from others, especially from Russia and China.

Reactions of Canada

Its unclear how serious Trump is about adding territory, particularly when it comes to Canada, a country of 41 million people and the second-largest nation by area in the world (including water bodies). Donald Trump had threatened Canada with a 25 per cent tariff on imports from the country, which sends 75 per cent of all goods and services exports south of the border. A threat, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said, would destroy the Canadian economy. Trudeau was then slammed within his own Cabinet for his subdued reaction, resulting in his resignation.

Forced to resign as Canadas prime minister over his muted response to Trumps proposal to merge Canada with the United States, Justin Trudeau finally spoke out, declaring, Not a chance. In his first post on X since his resignation as prime minister, Trudeau said, There isnt a snowballs chance in hell that Canada would become part of the United States. Workers and communities in both our countries benefit from each others biggest trading and security partnership.

Issue of Panama Canal

The Panama Canal is a man-made, 82-kilometre waterway in Panama that connects the Caribbean Sea with the Pacific Ocean. It is a conduit for maritime trade between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The project was started by France in 1881 but stopped in 1889 because of a lack of investors confidence due to engineering problems and a high worker mortality rate. The US took over the project in 1904 and opened the canal in 1914. The US continued to control the canal till its handover to Panama in 1977. After a period of joint American-Panamanian control, Panama took full control in 1999.

A Hong Kong-based company, CK Hutchison Holdings, manages two ports at the canals entrances. Chinas influence in the Panama Canal has only grown since 2017, when then-president Carlos Varela severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan and recognised China, further opening the door to Chinas expanded footprint in critical Canal infrastructure and laying the groundwork for alignment with the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Giving the Panama Canal to Panama was a very big mistake, Trump said. He added that the canal is vital to our country and claimed its being operated by China. He had previously accused Panama of overcharging US ships to use the waterway. Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino has rejected Trumps claims and said there is absolutely no Chinese interference in the canal.

To Summarise

Canadas becoming the 51st state of the US is much more complex. A weak Trudeau and current Canadian political flux can at best be played around for rhetoric. Mexicos President Claudia Sheinbaum rebuked Trumps vow to rename the Gulf of Mexico. He trolled Trump, suggesting renaming North America to Mexican America. Sheinbaum also refuted Trumps claim that Mexico is run by the cartels, stating, In Mexico, the people are in charge, and emphasised that they are addressing the security problem.

Trumps demand of Panama is to reduce fees on the Panama Canal or return it to US control, accusing the Central American country of charging exorbitant prices to American shipping and naval vessels. His remarks prompted a quick rebuke from Panamas president, who said every square metre of the canal and surrounding area belong to his country. Trump will be able to press concessions on tariffs. There will be pressure on Panama to reduce Chinese influence.

Donald Trumps gambit to buy Greenland may sound ridiculous, but its not impossible. If Trump is determined, he could try to buy it outright if the autonomous territory declares independence from Denmark. He could seek to make it a commonwealth like Puerto Rico. Or he could even weave Greenland into a deal like the United States has with Micronesia and the Marshall Islands that gives the US military unfettered access in exchange for defence and financial assistance. Alex Gray, the National Security Council chief of staff during the first Trump administration, says, Its not a one-size-fits-all, and we have precedent for doing a lot of options. Denmarks 17th-century purchase of St Croix from Francethe territory was purchased by the US as part of a 1916 treaty and is now part of the Virgin Islands.

Its not a completely new idea. The US, decades ago, offered to buy Greenland from Denmark, a long-secret plan that was revealed in the 1990s. If the US cannot buy Greenland, it could find ways to exercise more influence on the island, even try to add more bases to snoop on nearby Russia and China. It will reorient American foreign policy toward the Western Hemisphere as China and Russia turn their eyes toward the region.

Denmark doesnt claim to own it, said Scott Anderson, a former State Department lawyer and national security expert. I am quite confident that the government of Denmark, as weve seen them say things, doesnt think it has the legal authority to sell Greenland to anyone. The US hasnt bought territory outright since snapping up the Philippines from Spain at the end of the 19th century. And international law has made it difficult, if not outright illegal, to buy, sell, or steal territory.

Greenland is about 50 times the size of Denmark. It is not easy for Copenhagen to defend it. If Greenland decides to become independent, the US could find a way to exercise more control over the island. The US has deals like that, called Compacts of Free Association (COFA), with Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau in the western Pacific islands. Such a deal would give the US exclusive military access and the right to determine which other nations can base their troops in Greenland. This would keep the Chinese away, and the US will become as big an Arctic power as Russia.

Even Trumps allies acknowledge that a negotiation for Greenland would be tricky because of the huge economic implications. Greenland has billions worth of unexplored minerals and hydrocarbons buried underneath its melting Arctic ice sheets. Also, Denmark, being part of NATO, is protected by the mutual defence pact provided by Article 5. While the self-governing island is not in the EU, it is still classified as an overseas territory associated with the EU. This implies that in the event of military action against Greenland, the EUs mutual assistance clause would be triggered, which would oblige all member states to offer aid.

Essentially, it will be a large real estate deal. Denmark is having to spend almost $700 million maintaining Greenland. As the climate gets warmer, the Arctic trade route could cut US dependence on the Panama Canal. Greenland is a highway from the Arctic all the way to North America and to the United States.

Denmark is conscious of Chinese coercion to exploit the island. It will be more realistic for Trump to rope Greenland into a defence deal. The US and NATO allies have significant gaps in surveillance coverage in parts of the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. The US could add more sophisticated sensors to add to the early warning radars that the Pentagon already has in place at Pituffik Space Base, on the northwestern tip of the island.

Will Greenlanders want to just switch to a new colonial master? Whether Trump is posturing or intends to follow through on his statements remains to be seen.

The writer is former Director General, Centre for Air Power Studies. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Sixth-generation aircraft are meant to have broad-spectrum stealth, which refers to the ability to minimise radar detectability across a wide range of frequencies in the electromagnetic spectrum. Image: Chinese Social Media

On December 26, 2023, China unveiled a new generation of stealth combat aircraft, which made its maiden flight in Chengdu, the Southwest capital city of Sichuan Province. This aircraft, named by the defence community as the J-36, is the latest in Chinas growing arsenal of advanced military aviation prowess. Images and videos of the flight, captured in near real-time, depicted a unique design: a tailless, flying-wing configuration accompanied by a J-20S twin-seat chase plane.

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While the J-36s flight surprised the general public, it wasnt surprising to PLA watchersexperts closely monitoring Chinas military development. For years, observers had noticed mounting signs that a sixth-generation air superiority aircraft was on the horizon. The J-36s maiden flight only reinforced Chinas rapid progress toward air dominance.

Although its precise role and full capabilities remain unknown, early indications suggest it will revolutionise air combat. Chengdu is home to the Chengdu Aerospace Corporation, the company behind Chinas J-20 stealth fighter. The aircraft, identified by its serial number 36011, has sparked several debates about its design and purpose. The J-36 designation signifies its role as an air superiority fighter, though this name is provisional as the official designation is yet to be confirmed.

The flight occurred without official acknowledgement from Chinas Ministry of Defence (please check the website) or state-run media, a pattern that mirrors previous PLA projects secrecy. Much like the debut of the J-20, the J-36s appearance was preceded by years of speculation and semi-official leaks from Chinese aerospace engineers. A J-20S, a twin-seat variant of the J-20, reportedly accompanied the aircraft. This led some analysts to speculate about the J-36s potential role in next-generation air combat systems, where manned and unmanned platforms work together. While many aspects of the aircraft remain unclear, the three-engine configuration was one of the most significant developments. The unusual design hints at significant advances in both thrust and stealth capabilities. Its flight and potential for future hypersonic speeds and combat radius signal Chinas growing confidence in air combat technology.

The J-36 represents a significant departure from conventional fighter aircraft designs. Early analyses of its features suggest the following characteristics: The J-36 adopts a tailless, double-delta flying wing configuration, which minimises radar visibility from all angles, significantly improving its stealth properties. This feature aligns with the growing trend of 360-degree stealth in next-generation fighters. The aircraft is powered by a unique three-engine configuration, which likely provides enhanced thrust for superior high-speed and hypersonic performance. This configuration may also enable improved manoeuvrability at high speeds.

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The J-36 has a large central internal weapons bay, potentially designed to house long-range PL-17 air-to-air missiles. There are also reports of smaller side IWBs, similar in size to those of the J-20, indicating that the J-36 may be optimised for carrying a range of air-to-air munitions. The engines are considered WS-10 or WS-15 series variants, providing ample thrust for the aircrafts expected long combat radius and high-speed performance.

Some defence technology experts speculate that the J-36 may have thrust vector control (TVC) for agility. It could weigh over 50 tonnes, between traditional fighters and larger strike aircraft. This larger airframe allows for a superior payload capacity and advanced systems like AI-powered avionics, sensors, and EW equipment. The J-36 will be crucial in Chinas next-generation air superiority strategy. Defence analysts and PLA watchers suggest its designed for high-performance air-to-air combat, surpassing existing fifth-generation fighters like the J-20.

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The J-36 is expected to have a significantly greater combat radius than current platforms, enabling extended-range operations. Advanced sensor fusion and networking allow seamless integration with other combat systems. A superior power generation system supports AI-assisted operations and electronic warfare. Optimised for BVR engagements, it focuses on signature reduction and sensor capabilities rather than traditional dogfighting. Unlike older models like the F-22 or Su-57, it wont compete in subsonic manoeuvrability but excels in high-speed regimes, prioritising strategic operations over air show manoeuvres. The J-36, a modular fighter designed to integrate unmanned combat aerial vehicles, departs from traditional fighter concepts that function as command and control nodes.

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Its debut raises questions about its sixth-generation status. While some label it as such, the definition of sixth-generation aircraft remains fluid. The US Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, also focused on hypersonic flight, AI integration, and autonomous systems, hasnt unveiled a production model. The J-36 emphasises networked warfare and high-performance stealth, potentially setting a standard for future air superiority platforms. However, calling it sixth-generation prematurely requires comparisons to other platforms like the US NGAD and European combat aircraft. Chinas more open approach to showcasing new platforms contrasts with the secrecy of US and Russian programs.

While still in the prototype phase, the J-36 offers a glimpse into Chinas growing aerospace capabilities. The J-36s maiden flight marks a significant development in Chinas military aviation ambitions. It promises to revolutionise air superiority in China and globally with its cutting-edge design, advanced technologies, and potential for hypersonic flight.

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The J-36s size, range, and design suggest it seems a formidable player in future aerial warfare. Chinas rapid advancements in hypersonic weapons, AI-assisted avionics, and unmanned systems, and the J-36s emergence highlight its rising influence in air power.

The author is a PhD candidate at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Tata Electronics ambitious plans dont stop with Xiaomi and Oppo. The company is also in discussions with other major companies like Microsoft, Dell, and HP, seeking to further diversify its client base through laptop manufacturing read more

Tata Electronics has been in talks with these smartphone giants to manufacture components for them, including camera and display modules, mimicking the model of Foxconn. Image Credit: Reuters

Tata Electronics is taking significant steps to broaden its client base beyond Apple, with plans to start contract manufacturing for major Chinese smartphone brands Xiaomi and Oppo. The company, which already produces enclosures for Apples iPhones, is now eyeing a larger role in the electronics manufacturing services (EMS) ecosystem, aiming to scale up its operations, as per a report in the Economic Times.

Tata Electronics has been in talks with these smartphone giants to manufacture components for them, including camera and display modules, mimicking the model of Foxconn, Apples key manufacturing partner, as per a report by the Economic Times.

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New partnerships and growing competition

As part of its expansion, Tata Electronics had discussions with Vivo as well as per the ET report, but these negotiations are now unlikely to materialise due to Vivos recent joint venture with Dixon. Tatas move into Xiaomi and Oppo manufacturing could shift the balance in the competitive landscape, especially in the Indian market.

Both Xiaomi and Oppo rely heavily on contract manufacturers to assemble their smartphones, with companies like Bharat FIH, BYD, and Flextronics among their current partners. This shift is expected to intensify competition with Dixon, which has seen substantial growth in recent years. As Tata Electronics diversifies its supply chain, it could leverage its position to offer more competitive prices, putting pressure on Dixon and other manufacturers.

Tatas ambitious plans to become a key Playep

Industry experts see Tata Electronics decision to expand beyond Apple as a strategic move to build the scale and capabilities necessary to support a wide array of global technology companies.

By focusing on high-value components like camera and display modules, Tata Electronics aims to enhance its technical capabilities and operational efficiency, making it an attractive partner for multiple tech giants.

Expanding operations and attracting major clients

Tata Electronics ambitious plans dont stop with Xiaomi and Oppo. The company is also in discussions with other major companies like Microsoft, Dell, and HP, seeking to further diversify its client base.

Tata Sons Chairman N. Chandrasekaran recently revealed that the Tata group plans to open nine new factories over the next two years, investing $18 billion in electronics and semiconductors. As Tata Electronics continues to grow, its reputation as a credible player in the EMS sector is attracting more attention from potential clients. With the backing of the vast Tata conglomerate, the companys expansion into new markets seems poised for success.
While Microsoft has not disclosed the exact nature of the content created by the cybercriminals, it confirmed that it violated the companys policies and terms of service read more

In response to the breach, Microsoft has implemented additional security measures and safety mitigations to safeguard Azure OpenAI from future attacks. Image Credit: Reuters

Microsoft has filed a lawsuit after a group of cybercriminals allegedly bypassed security guardrails on its Azure OpenAI platform, using the service to generate harmful and offensive content.

The lawsuit, filed in December 2024 in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, names ten unidentified individuals. These cybercriminals, a foreign-based threat group, are accused of stealing customer credentials and using custom-designed software to gain unauthorised access to Microsofts generative AI services, including ChatGPT and DALL-E.

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How the hackers gained access

Azure OpenAI is a service that allows businesses to integrate powerful OpenAI tools into their own cloud applications. Microsoft uses the service to power products such as GitHub Copilot, an AI-powered coding assistant for developers. According to the lawsuit, the hackers were able to obtain customer credentials by scraping public websites.

With these credentials in hand, they accessed Azure OpenAI accounts, circumventing security protocols, and altered the functionality of the AI services to suit their needs. After modifying the platform, the criminals resold access to the AI services to other malicious actors, providing them with detailed instructions on how to exploit these tools to generate harmful, illicit content.

The nature of the content and legal actions

While Microsoft has not disclosed the exact nature of the content created by the cybercriminals, it confirmed that it violated the companys policies and terms of service. The lawsuit accuses the criminals of intentionally and illegally accessing Azure OpenAIs systems, causing significant damage and loss. Microsoft is seeking injunctive relief to prevent further damage and to stop the criminals from continuing their illicit activities.

The company is also pursuing damages and has requested the seizure of a website that was central to the operation. This website is considered crucial to the criminal operation, and the courts approval for its seizure will allow Microsoft to collect evidence, identify the perpetrators, and dismantle the infrastructure that supported the illegal activities.

Microsofts efforts to enhance security

In response to the breach, Microsoft has implemented additional security measures and safety mitigations to safeguard Azure OpenAI from future attacks. The company is actively working to prevent further unauthorised access and to strengthen its platforms defences.

Microsoft has also highlighted that the hackers actions violated several US laws, including the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, and federal racketeering laws. The company is determined to hold those responsible for the breach accountable and to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

Broader implications for AI security

This incident underscores the potential risks and vulnerabilities in the rapidly growing field of generative AI. As AI tools like those offered by OpenAI become more widely accessible, the need for robust security and safety protocols becomes even more pressing.

Microsofts response to the breach aims to not only address the immediate damage but also to set a precedent for how companies must safeguard AI systems against misuse and malicious activity. The ongoing legal case highlights the challenges of securing AI platforms in an increasingly complex cyber threat landscape.
NVIDIAs push into Arm-based SoCs for laptops signals a major shift in its strategy, moving beyond GPUs into a more comprehensive role in mobile and consumer computing. If successful, this could reshape the landscape for Windows on Arm devices read more

NVIDIAs new Arm-based SoC is expected to be officially revealed at Computex 2025, which takes place from May 20-23 this year. Image Credit: Reuters

NVIDIA is poised to make a major move into the Windows on Arm space with the upcoming launch of its own Arm-based system on chip (SoC) for laptops. This marks a significant step as the company traditionally focused on high-performance graphics cards but now looks to expand its reach in the mobile computing sector.

According to tipster who spotted some pretty interesting information from Lenovos Chinese website, including a job listing and a product naming scheme for an upcoming Yoga 2-in-1 laptop, NVIDIAs new SoC could soon power Windows laptops.

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A New Era of Mobile Computing with NVIDIAs Arm-based SoC

The job listing on Lenovos board, which has since been removed, suggests that the company is already working on an NVIDIA-powered laptop. The listing for a software engineer references New SoC NV N1x in-house design & development, indicating that Lenovo is preparing to launch devices with this upcoming NVIDIA Arm-based chip.

The naming scheme of a Lenovo Yoga 2-in-1 device, also part of the leak, hints that this model will be one of the first to feature the new NVIDIA N1x SoC, though performance details remain unclear. Efficiency is expected to be a top priority for NVIDIA with this new mobile chip.

Gaming potential and collaboration with MediaTek

Further rumours suggest that NVIDIAs new SoC could include some component of its latest RTX 5000 Blackwell GPU architecture, which would integrate a powerful GPU for mobile devices. This could put NVIDIA in direct competition with handheld gaming devices, such as the Asus ROG Ally, expanding its reach beyond traditional laptops into gaming PCs.

Additionally, sources indicate that NVIDIA is collaborating with MediaTek to develop the new N1x SoC, with NVIDIA handling the consumer PC versions, and MediaTek partnering for enterprise versions. This collaboration hints at a strong emphasis on performance, especially for high-end laptops and gaming PCs.

NVIDIAs move into custom CPU designs

The most intriguing aspect of the upcoming NVIDIA SoC is its potential to introduce a new in-house CPU core design. While NVIDIA has produced Arm-based chips in the past, such as the Tegra series, these have typically relied on off-the-shelf CPU designs licensed from Arm.

For the N1x, NVIDIA is expected to use its own custom-designed CPU cores, which could offer performance improvements over Arms standard designs. This would allow NVIDIA to offer a more tailored solution for laptops, focusing not just on graphics, but also on custom CPU performance, which could set the N1x apart in the competitive laptop market.

Launch expected at Computex 2025

NVIDIAs new Arm-based SoC is expected to be officially revealed at Computex 2025, which takes place from May 20-23 this year. The timing of the launch, along with the reports of production beginning soon, suggests that NVIDIA is rapidly approaching the final stages of development.

The companys push into Arm-based SoCs for laptops signals a major shift in its strategy, moving beyond GPUs into a more comprehensive role in mobile and consumer computing. If successful, this could reshape the landscape for Windows on Arm devices, offering the best in graphics and performance in a single chip.
In addition to RedNote and Lemon8, several other video apps are also trending. Flip, a social shopping platform featuring short-form videos, is gaining attention, currently ranking at number 14 on Googles Play Store and number four on Apples App Store read more

RedNote has gained rapid momentum as TikTok users look for new platforms in the wake of the possible ban. TikTok creators have been sharing their experiences with the Chinese social media app, encouraging their followers to try it out. Image Credit: Reuters

As the potential ban of TikTok in the US looms ever closer, many users of the popular short-form video app are turning to new platforms, with one app in particular seeing a surge in popularity. Little Red Book, also known as Xiaohongshu or RedNote, is climbing the ranks of both Apples App Store and Googles Play Store.

The app, which offers a similar format to TikTok, has captured the attention of creators seeking an alternative platform, becoming the top-ranked app in the Apple store and reaching the 34th spot on Googles platform.

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Little Red Book gains traction among TikTok creators

RedNote has gained rapid momentum as TikTok users look for new platforms in the wake of the possible ban. TikTok creators have been sharing their experiences with the Chinese social media app, encouraging their followers to try it out. Many users have posted videos welcoming TikTok refugees to the service, further boosting its popularity.

The app offers the same vertical video feed users are familiar with, tailored to personal interests. However, much of the apps interface is still in Chinese, which can be confusing for new users. Fortunately, there are tutorials available on TikTok to help users change the apps language to English, making it more accessible for a global audience.

A familiar competitor from China

Although RedNote seems to have appeared suddenly in the US market, it has been a popular app in China for over a decade. According to CNBC, the app, which competes with ByteDances Douyin and Alibaba, currently boasts around 300 million users.

RedNotes sudden rise in popularity highlights the extent to which TikToks potential ban has influenced users to explore alternatives. Alongside RedNote, another ByteDance app, Lemon 8, is also seeing a surge, ranking second in Apples store and first in Googles Play Store. However, much like TikTok, Lemon8 could face the same challenges if the US government takes action against Chinese-owned apps.

Other apps gaining popularity amid TikTok uncertainty

In addition to RedNote and Lemon8, several other video apps are also trending. Flip, a social shopping platform featuring short-form videos, is gaining attention, currently ranking at number 14 on Googles Play Store and number four on Apples App Store.

The app, created by Humans, Inc., blends social media with shopping features. Another app, ReelShort, has also benefitted from the TikTok uncertainty. The app features bite-sized movie clips, with titles like The Heiress Blacklisted her Husband and In Love with the Alpha. It ranks at number seven on the App Store and second on Google Play.

While the future of these apps is uncertain, their rapid rise in the app stores highlights the significant influence TikTok creators and users hold in shaping digital trends. The increasing popularity of alternative platforms also underlines how the influence of Chinese tech companies may persist, regardless of a TikTok ban.
Germany, the UK, France, Poland, and Italy are looking to enhance defence production by cutting regulations and streamlining processes, according to a report read more

Top defence officials from Germany, the UK, France, Poland, and Italy in a meeting in Poland on Monday said that the future of Europes democracies relies on increasing military spending.

2025 will be the year of speeding up (the) arms industry in Europe, moving away from (the) red tape (that is) slowing it down, and closing ranks, as we must show unity to show we are serious about values such as security, which we think is No. 1, Politico quoted Polands Defence Minister Wadysaw Kosiniak-Kamysz as saying at a press briefing after the meeting.

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Poland, which borders Russia and Ukraine, plans to allocate 4.7 per cent of its GDP to defence this year, the highest among Nato members. In comparison, the UK, France, and Germany are closer to the Nato target of 2 per cent, while Italy is at a mere 1.49 per cent.

These lower defence expenditures could pose challenges with President-elect Donald Trump returning to the White House later this month.

Last week, Trump urged Nato allies to increase their defence spending to 5 per cent of GDP, significantly exceeding the US own military budget of 3.38 per cent.

We have to spend more on security to keep the US allied presence in Europe, Kosiniak-Kamysz was quoted as saying.

French Armed Forces Minister Sebastien Lecornu said that the focus should be more on how the money is spent rather than on the raw amounts that are so appealing to Trump.

Yes, we have to talk about what percentage of GDP we are going to spend on defence but we also need to be very much interested in what this money is being spent on in particular, in (the) actual effectiveness of this spending," Politico quoted Lecornu as saying.

To achieve this, the ministers said that Europe needs to reduce regulatory constraints on its defence industry and collaborate on joint procurement initiatives while improving access to financing.

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Its worth getting rid of bureaucratic barriers since theres a war in Europe and you cannot treat (the) defence industry the same way youd treat, say, milk production, Politico quoted Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto as saying.

Germanys Boris Pistorius dismissed Trumps call for 5 per cent defence spending, saying it would consume about 40 per cent of Germanys government budget. However, he welcomed Natos decision to announce new capability targets in June instead of October.

The ministers  who heard from Ukraines Defence Minister Rustem Umerov via video link  also asked about joint ventures with Ukrainian defense companies to boost arms production. Umerov was in London alongside Defence Secretary John Healey, while the UK was represented in Poland by Luke Pollard, parliamentary under secretary of state for the armed forces.

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The goal is to make Ukraine as strong as possible ahead of Trumps presidency, as he has called for a swift end to the war.

The meeting marked the second gathering of Europes top five defence powers, formed last year to improve defence coordination amid increasing geopolitical threats.

Meanwhile, Kosiniak-Kamysz said the groups upcoming meeting in Paris will delve into strategies for financing the growth of Europes arms industry, aiming to make it a flywheel for the continents economy.

He also mentioned that Nato Secretary-General Mark Rutte, EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas, and new Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius will attend the meeting in Paris.

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With inputs from agencies
As Israel and Hamas are in the final leg of negotiations for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and release of hostages, outgoing US President Joe Biden has said that the deal is on the brink of coming to fruition. read more

Israeli military patrols near the Al Shifa Hospital compound in Gaza City amid the ongoing ground operation against Hamas in the northern Gaza Strip on November 22, 2023. (Photo: Reuters)

US President Joe Biden has said that Israel and Hamas are on the brink of a deal for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and release of hostages held by terrorists.

For more than a year, the Biden administration of the United States has been working with mediators Qatar and Egypt to secure a deal to end the war in Gaza.

While the specifics of the deal on the table have not been made public, the deal is expected to be either the same or largely same as the proposal announced by Biden last year. While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu endorsed it at the time, he added new demands months later that stalled talks for months. Later, Hamas returned to serious negotiations after a series of military setbacks, assassination of top leaders, and weakening of its allies Iran and Hezbollah.

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While the timeline is not clear, it is expected that a deal could be signed by the end of the week. Israeli negotiators led by Mossad chief David Barnea are in Qatari capital Doha for the final leg negotiations that are set to resume on Tuesday.

There are indications that Israel has walked back on some of its key demands, such as continued occupation of large swathes of Gaza, to make way for the deal. The incoming Donald Trump administration of the United States has been part of efforts to secure the deal.

Trump has said there has been a handshake between Israel and Hamas and the deal is expected by the end of the week.

Once the deal is reached, the Israeli Cabinet would need to approve it and, if petitions are filed in the Supreme Court against the deal, then the court would need to process and reject those petitions, according to The Jerusalem Post.

Once the Cabinet approval and Supreme Court ruling have come, the first hostages could be released fairly quickly, said one source to the newspaper.

Israel-Hamas deal on brink of coming to fruition, says Biden

Outgoing US President Biden on Monday said that the deal between Israel and Hamas is on the brink of coming to fruition.

Biden said that his administration was working urgently to secure the deal.

Earlier on Monday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said a deal was closer than weve ever been and the Biden administration was very hopeful that we get it over the finish line, finally, after all this time.

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Separately, outgoing National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that negotiations are at a stage where a deal could be finally made and that there is active coordination between the outgoing and incoming administrations.

But I do believe that the consequence of all of that degradation is that we are finally at the point, both from Israels perspective and Hamass, where a deal could come togetherWe are coordinating closely with the incoming administration to make maximum use of this particular period to get this thing done, said Sullivan.

What we know of Israel-Hamas deal?

By all accounts, the deal on the table is either same or largely similar as the one outlined by Biden in May 2024.

The three-stage deal would start with a six-week ceasefire that would see the release of hostages in the humanitarian category comprising the elderly, women, injured, etc.

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The Jerusalem Post has reported sources as saying that 33 hostages would be released in the first phase of the deal accompanied by the starting of Israeli militarys withdrawal from Gaza.

On the 16th day of the ceasefire, talks to reach the next stage of the deal would start in which all hostages would be released and the Israeli military withdrawal would be completed, according to sources.

While sources did not provide a timeline, they said the first stage would not extend beyond stipulated 42 days.

Sources further said that the Israeli military would not fully withdraw from Gaza until all hostages have been released.

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After the first stage of the deal, Israeli soldiers would only stay in select places Gaza and, once the deal is completed, Israel would only implement a security parameter around Gaza and not occupy it, according to sources.

All indications were that the Israeli military would withdraw from the so-called Netzarim Corridor dividing Gaza into northern and southern halves, according to The Post.

The newspaper further reported that there would be unspecified security arrangements to review displaced Gazans return to the north from southern parts where they have been sheltering.
Champagne made his decision public during a speech at the Canadian Club in Toronto, confirming he will not participate in whats expected to be a two-month leadership race. read more

Federal Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Francois-Philippe Champagne announced on Tuesday that he will not seek the Liberal leadership, narrowing the potential contenders to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland and central banker Mark Carney are now seen as the leading candidates.

Champagne, seen as a leading contender, told the Toronto branch of the Canada Club that he would focus on his ministerial responsibilities for the rest of the governments term.

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It was probably one of the most difficult decisions of my life but I think its the right one at the right time, he said.

Trudeau said earlier this month he was stepping down and would stay in office until the party named a new leader, a decision that is due on March 9. Champagne is the fifth major cabinet minister to announce he will not take part in the race.

Polls show that the Liberals, who first came to power in November 2015, are set to lose the next election. The vote, which has to be held by Oct. 20, looks set to take place in May.

With inputs from agencies.
RT-PCR analysis of serum samples from 792 participants, collected between May and July from 2022 to 2024 identified 26 patients infected with Xue-Cheng Virus (XCV). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that four tick-derived XCV genomes closely matched human-derived genomes, suggesting this emerging tickborne orthonairovirus species is a potential cause of febrile illness. read more

A new tick-borne virus has been identified in north-eastern China, provisionally named Xue-Cheng Virus (XCV), according to a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine.

According to the study, the researchers conducted surveillance on 252 patients with recent tick bites between May and July 2023 at a sentinel hospital in Mudanjiang and discovered an unknown virus in the serum of two patients through metatranscriptomic sequencing.

The phylogenomic analysis further revealed that XCV shared less than 75.6% amino acid identity with known orthonairovirus members, confirming it as a new species.

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The researchers further conducted laboratory testing by isolating the virus in Vero 81 cells and its characteristics were confirmed through microscopy and immunofluorescence assays.

Real-time PCR analysis expanded the study to include 792 participants from 2022 to 2024. Of these, 26 individuals were found to be infected with XCV, displaying symptoms ranging from acute fever to severe conditions requiring hospitalisation, it said.

As per the study, the clinical observations revealed abnormalities such as leukopenia and elevated levels of hepatic enzymes, lactic dehydrogenase and inflammatory markers.

In addition to human cases, the virus was detected in 6% of Haemaphysalis concinna ticks and 3.2% of Haemaphysalis japonica ticks from the affected areas. Genetic analysis showed a close relationship between XCV genomes in ticks and humans, emphasizing the potential zoonotic transmission of this emerging virus.

Recently, a surge in cases of the flu-like human metapneumovirus in China has raised concerns about the possibility of a new pandemic, echoing fears from the COVID-19 crisis. The surge, which began in early December, has drawn attention worldwide, five years after the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in China.

Experts suggest that rapid population shifts are partly responsible for the rise of new diseases. Over 200 million people in East Asia relocated to urban areas during the first decade of the 21st century, according to the World Bank.

This mass migration leads to the destruction of forests to make way for residential developments, forcing wild animals which often carry viruses, closer to human settlements, they said, adding that the bats in particular are known to harbour a vast array of viruses. When these viruses jump between species, they can eventually infect humans, potentially leading to new health crises.

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While the movement is small  some 200 soldiers signed a letter saying theyd stop fighting if the government didnt secure a ceasefire  soldiers say its the tip of the iceberg and they want others to come forward read more

Yotam Vilk says the image of Israeli soldiers killing an unarmed Palestinian teenager in the Gaza Strip is seared in his mind.

An officer in the armored corps, Vilk said the instructions were to shoot any unauthorized person who entered an Israeli-controlled buffer zone in Gaza. He saw at least 12 people killed, he said, but it is the shooting of the teen that he cant shake.

He died as part of a bigger story. As part of the policy of staying there and not seeing Palestinians as people, Vilk, 28, told The Associated Press.

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Vilk is among a growing number of Israeli soldiers speaking out against the 15-month conflict and refusing to serve anymore, saying they saw or did things that crossed ethical lines. While the movement is small  some 200 soldiers signed a letter saying theyd stop fighting if the government didnt secure a ceasefire  soldiers say its the tip of the iceberg and they want others to come forward.

Their refusal comes at a time of mounting pressure on Israel and Hamas to wind down the fighting. Ceasefire talks are underway, and both President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump have called for a deal by the Jan. 20 inauguration.

Seven soldiers whove refused to continue fighting in Gaza spoke with AP, describing how Palestinians were indiscriminately killed and houses destroyed. Several said they were ordered to burn or demolish homes that posed no threat, and they saw soldiers loot and vandalize residences.

Soldiers are required to steer clear of politics, and they rarely speak out against the army. After Hamas stormed into Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, Israel quickly united behind the war launched against the militant group. Divisions here have grown as the war progresses, but most criticism has focused on the mounting number of soldiers killed and the failure to bring home hostages, not actions in Gaza.

International rights groups have accused Israel of war crimes and genocide in Gaza. The International Court of Justice is investigating genocide allegations filed by South Africa. The International Criminal Court is seeking the arrests of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant.

Israel adamantly rejects genocide allegations and says it takes extraordinary measures to minimize civilian harm in Gaza. The army says it never intentionally targets civilians, and investigates and punishes cases of suspected wrongdoing. But rights groups have long said the army does a poor job of investigating itself.

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The army told AP it condemns the refusal to serve and takes any call for refusal seriously, with each case examined individually. Soldiers can go to jail for refusing to serve, but none who signed the letter has been detained, according to those who organized the signatures.

Soldiers reactions in Gaza

When Vilk entered Gaza in November 2023, he said, he thought the initial use of force might bring both sides to the table. But as the war dragged on, he said he saw the value of human life disintegrate.

On the day the Palestinian teenager was killed last August, he said, Israeli troops shouted at him to stop and fired warning shots at his feet, but he kept moving. He said others were also killed walking into the buffer zone  the Netzarim Corridor, a road dividing northern and southern Gaza.

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Vilk acknowledged it was hard to determine whether people were armed, but said he believes soldiers acted too quickly.

In the end, he said, Hamas is to blame for some deaths in the buffer zone  he described one Palestinian detained by his unit who said Hamas paid people $25 to walk into the corridor to gauge the armys reaction.

Some soldiers told AP it took time to digest what they saw in Gaza. Others said they became so enraged they decided theyd stop serving almost immediately.

Yuval Green, a 27-year-old medic, described abandoning his post last January after spending nearly two months in Gaza, unable to live with what hed seen.

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He said soldiers desecrated homes, using black markers meant for medical emergencies to scribble graffiti, and looted homes, looking for prayer beads to collect as souvenirs.

The final straw, he said, was his commander ordering troops to burn down a house, saying he didnt want Hamas to be able to use it. Green said he sat in a military vehicle, choking on fumes amid the smell of burning plastic. He found the fire vindictive  he said he saw no reason to take more from Palestinians than theyd already lost. He left his unit before their mission was complete.

Green said that as much as he loathed what he witnessed, the cruelty was at least in part provoked by the havoc wreaked by Hamas on Oct. 7, which people can forget.

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He said he wants his actions in refusing to serve to help break the vicious cycle of violence on all sides.

The soldiers refusal as an act of protest

Soldiers for the Hostages  the group behind the letter troops signed  is trying to garner momentum, holding an event this month in Tel Aviv and gathering more signatures. A panel of soldiers spoke about what theyd seen in Gaza. Organizers distributed poster-size stickers with a Martin Luther King Jr. quote: One has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws.

Max Kresch, an organizer, said soldiers can use their positions to create change. We need to use our voice to speak up in the face of injustice, even if that is unpopular, he said.

But some who fought and lost colleagues call the movement a slap in the face. More than 830 Israeli soldiers have been killed in the war, according to the army.

They are harming our ability to defend ourselves, said Gilad Segal, a 42-year-old paratrooper who spent two months in Gaza at the end of 2023. He said everything the army did was necessary, including the flattening of houses used as Hamas hideouts. Its not a soldiers place to agree or disagree with the government, he argued.

Ishai Menuchin, spokesperson for Yesh Gvul, a movement for soldiers refusing to serve, said he works with more than 80 soldiers who have refused to fight and that there are hundreds more who feel similarly but remain silent.

Effects on soldiers

Some of the soldiers who spoke to AP said they feel conflicted and regretful, and theyre talking to friends and relatives about what they saw to process it.

Many soldiers suffer from moral injury, said Tuly Flint, a trauma therapy specialist whos counseled hundreds of them during the war. Its a response when people see or do something that goes against their beliefs, he said, and it can result in a lack of sleep, flashbacks and feelings of unworthiness. Talking about it and trying to spark change can help, Flint said.

One former infantry soldier told AP about his feelings of guilt  he said he saw about 15 buildings burned down unnecessarily during a two-week stint in late 2023. He said that if he could do it all over again, he wouldnt have fought.

I didnt light the match, but I stood guard outside the house. I participated in war crimes, said the soldier, speaking on condition of anonymity over fears of retaliation. Im so sorry for what weve done.
Jaishankar also held productive talks with Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles on enhancing bilateral defence cooperation. read more

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday called on Spanish President Pedro Sanchez and reiterated the long-standing India-Spain partnership, updating him on the progress in bilateral cooperation.

Jaishankar arrived in Spain on Monday for a two-day official visit  his first to the country as the external affairs minister.

Called on President @sanchezcastejon of Spain today in Madrid. Conveyed greetings of PM @narendramodi, he said in a post on X.

Recalled his successful visit to India which reaffirmed our long-standing partnership. Briefed him on my discussions in Madrid and apprised him of progress on our bilateral agenda, the minister added.

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Called on President @sanchezcastejon of Spain today in Madrid. Conveyed greetings of PM @narendramodi.



Recalled his successful visit to India which reaffirmed our long standing partnership. Briefed him on my discussions in Madrid and apprised him of progress on our bilateral pic.twitter.com/TkI8ZKrwd3  Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 14, 2025

Sanchez visited India for the first time in October last year, during which he held delegation-level talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Jaishankar also held productive talks with Spanish Defence Minister Margarita Robles on enhancing bilateral defence cooperation.

A productive exchange of views with Defence Minister Margarita Robles today in Madrid, he said in a post on X.

Discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation in the defence sector, as also regional and global issues, he added.

Earlier in the day, Jaishankar participated in a session organised by the Spain-India Council Foundation, where he was joined by his Spanish counterpart Jose Manuel Albares.

At the session on Strategic Alliances for a Changing World: Spain and India in the 21st Century, he called the India-Spain collaboration relevant in a turbulent world.

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India-Spain collaboration is relevant in a turbulent world, strengthening the global economy and ensuring training and mobility of talent, he said in a separate post on X.

Spain is also a partner to deepen our relations with the EU, Mediterranean and Latin America. Our governments, businesses and institutions need to work in tandem to realise this potential and prepare for the next phase of India-Spain ties, he said.

On Monday, the minister held an interaction with the Indian community here, before which he met his Spanish counterpart Albares and discussed regional and global issues.
Warsaw-based Frontex, which regularly publishes statistics on irregular entries into the EU, said last years preliminary data revealed a significant 38-percent drop in crossings read more

The number of irregular crossings into the European Union recorded in 2024 fell to the lowest level since 2021, the blocs border agency Frontex said on Tuesday.

Warsaw-based Frontex, which regularly publishes statistics on irregular entries into the EU, said last years preliminary data revealed a significant 38-percent drop in crossings.

The agency said in a statement the numbers were at the lowest level since 2021, when migration was still affected by the COVID pandemic.

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Frontex said the decrease in undocumented asylum seekers was mainly driven by a plunge in arrivals through the Central Mediterranean and the Western Balkans routes.

Despite persistent migration pressure, intensified EU and partner cooperation against smuggling networks has significantly reduced crossings at Europes external borders, Frontex said.

Overall, in 2024 the agency saw over 239,000 irregular entries into the EU.

The biggest fall was registered along the route through the Western Balkans, a 78-percent drop that Frontex attributed to strong efforts by regional countries to stem the flow.

Irregular entries detected via the Central Mediterranean fell by 59 percent due to fewer departures from Tunisia and Libya, Frontex said.

Despite the decrease, the route still accounted for about 67,000 crossings, the second highest among all routes after the Eastern Mediterranean route, it added.

Weaponisation

Other routes used by undocumented asylum seekers, however, saw sharp increases.

The Canary Islands registering an 18-percent rise in arrivals to almost 47,000, the highest figure since Frontex began collecting data in 2009.

This was fuelled by departures from Mauritania, Frontex said, adding that flows from other departure points declined.

Spain has moved to the forefront of the European Unions migration flow as tighter controls in the Mediterranean push more asylum seekers to attempt the perilous trip from West Africa to the Canaries.

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The agency also said a threefold rise in detections was registered at the EUs eastern land borders, including at Polands border with Belarus.

EU states along the blocs eastern edge have accused Russia and its ally Belarus of pushing thousands of migrants over their borders in recent years as part of a campaign to destabilise Europe.

In December, the EU said that member states bordering Russia and Belarus could limit the right to asylum for migrants in the event of their weaponisation by Moscow and Minsk.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said last month the right to asylum is being used today  especially on the border with Belarus  by Polands enemies.

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Commenting on the latest figures, Frontexs executive director Hans Leijtens said that 2024 highlighted emerging risks and shifting dynamics.

The agency said these involve smuggling networks adapting to new circumstances and rapidly shifting migration flows.

It also warned against increasing violence by smugglers along the Western Balkans route.
French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou on Tuesday opened the door to renegotiating a disputed pension reform in a bid to win over left-wing lawmakers he needs to pass the 2025 budget read more

French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou delivers his general policy speech at the National Assembly in Paris, France, on Tuesday. Reuters

French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou on Tuesday opened the door to renegotiating a disputed pension reform in a bid to win over left-wing lawmakers he needs to pass the 2025 budget.

Bayrous concession underlined the scale of Frances political turmoil as he prepared to spend his first weeks in office reworking the hard-won 2023 pension reform under pressure from the left, which threatens to topple his government otherwise.

He made the gesture during a speech to parliament after a tumultuous 2024 in which President Emmanuel Macron shocked the nation by calling early elections, only to lose his working majority in parliament just as public finances went off track.

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Bayrou, a long-time debt hawk, said responsibility for Frances worsening public finances was shared by many previous governments. But he warned that Frances growing debt pile was a sword of Damocles hanging over future generations heads.

Anyone asking for additional spending has taken part in this fatal tango that has taken us to the edge of the precipice, the veteran centrist told the National Assembly of the euro zones second largest economy.

France is under pressure from ratings agencies and financial investors, which have demanded higher premiums to hold French debt since Macrons decision to call snap elections.

Raising the pension age, considered by many economists an essential move to adapt French public finances to a rapidly ageing society, has been the flagship economic reform of Macrons second term, and passed despite major street protests.

Concession

Bayrou, who delivered his message to lawmakers in a keynote policy speech setting out his governing principles, proposed to entrust trade unions and employers groups with a three-month mission to find a new deal on pension reform.

He said the minimum age of 64 to draw a full pension, the most contested part of the 2023 reform, should not be a taboo.

The new conclave exploring a new pension pact will have to propose a deal that is financially balanced. If it cant be balanced, the current deal would remain in place, he said.

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Bayrous minority government, formed last month after the collapse of his predecessors administration, is trying to secure assurances from some opposition parties - the Socialists in particular - that they will not vote against its 2025 budget, or seek to derail his fragile administration.

The Socialists, who voted down the previous budget proposals in December in conjunction with far-right lawmakers, precipitating the fall of Michel Barniers government, have made concessions on the 2023 pension reform a condition for support.

The reform, widely rejected by the left, gradually raises the minimum age for drawing a full pension to 64 from 62 in order to save the cash-strapped treasury 17 billion euros ($17.44 billion) a year.

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Philippe Brun, a Socialist lawmaker, said after the speech that his party would discuss in a meeting later whether or not to vote in favour of a motion of no-confidence tabled for later this week.

Two sources from the far-right National Rally (RN) party, which spearheaded efforts to bring down Barniers government, said the party would reject a no-confidence motion.

However, Green party spokesman Benjamin Lucas said it was highly likely it would vote against the government.

High stakes

The stakes are high for Bayrou, who risks a fate similar to Barnier, who was ousted in a no-confidence vote after just three months in office.

Bayrou had earlier assured fellow centrist and centre-right lawmakers, alarmed by Frances deteriorating public finances, that he was ruling out repealing or suspending the reform, according to a source in Macrons camp.

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Ultimately, Bayrou faces few good choices. If he makes concessions to the left to avoid being at the mercy of Marine Le Pens far right, he might anger conservative and centrist lawmakers who fear the economic cost of any pensions compromise.

Francois Bayrou mustnt lose on his right what he gains on his left, William Thay, head of French political think-tank Le Millenaire, told Reuters.
Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a U.S.-brokered 60-day ceasefire - starting Nov. 27 - after more than a year of conflict. The terms require the Lebanese army to deploy into south Lebanon as Israeli troops and Hezbollah withdraw forces read more

Israel's Ambassador Danny Danon addresses the UN Security Council meeting on the situation in Gaza, at U.N. headquarters in New York City, U.S. File image/ Reuters

Lebanons Hezbollah is trying to regain strength and rearm with the assistance of Iran, Israels U.N. ambassador told the Security Council on Monday, declaring that the militants remain a serious threat to Israel and regional stability.

Updated U.S. intelligence last month - reported by Reuters - had warned that Iran-backed Hezbollah would likely try to rebuild its stockpiles and forces, posing a long-term threat to the U.S. and its regional allies.

Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a U.S.-brokered 60-day ceasefire - starting Nov. 27 - after more than a year of conflict. The terms require the Lebanese army to deploy into south Lebanon as Israeli troops and Hezbollah withdraw forces.

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Both sides have accused each other of violating the deal.

While Hezbollahs military capabilities were significantly reduced during the war, they are now attempting to regain strength and rearm with the assistance of Iran, Israels U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon wrote to the 15-member Security Council.

Hezbollah and Irans mission to the United Nations in New York did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Danons remarks. A senior Lebanese source close to Hezbollah denied the allegations.

Danon said it was imperative that the Lebanese government and international community focus on curbing the smuggling of weapons, ammunition, and financial support through the Syria-Lebanon border and via air and sea routes.

Since the ceasefire deal was reached, there have been several attempts to transfer weapons and cash to Hezbollah, Danon wrote in the letter seen by Reuters. He said Hezbollahs ongoing military build up was at times close to U.N. peacekeeping bases and patrols in southern Lebanon.

Despite this, UNIFIL chose to interpret its mandate leniently, opting not to take all necessary action to ensure that its area of operations is not utilized for hostile activities of any kind, Danon wrote.

Israel has long been critical of the U.N. peacekeepers, known as UNIFIL and authorized by the Security Council - under resolution 1701 - to assist Lebanese forces in ensuring the countrys south is free of any armed personnel, assets and weapons other than those of the government of Lebanon.

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Top U.N. officials have repeatedly stressed that UNIFIL has a supporting role and cannot be blamed for the failure by the parties to implement resolution 1701.

We are concerned that lessons have not been learned, and that today, we are witnessing yet another refusal by the Force to adapt to Hezbollahs changing modus operandi  as well as a refusal to fully implement their mandate, Danon said.
Despite guidelines issued in 2022 requiring more rigorous investigation and barring photo recognition as sole evidence, the practice persists and cases like Costas are persistent. In 2023 alone, the Supreme Court overturned 377 wrongful convictions based on flawed photo or in-person recognition. read more

In 2020, Paulo Alberto da Silva Costa, a doorman from Rio de Janeiro was arrested and accused of 62 crimes including thefts and two homicides. Costa, who had no criminal record, spent three years in prison before Brazils Supreme Court acknowledged the accusations were a mistake.

The charges were based solely on witness or victim identifications from photos taken from Costas Facebook profile, which had somehow been added to a suspect album. These albums, commonly used by Brazilian police, lack regulation and are notorious for racial bias and wrongful convictions especially against Black people.

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What they did to me was cowardice. They destroyed my life because Im Black and poor, Costa, 37, who lives in Belford Roxo, an impoverished city on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro was quoted by the Guardian as saying.

Cases like Costas are alarmingly and very frequent in the country. In 2023 alone, the Supreme Court overturned 377 wrongful convictions based on flawed photo or in-person recognition.

Despite guidelines issued in 2022 requiring more rigorous investigation and barring photo recognition as sole evidence, the practice persists, with police often relying on hastily assembled suspect albums.

Costas case stands out not only for the sheer number of accusations but also for the lack of investigation. Most charges originated from a single police station, where officers allegedly used witness recognition to close cases quickly without verifying evidence.

Although Costa was freed in 2023, the Supreme Court ruling didnt clear all 62 charges. His lawyer continues to appeal the remaining 10 cases. Meanwhile, Costa struggles to rebuild his life as he finds it difficult to work due to frequent court appearances.

There are police officers who monitor social media, looking for young people they think are violent and dangerous, collecting these photos and adding them to suspect albums, Pablo Nunes, a political scientist and coordinator of the Centre for Security and Citizenship Studies told the Guardian.

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Last May, a Black man who had been sentenced to 170 years in prison based solely on photo identification was released after spending 12 years behind bars. The lack of regulations governing which images can be included in suspect albums continues to be a significant issue.

Two years ago, a photo of the US actor Michael B Jordan was included in one such album in Ceara state. The police later admitted it was a mistake.

Two years ago, a photo of US actor Michael B. Jordan was mistakenly included in a suspect album in Ceara state, an error later admitted by the police.

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Although the 2023 Supreme Court ruling freed Paulo Costa from custody, it did not automatically dismiss all 62 charges against him. His defense team has had to appeal each case individually, with 10 charges still pending.

Costa, a father of a 12-year-old boy and a six-year-old girl, struggles to find employment due to the ongoing court proceedings. Whos going to hire someone who constantly needs time off work to attend court hearings? he said.

I cant have a normal life. And in the Brazil we live in, Im afraid I might die before I see the end of these cases against me, he added.

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India is one of the few countries which is in a position to talk to Israel and Iran as well and Prime Minister Modi is able to do both, being a member of the Quad and BRICS, he said read more

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has underlined Indias potential role in ending global conflicts, saying that it is one of the few countries that is in a position to hold talks with both Russia and Ukraine, and with Israel and Iran.

Jaishankar, who is on a two-day visit to Spain, made these remarks during an interaction with the Indian community here on Monday in an apparent reference to the wars in Ukraine and in West Asia, where Israel is fighting Iran-backed Hamas.

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The minister said India is today seen as contributing to a global conversation that when the world is looking at many, many challenges, different issues, we also come up with ideas and initiatives.

There are very few countries today who are in a position to talk to Russia and to Ukraine, he said.

He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year visited Russia twice and also went to Kyiv in Ukraine.

India is one of the few countries which is in a position to talk to Israel and Iran as well and Prime Minister Modi is able to do both, being a member of the Quad and BRICS, he said.

So, this is something which is actually very, very unique. And it is unique because if you look at the world, it is a very polarised world, he added.

The Quad consists of Australia, Japan the US and India while the BRICS grouping now has Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran and the UAE as its members.

Jaishankar further said India was the one who brought the African Union into the G20 which should have been done years ago.

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The minister said India has a plan to make 4,000 kilometres of new tracks every year, and every day 12 to 14 kilometres of new rail tracks are built.

The minister further said that 28 kilometres of highways are being built every day and in the last 10 years, the number of airports in the country has doubled from 75 to more than 150.

Jaishankar said the number of metro trains in India has grown from six in 2014 to 21 today and we plan to take it to 60 cities.

The external affairs minister also highlighted Indias achievements in sectors like space technology as it managed to land on the south side of the moon with its Chandrayaan-3 mission.

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Jaishankar said India and Spain would mark 2026 as a dual year, where they would be celebrating culture, tourism and artificial intelligence in both countries.

Jaishankar said he has been to Spain as a tourist a little more than 20 years ago and added that in 2017, he had the privilege of coming here with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2017.

He said President Pedro Sanchezs visit to India last year was a very successful one and his agreement with Modi that both countries should make a special effort to take their relationship forward.

Jaishankar also announced that Spain will soon open a consulate in Bengaluru, calling it a good sign for deepening the relations between both the countries.

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He urged the diaspora to remain in touch with India and follow the debates and conversations happening in the country.

The biggest change I have seen in the last 10 years is the importance that the Government of India, the people of India have put on the contribution of diaspora, he said.

Jaishankar credited Modi for making Indians understand the invaluable contribution made by the diaspora.

This is Jaishankars first visit to Spain as the external affairs minister  nearly two-and-a-half months after Spanish President Pedro Sanchez visited India.

On Monday, Jaishankar met his Spanish counterpart Jose Manuel Albares and discussed regional and global issues.

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While Bangladeshs army is not yet witnessing a full-blown crisis, it is facing challenges from pro-Awami League and Islamist factions. Multiple power centres have emerged within the army, each headed by a different general read more

People shake hands with army personnel as they celebrate the resignation of Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka, Bangladesh, August 5, 2024. File Image/Reuters

The Bangladesh Army, which is keeping the country afloat amid a political crisis, is faced with a new challenge: the emergence of multiple power centres, each with its own general.

A report by the Economic Times cited people aware of the shifting dynamics in the Bangladesh army as saying while the military is not witnessing a full-blown crisis yet, it is certainly facing challenges from pro-Awami League and Islamist factions.

After the ouster of former Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, the army played a pivotal role in stabilising the country and under the leadership of General Waker-uz-Zaman it facilitated the creation of an interim government led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus.

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Who are the key players?

Although army chief Zaman is still heading the force, two other power centres have emerged in the army, according to ET.

One of these power centres is being chaired by Lt. General Mohammad Shaheenul Haque  Commandant, National Defence College - Mirpur Cantonment, Dhaka. Haque enjoys the support of pro-Awami League Major General Muhammad Moin Khan of the Ninth Division of the Bangladesh army.

Lieutenant General Haque served as the parade commander for the Victory Day Parade in 2022 and previously held the position of Chief of General Staff at the Army Headquarters. Commissioned into the Corps of Infantry in July 1989, he was awarded the prestigious Sword of Honour for his outstanding all-around performance at the time of his commissioning. His career also includes serving as the Director of the Weapons, Equipment, and Statistics Directorate within the General Staff Branch at Army Headquarters.

Leading the other faction is Lt General Mohammad Faizur Rahman, the former head of the Bangladesh armys military intelligence, DGFI. The sources told the publication that Rahman is in touch with student leaders including Yunus adviser Mahfuz Alam.

There are rumours that General Rahman was involved in a conspiracy to remove the Bangladesh President while General Waqar-uz-Zaman was abroad. It is also alleged that Lieutenant General Rahman may be part of a plot to oust the Army Chief if Chief Adviser Md Yunus resigns and leaves Dhaka in the coming months.

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How Bdesh is not new to coups

In the 1980s, Bangladesh experienced significant political upheaval marked by military coups and counter-coups within its army.

The countrys first Prime minister Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Hasinas father, was assassinated along with most of his family members in a military coup that brought in a long period of military rule. Two more coups in the same year ended with General Ziaur Rahman seizing power in November.

Ziaur Rahman was assassinated by rebels who stormed into a government guest house in Chittagong City where he was residing. The violence was believed to be the act of a small group of army officers, but the army itself remained loyal and suppressed the rebellion.

Rahmans successor, Abdus Sattar, was ousted in a bloodless military coup led by Hussein Muhammad Ershad, who took over as chief martial law administrator and later assumed the office of president.

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With inputs from agencies
As Israel and Hamas sit down in Qatar for another round of ceasefire talks, heres a look at how the truce deal will take effect after it is accepted by both the warring parties read more

Protesters hold cutout portraits of hostages held captive in Gaza by Palestinian militants since the October 7 attacks, during a demonstration calling for action to secure their release, outside the Defence Ministry headquarters in Tel Aviv on January 4, 2025 amid the ongoing war in the Palestinian territory between Israel and Hamas. Image- AFP

Israel and Hamas are on the brink of closing a ceasefire deal with mediator Qatar on Tuesday expressing optimism and saying that a truce can be reached very soon. The mediator has sent copies of the draft ceasefire agreement to both the warring parties and according to The Associated Press, Hamas has accepted the proposal.

Heres a look at what the Gaza ceasefire deal could entail:

Hostages to be returned

In the first stage, 33 hostages would be set free. These include children, women including female soldiers, men above 50, wounded and sick. Israel believes most are alive but has had no official confirmation from Hamas.

Although a precise timeline for this transfer has not been laid down yet, officials believe that it could last several weeks while a Palestinian officer said it would last 60 days, according to Reuters.

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If it proceeds as planned, on the 16th day from the deal taking effect, negotiations would start on a second stage, to secure the return of the remaining living hostages - male soldiers and younger civilian males - and the return of the bodies of dead hostages.

Israel to free prisoners

While Hamas will release hostages, Israel would have to free a significant number of Palestinian prisoners from its jails, including the ones serving long sentences for deadly attacks.

The number of prisoners that Israel would free depends on how many hostages are still alive. The Israeli official said the number would be many hundreds, while the Palestinian official said it would be more than 1,000.

Where the prisoners would be sent has not yet been agreed but anyone convicted of murder or deadly attacks would not be released to the West Bank.

However, anyone who was involved in the October 7 attack would not be released.

Withdrawal of troops

Israel will not fully withdraw its troops until all the hostages have been returned but there will be a phased pullback, with Israeli forces remaining in the border perimeter to defend Israeli border towns and villages.

There would be security arrangements at the Philadelphi corridor bordering Egypt, along the southern edge of Gaza, with Israel withdrawing from parts of it after the first few days of the deal.

Under this arrangement, unarmed Gazans will also be allowed to move back to their homes as Israeli troops will withdraw from the Netzarim corridor in central Gaza.

Increase of aid

After the ceasefire deal is put into effect, Gaza, which has been under a dire humanitarian crisis, will be provided with more aid.

Israel allows aid into the enclave but there have been disputes over the amount allowed in as well as the amount that reaches people in need, with looting by criminal gangs an increasing problem.

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Post-war governance of Gaza

Who will run Gaza after the war is one of the unknowns of the negotiations? It appears that the current round of talks left the issue out of the proposal because of its complexity and the likelihood it would hold up a limited deal.

Israel has said it will not end the war leaving Hamas in power. It has also rejected the administration of Gaza by the Palestinian Authority, the Western-backed body set up under the Oslo interim peace accords three decades ago that exercises limited sovereignty in the occupied West Bank.

It has also said from the beginning of its military campaign in Gaza that it will retain security control over the enclave after the fighting ends.

With inputs from Reuters
Qatar has handed over drafts of a possible ceasefire agreement to both Hamas and Israel, the countrys foreign ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari has said read more

Families of Israel's hostages hold a demonstration to call upon their government to secure the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. (Photo: AFP)

Israel and Hamas on Tuesday sat down for another round of talks in Qatar to reach a ceasefire deal in Gaza that would see the release of hostages. Mediator Qatar has said that the negotiations in the truce deal were in their final stages.

We do believe that we are at the final stages certainly we are hopeful that this would lead very soon to an agreement, Qatars foreign ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari told a news conference, adding that until there is an announcement we shouldnt be over-excited about whats happening right now.

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It added that the obstacles that were delaying the ceasefire deal have been resolved in the past few weeks. Hamas said the talks had reached the final steps and that it hoped this round of negotiations would lead to a deal. A Palestinian source close to the talks told Reuters he expected the deal to be finalised on Tuesday if all goes well.

The renewed talks between the two warring parties in the presence of mediators Qatar, Egypt and the US are a sign that the negotiations are making real progress after months of impasse and continued Israeli bombardment in the Gaza Strip.

Truce drafts sent to Hamas and Israel

Meanwhile, Qatar has handed over drafts of a possible ceasefire agreement to both Hamas and Israel, Al-Ansari said on Tuesday, adding that this is the closest point to a deal over the past months.

US President-elect Donald Trumps incoming Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Bidens envoy Brett McGurk have both attended the talks hosted by Qatars Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. Israel is represented by David Barnea, director of spy service Mossad, and Ronen Bar, director of the Shin Bet internal security agency.

Hamas accepts draft

Two officials have told The Associated Press that the Palestinian terror group has accepted the draft ceasefire agreement.

The publication obtained a copy of the proposed agreement, and an Egyptian official and a Hamas official confirmed its authenticity. An Israeli official said progress has been made, but the details are being finalized. The plan would need to be submitted to the Israeli Cabinet for final approval.

What would the ceasefire entail?

If successful, the phased ceasefire - capping over a year of start-and-stop talks - could halt fighting that has left Gaza in ruins, killed tens of thousands of Palestinians, made most of Gazas population homeless and is still killing dozens a day.

Israel would recover hostages from among around 100 who still remain in captivity from the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas that precipitated the war, in return for freeing Palestinian detainees.

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With inputs from agencies
The report is the culmination of years-long investigations that predated the arrival of Attorney General Merrick Garland but became among the most politically explosive inquiries of his entire tenure, capturing Republican fascination on Capitol Hill and ultimately producing a fissure between the Justice Department and the White House over the treatment of the presidents son read more

The criminal charges against Hunter Biden were the culmination of thorough, impartial investigations, not partisan politics, the prosecutor who led the probes said in a report released Monday that sharply criticized President Joe Biden for having maligned the Justice Department when he pardoned his son.

Other presidents have pardoned family members, but in doing so, none have taken the occasion as an opportunity to malign the public servants at the Department of Justice based solely on false accusations, said the report from special counsel David Weiss, whose team filed gun and tax charges against the younger Biden that resulted in felony convictions that were subsequently wiped away by a presidential pardon.

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The report is the culmination of years-long investigations that predated the arrival of Attorney General Merrick Garland but became among the most politically explosive inquiries of his entire tenure, capturing Republican fascination on Capitol Hill and ultimately producing a fissure between the Justice Department and the White House over the treatment of the presidents son.

The document, as is customary for reports prepared by Justice Department special counsels, provides a recap of the investigative findings. But it is most notable for its steadfast defense of the teams work and for its open criticism of the president over a written statement he issued when pardoning his son last month.

Biden had repeatedly pledged that he would not pardon his son but reversed course on Dec. 1, saying that such an action was warranted because of what he called a miscarriage of justice and a selective prosecution. He said he believed that his son had been treated differently on account of his last name and that raw politics had infected the decision making of the Justice Department.

No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son  and that is wrong, Biden said.

Weiss, who served as U.S. attorney for Delaware during the Trump administration and was kept in his position by Garland before being named to the role of special counsel in 2023, took exception to those comments and noted that judges had rejected that assessment as well.

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The presidents characterizations are incorrect based on the facts in this case, and, on a more fundamental level, they are wrong, Weiss wrote. Such remarks undermine the publics confidence in the justice system, Weiss said.

Calling judges rulings into question and injecting partisanship into the independent administration of the law undermines the very foundation of what makes Americas justice system fair and equitable, Weiss wrote. It erodes public confidence in an institution that is essential to preserving the rule of law.

Hunter Bidens lawyer criticized the report, saying Weiss failed to explain why prosecutors pursued wild  and debunked  conspiracies about the presidents son that prolonged the investigation.

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What is clear from this report is that the investigation into Hunter Biden is a cautionary tale of the abuse of prosecutorial power, defense attorney Abbe Lowell said in a statement.

The investigations, which Hunter Biden himself revealed in 2020 when he disclosed that prosecutors were examining his taxes, took a tortured path toward resolution across Justice Department leaders of both political parties.

Hunter Biden was supposed to plead guilty in 2023 to misdemeanor tax charges, but the deal fell apart in spectacular fashion among a last-minute disagreement between his lawyers and federal prosecutors. He went to trial in Delaware last year and was convicted of three federal felonies that accused him of having lied on a mandatory gun-purchase form by saying he was not illegally using or addicted to drugs.

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Describing the younger Biden as a Yale-educated lawyer and businessperson, Weiss said the presidents son understood that he was lying when he filled out the federal form when he bought his gun in 2018 and marked that he wasnt a drug user.

But he did it anyway, because he wanted to own a gun, even though he was actively using crack cocaine, Weiss wrote.

Hunter Biden subsequently entered a surprise guilty plea last September to federal tax charges, averting a trial that would have showcased potentially lurid evidence on top of the salacious and unflattering details about his personal life aired during his earlier trial in Delaware.

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Weiss said Hunter consciously and willfully chose not to pay at least $1.4 million in taxes over four years.

The presidents claims that Hunter Biden was mistreated by the criminal justice system echoed in some ways arguments from the younger Bidens legal team, who had asserted that prosecutors bowed to political pressure to indict Hunter after the collapse of what Donald Trump and other Republicans called a sweetheart plea deal.

Not so, said Weiss.

Far from selective, these prosecutions were the embodiment of the equal application of justice  no matter who you are, or what your last name is, you are subject to the same laws as everyone else in the United States, Weiss said.
A contingent of 72 Mexican firefighters received a briefing from U.S. fire officials on Monday alongside their American counterparts before heading out to help fight the wildfires plaguing Southern California.

The group is made up of military specialists, including doctors, engineers and search and rescue personnel, as well as a group of firefighters from Mexicos equivalent of the U.S. Forest Service.

The major wildfires that have been raging in the Los Angeles area since Tuesday have claimed the lives of at least two dozen people and burned an area the size of Washington, D.C. More than 90,000 residents have been forced to flee their homes and entire neighborhoods have been incinerated.

The Mexican team will join firefighters from seven states and Canada to try to bring the inferno under control.
According to the National Weather Services Weather Prediction Center, dry, dangerous Santa Ana wind gusts reached 48 to 80 kmph later on Monday, but the red flag warning was not due to start until 10 pm PST (0600 GMT) with the peak winds that could hit 120 kmph starting around 4 am Tuesday (1200 GMT) read more

A firefighter stands on a hillside covered with retardant as the Palisades Fire, one of several simultaneous blazes that have ripped across Los Angeles County, burns in Mandeville Canyon, a neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, US, January 12, 2025. Source: Reuters.

Los Angeles firefighters braced for high winds overnight into Tuesday, gusts that could fuel two monstrous wildfires that have already leveled entire neighborhoods, killed at least two dozen people, and burned an area the size of Washington, DC.

Dry, dangerous Santa Ana wind gusts reached 30 to 50 mph (48 to 80 kph) later on Monday, but the red flag warning was not due to start until 10 pm PST (0600 GMT) with the peak winds that could hit 75 mph (120 kph) starting around 4 am Tuesday (1200 GMT), said David Roth, a meteorologist with the National Weather Services Weather Prediction Center.

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More than 8,500 firefighters attacked the fires from the air and on the ground, preventing the conflagrations at either end of Los Angeles from spreading overnight.

This setup is about as bad as it gets, and Los Angeles City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley told Angelenos, We are not in the clear.

Officials said the state was pre-positioning firefighting crews in vulnerable areas, not just in Los Angeles but also in other

Southern California counties that were also under elevated fire danger.

The two main wildfires erupted last week, fueled by hurricane-force winds bringing dry air from the inland deserts.

At least 24 people have died in the fires since then, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner reported.

The wildfires have destroyed or damaged more than 12,000 structures, turning entire neighborhoods into smoldering ash and piles of rubble, leaving an apocalyptic landscape.

As of Monday, more than 92,000 people in Los Angeles County were under evacuation orders - down from a previous high of more than 150,000 - while another 89,000 faced evacuation warnings.

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The Palisades Fire, which wiped out upscale communities on the western flank of Los Angeles, burned 23,713 acres (96 square km) and was 14 per cent contained, a figure representing the percentage of the fires perimeter that firefighters have under control.

The Eaton Fire in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains east of the city consumed another 14,117 acres (57 sq km) and was 33 per cent contained, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) reported.

A third fire of 799 acres (3.2 sq km) north of town was 95 per cent contained and three other fires in the county have been fully brought under control in recent days.

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Also Read: 3 LA wildfires still raging amid warning of explosive fire growth'

The Eaton fire damaged the Altadena home of Lorraine Bryan, 63, and destroyed two other dwellings on her property. She told Reuters she worries about getting additional doses of insulin that she needs to manage her diabetes.

Im worried about insurance and about rebuilding and getting back on my feet, Bryan said Monday, standing in the doorway of her charred home. I need my medication. Im trying to see who can help us.

Death and arrests

Deputies are finding human remains every day as they search through burned-out parts of Altadena, where the Eaton fire first ignited, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said.

It is a very grim task, Luna said, adding that he expected the confirmed death toll to rise in the days ahead.

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California Governor Gavin Newsom has said the firestorm could rank as the most devastating natural disaster in US history. It is already the costliest wildfire in terms of insured losses.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman on Monday said 10 people had been arrested in connection to the fires. Nine people were arrested for residential burglaries of fire-stricken areas. One other person was arrested for arson, for allegedly attempting to light a tree on fire in the city of Azusa, about 20 miles (32 km) northeast of downtown Los Angeles.

US Senator Adam Schiff, a Democrat from California, said during a Monday press conference there was a special place in hell for looters.

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Flanked by law enforcement personnel, he added: And if the folks behind me have anything to say about it, therell be a special place in jail for you too.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power was sued on Monday on claims that it failed to properly manage water supplies critical to fighting the deadly Palisades Fire, a court filing showed. Residents who sued allege the department should have maintained water in a nearby reservoir, which was dry at the time the fire first erupted last Tuesday.

Aid and politics

Our hearts ache for the 24 innocent souls we have lost in the wildfires across Los Angeles, said US President Joe Biden, who announced additional disaster assistance for California, covering costs for debris removal and emergency protective measures.

But top Republicans in the US Congress are considering imposing conditions on disaster aid, accusing the states Democratic leadership of mismanaging water resources and forests.

California Governor Newsom and other top Democrats in the state have come under withering criticism for their handling of the fires.

President-elect Donald Trump planned to visit the disaster zone after he is inaugurated next week, a source familiar with the planning said.

With thousands of homeowners facing a costly rebuilding, large commercial banks including JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America have announced plans to ease mortgage repayment conditions for the afflicted. Insurers are looking at historic losses.
Galen is paralyzed from the chest down and relies on an electric wheelchair for mobility. He has a van that is specially adapted for his wheelchair, but it was in repair shop at the time of evacuation. read more

A firefighter extinguishes the fire as the Palisades Fire, one of several simultaneous blazes that have ripped across Los Angeles County, burns in Mandeville Canyon, a neighbourhood of Los Angeles, California. Reuters

Galen Buckwalter, a 68-year-old paralysed man, fled his home in his wheelchair after evacuation orders were issued due to massive wildfires in Los Angeles, The Guardian reported.

As of now, at least 24 people have died due to the wildfires in and around Los Angeles. Around 105,000 people have been ordered to evacuate their homes.

One such evacuation order was issued for Galen Buckwalter and his wife, Deborah. They were told by the authorities that the wildfire was spreading quickly toward their home and they needed to evacuate.

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Galen is paralysed from the chest down and uses an electric wheelchair for his mobility.

He has a van, which is modified for the wheelchair. But unfortunately, at the time of evacuation his van was in the repair shop.

Galen considered getting into his wifes car without his wheelchair, but he worried that losing it would cause him a lot of inconvenience and he would have to wait a long time to replace the crucial device.

The couple was not very sure that the first responders could rescue Galen and his wheelchair.

Galen thought of using Ubers wheelchair-accessible vehicles, but when he checked the app, there were no cars available in the evacuation zone.

Running out of time, Galen put on an orange jacket and left around 10 PM, half an hour after the evacuation order was issued.

I bundled up and walked through the wind and darkness, Galen said.

I had to take my chances. It felt surreal, like a post-apocalyptic scene. The hills were burning on my right, the power was out, it was pitch black, and debris was blowing through the streets with the strongest winds Ive ever felt in Sierra Madre, he said.

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I was terrified watching Galen set out in the dark as the wind was so ferocious and debris was flying, and I could see the red smoke in the distance, said Deborah.

After walking for about 20 minutes in his electric wheelchair, Galen was out of the evacuation zone. He checked the Uber app, saw that special cabs were available and booked a ride.
As British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is racing against time to secure the Chagos Islands deal, Mauritius appears to be confident as it appears that the British government is making concessions it had sought read more

As British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is in a race against time to finalise the Chagos Islands deal, Mauritius is upbeat as it appears set to secure concessions.

After the latest round of negotiations, Mauritian negotiator Gavin Glover said on Monday he had not come empty-handed from talks.

Glovers comment has led to speculation whether Starmer has agreed to or is expected to agree to Mauritian demands for more money to conclude the deal.

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In a historic announcement in October 2024, the British and Mauritian governments announced that the United Kingdom would transfer the sovereignty over Chagos Islands, a cluster of some 60 islands around 1,000 kilometres from Indian subcontinent in the Indian Ocean, to Mauritius and secure a 99-year lease for the strategic British-UK military base at Diego Garcia, which is the largest island of the archipelago.

While they did not give the specifics, they said the UK would pay Mauritius annually for the next 99 years for the lease as well as fund infrastructure development in Mauritius via grants. It has since been reported that the lease of Diego Garcia would cost around 90 million a year.

While the deal was negotiated with the previous Mauritian government of Pravind Jugnauth, he lost elections in a landslide defeat weeks later and his successor, incumbent PM Navinchandra Ramgoolam, essentially paused the deal and sought more money from the UK to conclude the deal.

In comments at Mauritian capital Port Louis, Attorney General Glover said he had a productive meeting with the British government in London.

We had a productive meeting in London and have not come empty-handed from London, said Glover.

Separately, British and Mauritian governments issued a joint statement saying they had productive discussions and made good progress.

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The joint statement read, Representatives from Mauritius and the UK held further productive discussions in London this week on the future of the Chagos Archipelago. Good progress has been made and discussions are ongoing to reach an agreement that is in both sides interests. Both countries reiterated their commitment to concluding a treaty providing that Mauritius is sovereign over the Chagos Archipelago; and that would ensure the long-term, secure and effective operation of the base on Diego Garcia.

Glovers comment along with the joint statement suggests that Starmer has made more concessions to Mauritius.

While the specifics of the deal have never been disclosed, The Daily Telegraph has reported that the original amount for the lease of the Diego Garcia island housing the military base was 90 million a year but Mauritius has now demanded 800 million a year for as long as UK wants to keep the base along with billions more in reparations.

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Previously, the newspaper had reported that Starmer had proposed to frontload payments of several years in one tranche instead of increasing the overall cost of the deal. While the British government did not give specifics, the Foreign Office told The Daily Mail in response to such reports that an amount this high has not been considered at any point in negotiations between the UK and Mauritius.

Starmer is in a race to conclude the deal before Trump takes office on January 20. While he has not said it, Trump is understood to be against the deal and his incoming Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has previously publicly spoken against the deal.

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Even as Starmer has proposed to frontload payments of several years to sweeten the deal, The Telegraph has reported that the Mauritius finds the 99-year lease too long and has issue with clause in the deal that allows the UK to exercise the sovereignty of Mauritius on the island too restrictive.

The Chagos Islands deal has been slammed as being a strategic blunder. The Diego Garcia military base is a crucial outpost of the West in the Indo-Pacific region to check Chinese military activities. Once the sovereignty of the islands has been surrendered, there is no ironclad assurance that the base would remain with the UK. There are also concerns that once Mauritius has been handed the islands sovereignty, the US and UK militaries wouldnt be able to station nuclear weapons and assets at Diego Garcia as Mauritius is part of a nuclear weapons-free international pact.

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Even though the talks with Mauritius began under the previous Conservative party government, the government blocked the deal as long as it was in power.

In her latest statement, Dame Priti Patel, the Shadow Foreign Secretary, has said that the cessation of Chagos Islands would undermine our national interest and the defence and security of Britain and our allies

Patel said that the deal not just leaves us exposed to greater security threats but is also a financial disaster.

Dubbing the deal economically illiterate, Patel said, At a time when public spending is under serious pressure, they are also signing up to spend billions of pounds of taxpayers money leasing back a site that is currently under our sovereignty. And to add insult to injury, they are doing all this in secret, with Labour ministers keep refusing to explain the details to Parliament and the British public. They must urgently come clean on what exactly this surrender is going to cost us.
Hours after media reports suggested that Hamas has agreed to a draft ceasefire agreement for the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday appeared to deny such claims saying that the terror group has yet to give a final answer to the deal on the table, according to a report read more

Supporters of Israeli hostages, kidnapped during the deadly October 7 2023 attack by Hamas, block a road as they demand a deal during a protest amid ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza, in Tel Aviv, Israel. Reuters

Hours after media reports suggested that Hamas has agreed to a draft ceasefire agreement for Gaza and the release of hostages, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday appeared to deny such claims saying that the terror group has yet to give a final answer to the deal on the table.

Its right on the brink. Its closer than its ever been before, but right now we await final word from Hamas on its acceptance, and until we get that word, it will remain on the brink, Times of Israel quoted Blinken as saying in an on-stage interview, shortly after giving an address on his Mideast policy at the Atlantic Council.

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That could come anytime. It could come in the hours ahead. It could come in the days ahead, he added.

Mediators from the US and Qatar had indicated that both Israel and the Palestinian militant group are closer than ever to finalising a deal that could help end 15 months of conflict.

Earlier in the day, The Associated Press reported that it has obtained a copy of the proposed agreement, which was confirmed by both an Egyptian official and a Hamas official. An Israeli official acknowledged that progress has been made, though details are still being finalised. All three officials requested anonymity to discuss the sensitive talks.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will hold an urgent meeting with top security officials on Tuesday night, according to a CNN report, citing an Israeli official.

The security consultation will be about a potential deal that would release the hostages, the official said.

Netanyahu spokesperson Omer Dostri told CNN the meeting will be a status (of the deal) discussion.

The United States, Egypt and Qatar have spent the past year trying to mediate an end to the war and secure the release of dozens of hostages captured in Hamas October 7, 2023, attack that triggered it. Nearly 100 people are still captive inside Gaza, and the military believes at least a third are dead.

Any deal is expected to pause the fighting and bring hopes for winding down the most deadly and destructive war Israel and Hamas have ever fought, a conflict that has destabilized the Middle East and sparked worldwide protests.

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It would bring relief to the hard-hit Gaza Strip, where Israels offensive has reduced large areas to rubble and displaced around 90% of the population of 2.3 million, many at risk of famine.

If a deal is reached, it would not go into effect immediately. The plan would need approval from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus Security Cabinet and then his full Cabinet. Both are dominated by Netanyahu allies and are likely to approve any proposal he presents.

Officials have have expressed optimism before, only for negotiations to stall while the warring sides blamed each other. But they now suggest they can conclude an agreement ahead of the January 20 inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump, whose Mideast envoy has joined the negotiations.

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Hamas said in a statement that negotiations had reached their final stage."

In the October 7 attack, Hamas-led militants killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted another 250. Around half those hostages were freed during a brief ceasefire in November 2023. Of those remaining, families say, two are children, 13 are women and 83 are men.

Israels retaliatory offensive has killed over 46,000 Palestinians, more than half of them women and children, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which does not say how many of the dead were combatants.

Israeli strikes across Gaza overnight and into Tuesday killed at least 18 Palestinians, including two women and four children, according to local health officials, who said one woman was pregnant and the baby died as well.

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There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military. Israel says it only targets militants and accuses them of hiding among civilians.

A three-phase agreement

The three-phase agreement  based on a framework laid out by US President Joe Biden and endorsed by the UN Security Council  would begin with the release of 33 hostages over a six-week period, including women, children, older adults and wounded civilians in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian women and children imprisoned by Israel.

Among the 33 would be five female Israeli soldiers, each to be released in exchange for 50 Palestinian prisoners, including 30 militants who are serving life sentences.

The Israeli official said Israel assumes most of the 33 are alive.

During this 42-day phase, Israeli forces would withdraw from population centers, Palestinians could start returning to what remains of their homes in northern Gaza and there would be a surge of humanitarian aid, with some 600 trucks entering each day.

Details of the second phase still must be negotiated during the first. Those details remain difficult to resolve  and the deal does not include written guarantees that the ceasefire will continue until a deal is reached. That means Israel could resume its military campaign after the first phase ends.

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The Israeli official said detailed negotiations on the second phase will begin during the first. He said Israel will retain some assets throughout negotiations, referring to a military presence, and would not leave the Gaza Strip until all hostages are home.

The three mediators have given Hamas verbal guarantees that negotiations will continue as planned and that they will press for a deal to implement the second and third phases before the end of the first, the Egyptian official said.

The deal would allow Israel throughout the first phase to remain in control of the Philadelphi corridor, the band of territory along Gazas border with Egypt, which Hamas had initially demanded Israel withdraw from. Israel would withdraw from the Netzarim corridor, a belt across central Gaza where it had sought a mechanism for searching Palestinians for arms when they return to the territorys north.

In the second phase, Hamas would release the remaining living captives, mainly male soldiers, in exchange for more prisoners and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, according to the draft agreement.

Hamas has said it will not free the remaining hostages without an end to the war and a complete Israeli withdrawal, while Netanyahu has vowed in the past to resume fighting until Hamas military and governing capabilities are eliminated.

Unless an alternative government for Gaza is worked out in those talks, it could leave Hamas in charge of the territory.

In a third phase, the bodies of remaining hostages would be returned in exchange for a three- to five-year reconstruction plan for Gaza under international supervision.

Blinken on Tuesday was making a last-minute case for a proposal for Gazas postwar reconstruction and governance that outlines how it could be run without Hamas in charge.

Growing pressure ahead of Trumps inauguration

Israel and Hamas have come under renewed pressure to halt the war before Trumps inauguration. Trump said late Monday a ceasefire was very close.

Dozens of protesters, including relatives of hostages, formed a human chain Tuesday outside Israels parliament, demanding the deal be sealed.

This is the chance, we cant let it go until they are all here with us, said Shay Dickmann, whose cousin in Gaza has been declared dead by the military.

In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, families of Palestinian prisoners gathered as well. I tell the mothers of the prisoners to put their trust in the almighty and that relief is near, God willing, said the mother of one prisoner, Intisar Bayoud.

And inside Gaza, an exhausted Oday al-Halimy expressed hope from a tent camp for the displaced. Certainly, Hamas will comply with the ceasefire, and Israel is not interested in opposing Trump or angering him, he said.

A child born in Gaza on the first day of the war, Massa Zaqout, sat in pink pajamas in another tent camp, playing with toys. Were eagerly waiting for a truce to happen so we can live in safety and stability, her mother, Rola Saqer, said.

With inputs from agencies
Steve Bannon, Trumps former adviser, took potshots at Tesla CEO Elon Musk saying that he should go back to South Africa read more

Steve Bannon, the keynote speaker of the night, addresses the crowd at the New York Young Republican Club's Annual Gala at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City, U.S., December 15, 2024. REUTERS

As Elon Musk gears up to head the Department of Government Efficiency alongside Vivek Ramaswamy, a person on Donald Trumps team wants to kick out the Tesla CEO before the inauguration on January 20. Steve Bannon, the US President-elects former advisor, has renewed hatred for Musk and has called him evil and racist.

He is a truly evil guy, a very bad guy. I made it my personal thing to take this guy down. Before, because he put money in, I was prepared to tolerate it  Im not prepared to tolerate it any more. Bannon told the Italian publication Corriere della Sera.

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He added, I will have Elon Musk run out of here by inauguration day. He will not have full access to the White House. He will be like any other person.

Musk has gained immense popularity since the 2024 US elections and became Trumps poster child over time, now about to head a newfound department altogether. The Tesla CEO has reportedly taken important policy decisions for the upcoming Trump administration, hopped on international calls and has been vocal about how he wants to transform America over the next five years.

Go back to South Africa

Bannon widened his attack on Musk by suggesting that he should return to his South African heritage.

He [Musk] should go back to South Africa. Why do we have South Africans, the most racist people on earth, white South Africans, we have them making any comments at all on what goes on in the United States? Bannon said.

He claimed that Musks sole objective is to become a trillionaire and said, I dont support that and well fight it. He wont fight. Hes got the maturity of a little boy. He will do anything to make sure that any one of his companies is protected or has a better deal or he makes more money.

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Who is Steve Bannon?

In 2016, Bannon became the chief executive officer of Trumps presidential campaign and was appointed chief strategist following Trumps election. The very year, Trump fired Bannon following internal conflicts and controversies.

In August 2020, Bannon was arrested on federal charges related to the We Build the Wall fundraising campaign but was pardoned by President Trump in January 2021.
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said last week that NATO members should dedicate 5% of their GDP to defence - a level analysts said would be politically and economically impossible for almost all of the alliances 32 members read more

NATO chief Mark Rutte said on Monday the alliances military capability targets may require members to spend as much as 3.7% of GDP on defence but this figure could be reduced with innovation and joint procurement.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said last week that NATO members should dedicate 5% of their GDP to defence - a level analysts said would be politically and economically impossible for almost all of the alliances 32 members.

NATO estimated that 23 of its members met its current goal of spending 2% of GDP in 2024.

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The 2% is not enough, Rutte told a European Parliament committee session in Brussels.

New military capability targets emerging from NATOs internal planning process indicate the alliance would need north of 3%, he said.

But he added that joint buying of weapons and equipment, as well as innovation, could reduce the amount of funding required.

If you deduct that, you dont have to get to what we are afraid of you would need now, which is 3.6, 3.7 (percent), so you would bring that number somewhat down, but it will be impressively more than the 2%, he said.
Nato will launch Baltic Sentry mission as part of which the Nato countries will deploy frigates, patrol aircraft and naval drones in the Baltic Sea to help protect critical infrastructure and reserve the right to take action against ships suspected of posing a security threat, alliance members said on Tuesday read more

Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal, Finnish President Alexander Stubb and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte attend a joint press conference at the summit of the Baltic Sea NATO countries, at the Presidential Palace in Helsinki, Finland, on Tuesday. Reuters

Nato will launch Baltic Sentry mission as part of which the Nato countries will deploy frigates, patrol aircraft and naval drones in the Baltic Sea to help protect critical infrastructure and reserve the right to take action against ships suspected of posing a security threat, alliance members said on Tuesday.

The move comes in response to a string of incidents in which power cables, telecom links and gas pipelines have been damaged in the wake of Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

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Last month, Finnish police seized a tanker carrying Russian oil, suspecting it had damaged the Finnish-Estonian Estlink 2 power line and four telecom cables by dragging its anchor across the seabed.

According to Reuters, citing Polish state broadcaster TVP World, Russian shadow fleet vessel was spotted circling the Baltic Pipe subsea pipeline, which transports gas from Norway to Poland, although no immediate damage was observed.

Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte said at a press conference after an eight-nation meeting in Helsinki that Finlands actions against the Eagle S tanker demonstrate that law enforcement can apprehend vessels responsible for causing harm.

Potential threats to our infrastructure will have consequences, including possible boarding, impounding and arrest, Reuters quoted Rutte as saying.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said after the meeting that Nato members are considering imposing sanctions on Russias shadow fleet in the region as part of their efforts to safeguard undersea critical installations

We will continue to take action against the Russian shadow fleet, including with sanctions that have already been introduced and others that may follow, including against specific ships and shipping companies that also pose a threat to the environment, Reuters quoted Scholz as saying to reporters.

Some 2,000 ships are crossing the Baltic Sea every day, making it difficult to monitor it all, Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics said.

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Lets face it, we cant ensure 100% protection, but if we are sending a bold signal then I think that such incidents are going to decrease or even to stop, Rinkevics was quoted as saying.

Finlands President Alexander Stubb said further legal studies must be conducted to assess which measures can be taken against suspected rogue ships while preserving freedom of navigation rules.

With inputs from agencies
Locations will post the code, which will go into effect on January 27 and include restrictions prohibiting disruptive conduct and panhandling read more

Starbucks changed a rule that let anybody to access its cafes, patios, and restroomseven if they had not made a purchase.

Starbucks stated in an emailed statement that it has released a new code of conduct as part of its strategy to make its locations more hospitable and win back customers.

According to Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson, using such a code is something most retailers already have and is a practical step that helps us prioritise our paying customers who want to sit and enjoy our cafes or need to use the restroom during their visit.

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Locations will post the code, which will go into effect on January 27 and include restrictions prohibiting disruptive conduct and panhandling.

According to Starbucks, baristas will receive training on how to enforce the regulations and have the authority to request that anybody who disobeys them leave. They werent permitted to before. Workers can ask local law police for assistance if necessary.

The business states that before coming to the counter to make a purchase, customers may use the lavatory or connect to the Wi-Fi.

Starbucks 2018 policy that let anybody to stay at its cafes has been reversed by the companys new regulations. After a manager in Philadelphia called the police on two black males who were waiting at a business without placing an order, that policy was implemented.
Despite Pakistan Army Chief General Syed Asim Munirs assertion of his countrys commitment to combating terrorism, his Indian counterpart, General Upendra Dwivedi, exposed Pakistans hypocrisy by stating that 80 per cent of terrorists killed in Jammu and Kashmir in 2024 are of Pakistani origin read more

Pakistans stance on terrorism has often drawn attention worldwide. Its leaders regularly portray the country as a victim of terrorism, but its actions and evidence reveal a more complicated and contradictory role. Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi has referred to Pakistan as the epicentre of terrorism emphasising its role in stirring unrest in neighbouring India. Meanwhile, Pakistans military leaders project a strong commitment to fighting terrorism within their own borders.

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Epicentre of terrorism

India has consistently exposed Pakistan for supporting and harbouring terrorist activities, especially in Jammu and Kashmir. General Dwivedis statements on Monday provide clear evidence of this involvement as 80 per cent of the terrorists killed in the region are of Pakistani origin. This figure highlights Pakistans active role in facilitating cross-border infiltration despite Indias ongoing counterterrorism efforts.

The shift in Jammu and Kashmir from terrorism to tourism reflects Indias successful measures to restore normalcy. However, this progress is repeatedly threatened by Pakistans continued support for extremist groups.

Infiltration attempts across the Line of Control remain a constant issue with Pakistani-origin terrorists targeting peace in areas in North Kashmir and the Doda-Kishtwar belt. These actions stand in stark contrast to Pakistans public claims of promoting peace and stability in South Asia.

Pakistans internal security dilemma

Pakistan has been struggling with increasing violent attacks since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021, especially in the border provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan. In 2024, the country saw its deadliest year in a decade, with at least 685 deaths and 444 terror attacks, according to the CRSS Annual Security Report 2024 by the Centre for Security and Strategic Studies.

The total number of fatalities, including civilians and security forces, was 1,612, which made up more than 63 per cent of the total deaths. This is a 73 per cent increase compared to the 934 outlaws killed. The total number of fatalities in 2024 was 2,546 with 2,267 others injured in terror attacks and counter-terror operations.

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KP faced the highest toll with 1,616 deaths, followed by Balochistan with 782 deaths. November was the deadliest month and the overall fatalities in 2024 were more than 66 per cent higher than in 2023. On average, nearly seven people died each day. The violence was a major blow to Pakistans security in 2024.

Despite these challenges, Pakistans leadership continues to assert that its military and law enforcement agencies are successfully combating terrorism. While Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir sought to draw attention to the substantial efforts to dismantle terror networks in Peshawar on Monday, these claims however stand in stark contrast to reports of increasing fatalities, civilian casualties and the enhanced operational capabilities of terrorist organisations.

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Afghan conundrum and its fallout

Pakistans relationship with Afghanistan adds to the challenges it faces in countering terrorism. The Talibans return to power in Afghanistan in 2021 has deeply affected Pakistans security. The open border between the two countries has enabled the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to reorganise and carry out deadly attacks within Pakistan, especially in KP and Balochistan.

Contradiction in counterterrorism narratives

Pakistans approach to terrorism is full of contradictions. Internationally, it portrays itself as a victim of terrorism to gain sympathy and financial aid. Domestically, its leaders claim success against terror groups. However, its secret support for groups targeting India and Afghanistan tells a different story.

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This double standard is clear in the conflicting statements of its leaders. While the military promises to eliminate terrorism, evidence shows continued support for certain extremist groups. This hypocrisy damages Pakistans credibility and raises doubts about its commitment to fighting terrorism fully.

These actions have serious effects on regional stability, especially in South Asia. Pakistans support for cross-border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir blocks efforts to build peace and dialogue with India. At the same time, its failure to tackle the rising threat of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) creates instability that spreads beyond its borders.

Pakistans worsening security situation also threatens its economic recovery. Ongoing violence scares away foreign investors and puts development projects at risk increasing its isolation globally. The political and economic instability further weakens Pakistans future and adds to public dissatisfaction.

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Role of international pressure

The international community has a vital role in addressing Pakistans duplicity. Global organisations and powerful nations must hold Pakistan accountable for its actions while also supporting its genuine efforts to fight terrorism.

Indias diplomatic efforts to expose Pakistans role in supporting terrorism have been key in shaping global opinion. By presenting evidence of cross-border infiltration and the involvement of terrorists from Pakistan, India has strengthened its case against Pakistans hypocrisy. Until Pakistan rebuilds trust with neighbours, especially India and Afghanistan, the country is unlikely to have long-term stability.

While the country faces serious internal security challenges, its continued support for cross-border terrorism reflects a deeper strategic contradiction. Until Pakistan eliminates its dual behaviour, its hypocrisy is likely to remain a persistent obstacle to regional peace and development.
Hegseth shares a close rapport with Trump and is not free of controversies. He has often been spotted with Trump and is known to make contentious statements on defence-related matters read more

Pete Hegseth, Donald Trumps controversial pick for the Defence Secretary post, faced the Senate on Tuesday where he vowed to bring back warrior culture to the Pentagon if he is confirmed.

When President Trump chose me for this position, the primary charge he gave me was to bring the warrior culture back to the Department of Defense, Hegseth said at the opening of his Senate confirmation hearing.

He, like me, wants a Pentagon laser-focused on lethality, meritocracy, warfighting, accountability and readiness, the former Army National Guard officer and ex-Fox News host said in remarks interrupted by pro-Palestinian protesters.

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Hegseth shares a close rapport with Trump and is not free of controversies. He has often been spotted with Trump and is known to make contentious statements on defence-related matters.

He joined Fox News in 2014 as an on-air commentator and later progressed to co-hosting the weekend edition of Fox & Friends, the networks flagship morning show.

Despite strong support from Trumps Republicans, Hegseths confirmation may depend on his performance before the Committee. As Hegseth walked into the packed hearing room, he was greeted with cheers and a standing ovation from supporters, with chants of USA, USA, USA and a shout of Get em, Petey.

Senator Jack Reed grills Hegseth

Senator Jack Reed, the ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, who thinks Hegseth is unqualified for the post, posed tough questions to the army veteran.

Mr. Hegseth, I do not believe that you are qualified to meet the overwhelming demands of this job, Reed said.

The challenge of the Secretary of Defense is to remove partisan politics from the military. You propose to inject it. This would be an insult to the men and women who have sworn to uphold their own apolitical duty to the Constitution, he added.

Reed also pressed Hegseth on his reportage of war crimes and asked him about his role in Trumps move to pardon or promote officers accused of war crimes.

As someone whos led men in combat directly and had to make very difficult decisions, I thought very deeply about the balance between legality and lethality, ensuring that the men and women on the front lines have the opportunity to destroy with and close the enemy and that lawyers arent the ones getting in the way, Hegseth replied.

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One of the many reasons why Hegseth is controversial is because of his remark on womens role in the army.

Everything about men and women serving together makes the situation more complicated, and complication in combat, means casualties are worse, Hegseth said during an interview.

Senator, I would like to clarify when Im talking about that issue, its not about the capabilities of men and women. Its about standards, he replied to Sen. Jeanne Shaheen.

I would say I would be honored to have the opportunity to serve alongside you, shoulder to shoulder, men and women, black, white, all backgrounds with a shared purpose. Our differences are not what define us. Our unity and our shared purpose is what define us. And you will be treated fairly with dignity, honor and respect, just like every man and woman in uniform, he added.

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With inputs from agencies
After announcing plans to restart its nuclear power programme in November following an eight-year gap, Vietnam has now inked a non-binding agreement with Russia on nuclear energy and cooperation in maritime research and technology, according to a report read more

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha walk together after Putins arrival at the Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi, Vietnam. AP File

After announcing plans to restart its nuclear power programme in November following an eight-year gap, Vietnam has now inked a non-binding agreement with Russia on nuclear energy and cooperation in maritime research and technology.

According to a Bloomberg report, citing TASS, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Russias nuclear energy company Rosatom and Vietnams state-owned power utility Vietnam Electricity Corporation, or EVN, during Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustins visit to the the Southeast Asian country.

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Vietnam restarted its nuclear power programme with an aim to diversify its energy supply, enhance energy security, and reduce emissions.

According to the report, citing Interfax, the two countries also reached a joint agreement on a comprehensive cooperation plan through 2030 and the transfer of a research vessel for joint marine exercises. These documents were signed following discussions between Mishustin and Vietnams Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Hanoi, added the report.

Mishustins two-day visit to the country comes just over six months after President Vladimir Putins trip to Hanoi, during which he said that Russia could assist in developing liquefied natural gas capacity in Vietnam and supply LNG to the country.

The two countries committed to expanding investment in energy and enhancing defence and security cooperation. Although Russia is not a major trading partner, bilateral trade grew by 26% last year, reaching approximately $4.6 billion, reported Bloomberg.

Vietnam has leveraged support from Russian firms to explore and drill for oil and gas in the resource-rich South China Sea. Last year, Russian state-owned oil company Zarubezhneft received a licence for exploration rights in the Nam Con Son Basin. Vietnam is also collaborating with Russias state-owned Rosatom to construct a 10MW microreactor for medical and industrial applications at a planned nuclear science and technology research center in Dong Nai province, reported Bloomberg, citing Vietnams government.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Russia, with the two countries upgrading their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2012, the highest level of cooperation. Vietnam has established the same level of partnership with eight other countries, including the US, China, and India.

The Russian premiers visit to Vietnam reflects the will and determination of the two countries top leaders to further enhance their comprehensive strategic partnership, according to a statement from the Vietnamese government, citing Ambassador Dang Minh Khoi.

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This year marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Russia. In 2012, the two countries upgraded their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, Vietnams highest level of cooperation. Alongside Russia, Vietnam maintains this level of partnership with eight other nations, including the US, China, and India.

The Russian premiers visit to Vietnam demonstrates the will and determination of the two countries top leaders to further develop the comprehensive strategic partnership, Bloomberg quoted a posting on the Vietnamese governments website, citing the countrys ambassador to Russia, Dang Minh Khoi.

Vietnam, one of nine Southeast Asian countries that abstained from condemning Russias actions in Ukraine, has adopted a neutral stance on the conflict, advocating for diplomatic solutions.

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Putin, in an article posted on Vietnams state-owned newspaper, thanked Vietnam for its balanced position toward Ukraine and for promoting a pragmatic path to solve the crisis through peaceful means.

With inputs from agencies
The Peoples Liberation Armys Eastern Command emphasised that the visit will enhance understanding and mutual trust. Notably, this visit comes before the return of Donald Trump to the White House. read more

A Chinese military delegation is in Japan on a rare visit aiming to improve relations with its Asian neighbour, said a Japanese government spokesperson. The delegation reached Japan on Monday.

This visit, coming days ahead of US President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration ceremony on January 20, is being seen as an attempt by the two arch-rivals to thaw their frosty relations before the American leader begins his second term at the White House.

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The visit commenced on Monday and will conclude on Friday.

Members of the Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army visited their Japanese counterparts and senior defense officials, said Japans top government spokesman, Yoshimasa Hayashi.

The trip was organised after the Japanese and Chinese defence ministers met in November in Laos on the sidelines of a regional defence gathering, where they agreed to increase exchanges among troops, Hayashi said.

Visit to enhance understanding, trust

The Peoples Liberation Armys Eastern Command emphasised that the visit will enhance understanding and mutual trust.

This visit will help enhance understanding and mutual trust between the two sides, and promote defence exchanges between China and Japan, said in a statement.

This is the first time in five years that any military engagement has taken place between the two East Asian nations.

Japan and China have been working to improve relations that have long been strained by territorial and historical disputes, along with Chinas aggressive approach in the South China Sea and East Asia.

High-level engagement on both sides

In one such step, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya visited his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, in December of last year.

Japanese National Security Advisor Takeo Akiba also visited China in November and held talks with Wang Yi.

Tokyo is expected to invite Wang Yi to Japan next month, the Nikkei business daily reported last week. This step will pave the way for Chinese President Xi Jinpings state visit to Japan.

Xi has not made a state visit to Japan since becoming president of China, except for his visit to Osaka for the 2019 G20 summit along with other world leaders.

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U.S. Congressman Mike Waltz, the incoming national security adviser, said on Sunday he expected a call between Trump and Putin in the coming days and weeks' read more

Donald Trump and Russia's President Vladimir Putin talk during the family photo session at the APEC Summit in Danang, Vietnam, November 2017. File image/ Reuters

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said on Monday he is going to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin very quickly after he takes office next week.

He did not provide a timeline for the meeting, which would be the first between the leaders of the two countries since Russias war with Ukraine started in February 2022.

When asked about his strategy to end the war, Trump told Newsmax: Well, theres only one strategy and its up to Putin and I cant imagine hes too thrilled about the way its gone because it hasnt gone exactly well for him either.

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And I know he wants to meet and Im going to meet very quickly. I wouldve done it sooner butyou have to get into the office. For some of the things, you do have to be there.

U.S. Congressman Mike Waltz, the incoming national security adviser, said on Sunday he expected a call between Trump and Putin in the coming days and weeks.

Russias invasion of Ukraine has left tens of thousands of people dead, displaced millions and triggered the biggest rupture in relations between Moscow and the West since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis.
Trump, who has vowed to shrink the size of government, would be creating a new agency to do functions already handled by existing agencies, including the Commerce Department and the Customs and Border Patrol, which collect duties and revenues from other nations. read more

President-elect Donald Trump announced plans on Tuesday to create a new agency called the External Revenue Service to collect tariffs and other revenues from foreign nations.

Trump said in a social media post he would create the department on Jan. 20, the day he will be inaugurated as president for a second term.

Through soft and pathetically weak Trade agreements, the American Economy has delivered growth and prosperity to the World, while taxing ourselves. It is time for that to change, the Republican said in a post on Truth Social.

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We will begin charging those that make money off of us with Trade, and they will start paying, FINALLY, their fair share.

The creation of a new agency requires an act of Congress, and Republicans hold the majority of both the House and the Senate.

Trump has pledged to impose big tariffs on the United States three largest trading partners  Canada, Mexico and China  including a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico until they clamped down on drugs and migrants crossing the border.

He has also vowed to impose tariffs of 10% on global imports into the United States, along with a 60% tariff on Chinese goods  duties that trade experts say would upend trade flows, raise costs and draw retaliation against U.S. exports.

Economists have said the cost of the tariffs will be passed on to consumers, and are generally skeptical of them, considering them a mostly inefficient way for governments to raise money and promote prosperity.

Democratic lawmakers were quick to criticize the External Revenue Service plan.

No amount of silly rebranding will hide the fact that Trump is planning a multi-trillion-dollar tax hike on American families and small businesses to pay for another round of tax handouts to the rich," Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden, the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, said in a statement.

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With inputs from agencies
In a report released today, Special Counsel Jack Smith has said that Donald Trump would have been convicted in the 2020 election subversion case if he were not elected president and protected by the constitutional prohibition on a sitting presidents prohibition read more

Donald Trump would have been convicted in the 2020 election subversion case if he were not elected as the President of the United States, said Special Counsel Jack Smith in a report released on Tuesday.

The US law says that a sitting president cannot be prosecuted. As per the policy, in November 2024, Smith had filed for the dismissal of two cases he was pursuing against Trump. While one was the election subversion case, the other was related to Trump illegally keeping classified documents after leaving office.

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The election subversion case relates to Trumps failed attempt to illegally overturn the 2020 presidential election that outgoing US President Joe Biden won. On January 6, 2021, as the Senate was meeting to certify the election result, Trump egged on several thousands of his supporters to attack the US Capitol who went on to storm the Capitol with the intention to hijack the certification and illegally force the senators to certify the election in favour of Trump.

In his report released on Tuesday, Smith said there was sufficient evidence to convict Trump in a trial, but his election disallowed it.

In his report, Smith said that the constitutional prohibition on a sitting presidents prosecution is the only reason Trump was not convicted and that the dropping of the case against him because of his election as the president does not turn on the gravity of the crimes charged, the strength of the governments proof or the merits of the prosecution, which the office stands fully behind.

Smith further said, Indeed, but for Mr. Trumps election and imminent return to the presidency, the office assessed that the admissible evidence was sufficient to obtain and sustain a conviction at trial.

Smith said that when it became clear that Trump had lost the election in 2020 and that lawful means of challenging the election results had failed, he resorted to a series of criminal efforts to retain power.

Even though the Trump-incited assault on the US Capitol is the starkest public memory of Trumps campaign to overturn the 2020 election results, his efforts also included pressurising officials to state officials to commit fraud, pressurising the then-Vice President Mike Pence to illegally certify the election result in his favour, and use fraudulent electors to overturn the result.

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Noting that Trump turned the transition of power violent for the first time in over a century, Smith said, Until Mr. Trump obstructed it, this democratic process had operated in a peaceful and orderly manner for more than 130 years.

After losing the 2020 presidential election, Trump never conceded the election. He and his supporters have maintained to this day that he had won the election and that Biden and Democrats stole the election from them.

In recent days, Trumps legal team had worked to block the release of the report. They rejected the report as an attempted political hit job which sole purpose is to disrupt the presidential transition,

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Even as Smith has now dropped cases against Trump, he has left open the possibility of prosecution once Trump demits office in 2029 as the constitutional prohibition on his prosecution would then be lifted. However, it is not certain if his acts would still be eligible for prosecution as the statute of limitation of five years on most federal cases would have expired by then. Some legal scholars, however, say that Trumps second term of 2025-29 should not be taken into account when deciding the question of statute of limitation. If thats how it goes, then Trump could theoretically be prosecuted once he demits office in 2029.

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Trump says he wants to make Greenland a part of the United States and does not rule out using military or economic power to persuade Denmark to hand it over read more

President-elect Donald Trumps Republican allies in the U.S. House of Representatives are trying to build support for a bill on authorizing talks for the purchase of Greenland, according to a copy of the bill circulated for co-sponsors on Monday.

The bill is called Make Greenland Great Again Act, the offices of Republican U.S. representatives Andy Ogles, who is leading the bill, and Diana Harshbarger said. The copy of the draft was reported earlier by Fox News Digital and had 10 co-sponsors as of Monday morning.

Why its important

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Trump says he wants to make Greenland a part of the United States and does not rule out using military or economic power to persuade Denmark to hand it over. Republicans won a narrow majority in the House and Senate in the Nov. 5 U.S. elections.

Key quotes

The bill, if passed, will allow the president to enter into negotiations with Denmark on Jan. 20, when Trump takes office.

Congress hereby authorizes the President, beginning at 12:01 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on January 20, 2025, to seek to enter into negotiations with the Kingdom of Denmark to secure the acquisition of Greenland by the United States, the bills draft says.

Not later than 5 calendar days after reaching an agreement with the Kingdom of Denmark relating to the acquisition of Greenland by the United States, the President shall transmit to the appropriate congressional committees the agreement, including all related materials and annexes, it adds.

Context

Greenland has been controlled by Denmark for centuries, previously as a colony and now as a semi-sovereign territory under the Danish realm. It is subject to the Danish constitution, meaning any change to its legal status would require a constitutional amendment.

Prime Minister Mute Egede, who has stepped up a push for independence, has repeatedly said the island is not for sale and that it is up to its people to decide their future.

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UKs anti-corruption minister Tulip Siddiq resigned on Tuesday following weeks of scrutiny regarding her financial connections to her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted as prime minister of Bangladesh last year. Starmer, meanwhile, swiftly appointed Emma Reynolds, who was a pensions minister, to Siddiqs role. read more

UKs anti-corruption minister Tulip Siddiq resigned on Tuesday following weeks of scrutiny regarding her financial connections to her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted as prime minister of Bangladesh last year.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer, meanwhile, swiftly appointed Emma Reynolds, who was a pensions minister, to Siddiqs role.

Reynolds, 47, was elected to office at the 2024 national election, which saw the Labour Party regain power after 14 years in opposition.

She currently represents the Wycombe constituency in southern England and previously served as a lawmaker for a different seat in central England between 2010 and 2019.

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In her resignation letter to Starmer, Siddiq said the independent adviser on ministerial standards, Laurie Magnus, confirmed that she had not breached ministerial rules after reviewing the matter.

Siddiq repeated that she had done nothing wrong but said continuing in office would likely be a distraction from the work of the government.

I have therefore decided to resign from my ministerial position, Reuters quoted her as saying.

Starmer said in a letter to Siddiq published by his office: In accepting your resignation, I also wish to be clear that Sir Laurie Magnus as Independent Adviser has assured me he found no breach of the Ministerial Code and no evidence of financial improprieties on your part.

Siddiq, 42, had consistently denied any wrongdoing, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed full confidence in her last week.

Her resignation marks the second departure of a government minister in two months, dealing a setback to Starmer, whose approval ratings have significantly declined since his Labour Party won the general election in July.

Following the election, Siddiq was assigned the role of overseeing financial services policy, which included responsibilities related to anti-money laundering measures.

Hasina, who had ruled Bangladesh since 2009, is being investigated there on suspicion of corruption and money laundering. Hasina and her party deny wrongdoing.

Siddiq was named in December as part of Bangladeshs investigation into whether her family were involved in siphoning off funds from Bangladeshi infrastructure projects.

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The anti-corruption commission alleged financial irregularities worth billions of dollars in the awarding of a $12.65 billion nuclear power contract, saying Hasina and Siddiq may have benefited.

After facing further scrutiny over the use of properties in Britain linked to Hasina and her supporters, Siddiq referred herself to the governments independent ethics adviser.

Siddiq lived in a north London property given to her family in 2009 by Moin Ghani, a Bangladeshi lawyer who has represented Hasinas government, documents filed with Companies House and the Land Registry show.

She also acquired a separate property in London in 2004, without paying for it, from a developer linked to the Awami League, Hasinas political party, the Financial Times reported this month.

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Hasina fled Bangladesh after being toppled following weeks of protests.

Siddiqs departure follows the resignation of British transport minister Louise Haigh late last year. Haigh acknowledged a minor criminal offence before she entered government, relating to a mobile phone that she had wrongly reported stolen.
Russia and Ukraine have increased strikes on each other ahead of US president-elect Donald Trumps inauguration next week, as both sides seek to gain the upper hand in potential negotiations aimed at settling the nearly three-year war. read more

In a massive attack, Ukraine fired six US-made ATACMS ballistic missiles, six UK-made Storm Shadow cruise missiles and at least 146 drones into Russias military and industrial facilities, according to reports.

Chemical plants, refineries, and the Engels airbases ammunition depots were successfully targeted, a source in the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) told the Kyiv Independent.

The SBU, together with the Defense Forces, continues to strike enemy military facilities and enterprises supporting Russias military-industrial complex. Each hit  whether on ammunition depots, refineries, oil depots, or chemical plants  weakens Russias capacity to wage war in Ukraine, an SBU source told the Kyiv Independent.

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Russias defence ministry said it had shot down all of the Western missiles fired by Ukraine at the Bryansk region, as well as 146 drones outside the war zone. It said two more Storm Shadows had been shot down over the Black Sea.

The actions of the Kyiv regime, supported by its Western curators, will not go unanswered, the defence ministry said.

The Ukrainian General Staff said it had struck as deep as 1,100 km (680 miles) inside Russia, targeting oil storage, refinery, chemical and ammunition plants in the Bryansk, Saratov, Tula and Tatarstan regions.

Meanwhile, Russias top diplomat said Tuesday that Moscow is open for talks with President-elect Donald Trump and praised him for pointing to NATOs plan to embrace Ukraine as a root cause of the nearly 3-year-old conflict.

Any prospective peace talks should involve broader arrangements for security in Europe, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at his annual news conference, while adding that Moscow is open to discussing security guarantees for Kyiv.

Lavrov specifically praised Trumps comments earlier this month in which he said that NATOs plans to open its doors to Ukraine had led to the hostilities.

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Trump said Russia had it written in stone that Ukraines membership in NATO should never be allowed, but the Biden administration had sought to expand the military alliance to Russias doorstep. Trump added that, I could understand their feelings about that.

Trumps comments echoed Moscows rhetoric which has described its special military operation in Ukraine launched in February 2022 as a response to planned NATO membership for Kyiv and an effort to protect Russian speakers. Ukraine and its allies have denounced Russias action as an unprovoked act of aggression.

With inputs from agencies
Firefighters on Tuesday held the line against two massive wildfires that have ravaged parts of Los Angeles for the past week, even as desert winds and a parched landscape presented extremely hazardous conditions. Red flag conditions were expected to last through Wednesday, forecasters said. read more

Rescue personnel look for hazards and remains at the site of a burned building during the Eaton fire in Altadena, California, US, on Tuesday. Reuters

Firefighters on Tuesday held the line against two massive wildfires that have ravaged parts of Los Angeles for the past week, even as desert winds and a parched landscape presented extremely hazardous conditions.

Some 8,500 firefighters from at least seven states and two foreign countries prevented the fires from growing for a second straight day as they gained slightly more control of the perimeter of the blazes, which nonetheless have consumed an area the size of Washington, D.C.

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A fleet of aircraft dropped water and retardant into the rugged hills while ground crews with hand tools and hoses have worked around the clock since the fires broke out on January 7, with the aircraft occasionally grounded by high winds.

Red flag conditions were expected to last through Wednesday, forecasters said.

The Palisades Fire on the west edge of town held steady at 23,713 acres (96 square km) burned, and containment increased 3 percentage points to 17% - a measurement of how much of the perimeter was under control.

The Eaton Fire in the foothills east of the city stood at 14,117 acres (57 sq km) with containment up 2 points to 35%.

A third fire, the Hurst, spanning 799 acres (3.2 sq km) was 97% contained, while a new fire broke out in neighboring Ventura County, burning 56 acres while it was 0% contained.

Three other fires in Los Angeles County have been fully brought under control in recent days.

The death toll held steady at 24 as did the estimate of 12,000 structures damaged or destroyed, still portending a Herculean rebuilding effort ahead.

Entire neighborhoods have been leveled, leaving smoldering ash and rubble. In many homes only a chimney is left standing.

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Its one thing to see it on television. Its another thing to see it from the air. The massive, massive destruction is unimaginable until you actually see it, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass told a press conference after taking an aerial tour.

Southern California has lacked any appreciable rain since April, turning brush into tinder. Relative humidity has dipped into the single digits for much of the past week, when Santa Ana winds originating from the deserts have whipped over hilltops and rushed through canyons, sending embers flying up to 2 miles (3 km) ahead of the fire.

It is still very dangerous for the next 24 hours so were keeping a very close eye. Thats why we have not downgraded the number of personnel, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said.

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Red flag conditions peaked overnight, when wind gusts surpassed 50 miles per hour (80 kph), the National Weather Service said.

That led firefighters to deploy assets throughout Southern California due to the danger that new fires might break out.

Life threatening and destructive and widespread winds are already here, Los Angles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said.

A few thousand more people were allowed back home but 88,000 remained under evacuation orders with another 84,000 under evacuation warning - large-scale displacements unprecedented in the metropolitan areas history.

We thank God were safe, but we dont know whats next, said Altadena resident John Adolph, 48, a video producer who, along with his wife and two children, has been staying with friends since they lost their home in the Eaton Fire a week ago.

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Adolph went back to his home to see what he could salvage, but could not get close.

There were burning grocery stores, gas stations, exploding cars that went pop with glass flying, not like in the movies. Walls of flames two stories tall, tornadoes of flame. I was stupid with a side of crazy to try, he said.

Costly recovery

California Governor Gavin Newsom has said the firestorm could rank as the most devastating natural disaster in U.S. history. It is already the costliest wildfire in terms of insured losses. Private forecaster AccuWeathers preliminary estimate of $135 billion to $150 billion in total damage and economic loss would come up short of the estimated $225 billion in losses from Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans in 2005.

In Washington, a battle over emergency aid broke out between Republicans and Democrats.

At a press conference on Tuesday, U.S. House of Representatives Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar said his rank-and-file lawmakers would oppose any attempt by Republicans in Congress to attach special conditions to federal disaster aid for L.A. wildfire victims.

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House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, has said conditions would be considered when the emergency funding bill moves through Congress. He also said the cost of any wildfire disaster assistance funding should be paid for, meaning the cost should be covered to prevent adding to the budget deficit, possibly by cutting other programs.

That is a departure from many previous natural disasters, and Democratic Representative Ted Lieu of California called Johnsons position outrageous.

We should not be leveraging the pain and suffering of our fellow Americans to try to force new policy changes, Lieu said.
Nicolas Maduros inauguration for a third term as Venezuelas president drew widespread admonishment from countries that have accused him of stealing the July election. read more

Venezuela has cut to three the number of accredited diplomats at the French, Italian and Dutch embassies over their governments hostile response to the inauguration of President Nicolas Maduro for a third term.

The Venezuelan foreign ministry said that the diplomats would need written authorisation to travel more than 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Plaza Bolivar in central Caracas.

The United States had imposed new sanctions on Venezuela and increased to $25 million the reward it is offering for the arrest of President Nicolas Maduro on the day of his inauguration to a third term following a disputed election last year.

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While, many other countries took a tough stance, saying that Maduro was not Venezuelas legitimate president.

UE Foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Maduro lacks all democratic legitimacy, as Brussels announced sanctions on a further 15 officials from Venezuelas National Electoral Council, judiciary and security forces.

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said Maduros claim to power is fraudulent, as London also announced further sanctions on individuals associated with the Caracas government.

The outcome of Julys elections was neither free nor fair and his regime does not represent the will of the Venezuelan people, Lammy said.

However, Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Maduro on his swearing-in, according to the lower house of parliament.

Lower house speaker Vyacheslav Volodin, who attended Maduros inauguration in Caracas on behalf of Putin, conveyed congratulations from Russias head of state, it said in a statement.

Venezuela condemned a series of sanctions imposed by the US, Britain and the European Union imposed, and termed the move a desperate action, outside the rule of international law.

The US indicted Maduro and others on narcotics and corruption charges, among others, in 2020. Maduro has rejected the accusations. In Hernandezs statement, he said the Venezuelan government has carried out a head-on attack against the scourge of drug trafficking.

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Maduro, president since 2013, was declared the winner of Julys election by both Venezuelas electoral authority and top court, though detailed tallies confirming his victory have never been published.

Venezuelas opposition says ballot box-level tallies show a landslide win for its former candidate Edmundo Gonzalez.

Maduros 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.

With inputs from agencies.
Mohammed Sinwar, a top commander of Hamas and younger brother of slain terror chief Yahya Sinwar, has been trying to rebuild the battered Hamas in the Gaza Strip for months read more

Houthi supporters raise a poster of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who was killed by Israeli troops in Gaza, during an anti-Israel rally in Sanaa, Yemen, Friday, Oct. 18, 2024. (Photo: AP)

Hamas is down in the Gaza Strip but not out.

Hamas has been traying rebuild itself in Gaza under a new leader.

The new leader is Mohammed Sinwar, a senior Hamas commander the younger brother of slain former Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar.

Following the Israeli killing of Yahya, even as the Hamas central leadership of the group in Qatar formed a council to the run the group, the Hamas personnel in Gaza converged around Mohammed and made him the de facto leader of Hamas in the Palestinian enclave, according to Wall Street Journal.

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Under Mohammed, Hamas has been waging a sustained insurgency in Gaza against Israeli military.

In more than a year of war, Israel has battered Hamas in Gaza and has reduced it to a mere shadow of its former self.

Before the war, Hamas had organised itself into 24 battalions and Israel believed it had around 30,000 personnel. Now, the battalion-system stands dismantled. Israel says it has killed around 17,000 Hamas terrorists and imprisoned thousands of them. Most of the groups famed leaders previous chief Ismail Haniyeh, Yahya, and former military chief Mohammed Deif have been killed. The groups allies in the region, Iran and Hezbollah, have also been battered  Hezbollah in a monthslong war that saw almost the entire leadership getting wiped out and Iran in two rounds of aerial battles.

Yet Hamas has thousands of terrorists and Mohammed appears to be organising them into a potent force.

Whats Hamas like under Mohammed Sinwar?

While Israel claims to have killed most of Hamas terrorists, the war has also created a fresh bunch of recruits who have been eager to join the war against Israel.

The Journal has reported that Hamas under Mohammed is roping in these recruits to fashion improvised bombs from unexploded ordnance littered throughout Gaza and launch hit-and-run attacks by organising them into small cells.

Hamas is recruiting new fighters with promises of more food, aid, and medical care for young men and their families, Arab officials told the Journal.

The stolen humanitarian aid is used to reward such recruits and co-opt civilians to work with the militant group, said Arab officials.

These new terrorists are made to use guns and anti-tank weapons that require little military training, according to the newspaper.

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Palestinian Hamas terrorists take part in an anti-Israel rally in Gaza City May 22, 2021. File Photo-Reuters

The attacks have been costing Israel. Over the past week, 10 Israeli soldiers have been killed in one area of northern Gaza alone. Moreover, in recent months, Israel has been forced to return to fight in areas where it had previously defeated Hamas.

The Israeli military says that Hamas has recruited hundreds of people in recent months and while such recruitment is taking place all over Gaza, it has a particular focus on northern Gaza, as per the newspaper.

Arab officials told the newspaper that Israel has told them that such recruits could be in thousands.

Who is Mohammed Sinwar, Yahya Sinwars younger brother?

Mohammed is now said to be the de facto leader of Hamas in Gaza.

Mohammed is believed to be around 50-years-old, around 10 years younger than his brother Yahya.

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While his career has a trajectory similar to Yahya both of them joined Hamas at an early age there are some key differences. For one, unlike Yahya, Mohammed never spent much time in Israeli captivity.

This has worked in his favour as, unlike Yahya, the Israeli security establishment does not have a deep understanding of Mohammed, according to Journal.

Even though he has been a senior figure in Hamas for decades, he has largely worked behind the scenes and has acquired the nickname Shadow, Arab officials told the newspaper.

Before the war elevated him to his current role, Mohammed was the Hamas head of logistics and manpower and one of the top commanders of Hamass military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, according to the think tank Counter Extremism Project (CEP).

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Then head of the Hamas political bureau, Ismail Haniyeh, left, and Hamas leader in the Gaza Strip Yahya Sinwar, wave their hands during a Rally marking the 30th anniversary of their group in Gaza City. File Image/AP

In recent years, Mohammed has been engaged in coordinating efforts of various Palestinian terrorist groups, such as Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), and working with Hezbollah and Iran in the conflict with Israel.

In an interview with Al Jazeera in 2022, Mohammed said that Palestinian groups in Gaza set up a joint command centre in the war with Israel in 2021 and held meetings throughout with Hezbollah and Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC).

While Mohammed has worked behind the scenes for most of his life, the CEP says that he is believed to be behind the abduction of Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit, in 2006, who has released by Hamas in a massive prisoner swap in 2011. In the swap, around 1,000 prisoners were released by Israel in lieu of Shalit, including Yahya, who went on to become the leader of Hamas in Gaza in 2017 and overall leader of Hamas in 2024.

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Yahya is believed to be the mastermind of the October 7 attack that triggered the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

Arab officials told the Journal that Mohammed has proved to be as stubborn as his older sibling in pushing for a permanent ceasefire that ensures Hamas survival.
Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2024.
Young couples in China embracing milk tea as new toast trend at their weddings

People's Daily Online) 10:46, January 14, 2025

Young people in China are replacing traditional alcoholic beverages with new Chinese-style tea beverages, including milk tea, bubble tea, and fruit tea, at their weddings.

The emerging wedding trend is making waves on social media platforms in the country, with videos and posts showing young couples drinking a toast to their family and friends with giant cups of milk tea at their wedding banquets frequently seen among trending topics on online platforms.

In the comment sections of these posts and videos, many people shared their reasons for choosing new-style tea beverages over alcohol. The most common reasons cited include the "tradition of replacing alcohol with tea during toasts when drinking is inadvisable or inconvenient," the "festive packaging of new-style tea drinks," and the desire to "avoid drunken mishaps."

A post-90s couple in Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, raises a toast with guests with new Chinese-style tea drinks at their wedding. (Photo courtesy of the interviewees)

In addition, some couples are opting for new-style tea beverages instead of traditional alcoholic drinks at weddings in an effort to cater to health-conscious guests and offer more inclusive options for those who prefer non-alcoholic drinks.

Xu Jiaping, a post-95s bride-to-be, told the media that she plans to serve Chinese-style tea beverages alongside Baijiu (Chinese liquor) and red wine at her wedding. This approach is meant to honor the preference of her elders while showing the distinctive lifestyle of young people.

Compared to traditional sugary sodas or alcohol, tea beverages offer a thoughtful alternative for those who do not drink or are mindful of their sugar intake, according to Xu.

Some Chinese-style tea brands have recognized the demand and are now offering customized wedding packages, complete with branded packaging and even on-site tea stalls.

A post-90s couple who got married in October 2024 in Nanning city, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, ordered 320 cups of new Chinese-style tea drinks to replace traditional alcoholic beverages.

They also had the wedding venue decorations custom-designed by the same tea beverage brand to match the overall theme of the event, according to an executive from the tea beverage brand.

Photo shows a part of the wedding venue of a couple in China. (Photo courtesy of the interviewees)

In fact, this trend is not limited to weddings. Young people in China are increasingly choosing tea over alcohol for other events, such as graduation and corporate banquets, signaling that new-style tea beverages are becoming essential drinks at celebratory occasions.

Preparing dozens or even hundreds of cups of milk tea in the reception area or next to the sign-in table is becoming an increasingly common request, said Chen Yao, a wedding planner and corporate team building activity planner in China.

"Many of our clients now request milk tea stalls at their events, allowing guests to customize their drinks on the spot," she added.

Some tea brands pay special attention to packaging, according to Chen. The packaging of tea beverages, featuring classic patterns, exquisite designs, and festive colors, blends seamlessly with the atmosphere of ceremonial occasions and adds a touch of Eastern elegance to the venue, she noted.

Responding to the rising demand for "milk tea at weddings", a tea beverage chain brand has launched a special catering service for wedding banquets since 2022, offering discounted group meal packages along with free wedding packaging, delivery, and setup services.

The service has gained widespread attention, receiving orders from consumers in 100 cities across the country.

Another tea beverage company that added a group meal reservation feature to its mini-program in May 2024 has provided approximately 1.5 million cups of modern tea beverages for events including weddings, social gatherings, and workplace celebrations between January and September.

During the 2024 National Day holiday, group orders at the tea beverage company saw a nearly 300-percent increase year on year, said an executive of the public relations department of the company.

"The entry of new Chinese-style tea beverages into the wedding market is actually the result of a further expansion of the consumption scenario for such beverages, or we could say it marks a shift to a full-scenario stage," said Zhu Danpeng, a food industry analyst in China.

For today's consumers, new-style tea drinks have almost become a "necessity," and many businesses have keenly recognized this trend, Zhu said.

"Replacing alcohol with new tea beverages is, in fact, an innovative way to reinterpret traditional wedding rituals. New Chinese-style tea drinks reflect the fashion-forward and culturally confident mindset of young people, and are more interactive, making them ideal for sharing and spreading on social media platforms," said Wang Xue, a teacher from the department of marketing at Renmin Business School, Renmin University of China.

Compared to the traditional alcohol culture, new Chinese-style tea beverages are more aligned with the lifestyle of young people, Wang pointed out.

"Quality and brand are the most important factors affecting consumers' choice," Zhu Danpeng said.

New Chinese-style tea beverages have entered a more competitive stage in 2024, Zhu noted, adding that the stability of quality, innovation in consumption scenarios, upgrading of service systems, and customer loyalty determine the future direction of relevant brands.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Chinese FM urges Philippines to stop malicious hype on South China Sea

Global Times

By Li Yawei Published: Jan 13, 2025 04:35 PM

In response to an inquiry regarding reports that the Philippines said it filed a diplomatic protest against China's "continued illegal presence and activities" within Manila's "exclusive economic zone" in the South China Sea, which came after the Philippines said a large Coast Guard vessel, the China Coast Guard (CCG) 5901, returned to the area, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said that China's sovereignty and rights in the South China Sea were established in the long course of history. They are solidly grounded in history and the law, and are consistent with international law and practices, Guo said.

CCG's patrols and law enforcement activities in relevant waters are lawful, justified and beyond reproach. China calls on the Philippines to stop the malicious accusations, said Guo.

The Philippines' continuous hyping about the CCG vessel in its so-called "exclusive economic zone" reflects its longstanding distorted position, which is actually untenable from a legal standpoint, Li Kaisheng, vice president of the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies, told the Global Times on Monday.

The Philippines' smearing campaign thoroughly exposes the psychological impact of a few Philippine politicians who have been deterred by the patrol and law enforcement of CCG vessels, said Yang Xiao, deputy director of Institute of Maritime Strategy Studies at China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations.

According to Reuters, Philippines' President Ferdinand Marcos Jr's office said US President Joe Biden also commended the Philippine leader for his diplomatic response "to China's activities in the South China Sea", during a call among Japan, the Philippines and the US.

Yang said that even in the final week of his term, Biden continued to lend support to Marcos Jr., laying bare the collusion between Biden administration and Manila.

The Philippines also hopes to maintain the tension in the South China Sea in order to continue binding the US government's policies, expecting the US to continue supporting the Philippines' stance and even provocative actions in the South China Sea, Li said.

However, the policies of the US government, especially its foreign policy, are in large part tied to the personal stance of the president, according to Li. "With the Biden administration now coming to the end of its term, Marcos Jr. may not achieve what he had desired."

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At least 10 Zionist soldiers killed in northern Gaza in 72 hours: Qassam Brigades

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jan 13, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- At least 10 Israeli soldiers were killed and dozens more injured in the northern Gaza Strip over the past 72 hours, according to Abu Obaida, the spokesman for Hamas' armed wing, Al-Qassam Brigades.

He said on Monday that the Israeli fatalities incurred in the battlefield in Gaza are far more than what they officially announce.

Abu Obaida added that the enemy will be forced to retreat from northern Gaza "defeated and humiliated", with destruction and massacre of innocent people being their only outcome in the conflict.

Earlier today, the Zionist sources confirmed that the number of Israeli soldiers killed in an operation in Beit Hanoun had risen to five, following the detonation of a building after their entry.

A sum of 10 more Zionist soldiers have also been reportedly injured in the incident, with 3 others still missing.

9341**2050

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Hamas serious in talks on Gaza ceasefire: Official

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jan 13, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Senior Hamas Official Osama Hamdan has said that the Palestinian resistance movement is seriously pursuing talks on the establishment of a ceasefire in Gaza.

Hamdan made the comment in a press conference in Algeria on Sunday, according to Palestine's Sama news agency.

He said that Hamas, on his part, is serious in talks over a Gaza ceasefire, but the movement's officials will not disclose details of the talks until a deal is finalized.

Hamdan explained that Hamas wants to give no chance to Israel to wage psychological warfare against the Palestinian nation as the regime is seeking to destabilize what he called the Palestinian internal front.

Meanwhile, a source familiar with the ceasefire negotiations told the New Arab news outlet that technical committees from Hamas and Israel along with mediators have completed the drafting of an agreement, which is now ready to be signed.

According to that source, the initial phase of the agreement contains provisions for the return of displaced people, the retreat of the Israeli regime's forces from Netzarim Corridor to Salah al-Din Road, and from the Philadelphia Corridor to the eastern Rafah crossing.

The mediators have guaranteed the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian and medical aid to Gaza, and that the reconstruction process would begin following the implementation of the ceasefire deal, the same source said.

4208**4194

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Zionist regime intensifies crackdown across occupied West Bank

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jan 13, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Israeli forces and settles ramp up acts of violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, carrying out more raids and attacks on towns and villages across the occupied territories.

IRNA on Monday morning citing Palestinian media and eyewitnesses reported violent Israeli raids on Deir Istiya, a town located in the northwest of the city of Salfit.

The regime forces stormed into houses and arrested dozens of Palestinian citizens from their homes and streets and took them to an unknown location, report said.

Social media users posted videos of Palestinians arrested by Israeli soldiers in the city, showing people with their hands tied and surrounded by troops.

According to the Palestinian news agency WAFA, Israeli soldiers have been raiding the town for the past few days and have continued blocking its entrance, preventing Palestinians from moving around.

WAFA reported that the Israeli army also raided the village of Haris, searched shops, and took away surveillance camera installed there.

Military checkpoints have also been set up at the entrances to the Old City of al-Khalil, near Ibra-himi Mosque, as well as at several other locations.

In a separate incident in eastern Qalqilya, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian cars with stones, breaking some of their windows.

There was also a raid on the town of Al-Yalamoun, west of Jenin, leading to clashes between local Palestinians and the regime forces.

Concurrently with the ongoing Genocide in Gaza, Israel has intensified its aggression against Palestinians in the West Bank, with rampant killings, arrests, and raids against the Palestinian population.

Attacks by Israeli troops and settlers over the past 15 months have led to the death of at least 847 Palestinians and injuries of about 6,700 others. During this period, 14,300 Palestinians were arrested by the Zionist regime's army in the West Bank.

4399

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Israel keeps pounding Lebanon in violation of ceasefire

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jan 13, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- The Israeli regime continues to violate the ceasefire agreement with Lebanon which officially went into effect on November 27.

The Lebanese media say that Israeli warplanes carried out four new attacks in the early hours of Monday on the areas between the two suburbs of Al-Fouqa and Deir al-Zahrati in southern Lebanon.

Additional strikes were reported near the village of Janta in the Bekaa Valley, close to the Syrian border.

Since the early hours of Sunday, the regime's forces have breached the truce agreement 22 times.

The Lebanese National News Agency had previously reported that an Israeli drone launched two guided missiles at a vehicle in Bint Jbeil on Sunday afternoon with the sound of these explosions being heard in the villages surrounding the area.

Also, explosions were heard in the village of Ayta al-Shaab, after the Israeli occupation army bombarded houses there.

In Aitaroun, Israeli forces fired stun grenades against several Lebanese citizens. Furthermore, a bulldozer destroyed areas around the sites of the Lebanese army in the city of Tyre.

The ceasefire between the Zionist regime and Lebanon was implemented with international mediation on the morning of Wednesday, November 27.

Since then, the regime's army has repeatedly violated the agreement by attacking southern Lebanon, killing and wounding citizens, and preventing the return of Lebanese refugees to some towns and villages in the south of the country.

4399

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D. Sakaliene assured the United States it remained key strategic Ally

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence

2025-01-13

International cooperation

January 10, Minister of National Defence Dovile Sakaliene welcomed a U.S delegation visiting Lithuania: the topics discussed covered the transatlantic security architecture, the importance of Lithuanian-U.S. partnership, support to Ukraine, threats posed by China, and other aspects of bilateral relations. The delegation was formed by representatives of the first D.Trump administration: Marshall Billingslea, Victoria Coates and Nathan Sales.

Minister underscored the longstanding close cooperation with the Pennsylvania National Guard: Lithuania and the United States share years of history of historical, cultural and economic bonds, while the role of the Lithuanian diaspora was decisive in restoring our independence. Minister praised the longstanding partnership and noted that new cooperation opportunities needed to be discovered, especially in defence industry by attracting U.S. investment in Lithuania.

Minister also addressed the German Brigade stationed in Lithuania as a significant precedent for Europe in strengthening contribution to the transatlantic security, and pointed out the necessity to build NATO's containment of Russia policy on the foundation of peace through strength.

"Today we can see clearly that Russia is a lasting threat to the European countries, that is why a fast increase in Allies' defence spending and sustained tailored assistance to Ukraine are a matter of national security to all of us. Lithuania understandings it. We are not just among top Ukraine's donors based on GDP but also about to increase defence spending to 4% of GDP still this year," said Minister D. Sakaliene.

Lithuania is the largest buyer of U.S. weaponry among the Baltic states. Our acquisitions from the U.S. in the mid-term stands at USD 1.3 billion and takes up approx. 20% of our acquisitions. The United States consistently supports Lithuania's capability building efforts. USD 1 in U.S. assistance returns as three U.S. dollars in direct investment through U.S.-made arms acquisitions. Other systems Lithuania purchases are the Javelin antitank missiles, JLTV vehicles, Black Hawk helicopters, HINARS, AMRAAM for medium range NASAMS, Switchblade, etc.

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Pacific Marines Plan for Future Engagements with RTMC

US Marine Corps News

13 Jan 2025 | Lance Cpl. Conor Ragland U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific

SATTAHIP, Thailand -- U.S. Marines with U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, III Marine Expeditionary Force, and members of the Royal Thai Marine Corps (RTMC) met to discuss future engagements between the two forces, Dec. 10 - 13, 2024.

Senior leaders from MARFORPAC traveled over six thousand miles to participate in the multi-day event, known as the USMC-RTMC Future Engagement Planning (FEP) Conference, to further strengthen regional cooperation and collaboration with the RTMC.

While this event gave leaders from both sides an outlet for collaboration, military-to-military relations between the USMC and RTMC is nothing new.

Participants discussed various topics during the week including ways to develop RTMC Amphibious Combat Vehicle and Amphibious Assault Vehicle maintenance capabilities, as well as opportunities to increase interoperability between partner nations, including topics such as complex multilateral military medicine.

"I think it was successful in the sense that the Royal Thai Marine Corps have come to us with a list of things that they would like to see come out of our partnership, whether that be training or equipment, and we can work in the coming months and years to continue to integrate our forces and develop our strong partnership with the Thai military as we keep a free U.S. Indo-Pacific Command region," said Schaefer.

One key individual was Royal Thai Marine Corps Cmdr. Weerakmon Suanchan, a counterintelligence officer, who facilitated the communication between U.S. and Royal Thai Marines, preventing any limitations due to language barriers from hindering their discussions.

"I feel we got a lot of updated knowledge and experiences from the United States Marine Corps, especially MARFORPAC," said Suanchan. "This is a good time for us to learn from each other, and we are able to continue the connection easily, which we appreciate."

With an ocean surface area of over 100 million square miles and a total coastline of approximately 155 thousand miles in the Pacific Region, maintaining relationships between partner nations is critical to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

"USMC-RTMC Future Engagement Planning is critical to building upon the decades-old US-Thai alliance," said U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Kyle J. Rempe, Southeast Asia desk officer, G-5 Plans Division, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific.

Events like the USMC-RTMC Future Engagements Planning Conference maintain and strengthen relationships between nations and help the U.S. and its allies more prepared for whatever may come in the future.

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific is the largest operational command in the Marine Corps. It comprises two-thirds of the Marine Corps' active-duty combat forces, collectively known as the "Pacific Marines." Pacific Marines serve as an expeditionary force-in-readiness. They operate as air-ground-logistics teams and are forward positioned and actively employed throughout the Indo-Pacific every day. Pacific Marines live and work alongside the joint force and like-minded allies and partners to prevent conflict, respond to crisis, and if the Nation calls, to fight and win.

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Indian security personnel kill 5 armed rebels

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 13:24, January 13, 2025

NEW DELHI, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- Indian security forces gunned down at least five armed Naxal rebels in India's central state of Chhattisgarh on Sunday, confirmed a local senior cop.

The rebels were eliminated in the National Park area of Chhattisgarh's Bijapur district, local media quoted Bijapur Superintendent of Police Jitendra Yadav as saying.

According to him, an exchange of fire took place between the security personnel and the ultras, and that five dead bodies had been recovered. A search operation was on to find more dead bodies at the encounter site.

"The bodies of 5 Naxals have been recovered. Naxalite material, including weapons, explosives and automatic weapons have been recovered from the encounter site. One Self Loading Rifle (SLR), one 12-bore rifle, one single Shot rifle, and a Barrel Grenafe Launcher (BGL) have been recovered. The search operation is ongoing," Yadav said.

Later, media reports said that two police personnel were injured in an IED blast in Bijapur. Both cops were admitted to a local hospital where their conditions were said to be stable.

Claiming to be fighting for the rights of the local tribesmen, the Naxals had been active over the years in several Indian states. They mainly target Indian security personnel and government installations.

Recently, the country's Home (Internal Security) Minister Amit Shah announced that Naxalism would be wiped out from the country by March 2026.

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Uganda to benefit from BRICS cooperation as partner state: Ugandan minister

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 10:07, January 13, 2025

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.

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Hamas indicates progress in ceasefire talks as Gazans hope for relief

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 08:52, January 13, 2025

GAZA, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- Indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel have made progress toward a ceasefire agreement, Palestinian officials said on Sunday.

"We are not far from a ceasefire agreement if Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responds positively to the main issues under discussion," said Tahir al-Nono, a senior Hamas official, in comments to Xinhua. Al-Nono added that Hamas remains "flexible" in working with mediators to end the conflict, emphasizing the group's main goal is "ending the war."

A second Hamas official, speaking anonymously, stated that the final framework for a ceasefire agreement is nearly complete. "We are very close to reaching the ceasefire," the official said, noting that technical committees involving both sides and mediators have finalized preparations for the agreement.

According to Hamas sources, the proposed deal includes two phases. In the initial phase, Hamas will release several Israeli hostages, including women, children, elderly individuals, and humanitarian cases. In exchange, Israel will release dozens of Palestinian detainees, withdraw its forces from parts of Gaza, and facilitate the return of displaced residents to their homes in northern Gaza.

The second phase, to be negotiated during the first, is expected to address broader issues, including a full ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal, Gaza's reconstruction, and a comprehensive prisoner exchange.

Later on Sunday, Netanyahu updated U.S. President Joe Biden during a phone call on the "progress" of the Doha-based negotiations. According to a White House statement, Biden stressed the "immediate need for a ceasefire and the return of hostages."

On Saturday, Netanyahu instructed a senior delegation to travel to Doha to advance negotiations. The delegation, led by David Barnea, chief of the Mossad intelligence agency, and Ronen Bar, head of the Shin Bet internal security service, held discussions with Qatari mediators and U.S. officials. A statement from Netanyahu's office confirmed that the talks aim to secure the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza.

Also on Saturday, Netanyahu met with Steve Witkoff, incoming Mideast envoy for U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, in Jerusalem. According to Hebrew media reports, Witkoff conveyed Trump's firm intention to secure a hostage deal before his inauguration on Jan. 20. Channel 12 news reported that Witkoff urged Netanyahu to ensure both sides demonstrate flexibility to finalize an agreement.

In Gaza, residents are closely following the progress of the talks, hoping for an end to the ongoing conflict. Mohsen Madi, 42, who fled Gaza City with his family to Deir al-Balah early in the war, expressed his desire for a resolution. "For more than 15 months, we have endured war, poverty, and a lack of basic necessities. We hope an agreement will end our suffering," he told Xinhua.

Zainab Shaaban, 28, displaced from Gaza City to the Al-Mawasi area in southern Gaza, shared a similar sentiment. "I long to return to my home and reunite with my family. We miss the life we had before the war," she said.

The conflict, which began on Oct. 7, 2023, after a Hamas attack on southern Israel killed about 1,200 people and resulted in the capture of approximately 250 hostages, has caused widespread devastation. The Gaza-based health authorities reported on Sunday that the Palestinian death toll from Israeli strikes has risen to 46,565.

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NMC slams Chinese maritime forces' illegal activities in PH territory

Philippine News Agency

By Priam Nepomuceno

January 13, 2025, 4:32 pm

MANILA -- The National Maritime Council (NMC) on Monday said the Philippines strongly opposes the continued illegal presence and activities of Chinese maritime and militia forces in the country's territorial sea and exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

The NMC emphasized that illegal activities by the Chinese are clear violations of Republic Act 12064 or the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Ruling that affirmed the Philippines' sovereign rights in its maritime zones, especially in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

"The Philippine government has been vigilant and unwavering in upholding the country's sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction within its maritime zones," the NMC statement read.

"The vessels and air assets of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) were immediately deployed when the illegal presence and operations of China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels, CCG 5901 and CCG 3304, were respectively detected on 5 and 10 January 2025 in and around the waters of Bajo de Masinloc and about 70-90 NMs (nautical miles) from the coastlines of the province of Zambales," it added.

Showing the Philippines' resolve to protect its territories, the PCG continuously conducted radio challenges against the Chinese ships and demanded that they leave the country's territory immediately.

However, instead of complying with the PCG's demand, the Chinese government deployed a People's Liberation Army-Navy helicopter that hovered over the Filipino vessel.

"Likewise, the Philippines has sovereign rights and jurisdiction beyond Bajo de Masinloc's territorial sea, over waters within the Philippines' EEZ measured from its lawful archipelagic baselines," it added.

The Council also said China does not have any jurisdiction or pretense to conduct maritime patrols in these waters.

"These maritime zones, as declared in the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, are in accordance with the 1982 UNCLOS and the 2016 Arbitral Ruling. China does not have any basis to conduct law enforcement activities or maritime patrols over these waters," the NMC said.

The NMC urged China to observe Philippine laws and comply with its obligations under international law and direct its vessels to desist from conducting illegal actions that violate the Philippines' sovereign rights in its EEZ.

"In view of the situation, the Philippines has filed the appropriate diplomatic protest to counter China's recent illegal actions in the WPS," the NMC said. (PNA)

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Senators call for stronger, unified action vs. incursions in WPS

Philippine News Agency

By Wilnard Bacelonia

January 13, 2025, 3:12 pm

MANILA -- Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada and Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros on Monday called for stronger and unified action against Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) incursions in Philippine waters.

"The repeated incursions of Chinese Coast Guard vessels into Philippine waters, particularly within our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), require a comprehensive and proactive response from our government," Estrada said in a statement.

Estrada emphasized the importance of leveraging the 2016 Arbitral Award, a decision by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) that affirmed the Philippines' claim to sovereign rights in the maritime areas of the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

"Makailang ulit ko ng sinabi, nasa panig natin ang mga legal na batayan para ipaglaban ang ating karapatan (I have said many times that we have the legal grounds to fight for our rights)," Estrada said.

He also recalled the Senate's adoption of Resolution No. 79 on Aug. 1, 2023, which condemned China's harassment of Filipino fishermen and intrusions into the WPS.

The Senate also called on the government to take decisive measures to secure the nation's maritime rights within the EEZ and continental shelf.

"I think it's crucial to take action now. We need a proactive, united, and sustained approach to protect our rights and ensure the safety and security of our people," Estrada said.

"The Philippines will not yield to coercion or intimidation when faced with challenges to our sovereignty."

Meanwhile, Hontiveros criticized China calling its incursions a disruptive act that undermines regional peace.

"China is not starting the year right. Instead of keeping the peace in the region, she has chosen to create more disturbance," Hontiveros said in a separate statement.

The senator renewed her call for the government to file new cases against Beijing in international courts, emphasizing that without decisive action, China's vessels will continue to return, posing a persistent threat to Philippine sovereignty.

Hontiveros also urged the government to strengthen partnerships with like-minded nations, advocating for joint Coast Guard patrols in contested waters.

"Together, let us show China that no 'Monster' ship can scare us," she said.

Philippine naval and air assets are keeping a close watch on the CCG since its "monster ship" - CCG vessel 5901 - was detected inside the country's EEZ last Jan. 6.

Since then, the Philippine Coast Guard reported sightings of CCG vessel "3103" heading to Zambales to replace CCG-5901, after its five-day incursion into Philippine waters.

CCG vessel "3304" eventually replaced vessel "3103".

The PCG accused Beijing of "normalizing" such deployments in an apparent bid to "alter the existing status quo" in the contested waters. (PNA)

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Missile fired from Yemen triggers sirens in Israeli-occupied territories

Iran Press TV

Monday, 13 January 2025 6:38 PM

Air raid sirens have rung out in numerous communities and illegal settlements across the Israeli-occupied territories after Yemeni Armed Forces launched a missile in retaliation for the Tel Aviv regime's war of extermination against Palestinians in Gaza.

According to Israeli media outlets, sirens sounded in the occupied West Bank, strategic Jordan Valley, Afula area, and near Beit Shean town, amid fears of falling shrapnel.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

Authorities suspended all flights at Israel's Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, and redirected incoming planes to alternative locations following reports of the missile launched from Yemen, the Israeli media noted.

The Israeli military later claimed in a statement that its anti-air missile systems had successfully intercepted and shot down the Yemeni projectile.

Yemenis have been carrying out high-intensity and high-precision military operations against vessels linked to the Israeli regime in the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean.

They have also carried out long-range missile strikes deep inside the occupied territories, including Tel Aviv.

Yemen's arsenal includes long-range ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones capable of hitting targets up to 2,000 kilometers away, which has been on full display in recent months and weeks.

The domestically manufactured missiles have repeatedly penetrated Israel's much-hyped military systems.

In recent weeks, Yemen has notably intensified its pro-Palestinian strikes on Israeli military targets within the occupied territories, employing advanced hypersonic ballistic missiles.

In an attempt to halt these pro-Palestinian operations and in support of the Israeli genocide, the US and UK have conducted indiscriminate aerial attacks on the Arab country.

However, despite months of heavy airstrikes, Yemeni forces have remained undeterred and continue to target Israeli-linked vessels in regional waters. These attacks have also prompted Yemen to retaliate by targeting West's military assets stationed off its coastline.

The Yemeni armed forces have said they will not stop their attacks until Israel's ground and aerial offensives in Gaza end.

Israel has killed at least 46,584 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured another 109,731 individuals in Gaza since the onset of the war.

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ICJ judge Salam secures enough support to become Lebanon's prime minister

Iran Press TV

Monday, 13 January 2025 5:11 PM

The President of The Hague-based International Court of Justice (ICJ), Nawaf Salam, has become Lebanon's next prime minister after he received a sufficient number of votes from Lebanese legislators to be tasked with forming a government.

The Harvard-educated judge of the World Court could secure the backing of 85 of the parliamentarians out of 128 on Monday, Lebanese media outlets reported.

Among those who voted for him are the Kataeb and Free Patriotic Movement Christian political parties.

Najib Mikati, who has served as prime minister in a caretaker capacity, could only receive nine votes.

Lawmaker Fouad Makhzoumi announced on X on Monday his withdrawal from the premiership race, citing that "having multiple opposition candidates would ... lead to everyone losing, while Lebanon needs a radical change in governance."

He added that his departure aims to create an opportunity "for consensus among all those who believe in the necessity of change around the name of Judge Nawaf Salam," in opposition to what he described as the "establishment candidate" - referring to Mikati.

Parliamentary consultations to select a prime minister are a constitutional process conducted by the Lebanese president per Article 53 of the country's constitution.

These consultations take place following the resignation or expiration of a government's term.

The president invites parliamentary blocs and independent MPs for individual meetings, asking them to nominate a candidate for the premiership.

The results of the consultations are recorded, after which the president issues a decree appointing the individual with the most parliamentary support.

Although such consultations are mandatory, the president is not bound by their outcome but generally adheres to the majority's choice.

The process of forming a government, however, often takes considerable time due to Lebanon's political and social complexities.

By tradition in Lebanon, the prime minister is a Sunni Muslim, the president a Maronite Christian, and the speaker of parliament a Shia Muslim.

Army Commander General Joseph Aoun was elected by the Lebanese parliament on Thursday as head of state ending over two years of political vacuum since President Michel Aoun left office in October 2022.

His election has raised hopes of lifting the war-battered eastern Mediterranean country out of economic crisis.

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Qassam Brigades: Over 10 Israeli troops killed in north Gaza within 72 hours

Iran Press TV

Monday, 13 January 2025 3:18 PM

The Ezzedine Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, says Palestinian fighters have killed roughly a dozen Israeli troops as a result of retaliatory operations in the northern Gaza Strip over the past 72 hours.

"After more than 100 days of comprehensive destruction and genocide carried out by the Israeli enemy army in the northern Gaza Strip, our fighters continue to inflict heavy losses and deal significant blows. Over 10 Israeli soldiers have been killed and dozens more injured as a result," Abu Obeida, the spokesman for the Qassam Brigades, said in a statement on Monday.

He emphasized that the true extent of losses within the ranks of the Israeli military is much greater than what it has already announced.

Abu Obeida noted that Israeli military forces will eventually withdraw from the northern Gaza Strip in disgrace, stressing that the occupation forces have been unable to break the resistance front in the coastal territory.

"The sole achievement that the Israeli army occupation army has obtained is destruction, devastation and massacres against innocent people," the spokesman for the Qassam Brigades stated.

Since early October 2024, the Israeli army has been waging a large-scale ground offensive in the northern Gaza Strip, which it claims aims to prevent Hamas from reorganizing its ranks in the area.

This is while the Palestinians say the military campaign is meant to forcibly displace them from their areas, and restore illegal settlement to the Strip.

The Israeli army has killed at least 5,000 Palestinians during its ongoing onslaught in the northern Gaza Strip.

Backed by the United States and its Western allies, Israel launched the war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, after the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas carried out Operation Al-Aqsa Flood against the Israeli regime in response to its decades-long campaign of oppression against Palestinians.

The regime's bloody onslaught on Gaza has so far killed at least 46,584 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 109,731 others. Thousands more are also missing and presumed dead under rubble.

On November 21 last year, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former minister of military affairs Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for its deadly war on the blockaded coastal sliver.

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At least 13 Israeli troopers killed, injured in retaliatory op in northern Gaza

Iran Press TV

Monday, 13 January 2025 11:20 AM

Palestinian resistance fighters have killed at least three Israeli soldiers and injured another 10 in northern Gaza, according to reports.

As a result of a complex operation by the Palestinian resistance on Sunday, three Israeli regime soldiers were killed and another 10 injured, Arab and Israeli media outlets reported.

The media also published images of the moment the wounded were transferred by a helicopter to a hospital in Tel Aviv.

Quoting an Israeli officer, the Israeli media reported that such an incident should not happen after 15 months of war. The army cannot completely control an area like Beit Hanoun, the officer admitted.

In response to the incident, Israeli journalist Etty Landsberg Novo said, "Every day, another soldier dies another bomb explodes, another sniper targets our forces, and another building collapses."

The Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade also announced in a statement that the group had bombed the command center of the Israeli regime's army in the Netzarim axis with a "107" rocket.

The Israeli regime's genocidal war against the Palestinian people has entered its 465th day. While Israel claims to have destroyed the military power of the resistance groups in Gaza, the resistance forces continue their attacks against the occupying entity.

Despite their brutal and inhumane attacks against civilians, especially children and women of Gaza, the Israeli army has suffered unprecedented losses, to the point that the Israelis themselves have been forced to admit defeat in the face of the Palestinian resistance.

Since the beginning of the war, more than 46,565 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, and another 109,660 injured, most of whom are children and women. Gaza's 2.3 million populations have been displaced and much of the besieged territory is in ruins.

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Extremist minister says seeking to settle one million Israelis in West Bank

Iran Press TV

Monday, 13 January 2025 11:01 AM

The Israeli regime's housing and construction minister has called on prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to facilitate the illegal settling of one million Israelis in the occupied West Bank.

Speaking to an Israeli news site on Sunday, Yitzhak Goldknopf urged Netanyahu to "bring a million Jews to Judea and Samaria," referring to the West Bank by its Israeli term.

He also called for Israel's genocidal war on the Gaza Strip to be leveraged to ramp up the regime's settlement construction activities.

Over 770,000 Israelis live in settlements built since the 1967 Israeli occupation of the West Bank and East al-Quds, according to the latest figures released by the Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission, a Palestinian Authority agency.

While all Israeli settlements are illegal under international law, the Tel Aviv regime keeps expanding them in blatant violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions.

Less than two months ago, Goldknopf, who is the leader of the ultra-Orthodox United Torah Judaism party, visited the border between the occupied lands and Gaza, where he backed an initiative to re-establish settlements in the besieged Palestinian territory.

Israel launched its brutal Gaza onslaught on October 7, 2023, after the Palestinian Hamas resistance group carried out a historic operation against the usurping entity in retaliation for its intensified atrocities against the Palestinian people.

However, more than months into the offensive, Israel has failed to achieve its declared objectives of finding captives held in Gaza and eliminating Hamas.

So far, the occupying regime has killed at least 46,565 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 109,660 others, in Gaza.

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Israel heavily bombs Lebanon in new violation of truce with Hezbollah

Iran Press TV

Monday, 13 January 2025 6:53 AM

The Israeli military has conducted airstrikes on Lebanon in yet another violation of a ceasefire deal with the Hezbollah resistance movement.

The air raids targeted the outskirts of the areas of Houmine al-Fawqa and Deir al-Zahrani, in Nabatieh governorate in southern Lebanon, the al-Mayadeen news channel reported late on Sunday.

The Israeli attacks, the report added, also targeted the town of Janta in Lebanon's eastern Bekaa governorate.

Meanwhile, the occupation's military said that it had struck Hezbollah targets, including a rocket launcher, an unspecified military site, and routes along the Syrian border with Lebanon.

Earlier in the day, Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA) reported Israeli aerial assaults on the towns of Kfar Kila and Aita al-Shaab in Nabatieh governorate.

It further reported an Israeli drone strike on the outskirts of the town of Jabal al-Botm in Lebanon's South governorate.

Additionally, the occupation forces infiltrated the Lebanese towns of Maroun al-Ras, al-Majdiyeh, Wadi Khansa, and the Mari Plain, according to al-Mayadeen.

Hezbollah opened a support front for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip after Israel unleashed a genocidal war on the besieged territory on October 7, 2023, launching numerous retaliatory attacks against targets in the occupied lands.

Israel was forced to accept the truce with Hezbollah on November 27, 2024, after suffering heavy losses on the battleground and failing to achieve its goals despite killing over 4,000 people in Lebanon.

The deal, due to expire on January 26, gave Israel 60 days to pull out its forces from the occupied areas and hand over control to the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers.

Israeli officials have reportedly said that the regime's troops would not leave southern Lebanon past the deadline for pullout.

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Jan. 12: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation

Iran Press TV

Monday, 13 January 2025 6:49 AM

By Press TV Website Staff

Amid the West-backed Israeli genocidal war on Gaza, which has killed nearly 46,600 Palestinians so far, resistance groups in Palestine and across the region continue their operations against the Tel Aviv regime and its Western backers.

The major operations by the resistance groups on Saturday, January 11, are as follows:

Al-Quds Brigades' operations on Jan. 12:

Fighters in the Jaba' Company in Jenin, occupied West Bank, targeted a bus carrying Israeli settlers that was accompanied by a convoy of Israeli military vehicles with heavy gunfire.

Raided an Israeli special force that was holed up in Jabalia camp, northern Gaza Strip, and also targeted a Merkava vehicle that had penetrated the central Beit Lahia project.

Mujahideen Brigades' operations on Jan. 12:

Targeted a command and control headquarters of the Israeli military in the "Netzarim Axis" with Hasib 111 rockets.

Yemeni military's operations on Jan. 12:

Targeted the American aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman and several of its accompanying warships in the northern Red Sea with multiple cruise missiles and drones. This marks the fifth time the carrier has been targeted since it arrived in the Red Sea.

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Israel killed 70 children in past five days alone in northern Gaza

Iran Press TV

Monday, 13 January 2025 2:36 AM

Relentless Israeli air and artillery strikes continue to devastate Gaza, as about 70 children have been killed in the past five days alone in northern Gaza.

According to the Gaza Media Office, nearly 5,000 Palestinians have been killed or gone missing in the ongoing Israeli onslaught on northern Gaza over the past 100 days.

A medical source told Al Jazeera on Sunday that another 9,500 Palestinians were injured in the Israeli military offensive in the north that was launched in early October.

Gaza's Government Media Office on Sunday called the Israeli siege "the most horrific form of ethnic cleansing, displacement and destruction."

Reporters said north Gaza is now a "ghost area" of vast destruction and rubble.

"We are seeing Palestinians being systematically targeted in every single place across the Gaza Strip. It doesn't matter where you are - if you're in a school, a shelter, a makeshift camp or even a hospital," she said.

The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas said over the past 100 days, "The people of north Gaza have endured horrific scenes of killing, ethnic cleansing, destruction, and displacement."

Even hospitals were not spared. Kamal Adwan Hospital was torched and destroyed by Israeli forces in late December as part of the siege.

In one of the strikes on Sunday, at least five people were killed and several others injured when Israeli warplanes bombed a Palestinian home in the al-Shuja'iyya neighborhood, east of Gaza City.

An earlier strike claimed the life of at least one Palestinian near the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. Israeli artillery also shelled several areas across Gaza, leading to an unknown number of casualties.

Israel launched its genocidal war on Gaza in October 2023. It has so far claimed the lives of 46,565 people and injured over 109,000 others.

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US, Canadian warships conduct joint drills in South China Sea

The HMCS Ottawa sailed near the disputed Scarborough Shoal during exercise Noble Wolverine.

By RFA Staff 2025.01.13 -- Canadian naval vessel HMCS Ottawa successfully completed a joint exercise with U.S. Navy destroyer USS Higgins amid tension in the South China Sea, the Canadian Joint Operations Command said.

During the Jan. 8-11 drills, codenamed Noble Wolverine, both ships "navigated through the South China Sea's international waters while conducting communications exercises, flight operations and anti-submarine warfare training," the command announced on its feed on the X social media site on Sunday.

The Halifax-class frigate HMCS Ottawa also sailed near Scarborough Shoal, where the Chinese and Philippine coast guards have been engaged in a cat-and-mouse game for weeks.

The hotly disputed chain of reefs is inside the Philippines' exclusive economic zone but under China's de-facto control. Beijing has deployed its largest coast guard vessel, dubbed "The Monster" for its size, to the area since the beginning of the year, which Manila sees as "an act of intimidation, coercion and aggression."

The passing Canadian warship was closely followed by a number of Chinese naval vessels, Canada's CTV News reported.

Free and open Indo-Pacific

Noble Wolverine demonstrated the two countries' "shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific," the U.S. 7th Fleet said in a statement, adding that such bilateral operations provide "valuable opportunities to train, exercise and develop tactical interoperability" across allied and partner navies in the region.

Besides the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins, a U.S. Navy carrier strike group led by the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier Carl Vinson is also conducting routine exercises in the South China Sea.

The strike group includes the embarked Carrier Air Wing 2, cruiser USS Princeton and destroyers USS Sterett and USS William P Lawrence.

China has not reacted to the U.S.-Canada exercise but it has in the past condemned what it sees as outsiders' interference in the region.

Both Canada and the U.S. say they are Pacific nations and committed supporters of the rules-based international order.

Edited by Mike Firn.

Copyright 1998-2025, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content January not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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China bans monks, aid workers from visiting quake-hit areas of Tibet

As aftershocks rattle region, authorities close down the epicenter to relief personnel.

By RFA Tibetan 2025.01.13 -- Chinese authorities in Tibet have forbidden aid workers and Buddhist monks from entering areas of the region struck by deadly earthquakes last week, three residents of the region and a Tibetan in exile told Radio Free Asia.

On Jan. 7, a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Dingri county, near the border of Nepal. Chinese state media says it killed 126 people, but Tibetan sources said the toll was likely higher given that at least 100 people were killed in the town of Dramtso alone.

State media also said the disaster injured 337 people and displaced more than 60,000 people.

Starting Monday, authorities blocked off access, preventing monks, relief volunteers and aid providers from entering the affected area under the pretext of "cleanup," and "security work," the residents said under condition of anonymity for safety reasons.

The blocking of monks was painful for survivors because in Buddhist tradition, prayers and rituals are conducted at the end of each week for the first seven weeks after a person's death.

Tibetans in other areas of Tibet, as well as those abroad or in exile in India, Nepal, Bhutan and elsewhere, gathered Monday to offer prayers.

Aftershocks

Since last week's quake, more than 1,200 aftershocks have been reported by Chinese authorities.

On Monday evening, two strong aftershocks -- with magnitudes of 5.1 and 4.6 -- struck Dingri County's Tsogo township (Cuoguoxiang in Chinese) and Tashizong township (Zhaxizongxiang), respectively, according to the United States Geological Survey.

According to a Dingri county official quoted by Chinese state media on Monday, "no casualties have been reported so far" in the latest aftershocks. The official added that "further investigation is underway."

Information censorship

The Chinese government has also been deleting photos and videos about the impact of the earthquake from social media, residents said.

"Chinese state media has been focusing on propaganda activities such as having Tibetan children wave Chinese flags. They are forcing affected residents to express their gratitude to the Chinese government, and they display (Chinese President) Xi Jinping's photos in the temporary shelters provided," another resident said.

On Sunday, Sikyong Penpa Tsering, the democratically elected leader of the Central Tibetan Administration, the government-in-exile based in Dharamshala, India, issued a statement in which he called on Beijing to "...ensure transparency and accountability in relief efforts by granting unrestricted and immediate access to international aid organizations and media delegations."

"Strict information censorship by the PRC government continues to pose significant challenges in verifying the accuracy of casualty reports and assessing the adequacy of relief operations," Tsering said.

He also called on the Chinese government to "provide adequate assistance in rebuilding efforts that takes into account the traditional Tibetan needs and fundamental rights of the Tibetan people."

A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun, in a press briefing on Monday, responded to a query raised on Tsering's statement, saying, "The disaster response and relief work is generally proceeding smoothly. We are confident in winning this tough battle of quake response and returning work and life to normal in the affected areas as soon as possible."

Translated by Tenzin Pema. Edited by Eugene Whong 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.

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As Russia and China Step Up Arctic Presence, Greenland Grows In Importance For U.S.

By Todd Prince January 13, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Incoming U.S. President Donald Trump has once again kicked up a storm with his pursuit of Greenland, this time refusing to rule out the use of force to gain control of the Arctic island from ally Denmark for national-security reasons.

But Washington was interested in acquiring Greenland to mitigate threats emanating from the Arctic long before Trump came along, even offering Denmark $100 million in gold for the icy island shortly after the conclusion of World War II.

That interest has only expanded in recent years as Russia and China step up their military and commercial activities in the Arctic, conduct joint military exercises, and invest in new weapon systems like hypersonic missiles.

"Greenland is growing in importance as we find ourselves in a global competition with China and in a new technological revolution with regards to warfare," Rebecca Pincus, director of the Wilson Center's Polar Institute and a former adviser to the U.S. Defense Department on Arctic strategy, told RFE/RL.

"So, Greenland is important from a missile-defense perspective, from a space perspective, and from a global competition perspective, in which shipping and maritime sea lanes are increasingly important," she said.

Weakest Link In Homeland Defense

An autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark, Greenland is physically closer to the United States with just 1,900 kilometers separating the state of Maine from the arctic island's shores.

As a territory of Denmark, it is part of NATO, but Greenland is pursuing independence from Copenhagen and some experts fear that could open a door for Russia and China to gain a foothold in the country.

While the United States already has a space base on Greenland for missile defense and space surveillance, control of the entire island would enable Washington to better defend against naval and air threats emanating from the region as well as dangers from space.

Russia has a much greater military presence in the Arctic than the United States and has continued to invest heavily in its defense capabilities in the region despite the war in Ukraine.

Retired U.S. General Terrence J. O'Shaughnessy, who served as commander of the U.S. Northern Command, told a Senate hearing in February 2020 that if Russia were to attack the United States, it would likely do so via the Arctic.

"The Arctic is no longer a fortress wall, and our oceans are no longer protective moats; they are now avenues of approach," he told the hearing.

Jahara Matisek, a professor at the U.S. Naval War College who spoke to RFE/RL as an independent expert and not on behalf of the government, said U.S. military infrastructure in the Arctic has languished, calling it the weakest link in homeland defense.

"If you want to be a powerful space-faring nation and be able to project space power in terms of offensive and defensive space weapon systems and other sorts of ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance), you have to have infrastructure in the Arctic Circle -- not to mention the Antarctic Circle -- to seamlessly communicate and control all of your satellites," he said.

Chinese Ambitions

While China is not an Arctic nation, it is seeking to be a major player in the region. In recent years, Beijing has sought to buy ports, other infrastructure, and mining rights on Greenland though it has not been successful.

Matisek said the United States suspected China's real interest in those projects was to place dual-use sensors and radars in the Arctic Circle to help control their military satellites and gather intelligence on U.S. space-based operations in the region.

"If China can disrupt our 'Kill Chain' -- our space-based assets, our satellites -- then we will struggle to shoot things down. We will struggle to target, identify, attack, so that's why Greenland ends up actually mattering a lot," he said.

Pincus said the United States needs more ISR in the Arctic.

"That's our biggest gap that we need to close. So, we need more sensors from space to the seabed. And we need a data fusion capability to integrate all of that sensor data and observations into something that's a usable product for decision makers," she said.

Pincus said it makes sense that Russia and China would carry out joint military exercises in the Arctic.

"It's not surprising that they're focused on the Arctic, because the U.S. is weak in surface presence in the Arctic," she said, pointing out that the United States has no more than two functioning icebreakers compared to about four and a few dozen, respectively, for China and Russia.

Northern Passage

As ice continues to recede in the Arctic due to rising temperatures, it is opening a path for ships -- including military vessels -- to transit from Europe to Asia via the waters above Greenland and Canada.

"Chinese merchant shipping will increase passage along the northern route as it's shorter for them, but presumably Chinese warships will also use that route," Ben Hodges, a retired U.S. lieutenant general and former commander of U.S. Army forces in Europe, told RFE/RL.

Military vessels coming into the Atlantic Ocean from the Arctic would have to pass through the GIUK gap -- the stretch of water between Greenland, Iceland, and Scotland. During the Cold War, NATO forces tracked Soviet submarines coming into the North Atlantic through that gap, Hodges said.

Receding ice will also make it easier to mine Greenland's massive reserves of natural resources. They include metals critical for the production of high-technology goods, electric vehicles, and wind turbines.

China dominates many of those metals markets, including their mining, refining, and processing -- and Beijing has expressed interest in developing Greenland's natural resources.

The monetization of those natural resources is crucial for Greenland's dream of independence. The island still depends on subsidies from Denmark.

"When you have a nation like Greenland, they need money for investment. China and Russia will throw money at this problem," Philip M. Breedlove, a retired four-star U.S. Air Force general who led U.S. forces in Europe and served as NATO's supreme allied commander from 2013 to 2016, said in an interview with The Cipher Brief.

"Guaranteeing a Western-leaning Greenland is extremely important," he said, adding it "doesn't have to be through sovereign ownership."

Matisek said Trump may simply be trying to get the United States to "really take Greenland seriously" because of the integral role it plays in North American defense.

It is also "obviously an attempt to make sure the Chinese and Russians don't get a footprint there," he said.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-china-arctic- greenland-trump/33273910.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.

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Biden Says U.S. Stronger Versus Russia, China As He Prepares To Depart

By RFE/RL January 13, 2025

WASHINGTON -- President Joe Biden told the nation that the United States is stronger economically and militarily and has more allies today compared with four years ago as he prepares to leave office later this month.

In a speech at the State Department on January 13 summing up his administration's record, Biden said the United States has widened its lead over competitors like Russia and China.

"Our adversaries are weaker than they were when we came into this job four years ago. Let's consider Russia. [President Vladimir] Putin invaded Ukraine. He thought he'd conquer Kyiv in a matter of days. But the truth is, since that war began, I'm the only one that stood in the center of Kyiv, not him," Biden said, referring to his visit to the embattled nation last year.

When Biden took office in 2021, he sought to repair relations with European allies damaged under his predecessor, Donald Trump, "park Russia," and focus on competing with China, which the United States considers its main global rival.

However, his foreign policy priorities were uprooted as Russia launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, triggering the largest land war in Europe in more than seven decades, and as Hamas attacked Israel in 2023, igniting a war that threatens to engulf the region. Both wars continue today.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine helped Biden achieve his goal of strengthening NATO, as member nations rallied around the United States to support Kyiv with hundreds of billions of dollars in military and financial aid. Sweden and Finland, long neutral nations, joined NATO following Russia's attack on Ukraine.

During his term in office, U.S. adversaries, including Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran, expanded cooperation, increasing the threat to the West. Beijing, Tehran, and Pyongyang all sent technological and military aid to Russia, while Moscow boosted energy and military supplies to those countries. Biden said their cooperation was driven by "weakness" not strength.

Biden said his administration rebooted the U.S. defense industrial base, investing almost $1.3 trillion in procurement and research and development during his four year term.

He also said he oversaw a U.S. economy that went from strength to strength while adversaries struggled, adding that the United States will continue to remain the largest economy in the world for decades to come.

"My administration is leaving the next administration with a very strong hand to play," Biden said. "America is once again leading."

He called on Trump, who is set to be inaugurated on January 20, to ensure the United States remains the leader in artificial intelligence, saying the new technology has the power to reshape economies, governments, and national security.

Biden also urged Trump to take the clean energy transition seriously, calling climate change the "greatest existential threat to humanity."

He warned that China was seeking to dominate the clean energy industry, from materials to manufacturing, saying it could leave the United States dependent on Beijing.

"The United States must win that contest," he said.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/33274462.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.

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The Government of Spain welcomes the progress in the formation of the new Government of Lebanon

Spain - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

PRESS STATEMENT 003

13 Jan 25

The Government of Spain welcomes the progress in the formation of the new Government of Lebanon and congratulates Nawaf Salam on his appointment, wishing him success in his task.

The recent election of a President of the Lebanese Republic and the appointment of a Government with full capacities are essential for Lebanon's stability and for addressing the country's political, economic and social challenges.

Spain will continue to work with the new authorities that emerge from this process to support Lebanon's reconstruction and prosperity, and to promote regional stability.

-NON OFFICIAL TRANSLATION-

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Joint Statement by Group of Five Defence Ministers - 13 January 2025

Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard, joined Defence Ministers in Helenow, Poland, from the Group of Five nations: France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and the UK.

13 January 2025

Support Ukraine as long as it takes by fostering defence industrial cooperation

We reiterate our unwavering support to Ukraine in its right of self-defence in order to counter Russia's aggression and in achieving a just and lasting peace, in line with the international law, for as long as it takes.

The Ukraine Defence Contact Group and Associated National Armaments Directors (NADs) group will continue to be an important forum for us to announce and deliver military equipment for Ukraine. Through the International Capability Coalitions working with the newly installed NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine (NSATU) in close coordination with EU Military Assistance Mission Ukraine (EUMAM), we can focus on the delivery of capabilities to Ukraine that not only meets their current needs, but also enhances interoperability.

Similarly, as far as supporting Ukraine is concerned, we pledge to a growing coordination between dedicated NATO (NSATU, Joint Analysis Training and Education Centre), EU (EUMAM) and UDCG structures (capability coalitions), in order to create a fruitful synergy in terms of delivery, training and doctrine.

We underline that a strong European defence industry and supply chains will form a crucial component of deterrence. We encourage our domestic industrial sector to cooperate, engage and collaborate with the Ukrainian defence industry in order to create synergies and to improve the standards and production, which are instrumental to enable their self-defence and contribute to peace and stability in Europe. We envisage measures such as industrial information exchanges and joint ventures aimed to enhance the Ukrainian defence industry, to foster standardisation, interoperability and to avoid duplication. This process will be inclusive and open for partners to join with their own defence industries or with financial support. We will seek deeper defence cooperation in order to draw lessons learned from Ukraine's fight for self-defence against Russia.

Strengthening our capabilities to deter and defend against Russia

We reiterate the utmost importance of the transatlantic bond. Given the deteriorated security environment, we consider it to be of paramount importance to focus on our collective efforts to keep the Alliance and Member States safe. We will achieve this through a stronger collective defence, in line with the NATO Concept for Deterrence and Defence of the Euro-Atlantic Area (DDA), while maintaining NATO's commitment to a 360 approach.

We see the upcoming 2025 NATO Summit in The Hague as an opportunity to strengthen NATO's deterrence and defence posture, including through the full implementation of decisions from the Madrid, Vilnius and Washington Summits, a new NATO strategic approach to Russia and counter-hybrid measures.

We welcome the apportionment of NATO capability targets to be endorsed at the NATO Defence Ministerial Meeting in June 2025. We are committed to enhancing our military capabilities to strengthen NATO's deterrence and defence posture in line with NATO requirements and fair burden sharing, in support of SACEUR's regional plans, recognising that it requires increased defence spending and having in mind that leveraging defence effort is a prerequisite for it.

We recognise the importance of multinational initiatives, taking into account possible synergies between capability development and European defence industrial programmes (including European Defence Industry Programme - EDIP - the Ukraine Support instruments and NATO's Defence Production Plan). We also underline the importance of activating mechanisms for European enhanced defence efforts including making use of financial incentives and instruments that will be financially bold.

Europe urgently needs strong capabilities to ensure its Security and Defence in the spirit of fair transatlantic burden sharing. To this end we aim to maximise EU-NATO cooperation to allow for a close and synergetic cooperation, including the crucial area of information exchange. It is vital to further align both the NATO Defence Planning Process and the EU's Headline Goal Process. The basis for the development of capabilities should be NATO capability targets in keeping with NATO's military specifications and standards. This will maximize our interoperability and overall warfighting capacity.

To this end, we have decided that our next meeting in Paris will focus on scoping options for streamlining procurement standards and procedures and will invite the Secretary General of NATO, the High Representative of the EU, and the EU Commissioner for Defence and Space.

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Humanitarians continue to call for Israel to facilitate aid delivery in Gaza

13 January 2025 - The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on Monday reiterated its call for Israel to enable the delivery of lifesaving assistance to people across the Gaza Strip.

Israeli authorities continue to deny UN-led efforts to reach Palestinians with vital aid, the agency said, noting that only seven out of 22 UN planned humanitarian movements on Sunday were facilitated.

Of this number, six were denied outright, five were impeded, and four were cancelled due to security and logistical challenges.

New evacuation order

Meanwhile, ongoing hostilities and evacuation orders continue to displace civilians across the Strip.

"Civilians must be protected, whether they leave or stay," OCHA said. "Those fleeing fighting must be allowed to do so safely, and they must be able to voluntarily return when the situation allows."

On Sunday, the Israeli military issued a new evacuation order for residents in the Al Mufti neighbourhood in An Nuseirat, central Gaza. Some 4,100 people are affected by the directive, according to humanitarian partners.

On the move again

The area under evacuation includes residents living in and around two displacement sites managed by the UN agency that assists Palestine refugees, UNRWA. Three medical points, two water delivery points and two temporary learning spaces are also located there.

"Partners have observed a limited number of people moving from the area under evacuation toward Nuseirat City and other parts of Deir al Balah," OCHA said.

Displaced people across Gaza continue to report critical shortages of food, water and sanitation facilities, OCHA added, citing a new survey of nearly 2,500 households. More than two thirds reported that they had been displaced at least once over the last 60 days.

Senior official's visit

In other developments:

The UN Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Muhannad Hadi, visited a factory in the south that provides furniture to temporary learning spaces in the Gaza Strip.

After some 15 months of war, less than a fifth of school-age children in Gaza have access to some form of learning.

Mr. Hadi was in Gaza City on Sunday, where he visited a church hosting more than 400 displaced Palestinians. He once again stressed the need to protect places of refuge and to end the war.





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Al Jazeera ban must be lifted, rights experts urge Palestinian Authority

13 January 2025 - Top independent human rights experts urged the Palestinian authorities on Monday to end its widely criticized ban on the broadcaster Al Jazeera and ensure that all journalists, local or international, can work freely and safely in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT).

The development comes one week after a court in Ramallah in the occupied West Bank ordered the closure of several Al Jazeera websites. A Palestinian Authority ministerial committee had earlier justified the enforced closure of the media company's office in the West Bank, accusing it of broadcasting "inciting" material, "misinformation, sedition and interference in Palestinian internal affairs".

"To shut down a prominent international media outlet and one of the biggest in the region is a disproportionate, unnecessary and severe restriction of freedom of expression and obstructs the right to information of the Palestinian people and regional and global audiences," the experts said in a statement.

"We are deeply alarmed by this attack on freedom of expression by the Palestinian Authority," they insisted.

Websites ordered to close

On 1 January 2025, the Palestinian Attorney-General ordered the suspension of Al Jazeera in the Occupied Palestinian territory. The decision prohibits Al Jazeera's broadcasts and operations including the work of its affiliate journalists, employees and crews.

The suspension followed a letter from the Palestinian Minister of Culture, based on a decision issued by the Tripartite Committee - a specialized ministerial committee that includes the ministries of culture, interior and communications - responsible for licensing ground and satellite radio and television stations.

On 5 January the Magistrate Court of Ramallah ordered the closure of several Al Jazeera websites for four months, including aljazeera.net, aljazeera.net/live, aljazeera360.com and global.ajplus.net on grounds that their published material "threaten national security and incite the commission of crimes".

"We note with serious concern that the decision by the Palestinian Authority to ban Al Jazeera came after the outlet's critical reporting on the violent crackdown by Palestinian security forces since 5 December 2024 in the Jenin Refugee Camp and across the occupied West Bank. At least eight Palestinians were killed in the violence, including a young female journalist," the experts said.

"The decision to ban Al Jazeera on the basis of vague and unsubstantiated allegations amidst escalating violence and human rights violations suggests that the real objective of the Palestinian Authority is to block international scrutiny and silence uncomfortable criticism," they maintained.

Free and independent

"Free and independent media, including the presence of international media, is of vital importance to ensure transparency and accountability for war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Occupied Palestinian Territory."

In Gaza, Israel has banned all international journalists from reporting inside the enclave since the outbreak of the war in October 2023. Dozens of Palestinian journalists have been killed by Israeli forces while covering the conflict, according to international media organisations, including UN culture agency, UNESCO.

The experts - who are not UN staff and not paid for their work, urged the Palestinian Authority not to follow the example of the Israeli authorities which banned Al Jazeera in Israel and the Occupied [Palestinian] Territory and closed its office in Ramallah last year.

"Without independent reporting, potential human rights abuses and violations of international law may go unreported, creating an environment where impunity thrives," the experts said.

The experts have raised their concerns about restrictions on freedom of expression and on journalists with the Israeli and Palestinian authorities.

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World News in Brief: Solidarity with Ukraine, Haiti earthquake victims remembered, funding for Sudan healthcare

13 January 2025 - The UN's top aid official has travelled to Ukraine where he's expressed his solidarity with the country's people, who continue to come under attack from Russian forces.

Speaking from Zaporizhzhya on the front line in eastern Ukraine, Tom Fletcher reported that air strikes continue to "kill and cause huge civilian damage".

While in the city - which is also close to Europe's largest nuclear power plant of the same name which remains in Russian hands - the Emergency Relief Coordinator visited the site where a missile hit a medical clinic last month, destroying the facility and causing civilian casualties.

Mr. Fletcher said that Ukrainian communities have rallied round to support each other, just as the international community should do.

The destruction is such above ground that schools have been rebuilt metres below the surface to protect children and teachers from the ongoing war, he said, allowing around 1,000 children to be taught each day in Zaporizhzhya.

He also visited a collective site for the displaced, in Dnipro. At a transit centre in the city of Pavlohrad he saw how evacuees are receiving assistance, said his office for emergency relief coordination, OCHA.

Humanitarian plan for 2025

Mr. Fletcher will visit Kharkiv on Thursday. Together with the head of the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, Filippo Grandi, he will launch this year's humanitarian and refugee response plans for Ukraine and the region. The pair are due to speak jointly to the press from the capital Kyiv just ahead of the launch.

Last year, UN aid teams and hundreds of partners reached more than eight million people with humanitarian assistance.

By November, this included nearly 364,000 people who received winter-related relief that included support for energy, non-food winter supplies and healthcare.

Guterres pays tribute to victims of Haiti earthquake

The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday paid tribute to the victims of the devasting earthquake of 12 January, 2010, which claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people.

"The Secretary-General remembers the victims of the earthquake and continues to honour their legacy through the United Nations' work in the country," said UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, briefing reporters in New York.

The UN chief paid tribute to the 102 UN staffers who died, including the head of the Mission at the time, Mr. Hedi Annabi, "and we mourn with their families, their passing," Mr. Dujarric continued.

Three million impacted

An estimated three million people were impacted by the earthquake, which led to severe humanitarian, protection, health, displacement, and infrastructural challenges for Haiti, some of which are still present today, the UN Spokesperson said.

The UN held a ceremony in Port-au-Prince on Sunday to honour the victims of the earthquake and the staffers who were killed.

In a statement, the head of the UN political office in Haiti, Maria Isabel Salvador, expressed her solidarity with all those whose lives continue to be impacted by the tragedy.

"She also saluted the determination and resilience of the Haitian people, who responded with courage in the aftermath of the earthquake,", said Mr. Dujarric, and reaffirmed the UN's commitment to continue working alongside the Haitian authorities and people.

$82 million committed to Sudan's crippled health system

The World Bank, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) have signed an $82 million agreement known as the Sudan Health Assistance and Response in Emergencies (SHARE), to improve access to critical services for more than eight million people across Sudan.

As of now, more than 70 per cent of hospitals and health facilities in conflict-affected areas are non-operational. According to WHO, most of them lack necessary supplies or have been damaged or destroyed during the conflict.

"In Sudan, the systems providing vulnerable children and families with essential social services are on the brink of collapse," said UNICEF Representative for Sudan Sheldon Yett.

Frontline workers, including nurses, doctors and other essential staff, have not been paid in months.

Health services decimated

The delivery of vaccine supplies and routine immunisation activities have also been hindered by security concerns and lack of access.

However, with limited access to safe water and adequate sanitation, especially in overcrowded displacement camps, recent disease outbreaks risk exacerbation.

An estimated 3.4 million children under the age of five are currently at high risk of disease including measles, malaria, pneumonia, diarrhoeal diseases and cholera.

With SHARE, UN agencies are now planning to provide essential medicines, train health workers, treat severe malnutrition and strengthen vaccination campaigns, while partners work towards enhancing disease surveillance systems.

"By investing in preparedness and resilience, we are paving the way for a stronger, more sustainable health system," said WHO Representative in Sudan Dr. Shible Sahbani, emphasising the significance of the project.

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US Navy EOD Participates in Black Sea Exercise Poseidon Alongside New MCM Task Group

US Navy

13 January 2025

From Courtesy Story

BURGAS, Bulgaria - Under Commander Task Force (CTF) 68, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 8 along with EOD technicians from the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group participated in the mine countermeasures (MCM) exercise Poseidon, Oct. 31-Nov. 10, 2024 in Burgas, Bulgaria. U.S. Navy EOD liaison officers were also invited to be observers and advisors aboard Bulgarian, Romanian, and Turkish ships conducting various exercise-related activities within Bulgarian territorial waters. The ships form part of the new Black Sea MCM Task Group.

"We share our NATO Allies' commitment to a safe and prosperous Black Sea," said Capt. Jeremy Wheat, commodore, Task Force 68 Navy Expeditionary Forces Command Europe-Africa, who oversees EODMU 8. "Poseidon is a demonstration of that collective commitment."

Poseidon is an annual MCM exercise led by Bulgaria, Romania, and Turkiye. Activities included MCM training operations, floating mine response (FMR) training serials with live demolition charges, and diving operations with live explosive charges to rehearse bottom mine search, locate, and over-pressure procedures. Poseidon is an inherently defensive exercise that aims to reduce maritime threats for all mariners, while advancing NATO Ally interoperability and capability.

"We achieved various MCM training objectives with our highly capable Bulgarian, Romanian, and Turkish Allies," said Cmdr. John P. Kennedy, commanding officer, EODMU 8. "I am personally grateful to Bulgaria for hosting this iteration and to all three nations for inviting us aboard their MCM ships."

Within the scope of Poseidon, the NATO hosts activated their Black Sea MCM Task Group for the third time since its summer inception. Bulgaria, Romania, and Turkiye formalized the trilateral task group earlier this year, and Turkiye assumed command first.

The Black Sea NATO Allies invited the U.S. and other non-Black Sea NATO Allies to be observers and to share their expertise and best practices.

"Turkiye graciously invited me aboard TCG Yzb. Gungor Durmus to observe MCM operations during Poseidon," said Lt. Chad Keller, EODMU 8 liaison officer. "As the flagship of the Black Sea MCM Task Group, the ship participated in various exercise serials within Bulgarian territorial waters. It was fascinating to witness our allies regional expertise, tactics, techniques, and procedures in the MCM domain."

Keller also had the opportunity to engage with the crew and task group members, including current Task Group Commodore Capt. Yusuf Karagulle. The Turkish naval officer also commanded Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group Two in 2021.

"While embarked, Capt. Karagulle and task group liaison officers from Bulgaria and Romania shared their perspectives on present- and post-war, de-mining efforts, given their unique vantage point as Black Sea nations," said Keller. "We also discussed their thoughts on NATO involvement during future activations of the task group."

With the Poseidon activation, the task group concluded the three active periods it scheduled for 2024. Bulgaria is scheduled to assume command of the task group after the holidays on Jan. 2, 2025, according to Defense News.

CTF 68 closely tracks floating mines through open-source channels. Since March 2022, more than 120 have been found in the Black Sea, with approximately 78% near Ukraine, 8% near Romania, 7% near Turkiye, and 5% near Bulgaria.

"We are proud to participate in Poseidon and our NATO Black Sea Allies' MCM Task Group, because both of these initiatives really get after the dangerous but noble and life-saving mission of de-mining the Black Sea," said Wheat. "Advancing MCM interoperability in this region is crucial at time of unprecedented risk from floating mines as a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine."

CTF 68, headquartered in Rota, Spain, is a part of the U.S. Sixth Fleet (C6F) and commands all Naval Expeditionary Combat Forces in U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command areas of responsibility. Navy Expeditionary Combat Forces bridge the gap from sea to shore and provide expeditionary capabilities in remote, complex and austere environments.

C6F, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners to advance U.S. national interests, security and stability in Europe and Africa.

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SECNAV Del Toro Names Future Aircraft Carriers CVN 82 and CVN 83

US Navy - Press Release

13 January 2025

WASHINGTON - Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro announced the names of two future Gerald R. Ford-class of aircraft carriers as the future USS William J. Clinton (CVN 82) and the future USS George W. Bush (CVN 83).

The future USS William J. Clinton honors President William J. Clinton, 42nd President of the United States of America, serving two terms from 1993 to 2001. The future USS George W. Bush honors President George W. Bush, 43rd President of the United States of America, serving two terms from 2001 to 2009. This will be the first Navy vessel named for either president.

The names follow the Navy tradition of often naming aircraft carriers after U.S. presidents.

"President Clinton and President Bush led the United States through some of the most challenging moments in U.S. history," said Secretary Del Toro. "Their legacies will endure through these aircraft carriers, which serve as formidable platforms dedicated to safeguarding our national security and strengthening our resolve to protect this Nation against any who would threaten our freedoms and way of life."

As Commander-in-Chief, Clinton was responsible for multiple military operations that achieved success with no combat casualties including Operation Uphold Democracy in 1994, Operation Deliberate Force in 1995, and Operation Allied Force in 1999. In response to a reported Iraqi attempt to assassinate former President H.W. Bush, President Clinton directed a U.S. Navy cruise missile strike against Iraqi intelligence headquarters in 1993, and another cruise missile strike in 1996, Operation Desert Strike, to deter Iraqi aggression. These strikes were followed in 1998 by Operation Desert Fox, an air campaign to degrade Iraqi capability to produce weapons of mass destruction. In 1996, he directed the largest deployment of U.S. naval forces since the Vietnam War in response to the Third Taiwan Straits Crisis to deter Chinese aggression.

Among his numerous diplomatic achievements, President Clinton had a pivotal role in the Oslo Accords, which established a framework for peace between Israel and Palestinians and was also instrumental in the Good Friday Agreement of 1998, which ended conflict in Northern Ireland. He declared Iran a "state sponsor of terrorism" and imposed substantial sanctions on Iran. An integral part of the "Agreed Framework" of 1994, his efforts temporarily halted North Korean attempts to develop nuclear weapons. He established full diplomatic relations with Vietnam and oversaw the first expansion of NATO since 1982, with the addition of Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic, as well as creating the Partnership-for-Peace program with nations of the former Soviet Union.

"It's never far from my mind that the precious freedoms Americans enjoy are safeguarded by our armed forces, anchored by a strong, modern, and agile Navy. I'm honored that future servicemembers carrying on that proud tradition will serve on a carrier bearing my name," said President Bill Clinton.

During a private ceremony at the White House on Jan. 3, 2025, along with the ship's name, Secretary Del Toro announced the sponsor for the future USS William J. Clinton (CVN 82) will be Ms. Chelsea Clinton, daughter of President Clinton. She will represent a lifelong relationship with the ship and crew.

As Commander-in-Chief, President Bush rallied the nation in the immediate aftermath of the terrorist attacks on 11 September 2001. He forged an international coalition of 25 NATO members and 17 partner nations to execute Operation Enduring Freedom, dismantling terrorist networks in Afghanistan. He spearheaded the largest U.S. government reorganization since 1947, creating the Department of Homeland Security by combining 22 federal agencies and establishing the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to integrate operations across 18 intelligence agencies. He also signed the USA Patriot Act, updated the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, and directed deployment of aggressive financial measures to freeze terrorists' assets.

In 2003, he directed Operation Iraqi Freedom, which ended the dictatorship of Saddam Hussein and enabled Iraq's first direct elections in over three decades. On the global stage, President Bush supported a further expansion of NATO into Eastern Europe and the Baltic States, while working with Russia to reduce nuclear weapons stockpiles. Recognizing the evolving nature of global threats, he directed the establishment of the U.S. Africa Command and advanced the planning for U.S. Cyber Command. He also launched the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a historic humanitarian initiative that saved millions of lives. Throughout his tenure, President Bush increased defense spending by more than a third to modernize the military and accelerate technological advancements, ensuring the United States Armed Forces remained the most capable in the world.

"I am honored that my name will be associated with the United States Navy and a symbol of our Nation's might," said former President Bush. "I have a special admiration for the men and women of our Navy - including my dad - and ask God to watch over this ship and those who sail aboard her."

Aircraft carriers are the centerpiece of America's Naval forces - the most adaptable and survivable airfields in the world. On any given day, Sailors aboard an aircraft carrier and its air wing come to the fight trained and equipped to fulfill a wide range of missions. They are ready to control the sea, conduct strikes, and maneuver across the electromagnetic spectrum and cyberspace. No other naval force fields a commensurate range and depth of combat capabilities.

-30-

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SECNAV Del Toro Names Future Virginia-class Submarines SSN 814, SSN 815, and SSN 816

US Navy - Press Release

13 January 2025

WASHINGTON - Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro announced the names of three Virginia-class submarines to be the future USS Potomac (SSN 814), the future USS Norfolk (SSN 815), and the future USS Brooklyn (SSN 816)

Secretary Del Toro detailed the announcement Jan. 13 during video remarks directed to the Department of Navy's (DoN) submarine community.

"Today's submarine force is the most capable force in the world and in the history of U.S. Navy," said Secretary Del Toro. "It is my honor and privilege to announce the names of the future submarines which will protect us from deep below the ocean's waves."

Secretary Del Toro previously named USS Long Island (SSN 809), USS San Francisco (SSN 810), USS Miami (SSN 811), USS Baltimore (SSN 812), and USS Atlanta (SSN 813).

The naming of the future USS Potomac (SSN 814) honors a river on the Eastern seaboard of the United States and six prior ships so named. Rising in West Virginia and emptying into Chesapeake Bay, the Potomac's banks are home to Washington, District of Columbia, and running through three states.

The first Potomac was a frigate laid down in the Washington Navy Yard in 1819. She served in the Pacific, the Mexican-American War, and the Civil War. The second Potomac was part of the "Stone Fleet" to block the entrances to Confederate harbors. The third Potomac (AT-50) was acquired for service in the Spanish-American War, later serving as a fleet and submarine tender, as well as supporting Marine Corps operations in the West Indies. The fourth Potomac (AG-125) was launched as the Coast Guard ship Electra, but taken into Navy service in 1935 to serve as President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's yacht. She is preserved as a museum ship in Oakland, California. The fifth Potomac (T-AO-150) was wrecked by a fatal fire at a refueling pier in 1961, after which the forward part of the ship was declared a total loss. Rebuilt, she served in the Military Sea Transportation Service as Shenandoah. She became the sixth Potomac (T-AO-181) in 1976 when accepted back into Navy service as part of Military Sealift Command. In 1990 she joined the Maritime Administration's Maritime Prepositioning Force. She took part in the Persian Gulf War, provided humanitarian relief during the Rwandan Genocide, supported military operations in Bosnia, and assisted Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

The future USS Norfolk (SSN 815) honors the city of Norfolk, VA (2023 pop. 230,930) and three previous U.S. Navy vessels: a brigantine (1798-1800); destroyer leader DL-1 (1953-1970); and Los Angeles-Class nuclear attack submarine SSN-714 (1983-2015). The first Norfolk undertook convoy duty during the Quasi-War with France to protect American commerce. The second Norfolk served as an antisubmarine hunter-killer ship in the Atlantic. The third and most recent Norfolk spent her time in the silent service conducting operations in the Atlantic during both the Cold War and the Global War on Terror.

Founded in 1682, the city grew into a major center of trade and shipbuilding, with Gosport Shipyard (present-day Norfolk Naval Shipyard) in particular playing a critical role in both the city and the Navy's development. The shipyard completed construction of Chesapeake, one of the original six frigates, in 1799. The Federal Government subsequently purchased the shipyard in 1801. From this point on, the Navy's presence would only continue to grow, leading to the eventual establishment of Naval Operating Base Hampton Roads (present-day Naval Station Norfolk) in 1917. As of 2024, Norfolk and the surrounding area hosts over 82,000 active-duty military personnel and multiple installations including Naval Station Norfolk, which is now the world's largest naval station, and Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads, which serves as headquarters for U.S. Fleet Forces and NATO Allied Command Transformation.

The future USS Brooklyn (SSN 816) is named to honor the New York City borough of Brooklyn (2020 pop. 2,736,074) and three previous Navy vessels: a screw sloop of war (1859-1889), armored cruiser CA-3 (1896-1921), and light cruiser CL-40 (1937-1947). The first Brooklyn participated in the U.S. Navy blockade of the Confederacy and fought at both the Battle of Mobile Bay and Fort Fisher. CA-3 also proved her mettle in battle, playing an important role at the Battle of Santiago de Cuba in 1898 during the Spanish-American War. Finally, CL-40 participated in antisubmarine warfare operations in the Caribbean during WWII, as well as the Allied invasions of North Africa, Sicily, Anzio, and southern France, earning four battle stars in the process.

Founded by Dutch settlers in the 17th century on the western edge of Long Island on lands inhabited by the Lenape tribe, Brooklyn was incorporated as a city in 1834 and subsequently consolidated into New York City in 1898 as one of its five boroughs. Critical to Brookyln's growth and development was the Brooklyn Navy Yard, which was established in 1801. During its 165-year history, the navy yard constructed some of the Navy's most famous vessels, including second-class battleship Maine, battleship Arizona (Battleship No. 39), and battleship Missouri (BB-63). Although it closed in 1966, the Navy Yard continues to serve as an industrial park, playing a vital role in Brookyln's ongoing economic development.

Along with the ship names, Del Toro has also selected the sponsors for the three newly named submarines. The sponsor plays an important role in the life of each ship and is typically selected because of a relationship to the namesake or to the ship's current mission. In their role as the ship's sponsor, they will represent a lifelong relationship with the ship and crew. The following individuals were identified as sponsors:

Lisa Collis, spouse of Sen. Warner, will sponsor the future USS Potomac (SSN 814).

Ann Holton, spouse of Sen. Kaine, will sponsor the future USS Norfolk (SSN 815).

Dorothy McAuliffe, spouse of former Virginia Gov. McAuliffe, will sponsor the future USS Brooklyn (SSN 816).

Attack submarines are designed to seek and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships; project power ashore with Tomahawk cruise missiles and Special Operation Forces (SOF); carry out Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions; support battle group operations; and engage in mine warfare.

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SECNAV Del Toro Names Future Columbia-class Submarine SSBN-828

US Navy - Press Release

13 January 2025

WASHINGTON - Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro announced Jan. 13 that the newest Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine will be named the future USS Groton (SSBN 828).

The announcement was made during Del Toro's video remarks directed to the Department of Navy's (DoN) submarine community.

"Our ballistic-missile submarines form a critical pillar of the Nation's nuclear triad, playing an indispensable role in deterring conflict while upholding strategic stability," said Secretary Del Toro. "Building on this strategic foundation, it is with great pride that I now turn to the next chapter in our Navy's capabilities."

Groton honors the port town in Connecticut and three previous vessels so named: a frigate (1944-1946), a patrol craft (1945-1960), and a nuclear fast attack submarine (1978-1997). USS Groton (SSBN 828) will be the third named Columbia-class submarine.

Both Senators for Connecticut expressed their appreciation for the naming and the constituents of the city of Groton.

"Naming the USS Groton recognizes this iconic Connecticut town as the submarine capital of the world  honoring the unsurpassed skill and dedication of men and women who work there. Groton has a rich shipbuilding legacy, and proven commitment to our national defense  manufacturing and maintaining vital weapons platforms, sustaining our undersea superiority," said Sen. Blumenthal. "It is a proud community of hard workers, veterans, patriots, and public servants, and this honor celebrates them."

"It's only fitting the U.S. Navy is naming our next Columbia-class submarine after Groton, Connecticut  the submarine capital of the world," said Sen. Murphy. "This is a well-deserved recognition of Groton's rich history as a global leader in submarine technology and innovation, and a home to the thousands of Electric Boat workers and small businesses who power our nation's naval defense. I will continue to use my seat on the Senate Appropriations Committee to make sure the next administration advances our submarine programs quickly and cost-effectively,

supports our maritime industrial workforce, and ensures the full and timely delivery of the cutting-edge submarines we need to uphold our national security."

Rep. Courtney highlighted the legacy of Groton and the impact of Del Toro's decision to name SSBN 828.

"Today's decision by the US Navy to honor Groton, Connecticut as the name of its next submarine is welcome news. Groton is the birthplace of the modern nuclear-powered Navy under Admiral Hyman G. Rickover and home to our nation's oldest submarine base as well as the Electric Boat shipyard whose talented shipbuilders have played a leading role since World War II where they constructed 74 submarines to fight the Axis powers. The naming of the third Columbia-class submarine as the future USS Groton is a well-deserved badge of honor that rightly acknowledges our community's historic role in the United States submarine force," said Courtney.

Located on lands originally settled by the Pequot, Groton was founded in 1705 when it split from New London. The English settlers turned to shipbuilding, and Groton ever since has excelled in the industry. A Navy Yard was established in 1868. It became a submarine base during World War I and the home to Electric Boat, which launched 74 diesel submarines during World War II. Today, Groton is celebrated as the Submarine Capital of the World and hosts the Electric Boat Division of General Dynamics, the Naval History and Heritage Command's Submarine Force Library and Museum, and the first nuclear submarine, USS Nautilus.

The first Groton (PF-29) served on a North Atlantic weather station operating from Newfoundland and guiding wartime maritime traffic safely to Europe. She was subsequently transferred to the Coast Guard in 1946. The second Groton (PCE-900) operated in Hawaiian waters during World War II before serving as a Naval Reserve training ship out of Boston. Transferred to the Atlantic Fleet in 1955, she was renamed Groton and served until struck from the Navy List in 1960. The third Groton (SSN-694) completed an around-the-world cruise in 1980 on her first deployment to the Indian Ocean. She was decommissioned in 1997.

Along with announcing the ship's name, Secretary Del Toro announced the sponsor for the future USS Groton (SSBN 828) as Mrs. Cynthia M. Blumenthal, who in her role as the ship's sponsor will represent a lifelong relationship with the ship and crew.

Mrs. Blumenthal is not only the wife of Sen. Blumenthal, but she is also a military mother, who advocates for service members and their families. She has served as a senior advisor for fourteen successful campaigns for Sen. Blumenthal, while also serving on multiple boards for charitable organizations assisting wide-ranging communities, dedicating her life's work to supporting others.

"I am tremendously honored to sponsor the future USS Groton (SSBN 828) and look forward to a lifelong relationship with the ship and its crew. Connecticut's contributions to our nation's maritime strength and national security are a source of great pride to all Nutmeggers," said Cynthia M. Blumenthal. "On behalf of Connecticut's citizens, I thank the Secretary of the Navy for this recognition. As a military parent, I know firsthand the commitment military families make in support of their members who serve. Those families also serve. It is a privilege to be allowed to dedicate myself to both the USS Groton and the submariners who be deployed on her as she protects our shores and our people."

Sen. Blumenthal expressed his gratitude to Secretary Del Toro upon Mrs. Blumenthal's invitation to sponsor the future USS Groton.

"I am proud that my wife, Cynthia, will be the sponsor of the USS Groton and serve as a bond between the vessel, her crew, and our nation - an honor and privilege Cynthia is perfectly qualified to take on," said Blumenthal.

The Columbia-class submarine, formerly known as the SSBN-X Future Follow-on Submarine, is a new class of nuclear submarines designed to replace the U.S. Navy's Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines.

The Navy's ballistic missile submarines, often referred to as "boomers," serve as an undetectable launch platform for submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs). They are designed specifically for stealth and the precise delivery of nuclear warheads.

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U.S Navy to Christen Future USS Harrisburg

US Navy - Press Release

13 January 2025

The U.S. Navy will christen the future USS Harrisburg (LPD 30) during a ceremony on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 10:00 AM CST at HII's Ingalls Shipbuilding division in Pascagoula, Mississippi.

The Honorable Carlos Del Toro, Secretary of the Navy, will deliver the ceremonial address.

In a time-honored Navy tradition, the ship's sponsors, Pennsylvania residents Alexandra Curry and Jennifer Diaz, will christen the ship by breaking a bottle of sparkling wine across the bow. Ms. Curry is the wife of the Honorable Jim Curry, Mayor of Middletown, PA, and Ms. Diaz is the wife of Mr. Chris Diaz, Chief of Staff to the Secretary of the Navy.

The city of Harrisburg is vital to the Navy as it hosts defense logistics and naval supply support activities and plays a central role in the Navy's national defense infrastructure. The city was originally a trading outpost and later became a top industrialized city in the 19th century with the construction of the Pennsylvania Canal and the Pennsylvania Railroad.

This is the second ship to honor the city of Harrisburg.

San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ships (LPD) are warships that embark, transport, and land elements of a landing force for a variety of expeditionary warfare missions, humanitarian assistance, and disaster relief. They provide the Navy and Marine Corps with modern, sea-based platforms that are networked, survivable, and built to operate with 21st-century transformational platforms such as air-cushioned landing craft (LCAC), modern helicopters, and vertical take-off landing craft (MV-22). Harrisburg (LPD 30) is the first LPD Flight II ship, with additional follow-on ships (LPD 31-35) under contract with HII.

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Officials report breakthrough in Israel-Hamas ceasefire talks

By VOA News January 13, 2025

Mediators working to secure a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas gave the two sides a final draft of a deal Monday after a breakthrough in talks, officials familiar with the negotiations said.

U.S. President Joe Biden said Monday that the deal was on "the brink" of "finally coming to fruition."

In a speech at the State Department to highlight his foreign policy achievements, Biden said the deal would "free the hostages, halt the fighting, provide security to Israel and allow us to significantly surge humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians who suffered terribly in this war that Hamas started."

People familiar with the talks described a breakthrough in the talks overnight Sunday into Monday. They say a draft agreement is in the hands of Israel and Hamas for consideration by their leaders.

Months of negotiations led by the United States, Egypt and Qatar have failed to bring a halt to the fighting, but in recent weeks, the effort has gained momentum at a time when the U.S. is preparing to go through a change in its leadership.

A general framework for a deal is believed to include a ceasefire, the release of hostages still being held by Hamas, the release of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel and a surge in humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip.

Another round of talks is planned for Tuesday morning in Doha to finalize the remaining details of the agreement, officials close to the discussions say.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken told MSNBC on Monday that the sides were "closer than we've ever been" to a deal, and said the ball was in Hamas' court.

Biden's national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, told CNN's "State of the Union" show on Sunday that the parties were "very, very close" to reaching a deal to halt more than 15 months of fighting in Gaza and free the remaining 98 hostages held there, with two-thirds of them believed to be alive.

"We are still determined to use every day we have in office to get this done," Sullivan said. "We are not, by any stretch of imagination, setting this aside."

On Monday, Sullivan said Biden officials were keeping President-elect Donald Trump's Mideast advisers abreast of the negotiations. Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, has been involved in the latest round of talks.

Sullivan said Biden would soon speak with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi about the talks, after speaking with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday.

The White House released a statement Sunday saying Biden and Netanyahu discussed a ceasefire and hostage release deal based on a framework endorsed unanimously by the U.N. Security Council last year.

Biden discussed the "changed regional circumstances following the ceasefire deal in Lebanon, the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, and the weakening of Iran's power in the region," the statement said. It stressed the "immediate need for a ceasefire in Gaza and return of the hostages with a surge in humanitarian aid enabled by a stoppage in the fighting under the deal."

The statement said Netanyahu thanked Biden "for his lifelong support of Israel and for the extraordinary support from the United States for Israel's security and national defense."

Sullivan said in the CNN interview there was still a chance to reach an agreement before Biden leaves office next Monday, but not a certainty, saying that "Hamas, in particular, remains intransigent."

Israel launched its assault on Hamas in Gaza after Hamas fighters stormed across its borders on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

Since then, more than 46,500 people have been killed in Gaza, with most of them women and children, according to Palestinian health officials, although Israel says the death toll includes thousands of Hamas combatants it has killed.

Much of Gaza, a narrow strip of land along the Mediterranean Sea, has been laid to waste during the fighting and gripped by a humanitarian crisis, with most of its 2.3 million population displaced, often multiple times.

Netanyahu's office said Saturday that the Israeli delegation to the Doha talks includes the director of the Mossad intelligence agency, David Barnea; the head of the Shin Bet domestic security service, Ronen Bar; and the military's head of hostage concerns, Nitzan Alon.

Witkoff met Saturday with Netanyahu after having met with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on Friday.

It is not clear how Israel and Hamas will bridge one of the biggest gaps that has persisted throughout previous rounds of talks: Hamas demands an end to the war, while Israel says it will not end the war as long as Hamas rules Gaza and poses a threat to Israelis.

White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara contributed to this report. Some material came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters

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In Nigeria, spate of airstrikes killing civilians sparks concern

By Timothy Obiezu January 13, 2025

Human rights groups in Nigeria are condemning a pattern of civilian deaths from airstrikes in the northeast, and are calling for an impartial investigation of the military's operations. This follows reports from local residents that a weekend airstrike targeting armed gangs in Zamfara state killed at least 15 civilians.

Nigeria's air force has confirmed it is investigating multiple reports of civilian casualties from the Saturday raid.

An air force spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, stated Sunday that there is no confirmed evidence of civilian casualties and clarified that the airstrike targeted criminal gangs, resulting in the rescue of several people.

Local residents in Tungar Kara village, however, told the news media that at least 15 people were killed, including members of a local militia.

The incident follows a Christmas Day airstrike in nearby Sokoto state that killed 10 civilians.

Isa Sanusi of Amnesty International condemned the reports of frequent civilian casualties.

"It is actually unfortunate that the military is repeatedly doing the same thing  striking without proper verification of their target," Sanusi said. "It has now reached a level that we can no longer call it a mistake. The reason why the military is doing this is because the government could not hold them to account."

Amnesty International says it has received testimonies and evidence indicating that the recent airstrike in Tungar Kara killed innocent civilians.

Nigerian authorities have struggled to curtail the operations of armed gangs and terror groups, often resorting to aerial strikes to fight them. Civilian deaths, however, have become more frequent.

On Monday, Nigeria's chief of defense staff, General Christopher Musa, told local media that the military does not intentionally target civilians, and that an investigation into the accident is underway.

Sanusi, however, insisted on greater accountability.

"The military should be asked to hand over every detail they have. A panel should be constituted, including experts in military air operations, so that the exact reason why this is happening should be confirmed and avoided in the future," Sanusi said, adding, "The families of the victims have also approached us."

Security analyst Chidi Omeje said the military must exercise caution in its aerial operations.

"I'm not sure that when you have this type of intensive military operation, you always get it right. That's why I'm actually not very comfortable with the use of aerial combat in this manner, because I'm not sure we have reached the point where we can be very precise in our attacks," Omeje said.

Since 2017, air raids by the military have resulted in the deaths of more than 400 Nigerian civilians, according to SBM Intelligence, a Lagos-based research firm.

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Sahel vacuum provides opportunities for China, analysts say

By Kate Bartlett January 13, 2025

Stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea, Africa's Sahel region is experiencing security problems and surging anti-Western sentiment that could prove an opportunity for China, analysts say.

China's top diplomat was in the volatile Sahel last week as a part of his weeklong trip to the continent, where he pledged military aid on a visit that happened to coincide with an attack on the presidential compound in Chad.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit also came amid a spat between France and its former African colonies.

In Nigeria, on the last leg of what has become a regular January trip to Africa, Wang said China would help train 6,000 troops and 1,000 police officers across the continent. Additionally, he pledged $136 million in military aid to the region.

His pledge was a reiteration of Beijing's promises at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in September. But the choices of countries on his itinerary, including Chad and Nigeria, were telling, experts said.

"Wang's focus on military aid and training, and the choice of countries to be visited, is in line with China's new focus on defense diplomacy as opposed to the purely economic and diplomatic engagements that used to characterize Chinese engagement with the continent a decade ago," Darren Olivier, director of the conflict research consultancy African Defense Review, told VOA.

Both Chad and Nigeria are battling insurgencies, and just a few hours after Wang met with Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Deby - who seized power in a 2021 coup - Deby's compound was attacked by armed men. The attack failed, but the incident "emphasizes the insecurity" in the region on which China could be looking to capitalize, said Alex Vines, Africa program director at Chatham House.

"There is a mercantilist, commercial element to Wang's trip, which is to look at where to expand on market share, and Nigeria and Chad are very much in the market for defense sales and diversifying their security partnerships," Vines told VOA.

In fact, China has already surpassed Russia as the top arms supplier to sub-Saharan Africa.

Oluwole Ojewale, a Nigerian researcher with the Institute for Security Studies, said Nigeria has had trouble in the past buying weapons from the U.S. due to alleged rights violations, which has prompted it to look elsewhere.

"For the case of Chad and most countries who are decoupling from the France security partnership ... it is almost expected that they also need to look for other international partners that can provide some form of help in terms of armaments, in terms of training," Ojewale said of the Chinese announcement.

Macron raises ire

Chad in December became the latest Sahel country to kick out French troops that had been operating military bases in the country for years, following the lead of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. Senegal and Ivory Coast have also now asked French forces to withdraw.

The trend comes amid rising anti-French sentiment in a region that has been dubbed Africa's "coup belt" for the number of military takeovers in recent years. French President Emmanuel Macron heightened such sentiment last week when he said France's former colonies "forgot to say thank you" for Paris' security efforts in West Africa, adding that "none of them would be in a sovereign country today if the French army had not been deployed in this region."

The U.S. has also been made to pull out of the Sahel, with Niger demanding Washington withdraw about 1,000 troops last year and close its largest drone base in Africa.

The U.S. has been struggling to maintain influence in the region, where it had been supporting counter-terror efforts for years. The Pentagon is currently looking at maintaining a smaller force presence in the region.

Some West African countries, such as Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, have turned for help to Russia, which publicly emphasizes its lack of colonial history. China takes a similar tack, positioning itself as a fellow "Global South" developing country that doesn't preach to Africa on human rights or other issues.

Of Macron's "clumsiness," Vines said, "China will kind of capitalize on it ... and the Chinese will privately point out, look, you know, this is what's different from us."

Paul Nantulya, a China analyst at the Africa Center for Strategic Studies in Washington, noted that China has recently become bolder in taking advantage of the French vacuum by delivering batches of high-end security equipment to Sahel countries over the last 15 months.

"And at the FOCAC summit, the representatives of these military regimes were received very, very well in Beijing," he said, adding that they also visited weapons manufacturers during their time in China.

Filling a vacuum

At FOCAC, China also emphasized its Global Security Initiative (GSI), which was proposed by President Xi Jinping in 2022 as an alternative to the existing world order in terms of solving conflicts and ensuring peace. China's vision of a foreign security policy includes seeking "the biggest common denominator and the widest converging interests, rather than create closed small circles or reshape the existing international security order."

While the initiative may signal China's desire to play a bigger role in international politics, Cobus van Staden, a China researcher with the South African Institute for International Affairs, said Beijing is anti-interventionist and while it might provide training, it's not going to commit to being a security provider itself.

"Overall, what struck me about the comments was that while they were talking about this kind of military cooperation, Wang was always framing that under the Global Security Initiative which focuses on self-sufficiency rather than external security provisions," he told VOA.

Deborah Brautigam, director of the Chinese Africa research Initiative at Johns Hopkins University, echoed this.

"Military aid and training are low-key, low-cost forms of support that also help open markets to Chinese arms exports. They're opportunistic and unlikely to be a pathway into the stationing of troops or deeper military engagement," she told VOA.

Christian Geraud Neema, Africa editor at the China-Global South Project, said he thinks China will stay away from getting directly involved in African crises to "avoid any blowback in case of failures."

"When speaking with decision-makers on the continent, many have a hard time telling you what China's GSI is about and how concretely it can fit to their context," he added. "So many of them consider China an easier option for military equipment than anything else."

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Lebanese judge to be country's new prime minister

By Margaret Besheer January 13, 2025

A majority of Lebanese lawmakers on Monday put their support behind Nawaf Salam, head of the International Court of Justice, designating him as the country's next prime minister.

The move comes as a further blow to Hezbollah, which had in previous years successfully blocked Salam from becoming head of government when his name was floated.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the development.

"I think it's another sign of the positive political trajectory we've seen in Lebanon over the last few days, with finally the election of a president, and now the new government," his spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, told reporters.

On Thursday, U.S. and Saudi-backed army commander General Joseph Aoun was elected president, ending a 26-month vacuum in the post.

A country of many different religious sects, Lebanon's constitution says the president must be a Maronite Christian, the prime minister a Sunni Muslim, and the speaker of the parliament a Shiite Muslim.

Iranian-backed Hezbollah has held sway over the country's political landscape for years. It has been severely weakened since September, when Israel began targeting and killing its senior leadership  including figurehead Hassan Nasrallah  and waging a monthslong bombing and ground campaign to degrade its ability to fire rockets at northern Israel.

A 60-day ceasefire that paused fighting between Israel and Hezbollah will expire on Jan. 26. The United States, France and other countries had pressed the Lebanese to end the political stalemate and form a new government as the region is rocked with instability.

The U.N. Security Council met Monday in a closed-door session for more than two hours to discuss developments, including the ceasefire.

"We are in the final, and therefore, most critical, stage," U.N. Special Coordinator Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert told the council, according to a statement from her office. She urged all parties to make sure that the "clock does not run out" without a "common and clear understanding of where things stand, or how to manage expectations" of the cessation of hostilities.

The U.N. secretary-general will visit Lebanon later this week, in what his spokesperson called a "solidarity" visit.

"In Beirut he will be meeting with the Lebanese political leadership and others," said spokesperson Dujarric. "The secretary-general is also expected to travel to southern Lebanon to see the U.N. peacekeeping force [UNIFIL] and express his support and his thanks for the work they've been doing in very challenging circumstances."

New prime minister

Salam, 71, is an academic, former diplomat and jurist.

He has been the president of the International Court of Justice in The Hague for nearly one year and a judge on the court since 2018. He is reported to be returning to Lebanon on Tuesday.

He had a long career as a diplomat  serving for a decade as Lebanon's ambassador to the United Nations from 2007 to 2017, including a two-year term on the Security Council.

Holding degrees in politics, history and law from top universities in Lebanon, France and the United States, Salam is considered a technocrat rather than a politician.

Salam and his new government will have no shortage of challenges to sort out. Major Shiite areas around the capital and a large swath of southern Lebanon will have to be rebuilt after Israel's intense bombing campaign leveled scores of apartment blocks and villages, leaving tens of thousands homeless. But Salam will have to find international financing, as Hezbollah is unlikely to be able to fund reconstruction as it did after its 2006 war with Israel, in light of its weakened position.

The country has also been mired in a crippling economic crisis since 2019, with the Lebanese lira losing 90% of its value against the U.S. dollar, wiping out the savings of millions of Lebanese.

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Rights activist links brief kidnapping in Kenya to Tanzanian government

By Mohammed Yusuf January 13, 2025

A Tanzanian human rights activist who was briefly abducted on Sunday says she was targeted because of her comments accusing the government of abusing and oppressing its people.

Maria Sarungi Tsehai was kidnapped in Nairobi by unidentified gunmen, alarming fellow activists. She said she was fortunate to be free after armed men abducted her in Kenya's capital Sunday afternoon.

Tsehai said she was out walking when three men grabbed her, bundled her into a vehicle and physically assaulted her as they tried to establish her identity and gain access to her mobile phone.

"I am sure part of the abduction was to get access to my devices and to get access to the activities I do online, which sometimes include whistleblowing and also doing a lot about abductions in Tanzania. That's the first thing I felt they really wanted," she said.

The Tanzanian national, who has been living in Kenya for the past four years, has criticized her country's government and the ruling party for alleged human rights violations and for closing civic space for critics, journalists, opposition groups, and politicians.

The armed men eventually abandoned her on a street in the dark and told her not to look back. Tsehai said she was able to secure some of her belongings and money and take a cab ride home, where she contacted family members and supporters who had posted on social media about her disappearance, and had trooped to police stations trying to find her.

There was no immediate comment from Tanzanian officials on the alleged abduction.

Kenya has seen an increase in the abduction of foreigners in recent months. Several Turkish asylum seekers were abducted in October, and four of them were sent back to their country, a move that has angered the United Nations and rights groups.

A month later, Ugandan opposition politician Kizza Besigye found himself in front of a Ugandan military court; his wife said he was kidnapped in Nairobi.

Roland Ebole is an East African regional researcher at Amnesty International. He said the kidnapping trend is not good for Kenya if it wants to attract foreign business and diplomatic activity.

"This is a very dangerous precedent for Kenya, considering that we host many expatriates in this country. Kenya is set to be the third largest U.N. hub in the world, and when foreign nationals do not feel protected, they don't feel secure in this country, then this is really dangerous," he said.

Rights groups such as Amnesty are also following up on the abduction of Kenyan government critics, a trend that started after anti-government protests in June and July that included the storming of parliament by critics of a bill to increase taxes.

Despite the recent human rights violations in Kenya, Tsehai said she feels safer in Kenya than in Tanzania due to its vibrant citizens' movement for good governance, rights, and the rule of law.

"What I experienced yesterday, I don't know how many people know when you are being abducted and you see people fighting for you, and they don't know who you are. That gives me a sense. Later, I was told that social media Kenyans were trending and commenting about it as if I was one of their own. The second that gives me safety and security, unlike in Tanzania, there is a rule of law," she said.

Tanzania is expected to hold a general election later this year, and rights groups and opposition groups are already predicting the government will attempt to stifle dissent and political activity.

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Mozambique's legislators sworn in amid protests, boycotts

By Charles Mangwiro January 13, 2025

Mozambique's newly-elected parliament convened Monday in the capital as 210 members took their oaths of office amid a boycott and protests by opposition parties who have disputed the results of the recent elections.

Armored vehicles and military police surrounded the parliament building and police blocked main roads to the area during the inauguration ceremony in the capital on Monday.

Security was reinforced across Maputo, which is usually busy on a Monday morning, but was deserted with most shops closed after supporters of presidential runner-up Venancio Mondlane barricaded access to certain areas.

Opposition leader Mondlane, who is popular with Mozambique's youth, asserts the results were rigged in favor of the ruling Frelimo party that has been in power for 50 years.

Over the weekend, he urged his supporters to "demonstrate refusal" of the official election result with a national strike from Monday to Wednesday, the day President-elect Daniel Chapo is set to be inaugurated.

Two smaller opposition parties, Renamo and the Mozambique Democratic Movement, also boycotted the opening ceremony, saying they did not accept the outcome of the October election.

Of the legislators who took their seats on Monday, 39 represented the Optimistic People for the Development of Mozambique, or PODEMOS. Another four of its members were absent.

PODEMOS, the party that supported Mondlane, is entering the Assembly of the Republic for the first time.

At the entrance to the parliament, party leader Albino Forquilha said PODEMOS stands ready to fight Frelimo's one-party rule.

He said, "In fact, what we are going to do today is very important. We had a first stage in which we fought against recognizing the results. And we held large protests in the country, which even resulted in many deaths, but then the results were validated. And now we understand, because of the irreversibility of these results, but also because we conform to the constitutional order, the fight moves to another stage, which is to discuss the issues here in parliament."

Renamo, formerly the largest opposition party, now ranks third with 28 members of parliament, while the Mozambique Democratic Movement, or MDM, holds fourth place with eight legislators.

Frelimo retains its parliamentary majority with 171 deputies, some of whom are returning members. During Monday's swearing-in ceremony, the party's senior member, Margarida Talapa, was elected parliament speaker. Talapa called for unity and said she intends to make the assembly an "excellence of politics" that promotes fruitful debates which can reach the consensus that she says the community expects for harmony, good coexistence and solidarity of all the citizens.

Political analyst Anastacio Chembeze said the new parliament is opening at a time when social outrage is very high, and many Mozambicans feel deprived of free, fair and transparent elections.

Therefore, he said, the current legislature will be challenged to truly represent the desires of youth who are dissatisfied and ready to push for change.

He said, "I hope for a conciliatory Assembly of the Republic, a space for dialogue and a space for consensus. I hope that the respect that the people deserve is seen from the assembly as a noble space of state as our point of reference."

Forty legislators did not show up for Monday's swearing-in ceremonies. These lawmakers have 30 days to take their seats in parliament or risk being replaced.

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Readout of President Biden's Call with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar

January 13, 2025

President Biden spoke today with Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar. The two leaders discussed the negotiations in Doha for a ceasefire and hostage release deal based on the May 27, 2024 arrangement described by the President last year and endorsed unanimously by the UN Security Council. The President thanked the Amir for his leadership and praised the mediating role of Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani throughout the process. Both leaders emphasized the urgent need for a deal to be implemented to return the hostages to their families and bring immediate relief to the people of Gaza through a surge in humanitarian aid enabled by the ceasefire and called for in the deal. Both leaders agreed to remain in close coordination directly and through their teams at this critical point in the negotiations.

###

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Readout of President Biden's Call with Prime Minister Ishiba of Japan and President Marcos of the Philippines

January 13, 2025

President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke today with Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru of Japan and President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. of the Philippines to advance our continuing cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. This meeting follows the historic trilateral summit hosted at the White House in April 2024. Together the three Leaders discussed trilateral maritime security and economic cooperation, as well as the People's Republic of China's dangerous and unlawful behavior in the South China Sea. The three Leaders agreed on the importance of continued coordination to advance a free and open Indo-Pacific.

###

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Yemeni army hits 'vital Israeli targets' in new ops

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jan 14, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- The Yemeni Armed Forces have announced yet another anti-Zionist operation, saying they targeted vital Israeli positions in the occupied territories with ballistic missiles and drones.

According to Yemen's Al-Masirah TV Network, Yahya Saree, the spokesman for the Yemeni Armed Forces, announced in a statement that the operation was successful and accomplished its goal.

The army a vital position of the Zionist regime in the occupied Jaffa area using a "Palestine 2" supersonic ballistic missile, the spokesman said.

Saree added that the Yemeni Air Force successfully targeted other vital positions in the Jaffa area using four drones in a separate operation.

The spokesman for the Yemeni Armed Forces once again emphasized the continuation of anti-Israel operation the regime ends its genocidal war and siege on the Gaza Strip.

Soon after the launch of Yemeni missile and drones, Israeli media outlets reported alert sirens at several places and settlements across the occupied territories, including West Bank, strategic Jordan Valley, Afula area, and near Beit Shean town.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

Authorities suspended all flights at Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, and redirected incoming planes to alternative locations following reports of the missile launched from Yemen, the Israeli media noted.

Since the onset of the war on Gaza, the Yemeni army has carried out dozens of successful missile and drone attacks on Israeli targets in the occupied territories, including in Tel Aviv. They have also imposed a blockade on Israeli or Israel-linked ships through Red and Arabian seas and attacked several commercial vessels for violating the embargo.

However, the Yemeni army has time and again said that all other ships except those linked to the Israeli regime are free to pass through maritime routes off Yemen.

4399

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Missile fired from Yemen triggers sirens in Israeli-occupied territories

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jan 14, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Air raid sirens have rung out in numerous communities and illegal settlements across the Israeli-occupied territories after Yemeni Armed Forces launched a missile in retaliation for the Tel Aviv regime's war of extermination against Palestinians in Gaza.

According to Israeli media outlets, sirens sounded in the occupied West Bank, strategic Jordan Valley, Afula area, and near Beit Shean town, amid fears of falling shrapnel.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

Authorities suspended all flights at Israel's Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, and redirected incoming planes to alternative locations following reports of the missile launched from Yemen, the Israeli media noted.

2050

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Trump's remarks on Greenland spark unease in Europe, signal further U.S.-Europe divisions

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 08:09, January 14, 2025

COPENHAGEN, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's recent remarks on potentially using military force to gain control of Greenland have rung alarm bells across Europe, highlighting major differences between the United States and its European allies.

This controversy, which centers on Greenland's sovereignty, has drawn widespread opposition from European leaders and fueled concerns about Trump's motivations, as well as the future of transatlantic relations.

WIDESPREAD OPPOSITION

During a recent press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate, Trump said he would not rule out using military or economic action to acquire Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark. He also said he would consider imposing tariffs on Denmark "at a very high level" if it resisted his offer to acquire the territory.

In response, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen firmly rejected Trump's statements, emphasizing Greenland's sovereignty. "Greenland's future must be decided in Nuuk," she said, referring to the territory's capital.

Greenland's Prime Minister Mute Egede echoed her stance, stressing that "Greenland belongs to Greenlanders" and rejecting external influence on the region.

Greenland's major political parties, including the ruling Inuit Ataqatigiit and Siumut parties, also rejected Trump's bid.

"We do not want to be part of the United States," said Mariane Paviasen, spokesperson for the Inuit Ataqatigiit party.

Erik Jensen, chairman of the Siumut party, emphasized Greenland's desire for self-governance, while leader of the opposition Naleraq party Pele Broberg noted that "Greenland is not a commodity to be traded."

The controversy has also stirred tensions in Europe. When discussing Trump's remarks with other European Union leaders, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reiterated that the inviolability of borders is "fundamental international law".

Noting that Greenland is a "territory of the European Union and of Europe," French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot warned against Trump's statements. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store called Trump's remarks "unacceptable" and warned of the threat to NATO unity and European stability.

Trump's ambition to "conquer" Greenland is an unprecedented move among Western allies, said Robert Frank, a Croatian political analyst, adding that Trump's policy of prioritizing America's interests while disregarding the EU's sentiments is likely to alter U.S.-EU relations after he assumes office.

"In the future, the division between America and the EU could grow even larger, posing an even greater threat to the survival of the European family," he noted.

WIDENED DIVISIONS

The tension over Greenland, an island boasting rich resources and bearing growing strategic significance, is seen as part of a broader pattern of U.S. unilateralism under Trump's "America First" policy, which clashes with European values of multilateral cooperation and respect for sovereignty.

The controversial remarks have intensified concerns about the future of U.S.-Europe relations, with experts warning that the divisions could deepen further after his inauguration.

Washington's relationship with Europe, especially with the EU, will change significantly, said Frank.

"In the future, the division between America and the EU could be even bigger and even more dangerous for the survival of the European family," he said.

Experts believe Trump's statements have left an indelible impact on European perceptions of U.S. reliability as an ally.

Francois Heisbourg, special advisor at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said that Trump's return to power could lead to Europe drifting away from American influence.

"A world without America is a world where there are no more alliance systems as there have been since the end of the Second World War," Heisbourg said, warning that Europe must prepare for "less America" on the global stage.

As the United States moves forward under a new Trump administration, European leaders face the growing challenge of balancing cooperation with strategic independence, especially in geopolitically sensitive regions like the Arctic.

Danish political scientist Kristian Soby Kristensen emphasized the challenges of defending Greenland, given Denmark's limited military resources and reliance on U.S. support. The asymmetry underscores Europe's vulnerability in the face of Trump's transactional diplomacy.

"Denmark has been very aware it cannot defend Greenland against anybody on its own," Kristensen said, adding that Denmark's armed forces, which "have been focused on more routine peacetime military activities," are neither equipped nor trained to resist a U.S. invasion.

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Russo-Ukraine War - 13 January 2025 - Day 1055

Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

"To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal]

The UK Ministry of Defence reported that Russia launched approximately 1,700 One Way Attack Uncrewed Aerial Systems (OWA UAS) of varying types into Ukraine in the month of December 2024, a decrease from November's total of 2,300. This was the first time that a decline in numbers has been seen since March to April 2024. It is likely that weather factors impacted operations early in the month, possibly evidenced through several nights of waves greater than 100 OWA UAS that followed periods of particularly low or no activity.

The Ukrainian Air Force reported that 53% of Russian OWA UAS were shot down, while the remainder were disrupted using electronic warfare or had already flown off course without causing a significant threat. Various factors can impact the monthly launch rates positively or negatively, however it remains likely that Russia can sustain numbers in excess of at least 1,500 per month.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that the Defense Forces of Ukraine continue to withhold the pressure of the Russian occupation troops. The situation on the Pokrovsky and Kursky directions remains tense - the enemy is focusing the main offensive efforts there.

So far, there have been 155 combat clashes.

Today, Russia has committed 41 air strikes, dropping at this 62 kab. In addition, the Russian zombies engaged 684 kamikaze drones for strikes and carried out 3,730 shelling at the positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements.

In the Kharkiv direction, Russian terrorists twice stormed the positions of Ukrainian units in the Vovchansk area.

Twice the Russian enemy attacked Ukrainian positions in the Kupyansky direction, near the settlements of Lozov and Dvorichna. One battle is still going on.

In the Lyman direction today, Russian troops attacked Ukrainian defenders 15 times in the areas of settlements Novoserhiyivka, Zeleny Gai, Shiykivka, Pershotravneve, Makiyivka, zarichne and Terni. Two clashes are being sharpened so far.

Four Russian attacks kicked off Ukrainian defenders in the area of Bilogorivka on the Siversky direction. One battle is going on so far.

Eleven attacks of the Russian zagarbnikiv were repelled by Ukrainian units in the Kramatorsky direction, the Russian opponent tried to advance in the area of Time Yar and Stupochok. Three clashes are currently continuing.

In the Toretsky direction, Ukrainian military repelled 16 Russian attacks in the areas of Bila Gora, Crimea and Toretsk, 13 attacks have been stopped by the Defense Forces, three more are ongoing.

In the Pokrovsky direction during this day, the Russian aggressor 74 times attacked Ukrainian positions in the areas of settlements Baranivka, Green Field, Elizabeth, Tarasivka, Nova Poltava, Novotoretske, Lisivka, Mirnograd, Zelene, New Labor, Beam, Pokrovsk, Shevchenko, Udacne, Novovasilivka, Uspenivka, Petropavlivka, Novoandriyivka, Slovyanka, Silver, Andriyivka, Kurakhove, Dachne and Amber. The five clashes are still ongoing.

According to preliminary estimates, today the Russian occupiers on the Pokrovsky direction lost 218 soldiers killed and wounded. Ukrainian warriors destroyed two units of car equipment and motorcycle of the occupiers. Also Ukrainian defenders have caused significant damage to the reactive system of salpovogo fire and cannon.

In the Novopavlivs komu direction, Ukrainian defenders repelled 11 Russian attacks. The enemy tried to break through near the settlements of Rozliv, Vremivka, Rozdolne, Konstantinopil and Neskucne.

The Defense Forces of Ukraine continue its operation in Kurshchyna, where Ukrainian troops have successfully repelled 11 Russian attacks.

The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that in Kharkov direction, units of the Sever Group of Forces inflicted losses on formations of one motorised infantry brigade of the AFU and one territorial defence brigade near Liptsy and Volchansk (Kharkov region).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 35 troops, one armoured fighting vehicle, two motor vehicles, five field artillery guns, including one U.S.-made Paladin self-propelled artillery system.

Units of the Zapad Group of Forces improved the tactical situation along the front line and inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of one tank brigade, three mechanised brigades, one assault brigade, one airmobile brigade of the AFU, and two territorial defence brigades near Dvurechnaya, Zapadnoye, Boguslavka, Olgovka (Kharkov region), Novomikhaylovka, and Torskoye (Donetsk People's Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 515 troops, four infantry fighting vehicles, 14 motor vehicles, and 12 artillery guns, including one UK-made 155-mm Braveheart self-propelled artillery system. One ammunition depot was wiped out.

Units of the Yug Group of Forces took more advantageous lines and positions and inflicted losses on formations of three mechanised brigades, one motorised infantry brigade, one assault brigade, and one air assault brigade of the AFU near Kramatorsk, Dachnoye, Kurdyumovka, Novomarkovo, Chasov Yar, Belaya Gora, and Konstantinovka (Donetsk People's Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 285 troops, five armoured fighting vehicles, 14 motor vehicles, two artillery guns, and one ammunition depot.

As a result of decisive actions, units of the Tsentr Group of Forces liberated Peschanoye (Donetsk People's Republic).

Losses were inflicted on manpower and hardware of eight mechanised brigades and two national guard brigades near Dzerzhinsk, Shcherbinovka, Dimitrov, Vozdvizhenka, Lysovka, Novovasilevka, Petropavlovka, and Novoyelizavetovka (Donetsk People's Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to more than 615 troops, seven armoured fighting vehicles, including one U.S.-made M113 armoured personnel carrier, one French-made VAB armoured personnel carrier, and one U.S.-made MaxxPro armoured fighting vehicle. Nine field artillery guns, including one UK-made 155-mm Braveheart self-propelled artillery system and one U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzer, were destroyed.

Units of the Vostok Group of Forces continued advancing to the depth of the enemy's defences and inflicted losses on formations of four mechanised brigades of the AFU and three territorial defence brigades near Konstantinopol, Velikaya Novoselka, Neskuchnoye, and Bogatyr (Donetsk People's Republic).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 210 troops, one tank, one U.S.-made HMMWV armoured fighting vehicle, five motor vehicles, and one UK-made 155-mm Braveheart self-propelled artillery system.

Units of the Dnepr Group of Forces inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of one mechanised brigade, one infantry brigade, and two coastal defence brigades of the AFU near Pridneprovskoye, Antonovka (Kherson region), Malaya Tokmachka, and Malye Shcherbaki (Zaporozhye region).

The AFU losses amounted to up to 80 troops, one armoured fighting vehicle, four motor vehicles, four field artillery guns, including one U.S.-made 155-mm M777 howitzer. Two electronic warfare stations and one ammunition depot were wiped out.

Operational-Tactical Aviation, attack unmanned aerial vehicles, and Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces struck infrastructure of military airfields, as well as engaged manpower and hardware of the enemy in 157 areas.

Air defence units shot down two French-made Hammer guided aviation bombs, six U.S.-made HIMARS MLRS projectiles, and 83 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles.

In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, 652 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 40,215 unmanned aerial vehicles, 590 anti-aircraft missile systems, 20,512 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,508 MLRS combat vehicles, 20,545 field artillery guns and mortars, and 30,218 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, four mechanised brigades, three air assault brigades, one marine brigade, and two territorial defence brigades of the AFU near Viktorovka, Goncharovka, Guyevo, Kositsa, Kubatkin, Kurilovka, Lebedevka, Malaya Loknya, Makhnovka, Nikolayevka, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Novaya Sorochina, Pogrebki, Sverdlikovo, and Cherkasskoye Porechnoye. Five enemy counter-attacks were repelled.

Operational-Tactical and Army aviation and artillery inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the enemy near Bondarevka, Dmitryukov, Kruglenkoye, Pervy Knyazhy, Martynovka, Melovoy, Mikhaylovka, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Nikolsky, Yuzhny as well as Basovka, Belovody, Veselovka, Vodolagi, Zhuravka, Obody, and Yunakovka in Sumy region.

Over the past 24 hours, the AFU losses amounted to more than 230 troops, three tanks, one infantry fighting vehicle, six armoured fighting vehicles, seven motor vehicles, four self-propelled artillery systems, two mortars, one electronic warfare station, and one counter-battery radar.



Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the AFU losses amounted to more than 51,430 troops, 300 tanks, 229 infantry fighting vehicles, 166 armoured personnel carriers, 1,539 armoured fighting vehicles, 1,456 motor vehicles, 358 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, 93 EW stations, 14 counter-battery warfare radars, four air defence radars, 30 units of engineering and other materiel, including 15 counterobstacle vehicles, one UR-77 mine clearing vehicle, eight armoured recovery vehicles, and one command post vehicle.

The operation to neutralise the AFU units is in progress.





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January 13, 2025

By Matthew Olay, DOD News

National Guard Fights California Wildfires, Additional Assets Remain on Standby

Soldiers and airmen from California's Army National Guard and Air National Guard spent the weekend combating the multiple wildfires that have been wreaking destruction in Los Angeles County for the past week.

"As the situation with the devastating California wildfires continues to evolve, [Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III] remains closely engaged and committed to supporting the response efforts," Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder told the media during a briefing today.

"The department remains committed to providing assistance and support to those affected by the wildfires," Ryder added. "And we'll continue to work closely with our federal, state and local partners to respond to this disaster as we enter the final days of the current administration."

There are currently eight Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System-equipped C-130 Hercules aircraft currently on station at Channel Islands Air National Guard Station in nearby Ventura County working to assist in firefighting efforts, Ryder said.

The Air National Guard flew six MAFFS missions during the weekend, dropping more than 16,000 gallons of fire suppressant, Ryder said, adding that additional MAFFS missions are anticipated for today.

Ryder also said that there are now over 1,800 California National Guardsmen  up 1,000 since Friday  who have been activated to assist with firefighting efforts.

Between both the Army National Guard and Air National Guard, deployed assets in addition to the C-130s include rotary wing aircraft, hand crews and military police that are working to supplement local law enforcement, Ryder said.

Meanwhile, Ryder said that 500 active-duty Marines stationed to the south at San Diego County's Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and 10 active-duty Navy helicopters equipped with water delivery buckets remain standing by to assist with relief efforts, if called upon.

When questioned as to why California's government still has yet to request assistance from those active-duty assets, Ryder said that  while he won't speak for California  the Defense Department is doing all it can to "lean forward" to support the needs of the federal agencies involved in wildfire relief efforts.

"These [active duty] assets are available to be introduced into that mix ... But we've got to do this in a choreographed way that synchronizes capabilities instead of [introducing] problems to an already complex situation on the ground," Ryder said.

"We're going to continue to closely monitor, and as soon as  and if  those assets are requested, they'll, of course, be available," he continued.

When asked approximately how long DOD would be willing to have those assets on standby without any request for assistance before standing down, Ryder replied that  though he wouldn't speculate on the future  U.S. Northern Command is working closely with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other interagency leads to make an "hour-by-hour, day-by-day determination" as to what the additional requirements of DOD, if any, may be.

"We understand the significance and devastation of these fires," Ryder responded, "and the [Defense Department] is going to do everything we can to support all those who are battling these fires; to include having [these active-duty capabilities] available, should [they] be requested."

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Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad: Council extends restrictive measures by one year

European Council / Council of the European Union

Council of the EU

Press release

13 January 2025 15:30



The Council today decided to extend by one year, until 20 January 2026, the existing restrictive measures against those who support, facilitate or enable violent actions by Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ).

All individuals and entities previously identified as responsible for participating in the financing of Hamas and PIJ, or enabling their violent actions will remain listed. A total of 12 individuals and three entities are sanctioned under this framework of restrictive measures.

Those listed under the sanctions regime are subject to an asset freeze. The provision of funds or economic resources, directly or indirectly, to them is also prohibited. Additionally, a travel ban to the EU applies to the natural persons listed.

Background

On 7 October 2023, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy issued a statement on behalf of the European Union on the attacks against Israel, condemning in the strongest possible terms the multiple and indiscriminate attacks across Israel by Hamas and deeply deploring the loss of lives.

On 19 January 2024, the Council adopted Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/385 establishing a dedicated framework of restrictive measures and listed six individuals, to hold them accountable of supporting, facilitating, or enabling violent actions by Hamas and the PIJ. This regime also complements the restrictive measures previously adopted against Hamas and the PIJ under Common Position 2001/931/CFSP (the 'EU Terrorist List').

In its conclusions of 21 and 22 March 2024, the European Council called on the Council to accelerate work on the adoption of further relevant restrictive measures against Hamas.

In its conclusions of 27 June, the European Council welcomed the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2735 and called for the full implementation of the terms of the ceasefire proposal without delay and without conditions, which would lead to an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages, a significant and sustained increase in the flow of humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza, and an enduring ceasefire and end to the crisis, with Israel's security interests and safety for Palestinian civilians assured.

On 28 June 2024, the Council added six individuals and three entities to the sanctions list, bringing up the total of affected to 12 individuals and three entities.

The EU reiterates its commitment to international law and to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the Two-State solution in accordance with relevant UN Security Council Resolutions where two democratic states, Israel and Palestine, live side-by-side in peace within secure and recognised borders.

The European Union will continue to work with international partners towards reviving a political process to this end.

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California, Nevada, Wyoming Guard join firefighting battle

Published Jan. 13, 2025

National Guard Bureau

MOFFETT AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Calif. (AFNS) -- Hundreds of National Guard members are now involved in multiple air and ground firefighting efforts as wildfires rage across the Los Angeles Basin and Southern California.

More than 1,850 Guard members from California, Nevada and Wyoming are activated.

Mutliple C-130 Hercules aircraft equipped with Modular Aerial Fire Fighting Systems are in the air. The MAFFS-equipped aircraft, which drop fire retardant from the air, are from the Air National Guard's 146th Airlift Wing in California, 152nd Airlift Wing and 192nd Airlift Squadron in Nevada, 153rd Airlift Wing and 187th Airlift Squadron in Wyoming, and the 302nd Airlift Wing and 731st Airlift Squadron, U.S. Air Force Reserve units based in Colorado Springs.

The California Guard also activated two ground firefighting teams and four military police companies to assist local law enforcement and emergency response.

Additional Cal Guard military hand crews joined the firefighting efforts in Southern California. These hand crews, alongside military police, aircrews flying helicopters and the C-130s, are supporting interagency partners under the direction of CAL FIRE and the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services.

Guard members assisting on the ground include members of the 330th Military Police Company and the 40th Military Police Company, 49th Military Police Brigade. They are working with local law enforcement to maintain order and support communities affected by the wildfires.

"U.S. Northern Command immediately took action as we watched and learned more about the fires in the Los Angeles area," said Gen. Gregory Guillot, commander of USNORTHCOM. "Providing support to civil authorities is a valued part of our homeland defense mission. We're well-practiced and in position to support the Federal Emergency Management Agency, National Interagency Firefighting Center, and the state of California to assist the many citizens in need."

March Air Reserve Base in Riverside County is supporting disaster operations as the forward distribution hub for supplies and equipment.

Additionally, if requested, USNORTHCOM is prepared to provide rotary wing support, ground and air search and rescue, commodity distribution, emergency route clearance, incident awareness and assessment, and medical capabilities.

"Our hearts go out to the people of California impacted by these devastating wildfires," said Gen. Steve Nordhaus, chief of the National Guard Bureau. "Helping communities in need is a core National Guard mission, and we are incredibly proud of the men and women who, as they always have, answered the call to duty to work alongside first responders and emergency managers and all of our partners at the local, state and national levels."

Editor's note: Matthew Olay, DoD News, the California National Guard and United States Northern Command Public Affairs contributed to this story.

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Design contract award announcement and construction underway of new 21 Electronic Warfare Regiment facility at CFB Kingston

National Defence

News release

January 13, 2025 - Kingston, Ontario - National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Today, Mark Gerretsen, Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands, on behalf of the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, announced the contract award for the new 21 Electronic Warfare Regiment (21 EW Regt) facility at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Kingston. MP Gerretsen also participated in a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction.

The design contract was awarded to Colbourne & Kembel Architects Inc. of Kingston, Ontario. During construction, the project will sustain approximately 150 jobs in the region.

The new $98 million 8,350 m2facility will consolidate units across CFB Kingston into one secure compound, providing the necessary space to support operations and increase collaboration between regimental squadrons. The two-story multipurpose building will include new classrooms and administrative spaces that will allow the regiment to more effectively train personnel and plan for operations.

The new facility is expected to be operational in 2028 and will increase the Regiment's ability to support electronic warfare personnel and capabilities, provide support to deployed electronic warfare forces and manage and maintain the unit's material assets.

The 21 EW Regt, which is comprised of both Reserve and Regular Force members, provides tactical electronic warfare support to CAF operations. This support can take a variety of forms, such as intercepting and analyzing foreign communications, installing and maintaining radio, satellite, and broadband technology, and assisting with reconnaissance and surveillance.

Quotes

"This new facility will enhance the Canadian Armed Forces' electronic warfare capability, at home and abroad. The project not only modernizes our infrastructure and enhances our capabilities, it also supports 150 local jobs - an investment in both our Armed Forces and Canadian workers." The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence

"This new facility represents a critical investment in the future of the Canadian Armed Forces. By strengthening our electronic warfare capabilities, we are better equipped to meet the demands of the modern security environment. This project not only enhances our security but also delivers meaningful economic benefits by supporting local jobs and contributing to economic growth in Kingston." Mark Gerretsen, Member of Parliament for Kingston and the Islands

Quick facts

As indicated in our renewed vision for defence, Our North, Strong and Free, the Government of Canada is committed to improving quality of life for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members and providing them with the tools they need to meet today's and future challenges. This is why Our North, Strong and Free invests $10.2 billion over 20 years in current and new infrastructure.

Working with Defence Construction Canada, we will deliver an Indigenous Benefits Plan that will award almost 10% of our anticipated contract values to Indigenous businesses. The anticipated $5 million in work exceeds the Procurement Strategy for Indigenous Benefits target of 5%. This strategy will guide our commitment to create more opportunities for Indigenous businesses to succeed and grow.

The facility will be built to meet the Canadian Green Building Council Zero-Carbon Building Performance Standards. In addition to high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, the facility will also feature on-site solar power generation to offset the building's electrical demand. These will contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from Defence buildings to help meet the federal target of net-zero emissions by 2050.

The facility will also house the Logistics Vehicle Modernization platforms, light and heavy trucks, and the Electronic Warfare, Mobile Repair Team and Maintenance Recovery Vehicle variants of the Armoured Combat Support Vehicle. It will have maintenance bays equipped to conduct 1st line maintenance on vehicle fleets for decades to come.

Date modified: 2025-01-13

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High tech equipment including exoskeleton, robot dog, drone-laser combination deployed in PLA drills

Global Times

By Liu Xuanzun Published: Jan 13, 2025 04:53 PM

Various intelligent technologies, including exoskeleton, robot dog and drone in combination with high-power lasers were utilized in recent drills conducted by the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA).

In a recent logistics support exercise organized by a regiment under the PLA Xinjiang Military Command in an undisclosed plateau region, the regiment employed a manned-unmanned collaborative model to enhance combat unit support, the PLA Army said in a release posted on its official WeChat account on Monday.

Faced with terrain obstacles that hindered the convoy's advance, the troops used all-terrain vehicles and unmanned vehicles to push forward mission. Upon receiving orders that the roads were sabotaged, the unit members unloaded the supplies from vehicles and deployed aerial drones and exoskeletons to navigate around the damaged sections and reach their destination, according to the PLA Army

A photo attached to the release showed that a soldier was accompanied by a robot dog that carried two boxes of supplies.

In a separate exercise practicing explosive ordnance disposal, held by a maritime defense engineering unit under the navy of the PLA Northern Theater Command at a shooting range on an island in the Bohai Bay, the troops deployed a drone equipped with high-power laser, according to a report by China Central Television (CCTV) on Monday.

A drone was deployed first to search for explosives and mark their coordinates, then the laser was deployed to dispose of them, the CCTV report showed.

High-power lasers provide a safer and more efficient means of disposing explosives, as it enables the remote execution of disposal operations from several hundred meters away, with power raised by three times and the time needed to dispose of an explosive reduced to one fifth, CCTV quoted a member of the unit as saying.

Song Zhongping, a Chinese military expert, noted that the PLA is not only deploying unmanned equipment for combat purposes, but also in non-combat operations such as logistics support and explosives disposal. He told the Global Times on Monday that these support missions could be challenging and required man power in the past, but the deployment of intelligent equipment has made them more efficient.

The use of unmanned systems is expanding rapidly, as they can effectively reduce casualties and enhance the effectiveness of other military assets, Song said.

The wide deployment of intelligent unmanned equipment shows that China is closely following this trend, and it reflects the Chinese military's modernization efforts, Song said.

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PLA Eastern Theater Command delegation's Japan visit helps reduce probability of unexpected accidents: expert

Global Times

By Guo Yuandan and Liu Xuanzun Published: Jan 13, 2025

China's Ministry of National Defense on Monday announced that a delegation of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command will visit Japan.

Experts interviewed by the Global Times said that the Eastern Theater Command delegation's Japan visit yields positive significance, as it helps eliminate misunderstandings and misjudgments, reducing the probability of unexpected accidents.

According to the Chinese Defense Ministry, a PLA Eastern Theater Command delegation will visit Japan in mid-January under a mutual agreement.

During the visit, the delegation will meet with leaders of Japan's Ministry of Defense and the Joint Staff of the Self-Defense Force, and visit related military units. The visit will help enhance mutual understanding and mutual trust, and promote China-Japan defense exchanges.

"Since Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba assumed office, China-Japan relations have begun to ease up and stabilize," Lian Degui, director of the Department of Japanese Studies at Shanghai International Studies University, told the Global Times on Monday. He noted that the troops commanded by the Eastern Theater Command are in direct contact with Japan's Maritime and Air Self-Defense Forces. Against this backdrop, the Eastern Theater Command delegation's Japan visit is particularly important.

"This is an important way to improve relations and enhance mutual trust; this move shows that the two sides are meeting each other half way, and that exchanges between the defense authorities of the two sides will help the relationship between the two countries gradually stabilize."

The visit of the Eastern Theater Command delegation to Japan is the second exchange between the Chinese and Japanese defense authorities within two months. Prior to this, a delegation of young and middle-aged Japanese officers visited China from November 26 to December 4. Some commentators said this exchange showed a stable and positive atmosphere in the China-Japan defense relations.

Defense Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian said that the China-Japan young officers exchange program began in 2001, and it has played an important role in enhancing understanding and trust between the defense authorities of the two countries. The development of China-Japan defense relations should consider the overall situation and look at the long term. We are willing to work with Japan to continue to promote mutual visits and exchanges and provide positive energy for the improvement and development of bilateral relations.

From May 14 to May 20, 2024, the 13th delegation of young and middle-aged officers of the PLA visited Japan. This is the first visit to Japan by a delegation of officers of the PLA since 2019.

Military expert Zhang Junshe told the Global Times on Monday that since the Eastern Theater Command is responsible for maritime and air areas including the East China Sea and the Diaoyu Islands, the theater's frontline troops have many opportunities to make contact with Japan's maritime and air forces. So the visit of the Eastern Theater Command delegation to Japan is of great significance to the defense authorities of the two countries, especially in terms of the frontline maritime and air forces of both sides facing the East China Sea. It will help eliminate misunderstandings and misjudgments between the two sides, reduce the probability of unexpected accidents, and maintain peace and stability in the region.

According to Lian's analysis, during this exchange, China and Japan will elaborate their respective positions on issues of concern to enhance strategic mutual trust. "Such strategic mutual trust not only helps both sides understand each other's strategic intentions, but also serves as an important cornerstone for improving bilateral relations," Lian said.

This is not the first time officers from the PLA Eastern Theater Command to visit Japan.

According to a report by Nikkei, a general-level delegation of the PLA visited Japan in November 2018. The delegation consisted of six people, including Lieutenant General Sun Herong, deputy commander of the Eastern Theater Command. It was the first time senior officers of the PLA Eastern Theater Command have interacted and communicated with leaders of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces.

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Xi meets Grenadian PM in Beijing

Global Times

Visit of first foreign leader in 2025 shows focus on Global South development

By Zhang Yuying Published: Jan 13, 2025 09:53 PM

Chinese President Xi Jinping said Monday that China is willing to provide assistance for Grenada's economic and social development within the framework of South-South cooperation, the Xinhua News Agency reported.

The two countries should foster new highlights of cooperation in fields such as new energy, green and low-carbon development, and digital economy, Xi said in Beijing when he met with Prime Minister of Grenada Dickon Mitchell, who is paying an official visit to China.

Mitchell first extended sincere sympathies and condolences to the Chinese government and people over the recent deadly earthquake in Dingri County in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region.

Xi expressed his appreciation for that. Noting that the earthquake occurred in a high-altitude area, Xi said China has completed rescue and temporary resettlement work in the shortest possible time and will carry out reconstruction work as quickly as possible.

"The Chinese government is confident and capable of achieving success in earthquake relief," Xi said.

Xi noted that in recent years, China-Grenada relations have developed steadily, with the two sides treating each other with mutual respect and equality, consolidating political mutual trust, achieving fruitful results in practical cooperation in various fields, and deepening the friendship between the two peoples.

China is willing to work with Grenada to enhance the synergy of development strategies and push for more outcomes of bilateral cooperation to better benefit the two peoples, he added.

China supports Grenada in independently exploring a development path suited to its national conditions, and stands ready to strengthen exchanges of governance experience with Grenada, Xi said.

He said China also supports Grenada in enhancing its capacity in climate change response and disaster prevention and mitigation, and will continue to raise international awareness of small island countries' concerns over climate change and their demands.

He added that China has always attached great importance to its relations with Caribbean countries and will continue to provide assistance within its capacity for the economic and social development of regional countries.

Mitchell expressed appreciation for China's timely assistance after Grenada was hit by a devastating hurricane in July last year, Xinhua reported.

Over the past 20 years, the Grenada-China relations have been continuously deepened, and Grenada firmly abides by the one-China principle and believes that China's sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected, Mitchell said.

He said Grenada, having benefited a lot from its relations with China, will continuously strengthen cooperation with China and learn from China's experience in governance.

Stressing China's leading role in the Global South, Mitchell said Grenada will stand firmly with China to implement the three major global initiatives and safeguard world peace and stability.

Mitchell is on an official visit to China from January 11 to 17, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry. It is the first foreign leader to visit the country in 2025, CCTV said.

Making Prime Minister of Grenada, an island nation located at the southern tip of the Windward Islands in the eastern Caribbean Sea, the first foreign leader China hosts in the new year demonstrates that Beijing attaches great importance to Global South countries and developing nations, said Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University.

Li told the Global Times on Monday that the emphasis China places on fostering relations across various fields with Global South countries underscores its role as a responsible major power committed to promoting fairness, justice, and sustainable development.

According to the Xinhua News Agency, on Monday morning, Mitchell laid a wreath at the Monument to the People's Heroes on Tian'anmen Square in Beijing.

Mitchell's itinerary in Beijing also included a visit to the Beijing new energy vehicle technology innovation center on Saturday, where he participated in a test ride. Mitchell described the experience as "impressive," and said he asked the Grenada ambassador to China to buy one for him, per a video released by the CCTV's Leaders Talk program on its WeChat account.

In addition to Beijing, Mitchell will visit East China's Zhejiang Province and Shanghai, according to the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Given that this year marks the 20th anniversary of the reestablishment of diplomatic ties between China and Grenada, the visit helps to summarize the development of relations from the past two decades, and is also expected to lay out the plan for the development of future bilateral ties, Wu Hongying, director of the Latin American office of the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations, told the Global Times on Monday.

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China, Japan frequented exchanges in ruling parties, defense

Global Times

Delegation's visit helps to sustain positive momentum in ties: expert

By Zhao Yusha and Guo Yuandan Published: Jan 13, 2025 10:53 PM

A delegation of Japan's ruling coalition kicked off its visit to China from Monday to Wednesday, marking the first China-Japan ruling parties exchange since 2018, according to an announcement made by the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee. Also on Monday, the Chinese Defense Ministry announced that a delegation from the Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) will visit Japan in mid-January under a mutual agreement.

Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, met in Beijing on Monday with a delegation of Japan's ruling coalition, led by Secretary General Hiroshi Moriyama of the Liberal Democratic Party and Secretary General Makoto Nishida of the Komeito Party.

Li welcomed the Japanese delegation to China to attend the meeting of the China-Japan ruling party talks.

The previous meeting of China-Japan ruling parties exchange mechanism was held in Japan in October 2018.

The CPC is willing to work with the ruling coalition of Japan to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, strengthen political dialogue, promote people-to-people exchanges and create a healthy and rational public opinion environment for China-Japan relations, said Li.

The Japanese side expressed its willingness to give full play to the role of the ruling coalition in accordance with the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, face up to problems and challenges, and promote cultural exchanges between the two countries, especially youth exchanges.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba had a meeting with the secretaries-general of the ruling parties last week. During the meeting, Ishiba expressed eagerness to visit China as soon as possible, and he told Moriyama and Nishida that he hopes Japan and China will continue dialogue at various levels, according to the Japan Times.

Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs Takeshi Iwaya's visit to China last month can be seen as an initial exploration to improve relations between the two countries; whilst the ruling party delegation's visit is expected to focus on substantive issues with the Chinese side and may become an important step for Japan in promoting Ishiba's visit to China, Lu Chao, an expert on the Korean Peninsula at the Liaoning Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times.

If this ruling party delegation's trip to China yields positive results, it will also promote cooperation between China and Japan in various areas such as politics and economics, Lu said.

Delegation of Japan's ruling parties' China trip came less than a month after Iwaya's visit to China. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Iwaya held talks in Beijing on December 25, 2024, when Wang expressed hope that Japan will work with China to uphold the correct orientation of the strategic relationship of mutual benefit, abide by the important consensus that "the two countries are cooperative partners, not a threat to each other," and jointly advance the sound and stable development of bilateral relations.

A delegation from the Eastern Theater Command of the PLA will visit Japan in mid-January under a mutual agreement. The delegation will meet with leaders of Japan's Ministry of Defense and the Joint Staff of the Self-Defense Force, and visit related military units, the Chinese Defense Ministry announced on Monday.

The ministry said the visit is conducive to boosting mutual understanding and mutual trust, and promoting China-Japan defense exchanges.

PLA Eastern Theater Command delegation's visit to Japan marks the second exchange between the militaries of China and Japan within two months. A delegation of Japanese young and middle-aged military officers visited China from November 26 to December 4 last year.

Since Ishiba took office, China-Japan ties have begun to show signs of easing and stability, Lian Degui, director of Center for Japanese Studies at Shanghai International Studies University, told the Global Times. He noted that defense exchange plays an important role in this process, carrying positive significance and laying a solid foundation for the future development of bilateral ties.

Considering that the PLA Eastern Theater Command's jurisdiction includes the East China Sea and the Diaoyu Dao, frontline troops in the theater have many opportunities to interact with Japanese maritime and air forces, Zhang Junshe, a Chinese military expert, told the Global Times, noting that the Chinese delegation's visit to Japan is of great significance for the defense departments of both countries, especially for the frontline naval and air forces in the East China Sea.

Zhang said this helps to eliminate misunderstandings and misjudgments between the two sides, reduces the likelihood of unexpected incidents, and maintains regional peace and stability.

Complicated mentality

US President Joe Biden on Sunday met virtually with his counterparts from Japan and the Philippines to advance cooperation among the three countries, the White House said. The three leaders discussed trilateral maritime security and economic cooperation, and China's "dangerous and unlawful behavior in the South China Sea," according to a White House statement, Reuters reported.

Last week, Japan linked more than 200 cyberattacks over the past five years targeting the country's national security and high technology data to a Chinese hacking group, MirrorFace, detailing their tactics and calling on government agencies and businesses to reinforce preventive measures, according to the Associated Press.

In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Thursday that China firmly opposes and fights all forms of hacker attacks in accordance with law, and opposes politicizing cybersecurity issues.

"Some allies of the US have recently started to assist the US in spreading disinformation about China. We hope that all parties will approach cybersecurity issues on the basis of facts, guided by international rules, and with objectivity, fairness, and professionalism rather than playing supporting roles in political stunts," Guo added.

Tokyo's China policy is fraught with complications stemming from both historical grievances and contemporary issues, such as Japan's discharge of nuclear-contaminated wastewater. Additionally, the influence of Japan's hawkish factions and pressure from a third country have further complicated the situation, Lu Chao said.

China's policy toward Japan has remained consistent and stable. The crucial question now is whether Japan can effectively implement its current pragmatic approach to China and take advantage of this opportunity to foster warmer ties. By building mutual trust, both nations can bring much-needed warmth to their frosty relationship, according to Lu Chao.

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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun's Regular Press Conference on January 13, 2025

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: January 13, 2025 18:46

CCTV: Vice Premier He Lifeng and British Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves have just concluded the 11th China-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue. Could you share with us the outcomes of the dialogue?

Guo Jiakun: On January 11, Vice Premier He Lifeng and British Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves co-chaired the 11th China-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue and the two sides reached 69 mutually beneficial outcomes.

During the dialogue, both sides expressed their shared will of upholding multilateralism and economic globalization and commitment to supporting the rules-based multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core and building an open world economy. Both sides agreed that the China-UK cooperation is conducive to the development of both sides and will work together to keep the global industrial and supply chains safe and secure, stable and smooth and oppose decoupling and severing of supply chains. They also agreed to remove obstacles to two-way investment and promote an non-discriminatory and open business environment. The two sides reached multiple common understandings on industrial, agricultural and energy cooperation and agreed to convene a new round of meetings of the China-UK Joint Economic and Trade Commission, Joint Commission on Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation and the China-UK Industrial Cooperation dialogue as soon as possible. The two sides also agreed to deepen the China-UK Industrial Cooperation Partnership and step up cooperation on combating climate change. Both sides underlined the financial sector as a highlight for cooperation and expressed readiness to strengthen cooperation on economic and financial policy and financial regulatory cooperation and reached a series of deliverables on two-way opening up of financial markets and connectivity.

The outcomes of this dialogue will benefit not just the two countries, but the world as a whole. They reflect the breadth and depth of the economic and financial cooperation between China and the UK, and the prevailing trend of economic globalization and multilateralism in the world. China stands ready to work with the UK to follow the guidance of the important common understandings between the leaders of the two countries, deliver on the outcomes of this dialogue, make more progress on practical cooperation, inject new impetus for bilateral relations and add new bright spots for global economic growth.

Yonhap News Agency: According to ROK media reports, Foreign Minister Wang Yi is scheduling a visit to the ROK as early as next month. Is Foreign Minister Wang Yi planning to visit the ROK?

Guo Jiakun: China and the ROK are important neighbors and cooperation partners. The sound and steady growth of bilateral relations is in the interest of both sides. On future high-level exchanges between China and the ROK, I have nothing specific to share.

Reuters: What is the Chinese government's response to Friday's decision by the US to include a Chinese port operator on its latest sanctions list targeting Russian oil? Is China considering any retaliation to this move?

Guo Jiakun: China opposes the US overstretching the concept of national security, and disrupting and restricting normal economic and trade exchanges. China stands against illegal unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction that lack basis in international law or authorization by the UN Security Council.

Ukrainian News Agency: My question is on Russian-Ukrainian war issue. Ukrainian Defense Forces last week captured two North Korean soldiers, who were fighting on Russian side. This confirms North Korea's direct participation in the Russian war against Ukraine and is also evidence that Russia is conducting military cooperation with North Korea and violating UN Security Council sanctions against the DPRK. What's the Foreign Ministry's comment on North Korea's participation in Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine?

Guo Jiakun: I'm not familiar with what you mentioned. China's position on the Ukraine crisis is consistent and clear. We hope parties will work for deescalation and strive for political settlement.

Bloomberg: The Philippines said it filed a diplomatic protest against China's "continued illegal presence and activities" within Manila's "exclusive economic zone" in the South China Sea. That came after the Philippines said a large Coast Guard vessel, the CCG 5901, returned to the area. Would the ministry like to comment on that?

Guo Jiakun: China's sovereignty and rights in the South China Sea were established in the long course of history. They are solidly grounded in history and the law, and are consistent with international law and practices. China Coast Guard's patrols and law enforcement activities in relevant waters are lawful, justified and beyond reproach. China calls on the Philippines to stop the malicious accusations.

China Daily: Last weekend, Foreign Minister Wang Yi concluded his visit to Africa at the start of the year. This visit received extensive media attention from Africa and globally. Commentators say that China's interactions with Africa reflects China's commitment to equality among all countries irrespective of size, and China's cooperation with Africa is conducive to the continent's sustainable development and stable and sustained economic growth. Could you further share with us the significance of Foreign Minister Wang's Africa tour?

Guo Jiakun: Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to Africa was a full success. Upon the conclusion of the visit, he took a media interview to give a full overview of the visit. The visit is a continuation of Chinese foreign ministers' 35-year tradition to begin each year with a trip to Africa. The visit produced new common understandings and outcomes on implementing President Xi Jinping's six propositions on modernization and ten partnership actions that China and Africa can pursue together, which were first announced at last year's FOCAC Beijing summit.

The visit is the first Africa trip by China's top diplomat since the characterization of China-Africa relations was elevated to an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era. The visit cemented all-weather friendship between China and Africa and demonstrated the two sides' resolve to jointly respond to the rapid changes in today's world. Though the world keeps evolving, the long-standing commitment of China and Africa to supporting each other and treating each other as equals remains rock-solid. African leaders who met with Foreign Minister Wang Yi reaffirmed commitment to the one-China principle. They expressed sympathies over the earthquake in Xizang. The visit gave a further push to China-Africa cooperation in various fields, and created broad consensus and achieved tangible outcomes on enhancing inter-civilization exchanges, promoting green development, and deepening agricultural cooperation, among others. Both China and Africa are pursuing a modernization dream. Without Africa's modernization, there will be no global modernization. This visit also contributed to China-Africa all-round coordination and stronger joint effort to redress the historical injustices to Africa, promote solidarity and prosperity of the Global South and build a just and equitable global governance system. China and Africa are on the forefront in building a community with a shared future for mankind and will become a shining example of this endeavor.

Reuters: Penpa Tsering, the leader of the "Tibetan government-in-exile" in India, said on Sunday that the PRC government should take into account traditional Tibetan needs and fundamental rights of the Tibetan people during reconstruction and rebuilding. Does the Foreign Ministry have any comment?

Guo Jiakun: The so-called "Tibetan government-in-exile" is a pure separatist political group and recognized by no country in the world. We are fully aware and vigilant about the group's separatist nature and political agenda.

On the earthquake in Dingri County, Xizang, we shared information from this podium on the disaster response and relief work last week. The Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee held a meeting to discuss and decide on next steps for the relief work. Since the earthquake struck, under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, relevant localities and departments have responded swiftly and effectively. Members of the CPC, officials and the people there fought the disaster together as one. Rescuers braved the bitter cold and low oxygen levels on the high-altitude plateau and raced against time to find and rescue those who were trapped to minimize casualties. The disaster response and relief work is generally proceeding smoothly. We are confident in winning this tough battle of quake response and returning work and life to normal in the affected areas as soon as possible.

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DPRK Premier Inspects Various Sectors

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

Pyongyang, January 13 (KCNA) -- Pak Thae Song, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea and premier of the DPRK Cabinet, made a field survey of various sectors.

At the Rakwon General Machine Enterprise, a leading machine manufacturer of the country, the premier toured its oil-pressure device shop, heavy-machine building shop, Rakwon Oxygen Separator Factory and other parts to give a pep talk to officials, workers and technicians who have turned out in a campaign for increased production and economization in hearty response to the decisions of the Eleventh Plenary Meeting of the Eighth Central Committee of the WPK.

He underscored the need for the officials to play the initiative, creative and positive role in implementing the Party's policies, mindful of the importance of their duty for developing the machine-building industry of the country, and more dynamically organize and direct the work to raise the productivity and quality of machine products.

He also called for steadily strengthening its own technical forces to improve the performance of equipment and enhance the accuracy in processing and assembling products and for raising the practicality and efficiency of the building of overall production lines and the system of their management and operation.

At the Sinuiju Chemical Fibre Mill, the premier learned about the installation of new equipment and called for generalizing the successes and experience in the modernization of the mill to complete the project at an early date.

He stressed the need to resolve technical problems arising in improving the quality of paper by regarding the arousing of the workers' spiritual strength and science and technology as reserves for increased production and to improve the management of equipment and technical control so as to successfully fulfill the paper production plan for this year.

The field consultative meetings discussed the issue for relevant units to provide materials necessary for increased production in a responsible manner, the issue of lowering production costs by further enhancing the role of the April 15 technical innovation shock brigade and actively introducing advanced science and technology and the issue of directing steady efforts to the improvement of employees' working and living conditions. And the meetings took the necessary measures.

The premier also visited the headquarters of construction project for 50 000 flats in Pyongyang, which started the grand construction campaign for this year. At the headquarters, he stressed the need to step up in a farsighted way the preparations for inauguration of 10 000 flats at the third-stage in the Hwasong area, which has entered final stage, while examining whether there is any shortcoming in the project. -0-

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Construction of fence at the India-Bangladesh border

India - Ministry of External Affairs

January 13, 2025

The Bangladesh Acting High Commissioner to India, Mr. Md. Nural Islam, was summoned by MEA to the South Block today, January 13, 2025, at 2:00 pm.

2. It was conveyed that with regard to security measures at the border, including on fencing, India observed all protocols and agreements between the two governments and between the Border Security Force and Border Guard Bangladesh.

3. India reiterated its commitment to ensuring a crime-free border by effectively addressing the challenges of cross-border criminal activities, smuggling, movement of criminals and trafficking. Barbed wire fencing, border lighting, installation of technical devices and cattle fences are measures for securing the border.

4. India conveyed its expectation that all earlier understandings will be implemented by Bangladesh and that there will be a cooperative approach to combating cross-border crimes.

New Delhi

January 13, 2025

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Keel-Laying Ceremony of Training Ship for ICG held at MDL, Mumbai

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

Posted On: 13 JAN 2025 3:02PM by PIB Delhi

The Keel-Laying ceremony of a Training Ship (Yard 16101) for Indian Coast Guard (ICG) was held at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDL), Mumbai on January 13, 2025. With a range of 7,500 nautical miles, the ship will be equipped with specialised facilities such as a training bridge for cadets, a chart house, and dedicated classrooms to ensure a high-quality learning experience at sea. It will also play a crucial role in the training of 70 under-trainee officers, including women officers, after their basic training ashore.

The ship with a length of 107 meters will be capable of achieving a maximum speed of 20 knots. It will also feature state-of-the-art machinery and advanced technological systems, including AI-based predictive maintenance systems, a multipurpose drone, Integrated Bridge System & Integrated Platform Management System. The ceremony was presided over by Deputy Director General (Material & Maintenance) Inspector General HK Sharma, in the presence of the Director (Shipbuilding), MDL and other senior officials from the ICG and MDL.

The contract for the construction of the ship was concluded in October 2023. The ship is being indigenously designed, developed, and constructed by MDL under the Buy (Indian-IDDM) category, in line with the Government's vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The project underscores India's commitment to self-reliance in defence production and will significantly contribute to strengthening the nation's strategic autonomy. This initiative marks a key milestone in ICG's ongoing efforts to enhance its operational capabilities and ensure the highest standards of training for its officers, further strengthening their role in safeguarding India's maritime interests.

*****

MR/KB

(Release ID: 2092464)

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Iran, E3 agree to resume talks on lifting sanctions

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jan 13, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi announced that Iran and three European countries (the UK, Germany and France) have agreed to resume talks on lifting sanctions.

"The third round of talks between Iran and the three European countries was held in Geneva. The talks were serious, frank, and constructive. While going into some details, we discussed and explored ideas in the two areas of sanctions lifting and nuclear that are essential to reaching an agreement," Gharibabadi wrote on his X account.

"There was a consensus that negotiations should be resumed and that a conducive atmosphere should be created and maintained by all parties to reach an agreement. It was agreed that the talks would continue," the senior diplomat added in his post.

2050

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Police arrests member of ISIS terrorist group in northern Iran

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jan 13, 2025

Sari, IRNA -- Police in the northern Iranian city of Juybar arrested a member of the Daesh terror group, also known as ISIS.

In a statement on Monday, the Information Center of the Mazandaran Police Command announced the identification and arrest of an ISIS terrorist in the northern city of Juybar, Mazandaran province.

The terrorist, affiliated with the ISIS Takfiri group, was captured during a joint operation involving counter-terrorism units from the Intelligence Organization of the Mazandaran and Golestan Police Commands and was subsequently handed over to the judicial authorities.

In related news, earlier in October of last year, the police in Iran's northern city of Nowshahr reported the arrest of three members of the Daesh terror group.

Additionally, in late August, Iran's Ministry of Intelligence announced the capture of 14 Daesh-Khorasan terrorists across four provincesTehran, Alborz, Fars, and Khuzestan.

3266**2050

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Iran Army can conquer the sky with its AI-equipped drones: Defense minister

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jan 13, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- The Iranian Army can dominate the sky with its advanced, AI-equipped drones if necessary, says Iran's defense minister.

Addressing a ceremony to deliver 1000 strategic drones to the Army on Monday, Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh highlighted the Iranian Armed Forces' advanced capability in drone technology, especially the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in its aircraft.

Nasirzadeh lauded the cooperation between Iran's defense industry and the Army, stating that their synergy has led to significant advancements.

The drones delivered to the Army today enhance its ability to "conquer the sky when necessary and deliver deadly blows to the enemy," he said.

"What is showcased in the exercises is only the shareable portion of our capabilities," he warned the enemies. "We also possess astonishing equipment, which will be utilized by our Armed Forces if necessary."

'Armed Forces possess everything they need'

Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, the Iranian Army's chief commander, also spoke at the event, saying the Iranian Armed Forces possess everything necessary to fulfill their duties.

"The deliveries, unveilings, and exercises across the geography of Iran and the oceans demonstrate the capacity and readiness of the Armed Forces," he stated.

He explained that based on field realities, new measures had to be taken, and that is why "our scientists inserted the desired new features and requirements into these drones."

4354**4194

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Iran, E3 diplomats meet in Geneva to discuss removal of sanctions

Iran Press TV

Monday, 13 January 2025 6:15 PM

Senior representatives of Iran and the European trio of Britain, France, and Germany (E3) have discussed the removal of illegal sanctions on Tehran and its nuclear program.

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi and political directors and deputies of the European trio met in Geneva, Switzerland, on Monday.

The sides also exchanged views about issues of common interests and the ongoing situation in the region.

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi was also present in the meeting.

Takht-Ravanchi is also scheduled to meet Enrique Mora, Deputy Secretary General of the European External Action Service, in Geneva on Thursday.

The Geneva meeting with the three European countries is a continuation of the talks held with the trio in September on the sidelines of the annual session of the UN General Assembly in New York and the negotiations held in Geneva in November.

The two sides have been conducting on-again, off-again talks since 2021, three years after the United States illegally and unilaterally left a historic nuclear accord between Iran and world powers under Donald Trump, returning Washington's unlawful sanctions against the Islamic Republic.

The trio then failed to live up to their promise of bringing Washington back into the deal.

Reacting to the counter-party's non-commitment to its obligations, Tehran initiated a set of retaliatory nuclear steps, including by activating more advanced centrifuges.

The country has been stepping up the measures in response to the other parties' continued refusal to uphold their obligations.

Earlier this year, the European states forwarded an anti-Iranian resolution that had been proposed by the US, to the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which was approved by the board.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday that Tehran has always given priority to having the sanctions terminated.

"However, we have learned that we should improve our power to minimize the impacts of the sanctions," Baghaei emphasized.

He noted that the Geneva meeting is primarily aimed at discussing the lifting of illegal sanctions against Iran but other topics will also be raised.

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Defense minister: Skies under Iran's command for fatal blow; big surprises in 'store'

Iran Press TV

Monday, 13 January 2025 9:55 AM

Iran's defense minister has commended the superior stance of the capabilities of the country's Armed Forces, especially in the area of air defense and naval combat.

Brigadier General Aziz Nasirzadeh made the remarks on Monday, attending a special ceremony held to mark the joining process of as many as 1,000 advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to the country's Army's Combat Organization.

"The drones that joined the Combat Organization today created such capacity in the Islamic Republic's Army that has rendered it capable of bringing the skies under its command if necessary, and administer fatal blows to the enemy," he said.

The official identified the new drones as those that are capable of landing in and taking off from the sea, and can be deployed towards smartization and contribution to the Ground Forces' operations.

He underlined remarks that have been made by Leader of the Islamic Republic Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, in which emphasis has been made on the defense industry's duty towards aptly equipping the country's Muslim nation with their required defensive hardware.

'Army has big surprises in store'

Nasirzadeh said what the country had deployed during its various military maneuvers only comprised a fraction of the Armed Forces' capabilities.

"We have some amazing and surprising equipment in our possession, which would be deployed by our Armed Forces if need be."

The official, meanwhile, underlined the imperative nature of application of artificial intelligence technologies to drone production processes.

He considered the monumental development that witnessed integration of the huge number of drones to the Combat Organization to be the result of the very effective and favorable synergy and unity that existed between the country's defense industry and Army.

"The Army has attained considerable maturity in the area of application of drones, and has been using a manifold range of the aircraft and relevant strategies alongside special innovations across its fourfold military forces."

'Armed Forces won't allow enemies to dare commit violations'

The official asserted that the Armed Forces would not allow any of the country's "lowly enemies" to dare resort to acts of effrontery or other forms of violation against the nation, commending the demanding approach of the Iranian commanders that had prompted the defense industry to provide the forces with their necessary equipment.

He also pointed to underway production of First-Person View (FPV) drones by the industry.

Also joining the ceremony, the Army's Chief Commander Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi noted that such integration ceremonies as well as various military drills that have been partaken by the Armed Forces indicated the extensive level of the forces' capacity and readiness.

He, however, identified the joining ceremony as an instance of only a fraction of the forces' capabilities, asserting that the forces were in possession of whatever they needed.

Mousavi praised the defense industry's managing to realize Ayatollah Khamenei's order towards the industry's availing itself of all the time that it had at its disposal to increasingly enhance the forces' preparedness.

"Our message to the Iranian nation is that the people's death-defying sons in the Armed Forces and the Army stand by their commitment to God, the Leader, and the nation with all their life, blood, knowledge, and power."

The commander advised that the Islamic Republic's enemies "not gamble on their chances" vis-a-vis the country by resorting to acts of aggression against it.

"This is the proud Islamic Iran, and its great people...are standing up wholeheartedly, and would not back down an iota from fulfilling their efforts to defend its Islamic Revolution's causes and national esteem," he remarked.

'Forming Army's Drone Force highly likely'

Mousavi defined Monday's integration process as the second time the defense industry was handing over such quantity of drones to the Combat Organization, noting that it had previously transferred hundreds of such aircraft to the body.

The new batch, though, is much more remarkable, the commander stated, adding that the defense industry had managed to hand over the aircraft six months ahead of schedule through round-the-clock dedication and endeavor due to the fact that there were new situations and field realities on the ground that had necessitated such speeding up of the process.

Mousavi noted that the country's drone capabilities and operations had significantly increased, predicting that the Army could start inaugurating its own separate Drone Force one day.

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Iran Army unveils 'daunting' laser-powered air defense system guarding nuclear sites

Iran Press TV

Monday, 13 January 2025 6:25 AM

Iran's Army has unveiled a state-of-the-art laser-powered air defense system during its Air Defense Forces' military maneuvers in the country's western and northern areas.

The equipment, named Seraj (Light), was wheeled out on Sunday as the defense forces were drilling near the country's Fordow uranium enrichment facility.

The Army identified the system as only one of the layers providing the site with air defense services.

Observers have described the apparatus as "daunting," pointing to Western states' expressing surprise concerning the phenomenon.

The exercises, during which the Air Defense Forces conducted various reconnaissance, interception, confrontation, and destruction operations against mock enemy forces, featured deployment of various other defense systems too.

The forces carried out airstrikes using missiles as a means of defending the strategic and sensitive areas under their jurisdiction.

The drills, being monitored and directed by the Islamic Republic's Integrated Air Defense Network, fended off the mock enemy forces' offensive operations in Fordow and the nearby Khondab District.

The drills, which had sought to assess the actual effectiveness of the country's air defense strategies against potential hostile invasions, wound down on Sunday after achieving their predetermined objectives.

They ensured intelligence command and the capability to punctually detect invasive targets, using various sensitive active and passive radar, signal detection, optical, and surveillance systems at the Air Defense Forces' disposal.

They further assessed the operational and technical defense forces' operational prowess across realistic engagement circumstances and their commitment to passive defense principles.

The drills also took place with emphasis on the rapid deployment principle.

The Islamic Republic's Armed Forces, including the Army and the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), have been continuously enhancing their military hardware and combat readiness in line with the directives 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.

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Italy Frees Iranian Wanted By U.S. For Alleged Involvement In Drone Attack

By RFE/RL's Radio Farda January 13, 2025

Tehran has confirmed that an Iranian national has returned home following his release from Italy, despite a request by Washington for his extradition to the United States for alleged involvement in a deadly drone attack in Jordan.

Italy's release of 38-year-old Mohammad Abedini on January 12 came four days after the freeing by Tehran of 29-year-old Italian journalist and podcaster Cecilia Sala, although no mention of a prisoner swap was made by either side.

After saying Abedini had been released earlier in the day by Italy, the Iranian Foreign Ministry and judiciary announced he had arrived in Iran.

Abedini, an Iranian-Swiss businessman, was arrested in Italy in December at the request of the United States.

Washington has accused him of supplying sophisticated drone technology to Iran's military in violation of U.S. sanctions and of alleged involvement in a January 2024 drone attack on a U.S. base in Jordan that killed three soldiers.

The U.S. Justice Department said Abedini was the founder and director of an Iranian company "that manufactures navigation modules used in the military drone program" of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry claimed Abedini's arrest was a "misunderstanding" that was resolved in talks between the Iranian and Italian intelligence services.

The Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera reported Abedini had been released from a Milan prison by the Court of Appeals based on a ruling by Justice Minister Carlo Nordio.

Italy's Justice Ministry said that, according to the country's treaty with Washington, extradition can only occur if an alleged crime is punishable under both countries' laws.

"The first conduct attributed to the Iranian citizen of 'criminal association to violate the IEEPA' [is not] punished by the Italian criminal system," it said, referring to the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, a U.S. law that gives the president sweeping emergency powers.

The Iranian man is also accused by Washington of "criminal association to provide material support to a terrorist organization resulting in death" and of providing "material support to a foreign terrorist organization resulting in death."

However, Italy's Justice Ministry said no evidence was offered as "a basis for the accusations made."

Washington has not commented on Abedini's release.

Sala, who was arrested on December 19 by Tehran police for her "journalistic activities," was released on January 8 and has returned home.

The journalist, who has a podcast called Stories that covers life in places around the world, was held for over a week before Iranian authorities confirmed her detention.

The arrest sparked a diplomatic clash between Tehran and Rome, with Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto calling her arrest "unacceptable."

The United States called Sala's detention "retaliatory," while media watchdogs Reporters Without Borders and the International Federation of Journalists described her arrest as "arbitrary" and aimed at "extortion."

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced in a post on X that Sala was released "thanks to intense work on diplomatic and intelligence channels."

Iran is routinely accused of arresting dual nationals and Western citizens on false charges to use them to pressure Western countries.

With reporting by AFP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/italy-frees-iranian-man- wanted-us-alleged-drone-attack/33273195.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.

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Tehran Releases German-Iranian Activist Nahid Taghavi

By RFE/RL's Radio Farda January 13, 2025

Nahid Taghavi, a dual German-Iranian national, has returned to Germany after four years of imprisonment in Iran as a new round of nuclear negotiations between three major European countries and Tehran is set to resume.

Taghavi's daughter, Mariam Claren, posted on social media on January 14 a picture of herself embracing her mother at what appeared to be a German airport with a caption saying "It's over. Nahid is free!"

"After more than 4 years as a political prisoner in the Islamic Republic of Iran my mother Nahid Taghavi was freed and is back in Germany," she added.

Taghavi, now 69, was arrested by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) while visiting Iran in the fall of 2020.

She was later sentenced to 10 years and eight months in prison by a revolutionary court on charges of taking part in an "illegal group" -- something she and her family have denied.

Taghavi was briefly granted medical furloughs but was required to remain under electronic surveillance in Tehran.

She was forced to return to prison amid increased tensions between Iran and Germany, notably after German Chancellor Olaf Scholz voiced support for Iran's Women, Life, Freedom protests, a movement advocating for women's rights and freedom in Iran.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock celebrated Taghavi's release in a social media post, calling it "a moment of great joy."

Taghavi's release follows a flurry of diplomatic moves leading up to talks to be held in Geneva on January 14 between Iran, Germany, the United Kingdom, and France.

Last week Italian journalist Cecilia Sala was released after being detained in Iran for three weeks while in Tehran for a reporting trip.

Separately, Iranian national Mohammad Abedini, who was arrested in Italy on a U.S. warrant for allegedly smuggling drone parts to the IRGC, was released and returned to Tehran last week.

The talks in Geneva are the second round in two months concerning Tehran's nuclear program.

France has said the so-called consultations are aimed at working "toward a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear program, the progress of which is extremely problematic."

France, Germany, and the United Kingdom were key players in a 2015 deal, known officially as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), that gave Iran some limited relief from international sanctions in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program designed to prevent it from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

Under then-President Donald Trump, the United States pulled out of the deal and reimposed biting sanctions on the Islamic republic.

With Trump scheduled to be inaugurated once again as president on January 20, Rafael Grossi, head of the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has urged Iran and its global partners to achieve "concrete, tangible, and visible results" in talks over Tehran's nuclear program as Trump's return to the White House may mean the window for diplomacy is closing.

Taghavi's case is just one of many involving dual nationals detained in Iran. The West accuses Tehran of using the detainees as diplomatic bargaining chips.

France has demanded the immediate release of its nationals arrested in Iran, saying their conditions are tantamount to torture.

Meanwhile, Switzerland has called for an investigation into the death of one of its citizens in an Iranian jail last week that Iranian authorities ruled was a "suicide."

The fate of Jamshid Sharmahd, an Iranian-German political activist executed in Iran under controversial circumstances, also has fueled tension between Berlin and Tehran. Despite an international outcry, Iran has not released Sharmahd's body to his family in the United States.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/tehran-release-german- iranian-activist-nahid-taghavi/33274120.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.

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Ta'ang rebels renew vow to crush Myanmar's junta despite earlier ceasefire offer

Observers say the TNLA knows that control of its region is unsustainable if the military remains in power.

By RFA Burmese 2025.01.13 -- Ethnic Ta'ang rebels have renewed their vow to crush Myanmar's ruling junta, but said that a ceasefire offer made in November following pressure from neighboring China remains on the table.

Based in the northeastern state of Shan, the Ta'ang National Liberation Army, or TNLA, has been fighting for autonomy for years. It is a member of the Three Brotherhood Alliance of ethnic armies that went on the offensive against the junta on Oct. 27, 2023, and made stunning gains.

It now controls 11 cities and towns, including the country's largest ruby mine town of Mogoke in the Mandalay region.

Observers told RFA Burmese that the pledge, made in a Sunday statement marking the 62nd anniversary of Ta'ang National Revolution Day, suggests that the TNLA realizes it cannot achieve peace unilaterally and that merely controlling its own region would be unsustainable if the junta remains in power.

TNLA spokeswoman Lway Yay Oo told RFA that the statement, which also called for increased cooperation with other rebel forces, was released in line with the group's goal of removing the junta, which seized power in a February 2021 coup d'etat.

"Although the military dictatorship has been eliminated in the Ta'ang region, the regime continues to exist throughout Myanmar," she said. "Since the dictatorship is still in power, we will continue to fight to achieve our revolutionary objective of removing the dictatorship."

Lway Yay Oo said that the TNLA is adhering to its ceasefire offer to the junta "in consideration of the safety of the local people."

Lt. Gen. Tar Aik Bong, the chairman of the Palaung State Liberation Front - Ta'ang National Liberation Army, or PSLF-TNLA, which is also fighting for self-determination in Shan state, said his group would intensify military operations this year in cooperation with other anti-junta forces in the plains and surrounding areas.

In a speech marking Ta'ang National Revolution Day, he also called for strengthened unity among opposition groups to overthrow the junta in 2025, following victories last year.

Two-pronged approach

Despite the TNLA's self-assured statement, political commentator Hla Kyaw Zaw told RFA that the group likely issued it due to the ongoing threat of a military attack.

"They [the TNLA] proposed peace negotiations under pressure from China, but peace cannot be achieved unilaterally," he said. "Therefore, they have expressed a dual approach of engaging in peace dialogue with one hand while vowing to remove the junta with the other."

China has managed to broker short-lived ceasefires between the insurgent allies and the military before, but they collapsed.

Beijing has extensive economic interests in Myanmar, including energy pipelines and mining projects and is keen to see an end to the violent turmoil that has engulfed its southern neighbor since the coup.

Hla Kyaw Zaw said that the TNLA's statement suggests the group understands that simply controlling its own region is unsustainable.

"If the military regime remains intact, it will regroup and resume its offensive campaigns, just as it did during the terms of [earlier juntas]," he said. "They've learned from past experience that while the junta may agree to peace in one region, it simultaneously launches attacks in others. This is why the TNLA issued its recent statement."

Former military officer Capt. Zin Yaw, who now advises rebel forces as part of the Civil Disobedience Movement of state employees who left their jobs to protest the military's coup, said that the TNLA's pledge to cooperate with other anti-junta forces suggests that fighting will intensify in Mandalay and Sagaing regions, as well as southern Shan state.

"The TNLA has clearly stated that the junta can only be removed if all rebel forces fight collaboratively, while also considering political dialogue as an alternative option," he said. "I anticipate that rebel forces in northern Shan, southern Shan, Sagaing, and Mandalay will grow stronger and achieve more victories."

Threat of airstrikes

A resident of Lashio, the largest town in Shan, told RFA that the statement has raised concerns that the military may carry out airstrikes on areas in the northern part of the state.

"Bombings and fighting since the coup have been common for residents, but we worry about further bombings and attacks," said the resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to security concerns. "We hope to enjoy peace one day. However, we can do nothing but endure because we cannot stop the conflict."

Junta chief Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing has repeatedly expressed interest in peace talks since his visit to China last November, as have the members of the Northern Brotherhood Alliance, which also includes the Arakan Army, or AA, and the Kokang Army, or MNDAA.

However, the various sides have yet to hold talks, said the TNLA's Lway Yay Oo.

A former military officer and political commentator, who also declined to be named, said he believes the TNLA's call to resume the fight against the military is intended to consolidate aligned anti-junta forces.

"If they stop fighting now, their internal unity could be undermined," he said.

But the group also faces challenges "due to a lack of economic resources."

"This is why they are saying two different things," he said.

Attempts by RFA to reach junta spokesperson Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Htun for comment on the TNLA's statement went unanswered Monday.

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.

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Pakistani president, PM reiterate resolve to eliminate terrorism

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 13:40, January 13, 2025

ISLAMABAD, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have reiterated the resolve to eliminate the menace of terrorism from their country, official statements said.

Zardari reaffirmed the government's commitment to eradicating terrorism, saying that the security forces remain fully engaged in ensuring peace and stability across the nation, the President's Office said in a statement.

He also highlighted the collective resolve of the Pakistani people in the fight against terrorism and expressed confidence that ongoing counter-terrorism efforts will lead to a peaceful and secure future for the country.

Sharif echoed similar sentiments, expressing solidarity with the security forces, according to a statement released by the Prime Minister's Office.

He reiterated the government's determination to continue the fight against terrorism until the threat is completely eliminated.

Both leaders also commended the country's security forces for killing nine terrorists in successful operations against militants in the northwestern North Waziristan district.

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Pakistan claims killing 27 Baloch insurgents

By Ayaz Gul January 13, 2025

Pakistan reported Monday that its security forces raided a "terrorists' location" in southwestern Balochistan province and killed 27 insurgents during what was described as an intelligence-driven operation.

A military statement said that "multiple hideouts, including caches of arms, ammunition, and explosives, were also destroyed during the operation" in the central Kachhi district of the large but sparsely populated province.

The announcement noted that law enforcement agencies wanted the slain insurgents for allegedly orchestrating "terrorist activities" against security personnel and civilians in the district, where the outlawed separatist Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and its allies are active.

VOA could not immediately verify the official claims from independent sources, nor have Baloch insurgents commented on them.

Regional experts describe BLA as the largest and most lethal of all the separatist groups active in natural resources-rich Balochistan, which sits on Pakistan's border with Iran and Afghanistan. The group, designated as a global terrorist organization by the United States, has claimed almost all local attacks in recent months, killing and injuring hundreds of people, mainly security forces.

Last week, dozens of heavily armed BLA fighters invaded the town of Zehri in the Khuzdar district of the province. They briefly took control of government facilities, including a security installation, and robbed a bank before setting several buildings on fire and escaping the area, according to the insurgent group and Pakistani officials.

The daring daylight insurgent attack sparked criticism regarding an alleged delay in the response of Pakistani security forces to the BLA strikes.

"Those responsible must explain how terrorists were able to commandeer the area for eight hours," the English-language DAWN newspaper wrote in a subsequent editorial.

The provincial government initiated an investigation into the attack, resulting in the dismissal of over a dozen members of the paramilitary Balochistan Levies force for their alleged failure to resist the insurgents and surrender their weapons.

Insurgents allege that the central and provincial Pakistani governments exploit Balochistan's natural resources, such as gold and copper, while disregarding the poverty-stricken local population.

Islamabad rejects the charges as baseless, saying that massive infrastructure development projects are underway in the province, including those funded by China. BLA has also targeted Chinese nationals associated with some of the projects in the region.

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S. Korean president not to attend 1st hearing of impeachment trial for safety concerns

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 08:55, January 13, 2025

SEOUL, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol will not attend the first hearing of his impeachment trial, scheduled for Tuesday, for safety concerns, Yoon's defense counsel said Sunday.

Yun Gap-geun, Yoon's lawyer, was quoted by multiple media outlets as saying that concerns remained about safety and mishaps as the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) and National Office of Investigation (NOI) continued their attempt to execute a warrant to arrest the impeached president.

The counsel noted that safety and security issues should be resolved in order for Yoon to appear in the trial, adding that Yoon will be present at any time when the safety issue is resolved.

The constitutional court planned to hold the first official hearing of Yoon's impeachment trial on Jan. 14, with the next hearings slated for Jan. 16, 21, 23 and Feb. 4.

The impeachment motion against Yoon was passed in the National Assembly on Dec. 14, 2024, and was delivered to the constitutional court to deliberate it for up to 180 days, during which Yoon's presidential power is suspended.

Yoon, who was named by investigative agencies as a suspected ringleader on insurrection charge, declared a martial law on the night of Dec. 3 but it was revoked by the National Assembly hours later.

Investigators attempted to arrest Yoon in the presidential residence on Jan. 3, but it failed as the presidential security service blocked the execution of the warrant.

A Seoul court granted the extension of warrant to apprehend Yoon Tuesday by issuing the second warrant against the impeached president.

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South Korea, Japan stress importance of trilateral ties with US

Call for cooperation followed a rare foreign ministers' meeting in Seoul a week before the US swears in a new president.

By RFA Staff 2025.01.13 -- The foreign ministers of South Korea and Japan stressed the importance of trilateral ties with the United States at a news conference on Monday during a two-day visit to Seoul by Takeshi Iwaya, the first visit to the country by a Japanese foreign minister in nearly seven years.

His meeting with his counterpart, Cho Tae-yul, comes at a time of political flux, with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol facing impeachment after an unsuccessful attempt to declare martial law and the U.S. a week away from the inauguration of a new president.

"I believe trilateral cooperation will continue under the Trump administration," Cho said Monday, according to Reuters, while Iwaya said he would raise the issue with the incoming U.S. administration, saying the three-way relationship was more important than ever considering the global situation.

But Donald Trump's return to the White House has caused concern in some quarters about America's security commitment to the two U.S. allies, which both host U.S. forces on their soil.

During Trump's first term, he unsuccessfully pushed Japan to quadruple its funding for the 50,000 American troops based there, making similar demands on South Korea for the nearly 30,000 American forces stationed there.

In the end, Trump didn't follow through with threats to cut the U.S. troop presence in the two countries, although he has hinted recently he may pick up where he left off.

Trump may also resume attempts to defuse the regional threat from North Korea by holding another round of talks with its leader, Kim Jong Un. In spite of three meetings between the two during Trump's first term, the U.S. president failed to get commitments from Kim to abandon his nuclear and missile programs.

The Biden administration did not engage with the North Korean leader who has increased his saber rattling recently.

Over the past year Kim has abandoned plans for North-South reunification, threatened Seoul with annihilation, fired missiles into the Sea of Japan, and forged closer ties with Russia.

Kim's June 2024 meeting with President Vladimir Putin, raised concerns that Moscow would provide Pyongyang with technology for its missiles, which can strike U.S. cities, in return for the North sending troops to help Russia fight Ukraine.

North Korea has ramped up its weapon testing program in the days leading up to Trump's inauguration. Last week, it launched what it called a new hypersonic missile as outgoing U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Seoul.

Another Kim-Trump meeting may be on the cards this year, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported on Monday. South Korea's spy agency the National Intelligence Service said a "small agreement" on Pyongyang's nuclear policy was possible if the incoming U.S. president reopens talks.

"There is a possibility that Trump could seek dialogue with Kim as Trump himself views his previous summits with Kim as major achievements during his first administration," the National Intelligence Service said, according to South Korean lawmakers, who attended an agency briefing.

Seoul and Tokyo are keen to ensure Washington takes their views into consideration when the new U.S. administration finalizes its foreign policy objectives.

Japan's foreign minister will attend Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20 and try to arrange a meeting between the U.S. president and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba the following month in order to "build a relationship of trust" Iwaya said on Saturday on state broadcaster NHK.

Ishiba, Joe Biden and South Korean President Yoon met on the sidelines of the APEC summit in Peru in November, announcing a trilateral secretariat to focus on economic and defense cooperation.

In his final week in office, Biden is still pushing his Indo-Pacific policy.

The U.S. president, Japan's Ishiba and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. focused in a Sunday telephone call on maritime security and "China's dangerous and unlawful behavior in the South China Sea," the White House said.

Edited by Mike Firn.

Copyright 1998-2025, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content January not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Meeting with CEO of Russian Direct Investment Fund Kirill Dmitriev

Vladimir Putin had a meeting with CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund Kirill Dmitriev to discuss the RDIF's ongoing projects across various sectors, including industry, energy, transportation, pharmaceuticals, and artificial intelligence.

January 13, 2025

14:15

The Kremlin, Moscow

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Dmitriev, how is the Fund's work progressing in the current environment?

CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund Kirill Dmitriev: Mr President, thank you for your continued support of the RDIF. Since our inception, we have invested in 100 major projects across various sectors, including infrastructure, industry, and technology. The total value of our investments has exceeded 2.3 trillion rubles.

Vladimir Putin: For what period?

Kirill Dmitriev: This represents the Fund's activities. Over the past two years, we have invested 250 billion rubles alongside our partners, achieving an attraction ratio of 1 to 5. In other words, for every ruble we invested, our partners contributed five.

Notably, one trillion of these funds were allocated to projects from the ground up, involving the creation of new production facilities and enterprises.

We have also brought in 36 billion euros of foreign capital into the Russian economy. A large portion of these investments is automatic, with 90 percent coming from friendly countries that continue to collaborate with us.

Today, we are also highlighting that these investments not only contribute to the growth of Russia's economy, infrastructure, and technology, but are also highly profitable for the state. We have increased the state funds already invested in the Fund by nearly six times (5.7 times). As a result, investments are flowing into infrastructure, industry, and technology while simultaneously generating significant returns for the state.

We also work with Russian co-investors, and together we have invested in 25 projects totalling 240 billion rubles since 2022. These projects include Atom, our first electric car, and we are also planning to finalise another 16 projects with Russian partners in the near future, worth a total of 270 billion rubles.

You have also instructed us to focus on import substitution. We are establishing an industrial fund in the oil and gas industry jointly with the largest oil and gas companies in order to invest in oil and gas technologies together. This will be an entire ecosystem where we will not only invest in enterprises, but oil and gas companies will also give orders to small and medium-sized technology enterprises. We also plan to extend the model of such industrial funds to the telecommunications industry and a number of others.

In addition, many significant infrastructural projects are already showing good results with your support. You have inaugurated Bagration Prospekt, which improved transport accessibility for 1.5 million people in Moscow, and ten million vehicles have already passed there.

Our first railway bridge between Russia and China is now playing a very important role, and trade there has already increased sevenfold over the first eight months. It has become a very important route connecting us with China.

We have opened small hydroelectric power plants in Karelia, which have quickly improved the situation in the region. This is the first project of the BRICS Bank in Russia. We will also invest in developing domestic gas supply together with Gazprom, and together with a subsidiary we will build autonomous gas supply stations and promote this in every possible way in Russia.

We are also actively investing in infrastructure together with our Asian partners. Together, we are building grain terminals, which will supply our grain to Chinese markets, and we are also investing in a terminal for transshipment of liquefied petroleum gases, which will also be in the Far East to help our cargo go to China.

We continue to invest together with foreign partners. As you know, we have attracted more than six billion euros in 70 investment projects from Middle Eastern countries, with one million Russians working in these companies. Together with Chinese partners, we have attracted 6.8 billion euros in various companies, and 600,000 people work there.

In conclusion, I would like to briefly speak about our investments in artificial intelligence, healthcare, and BRICS initiatives.

As for artificial intelligence, we have attracted 150 billion rubles from our foreign partners specifically for artificial intelligence projects, and we are actively interacting with our leading universities and institutes. We invest not only in infrastructure such as data centres for artificial intelligence, but also in companies such as Motorika, which produces prostheses that use artificial intelligence. We also help our artificial intelligence companies enter the Middle East markets. For example, we helped a facial recognition company enter the Saudi Arabian market, and we are also bringing a leading telemedicine company to the markets of Asia and the Middle East.

As for healthcare, our successful fight against the coronavirus has made it possible to create a partner network in various countries, and we, accordingly, will continue to promote the Gamaleya Institute's vaccines to the Chinese market, for example, and bring the leading Chinese drugs to the Russian market. Jointly with the Cubans, we will attract their anti-cancer drugs to Russia. With an Indian company, we are building, first, a network to produce items for haemodialysis, and, second, a Russia-based Indian pharmaceutical cluster.

Vladimir Putin: Do you remember we were talking with you and I asked you to create conditions where the developers of these drugs that are so much needed in our country and elsewhere should not feel disadvantaged when profits from selling these drugs are distributed?

Kirill Dmitriev: Yes, I do.

Vladimir Putin: I asked you to create an arrangement where the developers would also receive certain funds, both for personal consumption and for developing relevant areas of their activity. Have you managed to do that?

Kirill Dmitriev: Yes, I have, no doubt about that. Taking the Sputnik vaccine as an example, the leading groups at the Gamaleya Institute have received considerable funds personally. Besides, a certain amount of money from the sale of each vaccine went to the Gamaleya Institute for their R&D and their development, respectively. This is one of the first examples, where many researchers have received very considerable sums indeed, because their contribution to creating the national vaccine was highly important. I am referring to rather large sums allocated to both the chief developers and the entire 40-man-strong team involved in the vaccine-making effort.

Vladimir Putin: The Institute itself should have received certain funds for development.

Kirill Dmitriev: The Institute received considerable funds per each vaccine. Plus, as you may know, the RDIF has remitted the 22 billion rubles it made on this to the federal budget. Therefore, there are no vaccine profits left in the RDIF's possession. We have turned everything over to the budget. The Gamaleya Institute has also received significant money for development.

Vladimir Putin: Good. Thank you.

<...>

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Russia's 'Year Of The Family' Has Meant A War On Abortion And Divorce

By Current Time and Chris Rickleton January 13, 2025

With Russian President Vladimir Putin declaring 2024 the Year of the Family, the pressure was on lawmakers and local governments to go the extra mile.

They didn't disappoint.

From an intensifying campaign against abortions, new "family studies" classes for schoolchildren, and tougher hurdles to get divorced, last year saw Russia invade new territory in its fight for "traditional family values."

Anti-Abortion Drive

With a decades-long demographic crisis exacerbated by huge losses fighting the war in Ukraine -- a conflict Russia continues to refer to as the "special military operation" -- the Kremlin desperately needs a baby boom.

The first half of 2024 saw declining birth rates dip below levels seen in 1999, the last year of the decade often blamed for Russia's demographic trough.

Russia has long used material incentives to try to make citizens have bigger families.

Last year, those efforts went into overdrive, with regional administrations reserving cash handouts of varying amounts for mothers younger than 24.

In the Chelyabinsk region, student couples were made eligible for a million-ruble benefit ($10,000) providing both are studying at a higher education institution in the region.

But as they offered more carrots, Russian officials also gave themselves a bigger stick.

More than a dozen Russian regions have passed laws banning "coercion to abortion" in recent months, with fines of up to 100,000 rubles (just under $1,000) for doctors and employers who are judged to have forced advice on pregnant women.

Human rights advocates have warned that the opposite is now happening, saying women visiting medical clinics to get abortions now receive advice against it or find the procedure is repeatedly delayed under fabricated pretexts.

At the same time, the authorities have ramped up messaging against abortions in government institutions and at state universities.

In November 2024, a film promoting antiabortion messages produced by a channel associated with the Russian Orthodox Church began screening in cinemas. Special screenings were arranged for schoolchildren, university students, and government employees.

Now many Russians are worried that the authorities' call for a "special demographic operation" -- as Nina Ostanina, the head of the State Duma Committee for Family Protection, termed it -- might some day culminate in a de facto ban on abortions.

In 2024, lawmakers proposed to amend the law On the Basics of Healthcare in the Russian Federation in order to include the concepts of rights "before as well as after birth."

Taking On 'Childfree Propaganda'

Fighting on a different front, Russia's State Duma passed a law in November 2024 that will punish "childfree propaganda." Promoting the virtues of voluntary childlessness can land organizations and individuals with fines of up to $45,000 and $4,000, respectively.

The new law is similar to legislation passed in 2022 prohibiting "LGBT propaganda," which built on legislation promoting "traditional family values" in 2013.

And in March of last year, Russia added the "international LGBT social movement and its structural units" -- a movement that does not actually exist -- to its list of extremist organizations.

Divorce Discouraged

As birth rates fall, divorces are apparently rising. Elena Mikhailova, an adviser at the state-supported Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VTsIOM), claimed that, in 2024, there were eight divorces registered for every 10 new marriages.

In September 2024, a lawmaker from Russia's ruling United Russia party, submitted legislation to the State Duma that would require courts to give spouses seeking divorce a three-month period to reconcile and mandate psychological consultations for the pair.

If it becomes law, couples would also be required to undergo "reeducation" in cases where they have underage children, or where one spouse wants to preserve the marriage while the other does not.

That part of the bill looks to be particularly threatening for victims of domestic violence, which remains rife in Russia and was partially decriminalized in 2017.

According to research by the Consortium of Women's NGOs, at least 2,284 women died from domestic violence in 2022-2023, 93 percent of them killed by their partners.

Patriotic Education

Meanwhile, the drive for "traditional family values" has found its way into Russian classrooms.

Beginning in September 2024, a new subject, Family Studies, was introduced in schools, with a mission to teach children that "family is the foundation of any state."

The data suggests, however, that Russians aren't ready to throw caution to the wind when it comes to family planning. According to the business daily Vedomosti, Russians flocked to pharmacies to buy contraceptives in the first half of 2024, spending 19.3 billion rubles (about $177 million) -- a record for the last five years.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/33273068.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.

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Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova's comment on Russian Press Day

13 January 2025 14:09

14-13-01-2025

January 13 marks Russian Press Day.

The origins of this holiday date back to 1703, when, on January 13, the first issue of the newspaper founded by Peter the Great, Vedomosti (Bulletin) on Military and Other Affairs Worthy of Being Known and Remembered, Occurring in the Moscow State and Neighbouring Countries, was published. This landmark event marked the beginning of Russian journalism.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all journalists, editors, publishers, proofreaders, designers, layout specialists, and other professionals involved in producing newspapers, magazines, and digital media. Dedication, hard work, integrity, devotion to one's craft, and creative talent has always been the hallmark of this profession. In Russia, media professionals have traditionally held themselves to the highest standards, which have earned them well-deserved respect in society.

Today, Russian journalists are entrusted with an additional critical mission to counter the onslaught of lies and disinformation used by Russia's opponents as a weapon against its people. Despite the unprecedented media pressure exerted by the West, Russian news media successfully continue to deliver the truth about current and historical events to audiences both domestically and globally.

Back in 1925, poet Vladimir Mayakovsky famously wrote, "I want the pen to be equated with the bayonet." His wish has become a reality in our time. Media professionals are fighting battles on the information frontlines as they uphold the truth and their convictions. This makes journalism one of the world's most dangerous professions. Journalists are being targeted by the criminal Kiev regime, which finds exposing its terrorist nature more fearsome than its outrageous battlefield losses. I'm talking about war correspondents that put their lives on the line daily covering events on the frontlines and all dedicated professionals who continue to perform their duties honestly and remain true to their convictions, despite persecution in NATO-centric countries and the risk of falling victim to the Zelensky regime militants. Overcoming censorship and sanctions imposed by the collective West, Russian media outlets continue to move forward and to grow their international audiences, and frequently surpass their once-renowned Western competitors - now reduced to pseudo-journalism - in media rankings.

Amid this wave of Western reprisals and violence against Russian media and journalists, key international organisations such as UNESCO, the OSCE, the UN Human Rights Office, and others that are charged with safeguarding media workers' safety and promoting press freedom remain conspicuously silent or get away with meaningless general statements, effectively covering up those who are responsible for the killings of journalists, and thus become complicit in these crimes.

A striking example of such cynical hypocrisy was the 2022-2023 draft report on journalist safety and the issue of impunity by UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay. This report deliberately ignored numerous documented cases of Russian journalists and war correspondents killed by Ukrainian nationalists. While the adoption of this controversial document was prevented, correcting these unacceptable practices within UNESCO will demand even more energetic efforts.

In light of this, we will continue to push for the unfailing compliance with the principles ensuring free access to information, media pluralism, and the creation of the most favourable and safe working environment for the Russian media and journalists abroad. To commemorate those who laid down their lives in the name the profession and to prevent future tragedies, we will make every effort to ensure that international institutions established to protect all journalists without exception operate with integrity and effectiveness.

We wish the entire Russian professional community of journalists and media professionals continued success, creative inspiration, good health, and prosperity.

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Together for the future of Syria: Foreign Minister Baerbock in Saudi Arabia

Germany Federal Foreign Office

12.01.2025 - Article

Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is travelling to Saudi Arabia on Sunday, 12 January 2025. She will be attending an international conference on Syria being held in Riyadh. This is the followup to a conference that took place in December in Aqaba, Jordan. For the key to a peaceful Syria is to be found primarily within the region.

Important countries in the region, as well as the United Nations, the European Union and western partners, are meeting for talks in the Saudi Arabian capital. Foreign Minister Baerbock will also use the opportunity for bilateral talks.

The major issues confronting Syria will dominate both the working session and the talks on the fringes of the conference:

How can a peaceful transition to an inclusive political system that grants all groups in Syrian society rights and participation be ensured?

How can the terrible past under the Assad regime be addressed so that the deep divides in Syrian society can be healed, also with the help of the UN?

How can the country's infrastructure be rebuilt so that the Syrians can get vital services from their state, such as electricity and water?

How can harmful outside influence be prevented in this period of change? How can an IS resurgence be prevented?

Humanitarian need in Syria, too, has long been great. Germany has been providing humanitarian assistance in the region for years and will now support reconstruction in Syria as well. If, following the end of the Assad regime, Syria is to move in a direction that gives the people in the country a better life, the countries in the region naturally play a prime role.

The conference in Riyadh will be looking at how this can succeed.

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Minister Hussen announces humanitarian assistance for Syria following visit to Middle East

Global Affairs Canada

News release

Canada continues to be deeply concerned by the dire humanitarian situation in Syria. The Syrian peoples' needs have reached unprecedented levels after 13 years of crisis, with over 16 million people, almost 70% of the country's population, urgently requiring assistance.

The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development, accompanied by Omar Alghabra, Member of Parliament for Mississauga Centre, recently concluded a visit to Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, where they met with government officials and representatives of organizations and partners to discuss international cooperation and humanitarian assistance, particularly in relation to Syria. Minister Hussen's trip marks the first Canadian delegation to visit the border region of Turkiye and Syria since the end of the Assad regime in Syria.

Minister Hussen reaffirmed Canada's commitment to the people of Syria and announced $17.25 million in funding for humanitarian assistance to address their urgent needs. Canada's funding will be delivered through experienced humanitarian partners and help provide clean water and food; protection services, including for the prevention and mitigation of and response to gender-based violence; sanitation and hygiene services; and health services.

In Qatar, Minister Hussen and Mr. Alghabra met with Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al-Misnad, Qatar's Minister of State for International Cooperation. Discussions focussed on Qatar's role in assisting Syrians and on development cooperation between Canada and Qatar.

In Saudi Arabia, Minister Hussen and Mr. Alghabra met with Adel Al-Jubeir, Saudi Arabia's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, to enhance Canada's cooperation with Saudi Arabia and the council and to discuss shared objectives for regional peace and security. They also met with Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser, Chairman of the Islamic Development Bank, Hissein Brahim Taha, Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Abdullah Al Rabeeah, Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, and Faisal al Qahtani, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Fund for Development, to discuss cooperation between Canada and Saudi Arabia on development and humanitarian issues.

In Turkiye, Minister Hussen and Mr. Alghabra met with Nuh Ylmaz, Turkiye's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, to discuss Turkiye's views on developments in Syria and the evolving Middle East landscape. They also met with Serkan Kayalar, President of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency, to discuss shared development priorities between Canada and Turkiye and opportunities for cooperation. Minister Hussen and Mr. Alghabra also engaged with representatives from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the International Organization for Migration, the Turkish Red Crescent and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, as well as local officials in Gaziantep and Kilis provinces, to discuss refugee assistance and the humanitarian situation in Syria. They also met with Syrian refugees to hear their experiences and had a discussion with refugee leadership organizations working to restore stability, advocate for protections, and provide humanitarian support to the people of Syria.

Quotes

"The conflict in Syria has left millions of people in need of urgent aid. This funding will allow partners to provide them with critical support as the situation on the ground continues to evolve. Canada stands in solidarity with the people of Syria and those in neighbouring countries affected by this humanitarian crisis, and we will continue to work to address its impacts." - Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development

"This is a pivotal moment for Syria, the region and the world. After decades of oppression and conflict, the Syrian people are facing an opportunity to build an inclusive and prosperous society. Canada has always been a friend to the Syrian people, and we will continue to offer support to them so they can achieve their aspirations." - Omar Alghabra, Member of Parliament for Mississauga Centre

Quick facts

In 2024, Canada provided nearly $50 million in funding for humanitarian assistance in Syria.

Working through partners, including UN agencies, non-governmental organizations and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, Canada ensures that the specific needs and priorities of vulnerable and marginalized individuals and groups are addressed.

Since 2016, Canada has committed more than $4.7 billion in funding for Syria and countries hosting refugee populations (Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon). This funding includes significant humanitarian, development and stabilization assistance.

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Israel carries out more airstrikes on Syria

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Jan 13, 2025

Tehran, IRNA -- Israeli warplanes have carried out fresh attacks on Syria, targeting areas bordering Lebanon, news sources reported.

According to the Resistance Media Network, citing Lebanese sources said that Israeli jets fired missiles on areas close to the Lebanese border town of Hermel.

The Russian Sputnik news agency reported explosions caused by Israeli airstrikes that were heard in the northwest of the Syrian capital Damascus.

A Syrian TV channel affiliated with Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an armed opposition group now in control of the country also reported that the Israeli occupation army took control of Tell Ahmar in the town of Kudnah on the outskirts of Quneitra, one of the most important military sites in the region.

Israeli forces have expanded their control over parts of Syrian land, including in the Golan Heights, following the collapse of President Bashar al-Assad's government.

Israeli incursions mark a significant violation of the 1974 ceasefire agreement, with Israeli troops pushing into the buffer zone and intensifying attacks on Syrian infrastructure and military sites.

Syrian armed opposition groups launched operations against the Assad government on November 27, targeting areas in northwest, west, and southwest Aleppo. After 11 days of intense conflict, the opposition announced that they had taken control of Damascus, prompting Assad's departure from the country.

4399

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Top Iraqi diplomat warns against reemergence of Daesh terrorists in Syria

Iran Press TV

Monday, 13 January 2025 11:12 AM

Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein has warned against the reemergence of Daesh Takfiri terrorists in neighboring Syria following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government.

Speaking at a high-level meeting on Syria in the Saudi capital Riyadh on Sunday, Hussein stated that the desert Hauran region, which spans parts of Iraq's western province of al-Anbar and the southwestern Syrian province of Dara'a, has turned into a conduit for militants who manage to sneak across the border and evade detection.

He also proposed that the Baghdad government's experience in the fight against Daesh could be used as a familiar and helpful example.

The top Iraqi diplomat went on to note that the danger of Daesh resurgence has increased significantly, stressing that the terror outfit still remains a serious threat to the entire West Asia region.

In his remarks, Hussein also said that Iraq is closely monitoring the situation at 26 detention facilities run by the US-sponsored and Kurdish-led militants from the so-called Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in northern Syria.

He added that more than 10,000 Daesh terrorists and high-profile commanders are currently being held behind bars at the prisons.

Report: 50% of weapons used by Daesh in Syria made in US

Meanwhile, a recent report has revealed that approximately half of weapons used by Daesh terrorists in Syria are made in the US.

Al-Maalomeh news agency, citing informed sources speaking on condition of anonymity, reported that the Takfiri militants are active in about a dozen regions in Syria.

The sources continued that the existence of such substantial amount of US-built weapons in the hands of Daesh elements suggests that the terrorists are secretly being armed.

This comes as US occupation troops continue their illegal presence in energy-rich regions across northern Syria.

The sources also asserted that Daesh terrorists are moving freely in large swathes of Syria, and American forces are not taking any action to target them.

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Foreign, Taiwan island media hype on alleged Chinese mainland construction of landing barges exposes anxiety over growing PLA capabilities: expert

Global Times

By Liu Xuanzun Published: Jan 13, 2025 10:44 AM

Media and experts on the island of Taiwan have taken interest in a recent report by foreign news outlet Naval News claiming that the Chinese mainland is "suddenly building a fleet of special barges suitable for Taiwan landings." The barges may enable the Chinese mainland to conduct landings at previously unsuitable sites and complicate the island's defense strategies, Naval News speculated.

Naval News first reported on Friday that a number of specialized barges, at least three, but likely five or more, have been observed in Guangzhou Shipyard in southern China. These have unusually long road bridges extending from their bows.

Each barge has a very long road span which is extended out from the front. At over 120 meters this can be used to reach a coastal road or hard surface beyond a beach. At the aft end is an open platform which allows other ships to dock and unload, Naval News said.

The report noted that only a few beaches on Taiwan's main island are suitable for amphibious landings, and these could be heavily defended. But these new barges change that, as they can land across rocky, or soft, beaches, allowing tanks to be delivered directly to firmer ground or coastal roads.

While Naval News mentioned the possibility that the barges could have a civilian role, it claimed they appear greatly over-spec for civilians uses.

The Chinese mainland has made no official announcements about the alleged barges as of press time.

Media on the island of Taiwan, including the Central News Agency and United Daily News, made coverages on the alleged barges late on Saturday. The title of the Central News Agency's report focused on the barges' capability to have tanks directly land on roads on the island of Taiwan, while United Daily News noted that the Naval News report was discussed by military experts on the island.

Lu Li-shih, a former captain of the Ching Chiang-class patrol corvette of the island of Taiwan, said that the new landing vessels can save the Chinese People's Liberation Army's (PLA) time in clearing obstacles on the beaches set by Taiwan's armed forces, United Daily News reported. The report also quoted an anonymous retired officer as saying that these barges are not useful, because they would need to sail across the Taiwan Straits under the targeting of the island of Taiwan's missiles and drones.

Fu Qianshao, a Chinese mainland military expert, said the alleged barges, if turn out to be true, could be of civilian purposes. He told the Global Times on Sunday that such barges could be particularly useful in disaster relief missions, as they can quickly send supplies to land or quickly evacuate personnel.

If the barges indeed have military use, Fu pointed out that the Chinese mainland has an increasing variety of vessels for amphibious landing, with the PLA equipped with diverse options to address the Taiwan question when it comes to that.

"Resisting reunification by force" is a dead end, Fu said. The media hype has exposed a sense of anxiety regarding the PLA's growing ability to address challenges in amphibious operations. Rather than speculating on the military purpose of these alleged barges, the focus should shift to making concrete efforts to promote a peaceful reunification, he said.

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New 148 million EU humanitarian aid package for Ukraine

European Commission

Press release

Jan 12, 2025

Brussels

As Russia's war of aggression continues to devastate Ukraine, approximately 12.7 million people are in need of urgent assistance. New European Commission funding will be used to provide life-saving support and ensure that essential aid reaches the most vulnerable populations in Ukraine.

The 148 million in new funding will continue to support vital humanitarian aid in both Ukraine and Moldova, and will bring the total of humanitarian aid allocated by the European Commission to over 1.1 billion. Of the new package:

140 million is allocated for humanitarian projects in Ukraine . The funding will be directed towards emergency assistance, including food, shelter, clean water, healthcare, and winter protection. Key priorities are supporting vulnerable populations in the heavily war impacted regions of eastern and southern Ukraine.

is allocated for humanitarian projects in . The funding will be directed towards emergency assistance, including food, shelter, clean water, healthcare, and winter protection. Key priorities are supporting vulnerable populations in the heavily war impacted regions of eastern and southern Ukraine. 8 million is allocated for humanitarian projects in Moldova. Support will focus on aiding Ukrainian refugees and Moldovan host communities, prioritising cash assistance, access to critical services like healthcare and education, and psychosocial support.

Today, Commissioner for Preparedness, Crisis Management and Equality Hadja Lahbib is visiting Ukraine to reinforce the EU's ongoing efforts to provide critical assistance. During the visit, Commissioner Lahbib is expected to meet with key Ukrainian leaders, including President Volodymyr Zelensky and senior officials, to discuss urgent humanitarian challenges and the strategic allocation of EU aid. She will also meet with beneficiaries of EU humanitarian aid and local partners.

Prior to arriving in Kyiv, Commissioner Lahbib already visited the EU Medevac hub in Rzeszow, which assists the Civil Protection Mechanism medical evacuations of critically ill patients from Ukraine and neighbouring countries. Some 4,000 patients have been transferred to European hospitals for treatment since system was set up in March 2022.

Since the beginning of the Russian aggression, the EU has been coordinating its largest ever operation under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, delivering more than 150,000 tonnes of in-kind assistance into Ukraine. The EU has also deployed assistance from its rescEU stockpiles, including, power generators, medical equipment, temporary shelters, and water treatment stations to Ukraine.

Background

The EU has been providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine since the conflict began in 2014, addressing the needs of vulnerable communities in the country. Following Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, the EU significantly scaled up its response to tackle the unprecedented humanitarian challenges caused by the war. While Russia's ongoing aggression continues to seriously endanger civilian lives and severely damage critical infrastructures the EU remains deeply concerned about Russia's violations of international humanitarian law.

In response, the EU has mobilised all available resources to deliver emergency assistance. To date, the European Commission has allocated over 1.1 billion for humanitarian aid, including today's 148 million. Of this funding, 1.09 billion has been allocated for humanitarian programmes within Ukraine and 84 million to support refugees who have fled to neighbouring Moldova.

In addition to its humanitarian aid operations, the EU has been coordinating its largest ever operation under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism by delivering more than 150,000 tonnes of in-kind assistance into Ukraine, such as ambulances, fire engines, medicines, shelter supplies, power generators, and much more.

For extra layer of crisis support, the EU has also deployed its own rescEU emergency stockpiles to send power generators, medical equipment, temporary shelter, and specialised equipment for public health risks such as chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats.

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Ukraine willing to swap North Korean captives: Zelenskyy

The offer comes after Ukraine releases video of two Koreans reportedly captured in Russia.

By RFA Staff 2025.01.12 -- Ukraine is prepared to swap captured North Korean troops for its soldiers being held prisoner by Russia, President Volodymr Zelenskyy said, releasing video of two Koreans who Ukraine said were captured in its war against Russia.

As many as 12,000 North Koreans have been sent to help Russia battle Ukrainian forces in Russia's Kursk region, according to the U.S. and South Korea although Russia and North Korea have not acknowledged their deployment.

Ukraine on Jan. 4 reported 3,800 casualties among the North Koreans. South Korea's spy agency on Monday put the figure at 300 dead and 2,700 wounded, the Yonhap news agency said.

"Ukraine is ready to hand over Kim Jong Un's soldiers to him if he can organize their exchange for our warriors who are being held captive in Russia," Zelenskyy wrote on social media platform X on Sunday.

He said Russian President Vladimir Putin would not be able to make progress in the Ukraine conflict without help from North Korean leader Kim.

"There should be no doubt left in the world that the Russian army is dependent on military assistance from North Korea," he said.

Zelenskyy's X post included video of two men Ukraine said were captured North Korean soldiers. Speaking through an interpreter, one said he was told he was on a training exercise and didn't know where he was.

"I want to live in Ukraine," the man said when asked his plans while a second nodded when asked if he wanted to return to North Korea.

Radio Free Asia has been unable to verify the authenticity of the video.

Zelenskyy said there would "undoubtedly be more" captured North Koreans and suggested that they could help Ukraine get out information about the war to help end it.

"For those North Korean soldiers who do not wish to return, there may be other options available. In particular, those who express a desire to bring peace closer by spreading the truth about this war in Korean will be given that opportunity," he said.

"It's only a matter of time before our troops manage to capture others."

South Korea's National Intelligence Service said on Monday Russia has been telling North Korean soldiers in Kursk to kill themselves rather than be captured alive by Ukraine, Yonhap reported.

Edited by Mike Firn.

Updated to include comments from South Korea's National Intelligence Service.

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.

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NATO Deputy Secretary General in Sweden: Allies must step up support for Ukraine

NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation

13 Jan. 2025

In her first major public engagement as NATO Deputy Secretary General, Radmila Sekerinska praised Sweden for its increased defence spending, leading defence industry and strong support to Ukraine. Speaking at the annual Folk och Forsvar conference in Salen on Monday (13 January 2025), the Deputy Secretary General also highlighted the changed security landscape following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

"We know what NATO must do now, but we also know what NATO must do in the years ahead," she said. "The security situation around us and globally, is bleak. The world is more volatile and dangerous. There is again, war in Europe, and authoritarian powers are on march." Allies need to put their "foot to the floor, ramp up defence production, increase and accelerate defence spending so that we can continue to ensure that our people are safe," she said.

Ms Sekerinska spoke of the ongoing campaign of hostile actions against NATO Allies, including cyber-attacks, sabotage and disinformation. "NATO is taking swift action, building on our existing work to enhance the security of undersea cables and pipelines and also to monitor potential threats," she said. On Tuesday, several leaders of the Baltic Sea NATO Allies will meet in Helsinki and decide on further steps, including NATO's strengthened military presence in the Baltics.

Allies must also step up their support to Ukraine, the Deputy Secretary General said, adding that Sweden is "an outstanding supporter of Ukraine, providing billions of euros in military assistance," this includes the "tanks, armoured vehicles, missiles and artillery you have given that are helping Ukraine fight for its freedom."

During her visit to Salen, Deputy Secretary General Sekerinska met with Sweden's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms Maria Malmer Stenergard, Minister of Defence, Mr Pal Jonson, and Minister of Civil Defence, Mr Carl-Oskar Bohlin.

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Russia says Ukraine attacked its infrastructure of gas pipeline to Turkey

Iran Press TV

Monday, 13 January 2025 2:39 PM

Ukrainian forces have targeted the infrastructure of Russia's gas pipeline to Turkey.

Russia's Defense Ministry said in a statement published on its Telegram channel Monday that a gas compressor station in the village of Gai-Kodzor, near Russia's southern coast on the Black Sea, came under attack.

The attack on Saturday was carried out by the Ukrainian forces using nine drones, it said, adding that Ukraine aimed to "cut off gas supplies to European countries."

"All the drones were shot down," the Defence Ministry said.

"As a result of falling fragments of one drone, a building and equipment of a gas measuring station suffered minor damage," it added, saying there was no disruption to supply and the facility was working as normal.

The facility station that came under attack was part of the TurkStream pipeline that transfers Russian gas to Europe.

The TurkStream pipeline runs from the Russian resort city of Anapa for 930 kilometers under the Black Sea to Kiyikoy in northwestern Turkey, then connects to overground pipelines that run up through the Balkans to Europe.

The facility has been a regular target, heavily attacked by the Ukrainian forces since the war against the Russians started.

The TurkStream pipeline was inaugurated on January 8, 2020, by Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Putin has even reportedly suggested to Erdogan to turn Turkey into a global "gas hub" for energy.

His suggestion came following the explosions that stopped the work of the Nord Stream gas pipelines under the Baltic Sea and halted Russia's direct gas sales to Germany.

Turkey, which has little oil and gas itself, is dependent on imports from Russia, Azerbaijan, and Iran, as well as Qatar, the United States, Nigeria, and Algeria for its energy.

Ankara has also been exploring energy resources in the Mediterranean Sea, where its operations in disputed waters have stoked tensions with Greece and Cyprus.

In related news on Monday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov warned that the latest round of US sanctions slapped against the Russian energy sector could potentially destabilize the energy markets across the globe.

On Friday, the outgoing Biden administration imposed wider sanctions on the Russian oil sector targeting producers Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegaz, as well as 183 tankers used for shipping energy worldwide, mainly to India and China.

Peskov said Moscow would do everything possible to minimize the impact of the US sanctions.

"Such decisions cannot but lead to a certain destabilization of international energy markets, oil markets," Peskov warned.

"It is clear that the United States will continue to try to undermine the positions of our companies in non-competitive ways, but we expect that we will be able to counteract this.

"We will very carefully monitor the consequences and configure the work of our companies in order to minimize the consequences of these ... illegal decisions."

He said experience showed it is impossible to cut natural supply routes for energy.

"You block something in one place, and an alternative option appears somewhere else. Therefore, a search will be conducted for work options that will minimize the consequences of sanctions," he said.

The latest round of US sanctions against Russia has prompted Chinese and Indian refiners, which have bought heavily from Russia, to seek alternative supplies of crude oil.

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Ukraine Gaining 'Useful' Intel From Captured North Korean Soldiers, Kyiv Says

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service January 13, 2025

Ukraine's Military Intelligence (HUR) says two North Korean soldiers captured while fighting for Russia continue to be interrogated with Kyiv ready to swap them for Ukrainian troops held by Moscow if North Korean leader Kim Jong-un can arrange such an exchange.

Speaking to RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service on January 13, Yevhen Yerin, a representative of HUR, said the capture of live North Korean soldiers, the first Ukraine has announced since their entry in support of Russia into the nearly 3-year-old war last autumn, provides Kyiv "many useful opportunities."

"The information we can gather from these individuals is important not only for operational intelligence but also as a political tool to reveal the participation of the North Korean Army in Russia's military actions," he said.

The capture of the two wounded soldiers, announced on January 11 by President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, has yet to be confirmed by either Moscow or Pyongyang.

Last fall, North Korea sent some 11,000 troops to the Kursk region to support Russian forces there. Moscow has reclaimed some 40 percent of the territory, but Ukrainian troops still control more than 500 square kilometers in Kursk, and Pyongyang's troops have reportedly been experiencing mass casualties.

Yerin said it appears North Korean soldiers are being integrated into many parts of the battle in Russia's Kursk region, where Ukraine has taken control of some territory.

"They are primarily used as cannon fodder. However, among them there are various specialists who deal with different issues, but in general, they are, generally speaking, infantry," he said on North Korean soldiers fighting in support of Russia.

Earlier on January 13, South Korea's National Intelligence Service reported that more than 300 North Korean soldiers had been killed in the Russian region of Kursk, with around 2,700 more injured.

The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) said one prisoner, who said he was born in 2005, claimed he believed he was "going for training, not to fight a war against Ukraine."

The other man was forced to write his answers because of an injured jaw, the SBU said. That soldier said he was born in 1999 and was a sniper in the North Korean Army.

One of the soldiers purportedly said he would prefer to stay in Ukraine rather than return to North Korea for fear of "severe punishment" from his government, saying he possibly faces execution or a lengthy imprisonment.

"North Korea's participation is not only a matter on the battlefield -- it has big diplomatic implications," Yerin said.

"The very fact that they are there impacts the dynamics of the war, even though they're mostly 'cannon fodder.'"

Zelenskiy has publicly accused Russia and North Korea of trying to cover up evidence of the deployments by issuing fake papers to North Korean soldiers identifying them as Russian citizens.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on January 13 declined again to comment on the situation, which Russia has neither confirmed nor denied.

"We cannot comment in any way, we do not know what is true there," he said of the Ukrainian claims on capturing the two soldiers.

"We continue to discuss the possibility of exchanges, which is not easy work...but for us the life of every Russian soldier is important," Peskov added.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/korea-ukraine-russia-prisoners- zelenskiy-kursk/33273965.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.

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Russian Defence Ministry reports on repelling AFU attempt to invade Russian territory in Kursk region (13 January 2025)

13.01.2025

The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the operation to neutralise an enemy group, which broke into the territory of Kursk region.

Units of the Sever Group of Forces inflicted losses on formations of one tank brigade, four mechanised brigades, three air assault brigades, one marine brigade, and two territorial defence brigades of the AFU near Viktorovka, Goncharovka, Guyevo, Kositsa, Kubatkin, Kurilovka, Lebedevka, Malaya Loknya, Makhnovka, Nikolayevka, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Novaya Sorochina, Pogrebki, Sverdlikovo, and Cherkasskoye Porechnoye. Five enemy counter-attacks were repelled.

Operational-Tactical and Army aviation and artillery inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the enemy near Bondarevka, Dmitryukov, Kruglenkoye, Pervy Knyazhy, Martynovka, Melovoy, Mikhaylovka, Nikolayevo-Daryino, Nikolsky, Yuzhny as well as Basovka, Belovody, Veselovka, Vodolagi, Zhuravka, Obody, and Yunakovka in Sumy region.

Over the past 24 hours, the AFU losses amounted to more than 230 troops, three tanks, one infantry fighting vehicle, six armoured fighting vehicles, seven motor vehicles, four self-propelled artillery systems, two mortars, one electronic warfare station, and one counter-battery radar.



Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the AFU losses amounted to more than 51,430 troops, 300 tanks, 229 infantry fighting vehicles, 166 armoured personnel carriers, 1,539 armoured fighting vehicles, 1,456 motor vehicles, 358 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, 93 EW stations, 14 counter-battery warfare radars, four air defence radars, 30 units of engineering and other materiel, including 15 counterobstacle vehicles, one UR-77 mine clearing vehicle, eight armoured recovery vehicles, and one command post vehicle.

The operation to neutralise the AFU units is in progress.

Department for Media Affairs and Information

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Statement by Russian Defence Ministry

13.01.2025

On 11 January 2025, in an attempt to disrupt gas supplies to European countries, the Kiev's regime launched an attack by nine fixed-wing UAVs at the Russkaya Compressor Station near Gay-Kodzor (Krasnodar region), which ensures gas supply over the TurkStream pipeline.

While repelling the attack, air defence units shot down all UAVs.

There are no casualties among the personnel and no damage to the Compressor Station. As a result of the drop of UAV fragments, a building and equipment of the gas-measuring station at the territory of the Russkaya Compressor Station sustained minor damage.

PJSC Gazprom's emergency response teams promptly eliminated the consequences of falling fragments and restored the equipment.

The Compressor Station supplies gas through the TurkStream pipeline as usual. Any major malfunctions were prevented.

Department for Media Affairs and Information

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Russia has a responsibility to treat prisoners of war and civilian detainees humanely: UK statement at the UN

Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UK-hosted UN Arria meeting on violations of international humanitarian law against Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilian detainees.

13 January 2025

As we approach the grim three-year milestone of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the UK, and I know many others here, are deeply concerned by reports of systematic ill-treatment of detainees, some of whom we will hear from today, as well as experts including Pablo de Grieff from the Independent Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine.

Among the most disturbing reports are those of torture.

Reporting by the UN Human Rights Office, the Independent Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, and the Moscow Mechanism have consistently detailed the ill-treatment and torture of Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) by Russian authorities. In recent months, those assessments have only worsened.

The Commission of Inquiry has concluded that Russia's use of torture against POWs and civilian detainees amounts to crimes against humanity, and their reports are chilling.

They include reports that detainees have been subject to beatings, psychological pressure, prolonged stress positions, and mock executions.

The reports find that interrogations are often accompanied by the worst kinds of torture including burns, and rounds of electric shocks amplified by water.

Sexual violence is the norm for detainees, both men and women, with POWs enduring rape, attacks on genital organs, and threats of sexual mutilation and castration.

The Commission of Inquiry has concluded that Russian authorities have violated both international humanitarian law and human rights law, and have committed torture as a crime against humanity.

Additionally, the Ukrainian Prosecutor-General's Office reports that 147 Ukrainian POWs have been executed by Russian forces since the start of the full-scale invasion. This is yet another violation of international humanitarian law.

Russia has a responsibility to ensure prisoners of war and civilian detainees must be treated humanely, under the third and fourth Geneva Conventions.

Colleagues, these are not isolated incidents by rogue officers.

Testimonies gathered by the Commission of Inquiry reveal that Russian State services coordinated and enforced these violent practices.

Evidence points towards a coordinated state policy, which allows Russian officials to humiliate and punish Ukrainian civilians and POWs with impunity.

Meanwhile, the reports highlight that the families of those detained are kept in the dark about the whereabouts of their loved ones, who are enduring this violence.

Those who are released must confront the grave psychological impact and a long and difficult road to reintegration.

The Commission of Inquiry recognises the support given to those released by Ukraine to survivors, and encourages continued medical and psychosocial support to all victims.

The UK calls on Russia to uphold its international obligations towards all those individuals it has in detention, as we expect of every country currently engaged in conflict.

In particular, we ask Russia to confirm the full names of all detainees under its control, where they are being held and on what grounds.

We ask that the Russian Federation ensures the humane treatment of all those in detention, and grants the ICRC unimpeded access to places of detention, in line with the Geneva Conventions.

Finally, we call on Russia to uphold its obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law, and to release all arbitrarily detained civilians as well as POWs.

Today, colleagues, we will hear the invaluable perspectives of those who have survived the horrors of this reality.

I'm joined by Valerii Horishnii, Nariman Dzhelyal and Maksym Butkevych to my right. Thank you all for coming.

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Presidential Office Hosts Briefing for Diplomats on Ways to Counter Russian Shadow Tanker Fleet

President of Ukraine

13 January 2025 - 23:11

Deputy Head of the Office of the President Ihor Zhovkva and Presidential Advisor - Commissioner for Sanctions Policy Vladyslav Vlasiuk held a briefing for heads and representatives of foreign diplomatic missions in Ukraine on strengthening sanctions against Russia's shadow tanker fleet.

The briefing was attended by representatives from Argentina, Brazil, the United Kingdom, Greece, Denmark, Estonia, India, Italy, Canada, South Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Mexico, the Netherlands, Germany, Norway, South Africa, Poland, the United States, Turkiye, Finland, France, Sweden, Japan, and the European Union.

Ihor Zhovkva emphasized that sanctions pressure on Russia is one of the key issues President Zelenskyy raises during meetings and phone calls with leaders of partner countries. He also underscored the importance of the sanctions already adopted.

"But we all understand that the current level of sanctions on Russian oil is insufficient and needs to be intensified. The outdated tanker fleet poses a threat to the environment - as evidenced by the incident in the Kerch Strait. This must not happen again," said the Deputy Head of the Office of the President.

Vladyslav Vlasiuk pointed out that Russia's shadow fleet consists of over 600 vessels, which transport about 90% of Russian oil. As a result, in just 11 months last year, the aggressor state earned $180 billion from exporting oil and petroleum products.

Last year also saw a record volume of Russian LNG imports to the EU, totaling 17.5 million tons worth $7.3 billion. Therefore Ukraine expects the EU to completely abandon Russian LNG in the 16th package of sanctions, which is expected to be approved in February.

"It's time to cut off the petrodollar flow fueling Russia's aggression. Tough sanctions on the shadow fleet are key to restoring peace," Vladyslav Vlasiuk said.

Ukraine and its international partners propose to reduce the price cap on Russian oil to $40 per barrel, impose sanctions on captains of shadow fleet vessels and crewing companies, strengthen control over tanker insurance compliance and leverage mechanisms to restrict the passage of tankers blacklisted under international port control memoranda.

The Presidential Commissioner also highlighted the importance of recent sanctions imposed by the United States and the United Kingdom on Russian companies Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas. At current prices, these companies generate an annual income of approximately $23 billion from oil extraction. Additionally, they account for nearly 30% of Russia's seaborne oil exports.

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Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Emmanuel Macron Discussed Defense Support for Ukraine and Investments in Ammunition Procurement

President of Ukraine

13 January 2025 - 22:17

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a phone conversation with President of France Emmanuel Macron.

The Ukrainian President expressed his gratitude to Emmanuel Macron, France, and the entire French nation for their support of Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression and their contribution to saving lives.

The leaders discussed the battlefield situation in detail, particularly in the Pokrovsk and Kurakhove directions. President Zelenskyy also briefed his French counterpart on the progress of the Kursk operation, noting losses among North Korean military personnel, which now total 4,000 killed and wounded. He also informed Emmanuel Macron about the capture of two North Korean soldiers, who are currently giving testimony to the Security Service of Ukraine.

The Ukrainian President outlined Ukraine's current defense needs, which include various types of air defense systems and high-precision long-range weapons. He also proposed that France contribute to financing Ukraine's domestic weapons production and the procurement of artillery shells. Strengthening Ukraine's positions on the battlefield and protecting its people from Russian missile and drone attacks are critically important steps toward achieving a just and lasting peace.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Emmanuel Macron agreed to meet in the near future and instructed their teams to plan a series of engagements at various levels to coordinate joint actions with partners toward achieving a just peace and developing effective security guarantees. As one potential option, they discussed the French initiative to deploy military contingents in Ukraine, along with practical steps for its implementation, potential expansion, and the involvement of other nations in this effort.

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A Survey Has Been Launched in the Army Plus App - It Includes Five Candidates for the Position of Hetman Sahaidachnyi National Land Forces Academy Head - Address by the President

President of Ukraine

13 January 2025 - 21:32

I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!

Today, I held a meeting of the Staff.

The key issue is the development of our drones and all forms of their usage. There were reports on production and contracts, from FPV drones to long-range models, as well as on solutions that will allow us to more effectively destroy the invader and protect the lives of our warriors. There are technological proposals we must implement, and I am grateful to all our military personnel, every company, every official, and every volunteer involved in this effort to continuously modernize the Ukrainian army in terms of technologies.

There was also a report on robotic systems, as well as on artillery - both our domestic artillery production and our global procurement, especially of ammunition.

It is important that Ukraine has good dynamics in the production of artillery, and our own capabilities to supply the army will only increase.

Today, we also discussed personnel matters with Oleksandr Syrskyi, Anatoliy Barhylevych, Mykhailo Drapatyi, and Pavlo Palisa, specifically the appointment of a new head of the Hetman Sahaidachnyi National Land Forces Academy.

It is one of the key military education institutions in Ukraine, and the Academy definitely deserves changes. What exactly those changes will be and who will implement them will be decided together with our Ukrainian military, with all our warriors who want changes.

To that end, a corresponding survey has been launched in the Army Plus app. It includes five candidates for the position of Academy head and an opportunity to suggest changes to the education process and relations within the Academy.

It is especially important for cadets and Academy graduates to share their experiences and ideas.

As of now, two thousand votes have already been cast - just a few hours since the survey was launched. Thank you to everyone participating. The Army Plus app is available to all our warriors.

I thank the team at the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine for developing such functionality.

I also had a conversation today with the President of France. It was a pretty long and detailed discussion. We discussed defense support - various forms, arms packages for Ukraine. We talked about investments in the procurement of shells for Ukraine. We also discussed the deployment of partner contingents and the training of our troops. And of course, the global situation. We are coordinating our positions. Thank you, France! Thank you, Emmanuel.

And one more thing.

Today, I signed documents concerning sanctions. One is a decree imposing sanctions on Russia's financial sector, targeting 140 different entities. We will continue working with our partners to align our pressure. The second document is a draft law introducing criminal liability for attempts to circumvent sanctions. This is, in many ways, a continuation of international practices regarding sanctions enforcement. We all understand that the more pressure we exert on the aggressor, the closer we bring peace. Sanctions are one of the most effective tools for justly pressuring Russia and everyone associated with it or working for the war. This draft law will be submitted to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.

Glory to Ukraine!

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South Korea says 300 North Korean soldiers killed in Ukraine

By VOA News January 13, 2025

Around 300 North Korean soldiers have been killed and 2,700 others injured in Russia's war in Ukraine, South Korea's spy agency told lawmakers in a closed briefing Monday.

The National Intelligence Service said it had participated in the interrogation of several North Korean troops who were captured by Ukrainian forces.

The briefing came days after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the capture of two North Korean soldiers during fighting in Russia's Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces launched a surprise offensive in August.

Zelenskyy said late Sunday he would send captured North Koreans back to their country if North Korean leader Kim Jong Un organizes a swap for Ukrainian soldiers being held in Russia.

The Ukrainian leader said it is "only a matter of time" before Ukraine captures more North Korean soldiers, and that Russia's military "is dependent on military assistance from North Korea."

Drone attacks

Ukraine's military said Monday it destroyed 78 of the 110 drones that Russian forces launched in overnight attacks targeting regions across the country.

The intercepts took place over the Cherkasy, Chernihiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Kharkiv, Khmelnytskyi, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Poltava, Sumy, Zaporizhzhia and Zhytomyr regions, the Ukrainian air force said.

Mykolaiv Governor Vitaliy Kim said on Telegram that falling drone fragments damaged several houses, but did not hurt anyone. Russian shelling in his region injured one person, Kim said Monday.

In Sumy, officials said Russian attacks caused a fire at a residential building and injured one person.

Russia's Defense Ministry said Monday it destroyed six Ukrainian drones over the Voronezh region, as well as one drone over Belgorod and another drone over Bryansk.

The ministry also said Monday that a Ukrainian drone attack Saturday targeted the TurkStream gas pipeline that is used to send Russian gas to Turkey and Europe.

Russian air defenses shot down all of the drones involved in the attack, and there were no casualties, the ministry said.

Some information for this story was provided by The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters

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VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Teck Resources Limited (TSX: TECK.A and TECK.B, NYSE: TECK) (Teck) today announced the appointment of Colin Hamilton as Vice President, Market Research and Economic Analysis, effective February 17, 2025.

We are very pleased to welcome Colin to Teck, said President and CEO Jonathan Price. With vast market experience in the mining and metals sector and a globally renowned reputation for thought leadership and innovation in commodity analysis, Colin is ideally suited to lead our strategic insight function as we build Teck into one of the world's leading providers of responsibly produced energy transition metals.

Mr. Hamilton joins Teck from BMO Capital Markets, where he was Managing Director and Commodities Analyst. Before joining BMO, he led the commodities research team at global financial services group Macquarie.

Mr. Hamilton holds a Master of Engineering (distinction) in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow.

About Teck

Teck is a leading Canadian resource company focused on responsibly providing metals essential to economic development and the energy transition. Teck has a portfolio of world-class copper and zinc operations across North and South America and an industry-leading copper growth pipeline. We are focused on creating value by advancing responsible growth and ensuring resilience built on a foundation of stakeholder trust. Headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, Tecks shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols TECK.A and TECK.B and the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TECK. Learn more about Teck at www.teck.com or follow @TeckResources.

Investor Contact:

Emma Chapman

Vice President, Investor Relations

+44.207.509.6576

emma.chapman@teck.com

Media Contact:

Dale Steeves

Director, External Communications

236.987.7405

dale.steeves@teck.com
NEWARK, Del, Jan. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to Future Market Insights (FMI), the global electronic expansion valves (EEVs) market is anticipated to experience significant growth, reaching an estimated market size of USD 1,986.0 Million by 2035, up from USD 886.5 Million in 2025. With a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.4% during the forecast period (20252035), the market is driven by the increasing demand for energy-efficient HVAC systems, advancements in technology, and stricter environmental regulations.

Electronic expansion valves are critical components in modern air conditioning and refrigeration systems, providing precise control over refrigerant flow and ensuring optimal system performance. Unlike traditional mechanical expansion valves, EEVs offer enhanced efficiency, reliability, and adaptability, making them indispensable in both residential and commercial HVAC applications.

The increasing adoption of air conditioning systems in commercial spaces such as offices, hotels, hospitals, educational institutions, airports, and museums is significantly boosting the demand for EEVs. However, the high initial costs and complexities associated with the installation of electronic valves compared to their mechanical counterparts remain challenges. Despite these restraints, the long-term benefits of improved energy efficiency, compliance with stringent environmental regulations, and cost savings continue to outweigh the barriers, positioning EEVs as a key driver in the modernization of HVAC systems.

Over the projected period, the global electronic expansion valves market share is expected to increase due to the combination of electronic valve flexibility and vast product customization options.

In addition, the sales of electronic expansion valves are rising due to the expanding use of air conditioning systems in commercial locations such as workplaces, hotels, airports, educational institutions, hospitals, museums, and other places is anticipated to help the electronic expansion valves market size grow.

The demand for electronic expansion valves is high due to their major advantages over traditional thermal expansion valves, such as reduced energy consumption from the refrigeration system and improved performance.

Furthermore, electronic expansion valves enable refrigeration systems to work more precisely and efficiently, which is a major factor driving the electronic expansion valves market outlook.

Increased awareness of carbon emissions in many parts of the world has led to an increase in the adoption of electronic expansion valves in a variety of end-use sectors.

Future trends in electronic expansion valves market include expansion of the automobile industry and increased use of electronic expansion valves as air conditioning systems to become the primary vehicle accessory.



What is the Demand Outlook for the Electronic Expansion Valves Market?

Refrigerators, air conditioners, water chilling facilities, deep freezers, and water coolers are just a few of the products that use electronic expansion valves.

Due to increasing industrialization and urbanization and emerging economies, the sales of electronic expansion valves is rising steadily during the forecast period.

Consumers in emerging countries choose convenience products, which is projected to propel the electronic expansion valves market share during the forecast period.

During the projection period, demand for electronic expansion valves is likely to be driven by the construction of commercial spaces such as hotels, hospitals, retail malls, educational institutions, and offices.

Similarly, rising consumer spending and the creation of low-cost items have made a wide range of end products more available to customers. During the forecast period, rising car demand and the introduction of electric vehicles are expected to fuel the sales of electronic expansion valves.

As the world's population grows, so does the demand for food. Countries and businesses all across the world are employing cutting-edge food storage and waste prevention techniques.

The electronic expansion valve market size is likely to be fueled further by the development of cold storage systems and the rising popularity of frozen foods, as well as an increase in the number of cold storage stores.

Future Outlook:

The electronic expansion valves market is set to witness transformative growth over the next decade, fueled by global efforts to enhance energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Manufacturers are expected to focus on developing cost-effective and user-friendly solutions to address the challenges of high initial costs and complex installation.

As the market evolves, collaboration among stakeholdersmanufacturers, policymakers, and end-userswill play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the industry. With significant growth opportunities in emerging economies and advancements in smart HVAC technology, the electronic expansion valve industry is poised to redefine the landscape of modern refrigeration and air conditioning systems.

"The electronic expansion valves market is at the forefront of HVAC innovation, addressing critical challenges such as energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and system optimization. The markets robust growth trajectory reflects the increasing recognition of EEVs as an essential component of modern HVAC systems. Although initial costs remain a concern, technological advancements and growing regulatory pressure are rapidly transforming this into an opportunity for manufacturers and consumers alike," - opines Nikhil Kaitwade, Associate Vice President at Future Market Insights (FMI).

Key Takeaways from the Report:

The global EEV market is projected to nearly double in value by 2035, driven by technological advancements and growing demand for energy-efficient solutions. The commercial sector, particularly in offices, hotels, and hospitals, remains a primary growth driver due to the increasing deployment of advanced air conditioning systems. Despite high initial costs, the long-term benefits of reduced energy consumption and compliance with environmental regulations make EEVs a valuable investment.



Explore Full Market Insights - Stay Ahead of Market Trends! https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/electronic-expansion-valves-market

Regional Insights:

The growth of the EEV market is not uniform across regions, with countries such as China, India, Canada, the USA, and Germany leading the charge due to their distinct market dynamics and economic conditions:

China : With the highest CAGR of 9.2% , Chinas growing infrastructure development and urbanization are key factors boosting EEV adoption.

: With the highest , Chinas growing infrastructure development and urbanization are key factors boosting EEV adoption. India : Close behind with a CAGR of 8.8% , Indias expanding middle class and rising demand for air conditioning systems are major growth drivers.

: Close behind with a , Indias expanding middle class and rising demand for air conditioning systems are major growth drivers. Canada : Witnessing an 8.6% CAGR , the countrys focus on sustainability and energy efficiency supports the markets expansion.

: Witnessing an , the countrys focus on sustainability and energy efficiency supports the markets expansion. USA : At a CAGR of 8.4% , the U.S. market benefits from the increasing emphasis on energy conservation and environmental regulations.

: At a , the U.S. market benefits from the increasing emphasis on energy conservation and environmental regulations. Germany: With a CAGR of 8.0%, Germanys leadership in engineering and technology innovation fuels the adoption of EEVs in HVAC systems.



Leading Players Operating in the Industry:

Danfoss

CAREL INDUSTRIES S.p.A.

Sanhua Europe

VOLGA

Parker-Hannifin Corporation

Emerson Electric Co.

Zhejiang DUNAN Artificial Environment Co.

Fujikoki Corporation

Electronic Expansion Valves Industry Segmentation Analysis:

By Flow Type:

Electromagnetic expansion valves

Electric expansion valves

By Working Pressure:

Up to 30 bar

30 to 50 bar

50 to 200 bar

Above 200 bar

By Material Type:

Stainless steel

Copper

Brass



By Application:

Air Conditioning

Refrigeration

Others



By End User:

Industrial facilities

Commercial buildings

Retail outlets and warehousing

Residential buildings

Automotive: OEM Aftermarket





By Region:

North America

Latin America

Western Europe

Eastern Europe

East Asia

South Asia & Pacific

Middle East & Africa



About Future Market Insights (FMI)  Industrial Automation

The industrial automation division of Future Market Insights (FMI) offers a novel approach and innovative perspective in analyzing the industrial automation market. Comprehensive coverage of capital, portable, process, construction, industrial, and special-purpose machinery across the manufacturing sector and distinctive analysis of the installed base, consumables, replacement, and USP-feature-application matrix make us a pioneering voice in the industry. We are preferred associates with established as well as budding industry stakeholders and channel partners when it comes to sustaining, growing, and identifying new revenue prospects.

French Translation:

Francais Selon Future Market Insights (FMI), le marche mondial des vannes d'expansion electroniques (EEV) devrait connaitre une croissance significative, atteignant une taille de marche estimee a 1 986,0 millions USD d'ici 2035, contre 886,5 millions USD en 2025. Avec un taux de croissance annuel compose (TCAC) robuste de 8,4 % au cours de la periode de prevision (2025-2035), le marche est tire par la demande croissante de systemes CVC economes en energie, les avancees technologiques et des reglementations environnementales plus strictes.

Apercu du marche :

Les detendeurs electroniques sont des composants essentiels des systemes de climatisation et de refrigeration modernes, car ils permettent un controle precis du debit de refrigerant et garantissent des performances optimales du systeme. Contrairement aux detendeurs mecaniques traditionnels, les EEV offrent une efficacite, une fiabilite et une adaptabilite ameliorees, ce qui les rend indispensables dans les applications CVC residentielles et commerciales.

L'adoption croissante de systemes de climatisation dans les espaces commerciaux tels que les bureaux, les hotels, les hopitaux, les etablissements d'enseignement, les aeroports et les musees stimule considerablement la demande de vannes electroniques. Cependant, les couts initiaux eleves et les complexites associees a l'installation de vannes electroniques par rapport a leurs homologues mecaniques restent des defis. Malgre ces contraintes, les avantages a long terme de l'amelioration de l'efficacite energetique, du respect des reglementations environnementales strictes et des economies de couts continuent de l'emporter sur les obstacles, positionnant les vannes electroniques comme un moteur cle de la modernisation des systemes CVC .

Defis et opportunites :

Bien que le cout plus eleve des detendeurs electroniques par rapport aux vannes thermostatiques constitue un defi, la prise de conscience croissante de leurs avantages devrait attenuer cette contrainte. En outre, les reglementations gouvernementales strictes axees sur la securite et la durabilite environnementale augmentent la complexite des systemes CVC, ce qui a son tour favorise l'innovation et stimule la demande de detendeurs electroniques.

Principales informations sur le marche :

Efficacite energetique et performance : les VEE offrent une efficacite energetique superieure, ce qui est essentiel pour repondre aux preoccupations croissantes concernant la consommation d'energie et l'impact environnemental.

: les VEE offrent une efficacite energetique superieure, ce qui est essentiel pour repondre aux preoccupations croissantes concernant la consommation d'energie et l'impact environnemental. Progres technologiques : Les innovations telles que les vannes compatibles IoT et les systemes de controle intelligents favorisent ladoption des EEV dans divers secteurs.

: Les innovations telles que les vannes compatibles IoT et les systemes de controle intelligents favorisent ladoption des EEV dans divers secteurs. Demande croissante en matiere de CVC : linstallation croissante de systemes de climatisation et de refrigeration dans les secteurs residentiel et commercial souligne limportance de composants avances comme les EEV.



Perspectives d'avenir :

Le marche des detendeurs electroniques devrait connaitre une croissance transformatrice au cours de la prochaine decennie, alimentee par les efforts mondiaux visant a ameliorer l'efficacite energetique et a reduire les emissions de gaz a effet de serre. Les fabricants devraient se concentrer sur le developpement de solutions rentables et conviviales pour relever les defis des couts initiaux eleves et de l'installation complexe.

A mesure que le marche evolue, la collaboration entre les parties prenantes (fabricants, decideurs politiques et utilisateurs finaux) jouera un role essentiel dans lavenir du secteur. Avec des opportunites de croissance importantes dans les economies emergentes et des avancees dans la technologie CVC intelligente, le secteur des vannes dexpansion electroniques est sur le point de redefinir le paysage des systemes modernes de refrigeration et de climatisation.

Principaux points a retenir du rapport :

Le marche mondial des vehicules electriques devrait presque doubler en valeur dici 2035, grace aux avancees technologiques et a la demande croissante de solutions ecoenergetiques. Le secteur commercial, notamment dans les bureaux, les hotels et les hopitaux, reste un moteur de croissance majeur en raison du deploiement croissant de systemes de climatisation avances. Malgre les couts initiaux eleves, les avantages a long terme de la reduction de la consommation denergie et du respect des reglementations environnementales font des EEV un investissement precieux.



 Le marche des detendeurs electroniques est a la pointe de l'innovation en matiere de CVC, repondant a des defis cruciaux tels que l'efficacite energetique, la durabilite environnementale et l'optimisation des systemes. La trajectoire de croissance robuste du marche reflete la reconnaissance croissante des detendeurs electroniques comme un composant essentiel des systemes CVC modernes. Bien que les couts initiaux restent une preoccupation, les avancees technologiques et la pression reglementaire croissante transforment rapidement cela en une opportunite pour les fabricants et les consommateurs , estimeNikhil Kaitwade, vice-president associe chez Future Market Insights (FMI).

Perspectives regionales :

La croissance du marche des vehicules electriques n'est pas uniforme selon les regions, des pays comme la Chine, l'Inde, le Canada, les Etats-Unis et l'Allemagne etant en tete en raison de leurs dynamiques de marche et de leurs conditions economiques distinctes :

Chine : Avec le TCAC le plus eleve de 9,2 % , le developpement croissant des infrastructures et l'urbanisation de la Chine sont des facteurs cles qui stimulent l'adoption des vehicules electriques.

: Avec le , le developpement croissant des infrastructures et l'urbanisation de la Chine sont des facteurs cles qui stimulent l'adoption des vehicules electriques. Inde : Juste derriere avec un TCAC de 8,8 % , la classe moyenne en expansion de l'Inde et la demande croissante de systemes de climatisation sont les principaux moteurs de croissance.

: Juste derriere avec un , la classe moyenne en expansion de l'Inde et la demande croissante de systemes de climatisation sont les principaux moteurs de croissance. Canada : Avec un TCAC de 8,6 % , l'accent mis par le pays sur la durabilite et l'efficacite energetique soutient l'expansion du marche.

: Avec un , l'accent mis par le pays sur la durabilite et l'efficacite energetique soutient l'expansion du marche. Etats-Unis : Avec un TCAC de 8,4 % , le marche americain beneficie de limportance croissante accordee aux economies denergie et aux reglementations environnementales.

: Avec un , le marche americain beneficie de limportance croissante accordee aux economies denergie et aux reglementations environnementales. Allemagne : Avec un TCAC de 8,0 % , le leadership de l'Allemagne en matiere d'ingenierie et d'innovation technologique alimente l'adoption des EEV dans les systemes CVC.



Principaux acteurs operant dans le secteur :

Danfoss

CAREL INDUSTRIES S.A.

Sanhua Europe

VOLGA

Societe Parker-Hannifin

Societe d'Electricite Emerson

Zhejiang DUNAN Environnement Artificiel Co.

Societe Fujikoki

Analyse de segmentation du secteur des vannes d'expansion electroniques :

Par type de flux :

Vannes d'expansion electromagnetiques

Vannes d'expansion electriques

Par pression de travail :

Jusqu'a 30 bars

30 a 50 bars

50 a 200 bars

Au dessus de 200 bar

Par type de materiau :

Acier inoxydable

Cuivre

Laiton



Par application :

Climatisation

Refrigeration

Autres



Par utilisateur final :

Installations industrielles

Batiments commerciaux

Points de vente et entrepots

Batiments residentiels

Automobile: Fabricant d'equipement d'origine Pieces de rechange





Par region :

Amerique du Nord

l'Amerique latine

Europe de l'Ouest

Europe de l'Est

Asie de l'Est

Asie du Sud et Pacifique

Moyen-Orient et Afrique



A propos de Future Market Insights (FMI)  Automatisation industrielle

La division d'automatisation industrielle de Future Market Insights (FMI) propose une approche novatrice et une perspective innovante dans l'analyse du marche de l'automatisation industrielle. Une couverture complete des machines d'equipement, portables, de processus, de construction, industrielles et a usage special dans l'ensemble du secteur manufacturier et une analyse distinctive de la base installee, des consommables, du remplacement et de la matrice USP-fonctionnalite-application font de nous une voix pionniere dans l'industrie. Nous sommes des associes privilegies des acteurs de l'industrie et des partenaires de distribution etablis et en devenir lorsqu'il s'agit de maintenir, de developper et d'identifier de nouvelles perspectives de revenus.

Author by:

Nikhil Kaitwade (Associate Vice President at Future Market Insights, Inc.) has over a decade of experience in market research and business consulting. He has successfully delivered 1500+ client assignments, predominantly in Automotive, Chemicals, Industrial Equipment, Oil & Gas, and Service industries.

His core competency circles around developing research methodology, creating a unique analysis framework, statistical data models for pricing analysis, competition mapping, and market feasibility analysis. His expertise also extends wide and beyond analysis, advising clients on identifying growth potential in established and niche market segments, investment/divestment decisions, and market entry decision-making.

Nikhil holds an MBA degree in Marketing and IT and a Graduate in Mechanical Engineering. Nikhil has authored several publications and has been quoted in journals like EMS Now, EPR Magazine, and EE Times.

Explore Future Market Insights, Inc. Extensive Coverage in Industrial Automation Domain:

The global expansion valve market size is anticipated to reach a valuation of USD 17.3 Billion by 2034.

The global industrial valve market share is forecasted to hit the USD 123.05 Billion milestone by 2034.

Global safety valve sales are expected to boost at a decent 8.6% CAGR from 2023 to 2033.

The global demand for foot suction valve is estimated to surge at an average 6.2% CAGR from 2024 to 2034.

The global thermostatic radiator valves industry is projected to be valued at USD 413.1 Million by 2033.

The North America pressure regulating valves market revenue share is projected to surpass USD 1,293.5 Million by 2032.

The global valve remote control systems market valuation is anticipated to exceed USD 15.1 Billion by 2033.

The North America market for residential ball valves is forecasted to reach the USD 554.1 Million mark by 2032 end.

The global valve positioner market revenue is expected to drive past the USD 3.3 Billion mark by 2033.

The global ESD valve market value is forecasted to reach USD 581.9 Million mark by the end of 2034.

Explore our latest released news on APAC Fluoroelastomers Market Analysis by Flow & Better to 2023

About Future Market Insights (FMI):

Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in Dubai, and has delivery centers in the UK, USA and India. FMI's latest market research reports and market analysis help businesses navigate challenges and make critical decisions with confidence and clarity amidst breakneck competition. Our customized and syndicated market research reports deliver actionable insights that drive sustainable growth. A team of expert-led analysts at FMI continuously tracks emerging trends and events in a broad range of industries to ensure that our clients prepare for the evolving needs of their consumers.

Join us as we commemorate 10 years of delivering trusted market insights. Reflecting on a decade of achievements, we continue to lead with integrity, innovation, and expertise.

Contact Us:

Future Market Insights Inc.

Christiana Corporate, 200 Continental Drive,

Suite 401, Newark, Delaware - 19713, USA

T: +1-347-918-3531

For Sales Enquiries: sales@futuremarketinsights.com

Website: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com

LinkedIn | Twitter | Blogs | YouTube
Photo courtesy of Dr. Safa Manav Clinic

ISTANBUL, Turkey, Jan. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As the demand for cosmetic surgery continues to surge worldwide, Dr. Safa Manav Clinic in Istanbul is poised to strengthen its position as a premier destination for advanced aesthetic procedures.

Recent studies highlight this growing trend, with the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery and Medicine reporting that nearly 38% of Australian adults are considering cosmetic surgery within the next decade. Similarly, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons notes a 19% increase in cosmetic procedures since 2019, reflecting a global desire for physical enhancement.

Capitalising on this momentum, In 2025, Dr. Safa Manav Clinic aims to further solidify this global trust by expanding its reach to patients from Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Germany. The clinic's unique selling proposition extends beyond surgical excellence, offering a comprehensive experience that seamlessly blends cutting-edge medical care with Turkey's rich cultural heritage.

Dr. Safa Manav, the clinic's founder and principal surgeon, mentions, Traveling from one country to another for a surgical treatment is not easy. It requires a lot of planning and effort. We repay our customers long journey to our clinic by ensuring each of them feels valued and understood. We provide them with top-tier medical care and an exceptional overall experience.

The clinic has outlined a multi-faceted strategy for 2025 to achieve these goals. The clinic plans to invest heavily in advanced technology and continuous professional development. With over two decades of experience in plastic surgery, specialising in breast and facial procedures, Dr. Manav aims to share his expertise with his team. His international training, including studies at Gazi University Faculty of Medicine and UZ Brussels Plastic Surgery, provides a solid foundation for adapting to the needs of a diverse global clientele.

Dr. Manav mentions, It is our goal as a team to explore more ways to establish minimally invasive techniques that will reduce recovery time and enhance the overall patient experience.

Understanding that safety is paramount for all patients, Dr. Safa Manav Clinic is committed to enhancing its stringent safety protocols. The clinic will invest in state-of-the-art equipment and adhere to safety procedures for both pre-operative and post-operative assessments, certified by the Ministry of Health. This safety also includes providing patients with detailed instructions and support throughout their recovery process, including regular follow-up appointments to monitor progress and address concerns.

Dr. Safa Manav Clinic understands that for Australians and other global patients considering overseas cosmetic procedures, safety is paramount. I recognise that each patient who comes to me is striving to become their best self, Dr. Manav mentions. My top priority is to provide them with a safe procedure that helps make their beauty journey as smooth and worry-free as possible.

Recognising each patient's unique needs, the clinic plans to implement new business procedures that allow for deeper analysis of individual conditions and clearer goal-setting. This personalised approach aims to achieve optimal results and elevate the patient experience. Topping it all, the clinic also includes seeking more ways to integrate the beauty of Turkish hospitality into the core of its services.

He adds, Our goal is to stay on top of medical advancements while still maintaining the uniqueness we are known for. We incorporate the latest techniques and technologies to guarantee the best patient outcomes that cannot be found in our patient's home country.

With these plans, Dr. Manav looks forward to improving its services and increasing its track record of success with clients worldwide, from Australia to the U.S. to Istanbul.

Seeing our patients achieve their desired results and regain their confidence is incredibly rewarding, says Dr. Manav. For anyone considering a cosmetic procedure, Dr Safa Manav Clinic offers expertise, innovation, and care that ensures an exceptional experience and outstanding results. This global trust in our clinic reflects our dedication to enhancing beauty and restoring confidence in every patient.

Dr. Safa Manav offers free video consultations to his patients worldwide to understand their needs and deliver tailored solutions. Please visit the Dr. Safa Manav Clinics website to arrange a free consultation.

About Dr. Safa Manav Clinic

Dr. Safa Manav Clinic is a leading destination for cosmetic procedures, known for its advanced techniques, patient safety, and personalised care, located in Istanbul, Turkey. Under the leadership of award-winner plastic surgeon and instructor Dr. Safa Manav, the clinic attracts patients from around the globe seeking high-quality aesthetic treatments in a supportive and welcoming environment

Contact Details:

Contact person name: Dr. Safa Manav

Company: Dr. Safa Manav Clinic

Website: https://drsafamanav.com/

Email: info@drsafamanav.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/03bca598-a963-4da5-8803-cb161480a28d
PRESS RELEASE

Paris, France  14 January 2025

MOBILIZE AND AUTOSTRADE PER LITALIA FORGE A STRATEGIC ALLIANCE TO POWER SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY IN ITALY

Renault Group through its Mobilize brand and Autostrade per lItalia through its subsidiary Free To X have signed a framework agreement to develop fast-charging infrastructure in Italy.

As part of the transaction, Mobilize will acquire a significant stake in Free To X, a subsidiary of Autostrade per lItalia, dedicated to fast charging.

The existing Free To X network comprises over a hundred High-Power charging stations primarily located on highways, with an average distance of approximately 50 km between each station.

The parties intend to enhance Italys charging infrastructure, focusing on premium locations beyond highways.

In a landmark move for the electric mobility sector, Mobilize, a Renault Group brand dedicated to new mobilities, and Free To X, a subsidiary of Autostrade per l'Italia, have announced a transaction that aims to accelerate the deployment of a high-power charging network across Italy.

Through this project, Mobilize is set to acquire a significant stake in Free To X, Autostrade per lItalia's subsidiary dedicated to fast charging, supporting Mobilize's vision of establishing a strong presence in the fast-charging industry.

Free To X, one of the leaders in the high-power charging (HPC) market in Italy, operates a fast charge network comprising 110 stations, primarily located on highways. These stations deliver up to 400 kW of power and are accessible to all e-mobility service providers. Mobilize's investment will support the development of new opportunities beyond the highway network.

Completion of the transaction between Mobilize and Free To X, subsidiary of Autostrade per lItalia, is subject to regulatory approvals.

"Entering into a partnership with Autostrade per lItalia is a significant step in our mission to lead the transition towards sustainable mobility. By collaborating with Free To X, we are not only enhancing Italy's charging infrastructure but also aligning with our strategic ambitions to establish a robust fast-charging network across Europe, making electric mobility easier for all" said Gianluca De Ficchy, CEO of Mobilize.

"We are proud to join forces with Mobilize to provide fast and Hyperfast charging solutions for travelers boosting the growth outside the motorway network," said Giorgio Moroni, CEO of Free To X. "The transaction confirms the relevance of the Company in the sector as a Key enabler of low-emission mobility in the transition path towards more sustainable mobility."

About Mobilize: Mobilize is the Renault Group brand dedicated to new mobility trends. Mobilize supports the transition to more sustainable mobility by offering its personal and professional customers products and solutions linked to energy, financing, connectivity and fleet management. Mobilize also develops electric micro-mobility vehicles. Mobilize embodies the vision of sustainable, innovative mobility, and paves the way for accelerating the energy transition by making it accessible and tangible. Mobilize is present in 40 countries and employs more than 4,500 people. Mobilize Financial Services is under the direct supervision of the European Central Bank under the name of RCI Banque S.A. For more information, visit mobilize.com follow Mobilize on X, Instagram and LinkedIn.

MOBILIZE  PRESS CONTACT

Auriane Potel

+ 33 6 27 45 68 39

auriane.potel@mobilize-fs.com

Petra Le Luel

+33 6 03 11 56 74

petra.le-luel@mobilize.com

RENAULT GROUP- INVESTOR RELATIONS

Philippine de Schonen

+ 33 6 13 45 68 39

philippine.de-schonen@renault.com

Attachment
Dublin, Jan. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "IoT Connectivity Management Platforms and eSIM Solutions - 1st Edition" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

This new 100-page study analyses the latest developments on the IoT connectivity management platform and eSIM solution markets. The report estimates that total revenues for third party IoT CMPs will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12% from US$ 1 billion in 2024 to US$ 1.8 billion in 2029. Get up to date with the latest trends and information about vendors, products and markets.

This report focuses on two key product categories that facilitate the delivery of cellular IoT communications services: IoT connectivity management platforms (CMPs) and eSIM management platforms.

About 12% of all IoT SIMs were deployed on third-party IoT CMPs at the end of 2024, while about 7% of the installed base was deployed by IoT MVNOs. The remainder was managed via mobile operators' in-house developed CMPs. Excluding China, the share of IoT SIMs managed via third-party CMPs was substantially higher, accounting for 31% of all IoT SIMs. Annual revenues from the sales of third-party IoT CMPs grew 8% to reach an estimated US$ 1 billion in 2024. Until 2029, annual IoT CMP revenues are forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 12% to reach US$ 1.8 billion in 2029.

Market dynamics in the IoT CMP market have evolved in recent years as vendors focus on responding to the challenge of declining ARPUs for IoT connectivity services. Early CMPs were developed at a time characterised by inflated expectations of the IoT market, which has led to incumbent vendors exiting the space, while others have had to rethink their product and pricing strategies, often involving tiered offerings and the addition of value-added services. New investments are targeted at remote SIM provisioning (RSP) platform integrations, eSIM orchestration and connectivity management orchestration capabilities, machine learning-based analytics, security services and programmable network capabilities enabled by 5G SA.

Cisco is the largest IoT CMP provider globally. The company has a strong position in all major geographies and partnered with about 60 mobile operators worldwide at the end of 2024. The number of SIMs managed with Cisco IoT Control Center reached about 262 million. Aeris ranked as the second largest IoT CMP vendor with 28 mobile operator partners and 84 million connected devices at the end of 2024. The company took over the loss-making IoT business of Ericsson in early 2023 and has since the acquisition successfully managed to modernise and streamline operations, while merging its legacy platform and the IoT Accelerator into a single platform. MAVOCO has emerged as a significant player in recent years with more than 10 mobile operator partners at the year-end. MAVOCO's IoT CMP is cloud- and core-agnostic, allowing mobile operators to utilise existing infrastructure to cost-effectively address IoT customers globally. Other IoT CMP vendors with a meaningful number of IoT CMP deployments are Comarch, Nokia and Vodafone. IoT CMPs are also a key component in the value proposition from vendors such as 1NCE, 1oT, emnify, Eseye and floLIVE, which operate as technology providers for mobile operators, as well as IoT MVNOs.

The fragmentation of the IoT CMP landscape has given rise to a new type of product category called connectivity management orchestration (CMO) platforms, which ride on top of IoT CMPs through API integrations, pioneered by vendors like IoTM Solutions and Simetric. Several IoT CMP vendors and IoT MVNOs have also introduced CMO capabilities. AT&T is an example of a mobile operators that have fully embraced the CMO concept and announced together with Simetric the introduction of the IoT Console Single Pane of Glass in November 2024. Enea is another example of a vendor that provides adjacent products. Its IoT CCS service works in concert with existing IoT CMPs and enables mobile operators to offer a multi-tenant, private APN service to their enterprise customers.

Uptake in the IoT market has been slow compared to the adoption in the consumer market, as solutions based on the eSIM M2M specification, originally published in 2013, have not met the intended goals of enabling widescale adoption of remote SIM provisioning and eSIMs. After the publication of the new eSIM IoT specification SGP.32 in 2023, eSIM solution providers are now gearing up for a new adoption cycle of solutions based on the specification. New deployments benefit from the large existing installed base of SM-DP+ systems, which will be used for both consumer and IoT eSIM services. The development of eSIM solutions for the IoT market has been driven by both incumbent SIM providers such as Thales, Giesecke+Devrient (G+D) and IDEMIA, as well as newer entrants like Kigen. The shift to eSIM has attracted a large number of other players into the space. With the transition to SGP.32, vendors like Redtea Mobile and Monty Mobile which were previously mainly active in the consumer eSIM market have also started to address the IoT market. The report estimates that roughly 10% of the global installed base of cellular IoT devices used an eSIM at the end of 2024.

Highlights from the Report

360-degree overview of the IoT CMP and eSIM ecosystems.

Insights from 30 executive interviews with market leading companies.

Summary of the latest industry trends and developments.

Updated in-depth profiles of key players in the IoT CMP and eSIM markets.

Reviews of the market strategies of leading vendors.

Extensive global market forecasts lasting until 2029.

The report answers the following questions:

Which trends and developments are shaping the IoT CMP and eSIM solution markets?

What are the benefits of using commercial IoT CMPs?

Why are enterprises adopting connectivity management orchestration (CMO) platforms?

Who are the leading providers of IoT CMPs and eSIM solutions?

How does the new eSIM IoT specification SGP.32 differ from earlier specifications?

What impact will eSIM and SGP.32-based solutions have on the IoT market?

Which mobile operators have deployed IoT CMPs from third party vendors?

What is the potential market size for IoT CMPs?

Key Topics Covered

1 Cellular Communications for IoT

1.1 The IoT technology stack

1.2 Cellular IoT from 2G to 5G

1.2.1 Network footprint

1.2.2 2G/3G mobile networks

1.2.3 4G mobile networks

1.2.4 4G/5G mobile IoT networks (LTE-M and NB-IoT)

1.2.5 5G mobile networks

1.3 eSIM management solutions

1.3.1 SIM form factors and eUICCs

1.3.2 Remote SIM provisioning

1.3.3 eSIM solution for M2M (SGP.02)

1.3.4 eSIM solution for consumer devices (SGP.22)

1.3.5 eSIM solution for IoT (SGP.32)

1.3.6 In-factory profile provisioning (SGP.42)

1.3.7 Multi IMSI technology

1.4 IoT connectivity management platforms

2 Market Forecasts and Trends

2.1 The IoT connectivity management platform market

2.1.1 IoT connectivity management platform market forecast

2.1.2 IoT connectivity management platform vendors

2.2 The eSIM management platform market

2.2.1 eSIM market forecast

2.2.2 eSIM management platform vendors

2.3 Market trends

2.3.1 IoT MVNOs are driving consolidation in the IoT connectivity market

2.3.2 Will SGP.32 contribute to further adoption of IoT CMPs by smaller MNOs?

2.3.3 Market fragmentation drives the need for orchestration capabilities

2.3.4 iSIMs will bring about significant cost reductions

2.3.5 IoT MVNOs connect 200+ million cellular devices

2.3.6 Distributed core networks facilitate global IoT connectivity services

3 Company Profiles and Strategies

3.1 eSIM solution providers

3.1.1 Giesecke+Devrient

3.1.2 IDEMIA

3.1.3 Kigen

3.1.4 Nordic eSIM

3.1.5 Redtea Mobile

3.1.6 Thales

3.1.7 Valid

3.1.8 Workz (Trasna)

3.2 IoT connectivity management platform vendors

3.2.1 Aeris

3.2.2 Cisco

3.2.3 Comarch

3.2.4 Enea

3.2.5 Flickswitch

3.2.6 floLIVE

3.2.7 IoTM Solutions

3.2.8 MAVOCO

3.2.9 Nokia

3.2.10 Simetric

3.2.11 Whale Cloud

3.3 MNO connectivity management platforms

3.3.1 China Mobile

3.3.2 China Unicom

3.3.3 China Telecom

3.3.4 Deutsche Telekom

3.3.5 Orange

3.3.6 Telefonica

3.3.7 Verizon

3.3.8 Vodafone

3.4 IoT MVNOs

3.4.1 1GLOBAL

3.4.2 1NCE

3.4.3 1oT

3.4.4 Airnity

3.4.5 BICS

3.4.6 Cubic Telecom

3.4.7 CSL Group

3.4.8 emnify

3.4.9 Eseye

3.4.10 Hologram

3.4.11 iBASIS

3.4.12 KORE Wireless

3.4.13 NTT

3.4.14 Onomondo

3.4.15 Pelion

3.4.16 Soracom

3.4.17 Tata Communications

3.4.18 Velos IoT

3.4.19 Wireless Logic

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/db7arv

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Attachment
Dublin, Jan. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Pediatric Cardiac Tumor Diagnostic Market by Tumor, Type, End User and Region" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. This comprehensive research report focuses on the global and regional market size and forecasts from 2023 to 2034.



The global pediatric cardiac tumor diagnostic market size was estimated to be USD 0.689 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 1.62 billion by 2034 with a CAGR of 8.07% during the forecast period 2024-2034. The market will grow as a result of developments in imaging technologies, an increase in the prevalence of pediatric cardiac tumors, increased awareness and infrastructure for healthcare, government support for healthcare funding, and growing hospital-diagnostic center collaboration.







The advancement of imaging technologies, including Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Echocardiography, and Computed Tomography (CT), has significantly enhanced the accuracy and efficiency of diagnosing pediatric cardiac tumors. For instance, in December 2023, GE Healthcare introduced a groundbreaking AI-enabled MRI system that sets a new standard for patient comfort. This innovative system features a high-performance wide-bore design coupled with advanced AI and deep learning technologies, which enhance both the speed and precision of imaging scans. Such developments represent a significant leap forward in the field of pediatric cardiology, promising better patient experiences and outcomes.

North America is anticipated for the highest revenue share during the forecast period owing to the well-established healthcare infrastructure, higher prevalence of pediatric cardiac conditions, advanced diagnostic technologies, and increased government funding for pediatric healthcare and cardiac research. Additionally, Asia Pacific is predicted to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period owing to the rapidly improving healthcare infrastructure, rising awareness of pediatric cardiac conditions, increasing government investments in healthcare, and a growing population base that demands better diagnostic services. For instance, Siemens Healthineers inaugurated an MRI facility in Bengaluru under the PLI plan in April 2023, expanding its manufacturing activities in India. At the Bengaluru plant, the business started a new production line to produce magnetic resonance imaging devices. The Asia Pacific pediatric cardiac care market is expected to increase significantly as a result of this expansion, which is improving access to state-of-the-art diagnostic instruments.

Market Segmentation Trends



By tumor, the primary cardiac tumor segment accounted for the highest revenue-grossing segment in the global pediatric cardiac tumor diagnostic market in 2023 owing to the higher incidence of benign tumors like rhabdomyomas and fibromas, which require regular monitoring and early detection to prevent complications. For instance, GE HealthCare debuted Revolution RT in May 2024, a new CT option for radiation therapy that includes state-of-the-art gear and algorithms intended to improve imaging precision. Through streamlining the simulation workflow, this invention seeks to give patients and doctors alike a more seamless and customized experience with oncology care. Additionally, the secondary cardiac tumors segment is predicted to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period owing to the increasing cases of metastatic tumors originating from other cancers, and growing awareness of the need for early detection to improve survival rates.



By type, the echocardiograph segment accounted for the highest revenue-grossing segment in the global pediatric cardiac tumor diagnostic market in 2023 owing to its widespread availability, non-invasive nature, and its primary use as the first-line diagnostic tool in detecting cardiac tumors in children. For instance, in October 2023, AI-powered MRI technology from Philips and AI-driven image analysis software from Quibim will be available to help physicians manage staff shortages, lower healthcare costs, and provide cancer care that is more timely and accessible. Additionally, the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) segment is predicted to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period owing to the superior imaging resolution and the ability to provide detailed information about tumor location, size, and characteristics, making it essential for more complex diagnoses.



By end-user, the hospitals and clinics segment accounted for the highest revenue-grossing segment in the global pediatric cardiac tumor diagnostic market in 2023 owing to the increased number of pediatric cardiac cases handled by these institutions, availability of advanced diagnostic tools, and experienced healthcare professionals. For instance, in April 2023, a CT system with photon-counting computed tomography was used in a clinical study by Canon Medical Systems Corporation and the National Cancer Center Japan (NCC). These initiatives are supporting market growth and enhancing Japan's pediatric cardiac care system. Additionally, the government health department segment is predicted to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period owing to the expansion of public healthcare programs and government-led initiatives to improve early diagnosis and treatment of pediatric cardiac conditions, especially in underserved regions.

Study Coverage

Market Forecast by Tumor, Type, and End-User

Market Forecast for 5 Regions and 17+ Countries North America (U.S. and Canada) Europe (Germany, France, UK, Spain, Italy, Russia, Rest of Europe) Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, Rest of APAC) Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Rest of LATAM) MEA (South Africa, GCC, Rest of MEA)

Exhaustive Company Profiles of the Top 10+ Market Players Siemens Healthineers Philips Healthcare GE Healthcare Canon Medical Systems Medtronic Hitachi Medical Systems Bristol-Myers Squibb Abbott Laboratories Cardinal Health Samsung Medison Fujifilm Medical Systems Elekta Boston Scientific Varian Medical Systems Lantheus Medical Imaging

20% Free Customization Available to Meet Your Exact Requirements

Pediatric Cardiac Tumor Diagnostic Market Analysis & Forecast by Tumor 2023 - 2034 (Revenue USD Bn)

Primary Cardiac Tumors

Secondary Cardiac Tumors

Pediatric Cardiac Tumor Diagnostic Market Analysis & Forecast by Type 2023 - 2034 (Revenue USD Bn)

Echocardiography

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Computed Tomography (CT) Scan

Others

Pediatric Cardiac Tumor Diagnostic Market Analysis & Forecast by End-User 2023 - 2034 (Revenue USD Bn)

Hospitals and Clinics

Government Health Department

Others

Key Attributes

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 200 Forecast Period 2023-2034 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $0.69 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2034 $1.62 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 8% Regions Covered Global

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/1ot279

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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Dublin, Jan. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "India Malaria Vaccine Market, By Region, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2020-2030F" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The India Malaria Vaccine Market was valued at USD 38.21 Million in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 47.21 Million by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 3.59%

The Rising awareness among people for early detection and treatments coupled with the rising number of people suffering from malaria are expected to augment the growth of the India malaria vaccine market. Malaria is caused by a parasite called Plasmodium, which is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes.







Malaria is preventable and treatable, but the development of effective vaccines is essential to control and ultimately eliminate this disease. Growing incidences of malaria in the country is a major factor, which is surging the demand for effective malaria vaccines. These malaria vaccines are vaccines that are designed to prevent or reduce the severity of malaria, a disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes.

Furthermore, there are various other factors which are supporting the growth of India malaria vaccine market such as growing government initiatives, affordable vaccines, rising advancements in biotechnology, and others.



Route of Administration Insights



Based on the route of administration, the intramuscular category is currently dominating the India malaria vaccine market due to several key advantages it offers in terms of efficacy, ease of administration, and acceptance among healthcare professionals. Intramuscular injections allow for better absorption of vaccines compared to subcutaneous or oral routes, which is crucial for ensuring a robust immune response, especially for complex vaccines like those targeting malaria. In addition, the intramuscular route is familiar to healthcare providers across India, making it easier to implement at scale.



IM injections are also widely used in existing vaccination programs, providing a sense of standardization that helps ensure smooth integration into national immunization efforts. As malaria vaccination campaigns continue to expand, the familiarity and simplicity of administering vaccines via the IM route are expected to play a pivotal role in encouraging adoption by healthcare professionals and the public. Furthermore, the consistent success of other vaccines delivered intramuscularly in India helps maintain trust in the safety and effectiveness of this administration method for malaria vaccines.



Regional Insights



Based on the region, East India was dominating in India Vaccine Market in 2024. East India, comprising states like West Bengal, Odisha, Bihar, and Assam, is experiencing a significant malaria burden, making it a key region for the malaria vaccine market. These states are known for having high transmission rates of malaria, with large populations living in areas prone to endemic transmission. The prevalence of malaria in these regions, particularly among vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women, has made it a priority for both government and public health organizations to implement effective prevention strategies, including vaccination.



The demand for malaria vaccines is therefore high in East India, where targeted interventions are necessary to control and reduce malaria incidence. The geographical factors and environmental conditions in these states, such as monsoons and high humidity, create ideal breeding grounds for malaria-carrying mosquitoes, exacerbating the disease burden and increasing the urgency of vaccination programs. Consequently, East India's substantial malaria cases have made it the dominant market for malaria vaccines in the country, driving efforts to prioritize vaccine distribution and ensure timely access.

Key Attributes:





Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 80 Forecast Period 2024 - 2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $38.21 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $47.21 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 3.5% Regions Covered India

Report Scope:

Key Market Players

Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Ltd

Zydus Group

Serum Institute of India Private Limited

Bharat Biotech International Limited

Indian Immunologicals Limited, Inc.

Panacea Biotec

Mynvax

Cadila Pharmaceuticals

Biological E Limited

Sanofi Pasteurs Health

India Malaria Vaccine Market, By Vaccine Type:

Pre-Erythrocytic

Erythrocytic

Multi-antigen

Others

India Malaria Vaccine Market, By Route of Administration:

Intramuscular

Subcutaneous

Intradermal

Others

India Malaria Vaccine Market, By Region:

North India

South India

East India

West India

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/g7ab7g

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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Dublin, Jan. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Thailand AI in Agriculture Market, By Region, Competition, Forecast & Opportunities, 2019-2029F" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



The Thailand AI in Agriculture Market was valued at USD 80.33 Million in 2023, and is expected to reach USD 113.96 Million by 2029, rising at a CAGR of 6.08%

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the agricultural sector of Thailand is a burgeoning market. It pertains to the implementation of machine intelligence tools like machine learning, predictive analytics, and robotics in farming and related activities. These technologies are making a substantial impact on Thailand's agriculture, enhancing yield, reducing waste, and fostering sustainable practices. From automating irrigation systems to predicting weather patterns for crop optimization, AI is revolutionizing the farming landscape in Thailand while contributing to the market's growth and the country's economic prosperity.







In April 2024, the National Innovation Agency (NIA) of Thailand launched the AGROWTH platform to accelerate the development of deep-tech agricultural startups, focusing on artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, automation, and biotechnology. This initiative aims to foster partnerships between startups and major farming businesses, enhancing the integration of advanced technologies in agriculture. Currently, Thailand has 81 agricultural startups, with fewer than 15 specializing in deep technology, and the agri-tech industry has attracted investments exceeding 1.7 trillion baht.



The Thai government's commitment to modernizing agriculture through technological innovation is evident in its strategic initiatives. The Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economic model emphasizes the adoption of smart agriculture technologies, including AI, to promote sustainability and efficiency. AI applications such as machine learning, predictive analytics, and robotics are being utilized to optimize farming practices, enhance crop yields, and reduce waste.



Key Market Drivers

Increasing Demand for Precision Farming



The increasing demand for precision farming in Thailand is propelling a noteworthy surge in the demand for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in agriculture. Precision farming practices, which involve optimizing inputs such as water, fertilizers, and pesticides based on real-time data, are gaining prominence as farmers seek more efficient and sustainable ways to manage their crops.

The adoption of AI in agriculture aligns with Thailand's commitment to modernize its farming practices, increase productivity, and address environmental sustainability challenges. This growing intersection of precision farming and AI technologies signifies a transformative shift in the agricultural landscape, promoting smarter and more resource-efficient farming practices in response to the evolving needs of the Thai agricultural sector.



Availability of Affordable AI-Based Agri-Tech Solutions



The availability of affordable AI-based agri-tech solutions is a key driver behind the increasing demand for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in agriculture in Thailand. As technology becomes more accessible and cost-effective, farmers in Thailand are keen to leverage AI applications to enhance their agricultural practices. Affordable AI-based solutions offer a range of benefits, including precision farming, crop monitoring, predictive analytics, and efficient resource management. These tools empower farmers to make data-driven decisions, optimize input usage, and improve overall productivity.



This trend highlights the transformative impact of accessible AI technologies, ushering in a new era of precision agriculture and efficiency in Thailand. As affordability continues to drive demand, the integration of AI in agriculture is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of farming practices in the country.



High Penetration of Smartphones & Internet



The high penetration of smartphones and internet connectivity is catalyzing an increased demand for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in agriculture across Thailand. With a significant portion of the population having access to smartphones and reliable internet infrastructure, farmers are leveraging these technologies to access AI-based solutions that enhance agricultural practices. Mobile applications and online platforms equipped with AI algorithms provide real-time information on weather patterns, crop health, and market trends, enabling farmers to make informed decisions on resource management and optimize their yields.



The widespread use of smartphones has democratized the adoption of AI in agriculture, allowing farmers to easily integrate these technologies into their daily operations. Whether through crop monitoring apps, predictive analytics tools, or AI-driven advisory services, the accessibility of information on handheld devices empowers farmers to address challenges more effectively.

This surge in demand reflects a broader trend of digital transformation in the agricultural sector, where connectivity and AI contribute to increased efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness in Thailand's farming landscape. As the synergy between smartphones, internet connectivity, and AI continues to grow, the agriculture industry in Thailand is poised to benefit from innovative solutions that harness the power of technology for optimal farm management.



Increase in AI Startup Ecosystem



The burgeoning AI startup ecosystem in Thailand is significantly elevating the demand for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in agriculture. The rise of innovative startups specializing in AI-driven solutions tailored for agriculture has captured the attention of the farming community. These startups bring forth cutting-edge technologies, including machine learning algorithms and data analytics, designed to enhance various aspects of agricultural operations. With a growing number of entrepreneurs focusing on AI applications in farming, there is an expanding range of solutions catering to precision agriculture, crop monitoring, predictive analytics, and smart decision-making for farmers.



The increasing number of AI startups fosters a competitive environment, spurring advancements and affordability in AI-based agri-tech solutions. Farmers are increasingly drawn to these startups, seeking tailored solutions that address specific challenges in Thai agriculture. This dynamic ecosystem not only introduces innovative tools but also encourages the adoption of AI by making these technologies more accessible and adaptable to diverse farming needs. As the AI startup ecosystem continues to flourish, it creates a positive ripple effect, fostering a culture of technological innovation and collaboration within the Thai agricultural landscape. The demand for AI in agriculture is poised to grow further as these startups contribute to the evolution of smart and sustainable farming practices in Thailand.



In line with this growth, the Thai government has set ambitious targets to develop a workforce of 50,000 individuals in artificial intelligence (AI) over the next five years. This initiative aims to establish Thailand as a high-tech hub, with a focus on integrating AI into various sectors, including agriculture. The government's commitment to building a skilled workforce underscores the importance of AI in the nation's economic development and its application in enhancing agricultural practices.

Regional Insights



The AI in Agriculture market in Thailand is highly competitive, with various regions making significant strides. However, Eastern Thailand has emerged as a frontrunner, dominating the market with its advanced farming solutions. This region is witnessing considerable investment in AI-powered applications for precision farming, crop monitoring, and pest management, significantly boosting the agricultural productivity and sustainability. In Eastern Thailand, the adoption of AI in agriculture has been driven by several factors. The region benefits from a favorable climate, fertile soil, and a strong agricultural tradition. Local farmers and agricultural businesses have embraced technology and innovation, leveraging AI to optimize their operations and maximize yields.



Through the implementation of AI-powered solutions, Eastern Thailand has achieved remarkable results in precision farming. Sensors and drones are deployed to monitor crops and collect real-time data, enabling farmers to make informed decisions regarding irrigation, fertilization, and pest control. This data-driven approach not only improves crop health and yield but also minimizes the use of resources, making agriculture more sustainable and environmentally friendly.



The integration of AI technology in pest management has revolutionized agricultural practices in Eastern Thailand. Machine learning algorithms analyze data from various sources, such as weather patterns, pest populations, and crop health, to predict and prevent pest outbreaks. This proactive approach reduces the reliance on chemical pesticides, decreasing the environmental impact while ensuring crop protection.

As a result of these advancements, Eastern Thailand has become a hub for AI-driven agriculture, attracting investments and collaborations from local and international stakeholders. The region's success serves as a model for other areas in Thailand and beyond, showcasing the transformative potential of AI in revolutionizing the agricultural sector.

Key Attributes:

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 80 Forecast Period 2023 - 2029 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2023 $80.33 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2029 $113.96 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 6.0% Regions Covered Thailand



Report Scope:

Key Market Players

Microsoft (Thailand) Company Limited

Deere & Company (Global Fleet Sales (Thailand) Ltd.)

IBM Thailand Company Limited

True Digital Group Co., Ltd.

HG Robotics Co., Ltd.

Varuna (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

FarmInno (Thailand)

ATi Technologies Co., Ltd.

Syngenta Co., Ltd.

jDrones & Co.

Thailand AI in Agriculture Market, By Technology:

Machine Learning

Computer Vision

Predictive Analytic

Thailand AI in Agriculture Market, By Offering:

Hardware

Software

AI-As-A-Service

Thailand AI in Agriculture Market, By Application:

Precision Farming

Livestock Monitoring

Agriculture Robots

Drone

Others

Thailand AI in Agriculture Market, By Region:

Bangkok

Eastern Thailand

Northern Thailand

Northeast

Southern Thailand

Western Thailand

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/hsmp3n

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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Charleston, SC, Jan. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dragons have long held their place in high fantasy novels, but author Kim L. Brantley is changing the narrative and placing a unique spin on the beloved winged creatures.

In The Time is Now, Kalaxy is a military officer who returns home three weeks early from her mission. Excited to see her mate and enjoy some unexpected time off, Kalaxy enters the home and immediately senses trouble.

The scent of blood assaults her nose and soon enough, she comes before a sight to match the smell: thick, red, iron-filled pools of gore surround two of her most trusted servants and her mate. Murdered in cold blood.

Readers learn that Kalaxy is a Golden dragon, and her non-human side must come face-to-face with centuries-old struggles that have claimed hundreds of lives. The toughened warrior decides to take on the political, military, and emotional quagmire that lays ahead to prevent a future that mirrors her ancestors past horrors.

Its intended for truly anyone who wants to get away from reality for a while and dive into another world where, no matter how dark the night may seem, mornings light will always shine through, said Kim.

The Time is Now is available for purchase online at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com.

About the Author:

Kim L. Brantleys writing journey began with a vivid image that demanded to be brought to life. With a background in Environmental Science and Geology, Kims professional path led her to serve as Director of Public Works for a small municipality. Now a full-time decorative decoy carver, she lives in North Central Louisiana with three stray dogs and a 1978 Camaro. Her unique life experiences promise to captivate readers.

Media Contact: Kim L. Brantley, publicity@palmettopublishing.com

Available for interviews: Author, Kim L. Brantley

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Male inheritor of Uygur embroidery in China's Xinjiang leads local embroiders to prosperity

People's Daily Online) 13:29, January 14, 2025

Kader Rehman, an inheritor of traditional Uygur embroidery who was once ridiculed as the only male embroiderer in his village, is now leading a team of over 100 artisans in Hami city, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, helping his fellow embroiderers boost their incomes with their skilled hands.

As a historical hub along the ancient Silk Road, Hami city has long been a crossroads where diverse cultures and civilizations converge. Hami Uygur embroidery, which draws inspiration from nature and geometric patterns, is a vivid reflection of the city's rich historical and cultural heritage.

Kader Rehman (center) discusses embroidery techniques with fellow embroiderers. (Photo/Pulati)

Common motifs of Hami Uygur embroidery include peonies, lotus flowers, honeysuckle flowers, orchids, Lingzhi (also known as reishi), pomegranates, as well as auspicious animals.

In 2008, Hami Uygur embroidery was designated as a representative item of China's national-level intangible cultural heritage.

In the following year, 10 of Kader Rehman's embroidery works were showcased at a folk-art exhibition, receiving recognition from local experts.

By 2016, the establishment of a traditional craft workstation in Hami gave a major boost to the local embroidery industry.

More than 300 embroidery artisans from the city, including Kader Rehman, were sent to study at prestigious institutions such as Tsinghua University's Academy of Arts and Design in Beijing, and Guangzhou University in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province.

Through a training session for Hami Uygur embroidery held at Guangzhou University, Kader Rehman learned the techniques of more embroidering styles in China and integrated them with the traditional Hami Uygur embroidery techniques to create innovative designs.

Photo shows embroidery products made by Kader Rehman's team. (Photo/Dawuti Rexiati)

With the support of the traditional craft workstation, Kader Rehman's works attracted wider attention. A cultural company offered him a position as chief designer with an annual salary of 100,000 yuan ($13,639.03).

Thanks to a steady stream of orders from the company, Kader Rehman's team of embroiderers expanded rapidly, from just five or six artisans to more than 100 local embroiders.

These skilled workers can now increase their incomes without leaving their homes, creating a wide variety of products that are sold as souvenirs and gifts at tourist destinations across Xinjiang.

By the end of 2024, Kader Rehman's team had completed over 700 different types of orders, with the embroidery products ranging from phone cases and notebooks to dolls, fridge magnets, and brooches. The total value of these orders exceeded 1 million yuan.

(Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun)
Charleston, SC, Jan. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Author Richard Blaneys new novel, Pathways Through the Forest, explores redemption in the shadow of war. A prequel to his heart-wrenching debut, Rain on the Leaves, Blaneys latest book revisits a nation divided in the tumult of the Vietnam War. James Flaherty is a soldier returning home from the conflict, struggling to reconnect with a life thats left him behind. Feeling distant after the horrors of war, James spends his leave grappling with questions of purpose and identity.

When James loses his wallet one night, it is discovered and returned to him by Diana, a recent college graduate. Dianas gesture leads to an unexpected connection as after rebuffing him twice, she invites James to join a local discussion group. Jamess initial discomfort with the groups debates about the war transforms into a deeper explorationand even confrontationof Jamess fears, beliefs, and dreams.

As Jamess vulnerability grows, the pairs friendship develops into a tender romance, but James and Diana face the ticking clock of Jamess brief leave. Will their love survive the realities of war? Or will the life they could have together wind up as another casualty?

Set in the backdrop of one of Americas most turbulent social and political eras, this book is a gripping story of young love and the struggle to find ones place in a broken world. A character-focused novel with tremendous emotional depth, Pathways Through the Forest will resonate with fans of Vietnam-era cultural fiction and romance. Blaneys stellar sequel captures the essence of a generation and the universal human forces that unite us all amid the churning of the ages. The Woman in the Blue Uniform, will come up soon after the release of this second book, Pathways Through the Forest.

Pathways Through the Forest is available for purchase online at Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com.

About the Author:

Richard Blaney is the author of the novel Rain on the Leaves. He graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in international studies. Since then, he has become both a certified chef and a serious student of history. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Richard currently resides with his wife Ann in Columbia, South Carolina.

Media Contact:

Richard Blaney, publicity@palmettopublishing.com

Available for interviews: Author, Richard Blaney

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Memphis, TN, Jan. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel is proud to announce the acquisition of the extraordinary archive of Bayard Rustin, a pivotal figure in the Civil Rights Movement and a lifelong advocate for non-violence, human rights, and equality. This landmark acquisition celebrates Rustin's legacy as a visionary architect of change.

To honor this monumental collection, the museum will launch Speaking Truth to Power: The Life of Bayard Rustin, an exhibition opening on March 28, 2025, in the State of Tennessee Gallery. Spanning eight months, this exhibition will provide visitors with an intimate look into Rustin's life as both a public leader and private individual, showcasing artifacts, fine art photography, and personal items from his extensive archive thanks to Rustin's life partner, Walter Naegle, who provided direction and access to over 500 personal items.

Speaking Truth to Power explores Bayard Rustin's innovative use of the "medium" to communicate powerful messages of non-violence, activism, and authenticity. The exhibit emphasizes Rustins ability to capitalize on the technology of his time, structuring awareness and creating dialogue to inspire social change.

Key highlights of the exhibition include:

Passports, visas, and drivers licenses documenting Rustin's global commitment to non-violence over four decades.

Artifacts of activism, such as Rustin's notes for a March on Washington for Civil Rights, "Dont Join Jim Crow Army" buttons, and telegrams from key historical events.

Personal and public collections, including African sculptures, early Christian and Byzantine art, and folk art from Rustins childhood in West Chester, PA.

Intimate memorabilia, such as letters, jewelry, and personal gifts provided by Rustins life partner, Walter Naegle.

Curated by art historian and educator Gay Feldman, this exhibition also features fine art photography by David Katzenstein, capturing over 200 artifacts from Rustins personal and professional life. Visitors will see Rustins legacy in a new light, including his global influence, activism, and contributions to identity, spirituality, and human rights.

This exhibition is more than a tribute to Bayard Rustins achievements. It is a testament to his enduring message of justice, dialogue, and non-violence that continues to resonate today, said Dr. Russ Wigginton, President of the National Civil Rights Museum.

Speaking Truth to Power: The Life of Bayard Rustin will run from March 28, 2025, through the end of the year. This marks the first phase of the museums commitment to preserving Rustins archive. In 2026, selected items will be permanently housed in the newly renovated Legacy Building, making Rustins collection a cornerstone of the museumos offerings.

The exhibition will also include an interactive design to ensure accessibility and will be complemented by a K-12 curriculum to educate future generations about Rustin's role in shaping the Civil Rights Movement.

Until December 31, 2025, the Museum includes with general admission this exhibition on the life and legacy of Bayard Rustin that uncovers the untold stories of a man who tirelessly spoke truth to power. For more information, visit civilrightsmuseum.org.

About the National Civil Rights Museum

The NATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM, located at the historic Lorraine Motel where civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated, gives a comprehensive overview of the American Civil Rights Movement from slavery to the present. Since the Museum opened in 1991, millions of visitors from around the world have come, including more than 90,000 student visits annually. The Museum is steadfast in its mission to chronicle the American civil rights movement and tell the story of the ongoing struggle for human rights. It educates and serves as a catalyst to inspire action to create positive social change.

A Smithsonian Affiliate and an internationally acclaimed cultural institution, the Museum is recognized as a 2019 National Medal Award recipient by the Institute of Museums and Library Services (IMLS), the top national honor for museums and libraries. It is a TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Top 5% U.S. Museum, USA Today's Top 10 Best American Iconic Attractions; Top 10 Best Historical Spots in the U.S. by TLC's Family Travel; Must See by the Age of 15 by Budget Travel and Kids; Top 10, American Treasures by USA Today; and Best Memphis Attraction by The Commercial Appeal and the Memphis Business Journal.

 civilrightsmuseum.org 
MONTREAL, Jan. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Yellow Pages Limited (TSX: Y) (Yellow Pages or the Company), a leading Canadian digital media and marketing company, is pleased to announce the winner of its nationwide art competition Our Cover, Your Canvas. The theme of the competition was Discover, Shop & Support Your Local Community .

We were overwhelmed with the number of entries we received as well as the quality and talent of these submissions. The emotional connection that these artists feel toward their local communities and the businesses that are the backbone of Canada was evident through their pieces of art. We could not be prouder to be showcasing beautiful artwork on our 2025 cover, said Sherilyn King, Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Customer Service at Yellow Pages. Thank you to all those who submitted pieces and sincere congratulations to Brenda Turnour as the first winner of our 2025 Yellow Pages Directory Cover Competition.













Brenda Turnour is a fourth-generation artist who sold her first oil painting at the age of 12 and since then has been painting, teaching and judging art. She is a past President of the Central Ontario Art Association. Brenda owns a gallery and studio in Huntsville, Ontario.

Additionally, we would like to recognize Shannon Delaney and Sophie Paisley at Ladysmith Arts in British Columbia, www.ladysmitharts.ca, for the cardboard collage submitted by their elementary school students. This mural was created by an amazing group of students between six and eight years of age to celebrate their community of Ladysmith, BC. It captures some of the features that they think best represent their town. Pictured here, from left to right are Zoe, Parker, Olive, Gavin and Kacen. Missing from the photo are Xavier and Magnus.









Prize: With nearly six million Yellow Pages directories distributed throughout Canada, Brenda will have her artwork featured on the front cover of selected Yellow Pages print directories starting in January 2025 through June 2025.





The deadline for entries for directory covers in the second half of 2025 is still open. Artists across the country are encouraged to send their submissions by April 30, 2025 at 11:59 pm EST. www.ypsolutions.ca/submissions or www.ypsolutions.ca/soumissions

Given the overwhelming success of this first nationwide directory cover competition, Yellow Pages now invites you to participate in our competition for the 2026 cover. See your local 2025 Yellow Pages directory for the details.

About Yellow Pages:

Yellow Pages Limited (TSX: Y) is a Canadian digital media and marketing company that creates opportunities for buyers and sellers to interact and transact in the local economy. Yellow Pages holds some of Canadas leading local online properties including YP.ca, Canada411 and 411.ca. The Company also holds the YP, Canada411 and 411 mobile applications and Yellow Pages print directories. For more information visit www.corporate.yp.ca .

Media Contact:

Sherilyn King

Senior Vice President- Sales, Marketing and Customer Service media@yp.ca

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/00856b4b-dafa-4177-ad07-62b5689dc4d8

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c7649843-df83-41e8-9d5a-ee26874e437f

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b30d2d8b-c313-40d6-8af7-d2acfa41de4d

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c5911d8c-8fc4-4e78-b171-ccdedc64d478
OTTAWA, Jan. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A voluntary initiative was launched on Friday, January 10, among Canadian organizations that have chosen to collaborate as the country faces issues around Canada United States (U.S.) trade.

The Canada US Trade Council (CUSTC) includes participants from a variety of sectors (steel, aluminum, forest products, oil and gas, agri-food, dairy, chemistry, banking, as well as broader industry groups such as the Business Council of Canada, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, and the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters) and leading labour organizations. Membership is growing rapidly as the Inauguration of the new U.S. administration draws nearer.

The Steering Committee of the CUSTC will be led initially by the CEOs of the Aluminum Association of Canada and the Canadian Steel Producers Association. The group will convene regular meetings to share information and ideas for how best to approach the tariff discussions and the subsequent CUSMA review phase. The group is not a lobbying or an advocacy organization but will focus instead on sharing information and ensuring an ongoing conversation, including with key government officials who have responsibilities on these files.

By bringing together, from across Canada, industry, unions and experts, the Council provides a dynamic and timely platform to freely address issues strategies and opportunities with Government officials. This crisis is worth all our efforts, and we must seize the moment to grow Canada stronger within a safer, more secure and competitive business environment for our future. Co-chairing this initiative with my colleague from the steel industry is a privilege.  Jean Simard, President and CEO, Aluminium Association of Canada.

At this moment in time, it is crucial that the Canadian business and labour communities come together to reimagine our future with our most important trading partner the United States. I am very honoured to co-Chair this Council that convenes some of the strongest voices in the country to support Canadas interests and opportunities through the journey ahead. - Catherine Cobden, President & CEO, Canadian Steel Producers Association (CSPA)

As an international union, we know that workers on both sides of the border understand the economic importance of a strong Canada-US trade partnership for their families and communities. All workers are counting on all of us to protect good jobs and provide job security through a strong trade partnership, while standing up for our key industries. - Marty Warren, National Director, United Steelworkers.

Given the very seriousness of this moment and the existential threat to Canadian jobs and our economy, we see its important for Canadians to pull together and work together during these difficult times. We must put workers and the country first. - Lana Payne, National President, Unifor

The CUSTC will draw on a group of expert advisors who have agreed to serve as counsellors, including Steve Verheul, James Moore, Jean Charest, Laura Dawson, RJ Johnston, and Adam Taylor. Together these individuals have extensive experience in Canada-US trade relations.

Canadian and provincial government officials will be invited to participate on a recurring basis to share knowledge, update on current developments, and gather input from participants. Ambassador Kirsten Hillman participated in the kickoff meeting of the CUSTC and said:

With $1.3 trillion in goods and services crossing our shared border every year, Canada is Americas biggest customer. Trade with Canada plays an important role in U.S. economic security and supports millions of American jobs. Business and labour leadership are essential as we work to find ways to strengthen our strategic partnership with the US and I look forward to working alongside the Canada-U.S. Trade Council at this important time

Organizations interested in participating in this council are encouraged to contact Bruce Anderson, Partner at Spark Advocacy, or Adam Taylor, Partner at NorthStar Public Affairs which are jointly providing secretariat services to the CUSTC.

bruce@sparkadvocacy.ca

adam@northstarpa.ca

For media inquiries, contact:

Annette Goerner

annette@sparkadvocacy.ca

613-818-6941

Additional quotes:

A comprehensive, informed dialogue is fundamental to ensure successful outcomes for Canadians and that our trading relationship with the US remains productive. It is critical that we stand up for Canadian businesses to protect fair trade and create strategic solutions to safeguard our industries, our employees and our economy. - Anthony G. Ostler, President and CEO, Canadian Bankers Association

Canada is one of the worlds most important sources of minerals, metals and other resources. Our trading relationships deliver great products for our US customers and excellent jobs for Canadian workers. We look forward to working with others on this Council to strengthen the Canada US Trade relationship for the long term.  Pierre Gratton, President and CEO, Mining Association of Canada.



The manufacturers and exporters of Canada are very much the most trade exposed sectors of our economy and contribute the majority of our trade with the US. I am privileged to represent them at this important table along with other business government and labour leaders, as we navigate the very uncertain times ahead. It is also an opportunity for us in Canada to focus on what is needed to improve our competitiveness, resiliency, and collaboration across sectors. - Dennis A. Darby, President & CEO, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters.



"Canada must engage with the U.S. with unity, focus, and proactive collaboration. By working across industries, labour, and government, we can be stronger together, seize opportunities, and advance shared prosperity and security." - Greg Moffatt, President and CEO, Chemistry Industry Association of Canada.



Now, more than ever, the public and private sectors must work together to share intelligence, data and facts to ensure our actions advance the best interests of Canada. - Goldy Hyder, President and CEO of the Business Council of Canada.



The Canada-US trading relationship is core to our shared prosperity and security as Canadians and Americans. Given the challenge and opportunity before us, major business and employee groups need to be pulling in the same direction. In so many communities across the country, forestry operates next door to oil and gas, steel, mining, and other critical industries. Forestry signed on early to be part of the Canada US Trade Council because we owe it to our sectors employees and their families to do everything possible to promote and defend their interests. - Derek Nighbor, President and CEO, Forest Products Association of Canada



"Dairy Farmers of Canada is pleased to join the Canada-US Trade Council as we collaborate to strengthen trade relations with our most important trading partner while also ensuring a secure future for all Canadian industries. As we face this crucial moment in Canada-US relations, it is essential that industries work towards a collective approach to both tariff discussions and the broader CUSMA review." - Jacques Lefebvre, Chief Executive Officer, Dairy Farmers of Canada.



Its time to be focused, not fragmented in our approach. Thats how we do it in business. At this uncertain moment, the Canadian business community is stepping into a lead role. Partnering with the Canada-US Trade Council builds on the Canadian Chamber of Commerces strength: working across both sides of the border so that the worlds greatest trade relationship benefits everyone.  Candace Laing, President and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce

Oil and natural gas make up 25% of all Canadian exports and represent $150 billion worth of trade with the U.S. annually. We need to protect our U.S. trading partnership while also securing greater access to global markets to build a more prosperous economy for Canadians.  Lisa Baiton, President & CEO, Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers

As one of the worlds largest globally diversified natural resource companies, Glencore recognizes the importance of trading relationships and is pleased to join in the work of The Canadian US Trade Council. It is crucial for the industry and all levels of Canadian government to work together to address this complex issue and preserve the mutually beneficial trading relationship between Canada and the US.  Sheila Risbud, Senior Vice President, Glencore Corporate Affairs Canada

The proposed policies of the Trump administration, on tariffs and economic growth, will present a great challenge to our economy and our country. It is also a once in a generation opportunity for Canadians to define our core interests, rethink our economic policies, the positioning of Canada on the world stage and shape the future of our nation.  Hon. Jean Charest, Partner Therrien Couture Joli-Cur, Premier of Quebec (2003-2012), Deputy Prime Minister of Canada (1993)



The Canada-U.S. partnership is one of the great success stories of the past century. It has led to unparalleled peace, security, prosperity and stability. With Canadians working together, we will strengthen the cross-border relationship and the future stability of our relationship with America. - Hon. James Moore



Canadas strongest advantage in trade discussions with the U.S. lies with a united effort from government, industry, and labour that can only come from a shared understanding and commitment to Canadas strategies and objectives. The creation of the Canada-U.S. Trade Council is a critical step towards ensuring that Canada is prepared for the challenges ahead. - Steve Verheul, Principal, gt&co Executive Advisors



There is no time to waste. When Canadian business leaders unite with their American counterparts, there is no more persuasive influence on U.S. decision makers. But a sound bilateral strategy is predicated by vision and organization at home in Canada. The work of the new Canada-U.S. Trade Council is an important step towards not only managing the current crisis but strengthening the bilateral trade relationship for years to come. - Laura Dawson, PhD, Executive Director, Canada-U.S. Future Borders Coalition.

"Canadas business community is rallying to counter an economic threat that could devastate both sides of the border. Were making it clear to American lawmakers: tariffs will backfire, hitting their own businesses and consumers with higher costs. The Canada-U.S. trade relationship is the worlds most successful free trade story, and this Council exists to fight for the competitive edge that benefits us all." - Adam Taylor, Founding Partner, NorthStar Public Affairs.

The Canada U.S. Trade Council will convene essential stakeholders from government and the private sector to navigate the challenges and opportunities of trades next chapter. I look forward to providing independent policy expertise on energy, geopolitics, and critical minerals that moves this crucial conversation forward on both sides of the border.  RJ Johnston, Senior Director of Research at the Center on Global Energy Policy, Columbia University

A PDF accompanying this release is available at: http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/1ec34346-7007-49f2-8e6f-c379dae64ccb
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Jan. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ZEFIRO METHANE CORP. (Cboe Canada: ZEFI) (Frankfurt: Y6B) (OTCQB: ZEFIF) (the Company, Zefiro, or ZEFI) today announced that the Companys subsidiary Plants & Goodwin (P&G) has been awarded eight projects by the state government of Ohio. Specifically, the scope of work includes Zefiros team of environmental remediation specialists plugging 50 oil and gas wells located across the state to mitigate an array of potential public health threats.

The effort to seal these potentially noxious sites has been led by Zefiro Senior Vice President of Business Development Luke Plants. P&G crews have already plugged 20% of the sites that comprise this initiative and currently have four full-sized rigs deployed in communities throughout Ohio to help remediate the projects remaining wells.

According to the latest expert estimates, there are millions of unplugged oil and gas wells spread throughout the U.S. that have the potential to leak methane gas that can be 25 to 84 times as potent as carbon dioxide emissions in terms of trapping heat in the atmosphere. While these projections include the approximately 19,000 orphan wells that have been officially identified by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), they also account for the significant number of unknown sites that the ODNR has acknowledged exist throughout the state. The ODNR has also stated that the agency has potential access to USD $634 million in funding to plug orphaned and abandoned wells through 2035, assuming that U.S. federal government and state of Ohio resource allocation levels remain stable.





Pictured above: Zefiro Methane Corp. on-site at an active plugging operation.

Readers using news aggregation services may be unable to view the media above. Please access SEDAR+ or the Investors section of the Companys website for a version of this press release containing all published media.

Zefiro Founder and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Talal Debs commented, From the plains of Oklahoma to the forests of Appalachia, Zefiros team of environmental remediation specialists has been tasked by an expanding collection of public and private sector clients with eliminating tens of thousands of tons worth of potentially toxic methane emissions. The unique level of resources and institutional knowledge that we have directed toward this latest assignment is indicative of our ambitious operational expansion efforts, and we are grateful to our partners at the ODNR for entrusting our expert crews with helping more communities reclaim critical air, water, and land resources.

Zefiro Senior Vice President of Business Development Luke Plants commented, Whether its site identification, gas leak testing, or well plugging operations, the demand for Zefiros industry-leading suite of methane abatement services and technologies continues to increase across a diverse collection of key marketplaces. Our team is highly capable, field-tested, and increasingly eager to help more communities take on this legacy issue, and we will keep working alongside our colleagues at the ODNR until the job is done.

Zefiros ongoing work in Ohio is the latest in a series of commercial initiatives that the Company has undertaken to expand its operational footprint across North America. This includes opening a new operations facility in West Virginia, completing strategic acquisitions of Ohio and Pennsylvania-based entities that bolster the Companys client service capabilities, and working with numerous government partners throughout the continent, including the U.S. National Park Service, the State of New York, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the Province of Alberta, on numerous landmark well remediation initiatives.

Reporters/Media: For any questions or to arrange an interview with Dr. Debs or Mr. Plants, please contact Rich Myers of Profile Advisors (New York City) by email at media@zefiromethane.com or by telephone at +1 (347) 774-1125.

About Zefiro Methane Corp.

Zefiro is an environmental services company, specializing in methane abatement. Zefiro strives to be a key commercial force towards Active Sustainability. Leveraging decades of operational expertise, Zefiro is building a new toolkit to clean up air, land, and water sources directly impacted by methane leaks. The Company has built a fully integrated ground operation driven by an innovative monetization solution for the emerging methane abatement marketplace. As an originator of high-quality U.S.-based methane offsets, Zefiro aims to generate long-term economic, environmental, and social returns.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Company,

ZEFIRO METHANE CORP.

Talal Debs

Talal Debs, Founder & CEO

For further information, please contact:

Zefiro Investor Relations

1 (800) 274-ZEFI (274-9334)

investor@zefiromethane.com

For media inquiries, please contact:

Rich Myers - Profile Advisors (New York)

media@zefiromethane.com

+1 (347) 774-1125

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as seeks, believes, plans, expects, intends, estimates, anticipates and statements that an event or result may, will, should, could or might occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information including statements regarding: the Companys intention to reduce emissions from end-of-life oil and gas wells and eliminate methane gas; the Companys partnerships with industry operators, state agencies, and federal governments; the Companys expectations for continued increases in revenues and EBITDA growth as a result of these partnerships; the Companys intentions to build out its presence in the United States; the anticipated federal funding for orphaned well site plugging, remediation and restoring activities; the Companys expectations to become a growing environmental services company; the Companys ability to provide institutional and retail investors alike with the opportunity to join the Active Sustainability movement; the Companys ability to generate long-term economic, environmental, and social returns; and other statements regarding the Companys business and the industry in which the Company operates. The forward-looking information reflects managements current expectations based on information currently available and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking information. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed timeframes or at all. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: (i) adverse general market and economic conditions; (ii) changes to and price and volume volatility in the carbon market; (iii) changes to the regulatory landscape and global policies applicable to the Company's business; (iv) failure to obtain all necessary regulatory approvals; and (v) other risk factors set forth in its Prospectus dated April 8, 2024 under the heading Risk Factors. The Company operates in a rapidly evolving environment where technologies are in the early stage of adoption. New risk factors emerge from time to time, and it is impossible for the Companys management to predict all risk factors, nor can the Company assess the impact of all factors on Companys business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ from those contained in any forward-looking information. Forward-looking information in this news release is based on the opinions and assumptions of management considered reasonable as of the date hereof, including, but not limited to, the assumption that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information. The forward-looking information included in this news release is made as of the date of this news release and the Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

Statement Regarding Third-Party Investor Relations Firms

Disclosures relating to investor relations firms retained by Zefiro Methane Corp. can be found under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca/ .



A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/68f730df-50d8-44b4-9815-25c5ce1da68e
Independence, Ohio, Jan. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- From new neighborhoods and new markets to hundreds of new team members and investor partners, Redwood Living, Inc. has much to celebrate from 2024.

Im honored, humbled and extremely proud as we look back on Redwoods collective accomplishments throughout 2024, said Steve Kimmelman, founder and CEO of Redwood. And while our goals and achievements vary year to year, our overarching mission of enriching the lives of those who choose to rent throughout suburban America will always be true. I extend my most heartfelt gratitude to the team members and partners who shared that journey in 2024, and for the past three decades. We head into 2025 with great optimism and excitement.

Below are some Redwood highlights from 2024.

A Growing Portfolio

Throughout 2024, Redwood welcomed 12 new apartment neighborhoods that opened or are nearing construction completion across 6 states  Ohio, Michigan, Nebraska, Indiana, Illinois, and North Carolina.

In addition to new neighborhoods, 5 Redwood Neighborhoods expanded this year, which included new apartment homes in locations across Michigan, Ohio, North Carolina and South Carolina. In total, more than 2,400 apartments were added to new and existing neighborhoods.



With thousands of new apartment homes came thousands of new residents. Redwood welcomed 7,610 residents to new and existing neighborhoods throughout 2024.

Redwoods grand opening and development activity was fueled greatly by the partnership of new and existing investors. In 2024, Redwood welcomed 114 new investors and raised more than $126M of capital, closing 10 deals throughout the year.

Looking ahead, Redwoods plans call for continued growth and expansion, with the addition of new single-story apartment homes in current and upcoming suburban markets. The company anticipates adding 10 new neighborhoods and 2 new phases to existing neighborhoods across 4 of the states where Redwood currently operates. The companys strong momentum is propelling Redwood to reach its goal of 20,000 completed homes by early 2025.

Redwoods development success also attracted significant media attention from dozens of local, regional, and national outlets, including GlobeSt, Yahoo, and Crains Cleveland Business.

Last but not least, for the fourth consecutive year, Redwood placed in the top 20 nationally for online reputation management (Division III) in the annual Division ORA Power Rankings. Overall, Redwood continues to receive exceptionally high online reviews. Redwoods average Google rating is 4.7 (compared to the industry average 3.8) and an even higher average 4.8 rating on Apartments.com.

An Award-Winning Company Culture that Attracts Top Talent

The Redwood team expanded by 197 new ambassadors in 2024, bringing the total employee count to 646.

Redwood prioritizes opportunities to educate, train, recognize and reward team members to help build satisfying careers and encourage advancement. In 2024, Redwood granted $54,431 in tuition assistance for employees looking to pursue degrees, certifications, attend classes and more. Redwood was also proud to promote 115 team members across the company throughout the year.

Those looking for a new career in the new year can find a range of opportunities at Redwood that cater to a variety of skill sets and career stages.

Throughout 2024, Redwood was continually recognized for excellence by various national and regional organizations, particularly in the category of company culture:

The National Apartment Association named Redwood a 2024 NAA Top Employer. The award recognizes member organizations that foster environments of collaboration, innovation and hard work.

For the seventh year in a row, Redwood was certified a Great Place to Work and was awarded a Top Workplaces award by Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer. The awards reflect positive employee feedback about their workplace experience and showcase the companys standout culture.

Redwood was also named a 2024 NorthCoast99 award winner by ERC, the Employers Resource Council. The award honors 99 great Northeast Ohio workplaces for top talent. This is the second consecutive year that Redwood received this prestigious award.

For the third year, Redwood earned a place on the Best Workplaces in Real Estate list. Compiled by Fortune and Great Place to Work, securing a spot on this list means that Redwood is one of the best companies to work for in the country.

New and Impactful Ways to Serve Redwoods Local Communities

Redwood takes pride in giving back and found many ways to do so throughout 2024.

Redwood invited its employees, residents, and investors to nominate a verified 501(c)(3) organization for Redwood to support in the form of volunteer time, promotion, and monetary donations. The company donated a total of $45,000 to six deserving charitable organizations. Heres a closer look at the programs impact in 2024. In total, Redwood has contributed more than $100,000 to worthy organizations via the Redwood Cares program over the past three years. In addition to Redwood Cares, the company made another sizable $15,000 donation to local organizations chosen by Redwood investors at the companys annual investor gala.

While Redwoods annual giving initiative is the companys largest philanthropic effort, Redwood Ambassadors embrace the spirit of giving back and Redwood Cares all year long. Thanks to the companys volunteer time off policy, team members can be found volunteering everywhere from animal shelters to food banks, and often host special events to benefit local nonprofits in neighborhoods throughout the portfolio. In 2024, Redwood team members volunteered for over 2,000 hours.

Redwood is also proud to partner with One Tree Planted, an environmental nonprofit, by donating $1 on behalf of each new Redwood employee, resident and investor to plant a tree in an area in need of reforestation. In 2024, 7,751 trees were planted thanks to these efforts.



Redwoods plans for 2025 include strategic growth within its portfolio, adding to its team of ambassadors and investor partners, and continuing to find ways to make an impactful difference in the communities it serves.

Follow along with Redwood in 2025 on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

About Redwood Living, Inc.

Redwood Living, Inc. (Redwood) is an innovative development and property management company with neighborhoods in Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky and Nebraska. The success of Redwoods approach to construction, development and property management continues to be validated in new and existing markets. Redwood is a company that believes in its mission, product and amazing people. It creates a simplified, relaxed lifestyle for residents, and offers a rewarding atmosphere for its employees. For more information, visit byredwood.com.

Attachment
WASHINGTON, Jan. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EB5 Capital is pleased to announce the first individual I-526E petition approval for an investor in its Addison Row (JF32) project. An I-526E approval is a significant step in the EB-5 immigration process as it qualifies the investor and their eligible immediate family members for conditional permanent residency in the United States. The approved petition was filed in November 2022 and was pending for 25.6 months.

Addison Row (JF32) is a 327-unit apartment building in Capitol Heights, Maryland, a suburb of Washington, DC. The $105.6 million development was completed in 2024 and features nearly 400,000 gross square feet including a clubhouse, fitness center, swimming pool, picnic area, dog park, and approximately 500 parking spaces. EB5 Capital raised foreign capital from 52 investors, representing a variety of nationalities, to finance a portion of the capital stack.

We are excited to have received the first I-526E approval for this project, said Natalia Pronina, Vice President of Investor Relations at EB5 Capital. This important milestone highlights our dedication to offering outstanding EB-5 investment opportunities to our investors.

To date, EB5 Capital has raised foreign investor funds across over 40 EB-5 projects throughout the United States. Addison Row (JF32) is EB5 Capitals 32nd project which has reached the conditional green card stage for foreign investors going through the EB-5 immigration process. Now that the first petition has been approved, additional I-526E petition adjudications for this project are expected in the near future.

About EB5 Capital

EB5 Capital provides qualified foreign investors with opportunities to invest in job-creating commercial real estate projects under the United States Immigrant Investor Program (EB-5 Visa Program). Headquartered in Washington, DC, EB5 Capitals distinguished track record and leadership in the industry has attracted investors from over 75 countries. As one of the oldest and most active Regional Center operators in the country, the firm has raised over $1 billion of foreign capital across approximately 40 EB-5 projects. 100% of our investors funds are protected by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance prior to their deployment into our projects. Please visit www.eb5capital.com for more information.

Contact:

Katherine Willis

Director, Marketing & Communications

media@eb5capital.com
VANCOUVER, Jan. 13, 2025 - Teck Resources Ltd. (TSX: TECK.A and TECK.B, NYSE: TECK) ("Teck") today announced the appointment of Colin Hamilton as Vice President, Market Research and Economic Analysis, effective February 17, 2025.

"We are very pleased to welcome Colin to Teck," said President and CEO Jonathan Price. "With vast market experience in the mining and metals sector and a globally renowned reputation for thought leadership and innovation in commodity analysis, Colin is ideally suited to lead our strategic insight function as we build Teck into one of the world's leading providers of responsibly produced energy transition metals."

Mr. Hamilton joins Teck from BMO Capital Markets, where he was Managing Director and Commodities Analyst. Before joining BMO, he led the commodities research team at global financial services group Macquarie.

Mr. Hamilton holds a Master of Engineering (distinction) in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow.

About Teck

Teck is a leading Canadian resource company focused on responsibly providing metals essential to economic development and the energy transition. Teck has a portfolio of world-class copper and zinc operations across North and South America and an industry-leading copper growth pipeline. We are focused on creating value by advancing responsible growth and ensuring resilience built on a foundation of stakeholder trust. Headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, Teck's shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols TECK.A and TECK.B and the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TECK. Learn more about Teck at www.teck.com or follow @TeckResources.

Investor Contact:

Emma Chapman

Vice President, Investor Relations

+44.207.509.6576

emma.chapman@teck.com

Media Contact:

Dale Steeves

Director, External Communications

236.987.7405

dale.steeves@teck.com
Company Overview on La Colorada:

La Colorada Operations show US$25.9M NPV5, 11.9% IRR, US$53.9M CAPEX and 287k total ounces produced at a US$2,000/oz gold price

New mineral reserve at Junkyard Stockpile supports restart of mining at La Colorada that has commenced this month

El Creston expansion at La Colorada is expected to produce over 50,000 ounces of gold per year

Current drill program (five drill rigs) is targeting lower CAPEX and increased production for updated technical report planned for mid-2025

Au Price

(US$/oz Au) Net Cash Flow

(US$M) After-Tax NPV

@ 5.0% Discount Rate

(US$M) IRR

(%) Payback Period

(years) Payback Multiple 2,000 1 54.92 25.93 11.9 2.2 1.4 2,600 2 158.32 110.03 34.7 1.4 2.3

Base Gold Price assumption used in the La Colorada technical report. Comparison gold price.

Company Overview on San Agustin:

San Agustin Operations show US$12.7M NPV5, 156.1% IRR, US$4.2M CAPEX and 45k total ounces produced at a US$2,100/oz gold price

Receiving the Phase 4 Permit will allow for strong cash flow generation from San Agustin including funding San Agustin rehabilitation costs

Upon receipt of permit, expected in 2025, the Company will undertake drilling to potentially extend the mine life from oxide gold production and is reviewing the projects sulphide potential

Au Price

(US$/oz Au) Net Cash Flow

(US$M) After-Tax NPV

@ 5.0% Discount Rate

(US$M) IRR

(%) Payback Period

(years) Payback Multiple 2,100 1 14.83 12.67 156.1 0.8 1.1 2,600 2 28.84 25.22 365.0 0.3 2.2

Base Gold Price assumption used in the San Agustin technical report.. Comparison gold price.

Company Overview on San Antonio:

San Antonio Project Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) shows US$398.7M NPV5, 40.7% IRR, US$131.3M CAPEX and 1.1 million total ounces produced at a US$1,900/oz gold price

Mineral resource of 1.6 million ounces of gold at San Antonio project creates attractive optionality with high grade, low CAPEX, sub-US$1,100/oz ASIC and long mine life

Au Price

(US$/oz Au) Net Cash Flow

(US$M) After-Tax NPV

@ 5% Discount Rate

(US$M) IRR

(%) Payback Period

(years) Payback Multiple 1,900 1 651.21 398.66 40.7 2.0 5.2 2,600 2 1,135.42 715.05 58.8 1.5 8.3

Base Gold Price assumption used in the San Antonio technical report.. Comparison gold price.

Vancouver, January 13, 2025 - Heliostar Metals Ltd. (TSXV: HSTR) (OTCQX: HSTXF) (FSE: RGG1) ("Heliostar" or the "Company") advises that it has filed technical reports on the La Colorada Operations, the San Agustin Operations and the San Antonio Project. The technical reports were prepared on material projects acquired in 2024.

The technical reports are available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and on the Company's website (www.heliostarmetals.com).

Heliostar CEO, Charles Funk, commented "Heliostar has filed technical reports for three of its recently acquired Mexican projects. At La Colorada, we have restarted production this month with 2025 focused on the newly defined Junkyard Stockpile and then expanding to over 50,000 ounces of gold per year with the El Creston expansion. At San Agustin, the Phase 4 Permit area can generate strong cash flow and reduce closure costs. More importantly receiving expansion permits will provide the trigger to restart drilling, targeting further mine life expansion at the mine which has upside oxide and sulphide potential. The PEA at San Antonio demonstrates a rare, 1.0 Au g/t heap leach deposit with low CAPEX, low ASIC and a long mine life. It provides attractive optionality for our long-term growth. The combined projects have positive economics at conservative gold prices and significantly stronger returns at today's gold prices. In 2025, the Company will focus on reducing front-end capital requirements for El Creston to improve the project economics for the expansion decision and will continue to advance Ana Paula through its Feasibility Study."

LA COLORADA MINE

Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates and a life-of-mine (LOM) plan were completed for the 100% owned La Colorada Operations (La Colorada) located in the state of Sonora, Mexico. The LOM plan in the La Colorada technical report is based on continued production from three sequentially-staged deposits: the Junkyard Stockpile (La Chatarrera), the El Creston pit expansion (El Creston), and the Veta Madre pit expansion (Veta Madre). The La Colorada technical report that is the subject of this news release supersedes a technical report that was prepared on the La Colorada Mine by Argonaut Gold Inc., which had an effective date of October 1, 2021.

The La Colorada technical report includes first-time disclosure of a Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimate for the Junkyard and updated Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates for El Creston and Veta Madre. The LOM plan indicates a Probable Mineral Reserve of 377k ounces of gold exploited with two years of pre-strip and 4.1 years of mine life, from the effective date of the La Colorada technical report, at production rates up to the 13,000 t/d nameplate throughput capacity of the mine at an all-in sustaining capital cost of US$1,763/oz Au.

Key Highlights

La Colorada - Mineral Reserve & Production Highlights Mineral Reserves (kt) 1 18,159 Gold Grade (g/t Au) 0.65 Contained Gold (koz Au) 377 Processing Rate (t/d average) 2 8,292 Life of Mine (years) 3 4.1 Annual Production (oz Au per year, 2026) 14,564 Annual Production (oz Au per year, average 2027-2030) 64,309

Probable Mineral Reserve. Processing throughput rates vary over the Life of Mine, up to the nameplate capacity of about 13,000 t/d. Excludes 2 years of metals production from the Junkyard (2025) and from near-surface ore extracted during pre-stripping (2026).

La Colorada - Financial Highlights Average Cash Costs (US$ per oz AuEq) 1 1,549 Average AISC (US$ per oz AuEq) 1 1,763 Total Initial Capital Cost (US$M) 2 53.9 Total Sustainable Capital Cost (US$M) 9.8 Total LOM Capital Cost (US$M ) 63.7

Non-International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) measures. All-in sustaining costs (AISC) were first issued by the World Gold Council (WGC) in 2013. In light of new accounting standards and to support further consistency of application, the WGC published an updated Guidance note in 2018. Reflects capital investment before first metals production from El Creston. Further expenditure will be required after first metals production for pre-stripping. A maximum negative cash flow of US$139 million is projected at the base assumptions used in the La Colorada technical report.

La Colorada Return Estimates based on Gold Price1 US$2,000/oz 2

US$2,600/oz 3 IRR (%)

11.9 34.7 NPV @ 5.0% discount (US$M)

25.9 110.0 NPV @ 7.5% discount (US$M)

15.0 91.2 Payback (years)

2.2 1.4

All other key parameters set at base assumptions, including the 5% discount rate used. More detailed analysis is presented in the La Colorada technical report. Base Gold Price assumption used in the La Colorada technical report. Comparison gold price with reference to US$2,687.45 London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) PM gold price on trading day January 10, 2025.

La Colorada Mineral Resource Estimates

Mineral Resources were estimated at La Colorada for three deposits: El Creston, Veta Madre and the Junkyard, and are summarized in the following tables by deposit.

El Creston Mineral Resource Statement

Category Tonnes

(kt) Gold

Grade

(g/t) Silver

Grade

(g/t) Gold

Contained

Metal

(koz) Silver

Contained

Metal

(koz) Indicated 12,393 0.91 11.94 364 4,758 Inferred 202 0.70 6.07 5 39

Notes to accompany El Creston Mineral Resource table:

Mineral Resources are reported insitu, using the 2014 CIM Definition Standards, and have an effective date of 31 October 2024. The Qualified Person for the estimate is Mr. David Thomas, P.Geo., Associate Mineral Resource Estimator with Mine Technical Services. Mineral Resources are reported inclusive of Mineral Reserves. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral Resource estimates use the end of month October 2024 topography. Mineral Resources are constrained by a conceptual pit shell using the following assumptions: a gold price of US$2,150/oz Au; a silver price of US$26/oz Ag; rock mining cost of US$2.66/t mined; backfill mining cost of US$2.0/t mined; crushing and conveying cost of US$1.33/t processed; process and leaching cost of US$4.54/t processed; general and administrative cost of US$1.15/t processed; selling cost of US$0.66/t processed; gold metallurgical recovery of 79%; silver metallurgical recovery of 13%; and pit slope angles from 22 (pad), 35-42 (pit). Mineral Resources are reported at a gold equivalent cut-off of 0.14 g/t AuEq, using AuEq = (Au + Ag/equivalency factor), where equivalency factor = ((Au price in US$/g * Au recovery) / (Ag price in US$/g * Ag recovery)). This results in a Au:Ag ratio of 1:502.51. Totals may not sum due to rounding.

Veta Madre Mineral Resource Statement

Category Tonnes

(kt) Gold

Grade

(g/t) Silver

Grade

(g/t) Gold

Contained

Metal

(koz) Silver

Contained

Metal

(koz) Indicated 2,724 0.73 3.5 64 309 Inferred 77 0.53 2.5 1 6

Notes to accompany Veta Madre Mineral Resource table:

Mineral Resources are reported insitu, using the 2014 CIM Definition Standards, and have an effective date of 31 October, 2024. The Qualified Person for the estimate is Mr. David Thomas, P.Geo., Associate Mineral Resource Estimator with Mine Technical Services. Mineral Resources are reported inclusive of Mineral Reserves. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral Resource estimates use the end of month October 2024 topography. Mineral Resources are constrained by a conceptual pit shell using the following assumptions: a gold price of US$2,150/oz Au; a silver price of US$26/oz Ag; mining rock costs of US$2.55/t mined; crushing and conveying cost of US$1.33/t processed; process and leaching cost of US$4.54/t processed; general and administrative cost of US$1.15/t processed; selling cost of US$0.66/t processed; gold metallurgical recovery of 72%; silver metallurgical recovery 9.0%; and pit slope angles averaging 45. Mineral Resources are reported at a gold equivalent cut-off of 0.15 g/t AuEq, using AuEq = (Au + Ag/equivalency factor), where equivalency factor = ((Au price in US$/g * Au recovery) / (Ag price in US$/g * Ag recovery)). This results in a Au:Ag ratio of 1:661.54. Totals may not sum due to rounding.

La Chatarrera Mineral Resource Statement

Category Tonnes

(kt) Gold

Grade

(g/t) Silver

Grade

(g/t) Gold

Contained

Metal

(koz) Silver

Contained

Metal

(koz) Indicated 3,504 0.20 6.8 23 763 Inferred 1,220 0.41 33.29 16 1,305

Notes to accompany the Junkyard Stockpile Mineral Resource table:

Mineral Resources are reported in stockpiles, using the 2014 CIM Definition Standards, and have an effective date of 31 October, 2024. The Qualified Person for the estimate is Mr. David Thomas, P.Geo., of Mine Technical Services. Mineral Resources are reported inclusive of Mineral Reserves. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral Resource estimates use the end of month October 2024 topography. Mineral Resources are reported using the following assumptions: a gold price of US$2,150/oz Au; a silver price of US$26/oz Ag; a stockpile rehandle cost of US$1.30/t mined; crushing and conveying cost of US$1.72/t processed; process and leaching cost of US$3.10/t processed; general and administrative cost of US$1.15/t processed; selling cost of US$0.66/t processed; gold metallurgical recovery of 66%; and a silver metallurgical recovery of 27%. Mineral Resources are reported at a gold equivalent cut-off of 0.17 g/t AuEq, using AuEq = (Au + Ag/equivalency factor), where equivalency factor = ((Au price in US$/g * Au recovery) / (Ag price in US$/g * Ag recovery)). This results in a Au:Ag ratio of 1:202.14. Totals may not sum due to rounding.

La Colorada Mineral Reserve Estimates

Mineral Resources were converted to Mineral Reserves for El Creston, Veta Madre and the Junkyard.

The Mineral Reserve estimate is based on operation of the existing crusher and conveyor system having a nameplate throughput capacity of about 13,000 t/d, and continued operation of the heap leach and carbon-in-circuit (CIC) process circuit and refinery to process ore from the three deposits. The Mineral Reserve estimate is presented in the following table.

Mineral Reserves Statement

Classification Zone AuEq Cut-off

(g/t) Tonnes

(kt) Gold Grade

(g/t Au) Silver Grade (g/t Ag) Contained Gold

(koz) Contained Silver

(koz) Probable El Creston 0.160 12,841 0.76 10.1 312 4,181 Veta Madre 0.175 1,905 0.70 3.1 43 189 La Chatarrera 0.164 3,413 0.20 6.4 22 704 Total

18,159 0.65 8.69 377 5,074

Notes to accompany Mineral Reserves table:

Mineral Reserves are reported at the point of delivery to the process plant, using the 2014 CIM Definition Standards. Mineral Reserves have an effective date of 30 November 2024. The Qualified Person for the estimate is Mr. Jeffrey Choquette, P.E., of Hard Rock Consulting. A 0.16 g/t AuEq cut-off is used for reporting the Mineral Reserves at El Creston, and a 0.175 g/t AuEq cut-off is used for reporting Mineral Reserves at Veta Madre. Cut-offs were calculated based on a gold price of US$1,900/oz Au, silver price of US$23/oz Ag, processing costs of US$5.87/t, general and administrative costs of US$1.15/t, refining and selling costs of US$0.66/t, gold recovery of 79% for El Creston and 72% for Veta Madre and a silver recovery of 13% for El Creston and 9% for Veta Madre. The AuEq cut-off for the Junkyard Stockpile is 0.164 g/t AuEq based on metal prices of US$1,900/oz Au, and US$23/oz Ag, processing costs of US$4.82/t, general and administrative costs of US$1.15/t, refining and selling costs of US$0.66/t, gold recovery of 66% and a silver recovery of 27%. The AuEq calculation uses the formula AuEq = (Au + Ag/equivalency factor) where equivalency factor = ((Au price in US$/g * Au recovery) / (Ag price in US$/g * Ag recovery)). Mineral Reserves are reported within the ultimate reserve pit design. An external dilution factor of 10% and a metal loss of 5% were factored into the Mineral Reserves estimates. Tonnage and grade estimates are in metric units. Mineral Reserve tonnage and contained metal have been rounded to reflect the accuracy of the estimate, and numbers may not add due to rounding.

The LOM plan outlines sequential exploitation of the three deposits with two years of pre-production from the Junkyard (2025) and from near-surface ore extracted during pre-stripping (2026), before a production LOM of 4.1 years.





Figure 1 - Ore Mined by Pit Phase



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7729/237102_heliostar1.jpg

Note: Figure prepared by Hard Rock Consulting, 2024

La Colorada Operating Cost Estimates

The existing mining and process circuit at the La Colorada Mine remains unchanged for the proposed LOM plan in the La Colorada technical report, with exploitation of the three deposits benefitting from the installed capacity. The expected operating performance and operating cost forecasts were compiled with the benefit of benchmarking historical performance at La Colorada and the input of seasoned professionals knowledgeable of the conventional technologies being used at La Colorada, the expected consumption quantities of key supplies, and commercial pricing for goods and services in Mexico.

Total Operating Cost Summary

Operating Costs Operating Cost

($/oz AuEq) Operating Cost

($/t ore) Operating Cost

($/t mined) Total mining 1,038.63 17.02 2.06 Total processing 368.21 6.04

Total site general and administrative 68.40 1.12

Refinery and transport 26.37 0.43

Cash operating costs 1,501.61 24.61

Production taxes 27.14 0.44

Royalties 20.00 0.33

Total cash costs 1,548.74 25.39

Capital costs 214.11 3.51

Total AISC 1,762.86 28.90



La Colorada Capital Cost Estimates

The Junkyard only requires working capital to bring the deposit into production.

The initial capital cost for El Creston is estimated at US$54.0M, including US$9.0M capital for pad expansion and US$43.4M mining pre-stripping costs until first production. A significant pre-strip is required to fully exploit the El Creston deposit, comprising both capitalized and expensed pre-stripping costs.

The LOM plan includes US$6.8M for reclamation work at the end of the mine life.

Capital Cost Summary

Capital Costs Initial

(US$ M) Sustaining

(US$ M) Total LOM

(US$ M) Mine pre-production development 43.40 0.00 43.40 Contractor mobilization 0.21 0.00 0.21 Slope radar system 0.00 0.50 0.50 Leach pad expansion 8.97 2.13 11.10 Total direct costs 52.58 2.63 55.21 Owner costs and reclamation 0.00 6.80 6.80 Indirects and contingency 1.35 0.37 1.72 Total indirect costs 1.35 7.17 8.52 Total 53.93 9.80 63.73

La Colorada Economic Analysis

The financial analysis shows an after-tax net present value at a discount rate of 5% of US$25.9 M, an after-tax internal rate of return of 11.9%, and a payback period of 2.2 years. The forecast total lifespan of the Project is 4.1 years with two years of pre-production, although some metals production is planned in these two years. Approximately 377,000 oz of gold is projected to be mined, with 287,000 oz of gold recovered and produced for sale.

Summary Economic Results

Project Valuation Overview Units After Tax Before Tax Total cashflow US$ M 54.92 86.51 NPV @ 5.0% (base case) US$ M 25.93 49.77 NPV @ 7.5%; US$ M 14.99 35.82 NPV @ 10.0%; US$ M 5.90 24.14 Internal rate of return % 11.9 17.2 Payback period Years 2.15 2.04 Payback multiple

1.35 1.55 Total initial capital US$ M 53.93 53.93

Metal Prices

The La Colorada technical report includes a sensitivity analysis for key parameters impacting the forecast economic returns for La Colorada. The LOM plan and Mineral Reserves estimates are most sensitive to changes in the gold price, and gold grade. Since silver is projected to contribute only about 4% to the revenues. LOM variations in the silver price have limited impact on the cashflow forecast. The LOM plan and Mineral Reserves estimates are less sensitive to operating cost changes, and least sensitive to changes in capital costs.

Gold Price Sensitivity Analysis

Au Price

(US$/oz Au) Net Cash Flow

(US$ M) After-Tax NPV

@ 5.0% Discount Rate

(US$ M) IRR

(%) Payback Period

(years) Payback Multiple 1,000 -235.88 -203.08 - 0.0 0.0 1,200 -167.30 -149.64 - 0.0 0.2 1,400 -99.10 -96.46 -31.1 0.0 0.5 1,600 -30.90 -43.29 -7.0 0.0 0.8 1,800 19.43 -3.17 4.2 2.7 1.1 2,000 54.92 25.93 11.9 2.2 1.4 2,200 89.39 53.96 19.4 1.8 1.6 2,400 123.85 82.00 27.0 1.6 1.9 2,600 158.32 110.03 34.7 1.4 2.3 2,800 192.79 137.88 42.3 1.2 2.7 3,000 227.26 165.60 49.7 1.1 3.2

Commentary by the Company on Relevant Matters

The results from ongoing drilling and other technical studies being performed at El Creston are excluded from the La Colorada technical report but will be incorporated into a mineral resource model and will support a Mineral Reserve update that will be published with an updated technical report in mid-2025.

A total initial capital of $53.9M is a required, predominantly from waste stripping prior to the reaching the life-of-mine strip ratio. Further stripping is required after reaching the life-of-mine strip ratio and a maximum negative cash flow of US$139 million is projected at the base assumptions used in the La Colorada technical report (US$117M at US$2,600 gold).

The La Colorada technical report presents cash flows based on the base gold price used. With exploitation of the Junkyard starting this month, the project will generate revenues from sales based on current gold prices which are expected to be higher than the base gold price used in the La Colorada technical report.

The gold market has experienced significant upward price movement in the past few years and, considering that the gold price at the effective date of the La Colorada technical report is about 34% above the base gold price used in the La Colorada technical report. The sensitivity analysis presents gold price scenarios up to US$3,000/oz Au to understand the potential impact. From the base case price of $2,000/oz (years 2026-2031), a change in the average gold price of US$200/oz Au would change the NPV at a 5% discount rate by 108%, or approximately $28.0 M

Commentary by the Company on Next Steps and Permitting

Restart of mining activities at La Colorada has commenced at the Junkyard this month. The Company will provide production and cost guidance for 2025 later in January.

The Company will be continuing the current drill program and conducting other technical programs at El Creston and plans to complete updated technical study in mid-2025.

The drill program includes shallow infill drilling designed to support short-term mine planning, and a program of infill and expansion drilling deeper in the pit to include in the future update to Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimate.

Some ancillary permitting work is planned at El Creston and is expected to be completed by mid-2025. A change of land use permit is required to enable exploitation of Veta Madre.

Since the development plan for La Colorada represents a continuation of the historical operations, minimal capital investment is required for new equipment and facilities; however, pre-stripping at El Creston and Veta Madre will need to be financed. Subject to satisfactory conclusion of the planned work programs and arranging financing, the Company is anticipating making an investment decision at El Creston in 2H 2025.

Qualified Persons

The technical report for the La Colorado Mine was prepared for Heliostar Metals Inc. by Mr. Todd Wakefield, RM SME, Mr. David Thomas, P.Geo., Mr. Jeffrey Choquette, P.E., Mr. Carl Defilippi, RM SME, and Ms. Dawn Garcia, CPG. Each of these Qualified Persons has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release that was abstracted from the La Colorada technical report in their area of expertise and are independent of the Company.





SAN AGUSTIN MINE

Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates and a LOM plan were completed for the 100% owned San Agustin Operations (San Agustin) located in the state of Durango, Mexico. The LOM plan in the San Agustin technical report is based on an expansion of the existing open pit. The San Agustin technical report that is the subject of this news release supersedes a technical report that was prepared on the San Agustin Mine by Florida Canyon Gold Inc., which had an effective date of June 20, 2024.

The San Agustin technical report includes an updated Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimate. The LOM plan indicates that a Probable Mineral Reserve of 68k ounces of gold can be exploited based on 1.2 years of mine life at an all-in sustaining capital cost of US$1,990/oz Au.

Key Highlights

San Agustin - Mineral Reserve & Production Highlights Mineral Reserves (kt) 1 7,358 Grade (g/t Au) 0.29 Contained Gold (koz Au) 68 Processing Rate (t/d) 2 17,100 Life of Mine (years) 3 1.2 Annual Production (oz Au per year, average 2026-2027) 4 19,091

Probable Mineral Reserve. Processing throughput rates will vary over the Life of Mine, up to the nameplate capacity of about 30,000 t/d. Excludes one year of metals production from ongoing re-leaching of heap leach piles. Gold production in 2026 is 32,625 ounces.

San Agustin - Financial Highlights Average Unit Costs (US$ per oz AuEq) 1 1,605 Average AISC (US$ per oz AuEq) 1, 2 1,990 Total Initial Capital Cost (US$M) 4.2 Total Sustainable Capital Cost (US$M) 2 14.3 Total LOM Capital Cost (US$M) 18.5

Non-IFRS measures. AISC were first issued by the WGC in 2013. In light of new accounting standards and to support further consistency of application, the WGC published an updated Guidance note in 2018. Includes reclamation costs for San Agustin mine.

San Agustin Return Estimates based on Gold Price 1

US$2,100/oz 2 US$2,600/oz 3 IRR (%) 156.1 365.0 NPV @ 5.0% discount (US$M) 12.7 25.2 NPV @ 7.5% discount (US$M) 11.7 23.6 Payback (years) 0.8 0.3

All other key parameters set at base assumptions, including the 5% discount rate used. More detailed analysis is presented in the LSan Agustin technical report. Base Gold Price assumption used in the San Agustin technical report. Comparison gold price with reference to US$2,687.45 LBMA PM gold price on trading day January 10, 2025.

San Agustin Mineral Resource Estimates

Mineral Resources were estimated for San Agustin as summarized in the following table.

Mineral Resource Statement

Material

Type AuEq

Cutoff

(g/t AuEq) Confidence

Classification Tonnes

(kt) Gold Grade

(g/t Au) Silver Grade

(g/t Ag) Contained Gold

(koz) Contained Silver

(koz) Oxide 0.14 Indicated 17,154 0.30 11.5 165 6,333 Transitional 0.27 700 0.44 17.4 10 391 Sulphide argillic 0.41 5,348 0.80 14.0 138 2,403 Sulphide silicified 0.60 427 0.90 7.4 12 102 Total 23,629 0.43 12.2 325 9,229 Oxide 0.14 Inferred 1,273 0.29 9.2 12 378 Transitional 0.27 5 0.32 25.6 0 4 Sulphide argillic 0.41 121 0.64 9.6 2 38 Sulphide silicified 0.60 2 0.68 6.0 0 0 Total 1,401 0.32 9.4 14 421

Notes to accompany San Agustin Mineral Resource table:

Mineral Resources are reported insitu, using the 2014 CIM Definition Standards, and have an effective date of 30 November, 2024. The Qualified Person for the estimate is Mr. David Thomas, PGeo., Associate Mineral Resource Estimator with Mine Technical Services. Mineral Resources are reported inclusive of Mineral Reserves. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral Resource estimates are defined by end of month July 2024 topography. Mineral Resources are constrained by a conceptual pit shell using the following assumptions: a gold price of $2,150/oz Au; a silver price of $26.0/oz Ag; mining cost of $2.0/t mined; oxide process and leaching cost of $4.23/t processed; transition process and leaching cost of $5.14/t processed; sulphide argillic process and leaching cost of $5.36/t processed; sulphide silicic process and leaching cost of $4.94/t processed; general and administrative cost of $1.4/t processed; selling cost of $0.66/t processed; gold metallurgical recoveries from 17-66%; silver metallurgical recoveries from 9-10%; and pit slope angles of 45. Totals may not sum due to rounding.

San Agustin Mineral Reserve Estimates

The Mineral Reserve estimate at San Agustin is based on operation of the existing crusher and conveyor system having a nameplate throughput capacity of about 30,000 t/d and continued operation of the heap leach and CIC process circuit to processing ore from the expanded open pit. The Mineral Reserve estimate is presented in the following table.

Mineral Reserve Statement

Classification Material

Type AuEq Cut-off

(g/t AuEq) Tonnes

(kt) Gold Grade

(Au g/t) Silver Grade

(Ag g/t) Contained Gold

(koz) Contained Silver

(koz) Probable Oxide 0.156 7,281 0.29 16.24 67 3,803 Transition 0.310 77 0.39 31.39 1 77 Total

7,358 0.29 16.40 68 3,880

Notes to accompany Mineral Reserves table:

Mineral Reserves are reported at the point of delivery to the process plant, using the 2014 CIM Definition Standards. Mineral Reserves have an effective date of 30 November 2024. The Qualified Person for the estimate is Mr. Jeffrey Choquette, PE, of Hard Rock Consulting, LLC. A 0.156 g/t AuEq cut-off is used for reporting the Mineral Reserves in oxide, and a 0.310 g/t AuEq cut-off is used for reporting Mineral Reserves in transitional material. Cut-offs were calculated based on a gold price of US$1,900/oz Au, silver price of US$23/oz Ag, processing costs of US$4.23/t for oxide, processing costs of US$5.14/t for transitional, general and administrative costs of US$1.40/t, refining and selling costs of US$0.66/t, gold recovery of 66% for oxide and 38% for transitional and a silver recovery of 10% for oxide and transitional. The AuEq calculation uses the formula AuEq = (Au + Ag/equivalency factor) where equivalency factor = ((Au price in US$/g * Au recovery) / (Ag price in US$/g * Ag recovery)). Mineral Reserves are reported within the ultimate reserve pit design. An external dilution factor of 5% and a metal loss of 3% have been factored into the Mineral Reserve estimate. Tonnage and grade estimates are in metric units. Mineral Reserve tonnage and contained metal have been rounded to reflect the accuracy of the estimate, and numbers may not add due to rounding

Figure 2 - Ore Mined by Pit Phase

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7729/237102_212c8174c412ca9e_004full.jpg

Note: Figure prepared by Hard Rock Consulting, 2024

San Agustin Operating Cost Estimates

The existing mining and process circuit at San Agustin remains unchanged for the proposed LOM plan in the San Agustin technical report, with exploitation of the ore from the expanded open pit benefitting from the installed capacity. The expected operating performance and operating cost forecasts were compiled with the benefit of benchmarking historical performance at San Agustin and the input of seasoned professionals knowledgeable of the conventional technologies being used at San Agustin, the expected consumption quantities of key supplies, and commercial pricing for goods and services in Mexico.

Total Operating Cost Summary

Operating Costs Operating Cost

(US$/oz AuEq) Operating Cost

(US$/t ore) Operating Cost

(US$/t mined) Total mining 681.41 4.44 2.36 Total processing 699.96 4.56

Total site general and administrative 123.57 0.80

Refinery and transport 38.47 0.25

Cash operating costs 1,543.41 10.05

Production taxes 40.10 0.26

Royalties 21.00 0.14

Total cash costs 1,604.51 10.45

Capital costs 385.59 2.51

Total AISC 1,990.09 12.96



San Agustin Capital Cost Estimates

The initial capital cost is estimated at US$4.2M, including US$2.7M capital for Owner's costs and US$0.6M for an in-fill drill program.

The LOM plan includes US$13.6M for reclamation work at the end of the mine life.

Capital Cost Summary

Capital Costs Initial

(US$ M) Sustaining

(US$ M) Total LOM

(US$ M) Definition drilling Phase 4 Pit 0.60 0.00 0.60 Mine contractor mobilization and demobilization 0.15 0.05 0.20 Leach pad expansion 0.00 0.61 0.61 Total direct costs 0.75 0.66 1.41 Owner Costs and reclamation 3.40 13.57 16.97 Indirects and contingency 0.00 0.09 0.09 Total indirect costs 3.40 13.67 17.07 Total 4.15 14.33 18.48

San Agustin Economic Analysis

The financial analysis in the San Agustin technical report shows an after-tax net present value at a discount rate of 5% of US$12.7 million, an after-tax internal rate of return of 156%, and a payback period of 0.8 years. The forecast total lifespan of the Project is 1.2 years with 0.8 years of residual leaching. Approximately 67,800 oz of gold is projected to be mined, with 44,500 oz of gold recovered and produced for sale.

Summary Economic Results

Project Valuation Overview Units After Tax Before Tax Total cashflow US$ M 14.83 19.69 NPV @ 5.0% (base case) US$ M 12.67 19.46 NPV @ 7.5% US$ M 11.74 18.10 NPV @ 10.0% US$ M 10.88 16.86 Internal rate of return % 156.1 218.9 Payback period Years 0.79 0.59 Payback multiple

1.09 1.66 Total initial capital US$ M 4.15 4.15

Metal Prices

The San Agustin technical report includes a sensitivity analysis for key parameters impacting the forecast economic returns for San Agustin. The LOM plan and Mineral Reserves estimates are most sensitive to gold price and gold grade. Since silver is projected to contribute only about 9% to the San Agustin revenues, variations in the silver price have a small impact on the cashflow forecast. The LOM plan and Mineral Reserves estimates are less sensitive to operating cost changes, and least sensitive to changes in capital costs.

Gold Price Sensitivity Analysis

Au Price

(US$/oz Au) Net Cash Flow

(US$ M) After-Tax

NPV @ 5%

(US$ M) IRR

(%) Payback Period

(years) Payback

Multiple 1,000 -34.64 -31.50 - - - 1,200 -24.16 -22.18 - - - 1,400 -13.69 -12.86 - - - 1,600 -3.22 -3.53 -19.6 - - 1,800 4.75 3.62 38.2 1.6 0.4 2,000 12.03 10.16 119.8 1.1 0.9 2,100 14.83 12.67 156.1 0.8 1.1 2,200 17.63 15.18 194.8 0.6 1.3 2,400 23.23 20.20 277.4 0.4 1.8 2,600 28.84 25.22 365.0 0.3 2.2 2,800 34.44 30.23 455.6 0.2 2.7 3,000 40.05 35.25 548.3 0.2 3.2

Commentary by the Company on Relevant Matters

The San Agustin technical report presents cash flows based on the base gold price used. With exploitation of the Mineral Reserve as presented in the San Agustin technical report, the project will generate revenues from sales which may be higher than the base gold price used in the San Agustin technical report.

The gold market has experienced significant upward price movement in the past few years and, considering the gold price at the effective date of the San Agustin technical report is about 34% above the base gold price used in the San Agustin technical report. The sensitivity analysis presents gold price scenarios up to US$3,000 per ounce to understand the potential impact. From the base case price of $2,100/oz, a 10% change in the average gold price (or US$210/oz Au) would change the NPV at a 5% discount rate by 42%, or approximately $5.3 M.

Commentary by the Company on Next Steps and Permitting

Although mining activities at San Agustin ceased in August 2024, the Company is continuing re-leaching activities. The Company will provide production and cost guidance for 2025 later in January.

A change of land use permit is required to enable exploitation of the Mineral Reserve at San Agustin. Subject to obtaining the permit, the Company plans to conduct a small, in-fill drill program to provide geotechnical information and support short-term mine planning, and to complete other preparation work needed to restart the mining activities. These activities are expected to require 4-6 months to complete from permit approval.

Qualified Persons

The technical report for the San Agustin Mine was prepared for Heliostar Metals Inc. by Mr. Todd Wakefield, RM SME, Mr. David Thomas, P.Geo., Mr. Jeffrey Choquette, P.E., Mr. Carl Defilippi, RM SME, and Ms. Dawn Garcia, CPG. Each of these Qualified Persons has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release that was abstracted from the San Agustin technical report in their area of expertise and are independent of the Company.

SAN ANTONIO PRELIMINARY ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT

A Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) based on Mineral Resource estimates was completed for the 100% owned San Antonio Project (San Antonio Project technical report) located in the state of Baja California Sur, Mexico. The study considers construction and operation of a greenfield open pit and heap leach-CIC mine operation. The San Antonio Project technical report that is the subject of this news release supersedes a technical report that was prepared on the San Antonio Project by Argonaut Gold Inc., which had an effective date of 1 September, 2012.

The PEA is preliminary in nature and includes Inferred Mineral Resources that are too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as Mineral Reserves, and there is no certainty that the preliminary economic assessment will be realized.

Key Highlights

San Antonio PEA - Resource & Production Highlights Mineral Resource within PEA mine plan

Indicated Mineral Resources (kt) 49,410 Grade (g/t Au) 1.00 Contained Gold (koz Au) 1,590 Inferred Mineral Resources (kt) 5,397 Grade (g/t Au) 0.47 Contained Gold (koz Au) 82 Processing Rate (t/d) 10,960 Life of Mine (years) 13.7 Average recovery rate (% Au) 65.8 Annual Production (oz Au per year, average) 80,268 Life of Mine Production (Moz Au) 1.10

San Antonio PEA - Financial Highlights Average Unit Cash Costs (US$ per oz Au)1

898 Average AISC (US$ per oz Au)1

1,063 Total Initial Capital Cost (US$M)

131.3 Total Sustainable Capital Cost (US$M)

48.6 Total LOM Capital Cost (US$M)

179.9

Non-IFRS measures. AISC were first issued by the WGC in 2013. In light of new accounting standards and to support further consistency of application, the WGC published an updated Guidance note in 2018. Gold Price used in La Colorada technical report

San Antonio Return Estimates based on Gold Price 1

US$1,900/oz 2 US$2,600/oz 3 IRR (%) 40.7 58.8 NPV @ 5.0% discount (US$M) 398.7 715.1 NPV @ 7.5% discount (US$M) 315.1 575.9 Payback (years) 2.0 1.5

All other key parameters set at base assumptions, including the 5% discount rate used. More detailed analysis is presented in the San Antonio technical report. Base Gold Price assumption used in Technical Report. Comparison gold price with reference to US$2,687.45 LBMA PM gold price on trading day January 10, 2025.

San Antonio Mineral Resource Estimates

Mineral Resources were estimated for San Antonio Project as summarized in the following table.

Mineral Resource Statement

Confidence Classification Area Oxidation State Cut-off Grade

(g/t Au) Tonnage

(kt) Gold Grade

(g/t Au) Contained Metal

(koz Au) Indicated Los Planes Oxide and transition 0.095 15,839 0.91 461.2 Sulphide 0.156 26,607 1.10 943.7 Intermediate Oxide, transition, and sulphide 0.150 5,239 0.87 146.3 Las Colinas Oxide and transition 0.184 1,430 0.69 31.9 Sulphide 0.199 6,407 0.77 158.1 Total Oxide, transition, and sulphide 0.095-1.99 55,522 0.98 1,741.3 Inferred Los Planes Oxide and transition 0.095 5,479 0.34 59.1 Sulphide 0.156 1,319 0.71 30.2 Intermediate Alluvium, oxide, transition, and sulphide 0.150 660 0.43 9.2 Las Colinas Alluvium, oxide, and transition 0.184 689 0.49 10.9 Sulphide 0.199 579 0.59 11.0 La Colpa Alluvium, oxide, and transition 0.120 4,635 0.29 43.9 Sulphide 0.194 1,597 0.39 19.9 Total Alluvium, oxide, transition, and sulphide 0.095-1.99 14,957 0.38 184.4

Notes to Accompany Mineral Resource Table:

Mineral Resources are reported insitu, using the 2014 CIM Definition Standards. Mineral Resources have an effective date of 30 November, 2024. The Qualified Person for the estimate is Mr. Richard Schwering, RM SME, a Hard Rock Consulting employee. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral Resources are constrained within a conceptual open pit shell that used the following input parameters: gold price of US$2,150/oz; a mining cost of US$2/t mined, incremental mining cost of US$0.017/t mined for each 6 m depth; variable processing costs by oxidation state, ranging from US$3.84-5.26/t processed; general and administrative costs of US$1.00/t processed; finishing and selling costs of US$0.75/t processed; variable metallurgical recoveries by oxidation state, ranging from 44-86%; and variable pit slope angles ranging from 35-45. Mineral Resources are reported above variable cut-off grades, ranging from 0.095-1.99 g/t Au. Numbers have been rounded.

San Antonio Mineral Resources Scheduled Within PEA Mine Plan

A mine plan was prepared based on an open pit and heap leach-CIC mine operation, with mineralized material processed sequentially and concurrently from three distinct mineral zones within the San Antonio deposit.

Mineral Resource Scheduled Within PEA Mine Plan

Material Type Indicated Inferred Tonnes

(kt) Gold Grade

(g/t Au) Contained Gold

(koz Au) Tonnes

(kt) Gold Grade

(g/t Au) Contained Gold

(koz Au) Los Planes; oxide, mixed 15,566 0.92 458.0 3,569 0.40 46.3 Los Planes; sulphide 25,276 1.13 918.9 968 0.76 23.7 Intermediate; oxide, mixed 478 0.58 8.9 204 0.40 2.6 Intermediate; sulphide 3,242 0.88 91.3 120 0.44 1.7 Las Colinas; oxide, mixed 1,275 0.69 28.3 313 0.42 4.2 Las Colinas; sulphide 3,574 0.74 84.8 223 0.42 3.0 Total 49,410 1.00 1,590.2 5,397 0.47 81.6





Figure 3 - Mineralization Mined by Pit Phase



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7729/237102_212c8174c412ca9e_005full.jpg

San Antonio Operating Cost Estimates

The operating costs in the San Antonio Project technical report were estimated for mining, processing, and general administration activities for an open pit and heap leach-CIC mine operation.

Total Operating Cost Estimate

Operating Costs Operating Cost

(US$/oz Au) Operating Cost

(US$/t mineralized material) Operating Cost

(US$/t mined) Total mining 522.78 10.40 2.06 Total processing 204.24 4.06

Total site general and administrative 59.26 1.18

Refinery and transport 16.85 0.34

Cash operating costs 803.13 15.97

Production taxes 76.22 1.52

Royalties 19.00 0.38

Total cash costs 898.34 17.87

Capital costs 165.04 3.28

Total AISC 1,063.39 21.15



San Antonio Capital Cost Estimates

The initial capital cost including contingency was estimated at US$131.8M, with a 2-year pre-production phase for construction of the greenfield mine.

Total LOM Capital Costs

LOM Capital Costs Initial

(US$M) Sustaining

(US$M) Total LOM

(US$M) Mine area 4.36 5.00 9.36 General and administrative infrastructure 72.26 20.50 92.76 Processing 12.81 0.00 12.81 Total direct costs 89.43 25.50 114.93 Owner costs and reclamation 5.00 17.31 22.31 Project indirect costs 16.51 0.00 16.51 Contingency 20.35 5.80 26.16 Total indirect costs 41.86 23.11 64.97 Total 131.28 48.62 179.90

San Antonio Economic Analysis

The financial analysis in the San Antonio Project technical report shows an after-tax net present value at a discount rate of 5% of US$399M, an after-tax internal rate of return of 40.7%, and a payback period of 2.1 years. The forecast total lifespan is 14 years. Approximately 1.67 M ounces of gold is projected to be mined, with 1.10 M ounces of gold forecast to be recovered and produced for sale.

Summary Economic Results

Project Valuation Overview Units After Tax Before Tax Total cashflow US$ M 651.21 1,013.36 NPV @ 5.0% (base case) US$ M 398.66 635.33 NPV @ 7.5% US$ M 315.09 509.96 NPV @ 10.0% US$ M 250.14 412.36 Internal rate of return % 40.7 53.7 Payback period Years 2.05 1.71 Payback multiple

5.24 7.65 Total initial capital US$ M 138.59 138.59

Metal Prices

The San Antonio Project technical report includes a sensitivity analysis for key parameters impacting the cashflow forecast. The PEA LOM plan that is based on Mineral Resources is most sensitive to gold price and gold grade. It is less sensitive to operating cost changes, and least sensitive to changes in capital costs.

Gold Price Sensitivity Analysis

Au Price

(US$/oz Au) Net Cash Flow

(US$ M) After-Tax

NPV @ 5%

(US$ M) IRR

(%) Payback Period

(years) Payback

Multiple 1,000 11.34 -20.14 1.5 5.3 1.1 1,200 162.93 78.70 15.0 3.5 2.0 1,400 303.75 171.10 23.8 2.8 3.0 1,600 443.11 262.51 31.2 2.4 3.9 1,800 582.04 353.46 37.7 2.2 4.8 1,900 651.21 398.66 40.7 2.0 5.2 2,000 720.38 443.86 43.5 2.0 5.7 2,200 858.73 534.26 49.0 1.8 6.6 2,400 997.07 624.66 54.0 1.7 7.5 2,600 1,135.42 715.05 58.8 1.5 8.3 2,800 1,273.76 805.45 63.4 1.5 9.2 3,000 1,412.10 895.85 67.8 1.4 10.1

Commentary by the Company on Relevant Matters

The gold market has experienced significant upward price movement in the past few years and considering gold price at the effective date of the San Antonio technical report is about 41% above the base gold price used in the San Agustin Project technical report. The sensitivity analysis presents gold price scenarios up to US$3,000 per ounce to understand the potential impact. From the base case price of US$1,900/oz Au, a change in the average gold price of US$200/oz Au would change the NPV at a 5% discount rate by 22.7%, or approximately $90.4 M.

Commentary by the Company on Next Steps and Permitting

The Project requires further development planning and engineering. All major environmental and other permits will need to be obtained before an investment decision can be considered by Heliostar.

Based on the results from the San Antonio Project technical report, the Company will conduct a strategic Project review with the objective of identifying and evaluating the next development steps and challenges. The Company will also consider additional work programs and alternative business possibilities to potentially add Project value to the San Antonio Project as presented in the PEA. This strategic review is expected to require 3-4 months to complete.

Qualified Persons

The technical report for the San Antonio Project was prepared for Heliostar Metals Inc. by Mr. Todd Wakefield, RM SME, Mr. Richard Schwering RM SME, Mr. Jeffrey Choquette, P.E., Mr. Carl Defilippi, RM SME, and Ms. Dawn Garcia, CPG. Each of these Qualified Persons has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release that was abstracted from the San Antonio Project technical report in their area of expertise and are independent of the Company.

With respect to this News Release:

Qualified Persons for News Release

Sam Anderson, CPG, Gregg Bush, P.Eng. and Mike Gingles, MBA, the Company's Qualified Persons, as such term is defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, have reviewed the scientific and technical information not derived from the technical reports and included in this news release in the Company Overview, Commentary by the Company on Relevant Matters and Commentary by the Company on Next Steps and Permitting sections for each property and have approved the disclosure herein.

Data Verification

In addition, the Qualified Persons for each of the technical reports verified the data in the reports in their areas of expertise, and concluded that the information supported Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimation, and could be used in mine planning and economic analysis. The verification completed by each Qualified Person is discussed in each technical report and included site visits, and could include data audits, suitability of data for use in estimation and mine planning, quality assurance and quality control checks, review of available technical and economic study data, review of data collection and evaluation methods, review of production data including reconciliation where available, review of actual cost data for operations, and review of third-party inputs to forecasts.

The Company's Qualified persons verified the information that was not derived from the technical reports. The data verification included site visits, data audits, review of available study data, review of data collection and evaluation methods, review of production data including reconciliation where available, review of actual cost data for operations, and review of third-party inputs to forecasts, and consideration of the Company's plans for the projects.

About Heliostar Metals Ltd.

Heliostar aims to grow to become a mid-tier gold producer. The Company is focused on increasing production and developing new resources at the recently acquired La Colorada and San Agustin mines in Mexico, and on developing the 100% owned Ana Paula Project in Guerrero, Mexico.

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.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release includes certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target", "plan", "forecast", "may", "would", "could", "schedule" and similar words or expressions, identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information relate to, among other things, El Creston expansion at La Colorada is expected to produce over 50,000 ounces of gold per year, Current drill program (five drill rigs) is targeting lower CAPEX and increased production for an updated technical report planned for mid-2025, Receiving the Corner Permit allow for strong cash flow generation from San Agustin including funding San Agustin rehabilitation costs, Upon receipt of permit, expected in 2025, the Company will undertake drilling to potentially extend mine life from oxide gold production and is reviewing the projects sulphide potential, Mineral resource of 1.6 million ounces of gold at San Antonio project creates attractive optionality with high grade, low CAPEX, sub-US$1,100/oz ASIC and long mine life, the combined projects have positive economics at conservative gold prices and significantly stronger returns at today's gold prices and In 2025, the Company will focus on reducing front-end capital requirements for El Creston to improve the project economics for the expansion decision and will continue to advance Ana Paula through its Feasibility Study.

Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information relating to the terms and completion of the Facility, any future mineral production, liquidity, and future exploration plans are based on management's reasonable assumptions, estimates, expectations, analyses and opinions, which are based on management's experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, and other factors that management believes are relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, but which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, the receipt of necessary approvals, price of metals; no escalation in the severity of public health crises or ongoing military conflicts; costs of exploration and development; the estimated costs of development of exploration projects; and the Company's ability to operate in a safe and effective manner and its ability to obtain financing on reasonable terms.

These statements reflect the Company's respective current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of other assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management, 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 or forward-looking information and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: precious metals price volatility; risks associated with the conduct of the Company's mining activities in foreign jurisdictions; regulatory, consent or permitting delays; risks relating to reliance on the Company's management team and outside contractors; risks regarding exploration and mining activities; the Company's inability to obtain insurance to cover all risks, on a commercially reasonable basis or at all; currency fluctuations; risks regarding the failure to generate sufficient cash flow from operations; risks relating to project financing and equity issuances; risks and unknowns inherent in all mining projects, including the inaccuracy of reserves and resources, metallurgical recoveries and capital and operating costs of such projects; contests over title to properties, particularly title to undeveloped properties; laws and regulations governing the environment, health and safety; the ability of the communities in which the Company operates to manage and cope with the implications of public health crises; the economic and financial implications of public health crises, ongoing military conflicts and general economic factors to the Company; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities; employee relations, labour unrest or unavailability; the Company's interactions with surrounding communities; the Company's ability to successfully integrate acquired assets; the speculative nature of exploration and development, including the risks of diminishing quantities or grades of reserves; stock market volatility; conflicts of interest among certain directors and officers; lack of liquidity for shareholders of the Company; litigation risk; and the factors identified under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's public disclosure documents. Readers are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or forward-looking information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements or information, other than as required by applicable law.

This news release includes certain non-International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) measures. The Company has included these measures, in addition to conventional measures conforming with IFRS, to provide investors with an improved ability to evaluate the project and provide comparability between projects. The non-IFRS measures, which are generally considered standard measures within the mining industry albeit with non-standard definitions, are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. Cash costs (Cash Costs) are a common financial performance measure in the gold mining industry but with no standard meaning under IFRS. The Company believes that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, certain investors use this information to evaluate each project's economic results in the technical reports and each project's potential to generate operating earnings and cash flow. All-in Sustaining Costs (AISC) more fully defines the total costs associated with producing precious metals. The AISC is calculated based on guidelines published by the World Gold Council (WGC), which were first issued in 2013. In light of new accounting standards and to support further consistency of application, the WGC published an updated Guidance Note in 2018. Other companies may calculate this measure differently because of differences in underlying principles and policies applied. Differences may also arise due to a different definition of sustaining versus growth capital. Note that in respect of AISC metrics within the technical reports because such economics are disclosed at the project level, corporate general and administrative expenses were not included in the AISC calculations.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/237102
January 14th, 2025 - Bedford Metals Corp. (TSX-V: BFM, FWB: O8D, ISIN: CA0762301012) (the "Company" or "Bedford") is pleased to announce that it has received preliminary interpretation results of historic geophysical datasets over its target zones on the Ubiquity Lake Project, ~70 km due west of the historic Key Lake Mine. The interpretation was completed by Condor Consulting Inc., a prominent geophysical company, with extensive experience in uranium exploration in the basin.

From the interpretation of the Maxwell plate modeling results, TZ-2 has been successfully delineated as a target that can be immediately tested with diamond drilling. TZ-1 will be followed up with additional ground geophysical surveys, either ground TEM or IP-resistivity, prior to drilling.

Regarding the results, Peter Born, P.Geo. commented, "the Company is extremely pleased with the results of this modeling and interpretation and would like to thank Ken Witherly and the Condor team for their diligent investigation. This work has advanced and potentially hastened the timeline to making a discovery."

Figure 1 shows two target zones (TZ-1 and TZ-2) defined by an earlier assessment of a 2007 VTEM survey. Condor applied both a Layered Earth Inversion (LEI) and Maxwell plate modeling to the VTEM EM data over the two target zones. The LEI results are the goldenrod 'towers'. The Maxwell plates are represented in red. While the two LEIs look similar, the Maxwell plates associated with TZ-1 show several pencil-like type structures that are commonly associated with conductor with anomalous conductivity. The TZ-2 plates are more typical of a steeply dipping plate-like conductor. The depths for both Maxwell models shows a depth to top conformable with the local unconformity depth.



Click Image To View Full Size

Figure 1: 3D view of VTEM LEI and Maxwell modeling for TZ-1 and TZ-2.

(base map from Bedford Metals Corp. Oct 2024)

Figure 2 shows the EM results shown in Figure 1 but as well, the 3D magnetic susceptibility model created from the VTEM magnetic results. The TZ-1 EM results do not show a direct magnetic association whereas the TZ-2 results show there to be a coincident magnetic response associated with the Maxwell plate at depth.



Click Image To View Full Size

Figure 2: VTEM EM and magnetic results.

Bedford remains committed to conducting all exploration activities in an environmentally responsible manner. The Company prioritizes minimizing its environmental footprint while ensuring that all operations are sustainable and respectful of the natural environment. Additionally, Bedford values collaboration with local indigenous groups and stakeholders, ensuring that its activities are carried out transparently and with mutual benefit in mind.

Qualified Person

Dr. Peter Born, P.Geo., is the designated qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and the President of the Company, and is responsible for and has approved the technical information contained in this release.

For further information, please contact the Company at info@bedfordmetals.com or 604-622-1199 or visit the Company's website at www.bedfordmetals.com.

On behalf of the Board,

Bedford Metals Corp.

"Peter Born"

President

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release includes statements that contain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation ("forward-looking statements"). All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statements that involves discussion with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often, but not always using phrases such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward -looking statements relate, among other things to: the likelihood of completion of the Offering, the use of proceeds from sales from the Offering, the closing of the Offering and the ability to obtain the necessary regulatory authorizations and approvals.

These statements reflect the Company's respective current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of other assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management, 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 Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: precious metals price volatility; risks associated with the conduct of the Company's mining activities in foreign jurisdictions; regulatory, consent or permitting delays; risks relating to reliance on the Company's management team and outside contractors; risks regarding exploration and mining activities; the Company's inability to obtain insurance to cover all risks, on a commercially reasonable basis or at all; currency fluctuations; risks regarding the failure to generate sufficient cash flow from operations; risks relating to project financing and equity issuances; risks and unknowns inherent in all mining projects, including the inaccuracy of reserves and resources, metallurgical recoveries and capital and operating costs of such projects; contests over title to properties, particularly title to undeveloped properties; laws and regulations governing the environment, health and safety; the ability of the communities in which the Company operates to manage and cope with the implications of public health crises; the economic and financial implications of public health crises, ongoing military conflicts and general economic factors to the Company; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities; employee relations, labour unrest or unavailability; the Company's interactions with surrounding communities; the Company's ability to successfully integrate acquired assets; the speculative nature of exploration and development, including the risks of diminishing quantities or grades of reserves; stock market volatility; conflicts of interest among certain directors and officers; lack of liquidity for shareholders of the Company; litigation risk; and the factors identified under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's public disclosure documents. Readers are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements or information, other than as required by applicable law.

Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
January 14 - Musk Metals Corp. ("Musk Metals" or the "Company") (CSE: MUSK) (OTC: EMSKF) (FSE: 1I30) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a Mineral and Option Agreement to acquire a 100% interest in the Lac du Km 35 Property comprised of 50 claims covering an area of 2,767 hectares (27.7 km2).

Property Description

The Lac du Km 35 Germanium Property is approximately 40 km east of the mining town of Chibougamau in the Nord-du-Quebec region of Quebec and has excellent access through Highway 167 and a main lumber road that transects the whole property from the west to the east as well as a network of secondary roads.

The Property is underlain by the volcano-sedimentary sequence of the Roy Group and its metamorphic equivalent, the Laganiere gneissic Complex, that host the Lac Dore intrusive Suite which is a mafic to ultramafic stratiform and synvolcanic intrusion, and the later stage Duberger felsic pluton; all these rock units belong to the northeast portion of the Abitibi greenstone belt sub-Province of Archean age. To the west of the Property, rocks were metamorphosed at the greenschist facies where the chlorite mineral is ubiquitous while the eastern portion has reached the amphibolite metamorphism grade.

A prominent structural element is the ductile Faribault Shear Zone ("FSZ"), oriented east-southeast, and located towards the eastern part of the Property. The FSZ dips to the south-southwest and ends to the Grenville Front which extends southwest-northeast for several hundreds of kilometres. The Grenville Front separates the Abitibi greenstone belt from younger Mesoproterozoic rocks and is only a few kilometres to the east of the Property. The FSZ is an important feature that could have been joined by other permeable zones at depth as a preferential conduit for hydrothermal fluids.

Discovered by government geologists in 1998 and never followed up, the Laganiere germanium showing consists of a peridotite outcrop within the Laganiere gneissic Complex that comprises amphibolites and hornblende and biotite gneisses. The Laganiere showing returned a value of 0.02% (186 ppm) germanium and is currently the highest germanium value ever reported from an outcrop in the whole Quebec.

The Laganiere germanium showing is located besides the main lumber road and immediately adjacent to the south to a cluster of electromagnetic anomalies of roughly 400 m x 400 m in size that were never tested. The Laganiere germanium showing is also 450 m northeast of the FSZ, 800 m from the southern margin of the Duberger felsic pluton and approximately 2 km to the west of the Grenville Front. Apart from regional mapping and sampling of government geologists, the Laganiere germanium showing area remain vastly underexplored and overlooked, and constitutes the prime focus for Musk.

Recent exploration work performed in 2024, consisting of prospecting and sampling, collected 39 outcrop samples. Values up to 0.27% nickel, 0.04% cobalt, 0.24% copper and 0.21 g/t Au were obtained from these samples. The highest zinc value is 0.07% and only 3 samples had overall zinc values over 0.05%. Due to the digestion method selected, germanium values were deemed not reliable.

Germanium metallogeny

Germanium has a crustal abundance of 1.3 ppm and do not tend to accumulate within a specific source rock. Some coal deposits have higher germanium concentrations while some carbonate rocks are depleted in germanium. Similar to common rocks, the concentration of germanium in silicate minerals is relatively uniform at between 1.5 and 3.5 ppm germanium, meaning that germanium concentrations in source rocks are not a limiting factor for generating a germanium enriched mineral deposit.

The germanium transport and solubility are favored in lower temperature and oxidized hydrothermal fluids and its deposition within an orebody will occur when pH rises when encountering carbonate rocks or rapid cooling in the absence of carbonate rocks.

A striking feature of germanium is its association to sphalerite which is a common zinc sulfide mineral. Sphalerite can contain several hundred ppm of germanium and is, by far, the main carrier of germanium. Sphalerite is present in many ore type deposits, notably in volcanic massive sulfide, Broken Hill and zinc-bearing vein system deposits.

Of all common silicate alteration minerals, chlorite has the greatest potential to sequester zinc as chlorite can have zinc concentrations up to 2,500 ppm. However, at higher temperature, zinc can be leached from chlorite-rich zones. Such high leaching temperature could be provided by magmatic fluids stemming from a nearby intrusion or metamorphic fluids. Zinc transport conditions are also suitable to germanium and could explain its well-known association.

The presence of ubiquitous chlorite on the entire Property, of heat engines such as the Duberger pluton and the high-inducing metamorphism Grenville Front and the FSZ are favorable conditions for the formation of a potential zinc deposit enriched in germanium. Musk intends to carry out detailed exploration in the vicinity of the Laganiere germanium showing and elsewhere on the Property.

About Germanium

Germanium is a hard, greyish and brittle metalloid. Germanium has many growing applications in electronics and solar, in fiber optics, and Infrared optics for civil and military uses. Germanium is in the list of critical metals in Canada, the United States and the European Union.

Since December 3, 2024, China, the largest producer of refined germanium, has banned germanium exports to the United States. Germanium is not an openly traded commodity and recent spot prices have germanium over US$4,000 per kilogram.

The Company cautions that the geological information provided in this news release is of historical nature and mineralization may not be representative of mineralization on the Lac du Km 35 Property.

Terms of the transaction

In consideration of this interest, Musk has agreed to issue to the arms length vendor, 250,000 common shares of Musk and 500,000 warrants of Musk at the closing date, make a cash payment of $30,000 three months after the closing date and issue 250,000 common shares of Musk at the first anniversary of the closing date. The vendor will retain a net smelter return ("NSR") royalty of 2% of which 50% of the NSR (1%) can be purchased for $1,000,000 any time by Musk. The closing date of this transaction is on or before January 25, 2025.

Closing of this acquisition remains subject to the completion of successful due diligence, at the sole discretion of the Company and upon receipt of regulatory and other approvals if required. The Warrants to be issued in this transaction shall be exercisable over a period of three years. The terms of the warrant exercise shall be two warrants and the payment of five (5) cents to be exchanged into one (1) share. All shares issued under this transaction shall be subject to a four month and one day statutory hold period.

Benoit Moreau, P.Eng., a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, and vice-president of exploration for Musk Metals, is responsible for the technical information contained in this news release.

About Musk Metals Corp.

Musk Metals is a publicly traded exploration company focused on the development of highly prospective, discovery-stage mineral properties located in some of Canada's top mining jurisdictions. The Company's properties are in the "Chapais-Chibougamau", "Abitibi", "Upper Laurentides", "Temiscamingue", and "James Bay" regions of Quebec, and the "Golden Triangle" district of British Columbia.

Make sure to follow the Company on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook as well as subscribe for Company updates at http://www.muskmetals.ca/

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Mario Pezzente

CEO & Director

For more information on Musk Metals, please contact:

Phone: 604-717-6605

Corporate e-mail: info@muskmetals.ca

Website: www.muskmetals.ca

Corporate Address: 2905 - 700 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC, V7Y 1C6

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release contains forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact that address activities, events, or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the intended use of proceeds of the Offering and other matters regarding the business plans of the Company. The forward-looking statements reflect management's current expectations based on information currently available and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements including that the Company may use the proceeds of the Offering for purposes other than those disclosed in this news release; adverse market conditions; and other factors beyond the control of the Company. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and, accordingly, undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to their inherent uncertainty. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include general market conditions and other factors beyond the control of the Company. The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

The Canadian Securities Exchange (operated by CNSX Markets Inc.) has neither approved nor disapproved of the contents or accuracy of this press release.

Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
On a Tuesday night in mid-November, a week after the midterm elections, several of Americas most recognizable progressives joined a national strategy call to talk about Medicare for All, the vision of single-payer health care gaining traction in the Democratic Party. Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders was on the line, along with former Ohio state Sen. Nina Turner, who heads Sanders political group, Our Revolution, and is a regular commentator on CNN.But the first speaker on the call -- the woman who declared it was time to give this movement some serious muscle -- was neither a well-known elected official nor a prominent media personality. She was Bonnie Castillo, the registered nurse who early in 2018 became the executive director of the 150,000-member National Nurses United (NNU), the largest nurses union in the country.Castillo didnt pull any punches. She vowed that NNU would escalate its fight against the very vicious profit-driven health-care system, standing up for those denied care in so many manipulative and deceptive ways so that the billionaires and the corporate few can add to their fortunes. She said the fight would require them to do more than simply rely on the electoral process. It would require organizing all over the country.NNU isnt new to this fight. Breaking up the for-profit health-care system has been a defining mission of the union since its founding a decade ago. But now the group faces a new challenge. NNU is embarking on a revamped Medicare for All campaign not only at the federal level -- where the prospects of success are bleak, at least in the short term -- but in states across the country, especially those with Democratic governors, most notably California, Minnesota and New York.The effort flies in the face of history -- no state has ever enacted single-payer by itself. Vermont tried and failed in 2014, when Democratic Gov. Peter Shumlin concluded that state taxpayers couldnt absorb the required revenue increases. In 2017, Anthony Rendon, the Democratic Assembly Speaker of California -- generally considered the nations most thoroughly liberal state -- shelved a single-payer proposal. But Castillo remains undeterred. Where there are state-based efforts and we have the ability to engage, we are going to engage, she says.Success would require the building of broad coalitions that have proven elusive for the union in the past. It would require exceptional leadership from Castillo following the tenure of longtime Executive Director RoseAnn DeMoro, a transformative but polarizing leader whose hardline approach alienated some other unions and Democratic power players. But should NNU succeed in one or more states, or even take some well-publicized steps toward success, it will likely cement its reputation as a model for organizing, and as a remarkably strong union in an anti-union age.NNU, which has members in all 50 states, was founded in 2009 when three longstanding state-based unions -- the California Nurses Association (CNA), the Maryland-based United American Nurses and the Massachusetts Nurses Association -- effectively merged. The California and Massachusetts branches continue to operate as NNU affiliates with 100,000 and 23,000 members, respectively. Through it all, the 116-year-old California group has been the powerhouse; DeMoro led CNA for 17 years before NNUs founding, and she continued to lead the affiliate and the national umbrella group until Castillo took charge of both last year.NNUs most indisputable success is its remarkable growth. In 2014,dubbed the group The Little Union That Could -- one of the smallest, but most powerful unions in the country -- and noted that NNU was growing at the same time that other unions across the country were coming close to atrophy. CNA claims to have grown from 17,000 members in 1993 to about 100,000 in 2018. NNU organized 8,000 nurses after it gained national visibility for its early endorsement of Sanders presidential campaign in 2016. Jane Sanders, the senators wife, has called NNU arguably the strongest union in the country.The California affiliate attracted national attention in 2004, when it took on a fight against Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. The union had backed a law requiring minimum nurse-to-patient ratios at hospitals; Schwarzenegger sought to roll back the measure. CNA fought hard, waging a massive statewide campaign with more than 100 public demonstrations against Schwarzenegger at the peak of his popularity. The nurses won.In 2010, CNA helped defeat Schwarzeneggers would-be Republican successor, former eBay CEO Meg Whitman. The union deployed an elaborate parody campaign that cast Whitman as the rich and entitled aspiring monarch Queen Meg. The campaign was meant to be funny, one union official said, but whats not funny is the idea that an ex-Goldman Sachs CEO billionaire can stroll into our state and buy the governorship. Whitman was defeated easily by Democrat Jerry Brown.Castillo believes her group is uniquely positioned to capture the energy of the present moment, when women are exerting new political power in Washington and at the state level. This is a predominantly female workforce, Castillo says of NNU, which I believe has been inspired by the movement of women, whether in #MeToo or the teachers standing up. We are finding that even nurses who are not organized are contacting us and wanting to organize.Through all these battles, CNA has acquired a reputation for headline-grabbing theatrics, protesting and picketing against Republicans and Democrats alike. At times, the group has taken this strategy to what many consider an extreme: After Rendon tabled the single-payer bill in California, for instance, DeMoro tweeted a graphic of a California grizzly bear with a knife in its back. Rendons name was clearly visible on the surface of the blade.DeMoro believed in conflict as a strategy. She saw herself as fighting a class war. A San Francisco columnist once called her Mother Teresa with brass knuckles. She was happy with that. I dont know about the Mother Teresa stuff, she told, but I like the part about the brass knuckles.Dr. Paul Song, who sits on the board of Physicians for a National Health Program and favors Medicare for All, expects a slightly less militant style of leadership from Castillo, who previously directed NNUs nursing practice, its health and safety programs and its disaster relief initiative. DeMoro was not afraid to offend or piss people off, he says. That was just her style. I think Bonnie is also a force to be reckoned with, but her style is different. Shes far less confrontational, but you dont become the head of this massive, powerful union unless youre tough.One longtime ally of NNU who sounds wary of its new leadership is Ralph Nader, the well-known consumer protection advocate who earned CNAs endorsement for his Green Party presidential campaign in 2000. Nader took a bus tour with DeMoro pushing for single-payer in California decades ago, and he says she and her union set the standard for unionism in America. Nader understands Castillo to be less committed to the expansive vision of social unionism that has been an NNU hallmark. Theres something lost, he says, because the new leader wants to focus on the nurses more -- the staffing issue, the pay issue, the benefits issue, the safety issue.NNU does have a history of pushing for causes one might not typically associate with nurses, from consumer protection -- which caught Naders eye -- to fighting climate change. But CNA spokesman Charles Idelson flatly rejects the notion that the union is altering its approach. The amount of social union activism under Bonnies leadership is unparalleled, certainly among labor unions, he says. Its the lifeblood of this organization. He notes that NNU has been heavily involved in recovery from Californias recent fires, part of the unions ongoing work on climate change as a public health crisis.Even if she does bring a new tone to NNU, Castillo is planning continuity on a key issue that sets the group apart from other unions. What has distinguished us in the past and still distinguishes us is that we do not engage in labor-management partnerships, she says. Thats not something that we do or will ever do, because the fundamental alliance with our patients is sacred.Not everyone is impressed with NNUs approach -- or with its results. Steve Maviglio, a prominent Democratic consultant in California, says the nurses are the makers of their own misfortune when it comes to issues like single-payer. He calls them masters of the political publicity stunt who are ultimately ineffective advocates because theyre so radical. Its sort of all or nothing, and [the result has been] nothing, because what they advocate never gets enacted. They put on a good show, but when it comes to results, theyre just not there. No one takes them seriously in Sacramento other than if youre afraid of having people demonstrating.Idelson says the consultants criticisms are word for word what the insurance industry would say about us, and what Wall Street would say about us. Trump and Maviglio are in line on this. Thats who hes parroting.But even some of NNUs allies in the fight for single-payer acknowledge a downside to the unions approach. On the 2017 single-payer fight in California, says Song, there are some critics I know who didnt feel CNA had a really good inside game, meaning there was a great building of the grassroots but there was nobody inside the halls of Sacramento who really had an ear. They have lobbyists. They have political directors in there. But not to the point where they were able to build a real coalition of elected officials inside. I think theres some truth to those criticisms.A new test of the unions influence in California appears to be on the horizon. NNU endorsed new Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, who pledged his support for the concept of single-payer. Some question Newsoms commitment, but Castillo promises her group will hold him accountable for his pledge. The leadership of this union is not going to sit it out, she says. Were counting on him being a firm ally on health care as a human right. He cant be chicken on this one.If her rhetoric on this issue is any indication, Castillo wont be shrinking from the unions traditional goals, or the hardball tactics they have used in pursuing them. She refuses to believe single-payer at the state level is doomed by definition -- that only the federal government can achieve it. She says the primary problem is political will, and shes steeling herself for more fights with politicians she considers lacking it. At the end of the day, Castillo says, they have to fear us. If they dont do the right thing, we need someone else in their place.
How Alpine tracked Ocon to Williams factory

Alpine knew Esteban Ocon was on the move to a rival team as long ago as July of 2024.

Estebon Ocon, British GP 2024

 Alpine

The Enstone based team actually announced a month earlier - in June - that the French driver's contract would not be extended.

But Alpine's former executive director Marcin Budkowski amusingly revealed that the team tracked Ocon's whereabouts to the Williams factory in Oxfordshire in the days ahead of the 2024 British GP.

He was in Enstone before Silverstone and when he is there he is given an Alpine road car as a loan from the team, Budkowski told Viaplay Poland.

"These cars are all equipped with a GPS tracker, so everyone at Alpine knew that he had paid a visit to Williams because his car was in the carpark of the factory in Grove for five hours.

I don't think he was aware of it, Budkowski added, but it wasn't a problem because the team didn't want to renew his contract, so he could talk to all the teams that were interested in him. It was just funny that the team found out that way.

Ultimately, Ocon and Williams did not agree terms, and the 28-year-old will instead race for Haas in 2025.

Ocon and the small American team are getting their season into a higher gear this week, where thanks to the support of new technical partner Toyota, Haas will test a 2023 car at Jerez.

Also at Jerez will be Mercedes, running Lewis Hamilton's 2025 successor, Kimi Antonelli.

F1's 'Testing of Previous Cars' (TPC) rules have been tightened for 2025, limiting the number of days teams are able to run cars of the current 'ground effect' era that are at least two years old.

When asked if the tightened rules will be a problem for Ferrari, team boss Frederic Vasseur smiled: It will be a problem for Mercedes and Antonelli.

So, to maximise Antonelli's running throughout his rookie season, Mercedes has decided to take a 2020 car to Jerez - clearly outside the limitations of the new TPC rules.

(GMM)
Featured

Brussels Airlines appoints Ilse Adriaen as Country Manager Ghana

Business Desk Report Business News Jan - 14 - 2025 , 09:30

Brussels Airlines has appointed Ilse Adriaen as its new Country Manager for Ghana.

She has held various managerial positions in Benin in telecom and in Burkina Faso and Cote dIvoire in the transport and logistics sector.

She joined Brussels Airlines in 2019 as Country Manager, Benin.

A release issued in Accra said, Ms Adriaen succeeds Geert Lemmen, who retired in December 2024 after an impressive 41 years in the airline business.

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Ilse was born in Kinshasa (Democratic Republic of the Congo) and moved to Belgium at the age of 15. After completing her studies and working in Belgium for four years, she felt a strong call to return to the African continent.

This led her to Benin, where she joined MTN as a commercial manager in the telecom sector, and then to Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast with Bollore in transport and logistics. In September 2019, Ilse joined Brussels Airlines as Country Manager in Benin, the release said.



Gratitude

Ms Adriaen said; Working on the African continent has been a journey filled with challenges and incredible rewards. My time here has opened my eyes to endless possibilities and taught me the power of resilience, collaboration, and community.

As I say goodbye to Benin, I am filled with gratitude and anticipation for what lies ahead in Ghana. Though still within West Africa, I know the differences in language, culture, and work style will offer new opportunities for growth.

She said Ghanas competitive market presents a tough challenge, but its one Im eager to embrace. Partnering with Elizabeth Quansah, our Station Manager, Im committed to strengthening connections, building on our achievements, and creating unforgettable travel experiences for our passengers.

Head of Regional Sales West & Central Africa, Lufthansa Group, Coline Everard, said "We are delighted to welcome Ilse in her new role, bringing her expertise and passion to another of our 18 sub-Saharan African destinations.

With Ilses wealth of experience across in West Africa, we look forward to strengthening our market position and fostering the trusted relationships we have built with local authorities, business partners, and customers."



Brief

Continuously expanding the sub-Saharan African network, Brussels Airlines is the African competence center of the Lufthansa Group.

For summer 2025, the Belgian airline has added more capacity to sub-Saharan Africa than ever before. The carrier will operate 56 weekly flights to the region, an increase of 10% compared to summer 2024.

In the coming years, Brussels Airlines will grow its long-haul fleet to 13 aircrafts.

Brussels Airlines has been operating flights to and from Kotoka International Airport since July 2010. The airline currently offers six flights a week connecting Accra (Ghana) and Brussels (Belgium).
Featured

UBA to continue championing SME growth in Ghana

Business Desk Report Business News Jan - 14 - 2025 , 10:42

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Ltd. Ghana, a leading financial institution in the country, has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in the country.

The banks strategic focus on championing SME growth is set to receive a significant boost with the introduction of its innovative Pan African Payment and Settlement System (PAPPS) payment system.

The system enables instant, real-time transactions in local currencies across Africa, eliminating exchange rate risks, paperwork, and delays.

UBA Ghana remains committed to providing innovative financial solutions like PAPSS to address the complexities of cross-border payments; this platform eliminates barriers, allowing businesses to trade more efficiently across the continent, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of UBA Ghana, Uzoechina Molokwu explained to the Graphic Business.

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The bank said the system offers a comprehensive trade service to support importers and exporters, ensuring smooth international transactions.

Africash and Afritrade

The banks Afritrade payment system will enable SMEs and businesses to manage export proceeds collection and import bill payments effortlessly. Through this, SMEs will have their secured transactions guaranteed with letters of credit, providing them to work with unfamiliar suppliers.

Our mission is to simplify trade processes and empower businesses to thrive across Africa; with solutions like UBA Afritrade and letters of credit, we are creating a secure and efficient framework for cross-border transactions, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of UBA Ghana, Uzoechina Molokwu told the Graphic Business.

He added that the Afritrade will also benefit exporters from specialized solutions for their peculiar exports, including export financing and simplified payment tracking through export bills for collection.

He also mentioned to the Graphic Business that complementing PAPSS will be Africash that will extend seamless money transfer and trade collection solutions by SMEs in Ghana to 20 African countries.

SMEs are the backbone of Ghanas economy, and at UBA, we are proud to support their growth through flexible financial products and strategic partnerships; our aim is to empower them to succeed and drive economic transformation, " Mr Uzoechina Molokwu stated.

He said the bank was recognized as the SME Bank of the Year by the Ghana Credit Excellence Awards, and it will not rest on its oars but continue to empower SMEs through innovative products, strategic partnerships and capacity-building initiatives.

UBA provides SMEs with tailored financial products, including working capital financing, term loans, and overdraft facilities; these solutions enable SMEs to expand operations, acquire assets and explore new ventures, he stated.

Strategic partnerships for growth

He revealed that through collaborations with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCTA) and the United Nations Development Programme(UNDP) its support for youth and women-led businesses will continue to ensure they have the tools to scale operations, create jobs, and boost sustainability.

The bank has dedicated USD6 billion to support lending to SMEs on the African continent, offering favorable rates for women led or owned businesses.

He also reiterated that the bank will continue to offer financial advice and capacity-building programs to equip SMEs with essential knowledge in financial management and business expansion strategies.

Our commitment extends beyond financing; we aim to equip SMEs with the skills and tools they need to thrive in todays dynamic business environment; we therefore support SMEs through training and advisory services to ensure they remain a going concern at all times, he added.

He also affirmed the banks commitment to innovation and excellence positions as it has a trusted partner for businesses across Ghana and Africa. According to him this is achieved by simplifying trade, supporting SMEs, and driving strategic collaborations.

At UBA, we believe in Africas potential and are dedicated to building bridges that connect businesses, families, and economies across the continent; in the year 2025 and beyond, we remain your closest trusted partner in financial services, he stated.
Next article: Ghanas music identity should be beyond any genre- Bada

Previous article: Everybody Loves Jennifer rakes in GHS15,232,390 in cinemas, making it highest grossing film of all time in West Africa

Featured

Hollywood actress, Dalyce Currys body found burnt in Los Angeles home amid wildfires

Forbes Showbiz News Jan - 14 - 2025 , 11:59 1 minute read

Retired actress Dalyce Curry has died as a result of the ongoing Los Angeles wildfires. Curry was 95 and her remains were found days after the fire burned down her Altadena property.

About an hour ago the coroner confirmed her remains were indeed found at the property. #RIPMOMMADEE , Currys great-granddaughter, Dalyce Kelley, wrote on Facebook on Sunday, January 12. We had a great run. She impacted my life in so many ways. This loss is devastating.

According to reports, Kelley dropped her grandmother - fondly known as Momma D - off at her house on Tuesday evening around midnight, not realizing the devastation that lied ahead. The next morning she rushed to the area to check on her grandmother and was stopped at a barricade and told by a police officer that her home had totally burned down.

Kelley went to the Pasadena Civic Center, where displaced residents were being sent, but she was unable to find her.

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In addition to The Blue Brothers, Dalyce Curry also appeared in films such as The 10 Commandments and Lady Sings the Blues.

She was very active, Currys granddaughter Loree Beamer-Wilkinson told ABC7. You would not think she was 95.

As of Sunday, January 12, at least 24 people were reported dead in the Los Angeles area amid the fires.
Next article: Everybody Loves Jennifer rakes in GHS15,232,390 in cinemas, making it highest grossing film of all time in West Africa

Featured

Teddy Osei of Osibisa fame dead

Graphic Showbiz Showbiz News Jan - 14 - 2025 , 12:55 2 minutes read

Renowned Ghanaian musician and saxophonist Teddy Osei, a founding member of the iconic Afro-rock band Osibisa, has sadly passed away at the age of 88.

Myjoyonline, reports that Bessa Simons, President of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA), disclosed that the legendary musician breathed his last on Tuesday morning, January 14, 2025.

Born in Kumasi, Osei was introduced to musical instruments while still a child. He began to play the saxophone while attempting to create a band with his college friends in the coastal city of Sekondi. After graduating from college, he worked as a building inspector for a year before creating a band called "The Comets."

The Comets enjoyed brief popularity before Osei traveled to London in 1962. He received a grant from the Ghanaian government to study at a private music and drama school for three years, before being forced to leave by a regime change in Ghana.

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In 1969, he founded Osibisa along with several other musicians. The band remained popular through the 1970s, before experiencing a decline, although it continues to perform today.

While at college, he attempted to put together a band along with some of his friends. According to Osei, he only began to play the saxophone because the person who had volunteered for that instrument did not attend the practices. He continued to teach himself the saxophone, listening to records of jazz musicians and playing along with the music.

After beginning work as an inspector, he created a semi-professional band along with his brother and some friends.

The band was known as the Comets, and became successful in Ghana, recording with Philips West Africa and playing for a radio show. Their music was inspired by 'Highlife', a genre derived from a fusion of European and African influences.

In 1962 Osei travelled to London, leaving the Comets behind. Having spent his money on travel, he lived with some friends in London, and worked as a dish-washer for a year.

He then applied for and received a grant from the Ghanaian government, which allowed him to attend a private music and drama school for three years.

However, his grant was terminated after Nkrumah was deposed in 1966. Osei teamed up with several other students who had also lost their positions and began to play soul music at various venues across Europe.

The group acquired a following in Switzerland, and named themselves Cat's Paw. At this stage its members included Sol Amarfio and Osei's brother Mac Tontoh, both future members of Osibisa. However, the group eventually returned to the UK, looking for a more permanent financial situation.
Featured

Biden: US government to give $770 to each resident affected by LA wildfires

www.newsnationnow.com International News Jan - 14 - 2025 , 09:04 3 minutes read

President Joe Biden announced Monday that federal aid is flowing to Los Angeles as California battles its worst wildfires in state history, with containment levels varying from 14% in Pacific Palisades to 100% in Ventura.

Biden and senior officials met Monday night to discuss the ongoing federal response to the Los Angeles County wildfires as Bidens White House tenure draws to a close.

Biden has vowed the federal government will cover 100% of the disaster response costs for the next six months connected to the fires, which have claimed at least 24 lives.

We are not waiting until the fires are over to help victims. We are helping them all right now. People impacted by these fires are going to receive a one-time payment of $770, Biden said. So they can quickly purchase things like water, baby formula, prescriptions.

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The president said those affected can go to DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621-3362.

The federal government will cover all firefighting costs for the next 180 days. Nearly $5.1 million in immediate aid has been distributed, with affected residents eligible for one-time payments of $770. FEMA reports about 33,000 people have registered for assistance.

Its going to cost tens of billions of dollars to get Los Angeles to what it was, Biden said during a briefing with Vice President Kamala Harris and emergency officials. We are going to need Congress to step up with the funding.

Officials will also work to determine what is left for the federal government to address on the fires before Biden leaves office next week. The briefing determined how the White House and administration officials can better assist state and local officials in California.

The meeting included Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Deanne Criswell, who said in various media interviews that she did not feel California officials were unprepared to deal with the fires. Instead, she said 100 mph winds and dry conditions contributed to the inevitability of the damage being caused by the fires.

Criswell, in the briefing, said about 700 to 800 people are staying in eight emergency shelters, while others have found refuge with family or in hotels. She has directed her team to personally assist families struggling with documentation requirements for aid.

In terms of the federal response, the Department of Defense has provided infrared imaging technology to assist firefighters in battling the deadly fires. Additionally, at least 1,800 National Guard troops have been deployed to the region to assist with the wildfires.

U.S. Forest Service Chief Randy Moore warned of critical fire conditions through Wednesday, with wind gusts expected to reach 70 mph. However, he noted that approximately 15,000 additional firefighters are available if needed.

Bob Fenton, who managed the Maui wildfire response, will coordinate federal support and debris removal efforts in Los Angeles, working with FEMA, the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers.

Officials expect weather conditions to improve by Friday, with cooling temperatures and increased humidity forecast.

The next 48 hours are very critical, Harris said. This is the time everyone must remain vigilant.
Previous article: This is why Michelle Obama will not attend Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20

Featured

DoJ report claims Donald Trump would have been convicted if not elected

bbc.com International News Jan - 14 - 2025 , 14:13 3 minutes read

President-elect Donald Trump would have been convicted of illegally trying to overturn the result of the 2020 presidential election - which he lost - if he had not successfully been re-elected in 2024, according to the man who led US government investigations into him.

The evidence against Trump was "sufficient to obtain and sustain a conviction at trial," Special Counsel Jack Smith wrote in a partially released report by the Department of Justice (DoJ) to Congress.

Trump hit back, saying Smith was "deranged" and his findings were "fake".

Trump was accused of pressurising officials to reverse the 2020 result, knowingly spreading lies about election fraud and seeking to exploit the riot at the US Capitol on 6 January 2021. He denied any wrongdoing.



Trump, who was president at the time of the alleged crimes, subsequently spent four years out of office - but was successfully re-elected to the White House in November. He will return to the presidency next week.

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After his success in the 2024 vote, the various legal issues that he had been battling have largely evaporated. The interference case has now been dismissed.

Smith says in the report he "stands fully behind" the merits of bringing the prosecution and the strength of the case.

He went on to say it was only the fact the US Constitution forbids the prosecution of a sitting president that ended it.

"But for Mr Trump's election [in 2024] and imminent return to the presidency, the office assessed that the admissible evidence was sufficient to obtain and sustain a conviction at trial."

Some of the material in Smith's report was already known thanks to a public filing in October, which gave details of Trump's alleged efforts to overturn his defeat.

But the report, which was released by the Department of Justice (DoJ) to Congress, gives further detail on why Smith pursued the case, and ultimately closed it.

Some of the material in Smith's report was already known thanks to a public filing in October, which gave details of Trump's alleged efforts to overturn his defeat.

But the report, which was released by the Department of Justice (DoJ) to Congress, gives further detail on why Smith pursued the case, and ultimately closed it.



It justifies the case against Trump by accusing him of "unprecedented efforts to unlawfully retain power" through "threats and encouragement of violence against his perceived opponents"

Running through Mr Trump's "criminal efforts" were election fraud claims he knew to be false, it says

The report details "significant challenges" faced by investigators, including Trump's use of social media to target witnesses, courts, and justice department employees

Denying the case was politically motivated, Smith says: "The claim from Mr Trump that my decisions as a prosecutor were influenced or directed by the [President Joe] Biden administration or other political actors is, in a word, laughable"

Smith further reflects in the accompanying letter: "While we were not able to bring the cases we charged to trial, I believe the fact that our team stood up for the rule of law matters"



The 137-page document was sent to Congress after midnight on Tuesday, after a period of legal jostling that culminated in a judge clearing the way for the first part of Smith's report to be released.

The judge, Aileen Cannon, ordered a hearing later in the week on whether to release the second part of the report - which focuses on separate allegations that Trump illegally kept classified government documents at his home in Florida.

Posting on his Truth Social website, Trump maintained his innocence, taunting Smith by writing that the prosecutor "was unable to get his case tried before the election, which I won in a landslide".

Trump added: "THE VOTERS HAVE SPOKEN!!!"
Next article: DoJ report claims Donald Trump would have been convicted if not elected

Featured

This is why Michelle Obama will not attend Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20

People.com International News Jan - 14 - 2025 , 16:47 2 minutes read

Michelle Obama will not join her husband, Barack Obama, at Donald Trump's second presidential inauguration, a spokesperson for the former first couple confirmed to PEOPLE on Tuesday, Jan. 14.

The announcement comes days after Michelle made headlines for missing Jimmy Carter's state funeral, where she would have been seated next to President-elect Trump.

CNN's Jeff Zeleny reported at the time that the former first lady was "still in Hawaii on an extended holiday vacation" during the funeral, saying her advisers credited the absence to a scheduling conflict.

The Jan. 20 swearing-in ceremony will mark the second for Trump, who previously won the 2016 presidential election against former first lady and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

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Presidential inaugurations  which represent the peaceful transfer of power from one president to another  are typically attended by former presidents and their families.

Trumps January 2017 swearing-in ceremony was attended by the Obamas, outgoing Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden, Hillary Clinton and former President Bill Clinton, former President George W. Bush and former President Jimmy Carter.

The 2017 swearing-in ceremony was also attended by a number of key members of Trumps family and inner circle, including wife Melania Trump, Ivanka Trump and husband Jared Kushner, Donald Trump Jr. and then-wife Vanessa Trump, Eric Trump, Tiffany Trump and Barron Trump.

Trump declined to attend the January 2021 inauguration of President Joe Biden after his 2020 defeat, making him the first outgoing president in more than 150 years to skip the swearing-ceremony.

To all of those who have asked, I will not be going to the Inauguration on January 20th, he wrote in a Jan. 8, 2021, post to X.

The last time a sitting president had not attended the swearing-in ceremony of the incoming president was in 1869 when Andrew Johnson refused to attend the inauguration of Ulysses S. Grant.

On Jan. 1, Trump announced plans to host a victory rally on the eve of his upcoming inauguration via an announcement on his inauguration site. The "Make America Great Again Victory Rally" is scheduled to take place at 3 p.m. local time at Capital One Arena on Jan. 19.

Trump has described the event as a victory rally you'll never forget" according to a sign-up page on the site. While it is unclear how many supporters are expected to attend, the event space holds 20,000 people.

This will be the first rally Trump will hold in Washington, D.C., since the rally that led to the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol in 2021.
Featured

Dominic Ayine: Attorney-General nominee defends legitimacy of the ORAL Team

Kweku Zurek Jan - 14 - 2025 , 06:57 2 minutes read

Dr Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, the Attorney General and Justice Minister-Designate, has staunchly defended the governments newly established Operation Recover All Loot (ORAL) team, describing it as a critical tool for accountability and the recovery of misappropriated state resources.

Speaking during his vetting before Parliaments Appointments Committee on Monday, January 13, 2025, Dr Ayine rejected criticisms regarding the teams mandate and legal basis.

Foundation in constitutional values

The ORAL team, inaugurated on December 18, 2024, is chaired by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and tasked with recovering public funds and assets unlawfully acquired by individuals. Despite facing criticism over its perceived lack of a traditional legal framework, Dr Ayine argued that the teams establishment is firmly grounded in Ghanas 1992 Constitution.

If you look at the preamble to our Constitution, it is very clear about the fundamental values underpinning it. The value of accountability is one of the preambles in our Constitution, he said.

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He elaborated that ORALs mission aligns with these constitutional principles, emphasising its role in holding individuals accountable for abusing public office to enrich themselves.



ORAL is supposed to exact accountability from politically exposed persons who misuse their office to loot public resources by way of property, money, and other intangible resources, and so ORAL is constitutional, he stated.

Criticism and response

The ORAL initiative has drawn scepticism from some quarters, with critics questioning its legitimacy and functionality outside established legal frameworks. However, Dr Ayine dismissed these concerns, asserting that the absence of a traditional legal structure does not render the initiative unlawful.

The fact that it is a non-legal body doesnt mean it is illegal, he affirmed.

Promoting accountability and good governance

Dr Ayine reiterated that the ORAL teams objectives are consistent with the Constitutions emphasis on accountability, good governance, and safeguarding public resources. He underscored the importance of such mechanisms in fostering transparency and discouraging the misuse of public office.

The ORAL teams work is expected to be closely scrutinised as it moves forward with its mandate, but Dr Ayines defence suggests that the initiative has strong backing from the government.
Featured

Dominic Ayine on how Supreme Court can deal with caseloads

Richard Osei Boateng Jan - 14 - 2025 , 17:14 1 minute read

It is an open secret that the Supreme Court of Ghana is challenged and constrained in terms of the number of Justices and the caseloads that are filed each year.

The Chief Justice, Justice Gertrude Torkornoo, is on record to have affirmed this last year when she officially wrote to the former President about the need to increase the number of Justices to bolster the ability and capacity of the Court to deal with the numerous cases.

When the nominee for Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr Dominic Ayine, appeared before Parliaments Appointments Committee last Monday, he shared some insightful perspectives on how to deal with the Supreme Courts caseload and bolster its capacity.

First, he said that Ghanas Supreme Court could adopt an efficient mechanism for deciding cases like that of the United States Federal Supreme Court by putting a certain threshold which would make it look at cases filed and decide whether they qualified to be listed.

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Second, Dr Ayine mentioned that Ghanas Supreme Court could look at creating specialised panels to be placed in specialised divisions to look at cases per their subject matter expertise to propel efficiency and timely delivery.

The nominee expressed his disagreement, however, with a bill presented by the former Attorney-General aimed at reforming Ghanas criminal justice system.

Strengthening anti-corruption agencies

When quizzed, he hinted at the establishment of a whistle-blower agency in every district with a hotline assigned to them to be used to report information about corruption intimating that anti-corruption institutions should not only be centred in Accra.
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Ablakwa calls for legislation to prevent politicians from buying state assets

Samuel Duodu Jan - 14 - 2025 , 07:57 4 minutes read

The Chairman of the Operation Recover All the Loot (ORAL) Committee, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has underscored the need for legislation to prevent political appointees and exposed persons from acquiring state assets.

He said the law would prevent a future occurrence of the acquisition of state property by private and politically exposed persons.

Mr Ablakwa, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu, was briefing journalists during a site visit to some state lands at Cantonments, Labone and La Wireless, all in Accra yesterday by members of the ORAL team.

The visit was to gather evidence and validate reports received on the lands alleged to have been sold to political appointees and cronies of the previous administration for redevelopment.

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Members of the committee on the visit included the former Auditor General, Daniel Yaw Domelevo; Commissioner of Police, Nathan Kofi Boakye (retd); a legal practitioner, Martin Kpebu, and former investigative journalist, Raymond Archer.

ORALs commitment

Mr Ablakwa reiterated the commitment of ORAL to recover state assets and fight corruption, dismissing claims that its efforts were merely a "flash in the pan" or a political gimmick.

He said the work of the committee was multifaceted and far-reaching, with several phases designed to ensure that justice was served.

He explained that its current phase focused on gathering evidence and compiling data, which would be followed by confiscations, retrievals, recoveries, prosecutions and further investigations.

He emphasised that its work was not limited to the current phase, but rather was part of a broader strategy to combat corruption and promote national reconstruction.

He said the committee's efforts were also expected to lead to reforms, including legislation prohibiting politically exposed persons from purchasing state assets and changes to how the Lands Commission valued state assets.

Ultimately, the ORAL Committee is committed to ensuring that those responsible for misappropriating state assets are held accountable while the Ghanaian people receive justice.

"The Ghanaian people want to see the end of this. They want us to get to the bottom," he said.

The team visited the Agri-mechanisation Centre, Northern Development Authority (NDA) Office, 10 bungalows for staff of the Centre for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), all at Cantonments, a State Housing Company property at Labone and the African Union Village at La Wireless, all in Accra.

At the Agri-mechanisation centre, the roofs of all the structures on the land had been removed, leaving documents and agricultural machinery to the mercy of the weather.

Other tenants on the land at the agri-mechanisation centre were the Vegetable Producers Exporters Association of Ghana, the National Vocational Training Institute workshop and an office of the Ghana Productive Safety Net Project under the Ministry of Local Government who have been asked to vacate the land to make way for the redevelopment.

At the NDA office, a portion of the land fenced for redevelopment was said to have been demolished by the state security after the visit.

The ORAL team told journalists that the CSIR staff bungalows have been sold to a private developer with ties to the previous government but are yet to be demolished. The tenants have been served with ejection notices since December 30, 2024.

Mr Ablakwa assured the affected staff of their protection and safety, adding that they would not be ejected and that their issue would be included in the report to the President.

State capture

The legislator described the situation as a state capture and attributed it to the "insatiable greed" of political appointees and politically-exposed persons.

Mr Ablakwa also commended President Mahama's directive to halt all land transactions, describing it as timely and crucial. The directive, issued on January 10, 2025, instructs the Lands Commission to stop finalising any arrangements and halt all processes.

Mr Archer, for his part, reiterated that the visit was to validate petitions and concerns about appropriation of state property to private and politically exposed persons.

 We are here today as you have witnessed to go through side by side to see whether indeed what is contained in the petition actually exists or not.

You have seen it for yourselves. You can draw your own conclusions about what has happened in the past.

As far as we are concerned, we are going to include this in our report to the President and further action will surely be taken on these issues, he said.

You've seen public officials that are actively working for the state being ejected from their homes to make way for private interest and also interests that are connected to other public officials.

This is obviously what our President campaigned against and you are witnesses to what has happened, he added.
Next article: Govt will explore private participation in ECG  Minister designate for Energy

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76th New Year School opens today

Emmanuel Bonney Jan - 14 - 2025 , 08:46 4 minutes read

The 76th Annual New Year School and Conference, which provides the platform to discuss national issues and proffer solutions to them, will open at the University of Ghana today.

The event is organised by the School of Continuing and Distance Education, College of Education of the University of Ghana.

This years event is on the theme: Attaining the 5-Ps of Sustainable Development for a Resilient Ghana: People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace and Partnership.

Opening

The Vice-President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, who will be the special guest at the event to be held at the Great Hall, is expected to open the conference.

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In attendance will be the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, with the Chancellor of the university, Mary Chinery-Hesse, serving as the Chairperson.

The keynote speakers are the Founder and Chairman of AISECT, Sir Santosh Choubey, and the Group Chairman of CDH Financial Holdings Ltd, Dr Emmanuel Adu-Sarkodee.

The collaborating partner is the Managing Director of GCB Bank PLC, Kofi Adomakoh.

The main programme will run up to Thursday, January 16, 2025, at the ISSER Conference Centre at the University of Ghana.

The complementary youth school will be held on January 16, 2025.

The youth school is designed to serve as a national platform to harness the potential of the next generation of leaders in the country under the auspices of the Annual New Year School and Conference.

Initiative

It is the initiative of the School of Continuing and Distance Education of the University of Ghana.

Hundreds of delegates from across the fields of academia, governance and corporate industry are expected to participate in the 2025 event.

The deliberations at the conference, which will be held in-person and virtually, will be documented and presented to the appropriate authorities for policy interventions.

The New Year School, which has been organised since 1948, is a major platform for academia, industry, policymakers and other stakeholders to deliberate on pertinent issues critical for national development.

In its 77-year journey, the conference has covered critical sectors such as education, health, agriculture, security and economy, and provided enormous knowledge to accelerate national development.

The New Year School and Conference has been a source of great pride to the University of Ghana, given the platform it provides to patrons from all walks of life to dispassionately discuss issues centred on transforming the nation.

Calendar

Being one of the first major events in the universitys calendar, the Annual New Year School and Conference has become an event of national significance, bringing together stakeholders from all sectors of the Ghanaian economy to deliberate on pertinent issues of national concern.

The New Year School and Conference has survived 74 years of various dispensations in the democratic history of our country due to its significance and place in the national development discourse of the country, Prof. Amfo said at the 74th edition of the event.

At the launch of the 76th event, the Provost of the College of Education of the University of Ghana, Prof. Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration between the university and the private sector for the conference.

The New Year School and Conference will be organised in partnership with the Tallinn University of Estonia, Institute of Democratic Governance (IDEG), the National Youth Authority and the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT).

Directors view

The Director of the Annual New Year School and Conference, Dr Simon-Peter Kafui Aheto, told the Daily Graphic that between 400 and 500 participants were expected to be at this year's event.

He said the number of days for the conference had been reduced for this years event as a result of feedback from the public and stakeholders.

Dr Aheto said the event had always been impactful, and cited the National Health Insurance Scheme, Africa Continental Free Trade Area and Planting for Food and Jobs as some of the outcomes of the programme.

"This is a new government; people should come and make their input," he said.
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Appoint minister to address educational issues - GNAT urges govt

Emmanuel Bonney Jan - 14 - 2025 , 09:57 4 minutes read

The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has called for the urgent appointment of a Minister of Education to help address the challenges bedevilling the sector.

It said considering the challenges, it was only proper for an Education Minister to have been nominated among the first three ministerial nominees announced by the President on Thursday, January 9, 2025.

The General Secretary of GNAT, Thomas Tanko Musah, told the Daily Graphic in an interview that the issues, including the current food situation in senior high schools (SHSs) and some challenges in basic schools, did not speak well of the country.

Delay

It (the appointment of a minister) must be done without delay because what is happening on the educational front now is not the best. You get up, you hear this one, you hear that one. I don't think it's good for us; and before the international community, it's also not good, he said.

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Aside from the feeding challenge in SHSs, he cited the delay in the release of the capitation grant for basic schools in the country and feeding under the school feeding programme as other pressing issues that needed immediate attention.

He said funds needed to run educational offices were also not forthcoming, not to talk of the governments indebtedness to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) that resulted in the late release of the 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Education (WASSCE) for School Candidates results.

Mr Musah said the Childrens Act (Section 2) indicated that the interest of the child should be paramount in any matter that had to do with children.

He said schoolchildren were having challenges with food and wondered whether they would have to wait until a substantive minister was appointed since the food issue was a policy matter.

Substantive

Now, does it mean that these children will have to wait until a substantive minister is appointed? Unfortunately, when the first three ministers were mentioned, that of education was not part.

Technically speaking, I was thinking a minister designated for education should have been part, given the current challenges confronting us in education, he emphasised.

National Education Review Conference

Mr Musah emphasised that the issues affecting the education sector were policy matters, hence the need for the nomination of a minister by now.

There are problems at the SHS level and all that, so the minister must come in as quickly as possible to help get things done because most of the things we are talking about are policy matters, he explained.

Asked about the National Education Review Conference to be hosted by the government as announced by President John Mahama, he said GNAT was all for it though that was also a policy matter.

Without a substantive minister, you cannot hold it. We have already said that feeding is a policy matter. That consultative forum is a policy matter because, at the end of the day, all the issues that will come out from that particular forum will have to go to Cabinet, he said.

NCPTAs

Meanwhile, the National Council of Parent-Teacher Associations (NCPTA) has called for the closure of senior high schools (SHSs) until the issue of feeding and other pressing matters are addressed.

The NCPTA said nothing was currently working in the senior high schools since they reopened on Friday, January 3, 2025.

"Nothing is working in the schools. All the assurance from the previous government that they will support with feeding, they will provide funds for feeding and all those things are not there," the General Secretary of the NCPTAs, Raphael Kofi Gapson, had said.

CHASS warning

Ahead of the reopening date, the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) had appealed to the Ghana Education Service (GES) to postpone the reopening of schools until the government had settled the outstanding debt for food and operations.

In a statement issued on December 31, 2024, the school heads said the government failed to respond to three appeals they had made since August 2024 for payment of arrears covering perishables, recurrent fees and food transportation costs.

The National Secretary of CHASS, Baro Primus, therefore, directed all regional branches to notify parents of the potential delay through parent associations.
Next article: Ablakwa calls for legislation to prevent politicians from buying state assets

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Minerals Commission hands over reclaimed galamsey lands

Diana Mensah Jan - 14 - 2025 , 07:57 3 minutes read

Some lands reclaimed from the scourge of illegal mining have been handed over to the chiefs and people in the Bosome Freho, Bosomtwe, and Asante Akyim Central districts in the Ashanti Region.

Some of the impacted towns are Asiwa Anyinase, Yapesa, Kokoben, and Adakabunso in the Bosome Freho District.

Others are Beposo in the Bosomtwe District and Odumase in the Asante Akyem Central Municipality.

The event took place before last Tuesdays inauguration of President Mahama as head of a new government of the country.

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The reclamation effort, spearheaded by the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources through the Minerals Commission, took off in 2021.

The Land Reclamation and Re-afforestation Programme is an initiative of the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources through the Minerals Commission, the main regulator of Ghanas mining sector.

It has the additional mandate to manage the Land Reclamation and Re-afforestation Programme.

The Chief Executive of the Bosome Freho District Assembly, Kofi Adu Amoateng, thanked the reclamation team for the good work done.

He said it was a moment of relief to the people because the uncovered pits left by those engaged in illegal mining, commonly called galamsey, had become death traps to residents, especially during rainy seasons.

Mr Amoateng said the situation made it difficult for farmers to cultivate their lands.

Ending galamsey menace

The then Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Samuel Abdulai Jinapor, whose speech was read for him by the Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Samuel Tika, indicated that the government had put in a lot of effort to end the galamsey menace, but stressed that citizens also had a responsibility towards ensuring a sustainable environment.

He said, the Land Reclamation Programme was one of the initiatives that testified to the government's commitment to end the menace.

The Kwakyimanhene and representative of Kokofu Traditional Area, Nana Akwatia Obofourdom, who led the delegation of the chiefs and people of Ashanti Region at Asiwa in the Bosome Freho District to inspect the completed reclamation area, expressed gratitude for the intervention.

Nana Akwatia said it was a legacy, and urged the next generation to do the right things all the time.

Local guardianship

The project consultant, Thomas Tsibu-Darko, emphasised the need to strengthen the ongoing local guardianship.

He added that the success of the project relied on continuous stewardship from local authorities and members of the community.

He expressed confidence that the structures and partnerships established would support sustainable management and use of reclaimed lands.

The Chief of Konongo Odumasi, Dr Nana kofi Antwi, urged the government to help to refill other areas affected by the galamsey.

He also admonished the Minerals Commission to strengthen its collaboration with traditional authorities to help to check illegal mining in the country.
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Opuni trial: Scientific report on fertiliser unreliable, inaccurate  Witness

Justice Agbenorsi Jan - 14 - 2025 , 07:25 3 minutes read

The accuracy and reliability of the prosecutions scientific report on lithovit fertiliser in the trial of former Chief Executive of the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD), Dr Stephen Kwabena Opuni and two others became the subject of the evidence-in-chief of the ninth defence witness.

Dr Opuni and a businessman, Seidu Agongo have been accused by the prosecution for allegedly causing financial loss of more than GH271 million to the state in a series of fertiliser deals during his tenure at COCOBOD.

Report

Prepared by a Senior Standards Officer of the Ghana Standards Authority, P. Quartey-Papafio, the scientific report was tendered by the prosecution to firm up its case against the accused persons.

It concluded that The sample cannot be classified as pesticide, fungicide or fertiliser. The strong smell of ammonia is due to the urea and its application on cocoa seedlings and plants should not be done.

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From the foregoing examination and testing, the sample has been adulterated and did not meet the specifications of the standard. The sample is not recommended for its intended purpose.

The sample ,therefore, cannot be use as foliar nutrient on cocoa from the nursery, growth and yield stages. It is harmful to humans and animals as well as hazardous to water, it concluded.

Testimony

However, appearing before the High Court presided over by Justice Aboagye Tandoh, the Scientific Expert, Dr Samuel Akoto Bamford, who was being led in evidence by counsel for Agongo, Benson Nustukpui, challenged the analytical technique used in the Quartey-Papafio report, describing it as unclear and ambiguous.

The witness, who holds a PhD in Technical Physics and is the Principal Research Scientist with the School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences, testified that the reporting of the few parameters analysed in the Quartey-Papafio report was not according to the practice in the analysis of fertiliser.

Asked about his views on the conclusions drawn by the Quartey-Papafio report, Dr Bamford said, The conclusion of the Quartey-Papafio report is contradictory to their own results. The report cannot be relied upon because the results are inaccurate and the conclusions drawn.

Counsel further brought out a Material Science Report also on the scientific report covering the test result of lithovit fertiliser and asked the witness about the reference standards and test method for the report.

In his response, the witness said the reference standard and methods used in the report were acceptable because they complied with the prescribed methods for fertiliser as outlined in the Ghana Fertiliser Analytical Manual.

The analytical technique for each parameter determined was clearly spelt out. And these techniques are the prescribed techniques in the analytical manual, Dr Bamford added.

He further told the court that the Quartey-Papafio report had no scientific grounding, while the material science report was based on the prescribed standards and methods of analysing fertiliser in accordance with the Ghana Fertiliser and Analytical Manual which complies with the Plants and Fertiliser Act 2010 (ACT 803).

He concluded that in his opinion, the Quartey-Papafio report cannot be used as any basis for disqualifying a sample from being a fertiliser.

Writers E-mail: justice.agbenorsi@graphic.com.gh
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Spare parents free SHS funding burden  Child Rights

Timothy Gobah Jan - 14 - 2025 , 08:47 2 minutes read

The Executive Director of Child Rights International, Bright Kweku Appiah, has stated that any review of the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy should not include asking parents to shoulder the cost of feeding and accommodation for students.

He described such proposals as a direct threat to the fundamental principles of the policy.

Speaking in an interview with the Daily Graphic, Mr Appiah argued that the Free SHS programme was designed to eliminate financial barriers and promote inclusiveness, warning that shifting costs to parents would undermine those objectives.

The Free SHS programme was established to ensure free and equitable access to secondary education, removing financial barriers and promoting inclusivity. Any effort to transfer responsibilities such as feeding to parents undermines the core intent of the policy and creates inequities it was designed to address, he stated.

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Government responsibility

Mr Appiah emphasised that addressing logistical challenges in the Free SHS policy's implementation lay with the government authorities, not families.

He cautioned that placing such a financial burden on parents would exacerbate the difficulties many already faced.

When logistical challenges arise in the implementation of the Free SHS programme, it is essential for stakeholders to engage directly with the government to secure the necessary resources. Shifting these responsibilities to parents not only deviates from the policy's framework but also places undue pressure on families, many of whom are already facing economic hardship, he explained.



No official directive

Mr Appiah, however, clarified that, as of now, there was no formal directive requiring parents to contribute financially to the programme.

As of today, the Free SHS policy remains intact, with no official directive requiring parental contributions to support its implementation. Any changes to the policy must come through formal review and clear communication from the government, he added.

Childrens welfare

Highlighting Ghanas commitment to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Childrens Act, Mr Appiah stressed the importance of prioritising childrens welfare in any policy adjustments.

Under no circumstances should children be impacted by the lack of food or any other basic necessity. It is our duty to ensure that children fully benefit from policies designed to support them, such as the Free SHS programme, he said.

Constructive engagement

Mr Appiah urged stakeholders to collaborate with the government in addressing challenges while maintaining the integrity of the Free SHS policy.

Protecting a social policy is a shared responsibility of all stakeholders and beneficiaries. When challenges arise, it is crucial for them to be circumspect in how they communicate about the policy's implementation and progression, he concluded.
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Ghana does not need an LGBT bill to enforce family values - President Mahama tells Catholic Bishops

Graphic.com.gh Jan - 14 - 2025 , 13:07 3 minutes read

"If we are teaching our values in school, we won't need to pass a bill [on LGBT] to enforce our family values. And that is where I think more than, even the family values bill is [on] us agreeing on a curriculum that inculcates these values into our children as they are growing up so that we don't need to legislate it. And so we will see how all these will go. I am looking forward to a review conference," President John Dramani Mahama has said.

Speaking when a delegation from the Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference called on him in Accra, President Mahama highlighted the challenges faced by the initial anti-LGBT bill, which was introduced as a private members bill.

He explained that, that particular bill is now "dead" with the tenure of the previous government over.

Reflecting on the legislative hurdles of the previous bill, President Mahama explained that it failed to reach the presidents desk for assent due to legal and procedural issues.

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But as far as I know, the bill did not get to the President. And so, the convention is that all bills that are not assented to before the expiration of the life of parliaments expire. And so that bill effectively is dead, it has expired, he stated.

President Mahama stressed the importance of a consensus-driven approach, calling for renewed discussions among stakeholders to determine the best path forward.

He argued that a government-sponsored bill is rather the way to go and not a private member's bill and said that would provide a framework for broader consultation and agreement, unlike the private members bill.

The Bill died with the 8th Parliament, but I think we need to have a conversation on that. But I think it should not be a Private Members Bill, but a government-sponsored one, he said.

If we were teaching our values in schools, we wouldnt need to pass a bill to enforce our family values, he explained. And that is why I think more than even the family values bill, is us agreeing on a curriculum that inculcates these values into our children as they are growing up so that we dont need to legislate it.

During the 2024 presidential election campaign, John Dramani Mahama said his decision to assent to the controversial anti-LGBTQI bill, formally titled the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, would depend on a thorough review of its contents.

It is not an anti-LGBTQI Bill; it is a Family Values Bill. It was approved unanimously by our Parliament. [LGBTQI] is against our African culture, it is against our religious faith, but I think we must look at the Bill, and the president must indicate what he finds wrong with that bill and send it back to Parliament or alternatively he must send it to the Council of State and get the Council of States advice.

It depends on what is in the Bill

When asked directly if he would sign the bill into law if he were elected president, Mahama said: It depends on what is in the Bill. He explained that if he had been president when the bill was passed by Parliament, he would have sought a detailed examination of its provisions and consulted with relevant advisory bodies.

That is what I would have done, he affirmed.

Related article

Mahama outlines conditions for signing anti-LGBTQI Bill if elected President

The Bishops congratulated President on his victory in the 2024 general election. During the meeting, Most Rev Emmanuel Kofi Fianu, Vice President of the Conference, urged the President to consider reintroducing the bill.



We already know your position, but we are hopeful that you will sign it into law, he declared.

President Mahama thanked the Catholic Church for its contributions to education and health and welcomed its input on the moral and educational development of the nations youth.

Watch the video below:
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Mahama meets power producers, seeks investors to revitalise energy sector

Graphic.com.gh Jan - 14 - 2025 , 10:35 1 minute read

President John Dramani Mahama met with Independent Power Producers (IPPs) on Monday, January 14 2025 to address Ghana's energy sector challenges.

The meeting revealed that the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) is grappling with a staggering 40% in commercial and technical losses.

During the meeting President Mahama emphasised the urgent need for a "transformative approach" to reform the energy sector, highlighting the critical role of transparent operations and competitive practices in resolving the sector's problems.

"We must operate more transparently and competitively, and together, we can find efficient partners to optimize our billing and metering processes," Mahama stated in a Facebook post following the meeting.

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President Mahama acknowledged the significant debt burden within the energy sector, pointing to what he described as mismanagement of funds from the Energy Sector Levy Act (ESLA), which his previous administration had introduced to clear the sector's debts.

To address these challenges, President Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to supporting IPPs' contribution to Ghana's electricity supply and called for increased private sector participation in the energy sector.

"Ghana is open for business again," Mahama declared, inviting both local and international investors to revitalize the country's energy sector.

The meeting with IPPs comes amid growing concerns about Ghana's energy security and the financial sustainability of its power sector institutions.
Next article: Mahama Ayarigas name pops up as possible successor to Ato Forson as Majority Leader in 9th Parliament

Previous article: Ghana does not need an LGBT bill to enforce family values - President Mahama tells Catholic Bishops

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Mahamas 60-ministers pledge could save Ghana billions in public funds  IMANI

Mohammed Ali Jan - 14 - 2025 , 12:14 1 minute read

President John Dramani Mahamas promise to limit his ministers to 60 could save Ghana billions of cedis in public expenditure over four years, according to IMANI Africas IMANIFesto 2024 report.

The President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe in an analysis shared on social media [Facebook] on Tuesday [January 14, 2025], projected that reducing the current ministerial count [appointees] from 110 to 50 could save GH316.7 million annually in salaries and accommodation expenses.

Over four years, this would amount to GH1.27 billion in savings, with an additional GH1.3 billion saved from reduced ex-gratia payment, bringing the total savings to over GH2.5 billion.

He indicated that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) appointed 82 ministers between 1992 and 2000. Under the New Patriotic Party (NPP), this figure rose to 93 between 2000 and 2008.

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"The NDC under Professor Mills then reduced this to 75, the lowest on record, while the NPP under President Akufo-Addo raised it to 110, the highest so far," he noted.

The IMANIFesto 2024 report also cites a 2020 World Bank study that links large cabinet sizes to governance issues, including corruption, increased public spending, and higher deficits.

Mr Cudjoe noted that Ghanas largest-ever ministerial appointees occurred under President Akufo-Addo, who appointed the most ministers in more than 25 years.
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President Mahama in Bawku on a Peace Mission

Kester Aburam Korankye Jan - 14 - 2025 , 11:19 1 minute read

President John Dramani Mahama left Accra on Tuesday morning for Bawku in the Upper East Region as part of efforts to broker a lasting peace in the conflict-ridden area.

His first stop will be a meeting with the Bawku Naaba, Zug-raan Asigri Abugrago Azoka II, paramount chief of the Kusaug traditional area.

The President and his delegation will also hold a meeting with Nayiiri Bohagu Abdulai Mahami, overlord of the Mamprugu traditional area.

This dual engagement underscores the President's commitment to engaging with local leaders and stakeholders to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

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During his visit, President Mahama is expected to address the security and safety concerns plaguing the area.

He will likely reaffirm his administration's dedication to restoring peace and fostering development in Bawku.

President Mahama is presently holding a briefing with heads of the various security agencies at the Airport in Accra before he heads to Bawku.
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President Mahama revokes appointment of Minerals Income and Investment Fund CEO

Gertrude Ankah Jan - 14 - 2025 , 08:48 1 minute read

President John Dramani Mahama has revoked the appointment of Edward Nana Yaw Koranteng as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Minerals Income and Investment Fund (MIIF), effective immediately.

The revocation, announced in a letter dated January 13, 2025, was signed by Mr Callistus Mahama, Secretary to the President.

Mr. Koranteng was appointed as CEO of the Minerals Income and Investment Fund in March 2021.

Under his leadership, MIIF pursued various initiatives aimed at optimising Ghanas mineral revenues for economic development.

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According to the letter, Mr. Koranteng is to hand over his responsibilities to the Presidents representative at the Ministry of Finance.

The letter further stated that Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson. will act in a caretaker capacity to oversee the funds operations until a substantive CEO is appointed.

The President acknowledged and expressed gratitude to Mr. Koranteng for his service to the nation during his tenure.

Background on MIIF

The Minerals Income and Investment Fund (MIIF) was established under the Minerals Income and Investment Fund Act, 2018 (Act 978), to manage and maximise Ghanas income from mineral royalties and other related activities.

The fund seeks to enhance the countrys financial returns from its mining resources while investing in other profitable ventures to ensure long-term economic stability.

The fund is responsible for collecting royalties paid by mining companies operating in Ghana, invests in assets and projects that yield substantial returns to support Ghanas developmental goals.

It also provides financial backing for local communities impacted by mining activities and supports national infrastructure projects.
Next article: Volta Region to get share of appointments  NDC Chairman

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Enact laws to halt attacks on public institutions  Prof. Alidu

Albert K. Salia Politics Jan - 14 - 2025 , 09:57 2 minutes read

The head of the Political Science Department of the University of Ghana, Legon, Professor Seidu Alidu, has called for the enactment of laws that will prevent youth groups from attacking public institutions after a change in government.

He said such laws must be punitive enough to deter people from taking the law into their own hands.

He said although that practice had persisted since the Fourth Republic, it is not good for our democracy.

Such practices, he told the Daily Graphic in an interview, did not only dent the image of the country but also the political party that won the elections and the President.

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Context

Since the National Democratic Congress (NDC) won the December 7, 2024 elections, some sympathisers of the party have attacked some government institutions such as the National

Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority and the National Health Insurance Authority among other institutions.

In January 2017, after the New Patriotic Party (NPP) won the elections, some irate youth went on the rampage locking and completely taking over some state institutions.

They claimed they were exacting retribution for what they suffered in the hands of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) when it won power in the 2008 elections.

Security

Prof. Alidu stressed the need for civil society organisations and the citizenry to condemn such acts as it did not bode well for the country.

He called for adequate security to protect not only public institutions but also the staff.

He did not rule out the political elite instigating such acts and individuals who were also holding positions but were also removed for instigating such actions.

Prof. Alidu said the country had come far in its democratic journey, hence the need to demonstrate maturity and allow the law and processes to take precedence.
Featured

Volta Region to get share of appointments  NDC Chairman

Timothy Gobah Politics Jan - 14 - 2025 , 07:57 3 minutes read

The Volta Regional chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mawutor Agbavitor, has assured the people in the region that President John Mahama will consider qualified persons from the region for appointments in government.

I have taken notice of concerns raised by the good people of the Volta Region, including chiefs and NDC members, on the fears of Volta not being considered for the right quota of appointments

Doubt

For the avoidance of doubt, I want to put on record that Volta Region will be considered for appointments in the new NDC administration without fail, Mr Agbavitor, said in a statement.

It said the president had taken cognisance of the regions loyalty and hard work, as the only region securing over 90% of the votes for the NDC, winning all the 18 seats, including recapturing Hohoe.

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We also reduced the influence of the NPP by 47% in the Volta Region resulting in the emphatic victory secured in 2024 general elections. As such, our meaningful contributions shall be rewarded accordingly.

While we look forward to other opportunities in appointments, I urge the rank and file of our party to exercise some level of restraint and be considerate in our expectations, it said.

The statement asked the people of the region to be rest assured that leadership would continue to work hard in the interest of the party and the people of the Volta Region so far as appointments were concerned.

Support

In a related development, the Volta Regional House of Chiefs (VRHC) has pledged its support for the John Mahama administration and to contribute to the nation-building agenda.

We look forward to working collaboratively with your administration to address the challenges and the opportunities that lie ahead; and we believe that under your guidance, we can foster development that aligns with the needs of the people, ensuring that no community is left behind.

As you embark on this new chapter, please know that you have the full support and goodwill of the VRHC. We wish you great success in your endeavours and look forward to witnessing the positive impact of your leadership in the years to come, it said in a statement signed by the President of the House, Togbe Tepre Hodo.

Appointments

It also called on President John Dramani Mahama to consider individuals from the region in the makeup of his government.

Mr Mahama, a former President, reclaimed the presidency in a historic first, and the VRHC advocated the role of indigenes in the success of the new administration.

Rejuvenation

The statement asked the President to trust individuals from the Volta Region in the pursuit of his agenda for economic rejuvenation.

The Volta Region plays a significant role in the cultural and economic landscape of Ghana, and as you outlined during your interaction with the VRHC during your recent campaign, our Region deserves its fair share of priorities as outlined in your manifesto.

We want to urge you to consider our sons and daughters in forming your team, and to ensure that the region is represented adequately in doing so. They serve as role models for the youth of the region and will undoubtedly support you to achieve your aims, the paramount ruler stated.
Next article: The future of work is here  why agile working will make or break your business in Ghana

Featured

Ghanas 5G wholesale network yet to be utilised by telcos

Kweku Zurek Technology Jan - 14 - 2025 , 14:29 2 minutes read

Two months after the launch of Ghanas first 5G wholesale network, telecommunications operators in the country have yet to lease capacity from the infrastructure to provide commercial 5G services, sparking concerns about the networks immediate impact.

The 5G infrastructure, developed by Next-Gen InfraCo (NGIC), a public-private consortium, was inaugurated on November 1, 2024, by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the then-Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful.

The rollout was celebrated as a transformative initiative to improve digital inclusivity and accelerate national development.

However, during a recent interview on TV3 (on January 3, 2024) Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful emphasised that the government has fulfilled its mandate and placed the responsibility squarely on the shoulders of telecom operators.

I have done my part; the rest of it is left with the TELCOs - Ursula Owusu speaks on Ghanas 5G network #3NewsGH pic.twitter.com/SOcH8dBQWf January 3, 2025



People didn't listen when we were launching it. It's a wholesale infrastructure, we built it. It's now up to the telecoms company to buy capacity from it and deliver it on to their subscribers. I've done my part. The rest of it is left to the telcos and the NGIC. I know I've delivered on my mandate, she stated.

Revolutionary yet unused initiative

The NGIC network, which received a ten-year exclusive licence to deploy 4G and 5G infrastructure, launched with plans to cover Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi by the end of 2024 and achieve nationwide coverage by 2026. The wholesale network model is designed to reduce rollout costs for operators while ensuring rural inclusion through phased expansion and government subsidies for underserved areas.

During the launch event at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel on November 1, 2024, Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful described the project as a revolutionary leap forward that promises to redefine connectivity, productivity, and overall quality of life. She encouraged citizens to hold their service providers accountable for any delays in delivering 5G coverage in the initial rollout areas by December 2024.



If you live in the initial 5G catchment areas and still cannot access 5G by December, kindly call out your network operator, because they have to make it available to you, she urged.
Motorola has refreshed its most popular mid-rangers in North America for 2025. Meet the Moto G 2025 and Moto G Power 2025.

The new Moto G has a 6.7" screen with 120 Hz refresh rate, 1,000-nit peak brightness, and Gorilla Glass 3 on top, 5G support, a 50 MP main camera, a 2 MP macro camera, a 16 MP selfie camera, and a 5,000 mAh battery with support for 30W wired charging. It's powered by MediaTek's Dimensity 6300 SoC.

The Moto G 2025 has a "water-repellent design" and a vegan leather finish. It runs Android 15. It will become available in the US unlocked at Motorola, Amazon, and Best Buy on January 30 for a recommended price of $199.99. You will also find it at practically all carriers.

The Moto G Power 2025 has a 6.8-inch screen with 120 Hz refresh rate, 1,000-nit peak brightness, and Gorilla Glass 5 on top, a 50 MP main camera with OIS, an 8 MP ultrawide, as well as a macro camera, a 16 MP selfie shooter, and a 5,000 mAh battery with support for 30W wired and 15W wireless charging.

It's IP68 and IP69 certified for dust and water resistance, as well as MIL-STD-810H certified for enduring falls from "nearly four feet", temperatures from -4F to 140F, and high humidity levels up to 95%. This one also runs Android 15.

The Moto G Power 2025 will become available in the US on February 6 for $299.99 from the same retailers. It will also be available at most carriers "in the coming months". In Canada, both devices will arrive at "select carriers and national retailers" on May 2 for a yet-undisclosed price.

Source
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OnePlus 13 global model gets new update with Gemini Nano and camera improvements

The OnePlus 13, which began its international rollout last week, is receiving a new software update, with support for Google's Gemini Nano AI model being the biggest highlight.

OnePlus 13

The update's changelog doesn't mention Gemini Nano, but Android Authority reports it brings the Android AICore app necessary to download Gemini Nano. And once it's updated from the Play Store, the OnePlus 13 starts downloading Gemini Nano when you tap the Magic Compose button in the Google Messages app.

In addition to Gemini Nano, the new software update, having firmware version CPH2655_15.0.0.402(EX01), brings some camera improvements to the OnePlus 13. You can check the complete changelog below for more details.

Adds a Touch to share feature that supports iOS devices. You can share photos and files with a touch.

Optimizes IPv6 connectivity over Wi-Fi.

Improves the stability and expands the compatibility of Bluetooth connections.

Improves network stability and experience.

Adds various styles and personalization to Watermark, including Hasselblad, Masters signature, Film, Classic camera, and more.

Improves the clarity of previews and photos in Portrait and Photo modes.

Improves the clarity of videos shot in 4K at 60 fps.

Improves the color performance of photos taken with the main camera and telephoto lens in Photo mode.

Fixes an issue where photos might be too bright when taken with the rear camera in Photo mode.

Improves the tone and color accuracy of photos taken with the rear camera in Photo mode.

Improves audio quality.

Adds charging status to Live Alerts for a better user experience.

Improves system stability and performance.

Integrates the December 2024 Android security patch to enhance system security.

Adds AI features to Google Messages.

You can now add the 1  2 Weather widget to the Home screen.

Improves the look and feel of the step tracker widget.

Improves the look and feel of the Storage cleaner widget.

Via
Samsung is hosting the Galaxy Unpacked event on January 22, where it's expected to unveil the Galaxy S25 series. While the brand is yet to divulge anything about its 2025 flagships, a new rumor claims the deliveries of the S25 series will start in India around February 3, with sales kicking off by February 9.

The Samsung Galaxy S25 series includes three phones - Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25+, and Galaxy S25 Ultra. The Galaxy S25 Slim is said to arrive later. The source says the Galaxy S25 Ultra will be available in 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB storage variants in India with seven color options - Titanium Gray, Titanium Black, Titanium Silver Blue, Titanium Pink Gold, Titanium White Silver, Titanium Jade Green, and Titanium Jet Black.



Samsung Galaxy S25, S25+, S25 Ultra's leaked renders (Source: Evan Blass)

The Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25+ will come in 256GB and 512GB versions in India, and these will be offered in Blue Black, Silver Shadow, Pink Gold, Coral Red, Mint, and Navy/Ice Blue colors.

We are just about a week away from the Galaxy Unpacked, so there's little waiting to know all about the Galaxy S25 trio's specs, features, pricing, and availability.

Source
Xiaomi's Mix Flip 2 is rumored to launch earlier in the year than its predecessor thanks to that device's allegedly very good sales numbers. The Mix Flip 2 will allegedly arrive with a bigger battery in a thinner and lighter body, which is all good news.

Today we have some not so good news as well. The Mix Flip 2 will stick with two 'rear' cameras, and interestingly will switch the telephoto of the original with a 50 MP ultrawide using a 1/2.76" type sensor. This will be paired with a 50 MP main camera with a 1/1.5" type sensor.

Original Xiaomi Mix Flip

The phone will be powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, and its main, folding LTPO OLED screen will have "1.5K" resolution and 6.85" size. The cover display will remain huge, NFC will be supported, and there will be a side-mounted fingerprint sensor embedded into the power button.

The Mix Flip 2 will be IPX8 certified for water resistance, unlike its predecessor, and will also support wireless charging. These are all the spec details that have been outed today. Overall it's looking like an interesting upgrade compared to the original, but we do wish Xiaomi would have fitted three cameras on the rear to avoid the inevitable telephoto vs. ultrawide discussion.

Xiaomi Mix Flip

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Guam Fast Foods, the franchise owners of KFC and Sbarro on Guam, celebrated its top-performing employees of 2024 during a recent appreciation party.

The annual event honored individuals who showcased exceptional leadership, operational excellence, and people skills throughout the year.

Our employees are the heart of our business. Their commitment and passion drive our success, and tonight, we celebrate their achievements and dedication, Frank Cruz, vice president and general manager of Guam Fast Foods, said in a statement.

The 2024 awardees include:

Amerly Assoson  KFC Tamuning

Bomae Salomon  KFC Dededo

Henry Ruben  KFC Anigua

Mathew Sammy  KFC Barrigada

Prescilla Wuluyolmen  KFC Yigo

Sam Jr Manel  KFC Mangilao

Kiara Uehara  KFC Micronesia Mall

Jayleen Tarucho  KFC GPO

Jasmin Espinoza  Sbarro Micronesia Mall

Rjake Espera  Sbarro GPO

These outstanding team members were recognized for their dedication, hard work, and contributions to delivering exceptional service and maintaining high standards in their respective branches, Guam Fast Foods said in a release.

Lars Peterson, president and managing director of Guam Fast Foods, highlighted the honorees critical role in the organizations accomplishments.

Each of these individuals has gone above and beyond to ensure excellence in both operations and customer service, Peterson said. Their contributions inspire us all to aim higher and achieve more as a team.

With a strong team of dedicated employees, Guamn Fast Foods said it is poised for continued growth and success in 2025.
The Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services said the mobile phone and landline health survey of Guam residents continues.

The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey is conducted year-round over the phone through the following number: (808) 528-4050.

It addresses crucial topics such as diabetes, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, physical activity, obesity and other health related variables.

It is the largest ongoing telephone health survey that collects data from adults, age 18 and older, across the United States and its territories.

The BRFSS survey gathers important data to support public health initiatives focused on the health and well-being of Guams residents, DPHSS said.

The information collected will provide local and federal health programs with state-specific data essential to developing health priorities, supporting health care funding, and creating or expanding programs that promote health and prevent disease on Guam.

The BRFSS, established in 1984 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is the nations premier system of health-related telephone surveys.

BRFSS collects data on health-related behaviors, chronic health conditions, and the use of preventive services across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and three U.S. territories.

Guam has been a proud participant in the BRFSS since 2001, contributing valuable data to support public health efforts locally and nationally, DPHSS said.

To learn more about BRFSS or to access Guams data, individuals can visit the CDCs website at https://www.cdc.gov/brfss/brfssprevalence/index.html.
A new $11.5 million police communication system, which has officially replaced a 30-year-old infrastructure, marks Guam Police Departments modernization that officials say would help keep Guam safer.

Public safety leaders and government officials gathered on Monday at Adelup to celebrate the launch of the new P25 system.

GPD said the total contract amount for the modern communication system is a little over $11.547 million, which GovGuam paid for using federal American Rescue Plan funds.

At the Adelup ceremony, Chief of Police Steve Ignacio addressed the challenges posed by the outdated land mobile radio system, which he said had been in operation for more than 30 years.

When I came on board as chief in 2019, I established one of the goals, in collaboration with the governor and lieutenant governor, to get a secure, sound, and reliable communication system, Ignacio said. We realized that the system was over 30 years old and well past its useful life. I remember when the Smart Net System was first deployed back in the late 80s. Its that old and that antiquated.

Before this, GPD had relied on the Motorola SmartNet System for over three decades, a system that had faced numerous challenges.

Ignacio had previously referred to it as a dinosaur in 2022.

We realized that we were running out of band-aids to fix the Smart Net system, Ignacio said. It was used to keep communication open for first responders during emergencies and natural disasters.

The outdated system also presented issues for other public safety agencies, which were deterred by the systems high costs and limited reliability.

That was the biggest factor in their decision to not use it, Ignacio said.

Ignacio also said that there had been previous unsuccessful attempts to modernize the system over the past decade.

However, a successful collaboration with Banyan Networks in 2022 helped bring the project to fruition.

In 2024, Motorola Solutions was selected to implement the new P25 system, which was expected to greatly enhance coverage, reliability, and security.

Were glad to say that by the end of 2024, we were able to award the contract to Motorola Solutions to bring Guams public safety communications system into the modern age, Ignacio said.

The new system will benefit a range of public safety agencies, including the Department of Corrections and Department of Youth Affairs, which are expected to enjoy improved connectivity.

The primary users of this system, who rely on it daily to ensure the safety of their personnel, especially officers and firefighters, are the Guam Police Department and the Guam Fire Department, Ignacio added. Weve long wanted a safer and more reliable communication system.

System benefits

Josh Mendoza, vice president of Motorola Solutions, said the P25 system will enhance communication by improving coverage, reliability, and security for first responders, particularly in harsh environments and during natural disasters.

Since 1989, our land mobile radio system has been supporting first responders, government workers, and other public service agencies with reliable communications, Mendoza said. Now, were working with the government of Guam to transition this system into the next generation.

Key features of the new system include encryption, cybersecurity, and mobile phone access.

These upgrades will ensure first responders and government agencies can continue to communicate and stay connected in the harshest environments, Mendoza said.

Mendoza also noted that the system would automatically switch to a leased line if one connection fails, such as when microwave antennas go out of alignment during a typhoon, ensuring uninterrupted service.

He added that the new system will introduce an additional site to extend coverage, particularly in the northern part of the island.

The radios are also capable of operating on FirstNet, which will provide better coverage in places like basements or areas with limited cellular service, Mendoza said. Motorola Solutions looks forward to continuing its partnership with the government of Guam and supporting first responders as they use this critical communication system to keep citizens safe.

Mendoza said mobile phone access would allow public safety personnel to stay connected even without carrying a radio.

Those who need to remain connected while on the go will be able to access the system via their smartphones.

Integrated ecosystem

Mendoza said GovGuam is implementing an integrated ecosystem of solutions with Motorola, which will cover everything from 911 call handling to records management.

With one vendor responsible for the entire solution, there will be no finger-pointing between vendors when issues arise, Mendoza said.

Motorolas solution comes with a three-year warranty, ensuring continuous support during the systems deployment.

Mendoza also noted Motorolas provision of body-worn cameras for law enforcement, complementing the radio and LTE infrastructure.

Were excited to continue working with you to further develop this ecosystem for the government of Guam, Mendoza said. We look forward to expanding our partnership beyond this current system.

Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio also spoke about the significance of the new system.

I just wanted to briefly thank you for making us more resilient, Tenorio said. We now have the industry leader responsible for providing communications throughout the country and the world.

Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero, in expressing support for the new system, noted the importance of reliable communication systems in ensuring the safety of first responders and the public.

She also thanked Motorola and Banyan Networks for their expertise and support.

Communication is not a luxury. Its a necessity in our lives, she said. This is just one way our administration continues to provide for the quality of life, the protection of life, and the betterment of our island and our people.
Farmers and their families are invited to a two-hour session on Jan. 18 that will provide an introduction to planning the transfer of farm ownership and management to the next generation.

Participants will learn about the key steps involved in creating a succession plan, including legal and financial considerations, family communication strategies, and goal setting.

The workshop is being offered by the Farmer Focus Project under the University of Guam Cooperative Extension and Outreach.

It will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday in the UOG Agriculture and Life Sciences Building.

In a survey of regional farmers that we conducted in 2021, 38% of farmers expressed that succession planning for their farm was a frequent source of stress, Tim de La Cruz, a family and consumer science extension specialist at UOG and co-director of the Farmer Focus Project, said in a statement. With this event, were hoping to connect farmers with tools and resources to get them started on a plan so they can feel more at ease about the future.

Facilitating the workshop will be Franklin Sablan, a human resources specialist with more than 25 years of experience spanning multiple industries and sectors.

Sablan is the director of human resources for Pay-Less Supermarkets, as well as the founder and board president of Guams Alternative Lifestyle Association, GALA, a nonprofit organization that strengthens the quality of life for the LGBTQIA+ community by providing critical health and social service programs.

How to registerThe workshop has a non-refundable registration fee of $15.

Interested participants can register at https://url.uog.edu/succession or by contacting Kaelan Arciaga at (671) 735-2089 or arciagak11755@triton.uog.edu.

Farmer Focus is a program of the Cooperative Extension and Outreach service under UOGs Land Grant that researches the lives of farmers in the Pacific region and coordinates outreach and education efforts to alleviate their stress and enhance their well-being.

The program is a sub-grantee of the U.S. Department of Agriculture-funded Western Region Agricultural Stress Assistance Program at Washington State University.




Haiti - Economy : DR exported nearly $900 million USD to Haiti (2024)





According to a report by the Direccion General De Aduanas Dominican Customs Directorate, during the year 2024, the Dominican Republic exported goods to Haiti for a value of 896.1 million US dollars, an amount that exceeds by only 23 million (2.6%) the 873.1 million US dollars exported in 2023.



According to the report, 601.1 million dollars correspond to the export of national products, or 67%, while the remaining 294.9 million dollars are raw materials destined for the free zones in Haiti.



The importance of Haiti as an export destination is that it represents a trade balance almost entirely in favor of the Dominican Republic. The figures indicate that local exports to Haiti represent 98.5% and only 1.5% correspond to imports of products from Haiti.



In addition, the Dominican Republic benefits from lax customs regulations on products entering Haiti due to the weakness of Haitian institutions and benefits from growing needs in a context of insecurity and slower and more uncertain international supplies (security).



SL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - Security : Overview of US Department of Defense support in Haiti





U.S. Southern Command released an overview of the Department of Defenses support to Haitis airport security and the Multinational Security Support Mission (MMSS) in early January 2025.



The United States continues to provide robust and multifaceted support to Haiti as it moves toward a more secure and prosperous future.



Department of Defense Support:



Airlift :

- 180 sorties flown to Haiti;

- 5,166 tons of cargo delivered;

- Civilian contractors transported.



Cargo delivered :

- Hygiene and sanitation;

- Construction materials;

- Sustainmemt (food, beverages, etc.);

- Heavy equipment;

- Medical equipment and supplies;

- Protective equipment;

- Non-lethal equipment;

- Vehicles.



Support :

Reestablishment of security at the Port-au-Prince airport and maintenance of the Mission.







HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping...





The CG of PAP refuses to leave his post

The installation of Me Frantz Monclair, the new Commissioner of the Government a.i (CG) of Port-au-Prince scheduled for Monday, January 13, 2025, did not take place. Me Bourgoin, the current Government Commissioner, believes that he cannot leave his post for another while he sits on the Superior Council of the Judiciary (CSPJ), relying on Article 10 of the law creating the CSPJ which stipulates: "The magistrates who are members of the CSPJ cannot be appointed to another judicial post, even on an equal basis, during the entire exercise of their mandate at the CSPJ, except by resigning prior to the appointment procedure." Adding "I am not attached to a job but I am attached to respecting the law and procedure [...] It is not by changing the Government Commissioner that the legal problems will be resolved [...]"



Canada unable to deport a Haitian criminal

The Canadian Government has been unable for 13 years to deport a Haitian Samuel Jean-Baptiste (39 years old) a violent repeat offender, under notice of deportation for serious criminality in 2011. Since that time, Samuel Jean-Baptiste has multiplied appeals to avoid being deported. Three weeks ago, a federal court judge suspended his deportation to Haiti.



Corruption : Edwin Tonton wins in the Court of Appeal

The Court of Appeal of Port-au-Prince overturns the order of the investigating judge Jean Wilner Morin relating to the corruption case involving the former Director of the Social Assistance Fund, Edwin Tonton and other employees concerned, for lack of evidence.



Voltaire to respond to Fanmi Lavalas ultimatum

Following the ultimatum issued by the Fanmi Lavalas board of directors to Leslie Voltaire, President pro tempore of the Transitional Council, giving him until January 15 to decide on the situation of the advisors indicted in the BNC corruption scandal, Leslie Voltaire responded that a response will be given this Tuesday, January 14, 2025.



The 17 Colombian "mercenaries" heard at the Court of Appeal

On Monday, January 13, 2025, following the appeal of the order of the investigating judge Walter Wesser Voltaire referring them to the Criminal Court with the assistance of a jury, the 17 former Colombian soldiers who played a role in the assassination of President Jovenel Moise were heard at the Court of Appeal of Port-au-Prince.



Reminder : "Giving Voice to Young People in Haiti" competition

The Economic and Social Assistance Fund (FAES), that registration for the "Giving Voice to Young People in Haiti" competition launched in early December 2024 ends on January 20, 2025. All the details in https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43761-haiti-social-young-actors-of-change-contest-applications-open.html



HL/ HaitiLibre


















Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) is supplying AI servers worth around 1 billion US dollars to Elon Musk's company xAI. This was reported by the Bloomberg financial service. The agreement was reached at the end of 2024. HPE did not wish to comment on the deal as it is confidential.

Anzeige

The US company xAI operates the AI system Grok, which is linked to the social media platform X, as well as other AI models and applications.

At the end of September 2024, Elon Musk announced that xAI had built the huge "Colossus" AI system in record time in a former Electrolux plant in Memphis, Tennessee. It was also announced that this AI data center would continue to grow.

Servers from Dell and Supermicro were used for Colossus. Shortly afterwards, however, irregularities in Supermicro's financial reports came to light.

According to Bloomberg, HPE was able to outbid its competitors Dell and Supermicro, who would have bid again. According to analysts, HPE's AI server business lagged behind Dell and Supermicro for some time. Musk's company's confidence in HPE's offerings could therefore be interpreted as an accolade.

Grok-2 is free for all X users

The demand for computers to perform AI tasks has led to a boom among manufacturers of high-performance servers and special chips and processors .

and processors. Companies from Musk's empire such as Tesla and xAI are among the major buyers of such hardware and associated services.

Anzeige

The main xAI product, the Grok chatbot, was initially only available to paying users. In mid-December, the company announced that its new version based on the Grok-2, model, would gradually be made available to all users of the network free of charge. This included new functions such as web search, quotes and the Aurora image generator. Premium users will receive higher usage limits and will be the first to have access to additional features in future.

Shortly before Christmas, Musk was able to raise around six billion US dollars in venture capital for xAI in a further financing round. The investors include Sequoia Capital, Nvidia and AMD. The aim is for Grok to catch up with the AI models of OpenAI, Google, Meta & Co. At the time, it was said that Nvidia and AMD would help xAI to expand its own infrastructure.

Musk is suspected of having used Grok for his detailed AfD election recommendation. However, the chatbot particularly recommends the Greens when asked for a party to recommend for the Bundestag elections: "They are considered by some to be the only party with a well thought-out and sustainable concept without populism."

(nen)
A group of environmental advocacies argued in the complaint that the measures laid out by the central administration in conjunction with its climate report for last year are insufficient and, as a result, are in violation of obligations arising from the climate act and international climate commitments.

THE SUPREME Administrative Court (KHO) of Finland has turned down the second climate complaint submitted in Finland, reports YLE.

While KHO decided to consider the complaint  unlike the first complaint, which was rejected as invalid  it pointed out that the central administration has recognised the need for additional measures particularly in the land-use sector and begun drafting the measures. As implementing the measures takes time, it added, it is impossible to rule on whether they can be considered insufficient relative to the target set for the burden-sharing sector for 2030 and the climate-neutrality target set for 2035.

The climate report therefore cannot be regarded as violating law.

The court also noted that the complaint could yield a different conclusion at a later date, if it was shown that the additional measures are insufficient to meet the binding objectives set forth in the climate act.

The complaint was submitted to KHO by Amnesty International Finland, Greenpeace Norden, Finnish Climate Grandparents, Finnish Association for Nature Conservation (SLL), Finnish Nature Association and Finnish Sami Youth Association. They argued that government inaction is threatening the realisation of a total of six sections of the climate act, as well as infringing on basic and human rights.

Although disappointing, the ruling was welcomed as a step forward by SLL.

Our complaint being rejected is a tremendous disappointment. However, KHO confirmed that the carbon-neutrality target for 2035 and other targets in the climate act require compliance and obligate the government to take further measures to achieve carbon neutrality in line with the climate act, said Hannes Koljonen, an environmental law expert at SLL.

If this is not done, it can have legal consequences. This is a final warning of sorts to the government.

It has to make decisions on new emission reduction measures and measures to rescue the carbon sinks in the framework session this spring, he added.

YLE reminded in its report last week that experts have long sounded the alarm that the country is on track to fall well short of its climate goals. Also Minister of Climate and the Environment Kai Mykkanen (NCP) conceded in conjunction with the launch of the climate report in mid-2024 that a substantial drop in logging volumes is a prerequisite to meeting the goals.

The government has similarly acknowledged that it will not be able to strengthen the carbon sink of forests to the degree required by the EU. The Finnish Climate Change Panel, in turn, has reprimanded the government for measures that increase transport emissions, despite a pledge made to the 27-country bloc to reduce them significantly.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT
Orpo on Saturday stated on YLE Ykkosaamu that he will not rule out the possibility of joint borrowing to strengthen defence capabilities as long as the funds are spent in areas responsible for defending Europe  in Finland, the Baltics and Eastern Europe, rather than in Western or Southern Europe.

PRIME MINISTER Petteri Orpo (NCP) has revealed that he is personally not opposed to the idea of funding defence acquisitions with common EU debt.

The sums are so big that we cant do it alone, he explained to the public broadcasting company.

He revealed that the government is looking to garner support from other member states for its position that there should be greater leeway for defence expenditure in the fiscal policy rules of the EU. The government is advocating for exempting defence expenditure from the deficit targets of the 27-country bloc.

The EU expects its members to maintain a public deficit less than 3 per cent and a debt ratio less than 60 per cent of their gross domestic product.

The Finns Party is very critical of the idea of joint borrowing, according to YLE. Jani Makela, the chairperson of the Finns Party Parliamentary Group, said to the public broadcasting company that he is doubtful that the union can agree on a financial package such as that envisaged by Orpo.

Theres no concrete proposal for what this package would be like. I doubt its credible that the EU package could be one where Finland receives more than it contributes, he said.

Were such a package devised, it would be prudent to look into the conditions attached to it, added Makela. The package, for example, should not obligate member states to acquire weapons systems from manufacturers in Europe.

The weapons you acquire have to be the best, he stated.

He also reminded that the government has taken what is principally a sceptical stance on common debt, with the government programme stating that the government will not approve of mechanisms such as the common recovery fund.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT
Congressional delegation urges Biden not to shift disaster aid to California

U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards and other North Carolina representatives are urging President Joe Biden and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell not to shift resources and personnel from the N.C. mountains to California to fight wildfires there.

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"We are writing to express our concern that in light of the latest natural disaster occurring in California, FEMA might be tempted to pull personnel from Western North Carolina who are still vital to our ongoing recovery efforts," the letter from both Republican U.S. House and Senate members said. "We urge you in the strongest manner possible not to draw down manpower from our devastated region.



"As members of Congress from the state of North Carolina, we are familiar with the destruction and despair communities experience during and following a natural disaster. While we recognize the urgency of addressing the devastation caused by these fires and extend our support in whatever other ways possible, we implore you to recognize the urgent needs that remain in North Carolina."

Edwards was joined on the letter by Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), Senator Ted Budd (R-NC), Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (NC-05), Congressman Pat Harrigan (NC-10), Congressman Mark Harris (NC-08), Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09), Congressman Brad Knott (NC-13), Congressman Addison McDowell (NC-06), Congressman Tim Moore (NC-14), Congressman Greg Murphy (NC-03), and Congressman David Rouzer (NC-07).
BOARDMAN  The Blue Mountain Community College Foundation is hosting its inaugural gala fundraiser on Feb. 22, 7 p.m. at the SAGE Event Center, 101 Olson Road, Boardman.

The event will provide an opportunity to celebrate, raise awareness, network and generate support for the foundations mission to provide scholarships and success for BMCC students. Tickets are $80 per person and includes a buffet dinner and an auction. Items up for bid include National Finals Rodeo tickets, experiences featuring fishing, Jackalope Jamboree and the Tri-City Americans and packages from the Portland Trail Blazers, Walla Walla Balloon Stampede and Eagle Crest Resort. Semi-formal attire is requested.

For tickets, visit bit.ly/3WFOSM7 or contact BMCC Foundation Executive Director Ken Daniel at kdaniel@bluecc.edu or 541-278-5775. For more about the foundation, search bluecc.edu/foundation.



[UPDATE, Jan. 14, 1:45 p.m.]: The Blue Mountain Community College Foundation announced that the date has changed for its inaugural gala fundraiser. The event is Feb. 22, 7 p.m. at the SAGE Event Center, Boardman.
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Sudan: Civilians and soldiers celebrated in Wad Madani, the capital of the El Gezira state, after it was recaptured by the Sudanese army from the paramilitary Rapid Support Services, marking a possible turning point in a devastating near two-year civil war.


A Spring Festival gathering was held in east China's Hefei, bringing together foreign nationals from 45 countries and regions. Participants shared their views on the Chinese New Year and expressed their excitement for the upcoming Spring Festival celebrations.
Tourists were stunned to spot the sea lion fling the octopus around on the shore of Kangaroo Island. Source: Facebook/Luca Lovison

A group of tourists got an eyeful while touring Kangaroo Island last week, witnessing an incredible act of nature play out on the shoreline. The flailing movements in the waves caught them off guard, and initially thinking it was one animal causing the commotion, it was only on further inspection they realised there were two involved.

Tour guide Luca Lovison told Yahoo News it is "so rare to see" and was delighted to have caught the moment on camera. "We saw a sea lion playing with something. It was actually his lunch! A huge octopus, he was tossing it and pulling it to try to break it, I guess," he told Yahoo.

The stunning photos show the sea lion in the throws of breaking down his lunch, swinging the octopus above his head and against the sand beneath him. The octopus being held in the sea lion's mouth while its eight tentacles are fanned mid-air creates a striking shape, making it difficult to distinguish the animals from one another.

Sea lions eat a wide variety of marine animals but seeing it capture its meal up close and personal was 'rare'. Source: Facebook/Luca Lovison

Endangered sea lion population on Kangaroo Island is dwindling

It's well-known that sea lions eat a wide variety of seafood but Luca and his guests were lucky to catch sight of his dining quests "so close to the beach".

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The sea lions found on Kangaroo Island are an endangered species, with an entire estimated population of just 12,000. Roughly 800 live in Sea Bay on the island, with their small external ear flap making them their own species native to the country.

The colony attracts more than 100,000 travellers to the island each year. The only research facility in the world dedicated to the species is situated on Kangaroo Island. However, over the last 20 years, the sea lion population has been dwindling. Both natural factors and environmental impacts of humans are contributing to putting them at risk.

As the sea lions boost tourism and allow visitors to witness spectacular scenes like last week, those working in the research facility ask people to do their bit to minimise environmental impact while visiting.

"When visiting Kangaroo Island you can do your bit by being mindful of your ecological footprint, picking up marine pollution on our beaches and visiting our breeding colony at Seal Bay to learn more about the species," Ashleigh Wycherley, Seal Bay Conservation Park research and operations coordinator, told Yahoo News Australia previously.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Nationals senator Matt Canavan says the Albanese government should put aside their egos and partner with Elon Musks Starlink internet operators in order to boost the capabilities of the National Broadband Network.

His comments come off the back of Labors announcement to inject a further $3bn into the government-owned broadband network, which would allow 95 per cent of premises, or about 622,000 households, to upgrade to speeds of up to 1 gigabyte-per-second.

While the Coalition has said it wont be standing in the way of the funding bid, Senator Canavan urged the government to work with the clearly superior satellite internet service to boost take-up in the network.

Elon Musk has clashed with the Australian government in the past 12 months. Source: Reuters

One of the reasons the NBN is struggling at the moment is because the likes of Elon Musk Starlink is taking their customers, and at least where I live in out in rural and regional Australia, the services of Starlink are clearly superior  thats the feedback I get, he told Sky News on Tuesday.

The question for the government, though, is why arent they talking to Elon Musk and maybe partnering with Starlink to get better value for taxpayers.

He added that any hesitancy from the government was likely due to its political differences with the conservative business magnate, who also owns social media platform X and is a key Donald Trump ally.

Youve got to think that one of the reasons perhaps this government wont talk to Elon Musk is they just dont like his politics, and that sort of stubbornness is coming at the cost of billions of dollars of losses for the Australian taxpayer, Senator Canavan said.

So put aside your egos and put the Australian taxpayer first.

- NCA NewsWire
Key mediator Qatar said negotiations for a Gaza truce and hostage release deal were in their "final stages" on Tuesday, adding that it was hopeful an agreement could be reached "very soon".

Qatar, Egypt and the United States have stepped up efforts to broker a ceasefire to enable the release of hostages held in Gaza since Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.

On Monday, US President Joe Biden said a deal was "on the brink" of being finalised, just days before the inauguration of his successor, Donald Trump.

On Tuesday, Qatar foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said the negotiations were in their "final stages".

"We do believe that we are at the final stages... certainly we are hopeful that this would lead very soon to an agreement," Ansari said, adding "until there is an announcement... we shouldn't be over-excited about what's happening right now".

"We have reached a point where the major issues that were preventing a deal from happening were addressed," he told a news conference.

Hamas's October 7 attack, the deadliest in Israel's history, resulted in the deaths of 1,210 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of official Israeli figures.

On that day, militants also took 251 people hostage, 94 of whom are still being held in Gaza, including 34 the Israeli military says are dead.

Israel's retaliatory campaign in Gaza has killed 46,645 people, a majority of them civilians, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory, figures that the UN considers reliable.

A source briefed on the Doha negotiations said earlier the heads of Israel's intelligence agencies, the Middle East envoys for the incoming and outgoing US administrations and Qatar's prime minister had been due at the talks.

"Mediators will hold separate talks with Hamas," the source said.

Qatar said later the talks were being held at the "highest level".

Sources close to the talks and Israeli media said the first phase of a deal would see 33 Israeli hostages released, while two Palestinian sources close to Hamas told AFP that Israel would release about 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange.

An Israeli government official said that "several hundred terrorists will be released" as part of the first phase of the deal.

Israeli media also reported on Tuesday that under the proposed deal, Israel would be allowed to maintain a buffer zone inside Gaza during the implementation of the first phase.

Hamas said it hoped for a "clear and comprehensive agreement", adding that it had held consultations with other Palestinian factions and informed them of the "progress made".

Israel's far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich warned on Monday he would oppose any deal that stopped the war.

"The proposed agreement is a catastrophe for Israel's national security," Smotrich said on X.

An outspoken member of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ruling coalition, Smotrich has repeatedly opposed halting the war in Gaza.

His comments came amid rising calls by Israelis, particularly families of hostages held in Gaza, to reach an accord that would bring their loved ones home.

Among the key sticking points in the talks have been disagreements over the permanence of any ceasefire and the scale of humanitarian aid for the Palestinian territory.

Other points of contention include the return of displaced Gazans to their homes, the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Palestinian territory and the reopening of border crossings.

Netanyahu has firmly rejected a full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and has opposed any Palestinian governance of the territory.

Even as intense diplomatic efforts continued towards a truce deal, Israeli forces pounded targets across Gaza.

The territory's civil defence agency said overnight air strikes and shelling killed at least 18 people in Gaza City in the north, the central area of Deir el-Balah and Khan Yunis in the south.

"Last night was harsh and bloody," spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP.

The Israeli military said it targeted Hamas militants.

"Overnight, with the direction of IDF (army) intelligence, the IAF (air force) conducted several strikes on Hamas terrorists who were involved in terror activities," it told AFP.

The health ministry in Gaza said 61 people were killed in the Palestinian territory over the past 24 hours.

Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, whose country neighbours Israel, on Tuesday expressed hope that an agreement would allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza.

"Gaza has been destroyed and needs a ceasefire" to end the "unprecedented humanitarian crisis," he said.
Beijing (Gasgoo)- On January 10, Dongfeng Motor's Southeast Asia marketing center for passenger vehicles held a launch event in Vietnam, marking another significant milestone in the brand's global expansion, according to the company's WeChat post on Jan. 13.

Photo credit: Dongfeng Motor

During the event, Dongfeng Motor signed a supply agreement with a leading Vietnamese taxi company for 200 electric vehicles, solidifying its commercial presence in the local market.

Photo credit: Dongfeng Motor

The event featured the unveiling of four models, namely, the MAGE, the HUGE, the E70, and the BOX. With their stylish exteriors and technology-rich interiors, these vehicles highlight Dongfeng Motor's capabilities in R&D and design. Pricing, warranty details, and promotional offers for the new models were also announced at the event, providing Vietnamese consumers with a range of attractive purchase options.

The successful debut of these models in Vietnam is a key step in Dongfeng Motor's international market strategy. Looking ahead, Dongfeng Motor Industry Imp. & Exp. Company plans to deepen its presence in overseas markets, bringing high-quality products and services to more global consumers and driving the growth of Chinese automotive brands on the international stage.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On January 13, CATL, FAW Hongqi, and Shenzhen Longsheng New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. (LS energy) jointly conducted the groundbreaking ceremony of Hong Kong's first Choco-Swap station for passenger vehicles, marking a significant milestone in the city's development of new energy vehicle infrastructure.

Photo credit: CATL

Under the cooperation, Contemporary Amperex Energy Service Technology Limited (CAES), a wholly-owned subsidiary of CATL, introduced its Choco-Swap solution, creating a new ecosystem for new energy vehicle refueling. Besides, the company leveraged CATL's expertise in battery asset management to promote battery cyclic utilization, contributing to sustainable development. The implementation of this technology provides a crucial solution to address the challenges such as limited land availability and insufficient charging infrastructure in Hong Kong.

The Hongqi E-QM5, one of the initial models available for CATL's Choco-Swap solution, will be the first to be launched in the Hong Kong market. LS energy will be responsible for handling land resources, infrastructure modifications, and vehicle sales.

The tripartite collaboration aims to establish Choco-Swap stations across Hong Kong and deploy battery electric taxis based on the Hongqi E-QM5 model. In the long-term plans, the three parties plan to create a new energy mobility network that covers Hong Kong and extends to ASEAN regions.

This initiative will not only enhance Hong Kong's green transportation infrastructure, but also create new opportunities for international business expansion of CATL's Choco-Swap ecosystem capitalizing on the city's unique connectivity to global markets.

At the Choco-Swap ecosystem conference held in December 2024, CATL released a clear timetable for the construction of its battery swap network: by 2025, it will build 1,000 Choco-Swap stations and will expand into Hong Kong and Macao. In its mid-term plan, CATL will build 10,000 stations together with its partners. As the battery swap ecosystem expands, and through the joint efforts of the whole society, there will be 30,000 Choco-Swap stations built eventually.
IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the world's leading hotel companies, has announced the signing of The Venue, Vignette Collection Jeddah Corniche. This collaboration with Saudi Arabia's dynamic Al Harithy Group marks a significant milestone in Jeddah's hospitality sector, catering to the growing demand for authentic, curated hospitality experiences in the bustling city.

Slated to be rebranded by late 2025, the 193-key property is situated on the vibrant Jeddah Corniche with views overlooking the Red Sea Coast. This strategic addition reinforces IHG's commitment to aligning its growth with the tourism ambitions under Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.

The property will undergo renovation and open as The Venue, Vignette Collection Jeddah Corniche next year, blending contemporary elegance with the property's rich history, dating back to its establishment in 1997, ensuring a luxury upper-upscale experience. The hotel will feature a diverse range of amenities, including Jeddah's first pillar-less wedding hall, 'Duniaty,' along with indoor and outdoor pools, three dining venues, a state-of-the-art business center, 13 meeting rooms, SPA fitness center, and beauty salon.

The Vignette Collection is a family of one-of-a-kind, exclusive hotels curated for guests seeking rich and varied stay experiences. The brand allows owners of world-class independent hotels to retain their distinctive identity while benefiting from IHG's global scale and luxury and lifestyle expertise.

Hotel website
Table of Contents

1-Benchmarking: Beyond Numbers, Toward Insights

2-Operational Benchmarking in Action

3-Profit Intelligence: The New Benchmark

4-Bridging Strategy and Execution

5-From Data to Decisions: Empowering Hoteliers

6-Benchmarking as a Growth Catalyst

In the hyper-competitive landscape of the hospitality industry, operational benchmarking emerges not just as a tool but as a strategic lever for unlocking profitability. The days of relying solely on traditional KPIs like RevPAR are over; today's hotel operators need to dive deeper into granular performance data to achieve operational excellence. With a focus on actionable insights, this article examines how leveraging HotStats' operational benchmarking tools can empower hoteliers with unparalleled profit intelligence.

Benchmarking: Beyond Numbers, Toward Insights

Benchmarking has evolved from a simple comparative exercise to a sophisticated framework for decision-making. Its no longer just about knowing how you stack up against the competition; its about understanding why those differences exist and what actions can bridge the gap. For instance, if your labor costs per room are 20% higher than a comparable property, benchmarking doesnt stop at pointing this out. Instead, it can reveal inefficiencies in scheduling, training, or resource allocation that are driving the disparity.

Take the example of a mid-scale hotel noticing discrepancies in its food and beverage (F&B) profitability compared to a similar competitor. Through benchmarking, they might discover that their food cost percentages are skewed due to excessive waste. Addressing this inefficiency could lead to significant improvements not just in F&B profitability but also in overall guest satisfaction.

Operational Benchmarking in Action

Imagine this scenario: Hotel A, a 200-room property in a metropolitan area, is experiencing declining Gross Operating Profit Per Available Room (GOPPAR) despite stable occupancy rates. By using HotStats' operational benchmarking tools, the hotel can:

Identify Revenue Leaks: Data reveals that credit card commissions are 15% higher than industry averages. This insight prompts a renegotiation of vendor contracts.

Optimize Labor Costs: A comparison shows that staffing ratios in housekeeping are 10% above the norm. Reallocating resources while maintaining service standards reduces costs without impacting guest experience.

Enhance Ancillary Revenue: Benchmarks reveal that similar properties generate 25% more revenue from parking operations. This insight leads to a strategic review and re-pricing of parking services.

Each of these adjustments directly impacts profitability, demonstrating the transformative potential of operational benchmarking when applied thoughtfully.

Profit Intelligence: The New Benchmark

Profit intelligence takes benchmarking to the next level by not only identifying areas of improvement but also offering actionable solutions tailored to your business context. For example, benchmarking data might show that energy costs per occupied room are higher than the market average. Profit intelligence tools can then simulate the financial impact of adopting energy-efficient technologies, enabling informed decision-making.

A real-world application of this is a luxury hotel that slashed its utility expenses by 18% after benchmarking its energy consumption and adopting smart energy management systems. This move not only improved GOPPAR but also supported the hotels sustainability goalsa win-win for profitability and brand reputation.

Bridging Strategy and Execution

Effective benchmarking requires a bridge between strategy and execution. Hoteliers often know the "what" but struggle with the "how." This is where a systematic approachlike the 10-step process developed by Robert C. Campbecomes invaluable:

Define Objectives: Identify areas critical to profitability, such as undistributed expenses.

Select Metrics: Choose KPIs that reflect both operational efficiency and guest satisfaction.

Gather Data: Use robust tools like HotStats to collect and analyze comprehensive data.

Set Benchmarks: Compare against industry leaders or peer groups.

Analyze Gaps: Quantify performance discrepancies and understand their root causes.

Develop Action Plans: Create targeted strategies to address identified gaps.

Implement Changes: Roll out initiatives with defined timelines and accountability.

Monitor Progress: Regularly assess improvements against benchmarks.

Reassess Goals: Update benchmarks to align with market dynamics.

Celebrate Successes: Share wins across the organization to foster a culture of continuous improvement.

From Data to Decisions: Empowering Hoteliers

HotStats operational benchmarking tools embody the mantra "Empowering you with hotel profit intelligence." By providing actionable insights across revenue streams, cost centers, and guest satisfaction metrics, HotStats enables hotels to:

Identify and address inefficiencies with surgical precision.

Align operational strategies with market trends.

Achieve sustainable profitability while enhancing guest experiences.

For example, a chain of boutique hotels decides to use HotStats to benchmark their GOPPAR against competitors in the same market segment. Insights reveal that while their labor costs were on par, their utility expenses were 30% higher. Implementing energy-efficient systems led to an 18-month payback period, after which the savings directly boosted their bottom line.

Benchmarking as a Growth Catalyst

Operational benchmarking is more than a performance reviewits a growth catalyst. By leveraging tools like HotStats, hoteliers can transform raw data into profit intelligence, enabling smarter decisions and driving ROI. Whether its optimizing labor costs, enhancing ancillary revenue, or uncovering hidden inefficiencies, the possibilities are endless. With the right approach, benchmarking doesnt just measure successit creates it.

In todays fast-paced hospitality landscape, staying ahead means moving beyond traditional metrics and embracing the power of operational benchmarking. After all, empowered with profit intelligence, hotels dont just competethey lead.

Start your journey with HotStats today and discover how data-driven insights can redefine your success. Email [email protected] to find out more

About HotStats

HotStats is a global data benchmarking company offering specialized performance analysis and a benchmarking tool that helps analyze financial and operational data from a diverse range of hotels globally. This provides hotel owners, operators, and investors with valuable insights into the financial performance of their properties against their competition  an invaluable resource for weighing options and evaluating investment opportunities. For a quick demo, email us at [email protected] or visit www.hotstats.com.

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San Diego, CA  Cloudbeds, the premier hospitality management software platform, has been honored by HotelTechReport as one of the industrys top technology providers in 2025, reaffirming its commitment to helping lodging businesses secure more reservations and enhance guest experiences globally.

Cloudbeds has earned five top honors in the 2025 HotelTechAwards, including the coveted title of Best Hotel Management Software. The company was also recognized as a finalist for Property Management System and Channel Manager and secured a spot in the top 10 for both Hoteliers Choice and Best Places to Work.

As a seven-time winner, Cloudbeds has cemented its place as one of the most-reviewed and highest-rated vendors on HotelTechReport, garnering thousands of reviews from customers worldwide.

This recognition underscores the critical role our team plays in serving hoteliers worldwide. At Cloudbeds, we're laser-focused on delivering enterprise-grade technology and solutions to our customers, and seeing their success reflected in these reviews validates our market leadership. Adam Harris, CEO of Cloudbeds

Each year, 2.5 million hotel industry professionals use HotelTechReport.com to make informed technology purchasing decisions. The HotelTechAwards determines the best hotel software products across every category based on customer feedback and key proprietary data signals such as integration compatibility, organizational health, market share, partner network strength, and customer support quality.

It is the industrys only data-driven awards platform with winners determined not by a handful of judges or popularity votes but by product reviews from a global community of verified hotel technology users across more than 120 countries.

About Cloudbeds

Cloudbeds is the leading platform redefining the concept of PMS for the hospitality industry, serving tens of thousands of properties in more than 150 countries worldwide. Built from the ground up to be masterfully unified and scalable, the award-winning Cloudbeds Platform brings together built-in and integrated solutions that modernize hotel operations, distribution, guest experience, and data & analytics.

Founded in 2012, Cloudbeds has been named a top PMS, Hotel Management System, and Channel Manager (2021-2024) by Hotel Tech Report, Worlds Best Hotel PMS Solutions Provider (2022) by World Travel Awards, and recognized in Deloittes Technology Fast 500 in 2023. For more information, visit www.cloudbeds.com.

About HotelTechReport

HotelTechReport is the global authority in hotel technology, trusted by more than 1.8 million software buyers annually. As the world's leading platform for hotel industry professionals, HotelTechReport empowers hoteliers to make smarter technology decisions with unbiased reviews, expert insights, and data-driven recommendations. By connecting forward-thinking hoteliers with the best software solutions, HotelTechReport drives innovation and operational excellence across the global hospitality sector. Discover the technology that powers the future of hospitality at www.hoteltechreport.com.

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SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Canary Technologies, the industry's leading AI-powered Guest Management System, has demonstrated its prominence in hospitality technology by being recognized with eight 2025 HotelTechAwards from HotelTechReport (HTR).

Source: Canary Technologies

Canary was awarded the #1 spot in multiple categories, winning HTR awards for:

Best Guest Messaging Software

Best Upselling Software

Best Contactless Check-In

Best Cyber Security & Fraud Prevention

Best Digital Tipping Software for Hotels

Best Guest Experience Platform

Top 10 Hoteliers Choice Award

Top 10 Best Places to Work

These awards directly recognize Canarys commitment to building great products and providing exceptional service with the best team in hospitality technology.

Nearly a million hoteliers visited HotelTechReport during this year's awards period, contributing more than 25,000 verified product reviews. Winners are selected based on key criteria such as customer feedback, integration compatibility, organizational health, market share, partner network strength and customer support quality.

Winning 8 HotelTechAwards is a testament to our unwavering commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. Were proud to lead the industry in guest engagement and AI-powered solutions that streamline operations and elevate the guest experience. These awards reflect the incredible work our team and customers have put in to transform hospitality technology. SJ Sawhney, Co-founder and President of Canary Technologies

With repeat wins in several categories, Canary has consistently proven its ability to deliver cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving needs of the hospitality industry.The HotelTechAwards are often referred to as "the Grammys of Hotel Tech" and winners were selected from more than 200 of the top technology products around the world. The awards are the industry's only data-driven platform, with rankings determined by product reviews from a global community of verified hotel technology users across more than 120 countries.

About Canary Technologies

Canary Technologies is revolutionizing the hotel tech stack with its award-winning Guest Management Platform, digitizing everything from post-booking to checkout. Trusted by 20,000+ hoteliers in 90+ countries, including Marriott, Four Seasons and Wyndham, Canary is the top-rated solution on HotelTechReport. Canary's solutions include Canary AI, Mobile Check-In, Smart Checkout, Dynamic Upsells, Guest Messaging, Digital Tipping, AI Voice and more. Canary eliminates paper processes, boosts revenue, increases staff efficiency, enhances the guest experience, and reduces chargebacks and payment fraud.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- The General Office of the People's Government of Henan Province recently issued a notice which outlines that hydrogen-powered trucks traveling on toll roads within Henan province will be exempted from toll fees from January 25 to December 31, 2025. Additionally, battery electric trucks will enjoy a 30% discount on toll fees during the same period.

Photo credit: Yutong

The notice also introduces a preferential industrial electricity pricing policy for off-peak hours from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. between January 28 and February 6 during China's upcoming Spring Festival holiday. According to the notice, industrial enterprises will be charged reduced electricity rates during the period to encourage continuous production and consumption of electricity from renewable energy.

Hydrogen, known for its high energy density, zero emissions, and abundant availability, is widely regarded as an ideal energy resource. Currently, it is primarily applied in fuel cell vehicles. Fuel cells use hydrogen to generate electricity, offering high energy conversion efficiency and silent operation.

In 2024, several provinces across China, including Shandong, Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Jilin, have implemented or explored toll exemption policies for hydrogen-powered vehicles.

Notably, in February 2024, Shandong authorities announced a two-year toll exemption for hydrogen-powered vehicles equipped with ETC devices, effective March 1, 2024, to promote inter-regional operations of those vehicles.
Denver - Lighthouse, the leading commercial platform for the travel & hospitality industry, today announces its fifth consecutive year of category leadership in the HotelTechAwards, winning top honors in the following categories:

Best Rate Shopping & Market Intelligence: Rate Insight

Best Hotel Rate Parity: Parity Insight

Best Business Intelligence: Lighthouse BI

Overall - Top 10 Hotelier's Choice (#3)

The recognition follows Lighthouse's recent $370 million strategic investment from KKR, underlining the company's position as a category-defining leader in hospitality technology. Today, over 70,000 hotels across 185 countries trust Lighthouse to transform data complexity into revenue growth.

Five consecutive years of category leadership validates our commitment and mission to reimagine commercial strategy for travel and hospitality. We're humbled by these awards and really thankful for the trust our customers place in us. With our recent investment from KKR, we're accelerating our investments in AI and data to deliver even more innovation to our industry. The success of our customers and partners is what drives our amazing team to deliver solutions that transform complex data into clear and confident commercial decisions. Sean Fitzpatrick, CEO of Lighthouse

The HotelTechAwards determine winners based on customer feedback and key data signals such as integration compatibility, organizational health, market share, and customer support quality. Each year over 2.5 million hotel industry professionals use HotelTechReport.com to make informed technology purchasing decisions.

Lighthouse has achieved something unprecedented in hospitality tech. They've maintained product excellence and customer focus while scaling from independent properties to global chains. Their recent strategic investment signals an exciting evolution in hospitality commercial intelligence. Jordan Hollander, CEO of Hotel Tech Report

This combination of category leadership and strategic investment positions Lighthouse to accelerate its platform capabilities. Recent innovations in AI-powered pricing intelligence, market insights, and total revenue optimization demonstrate the companys dedication to serving the travel and hospitality industry with new capabilities that drive commercial success for hoteliers.

Experience Lighthouse today: www.mylighthouse.com

About Lighthouse

Lighthouse is the leading commercial platform for the travel & hospitality industry.

We transform complexity into confidence by providing actionable market insights, business intelligence, and pricing tools that maximize revenue growth.

We continually innovate to deliver the best platform for hospitality professionals to price more effectively, measure performance more efficiently, and understand the market in new ways.

Trusted by over 70,000 hotels in 185 countries, Lighthouse is the only solution that provides real-time hotel and short-term rental data in a single platform. We strive to deliver the best possible experience with unmatched customer service. We consider our clients as true partnerstheir success is our success.

For more information about Lighthouse, please visit: https://www.mylighthouse.com.

Jonathan Gough

PR & Content Manager
Sydney, Australia  SiteMinder, the worlds leading hotel distribution and revenue platform, has again dominated at the 2025 HotelTechAwards with its sustained leadership in hotel eCommerce and servicing the modern needs of hoteliers.

For the third consecutive year, the hotel technology pioneer has taken home the title of Best Hotel eCommerce Platform and, for the fourth straight year, the top Hoteliers Choice Award. As a reflection of its leadership within all the areas hoteliers need to be successful onlinedistribution, direct bookings and maintaining an online presencethe company has also taken out the top award in the respective categories of Best Channel Manager, Best Booking Engine, Best Hotel Metasearch Management Software and Best Hotel Website Design.

Additionally, SiteMinder has been named the top finalist in the category of Rate Shopping & Market Intelligence, for the real-time intelligence it provides to hotels, as well as Best Hotel Management System for Little Hotelier, the companys all-in-one solution for small accommodation providers.

At SiteMinder, we know that market leadership doesnt always equate to customer satisfaction. The overwhelming support that our customers show us each year, through the HotelTechAwards, both fills us with immense gratitude and drives us to continue building the product that ensures their success. Leah Rankin, Chief Product Officer at SiteMinder

SiteMinders platform converges the critical capabilities of distribution, revenue optimisation and intelligence, to make hotels as dynamic as the travel environment in which they operate. The platform does so by integrating channel management, direct booking, market intelligence, metasearch and payment solutions together with the hotel industrys largest partner ecosystem of more than 2,150 revenue-centred hotel systems and consultants. For its more than 44,500 users globally, SiteMinders platform generated more than 125 million reservations worth over US$50 billion in revenue last year.

SiteMinders consistent year-over-year dominance in the HotelTechAwards underscores its evolution into a holistic eCommerce platform, empowering hotels to sell digitally across both third-party and direct channels. Providing seamless access to over 2000 systems and hotel consultants, SiteMinder enables hoteliers to optimise their inventory, maximise their revenue and prevent overbookings. Its scalable design and user-friendly interface make it an essential tool for properties of all sizes, while its focus on dynamic pricing and direct booking capabilities positions hotels for sustainable growth. By combining robust connectivity with innovative eCommerce solutions, SiteMinder continues to redefine how hotels thrive in the digital marketplace. Jordan Hollander, CEO at HotelTechReport.com

An accommodation that has benefited from the full range of technological capabilities provided by SiteMinder is Smoky Mountain Resorts in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

It has been a remarkable journey witnessing the continuous evolution and improvements made to SiteMinder's platform. I have come to appreciate how diligently the SiteMinder team has worked to enhance its functionality and features, leaving me with the distinct impression that there is little, if anything at all, left to be desired. Heather Minyard, the resorts director of commercial strategy

About the HotelTechAwards

The HotelTechAwards are produced by HotelTechReport.com, which ranks over 2,600 of the worlds best hotel software companies and products based on authentic, timely reviews from real users. It is used by 2.5 million hotel industry professionals to make informed technology purchasing decisions each year. Based on hotel customer feedback and more than 100,000 proprietary data signals, including integration compatibility, organisational health, market share, partner network strength and customer support quality, the HotelTechAwards is the only data-driven awards program to recognise the worlds best accommodation software. More than 25,000 product reviews were written and verified during this years awards period, making it the most competitive in HotelTechAwards history.

About SiteMinder

SiteMinder Limited (ASX:SDR) is the name behind SiteMinder, the world's leading hotel distribution and revenue platform, and Little Hotelier, an all-in-one hotel management software that makes the lives of small accommodation providers easier. The global company is headquartered in Sydney with offices in Bangalore, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London, Manila and Mexico City. Through its technology and the largest partner ecosystem in the global hotel industry, SiteMinder generates more than 125 million reservations worth over US$50 billion in revenue for its hotel customers each year. For more information, visit siteminder.com.

Maria Cricchiola

Director of Brand Communications & PR

+61 2 9056 7415

View source
SuitePad is proud to announce that it has been named 2025s #1 In-Room Tablet for the 6th time by Hotel Tech Report. In addition to the Best In-Room Tablet Awards, SuitePad has been ranked 5th in Hotel Tech Reports Top 10 Places to Work list.

These achievements highlight SuitePads ability to maintain high standards over time, proving that its solution consistently delivers value to its customers while reflecting the dedication and strong company culture of the SuitePad team.

Each year 2.5 million hotel industry professionals use HotelTechReport.com to make informed technology purchasing decisions. The HotelTechAwards determines the best hotel software products across every category based on customer feedback and key proprietary data signals such as integration compatibility, organizational health, market share, partner network strength, and customer support quality.

The ranking process is simple, transparent, and unbiased--judging is based on time-tested ranking factors developed specifically for the industry. Only verified hoteliers with hands-on experience using each product are allowed to participate in the voting process. This means that SuitePads users decided on the #1 In-Room Tablet. Hotel Tech Report CEO Jordan Hollander

A selection of what their customers said about the real value of SuitePad for their businesses:

We have been a SuitePad customer for several years and are very satisfied. We receive competent advice and support in every form. SuitePad is a modern alternative to the usual hotel information folder in the guest rooms. Our guests receive comprehensive and, above all, always up-to-date information. Content maintenance is quick and easy. Branded Hotel in Dresden (Germany)

In-room information about all the hotel facilities; Allows the client to follow their request; Room service sales grew up by 20 % after installing SuitePad. Perfectly fits our needs; And all the details that were not attended during configuration can be done afterwards with the Suitepad team. Boutique in Lisbon (Portugal)

Fast to set up, easy to update, guests love them and the fact that guests don't need to download an app to get all the hotel information and so much more is fantastic. We provide our hotels full information; plus tourist information; plus a full room service list that can be ordered via the tablet. The functionality is amazing. Bed & Breakfast & Inn in Windermere (United Kingdom)

The HotelTechAwards are often referred to as "the Grammys of Hotel Tech" and winners have been selected from more than 200 of the top technology products around the world. The HotelTechAwards are the industry's only data-driven awards platform with winners determined not by a handful of judges or popularity votes but by product reviews from a global community of verified hotel technology users across more than 120 countries.

This sixth HotelTechAwards proves that SuitePad is a leader in hospitality technology. Its more than just an awardit shows that our focus on innovation is delivering real results for hotels. Our goal has always been to help hotels connect better with their guests, and this recognition confirms were on the right track. Well keep striving to do even more for our customers and the industry. Moritz von Petersdorff-Campen, Co-Founder and Managing Director of SuitePad

ABOUT HOTEL TECH REPORT

HotelTechReport is the global authority in hotel technology, trusted by more than 1.8 million software buyers annually. As the world's leading platform for hotel industry professionals, HotelTechReport empowers hoteliers to make smarter technology decisions with unbiased reviews, expert insights, and data-driven recommendations. By connecting forward-thinking hoteliers with the best software solutions, HotelTechReport drives innovation and operational excellence across the global hospitality sector. Discover the technology that powers the future of hospitality at www.hoteltechreport.com.

About Suitepad

SuitePad stands as the leading provider of in-room tablets in the hotel industry. This award-winning solution combines a digital guest directory, booking tool, hotel phone, remote control, and various other functionalities into a single device. With over 1,000 clients worldwide, SuitePad transforms guest communication, boosts revenue, and streamlines operations. For more information, visit www.suitpad.de/en.

Dilara Develi

Junior Marketing Manager

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SiteMinder Dominates at 2025 HotelTechAwards with Continued Leadership in ECommerce - Image Credit SiteMinder

SiteMinder, the worlds leading hotel distribution and revenue platform, has again dominated at the 2025 HotelTechAwards with its sustained leadership in hotel eCommerce and servicing the modern needs of hoteliers.

For the third consecutive year, the hotel technology pioneer has taken home the title of Best Hotel eCommerce Platform and, for the fourth straight year, the top Hoteliers Choice Award. As a reflection of its leadership within all the areas hoteliers need to be successful onlinedistribution, direct bookings and maintaining an online presencethe company has also taken out the top award in the respective categories of Best Channel Manager, Best Booking Engine, Best Hotel Metasearch Management Software and Best Hotel Website Design.

Additionally, SiteMinder has been named the top finalist in the category of Rate Shopping & Market Intelligence, for the real-time intelligence it provides to hotels, as well as Best Hotel Management System for Little Hotelier, the companys all-in-one solution for small accommodation providers.

At SiteMinder, we know that market leadership doesnt always equate to customer satisfaction. The overwhelming support that our customers show us each year, through the HotelTechAwards, both fills us with immense gratitude and drives us to continue building the product that ensures their success, says Leah Rankin, Chief Product Officer at SiteMinder.

SiteMinders platform converges the critical capabilities of distribution, revenue optimisation and intelligence, to make hotels as dynamic as the travel environment in which they operate. The platform does so by integrating channel management, direct booking, market intelligence, metasearch and payment solutions together with the hotel industrys largest partner ecosystem of more than 2,150 revenue-centred hotel systems and consultants. For its more than 44,500 users globally, SiteMinders platform generated more than 125 million reservations worth over US$50 billion in revenue last year.

SiteMinders consistent year-over-year dominance in the HotelTechAwards underscores its evolution into a holistic eCommerce platform, empowering hotels to sell digitally across both third-party and direct channels. Providing seamless access to over 2000 systems and hotel consultants, SiteMinder enables hoteliers to optimise their inventory, maximise their revenue and prevent overbookings. Its scalable design and user-friendly interface make it an essential tool for properties of all sizes, while its focus on dynamic pricing and direct booking capabilities positions hotels for sustainable growth. By combining robust connectivity with innovative eCommerce solutions, SiteMinder continues to redefine how hotels thrive in the digital marketplace, says Jordan Hollander, CEO at HotelTechReport.com.

An accommodation that has benefited from the full range of technological capabilities provided by SiteMinder is Smoky Mountain Resorts in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Heather Minyard, the resorts director of commercial strategy, shares: It has been a remarkable journey witnessing the continuous evolution and improvements made to SiteMinder's platform. I have come to appreciate how diligently the SiteMinder team has worked to enhance its functionality and features, leaving me with the distinct impression that there is little, if anything at all, left to be desired.

About the HotelTechAwards

The HotelTechAwards are produced by HotelTechReport.com, which ranks over 2,600 of the worlds best hotel software companies and products based on authentic, timely reviews from real users. It is used by 2.5 million hotel industry professionals to make informed technology purchasing decisions each year. Based on hotel customer feedback and more than 100,000 proprietary data signals, including integration compatibility, organisational health, market share, partner network strength and customer support quality, the HotelTechAwards is the only data-driven awards program to recognise the worlds best accommodation software. More than 25,000 product reviews were written and verified during this years awards period, making it the most competitive in HotelTechAwards history.

Media enquiries

Maria Cricchiola

+61 2 9056 7415

media@siteminder.com

Investor information

Paul Wong

+61 411 889 876

investor.relations@siteminder.com

About SiteMinder

SiteMinder Limited (ASX:SDR) is the name behind SiteMinder, the worlds leading hotel distribution and revenue platform, and Little Hotelier, an all-in-one hotel management software that makes the lives of small accommodation providers easier. The global company is headquartered in Sydney with offices in Bangalore, Bangkok, Barcelona, Berlin, Dallas, Galway, London, Manila and Mexico City. Through its technology and the largest partner ecosystem in the global hotel industry, SiteMinder generates more than 120 million reservations worth over US$50 billion in revenue for its hotel customers each year. For more information, visit siteminder.com.
OJR Makes Two Hotel Acquisitions in Japan

Japan-based ORIX Asset Management Corporation, a subsidiary of Japan-based ORIX JREIT Inc. (OJR) has announced its acquisition of two properties in Osaka and Kyoto from Japan-based Cosmos Initia Co., Ltd. The acquisitions include the 40-key MIMARU Osaka Shinsaibashi East for JPY5.3 billion and the 37-key MIMARU Suites Kyoto Shijo for JPY2.55 billion, bringing the total acquisition cost to JPY7.85 billion. Both hotels are situated in the highly sought-after Osaka  Kyoto region and offer convenient access to multiple train routes within walking distance. All guest rooms are equipped with a kitchen, refrigerator and other appliances that cater to the needs of long-staying international travelers.

JHR Sells Washington Hotel Plaza Hakata, Nakasu for JPY4.61 Billion in Fukuoka, Japan

Japan-based Japan Hotel REIT Investment Corporation (JHR) has sold the 247-key Washington Hotel Plaza Hakata, Nakasu for JPY4.61 billion to Japan-based fund manager RISA Partners, Inc., a unit of Japan-based leasing company, NEC Capital Solutions. This translates to approximately JPY18.6 million per key. The 12-storey hotel occupies a land area of 1,128.5 square metres and is conveniently located just a five-minute walk from Nakasukawabata Station on the Kuko Subway Line. The hotel currently generates a monthly rent of approximately JPY20 million. The transaction is expected to generate an estimated gain of JPY2.348 billion for JHR.

Madison Plaza Townsville Sold in Australia

Australia-based private family office Morgan Hotels Pty Ltd. has sold the 93-key Madison Plaza Townsville in Queensland to a private Asian investor for an undisclosed sum. The freehold property occupies a 2,091-square-metre site with flexible zoning. It features five commercial tenancies, an indoor swimming pool, a guest lounge with a bar, and function facilities accommodating up to 200 guests. Conveniently located at the corner of Flinders and Stanley Streets, the hotel is just a 10-minute drive from Townsville Airport and a 2-minute drive from the beach.

Indonesia Aims to Invest IDR2.254 Trillion in Tourism for 2025

Indonesia plans to allocate IDR2.254 trillion for tourism in 2025, a significant increase from its initial proposal of IDR1.489 trillion. The increased funding will support the Ministry of Tourisms Quick Wins programs, focusing on four strategic initiatives. The first initiative aims to boost domestic tourism through integrated campaigns and bundled travel packages. The second emphasises digital transformation, modernising the tourism experience by digitising event calendars and implementing AI-powered travel planning tools. The third seeks to enhance accessibility by working with airlines and stakeholders to lower travel costs for both domestic and international tourists. Finally, the fourth initiative prioritises quality improvements through professional training, upgraded service standards, and support for local businesses in the tourism sector.

HVS is the world's leading consulting and valuation services organization focused on the hotel, restaurant, shared ownership, gaming, and leisure industries. Established in 1980, the company performs more than 4,500 assignments per year for virtually every major industry participant. HVS principals are regarded as the leading professionals in their respective regions of the globe. Through a worldwide network of over 50 offices staffed by 300 experienced industry professionals, HVS provides an unparalleled range of complementary services for the hospitality industry. For further information regarding our expertise and specifics about our services, please visit www.hvs.com.
Keegan-Michael Key - Image Credit Choice Hotels

Choice Hotels International has launched a new marketing campaign called "Check Into More," featuring actor and writer Keegan-Michael Key. The campaign encourages travelers to explore new experiences across the company's 22 hotel brands.

The campaign is based on research showing that 95% of U.S. travelers are interested in unique experiences during their trips. Choice Hotels believes its diverse range of properties and rewards program offer excellent value for money and help customers create memorable experiences.

The campaign includes six ad spots, each 30 or 15 seconds long, broadcast on TV and digital channels until 2025. Keegan-Michael Key stars in the ads as the "Vacation Maximization-er," using humor to guide travelers on maximizing their trips with Choice Hotels.

According to Noha Abdalla, Chief Marketing Officer at Choice Hotels International, the campaign is designed to reflect a cultural shift in travel, where people are increasingly booking trips based on experiences rather than destinations. The company's portfolio of over 7,500 properties offers a range of options from full-service upscale hotels to select-service hotels, all linked by a rich rewards program.

To help travelers get the most out of their trips, Choice Hotels has introduced the "Time Off Tooolbox." This includes customizable time-off request videos and out-of-office message generators featuring Keegan-Michael Key.

The campaign highlights a range of Choice Hotel brands, including Radisson, Cambria, Quality Inn, and Comfort. Each brand offers unique features to cater to different traveler needs and preferences.

The campaign also promotes Choice Privileges, the company's rewards program with 68 million global members. The program recently introduced new features and redemption options, like RewardSaver room rates and the ability to use points to book rooms with premium features.

Developed in partnership with dentsu X, the media strategy for the 2025 campaign aims to reach families, young professionals, and business travelers through a video-first approach across connected TV, online video, and social channels. The strategy includes personalized messaging and partnerships with platforms like Hulu, Disney, Peacock, and Amazon to maintain visibility among travelers.
Phocuswright Predicts Steady Growth in Global Travel Market by 2025 - Image Credit Unsplash+

Phocuswright recently released its latest report, "Travel Forward: Data, Insights and Trends for 2025." This report offers a comprehensive look into the future of the global travel market, which is currently valued at $1.61 trillion. It provides critical data and trends that are essential for understanding the industry's trajectory.

The report predicts continued growth in the global travel market through 2026, with annual gains expected to be between 6-9%. Online bookings are set to rise even faster, with annual increases predicted to be between 8-12%. The gross bookings are anticipated to grow from $1.6 trillion in 2024 to $1.72 trillion in 2025. This represents a steady but slower growth rate as the market matures.

Online gross bookings are projected to reach $1.0 trillion in 2024 and climb to $1.2 trillion by 2026. By then, nearly 65% of all global travel gross bookings will be conducted online. The report attributes this trend to increasing demands for digital convenience and efficiency in the travel industry.

Due to increasing capacity and declining airfares, airline revenue growth is expected to slow to 10% in 2024 and drop to single-digit growth in subsequent years.

Global online gross bookings for hotels are expected to represent 55% of the market in 2024, increasing to 58% by 2026.

Regionally, North America is anticipated to remain the largest contributor to gross bookings, growing from $543.8 billion in 2024 to $568.5 billion in 2025. Meanwhile, in 2025, the U.K. is projected to overtake France in gross bookings, regaining its place among the top five markets for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The report also provides insights into consumer behavior. Travelers are reportedly more confident about booking lodging in the next 12 months but are less certain about their transportation plans due to concerns about costs and discretionary spending. Most European travelers plan to engage in leisure travel in the next year, with many planning international trips. Approximately half of all travelers expect to use GenAI for leisure travel in the next 12 months.

The report emphasizes the importance of industry stakeholders continually enhancing their online offerings to meet the growing demand for digital convenience and efficiency in the travel market.

Discover more at Phocuswright.
What is the best way for guests to get from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Vienna House Easy Berlin?

Getting from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to Vienna House Easy Berlin can be as easy as renting a car at the airports rental desk for, on average, $30/day in Berlin. Luckily, Vienna House Easy Berlin has parking on site for guests who choose this method of transportation. One of the more popular options today is to take a taxi or ridesharing service directly from Berlin Brandenburg Airport to the hotel. This option is often cost effective, but guests must keep a lookout for peak time rates.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On January 13, the pilot operation of the automated valet parking service, alongside a technical seminar on the large-scale application of autonomous parking, organized by Huawei and Shenzhen Urban Transport Planning Center (SUTPC), was officially launched at Shenzhen Baoan International Airport.

Photo credit: Huawei

The new move marks the world's first commercial pilot operation of Huawei's Valet Parking Driver (VPD) function at an airport, aiming to enhance efficiency of parking and vehicle-finding through intelligent driving technologies, offering passengers a convenient and smart travel experience.

As a major transportion hub in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Shenzhen Airport achieved annual throughput of over 60 million passengers in 2024, with each parking lot accommodating an average of 7,000 vehicles daily. Based on this condition, the airport introduced Huawei's Qiankun ADS 3.0 intelligent driving solution which features the VPD function. This feature enables vehicles to automatically navigate to designated parking spaces or cruise to pick-up zones without a driver. In addition, drivers can monitor the vehicle's real-time information such as the surrounding environment, location, and status via a mobile app.

Upon arriving at the airport's drop-off zone, passengers can use their mobile app to select a parking spot and proceed to the departure hall directly. With the VPD system, the vehicle will navigate and park at the designated space. In addition, it can automatically avoid other cars and pedestrians, and if the chosen spot is occupied, it will search for another available space, improving parking efficiency for passengers.

Upon return, travelers can summon their vehicle to exit the parking space and cruise to the pick-up area by just tapping on a mobile app.

Huawei, together with SUTPC and other partners, has launched the first automated valet parking scenario at Shenzhen Airport, marking the first commercial application of vehicle-road-cloud integration. Huawei said it plans to expand the VPD system to other scenarios, including high-speed train stations, residential communities, office buildings, and shopping malls.
Greylock Federal to Host 'Scamalot'

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  Greylock Federal Credit Union is hosting an interactive Zoom webinar 6-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 14, highlighting trending scams as well as tools and tips to avoid being scammed.

"Scammers are in full force these days," said Cindy Shogry-Raimer, Greylock's vice president and director of community development. "They use phone calls, mail, email, text messages, social media, and even go door to door to steal your identity and your money."

The webinar will feature actual fraudulent recordings, email and text samples. The conversation will also share next steps on what to do if you become a victim of a scam.

"Knowledge is your best defense," Shogry-Raimer said. "This is a conversation you don't want to miss."
Readsboro Bridge Project Gets $26M Federal Boost

The Readsboro Memorial Bridge is about five miles south of the intersection of Routes 100 and 8.

READSBORO, Vt.  The deteriorating Readsboro Memorial Bridge over the Deerfield River is set to be replaced with $25.8 million in federal funds.

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced the award last week, making Readsboro the only recipient in the Northeast for funding in this round of the Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program.

The state's congressional delegation, U.S. Sens. Bernie Sanders and Peter Welch, and U.S. Rep. Becca Balin, applauded the investment. The federal funding, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will improve and help complete street enhancements, create accessible sidewalks, and improve safety in Readsboro.

"Bolstering Vermont's infrastructure is crucial to ensuring the safety, security, and success of families, workers, and people traveling through the Green Mountain State. We're pleased to see this investment of more than $25 million, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, benefit Bennington County," the delegation stated in joint release. "The replacement of the Readsboro Bridge will boost Southern Vermont's critical infrastructure, improve safety and accessibility, and make Readsboro more resilient to extreme weather."

Bridge No. 25 was built in 1954, replacing the High Bridge that had been in use for 63 years. The 340-foot-long span cost $400,000 and was dedicated on July 4, 1955, to six Readsboro natives who had died in World War II and Korea. Nearly 2,000 people attended the opening, which included a ribbon cutting by then Gov. Joseph Johnson and a parade with a band and floats and Emma Ross, who at 90 was the town's oldest resident.

The new 287-foot bridge will incorporate historic preservation features to honor the character and history of the span and will have a wider sidewalk for pedestrians to cross safely while reducing vehicle traffic. The improved bridge will also be built to better withstand extreme weather events driven by climate change  including Vermont's floods of 2023 and 2024  with improved drainage systems.

The estimated total cost is $33 million, according to the Vermont Department of Transportation.

"The need to update our infrastructure is something we can all agree on and is long overdue in many of our rural towns," said Gov. Phil Scott. "Making smart investments in projects like this one is important to revitalizing our communities for Vermonters and visitors."

The Vermont delegation urged U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to support the replacement of the Readsboro Bridge in March 2024. Construction is expected to start this summer and be completed by the winter of 2028. Traffic will be maintained using phased construction and some weekend closure periods with an off-site detour for major stages of construction.
Herberg School Closed Tuesday for Heating Issues

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  Herberg Middle School will be closed on Tuesday because of heating and electrical issues.

Heating problems caused an early dismissal on Monday. It was discovered that the boilers were not functioning properly early Monday and around 8 a.m., the school was notified of electrical and boiler issues that could not be rectified.

Students were dismissed at 11 a.m.

"At this time, we are planning to resume normal school operations tomorrow, Tuesday, January 14, 2025," Principal William Wood posted on social media around 10 a.m.

"We will provide further updates if anything changes."

That changed early Monday evening with Herberg families being informed of the continued closure.

"As of now, the heating and electrical issues that disrupted the normal operations at Herberg today have not been resolved," Superintendent Joseph Curtis informed the school community. "Therefore, Herbert Middle School will remain closed on Tuesday, January 14, 2025."

Temperatures are expected to dip back down into the 20s on Tuesday.

The closure means that the school will be under the mandated 180 days of classroom time; Curtis said the missed day will be made up in June, meaning the last day of school for Herberg will be June 18.

"We want to take a moment to express our gratitude to our city maintenance department for the hard work and dedication in addressing this issue as quickly as possible," the superintendent wrote. "We expect the matter to be resolved by tomorrow and will provide families with an update on the building status early Tuesday evening."

Parents with questions or concerns were advised to contact the principal at wwood@pittsfield.net or contact the school's main office at 413-448-9640, Ext. 4001, during office hours.

Boiler problems are not unique to the district.

Just days before Pittsfield High School got a temporary boiler in October, it closed for two days because of dropping temperatures causing discomfort inside the building.

The school remains amid a heating system replacement, as the former boilers exceeded their useful life.

In June, the City Council authorized the borrowing of $3 million for new boilers at Pittsfield High School  a project that was originally going to be funded by the American Rescue Plan Act.

The nearly 100-year-old boilers are original to the building and have exceeded their useful life, officials say. They are converted locomotive engines that are extremely inefficient and expensive to maintain.

One boiler was non-operational and another was severely compromised.

At last week's School Building Needs Commission meeting, Building Maintenance Director Brian Filiault reported that new boilers will be installed later in the month.

"On Monday, the 13th, we're going to fire the boilers up and do a little burn-off on them to get them started and on the 20th, we're going to actually put them into service if everything goes well on that," he said.

"As it stands right now, the job is beautiful. The quality, the workmanship, it's incredible what the school's got. Every bit of this project has been very smooth for the most part. It's a big undertaking but they're looking good and I think we're in good shape."

Editor's note: write-thru and updated at 5:05 p.m. on Jan. 13.
Berkshire District Attorney's Office Awarded Over $200 K in Grant Funding

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  The Berkshire District Attorney's Office has been awarded $206,779.58 in grant funding to support community initiatives, training, and equipment.

The grant funding will be primarily used to fund youth community programing; provide community training surrounding law enforcement topics; fund training for Berkshire District Attorney staff and the Berkshire State Police Detective Unit; and provide equipment for the Berkshire District Attorney's Office.

"I am thrilled to receive this grant funding once again. This funding enhances community programs and strengthens law enforcement training and resources," District Attorney Timothy J. Shugrue said. "These grants are essential in allowing my office to proactively support initiatives that build protective factors in youth and create safer communities for everyone in the Berkshires."

The Commonwealth awarded the Berkshire District Attorney's Office $125,486.58 from the federal Project Safe Neighborhood grant.

Through this grant funding, the Berkshire District Attorney's Office will:

Provide funding for community programs: Partner with Roots Rising to fund program spaces for at-risk youth Fund the second year of the Violence Prevention/Voice Projection project. The project works with at-risk youth and aims to elevate their voices. This is led by two licensed clinical social workers, Kelly Heck, LICSW, and Areil Ramirez, LCSW Partner with Berk12 to provide community programs aimed at strengthening knowledge surrounding multiple law enforcement related topics

Purchase Equipment for the Digital Evidence Lab housed in the Berkshire District Attorney's Office

Purchase safety equipment for members of the Berkshire County Law Enforcement Task Force

Shugrue also thanked Representative Smitty Pignatelli, who served as a State Representative from 2003 to 2024.

"Smitty's dedicated advocacy for our office, and county as a whole, has played a vital role in securing grant funding for our community," he said. "These grants bring investments back to the Berkshires which at times can be overlooked."

Language Justice Solutions received a portion of the Safe Neighborhoods grant funding.

"Language Justice is the practice that allows each person the right to communicate freely and fully in the language they feel more comfortable with. As we work to move forward with this initiative, we are aware that language barriers affect those seeking services as well as those providing them," Maria Elisa Fuller, executive director of Language Justice Solutions said. "We must continue to support efforts to advance language justice practices. Not only is this a practice of social justice, but it is also crucial for public safety, due diligence, and integrity of an investigation by law enforcement and prosecution."

Roots Rising also benefitted from the Safe Neighborhoods grant.

"We are grateful to the Berkshire DA's office for their investment in our Youth Crews," Jess Vecchia, executive director of Roots Rising, said. "For many teens, our Youth Crews are a vital introduction to the workforce, setting them on a path toward future opportunities and success. It is more than just a job - through this program, our teens develop essential skills for becoming successful adults in an increasingly complex world."

Also, The Commonwealth awarded the Berkshire District Attorney's Office $81,293.00 from the Human Trafficking Enforcement and Training Grant Program funded by the State of Massachusetts. Through this grant funding the Berkshire District Attorney's Office will:
Daly Announced as CEO of Pittsfield Co-op

Michael Daly

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  Pittsfield Cooperative Bank has named Michael P. Daly its chief executive officer. A friend and customer of the institution since the 1980s, Daly will help develop strategies for ongoing success.

"Pittsfield Cooperative Bank appreciates Mike's willingness to step in and assist us," said Board Chair John J. Martin Jr., partner at Martin Hochberg & Cianflone. "We look forward to his help in creating and executing a thoughtful plan for the future and continued profitability."

A Pittsfield native and Berkshire resident, Daly said he is motivated to step out of retirement because of his deep roots and friendships in the community and at the bank.

"This arrangement wouldn't be happening if it wasn't in Pittsfield, Mass., and with Pittsfield Cooperative Bank," Daly said. "I have had a long history with the bank, and I am thrilled to return and build on the success of this community bank."

It was announced last week that Jay Anderson , CEO for 15 years, was stepping down for health reasons.

Previously, Daly was chairman, president and CEO of Berkshire Bank in Pittsfield. He began his career there in 1986 as a commercial lender. The bank went public in 2000. In 2002 he ascended to president and CEO. During his 16-year tenure, he grew the bank from approximately $1 billion in assets to a company with over $12 billion in assets.

"I loved my time at Berkshire," Daly said. "I will always be grateful to my board members and all of the employees for what we shared and accomplished in the community." Now, he said, "The chance to return to my hometown with a community bank is a really compelling opportunity."

Co-op Bank is one of the oldest cooperative banks in the commonwealth of Massachusetts and has $400 million in assets. With a capital ratio of 16 percent it is one of the strongest in Massachusetts, and has achieved record earnings four out of five of the last fiscal years. Last year, Pittsfield Co-op commemorated its 135th anniversary with a new logo, website, branch signage, branch location, deposit and lending promotions, and digital infrastructure and technology.

"The spirit of a community bank is its connection to employees, local customers and the community," Daly said. "That's what I'm looking forward to most."
Williamstown Board of Health Pushes for Action on Motel Issue

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass.  The Board of Health on Monday morning authorized the health inspector to take a more forceful tone in seeking resolution to an ongoing issue at the 1896 House Inn on Cold Spring Road.

Since the summer , the board has been trying to get the proprietor of the Cold Spring Road (Route 7) motel to address electrical issues that pose a potential safety hazard to guests.

On Monday morning, Health Inspector Ruth Russell told the body that the owner of the inn has not been forthcoming with the town about a plan to fully address the issues.

"As we know, they updated the outlets, as we asked," Russell said. "As I heard from the wiring inspector, we're still waiting for them to upgrade the system to 400 amps. As that was technically part of our letter, I want to bring attention to it.

"I know [electrical inspector Joe Beverly] has been moderately in touch with them, but he hasn't heard when the upgrade will happen. We know he's eager to hear that, as are we."

Russell told the board that she and other town officials have "struggled" to get answers from the owners of the 1896 House.

BOH members expressed frustration with the pace of progress on an issue that has been on the panel's plate since early September.

"This has been going on a long time now," Chair Erwin Stuebner said. "I think we've given them a lot of leeway to respond to us. I think maybe we need a stronger communication from us to give a deadline to at least respond to us and give us a plan of action."

James Parkinson said it might be time to threaten the inn's owners with enforcement action if they continue to not be specific about their plan.

"It's not my style, but should we say, 'or else,' " Parkinson said, referring to the letter Russell is drafting. "I know we want to try to help them, but, as I said the last meeting, it seems like [Russell is] doing all the work, and they're dragging their feet."

Sandra Goodbody said she "totally agree[d]" with Parkinson and said the 1896 House's management has been "casual" about the need to comply with the building code.

"Unless I'm missing something, they've really been radio silent?" Goodbody asked Russell at one point.

"I've asked them to give a summary [of the action plan]," Russell said. "They did provide a little info [via emai]. It was just a bit vague for our liking.

"I think the other enforcement people agreed. We were clear what we wanted to see.  it just wasn't as robust a plan as what we asked for."

Parkinson asked whether the board could fine the motel for noncompliance with the order. Russell said it could and read the relevant section of town code, which specifies fines of $100 for the first violation, $200 for a second and $300 for each additional violation thereafter; each day of noncompliance is a separate violation, the town code specifies.

Devan Bartels recommended that Russell talk to Beverly about what a reasonable timeline would be to comply with the town's order  given the availability of skilled labor and parts  and spell out in the letter when fines would begin accruing.

"We can state in the letter that if the fine structure is not adhered to, the Board of Health has authority to shut the operation down," Stuebner said.

Russell said she would express that sentiment, referencing the proper language in Massachusetts General Law.

"We'd like you to know you have our backing in being aggressive," Parkinson said.

"We've given an enormous amount of patience on our part and a long period of time," Goodbody followed up. "They have done nothing to cooperate with us  or taken extremely limited action."

The board also briefly discussed an unrelated but continuing issue at the '6 House Pub, which has the same ownership as the inn.

Russell noted that the eatery has been under a boil water order for about a year after a well failure. She said she is waiting for clarification from the state Department of Environmental Protection about the '6 House's permit to operate a new well to be dug across Route 7 from the restaurant.

She said as far as she knows the '6 House has been following the protocol for the boiled water order previously agreed to by the Board of Health but that she would schedule a visit in the near future to check on compliance with those procedures.

The Board of Health took one vote, signing off on a subdivision plan for a Summer Street lot that Northern Berkshire Habitat for Humanity is looking to develop in conjunction with the trustees of the town's Affordable Housing Trust.

Charlie LaBatt of civil engineering firm Guntlow and Associates told the board that its review is part of the town's subdivision control bylaw, likely because subdivisions often involve the use of well water and septic.

In the case of the Summer Street project, that is not an issue since the plan is to add all four houses to the town's water and sewer systems, LaBatt explained.

He took the time to walk the board through a brief history of the approval process for the project, including a mention of the appeal of the local Conservation Commission's order of conditions that ended in Mass DEP approving essentially the same conditions for the multiyear project.

Stueber asked why abutters of the town-owned lot appealed the Con Comm's decision.

"Generally speaking, the voiced concerns were worried about drainage and stuff like that, although most of the neighbors are hydraulically above most of these [building] sites," LaBatt said. "There may have been a concern about the density.

"But in my experience with Williamstown subdivisions, which is now 27 or 28 years, any residential subdivision is difficult for neighbors to get used to."

The Board of Health voted 5-0 to send its OK for the project along to the Planning Board, which is scheduled to take up the final development plan review at its Tuesday, Jan. 14, meeting.

In other business on Monday, the Board of Health returned to an issue with a residence on Longview Terrace, where neighbors brought the town concern about hygiene on the property and safety for its lone resident, a senior citizen.

Russell told the board she is coordinating with the Council on Aging and Elder Services to address the issue. A recent visit scheduled with the occupant was unable to take place because the resident was away from the home for medical reasons, Russell told the board. But she said a visual inspection from the outside and looking through the windows confirmed that there are rodent issues that need to be addressed.
BEIJING, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said Monday that China is willing to provide assistance for Grenada's economic and social development within the framework of South-South cooperation. The two countries should foster new highlights of cooperation in fields such as new energy, green and low-carbon development, and digital economy, Xi said in Beijing when he met with Prime Minister of Grenada Dickon Mitchell, who is paying an official visit to China. Mitchell first extended sincere sympathies and condolences to the Chinese government and people over the recent deadly earthquake in Dingri County in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. Xi expressed his appreciation for that. Noting that the earthquake occurred in a high-altitude area, Xi said China has completed rescue and temporary resettlement work in the shortest possible time and will carry out reconstruction work as quickly as possible. "The Chinese government is confident and capable of achieving success in earthquake relief," Xi said. Xi noted that in recent years, China-Grenada relations have developed steadily, with the two sides treating each other with mutual respect and equality, consolidating political mutual trust, achieving fruitful results in practical cooperation in various fields, and deepening the friendship between the two peoples. China is willing to work with Grenada to enhance the synergy of development strategies and push for more outcomes of bilateral cooperation to better benefit the two peoples, he added. China supports Grenada in independently exploring a development path suited to its national conditions, and stands ready to strengthen exchanges of governance experience with Grenada, Xi said. He said China also supports Grenada in enhancing its capacity in climate change response and disaster prevention and mitigation, and will continue to raise international awareness of small island countries' concerns over climate change and their demands. China advocates an equal and orderly multi-polar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and is ready to work with Grenada to implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative to promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, Xi said. He added that China has always attached great importance to its relations with Caribbean countries and will continue to provide assistance within its capacity for the economic and social development of regional countries. Mitchell expressed appreciation for China's timely assistance after Grenada was hit by a devastating hurricane in July last year. Over the past 20 years, the Grenada-China relations have been continuously deepened, and Grenada firmly abides by the one-China principle and believes that China's sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected, Mitchell said. He said Grenada, having benefited a lot from its relations with China, will continuously strengthen cooperation with China and learn from China's experience in governance. Stressing China's leading role in the Global South, Mitchell said Grenada will stand firmly with China to implement the three major global initiatives and safeguard world peace and stability.
Beijing (Gasgoo)- On January 9, 2025, autonomous driving technology company WeRide announced the commencement of autonomous shuttle (Robobus) pilot operations at Zurich Airport in partnership with Flughafen Zurich AG. This marks Europe's first commercialized autonomous shuttle deployment at an airport.

Photo credit: WeRide

The project, led by Zurich Airport and supported by Swiss Transit Lab (STL), selected WeRide as the technology provider due to its internationally recognized expertise in autonomous driving. According to Zurich Airport's official statement, WeRide's technology meets all legal, regulatory, and safety standards while adhering to strict data protection requirements. The Robobus, co-developed with Renault, underwent successful trials in Paris before arriving in Zurich.

Each WeRide Robobus can accommodate up to nine passengers, enhancing connectivity for airport staff by supplementing existing shuttle services. Operating on a designated route outside the airfield zone, the Robobuses will connect multiple stops, including employee entrances and maintenance areas, ensuring both safety and independence from flight operations.

Initially, the Robobus will have an onboard safety operator per car to monitor performance. Following this phase, the service will transition to fully driverless operations with remote monitoring. The Robobus service is set to officially launch in the first quarter of this year.
Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On January 14, XPENG Charging and bp pulse signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to mutually open their charging networks, according to a post on XPENG's WeChat account.

This collaboration aims to provide customers access to over 30,000 chargers across 420 cities in China, creating one of the most premium charging networks in the country's core urban areas.

Photo credit: XPENG

bp pulse, backed by bp's global integrated energy ecosystem and advanced charging infrastructure, is dedicated to delivering safe, fast, and reliable charging services for electric vehicle (EV) drivers. In China, bp pulse operates more than 1,000 charging stations and over 23,000 charging piles. Meanwhile, XPENG's charging network has comprised over 2,000 stations and 10,000 charging piles.

Through the partnership, XPENG Charging and bp pulse will integrate their networks to expand coverage and improve user experience. The two companies also plan to establish pilot projects in key economic hubs, combining resources such as equipment and sites to deploy ultra-fast charging networks. This initiative will offer EV users higher density, premium quality, and more reliable charging services.

Additionally, XPENG and bp pulse will explore broader collaborative models, such as photovoltaics-energy storage-charging integrated energy networks and demand-side energy response solutions. By leveraging their respective strengths, the partnership aims to accelerate the expansion of efficient and cost-effective charging infrastructure.

Looking ahead, XPENG announced plans to expand its charging network globally by 2025. Starting with an overseas vehicle services platform, the company will provide solutions for locating charging stations, making reservations, and handling payments. The initial rollout of its global charging network is expected to span Asia, Europe, and Australia. Pilot projects for storage-based charging solutions will also help reduce costs and improve network deployment.

XPENG has been ramping up its global expansion efforts. In addition to its upcoming overseas charging network, the company has already introduced several smart EV models in countries including Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, France, Iceland, Spain, and Portugal. XPENG has also entered the Middle East and Africa markets.
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John le Carres literary archive is not only preserving his cultural legacy but also securing his childrens financial future  saving them a hefty tax bill as his works gain fresh momentum on the global stage.

Arts Council England has revealed that the late authors archive  comprising 918 boxes and valued at 1.5m  has been officially classified as cultural heritage. This designation allows the sum to be offset against inheritance tax while ensuring the collection remains preserved for the nation.

The extensive archive includes manuscripts, draft texts, research notes and travel diaries from across le Carres career, according to the national development agency for creativity and culture. Currently, the archive has been temporarily allocated to the Bodleian Library at the University of Oxford, pending a decision on its permanent home.

Le Carres influence doesnt stop there. Two of his sons manage the production company with exclusive rights to adapt his novels for the screen, while another continues his legacy by writing new stories featuring George Smiley, his most famous creation.

David Cornwell, better known by his pen name John le Carre, was working in MI6 when he shot to fame as an international bestselling author in the 1960s.

Many of his works, including The Spy Who Came in from the Cold (1963), Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (1974), and A Perfect Spy (1986), were adapted to the screen and have been described as some of the best novels produced in post-war Britain.

open image in gallery Tinker, Tailor, Soldier guy: John le Carre pictured in March 1965 ( Getty )

Simon and Stephen Cornwell, two sons from his first marriage, run The Ink Factory, a production company with exclusive rights to adapt his work. Meanwhile, Nick Harkaway, his son from his second marriage, writes continuation novels expanding on his fathers creations.

The Ink Factory has ambitious plans to bring Le Carres works to Asian markets following the success of a Hindi-language adaptation of The Night Manager, a six-part television series that earned an International Emmy nomination in 2023. The company, which holds first-look rights to Le Carres catalogue, has already secured deals with the BBC and Amazon for two more series of The Night Manager.

Describing these deals as a significant milestone, The Ink Factory noted that they represent the first adaptations to move beyond Le Carres original source material. The company is also optimistic about greenlighting another premium English-language series this year.

open image in gallery Le Carres son Nick Harkaway writes continuation novels ( Nick Harkway/Instagram )

Among the titles being considered are The Honourable Schoolboy, the middle book of the epic Karla trilogy, which has only been adapted for radio, and A Perfect Spy, widely regarded as Le Carres most autobiographical work and described by Philip Roth as the best post-war English novel.

The 2016 English-language adaptation of The Night Manager, starring Tom Hiddleston and Elizabeth Debicki, remains a family money-spinner and helped usher in a new golden age for literary estates. With streaming giants eager for high-calibre, long-form content, Le Carres body of work has found enduring appeal.

Meanwhile, George Smiley, Le Carres most beloved creation, has been given a fresh literary life by Nick Harkaway. Last year, Harkaway released Karlas Choice, a novel set in a previously unexplored 20th-century period. The book received widespread acclaim, with Harkaway sharing that his father had given him explicit permission to write within his fictional world.

open image in gallery The Night Manager, starring Tom Hiddleston and Elizabeth Debicki, remains a family money-spinner ( BBC )

Harkaway revealed that a letter of wishes from Le Carre had been discovered, encouraging his children to ensure his work remained alive and expanded to new audiences. It asked us to ensure that the books continued to be read, to broaden the audience, and to reach new audiences. The authorial wish was clear: I want to be remembered, I want my work to continue, he said in an interview with The Independent.

Le Carres private life was as compelling as his fiction. A former spy for both MI5 and MI6, he was also revealed to be a serial adulterer in Adam Sismans 2023 biography, The Secret Life of John le Carre.

Commenting on his fathers affairs, Harkaway offered a measured perspective: As far as I was concerned, I was living a perfectly happy, normal family life. I mean, yes, OK, their marriage was complex and non-standard, but that makes it sound more dramatic than it was. My mother always considered herself a winner. She held the field. True, there were mistresses, but she stayed, and he returned reliably to her, every single time. My experience of them was that they were a unit.
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We all know Hollywood loves a sequel. In an era of franchises, reboots and endlessly mined intellectual properties, theres no shortage of them to choose from, yet sadly they often seem to be governed by the law of diminishing returns.

Yet that isnt always the case. Sometimes a sequel arrives that far outstrips the film its based on: smarter, funnier, deeper or just more thrilling. Here are 12 sequels that were better than their predecessors.

open image in gallery Charlize Theron in Mad Max: Fury Road, Paddington in Paddington 2 and Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight' ( Warner Bros/StudioCanal/Warner Bros )

Terminator 2: Judgement Day

James Camerons 1984 sci-fi action hit The Terminator, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger as a terrifying time-traveling cyborg assassin was a near-perfect chase movie, but Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991) took those same ideas and turned everything up a notch. Helped by advances in CGI, Cameron also came up with the genius idea of bringing back Schwarzenegger as a good guy, this time facing off against a much more advanced and sinister foe in the shape-shifting T-1000, played by Robert Patrick. Meanwhile, Linda Hamiltons Sarah Connor also develops from a damsel in distress to a ferocious protector of her young son John (Edward Furlong).

The Godfather Part II

Perhaps a controversial choice given that Francis Ford Coppolas 1972 The Godfather is widely considered one of the greatest films ever made, but the directors follow-up two years later is arguably even better. Certainly, the Academy thought so, making it the first ever sequel to win Best Picture at the Oscars (a feat only matched by Peter Jacksons The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King). The Godfather Part II serves as both a sequel and prequel to the original gangster epic, with Robert De Niro brought in to play the young Vito Corleone character originated by Marlon Brando and Al Pacino returning as his son Michael.

open image in gallery Robert De Niro as the young Vito Corleone in The Godfather Part II' ( Paramount )

Evil Dead II

Sam Raimis debut independent horror Evil Dead became his calling card in 1981. While the film still holds up, its also clear that the director didnt quite yet have the means to bring all his bold and original ideas to life. Evil Dead II, released in 1987, is both a sequel and a partial remake, and ends up being funnier with more fully-developed effects.

Paddington 2

When the original Paddington arrived in cinemas in 2014, it was widely praised as an entertaining and enjoyable childrens movie, with fun for all the family. That solid base gave director Paul King (who made his name on the cult BBC sitcom The Mighty Boosh) the license to fully expand and explore a more creative vision for the sequel, aided by an all-singing all-dancing Hugh Grant introduced as villainous actor Phoenix Buchanan. The Independents Geoffrey McNab called it a superior sequel so full of charm and good humour that it should delight audiences everywhere.

open image in gallery Puss In Boots: The Last Wish: Mortality, for kids ( Universal Pictures )

Puss In Boots: The Last Wish

There was hardly a clamor for a sequel to the serviceable Shrek spin-off Puss In Boots (2011), so little wonder that the follow-up film languished in development hell for over a decade. What was truly surprising was that when it finally arrived in 2022, it was moving and beautifully animated, blending action set pieces with a child-friendly grappling with mortality. The film sees our feline hero come to accept the inevitability of death, a bit like if Dreamworks had made The Seventh Seal, but with more jokes about cats burning through nine lives.

Mad Max: Fury Road

Reversing the trend of most film franchises, Mad Max has been on an upward trajectory pretty much since maverick writer-director George Miller kicked things off over four decades ago. The original Mad Max (1979) was bettered by Mad Max 2 (1981) and the bonkers Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (1985), but Miller outdid all of them when he returned to the sun-bleached Australian outback for 2015s Mad Max: Fury Road. Tom Hardy took over from Mel Gibson in the title role, Charlize Theron stole the show as Furiosa and Miller somehow pulled off some of the most astounding road (and off-road) sequences ever filmed. As Steven Soderbergh once famously said of Fury Road: I dont understand how [Miller] does that, I really dont, and its my job to understand it. I dont understand two things: I dont understand how theyre not still shooting that film and I dont understand how hundreds of people arent dead.

Spider-Man 2

Sam Raimi clearly has a knack for sequels. The Evil Dead II directors original 2002 Spider-Man with Tobey Maguire was well received, but the follow-up which introduced Alfred Molinas Doctor Octopus dazzled fans and critics alike. The Chicago Tribune delivered one of many reviews that said the sequel improves upon its predecessor in almost every way. The Independents Al Horner went a step further, calling it the definitive superhero movie.

open image in gallery Alfred Molina as the villainous Doctor Octopus in 2004s Spider-Man 2 ( Sony Pictures Releasing )

The Dark Knight

The difference between a superhero movie soaring or taking a dive often hinges on the strength of the villain, and The Dark Knight had one for the ages. Christopher Nolans 2008 sequel to his 2005 origin story Batman Begins cast Heath Ledger as the Joker and reaped the benefits by giving the superhero an unforgettable antagonist who lifted the film series to a whole new level.

The Empire Strikes Back

Sure, Star Wars was a phenomenon from the moment the original film debuted in 1977, but the 1980 follow-up The Empire Strikes Back elevated the franchise to a whole new level. With all the world-building (or rather, galaxy-building) legwork out of the way after the first film, the sequel had the space to stretch itself into a darker narrative delivered with snappier dialogue. Series creator George Lucas brought in screenwriters Leigh Brackett and Lawrence Kasdan, who delivered a more polished story, and the whole thing wrapped up with one of the great twists in movie history.

Toy Story 3

As the first entirely computer-animated feature film, Toy Story was truly groundbreaking when it was released in 1995. It also introduced the world to Tom Hankss Woody, Tim Allens Buzz Lightyear and a whole toy chest full of co-stars. Toy Story 2, released in 1999, examined the idea that these toys would eventually become obsolete as their child grew up, but it was arguably 2010s Toy Story 3 that delivered the most heart-wrenching story of the lot as the toys child god Andy heads to college and they find themselves dispatched to live out their days at the Sunnyside Daycare center.

Dune: Part Two trailer

Dune: Part Two

If Denis Villeneuves first Dune movie in 2021 created an immersive and gorgeously vivid world, then the 2024 sequel was where the director really lit it rip. After assembling all the pieces in the original film, the second installment sees the action come to a head while the diverging paths that Timothee Chalamets Paul Atreides and Zendayas Chani must take slowly becomes clear. The big question now is whether Villeneuve will be able to repeat the trick for the upcoming Dune: Messiah.

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan

After 1979s Star Trek: The Motion Picture was met with middling reviews, it seemed like long-running science fiction show Star Trek might not be long for this world. A complete overhaul for the 1982 sequel saw series creator Gene Roddenberry forced out in favor of a new team made up of executive producer Harve Bennett, screenwriter Jack B. Sowards and director Nicholas Meyer. The trio produced a swashbuckling adventure that features a memorable death scene for Spock, the only way actor Leonard Nimoy would agree to take part. The film was recently added to the National Film Registry at the Library of Congress for preservation (Star Trek: The Motion Picture was not).
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If you read enough interviews with Claes Bang, the sturdy Danish star of The Northman and BBC Ones Dracula , you will start to notice a pattern. Interviewers wont stop mentioning nude scenes. Then again, Claes Bang cant seem to stop doing them. Ive done three plays with a lot of nudity, he admits, including most recently Jeremy O Harriss Daddy on the West End. In Dracula, there was a lot. Plus there have been your odd sex scenes here and there. I have a friend back home, who said, Are you ever considering doing something where you get to keep your clothes on? I was like, What the f*** are you talking about? Thats when I started to think, No more. Were done with that. But I just did a movie in Paris, [LInconnu de la grande arche, expected sometime this year] and in the very first bloody scene, Im stood in a lake, fishing naked!

The 57-year-old actor sits  fully clothed  behind a table in a central London hotel cafe. Nearly 6ft 5in, and wearing a plush, muted sweater, Bang feels almost too big for the furniture. Its no wonder he made such a rakish Count, in 2020s revisionist Dracula miniseries; a kind of easy erudition seems to waft out of him. Youd have to be confident, I suppose, to whip your kit off so prolifically, as Bang did in Dracula, for a lengthy nude scene in which he rampages through a convent of nuns. [Naked] is just what we all are, he muses. I mean were all with no clothes, underneath our clothes. Right? But theres always been an artistic reason for the nudity. Its not something I do because I think its massively funny.

No one outside of mainland Europe had really heard of Bang until 2017. That was the year he starred in The Square (2017), as a problematic and self-absorbed art curator. The satire, directed by Triangle of Sadnesss Ruben Ostlund, went on to win the Palme dOr at Cannes, and transformed Bang from a jobbing character actor with a few hits in Denmark and Germany to someone whom casting directors wanted for major English-language projects. Among them were the adaptation of Stieg Larssons thriller The Girl in the Spiders Web, which cast Bang as a nefarious criminal, and Sharon Horgans black comedy Bad Sisters, which featured Bang at his most memorably repellent, playing the abusive husband of Anne-Marie Duffs Grace.

Acting is the only job Ive ever had, Bang says. I had a quite decent career in Denmark  but obviously a big change happened for me with The Square. By the time Ostlunds movie premiered, Bang was 50  which makes his performance surely one of the oldest breakthroughs in recent memory. When a film wins at Cannes, the whole industry sees it, he says, rather matter-of-factly. All of a sudden, theres this guy, and he [speaks] decent English, and he can carry a movie for that amount of time. At that point, I already had 25 years of experience, so I had a feeling when I met people that I was bankable.

He adds: But I never imagined something like that would happen  that you could have one thing that would open all these doors for you.

Behind the most recent of these doors is the historical thriller William Tell, released in cinemas this week. The film sees Bang play the Swiss folk hero opposite Rafe Spall and Ben Kingsley, and is performed in English despite its setting of 14th-century Switzerland. Adapted from the 1804 play by Friedrich Schiller, it focuses on the legend of ace marksman Tell (Bang), who leads the fight for Swiss independence against the Habsburg Empire. To play the character who so famously shot an arrow from atop his sons head, Bang had to train extensively with a crossbow. Its illegal to own a crossbow in Denmark, he says. So I had to come here for the practice  we did that in Richmond.

The actor describes it as an old-fashioned movie  the sort of classical period drama that used to abound in Hollywood, but now feels like a strange rarity. Its like how a movie would look in the 1950s, he says. You know, you have to stand up straight to deliver this kind of dialogue.

open image in gallery Crossbow specialist: Claes Bang as Swiss folk hero William Tell ( Altitude Films )

Despite this, he adds, William Tell is a story with very contemporary resonance  an oppressed people seeking to liberate their country from invaders. And this wasnt lost on the cast or creators. You have to realise that when we started shooting this, the war in Ukraine was over a year old, and while we were shooting, the conflict with Israel and Hamas started, he recalls. You cant make a movie like this  without thinking about how that sits in that context. You have to say something decent. It was always very important to [Northern Irish director Nick Hamm] to emphasise the magnitude of loss, and the meaninglessness of it.

Born on the Danish island of Funen, Bang was raised predominantly by his father, his parents having separated when he was young. A school production of Hair piqued his interest in acting as a teen; this led to amateur theatre, and eventually a place at the Danish National School of Theatre. His national breakthrough came almost immediately after graduating, via a part in the popular Danish drama Taxa in 1997. Despite his career gravitating westward, Bang still lives in Copenhagen, with his wife, Lis Kasper Bang, a makeup artist turned photographer, and her two children, to whom Bang is a stepfather.

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Bang stares at me quite intensely as he speaks, cradling his face in his hands, his body turned at an angle. He speaks very, very quietly (nominative determinism be damned), with just a measure of Chardonnay-dry humour. Its the same sort of prickly geniality that he weaponised so cleverly in The Square. Bang excels at roles that involve a sort of complicated suaveness. Theres a reason hes had to field questions about being cast as the next James Bond, just as theres a reason why it would never happen  theres too much softness about him, a fallibility to his charm that can read as pathetic (as in The Square) or noble (as in William Tell).

In the UK, Bangs most recognisable role is the sickly-suave lead of Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffats Dracula. But the project almost passed him by. I remember the first thing I thought when they approached me was, Really? Another Dracula? he recalls. Then I read the script, which had a totally different dynamic to every other Dracula and there was humour as well.

open image in gallery Vamp it up: Bang and Dolly Wells in Dracula ( Netflix/THA/Shutterstock )

Then after [I signed on], I got terrified. I thought, Why have I gotten myself into this? It can only ever go wrong because there are so many aficionados out there. Well murder ourselves here  its suicide! But then in the end Im very, very happy with it.

One thing that has helped Bangs belated mainstream success is, of course, his deft command of English  and German, and Swedish  on top of his native Danish. As I said, I finished a movie in Paris last week, he says, and half the dialogue was in French. And I dont speak French, so I had to learn it phonetically. But then youre locked in  I didnt know how much of a prison that can be. I had to say to the other actors, Im so awfully sorry, but you bloody need to stick to what is written, or I wont get the cues.

Bangs voice has barely changed over the course of the interview, even when conversation turns again to nude scenes, specifically to the matter of intimacy coordinators (trained hands on film and TV sets tasked with ensuring the comfort and consent of actors during intimate scenes). While they are now commonplace on set  a shift that Bang has witnessed over the course of his career  they remain a somewhat divisive idea among actors.

open image in gallery Glove, actually: Claes Bang in The Square' ( Produktion/Kobal/Shutterstock )

There was, says Bang, a German film production he signed onto a while ago (he refuses to name it), which featured several scenes of Bangs character visiting a sex worker at a brothel. I thought it was a really interesting project, he remembers  but problems arose over the matter of intimacy coordinators. I was talking with the director, he continues, and he asked, So what do you think about all [the sex scenes]? I said, Weve got intimacy coordinators these days, were going to be fine. He said, No, no, were not going to have that. Thats going to stand in the way of my creativity. And I said, Then Im sorry. I cant do this. And that was the end of that.

The incident might tell you something about Bang  the flinty conviction lurking under that tranquil exterior. I definitely feel that [intimacy coordinators] provide a safe space, he continues. They provide a room that you did not have before, where you can talk about these things, and make sure that everybody feels alright.

You shouldnt go to a film set or on stage and feel violated  its not going to do anything good for the production. So I really feel theyve been a massive and good change for the industry.

If anyones qualified to speak on the matter of sex scenes, its surely Claes Bang. Maybe nominative determinism has had its way after all.

William Tell is out in UK cinemas from 17 January
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Isabella Rossellini has admitted that she would be immensely flattered to receive an Oscar nomination for her nearly silent role in Conclave.

The Italian actor, 72, plays Vatican nun Sister Agnes in the film adaptation of Robert Harris novel, which depicts a group of cardinals as they gather to elect a new Pope.

Rossellini has less than eight minutes of screen time and barely talks throughout the film, but when she does eventually speak up, it forms one of the movies most pivotal moments.

So far, the Blue Velvet star has earned a Golden Globe nomination for best supporting actress, but lost out to Emilia Perezs Zoe Saldana.

She is widely tipped to receive an Academy Award nomination when Oscar nods are announced on 19 January.

Should Rossellini be nominated, it would mark the first time that she has been celebrated by the Academy over the course of her lengthy career.

open image in gallery Rossellini has less than eight minutes on screen as Sister Agnes ( Focus Features )

She would also be following in the footsteps of her mother, the iconic actor Ingrid Bergman.

Yes, it does feel important, Rossellini told The Telegraph. I will be immensely flattered, it would be amazing.

My mum had three Oscars, she noted, referring to the awards that Bergman received for her roles in 1944s Gaslight , 1956s Anastasia and the 1974 adaptation of Agatha Christies Murder on the Orient Express.

She won three Oscars and was nominated seven times, she added. So I would be very moved if that happens. But also be ready for that maybe not to happen.

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open image in gallery Rossellini has already received a Golden Globe nomination for her performance ( Getty Images )

Alluding to the relative brevity of her role, Rossellini said: Its true that I didnt have many lines, but I think that was part of the role. Men talking, talking, talking, but women, silent and very wise, very aware and very present.

Dame Judi Dench famously won the best supporting actress Oscar in 1999 for her turn as Elizabeth I in Shakespeare in Love, a role that involved four scenes and just under six minutes of screen time.

Denchs royal role, however, is not the briefest performance to win an Academy Award. That particular record is held by Beatrice Straight for her role in the 1976 film Network, in which she had just appeared on screen for just over five minutes.
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Call the Midwife viewers have shared their concern after a beloved character appeared to mysteriously disappear from the BBC drama.

Worried fans have been questioning the absence of Nancy Corrigan, played by Megan Cusack, as she did not appear in Sundays (12 January) episode. Viewers have expressed concern that the character may have left her role at Nonnatus House after becoming engaged in the previous episode.

Call the Midwife chronicles the lives of a group of midwives in the East End of London in the 1950s. The 14th and latest series of the hit BBC drama aired on 5 January, having first debuted in 2012.

First appearing as Nancy in series 10, Megans character has since become a firm favourite among fans.

But with her absence duly noted, many viewers took to Twitter/X to express their worry.

One user said: Did Nancy go, and was there no grand finale because where is she? If shes gone just like that, I will be steamed shes a fan favourite and deserves better.

Another wrote: Also hold on where tf is Nancy.

Call the Midwife fans were left devastated by the series 11 finale ( BBC )

An additional viewer fuelled speculation Cusack had left the show, writing: She left at the end of the last episode. Got married, I think.

In the first episode of the new series, Nancy finds love and becomes engaged to Roger (Conor ODonnell). The storyline is a change in pace for Megans character, who is often known to prioritise her daughter and her work.

By the end of the episode, Roger joined Nancy and the other members of Nonnatus House around the dinner table on Christmas Day.

In an interview with The Sun, Cusack recently spoke out about her future on Call the Midwife.

She appeare to deny claims her character was departing the show, stating: Just because shes fallen in love, shes not leaving us just yet.

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Shes got lots going on, cusack added. You know, a job offer, an engagement, an overbearing mother-in-law to be.

Cusack expressed excitement at her characters new storyline, telling the outlet: It was lovely. I never thought that Nancy would have a romance.

Call the Midwife airs weekly on BBC and BBC iPlayer
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Another star has quit Coronation Street amid what appears to be an exodus of cast members.

An alarming number of departures have been announced in recent weeks, with many exits set to rock the soap in 2025.

The news follows reports of an alleged cash crisis behind the scenes, which has been denounced by Kirk star Andrew Whyment.

However, the departures are reportedly continuing: the latest star who will be leaving the ITV series is Shelley King, who plays Yasmeen Metcalfe.

The Independent has learnt that King filmed her final scenes in December, and her exit will be broadcast in early Spring.

An insider said: Shelley spoke to producers early last year and advised that, after 10 years on the show and being involved in many major storylines during the past decade, she had decided the time had come for her to explore other opportunities.

News of Kings departure follows news that Charlotte Jordan and Colson Smith will also be leaving the soap, with the latter dropped by bosses last year.

open image in gallery Yasmeen Metcalfe star Shelley King is leaving ITV soap Coronation Street ( ITV )

However, Jordan, who plays Rovers Return barmaid Daisy Midgeley, decided to leave the series of her own accord, telling her fans earlier this month: Its been a privilege to be part of a wonderful institution with even more wonderful colleagues who have taught me so much.

In the last few weeks, the series, which began in 1960, has seen big changes in front of the cameras following the departure of Gail Platt actor Helen Worth and Luca Toolan, whose character Mason Radcliffe was killed off in heartbreaking scenes that aired on Monday (6 January).

Sue Devaney (Debbie Webster) and Sue Cleaver (Eileen Grimshaw) are also set to leave the soap in 2025.

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It has been reported by The Sun that cast members are in danger of being dropped from the soap due to an alleged cash crisis occurring behind the scenes, with bosses opting to shine the light on the shows younger actors because they are cheaper to retain.

open image in gallery Sue Cleaver is one of several Corrie stars set to leave soap in 2025 ( Getty Images )

While Devaney was initially left gutted by producer Kate Brookss decision to kill off her character in a hard-hitting Alzheimers storyline, she is said to now be fixated on the shows potential to raise awareness about the disease.

Meanwhile, Cleaver opted to leave the show after 25 years as she is looking for new adventures, but she assured fans that the door is still firmly open for a potential return one day in the future.

The Independent has contacted ITV for comment.
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David Schwimmer has reflected on his time hosting Saturday Night Live back in 1995, and the one mistake he made that left writers fuming with him.

On Monday (January 13), the actor appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert where he discussed the SNL episode he hosted 30 years ago.

I was the first in the cast of Friends to be invited to host Saturday Night Live, and it was a huge honor. It was 1995, just a year after the show aired, he prefaced.

However, because of the sitcoms filming schedule, Schwimmer was not able to make it to the SNL set until only two days before the live taping. Friends, at that time, was shooting on Tuesday nights and we were shooting until sometimes 1 in the morning, and so I had to fly from LA to New York on Wednesday to get [to SNL], he told the talk show host.

I really didnt get to arrive at SNL until Thursday, two days before the Saturday show.

Schwimmer was the first member of the Friends cast to host SNL ( CBS )

He added: And when I walked into the writers room, the entire writers room looked at me as if I had just slept with their mom... They were not happy to see me and I had no idea.

Schwimmer said he got through the next two days but I was kinda traumatized.

A few years later, Schwimmer discovered that the hosts of SNL were supposed to arrive for rehearsals on Monday and not on Thursday as he did.

It wasnt until years later that I was talking to someone else who had hosted the show and they said, No no youre supposed to show up on a Monday, he said. No one told me and for years I had no idea why.

Schwimmer then revealed that despite his mistake, he received an invitation to host SNLs 50th anniversary special on February 16. Although he admitted that he wasnt sure whether or not he should go in case the invite was some kind of prank.

Its been 30 years and Im thinking, Well maybe they forgot? That they dont like me? Or its just some intern thats tasked with emailing everyone whos ever hosted, he said. I dont know what to do.

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Leading up to the sketch comedy shows anniversary, various SNL comedians have spoken out about their time on the show, including how they spent their first paychecks.

Last month SNL alums spoke with New York Magazine for an Instagram video where they were all asked, What was your biggest splurge with your first SNL paycheck?

Pete Davidson was shown first, as he reflected on his eight seasons on SNL before departing the series in 2022. Do you guys know what they pay us? he asked, before answering the question. Its, like, three grand an episode. So, I think I got dinner.

SNL will return from its holiday break on Saturday, January 18 with Dave Chappelle returning for his fourth turn as host with musical guest GloRilla.
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Kristin Davis broke down in tears while watching the pilot episode of Sex and the City after she spotted her late friend and co-star Willie Garson on screen.

The actor, who played Charlotte York in the hit HBO series, grew emotional while recording her new Sex and the City re-watch podcast, Are You A Charlotte?, which sees the actor give an insight into the details behind the making of the series that ran between 1998 and 2004.

While re-watching the pilot episode, Davis was taken aback when she saw Garson  who played Carrie Bradshaws (Sarah Jessica Parker) friend Stanford Blatch  in his first scene in the series.

Garson, who also had roles in the series Jon from Cincinnati and White Collar, died from pancreatic cancer in 2021, aged 57.

Recording her live reaction to seeing Garson, Davis said: Oh my God, I forgot Willie! Oh my God, when Willie comes on the screen  I might cry, sorry, but, you know hes so young.

Daviss voice grew emotional as she continued: And hes so beautiful and Id really, Id forgotten, you know? Sorry.

The actor paused the show during Garson and Parkers first scene together, with Davis remarking: We were just little, little babies, you know? And hes so funny. And their relationship is so great, and they had been friends for so long, so I love it, that its on camera.

Daviss voice wobbled as she said, I have to stop for a little second, before cutting to an advert break.

Earlier in the episode, Davis told listeners that Garson was present for her first screen test for the role of Charlotte, at the HBO building in Los Angeles, and that he put her at ease while she nervously waited around for five hours.

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open image in gallery Sarah Jessica Parker and Willie Garson in Sex and the City ( Sky Atlantic )

Willie Garson was there, and I knew Willie already. I had met Willie in Vancouver probably the year before, and I loved him so much, she recalled.

So thank god he was there, because I had to wait for hours before I could go in and read.

Were there for so long that Id be nervous, and then Id get un-nervous, she said. And then Willie would tell me a funny story, made me laugh, and Id be un-nervous and then I get nervous again.

Davis added that after five hours of waiting, with Garson by her side the entire time, she went in to do the test.

open image in gallery Willie Garson, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristin Davis and Kim Cattrall in Sex and the City season three ( Getty Images )

I go in. I read. Then I go back out. This is how testing worked. You have to wait and then theyre gonna come back out and give you notes or tell you to go home or whatever, she said. Its very stressful. And Willie is just like, Oh my god. Ive had it. You know, hes so funny.

At the time of his death in 2021, Garson had been filming for the Sex and the City reboot And Just Like That, with his former co-stars Cynthia Nixon, Kristin Davis and Kim Cattrall.

open image in gallery Willie Garson pictured in 2019 ( Getty Images for International )

Sarah Jessica Parker, who had been friends with Garson prior to working together on the series, paid tribute to the actor in 2021 remembering laughing late into the night as both Stanford and Carrie and Willie and SJ.

She wrote: A real friendship that allowed for secrets, adventure, a shared professional family, truth, concerts, road trips, meals, late night phone calls, a mutual devotion to parenthood and all the heartaches and joy that accompany, triumphs, disappointments, fear, rage and years spent on sets.
Even in the readout issued by the White House on US President Joe Biden's telephone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday, the latter's indifference to the plight of the Palestinians is evident.

After the outgoing US leader made his points about the immediate need for a ceasefire and a surge in humanitarian aid to the enclave, Netanyahu simply "thanked the President for his lifelong support of Israel and for the extraordinary support from the United States for Israel's security and national defense".

That thank-you note can be taken as not only a Dear John message, but also an indirect rebuff of Biden's enough-is-enough call.

To sell his points, Biden urged Netanyahu to recognize "the fundamentally changed regional circumstances following the ceasefire deal in Lebanon, the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, and the weakening of Iran's power in the region" in a bid to comfort Tel Aviv that these "achievements", as Washington obviously thinks, suffice for its closest ally in the Middle East to stop fighting.

That, to a certain extent, serves to provide some clues on the exchange of interests between Washington and Tel Aviv in the Middle East crisis ostensibly initiated by Hamas' attack on Israel on Oct 7, 2023.

Hamas' attack was undoubtedly a tragedy for Israel and the region. But it provided the opportunity for Netanyahu and Biden to escape some of the domestic pressure they were under.

That explains why the two could so easily reach a tacit understanding to scratch each other's back after the Hamas' attack on Israel, with Israel doing the dirty work as the US' hatchet man to advance their common agenda targeting Iran.

But the Netanyahu government going off the US script in seeking to annex the Palestinian enclave has irked the Biden administration.

So since Biden thinks the US-Israel mission has largely been accomplished, he doesn't see any gain in the latter stubbornly pressing ahead with its own Gaza plan, which has no marginal benefits at all but instead become a negative property to their alliance.

Netanyahu on the other hand believes the US has made a comparatively small input in realizing its objectives with regard to Iran, which should be attributed to Israel's successful military operations. So the US is obliged to support its Gaza campaign, even if the US doesn't benefit from it directly.

So while the readout said the two leaders discussed the ongoing negotiations in Doha for a ceasefire and hostage release deal based on the May 27, 2024, arrangement described by the US last year and endorsed unanimously by the UN Security Council, the zeal for a deal is only on the US side.

Even if the director of Israel's Mossad foreign intelligence agency, David Barnea, and Biden's top Middle East adviser, Brett McGurk, are both in the Qatari capital of Doha, a sign many believe indicates a breakthrough is on the cards, a real deal remains tantalizingly elusive.

Biden's national security advisor, Jake Sullivan, also told CNN's "State of the Union", that he would not predict whether a deal can be reached by Jan 20, the day of the inauguration. "We are very, very close," he said. "Yet being very close still means we're far, because until you actually get across the finish line, we're not there."

Fundamentally, neither Israel nor Hamas has made meaningful concessions on core issues as the former's aim of eliminating the latter remains unchanged, while Hamas insists on Israel's withdrawal from Gaza, which Tel Aviv refuses to do.

The Biden administration should be well aware that the Netanyahu Cabinet will now effectively ignore it, as it has already been assured that it can count on the next US administration supporting its land grab.




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Matthew Perrys former Pacific Palisades home, where he tragically died from a ketamine overdose in 2023, has miraculously survived the devastating wildfires raging through the city of Los Angeles.

The four-bedroom, four-bathroom property, located in the affluent coastal neighborhood west of L.A., survived the catastrophic Palisades fire that has gone on to burn more than 22,661 acres, the homes new owner has confirmed on Instagram.

Its hard to put into words how devastated we feel. Its been such a tough week, but we are incredibly thankful to have learned that our house is okay, wrote Anita Verma-Lallian, a real estate developer and film producer, who purchased Perrys estate last October for $8.5 million.

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, she continued.

Find all live updates on the California fires here

Verma-Lallian additionally thanked her wonderful real estate agent, Brooke Elliott Laurinkus, who grew up in the house next door to us, for keeping us updated on everything happening.

Matthew Perrys former Pacific Palisades home survives the destructive wildfires ( Getty )

Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by this tragedy, and we hope we can come together to heal, protect, and rebuild whats been lost, she wrote, urging followers to consider donating to the @lafdfoundation.

Our firefighters are working tirelessly, and everything we can give helps support their heroic efforts, she added. The Palisades will always hold a special place in our hearts.

In a previous Instagram post following the purchase of Perrys home, Verma-Lallian vowed to honor the Friends stars legacy.

We chose to honor the positive aspects of the previous owners life, his immense talent, and all the joy he brought to so many people. The decision to purchase the home had nothing to do with the previous owner, just our love of the home, she said, sharing that we do plan to keep some of the design elements. The batman logo in the pool is definitely staying.

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Perry, 54, was found dead in his hot tub on October 28, 2023. An autopsy later found that he had died from the acute effects of Ketamine after taking the drug in unsupervised doses.

After Perrys death, an investigation was launched, with authorities unearthing a broad underground criminal network of people who took advantage of Perry when he fell back into addiction in autumn 2023, prosecutor Martin Estrada said at a press briefing last year.

Five people have since been arrested and charged in connection with the actors death, including two doctors, the supplier and an acquaintance of Perry.
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The wife and son of a fugitive Hong Kong psephologist were reportedly taken from their home on Tuesday for questioning by the citys national security police.

Chung Kim Wah, former deputy executive director of the Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute, or Pori, fled to the UK in 2022.

In December, he was named as one of the six activists wanted for violating the citys draconian national security law. Subsequently, the Hong Kong police announced a HK$1m (105,000) bounty for the outspoken commentator.

Mr Chung was accused of advocating for Hong Kong's independence from China following the implementation of the national security law in the wake of the pro-democracy protests in 2019 and for allegedly seeking foreign sanctions against Beijing and Hong Kong between 2020 and 2023.

His wife, Tin Shui Wai, left a local police station after questioning at around 1.30pm local time, the Hong Kong Free Press reported.

She and her son were taken to the station a day after pollster Robert Chung, the head of Pori, was questioned by the national security police investigating whether he or the organisation provided assistance to the fugitive.

The pollster, 67, was reportedly detained at his home in Pok Fu Lam and taken to Poris headquarters in Wong Chuk Hang for investigation.

The police said he was suspected of using "his own company to render assistance to a wanted person who has absconded overseas, in continuing activities endangering national security in Hong Kong".

The investigation, they added, had "absolutely nothing to do with Pori's polls".

"After I left Hong Kong, I never talked to my brother except for participating in an online poll at the end of April that year, the fugitive commentator said in a Facebook post on Monday, referring to the Pori head, except for the Chinese New Year's Day greeting pictures".

Mr Chung was among several pro-democracy activists and scholars who left the former British colony in the wake of a crackdown on free speech and arbitrary arrests.

"I feel sad and helpless for many younger generations who are imprisoned for daring to fight for it," he had said after leaving Hong Kong in 2022. "For the new generation in Hong Kong, they can only be indoctrinated without being able to know the truth or make multiple perspectives."

Mr Chung was named in the third round of arrest warrants and bounties issued for activists since Hong Kong authorities started offering rewards on dissidents in exile in July 2023. The national security police were reportedly also investigating the flow of Mr Chung's funds.

In all, the police have named 19 people, including former lawmakers Dennis Kwok and Ted Hui and activists Nathan Law and Simon Cheng, so far.

Hong Kongs chief executive John Lee said on Tuesday that authorities would spare no efforts in safeguarding national security". "Any organisations or persons suspected of having connections with, supported, or aided figures who endanger national security will be subject to a full investigation," he said.

British foreign minister David Lammy last month called on the Hong Kong authorities "to end their targeting of individuals in the UK and elsewhere who stand up for freedom and democracy.

"We will not tolerate any attempts by foreign governments to coerce, intimidate, harass, or harm their critics overseas, especially in the UK," he said in a statement.

The Independent has reached out to Mr Chung and the British Foreign Office for comment.
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North Korea test-fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles towards its east coast on Tuesday, the South Korean military said, escalating tensions in the region a week before Donald Trumps return to the White House.

The missiles were launched at about 9.30am local time from Kanggye in the Jagang province and flew 250km before splashing down into the East Sea, South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said.

It was Pyongyangs second missile test this year after leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the firing of an intermediate-range ballistic missile on 6 January that struck a target around 1,100km away.

"We strongly condemn the launch as a clear provocation that seriously threatens the peace and stability of the Korean peninsula," the Joint Chiefs of Staff said.

It warned the North against "misjudging" the situation and vowed to "overwhelmingly respond" to any additional provocation.

The latest missile test coincided with Takeshi Iwayas visit, the first by a Japanese foreign minister in seven years, to Seoul for talks on trilateral cooperation with the US.

Mr Iwaya met his South Korean counterpart Cho Tae Yul on Monday. He condemned the Norths nuclear and missile development, and pledged to boost security ties with Seoul.

The test came less than a week before the inauguration of Mr Trumps second term. In his first term from 2016 to 2020, Mr Trump sought to mend relations with Pyongyang, holding summits with Mr Kim and touting their personal rapport.

South Korean lawmakers briefed by the National Intelligence Service claimed that North Koreas recent weapons tests were partly aimed at "showing off its US deterrent assets and drawing Trumps attention" after Mr Kim vowed to initiate "the toughest anti-US counteraction" at a key year-end policy meeting last month.

Pyongyang is showcasing its advanced military capabilities while the South remains mired in a political crisis sparked by president Yoon Suk Yeols shortlived declaration of martial law on 3 December.

Mr Yoon has since been impeached and suspended. He is being investigated for insurrection and faces the prospect of arrest and even removal from office.

South Koreas defence minister and military commanders have also been arrested and tried for their alleged involvement in the imposition of martial law.
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South Koreas constitutional court adjourned the opening session of the impeachment trial for suspended president Yoon Suk Yeol just minutes after it began on Tuesday because of his failure to attend.

Mr Yoon declared and quickly revoked a martial law decree last month, leading to political turmoil across the nation.

Earlier, his lawyers had said that Mr Yoon would not attend the hearing due to concerns for his personal safety, as investigators attempt to detain him on charges of insurrection and abuse of power.

The hearing, scheduled for 2pm local time, took place exactly one month after the National Assembly voted to impeach Mr Yoon following his brief imposition of martial law on 3 December.

The first session of the impeachment trial lasted just four minutes in Mr Yoons absence, Yonhap news agency reported.

Mr Yoon faces possible removal from office, with the court required to decide within 180 days, and a criminal investigation for alleged insurrection is underway. Authorities are pursuing an arrest warrant after Mr Yoon ignored a summons for questioning.

For weeks, Mr Yoon has remained barricaded within his hillside compound in Seoul, shielded by his presidential security service team, while hundreds of his supporters have gathered outside the gates, pledging to defend him.

While Mr Yoons team claims his absence from court is due to detention threats, discussions are ongoing to facilitate his questioning without a direct confrontation.

South Koreas Yoon impeached over his controversial martial law decree

By law, if Mr Yoon is absent again from the next session scheduled for Thursday, the court may proceed with deliberations on the case without his presence.

Mr Yoons lawyers have also called for the exclusion of one of the eight justices, Chung Kye-sun, from the trial, arguing that her previous role as leader of a progressive law research society could compromise the fairness of the ruling.

Security personnel walk on a road lined up with buses blocking the entrance gate of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's residence in Seoul, South Korea, Friday, 10 January 2025 ( Associated Press )

The court is expected to decide on this request during Tuesdays hearing.

In another development on Tuesday, the police, the anti-corruption agency of South Korea (Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials) and the presidential security service met to discuss executing a detention warrant for Mr Yoon.

The meeting followed speculation that investigators would attempt to detain Mr Yoon again this week after a failed attempt earlier this month. However, the meeting reportedly yielded few results.

We requested the cooperation of the Presidential Security Service for the safe and peaceful execution of the warrant, and are waiting for its response, the police said.
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Yoon Suk Yeol has become South Koreas first incumbent president to be arrested after he was charged with insurrection for declaring martial law last month and thrusting the country into political turmoil.

Mr Yoon, 64, was arrested on 15 January and taken to the Corruption Investigation Office for questioning.

The president was impeached by the National Assembly over his shortlived martial law declaration on 3 December and suspended from office.

Appearing defiant in a video message recorded for his supporters before he was taken in for questioning, Mr Yoon said he had decided to comply with the arrest warrant but that the rule of law has completely collapsed in this country.

When I saw them break into the security area using firefighting equipment today, I decided to respond to the CIOs investigation  despite it being an illegal investigation  to prevent unsavoury bloodshed, he said in a statement.

Insurrection is one of the rare offences for which South Korean presidents are not granted immunity. The offence carries severe penalties that may include life imprisonment or even the death penalty.

open image in gallery Supporters of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol stage a rally against his impeachment in Seoul, South Korea ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

The arrest came a day after the Constitutional Court began proceedings to rule on the validity of Mr Yoons impeachment by parliament. If the court clears the parliamentary action, Mr Mr Yoon would be removed from power and a presidential election would be held within 60 days.

If found guilty of insurrection, Mr Yoon could receive a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, with the death penalty a highly unlikely but potential outcome as well.

An embattled leader

Mr Yoon, who narrowly won the presidency in 2022, has been facing mounting unpopularity since taking office. Already weakened by a crushing parliamentary election defeat for his party earlier this year, his approval ratings had plummeted to 17 per cent before this weeks events.

The chaos began when Mr Yoon justified his martial law declaration citing threats from North Korea and the need to eliminate anti-state elements.

But the move was widely interpreted as an attempt to consolidate power in the face of his domestic struggles. Within hours, lawmakers, some from his own People Power Party, rushed to the National Assembly to block the order, while thousands of protesters took to the streets in Seoul.

open image in gallery South Korean impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol arrives at the complex building housing the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) in Gwacheon after arrest ( KOREA POOL/AFP via Getty Images )

By the time Mr Yoon withdrew the decree, the protesters outside the National Assembly were cheering, but the damage to his presidency appeared irreversible.

Mr Yoons declaration of martial law was a legal overreach and a political miscalculation, Prof Leif-Eric Easley of Ewha Womans University in Seoul told BBC News.

He sounded like a politician under siege, making a desperate move against mounting scandals, institutional obstruction, and calls for impeachment.

open image in gallery A woman reacts among police officers during a protest outside the National Assembly after president Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law ( Reuters )

A presidency marred by controversy

Mr Yoons presidency has been turbulent from the start. Mr Yoon was a prosecutor before entering politics and gained national prominence for spearheading the corruption case against former president Park Geun-hye. His lack of political experience was evident after he narrowly defeated liberal candidate Lee Jae-myung in 2022.

While Mr Yoons campaign resonated with younger male voters due to its anti-feminism rhetoric, public hopes for principle, transparency, and efficiency under his leadership were soon dashed, Prof Don S Lee from Sungkyunkwan University told the British broadcaster.

open image in gallery A man looks at a newspaper report about South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeols martial law declaration ( EPA )

Mr Yoons tenure has been plagued by scandals, many centring on his wife, Kim Keon Hee, who has faced allegations of accepting a luxury Dior handbag and stock manipulation. In November, Mr Yoon apologised for her actions but rejected demands for a formal investigation.

Meanwhile, his frequent gaffes  he was caught on a hot mic apparently insulting US lawmakers and praising former dictator Chun Doo-hwan  further eroded his credibility.

Chun led tanks and troops into Seoul in December 1979 in the countrys second coup after dictator Park Chung-hees death. The next year, he orchestrated a military crackdown on a pro-democracy uprising in the southern city of Gwangju, killing at least 200 people.

However, Mr Yoon praised him for being good at politics.

open image in gallery Protesters clash with police officers during a demonstration calling for the resignation and impeachment of South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol ( EPA )

Strained relations at home and abroad

Domestically, Mr Yoon has struggled to navigate a parliament controlled by the opposition Democratic Party, which won a decisive majority in Aprils election. Opposition lawmakers have repeatedly blocked his legislative agenda, forcing him to veto bills at an unprecedented rate. Last week, they slashed the governments proposed budget, leaving Mr Yoon with little room for manoeuvre.

Amidst these political setbacks, Mr Yoons approval ratings have remained dismal, with growing calls for impeachment. Opposition leader Lee Jae-myung has called Tuesdays martial law declaration a decisive opportunity to break the vicious cycle and return to normal society.

Internationally, Mr Yoons presidency has been a mixed bag. While he has strengthened ties with allies like the US and Japan and provided aid to Ukraine, his hardline stance on North Korea has escalated tensions with Pyongyang.

Critics also accuse him of jeopardising relations with China, South Koreas largest trading partner.

open image in gallery Protesters demonstrate against the countrys president at the National Assembly on 4 December 2024 in Seoul ( Getty )

Whats next for Yoon Suk Yeol?

A Seoul court on 29 December issued an arrest warrant sought by prosecutors investigating whether the presidents short-lived declaration of martial law amounted to insurrection.

The warrant, valid until 6 January, was approved after Mr Yoon ignored multiple summons to answer charges of insurrection and abuse of power, accusations that his lawyers called unlawful.

But an attempt to arrest Mr Yoon was blocked by his security services, with the Corruption Investigation Office saying the execution of the arrest warrant was virtually impossible due to the continued standoff.

open image in gallery Protesters attend a rally demanding the arrest of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol near the presidential residence in Seoul, South Korea ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

The warrant was extended again on 7 January and the investigators detained him on 15 January after a three-hour standoff with his security guards.

The anti-corruption agency has 48 hours to conduct an investigation. Afterwards, it can either release him or seek a warrant for his formal arrest.

The parliament impeached Mr Yoon on 14 December, concluding that his declaration of martial law violated the constitution. He is suspended from his presidential duties and is awaiting the Constitution Courts decision on whether he will be removed from office.

Mr Yoons latest political gamble has drawn widespread condemnation. His senior aides offered to resign en masse, while opposition lawmakers moved forward with impeachment proceedings. Even leaders within his own party have called for his removal.
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A controversial bull-taming festival has kicked off in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu with more than 12,000 bulls registered for the fights despite concerns from animal rights activists.

The Jallikattu sport, which is believed to be more than 2,000 years old, is extremely popular in Tamil Nadu during the three-day Pongal harvest festival in January in which hundreds of bull vaulters compete in a carnival-like festival.

However, the festival has suffered legal setbacks after it was banned over animal cruelty and public safety concerns.

As drums beat and the crowds cheer, a bull is released into a ring and the tamers try to leap onto the back one by one and try to hang on tightly on to its hump as the animal bucks and jumps. A man is declared a winner if he is able to hold on for three jumps or 30 seconds, or for a distance of 15m (49ft).

A car, a cash price of Rs 800,000 (7500), and other prizes are up for grabs for the best bull tamer and the owner of the best bull will be awarded a tractor worth Rs 1,100,000 (10,000), according to the Madurai city administration.

However, animal rights activists have raised concerns over the dangerous sport in which not only the tamers and spectators, but the bulls may also sustain fatal injuries.

Some reports suggest that the bulls are provoked to make them aggressive, using methods like twisting or pulling their tails, rubbing chilli powder on their eyes or poking them with sharp objects to control them.

PETA India, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, told The Independent in a statement that it will again appeal to the Supreme Court to ban jallikattu, as it had in the past.

open image in gallery File: A participant tries to control a bull during an annual bull-taming festival 'Jallikattu' in Palamedu village on the outskirts of Madurai on 16 January 2024 ( AFP via Getty Images )

Tushar Kol, advocacy associate for PETA India, said: There is nothing religious about this violence and most people in Tamil Nadu state and the rest of India are kind and want nothing to do with jallikattu.

Jallikattu is nothing but dysfunctional grown men ganging together to bully vulnerable animals in a display of toxic masculinity. It is criminal under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 to chase, taunt, hit and bully bulls  yet this is what happens during jallikattu, he said.

PETA said at least 126 humans, including children and 42 bulls have died since 2017.

According to the Madurai administration records, about 12,632 bulls and 5,347 tamers have registered for three Jallikattu events that happened in Alanganallur, Avaniyapuram and Palamedu, The Hindu reported.

On Tuesday, 1,100 bulls and 900 bull tamers will jump into the fray for the first day of the event in Avaniyapuram village, Madurai.

The Madurai district administration said strict rules had been imposed to ensure the sport is played safely and within the guidelines of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960.

open image in gallery A bull charges towards tamers during a traditional bull-taming festival called Jallikattu, in the village of Allanganallur, near Madurai, Tamil Nadu state, India, 17 Jan 2019 ( Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

According to the directions issued, each bull can participate only in one of the three competitions in the district and each bull can be accompanied only by its owner and a trainer familiar with the bull.

District police commissioner, Lokanathan, said over 2,000 police personnel have been deployed along with a bomb squad. Metal detectors have been placed and drone surveillance is being carried out to monitor the event.

The administration has also readied veterinary teams, ambulances, and fire service vehicles near the venues.

The controversial festival was first banned by a court in 2006 after a young spectator got attacked by a bull and died. It was later banned by the Supreme Court in 2014 on grounds of animal cruelty.

However, it began again in 2017 after it was legalised by the state through an amendment into a law following protests.

But the amendment was then challenged by animal rights organisations with petitions saying jallikattu is a bloodsport and dangerous, with the bulls often attacking their riders and bystanders as they tried to escape crowded areas.

In 2023, the Supreme Court ruled to allow the continuation of jallikattu, saying it was an integral part of Tamil culture.

PETA, a global animal rights organisation, which was one of the complainants in the case, denounced the verdict at that time. Activists argue that the risk to human life also makes the event unethical.

The festival in southern India is being held as the Uttar Pradesh government in the northern part of the country has organised the worlds largest religious gathering.

Nearly 400 million people including Hindu ascetics and pilgrims, are expected to take part in the 45-day, Maha Kumbh festival, the largest religious congregation on Earth, which began on Monday.
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Police in India have arrested 44 men accused of raping an 18-year-old girl over a period of five years.

Officer in the southern state of Kerala made the arrests on Tuesday, in a case that has shocked the coastal tourist resort.

The victim, an athlete who belongs to the so-called lower caste community known as Dalits, told police in a statement that she was sexually abused by 62 people over a period of five years.

Local media reported that four of the accused were minors.

Police have identified 58 of those men, some of whom are minors and arrested 44 over the last two days, officials said.

We have identified the remaining 14 and they would be arrested soon, the Deputy Superintendent of Police in the Pathanamthitta district where the crimes took place, PS Nandakumar, told Reuters.

open image in gallery Students hold posters and shout slogans during a march in Varanasi on 20 August 2024, amid nationwide strike by medical practitioners to condemn rape ( AFP via Getty Images )

The case came to light after the girl narrated the gang rape to a volunteer during a gender awareness programme. Nandkumar, who heads the investigation, said details of how the crimes were committed were still being investigated.

In her statement to the police, the victim said abuse began when she was 13 after her neighbour allegedly raped her.

Under Indian law, accused in rape cases that involve lower castes do not immediately get bail. Reuters was not able to reach any of the accused for a comment.

There were more than 31,000 reported rapes in 2022 in India, the latest year for which data is available, and conviction rates are notoriously low.

The rape and murder of a trainee doctor in the eastern city of Kolkata caused outrage across the country last year, with protests and street marches calling for action against the accused.
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A Japanese expert on demographic trends and ageing society has suggested mandating childcare leaves for fathers as one of the ways to boost the countrys plummeting birth rate.

Hiroshi Yoshida, a professor at Tohoku Universitys Research Center for Aged Economy and Society, told The Independent that childcare leave for fathers should be significantly increased and made more common in Japan, similar to the policies in Scandinavian countries.

Male participation in childcare is very low in Japan and it needs to be boosted, he said.

He also proposes a system where senior citizens can step in to fill labour gaps when the younger population takes childcare leave.

He pointed out the example of the Papa quota in Norway, where fathers are required to take at least one month of childcare leave after the birth of a child. Prof Yoshida advocated for a similar approach in Japan to improve gender equality and support work-life balance for families.

Although womens roles in society have evolved, there hasnt been enough social empowerment to support families in balancing work and childcare, Prof Yoshida said.

If women cant have children while maintaining a career, marriage is useless for them leading to a decline in marriage rates, he said.

So the marriage rate of young couples has decreased sharply in Japan, he said. As a result, the birth rate has fallen.

It is a very, very serious issue.

He said gender equality in Japan needed to be prioritised as it was crucial for the countrys existence. In Japan, while some fathers take paternity leave to support childcare, many hesitate due to concerns about work disruption and career advancement.

Japans birthrate dropped to a record low of 1.20 in 2023, with Tokyos rate falling below one. This decline has been linked to fewer marriages, with a growing number of people remaining single.

Japanese policymakers have been working on extraordinary measures to tackle the countrys declining birth rate, which some leaders have called alarming.

These efforts include expanding childcare facilities, providing housing subsidies, launching a government-run dating app to promote marriage and childbearing, and more recently, it was reported that Tokyos mayor plans to subsidise epidural births this year in order to encourage more women to give birth.

Mr Yoshida has been maintaining a conceptual clock that highlights Japans rapidly declining fertility rate by displaying real-time data on the number of children in the country. It shows the number of children in the current year and the previous year and tracks the decrease every second.

Using official population data from the Japanese Statistics Bureau, the clock calculates a decreasing rate by comparing the number of children in consecutive years. The clock then estimates the year when the number of children will drop to just one, based on this steady decline.

According to the latest calculation, this would happen around the year 2720  695 years from now.

open image in gallery Hiroshi Yoshida warns that if Japans birthrate continues its current decline, the nation will be left with only one child under the age of 14 by 5 January 2720 ( Maroosha Muzaffar )

Mr Yoshida said he was impressed by the impact of the National Debt Clock in Times Square in New York City and the Doomsday Clock, highlighting the power of visualising issues. He believes that a similar approach could help raise awareness about the decline in Japans fertility rate.

Even though Japan has provisions for paternity leave, several reports suggest the number of fathers actually taking advantage of it has remained relatively low.

Mr Yoshida says that in order to implement male childcare leave effectively in Japan, workplaces need to adjust by addressing the labour shortages.

He suggested increasing the participation of older people in the workforce and leveraging new technologies, such as AI to improve efficiency and reduce the labour gap.

He also suggested older workers be employed longer, up to ages 70-75.

This would allow younger parents to take more time off for childcare while the older generation continues to contribute to the workforce.

A survey conducted by the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry and other organisations last year, involving around 6,000 small and midsize businesses, revealed that 52.4 per cent of the 2,880 companies that responded lacked the personnel to replace employees on childcare leave, Asahi Shimbun reported.
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Rachel Reeves told an MP to get real and argued it is not reasonable to blame the Government for global volatility in markets, as she faced questions in the Commons over current turbulence.

The Chancellor was also criticised for her visit to China over the weekend, to which she responded by saying she was able to raise issues around human rights and the case of pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai.

As the Chancellor flew east, the pound plummeted south and Government debt rocketed north. Why? Because the markets dont believe her plan for growth, Conservative MP Dr Luke Evans said.

Because I went to China, I was able to raise issues around human rights, around forced labour, around Hong Kong and Jimmy Lai, and around the sanctioning of parliamentarians. You cant raise those issues unless you are in the room Rachel Reeves

He added: What is she going to say to the markets to make them believe she really does understand how to deliver growth in the UK?

Ms Reeves replied: Theres been a global volatility in markets. I dont believe it reasonable to suggest that the reason why bond yields in the United States, in Germany and France have risen is because of decisions made by this Government. I think the honourable member opposite should just get real.

SNP MP Dave Doogan said it was beyond parody that Ms Reeves would go and throw herself at the mercy of the Chinese government, and come back with 600 million.

Ms Reeves had previously said that agreements reached in Beijing and Shanghai, where she held discussions on trade and investment, would be worth 600 million to the UK over the next five years.

During the statement on Tuesday, the Angus and Perthshire Glens MP added: When, not if, when her fiscal rules are breached, which will she do: increase borrowing, raise taxes, or cut spending?

Ms Reeves replied: Ive been really clear, we will meet our fiscal rules that I set out in the budget, and we will do that at all times.

Liberal Democrat Treasury spokeswoman Daisy Cooper described the 600 million as small beer and said the Chancellor should not have gone to China unless there was a commitment that Jimmy Lai was going to be released.

The Chancellor replied: (Ms Cooper) says that 600 million isnt worth it. Well, thats 600 million of tangible benefit for British businesses trading overseas.

I would have thought that the honourable lady would welcome enhanced trade and investment as a way to create more good jobs, paying decent wages in St Albans and indeed in all of our constituencies.

Now (Ms Cooper) says we shouldnt go to China because we need to raise difficult issues. Well, Im not sure how the honourable lady thinks were going to raise difficult issues unless we engage with the second-biggest economy in the world.

And because I went to China, I was able to raise issues around human rights, around forced labour, around Hong Kong and Jimmy Lai, and around the sanctioning of parliamentarians. You cant raise those issues unless you are in the room.

TUV MP Jim Allister (North Antrim) said: Does she have any concerns about the Confucius Institute? The Chinese government-backed operation across the Unite Kingdom, did she raise any concerns about that? And in respect of Jimmy Lai, what answer did she get?

The reality I want to put to her is that while she was away, (clothing company) Shein refused, point blank in a select committee to answer the question whether they had slave labour in their supply chains, but the Government wants them to register here in London Sir Iain Duncan Smith

Ms Reeves replied: When our Prime Minister met with President Xi Jinping in Rio last year they agreed that one of the points of key engagement is that were able to make clear our concerns about a range of issues, but in a way that was private, and Im not going to go into the details of that conversation.

But with all of the Chinese officials that I met at the weekend, I raised these issues, and the problem is that the party opposite for all their chuntering, they didnt raise these issues because they didnt even engage.

Conservative former leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith asked if the Government will allow import of goods that contain any slave labour from China.

Sir Iain, who is one of a number of MPs sanctioned by China, said: The reality I want to put to her is that while she was away, (clothing company) Shein refused, point blank in a select committee to answer the question whether they had slave labour in their supply chains, but the Government wants them to register here in London.

He added: So can I ask the Chancellor to be clear now to the House about the Governments position on slave labour?

Can she explain whether this Government will allow any products or services or companies to align themselves here or import goods into here that contain any slave labour, no matter how important that import is?

Ms Reeves replied: This Government is committed to working with international partners and businesses to ensure that global supply chains are free from human and labour rights abuses, as (Sir Iain) knows under Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015, commercial businesses who operate in the UK and have a turnover of more than 36 million are required to report annually on the steps they have taken, and quite right so because modern slavery is absolutely abhorrent and this Government continues to take steps to deal with it.
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TikTok has said reports it could sell its US business to X owner Elon Musk are pure fiction.

According to Bloomberg News, officials in China  the home of TikToks parent firm ByteDance  are weighing up a possible sale to the billionaire X owner if it can not overturn an impending US ban.

But in response to the reports, a TikTok spokesperson said: We cant be expected to comment on pure fiction.

TikTok is facing a ban in the US from January 19 over US national security concerns about China and what it believes is its possible influence over TikTok  something the company has always denied.

ByteDance has been told to either sell TikToks US business or face the app being banned in the United States.

The report said Chinese officials are now in preliminary talks about a potential sale to Mr Musk should the firm be unable to block the ban.

It said the social media giants US business could either be sold through a competitive process or through an arrangement by the Chinese government, suggesting the apps future is no longer solely in the hands of ByteDance.

Incoming US president Donald Trump has suggested his administration would block the ban, but he enters office after it is due to take effect.

He has called for the deadline to be pushed back to give him time to negotiate a political resolution.

Last week during a hearing on the issue, the US Supreme Court appeared inclined to uphold the ban, with justices seeming to be 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.

ByteDance has previously 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.

TikTok has previously been banned from Government devices in the UK and some other countries over concerns about ByteDances links to China.
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Ben Affleck received a visit from the FBI at his home in Brentwood amid the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles.

A spokesperson for the FBI issued a statement on Monday (January 13) to share they were examining Afflecks Los Angeles neighborhood during an investigation related to the ongoing Palisades fires.

Members of the FBIs Ground Intercept task force are conducting activity in the area of the Palisades fire relative to unauthorized drone activity, the spokesperson told E! News. Agents and our local partners may be visible throughout the area, including at various residences, for this reason.

This came after TMZ shared photos of the FBI outside of the actors house, which is located near the Palisades. Photos showed two sheriff deputies and two agents walking away from Afflecks house over the weekend.

The Independent has contacted Afflecks representative for further comment.

The FBI was in Afflecks neighborhood while investigating a Super Scooper firefighting plane that was damaged when it collided with a drone that someone was flying near the site of the Los Angeles wildfires.

open image in gallery Ben Affleck purchased his home in Brentwood in July ( Getty Images )

According to fire officials, the plane hit a privately owned drone, which caused significant damage to its left wing. The impact forced the plane to land for repairs and caused a 20 to 30-minute delay in its operations.

Akil Davis, the assistant director in charge of the FBIs LA field office, said on Saturday that whoever flew the drone put peoples lives in danger.

Id just like to stress, that technique, using that super scooper aircraft, are our most effective technique to fight fires like this, and when this happens, it puts everybodys lives at risk, Davis said, according to ABC 7.

Super Scooper planes fly low and pick up water, which is then dumped over wildfires. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has restricted the airspace over the wildfires to prevent danger to the public and the firefighters and law enforcement operating in the area.

open image in gallery Fires burned in Brentwood near Afflecks $20 million home ( AP )

Affleck  who split from Jennifer Lopez for a second time in 2024  initially evacuated his home in Brentwood last week, amid the wildfires. According to The Daily Mail, he reportedly acquired his $20.5 million bachelor pad in July.

While many A-listers have reported heartbreaking news about their wrecked homes, others such as Jamie Lee Curtis and Affleck were lucky their properties came out unscathed.

Meanwhile, Afflecks ex-wife Jenner Garner, with whom he shares three children, recently revealed that a friend of hers passed away during the wildfires.

I did lose a friend, and for our church, its really tender so I dont feel like we should talk about her yet. I did lose a friend who did not get out in time, she told MSNBC while volunteering at World Central Kitchen to feed those who had been evacuated due to the fires.

Garner, who also lives in Brentwood with her children Violet Anne, 19, Seraphina Rose, 16, and Samuel, 12, added: My heart bleeds for my friends. 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.

On Monday night (January 13), a new blaze, named the Auto Fire, broke out in Ventura County, California, and has already scorched about 56 acres, prompting a swift response from fire crews.

While it remains at zero percent containment, it has been successfully halted to the river bottom area of Oxnard with no buildings in jeopardy, officials said. Firefighters are bracing for the return of ferocious Santa Ana winds that are expected to fan the flames of massive wildfires raging across Southern California, as the death toll climbs to at least 25 people.
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Drew Barrymore has recalled how she decided to get revenge on one of her ex-boyfriends after he cheated on her.

During a Monday episode of her talk show, The Drew Barrymore Show, she explained to her guest SZA that part of her multi-faceted plan to get back at her ex included making him watch her get drinks with the woman he cheated on her with.

I found out my ex-boyfriend was cheating on me. This was decades ago, the Charlies Angels actor began. I took all of his stuff in my house and I put it all in his car and then I rolled his car down his driveway and left it there and just walked away.

Then I made the girl he was cheating on me with meet me for drinks with him sitting there, she continued. I was like, Youre gonna sit here and youre gonna listen to the two of us talk! So shut up and listen! And then I drove him home and I looked at him and I go, Now get out.

Since conducting her revenge plan Barrymore said that she and her ex-boyfriend have gone to reconnect and she now considers him a dear friend.

The 50 First Dates star also defended her former boyfriends decision to cheat in the first place.

We were young and stupid! she said. I did dumb things too!

SZA then chimed in to tell her that she supported Barrymores revenge plan. That wasnt stupid. That was fire. Im inspired. Im deeply inspired, she told her.

Drew Barrymore admitted she is still friends with the ex-boyfriend that cheated on her and met up with him for drinks ( Getty Images )

Previously Barrymore has addressed the criticisms that shes too touchy with the guests on her talk show. Last month, the actor spoke to her guest Wicked star Cynthia Erivo about the latters close friendship with her co-star, Ariana Grande. After Erivo confirmed that Grande is physically affectionate with those close to her, Barrymore said she behaves the same way.

Im so touchy. People have to warn me, she explained. Theyre like, Back off a little bit.

However, Erivo said that shes welcoming of that affection, noting that shes now used to it during her friendship with Grande, who she walks hand-in-hand with often.

Barrymore agreed with her guest, before sharing why she values physical connection with those around her.

Im single. Im not dating anyone, she said. I dont have that in my life. But I dont know how I would ever hold back from holding hands, hugging, snuggling.

The Harriet star shared her thoughts about physical connection, noting that she thinks some people are afraid of it.

I think we assume that physical connection can only be romantic, she added before Barrymore chimed in to agree. Youre saying it so much better than I did, the TV host responded, as she held Erivos hand and had her other hand on the actors arm.

Barrymore said that when she has a romantic connection with someone, shes actually far more timid about being physically affectionate. Erivo continued to explain that she and Grande communicate with each other through a squeeze of the hand, pinch of the finger, or a hug.

However we need to communicate, its how we need to communicate. And I think we dont give enough credit to how we communicate with our friends physically, she said.
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Plans for an extreme hike in property taxes in Spain will be a blow to buyers from the UK and could prompt them to consider alternatives such as Cyprus and Greece, experts have said.

Measures being proposed in Spain to ease pressures on its housing situation include an up to 100% tax on properties bought by non-European Union residents.

Toby Leek, president of property professionals body NAEA Propertymark, said: Many Brits may take the news of heightened property taxes in Spain as a blow considering moving to such a location could well have been a lifelong ambition, especially with the convenient location and, of course, the improved weather it provides.

Many Brits will likely be put off by this extreme hike in property taxes and will be looking to other countries such as Cyprus and Greece with lower property tax levels for their dream home move Toby Leek, NAEA Propertymark

He said that, while it can be appreciated that Spain is addressing its own housing emergency and looking after Spanish citizens, the proposal is quite an extreme increase.

Mr Leek added: Many Brits will likely be put off by this extreme hike in property taxes and will be looking to other countries such as Cyprus and Greece with lower property tax levels for their dream home move.

Spains Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has been quoted as saying the overall goal is to provide more housing, better regulation and greater aid.

Non-EU residents bought 27,000 properties in Spain in 2023, not to live in but to make money from, he said.

Like the UK, Spain has been dealing with pressures on housing costs.

Rents are seen as a particular issue in major cities such as Barcelona and Madrid, while house prices have also been rising.

Levels of tourism and short-term lets have been seen as compounding problems.

There are many other jurisdictions looking to attract wealthy retirees and investors. For example, Dubai has been called the 'new Marbella' Seila Sanches Lucas, lawyer

Seila Sanches Lucas, a lawyer at international law firm Broadfield, who helps clients buy and sell property in Spain, said: The proposal by the Spanish Prime Minister will be concerning for those that have already chosen to retire in Spain and for those considering a retirement in the sun.

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It is just a proposal at this point in time and is not guaranteed to make it onto the Spanish statute books.

Even if adopted, the legislative process in Spain is tortuously slow and it is perhaps a little early for UK nationals to worry about this proposal.

If adopted, there are many other jurisdictions looking to attract wealthy retirees and investors. For example, Dubai has been called the new Marbella.

Isobel Neilson, director at law firm and global immigration specialists Fragomen, said that if the proposals for a 100% tax on home ownership for non-EU nationals were to be introduced, our clients would most likely look to rent instead of buying or alternatively explore other more favourable EU jurisdictions.

She said people may look towards Portugal or Italy, for example.

Stephen Abletshauser, private client partner at Spencer West LLP, said: This populist move by the Spanish government may well prove to be a long-term own goal.

It could encourage people to rush to sell up before the rate of tax ramps up, which could force prices down even before the new tax rate is introduced Sarah Coles, Hargreaves Lansdown

The likes of Turkey, Italy, Malta, Cyprus and even France will welcome this decision in a fiercely competitive market for wealthy non-residents retiring in the sunshine.

Sarah Coles, head of personal finance at Hargreaves Lansdown, highlighted the potential impacts for those who already own homes in Spain.

She said: For those who currently own, the question is what this will do to the resale value of their home. The aim is to make these homes more affordable, which effectively means a price cut for those who already have a holiday home in the country.

It could encourage people to rush to sell up before the rate of tax ramps up, which could force prices down even before the new tax rate is introduced.

Richard Donnell, executive director at property website Zoopla, said: Data shows there are over 100,000 Brits drawing their state pension living in Spain, a number that has remained broadly constant in recent years.

He added: It is unclear what the proposed tax would be aimed at but it appears to be aimed at investors rather than homeowners. The taxes for overseas buyers have increased for those buying in Britain in recent years, especially as part of a company structure.

Kate Everett-Allen, head of European research at Knight Frank, described details of the proposals as sparse.

She said: Restrictions on foreign buyers are not new. Countries like Switzerland, Singapore, New Zealand, and Canada have implemented various measures, including higher taxes, outright bans, and limiting property purchases to new homes only.
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A company linked to conspiracy theorist Alex Jones has doubled its offer to over $7 million to buy his Infowars platforms after it lost a bankruptcy auction to The Onion satirical news operation.

The sale to The Onion, which was supported by Sandy Hook families defamed by Jones, was later voided by a judge.

Jones was hit with massive defamation damages after he reported on Infowars that the shooting was a hoax to boost gun control, and that the dead children and devastated families following a 2012 mass killing at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut were actors.

The gunman killed 20 children, ages 6 and 7, and six school staff members.

Jones declared bankruptcy in 2022 after he was ordered to pay $1.5 billion in defamation damages to relatives of the Sandy Hook victims in Connecticut and Texas.

First United American Companies, which runs a website in Jones name that sells nutritional supplements, submitted the new offer even though there was no request to do so, Joshua Wolfshohl, an attorney for the trustee overseeing Jones' bankruptcy, told a bankruptcy court judge at a hearing in Houston.

Wolfshohl said the trustee is also expecting a new offer soon from The Onion's parent company, Chicago-based Global Tetrahedron.

U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez voided the original auction and rejected the sale of Infowars to The Onion in December, saying the bidding process was flawed, not transparent and didnt raise enough money for creditors. He also said there was too much confusion about The Onions bid and its actual value. The Onion and First United American were the only two bidders.

Most of the proceeds from the sale of Infowars, as well as from many of Jones personal assets that are being sold, will go to the Sandy Hook families to help satisfy the defamation judgments. Some of the proceeds will go to Jones other creditors.

The future of Infowars, based in Jones' hometown of Austin, Texas, remains up in the air after the failed auction, and it's still not clear how the sale of its assets will proceed. Wolfshohl said the trustee, Christopher Murray, will evaluate the new offers and decide what to do next.

I dont know exactly what its going to look like, Wolfshohl said. But I think we would come back to the court and say, Judge, heres what weve got. Lets talk about a sale process, one that your honors comfortable with, possibly with an auction.

Representatives of The Onion and First American United did not immediately return phone and email messages seeking comment.

The Onion had submitted a $1.75 million cash offer with plans to kick Jones out and relaunch Infowars in January as a parody. The bid also included a deal with many of the Sandy Hook families for them to forgo $750,000 of their auction proceeds and give it to other creditors.

First United American initially bid $3.5 million in cash and was expected to let Jones stay at Infowars. Despite the lower cash offer by The Onion, the trustee chose it as the auction winner, saying its offer would result in more money for creditors.

Jones and First United American had claimed fraud and collusion in the bidding process, but Lopez said there was no wrongdoing.

Since the auction, the Sandy Hook families who won more than $1.4 billion in the Connecticut lawsuit and those awarded about $50 million in the Texas lawsuit have reached a deal on how to split the proceeds from the sales of Jones and Infowars' assets. The two sides had been at odds over the issue for months.

Under the agreement, the families in Texas suit would get at least $4 million and the Connecticut lawsuit families would get at least $12 million. If the Connecticut suit families get more than $12 million, the families in the Texas lawsuit would get 25 percent of that extra amount. The deal needs to be approved by Judge Lopez.
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President-elect Donald Trumps pick for Defense secretary is publicly facing senators for the first time after weeks of questions from Democrats  and praise from Republicans  about his unconventional resume.

Pete Hegseth, a former combat veteran and TV news show host, says he will be a change agent and a warrior for the department as Republicans demand new and strong leadership in the Pentagon. Democrats say Hegseths lack of experience, his past comments about women and Black troops and allegations of excessive drinking and sexual misconduct, make him unfit to serve.

Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., called Hegseths nomination to lead the Defense Department unconventional but compared him to Trump, and said that may just be what makes him an excellent choice.

Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, said Hegseth lacks the character and the competence to lead the Pentagon. Reed he has voted to confirm the nine previous Defense secretaries, including in Trumps first term, but will not support Hegseth.

His confirmation would be an an insult to the men and women who have sworn to uphold their own apolitical duty to the Constitution, Reed said.

Here are some takeaways from Hegseths confirmation hearing:

A 'warrior culture' at the Pentagon

Hegseth told senators that Trumps primary charge to him was to bring the warrior culture back to the Department of Defense and that he wants a Pentagon laser focused on warfighting, lethality, meritocracy, standards, and readiness. Thats it. That is my job.

Republicans have criticized President Joe Bidens Pentagon for encouraging diversity and say there is no place for woke culture in the military.

Reed said he wants Hegseth to explain why diversity makes the military weak and how you propose to undo that without undermining military leadership and harming readiness, recruitment, and retention.

Our military is more diverse than it has ever been, but more importantly, it is more lethal than it has ever been, Reed said. This is not a coincidence.

Hegseth replied that it was precisely right the military was a forerunner in courageous racial integration in ways no other institutions were willing to do but argued that modern diversity and inclusion policies divide current troops and didnt prioritize meritocracy.

A secretary with 'dust on his boots'

Republicans have praised Hegseth's lack of a high-level leadership role. Its time to give someone with dust on his boots the helm, he said.

Hegseth would not be the first defense secretary to have served in combat  far from it. An array of previous secretaries have had combat service, dodging bombs and leading troops into the fight, including current Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who was a leader in the initial invasion into Iraq.

Lt. Col. Jim Mattis, Trumps first Defense secretary, fought in the Gulf War and later retired as a four-star general. And Trumps final acting Pentagon chief, Chris Miller, served multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan as an Army special forces officer. He later retired as a colonel.

Chuck Hagel, who served under former President Barack Obama, was first former enlisted soldier to become Defense secretary, and he served as a sergeant on the front lines in Vietnam.

Equal standards for female troops

Hegseth made overtures to women and Black troops, an attempt to blunt some of the criticism of his previous comments that women should straight up not serve in combat and his suggestions that some Black troops may not be qualified.

"It would be the privilege of a lifetime, if confirmed, to be the secretary of defense for all men and women in uniform, Hegseth said.

At the same time, he implied that the Pentagon has lowered standards for women to fight without giving examples of those standards. The standards need to be the same and they need to be high, Hegseth said, adding that where those standards have been eroded to meet diversity quotas, that should be under review.

New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, a Democrat, told Hegseth that his quotes about women are terrible and harmful to morale.

You will have to change how you see women to do this job, she said.

In response to Hegseth's repeated comments, a senior defense official said that the standards for military service have not been lowered, and that the standards are based on each field and based on ability, not gender.

____

Associated Press writers Matt Brown, Tara Copp and and Lisa Mascaro contributed reporting.
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When is the end for humankind? Whether its by a nuclear holocaust, a result of exceeding a critical climate threshold, at the hands of artificial intelligence-powered robots, or the Dont Look Up asteroid, the question plagues our thoughts, our research, and our Facebook rants.

Now, one theorist warns that the human civilization of 8.2 billion people is at a critical junction: teetering between what he forecasts will be authoritarian collapse and superabundance.

Industrial civilisation is facing inevitable decline as it is replaced by what could turn out to be a far more advanced postmaterialist civilisation based on distributed superabundant clean energy. The main challenge is that industrial civilisation is facing such rapid decline that this could derail the emergence of a new and superior life-cycle for the human species, Dr. Nafeez Ahmed, the bestselling author and journalist who is a distinguished fellow at the UK-based Schumacher Institute for Sustainable Systems, said in a statement.

Ahmed, who has spoken at United Nations summits in recent years, is the author of the paper which was recently published in the journal Foresight.

Gaya Herrington, vice president at Schneider Electric who was not involved in the research, told The Independent that she agrees with all of Ahmeds big points.

open image in gallery Southern Florida and the Caribbean are seen from the International Space Station. Earth, home to 8.2 billion people, could be facing decline, according to a new analysis ( NASA )

We live in a historic now-or-never moment, and what we do in the next five years will determine our wellbeing levels for the rest of this century, she said.

Using scientific literature, the study offers a theory of the rise and fall of civilizations, concluding that humanity is on the brink of the next giant leap in evolution, should progress not be thwarted by authoritarianism.

The research concludes that civilizations evolve through a four-stage life-cycle: growth, stability, decline, and eventual transformation. Todays industrial civilization, he says, is moving through decline.

The increase in authoritarian politics and efforts to protect the fossil fuel industry  which produce the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change  are factors that could jeopardize civilization, Ahmed says. The global decrease in energy return on investment is central to the decline.

Investing in carefully-designed clean energy and new material capabilities like that industry, artificial intelligence, 3D printing and lab-grown agriculture could create new forms of networked superabundance  when there is an abundance of resources available through networks  that protect Earth systems. But, they cannot be governed by old, centralized industrial hierarchies, Ahmed states.

Ultimately, he finds a widening rift between the so-called emerging new system and industrial operating system, leading to political and cultural disruption and global crises.

open image in gallery A cooling tower is seen at the Three Mile Island Nuclear power plant in Pennsylvania last October. Clean energy investment could help humanity avoid collapse, a new paper states ( REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton/File Photo )

An amazing new possibility space is emerging, where humanity could provide itself superabundant energy, transport, food, and knowledge without hurting the earth. This could be the next giant leap in human evolution. But if we fail to genuinely evolve as humans by rewiring how we govern these emerging capabilities responsibly and for the benefit of all, they could be our undoing, he warned. Instead of evolving, we would regress  if not collapse. The rise in authoritarian and far-right governments around the world, increases this grave risk of collapse.

In his new book A Darwinian Survival Guide, University of Toronto Professor Daniel Brooks says that while the danger is great and the time is short, humans can make change happen.

His perspective, he told The Independent via email, is that while utopia is unattainable, apocalypse wont happen even if there is a major collapse of technological humanity. He believes that the world has a no-technological-solution problem, and that if there is a collapse around 2050, people who continued business as usual will all be to blame - regardless of politics, economics, or beliefs - and those who manage to be part of the survivors and rebuilders will all share in the credit.

We agree with those who say that we have sufficient technology to solve the problems now and although technological advances are helpful, the accelerating pace of global climate change is outstripping the rate of technological advance - the solution to maintaining technological humanity lies in changing our behavior (not electing anti-science authoritarians would be a good behavioral change at the level of elections, a point with which we agree with Dr. Ahmed), Brooks wrote, referring to his co-author, Virginia Commonwealth University associate professor Salvatore Agosta.

open image in gallery The iconic Earthrise image shows Earth appearing over the moons horizon on Christmas Eve 1968. Scientists say Earth has crossed six of its nine boundaries that define a safe operating space for humanity ( NASA )

Ahmeds paper comes following dire warnings about Earths rapidly warming future. Last year, a team of international scientists said that six of Earths nine planetary boundaries  that define a safe operating space for humanity  have been crossed.

This update on planetary boundaries clearly depicts a patient that is unwell, as pressure on the planet increases and vital boundaries are being breached. We dont know how long we can keep transgressing these key boundaries before combined pressures lead to irreversible change and harm, said co-author Johan Rockstrom, the director of the Germany Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research.

Research published earlier this year found that maintaining at least net zero emissions of greenhouse gases, a level that can be absorbed by nature and other carbon dioxide removal methods, is crucial by 2100 to minimize the risk of climate tipping points and to ensure planetary stability.

Multiple wars, extreme inequality, a looming climate collapse, and new technologies capable of transforming our very existence have brought humanity to a crossroads, Amnesty International Secretary General Agnes Callamard said in September. We have no time left for complacency or defeatism  only a shared responsibility to salvage the world that we owe to future generations.

Well have to wait and see if any other Hollywood-esque research predicting the end of the world from AI systems occurs.
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Two women have been charged with criminal damage after Charles Darwins grave was spray-painted in Westminster Abbey on Monday.

The Metropolitan Police said Alyson Lee, 66, of Park Grove, Derby, and Di Bligh, 77, of Langham Place, Frome, will appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on 11 February and 12 February respectively.

The slogan 1.5 is dead was marked in chalk paint on the 19th-century biologists grave at about 9.30am on Monday in a protest by Just Stop Oil.

Metropolitan Police led the two women out of Westminster Abbey and placed them under arrest on suspicion of causing criminal damage with what is believed to be powdered paint at Westminster Abbey. They have both been charged and bailed.

Climate protest group Just Stop Oil said that Ms Lee and Ms Bligh were at Westminster Abbey on Monday.

Ms Lee told PA: We are trying to get the government to act on climate change. They are not doing enough.

Ms Bligh explained the reason they chose Darwins grave was because he would be turning in that grave because of the sixth mass extinction taking place now.

I believe he would approve because he was a good scientist and he would be following the science, and he would be as upset as us with the government for ignoring the science.

A spokesperson for Westminster Abbey said: The abbeys conservators are taking immediate action to clean the memorial and do not anticipate that there will be any permanent damage.

The police were called to the scene and dealt with the incident. The abbey remains open for visiting and worshipping.

The slogan refers to news from the EUs Copernicus Climate Change Service on Friday that the world had missed the global goal to keep global heating within 1.5C, originally agreed by world leaders in Paris, 2015.

Analysis from the Met Office, University of East Anglia and National Centre of Atmospheric Science agreed that last year was the hottest on record and said it was likely to be the first year exceeding 1.5C.

Preventing global warming higher than 1.5C was one of the key commitments from the global Paris Agreement in 2015.
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A drill rapper who shot a rival outside a babys first birthday party in Walthamstow and glorified his murder in a rap video has been jailed for at least 37 years.

Kacey Boothe, 25, had been attending the family event for his friend Khalid Samanters child in August 2022 when he was killed standing at his car at Peterhouse Community Centre in north-east London.

Days after Mr Boothes death, gunman Kammar Henry-Richards bragged about the killing in a rap video called Kay-O Laughing Stock.

The lyrics read: Big Boothe and Little got hit, same sig, thats a sour family.

Both got slapped at functions, neck and head, handguns come handy.

In another version, the lyrics read: Big Boothe shoulda lurked, got his neck back ripped. Lil got burst, shoulda bin with his.

Marcia Rowe, Mr Boothes mother, said in an impact statement that there is no limit to the endless suffering we all feel and must live with every day.

open image in gallery Kacey Boothe was fatally shot in August 2022 ( PA )

In the statement, read by the prosecution at a sentencing hearing at the Old Bailey on Monday, she said: This unexplained callous murder has taken away Kaceys dreams and aspirations, at the age of just 25 when he had his whole life ahead of him.

Shanice Thomas-Brown, Mr Boothes partner, said in an impact statement that their children have been forced to develop an understanding of life, death, danger and violence.

Losing Kacey is the worst thing thats ever happened to us and although he is not with us, his name will forever live on in our family, she went on.

Our kids enjoy visiting him at the cemetery, looking at videos and pictures and cuddling their teddy that has a recording of his voice inside.

The court heard his death was part of a well-planned and orchestrated attack involving six men, with Mr Samanter being the intended target.

It took place against a background of violent incidents arising from rivalry between the London Fields gang, with whom Mr Boothe and Mr Samanter associated, and their rivals the E9ers, which included killer Kammar Henry-Richards, 25, and three others.

Jurors heard that the gun used in Mr Boothes murder was used on seven occasions between 2020 and the day he was killed, including an attack on his older brother who survived being shot in August 2020.

Less than two weeks before his murder, Mr Samanters entirely innocent neighbour Amdirahman Jeylaani was shot in his car in a case of mistaken identity, and was lucky to have survived, the court heard.

Prosecutor Anthony Orchard KC said the gang members conspired to kill Mr Samanter or otherwise shoot another London Fields associate, and took steps to hid traces as to who was involved, which included using stolen vehicles.

Judge Lynn Tayton KC said: This was a planned revenge attack arising out of gang rivalry in the context of an ongoing pattern of serious tit-for-tat violence.

It is sad that a young man with such bright prospects should have become in such offending.

open image in gallery The gang rivals were found guilty at the Old Bailey, London (Daniel Leal-Olivas/PA) ( PA Archive )

She noted that drill music played a limited part in the evidence in the case which also included CCTV and cell site data.

The jury deliberated for a week to convict Henry-Richards, Kamani Brightly-Donaldson, 24, Jeffrey Gyimah, 21, and Joao Pateco-Te, 27 of murder.

They were found guilty of conspiracy to murder Mr Samanter and conspiracy to possess a firearm or firearms with intent to endanger life.

Brightly-Donaldson was also convicted of having a prohibited firearm.

Kamani Brightly-Donaldson was jailed for life with a minimum term of 38 years; Gyimah was handed a minimum term of 35 years; and Pateco-Te was told he would spend at least 37 years behind bars.

E9 gang associate Roody Thomas, 27, of Birmingham, who admitted having a prohibited firearm, was jailed for five years.
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Police have launched a manhunt for two teenagers as part of an investigation into the killing of a 14-year-old on a bus in London earlier this month.

Kelyan Bokassa, 14, was stabbed to death on a route 472 bus in Woolwich, southeast London, just before 2.30pm on 7 January.

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police investigating the murder have said they want to speak to Colin Chabikwa, 15, and Mosawar Zazi, 16.

open image in gallery Kelyan Bokassa was stabbed to death on a bus in London ( PA )

Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Lee said: Firstly, my thoughts are with the family and friends of Kelyan.

I know his death has deeply affected many in the community and I would like to thank people in Woolwich for the support they have shown.

Officers have been undertaking increased weapons searches, reassurance patrols and house-to-house enquiries. I know these can be disruptive. However, it has been vital, and your patience is appreciated.

Our team of detectives is working around the clock to identify those responsible for Kelyans murder and appeal for your help to locate Chabikwa and Zazi.

I would urge anybody with information about their whereabouts to contact us immediately by calling 999.

If seen, we urge the public not to approach them, but to contact police as soon as possible.

open image in gallery Colin Chabikwa, 15, (left) and Mosawar Zazi, 16 are pictured on a bus in Woolwich ( Metropolitan Police )

Two days after the incident, police implemented orders for 24 hours covering Woolwich and parts of surrounding areas giving them greater powers to stop and search and demand the removal of disguises, including face coverings, because of concerns there could be more violence.

One witness told The Independent he was coming out of his apartment block when he saw two hooded young people sprint past him towards the River Thames near the incident.

The 14-year-olds mother described her son as an aspiring rapper.

Mary Bokassa told The Independent at her home: Every time I go into Woolwich I see police officers investigating a stabbing. I guess it is just my turn now.

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101 giving the reference 3795/07JAN25. To remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
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The family court judges who allowed murdered schoolgirl Sara Sharif to live with her abusive father and stepmother should not be protected by anonymity, the Court of Appeal has heard.

Lawyers have argued that a controversial ban on identifying judges who oversaw a string of family court proceedings before her death will have a corrosive impact on public confidence in the judiciary and the wider justice system.

A trial last year revealed the 10-year-old endured a horrifying campaign of abuse in which she was routinely hooded, restrained and beaten while living with her father Urfan Sharif and his wife Beinash Batool in Woking, Surrey.

Her battered body was found at the family home in August 2023 after her relations had fled to Pakistan. She had suffered a catalogue of 70 injuries, which included a traumatic brain injury, 25 fractures, an ulcerated burn to her buttocks, human bite marks and scalding wounds.

Sharif, 42, and Batool, 30, were found guilty of her murder, while her uncle, Faisal Malik, 29, who lived with them, was convicted of causing or allowing her death.

open image in gallery Urfan Sharif and Beinash Batool were convicted of Saras murder ( PA Media )

Following the shocking trial, details from previous family court proceedings were published, revealing that Surrey County Council had repeatedly raised significant concerns that Sara was likely to suffer physical and emotional abuse at the hands of her parents, amid allegations that her father was physically abusing her and her siblings.

Despite three sets of family court proceedings, the allegations were never tested in court, with Sara repeatedly returning to her parents care before finally being placed with her father and stepmother in 2019, where she was murdered in 2023.

Mr Justice Williams allowed the reporting from the historic family proceedings, but ordered that the media could not name the three judges involved as well as other third parties, including social workers.

This was due to a real risk of harm to them from a virtual lynch mob, he said.

Freelance journalists Louise Tickle, Hannah Summers and several media organisations are appealing against the decision, telling a hearing on Tuesday that the judges should be named in the interests of transparency.

open image in gallery Sara Sharif suffered more than 25 broken bones, iron burns, scalding marks and human bites during a campaign of abuse before her murder ( PA Media )

Chris Barnes, for Ms Tickle and Ms Summers, said in written submissions that the judges decision was unfair, poorly reasoned and unsustainable, adding it was out of step with the recognised need to promote transparency, and media reporting, in the Family Court.

He said: Judges very frequently sit on controversial cases and that, notwithstanding this reality, anonymity for a judge is not something which has any domestic precedent, indeed, it runs contrary to all established norms.

He continued: To seek anonymity for judges, save where truly exceptionally justified, is likely to have a corrosive impact on public confidence in the judiciary and the wider justice system.

Maintaining the order would represent provide a comfort blanket of anonymity while true accountability would be lost, he added.

In his original judgment, Mr Justice Williams claimed suggesting that family court officials should be held accountable for Saras death was equivalent to holding the lookout on the Titanic responsible for its sinking.

However, Mr Barnes challenged the problematic analogy on Tuesday, while Adam Wolanski KC, representing the BBC and other news organisations, claimed the comparison was bizarre and wrong.

open image in gallery Sara Sharif moved in with her father and stepmother 2019, who subjected her to a campaign of abuse ( PA Media )

The childrens guardian, who represents the youngsters involved in the case, and Sharif are opposing the appeal, which is being heard by three senior judges in London.

Cyrus Larizadeh KC, for Sharif, said in his written submissions that he was concerned that no harm should come to the judge(s) who presided in the historic proceedings.

Mr Larizadeh added that media reporting had led to significant threats being made on social media towards judges, including calls for them to be strung up, shot at dawn and to be hanged from a lamppost.

Alex Verdan KC, for the childrens guardian, said in written submissions that the judges decision would seem to be grounded on concern for the wellbeing of judges.

For many professionals working within the family justice system, particularly those in a judicial role, the risks are all too real, but all too infrequently acknowledged, he added.

The two-day hearing continues, with a judgment expected at a later date.
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Ministers have been urged to delay decisions on giving up control of the Chagos Islands until after Donald Trumps inauguration.

The UK and Mauritius said they have made good progress on a revised agreement, with Mauritian Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam claiming the UK wants it finalised before Mr Trump is sworn in as president on January 20.

But Conservative MPs urged caution from the Government and suggested ministers hold off for at least week given hostility to the proposed arrangement from Mr Trumps allies.

The White House, State Department and the Pentagon believe that this is a good deal - as does the Indian government Foreign Secretary David Lammy

The exchanges in the House of Commons came as preparations for Mr Trumps presidency were discussed at Cabinet on Tuesday.

Sir Keir Starmer is not expected to attend the inauguration but the Prime Minister and Mr Trump have discussed meeting at the earliest opportunity  with speculation a visit to Washington could come within weeks of the Republicans arrival in the White House.

The UK struck a deal with Mr Ramgoolams predecessor to cede sovereignty over the Chagos Islands  also known as the British Indian Ocean Territory  but lease back the strategically important UK-US military base on Diego Garcia for at least 99 years.

But the proposed agreement, which includes the UK paying an annual sum of money, was struck before elections in both Mauritius and the United States and has run into trouble since the results of those contests.

Shadow foreign secretary Dame Priti Patel asked in the Commons: Can the Foreign Secretary explain why hes surrendering the Chagos Islands and frontloading payments to the government of Mauritius to lease the base at Diego Garcia at a cost of 9 billion to UK taxpayers?

And if this is such a good deal, whys he so secretive about it?

Foreign Secretary David Lammy replied: I know that the shadow foreign secretary is new to the job but I just remind her that it was her government that did 10 rounds of negotiation on this issue, we picked it up, and remind her that the White House, State Department and the Pentagon believe that this is a good deal  as does the Indian government.

As the Trump administration is less than a week away, would it not be wise to wait another week, pause these negotiations? Conservative MP Sir Edward Leigh

Shadow Foreign Office minister Andrew Rosindell earlier asked: Will he commit to this House to wait until after President Trump is in office and after he has had time to discuss this deal with the new administration before finalising any agreement with Mauritius  yes or no?

Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty, in his reply, said: Our deal secures the future security of the base on Diego Garcia. It has support across the US administration and indeed across the United States national security apparatus.

Conservative former minister Sir Edward Leigh said: Leaving aside whether its wise to spend 9 billion on giving away whats already yours, as the Trump administration is less than a week away, would it not be wise to wait another week, pause these negotiations, have a quiet word with the incoming secretary of state in America and then work out what is in our interests and the interests of our closest ally?

Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and the future of their constitutional arrangements is a matter for the people and government of Greenland and indeed the Kingdom of Denmark Foreign Office minister Stephen Doughty

Elsewhere in Foreign Office questions, Mr Doughty refused to speculate on any policy decisions which Mr Trumps administration in Washington may make around the status of Greenland and Canada.

Mr Trump has made clear that he would want Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, under US control and also floated the idea of having Canada join the US.

Mr Doughty said: Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark and the future of their constitutional arrangements is a matter for the people and government of Greenland and indeed the Kingdom of Denmark. It would be wrong to speculate on any policy decisions the incoming administration of President-elect Trump may make.

Outside the chamber, a Downing Street spokesman said the Prime Minister used the latest Cabinet meeting to speak of his determination to pursue a partnership with the US for the 21st century, which would protect security, advance our economic growth and leverage the opportunity of new technologies.

Mr Lammy, Defence Secretary John Healey and Chancellor Rachel Reeves also spoke about the huge opportunities to deepen the US-UK relationship.

Lord Mandelson, who is set to become the UKs ambassador in Washington, was spotted visiting No 10 shortly after the Cabinet meeting.
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The best UK companies to work for in 2025 have been revealed, as employee rankings of their own workplaces show where job satisfaction is highest.

A survey carried out by employee development platform Zensai analysed company review data from Glassdoor.com, an online service where people can search for jobs and see company reviews.

Putting together results from every companies with over 100 reviews, researchers were able to identify the top places to work. The results are varied, ranging from energy providers, to universities, to tech firms.

open image in gallery Octopus Energy boss Greg Jackson meets prime minister Sir Keir Starmer and chancellor Rachel Reeves ( Jonathan Brady/PA )

Coming in first was Octopus Energy, the renewable energy supplier founded in 2015. Run by founder and CEO Greg Jackson, the company scored a winning 87.16 out of 100 in eight categories. These included culture and values, diversity and inclusion, and career opportunities.

Next was management consulting firm Bain & Company. Although likely lesser-known to most, the company secured 85.92 out of 100, despite a relatively low work-life balance rating of 3.40  the lowest of the top ten employers.

Also in the top five were big name employers like Mastercard (82.00), Salesforce (81.93), Google (80.30), and Redbull (78.99). The energy drink company also secured the highest recommendation rate, with 91 per cent saying theyd recommend working there to a friend.

Heres the top 100 list in full:

Commenting on the findings, Rasmus Holst, Chief Executive Officer of Zensai said: Its inspiring to see organisations like Octopus Energy and Bain & Company leading the way in fostering positive work environments. It is also interesting to see so many tech and software companies show up in this top ten listing of the best places to work in the UK.

While salary is important, employees clearly also prioritise their well-being, as well as company culture and values when choosing where to work.

Employees across the UK will soon be receiving bolstered rights as Labours landmark bill for workers is due to pass later this year. It will enshrine day one rights such as sick pay and maternity leave, as well as banning exploitative zero hours contracts.

However, debates still persist about the future of working from home in the UK post-Covid. US banking agent JPMorgan recently told all its employees it requires them to make a full return to the office, following a move by Amazon the week before.
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A zebra that died in a zoo in Essex was killed after a rhinoceros unintentionally impaled the animal, the attraction has said.

Colchester Zoo shared an update after initially posting on social media about an extremely rare incident on 10 January in its mixed species African habitat between the rhino and a male zebra.

The Essex-based attraction named the zebra in question, Ziggy, in a statement online, as they explained he had lived happily with the other species, including the rhino in the enclosure since he arrived in November 2017.

On Friday, two of the rhinos, Astrid and her son Tayo, were sparring with one another in the habitat, which the zoo described as a regular and natural behaviour for this species.

While sparring, the female rhino attempted to move the zebra out of the way and unintentionally punctured his stomach.

The animal died of its injuries a few minutes later.

Responding to the incident, Colchester Zoo announced they were reviewing their care for the animals to minimise the risk of these incidents reoccurring.

As a result, the Animal Care Team will continue to closely monitor the animals behaviour in the coming weeks.

The statement continued: these sorts of incidents are extremely rare and we are devastated by this loss, Ziggy was a much loved animal who will be dearly missed.

We would really like to thank our supporters for the well wishes at this difficult time and thank our fantastic Animal Care Team who dealt with this very difficult situation extremely professionally.

After announcing the incident on Facebook, the zoo made it clear they were directing their resources to make sure the rest of the animals were settled in the habitat.

Colchester Zoo has been open since 1963 and first welcomed rhinos in 1972. It opened its Kingdom of the Wild mixed species habitat in 2001.
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Workers who go for drinks together have been warned about what they talk about in the pub.

The equalities regulator has warned of the complexity employers might face in deciding whether an overheard conversation in a workplace could amount to harassment.

The Governments Employment Rights Bill includes provisions to require employers to take all reasonable steps to prevent harassment at work by third parties.

The law would cover any workplace, so could include pubs, offices and healthcare settings where a third party is present, such as a customer, client or patient.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) warned of the complexity of the issue, which it said could be made more difficult if someone is expressing an opinion which amounts to a philosophical belief.

Philosophical beliefs could include views on religion or gender identity.

In written evidence to MPs last month, and first reported by The Times, the EHRC said there could be disproportionate restriction of the right to freedom of expression and that more analysis is needed on the potential impacts of the Bill before it is passed into law.

The regulator said current analysis has not addressed the complexity that would be faced by employers in determining whether conduct has a harassing effect, particularly in the case of overheard conversations.

open image in gallery Careful what you say at the pub ( REUTERS )

It said the legal definition of what amounts to philosophical belief is complex and not well understood by employers, adding that it is arguable that these difficulties may lead to disproportionate restriction of the right to freedom of expression.

The EHRC called on the Government to undertake further analysis, particularly to take into account any additional complexity that may arise if the third party is expressing a philosophical or religious belief that is protected under the Equality Act 2010.

UKHospitality, the trade body for hospitality in the UK, said the burden of trying to police potentially complex issues should not fall on employers.

Its chief executive Kate Nicholls said: The EHRC has rightly pointed out that these are complex legal issues, which employers are not equipped to navigate and could impose disproportionate restrictions.

We agree with the EHRCs concerns and we dont believe that the burden of policing these issues should fall upon employers.

We would urge the Government to take these concerns seriously and think again.

It should follow the EHRCs recommendation to undertake further analysis, to ensure that theyre not imposing unenforceable and complex obligations upon employers.

John Kirkpatrick, EHRC chief executive, said: The Governments ambition is to address the issues faced by workers who are at a disadvantage in the labour market  including preventing sexual harassment and closing pay gaps.

But for this legislation to have the desired effect, it needs to be enforceable. For it to be enforceable, we need clarity on the role of regulators  including the EHRC  and sufficient resource to ensure compliance.
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Foreign nationals have already faced problems with the governments rollout of electronic visas just two weeks in, with some travellers having difficulty boarding UK-bound flights and refugees left without any way to prove their immigration status.

Millions of people living in the UK saw their immigration documents expire on 31 December 2024 as the Home Office transferred to a digital system. Foreign nationals now have to rely on digital records of their status to travel to the UK, prove their right to work, or rent a flat.

But only two weeks in, people have already reported problems trying to fly back to the UK, with travellers coming from Germany, France, Malawi, Egypt and Cyprus all struggling to prove their immigration status to foreign airport staff.

Refugees in the UK are also having problems connecting their passports to their online visa, digital rights groups have warned. Some new refugees, who face imminent eviction from Home Office accommodation, have also been left waiting for their eVisa accounts, which they need to get set up a bank account, claim benefits, or rent housing.

open image in gallery Passengers should now have their passports electronically linked to their visa status ( Getty )

Chisomo Kalinga, 43, an academic at the University of Edinburgh, was travelling back from a research trip in Malawi when she found herself struggling to prove her eVisa status. She told The Independent: When I got to the check-in counter [in Malawi], they said we dont have anywhere to get your eVisa. It was extremely stressful. I had the share code printed out and they said they couldnt do anything with that.

I ended up getting someone to give me their phone and I logged into gov.uk to show my eVisa and they let me on the plane. It took me half an hour to get it up because the internet was so slow. I was left with three minutes before they were threatening to close the gate.

They knew what the eVisa was, they knew the change, but they said they had no way of accessing it. It didnt come up on their systems that there was a visa attached to the passport.

She said that she has already faced problems in the UK as well, with her GP not accepting her share code, a code that validates someones immigration status to their employer or service, and asking her to email them a screenshot of the visa.

Have you faced any problems with your eVisa? Contact holly.bancroft@independent.co.uk

Another traveller told the3million, a representative group for EU citizens in the UK, about a flight from Paris to the UK on 1 January where border officers didnt have access to their eVisa and would not accept a share code. They had to log in to their online account on their phone to satisfy the officials.

Before the transition, the Home Office assured visa holders that airline carriers would have access to automated status checks as part of their check-in procedures, and if that failed carriers would also be able to access the government checking website themselves.

Home Office officials said they have done extensive training with airline carriers and have set up 24/7 helplines for carriers and foreign border force to easily check someones visa status.

Mark Seymour, who works for refugee charity The Gap in Wales, said that while eVisas were a good step forward he had also come across problems with the roll-out. He estimated that in Newport around 20,000 people still need to apply for their eVisas.

He explained: There are now no Biometric Residence Permits being issued to new refugees, and they are meant to get an eVisa instead. However there are several new refugees who have been given eviction letters from their Home Office accommodation but they dont yet have an eVisa.

Mr Seymour added: If you ring the eVisa resolution centre you get an Im sorry our queue is full call back later. The Home Office said it is monitoring the average wait times for the resolution centre and working to resolve any problems.

open image in gallery Airplane goers have had difficulty proving their immigration status on their way back to the UK from abroad ( AFP )

The charity is also supporting two unaccompanied asylum-seeking children who have been granted refugee status, and set up with eVisas by the Home Office. However, their eVisas have been set up with Home Office email addresses and numbers that have not been forwarded to the refugees, leaving them with no way of logging in to their account, Mr Seymour said.

Sara Alsherif, from the Open Rights Group, said they had also seen people contacting them for help with a range of similar problems. In the case of one family, everyone has got their eVisas apart from one child. Since September theyve been waiting for this childs eVisa account and they cant apply for school, benefits etc, without proving that their child has a right to be in the country, she said.

In another case reported to the3million citizens rights group, an eVisa applicant has had her details merged with another completely random person.

Her advisor wrote in saying: She cannot prove her status in the UK, were actively trying to resolve this before it becomes a problem for her employer. This is a major GDPR breach. The third party has access to all of our clients personal information including her passport details, telephone number and email address.

The Home Office would not comment on individual cases. A spokesperson said: We are listening to concerns people might have and are working closely with carriers and international stakeholders to ensure the rollout of eVisas is smooth.

eVisas bring significant benefits. They cannot be lost, stolen, or tampered with, unlike a physical document, and also increase the UK immigration systems security and efficiency.
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The Princess of Wales is making a steady return to royal duties following what has been one of the most tumultuous years of her life.

In March, Kate confirmed she had been diagnosed with an unknown form of cancer. What followed was a nine-month battle as she underwent preventative chemotherapy. She endured intense online speculation in the weeks leading up to the public announcement and has largely stayed out of the spotlight since.

Her diagnosis came in the same year as the King was also diagnosed with cancer. Her husband Prince William has spoken candidly about the royal familys major health scares, saying 2024 has probably been the hardest year in my life and a dreadful experience.

The princess made appearances at both the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday and the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph.

She confirmed on Tuesday 14 January that she is officially in remission for cancer, on the same day that she made a surprise visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital where she was treated.

This is a full timeline of Kates health journey since January 2024.

16 January, Tuesday

The Princesss saga begins in January when she is secretly admitted to The London Clinic for abdominal surgery.

open image in gallery The Princess of Wales made what was to be her last public appearance for almost half a year on Christmas Day, 2023. ( AFP via Getty Images )

17 January, Wednesday

Kensington Palace reveals that the princess has had planned abdominal surgery and estimates that she will spend the next 10 to 14 days in hospital.

It is said that she will be stepping back from her duties until Easter to recover. The Prince of Wales also steps back from his work to support his wife and young children.

The princess is said to be doing well in the immediate aftermath of the operation. Specifics about the nature of the operation were, and remain, private.

18 January, Thursday

Prince William is photographed leaving The London Clinic after visiting his wife.

open image in gallery William drives away from The London Clinic. ( PA Archive )

26 January, Friday

The princess is visited by King Charles when he is also treated at The London Clinic for an enlarged prostate.

29 January, Monday

The princess is discharged.

5 February, Monday

Prince William returns to duty.

Buckingham Palace announces that King Charles has been diagnosed with cancer. The Palace clarifies that while undisclosed in its form, the monarch does not have prostate cancer, although the disease was found during his prostate procedure.

The king steps back from his public-facing duties as he begins his treatment.

7 February, Wednesday

The Prince of Wales thanks well-wishers for their support amid the familys health troubles. At this point, it is believed that the Princess of Wales is merely recovering from her abdominal surgery.

4 March, Monday

The princess is photographed by paparazzi for the first time since her operation. She is being driven near Windsor Castle by her mother, Carole Middleton.

5 March, Tuesday

A claim that the princess would undertake the Colonels Review ahead of the Trooping the Colour in June is removed from the armys website.

10 March, Sunday

Kensington Palace shares a picture of the princess with her three children to celebrate Mothers Day. It is accompanied by the following message: Thank you for your kind wishes and continued support over the last two months. Wishing everyone a Happy Mothers Day. C.

On the same day, the picture is removed by major photo agencies after it emerges that it has been manipulated.

open image in gallery The picture was removed by major photo agencies after it emerged that it has been manipulated ( Prince of Wales/Kensington Palace/PA Wire )

11 March, Monday

The princess personally apologises for the confusion caused by the photograph, describing herself as an amateur photographer who does occasionally experiment with editing.

16 March, Tuesday

A picture of a woman claimed to be the Princess of Wales near a Windsor farm shop is published by The Sun.

19 March, Tuesday

A breach report is filed with the UK privacy and data protection watchdog following claims that a staff member at the London Clinic attempted to access Kates private medical information.

22 March, Friday

Kensington Palace releases a video of the princess announcing that she has been diagnosed with cancer. She asks the public for privacy as she begins a course of preventative chemotherapy.

Kate said: It has taken us time to explain everything to George, Charlotte and Louis in a way that is appropriate for them, and to reassure them that I am going to be OK.

open image in gallery The Princess of Wales announced her cancer diagnosis in a poignant video. ( AP )

18 April, Thursday

Prince William returns to work again after a brief Easter break, which he spent with his family. His engagements include a visit to a London food waste charity, Surplus to Supper, in Sunbury-on-Thames and a London youth centre.

10 May, Friday

The Prince of Wales provides a welcome update on his wifes health and says she is doing well.

5 June, Wednesday

A further update is provided by Prince William almost a month later at a D-Day memorial event in Portsmouth, where he tells a member of the public: Shed love to be here today.

8 June, Saturday

The princess sends a letter to the Irish Guards and apologises for being unable to make the Colonels Review ahead of Trooping the Colour because of her treatment.

13 June, Friday

Kate announces her return to public life at Trooping the Colour and says in a statement that while she is progressing, she is not out of the woods yet.

15 June, Saturday

The Princess of Wales makes a welcome return to life at Trooping the Colour, appearing with her family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

open image in gallery Kate and Charles with the royal family on the Palace balcony after Trooping the Colour in June. ( PA Wire )

14 July, Saturday

Kate makes a second public appearance, at Wimbledon, and receives a standing ovation. She presents the Mens Final trophy to Carlos Alcaraz.

11 August, Sunday

The Prince and Princess of Wales appear in a joint video to congratulate Team GB on their performance at the Paris Olympics.

Well done @TeamGB, what an incredible journey!



Every athlete showed immense dedication, heart and passion. You made us all so proud!



Here's to celebrating every triumph at @Paris2024 and looking forward to more from @ParalympicsGB later in the summer  pic.twitter.com/oCLz7HuuLG  The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) August 11, 2024

25 August, Sunday

The royal family, including the princess, begin their summer break at the Balmoral estate in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It is believed that this is the furthest Kate has travelled since her cancer diagnosis.

6 September, Friday

The princess hints at an imminent return to duty and says she is looking forward to working with the new chief of the Scouts, Dwayne Fields.

8 September, Sunday

It is reported that the princess could make her next public appearance on Remembrance Sunday and host her annual Christmas carol concert.

open image in gallery The Princess of Wales and Princess Charlotte in the royal box at Wimbledon 2024. ( PA Wire )

9 September, Monday

Kensington Palace releases a video of the Wales family reflecting on the past nine months, and the princess reveals that she has finally finished her cancer treatment.

She added to others with cancer: To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey  I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand.

10 September, Tuesday

Prince William stresses that his wife still has a long way to go, despite the good news that she has finished chemotherapy.

17 September, Tuesday

The princess returns to work at Windsor Castle, turning her focus to her Early Years work.

The Court Circular reads: The Princess of Wales, Joint Patron, the Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, this afternoon held an Early Years Meeting at Windsor Castle.

The meeting likely concerned the Shaping Us campaign that aims to raise the profile of the importance of early childhood development and the impact it can have later in life.

This marks the princesss third royal engagement of the year and her first work engagement.

24 September, Tuesday

Kate met aides to begin planning her annual Christmas carol service.

The Princess was mentioned in the Court Circular after holding a meeting at Windsor Castle about the event, with aides and members of her Royal Foundation.

The service will be held at Westminster Abbey for the fourth year running and will be broadcast on ITV on Christmas Eve.

2 October, Wednesday

Kate met and embraced an aspiring photographer with a rare and aggressive form of cancer after inviting the teenager to take pictures at investitures at Windsor Castle.

Liz Hatton, the 17-year-old, died the next month.

open image in gallery Photographer Liz Hatton died the next month ( Kensington Palace )

10 October, Thursday

The princess made a surprise visit with William to meet the bereaved families of the Southport stabbing victims.

The unannounced trip to Merseyside was William and Kates first joint official outing since the princesss course of chemotherapy cancer treatment ended in the summer.

9 November, Saturday

Kate attended the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall alongside the King and her husband, the Prince of Wales.

During the Festival, William and Kate, both wearing poppies, applauded a performance by Sir Tom Jones  who sang I Wont Crumble With You If You Fall with the central band of the Royal Air Force  and joined other members of the royal family in standing to clap for Second World War veterans.

10 November, Sunday

The princess appeared at the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London.

She watched the ceremony from the Foreign Office balcony alongside Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh in what was the first time she carried out two consecutive days of public official engagements since the start of the year.

Kate appeared emotional as she listened intently during the ceremony, wearing a black coat with three poppies pinned to it.

open image in gallery Kate, Princess of Wales, left, and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh attend the Remembrance Sunday Service at the Cenotaph in London ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

25 December, Wednesday

Dressed in green, Kate attends the Christmas morning service, smiling as she greets fans as royal family members walk into St Mary Magdalenes church.

Kates Christmas morning appearance in 2023 would mark her last official public appearance before she underwent abdominal surgery, and later announced her cancer diagnosis.

14 January, Tuesday

The princess declares that she is in remission, after making a surprise visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital where she was treated.

In a message on social media, Kate said it was a relief to be officially in remission, and thanked the staff for her exceptional treatment.

My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything, the princess said.

It was also announced that Kate would take take on a role as a joint patron at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, alongside current patron William.
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The Princess of Wales made a surprise return to the Royal Marsden Hospital to personally thank staff who looked after her during her cancer treatment on Tuesday.

Kate spoke to workers and patients at the London hospital in an important moment in her personal journey four months after confirming she was cancer-free.

The solo engagement also marked the first time Royal Marsden had been named as the hospital the princess underwent preventative chemotherapy 10 months ago.

The cancer was discovered after abdominal surgery at the London Clinic in January last year.

Arriving at the front entrance, Kate, who wore a long dark brown tartan coat, told reporters: I was just saying, coming in the front entrance here, having made so many quiet, private visits, actually its quite nice.

open image in gallery Kate spent around an hour speaking to patients at the Royal Marsden Hospital ( Getty Images )

Inside the hospital, she spent an hour speaking to staff and patients.

One woman told the princess as she sat with patients and their families on the ward: I think youve managed the children amazingly well. Kate replied: Oh thats kind.

The official engagement, Kates first of 2025, coincided with the announcement that the princess has become joint royal patron of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, joining the Prince of Wales in the role.

The patronage was once held by Diana, Princess of Wales.

open image in gallery Kensington Palace said Kate wanted to show her gratitude to the incredible team ( Getty Images )

The princess wanted to make the journey to both show her gratitude to the incredible team, but also highlight the world leading care and treatment the Marsden provides, a Kensington Palace spokesperson said.

In her new role as patron, the princess was said to be looking forward to supporting the Marsdens work in advancing cancer research, treatment and care as well as learning more about how it can benefit patients in the future.

Last week, the Prince of Wales paid tribute to Kate, who recently turned 43, calling her the most incredible wife and mother. He added the strength youve shown over the last year has been remarkable.

open image in gallery Kate is greeted by Royal Marsden Trust chief executive Dame Cally Palmer on her visit to the hospital ( Chris Jackson/PA Wire )

The visit to the Marsden hospital comes two days before the first anniversary of Kates admittance to hospital for major abdominal surgery on 16 January last year.

She spent nearly two weeks in hospital after the operation, and was recuperating at home when she was told she had cancer and had to begin chemotherapy.

In June, the princess, in a candid written message, revealed she was making good progress but had good days and bad days, was not out of the woods yet and was facing a few more months of treatment.

In September, the princess confirmed she had completed her treatment, but revealed that she, William and their children had faced an incredibly tough time.
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More than 100 secret MI5 files have been declassified for the first time, shedding light on the lives of five of Britains most infamous KGB spies. New information is revealed about the confessions of Kim Philby and Anthony Blunt, two British MI5 agents who spied for the Soviet Union.

Along with Guy Burgess, Donald Maclean and John Cairncross, the group came to be known as the Cambridge Five, with all of them being former Cambridge University students who passed information to the KGB from the 1930s until at least the 1950s.

open image in gallery A photo of Anthony Blunt inside one of the many files MI5 has made available to the National Archives ( James Manning/PA Wire )

The documents from MI5 have been made public by the National Archives. They detail the investigations into the group that plagued Britains secret service for decades. Their story has shocked and inspired people in the UK and beyond for years  and now more of the secrets are laid bare.

Dramatic confessions, daring near-getaways and never-before-seen suspects are all part of the bundle, which dates back to MI5s early years before the First World War.

Here are the five biggest takeaways from the MI5 files:

Agents feared film star Dirk Bogarde was a KGB target

Bogarde was warned by MI5 that he could be the target of an entrapment attempt by the KGB over rumours about his sexuality.

The documents show that the actor was clearly disturbed after learning that his name was on a list of six practising British homosexuals which was passed to the Russians.

Bogarde, who died in 1999, never came out publicly as gay, although he maintained a long-term relationship with his manager, Anthony Forwood.

open image in gallery The KGB was said to have targeted the film star Dirk Bogarde due to his sexuality ( PA Archive )

Having made his name in the popular Doctor series of comedies in the 1950s, he subsequently appeared in a number of pioneering films with gay themes, most notably Death in Venice.

After he was interviewed in the south of France, MI5 concluded that he was a retiring, serious man who was unlikely to fall victim to any kind of KGB sting operation.

Queen Elizabeth was kept in the dark over Palace spy

Queen Elizabeth remained unaware of the full scale of the extent of spying undertaken by one of her senior courtiers, the papers reveal.

In 1964, Anthony Blunt, the surveyor of the Queens pictures and distinguished art historian, finally confessed he had been a Soviet agent since the 1930s, having been recruited when he was a young don at Cambridge.

As a senior MI5 officer during the Second World War, Blunt had passed vast quantities of secret intelligence to his KGB handlers. However, he was allowed to maintain his position at the heart of the British establishment amid fears of a major scandal if he was sacked and the truth became public.

open image in gallery Queen Elizabeth II with Anthony Blunt ( PA Archive )

When the Queen was finally told the full story in the 1970s, she was reportedly unflappable  taking it all very calmly and without surprise  according to the declassified files.

The decision to ensure she was properly informed came amid growing concern in Whitehall that the truth would inevitably come out when Blunt  who had been seriously ill with cancer  died. Journalists had been looking into the story, and would no longer be constrained by concerns over libel upon his death.

Blunt was finally unmasked by prime minister Margaret Thatcher in a Commons statement in 1979. He died in 1983 aged 75 having been stripped of his knighthood.

Palace spy feared violence from his KGB controller

Blunt also feared that his KGB handler would turn violent when he refused to join his fellow spies Guy Burgess and Donald Maclean and flee to Russia, according to the files.

Amid fears of arrest and that their spy ring was about to be broken up, Blunts handler told him to pack his bags and leave the next morning for Paris and from there make his way to Moscow.

However Blunt, a wartime MI5 officer who had become a surveyor of the Kings pictures, regarded the plan as absolutely insane and refused to obey.

After his confession, he would recall his interaction with his KGB controller in London, Yuri Modin, who was codenamed Peter.

I remember being faintly surprised at his not being more violent, Blunt said. I mean, he couldnt obviously force me to go, but I was rather surprised at his not being more violent.

Enigma Kim Philby baffled MI5 agents

Soviet spy Kim Philby was an enigma to a top MI5 interrogator, who admitted he could not determine whether the double agent was telling the truth or not.

Jim Skardon, a former Metropolitan Police Special Branch detective, was renowned within MI5 after obtaining a confession from Klaus Fuchs, who betrayed the secret of the US-British Manhattan Project to build the worlds first atomic bomb to the Russians.

open image in gallery British double agent Kim Philby was difficult to read ( PA Archive )

However, the newly released files show that Skardon was less sure when coming against Philby, who would later be exposed as a spy. At the conclusion of their interviews he admitted he found Philby to be more of an enigma than ever.

For all practical purposes, his reactions to the things that I thought would worry him most did not have anything like the effect I anticipated, said Skardon.

He really does maintain calm in the most extraordinary way, and possibly this is due to complete innocence.

The interrogator concluded that a conclusion on the case would likely have to await the discovery of new evidence.

Philby said he would do it all again after confession

When he did finally confess, Philby expressed no regret over his years spent as a Russian agent.

The new files capture the dramatic moment in January 1963 when he owned up to his treachery after being confronted by his oldest friend and fellow MI6 officer Nicholas Elliott.

I have had this particular moment in mind for 28 years almost, that conclusive proof would come out, Philby said. The choice actually is between suicide and prosecution. This is not in any sense blackmail, but a statement of the alternatives before me.

But while Philby admitted that he had been working for the Soviets since the 1930s, his confession was littered with lies and evasions  including a false claim that he had broken off contacts with the KGB in 1946 after the Second World War. In fact, he had never stopped working for the Russians.

Meeting for a second time, Philby told Elliott: I really did feel a tremendous loyalty to MI6, I was treated very, very well in it and I made some really marvellous friends there. But the over-ruling inspiration was the other side.

He also claimed that his change of heart had been due to the advent of Clement Attlees Labour government, which had brought in many of the things he believed in, and that confessing had been a tremendous relief.
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Detectives searching for two sisters who vanished on a Scottish bridge a week ago have returned to the spot where the pair were last seen.

Police Scotland is appealing for help finding Eliza and Henrietta Huszti, both 32 and part of a set of three triplets, after they were reported missing from their home in Aberdeen city centre.

The Hungarian nationals were last seen on CCTV on Market Street at the Victoria Bridge over the River Dee at around 2.12am on 7 January.

open image in gallery The search for Eliza and Henrietta Huszti, who were last seen in Aberdeen on 7 January, has entered its second week ( PA Media )

open image in gallery Police scour the River Dee in Aberdeen on Tuesday ( Andrew Milligan/PA Wire )

Officers spoke to people in the area during an early morning operation on Tuesday to try and shed more light on the sisters last known movements.

Extensive searches have been carried out with the police helicopter, dog branch and the marine unit among the specialist resources involved.

They crossed the bridge and turned right onto a footpath next to the River Dee heading in the direction of Aberdeen Boat Club. They have not been seen since and searches have now entered a second week.

Investigations have focused on the River Dee and following enquiries so far, there is nothing to suggest that Eliza or Henrietta left the immediate area.

open image in gallery A police dive boat on the River Dee at Aberdeen harbour as the search continues ( PA )

Superintendent David Howieson said: We remain extremely concerned for Eliza and Henrietta as our searches enter a second week.

Considerable efforts are being made to search the river and the surrounding area. We have spoken to a number of people in the course of our enquiries, including overnight, a week on from when they were last seen.

We continue to examine all the available CCTV footage to try and establish the sisters movements in the early hours of Tuesday, 7 January.

We remain in regular contact with Eliza and Henriettas family in Hungary and continue to provide them with support.

We know our concern is shared by people across Aberdeen and the North East. I would urge anyone who may have information, which has not yet been passed to police, to get in touch.

open image in gallery The sisters were last seen on CCTV in Market Street in Aberdeen ( PA Wire )

He stressed to reporters at the scene that nothing weve found suggests criminality or suspicious circumstances, confirming the investigation is a missing persons inquiry rather than a criminal one.

Mr Howieson added: Were trying to remain open-minded in terms of what the wider circumstances may have been.

What we know is that the behaviour of the sisters in the morning on which they disappeared is very out of character.

We dont really understand why they seem to have left their home address and walked to this area in a fairly direct line before the CCTV footage of them is exhausted.

One of our theories has to be that theyve entered the water for reasons unknown, and thats why so much of our search activity is focused on the river, the river bank, and the harbour itself, but were not ruling out the fact that they may have left this area by means that we havent identified yet.

open image in gallery Police launch boats in hunt for missing siblings ( PA )

open image in gallery Police have issued an appeal in the search for Henrietta, left, and Eliza, right ( Police Scotland )

Eliza and Henrietta are both described by police as white and of slim build with long, brown hair.

Their family said: This has been a very worrying and upsetting time for our family.

We are really worried about Eliza and Henrietta and all we want is for them to be found.

If you think you might have any information which could help the police with finding Eliza and Henrietta then please pass this on as quickly as you can.

We appreciate all the support our family has been given over the past few days and we would like our privacy to be respected at this time.

open image in gallery A police diver rises to the surface during the search ( Andrew Milligan/PA Wire )

The two sisters, who were described as being very close, moved from Hungary to Scotland together about seven years ago.

Their brother Jozsef Huszti said their mother spoke to the pair for 40 minutes the Saturday before and said nothing seemed unusual.

Their other sister Edit also said she had spoken to them on New Years Eve and they appeared to be happy and cheerful.

She said it was out of character for them to be on the streets in the early hours of the morning.

Businesses in and around the South Esplanade and Menzies Road area are urged to review their CCTV footage for early morning on 7 January and contact the police if it holds anything that may be relevant to the investigation.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting incident number 0735 of Tuesday, 7 January, 2025.
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Nearly five years have passed since the UK left the European Union, yet Brexit remains a central and divisive issue in British politics.

But what have we learned from Brexit? And how are its consequences continuing to shape the UKs future?

Join The Independents chief political commentator John Rentoul as he hosts an engaging panel discussion that will explore these questions and more, reflecting on the ongoing impact of Brexit and its long-term effects.

As part of our Virtual Events series, this expert panel will examine key Brexit developments and the challenges Britain faces as it navigates life outside the European Union. While Brexit is often associated with division, the discussion will highlight both the successes and the struggles that have followed the UKs departure from the EU.

With continued debates over trade deals, security concerns, and the economic fallout of leaving the EU, this panel will provide insight into the real-world implications of Brexit for everyday Britons.

Joining John will be Stella Creasy, Labour and Co-operative MP for Walthamstow, who has long campaigned for a closer relationship with the EU. As Chair of Labour Movement for Europe, Stella remains a vocal critic of Brexits regulatory impact and its effect on parliamentary oversight.

Also on the panel is Mark Francois, Conservative MP for Rayleigh and Wickford, who has been a staunch Brexiteer since the start. A key figure in the Brexit movement, Mark played a significant role in supporting Brexit legislation and has been outspoken about Britains sovereignty post-EU.

Claire Fox, former Brexit Party MEP for North West England and now Baroness Fox of Buckley in the House of Lords, will be joining the discussion. Claire has been a strong defender of Brexit and continues to advocate for free speech and the UKs sovereignty as a member of the House of Lords.

Our final panellist is Professor Anand Menon, Director of UK in a Changing Europe, who will provide a research-driven perspective on Brexits impact, its ongoing consequences, and the UKs relationship with the EU in the years ahead.

The event will be hosted via Zoom and will last one hour, offering attendees the chance to engage with the panel and ask questions directly. It is set to take place on January 23, starting at 7pm GMT.

Sign up for your free ticket here.

Your support helps maintain The Independents mission to provide quality journalism and host informative discussions like these. We invite you to consider donating, whether its 1 or more, to keep our journalism truly independent. Donate here.
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Britain will await approval from Donald Trump before signing a controversial deal on relinquishing control of the Chagos Islands, it has been revealed.

Sir Keir Starmers government had reportedly been optimistic about a deal to cede control of the islands to Mauritius, following a ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), before the US president-elect is inaugurated on 20 January.

But officials briefed on the talks told the Financial Times that while good progress has been made in the protracted talks with Mauritius, they are no longer seeking to push through a deal before Mr Trump returns to the White House.

The president-elect has made it clear that he does not agree with the Biden administration over the handover of the British Indian Ocean colony and would seek to block or veto it once he is in office.

The island is home to a crucial UK-US military base and Mr Trumps incoming officials have expressed concern that Chinese influence over Mauritius could undermine the use of this facility. There are also concerns over the possibility that Mauritius could lease a nearby island to China.

The UK has offered to frontload a tranche of payments to Mauritius for the proposed 99-year lease of Diego Garcia, the largest atoll in the archipelago and home to the crucial defence base.

The Mauritian government will hold a special Cabinet meeting on Wednesday morning to discuss these latest proposals and, potentially, approve them.

Reports from Mauritius suggest that the deal is almost done, although one senior government source there told The Independent that he was startled by suggestions it was to be signed in the next few days.

However, another source in the Mauritian government told The Daily Telegraph: We intend to agree before January 20.

Chagos Islands

The PM has decided to discuss it in the cabinet on Wednesday and all the ministers are on the same page, supporting prime minister [Navin] Ramgoolam on the agreement. The deal will be concluded this week.

We understand Keir Starmers government is facing immense internal pressure, but we will have historic news this week for the people of both countries. It will be in the interests of both the nations.

The ICJ ruled in 2019 that the islands belonged to Mauritius because it used to be the colonial administrative centre for the islands.

However, the last Tory foreign secretary Lord David Cameron shelved the talks and critics have pointed out that the ICJ ruling status is only advisory.

Foreign secretary David Lammy and Sir Keir have argued that they had no choice to do the deal which they have described as good and secures the use of the crucial Diego Garcia base for at least 99 years.

However, Trumps advisers and critics of the deal in the UK are concerned about the status of the crucial base, a potential block on nuclear weapons being taken to the island and the possibility that Mauritius could lease a nearby island to China.

But the real problems with getting the dea over the line came after the change of government in Mauritius last year with new prime minister Navin Ramgoolam saying the deal was not good enough.

Reports have suggested that the UK has resolved the disagreement by promising to front load payments for the use of Diego Garcia.
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The UK has already lost its position as a world-leader in certain scientific innovations and technologies, and is in severe danger of slipping further behind without urgent action, a House of Lords report has warned.

The cross-party Lords Science and Technology Committee said the UK must do more to boost innovation in the area of engineering biology to prevent it from entering a doom loop where foreign competitors leapfrog British efforts.

The report follows an eight-month inquiry into engineering biology, an emerging area of science which uses and adapts nature to help solve key societal problems around food, healthcare, energy and manufacturing.

In it, the committee calls for action in seven areas: strategy, skills, regulation, infrastructure, investment, adoption and governance  and says the Government needs to offer incentives to firms to invest in bio-tech companies and products.

Baroness Brown of Cambridge, chair of the committee, said: Britain is a world-leader in scientific innovation, with a heritage that is the envy of the world.

But all too frequently we are crashing into walls rather than smashing through ceilings.

Pioneering companies urgently need to scale-up to become globally competitive  not get stuck in the investment valley of death. The committee believes that without urgent action across the key areas set out in our report, the UK is at severe risk of losing the potential benefits of a world-leading engineering biology sector.

All too often we hear that when companies reach a certain size, they move abroad for better investment and development prospects, taking most of the economic benefit with them.

This failure to scale in the UK is a long-standing issue which requires an urgent, concerted, cross-government approach to fix.

A Government spokesperson said: We welcome the committees report.

Engineering biology is a technology with enormous potential, and we agree that it is critical to support home-grown engineering biology companies  which our bold national vision for engineering biology also makes the case for.

Our commitment to the UKs burgeoning engineering biology sector is clear: from our 100 million investment in the Engineering Biology Mission Hubs and Awards, to efforts to improve the regulation of this critical technology, including through the new Regulatory Innovation Office.
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Watch as Rachel Reeves answered questions in the House of Commons on Tuesday, 13 January, after returning from a trip to China criticised by political opponents for coinciding with a week of volatility for the pound and soaring yields on UK bonds.

The chancellor moved to reassure turbulent financial markets amid high government borrowing costs as she faces a grilling from MPs on Tuesday.

Her trip came as UK borrowing costs hit a 16-year high and the value of the pound fell.

The Tories accused Ms Reeves of having fled to the country amid market turmoil while the Liberal Democrats urged her to remain in the UK to announce a plan B to address the instability.

However, the chancellor said agreements reached in Beijing, where she held discussions on trade and investment, would be worth 600m to the UK over the next five years.

Speculation about Ms Reeves position mounted on Monday after Sir Keir Starmer confirmed his confidence in her.

The prime minister declined to confirm she would stay in Number 11 until the next general election.

Downing Street later clarified the chancellor would remain in her position for the whole of this Parliament.
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Former first minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon and former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell have decided to end their marriage, she said in a post on social media.

Making the announcement on Instagram, the ex-SNP leader said: With a heavy heart I am confirming that Peter and I have decided to end our marriage.

To all intents and purposes we have been separated for some time now and feel it is time to bring others up to speed with where we are.

It goes without saying that we still care deeply for each other, and always will. We will be making no further comment.

The couple have been married since 2010.

Last April Mr Murrell was charged in connection with the embezzlement of funds from the Scottish National Party.

open image in gallery Nicola Sturgeon said she and her husband had decided to end their marriage ( PA )

He was previously arrested as a suspect in April 2023 before being released without charge.

In June Ms Sturgeon was also arrested and interviewed by police, before also being released without charge. She has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

Ms Sturgeon has previously described the police investigation into SNP finances as traumatic and said she could not have anticipated the drama of her husbands arrest in her worst nightmares.

open image in gallery Nicola Sturgeon and with her husband Peter Murrell ( PA )

As part of their investigation, Police Scotland seized a luxury campervan, thought to be worth more than 110,000, bought by the party but apparently never used.

Police Scotland launched an investigation into the SNPs finances in July 2021 after receiving complaints about how donations were used.

Questions had been raised about more than 660,000 in donations given to the party for use in a fresh independence referendum campaign.

Neither Ms Sturgeon nor former SNP treasurer Colin Beattie, both of whom were released pending further investigation, have been charged.

open image in gallery The couple on their wedding day ( PA )

In December, Ms Sturgeon said she knows nothing more about the investigation than she did when arrested.

Speaking after being released by police in June 2023, Ms Sturgeon insisted beyond doubt she was innocent of any wrongdoing.

Ms Sturgeon joined the SNP at just 16 and first stood for election in the 1992 general election, as the SNPs candidate in Glasgows Shettleston. The youngest parliamentary candidate in Scotland she failed to win the seat.

Undeterred she rose to become the SNPs deputy leader and then its leader and first minister of Scotland for nearly a decade before she stood down in 2023.

Her resignation came weeks before both she and Mr Murrell were arrested as part of Police Scotlands probe into the SNPs finances.
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Questions have been raised over whether the Conservative Partys shadow housing secretary can take part in Tuesdays Renters Reform Bill debate because he has a financial interest in the issue.

Kevin Hollinrake, who shadows Angela Rayner in her departmental role, is set to lead the Tory charge against the legislation.

But the Tory MP holds shares in an estate agency franchising group that lobbied regulators and government bodies on regulatory reforms including the [Conservative Governments] Renters Reform Bill, while outlining the risk to the companys business of an ever-growing list of regulations.

open image in gallery Deputy prime minister Angela Rayner is the current housing secretary ( PA )

The House of Commons register of financial interests shows that Mr Hollinrake, the MP for Thirsk and Malton, has shareholdings valued at more than 70,000 in the Property Franchise Group plc.

The Independent understands Labour will question Mr Hollinrakes fitness to lead for his party on the Bill given his financial interests.

It comes as the Renters Rights Bill - a raft of new legislation designed to give greater rights and protections to private renters in the UK such as abolishing no fault evictions - goes to Report Stage on Tuesday.

The latest annual report from the Property Franchise Group PLC warns that landlords could resort to selling their properties after having to suffer an ever-growing list of regulations and a greater tax burden.

The report also states the residential property market is continually influenced by changes in UK legislation and government policy. This can [] lead to inefficiencies in the way we operate as we get to grips with complying with new requirements.

Mr Hollinrakes register of interests also shows that he is a portfolio landlord, with additional income from five residential properties in York, as well as having shareholdings in lettings and estate agency services Habitats Online Ltd worth over 15 per cent of the companys issued share capital.

Mr Hollinrake has not publicly recused himself from speaking on his party's behalf on the rental sector. The shadow housing secretary participated in a debate on 8 January 2025 on the social housing sector and at one point highlighted his party's actions in government to hand over more power to social landlords.

Mr Hollinrake said: My interests have been properly and transparently declared in line with Parliamentary rules.

"During my decade in Parliament, I have always sought to represent the best interests of consumers, evidenced by successfully arguing for the abolition of tenant fees which had a significant negative financial impact on businesses in the letting sector.

"Thats why Ive consistently argued against the Renters Rights Bill as it will be disastrous for tenants as supply will fall, choice will reduce and rents will increase.
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Frantic cross-Atlantic discussions have taken place over the past week between right-wing Tory and Reform politicians and Donald Trumps team to try to ensure that Sir Keir Starmer did not complete a deal with the Chagos Islands before the US president-elects inauguration on Monday.

With Mr Trump seeking to block or even veto the deal to hand over the British Indian Ocean colony to Mauritius, the hope had been that Sir Keir would be prevented from landing an agreement before the new president is sworn into office.

The revelation came as Tory leader Kemi Badenoch branded the agreement a dumb deal at Prime Ministers Questions on Wednesday, asking: Why does the prime minister think the British people should pay for something they already own?

Sir Keir said: We inherited the situation where the long-term operation of a vital military base was under threat because of legal challenges.

open image in gallery The Chagos Islands have been the subject of a diplomatic row ( US Navy via AP )

He pointed out that negotiations began under the last Tory government, adding that his deal had provided for effective continued operation of the base.

But despite the British government having the blessing of the current US president Joe Biden, it was reported last night that it had conceded defeat in its attempt to accelerate an agreement, and had decided to wait for the new administration to be installed in the White House.

Critics of the deal are concerned about the future of the joint UK-US airbase on Diego Garcia, and also the potential for China to gain access to the islands.

Foreign secretary David Lammy had agreed a deal with Mauritius, but following a change of government there, the new Mauritian prime minister Navin Ramgoolam rejected it as not good enough and demanded more concessions from the UK.

The British organisers of the efforts to prevent a handover to Mauritius broke cover on Wednesday with the publication of an open letter signed by 23 leading figures on the right, including Nigel Farage (along with a number of other Reform MPs), former Tory PM Liz Truss, former Tory home secretary Suella Braverman, and former Reform leader Ben Habib.

It is understood that the letter was also backed by Ms Badenoch, though she did not sign it.

open image in gallery Former UK prime minister Liz Truss and Nigel Farage ( AP )

Conservative Post editor Claire Bullivant, one of the letters organisers and signatories, told The Independent that the campaign had wider significance beyond the row over the Chagos Islands.

She said: This has laid the groundwork for potential cooperation between Reform and the Conservative Party.

Another source involved in organising the letter and talks across the Atlantic said that Brexiteer Martin Howe KC, another signatory, had been giving more advice to the Trump administration on the issue in the last few weeks alongside wider talks on preventing the deal.

The source said: Efforts have been ongoing for a few weeks, but we started a big push this week to avoid a deal before Monday.

The open letter questioned the reported 9bn cost of the deal, which the UK government is offering to frontload with Mauritius to get the agreement through. Much of the cost is in relation to leasing back the Diego Garcia base for a further 99 years.

The letter said: This decision, if completed in haste, would undermine our national interest, jeopardise our strategic alliances, and create unnecessary economic and security risks.

On the topic of Mr Trump, the signatories warned: President Trump has reportedly expressed strong opposition to this agreement, citing concerns about its implications for US security and the potential benefit it would grant to China, which has expanded its influence in the region. It is unthinkable to alienate our closest ally by finalising this deal without their support.

They also warned that acting unilaterally would only embolden our adversaries.

The letter made four demands: that a full debate is held in parliament; that proper consultation take place with the Chagossians, who have so far been ignored; that alignment is reached with the US; and that a detailed and transparent breakdown of costs is provided.

Mr Lammy has insisted that it is a good deal and that it secures the long-term future of the airbase. He has pointed out that the International Court of Justice ruled that the islands belong to Mauritius. A joint statement released by the UK and Mauritius governments has said that good progress is being made in the talks.

Despite the growing anger over the issue a spokesman for Kemi Badenoch said that the Tories have not ruled out a deal on the islands.

On criticisms over former Tory foreign secretary James Cleverly starting the talks, he said: Starting the negotiations was not the error, it's the current status of the deal that is the error. Kemi knew when to walk away from a bad deal, which is what this is. A bad deal. Where we are currently, the deal is not fit for purpose."

Asked whether Ms Badenoch might then be willing to give up the islands the spokesman described it as speculation but added: Lets see where we are in four years time.

However, Suella Braverman, who signed the letter, insisted the ahndover must stop.

She posted on X: Very pleased to sign this cross-party letter. The surrender of sovereign British territory is one of the worst deals in the history of our foreign policy.

And whats worse is that we are paying for the privilege! Mauritians are laughing at us. China is taking advantage of us. And we are letting down our ally, the USA.

We have 9bn to give up our territory but no money for pensioners this winter? This must be stopped.
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Anti-corruption minister Tulip Siddiq has reportedly been named in a second corruption probe in Bangladesh over a plot of land her family received from her despot aunts government.

The anti-corruption commission in Bangladesh has alleged Ms Siddiq used her influence while serving as an MP to acquire the land for her mother Sheikh Rehana and two other plots of land for her siblings, according to documents seen by Sky News.

However, a Labour source said Ms Siddiq totally refutes the claims and has not been contacted by anyone on the matter. They also said no evidence had been presented for the allegations.

Ms Siddiq is the niece of the Sheikh Hasina, the longest-serving prime minister of Bangladesh who is now in India after being ousted last year.

The latest claim is separate to a probe into allegations of embezzlement in a nuclear deal struck by Sheikh Hasina, in which Ms Siddiq has also been mentioned.

The Treasury minister, who is responsible for tackling financial crime, is being investigated by standards watchdog Sir Laurie Magnus after reports that Ms Siddiq lived in properties in London linked to allies of the deposed prime minister.

Ms Siddiq referred herself to Sir Laurie on Monday last week. In a letter asking for an investigation to be opened, she maintained she had done nothing wrong.

open image in gallery Tulip Siddiq (Yui Mok/PA) ( PA Archive )

On Monday, it emerged that Labour Party posters and political flyers for Ms Siddiq were found in the ruins of the ransacked official residence of the deposed Bangladeshi prime minister.

The property, located in Dakha, Bangladesh, also contained Chanel and Swarovski bags, a certificate for a diamond and a $1,500 gold-trimmed Montblanc pen, The Times reported.

However, Cabinet Office minister Pat McFadden insisted he has full confidence in Ms Siddiq, saying she did the right thing by referring herself to the independent adviser on ministerial interests.

Asked by Times Radio if he had full confidence in his colleague, Mr McFadden replied: Yes.

He added: She (Ms Siddiq) has done the right thing. All these allegations have been made, and she has referred all of them to the independent adviser on ministerial interests.

When we won the election six months ago, we boosted the powers of the independent adviser in the new ministerial code that was issued, to make sure that he had the power to initiate and carry out investigations into allegations like this.

That is what he is doing, and that is the right way to deal with this.

There are growing calls for Sir Keir Starmer to sack Ms Siddiq, with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch saying: He appointed his personal friend as anti-corruption minister and she is accused herself of corruption.

Now the government of Bangladesh is raising serious concerns about her links to the regime of Sheikh Hasina.

Its time for Keir Starmer to sack Tulip Siddiq, the Tory leader said.

Bangladeshi leader Muhammad Yunus said London properties used by Ms Siddiq should be investigated and handed back to his government if they were acquired through plain robbery.

Speaking to the Sunday Times, he also called on her to apologise and resign, saying: She becomes the minister for anti-corruption and defends herself. Maybe you didnt realise it, but now you realise it.

You say: Sorry, I didnt know it (at) that time, I seek forgiveness from the people that I did this and I resign. Shes not saying that. Shes defending herself.

A spokesperson for Tulip Siddiq said: Tulip has self-reported to the Independent Adviser on Ministerial Standards to independently establish the facts on these matters. She is clear that she has done nothing wrong. It would be inappropriate to comment further while that process is ongoing.
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Treasury minister Tulip Siddiq has left the Government, No 10 said.

Ms Siddiq said she had not breached the ministerial code but that continuing in her role would be a distraction, in a letter to Sir Keir Starmer.

She had referred herself to the Prime Ministers ethics tsar.

In her resignation letter to the Prime Minister, in full below, Treasury minister Tulip Siddiq thanked Sir Keir Starmer for the confidence he has shown her but said her continuing in post is likely to be a distraction.

She said: Having conducted an in-depth review of the matter at my request, Sir Laurie has confirmed that I have not breached the Ministerial Code. As he notes, there is no evidence to suggest that I have acted improperly in relation to the properties I have owned or lived in.

My family connections are a matter of public record, and when I became a minister I provided the full details of my relationships and private interests to the Government.

However it is clear that continuing in my role as Economic Secretary to the Treasury is likely to be a distraction from the work of Government. My loyalty is and always will be to this Labour Government and the programme of national renewal and transformation it has embarked upon. I have therefore decided to resign from my ministerial position.

open image in gallery Tulip Siddiq has resigned ( Chris McAndrew/UK Parliament/PA Wire )

Tulip Siddiqs letter in full:

Dear Prime Minister,

Thank you for the confidence you have shown in me in recent weeks.

I am grateful to your Independent Adviser on Ministerial Standards Sir Laurie Magnus for acting with speed and thoroughness in response to my self-referral, and for giving me the opportunity to share the full details of my finances and living arrangements, both present and historic.

As you know, having conducted an in-depth review of the matter at my request, Sir Laurie has confirmed that I have not breached the Ministerial Code. As he notes, there is no evidence to suggest that I have acted improperly in relation to the properties I have owned or lived in, nor to suggest that any of my assets derive from anything other than legitimate means.

My family connections are a matter of public record, and when I became a Minister I provided the full details of my relationships and private interests to the Government. After extensive consultation with officials, I was advised to state in my declaration of interests that my aunt is the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh and to recuse myself from matters relating to Bangladesh to avoid any perception of a conflict of interest. I want to assure you that I acted and have continued to act with full transparency and on the advice of officials on these matters.

However, it is clear that continuing in my role as Economic Secretary to the Treasury is likely to be a distraction from the work of the Government. My loyalty is and always will be to this Labour Government and the programme of national renewal and transformation it has embarked upon. I have therefore decided to resign from my Ministerial position.

I would like to thank you for the privilege of serving in your Government, which I will continue to support in any way I can from the backbenches.

Best wishes,

Tulip Siddiq MP

The PMs letter in full:

Dear Tulip,

Thank you for your letter. It is with sadness I accept your resignation from your Ministerial role.

I want to thank you for your commitment during your time as Economic Secretary to the Treasury including spearheading the rollout of Banking Hubs and opening our 100t site, leading our thinking on financial inclusion, and contributing to the success of the Chancellors first Mansion House speech.

In accepting your resignation, I also wish to be clear that Sir Laurie Magnus as Independent Adviser has assured me he found no breach of the Ministerial Code and no evidence of financial improprieties on your part. I want to thank you for self-referring to the Independent Adviser and for your full co-operation with the establishment of facts.

I appreciate that to end ongoing distraction from delivering our agenda to change Britain, you have made a difficult decision and want to be clear that the door remains open for you going forward.

All best wishes,
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Tulip Siddiq has resigned as the anti-corruption minister after she was named in a number of corruption probes in Bangladesh involving her aunt, the countrys former prime minister.

In her resignation letter to Sir Keir Starmer, the Labour MP said she was standing down as her position had become a distraction, but thanked him for his confidence in her. She has been replaced in the Treasury by Emma Reynolds, the MP for Wycombe.

Ms Siddiq had been investigated by the prime ministers adviser on ministerial standards, Sir Laurie Magnus, after reports that she lived in properties in London linked to allies of her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, who is now exiled in India.

While she was cleared of breaking the ministerial code by Sir Laurie, he appeared to suggest that the prime minister strip the Treasury minister of some of her responsibilities. He told Sir Keir it was regrettable that the minister, responsible for tackling financial crime, was not more alert to the potential reputational risks  both to her and the government  arising from her familys association with Bangladesh.

open image in gallery Tulip Siddiq has resigned after days of pressure and an investigation ( Getty )

I would not advise that this shortcoming should be taken as a breach of the ministerial code, but you will want to consider her ongoing responsibilities in the light of this, he said.

Ms Siddiq was given an apartment in Kings Cross in 2004 by Abdul Motalif, an associate of members of the Awami League party in Bangladesh.

Sir Laurie said: Ms Siddiq acknowledges that, over an extended period, she was unaware of the origins of her ownership of her flat in Kings Cross, despite having signed a Land Registry transfer form relating to the gift at the time.

She remained under the impression that her parents had given the flat to her, having purchased it from the previous owner.

As a result, he says, the public was inadvertently misled about the identity of the donor of this gift in her replies to queries in 2022.

For a period up to 2018 she also lived in a flat in Hampstead, north London, which had been given to her sister in 2009 by lawyer Moin Ghani, who had represented the Hasina administration.

Ms Siddiq has provided considerable background information to confirm that the tax treatment and funding arrangements were in order, but  in light of the age of the transactions  has not at this point been able to provide conclusive documentation to this effect, Sir Laurie said.

In her resignation letter to the PM, Ms Siddiq said that after reviewing the matter: Sir Laurie has confirmed that I have not breached the ministerial code. As he notes, there is no evidence to suggest that I have acted improperly in relation to the properties I have owned or lived in.

My family connections are a matter of public record, and when I became a minister I provided the full details of my relationships and private interests to the government.

However, she went on: It is clear that continuing in my role as economic secretary to the Treasury is likely to be a distraction from the work of government. My loyalty is and always will be to this Labour government... I have therefore decided to resign from my ministerial position.

open image in gallery Keir Starmer has been facing calls to sack his minister ( AFP )

As she left, the PM told her the door remains open for you going forward. She is the second minister to go in six months, after former transport secretary Louise Haigh stood down over lying about the theft of her mobile phone. Sue Gray resigned as Downing Street chief of staff in October.

Ms Siddiqs resignation came after she was reportedly named in two corruption probes in Bangladesh linked to her aunts government launched by Bangladeshs anti-corruption commission.

According to The Guardian, Ms Siddiq was named as part of a probe over a plot of land her family received from her despot aunts government.

The anti-corruption commission in Bangladesh has alleged Ms Siddiq used her influence while serving as an MP to acquire the land for her mother Sheikh Rehana and two other plots of land for her siblings, according to documents seen by Sky News.

open image in gallery Front row left to right: Tulip Siddiq, Sheikh Hasina and Vladimir Putin at a signing ceremony in Moscow, 2013 ( AP )

Ms Hasina was the longest-serving prime minister of Bangladesh until she was ousted last year following violent nationwide protests. The latest claim is separate to a probe into allegations of embezzlement in a nuclear deal struck by Ms Hasina, in which Ms Siddiq has also been allegedly mentioned. According to reports, her family embezzled up to 3.9bn from infrastructure spending in Bangladesh.

On Monday, it emerged that Labour Party posters and political flyers for Ms Siddiq were found in the ruins of the ransacked official residence of the deposed Bangladeshi prime minister.

The property, located in the capital Dhaka, also contained Chanel and Swarovski bags, a certificate for a diamond and a $1,500 gold-trimmed Montblanc pen, The Times reported.

There had been growing calls for Sir Keir to sack Ms Siddiq, the Labour MP for Hampstead and Highgate who was first elected in 2015.

Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch said: It was clear at the weekend that the anti-corruption ministers position was completely untenable. Yet Keir Starmer dithered and delayed to protect his close friend.

Even now, as Bangladesh files a criminal case against Tulip Siddiq, he expresses sadness at her inevitable resignation. Weak leadership from a weak prime minister.

The Liberal Democrats cabinet office spokesperson Sarah Olney said: Its right Tulip Siddiq resigned, you cant have an anti-corruption minister mired in a corruption scandal.

After years of Conservative sleaze and scandal, people rightly expected better from this government.
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Rescuers are sending a cage-like structure into one of South Africas deepest mines.

It comes after more than 100 are believed to have died of starvation or dehydration.

It is in an attempt to bring out survivors among hundreds of illegal miners trapped underground for months in an abandoned shaft.

A group representing the miners said that at least 18 bodies and 26 survivors have been brought out of the Buffelsfontein Gold Mine since Friday, but more than 500 miners are still believed to be underground. Police said they are uncertain how many remain, but it is likely to be hundreds.

The mine near the town of Stilfontein, southwest of Johannesburg, has been the scene of a tense standoff between police, miners and members of the local community since November, when authorities first launched an operation to try and force the miners out. Reports say some of them have been underground since July or August last year.

Authorities say the miners are able to come out and are refusing, but that has been disputed by rights groups and activists, who have fiercely criticized police tactics in cutting off the miners' food and water supplies from the surface in an attempt to force them out. The rights groups say many of the miners are effectively dying of starvation and unable to climb out because the shaft is too steep and the ropes and pulley system they used to enter have been removed.

A map of a gold mine in Buffelsfontein, South Africa:

Illegal mining is common in parts of gold-rich South Africa where companies close down mines that are no longer profitable, leaving groups of informal miners to illegally enter them to try and find leftover deposits.

open image in gallery Relatives and friends protest near a reformed gold mineshaft where illegal miners are trapped in Stilfontein ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Large groups of illegal miners often go underground for months to maximize their profits, taking food, water, generators and other equipment with them, but also relying on others in their group on the surface to send down more supplies.

Some have escaped from the mine since November, authorities have confirmed, although the exact number is not clear. Police say the miners are afraid of being arrested if they come out.

Rights activists said the only way out is for miners to make a dangerous trek to another shaft, which can take days, and crawl out there. They said many of the miners are too weak or ill to climb out. The mine is 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) deep and has multiple shafts, many levels and is a maze of tunnels, and the community mining group said there are numerous groups of miners in various parts of the mine.

The Mining Affected Communities United in Action group, which took authorities to court in December to force them to allow food, water and medicine to be sent down to the miners, released two cellphone videos which they said were from underground and showed dozens of dead bodies of miners wrapped in plastic. A spokesman for the group said a minimum of 100 miners had died.

The cellphone videos purportedly from the depths of the mine are filmed by a man who can be heard saying, This is hunger. People are dying because of hunger, as he records emaciated-looking men sitting on the damp floor of the mine. He adds: Please help us. Bring us food or take us out.

South Africa's minister of police and minister of mineral resources were due to visit the mine on Tuesday, while authorities have come under scrutiny for their tactics.

South African Cabinet Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni told reporters in November that the government would not help the miners, which they considered criminals.

We are not sending help to criminals," she said, according to local media. We are going to smoke them out. They will come out.
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At least 100 men who were mining in an abandoned gold mine in South Africa have died after being trapped deep underground for months while police tried to get them out, a group representing the miners said on Monday.

Illegal mining is common in parts of South Africa where companies close down mines that are no longer profitable, leaving groups of informal miners to illegally enter them to try and find leftover deposits.

The mine has been the scene of a standoff between police and miners since authorities first attempted to force the miners out and seal the mine two months ago. Police said the miners were refusing to come out for fear of arrest, but Mnguni said they had been left trapped underground after police removed the ropes they used to climb out of the mine.

Police also cut off the miners food supplies in an attempt to force them out. Large groups of illegal miners often go underground for months to maximize their profits, taking food, water, generators and other equipment with them, but also relying on others in their group at the surface to send down more supplies.

Sabelo Mnguni, a spokesman for the Mining Affected Communities United in Action Group told The Associated Press that a cellphone sent to the surface with some rescued miners on Friday had two videos on it showing dozens of bodies underground wrapped in plastic.

open image in gallery Relatives and friends protest near a reformed gold mineshaft where illegal miners are trapped in Stilfontein, South Africa ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Mnguni said a minimum of 100 men had died in the mine in North West province where police first launched an operation in November to force the miners out. They were suspected to have died of starvation or dehydration, Mnguni said. He said 18 bodies have been brought out since Friday.

Nine of those bodies were recovered in a community-led operation on Friday, he said. Another nine were brought out in an official operation by authorities on Monday, when 26 survivors were also rescued, Mnguni said.

open image in gallery Police officers and private security personnel stand by the opening of a reformed gold mineshaft where illegal miners are trapped in Stilfontein, South Africa ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Police spokesperson Brig. Sebata Mokgwabone said they were still verifying information on how many bodies had been recovered and how many survivors brought out after starting a new rescue operation on Monday.

The videos sent up to the surface on the cellphone and released publicly by Mngunis group show dozens of what appear to be dead bodies wrapped in plastic lying in darkened tunnels underground. Emaciated men were seen sitting near them.

Police have said they are uncertain exactly how many illegal miners remain underground at the Buffelsfontein Gold Mine near the northern town of Stilfontein, but its likely to be hundreds.

Mnguni said that at least 500 miners remained underground in different places in the mine, which is one of the deepest in South Africa at 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) deep and has multiple shafts, many levels and is a maze of tunnels, he said. He said a preliminary autopsy report on a body that was previously brought out of the mine showed the man had died of starvation.
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A retired police officer headed to Florida for his honeymoon was falsely accused of human trafficking by a traveler who spotted the ex-cop, who is Black, with his new wife, who is white, and believed he was witnessing a crime in progress, according to a bombshell federal lawsuit obtained by The Independent.

In September 2022, newlyweds Anthony Williams and Katsiaryna Shasholka were aboard American Airlines flight 2408, from their hometown of Phoenix, Arizona, to Miami, when a fellow passenger became suspicious and reported the mixed-race couple to the cabin crew, the complaint states.

The passenger claimed Williams, 63, was transporting Shasholka, 34, against her will, an obvious example of racial profiling and abject discrimination, it says.

He had no reason to believe Shasholka was in any danger, the complaint goes on, which includes a selfie the happy couple took during the flight of themselves smiling and enjoying themselves. Nevertheless, crewmembers took the passenger at his word and  without doing any of their own due diligence  told law enforcement that Williams was trafficking his own wife, according to the complaint.

Upon landing, our clients were falsely imprisoned by American Airlines employees who escorted them off of the plane [and] were made to wait, confused and embarrassed, as the other passengers deplaned and walked by them, the complaint goes on.

open image in gallery In a bombshell lawsuit, Anthony Williams and Katsiaryna Shasholka accuse American Airlines of racial profiling ( AFP via Getty Images )

Williams and Shasholka were then questioned by officers with the Miami-Dade Police Department, leaving the two humiliated, the complaint contends, which says the entire interaction was captured on camera.

The experience has since caused the two mental pain and suffering, sleeplessness, paranoia, panic attacks, fear, anxiety, [and] embarrassment, the complaint states.

In a phone interview on Tuesday, Williams told The Independent that he contacted American the next day and was told to file a complaint online, but has never heard back since. He said the episode continues to affect both him and Shasholka, who recently had a panic attack while the two were flying to Dubai.

There was nothing in our interactions the entire flight that would be indicative of somebody who was being held against their will, Williams said. We were just two people having a good time.

Attorney Jasmine Rand , a noted civil rights crusader who has represented the families of Trayvon Martin , an unarmed Black teen who was shot dead in 2012 by an overeager neighborhood watch captain, and George Floyd , an unarmed Black man strangled to death in 2020 by Minneapolis police, filed the suit on behalf of Williams and Shasholka.

My client is a retired police officer, Rand told The Independent. He spent his life fighting crime, and now to be accused of a crime so heinous as trafficking his own wife is unfathomable. He is committed to fighting for justice for himself and for others that have suffered racial discrimination at the hands of American Airlines.

An American Airlines spokesperson said in an email, American strives to provide a positive experience to everyone who travels with us. We are reviewing the allegations of the complaint.

open image in gallery The happy couple were headed to Miami for their honeymoon when everything went sideways, according to their complaint ( Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

The carrier has a pattern and practice of profiling racial minorities, according to the complaint.

It goes on to lay out details of three specific instances in which American allegedly mistreated Black passengers in recent years.

In September 2023, professional guitarist David Ryan Harris, who has played with John Mayer, Dave Matthews, and Mariah Carey, was accused of trafficking his own children on a flight from Atlanta to Los Angeles, according to the complaint. Upon deplaning, Harris and his sons, Truman and Hendrix, were intercepted at the top of the jetway by an American Airlines employee and four police officers who had been notified by a flight attendant that called ahead with some sort of concern that his biracial children were not his children, because they were unresponsive during an interaction with her, the complaint states.

American later expressed regret for what had happened , saying in a statement, Our flight attendant in question wanted to make sure that you were aware that they sincerely offer a heartfelt apology to you and your family for their actions, and the results that their actions generated.

In January 2024, three Black men who did not know one another and were not seated together were kicked off American flight 832 from Phoenix to New York City after a white flight attendant complained about offensive body odor, according to a lawsuit the trio subsequently filed . Five other Black passengers were also removed from the aircraft, the mens complaint alleged. The case was later settled in a confidential agreement; American told The Independent at the time that it was committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment to all customers.

open image in gallery Upon landing, Williams and Shasholka were questioned by officers with the Miami-Dade PD, leaving the pair humiliated, their complaint states ( Getty Images )

The following month, Pamela Hill-Veal, a retired Black circuit court judge, was seated in first-class aboard an American flight from Chicago to Phoenix but prohibited by a flight attendant from using the first-class lavatory. Instead, the 70-year-old Hill-Veal was instructed to use the restroom at the back of the aircraft, Williams and Shasholkas complaint states. Shortly before landing, Hill-Veal used the first-class restroom anyway, after which the same flight attendant threatened her with arrest. After landing, Hill-Veal was escorted off the plane and met by police, who declined to arrest her, according to the complaint.

In a statement, American responded, We strive to ensure that every customer has a positive travel experience, and we take all claims of discrimination very seriously.

American Airlines and its employees had a duty to protect [Williams and Shasholka] from false accusations of criminal misconduct and/or of misconduct that could lead passengers to being removed from the aircraft, threatened with arrest, subjected to racial profiling, harassment, discrimination, false imprisonment, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, as dictated by federal law, their complaint argues.

Rand said on Tuesday that American Airlines had no excuse for falsely accusing my client of human trafficking of his own wife, and it is yet another case of clear racial discrimination.

Acts of racial discrimination are widespread throughout American Airlines indicating a clear failure to train its employees and to hold them accountable when they engage in discriminatory misconduct, she told The Independent.

The couple is demanding compensatory and punitive damages, to be determined in court, plus attorneys fees.

American has 21 days from January 9, the date Williams and Shasholkas lawsuit was filed, to respond to the allegations.
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Arizona Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs knows she is outnumbered this legislative session, since Republicans expanded their majorities in the statehouse after the last election.

But the first-term governor sees room for bipartisan compromise as she looks to advance policies that have long been stymied under the GOP-controlled Legislature.

While President-elect Donald Trump swept the battleground state, Hobbs noted in a recent interview with The Associated Press that Arizona voters also elected Democrat Ruben Gallego to the U.S. Senate, sending the message that they want their political leaders to work across the aisle to solve the thorniest of issues.

The issues were facing  affordability for families, water security, protecting our border and keeping communities safe  those are not Republican or Democratic issues, she said. Theyre just Arizona issues that our elected leaders, myself included, need to work together to solve.

On Monday, Hobbs says shes willing to work with Republicans but will veto any legislation she believes fails to provide adequate solutions to the issues Arizonans are facing. In her first two years in office, she vetoed 216 Republican-backed bills, which included legislation targeting transgender students.

Hobbs, who will be up for reelection next year, outlined her priorities when she addressed lawmakers at the start of the session Monday.

Here's a look at key policy areas:

Border security

It was just two weeks after the November election when Hobbs visited the Arizona-Mexico border and vowed to work with Trumps administration on issues like stopping fentanyl trafficking. But she also acknowledged some families are worried about the president-elect's deportation threats.

While not wanting to speculate, Hobbs says Arizona will focus its limited law enforcement resources on keeping violent criminals off the streets, regardless of their immigration status.

In her speech Monday, Hobbs renewed calls to secure the border and vowed to protect Arizonans from threats like illicit drugs entering the state. She touted the success of the Arizona National Guard and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection in seizing more than 8 million fentanyl pills and 2,000 pounds (900 kilograms) of meth, cocaine, heroin and fentanyl powder since July.

"We must remain vigilant in protecting Arizonans from the cartels who seek to do us harm," she said.

Arizona voters last year approved a measure empowering local police to arrest people suspected of illegally crossing the border, so its unclear what new restrictions on immigration Republicans might push beyond ensuring adequate funding for law enforcement.

Water scarcity

Hobbs will look to pressure lawmakers again to plug regulatory holes to protect groundwater sources. Her calls last year to update the state's water laws failed to win legislative approval, leaving her administration to take executive action in December to curb unchecked pumping in one rural area.

This time around, Hobbs is optimistic she can reach a deal with lawmakers on revamping groundwater regulations. In the absence of a pact, Hobbs says she wont hesitate to act unilaterally.

Mark my words, if this Legislature fails to act, I will again, Hobbs said in her address, which received applause from members of the Democratic caucus and Gila River Indian Community Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis.

The stakes are high as Arizona grapples with long-term drought and needs to come up with a plan by the end of 2026 to manage its dwindling share of water from the over-tapped Colorado River.

Education

Reining in Arizona's school voucher program remains on Hobbs' wish list.

The program, which started in 2011 for disabled children and expanded to all students in 2022, lets parents subsidize private-school tuition and other educational costs with public money.

Hobbs and fellow Democrats have criticized the program, saying it contributes to a drain on the state's coffers. In her address, Hobbs pitted the billion-dollar boondoggle against increasing funding for additional measures of border security, and called for more accountability and transparency in the unchecked program.

Do we give our police a raise and secure our border  or do we continue to pay for ski resort passes?" Hobbs said.

Republican lawmakers have championed the program as a cornerstone of the school choice movement, and its reform is considered a nonstarter among the GOP-majority Legislature.

I think it's fair to say that I expect her proposal to be one that would fatally flaw the Empowerment Scholarship Program, Republican Rep. Matt Gress, House education committee chair, said after Hobbs' remarks.

The budget approved by lawmakers last year after weeks of negotiations with Hobbs' office included only a small cut in spending for the program.

Unlike last year, the state isnt facing a budget crunch. The latest revenue projection for the next fiscal year is up $231 million compared to the forecast last summer, according to legislative analysts.

___

Gabriel Sandoval is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.

The Associated Press women in the workforce and state government coverage receives financial support from Pivotal Ventures. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
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President Joe Biden is in the final stretch. Less than one week remains between him and his departure from the White House, Washington, and in all likelihood the American political stage as a whole.

He is working overtime to protect and define  on his terms  a legacy he once thought hed have another four years to build. But his party and the broader American political world doesnt seem to be on board with a vision that more and more are now saying is a delusion.

To draw that image of his one term in the White House, the president chose to make two final addresses this week. One occurred Monday, in front of staffers at the US State Department, focused on Americas global presence with Joe Biden at the helm. A second, his farewell address, will be delivered in primetime on Wednesday.

Both were set to deliver a much rosier view of his administrations performance than even some members of his own party are willing to allow. And they have one shared goal: making the Biden presidency mean something more in the minds of Americans than simply being the vessel of Kamala Harriss defeat to Donald Trump.

Today, I can report to the American people, our sources of national power are far stronger than they were when we took office, said Biden on Monday, adding that Americas adversaries were conversely weaker than they were when we came into this job four years ago.

Hed go on to boast that he was leaving the next administration with a very strong hand to play, with an America that once again is leading, uniting countries, setting the agenda, bringing others together behind our plans and missions, and one that is no longer at war.

open image in gallery Joe Biden addresses employees of the State Department and Americans in his final foreign policy address on Monday, January 13. ( AFP via Getty Images )

In truth, the American publics understanding of what at war means has changed dramatically, leaving Biden behind. No US service members are engaged in direct combat missions, yet the Pentagon just admitted that the number of troops in Syria is double that which had been reported for months. Meanwhile, the US Navy continues to clash with Houthi forces in the waters around Yemen and US forces assisted in intercepting missiles fired by Iran at Israel in October.

A media onslaught in his final days has undermined that image as well. On Sunday, CBSs 60 Minutes aired an expansive investigation into the USs role in the Israeli siege of Gaza, broadcasting shocking images of young children playing with unexploded US-made ordinance and other debris from US-supplied weapons. Former State Department officials told the network they were pressured to stop raising alarms about human rights abuses.

On MSNBC, the network that hired Bidens former press secretary to host a show, primetime opinion host Chris Hayes denounced the president last week for leaving a disgraceful legacy with his virtually unwavering support for Benjamin Netanyahu and Israels government over the last year. That support was doing untold damage to the liberal international order, Hayes argued, as he asserted it undermined US condemnations of human rights abuses in places like China and Russia.

The president will make his case on domestic policy tomorrow night. That part of his legacy, however, comes with one big asterisk: Donald Trump. How many of his decisions and policy achievements survive the next four years, with the incoming president coming to Washington once again with unified control of Congress?

open image in gallery Joe Biden is seeking to define his presidency as more than just a lead-up to Kamala Harriss defeat. ( Getty Images )

That question is coupled with the reality that Trump is aiming to implement a massive deportation program upon taking office, and along with a GOP Congress is likely to target transgender Americans as well. Republicans aim to pass a tax bill in the first year of Trumps presidency, roll back environmental regulations, and more  all of which is set to be laid at Bidens feet, thanks to the botched manner in which the outgoing presidents party handled the 2024 cycle.

Biden himself ensured that blame would come his way last week with a pair of statements claiming that the election had been winnable despite his decision to run for re-election well into July when he finally stepped aside after a disastrous debate performance.

The president told reporters that he would have beaten Trump, could have beaten Trump, then echoed those comments in a USA Today interview even while admitting that he wasnt sure he could have served a full second term. Pod Save Americas Tommy Vietor called Bidens answers delusional thinking.

No longer the public speaker he was even 5 years ago and lacking the support of most of his own party, Joe Biden is fighting an uphill battle to write his last chapter.

The continued silence of Kamala Harris, his vice president, makes the situation all the more uncertain for him. As she writes her own future, the woman called in at the last minute to replace the 46th president  who ran her campaign for just 107 days  may be the one to finish his as well.
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A West Virginia couple accused of treating their adopted Black children as slaves are on trial this week to face charges of child abuse and human trafficking.

Donald Lantz and Jeanne Whitefeather, who are both white, were arrested after two of their five children were found locked up in a shed outside their Sissonville home, near Charleston, in October 2023.

Opening statements began Tuesday in Kanawha County with Kanawha County Assistant Prosecutor Madison Tuck telling the court that soon after the family moved from Washington to West Virginia in April 2023, their neighbors grew concerned about the children.

Tuck said the neighbors will testify about the alleged abuse they claimed to have witnessed at the familys home, which included seeing the children being forced to work on the property, stand for long periods of time and even using a portable toilet in the yard  all of which was reported to Child Protective Services (CPS).

One neighbors claims of seeing two children being locked in a shed by Lantz is what prompted the 911 call in October 2023.

open image in gallery Lantz and Whitefeather are on trial after two of their children were found locked inside a shed on their property in October 2023 ( abc )

Deputies forced their way into a shed to find a teenage boy and girl inside who had been deprived of adequate food and hygienic care, and the room had no running water or bathroom facilities, according to a criminal complaint.

Inside the main house, a 9-year-old girl was found alone crying in a loft about 15 feet high with no protection from falling. No adults were at the home at the time.

Lantz and Whitefeather were later arrested and arraigned on 16 counts each accusing them of civil rights violations, human trafficking, forced labor, gross child neglect and falsifying an application seeking a public defender. All but one of the counts are felonies.

The indictment alleges the two forced, threatened and interfered with the free exercise and enjoyment of any right and privilege of the four children.

I dont think Ive ever seen an indictment like this in all of my time, Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Judge Maryclaire Akers said at the time, adding that the indictment alleges the children were targeted because of their race to be used as basically slaves.

Both Lantz and Whitefeather appeared in court on Tuesday where opening statements were delivered and testimony from one of the neighbors got underway by the midday break.

open image in gallery Lantz faces charges of human trafficking, child abuse and forced child labor ( West Virginia Division of Corrections & Rehabilitation )

Prosecutors told the court in openings that three of the couples children will testify over the course of the trial, which is expected to last two weeks.

The children will talk about their living conditions at home, being pepper sprayed, having to constantly stand with their hands over their head, being called racial slurs, and more, he said.

According to a criminal complaint, Deputy H.K. Burdette said the children in the shed were in dirty clothes and smelled of body odor, and the boy was barefoot and had what appeared to be sores on his feet. He said the girl told him that she and her brother were not allowed inside the house and were locked in the shed for long periods of time daily.

A fourth child, who Tuck alleges was treated the worst of all the kids, is currently receiving care for mental illness and will not be testifying at the trial.

Financial records will show that while the couple had more than enough resources to care for these children, they simply chose not to do so, Tuck said.

The couples defense attorney, Mark Plants, began his opening statements by telling the court that the case is about adoptive parents struggling to deal with their childrens past trauma, especially the little boy suffering from severe mental illness.

open image in gallery Whitefeather was arrested alongside Lantz and is standing trial on the same abuse charges ( West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation )

Plants said the court will provide evidence that the family did not intend to harm the child, but that they were protecting the family from him. He added that Whitefeather and Lantz loved the child but wanted him in an institution, not at home.

In November 2022, CPS investigated the couple for isolating the boy in a bedroom while they were still in Washington, Plants said. But he noted that CPS said the allegations were unfounded and no criminal charges were filed. The family then moved to Sissonville.

But once they were in the three-bedroom house, the family knew immediately they needed more space for the kids and animals and the Sissonville house wasnt going to work, Plants said, adding that the tact room was used as a classroom and teenage hangout spot. Prosecutors have referred to the tact room as a shed that was locked.

Plants argued that the door wasnt initially locked, so the kids could come and go as they wanted, then later said that a lock was installed to prevent the teenage boy from running away.

Meanwhile the prosecutor told the court they will hear from the teenage girl who will testify that they were all fed mostly peanut butter sandwiches and water with nearly every meal and denied the opportunity to shower.

She will testify to mental and emotional abuse experienced by the four older children, including the manipulation that the defendants employed to get them to turn against each other and the use of racially derogatory remarks that the couple made to the children, Tuck said.

Following opening statements, witness testimony began on Tuesday afternoon with Brenda Bailey, a neighbor who lived directly across the street from the family.

Video clips she had taken of the children working in the yard, hauling buckets, standing out in the rain, and using the port-a-potty, were shown in court.

It was almost like they didn't talk at all among themselves, she said. They never played. You'd never see them out unless they [were] working or doing something.

She also testified that she had seen the teens being locked up in the shop.

I was afraid that they would move away and those little kids, nobody would be there to help them, she told the court. I wanted to make sure, I just prayed to God that he would give me some sign to get the police back there to get them before they left.
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A 78-year-old man vanished two years ago - but his Florida home just went up in flames deepening the mystery of his disappearance, authorities said.

A blaze devoured an Okeechobee home on January 10 that was owned by John Henry Mallouk, who has been missing for nearly two years, Martin County Sheriffs Office said Monday.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire and whether it has any connection to Mallouks in January 2023 disappearance, when a concerned relative reported him missing.

open image in gallery John Henry Mallouk, 78, has been missing for two years. A recent fire at the home he owns has led to the deepening mystery around his disappearance ( Martin County Sheriffs Office )

He hadnt been seen or heard from since August 2022, sparking the sheriffs office to launch an investigation into the matter, authorities said.

Investigators revisited the property after the fire to search for any additional clues that could lead to information about Mallouks disappearance.

open image in gallery The burned home that Mallouk owns in Florida ( Martin County Sheriffs Office )

When investigators first searched his property after the disapperance, they discovered no indicators of foul play.

When detectives initially searched Mallouks home, they found no signs of struggle or foul play. The premises appeared untouched, with doors left unlocked, food still in the refrigerator, and a cell phone abandoned on the counter, the sheriffs office said.

open image in gallery A burned 1955 Thunderbird convertible seen housed in a garage days after a fire destroyed Mallouks home ( Martin County Sheriffs Office )

Photos posted by the sheriffs office captured an ash-covered, roofless home. Burned wood panels also surround a garage housing multiple cars, including a Chevrolet sedan what the Miami Herald identified as a 1955 red convertible Thunderbird.

Detectives are urging anyone with information about the fire or Mallouks whereabouts to contact the Martin County Sheriffs Office Criminal Investigations Division.
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A suspect has been identified in the murder of a 2003 murder of Tamara Tammy Mattson, but he cannot be prosecuted because he now suffers from advanced dementia.

Island County authorities in Washington state recently announced that investigators believe Carl D. Schlobom, 69, is the one who killed Mattson two decades ago. Schlobom is currently serving a sentence of life without parole in Arizona for a 2005 murder.

Mattson, a 39-year-old mother-of-seven, was found dead on December 9, 2003, at Camano Island State Park, according to the Island County Sheriffs Office.

For nearly six years, detectives pursued leads and interviewed multiple acquaintances but they kept running into dead ends and the case went cold.

DNA technology was limited at the time, but then in the summer of 2009, the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab was able to develop DNA profiles from minute amounts of human biological material, according to a release issued jointly by Island County Prosecutor Greg Banks and Island County Sheriff Rick Felici.

A DNA profile was then developed from cellular material found on a cigarette butt that was found in the parking lot near Mattsons body.

open image in gallery Investigators believe Carl D. Schlobom, 69, killed Tammy Mattson in 2003 ( Arizona Department of Corrections )

The DNA from the cigarette butt matched that of Schlobom, whose DNA had been added to the national CODIS database when he was convicted in Arizona.

But while this placed Schlobom at the crime scene, officials did not have any other evidence to prove that he was in the park when Mattson was killed.

Detectives continued their investigation into Schlobom, and tried to learn everything they could about him and his connection to Mattson, while ruling out other individuals as potential suspects whose DNA was also found in the area.

In 2019, former Detective (now Lieutenant) Shawn Warwick and Detective Ed Wallace interviewed Schlobom in the Arizona prison, but he refused to answer questions.

The COVID-19 pandemic started just months later and for over a year, the investigation was stalled.

In April 2021, Schlobom wrote a letter to Island County detectives, stating that he had information about Mattsons death and that, in exchange for a long list of demands, he would provide information about the murder.

open image in gallery Tammy Mattson, a 39-year-old mother-of-seven was found dead on December 9, 2003, at Camano Island State Park ( Island County Sheriff's Office )

Of all his crazy demands, the only one I considered was to allow him to spend the rest of his life in a Washington prison, if he turned out to be the murderer, and pleaded guilty, Banks said, according to the release.

Banks ultimately arranged for a free talk with Schlobom, where they could question him under a temporary grant of immunity.

Without his confession, we were stuck, Banks said. This allowed him to speak candidly and allowed us to verify that he was the killer before we would negotiate any kind of deal.

After the interview, the detectives were confident they had Mattsons killer.

He knew things that only the killer and detectives knew, Detective Wallace said, adding that Schlobom had filled in gaps and explained his motive  that he had killed Mattson over a dispute about a drug deal, the release stated.

Schlobom agreed that, once prison transfer arrangements were finalized with Arizona and Washington Departments of Corrections, he would sign a sworn confession and then be charged in Island County with premeditated murder in the first degree and kidnapping in the first degree.

But the plan went awry when detectives could not agree to a deal allowing Schlobom to serve his sentence in Washington rather than being transferred back to Arizona after pleading guilty.

At the time, the Department of Corrections was releasing prisoners who were most at risk from COVID.

Without a guarantee that he could stay in Washington, Schlobom would not sign the confession. And without Schloboms confession, there was no proof he was the murderer, and he could not be charged, the release stated.

Then in 2024, Banks tried to rekindle negotiations with Schlobom, but his attempts to contact him were met with silence. A family member of the suspect reached out to Banks in October 2024 and informed him that Schlobom had suffered a series of debilitating strokes and had advanced dementia. She doubted Schlobom could read or understand the content of the letters that Banks had been sending.

Two months later, officials in Arizona confirmed Schlobom was suffering from advanced dementia and that he is confined to a Special Needs Unit due to his need for round-the-clock care and monitoring.

Banks said it was frustrating that they could not make a legal record of Schloboms crimes, but at least he and detectives were able to give some measure of closure to Mattsons family and know that he will spend the rest of his life in prison.
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Two brothers have been charged in connection to the death of a 43-year-old man after he suffered blunt force trauma and was found unresponsive in the backyard of a home in Massachusetts.

Suzito Lopes, of Quincy, 43, was arrested Monday evening and Antonio Lopes, 37, of Taunton, turned himself in at Abington Police Department Tuesday morning, Plymouth County District Attorney Tim Cruzs office said Tuesday.

Police previously stated that they were looking into people who were previously acquainted with the victim.

Anthony Leverone was found unresponsive in the backyard of a home on Plymouth Street on December 27 around 7:25 p.m. after a relative called police to request a well-being check, police said.

Soon after arriving, Abington Fire crews quickly declared Leverone to be dead at the scene.

open image in gallery Anthony Leverone, 43, was found dead in the backyard of a home on Plymouth Street on December 27 around 7:25 p.m. after a relative called police to request a well-being check ( Magoun-Biggins Funeral Home )

According to a preliminary investigation, Leverone was found to have suffered blunt force trauma, and high impact injuries, said police officials.

An obituary described Leverone as a proud uncle who loved his family.

Although the loss of Anthony was sudden and tragic, he wouldnt want us to be sad. Anthony always had something funny to say, it read. He loved to make everyone around him laugh. Its only fitting that the family has found great comfort and laughter in hearing all the wonderful stories about Anthony that people have shared this week.

After detectives interviewed multiple people, reviewed surveillance video and executed search warrants for cell phones, they got arrest warrants for two men  who police identified as the Lopes brothers Tuesday.

Police told NBC Boston that the death did not appear to be a random act of violence.
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Nine people have been charged with looting in connection with the Palisades and Eaton fires in Los Angeles, the district attorney has said.

Nathan Hochmann told reporters that among the stolen property was an Emmy award, which was taken from a residents home in Altadena by four individuals who were quickly apprehended. Authorities would not be drawn on who the Emmy belongs to.

In another case, two people entered two different houses in the same neighborhood and are facing two counts of first-degree burglary, which could see them get 12 years behind bars.

During mandatory evacuations, three people were caught carrying out first-degree residential burglary and looting of a house in Mandeville Canyon, with the suspects allegedly stealing over $200,000 worth of valuables.

open image in gallery District attorney Nathan Hochman said those looting are seeking to exploit this tragedy ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

There have been certain people that we have given a warning to because we anticipated that this was half was going to happen, and these are the criminals, Mr Hochman said during a press briefing. These are the people who are seeking to exploit this tragedy for their own benefit.

An arson charge has also been filed against a man who allegedly started a fire in the nearby city of Azusa, who could face a sentence of up to nine years in prison.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna issued a stern warning for looters, stressing: Everyone around me is hungry. When we catch people, we mean business.

He added that an increased patrol of officers will be visible in the affected areas, and said: Stay out of the curfew area. Do not come here to do anything you shouldnt be doing, Youre gonna get caught, and  youre gonna get hammered.

Police are also investigating reports that potential looters have pretended to be firefighters to access properties and businesses.

It comes as California governor Gavin Newsom accused Elon Musk of encouraging looting after the billionaire shared posts on his social media platform X that claimed the politician had decriminalised it.

open image in gallery California Governor Gavin Newsom (R) has accused Elon Musk of encouraging looting ( Getty Images )

Replying to one of the billionaires retweets, Mr Newsom said on X: Stop encouraging looting by lying and telling people its decriminalized. Its not.

Its illegal -- as it always has been. Bad actors will be arrested and prosecuted.

Mr Musk had shared a tweet in which Mr Newsom was filmed in an interview warning people against looting, but the caption read: LOOTING: Newsom and California Democrats literally decriminalized looting, barring police from arresting looters and prosecutors from prosecuting them. Now hes opposed to looting.

So far, the blazes have destroyed thousands of homes and killed at least 24 people, including British-born former child star Rory Sykes, who was blind and had cerebral palsy.

Officials have warned that winds scattering ash could threaten the progress made so far on the infernos that have caused entire neighbourhoods to frantically flee from their properties.
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An Illinois woman has been ordered to stay away from children after she violently headbutted a 6-year-old girl, officials say.

Martha Dunham, 36, of Roscoe, was arrested on December 13 on felony charges of aggravated battery of a child under 13 as well as two counts of domestic battery, according to court records seen by Shaw Local .

Now, Dunham has been released from jail on the condition of adhering to a protective order that restricts her from contact with all children under the age of 18.

Dunham is alleged to have headbutted the young girl on December 13 when she caused pain and deliberately caused bodily harm by aggressively pulling the childs hair without legal justification in an act of physical contact of an insulting or provoking nature.

She pleaded not guilty to the alleged incident and demanded a jury trial.

Its unclear the relationship between Dunham and the alleged victim.

open image in gallery Marsha R. Dunham, 36, was booked into Ogle County Jail after she allegedly headbutted and the pulled the hair of a 6-year-old child ( Ogle County Sheriffs Office )

The 6-year-old victims mother reportedly filed an emergency order of protection after the incident, prompting a court hearing on January 7  the concerned parent advised Ogle County Judge Russell Crull that she wanted the order of protection extended.

But when Crull asked Dunham if she would agree to the proposed 2-year extension of the order, she reportedly responded by asking: Can we do it until my criminal case is settled?

The judge extended the order of protection until January 28. But, she also removed herself from the case because of a conflict of interest as she represented the victims mother when working as a private defense attorney, reported Shaw Local.

When Dunham appeared in court Thursday for a motion hearing, Judge Anthony Peska, ruled she would be released despite prosecutors vehemently arguing against the move.

Prosecutors highlighted Dunhams domestic battery convictions from 2006  charges she pleaded guilty to and was sentenced to two years conditional discharge, according to court records seen by The Independent.

Dunhams defense attorney, Matthew Schuck, argued for Dunhams release in accordance with conditions set by the court  Peska agreed and she was released provided she would not make contact with any under 18s.

She is scheduled to appear again in court March 18.
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Chinese officials are reportedly discussing the possibility of Elon Musk buying out the American operations of TikTok, as the social network faces an impending ban in the U.S., according to Bloomberg.

The Chinese government prefers that the app remain in the hands of parent company ByteDance, but has reportedly discussed the potential of a Musk acquisition as part of its broader contingency planning for working with the incoming Trump administration.

A potential sale to Musk would put the billionaire in an unprecedented position, owning X, one of the worlds largest social media networks, and the U.S. operations of another, all while serving as a top adviser to Donald Trump.

Such a deal could raise concerns about monopoly ownership of social media platforms. Musks possible partnership with China would likely also fail to allay security concerns about TikTok if Chinese officials would continue to have access to U.S. user data through Musk.

ByteDance downplayed the report.

We cant be expected to comment on pure fiction, the company told CNBC.

The Independent has contacted X for comment.

Trump is hoping to forestall TikTok ban, which takes effect on January 19, a day before he takes office ( AFP/Getty )

In April, the U.S. Congress passed a bipartisan bill to ban TikTok in the U.S. unless it finds a new owner.

Federal officials have argued the site is a national-security threat of immense depth and scale because of alleged links with China, and resulting concerns over the sanctity of U.S. user data.

TikTok and ByteDance have argued these concerns are unfounded. They are currently challenging the TikTok ban at the Supreme Court.

On Friday, the justices appeared skeptical of the companys First Amendment arguments.

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.

The law is only targeted at this foreign corporation, which doesnt have First Amendment rights, Justice Elena Kagan added.

Donald Trump has sought to delay the ban, which will take effect on January 19, the day before he takes office. The president-elect, as his lawyer put it in a brief, is hoping to resolve the fate of TikTok through political means once he takes office.

Trump tried to ban TikTok in 2020 via executive order, then campaigned in 2024 that he would save the app.

For all of those who want to save TikTok in America, vote Trump, Trump said during the campaign. The other side is closing it up. But Im now a big star on TikTok ... Were not doing anything with TikTok, but the other side is going to close it up.

Observers have argued the impending ban would devastate the sprawling creator economy that depends on the platform.

A TikTok ban would be absolutely catastrophic for the creators and the small businesses who rely on it, Jess Maddox, an assistant professor at the University of Alabama told CNN. Ive spent my career talking to creators and influencers, they are resilient, theyll pivot, but it will be a struggle in the meantime and take a hit to them financially.

Ahead of a potential ban, creators have also taken to using another popular app, Lemon8, with similar features, which is owned by ByteDance.
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The internet is full of lies, and online job boards are no exception.

Trying to find a new job has never been as easy with a vast arry of online postings. But online job boards are making the process even more painful by mixing fake job listings in with the real ones. Greenhouse, a hiring platform akin to LinkedIn, analyzed its clients job postings and hiring practices over the last year, and found that as much as one in five jobs listed are actually fake.

LinkedIn and Greenhouse reportedly combat fake jobs by tagging "real" jobs with a verification badge, according to the Wall Street Journal.

According to its analysis, between 18 and 22 percent of jobs that were advertised during 2024 were "ghost jobs"  jobs that were advertised but either never really existed or were simply never filled, despite hopeful applicants sending resumes.

Jon Stross, Greenhouses president, told the Wall Street Journal that the situation was kind of a horror show.

The job market has become more soul-crushing than ever, he said.

open image in gallery A sculpture on a terrace outside the offices of LinkedIn. The popular networking site is trying to combat the number of ghost jobs ( Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Companies revealed several reasons why they are posting jobs they never intend to fill. Projecting success may play some part; companies that appear to be hiring likely also appear to be growing.

In some cases, a company may not be actively hiring for a position, but is keeping the listing up in hopes that their ideal candidate one day finds and applies to the job.

Resume Builder, an online resume and jobs platform, conducted a survey of its clients who list open positions asking if and why they post ghost jobs.

More than 60 percent of those surveyed admitted that the practice was done, in part, to "make employees believe their workload would e alleviated by new workers."

Even more than that  62 percent  said they wanted their employees to "feel replaceable."

According to Greenhouse, at least 70 percent of the companies on its platform posted at least one ghost job in the second quarter of 2024, and 15 percent of companies did so regularly. The industries that most frequently posted ghost jobs were construction, the arts, food service and legal services, according to the data.

open image in gallery According to Greenhouse, at least 70 percent of the companies on its platform posted at least one ghost job in the second quarter of 2024 ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

One frustrated creative, Alexander Rea, shared his experience with ghost jobs and theorized on LinkedIn that the fake listings were companies testing their bait.

So what is the point of these applicant systems? I think its a way of interviewing roles to do research only. To find out what type of fish you can catch with a certain type of bait and then throw them back, he wrote. Sport fishing.

Another LinkedIn user, Lance Hemphill, posted about the perils hes seen with ghost posts.

I feel like its not even possible to apply on LinkedIn anymore. Almost every job is some automated post that has a fake job or leads me a secondary site that is a scam. I think LinkedIn really needs to expand their requirements for job postings, he wrote.

There's no obvious means of spotting a ghost job on a board, but there are some clues. Jobs that have been listed over and over again could be ghost jobs. Listing that have been up for months with no updates and no application deadline may not be legitimate.

Check a job listing against a company's hiring page. If a company lists open positions on its website, check there to ensure the job you're applying for is legitimate.

It may also be helpful to contact someone at the company to ask about the position. If no one here has any information on the role, it may not be real.
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As Los Angeles firefighters continue to battle the January wildfires that have laid siege to southern California for almost a week, attention is beginning to turn to what exactly ignited the blazes.

The fires have so far killed at least 24 people, destroyed some 12,000 homes, scorched 40,000 acres of ground and forced the mass evacuation of residents, as emergency responders, including the National Guard, fight to bring the flames under control and restore order.

The first and biggest of the infernos to erupt commenced on Tuesday January 7 and became known as the Palisades Fire after it tore through the affluent neighborhood of Pacific Palisades, home to many Hollywood celebrities and famous faces.

While the causes of the Palisades Fire has not yet been officially established and the authorities have not yet ruled out the possibility of arson, an extensive investigation by The Washington Post has suggested it may have commenced when an earlier blaze caused by New Years Eve fireworks was rekindled.

The newspapers findings indicate the areas strong Santa Ana winds may have served to reignite that fire after it lay smouldering undetected underground or within wood in the week after it was first put out, whipping it up into the much larger disaster that ensued.

The Post said its analysis showed that the new fire started in the vicinity of the old fire, raising the possibility that the New Years Eve fire was reignited, which can occur in windy conditions, experts said.

It explained that it had reached its conclusion after reviewing photographs, videos and false-color satellite imagery to trace the burn scar left by the New Years blaze along the Temescal Ridge in the Santa Monica Mountains, as well as eye-witness interviews with residents and archived radio transmissions between emergency responders.

open image in gallery A firefighter battles the advancing Palisades Fire in Los Angeles on Tuesday January 7, the first day of the disaster ( AP )

The foot of the fire started real close to where the last fire was on New Years Eve, a Los Angeles County firefighter can be heard observing in one such transmission quoted by the newspaper, dating from last Tuesday.

It looks like its going to make a good run, a colleague answers in the dispatch.

Agents from the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are understood to be leading the official investigation into what happened and have declined to comment on an ongoing inquiry that they said could take weeks or months to wrap up with a definitive answer in place.

A Los Angeles Fire Department spokesperson explained that it is not its practice to continue to patrol fire sites that have been extinguished and turned cold, although pointed out that it does make a practice of warning against the dangers of reignition on social media, pointing to a publicity campaign it put out last summer.

One unnamed local resident told the Post they were confident the New Years Eve blaze was behind the Palisades Fire, saying the former was started by idiots heading into the hills to party and set off fireworks to ring in 2025.

open image in gallery People flee the advancing Palisades Fire by car and on foot ( AP )

You got to know better, he commented.

Its dry. Theres no precipitation. I dont know if youve ever been camping, but when you go camping and put a fire out, that doesnt mean that its not hot below.

Then the Santa Anas came on Monday, and thats what started, thats what reignited the fire.

The importance of determining precisely how the Palisades Fire burst into life comes as local residents and businesses consider taking legal action in pursuit of damages.

The Wells Fargo bank has estimated that the final cost of the disaster could lie anywhere between $60bn and $130bn.
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Mark Zuckerberg, the co-founder of Facebook and CEO of its parent company Meta, told staff on Tuesday that it plans to cut its low performers sooner than expected, which could amount to five percent of staff, according to a new report.

In an internal memo, obtained by Bloomberg, Mr Zuckerberg told staff he decided to raise the bar on performance management in order to move out low-performers faster.

Meta employs over 70,000 people, meaning that almost 4,000 could be at risk of losing their jobs. Mr Zuckerberg said the jobs would be backfilled later in the year.

According to the memo, Zuckerberg said the company typically manage out people who arent meeting expectations over the course of a year but was now planning on more extensive performance-based cuts sooner.

open image in gallery Meta announced that around five percent of its lower performers would be cut sooner than expeced ( REUTERS )

Meta is said to have already cut about the same number of of low performers during 2024, but has a target of 10 percent for its current performance cycle, which meant it was looking to exit approximately another five percent of our current employees.

Zuckerberg said Meta would provide generous severance.

The policy is the latest in a time of dramatic change at the tech giant, following its announcement last week that it was stopping its use of fact-checkers, starting in the U.S., and moving to a Community Notes system similar to X because fact-checkers were politically biased.

Zuckerberg said it was also stripping back its automated content moderation systems as it was removing too much content and this amounted to censorship, with the changes aiming to restore free expression on its platforms. The move has been widely condemned by online safety campaigners, who have warned it will allow misinformation and harmful content to spread on Meta platforms.

In addition, the company has since said it would end its diversity, equality and inclusion programmes, and while appearing on Joe Rogans podcast, Zuckerberg said companies needed more masculine energy.

The drastic change in stance and rhetoric from the company and Zuckerberg is seen as an attempt to curry favour with President-elect Donald Trump, who has previously accused social media platforms of censoring him and called for more free speech to be allowed online.

open image in gallery Zuckerberg has begun implementing changes thought to be an attempt to cozy-up to Trump ( AP )

Trump has had a fractious relationship with Meta and other social media sites in the past  the platform banned him in 2021 over his incitment of the January 6 rioters but Meta, along with other sites including Elon Musks X, has since allowed him to return.

Since winning the November presidential election, a number of other key figures in Silicon Valley have also made efforts to build bridges with the incoming Trump administration, with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, OpenAI boss Sam Altman and Apple boss Tim Cook all said to have met with, spoken to, or donated to the inauguration of the president-elect.
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California governor Gavin Newsom has accused Elon Musk of encouraging looting after the billionaire shared posts on his social media platform X that claimed the politician had decriminalised it.

Stop encouraging looting by lying and telling people its decriminalized. Its not, Mr Newsom wrote on X, replying to one of the billionaires retweets.

Its illegal -- as it always has been. Bad actors will be arrested and prosecuted.

Mr Musk had shared a tweet in which Mr Newsom was filmed in an interview warning people against looting, but the caption read: LOOTING: Newsom and California Democrats literally decriminalized looting, barring police from arresting looters and prosecutors from prosecuting them. Now hes opposed to looting.

Mr Musks repost was captioned with two emojis, one of a clown face and the other of the Earth.

The online feud comes as at least 20 people in California have been arrested for raiding abandoned buildings ravaged by wildfires that have swept through the wider Los Angeles area.

More than 12,000 structures have been damaged or destroyed by the fires, while more than 150,000 people have been put under evacuation notices.

LA police were forced to put in a curfew from 6pm Friday evening to 6am on Saturday within areas impacted by the fires in the Palisades and Eaton to counter looting of properties.

LA County Sheriff Roger Luna described the looting as unacceptable behaviour and hoped having soldiers would help send a stronger message.

Accusations that Mr Newsom decriminalised looting are factually incorrect. They stem from his opposition to a bill proposed last year to water down Proposition 47, an initiative passed in 2014 that reclassified a number of drug and property offences with a theft value of $950 (778) or less from felonies to misdemeanors.

Misdemeanours are still categorised as a crime punishable by a maximum of a fine and/or imprisonment in a county jail for a year.

The proposition was passed by a state vote (close to 60 per cent voted yes) in 2014 on the basis that it would help free up prison space, afford greater focus on more serious crime and allow more resources to be directed to diversion programs, including mental health and drug abuse treatment.

In November 2024, California residents then voted to pass Proposition 36 (68 per cent said yes), which enacted harsher penalties for retail theft, property crimes and drug offences, effectively undoing parts of Proposition 47.

Mr Newsom opposed the bill and attempted to propose alternative legislation prior to the vote on Proposition 47. That proposal was withdrawn.
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Two passenger planes nearly collided midair - with 400 people on board between them - before landing in Phoenix, and now the FAA is investigating.

The incident, involving United Airlines Flight 1724 traveling from San Francisco and Delta Air Lines Flight 1070 traveling from Detroit, occurred around 11 a.m. January 11, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

The planes experienced a loss of required separation when they were heading toward Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, the agency said.

At one point, both aircraft were just 425 feet apart vertically, and less than a second later, they were less than a quarter of a mile apart horizontally, CBS News reported.

Both flight crews received onboard alerts that the other aircraft was nearby and air traffic control issued corrective instructions to the crews, the agency noted. Both planes landed safely.

open image in gallery A United plane and a Delta plane almost collided when both passenger planes were about to land at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport ( 12News / screengrab )

The United flight was carrying 123 passengers and six crew members and the Delta flight was carrying 245 passengers.

An air traffic controller tells he United flight to land on Runway 7 and then told the Delta flight to shift and land on Runway 8, audio obtained by CBS News showed. A robotic voice can be heard on the Delta flight saying: Descend. Descend.

Justin Giddens saw the close call in the skies from the ground and filmed it.

My first reactions were just shocked and suprised that two commercial airliners with hundreds of people on them were on a converging path, Giddens told ABC News.

The FAA said it is investigating the incident.

Pilots on the United flight received an automated flight deck warning to change altitude, a United spokesperson told The Independent in a statement.

Plane tracking website FlightAware tracking of the United flight captured the altitude shift just before landing.

open image in gallery The flight tracking of United Flight 1724 shows a slight altitude shift just before it landed after warnings told the aircrafts flight crew that it was headed for a collision ( FlightAware )

The pilots acted immediately and landed safely. Were working with the FAA on its investigation, the statement read

A Delta spokesperson told The Independent in a statement:As nothing is more important than safety, Delta flight crews extensively train to handle uncommon scenarios such as this and followed the resolution advisory as directed.

The Independent has reached out to Delta for comment.
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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.
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Starbucks has announced a change to its restroom policy.

On Monday (January 13), Starbucks said it was reversing a policy that invited everyone into its stores with a new code of conduct.

The coffee conglomerates updated policy will prohibit people from hanging out or using the restroom at one of its locations without making a purchase.

The new code of conduct warns that violators will be asked to leave and says the store may call law enforcement if necessary. Starbucks said employees would receive training on enforcing the new policy.

Whats more, the fresh policy, which will be posted in all company-owned North American stores, also bans discrimination or harassment, consumption of outside alcohol, smoking, vaping, drug use and panhandling.

Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson said the new rules are designed to help prioritize paying customers. Anderson said most other retailers already have similar rules.

We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable in our stores, Anderson said. By setting clear expectations for behavior and use of our spaces, we can create a better environment for everyone.

Starbucks launches new code of conduct that prohibits patrons from using the restroom without making a purchase ( Getty Images )

The new rules reverse an open-door policy put in place in 2018, after two Black men were arrested at a Philadelphia Starbucks where they had gone for a business meeting. The individual store had a policy of asking non-paying customers to leave, and the men hadnt bought anything. But the arrest, which was caught on video, was a major embarrassment for the company.

At the time, Starbucks Chairman Howard Schultz said he didnt want people to feel less than if they were refused access.

We dont want to become a public bathroom, but were going to make the right decision a hundred percent of the time and give people the key," Schultz said.

Since then, employees and customers have struggled with unruly and even dangerous behavior in stores.

Last year, Starbucks new chairman and CEO revealed the changes he wants to make to the coffee giant franchise.

The new boss, Brian Niccol, said he plans to focus on improving service  particularly during the morning rush.

He also said he wanted to reestablish stores as gathering places as he takes over the struggling chain.

In an open letter on the Seattle coffee giant's website, Niccol said Starbucks is a beloved brand but that he found during conversations with employees and customers over the past few weeks a shared sense that we have drifted from our core.

Back in November 2024, Starbucks announced it would be returning to hand-writing customer names on drink orders instead of printing them on a sticker.

Additional reporting from the Associated Press
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President Biden unfairly attacked the integrity of the justice system by criticizing the long-running federal investigations into his son Hunter Biden, to whom he granted a federal pardon, according to the outgoing special counsel who led the cases.

Far from selective, these prosecutions were the embodiment of the equal application of justice  no matter who you are, or what your last name is, you are subject to the same laws as everyone else in the United States, special counsel David Weiss wrote in a report released Monday.

Politicians who attack the decisions of career prosecutors as politically motivated when they disagree with the outcome of a case undermine the publics confidence in our criminal justice system, the report added. The Presidents statements unfairly impugn the integrity not only of Department of Justice personnel, but all of the public servants making these difficult decisions in good faith.

The Independent has contacted the White House for comment.

In December, Biden pardoned Hunter, who was facing sentencing on federal gun and tax evasion charges, despite the president previously claiming he would not take such a step.

Today, I signed a pardon for my son Hunter, the president said of the decision. 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.

open image in gallery Joe Biden claimed prosecutions against Hunter Biden were excessive and unfair. ( AP )

The pardons covered the existing cases and any future prosecutions over potential crimes committed between 2014 and 2024.

As recently as the month before the pardon announcement, the White House maintained that Biden would not intervene on behalf of his son.

Weiss, who first began investigating Hunter Biden in 2018 as the Trump-appointed U.S. Attorney for Delaware and later became a special counsel, wrote in his report that other presidents have pardoned family members, but in doing so, none have taken the occasion as an opportunity to malign the public servants at the Department of Justice based solely on false accusations.

The special counsel added in the report that it would be inappropriate to discuss additional charges.

In 2023, a plea deal collapsed that wouldve seen Hunter Biden plead guilty to a negotiated misdemeanor tax charge and have his ugn charges dimissed in a diversion agreement.

An Internal Revenue Dervice investigator who worked on the Biden probe alleges Hunter Biden received special treatment.

We have to make sure as a special agent for IRS Criminal Investigation that we treat every single person exactly the same, Gary Shapley told CBS News. And that just simply didnt happen here.

Weiss and the DOJ have denied that Biden got special treatment.
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Joe Biden has removed Cuba from a list of nations classified as supporting international terrorism, reversing a decision by predecessor Donald Trump to crack down on the communist nation.

The president notified Congress of the intent to lift the U.S. designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism on Tuesday, less than a week before Trump is due to be sworn in for his second term.

The move is part of a deal facilitated by the Catholic Church to free many dozens of political prisoners on the island, jwho were jailed for protesting against the regime in July 2021. They are scheduled to be released by the end of the Biden administration at noon on January 20.

The United States maintains as the core objective of our policy the need for more freedom and democracy, improved respect for human rights, and increased free enterprise in Cuba, Biden said in a memo announcing his decision.

Additionally, Biden announced that he will rescind the 2017 National Security Presidential Memorandum 5 (NSPM-5) on Cuba policy to eliminate the so-called restricted list.

This will also eliminate additional regulations on engagement by U.S. persons and entities with Cuban persons and entities, beyond that which is currently prescribed in U.S. legislation, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre explained in a statement.

open image in gallery The president notified Congress of its intent to lift the U.S. designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism on Tuesday ( AP )

Achieving these goals will require practical engagement with Cuba and the Cuban people beyond what is outlined in NSPM-5, and that takes into account recent developments in Cuba and the changing regional and global context ... Accordingly, I hereby revoke NSPM-5, the memo stated.

In a separate memo, Biden stated that the Cuban government had provided assurances that it will not support acts of international terrorism in the future.

Cuban officials had fought hard for the countrys removal from the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism (SST) throughout Bidens term, but with little success.

Officials said on Tuesday that the government constantly reviews SST designations, and there was currently no credible evidence that Cuba was currently engaged in supporting international terrorism.

open image in gallery The determination is likely to be reversed as early as next week after the President-elect re-enters the Oval Office, alongside Secretary of State-designate Marco Rubio ( AP )

However, the determination is likely to be reversed as early as next week after the President-elect re-enters the Oval Office, alongside Secretary of State-designate Marco Rubio.

Rubio, whose family left Cuba in the 1950s before the communist revolution that brought Fidel Castro to power, has long been a proponent of sanctions on the communist island. He is due to appear before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday for his confirmation hearing.

Trump reinstated the designation on January 11, 2021, in the final days of his first administration, citing Cubas support for Venezuelas leader, Nicolas Maduro, and its refusal to extradite Colombian rebels to Colombia, among other issues, including its continued harboring of wanted Americans.

There was no immediate comment from the Trump transition team or from Rubio or his office following the announcement Tuesday.

Texas Senator Ted Cruz, however, called out the decision as unacceptable on its merits.

The terrorism advanced by the Cuban regime has not ceased. I will work with President Trump and my colleagues to immediately reverse and limit the damage from the decision, Cruz said in a statement.
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House Speaker Mike Johnson on Tuesday ordered that flags at the U.S. Capitol be raised to their full height on Inauguration Day, pausing a 30-day flag-lowering order following the death of former President Jimmy Carter.

The Republican leader's decision means that President-elect Donald Trump will not take the oath of office for his second term under a half-staff flag, a prospect that he had previously complained about.

It mirrors actions taken in recent days by some Republican governors who have announced that flags in their states would be raised on Inauguration Day to mark Trump's second term.

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey and Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee did so on Tuesday, noting in social media posts that U.S. flags across their states would be relowered on Jan. 21 in honor of Carter. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued a similar notice on Monday.

The 30-day flag-lowering period, set into motion with President Joe Biden's order, affects flags at federal government buildings and their grounds, as well as at U.S. embassies and other facilities abroad, including military installations and vessels. It runs through Jan. 28, which encompasses Trump's inauguration and first week in office. In line with Biden's order, governors throughout the country issued their own orders to govern flags in their respective states.

The U.S. flag is shown at the Mar-a-Lago compound in Palm Beach, Fla., while a U.S. Coast Guard boat patrols around the vicinity, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. U.S. flags at President-elect Donald Trump's private Mar-a-Lago club are back to flying at full height. Flags are supposed to fly at half-staff through the end of January out of respect for former President Jimmy Carter, who died Dec. 29 ( AP )

The incoming president has expressed consternation that flags would still be lowered when he takes the oath, and it's possible that he could order the overall reversal of Biden's decision once he's installed as president on Jan. 20.

"Democrats are all 'giddy'" about the notion that flags will be lowered on Inauguration Day, Trump wrote Jan. 3 on social media.

"Nobody wants to see this," Trump wrote. He added that "no American can be happy about it. Let's see how it plays out. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"

Trump has already taken action over the flags that he can control: at his home in Florida. In the days following Carter's burial, a large U.S. flag at Trump's private Mar-a-Lago club was observed flying at its full height, despite an order from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis that mirrors Biden's.

As of Tuesday, DeSantis had not made alterations to the flag order in his own state.

The U.S. flag code lays out parameters for lowering the U.S. flag to half-staff, including a 30-day period for current or former presidents to cover flags at federal government buildings and their grounds, as well as at U.S. embassies and other facilities abroad, including military installations and vessels.
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Donald Trump would have been convicted of illegally attempting to overturn the 2020 election result, were it not for his presidential victory last year, special counsel Jack Smith has concluded.

The 45th president inspired his supporters to commit acts of physical violence on January 6 2021 when they stormed the US Capitol by knowingly spread a false narrative about election fraud in the 2020 race, Smith determined in the final report on his investigation published in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

In response, Trump hit out at Smith in a 1am Truth Social rant, branding him deranged and a lamebrain prosecutor.

Click here for live updates

open image in gallery Donald Trump resorted to criminal measures to overturn the 2020 election result, Jack Smiths report says ( Reuters )

But for Mr Trumps election and imminent return to the presidency, the office assessed that the admissible evidence was sufficient to obtain and sustain a conviction at trial, the 130-page report concludes. When it became clear that Mr Trump had lost the election and that lawful means of challenging the election results had failed, he resorted to a series of criminal efforts to retain power.

Those included, according to the special counsel, attempts to induce state officials to ignore true vote counts; to manufacture fraudulent slates of presidential electors in seven states that he had lost; to force Justice Department officials and his own vice president, Michael R Pence, to act in contravention of their oaths and to instead advance Mr Trumps personal interests.

open image in gallery Former special prosecutor Jack Smith resigned on Friday ahead of Trumps return to the Oval Office ( AP )

Smith reveals the intensity of Trumps pressure campaign against then-vice president Pence, alleging that he told his running mate that hundreds of thousands of people would hate his guts and think him stupid if he did not comply with his plans. He angrily rebuked Pence for being too honest, the report adds.

Trump, who takes office as Americas 47th president on January 20, has not been exonerated for his unprecedented criminal effort to subvert the 2020 vote, the report flatly states.

In response, the president-elect took to his Truth Social platform to blast Smith as deranged in two separate messages.

Trump accused the former special prosecutor of only publishing the report because he could not bring a successful prosecution.

open image in gallery Trump supporters stormed the Capitol building on January 6 ( Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

He said the document in question was based on information that the Unselect Committee of Political Hacks and Thugs ILLEGALLY DESTROYED AND DELETED.

Referring to the bipartisan House select committee led by Representative Bennie Thompson that investigated efforts to subvert the 2020 result, Trump alleges the panel destroyed evidence because it showed how totally innocent he was, but provided no information to support the claim.

Jack is a lamebrain prosecutor who was unable to get his case tried before the Election, which I won in a landslide, he added.

In a subsequent message, Trump insisted again that the Unselect Committee illegally destroyed and deleted all of the evidence, once more providing no basis for his contention.

Earlier this month, House Speaker Mike Johnson announced that there would be a formal probe into the House committee in question, which prominently featured Republicans Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger among its members  a gesture widely seen as an act of retaliation on the incoming presidents behalf.

open image in gallery House Speaker Mike Johnson is set to launch an investigation into the investigation ( Getty Images )

Smith, who resigned from the Justice Department on Friday, took action to drop his case against Trump in the aftermath of the latters November election win over Kamala Harris because of the long-standing protocol by the department not to bring charges against a sitting president.

But the special counsel steps aside with a report that makes clear his belief that Trump spread claims that were demonstrably and, in many cases, obviously false in the hope of seizing back the presidency four years ago.

Trump knew that there was no outcome-determinative fraud in the 2020 election, that many of the specific claims that he made were untrue, and that he had lost the election, his report adds.

In a letter accompanying its release, Smith also moved to defend his own integrity and that of his team.

I can assure you that neither l nor the prosecutors on my team would have tolerated or taken part in any action by our office for partisan political purposes, he wrote. My office had one north star: to follow the facts and law wherever they led. Nothing more and nothing less.

He branded Trumps accusations of corruption against him and his team laughable.

A second volume of Smiths report addresses separate charges against Trump over his handling of classified documents after he left the White House following the curtailment of his first term.

That volume was not released because charges against two of Trumps co-defendants, Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira, are still pending, even though charges were dropped against the president-elect himself.

Trumps team of lawyers scrambled shortly before Smiths election interference report was released to attempt again to block it, but failed.
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On Monday the three richest people on Earth squeezed into an area together smaller than a Mini Cooper.

First buddy Elon Musk, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Facebook and Instagram boss Mark Zuckerberg sat together  along with Google CEO Sundar Pichai, himself a billionaire but only barely  during Donald Trumps inauguration in Washington D.C.

In a show of power, they sat directly behind Trumps family.

open image in gallery CEO of Meta Mark Zuckerberg, Lauren Sanchez, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk attend the inauguration ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images )

Musk, Bezos and Zuckerberg enjoy a combined estimated net worth of $860bn but are far from best friends. Often theyve openly feuded, on both a business and personal level.

But authoritarian leaders tend to make strange bedfellows, and in recent months all three men have bent the knee to Trump.

Take Musk and Bezos, who have spent years locked in a private space race against each other. Their respective companies, SpaceX and Blue Origin, have long tussled over federal space launch contracts.

The two men reportedly clashed as early as 2004, when they met over dinner to discuss the space industry. [I told him,] Dude, we tried that and that turned out to be really dumb, so dont do the dumb thing we did, Musk later recalled. I actually did my best to give good advice, which he largely ignored.

In 2013 Blue Origin sued to prevent SpaceX from using one of NASAs launchpads, which Musk described as a phony blocking tactic.

open image in gallery Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk looks upward as he sits during the inauguration ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images )

The rivalry heated up further in 2019, as both men continued to needle each other in public statements and on social media. Bezos mocked Musks desire to colonize Mars, while Musk called Bezos a copycat over his plans for a network of low earth orbit satellites (similar to Musks Starlink).

The two companies continued to battle in court, while Musk accused Bezos of taking himself a bit too seriously and criticized Amazons Lord of the Rings TV series for being sexist against men.

open image in gallery Zuckerberg has been in a public spat with Musk which nearly turned into a cage fight ( AP )

Then theres Musks long and bizarre public quarrel with Meta boss Zuckerberg. After a faulty SpaceX rocket blew up one of Facebooks satellites on the launchpad in 2016, Zuckerberg called Musks naysaying views on AI irresponsible.

In 2018, Musk joined the #DeleteFacebook trend and closed his companies Facebook accounts, quipping: Whats Facebook?

Things got weirder in 2023, after Musk got into the social media market by buying Twitter and renaming it X. Harsh words over Facebooks trustworthiness, and Instagrams attempt to poach users from X, escalated into a planned mixed martial arts cage match between the two men.

Zuck is a cuck, tweeted Musk, offering to engage in a literal dick-measuring contest. Thankfully for the world, this never happened, and neither did the cage match (for which both men blamed each other).

open image in gallery Meta and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Google Sundar Pichai, CEO of Apple Tim Cook, founder of Amazon and Blue Origin Jeff Bezos attend inauguration church services ( Getty Images )

Yet business is business, and all three men now seem to have calculated that schmoozing Trump benefits theirs.

Bezos intervened with the Washington Post (the newspaper he owns) to spike a planned election endorsement of Kamala Harris, although he insisted this had nothing to do with Trump. He later donated $1m to Trump's inauguration fund and visited him at Mar-a-Lago.

Zuckerberg, meanwhile, has unveiled a raft of Trump-friendly reforms at his company, Meta, and appointed a Trump ally to his board. Having spent 2020 selling himself as a heartfelt progressive, he then went on Joe Rogan to extol the masculine energy at his company, Meta (which is 63 per cent staffed by women). Both Amazon and Meta have also said they will axe diversity programs.

open image in gallery Elon Musk was on the campaign trail with Trump  and has turned into one of his closest allies ( Associated Press )

Musks MAGA transformation, of course, is well known  as are his massive financial donations to Trumps campaign and his influence over the coming White House. During the inauguration, he moved to stand with Trumps family.

open image in gallery Musk stands near Barron Trump and Don Trump Jr during the inauguration ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images )

On Monday, Zuckerberg, Bezos and Musk, along with Alphabets Pichai and Apple CEO Tim Cook all went to the inauguration church services in D.C. with Trump shortly before he was sworn in as president.

Cook, who Trump once called Tim Apple, has kept some distance from Trump until recently. Cook, who is gay, has personally donated to Trump's inauguration and devoted great effort to improving his relationship with Trump, but his company has defended its diversity policies against a conservative challenge. And yet, he made sure to be there on Monday.

open image in gallery Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai, left, and Elon Musk check their phones ( Getty Images )

These tech baron billionaires sat united in little but the sprawling scale of their business interests and their shared willingness to pay obeisance to a man described by 14 of his own former officials as a power-hungry fascist.

I cant help wondering if seating them together is a deliberate piece of theater by the always loyalty-conscious Trump (or rather, one of his aides)  to show off to the world that, in particular, these powerful men are willing to put aside their differences for this shared interest.

Still, wouldn't you love to be the federal agent assigned to eavesdrop on their conversation?
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Fox News slammed Republican Rep. James Comers insulting assertion that Fox & Friends host Steve Doocy purposely gave him negative coverage due to Comers run-in with Doocys daughter, calling the suggestion off base.

Comer, the GOP chair of the powerful House Oversight Committee, claims in a new book that during his probe into Joe Biden and the presidents family businesses, he had a bit of an altercation with Doocys daughter, who works for the FBI. Oliver Darcy first reported on the excerpt in his Status newsletter.

According to Comers account in All the Presidents Money, which hits bookshelves this week, there was an incident between him and Doocys daughter when he was handed a heavily redacted document to review in a secure room. The document was apparently related to his Biden probe, which ultimately showed no evidence of any criminal wrongdoing by the president.

Writing that he angrily rejected the document, Comer went on to assert that his hasty return of the document resulted in Doocys daughter seemingly becoming p*ssed off. He then goes on to claim that Doocy and his son Peter, who is a White House correspondent for Fox News, retaliated against him in response to the episode.

Maybe its just a coincidence, but her father, Fox & Friends host Steve Doocy, and her brother, Fox White House correspondent Peter Doocy, would soon become my biggest critics on Fox News for the remainder of the investigation, he declared. And they didnt let up off camera either. Many of the White House videos criticizing me, and many of the legacy media outlets false narratives citing disparaging comments about me and the investigation, were from the Doocys.

House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer claims in new book that Fox host Steve Doocy gave him negative coverage as retaliation. ( EPA )

The Republican congressman is likely referring to the Fox & Friends hosts open skepticism of his investigation into the Bidens, which eventually fizzled out amid a bevy of conspiracy theories, half-baked allegations and discredited witnesses. During a June 2023 appearance on the Fox morning show, for instance, Comer was repeatedly pressed by Doocy to show the goods to prove his accusations of a criminal scheme perpetrated by the president.

Months later, when House Republicans were preparing to vote to formalize the impeachment inquiry, Peter Doocy reported that Comer still had no concrete evidence to support allegations that Biden had illegally benefited from his familys businesses. Comer would later tell Newsmax that he quit going on Fox & Friends to avoid critical questions about the probe.

Responding to the allegations in Comers book, a Fox News spokesperson tore into the Kentucky lawmaker. The first time Steve Doocy and Peter Doocy were even made aware of what took place in the SCIF with James Comer was tonight when they saw this book excerpt which speaks volumes about how scrupulous they are and the high ethical bar their family operates with. Suffice it to say Comers attack is off base and insulting, the spokesperson said in a statement.

Fox News isnt the only one pushing back on claims made by the bombastic MAGA congressman in his book, which is being published by Foxs corporate cousin HarperCollins. Legendary journalist Bob Woodward vehemently denied to The Guardian that he supposedly told Comer that the president was financially corrupt.

The statements attributed to me in what is apparently his book are false. I made none of those statements he attributes to me. I repeat none, and not even in a paraphrased form, Woodward said, adding that Comer was peddling stories, conclusions and allegations that just do not check out at all.

Meanwhile, it remains to be seen if Comer will be given a platform on Fox News programming to promote his book, considering that he uses it to attack two of the networks most prominent on-air personalities. While Comer did appear on Sean Hannitys show on Monday evening, that was also around the same time that the network first responded to the excerpt about the Doocys.

Fox News did not immediately respond to a request for comment on whether Comer had been booked for future promotional appearances. At the same time, the news cycle over the next few days will be extremely busy, including Pete Hegseths confirmation hearing, pre-inauguration preparations, and the Los Angeles wildfires.
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Fox News anchor John Roberts reacted to Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseths confirmation hearing on Tuesday by claiming it is commonplace for Pentagon leaders to have booze in their offices.

Roberts observation came after Hegseth was grilled by Democrats about allegations of drinking on the job, prompting GOP Sen. Markwayne Mullin to accuse his colleagues of hypocrisy because senators have shown up drunk to vote at night.

Additionally, the Fox News anchor invoked Winston Churchill to suggest that a lack of sobriety while working isnt that big of a deal, noting that visitors to a museum honoring the late British leader can buy a bottle of the scotch that he used to drink while he was looking after the war.

Throughout a contentious and chaotic Senate hearing on Tuesday, Hegseth defiantly pushed back on allegations of sexual assault and excessive drinking that have plagued his nomination. Claiming that he was the victim of a coordinated smear campaign launched by a left-wing media set out to destroy him, the former Fox News star roundly dismissed the accusations against him as anonymous smears.

After Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) relentlessly grilled Hegseth on his marital infidelities and allegations of drinking in the workplace, Mullin ran to the former Fox & Friends Weekend hosts defense by insisting lawmakers on Capitol Hill had no business passing judgment.

Fox News anchor John Roberts wonders aloud what secretary of defense does not have a bottle of bourbon in their office while discussing allegations of Pete Hegseths excessive drinking ( Fox News )

How many senators have shown up drunk to vote at night? Dont tell me you havent seen it, because you have, Mullin huffed. And how many senators do you know have gotten divorced for cheating on their wives? ... It is ridiculous you guys hold yourselves to higher standards.

After the hearing adjourned, Roberts brought on Fox News contributor Katie Pavlich to discuss how Mullin had stood up for their former colleague.

Touche, Roberts noted after airing the clip.

Thats what we call a mic drop in this business, Pavlich added. He is not holding back in questioning the high and mighty moral positions that these senators are taking when they are talking to Pete Hegseth. At the same time, Pavlich noted that drinking on the job is not a good thing, prompting Roberts to offer up a bit of a counterpoint.

But what secretary of defense does not have a bottle of bourbon or whiskey in his office? Come on, the America Reports host declared.

If you go to Capitol Hill over here, youll find many bottles of bourbon on the bar carts in the Senate offices, Pavlich agreed.

Meanwhile, at the end of the segment, Roberts circled back to their discussion on how prevalent alcohol was in the lives of national defense leaders.

Just to put a button on this alcohol thing, if you go to Churchills War Rooms in London, you can buy a bottle of the scotch that he used to drink while he was looking after the war, the anchor stated.

Indeed you can, Pavlich replied. I highly recommend people go visit those war rooms.
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Roger Wicker is hardly anyones idea of a far-right bomb thrower. When he opened the Senate Armed Services Committees confirmation hearing for Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trumps nominee to lead the Department of Defense, he wore a lapel pin with the Ukrainian and U.S. flag on it.

But the white-haired Mississippian began his questioning with his Southern drawl by bringing up allegations that Hegseth had sexually assaulted a woman  but pointedly noted the claims all came from liberal media publications.

That would set the tone for the rest of the extraordinary hearing, as multiple Republicans angled to defend Hegseth against damning misconduct claims and his past comments about women serving in the military.

The confirmation hearing comes about two months after Matt Gaetz, the firebrand former Florida congressman and Trump acolyte, rescinded his nomination to lead the Department of Justice as it became increasingly clear he lacked the necessary support.

open image in gallery Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., left, Committee chairman Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., center, and Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., all questioned Hegseth during his confirmation hearing on Tuesday ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

But Hegseth is different. After a few rocky weeks in late 2024  when his nomination briefly appeared doomed  Republicans, with Trump remaining squarely behind him, rallied around Hegseth, who became a sort of litmus test for loyalty to Trump.

For the last two months, conservatives put pressure on Iowa Senator Joni Ernst, a National Guard veteran and sexual assault survivor, to get behind Hegseth when it looked like she might not vote to confirm him.

And during the hearing, Ernst took a soft approach, seeming pleased by Hegseths responses when she asked him about previous comments that women shouldnt service in combat roles. She asked him directly, As secretary of defense, will you support women continuing to have the opportunity to serve in combat roles?

Yes, women will have access to ground combat roles, given the standards remain high, he said.

Ernst was by far the biggest wild card on the Republican side of the dais. Her teeing up that question for Hegseth will likely give permission to Republicans who might have been uneasy about confirming him  like Susan Collins of Maine or Thom Tillis of North Carolina  the permission to ultimately vote yes.

Meanwhile, Kirsten Gillibrand and Jeanne Shaheen, the committees two most senior Democratic female members of the committee, excoriated Hegseth for his comments about women.

Throughout the hearing  and as he repeatedly denied misconduct claims as being nothing more than anonymous smears  Hegseth alluded to being a redeemed man in need of forgiveness for previous bad behavior. Republicans, naturally, ate it up. In perhaps one of the most bizarre moments of the hearing, Oklahomas Markwayne Mullin said that the only reason Im here and not in prison is that my wife loved me too.

But Mullin went even further.

How many senators have showed up drunk to vote at night, he said. Dont tell me you havent seen it, because I know you have. And then how many senators have do you know have gotten a divorce for cheating on their wives? No? But its for show.

As most Republicans gave the 44-year-old former weekend television host an overwhelmingly warm reception, Democrats on the committee didnt give much reason for Hegseths critics to feel any optimism.

open image in gallery Sen. Kirsten GIllibrand, D-Ny., grilled Hegseth about his previous comments in the US military ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

When it came time for Rhode Island Senator Jack Reed, panels ranking member, a West Point graduate and ex-Army ranger, to question his fellow Army veteran, the 75-year-olds voice was so soft that it could hardly be heard even with the aid of a microphone. The media-savvy Hegseth easily talked over him with the practiced air of someone whod spent years making themselves heard in television crosstalk.

Meanwhile, multiple Democrats pressed Hegseth on the same assault allegations that hed already repeatedly dismissed and denied under softer questioning from Wicker. But hardly anyone on their side of the aisle pressed the would-be defense secretary on his ardent support for multiple convicted war criminals.

On multiple occasions during Trumps first term, Hegseth used his television post to argue successfully for Trump to pardon soldiers whod been turned in by people under their command for committing atrocities and had been convicted at courts-martial  by juries of their peers after trials conducted under the Unifom Code of Military Justice  for offenses ranging from outright murder to violating the Geneva Conventions by posing with corpses of slain enemies, something American troops have been prohibited from doing for over a century.

Not one Democrat on the panel even attempted to follow up on a disturbing statement he made under questioning by Reed when he alleged that officers in the U.S. military Judge Advocate Generals corps  lawyers trained in the laws of war who are responsible for laying out rules of engagement and counseling troops on how to avoid committing war crimes  were motivated not by a sense of duty, but by a craven desire for career advancement.

That might have presented a missed opportunity for Democrats to give their GOP colleagues not on the Armed Services Committee a reason to avoid voting to confirm him. Combined with Republicans robust defense of the nominee means that Hegseth is likely in a better spot than he was going into these hearings and will likely be confirmed.

That would have been unthinkable when Trump first nominated him. But it shows how in the end, the best definition of a Republican is loyalty to Trump and Democrats have yet to penetrate that armor.
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Why wasnt Donald Trump ever charged with the crime of insurrection?

Its a question that has been looming over the federal prosecution of the president-elect, with his allies and supporters using the fact that he wasnt to downplay the charges against him as well as the January 6 attack itself.

In his final report on Trumps attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election, former special counsel Jack Smith revealed that his office considered but ultimately opted against accusing Trump of committing or enabling an insurrection against the government, fearing the charges would open a minefield of litigation that could derail the entire case.

Smith explains there was just not enough legal groundwork over the last century to properly define insurrection and incitement to define what happened on January 6, despite judges across the country routinely labeling that  and putting the blame squarely on Trump.

The office recognized why courts described the attack on the Capitol as an insurrection, but it was also aware of the litigation risk that would be presented by employing this long-dormant statute, Smith explained.

open image in gallery Donald Trumps speech to supporters before a mob stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021 was enough to prove incitement, according to Jack Smith ( AP )

Case law reviewed by his office found that an insurrection typically involves overthrowing a sitting government, rather than maintaining power, which could pose another challenge to proving beyond a reasonable doubt that Mr. Trumps conduct on January 6 qualified as an insurrection given that he was the sitting president at that time, the report says.

But the evidence fit, according to Smith.

Evidence showed that violence was foreseeable to Trump, and he caused it, that it was beneficial to his plan to interfere with the certification, and that when it occurred, he made a conscious choice not to stop it and instead to leverage it for more delay, according to the report.

Smith even believed his office had enough incidence to prove Trump incited rioters with his January 6 speech at the Ellipse in Washington, D.C.

But Smith did not find any explicit evidence showing that Trump and his alleged co-conspirators had planned for that to happen, and had instead exploited what his bogus narrative of election fraud had inspired.

And prosecutors could not find any case in which a criminal defendant was charged with insurrection for acting within the government to maintain power, as opposed to overthrowing it or thwarting it from the outside.

Charging Trump with insurrection in that way would have been a first, which further weighed against charging it, given the other available charges, even if there were reasonable arguments that it might apply, Smith wrote.

open image in gallery Smith ultimately decided against prosecuting Trump for insurrection, fearing the courts would wade into unfamiliar territory that could derail his investigation ( REUTERS )

The Civil War-era Insurrection Act states that whoever incites, sets on foot, assists, or engages in any rebellion or insurrection against the authority of the United States or the laws thereof, or gives aid or comfort thereto.

Last year, several states came close to holding the former president accountable under those terms.

The Supreme Court ultimately reversed a Colorado state court ruling that found the president ineligible for the presidency under the scope of the 14th Amendment, which bars anyone who has sworn an oath to uphold the Constitution and who engaged in insurrection or rebellion from holding public office.

The 14th Amendment was among a suite of civil rights amendments enacted in the volatile aftermath of the Civil War. It was intended to grant equal protection under the law to all citizens, including formerly enslaved people, with a broadly written clause aimed at preventing Confederates from returning to a government they were in rebellion against.

In 2023, a lawsuit filed by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington on behalf of a group of five Republican and independent voters in Colorado argued that Trump failed that test, rendering him constitutionally ineligible to appear on any Colorado ballot as a candidate for federal or state office.

Smith cited that lawsuit in his final report.

open image in gallery Smith resigned as special counsel for the Department of Justice on January 10 after handing in his final report on his investigations into Trumps conduct ( AFP via Getty Images )

Smith resigned from the Justice Department on January 10 after submitting his two-volume report to Attorney General Merrick Garland, whose office entered a protracted legal battle with a Trump-appointed judge over the release of the report.

Smiths resignation was disclosed in a 24-word footnote, on the third page of an 11-page court filing  marking an anticlimactic end to the most significant prosecutions in Justice Department history, while Trumps allies threaten him with prosecutions of their own.

The report  published just days before Trump returns to the White House  follows Smiths post-election decision to end his two mammoth criminal cases against the former president, effectively throwing in the towel after a years-long attempt to prosecute Trump for 44 crimes, spelled out in hundreds of pages of evidence.

Neither case made it to trial.

A federal grand jury indictment in 2023 charged Trump with conspiracy and obstruction for his efforts to reverse his election loss and his 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.

Trump was separately charged in 2023 with mishandling reams of classified documents hoarded inside Mar-a-Lago and then allegedly obstructing attempts from federal authorities to get them back.

The case against his co-defendants is ongoing, but Trump is widely expected to pardon the two longtime Trump employees who were criminally charged alongside him.

Smiths decision to end the cases was inevitable, after months of delays, appeals, Supreme Court decisions and, ultimately, Trumps election victory, which hurled the courts and the Justice Department into unprecedented territory.

On the advice of the agencys own counsel, which has long held that a sitting president cannot be prosecuted, Smith moved to close the cases altogether.

Without any verdicts delivered or sentences issued, the cases stood no chance of surviving Trumps administration.

open image in gallery Lawmakers inside the Capitol on January 6, 2021 were forced to evacuate chambers and hide from a pro-Trump mob that broke into the building ( AP )

Trump routinely conflates the prosecution and litigation against him as an attack on the American people and the rule of law itself and has long viewed his election as his exoneration. He spent his 2024 campaign raging against judges and prosecutors, including Smith, who he pledged to fire within two seconds of taking office if his work continued into his administration. Trump has said Smith should be thrown out of the country and believed that he should be criminally indicted for his work.

The one criminal trial Trump endured resulted in a jurys unanimous 34-count guilty verdict. He was sentenced on January 10. Unlike his federal cases, Trump cannot issue himself a pardon to toss his convictions in that case, and the consequence-free sentence from New York Justice Juan Merchan ensures that Trump will enter the office as the first-ever president convicted of a crime.

Trump, meanwhile, is hoping to staff his Justice Department with his own criminal defense attorneys and other lawyers who have represented him and his campaign.
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Karen Bass once promised she wouldnt go abroad as the mayor of Los Angeles  now, as her city battles the worst wildfire in its history, she has five international trips under her belt during her term in office.

The New York Times reports that Bass has taken five international, city-funded trips since taking office  despite committing to stopping international travel in a 2021 interview as she ran for office.

Not only would I of course live here, but I also would not travel internationally  the only places I would go would be D.C., Sacramento, San Francisco and New York, in relation to L.A., Bass told the Times in October 2021.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom speak as wildfires break out across Los Angeles ( EPA )

Her travel abroad since becoming mayor includes her recent trip to Ghana, where she was when the deadly Palisades and Eaton fires broke out on Tuesday. She was there for the inauguration of the countrys new president after President Joe Biden selected her as one of his four-member presidential delegation to attend the event.

Last week, a Sky News reporter grilled Bass on her trip, but the mayor iced him out.

Do you owe citizens an apology for being absent while their homes were burning?" David Blevins asked on an airport jetway.

Bass remained silent as Blevins continued: Do you regret cutting the fire department budget by millions of dollars, Madam Mayor?

Have you nothing to say today? Have you absolutely nothing to say to the citizens today? Blevins continued. "Elon Musk says that youre utterly incompetent  are you considering your position?"

Bass continued her silence before walking away as Blevins continued to question her.

LA County Sheriff asks evacuees for patience as they 'look for remains of their neighbors

The mayor received heavy criticism over the timing of her trip from those on both sides of the political aisle  including Elon Musk, who called her utterly incompetent. Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley even told Fox 11 Los Angeles that the city had failed them after recent cuts to the departments budget.

Khloe Kardashian also chimed in, sharing the video of Crowleys comments.

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, she wrote on Instagram on Friday. Thank you for being honest. Mayor Bass, you are a joke!!!!

In addition to the recent Ghana trip, the Times reports Bass has traveled to Paris three times for the 2024 Olympic games and once to Mexico for President Claudia Sheinbaums inauguration.

Several wildfires have been scorching southern California since last week, prompting hundreds of thousands of people to evacuate. The blazes have killed at least 25 people and burned through more than 40,000 acres. The Palisades and Eaton fires are now among the most destructive in Los Angeles history.

The Independent has contacted the mayors office for comment.
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Former First Lady Michelle Obama will skip the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, the second time in two weeks that she is not attending a gathering of former U.S. leaders and their spouses.

Former Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George W Bush will be there.

Laura Bush and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will join their husbands for the January 20 swearing-in ceremony at the Capitol, representatives said.

Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies. Former first lady Michelle Obama will not attend the upcoming inauguration, said a statement from the Office of Barack and Michelle Obama.

No explanation was given for why Michelle Obama was skipping Trumps inauguration. She was the only spouse of a former president absent from Jimmy Carters funeral last week at Washington National Cathedral, due to an extended stay in Hawaii. Her husband and Trump, who was joined by Melania, were seated next to each other in her absence, and chatted and laughed like old friends despite their history of political animosity.

Former presidents Bush and Clinton and their spouses attended the ceremony.

Trump admitted that he was surprised at how friendly his conversation with Obama looked.

Michelle Obama at Donald Trumps first inauguration, which she said was the opposite of what we represented ( Getty Images )

It did look very friendly, I must say. I didnt realize how friendly it looked. I saw it on your wonderful network just a little while ago before I came in, Trump told a reporter. And I said, Boy, they look like two people who like each other.

We probably do [like each other], Trump added, according to The Daily Beast. We have a little different philosophies, right? But we probably do, I dont know. We just got along. But I got along with just about everybody.

We met backstage, as you know, before we went on, the president-elect said. I thought it was a beautiful service. But we all got along very well, which is good.

All three former presidents and their wives attended Trumps first inauguration in 2017, including Hillary Clinton, after she lost the 2016 presidential election to Trump. Carter also attended.

Trump famously didnt attend the 2021 inauguration of President Joe Biden following the January 6 Capitol riot and his attempt to overturn the 2020 election results.

Michelle Obama has attended every inauguration since 2009, including Trumps first inauguration in 2017.

In 2023, she spoke on her showThe Light Postcast about what it was like to sit in the audience as Trump was sworn in as president.

To sit on that stage and watch the opposite of what we represented on display, there was no diversity, there was no color on that stage, she said.

There was no reflection of the broader sense of America. Many people took pictures of me and theyre like, you werent in a good mood. No, I was not, she added.

Obama went on to say that she cried for half an hour following the ceremony because thats how much we were holding it together for eight years without really being able to show it all.

Additional reporting by AP
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MyPillow CEO and fierce Donald Trump supporter Mike Lindell has been walloped again with a hefty financial penalty, this time for frivolous claims he made in his lawsuit against voting software company Smartmatic.

Trump-appointed U.S. District Judge Carl J. Nichols ordered Lindell Monday to pay $56,369 to Smartmatic, which will be held in escrow in case of an appeal.

Lindell, like Trump, has long baselessly insisted the 2020 presidential election that Trump lost was fraudulent, and included fraudulent votes in voting machines.

An initial lawsuit was filed in 2021 by Dominion Voting Systems, accusing Lindell and his MyPillow company of slander over false election claims. Lindell later sued both Dominion and Smartmatic for alleged racketeering violations, among other claims. Lindell lost both cases, and Smartmatic moved for sanctions in the form of substantial legal fees.

Washington, D.C. District Judge Carl J. Nichols sided with Smartmatic in an earlier ruling more than two years ago, noting that some of Lindells claims fell on the frivolous side of the line and should pay a portion of Smarmatics legal fees. The sanction amount granted Monday, however, was a small fraction of the $546,000 Smartmatic sought, based on what the company called reasonable legal fees.

Thats not to say Lindell is getting off easily in his court battles, however.

A state judge in Minnesota last month ordered Lindells company, MyPillow Inc., to pay packing shipping and delivery company DHL $777,729 after failing to pay its business debts.
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Rashida Jones, the first Black executive to helm a major television network, announced on Tuesday that she would be stepping down as president of MSNBC, the progressive news channel she has led since 2021.

Jones first shared the news of her departure with the networks anchors on Tuesday morning before addressing the staff in the daily editorial meeting.

Rebecca Kutler, a former CNN executive who joined MSNBC in 2022 as senior vice president of content strategy, will serve as interim president. Kutler, who was poised to run CNNs digital streaming service before it was suddenly scuttled, has largely been in charge of overseeing MSNBCs dayside programming since her arrival.

Oliver Darcy reported in his Status newsletter last month that Jones was considering leaving the network after Donald Trumps inauguration.

Rashida Jones is stepping down as the president of MSNBC. ( Christopher Dilts/MSNBC )

Jones first shared the news of her exit with Mark Lazarus, a veteran NBC Universal executive who will be the chairman of SpinCo, the new company Comcast has spun off to house MSNBC and most of its other cable assets. Lazarus asked Jones to stay on to support the network through the transition.

After four incredible years at the helm of MSNBC and 11 years at NBCU, I have made the decision to pursue new opportunities, Jones shared in a memo to staff. I shared this decision with Mark, who has been incredibly supportive and has asked me to stay on for the next few months to help guide the network during this transitional period.

She added: I came to this decision over the holidays while reflecting on our remarkable journey and the many successes weve achieved together as a team. This has been the most rewarding chapter of my professional career and I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished, which has been made possible only by you.

Lazarus praised Jones in a separate memo, saying he had been impressed by her business successes, exceptional producing skills and sharp editorial instincts. Adding that Kutler had been appointed as interim president, he stated that Rebecca is the ideal leader to guide us through this moment, and I look forward to collaborating with her as we shape our collective future together.

Jones, who previously served as senior vice president of NBC News and MSNBC, was named president of the network in February 2021. During an extremely chaotic election year, MSNBC saw a series of ratings victories over its competition, including beating CNN on a presidential election night for the very first time.

At the same time, the network has experienced a post-election ratings slump since Kamala Harris was defeated by Trump, resulting in liberal viewers fleeing the channel in droves. Between the election and the end of the year, MSNBCs primetime audience in the key demographic of adults aged 25 to 54 fell 65 percent, according to Nielsen. The network has recently taken steps to stop the bleeding by announcing that top star Rachel Maddow will return to hosting her show primetime show five nights a week in the first few months after Trumps inauguration.

Jones departure also comes at a tenuous time of upheaval for the network, not only due to the predicted post-election drop in ratings but also because of Comcasts decision to spin the network off from the rest of NBC Universal amid cord-cutting and decreasing ad revenues in linear television.

Still, even with the plummeting viewership since November, MSNBC ended 2024 as the second most-watched network across all of cable and improved upon its 2023 ratings. Additionally, the network enjoyed its largest viewership advantage over CNN in 2024.

During the editorial meeting on Tuesday, told staff she had decided to move on and leave the company. Noting that she first shared her decision with Lazarus last week, she said shes really excited about what weve done and that it was the right time for her to move on.

Additionally, in the meeting, Lazarus addressed one question that has been weighing on the staff since it was announced they would be splitting from NBC News.

In what I hope will be welcome news, for the foreseeable future, we will retain the name  I know there was some discussion with the MSNBC name, so you can take that off of your worry list on things, Lazarus stated.

Ive had discussions with many of you, and I know how important it was, and we were able to have that discussion internally, he added. So, I think thats very good news, and Rashida, were all going to continue to make you proud.
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Democratic senators skewered Pete Hegseth over his views on women in the military, warning that he would have to change if he is confirmed as defense secretary.

President-elect Donald Trumps nominee to lead the Pentagon was grilled by the Senates Committee on Armed Services on Tuesday and was challenged over his denigrating comments about women in the military by members Kirsten Gillibrand of New York and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire.

Hegseth has previously said that women should not serve in combat roles, they have made fighting more complicated, and that women cannot physically meet the same standards as men.

You will have to change how you see women to do this job well, and I dont know if you are capable, Gillibrand, who has been an outspoken voice for ending sexual assault in the military, told Hegseth in a fiery exchange.

open image in gallery Hegseth attempted to defend previous comments he made about women in combat ( EPA )

I have many concerns about your record and particularly your public statements because they are so hurtful to the men and women who are currently serving in the U.S. military. Harmful to morale, harmful to good order and discipline, Gillibrand said.

The senator blasted Hegseth for a previous comment he made about mothers serving in the military.

Dads push us to take risks, Hegseth said in his book The War on Warriors. Moms put the training wheels on our bikes. We need moms. But not in the military, especially in combat units, he wrote.

Whats wrong with a mom? Gillibrand asked. I mean, youre basically saying women after they have children cant ever serve in the military in a combat role. Its a silly thing to say. Its a silly thing to say beneath the position that you are aspiring to.

Gillibrand echoed criticism made by fellow Democrats on the committee that she was equally as distressed that Hegseth would not meet with her before the hearing.

The former Fox News host earlier received a grilling from committee member Shaheen, who called out Hegseth for changing his views on women in the military after he was named as Trumps pick for defense secretary.

open image in gallery Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Jeanne Shaheen challenged Hegseth over his views on women in the military ( AP )

Why should women in our military believe that they would have a fair shot and an equal opportunity to rise through the ranks if, on the one hand, you say that women are not competent, they make our military less effective, and on the other hand, you say, Oh no, now that Ive been nominated to be the secretary of defense, Ive changed my view on women in the military? Shaheen asked.

I would say I would be honored to have the opportunity to serve alongside you, shoulder to shoulder, men and women, black, white, all backgrounds with a shared purpose, Hegseth replied. Our differences are not what define us.

Shaheen retorted: I appreciate your eleventh-hour conversion.

Senator Elizabeth Warren, who ahead of todays hearing wrote to Hegseth with more than 100 questions she had for him, shared Shaheens concern. Warren referred to a recent comment Hegseth made on a podcast where he said the nations military should not have women in combat roles.

What extraordinary event happened in that 32-day period that made you change the core values you had expressed for the preceding 12 years?

Ive heard of death bed conversions. But this is the first time Ive heard of a nomination conversion, Warren added.

Hegseth also attempted to put up a fight with Senator Maisie Hirono, who asked him about the sexual assault allegation from 2017, which he denies.

The 44-year-old said he was falsely accused in October 2017 and completely cleared.

I dont think completely cleared is accurate, Hirono replied.
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During a wild and tense exchange on Tuesday, Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) spent nearly 10 minutes hammering an evasive Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth for cheating on his past wives and engaging in drunken behavior on the job.

Tuesdays chaotic confirmation hearing came amid allegations that Hegseth sexually assaulted a woman in 2017. The former Fox News star has repeatedly denied the accusations and claimed hes been completely cleared, insisting at the top of the hearing that the allegations were part of a coordinated smear campaign by the left-wing media who wants to destroy him.

After Donald Trump shockingly nominated the Fox & Friends Weekend host to lead the Pentagon in November, it was reported that Hegseth had been criminally investigated in 2017 for raping a woman in California. While police in Monterey did not charge Hegseth with a crime after an investigation, he ended up paying the woman a confidential settlement in 2020 to avoid a lawsuit. Hegseth has also insisted that the encounter was consensual and that the woman was the aggressor.

Besides the claims of sexual misconduct, Hegseth has come under fire over multiple reports about his excessive drinking both as a Fox News host and as the leader of two veteran advocacy groups. Hegseth has dismissed these allegations as coming from anonymous sources and has pledged to remain sober if confirmed as defense secretary.

Taking the opportunity on Tuesday to grill the former Fox morning host on the accusations about his behavior, Kaine made a point of noting that whether or not Hegseth was guilty of sexual assault, he had repeatedly engaged in marital infidelity over the years.

Sen. Tim Kaine tears into Pete Hegseth during Tuesdays confirmation hearing about allegations of sexual misconduct and excessive drinking. ( CNN )

I want to return to the incident that you referenced a minute ago that occurred in Monterey, California, in October 2017, Kaine declared. At that time, you were still married to your second wife, correct?  And you had just fathered a child by a woman who would later become your third wife, correct?

The Virginia lawmaker was referring to the fact that at the time of the California incident, Hegseth was carrying out an extramarital affair with Jennifer Rauchet, then a Fox News producer. Rauchet had Hegseths child while he was still married to his second wife, whom he would later divorce. Hegseth went on to marry Rauchet, who left Fox News, and they had two more children.

Senator, I was falsely charged! Fully investigated and completely cleared, Hegseth exclaimed.

Kaine, however, wondered how Hegseth could say he was completely cleared just because law enforcement decided not to issue criminal charges.

Thats your definition of cleared?! You had just fathered a child two months before by a woman that was not your wife, the senator proclaimed. I am shocked that you would stand here and say you are completely cleared. Can you so casually cheat on a second wife and cheat on the mother of a child who had been born two months before? And you tell us you are completely cleared. So how is that completely cleared?

While Hegseth interjected and invoked the name of his daughter, noting shes a child of God, Kaine reiterated that the ex-Fox star had cheated on the mother of that child shortly after her birth.

Those were false charges, Hegseth shot back. Totally investigated. And I was completely cleared. And Im so grateful for the marriage I have to this day.

In fact, this would be Hegseths refrain for much of the exchange as Kaine pressed him on his infidelity. Saying that he was the victim of false charges, Hegseth dodged and deflected the questions about his repeated cheating on his past and current spouses. Kaine, on the other hand, would point out that Hegseth initially hid the allegations from the Trump team because he was worried it would damage his nomination.

If it had been a sexual assault, that would be disqualifying to be secretary of defense, wouldnt it? Kaine asked at one point, prompting Hegseth to once again declare that was a false claim. At the same time, Hegseth grumbled that it was a hypothetical that the senator was asking about.

So you cant tell me whether someone who has committed a sexual assault is disqualified from being secretary of defense? Kaine fired back.

A squirming Hegseth also complained about the hypothetical scenario brought up by Kaine on whether it would be disqualifying for a secretary of defense to commit physical violence against a spouse.

I dont think its a hypothetical, Kaine replied. Violence against spouses occurs every day. And if you, as a leader are not capable of saying that physical violence against a spouse should be a disqualifying fact for being secretary of the most powerful nation in the world, youre demonstrating an astonishing lack of judgment.

Eventually, Kaine moved on to allegations about Hegseths excessive drinking, noting that there had been multiple disclosures made by Hegseths former colleagues about his boorish behavior, specifically at the veterans organizations that he previously led.

Senator, those are all anonymous false claims, Hegseth objected.

After Kaine pointed out that many of the allegations came from a whistleblower report about Hegseths tenure as the chief of Concerned Veterans for America, the former Fox News host once more griped about the anonymous false charges made against him. The Virginia lawmaker, however, was prepared for this response.

You claim that this was all anonymous. We have seen records with names attached to all of these, including the name of your own mother, Kaine concluded, referring to an email Hegseths mother sent about her sons abusive behavior.

So dont make this into some anonymous press thing, the senator added. We have seen multiple names of colleagues consistently throughout your career that have talked about your abusive actions.
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The raging wildfires in Southern California that have ruined countless homes and livelihoods have now given way to the critical question: How will Congress provide aid to the ailing state?

Under normal circumstances, this would be an easy issue. California is the largest economy in the United States. But California has long been a punching bag for Republicans and President-elect Donald Trump has long clashed with Governor Gavin Newsom. During the weekend, Trump reposted an image of the Hollywood Hills, replacing the Hollywood sign with letters saying Trump was right as the area was ablaze.

Donald Trump Jr. and Elon Musk have particularly swiped at the Los Angeles Fire Department for sending equipment to Ukraine. Ted Cruz, meanwhile, the senator from Californias mortal enemy Texas, faulted Los Angeles for cutting money for its fire department while allocating money for a transgender cafe and a social justice network on his podcast.

Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson told CNNs Manu Raju that state and local leaders were derelict in their duty, and that I think there should be conditions on that aid.

He also said there had been internal discussion within the House Republican conference about tying aid to raising the debt limit, something that Republicans normally dislike doing.

Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso told CBSs Face the Nation that he expected there would be strings attached to any aid. It has to do with being ready the next time because this was a gross failure this time, he noted.

But in the rank-and-file of the Senate Republican Conference, there was more of a mixed opinion and a push to give California the aid it needs.

I think we need to give them aid, Senator Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia, the new chairwoman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, told The Independent, adding she hadnt heard about conditioning aid.

Newly elected Senator Bernie Moreno of Ohio told The Independent that people of California needed aid as soon as possible, but he added a caveat.

What we don't want to do is politicize this issue right now, and what we should be doing is let's get the crisis over with, he said. But there's very, very legitimate concerns about what California has done, what they need to do to fix it.

There is, of course, a double standard If Democrats ever even considered conditioning aid to areas like western North Carolina, Florida, Georgia or Texas that have been hit by hurricanes, they would have hell to pay.

Thom Tillis of North Carolina, by far the most endangered Republican senator, seemed to draw that same conclusion, saying he did not like it when aid to western North Carolina was held up after Hurricane Helene and Milton.

I've got to be consistent, he told The Independent. You see what my opinion was when people tried to hold up western North Carolina, I'm going to be there to support them.

Tillis brokered numerous deals with Democrats during the Biden administration and he likely could serve as a bridge between Republicans and Democrats when it comes to assisting Southern California.

Democrats for their part were apoplectic at the idea that aid would be delayed.

The wildfires in California, that have [cost] lives and [destroyed] structures? Senator Catherine Cortez Masto of neighboring Nevada told The Independent. We should be putting them first, and they shouldnt be used as bargaining chips.

Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts, one of the most outspoken voices for the environment, voiced similar disgust.

This is a climate catastrophe caused by the oil and gas industry, he told The Independent.  California is suffering because of it, and the condition should be that we keep all of the wind and solar tax breaks on the books so we can put the preventative programs in place.

But nothing is ever that easy in Trumps Washington. The president-elect has used the moment to rehash his old quarrels with Newsom, arguing that he has not sent water down to Southern California in the name of protecting a fish called the smelt, and calling the governor Newscum.

This behavior likely will not abate but continue. And Republicans will probably have to comply or get out of the way.
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Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville said that California doesnt deserve any funding for the devastating wildfires that have ravaged Los Angeles.

The Alabama senator, a staunch Donald Trump ally, said he didnt object to sending the state some money, but not unless state leaders change their ways.

Tuberville joins a growing number of Republicans who have hit out at Californias political leaders for the fires, blaming them partly on woke policies.

The cause of the fires, which have so far claimed 25 lives, has not yet been determined.

The senator was asked by host Chris Salcedo on right-wing network Newsmax on Monday: Why should other states be bailing out California for choosing the wrong people to run their state?

We shouldnt be, Tuberville responded, before calling the states lawmakers imbeciles.

open image in gallery Senator Tommy Tuberville said California doesnt deserve funding for the wildfires unless its leaders change their ways ( Getty Images )

They got 40 million people in that state and they vote in these imbeciles in office, and they continue to do it, he said. And its just a very small part of them in that state thats doing it. If you go to California, you run into a lot of Republicans, a lot of good people. And I hate it for them. But they are just overwhelmed by these inner city woke policies with the people that vote for them.

Tuberville added that he approved of sending some funds to the state but its leaders need to make some changes.

I dont mind sending them some money. But unless they show that theyre going to change their ways and get back to building dams and storing water, doing the maintenance with the brush and the trees and everything that everybody else does in the country, and they refuse to do it  they dont deserve anything, to be honest with you, unless they show us theyre going to make some changes, Tuberville said.

On Monday, House Speaker Mike Johnson suggested that lawmakers might attach conditions to wildfire aid for California.

open image in gallery Republicans have hit out at Californias political leaders for the fires, blaming them partly on woke policies ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

I think were going to have a serious conversation about that, Johnson told reporters. Obviously there has been water resource mismanagement, forest mismanagement, mistakes, all sorts of problems, and it does come down to leadership. It appears to us that state and local leaders were derelict in their duty in many respects. Thats something that has to be factored in.

I think there should probably be conditions on that aid, he added.

Trump has blasted California Governor Gavin Newsom almost daily since the fires broke out, and on the campaign trail, the president-elect threatened to withhold wildfire aid if the governor didnt go along with his ideas on water policy.

In response, Newsom has invited Trump to visit the affected areas and meet Californians impacted by the devastating wildfires.

The hundreds of thousands of Americans  displaced from their homes and fearful for the future  deserve to see us all working together in their best interests, not politicizing a human tragedy and spreading disinformation from the sidelines, Newsom wrote.
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Russian state media pundits have mulled the possibility of splitting Greenland with Donald Trump, as the President-elect continues to posture about acquiring the Danish territory.

Andrey Gurulyov, a member of the state Duma  the Russian assembly  said on Sunday that basically, the war in the Arctic has started and that Russia should look to strengthen its resources in the north, according to The Daily Beast.

In December, Trump floated the idea of purchasing Greenland from Denmark, calling the acquisition an "absolute necessity" for American security and freedom. Last week, when asked if he would rule out using "military or economic coercion" to obtain the foreign land, he replied, "No, I cant assure you on either of those two."

Speaking during an appearance on Sunday Evening With Vladimir Solovyov, Gurulyov, a former deputy commander of the Southern Military District of the Russian military, said: In recent days, events have been developing very rapidly.

We should recognize that basically, the war in the Arctic has started. Weve been getting ready for this and strengthening our Arctic component.

open image in gallery In December, Trump floated the idea of purchasing Greenland from Denmark, calling the acquisition an absolute necessity for American security and freedom. Russian state media pundits have now mulled the idea of splitting it with him ( AP )

Per The Daily Beast, he added: With Trump announcing his aspirations for Greenland, why dont we look at Greenland as well? Do we need Greenland? This is not a joke. We certainly need it.

If all else fails, we can make a deal with Trump and split Greenland in two parts.

open image in gallery It comes following a visit by Donald Trump Jr to Greenland, reportedly to explore his fathers interest in purchasing the island. He left quickly after it was made clear to him that Denmark was not interested ( Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Ima )

In 2022, a report by the Danish Security and Intelligence Service accused Russia of forging a letter that claimed to be from Greenlands foreign minister to Republican Senator Tom Cotton in 2019.

The letter stated: Our government is going to overcome all legal and political barriers... and to organize the referendum on independence of Greenland from Denmark as fast as possible. Cotton has since bragged about being the one to suggest buying Greenland to Trump.

"It is highly likely that the letter was fabricated and shared on the Internet by Russian influence agents, who wanted to create confusion and a possible conflict between Denmark, the USA and Greenland," the Danish intelligence report stated.

open image in gallery Greenlandic prime minister Mute Edege has been clear that the territory is not for sale and will not be in the future ( Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Ima )

Danish officials have also been clear in expressing that Greenland is not currently for sale.

Last week, Donald Trump Jr traveled to Greenland, reportedly to explore his fathers interest in purchasing the island, but left quickly after it was made clear to him that Denmark was not interested.

Denmarks Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said on Tuesday that Greenlands Prime Minister, Mute Edege, "has been very, very clear ... there is a lot of support among the people of Greenland that Greenland is not for sale and will not be in the future."

Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark, meaning it has its own ruling body while still being a part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
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Aides to President Joe Biden sent a warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin after they feared that the Russians may attempt to bring the war in Ukraine to the U.S., according to a New York Times report.

This summer, cargo shipments began to catch fire at German, British, and Polish airports and warehouses. Both Washington and the Europeans believed that the Russians were responsible.

In August, the White House grew concerned that the Russians were also planning to bring their sabotage to the U.S., according to secretly obtained intelligence.

The problem was simply how to get a warning to Putin, who hasnt spoken to Biden since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

In Situation Room briefings, Biden aides looked at conversations between top officials at the Russian military intelligence agency the G.R.U. outlining how shipments of consumer products caught fire, such as a small electronic massager, as a test run, according toThe New York Times.

After the Russians figured out how the packages made it past screening procedures and how long they took to ship, the plan was to send them on planes to the U.S. and Canada, where they would lead to fires after being unloaded.

The top worry was cargo planes, but passenger planes at times take smaller packages in their cargo holds if theres space to spare.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told the paper that The risk of catastrophic error was clear, that these could catch fire in a fully loaded aircraft.

Aides to Biden reportedly reached out to Putin via Russian officials to put an end to sabotage at European airports and warehouses ( POOL/AFP via Getty Images )

Mayorkas put in place new screening restrictions on cargo bound for the U.S. in August. When the warnings once again arose in October, Mayorkas pushed the executives at the largest airlines flying into the U.S. to take further measures to make sure there wasnt a disaster in the middle of a flight. Some of the measures reached the public eye, while some didnt.

White House officials were not sure whether Putin had ordered the plot or if he even was aware. It was possible he had not been made aware, but at this point, a major effort was started to push him to put an end to it.

Similarly to when the U.S. believed Russia was considering using a nuclear weapon in Ukraine in October 2022, Biden sent National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and C.I.A. Director William Burns to warn Putins aides. Several avenues were required to make sure that the message reached Putin, a senior official told the paper.

The warning stipulated that if Russias sabotage led to a mass casualty event in the air or on the ground, the U.S. would hold Russia accountable for enabling terrorism. While Sullivan and Burns didnt state what shape the response would take, they did say it would mean that the shadow war between Russia and the U.S. would reach new heights.

The shadow war is still taking place every day, with Russia apparently looking to use sabotage to break the will of NATO countries to back Ukraine but without it leading to a war with NATO itself.

It has led to a new way of life in Europe, ending the feeling of security that came after the Cold War. The search for possible acts of sabotage goes on every hour at airports, seaports, and below the surface, as well as on the streets of large European cities.

But the fires across Europe have stopped for now, with the message getting through to the Russian leader, officials told The New York Times. What remains unknown is whether Putin halted the plots or for how long they may remain on pause. Officials also told the paper that its possible that Russia is simply using the time to build better devices.
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Betters have already made wagers on what Donald Trumps inauguration is going to look and sound like - including on what words hell use and whether he will end a war before even taking office.

A study by Casino Reports analyzed the top 10 events, by dollar amount, that people are betting on using prediction market platforms Polymarket and Kalshi and related to Trumps inauguration. Only bets due to be resolved on or around January 20 were considered in the study.

Many placed bets on what the president-elect will say during his second inauguration, with $1.4 million poured into wagers on certain words and phrases Trump will use during his speech.

A whopping 78 percent of bettors think that Trump will say the phrase America First at least once in his inaugural address, the study says. Some  4 percent of bettors  predict he will mention one his most recent gig work: McDonalds. Others wagered that he would reference Dogecoin, the cryptocurrency supported by Trumps first buddy Elon Musk.

open image in gallery Conductor for the Army Herald Trumpets Major Aaron Morris during rehearsals for the inauguration. Some betting options on what will happen during the event are already out ( Getty Images )

open image in gallery Donald Trump works behind the counter during a visit to McDonalds in Feasterville-Trevose, Pennsylvania. Roughly 4 percent of bettors believe he will use the word McDonalds during his inaugural address ( via REUTERS )

Others placed wagers on whether another one of Trumps cabinet members would withdraw before his inauguration. Matt Gaetz, the president-elects initial former pick for attorney general, resigned after allegations of misconduct, including claims that he paid for sex with an underage girl, and the looming release of the House Ethics Committee report that investigated those allegations.

The former Florida Congressman was not the only nominee facing intense scrutiny. Pete Hegseth, Trumps defense secretary pick who has been questioned over an alleged sexual assault and reported drinking problems, is set to be grilled by the Senate on Tuesday.

Bettors placed $108,638 on the possibility that another nominee will withdraw before Trump is inaugurated, with 8 percent of bettors certain that another withdrawal will happen, the study says.

open image in gallery The White House complex is surrounded by temporary fencing. Bettors also placed $3.4 million on whether the president-elect can negotiate a ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine before midnight on January 20 ( Getty Images )

Bettors also placed $3.4 million on whether the president-elect can negotiate a ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine before midnight on January 20. However, only 1 percent of bettors believe reaching this milestone is possible.

By comparison, 16 percent of bettors believed a Ukraine-Russia ceasefire could be reached by November 7, when it first started taking bets on if Trump could end the war before returning to the White House.

Others are trying to cash in on Trumps relationship with Musk. The tech billionaire has spent significant time around the president-elect in recent months, including reportedly spending $2,000 per night on a cottage just a few hundred feet from the main house at Mar-a-Lago.

Some bettors  6 percent  have speculated a Tesla Bot, or any humanoid robot designed by Tesla, Inc. or one of its subsidiaries, will be present during Trumps inauguration, $233,436 wagered on this possibility.

open image in gallery Construction workers finish up the reviewing stand on Pennsylvania Avenue. Nearly half a million $449,736  has been wagered on the number of executive orders Trump will issue on his first day in office ( REUTERS )

Others are more focused on what happens after Trump takes the oath of office.

Nearly half a million $449,736  has been wagered on the number of executive orders Trump will issue on his first day in office, with 71 percent of bettors predicting he will issue more than 15 executive orders on Day 1. In his first term, he signed 14 executive orders on his first day; President Joe Biden signed 17 executive orders on his first day in 2021.

Nearly $10 million has been wagered on events linked to Trumps second inauguration, Brett Smiley, editorial manager at Casino Reports, said in a statement in response to the filings. He thought that amount indicated that people are willing to put their money where their mouths are, and actively engage with these events rather than speculating from the sidelines.
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US Attorney General Merrick Garland has released Jack Smiths final report into his investigation into Donald Trumps efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. The outgoing Justice Department special counsels findings do not make for flattering reading for the president-elect.

Smith curtailed his probe into the 45th presidents alleged election interference plot in November after Trump beat Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 vote to secure a return to the White House. Justice Department protocol forbids it from investigating a sitting president, ending Smiths hope of securing a conviction against Trump and ultimately prompting his resignation last Friday.

But the special counsel leaves office with a report that makes clear his feelings about the former and future presidents efforts to mislead the American public about his defeat to Joe Biden four years ago.

When it became clear that Mr Trump had lost the election and that lawful means of challenging the election results had failed, he resorted to a series of criminal efforts to retain power, Smith writes in the 174-page filing.

Those efforts included, he argues, attempts to induce state officials to ignore true vote counts; to manufacture fraudulent slates of presidential electors in seven states that he had lost; to force Justice Department officials and his own vice president, Michael R Pence, to act in contravention of their oaths and to instead advance Mr Trumps personal interests.

Here are the key findings from a report the president-elect moved quickly to attempt to discredit as fake on social media.

Voters saved Trump from conviction

open image in gallery Americans who voted to re-elect Trump effectively kept him out of prison ( AFP/Getty )

Having laid out the evidence against the president-elect in exhaustive detail, much of which has been previously established, the special counsel states flatly that only Trumps victory over Harris in Novembers presidential vote could have saved him from being convicted for attempting to subvert the 2020 election.

But for Mr Trumps election and imminent return to the presidency, the office assessed that the admissible evidence was sufficient to obtain and sustain a conviction at trial, Smith writes.

Until Mr Trump obstructed it, this democratic process had operated in a peaceful and orderly manner for more than 130 years, he adds elsewhere  alluding to Congresss certification of the Electoral College results, a process established under the Electoral Count Act of 1887  underlining the historical gravity of the actions he accuses Trump of engaging in.

Smith says it was his duty to investigate the former presidents conduct, adding he stands by his decision fully and that prosecutors cannot control outcomes and must simply commit to doing their jobs the right way for the right reasons.

The extent of Trumps pressure campaign against Pence

open image in gallery Trump attempted to weaponize Mike Pences role in certifying the election results ( AFP/Getty )

The special counsel frequently cites Mike Pences own words from his memoir So Help Me God as he outlines the intensity of Trumps pressure campaign against his own vice president. Trump sought to persuade him to weaponize his ceremonial role in certifying the election results in Congress, the event underway on Capitol Hill on January 6 2021 when the attempted insurrection broke out.

Smith alleges that, at one stage in the run-up to that occasion, Trump told his erstwhile running mate that hundreds of thousands of people would hate his guts and think him stupid if he did not comply with the plot to reject legitimate results from the states, also angrily rebuking Pence for being too honest.

The special counsel also focuses on Trumps efforts to exert public pressure on his deputy on social media and at a rally in Georgia, which ultimately led to chants of Hang Mike Pence! breaking out among the rioters in Washington DC and the erection of a gallows for the purpose.

Trump and Pence have been estranged ever since parting ways with the conclusion of the formers first term but unexpectedly shook hands at Jimmy Carters funeral in DC last week.

Smith details crucial deception at heart of fraudulent electors plot

The special counsel describes the plan to organize the people who would have served as Mr Trumps electors, had he won the popular vote, in seven states that Mr Trump had lost. The Republican billionaire wanted supporters in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin to sign and send to Washington false certifications claiming to be the legitimate electors.

He writes that the scheme quickly transformed into a corrupt strategy to obstruct the certification proceeding and overturn the valid election results and involved electors in the targeted states being sent instructions on how best to mimic the manner in which the state required valid electors to gather and vote.

Smith continues: For the most part, the co-conspirators deceived Mr Trumps elector nominees in the targeted states by falsely claiming that their electoral votes would be used only if ongoing litigation were resolved in Mr Trumps favor.

This deception was crucial to the conspiracy, as many who participated as fraudulent electors would not have done so had they known the true extent of the co-conspirators plans.

Not all of Mr Trumps elector nominees were persuaded, forcing the co-conspirators to recruit substitutes in some of the targeted states.

Probe into co-conspirators continued after Trump charged

open image in gallery 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 ( Pool/AFP/Getty )

After Trump was originally indicted in 2023 on four counts, including conspiracy to defraud the United States and obstruction of an official proceeding, Smiths team continued to investigate the former presidents co-conspirators with a view to further charges.

His office found evidence that one subject of its investigations, who is not named in the report, may have committed unrelated crimes and that investigation was passed on to a US attorneys office.

Talks had been underway about issuing further indictments against those involved, Smith reveals, until the investigation into Trump had to be dropped.

Because the office reached no final conclusions and did not seek indictments against anyone other than Mr Trump  the head of the criminal conspiracies and their intended beneficiary  this report does not elaborate further on the investigation and preliminary assessment of uncharged individuals, he concludes.

Smith says he tried to avoid influencing 2024 election

The special counsel is at pains to point out that he and his team stuck closely to Justice Department guidelines about carrying out investigations into public officials during an election year, a rebuttal to Trumps repeated claims that it was Smiths work that amounted to the real election interference.

Throughout its work, the office was focused entirely on its mandate to uphold the law, and nothing more, Smiths report states. The career prosecutors in the office conducted its investigation and prosecution in a manner that complied fully with the departments policies regarding election year sensitivities.

Collectively, prosecutors in the office had many years of experience providing training, advice, and guidance to prosecutors and law enforcement agents throughout the department on how to comply with the departments election-related policies.
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Scientists in Australia say a group of unusually large funnel-web spiders is actually a new species in its own right.

Researchers say they used anatomical and DNA comparisons to study different populations of the Sydney funnel-web spider  one of the worlds deadliest spiders  and found there were three species, only two of which were previously known to science.

The study revealed the hidden diversity among funnel-web spiders, said arachnologist Stephanie Loria from the Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change in Germany.

The classic Sydney funnel-web spider, Atrax robustus, is found from the Central Coast to the Sydney Basin; the Southern Sydney funnel-web, Atrax montanus, is common in the Blue Mountains south and west of Sydney; and the Newcastle funnel-web, which has now been dubbed the Big Boy for being the largest of the three, inhabits the city of Newcastle.

The Newcastle funnel-web, Atrax christenseni  Big Boy  is a totally new species. The true Sydney funnel-web, Atrax robustus, centres on the North Shore of Sydney and the Central Coast while the Southern Sydney funnel-web is a resurrected species name from 1914, Dr Loria said.

open image in gallery Big Boy funnel-web spider Atrax christenseni ( Kane Christensen )

The Latin name for the Big Boy species is derived from the Newcastle spider enthusiast Kane Christensen, who brought it to the attention of the research team.

The study was launched after Mr Christensen, based at the Australian Reptile Park in New South Wales, collected a number of unusually large male funnel-web spiders as part of a venom programme, researchers say.

Atrax christenseni is a superb and impressive funnel-web. The sheer size of the males, compared to the males of the other Atrax species, is simply astounding, Mr Christensen said. I am very passionate about funnel-webs and there is no greater compliment than to have another scientist name a funnel-web species after me. I am deeply honoured and accept it with great pleasure.

open image in gallery New Big Boy funnel-web spider species Atrax christenseni ( Danilo Harms et al, BMC Ecology and Evolution )

In the study, published in the journal BMC Ecology and Evolution, the researchers collected new specimens of funnel-webs from across Sydney and examined their DNA. They then compared the spiders with museum specimens dating back to the early 1900s.

None of these insights would have been possible without the use of historical collections and international collaboration, Dr Loria said.

10 Animals You Didnt Know Existed

The reclassification may have practical implications for antivenom production.

While funnel-web bites are the most severe among spiders, they are not very common. If you are bitten by a funnel-web spider, call an ambulance and go straight to hospital, toxicologist Geoff Isbister from the Calvary Mater Newcastle Hospital said.

Although no human fatalities have occurred since the development of antivenom in the 1980s, the antivenom for Sydney funnel-web spiders might be optimised by considering biological differentiation at the species level, said Danilo Harms, another author of the study.
Over the past decade, China and its Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) partners have achieved notable progress in building mutual political trust, bolstering economic cooperation, boosting cultural exchanges, and better coordinating international affairs within the framework of the forum's mechanism. BEIJING, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- This year marks the 10th anniversary of the launch of the China-Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) Forum. "The China-CELAC Forum, a young seedling in our eyes, needs the dedication and cultivation of both sides for it to grow bigger and stronger," said Chinese President Xi Jinping back in 2015 at the first ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC Forum. Over the past decade, China and its Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) partners have achieved notable progress in building mutual political trust, bolstering economic cooperation, boosting cultural exchanges, and better coordinating international affairs within the framework of the forum's mechanism. STRONGER POLITICAL TRUST The forum has played an important role for China and Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries to compare notes in improving governance and aligning their respective development strategies in the past ten years. Since 2015, three ministerial meetings have been held, as well as eight rounds of dialogue between the foreign ministers of China and the CELAC Quartet, which is composed of the group's previous, current and incoming Pro Tempore Presidency (PPT) and that of the Caribbean Community. In addition, 43 thematic sub-forums have been established covering key areas such as agriculture, scientific and technological innovation, poverty alleviation, green development, disaster management, defense cooperation, exchanges between think tanks, and anti-corruption law enforcement. In their in-depth exchanges, the two sides have also explored the path of modernization that suits their respective national conditions. A series of activities have intensified and expanded exchanges and dialogue between China and LAC, including the IV China-CELAC Political Parties Forum, which gathered representatives of nearly 100 national and regional political parties from 30 LAC countries. The China-CELAC Forum has evolved in a decade from a vision to a mechanism for practical cooperation, said Sun Yanfeng, a researcher at the Institute of Latin American Studies, under the aegis of the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations (CICIR). FLOURISHING ECONOMIC COOPERATION Since December last year, ships loaded with Chilean cherries have sailed across the Pacific to Chinese ports in Guangzhou, Shanghai and Tianjin. As the Lunar New Year holiday arrives, Chinese consumers can enjoy these sweet and juicy cherries at the happy moment of family reunion. Chilean exports exceeded 100 billion U.S. dollars in 2024, with a 51.4-percent increase in cherry shipments, whose main destination is China, according to the Central Bank of Chile. Other agricultural products from the region, such as Ecuadorian bananas, Nicaraguan honey and Honduran white shrimp, also enjoy growing popularity in the Chinese market. China is Latin America and the Caribbean's second-largest trading partner and the largest trading partner for countries such as Chile, Brazil and Peru. Five countries in the region have a free trade agreement (FTA) with China. In addition, 2024 saw significant progress, such as the fifth round of negotiations towards a China-Honduras FTA and the upgrading of the China-Peru FTA. A decade ago, China set the goal for bilateral trade between China and LAC countries to reach 500 billion dollars annually and cumulative investment to hit 250 billion dollars in the LAC region in 10 years. According to official data, between January and September 2024, bilateral trade reached 427.4 billion dollars, with a year-on-year increase of 7.7 percent, and is expected to exceed the annual target. Chinese direct investment in the region reached 600.8 billion dollars in 2023, consolidating LAC as the second-largest destination for investment from China. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has become a key platform for both sides to promote trade and economic cooperation. So far, China has signed Belt and Road cooperation documents with 22 LAC countries. Flagship projects jointly built under the BRI, including a four-lane highway in Jamaica, the first smart industrial park in Trinidad and Tobago, and the recently inaugurated Port of Chancay in Peru, have borne fruit. Brazilian economist Ronnie Lins, director of the China-Brazil Center for Research and Business, said the evolution of LAC-China relations offers more and more opportunities for Latin American and Caribbean countries to achieve economic modernization and promote sustainable development with autonomy. DIVERSIFIED CULTURAL EXCHANGES In the past decade, the China-CELAC Forum has established a comprehensive, multi-level network of dialogue and cooperation that has enriched cultural exchange between China and LAC, strengthening ties between their people. The China-LAC Year of Cultural Exchange and the "Bridge to the Future" program have promoted unique experiences such as visits by young Latin Americans to Dunhuang to learn about the ancient Silk Road. Learning the Chinese language and culture has gained popularity in the region, with 57 Confucius Institutes and Classrooms established in 26 countries. Cultural exchanges, such as cultural relic exhibitions on ancient civilizations in China and Mexico, have promoted mutual understanding. The opening of direct air routes between China and Brazil, Mexico and Cuba has facilitated tourism and trade exchanges, and boosted their commercial ties and tourism exchanges. Experts and academics believe the China-CELAC Forum will continue to strengthen mutual understanding, expand mutually beneficial cooperation, and advance sustainable development. Daniel Grimaldi, executive director of Chile 21, said that through open dialogue and mutual respect, China and Latin America can continue to build bridges that strengthen their relations and promote green development and shared modernization. Luis Antonio Paulino, director of the Confucius Institute at Sao Paulo State University, said China-LAC relations have made impressive progress over the past decades, but there is still great potential to be tapped in the future. Through joint efforts, China and Latin America can build a closer partnership while making a greater contribution to global prosperity and stability, he added.
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Groggily regaining consciousness in a soundproof underground bunker 350 miles away from home, Isabel Eriksson realised her second date with a handsome doctor had turned into a living nightmare.

Martin Trenneborg, 38, had seemed like the perfect gentleman turning up to her door in Stockholm, Sweden with flowers and strawberries.

But unknown to Isabel the doctor had hatched a plan to abduct her, lacing some of the chocolate-covered strawberries hed brought for them to share with Rohypnol.

He had secretly marked the ones that were drug-free so he knew which ones to eat.

She was driven 350 miles to a house close to Kristianstad in southern Sweden where she was locked up in an fortified underground bunker for six days.

open image in gallery He used masks to pretend to be a rescuer before revealing himself to torment his victim ( Swedish Police )

Isabelle Erikssons story of survival is depicted in the new Amazon series The Bunker.

Recalling the moment she finally came round Ms Eriksson told the documentary: Im dazed. My mouth is dry, and I slowly open my eyes.

I look straight up at the ceiling. It smells bad. I dont know what day it is or what time of day. I realise I dont know where I am.

Im lying under a blanket wearing a pair of jeans and a pink jumper. My body feels slow and it aches. When I turn over. I couldnt feel any underwear under my jeans. Its cold

She gazed over and saw her date who calmly told her from now on she would be his girlfriend  and that he might let her go in a couple of years.

Ms Eriksson said she tried to attack him and escape but Trenneborg shackled her to a bed. She said he used masks to pretend to be a rescuer before revealing himself to torment his victim.

He said that if I try again he would fix me up in chains in bed and feed me only with crispbread. I was completely panicked. I felt powerless.

open image in gallery Police move in as the doctor casually drinks in the police station waiting room ( ViaPlay )

On the fifth day, Trenneborg appeared in the cabin with a loaded gun in his hand.

At first, I think hes going to shoot me. Maybe someone has found him out. But instead he says hes had it in his mouth, but not dared to pull the trigger.

He gives me the gun, forces it into my hands. Ive never held a gun before. He says, the doors are unlocked. I just have to shoot then Im free.

He was the only one who knew I was there. Nobody would find me. It was horrible.

Im freaking out. My hands just shake, even if its my way out, I dont dare. I cry. I give him back the gun.

She said: Every time he came I didnt know what was going to happen, whether he would rape me or torture me or murder me.

At one point he told me that if I were to try to escape, he would punish me by chaining me to the bed and I would get nothing to eat but crisp bread.

He only said that he would keep me there a few years and that he would release me after that.

open image in gallery Trenneborg drugged Ms Eriksson with strawberries spiked with a sedative in Stockholm, before taking her to a bunker in his isolated house in southern Sweden ( Getty Images )

She also said he planned to bring another woman to the bunker possibly a celebrity or her own mother.

But his horrific plan unravelled when Ms Eriksson began to play along with his girlfriend fantasy and convinced him to return to Stockholm to get some more clothes from her apartment.

With police sealing the property shut he brazenly took her into the local police station to convince officers she was staying with a friend and to call off the search. There, finally left alone with one officer Isabel seized her chance and told him everything - he was arrested in the waiting room.

Documents found on Trenneborgs computer showed he had been planning to hold her for a decade and had scouted out at least ten women before settling on his eventual victim.

He told officers: She was supposed to be my girlfriend for years, that was the purpose. But now that I am imprisoned she will not be my girlfriend in the ordinary sense, even I can understand that.

open image in gallery The harrowing story of the Swedish national echoes that of Josef Fritzl, the Austrian who raped and held his daughter captive in the basement of his family home ( Getty Images )

She was not supposed to be a punching bag or something. We were supposed to be kissing, hanging out, having sex and stuff that normally people do.

In Stockholms District Court, Trenneborg was sentenced to ten years in prison for kidnapping, while he was acquitted of aggravated rape.

Martin Trenneborg had his sentence shortened on appeal and is now a free man. He has changed his name and lives in an unknown location.

The harrowing story of the Swedish national echoes that of Josef Fritzl, the Austrian who raped and held his daughter captive in the basement of his family home.

In 2008, his daughter Elisabeth managed to tell police that he was holding her captive. As a 42-year-old, she said she had been held underground for 24 years and abused since the age of 11.

Fritzl lured her into the cellar, built in the style of a cold war bunker, when she was 18. He told his wife and family acquaintances that she had run away to join a cult.
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Spirits giant Brown-Forman Corp. said Tuesday it's reducing its global workforce by about 12% and closing its hometown barrel-making plant in Louisville. The cost-cutting moves come as American whiskey producers face stiff challenges from changing consumer trends and renewed tariff threats.

The actions are projected to produce about $70 million to $80 million in annualized cost savings, a portion of which is expected to be reinvested as part of the company's growth strategy, said Louisville-based Brown-Forman, whose flagship brand is Jack Daniels Tennessee Whiskey.

The company's cooperage, where barrels are made to store and age its spirits, will close by April 25, affecting about 210 hourly and salaried employees, it said. The closure is part of the overall 12% reduction in the company's 5,400-employee global workforce. Brown-Forman said it will source barrels from an external supplier and expects to receive more than $30 million from selling cooperage assets.

Laid-off workers will receive severance, outplacement services and other benefits, the company said.

Brown-Forman also announced changes in its executive team, including the appointment of Jeremy Shepherd as chief marketing officer. Shepherd previously led its USA & Canada commercial division.

The actions reflect the venerable company's "relentless focus on evolving our strategy, our portfolio and our organization to grow and thrive, said Brown-Forman President and CEO Lawson Whiting. Todays announcement will ensure we have the structure and teams in place to continue on this path, while also making investments that we believe will facilitate growth for generations to come.

Last month, Brown-Forman reported a 5% decline in net sales for the first six months of its fiscal year compared to the year-ago period. The decline was largely due to its Finlandia and SonomaCutrer divestitures, the company said. Whiting said the results came amid challenging economic conditions but he predicted a stronger performance in the second half of the year. Brown-Forman's many brands also include Woodford Reserve and Old Forester bourbons and Herradura and el Jimador tequilas.

The company's cutbacks come as the overall American whiskey sector faces headwinds that coincide with massive inventories of aging whiskeys that will someday reach the market. In Kentucky, a record 14.3 million barrels of bourbon are aging, the Kentucky Distillers Association said last month.

Industrywide challenges include indications that younger adults are drinking less alcohol and the threat of American whiskey getting entangled in another trade war. Meanwhile, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said recently that Americans should be better informed about the link between alcohol and cancer. The risk should be clearly labeled on drinks Americans consume, Murthy proposed.

Republican President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to impose new tariffs with his return to the White House. During Trump's first term, American whiskey distillers got caught up in a trans-Atlantic trade fight, causing deep drops in exports to the European Union  the industrys biggest overseas market. The EU imposed a retaliatory tariff on those spirits in 2018 in response to Trumps decision to slap tariffs on European steel and aluminum. A 2021 deal suspended those tariffs on American spirits, and U.S. distillers began clawing back lost market share in the EU.

However, the EU is set to reinstate tariffs on American spirits at a 50% rate in March if nothing is done to head it off, the Kentucky Distillers' Association said. Retaliatory tariffs from the EU and other countries have cost Kentucky's bourbon industry a half-billion dollars in exports since 2018, it said. Kentucky and Tennessee, where Jack Daniel's is crafted, overwhelmingly backed Trump in last year's election.

We are up against a triple threat of back-breaking tariffs, snowballing taxes and shifts in consumer trends that have slowed sales, Eric Gregory, president of the distillers association, said recently.
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After a battle in Russias snowy region of Kursk this week, Ukrainian forces scoured the bodies of more than a dozen dead North Korean enemy soldiers.

Among them, they found one still alive. But as they approached, he detonated a grenade, blowing himself up, according to a description by Ukraines Special Operations Forces on Monday.

The forces said their soldiers escaped the blast uninjured.

It is among mounting evidence from the battlefield, intelligence reports and testimonies of defectors that some North Korean soldiers are resorting to extreme measures as they support Russias three-year war with Ukraine.

Self-detonation and suicides: thats the reality about North Korea, said Kim, a 32-year-old former North Korean soldier who defected to the South in 2022, requesting he only be identified by his surname due to fears of reprisals against his family left in the North.

These soldiers who left home for a fight there have been brainwashed and are truly ready to sacrifice themselves for Kim Jong Un, he added, referring to the reclusive North Korean leader.

Kim, introduced to Reuters by Seoul-based human rights group NK Imprisonment Victims Family Association, said he had worked for North Koreas military in Russia for about seven years up until 2021 on construction projects to earn foreign currency for the regime.

Ukrainian and Western assessments say Pyongyang has deployed some 11,000 soldiers to support Moscows forces in Russias western Kursk region, which Ukraine seized in a surprise incursion last year. More than 3,000 have been killed or injured, according to Kyiv.

North Koreas mission to the United Nations in Geneva did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

open image in gallery A passport purportedly showing the fake identity of one of the captured North Korean soldiers ( Telegram/Volodymyr Zelensky )

Moscow and Pyongyang initially dismissed reports about the Norths troop deployment as fake news. But Russian president Vladimir Putin in October did not deny that North Korean soldiers were currently in Russia and a North Korean official said any such deployment would be lawful.

Ukraine this week released videos of what it said were two captured North Korean soldiers. One of the soldiers expressed a desire to stay in Ukraine, and the other to return to North Korea, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said.

North Koreas deployment to Russia is its first major involvement in a war since the 1950-53 Korean War. North Korea reportedly sent a much smaller contingent to the Vietnam War and to the civil conflict in Syria.

open image in gallery The locker cell where Ukraine has kept the two North Korean men captured in battlefield ( Telegram: Volodymyr Zelensky )

The United States has warned the experience in Russia will make North Korea more capable of waging war against its neighbours.

North Koreas leader Kim has previously hailed his army as the strongest in the world, according to state media. Propaganda videos released by the regime in 2023 showed bare-chested soldiers running across snowy fields, jumping into frozen lakes and punching blocks of ice for winter training.

But a South Korean lawmaker briefed by the countrys spy agency on Monday said that the numbers of North Korean soldiers wounded and killed on the battlefield suggests they are unprepared for modern warfare, such as drone attacks, and may be being used as cannon fodder by Russia.

More worryingly there are signs these troops have been instructed to commit suicide, he said.

Recently, it has been confirmed that a North Korean soldier was in danger of being captured by the Ukrainian military, so he shouted for General Kim Jong Un and pulled out a grenade to try to blow himself up, but was killed, Lee Seong-kweun, who sits on the South Korean parliaments intelligence committee, said.

Memos carried by slain North Korean soldiers also show that North Korean authorities emphasized self-destruction and suicide before capture, he added.

When asked about further details of the cases he referred to, he declined to elaborate saying it was information from Ukraine shared with South Koreas National Intelligence Service (NIS). NIS did not answer calls seeking comment on Tuesday.

open image in gallery North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ( KCNA/KNS/AP )

Suicides by soldiers or spies not only show loyalty to the Kim Jong Un regime but are also a way to protect their families left at home, Yang Uk, a defence analyst at the Asan Institute of Policy Studies said.

Ukraines Zelenskiy said on Sunday Kyiv is ready to hand over captured North Korean soldiers to their leader Kim Jong Un if he can facilitate their exchange for Ukrainians held captive in Russia.

For some North Korean soldiers, however, being captured and sent back to Pyongyang would be seen as a fate worse than death, said Kim, the North Korean defector and former soldier.

Becoming a prisoner of war means treason. Being captured means you are a traitor. Leave one last bullet, thats what we are talking about in the military, he said.
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Ukraine has found irrefutable evidence of North Koreas involvement in Russias war against his country, president Volodymyr Zelensky said this week as he announced the capture of two North Korean soldiers.

The two men were reportedly captured during fighting in Russias Kursk border region, where the Ukrainian forces launched an incursion last August.

North Korea has deployed some 12,000 troops to aid Russias war effort, Ukraine has said, echoing assessments by American and South Korean intelligence agencies .

Kyiv previously claimed to have caught a North Korean soldier in Kursk on 27 December, but later said he had died of his wounds.

The two soldiers captured on Saturday were brought to Kyiv for interrogation.

Who are the captured soldiers?

Pictures released on social media by Mr Zelensky show two men resting on cots in a prison cell with bars over the windows. Both wear bandages, one around his jaw and the other around his hands and wrists.

open image in gallery Photo shared by Volodymyr Zelensky on Telegram shows one of the captured soldiers ( Telegram/Volodymyr Zelensky )

open image in gallery Photo shared by Volodymyr Zelensky on Telegram shows one of the captured soldiers ( Telegram/Volodymyr Zelensky )

Mr Zelensky did not give their names but the Ukrainian intelligence service claimed that one of them carried a Russian military ID card issued in the name of a person from the Tuva republic bordering Mongolia. The other man possessed no documents when he was captured.

Moscow was trying to hide the fact these are soldiers from North Korea by giving them documents claiming they are from Tuva or other territories under Moscows control. But these people are actually Koreans, they are from North Korea, the presidents office said, without offering any evidence.

open image in gallery Cell holding the captured soldiers is marked Camp for Prisoners of War ( Telegram/Volodymyr Zelensky )

Since the captured soldiers did not speak English, Russian or Ukrainian, they were interviewed with the help of a Korean translator, the Security Service of Ukraine said.

The soldier with the ID card purportedly said he was born in 2005 and was serving in the North Korean military as a rifleman since 2021.

open image in gallery The Russian military ID card of one of the captured soldiers ( Telegram/Volodymyr Zelensky )

The other prisoner answered his interrogators in writing due to a severe injury to his jaw. He purportedly said that he was serving in the North Korean army since 2016 as a scout sniper.

What have they revealed about the war?

One of the soldiers purportedly said during his interrogation that he had been told he was on a training exercise and did not know he was fighting the Ukrainian forces. The testimony was confirmed by the other soldier, the security service said.

The man claimed to have hid in a shelter during fighting and stayed there until he was found by the Ukrainians a few days later. His unit had suffered significant losses and food and water shortages for several days before his capture, he purportedly said. The unit had received a single week of training alongside Russian troops before being deployed to the frontline.

This task was not easy, Mr Zelensky said about the capture of the two men. 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.

South Koreas intelligence agency claimed to have found North Korean memos calling on its soldiers to kill themselves before capture by the Ukrainians.

What happens to the soldiers now?

Mr Zelensky said that he was ready to send the two soldiers to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un if he were to facilitate a prisoner exchange with Russia.

Ukraine is ready to hand over Kim Jong Uns soldiers to him if he can organise their exchange for our warriors who are being held captive in Russia," he said on X on Sunday.

For those North Korean soldiers who do not wish to return, there may be other options available, he added. In particular, those who express a desire to bring peace closer by spreading the truth about this war in Korean will be given that opportunity.
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Elon Musk has been encouraged to buy a vast 13th-century Polish castle and turn it into his European headquarters.

The mayor of Glogowek, Piotr Bujak, posted an invitation on X for Musk to buy the castle, as well as sending letters to his companies.

There is no price tag attached and Musk is yet to respond to the offer.

Bujak said he saw media reports in Europe suggesting the US tech billionaire was looking for a sizeable location, possibly a castle in Italy, as a hub for his operations on the continent.

Glogowek castle in southwestern Poland boasts a rich history going back to the Middle Ages, briefly serving as Poland's capital in the 17th century. It has also hosted composer Ludwig van Beethoven, who wrote music there.

open image in gallery The gate and coat of arms at the Glogowek Castle ( AP )

The castle has a very good vibe and is a perfect location for great things, Bujak said.

The area has a long winemaking tradition.

We do not feel worse than Tuscany. We have a perfect climate and this is the best place on Earth, Bujak said.

Glogowek's picturesque location is within traveling distance of European capitals Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Bratislava and Warsaw. There is room for a helicopter landing pad too.

The castle requires thorough renovation and needs a private investor, but offers vast spaces for living and business purposes. It currently belongs to the town.

open image in gallery TikTok has said reports it could sell its US business to X owner Elon Musk are pure fiction ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Meanwhile in China, TikTok has said reports it could sell its US business to X owner Elon Musk are pure fiction.

According to Bloomberg News, officials in China  the home of TikToks parent firm ByteDance  are weighing up a possible sale to the billionaire X owner if it can not overturn an impending US ban.

But in response to the reports, a TikTok spokesperson said: We cant be expected to comment on pure fiction.

TikTok is facing a ban in the US from January 19 over US national security concerns about China and what it believes is its possible influence over TikTok  something the company has always denied.

ByteDance has been told to either sell TikToks US business or face the app being banned in the United States.
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Pope Francis, who turned 88 last month and asked an aide to read a major speech last week due to a cold, says in a new book that he feels healthy and has no plans to resign as leader of the global Catholic Church.

I am well, the pontiff states in an autobiography on sale in more than 100 countries on Tuesday. The reality is, quite simply, that I am old.

The pope, who now often uses a wheelchair due to knee and back pain, says: The Church is governed using the head and the heart, not the legs.

Francis, originally from Argentina and the first pope from Latin America, has led the 1.4 billion-member Church since 2013.

He has suffered from influenza and related problems several times over in the past two years. He also had surgery in 2021 to address a painful condition called diverticulitis, and again in 2023 to repair a hernia.

Each time a pope takes ill, the winds of a conclave always feel as if they are blowing, Francis states in the book, referring to the secret meeting of Catholic cardinals that will one day elect the next pontiff.

( Getty )

The reality is that even during the days of surgery I never thought of resigning, he says.

The new volume, titled Hope, is the second of two books in two years by the pope, following a memoir released in March 2024.

Mondadori, the books Italian publisher, said the new volume was originally planned by Francis to be released after his death. But the pope decided it should instead be published during the ongoing Catholic Holy Year, which is also focusing on the theme of hope.

Over the 303-page volume, the pope reviews his life growing up in Buenos Aires, his career as a bishop in Argentina, and some of the decisions he has made as leader of the global Church.

Francis strongly defends a 2024 decision to allow priests to offer blessings for same-sex couples on a case-by-case basis. That decision sparked widespread debate in the Church, with bishops in some countries, particularly in Africa, refusing to let their priests implement it.

It is the people who are blessed, not the relationships, he states. Everyone in the Church is invited (for a blessing), including people who are divorced, including people who are homosexual, including people who are transgender.

Homosexuality is not a crime, it is a human fact, he says.
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Pope Francis has said he inherited a large white box full of documents concerning the most difficult and painful scandals within the Catholic Church.

The pontiff makes the revelation in the much-anticipated autobiography, Hope, published on Tuesday.

Following Benedict XVIs departure in 2013, Francis was elected pope, placing the Argentinean in the almost unprecedented position of having an in-person handover when he took office.

Pope Francis writes that he visited Benedict at Castel Gandolfo, the papal vacation palace south of Rome, shortly after he was elected pope.

He gave me a large white box, Francis writes. Everything is in here, he told me. Documents relating to the most difficult and painful situations. Cases of abuse, corruption, dark dealings, wrongdoings.

Benedict then told him: I have arrived this far, taken these actions, removed these people. Now its your turn.

Pope Francis then writes: I have continued along his path.

open image in gallery Benedict and Francis are pictured with a white box in their meeting at Castel Gandolfo in March 2013 ( Getty )

The Pope does not, however, reveal the contents of the box.

Benedict resigned in February 2013, citing his ailing health. He became the first pope to resign in almost 600 years. The churchs sexual abuse scandals marred the papacy of the highly conservative pope, who died in December 2022.

The last year of Benedicts tenure was also tarnished by the Vatileaks scandal, which exposed allegations of corruption, conflict and financial mismanagement.

Pope Francis writes that the reform of the Vatican bureaucracy, particularly the effort to impose international accounting and budgeting standards on its finances, have been the most difficult task of his papacy and one that generated the greatest resistance to change.

I have been summoned to a battle, he writes.

He also blasted traditionalist Catholic priests as rigid and potentially mentally unstable. This rigidity is often accompanied by elegant and costly tailoring, lace, fancy trimmings, rochets. Not a taste for tradition but clerical ostentation, he writes. These ways of dressing up sometimes conceal mental imbalance, emotional deviation, behavioural difficulties, a personal problem that may be exploited.

The pontiff strongly defends his decision to authorise a sweeping trial of 10 people, including a cardinal, accused of alleged financial misconduct related to an investment in a London property. The trial resulted in several convictions, but also caused the Holy See reputational harm, following questions about whether the defendants received a fair trial and Francis' own role in the saga.

The decisions that I made in that respect were not easy, I was sure there would be problems, but I also know that the truth must never be hidden and being opaque is always the worst choice, he writes.

Mondadori, the books Italian publisher, said the new volume was originally planned by Francis to be released after his death. But the pope decided it should instead be published during the ongoing Catholic Holy Year, which is also focusing on the theme of hope.

open image in gallery Pope Francis leads Wednesdays general audience in Vatican City ( EPA )

Over the 303-page volume, the pope reviews his life growing up in Buenos Aires, his career as a bishop in Argentina, and some of the decisions he has made as leader of the global Church. It is the second of two books in two years by the pope, following a memoir released in March 2024.

Elsewhere in the book, Francis strongly defends a 2024 decision to allow priests to offer blessings for same-sex couples on a case-by-case basis. That decision sparked widespread debate in the Church, with bishops in some countries, particularly in Africa, refusing to let their priests implement it.

It is the people who are blessed, not the relationships, he states. Everyone in the Church is invited [for a blessing], including people who are divorced, including people who are homosexual, including people who are transgender.

Homosexuality is not a crime, it is a human fact, Francis says.

The pontiff, who turned 88 last month and asked an aide to read a major speech last week due to a cold, also says he feels healthy and has no plans to resign.

I am well, Francis says. The reality is, quite simply, that I am old.

The pope, who now often uses a wheelchair due to knee and back pain, says: The Church is governed using the head and the heart, not the legs.

Francis has suffered from influenza and related problems several times in the past two years. He also had surgery in 2021 to address a painful condition called diverticulitis, and again in 2023 to repair a hernia.

Each time a pope takes ill, the winds of a conclave always feel as if they are blowing, Francis states in the book, referring to the secret meeting of Catholic cardinals that will one day elect the next pontiff.

The reality is that even during the days of surgery I never thought of resigning, he says.

Each time a pope takes ill, the winds of a conclave always feel as if they are blowing, Francis states in the book, referring to the secret meeting of Catholic cardinals that will one day elect the next pontiff.

Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report
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Watch live as Russia's foreign minister Sergei Lavrov holds a news conference on Tuesday, 14 January, as Moscow officials and media report that multiple regions in the country came under a major drone and ballistic missile attack overnight.

According to the popular Shot Telegram channel, Russia downed more than 200 Ukrainian drones and five US-made ATACMS ballistic missiles.

Russia's aviation watchdog said flight restrictions were imposed in the southern Russian cities of Kazan, Saratov, Penza, Ulyanovsk and Nizhnekamsk.

It came as Donald Trump said he is going to meet Vladimir Putin very quickly to discuss ending the war in Ukraine.

The US president-elect's comments coincide with Nato chief Mark Ruttes warning that Kyiv is not ready to enter peace talks with Moscow.

Mr Rutte has urged allies to solidify Ukraines position before any potential peace talks.

At this moment, clearly, Ukraine is not there. Peace will not last if Putin gets his way in Ukraine, because then he will press ahead, he warned.
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Ukraine has launched one of the largest missile and drone attacks on Russia in its nearly three-year war, striking multiple Russian military targets  with Moscow cliaming both US and UK long-range missiles had been involved.

Ukrainian forces launched a massive attack that hit multiple targets in Russias Engels, Saratov, Kazan, Bryansk, and Tula.

Andriy Kovalenko, the head of Ukraines official Centre Against Disinformation, told Ukrainian TV that the strikes had targeted weapon production plants, oil refineries and warehouses.

The Ukrainian General Staff said it had struck as deep as 1,100 km (680 miles) inside Russia, targeting oil storage, refinery, chemical and ammunition plants in the Bryansk, Saratov, Tula and Tatarstan regions.

The drone attack struck a munitions storage facility holding guided bombs and missiles at the Engels airbase in Russias Saratov region as well as other targets, a source in the Security Service of Ukraine told Reuters.

The attack caused a large fire at the Aleksinsky chemical plant in the Tula region, a fire at the Saratovsky oil refinery and the Bryansk chemical plant was also hit, the source added.

Ukrainian officials said the Saratov attack, which stretched over several days, reduced the capabilities of (Russias) strategic aviation.

Roman Busargin, governor of the Saratov region about 450 miles southeast of Moscow, said the cities of Saratov and Engels, on opposite banks of the Volga River, had been subjected to a mass drone attack and there was damage to two industrial sites.

open image in gallery Russian drone strike in Kyiv ( REUTERS )

Ukraine attacked the same region last week and claimed to have struck an oil depot serving the Engels airbase for Russian warplanes, causing a huge fire that took five days to put out.

Flight restrictions were imposed at airports in Kazan, Saratov, Penza, Ulyanovsk and Nizhnekamsk, Russias aviation watchdog said.

Moscow said Ukraine had fired six US-made ATACMS ballistic missiles, six UK-made Storm Shadow cruise missiles and at least 146 drones into Russia. Officials vowed the attack would not go unanswered.

Russia's defence ministry claimed it had shot down all of the Western missiles fired by Ukraine at the Bryansk region, as well as 146 drones outside the war zone. It said two more Storm Shadows had been shot down over the Black Sea.

"The actions of the Kyiv regime, supported by its Western curators, will not go unanswered," the defence ministry said.

Russia has repeatedly threatened Ukraine and the West with retaliation for the use of Western-supplied longer-range weapons to strike Russian soil.

It comes as Russia said it had detected a shift from US President-elect Donald Trump and his team towards recognising the "realities" on the ground in Ukraine.

The Kremlin said it is open to a meeting between President Vladimir Putin and Trump, which the Republican said on Monday would take place very quickly.

open image in gallery Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Putin is open to a meeting with Trump ( REUTERS )

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday that Moscow was ready to study Trumps ideas for ending the conflict in Ukraine once he takes office on 20 January.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, meanwhile, met with French premier Emmanuel Macron about the possibility of Western troops deploying in Ukraine to safeguard any peace deal.

The meeting came before an official visit to Kyiv on Tuesday by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. He arrived in Kyiv on an unannounced visit following a meeting in Warsaw on Monday with his counterparts from France, the UK, Italy and Poland.

Mr Zelensky said that Ukraine needs security guarantees to bolster any peace agreement  an issue he said late Monday that he discussed with the French leader.

"As one of these guarantees, we discussed the French initiative to deploy military contingents in Ukraine," Zelensky said. "We considered practical steps for its implementation, possible expansion and involvement of other countries in this process."

Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report
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European shipyards are repairing Russian gas tankers, enabling Moscow to keep energy supplies moving through the Arctic and avoid Western sanctions, according to reports.

Damen shipyard in Brest, France, and Fayard A/S in Denmark have provided maintenance works to Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers, allowing them to access crucial markets through winter, the Financial Times reported. A loophole in European Union sanctions means maintenance can be carried out there.

Satellite images and port-call tracking data from data and analytics firm Kpler, seen by the FT, showed that the two shipyards have serviced 14 of the 15-ship fleet of specialist Arc7 tankers that sail from Yamal LNG on Russia's far northern coast.

The activities of the ships and yards are not covered by sanctions because of loopholes for non-Russian flagged vessels and exemptions for technical expertise and maintenance from European companies.

Malte Humpert, an Arctic shipping specialist at High North News, told the publication: If those two shipyards were off-limits, it would put the whole logistics operations in doubt.

They could get the service somewhere else but that would mean going well off their route.

Russia relies on oil and gas business in part to fund its ongoing war in Ukraine; with revenues accounting for 30 to 50 per cent of the Russian federal budget, according to The Oxford Institute for Energy Studies (OIES). Other than the EU, Russias biggest pipeline gas exports go to Turkey and Belarus, while LNG exports are largely reliant on sales to China and Japan.

open image in gallery Damen shipyard in Brest, France, and Fayard A/S in Denmark have provided maintenance works to Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers ( AFP via Getty Images )

Although the EU has banned oil imports from Russia, numerous reports suggest that Russian oil is still reaching the EU.

A Global Witness investigation found that 130 million barrels of refined products were imported into the EU from refineries that process Russian crude oil in 2023, worth an estimated 1.1bn in tax revenue to the Kremlin.

Russia is the largest crude oil supplier to China and India. The UK and EU countries import billions in refined oil from these two countries, part of which is likely originating from Russia despite sanctions.

Damen shipyard in France confirmed to the FT it had repaired several vessels involved in the transport of Russian LNG but added that this strictly adhered to European sanctions legislation and that it was not involved in the cargo choices made by the shipping companies operating these vessels.

Fayard has yet to comment.

The Arc7 LNG carriers were built in South Korea, costing around $333million (274million) per ship, according to research by the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies.

European countries reliance on Russian gas has been a difficult challenge to address.

Russia has historically used its gas pipeline exports to exert political control over dependent countries, from Ukraine to Armenia.

Russias gas flows to Europe ended at the start of the year after the expiration of a transit agreement between Kyiv and Moscow. Ukraine refused to extend the deal, seeking to stop energy revenue going to Moscow to fund its nearly three-year invasion. Fico says the move has damaged Slovakias economy.
 Close Netanyahu thanks Trump for helping free Israeli hostages

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Israels top general has resigned, citing the security failures that allowed Hamas 7 October attack, as at least 10 Palestinians were killed in an Israeli raid in the West Bank city of Jenin.

The Jenin raid also left at least 40 wounded, Palestinian health officials said, as Israels fragile ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza entered its third dayChief of Staff Lt General Herzi Halevi became the most prominent Israeli official to step down over the militant groups attack when he announced his resignation on Tuesday.

In Tel Aviv, four people were wounded in a stabbing attack on Tuesday evening, according to Israeli police, who said the attacker was killed by security forces at the scene.

Meanwhile, Hamas official Taher al-Nunu has said four female Israeli hostages will be released on Saturday in return for Palestinian prisoners in the second such exchange under the truce, according to AFP.

And US president Donald Trumps pick for ambassador to the UN, Elise Stefanik, has told a Senate confirmation hearing that Israel has a biblical right to dominion over the West Bank.
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The US and Qatar have said that a ceasefire deal in Gaza between Israel and Hamas is closer than ever before, with Americas top diplomat saying a truce could be agreed at any time.

Negotiators met in Doha on Tuesday hoping to hammer out final details of a deal, which would include the release of hostages held by Hamas in return for Palestinians held in Israeli jails being freed.

I believe we will get a ceasefire, the US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, said during a speech on Tuesday, asserting it was up to Hamas. Its right on the brink. Its closer than its ever been before, and word could come anytime.

It could come in the hours ahead. It could come in the days ahead, Mr Blinken said. Qatars foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari told a news conference that talks on the final details were underway after both sides were presented with a text.

Hamas said the talks had reached the final steps and that it hoped this round of negotiations would lead to a deal after mediation by Qatar, Egypt and the United States. An Israeli official said talks had reached a critical phase although some details needed to be hammered out: We are close, we are not there yet.

Islamic Jihad, which is separate from Hamas and also holds hostages in Gaza, said it was sending a senior delegation that would arrive in Doha on Tuesday night to take part in final arrangements for a ceasefire deal.

If successful, the phased ceasefire  capping over a year of start-and-stop talks  could halt fighting that has laid waste to Gaza, killed tens of thousands of Palestinians, made most of the enclaves population homeless and is still killing dozens a day. That in turn could ease tensions across the wider Middle East, where the war has fuelled conflict in the occupied West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Iraq, and raised fears of all-out war between Israel and Iran.

Hamas killed around 1,200 people in a terror attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, and abducted another 250. Some 100 Israelis are still being held captive inside the Gaza Strip, but the military believes at least a third of them are dead. Israels retaliatory offensive has killed more than 46,000 Palestinians, more than half of them women and children, according to Gazas health ministry.

open image in gallery A woman sits with a child with salvaged footwear at the site of an Israeli bombardment in Gaza City ( AFP via Getty )

Families of hostages in Israel were on edge. Meirav Leshem Gonen, whose 24-year-old daughter Romi was shot and seized by gunmen at a music festival, told Radio 103 her family had been picturing her return for months as the light at the end of the tunnel.

We have to keep our feet on the ground. But, on the other hand, our heads are in the clouds.

An Israeli official told the Associated Press the three-phase agreement  based on a framework laid out by US president Joe Biden and endorsed by the UN Security Council  would begin with the release of 33 hostages over a six-week period, including women, children, older adults and wounded civilians in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian women and children imprisoned by Israel.

Among the 33 would be five female Israeli soldiers, each to be released in exchange for 50 Palestinian prisoners, including 30 who are serving life sentences. The official said Israel assumes most of the 33 are alive.

During this 42-day phase, Israeli forces would withdraw from population centers, Palestinians could start returning to what remains of their homes in northern Gaza and there would be a surge of humanitarian aid, with some 600 trucks entering each day.

open image in gallery US secretary of state Antony Blinken speaks at the Atlantic Council in Washington DC ( AFP via Getty Images )

Details of the second phase still must be negotiated during the first. Those details remain difficult to resolve  and there is no written guarantee that the ceasefire will continue until a deal is reached. That means Israel could resume its military campaign after the first phase ends.

The Israeli official said detailed negotiations on the second phase will begin during the first. He said Israel will retain some assets throughout negotiations, referring to a military presence, and would not leave the Gaza Strip until all hostages are home.

Families of hostages unlikely to be in the first group remained anxious. As Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu briefed relatives of some hostages, others protested outside his office.

The prime minister should bring a deal that includes all the hostages, including my son, said Ruby Chen, whose soldier son, Itay, was killed on 7 October 2023. His body has since been held in Gaza. He saved many people, he doesnt deserve to rot in Gaza, his mother added.

Speaking at the Atlantic Council in Washington in his final days as the US top diplomat, Mr Blinken said the White House envisioned a reformed Palestinian Authority leading Gaza and inviting international partners to help establish and run an interim administration for the enclave.

A security force would be formed from forces from partner nations and vetted Palestinian personnel, Mr Blinken said during his speech, which was repeatedly interrupted by protesters.

Only one ceasefire has been held in Gaza so far, lasting for a single week in November 2023, during which around half of the hostages, including most women, children and foreign labourers, were freed in return for Palestinian detainees.

Both sides have been committed in principle for months to the prospect of a ceasefire accompanied by a swap of remaining hostages for detainees. But previous talks foundered over the steps that would follow, with Hamas rejecting any deal that stopped short of bringing a permanent end to the war, while Israel said it would not end the war until Hamas is dismantled.

Fighting has meanwhile raged on, focused in recent months on Gazas northern edge where Israel says its forces are trying to prevent Hamas from regrouping and Palestinians say the Israelis are trying to permanently depopulate a buffer zone. Nightly Israeli strikes have continued across the enclave.

Gaza health officials said on Tuesday that Israeli strikes had killed at least 27 Palestinians in the past day, including one Gazan journalist. One of those attacks killed 10 people in a house in Khan Younis south of the enclave. Another killed nine people in a tent encampment in Deir Al-Balah in central Gaza.

Mr Trumps inauguration on 20 January is now widely seen as a de facto deadline for a ceasefire agreement. Mr Trump has said there would be hell to pay unless hostages held by Hamas were freed before he takes office, while President Biden has also called for a final push for a deal before he leaves.

Reuters and Associated Press contributed to this report
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A fragile ceasefire deal struck between Israel and Hamas went ahead on Saturday after teetering on the brink of collapse this week.

Since the ceasefire and hostage deal came into force on 19 January, both sides have expressed frustration with how the other has handled their obligations within the truce.

Despite this, the deal has held so far. Exactly 24 hostages have been released in total, including 19 Israelis and five Thai nationals, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees. Many prisoners are incarcerated without charge or trial under an Israeli process called administrative detention.

But after Hamas alleged that Israel had breached the terms of the fragile ceasefire and subsequently suspended the handover of hostage this week, the deal came close to collapse.

open image in gallery Hostages were brought on stage by Hamas militants before being released ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Netanyahu said he had also ordered the military to gather forces in and around Gaza as Israel warned it would open the gates of hell on Gaza if hostages were not released by noon on Saturday.

On Thursday, Hamas announced would continue implementing the ceasefire as originally planned, before Russian-Israeli Sasha Troufanov, 29, Argentinian-Israeli Iair Horn, 46, and US citizen Sagui Dekel Chen, 36, who were all seized from Kibbutz Nir Oz, were all released on Saturday. In exchange, Israel freed 369 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.

The stand-off threatened to reignite a conflict which started when Hamas killed around 1,200 people in a terror attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, and abducted another 250.

In response, Israel launched a devastating bombing and ground campaign in Gaza, killing more than 46,000 Palestinians, according to Gazas health ministry.

Why did Israel threaten to end its ceasefire with Hamas?

Under the ceasefire deal signed on 19 January, Hamas has so far freed 24 Israeli hostages. They are being exchanged for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees in the first stage of the multi-phase ceasefire deal.

Mediators hope a second phase of the agreement will lead to the release of the remaining hostages and the full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. However, talks in Doha broke down on Monday when the Israeli team returned home just two days after arriving.

This week, Hamas announced it would suspend the handover of hostages due to alleged Israeli violations of the ceasefire terms.

In response, Mr Trump demanded all hostages be released on Saturday at noon, before Mr Netanyahu warned of a return to intense fighting if more hostages were freed on Saturday, without saying how many.

Israel later threatened to open the gates of hell, and to start a new Gaza war different in intensity, if all hostages were not released by Saturday noon. It deployed additional troops to its border area with Gaza and cancelled leave for combat soldiers.

Mr Netanyahu is under pressure in his country where thousands of protesters took to the streets this week to call on the government to continue with the ceasefire deal to bring the remaining hostages back.

open image in gallery Amir Abu Radha, a freed Palestinian prisoner, is embraced after being released from an Israeli jail ( Reuters )

Why did Hamas nearly pause the hostage exchange?

Earlier this week, Abu Obeida, spokesman for the armed wing of Hamas, announced the postponement of Saturdays planned release of three Israeli hostages.

The group has accused Israel of delaying the return of Palestinians to northern Gaza, carrying out strikes across the enclave and hindering the entry of humanitarian aid. On Wednesday, Israeli military said it had struck two people in the southern Gaza Strip who were flying a drone.

Gaza's health ministry said at least 92 Palestinians have been killed and more than 800 wounded by Israeli fire since the ceasefire deal.

Hamas has said the "door remains open" to the exchange going ahead on Saturday if Israel "complies" with its obligations, according to news agency AFP.

Three Israeli officials and two mediators told the New York Times on condition of anonymity that Hamas claims were accurate. But COGAT, the Israeli military unit overseeing aid deliveries, described the accusations as completely false.

But Hamas has now called off the pause in hostage exchanges after Israels threat to unleash a new war on Gaza. The militant group said mediators had pledged to "remove all hurdles" to ensure Israel would allow more tents, medical supplies and other essentials into Gaza.

What is in the first phase of the ceasefire?

A six-week initial ceasefire phase includes the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from central Gaza and the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza.

Hamas will release 33 Israeli hostages, including all women (soldiers and civilians), children, and men over 50. Hamas will release female hostages and under 19s first, followed by men over 50.

So far, 24 hostages have been released, including 19 Israeli and five Thai hostages.

In return, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees have been freed from Israeli prisoners. Thousands of Palestinians are currently imprisoned in Israel without charge under a policy known as administrative detention, but it is unclear whether they have ben involved in the prisoner releases.

Israeli troops would also pull out of all populated areas of Gaza during the first stage while the Palestinians [could] also return to their neighbourhoods in all the areas of Gaza, said former US president Joe Biden at the time of the deal being signed.

The agreement also stipulates that aid deliveries to Gaza should rise to 600 trucks daily, surpassing the minimum requirement of 500 trucks that aid agencies deem necessary to address the territorys dire humanitarian crisis.

What is the second phase of the ceasefire?

Negotiations over a second phase of the agreement appear to have broken down after an Israeli team returned from talks in Doha after two days.

It is hoped it will include the release of all remaining hostages, including Israeli male soldiers, a permanent ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of Israeli soldiers.

The second and most difficult phase will mark a permanent end to the war, president Biden said.

It will include the release of all remaining living hostages, including male soldiers, and Israeli forces would withdraw completely from Gaza.

Hamas said it will not release the remaining captives without a lasting ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal.

What is the third phase of the ceasefire?

The third and final stage would involve the reconstruction of Gaza  something which could take years  and the return of any remaining hostages bodies.

The deal requires 600 truckloads of humanitarian aid to be allowed into Gaza every day of the ceasefire, 50 of them carrying fuel, and 300 of the trucks allocated to the north of the strip.

Israel allows aid into the enclave but there have been disputes over the amount allowed in, as well as the amount that reaches people in need, with looting by criminal gangs an increasing problem.

What next for Gaza?

As uncertainty hangs over the current ceasefire, its still not clear what will happen and who will manage Gaza if the truce deal is completed.

Israel has said it will not end the war leaving Hamas in power. It has also rejected the administration of Gaza by the Palestinian Authority, the Western-backed body set up under the Oslo interim peace accords.

The international community has said Gaza must be run by Palestinians, but efforts to find alternatives to the main factions among civil society or clan leaders have proved largely fruitless.

Last week, Mr Trump announced a plan for the US to take over Gaza, move out its more than 2 million Palestinian inhabitants and redevelop it into an international beach resort.

But the idea has faced opposition neighbouring countries who claim it could fuel regional instability.
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South Korean law enforcement officials on Wednesday were in a standoff with presidential security forces at impeached President Yoon Suk Yeols official residence in the capital Seoul. The impasse came during the police's second attempt to detain Yoon over his imposition of martial law last month.

Possibly more than a thousand anti-corruption investigators and police officers could be deployed in a potentially multiday operation to apprehend Yoon, who has been holed up in the Hannam-dong residence for weeks. Yoon has justified his martial law decree as a legitimate act of governance against an anti-state opposition bogging down his agenda with its legislative majority and vowed to fight to the end against efforts to oust him.

The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials and police are jointly investigating whether Yoons brief martial law declaration on Dec. 3 amounted to an attempted rebellion. They pledged more forceful measures to detain him after the presidential security service blocked their initial efforts on Jan. 3.

Despite a court warrant for Yoons detention, the presidential security service has insisted its obligated to protect the impeached president and has fortified the compound with barbed wire and rows of buses blocking paths.

As tensions escalated, South Koreas acting leader, Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok, issued a statement early Wednesday urging law enforcement and the presidential security service to ensure there are no physical clashes.

Groups of police officers dressed in black jackets and police vehicles, including a whilte van possibly with members of a search and arrest team inside, were seen in front of the presidential compounds closed metal gate. Separate groups of police officers were also seen moving up a trekking path near the hilly compound, apparently pursuing another route to get inside.

Some police officers were later seen successfully entering the residence, using ladders to climb over rows of buses the presidential security service placed as a barricade.

Yoons lawyers said the presidential security service will continue to provide security for Yoon and claimed that the detainment warrant issued by the Seoul Western District Court was invalid. They cited a law that protects locations potentially linked to military secrets from search without the consent of the person in charge  which would be Yoon. The court warrant for Yoons detainment is valid through Jan. 21.

Lawmakers from Yoons People Power Party, along with at least one of his lawyers, were earlier seen at the residences gate, apparently arguing with anti-corruption officials and police officers attempting to enter.

Hundreds of Yoons supporters and critics held competing protests near the residence  one side vowing to protect him, the other calling for his imprisonment while thousands of police officers in yellow jackets closely monitored the situation, setting up perimeters with buses.

Yoons top aide Tuesday pleaded with law enforcement agencies to abandon their efforts to detain him. Presidential Chief of Staff Chung Jin-suk said Yoon could instead be questioned at a third site or at his residence and said the anti-corruption agency and police were trying to drag him out like he was a member of a South American drug cartel.

But Yoon Kab-keun, one of the presidents lawyers, said Chung issued the message without consulting them and that the legal team has no immediate plan to make the president available for questioning by investigators.

If investigators manage to detain Yoon Suk Yeol, they will likely ask a court for permission to make a formal arrest. Otherwise, he will be released after 48 hours.

Yoon has not left his official residence in Seoul for weeks, and the presidential security service prevented dozens of investigators from detaining him after a nearly six-hour standoff on Jan. 3.

The National Police Agency has convened multiple meetings of field commanders in Seoul and nearby Gyeonggi province in recent days to plan their detainment efforts, and the size of those forces fueled speculation that more than a thousand officers could be deployed in a possible multiday operation. The agency and police have openly warned that presidential bodyguards obstructing the execution of the warrant could be arrested.

Yoon declared martial law and deployed troops around the National Assembly on Dec. 3. It lasted only hours before lawmakers managed to get through the blockade and vote to lift the measure.

Yoons presidential powers were suspended when the opposition-dominated assembly voted to impeach him on Dec. 14, accusing him of rebellion. His fate now rests with the Constitutional Court, which has begun deliberating on whether to formally remove Yoon from office or reject the charges and reinstate him.

In preventing Yoons detention on Jan. 3, presidential bodyguards were assisted by troops assigned to guard the presidential residence under the command of the presidential security service. However, Defense Ministry spokesperson Lee Kyung-ho said Tuesday the troops will no longer participate in efforts to block the execution of Yoons detention warrant and will focus solely on guarding the compounds perimeter.
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After amassing more than 170 million users in the country in less than seven years, TikTok has stopped working in the United States and disappeared from app stores.

TikTok stopped working in the United States late on Saturday and disappeared from Apple and Google app stores ahead of a law that takes effect on Sunday requiring the shutdown of the platform.

President-elect Donald Trump has said he would most likely give TikTok a 90-day reprieve from the ban after he takes office on Monday, a promise TikTok cited in a notice posted to users on the app.

A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you cant use TikTok for now. We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned, the message notified users trying to use the app late on Saturday night.

The US is not the first major market for TikTok to cut off the video-sharing app. In 2020, India issued a complete ban of the app that cut off around 200 million users. The Indian government cited privacy issues with the app, claiming that alleged ties between ByteDance and the Chinese government posed a threat to Indias sovereignty and security.

Other countries and areas, including the European Union, have put partial bans in place, which prevent government workers and military personnel from installing the app on their devices.

Various federal and state TikTok bans are already in place in the US, with lawmakers citing national security concerns. These fears have done little to stem TikToks growth in the US. The app has proved to be one of the most popular both in America and globally last year with 52 million downloads in the US and 733 million worldwide  despite more than 3 billion people around the world being blocked from downloading it.

This has helped bring the total number of TikTok users around the world to above 2 billion, with only Indias ban nearly three years ago slightly slowing its growth  and only temporarily.

A survey poll from the Pew Research Center last year found TikTok to be the fastest-growing platform in the US, as users beyond the social media apps typically young demographic began to adopt it.

US adults who have TikTok accounts are increasingly using the app as a source of news, with roughly a third of people aged 18-29 regularly using it to consume news in 2023.

The FBI claims that Chinese state ties to parent company ByteDance could allow the app to manipulate content in order to spread harmful propaganda.

Fears around national security have been countered with questions about censorship, with the Electronic Frontier Foundation describing the prospect of a ban as a seed of genuine security concern wrapped in a thick layer of censorship.

The US digital liberties group has called on people to resist a governmental power to ban a popular means of communication and expression.

In its filing with the Supreme Court on Monday, TikTok alleged that banning the app would shutter one of the most popular speech platforms at a highly political moment.

The act will shutter one of Americas most popular speech platforms the day before a presidential inauguration, TikTok wrote. This, in turn, will silence the speech of applicants and the many Americans who use the platform to communicate about politics, commerce, arts, and other matters of public concern.

Under the law passed last year and upheld on Friday by a unanimous Supreme Court, the platform had until Sunday to cut ties with its China-based parent or shut down its U.S. operation to resolve concerns it poses a threat to national security.

Bidens White House reiterated on Saturday that it was up to the incoming administration to take action.

The United States has never banned a major social media platform. The law passed overwhelmingly by Congress gives the incoming Trump administration sweeping authority to ban or seek the sale of other Chinese-owned apps.

Other apps owned by ByteDance, including video editing app CapCut and lifestyle social app Lemon8, were also offline and unavailable in U.S. app stores as of late Saturday.
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Elon Musk has said a third person has received an implant from his brain-computer company Neuralink.

He also said that Neuralink hopes to implant the experimental devices in 20 to 30 more people this year.

We've got ... three humans with Neuralinks and all are working well, he said during a wide-ranging interview at a Las Vegas event streamed on his social media platform X.

Since the first brain implant about a year ago, Musk said the company has upgraded the devices with more electrodes, higher bandwidth and longer battery life.

Musk didn't provide any details about the latest patient, but there are updates on the previous ones.

The second recipient  who has a spinal cord injury and got the implant last summer  was playing video games with the help of the device and learning how to use computer-aided design software to create 3-D objects. The first patient, also paralyzed after a spinal cord injury, described how it helped him play video games and chess.

But while such developments at Neuralink often attract notice, many other companies and research groups are working on similar projects. Two studies last year in the New England Journal of Medicine described how brain-computer interfaces, or BCIs, helped people with ALS communicate better.

More than 45 trials involving brain-computer interfaces are underway, according to a U.S. database of studies. The efforts are aimed at helping treat brain disorders, overcoming brain injuries and other uses.

Many research labs have already shown that humans can accurately control computer cursors using BCIs, said Rajesh Rao, co-director of the Center for Neurotechnology at the University of Washington.

open image in gallery Elon Musk says a third person has received an implant from his brain-computer interface company Neuralink ( REUTERS )

Rao said Neuralink may be unique in two ways: The surgery to implant the device is the first time a robot has been used to implant flexible electrode threads into a human brain to record neural activity and control devices. And those threads may record from more neurons than other interfaces.

Still, he said, the advantages of Neuralinks approach have yet to be shown, and some competitors have eclipsed the company in other ways. For example, Rao said companies such as Synchron, Blackrock Neurotech and Onward Medical are already conducting BCI trials on people using either less invasive methods or more versatile approaches that combine neural recording with stimulation.

What does Neuralink do?

Marco Baptista, chief scientific officer of the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, called BCI technology very exciting with potential benefits to people with paralysis.

Through clinical trials, well be able to see whats going to be the winning approach, he said. Its a little early to know."

Baptista said his foundation generally tries to support research teams financially and with expert help  though it hasnt given any money to Neuralink.

We need to really support high-risk, high-reward endeavors. This is clearly high-risk, high-reward. We dont know how safe its going to be. We dont know how feasible its going to be," he said.

Neuralink announced in 2023 that it had gotten permission from U.S. regulators to begin testing its device in people.

open image in gallery Neuralink, Elon Musks company, carried out the life-changing surgery ( Independent )

While most medical devices go on the market without clinical studies, high-risk ones that undergo pre-market approval need whats called an investigational device exemption from the Food and Drug Administration, said Dr. Rita Redberg, a cardiologist at the University of California, San Francisco, who studies high-risk devices.

Neuralink says it has this exemption, but the FDA said it cant confirm or disclose information about a particular study.
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TikTok users in the US have reported receiving a warm welcome on other Chinese-owned apps amid a looming ban of the hugely popular social media platform.

China-based Lemon8 and RedNote have both experienced a surge in downloads from US users as the 19 January deadline for the TikTok ban approaches, each topping the app charts.

TikTok, which is owned by ByteDance, will be removed from Apple and Android app stores on Sunday if the Chinese firm fails to either sell the app to an approved buyer or convince the US Supreme Court to delay the ban.

The Supreme Court has signaled that it does not plan to prevent the TikTok ban from coming into force, while ByteDance has given no indication that it intends to sell the app.

In anticipation of the ban coming into force, TikTok users have been seeking out alternative social media apps.

My roommate downloaded RedNote (the Chinese version of Pinterest/Insta) like six hours ago and hes already saying Big ups to Mao Zedong, wrote X user James Ray in a post on Tuesday. We are witnessing a moment.

Chinese users have joked to the new US users about being spies, while others have shared pictures of their children and pets.

This is a pretty strange moment, wrote one X user in a post on Tuesday.

Its the first time in a very long time that Chinese and American netizens are freely interacting without an intermediary or VPN. I doubt it will last long before XHS (RedNote) splits them apart. But I hope they dont. Its genuinely beautiful.

Some users have referred to it as 2025s Berlin Wall, with the newly-popular apps breaking through the cyber barrier of Chinas Great Firewall.

Despite being owned by a Chinese company, TikTok is not actually available in China. Instead, ByteDance operates a similar app called Douyin in its home country, which is not available internationally.

Other social media apps that are popular in the US, such as Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), are also blocked in China as part of the countrys strict censorship laws, meaning web users in either country rarely interact.

TikToks upcoming ban is centred on national security concerns, with lawmakers claiming that its Chinese ties could result in spying or political manipulation of peoples feeds, but such concerns have not deterred US users from seeking out other Chinese-owned alternatives.

TikTok has consistently denied the allegations, claiming that the US ban is unconstitutional and goes against Americans First Amendment rights.
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TikTok stopped working in the United States late on Saturday and disappeared from Apple and Google app stores ahead of a law that takes effect on Sunday requiring the shutdown of the platform used by 170 million Americans.

President-elect Donald Trump has said he would most likely give TikTok a 90-day reprieve from the ban after he takes office on Monday, a promise TikTok cited in a notice posted to users on the app.

A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you cant use TikTok for now. We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned, the message notified users trying to use the app late on Saturday night.

Other apps owned by ByteDance, including video editing app CapCut and lifestyle social app Lemon8, were also offline and unavailable in US app stores as of late Saturday.

What is Lemon8?

ByteDance launched Lemon8 in Japan in 2020, and its seen a steady increase in popularity, hitting the U.S. market in February 2023.

Its dominated by lifestyle content. Posts highlighted on the apps homepage include, How to become a 5 am girly and How to save $500 in a month.

At the start of this year, it was ranked the number one free app on Apples app store.

The future of TikToks sister app Lemon8 is also in jeopardy ( REUTERS )

The apps U.S. downloads increased 340 percent between June and August last year compared to 2023, according to data compiled by market research company Sensor Tower.

By comparison, TikTok grew 20 percent year-over-year during the same period, according to the research.

With the looming threat of the TikTok ban, ByteDance started to ramp up its advertising efforts with Lemon8 by targeting influencers and paying stars to post about the alternative app, the Wrap reported last year.

Why was Lemon8 included in a TikTok ban?

In April 2024, Congress passed a bill, signed into law by Biden, giving ByteDance nine months to find a U.S.-approved buyer.

The law states the divest-or-ban requirement applies generally to apps that are owned or operated by ByteDance, TikTok or any of their subsidiaries.

Lawmakers and officials say the company has links to the Chinese Communist Party, prompting concern that it could be forced to hand over data about American users to Beijing. The Justice Department has said that TikTok poses a national-security threat of immense depth and scale.

The same concerns remain for Lemon8.

There have been signs TikTok could make a comeback under Trump, who has said he wants to pursue a political resolution of the issue and last month urged the Supreme Court to pause implementation of the ban.

Some experts have argued that the real danger the apps pose is societal, and not security.

Even if the U.S. bans TikTok specifically, Bytedance  the parent company  is already migrating users to a competing very similar app that it also owns called Lemon8, Josh Constine of the venture capital firm SignalFire told CNN. And so it wouldnt solve the problem unless we basically ban all of ByteDances apps.

President-elect Donald Trump has asked the Supreme Court to delay its decision while he seeks a political solution. However, his second term will not begin until the day after the ban is scheduled to start.
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TikToks only chance of avoiding a ban in the US appears to lie with incoming president Donald Trump.

The ByteDance-owned social media app will be removed from Apple and Android app stores on 19 January unless the Chinese firm sells it or the Supreme Court delays a ruling signed into law by outgoing president Joe Biden.

ByteDance has not made any public effort to find a buyer, and the Supreme Court is signalling that it will not intervene, meaning that TikTok is widely expected to be blocked from app stores within the week.

In comments made at the latest hearing, TikToks lawyers claimed that Trump could reverse the ban, however he does not come into power until the day after the legislation is due to come into effect.

We might be in a different world, said Noel Francisco, representing TikTok and ByteDance. Thats 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.

In December, Trump urged the Supreme Court to delay the ban in order to give his incoming administration the opportunity to pursue a political resolution of the question at issue in the case.

According to US law, the 19 January deadline can only be extended if progress has been made towards an act of divesture, however neither ByteDance nor TikTok have signalled that it is seeking a sale of the viral video app.

The nationwide ban would prevent anyone from downloading or updating TikTok on their devices, however it would not remove the app from the 170 million existing users in the US. Without updates, the app will eventually stop working or become unsafe to use due to a lack of cyber security protections.

TikTok has already been banned in several countries, including India, Afghanistan and most recently Albania.

The looming US ban centres on a bipartisan law called the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, which aims to prevent other countries from interfering with national security.

Lawmakers have raised concerns about how user data is collected, as well as TikToks potential influence on what topics appear in peoples feeds through its algorithm.

The US Justice Department claims that a sale in necessary because continued Chinese control of the TikTok application poses a continuing threat to national security.

TikTok has denied these claims, arguing that a ban of the app is unconstitutional as it infringes on free speech rights enshrined by the First Ammendment.
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The popular travel destination of Kyoto in Japan is significantly raising accommodation tax in an attempt to curb overtourism by reducing visitor numbers.

The city plans to raise lodging tax for hotels and other accommodations to a maximum of 10,000 Japanese yen (52) per person per night  nearly 10 times the current cap of 1,000 yen (5.20).

The lodging tax will start at 200 yen (1.04) for accommodations costing up to 5,999 yen (31.19) a night; increasing to 400 yen (2.08) for stays priced between 6,000 yen (31.19) and 19,999 yen (104); and 1,000 yen (5.20) for those costing 20,000 yen (104) to 49,999 yen (260).

For rooms priced 50,000 yen (260) to 99,999 yen (520), the tax will increase to 4,000 yen (20.79) a night, with the maximum rate set at 10,000 yen (52) for accommodations costing 100,000 yen (520) or more.

The city plans to implement the new taxes by spring 2026, according to Kyodo News.

Kyoto introduced the tiered accommodation tax system in 2018, charging 200 yen (1.04) for stays under 20,000 yen (104), 500 yen (2.6) for those between 20,000 (104) and 49,999 yen (260), and 1,000 yen (5.2) for accommodations costing 50,000 yen (260) or more per night.

The new system is projected to boost Kyotos lodging tax revenue to over 10bn yen (52m), nearly double the 5.2bn yen (27m) collected in fiscal 2023.

Kyodo, like many other tourist destinations in Japan, has seen overtourism in recent years. Mayor Koji Matsui earlier said taxes would be raised to balance tourism and the livelihoods of local residents.

The official 2024 tourism figures for Japan, expected to be released on 15 January, will likely set a record and surpass the 31.9 million visitors recorded in 2019, before the Covid pandemic.

open image in gallery Tourists walk past shops during a visit to Fushimi Inari Shrine in the city of Kyoto on 13 January 2025 ( AFP via Getty Images )

If things go well, 2024 total will surpass 35 million, national tourism agency commissioner Naoya Haraikawa said earlier. In the first 11 months, there was a significant increase in visitors from the US, Europe, South Korea, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

The surge in tourist numbers has been attributed in major part to a weaker yen which has made Japan more attractive to foreign tourists.

While some believe this increase in accommodation tax in Kyodo will alleviate strain on infrastructure, others worry it will push tourists to stay in nearby cities like Osaka and visit Kyoto as day-trippers, potentially undermining the intended effect.

There are clearly two sides to the argument, Masaru Takayama, president of Kyoto-based Spirit of Japan Travel, was quoted as saying by the South China Morning Post.

Yes, overtourism is a problem in many parts of Kyoto and at particular times of the year, but I am sure foreign tourists will very quickly realise they can stay in a neighbouring city or town and just visit Kyoto for the day.

That will not be good for hotel operators and will not effectively reduce the number of tourists.

open image in gallery Tourists visit Fushimi Inari Shrine in the city of Kyoto on 13 January 2025 ( AFP via Getty )

Japans internal affairs ministry reports that 11 local governments, including in Tokyo and Osaka, have enhanced accommodation taxes.

Last year, authorities in Fujikawaguchiko, a resort town in the Yamanashi prefecture, installed a large mesh barrier to block the view of Mount Fuji to deter poorly behaved tourists who frequently trespass, litter, and break traffic rules while taking pictures.

Residents had reportedly long been complaining about overcrowding at a spot offering a view of the mountain above a Lawson convenience store where tourists often parked illegally and obstructed pedestrians.

A recent survey showed that over 30 per cent of foreign visitors experienced overtourism issues in Japan in 2024, with congestion at tourist sites being the most common complaint. In response, 60 per cent of respondents said they would be willing to pay higher fees to reduce congestion and help protect resources.
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Turbulence is the worst part of flying for many people. Though its a phenomenon that happens surprisingly regularly, it can often be alarming  one that can strike fear into even the most seasoned flyers.

But it is often misunderstood; it provides very little threat to modern commercial aircraft, with most injuries occurring when people arent strapped into their seats.

Turbulence is defined by the US National Weather Service as a phenomenon that is caused by abrupt, irregular movements of air that create sharp, quick updrafts and downdrafts that occur in combinations and move aircraft unexpectedly.

The most common type, called clear air turbulence (CAT), is defined by the Federal Aviation Administration as sudden severe turbulence occurring in cloudless regions that causes violent buffeting of aircraft. It adds that this is especially troublesome because it is often encountered unexpectedly and frequently without visual clues.

So what is the likelihood that youll be affected by turbulence, and which flying routes are most affected by it? We answer the key questions.

Read more: What is turbulence and can it cause your plane to crash?

How likely am I to be affected by severe turbulence?

While most flyers will have encountered some mild turbulence before, severe turbulence is far more rare. Some figures put the number of flights affected by severe turbulence as one departure in every 50,000.

Conditions caused by global warming mean that we may see slightly more turbulence in the future. According to data taken over the last 15 years by the Federal Aviation Administration, the total number of serious passenger injuries related to turbulence in the US is 37.

Where are the best (and worst) places to sit for turbulence?

Ideally, book a seat near the wingspan in the centre of the plane for the smoothest flying experience. Being near the planes centre of mass means youre less likely to be affected by forces such as wind, drag and lift.

In addition, the front of the plane experiences less noticeable effects of turbulence than the seats in the back, as they are more affected by wind hitting the tail of the aircraft.

What are the most turbulent flight routes around the world?

Data from turbulence prediction website Turbli, which has analysed around 10,000 routes connecting the 550 largest airports, shows the most turbulent journeys of 2024. Routes are ranked according to eddy dissipation rate, which Turbli founder Ignacio Gallego Marcos describes as the measure of the turbulence intensity at a given spot.

The 121.7-mile journey between Mendoza, Argentina and Santiago, Chiles capital, was ranked as the most turbulent on average, with the route between Cordoba in Spain and Santiago, ranked second.

open image in gallery Santiago in Chile is one airport known for turbulent flights ( Getty Images/iStockphoto )

Turbli also broke down the most turbulence-prone flights by continent, revealing that the 185-mile-long journey between Nice and Geneva was top of the list for Europe, while North Americas 348-mile flight from Albuquerque to Denver proved to be the most turbulent.

For Asia, the most turbulent was the flight between Nepals Kathmandu and Lhasa in China, for Africa it was a domestic South Africa flight from Durban to Johannesburg, while in Oceania it was a domestic New Zealand flight from Christchurch to Wellington. For South America it was, of course, the Mendoza-Santiago flight, which also came out on top in a list of short-range flights of 932 miles or less.

For long-range routes over 2796 miles with the highest average turbulence, the top flight was Nairobi in Kenya to Sepang in Malaysia.

Below are the top 10 most turbulent journeys in the world in full, according to Turbli data:

Mendoza (MDZ) - Santiago (SCL) Cordoba (COR) - Santiago (SCL) Mendoza (MDZ) - Salta (SLA) Mendoza (MDZ) - San Carlos de Bariloche (BRC) Kathmandu (KTM) - Lhasa (LXA) Chengdu (CTU) - Lhasa (LXA) Santa Cruz (VVI) - Santiago (SCL) Kathmandu (KTM) - Paro (PBH) Chengdu (CTU) - Xining (XNN) San Carlos de Bariloche (BRC) - Santiago (SCL)

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Actor Dean Cain has called for California governor Gavin Newsom to be axed over his response to the deadly wildfires.

The Superman star said he had moved away from LA years ago, when he saw the writing on the wall.

In an interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored on Monday (13 January), Cain said: He should get fired, hes done a horrible job."

Firefighters are bracing for the return of ferocious Santa Ana winds that are expected to fan the flames of massive wildfires raging across Southern California, as the death toll climbs to at least 25 people.
Hundreds of Israelis gathered in Jerusalem on Monday, 13 January, to protest against a potential ceasefire deal with Hamas.

Relatives of hostages, wounded soldiers and reservists came together under the slogan no mandate to surrender to Hamas and called on the government to release the hostages only through victory over Hamas.

Demonstrators marched from near Israel's parliament towards the Chords Bridge, lit with the blue and white Israeli flag, shouting slogans against humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza, prisoner exchanges or relinquishing conquered territory.

Protester Tamar Gesundheit, 69, said, "Please President Trump, do not pressure us to give into Hamas. Pressure them to give in to us."

According to state broadcaster Kan, the protest was organised by the Gvura Forum, which represents some of the families of soldiers killed during the war.
Paris Hilton has been volunteering at Pasadena Humane Society, an animal shelter helping pets and their owners affected by the Los Angeles wildfires.

The media personality, 43, evacuated her Malibu home before the property was destroyed this week in the fast-moving California fires.

Appearing in an Instagram video for the non-profit organization, Hilton fronted an appeal to reunite a cat with its owners.

She also shared that she would be fostering a dog staying at the shelter after his family had to surrender him when they lost their home.
Who doesnt love a proper bombshell report? And the report from the special counsel, Jack Smith, into Donald Trumps attempt to illegally steal the 2020 election is utterly devastating  and will surely land with a thud.

Except it wont. There will barely be a murmur. There will be the faintest of ripples. It will create a crater no bigger than a measly British pothole.

That is not to say Jack Smiths findings arent important. They are. The 137-page report, from the former Department of Justice prosecutor  released after America had gone to bed last night  found the evidence was sufficient to obtain and sustain a conviction at trial. And of Trumps behaviour, he says that he made unprecedented efforts to unlawfully retain power. There were threats and encouragement of violence against his perceived opponents. And the throughline of all of Mr Trumps criminal efforts was deceit  knowingly false claims of election fraud.

Its pungent stuff. Its excoriating. Its eviscerating. And having lived in Washington throughout that mad period in the run-up to, and the aftermath of, the election, I dont doubt any of it for a second.

Just listen to the call he made to the Georgia secretary of state, Brad Raffensperger, where he more or less threatened the guy to find the votes he needed to win the state. Its all there. Look again at the tweets where he went after his enemies and encouraged the events of January 6.

All but the willingly blind know what happened. How, having exhausted the legal and constitutional mechanisms to overturn Bidens victory, he sought to maintain power by other means.

But  and I dont mean this to sound glib  that was then and now is now. The arguments have been had  and, ultimately, the conservative majority on the Supreme Court took the view that they should not be deciding who the next American president should be; that was a matter for the American people. And in November, they reached a decision. Or, as Donald Trump in full caps-lock-mode put it on Truth Social immediately after the report was published: THE VOTERS HAVE SPOKEN.

They have. And you wonder what is to be gained by continuously relitigating the arguments that have torn America apart. It feels that the US has turned a corner. Though I am sure the people who hated Trump before the election still hate him today, he won fair and square in November in one of the greatest political comebacks of all time. He has won a mandate.

I do not doubt that the Jack Smith report is an important document and record of Trumps discreditable attempts to cling to power after the 2020 election. But there is a danger that those who want to wave this report around  six days away from inauguration  are like the Japanese soldiers who hid in the dense Burmese jungle, unaware that the Second World War had ended.

Its over. Its done. Trump has emerged unscathed  even though many will think that is a travesty of justice.

But its 2025 and most of America has moved on. Exhausted by it all. Meta, which owns Facebook, is the most notable, with its abandonment of fact-checking  and saying its DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) policies are to be jettisoned as well.

A big chunk of corporate America is doing the same  you dont want to seem woke with Trump back at the helm. Along the Mall next Monday, the Stars and Stripes will be fluttering. In board rooms, white flags. Even parts of the achingly liberal arts establishment are getting used to the idea.

For goodness sake, Village People are going to play at many of Trumps inauguration events. And as they once sang: Young man, put your pride on the shelf. Though perhaps they had other things in mind...
Kenny Jacobs says most drunk passengers are inebriated when they arrive for flights, rather than getting drunk at airport

Dublin Airport handled 33.3 million passengers last year, as well as 1.3 million transfer passengers

About 100 people were arrested last year at check-in gates for drunk and disorderly behaviour

Most drunk and disruptive passengers intending to fly out of Dublin and Cork are intercepted by police at check-in areas before they make it through security, according to the chief executive of the DAA, which operates both airports.

Kenny Jacobs said that more than 100 people were arrested at check-in areas at the airports in 2024 for drunk and disorderly conduct.

He has insisted that imposing a Europe-wide two-drink limit on passengers waiting at airports for their flights isnt the right answer to dealing with disruptive passengers.

The number-one issue in Ireland is people arriving to the airport drunk, rather than getting drunk at the airport, said Mr Jacobs.

Read more Ryanair calls again for two-drink limit at airport bars

Ryanair chief executive Michael OLeary has previously called for a two-drink limit to be imposed at airports. Last week, the airline again called for the limit to be introduced.

Ryanair are absolutely right when they say that drink needs to be controlled better and that disruptive passengers should be dealt with, said Mr Jacobs.

However, he added: The average person who uses Dublin or Cork Airport who does go to a bar consumes less than half a pint.

Theyre not getting tanked up at Dublin Airport getting on aircraft. Drinks in Ireland are expensive. I know more people who are saying, keep your money for buying a beer in Spain that costs you a third of the price.

I think its a matter more for UK airports and certain European airports than being an Irish matter.

I dont think a pan-European two-drink limit is something thats going to change things in Ireland. Weve got a very good relationship between airport police and An Garda Siochana.

"We stop and arrest more passengers for being drunk and disorderly at check-in than we do in the terminals [once they are through security].

About 100 people were arrested last year at check-in gates for drunk and disorderly behaviour

Today's News in 90 Seconds - January 14th

Ryanair revealed last week that it is suing a passenger in Ireland for 15,000 after disruption they caused on a flight from Dublin to Lanzarote last year forced the aircraft to land in Porto.

The 160 passengers on board had to stay overnight there before travelling onwards to their destination.

The amount being sought by Ryanair includes the cost of accommodating passengers and crew, fuel, landing fees and loss of in-flight sales.

This week, a disruptive passenger on board a United Airlines flight from Amsterdam to New York prompted the captain to divert to Dublin.

The passenger, Zachary Greear, who had allegedly urinated in the aisle and allegedly inappropriately touched other passengers on the aircraft, was arrested in Dublin and appeared in court.

He was told by Judge Michele Finan on Tuesday to arrive in court the next day with 10,000 by way of compensation to the airline.

Mr Jacobs insisted that in both those instances, the sums of money being sought should be much higher.

The DAA said it is also launching a new noise insulation scheme for residents within a specific radius of the airport, with the programme likely to cost about 12m.

According to the DAA, it has already spent 18m insulating existing homes and buying some houses at a 30pc premium to their market value.
Up to 10 bookshops have closed in Ireland over the last year, with the latest casualty being Academy Books in Drogheda, Co Louth. Many of the owners say the governments introduction of free schoolbooks has undermined their business.

We have no choice but to close, and free schoolbooks are the main reason. It has just destroyed everything, said Irene Gahan, the owner of Academy Books, which opened just over five years ago.

Our turnover was down nearly 50pc as a result. There was a 40pc drop from the loss of schoolbooks, but theres also the footfall that goes with that over the summer. So we also lost sales of stationery and other books.

In the last Budget the government again extended the free schoolbook scheme, this time to students in transition year, fifth year and sixth year, from September 2025. This does not apply to fee-paying secondary schools, whose pupils will now be the only ones that have to buy their books.

The free scheme was introduced at primary level in 2023, covering workbooks and copybooks as well as textbooks, and was extended to Junior Cycle students last September.

While this can represent a saving of up to 750 per student for households, booksellers have been feeling the pinch. As early as September 2023, Eason was saying it had suffered a 2.5m hit to its revenues as a result.

Ms Gahan described the scheme as ill conceived, and said while it was great for parents, it was not a well-though-out process as far as booksellers are concerned.

It was very badly executed, resulting in many small bookshops not being able to compete with larger online companies offering higher discounts, she said in a statement announcing the closure. This led to significant reduction of turnover and footfall. We arent the first bookshop to suffer at the hands of this initiative and we wont be the last.

We stopped selling vouchers earlier in the year when we saw how much the drop in school book sales were.

According to Ms Gahan, while the Department of Education says it consulted the sector before introducing free schoolbooks, booksellers believe there was only proper engagement when they lobbied TDs and councillor around the elections last year.

The Department made a decision and that was it  nobody was told, she says.

Schools can now decide where they buy schoolbooks, and some are going directly to publishers, who can offer bigger discounts than shops, Ms Gahan believes. She claims the new tendering system is biased towards big online outlets, which can offer discounts to schools of up to 40pc while the smaller shops dont have the same buying power.

We supplied two local schools, but we had to give away a 10pc discount, which means we ended up with 5pc-10pc profit, which was eaten away by delivery and processing, she said. By giving away 10pc to get the order, you are giving away any margin you had.

She said the closure of independent bookshops was a concern to the wider literary community, as sales of Irish books are already suffering as a result.

Bookselling Ireland, the Irish arm of the Booksellers Association, has calculated that last year just one independent bookshop opened  the Little Lane in Waterford  but up to 10 closed. This included six Veritas outlets, and the Learning Lab in Celbridge, Co Kildare.

In a trading survey of independent bookshops before Christmas, it found that the top concerns for 2025 were the imminent launch of Amazon.ie and changes to schoolbook supply. Irish bookshops will continue to lose a significant and long-standing revenue stream following the Irish governments direct schoolbook-supply programme, the association said.

There are currently over 220 such bookshops, employing over 3,000 people.

In a survey the association did after the initial rollout of the scheme in 2023, it found that 49pc of bookshops sold schoolbooks to some degree. For one in five of them, schoolbooks represented over 50pc of their turnover.

A spokesperson for the Department of Education said: Officials have engaged with Bookselling Ireland over the past two years or so and they will continue to engage with this organisation in relation to the free schoolbooks schemes.

They added that schools, like other organisations receiving public-sector funding, have obligations stemming from both EU and national public procurement rules when sourcing goods and services.
Irish grocery sales up 4.4pc from 2023 as people spent more on alcohol before Christmas

Irish grocery sales at the end of the year hit 1.4bn over four weeks for the first time since the lockdown rush of March 2020.

According to research company Kantar, the four weeks to December 29 saw a 4.4pc increase compared with the same time in 2023.

December was the busiest trading month we have seen  not just this year, but since the pre-lockdown rush in March 2020. As anticipated, Monday, December 23, was the most popular shopping day of the year, with consumers spending 107m on that one day alone, said Kantars Emer Healy.

It was 11.9m more than the highest trading day last year. In typical festive spirit, many of us looked for ways to treat ourselves, while the retailers in Ireland rolled out their seasonal lines to help us celebrate in style.

Kantar reported that shoppers in Ireland also returned to stores more often compared to the UK. Irish shoppers made 23 trips on average to pick up Christmas shopping, compared to 17 trips in Britain.

They also found that an additional 5.9pc of shoppers were willing to spend more on branded products. Premium own-label goods saw a sharp increase of 10.5pc.

Over the last 12 weeks of the year, Irish shoppers spent nearly 140m on premium own-label ranges as a whole. The report also found that sales on promotion hit a record high of 23.8pc in December.

Alcohol took centre stage in this years festive shopping carts, with shoppers spending an additional 79m on alcohol versus the previous month, added Ms Healy.

Champagne, sparkling wine, beer, cider and wine were popular among shoppers who spent an additional 60.8m compared to the previous month. And 9pc of Irish households purchased no-alcohol and low-alcohol drinks, spending a total of 2m on them.

Sales at Dunnes grew by 6.9pc  resulting in a 24.8pc market share. Shoppers increased their number of trips by 3.6pc while picking up more packs per trips, according to Kantar.

Tesco holds 24.2pc of the market. Supervalu saw the most number of shoppers making trips to their stores - averaging 23.8 trips over the latest 12 weeks of last year. They hold 20.5pc of the market share.

Lidl holds 12.3pc of the market share, with increased trips to the store amounting to 24.2m in sales. Aldi holds a 10.6pc market share, which is up by 3.9pc since the previous year.
Holland & Barrett operated 66 stores across the Republic by May of last year

Pre-tax profits at the Irish unit of health and wellness retailer Holland & Barrett increased by 13pc to 4.22m in 2023.

Accounts filed by Holland & Barrett Ltd with the Companies Office show that the companys profits increased as revenues rose by 13pc from 49.8m to 56.29m in the 12 months to the end of September 2023.

The improved performance by the company came amid Holland & Barrett investing 7m here over last year and 2023, including refitting all its Irish stores and new store openings in Cork, Tullamore and Jervis Street in Dublin after customer volumes have grown year on year over the last four years.

By May of last year the company operated 66 stores across the Republic as part of its continuing expansion here.

The expansion included the brands first kiosk store designed to support customers on the go at the Jervis Street shopping centre in Dublin. The kiosk offers cashless purchases on a range of wellness goods, with the new format curated to showcase the top 1,000 products.

On the 2023 performance, the directors state that both the level of business and the year-end financial position are in line with expectation.

In the year under review, the company opened two new stores and closed one.

A note attached to the accounts states that the group meets its day-to-day working-capital requirements through its operational performance.

It states: However, throughout the period to 30 September 2025, the group is undertaking significant investment to transform the business to achieve the strategy. This investment has been funded by the groups ultimate owner, LetterOne Investment Holdings SA.

The Irish unit recorded post-tax profits of 3.54m in 2023 after incurring a corporation tax charge of 677,000.

A breakdown of revenues shows that 51.09m was generated by Irish stores with 5.19m recorded by franchise and wholesale income which is generated from 12 countries across Europe and Asia.

The profit takes account of non-cash depreciation costs of 1.3m and foreign exchange losses of 546,000.

Numbers employed decreased from 404 to 391 as staff costs increased from 9.9m to 10.42m.

At the end of September 2023, the company had accumulated profits to 69.2m. The companys cash funds increased from 882,000 to 2.68m.
The nonprofit agency planning a new family shelter in the Hamlin Park neighborhood of Buffalos East Side needs to provide more information to neighbors confused about the Family Promise Shelter, Buffalo Planning Board members said.

Residents who live near the site where Family Promise wants to build a 40-bed shelter say they are concerned about the projects impact on public safety and their own property values.

They worry that it would be run similar to the City Mission, Harbor House or Haven House, where they say a homeless person could drop in, get a meal, and leave or get sent away, putting them back on the neighborhoods streets. Haven House is actually for domestic violence victims.

But shelter officials say thats not what they are about. Family Promise already operates a shelter on Hickory Street, but its new $8 million facility would be a little larger. Located at the corner of East Ferry and Welker streets, the 19,165-square-foot complex would house six to eight families at a time, with four townhouse-style buildings adjacent to the offices and service center.

Its the exact opposite of Harbor House or City Mission, because its a family shelter, said Luann Firestone, executive director of Family Promise of Western New York. We do not kick them out into the streets at any point in time. We have people with infants and families, so we dont run our shelter like that.

She said families are taken in and housed for a longer period, with the average stay lasting about two to three months, and the longest stretching to eight months. The shortest stay has been three weeks.

During that time, staff focus on helping the families, first with immediate needs such as clothing, followed by essential documentation, and then help with credit repair, employment and financial literacy. Then they turn to alternate housing.

Thats why it takes two to three months, but we dont want to people out that arent ready, Firestone added. Our goal is to get them out as soon as possible. The longer they stay at a shelter, the more institutionalized they become, so we want to get families back out into the community.

Family Promise, which is state-licensed, works with Erie County Social Services, which vets any potential family before sending them to the shelter. The nonprofit further screens them to avoid anyone with untreated mental health or substance abuse problems, domestic violence or criminal backgrounds. No one walks in from the street, and if at any point during their stay a family is not following the rules and acting unsafe, we send them back, Firestone said.

We dont want to see someone showing up at our door. We keep a peaceful program, she added.

The board approved an environmental finding for the project, saying the project is more of a short-term residence that fits with the community. But it still has to come back for site plan review after it gets any necessary variances from the Zoning Board of Appeals, which meets Wednesday.

Its important for everyone to have a clear understanding, so everyone can debate from the same basic facts, Vice Chair Cynthia Schwartz said. I plead with you all to have a single narrative. Be ready to back up your statements on both sides, but lets make sure its factual information.

Separately, the Planning Board also approved a plan by the Buffalo History Museum to restore the historic stone Reinstein Center at 4 Old Elmwood Ave., which was built in 1920 and acquired in 1989, and to construct a one-story 2,070-square-foot glass-walled building next to it as additional event and program space.

And it authorized Ellicott Development Co. to demolish a former gas station and auto repair shop at 1002 Abbott Road that has been vacant since the mid-2000s, and which the neighborhood asked it to take down. The one-story masonry structure was built in 1974 and purchased in 2022, but doesnt comply with Green Code standards.
Address penalty is pushing up prices by as much as 62pcBurglary-prone areas have higher premiums

Homeowners could be paying as much as 10,000 more for their home insurance in the time it takes to pay down a typical mortgage because of where they live.

This Eircode lottery means that the cost of home insurance for a three-bedroom semi-detached home varies from 493 in Carlow to 801 in Roscommon

Over the 35-year life of a mortgage, the differences in prices for cover for a home in various parts of the country could add up to huge amounts of money, according to research carried out by Peopl Insurance, which sells insurance through credit unions.

Peopl said this address penalty was pushing up home insurance costs by as much as 62pc.

Insurers take the address into account when determining the risk profile of a property, and in turn, the premium they will charge.

Homes in areas experiencing a surge in break-ins will be hit with higher premiums.

But there will also be higher costs for homeowners in areas that are prone to flooding, with previous Central Bank research finding that one in 20 homes and businesses struggle to get flood insurance.

Distance from emergency services, which could leave some rural homeowners facing a longer wait than their urban counterparts for a fire brigade or other vital help, is another factor which an insurer may take into account.

The Peopl analysis examined the cost of home insurance for a first-time buyer of a three-bedroom semi-detached home, with a rebuilding cost of 400,000 and contents worth 30,000.

It looked at the cost across various addresses throughout the country.

The analysis found that the cost of home insurance for that type of property varied from 493 in Carlow to 800 in Roscommon.

The research found that the most expensive counties to insure the home in were Sligo, Leitrim and Roscommon, while the cheapest were Carlow, Waterford and Kilkenny.

The analysis also uncovered cost variations within some counties.

In Dublin, it costs 537 to insure a three-bedroom home in Dalkey, but that cost rose to 614 for Tallaght.

Peopl Insurance spokesperson Dominic Lumsden said it could sometimes be more expensive to get home insurance in wealthy areas because insurers assumed these homeowners had more valuables.

It may seem like a harsh reality but the location of a property has a huge bearing on the cost of insuring it and this is borne out by our analysis. Insurers take the address into account when determining the risk profile of a property  and in turn, the premium they will charge, Mr Lumsden said.

The different factors that determine the premium for insuring a property mean that a homeowner could be paying hundreds of euro more a year for their home insurance than another homeowner with a similar property simply because of where they were living.

This additional cost will add up over the years. It is usually a condition of a mortgage that buildings home insurance is in place and a home mortgage term could run for as long as 35 years, depending on the lender and how long the borrower takes to clear their mortgage, Mr Lumsden said.

Mr Lumsden said there had been a 9pc increase in burglaries over the last year, according to the latest CSO figures.

This is likely to affect home insurance premiums, particularly in areas where the rate of burglaries is high.

Other factors that determine the cost of cover include the age of the building, the type of construction, the risk of subsidence in the area, the size of the property and any measures the homeowner has taken to improve the overall security and safety of the home.
John Lowe, who trades as Money Doctors, with his new 2025 guide

Personal finance guru John Lowe has launched the 20th edition of his unrivalled guide to consumer finance.

Money Doctors 2025 helps families to become financially secure, and outlines how they can save and make money.

Mr Lowe, who trades as Money Doctors, said his book has been fully updated and is indexed.

It includes 50 tax-saving tips and a synopsis of Budget 2025, while there is a mortgages guide for first-time borrowers, and a chapter on a DIY low-cost way to make a will.

For the last three years the annual publication has incorporated a 148-page booklet Teenagers  You & Your Money.

But this year that booklet is available as an e-book only because this coming September, and every September, transition-year classes all over Ireland will receive both the guide for teenagers and the full 2025 annual in e-book formats free of charge.

A unique code is sent to every secondary school transition-year co-ordinator or principal at the beginning of September to start that process.

Published by Providence Press, the book is 12.99 and is available in all good bookshops or online.
Mark Zuckerberg outlined the measures in a memo after indicating that his company would do things differently following the election of Donald Trump

Ireland looks set to be included in a new round of layoffs by Meta, which is to get rid of 5pc of its staff.

The news, first reported by Bloomberg, was sent to staff in a memo by CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

A spokesperson for Meta in Ireland, which employs over 2,000 people, was unavailable to respond to queries on the matter. Previous Meta job cuts announcements have applied across international divisions, while Mr Zuckerberg said that locations outside the US would also be included this time.

Anne OLeary is head of Meta in Ireland.

"Ive decided to raise the bar on performance management and move out low-performers faster, Mr Zuckerberg said in the memo.

"We typically manage out people who arent meeting expectations over the course of a year, but now were going to do more extensive performance-based cuts during this cycle with the intention of backfilling these roles in 2025.

"We wont manage out everyone who didnt meet expectations for the last period if were optimistic about their future performance, and for those we do let go well provide generous severance in line with what weve provided with previous cuts.

Well follow up with more guidance for managers ahead of calibrations. People who are impacted will be notified on February 10, or later for those outside the US.

The job cuts move comes shortly after Mr Zuckerbergs volte face on content moderation after the election of Donald Trump, with the Meta CEO telling podcaster Joe Rogan that the new Trump era is a tipping point for him, culturally.

The company regards these staff departures as non-regrettable attrition, a term that describes a departing employee as neutral or beneficial to the overall health of the company.

The move comes after Mr Zuckerberg announced that his company would be rolling back its enforcement of hate speech protection rules, a move popular with Donald Trumps Republican party but likely to set the company on a collision course with EU regulatory bodies, including the European Commission and Irelands Coimisiun na Mean, which enforces large tranches of European content moderation law on social media giants.

Mr Zuckerberg criticised fact-checkers as biased and said that the company will adopt a system similar to Elon Musks community notes system on X.

He said that the trade off for doing this is that Meta will catch less bad stuff but will also reduce the number of innocent people's posts and accounts that we accidentally take down.

It was not immediately clear what the move means for Metas Irish headquarters, which employs over 3,000 people.

Mr has become increasingly critical of Europe, saying that it has become a difficult place for tech companies to grow or do business. The companys global policy chief, former British deputy prime minister Nick Clegg, left the firm last month.

In an interview with podcaster Joe Rogan, Mr Zuckerberg said that the EU is screwing US tech firms by using fines on Meta and other companies as tariffs on crucial US interests and said he hopes the incoming Trump administration will fight them so that American companies can win.

Meta has been fined over 2bn in Ireland in data privacy sanctions over the last three years by the Data Protection Commissioner, on behalf of the EU.
Sex workers, a murdered Marxist friend and prayers for a pain-free death: God is in the details as Pope Francis tells his life story

From the Irish nurse who struggled to feed him as a newborn to what he misses most from his previous life, the pontiffs memoir is full of surprises

Hope: The Autobiography by Pope Francis

Salvador Ryan Tue 14 Jan 2025 at 03:30

The opening of Pope Franciss memoir, a historic first for a sitting pontiff, sets out how he might easily have never been born. His grandparents, and their son Mario, Pope Francis father, had been booked to travel on the SS Principessa Mafalda, the Italian Titanic, which sank on its voyage from Genoa to Buenos Aires in 1927 with the loss of over 300 lives. They didnt make the sailing, and wouldnt migrate to Argentina until 1929. On such events does history turn.
A man who died in a single-vehicle collision in Cork has been named as a popular local pub worker.

The deceased - named locally as Marco Christian da Costa (60) - suffered fatal injuries when the car he was driving was involved in a collision on the N71 road just outside Clonakilty in west Cork.

The collision occurred shortly after midnight.

Mr da Costa - who had been living in west Cork for a number of years - was the driver and sole occupant of the car.

He was critically injured when his vehicle apparently spun out of control and collided with a wall.

Despite the prompt attendance of gardai and paramedics, he was pronounced dead at the scene,

His remains were later taken to Cork University Hospital (CUH) for a post-mortem examination.

Gardai will now prepare a file for the Cork coroner.

Marco Christian da Costa

Today's News in 90 Seconds - January 14th

Mr da Costa was a well-respected member of staff at the Courtyard Bar in Clonakilty.

In a special tribute to Mr da Costa, the bar said everyone was "devastated" by the tragedy.

Marco started work at the Courtyard last year and made many friends along the way with his charming personality," it said.

"Our sympathies go out to Marcos work colleagues, friends and family especially his little girl Stella and his great friends Lynne and Rob."

"Thank you to everyone for reaching out to us today to offer their support. Marco was a true gentleman and we will miss him dearly.

Gardai have appealed to any witnesses to the collision to come forward and assist their inquiries.

Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) who were travelling in the area between midnight and 12:30am (Tuesday) are asked to make this footage available to investigating officers.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Clonakilty Garda Station on 023 882 1570, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.
Increasing female representation is driving significant positive change, CEO says

An Post has a workforce of more than 9,000. Stock image

An Post has revealed that it has no gender pay gap for the fourth year in a row.

Its latest report on wages finds there is a median hourly gender pay gap of just 0.7pc. This means that the mid-point of the earnings of all male workers compared with those of all female workers is less than a percentage point apart.

The gender pay gap is the difference in the average hourly wages of men and women across a workforce. Basic pay, allowances, overtime and performance-related bonuses are included.

According to the report, the mean or average pay gap at An Post is -2.8pc, which means women earn slightly more than men according to this calculation.

The average hourly gender pay gap for workers receiving performance-related bonuses is 2.37pc.

An Post said this would be equal to a monetary value of 95.

It said it can be attributed to a higher percentage of men receiving a higher performance rating and so receiving a higher performance-related bonus than women in some business areas on this occasion.

An Post, which has a workforce of more than 9,000, said it was the first major employer in Ireland to report a zero gender pay gap.

It said it had achieved significant progress in balancing gender representation across the business.

I am delighted to see our continued progress on equality for all in An Post, said Eleanor Nash, chief people officer at An Post.

This is testament to our commitment to make big moves to achieve great results.

CEO of An Post, David McRedmond, said the results demonstrated the companys steadfast commitment to equality.

We firmly believe that increasing female representation is driving significant positive change within An Post enhancing our innovation, collaboration and overall success, he said.

The pay gap report shows the median pay gap stood at 0.49pc in 2022, -0.2pc in 2023 and 0.7pc last year.

The mean pay gap was -0.86pc in 2022, -3.8pc in 2023 and -2.8pc last year.

The report said female representation was rising across all areas of the business. Women make up 47pc of the senior management group, an increase from 34pc in 2021.

A total of 40pc of the management group are women, up from 36pc in 2021, and 15pc of the traditionally male-dominated postal operative roles are women, up from 13pc in 2021.

Among the measures to make the workplace more inclusive, the postal company highlights a best in class recruitment candidate tracking system, family-friendly policies and an Aspire Female Talent Acceleration Programme.

It said 125 women have taken part in this programme that aims to strengthen its female talent pipeline.

The company said 7pc of men and 13pc of women received a performance-related bonus.

The percentage of employees earning the lowest pay are 67pc male and 33pc female, while the percentage of employees in the top remuneration levels are also 67pc male and 33pc female.
Scam artist at heart of international 3.5m cyber fraud has property seized by CAB

Agne Khan is a director of a firm being targeted by the CAB over a massive scheme to launder stolen cash through second-hand car dealers

Agne Khan

Eamon Dillon Tue 14 Jan 2025 at 12:32

An international fraudster tried to claim investors in her firm who turned out to be dodgy had put funds into her Irish car companies.
The Indo Daily: Why is even the mention of water charges like playing with fire for politicians?
This is the moment protesters walked into City Hall to call for Galway City Council to save Palas Cinema from closure. The protest took place on Monday January 13 at 3pm, and it was organised after in December the Light House Cinema Group announced that Palas Cinema will close its doors for good in February 2025 due to financial losses. As the crowd walked in, the Galway City Council meeting that was taking place in the meantime had to be paused.
Emer Mezzetti died when she fell through a frozen lake near her home

Tributes have been paid to an Irish-born woman who was killed in a tragic accident in the United States last Saturday.

Emer Claire Mezzetti (56) died after falling through a frozen lake near her home in Atkinson, New Hampshire. She has been described as a devoted mother and grandmother.

Ms Mezzetti (56) grew up in Newton, Masachusetts, in the United States, surrounded by a large family who cherished her vibrant spirit.

Her death notice reads that she leaves behind her beloved children and grandchildren.

Her daughter, Devin McNeil, said she can never truly explain how much her mother meant to her and her family.

She wrote: "My mother has loved me through the darkest of days. She saved me. I had a mother that always put her children first and taught us that family is everything.

"She always wanted to make sure everyone else was taken care of.. not just us but friends and family too. She took care of everyone. She loved so deeply and fiercely.

"My mother was, is, and always will be the strongest woman there is. My mom really truly did sparkle.. everything she wore was shiny and fabulous just like the energy she brought into the room.

"I can never fully articulate how much I love my mother. She was my best friend. My hero. She had the most incredible bond with my son.

"She loved Walter with all her heart, and he loved his Mimi or as he would say mahi mahi  my mom taught me how to be a mother that loves her baby fiercely.

"In return, Ive always been and always will be fiercely protective of her. We are devastated. I love you so much, Mom. I would do anything just to have one more moment with you.

Her death notice reads that Ms Mezzetti was deeply devoted to her parents, Emer and William (Liam) Mezzetti of Dublin, Ireland, Newton, Massachusetts, and Boynton Beach, Florida, who lovingly called her their Irish Princess, The Smidgen, and The Countess.

She is also survived by her siblings  three sisters and one brother  with whom she shared extraordinarily close bonds.

Ms Mezzetti is missed by her countless cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbours who join her family in mourning the loss of such a bright light.

Her death notice also reads that Ms Mezzetti's love for her family knew no bounds.

Her adventurous spirit was infectious, Ms Mezzettis death notice adds. She had an uncanny ability to persuade (or lovingly insist) that everyone join her, whether it was kayaking, hiking, boating, or swimming.

"And when it came to dancing, resistance was futile; Emer would pull you onto the floor and ensure you had the time of your life. If you were fortunate enough to have been able to stand in Emer's light, you know what a bright light that was  an absolute disco ball, radiating joy and energy wherever she went.

A funeral mass will take place at Our Lady Help of Christians Church in Newton, Massachusetts on Thursday morning, followed by a burial at Newton Cemetery.
Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald has insisted she is in politics for the long haul as she vowed to lead her party into government after the next general election.

Ms McDonald said she was only getting started when asked whether she had the appetite for another five years in opposition.

The party leader said she had not given up on her ambition to be taoiseach, but acknowledged opposition parties on the left needed to work more coherently in the next Dail term so they can demonstrate to voters what an alternative coalition might look like.

She said hearing about the everyday challenges facing people she spoke to on the election campaign drove her sense of purposes, energy, stamina and resilience.

I am an Irish mammy and we should never ever be underestimated to stick the going, especially when the going gets a bit sticky and a bit tough, Ms McDonald told reporters in Belfast.

Im in this for the long haul. Sinn Fein is in this for the long haul. We have a vision. We have a plan for Ireland, around equality, around reunification, and I will work for that every single day.

And I fully intend, when the next general election comes, that I will lead Sinn Fein again, a strong, talented, committed team, and we will do everything that we can to ensure that next time out that the outcome is different and that we are very much in the reckoning and in the driving seat for government. That means a lot of hard work between now and then.

Im only a youn

g one. You need to go and read my biography again. Sure, Im only getting started.

Im only getting into my groove. So this is about developing Sinn Feins politics, about growing our party.

Asked what Sinn Fein needed to do differently, Ms McDonald (55) conceded it faced a challenge to create a shared sense of purpose with other left-leaning parties.

Our first job, constructively, but also very vigorously as the leaders of the opposition, is to hold the Government to account, but also to try and force a change in policy and a change in direction, she said. In doing that, I think there will have to be an increased sense of cohesion, of collaboration between parties on the opposition benches.

And just remember, we are all very different political parties. We are not all the same. We shouldnt try to create that impression, but it is important on the key issues, housing in particular, I think it is in everybodys interest that we have a shared sense of purpose and that we act cohesively.
Pandemic wiped out over a year in life expectancy in Europe

Ireland ranks seventh in the European table for life expectancy at birth. Photo: Stock image

Life expectancy at birth in Ireland has rebounded to 82.6 years in the wake of the Covid pandemic.

Ireland ranks seventh in the European table for life expectancy compared to an average of 81.5 years.

The Covid pandemic wiped out over a year in life expectancy in Europe, but it started to bounce back in 2022, according to the OECD.

In 2023, it was at about the same level as before the pandemic in most EU countries or even reaching a slightly higher level than before the pandemic in some countries, although typically still below the pre-pandemic trajectory, it said.

Overall, life expectancy at birth in the EU reached 81.5 years in 2023, exceeding pre-pandemic levels by 0.2 years, the report Health at a Glance said.

Switzerland has the highest life expectancy at 84.2 years, closely followed by Spain at 84 years and Italy at 83.8 years.

In the EU, life expectancy at age 65 temporarily fell by one year between 2019 and 2021, from 20.2 years in 2019 to 19.2 years in 2021, and recovered only slightly to 19.5 years in 2022.

It then recovered in 2023, going at least back to its 2019 level in most countries.

The reduction in life expectancy at age 65 during the pandemic affected men and women to the same extent on average in the EU.

Despite these gains in healthy life years, less than half of the life expectancy of people at age 65 in 2022 in the EU could be expected to be lived free of disability, the report said.

The proportion of life lived without disability is significantly lower among women, as they live longer but with more health issues than men.

There are also large inequalities in health status, according to socio-economic status, highlighting the need to step up health promotion and disease prevention policies to promote healthy longevity for all.

The Department of Health said the report found Ireland had one of the highest rates of estimated healthy life years at age 65, at 11.6 years, compared with the EU average of 9.1 years.

It puts us behind Norway at 14.5 years, Sweden with 13.9 years and Maltas 12.1 years.

Ireland has one of the lowest rates of people aged 65 and over reporting to be in bad or very bad health, at 9.2pc, compared with the EU average of 18.5pc, the department said.

The number of people in Ireland aged 65 and over having at least one chronic disease is also well below the EU average, at 48.9pc compared to 60.3pc.

Ireland, together with Luxembourg and Iceland, has the lowest proportion of people aged 65 and over, at 15pc.

But the share of the population aged 65 and older will rise by more than two-thirds between 2023 and 2050.

Bad habits mean that only 22pc of people aged 65 and over in the EU are meeting the World Health Organisation recommendation on minimum physical activity per week.

Ireland is falling behind even this average, with only 21.8pc getting this level of exercise.
The tragedy occurred on the N71 in Clonakilty town at approximately 12.15am

A man in his 50s has been killed in a single-vehicle crash in Co Cork in the early hours of this morning.

The tragedy occurred on the N71 in Clonakilty town at approximately 12.15am.

Gardai and emergency services rushed to the scene where the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle was pronounced dead.

His body was removed to Cork University Hospital, where a post-mortem examination is due to be carried out.

No other injuries have been reported.

The road remains closed this morning to facilitate a technical examination of the scene by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators. Local diversions are in place.

Gardai are now appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) who were travelling in the area between 12am (midnight) and 12.30am are asked to make this footage available to gardai.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Clonakilty Garda Station on 023 882 1570, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.
Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald has criticised the Fianna Fail and Fine Gael over their ongoing engagement with Michael Lowry.

The Tipperary politician who was heavily criticised in a judge-led inquiry examining payments to politicians. It comes as talks to form a new government continued to make progress on Monday, with an expectation that a draft agreement will be ready in the coming days.

The two parties have been in discussions to form a government with Regional Independents group, which is led by Tipperary North TD Michael Lowry.
Fianna Fail and Fine Gael TDs have played down any concern within their parties over Michael Lowrys role as kingmaker in ongoing government formation talks with the Regional Independents.

A recent Sunday Independent/Ireland Thinks poll showed almost two-thirds of the public disagree with the two parties engaging with the Tipperary TD in negotiations.

Mr Lowrys role in the negotiations was thrown into the spotlight after news emerged that a garda file was sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) after an investigation into the Moriarty Tribunal findings.

The tribunal, which concluded 14 years ago, found that as communications minister, Mr Lowry helped businessman Denis OBrien secure the States second mobile phone licence for his company Esat Digifone in 1995.

The tribunal criticised Mr Lowrys behaviour as profoundly corrupt.

Mr Lowry has denied any wrongdoing and in a statement last week said that at no point, on that occasion or since, was it suggested that there were or are any charges being contemplated against me. I am fully confident that there is no basis for any liability attaching to me.

Speaking off the record, a number of TDs in both parties said they personally did not have an issue with their parties negotiating with Mr Lowry.

Some added they had also not detected it as an issue with their party colleagues and said it was not something that members were concerned about.

One Fianna Fail TD said it was not about the individual who was leading the talks for the Independent group, but about being pragmatic and practical about it, in order to get the business of government formation done.

Whether it be Lowry or [Sean] Canney or [Noel] Grealish, whoever the leader is, is kind of irrelevant, the TD said.

Within Fine Gael, one member said they have not sensed any ill feeling regarding Mr Lowrys role in the talks and added that one person on their own was not going to be allowed to become a kingmaker in the process.

The bottom line is, he appears to be a strong broker, a strong negotiator and he has vast experience as well at national level, another TD said.

Michael Lowry is leading negotiations for the Regional Independents. Photo: PA

Today's News in 90 Seconds - January 14th

While the Fine Gael TD said they have not had dealings with Mr Lowry, they detected a lot of respect for him, with a perception that he was solid.

A Fianna Fail TD said that Mr Lowry was well liked internally because he does his business and gets on with it.

Asked about the recent revelations regarding the files being sent to the DPP, the TD said they didnt sense a change of feeling towards Mr Lowry and his involvement in negotiations after the news.

Instead, the politician said the reaction was to question why the process took so long.

Meanwhile, the Regional Independents are facing significant pushback from Fianna Fail and Fine Gael over demands for a full cabinet ministry in return for supporting the soon-to-be established government.

Sources in Fianna Fail and Fine Gael said they are not open to giving the Independents a full cabinet ministry.

A super junior ministry is expected to be offered instead and this will mean one of the Independents will be given a seat at cabinet but without the responsibility of running a department.

Galway West TD Noel Grealish is being tipped to be given this position.

Brothers Michael and Danny Healy-Rae are also in discussions with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael about supporting the prospective coalition.

Kerry TD Danny Healy-Rae says he would like to be the next agriculture minister.

Of course I would like to serve in whatever capacity I can. Why wouldnt I like to be Minister for Agriculture? Mr Healy-Rae told the Irish Independent.

I would be at least as good as the last few fellows who have done it, although some of them got not much chance, he said, referring to the short service in the last government of Fianna Fail TDs Barry Cowen and Dara Calleary, who were separately forced to resign amid public controversies.

He was speaking as his brother Michael met with Fine Gael and Fianna Fail representatives.

Kerry TDs Michael Healy-Rae and his brother Danny. Photo: PA

I was up there with them on Friday. I met with Taoiseach [Simon] Harris and Tanaiste [Micheal] Martin, Danny Healy-Rae said. Certainly it was very friendly, of course, but it was also a business-like meeting.

We all have the one aim, which is to provide a government, to ensure that the best foot is being put forward in the time ahead. There is a lot to consider.

Asked if he expected to be a part of the next government, Mr Healy-Rae said: There is a good chance. We also did talks before, but nothing came of it. This is another time.
Ian ODoherty: Europe is bound to lose any battle with Elon Musk over what we get to say and hear

While X owner symbolises a future that calls for total freedom, EU leaders look terribly stuck in their ways

Elon Musk has not been shy about wading into European affairs. Photo: AP

Ian O'Doherty Tue 14 Jan 2025 at 17:00

Is Elon Musk really obsessed with European affairs, or is he just messing about for kicks? The eccentric multi-billionaire has spent the past few weeks taking increasingly radical snipes at European countries, and the response has been illuminating.
Al Gore has been sounding the climate change alarm for decades. Photo: Reuters

Remains of a property destroyed by the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles, California. Reuters

The hellish fires tearing through the Los Angeles area are a preview of whats to come if politicians, ideologues and Big Oil continue to ignore climate change.

The latest disaster erupted following a stark shift from wet weather to extremely dry weather  a phenomenon scientists describe as hydroclimate whiplash, the Los Angeles Times reported on Thursday.

New research shows these abrupt wet-to-dry and dry-to-wet swings, which can worsen wildfires, flooding and other hazards, are growing more frequent and intense because of human-caused climate change.

Drenching rains resulting from rising ocean temperatures lead to overgrowth on hillsides, which in abnormally dry weather can catch fire. These extreme weather swings will continue to become more frequent and volatile, with precipitation increasingly concentrated in shorter, intense bursts, interspersed with more severe dry spells, the newspaper said.

The data is the data: In [a] study, published Thursday in the journal Nature Reviews Earth & Environment, the researchers examined global weather records and found that hydroclimate whiplash events have already grown 31pc to 66pc since the mid-1900s, and are likely to more than double in a scenario in which the world reaches 3 degrees Celsius, or 5.4 degrees Fahrenheit, of warming.

You cant have a 10-year drought in California and expect things to be the same

During a spate of fires in 2022, Jon Heggie, a division chief with Californias Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, told CNN: What I can tell you is this is a direct result of what is climate change.

You cant have a 10-year drought in California and expect things to be the same. And we are now paying the price for that 10-year drought and that climate change.

These sorts of horror shows will become routine if climate change deniers, led by the MAGA anti-science crowd, get their way.

Put differently, the cost of refusing to listen to Al Gore  who has been sounding the climate change alarm for decades  and the scientific community is proving astronomically high. (At a 2017 energy summit, Gore warned: All over the West, were seeing these fires get much, much worse. The underlying cause is the heat.)

Al Gore has been sounding the climate change alarm for decades. Photo: Reuters

Gore was on the money when he dubbed climate change an inconvenient truth. That has created a media and political challenge for right-wing ideologues and their fossil fuel backers.

Their solution, exemplified by president-elect Donald Trumps reaction to extreme weather events, be they storms in North Carolina or fires in California: deride officials and invent conspiracies to explain how liberal politicians failed. And spare little sympathy for victims.

Amid the Los Angeles disaster, Trump has made false allegations about a lack of Fema funding and governor Gavin Newsoms supposed refusal to sign a water restoration declaration.

Mostly, Trump insulted and mocked Mr Newsom as firefighters were still battling the blazes and homeowners were losing everything.

Meanwhile, Elon Musk (the real president, say Democrats trolling Trump) blamed Los Angeless black mayor, Karen Bass, for prioritising diversity, equity and inclusion policies over fire safety.

The citys fire budget increased more than $50m year-over-year compared to the last budget cycle

And the right-wing media machine claimed Ms Bass cut fire department funding. That was flat-out false, as ABC News and Politico reported.

The city was in the process of negotiating a new contract with the fire department at the time the budget was being crafted, so additional funding for the department was set aside in a separate fund until that deal was finalised in November, Politico said. Rather than being cut, the citys fire budget increased more than $50m year-over-year compared to the last budget cycle.

Remains of a property destroyed by the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles, California. Reuters

In short, MAGA climate deniers and their fossil fuel backers cannot deal with the deadly and destructive effects of climate change, the massive costs it inflicts, and the untold human suffering in red and blue states alike. Confronted with the very outcomes Gore and others predicted, they resort to untruths and insults.

Enough. Democrats, independents, sensible Republicans, state and local officials, homeowners and the rest need to be blunt and consistent: climate denial destroys lives; dishonest narratives and a lack of empathy for victims are repellent.

If ordinary Americans harmed by Republicans irrational policy positions are to both hold those responsible to account and change the political landscape to produce lifesaving policy changes, they need to make the connection between Republican ideology and climate disasters.
Uri Kohen: As an Israeli who has lived in Ireland for 26 years, Im alarmed at whats happening in Gaza  but also disturbed by the reaction here

Hamas murdered 70 people in my home village on October 7, 2023. In the conflict that has followed, it has been difficult to witness the one-sided approach taken by Irish politicians, media, people in the arts and the general public

Residents of Uri Kohens home village, Kfar Aza, rally in Tel Aviv for hostages kidnapped on October 7, 2023, including his foster sisters daughter Doron Steinbrecher. Photo: Getty

Uri Kohen Tue 14 Jan 2025 at 03:30

I was born in a small village in the south-west of Israel, about 5km from Gaza. For the best part of my childhood, we were friendly with the people on the other side of the border, even though we were meant to be seen as enemies.
In less than a week, Donald Trump will once again become president of the United States.

Just as Joe Biden goes out with a whimper, his successor has pledged to come in with a bang.

Many worry about what might lie ahead, while others have high hopes. In the build-up to the inauguration, the air is charged with a mixture of apprehension and excitement.

Master of suspense Alfred Hitchcock once said: There is no terror in the bang, only in the anticipation of it.

However, thats in fantasy. In the real world, in places such as the Middle East and Ukraine with wars raging, percussive sounds are justifiably terrifying.

And it is these regions where hopes will hinge on the new president being as good as his word in deploying his much-vaunted skills in the art of the deal. A golden window exists over the next few days where progress can be made to stop the carnage.

A final draft of a deal to end the war in Gaza is now in the hands of Israel and Hamas leaders after a breakthrough. Hamas has said: The negotiation over some core issues made progress and we are working to conclude what remains soon.

An Israeli source said a deal could be sealed within a few days if Hamas replies to a proposal.

In Moscow, a spokesman for president Vladimir Putin said a meeting with Trump was a possibility, but specifics had yet to be agreed.

Trump has repeatedly said he wants to bring about an end to Russias war on Ukraine even before he takes office.

Some worry an armistice would be favourable to Russia. But Trump has also vowed to use US support for Ukraine as leverage against Moscow to press for an end to the war.

In Kyiv, president Volodymyr Zelensky has appealed to Ukraines allies not to drop the ball now and urged continued support for its war effort.

With his first days in office, Trump has a unique opportunity to deliver a bold statement to the world, demonstrating how he can make America great again, by exercising its unrivalled power and influence.

This entails bringing the full force of his office to facilitate substantive efforts to end both conflicts on a just basis.

In recent weeks, at least seven infants in Gaza have died in the cold. More than a million displaced people  many sick and malnourished  are desperately struggling to find shelter.

For months, aid organisations have been warning that parts of Gaza were prone to winter flooding, and that the necessities to avert a health catastrophe are unavailable.

As Trump is to be sworn in, the flags are flying at half mast for one of his predecessors, Jimmy Carter.

If Trump is wondering what the most urgent item on his agenda might be as he sits behind the Resolute desk, he might recall something former peanut farmer Carter said: We will not learn how to live together in peace by killing each others children.
January means dark days, cold weather and isolation. A new opportunity, a change of life, and that means its one of the most vulnerable times for those at risk from romance scammers.

How do you spot a romance scam? Who are they targeting? And if it happens to you, how do you report it?

Detective superintendent, Michael Cryan from the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau, joins Adrian on The Big Tech Show to discuss. The detective superintendent described romance fraud as a scam that takes place mainly online. He says, the victim will match unknowingly with the scammer and then that person will exploit the person through manipulation and exploitation over a period of time. You can listen to the full episode here on the Irish Independent website or wherever you get your podcasts.
Up to 50cm of snow fell in parts of Cork County during the recent cold snap with the Kanturk-Mallow Municipal District being severely impacted a senior official told councillors.

Director of Services Padraig Barrett provided a report on the severe weather event to councillors at last Monday's full council meeting.

Mr Barrett outlined that during the course of the event approximately 4,500 tonnes of salt was used to treat the roads around the county.

This equates to approximately 450 separate treatments across the county (based in 10tonne per lorry).

Much of this was spread during night time leading to a 24/7 operation.

He also revealed that it is certain that the roads of the county will have been severely damaged due to the level of rainfall, snow, freezing temperatures and the fact that compacted snow has been lying on the surface for over seven days.

Mr Barrett provided councillors with a detailed briefing of the councils preparations for and response as large parts of Cork County were adversely affected for several days.

Both North Cork and Mid Cork in particular were severely impacted by the Arctic conditions.

Mr Barrett said Met Eireann issued weather alerts on Friday, January 3 notifying the public of forecasted severe weather conditions. The weather warnings forecast a multi-hazard event for Cork County. The Council had to prepare for a heavy rainfall event as well as an associated snow/ice event and extreme cold weather immediately thereafter. As a result of the weather warnings Cork County Council activated its Severe Weather Plan.

Reports of spot flooding were reported in the initial stages of the warning, as a result of a Status Orange rainfall event, said Mr Barrett. This impacted the south and west of the county in particular. Approximately 71mm of rainfall was recorded at a weather station at Sherkin Island over the weekend. The flood barriers were erected in Mallow to Mode 2 and Fermoy to Mode 3 as a precautionary measure.

The weather had been below freezing since January 1. The Councils focus was on ensuring that Priority 1 and Priority 2 routes were prioritised. This proved to be extremely challenging in the context of the heavy snowfall that was experienced throughout the county and in particular north Cork, north west Cork and mid Cork. The weight of snow contributed to a considerable number of fallen trees across the county which the Council had to deal with in addition to clearing the snow, he added.

The Director of Services with Cork County Council also revealed that snow ploughs had been deployed throughout the county since Sunday, January 5 and they were targeted initially on national primary and secondary routes as well as regional routes.

He acknowledged that the snow ploughs were invaluable throughout the Kanturk-Mallow Municipal District as they helped to provide access on routes where there were known welfare issues.

The snow ploughs also helped with accessing vulnerable members for essential services.

Mr Barrett said Cork County Council also used multiple local contractors to assist with the clearing of roads, towns and villages, while Council crews treated all town centres and Priority 3 routes as resources allowed.

Mr Barrett stated that the damage to roads in Cork County will be assessed once the thaw has concluded. It is certain that the roads of the county will have been severely damaged due to the level of rainfall, snow, freezing temperatures and the fact that compacted snow has been lying on the surface for over seven days. There is already some evidence of this on surfaces that have been cleared. We will be engaging with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Department of Transport in this regard.

The staff of Cork County Council at every level have worked tirelessly on the response, said the senior official. Their work ensured that our public services were maintained to the maximum extent possible.

Additionally, Cork County Council acknowledges the assistance from the Army, An Garda Siochana, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and Cork City Council and thanks all of the other statutory undertakers that assisted us with the response to this weather event. The work of the many voluntary emergency service providers across the county is recognised in particular, he added.

Fianna Fail Councillor Ian Doyle said: Certainly over the last week it has been the most devastating and severe weather event we have had in our Northern area since 1968. It was an horrendous week. We have seen our schools and businesses closed, a loss of income and education. People were cut off totally from civilisation. We have seen a level of Cork County Council spirit and community spirit within the week.

There will be lessons to be learned, said Cllr Doyle. We need to write to the Department for extra funding to cover the cost of the extra attention to our roads and the contractors. This was a huge costly week on us.

Cllr Michael Looney (Fianna Fail) praised Cork County Council for really stepping up to the task.

Cllr Looney also thanked the farming community for their help during the cold snap.

Fine Gael councillor Aileen Browne appealed for people to shop local in the coming weeks. Charleville suffered the brunt of the snow in the region. I saw up close the great work done by the Council staff and the statutory agencies.

"We have gone through a week where an awful lot of businesses were closed. We need to ensure that we encourage people to shop local and support the local businesses in the coming weeks, she added.

The CEO of Cork County Council, Moira Murrell promised to pass on the messages of goodwill to all the employees for their response to the severe weather event: The response was exceptional at all levels. It was a co-ordinated response. We review every single event. I want to acknowledge the huge work done across the organisation.
DCC will now be cleaning and inspecting the site daily due to passers-by leaving tomatoes, ketchup, tomato soup, tins of tomatoes, candles and other items on the Drumcondra Bridge.

A spokesperson from DCC told the Irish Independent: Dublin City Council are aware of food being presented on Drumcondra bridge and will be cleaning and inspecting the site daily.

It is asked that food is not discarded and wasted in this manner.

Their statement comes as the spot became internet-famous over the last week, after a TikTok user posted a photo of some cherry tomatoes that someone had littered on the bridge wall. They had frozen in last weeks cold weather.

Both locals and tourists are now making the tongue-in-cheek pilgrimage to Dublins Cherry Tomato Bridge  or, as its called on Google Maps, the Shrine of the Sacred Cherry Tomatoes of Drumcondra.

Within the first 24 hours, hundreds of people had visited the bridge to take videos and photos for their social media accounts, or to leave their own ode to the tomato.

Local woman Trish Close told the Irish Independent yesterday that everyones talking and stopping [at the bridge], its magical, its community.

I found out about the tomatoes on a social media group called Drumcondra Social. Someone wrote that its quite a magical place, others wrote it was quite ridiculous, she said.

Katie McCarthy, Mary Bolger, Seren Gillard and Carlie OConnor at the Cherry Tomato Bridge. Photo: Tom Honan

Were out for a walk, so were passing by. Someone left tomatoes here in the bad weather last week, like rubbish, and they froze. Since then, people have been adding to it.

The tomatoes have also captured the imagination of a tourist from Zimbabwe who took time to visit the bridge.

Im visiting from Zimbabwe. I saw the TikToks and Im staying nearby so I came to see the cherry tomatoes, said the man, who called himself Matty.

I went to the Phoenix Park, but surprisingly this is something new, so far my favourite thing is the Cherry Tomato Bridge. Everyone is talking about it, its trending.

Last night the tomatoes adorning the bridge had been knocked off the wall and down onto the railway tracks by persons unknown.

Now the citys council are asking people not to discard food in this manner.

The trend may have hit other bridges around the world, as a video of cherry tomatoes being left on the wall of Brooklyn Bridge was gaining traction on TikTok yesterday.
Protesters walked into City Hall to call for Galway City Council to save Palas Cinema from closure.

Protesters walked into City Hall to call for Galway City Council to save Palas Cinema from closure.

The crowd gathered outside City Hall at 3pm, coinciding with the first plenary Galway City Council meeting of 2025.

On Monday afternoon, January 13, a large crowd gathered outside Galway City Hall to protest over the closure of Palas and the issue was also discussed at the council meeting that simultaneously took place inside the building.

But how did we get here? What was said during the council meeting? And what is the arts community exactly calling for? And most importantly, will Palas Cinema be saved?

How did we get here?

Palas Cinema opened its doors for the first time in February 2018, operated by Element Pictures  who are also behind the Light House Cinema in Dublin.

The cinema was first proposed in 2004 when the charity Solas-Galway Picture Palace Teoranta was established to raise funds to construct a purpose-built arthouse theatre in Galway.

Protesters outside Galway City Hall

In total, the project cost 8.4 million in public funding as Mayor of Galway City Cllr Peter Keane told the Irish Independent its construction was not a smooth process.

Our initial contribution to the project was the provision of a site, he said as he added that over the years a number of issues arose, and the promoters asked Galway City Council for help twice.

The Fianna Fail politician said: It did run into some difficulty in terms of finances during the course of its construction and during the course of its delivery, and the group who were promoting it, who were independent of Galway City Council, came in before us and sought some assistance financially at the time, which we provided to ensure the delivery of the project.

The crowd gathered outside City Hall at 3pm, coinciding with the first plenary Galway City Council meeting of 2025.

Crowd walks into Galway City Hall during protest to save Palas Cinema from closure

It is my understanding that they came before us again and that the alternatives and the options that were explored at the time resulted in Galway City Council essentially taking control of it.

After its completion, the local authority had to find someone to operate the facility. Negotiations at the time resulted in a 30-year lease being agreed with the current operator, Element Pictures, and an agreement the cinema did not have to pay commercial rates.

Protesters outside Galway City Hall

Mayor Keane added: While a lot of people were unhappy at the time with the commercial arrangement, we were happy to do it, because at the end of the day it would have meant the delivery of an arthouse cinema for the artistic and cultural capital of not alone Ireland but of Europe in terms of our 2020 designation.

Read more Protestors interrupt Galway City Council meeting over closure of arthouse Palas Cinema

The cinema became a landmark in the city, but in December 2024 Element Pictures announced with a statement that Palas would close its doors in February 2025.

What is the arts community calling for?

As news of the closure spread across the city, many in the arts community started expressing their disappointment and frustration.

A petition to save the cinema was launched on Change.org in December 2024 and a protest then took place on Monday January 13 at 3pm, to coincide with Galway City Councils January meeting. The crowd also walked inside the building, interrupting the meeting with chants and drums.

Protesters walked into City Hall to call for Galway City Council to save Palas Cinema from closure.

Event organiser Conor Burke hopes that Galway City Council will listen to their opposition and that the cinema can revert back to its original purpose of community-based facility.

He previously told the Irish Independent: The fact that it was being run on a commercial basis, to try and compete with the larger commercial cinemas was the wrong model for a cinema like Palas.

It was originally set up to be more of a community based facility that would allow local and regional filmmakers and people in the arts to use it as a resource centre, and could show independent movies.

There are examples already in place where institutions like the Galway Arts Centre for example and the community itself steps in and runs the facility. [The cinema] would be owned effectively by the council but it would be run on behalf of the public by the arts community. That is the kind of model we would be advocating for.

Protest in the Council chambers

During the meeting, a motion was put forward by Mayor Keane, and was approved by the elected members, to carry out an independent commercial appraisal of the Palas Cinema as a matter of urgency.

Mayor Keane told the Irish Independent that in the meantime the council will engage with all stakeholders so we can ensure to the very best of our ability that the Palas Cinema will stay open in the meantime.

My door is open as Mayor of the city to meet any interested groups in terms of what we may need to do to try and save it.

He added: We recognise the onus upon us of trying to facilitate some solution, to try and keep it open.

During the meeting, Chief Executive Leonard Cleary also denied rumours that the council knew about the imminent closure but hid the news from the public to pass the budget. He said Element Pictures decision was shared with the council at the same time as the public announcement.

Protesters walked into City Hall to call for Galway City Council to save Palas Cinema from closure.

The chamber also heard that no formal notice of cessation has been given to the local authority yet.

The motion was passed after several councillors explained how they hate seeing the cinema closing and they do not want to see the building being left empty for years, but after spending over 8 million, the council cannot spend any more money in the facility.

Among them, Councillor Mike Cubbard said: I think it's important we keep it a public space but I agree we cant waste money.

Councillor Frank Fahy argued that more people should have used the cinema while it was open and that now the council needs to protect the money we spent on it.

While Councillor Michael Crowe commented: I don't want to see that building empty for two, three years. It will cost us an arm and a leg in three years time as opposed to just an arm now.

In a heated debate, the councillors also expressed their frustration as they claimed they have been inundated with emails with the same content, and described the content of those emails as well as the behaviour of some protesters as disrespectful.

Among them, Councillor Shane Forde said: Those who are passionate about Palas staying open were very clear we need to be respectful, but those emails were not respectful toward us.

Conor Burke.

Will Palas be saved?

It is too early to know exactly what will happen to Palas, but the council was clear that while they will do everything in their power to keep the facility open, they have no intention of saving Palas at all costs.

Mayor Keane told the Irish Independent: Whatever decisions are made at the end of the day, well try and keep this open. We wont leave a stone unturned to try to come up with a solution.

But I would hate the message to get out there that we are going to come and rescue this again.

We have already spent 8 million on it. People have to be realistic about what we are going to do and what were not. The message will not go out there that Galway City Council is going to save it at any cost, were not going to do that.

Lets wait and see what the independent commercial appraisal shows us.
This is the moment protesters walked into City Hall to call for Galway City Council to save Palas Cinema from closure.

This afternoon, Monday January 13, a protest took place outside Galway City Hall. The event, organised by the arts community in the city, was held at 3pm, to coincide with the first plenary Galway City Council meeting of 2025.

The big crowd chanted slogans such as We are the people, we wont be silenced, save Palas now! and What do we want? Keep Palas open! When do we want it? Now! at the rhythm of drums. Event organiser Conor Burke and other members of the community also took the microphone.

The crowd gathered outside City Hall at 3pm, coinciding with the first plenary Galway City Council meeting of 2025.

The protest was organised in December after the Light House Cinema Group announced that Palas Cinema would close its doors for good in February 2025 due to financial losses.

Talking with the Irish Independent, Conor Burke commented: The general mood is one of protest and outrage but at the same there is a good atmosphere I think.

Protesters walked into City Hall to call for Galway City Council to save Palas Cinema from closure.

People want to voice their opinion about what they feel about the shutting down of Palas and I think it speaks for itself there with the chanting and scenes that were seeing. A few councillors came out already and theyve seen whats going on so I think were already having an impact.

However, at approximately 3.30pm the crowd moved inside the building, while also chanting and playing drums.

Protesters walked into City Hall to call for Galway City Council to save Palas Cinema from closure.

Even if the crowd never stepped into the council chamber, the noise was so loud Mayor Peter Keane was forced to pause the meeting until the protesters left the building, a few minutes later.

Addressing the crowd at City Hall, one of the protesters said: This is what collective action looks like. This is what it looks like when your community shows up for you. We need to wake up and we need to stand together more often, across the board.

Protesters walked into City Hall to call for Galway City Council to save Palas Cinema from closure.

She added: This is a public building, the cinema is ours already. Were not actually asking for much, we are asking for what we deserve.

During Galway City Council meeting, a motion was put forward by Mayor Keane and the elected members voted in favour of an independent commercial appraiser on Palas Cinema to be carried out as a matter of urgency.
From l-r: Joan Sheehan, Kathleen and Bartlett Buckley, Brendan McCarthy, Michael Griffin and Cathal Griffin pictured on Saturday night out to mark the election of Michael Cahill to Dail Eireann in Tigh Mary Donals on Muckross Road, Killarney. Photo by Tatyana McGough

From l-r: Cathal Griffin, Micheal Martin Mary McCarthy and Cllr Michael Cahill pictured on Saturday night out to mark the election of Michael Cahill to Dail Eireann in Tigh Mary Donals on Muckross Road, Killarney. Photo by Tatyana McGough

From l-r: Anthony and Marian Mahony from Killorglin, Brian Cahill,Bridget and Dan McSweeney from Glenbeigh pictured on Saturday night out to mark the election of Michael Cahill to Dail Eireann in Tigh Mary Donals on Muckross Road, Killarney. Photo by Tatyana McGough

From l-r: Bernard Moynihan, Brenda Cahill and Cllr Dan McCarthy pictured on Saturday night out to mark the election of Michael Cahill to Dail Eireann in Tigh Mary Donals on Muckross Road, Killarney. Photo by Tatyana McGough

Aisling Sugrue, Veronica Sugrue, Lorraine Cahill, Bernie Burke,Brenda Cahill, Niamh Teahan, Eileen Cahill and Sheila Riordan pictured on Saturday night out to mark the election of Michael Cahill to Dail Eireann in Tigh Mary Donals on Muckross Road, Killarney. Photo by Tatyana McGough

From l-r: Brenda Cahill, Kevin Griffin, John and Christine Keenan of Taylor's Three Rock, Dublin and Frank Coffey from Beaufort pictured on Saturday night out to mark the election of Michael Cahill to Dail Eireann in Tigh Mary Donals on Muckross Road, Killarney. Photo by Tatyana McGough

From l-r: Senator Mark Daly, Daniel O'Shea, Tom O'Sullivan, Brenda Cahill, Michael Corkery, Daniel McCarthy, Paudie O'Shea pictured on Saturday night out to mark the election of Michael Cahill to Dail Eireann in Tigh Mary Donals on Muckross Road, Killarney. Photo by Tatyana McGough

Guest of honor Micheal Martin addressing the crowd at the Tigh Mary Donals on Saturday night. Photo from l-r: Micheal Martin, Cllr Michael Cahill, Senator Mark Daly. Photo by Tatyana McGough

From l-r: From l-r: Donal Martin, Brendan Cahill, Chris Burke, Caoilin Teahan, John Cahill and Patsy O'Sullivan pictured on Saturday night out to mark the election of Michael Cahill to Dail Eireann in Tigh Mary Donals on Muckross Road, Killarney. Photo by Tatyana McGough

Neily O'Connor performing on Saturday night out to mark the election of Michael Cahill to Dail Eireann in Tigh Mary Donals on Muckross Road, Killarney. Photo by Tatyana McGough

Siblings from l-r: Micheal Griffin, Veronica Sugrue, Kevin Griffin, Kathleen Buckley, Brenda Cahill, Maisie McCarthy, Joan Sheehan and Patricia Foley pictured on Saturday night out to mark the election of Michael Cahill to Dail Eireann in Tigh Mary Donals on Muckross Road, Killarney. Photo by Tatyana McGough

From l-r: Brendan Sweeney, Pat Griffin, Dan Horgan and Seanie Barton pictured on Saturday night out to mark the election of Michael Cahill to Dail Eireann in Tigh Mary Donals on Muckross Road, Killarney. Photo by Tatyana McGough

From l-r: Joan and Brian Mangan from Killorglin pictured with Seanie Barton on Saturday night out to mark the election of Michael Cahill to Dail Eireann in Tigh Mary Donals on Muckross Road, Killarney. Photo by Tatyana McGough

Micheal Martin was a guest of honor at the night out to mark the election of Michael Cahill to Dail Eireann in Tigh Mary Donals on Muckross Road, Killarney on Saturday. Photo: from l-r: Micheal Martin, Brenda and Cllr Michael Cahill. Photo by Tatyana McGough

Micheal Martin was a guest of honor at the night out to mark the election of Michael Cahill to Dail Eireann in Tigh Mary Donals on Muckross Road, Killarney on Saturday.Photo from l-r: Daniel O'Shea, Daniel McCarthy, Paudie OShea, Cllr Michael Cahill Micheal Martin and Senator Mark Daly. Photo by Tatyana McGough

Taoiseach-elect Micheal Martin took time out from Government negotiations this week to travel to Kerry to celebrate the success of the newest Kerry TD Michael Cahill.

In what was a huge boost for the party at the recent general election, Michael Cahill secured a second seat in the Kingdom for the FF party, joining Norma Foley in the forthcoming Dail.

It marked a change in fortune for the FF party and was indeed a long awaited moment for Michael Cahill who has long indicated his interest in a Dail seat and celebrations are continuing for the Rossbeigh TD.

On Saturday night a huge crowd gathered at Tigh Mary Donals on Muckross Road in Killarney to celebrate the success of the former councillor  one of the longest serving councillors in Kerry and who is now a member of the Government.

He was joined by family, friends and supporters for the night of celebration and special guest on the night was Micheal Martin who spend several hours in attendance chatting to Deputy Cahill and his guests.

The new TD said it was a night to say thank you to all his supporters.

"It was a thank you for friends and supporters and for anyone who helped in any way to get me elected. We had a great crowd.

And with the Dail due to return after its Christmas break on January 22 it will be down to business for the new Kerry TD.

He is due to meet Mr Martin again this week in Dublin to discuss what he would like to see achieved for the people of Kerry during this tenure.

With several projects and proposals on his list for the party leader he is hopeful of delivering for the people of Kerry.
The serious assault happened at a property in Athy, Co Kildare

Gardai in Kildare have launched an investigation after a man was seriously injured during an assault in the county.

The serious assault occurred at a property in Athy, Co Kildare on Friday, January 10.

The man, who is aged in his 40s, suffered injuries that have been described as serious but "non-life-threatening.

The Irish Independent understands the man was stabbed.

He was rushed to Tallaght University Hospital for treatment.

A spokesperson from An Garda Siochana said their investigations into the assault are ongoing at this time.

"No arrests have been made at this time, they said. Investigations are ongoing.
CCTV footage of the incident at Red Bridge railway crossing in Ferrybank has gone viral on social media

Driver has near miss at railway crossing in Kilkenny

A man has been charged in relation to a dangerous driving incident that saw him nearly hit at full speed by an oncoming train in South Kilkenny on New Year's Day.

The driver, who is aged in his 30s, was caught on CCTV speeding towards the Red Bridge railway crossing in Ferrybank.

Despite the barriers of the railway crossing being down, which indicates a train is due to pass by, the man sped up and overtook four waiting cars before smashing through two separate barriers.

He managed to get through the railway crossing with only seconds to spare as a train is seen coming down the train tracks at full speed, just missing the car.

The CCTV footage, which has since been posted on social media, has gone viral with commentators branding the man a lunatic.

In a statement to The Irish Independent, Gardai have confirmed that a man has been charged in relation to the incident and is due before the courts in March.

Follow Independent Kilkenny on Facebook

"Gardai are appealing for information following an alleged incident of dangerous driving which occurred on Wednesday, January 1, 2025 in Ferrybank.

Specifically, Gardai are asking anyone who was in the area of the railway crossing at Red Bridge in Ferrybank at around 1.05pm on this day to contact them on (051) 305300.

The spokesperson added: A man (30s) has been charged in relation to this incident and has been remanded to Waterford District Court on March 4, 2025.
The Museum of Medieval Kilkenny will be a 'fun and interactive fact-based horrible history experience in the heart of Kilkenny City

Contracts signed for the delivery of the brand new 'Museum of Medieval Kilkenny'

A major contact has been signed for a new 8m tourist attraction in Kilkenny City, that will explore the darker side of Kilkenny's medieval history.

Kilkenny County Council, in partnership with Failte Ireland, have signed a contact with local company, Duggan Lynch Ltd, for the development of Kilkennys newest tourist attraction.

Following an investment of 4.5m from Failte Ireland, this exciting project will enhance the cultural and historical offering of the city, attracting more visitors, both national and international, while boosting the local economy.

The brand new Museum of Medieval Kilkenny will see a total investment of 8m and will be created from the unification of The Tholsel and the Medieval Mile Museum.

There are hopes that the museum will become one of Irelands top visitor attractions.

The focus of this contract will centre on The Tholsel building and includes internal and external enhancement works along with the introduction of a lift for improved accessibility.

The building, when works are complete, will continue to act as the seat of local Government in the city, with some parts of the building converted for use as a visitor attraction including the basement.

This new medieval Kilkenny experience will be ideally positioned at the centre of the Medieval Mile in the heart of the Kilkenny City.

It is proposed that the new tourist attraction will be a fun and interactive fact-based horrible history experience, themed around The Rich, The Poor and The Righteous.

Visitors will discover the darker side of medieval Kilkenny and will meet the worlds most famous knight, powerful mayors and wealthy medieval merchants.

The contract was signed today at a ceremony attended by representatives from Kilkenny County Council; project partners, Failte Ireland; project consultants, K-Design Studios and contractors, Duggan Lynch Ltd.

Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr Michael McCarthy, welcomed the new attraction as a unique family-friendly fun experience for tourists and locals alike.

We are thrilled to sign this contract with Duggan Lynch Ltd, he said. I look forward to seeing this new attraction come to life over the next few years. This initiative reflects our commitment to preserving and promoting Kilkennys history and historic buildings while creating new opportunities for tourism and local businesses.

Follow Independent Kilkenny on Facebook

Mayor of Kilkenny, Cllr Andrew McGuinness added: The interventions proposed to The Tholsel building, which is much loved by the people of the Kilkenny, will help safeguard it long into the future.

"The delivery of such an ambitious project will help copper-fasten Kilkenny Citys reputation as one of the countrys top tourist destinations, bringing greater economic opportunities and dividends for its citizens, while also protecting and enhancing what many consider the centre of local democracy in Kilkenny City.

Head of Attractions at Failte Ireland, Mary Stack, said the project will help boost tourism further in Kilkenny.

"Today marks the beginning of the journey in developing a fantastic new visitor attraction that will strengthen the tourism offering in Co Kilkenny.

"Kilkenny is an important part of Irelands Ancient East with its rich culture and unique medieval heritage. The Museum of Medieval Kilkenny is a priority project in Failte Irelands five-year Destination and Experience Development Plan for Kilkenny, which was launched last year to help transform tourism across the region.

"Were pleased to see significant strides being made with this project and look forward to seeing it come to life for visitors.
The new initiative is facilitated by the social work team, who provide bereavement support to those who have experienced the death of a loved one under the hospice and palliative care services.

The Walk and Talk Bereavement Group aims to provide a supportive space to connect with others who have experienced loss, offering the comfort of shared understanding in a peaceful and natural setting.

The walk is guided by the social work team, offering a combination of conversation and moments for quiet reflection. The group meets on the third Wednesday of every month at Doorly Park at 11am and the walk lasts approximately 40 minutes.

North West Hospice is requesting people to register their interest by visiting the North West Hospice Charity website or by contacting the Social Work Dept. on 071 9143317. Refreshments are provided in a local cafe after the walk.

Michelle OReilly is a senior medical social worker at North West Hospice, We, at North West Hospice are delighted to launch this new initiative. As social workers who support those who are bereaved, we understand the value of sharing your experience of grief with others. The aim of the Walk and Talk Group is to enable those bereaved to meet with others who have a shared experience of grief whilst also connecting with nature.

The Social Work Department has acknowledged the support received from North West Hospice Charity in this initiative.
Hewick and Jordan Gainford led in by Paddy Hanlon after their win at US Grand National, 2022.

Jordan began his career as an amateur rider and had three point-point winners to his name when he partnered his first winner on the racecourse, the Colin Bowe-trained Cushinstown Finest, at Downpatrick in September, 2019. He had intended to turn professional at the end of the 2020/2021 National Hunt season but brought forward his plans due to the curtailment of the point-to-point season during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Among his prize wins is the The Tote Galway Plate, Markaye Michael Purcell Mem Novice H'dle, and the Cheesestrings Irish EBF (Mares) H'dle among many others. He also won the US Grand National in 2022 and placing in the winners enclosure of Cheltenham in 2024.

The application, that was submitted on Saturday, December 20, outlines his intention to transform an already existing stone building on the familys farm into a house.

Included in the submission is a letter that lays out his strong ties to the area and the community in support of why he should be granted permission.

"My family has strong ties with the area and have been living in the Cairn area for generations. I was raised directly next to subject site in 'Rockfield' (Y21Y3Y7) and have lived here since birth. I attended Cairn National School and CBS Enniscorthy Secondary School (Letters Enclosed). I have also been a member of the local GAA Club, Duffry Rovers (letter enclosed) and Enniscorthy Rugby Club, he wrote.

"I work as a professional jockey, which can require me to travel up and down the country, I also work on the family farm daily and care for the farm animals. I am seeking permission to convert and extend an old stone building on the farm into a dwelling house for myself and futurefamily, with the aim of keeping myself and my family in the area for generations to come. I would also like to be able to help my father on the family farm and be close to my parents as they grow older, he added.

He also states that his father, Colin Gainford, is to grant him the sight, subject to any grant of planning permission. Included in the submission is consent from landowners Michael McHugh, Raymond Gainfort, Collin Ruttle, and his father to use an existing concrete laneway on their land.

Plans for the proposed development include the installation of an on-site wastewater treatment system and water supply well, with all associated works.

WJG Consultants carried out a site suitability assessment for the wastewater treatment as homeowners and builders who propose to build houses on un-sewered lands are required to have the land assessed.
Nicholas Dunne, CEO of Killowen Farm, with some of his herd of cows on the farm near Courtnacuddy, Enniscorthy. Picture: Frank McGrath.

The success of Enniscorthys Holos skincare and Killowen farm are to be highlighted at the first B2B spotlight and networking event for Wexford Chamber in the Riverside Park Hotel.

This event is designed to showcase and celebrate incredible businesses that are part of the Wexford Chamber community. Members will be given the opportunity to connect with business leaders, learn from their experiences, and discover potential partnership opportunities.

The event includes an overview of both member businesses and their contribution to the community, as well as roundtable discussions for members to connect in a relaxed and supportive environment.

They describe Niamh Hogan as a dynamic entrepreneur who has navigated multiple career changes from restaurant management to natural health, before establishing her highly successful skincare line, Holos.

Niamh launched her line in 2014 and has only gone from strength to strength in receiving awards and recognition, including scooping up six accolades at the 2024 Global Makeup Awards.

"Niamh is a strong advocate for women in mid-life, encouraging them to pursue their passions. Under her leadership Holos skincare has become a profitable business with a a strong brand and digital strategy, they said.

Joining her at the event is Nicholas Dunne, one of the co-owners of Killowen Farm, the only single origin dairy yoghurt producer in Ireland. Situated at the foot of the Blackstairs Mountains, the farm has been in the Dunne family for 200 years.

Owners Nicholas and Judith Dunne took over the business 20 years ago and moved the yoghurt production to their own dairy farm in Enniscorthy. In 2022, the business unveiled a 4 million expansion that added 25 new jobs and enabled it to grow its cream cheese production.

They were also selected to star in an upcoming EU-funded campaign to promote yoghurt that will involve an extensive marketing campaign that will run against the four markets of Ireland, Belgium, Denmark, and Germany.

"Killowen now ships goods to many international markets including Dubai, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore. The company has consistently achieved organic sales of about ten per cent a year, they added.

The event will take place on Thursday, January 23 at 8.30 a.m. The event is free for members and 20 for non-members and interested parties can register their place on the official Wexford Chamber website.
To celebrate the launch, South East Radios Lee Hynes broadcast live from Maxol Arklow Road, where shoppers were treated to bags more prizes and store vouchers, along with complimentary mince pies, Keogh's crisps and freshly made deli festive treats.

Maxol Arklow Road, Gorey, now features all new Maxol branding, a state-of-the-art ROSA Coffee station, including Maxols new oat coffee, and a Maxol Deli, which offers an extensive range of hot and cold food options to cater for every mealtime.

Customers will also get value during their everyday top up shopping at Wexfords newest Maxol, with an array of homegrown products and produce to choose from.

Kevin Frayne has been operating Maxol Arklow Road since taking over the business in August. The Wexford man, who is also the Licensee of the sister Maxol service station on the Dublin Road, Gorey, is well known for his work in the community.

Speaking following the launch, Kevin said: We are thrilled to be working with a family-owned, community-focused company like Maxol, which has been operating in Ireland for over 104 years. It was fantastic to welcome South East Radio to the store and to be able to thank the local community for their support with lots of gifts and prizes throughout the day. We have an amazing team that will continue to look after all of our customers, ensuring they will get bags more choice, convenience and value, as well as top-tier service.

Maxol Arklow Road, Gorey, is one of seven sites acquired by the Maxol Group this year, bringing to 250 Maxols nationwide network of sites across the island of Ireland. The multi-million Euro investment announced by CEO, Brian Donaldson in July is part of Maxols 100m 2023-2027 investment strategy for growth announced last year and will expand the family-owned retailers portfolio in the Leinster region, including Wexford.
The Young Social Innovators believe the current grading system is unfair to students

Proactive students from Colaiste Bhride in Carnew have begun a nationwide movement to change the broad Junior Cycle grading brackets and give pupils the full picture of their results as they prepare for the Senior Cycle.

Young Social Innovators from the south Wicklow school recently took on a new project  entitled Lets Take a Stand and Change the Band  which focuses on the unfairness of the current Junior Cycle (JC) grading system and its overall negative effect on the morale of both students and teachers.

When a reform of the old A, B, C, and D Junior Certificate scoring system began in 2017, it was replaced with wider bands for a distinction (90pc or over), higher merit (75 to 89), merit (55 to 74), achieved (40 to 54), partially achieved (20 to 39), and no grade (0 to 19), but with students having no access to their exact percentage, they are left with no idea where within the bracket their scores fall.

With students achieving 55pc and 74pc lumped into the same band and having no access to their graded papers, teachers the length and breadth of the country fear they are not being fairly rewarded for their efforts or provided with adequate knowledge to assess their options for the Senior Cycle.

Eager to shed a national spotlight on the issues, the YSI group from Colaiste Bhride, led by project leader Sarah Jennings and vice project leader Phoebe Doyle, undertook an analysis of the old system versus the new, from which they gleaned some eye-opening insights.

As our YSI project for the year, we sat down and analysed the Junior Cycle grading system, and compared it to the old system of A, B, C, and D, teacher Karen Murphy said.

In old money, anything over 70 was a B Grade. Now, a student who gets 55 and a student who gets 74 are both in the merit category, with both walking away from 3rd year not knowing if they were nearer to the 74 or 55.

Because they have no access to their percentages or corrected scripts, they do not have the full picture as they make decisions for the Senior Cycle, just a broad grade bracket. They finish the Junior Cycle, not really knowing if they are good at a subject or not. Their higher merit could be 89pc or 75pc, so how can they possibly make an informed decision?

For the Leaving Certificate, which is scored in 10pc brackets, at least students get their percentages, and it seems totally out of sync that in the Junior Certificate results, which should play a key part in preparing students for the Senior Cycle, its simply a vague bracket.

There were two occasions this year where I noticed the impact the system is having on students, she continued.

The first was when a girl who was very passionate about French and a hard-working distinction student all the way up to her French exam got a merit. She might have scored a 74, but she did not know where she fell and was left thinking that she wasnt as good at French as she thought she was.

By the same token, I had a boy who was not particularly interested in French, and was skirting around the 45 to 55 mark through his mocks, but ended up getting a merit.

He was happy with the result but pointed out that another girl in the year also got a merit, and there was no way they both deserved to get the same grades. He had a good day, and she had a bad one.

He acknowledged the unfairness of the system and both of them being lumped into the same category, even though there could have been nearly 20pc in the difference between their grades.

Listen, the system before wasnt perfect, and no system is. But at least with the A, B, C, and D format, the students knew where they were in the smaller bracket and when they went home to tell their parents about their three As and four Bs, parents understood that they had done well.

Having outlined their concerns about the current grading system, the YSI group created two surveys  one for teachers and one for students from 4th to 6th year  and began the systematic process of emailing them to every secondary school in the country.

After receiving over 700 completed surveys, Ms Murphy explained that the research shows the grading system is an issue that evokes very strong feelings among students and particularly teachers, while also demonstrating the major impact on subjects students are choosing for their Leaving Certificate.

Between teachers and students we have over 700 responses, and the teacher side makes up about half of it and is much stronger in terms of calling for change, she said.

I was expecting the student feedback to be a little bit stronger, in terms of results being really deflating, but when we sat down and analysed it, it only hit us that they have nothing to compare it to.

We targeted 4th, 5th and 6th-year students, who would have had no experience of the old system, so the call for change wasnt as pronounced, simply because they know no different.

However, teachers know the before and after and can see the direct impact of the new system. Based on our feedback, so many of them are disappointed on behalf of their students, and are saying it has had a massive impact on them and morale.

Teachers have told us that they are really disenfranchised and find the system very disheartening, and sick of seeing their students work so hard only for a student who deserves a distinction to be given a bracket that is 75pc to 89pc.

The feedback is great and is so positive from the teachers in support of the project, saying please go and fight this for us, and agreeing with pretty much all the conclusions we have drawn.

Namely, that there is a huge desire to change the brackets, and even if the brackets dont change, at least reveal the percentages so the students know where they sit. The other thing that really came out in the responses was to give students access to their papers. Its their data, they own it, and should have every right to see it.

As Ms Murphy explained, the next phase of the YSI project will involve a call to action to put pressure on the Department of Education and the State Examinations Commission to change the current grade brackets and allow students access to the percentages achieved in each exam.

Keenly aware that the concerns around the grading system are broadly held, and that there is a pressing desire for change, Colaiste Bhride intends to protest outside the Dail and have already received support from almost 100 schools, who will stage their own protests in solidarity.

We asked in both surveys if people would consider protesting with us and theres a really nice percentage of people who said they feel very strongly about this and would join us, so we have run the idea past management to pick a day early in the new year that we will go to the Dail with placards and posters and protest, she said.

We got some really good slogans in the teacher feedback that we could use, including powerful phrases that are all very student-centred and focused on the fact that the current system is not doing them justice.

Young Social Innovators have a social enterprise fund called YSI Den which you can apply to for money, means or mentoring, and we have applied for 1,500 to create, for lack of a better word, a protest pack.

We have emails from nearly 100 schools that said that they would do their own protests in solidarity with us in their own schools, then send us videos and photographs to create something as a collective.

We should find out in January if we have the funding, but even if we dont get it, we can create our own resources or packs and send them to the individual schools.

We need to get governmental support so, obviously, we couldnt have picked the worst time, because just before, during and directly after a general election is probably not the best time to be petitioning politicians, but we have contacted the three elected in Wicklow-Wexford and the four in Wicklow, she added.

TD Malcolm Byrne sat down with us and said that he would propose a meeting between us and the Minister for Education in the new year. He also recommended that we get to the TUI (Teachers Union of Ireland), ASTI (Association of Secondary School Teachers), and ISSU (Irish Second-Level Students Union), which we have done.

The ISSU president, Jack McGinn, has been really supportive of the project. They did some work on it themselves just before COVID, and theres lots of work and surveys that have been done, but the pandemic meant everything was just dropped.

Jack said himself that a massive amount hasnt been done in the ISSU in a while on this. So what he said to us is hes going to support us and promote the project on social media.

We hope that we can get in front of the minister, then go to the Oireachtas Committee, which has always been very supportive to us, to lay out our case and set the wheels of meaningful change in motion.

Commending the Colaiste Bhride students for their initiative, Wicklow-Wexford TD Malcolm Byrne said that their project was highly relevant, and I see its merits.

If the rules apply to Leaving Cert, a similar approach should apply to Junior Cert, Deputy Byrne said.

I will be raising the students project with Education Minister Norma Foley.

Young Social Innovators is a fantastic initiative and so many good ideas emerge from students looking at challenges and opportunities we face in society and they bringing a different perspective as well as solutions.

Colaiste Bhride really understands how important the holistic education of young people is through taking part in such exciting programmes.

To follow progress on Colaiste Bhrides project, visit change_the_band_ysicbc on Instagram.
While many of the shopfronts on Wexfords South Main Street change on an annual basis there are some which have remained in situ for a number of years. Indeed, there is one which has stood for almost 200 years, which has become part of the very fabric of the town. Established in 1848 Barkers has just been named Co Wexfords Giftware Store of the Year for 2024, the second year in succession it has won this award.

Offering a range of products from crockery and candles to jewellery and kitchenware, Barkers is now owned by Bertha Asple and run by manager, Dorothy Rossiter.

It means a lot to win the award, says Dorothy. Its voted for by the public and then the judges come and assess the store; its based on the professionalism of your staff, how polite they are and how they look after you."

Summing up the reputation Barkers has in the town, Dorothy says its the first place people think of for special occasions.

People will come in and say if Im going to get it anywhere, Im going to get it in Barkers. It has a lot of memories for a lot of people, once upon a time when Aer Lingus started, this was back in Sean Barkers time, this was the only place you could buy a plane ticket. Barkers has evolved over the years, Nicky Furlong would have told you that there was a meeting room, which was a sitting-room  we use it as a stock room now  they had meetings there for the 1916 Easter Rising. So, Barkers means a lot of things to a lot people in Wexford.

Referencing the stores previous owner, Bertha recalls working alongside Sean 40 years ago when she took over.

When I came there was the only the front part of the shop here, I didnt intend to build on but the minute I mentioned it my husband (Denis), he loved it, he was delighted, we built on the kitchen and the interiors. From day one we had people from the States buying from us, they were huge customers, we sent so much Waterford Glass to America; Sean would send all the parcels to America, packed in straw and wooden crates.

In order to maintain those customers Barkers must continue to stock a wide array of products; and sourcing those products remains one of the biggest challenges for Bertha and Dorothy.

We go to Paris, London, Birmingham, Dublin  we went to Germany and Spain for a while - for our stock, says Bertha, we have to work hard at it because the High Street is changing; we cater for online now too, were sending stuff all over the country. But we also work with a lot of local producers, the artist Simone Walsh would be one of our top sellers, we would have had Kiltrea Pottery for many years, but they have retired now. The toughest part is finding something new and different.

Although Barkers location in the town hasnt changed in all those years, there have been some subtle changes in the habits of its customers.

Having male customers in the kitchen section is a big change, says Bertha, they come in, they know what they want, and they always buy the best thing.
Eoin Ryan has written a one-man play based on his time working on a prawn trawler off the coast of Australia in 1999.

Returning to the Wexford Arts Centre for one night only, Trawled is one-man biographical drama set on a prawn trawler which quickly spirals into a harrowing tale of survival against all odds. Written, produced, and acted by Castlebridge native Eoin Ryan, Trawled is a true-life account of a life-changing experience on the wild waves of the Coral Sea, Australia in 1999.

Eoin's narrative unfolds as he recounts his brush with destiny, delving deep into the heart of his battle for survival against the spectre of suicide. From his bid to join the trawler crew to the harsh realities of life at sea, his story has been described as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

Set against the meticulously crafted backdrop of a realistic stage, Trawled is a 60-minute show which that unfolds with the cinematic intensity of a blockbuster film.

Trawled was first published as a book in 2019. In 2022 Eoin performed the story as a TEDx talk. Eoins motivation for going on stage and touring is to share the important universal message to ask for help.

"Having never done anything in theatre before 2023, I still felt compelled to bring this play and message to life, he says. Trawled is a raw distillation of life where unforeseen circumstances, fragile relationships and shifting motivations create an unbearable perfect storm for the protagonist. Infused with the irrepressible spirit of Irish humour, Im inviting audiences to join me on a voyage of discovery, where every twist and turn of fate brings them closer to the heart of this story.

Performing for one night only at the Wexford Arts Centre on January 17 at 8 p.m. Tickets are on sale now www.wexfordartscentre.ie
Former director of Automatic Plastics Ltd, Kevin Fitzgerald, with his Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology from the Priory Institute in Dublin.

Former director of Automatic Plastics Ltd, Kevin Fitzgerald, with his Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology from the Priory Institute in Dublin.

Former director of Automatic Plastics Ltd, Kevin Fitzgerald, with his Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology from the Priory Institute in Dublin.

A Wicklow man who was once the director and general manager of a leading plastic injection moulding manufacturer has released a new book that charts his journey through the world of theology and its transformative impact.

Since retiring from his key role at Automatic Plastics Ltd in Tinahely, well-known Arklow man Kevin Fitzgerald has embarked on a remarkable new chapter of his life, fuelled by a deep curiosity in faith and religion sparked after attending a theology course in 2007.

Intrigued and uplifted by his experience learning from the late Monsignor Colm Gallagher, Kevin pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Theology from the Priory Institute in Dublin when he called time on his career four years ago.

Despite the challenges of exams and in-depth study of the course, from which Kevin recently graduated with honours, he took on an additional challenge in his final year: writing an engaging and thought-provoking account of his theological awakening entitled Between Heaven and Academia: A Theology Students Story.

Now available on Amazon in paperback, hardcover, and eBook formats, Kevin hopes his story inspires and encourages others to explore theology and embrace lifelong learning.

Theology isnt just for academics or clergy  its for anyone curious about lifes big questions, he said.

The course at the Priory Institute was life-changing for me. The combination of home-based study and monthly on-campus lectures was perfect for someone like me, balancing personal commitments with a thirst for learning. Its proof that its never too late to start something new.

Writing this book helped me process my experiences in a way I never expected. It became as much about personal growth as it was about sharing my story.

Reflecting on the writing process, Kevin admitted that it wasnt without its difficulties, but said that writing the book was both a personal and creative journey, describing it as one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

I found myself revisiting moments from my studies, reflecting deeply on what had inspired me to pursue theology in the first place, he said.

It was a chance to bring together everything I had learned and present it in a way that I hope resonates with others.

Writing a book is quite different from writing essays or exams. Its not just about presenting facts or analysis  its about telling a story, and that takes time and effort to get right.

The project took just over a year to complete and there were times when it felt overwhelming, especially as I was also finishing my degree.

I often worked late into the night, and there were moments when I wondered if Id bitten off more than I could chew. But the desire to share my story kept me going.

Writing a book taught me patience and the value of sticking with something, even when the road ahead seems long. It was a personal test of discipline and dedication.

Asked how, as a first-time author, he navigated the perilous world of publishing, Kevin said that it is daunting and that he chose to self-publish his work to allow him greater control over the process.

After finishing the manuscript, I thought the hard part was over, but really, it was just beginning, he joked.

Theres so much to learn about editing, formatting, and the actual mechanics of getting a book published.

Self-publishing gave me the freedom to stay true to my vision for the book. I could focus on making it accessible and affordable for readers without being bound by traditional publishing constraints.

I credit my family and friends for their unwavering support during the process, he added.

It was their encouragement and belief in me that made the journey so much easier. From proofreading to brainstorming ideas for the title, they were with me every step of the way.

As he looks ahead, Kevin remains open to the possibility of future projects, noting that it may be his first book, but I dont think it will be my last.

Writing has opened up a whole new world of possibilities, and Im excited to see where it might lead, he added.

Indeed, I am in the process of writing my second book about something I am very passionate about, and that is brass bands. Watch this space.

Its never too late to follow your passions. Whether its theology, writing, or something entirely different, take that first step  you might surprise yourself.
The Whale Theatre, Greystones, is hosting a very special charity screening of legendary Irish journalist Charlie Birds Ransom '79, on Thursday, January 16 at 8pm.

The richly cinematic feature documentary follows Bird as he battles the debilitating effects of MND while trying to break one final story in the time he has left.

The event will feature a 'Meet & Greet' with Tiger, Charlie's beloved dog, a music reception with 'Celtic Grace' and raffle with bespoke prizes donated by Charlie's family.

Bray Youth Club

Queen of Peace Adventure Youth Club is preparing a new adventure programme, but it can only be delivered to members if the club has enough volunteers to help out.

The club has an urgent need for more leaders, especially females. If anyone can spare two to three hours once a week, or even less frequently, to help out it would be appreciated. Call Paul on 086 3516630, or Mike on 089 0855151 for more information.

Bray Library

Bray Library will re-open at 10am on Thursday, January 2, 2025. Opening hours are 10am to 5pm Monday to Saturday, with late opening on Tuesday and Thursday until 8.30pm.

If you fancy a new book club for 2025, the Literary Book Club meets on the last Thursday of the month at 7pm, and the Library Romance Book Club meets at 7pm on the first Tuesday of the month. The Crime Book Club meets on the second Tuesday at 7pm.

Diving club

Bray Divers Sub-aqua Club are hoping to start new divers courses early in January. Persons of fourteen years of age and upwards are welcome to join. The club is eager to bring in other social and educational activities to brighten the winter. Call 087 6756439 for details and you could be a qualified diver within weeks.

Shankill Music Club

The next meeting is on Wednesday, January 8 2025 at the usual time of 7.45pm to 10 pm, including a tea break, in the Shankill Day Centre, Lower Road, Shankill (100 yds from the Main Street, car parking available).

The February meeting will be on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. The music will be as always a varied programme of classical music on CDs, covering many genres  orchestral, instrumental, vocal, opera etc in a friendly setting.

Visitors and new members are always welcome. You dont need to be an expert. Theres no charge on the night. For further information on joining in, phone or text John at 087-2109175.

Cancer Support

Greystones and District Cancer Support provide various support services to those affected by cancer and their families in Greystones, Delgany, Kilcoole, Newcastle and Newtownmountkennedy. They offer a range of support services, classes and therapies. You can contact the office at 01 287 1601, email info@greystonescancersupport.com or visit greystonescancersupport.com.

Historical Society

The next meeting of the Bray Cualann Historical Society, the local history society for Bray and north Wicklow, will take place on Thursday, January 16, 2025 when Kieran Devenish will present Industrial Yarns Bray at 8pm in the Royal Hotel, Bray. All are welcome to attend. Admission is 8 for non-members. Those wishing to join the society can do so at this meeting.

Drama Festival

The 46th Bray One-Act Drama Festival will take place in the Mermaid Theatre Bray, from Tuesday, January 28 to Saturday, February 1, 2025. Curtain up at 7.30pm, nightly.

Delgany ICA

The Delgany Guild ICA team have their monthly meeting happening at 8pm every first Thursday in the Kilian House Family Centre, drama on Mondays from 2pm to 4pm, crafts on Wednesdays from 2.30pm to 4.30pm and a book club gathering every last Thursday at 10.45am.

Rathdown Bridge

A new Bridge club has opened at Greystones Bridge Centre, Victoria Road each Tuesday, from 10am until 1pm. Established players and beginners are both most welcome and lessons are available. Details of membership from: johnstaffordfennell@gmail.com.

Dargle Bridge Club

Dargle Bridge Clubs new season has begun again and takes place each Wednesday at 7.20pm. Play finishes approx. 10.30pm. Membership is 20 and 5 per night table money. Venue is the Open Door Day Centre, Vevay Road.

For further details see darglebridgeclub.com, or phone Michael on 087 9480151, or Anne on 087 2399457. A new novice section has also been added to the club for any newcomers.

Sanctuary Runners

The Bray Sanctuary Runners Walk and Talk group meets at 7pm at Queen of Peace Church car park, Putland Road, Bray, on the last Thursday of the month. If a run is more your thing by way of a winter warmer, go to The Esplanade Hotel on Saturdays at 11.30am.

Open Door Day Centre

The Open Door Day Centre operates Monday to Friday on Vevay Road, Bray. Open Door provides facilities and activities for adults with physical disabilities as a result of multiple sclerosis, stroke, motor neurone disease, spina bifida, road accidents. Call 01 286 7123, email info@opendoor.ie.

Garda clinic

The community policing clinic is held every Monday from 6 pm to 8pm in the Kilcoole Community Centre. The clinic is there for members of the public to drop in and for crime prevention advice, to get help with forms, such as passports stamped and driving licences, as well as other Garda services that can be attended to by Gda Molly Corbett.

Parkinsons Support

Theres a Parkinsons Support Group meeting every first and third Friday of the month at the Holy Rosary Church from 3pm to 5pm, with everyone welcome to drop in for a coffee and a chat.

Theres also Musical Memories sessions, which take place every Friday at St Patricks Church from 11.30am to 12.45pm and everyone is free to join in.

Ballywaltrim Library

Storytime for All takes place on Saturday mornings in the library at 11,30am and at 11.30am and on Tuesdays in July and August  no booking is required to attend. Tummy Time for Babies takes place on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10.30am to 12pm when babies can play beneath the Magic Tables Projections.

All are welcome  no booking is required. Adult Scrabble takes place every Monday from 3pm to 4.30pm.

Lakers volunteers

Lakers supports adults and children with intellectual disabilities and runs over 60 activities a week for its 400 members, and growing. For this reason, volunteers are encouraged to take part in training opportunities. You can email info@lakers.ie for details.

Mens Sheds

Bray Mens Shed is now full. Greystones Mens Shed meets on Mondays at 77 Rathdown Park, from 7.30 p.m. Contact Jim Rice at 089 254 0586.

Dementia Support

Wicklow Dementia Support is seeking volunteers to become a friend to someone with dementia. The organisation is also looking for volunteers for a new group in the Villa Pacis Centre (Queen of Peace), Bray, each Wednesday, 10.30am-12.30pm. Contact: info@wicklowdementiasupport.org or call Kate on 0851345128.

Country Market

Over at the Newcastle Community Centre every Saturday, from 10.30am to 12.30pm, you can catch the long-running North Wicklow Country Market (started in 1970).

Youth Cafe

Greystones Youth Cafe, at Collnagreina, offers teenagers some time to mix and chat every Wednesday from 3pm to 5pm and Friday from 7pm to 9pm, plus Mondays, 7pm to 9pm, for fourth to sixth years.

GARA Activities

Greystones Active Retirement Association is back on Mondays, with all the classes making a return after the summer. Monday begins with yoga at 1.15pm; art takes place at 2.30pm from Monday, September 9; Tuesdays welcome back bowling at 10.45am. Kilian House is behind Holy Rosary Church.
Coilin Phelan was one of the award winners last year.

The applications window for three awards schemes orchestrated by Wicklow County Councils Art Office opened on Wednesday, January 8.

The application process for all three schemes - Individual Artist Award Scheme, Artist in the Community Award Scheme and Arts Festival Award Scheme  remains open until 4pm on February 5.

Wicklow Arts Office will run advisory clinics to support applicants understanding of the process during the month of January.

Notification of the dates of these workshops will be provided shortly with the opening of applications process.

Welcoming the opening of the awards schemes, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr. Paul OBrien, said: I am pleased that the Council is in a position to provide these awards to our artistic community in Wicklow so that they might thrive and go on to engage others in meaningful ways with their work.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, Emer OGorman, stated: I look forward to Wicklow County Council receiving innovative applications for creativity and creative practice in 2025, from our artistic community.

Guidelines and further criteria are now available online and questions can be directed to Karan Thompson at wicklowartsoffice@ktcl.ie.

Applications must be received online via Submittable.
The late Dick Kerrigan, of Delgany, County Wicklow, got the send-off he so wanted and so richly deserved as he was taken to his final resting place from St Anthonys Church, in Kilcoole, last Friday, January 10 to a roaring rendition of When the Saints Go Marching in.

He had requested a New Orleans-style funeral and with his loving family behind him all the way, that was what he got.

It was a fitting farewell to someone known locally for so many years as the man behind the music at so many occasions, having embraced all styles during his some 91 years of a long and fulfilled life, from showband, dancehall, Dixieland and of course, choral and folk.

It was he who led the parish folk group in Kilcoole with his family in the church for as long as anyone can remember and despite his ailing health, continued to attend local jazz concerts and play his clarinet at community gatherings.

Richard Kerrigan was born in County Carlow, in 1934, and the family moved to Mallow, County Cork, when he was 13. Following an apprenticeship, he began work at the oil refinery in Cork in 1958 and in his first home on the famous Patricks Hill, bought his first piano.

He married Phil O Driscoll in 1964, and five children later, they moved to Wicklow and settled just outside Greystones, where they would have two more children.

He worked at the Bank of Ireland in Cabinteely, but his passion for music saw him become something of a virtuoso, a multi-instrumentalist with his own church organ in his living-room. It was Dicks folk group that serenaded the nuns of the enclosed Carmelite Order, when, in 2005, they emerged for the first time in 150 years for a ceremony led by Archbishop of Dublin Dr Diarmuid Martin, who blessed the orders new monastery as the nuns mingled with the locals for the first time in their history.

Tributes were paid by so many who had such fond memories of a man who truly lived life to the full and had a great positive approach to life.

Sr Miriam from the parish said: Its a long time since I was in the parish folk group in Kilcoole, which was under Dicks leadership. But I remember as if it were only yesterday, his gentle, good-humoured and skilled leadership enhanced by Phils presence and her organisation. Those were the days!

While Fr Belton praised him as a loyal choir man and organist to churches for many years.

Others remembered Dick fondly as the man with the twinkle in his eye and, of course, for his sense of humour and his infectious laugh.

Richard (Dick) Kerrigan died on Tuesday, January 7, in his 91st year surrounded by his family.

Beloved husband of the late Phil and father of Anne-Marie, Rachel, Ursula, Felicity, Michael, Richard and Christian, he is also survived by sons-in-law Kamel, Shay, David, and Peter, daughters-in-law Brittney, Zaza, and Sara, grandchildren Leah, James, Melissa, Andrew, Henry, Oliver and Forest and by his brother Chris, and sisters Mary, Kathleen, and Margaret.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Business partners Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu faced a legal setback yesterday as their application for refusal of further remand on fraud charges was dismissed by Harare regional magistrate Mr. Taurai Manuwere. The charges stem from allegations surrounding a streetlight rehabilitation tender for which they both stand accused.Magistrate Manuwere's decision underscores the gravity of the allegations, as he ruled that the application was premature and that the State must be afforded sufficient time to finalize investigations and prepare its case, as required by law.Chimombe and Mpofu are accused of submitting fraudulent documents to secure a lucrative US$9 million tender for the rehabilitation of Harare's street lighting infrastructure. The alleged fraud occurred during the Harare City Council's tender process in January last year, which was initiated to prepare for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit.The tender process attracted bids from eleven companies, including Juluka Endo Joint Venture (Pvt) Ltd, co-owned by Mpofu. Bidders were required to submit duly stamped audited financial statements for the preceding two years and evidence of payment for special procurement oversight committee fees, among other requirements.According to the State, on April 19 last year, the council's evaluation committee awarded eight lots of the streetlight rehabilitation project to four companies. However, Mpofu's company allegedly failed to meet critical criteria, as its audited financial statements lacked the mandatory audit opinion.Despite these shortcomings, the council invited Mpofu's company to revise and resubmit its bid. Allegations indicate that the revised submission contained falsified documents, including audit reports from unregistered consultancy firms. The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) alleges that Mpofu misrepresented compliance with regulatory requirements, including submitting a bid security dated March 26, previously used in another unsuccessful tender application.Despite these discrepancies, Mpofu's company was awarded the contract for two of the project's lots. The State alleges that Chimombe signed as a witness to facilitate the disbursement of a partial payment of US$260,000.As the investigation unfolds, the case has been adjourned to January 27 for routine remand. The allegations of corruption and deceit cast a shadow over the tender process and highlight the importance of adherence to legal and regulatory standards in public procurement.
A video posted by the owner of a Wicklow glamping business that showed an ingenious method of preventing water troughs from icing over has gone viral on social media, amassing more than one million views.

On a freezing cold morning in the height of the cold snap, Belinda Carpenter of Munny Farm in Coolkenno stepped out of her familys historic Georgian homestead to tend to her sheep and, seeing the sub-zero conditions, thought shed try a neat trick she picked up while browsing online.

Taking several plastic bottles, and filling them with lots of salt and warm water, leaving a little bit of air at the top, Belinda placed the concoction in her water troughs to stop ice from forming.

After posting a video of the rural life hack on social media, Belinda returned to her computer later to find it had gone global, with views skyrocketing, over 20,000 likes on Instagram and Facebook, along with an ever-growing stream of hundreds of comments and thanks.

Still in disbelief, Belinda said it defies logic that a video shot on a small farm and glamping enterprise in rural south Wicklow could travel so far, adding that the response has brought a touch of positivity to a very bleak January.

I had found the tip online while I was scrolling away on my phone in the middle of the night  I cant even remember where I got it, Belinda said.

When I was out with the sheep at 7 am the following morning, bleary-eyed, I thought Id give it a go, then posted the video on our social media channels.

It has just gone viral ever since. The post has gone to 1.4 million views on Instagram, and I have no idea how or why! Its the most bizarre thing, and were all scratching our heads.

Its growing by the day, and shot up by 200,000 views overnight. It did the same on Facebook, getting over 1.2 million views.

We didnt sponsor it or anything, and we put no money into it at all. We just cant understand it.

I did put a #Snow2025 on it, but I didnt put that on Facebook, and it went viral there too, getting thousands of likes and comments there.

I only posted in hopes that someone might benefit from a method with less hardship than putting your hands into the water, which is no craic for anyone, she joked.

So, I dont know why it happened or whether it had something to do with the algorithm. I guess its just one of those weird things.

In any case, it was a nice little positive story in a very bleak January that has been a very tough time for farming.

Belindas grandparents, Christabel and Peter Bielenberg, settled in Coolkenno in 1948 after the war in Germany. Peter spent his time reviving the land and starting the sheep farm, while Christabel authored the New York Times best-selling book, The Past is Myself.

After taking up stewardship of the picturesque farm, Belinda and her husband Lorcan created a unique, eco-friendly glamping experience where up to 40 guests can stay in a shepherds hut, log cabin, refurbished barn or seasonal yurts and safari tents.

Boasting views of the mountains and surrounding ancient woodlands and set amidst the familys organic farm, where ponies, horses, ducks, hens, cats and dogs roam, guests are invited to bring along their horse and enjoy the beautiful Munny Trail, which encompasses two horse riding trails over 8km across the farm.

As Belinda explained, a large part of her motivation to post the video online was to share the tip with the equestrian community, who she said are famously active on Instagram.

Weve had lots of comments from far and wide, and Ive been away from my desk for a few days, so there is probably plenty more to react to, she said.

The equestrian community are very active Instagramers, and I thought it would be good for the equestrian people to see it, especially when it was working at the start of the week, as the tip wasnt effective when it was -6c, and stopped working below about -3c.

The Farmers Weekly in England has also made us collaborators on the video, so it will have been seen by their followers too.

It really is a funny old world. For something like this to happen to a small sheep farm and glamping business in the Wicklow hills, it just defies belief.
People leave the water after taking a holy dip at Sangam during the Maha Kumbh Mela, or the Great Pitcher Festival, in Prayagraj. Photo: Reuters

Nearly 15 million Hindus, six times the number expected, took a dip in freezing waters seeking absolution of their sins yesterday, the first day of Indias festival that could draw the worlds largest single gathering of humanity.

Held every 12 years, the Maha Kumbh Mela or Great Pitcher Festival, as the religious event in the city of Prayagraj in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh is called, attracts more than 400 million visitors, both Indians and tourists.
Video screengrab shows two of the abandoned lynx at large in the Scottish Highlands. Photo: Royal Zoological Society of Scotland/PA Wire

Four lynx illegally released in the Scottish Highlands are likely to have been abandoned by their owner rather than released by a rogue rewilding campaigner, experts believe.

Police Scotland is understood to be investigating a theory that the four animals, which were quickly caught after they were spotted, had been dumped by someone who wanted them to be captured and cared for.
Russian leader to meet Iranian president this week to sign partnership pact

Soldiers carry an unexploded shell as they inspect an area for mines near the town of Chasiv Yar in Donetsk, Ukraine. Photo: Reuters

The Kremlin has revealed that there are no specific preparations yet under way for a meeting between Russian president Vladimir Putin and US president-elect Donald Trump, but added that there was understanding and political will for one.
family have been left outraged after learning that their loved one was removed from life support at a hospital in the US state of Washington  two years after he was killed in a medical mix-up.
Indias Trade Landscape Amid Global Geopolitical Shifts: BCG Report Insights

A new BCG report highlights how changing global trade dynamics, including potential increases in US tariffs following President-elect Trumps inauguration, could impact Indias trade and economic growth. We look at key report insights impacting Indias export-import trade.

The Boston Consulting Groups (BCG) latest report (January 2025), Great Powers, Geopolitics, and the Future of Trade, highlights how changing global trade dynamics, including new US tariffs, could impact Indias trade and economic growth. The report analyzes potential effects of a 20 percent tariff on Indian goods exported to the US, along with broader shifts in global trade routes.

Impact on key sectors in India

The proposed tariffs could affect several of Indias key export sectors, including textiles, pharmaceuticals, and IT services. Tariffs would increase costs for Indian exporters, potentially reducing their competitiveness in the US market. In the consumer goods sector, Indian manufacturers could face higher barriers, prompting the need for diversified export strategies.

Geopolitical shifts in global trade

The BCG report underscores how geopolitical tensions are reshaping trade alliances. Global trade is projected to grow at 2.9 percent annually over the next eight years but shifts in major trade blocs could accelerate or decelerate growth for specific regions, including India. The report outlines two major trends: North Americas reduced reliance on Chinese imports and Chinas intensified focus on the Global South.

Indias growing role in global trade

Indias trade is poised for significant growth, with BCG forecasting a 6.4 percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through 2033. Annual trade volumes could reach US$1.8 trillion, driven by government incentives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, improvements in infrastructure, and Indias position as an alternative production hub to China.

Key trade partners for India according to BCG:



United States : Annual trade with the US is expected to double to US$116 billion by 2033, reflecting stronger economic ties.

: Annual trade with the US is expected to double to US$116 billion by 2033, reflecting stronger economic ties. European Union and ASEAN : Trade with the EU and ASEAN is projected to grow by 80 percent over the next decade, supported by free trade agreements and deepening partnerships.

: Trade with the EU and ASEAN is projected to grow by 80 percent over the next decade, supported by free trade agreements and deepening partnerships. Africa and Mercosur : Bilateral trade with African and Mercosur nations is expected to nearly double, opening new opportunities for Indian exporters.

: Bilateral trade with African and Mercosur nations is expected to nearly double, opening new opportunities for Indian exporters. Australia and South Korea: Trade volumes could triple due to strategic agreements and increased collaboration in energy and technology.

Despite robust growth projections, Indias trade relationship with China remains strained due to its growing trade deficit, geopolitical concerns, and border disputes.

Implications for companies in India

There are several strategic recommendations for companies in India to navigate the evolving global trade dynamics:

Build resilient supply chains: Companies must diversify sourcing strategies and strengthen relationships with key suppliers. Investments in real-time monitoring systems and supply chain control towers can enhance resilience and enable quick responses to disruptions. Develop geopolitical awareness: Indian businesses should embed geopolitical risk analysis into strategic planning. By anticipating changes in trade policies and tariffs, companies can proactively adjust their operations and seize new opportunities. Leverage growth markets: Expanding presence in high-growth regions like ASEAN, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America will secure long-term growth. Local partnerships and investments in these regions can enhance competitiveness. Adopt nearshoring strategies: Nearshoring production to countries with favorable trade agreements like the UAE and Vietnam can help reduce costs and improve supply chain resilience. Pursue regional differentiation: Tailored business strategies for different regions, combined with localized technology solutions, will enhance flexibility and ensure success in a fragmented global market.

Conclusion

Indias trade growth potential, coupled with its strategic initiatives, positions it as a key player in the evolving global trade landscape. However, to capitalize on these opportunities, Indian businesses must adopt agile strategies, strengthen supply chains, and focus on high-growth markets. By aligning with global shifts and building resilience, India can cement its position as a leading trade partner in the years ahead.
Rifle Club OTT release date: This Malayalam-language action thriller, starring Vijayaraghavan, is set to make its OTT debut soon after its theatrical release on December 19, 2024. Rifle Club will be available on Netflix starting January 16, 2025, in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi.

Rifle Club plot

In the Western Ghats, an old rifle club becomes a battleground when a ruthless arms dealer and his gang arrive for revenge.

The club's members, skilled hunters with a deep love for their legacy, unite to protect themselves and defend what they hold dear.

The story begins with a couple who accidentally kill the rebellious son of a notorious underworld don, Dayanand Bare, in Mangalore.

Fleeing for their lives, they escape to Kerala and take refuge in a remote rifle club in Wayanad. On that same night, the club is hosting film star Shajahan, who is learning hunting for his upcoming movie, Vettamrugam.

Meanwhile, Dayanand Bare, seeking revenge for his son's death, tracks the couple down and leads a brutal attack on the rifle club with his henchmen.

The club's secretary, Kaduvachalil Avaran, along with the other members, is forced into the fight of their lives to protect the couple and defend the honour of their beloved club.

Rifle Club cast and crew

Rifle Club features Dileesh Pothan, Vani Viswanath, Anurag Kashyap, Surabhi Lakshmi, Darshana Rajendran, Suresh Krishna, Vineeth Kumar, Unnimaya Prasad, Vishnu Agasthya, Senna Hegde, Hanumankind, Navani Devanand, and Ramzan Muhammed.

The film is written by Syam Pushkaran, Dileesh Karunakaran, and Suhas. Directed by Aashiq Abu, it is produced by Aashiq Abu, Vincent Vadakkan, and Vishal Vincent Tony under the banners of OPM Cinemas and TRU Stories.

The film features cinematography by Abu, editing by V. Saajan, and music by Rex Vijayan.

Rifle Club marks Anurag Kashyap's Malayalam debut and Hanumankind's acting debut.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
Kaho Naa...Pyaar Hai connected with the youth, capturing the pulse of a generation, and its timeless tunes became the summer's soundtrack. As the film celebrates its 25th anniversary with a re-release, the fans are overjoyed and are expressing the same on social media.

Rakesh Roshan, Hrithik Roshan's father, directed Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai, which premiered in theatres in January 2000. Ameesha Patel is the film's female lead. Anupam Kher, Farida Jalal, Johnny Lever, and Satish Shah round out the impressive cast.

#25YearsOfKahoNaaPyaarHai trends on social media

To celebrate 25 years of the iconic movie, the fans are reliving every bit of it. Calling Hrithik's magic in the movie 'Hrithik Mania' a user wrote, "25 years ago, Hrithik mania captured the whole nation, and finally, I am watching the reason on the big screen."

25 years ago, Hrithik mania captured the whole nation, and finally, I am watching the reason on the big screen.#25YearsOfKahoNaaPyaarHai #HrithikRoshan pic.twitter.com/BVtLcHJlTk  Ashutosh (@IANANDASHU) January 14, 2025

Another die-hard fan wrote, "I Often Say That If I Die Or Slide Into Coma Music & Dialogues Of This Film Might Bring Me Back. That's How Special & How It's Connected To My Soul. A Film That Changed Everything! A Film That Is A Timeless Gem! A Film That Brought Us #HrithikRoshan!"

#25YearsOfKahoNaaPyaarHai :

I Often Say That If I Die Or Slide Into Coma Music & Dialogues Of This Film Might Bring Me Back. That's How Special & How It's Connected To My Soul

A Film That Changed Everything!

A Film That Is A Timeless Gem!

A Film That Brought Us #HrithikRoshan ! pic.twitter.com/xuRkkwhOQC  Hrithik's forever... (@iSangitaC) January 14, 2025

Appreciating the music of the movie, another fan wrote, "Na Tum Jano Na Hum is a timeless melody that has become an integral part of my mornings. Its soothing rhythm, soulful lyrics, and melodious composition have a unique freshness that feels as captivating today as it did when I first heard it. #25YearsOfKahoNaaPyaarHai"

Na Tum Jano Na Hum is a timeless melody that has become an integral part of my mornings. Its soothing rhythm, soulful lyrics, and melodious composition have a unique freshness that feels as captivating today as it did when I first heard it. #25YearsOfKahoNaaPyaarHai https://t.co/vg8I42yPSg pic.twitter.com/hrEbbv4bn7  KABIR (@iAshuHr) January 14, 2025

"25 years ago I realized there is more to world than dolls and toys," wrote another fan.

25 years ago I realized there is more to world than dolls and toys #25YearsOfKahoNaaPyaarHai pic.twitter.com/utLNmfVI12  Muse (@pixies_dust) January 14, 2025

A user recalls the movie being released in between two major stars of the time, Aamir and SRK and yet the movie made it's own place among the fans. "#KahoNaaPyaarHai released a week after a #Aamirkhan movie & a week before a #ShahRukhKhan movie..2 of the biggest stars of India then & now still #KNPH took the nation by storm & gave us a complete Bollywood Hero #HrithikRoshan," the fan informed.

#KahoNaaPyaarHai released a week after a #Aamirkhan movie & a week before a #ShahRukhKhan movie..2 of the biggest stars of India then & now still #KNPH took the nation by storm & gave us a complete Bollywood Hero #HrithikRoshan #25YearsOfKahoNaaPyaarHai #25YearsofHrithikRishan pic.twitter.com/gliYIkE31R  Pradeep (@LakhaniPradeep) January 14, 2025

For the unversed, Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai is a romantic thriller about Rohit and Sonia, who fall in love only to be separated by tragedy when Rohit is murdered. Sonia, heartbroken, travels to New Zealand, where she meets Raj, Rohit's lookalike. Together, they discover the truth behind Rohit's killing and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Also read: Hrithik Roshan shares handwritten prep notes for Kaho Na Pyaar Hai: 'I was so nervous'

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
News / National

by Staff reporter

President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday met Kenyan opposition leader Mr. Raila Odinga, who sought Zimbabwe's support for his candidature for the position of African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson.Mr. Odinga is among three candidates vying to succeed the incumbent AUC chairperson, Mr. Moussa Faki, who has held the position since 2017. The other candidates include Djibouti's Foreign Affairs Minister Tahtoud Ali Youssof and Somalia's Fawzia Yusuf Adam.Speaking after the meeting at State House in Harare, Mr. Odinga expressed optimism about gaining Zimbabwe's and the Southern African Development Community (SADC)'s support for his bid."I have come to announce (my candidature) and to also ask for support from Zimbabwe and SADC by extension. I am happy to have been received very well by the President," he said.Later, Mr. Odinga shared his sentiments on his X handle: "We landed in Harare, Zimbabwe today to a warm reception courtesy of H.E President Emmerson Mnangagwa @edmnangagwa. It's been a pleasure sharing with the President my vision for Africa and discussing my candidature for the AUC Chairmanship."President Mnangagwa, currently the SADC Chairperson, received Mr. Odinga as part of the latter's campaign to secure backing from the regional bloc. In March, the African Union (AU) agreed unanimously to allow the Eastern Africa region to nominate the next AUC chairperson, marking a milestone in the AU's institutional reforms initiated in November 2018.The AU aims to enhance transparency and meritocracy in leadership selection, emphasizing equitable regional representation, gender parity, and recruiting top talent from across the continent. This decision ensures the Eastern Africa region's representation in AU leadership while North Africa will nominate the deputy chairperson.Mr. Odinga highlighted shared challenges among African nations and the importance of collective solutions. "We have shared experiences with other nations, we know where we are coming from, where we want to go. But Africa will only be developed by Africans themselves. We must have a clear roadmap and blueprint on how to develop Africa," he said.He emphasized the potential of Africa's youthful population as a transformative force and underscored the need for integration among Africa's 55 states to harness the continent's resources effectively.Mr. Odinga, who has been touring Africa to garner support, indicated that his next stops would include other Southern African countries. The new AUC chair will be elected via a secret ballot at the 38th AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on February 25.The upcoming election reflects the AU's commitment to ensuring fair representation and fostering unity across the continent in addressing common challenges and advancing development.
After smashing all records with the hit film Stree 2 in 2024, actor Shraddha Kapoor is going to captivate audiences in a never-before-seen role in the next film Nagin. The film's producers appear to be finally ready to release it. On the occasion of Makar Sankranti, producer Nikhil Dwivedi gave an exciting update, including a sneak peek at the script.

Nikhil Diwedi shared an Instagram story with Nagin's script

On Tuesday, Nagin film producer Nikhil Dwivedi tweeted a photo of the script on his Instagram stories, which stated, "Nagin: An Epic Tale of Love & Sacrifice." It also stated, "Created & Developed by SAFFRON Magicworks." He captioned the photo with "Makar Sankranti & Finally"

Credit: IG

The film Naagin has been in the headlines for a long, sparking curiosity about the cast, plot, and release date. In 2020, Shraddha stated her delight about playing Nagin and mentioned that she grew up watching and adoring actress Sridevi's 1986 film Nagina.

Fans' enthusiasm grows as they await the film's first look and poster featuring Shraddha. Fans have posted painted and digitised images of Shraddha as a Nagin on social media.

Meanwhile, Shraddha Kapoor is currently enjoying the success of her film Stree 2, which co-starred Rajkummar Rao, Aparshakti Khurana, Pankaj Tripathi, and Abhishek Banerjee. Amar Kaushik directed the film, which was released on August 15, 2024, and became a hit.

What's next for Shraddha Kapoor?

If reports are to be believed, Shraddha will reconnect with Aditya Roy Kapur in Mohit Suri's next love drama. The two had previously appeared together in films like Aashiqui 2 and Ok Jaanu.

Also read: Shraddha Kapoor shuts down dating questions at event, leaves internet applauding

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
Sankranthiki Vasthunnam X review: Sankranthiki Vasthunnam, one of the most talked-about films of the Pongal/ Sankranti season, hit the screens on January 14 amid much fanfare. The Venkatesh-led action comedy created a good deal of buzz among fans ahead of its release with its colourful trailer. Moreover, the songs too clicked with the audience. So, did Sankranthiki Vasthunnam live up to expectations? Here is what netizens have to say

Sankranthiki Vasthunnam Twitter review

Venkatesh, Tollywoods favourite Family Hero is back in the limelight. His latest film Sankranthiki Vasthunnam hit the screens on January 14. It is an action comedy with several twists and has become the talk of the town with its trailer. Not surprisingly, fans took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to express there views on the flick.

A user said that Sankranthiki Vasthunnam isn't a perfect attempt at storytelling but it has the potential to click with the family audience.

Another netizen praised the performances and called the film a decent entertainer.

Sankranthiki Vasthunnam is a decent, passable entertainer to watch in theaters with family. Venky Mama, Aish, and Meenu add good flavor to this basic routine story. Enjoy your Sankranti with#SankranthikiVasthunam.  https://t.co/Q6M1VMeYSN  rajeev lowwell (@neydosaniro) January 14, 2025

Others praised it for offering a hilarious entertainer and also gave a thumbs up to Venkatesh for hitting the right notes with his work.

Sankranthiki vasthunnam is a Hilarious family entertainer..sure shot HITfamilies Gumpula Gumpula ga vachi chusthaaru

Anil rocked again with his brilliant comedy

He is an amalgam of EVV and SV Krishnareddy   Susheel Sohar (@Bunty_01) January 14, 2025

Venky mama never failed  biggest beast of telugu cinema  



Saindhav  was a fantastic movie but not right release !



Sankranthiki vasthunnam kottam biggest blockbuster  collars eggareyandi world wide Venky mama fans and global telugu cinema  audience   Prasad Stephen (@rock_stephen) January 14, 2025

As expected, sankranthiki vasthunnam full satisfied  Joy Boy (@Joyboyme) January 14, 2025

Sankranthiki Vasthunnam is produced by Dil Raju.

About Sankranthiki Vasthunnam

Sankranthiki Vasthunnam is an action comedy, directed by Anil Ravipudi. The film revolves around a former cop who undertakes an operation with his ex-girlfriend. His wife decides to join them, leading to an unusual situation. The cast is headlined by Venkatesh, Aishwarya Rajesh, and Meenakshi Chaudhary.

Sankranthiki Vasthunnam hit the screens on January 14 and is now playing in theatres.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.




Indian Army Day history, prade & wishes: Indian Army Day is celebrated on January 15 every year to honour the bravery and sacrifices of the Indian Army. It marks a historic moment when Lieutenant General Kodandera M. Cariappa became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, taking over from General Francis Roy Bucher on January 15, 1949. As we approach Indian Army Day 2025, let's take a look at the date, history, significance, parade venue, celebrations, and heartfelt wishes and messages that are shared across the nation.

Indian Army Day 2025 Date

January 15, 2025, will mark the 77th Army Day, a day to celebrate and salute the Indian Armys dedication. There will be events across the country to recognise the soldiers' sacrifices. This day reminds everyone of the role the army plays in keeping the nation safe and secure.

History of Indian Army Day

Indian Army Day started on January 15 1949, when Lieutenant General Kodandera M. Cariappa became the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army, taking over from the British Commander-in-Chief, General Francis Roy Bucher. This event was a milestone in India's journey from British rule to independence. Every year on this day, India celebrates the sacrifices of its soldiers who serve and protect the nation.

Significance of Indian Army Day

The significance of Indian Army Day cannot be overstated. It is a day to pay tribute to the brave men and women of the Indian Army who risk their lives to safeguard the country. This day encourages all citizens to remember and respect the sacrifices made by soldiers to ensure peace and security in the nation. It also highlights the Indian Armys important role in maintaining national unity and sovereignty.

Indian Army Day Celebration in 2025

In 2025, the Army Day parade will be held outside New Delhi for the first time in history. The celebrations will take place in Pune, Maharashtra, a city known for its strong military traditions. Pune is home to important institutions like the National Defence Academy and the Southern Command Headquarters. The move to hold the parade outside Delhi is part of the Indian Army's efforts to decentralise national celebrations and engage with citizens across different parts of the country.

The Army Day parade in Pune will feature marching contingents, mechanised columns, and displays of modern defence technology. Highlights of the parade will include live demonstrations of new technologies like drones. In addition to the parade, soldiers will be honoured with gallantry awards for their extraordinary bravery and service.

Indian Army Day 2025 Wishes and Messages

On Indian Army Day 2025, people from all over India will send out wishes and messages to express gratitude to the Indian Army. These messages are an important way of showing respect to the soldiers and recognising their selfless service. Here are some common Indian Army Day wishes and messages:

Happy Indian Army Day! We salute the courage and sacrifice of our soldiers who make India proud every day.

Wishing all the brave soldiers of the Indian Army a Happy Indian Army Day. Your dedication to the nation is truly inspiring.

On Indian Army Day, lets remember the heroes who protect us and keep us safe. Thank you for your service!

Happy Indian Army Day! We owe our freedom and safety to the soldiers who stand guard every day.

Saluting the Indian Army on Indian Army Day. Your strength, courage, and sacrifice make us proud.

To the brave hearts of the Indian Army, Happy Indian Army Day! You are our true heroes.

On Indian Army Day, we thank the soldiers who protect our borders and ensure our peace. You are always in our thoughts.

Happy Indian Army Day! Your sacrifices ensure that we sleep peacefully at night. We are forever grateful.

Wishing a very Happy Indian Army Day to the soldiers who serve with such bravery and dedication. Thank you for everything you do!

To all the soldiers who protect us and make our country stronger, Happy Indian Army Day! Your service will never be forgotten.

Indian Army Day is a time to thank the soldiers who protect us. Happy Indian Army Day to all the brave men and women of the Indian Army!

Key Highlights of Indian Army Day Celebrations

The Army Day celebrations feature various events, including the parade, gallantry awards, and displays of military technology. Soldiers who have received the Param Vir Chakra and Ashok Chakra, India's highest military honours, often participate in the parade. These awards celebrate the bravery of those who have shown exceptional courage in the line of duty.

In 2020, the Army Day parade saw Captain Tania Shergill making history as the first woman officer to command the parade. Such moments highlight the growing role of women in the Indian Army and inspire future generations to serve their country.

The Indian Army Day parade also includes displays of military hardware, such as tanks, missiles, and other cutting-edge defence technology. These exhibitions showcase the strength and readiness of the Indian Army to protect the country from any threat.

Indian Army Day is more than just a celebrationit is a reminder of the bravery, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment of the Indian Army. On Indian Army Day 2025, let us all come together to show our support and gratitude to the soldiers who make our country strong and secure.

(Note: Dates/timings may be subject to change; details mentioned here are as per the information available.)

For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.
Samsung introduces Ring in two larger sizes: Samsung has interesting news for wearable technology enthusiasts! Starting January 22, the Galaxy Ring lineup will include two more sizes: 14 and 15. These changes are intended to create a more comfortable fit for those with larger fingers, allowing everyone to enjoy the Galaxy Ring's revolutionary features. The Galaxy Ring, known for its elegant design and advanced health-tracking capabilities, has become popular with fitness aficionados and tech fans. The new sizes represent Samsung's dedication to inclusivity and customer happiness, making the device more accessible to a broader range of users. Whether you're tracking your steps, monitoring your sleep, or staying connected on the go, the Galaxy Ring now fits perfectly in every hand.

New sizes of Galaxy Ring

Credit: Samsung

The two new Galaxy Ring sizes are larger, at 14 and 15, bringing the total range from 5 to 15. This will allow users to achieve a more tailored fit for their fingertips.

When will the new Samsung Galaxy Ring will go on sale?

These new sizes will be available beginning January 22, the release date for Unpacked 2025 and the Galaxy S25 series. You may measure the Galaxy Ring size at home using a free measurement kit from Samsung.com or at a nearby Samsung shop.

Samsung Galaxy Ring: Details

Credit: Samsung

The Galaxy Ring has a concave design and a sturdy manufacturer. It is made of Grade 5 titanium, has an IP68 designation for dust and water resistance, and can survive depths of up to 100 meters at 10ATM. It comes with a clamshell charging cover with an LED indicator for charging status. Samsung says its battery can last up to seven days on a single charge.

At its India debut, Samsung announced that the Galaxy Ring works with Galaxy AI to generate thorough health assessments based on a variety of indicators. This "Health AI" function uses health-related data to deliver personalized recommendations and insights. The data and insights are available through the Samsung Health app, which does not require a membership.

Samsung Galaxy Ring price

The Galaxy Ring starts at Rs 38,999.

For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.
Samsung's triple-fold phone might debut in 2025: Samsung is pushing the boundaries of innovation yet again, with reports indicating that a breakthrough Tri-Fold phone could be released in 2025. This futuristic device is predicted to include a screen that splits into three halves, providing a unique combination of portability and function. Samsung has pioneered foldable technology, and the expected introduction could change how we use smartphones and tablets. While specifics remain unknown, the Tri-Fold phone may contain advanced capabilities, seamless multitasking, and a stylish design. Tech enthusiasts are excited, speculating on its potential applications and market impact. If the allegations are true, foldable gadgets could significantly stride ahead by 2025.

Samsung triple-fold phone: Big prices and low production

Credit: ET News

This comes after Huawei, a Chinese corporation, launched the first triple-fold smartphone in September 2024, the Huawei Mate XT. While the premise is similar, the price difference may be significant. The Huawei Mate XT is priced at 20,000 Yuan in China (about Rs 2,31,800). However, according to the Korean daily Sisa Journal, Samsung's version would cost more. According to a display industry insider, the tri-fold tablet will include three display panels, two internal and two external hinges, and improved hardware technology, making it substantially more expensive than current folding smartphones. The Huawei Mate XT taught Samsung a lesson about display, a problem with tri-fold phones. The Sisa Journal reports that Samsung's triple-folding smartphone will have a G-shaped design, with the outside screens folding inward. This is distinct from the Huawei Mate XT's S- or Z-shaped folding mechanism, which folds inward and outward. According to the article, Samsung's revolutionary design would make the smartphone last longer. However, according to reports, Samsung appears to be wary about its new sub-category of gadgets, with plans to build fewer than 3,00,000 units of the G-type triple-folding smartphone. The device is expected to launch in the second half of 2025. Like the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition, the initial launch will likely be limited to South Korea and a few Asian markets. A wider global rollout may depend on the device's performance and reception during the initial launch.

Plan for foldable phone by Samsung

It appears that Samsung has big ambitions for foldable phones this year. After the Galaxy Unpacked event (on January 22), which will reveal the Galaxy S25 series, the business will focus on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Galaxy Z Flip 7. This year, the company introduced two new foldables: the Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE and a triple-fold phone. While there will be a lot of variation in 2025, manufacturing is anticipated to remain low.

Expected specification of Samsung triple-fold phone

Credit: ET News

Little information is available regarding Samsung's tri-fold tablet, but one fascinating notion indicates it will have a dazzling 12.4-inch display when fully unfolded. This would position the device as a viable replacement for a standard smartphone and a tablet, exceeding Huawei's ground-breaking Mate XT with its 10.2-inch screen. Interestingly, the device may include a partially unfolded mode with a screen size of approximately 10.5 inches, providing an outstanding viewing experience. Another significant rumor is the potential omission of under-display camera technology. While this could improve the quality of the front-facing camera, it would require a hole-punch cutout on the main screen, which slightly detracts from the device's overall attractiveness. However, the trade-off may be worthwhile for increased camera performance.

Expected price for Samsung triple-fold smartphone

Samsung Galaxy Tri Fold phone's expected price in India is 1,99,990.

For more informative articles on historical and upcoming events from around the world, please visit Indiatimes Events.
Billionaire investor Warren Buffett has named his middle child, Howard Buffett, as his successor. Howard, aka Howie Buffett, is the middle child of Warren Buffett and has been nominated to take over as the non-executive chairman of Berkshire Hathaway.

Why Warren Buffett delayed naming his successor

Howie Buffett is expected to take the reins of the business empire, which is estimated to be around USD 1 trillion or approximately Rs 86,55,550 crore or Rs 86 lakh crore.

CREDIT: AP

According to The Wall Street Journal, 94-year-old Warren Buffett had delayed announcing his successor, as he was looking for someone who could manage his 8.2 trillion corporate asset group in a manner close to his own stewardship.

However, back in 2011, Buffett told CBS News that he would like his son Howard to succeed him as Berkshire Hathaway's non-executive chairman.

Who is Howard Buffett

The 70-year-old is a businessman, former politician, philanthropist, photographer, farmer, and conservationist.

CREDIT: FACEBOOK

Starting in 1993, Howie Buffett has served as a director on the boards of several prominent companies, including Berkshire Hathaway, Coca-Cola Enterprises, Lindsay Corporation, Sloan Implement, ConAgra Foods, and agricultural equipment maker GSI Group.

Howard Buffett's net worth

The estimated net worth of Howard Buffett is at least $4 million as of 2025-01-14. Howard Buffett is the Director of Lindsay Corp and owns about 30,177 shares of Lindsay Corp (LNN) stock worth over $4 million.

CREDIT: FACEBOOK

Howard Buffett's philanthropic activities

Howard Buffett also serves or has served on the National Geographic Council of Advisors, World Wildlife Fund National Council, Cougar Fund, Illinois and Nebraska Chapters of the Nature Conservancy, Ecotrust, and the Africa Foundation. Buffett founded the Nature Conservation Trust.

He is also the CEO and Chairman of the Howard G. Buffett Foundation (HGBF), which is named after his grandfather and is one of the largest private charitable foundations in the United States. HGBF focuses on issues including global food security, conflict mitigation, combating human trafficking, and public safety.

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
After announcing his solo tour, BTS rapper J-Hope is gearing up for a spectacular performance at the prestigious Gala des Pieces Jaunes in Paris, marking another milestone in his flourishing solo career. The charity event, scheduled for January 23 at Paris La Defense Arena, will also feature many French artists along with BLACKPINK's Rose, BigBang's G-Dragon, Katy Perry, John Legend, Burna Boy, Gims, Lang Lang, Pretty Yende, and the Lamoureux Orchestra.

Many are excited about the strong K-pop presence this year particularly BTS fans called ARMY. They have claimed to have secured more than half the tickets to see their favorite artist after months of missing him due to mandatory South Korean military service.

While fans of other artists were already upset about this situation, ARMY has now given them another reason to feel concernedand even angry.

What's the drama?

The BTS fandom, ARMY, has decided that since they hold the majority of tickets to the charity event, they will bring their lightsticks, called "ARMY Bombs," and set them to the colour purple during J-Hope's performance to honour him. This decision has upset fans of other artists, as their lightsticks don't necessarily change colours. They wanted ARMY to adjust their lightsticks to "pink" for Rose and "yellow" for G-Dragon as well.

However, BTS fans on X (formerly known as Twitter) were quick to remind other fandoms how they had joined forces in the "hate train" against BTS since the year began. ARMY attendees have stated they will change their lightsticks to purple for J-Hope and then keep them white for all other artists performing. This has surely not sat well with K-pop fans, leading to another fight on X.

Dear Armys



please do not be the bigger person and do charity for any k-pop whose fans are merciless while dragging bts, drags bts to mud everyday, calls Hobi names & body shames face shams always



we're the most toxic fandom anynway, please do not do charity     ia for exams (@Vantaeliz_ot7) January 13, 2025





Switch light stick colors??? This isnt a CHARITY! NOPPPE!  Who is Nat (@abyssafinciado) January 14, 2025

Blinks are SOOOO mad and losing their minds, because they know they don't have even 5% of our ticket selling power, and will be sitting sour faced through army time  pic.twitter.com/942METavz1  gomooshin (@taesoothe) January 13, 2025

ARMY'S WHO ARE ATTENDING THE EVENT DON'T FORGOT TO BRING YOUR ARMY BOMB WITH YOU !!!!! pic.twitter.com/Gotvi1MISs    (@Yoon_kookie97) January 13, 2025

they're calling you spawns of satan and y'all planning to change your army bomb's color to cheer their favs  https://t.co/iKFqiCHP1U  mars (@glossbyss) January 14, 2025

Having your armybmbs purple the entire night will make people more mad than a black ocean..just saying  K | BTS YEAR (@tksovers) January 14, 2025

About J-Hope's tour

The charity gala will set the stage for J-Hope's highly anticipated "Hope on the Stage" world tour, which kicks off on February 28 at Seoul's KSPO Dome. The 30-date tour will take him to major cities across Asia and North America. He will make history as he will become the first Korean soloist to headline Los Angeles' BMO Stadium.

Interestingly, J-Hope also recently teased of new music which is set to drop in March 2025. True to his compassionate nature, he has also addressed the California wildfire crisis, expressing heartfelt concern for affected communities and pledging to carefully adapt tour logistics to ensure safety and support.

Other K-Pop artists in the line-up

Rose, basking in the success of her hit collaboration "APT" with Bruno Mars will make her return to Paris following BLACKPINK's concert. Joining her is G-Dragon who is known for his electrifying stage presence, further elevating the star power of the Korean lineup.

The Gala des Pieces Jaunes holds a deeper purpose, with proceeds dedicated to improving hospital conditions for children and adolescents, adding a heartfelt and meaningful dimension to this star-studded musical event.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
The devastating wildfires in Los Angeles have taken a toll on many lives, including those of some famous celebrities. Billy Crystal, Mandy Moore, and Paris Hilton are among the ones who have lost their homes to the raging fires, while many living in and around LA were seen moving out to escape the inferno.

Celebs trolled for their response to LA wildfires

The LA wildfires have taken a catastrophic toll, with NBC News reporting that at least 24 lives were lost and over 40,000 acres of land ravaged by the flames. Amid the tragic turn of events, Angelina Jolie, Jennifer Garner, Selena Gomez, and Beyonce, among others, have come forward to extend a helping hand; however, some celebs are facing heat from netizens for celebrity privilege and alleged irresponsible statements.

1. Leonardo DiCaprio and Vittoria Ceretti

Recently, Leonardo DiCaprio was spotted evacuating from the wildfires with his girlfriend, Vittoria Ceretti. The actor, a self-proclaimed environmental activist, was captured by paparazzi boarding a private jet to escape the fires in Los Angeles and was clicked landing in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. His move has now attracted online backlash from netizens, who have now questioned his stand as a climate warrior.

'CLIMATE WARRIOR' LEONARDO DICAPRIO JUST ESCAPED THE LA FIRES ON HIS PRIVATE JET



Leonardo and his model girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti were spotted arriving in Cabo San Lucas Mexico on a private jet amid the devastating LA fires.



Source - Daily Mail pic.twitter.com/1DoTrByc0p  HustleBitch (@HustleBitch_) January 13, 2025

2. Mandy Moore

Mandy Moore became a target of trolls for starting a fundraiser for her family after losing houses in the wildfires. The actress took to Instagram last week to share a link to a GoFundMe page for her brother-in-law, Griff, and sister-in-law, Kit, who lost everything in the devastating Eaton fire. In a lengthy post, Moore explained that the couple is in urgent need of support, especially since they are expecting their first baby in just a few weeks.

Many argued that as a wealthy celebrity coming from privilege, she is out of touch with the financial realities of ordinary people. They cited that, given her own financial resources, she should be able to provide support to her family members herself.

3. Meghan Markle

In light of the LA tragedy, Meghan Markle reportedly requested Netflix 'delay' the release of her upcoming show, With Love, Meghan. The eight-part series, which was scheduled for a release on January 15, will now have its premiere on March 4.

However, critics have now trolled the Suits alum, stating that she's worried that the tragedy might 'overshadow' her upcoming show.

Meghan Markle 2021: Wouldn't delay Oprah Winfrey "royal racist" interview even as Prince Philip lay dying in hospital.

Meghan Markle 2025: Hastily postpones car crash new Netflix series by 2 months after going viral for crass disaster tourism in wake of LA wildfires.

We see her! pic.twitter.com/pJkv1Qs6Ec  Dan Wootton (@danwootton) January 12, 2025

4. Khloe Kardashian

Khloe Kardashian is receiving backlash online after she called Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass 'a joke' over her treatment of the LA fires. On January 10, the reality star took to her Instagram stories to extend her support for Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley while calling out Bass.

She said, 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!!!! She wrote in red text atop the video before adding, Thank you for being honest Mayor Bass, you are a joke!!!!

However, her remark received mixed reactions from netizens. As soon as she put out her stance, many reminded her of her family's past alleged drought-restricted water usage violations.

Meanwhile, Spencer Pratt has hit out at trolls who claimed his social status doesn't allow him to complain about losing his house in the LA wildfires as they branded him a 'rich celebrity.'. The Hills star made a TikTok video to defend himself, saying he is far from rich and online reports about his fortune are untrue.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, and celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
Lets talk about the Uttarakhand couple who not only brought Kashmiri kahwa and Kerala spices to the Shark Tank India stage but also walked away with a deal thats spicier than their products. Kiwi Kisan Window, their brand, wowed shark Kunal Bahl so much that he went beyond their ask and invested Rs 2.5 crore. So, what made them irresistible to the sharks?

Kunal Bahls amazing deal for the Uttarakhand couple

For starters, this wasnt just another pitch. The founders, who met through activist events, are on a mission to spotlight Indias regional foods, with products ranging from Assam tea to traditional masalas. Their passion for preserving local flavors while scaling globally struck a chord with the sharks.

Where desi meets international

The couple entered the tank with an ask of Rs 50 lakh for 1% equity, valuing their company at Rs 50 crore. It was bold, ambitious, and backed by numbersexpecting sales of Rs 10 crore in 2024. Inspired by Trader Joes, they envision a space where desi meets international, competing with giants like `li and Organic India.

Sab founders humare bhai hain (everyone founder is my brother) says Kunal Bahl

Sharks Vineeta Singh and Ritesh Agarwal opted out early, but Aman Gupta showed interest, offering Rs 50 lakh for 2% equity plus a 2% royalty until he doubled his investment. Azhar Iqubal teamed up with Aman, and they even tweaked their offer to remove the royalty component after seeing Kunal Bahl step in with his game-changing Rs 1.5 crore offer for 10% equity.

The founders werent ones to settle quietly. They countered with a Rs 2.5 crore ask at a Rs 30 crore valuation. Kunal, impressed by their confidence, explained that while he considered a lower valuation, he respected previous investors efforts and agreed to the deal. His parting words? Sab founders humare bhai hi hain, as he locked the deal at a whopping five times their original ask.

With Kiwi Kisan Window aiming to take regional foods online, this deal wasnt just about moneyit was about supporting a vision to make local flavors global. If this isnt Shark Tank magic, what is?
Are you a coffee lover? Many people find caffeine to be an energy booster and mood lifter, but if you plan to conceive, you need to be extra careful. According to a meta-analysis, some studies indicate low, medium, or high doses of caffeine may impact fertility in men and women.

Determining the relationship between caffeine intake and infertility is crucial, as high caffeine consumption can impact your fertility more than you think. Caffeine is a stimulant found in different amounts in coffee, black and green tea, energy drinks, some soft drinks, and in chocolates.

Caffeinated drinks are commonly consumed by many people in India and worldwide. The average amount of caffeine in a cup of coffee is 85 mg, but it can range from 45 mg to 175 mg depending on how coffee is prepared. Drinking high amounts of caffeine can increase the risk of various health issues and is significantly linked with reducing fertility in both men and women, says Dr. Vandana Bhatia, Fertility Specialist at Nova Southend Fertility and IVF, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi.

Excess consumption of high caffeine on fertility

Many studies have found out that women who consume large amounts of caffeine have reduced chances of conceiving naturally and take longer to become pregnant.

According to Dr. Bhatia, Just like women, even men are at higher risk of experiencing fertility problems due to excessive caffeine consumption. Over time, it can affect the quality of their sperm and reproductive health.

So couples who are actively trying to conceive or have already started their fertility treatments should be careful about their caffeine intake.

Harmful effects of high caffeine consumption on fertility

Hormonal imbalance: Estradiol and progesterone are reproductive hormones that are vital for ovulation and regulation of the menstrual cycle. Caffeine and estradiol are both metabolised by the same hepatic enzyme through a common metabolic pathway. As a result, the endogenous levels of these hormones are disrupted, resulting in hormonal imbalance.

Estradiol and progesterone are reproductive hormones that are vital for ovulation and regulation of the menstrual cycle. Caffeine and estradiol are both metabolised by the same hepatic enzyme through a common metabolic pathway. As a result, the endogenous levels of these hormones are disrupted, resulting in hormonal imbalance. Menstrual irregularities and reduced ovulation: Hormonal imbalance, as stated above, leads to disturbance in the menstrual cycle. It is said that a daily consumption of > 300 mg of caffeine has been associated with shorter menstrual cycle length. These women are more likely to experience problems with ovulation, preventing the ovaries from releasing eggs regularly.

Hormonal imbalance, as stated above, leads to disturbance in the menstrual cycle. It is said that a daily consumption of > 300 mg of caffeine has been associated with shorter menstrual cycle length. These women are more likely to experience problems with ovulation, preventing the ovaries from releasing eggs regularly. Pregnancy: Caffeine readily crosses the placental barrier in pregnant women, and the baby inside is exposed to the same caffeine levels as the mother. Exposure to excess caffeine has also been shown to have an impact on placental blood flow. Both factors may increase the risk of miscarriage, premature delivery, low birth weight, being small for gestational age, and even stillbirth. The Royal College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists U.K. recommends that you limit your caffeine intake to as little as possible during pregnancy to less than 200 milligrams (mg) per day. This means two mugs of instant coffee per day, as an average cup of coffee contains approximately 100 mg of caffeine.

Caffeine readily crosses the placental barrier in pregnant women, and the baby inside is exposed to the same caffeine levels as the mother. Exposure to excess caffeine has also been shown to have an impact on placental blood flow. Both factors may increase the risk of miscarriage, premature delivery, low birth weight, being small for gestational age, and even stillbirth. The This means two mugs of instant coffee per day, as an average cup of coffee contains approximately 100 mg of caffeine. Fertility treatment: Caffeine may reduce the chance of assisted reproduction procedures (such as IVF) being successful, though it is not very clear as yet.

Caffeine may reduce the chance of assisted reproduction procedures (such as IVF) being successful, though it is not very clear as yet. Lower sperm quality in men: Caffeinated beverages can reduce sperm motility and count. This can impair their ability to fertilize an egg. Poor sperm health can make conception a challenging process for the couple.

Caffeinated beverages can reduce sperm motility and count. This can impair their ability to fertilize an egg. Poor sperm health can make conception a challenging process for the couple. Increased cortisol levels: Cortisol is a hormone the adrenal gland produces and is also known as the stress hormone. Excess caffeine intake can increase cortisol levels, and this increase can disrupt the menstrual cycle, interfere with sex hormone production, and affect the endometrium negativelymaking it harder to conceive.

Cortisol is a hormone the adrenal gland produces and is also known as the stress hormone. Excess caffeine intake can increase cortisol levels, and this increase can disrupt the menstrual cycle, interfere with sex hormone production, and affect the endometrium negativelymaking it harder to conceive. Interference with nutrient absorption: Caffeine can hamper your bodys ability to absorb essential nutrients like iron and calcium. These nutrients are crucial for the production of hormones and fertility.

What are the effects of caffeine on the overall body?

Excessive caffeine intake can have a significant impact on your overall well-being. Dr. Manjusha Agarwal, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, highlights, It can lead to side effects like confusion due to overstimulation, persistent headache, mood swings, increased blood pressure, frequent urge to urinate, diarrhoea, muscle aches, feeling restless, difficulty in sleeping, decreased appetite, heartburn, rapid heart rate, nausea, episodes of vomiting, dehydration, sudden rise in body temperature, and trembling hands.

Too much caffeine in your body may not be good for your bones, as it can interfere with calcium absorption, making them weak. This is why it becomes crucial to drink caffeine mindfully.

How to drink coffee mindfully

Try substituting caffeine with healthy alternatives like green tea, coconut water, fruits, or vegetable juice. Avoid drinking caffeinated drinks right before going to bed. You shouldnt drink more than a small cup of coffee a day. Avoid drinking caffeinated drinks regularly; instead, drink them once or twice weekly. If you feel uneasy or sick after drinking caffeine, then cutting down on caffeine can be helpful, suggests Dr. Agarwal.
News / National

by Staff reporter

A Congolese national, Hassan Tata (45), has been fined US$150 by the Karoi Magistrates Court after being found guilty of overstaying in Zimbabwe without a valid permit. Failing to pay the fine will result in Tata serving a two-month prison sentence.The court heard that Tata was apprehended on December 20 last year at the Chirundu Border Post. Investigations revealed that his visitor's Entry Certificate had expired, and he had not secured an extension or a new permit to remain in the country.Tata faced charges under Zimbabwe's Immigration Act, which mandates strict compliance with visa and entry regulations. Following his arrest, Tata was charged and subsequently brought before the court, where he admitted to the offense.Zimbabwean authorities have recently intensified efforts to ensure compliance with immigration laws, particularly at border posts. Overstaying, even unintentionally, is treated as a serious offense, as it disrupts the country's immigration and security systems.Magistrate X ruled that the fine or alternative imprisonment serves as a deterrent to others who may be in breach of immigration laws. Meanwhile, immigration officials emphasized the importance of adhering to entry and visa regulations to avoid similar legal consequences.
Two new nationwide polls conducted by Marc and Opinion Poll for ANT1 and Action 24, respectively, confirm New Democracy's dominant position just days before the presidential election.

The surveys reveal a rise in support for the governing party, which surpasses 30% in vote estimation, while Pasok appears to be losing momentum

following the leadership of Nikos Androulakis.

According to the Marc poll, New Democracy leads Pasok by a significant 13.4 percentage points. Specifically, New Democracy garners 31.4% in the vote estimation, compared to Pasok's 18%. Syriza shows signs of recovery, securing third place with 8.5%, narrowly ahead of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE), which records 8.2%.

In the Marc poll's vote intention segment, New Democracy maintains a 13.2-point advantage, with 28.6%, compared to Pasok's 15.4%.

Syriza follows with 7.3%, while the KKE is close behind with 7%.

The Opinion Poll survey underscores public demand for political stability, with 80% of respondents expressing this preference.

Additionally, there is widespread support for electing the President of the Republic through broad consensus.

Syriza's resurgence is attributed to the recent election of Sokratis Famellos as its leader on December 1. Mr. Famellos's leadership appears to have revitalized the party after a period of stagnation.

Meanwhile, Pasok, under Mr. Androulakis, has seen a decline in the momentum gained from its earlier leadership transition.

The findings highlight New Democracy's strong position heading into the electoral process, while also illustrating the challenges faced by opposition parties as they strive to reconnect with voters.

Political stability and consensus remain key priorities for the Greek public as the country approaches this pivotal moment.

   iefimerida.gr
Stefanos Kasselakis, the former leader of Syriza and current president of the Movement for Democracy party, is scheduled to appear before the Single-Member Misdemeanor Court of Athens on May 8.

He faces charges related to asset declarations,

and involvement in foreign companiesan investigation initiated following allegations made by both the media and his former political party

The case centers around Mr. Kasselakiss involvement with U.S.-based companies, one of which allegedly provided funding to Syriza.

Prosecutors claim that Kasselakis violated Greek laws that prohibit political leaders and public officials from owning or managing foreign businesses.

Mr. Kasselakis has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that he was unaware of the legal restrictions regarding such business dealings.

The charges are based on provisions outlined in Greek laws (Law 3213/2003 and Law 5026/2023), which prohibit politicians, ministers, and party leaders from participating in foreign companies, either directly or indirectly.

Despite Mr. Kasselakis offering explanations during the investigation, criminal proceedings were launched due to the alleged breach of these regulations.

The controversy has its roots in months of speculation about Mr. Kasselakiss financial dealings and an ongoing feud with his former party, Syriza.

In November, the Athens daily Efimerida ton Syntakton published an article alleging that Mr. Kasselakis wealth declaration contained suspicious discrepancies.

In response, Mr. Kasselakis sent an extrajudicial letter to Syrizas leadership, accusing them of leaking his financial information to the press. Following this, Syriza barred Mr. Kasselakis from running for office and effectively expelled him from the party.

Syriza had already announced its intention to appeal to the judiciary in November, seeking an investigation into Mr. Kasselakiss possible involvement with offshore companies. Thymios Georgopoulos, Syrizas former financial director, claimed that the full extent of Mr. Kasselakiss financial and legal ties would soon be revealed, with further involvement from financial prosecutors anticipated.

In the wake of these allegations, Mr. Kasselakis responded, stating his intent to pursue legal action against those he described as slanderers who allegedly distorted his wealth declaration.

He further emphasized that he had never earned a single euro or dollar through illegal means.

The upcoming trial marks a significant chapter in the ongoing controversy surrounding Mr. Kasselakiss financial dealings and his departure from Syriza. It remains to be seen whether the legal proceedings will shed light on the allegations or if the case will further fuel the political drama surrounding his public life.

   iefimerida.gr
The quest to uncover the final resting place of Alexander the Great, one of history's most iconic figures, continues to captivate archaeologists and historians.

While the prevailing theory places his tomb in Alexandria, Egypt, a competing theory championed by Byzantine scholar Eleni Glykatzi-Arveler suggests that

his remains were secretly returned to his native Macedonia and interred in Vergina.

Glykatzi-Arveler points to the presence of certain artifacts in Vergina, such as an ivory miniature believed to depict Alexander and a golden larnax adorned with the Macedonian star, as evidence supporting her theory.

She argues that these items suggest a connection to Alexander and lend credence to the possibility that his remains lie within the ancient Macedonian royal tombs.

However, her claims have been challenged by scientific evidence and the archaeological community. Anthropological studies conducted on the skeletal remains found in the Vergina tombs indicate that they belong to Philip II, Alexander's father.

Angeliki Kottaridi, head of the Ephorate of Antiquities in Imathia, firmly rejects Glykatzi-Arveler's theory, citing the anthropological findings that point to the remains being those of a man in his mid-40s, while Alexander died in his early 30s.

"The bones speak for themselves," Kottaridi stated, emphasizing the importance of scientific evidence in resolving historical debates.

The dispute over Alexander's burial site highlights the complexities of interpreting historical and archaeological data, especially when cultural significance and national pride are intertwined.

Despite the ongoing debate, the search for Alexander's tomb continues to fascinate and inspire.

Whether hidden in Alexandria, Vergina, or elsewhere, the final resting place of the legendary conqueror remains an elusive prize, fueling speculation and driving further research.

The mystery endures, leaving room for new discoveries and interpretations that may one day reveal the truth behind Alexander the Great's final resting place.

   iefimerida.gr
Rosemary DiCarlo, the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, is set to visit Athens, Nicosia, and Ankara in mid-February, according to UN sources.

The trip is part of efforts to prepare for informal, expanded negotiations planned for March in Switzerland, although the exact dates for these talks have yet to be finalized.

During

her visit, Ms. DiCarlo will hold meetings with senior officials in all three capitals to build momentum and foster dialogue ahead of the March discussions, which aim to address pressing political and regional issues.

Simultaneously, Colin Stewart, the UN Secretary-Generals Special Representative and head of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), is in New York this week for consultations.

Mr. Stewart is meeting with high-ranking UN officials and representatives from the nations involved in the upcoming talks.

The diplomatic efforts reflect the UN's continued commitment to fostering stability and cooperation in the region. More details regarding the Swiss negotiations are expected in the coming weeks.

   iefimerida.gr
The "complaint" of the Health Minister and his confession for the... two and a half years of being called a "traitor": "All those who insulted me, instead of congratulating me, they do not place themselves on the issue ."


Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, has revealed that over 60,000 children are among the 120,000 Boko Haram members who have surrendered.

Musa, on Monday, disclosed this during an interview with Arise News, emphasizing that not all individuals associated with Boko Haram were willing participants, as many were conscripted or enslaved.

What we realised is that not everyone that is part of it is a terrorist. Some of them were conscripted, some of them were forced, some were enslaved, Musa said.

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He added that the surrendered members are being profiled in collaboration with the police, Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies.

Musa explained that Boko Harams new strategy involves recruiting children, as they no longer have territorial strongholds.

In the past, they would capture communities and force men, especially adults to join them. They would be beheaded if they refused. So they had no choice, he said.

READ ALSO: International Conspiracy Behind Funding Of Boko Haram, Training, Weapon Supply  CDS Musa

The defence chief expressed relief that many of these children are now in custody, saying they could have become a major threat if raised in a system that normalized violence and inhumane acts.

But now that they no longer have a territory, they decided to start impregnating the women. And what they do is that if a woman gives birth, four months after giving birth, they impregnate her again.

They were trying to produce a new set of terrorists. And to us, those new sets would have been most dangerous.

Children born into a system where violence, killing, and inhumane acts were normalized would not have empathy. Thats why we are happy that over 60,000 surrendered.

Musa assured that the government remains committed to deradicalization, rehabilitation, and prosecution to ensure lasting peace.

Nigeria is safe and will continue to be safe, he said .


Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Segun Sowunmi has accused President Bola Tinubu of operating a government structure that renders his appointees ineffective.

Sowunmi dismissed claims of a cabal within the Tinubu administration, instead suggesting that the President is the sole decision-maker.

According to Sowunmi, President Tinubus approach prevents those in key roles from fulfilling their responsibilities.

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The problem with the Bola Tinubu presidency is not so much of a cabal.

He has designed an infrastructure of his government that does not allow the men he has put in place to do the job they are assigned, Sowunmi said during a Television Continental interview on Tuesday.

Sowunmi specifically cited the example of Femi Gbajabiamila, President Tinubus Chief of Staff, who he claims is being hindered from effectively performing his duties.

READ ALSO: Obasa Was Acting Like An Emperor, Once Kept Governor Waiting For Over Four Hours  APC Chieftain, Oki

Take as an example, if he just allows Gbajabiamila, his Chief of Staff, to do the job of a chief of staff effectively and not multi-everything, somebody else could be the fall guy.

If you allow Gbajabiamila to profile and do that work the way weve always known him, then people can say he is the cabal.

But who is the cabal in Bola Tinubu? Bola Tinubu is his own cabal, Sowunmi emphasized.

He further noted that President Tinubus leadership style is reminiscent of an alpha male, where he alone holds the reins of power.

Sowunmi cautioned that this approach may ultimately prove detrimental, warning that the presidency is like a golden cage those you dont give power will go and do things for you, they wont be able to effect anything.
Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has insisted that Nigerias power sector will continue to suffer more setbacks due to insecurity challenges, facing the northern part of the country.

Adelabu led this out on Monday, during 2025 budget defense session with the Senate Joint Committee on Power in Abuja.

The Minister added that national electricity grid remains vulnerable to frequent collapses, partly because government is yet to repair a major transmission line in the Northern region due to persisting terrorist attacks.

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He said: The Kaduna-Shiroro-Mando line was one of the two major lines transmitting power to the north.

READ MORE: APC Chieftains Accuse Adelabu Over Alleged Discrimination In Power Sector

The second, the Ugwuaji-Makurdi line, was also vandalized but has been repaired. The Shiroro-Mando-Kaduna line, however, remains down due to insecurity.

This is why our grid is so fragile, as it relies on a single line, causing unnecessary strain.

We recognize the issues with full or partial grid collapses, but our focus is on reducing the time it takes to restore power. We are actively collaborating with security agencies to achieve this.

Adelabu so proposed the installation of solar lights and Closed Circuit Television cameras on highways across the country, to monitor the movements of vandals and other criminal elements and protecting critical infrastructures in the country.

INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the nations power sector suffered many setbacks, more than eight different times in 2024.
No fewer than 390 Nigerian migrants, who were stranded in Niamey, Niger Republic, have been repatriated to the country.

The returnees, comprising 387 adult males, two adult females, and one infant boy, arrived at the Nigeria Immigration Training School, Kano State, at 1:05 a.m. on Tuesday.

It was gathered that Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons, Tijani Ahmed, welcomed the returnees and assured them of governments commitment to reintegrate them through various empowerment programs.

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READ MORE: FG Repatriates 392 Nigerians From Niger Republic

He said: This effort is a continuation of the voluntary repatriations we began in 2024.

It highlights the Federal Governments commitment under President Bola Tinubus renewed hope agenda to ensure that every Nigerian has access to opportunities for a better life.

The success of this operation is due to the seamless collaboration among agencies such as NCFRMI, the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the IOM.

Upon arrival, all returnees were registered and profiled to ensure proper documentation and access to reintegration support programmes.

A team of officials from the NCFRMI, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), IOM, and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) were present to receive the returnees.

INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that this will mark the third batch of returnees from Niger Republic, following a similar repatriation in December 2024.

Between February and December 2023, the Nigerian Government facilitated the repatriation of 5,219 citizens from Niger, Libya, and other countries.


Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has described the fuel subsidy removal by the President Bola Tinubu administration as a blessing to State governments.

According to Uzodinma, the removal of the fuel subsidy has resulted in more funds being allocated to State governments.

In reconciling the negative effects of the fuel subsidy removal and the benefits in terms of socio-infrastructure, social benefits, and then the ease of doing business occasioned by the provision of the enabling infrastructure, I think it is a blessing.

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It is a direct blessing, it is not a disguise to the sub-nationals because more monies are now coming to states and state governments must do things to show citizens that they are able to do these things because they now get more monies as a result of the fuel subsidy removal by the Federal Government, Uzodinma said on Monday during the inspection of some projects to celebrate the first year of his second term.

READ ALSO: Bola Tinubu Is His Own Cabal  Segun Sowunmi

He emphasized that the increased funding to state governments is a direct result of the fuel subsidy removal by the Federal Government.

Tinubu had announced the end of the fuel subsidy regime during his inauguration as president on May 29, 2023.

While the move has been a subject of debate, some argue that it has led to increased economic hardship on Nigerians.

However, Uzodinmas statement suggests that the removal of the fuel subsidy has had a positive impact on States.
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Zimbabwe's Minister of Defence, Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, has traveled to Mozambique to attend the inauguration of President-elect Daniel Chapo. The Minister is representing President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is currently on his annual leave.The inauguration, a significant event in Mozambique's political calendar, has drawn several Heads of State and Government from across the continent to celebrate the country's democratic milestone.Zimbabwe and Mozambique share a deeply rooted relationship, dating back to the liberation struggle when Mozambique provided rear bases for Zimbabwe's freedom fighters. This bond has strengthened over the years through bilateral cooperation in trade, security, and cultural exchange.President Chapo will become Mozambique's fifth leader since the country attained independence in 1975. His leadership is anticipated to usher in a new chapter of development and regional cooperation.Muchinguri-Kashiri's attendance underscores Zimbabwe's commitment to regional solidarity and continued collaboration within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).The event highlights the enduring ties between the two nations and their shared vision for progress and unity in the region.


Primate Elijah Ayodele, the Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, has issued a stern warning to some politicians in Lagos State, advising them not to contest the governorship election in 2027.

According to Primate Ayodele, Senator Tokunbo Abiru, Gbenga Ashafa, Seyi Tinubu, Jide Adeniran, and Gbadebo Rhodes will not emerge victorious if they contest.

The Lagos State governorship race in 2027 will be a tough one that will see some powerful people humiliated. Many of those who seem interested at the moment will be disappointed.

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I want to advise Tokunbo Abiru, Gbenga Ashafa, Seyi Tinubu, Jide Adeniran, and Gbadebo Rhodes not to bother themselves. They wont become governor in 2027 if they attempt to contest, he said in a statement on Monday issued by Oluwatosin Osho, his Media Aide.

READ ALSO: 2027 Election: Saraki-Obi Better Option For PDP  Primate Ayodele

However, Primate Ayodele revealed that Hakeem Muri-Okunola, the current Principal Secretary to President Bola Tinubu, is the only person close to the seat, unless things change.

He also advised Femi Gbajabiamila, Tinubus Chief of Staff, to seek divine intervention if he has any ambitions, as he will face spiritual opposition.

Unless things change, I see Hakeem Muri-Okunola taking the lead in the governorship race. If Femi Gbajabiamila has an ambition, only God can help him. He needs to seek the face of God because they will destroy his plans. They will fight him spiritually, Primate Ayodele warned.

Additionally, Primate Ayodele cautioned the Governance Advisory Council (GAC) members in Lagos State to be wary of division over the 2027 governorship race.

I also want the GAC members to pray so that they wont be divided. The 2027 governorship race in Lagos will divide them. Likewise, they should pray against bereavement, he added.
The Ogun State Police Command has taken a woman, Odeale Fatima, into custody for reportedly injuring a 10-year-old boy (name withheld) with a razor blade over the alleged theft of N600.

According to DAILY POST, the incident took place in the Obada Oko area of the state.

The boy allegedly stole the money to buy ice cream for his friends.

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A source disclosed that the woman, who is the boys guardian, inflicted deep cuts on his hands as a form of punishment.

Omolola Odutola, a police spokesperson, confirmed the incident to DAILY POST on Monday, saying that the boy attends a private school in Obada Okos Araromi neighbourhood.

READ MORE: Tragic Truck Accident Claims Life Of Boy On Errands In Osun

Odutola mentioned that around 11:00 am, a team from the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, Obada Oko, led by their coordinator, Olagbegi Moses, brought the child to the station to report the incident.

Following the report, the officers arrested the suspect, and during questioning, she admitted to using a razor blade to inflict the wounds as punishment for the alleged theft.

Odutola said, On January 13, 2025, at about 11:00 am, a delegation from the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, Obada Oko, led by coordinator Olagbegi Moses, came to the station with ten-year-old, a student at Dinamis private school in the Araromi area of Obada oko, who had serious cuts on his hands.

When questioned, he (child) revealed that his guardian, Odeale Fatimah f from the housing area of Obada oko, had caused his injuries.

She was arrested and admitted to using a razor blade to inflict the wounds as punishment for allegedly stealing six hundred naira to purchase ice cream for his friends.

Odutola mentioned that the state Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, has instructed an immediate investigation into the case and assured that further updates would be provided soon.


A devastating accident has claimed the lives of 19 people in the Kwana Macji area of Pankshi Local Government Area (LGA) in Plateau State.

The victims, who were from Kano State, were traveling back home after attending a wedding ceremony in Barkin Ladi when the tragic incident occurred.

According to John Dasar, Chairman of the Parkshin LGA emergency management committee, the accident happened on Saturday, and while rescue efforts were underway, the vehicle caught fire, trapping 19 people inside.

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READ ALSO: Police Arrest Three Suspects For Flogging Female Employee Over Alleged Theft In Lagos

The accident happened on Saturday, the people were from Kano, they came for a wedding ceremony at Barkin Ladi. They were returning home and were to pass through Gindiri to Bauchi which is a shorter route

The driver and a few others survived, but 19 of them were burnt beyond recognition, Dasar said on Monday.

The survivors, he noted, were rushed to the Pankshin General Hospital, and later, the LGA Chairman, Felix Gonung, arranged for them to be transferred to the Jos University Teaching Hospital for intensive care.

Those with minor injuries, according to him, were treated and transported back to Kano State.
No fewer than two persons have been killed during a communal clash between Owake and Ebo communities in the Akoko Southwest Local Government Area of Ondo State.

INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that some properties worth millions of naira were also destroyed in the violent clash, which happened over the weekend.

Confirming the incident to PUNCH on Monday, the Spokesperson for Ondo State Police Command, Funmilayo Odunlami, said that the clash started last week when some youths from the Oka-Odo went on a hunting expedition and were allegedly attacked by youths from Ebo.

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She added that men of the command had been deployed in the area to maintain law and other.

Odunlami said: The Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, has called for peace amidst the ongoing clashes between the youths of Oka Odo, Ebo, and Owake communities in Iwaro.

READ MORE: Ondo Police Arrest Father Of Seven For Allegedly Killing Son Over Suspected Stealing Habit

The CP urged all parties involved to sheathe their swords, as violence and property destruction would only result in stagnation and underdevelopment.

The clash started on January 12, 2025, when youths from Oka Odo went on a hunting expedition and were allegedly attacked by Ebo youths.

The Ebo youths were said to have mistaken them for individuals from Owake, with whom they have an unresolved land dispute.

In retaliation, Oka Odo youths mobilised and invaded the Ebo community, leading to incidents of arson.

The conflict led to casualties on both sides leading to death of two persons (identities unknown), while the injured are currently receiving treatment in the hospital.

A police team, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operation), has been deployed in the area to restore peace and prevent further escalation.
Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has appealed to his colleagues to rededicate themselves in fixing challenges facing the country.

The former governor of Akwa Ibom State, also urged lawmakers to ensure that they focus on national development and legislative reforms in 2025.

Speaking on Tuesday, during a plenary session, marking the Senates resumption after the Yuletide and New Year break, Akpabio charged his colleagues to make Nigeria their priority.

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He said: Let us resolve to rededicate ourselves to the task of fixing Nigeria, transforming it into the country of our dreams, the pride of Africa, and a beacon of hope for the world.

As we return to our legislative duties, we are immediately faced with a matter of utmost importance: the consideration of the national budget.

READ MORE: Tinubu Inherited A Nation On Life Support  Akpabio

I have no doubt that, as always, we will approach this with our usual patriotic fervor and meticulous diligence.

This is not just a financial document; it is the blueprint of the aspirations and hopes of millions of Nigerians.

We must ensure that every item within it reflects the collective dreams of our people and serves as a catalyst for development, equity, and justice.

Another critical task before us is the completion of electoral reforms. As the nation begins preparations for the next electoral cycle, we have a unique opportunity to strengthen our democracy.

Electoral reform is not just a legislative duty; it is a moral imperative. It is our chance to gift the Nigerian people a system that is transparent, credible, and reflective of their will.

Let us not waver in this responsibility, for the foundation of every thriving democracy is trust in its electoral processes.
David Zandstra, seen here after his arrest in September 2023, is on trial this week in the 1975 abduction and murder of eight year-old Gretchen Harrington. Read more

On a bright August morning in 1975, Gretchen Harrington was looking forward to her final day of vacation Bible school and the perfect attendance award she was to receive that day.

But the 8-year-old Marple Township girl never made it to class, Deputy District Attorney Geoff Paine said Tuesday at the start of the murder trial for the man accused of killing her.

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Gretchen, he said, died at the hands of her pastor, David Zandstra, head of the Bible school at Trinity Chapel, a friend of her family, and a man she trusted. Zandstra, the prosecutor said, abducted the child on that summer day, then forced her to undress and beat her to death in Ridley Creek State Park.

We were always looking for the boogeyman, always looking for the stranger, Paine said. We know now thats not usually the case.

Zandstra, 84, denies any role in the crime and disputes the murder confession authorities say he gave during a four-hour interview with Pennsylvania State Police detectives in 2023 at his home in Georgia, miles and years removed from the Marple Township church where he first befriended the child and her family.

Gretchen went missing after leaving to make the short walk from her home to Trinity Chapel, according to testimony Tuesday. Police, neighbors, and friends scoured the area for weeks, desperate to find her.

In October 1975, a hiker found her decomposing remains in Ridley Creek State Park, next to her clothing, which had been left neatly folded. The makeshift grave was 2 miles from where she was last seen.

An autopsy later revealed Gretchen had been killed by blunt-force trauma to the head, according to police.

Zandstra, the prosecutor said, told authorities he was not attracted to little girls anymore, but said that like King David, his namesake, he would confess and be forgiven.

In court Tuesday, Paine said the crime deserved punishment, not forgiveness.

Just because he confessed doesnt mean hes free of consequences, Paine told the jurors. And the consequence will be carried out by you.

He told jurors that Zandstra, while in custody awaiting trial, had told his cellmate what he had done. The cellmate was so disturbed by the details, Paine said, that he sought counseling and asked to be moved to a different cell.

 READ MORE: Nearly 50 years after panic gripped suburbia, a new book, a key witness, and a confession

But Zandstras attorney, Mark Much, said his client was innocent and the prosecutions case was riddled with reasonable doubt. He said state police detectives, eager to make an arrest, had tricked a confused old man into making a false confession while ignoring other, more promising leads.

These are policemen, people he trusts, Much said. If they have evidence, as they say, then he mustve done it. So what do you do as a religious person? You confess.

Trooper Andrew Martin, the lead detective, had lied to Zandstra, telling him forensic evidence and eyewitness accounts linked him to Gretchens disappearance, according to Much.

In fact, Much said, Zandstras DNA did not match the DNA found on Gretchens clothing, and he was excluded from being even a potential contributor.

Much told the jury that investigators had considered other suspects, including Gretchens older sister, Zoe, who he said confessed to the crime in 2021. But she was never charged, and in testimony Tuesday, Gretchens other sister, Harriet Anne Myers, said Zoe had a history of mental health issues.

After years of investigating these and other potential leads, detectives identified Zandstra as a suspect in Gretchens death in late 2022, according to Paine.

A woman who had been a friend of one of Zandstras daughters came forward to say the pastor had sexually assaulted her when she was a child, at a sleepover at his house a week before Gretchen went missing. Zandstra, she said, had come into the room where she was sleeping and groped her. She told investigators that led her to wonder whether the pastor may have had something to do with Gretchens murder.

Zandstra was never charged in connection with the alleged sexual assault, but after speaking with the woman, detectives set up the interview with him in which they said he confessed to abducting and killing Gretchen.

In court Tuesday, Zandstras lawyer questioned the womans account.

The trial is expected to last through Friday before Delaware County Court Judge Anthony Scanlon.
As Donald Trump sought to retain the presidency after losing the 2020 election, members of his legal team considered whether they could take a dramatic step to manipulate the results in his favor  and simply throw out hundreds of thousands of votes that had been legally cast in Philadelphia.

The plot was part of a multipronged effort to keep Trump in power, according to special counsel Jack Smith, who provided details about it in a report released early Tuesday.

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And although the scheme never came to fruition, it nonetheless was discussed by some of the highest-ranking officials in his orbit, according to the report, which quotes Rudy Giuliani  then Trumps personal lawyer  as saying the idea was to just flat out change the vote, deduct that number of votes from the  declare those votes, 300,000 votes in Philadelphia, illegal, unlawful. Reduce the number by 300,000.

The plans inclusion in Smiths report served as another reminder of the key role Pennsylvania played in the 2020 election and a demonstration of how the state became a central focus for Trump and his lawyers as they sought to contest Joe Bidens win of its crucial 19 electoral votes. Biden, a Democrat, defeated Trump by about 80,000 votes in Pennsylvania that year, delivering him a key battleground state in a close and consequential contest.

The release of Smiths 137-page report marks the end of his attempt to convict Trump for trying to subvert the 2020 election results. With Trump poised to return to the White House next week after winning the 2024 election, Smith said it was impossible to pursue the case further due to the long-standing Justice Department policy against prosecuting sitting presidents.

The Departments view that the Constitution prohibits the continued indictment and prosecution of a President is categorical and does not turn on the gravity of the crimes charged, the strength of the Governments proof, or the merits of the prosecution, which the Office stands fully behind, Smith wrote. Indeed, but for Mr. Trumps election and imminent return to the Presidency, the Office assessed that the admissible evidence was sufficient to obtain and sustain a conviction at trial.

Trump responded on social media by blasting Smith, calling him deranged and saying his efforts to secure a conviction were politically motivated.

Jack is a lamebrain prosecutor who was unable to get his case tried before the Election, which I won in a landslide, Trump wrote.

Smith had revealed in previous court filings the extent to which prosecutors say Trumps various plots to remain in the White House four years ago intersected with Pennsylvania: Trumps team sought to recruit fake electors to disrupt congressional certification of the vote; involved several prominent state Republican operatives in that effort; and relied on a Kensington native to play a key role in sowing mistrust in the results.

More than 100 Pennsylvanians have also been charged with storming the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021  an attempt to block certification of Bidens victory, and one that Smith said Trump provoked by encouraging violence against his perceived opponents. Trump has denied that and said the prosecution of those who participated in the riot has been corrupt and unfair. He has promised to pardon at least some of those who have been convicted.

As for the plot to throw out Philadelphia votes, Smith said that demonstrated how Trump and those around him had sought to effectively cast aside legitimate votes in a manner that would have deprived citizens of their right to vote and have their votes counted.

Giuliani, who is referred to in the report as Co-Conspirator 1, discussed the Philadelphia-centric idea on a podcast with Trump ally Steve Bannon shortly after Election Day in 2020. But Smith said Trump sought to advance similar efforts elsewhere, including by pressuring Georgias top voting official to find votes that would tip that state in his favor, and urging then-Vice President Mike Pence to discard the legitimate electoral certificates that reflected millions of citizens votes in the targeted states.

The evidence collected showed that Mr. Trump targeted this voting right with precision: he centered his false claims of election fraud on select states, or cities and counties within those states, with large numbers of voters who had not chosen to reelect him, Smith wrote.

Much of Smiths report covered material that had already been publicly disclosed, either in prior court filings by his office or in documents made public by congressional investigators.

It included several other mentions of Pennsylvania, including references to the fake elector scheme, which Trumps team sought to deploy in six other battleground states that he also lost, and a description of how Trump repeatedly made provably false allegations about fraud despite being told otherwise by local officials, including the chair of the state Republican Party at the time, Lawrence Tabas.

The report also revisited Trumps targeting of then-Philadelphia City Commissioner Al Schmidt, a Republican who publicly defended the integrity of the citys vote count. After Trump posted a tweet criticizing Schmidt, threats against [him] grew more targeted, more detailed, and more graphic, the report said, and some included highly personal information like the names and ages of [his] family members, as well as photos or the address of his home.

Smith said the common link between all of Trumps efforts was deceit, adding: the evidence shows that Mr. Trump used these lies as a weapon to defeat a federal government function foundational to the United States democratic process.
The Pennsylvania attorney general has filed an objection to real estate mogul Allan Dombs bid on a former University of the Arts building, citing a restrictive covenant that required it be used for education and exhibition purposes.

Domb last week bid $6.5 million for the Art Alliance building at 251 S. 18th St., which includes a theater and art gallery. His was the first bid to come in on nine UArts buildings up for sale through bankruptcy court. Domb said last week that he hadnt decided what he planned to do with the building.

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When the Philadelphia Art Alliance merged with University of the Arts in 2018, a a restrictive deed covenant was placed on the property, Attorney General Michelle Henrys office said in a court filing Monday. The attorney general has oversight of charitable assets.

 READ MORE: Real estate mogul Allan Domb wants to buy UArts building for $6.5 million

The covenant requires that the building be used exclusively for purposes of education, exhibition, discourse and general public benefit consistent with [UArts] mission ... or otherwise for recognized charitable purposes, the court filing said.

A neighboring educational non-profit, the Curtis Institute of Music, had considered bidding on the Art Alliance building, according to Patricia Johnson, a spokesperson for the school. But after Domb put in his bid, the Curtis board decided against it because they didnt want to pay more than $6.5 million for the property, Johnson said.

Domb, a former Philadelphia City Council member and mayoral candidate who already is one of the biggest property owners in Center City, was not available for comment.

In awarding the bid, the UArts trustee must not only weigh the financial aspects of the transaction but also look to the countervailing consideration of charitable interests, the attorney general said.

The attorney generals office noted that Temple University bid $6.2 million  $300,000 less than Domb  for the building and should get it, citing the universitys Philadelphia location, shared educational principles and programs with UArts, and admission of more than 350 former UArts students.

The attorney general also noted Temples financial stability and immediate need for space in center city for its visual and performing arts programs.

 READ MORE: Temple has made an $18 million bid on UArts largest building, one of nine for sale

Their bid should have preference over others which lack these necessary criteria, Henry wrote. A more closely aligned use cannot likely be found.

Temple also last week bid $18 million for UArts Terra Hall, the largest of the shuttered universitys buildings. Temple President John A. Fry said last week that the university wanted to move its Center City campus to Terra Hall. Temple currently rents space at 1515 Market St.

In a statement Monday, a university spokesperson said Temple would use the Art Alliance building to present the talent and expertise of its Tyler School of Art and Architecture and the Center for the Performing Arts and Cinematic Arts.

The Universitys goal would be to use this facility as an intellectual hub, showcasing research and educational achievements of Temples faculty and student body by bringing lectures, exhibitions, poetry readings, theater and music workshops and other cultural events to the City of Philadelphia, the statement said.

 READ MORE: University of the Arts asks judge to distribute endowment with partner schools

Domb said last week that he had been interested in acquiring the 18th Street building for decades and expressed interest in purchasing it from the Art Alliance as far back as 2000. He said the building requires substantial renovations, although he did not inspect it before bidding.

I just did a gut inspection of it, Domb said. I just love taking these old historical buildings and maintaining them and bringing them back to life.

In November, Fry said Temple had carefully evaluated UArts buildings to determine the amount of deferred maintenance and investment needed.

That evaluation actually began when Temple was discussing a possible acquisition of UArts. But those talks fell apart after the Hamilton Family Charitable Trust, which says it has contributed about half of UArts $63 million endowment, said it did not favor having the endowment go to Temple as part of the deal.

UArts filed for bankruptcy in September, launching the process to sell its Center City buildings and use the proceeds to pay off bond debt of around $46 million and other liabilities. The school abruptly closed last June, leaving its students and staff scrambling.

Staff writers Jake Blumgart and Peter Dobrin contributed to this article.
CAIRO  Hamas has accepted a draft agreement for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of dozens of hostages, two officials involved in the talks said Tuesday. Mediators from the United States and Qatar said Israel and the Palestinian militant group were at the closest point yet to sealing a deal to bring them a step closer to ending 15 months of war.

The Associated Press obtained a copy of the proposed agreement, and an Egyptian official and a Hamas official confirmed its authenticity. An Israeli official said progress has been made, but the details are being finalized. All three officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the talks.

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I believe we will get a ceasefire, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said during a speech Tuesday, asserting it was up to Hamas. Its right on the brink. Its closer than its ever been before, and word could come within hours, or days.

The United States, Egypt and Qatar have spent the past year trying to mediate an end to the war and secure the release of dozens of hostages captured in Hamas Oct. 7, 2023, attack that triggered it. Nearly 100 people are still captive inside Gaza, and the military believes at least a third are dead.

Any deal is expected to pause the fighting and bring hopes for winding down the most deadly and destructive war Israel and Hamas have ever fought, a conflict that has destabilized the Middle East and sparked worldwide protests.

It would bring relief to the hard-hit Gaza Strip, where Israels offensive has reduced large areas to rubble and displaced around 90% of the population of 2.3 million, many at risk of famine.

If a deal is reached, it would not go into effect immediately. The plan would need approval from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus Security Cabinet and then his full Cabinet. Both are dominated by Netanyahu allies and are likely to approve any proposal he presents.

Officials have have expressed optimism before, only for negotiations to stall while the warring sides blamed each other. But they now suggest they can conclude an agreement ahead of the Jan. 20 inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, whose Mideast envoy has joined the negotiations.

Hamas said in a statement that negotiations had reached their final stage.

In the Oct. 7 attack, Hamas-led militants killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted another 250. Around half those hostages were freed during a brief ceasefire in November 2023. Of those remaining, families say, two are children, 13 are women and 83 are men.

Israels retaliatory offensive has killed over 46,000 Palestinians, more than half of them women and children, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which does not say how many of the dead were combatants.

Israeli airstrikes on two homes in central Gaza killed at least 17 Palestinians late Tuesday and wounded seven more, hospital officials said, adding that some of the corpses had been dismembered. Earlier strikes killed at least 18 people, including two women and four children, according to local health officials, who said one woman was pregnant and the baby died as well.

There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military. Israel says it only targets militants and accuses them of hiding among civilians.

A three-phase agreement

The three-phase agreement  based on a framework laid out by U.S. President Joe Biden and endorsed by the U.N. Security Council  would begin with the release of 33 hostages over a six-week period, including women, children, older adults and wounded civilians in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian women and children imprisoned by Israel.

Among the 33 would be five female Israeli soldiers, each to be released in exchange for 50 Palestinian prisoners, including 30 militants who are serving life sentences.

The Israeli official said Israel assumes most of the 33 are alive.

During this 42-day phase, Israeli forces would withdraw from population centers, Palestinians could start returning to what remains of their homes in northern Gaza and there would be a surge of humanitarian aid, with some 600 trucks entering each day.

Details of the second phase still must be negotiated during the first. Those details remain difficult to resolve  and the deal does not include written guarantees that the ceasefire will continue until a deal is reached. That means Israel could resume its military campaign after the first phase ends.

The Israeli official said detailed negotiations on the second phase will begin during the first. He said Israel will retain some assets throughout negotiations, referring to a military presence, and would not leave the Gaza Strip until all hostages are home.

The three mediators have given Hamas verbal guarantees that negotiations will continue as planned and that they will press for a deal to implement the second and third phases before the end of the first, the Egyptian official said.

The deal would allow Israel throughout the first phase to remain in control of the Philadelphi corridor, the band of territory along Gazas border with Egypt, which Hamas had initially demanded Israel withdraw from. Israel would withdraw from the Netzarim corridor, a belt across central Gaza where it had sought a mechanism for searching Palestinians for arms when they return to the territorys north.

In the second phase, Hamas would release the remaining living captives, mainly male soldiers, in exchange for more prisoners and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, according to the draft agreement.

Hamas has said it will not free the remaining hostages without an end to the war and a complete Israeli withdrawal, while Netanyahu has vowed in the past to resume fighting until Hamas military and governing capabilities are eliminated.

Unless an alternative government for Gaza is worked out in those talks, it could leave Hamas in charge of the territory.

In a third phase, the bodies of remaining hostages would be returned in exchange for a three- to five-year reconstruction plan for Gaza under international supervision.

Blinken on Tuesday was making a last-minute case for a proposal for Gazas postwar reconstruction and governance that outlines how it could be run without Hamas in charge.

Growing pressure ahead of Trumps inauguration

Israel and Hamas have come under renewed pressure to halt the war before Trumps inauguration. Trump said late Monday a ceasefire was very close.

Thousands of Israelis rallied in Tel Aviv on Tuesday night in support of a deal they have long encouraged. This is not about politics or strategy. Its about humanity and the shared belief that no one should be left behind in darkness, said a hostage released earlier from Gaza, Moran Stella Yanai.

But in Jerusalem, hundreds of hard-liners marched against a deal, some chanting, You dont make a deal with the devil, a reference to Hamas.

In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, families of Palestinian prisoners gathered as well. I tell the mothers of the prisoners to put their trust in the almighty and that relief is near, God willing, said the mother of one prisoner, Intisar Bayoud.

And inside Gaza, an exhausted Oday al-Halimy expressed hope from a tent camp for the displaced. Certainly, Hamas will comply with the ceasefire, and Israel is not interested in opposing Trump or angering him, he said.

A child born in Gaza on the first day of the war, Massa Zaqout, sat in pink pajamas in another tent camp, playing with toys. Were eagerly waiting for a truce to happen so we can live in safety and stability, her mother, Rola Saqer, said.
Rebecca Kutler, a Philadelphia native currently serving as the networks senior vice president of content strategy, will take over for Rashida Jones as MSNBCs interim network president. Read more

MSNBC is getting a new president and, for now, its someone with Pennsylvania roots.

Rashida Jones announced Tuesday that she was leaving the cable channel, stepping down as its president after four years in the role. In a note to staffers, Jones said shed stay on until March as part of a transition process.

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Rebecca Kutler, a Philadelphia native serving as the networks senior vice president of content strategy, will take over as MSNBCs interim network president. Kutler was recruited to MSNBC from CNN by Jones in 2022. The promotion is effective immediately, according to leadership.

Kutler has not publicly commented as of publication time.

Who is Rebecca Kutler?

MSNBCs new interim president currently serves as a content strategy senior vice president. In that role, she oversees MSNBCs dayside programming and additional brand content, like podcasts, films, live events, and streaming platforms.

Since joining MSNBC in 2022, Kutler has been praised for leading development and expanding several of MSNBCs marquee programs, including Inside With Jen Psaki and The Weekend.

According to the network, Kutler, 45, led the launch of the MSNBC Live event series, which features high-profile interviews, panel discussions, and conversations with MSNBC hosts including Rachel Maddow, Lawrence ODonnell, and Chris Hayes. She also led the networks mobile app relaunch and its premium podcast subscription service.

Where is Kutler from?

Before she joined MSNBC, Kutler was born in Pennsylvania, growing up in Phillys Center City and later, Montgomery County, along with other parts of the Northeast. She earned her bachelors degree from George Washington University and her masters degree in journalism from Columbia University, according to her LinkedIn profile.

Whats Kutlers career history?

The bulk of her career was spent at CNN, with two decades of credentials including producer, executive producer, and later, vice president of content development and senior vice president and head of programming for CNN+. Kutler helped build CNNs team of talent, which included Abby Phillip, Van Jones, David Axelrod, and Laura Coates.

In a 2020 interview with the Columbia Journalism Review, Kutler was hailed as a pundit czar for her ability to recruit and court winning contributors.

Shes a mother of three and met her husband when the pair were attending George Washington University together. The family lives in Bethesda, Md.

Rebecca is the ideal leader to guide us through this moment, and I look forward to collaborating with her as we shape our collective future together, said Mark Lazarus, the incoming CEO of SpinCo (Comcasts new NBC spin-off company). Lazarus went on to call Kutler a catalyst for growth at MSNBC and a highly respected industry veteran.
President-elect Donald Trump with the firefighter helmet and jacket that belonged to Corey Comperatore, during his address to the Republican National Convention in July. Read more

When President-elect Donald Trump ends his inaugural address next week, a group of police and EMTs who responded to the assassination attempt on his life in Butler will lead a parade down Pennsylvania Avenue.

The July assassination attempt at the Butler Farm Show Grounds  just days before the Republican National Convention  was a defining moment of the 2024 campaign. Many of the Pennsylvania supporters who were there that day will be together again for Trumps inauguration.

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The shooter, who was killed by a Secret Service sniper, clipped Trumps ear, killed Corey Comperatore, a firefighter from Buffalo Township, and wounded two others. The assassination attempt prompted immediate questions about security failures, resulting in the resignation of then-Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle and a bipartisan Congressional Task Force, which was led by U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R., Pa.), a Butler native.

What we did together at the Butler Farm Show Grounds as first responders, police, and pre-hospital emergency teams on that terrible day in July is what we are trained to do in Butler County every day: protect and save lives, the Butler County First Responders said in a statement provided by the Trump Inauguration Committee.

We hope all Americans will pause today to remember the bravery and sacrifice of their own first responders...we are honored to be here to represent them all, and immensely proud to salute our fellow life-savers nationwide by marching together in the Inaugural Parade.

Following the assassination attempt, Tesla CEO Elon Musk endorsed Trump, the beginning of a strong political alliance between Trump and the worlds richest man. The moment became a unifying call for Trump, who returned to Butler for a rally in October.

The Butler first responders are listed second in marching order after the U.S. Army in an expansive list featuring participants from 23 states. The parade on Monday goes from the Capitol to the White House and including veterans groups, high school and university marching bands, and equestrian groups.

The day is likely to be both a celebratory display of Trump and his expanded GOP base. It will also usher in a swift reversal of President Joe Bidens policy agenda, which could have immediate impacts on the region. Trump has said hell take bold Day 1 action on several measures, including pardoning Jan. 6 prisoners, shutting down the U.S.-Mexico border, and ordering mass deportations.

He could sign executive orders anytime after taking the oath but presidents have traditionally waited to do so until they are in the Oval Office later in the day, following the parade.

A horse named Trump

The other Pennsylvania group participating in the inaugural parade is an award-winning Belgian six-horse hitch from Tunkhannock, near Scranton.

The Belgian horses pull a big red wagon with white wheels, the kind used 100 years ago to haul freight. The hitch has won awards across the country  including one of its wheel horses, whose barn name (or nickname) is Trump.

Trump won Pennsylvania and we have a horse who happens to be named Trump that is the North American champion gelding, said Don Sherwood, a former congressman from Northeastern Pennsylvania, who owns the horse hitch.

Sherwood said he reached out to the inaugural committee suggesting his horses be featured. He also told freshman Republican Sen. Dave McCormick about the idea, who he thinks may have put in a good word.

The horses have performed in parades and shows around the country but this will be their first presidential inauguration. Theyll stay overnight in a van in Washington and be well-fed to withstand the cold temperatures expected on Monday.

They do well in the cold, we may freeze our you-know-whats off, Sherwood said. But its sort of a once-in-a-lifetime deal for all of us. Were thrilled.
The Los Angeles wildfires have wreaked havoc through thousands of structures in areas such as Pasadena, Altadena, and the Palisades  destroying community members homes and erasing generations of memories from those who once lived in the area, including the memories of Sixers forward Paul George and his cohost Jackie Long.

Its been a hard couple days, said George on Podcast P. Obviously, I still have my home in Palisades, and so, to be way here and to have friends that are out there and in that area, I know people that have lost their homes in the Palisades area, personally. Its tough. I havent really slept in the past two days just because of stuff thats been going on and then this going on and being worried about the fires and families affected. And is it going to reach my crib?

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 READ MORE: Los Angeles wildfires hit close to home for Sixers with ties to area: Im just praying, praying for the city

The L.A. fires began to spread across the area last week  two of the largest fires are in Pacific Palisades and the Eaton fire in Pasadena and Altadena. Pasadena native Long wore an Altadena hoodie to show love to the city in the latest podcast episode.

Altadena, Pasadena is my heart and my soul, Long said. No matter where Im at or what Im doing, I always represent and talk about my city. My city is not my city right now. Its burning down. My memories that I had are gone.

George had his own fair share of memories in Southern California  he grew up in Palmdale and spent five seasons with the Los Angeles Clippers before joining the Sixers last summer.

Give nothing but love and a ton of support to all of the communities out there, whether its Pasadena, Altadena, George said. I know theres a fire out in Hollywood, Palisades. Just want to give a shoutout to the first responders, firefighters that are out there trying to fight and support and giving everything they have to the L.A. community to try to stop these wildfires. We appreciate you guys.
It was during her presidency that she became involved with the IAA. Over time, she has taken on numerous roles within the international organisation, including chairing the IAA Education Committee, where she led the creation of a global education syllabus. She has also contributed to the IAAs Strategic Planning Committee, Nominations Committee, and the Resource and Environment Working Group.
The privacy and data protection officers during that time were pulled in many directions, managing laws and requirements that could change quickly, yet they were expected to be the calm in the storm, Royal said. I have no doubt that Jordan was and will continue to be a calming influence and steady leader throughout the challenges we face with emerging technology and growing regulatory landscape.
What we are seeing across the market is a lot of insurance firms asking their people to come back into the office, he said. Thats because the best way for staff to learn is by listening to the people around them, particularly the junior staff.
With January already upon us, this is an important moment to pause and reflect on the year that just came to an end. Its been seven months since I stepped into the shoes of the NIBA CEO and the ongoing challenges in the Australian insurance landscape mean that the work NIBA has been doing throughout the year to ensure the voice of brokers is heard loud and clear is more important than ever.
We need to assume that there are more who are also underinsured or not insured at all in Australia because premiums have gone up so much, and due to cost of living, she said, as reported by ABC.
In addition to the current requirements for liquidity stress tests and liquidity coverage ratios, she noted that the BMA currently has public consultation proposals out for public disclosures to provide increased transparency into the assets and liabilities held by long-term commercial reinsurers. We will likely continue to see new entrants into the Bermuda market, however, only companies that are committed to operating in a highly regulated jurisdiction will choose Bermuda and increased transparency will make that abundantly clear.

Where are there opportunities for the market to differentiate itself?

Zeroing in on the opportunities facing the Bermuda reinsurance market, Williams-Charles emphasized the importance of transparency. We have seen a knowledge gap about Bermudas regulatory regime and new enhancements, and we will continue to explain how our life and annuity sector operates, she said.
We now are very confident that we will be able to successfully complete the announced sale of wefox Insurance AG in the first half of 2025. This is a further step towards our future focus on the Swiss short- and long-term absence market, Huber said.
In a report from Gulf Business, PIF said that a more well-capitalized Saudi Re will be better positioned to meet the increasing demand for reinsurance services and develop new products. The additional capital is also expected to support Saudi Res expansion in both domestic and international markets.
The company also partnered with Turner & Associates Insurance, a Georgia-based insurer with accounts and specialty practices for nonprofits, construction and hospitality. Higginbotham said then that the partnership is a reflection of its commitment to solidify its presence in the state as well as the Southeast region.
"As we now confront the significant aftermath of these fires, we will continue to work with government leaders on solutions to ensure that all homeowners have access to the homeowners insurance they need," Ozur added.
Hyper-personalization is especially important in the E&S market, where clients often demand highly flexible solutions, and higher coverage limits to address complex and unique risks. This shift is reflected in the increasing embrace of customizable, tech-driven solutions across the insurance industry. According to a survey by the SAS Institute, 89% of insurance decision-makers plan to invest in GenAI by 2025, with 92% of respondents already having dedicated budgets in place.
It is an honor for me to have the opportunity to lead this organization. Im grateful for the work that Jay and the rest of the leadership team have done to position One Call for growth. I look forward to working with the executive team and the talented, passionate colleagues on the next chapter of the companys evolution, Mendez said.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul last Thursday said she will push for new laws to make it harder for hedge funds to purchase large numbers of single-family homes in the state.

In a statement, Hochul said she would propose legislation this year that would require a 75 day waiting period before large investment firms could place bids on new homes hitting the market and limit certain tax benefits when the firms purchase homes.

The plan comes as lawmakers elsewhere have also sought to address public concerns that hedge funds or other big investors are buying up single-family homes and shrinking the housing supply for individual buyers and families. Experts have blamed housing scarcity on several factors, including high mortgage rates and years of underbuilding of new homes.

Hochul, in her statement, said shadowy private equity giants are buying up the housing supply in communities across New York, leaving everyday homebuyers with fewer and fewer affordable options.

Private equity firms own more than 500,000 homes nationwide, according to the governors news release, with some estimates expecting the firms to own up to 40% of the single-family rental market by 2030. There were more than 145 million housing units in the country in 2023, according to U.S. Census data.

A report from Harvard Universitys Joint Center for Housing Studies found that non-individual investors  which includes landlords who form limited liability corporations  owned a quarter of single-family rentals in 2021. Larger investors tended to buy newer and bigger homes in places with population growth and rapid rent increases, according to the report.

A different report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office found that the countrys five largest institutional investors owned nearly 2% of all single-family rental homes nationally in 2022, with the issue most pronounced in Sunbelt states.

Seumalu Elora Lee Raymond, an associate professor at Georgia Tech, said the average home buyer cant compete with hedge funds that are willing to spend more on homes and put money down at a moments notice.

These guys are competition for buying new homes so if youre trying to buy a starter home that can be challenging, Raymond said.

Hochul, a Democrat, has rolled out a series of economic proposals for the states legislative session that are geared toward addressing the states high cost of living. On Thursday, she also announced proposals to incentivize the construction of starter homes and help first-time homeowners with down payments.

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics New York
A sinkhole where a Pennsylvania woman fell to her death last month is now being filled with hundreds of cubic yards of grout in a bid to stabilize the site.

The work in the village of Marguerite, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) east of Pittsburgh, started just days after emergency responders found the remains of 64-year-old Elizabeth Pollard on Dec. 6, four days after she went missing while searching for her cat. The sinkhole was near a restaurant about half a mile (0.8 kilometers) from her home

Crews have since pumped more than 3,300 cubic yards of grout into the site, the Pittsburgh-Tribune-Review reported, but its not yet known when the work will be completed. The work was put on hold this week due to snow and extremely cold temperatures, but officials hope to resume working soon.

State environmental officials have said the crews are digging between 12 and 16 boreholes strategically placed across the property. Each is being pumped with a cement-like grout mixture that will slowly spread over a roughly 25-foot area as it hardens, forming wide pillars to support the earth above.

Officials have said the sinkhole apparently began as a manhole-sized gap and may have only recently opened above where coal was mined until about 70 years ago. Hunters and restaurant workers in the area in the hours before Pollards disappearance told police they hadnt noticed the sinkhole.

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Pennsylvania
Russian insurance company Ingosstrakh said on Friday [Jan. 10] that U.S. sanctions against it would increase the risk of environmental disasters.

The Biden administration on Friday imposed its broadest package of sanctions yet targeting Russias oil and gas revenues in an attempt to give Kyiv and the incoming administration of Donald Trump leverage to reach a deal for peace in Ukraine.

The sanctions were imposed on two of Russias maritime insurance providers: Ingosstrakh and Alphastrakhovanie.

Removing Ingosstrakh from the market creates a vacuum that will inevitably be filled by fly-by-night insurers lacking the capacity or intent to ensure compliance or pay claims. This dramatically heightens the risk of environmental disasters, such as oil spills, the company told Reuters via email when asked for comment.

Ingosstrakh is operating normally and fulfilling all its obligations to clients and partners, the company added in the email.

Alphastrakhovanie did not immediately respond to a request for a comment.

Ingosstrakh was added to the list of designated Russian entities by the UK governments sanctions enforcement arm, OFSI, in June 2024.

(Reporting by Reuters; editing by Matthew Lewis)

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The European Unions new digital chief, Henna Virkkunen, suggested the repeated damage to undersea cables in the Baltic Sea couldnt be fully accidental, as leaders from the region prepare to gather for a NATO summit devoted to the topic.

It cant really be by accident if these are happening many times a year, Virkkunen, the European Commissions executive vice president for technological sovereignty, security and democracy, told Bloomberg TV in an interview taped on Monday.

There have been three instances of suspected sabotage of underwater power lines, data cables and a gas pipeline over the past 15 months in the Baltic Sea, with ship anchors tearing the infrastructure from the seabed.

On Tuesday, officials from the EU and North Atlantic Treaty Organization gathered for a meeting with leaders from countries surrounding the Baltic Sea in Helsinki to address how we can better prevent and detect and also respond to that kind of incidents, Virkkunen added. The summit is co-hosted by Finland and Estonia.

Arriving in Helsinki, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said three violations in such a short period of time shows that this is not an accident and that there is a very high probability that those are deliberate actions of hostile countries.

Authorities have established no motivation for the three incidents, involving ships flagged in Hong Kong, China and the Cook Islands, with anchor drag marks discovered over long distances on the bottom of the sea.

There have been accidents and we have to assume that they are part of a hybrid strategy to threaten European countries, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said. Germany will respond with increased surveillance patrols by the navy, he said.

Scholz said attacks on infrastructure cannot be ignored and are a serious threat.

Following suspected sabotage of undersea cables between Finland and Estonia, NATO is increasing its surveillance operations in the Baltic Sea region by deploying two ships in the area, Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen announced Friday. Estonia has already sent a warship to patrol another power link.

Theres more that can be done on hybrid threats, of which the cable breaks are the latest example, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said at the European Parliament on Monday, adding that allied leaders will take further steps. We must be more resilient to such hostile actions, he said.

Finland is investigating the anchor of tanker Eagle S retrieved from the seabed as it probes aggravated criminal mischief and aggravated interference of communications in the cable breach incident that happened in late December. The vessel, sailing under the Cook Islands flag, is believed to have dragged its anchor for long distances.

Officials have identified it as a member of the so-called shadow fleet transporting Russian petroleum products.

The shadow fleet is one of the ways for Russia to continue the war in Europe, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said as she arrived at the meeting. We have to be very direct to other countries that we will not accept any kind of sabotage.

In December, the EU adopted a 15th package of sanctions, this time targeting the shadow fleet of tankers Russia is using to get its oil to market to curb Moscows ability to circumvent existing restrictive measures.

One very efficient measure for the EU is to continue to sanction the Russian shadow fleet, Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics said, adding that the EU is lagging behind the US and UK in enacting such measures. We actually need to close the Baltic Sea for the shadow fleet, through the sanctions, through the countermeasures and international law.

Photograph: Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in Helsinki, on Jan. 14, 2024.

Related:

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.

Topics InsurTech Tech Europe
Polo Insurance Managers (PIM), the Guernsey based insurance manager business within the PoloWorks group, announced the launch of Clockwork Re  a newly established Category 4 Commercial General Reinsurer in Guernsey.

Clockwork Re has been formed to access superior insurance returns from Lloyds of London and other collateralised reinsurance markets and has secured regulatory approval from the Guernsey Financial Services Commission (GFSC).

Dhruv Patel, the founder behind Clockwork Re, is a respected capital provider at Lloyds, a director of the Association of Lloyds Members (ALM), and deputy chairman of the High Premium Group.

I am thrilled to announce the formation of Clockwork Re. The professionalism and efficiency demonstrated by service providers and regulators in Guernsey has been impressive, enabling us to launch in time for the critical 01/01 renewal period with confidence, commented Patel.

Polo Insurance Managers have been instrumental in taking this project from concept to reality, and I am excited to bring my experience to this dynamic jurisdiction, he added.

We are pleased to have supported Dhruv on this unique formation, which is testament to our ability to structure and manage complex transactions for our clients in short timeframes, said Mark Elliott, CEO Polo Insurance Managers.

We are excited that Clockwork Re selected Polo Insurance Managers in Guernsey as its insurance manager, and this further endorses Guernseys status as the European domicile of choice for specialist insurance management solutions, Elliott said.

The establishment of Clockwork Re underscores Guernseys strategic importance as a global centre for insurance innovation and reaffirms Polo Insurance Managers commitment to delivering bespoke solutions that drive value for its clients.

About PoloWorks

PoloWorks is a leading Lloyds and London Market insurance services businesses and is made up of four divisions: Polo Commercial Insurance Services (PCIS), which provides specialist, outsourced services to around 40% of operators within Lloyds and the London Market; Polo Managing Agency (PMA), a turnkey Lloyds managing agency that offers a full suite of services for all stages of a syndicates life cycle; PIM is an independent insurance manager based in Guernsey and active in Europe, and PoloPartners, a joint venture with PwC UK that offers a tech-enabled and end-to-end service.

Source: PoloWorks
The Minneapolis City Council this month approved an agreement with the federal government to overhaul the citys police training and use-of-force policies in the wake of the murder of George Floyd.

The deal incorporates and builds on changes the Minneapolis Police Department has made since Floyd, a Black man, was killed by a white officer in 2020, prompting a national reckoning with police brutality and racism.

The 171-page agreement, filed in federal court shortly after the council voted 12-0 to approve it, says the department will require its officers to promote the sanctity of human life as the highest priority in their activities. It says officers must carry out their law enforcement duties with professionalism and respect for the dignity of every person. And it says they must not allow race, gender or ethnicity to influence any decision to use force, including the amount or type of force used.

The agreement, known as a consent decree, will put the department under long-term court supervision. It had been under negotiation since the Department of Justice issued a scathing critique of the citys police in June 2023.

Department officials alleged that police engaged in systematic racial discrimination, violated constitutional rights and disregarded the safety of people in custody for years before Floyd was killed. The report was the result of a sweeping two-year investigation that confirmed many citizen complaints about police conduct. It found that Minneapolis officers used excessive force, including unjustified deadly force, and violated the rights of people engaged in constitutionally protected speech.

George Floyds death was not just a tragedy, it was a galvanizing force for the city and for the nation, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, head of the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division, said at a news conference. All eyes remain on Minneapolis, and with this consent decree, we now have a roadmap for reform that will help this community heal while strengthening trust between law enforcement and the people they serve.

An independent monitor will oversee the changes and a judge must approve them. A hearing has not yet been scheduled, but officials hope that approval comes quickly.

During his first administration, President-elect Donald Trump was critical of consent decrees as anti-police. Finalizing the Minneapolis agreement before he returns to office Jan. 20 would make it harder for him to undercut the deal, because changes would require court approval. Clarke declined to predict how vigorously the incoming administration will or wont try to enforce the consent decree.

The councils brief public vote followed an hourslong closed-door discussion.

Id like to thank our community for standing together, united in this, and for having patience with us as we have traveled a very, very long and challenging journey, Council President Elliott Payne said after the vote. Were just beginning, and we know we have a long way to go. Our success will only be realized when we all work together on what is arguably one of the most important issues in the life of our city.

Council member Robin Wonsley said in a statement before the vote that she has no faith that the Trump administration will be a serious partner in implementing the agreement.

Having a federal consent decree signed and in place is valuable to police reform efforts, but we need to be sober about the fact that it will take local political will to hold the city and the (Mayor Jacob) Frey administration accountable to implementing and enforcing the terms of the consent decree, she said.

A state court judge in 2023 approved a similar agreement between Minneapolis and the Minnesota Department of Human Rights after the state agency issued its own blistering report in 2022. The state investigation found that the citys police had engaged in a pattern of race discrimination for at least a decade.

The Justice Department has opened 12 similar investigations of state and local law enforcement agencies since April 2021, many in response to high-profile deaths at the hands of police. Assuming court approval, Clarke said, the department will be enforcing 16 policing pattern and practices settlements across the country. She said 30 years of experience shows that they lead to important and tangible progress toward better, safer, and lawful policing.

The department has reached agreements with Seattle, New Orleans, Baltimore, Chicago and Ferguson, Missouri. A consent decree with Louisville, Kentucky, after an investigation prompted by the fatal police shooting of Breonna Taylor is waiting court approval. In Memphis, Tennessee, the mayor last month pushed back against pressure for a consent decree there, saying his city has made hundreds of positive changes since the beating death of Tyre Nichols.

Consent decrees require law enforcement to meet specific goals before federal oversight is removed, a process that often takes years and millions of dollars. A major reason Minneapolis hired Brian OHara as police chief in 2022 was his experience implementing a consent decree in Newark, New Jersey.

OHara noted that the city would be the first in the country to operate under both federal and state consent decrees. He said they showed in Newark that consent decrees can lead to meaningful change.

We are not going to just comply with its terms, but we will exceed expectations and we will make change real for people on the street, the chief said. Together, we will make Minneapolis a place where everyone feels safer, and they know that Minneapolis cops will have their back.

The mayor told reporters that officers will rise to the occasion.

I trust the members of this department to show up every day, that you will be committed to being the change reflected in this agreement, Frey said. You have the ability, you have the obligation, and you have the responsibility to set the tone. Show the rest of the country, in fact, the rest of the world, what good constitutional policing looks like.

Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Law Enforcement Training Development
A flagship coalition aimed at aligning the asset management industry with global climate goals said it was suspending its activities on Monday, days after BlackRock, the worlds biggest investor, left amid a political backlash in the United States.

The pause raised concerns that companies will lower their efforts on climate change even after the hottest year on record, but could buy organizers time to review what actions might still be acceptable for U.S. fund firms.

BlackRock, which manages some $11.5 trillion in assets, left the Net-Zero Asset Managers (NZAM) initiative on Jan. 9 citing confusion over its climate efforts and legal inquiries from public officials.

The step followed months of escalating pressure from some Republican politicians over its stance on investing in fossil fuel companies, with concern that such pressure could rise further as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office.

The group counted more than 325 signatories managing more than $57.5 trillion in assets as members, according to its website as of last week, before the departure of BlackRock.

In a letter to its members first reported by Reuters, the partner groups which help manage the NZAM said they had decided to conduct a review of its activities.

Recent developments in the U.S. and different regulatory and client expectations in investors respective jurisdictions have led to NZAM launching a review of the initiative to ensure NZAM remains fit for purpose in the new global context.

As the initiative undergoes this review, it is suspending activities to track signatory implementation and reporting. NZAM will also remove the commitment statement and list of NZAM signatories from its website, as well as their targets and related case studies, pending the outcome of the review.

CONTAGION EFFECT

NZAM was set up in 2020 as executives and investors grew enthusiastic about solving climate change, sentiments that have faded. Still, changes by the NZAM initiative could prevent the sort of flight by asset managers that diminished the influence of another investor climate group, the Climate Action 100+, last year.

At the time, big fund firms cited independence concerns, not politics, as a reason for their dropping out. Since then pressure from U.S. Republican officials has increased on executives to back away from reflecting environmental, social and governance (ESG) assessments in their investment decisions.

These include an inquiry from the Republican-led U.S. House of Representatives Judiciary Committee and a lawsuit by Texas and 10 other Republican-led states that claimed that fund activism had cut coal production and boosted energy prices.

For its part, the NZAM initiative has asked members to support the goal, agreed by countries, of capping global warming and aiming to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Kathy Mulvey, a campaign director for the Union of Concerned Scientists, a Massachusetts-based advocacy organization, said groups including NZAM have been an important avenue to keep us on track toward meeting emissions-reduction targets.

Whatever the results of NZAMs review, she said, clearly the financial sectors actions to advance emissions reductions and the clean energy transition arent going away.

Among other members of NZAM, a representative for JPMorgans asset management arm JPMorgan declined to comment on Mondays move.

In a statement sent by a representative, State Streets asset management arm said it supports the announced NZAM review and will carefully evaluate its findings upon completion.

(Reporting by Simon Jessop in London and by Ross Kerber in Boston. Editing by Jason Neely)
The cost of wildfires ravaging swaths of Los Angeles keeps rising, with new estimates of the total losses for the insurance industry now seen as high as $40 billion.

The fresh figure Jan. 14 from Keefe Bruyette & Woods analysts is double their rough initial estimate from just a day earlier. In a note to clients, they cited continuing upside insured loss potential as the fires across the region remain largely uncontrolled. Their most optimistic scenario implies insured losses of $25 billion.

(Editors Note: This story updates previously published content with a new headline and an additional insured-loss estimate from Keefe Bruyette & Woods, published originally by Bloomberg and written by the same author.)

Estimates from Wells Fargo & Co. and Goldman Sachs Group Inc. analysts significantly exceed an earlier prediction from JPMorgan Chase & Co. that the fires stood to cost insurers roughly $20 billion.

Home-insurance providers will bear the brunt of the cost. Allstate Corp., Chubb Ltd., American International Group. and Travelers Cos are the most exposed among the firms covered by Wells Fargo analysts, according to a note the bank sent to clients Jan. 12.

The most exposed insurers not covered by the bank include Mercury General Corp. and Cincinnati Financial Corp, according to the analysts.

Global property and casualty insurers are also beginning to acknowledge the disasters impact.

Japans Tokio Marine Holdings Inc. is making group-wide efforts to pay insurance claims to those affected as quickly as possible, President Satoru Komiya said at a briefing in Tokyo on Tuesday. Its too early to estimate the impact of the LA wildfires on the insurers business performance, he said.

Tokio Marine, along with Japans MS&AD Insurance Group Holdings Inc. and Sompo Holdings Inc., are collectively exposed to about 3% of insured damage from the California fires, according to an estimate from Steven Lam, an analyst with Bloomberg Intelligence.

Los Angeles is grappling with a second week of wind gusts exacerbating wildfires and hindering firefighters efforts to contain them. At least 24 people have died and more than 12,000 buildings across over 40,000 acres in the Pacific Palisades and Altadena neighborhoods burned to the ground.

Goldman Sachs analysts estimated insured losses between $10 billion to $30 billion, likely rising to around $40 billion when taking into account uninsured losses, according to a note dated Jan. 13. The fires are expected to have a drag on US nonfarm payrolls growth of 15,000 to 25,000 in January, the bank added.

As of Monday, the Palisades and Eaton fires remained largely uncontrolled.

Top Photo: Debris around a pool in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire in Altadena on Jan. 13. Photographer: Benjamin Fanjoy/Bloomberg

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Profit Loss Wildfire Louisiana
Units of CVS Health Corp., Cigna Group and UnitedHealth Group Inc. charged significantly more than the national average acquisition cost for dozens of specialty generic drugs, bringing in more than $7.3 billion in excess revenue over six years, the Federal Trade Commission said in a report on the drug middlemen.

The practice inflated costs for consumers and insurers on key treatments for cancer, multiple sclerosis, HIV, organ transplants and other conditions and procedures, the FTC said. The report demonstrates how pharmacy benefit managers influence every aspect of the pharmaceutical supply chain, an FTC official said at a press briefing on the report Tuesday.

The report comes as the FTC is preparing to file a lawsuit Tuesday alleging the three companies failed to fully comply with the agencys subpoenas, according to people familiar with the plans. The suit, to be filed in federal court, seeks an order compelling the companies to turn over additional information about their business practices, according to the people, who spoke anonymously to discuss the complaint.

CVS said it has complied with the FTCs demands by providing more than 2 million documents and 7 terabytes of data. A company spokesman said the lawsuit appeared to be linked to CVS attempt to have commissioners of the FTC removed from a related case about insulin costs.

CVS shares were down 1% at 12:15 p.m. in New York.

Representatives of Cigna and UnitedHealth didnt immediately respond to requests for comment.

Two-Year Probe

The interim report, the product of a more than two-year inquiry by the antitrust and consumer protection agency, is its second looking at pharmacy benefit managers  the middlemen that negotiate drug prices between manufacturers, pharmacies and insurers.

An interim report released last summer found that between 2020 and 2022, similar conduct related to two cancer drugs led to $1.6 billion in excess revenue for the pharmacies that share owners with the three largest PBMs. The agency hasnt issued a final report because it says the companies havent turned over all the information it has requested.

PBMs say they lower costs for their clients  employers and health plans  by negotiating with drugmakers that otherwise would have no check on the prices they could charge. The industry criticized the FTCs earlier report, saying it cherry-picked examples, and commissioned its own analysis to dispute the agencys claims.

Tuesdays report focuses on specialty drugs, an ill-defined category that describes costly drugs for complex conditions that sometimes require special handling. Specialty pharmacies owned by the three companies account for nearly 70% of all US specialty drug revenue, according to the FTC. Consolidating with health insurers, pharmacies and other medical businesses lets them favor affiliated businesses under their own corporate parents, the agency said.

Dozens of Drugs

The FTC analyzed 51 specialty generic drugs and found that the companies often marked up prescriptions for them by more than $1,000 compared with the national average acquisition cost. Those inflated prices help drive income at their parent health care companies, with the drugs accounting for 12% of the aggregated operating income of their PBM and pharmacy businesses in 2021, according to the report. Plan sponsors, such as employers and unions, paid $4.8 billion for specialty generic drugs in 2021, while patients paid $297 million, the FTC found.

The antitrust enforcer also said the conduct featured a form of steering, under which it included practices that may nudge patients toward making particular pharmacy dispensing choices, in addition to practices that more directly force patient choices.

The study is being conducted under the FTCs so-called 6(b) authority that allows it to issue subpoenas to conduct market studies. These efforts are separate from the agencys investigative authority, but the reports can be used to support the agencys own rulemaking as well as possible legislation.

Last year the FTC filed a lawsuit in its in-house court against units of the three companies, accusing them of engaging in illegal rebate programs that drove up the price of insulin.

Pressure on PBMs

Congress has weighed legislation to crack down on some PBM business practices and force the companies to be more transparent  though a PBM reform initially included in a spending package at the end of last year was stripped from the bill at the last minute.

President-elect Donald Trump said in December that his administration would knock out the middleman in drug purchasing, and his health agencies tried to limit PBMs use of drug rebates during his first term. Its unclear what policies the incoming administration will pursue on PBMs.

Following the release of the first interim study, Cigna sued the FTC for defamation, calling the report unfair, biased, erroneous and defamatory. All three companies have also sued over the FTCs insulin case, arguing the agencys structure is unconstitutional.

The agency disputes the allegations. In a motion to dismiss Cignas defamation suit, it said its interim findings did not purport to have legal effect or impose legal obligations and didnt force any PBM to take any action.

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.
Floridians may remember the strange case of Jacksonville businessman Jose Lantigua, who faked his own death in 2013 in an attempt to collect millions of dollars in life insurance proceeds. His deeds earned him a spot on the Coalition Against Insurance Frauds Hall of Shame in 2015 after he was sent to prison.

Today, Lantigua is a free man, for the most part. U.S. President Joe Biden last month commuted Lantiguas 14-year sentence to time served, news sites reported. He had already been released from prison and put on home detention more than a year ago under a COVID-era federal program, and was one of hundreds of people who received pardons or commutations in the waning days of the Biden administration, the Florida Times-Union newspaper and others reported.

The man, now 71, was the owner of Circle K Furniture in Jacksonville in the 2010s and was facing mounting debts, according to news reports. He worked with his wife to obtain fake death certificates from Venezuela, after he claimed that a drug cartel was after him. When the wife tried to claim more than $6 million in life insurance proceeds, the insurer, The Hartford Life Insurance Co., began investigating.

Lantiguas son accused the insurance company of falsifying information about Venezuela nullifying the death certificates, and a judge agreed that some papers had been faked, the Jacksonville Business Journal reported at the time.

In the midst of multiple lawsuits, Lantigua, in hiding and using someone elses drivers license, applied for a passport. Federal authorities reportedly used facial recognition software to determine that the photo on the passport application matched Lantigua, who had already made headlines for allegedly faking his death, according to court documents and ABC News reports.

Authorities staked out his residence in North Carolina and stopped him while he was driving. The deception quickly unraveled, the Times-Union noted, based on information from court records and prosecutors.

Lantigua pleaded guilty. His wife spent a year in jail then pleaded guilty to federal charges, allowing her to remain on supervised release.

After the commutation, Lantigua remains on supervised release for five years. He was not absolved of his court-required $2.9 million in restitution. The 2015 indictment can be seen here.

From IJ in 2015: Florida Businessman Who Faked Death Arrested in North Carolina

Topics Florida
Hot, dry winds are pummeling Los Angeles and surrounding areas of Southern California, raising wildfire risks through at least Wednesday as the region reels from blazes that have killed at least 24 people and burned neighborhoods to the ground.

Tropical-storm-strength winds were raking the mountains around L.A. on Tuesday, with gusts reaching 60 miles per hour. About 2 million people face extreme fire conditions across a swath of land that includes Oxnard, Thousand Oaks and Simi Valley, according to the U.S. Storm Prediction Center. Red-flag fire warnings extend south to San Diego.

Related: LA Wildfires Losses Could Top $30 Billion for Insurance Industry

The winds are poised to ease through the second half of the week, giving firefighters a better chance to corral the blazes. Humidity will also rise through the weekend, although there isnt any rain in the forecast, said Marc Chenard, a senior branch forecaster at the U.S. Weather Prediction Center. The moisture in the air can help slow the drying of plants, potentially preventing them from turning into fuel for more fires.

Wind conditions should improve some by Thursday, Chenard said. It is a gradual trend down.

Through late Monday, the Palisades Fire had scorched 23,713 acres and was 14% contained, while the Eaton Fire had consumed 14,117 acres and was 33% contained, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. A new blaze called the Auto Fire broke out near Oxnard late Monday, but officials said crews have managed to keep it from spreading.

The Eaton and Palisades fires are expected to rank among the costliest in modern U.S. history. Wells Fargo & Co. and Goldman Sachs Group Inc. estimate insured losses could reach as much as $30 billion, considerably higher than a $20 billion forecast last week from JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Governor Gavin Newsom proposed an additional $2.5 billion of state spending on emergency response efforts and recovery, which would need approval from the Democratic-led state legislature. His office said $1 billion in funding would be reimbursed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

At a White House briefing on Monday, President Joe Biden said Congress would need to provide tens of billions of dollars to help the rebuilding process. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has issued an executive order that aims to expedite recovery by clearing away red tape and bureaucracy.

Related: Edison Utility Sued Over Role of Equipment in Los Angeles Fire

Officials are continuing to hunt for the causes of the fires. Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said investigators are looking at whether power lines owned by Edison Internationals Southern California Edison utility sparked the Eaton Fire, although they are also examining other potential causes.

The utility has already been accused in a lawsuit of starting the blaze. But Chief Executive Officer Pedro Pizarro said on Bloomberg Television on Monday that the companys internal data showed no problems on its power lines in the area at the time the fire erupted.

We have not seen any of the signatures that we typically see when a line causes a fire, he said on The Close.

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, meanwhile, has been hit with a lawsuit faulting the utility for not supplying enough water to fight the Palisades Fire. The complaint appeared late Monday on the Los Angeles Superior Courts website, but hasnt yet been fully processed by the court.

While conditions will gradually improve through the weekend, meteorologists are watching forecast models that suggest another round of dry, dangerous winds may arrive next week.

Top photo: A plane drops fire retardant during the Eaton Fire near Altadena, California, on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. Southern California faces another round of dangerous fire weather set to begin Monday night, even as crews struggle to contain wind-driven blazes that have paralyzed Los Angeles for nearly a week and killed at least 24 people.

Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.

Topics Trends
How to all but eliminate farm transfer tax liabilities was recently explained by Teagasc Financial and Farm Management Specialist James McDonnell in Part 2 of a four-part podcast series on farm succession. But if the succession is not well planned, there can be a large tax bill.

The first step I would see is writing the will, said James. "The second step then is figuring out what the parents want to do with the farm, and the third step is to look at the tax implications. Once you have that figured out, then you can go and sign the legal instruments.

James suggested using the services of a good accountant, to advise on the tax implications in particular. You need to talk to your accountant in relation to capital taxes, and if your accountant isnt good on capital taxes, maybe theyll refer you to one who is, he said.

You also need an auctioneer to value all of the property that youre going to transfer because a tax return will need to be done on it. And you need to take those valuations to your accountant, to work out the tax figure.

If the taxes are going to be very high, based on the transfer youre going to do, well then you need to ask your accountant if theres a different way.

"Should the assets go in slightly different directions? Is there another way of tweaking the plan to minimise the taxes? And if there is, well that should be considered, and you go back and communicate with your family, James said.

The final step might be talking to the solicitor. The solicitor is involved at the start in helping you write your will. You may also want some legal security. Maybe youre transferring the farm and the farmhouse to the new farmer, but you want right of residence with the dwelling house. There might be legal securities as part of the transfer, a solicitor can help you out there.

"You have to make sure every i is dotted, every t crossed and everybody is happy with the proposal.

"With Law Society rules, your children that are receiving the benefits have to hire their own solicitor. and they will need to look over and get advice from their solicitor around the gifts that they are receiving. Is it a wise decision to receive the farm, and what limits are on it, James said.

Grants

There is a grant available for people to get advice. It was announced by the Minister of Agriculture back in 2023. So if you were to travel around and go meet your solicitor and your accountant and go talk to your advisor, and lets say they charge you 3,000 for a few hours advice. It might be five or six or 10 hours of advice.

"If written on your receipt is Farm Succession Advice, you can present that to the Department of Agriculture's Succession Planning Advice Grant scheme. So you submit a receipt to Dublin into that scheme, and they will send you back 50% of your money. You can claim up to 1,500, James explained.

The money will be refunded in the first quarter of the next year.

There is also a 50% grant available to set up a Registered Farm Partnership. The typical partnership costs about 3,000 to set up, James said.

Taxes

What taxation might be entailed in a transfer today of, for instance, a farm inherited in 1970, and which is now valued at 1 million?

If we take a 1m value farm that was inherited 50 years ago, and you now want to transfer it to your child, and your child is just under 35, there are three taxes, capital gains tax, acquisitions tax and stamp duty. If all of the timing is done correctly, there should be no tax due, James said.

Age is a key consideration. Theres Young Trained Farmer relief from Stamp Duty if the farm is transferred to the young person if they have their Green Cert before the age of 35. Once they pass the age of 35, then theyre on the hook for Stamp Duty. The Stamp Duty rate is 7.5%, James explained.

That would amount to 75,000 on a farm valued at 1m. The parties can claim a relief called Consanguinity Relief which at the current moment in time reduces the rate of Stamp Duty to 1%. So, 1% of 1m is 10,000. So anyone over 35 thats going to receive a farm from a live person will claim Consanguinity Relief.

Whereas the Consanguinity Relief currently provides for a 1% rate of Stamp Duty to apply where a transfer of agricultural land (by sale/purchase, exchange or gift) is made to certain close relations, such as mother to son or uncle to niece, this rate may change in future Budgets. The Consanguinity Relief is reviewed in three-year batches in the Budget, every third year, said James.

"Theres no stamp duty on death. If the transfer is delayed until a will situation, well then theres no stamp duty, James explained.

The threshold for Capital Acquisitions Tax [CAT] from a parent to a child is 100,000, James said. But if the recipient does not have considerable non-agricultural assets, reliefs are available.

If, after I receive the gift, 80% of my total assets are agricultural, I can claim Agricultural Relief. That allows me to reduce the value of the gift to me from 1m down to 100,000, he explained.

The Budget in October 2024 set a new Group A threshold (for inheritances from parents to children) for the payment of CAT, increasing it from 335,000 to 400,000. Since 100,000 is less than that 400,000 threshold, no CAT will apply, if a son or daughter is inheriting.

So that farm could potentially come across tax-free to the young person, James explained. If the person is over 35, then youre caught for 1% Stamp Duty.

Capital Gains Tax

Capital Gains Tax (CGT) is payable on any capital gain (profit) made when one disposes of an asset. It is the chargeable gain that is taxed, not the whole amount received. The chargeable gain is usually the difference between the price you paid for the asset and the price you disposed of it for.

The parents can claim Retirement Relief against CGT, once they own and farm the land for 10 years prior to transfer. In some cases, people have leased out the farm. If the farm is on a long-term lease of six years or longer and a number of those years have been completed, you can still claim Retirement Relief, provided that the leases do not exceed 25 years.

"So you could do three or four leases. If you did four six-year leases, you would then want to transfer it, because once you go over the 25-year limit, you have to go back and farm it for 10 years again, James explained.

Where a son aged 60, owning property worth 500,000, is gifted a farm valued at 1m by his 92-year-old parents who are still alive, he would not qualify for Agricultural Relief. The parents will not be liable for CGT, as they have owned and farmed the land and did not lease it for more than 25 years cumulatively.

But 1% Stamp Duty will apply (10,000), plus CGT. He can receive 400,000 from his parents tax-free. Theres 600,000 left thats taxable. The tax rate is 33%, that comes to 200,000, James explained.

So the difference between planning and not planning is 210,000," Michael remarked. That tax bill is roughly the equivalent of selling 20 acres of the farmland.
Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria and her foundation are donating one million dollars to aid those affected by the Los Angeles wildfires.

Longoria has pledged a part of the 50 million dollar Courage and Civility Award she received from Amazon founder Jeff Bezos in March, to support the Latino Community Foundation (LCF) and the California Community Foundations wildlife recovery fund.

The sweeping fires in California have killed 24 people, ravaged communities, and sent thousands frantically fleeing their properties, including areas dotted with celebrity homes.

Longoria, who donated clothes and emptied out my pantry to help those affected, evacuated her home during the warnings but later returned.

A lot of people werent so lucky, she said in an Instagram video.

Former US Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Julian Castro, chief executive of the LCF, confirmed the star and her Eva Longoria Foundation would channel money from the Bezos prize to support victims of the fire.

I am honoured that my friend Eva Longoria and her Foundation, with support from the Courage and Civility Award, has pledged $1 million to support CA wildfire relief efforts, Mr Castro wrote in a post on social media platform Bluesky.

Longoria, 49, previously said she would match 50,000 dollars to charity This Is About Humanity in their efforts to support frontline workers and families impacted by the fires.

On Wednesday, she will volunteer with the Global Empowerment Mission to pack and distribute fire relief and PPE care packages before visiting the World Central Kitchen operation servicing victims and first responders of the Eaton Fire, the PA news agency understands.

It comes after Oscar-winning actress Jamie Lee Curtis and her family pledged one million dollars to start a fund of support for those affected by the wildfires.

While US reality star Paris Hilton launched an emergency fund to support families who have been displaced, kickstarting it with a personal donation of 100,000 US dollars after she watched her Malibu home burn to the ground on live TV.

Los Angeles authorities were preparing for the return of high winds as multiple wildfires continue to burn in the area.

On Monday, US star The Weeknd cancelled his Los Angeles performance scheduled for January 25 and delayed the release of his album Hurry Up Tomorrow until January 31.

Out of respect and concern for the people of Los Angeles County, I am cancelling the Rose Bowl concert originally scheduled for January 25, he wrote on Instagram.

This city has always been a profound source of inspiration for me, and my thoughts are with everyone impacted during this difficult time.

In light of this, I have also decided to push the release of my album to January 31st.

My focus remains on supporting the recovery of these communities and aiding its incredible people as they rebuild.

The Oscars nominations have also been delayed for a second time as wildfires raged across Los Angeles, according to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

The Academy previously offered a two-day extension to the voting window to give members more time to cast their ballots, pushing back the nominations announcement until January 19 as thousands were evacuated from their homes.

Chief executive Bill Kramer and Academy president Janet Yang confirmed nominations for the 97th Oscars will be rescheduled until January 23 in a virtual event without in-person media coverage.

An emergency vehicle drives through a neighbourhood devastated by the Eaton fire in Altadena, California (John Locher/AP)

Mr Kramer and Ms Yang also confirmed they have made imperative changes to scheduled events, including cancelling the annual nominees luncheon, to be sensitive to the infrastructure and lodging needs of the region in these next few weeks.

The Oscars ceremony remains scheduled for Sunday, March 2 at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood.

Beach front properties are left destroyed by the Palisades fire (Mark J Terrill/AP)

The fires have thrown Hollywoods awards season into disarray, with the Critics Choice Awards and Producers Guild Awards nominations among the events postponed.

Meanwhile, the screening of a new Netflix series starring Meghan Markle, which sees her inviting friends and famous guests to a California estate, was also postponed amid the fires.

The eight-part series Love, Meghan, which will see the former actress share cooking, gardening and hosting tips, will now premiere on March 4 instead of January 15.

Markle said in a statement to Tudum, the official companion site to Netflix: Im thankful to my partners at Netflix for supporting me in delaying the launch, as we focus on the needs of those impacted by the wildfires in my home state of California.

Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, left, and wife Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, second from left, speak with Pasadena mayor Victor Gordo in Altadena (Ethan Swope/AP)

She and her husband, Britain's Prince Harry, hugged residents and spoke to emergency crews at a meal distribution site for people affected by the fires on Friday.

It is believed the couple have donated clothing, childrens items and other essential supplies for people affected by the fires.

Meanwhile, president and chief executive of the J Paul Getty Trust Katherine Fleming told BBC Radio 4s Today programme that she is confident its art collections will be protected amid the fires.



There were fears that winds could fan the flames towards the Getty Centre, which is located in the Brentwood area and houses world-famous works including Vincent Van Goghs Irises.

A statement issued by Ms Fleming last week confirmed that the Getty Centres sister facility, the Getty Villa museum in Malibu, was safe and intact but that trees and vegetation on the property had been burnt.

Actors Mel Gibson, Miles Teller, Jeff Bridges, Billy Crystal, Jamie Chung and Bryan Greenberg are among the Hollywood stars who have lost their homes.

The Hills stars Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag, talk show host Ricki Lake, and songwriter Diane Warren have also lost properties, with reports that Sir Anthony Hopkins home burned to the ground in the Pacific Palisades fire.

Rory Sykes, a British-born former child star who was blind and had cerebral palsy, also died needlessly in the Los Angeles wildfires, according to his mother, Shelley Sykes.

She told Australian TV channel Network 10 he died of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Three worthy charities have benefited from one Cork companys decision to swap present-giving for making a charitable donation to charity.

Cork-based business consultancy 3SIXTY has been making a donation on behalf of everyone on its team in lieu of Christmas gifts between colleagues for the last number of years.

The idea, which was first suggested by a team member during the covid-19 pandemic, resonated with everyone on the team and thousands have been raised for worthy charities ever since.

The approach became that an email containing a shortlist of organisations would be sent around to everyone on the team and everyone would be asked to cast their vote for their first choice.

Last year, there was a three-way tie between Penny Dinners, Jack & Jill Childrens Foundation, and Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland (AADI).

The charity partners were so well received by the entire team that it was decided to raise funds for the same charities again this year.

Last year, we donated 6,000 across the three organisations. This year we have increased this to 7,500. So, each of these very, very worthy causes will receive 2,500 from the 3SIXTY team, partner at 3SIXTY Brian OBrien said.

My two co-founders Brian Cremin and Aidan Magner and I are always keen to stress that we do this in lieu of giving Christmas gifts to colleagues  so these colleagues are contributing to this also, in line with the original suggestion from a member of the team.

Although we are not a huge business, we are strongly of the view that businesses in a position to do so have an obligation to give something back.

Mr OBrien acknowledged the amazing work carried out by each of the three chosen charities.

We would like to express our sincere appreciation, gratitude and respect for the work done by these three organisations and all of their teams, and thank them for allowing 3SIXTY to make this small contribution to their phenomenal efforts, he said.
Cork City Fire Brigade crews have been hailed as heroes after rescuing a dog from a house fire at the weekend.

Fire crews responded to a call to a house fire in the Ballincollig area of Cork city shortly after 2am on Saturday and it was quickly realised that the owner of the homes dog was still inside the burning building.

The owner of the home and another person who was staying at the home both escaped the fire which was well-developed when fire crews arrived at the scene, but the dog was still trapped inside.

The third officer of Cork City Fire Brigade Gerard Ryan said the owner of the home was very concerned for his dog and had made multiple attempts to save the dog before fire crews arrived.

The person himself was showing signs of distress from smoke inhalation - the early stages of smoke inhalation - because he tried to rescue his dog two or three times but was beaten back by the smoke, heat and flames in the back of the house, he said.

Fire crews entered the house to extinguish the fire and their next priority was to save the dog.

We found the dog in the back of the house. The dog was in distress. There was a lot of black mucus coming from the dogs mouth, Mr Ryan said.

Using one of their special canine resuscitation kits, crews put the dog on oxygen for 10 minutes and saved his life.

About two years ago, a canine lover donated these units to us free of charge and so we use them all the time and we have one in each of the pumps, Mr Ryan said.

Theres a special fitting - the mask is designed specifically for the long snout of a dog and we use the same oxygen that we do for humans. It can be used for any type of animal really, weve used it for everything from a dog to a cat.

Mr Ryan said the dog was also given a good massage and crews washed out the dogs mouth.

We got the dog back, he said.

It was a good outcome for everyone. The gentleman was taken to hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation and the other person staying with him in the house looked after the dog.

Its a good news story. Unfortunately, the house was damaged by the fire but the good news is that the dog was saved and there was no loss of life.

Posting about the outcome on social media, Cork City Fire Brigade were met with comments commending crews for going above and beyond as always and describing them as heroes.

I'm not crying, you are. Well done lads! Above and beyond as always, one social media user wrote.

Oh the poor doggy. Thanks for looking after them! I'd be heartbroken if anything happened to my pets, they are family, another wrote.

Other users who were unaware that the fire crews at Anglesea Street carried canine resuscitation kits were extremely impressed.

Wait.. you have canine resuscitation kits? That's amazing, one user wrote.

Who knew youse have canine rescue kits. #Bravo, another wrote.
The mother of a young Kerry woman who had spinal surgery in Italy last month said she is eternally grateful to St Padre Pio who founded the hospital and the surgeons.

Violet Leen said her daughter Camesha, now 17, was diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis when she was 12.

She was treated at the South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital in Cork, but unfortunately her condition worsened.

Her curve progressed over the years and by five years later, her curve was getting worse, Violet said.

Doctors recommend surgery when the curve is near to a 50 degree cobb angle and her spine was now close to that.

Surgery in Crumlin hospital was considered, but Violet said: I had tried to access treatment in Crumlin but the waiting list is long."

Camesha was "on the cusp of seeing a doctor at Crumlin", she said but as she turned 17 in September she was moved to the Mater Hospital.

Unsure of how long more they might wait, the family applied for the Treatment Abroad Scheme. The scheme funds treatment which is either unavailable or has longer than normal waiting times in the patients country.

I was very blessed to be accepted, Violet said.

The surgery, at Casa Sollievo Della Sofferenza hospital founded by Padre Pio in the 1940s, lasted nine hours on December 5.

Then she spent 10 hours in ICU recovering. It was a painful procedure, her mother said. This was followed by around four weeks recuperation before they travelled home to Tralee.

Lead surgeon Dr Franco Gorgolione has over 35 years experience which the Leens found very reassuring.

Orthopaedic specialist Dr Gorgoglione Franco and his team of doctors, nurses, and the sisters of the Apostles of the Sacred Heart.

Padre Pio - who experienced the stigmata for 50 years and suffered greatly - had a wonderful idea to open a hospital that would welcome those who suffer and help them, she said.

And this is what we experienced, the most kind and caring team of doctors and nurses.

This would not have been possible, she explained, without funding.

My daughter is slowly recovering. And we are eternally grateful to the minister for health here in Ireland, to the doctors in San Giovanni and to St Padre Pio for his help, she said.

Camesha did not wish to comment directly, saying that she is grateful for all the help.

Camesha Leen taking her first steps days after surgery in Italy.

Ms Leen, who also highlighted this in Kerrys Eye, said she wants to raise awareness of this option.

I share our story for that reason so that other children  who are suffering - know there is help under the treatment abroad scheme, she said.

I do hope that the minister for health will use the Casa Sollievo Della Sofferenza as a go-to for children that need urgent surgery. It is exceptional.

She described the hospital as a beacon of light and love.

The Treatment Abroad Scheme covers medical costs in public hospitals or institutions in the EU, EEA, UK and Switzerland. The patient does not pay up-front unlike other schemes.
The number of new electric vehicles (EV) bought in Ireland fell by more than 5,000 last year.

Figures from the CSO show a 24% (or 5,398) decrease in the number of EVs licensed for the first time in 2024 (17,191) when compared with 2023 (22,493). That represents a fall from 2023, where 19% of all new cars were electric, to just 15% in 2024.

But there was better news on the second hand or used market, where there were 7,698 used plug-in hybrid electric private cars licensed in 2024, up 87% on the total of 4,111 licensed in 2023.

In total, there were 116,683 new cars licensed in Ireland last year which is also a drop compared to 2023's figure of 117,424.

Similarly, when it came to second hand or used cars, there was a major jump, with the 2024 figure rising by 23% (61,838 compared to 50,381)

The number of new hybrid cars licensed increased by 25% from 20,270 in 2023 to 25,270 in 2024. This has driven up the share of hybrids among new private cars from 17% to 22% in 2024.

Meanwhile, there were 36,433 new cars licensed that were fueled by petrol compared with 38,746 in the same period of 2023, a fall of 6%.

The number of new diesel cars licensed rose by 3% (25,938 vs 26,728).

Climate target

Under Ireland's Climate Action Plan 2023, there is a target to have 30% of our private car fleet switched to electric by 2030.

In order to assist with that, the public can get a grant of up to 3,500 for battery-powered electric vehicles (BEV). However, the grant for BEVs only applies to new cars with a full price of between 14,000 and 60,000. Previously, there had been a grant for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles worth 2,500 but that was removed in 2021.

In Cork, there were 12,855 new cars licensed for the first time and 4,821 second hand or used cars licensed for the first time.

Last month, Brian Cooke, the director general of the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI), told the Irish Examiner that there had been a number of decisions which sent a "negative" message around the transition to EVs.

The reduction  in the home charging grant, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) purchase grant  and removal of incentives like the toll discount not only have a monetary impact on consumers but also send a negative message to Irish consumers about the Governments view of the transition to EVs.

"Reinstating supports and extending consumer incentives and benefit-in-kind support, along with investment in charging infrastructure now, will build consumer and business confidence to encourage uptake if we are to meet our 2025 target.

The new programme for Government must take decisive actions to regain the lost momentum; increase investment in EVs and dont increase taxes on other vehicles if we want to support consumers in trading up to a newer lower emitting vehicle.

The CSO also broke down the figures into car makes and models.

That breakdown reveals that most people who bought a new car in 2024 were buying Toyotas.

In total there were 16,486 new Toyotas bought across the year, with Volkswagen (13,314), Skoda (11,385), Hyundai (10,721), and Kia (8,523 completing the top five most popular manufacturers for new cars last year.

Together, these five makes represented 52% of all new private cars licensed in 2024. But it is a different story when it comes to those who were buying second hand or used cars.

There, it was Volkswagen (12,851) who came out on top, with almost as many people buying second-hand Volkswagens as there were buying new. Audi (7,836), BMW (6,953), Toyota (4,896) and Mercedes Benz (3,995) round out the top five makes when it comes to used cars.
Extra chairs were needed to accommodate the volume of defendants and their various interpreters in connection with the biggest cocaine seizure in the history of the State, in a packed Special Criminal Court on Tuesday.

Seven men were due to stand trial this week in connection with the 2.25 tonnes of cocaine seized from a Panamanian registered bulk cargo ship, the MV Matthew off the Cork coast in September 2023.

Ukrainians Mykhailo Gavryk, aged 32, Vitaliy Vlasoi, aged 32, and Vitaliy Lapa, aged 61; Iranians Soheil Jelveh, aged 51, and Saeid Hassani, aged 39; Dutch national Cumali Ozgen, aged 49, and Filipino Harold Estoesta, aged 31, were before the three-judge, non-jury Special Criminal Court in Dublin for a trial that was expected to take four months.

But on Monday, defence barristers said they would be applying instead for all charges against the six men who were aboard the MV Matthew to be dismissed under Section 4E of the Criminal Procedure Act.

This Section 4E application is likely to take a number of days. If successful, the cases will be dismissed but if they fail, the trial can then commence.

All seven men looked tense as they sat in the overflowing defendants box, translators explaining the days proceedings over their shoulders.

The men were all casually dressed in sweatshirts and sports jackets.

Despite limited legal progress on Tuesday, Courtroom 11 in the Criminal Courts of Justice on Parkgate St in Dublin was packed with more than 25 lawyers and more than nine gardai. Some psychology students also came to listen to proceedings.

Six men face the same three charges.

They face two drug sale or supply charges contrary to Sec 15A of Misuse Drugs Act 1977, one alleged to have occurred within Irish territorial waters and one alleged to have occurred outside Irish territorial waters.

The charges state that on September 24, 2023, the accused had cocaine worth 13,000 or more in their possession for sale or supply aboard the MV Matthew within the territorial sea of the State.

It is also alleged that they had cocaine worth 13,000 or more on board the MV Mattew at locations outside the State on dates between the 24th and 25th September 2023.

They are also charged with an offence involving participation in the activities of a criminal organisation contrary to Section 72 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 on September 24, 2023.

Another two men face slightly different charges in relation to the seizure and they have not applied to have their charges dismissed under Section 4E of the Criminal Procedures Act.
The Traveller Mediation Service is to visit a number of men remanded in custody to Cork Prison arising out of a feud which erupted into violent armed skirmishes at a busy supermarket.

Three men who had their bail applications listed for Tuesday indicated through their solicitors that they would renew the applications for bail on Monday, January 20, in light of the proposed mediation.

Solicitors Frank Buttimer and Shane Collins-Daly confirmed at Cork District Court that the Traveller Mediation Service agreed to mediate in the feud between the Faulkner and OBrien families.

Judge Mary Dorgan was told on January 10 that peace had been brokered by parties who were nominated by each side to negotiate an agreement. However, the judge said that this would need to be verified and brokered by an organisation specialising in this area.

The Traveller Mediation Service (TMS) has been fully briefed on the background to the feud going on for a number of weeks in and around Cork City. They confirmed they would engage. They already knew about the matter for other reasons. They set about liaising over the weekend, Mr Buttimer said.

Shane Collins-Daly said that his office had also had extensive contact with TMS over the last number of days. They are willing to work with both parties to prevent conflict in the area. On January 16 they will meet with both sides in Cork City and they will meet with some of the parties who are in prison.

Supermarket customers were in fear as an armed conflict played out between up to 15 young men on the afternoon of January 6 at Supervalu, Hollyhill, Cork.

On January 10, Judge Mary Dorgan refused to grant bail to 18-year-old Charles (Charlie) Faulkner of 61 Meadow Park Avenue, Ballyvolane, Cork. A second man, Jamie OBrien of 119 Ardmore Avenue, Cork, withdrew his application for bail following this refusal.

26-year-old Michael James Faulkner of Lower Killeens, County Cork, and of 13 Garrydhu Drive, Carrigaline, was refused bail. There was no garda objection to bail for 21-year-old Michael Faulkner of 8 Curraheen Close, Bishopstown, Cork.

All four are charged with engaging with others in violent disorder at Supervalu, Hollyhill, on January 6.

A fifth man, 24-year-old Michael John OBrien of 110 Ard Na Bhaile, Buttevant, is charged with causing criminal damage to a house. The particulars of the charge relate to Tuesday, January 7, at 13 Garrydhu Drive, Carrigaline. There was no objection to bail in his case.

Garda testimony

Detective Garda Aidan Forrest gave evidence of the incident on the afternoon of January 6 at Hollyhill shopping centre where 15 people  three from the OBriens and 12 from the Faulkners  were allegedly involved.

The occupants of vehicles exit, some carrying weapons Charles Faulkner is captured on CCTV exiting the front passenger seat of a silver Toyota Avensis. Jamie OBrien alights from a Ford Tipper Truck with a baseball bat and starts running.

Charlie Faulkner allegedly chases Jamie OBrien around the carpark initially before he follows Mr OBrien inside Supervalu. Charlie is captured having an altercation with Jamie OBrien inside the store down one of the aisles.

"He is then observed swinging a pickaxe handle at Jamie OBrien who was hiding behind the counter/till area. He then runs from the shop and gets into a black Passat which leaves the scene at speed, Det. Garda Forrest said.
A Palestinian man who fled the war in his native land has gone to the High Court in a bid to secure accommodation here.

A judicial review hearing has been granted to the man, who claims to have been homeless and sleeping rough since he arrived in this country in March last year.

He is seeking an order of the court to be put into accommodation and receive a vulnerability assessment without delay.

His action is against the minister for children, equality, integration and youth; Ireland, and the attorney general.

The man, who is an applicant for international protection status, is seeking an order compelling the minister to provide him with accommodation or housing and in particular, a vulnerability assessment without further delay.

The initial application was brought on behalf of the man, who is in his 40s, by counsel Keivon Sotoodeh, instructed by Patrick J Sweeney Solicitors, and leave for a hearing was granted by Mr Justice Mark Heslin at a vacation High Court sitting last month.

The man is also seeking a declaration that the ministers alleged failure to perform a public duty imposed on him by EU regulations since he indicated his intention to apply for international protection has been unlawful.

His lawyers also seek a declaration that the respondent acted in breach of the applicants rights to a dignified standard of living, pursuant to EU law regarding applicants for international protection covering human dignity, integrity of the person, prohibition on inhuman and degrading treatment and respect for family life.

The man states that he arrived in Ireland in March 2024 and presented himself at the International Protection Office to make his application.

'Exposed to the elements'

The statement grounding the application to the High Court claims the man was forced to flee his home country of Palestine, due to the ongoing conflict therein and the very real danger that he found himself in.

It is claimed the man has been homeless for the past ten months and that he desperately requires assistance to accommodate him as he has been sleeping rough in a tent where he has been exposed to the elements in the middle of winter.

In addition, the grounding statement says the man is suffering from PTSD as a result of what he experienced in Palestine.

He claims that his mental health is adversely affected by homelessness and further submits that sleeping rough in an area such as Dublin, which experiences an increasing level of criminality and anti-immigrant sentiment", resulted in his mental health worsening further.

Admitting the applicant to accommodation within the portfolio of International Protection Accommodation Services would improve his health, safety, and would place him in a position that would facilitate him receiving the medical care that he urgently needs, the statement asserts.

The mans lawyers say his situation is now very critical and he is becoming more and more desperate.

Ms Justice Mary Rose Gearty adjourned the matter to Wednesday.
HIV is no longer a death sentence, a woman living with the virus in Macroom, Co Cork, said as she urged people to learn more about the condition.

The HSE on Tuesday launched a campaign to help reduce the stigma experienced by people living with HIV in Ireland.

New survey findings show seven in 10 people do not know that a person with HIV cannot pass it to sexual partners when they are on effective treatment.

Ainara Pedroso began speaking publicly about living with HIV last year when she and her husband wanted to begin IVF.

"People barely know about the advances in medication."

She said it was "really important for people to understand HIV is not a death sentence anymore like it was in the 80s".

Today, you just take one pill and you live with it as a chronic disease, more like someone with diabetes taking their insulin.

Ms Pedroso was diagnosed in 2017 and began treatment soon afterwards.

A few months after, my diagnosis was already considered as undetectable and untransmittable because I started with the medication really early, she said.

I did know from my nursing studies once you are undetectable you are untransmittable but [the diagnosis] was still a shock.

When she met her now husband Peter Thijs, also that year, she shared her diagnosis with him.

Ainara invited me to one of her medical appointments, he said.

So although I was already informed, I said it was no harm to go and ask any questions. It really takes less than a minute to clear up any doubts or concerns you might have living as partners.

Ms Pedroso said they get a lot of support now, but added: When I got my diagnosis I got support from hardly anyone. It was a solo journey for the past seven years really.

This changed when she went public with their IVF frustrations.

In July, I was sick and tired because in Ireland there were no options for people with HIV to go for IVF. Theres no access here because theres no suitable laboratory, she said.

The couple are still waiting for change but she has found my tribe in support from the LGBTQ+ community.

Stigma

She is also part of a WhatsApp group for heterosexual women in Ireland living with HIV, and said it was very sad to see the stigma some women experience.

The couple called on the wider public to learn about the amazing impact of HIV medication.

In all these months Ive just encountered one bad comment, which shows the people in Ireland are ready to start breaking down barriers and stigma, which is beautiful to see, she said.

The HSE campaign You, Me and HIV is running countrywide.

While data from 2023 shows a decrease in new HIV diagnoses in Ireland, nearly two in five people were diagnosed late.

HSE Sexual Health Programme national clinical lead Professor Fiona Lyons said when people like Ainara and Peter speak out it helps address misconceptions.

We hope the campaign will alleviate fears about getting tested for HIV or seeking treatment, she said.

"Please do not delay, we are here to help you. You deserve to live a healthy and happy life like everyone else.
Governments across Europe need to take action against a rise in antisemitism driving Jews to abandon the continent, according to the leader of the European Jewish Association (EJA).

EJA chairman Rabbi Menachem Margolin said 40,000 Jews have left Europe in recent years with no intention of returning as a result of a rise in antisemitic sentiment.

The rabbi said antisemitism has skyrocketed by 2,000%, according to statistics he says have been collated by organisations which monitor antisemitism.

Mr Margolin said 2025 will be a critical year for European Jews because the course of action governments take to combat antisemitism will determine the future of Jewish communities on the continent.

Theres still a chance that Jewish people will be living in Europe, Mr Margolin told The Associated Press ahead of a gala dinner honouring former Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades for his efforts to foster closer Cyprus-Israel relations during his tenure.

The chairman of the European Jewish Association Rabbi Menachem Margolin attends a dinner during a two-day summit meeting of Jewish leaders in Europe (Petros Karadjias/AP)

But if the governments of Europe will not take serious measures that we are demanding from them in this year this is the beginning of the end of Jewish presence in Europe, he said.

He said the EJA, the largest Jewish organisation in Europe representing several hundred Jewish communities, brought together Jewish leaders from across the continent for a summit on tackling rising antisemitism.

He said European governments need to move beyond mere verbal condemnations of antisemitic behaviour and take effective action to ensure the safety and security of Jewish institutions and Jews practising their customs in Europe.

Authorities also need to establish a code of conduct by which demonstrations against Israel do not devolve into antisemitic protests, Mr Margolin said.

These immediate steps should be accompanied by strong and swift punishment of individuals found guilty of antisemitic actions, he said, with Europe needing prosecutors who have a clear understanding of the many forms antisemitism can take, as well as programmes introduced in schools to educate people against antisemitic attitudes.

But more important is the willingness of the government to combat antisemitism, said Mr Margolin.

He said antisemitism is coming from all sides of the political spectrum as Russias war in Ukraine fuels concern and uncertainty within Europe thats compounded by demographic change.

Mr Margolin attributed political shortsightedness to European elected officials who pretend to think that everything is just all right and do not understand the emergency of combating antisemitism.

He said his organisation chose to hold the summit in Cyprus because Jewish people on the eastern Mediterranean island nation feel very, very welcome and secure while the government has close relations with the state of Israel.

According to Mr Margolin, opposition to the Jewish state is the prime reason for antisemitism in Europe.

The moment the government is friendly towards Israel and understands and defends Israels right to defend itself, it reduces a lot of tension against Jewish people, Mr Margolin said.
North Korea has test-fired multiple missiles toward its eastern waters, South Koreas military said, as it continued its weapons demonstrations ahead of Donald Trumps return to the White House.

South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said the weapons were fired from a northern inland area and were suspected to be short-range ballistic missiles.

It was not immediately clear how far the weapon flew.

The joint chiefs said the South Korean military has strengthened surveillance while sharing the launch information with the US and Japanese militaries.

A TV screen shows a file image of North Koreas missile launch on January 6 (Ahn Young-joon/AP)

It was North Koreas second launch event of 2025, following a ballistic launch last week.

North Korea said the January 6 test was a new hypersonic intermediate-range missile designed to strike remote targets in the Pacific as leader Kim Jong Un vowed to further expand his collection of nuclear-capable weapons to counter rival nations.

The systems it demonstrated in 2024 included solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles designed to strike the US mainland and various shorter-range missiles designed to overwhelm missile defences in South Korea.

There are concerns its military capabilities could advance further through technology transfers from Russia as the two countries align over the war in Ukraine.

At a year-end political conference, Mr Kim vowed to implement the toughest anti-US policy and criticised the Biden administrations efforts to strengthen security cooperation with Seoul and Tokyo, which he described as a nuclear military bloc for aggression.

North Korean state media did not specify Mr Kims policy plans or mention any specific comments about Mr Trump.

During his first term as president, Mr Trump met Mr Kim three times for talks on the Norths nuclear programme.
A missile fired by Yemens Houthi rebels has targeted central Israel, sounding sirens and causing people to flee into bomb shelters.

The Israeli military said several attempts were made to intercept a missile that was launched from Yemen and the missile was likely intercepted.

The Magen David Adom emergency service in Israel said there were no injuries from the missile or falling debris, although some suffered injuries when running to shelters.

The Houthis were blamed for another missile attack on Monday night. Israels military said it intercepted that missile before it entered Israeli territory.

Yemens Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, who have held Yemens capital, Sanaa, since 2014, have launched direct attacks on Israel and some 100 commercial ships as part of their campaign over Israels war on Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

The rebels did not immediately acknowledge the attack, though it can take hours or even days for them to claim an assault.
US and Arab mediators have made significant progress towards brokering a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war and the release of scores of hostages held in the Gaza Strip, but a deal has not been reached yet, officials said.

Four officials acknowledged progress has been made and said the coming days would be critical for ending more than 15 months of fighting that has destabilised the Middle East.

They spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss the talks.

A US official briefed on the negotiations said all sides are closer than weve ever been, but it could still fall apart. The official declined to predict the timing of a potential agreement because he said it is too uncertain, with multiple moving parts still in play.

Israeli soldiers seen in a tunnel (AP)

Two other officials, including one associated with Hamas, said there were still a number of hurdles.

On several occasions over the past year, US leaders have said they were on the verge of reaching a deal, only to have talks stall.

Another person familiar with the talks said there had been a breakthrough overnight and there was a proposed deal on the table. Israeli and Hamas negotiators will take it to their leaders for final approval, the person said.

The person said mediators from Qatar had put renewed pressure on Hamas to accept the agreement, while US President-elect Donald Trumps envoy Steve Witkoff was pressing the Israelis. Mr Witkoff recently joined the negotiations and has been in the region in recent days.

Mediators have handed the draft deal to each side.

Palestinians look at a damaged residential building after an attack by Israel strike (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP)

An Egyptian official said there had been good progress, but it would likely take a few more days and the sides were aiming for a deal before Mr Trumps inauguration on January 20.

A Hamas official who spoke anonymously because he was not authorised to brief the media said a number of contentious issues still need to be resolved, including an Israeli commitment to ending the war and details about the withdrawal of Israeli troops and the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners.

The Qatari palace said the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, met with the Hamas delegation in Doha as well as with Mr Witkoff and Brett McGurk, President Joe Bidens top Middle East adviser, as well as speaking on the phone with Mr Biden, who stressed the urgent need for a deal.
Lebanon has named the president of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) Nawaf Salam as its new prime minister in a move that is understood to have angered Hezbollah.

The countrys new president Joseph Aoun, who was elected last week, has asked the ICJ chief to form the countrys new government after Mr Salam was named prime minister by a large number of legislators on Monday.

Mr Salams nomination was made by Western-backed groups, as well as independents in the Lebanese parliament.

Mr Salam has the support of Saudi Arabia and Western countries but Hezbollah legislators abstained from naming any candidate for the prime ministers post.

Newly-elected Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is sworn in as a new president (Lebanese Parliament media office via AP)

In past years, Hezbollah has repeatedly blocked Mr Salam from becoming prime minister, casting him as a US-backed candidate.

Mr Salam will have a difficult mission ahead of him following the truce with Israel that caused widespread destruction in the Mediterranean nation and weakened the Iran-backed Hezbollah.

He will also have to work on getting the small nation out of its historic five-year economic meltdown.

Head of Hezbollahs parliamentary bloc Mohammed Raad said: We will see their acts when it comes to forcing the occupiers to leave our country, bringing back prisoners, reconstruction and the implementation of the UN Security Council resolution that ended the Israel-Hezbollah war.

He said Hezbollah extended its hand last week by electing Mr Aoun and they were hoping to meet an extended hand from the other side, but this hand was cut off.

Nawaf Salam, a prominent diplomat and jurist, is Prime Minister-designate (Bilal Hussein/AP)

Mr Salams nomination is seen by many as a glimpse of hope after the 14-month Israel-Hezbollah war in Lebanon that left 4,000 people dead and more than 16,000 wounded and caused destruction totalling hundreds of millions of dollars.

The conflict began one day after the October 7 attacks in Israel, but weapons have since been laid down after a 60-day ceasefire agreement was brokered by the US and came into effect on November 27.

Israel and Hamas appear to be inching closer to a phased ceasefire agreement, officials said on Monday. A deal has not been reached and there are still several obstacles that could still scupper the talks in Qatar.

A total of 46,006 Palestinians have been killed and 109,378 wounded since October 7, with the Gaza Health Ministry saying that women and children make up more than half the fatalities.
The top aide of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol pleaded with law enforcement agencies on Tuesday to abandon their efforts to detain him over his imposition of martial law last month, as authorities prepared a second attempt to take him into custody.

Presidential Chief of Staff Chung Jin-suk said Mr Yoon could instead be questioned at a third site or at his residence, and said the anti-corruption agency and police are trying to drag him out as if he was a member of a South American drug cartel.

However, one of the presidents lawyers said Mr Chung issued the message without consulting the legal team and they have no immediate plans to make the president available for questioning by investigators.

South Koreas Constitutional Court sits for the first formal hearing of a trial on the validity of President Yoon Suk Yeols impeachment (Kim Min-Hee/Pool/AP)

Mr Yoon has not left his official residence in Seoul for weeks, and the presidential security service prevented dozens of investigators from detaining him after a stand-off on January 3 which lasted nearly six hours.

The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials and police pledged more forceful measures to detain Mr Yoon while they jointly investigate whether his brief martial law declaration on December 3 amounted to an attempted rebellion.

The National Police Agency has convened multiple meetings of field commanders in Seoul and nearby Gyeonggi province in recent days to plan their detainment efforts, and the size of those forces fuelled speculation that more than 1,000 officers could be deployed in a possible multiday operation.

The agency and police have openly warned that presidential bodyguards obstructing the execution of the warrant could be arrested.

South Korean police officers stand in front of the Constitutional Court in Seoul (Lee Jin-man/AP)

The anti-corruption agency and police have not confirmed when they might return to the presidential residence, which has been fortified with barbed wire and rows of vehicles blocking entry paths. But Mr Chung said he understood D-day to be Wednesday, without specifying the information he had.

Anti-corruption agency and police officials met representatives of the presidential security service on Tuesday morning for unspecified discussions regarding efforts to execute the detention warrant for Mr Yoon, the agency said. It was not immediately clear if any kind of compromise was reached.

Mr Yoon declared martial law and deployed troops around the National Assembly on December 3. It lasted only hours before politicians managed to get through the blockade and voted to lift the measure.

His presidential powers were suspended when the opposition-dominated assembly voted to impeach him on December 14, accusing him of rebellion.

His fate now rests with the Constitutional Court, which has begun deliberating on whether to formally remove him from office or reject the charges and reinstate him.

A woman passes wreaths sent by supporters of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol outside the Constitutional Court in Seoul (Lee Jin-man/AP)

The Constitutional Court held its first formal hearing in the case on Tuesday.

The session lasted less than five minutes because Mr Yoon refused to attend, choosing to remain at his official residence while the detention warrant for him is active.

The next hearing is set for Thursday, and the court will then proceed with the trial whether or not he attends.

The countrys acting leader, Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok, raised concerns on Monday about potential clashes between authorities and the presidential security service, which, despite a court warrant for Mr Yoons detention, has insisted it is obligated to protect the impeached president.

The anti-corruption agency and police have completed preparations for a siege, Mr Chung said.

They are ready to tear down the walls at any moment and handcuff President Yoon Suk Yeol, who remains isolated in his residence in Hannam-dong, and forcibly remove him, he added, accusing investigators of trying to humiliate the president.

Supporters of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol stage a rally outside the Constitutional Court in Seoul (Lee Jin-man/AP)

Thousands of citizens are staying up through the night in front of the presidential residence, vowing to protect the president. If a conflict were to break out between the police and citizens, an unimaginable tragedy could occur.

Over the past two weeks, thousands of anti-Yoon and pro-Yoon protesters have gathered daily in competing rallies near his office in Seoul, anticipating another detention attempt.

Mr Yoons lawyers have claimed images of him being dragged out in handcuffs could trigger a huge backlash from his supporters and spark a civil war in a country deeply divided over ideological and generational lines.

In preventing Mr Yoons detention on January 3, presidential bodyguards were assisted by troops assigned to guard the presidential residence under the command of the presidential security service.

However, a Defence Ministry spokesman said on Tuesday that the troops will no longer participate in efforts to block the execution of Mr Yoons detention warrant and will focus solely on guarding the compounds perimeter.
Vietnam and Russia have signed an agreement to boost co-operation on nuclear energy as Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin makes a two-day visit to Hanoi.

The Southeast Asian country has been trying to revive its nuclear energy plans after shelving the construction of two nuclear power plants in 2016 due to ballooning costs and concerns around safety. It hopes to become energy-sufficient and reach its goal of curbing additional greenhouse emissions by 2050.

The agreement was signed on Tuesday between Russias state-owned nuclear energy company Rosatom and Vietnams state-owned power utility EVN.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his Russian counterpart, Mikhail Mishustin, attend a welcome ceremony in Hanoi (Dmitry Astakhov/Sputnik/Government Pool/AP)

Mr Mishustin also held bilateral talks with his counterpart, Pham Minh Chinh, and met Vietnams Communist Party chief, To Lam, and the chairman of Vietnams National Assembly, Tran Thanh Man.

Vietnam is an important partner of Russia in Southeast Asia, Mr Mishustin said. Today we plan to discuss with you a comprehensive plan for co-operation between Russia and Vietnam, which runs until 2030.

He is set to meet President Luong Cuong on Wednesday.

Rosatoms general director, Alexey Likhachev, arrived in Hanoi earlier on Monday.

He said the company is ready to help Vietnam build nuclear power plants and centres, as well as share and localise Russian nuclear technology, according to Vietnamese state media.

Russia, which has been trying to bolster ties in Asia to offset its growing international isolation over its war in Ukraine, also agreed to transfer a scientific research vessel for marine research.

Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and Vietnamese premier Pham Minh Chinh shake hands during the signing ceremony in Hanoi (Dmitry Astakhov/Sputnik/Government Pool/AP)

Mr Mishustin is a technocrat who has maintained a low political profile and was reappointed as Russias Prime Minister in 2024.

This is his first trip to Vietnam and comes after President Vladimir Putin travelled to Hanoi in June and agreed to work on a road map for a nuclear science and technology centre in Vietnam.

Hanoi and Moscow have had diplomatic relations since 1950 and have been close allies since the Cold War. Evidence of that long relationship and its influence can be seen in Vietnamese cities where Soviet-style apartment blocks co-exist alongside skyscrapers.

Bilateral trade between Russia and Vietnam was only 3.6 billion US dollars (3.0 billion) in 2023, compared with 171 billion dollars (140.6 billion) with China and 111 billion dollars (91.3 billion) with America.

And while Russia has accounted for 80% of Vietnams arms exports since the early 2000s, that has been declining over the years because of Vietnamese attempts to diversify its supplies.
Nato is launching a new mission to protect undersea cables in the Baltic Sea region after a string of incidents that have heightened fears of Russian sabotage and spying in the strategic region, the alliances leader said on Tuesday.

Secretary-General Mark Rutte said the mission, dubbed Baltic Sentry, will include frigates, maritime patrol aircraft and a fleet of naval drones to provide enhanced surveillance and deterrence.

Across the alliance, we have seen elements of a campaign to destabilise our societies through cyber attacks, assassination attempts and sabotage, including possible sabotage of undersea cables in the Baltic Sea, he told reporters after a meeting in Helsinki with the leaders of Allied Baltic nations.

The Nato talks followed a string of incidents in the Baltic Sea region that have heightened concerns about possible Russian activities (Antti Aimo-Koivisto/Lehtikuva/AP)

As the meeting was taking place in Helsinki, there were reports on Polish state broadcaster TVP that a ship belonging to Russias shadow fleet was seen circling a natural gas pipeline that runs from Norway to Poland.

The fleet is made up of hundreds of ageing tankers of uncertain ownership and safety practices that are dodging sanctions and keeping the oil revenue flowing to Moscow.

Finland President Alexander Stubb said the issue had been discussed at the meeting, which also included leaders from Germany, Poland, Denmark, Sweden, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, but did not give details.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, speaking at a later news briefing in Helsinki, said he had not yet received a report on the matter but would inform the public once he learned more.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, front left, and Denmarks Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, front right, talk during a summit of the Baltic Sea Nato countries in Helsinki, Finland (Vesa Moilanen/Lehtikuva/AP)

Announcing the new operation, Mr Rutte noted that more than 95% of internet traffic is secured via undersea cables, and 808,000 miles (1.3m km) of cables guarantee an estimated 10 trillion US dollars (8.2 trillion) worth of financial transactions every day.

Across the alliance, we have seen elements of a campaign to destabilise our societies through cyber attacks, assassination attempts and sabotage, including possible sabotage of undersea cables in the Baltic Sea, he said.

He added that Natos adversaries must know the alliance will not accept attacks on its critical infrastructure, saying: We will do everything in our power to make sure that we fight back, that we are able to see what is happening and then take the next steps to make sure that that doesnt happen again.

Pressed for details about what the operation might involve, Mr Rutte declined to provide ship numbers, saying the figure could vary from week to week, and we dont want to make the enemy any wiser than he or she is already.

We will make use of the full range of possibilities we as an alliance have, he said, including remotely operated vehicles and drones.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz said in separate remarks to reporters that Germany will participate in the Baltic Sentry mission.

Asked whether that means Germany will contribute ships or surveillance planes and whether he made a specific offer, he replied: We will participate with everything we have in the way of naval capabilities; that will vary as far as the concrete possibilities of deployment are concerned.
Frances new prime minister Francois Bayrou has announced the renegotiation of a contested plan raising the retirement age from 62 to 64, in a crucial move to seek more stability for his minority government.

In his first address to legislators at the National Assembly, Mr Bayrou said: Im choosing to put this subject back on the agenda, with the social partners, for a short time and under transparent conditions.

Mr Bayrou vowed to seek a new path of reform, without any totems or taboos, not even the retirement age, as long as the financing for the changes is guaranteed.

Legislators listen to French prime minister Francois Bayrou delivering his general policy speech at the National Assembly in Paris (Thibault Camus/AP)

President Emmanuel Macrons plan to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64 unleashed months of mass protests from January to June 2023 that damaged his leadership.

Mr Bayrou also outlined other top priorities, including key budget decisions, one month after he was appointed by Mr Macron.

The prime minister urgently needs to pass a budget bill for 2025.

Following the collapse of the previous government, an emergency law has been approved to enable the state to levy taxes from January 1, pay basic expenses and avoid a shutdown.

But only a proper budget would help reduce Frances deficit and allow key expenses such as defence measures needed amid the war in Ukraine or aid promised to angry farmers.

Financial markets, ratings agencies and the European Commission are pushing France to comply with EU rules limiting debt and keep Frances borrowing costs from spiralling.

That would threaten the prosperity of eurozone countries.

Frances deficit is estimated to reach 6% of its gross domestic product in 2024.

French prime minister Francois Bayrou arrives to deliver his general policy speech meant to outline his top priorities at the National Assembly in Paris (Thibault Camus/AP)

Mr Bayrou on Tuesday said the government was aiming for a deficit of 5.4% this year, with the goal to reduce it to 3%  in line with EU rules  by 2029.

Major spending cuts will be proposed, he said, without providing concrete details.

The pension reform, which was enacted into law in April 2023 despite mass protests, has gradually started being implemented.

The Socialists urged Mr Bayrou to announce a suspension of the reform with the aim of backtracking on the age of 64 and introducing specific measures for those who have long careers and certain professions considered to be hard work.

Mr Bayrou on Tuesday stopped short of announcing such a move, yet his proposal to renegotiate the measure appears as a hand stretched out towards the left.

The new prime minister wants to secure a non-aggression pact with the Socialists so that they would not support any future move to topple the new government.

He suggested the age of 64, which was the most criticised change, could possibly be decreased depending on the outcome of the negotiations.

The French National Assembly will debate the budget this week (Thibault Camus/AP)

We cannot deteriorate the financial balance of the pension system, Mr Bayrou insisted.

On the other side of the political spectrum, the conservatives have warned against any suspension of the pension changes.

If we were to repeal the pension reform, the cost would be 3.4 billion euros (2.8 billion) in 2025 and almost 16 billion (13.5 billion) in 2032, the president of the senate Gerard Larcher, a conservative, said.

Mr Bayrou said a so-called conclave with representatives from workers unions and employers organisations would be aimed at negotiating for three months with a strict deadline for a potential deal.

If they were to agree on pension changes, the proposals would be introduced into law.

Otherwise, Mr Macrons initial plans would apply, he said.

Mr Bayrous cabinet relies on a fragile deal between Mr Macrons centrist allies and conservatives of The Republicans party who even together have no parliamentary majority.

The previous government was in place for only three months before being brought down by opposition legislators from both the left and the far right amid a budget dispute.

Former French president Francois Hollande gestures as he listens to French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou at the National Assembly in Paris (Thibault Camus/AP)

This time, the Socialists said they are open to talks with Mr Bayrou on the condition that they include negotiations on the pension reform.

However, the possibility of another no-confidence vote is still looming.

The hard-left France Unbowed party refused to enter into talks with the government and already announced it would file a no-confidence motion.

A vote later this week would have little chance of succeeding as the far-right appears unwilling to support such a move in the immediate term.

Yet the question could be raised again during the future budget debate at parliament, with more uncertainty on the result.

Far-right leader Marine Le Pen  Mr Macrons fiercest rival  was instrumental in ousting the previous government.

Mr Bayrou consulted her when forming the new government, and Ms Le Pen remains a powerful force.

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen at the National Assembly in Paris (Thibault Camus/AP)

Her National Rally party has the largest single group in the National Assembly, Frances powerful lower house of parliament.

In recent days, Mr Bayrous government sought to sideline Ms Le Pen by negotiating instead with the Socialists, the Greens and the Communists on budget issues.

The president of the National Rally, Jordan Bardella, criticised those talks and warned on Monday that his party would oppose any budget that would raise the cost of medication, provide more healthcare for migrants staying illegally in the country and impose new taxes on businesses.

Such measures would justify a no-confidence vote, he said.

But Ms Le Pen faces her own headaches in the months to come  a March court ruling over alleged illegal party financing could see her barred from running for office.
Meta's artificial intelligence development has gained recognition for its accessibility and wide availability. However, the company allegedly used pirated data during its early AI training, according to a lawsuit filed in 2023. Authors claimed their works were unlawfully used as part of Meta's training process.

The case reflects broader concerns across the AI industry, where companies have faced legal challenges for allegedly utilizing proprietary content without consent during training.

Court Documents Detail Alleged Data Piracy

According to a report by Wired (via 9to5Mac), a 2023 lawsuit filed by authors Richard Kadrey and Christopher Golden accused Meta of using pirated data to train its AI model. The lawsuit, Kadrey et al. v. Meta Platforms, alleges that Meta sourced data from torrents, an illegal method of content acquisition.

Judge Vince Chhabria of the United States District Court for the Northern District of California ordered the unsealing of redacted court documents, which included employee conversations that reportedly support the piracy claims.

One conversation featured an unnamed employee expressing discomfort about downloading torrents on a corporate device. This testimony was cited as evidence of Meta's alleged use of pirated material.

Mark Zuckerberg Allegedly Approved Data Use

Court documents also suggest that Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg authorized the use of pirated material for AI training. However, it remains unclear if the specific novels mentioned by the plaintiffs were used.

Meta has defended its practices, claiming that it relied on public materials under the legal doctrine of "fair use." The company maintains that this legal framework allows the use of copyrighted content without explicit consent for purposes like research and development.

Meta AI's Current Offerings

Meta AI has become a central feature of the company's platforms, delivering innovative tools such as the Llama language model, now in its 3.2 version. These advancements have powered features like AI-driven sticker generators, automation tools, and chatbots for platforms including Instagram.

Recently, Meta partnered with news organizations to provide real-time news integration through its AI systems. These efforts aim to enhance user engagement and streamline content delivery.

Despite these innovations, the lawsuit raises questions about Meta's initial approach to AI development. It alleges that the company's groundbreaking AI advancements were built on data obtained through unlawful means, with directives reportedly coming from its CEO.
Today

Cloudy and windy with periods of light rain. High 62F. Winds W at 25 to 35 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Winds could occasionally gust over 50 mph.

Tonight

Partly cloudy. Gusty winds diminishing after midnight. Low around 50F. Winds W at 20 to 30 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.

Tomorrow

Mostly cloudy. High 64F. Winds WSW at 10 to 20 mph.
The Constitutional Court of South Korea commenced the impeachment trial of President Yoon Suk Yeol due to his unsuccessful martial law attempt, but quickly suspended the initial hearing as the suspended leader failed to appear.

President Yoons power grab on December 3 led to South Korea experiencing its most severe political crisis in decades, as he ordered soldiers to infiltrate parliament in a failed effort to prevent lawmakers from voting against his suspension of civilian governance.

He was promptly impeached and suspended from his duties, yet has remained secluded in his residence, ignoring summonses from investigators looking into insurrection allegations while employing his presidential security team to thwart arrest attempts.

The first of five hearings commenced at 2 PM (5 AM Irish time) but was adjourned within minutes due to Mr. Yoons absence, as reported by the courts spokesperson.

Further hearings have already been slated for January 21 and 23, as well as February 4.

The courts eight justices will focus on two primary questions: whether Mr. Yoons martial law declaration was unconstitutional, and whether it was illegalany of which could serve as a basis for upholding his impeachment.

A minimum of six out of the eight judges must endorse Mr. Yoons impeachment for him to be removed from office.

Supporters wave flags displaying their ongoing support for the impeached leader.

The legal team from the National Assembly informed reporters gathered outside the court prior to the trial that there are overwhelming reasons for the immediate dismissal of Mr. Yoon.

The court has until 180 days from December 14, when it received the case, to reach a verdict.

Former presidents Roh Moo-hyun and Park Geun-hye did not attend their impeachment trials in 2004 and 2016-2017, respectively.

Mr. Yoons legal team has argued that the court should utilize the entire 180-day periodspecifically to investigate the circumstances surrounding the martial law declaration.

The attempt to impose military rule in South Korea for the first time in over 40 years lasted merely six hours.

This impeachment case focuses solely on the martial law situation, lawyer Kim Nam-ju conveyed to AFP.

Given that most individuals involved have already been indicted and the facts are largely established, it doesnt appear that the process will take too long.

Last month, South Korean politicians also impeached Mr. Yoons temporary replacement, further contributing to the nations political instability. The current acting president seems hesitant to intervene in the impasse, instead calling for all parties to reach a negotiated solution.

A protestor against Yoon Suk Yeol stands near the presidential residence holding a placard.

Arrest Attempt

In a concurrent criminal investigation, a collaborative team from the Corruption Investigation Officecurrently examining Mr. Yoon for insurrectionand police are formulating a new plan to apprehend the president.

An earlier attempt was thwarted when Mr. Yoons presidential guards obstructed investigators access, while opposing groups of demonstrators rallied outside his residence.

Mr. Yoons Chief of Staff Chung Jin-suk stated that his office is prepared to contemplate all investigative or visitation options concerning the sitting leader at a third location.

If the new arrest warrant is successfully executed, Mr. Yoon would make history as the first sitting South Korean president to be apprehended.

In the event he is eventually convicted in this case, Mr. Yoon faces potential imprisonment or even the death penalty.

A CIO representative informed journalists that they are continuing preparations for a second arrest attempt.

Police are reportedly assembling a force of 1,000 investigators for this renewed effort.

Mr. Yoons security detail has fortified his Seoul residence with barbed wire and bus barricades, while a military unit provides patrolling outside.

However, the defense ministry stated that the military unit would solely concentrate on its primary mission of perimeter security around the official (presidential) residence and will not be mobilized in the execution of the warrant.

Experts suggest that a successful arrest attempt is crucial for both investigators and the broader South Korean society.

If the CIO fails in executing a second arrest warrant, it could encounter a significant crisis concerning its future, said Lee Jae-mook, a political science professor at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies.

If this situation persists, we may see an uptick in social unrest.
According to Lebanese state media, Israel has conducted air strikes in Lebanon, focusing on areas in the east and south, with the Israeli military asserting it targeted Hezbollah locations, including smuggling routes along the Syrian border.

These air strikes have further strained an already fragile ceasefire between Israel and the Iran-supported militant group, which took effect on 27 November.

Lebanons state-run National News Agency reported that Israeli aircraft struck the outskirts of Janta in the eastern Baalbek region, as well as areas near Nabatieh in the south. It did not specify whether there were any injuries.

The Israeli military claimed it targeted various threats that had been communicated to ceasefire monitors.

These strikes occur just two weeks ahead of the 26 January deadline for the implementation of the November ceasefire, with both parties accusing one another of non-compliance.

The Israeli military indicated that its actions were in accordance with the ceasefire understandings.

As per the agreement, Hezbollah is expected to dismantle its remaining military infrastructure in the southern region and re-position its forces north of the Litani River, approximately 30 km from the border.

This month, the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon accused Israel of a flagrant violation of the Security Council resolution that underpins the ceasefire.

According to the Lebanese health ministry, Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon resulted in the deaths of five individuals on Friday, while the Israeli military claimed it was targeting a Hezbollah weapons truck.
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A six-year-old boy participated alongside thousands of volunteers at a wildfire donation center in Los Angeles.Oliver Lee, along with his father Danny, was distributing bottled water at the donation drive held at the Santa Anita Park racetrack in Arcadia, located near the Eaton Fire.

Volunteers stood in long queues, eager to assist in sorting through mountains of donations, which included clothing, water, diapers, and both canned and dry food.

The packed donation center was just one of numerous relief efforts taking place throughout the region.
Letter to Representative Jared Golden (D-ME)

Dear Representative Jared Golden:

Your decision to vote in favor of sanctioning the International Criminal Court of Justice, (ICC) which had ordered Israel to take steps to prevent genocide in Gaza, was dismaying. This recent vote to sanction the ICC by Representatives of Congress erodes the ability of the high court to adhere to the principles of  International Humanitarian Law, whose purpose is the reduce suffering during war.

The legislators passed this so-called illegitimate Court Counteraction act by a vote of 243-140, mostly supported by 198 Republican legislators. The question is why you, Rep Golden, felt it necessary to join this charade in support of a far-right regime in the Israeli Knesset, led by a man who is roundly detested by most citizens of Israel.

The intent of the legislation was to sanction anyone who assists the ICC in its attemptsto prosecute a citizen of an allied country (ie Israel). In this case, it involved posting arrest warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant for their leadership in promoting genocide in Gaza.

Perhaps it would be to your benefit to do some serious reading on the horrors taking place in Gaza, with 46,500 civilians having been killed, including 16,000 children, by Israel bombs, supplied by the U.S..

Several highly regarded Israeli historians have written about the plight of the Palestinians which has now fallen upon extreme destitution, as most of their homes, hospitals and schools have been destroyed by a continual barrage of bombing. In addition, even many tents, inhabited by refugee families in camps, have been bombed.

The Israeli military (IDF) is being urged on by the extremist leadership in the Knesset in a process of ethnic cleansing. Israeli historians have taken note of this attempt to exterminate a population, such historians as Avi Shlaim, an Oxford University scholar raised in Israel who served with the IDF; Shlomo Sand who teaches in Tel Aviv University and has written books including The Invention of the Jewish People; Ilan Pappe, an historian teaching at Reading University in the UK who has written The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine.

Rep Golden, with the above in mind, it appears that you are making decisions based on a very limited understanding of the history of Palestine. Are you aware that 5-6 million acres were expropriated from 750,000 Palestinians in 1947, forcing them into homelessness, and into becoming refugees, many having no choice but to move to Gaza.

It is shameful that you take the part of a right -wing cabal, led by a man totally lacking in empathy, not only for the thousands of children being killed by the IDF bombing, but also, until recently, for his unwillingness to negotiate in good faith, for the release of Israeli captives.



Justice in Chains, Digital, Dream / Dreamland v3, 2024

There are over 160 organizations in Palestine/Israel involving hundreds of thousands of people devoted to building a shared society of cooperation, justice, equality and mutual understanding. Such groups as this are among a significant number of Israelis who are opposed to this genocidal bombing and killing that is taking place in Gaza.

Walls of separation between Palestinians and Israelis have, unfortunately, become a major issue. Such walls are a form of Apartheid which our admirable former President, Jimmy Carter addressed in his book Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid. He noted that Israels construction of settlements has been the primary obstacle to a comprehensive peace agreement. In addition, he wrote: some Israelis believe they have the right to confiscate and colonize Palestinian land and [then] justify their subjugation and persecution [thus creating a sense] of hopelessness among Palestinians

I would hope that you had kept in mind President Carters words when you voted for this repugnant piece of legislation: to sanction the ICC (International Criminal Court) indicates that you did not reflect very deeply on the issues. Instead you supported far-right leaders in the Israeli government. The question that is paramount in my mind is that you might have been persuaded by financial considerations. After all, you received from the American Israel Public Affairs Cmte, (AIPAC) the sum of $375,091, making Israel lobbyists your top Contributor for 2023-2024. (as reported by opensecrets.org/members of congress).

It may be worthwhile for you to reflect on the ancestral home of many residents of Maine: Ireland, which recently filed a declaration with the International Court of Justice (ICC) with their intention to intervene in [the] genocide case against Israels tactics in its war on Gaza. Ireland believes that every state, of the 189 nations who have signed the Genocide Convention, has the right to intervene in the proceedings based upon the principles expressed in the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide of 1948.

The essence of Ireland s declaration is that the crime [of genocide] may also be committed where a perpetrator regardless of his or her purpose  knows (or should know) that the natural and probable consequence of these acts is either to destroy or contribute to the destruction of the protected group [ie Palestinians] , in whole or part, as such, and [yet] proceeds regardless.

In conclusion, you still have an opportunity to develop a sense of fairness and justice for all, and not to allow yourself to be swayed by political contributions meant to influence your vote on crucial issues relating to Palestine and Israel.
VANCOUVER, BC, Jan. 14, 2025 /CNW/ - Luca Mining Corp. ("Luca" or the "Company") (TSXV: LUCA) (OTCQX: LUCMF) (Frankfurt: Z68) is pleased to announce the commencement of exploration drilling at the Campo Morado mine in Guerrero State, Mexico. The Campo Morado Project (the "Property") hosts several polymetallic massive sulphide deposits containing zinc, copper, gold, silver, and lead mineralization within a highly prospective land package totaling over 121 square kilometers within the Guerrero Gold Belt (see attached location map). This current drill campaign represents the first meaningful exploration program carried out on the Property since 2014 and is designed to target the addition of mineral resources to the near and medium term mine plan at Campo Morado.

The Company plans up to 5,000 metres of underground diamond drilling from approximately 25 holes during this first phase of exploration activities. This program's primary target is the definition of additional mineral resources from under-drilled zones proximal to existing underground production areas as well as the identification of mineralization within previously untested areas with high potential for the discovery of new mineral resources. A surface drill program that will test portions of the concessions outside of the current mine workings and begin to unlock the district-scale potential of this rapidly developing mineral camp is expected to begin later this quarter.

Previous exploration at Campo Morado has combined to produce an extensive set of high-quality, proprietary geological data, including over 600,000 meters of underground and surface drilling, property wide geologic/structural mapping, approximately 30,000 geochemical soil samples, and a variety of airborne and ground-based geophysical surveys (including gravity, electromagnetics, and induced polarization). Analyses of these geophysical survey datasets, particularly gravity, resulted directly in the discovery and definition of mineral resources on the Property and will continue to guide all exploration initiatives; moreover, this large geophysical dataset is currently being compiled, cleaned and reinterpreted by Luca in an effort to prioritize the greater than 38 exploration targets identified to date across the Property. See attached exploration target map. Production from Campo Morado has been exclusively from five deposits; G9, El Largo, Reforma, Naranjo and El Rey. <Listen to Luca CEO, Dan Barnolden discuss this news>

Paul Gray, VP Exploration, commented, "Like many established VMS systems around the world, Campo Morado has significant growth potential, and I am excited to be embarking on these first exploration efforts on the property in many years. My aim for this, and all future drill programs, is to identify additional near-mine mineralization that can be quickly added to the mine plan at Campo Morado; leverage the extensive historical data and generate new information through drilling and other exploration tools to extend the mine life and expand resources, and; eventually, demonstrate the true district-scale potential at Campo Morado by targeting high-impact exploration zones further from the mine site. This 2025 drill program represents a pivotal moment for Luca, the first step in the realization of these initiatives and Luca looks forward to seeing the results from this, and all future exploration programs."

Corporate Update

Luca also announces that 500,000 incentive stock options ("options") has been granted to the Company's recently hired Chief Technology Officer. These options are exercisable at a price of $0.58 per share and expire five years from the date of their issuance. A second tranche of 100,000 options, exercisable at $0.58 has been granted to one other eligible person in accordance with Luca's omnibus equity incentive plan. These options are exercisable over a period of two years.

About Luca Mining Corp.

Luca Mining (TSX-V: LUCA, OTCQX: LUCMF, Frankfurt: Z68) is a diversified Canadian mining company with two 100%-owned producing mines within the prolific Sierra Madre mineralized belt in Mexico which hosts numerous producing and historic mines along its trend. The Company produces gold, copper, zinc, silver and lead from these mines that each have considerable development and resource upside.

The Campo Morado polymetallic VMS mine is an underground operation located in Guerrero State. It produces copper-zinc-lead concentrates with precious metals credits. It is currently undergoing an optimization program which is already generating significant improvements in recoveries, grades, efficiencies, and cashflows.

The Tahuehueto epithermal gold and silver mine is a new underground operation in Durango State. The Company is commissioning the Tahuehueto mill and expects to achieve commercial production in early 2025.

Qualified Person

The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Paul D. Gray, P.Geo., Vice-President Exploration at Luca Mining. Mr. Gray is a Qualified Person for the Company as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

(signed) "Dan Barnholden"

Dan Barnholden, Chief Executive Officer

For more information, please visit: www.lucamining.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

It should be noted that Luca declared commercial production at Campo Morado prior to completing a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability. Accordingly, readers should be cautioned that Luca's production decision has been made without a comprehensive feasibility study of established reserves such that there is greater risk and uncertainty as to future economic results from the Campo Morado mine and a higher technical risk of failure than would be the case if a feasibility study were completed and relied upon to make a production decision. Luca has completed a preliminary economic assessment ("PEA") mining study on the Campo Morado mine that provides a conceptual life of mine plan and a preliminary economic analysis based on the previously identified mineral resources (see news releases dated November 8, 2017, and April 4, 2018).

Statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts are "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "Forward-Looking Information") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward Looking Information includes, but is not limited to, disclosure regarding the Financings, the anticipated timing of closing thereof and the expected use of proceeds therefrom; and other possible events, conditions or financial performance that are based on assumptions about future economic conditions and courses of action; the timing and costs of future activities on the Company's properties, such as production rates and increases; success of exploration, development and bulk sample processing activities, and timing for processing at its own mineral processing facility on the Tahuehueto project site. In certain cases, Forward-Looking Information can be identified using words and phrases such as "plans," "expects," "scheduled," "estimates," "forecasts," "intends," "anticipates" or variations of such words and phrases. In preparing the Forward-Looking Information in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, that all requisite approvals in respect of the Financings will be received, and all conditions precedent to completion of the Financings will be satisfied, in a timely manner; the Company will be able to raise additional capital as necessary; the current exploration, development, environmental and other objectives concerning the Campo Morado Mine and the Tahuehueto Project can be achieved; the program to improve mining operations at Campo Morado will proceed as planned; the continuity of the price of gold and other metals, economic and political conditions, and operations. Forward-Looking Information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the Forward-Looking Information. There can be no assurance that Forward-Looking Information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on Forward-Looking Information. Except as required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to release publicly any revisions to Forward-Looking Information contained in this news release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

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.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 14, 2025) - Big Red Mining Corp. (CSE: RED) (FSE: K8J) (the "Company" or "Big Red") is pleased to provide an update on the Antimony 2.0 Project considering China's recent announcement banning exports of gallium, germanium, and antimony to the United States. This strategic move, paired with September 2024 export restrictions, has exacerbated global concerns over supply chain stability for these indispensable materials.

Highlights

The Antimony market has become very restricted with the recent announcements by China.

Recent Prices for Antimony have increased in response to perceived shortages and there is a push to develop alternative sources of this metal

Big Red's Antimony 2.0 project in New Brunswick is poised to become even more interesting as North America strives to replace the output of antimony from China.

Additional soil samples collected by the original owner in the area where antimony was discovered have been submitted to the laboratory for analysis

Results include highly anomalous soil values for Antimony and Pathfinder Elements

An expanded soil sampling program is underway to further explore the area where antimony was discovered in soils

An IP survey has been scheduled to commence in early January to cover the areas of known antimony anomalies to assist in generating trenching and drilling targets.

Perspective

China is the world's leading producer of antimony, accounting for 48 percent of global production and 63 percent of U.S. antimony imports. The United States has no domestic antimony production and severely limited stockpiles. Since antimony export restrictions were imposed in September 2024, antimony shipments from China dropped 97 percent while prices rose 200 percent.

Antimony, a mineral vital for defense systems, renewable energy storage, and high-tech manufacturing has become the latest flashpoint in the resource security landscape. Industry experts warn that this trend could severely impact U.S. national defense readiness and the development of advanced technologies unless alternative sources are secured.

Antimony is in high demand globally and has been classified as a critical mineral. Antimony is a critical component for battery technology, advanced military systems, and other industrial applications. China announced Antimony export restrictions which took effect on Sept. 15, 2024 (source: Reuters, Aug. 28, 2024), and are expected to have significant implications for the global antimony supply chain. An extreme supply shortage since April has led to the sharpest price rally ever recorded in the antimony market since Fastmarkets started pricing the metal back in the early 1980s. Fastmarket-assessed Antimony metal prices in Rotterdam increased at their fastest rate in more than 40 years in the week to May 17, 2024 due to a severe supply squeeze after a month of continued extreme shortage of raw materials from China, Russia, and Southeast Asia.

The Property (Figure 1 Location)

The Antimony 2.0 property is located approximately 25 kilometers west of Fredericton, the provincial capital of New Brunswick and approximately 15 km north-northeast of the historic Lake George Antimony Mine which was North America's only primary antimony producer. The Lake George Antimony Mine operated for various periods from the 1860s to 1998 and produced as much as 4% of the world's demand of Antimony from 1970 through 1992.

Past work had identified antimony in soils on the property during reconnaissance sampling. Figure 2 is a brief compilation of past work and shows the proposed exploration.

Figure 1: The Antimony 2.0 Property Showing the Location of the Lake George Antimony Mine and Proposed IP and Soil survey areas.

The Property

Big Red's optioned Antimony 2.0 Property has exciting antimony discoveries by personnel of Edge Exploration Inc. ("Edge") which include three particularly robust antimony soil anomalies. These findings stem from a 395-sample reconnaissance soil survey and drone-conducted magnetic survey. Geology is the same package of interbedded Silurian greywacke and argillite that characterizes Lake George Antimony Mine approximately 15 km to the southwest.

Soil samples with high antimony anomalies were previously collected by Edge personnel. The recent sampling has expanded the area of anomalous antimony values. The IP survey will be focused on the areas of anomalous soil values to detect areas of mineralization and to outline differences in resistivity which could indicate mineralizing conditions in the subsurface. The property has never been effectively explored even though gold has been panned from one of the streams draining the area. Since antimony is known to be associated with gold and because the property is close to and in a similar geological setting as the Lake Geoge Antimony Mine, previous owners included the analysis for this element in the early exploration.

This preliminary soil sampling program was successful in identifying an area of antimony on the property.

Recent Exploration

Exploration on The Antimony 2.0 Property by Big Red Mining has commenced with soil sampling and an IP Survey which will be completed in early January to explore the areas of antimony soil anomalies.

Previous soil samples collected on the property were submitted to Activation Laboratories for analysis. The results confirmed the presence of anomalous antimony in B-horizon soils.

The locations of the samples were in the area where antimony soil anomalies were previously identified.

Locations are presented on Figure 2:

Anomalous soil values in B-horizon soils were encountered over an area of approximately 150 by 120 meters with 12 results considered anomalous with values up to 35 times the average and over 80 times background. Results are presented below in Table 2. Figure 2 shows the locations of the samples. In addition to anomalous Antimony results there are also corresponding anomalous results for the pathfinder elements arsenic, molybdenum, copper and lead as shown on Table 3.

Figure 2: location of Soil Samples

Figure 3: Results of Soil Samples Collected in 2022 and Recently Analyzed for Antimony by Big Red. Note the cluster of Anomalous Antimony.

Table 2: Soil Sample Results with Antimony Greater than Two Times Average of 2.2 ppm. Note results up to 35 times the Average value.

Report Number: A24-13034 Report Date: 5/12/2024 Analyte Symbol Sb (ppm) Detection limit 0.02 Sample Number Value MAC 096 84 >35X Average MAC 140 76.8 MAC 110 26.1 >10X Average MAC 138 10.2 3 to 5X Average MAC 169 8.32 MAC 124 7.73 MAC 126 6.01 MAC 129 5.12 2X Average MAC 123 4.58 MAC 173 4.24 MAC 042 4.13 MAC 178 4

Table 3: Pathfinder Elements in relation to Anomalous Antimony

Analyte Symbol Cu As Mo Sb Pb Average 15.9 35.8 1.34 2.24 14.7 Background 8.00 15.00 0.60 1.10 7.00 MAC 096 47.8 908 1.03 84 43.8 MAC 140 24.4 736 0.71 76.8 47 MAC 110 33.6 118 9.34 26.1 11.9 MAC 138 28 38.1 0.94 10.2 22.5 MAC 169 37.8 865 1.61 8.32 40.6 MAC 124 14.4 103 1.26 7.73 15.2 MAC 126 59.7 74 9.49 6.01 45.1 MAC 129 47.9 131 8.76 5.12 32.5 MAC 123 38.3 52.8 6.47 4.58 19.4 MAC 173 31 44.8 3.36 4.24 23.4 MAC 042 40.1 46.7 8.88 4.13 19 MAC 178 38.7 37.2 3.4 4 19.3

Discussion

The results of the soil samples indicate that there are anomalous antimony values in this area of the Antimony 2.0 Property. The corresponding anomalous values for the pathfinder elements molybdenum, arsenic and the base metals copper and lead seem to indicate that there is a mineralizing event in the vicinity. The poor exposure in the area does not allow for examination by prospecting and unusually, for New Brunswick, there are no boulders or rocks on the surface. Notwithstanding this, it appears that the overburden in the area is shallow and soil sampling followed up by overburden stripping will be a very effective exploration methodology.

Jim Atkinson CEO of Big Red Commented "We are very excited by the results of these samples and are highly encouraged by the size and magnitude of the anomaly. During my tenure as the Head Geologist at the Lake George Antimony Mine we learned that the potential surface exposure of the veins could be limited due to the size of the orebodies. Therefore, we understand that detailed work will be required to develop this project. The fact that there is no bedrock exposure on the Antimony 2.0 property means that soil geochemical surveys will be valuable. To this end additional detailed soil sampling will be conducted in January. We are also conducting a test IP program to evaluate the usefulness of this technique. Atkinson continues; "We are proceeding to quickly explore this highly prospective antimony project for Big Red and we are glad to be able to focus on this critical metal. China's recent actions amplify the need for active exploration and development of antimony projects as well other critical metals in North America. With the work planned I am confident our initial exploration program will result in targets for follow-up trenching, sampling and eventually drilling."

The technical contents of this news release were reviewed and approved by Jim Atkinson, MSc., P.Geo., who is a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

About Big Red Mining Corp.

Big Red holds an option to acquire a 100% interest in the Antimony 2.0 Property, which is located approximately 25 kilometers west of Fredericton, New Brunswick, and approximately 15 kilometers northeast of the historic Lake George antimony mine. The Lake George antimony mine operated for various periods from the 1860s to 1998 and produced as much as 4 per cent of the world's demand of antimony from 1970 through 1992. The Antimony 2.0 Property comprises over 35 square kilometers of relatively unexplored ground with excellent access via provincial and logging roads, and hydro power.

Antimony has been detected at highly anomalous levels in soil samples collected on the Antimony 2.0 Property by the optionor.

Big Red also holds an option to acquire a 100% interest in the Dobie Lake Copper Project (the "Dobie Lake Property"), which is located approximately 100 km from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. The Dobie Lake. Property surrounds and covers extensions of the past producing Jentina Mine and comprises 131 claims totaling 6,500 acres (26 square kilometers).

Big Red's management team possess extensive experience in financing, exploration, development and mining. Big Red intends to conduct exploration campaigns on each of its optioned properties with a goal of finding one or more minable resources.

WWW.BIGREDMINING.COM
Vancouver, B.C.  January 14, 2025  TheNewswire - Precipitate Gold Corp. (the Company or Precipitate) (TSXV: PRG, OTCQB: PREIF) is pleased to announce equipment has been mobilized to construct and upgrade access roads within the southern region of the Companys 100% owned Juan de Herrera Project (Juan de Herrera and the Project) in the Dominican Republic. See accompanying video and photos below.

The roads are being constructed and upgraded in advance of future work in and around the Southeast Zone to improve access to multiple highly prospective areas within the southern project region where previous results have yielded rock sample results up to 13.5% copper*, and a continuous rock chip (trench) sample reported 3.0 metres (m) of 2.78% copper, within 8.0m of 1.28% copper, within a broader 18.0m of 0.70% copper. The construction of these access routes will streamline future mobilization of crews and equipment and aid in facilitating follow up exploration and advancement of several promising underexplored target areas. The equipment and personnel utilized in this initiative were sourced from nearby communities and conducted in full collaboration with various local stakeholders.

Jeffrey Wilson, Precipitates President and CEO stated, We are pleased to commence this work within an emerging region of the Juan de Herrera project. The newly constructed access routes will not only enhance our exploration capabilities for future and ongoing exploration but provide substantial benefits to the local communities by opening and improving previously challenged and inoperable local infrastructure for improved public use. This initiative, carried out in concert with local groups and using locally sourced road construction equipment, underscores our commitment to responsible exploration through collaborative community partnerships.

See videos and photos of Juan de Herrera community-supported access road construction below:

Video: Precipitates community-supported access road construction in southern region of Juan de Herrera Project

Photo 1: Precipitates community-supported access road construction in southern region of Juan de Herrera Project

Photo 2: Precipitates community-supported access road construction in southern region of the Juan de Herrera Project

The Companys website has additional information, maps and figures of recent and historical Juan de Herrera project data.

* Rock grab samples are selective by nature and are unlikely to represent average grades on the property.

This news release has been reviewed by Michael Moore, Vice President, Exploration of Precipitate Gold Corporation, the Qualified Person for the technical information in this news release under NI 43-101 standards.

About the Juan de Herrera Project:

The Juan de Herrera Project is owned 100% by Precipitate Gold Corp. and comprised of approximately 12,706 hectares located immediately adjacent to GoldQuest Minings Romero gold-copper project within the Upper Cretaceous aged package of volcanic and sedimentary Tireo Gold Formation in San Juan Province of Dominican Republic. The project hosts intermediate sulphidation epithermal and VMS style exploration targets. Work to date, including extensive project wide geochemical and geophysical surveying and limited diamond drilling, has delineated and outlined multiple anomalous zones of gold and/or copper mineralization warranting additional exploration and drilling. Approximately 5.0 million gold equivalent ounces have been discovered and advanced in the Tireo Formation belt in the last decade, while vast areas of similarly prospective and proximal terrain, such as that situated within Precipitates Juan de Herrera project, remain largely underexplored.

About Precipitate Gold:

Precipitate Gold Corp. is a mineral exploration company focused on exploring and advancing its mineral property interests in the Pueblo Viejo Mining Camp and Tireo Gold Trend of the Dominican Republic. The Company has entered into an Earn-In Agreement with Barrick Gold Corporation, whereby Barrick can earn a 70% interest in the Companys Pueblo Grande Project by incurring US$22M within 10 years and producing a qualifying Pre-feasibility Study. Precipitate is also actively evaluating additional high-impact property acquisitions with the potential to expand the Company's portfolio and increase shareholder value, in other favourable jurisdictions.

Additional information can be viewed at the Companys website www.precipitategold.com.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors of Precipitate Gold Corp.,

Jeffrey Wilson

President & CEO

For further information, please contact:

Tel: 604-558-0335 Toll Free: 855-558-0335 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This press release may contain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward looking information. Generally, forward-looking information may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "proposed", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases, or by the use of words or phrases which state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, or might occur or be achieved. This forward-looking information reflects Precipitate Gold Corp.s (Precipitate or the Company) current beliefs and is based on information currently available to Company and on assumptions it believes are reasonable. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Precipitate to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: the exploration concessions may not be granted on terms acceptable to the Company, or at all; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the concessions acquired by the Company may not have attributes similar to those of surrounding properties; delay or failure to receive governmental or regulatory approvals; changes in legislation, including environmental legislation affecting mining; timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms; conclusions of economic evaluations; and lack of qualified, skilled labour or loss of key individuals. Although Precipitate has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Precipitate does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
Company Overview on La Colorada:

La Colorada Operations show US$25.9M NPV5, 11.9% IRR, US$53.9M CAPEX and 287k total ounces produced at a US$2,000/oz gold price

New mineral reserve at Junkyard Stockpile supports restart of mining at La Colorada that has commenced this month

El Creston expansion at La Colorada is expected to produce over 50,000 ounces of gold per year

Current drill program (five drill rigs) is targeting lower CAPEX and increased production for updated technical report planned for mid-2025

Au Price

(US$/oz Au) Net Cash Flow

(US$M) After-Tax NPV

@ 5.0% Discount Rate

(US$M) IRR

(%) Payback Period

(years) Payback Multiple 2,000 1 54.92 25.93 11.9 2.2 1.4 2,600 2 158.32 110.03 34.7 1.4 2.3

Base Gold Price assumption used in the La Colorada technical report. Comparison gold price.

Company Overview on San Agustin:

San Agustin Operations show US$12.7M NPV5, 156.1% IRR, US$4.2M CAPEX and 45k total ounces produced at a US$2,100/oz gold price

Receiving the Phase 4 Permit will allow for strong cash flow generation from San Agustin including funding San Agustin rehabilitation costs

Upon receipt of permit, expected in 2025, the Company will undertake drilling to potentially extend the mine life from oxide gold production and is reviewing the projects sulphide potential

Au Price

(US$/oz Au) Net Cash Flow

(US$M) After-Tax NPV

@ 5.0% Discount Rate

(US$M) IRR

(%) Payback Period

(years) Payback Multiple 2,100 1 14.83 12.67 156.1 0.8 1.1 2,600 2 28.84 25.22 365.0 0.3 2.2

Base Gold Price assumption used in the San Agustin technical report.. Comparison gold price.

Company Overview on San Antonio:

San Antonio Project Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) shows US$398.7M NPV5, 40.7% IRR, US$131.3M CAPEX and 1.1 million total ounces produced at a US$1,900/oz gold price

Mineral resource of 1.6 million ounces of gold at San Antonio project creates attractive optionality with high grade, low CAPEX, sub-US$1,100/oz ASIC and long mine life

Au Price

(US$/oz Au) Net Cash Flow

(US$M) After-Tax NPV

@ 5% Discount Rate

(US$M) IRR

(%) Payback Period

(years) Payback Multiple 1,900 1 651.21 398.66 40.7 2.0 5.2 2,600 2 1,135.42 715.05 58.8 1.5 8.3

Base Gold Price assumption used in the San Antonio technical report.. Comparison gold price.

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 13, 2025) - Heliostar Metals Ltd. (TSXV: HSTR) (OTCQX: HSTXF) (FSE: RGG1) ("Heliostar" or the "Company") advises that it has filed technical reports on the La Colorada Operations, the San Agustin Operations and the San Antonio Project. The technical reports were prepared on material projects acquired in 2024.

The technical reports are available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and on the Company's website (www.heliostarmetals.com).

Heliostar CEO, Charles Funk, commented "Heliostar has filed technical reports for three of its recently acquired Mexican projects. At La Colorada, we have restarted production this month with 2025 focused on the newly defined Junkyard Stockpile and then expanding to over 50,000 ounces of gold per year with the El Creston expansion. At San Agustin, the Phase 4 Permit area can generate strong cash flow and reduce closure costs. More importantly receiving expansion permits will provide the trigger to restart drilling, targeting further mine life expansion at the mine which has upside oxide and sulphide potential. The PEA at San Antonio demonstrates a rare, 1.0 Au g/t heap leach deposit with low CAPEX, low ASIC and a long mine life. It provides attractive optionality for our long-term growth. The combined projects have positive economics at conservative gold prices and significantly stronger returns at today's gold prices. In 2025, the Company will focus on reducing front-end capital requirements for El Creston to improve the project economics for the expansion decision and will continue to advance Ana Paula through its Feasibility Study."

LA COLORADA MINE

Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates and a life-of-mine (LOM) plan were completed for the 100% owned La Colorada Operations (La Colorada) located in the state of Sonora, Mexico. The LOM plan in the La Colorada technical report is based on continued production from three sequentially-staged deposits: the Junkyard Stockpile (La Chatarrera), the El Creston pit expansion (El Creston), and the Veta Madre pit expansion (Veta Madre). The La Colorada technical report that is the subject of this news release supersedes a technical report that was prepared on the La Colorada Mine by Argonaut Gold Inc., which had an effective date of October 1, 2021.

The La Colorada technical report includes first-time disclosure of a Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimate for the Junkyard and updated Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates for El Creston and Veta Madre. The LOM plan indicates a Probable Mineral Reserve of 377k ounces of gold exploited with two years of pre-strip and 4.1 years of mine life, from the effective date of the La Colorada technical report, at production rates up to the 13,000 t/d nameplate throughput capacity of the mine at an all-in sustaining capital cost of US$1,763/oz Au.

Key Highlights

La Colorada - Mineral Reserve & Production Highlights Mineral Reserves (kt) 1 18,159 Gold Grade (g/t Au) 0.65 Contained Gold (koz Au) 377 Processing Rate (t/d average) 2 8,292 Life of Mine (years) 3 4.1 Annual Production (oz Au per year, 2026) 14,564 Annual Production (oz Au per year, average 2027-2030) 64,309

Probable Mineral Reserve. Processing throughput rates vary over the Life of Mine, up to the nameplate capacity of about 13,000 t/d. Excludes 2 years of metals production from the Junkyard (2025) and from near-surface ore extracted during pre-stripping (2026).

La Colorada - Financial Highlights Average Cash Costs (US$ per oz AuEq) 1 1,549 Average AISC (US$ per oz AuEq) 1 1,763 Total Initial Capital Cost (US$M) 2 53.9 Total Sustainable Capital Cost (US$M) 9.8 Total LOM Capital Cost (US$M ) 63.7

Non-International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) measures. All-in sustaining costs (AISC) were first issued by the World Gold Council (WGC) in 2013. In light of new accounting standards and to support further consistency of application, the WGC published an updated Guidance note in 2018. Reflects capital investment before first metals production from El Creston. Further expenditure will be required after first metals production for pre-stripping. A maximum negative cash flow of US$139 million is projected at the base assumptions used in the La Colorada technical report.

La Colorada Return Estimates based on Gold Price1 US$2,000/oz 2 US$2,600/oz 3 IRR (%) 11.9 34.7 NPV @ 5.0% discount (US$M) 25.9 110.0 NPV @ 7.5% discount (US$M) 15.0 91.2 Payback (years) 2.2 1.4

All other key parameters set at base assumptions, including the 5% discount rate used. More detailed analysis is presented in the La Colorada technical report. Base Gold Price assumption used in the La Colorada technical report. Comparison gold price with reference to US$2,687.45 London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) PM gold price on trading day January 10, 2025.

La Colorada Mineral Resource Estimates

Mineral Resources were estimated at La Colorada for three deposits: El Creston, Veta Madre and the Junkyard, and are summarized in the following tables by deposit.

El Creston Mineral Resource Statement

Category Tonnes

(kt) Gold

Grade

(g/t) Silver

Grade

(g/t) Gold

Contained

Metal

(koz) Silver

Contained

Metal

(koz) Indicated 12,393 0.91 11.94 364 4,758 Inferred 202 0.70 6.07 5 39

Notes to accompany El Creston Mineral Resource table:

Mineral Resources are reported insitu, using the 2014 CIM Definition Standards, and have an effective date of 31 October 2024. The Qualified Person for the estimate is Mr. David Thomas, P.Geo., Associate Mineral Resource Estimator with Mine Technical Services. Mineral Resources are reported inclusive of Mineral Reserves. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral Resource estimates use the end of month October 2024 topography. Mineral Resources are constrained by a conceptual pit shell using the following assumptions: a gold price of US$2,150/oz Au; a silver price of US$26/oz Ag; rock mining cost of US$2.66/t mined; backfill mining cost of US$2.0/t mined; crushing and conveying cost of US$1.33/t processed; process and leaching cost of US$4.54/t processed; general and administrative cost of US$1.15/t processed; selling cost of US$0.66/t processed; gold metallurgical recovery of 79%; silver metallurgical recovery of 13%; and pit slope angles from 22 (pad), 35-42 (pit). Mineral Resources are reported at a gold equivalent cut-off of 0.14 g/t AuEq, using AuEq = (Au + Ag/equivalency factor), where equivalency factor = ((Au price in US$/g * Au recovery) / (Ag price in US$/g * Ag recovery)). This results in a Au:Ag ratio of 1:502.51. Totals may not sum due to rounding.

Veta Madre Mineral Resource Statement

Category Tonnes

(kt) Gold

Grade

(g/t) Silver

Grade

(g/t) Gold

Contained

Metal

(koz) Silver

Contained

Metal

(koz) Indicated 2,724 0.73 3.5 64 309 Inferred 77 0.53 2.5 1 6

Notes to accompany Veta Madre Mineral Resource table:

Mineral Resources are reported insitu, using the 2014 CIM Definition Standards, and have an effective date of 31 October, 2024. The Qualified Person for the estimate is Mr. David Thomas, P.Geo., Associate Mineral Resource Estimator with Mine Technical Services. Mineral Resources are reported inclusive of Mineral Reserves. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral Resource estimates use the end of month October 2024 topography. Mineral Resources are constrained by a conceptual pit shell using the following assumptions: a gold price of US$2,150/oz Au; a silver price of US$26/oz Ag; mining rock costs of US$2.55/t mined; crushing and conveying cost of US$1.33/t processed; process and leaching cost of US$4.54/t processed; general and administrative cost of US$1.15/t processed; selling cost of US$0.66/t processed; gold metallurgical recovery of 72%; silver metallurgical recovery 9.0%; and pit slope angles averaging 45. Mineral Resources are reported at a gold equivalent cut-off of 0.15 g/t AuEq, using AuEq = (Au + Ag/equivalency factor), where equivalency factor = ((Au price in US$/g * Au recovery) / (Ag price in US$/g * Ag recovery)). This results in a Au:Ag ratio of 1:661.54. Totals may not sum due to rounding.

La Chatarrera Mineral Resource Statement

Category Tonnes

(kt) Gold

Grade

(g/t) Silver

Grade

(g/t) Gold

Contained

Metal

(koz) Silver

Contained

Metal

(koz) Indicated 3,504 0.20 6.8 23 763 Inferred 1,220 0.41 33.29 16 1,305

Notes to accompany the Junkyard Stockpile Mineral Resource table:

Mineral Resources are reported in stockpiles, using the 2014 CIM Definition Standards, and have an effective date of 31 October, 2024. The Qualified Person for the estimate is Mr. David Thomas, P.Geo., of Mine Technical Services. Mineral Resources are reported inclusive of Mineral Reserves. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral Resource estimates use the end of month October 2024 topography. Mineral Resources are reported using the following assumptions: a gold price of US$2,150/oz Au; a silver price of US$26/oz Ag; a stockpile rehandle cost of US$1.30/t mined; crushing and conveying cost of US$1.72/t processed; process and leaching cost of US$3.10/t processed; general and administrative cost of US$1.15/t processed; selling cost of US$0.66/t processed; gold metallurgical recovery of 66%; and a silver metallurgical recovery of 27%. Mineral Resources are reported at a gold equivalent cut-off of 0.17 g/t AuEq, using AuEq = (Au + Ag/equivalency factor), where equivalency factor = ((Au price in US$/g * Au recovery) / (Ag price in US$/g * Ag recovery)). This results in a Au:Ag ratio of 1:202.14. Totals may not sum due to rounding.

La Colorada Mineral Reserve Estimates

Mineral Resources were converted to Mineral Reserves for El Creston, Veta Madre and the Junkyard.

The Mineral Reserve estimate is based on operation of the existing crusher and conveyor system having a nameplate throughput capacity of about 13,000 t/d, and continued operation of the heap leach and carbon-in-circuit (CIC) process circuit and refinery to process ore from the three deposits. The Mineral Reserve estimate is presented in the following table.

Mineral Reserves Statement

Classification Zone AuEq Cut-off

(g/t) Tonnes

(kt) Gold Grade

(g/t Au) Silver Grade (g/t Ag) Contained Gold

(koz) Contained Silver

(koz) Probable El Creston 0.160 12,841 0.76 10.1 312 4,181 Veta Madre 0.175 1,905 0.70 3.1 43 189 La Chatarrera 0.164 3,413 0.20 6.4 22 704 Total 18,159 0.65 8.69 377 5,074

Notes to accompany Mineral Reserves table:

Mineral Reserves are reported at the point of delivery to the process plant, using the 2014 CIM Definition Standards. Mineral Reserves have an effective date of 30 November 2024. The Qualified Person for the estimate is Mr. Jeffrey Choquette, P.E., of Hard Rock Consulting. A 0.16 g/t AuEq cut-off is used for reporting the Mineral Reserves at El Creston, and a 0.175 g/t AuEq cut-off is used for reporting Mineral Reserves at Veta Madre. Cut-offs were calculated based on a gold price of US$1,900/oz Au, silver price of US$23/oz Ag, processing costs of US$5.87/t, general and administrative costs of US$1.15/t, refining and selling costs of US$0.66/t, gold recovery of 79% for El Creston and 72% for Veta Madre and a silver recovery of 13% for El Creston and 9% for Veta Madre. The AuEq cut-off for the Junkyard Stockpile is 0.164 g/t AuEq based on metal prices of US$1,900/oz Au, and US$23/oz Ag, processing costs of US$4.82/t, general and administrative costs of US$1.15/t, refining and selling costs of US$0.66/t, gold recovery of 66% and a silver recovery of 27%. The AuEq calculation uses the formula AuEq = (Au + Ag/equivalency factor) where equivalency factor = ((Au price in US$/g * Au recovery) / (Ag price in US$/g * Ag recovery)). Mineral Reserves are reported within the ultimate reserve pit design. An external dilution factor of 10% and a metal loss of 5% were factored into the Mineral Reserves estimates. Tonnage and grade estimates are in metric units. Mineral Reserve tonnage and contained metal have been rounded to reflect the accuracy of the estimate, and numbers may not add due to rounding.

The LOM plan outlines sequential exploitation of the three deposits with two years of pre-production from the Junkyard (2025) and from near-surface ore extracted during pre-stripping (2026), before a production LOM of 4.1 years.

Figure 1 - Ore Mined by Pit Phase

Note: Figure prepared by Hard Rock Consulting, 2024

La Colorada Operating Cost Estimates

The existing mining and process circuit at the La Colorada Mine remains unchanged for the proposed LOM plan in the La Colorada technical report, with exploitation of the three deposits benefitting from the installed capacity. The expected operating performance and operating cost forecasts were compiled with the benefit of benchmarking historical performance at La Colorada and the input of seasoned professionals knowledgeable of the conventional technologies being used at La Colorada, the expected consumption quantities of key supplies, and commercial pricing for goods and services in Mexico.

Total Operating Cost Summary

Operating Costs Operating Cost

($/oz AuEq) Operating Cost

($/t ore) Operating Cost

($/t mined) Total mining 1,038.63 17.02 2.06 Total processing 368.21 6.04 Total site general and administrative 68.40 1.12 Refinery and transport 26.37 0.43 Cash operating costs 1,501.61 24.61 Production taxes 27.14 0.44 Royalties 20.00 0.33 Total cash costs 1,548.74 25.39 Capital costs 214.11 3.51 Total AISC 1,762.86 28.90

La Colorada Capital Cost Estimates

The Junkyard only requires working capital to bring the deposit into production.

The initial capital cost for El Creston is estimated at US$54.0M, including US$9.0M capital for pad expansion and US$43.4M mining pre-stripping costs until first production. A significant pre-strip is required to fully exploit the El Creston deposit, comprising both capitalized and expensed pre-stripping costs.

The LOM plan includes US$6.8M for reclamation work at the end of the mine life.

Capital Cost Summary

Capital Costs Initial

(US$ M) Sustaining

(US$ M) Total LOM

(US$ M) Mine pre-production development 43.40 0.00 43.40 Contractor mobilization 0.21 0.00 0.21 Slope radar system 0.00 0.50 0.50 Leach pad expansion 8.97 2.13 11.10 Total direct costs 52.58 2.63 55.21 Owner costs and reclamation 0.00 6.80 6.80 Indirects and contingency 1.35 0.37 1.72 Total indirect costs 1.35 7.17 8.52 Total 53.93 9.80 63.73

La Colorada Economic Analysis

The financial analysis shows an after-tax net present value at a discount rate of 5% of US$25.9 M, an after-tax internal rate of return of 11.9%, and a payback period of 2.2 years. The forecast total lifespan of the Project is 4.1 years with two years of pre-production, although some metals production is planned in these two years. Approximately 377,000 oz of gold is projected to be mined, with 287,000 oz of gold recovered and produced for sale.

Summary Economic Results

Project Valuation Overview Units After Tax Before Tax Total cashflow US$ M 54.92 86.51 NPV @ 5.0% (base case) US$ M 25.93 49.77 NPV @ 7.5%; US$ M 14.99 35.82 NPV @ 10.0%; US$ M 5.90 24.14 Internal rate of return % 11.9 17.2 Payback period Years 2.15 2.04 Payback multiple 1.35 1.55 Total initial capital US$ M 53.93 53.93

Metal Prices

The La Colorada technical report includes a sensitivity analysis for key parameters impacting the forecast economic returns for La Colorada. The LOM plan and Mineral Reserves estimates are most sensitive to changes in the gold price, and gold grade. Since silver is projected to contribute only about 4% to the revenues. LOM variations in the silver price have limited impact on the cashflow forecast. The LOM plan and Mineral Reserves estimates are less sensitive to operating cost changes, and least sensitive to changes in capital costs.

Gold Price Sensitivity Analysis

Au Price

(US$/oz Au) Net Cash Flow

(US$ M) After-Tax NPV

@ 5.0% Discount Rate

(US$ M) IRR

(%) Payback Period

(years) Payback Multiple 1,000 -235.88 -203.08 - 0.0 0.0 1,200 -167.30 -149.64 - 0.0 0.2 1,400 -99.10 -96.46 -31.1 0.0 0.5 1,600 -30.90 -43.29 -7.0 0.0 0.8 1,800 19.43 -3.17 4.2 2.7 1.1 2,000 54.92 25.93 11.9 2.2 1.4 2,200 89.39 53.96 19.4 1.8 1.6 2,400 123.85 82.00 27.0 1.6 1.9 2,600 158.32 110.03 34.7 1.4 2.3 2,800 192.79 137.88 42.3 1.2 2.7 3,000 227.26 165.60 49.7 1.1 3.2

Commentary by the Company on Relevant Matters

The results from ongoing drilling and other technical studies being performed at El Creston are excluded from the La Colorada technical report but will be incorporated into a mineral resource model and will support a Mineral Reserve update that will be published with an updated technical report in mid-2025.

A total initial capital of $53.9M is a required, predominantly from waste stripping prior to the reaching the life-of-mine strip ratio. Further stripping is required after reaching the life-of-mine strip ratio and a maximum negative cash flow of US$139 million is projected at the base assumptions used in the La Colorada technical report (US$117M at US$2,600 gold).

The La Colorada technical report presents cash flows based on the base gold price used. With exploitation of the Junkyard starting this month, the project will generate revenues from sales based on current gold prices which are expected to be higher than the base gold price used in the La Colorada technical report.

The gold market has experienced significant upward price movement in the past few years and, considering that the gold price at the effective date of the La Colorada technical report is about 34% above the base gold price used in the La Colorada technical report. The sensitivity analysis presents gold price scenarios up to US$3,000/oz Au to understand the potential impact. From the base case price of $2,000/oz (years 2026-2031), a change in the average gold price of US$200/oz Au would change the NPV at a 5% discount rate by 108%, or approximately $28.0 M

Commentary by the Company on Next Steps and Permitting

Restart of mining activities at La Colorada has commenced at the Junkyard this month. The Company will provide production and cost guidance for 2025 later in January.

The Company will be continuing the current drill program and conducting other technical programs at El Creston and plans to complete updated technical study in mid-2025.

The drill program includes shallow infill drilling designed to support short-term mine planning, and a program of infill and expansion drilling deeper in the pit to include in the future update to Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimate.

Some ancillary permitting work is planned at El Creston and is expected to be completed by mid-2025. A change of land use permit is required to enable exploitation of Veta Madre.

Since the development plan for La Colorada represents a continuation of the historical operations, minimal capital investment is required for new equipment and facilities; however, pre-stripping at El Creston and Veta Madre will need to be financed. Subject to satisfactory conclusion of the planned work programs and arranging financing, the Company is anticipating making an investment decision at El Creston in 2H 2025.

Qualified Persons

The technical report for the La Colorado Mine was prepared for Heliostar Metals Inc. by Mr. Todd Wakefield, RM SME, Mr. David Thomas, P.Geo., Mr. Jeffrey Choquette, P.E., Mr. Carl Defilippi, RM SME, and Ms. Dawn Garcia, CPG. Each of these Qualified Persons has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release that was abstracted from the La Colorada technical report in their area of expertise and are independent of the Company.

SAN AGUSTIN MINE

Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimates and a LOM plan were completed for the 100% owned San Agustin Operations (San Agustin) located in the state of Durango, Mexico. The LOM plan in the San Agustin technical report is based on an expansion of the existing open pit. The San Agustin technical report that is the subject of this news release supersedes a technical report that was prepared on the San Agustin Mine by Florida Canyon Gold Inc., which had an effective date of June 20, 2024.

The San Agustin technical report includes an updated Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimate. The LOM plan indicates that a Probable Mineral Reserve of 68k ounces of gold can be exploited based on 1.2 years of mine life at an all-in sustaining capital cost of US$1,990/oz Au.

Key Highlights

San Agustin - Mineral Reserve & Production Highlights Mineral Reserves (kt) 1 7,358 Grade (g/t Au) 0.29 Contained Gold (koz Au) 68 Processing Rate (t/d) 2 17,100 Life of Mine (years) 3 1.2 Annual Production (oz Au per year, average 2026-2027) 4 19,091

Probable Mineral Reserve. Processing throughput rates will vary over the Life of Mine, up to the nameplate capacity of about 30,000 t/d. Excludes one year of metals production from ongoing re-leaching of heap leach piles. Gold production in 2026 is 32,625 ounces.

San Agustin - Financial Highlights Average Unit Costs (US$ per oz AuEq) 1 1,605 Average AISC (US$ per oz AuEq) 1, 2 1,990 Total Initial Capital Cost (US$M) 4.2 Total Sustainable Capital Cost (US$M) 2 14.3 Total LOM Capital Cost (US$M) 18.5

Non-IFRS measures. AISC were first issued by the WGC in 2013. In light of new accounting standards and to support further consistency of application, the WGC published an updated Guidance note in 2018. Includes reclamation costs for San Agustin mine.

San Agustin Return Estimates based on Gold Price 1 US$2,100/oz 2 US$2,600/oz 3 IRR (%) 156.1 365.0 NPV @ 5.0% discount (US$M) 12.7 25.2 NPV @ 7.5% discount (US$M) 11.7 23.6 Payback (years) 0.8 0.3

All other key parameters set at base assumptions, including the 5% discount rate used. More detailed analysis is presented in the LSan Agustin technical report. Base Gold Price assumption used in the San Agustin technical report. Comparison gold price with reference to US$2,687.45 LBMA PM gold price on trading day January 10, 2025.

San Agustin Mineral Resource Estimates

Mineral Resources were estimated for San Agustin as summarized in the following table.

Mineral Resource Statement

Material

Type AuEq

Cutoff

(g/t AuEq) Confidence

Classification Tonnes

(kt) Gold Grade

(g/t Au) Silver Grade

(g/t Ag) Contained Gold

(koz) Contained Silver

(koz) Oxide 0.14 Indicated 17,154 0.30 11.5 165 6,333 Transitional 0.27 700 0.44 17.4 10 391 Sulphide argillic 0.41 5,348 0.80 14.0 138 2,403 Sulphide silicified 0.60 427 0.90 7.4 12 102 Total 23,629 0.43 12.2 325 9,229 Oxide 0.14 Inferred 1,273 0.29 9.2 12 378 Transitional 0.27 5 0.32 25.6 0 4 Sulphide argillic 0.41 121 0.64 9.6 2 38 Sulphide silicified 0.60 2 0.68 6.0 0 0 Total 1,401 0.32 9.4 14 421

Notes to accompany San Agustin Mineral Resource table:

Mineral Resources are reported insitu, using the 2014 CIM Definition Standards, and have an effective date of 30 November, 2024. The Qualified Person for the estimate is Mr. David Thomas, PGeo., Associate Mineral Resource Estimator with Mine Technical Services. Mineral Resources are reported inclusive of Mineral Reserves. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral Resource estimates are defined by end of month July 2024 topography. Mineral Resources are constrained by a conceptual pit shell using the following assumptions: a gold price of $2,150/oz Au; a silver price of $26.0/oz Ag; mining cost of $2.0/t mined; oxide process and leaching cost of $4.23/t processed; transition process and leaching cost of $5.14/t processed; sulphide argillic process and leaching cost of $5.36/t processed; sulphide silicic process and leaching cost of $4.94/t processed; general and administrative cost of $1.4/t processed; selling cost of $0.66/t processed; gold metallurgical recoveries from 17-66%; silver metallurgical recoveries from 9-10%; and pit slope angles of 45. Totals may not sum due to rounding.

San Agustin Mineral Reserve Estimates

The Mineral Reserve estimate at San Agustin is based on operation of the existing crusher and conveyor system having a nameplate throughput capacity of about 30,000 t/d and continued operation of the heap leach and CIC process circuit to processing ore from the expanded open pit. The Mineral Reserve estimate is presented in the following table.

Mineral Reserve Statement

Classification Material

Type AuEq Cut-off

(g/t AuEq) Tonnes

(kt) Gold Grade

(Au g/t) Silver Grade

(Ag g/t) Contained Gold

(koz) Contained Silver

(koz) Probable Oxide 0.156 7,281 0.29 16.24 67 3,803 Transition 0.310 77 0.39 31.39 1 77 Total 7,358 0.29 16.40 68 3,880

Notes to accompany Mineral Reserves table:

Mineral Reserves are reported at the point of delivery to the process plant, using the 2014 CIM Definition Standards. Mineral Reserves have an effective date of 30 November 2024. The Qualified Person for the estimate is Mr. Jeffrey Choquette, PE, of Hard Rock Consulting, LLC. A 0.156 g/t AuEq cut-off is used for reporting the Mineral Reserves in oxide, and a 0.310 g/t AuEq cut-off is used for reporting Mineral Reserves in transitional material. Cut-offs were calculated based on a gold price of US$1,900/oz Au, silver price of US$23/oz Ag, processing costs of US$4.23/t for oxide, processing costs of US$5.14/t for transitional, general and administrative costs of US$1.40/t, refining and selling costs of US$0.66/t, gold recovery of 66% for oxide and 38% for transitional and a silver recovery of 10% for oxide and transitional. The AuEq calculation uses the formula AuEq = (Au + Ag/equivalency factor) where equivalency factor = ((Au price in US$/g * Au recovery) / (Ag price in US$/g * Ag recovery)). Mineral Reserves are reported within the ultimate reserve pit design. An external dilution factor of 5% and a metal loss of 3% have been factored into the Mineral Reserve estimate. Tonnage and grade estimates are in metric units. Mineral Reserve tonnage and contained metal have been rounded to reflect the accuracy of the estimate, and numbers may not add due to rounding

Figure 2 - Ore Mined by Pit Phase

Note: Figure prepared by Hard Rock Consulting, 2024

San Agustin Operating Cost Estimates

The existing mining and process circuit at San Agustin remains unchanged for the proposed LOM plan in the San Agustin technical report, with exploitation of the ore from the expanded open pit benefitting from the installed capacity. The expected operating performance and operating cost forecasts were compiled with the benefit of benchmarking historical performance at San Agustin and the input of seasoned professionals knowledgeable of the conventional technologies being used at San Agustin, the expected consumption quantities of key supplies, and commercial pricing for goods and services in Mexico.

Total Operating Cost Summary

Operating Costs Operating Cost

(US$/oz AuEq) Operating Cost

(US$/t ore) Operating Cost

(US$/t mined) Total mining 681.41 4.44 2.36 Total processing 699.96 4.56 Total site general and administrative 123.57 0.80 Refinery and transport 38.47 0.25 Cash operating costs 1,543.41 10.05 Production taxes 40.10 0.26 Royalties 21.00 0.14 Total cash costs 1,604.51 10.45 Capital costs 385.59 2.51 Total AISC 1,990.09 12.96

San Agustin Capital Cost Estimates

The initial capital cost is estimated at US$4.2M, including US$2.7M capital for Owner's costs and US$0.6M for an in-fill drill program.

The LOM plan includes US$13.6M for reclamation work at the end of the mine life.

Capital Cost Summary

Capital Costs Initial

(US$ M) Sustaining

(US$ M) Total LOM

(US$ M) Definition drilling Phase 4 Pit 0.60 0.00 0.60 Mine contractor mobilization and demobilization 0.15 0.05 0.20 Leach pad expansion 0.00 0.61 0.61 Total direct costs 0.75 0.66 1.41 Owner Costs and reclamation 3.40 13.57 16.97 Indirects and contingency 0.00 0.09 0.09 Total indirect costs 3.40 13.67 17.07 Total 4.15 14.33 18.48

San Agustin Economic Analysis

The financial analysis in the San Agustin technical report shows an after-tax net present value at a discount rate of 5% of US$12.7 million, an after-tax internal rate of return of 156%, and a payback period of 0.8 years. The forecast total lifespan of the Project is 1.2 years with 0.8 years of residual leaching. Approximately 67,800 oz of gold is projected to be mined, with 44,500 oz of gold recovered and produced for sale.

Summary Economic Results

Project Valuation Overview Units After Tax Before Tax Total cashflow US$ M 14.83 19.69 NPV @ 5.0% (base case) US$ M 12.67 19.46 NPV @ 7.5% US$ M 11.74 18.10 NPV @ 10.0% US$ M 10.88 16.86 Internal rate of return % 156.1 218.9 Payback period Years 0.79 0.59 Payback multiple 1.09 1.66 Total initial capital US$ M 4.15 4.15

Metal Prices

The San Agustin technical report includes a sensitivity analysis for key parameters impacting the forecast economic returns for San Agustin. The LOM plan and Mineral Reserves estimates are most sensitive to gold price and gold grade. Since silver is projected to contribute only about 9% to the San Agustin revenues, variations in the silver price have a small impact on the cashflow forecast. The LOM plan and Mineral Reserves estimates are less sensitive to operating cost changes, and least sensitive to changes in capital costs.

Gold Price Sensitivity Analysis

Au Price

(US$/oz Au) Net Cash Flow

(US$ M) After-Tax

NPV @ 5%

(US$ M) IRR

(%) Payback Period

(years) Payback

Multiple 1,000 -34.64 -31.50 - - - 1,200 -24.16 -22.18 - - - 1,400 -13.69 -12.86 - - - 1,600 -3.22 -3.53 -19.6 - - 1,800 4.75 3.62 38.2 1.6 0.4 2,000 12.03 10.16 119.8 1.1 0.9 2,100 14.83 12.67 156.1 0.8 1.1 2,200 17.63 15.18 194.8 0.6 1.3 2,400 23.23 20.20 277.4 0.4 1.8 2,600 28.84 25.22 365.0 0.3 2.2 2,800 34.44 30.23 455.6 0.2 2.7 3,000 40.05 35.25 548.3 0.2 3.2

Commentary by the Company on Relevant Matters

The San Agustin technical report presents cash flows based on the base gold price used. With exploitation of the Mineral Reserve as presented in the San Agustin technical report, the project will generate revenues from sales which may be higher than the base gold price used in the San Agustin technical report.

The gold market has experienced significant upward price movement in the past few years and, considering the gold price at the effective date of the San Agustin technical report is about 34% above the base gold price used in the San Agustin technical report. The sensitivity analysis presents gold price scenarios up to US$3,000 per ounce to understand the potential impact. From the base case price of $2,100/oz, a 10% change in the average gold price (or US$210/oz Au) would change the NPV at a 5% discount rate by 42%, or approximately $5.3 M.

Commentary by the Company on Next Steps and Permitting

Although mining activities at San Agustin ceased in August 2024, the Company is continuing re-leaching activities. The Company will provide production and cost guidance for 2025 later in January.

A change of land use permit is required to enable exploitation of the Mineral Reserve at San Agustin. Subject to obtaining the permit, the Company plans to conduct a small, in-fill drill program to provide geotechnical information and support short-term mine planning, and to complete other preparation work needed to restart the mining activities. These activities are expected to require 4-6 months to complete from permit approval.

Qualified Persons

The technical report for the San Agustin Mine was prepared for Heliostar Metals Inc. by Mr. Todd Wakefield, RM SME, Mr. David Thomas, P.Geo., Mr. Jeffrey Choquette, P.E., Mr. Carl Defilippi, RM SME, and Ms. Dawn Garcia, CPG. Each of these Qualified Persons has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release that was abstracted from the San Agustin technical report in their area of expertise and are independent of the Company.

SAN ANTONIO PRELIMINARY ECONOMIC ASSESSMENT

A Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) based on Mineral Resource estimates was completed for the 100% owned San Antonio Project (San Antonio Project technical report) located in the state of Baja California Sur, Mexico. The study considers construction and operation of a greenfield open pit and heap leach-CIC mine operation. The San Antonio Project technical report that is the subject of this news release supersedes a technical report that was prepared on the San Antonio Project by Argonaut Gold Inc., which had an effective date of 1 September, 2012.

The PEA is preliminary in nature and includes Inferred Mineral Resources that are too speculative geologically to have economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as Mineral Reserves, and there is no certainty that the preliminary economic assessment will be realized.

Key Highlights

San Antonio PEA - Resource & Production Highlights Mineral Resource within PEA mine plan Indicated Mineral Resources (kt) 49,410 Grade (g/t Au) 1.00 Contained Gold (koz Au) 1,590 Inferred Mineral Resources (kt) 5,397 Grade (g/t Au) 0.47 Contained Gold (koz Au) 82 Processing Rate (t/d) 10,960 Life of Mine (years) 13.7 Average recovery rate (% Au) 65.8 Annual Production (oz Au per year, average) 80,268 Life of Mine Production (Moz Au) 1.10

San Antonio PEA - Financial Highlights Average Unit Cash Costs (US$ per oz Au)1 898 Average AISC (US$ per oz Au)1 1,063 Total Initial Capital Cost (US$M) 131.3 Total Sustainable Capital Cost (US$M) 48.6 Total LOM Capital Cost (US$M) 179.9

Non-IFRS measures. AISC were first issued by the WGC in 2013. In light of new accounting standards and to support further consistency of application, the WGC published an updated Guidance note in 2018. Gold Price used in La Colorada technical report

San Antonio Return Estimates based on Gold Price 1 US$1,900/oz 2 US$2,600/oz 3 IRR (%) 40.7 58.8 NPV @ 5.0% discount (US$M) 398.7 715.1 NPV @ 7.5% discount (US$M) 315.1 575.9 Payback (years) 2.0 1.5

All other key parameters set at base assumptions, including the 5% discount rate used. More detailed analysis is presented in the San Antonio technical report. Base Gold Price assumption used in Technical Report. Comparison gold price with reference to US$2,687.45 LBMA PM gold price on trading day January 10, 2025.

San Antonio Mineral Resource Estimates

Mineral Resources were estimated for San Antonio Project as summarized in the following table.

Mineral Resource Statement

Confidence Classification Area Oxidation State Cut-off Grade

(g/t Au) Tonnage

(kt) Gold Grade

(g/t Au) Contained Metal

(koz Au) Indicated Los Planes Oxide and transition 0.095 15,839 0.91 461.2 Sulphide 0.156 26,607 1.10 943.7 Intermediate Oxide, transition, and sulphide 0.150 5,239 0.87 146.3 Las Colinas Oxide and transition 0.184 1,430 0.69 31.9 Sulphide 0.199 6,407 0.77 158.1 Total Oxide, transition, and sulphide 0.095-1.99 55,522 0.98 1,741.3 Inferred Los Planes Oxide and transition 0.095 5,479 0.34 59.1 Sulphide 0.156 1,319 0.71 30.2 Intermediate Alluvium, oxide, transition, and sulphide 0.150 660 0.43 9.2 Las Colinas Alluvium, oxide, and transition 0.184 689 0.49 10.9 Sulphide 0.199 579 0.59 11.0 La Colpa Alluvium, oxide, and transition 0.120 4,635 0.29 43.9 Sulphide 0.194 1,597 0.39 19.9 Total Alluvium, oxide, transition, and sulphide 0.095-1.99 14,957 0.38 184.4

Notes to Accompany Mineral Resource Table:

Mineral Resources are reported insitu, using the 2014 CIM Definition Standards. Mineral Resources have an effective date of 30 November, 2024. The Qualified Person for the estimate is Mr. Richard Schwering, RM SME, a Hard Rock Consulting employee. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral Resources are constrained within a conceptual open pit shell that used the following input parameters: gold price of US$2,150/oz; a mining cost of US$2/t mined, incremental mining cost of US$0.017/t mined for each 6 m depth; variable processing costs by oxidation state, ranging from US$3.84-5.26/t processed; general and administrative costs of US$1.00/t processed; finishing and selling costs of US$0.75/t processed; variable metallurgical recoveries by oxidation state, ranging from 44-86%; and variable pit slope angles ranging from 35-45. Mineral Resources are reported above variable cut-off grades, ranging from 0.095-1.99 g/t Au. Numbers have been rounded.

San Antonio Mineral Resources Scheduled Within PEA Mine Plan

A mine plan was prepared based on an open pit and heap leach-CIC mine operation, with mineralized material processed sequentially and concurrently from three distinct mineral zones within the San Antonio deposit.

Mineral Resource Scheduled Within PEA Mine Plan

Material Type Indicated Inferred Tonnes

(kt) Gold Grade

(g/t Au) Contained Gold

(koz Au) Tonnes

(kt) Gold Grade

(g/t Au) Contained Gold

(koz Au) Los Planes; oxide, mixed 15,566 0.92 458.0 3,569 0.40 46.3 Los Planes; sulphide 25,276 1.13 918.9 968 0.76 23.7 Intermediate; oxide, mixed 478 0.58 8.9 204 0.40 2.6 Intermediate; sulphide 3,242 0.88 91.3 120 0.44 1.7 Las Colinas; oxide, mixed 1,275 0.69 28.3 313 0.42 4.2 Las Colinas; sulphide 3,574 0.74 84.8 223 0.42 3.0 Total 49,410 1.00 1,590.2 5,397 0.47 81.6

Figure 3 - Mineralization Mined by Pit Phase



San Antonio Operating Cost Estimates

The operating costs in the San Antonio Project technical report were estimated for mining, processing, and general administration activities for an open pit and heap leach-CIC mine operation.

Total Operating Cost Estimate

Operating Costs Operating Cost

(US$/oz Au) Operating Cost

(US$/t mineralized material) Operating Cost

(US$/t mined) Total mining 522.78 10.40 2.06 Total processing 204.24 4.06 Total site general and administrative 59.26 1.18 Refinery and transport 16.85 0.34 Cash operating costs 803.13 15.97 Production taxes 76.22 1.52 Royalties 19.00 0.38 Total cash costs 898.34 17.87 Capital costs 165.04 3.28 Total AISC 1,063.39 21.15

San Antonio Capital Cost Estimates

The initial capital cost including contingency was estimated at US$131.8M, with a 2-year pre-production phase for construction of the greenfield mine.

Total LOM Capital Costs

LOM Capital Costs Initial

(US$M) Sustaining

(US$M) Total LOM

(US$M) Mine area 4.36 5.00 9.36 General and administrative infrastructure 72.26 20.50 92.76 Processing 12.81 0.00 12.81 Total direct costs 89.43 25.50 114.93 Owner costs and reclamation 5.00 17.31 22.31 Project indirect costs 16.51 0.00 16.51 Contingency 20.35 5.80 26.16 Total indirect costs 41.86 23.11 64.97 Total 131.28 48.62 179.90

San Antonio Economic Analysis

The financial analysis in the San Antonio Project technical report shows an after-tax net present value at a discount rate of 5% of US$399M, an after-tax internal rate of return of 40.7%, and a payback period of 2.1 years. The forecast total lifespan is 14 years. Approximately 1.67 M ounces of gold is projected to be mined, with 1.10 M ounces of gold forecast to be recovered and produced for sale.

Summary Economic Results

Project Valuation Overview Units After Tax Before Tax Total cashflow US$ M 651.21 1,013.36 NPV @ 5.0% (base case) US$ M 398.66 635.33 NPV @ 7.5% US$ M 315.09 509.96 NPV @ 10.0% US$ M 250.14 412.36 Internal rate of return % 40.7 53.7 Payback period Years 2.05 1.71 Payback multiple 5.24 7.65 Total initial capital US$ M 138.59 138.59

Metal Prices

The San Antonio Project technical report includes a sensitivity analysis for key parameters impacting the cashflow forecast. The PEA LOM plan that is based on Mineral Resources is most sensitive to gold price and gold grade. It is less sensitive to operating cost changes, and least sensitive to changes in capital costs.

Gold Price Sensitivity Analysis

Au Price

(US$/oz Au) Net Cash Flow

(US$ M) After-Tax

NPV @ 5%

(US$ M) IRR

(%) Payback Period

(years) Payback

Multiple 1,000 11.34 -20.14 1.5 5.3 1.1 1,200 162.93 78.70 15.0 3.5 2.0 1,400 303.75 171.10 23.8 2.8 3.0 1,600 443.11 262.51 31.2 2.4 3.9 1,800 582.04 353.46 37.7 2.2 4.8 1,900 651.21 398.66 40.7 2.0 5.2 2,000 720.38 443.86 43.5 2.0 5.7 2,200 858.73 534.26 49.0 1.8 6.6 2,400 997.07 624.66 54.0 1.7 7.5 2,600 1,135.42 715.05 58.8 1.5 8.3 2,800 1,273.76 805.45 63.4 1.5 9.2 3,000 1,412.10 895.85 67.8 1.4 10.1

Commentary by the Company on Relevant Matters

The gold market has experienced significant upward price movement in the past few years and considering gold price at the effective date of the San Antonio technical report is about 41% above the base gold price used in the San Agustin Project technical report. The sensitivity analysis presents gold price scenarios up to US$3,000 per ounce to understand the potential impact. From the base case price of US$1,900/oz Au, a change in the average gold price of US$200/oz Au would change the NPV at a 5% discount rate by 22.7%, or approximately $90.4 M.

Commentary by the Company on Next Steps and Permitting

The Project requires further development planning and engineering. All major environmental and other permits will need to be obtained before an investment decision can be considered by Heliostar.

Based on the results from the San Antonio Project technical report, the Company will conduct a strategic Project review with the objective of identifying and evaluating the next development steps and challenges. The Company will also consider additional work programs and alternative business possibilities to potentially add Project value to the San Antonio Project as presented in the PEA. This strategic review is expected to require 3-4 months to complete.

Qualified Persons

The technical report for the San Antonio Project was prepared for Heliostar Metals Inc. by Mr. Todd Wakefield, RM SME, Mr. Richard Schwering RM SME, Mr. Jeffrey Choquette, P.E., Mr. Carl Defilippi, RM SME, and Ms. Dawn Garcia, CPG. Each of these Qualified Persons has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release that was abstracted from the San Antonio Project technical report in their area of expertise and are independent of the Company.

With respect to this News Release:

Qualified Persons for News Release

Sam Anderson, CPG, Gregg Bush, P.Eng. and Mike Gingles, MBA, the Company's Qualified Persons, as such term is defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, have reviewed the scientific and technical information not derived from the technical reports and included in this news release in the Company Overview, Commentary by the Company on Relevant Matters and Commentary by the Company on Next Steps and Permitting sections for each property and have approved the disclosure herein.

Data Verification

In addition, the Qualified Persons for each of the technical reports verified the data in the reports in their areas of expertise, and concluded that the information supported Mineral Resource and Mineral Reserve estimation, and could be used in mine planning and economic analysis. The verification completed by each Qualified Person is discussed in each technical report and included site visits, and could include data audits, suitability of data for use in estimation and mine planning, quality assurance and quality control checks, review of available technical and economic study data, review of data collection and evaluation methods, review of production data including reconciliation where available, review of actual cost data for operations, and review of third-party inputs to forecasts.

The Company's Qualified persons verified the information that was not derived from the technical reports. The data verification included site visits, data audits, review of available study data, review of data collection and evaluation methods, review of production data including reconciliation where available, review of actual cost data for operations, and review of third-party inputs to forecasts, and consideration of the Company's plans for the projects.

About Heliostar Metals Ltd.

Heliostar aims to grow to become a mid-tier gold producer. The Company is focused on increasing production and developing new resources at the recently acquired La Colorada and San Agustin mines in Mexico, and on developing the 100% owned Ana Paula Project in Guerrero, Mexico.

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.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release includes certain "Forward-Looking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target", "plan", "forecast", "may", "would", "could", "schedule" and similar words or expressions, identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information relate to, among other things, El Creston expansion at La Colorada is expected to produce over 50,000 ounces of gold per year, Current drill program (five drill rigs) is targeting lower CAPEX and increased production for an updated technical report planned for mid-2025, Receiving the Corner Permit allow for strong cash flow generation from San Agustin including funding San Agustin rehabilitation costs, Upon receipt of permit, expected in 2025, the Company will undertake drilling to potentially extend mine life from oxide gold production and is reviewing the projects sulphide potential, Mineral resource of 1.6 million ounces of gold at San Antonio project creates attractive optionality with high grade, low CAPEX, sub-US$1,100/oz ASIC and long mine life, the combined projects have positive economics at conservative gold prices and significantly stronger returns at today's gold prices and In 2025, the Company will focus on reducing front-end capital requirements for El Creston to improve the project economics for the expansion decision and will continue to advance Ana Paula through its Feasibility Study.

Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information relating to the terms and completion of the Facility, any future mineral production, liquidity, and future exploration plans are based on management's reasonable assumptions, estimates, expectations, analyses and opinions, which are based on management's experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, and other factors that management believes are relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, but which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, the receipt of necessary approvals, price of metals; no escalation in the severity of public health crises or ongoing military conflicts; costs of exploration and development; the estimated costs of development of exploration projects; and the Company's ability to operate in a safe and effective manner and its ability to obtain financing on reasonable terms.

These statements reflect the Company's respective current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of other assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management, 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 or forward-looking information and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: precious metals price volatility; risks associated with the conduct of the Company's mining activities in foreign jurisdictions; regulatory, consent or permitting delays; risks relating to reliance on the Company's management team and outside contractors; risks regarding exploration and mining activities; the Company's inability to obtain insurance to cover all risks, on a commercially reasonable basis or at all; currency fluctuations; risks regarding the failure to generate sufficient cash flow from operations; risks relating to project financing and equity issuances; risks and unknowns inherent in all mining projects, including the inaccuracy of reserves and resources, metallurgical recoveries and capital and operating costs of such projects; contests over title to properties, particularly title to undeveloped properties; laws and regulations governing the environment, health and safety; the ability of the communities in which the Company operates to manage and cope with the implications of public health crises; the economic and financial implications of public health crises, ongoing military conflicts and general economic factors to the Company; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities; employee relations, labour unrest or unavailability; the Company's interactions with surrounding communities; the Company's ability to successfully integrate acquired assets; the speculative nature of exploration and development, including the risks of diminishing quantities or grades of reserves; stock market volatility; conflicts of interest among certain directors and officers; lack of liquidity for shareholders of the Company; litigation risk; and the factors identified under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's public disclosure documents. Readers are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or forward-looking information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements or information, other than as required by applicable law.

This news release includes certain non-International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) measures. The Company has included these measures, in addition to conventional measures conforming with IFRS, to provide investors with an improved ability to evaluate the project and provide comparability between projects. The non-IFRS measures, which are generally considered standard measures within the mining industry albeit with non-standard definitions, are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. Cash costs (Cash Costs) are a common financial performance measure in the gold mining industry but with no standard meaning under IFRS. The Company believes that, in addition to conventional measures prepared in accordance with IFRS, certain investors use this information to evaluate each project's economic results in the technical reports and each project's potential to generate operating earnings and cash flow. All-in Sustaining Costs (AISC) more fully defines the total costs associated with producing precious metals. The AISC is calculated based on guidelines published by the World Gold Council (WGC), which were first issued in 2013. In light of new accounting standards and to support further consistency of application, the WGC published an updated Guidance Note in 2018. Other companies may calculate this measure differently because of differences in underlying principles and policies applied. Differences may also arise due to a different definition of sustaining versus growth capital. Note that in respect of AISC metrics within the technical reports because such economics are disclosed at the project level, corporate general and administrative expenses were not included in the AISC calculations.
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New Lebanese President Joseph Aoun began parliamentary consultations Monday to designate a prime minister tasked with forming a government desperately needed to tackle major challenges in the crisis-hit country.

Caretaker premier Najib Mikati and Nawaf Salam, a favourite of anti-Hezbollah lawmakers who is the presiding judge at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, have emerged as the frontrunners.

The first round of talks ended shortly before midday with 12 independent lawmakers backing Salam, seven picking Mikati, and two others choosing neither of them.

Aoun was then to meet the main parliamentary blocs in the afternoon.

The consultations, a constitutional requirement, follow Aoun's election last week amid foreign pressure for swift progress -- particularly from the United States and Saudi Arabia.

The eastern Mediterranean nation had been without a president since October 2022, run by a caretaker government amid a crushing economic crisis compounded by all-out war between Lebanese militant group Hezbollah and Israel.

Under Lebanon's power-sharing system, Lebanon's president is a Maronite Christian, the prime minister is a Sunni Muslim, and the parliament speaker is a Shiite Muslim.

- 'Change' -

Salam's backers view the judge and former ambassador to the United Nations as someone impartial able to carry out much-needed reforms.

They see Mikati as part of an old political system that Iran-backed Hezbollah has within its grip.

Independent lawmaker Melhem Khalaf said he had backed Salam as someone outside the country's traditional political class in order to bring about "change".

Firas Hamdan, an independent member of parliament who also supported him, said lawmakers were being asked to choose between "impunity and international justice, between corruption and clean hands".

Consultations come after Hezbollah was weakened by the war with Israel that ended on November 27, and after it lost a key ally when Islamist-led rebels toppled president Bashar al-Assad last month.

Saudi Arabia and the United States were among key countries driving diplomatic efforts to end the presidential vacuum.

A source close to Hezbollah told AFP that both Hezbollah and powerful parliament speaker Nabih Berri's Amal movement supported Mikati.

The incumbent's re-designation is "part of the accord reached with the Saudi envoy to Lebanon... that led Hezbollah and Amal to vote for Aoun as president" last week, the source said on condition of anonymity as the matter is sensitive.

Riyadh has restored its interest in Lebanon's political scene after years of distancing itself in protest at the influence of Hezbollah.

Mikati, who has already formed three governments and has good relations with Lebanon's political parties and several foreign countries, has denied any such prior arrangement exists.

One of the country's richest men, Mikati has headed the country in a caretaker capacity throughout the presidential vacuum.

- 'US coup?' -

Al-Akhbar, a newspaper close to Hezbollah, on Monday headlined its front page: "The race for prime minister: A complete US coup?"

In his inaugural speech on Thursday, Aoun said his election as president would usher in a "new phase" for the country.

Lebanese university professor Ali Mrad said support for Salam's nomination reflected "the real changes that Lebanon is experiencing".

"Today there are two options in the country: a serious reform option, called Nawaf Salam, and an option that takes up back, called Najib Mikati," he said.

Opposition lawmakers on Saturday had thrown their backing behind anti-Hezbollah lawmaker Fouad Makhzoumi, a wealthy businessman who has good ties with Gulf countries and Washington.

But on Monday he said he withdrew his candidacy to "make way for consensus... around the name of Judge Nawaf Salam".

Whoever heads Lebanon's new government will face major challenges, including implementing reforms to satisfy international donors amid the country's worst economic crisis in its history.

They will also face the daunting task of reconstructing swathes of the country after the Israel-Hezbollah war and implementing the November 27 ceasefire agreement, which includes the thorny issue of disarming Hezbollah.

According to Lebanon's constitution, the president designates the prime minister after talks with all political parties and independent lawmakers in parliament. By convention, he chooses the candidate with the most votes during these consultations.

Nominating a premier does not guarantee a new government will be formed imminently.

The process has previously taken weeks or even months due to deep political divisions and horse-trading.
JUSTICE INFO IN-DEPTH INTERVIEWS Azriel Bibliowicz et Ricardo Silva Romero Writers



Two Colombian writers put language to horrors that could finally see justice this year in their country. The main characters of their novels are close relatives of victims  those for whom the crime continues long after it was committed. How powerful is fiction when reality defies the mind? How can language help when it has been so degraded by violence? What role can literature play in transitional justice? Azriel Bibliowicz and Ricardo Silva Romero take us out of the hospital of words.

After eight years of waiting, this year Colombia should finally see the first rulings issued by its transitional justice system. The Special Jurisdiction for Peace (JEP)  the special tribunal born out of the 2016 peace agreement with the mission to shed light on the major crimes suffered by Colombians over a 50-yearlong armed conflict  has so far charged 169 people with war crimes, crimes against humanity or both.

Among them are 33 former members of the FARC guerrilla, including all of its former leadership, as those most responsible for the kidnapping of thousands of people. Also charged are 110 members of the military, including two former Army commanders, six other generals and a score of colonels, for their role in thousands of extrajudicial executions that Colombians know by the euphemism 'false positives'. Two crimes that are perhaps the most emblematic and infamous in a country accustomed to horror.

And also crimes that two Colombian writers put at the center of their fiction. In his novel Breadcrumbs (2013), Azriel Bibliowicz imagined the story of Josue, a Jewish clock seller who survives the Holocaust only to be kidnapped and plunged back into hell decades later, already settled in Colombia and still trying to heal the traumas of the world war. Meanwhile, in The Book of Mourning (2023), Ricardo Silva Romero focused on the real figure of Raul Carvajal, a humble hauler who for years parked his van turned into a traveling museum in the heart of Bogota, clamoring for justice for his son Raul Antonio, who was an Army corporal killed for refusing to participate in the so-called false positives. (In an almost fictional twist, both books were edited by the same person, Carolina Lopez Bernal, who is also Silva Romero's wife.)

Both novels reflect on these crimes with eloquence and empathy, putting precise words to pains that are almost unspeakable and that Colombians have grown accustomed to referring to in legal language. One describes false positives as "an enterprise of counting innocent and defenseless bodies that were executed hors combat to create the illusion that the war was being won," while the other calls kidnapping "a state of coma (...) with a score of three on the Glasgow scale, in which the patient doesnt react to pain and only trusts a miracle, that something elusive will awaken him and the suspension will be broken."

Justice Info spoke with both about their novels, transitional justice and the importance of fiction in remembering these crimes.

JUSTICE INFO: Kidnapping and false positives are perhaps the two most visible crimes of the conflict in Colombia. Why did you choose to write about them?

AZRIEL BIBLIOWICZ: I did so because I had relatives who were kidnapped and because the Jewish community of which I am part was victim of this practice in a very dramatic way, to the point that a small community of about 3,000 people saw a quarter of its members opting to leave Colombia afterwards because of the trauma.

But most of all because a major problem of kidnapping was a fact that people normally did not take into account: almost everyone believed that the kidnapped person was he or she whod been abducted. I realized that it was the whole family.

RICARDO SILVA ROMERO: My choice was very much motivated by the character of Don Raul, more than by the crime. Ever since he appeared in the Plaza de Bolivar and his story reached the press, it sent chills down my spine, just as I felt upon seeing Professor Gustavo Moncayo [who walked a thousand kilometers in chains and asking for the release of his military son, Pablo Emilio, kidnapped by FARC]. They have something that stirs a kind of ancestral memory, from the myths of the beginning of times: parents who traverse a country railing about the absence of their children. It was a tragedy because of the heartbreaking nature of a father burying his son, but also because he was a son who refused to participate in barbarous acts.

That image of him parking his museum truck every day in downtown Bogota as if it were his office, telling the story of his son, which I even listened to a couple of times, having understood that this was the closest form of justice he would ever have, turned my stomach. When he died I wrote a farewell column, but it seemed clear to me that it didn't quite tell his story and that it had to be done in a way that was more emotionally understandable. We all feel uneasy about the numbers of massacres, but that doesnt mean that we fully grasp their gravity. At the same time, but this was a coincidence, Don Raul's lawyer told me that his family wanted me to tell his story.

Raul Carvajal in Bogota in front of his van, transformed into a traveling museum, demanding justice for his son Raul Antonio, an army corporal killed for refusing to take part in the false positives.

Both stories are told from the perspective of those who become full-time searchers of their loved ones. In Josue's case, his wife Leah and his doctor son Samuel wait for news that arrives sparsely, suffer imagining him suffering, and even give up their jobs to negotiate his release. While Don Raul and his family were able to bury Mono, he and his daughter Doris Patricia begin a quixotic quest to get the State to acknowledge that the security forces whose mission is to protect citizens killed him. Why did you focus not on the direct victims of the crime, but on their relatives who are also victims?

RSR: Ive thought about it, but only after writing the novel. At the time it seemed very clear to me that this was the story of Don Raul, as someone forced to be his son's evangelist. But as a result of the book I began to meet many people who work with victims and one day musician Cesar Lopez invited me to one of his 'resistance' concerts with victim-artists. I was hesitant to go because I didn't know what I would do there, because the person who has lived through that kind of grief in my house is my mother, who had two brothers killed. Since I was a child I've been aware and hurt by the murder of my uncles, one of them right on the Jimenez Avenue where Don Raul used to stand and another one in the Palace of Justice [in Bogota], but I did not feel it so directly. I ended up going and bumping into Helena Uran and Jineth Bedoya [emblematic victims of forced disappearance and sexual violence respectively] in the dressing room. And I felt absolutely comfortable talking to them, I felt like I was talking to my mom.

At that moment I realized that I am used to accompanying mourners, that I understand the language of trauma, the inability to escape the same story and always relive the same day. I felt that I do know how to talk about this, that I know how to accompany funerals and traumas. I understood that I have been writing from the point of view of those who remain, of those who survive barbarism and amid guilt, regret and pain are obliged to continue honoring the people who were killed.

People who had a kidnapped family member ended up glued to a phone, waiting for a call nobody knew when to expect. That's why the novel begins with that word, 'wait'.

AB: In the 1980s, the time period in which I set my novel, there were no cell phones and people who had a kidnapped family member ended up glued to a phone, waiting for a call nobody knew when to expect. That's why the novel begins with that word, 'wait'.

This waiting marks the whole novel because it has many meanings. On the one hand, it constitutes a display of power: if someone makes you wait in an anteroom in an office, that wait signals power. Its an element that generates a distance, you have to wait for me to attend you. I discovered that the Nazis did that: they forced prisoners to wait for the commandant to arrive for hours in the harsh winter, in a display of that power. It also has a traumatic element because it generates a continuous present. A family ends up doing nothing else besides talking about waiting and concentrating on that continuous present, which is similar to the traumatic time of any person who is sick or who is sent to a gulag. It is another form of prison.

Ricardo, your novel chooses fiction to tell the story of a person who existed in real life, a father who "carries grief embedded in his liver until one day it metastasized" and seeks to prove to the world that "there were soldiers executed for being honorable". Why is Don Raul's journey towards truth so special?

RSR: There are several traits that make him a person you can feel you carry inside, almost an archetype. He is a father full of courage who wants to vindicate his son, who even bears his own name, who in the midst of that raging war travels around Colombia in a truck, almost proving that it is possible despite how dangerous it can be, and who is a worker. All of this in times when there is a clear social and global fascination with anti-heroes, from the 'Godfather' Vito Corleone to Walter White in Breaking Bad. I am interested in vindicating those who, without being caricatures and while still being complex, are not villains.

I was interested in the fact that he was a father in a world that tends to feel more represented by mothers. A father whom the mothers of false positives at first did not trust, but who ended up being one of them.

I also liked that his son was an honorable soldier. I always struggle in fiction and in my columns with how to convey nuance and make issues complex, which is why showing that the Army has had a lot of people who refused to commit heinous crimes was intriguing to me. In my upbringing and in my family, the Army was an agent of terror. I remember my mother's friends coming to the building where we lived when I was a 5-to-10-year-old child [between 1978 and 1982] to tell us that theyd been tortured in the Cavalry School right across the street. Thats why for me the Army was a pending task: to realize that if you look soldier by soldier you would discover that most of them were good, believed in what they were doing and were not the sordid corps of the Security Statute times [a 1978 law that extended the powers of the military and police under the mantle of domestic security and that enabled many human rights violations]. Here was someone who dreamt of being a soldier since he was young, who loved walking around the neighborhood in uniform, who felt that being a soldier brought dignity and honor to his family. And also because this was a family that, during Alvaro Uribe government [the period in which the bulk of the extrajudicial executions took place] and in a staunch pro-Uribe land like Monteria, believed in the Army and ended up realizing that it was a fiction.

Finally, I was interested in the fact that he was a father in a world that tends to feel more represented by mothers, whether those of Soacha or those of the Plaza de Mayo in Argentina. A father whom the mothers of false positives at first did not trust, but who ended up being one of them.

Azriel, two of your protagonists survive World War II  Josue a gulag in the Siberian tundra and his wife Leah Auschwitz , only to be trapped half a century later in the horror of kidnapping in their host country. How is such trauma within trauma possible?

AB: I have always been very interested in the fact that Colombia is a sui generis country, full of contradictions. All writers know that contradictions are part of reality, but so many? For example, we live in an exquisite place  one of the most biodiverse in the world  but we demolish nature with enormous ease, as if we didn't care about it at all. Another example: in the 1980s we broke the world record for kidnappings. We ended up once again being extraordinary, but in a negative sense.

Colombia was the only country where a person who'd survived the Holocaust could be kidnapped and in fact I met a Jewish woman who arrived after the war and was later kidnapped by the ELN guerrilla. What happens here is often not possible in other places. Among other things, because to be kidnapped you didn't have to own a fortune and people were also abducted over insignificant amounts. It became one of the cross-cutting crimes in the country. Thats why I felt that the double captivity of both during World War II made sense: it was another historical event that it would never be possible to forget. No one who has been kidnapped can forget it, just like no one who endured a concentration camp can ever forget it.

A mother holding a photo of her son kidnapped by a rebel group, Bogota, May 2001. Photo:  Rodrigo Arangua / AFP

Language is one of the great victims of war, because it distorts reality and our reality is speech. That is why within the 'cabinet of wonders' that Josue treasures there is a hospital of words where those words hurt by events may be cured.

Both of you underscore the peculiar language used by those committing or hiding these crimes. The guerrilla kidnappers speak with astonishing normality of a "doll" who "no longer protests" and ask relatives to "improve their offer" for the "merchandise". The military covering up false positives, or simply indolent to them, talk about how "he died as a national hero", "was killed in combat by a rebel" and that "there is no budget" to bury him. How important is language and the way violence distorts it?

RSR: It worries me above all when language is devalued by verbiage and lies, until it ceases to be useful. This can be seen very early on in the war: the impoverishment of language towards one full of cliches and bureaucratic jargon increasingly distances words from facts. In this context, institutions become machines and forget that citizens have stories, that we must listen to them and try to understand them. When a world is dehumanized, language is vain.

AB: After World War II, great writers such as Jean Amery and Paul Celan understood that language is one of the great victims of war, because it distorts reality and our reality is speech. I was interested in collecting that destroyed language because it is something that happens and of which people are often unaware. How is it possible, for example, that in Colombia we use the word 'vaccine' that cures us from diseases to talk about extortion? How did we turn around the meaning of a word that protects us into a plague?

That is why within the 'cabinet of wonders' that Josue treasures there is a hospital of words where those words hurt by events may be cured. And who are the doctors of words? It is the poets who find new ways to revitalize the word. It is almost an irony of history, as I say in my novel, that it was a Jewish poet like Celan who gave mouth-to-mouth breathing to German. Of course, a country with such a degraded conflict as Colombia has a long hospital of words.

Azriel, your novel delves into the uncertainty and the impossibility of joy for the relatives of a kidnapped person, how everyone is suspended in an "hourglass that robs our love drop by drop. In its indictments against FARC, the JEP devotes significant space to the degrading treatment inflicted on captives, but also to the years of suffering endured by their families. Is this something that Colombians are sufficiently aware of?

AB: The family also suffers all sorts of traumas and horrible dilemmas. I tried to reflect them in the figure of the son, who was living with his family abroad but is forced to return to the country to rescue his father. On the one hand his wife feels that shes been left alone taking care of their baby, but on the other hand he cannot leave his mother alone either and has to help her rescue his father. Or when kidnappers ask for outlandish amounts that families do not possess, or when families pay a ransom but are then told that in reality that was merely the initial payment, both terrible situations that happened in Colombia. These are terribly dramatic conflicts where no option is good.

In addition, kidnapping was a crime of an enormous complexity that we often forget: it became a business where many people were involved, like those who gave suggestions on who to kidnap, those who sold insurance policies against kidnapping, those who lent families the money for ransom payments in exchange for onerous deals over their possessions...

Sometimes I wonder if the monumental work that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission did has reached more than a thousand people or if it is limited to specialists. The basic question remains, how to popularize it more?

Ricardo, you document in great detail all the contradictions surrounding the death of Mono: the family is told that he was killed by the ELN in Tibu but also that it had been FARC in El Tarra, that he was shot by a sniper even though he had wounds at point blank range. There is also an accumulation of strange facts: obstacles for the Army to deliver the body to them, a combat that was not registered by any media, a fake psychologist who arrived at the wake In its indictments over false positives, the JEP has placed great emphasis on the different modus operandi and strategies employed to disguise the killings of defenseless civilians as "fictitious operational results", from the staging of combats to the forgery of operational documents. Do you think Colombians are as aware of the twisted efforts to falsify reality as we are that these murders took place?

RSR: I've been to the JEP a couple of times, even to discuss this book, and it is very interesting because we always come back to the same topic that I often discuss with those who work with historical memory of the conflict. We always come back to the question, how do we get this to reach more people? Because sometimes you feel like you start to get to know everybody in that world and we all hear about the good work that is being done, but it stays amongst us. Sometimes I wonder if the monumental work that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission did has reached more than a thousand people or if it is limited to specialists. The basic question remains, how to popularize it more?

For example, it seems to me that the JEP figure of false positives has reached many sectors of society, although there are still opportunists like Congressman Miguel Polo Polo saying that there were not 6,402 but 1,200, which is nonsense and a passing scandal. I believe that the notion that this happened is already deeply rooted in Colombian society, even among those who reject the idea that there was an armed conflict here. We know that the war was degraded, that lines of barbarism and horror were crossed. That there were 6,402 Raul Carvajales, with families, with life projects and issues they needed to solve the following day.

Now, that there were strategies by groups within the Army to tangle the truth, disappear things and falsify reality, that is a next level requiring more interest and more time to grasp, perhaps because  again  people are not so attentive to nuances. In this world of herds, there are also others who assume that everyone is a thug and that there was an evil plan carried out by the entire Army, without really caring about how it was woven. That's why it was a dimension that interested me a lot.

AB: I believe we are a country dedicated to forgetting because its very difficult to live in a country that has endured 80 years of violence. We have a capacity to erase what happens almost immediately and we also believe that it is enough, for example, to demolish the Palace of Justice building for us to no longer remember what happened there, or to change the name of the Palace of the Inquisition in Cartagena to Historical Museum to blur what really happened there (which is the subject of the novel I am working on now).

I think we have a logical need to forget, but those cultures that choose to erase their own history tend to make the same mistakes over and over again.

There is compassion burnout. It's not easy for a whole society to stop and think about pain and injustice, that its institutions have become entwined with war, violence and corruption. To think this all the time is paralyzing.

RSR: I think it's difficult for people to stop to attend to the drama of war for many reasons, including the fact that engaging in compassion  and this is a subject that interests me right now  can bring about illness to the person involved. There is compassion burnout. It's not easy for a whole society to stop and think about pain and injustice, that its institutions have become entwined with war, violence and corruption. To think this all the time is paralyzing. And it is also very hard to demand that a society forced, as Colombia is, to work from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., to be empathetic and take sides. It is understandable that people want governments that solve issues for them.

How do we get people to seek that time, to gain that clarity about what happened regardless of whether it was this one or that one, the right or the left, who committed a crime? That what matters is not the perpetrator but the seriousness of this happening to anyone. How do we get people back to the human agenda? More than indolent and asleep, these are societies without time, at a standstill and in constant vertigo. And war counts on that, on the fact that it is not easy to react from the human point of view and say 'hey, nobody can kill their father or their son'.

The book or mourning, by Ricardo Silva Romero and Breadcrumbs, by Azriel Bibliowicz.

The first thing dictators and murderers want to ensure is oblivion, that we wipe the slate clean. But memory is like a cork: you try to sink it but sooner or later it ends up coming to the surface.

AB: My novel plays with the role of memory and remembrance because they are fundamental themes and, well, also because the Jewish world has always been one concerned with memory. Besides, the first thing dictators and murderers want to ensure is oblivion, that we wipe the slate clean. But memory is like a cork: you try to sink it but sooner or later it ends up coming to the surface. And yes, it may come out somewhat distorted or different, but there it is, there it stays.

Of course we cannot remember everything because we would be like Funes the Memorious [the character in a story by Jorge Luis Borges], who suffers from remembering absolutely everything. But it is another thing to be forgetful as we Colombians often are. We tend to forget what we should not.

Sometimes reality seems to surpass fiction. Don Raul, the one in flesh and blood but also of course the one in your novel, died on June 12, 2021, the day after former President Juan Manuel Santos appeared before the Truth Commission and asked for forgiveness for the extrajudicial executions that took place while he was Defence Minister between 2006 (the year in which Mono was killed) and 2009. This coincidence is shocking and yet it went relatively unnoticed. Do you think that sometimes we do not take into account the importance of things that happen?

RSR: I think so. For a President of the Republic to have stood before a Truth Commission and asked for forgiveness in 1980, not to go too far back, would have been a turning point in the history of our country. But in this noise and atomization that exists today, the country is no longer seeing the same scenario or attending the same political arena. I don't know if it is better or worse, but it's certainly something else. Attention is so sparse and there are so many versions of events that each group has a different Colombia in mind and we end up having too many countries at once.

Moreover, its difficult for people to understand that the war is the most important problem in Colombia. I don't see in reality or in polls that people have that clarity.

A novel has a more poignant duration as it goes from hand to hand, little by little.

Ultimately, both characters reflect on the importance of stories to ensure that there is no impunity. Josue used to say that "it is with forgetfulness that murderers wash their hands" and Don Raul that "justice can only be served if the story was told". What role do you think literature plays in helping to minimize the chances of these crimes happening again, in a country still awaiting the first JEP rulings and still so divided over how best to end so much violence?

RSR: Fiction is the most effective tool to turn one's stomach. The effect of television is measured in millions, which becomes hundreds of thousands when we get to cinema and thousands when we get to literature. A very successful book here can reach 100,000 readers, but 10,000 or 30,000 people are already a good number to influence the reality of a country because their comments tend to radiate through word of mouth, starting with the people who are interested in the subject and reaching those who do not even know about it.

That reminds me of something that happened when the novel came out: Don Raul's son-in-law appeared, called [daughter] Doris Patricia because he had just seen the book displayed in a store and their feeling was that what Don Raul had wanted was for his story to be in the hands of most people. I like that idea of what is possible within justice because what institutions can achieve often falls short and is considered as unsatisfactory. A novel has a more poignant duration as it goes from hand to hand, little by little.

AB: I think literature humanizes conflicts and what I tried to do by telling the story from the perspective of these characters was just that. I come from a sociology background where conflicts are not personalized, but here you feel Leah's drama and Josue's drama. Literature generates empathy, you identify with the characters. And to that extent your experience is different.

Pablo de Greiff, Colombian jurist and former United Nations special rapporteur on truth, justice, reparation and guarantees of non-repetition  that is, victims' rights  insists that the purpose of transitional justice is to restore confidence among the people in a society and from them towards its institutions. Do you have hope that the path taken by Colombia with the 2016 peace agreement and transitional justice will achieve this?

AB: The fundamental point is that we should be able to live together within our differences and understand that this house belongs to all of us. That is what has been most difficult for us: we have such marked social differences, we have racism so embedded in our reality. This is the first time in our history that we have a black vice president [Francia Marquez], but still within our language the words 'black' or 'Indian' prevail as derogatory. There are common phrases like 'work like a nigger' or 'more brutish than an Indian' that reflect our lack of empathy about persons deemed as others. These are sick words.

RSR: In my opinion, this peace agreement was the most important event since the 1991 Constitution, which means that it would be one of the most important news in the history of Colombia. But one realizes that this is true for oneself and for a large group of people living in the country, but not to the entire country.

The problem is that we are living in a moment of regression, not only in Colombia but in the whole world, in which people who despise institutions and the State, who are more interested in saying what is wrong than in administering a country and strengthening its institutions, are coming to government. It is a moment in which one can very easily feel that the horizon has been blurred, but we must see, almost as if jumping from a close-up to a full shot, that the fact that the JEP exists, that we had the work of the Truth Commission and even that there is a struggle between those who defend the Havana peace deal [with FARC] and those who defend the 'total peace' policy [of current President Gustavo Petro] show that a culture  which did not exist here before  of therapy and dialogue about what has happened has not been reversed.

Recommended reading Colombia: the day FARC leaders faced victims of kidnappings




Tuesday, January 14, 2025 - Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi has assured President William Ruto of a re-election come 2027.

Speaking in Dagoretti North while in the company of Ruto, Atandi assured him that he was not going to be a one-term president.

Atandi told Ruto that as long as he continues working with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and puts God by his side, nothing will happen to him.

The ODM lawmaker also gave an assurance that the countrys economy is expected to jumpstart in 2025, and that money will be flowing in Kenyans pockets.

At the same time, the ODM MP urged Ruto to ignore the noises from his critics, arguing that they would be stopped.

Some people are saying that you are a one-term president.

"I want to tell you Your Excellency that as long as you are with God and you are with Baba, I dont think you will be a one-term president.

"So that is the assurance I wanted to give you and I want to tell you that as an economist, I know that our economy is jumpstarting and this year we are going to see money flowing in the pockets of Kenyans and the noises that are running across the country, we are going to stop them, he said.

The lawmaker further said that the Nyanza people have been praying for the head of state since he has been working for them by delivering development projects such as electricity and infrastructure.

We are praying for you as people from Nyanza as you are working for us.

"You have brought us electricity and infrastructure and you continue working with Baba for the betterment of this country. Nothing will happen to you, dont be scared, Atandi said.

Atandis remarks come days after Dadaab MP Farah Maalim sparked controversy by declaring that Ruto would be re-elected in 2027 by a landslide.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Tuesday, January 14, 2025  Police have made a huge breakthrough in the murder of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Manager for Kilifi Aisha Abubakar.

This is after they arrested three suspects in connection with the murder.

According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), several exhibits linking the suspects to the crime were recovered, including phones belonging to Abubakar's son.

The three were apprehended from different hiding spots in the Coastal Region following a coordinated law enforcement operation backed by the Operation Support Unit (OSU) and the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau.

Aisha was murdered in a suspected robbery that turned fatal at her Kilifi home.

At around 3 am on January 5, two armed assailants broke into the deceaseds Utange home through a kitchen window.

''They gained access to the house by cutting the grills of the kitchen window while armed with a crowbar and knife,'' a report by the police read in part.

They went on to knock out Abubakars son before stabbing her to death despite pleas to spare her life.

The attackers then made away with several valuables including two Samsung phones, an iPad, a 65-inch TV set, a sound system, and ATM cards whose PINs they had demanded.

Efforts by concerned neighbours to rush her to the hospital bore no fruit as she was declared dead on arrival at Premier Hospital in Nyali.

Speaking to the media after the murder, her family revealed that although not much was stolen, some documents belonging to the IEBC were taken.

Her son, Abubakar Hassan, who was also hurt in the robbery, speculated that the primary objective of the intruders was to kill his mother.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Tuesday, January 14, 2025 - Controversial blogger, Scophine Aoko Otieno alias Maverick Aoko, has alleged a nefarious plot by President William Ruto to rig the 2027 presidential election.

According to recent surveys, Ruto's chances of re-election in 2027 are slim, prompting him to develop a Plan B for securing his political future.

Commenting on social media on Monday, Aoko said Ruto is using controversial Daadab MP, Farah Maalim, to smuggle Somalis across the border and register them as voters in 2027.

Aoko further said Farah Maalim, who is insulting Kenyans in public gatherings, is becoming bold because he knows that he is assisting the President in rigging the 2027 presidential election.

Aoko further said the registration of Somalis is taking place in Sugoi.

Here is a screenshot of what Aoko wrote.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Tuesday, January 14, 2025 - Chief Justice emeritus Willy Mutunga has slammed Dagoretti North Member of Parliament Beatrice Elachi following her remarks at a church service where President William Ruto was present.

Elachi reprimanded Kenya Kwanza government critics, asking them to leave the country if they felt it was not a good place to live anymore.

Those coming (foreigners) say Kenya is a good country. but Kenyans are there complaining and not going away.

"If Kenya is bad why not leave, what are you doing here at a bad place, disappear. If you cannot leave then know this is your country and there is nowhere else you can go, Elachi stated.

Her sentiments sparked mixed reactions from Kenyans with the former CJ joining in to reprimand the lawmaker.

In a short social media statement, Mutunga described Elachis remarks as 'arrogance of power'

He went on to detail that Elachis comments were a deliberate attempt to infringe on the rights of the citizens to express themselves freely as enshrined in the 2010 promulgated Constitution.

While rebuking the former Nairobi Assembly Speaker, Willy Mutunga made it clear that Kenyans were ready to resist any attempts to curtail their freedoms and rights.

Kenya is a Motherland for all Kenyans. This arrogance of power, expressed in utter contempt of our rights, must be resisted at all costs, Willy Mutunga who has been at the forefront of protecting the rights of the citizens stated.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.






Tuesday, January 14, 2025 - A prominent Tanzanian activist was released after she was taken away by three armed men on the streets of Nairobi, her husband said, accusing Tanzania's national intelligence service of responsibility.

Maria Sarungi Tsehai, a human rights defender critical of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, was kidnapped on Sunday, January 12, by three armed men and taken into a black car in the Kilimani neighbourhood on Sunday afternoon, Amnesty International said.

"I am now safe, many thanks to everyone," Sarungi Tsehai wrote on X several hours later.

Her brief detention comes as both Tanzania and Kenya stand accused of abducting critics.

Sarungi Tsehai's husband David Tsehai said the couple sought refuge in Nairobi four years ago after fleeing Tanzania.

"It was the scariest moment of my life," he said in a video clip shared by the Law Society of Kenya late on Sunday.

"There is no doubt in my mind (it is) the thugs of the Tanzania Information and Security Services (TISS) who are behind this."

Amnesty International researcher Roland Ebole said Sarungi Tsehai's abduction was another example of "transnational repression that is happening on Kenyan soil," accusations Kenyan authorities deny.




Tuesday, January 14, 2025 - Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto of perpetuating immorality among leaders.

In a statement, Gachagua accused Ruto of treating Kenyans to double standards.

He wondered why the president seemed bothered about the moral conduct of the Kenyan children while failing to tame the tongues of the politicians loyal to him.

According to Gachagua, outspoken politicians who accompany Ruto to rallies are always instructed by him to hurl insults at those deemed government critics.

"Don't blame those leaders. I have stayed with the president, and I know him. When you see those politicians insulting people, the president laughs behind them. He is always the one who sends them," said Gachagua.

He accused the president of stewarding a team of politicians who accuse Kenyans on a daily.

He told Ruto not to expect decency from Kenyans, yet those in his circles talk down on Kenyans.

"He (Ruto) should not complain about insults. He is the one who started. He abused Uhuru Kenyatta, a drunkard, called Raila Odinga a witch; now he is sending his MPs to abuse Kenyans; they are the ones who have taught young Kenyans how to insult," he said.

He petitioned the president to stop the abductions of Kenyans over such frivolous matters as cartoons and AI photos ridiculing some of the government leaders.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Tuesday, January 14, 2024 - Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has issued a stern warning to President William Ruto and his allies, urging them to exercise caution in their public statements to avoid potential repercussions from the Hague-based International Criminal Court (ICC).

Speaking at AIPCA, Dandora church when he attended Sunday service, Gachagua expressed concern over the trajectory of the current administration's rhetoric, suggesting it could lead to international legal challenges.

"Mr. President, you must remember that journey to The Hague. And the way I see the president and his people going, they will go the Hague route," Gachagua added.

Gachagua also talked of a specific incident involving a leader allied with the president, who he says threatened to evict non-native residents from Lamu County.

He underscored that the Kenyan constitution guarantees every citizen the right to settle anywhere within the country, and condemned any threats to displace individuals based on their origin.

"Every citizen has a right, as per our constitution, to settle anywhere within the Republic of Kenya.

"Lamu County is part of Kenya, and nobody should threaten that they can displace them wherever," Gachagua said.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Tuesday, January 14, 2025 - Lang'ata MP Phelix Odiwuor, alias Jalang'o, has advised President William Ruto to remain steadfast in his leadership despite facing criticism from Kenyans.

Speaking in Dagoretti North, Nairobi, Jalang'o emphasized that not everyone would support or celebrate the government's efforts.

According to him, critics often focus on highlighting failures while ignoring the government's achievements.

As a result, he urged the president to stay focused and assured him of his unwavering support.

Not everyone will love you, Mr. President, Jalang'o said.

They say if you want to be loved by everyone, go sell ice cream.

Leadership is different. Today, if you announce that 56,000 teachers have been employed, you won't see it trending on social media.

Recently, fuel prices dropped, but no one is talking about it. Yet, one small mistake, and theyll make noise everywhere.

Dont let that discourage you. Keep going because this Nairobi team is standing with you to the end.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Tuesday, January 14, 2025 - United States International University (USIU) lecturer, Prof. Macharia Munene, has stated that President William Ruto has completely lost the Mt. Kenya voting bloc, despite his efforts to woo the region with additional cabinet appointments.

Over the past six months, Ruto has reshuffled the cabinet in an attempt to appease the Mount Kenya region, which abandoned him following his role in the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Ruto's latest reshuffle was in December last year when he appointed William Kabogo, Lee Kinyanjui, and Mutahi Kagwe to the cabinet.

The president is hoping that the three individuals will try to convince the residents to support him in 2027 despite his bitter fallout with Gachagua.

However, according to Prof. Munene, Ruto appointing Kabogo, Kinyanjui, and Kagwe will not change anything and urged him to start thinking about other regions since Mt Kenya region is gone for good

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Tuesday, January 14, 2025 - An outspoken Kalenjin community Member of Parliament has urged Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi to resign or be impeached like former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Speaking in Mogomben Primary School, Kobujoi ward, Aldai MP Marianne Kitany said Muturis recent remarks about abductions were uncalled for.

She said the CS has had many chances to raise the issue in Cabinet but he chose to do it in the media.

The legislator termed the move disrespectful to President William Ruto and the countrys highest decision-making body, the Cabinet.

The highest organ where decisions are made in the republic of Kenya is called cabinet and only the President, his deputy, the Attorney General and all Cabinet Secretaries no other Kenyan sits in Cabinet. That is where all issues affecting the country are discussed.

While you were the Attorney General why didnt you go to the Cabinet and ask about your son and all Kenyan children? If you as a member of the Cabinet cannot say it before the President what do you want an ordinary Kenyan to do? That is disrespecting our President and the Cabinet, she said.

Kitany insisted that Muturis remarks raise questions about his ability to serve public office since he cannot get answers from people reporting to him.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Tuesday, January 14, 2025 - Tanzania journalist and activist, Maria Sarungi, has absolved Kenyan Police officers from her abduction on Sunday.

Sarungi was abducted on Sunday at Chaka Place, Kilimani but later released after Kenyans and human rights defenders protested her abduction.

Narrating the ordeal to the press in Nairobi on Monday evening, she revealed that her abductors desperately avoided police checkpoints.

At some random stops, they ordered me to hide, and I could hear someone talking to them from outside the car, Sarungi revealed.

She said her abductors did not have any security escort but were instead independent.

After attempting to access my phone for the third time without success, they threatened to take me to the police. Thinking it was the police all along, I questioned who they were then, Sarungi recalled.

Sarungi further revealed that while in transit, her abductors kept making random stops and went outside the car to consult among themselves.

She said that at one point, she was left in the car with one of the three men who abducted her to prevent her from escaping while the other two went outside to converse.

While inside the car, they were not talking, but from what I could see, they were signaling each other in a way I could not understand, Sarungi said.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Tuesday, January 14, 2025 - Renowned Nairobi lawyer, Ahmednasir Abdullahi, has come to the rescue of youthful car dealer, Khalif Kairo who has been arrested for allegedly conning a client.

Kairo spent the weekend at a police station and he was on Monday arraigned in Milimani Law Courts.

Reacting to Kairo's misfortunes, Ahmednasir stated that the young businessman is experiencing challenges like any other entrepreneur, and he is willing to help Kairo navigate the difficult situation he finds himself in.

I dont know @KhalifKairo at all. Of course, I occasionally see him on X living in the fast lane. He has some small second-hand car business that lately got him into trouble.

"But its sad to see some lowlifes rejoicing at his misfortunes. Good people, all types of businesses face challenges and difficult times. And this young man is facing business challenges, he stated on his socials.

The lawyer argues that taking Kairo to court is not the ideal way to support young Kenyans striving to run businesses during these challenging economic times.

This isnt how to treat young aspiring Kenyans trying to make money in a difficult and hostile business environment.

"Im willing to mediate between him and the complainant and resolve this matter amicably. I can help! he added.

With disgruntled clients hot on his heels, Kairo admits it has been a tough time for him but believes that he will sort out his issues.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.






Tuesday, January 14, 2025 - Renowned Kenyan filmmaker Philip Phil Director Karanja has opened up about his emotional split from actress Catherine Kate Actress Karanja after six years of marriage.

Speaking on the CTA podcast with Richard Njau, Phil disclosed how he overcame the pain of divorce, admitting its easy to fall into a cycle of blame.

He emphasized the importance of taking responsibility and finding support to rebuild after heartbreak.

When it happens, the first thing that we do as all human beings is blame your partner, the person you are divorcing.

If you go through divorce the right way  which means going through therapy, having the right conversations  you quickly move from blaming your partner and then taking the seat. You call yourself out, like: I failed in this and this

The 37-year-old cautioned against dwelling on bitterness, sharing insights from his experiences and conversations with others who have gone through divorce.

He emphasized the importance of taking responsibility for ones actions to prevent prolonged anger and resentment

I spoke to people who had been divorced for like five years, but the guy is still so bitter and angry.

I remember telling myself, no  five years later, I dont want to be angry and this bitter at my ex-wife.

Rather than directing his anger at his former partner, Philip chose to focus on rebuilding his life.

I realised, yooh Philip, you effed up here and here and here. Now start again, start rebuilding yourself.

The award-winning director began his career in 2007 as an actor on Tahidi High, a popular show aired on Citizen TV, where he played the character Melvin. He later transitioned from acting to producing notable local shows such as Sue na Johnie, The Real Househelps of Kawangware, Click Click Bang and A Grand Little Lie.

The two celebrated actors, exchanged vows in an exclusive ceremony attended only by close friends and family in 2017 and announced their divorce in September 2023 in a joint statement on social media.

We came to a conclusion to end our marriage a long while ago and are separated. We sincerely request everyone to honour our wishes for privacy for us and our children," they said.

Kate has since moved on and is now dating Tribes Hotel General Manager Michael Mwangi while Phil has kept his dating life under wraps.





The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Tuesday, January 14, 2025  Divisions have emerged among Gusii leaders over who the community should support for the presidency in 2027 between former Interior Minister Fred Matiangi and retired Chief Justice David Kenani Maraga.

A group of elected leaders, including Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo, and Nakuru Town West MP Samwel Arama, along with professionals led by Nairobi-based advocate Danstan Omari, are backing Matiangi to remain the communitys torchbearer.

However, another group, led by former Borabu MP Ben Momanyi and advocate Denis Matara, opposes Matiangis candidacy and is instead backing Maraga.

Whereas Matiangi has hinted to close aides about his plans to seek the top seat, Maraga has not shown any signs of venturing into politics, though his name is being mentioned in the region.

The two argued that Maraga was more popular across the country and could get more votes than Matiangi, whom they had branded as a dictator.

According to Matara, it would be pointless to replace President William Ruto with Matiangi, who he claimed has similar attributes.

He stated that Ruto and Matiangi have two distinct things in common: they do not respect the Constitution and have defied court orders, unlike Maraga, who upholds the rule of law.

He noted that Maraga has already demonstrated to Kenyans that he is an honest and good leader.

However, Onyonka maintained that the community had already settled on Matiangi as their preferred choice in 2027.

Let the whole nation know that this time around, the Kisii community could front a presidential candidate who is none other than Matiangi, he stated.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Tuesday, January 14, 2025 - The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has cautioned its members against praising President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza Alliance government.

In a statement issued after the Central Management Committee met in Nairobi on Monday, the orange party gagged its members against speculating on ODM's future, saying it was strengthening itself to win power in the 2027 general election.

"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.

"To this end, we must all be guarded in pronouncements about the future of the party and particularly refrain from beating the drums of our competitors," said Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, the party's secretary general.

The warning comes amid a game of push and pull by ODM members, featuring those in support of the government and those against it.

The party has often come out confused on its stand.

Raila and a section of his allies have insisted that ODM remains independent while others sing in Ruto's choir.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Tuesday, January 14, 2025 - On Monday, President William Ruto met with former Meru County Governor Kiraitu Murungi to discuss issues affecting Mt. Kenya East, particularly Meru County.

The two met amid a looming reshuffle of cabinet secretaries and principal secretaries, scheduled for later this month.

Insiders revealed that President Ruto's move comes as a strategic way to calm the growing discontent in the Mt Kenya region.

Although the details of the meeting had not been made public at the time of publication, speculation is rife that Murungi may soon be appointed to the cabinet, potentially replacing Water and Sanitation and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eric Muriithi.

State House insiders revealed that Muriithi will be shown the door and replaced by the more experienced Kiraitu, who will be able to market Ruto's vision to the people of Meru and Mt. Kenya East as a whole.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Tuesday, January 14, 2025  Beleaguered Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi is taking no prisoners as far as his defiance is concerned.

This came after he dared President William Ruto to sack him if he wished, following his statements about abductions,

Speaking to one of the local dailies, defiant Muturi said he does not fear being sacked from Cabinet for slamming Ruto and his government over abductions.

"What fear?" Muturi retorted when the question of whether he fears was posed to him, adding that he has put his trust in God should Ruto decide to dismiss him.

The CS had raised concerns that more than six months after his son Leslie Muturi's ordeal at the hands of unknown kidnappers, he had not been charged for any offence, and no explanation was given about his detention.

In a presser on Sunday, Muturi strongly condemned the rising cases of abduction, seeming to accuse the state of liability.

He called for the expeditious arrest of those involved in the abductions of young Kenyans since June 2024.

The Public Service CS said the series of abductions had gone unchecked under President William Ruto's administration, and the vice needs to be nipped in the bud.

He noted that he still reels from the emotional turmoil his family was subjected to after the disappearance of his son in June 2024.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Tuesday, January 14, 2025 - Kisii County Senator Richard Onyonka has given his two cents over the ongoing reckless utterances by a section of the political leaders.

Speaking during an interview, Onyonka expressed his shock at what some leaders had become but went soft on others.

He noted that some leaders do not yet understand the mood of the public because they have never felt like their views or opinions matter, which is why they are using reckless words while addressing the public.

Citing examples of politicians who are behaving recklessly, the vocal senator condemned the Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy, and Maritime Affairs, Hassan Joho, and Daadab Member of Parliament Farah Maalims recent utterances in public, stating that as veteran political leaders, they should not have used such words while addressing the public.

However, Onyonka said that he might excuse Kapseret MP Oscar Sudis reckless utterances because he is still young on the political scene.

Some politicians dont understand the publics mood because they have never felt that public view or behaviour mattered.

The feeling I have right now, and what many Kenyans are looking at, is that we are behaving recklessly. The likes of Hassan Joho and Farah Maalim are behaving recklessly.

Farah Maalim has been around this legislation for the last 20 years. He has been with me; he has been the speaker while Joho Hassan has been one of the most senior politicians in Kenya.

"He has been the governor, but I may excuse Oscar Sudi because he has not been in politics long enough, Senator Onyoka said.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.
A DEAD foal, around five-months-old, was found by a Brannockstown resident while out on a walk on the morning of New Years Day 1 January.

The foal was found on Mullaghboy road, Brannockstown, near Kilcullen. It's an offbeat road used for walking by locals and not known widely by those outside the area.

The resident was horrified on their discovery, and with everything closed on New Years Day, decided to give cllr Tracey ODwyer a call for help.

Thankfully, Cllr ODwyer was able to get in touch with Kildare County Council to arrange a removal of the foal.

Cllr ODwyer said: A person that thinks that would be okay to do has no regard for any law, or has any moral compass, and I would worry about that. If you think its okay to dump any animal, thats totally inhumane.

Cllr ODwyer noticed a trend of these events that tend to happen on public holidays.

That time of year, most of the services are away on holidays and I always find I see a spike of environmental issues on Christmas holidays in particular, because the whole country nearly shuts down. Theres no one really out and about and its an opportune time for something like this to happen.

Martina Kenny, co-founder of My Lovely Horse Rescue, was outraged after hearing about the incident.

She said: It happens quite a lot. Someone doesnt want to pay somebody to take the body away. Its people that have no empathy. Think of the mother of the foal and how she must be suffering alone now.

My Lovely Horse Animal Rescue is an animal welfare organisation that rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes unwanted, neglected and abused animals with the aim of giving them a life worth living.

Ms Kenny urged animal owners to take care of their animals, and public holidays dont excuse the neglect of animals.

Neglect happens an awful lot during Christmas because sadly people dont seem to think that animals need 24/7 care, even on Christmas day and all the other days that go along with it, they need food and water and looking after and need to be checked in on, she said.

Ms Kenny recognises this as a crisis in animal welfare and believes that animal welfare laws need to be better enforced to decrease the rate of animal neglect in Ireland.

Its absolutely terrible and its happening all the time. We have become a country that is allowing it. Theres nothing being enforced; chips, passports, all of that.

If you are on a chip or a passport, you should be held accountable.

Separately, gardai have weighed in on animal welfare issues across the county assisting the local authority seizing two horses who were left without shelter, sufficient water and grazing from the Naas area earlier this month during the cold snap.

In a post about the seizure of the horses, the gardai said: It should really go without saying - please take care of your animals.
KILDARE woman Tiffany Stanley (37) who has been living in the Hollywood Hills for the past 12 years was forced to flee her home due to the horrendous fires in Los Angeles last week.

Tiffany is a model originally from Moone and is the daughter of Harry the former Volkswagen dealer, and the late Sharon.

Tiffany told how she, her husband Garrett Thomas and their two dogs Piglet and Kepler were ordered to evacuate their home last week, but were now allowed back, on Morning Ireland on Monday.

"We were monitoring the fire on the opposite side of the road, and then it sort of just exploded, almost unnatural, it went up in an inferno, said Tiffany.

Its been absolute mayhem on so many levels, and the problem now is theres people going around committing arson.

Someone was arrested with a blowtorch and a canister of petrol.

Were back in the house, but the problem now is that theres people looting homes.

The army is now patrolling the city to try and get law and order back on the streets. Our house is surrounded by woodland all around.

We dont even know if its safe to close our eyes at night in case theres another fire and we have to evacuate.

Theres no peace.

The Kildare Nationalist also spoke with Tiffanys father Harry at home in Moone.

Shes safe and well, but I think she is still worried about the situation.

Shes a new girl in a new country, Its still very strange for her.

She is aware of whats happening, and she can run away; its not like a bomb or an earthquake.

I was talking to her on Friday night, and shes worried about her bits and pieces.

I know shes not a young one, but shes always a young one to me!

Shes not exactly a big country girl, so I suppose it is a bit scary.

If her mammy was still alive shed be talking to her and telling her not to worry.
A MOTHER OF TWO whose partner was murdered and whose behaviour subsequently spiralled pleaded guilty to stealing over 2,530 worth of goods from three Carlow shops when she appeared before the local district court last week.

Deanna Gill (26), with an address at Marina Court, Athy, pleaded guilty to seven counts of theft over a six-month period last year, including from Mr Price on Kennedy Avenue, Carlow on 26 September 2024, 10 December 2024 and 5 December 2024; from Homesavers, Tullow Street, Carlow on 9 December 2024, 20 November 2024 and on 17 November 2024; and from OBriens off-licence, Potato Market, Carlow on 28 June 2024.

A recent sitting of Carlow District Court heard that Ms Gill, who is in custody on the theft matters, stole 1,922 worth of goods from Homesavers alone on the 17 November date.

Barrister Eamonn OMoore told the court that Ms Gills partner had been murdered and that she subsequently spiralled into depression and addiction and that she was homeless at the time of the thefts. He continued that she had been adopted from Belarus at the age of two and was raised in Rathangan.

Mr OMoore continued that Ms Gill was in prison over the Christmas period and that being away from her two children was an eye-opening experience. He also said that she wanted to repay the shops she stole from.

Judge Geraldine Carthy said that she had to consider if a community service order was appropriate to the scale of Ms Gills offences and found that it was not appropriate.

She then convicted and sentenced Ms Gill to ten months imprisonment, which she backdated to the time that she went into custody.
By Jonathan McCambridge, PA

A small number of Irish citizens living in Los Angeles have been affected by wildfires in the region, Micheal Martin has said.

The Tanaiste said Ireland stands in solidarity with the people of Los Angeles.

A week after the first fires began, the flames have destroyed thousands of homes and killed at least 24 people.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin said the people of Ireland stood in solidarity with those in LA (Brian Lawless/PA)

Mr Martin said: For over a week, together with all Irish people, I have watched with horror as devastating wildfires have ravaged the Los Angeles area, causing destruction for thousands across southern California.

I want to extend my deep condolences to the families and friends of those who have been lost in the fires.

My thoughts are with those who have been forced to evacuate and those who have lost their homes and livelihoods.

Amongst those affected are a small number of Irish citizens and their families.

The consulate-general of Ireland in Los Angeles is providing consular assistance and advice on accessing local supports.

The consulate-general is engaging with the broader Irish community in the affected area on an ongoing basis, providing resources on shelter lists, health advisories, information on relief and other resources.

Mr Martin urged Irish citizens in the area to register with the consulate-general at https://www.ireland.ie/en/usa/losangeles/

He added: The consulate-general is engaging with local Irish community organisations to assess the needs of those affected, with a view to providing assistance through the departments emigrant support programme.

Ireland stands in solidarity with the people of Los Angeles at this time.
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Fianna Fail and Fine Gael are facing further criticism for engaging in government formation talks with a Tipperary politician who was heavily criticised in a judge-led inquiry examining payments to politicians.

It comes as talks to form a new government continued to make progress on Monday, with an expectation that a draft agreement will be ready in the coming days.

The draft agreement will then have to be ratified by Fianna Fail and Fine Gael members, a process which could take up to a week.

Fianna Fail members were notified on Monday of a planned Ard Fheis on Sunday to ratify any agreed programme for government.

The two parties have been in discussions to form a government with Regional Independents group, which is led by Tipperary North TD Michael Lowry.

Further meetings are expected to take place on Tuesday to agree on a number of policy areas.

However, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald criticised the parties ongoing engagement with Mr Lowry.

The 70-year-old was criticised in a tribunal that was established in September 1997, which examined payments to former Irish premier Charles Haughey and Mr Lowry.

The tribunals final report was published in March 2011 and found that Mr Lowry, a former Fine Gael TD, helped businessman Denis OBrien secure the States second mobile phone licence in 1995.

The tribunal also criticised his behaviour as profoundly corrupt.

It also described Mr Lowrys assistance in helping Mr OBrien secure the licence as disgraceful and insidious.

The Tribunals report found it was beyond doubt that Mr Lowry imparted substantive information to Mr OBrien, which it said was of significant value and assistance to him in securing the licence.

The report described Mr Lowrys role as disgraceful and insidious.

Recently, gardai sent a file relating to its investigations around the findings of the tribunal to the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Following the publication of the March 2011 report, the Dail motion calling on Mr Lowry to voluntarily resign his membership passed without a vote.

Mr Lowry refused to step down.

Ms McDonald said the Moriarty Tribunal findings made against Mr Lowry were very clear.

I think more to the point Fianna Fail, in particular, but also Fine Gael have, as I understand it, problems with Michael Lowry, she told reporters in Belfast on Monday.

The Moriarty Tribunal was very, very clear. The findings against him were absolutely damning.

As a matter of fact, a Dail motion of censure was moved against Michael Lowry.

Micheal Martin, at the time, was absolutely vociferous and subsequently maintained that position.

I think the question is more for them, what changed? When did it become OK, or when did it become acceptable for them, that Michael Lowry would not alone be engaged, he is a duly elected member of the Dail, that needs to be acknowledged, but at what point did Micheal Martin in particular, decide that it was actually a good idea to form a government with Michael Lowry.

I cant answer that. I certainly think he should.
Cuba as a Gateway for Russian Cyberespionage in Latin America There is an aspect of the agreements reached between Havana and Moscow that goes unnoticed: technological penetration through digitization.

Among the numerous agreements, deals and collaboration agreements between Moscow and Havana that have been announced in recent years, the energy, metallurgy, transport and tourism sectors stand out. But one area is barely mentioned: the penetration of Russian computer companies on the island.

Computer development firms, especially cybersecurity ones in Russia, have begun, discreetly, to set their sights on Cuba with two purposes, according to their own statements: to export software and applications to implement their technologies in new markets, displacing those of the West; and seeking to reach Latin American countries to which they have little access.

The Russian Council on International Affairs prepared a study, entitled Exporting Russian Technological Solutions to Latin America: Results and Prospects, in which it outlined Cuba's role in this effort.

As part of the study, Alexander Volkov, general director and manager of international markets at the firm GenIT Co., dedicated to the development of software and the automation of federal retail chains and other companies in Russia and the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), comprised of several ex-Soviet nations, outlined how Cuba supports Moscow's goals in the field.

From Friendly Country to Springboard

According to Volkov, the selection of Latin America as the target market for Russian computer products was not "by chance."

"In Latin America there is a demand for technological solutions independent of manufacturers from the US and other Western countries, and, consequently, a trend towards the diversification of companies' IT landscape," he says.

Volkov recognizes that the frequency of personal data leaks and the detection of "back doors" that allow external agents to penetrate networks makes data security a top priority for countries in the region. The businessman says that this fragility is due to "the acquisition of products from some companies in the United States and Europe," though without explaining how the implementation of Russian software would immunize the destination countries from that interference.

"In 2023, GenIT Co. entered the Latin American market for the first time; in particular, Cuba. Cuba was chosen for several reasons. First of all, Cubans are culturally and historically close to us, which facilitated the forging of contacts. Secondly, this country actively cooperates with other States in the region, which is necessary for greater penetration in neighboring markets," he stated.

"Third, in Cuba there is a demand for technological equipment and software for the domestic market at the basic level. This need is quite easy to meet without involving expensive and highly qualified specialists, especially given the small size of the market and the availability of our own human resources," he added.

There is one factor, however, that Volkov mentions that could shoot to the top of his list: "In turn, the rest of the countries in the region are very afraid of secondary sanctions due to cooperation with Russian companies, but they are willing to work with Cuban ones, whether it is a joint venture or a completely Cuban legal entity. (...) Therefore, it is worth working with Cuba. It is necessary to create a representative office and get into the Latin American market through mediation."

What is GenIT?

The Russian firm GenIT, created in 2018, presents itself as a system integrator that automates companies, integrates commercial services, and develops customized software. Its flagship product, the Red Mule integration solution for SMBs, is operated at more than 25,000 infrastructures in place at the largest firms in Russia, which use it for their data exchange.

According to its developers, Red Mule operates as a substitute for popular international tools, such as Apache Kafka, IBM WebSphere, Microsoft BizTalk, the MuleSoft Anypoint platform, OpenESB, and Oracle ESB, among others. Its use in Russia's largest federal enterprises makes it a central element of the national computer system.

GenIT, a resident of the Skolkovo Innovation Center, a technology park in the Moscow region known as "the Russian Silicon Valley," is part of the cybersecurity fabric launched by the Kremlin and included in the government's economic development and innovation economy program since 2013.

The company claims to have, according to Volkov, "colleagues who live in Latin American countries permanently and represent the company's interests."

The version of Red Mule for Latin America and also English-speaking countries has been dubbed "Voltah." Volkov openly acknowledges the reason for this name: "The launch of the separate Voltah brand was aimed at ensuring that the company's Russian origins could not affect potential customers in other countries."

The Russian Software's Cuban Connection

With whom does GenIT work in Cuba? Where is the headquarters on the island?

According to Volkov, Jose Antonio Echeverria Technological University in Havana (CUJAE) was the gateway to the Cuban institutional system, given that "it has educational programs in Russian, which also has a positive effect on interaction and teamwork. Graduates of these programs are able to support Russian products in other markets and are open to research and development initiatives."

But the Havana Science and Technology Park, located at the University of Computer Sciences (UCI) is the critical point in the exchange. In November of 2024, during the Havana International Fair (FIHAV 2024), Russian businessmen and officials in attendance visited the institution, according to institutional reports, which mentioned interest in promoting bilateral collaboration, but not penetrating the markets of neighboring countries using Cuba as a springboard.

However, the main starting point for these contacts dates back to February 2024, when a strategic partnership was officially created between Moscow and Havana, following the signing of an agreement governing the right to distribute and support software in the region.

According to Volkov, at FIHAV 2024 Miguel Diaz-Canel was presented "a new project to create a Russian-Cuban platform for the introduction of digital technologies into the Republic of Cuba. The agreement on the creation was signed a few days later, in the presence of the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Cuba, Ricardo Cabrisas, and the Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Dmitry Chernyshenko."

The Voltah-Aicros Alliance

Cuba's Ministry of Communications (MINCOM) sponsored what amounts to the most visible alliance between GenIT and Cuban companies: the state firm Voltah-Aicross, with which the Russian federal company seeks to conceal its identity. Interestingly, the Cuban agent in the alliance, Aicros, belongs to the Construction Ministry (MICONS).

Created in 1966 as the MICONS' modest Department of Calculation and Applied Mathematics, which evolved three years later into the Center for Applied Mathematics and Construction Computing (CEMACC), before ending up becoming the Computer and Automation Company for Construction (Aicros), in 2004, its decades of experience and its civil function are, ostensibly, assets exploited by Moscow to pursue its purposes.

On October 26 the Cuban entity announced the alliance on its X profile, stating that Aicros was, as of said date, the "official distributor in Latin America of the Russian data integration platform."

According to Volkov, who calls this project the Russia-Cuba Platform for the Introduction of Digital Technologies, with the support of the Russian Ministry of Digital Development, through it "GenIT's national technological solutions and Russian partner companies will be implementable in Latin American markets. The platform positions Cuba as a gateway through which products can be distributed to other countries in the region. "

On November 4, as part of the inauguration of FIHAV 2024, Miguel Diaz-Canel visited the company's pavilion.

"It is assumed that the Platform will also provide services to support Russian companies, and comprehensive support, including an explanation of the details of product localization for the Latin American market, taking into account the regulatory policy and regulations of each country, as well as the mechanisms for financial interaction; for example, how to transfer profits to Russia," Volkov clarified.

The Russian businessman praised Cuban developers' willingness to create their own products. Specifically, he mentioned a version of the Yandex Taxi app, created on the island and based on the largest online taxi booking service in Moscow and other cities in Russia, used by about 200 companies operating some 20,000 taxis.

Interestingly, in September 2024, the authorities of Georgia, a former Soviet republic that is not part of the CIS, but uses Russian software, complained that the operator of the Yandex Taxi application in that country had illegally transferred personal data to Russia.

Volkov also celebrated that Cuba "is also creating applications for the purchase of goods from China and the United States with delivery, as a result of which sanctions and logistics are less visible to the end user." The above was a reference to online stores promoted by the Cuban regime at which emigrants make purchases for their relatives on the island.

"For Russian companies, Cuba is a reliable ally in the struggle against US sanctions. This country is not afraid of the new restrictions, so it is open to mutually beneficial cooperation with Russia and Russian companies," the Russian businessman affirmed.

But, he stated: "It is necessary to enter the Cuban market as soon as possible. (...) Spanish and Canadian companies are actively occupying their niche, with their presence being felt in the region. Whoever gets in first will get a big chunk of the market."

But GenIT would have political advantages. According to Volkov, his company "is deeply immersed in the system of interaction between Cuban companies and the authorities that provide support to entrepreneurs. For example, many issues with the Cuban Ministry of Communications mentioned above are discussed with messengers, and agreements are reached in the same way: in the direct operational communication format. This communication is of great importance to companies: the support of the Cuban Government means that all actions and decisions are not carried out with the aim of extracting short-term benefits, but rather are aimed at long-term strategic cooperation."

He also noted that "only companies with state participation have the right to conclude import contracts, which, consequently, are accountable to a particular competent ministry. As a result, an important advantage is generated: administrative and state bodies act as guarantors of compliance with obligations. For example, if there are difficulties with payments, this issue is discussed in working groups with participation by representatives of the authorities of both parties."

The Chicken in Rice with Chicken

What are the Latin American countries that Moscow is interested in? Volkov has no qualms about airing that information.

"You can distinguish five countries that are characterized as the largest, the most developed and the most solvent markets. First of all, we are talking about Brazil, with the largest market in the region, where there is a boom in fintech startups. The work with this country is built on a separate track, within the framework of cooperation with the Sorocaba Technology Park, in the State of Sao Paulo, where 40 IT companies are concentrated."

"In Mexico, financial technologies, smart cities, the Internet of Things and digital twins are also being actively developed; that is, a total transformation of the industry is taking place. The other countries are Argentina, Chile and Colombia."

Volkov says that the Latin American market "may turn towards Russian technological solutions: the question is whether these opportunities will be taken advantage of," since "the main problem with domestic software products in the Latin American market is the lack of localization. Few companies actually reach the stage of adapting their solutions to market needs. The reason for this drawback is that, unlike Western competitors, such as Microsoft or Oracle, Russian companies often do not focus on the international market when creating their products, but instead try to export ready-to-use solutions originally made for sale in Russia."

And here's the bottom line: "The highest-priority sector, which should be discussed first, is information security, as it is impossible to build other processes without reliable encryption and personal data protection. (...) It is for this purpose that our Cuban colleagues are creating the Center for Information Security, in which the Russia-Cuba Platform is participating."

Therefore, the entrepreneur pointed out, the Cuban Communications Ministry proposed creating a National Cybersecurity Center. Russian companies were invited to join this initiative. "GenIT and its partners are open to not only commercial, but also academic and research-related cooperation," he said

In view of the attention that the Cuban regime has dedicated to social surveillance and control of the networks, the alliance with Moscow does not fail to take advantage of its extensive experience in the cyber-surveillance of dissent, for which, until now, cooperation with Beijing was essential.

Russia's computer penetration goes further, however, and entails access to valuable data of Cuban emigrants and their relatives on the island, among others of value for intelligence work. Ties with Havana's repressive apparatus, thus, are part of Moscow's plans. The second part of this report will be dedicated to this.
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By KTimes

The SBS drama "Love Scout," which has been dominating Friday-Saturday ratings, faces a critical setback following revelations about director Ham Jun-ho's past assault charges.

The production team released an official statement, Monday. "We apologize for causing concern with unpleasant news regarding director Ham Jun-ho," the statement said.

It is true that director Ham was charged with assault and insult under the influence of alcohol in early 2020. However, he sincerely apologized to all the victims, reached settlements and faced legal consequences. Additionally, the prior offenses reported five years ago were minor misdemeanors unrelated to this case.

The team also said that Ham was suspended following the incident and spent three years in reflection before resuming his directing career. "We ask for viewers understanding and forgiveness," it said.

The controversy resurfaced after an online community revisited the 2020 case, in which Ham had thrown a soju bottle at a passerby and engaged in indiscriminate assault in Hannam-dong in Yongsan District, Seoul.

Ham returned to production with the 2023 SBS drama "Payback."

The drama "Love Scout," which premiered on Jan. 3, stars Han Ji-min as Kang Ji-yoon, a meticulous headhunting company CEO, and Lee Jun-hyuk as Yoo Eun-ho, her highly competent secretary.

The romantic drama debuted with a 5.2 percent viewership rating and reached 11.3 percent by its fourth episode on Jan. 11, making it the most-watched weekend drama, according to Nielsen Korea.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.
Korea's money supply rose for the 18th consecutive month in November, in line with an increase in short-term funds amid high market volatility, central bank data showed Tuesday.

The country's M2, a key gauge of the money supply stood at 4,143 trillion won ($2.89 trillion) in November, up 0.8 percent from the previous month, according to the preliminary data from the Bank of Korea (BOK).

The money supply has been on a constant increase since June 2023.

On a year-on-year basis, the money supply advanced 6.4 percent in November, compared with a 6.5 percent on-year increase in October.

The M2 is a measure of the money supply that counts cash, demand deposits and other easily convertible financial instruments.

The increase in the money supply came as demand deposits rose by 11.4 trillion won amid high volatility in the asset market, according to BOK officials.

South Korea's liquidity aggregate, the broadest measure of money supply, rose 0.7 percent from a month earlier to stand at 7,094.2 trillion won in November, the data showed. (Yonhap)
A Pentagon spokesperson said Monday the deployment of North Korean troops to a Russian front-line region makes the fighting "much harder" for Ukrainian forces, while noting the United States continues to closely monitor the possibility of Pyongyang sending additional troops to Russia.

Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, the spokesperson, made the remarks as Russia is known to be making incremental gains on the battlefield with the introduction of some 12,000 troops, which he described as "relatively well disciplined and competent" forces.

"As evidenced by the fact that Russia was able to introduce 12,000 DPRK forces onto the battlefield ... I mean that's certainly a significant number. It makes it much harder fighting for the Ukrainians," Ryder told a press briefing. DPRK is short for the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

"But again, as I highlighted, the Ukrainians are continuing to fight, and they are continuing to do everything they can to hold that line," he added, stressing the U.S.' focus on working with the international community to ensure Ukraine has what it needs to defend itself.

Asked to comment on North Korean casualties, the spokesperson mentioned more than 1,000 casualties while South Korea's National Intelligence Service told lawmakers on Monday that at least 300 North Korean soldiers have been killed, with some 2,700 others injured.

Ryder portrayed North Korean troops as capable forces that pose a threat on the battlefield.

"All indications are that these are relatively well disciplined, competent forces," he said. "DPRK forces (are) primarily infantry focused. Again by all accounts, they are capable and what we are seeing on the battlefield is that they obviously do present a threat."

Asked if there is an indication of Pyongyang trying to send more troops to Russia, Ryder said he is not aware.

"I don't have anything ... Obviously, (it is) something that we continue to monitor closely," he said. (Yonhap)
North Korea launched suspected multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea on Tuesday, South Korea's military said, in a provocation staged just days before U.S. President-elect Donald Trump takes office.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said it detected the launch at about 9:30 a.m. from the Ganggye area in the North's Jagang Province.

Tuesday's launch marked the recalcitrant regime's second provocation this year, after it fired what it claimed to be a hypersonic intermediate-range ballistic missile on Jan. 6.

In a year-end party meeting, North Korea declared it would carry out the "toughest" counteraction strategy toward the United States, claiming military cooperation among South Korea, the U.S. and Japan has expanded into a "military bloc for aggression."

"In preparation against additional launches, our military has strengthened our monitoring and vigilance, while closely sharing information on the North Korean missile with the U.S. and Japanese sides and maintaining a full readiness posture," the JCS said. (Yonhap)
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Acting President Choi Sang-mok strongly condemned North Korea's firing of multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea on Tuesday, pledging a firm response based on the strong South Korea-U.S. alliance.

According to the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), the missile launch was detected at around 9:30 a.m. from the Ganggye region in North Korea's Jagang Province. The provocation comes just days before U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration.

"This is a clear violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions," Choi said during a Cabinet meeting.

Choi added the government will respond more firmly to North Korea's provocations based on a strong defense posture and the solid South Korea-U.S. alliance.

Tuesday's launch marked the recalcitrant regime's second provocation this year, after it fired what it claimed to be a hypersonic intermediate-range ballistic missile on Jan. 6. (Yonhap)
The South Korean government plans to consult with Ukraine about bringing North Korean soldiers captured by Ukraine to the South if they request defection, the foreign ministry said Tuesday.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Lee Jae-woong made the remarks during a regular press briefing following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's recent revelation that two North Korean soldiers were captured by Ukraine in Russia's western Kursk region while fighting for Russia.

In a video later shared by Zelenskyy, one of the North Korean soldiers was seen asking if Ukrainians were all good people and, after an interpreter replied positively, saying, "I want to live here."

"As North Korean soldiers are our nationals according to the Constitution, (the government) plans to hold discussions with Ukraine if they request defection to South Korea," the spokesperson said.

South Korea's Constitution defines the entire Korean Peninsula as its territory, effectively recognizing all residents on the peninsula as its nationals.

The ministry spokesperson, however, stated that neither of the two captured soldiers has expressed an intention to defect to the South, adding that relevant South Korean authorities are currently in communication with Ukraine regarding matters concerning them.

On Sunday, South Korea's spy agency confirmed Ukraine's capture of two North Korean soldiers last week and pledged close cooperation with its Ukrainian counterpart to continue sharing related information.

North Korea is estimated to have sent some 11,000 troops to support Russia in its war against Ukraine. Of those, 300 are believed to have been killed, with some 2,700 others wounded, according to the National Intelligence Service. (Yonhap)
U.S. Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth has described North Korea as a "nuclear power" that poses a threat to global stability, while highlighting the need for U.S. allies to increase "burden sharing" in pursuit of what he termed "healthy" partnerships.

Hegseth made the remarks in written answers submitted to the Senate Armed Services Committee ahead of his confirmation hearing on Tuesday. Incoming President Donald Trump nominated Hegseth  a former Fox News Channel host and Army veteran with tours in Guantanamo Bay, Iraq and Afghanistan  in November.

"The DPRK's status as a nuclear power, its intense focus on increasing the range of missiles capable of delivering nuclear warheads, and its growing cyber capabilities all pose a threat to stability on the Korean peninsula, in the Indo-Pacific region, and globally," he wrote. DPRK is short for the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

"Those threats are of particular concern given the DPRK's proximity to close U.S. allies that base U.S. troops," he added.

Although Pyongyang is thought to have a nuclear arsenal following its six nuclear tests since 2006, U.S. officials have refused to publicly recognize North Korea as a nuclear power  a status that the recalcitrant regime has sought from the outside world.

His depiction of the North as a nuclear weapons state might have reflected the reality that Pyongyang has named itself as a nuclear power in its Constitution, adopted a nuclear doctrine and shown no willingness to bargain away its nuclear arms.

But most U.S. officials have generally been reluctant to openly call Pyongyang a nuclear power as it can be construed as accepting and legitimizing what they have called an illicit weapons program and have a negative impact on America's efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation.

It remains unclear whether Hegseth's description of the North is shared by Trump and will be reflected in the incoming administration's policy approach.

Hegseth said that in recent years, North Korea, China and Russia have "significantly" expanded and modernized their nuclear force capabilities.

"These improvements, which include advances in warheads, delivery systems, and command and control systems, pose an increasing threat to the United States and its allies," he said.

In particular, he noted that Pyongyang is expanding its nuclear stockpile and improving miniaturization of warheads and road-mobile launch systems.

The nominee underscored the importance of missile defense against North Korea's evolving threats.

"Improving missile defense systems, especially for the Homeland, will be important to countering the DPRK threat, in addition to efforts to stem the growth of its nuclear and missile arsenals," he said.

He pointed out the strategic value of alliances and partnerships, but highlighted the need for allies' increased "burden sharing."

"The United States maintains the strongest alliance system in the world, and the common defense of our mutual interests with our allies and partners creates an unmatched strategic advantage," he said.

He went on to say, "Increased ally and partner defense spending and burden sharing are critical to ensuring that our relationships are not one-sided," he said.

His assertion on the need to raise burden sharing came as speculation persisted that Trump could seek renegotiation of last year's defense cost-sharing deal with South Korea to demand Seoul pay more for the upkeep of the 28,500-strong U.S. Forces Korea (USFK).

Regarding countries or actors operating in space that he perceives as a risk to the U.S., Hegseth mentioned Pyongyang's capabilities.

"The U.S. must monitor global anti-satellite capabilities. The United States, China, Russia, and India have all successfully conducted anti-satellite capability tests," he said.

"We will remain vigilant regarding North Korea's space capabilities. If confirmed, I will ensure the new NDS addresses this critical warfighting domain, he added, referring to the Defense Department's national defense strategy, a strategic guidance.

Asked about the sufficiency of America's military readiness in various regions, Hegseth said that he will conduct a global force posture review if confirmed. This remark came amid concerns that Trump could consider paring down the number of U.S. troops in Korea or withdrawing them if South Korea does not raise its share of the cost for stationing USFK.

"We need to accelerate efforts to strengthen our force posture and increase operational capabilities in the Indo-Pacific, given China's historic and rapid military buildup and the urgent need to reestablish deterrence," he said. "If confirmed, I will review our posture in the Indo-Pacific and identify ways to prioritize such efforts."

During the confirmation hearing, he was pelted with questions about various allegations, including those of sexual assault. But he noted he is not a "perfect" person, while dismissing some of the allegations as part of a "smear campaign." (Yonhap)
U.S. President Joe Biden on Monday underscored the forging of the trilateral partnership between South Korea, the United States and Japan as a feat of his administration's policy drive to reinvigorate America's alliances and partnerships to confront shared challenges.

During an address on his foreign policy record, Biden also highlighted the need to deter North Korea, putting it on a list of "serious challenges" America must continue to handle, as he is set to hand over the presidential baton to incoming President Donald Trump on Jan. 20.

"We made partnerships stronger and created new partnerships to challenge China's aggressive behavior and to rebalance power in the region," Biden said during the address at the State Department.

"We did it -- what few felt was possible to build the first-ever trilateral partnership between the U.S., Japan and South Korea, then another among the U.S., Japan and the Philippines, drawing close to our Pacific allies to defend our shared security and prosperity," he added.

The Biden administration has seen a deepening of the U.S.' three-way cooperation with South Korea and Japan whose historical grievances had gotten in the way of their security cooperation despite the shared challenge from North Korea.

The Camp David summit, the first-ever standalone trilateral summit among the countries in August 2023, was a culmination of three-way cooperation as it produced a series of landmark agreements, including the "Commitment to Consult" each other in the event of a shared threat.

Since the summit, the three sides have launched a system for the real-time sharing of North Korean ballistic missile warning data, created a trilateral military exercise, named "Freedom Edge," and installed a trilateral secretariat to institutionalize their cooperation.

But it remains uncertain whether the incoming U.S. administration would commit itself to further developing the three-way partnership under Trump's America First credo that some critics argue smacks of isolationism.

Biden highlighted the importance of leveraging alliances and partnerships rather than "going it alone."

"Throughout my career, the world has undergone tremendous change, but certain things have always held true: At our best, America leads not only by the example of our power, but the power of our example," he said.

"(Over) the past four years, we've used that power not to go it alone, but instead, to bring countries together to increase shared security and prosperity, to stand up to aggression, to solve problems through diplomacy wherever possible."

The outgoing president also touched on security challenges that the U.S. has to deal with in Ukraine, the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific.

"(We) must deter North Korea as they rattle their saber and draw closer to Russia," he said of those challenges.

But he claimed that his administration is leaving the next government with a "very strong hand to play."

"We are leaving them an America (with) more friends and strong alliances whose adversaries are weaker and under pressure; an America that once again is leading, uniting countries, setting the agenda, bringing others together behind our plans and visions," he said. (Yonhap)
Acting U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Joseph Yun stressed Tuesday the importance of Seoul and Washington staying fully aligned amid leadership transitions in both countries, an approach he feels is shared by both sides.

Yun made the remarks after meeting with Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and First Vice Minister Kim Hong-kyun, just days after assuming his post tasked with reassuring the bilateral alliance amid the political crisis in Seoul, following President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment over his brief imposition of martial law.

"There was a fundamental, not only agreement, but cooperation and willingness to work towards our relationship because there is kind of a transition in both Seoul and Washington," Yun told Yonhap News Agency shortly before leaving the foreign ministry.

"We need to be completely aligned, and I'm very delighted that they are of the same mindset as the incoming Trump team, as well as the outgoing Biden team," he said of the meetings with Cho and Kim.

During the meeting with Yun, Kim asked him to ensure that the progress made between the allies continues smoothly under the incoming Donald Trump administration, the foreign ministry said in a release.

Kim also emphasized the importance of close coordination on issues related to North Korea and its nuclear threats, requesting Yun's support in facilitating effective communication with Washington.

Yun, in response, pledged to work toward maintaining and further advancing the strong bilateral alliance at the embassy level, the ministry said. Prior to their meeting, Yun briefly met with the foreign minister for discussions on the alliance.

Yun arrived in Seoul on Saturday, following the State Department's announcement on his appointment as the charge d'affaires ad interim in Seoul.

Yun, who served as the U.S. special representative for North Korea from 2016-18, is expected to work until incoming President Donald Trump names a new ambassador to Seoul. (Yonhap)
Acting President Choi Sang-mok and visiting Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya reaffirmed their countries' bilateral cooperation, as well as their three-way cooperation involving the United States, during their meeting Tuesday, Choi's office said.

Their meeting in Seoul was held during Iwaya's trip that marked the first visit by a Japanese minister to South Korea since the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol, also occurring less than a week before the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump for his second term.

Both sides agreed that, given the current complex international situation, bilateral cooperation, as well as trilateral cooperation with Washington, is more critical than ever, the finance ministry said in a release.

The meeting also took place amid prolonged political uncertainties in Seoul following Yoon's imposition of short-lived martial law last month and political disputes over his possible arrest on insurrection charges.

The ministry said both sides agreed on the need to continue working together steadfastly to develop the countries' bilateral relations as the two countries prepare for the 60th anniversary of the normalization of their diplomatic relations.

In addition, they agreed on maintaining close economic cooperation, especially given the growing uncertainties in the global trade environment, highly anticipated to be exacerbated by Trump's protectionism. (Yonhap)
By Kim Hyun-bin

The "Nihao China! Travel Without a Visa" event showcased the growing tourism trend fueled by visa-free travel for Koreans visiting China. Over 100 tourism and diplomatic leaders gathered in Seoul on Jan. 10 for the event, which aimed to promote visa-free entry to China.

Sponsored by the Chinese Embassy in Seoul and co-hosted by the China National Tourist Office in Seoul and the Korea-China Cultural Friendship Association, the event highlighted growing tourism ties following Chinas introduction of visa exemptions for South Korean travelers.

China and Korea are close neighbors with a history of friendly exchanges, Chinese Deputy Ambassador Fang Kun said. He emphasized the significance of tourism in fostering cultural connections, noting that mutual visits are on the rise, and predicting further growth in travel thanks to policies like visa exemptions and expanded direct flight routes.

Korea is also considering visa-free entry for Chinese group tourists, according to Rebuilding Korea Party lawmaker Rep. Kim Joon-hyung, who described tourism as a cultural bridge between the two nations. These measures are crucial catalysts for economic and cultural exchange, Kim said.

Recent data underscores the impact of these policies. Zhong Hongnuo, consul general of the Chinese Embassy in Seoul, revealed that China saw a more than 150 percent increase in Korean tourist arrivals in December compared to the same period last year, with reservations for Shanghai trips surging by 180 percent.

The event featured presentations from key players in the tourism industry who shared insights into destinations like Qingdao and Guangzhou. Airline representatives highlighted increased flight capacities, while industry leaders discussed the growing demand for travel products catering to Koreans.

This year, the Year of the Snake, we anticipate an even faster pace of growth in Chinese tourism, said an official from Shandong Airlines, reflecting optimism shared by the tourism sector.

To further solidify collaboration, Koreas Hwa-in Communications and Chinas China Unicom signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance technical support for tourism initiatives. Major airlines and financial institutions also showcased travel packages and promotional campaigns aimed at boosting tourism.

The Nihao! China series, overseen by Chinas Ministry of Culture and Tourism, seeks to leverage the visa-free policy to position China as a top destination for Korean travelers, highlighting its proximity and cultural allure.
Korea's industry ministry said Tuesday the government will come up with a comprehensive plan to revitalize the country's steel industry in the first half amid lingering business challenges, including oversupply from China.

The announcement followed the establishment last week of a task force, comprising government, industry and academic officials, charged with devising strategies for the steel industry.

Korea's outbound shipments of steel products amounted to $33.29 billion in 2024, down 5.4 percent from the previous year, due to a downturn in the global construction market and declining export prices.

"The environment surrounding the steel industry remains challenging, and we need to prepare for another decade based on our past experiences," Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun said during a meeting with officials from the steel industry.

Ahn added the government will maintain real-time communication with the steel industry to prepare for the launch of the second Donald Trump administration later this month.

The industry minister visited the United States last week to meet with government officials and lawmakers as part of Seoul's efforts to brace for uncertainties in U.S. trade policies under the new administration. (Yonhap)
By Jon Dunbar

Jeff Moses still hasn't given up his ambitions of world domination. As one of the two founders of Seoul-based punk label World Domination, Inc. (WDI), he's been at it for 16 years. He shared various machinations for the new year that he hopes will bring his diabolical goal to fruition.

WDI will kick off 2025 with a new year party featuring six WDI bands, plus one special guest. The show, this Saturday at Club Victim, is also the prelude to his own band, ...Whatever That Means (WTM), heading to Japan for an eight-day tour.

"There's a lot of exciting stuff going on with WDI bands right now," Moses told The Korea Times.

The show this Saturday features WTM, as well as Full Garage, Beacon, Long Time No Shit, Sweet Gasoline and Monkey Gang War, as well as The Sound as a special guest.

Moses revealed a drinking game they will play at the show to determine the order in which each band plays, as well as how sober they are when they take the stage.

"We're going to be continuing a tradition for the New Year show that we started back in 2019 at the 10-year anniversary show," he said. "The Sound will be the opening band, but beyond that, there's no set band order. Whenever a band has one song left in their set, they'll stop, one member from each remaining band will come up front, and we'll play a drinking game. Whoever loses is up next. So whoever wins the most gets to play later in the night when the crowd is usually bigger, but after a whole bunch of drinking games, it probably won't be the tightest set they've ever played."

Once that show's over, they'll be packing their bags for WTM's next Japan tour.

The band has toured Japan three times before, with their first time being two shows in Tokyo in 2019. In 2023, they did two tours, focusing on Kobe and Osaka.

"Those were especially fun because we got to go back to the same cities/clubs within six months, so there were people there who remembered us from before," Moses said. "That helped us build a better audience and play with even better bands the second time around. That was kind of the plan: Choose one spot and focus on it as a starting point."

But Moses said the upcoming stint will be their first proper tour of Japan, with eight shows taking place over eight days.

"The plan is to build out from the success of the 2023 tours, so we'll be starting in Kobe and Osaka again and playing shows with some of the friends we've made the last couple years," he said. "We're really excited to play with our friends in The Skippers, The Dahlia and All I Clacks again while we're there. After that, we're heading to Kyoto, Nagoya, Yokohama and Chiba, and rounding things out with two shows in Tokyo."

They'll be traveling over the Lunar New Year holiday, which is a big deal in Korea but not as much in Japan.

"We realized all the way back in February 2024 that Lunar New Year would be falling on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this year. That meant, even without the extra red day that's recently been added, that we could do a full one-week/two-weekend tour and only need to take two days off work," he said. "So we started arranging things almost a year ago. We were also lucky to notice the dates before a lot of other people did, so plane tickets were still reasonably priced, too."

He added that the band hoped to finish work on a new single before the tour, but ended up deciding not to rush things.

"We realized we were really rushing things to try to meet that deadline," he said. "Since we're playing in a lot of new spots, we decided it'd be better to just tour with the music we've already released over the last 16 years. That gives us time to make sure the new stuff is arranged and sounds as good as possible."

After the band returns to Korea, they'll finish work on the single at a leisurely pace. Moses said they also hope to release another EP before the end of the year. Such is life when you have your own recording studio, in this case, Binary Studios in Mangwon-dong.

But Moses  and Trash, his wife and bandmate  won't just focus on their own band. Moses said to expect new recordings soon from Long Time No Shit, as well as Monkey Gang War, a ska-punk band fronted by his wife. He added that Monkey Gang War is also planning its first overseas tour, although details have not yet been announced. And Moses said he expects Sweet Gasoline to return to the recording studio sometime this year, and added there are rumors that Beacon will be ready to record new material soon as well. Plus, he said that Full Garage, which ended its five-year hiatus last year, could possibly release more music this year.

Additionally, Moses said he will begin work this year on the next "Them and Us" compilation. The album's concept features 11 bands each contributing two songs, one an original and the other a well-known cover. The previous three compilations came out in 2011, 2016 and 2021, so Moses said going by that timing, the next one is due out next year. "If things go well, that may be the first WDI release very early in 2026," he said.

Another major undertaking WDI is known for is IT'S A FEST!, a punk festival that's supposed to be held at Hanagae Beach on Incheon's Muui Island. The festival ran smoothly in 2019 and 2023, but they lost the venue last year due to unrelated Incheon city politics. Everything had to move indoors at the last minute to Baby Doll, a music venue in Seoul's Sinchon area. Moses said announcements regarding this year's festival will come out in a few months.

Visit wdikorea.com for more information.




The police, the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) and the Presidential Security Service (PSS) met Tuesday to discuss the execution of a warrant to detain President Yoon Suk Yeol over his short-lived imposition of martial law.

The meeting came amid speculation investigators, led by the CIO, will make a second attempt to detain Yoon this week following a failed bid early this month.

The three sides met for about an hour but reportedly came away with few results.

"We requested the cooperation of the Presidential Security Service for the safe and peaceful execution of the warrant, and are waiting for its response," the police said in a notice to the press.

The CIO and the police have reportedly made plans to mobilize around 1,000 investigators to ensure the success of a second attempt at detaining Yoon after the first attempt was thwarted by PSS personnel blocking their entry into Yoon's official residence in Seoul.

Yoon is believed to be holed up at his residence since the National Assembly impeached him on Dec. 14, suspending him from duty.

The CIO has been issued two consecutive court warrants to detain Yoon on charges of insurrection and abuse of power related to his imposition of martial law on Dec. 3.

The ongoing effort has raised concerns about a possible physical clash between law enforcement, the PSS and thousands of protesters who have gathered outside Yoon's residence for weeks to rally for or against his arrest. (Yonhap)
China warns citizens of high-paying job scams in Thailand and Myanmar, following actor Wang Xing kidnapping

The Chinese embassies in Thailand and Myanmar have issued warnings to their citizens about recruitment scams promising high salaries abroad, following the recent rescue of a kidnapped Chinese actor.

In a statement last Saturday, the Chinese Embassy in Thailand cautioned Chinese citizens against falling for offers such as "high-paying jobs" or "free air tickets and accommodation," which are often used to lure victims. The embassy urged travelers to remain vigilant to avoid being deceived, according to CGTN, the English-language news channel of state-run China Global Television Network.

The Chinese Embassy and consulates in Myanmar also advised citizens to stay alert against telecom and online fraud. They emphasized the importance of recognizing scams and avoiding "high-paying overseas job offers," which could lead to dangerous situations, including telecom fraud and risks to personal safety and property.

The warning was issued in a Friday statement on the embassy's official WeChat account, as reported by the Global Times.

The embassy also confirmed that Wang Xing, a Chinese actor who had gone missing, returned to China from Thailand last Friday night following joint efforts between the two countries.

Wang disappeared near the Thai-Myanmar border on Jan. 3 after being duped by human traffickers posing as film producers.

They had promised him a salary three times the market rate. He was subsequently forcibly taken across a river into Myanmar, where he was coerced into learning scamming techniques.

Thai and Myanmar authorities rescued Wang on Jan. 7 through a coordinated operation. Thai police identified him as a victim of human trafficking.

The incident has sparked widespread concern on social media, with users sharing similar cases of friends and relatives disappearing near the Myanmar border after being deceived into traveling to Thailand.

Wang's ordeal has also led some Chinese tourists to reconsider their plans to visit Thailand for the upcoming Lunar New Year.
First trials of four ministerial-level figures of the previous Moon Jae-in government indicted two years ago over their alleged involvement in the forced repatriation of two North Korean fishermen in 2019 will be completed next month, judicial officials said Tuesday.

The four are former national security adviser and Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong; Noh Young-min, former presidential chief of staff; Suh Hoon, former chief of the National Intelligence Service; and former Unification Minister Kim Yeon-chul.

In November 2019, the Moon government sent back the two fishermen captured near the eastern inter-Korean sea border, saying the North Koreans confessed to killing 16 fellow crew members. But the four officials are suspected of forcing officials of the relevant government agencies to deport the fishermen despite their wishes to defect to South Korea.

The Seoul Central District Court has set a Feb. 19 sentencing date for the case, according to the officials. Most of the trials in that case have been held behind closed doors for reasons such as protecting confidential information related to national security, but the sentencing hearing will be held in public, they added. (Yonhap)
Yoon's chief of staff proposes deal amid rising fears of violent clashes

By Jung Min-ho

Investigators are poised to make a second attempt to execute a warant to detain President Yoon Suk Yeol as Korea's anti-corruption agency vowed to take all possible measures to take him into custody, according to officials and political watchers, Tuesday.

There has been growing speculation that investigators will take action in the coming days, as early as Wednesday, after their first failed bid early this month.

After a meeting on Tuesday between the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials (CIO), police, and the Presidential Security Service (PSS) to discuss a peaceful enforcement of the warrant, a CIO official told reporters that the discussions would not impact their plan to detain Yoon as part of their investigation into his imposition of martial law.

People expressed opinions that the warrant should be executed peacefully. But there was no compromise reached, the official said. What was discussed at the meeting wont affect the [CIOs] plan to execute the warrant.

The three-way meeting took place amid a weekslong standoff between the investigators and the PSS over the execution of the detention warrant.

After facing stronger-than-expected resistance from the PSS on Jan. 3, the joint probe team of the CIO, police, and defense ministry plans to implement more forceful measures this time.

With no signs of compromise, concerns are rising about possible violent clashes between authorities enforcing the detention warrant and the presidential security officers.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the PSS reaffirmed that it would block any attempt to access the presidential residence, which must be protected for national security reasons.

Certain security zones, including the presidential residence, are guarded areas and require prior authorization to enter, it said. Forced entry without prior authorization is illegal and illegal enforcement will be handled in accordance with the security manual under the law.

Several hours before the meeting, Chung Jin-suk, Yoons chief of staff, pleaded with the CIO and police to abandon their attempt to detain the president by force and stop treating him like a member of what he called a South American drug cartel.

In a statement, Chung said Yoon could be questioned at his residential compound or a third site other than the CIO headquarters or a police station.

What concerns me most is the possibility of violent clashes between the armed police and presidential bodyguards. If state institutions clash, there can be no intervention or mediation. Additionally, thousands of citizens are gathered near the presidential residence to protect him, he said. If the police clash with the citizens, an unimaginable tragedy could occur.

However, Yoon Kap-keun, one of the presidents attorneys, said Chung issued the message without coordinating with them in advance and that Yoon has no plan to be questioned by the CIO, which they argue has no legal basis to investigate him.

Acting President Choi Sang-mok also expressed concerns about possible clashes, saying on Monday that all law enforcement activities should be carried out peacefully and cautiously. However, it remains uncertain whether his direction will influence the investigators' strategy, as they appear determined to detain Yoon this time by any means necessary.

Police held another meeting of field commanders on Tuesday in the capital area to map out their warrant execution plan.

To ensure the success of the second attempt to detain the president, the CIO and police are said to have planned to mobilize around 1,000 investigators for what could become a multiday operation.

A police official told reporters on Monday that investigators will detain on charges of obstruction of justice anyone trying to block them from detaining the president.

After the first botched attempt to detain Yoon, his residential compound and the surrounding areas have been further fortified with barbed wire and rows of vehicles blocking access.

The defense ministry said it will not mobilize military personnel on guard duty at the presidential residence, amid concerns that they could be deployed to stop the investigators.

According to the CIO, the military unit responsible for guarding the perimeter of the presidential compound said it would allow investigators from the CIO, police and the Ministry of National Defense to access the area.

However, the ministry and the PSS denied the claim, saying that obtaining such access requires final approval from the security service.
A military unit guarding the presidential residence on Tuesday approved the entry of police and anti-corruption agency officials into the presidential residence to detain impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, officials said.

Upon request by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), the unit under the Capital Defense Command said that it will allow investigators from the CIO, police and the Ministry of Defense to access the presidential residence, according to the CIO.

The unit is responsible for guarding the outside of the presidential residence.

The move is anticipated to help police and CIO officials carry out their second attempt to detain Yoon, expected to take place early Wednesday.

But earlier in the day, the Presidential Security Service suggested it will block the attempt, claiming a forced entry into Yoon's residence would be "illegal" and vowing to respond in line with its security protocols. (Yonhap)
By KTimes

A woman dispatched through a government-operated child care service has been accused of assaulting a toddler under her care. Police are investigating the allegations.

The Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency said Monday that it received a child abuse report involving A, a caregiver employed by the Incheon Seo-gu Childcare Support Center.

According to the informant, identified as B, A was a caregiver dispatched through a child care service run by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family. Since March last year, A had cared for Bs twin children, born in 2022, for eight hours on weekdays.

The child care service offers in-home care for children under 12 years old in families facing caregiving gaps due to dual-income parents. B applied for the "Infant All-Day Care Service," which targets infants under 36 months.

While using the service, B became dissatisfied, alleging that A engaged in unrelated housekeeping tasks and interfered in parenting matters instead of focusing on child care. B requested a replacement caregiver from the local child care center, but the center cited a staffing shortage as the reason for denying the request. Left with no other option, B continued using As services until December 2024.

Late last month, the center informed B that A would be unable to work temporarily due to personal circumstances, and a substitute caregiver would visit instead. As B, who is pregnant, planned to be out of the house for health checkups during this period, she installed a closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera in her home on Jan. 6.

Upon reviewing the CCTV footage, B discovered shocking scenes. The footage showed A striking one of the toddlers' feet multiple times with a back scratcher.

Alarmed, B reviewed earlier footage, which revealed additional instances of abuse, including A hitting the child's head, shoving the child, yelling and acting aggressively.

B reported these incidents to the child care center on Jan. 8 and subsequently filed a police report accusing A of child abuse.

The child care center convened a mediation committee the day after the report was filed and immediately prohibited A from further activities.

B said that A later called to confront her, asking, "Why did you report me?" A defended her actions, saying, "I disciplined the child because the mother didnt" and "I only hit lightly because I thought the child was cute."

The number of government-dispatched caregivers has steadily increased since 2020, reaching 28,663 in 2024. According to statistics from the Ministry of Health and Welfare, cases of abuse involving these caregivers have averaged over 30 incidents annually from 2020 to last year.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.
Korea's exports of information and communication technology (ICT) products jumped 24 percent in December from a year earlier, helped by robust sales of semiconductors, government data showed Tuesday.

Outbound shipments of ICT products came to $22.66 billion last month, compared with $18.25 billion a year earlier, the Ministry of Science and ICT said in a press release.

The country's ICT imports in December stood at $13.32 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $9.33 billion in the sector.

By product, semiconductor exports jumped 31.1 percent on-year to $14.51 billion on high demand for artificial intelligence-related chips.

Exports of computers and communications equipment soared 97.2 percent to $1.62 billion over the cited period, while shipments of mobile phones rose 19.3 percent to $1.12 billion, the release said.

Shipments of display panels fell 1.2 percent to $1.69 billion due to slowing demand for TVs and personal computers.

By nation, combined shipments to China and Hong Kong climbed 13.4 percent on-year to $8.91 billion on increased sales of chips, displays and mobile phones.

Exports to Vietnam and Japan went up 2.7 percent and 14.3 percent, respectively, to $3.02 billion and $360 million.

Shipments to the United States jumped 41.3 percent on-year to $3.59 billion, while shipments to the European Union fell 3.9 percent to $910 million.

For the whole of 2024, ICT exports rose 25.9 percent on-year to $235 billion, while ICT imports gained 4.9 percent to $143.2 billion, resulting in a trade surplus of $91.8 billion, the ministry said. (Yonhap
The government on Tuesday designated Jan. 27 as a temporary holiday in an effort to stimulate private consumption and promote domestic tourism ahead of the Lunar New Year.

The motion was approved in a Cabinet meeting, resulting in an extended six-day holiday period from Jan. 25 to Jan. 30, as Lunar New Year's Day falls on Jan. 29 this year.

The country's financial market, including the stock exchange, will be closed for the entire holiday season, now including Jan. 27.

Seol, or Lunar New Year's Day, is one of the country's most celebrated traditional holidays. Many South Koreans travel to their hometowns during this time to perform ancestral rituals and spend time with their families. (Yonhap)
Korea has approved an enforcement decree to strengthen the country's preparedness for supply disruptions of key resources, the industry ministry said Tuesday.

The enforcement decree on the Special Act on National Resources Security was passed during a Cabinet meeting held on the day, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

The decree is designed to provide detailed measures for the act, which aims to enhance stability in the supply of critical commodities, including oil, natural gas, coal and hydrogen.

The law comes as Korea seeks to ensure a stable supply of vital resources amid growing concerns over the weaponization of resources, driven by geopolitical tensions from the Russia-Ukraine war and the Middle East crisis.

Korea relies on imports for about 90 percent of its energy needs.

Under the enforcement decree, the government can issue a four-tier alert in the event of a supply crisis for key natural resources and take measures, such as importing affected products, releasing reserves and imposing price caps.

Korea will also draft basic resource security plans every five years and establish an interagency committee led by the industry minister.

The government will instruct state-run energy companies, including the Korea National Oil and Korea Gas, to expand their resource stockpiles to be used in case of emergencies, and to enhance their procurement capacity. (Yonhap)
By KTimes

The police and the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) are utilizing psychological tactics to exert pressure on the Presidential Security Service (PSS), as the second arrest warrant for President Yoon Suk Yeol looms.

While issuing strong warnings to the leadership of the PSS, they are simultaneously offering leniency to field personnel who cooperate.

The police have ramped up preparations, mobilizing investigative teams from the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency and other regional units, with instructions to remain on standby. Authorities are bracing for a potentially prolonged operation, spanning one or two nights or even longer.

The polices Special Investigation Unit (SIU) warned the PSS that any attempts to block the warrant's execution could lead to arrests. SIU head Woo Jong-soo said, "If the PSS obstructs the execution again, we will arrest those involved as flagrant offenders and consider dispersing them to multiple locations for questioning."

The SIU has already requested an arrest warrant for Kim Sung-hoon, the acting head of the PSS, who replaced former head Park Chong-jun after his resignation. If approved, the police plan to detain Kim on the day of the warrant's execution so as to weaken the PSS defenses, noting that field agents are not authorized to protect him under the Presidential Security Act.

Meanwhile, the police have assured leniency for personnel who choose to cooperate, saying, "Those who assist in the execution will not face severe penalties." Despite confirming that conscripts from the 55th Security Battalion were used as human shields during the first warrant attempt, the SIU has no plans to charge them.

CIO bypasses acting chief

Adding to the PSS' difficulties, its former chief Park Chong-jun, considered a moderate within the organization, has cooperated with police investigations. He has appeared for questioning multiple times and voluntarily provided access to his mobile phone, which investigators are now analyzing for communications related to Yoon's orders and the PSS' internal dynamics.

The CIO has aligned with the police, issuing a public warning to the PSS and the Ministry of National Defense. The agency said that obstructing the arrest warrant's execution could result in charges such as obstruction of official duties and abuse of authority, alongside potential civil liabilities for damage incurred during the operation.

Interestingly, the CIO bypassed the PSS' acting chief Kim, directly addressing six departmental heads within the PSS. This move appears to be a calculated attempt to exploit internal discord, as reports suggest growing dissatisfaction with Kim's leadership.

Both the police and the CIO remain tight-lipped about the exact timing of the operation. However, with a week having passed since the warrants issuance on Jan. 7, speculation is mounting that an attempt to enter Yoons residence in Hannam-dong is imminent.

The SIU has issued mobilization orders to investigators across the Seoul Metropolitan Area and held strategy meetings on Jan. 14 to finalize execution plans.

Observers anticipate that the operation could last more than a day, with one SIU official suggesting, "The execution could stretch over two to three days." The strategy appears to involve leveraging the growing unease among frontline PSS staff to ensure compliance.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.
By Lee Hae-rin

Korea's three terrestrial broadcasters filed a copyright lawsuit against Naver, Tuesday, accusing the major Korean online platform of using their news content for generative artificial intelligence (AI) training without permission, according to the Korean Broadcasters Association.

In the lawsuit, KBS, MBC, and SBS claimed that Naver used the broadcasters' news articles for its AI platforms, HyperCLOVA and HyperCLOVA X, without permission, thereby infringing on their copyrights and violating the Unfair Competition Prevention Act.

In December 2023, the association sent notices to both domestic and foreign information technology (IT) companies, including Naver, Kakao, and Google Korea stating that "separate compensation consultations are required to use news content for AI learning and that they are prohibited from using news content without obtaining permission first.

Additionally, the association, which represents 39 broadcasters, established an AI task force composed of legal and intellectual property experts.

The task force made two formal requests to Naver for compensation for the use of news data from broadcasters and for measures to prevent further infringement, but received no clear response, according to the association.

"In response to our request for disclosure of the source and content of AI learning data and the data acquisition path, Naver refused to do so," the associations task force said. "Starting with Naver, we will file lawsuits against other big tech companies that use news data without permission and take a strong stance."

A Naver official said, "The lawsuit filed by the Korean Broadcasters Association has been confirmed through news reports, but we have not yet learned the contents of the suit. We will be able to clarify our position after understanding the details."

Meanwhile, Naver has previously defended its position, asserting the fair use of news content for training generative AI.

However, following the emergence of the issue, the company has refrained from using news data without consent, after revising its terms and conditions in response to protests from media outlets.

Naver plans to engage in public discussions and consider media feedback on the issue.

Meanwhile, the Korean Association of Newspapers has also been reviewing the issue with legal experts to prevent any copyright infringements.

Although the association has not yet decided to file a lawsuit like the Korean Broadcasters Association, we are considering various measures regarding IT companies violation (of news content copyrights), the associations official said.

On Dec. 28, 2023, the newspaper association submitted a request to the Fair Trade Commission, urging the correction of Naver's unfair use of news content for generative AI training.

The association argued that Naver's use of news content for AI training is an act without prior consent from the media and constitutes copyright infringement.

It also called on the government to specify relevant provisions in the partnership's terms and conditions, ensuring that media companies receive proper compensation for the use of news content in training HyperCLOVA X.

Regarding Naver's refusal to disclose the size and scope of news data used for Generative AI learning to media companies, the newspaper association said, "The government should force Naver to disclose the information and purpose of use of news data, which is the basis for calculating the news usage fee used for HyperCLOVA Xs learning."
Children of foreign residents set to receive same early childcare support as locals

By Jung Da-hyun

The Seoul Metropolitan Government held a public discussion with citizens on Tuesday, aiming to gather their opinions on how the city should overhaul its regulations.

While the discussion did not result in immediate regulatory reforms or specific policy improvements, the city government said it would prioritize citizens' suggestions for review.

With regulatory reforms set as a top priority for the new year, the city government hosted a session that gathered over 100 participants to discuss the challenges created by existing policies. The topics included childcare support for foreign children and work-family balance, with citizens expressing concerns about how regulations affect their daily lives.

"If regulations hinder economic vitality, we will reassess them from the ground up, and if citizens experience discomfort, we will revise them to build a new Seoul," Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon said.

Ahead of the discussion, the city government collected regulatory reform ideas through a citizen suggestion platform from Jan. 3 to 8. A total of 111 proposals for deregulation and 86 new policy ideas were submitted. The most common complaints, with 67 submissions, were related to daily life regulations.

Christina, a mother raising a child in Seoul, advocated for expanded childcare support for children of foreign nationals.

"While Korean children receive full childcare fee support from infant to age 5, foreign children only receive assistance from ages 3 to 5," she said.

This gap has raised concerns among foreign parents, who are unable to access the same benefits as their Korean counterparts, despite having similar family circumstances.

Christina stressed the vital role of early childhood education, particularly in daycare settings, in nurturing language skills and social development, which she believes are essential for children's long-term growth and success.

"Foreign children often face language barriers and cultural differences, which can lead to social challenges and, in some cases, hinder academic progress," she added.

In response to the issue, the city government announced that it has secured a budget to support childcare fees for foreign children, from infants to 2 years old, attending nurseries. This decision follows similar feedback from various communities.

"Discussions are ongoing, and the support is expected to be retroactively implemented starting in January once the process is finalized," an official from the city government said.

One citizen raised concerns about the challenges faced by families with children who have developmental disabilities.

"While there are policies supporting work-family balance, families with disabled children are left out because existing systems dont apply to them," she said.

She pointed out that many family support programs, such as parental leave, are restricted by age limits.

"Parental leave is only available for children up to 8 years old, even though children with disabilities often require care well into adulthood, she said.

The citizen argued that support policies should be expanded to include these families, citing examples from countries like the U.K., Sweden and Germany, which provide distinct support for disabled and nondisabled children in their family systems.

Oh expressed understanding of the concerns and voiced support for expanding parental leave benefits to include families caring for children with disabilities.

However, he acknowledged that implementing such changes would require revisions to existing laws, particularly the Equal Employment Opportunity and Work-Family Balance Assistance Act.

"We will advocate for legal reforms through the relevant ministries to make these changes," he said, highlighting the challenges of enacting institutional adjustments without legal amendments.

Not many immediate promises were made to abolish regulations or provide specific policy improvements during the discussion, with many responses indicating limitations to the suggestions raised by citizens.

However, the city government said it would prioritize citizen proposals raised in the discussion for consideration in its agenda. If necessary, the proposals will be brought up at a regulatory reform meeting chaired by the mayor, and any unnecessary regulations will be boldly eliminated.
Vietnam has one of world's safest airlines in 2025

A Vietnam Airlines aircraft lands at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City, June 15, 2020. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran

Vietnam Airlines has been named one of the 25 safest airlines globally in 2025, according to AirlineRatings, a renowned website for airline safety and product ratings.

The national flag carrier ranked 22nd on the list, which was led by Air New Zealand and Qantas.

AirlineRatings evaluated 385 global airlines for its annual ranking, assessing factors such as recent incident records, fleet age, and results from audits by aviation authorities, including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Vietnam Airlines continues to focus on flexible capacity management, cost optimization, and strategic discount negotiations while capitalizing on the growth of international travel, according to a company press release.

Other carriers included in the list were Taiwan's Eva Air, Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific and South Korea's Korean Air.
The chief of staff for impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol said Tuesday that Yoon should be guaranteed his right to defend himself, as the Constitutional Court is set to start a trial to decide on Yoon's fate over his short-lived martial law declaration.

Chung Jin-suk made the appeal for Yoon as the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) and the police were preparing for a second attempt to detain the embattled president.

"Please guarantee the right to self-defense, a fundamental right that all citizens of a liberal democratic republic should enjoy," the presidential chief of staff wrote in a statement.

The first attempt to detain Yoon failed on Jan. 3 due to a tense standoff between investigators and members of the presidential security service, with the impeached president refusing to cooperate with law enforcement.

Chung claimed Yoon is treated as if he were "a member of a South American drug cartel," saying the presidential office is prepared to engage in discussions with the CIO and police to arrange investigation procedures without detention.

"We are open to options, such as questioning the president at a third-party location or through a visit," he said.

Chung expressed concerns over the potential for clashes involving police forces, presidential security service personnel and Yoon's supporters during the second attempt to detain Yoon, who has been holed up at his fortified residence in Yongsan, central Seoul.

"Thousands of citizens are staying up all night in front of the presidential residence to protect the president," Chung said. "If a confrontation between the police and the citizens were to occur, it could lead to an unimaginable tragedy."

Yoon's defense team said he will not attend the first hearing of his impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court on Tuesday, citing concerns over his safety amid police preparations for his arrest. (Yonhap)
Acting President Choi Sang-mok on Tuesday demanded the National Assembly reconsider an opposition-led bill that seeks to extend government subsidies for free high school education, citing financial burdens it may place on the government.

Last month, parliament passed a revision to the Local Education Subsidy Act, which proposes a three-year extension of temporary government funding for free high school education, continuing through 2027.

"The nation's financial situation is extremely strained. It is time to save taxpayers' money wherever possible and focus our fiscal resources on revitalizing the economy," Choi said while presiding over a Cabinet meeting.

South Korea provides free education to all elementary and middle school students, while it has been providing free education for high school students temporarily for five years since 2019.

Choi further clarified the government is not rejecting support for free education, but that it is asking for bipartisan agreement to develop better policy alternatives.

Typically, motions like these are approved during Cabinet meetings chaired by the prime minister and sent to the president for endorsement before being returned to the National Assembly for a revote. Choi has been serving in the interim leadership role since late last month when the opposition-led parliament voted to impeach then acting President and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo.

Choi, who also serves as deputy prime minister for economic affairs and finance minister, previously vetoed two special counsel bills related to President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed martial law bid and allegations surrounding the first lady. (Yonhap)
A senior official at the Presidential Security Service (PSS) again defied a police request to appear for questioning Tuesday over allegations he blocked investigators' attempt to detain impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Kim Shin, the senior PSS official who is known as one of the loyalists for Yoon, failed to appear for questioning as of 10 a.m. Tuesday, according to the National Office of Investigation.

Police plan to send another summons to Kim.

Police have booked five senior officials of the PSS, including Kim, on charges of special obstruction of public duty over their role in blocking Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) from executing a warrant to detain Yoon earlier this month.

An attempt to detain Yoon over his botched martial law bid was called off on Jan. 3 due to a tense standoff between investigators and members of the PSS. (Yonhap)
A parliamentary special committee on Tuesday conducted its first inquiry into the defense ministry and other military commanders allegedly involved in President Yoon Suk Yeol's short-lived imposition of martial law.

Late last month, the National Assembly launched a special 18-member committee to look into Yoon's insurrection allegations until Feb. 13.

Key witnesses, including Army Chief of Staff Gen. Park An-su, who served as martial law commander, and Lt. Gen. Kwak Jong-keun, chief of the Army Special Warfare Command, were present at the session.

Lt. Gen. Yeo In-hyung, head of the Defense Counterintelligence Command, who is suspected of sending troops to the National Assembly and the National Election Commission, and ordering the arrest of the leaders of the ruling and main opposition parties, did not show up at the meeting.

During the session, lawmakers from the ruling People Power Party (PPP) and the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) mainly clashed over the legitimacy of the martial law declaration.

The PPP also criticized the DPK's decision to include allegations that Yoon committed "treason" by attempting to deliberately incite foreign aggression in a new special probe bill.

Meanwhile, opposition lawmakers took issue with the mobilization of the military during the martial law imposition.

"The military mobilized during martial law was on standby with over 180,000 rounds of ammunition," DPK Rep. Min Hong-chul said in his inquiry into Kwak, criticizing it as an attempt to "turn Seoul into a second Gwangju" akin to the 1980 massacre of pro-democracy protests in the southwestern city. (Yonhap)
Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) Chairman Adm. Kim Myung-soo voiced concerns Tuesday over a potential probe into allegations that the South Korean military flew drones over Pyongyang last year, citing the need to maintain ambiguity in responding to North Korea's claim.

The JCS chairman made the remark as he dismissed suspicions raised by the opposition bloc that the military engaged in activities aimed at inducing North Korea's provocations ahead of President Yoon Suk Yeol's botched martial law imposition last month.

The military has maintained its stance of neither confirming nor denying the alleged drone infiltration, which Pyongyang first made public in October, citing operational security.

"Saying that we cannot confirm is a strategy to pressure the counterpart, limit its options and cause confusion by keeping our secret," Kim said in a special parliamentary committee session into Yoon's martial law imposition.

"But one cannot win this game if someone else tells the other the cards in my hands or seeks to find them out through an investigation," Kim said.

The JCS chairman said there are "absolutely no signs" of the military preparing or planning for such activities ahead of the martial law imposition, emphasizing that maintaining political neutrality is among the military's duties.

"The enemy provokes when they wish to, while resorting to deception and ambush. In response, we maintain our surveillance and readiness posture," he said.

Kim's remarks came a day after the defense ministry released a similar statement, rejecting allegations that its suspension of an inter-Korean military tension reduction pact or resumption of loudspeaker broadcasts along the border were conducted to induce the North to provoke. (Yonhap)
By Lee Hae-rin

The ruling People Power Party (PPP) will propose a separate bill for a special counsel investigation that removed unconstitutional elements regarding impeached President Yoon Suk Yeols Dec. 3 martial law declaration, PPP floor leader Rep. Kweon Sung-dong said Tuesday.

"The PPP can never accept the main opposition party's unconstitutional 'insurrection and treason special investigation bill,' which passed the National Assembly's Legislation and Judiciary Committee yesterday," Kweon said during a press conference at the National Assembly.

"Our party will consult with the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) on the special probe bill as requested by acting President Choi Sang-mok," he said.

Calling the DPKs special probe bill "an unconstitutional bill with too many toxic provisions," the floor leader said the party must prevent such inexorable legislation from passing.

"We urge the DPK to immediately stop its plan to push ahead with the unconstitutional special probe bill and start consulting with our party on the independent special probe bill," Kweon said.

He said the PPP will ask acting President Choi to exercise his right to boycott the DPK bill and demand the Assembly reconsider it.

On Dec. 9, the Yoon Suk Yeol Insurrection Special Probe Bill was proposed by a coalition of six opposition parties, including the DPK. The bill calls for a third party and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court to recommend candidates for an independent investigation.

The bill also includes allegations of Yoon's treason charges, which were not included in the existing independent counsel law, in its scope for the investigation.

The opposition parties said Yoon is suspected of attempting to induce war or armed conflict by sending troops to disputed areas, operating loudspeakers directed at North Korea and sending leaflets in connection with the martial law imposition.
Court dismisses petition from president's lawyers to remove judge

By Lee Hyo-jin

President Yoon Suk Yeols impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court got off to a rocky start as the first formal hearing on Tuesday ended after just four minutes due to his absence.

The hearing, which started at 2 p.m., concluded shortly after confirming the attendance of representatives for both parties. Yoons defense team and the legal representatives of the National Assemblys impeachment investigation committee, acting as the prosecution, were present.

The court said the second hearing, set for 2 p.m. on Thursday, will proceed even if the embattled leader fails to show up.

Although Yoon is expected to attend the hearings, his presence is not compulsory. Under relevant laws, the second and subsequent hearings may proceed without his attendance.

After the second session, three additional hearings are scheduled for Jan. 21, 23 and Feb. 4

Yoons attorney, Yoon Kap-keun, said earlier that the president will skip the first session, citing security concerns and the possibility of detention. The president, who has been suspended from performing his duties, has barricaded himself inside his heavily guarded residence in Seoul as investigators prepare to execute a detention warrant over insurrection charges.

The first hearing came after Yoon was impeached by the National Assembly on Dec. 14 last year over his brief martial law declaration earlier that month. Separately, he is under criminal investigation for insurrection charges related to the emergency military rule, which lasted for only six hours due to pushback from parliament.

During Tuesdays session, the Constitutional Court dismissed a petition filed by Yoons lawyers seeking to remove Justice Jung Gye-sun.

"This was a unanimous decision made by the remaining seven justices," acting Chief Justice Moon Hyung-bae said.

Yoons defense team had argued that Jungs affiliation with a progressive-leaning group of justices and her husbands affiliation with public lawfirm GongGam  whose chairman is part of the National Assemblys impeachment legal team  raise doubts about her neutrality.

The court also dismissed another objection from Yoons legal team regarding the scheduling of five hearings simultaneously, which they argued compromised the presidents right to a proper defense.

Moon said the scheduling was fully in line with the constitutional law and the relevant articles.

The president's lawyers expressed discontent with the court's decision.

"I deeply regret that the court dismissed the petition for the recusal (of Jung) without a valid reason. This is neither based on legal principles nor in line with fairness and common sense," the attorney told reporters following the hearing.

Lim Ji-bong, a constitutional law professor at Sogang University, described the defense team's filing of multiple petitions as a deliberate strategy to delay the trial and buy time until the political climate becomes more favorable for Yoon.

"Their petitions lack legal grounds, as demonstrated by the courts swift dismissal. Yoon's defense team, which consists largely of former prosecutors specializing in criminal law, seems to lack thorough knowledge of constitutional law and proceedings," Lim told The Korea Times.

"Their calls to recuse Justice Jung lacked reasoning as members of the progressive-leaning justices' group have served on the bench before without issues. There have been no cases where the court accepted a petition for the recusal of a certain justice," the professor added.

Yoon's absence from Tuesday's hearing has also drawn backlash, with critics viewing the move as inconsistent with his earlier stance of confronting the consequences of his actions.

In a public address on Dec. 12 last year, the president vowed not to shirk legal or political responsibilities arising from his imposition of martial law and promised to "face the consequences," whether he is impeached or investigated.
Doctors urged to negotiate 2026 enrollment quota

An opening has emerged for potential resolution  or at least an opportunity for dialogue  between the government and the medical community, after nearly 11 months of conflict.

Amid the ongoing political turmoil, a key development drew attention: senior government officials issued apologies for the medical crisis and for the warning of punishment directed at striking doctors, including junior ones, who did not return to their hospitals within 48 hours as outlined in the Dec. 3 martial law decree. Acting President Choi Sang-mok and Education Minister Lee Ju-ho both expressed regret and took steps to ease the situation. They allowed junior doctors to return to their hospitals with fewer barriers and granted postponements of their compulsory military service. Choi also said the government was open to flexible negotiations on the enrollment quotas for the 2026 academic year, starting from scratch, and reaffirmed his apology for the medical crisis. The education minister further clarified that the decrees provision to punish junior doctors did not reflect the government's official stance.

Doctors should recognize that the government has softened its previous position, which was initially championed by President Yoon Suk Yeol, to increase the enrollment quota by 2,000 over five years starting with the 2025 academic year. The timing of this shift is significant. The Korean Medical Association has recently appointed a new president, Kim Taek-woo, who took office on Tuesday. However, Kim tempered expectations for a swift resolution, stating that the government must present a more concrete master plan for this year's medical curriculum before any progress can be made.

With the acceptance of an additional 1,497 medical students this year, medical schools will undoubtedly face challenges, including potential confusion and the need for adjustments, as they try to accommodate more students than there are professors or classrooms to manage. Despite these obstacles, Kim must exercise strong leadership to move toward normalizing medical services. His primary challenge may lie in uniting the diverse opinions of junior doctors, medical students, and established doctors. Junior doctors, who have been hesitant to return to their training hospitals, should take time to consider the government's actions and statements more carefully.

The true measure of whether physicians are willing to move forward may depend on how many junior doctors apply for an ongoing recruitment of over 9,000 positions  for both first-year trainees and those still completing their second to fourth years. Senior doctors, the leadership of the Korean Medical Association (KMA), and medical school professors must use compelling and relevant arguments to persuade them to return to the field and continue their training.

At this juncture, the medical community should reconsider its position that an expanded enrollment quota is a deal breaker for any potential agreement. While the president, who remains suspended from his duties after imposing martial law on Dec. 3, did push through a unilateral increase of 2,000 seats annually, all parties must reflect on the larger issue: how to address the declining number of doctors in critical areas such as pediatrics and in rural or remote regions. Medical reform is just one of many sectors in need of change, and with Korea rapidly becoming an aging society, these issues are becoming increasingly urgent. The medical community cannot simply oppose any increase in the number of doctors. The government has shown a willingness to restart talks from scratch and the medical community should be prepared to engage in that dialogue.

The medical community should not rest on its past successes in offsetting or resisting government reform attempts, such as the 2000 separation of doctors' and pharmacists' roles in prescribing and dispensing medication, or the 2020 push to expand the enrollment quota. Instead, both sides should focus on the future, aiming to improve services as the social fabric of Korea evolves.




















By Park Jae-hyuk

The organizer of Hannover Messe, one of the world's largest trade fairs, held a press conference in Korea again for this year on Tuesday to introduce the main theme and exhibitors of the annual event in the German city of Hanover.

According to the organizer, this year's exhibition will take place from March 31 to April 4, under the theme of "Shaping the Future with Technology."

Basilios Triantafillos, the global director of Deutsche Messe, told reporters in Seoul that Hannover Messe 2025 will be a networking hot spot for both industry insiders and politicians, saying that top decision-makers will account for nearly 15 percent of the 130,000 visitors from 150 countries.

He also emphasized that the event will offer participants insights into how the industrial landscape will transform in the future.

Deutsche Messe anticipates that about 5,000 companies from the mechanical engineering, electrical and digital industries, as well as the energy sector, will showcase future solutions for energy production and supply at Hannover Messe 2025.

Among the exhibitors are around 90 Korean companies and institutions.

In particular, 10 Korean robotics firms will showcase their respective technologies at the Korea Pavilion sponsored by the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency.

"Due to the intensifying competition to improve productivity and the labor shortage in the aftermath of an aging population, the robotics industry has become more important," said Hwang Yoon-jae, project manager of the Korea Association of Robot Industry, regarding the introduction of the 10 companies' technologies.

Deutsche Messe said that participants of Hannover Messe 2025 also include various other global enterprises such as Bosch, Google, Microsoft, Schneider Electric and Siemens.

However, it remains uncertain whether Korean conglomerates will display their products this year.

In 2024, SK C&C, Hanwha Solutions and LS Electric were among the approximately 70 Korean companies participating in Hannover Messe.
By Ko Dong-hwan

Samsung Biologics, the countrys leading pharmaceutical contract manufacturing organization (CMO), announced Tuesday it has secured its largest-ever deal, valued at over 2 trillion won ($1.4 billion).

The deal was signed with a Europe-based company, although Samsung refrained from disclosing the identity of its counterpart due to confidentiality clauses in the contract.

This deal accounts for 40 percent of the companys total CMO contracts signed last year, which amounted to over 5.4 trillion won. The contract will remain in effect until the end of 2030.

The agreement is the latest in a series of major CMO deals from last year.

In October, Samsung Biologics signed a deal worth over 1.7 trillion won with a company based in Asia. Additionally, it finalized three other deals last year, each valued at more than 1 trillion won, with firms in its key markets: the United States, Europe and Asia.

With its major deals, Samsung Biologics overall sales in 2024 jumped 1.5 times from the previous year.

The company's rising sales reflect its strong network of clients, with 17 of the world's 20 largest pharmaceutical companies among its partners. Since its establishment in 2011, Samsung Biologics' total CMO deals have exceeded $17.6 billion.

Samsung Biologics is currently expanding its production capacity to prepare for a rise in global demand. Its fifth manufacturing plant, with a capacity of 180,000 liters, is scheduled to begin operations in April. Upon its completion, the companys total capacity will reach 784,000 liters.

The company is currently participating in the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference in San Francisco, which runs from Monday to Thursday (local time). The company said it has been promoting its contract development and manufacturing capacity to potential investors and buyers at the event.

Samsung Biologics stressed its global competitiveness, citing a successful batch rate of 99 percent, which ensures high-quality production. As of last December, the company has acquired 340 licenses from global regulators in the pharmaceutical industry, including 41 from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and 36 from the European Medicines Agency.

As we are expanding our production capacity and securing more CMO deals, we are also attaining more global licenses, the company said. And we have passed license certifying tests by global regulators with the highest rate in the world.
For the third time, Nicolas Maduro has raised his hand for a swearing-in ceremony as president of Venezuela, while he continues to bring down his fist on the people of Venezuela and their democratic aspirations.

Maduros swearing-in took place on January 10, six months after an election that most international observers acknowledge was fraudulent. Publicly available electoral records show that opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez decisively won the contest. Gonzalez left Venezuela in September for exile in Spain after a warrant was issued for his arrest. Hundreds of Venezuelans, who protested the fraudulent outcome of the election, have been arrested by the Maduro regime.

Protests, however, have not stopped. The day before Maduros swearing-in, hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Caracas decrying Maduros power grab. Opposition leader and former law maker Maria Corina Machado was reportedly briefly arrested and released during the ensuing crackdown by the authorities.

In a statement, Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Maduros inauguration illegitimate. He wrote, The Venezuelan people and the world know the truth  Maduro clearly lost the 2024 presidential election and has no right to claim the presidency.

In solidarity with the Venezuelan people, said Secretary Blinken, the United States and its partners around the world are taking action. Among the U.S. measures, the State Department has raised its reward offers to up to $25 million each for information leading to the arrests and/or convictions of Maduro and his Minister of Interior Diosdado Cabello. It is also imposing new visa restrictions on Maduro-aligned individuals for their role in undermining the electoral process or engaging in acts of repression.

Concurrently, the Treasury Department is sanctioning eight Venezuelan officials who lead key economic and security agencies enabling Maduros repression and subversion of democracy.

U.S. partners, including Canada, the European Union, and the United Kingdom have taken similar steps to demonstrate a message of solidarity with the Venezuelan people, and further elevate international efforts to maintain pressure on Maduro and his representatives, the Treasury Department wrote in a separate statement.

Secretary of State Blinken condemned Maduro and his representatives for resorting to violence and intimidation against their political opponents and the Venezuelan people. He called for the release of all political prisoners and underscored that all Venezuelans must be allowed to express their political opinions peacefully, including the exercise of freedoms of peaceful assembly and of expression, without fear of reprisal.
Production facilities to be relocated from China to Vietnam

By Park Jae-hyuk

Kolon Industries announced on Tuesday that it will invest around 30 billion won ($20 million) to increase the annual production capacity of its tire cord plant in Vietnam to 57,000 tons by 2027 from the current 36,000 tons, demonstrating its strong commitment to the business.

A tire cord is a high-strength fiber used as the structural backbone of tires, which improves a car's safety and performance.

The textile firm said that it generally costs about 200 billion won to add a tire cord production line.

However, it was able to reduce costs by relocating its idle production facilities from Nanjing, China, to the Vietnamese plant. The Nanjing facility has been inactive since 2023 due to the city government's land development plan.

"The planned investment will enable us to preemptively respond to customer demands in Southeast Asia, one of the world's largest tire cord production bases," a Kolon Industries official said. "We will remain committed to strengthening our presence in the tire cord market through continuous investment and innovation."

Earlier this month, Kolon Industries CEO Huh Sung visited his company's tire cord plant in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, marking his first visit to a company factory since his appointment last November.

The subsequent efforts of the fiber maker to boost its tire cord business came after a prolonged legal battle with its bigger rival, HS Hyosung Advanced Materials.

The two firms have been embroiled in a conflict since 2022, when HS Hyosung asked the Intellectual Property Trial and Appeal Board to nullify Kolon's tire cord patents, which were granted in 2015.

Although the board rejected the request in March last year, the petitioner lodged an appeal.

Last year, Kolon filed separate lawsuits in the United States, alleging that HS Hyosung infringed on its patents on aramid-nylon hybrid tire cords.

In contrast to Korean authorities, the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California ruled in favor of HS Hyosung, denying Kolon's claims in July and September last year.

Kolon, however, filed another petition with the court last October against HS Hyosung.

Amid the intensifying rivalry, a $140 million investment by HS Hyosung Advanced Materials has also been underway since August 2022 to increase its tire cord production capacity in Vietnam by April this year.

As of last year, HS Hyosung held a 51 percent share in the global tire cord market as the largest player, while Kolon occupied around 15 percent as the second largest.
By Lee Min-hyung

Hyundai Motor and Kia set a new record in exports of eco-friendly vehicles in 2024, driven by the successful diversification of their sales territories, the carmakers said Tuesday.

The two firms sold a combined total of more than 707,000 hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs) in the global market last year, according to their sales estimates. This marks their largest annual export, an increase of 3 percent from a year earlier.

The achievement was driven by robust sales in North America and Europe. According to the carmakers, their eco-friendly car exports to key North American markets, namely the United States, Canada and Mexico, accounted for 55.6 percent of total overseas sales. Exports to Europe came in second with 18.7 percent, followed by 9.1 percent in the Asia-Pacific.

Among Hyundai Motor's models, the Tucson Hybrid compact SUV topped the list with 93,500 vehicles exported during the same period. The Kona Hybrid subcompact SUV came in second with sales of more than 70,000. The carmakers flagship IONIQ 5 EV rounded out the top three with over 68,000.

For Kia, the Niro Hybrid SUV emerged as the most exported vehicle, with more than 69,500 sales abroad last year. The EV6 was also the carmakers most popular EV worldwide, with Kia selling some 42,480 EV6 vehicles outside Korea during the same period. The Sportage Hybrid SUV came in third with 38,297.

Of particular note was the solid export growth of hybrid vehicles. The two carmakers exported more than 397,000 hybrids in 2024, up 44.6 percent from the previous year. This accounts for around 56 percent of their total eco-friendly vehicle exports. This was driven by customers' growing preference for vehicles with strong fuel efficiency ahead of mass adoption of EVs.

Their combined exports were worth $53.36 billion (78 trillion won) last year, accounting for around 7.8 percent of the nations total exports. The carmakers exports also made up around 75 percent of Koreas total vehicle exports.

By segment, SUVs were the most popular, accounting for almost 70 percent of the two firms total exports during the same period. Hyundai Motors Avante compact sedan was also hailed as the bestselling export model, with its overseas sales reaching 231,000.

Both firms have sold more than 56 million vehicles in non-Korean territories since 1975.

We will continue to strengthen our brand competitiveness and build a more flexible production and sales structure, a Hyundai Motor official said.

We will also widen investments here to contribute more to boosting Koreas overall exports.
Greenland's prime minister on Monday said that the Danish autonomous territory was open to closer ties with the United States, in areas such as mining, a Greenlandic broadcaster reported.

However, Mute Egede did not give any indication that the island would be open to a U.S. takeover.

U.S. president-elect Donald Trump, who takes office on January 20, set off alarm bells last week when he refused to rule out military intervention to bring the Panama Canal and Greenland under U.S. control.

Vice President-elect JD Vance, in an interview with broadcaster Fox News over the weekend, noted that the United States already has "troops in Greenland", at a military base in the northwest.

Egede on Monday said that the territory was open to even closer ties with the United States, Greenlandic public broadcaster KNR reported.

"We need to do business with the U.S. We have begun to start a dialogue and seek opportunities for cooperation with Trump," Egede said at a press conference in Greenland.

The Greenlandic head of government added that the territory had its "doors open in terms of mining".

"It will be the same in the coming years. We have to trade with the U.S.," he said, according to KNR.

In addition to its strategic location, Greenland, which is seeking independence from Denmark, holds massive untapped mineral and oil reserves, although oil and uranium exploration are banned.

Trump first claimed that he wanted to buy Greenland in 2019 during his first term as president -- an offer swiftly rebuffed by Greenland and Denmark.

During a visit to Denmark last week, Egede said that the Arctic territory was "entering a new era, in a new year where Greenland is in the center of the world".

He said that Greenland would continue to cooperate with the United States, but stressed that this would be on its own terms and that it was "the Greenlandic people who decide their future".

"We don't want to be Danes. We don't want to be Americans. Of course, we want to be Greenlanders," he said. (AFP)
Negotiators will meet in Doha on Tuesday seeking to finalise details of a plan to end the war in Gaza, after U.S. President Joe Biden said a ceasefire and hostage release deal he has championed was on "the brink" of coming to fruition.

Mediators gave Israel and Hamas a final draft of a deal on Monday, an official briefed on the negotiations said, after a midnight "breakthrough" in talks attended by envoys of both the outgoing U.S. president and President-elect Donald Trump.

If successful, the ceasefire deal would cap over a year of start-and-stop talks and lead to the biggest release of Israeli hostages since the early days of the conflict, when Hamas freed about half of its prisoners in exchange for 240 Palestinian detainees held by Israel. The official briefed on the talks, who did not want to be otherwise identified, said the text for a ceasefire and release of hostages was presented by Qatar to both sides at talks in Doha, which included the chiefs of Israel's Mossad and Shin Bet spy agencies and Qatar's prime minister. Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Biden's envoy Brett McGurk are expected to again attend Tuesday's talks in Doha, with Hamas negotiators nearby for quick consultations in an effort to reach a swift deal.

Officials on both sides and the United States have reported progress. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the sides were "closer than we've ever been" to a deal, and the ball was in Hamas' court. Hamas said it was keen on reaching a deal.

"The deal ... would free the hostages, halt the fighting, provide security to Israel and allow us to significantly surge humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians who suffered terribly in this war that Hamas started," Biden said in a speech on Monday to highlight his foreign policy achievements.

An Israeli official said negotiations were in advanced stages for the release of up to 33 hostages as part of the deal. Ninety-eight hostages remain in Gaza, according to Israeli authorities.

The Hamas delegation in Doha issued a statement on Monday after a meeting with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani saying talks were progressing well.

Israel launched its assault in 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 most of its population displaced.

The warring sides have broadly agreed for months on the principle of halting the fighting in return for the release of hostages held by Hamas and Palestinian detainees held by Israel. But Hamas has always insisted a deal must lead to a permanent end to the war and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, while Israel has said it will not end the war until Hamas is dismantled.

Trump's inauguration seen as deadine

The United States, Qatar and Egypt have worked for more than a year on talks to end the war.

Trump's Jan. 20 inauguration is now widely seen as a de facto deadline. Trump has said there would be "hell to pay" unless hostages held by Hamas are freed before he takes office, while Biden has also pushed hard for a deal before he leaves.

Blinken said negotiators wanted to make sure Trump would continue to back the deal on the table, so Witkoff's participation has been "critical." Biden's national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, told reporters on Monday the negotiations were at a "pivotal" point, with gaps between two sides slowly getting removed. "I think there is a good chance we can close this ... the parties are right on the cusp of being able to close this deal," he said.

A Hamas official told Reuters there had been some progress on some core issues "and we are working to conclude what remains soon."

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar told reporters: "There is progress, it looks much better than previously. I want to thank our American friends for the huge efforts they are investing to secure a hostage deal."

In Cairo, an Egyptian security official told Reuters the draft sent to the two warring sides did not comprise the final agreement but "aims to resolve outstanding issues that had hindered previous negotiations."

Israel official outlines details of deal

An Israeli official who briefed reporters on the proposed deal said its first stage would see 33 hostages set free, including children, women, including female soldiers, men above 50, and the wounded and sick.

On the 16th day from the deal taking effect, negotiations would start on a second stage during which the remaining living hostages  male soldiers and men of military age  would be released and the bodies of dead hostages returned.

The deal would see a phased troop withdrawal, with Israeli forces remaining in the border perimeter to defend Israeli border towns and villages. In addition, there would be security arrangements in the Philadelphi corridor, along the southern edge of Gaza, with Israel withdrawing from parts of it after the first few days of the deal.

Unarmed North Gaza residents would be allowed back, with a mechanism to ensure no weapons are moved there. Israeli troops will withdraw from the Netzarim corridor in central Gaza.

The Israeli official said Palestinian militants convicted of murder or deadly attacks would also be released but numbers would depend on the number of live hostages, which was still unknown, and they would not include fighters who took part in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Israel's Channel 12 said Israeli government institutions had been told to prepare for the intake of weak and sick hostages.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and his Religious Zionism party, a hardline nationalist party which has opposed previous attempts at a deal, said all its members would oppose a deal that didn't achieve Hamas' "destruction" and the latest proposal endangered Israel's national security.

Bloodshed continued in Gaza on Monday. Residents reported a series of explosions in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip that targeted homes and roads. Palestinian health officials said at least 40 Palestinians were killed and dozens were wounded in Israeli military strikes in the Gaza Strip on Monday.

The Israeli military said five soldiers had been killed in fighting in northern Gaza, bringing to nine the number of its troops killed since Saturday. (Reuters)
Ceveland-Cliffs is partnering with peer Nucor to prepare a potential all-cash bid for U.S. Steel, with an offer in the high $30s per share, a person familiar with the matter said on Monday.

Cliffs is aiming to purchase all of U.S. Steel and then sell its Big River Steel mill to Nucor if the deal is completed, the person added on condition of anonymity because the details have not been made public.

Cliffs CEO Lourenco Goncalves and rival Japan's Nippon Steel , which has an agreed deal to buy U.S. Steel, engaged in a war of words over who was the better partner for the struggling company.

Goncalves reiterated in a wide-ranging press conference on Monday in Butler, Pennsylvania, that he wanted to bid again for U.S. Steel after making a rejected offer in 2023 and had a plan, but declined to elaborate on details.

"I'm happy that I'm in a position to make an offer that will execute on the wishes of the board and the management," Goncalves said. "They sell, they go away. We take over. We do good. America will be better, America will be stronger," he added.

U.S. Steel shares closed at $36.34 on Monday. Nucor did not respond immediately to a request for comment.

Cliffs' potential bid, first reported by CNBC, appeared aimed at ratcheting up pressure on Nippon Steel, whose imperiled $14.9 billion bid for U.S. Steel was blocked by President Joe Biden in a Jan. 7 executive order that cited unspecified national security concerns.

Nippon Steel, which had offered $55 a share cash for U.S. Steel, said in a statement that it would do whatever it takes to close its deal and that it was the only partner that could keep U.S. Steel intact and protect jobs.

U.S. Steel said in a statement it remained "committed to completing" its merger with Nippon Steel.

"Only Nippon Steel's partnership will deliver $55 per share to our shareholders and guarantee the significant capital investments and technology sharing needed to ensure a strong U.S. Steel for generations to come and protect jobs," it added.

Enforcement of Biden's order, which gave the parties 30 days to unwind the transaction, was postponed until June after the companies sued the U.S. president, alleging he violated the constitution by depriving them of due process when he blocked the deal.

Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel also sued Goncalves and Cliffs, alleging "illegal and coordinated actions" aimed at scuttling the deal in order to "monopolize the domestic steel markets."

Cliffs described the lawsuit as "baseless."

Earlier Cliffs offer

Steelmaker and iron ore miner Cliffs, which has been led by Brazilian-born Goncalves for more than a decade, made an unsolicited bid for U.S. Steel in August 2023 at $54 per share, with half offered in company stock. It won the support of the United Steelworkers union, arguing the companies combined would "create a lower-cost, more innovative, and stronger domestic supplier."

But U.S. Steel raised concerns that a tie-up with Cliffs risked being shot down by antitrust regulators because it would consolidate the supply of steel to U.S. automakers and put up to 95% of U.S. iron ore production under the control of one company. U.S. Steel's board rejected the offer.

Nippon Steel's December 2023 all-cash offer was higher than Cliffs' and the Japanese company later promised to revitalize U.S. Steel's aging mills with investment from an allied nation.

But the offer became politicized, with both Biden and Republican President-elect Donald Trump pledging to kill the deal as they wooed voters in the swing state of Pennsylvania where U.S. Steel is headquartered.

Trump and Biden both asserted the company should remain American-owned after USW President David McCall expressed his opposition to the tie-up.

Citing media reports that "other companies" were considering a bid for U.S. Steel, USW said in a statement on Monday that it would "subject the potential transaction to the same scrutiny as any other bid, with our measuring stick, as always, being its impact on our facilities and jobs, as well as the long-term security of our industry."

Goncalves takes aim at Japan

Goncalves also took aim at Japan in his press conference Monday, describing it as "worse than China," as he sought to disparage Nippon Steel's homeland.

"China is bad, China is evil, China is horrible, but Japan is worse, Japan is a lot worse," he said, saying Japan taught China how to "dump, how to have over-capacity, how to overproduce" steel in the U.S. market, driving down prices.

Nippon Steel countered in its statement that Goncalves was engaging in "biased stereotypes."

"What his words cannot mask is that he cannot match the scope and scale of our plan," the Japanese company said.

U.S. Steel said it was "incredibly disappointed in the verbal attacks levied by Mr. Goncalves", including those against Nippon Steel and the people of Japan, "a critical U.S. ally."

The Japanese embassy and the Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment. (Reuters)
Negotiators will meet in Doha on Tuesday to finalize details of a plan to end the war in Gaza which has upended the Middle East, after U.S. President Joe Biden indicated a ceasefire and hostage release deal was imminent.

Mediators gave Israel and Hamas a final draft of an agreement on Monday, an official briefed on the negotiations said, after a midnight "breakthrough" in talks attended by envoys of both Biden and President-elect Donald Trump.

A Palestinian source close to the talks told Reuters he expected the deal to be finalized on Tuesday if "all goes well."

David Barnea, director of Israel's spy service Mossad, Ronen Bar director of Israel's Shin Bet internal security, Steve Witkoff, Trump's incoming Middle East envoy; Brett McGurk, Biden's outgoing Middle East envoy and Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani were hoping to hammer out a deal.

"The deal ... would free the hostages, halt the fighting, provide security to Israel and allow us to significantly surge humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians who suffered terribly in this war that Hamas started," Biden said on Monday.

If successful, the phased ceasefire could cap over a year of start-and-stop talks and lead to the biggest release of Israeli hostages since the early days of the conflict, when Hamas freed about half of its captives in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners and detainees jailed in Israel.

It could also ease tensions in the Middle East, where the war has killed tens of thousands and left Gaza in ruins.

Iran and its allies have attacked Israel in support of the Palestinians in Gaza. Israel struck Iran and assassinated top leaders of Hamas and Lebanon's Hezbollah and reduced their arsenals, dealing serious blows to its enemies.

In the aftermath, the decades-long Assad regime in Syria was overturned, removing another major Iranian ally and leaving Israel's military effectively unchallenged in the region.

The official briefed on the talks said the text for a ceasefire and release of hostages was presented by Qatar to both sides in Doha.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the ball was in Hamas' court. He is due to present a post-war plan for Gaza on Tuesday, Axios reported.

Israel and Hamas have said they were keen to reach a deal to end the fighting. "The negotiation over some core issues made progress and we are working to conclude what remains soon," a Hamas official said.

Talks in advanced stages

An Israeli official said negotiations were in advanced stages for the release of 33 of 98 hostages still in Gaza, in the first stage of the deal.

In return, Israel will free 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, according to the Palestinian source close to the talks who said the first phase would last for 60 days.

Israel launched its assault in Gaza after Hamas fighters stormed across its borders on Oct.7, 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 its population displaced.

On the ground, violence continued on Tuesday, with Palestinian medics reporting at least 25 people were killed in Israeli strikes across the enclave.

The warring sides have broadly agreed for months on the principle of halting the fighting in return for a hostages-for-prisoners swap deal.

But Hamas has insisted a deal must end the war, while Israel has said it will not end the war until Hamas is dismantled and no longer poses a threat.

Trump's Jan. 20 inauguration is now widely seen as a de facto deadline for a ceasefire agreement. Trump has said there would be "hell to pay" unless hostages held by Hamas are freed before he takes office.

Blinken said negotiators wanted to make sure Trump would continue to back the deal on the table so the attendance at the ceasefire talks of Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, along with Biden's envoy Brett McGurk, has been "critical."

An Israeli official said the deal's first stage would include the release of 33 hostages, including children, women, female soldiers, men above 50, and the wounded and sick and a gradual, partial withdrawal of Israeli forces. (Reuters)
Vietnam and Russia inked Tuesday an agreement to boost cooperation on nuclear energy during Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustins two-day visit to Hanoi.

The Southeast Asian country has been trying to revive its nuclear energy plans  after it shelved building two nuclear power plants in 2016 due to ballooning costs and concerns around safety  hoping it will help it become energy-sufficient and reach its goal of curbing additional greenhouse emissions by 2050.

The agreement was signed between Russias state-owned nuclear energy company Rosatom and Vietnams state-owned power utility EVN.

Mishustin also held bilateral talks with his counterpart Pham Minh Chinh and met Vietnams Communist Party chief To Lam and the chairman of Vietnams National Assembly Tran Thanh Man.

Vietnam is an important partner of Russia in Southeast Asia," Mishustin said. Today we plan to discuss with you a comprehensive plan for cooperation between Russia and Vietnam, which runs until 2030.

He is set to meet President Luong Cuong on Wednesday.

Alexey Likhachev, Rosatom's general director, arrived in Hanoi earlier on Monday. He said that the company was ready to help Vietnam build nuclear power plants and centers, as well as share and localize Russian nuclear technology, according to Vietnamese state media.

Russia, which has been trying to bolster ties in Asia to offset its growing international isolation over its war in Ukraine , also agreed to transfer a scientific research vessel for marine research.

Mishustin is a technocrat who has maintained a low political profile and was reappointed as Russia's Prime Minister in 2024. This is his first trip to Vietnam and comes after President Vladimir Putin traveled to Hanoi in June and agreed to work on a roadmap for a nuclear science and technology center in Vietnam.

Hanoi and Moscow have had diplomatic relations since 1950 and have been close allies since the Cold War. Evidence of that long relationship and its influence can be seen in Vietnamese cities where Soviet-style apartment blocks co-exist alongside skyscrapers.

Bilateral trade between Russia and Vietnam was only $3.6 billion in 2023, compared to $171 billion with China and $111 billion with America. And while Russia has accounted for 80% of Vietnam's arms exports since the early 2000s, that has been declining over the years because of Vietnamese attempts to diversify its supplies. (AP)
Wealthy nations have failed to reach an agreement on curbing public finance for fossil fuel projects, the OECD said on Tuesday, days before climate-sceptic U.S. President-elect Donald Trump takes office.

Britain, Canada and the European Union supported plans to restrict support from export credit agencies to the oil and gas industry, but it was opposed by the United States.

"Despite many months of negotiations and hard work, the Participants to the OECD Arrangement were unable to reach an agreement to further restrict the provision of support for fossil-fuel related projects," the Paris-based organisation said in a statement.

The discussions had started in 2023 under the auspices of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, a 38-member group of mostly developed nations.

Climate campaigners say credit export agencies are the biggest source of public finance for the fossil fuel industry, undermining efforts to curb global warming.

"This issue may be revisited in the future," the OECD said.

"In the meantime, any participant that wishes to do so is free to join those who have already voluntarily adopted more restrictive terms and conditions for such transactions."

U.S. climate change policies are expected to shift drastically under Trump, who takes office on Monday.

Climate campaigners fear Trump could again pull the United States, out of the landmark 2015 Paris Agreement on combatting carbon emissions, as he did during his first term.

The U.S. is the world's second-biggest emitter of greenhouse gases in volume.

The incoming U.S. president has tapped fracking magnate and climate change sceptic Chris Wright to be his energy secretary. (AFP)
A Russian court fined Alphabet's Google 8 billion roubles ($77.9 million) on Tuesday for not complying with previous penalty orders, the Moscow courts press service said on Telegram.

Russia has for several years ordered foreign technology platforms to remove content it deems illegal, issuing small but persistent fines when it sees failures to comply. Tuesday's fine marked a significant increase on fines of around 4 million roubles that are usually levied.

Google did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.

The Chertanovo District Court in Moscow said Tuesday's fine had been issued for Google's failure to comply with an administrative punishment. It did not specify which administrative offence the fine was in relation too.

YouTube has drawn particular ire for hosting content Moscow objects to. The video platform used to attract around 50 million daily users in Russia, but those numbers have dropped to around 12 million, according to Google data.

Critics accuse the Russian authorities of deliberately disrupting YouTube's download speeds to prevent Russians from viewing content there that is opposed to President Vladimir Putin and his government.

Russia denies that, saying the issues are caused by Google's failure to upgrade equipment  a charge disputed by the company and technology experts.

Putin in December accused Google of being a tool used by the U.S. government to score political points. (Reuters)
Sun Maoxing and wife Wang Weiju, both in their sixties, never expected their first trip outside China to involve a desperate search for their missing son.

The couple from mainland China's Shandong province on Monday stood outside the Chinese embassy in Bangkok, Thailand, pleading for help from anyone they could see leaving the site.

Each of the parents told embassy staff to "please save my son."

"The last time I saw my son was April last year, when my mother died ... I did not have a chance to talk to him much then," Sun, 64, said.

His 60-year-old wife, Wang, was equally distraught. "He is our only son. We cannot live without him," she said outside the embassy.

The exact location of their 32-year-old son Sun Baochao is currently unknown, with WeChat messages asking his parents for money their only recent communication. In a message last week he revealed he was in Thailand.

The story is just one of the many behind human trafficking operations that force victims to work in notorious industrial-scale scam parks run by criminals in neighboring Myanmar.

The efforts of main landers to track down their loved ones have prompted a Hong Kong advocate to ask families from the city who also have relatives trapped in Southeast Asian countries whether they want to take similar action and fly to Bangkok to make reports to Thai and Chinese authorities.

Former Yau Tsim Mong district council vice-chairman Andy Yu Tak-po has been helping some families of victims since 2022, twice providing assistance for them to submit petitions to Hong Kong authorities.

Outside the Chinese embassy in Bangkok on Monday, Wang told the Post that the couple's son had worked for a delivery company in Shenzhen for three years after relocating from Tibet, where he had been in a similar role.

She said the only communication she had with her son since he asked for money last week were two further requests for funds.

Wang had also received three calls from her son's WeChat account, but she said the person on the other end was a woman speaking in broken Mandarin.

Thai police told the elderly couple on Saturday last week that he had taken a taxi from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport on January 1 but they could not trace his whereabouts after that point.

The couple were then asked to mail documents for their case to a designated postbox of the Chinese embassy. They have not had any updates since.

"[The embassy staff member] said he will contact me when there are updates, but currently they know nothing about what happened," Sun said after a meeting at the Chinese embassy on Monday afternoon.

Wang Yaxin said at the embassy that he was looking for his 28-year-old cousin, who has been missing since he last reported where he was in the Thai province of Tak, bordering Myanmar.

The 40-year-old man from Harbin said he suspected his jobless cousin had fallen prey to a loan scam in Thailand.

Wang added that the young man told him he was travelling to take out a loan of around 1 million yuan ($136,416) in Bangkok before he reported his location outside the Thai capital.

"I told him to share his location with me. I screen-grabbed his location, but once I left the chat window to make a phone call, he disappeared," Wang said.

Human trafficking in Southeast Asia was again under the spotlight after mainland star Wang Xing was rescued from a scam center along the border of Thailand and Myanmar on Friday last week.

The actor had gone missing for a week as he fell prey to a sham production invitation. His captors shaved his head and forced him to practice typing for days at a scam compound in Myanmar.

On Monday, Hong Kong security minister Chris Tang Ping-keung stressed that no victims involved in the recent scam park cases his bureau was working on had been abducted during their visit to Thailand, but all were lured there under the premise of securing high-paying jobs.

Sixteen of the 28 cases his bureau had been alerted to had ended with the victim returning to Hong Kong, Tang said. The rest were able to be contacted and said they were safe although they had "lost personal freedom."

Read the full story at SCMP.
















The United States supports a Syrian-led and Syrian-owned political process in the spirit of UN Security Council Resolution 2254, said Ambassador Dorothy Shea, Deputy Representative to the United Nations.

This process should result in an inclusive and representative government that fully respects the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Syrians, including women and Syrias diverse communities.

The transition process and resulting Syrian government must also ensure that any elements of a remaining chemical weapons program are identified, secured, and safely destroyed under international verification, said Ambassador Shea.

We are encouraged by the cooperation to date and call for the continued commitment of relevant actors in Syria to work with the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), the United Nations, and other state and non-state partners to chart a course for the complete and verifiable elimination of any remaining elements of a chemical weapons program.

All actors in Syria must allow access for UN entities, other international organizations, and civil society to secure documentation, safeguard mass graves and prisons, and assist released detainees and the families of those whose whereabouts remain unknown.

The United States recently issued General License 24 to expand authorizations for activities and transactions in Syria, explained Ambassador Shea.

The General License underscores our commitment to ensuring that U.S. sanctions do not impede activities to meet basic human needs, including the provision of public services or humanitarian assistance. This authorization is for six months, as the United States continues to monitor the evolving situation on the ground.

The United States is committed to assisting Syrians in this extraordinary moment to forge a new future for and by its people.

Syria should not be used as a platform to extend other countries interests at the expense of the Syrian people, stressed Ambassador Shea. In turn, Syrias interim entities must ensure the country does not pose a threat to its neighbors, serve as a base for terrorism, or give refuge to groups like ISIS.

In northeast Syria, maintaining the security of detention facilities and displaced persons camps, and repatriating foreign nationals, remain integral to prevent ISIS resurgence and promote stability in the region.

The United States looks forward to helping secure a brighter future for the Syrian people.
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HYBE executives have been cleared of workplace harassment claims after the Ministry of Employment and Labor closed the accusing case.

The claims were filed in September by former ADOR deputy representative "L," an associate of former ADOR CEO Min Hee Jin, and accused the company of conducting illegal audits by forcibly collecting information assets, labeling it as workplace harassment by several HYBE executives.

Korean outlet Chosun Biz revealed screenshots suggesting that Min Hee Jin was involved in orchestrating L's complaint to the Ministry of Employment and Labor.

Min is currently entangled in legal conflict over an alleged attempt to take control of ADOR and alleged attempted poaching of NewJeans, for which she was terminated in November.

According to Chosun, industry sources stated that the Seoul Regional Employment and Labor Office ruled last month that "HYBE's actions do not constitute workplace harassment," closing the case related to L's claims.

L had named five executives in July, accusing key players ADOR CEO Kim Joo Young and ADOR internal director and HYBE CFO Lee Kyung Joon, of workplace harassment.

According to reports, in March last year, an employee (referred to as "A") filed an internal report claiming that L had forced them to attend a drinking session according to their status as a "young female staff member," leaving the employee unaccompanied with an outsider, as well as accusations of offensive remarks towards A.

During the initial investigation of this case, then-CEO Min allegedly advised L to pursue legal action for A's claims, in screenshots acquired by Chosun.

Min allegedly sent consultative texts: "Shouldn't you countersue 'A' for false accusations?" and "Teach her a lesson (lit. 'life is a battlefield')!" as well as allegedly sending instructions over email on how to respond to the investigation.

Upon learning about Min's involvement, employee A requested a reinvestigation in August, claiming that their initial complaint was compromised due to Min's interference.

ADOR announced it would conduct a reinvestigation and reportedly carried it out using an unbiased third-party agency. However, during this reinvestigation, Min allegedly advised L again on how to handle the situation.

According to Telegram messages obtained by Chosun Biz, Min Hee Jin instructed L to respond to the reinvestigation by filing a workplace harassment complaint against the HYBE and ADOR executives leading the reinvestigation.

"Filing a workplace harassment complaint will act as a countermeasure and an indirect pressure to ensure both investigations are fair," Min allegedly sent via text.

"That makes sense. Filing the complaint seems worthwhile. To make it effective, I guess I need to stay connected to the company," replied L.

On top of legal guidance, Min advised L to use their vacation and sick leave allowances strategically, reserving the days off for September in order to delay the reinvestigation process.

According to Min's alleged instructions, L reportedly filed the workplace harassment report with the Ministry of Employment and Labor in September.

Outlet Chosun Biz stated that they attempted to contact Min and her agency, Macoll Consulting Group, several times to obtain comment but received no response.

Employee A reportedly filed a follow-up complaint in August last year with the Seoul Western District Labor Office, accusing both Min and L of unfair labor practices and negligence.

A has also filed a police report accusing Min of violating labor laws, breaching privacy by leaking their conversation without consent via social media, spreading false information, and filing a lawsuit seeking 100 million KRW (approximately $68,100) in damages.

Min's legal team denied A's claims at a recent mediation session at the Seoul Western District Court, with the case to proceed to a formal trial.
Fans were stunned by reports that a HYBE employee inspected NewJeans' dorm room sporting a body camera.

On January 13, a community forum post, titled, "A HYBE Employee Put A Body Camera and Entered NewJeans' Members' Dorm After They Left," stirred reactions on social media. The author (OP) shared a startling excerpt from Ilgan Sports, reporting on NewJeans' remaining days with ADOR.

In December 2024, girl group NewJeans officially concluded their Japan schedules and left the ADOR dormitory. The members were obligated to reside in that specific dorm until the conclusion of their contract obligations with the HYBE subsidiary.

Details regarding the group's transportation routine were followed by claims that the ADOR dormitory was inspected by a HYBE staff member shortly after the group departed from the company.

"When the members come together at ADOR for their official schedules, they arrive individually in their mode of transportation," it shared.

"Likewise, after completing their schedules, they also go back home in the same way, following a commuting dynamic. When NewJeans left the ADOR accommodation, HYBE staff, equipped with body cameras, inspected the dorm thoroughly in preparation."

It added that several performance directors and managers who were there to support NewJeans have resigned from ADOR.

A HYBE employee reported to have gone into NewJeans' dorm with a body camera following the members' departurehttps://t.co/TNlcpKCdsF pic.twitter.com/0jHft0F2zx  pannchoa (@pannchoa) January 14, 2025

As reports of the staff inspection began circulating on social media, netizens flocked online to voice their outrage against HYBE.

"I am so creeped out," a netizen commented.

One fan ranted, "They took the photos at night/before dawn and uploaded them at 3 AM. Instead of showing up during the day, they did this. It's so sick and disgusting."

"A single day hasn't gone by since all this started without HYBE constantly proving how a company can be this diabolical and vile," lamented another.

"Guys, I think we should burn HYBE," one fervently suggested.

Minji, Hanni, Danielle, Haerin, and Hyein unilaterally announced their departure from ADOR on November 28, 2024.

On January 13, label ADOR filed an injunction to prevent the girls from signing independent advertising contracts.
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THE FIRST art exhibition in Laois for 2025 was launched on Saturday 4 January in The Gallery of Divine Inspiration at Bloom HQ Mountrath with the unveiling of a vibrant collection of paintings by Anna Kupper in her first solo show in Ireland.

Originally from Budapest in Hungary, where she was a teacher, Anna moved to Portarlington in 2022 with her 15-year-old son. Six months later, having achieved a QQI level 6 qualification in childcare, she began work as an early-years educator in Portarlington.

Anna uses techniques that are different from the norm to create fluid paintings and she arrived at the launch to give a live demonstration to the gathering.

Putting on her apron, Anna got creative with a table that contained the tools of her craft, including silicone oil, Amsterdam acrylic paints, paint conditioner and a pouring medium. Once her canvas was covered with these materials, she used a blowtorch to raise bubbles on the work, then a hairdryer to spread the paint outwards. Next, Anna spun the canvas around on a cake stand until she was happy with the result.

Anna captivated her audience for almost half an hour as everyone watched with great interest.

One local woman said that she was drawn to the creativity of Annas work and could feel positive energy emanating from the paintings and from the artist herself.

Anna said she doesnt know how each piece will turn out, but she feels her belief in Jesus adds to each outcome; therefore, she chooses a Bible passage to accompany each painting.

Speaking to the Laois Nationalist at the launch, Kevin McCann, curator of the Gallery of Divine Inspiration, said: Its a pleasure to host a lady who is just two years in Ireland and came here all the way from Hungary.

The Gallery of Divine Inspiration is delighted to host Laoiss first art exhibition of the New Year, and to have the talented Anna Kupper as the first of 2025 is great. Anna has a distinctive style of how she works with acrylics mixed with silicone oil.

Fair play to her for coming here today and giving a live demonstration for everyone, which was well worth watching. Her works stand to her and they are unique and different. Annas wonderful collection is currently on display in Bloom HQ and will remain on show until the end of January.

The artist can be contacted by emailing kupperanna2@gmail.com, or text to 0857384909. For more information, contact Bloom HQ on 057 9300036 or check out Anna Kupper on social media.
Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], January 14 (ANI): Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Tuesday stated that the world is looking up to India to set up data centres.

Speaking at the Thuglak 55th-year anniversary program in Chennai, the Union Minister highlighted the efforts of the Union Government to interconnect the grids across the country.

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Goyal stated that within three years the government had interconnected all the grids and the power cost in northern India and southern India became exactly the same.

"The world is looking up to India to set up data centres. They want green data centres. They want highly reliable power. No other country has such a large interconnected grid, and therefore they are interested in coming and investing in India. That will create more jobs; that will bring the technology space, artificial intelligence, data analytics--all that business will come to India and India will grow faster and smarter," the Union Minister stated.Delivering the keynote address on the theme 'India's Rise and the Challenges it Faces', Piyush Goyal said, "The remarkable rise that the nation is witnessing is the result of a structured and outcome-driven approach rooted in clear principles and powered by 5Ds - Democracy, Demographic Dividend, Diversity, Demand & Dependability. According to the Minister, the 10 foundational principles have driven India's rise across 6 key areas-global leadership; economy, manufacturing & investments; innovation & entrepreneurship; infrastructure development; global soft power, and women-led development.

Also Read | Will Sanju Samson Be Selected in Indias Squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025?.

Explaining the rationale for implementing government initiatives, Goyal stated that every program of this government is focused on the welfare of the people and has multi-dimensional benefits.

The Central Government's focus on universal access to food, clothing, shelter, education, healthcare, digital connectivity, piped water at home, cooking gas connections and energy-efficient lighting systems ensures a speedy transition to the sustainable development goals, he reiterated.

While listing out the various achievements of the Government, Piyush Goyal also acknowledged the challenges ahead.

"While we are building inclusive growth, we must confront the evolving realities of a world that tests our unity, security, and aspirations. Our progress faces opposition from those seeking to undermine our hard-earned gains. Yet, the same resilience that has powered India's ascent will guide us through these obstacles," he assured.

Emphasising the commitment of the government, Goyal further stated that every minister and bureaucrat in the centre is trained to become accountable and responsible to the people of India.

He stated, "We aspire for an extraordinary future for the country. It is in this context that I believe RIE stands for resilience, for reform, R, I for innovation, and for inclusiveness, inclusive growth. S for sustainability, for speed, skill, and scale."

Goyal concluded his speech by recalling the 11 Sankalp of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that was announced on the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of the Adoption of the Indian Constitution. These Sankalp, inspired by the spirit of the Constitution, lay the foundation for a Viksit Bharat. (ANI)

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi, Jan 14 (PTI) Air India will temporarily operate daily flights between the national capital and Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh to cater to the high travel demand.

In a release on Tuesday, the airline said it will operate the flights on the route from January 25 to February 28.

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The flights will have economy and premium economy class seats.

"With convenient daytime departures in both directions, the flights enable seamless connections via Delhi to customers travelling to/from various parts of India as well as North America, Europe, Australia, and several countries in Southeast Asia," the release said.

Also Read | Maharashtra RTE Admissions 2025: Registrations Now Open at student.maharashtra.gov.in; Follow These Steps to Apply.

Air India and Air India Express do not have regular services connecting Prayagraj.

Last month, SpiceJet announced that it would operate daily special flights connecting Prayagraj with Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad for the Maha Kumbh Mela. These services will be available from January 12 to February 28.

IndiGo and Akasa Air also operate flights to Prayagraj from different cities.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi, January 14: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday left for Jammu and Kashmir's Akhnoor to celebrate 'Veterans Day' with the Ex-servicemen of the Armed Forces. "Leaving New Delhi for Akhnoor in Jammu and Kashmir. Looking forward to celebrate 'Veterans Day' with the Ex-servicemen of the Armed Forces," Rajnath Singh posted on X.

Later in the day, the Defence Minister will be attending the event along with J-K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and other senior military and civil officials. Aero India 2025: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Calls for Cohesiveness in View of Current Global Security Environment.

Armed Forces Veterans' Day is celebrated on 14th January every year to recognise the service rendered by the First Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Field Marshal KM Cariappa, who retired on this day in 1953. The day was first celebrated in 2016 and it is commemorated every year since by hosting such interactive events in the honour of the Ex-Servicemen.

According to an official release, the event will be held under the aegis of Northern Command to honour the Armed Forces Veterans and Veer Naris. Approximately 1,000 veterans from Jammu, Akhnoor, Pallanwala, Rakhmuthi, Naushera, and Sunderbani are likely to attend the event. The event will also include the hoisting of a 108-foot National Flag and the inauguration of the Akhnoor Heritage Museum. Rajnath Singh Becomes 1st Defence Minister to Visit Mhow in 24 Years, Lauds Indian Army's Training Institutes.

The Jammu and Kashmir Cultural Department will present cultural performances reflecting the region's rich cultural heritage. As a special gesture, mobility equipment like motorised wheelchairs, e-scooters, and autorickshaws will also be distributed to the veterans. The event reflects the Indian Army's respect and unwavering commitment to care for the Veterans and Veer Naris who have served the nation with pride and dedication, added the release.

Meanwhile, Pune, is set to host the prestigious Army Day Parade for the first time on 15 January 2025, marking a historic milestone. The Army Day Parade commemorates Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa's appointment as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army in 1949, symbolizing India's post-independence military leadership.

Traditionally held in Delhi, the parade began rotating to different cities in 2023, starting with Bengaluru, followed by Lucknow in 2024. Pune's selection for the 2025 parade highlights the city's historic ties to the Armed Forces and its role as the headquarters of the Indian Army's Southern Command. This year's parade will take place at the Bombay Engineering Group and Centre, featuring marching contingents, mechanized columns, and technological exhibits. Highlights will include demonstrations of cutting-edge defense technologies such as drones and robotics, along with captivating performances like combat demonstrations and martial arts displays.

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New Delhi, Jan 14 (PTI) Aam Aadmi Party launched a Bhojpuri campaign song 'Aye Raja Ji, Phir Se Kejriwal Ke Jarurit... Aayil Ba Muhurat Ho' on Tuesday to entice Purvanchal voters, ahead of the Assembly polls.

During the song launch event, AAP leader Sanjay Singh said that the Bhojpuri song, deeply rooted in the hearts of people from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand, is now part of AAP's campaign.

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"This song is crafted in Bhojpuri, but its message is clear and relatable to Hindi speakers across regions like Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and beyond," Singh said.

Following the Hindi campaign song the "Phir Layenge Kejriwal" song, this Bhojpuri campaign song will be a key part of our Delhi Assembly election campaign, he said.

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Singh added that this song reflects the Aam Aadmi Party's commitment to respecting all languages, religions and castes. The party's election campaign will embrace diversity in its approach.

This Bhojpuri campaign song reiterates the success and achievements of AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal in different aspects like health, education, and water in Delhi.

AAP senior leader Dilip Pandey who was also present at the launch event said that the campaign song 'Hamari Sohar' has been composed in Bhojpuri language by combining folk tune and soil fragrance.

"This song will reach the hearts of the people of Purvanchal society and connect them more strongly with AAP," Pandey said.

The voting percentage of people from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar is said to be as high as 42 per cent in Delhi.

The Delhi Assembly election is scheduled for February 5. The results will be announced on February 8.

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Mumbai, Jan 14 (PTI) Prolonged incarceration without trial amounts to infringement of the right to life under the Constitution, the Bombay High Court said while urging a special court to expedite the trial in the 2018 Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case.

The high court said the special court shall frame charges in nine months.

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Framing of charge is the first step towards the start of the trial.

A division bench of Justices A S Gadkari and Kamal Khata on January 8 granted bail to researcher Rona Wilson and activist Sudhir Dhawale considering their long incarceration and unlikelihood of the trial being completed in the near future.

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In its detailed order, made available on Tuesday, the bench said it was a settled and recognised principle of law that the prolonged incarceration of the accused without trial amounts to infringement or violation of Article 21 of the Constitution.

"That, long period of incarceration and unlikelihood of the trial being completed in the near future necessitates consequential release of the undertrial on bail," the bench said.

The high court noted that Wilson and Dhawale have already spent over six years in jail pre-trial.

"We request the Special Judge, (NIA Act) to expedite the stage of framing of charge and as far as possible the trial itself. The stage of framing of charge be completed within a period of 9 months from today," the HC said.

The court had directed Wilson and Dhawale to submit a surety of Rs one lakh each.

With the order copy now available, the duo can approach the special court to complete their bail formalities after which they will be released from the Taloja prison in Navi Mumbai.

Wilson and Dhawale were directed by the High Court to appear before the special NIA court during the trial, surrender their passports, and not to leave the city until the trial is over.

Ten out of 16 persons arrested in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist link case, including Wilson and Dhawale, have secured bail so far.

Pune Police in 2018 registered a case alleging that the accused delivered provocative speeches at the Elgar Parishad conclave on December 31, 2017, triggering violence in Koregaon-Bhima in the district the next day.

According to police, the conclave was backed by Maoists.

The other accused who were granted bail include Varavara Rao, Sudha Bharadwaj, Anand Teltumbde, Vernon Gonsalves, Arun Ferreira, Shoma Sen, Gautam Navlakha, and Mahesh Raut.

Raut, however, remained in jail after the NIA challenged his bail in the Supreme Court. The special NIA court on Tuesday granted him interim bail for 18 days to enable him to appear for an LLB exam.

Stan Swamy, one of the accused, died in 2021 while in prison.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had taken over the probe from Pune police and filed a charge sheet. The special court is yet to frame charges against the accused.

Wilson, arrested in June 2018 from his home in Delhi, was allegedly described by the probe agencies as one of the top brass of urban Maoists. Dhawale was accused of being an active member of the banned Communist Party of India (Maoist).

The NIA charge sheet, submitted in August 2021, stated that Wilson and other accused were active members of the banned terrorist organisation who wanted to establish a 'janata sarkar' 'via revolution supported by a commitment to protracted armed struggle to undermine and seize power from the state.

The accused were charged with over a dozen offences including promoting enmity between different groups, doing acts prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony, waging war against the government, and several sections under the stringent anti-terror law UAPA.

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Ballia (UP), Jan 14 (PTI) A case has been registered against a youth for allegedly spreading false information on social media about the death of 11 devotees during a Maha Kumbh ritual in Prayagraj, police officials said on Tuesday.

According to police, a First Information Report (FIR) was lodged at Pakdi police station on the complaint of Station House Officer (SHO) Rajendra Prasad Singh. The accused, identified as Lalu Yadav Sanjeev, was booked under Section 353(2) of the BNS.

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Referring to the FIR, the police said a complaint had been made by Avkush Kumar Singh on the social networking platform X on Monday.

Singh reported that the accused, linked to the Samajwadi Party, had posted false information on Facebook. The post alleged that "11 devotees have died of heart attack due to cold at the Maha Kumbh bathing event and the ICU emergency camps are overcrowded with patients".

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The FIR mentions that the false post related to the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj by the accused spread public panic and disrupted public peace. Taking the complaint seriously, an investigation was assigned to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) Mohammad Faheem Qureshi.

Qureshi said after the investigation, the case was registered and further necessary legal action is being taken in the matter.

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Pune, Jan 14 (PTI) Using laser, sound and light and multi-media technology, the Army on Wednesday will showcase in Pune the evolution of warfare from the ancient period to the contemporary era, drawing themes from Indian epics and modern wars.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is scheduled to attend this event - 'Gaurav Gatha' -- to be held at the Bhagat Pavillion of the Bombay Engineers Group (BEG) and Centre in this historic city of Maharashtra as part of the 77th Army Day celebrations.

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Ahead of this "grand event", the Union minister is also slated to meet some 'Veer Nari' and veterans over tea on the premises of the BEG and Centre on Wednesday evening, a senior official here said.

"The defence minister is also scheduled to unveil an app, virtually lay the foundation stone of an Army Paralympic Node before attending 'Gaurav Gatha' in the evening," he said.

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During this period of interaction, Singh will also be handed over a 'Kalash' containing 'sacred waters' collected from various forts in Maharashtra associated with Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji. Singh in turn will hand it over to a person representing a museum in the state, the official said.

Asked how these waters were collected, the official said a group of army personnel had collected it through a cyclothon and they reached Pune on Monday, he added.

Prior to the hosting of the 'Gaurav Gatha' event, rehearsals for which were underway on Tuesday, a majestic parade will take place at Bombay Engineers Group (BEG) and Centre which comes under the Army's Southern Command.

A Nepal Army band, an all-girl marching contingent from the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and a set of 'robotic mules' are among the key attractions lined up for the prestigious Army Day Parade, taking place in Pune for the first time.

"If the parade will display the platforms and see the participation of marching contingents, the 'Gaurav Gatha' will showcase the evolution of warfare from the ancient period to the contemporary era. Themes have been drawn from our epics and the modern era wars," the official said.

At the Bhagat Pavillion, huge posters depicting the various strands of themes that the 'Gaurav Gatha' showcasing will revolve around, have been put up.

These themes are -- 'Prachin Ranniti' drawing from epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata, 'Yudh Kala', 'Yudh Parivartan', 'Yudh Pradarshan', 'Shaurya Gatha', 'Vijayotsav', and 'Samarth Bharat, Saksham Sena' -- the theme of the 77th Army Day Parade.

The narration will also make reference to the story of Lord Ram as a warrior who fought with a 'Vanar Sena', the legacy of Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Shivaji, and freedom fighters like Mangal Pandey and Bhagat Singh, among others.

"It will be a show spanning about 35 minutes, and use laser, sound and light, along with moving platforms to tell the story strongly," the official said.

The show will generate both a sense of pride and immense patriotism among the viewers, he said.

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New Delhi [India], January 14 (ANI): Union Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal, launched a scathing attack on the Congress during the foundation anniversary of the RSS mouthpiece 'Panchjanya' at the 'Bharat Ki Bat Ashtayam' program, accusing the party of fabricating false narratives around the Constitution.

Meghwal, in his address, criticised Congress for its contradictory stance on the Constitution, highlighting that the party, despite claiming to defend it, was responsible for the first amendment in 1951 aimed at curbing freedom of expression. "Congress altered the Constitution early on, with Nehru being the first to introduce the amendment to suppress free speech," Meghwal pointed out. "Since then, they have consistently manipulated the Constitution, yet they now pose as its protectors."

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The minister went on to denounce Congress's role in the 39th Constitutional Amendment, which stripped citizens of the right to challenge the elections of key political figures like the President, Prime Minister, and Speaker in a court. "This was a direct violation of the Constitution's principles," Meghwal remarked.

Meghwal also took issue with Congress' role in extending the Lok Sabha term from five to six years and altering the preamble of the Constitution during the Emergency. "These are the same people who have tampered with the Constitution, and now they lecture us on its sanctity," he said with disdain.

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On the allegations that the BJP controls the media, Meghwal firmly rejected the claim. "We do not control the media. It is free to report as it chooses, but the opposition continues to spread false narratives," he declared.

Further addressing the issue of Congress leaders visiting Mahu on January 26, Meghwal reminded the public that it was under the BJP government, led by Sunderlal Patwa, that a memorial for Dr B R Ambedkar was built in the town. He emphasized that Congress showed little interest in Ambedkar's birthplace while in power, and now, with their "fake narrative" unravelling, their efforts to distort history were no longer effective.

Concluding his speech, Meghwal reiterated the BJP's commitment to safeguarding the Constitution and exposing the falsehoods propagated by Congress. "The truth is clear to the people, and these fabricated stories are losing their influence," he said. (ANI)

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Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jan 14 (PTI) Prohibitory orders have been imposed in Maharashtra's Beed district till January 28 in view of protests against the murder of a sarpanch and quota-related agitations by Maratha and OBC activists.

The assembly of five or more persons without permission from authorities has been prohibited and people are not allowed to carry weapons in public places, the district administration said in a release issued on Monday.

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Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed district, was abducted, tortured and murdered on December 9. Preliminary investigation suggests he had tried to thwart an extortion bid on an energy firm operating a windmill project in the region. The Kej police have so far arrested seven persons in the murder case, while another accused is on the run. The police have also arrested state minister Dhananjay Deshmukh's associate Walmik Karad in a related extortion case.

Leaders of both the ruling and opposition parties have staged protests in Beed, demanding justice.

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In neighbouring Jalna, activist Manoj Jarange has announced that he would launch an indefinite fast on January 25 to press for the Maratha community's demands, including reservation in jobs and education under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category.

On the other side, the OBC activists have been staging agitations to ensure their quota is not disturbed.

As per the Beed district administration's release, the ongoing protests in connection with the cases registered at the Kej police station and the quota-related agitations by the Maratha and OBC communities could lead to a law and order issue.

Therefore, the district administration has imposed prohibitory orders under section 37 (1) (3) of the Maharashtra Police Act, it said.

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Patna, Jan 14 (PTI) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will be in Patna later this week during which he would take part in a conference based on the theme of "safeguarding" the Constitution, besides interacting with leaders of the Bihar unit, the party said on Tuesday.

State Congress president Akhilesh Prasad Singh and legislative party leader Shakeel Ahmed Khan shared details of Gandhi's scheduled visit on January 18, his first since the Lok Sabha elections.

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"Our former national president will be coming to Bihar for the first time after becoming the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. The visit is bound to infuse fresh vigour in the party cadre, said Singh.

The Rajya Sabha MP disclosed that during the day-long tour, Gandhi will be visiting the Sadaqat Ashram, which serves as the BPCC headquarters, where he will inaugurate a newly constructed staff quarter and a refurbished auditorium, named after his grandmother and his father, respectively.

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"The staff quarter has been named after former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The auditorium was built before Rajiv Gandhi became the PM and after renovation, it has been named after him, said the former Union minister.

Khan said Gandhi would also be addressing a Samvidhan Suraksha Sammelan' at the sprawling Bapu Sabhagar.

"At the conference, Gandhi will interact with organisations involved in social work, like he had done during the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, added Khan.

Responding to questions from journalists, Singh said, "if any of our allies express the wish to meet Gandhi during his visit, it will be arranged".

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New Delhi, Jan 14 (PTI) A long queue of job seekers, including women, was seen outside a bungalow on Pant Marg in Lutyens' Delhi for interviews where a 'job fair' was being organised ostensibly by an NGO on Tuesday.

This came against the backdrop of AAP supremo and party candidate from New Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal, accusing BJP candidate Parvesh Verma of organising a job fair under the "Har Ghar Naukari" campaign on January 15 in violation of the model code of conduct. AAP had also filed a complaint with the election officials who asked the police not to allow any such event.

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A man claiming to be the coordinator of the 'job fair' refused to share any details about the event or who was behind it.

"It is a private event and we have not invited the media to cover it," he said refusing to permit entry into the bungalow.

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Outside the Pant Marg bungalow, a large hoarding displaying "Har Ghar Naukari" with the NGO's name 'Rashtriya Swabhiman' in bold letters listed the names of 51 participating companies.

The website of Rashtriya Swabhiman reads: "We are a voluntary NGO  the brain-child of Dr Sahib Singh Verma  that took shape in 1998 under the Society Registration Act 1860 (registration no. 35091) by the collective efforts of eminent social workers, educationists and ex-service personnel with an aim to work primarily towards the betterment of the rural India by providing them with equal opportunities."

Sahib Singh Verma is the father of BJP leader Parvesh Verma.

There was no immediate reaction from Parvesh Verma's office.

Several young men and women queued up outside the bungalow, holding their voter identity cards, which they said were "mandatory", along with forms to provide personal details such as name, age, and address.

The model code of conduct for the February 5 assembly polls came into force in Delhi last week and the New Delhi constituency is witnessing a stiff contest after the BJP fielded Verma against Kejriwal.

The district election officer of New Delhi, in an action report submitted on January 10 to the Chief Electoral Officer, Delhi, said that the complaint regarding the job fair was forwarded to the police stations concerned for investigation and an action taken report was submitted.

"The returning officer has specially instructed to take all preventive actions to prevent the conduct of camp on January 15, (and ensure) no interviews take place at the given time and place if such events are organised" said the report.

Some job applicants said that they were asked by the organisers to bring their voter ID cards and proof of residence in Delhi.

"I received a call from the NGO informing me about the 'Har Ghar Naukri' job fair and was asked to bring my voter ID along with other necessary documents," said Shrishtha Pandey, 23, who was waiting in the queue.

Another resident of New Delhi Ashish Kumar said he learnt about the job fair from a friend. "He also told me to bring my voter ID, Aadhar card, resume, and photograph," said Kumar.

Over 150 people stood in a queue outside the interview hall, submitting their documents before entering, where interviewers were seated to conduct the interviews one by one.

Priyanka Singh, a participant who had completed her interview, said, "I was first asked to show my Aadhar card and voter ID card, followed by other necessary documents before being allowed into the interview hall."

She filled out a form and later attended the interview in which a few questions were asked. Afterwards, the interviewer told her to go home and wait for the company's call regarding whether she has been selected or not, Priyanka said.

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Shillong, Jan 14 (PTI) Seven people were arrested as a trafficking racket that operated at the India-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya was busted, officials said on Tuesday.

Acting on intelligence inputs, the BSF apprehended four Bangladeshi nationals near Dawki on Sunday evening along with three Indian touts, they said.

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The four Bangladeshi nationals were attempting to cross into India illegally when they were intercepted by the BSF troops, they said.

During questioning, the Bangladeshi nationals revealed that they were planning to settle in India and had sought the assistance of the three touts, officials said.

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All the apprehended individuals were handed over to the police, and they were formally arrested. A case was filed against them.

It was alleged that the racket was charging anywhere between Rs 10,000 and Rs 20,000 per person for facilitating illegal entry into India, officials said.

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Mathura (UP), Jan 14 (PTI) A census exercise of aquatic birds conducted at Jodhpur Jhal, a wetland on the Mathura-Agra border here, recorded 1,335 birds from 62 species, including nine endangered species, officials said.

"This census was conducted under 'Waterbird Census 2025' by Wetlands International in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad, the Forest Department and the Biodiversity Research and Development Society (BRDS)," said District Forest Officer (DFO) Rajnikant Mittal.

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The effort was supervised by Wetlands International's Uttar Pradesh coordinator Neeraj Srivastava and led by BRDS bird expert K P Singh with contributions from a team of 13 members, he added.

"The census identified 29 migratory and 33 resident bird species. Among these, nine species from the IUCN's endangered list were recorded, including the Sarus crane, black-necked stork, painted stork, oriental darter, common pochard, woolly-necked stork, black-tailed godwit, greater spotted eagle and black-headed ibis," Mittal said.

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"The census recorded 370 bar-headed geese, 224 northern pintails and 220 common teals. Other species observed included gadwall, Eurasian wigeon, northern shoveler, pied avocet, little stint, temminck's stint, sandpiper, wagtail, black-winged stilt, purple swamphen and common snipe," he added.

Singh said the Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad has expanded the wetland area by creating new aquatic habitats.

"This effort has increased the diversity and abundance of wetland-dependent bird species," he added.

Elaborating on the methodology, Singh said, "The bird census was conducted by two groups, each consisting of eight expert members. Over three hours, they covered approximately 80 hectares of the wetland."

Mittal credited the increase in arrival of birds to the continuous monitoring and protection efforts of the Uttar Pradesh Braj Teerth Vikas Parishad and the Forest Department.

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Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh) [India], January 14 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath arrived to inspect the Goraknath Temple (also known as Goraknath Math) in Gorakhpur on Tuesday and interacted with the people present there. Yogi has headed the Goraknath Math as its 'mahant (chief priest)' since 2014, years before his first term as the CM.

CM Yogi regularly holds 'Janta Darshan' on the premises of Goraknath Temple and listens to the grievances put forth by the attendees. Soon after becoming the CM of UP for the first time in 2017, Yogi Adityanath started the 'Janta Darshan' with the primary aim of resolving the complaints and grievances of the people in a speedy manner.

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People typically present a range of issues before the CM at these 'Janta Darshans' and the latter issues necessary directions to officials for the disposal of their issues. The leader's latest visit to the Goraknath Temple came on the occasion of 'Makar Sankranti'. This year, the harvest festival is being celebrated alongside the Maha Kumbh, which is a pilgrimage that only takes place after a long gap of 12 years.

Extending heartfelt wishes to all the devotees who participated in the first 'Amrit Snan' at the Triveni Sangam during the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, CM Yogi posted on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter): "This is the living form of our eternal culture and faith. Today, on the auspicious occasion of the great festival of folk faith 'Makar Sankranti', congratulations to all the devotees who earned virtue by taking the first 'Amrit Snan' at the Triveni Sangam in Mahakumbh-2025, Prayagraj!"

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Meanwhile, as the first 'Amrit Snan' of Maha Kumbh 2025 is being performed on Makar Sankranti on Tuesday and several Akharas have reached the Sangam to take the holy bath, DGP Uttar Pradesh Prashant Kumar informed the total number of devotes who had taken dip in the Sangam has crossed the 10 million mark.

Speaking to ANI Prashant Kumar said, "It's the first Amrit Snan of Maha Kumbh 2025, for now four Akharas have taken a holy dip and the third lot Juna, Awahan and Agani Akharas and they will be taking holy dip shortly. By 7 AM 98 lakhs 20 thousand people have taken bath and by now the numbers might have crossed one crore mark. All our senior officials are monitoring through different control rooms including DGP, Chief Secretary and CM control room."

The DGP further informed that apart from that, on the occasion of Makar Sankranti people in major cities across the state are doing Snan,"Snan for the Makar Sankranti in different cities including Varanasi, Gorakhpur and Ayodhya on the banks of different rivers going in a normal way as it used to happen."

While on day one of the world's largest gathering over 1.5 crore pilgrims had taken a holy dip at the Sangam. (ANI)

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Tel Aviv, January 14: Talks in Qatar aimed at reaching a ceasefire and hostage release agreement between Israel and Hamas are progressing with an Arab source telling The Press Service of Israel on Tuesday there is a "high likelihood of success." According to the source, discussions focus on the release of Palestinian prisoners, with Israel seeking to have those serving life sentences deported to countries such as Turkey, Qatar, and Egypt.

However, the fate of prominent figure Marwan Barghouti remains unclear, with no official resolution reached yet. Hamas is also seeking eased conditions for prisoners who remain in Israeli custody after the agreement. The source stated that while Hamas has yet to make a formal comment on the proposed outline, it is expected to claim a "great victory" when the agreement is finalized. Gaza Ceasefire: Qatar Says Israel, Hamas at Closest Point to Finalising Ceasefire Deal, Release of Dozens of Hostages.

Further signalling the likelihood of an agreement, representatives from the Hostage Families Forum were due to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday afternoon. Under the terms of the emerging ceasefire, it is expected that the first 33 hostages to be released will be humanitarian cases -- women, children, elderly and sick. Palestinians from northern Gaza who fled to southern areas of the Strip will be allowed to return to their homes. Israeli forces will not withdraw from the Strip until all the hostages are freed. Hamas Has Accepted Draft Agreement for Gaza Ceasefire, Release of Dozens of Israeli Hostages, Say Officials Involved in Talks.

Opponents of the agreement are against any deal that does not bring home all the hostages at once. At least 1,200 people were killed, and 252 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage in Hamas's attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7. Of the 95 remaining hostages, more than 30 have been declared dead. Hamas has also been holding captive two Israeli civilians since 2014 and 2015, and the bodies of two soldiers killed in 2014.

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Islamabad, January 14: Jailed former prime minister Imran Khan's wife Bushra Bibi on Tuesday secured interim bail in more than a dozen cases despite telling the court she has lost faith in the justice system of Pakistan. Anti-terrorism court Judge Tahir Abbas Supra, who presided over the hearing, granted Bushra interim bail until February 7 in 13 cases related to the D-Chowk protests apart from another case involving the killing of paramilitary rangers during the demonstration last year.

Apart from Bibi, her spouse Khan, 72, and other party leaders have been nominated in the first information report (FIR) registered at the Ramna police station under Section 302 (murder) and other sections of the Pakistan Penal Code. According to the FIR, Khan issued instructions to the party leadership, spouse Bushra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, and his sister Aleema Khan for making all-out efforts to get him released from jail and set anything on fire or kill anyone for this purpose. Pak Court Rejects Bushra Bibi's Pre-arrest Bail Petitions in 3 Cases Related to Nov 26 Protest.

Geo News reported the judge in a conversation with Bushra during the proceedings said: "It has taken some time, but legal protocols have been followed." Bushra said: "That is not an issue, but we have lost faith in the courts." Disagreeing, Judge Supra assured: "It is not like that everywhere. The justice system, despite its flaws, is functioning. If it collapses, society itself will cease to exist. You have appeared before me in other hearings as well."

Bushra further highlighted her concerns regarding the judicial process, recounting an instance during a trial where a judge's blood pressure rose to 200 yet he proceeded to pronounce a verdict against her. "There is law in the country but no justice. The PTI founder is imprisoned for upholding the supremacy of the Constitution. What we have endured has completely shattered our faith in the law," she said. The judge was informed that 13 cases were registered at various police stations in Islamabad against the former first lady. Pakistan Court Grants Bushra Bibi Interim Bail Till January 13 in Protest Case.

The court subsequently granted her interim bail in all 13 cases until February 7 against surety bonds of Rs 5,000 each. The bail is a major relief to Bushra who married the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder in January 2018, the year he won the election later on and became the prime minister. Bushra, Khan's third wife, was his spiritual healer before marriage.

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New Delhi January 14: Former IAS officer Puja Khedkar has approached the Supreme Court, challenging the Delhi High Court's order that dismissed her anticipatory bail plea. The High Court had refused to grant her bail, stating that a strong prima facie case was made out against her and that an investigation was required to unearth the "larger conspiracy" to manipulate the system

The matter is expected to be listed before the Supreme Court tomorrow. The High Court while passing Judgement had made strong observations against Khedkar, stating, "It's a classic example of fraud, not only with a constitutional body but also with society and the nation as a whole." The High Court bench stated that the UPSC is regarded as a prestigious examination and the incident in question represents a fraud not only against an organization but also against society at large. The court emphasized that interrogation is necessary to uncover the conspiracy involved. UPSC Cheating Case: Puja Khedkar Seeks Pre-Arret Bail, Moves Supreme Court; Hearing on January 15.

As a result, the court ruled that the plea was dismissed, and the interim protection granted to Khedkar was vacated. The court observed that, prima facie, the conduct in this case appears to be aimed at deceiving the organization. It noted that the individual was not a legitimate candidate for the benefits but had been obtaining them through forged documents.

The court also highlighted that the father and mother held high-ranking positions, suggesting the possibility of collusion with influential individuals. Khedkar is facing criminal charges filed by the Delhi Police, accusing her of cheating and unlawfully claiming OBC and disability quota benefits in the civil services examination.

Khedkar through Advocate Bina Madhavan stated that she is willing to cooperate with the investigation and submitted that custodial interrogation is not necessary. However, Delhi Police through Special Public Prosecutor Advocate Sanjeev Bhandari informed the court that the investigation is ongoing, and custodial interrogation may be required to uncover the larger conspiracy, adding that certain aspects of the conspiracy still need to be examined. This name change was done to fraudulently avail more attempts, he added. Puja Khedkar Probe: Delhi High Court Refuses Anticipatory Bail to Former IAS Probationer in UPSC Cheating Case.

Earlier, Delhi Police opposed the anticipatory bail plea and informed the Delhi High Court that as the investigation progresses, a larger conspiracy is emerging in the matter. Meanwhile, the UPSC withdrew its perjury applications, stating that it would file a separate independent application. The UPSCs alleged that Khedkar attempted to manipulate the judicial system and stated that, Puja Khedkar had committed perjury by filing a false affidavit and the intent behind making such a blatantly false statement naturally appeared to be an attempt to obtain favourable orders, based on the false statement.

UPSC stated that the claim that the Commission collected her biometrics is false made with the sole aim and purpose of deceiving this Court for obtaining favourable orders. The said claim is denied since the Commission did not collect any biometrics (eyes and fingerprints) during her Personality Test or carry out any attempts to verify based on the same.

The Commission has not collected any biometric information from any candidate during the Personality Test of the Civil Services Examinations held so far. Puja Khedkarrecently filed an anticipatory bail application about an FIR registered against her for allegedly "faking her identity to fraudulently avail attempts beyond permissible limit" in a civil services examination.

Recently, Delhi Police registered an FIR on the basis of a complaint filed by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) against Puja Manorama Dilip Khedkar. Recently, the Delhi High Court has also issued notice to suspend IAS trainee Puja Khedkar on an application moved by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) claiming that she made an incorrect assertion in the petition that she was not served the order of cancellation of candidature.

UPSC stated that communication regarding cancelling her candidature was communicated to her on her registered mail ID. So she falsely submitted before the Delhi High Court earlier that the press release dated 31.07.2024 was not officially communicated to her.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi, January 14: The Delhi High Court on Tuesday granted custody parole to former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain in a riots-related murder case to enable him to file nomination papers from the Mustafabad constituency on an AIMIM ticket. Justice Neena Bansal Krishna refused his plea for interim bail from January 14 till February 9 to fight the polls, saying that the gravity of allegations against Hussain, that he was the main perpetrator in the violence which resulted in the death of several persons, could not be overlooked.

Merely because he was a former municipal councillor would also not entitle him to interim bail, the court said as it imposed several conditions on Hussain during his custody parole including barring him from interacting with media or any person except the officials concerned in the nomination process. The court stated that as many as 11 FIRs were registered against him in connection with the riots and he was admittedly in custody in a related money laundering case and UAPA case. North East Delhi Riots: Sureties Furnish Bonds for Tahir Hussain in 8 Cases.

"Considering the antecedents, nature of allegations and having regard to the totality of circumstances, he is granted custody parole for subscribing the oath and to complete the formalities in respect of filing his Nomination Papers," the court ordered. The court asked the authorities to facilitate the filing of nomination papers and completion of other formalities.

The State may coordinate accordingly with the authorities concerned so that the entire process is completed in a timely manner and the petitioner's right of filing nomination is not impacted in any manner, it said. The court clarified that Hussain would not interact with any person except the officials concerned in the nomination process or address the media. It also said the family members of the accused could remain present but they would not be permitted to click photographs of the filing of nomination or to post the same on social media.

Hussain's senior counsel had argued that fighting elections was a complicated process, which required him to not only file his nomination by January 17 but also open a bank account and campaign. Maintaining that contesting elections was not a fundamental right, the police had alleged that Hussain who was the "main conspirator" and "funder" of the February 2020 riots could complete formalities and fight polls on custody parole. Violence broke out in northeast Delhi on February 24, 2020, leaving 53 dead and several injured. Delhi HC Questions Necessity of Interim Bail for Tahir Hussain to Contest Assembly Elections.

According to the prosecution, on February 26, 2020, complainant Ravinder Kumar informed the Dayalpur Police Station that his son Ankit Sharma, posted in the Intelligence Bureau (IB), had been missing since February 25, 2020. Sharma's mortal remains were recovered from Khajuri Khas nullah in the riot-affected area and his body bore 51 injuries.

Hussain, in the bail plea, said he spent 4.9 years in jail and though the trial started in the case, only 20 of the 114 prosecution witnesses were examined so far. Pleading that he had suffered a long incarceration, he said the fact that several witnesses were still left to be examined meant the trial wouldn't be over soon. The co-accused, his plea said, allegedly involved in the riotous mob and committing the offence of murder were granted bail by the high court.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
Madrid [Spain], January 14 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with Spanish President Pedro Sanchez in Madrid, reaffirming the strong partnership between India and Spain.

In a post on X, EAM Jaishankar stated, "Called on President Pedro Sanchez of Spain today in Madrid. Conveyed greetings of PM Narendra Modi. Recalled his successful visit to India which reaffirmed our long-standing partnership. Briefed him on my discussions in Madrid and apprised him of progress on our bilateral agenda."

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https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1879199191429193834

During the meeting, EAM Jaishankar highlighted India's commitment to enhancing bilateral ties with Spain, reflecting on the significant exchanges between the two nations. This interaction follows Spanish President Pedro Sanchez's previous visit to India, which highlighted the deep-rooted relationship shared by the countries.

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India and Spain have maintained cordial relations since establishing diplomatic ties in 1956. Notable milestones include Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official visit to Spain in May 2017 and regular engagements between leaders on the sidelines of global summits, including the G20 in 2018 and 2021. In February 2023, a phone call between the prime ministers reiterated confidence in the growing relationship between the two nations.

Additionally, Jaishankar has consistently engaged with Spain's Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares during events like the UNGA sessions in 2022 and 2024.

Bilateral ties have expanded beyond politics to include cultural and educational collaborations. In 2023, the University of Valladolid signed two MoUs with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) to establish chairs in Hindi Language and Indian Studies.

Further strengthening academic relations, the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) and the Conference of Rectors of Spanish Universities (CRUE) signed an MoU in July 2024 to foster higher education partnerships.

The Indian diaspora in Spain, numbering approximately 75,000, primarily resides in Catalonia, Valencia, Madrid, and the Canary Islands. In response to growing consular service demands, the Consulate General of India was inaugurated in Barcelona on August 13, 2024, marking another step in enhancing India-Spain relations. (ANI)

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Tel Aviv [Israel], January 14 (ANI): Hamas is expected to release 33 hostages in the first phase of the ceasefire-hostage agreement being negotiated in Doha in relation to the situation in Gaza, CNN reported on Tuesday, citing two Israeli officials.

According to CNN, Israel believes most of the 33 hostages are alive, although some deceased hostages may also be included in the initial release.

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Hamas and its allies still hold 94 hostages, including at least 34 who are believed to be dead, following the October 7, 2023, attacks.

The parties appear close to finalising the agreement, and Israel is ready to implement it immediately after it is signed.

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A diplomat involved in the talks stated that a final round of discussions is scheduled in Doha on Tuesday, CNN reported.

This release would mark the first phase of the agreement, as negotiations for the second phase, aimed at ending the war, are set to begin on the 16th day of the deal's implementation.

According to CNN, the latest proposals include Israeli forces maintaining a presence along the Philadelphi Corridor on the Egypt-Gaza border during the first phase and negotiations over the size of a buffer zone inside Gaza have also been a point of contention. While Hamas wants a zone of 300-500 meters from the border, Israel is seeking a 2,000-meter zone.

The plan also includes allowing residents of northern Gaza to return but with unspecified security measures in place and Palestinian prisoners linked to the killing of Israelis would not be released into the West Bank but instead to Gaza or other countries, CNN reported, citing the Israeli official.

As per CNN, the breakthrough in the talks occurred late Sunday during the meeting between Israeli Mossad Director David Barnea and mediators in Doha. An Israeli official stated that an agreement could be imminent, but it must first pass through Israel's security and government cabinets and allow time for potential challenges in the Supreme Court.

"There is talk of an agreement in the near future--it is impossible to say whether it is a matter of hours or days," the official said, as quoted by CNN.

While there is growing optimism, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum urged caution and reiterated its commitment to bringing all hostages home.

Israel began its military operations against Hamas in Gaza after the October 7, 2023, attacks, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 250 people taken hostage, as per CNN. Since then, the Israeli military has reportedly killed at least 46,565 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, with over 100,000 others injured. (ANI)

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Warsaw, Jan 14 (AP) The number of irregular border crossings into the European Union fell significantly in 2024, according to the bloc's border control agency Frontex, something which it attributed to intensified cooperation against smuggling networks.

The Warsaw-based agency said in a statement that its preliminary data for last year reveal a 38 per cent drop in irregular border crossings into the 27-member bloc.

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The data refers to the number of detections of irregular border crossing at the external borders of the EU, not the total number of people who tried to cross. In some cases the same person may cross the border several times in different locations at the external border, Frontex notes.

The agency said that there were just over 239,000 detections of irregular border crossings, the lowest number registered since 2021, when migration was lower due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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The agency said that despite the overall decrease, challenges persist, including dangerous sea crossings resulting in significant loss of life and the evolving tactics of smuggling networks.

Despite the decrease in irregular arrivals, a sense has taken hold across Europe that there is too much unregulated immigration to the continent.

The issue has dominated political life in Europe since 2015, when more than a million people arrived at once, many fleeing the war in Syria. The issue has boosted far-right parties that strongly oppose accepting large numbers of refugees and migrants  including in places like Austria and Germany.

The decrease in the total number was mainly driven by a 59 per cent plunge in arrivals via the Central Mediterranean route due to fewer departures from Tunisia and Libya, Frontex said. It also reported a 78 per cent fall in detections on the Western Balkan route following efforts in that region to halt arrivals.

At the same time irregular arrivals were up last year along the EU's eastern borders with Belarus.

Frontex also said it recorded an 18 per cent increase in arrivals to the Canary Islands, a Spanish archipelago close to the African coast that is increasingly used as an alternative stepping stone to continental Europe.

It said the nearly 47,000 arrivals it recorded there marked the highest figure since it began collecting data in 2009.

While 2024 saw a significant reduction in irregular border crossings, it also highlighted emerging risks and shifting dynamics, Frontex Executive Director Hans Leijtens said.

The Frontex statement noted that authorities have reported increasing violence by smugglers along the Western Balkan route, while growing instability in regions like the Sahel continues to drive migration towards Europe. (AP)

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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)

Editor: WXY
Louisville, Jan 14 (AP) Spirits giant Brown-Forman Corp. said Tuesday it's reducing its global workforce by about 12 per cent and closing its hometown barrel-making plant in Louisville.

The cost-cutting moves come as American whiskey producers face stiff challenges from changing consumer trends and renewed tariff threats.

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The actions are projected to produce about USD 70 million to USD 80 million in annualised cost savings, a portion of which is expected to be reinvested as part of the company's growth strategy, said Louisville-based Brown-Forman, whose flagship brand is Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey.

The company's cooperage, where barrels are made to store and age its spirits, will close by April 25, affecting about 210 hourly and salaried employees, it said.

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The closure is part of the overall 12 per cent reduction in the company's 5,400-employee global workforce. Brown-Forman said it will source barrels from an external supplier and expects to receive more than USD 30 million from selling cooperage assets.

Laid-off workers will receive severance, outplacement services and other benefits, the company said.

Brown-Forman also announced changes in its executive team, including the appointment of Jeremy Shepherd as chief marketing officer. Shepherd previously led its USA & Canada commercial division.

The actions reflect the venerable company's "relentless focus on evolving our strategy, our portfolio and our organisation to grow and thrive, said Brown-Forman President and CEO Lawson Whiting. Today's announcement will ensure we have the structure and teams in place to continue on this path, while also making investments that we believe will facilitate growth for generations to come.

Last month, Brown-Forman reported a 5 per cent decline in net sales for the first six months of its fiscal year compared to the year-ago period.

The decline was largely due to its Finlandia and Sonoma-Cutrer divestitures, the company said. Whiting said the results came amid challenging economic conditions but he predicted a stronger performance in the second half of the year. Brown-Forman's many brands also include Woodford Reserve and Old Forester bourbons and Herradura and el Jimador tequilas.

The company's cutbacks come as the overall American whiskey sector faces headwinds that coincide with massive inventories of aging whiskeys that will someday reach the market.

Industrywide challenges include indications that younger adults are drinking less alcohol and the threat of American whiskey getting entangled in another trade war. Meanwhile, US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said recently that Americans should be better informed about the link between alcohol and cancer. The risk should be clearly labelled on drinks Americans consume, Murthy proposed.

Republican President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to impose new tariffs with his return to the White House. During Trump's first term, American whiskey distillers got caught up in a trans-Atlantic trade fight, causing deep drops in exports to the European Union  the industry's biggest overseas market.

The EU imposed a retaliatory tariff on those spirits in 2018 in response to Trump's decision to slap tariffs on European steel and aluminum. A 2021 deal suspended those tariffs on American spirits, and US distillers began clawing back lost market share in the EU.

However, the EU is set to reinstate tariffs on American spirits at a 50 per cent rate in March if nothing is done to head it off, the Kentucky Distillers' Association said.

Retaliatory tariffs from the EU and other countries have cost Kentucky's bourbon industry a half-billion dollars in exports since 2018, it said. Kentucky and Tennessee, where Jack Daniel's is crafted, overwhelmingly backed Trump in last year's election.

We are up against a triple threat of back-breaking tariffs, snowballing taxes and shifts in consumer trends that have slowed sales, Eric Gregory, president of the distillers' association, said recently. (AP)

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Los Angeles, Jan 15 (AP) Millions of people across Southern California faced frightening new wildfire warnings on Tuesday and tens of thousands saw their power shut off as strong winds blew across the parched landscape around Los Angeles where two massive blazes have been burning for a week.

Santa Ana winds that began gusting over the mountains before sunrise were forecast to continue through the day with enough force to carry fire-sparking embers for miles and stoke new outbreaks across a region where at least 24 people have already been killed.

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"Life threatening and destructive and widespread winds are already here," LA city Fire Chief Kristin Crowley told a morning news conference.

Much of Southern California was under an elevated fire risk, with crews on high alert across a 482-kilometre stretch from San Diego to far north of Los Angeles. Facing the greatest risk are inland areas north of LA, including densely populated Thousand Oaks, Northridge and Simi Valley, home to more than 3,00,000 people, forecasters said. Nearly 90,000 households lost electricity as utilities shut off power to prevent their lines from sparking new blazes.

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Weary and anxious residents were told to be ready to flee at a moment's notice and remained vigilant, keeping an eye on the skies, and also each other.

Police announced roughly 50 arrests, for looting, flying drones in fire zones, violating curfew, and other crimes.

Of these, three people were arrested on suspicion of arson after being seen setting small fires that were immediately extinguished, said LA Police Chief Jim McDonnell. One was using a barbecue lighter, another ignited brush, and a third tried to light up a trash can, he said. All were far outside the disaster zones. Authorities haven't determined a cause for any of the major fires.

Among nine people charged with looting was a group that stole an Emmy from an evacuated house, said Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman.

The biggest worry remained the threat of new and growing fire from intense winds predicted to reach near hurricane-force in some areas. Now backed by firefighters from other states, Canada and Mexico, crews were deployed to attack flareups or new blazes. The force was much bigger than a week ago, when the first wave of fires began destroying thousands of homes in what could become the nation's costliest fire disaster.

Tuesday's forecast included a rare warning -- the winds, combined with severely dry conditions, have created a "particularly dangerous situation", meaning that any new fire could explode in size.

Gusts will pick up strength in the evening and into Wednesday before decreasing, and red flag warnings now up from Central California to the Mexican border will remain through most of Wednesday, said weather service meteorologist Ariel Cohen.

Residents gathered up their pets and family photos in case they had to make a hasty escape. Tabitha Trosen said she was "teetering" on the edge, constantly fearing her neighbourhood could be next.

"Our cats are ready to go. We have their carriers by the door prepped with their little stuffed animals and things like that," Trosen said.

Planes doused homes and hillsides with bright pink fire-retardant chemicals, while crews and fire engines deployed to particularly vulnerable spots with dry brush. Dozens of additional water trucks rolled in to replenish supplies after hydrants ran dry last week.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and other officials who were criticised over their initial response expressed confidence that the region is ready to face the new threat with additional firefighters and equipment.

The mayor said she was able to fly over the disaster areas, and from the air could see its enormity -- something like the aftermath of a "dry hurricane".

Winds this time were not expected to reach the same fierce speeds seen last week but could ground firefighting aircraft, LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said. He warned that if winds reach 112 kilometres per hour, "it's going to be very difficult to contain that fire".

Wildfires on the rise across LA With almost no rain in more than eight months, the brush-filled region has had more than a dozen wildfires this year, mostly in the greater Los Angeles area.

Firefighters have been jumping on small fires that pop up. One such blaze, in a dry riverbed near Oxnard on Monday night, was quickly smothered. "We've got helicopters ready to go, to drop water on any new fires," said Andrew Dowd, a spokesperson for the Ventura County Fire Department.

The four biggest fires around the nation's second-biggest city have scorched more than 163 square kilometres, roughly three times the size of Manhattan. Of these, the Eaton Fire near Pasadena was roughly one-third contained, while the largest blaze in Pacific Palisades on the coast was far less contained.

The death toll is likely to rise, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said. At least two dozen people remained missing, he said on Tuesday.

Southern California Edison has acknowledged that agencies are investigating whether its equipment may have started a smaller blaze.

A lawsuit filed on Monday claims the utility's equipment sparked the much bigger Eaton Fire. Edison did not respond to a request for comment and last week said it had not received any suggestions that its equipment ignited that blaze. (AP)

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Islamabad, Jan 14 (PTI) Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir has said that the only points of contention between Pakistan and Afghanistan are the presence of the banned militant outfit Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in its territory and cross-border attacks.

The army chief said this during a meeting in Peshawar on Monday with politicians from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to The Dawn newspaper that quoted state broadcaster PTV News.

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Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been strained due to frequent border skirmishes with Islamabad repeatedly demanding Kabul take action against the TTP for using Afghan soil to launch attacks in Pakistan. Kabul denies the allegations.

Last month, at least eight people were killed and 13, including civilians, were injured on the Afghan side during clashes.

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The two sides were exchanging fire since Pakistani fighter jets bombed alleged TTP camps in Afghanistan's eastern Paktika province.

One Frontier Corps soldier was killed while 11 others were injured in the clashes, which began after a failed bid by militants on the Afghan side to infiltrate Pakistan.

Addressing the issue in his talks with politicians, the army chief said Afghanistan was a brotherly neighbour (and) an Islamic country with which Pakistan has always wanted better relations, reported Dawn.

The only difference with Afghanistan is the presence of Fitna al-Khawarij in Afghanistan and the spread of terrorism in Pakistan from across the border, the army chief was quoted as saying.

In July, the government, through an official notification, designated the TTP as Fitna al Khawarij (corrupt elements who have destroyed the image of Islam), while mandating all institutions to use the term khariji (outcast) when referring to the perpetrators of terrorist attacks on Pakistan.

The army chief further said: Our policy is only Pakistan. COAS Munir said that no large-scale operation was being carried out in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and nor was the TTP active in any area of Pakistan, adding that only targeted operations were carried out based on intelligence.

Gen Munir said the situation would improve if everyone worked together and cooperated.

He further said that the agreement of all parties on the National Action Plan (NAP) was encouraging but it had to be worked on quickly.

The NAP is a 20-point plan created by the government in 2014 to combat terrorism and extremism. The plan was developed in collaboration with stakeholders and federal ministries.

The country's political leadership had asked the military brass to engage with Afghanistan to address Pakistan's internal security problems, he said.

In the almost four-hour-long meeting with COAS Munir, representatives of several political parties expressed their concerns over the prevailing law and order situation in the province.

Sources privy to the meeting said the political leadership wanted full implementation of the NAP while also suggesting a review of the plan to make certain changes if required.

Speaking to Dawn, sources disclosed that everyone suggested engagement with the interim Afghan government  formal or informal.

They said all the participants opined that cooperation between the neighbouring countries could facilitate bringing peace to the region.

However, the army chief had pointed out that the Afghan interim rulers had failed to adhere to repeated warnings in the past.

They don't listen to us, sources had quoted the army chief as telling those calling for formal or informal dialogue with the interim Afghan government.

The political leaders had then suggested the military leadership use other ways for engagement with the Afghan interim government to resolve issues, according to the Dawn report.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
New Delhi, January 14: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch Mission Mausam, which aims to make the country a weather-ready and climate-smart nation, on the occasion of India Meteorological Department's 150th Foundation Day on Tuesday. The event is being held in Bharat Mandapam here and the Prime Minister will also address the gathering. The mission aims to make India a weather-ready and climate-smart nation by developing cutting-edge weather surveillance technologies and systems.

Mission Mausam will implement high-resolution atmospheric observations, next-generation radars, satellites, and high-performance computers. It will also focus on improving the understanding of weather and climate processes, and provide air quality data that will help strategise weather management and intervention in the long run. IMDs 150th Foundation Day 2025: PM Narendra Modi To Launch Mission Mausam on January 14, To Make India Weather-Ready and Climate-Smart.

The Prime Minister will also release the IMD Vision-2047 document for weather resilience and climate change adaptation. It includes plans for weather forecasting, weather management, and climate change mitigation.

The Mausam Mission was approved by the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in September 2024. It aims to boost India's weather and climate-related science, research, and services and better equip stakeholders, including citizens and last-mile users, in tackling extreme weather events and the impacts of climate change. PM Narendra Modi Joins Lohri, Makar Sankranti, and Pongal Celebrations, Extends Warm Wishes to the Nation (See Pics and Video).

The ambitious programme, with an outlay of Rs 2,000 crore over two years, will chiefly be implemented by the India Meteorological Department, the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, and the National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting.

Mission Mausam will directly benefit numerous sectors, such as agriculture, disaster management, defence, environment, aviation, water resources, power, tourism, shipping, transport, energy, and health, the communique said, adding that it would also enhance data-driven decision-making in areas such as urban planning, road and rail transport, offshore operations, and environmental monitoring.

To celebrate the 150th Foundation Day of IMD, a series of events, activities and workshops have been organised to showcase IMD's achievements during the past 150 years, its role in making India climate-resilient, and demonstrate the role played by government institutions in providing various weather and climate services.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 14, 2025 08:54 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Thai Pongal, the second day of the four-day Pongal festival, is one of the most cherished and culturally significant celebrations in Tamil Nadu. This joyous occasion, celebrated on January 14, 2025, is not just a harvest festival but a heartfelt expression of gratitude to nature for the abundance of the earth. It marks the transition of the Sun into Capricorn (Makar Rashi), a powerful moment in Hindu astrology, symbolising renewal, prosperity, and growth. Thai Pongal is a celebration of unity, prosperity, and gratitudevalues that we can carry with us into our daily lives. As we celebrate this auspicious festival, its the perfect opportunity to send warm Happy Pongal 2025 wishes, Happy Pongal 2025 images and positive thoughts to loved ones. Sharing your blessings and love is a beautiful way to spread the spirit of Thai Pongal. Happy Thai Pongal 2025 Wishes, Images and HD Wallpapers To Share With Family and Friends.

The heart of Thai Pongal lies in its tribute to the Sun God, whose warmth and energy are essential for the harvest. The festival is a way of thanking nature for its bountiful gifts, especially the rice that sustains life. The most significant ritual of Thai Pongal is the preparation of Pongal, a sweet dish made with freshly harvested rice, milk, and jaggery. Traditionally cooked in a new clay pot, the rice is allowed to boil and spill over, symbolizing abundance and prosperity for the year ahead.

Once the dish is ready, it is garnished with ghee, cashew nuts, raisins, and a sprinkle of brown sugar. The sweet fragrance of this traditional dish fills the air, and the first serving is offered to the Sun God as a token of gratitude. This moment of worship is followed by sharing the dish with family and friends, reinforcing the spirit of togetherness. As with many festivals, Thai Pongal is not just about ritualsits about coming together as a community to celebrate the blessings of life. Families gather at sunrise to prepare the Pongal dish, often in open spaces, accompanied by prayers and offerings to the Sun God. The dish is then served on banana leaves, further emphasizing the connection with nature. This day is also a time for honouring cattle, which play a vital role in the agricultural cycle. Cows and bulls are decorated, bathed, and fed special treats, acknowledging their importance in helping farmers with their work in the fields. Happy Pongal 2025 Messages, Images and WhatsApp Status for Near and Dear Ones.

Sending a message like May the blessings of Thai Pongal bring prosperity, joy, and harmony to you and your family can uplift spirits and make the festival even more meaningful for those you care about. Whether through personal greetings, virtual messages, or simple gestures of kindness, spreading positivity on this day fosters love and strengthens bonds. We have for you happy Thai Pongal 2025 greetings, wishes, quotes, HD images, wallpapers with messages & WhatsApp stickers, check out:

Happy Pongal 2025 Greetings, Wishes and Quotes

Happy Thai Pongal (File Image)

Happy Pongal 2025 Greetings, Wishes and Quotes

Pongal Wishes in Tamil (File Image)

Happy Pongal 2025 Greetings, Wishes and Quotes

Happy Thai Pongal (File Image)

Happy Pongal 2025 Greetings, Wishes and Quotes

Happy Thai Pongal (File Image)

Happy Pongal 2025 Greetings, Wishes and Quotes

Pongal Wishes in Tamil (File Image)

Happy Pongal 2025 Greetings, Wishes and Quotes

Happy Thai Pongal (File Image)

Happy Pongal 2025 Greetings, Wishes and Quotes

Happy Thai Pongal (File Image)

Happy Pongal 2025 Greetings, Wishes and Quotes

Happy Thai Pongal (File Image)

Happy Pongal 2025 Greetings, Wishes and Quotes

Happy Pongal (File Image)

Happy Pongal 2025 Greetings, Wishes and Quotes

Happy Pongal (File Image)

Happy Pongal 2025 Greetings, Wishes and Quotes

Happy Pongal (File Image)

Happy Pongal 2025 Greetings, Wishes and Quotes

Happy Pongal (File Image)

Happy Pongal 2025 Greetings, Wishes and Quotes

Happy Pongal (File Image)

Happy Pongal 2025 Greetings, Wishes and Quotes

Happy Pongal (File Image)

Happy Pongal 2025 Greetings, Wishes and Quotes

Happy Pongal (File Image)

Happy Pongal 2025 Greetings, Wishes and Quotes

Happy Pongal (File Image)

Happy Pongal 2025 Greetings, Wishes and Quotes

Happy Pongal (File Image)

Happy Pongal 2025 Greetings, Wishes and Quotes

Happy Pongal (File Image)

Happy Pongal 2025 Greetings, Wishes and Quotes

Happy Pongal (File Image)

Happy Pongal 2025 Greetings, Wishes and Quotes

Happy Pongal (File Image)

Happy Pongal 2025 Greetings, Wishes and Quotes

Happy Pongal (File Image)

Happy Pongal 2025 Greetings, Wishes and Quotes

Happy Pongal (File Image)

Happy Pongal 2025 Greetings, Wishes and Quotes

Happy Pongal (File Image)

Happy Pongal 2025 Greetings, Wishes and Quotes

Happy Pongal (File Image)

Happy Pongal 2025 Greetings, Wishes and Quotes

Happy Pongal (File Image)

Happy Pongal 2025 Greetings, Wishes and Quotes

Happy Pongal (File Image)

On this special day, as you enjoy the sweetness of the Pongal dish and the company of loved ones, take a moment to reflect on the natural world that sustains us all. Let this Thai Pongal inspire you to embrace the abundance in your life with gratitude and share that spirit with those around you. Wishing you and your family a Happy Pongal filled with love, happiness, and prosperity!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 14, 2025 03:18 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
Makar Sankranti is an auspicious and significant harvest festival. Makar Sankranti 2025 falls on Tuesday, January 14. The festival is celebrated with a lot of joy and enthusiasm and with unique names and traditions in every state of India. However, the main theme of the festival remains consistent. People worship Lord Surya and express their gratitude for a bountiful harvest. They also give thanks and celebrate with delicious feasts, traditions, customs, and rituals. In Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, the festival is celebrated over a period of four days. It is common tradition to share heartfelt messages. So celebrate by sharing Sankranthi Subhakankshalu wishes, Sankranthi Subhakankshalu 2025 wallpapers in Telugu, Makar Sankranti messages in Telugu, Happy Makar Sankranti greetings in Telugu, and HD images and wallpapers to celebrate the festival. Sankranthi Subhakankshalu 2025 Images & Makar Sankranti Wishes in Telugu: WhatsApp Status Messages, Wallpapers, Greetings and SMS You Can Share With Family and Friends.

Makar Sankranti Wishes in Telugu

Makar Sankranti Telugu Wishes (Photo Credits: File Photo)

Makar Sankranti Greetings in Telugu

Makar Sankranti Telugu Wishes (Photo Credits: File Photo)

Makar Sankranti Messages in Telugu

Makar Sankranti Telugu Wishes (Photo Credits: File Photo)

Makar Sankranti Images in Telugu

Makar Sankranti Telugu Wishes (Photo Credits: File Photo)

Makar Sankranti Wallpapers in Telugu

Makar Sankranti Telugu Wishes (Photo Credits: File Photo)

(SocialLY brings you all the latest breaking news, viral trends and information from social media world, including Twitter (X), Instagram and Youtube. The above post is embeded directly from the user's social media account and LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the social media post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.)
Mumbai, January 14: Loved going to Starbucks for a quick break or a relaxing time with friends? Well, you may want to rethink your next visit, as the coffeehouse giant has announced a major shift in its policy. Starting January 27, Starbucks will no longer allow non-paying customers to use the bathrooms and patios or sit inside the cafes. This change aims to prioritise paying customers and create a more welcoming environment. The new code of conduct (Starbucks bathroom policy), which includes provisions to address disruptive behaviour, will be implemented in North American stores. With this move, Starbucks is rethinking the open-bathroom policy that has been in place since 2018.

According to a report from The Associated Press, Starbucks' updated policy is designed to ensure that paying customers receive the attention and space they deserve. The move comes after growing concerns over disruptions from individuals who would often occupy seats or use facilities without making any purchases. Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson emphasised that such a policy is common in retail and aims to prioritise those who are there to enjoy the full experience, not just the amenities. Is Starbucks Exiting India? Tata Consumer Products Denies Reports on Exit of Popular Cafe Chain From Indian Market.

The open-bathroom policy had garnered attention following an incident in Philadelphia when two Black men were arrested after sitting in the store without ordering anything. The arrest caused a public backlash, leading Starbucks to introduce policies that were more inclusive. However, as reported by The Associated Press, Starbucks has now adjusted its approach to addressing safety and behavioural concerns, especially in light of increasing reports of drug use and other disturbances within stores. Amazon and Starbucks Workers Are on Strike in US, Here Is Why Employees of Major Brands Are Desperate To Make Progress Before Donald Trump Appoints Republican Majority to Labor Board.

The new code of conduct will also cover behaviours like harassment, smoking, and substance abuse. As per the updated policy, employees are being trained to enforce the guidelines and are authorised to ask disruptive individuals to leave or even involve law enforcement if needed. This move aims to create a safer, more welcoming atmosphere for all customers while fostering a better environment for staff.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 14, 2025 02:37 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
On 13 January a Peruvian judge threw out a money laundering trial that began in July 2024 against, a three-time presidential candidate and the leader of the right-wing Fuerza Popular (FP).

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On 13 January Argentinas Security Ministerlashed out at Amnesty International (AI), accusing the global human rights NGO of not understanding anything and being driven by ideology.

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On 13 January Guatemalas supreme court (CSJ) ruled that, a prominent journalist and founder of the investigative national dailyelPeriodico who was fiercely critical of official corruption, could remain under house arrest rather than return to prison.

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Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Prime Minister of Grenada Dickon Mitchell, who is on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 13, 2025. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

BEIJING, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping said Monday that China is willing to provide assistance for Grenada's economic and social development within the framework of South-South cooperation.

The two countries should foster new highlights of cooperation in fields such as new energy, green and low-carbon development, and digital economy, Xi said in Beijing when he met with Prime Minister of Grenada Dickon Mitchell, who is paying an official visit to China.

Mitchell first extended sincere sympathies and condolences to the Chinese government and people over the recent deadly earthquake in Dingri County in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region.

Xi expressed his appreciation for that. Noting that the earthquake occurred in a high-altitude area, Xi said China has completed rescue and temporary resettlement work in the shortest possible time and will carry out reconstruction work as quickly as possible.

"The Chinese government is confident and capable of achieving success in earthquake relief," Xi said.

Xi noted that in recent years, China-Grenada relations have developed steadily, with the two sides treating each other with mutual respect and equality, consolidating political mutual trust, achieving fruitful results in practical cooperation in various fields, and deepening the friendship between the two peoples.

China is willing to work with Grenada to enhance the synergy of development strategies and push for more outcomes of bilateral cooperation to better benefit the two peoples, he added.

China supports Grenada in independently exploring a development path suited to its national conditions, and stands ready to strengthen exchanges of governance experience with Grenada, Xi said.

He said China also supports Grenada in enhancing its capacity in climate change response and disaster prevention and mitigation, and will continue to raise international awareness of small island countries' concerns over climate change and their demands.

China advocates an equal and orderly multi-polar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and is ready to work with Grenada to implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative to promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, Xi said.

He added that China has always attached great importance to its relations with Caribbean countries and will continue to provide assistance within its capacity for the economic and social development of regional countries.

Mitchell expressed appreciation for China's timely assistance after Grenada was hit by a devastating hurricane in July last year.

Over the past 20 years, the Grenada-China relations have been continuously deepened, and Grenada firmly abides by the one-China principle and believes that China's sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected, Mitchell said.

He said Grenada, having benefited a lot from its relations with China, will continuously strengthen cooperation with China and learn from China's experience in governance.

Stressing China's leading role in the Global South, Mitchell said Grenada will stand firmly with China to implement the three major global initiatives and safeguard world peace and stability. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Prime Minister of Grenada Dickon Mitchell, who is on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 13, 2025. (Xinhua/Ding Lin)

Editor: JYZ
On 13 January Brazilian pollster Parana Pesquisas released poll results showing that, despite his declining popularity, Presidentcould currently defeat most right-wing challengers in the 2026 presidential race if he ran for re-election.

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Tourists feed black-headed gulls at the Haigeng Dam in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Jan. 8, 2025. Kunming has entered the best season of the year to observe the black-headed gulls. (Xinhua/Wang Jingyi)

A tourist feeds black-headed gulls at the Haigeng Dam in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Jan. 8, 2025. Kunming has entered the best season of the year to observe the black-headed gulls. (Xinhua/Wang Jingyi)

A tourist takes photos of a black-headed gull at the Haigeng Dam in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Jan. 8, 2025. Kunming has entered the best season of the year to observe the black-headed gulls. (Xinhua/Wang Jingyi)

A tourist poses for photos with black-headed gulls at Haihong Wetland Park in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Jan. 8, 2025. Kunming has entered the best season of the year to observe the black-headed gulls. (Xinhua/Wang Jingyi)

A tourist feeds black-headed gulls at Haihong Wetland Park in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Jan. 8, 2025. Kunming has entered the best season of the year to observe the black-headed gulls. (Xinhua/Wang Jingyi)

Tourists pose for photos with black-headed gulls at Haihong Wetland Park in Kunming, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Jan. 8, 2025. Kunming has entered the best season of the year to observe the black-headed gulls. (Xinhua/Wang Jingyi)

Editor: ZAD
The former and current Allentown police officers facing rape, prostitution and other felonies while on duty forced a prostitute to perform non-consensual sex acts to avoid jail time, authorities say.

Evan Jz Weaver, 45, of the 8800 block of Clearwater Circle in Weisenberg Township, is charged with two counts felony rape; one count felony kidnapping to inflict terror; one count felony involuntary servitude; two counts felony involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with threat forcible compulsion; and related offenses.

Jason Krasley, 47, of the 6400 block of Meadowview Terrace in Upper Milford Township, is charged with two counts felony rape; one count felony involuntary servitude; one count felony sex assault; three counts misdemeanor indecent assault; and related offenses.

Both Krasley and Weaver were arraigned Jan. 10 before District Judge Linda Vega Sirop, who set bail at 10% of $750,000 and 10% of $900,000, respectively. In lieu of bail, Krasley was taken to the Lehigh County Jail. Court records show Krasley has since posted bail, Weaver posted bail after the arraignment.

Bethlehem-based attorney James Burke, representing Krasley, has said his client absolutely denies the allegations. Court records did not immediately show any legal counsel for Weaver.

Prior to this week, investigators requested the affidavits of probable cause in the incident be sealed because they believed the paperwork posed a potential threat to the victim. Court records are now unsealed, shedding more light on the case.

Detectives with the Lehigh County District Attorneys Office began investigating the pair from May 2011 to early 2015.

Both Krasley and Weaver during that timeframe were employed with the departments vice unit. Krasleys duties included investigating prostitution and related offenses, while Weavers duties included investigating illegal narcotics and gun possession, court records state.

Authorities said Weaver on May 12, 2011 was assigned to investigate a narcotics incident involving the boyfriend of the female victim. Weaver was involved in the arrest of the pair at a city home, court records state.

Each was handcuffed and separated during the arrest. The victim went into an unmarked police SUV with Weaver and a driver, while the boyfriend was taken by police for processing, court records state.

The victim told investigators in an interview she thought she was under arrest and her Miranda rights were provided. Weaver told her if she didnt cooperate her whole life was being thrown away, court records state.

The woman then was told by Weaver she could do things not to go to prison, authorities said.

The driver of the SUV took the victim to a lot under a cover and was told to leave by Weaver, court records state. Weaver then allegedly forced the woman to perform a sex act while both remained in the SUV.

The woman later provided a written statement at the police station and was released without being charged, court records state.

The victim claimed she stayed in contact with Weaver and continued to perform sex acts with him until early 2015 to avoid being charged in various incidents he was involved in, court records state.

Authorities said Krasley and Weaver in 2015 both came in contact again with the victim when Krasley contacted her as part of an online sex ad investigation. Krasley arranged to meet her as part of the undercover work into prostitution at a city home, according to court records.

Krasley didnt identify himself as a police officer until the female victim emerged, recognized him and knew him from other prior interactions, court records state. Weaver additionally was aware they were in the victims home, authorities said.

When the victim asked if she was going to jail, Krasley allegedly replied, Why would I take you to jail? You know what you need to do.

Krasley then allegedly proceeded to rape the victim until Weaver came into the room and told Krasley to stop, court records state. The woman told Krasley no and tried to stop him throughout the incident, according to court records. Weaver then allegedly forced the victim to perform a sex act.

Authorities say Weaver and Krasley didnt document the 2015 incident or file charges.

Krasley left the department in 2021 and went to work for the SafeSport Center, which fired him last year shortly after learning hed been arrested for allegedly stealing $5,500 from a drug bust he helped conduct while on the force. Krasley is named in a whistleblower lawsuit filed last year by two Allentown officers who alleged widespread misconduct in the department.

Weaver, a current sergeant on the force, has since been placed on administrative leave.

Krasley and Weaver each are due back in court for a preliminary hearing tentatively scheduled for 1:45 p.m. Jan. 21 before Vega Sirop. A judge will then determine if theres sufficient evidence to send the case toward trial at the Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas.

If convicted, each faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.

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Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com.
A former agent with the Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office in Allentown has pleaded guilty to having child pornography on his home computer, authorities said.

Joshua Gonzalez, 40, of South Whitehall Township, on Monday pleaded guilty to 20 counts of felony possession of child pornography. Bail was revoked at the hearing before Lehigh County Court of Common Pleas Judge Robert L. Steinberg.

Gonzalez was then taken into custody. He now faces 70 to 140 years in state prison, as there is no plea agreement, the Lehigh County District Attorneys Office said.

Authorities say Gonzalez used his computer to upload videos of children. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a tip that someone uploaded the videos between Oct. 28, 2022, and April 12, 2023, the DAs office said.

A court order was obtained and later it was determined the downloaded videos came from Gonzalezs computer, authorities said.

Gonzalez was employed as an agent with the attorney general and is assigned to the Allentown office, the DAs office confirmed. Gonzalez was hired in March 2016 and his separation was effective Jan 4, 2024, said Brett Hambright, press secretary for the Office of Pennsylvania Attorney General.

Hambright previously called the conduct disturbing and told lehighvalleylive.com the Office of Attorney General was continuing its cooperation with law enforcement.

Attorney John Waldron, representing Gonzalez, told lehighvalleylive.com Tuesday morning he was blindsided by the request to revoke bail, noting his client is a U.S. Marine, cooperated with law enforcement and provided a statement to authorities.

He always appeared for hearings; violated no bail conditions, Waldron said. He will explain at sentencing his reasons for possessing the depictions. There was no reason to revoke his bail.

Gonzalez at 1:30 p.m. March 31 is due back to court for his sentencing.

The case was investigated by South Whitehall Township Police Detective Tyler Doherty and is being prosecuted by Lehigh County Chief Deputy District Attorney Christine F. Murphy.

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Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com.
Cold arctic high pressure west of the Mid-Atlantic is keeping below-normal temperatures and dry conditions in place through mid-week in the Lehigh Valley, the National Weather Service says.

Snow showers are possible Tuesday into early Wednesday near and north of the Interstate 80 corridor, with no significant accumulations expected. The Lehigh Valley could see light snow showers or flurries Thursday afternoon, with a 20% chance of precipitation, but again with limited accumulations of up to a potential dusting in the Poconos.

Daytime highs in the Lehigh Valley arent forecast to rise above freezing until Friday, with nighttime lows approaching or around 20 for the rest of the work week, the weather service says in its forecast for Lehigh Valley International Airport.

Breezy conditions will make it feel colder, with a steady west wind approaching 15 mph through Wednesday and gusts as high as 25-30 mph. Winds diminish to 5-10 mph and become southwesterly Thursday.

 Back to below normal temperatures through Thursday. Highs in the upper 20s to low 30s and lows around 15-20. Single digit wind chills tonight. Generally dry, but a few snow showers possible Thursday. #PAwx #NJwx #DEwx #MDwx  NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) January 14, 2025

Temperatures Saturday in the Lehigh Valley are forecast just above the normal high/low this time of year of around 38/21-22, with a chance for rain or freezing rain throughout the day into early Sunday.

Sundays chance of snow in the Lehigh Valley is around 30%, extending into Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, as forecasters are watching the potential for a coastal system to move into the region. The latest modeling suggests the system may move too far offshore to have much of an impact, according to the weather service forecast discussion Tuesday morning.

Bobby Martrich from Lehigh Valley-based EPAWA Weather Consulting LLC said in his Tuesday forecast video that models suggest anywhere from 1-3 inches to 3-6 inches of snow could be possible from the storm. The timing could impact the Philadelphia Eagles home divisional-round game versus the Los Angeles Rams set for kickoff at 3 p.m. Sunday, he also said.

We have a couple days to look at this yet, but were just going to continue to monitor this throughout the week, Martrich said.

Early next week, the weather service expects to see the coldest airmass of this winter across the Midwest and much of the Northeast: A period of a few days of well below freezing temperatures could lead to some cold weather impacts to infrastructure, including freezing water pipes and high demand for heating energy, the forecast discussion states.

Very cold next week! https://t.co/KsQx7MdaFJ  NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) January 14, 2025

Follow your local forecast at lehighvalleylive.com/weather with watches, warnings and other advisories available as theyre issued at lehighvalleylive.com/weather-alerts.

Current weather radar

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Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com.
THREE years to the day after her death, hundreds of people turned out to remember Ashling Murphy at an anniversary Mass in Mountbolus and a walk along the Grand Canal near Tullamore.

St Brigid's Church was packed on Sunday morning, January 12, with the congregation lined up each side of the pews and standing room only inside the main door.

Fr Michael Meade, parish priest of Kilcormac and Killoughey, was the celebrant and the Mass featured music played by members of Ballyboy Comhaltas and moving renditions of the songs Amazing Grace and The Prayer, the latter made famous by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli.

In the afternoon the annual memorial walk took place on the canal bank to the place where the 23-year-old primary teacher from Cully, Blueball was murdered on January 12, 2022.

Traditional tunes were played by many musicians and Ray Murphy, Ashling's father, played the mandolin and Ashling's sister Amy played the accordion.

Those gathered prayed a decade of the rosary and many people paused at the canalside shrine for their own private moments of reflection.

Ashling had gone for a walk along the canal bank between Tullamore and Cappincur after finishing a day's work at Durrow National School.

A graduate of Mary Immaculate College of Education, she was a keen traditional musician who gave fiddle lessons to children along with her job as a teacher in Durrow.

The Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund was founded to support the development of traditional Irish arts, culture and heritage for young people and donations can be made by logging onto the iDonate page Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund.

A post on the Ashling Murphy Memorial Fund Facebook page on Sunday morning before the Mass said: Today we remember our beloved Ashling, who is so dearly missed each and every day, especially by her heartbroken family and wide circle of friends. Always loved, Never Forgotten, Forever Missed.

Ashling's killer, Jozef Puska, now aged 34, is a native of Slovakia who was living in Mucklagh at the time of the killing.

He was sentenced to life in prison in November 2023 for the murder following a trial at the Central Criminal Court.
Laois County Council has granted planning permission for a 24m telecommunications mast in the townland of Morette despite concerns from local residents over potential health implications and the effect on the natural beauty of the area.



Vantage Towers Limited applied for permission for the structure along with a 1.2 metre high raised foundation, associated antennas and dishes at the site which is 2.2km south of Emo. The company has also been granted permission to remove the existing 15 metre mast and replace it with the bigger structure.



Four objections were received from residents all with addresses of Dublin Road, Morette, Emo - Maureen Keegan, Miriam Keegan, William Keegan and John Keegan.



In their submissions they raised similar concerns about the structure's impact on the natural beauty of the area.



"For 30 years the neighbourhood has been dominated by the 15m telecommunications tower which has become an industrial blemish on what was a serene area. The proposed expansion to 24m threatens to intensify the disruption overshadowing the natural beauty of the surroundings," said Maureen Keegan.



They also raised concerns about how the proposal threatens to reduce property values significantly. It was pointed out that the tower is uniquely positioned at the entrance of a residential property.



Concerns were raised about how the increased traffic from construction and maintenance will introduce congestion and safety risks on an already busy road.



The objections argued that the family is exposed to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) daily and the health implications of this on nearby residents.



In his submission John Keegan claimed Vantage Towers Limited had not demonstrated sufficient exploration of alternative solutions such as relocating the tower to a less residential area or upgrading the existing infrastructure with advanced technology.



Maureen Keegan said expanding the infrastructure is 'unjustifiable' given the adverse consequences it would impose on the community.



The applicant outlined that to provide sufficient 4G services to a wider area a new structure with the increased height is required. A Technical Justification for the development was submitted to the local authority and these documents indicate that the proposed development is required by Vodafone. They said this is due to inadequate infrastructure in the wider area and the need to fulfil current and future demand as the area has a deficiency in 4G and 5G coverage. It is further stated that the proposed development and particularly the increased height of the infrastructure on site will rectify coverage issues, substantially improving 4G and 5G connectivity.



Laois County Council granted planning permission with eleven conditions attached.
A student bursary award has been launched in honour of Irish journalist Nick Sheridan, who died suddenly last year aged 32.

He presented programmes on BBC Scotland including Drivetime, the Nine and Seven Days, and had previously been consumer affairs correspondent for BBC Scotland News and a presenter on RTE's news2day.

Mr Sheridan, originally from County Wexford, died in March after a short illness.

His former employers the BBC and STV as well as the University of the West of Scotland (UWS), where he worked as a part-time lecturer, are now funding the Nick Sheridan Memorial Bursary.

Launching at the start of the 2025 academic year, successful bursary candidate will receive 1,500, as well as a weeks paid work experience at BBC Scotland and STV after graduation.

The bursary will go to a final-year student studying either the BA (Hons) television, radio & podcast production course or BA (Hons) journalism/sport journalism course at UWS, selected on the basis of their third-year coursework.

BBC Scotland director Hayley Valentine said: Nick was the heart and soul of the BBC Scotland newsroom and we miss him every day.

Im delighted were able to announce this bursary in his name with our partners at STV and UWS.

Its a fitting tribute and I hope it helps students capable of matching Nicks considerable talent realise that potential.

I look forward to meeting the first recipient of the Nick Sheridan Memorial Bursary later this year.

Linda Grimes Douglas, head of news and current affairs at STV, said: Nick was a highly-skilled broadcaster and an impeccable journalist with a natural flair for storytelling.

His talent and warm sense of humour made him a pleasure to have in the newsroom.

We are so pleased to be partnering with BBC Scotland and the University of the West of Scotland in the creation of this special bursary, to support new broadcast and published journalism talent in his name.

Professor Dr Kasim N Sheikh, dean of the School of Business & Creative Industries at UWS, said: Nick Sheridan made a huge impact on the lives of UWS students during his time with us.

He was generous with his expertise, his time and his humanity.

The university has an excellent track record of producing work-ready graduates and it is wonderful that this award, made in his name by the BBC and STV, will support the next generation of students as they consider careers in the broadcast industries.

On behalf of Nicks family, his brother Brian said: We are humbled and truly grateful to the BBC, STV and the University of the West of Scotland for coming together to develop this bursary in Nicks name, of which he would be so proud.

Nick was hugely passionate about developing the talents of future journalists and this bursary offers a wonderful opportunity for a young person to honour this passion for media in his name.
Tributes have poured in following the sad passing of Josephine (Josie) Byrne (nee Young), late of Ballycleary, Castletown, Laois.

Josie passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 11, 2025, surrounded by her loving family in the care of staff at St. Vincent's University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin.

She is predeceased by her parents Thomas and Joan, brothers Seamus and TJ.

Josie is deeply regretted by her loving husband Tony, sons James and Colm, brothers Con, Ger and Liam, sister Breeda, nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends.

Heartfelt condolences have been left on RIP.ie, from those who knew and remembered Josie, with one mourner writing,

"Deepest condolences to the Byrne and Young families on the passing of Josie. I will be forever grateful for the laughs and memories made in the Byrne household growing up."

Another wrote,

"My sincere sympathy to the Byrne family and also to the Young families on the sad and untimely passing of Josie. I was in secondary school with Josie. She was always happy go lucky and was so witty. Rest In Peace Josie."

While another wrote,

"Sympathies to all of you at Josephines passing. I used to work with Josephine in Portlaoise. I enjoyed many chats with her. Her first love was always her family."

Funeral Arrangements

Josie's funeral cortege will arrive at St. Edmunds Church, Castletown on Wednesday, January 15, for Funeral Mass at 11am which may be viewed on the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/@St.EdmundsChurchCastleto-tw7el

Private Cremation will take place at a later date.

House private please and no flowers please by request
The appearance of a flag depicting the emblems of the four provinces has been criticised.

Labour councillor Rupert Heather said Kildare County Council should follow the example of other local authorities and remove all unauthorised flags on poles around the county.

He said the four provinces flag is believed by some to be associated with groups opposed to asylum seekers.

He said one is flying outside the parish church in Naas.

The flag is on a wooden street light pole at Sallins Road - a public place outside the church grounds - and has nothing to to with the church or the church authorities.

A similar flag flies from a public lighting standard near Johnstown on the main route to Dublin.

The councillor told a meeting that the flags are divisive and Id like to see them gone.

Read more Kildare news

Independent councillor Padraig McEvoy said the message around the flying of the flag is not clear but it appears to be linked to a form of protest which is not welcome.

KCC official Alan Dunney said the flying of the flags would be investigated but he stopped short of a guarantee that any would be removed.

He added that if flags are attached to council property or premises without authorisation they will be removed. Where flags are displayed on private property, exemptions may apply under the provisions of the Planning Acts, he added.

He also said each case would need to be examined, as an exemption may or may not apply.

KCCs policy relating to the flying of flags relates to all council owned buildings.
Local politicians are urging Kildare County Council to provide more support for festivals.

Among the suggestions put forward is for KCC to buy equipment such as stages, scaffolding, a sound system and crowd barriers which would be used at various events staged around the county.

Fianna Fail councillor Suzanne Doyle told a KCC meeting that it should use economies of scale to deliver cost savings as well as expertise in event management and promotion. She said this would boost the local economy and positive opportunities for community integration and pride of place.

She said the county should have at least three festivals of national importance and one could be staged in Leixlip around the history of Arthur Guinness.

Independent councillor Bill Clear said a mobile stage should be bought because it is expensive to hire one at short notice but Cllr Bernard Caldwell said each festival should operate on its own because of the risk of disputes when the organisers of events want to use the same equipment at the same time.

Read more Kildare news

Cllr Tom McDonnell said some equipment like barriers and scaffolding could be bought relatively cheaply and he said festivals bring people together.

According to KCC, it assists several groups and festivals across the county with significant funding. In 2024, 150 festival groups were supported through the Community Festival scheme and the Brigid 1500 celebrations. KCC official Marian Higgins said this will continue.

The Brigid celebrations were directly managed by a small team within the community department in Kildare County Council.

However she said the development of a dedicated festivals section within KCC would require a significant increase in staffing which is not currently available or budgeted for.

KCC is unable to undertake any additional events, she added.

Ms Higgins also said 80,000 people participated in the Brigid 1500 events. Referring to a suggestion that the county should have one festival a month, she said this would be a huge ask.
Town and city gift vouchers have become increasingly popular across Ireland, sparking calls for the introduction of a similar initiative in Leitrim to stimulate the local economy.

Cllr Maeve Reynolds highlighted the benefits of such vouchers, proposing that the Council in collaboration with the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) explore the potential for introducing a similar scheme.

A Leitrim gift card would give employers an opportunity to reward their staff directly and contribute to the local economy, Cllr Reynolds said.

Cllr Reynolds told members of the high commission rates that are charged by existent voucher schemes, such as One4All, which may discourage small businesses from participating.

She also noted that only 28 businesses across the county accept One4All vouchers.

A Leitrim gift card would provide a low cost alternative to help more businesses engage and will ensure that more money stays in the local economy, she added.

She explained the success of similar initiatives, using Letterkenny as an example. Since its introduction in 2004, 22.7 million of gift cards have been purchased and 5.7 million was recorded in sales in 2023 alone.

One third of customers also reportedly sent up to four times the value of the card.

Making the gift card available across the entire county would not only support local businesses but also foster a sense of unity throughout the county, connecting communities north and south for a better initiative to reinforce the idea of cohesive sport, Cllr Reynolds concluded.

All members supported Cllr Reynolds motion.

The Local Enterprise Office responded, stating that while they previously explored options in collaboration with the Council, the initiative can be revisited.

Leitrim LEO explained that active participation and strong commitment of local retailers is essential to the success of such schemes.

Leitrim County Council and LEO will engage with the respective Town Teams and Business Groups to see if Leitrim businesses would be interested in introducing this type of initiative, the reply concluded.

READ MORE: Irish language flourishing in Leitrim, yet Oifigeach Gaeilge role lies vacant
Trump's remarks on Greenland spark unease in Europe, signal further U.S.-Europe divisions

Xinhua) 08:09, January 14, 2025

COPENHAGEN, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's recent remarks on potentially using military force to gain control of Greenland have rung alarm bells across Europe, highlighting major differences between the United States and its European allies.

This controversy, which centers on Greenland's sovereignty, has drawn widespread opposition from European leaders and fueled concerns about Trump's motivations, as well as the future of transatlantic relations.

This photo taken on Oct. 19, 2024 shows the floating ice near Nuuk, capital of Greenland, a self-governing Danish territory. (Photo by Luo Yizhou/Xinhua)

WIDESPREAD OPPOSITION

During a recent press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate, Trump said he would not rule out using military or economic action to acquire Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark. He also said he would consider imposing tariffs on Denmark "at a very high level" if it resisted his offer to acquire the territory.

In response, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen firmly rejected Trump's statements, emphasizing Greenland's sovereignty. "Greenland's future must be decided in Nuuk," she said, referring to the territory's capital.

Greenland's Prime Minister Mute Egede echoed her stance, stressing that "Greenland belongs to Greenlanders" and rejecting external influence on the region.

Greenland's major political parties, including the ruling Inuit Ataqatigiit and Siumut parties, also rejected Trump's bid.

"We do not want to be part of the United States," said Mariane Paviasen, spokesperson for the Inuit Ataqatigiit party.

Erik Jensen, chairman of the Siumut party, emphasized Greenland's desire for self-governance, while leader of the opposition Naleraq party Pele Broberg noted that "Greenland is not a commodity to be traded."

The controversy has also stirred tensions in Europe. When discussing Trump's remarks with other European Union leaders, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reiterated that the inviolability of borders is "fundamental international law".

Noting that Greenland is a "territory of the European Union and of Europe," French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot warned against Trump's statements. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store called Trump's remarks "unacceptable" and warned of the threat to NATO unity and European stability.

Trump's ambition to "conquer" Greenland is an unprecedented move among Western allies, said Robert Frank, a Croatian political analyst, adding that Trump's policy of prioritizing America's interests while disregarding the EU's sentiments is likely to alter U.S.-EU relations after he assumes office.

"In the future, the division between America and the EU could grow even larger, posing an even greater threat to the survival of the European family," he noted.

This photo taken on Oct. 19, 2024 shows the scenery of Nuuk, capital of Greenland, a self-governing Danish territory. (Photo by Luo Yizhou/Xinhua)

WIDENED DIVISIONS

The tension over Greenland, an island boasting rich resources and bearing growing strategic significance, is seen as part of a broader pattern of U.S. unilateralism under Trump's "America First" policy, which clashes with European values of multilateral cooperation and respect for sovereignty.

The controversial remarks have intensified concerns about the future of U.S.-Europe relations, with experts warning that the divisions could deepen further after his inauguration.

Washington's relationship with Europe, especially with the EU, will change significantly, said Frank.

"In the future, the division between America and the EU could be even bigger and even more dangerous for the survival of the European family," he said.

Experts believe Trump's statements have left an indelible impact on European perceptions of U.S. reliability as an ally.

Francois Heisbourg, special advisor at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, said that Trump's return to power could lead to Europe drifting away from American influence.

"A world without America is a world where there are no more alliance systems as there have been since the end of the Second World War," Heisbourg said, warning that Europe must prepare for "less America" on the global stage.

As the United States moves forward under a new Trump administration, European leaders face the growing challenge of balancing cooperation with strategic independence, especially in geopolitically sensitive regions like the Arctic.

Danish political scientist Kristian Soby Kristensen emphasized the challenges of defending Greenland, given Denmark's limited military resources and reliance on U.S. support. The asymmetry underscores Europe's vulnerability in the face of Trump's transactional diplomacy.

"Denmark has been very aware it cannot defend Greenland against anybody on its own," Kristensen said, adding that Denmark's armed forces, which "have been focused on more routine peacetime military activities," are neither equipped nor trained to resist a U.S. invasion.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Gas pipes are seen at a natural gas storage facility operated by Hungarian Gas Storage Ltd. in the village of Zsana, Hungary, May 20, 2022. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)

Hungary has reiterated the importance of the TurkStream pipeline for Central Europe's energy security.

BUDAPEST, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Any action threatening the safety or functionality of the pipeline should be regarded as "an attack on the sovereignty of gas-receiving nations," Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto said Monday.

Hungary has reiterated the importance of the TurkStream pipeline for Central Europe's energy security, following reports of a Ukrainian drone attack on the Russkaya compressor station in Russia, which supplies natural gas through the pipeline.

Turkstream is "indispensable" in the natural gas supply of Hungary and Central Europe, Szijjarto said in a Facebook post, adding that TurkStream has been a reliable energy corridor for years, "with all parties-suppliers and transit countries-honoring contractual obligations."

"We expect everyone to respect the safety and functionality of this transport route," Szijjarto added.

A man shows gas consumption on a meter in downtown Budapest, Hungary, on July 13, 2022. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)

In his post, Szijjarto shared an article published on the local news portal Index citing a report from Russia's defence ministry that Ukrainian armed forces used drones to attack infrastructure that is crucial to the operation of the TurkStream gas pipeline on Saturday.

The Russian Ministry of Defense reported Monday that all nine drones involved in the attack were intercepted, causing only minor damage to a building and equipment, with no impact on gas supply through the pipeline.

The TurkStream corridor is vital for Hungary and other Central European nations, particularly since the start of the year, as it has effectively replaced the traditional Ukrainian route for Russian gas supplies. This shift has made TurkStream a key pillar of the region's energy security strategy.

Editor: GSY
The position of an Oifigeach Gaeilge, or Irish Language Officer, has been vacant since 2012. Irish speakers in Leitrim have been advocating for its reinstatement, noting the growing use of Irish in the county.

There have been high numbers of enrolment at Leitrims two Gaelscoileanna, alongside sizeable attendance at Irish language classes and at Comhra sessions across the county.

Leitrim County Council returned for its first meeting of the full year with Cllr Cormac Flynn presenting the first motion as Gaeilge.

We need to employ the services of an Oifigeach Gaeilge. Lots of other counties have them and we had one in the past part-time, Cllr Flynn said.

Its time to live up to our own high expectations of developing the language in the county.In May of last year, Conradh na Gaeilge made a presentation to Leitrim County Council where they outlined the need for such a position.

Cllr Flynns motion was met with widespread support across the board with members emphasising dedication in communities to revitalise the language.

Cllr James Gilmartin noted that the most recent census showed a third of the population of Leitrim speak Irish to a reasonable level.

Theres great Conradh na Gaeilge in different parts of the county and I really feel were missing a beat here with respect to the cultural impact of the language, he added.

The language is in a better place now than it was 20 years ago, commented Cllr Maeve Reynolds. It needs to be capitalised now and put someone in a full time role to back that progress up.

A reply from Mary Quinn, Director of Services, Housing and Community, Corporate Services, Cultural and Emergency Services stated that there is no provision in the Councils 2025 Budget for the position of a full time Oifigeach Gaeilge.

There is pressure on our resources every year, and in that context there is no provision in 2025 for a full time position, said Ms Quinn.

Ms Quinn acknowledged the importance of a full time Oifigeach Gaeilge and affirmed the aspirations of those advocating for the position will not be dismissed.

There are things we can consider in relation to a part time position or the duties being assigned to a particular person, but we will be looking at this in the context of our workforce strategy, she said.

Ms Quinn added that the Council adheres to its Irish language obligations and that employing an Irish language officer would need to align with the requirements of a local authority. She emphasised that the role would require clear prioritisation and a focus on specific responsibilities.

Cllr Flynn, who tabled the motion, accepted the response, and added that the position could secure funding and generate revenue for Leitrim, asking Ms Quinn not to rule it out.

READ MORE: MEP calls for comprehensive probe in Rooskey farmer's death
Medtronic announces CMS national coverage analysis for Symplicitytm Spyral Renal Denervation System





National coverage analysis is the first-of-its kind for a minimally invasive, interventional treatment for high blood pressure

Milestone is supported by large public health need and robust, long-term data from the SPYRAL-HTN global clinical program

GALWAY, Ireland, Jan. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Medtronic plc (NYSE: MDT), a global leader in healthcare technology, today announced that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is opening a national coverage analysis (NCA) on renal denervation, a process that will allow the agency to review and develop a national Medicare coverage policy for renal denervation procedures for patients with hypertension. This national coverage analysis was initiated by CMS in response to Medtronic's request to support Medicare beneficiary access to the Symplicitytm Spyral renal denervation (RDN) system, used in the Symplicity blood pressure procedure.

"Hypertension is a global health epidemic that impacts a wide variety of patients," said Jason Weidman, senior vice president and president of the Coronary and Renal Denervation business within the Cardiovascular Portfolio at Medtronic. "As the leader in developing a minimally invasive treatment option for hypertension, Medtronic has been closely engaged with CMS to establish a national coverage pathway for Symplicity Spyral. We appreciate CMS' efforts in creating new pathways to expedite access to breakthrough technologies like Symplicity Spyral and look forward to our continued partnership in developing a national coverage policy."

CMS' action follows Medtronic's work with the agency to pilot the framework for the Transitional Coverage for Emerging Technologies (TCET) pathway to establish coverage for the Symplicity Spyral renal denervation system, a U.S. FDA-approved breakthrough device. As referenced in the CMS tracking sheet, the expected completion date for the national coverage analysis is October 11, 2025. Until a national coverage determination is put into effect, Symplicity blood pressure procedures will continue to be evaluated for coverage based on medical necessity for individual Medicare patients.

About the Symplicity Spyral renal denervation procedure

The Symplicity Spyral RDN system, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in November 2023, is an innovative, minimally invasive procedure that delivers radiofrequency energy to nerves near the kidneys that can become overactive and contribute to high blood pressure. Symplicity Spyral is the only commercially available RDN device with the breadth of durable, consistent, long-term data and single catheter design. The SPYRAL-HTN clinical program has demonstrated 18 mmHg office blood pressure reductions out to three years in a real-world setting,1 has the longest and largest real-world registry2 and the largest dataset showing long-term reductions without the need for additional medication.2-3

The Medtronic SPYRAL HTN Global Clinical Program is the most comprehensive clinical program studying RDN in over 4,000 patients in the presence and absence of medication, and with high baseline cardiovascular risk. The Symplicity blood pressure procedure has demonstrated sustained and durable drops in blood pressure out to three years in randomized control and real-world registry trials.5-8 The Symplicity RDN system is approved for commercial use in over 75 countries around the world.

About Hypertension

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, impacts more than1 billion adults worldwide, and is the leading modifiable cause of heart attack, stroke, and death.4 Despite available treatment with medications and lifestyle changes, blood pressure remains uncontrolled for many patients. Nearly 80% of adults with hypertension do not have it under control1 and half of hypertension patients become non-adherent to medication within one year.4-5

About Medtronic

Bold thinking. Bolder actions. We are Medtronic. Medtronic plc, headquartered in Galway, Ireland, is the leading global healthcare technology company that boldly attacks the most challenging health problems facing humanity by searching out and finding solutions. Our Mission ? to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life ? unites a global team of 95,000+ passionate people across more than 150 countries. Our technologies and therapies treat 70 health conditions and include cardiac devices, surgical robotics, insulin pumps, surgical tools, patient monitoring systems, and more. Powered by our diverse knowledge, insatiable curiosity, and desire to help all those who need it, we deliver innovative technologies that transform the lives of two people every second, every hour, every day. Expect more from us as we empower insight-driven care, experiences that put people first, and better outcomes for our world. In everything we do, we are engineering the extraordinary. For more information on Medtronic, visit www.Medtronic.com and follow Medtronic on LinkedIn.

Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's periodic reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

1 Mahfoud F, Kandzari DE, Kario K, et al. Long-term efficacy and safety of renal denervation in the presence of antihypertensive drugs (SPYRAL HTN-ON MED): a randomized, sham-controlled trial. The Lancet. 2022; 399:1401-1410.

2 Mahfoud F, Mancia G, Schmieder RE, et al. Outcomes Following Radiofrequency Renal Denervation According to Antihypertensive Medications: Subgroup Analysis of the Global SYMPLICITY Registry DEFINE. Hypertension. 2023 Aug ;80(8):1759-177.

3 Kandzari DE et al. Long-term Safety and Efficacy of Radiofrequency Renal Denervation in the Presence of Antihypertensive Drugs: 24-Month Results from the SPYRAL HTN?ON MED Randomized Trial. TCT 2024

4 WHO. Hypertension fact sheet. September 13, 2019. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hypertension. Accessed February 15, 2022.

5 Bhatt, D. et al, Long-term outcomes after catheter-based renal artery denervation for resistant hypertension: final follow-up of the randomised SYMPLICITY HTN-3 Trial. The Lancet. September 18, 2022. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(22)01787-1.

6 Mahfoud, F. et al. Outcomes Following Radiofrequency Renal Denervation According to Antihypertensive Medications: Subgroup Analysis of the Global SYMPLICITY Registry DEFINE. Hypertension. August 2023; DOI: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.123.21283.

7Mahfoud, F. et al. Long-term efficacy and safety of renal denervation in the presence of antihypertensive drugs (SPYRAL HTN-ON MED): a randomised, sham-controlled trial. The Lancet. April 2022. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(22)00455-X(opens new window)

8 Mahfoud, F. et al. Cardiovascular Risk Reduction After Renal Denervation According to Time in Therapeutic Systolic Blood Pressure Range. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. November 2022. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2022.08.802

Contacts:

Krystin Hayward Leong Ryan Weispfenning Public Relations Investor Relations +1-508-261-6512 +1-763-505-4626

SOURCE Medtronic plc

13 january 2025 at 16:32

News published onand distributed by:
EBC Financial Group Recognised Across Four Top Categories in FXEmpire's 2025 Review





LONDON, Jan. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EBC Financial Group (EBC), a leading global brokerage, has been recognised in FXEmpire's 2025 review, earning recognition in four key categories: Best FCA-regulated Broker for Professionals, Best ASIC-regulated Broker for Automated Trading, Best Order Execution for Copy & Social Trading, and Best Fast Execution Broker for Day Traders. This assessment highlights both EBC's strengths and areas where it continues to evolve as one of the top FCA-regulated brokers on FXEmpire's platform.





Alongside these recognitions, EBC received high praise for several aspects of its trading services, showcasing the company's commitment to making trading seamless, reliable, and accessible for all types of traders.

Streamlined Deposit and Withdrawal Process

EBC's deposit and withdrawal process received high praise for its exceptional speed, efficiency, and reliability. By providing a seamless financial experience, EBC ensures traders can transfer funds effectively and with confidence, reflecting its dedication to delivering trusted trading services.

Flexible Account Offerings

EBC's account options were recognised for their flexibility and versatility, catering to a diverse range of trading needs. Whether for novice or professional traders, EBC's personalised account structures are designed to meet unique requirements and enhance trading experiences.

Cutting-Edge Platforms and Tools

EBC's trading platforms and tools earned strong recognition for their performance and innovative features. With MetaTrader 4 and 5, VPS hosting, and AI-driven solutions, EBC empowers traders to execute strategies with precision and confidently explore new opportunities. Additionally, EBC's proprietary copy trading platform was praised for its innovative use of AI, enabling seamless social trading for both novice and experienced traders.

Elevating the Trading Environment: Flexible, Fast, and Reliable

These results come from the flexibility of EBC's platform, designed to support traders of all experience levels with intuitive and easy-to-use features. With tight spreads and low commission fees, EBC offers a cost-efficient trading environment for those looking to optimise their investment strategies.

EBC's trading environment is further enhanced by ultra-fast order execution speeds of under 20 milliseconds, ensuring traders can capitalise on market opportunities with precision and minimal slippage. Exceptional customer service remains a cornerstone of EBC's offerings, with 24/7 support ensuring clients always have access to assistance. By adhering to stringent regulatory standards and maintaining transparency, EBC fosters trust and reliability globally.

EBC also empowers traders with advanced tools, such as an order flow analysis tool powered by CME data, delivering institutional-grade insights. This complements its diverse selection of financial products, including forex, stocks, indices, and commodities, catering to a wide range of trading preferences.

Beyond its product offerings, EBC prioritises trader education through webinars, tutorials, and market insights, equipping clients with the knowledge to make confident and informed decisions.

Looking ahead, EBC continues to build on its strengths by expanding its range of tradable instruments, enhancing educational resources, and upholding its commitment to client protection with regulatory oversight from the FCA, CIMA, and ASIC. With Lloyds of London insurance coverage reinforcing client security, EBC exemplifies its focus on setting new benchmarks for security, innovation, and global excellence.

Proven by Ratings, Driven by Innovation

EBC's recognition is a testament to its ability to meet the highest industry standards, as verified by FXEmpire's renowned review methodology. FXEmpire employs a proprietary rating system based on meticulous testing, live trials, detailed questionnaires, and in-person broker demonstrations.

Brokers are evaluated on over 250 variables across nine critical categories, including regulatory compliance, platform features, fees, customer service, research, and education. Categories are scored on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 denoting excellences. This rigorous process ensures that FXEmpire's ratings provide traders with reliable insights to make informed financial decisions.

As the company continues to grow, these accolades serve as a foundation for further excellence in the ever-evolving financial landscape. By prioritising client trust and long-term partnerships, EBC remains poised to lead the forex industry, shaping a future where every trading experience is backed by integrity, innovation, and opportunity.

Discover how EBC's award-winning platform can enhance your trading experience. Visit www.ebc.com to explore our tools, resources, and account offerings tailored to traders of all levels.

About EBC Financial Group

Founded in the esteemed financial district of London, EBC Financial Group (EBC) is renowned for its services in financial brokerage and asset management. With offices strategically located in prominent financial centres such as London, Sydney, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore, the Cayman Islands, Bangkok, Limassol, and more, EBC enables retail, professional, and institutional investors to access a wide range of global markets and trading opportunities, including currencies, commodities, shares, and indices.

Recognised by multiple awards, EBC prides itself on adhering to leading levels of ethical standards and international regulation. EBC Financial Group's subsidiaries are regulated and licensed in their local jurisdictions. EBC Financial Group (UK) Limited is regulated by the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), EBC Financial Group (Cayman) Limited is regulated by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA), EBC Financial Group (Australia) Pty Ltd, and EBC Asset Management Pty Ltd are regulated by Australia's Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC).

At the core of EBC Group are seasoned professionals with over 30 years of profound experience in major financial institutions, having adeptly navigated through significant economic cycles from the Plaza Accord to the 2015 Swiss franc crisis. EBC champions a culture where integrity, respect, and client asset security are paramount, ensuring that every investor engagement is treated with the utmost seriousness it deserves.

EBC is the Official Foreign Exchange Partner of FC Barcelona, offering specialised services in regions such as Asia, LATAM, the Middle East, Africa, and Oceania. EBC is also a partner of United to Beat Malaria, a campaign of the United Nations Foundation, aiming to improve global health outcomes. Starting February 2024, EBC supports the 'What Economists Really Do' public engagement series by Oxford University's Department of Economics, demystifying economics, and its application to major societal challenges to enhance public understanding and dialogue.

https://www.ebc.com/

Media Contact:

Savitha Ravindran

Global Public Relations Manager (EMEA, LATAM)

[email protected]

Chyna Elvina

Global Public Relations Manager (APAC, LATAM)

[email protected]

Douglas Chew

Global Public Relations Lead

[email protected]

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/93573bc0-c0b2-43a0-a40b-432c6790f11d

13 january 2025 at 21:25

News published onand distributed by:
Vital Battery Metals Drills 20.5m of 1.21% Cu Including 5.0m of 2.22% Cu at Sting Copper Project





Highlights

Strong copper grades from maiden fall 2024 drill program at the Sting Copper Project, western Newfoundland

VB24-001: 20.5m at 1.21% Cu including 5.0m at 2.22% Cu and 54.8m at 0.32% Cu*

54.8m at 0.32% Cu* VB24-002: 78.0m at 0.24% Cu including 9.0m at 0.76% Cu

VB24-003: 0.50m at 2.85% Cu and 0.50m at 1.92% Cu and 31.1m at 0.27% Cu

0.50m at 1.92% Cu 31.1m at 0.27% Cu VB24-004: 2.70m at 0.61% Cu

VB24-005: 22.85m at 0.20% Zn including 3.5m at 0.51% Zn and 0.50m at 1.24% Cu and 0.60% Zn and 1.05m at 1.13% Cu and 0.12% Zn and 5.25m at 0.57% Cu

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vital Battery Metals Inc. ("Vital" or the "Company") (CSE: VBAM | OTC: VBAMF | FRA: C0O), is pleased to report assay results from its fall 2024 drilling campaign at the Company's Sting Copper Project ("Project"), located in western Newfoundland, Canada. A total of 912 meters were drilled in five holes (Figs. 1-2, Table 1), and all assay results have been received and are reported herein. Mineralized intervals of note are summarized in Table 2 and shown in Figure 2.

Adrian Lamoureux, Vital's Chief Executive Officer and President, commented: "These exceptional results confirm the Sting Project's potential as a high-grade copper deposit and validate Vital's exploration strategy. The highest ever grade-thickness copper intercepts on this side of the Bay of Islands highlight the opportunity for significant resource development in the region."





Figure 1: Sting Copper Project Location Map





Figure 2: Sting Copper Project drilling results overview. Chargeability results at 100m depth from this year's IP survey are shown in the background.

Initial drilling targeted the Jumbo showing, previously reported as 9.0% Cu across 9.1m (Assessment File 012G/08/0002). Key results include:

VB24-001: Intersected 54.8m at 0.32% Cu starting at a depth of 27.0m, with higher-grade intervals including six samples (?0.5m length) ranging from 0.96% to 5.43% Cu. The main mineralized zone, likely extending from the Jumbo showing, begins at 81.8m, yielding 20.5m at 1.21% Cu, with chalcopyrite-rich zones up to 7.12% Cu over 0.5m.



VB24-002: Drilled westward under the Jumbo showing, intersecting broad, lower-grade mineralization with 78.0m at 0.24% Cu, including 9.0m at 0.76% Cu.



VB24-003 and VB24-004: Targeted a prominent chargeability anomaly to the east. VB24-003 returned multiple high-grade samples, including 0.5m at 2.85% Cu and 0.5m at 1.92% Cu with an additional broader interval of 31.1m at 0.27% Cu.



VB24-005: Intersected the basalt-gabbro contact above the main mineralization zone. Key intercepts include 22.85m at 0.20% Zn (with 3.5m at 0.51% Zn), and copper bearing intervals including 0.5m at 1.24% Cu and 0.6% Zn, 1.05m at 1.13% Cu, and 5.25m at 0.57% Cu.



These results demonstrate the potential of the Sting Copper Project to host significant copper and zinc mineralization. The discovery of high-grade zones alongside broader lower-grade intervals may provide vectors for additional zones of interest.

Table 1: Detailed information for drill holes outlined in this news release

Hole ID

UTM Coordinates (NAD 83) Azimuth ()

Dip ()

Length (m)

Easting Northing Elevation VB24-001 417951 5464750 386 347 -55 159 VB24-002 417948 5464747 385 284 -46 162 VB24-003 418169 5464745 379 324 -56 192 VB24-004 418172 5464746 377 54 -47 147 VB24-005 418288 5464833 360 323 -50 252





Table 2: Summary of analytical results in Sting fall 2024 drill program

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Cu (%) Zn (%) VB24-001

27.00 81.80 54.80 0.32 0.01 incl. 71.20 71.80 0.60 5.43 0.07 81.80 102.25 20.45 1.21 0.02 incl. 81.80 86.80 5.00 2.22 0.03 or 81.80 82.30 0.50 6.84 0.05 or 85.70 86.20 0.50 7.12 0.08 VB24-002

13.50 91.50 78.00 0.24 0.01 incl. 22.00 31.00 9.00 0.76 0.02 or 25.70 26.30 0.60 5.23 0.08 VB24-003

28.60 29.10 0.50 2.85 0.08 33.25 33.75 0.50 1.92 0.13 113.90 145.00 31.10 0.27 0.02 incl. 113.90 114.40 0.50 1.99 0.03 incl. 120.10 120.75 0.65 1.56 0.03 incl. 124.10 124.70 0.60 2.02 0.03 VB24-004 22.00 24.70 2.70 0.61 0.04 VB24-005

18.30 41.15 22.85 0.04 0.2 incl. 34.00 37.50 3.50 0.10 0.51 56.50 57.00 0.50 1.24 0.60 70.95 72.00 1.05 1.13 0.12 204.00 209.25 5.25 0.57 0.02



Note: All results upon which this table was based were above the analytical detection limit. No grade cutoffs were used for grade width calculations.

*Cautionary Note: Contact angles of sulphide mineralization and quartz veining suggest the true thicknesses of mineralized intercepts in VB24-001 may be ~25-50% of the original drilled thickness. Intercepts in VB24-003 and VB24-005 are believed to be close to the true thickness, while orientations in VB24-002 and VB24-004 could not be determined with confidence.

Quality Assurance/Quality Control

Collected diamond drill core was logged and sampled using industry best standards in Gander, Newfoundland. Sample lengths ranged from a minimum of 0.5m in well mineralized zones to 1m in moderately mineralized areas and a maximum of 2.0m outside of these zones. Standards, blanks, and quarter duplicates were part of the sample stream in 4% abundances each, respectively.

Cut samples were delivered to SGS Canada Inc. in Grand Falls-Windsor, Newfoundland for initial preparatory work. Samples were prepared under code PRP89 and then shipped to Burnaby, British Columbia for analysis under codes GE_ICM90A50 (55 elements, sodium peroxide fusion, ICP-AES/ICP-MS finish) and GE_FAA30V5 (Au fire assay, AAS finish). Copper overlimits were analyzed under code GO_ICP90Q100 (ore grade sodium peroxide fusion, ICP-AES finish).

References:

All assessment file data referenced above can be sourced at the following Newfoundland and Labrador web link: https://gis.geosurv.gov.nl.ca/

Qualified Person

The technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed by Alexander Timofeev, Ph.D., P.Geo. of Dahrouge Geological Consulting, who is a registered P.Geo in Quebec and Newfoundland, Canada.

About Vital Battery Metals Inc.

Vital Battery Metals Inc. (CSE: VBAM |OTC: VBAMF | FRA: C0O) is a mineral exploration company dedicated to the development of strategic projects comprised of battery, base and precious metals in stable jurisdictions. The Company is working to advance its Schofield Lithium, Dickson Lake Lithium, Sting Copper Project, and Vent Copper-Gold Projects.

The Sting Copper Project covers approximately 12,700 hectares and hosts multiple historic Newfoundland and Labrador Government documented mineral occurrences and is located within a 50 km corridor known for significant volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS), copper quartz vein lode and low sulphation epithermal gold showings. The Vent Copper-Gold project covers 1,562 hectares in British Columbia. Vital continues to evaluate value-add assets to bolster its project portfolio.

The Schofield Lithium Project covers 8,824 hectares and is adjacent to Brunswick Exploration's Hearst Lithium Project. The Schofield Lithium Project is located ~60 km south of Hearst, Ontario. The Dickson Lake Lithium Project covers 464 single-cell mining claims and approximately 9,780 hectares and is near a Brunswick Exploration Lithium Project, Imagine Lithium's Jackpot Deposit and Rock Tech's Georgia Lake Deposit.

For more information, visit www.vitalbatterymetals.com .

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Adrian Lamoureux

Chief Executive Officer, Director

+1 (604) 229-9772

[email protected]

Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements that are not historical facts, including without limitation, statements regarding future estimates, plans, programs, forecasts, projections, objectives, assumptions, expectations or beliefs of future performance, including statements regarding the Project acquisition bringing a low-risk opportunity, the Company building a strong battery metals portfolio with low-risk opportunities that positively impact the Company and its shareholders and the Company providing an initial work plan are "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the Sting Project and its mineralization potential; the Company's objectives, goals or future plans with respect to the Sting Project; the commencement of drilling or exploration programs in the future; the anticipated results of any drilling or exploration programs conducted in the future. These forward-looking statements reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company based on information currently available to it. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those detailed from time to time in filings made by the Company with securities regulatory authorities, which may cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. These factors should be considered carefully and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws.

The Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/97e016ea-a581-4972-bfed-e6b70ac7c334

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8ffa6601-7d0d-4ea4-813d-98aeba254d60

14 january 2025 at 08:00

News published onand distributed by:
Sierra Metals Board of Directors Rejects Alpayana's Hostile Bid; Hostile Bid's Inadequate Offer Price Fails to Recognize Sierra Metals' Value and Growth Potential





Sierra Metals Inc. (TSX: SMT | OTCQX: SMTSF | BVL: SMT) ("Sierra" or the "Company") today announced that its Board of Directors (the "Board"), following careful consideration and receipt of the unanimous recommendation of a special committee of its independent directors (the "Special Committee"), and after consultation with its financial and legal advisors, has recommended that Sierra shareholders reject the unsolicited all-cash take-over bid by an affiliate of Alpayana S.A.C. ("Alpayana"), to acquire all of the issued and outstanding common shares ("Common Shares") of Sierra for C$0.85 per share (the "Hostile Bid").

The Board unanimously recommends that Sierra shareholders REJECT the Hostile Bid and not tender their Common Shares to the Hostile Bid. Shareholders simply need to TAKE NO ACTION in order to REJECT the Hostile Bid.

Miguel Aramburu, Chair of the Board, commented:

"Alpayana is offering to buy your Common Shares at a price that undervalues the Company and is well below where prior transactions of a similar nature have transacted. At a time of growing worldwide demand for copper, Sierra owns two thriving copper-producing mines in proven jurisdictions. The Company has increased production significantly at both of the Yauricocha and Bolivar mines and expects to continue to grow mineral resources and production in 2025. As a result, the Company is positioned to deliver improvements in its operational results and create meaningful shareholder value by a significant expected increase in EBITDA."

Significant Expected EBITDA Increase in 2025

The Company has introduced a projection of approximately US$130 million of EBITDA1 in 2025, as described in the Director's Circular (as defined herein). This represents significant year-over-year growth in EBITDA from US$72 million in 2024 (expected) and US$50 million in 20232, representing an approximate 80% increase relative to 2024 (expected) EBITDA and an approximate 158% increase relative to 2023 EBITDA. This increase is expected to be driven by increased production at both Yauricocha and Bolivar and careful management of costs. While the Company does not typically provide EBITDA guidance, the Board determined that the information is essential to shareholders in the unique circumstances of the Hostile Bid. The EBITDA projection provides support for the Board's recommendation to reject the Hostile Bid.

Mr. Aramburu continued, "The Board's view is that selling your shares at the low price offered by Alpayana would deprive you of significant upside potential in your investment. One need not look further than the collective view of greater than fifty percent of Sierra's shareholders who have informed the Company that they are aligned with the view of the Board."

Reasons to Reject Alpayana's Inadequate Hostile Bid

The basis for the Board's recommendation that shareholders reject the Hostile Bid is set forth in the Sierra Directors' Circular (the "Directors' Circular"), which was filed today with Canadian securities regulatory authorities, is being mailed to shareholders, and is available on the Company's website and SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under the Company's profile. The reasons for the Board's recommendation include, among other things, the following:

The Hostile Bid is dead on arrival.

The Hostile Bid has already been rejected by a majority of shareholders, rendering the bid incapable of completion based on its non-waivable condition.

As announced by the Company on December 26, 2024, shareholders holding cumulatively more than 50% of the outstanding Common Shares have each informed the Company that the proposed C$0.85 per Common Share bid price is inadequate and that they do not intend to support the Hostile Bid. Accordingly, Sierra believes that Alpayana will not be able to satisfy the minimum tender condition to acquire control of the Company.

The Hostile Bid attributes no value to commodity and jurisdiction upside.

The Hostile Bid fails to recognize the strategic value of a copper producing company operating in proven mining jurisdictions.

The price of copper has been increasing due to global demand and tight supply conditions. With new copper supply constrained by the challenges of developing new mines, there has been an increase in valuations of copper-focused equities as well as proposed mergers and acquisitions. Mexico and Peru, where Sierra operates, are both globally established mining jurisdictions hosting some of world's largest producing metals deposits. As one of the Western world's few publicly traded copper producers operating in proven jurisdictions, Sierra is a highly strategic and coveted company in which to hold equity.

Shareholders should continue to capture the growth at Sierra.

Sierra has a high-quality portfolio of assets with significant upside potential.

Sierra's two copper producing assets, the Yauricocha mine in Peru and the Bolivar mine in Mexico, both contain significant near mine, brownfield and greenfield exploration potential that could be leveraged to drive significant long-term value for the Company. At Yauricocha, the Company obtained the permit to mine below level 1120 where 95% of the mine's current mineral reserves sit, allowing the mine to operate at full capacity (currently 3,600 tonnes per day ("tpd")) since Q4 2024. The Company believes there is significant exploration opportunity below level 1120 as the geology appears open in all directions. Sierra is also confident in its exploration efforts at Bolivar and its ability to deliver additional resources to support the Company's plan to increase production capacity from 5,000 tpd to 7,500 tpd in the mid-term.

Sierra's plan to create value is working, Shareholders should keep the upside.

The Hostile Bid is opportunistic and clearly timed to deprive Sierra shareholders of a potential near-term uplift in the share price.

In the two years since current management was appointed, Sierra has successfully stabilized, optimized and improved its operations, resulting in a lower cost structure, increased efficiencies, higher production levels and profitability across the Company. The Board believes there is an opportunity for significant share price appreciation in 2025 based on the projected EBITDA growth. Applying the Company's existing EV / LTM EBITDA3 multiple of 3.6x to the CIBC Capital Market's 2025 EBITDA estimate of US$130 million would imply an increase of 200% in share price at the end of next year, and an opportunity for further appreciation as Sierra approaches a valuation multiple more closely aligned with industry averages. Alpayana's C$0.85 per Common Share bid is opportunistically timed to deprive shareholders of this potential near-term uplift in the share price and falls short of the value creation the Board expects to see in the near term.

Shareholders should ignore the misleading statements and enjoy the fruits of fiscal prudence.

Contrary to Alpayana's assertion on Sierra's financial position, the Company has a manageable debt load and is well positioned to de-lever in the near-term.

Sierra's current debt financing has served its purpose by providing the Company with the time and financial flexibility it required to turn around its operations when management took over just two years ago. Management took actions to improve the debt profile in 2024 through a new credit agreement with enhanced financing terms that also provided US$20 million of capital deployed towards operational improvements at Yauricocha. The Company is now positioned to generate meaningful free cash flow in 2025. The Company's anticipated net debt / 2025E EBITDA ratio4 of 0.6x is already below the industry median of 0.8x5. In 2025 it is anticipated that free cash flow (operating cash flow less capital expenditures) will exceed net debt, providing Sierra with the cash it will need to quickly re-pay debt should it so choose. Sierra continues to believe that it has used leverage constructively to enhance the returns of shareholders and will aim to continue effectively deploying leverage to amplify returns for shareholders in the future. In addition, given the Company's improved financial performance, the Company intends to pursue opportunities to refinance its debt on more favorable terms in the near future.

Alpayana has not made a serious offer to Sierra shareholders.

The Hostile Bid is significantly below implied premiums of precedent transactions.

The Board believes that any change of control transaction should compensate Sierra's shareholders for the loss of exposure to the future earnings potential of its asset base, while also reflecting the relative undervaluation of the Sierra share price prior to the Hostile Bid announcement. The Hostile Bid price of C$0.85 per Common Share would represent one of the lowest 1-day and 30-day volume-weighted average price premiums in the comparable universe of successful copper-focused corporate transactions since 2011. Furthermore, the price of the Common Shares has been negatively affected by persistent selling by funds controlled by Arias Resource Capital ("Arias"), a significant shareholder that had its principal voted off the Board and subsequently lost a proxy battle in 2023. Over the past year, sales of Common Shares by Arias represent on average, 15% of total Canadian trading volume. The overhang created by the selling pressure renders the unaffected share price of C$0.77 not reflective of an appropriate basis to which a take-over premium should be referenced.

Sierra should not be sold at markdown prices while it continues to grow.

The Hostile Bid is significantly below implied multiples of precedent base metal transactions.

The Hostile Bid price of C$0.85 per Common Share implies a price to net asset value6 ("P/NAV") of 0.69x and an enterprise value to 2025E EBITDA ratio7 ("EV/EBITDA") of 1.9x. Precedent producing copper asset and corporate deals8 have transacted at a median P/NAV multiple of 0.9x, and a median EV/EBITDA multiple of 5.9x. Contested corporate-level transactions9 have been executed at a significantly higher range, with medians of 1.1x P/NAV and 7.1x EV/EBITDA. Applying the median EV/EBITDA multiple of 5.9x from precedent transactions implies a valuation of C$4.34 per Common Share for Sierra, which is over 400% higher than the Hostile Bid price.

Every alternative to the Hostile Bid promises better value to shareholders.

The standalone case has strong upside potential for shareholders and superior offers or other alternatives have the potential to emerge.

The Board, consistent with its fiduciary duties, continuously reviews and evaluates potential strategic alternatives to maximize shareholders' value. While the Board believes in the Company's stand-alone plan and the strength of its long-term strategy, the Board acknowledges that the Hostile Bid may act as a catalyst to uncover additional opportunities or interested parties. Sierra has engaged BMO Capital Markets as its financial adviser to manage a broader strategic review process for Sierra aimed at exploring and considering potential strategic alternative transactions to the Hostile Bid. Should a superior proposal or alternative transactions arise, the Board is fully prepared to evaluate these options and present them transparently to shareholders.

Do not give away an asset for pennies when it is worth dollars.

Independent Equity Research has agreed with the Board's assessment that the Hostile Bid is opportunistic and undervalues the Company.

CIBC Capital Markets provided10 periodic, independent, equity research coverage on Sierra. In a recent note titled "Unsolicited Takeover Bid Is Undervalued" dated December 17, 2024 and in response to the Alpayana proposal, analyst Bryce Adams expressed the view that "the offer price undervalues the company, at a time when the company has reported improved production results highlighted by 3,600 tpd throughput rates at Yauricocha in Q4/24 QTD."

Shareholders should not grant free cash flows to Alpayana.

Alpayana has a strong strategic imperative to secure Yauricocha for itself and ample ability to pay a significantly higher purchase price if it so chooses.

The acquisition of Sierra would be a large and transformative acquisition for Alpayana, a family-owned Peruvian mining company which has recently embarked on an M&A program to facilitate its growth ambitions. Alpayana would benefit significantly from operational synergies and drastically accelerate its growth plans if it were to acquire Yauricocha. At the Hostile Bid price of C$0.85, Alpayana would generate an exceptionally high internal rate of return, an indication that Sierra shareholders are not being afforded fair value for their Common Shares.

The Hostile Bid is a free option to Alpayana with unsatisfiable conditions.

The Hostile Bid contains extraordinary conditionality, including certain conditions which cannot be satisfied. This calls into question the seriousness and legitimacy of the Hostile Bid.

The Hostile Bid contains a significant number of conditions (20) which must be satisfied or waived before Alpayana is obligated to take up and pay for any Common Shares tendered. Many of the conditions are not subject to materiality thresholds or reasonableness standards or any other objective criteria, but rather are in Alpayana's sole discretion. Further, certain conditions of the Hostile Bid, including a minimum tender of two-thirds of the outstanding Common Shares and there being no shareholder rights plan adopted by Sierra, cannot be satisfied. As a result, tendering Common Shares to the Hostile Bid may, in effect, constitute the grant to Alpayana of a unilateral and discretionary option to acquire all of the Common Shares at a price that the Board views as inadequate.

The Hostile Bid is financially inadequate.

Sierra has received an inadequacy opinion from BMO Capital Markets that from a financial point of view the Hostile Bid is not an adequate offer for shareholders.

Sierra's financial advisor, BMO Capital Markets has delivered an opinion to the Board and the Special Committee, to the effect that, as of the date of the opinion, and based upon and subject to the assumptions, limitations and qualifications contained therein and such other matters as BMO Capital Markets considered relevant, the consideration offered to the shareholders pursuant to the Hostile Bid is inadequate from a financial point of view to the shareholders (other than Alpayana and its affiliates).

Take No Action and Reject Alpayana's Hostile Bid

Sierra shareholders are urged to REJECT the Hostile Bid. To do so, shareholders should TAKE NO ACTION.

Shareholders are encouraged to carefully review the Directors' Circular in its entirety. This document has been mailed to Sierra shareholders and is available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under the Company's profile, and on the Company's website (www.SierraMetals.com).

Sierra shareholders who have already tendered their Common Shares to the Hostile Bid and who wish to obtain assistance in withdrawing them are urged to contact their broker or Carson Proxy Advisors, Sierra's Information Agent and strategic shareholder advisor, by North American toll-free phone at 1-800-530-5189, local and text: 416-751-2066 or by email at [email protected].

Advisors

The Company has engaged BMO Capital Markets as financial advisor, Mintz LLP as Canadian legal counsel, Miranda & Amado Law Firm as Peruvian legal counsel, Carson Proxy Advisors as securityholder communications advisor, and Oakstrom as media relations advisor. The Special Committee of independent directors of the Board has engaged Bennett Jones LLP as legal advisor.

Qualified Persons Statement

Ricardo Salazar Milla (AIG #8551), Corporate Manager ? Mineral Resources of Sierra, is a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument NI 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Salazar has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical content of this news release.

About Sierra Metals Inc.

Sierra Metals Inc. is a Canadian mining company focused on copper production with additional base and precious metals by-product credits at its Yauricocha Mine in Peru and Bolivar Mine in Mexico. The Company is intent on safely increasing production volume and growing mineral resources. Sierra has recently had several new key discoveries and still has many more exciting brownfield exploration opportunities in Peru and Mexico that are within close proximity to the existing mines. Additionally, the Company has large land packages at each of its mines with several prospective regional targets providing longer-term exploration upside and mineral resource growth potential.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information relates to future events or the anticipated performance of Sierra and reflect management's expectations or beliefs regarding such future events and anticipated performance based on an assumed set of economic conditions and courses of action. In certain cases, statements that contain forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "believes" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative of these words or comparable terminology. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, without limitation, statements regarding: the strategic value of Sierra's portfolio; management's expectations regarding the Company's future share price, production and growth; management's expectations regarding future EBITDA; future demand for copper; growth of mineral resources; expectations regarding future cash flows; maintenance of production at full capacity in 2025; the ability to manage costs; the exploration potential of the Company's properties; the intention of holders of more than 50% of the Common Shares not tendering to the Hostile Bid; expectations regarding debt repayment and capital expenditures; the ability to refinance existing debt on more favourable terms; the ability to complete potential strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value and the timing thereof; and statements regarding Alpayana and the Hostile Bid. By its very nature forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual performance of Sierra to be materially different from any anticipated performance expressed or implied by such forward-looking information.

Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking information, including, without limitation, the risks described under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's annual information form dated March 15, 2024 for its fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 and other risks identified in the Company's filings with Canadian securities regulators, which are available at www.sedarplus.ca.

The risk factors referred to above are not an exhaustive list of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking information. Forward-looking information includes statements about the future and is inherently uncertain, and the Company's actual achievements or other future events or conditions may differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking information due to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors. The Company's statements containing forward-looking information are based on the beliefs, expectations, and opinions of management on the date the statements are made, and the Company does not assume any obligation to update such forward-looking information if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change, other than as required by applicable law. For the reasons set forth above, one should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

Non-IFRS Performance Measures

Certain financial measures and ratios within this news release including "EBITDA", "free cash flow", "net asset value (NAV)", "IRR", "enterprise value to last twelve months EBITDA", "net debt to EBITDA", "P/NAV" and "EV/EBITDA" are not measures or ratios recognized by International Financial Reporting Standards, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IFRS"). The non-IFRS measures and ratios presented do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and are therefore unlikely to be directly comparable to similar measures or ratios presented by other issuers. EBITDA is a non-IFRS measure that represents an indication of the Company's continuing capacity to generate earnings from operations before taking into account management's financing decisions and costs of consuming capital assets, which vary according to their vintage, technological currency, and management's estimate of their useful life. EBITDA comprises revenue less operating expenses before interest expense (income), property, plant and equipment amortization and depletion, and income taxes (and in the case of 2024, 2023 and 2022, excludes the Cusi Mine which was placed on care and maintenance and subsequently sold by the Company). Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as net income, adding back interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, and excluding non-recurring, non-operational or non-cash items, which the Company believes is useful for investors to assess a company's core operational performance without the impact of the capital structure, tax regime, or non-operational items. Free cash flow is calculated as operating cash flow minus capital expenditures, which the Company believes is a useful measure to show how much cash is available after reinvesting in the business, providing insight into other capital allocation priorities. Net asset value (NAV) is calculated as the net present value of future cash flows, discounted at an appropriate discount rate minus liabilities, which is a key valuation metric in mining as it is a proxy for intrinsic value of reserves and resources. Internal Rate of Return (IRR) is the discount rate that sets the net present value of all cash flows from an investment to zero, which the Company believes is a useful measure of profitability of a project, expressed as an annualized percentage return. Enterprise Value to adjusted EBITDA is calculated as enterprise value (market capitalization plus net debt plus minority interest plus preferred equity less cash and cash equivalents) divided by adjusted EBITDA and measures a company's enterprise value relative to its operational profitability. Net debt to adjusted EBITDA is calculated as total debt minus cash and cash equivalents divided by adjusted EBITDA and indicates a company's leverage and its capacity to service debt using operational cash flow. Free cash flow / net debt is calculated as free cash flow divided by debt minus cash and cash equivalents and shows how efficiently a company generates cash relative to its debt obligations. Price to Net Asset Value (P/NAV) is calculated as a company's market capitalization divided by its Net Asset Value and helps investors assess whether a company is trading at a premium or discount relative to its underlying asset value. Investors are cautioned that non-IFRS financial measures and ratios should not be construed as alternatives to other measures of financial performance calculated in accordance with IFRS. The foregoing non-IFRS financial measures and ratios are provided to assist investors with their evaluation of Sierra. Management considers these non-IFRS financial measures to be important indicators in assessing its performance. See the "Non-IFRS Performance Measures" section in Sierra's management's discussion and analysis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 for further information on the definition, calculation and reconciliation of certain non-IFRS financial measures.

Financial Outlook

This news release contains financial outlooks about Sierra's prospective results of operations including, without limitation, anticipated EBITDA for the 12 months ended December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2025, which are subject to the same assumptions, risk factors, limitations, and qualifications as set forth under "Forward-Looking Statements" above. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such financial outlooks, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on financial outlooks. Sierra's actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these financial outlooks. Sierra has included the financial outlooks in order to provide readers with a more complete perspective on Sierra's future operations and such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Sierra and the Board disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any financial outlooks, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Third Party Information

This press release includes market and industry data that has been obtained from third party sources, including industry publications. The Company believes that the industry data is accurate and that its estimates and assumptions are reasonable, but there is no assurance as to the accuracy or completeness of this data. Third party sources generally state that the information contained therein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but there is no assurance as to the accuracy or completeness of included information. Although the data is believed to be reliable, the Company has not independently verified any of the data from third party sources referred to in this press release or ascertained the underlying economic assumptions relied upon by such sources. This press release has quoted from a publicly available analyst report of CIBC Capital Markets. Such analyst has not consented to the inclusion of all or any portion of its report in this document. CIBC Capital Markets, the firm employing such analyst, was not an advisor to Sierra as at the date of such analyst report.

1 This is a non-IFRS performance measure and based on the following consensus pricing: 2025 (US$4.34 / lb Cu, US$0.95 / lb Pb, US$1.25 / lb Zn, US$31.14 / oz Ag, US$2,600 / oz Au). Please refer to "Non-IFRS Financial Measures" and "Financial Outlook".

2 Reflects EBITDA from continuing operations and excludes the Cusi Mine which was placed on care and maintenance and subsequently sold by the Company.

3 This is a non-IFRS performance measure. Please refer to "Non-IFRS Financial Measures" and "Financial Outlook".

4 This is a non-IFRS performance measure. Please refer to "Non-IFRS Financial Measures" and "Financial Outlook".

5 Trading peers include 29 Metals, Adriatic, Aeris, Atalaya, Buenaventura, Capstone, Centerra, Ero, Hudbay, Lundin, MAC, Nexa, Sandfire and Taseko as at January 7, 2025.

6 This is a non-IFRS performance measure. Please refer to "Non-IFRS Financial Measures" and "Financial Outlook".

7 This is a non-IFRS performance measure. Please refer to "Non-IFRS Financial Measures" and "Financial Outlook".

8 Reflects producing copper corporate and asset transactions since 2016.

9 Reflects contested copper corporate transactions over the last 15 years. Contested transactions include transactions that were launched (a) without target board support; (b) with a public release, either formally or informally, without target board support; or (c) where a board-supported deal faced significant shareholder resistance.

10 CIBC Capital Markets suspended coverage of Sierra due to a re-allocation of analyst resources in December 2024.

14 january 2025 at 08:10

News published onand distributed by:
Aker BP awarded 19 licenses in APA 2024





LYSAKER, Norway, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Norwegian authorities are offering Aker BP ownership interest in 19 exploration licenses on the Norwegian continental shelf in the APA 2024 licensing round. For 16 of the licenses Aker BP is also granted operatorship. The award consolidates our position as the most active independent exploration company on the NCS.

"We are very pleased with the award that was announced today. It reflects a comprehensive application and gives us a foundation for maintaining our growth ambition on the Norwegian continental shelf and our ambitious exploration strategy. Phasing in oil and gas from new discoveries will be crucial to ensuring long-term activity on the shelf," says Per yvind Seljebotn, SVP Exploration and Reservoir Development in Aker BP.

Aker BP is offered licenses in the North Sea and the Norwegian Sea. West of Yggdrasil, Aker BP is offered operatorship on the former Frigg field, where the partnership plans to drill an exploration well already in Q2 2025.

"Although the shelf is maturing, we manage to continuously identify new opportunities. Leveraging new technology, digitalization and investments in new data are crucial for creating good exploration opportunities for many years to come and ensuring growth and innovation in our sector. Our strategy is to have a portfolio of exploration licenses that provides a good balance between exploration wells near existing fields and infrastructure, and wells that, if successful, can form the basis for standalone developments," says Seljebotn.

APA - Awards in Predefined Areas, is the annual licensing round that includes mature areas of the Norwegian continental shelf. These are areas with known geology and a relatively well-developed infrastructure with production facilities and pipelines.

The award in TFO 2024 was announced by Minister of Energy Terje Aasland at the Oil and Energy Policy Seminar in Sandefjord today. 20 companies were offered ownership interest in a total of 53 licenses.

Link to the press release from the Ministry of Energy

Contacts:

Ole-Johan Faret, Press Spokesperson, tel.: +47 402 24 217

Kjetil Bakken, Head of Investor Relations, tel.: +47 918 89 889

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com.

https://news.cision.com/aker-bp-asa/r/aker-bp-awarded-19-licenses-in-apa-2024,c4090452

The following files are available for download:

SOURCE Aker BP ASA

14 january 2025 at 08:25

News published onand distributed by:
GoldHaven Announces Non-Brokered Private Placement





**NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES**

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GoldHaven Resources Corp. ("GoldHaven" or the "Company") (CSE: GOH) (OTCQB: GHVNF) (FSE: 4QS) announces a non-brokered private placement of up to 8,000,000 units at $0.25 per unit (the "Offering") for gross proceeds of up to $2,000,000.

Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company and one common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant will entitle its holder to purchase one common share in the capital of the Company (each, a "Warrant Share") at a price of $0.50 per Warrant Share at any time prior to 24 months following the closing of the Offering.

If the Corporation's common shares have a closing price on the Canadian Securities Exchange at or above a price of $0.75 per common share for a period of 10 consecutive trading days, the Corporation may give notice by news release that expiration of the Warrants will be accelerated to 30 days from the date of providing such notice.

Insiders may participate in the Offering and finder's fees may be payable in connection with the Offering.

All securities issued in connection with the Offering will have a four-month and one day hold period in Canada from the closing of the Offering.

Net proceeds of the Offering will be used for exploration expenditures, administrative and general working capital.

Insiders of the Company participating in the foregoing offering will constitute a related party transaction as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 -- Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (MI 61-101). Any such participation is exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 as neither the fair market value of the securities acquired by the insiders, nor the consideration for the securities paid by such insiders, is expected to exceed 25 per cent of the company's market capitalization. Net proceeds of the Offering will be used for general working capital.

None of the foregoing securities have been or will be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act") or any applicable state securities laws and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) or persons in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from such registration requirements. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor will there be any sale of the foregoing securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About GoldHaven's 100% owned Magno Project:

The Company, through its wholly owned subsidiary Copper Peak Metals Inc., holds 100% ownership of the Magno mineral property in British Columbia. The Magno project is a district-scale, polymetallic property with 24 mineral tenures located in the Liard Mining Division, adjacent to the historic Cassiar mining district, in Cassiar BC, Canada.



British Columbia is a premier mining jurisdiction, hosting 16 of Canada's 31 critical minerals and standing as the nation's largest copper producer. It also holds vast gold resources, with an estimated 280 million ounces of in-ground gold, primarily within polymetallic porphyry deposits.

Northwestern British Columbia is a globally significant mining district, home to some of the richest porphyry copper and gold deposits in the world. This region's Late Triassic to Early Jurassic tectono-magmatic activity created high-grade, large-scale deposits, positioning it as a major source of copper and precious metals.



The northern portion of the property, Magno North, is located 3km south of the Cassiar Townsite and is primarily where the historic work has been conducted on the property. The Cassiar area is well endowed with various types of mineralization. Exploration has been conducted on the Magno Property since the 1950's, which has included prospecting, soil and rock geochemistry ground geophysics and drilling. In 1970 and 1971 two adits totalling 522 metres, were emplaced into the Magno West zone.

About GoldHaven's 100% owned Three Guardsmen Property:

Located in the northwest corner of BC near Haines Junction, the Three Guardsmen Property contains 12 mineral tenures with historical findings of Gold, Copper, Molybdenum, Silver, Zinc, and Magnetite. Two past producers sit within 4km to the West of the Three Guardsmen with multiple other showings in the area.

Both the Magno and Three Guardsmen projects focus on the late Cretaceous terranes, known to host significant porphyry deposits like those at Casino and Red Mountain. The exploration team will target granitic bodies beneath promising skarn deposits, aiming to identify the source of mineralized fluids linked to these skarns. The focus will be on extensive geochemical and geophysical exploration to identify potential porphyry sources.



About GoldHaven's 100% owned Brazil Projects:

GoldHaven has acquired 100% ownership of four key projects in Brazil ? Copecal, Bahia North, Bahia South, and Iguatu. The Copecal Gold Project is a 100% owned drill-ready property in the Juruena Gold Province in Brazil. This project is the primary acquired asset and will be the subject of immediate follow up in the field with surface and drill programs expected in Q2 and Q3 of 2025.

Copecal Gold Project: Highlights

Strategic ground positioning covering 3,681 hectares.

Located within the Juruena Gold Province, a top ranked belt in Brazil.

The claims are in a similar region and geology as Altamira Gold's significant discoveries.

60km from Alta Floresta, a 50,000-population centre with daily commercial flights from Mato Grosso state capital, Cuiaba.

Excellent Infrastructure (water, road access and energy).

100% owned drill-ready project.

Local, experienced and successful operations team in Brazil.



Copecal Gold Project: Geology

Located in the Juruena Belt , an extensive emerging magmatic arc domain comprising fertile high-K calc alkaline plutonic and felsic volcanic rocks.

, an extensive emerging magmatic arc domain comprising fertile high-K calc alkaline plutonic and felsic volcanic rocks. Gold first discovered in the belt in the 1980's.

Historical gold production is largely informal and artisanal from surficial deposits.

is largely informal and artisanal from surficial deposits. Potential for IRG Style Gold (Intrusive Related Gold), Porphyry style Copper ? Gold, Epithermal Gold, Orogenic Gold.

Estimated $1 million USD exploration spent by previous operator.



Previous work included:

Geological and structural mapping.

Stream sediment sampling generated anomalous basin.

Follow up Soil Sampling generated extensive (6km strike) gold (+ arsenic) anomaly.

IP and Magnetic Orientation Surveys.

Shallow Auger (49 holes) and Air core (6 holes) drilling confirmed in-situ bedrock source for gold in soil anomaly.



Drill-ready:

Peak Au and As in soil anomalies coincide with fold hinges in mapped schist unit.

2 Priority Targets (East and West) defined and ready for deeper drilling.

Below image gold anomaly illustrated in orange, Arsenic anomaly in purple.

Boa Gold's Additional Three Critical Mineral Projects:

Extensive tenement package across 3 projects spanning 123,900 hectares : Bahia South, Bahia North and Iguatu.

: Bahia South, Bahia North and Iguatu. Regional Neighbours Include: Rio Tinto, Foxfire Metals, Mars Mines, Altamira Gold and Oceana Lithium.

Rio Tinto, Foxfire Metals, Mars Mines, Altamira Gold and Oceana Lithium. Geological suite favourable for hosting multi-element critical minerals.



Brazil is a Premier Mining Jurisdiction:

Accounts for >30% of global iron ore production.

of global iron ore production. Major Exporter: Leading exporter of lithium, tin, and manganese with substantial reserves of gold, nickel, bauxite, and niobium.

Leading exporter of lithium, tin, and manganese with substantial reserves of gold, nickel, bauxite, and niobium. Pro-Mining Culture: Attracts significant foreign investment in the mining industry.

Attracts significant foreign investment in the mining industry. No Governmental Ownership Mandate: Mining projects not mandated to be government-owned.

Mining projects not mandated to be government-owned. Honouring Agreements: Strong track record of honouring mining agreements.

Strong track record of honouring mining agreements. Economic Impact: Mining sector is a top three contributor to the 10th largest economy in the World.

About GoldHaven Resources Corp.

GoldHaven Resources Corp. is a Canadian junior exploration Company focused on acquiring and exploring highly prospective land packages in North and South America. The Company's projects include the flagship Magno Project, a district-scale polymetallic property adjacent to the historic Cassiar mining district in British Columbia. The Three Guardsman Project, which exhibits significant potential for copper and gold-skarn mineralization. The Copecal Gold Project, a drill-ready gold project located in Mato Grosso, Brazil with a 6km strike of anomalous gold in soil samples. Three Critical Mineral projects with extensive tenement packages totalling 123,900 hectares: Bahia South, Bahia North and Iguatu projects located in Brazil.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Bonn Smith, Chief Executive Officer

For further information, please contact:

Bonn Smith, CEO

www.GoldHavenresources.com

[email protected]

Office Direct: (604) 629-8254

The scientific and technical information regarding the Company's Brazil assets disclosed in this document have been reviewed and approved by Jonathan Victor Hill BSc Hons, FAUSIMM, a Qualified Person consistent with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

The scientific and technical information regarding the Company's Magno and Three Guardsmen properties disclosed in this document have been reviewed and approved by R.J. (Bob) Johnston, P.Geo from Engineers & Geoscientists British Columbia, a qualified person consistent with NI 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE- Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward Looking Information

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities legislation, including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, the possible acquisition of the future projects, the Company's expectation that it will be successful in enacting its business plans, and the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: "believes", "will", "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "estimates", "plans", "may", "should", "potential", "scheduled", or variations of such words and phrases and similar expressions, which, by their nature, refer to future events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that there will be investor interest in future financings, market fundamentals will result in sustained precious metals demand and prices, the receipt of any necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in connection with the future exploration and development of any future projects in a timely manner, the availability of financing on suitable terms for exploration and development of future projects and the Company's ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws.

The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, operating and technical difficulties in connection with mineral exploration and development activities, actual results of exploration activities, the estimation or realization of mineral reserves and mineral resources, the inability of the Company to obtain the necessary financing required to conduct its business and affairs, as currently contemplated, , the inability of the Company to enter into definitive agreements in respect of possible Letters of Intent, the timing and amount of estimated future production, the costs of production, capital expenditures, the costs and timing of the development of new deposits, requirements for additional capital, future prices of precious metals, changes in general economic conditions, changes in the financial markets and in the demand and market price for commodities, lack of investor interest in future financings, accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry, delays in obtaining governmental approvals, permits or financing or in the completion of development or construction activities, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations, title disputes, the inability of the Company to obtain any necessary permits, consents, approvals or authorizations, including by the Exchange, the timing and possible outcome of any pending litigation, environmental issues and liabilities, and risks related to joint venture operations, and other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Company's latest interim Management's Discussion and Analysis and filed with certain securities commissions in Canada. All of the Company's Canadian public disclosure filings may be accessed via www.sedarplus.ca and readers are urged to review these materials.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements in this news release or incorporated by reference herein, except as otherwise required by law.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at



https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/510558b6-b99e-4565-a0bf-41e990536ed0

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6530719c-b40d-48cf-b090-b650cd3b4847

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7231e4bd-2bce-4523-b2a1-cf081ba3099f

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5dd9670d-2993-452d-a493-949bb006d46d

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fc6d4fd8-2b80-44d5-8388-60fc8a6a3f28

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8a16e2e3-d838-489a-9990-6a99ac6346a1

14 january 2025 at 09:00

News published onand distributed by:
Decarbonizing Canada's electricity grids can generate significant economic benefit while also reducing emissions: RBC Climate Action Institute





RBC Climate Action Institute releases annual climate action report

TORONTO, Jan. 14, 2025 /CNW/ - Canada can make a significant dent in carbon emissions over the next decade by growing and decarbonizing the country's electricity grids, new research from the RBC Climate Action Institute finds. Decarbonizing Canada's electricity grids would reduce emissions, drive economic benefit, and contribute to energy security. Meanwhile, despite a combination of policy, capital and consumer action driving climate progress over the past five years, the pace of change is slowing. As we approach the 10th anniversary of the 2015 Paris Agreement, different models, and new paradigms for thinking about climate are critical if we are to make real progress.

These findings and more can be found in the RBC Climate Action Institute's annual report: Climate Action 2025: a year for rewiring. The research provides a unique perspective on Canada's climate progress, including new survey and interview data that reveal how businesses and consumers are feeling about the state of climate progress in Canada. Informed by the Institute's team of researchers, Climate Action 2025: a year for rewiring questions whether Canada is on track to meet its climate commitments, while at the same time, highlighting bright-spots in several sectors.

"2025 is shaping up to be a year of climate uncertainty. Political change and economic frustration have challenged how businesses and governments are thinking about climate action, but these same forces also offer opportunities to advance our collective approaches in a new global reality,"

? John Stackhouse, SVP, Office of the CEO, RBC.

Some of the key findings from this second annual assessment of Canadian climate action include:

Climate action has nearly doubled in the last 5 years. According to the Institute's Climate Action Barometer, policy, capital and consumers have driven a near doubling of climate action in Canada over the past five years.



Canada is not on course to meet its climate targets. Emissions fell by 0.8% in 2023, led by progress in the electricity sector. However, at this pace, government projections suggest that Canada will not meet the targets in its 2030 Emission Reduction Plan until 2035.



Climate investment is slowing. Cleantech investments in heavy industry fell dramatically in 2024. Venture capital financing slowed to $158 million in the year, compared to a combined $650 million on average in the previous two years, partly due to an overall global downturn in investment flows and faltering investor sentiment around cleantech.



Alberta is at the forefront of Canadian climate action. Alberta's removal of more than six megatonnes of coal-based emissions drove national electricity emissions lower by about 12%. The province is now coal-free?six years ahead of schedule.



Concern over climate change is waning among Canadians. Approximately 14% of Canadians cited climate change as one of their top 3 concerns?compared to 26% in 2019. What will this mean for where climate will sit on the country's political agenda?



Canadian businesses see themselves on the frontlines of climate action. According to our survey, over half of executives identified government subsidies (55%), internal funding (53%), and C-suite buy-in (50%) as the most significant factors for driving emissions reduction in their organizations.

This research by RBC's Climate Action Institute offers a comprehensive view of Canadian climate progress to date. The Institute surveyed 2,000 Canadians and 100 Canadian business leaders for their views on climate action, providing a unique perspective on how attitudes towards climate are evolving. The Institute also developed the Climate Action Barometer ? a proprietary tool that combines industry scores for Policy, Capital, Action & Sentiment, Emissions and Technology to track economy-wide climate progress. Tying this in-depth research together, images throughout the report were the result of a Canada-wide photography program that highlights climate action on-the-ground, across the country.

Climate Action 2025: a year for rewiring also showcases several companies pursuing solutions for reducing emissions in a series of case studies. From Canada Nickel, a Canadian mining company finding new ways to sequester carbon as it extracts ore, to Semex, a Canadian agriculture company reducing methane emissions in dairy cattle ? the report highlights the important, often behind the scenes ways that companies are helping Canada achieve its climate goals.

Read the full Climate Action 2025 report.

About the RBC Climate Action Institute (The Institute)

The Institute strives to bring together research insights and industry experts to help clients and communities apply climate solutions. The Institute has a three-part mandate:

Inform and inspire: Leverage RBC's thought leadership capabilities to inform policy and inspire action towards a net-zero future in Canada .

Leverage RBC's thought leadership capabilities to inform policy and inspire action towards a net-zero future in . Engage decision makers: Help convene key stakeholders to discuss ideas and develop pragmatic climate solutions.

Help convene key stakeholders to discuss ideas and develop pragmatic climate solutions. Facilitate bold action: Work with industry partners to help clients and communities apply climate solutions.

Since its launch in April 2023, the Institute has published over twenty research papers on topics ranging from electricity regulations to mass timber. The Institute has engaged with governments, industries and community groups to share insights and ideas and its heard, and learned from, Canadians at the forefront of climate change. The Institute has also helped launch two groups?the Canadian Alliance for Net- Zero Agrifood and the Climate Smart Buildings Alliance?to help develop private sector strategies to reduce emissions. You can find out more about the Institute on the Institute website.

About RBC

Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 98,000+ employees who leverage their imaginations and insights to bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada's biggest bank and one of the largest in the world, based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our more than 18 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 27 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com.

We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at rbc.com/peopleandplanet.

For more information, please contact:

[email protected]

SOURCE RBC

14 january 2025 at 09:31

News published onand distributed by:
Snapology Earns No. 1 Spot in Category in Entrepreneur Franchise 500 for Fourth Consecutive Year





Children's STEAM Franchise Leads Youth Enrichment Category, Reflecting Strong Growth and Innovation in 2024

DALLAS, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Snapology, the leading children's STEM/STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) franchise and part of youth enrichment platform Unleashed Brands, has once again been recognized as the No. 1 children's enrichment program in the STEM category by Entrepreneur's Franchise 500. The brand achieved an overall ranking of No. 394.

The annual Entrepreneur Franchise 500 has been a highly sought-after honor in the franchise industry and ranks brands on outstanding performance in areas including unit growth, financial strength and stability and brand power. Each franchise is given a cumulative score based on an analysis of more than 150 data points, and the 500 franchises with the highest cumulative scores become the Franchise 500 in ranking order.

2025 marks Snapology's 15th year in the esteemed ranking, and fourth consecutive year in the No. 1 spot in their category. The brand's consistent inclusion in the ranking of the top franchises in the world underscores its commitment growth, innovation and franchisee success.

2024 was marked by significant brand milestones, including:

Brand Expansion: Awarded 25 new franchises across Florida , North Carolina and Texas , while also expanding into key markets in the Northeast and Pacific Northwest.





Awarded 25 new franchises across , and , while also expanding into key markets in the Northeast and Pacific Northwest. Record-Setting Openings: Opened a record of 32 new franchise locations, bringing world-class STEAM education to more communities than ever.





Opened a record of 32 new franchise locations, bringing world-class STEAM education to more communities than ever. Enhanced Franchisee Support: Delivered over 30 hours of advanced virtual training workshops, equipping franchisees with the tools to thrive.





Delivered over 30 hours of advanced virtual training workshops, equipping franchisees with the tools to thrive. Enriched Curriculum: Introduced 134 new hours of cutting-edge STEAM classes, expanding offerings to meet evolving customer needs.

Over its 46 years in existence, the Franchise 500 has become both a dominant competitive measure for franchisors and a primary research tool for potential franchisees. Snapology's position on the ranking is a testament to its strength as a franchise opportunity.

"The Franchise 500 is more than a list. It's really a collection of life-changing opportunities, featuring strong and resilient brands that future franchisees will be proud to be a part of," says Jason Feifer, editor in chief of Entrepreneur magazine. "This year's honorees represent the bold ideas, operational excellence, and adaptability that make franchising a cornerstone of entrepreneurial success."

Snapology is actively seeking passionate franchisees who share its mission of shaping future leaders through innovative STEAM education. To learn more about Snapology and current opportunities, please visit Snapology.com.

About Snapology

Snapology is the premier option for STEAM programs, offering year-round programs through dozens of revenue streams. Founded in 2010 by sisters Laura and Lisa Cole, Snapology is a play program for children between the ages of one and fourteen that aims to teach science, technology, engineering, art, and math in a playful, no-pressure environment. Recognized by Entrepreneur as one of the fastest-growing franchises, Snapology has over 150 locations with no plans to slow down. For more information, please visit Snapology.com.

About Unleashed Brands

Unleashed Brands currently includes portfolio brands Urban Air, The Little Gym , Sylvan Learning , Snapology, XP League , Class 101 , Premier Martial Arts. It was founded to curate and grow a portfolio of the most innovative and profitable brands that help kids learn, play, and grow. Over the last 10 years, the team at Unleashed Brands has built a proven platform and know-how for scaling businesses focused on serving families. Its mission is to impact the lives of every kid by providing fun, engaging, and inspiring experiences that help them become who they are destined to be. For more information, please visit UnleashedBrands.com.

Media Contact: Bridget Roberts, Fishman Public Relations, [email protected] or (734) 645-0502

SOURCE Snapology

14 january 2025 at 10:50

News published onand distributed by:
NASA Deputy Administrator to Receive 2025 National Space Award





WASHINGTON, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Rotary National Award for Space Achievement Foundation has selected NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, a retired United States Air Force colonel and former NASA astronaut, to receive the 2025 National Space Trophy on April 25 in Houston.

"This honor is not just a reflection of my journey but a testament to the incredible teams and visionaries I've been privileged to work alongside," said Melroy. "Exploring space is the ultimate act of human aspiration, proving time and again that when we dream together, we achieve the impossible. Being selected for the National Space Trophy is a humbling reminder of how far we've come ? and how much further we can go."

Vanessa Wyche, director of NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, who nominated Melroy alongside former NASA Johnson director Michael Coats, said, "Pam has brilliantly paved the way for future generations pursuing careers in STEM fields through her exemplary leadership, dedication to mission excellence, and integral contributions to the advancement of space exploration. I am thrilled and immensely proud that Pam is receiving this well-deserved recognition."

Sworn in as NASA's deputy administrator on June 21, 2021, Melroy assists NASA Administrator Bill Nelson on key agency decisions, defines the agency's strategic vision, and represents NASA to key government and international partners.

Melroy first joined NASA as an astronaut in 1994 and holds the distinction of being only one of two women to command a space shuttle. She spent more than 38 days in space across three space shuttle missions, all contributing to the assembly of the International Space Station. She served as pilot for STS-92 in 2000 and STS-112 in 2002, and she commanded STS-120 in 2007.

After serving more than two decades in the U.S. Air Force and as a NASA astronaut, Melroy transitioned to leadership roles at Lockheed Martin, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, and Nova Systems Pty, Australia. Additionally, she was as an advisor to the Australian Space Agency and a member of the National Space Council's Users Advisory Group.

The Rotary National Award for Space Achievement Foundation invites members of the public and the aerospace community to attend the Space Awards gala where Melroy will be recognized with the National Space Trophy. For more information on Melroy, visit:

https://www.nasa.gov/people/nasa-deputy-administrator-pam-melroy/

SOURCE NASA

14 january 2025 at 11:26

News published onand distributed by:
Shmyhal: Ukraine exports 6% more goods to EU in 2024, intends to maintain conditions of access to its market in 2025

The minimum task for Ukraine in trade with the European Union for the current 2025 is to maintain the conditions of access to the EU market at a level no lower than 2024, said Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal.

"The indicators of Ukrainian goods exports to Europe continue to grow. Some 60% of everything that Ukrainian businesses sell abroad goes to the EU. Last year, we exported goods there for almost $25 billion. This is 6% more than in 2023," Shmyhal said at a government meeting on Tuesday.

According to him, Ukraine intends to discuss with European partners both the continuation of the "economic visa-free regime," when most Ukrainian goods enter the EU without duties, tariffs and quotas, and its permanent consolidation due to the change in the Ukraine-EU Association Agreement.

"This year, we will also discuss the continuation of the transport visa-free regime, thanks to which Ukrainian road carriers no longer need special permits. Last year, exports by road already amounted to more than 10 million tonnes worth $ 14.7 billion. This is 5% more than in 2023 and evidence of how important the "transport visa-free regime" is for Ukrainian logistics and exports," the prime minister said.

According to Shmyhal, in the near future the government plans to complete all internal preparations for negotiations on signing the "industrial visa-free regime" and submit a corresponding bill to the Verkhovna Rada.

"There is one bill left to pass, which we will present to parliament in the near future. After that, we will be able to move on to the official process of concluding the deal. "Industrial visa-free regime" is another unique tool for supporting Ukrainian business and integration into the European economy, providing for mutual recognition of product certification. This will increase export opportunities, reduce bureaucracy and shorten the time required for Ukrainian goods to enter the European market," the head of the Ukrainian government said.
PrideStaff Co-CEO Mike Aprile Named to the 2025 Staffing 100 North America List





FRESNO, Calif., Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- PrideStaff, a nationally franchised staffing organization , announced that Co-CEO Mike Aprile was named to Staffing Industry Analysts' (SIA) 2025 Staffing 100 North America list for a second consecutive year. This elite list honors visionary staffing industry leaders whose exceptional achievements and influence help chart a course into the future of workforce solutions.

I look forward to providing exceptional service experiences, and making strong financial decisions to expand our brand.

As Co-CEO, Aprile's decisive leadership, insightful financial stewardship, and ability to consistently generate results have fueled PrideStaff's success. For over 35 years, Aprile has played an integral part in growing the brand through his dedication to fiscal responsibility and commitment to the company's core values. His focus on organizational advancement has resulted in PrideStaff's inclusion on:

After serving the organization as a long-time CFO, Aprile was named Co-CEO in 2020 and continued to make his mark on the industry by intently focusing on growth. In 2023, Aprile implemented a strategic growth plan that included investing in additional company-owned units while continuing with PrideStaff's traditional franchised business model to increase the company's bottom-line and profitability.

Aprile is a dynamic leader whose innovative strategies have been pivotal in driving the success of the organization. His commitment to accelerating franchise expansion drove the creation of a semi-absentee franchise ownership model and multiple promotional programs that allow new incoming franchisees to invest more capital into their businesses, fostering stronger foundations and increasing their chances of success. These strategic moves have led to a 300% increase in year-over-year pipeline volume and new signings in 2024 that account for 10% of PrideStaff's current location footprint.

With extensive experience navigating the company through economic and market fluctuations, Aprile helped position the organization for advancement by investing in top talent even as the industry slowed. This forward-thinking decision led PrideStaff to add additional branch and division leaders and its first Chief Sales Officer to its ranks.

As a member of the PrideStaff Brand Advisory Council and PrideStaff's Board of Directors, Aprile stays at the forefront of decision-making, remains a driving force behind brand expansion and success, and a champion of company-wide initiatives to drive concerted sales efforts. "I'm extremely grateful to be named to Staffing Industry Analysts' Staffing 100 North America list for a second time," said Aprile. "I look forward to continuously developing our Strategic-Partners' and staff's talents, providing exceptional service experiences, and making strong financial decisions to expand our brand."

About PrideStaff

PrideStaff was founded in the 1970s as 100% company-owned units and began staffing franchising in 1995. It operates offices in North America to serve thousands of clients and is headquartered in Central California. With 40-plus years in the staffing business, PrideStaff offers the resources and expertise of a national firm, with the spirit, dedication, and personal service of smaller, entrepreneurial firms. PrideStaff is the only nationwide commercial staffing firm in the U.S. and Canada with over $100 million in annual revenue to earn ClearlyRated's prestigious Best of Staffing 15-Year Diamond Award, highlighting exceptional client and talent service quality.

For more information on our services, or staffing franchise information, visit our website.

SOURCE PrideStaff

14 january 2025 at 14:21

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Zayed Sustainability Prize Celebrates Innovators Driving Global Progress at 2025 Awards





Today, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, recognised the 2025 winners of the Zayed Sustainability Prize. Celebrating the transformational impact of 11 pioneering organisations and high schools from across the world, the Prize reflects the UAE's commitment to fostering scalable solutions to global challenges and empowering communities in their pursuit of sustainable prosperity.

In a Ceremony held during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) and attended by 11 Heads of State, Ministers, and business leaders, H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed awarded the winners for their remarkable achievements, encouraging continued innovation in every corner of the globe.

H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed said: "The UAE remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering sustainable development and empowering communities across the world through innovation. The Zayed Sustainability Prize inspires impactful solutions that address critical social and environmental challenges. By nurturing these efforts, we are not only creating a more sustainable future for all, but also honouring the legacy of Sheikh Zayed, whose vision for global progress and humanitarianism continues to guide us."

H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Director General of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, lauded the incredible work being done to deliver innovative and scalable solutions that address the world's most pressing challenges.

H.E. Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber said: "Today, we recognise a remarkable group of organisations and high schools that are driving tangible progress toward a more prosperous future. This year's Prize winners showcase solutions that leverage advanced technologies, including AI, enhance local resilience, and deliver transformative, scalable impact worldwide. In doing so, they embody the power of progress in accelerating sustainable development and inclusive socio-economic growth."

The 2025 Prize winners were elected by a distinguished panel of Jury members, across the six categories of Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action and Global High Schools.

The Chair of the Jury and former President of the Republic of Iceland, H.E. Olafur Ragnar Grimsson, said: "This year's winners have showcased extraordinary innovation in addressing critical global challenges. They are tackling a huge range of problems, focused on reducing the damage from climate change and building more sustainable access to healthcare, energy, food and water, especially in underserved communities. These winners have the potential to drive significant, scalable impact around the world. Their contributions will undoubtedly move us closer towards achieving crucial sustainable development goals."

In the Health category, India's Periwinkle Technologies was awarded the Prize for its portable, AI-enabled cervical cancer screening device. Operating independently of electricity, the device is accessible even in remote or underserved areas. It provides results at the point of care within 30 seconds, enabling early detection and significantly improving women's health outcomes, having already screened over 300,000 women across India.

In the Food category, Nigeria's NaFarm Foods won for its innovative hybrid solar food dryers that prevent post-harvest losses, reducing both food wastage and carbon consumption. To-date, 80 dryers have been distributed across six Nigerian states, benefitting over 65,000 farmers and lowering carbon emissions by 50,000 metric tonnes annually, whilst simultaneously empowering over 18,000 women and youth through up-skilling programmes.

In the Energy category, Palki Motors, an SME from Bangladesh, was awarded the Prize for its locally manufactured, affordable, and lightweight electric vehicles, designed specifically for commercial drivers. Priced at an accessible US $4,990, these vehicles cater to the unique transportation needs of the region. Palki Motors also operates a network of solar powered battery swap stations, which has already benefitted over 23,000 people.

In the Water category, SkyJuice Foundation, an NPO from Australia, won for its low-cost, easy to use, gravity-powered, water treatment solution, which uses low-pressure membrane filters to provide clean drinking water without the need for chemicals, pumps, or external energy sources. Their SkyHydrant model provides clean, potable water to entire communities. Over 3 million people have already benefitted from their 9,000 installations across 74 countries, which have collectively produced 1 billion gallons of safe drinking water.

In the Climate Action category, OpenMap Development Tanzania won for its innovative mapping solutions, which merge community-driven data collection with advanced technologies such as drones, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing. To date, the NPO has benefitted 140,000 people, engaged over 1,000 youth in community health efforts, and created 100 jobs.

Finally, the Zayed Sustainability Prize provides unparalleled opportunities for the next generation of sustainability leaders through its Global High Schools category, empowering youth to drive critical progress in their communities. As of 2025, the Prize's 56 Global High Schools winners have impacted the lives of over 56,599 students and 480,660 people across the globe.

The 2025 recipients of the Global High Schools awards are Centro de Estudios Tecnologicos del Mar 07 (Mexico) representing The Americas; Sakafia Islamic Senior High School (Ghana), representing Sub-Saharan Africa; Merryland International School (UAE), representing the Middle East & North Africa; Presidential School in Tashkent (Uzbekistan), representing Europe & Central Asia; Janamaitri Multiple Campus (Nepal), representing South Asia; and Te P? o R?kaihaut? (New Zealand), representing East Asia & Pacific.

From providing access to clean energy, nutritious food, and safe water, to improving healthcare and strengthening climate resilience, the 2025 winners' efforts embody the Prize's commitment to the power of progress and sustainable innovation.

About the Zayed Sustainability Prize

The Zayed Sustainability Prize is the UAE's pioneering award for innovative solutions to global challenges.

A tribute to the legacy and vision of the UAE's founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Prize aims to drive sustainable development worldwide.

Each year, across the Health, Food, Energy, Water, Climate Action and Global High Schools categories, the Prize rewards organisations and high schools for their groundbreaking solutions to our planet's most pressing needs.

Through its 117 winners, in 17 years, the Prize has positively impacted over 400 million lives across the globe, inspiring innovators to amplify their impact, and chart a sustainable future for all.

*Source: AETOSWire

14 january 2025 at 15:20

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EU hasn't expressed official position for or against development of Khmelnytsky NPP, it's up to Ukraine to decide  Mathernova

Whether or not Ukraine builds additional nuclear capacity is the decision of Ukrainian authorities, the European Union has not expressed an official position on the issue, EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarina Mathernova said.

"The EU has not expressed an official position either for or against the building of the new Khmelnytsky NPP [Nuclear Power Plant] units. I made that clear in my interview with European Pravda back in December. The decision whether to build the new NPP blocks is for Ukrainian authorities to make," she said in response to a written request from the Interfax-Ukraine News Agency.

The ambassador added that there is no clear consensus among EU member states on the issue of developing new nuclear generation capacity.

According to Mathernova, Ukraine should not count on financing the development of nuclear power plants from the EU or its financial institutions.

"Currently, the EU does not finance the development of nuclear power plants. That applies also to NPPs in Ukraine. And that is the case also for the financing by European financial institutions," she said.
A SUPPORT programme for teenage parents in Limerick is to expand the help it provides to mums and dads aged in their early 20s.

Over the last 25 years, the Teen Parent Support Programme has supported around 10,000 men and woman across 10 counties.

Now, it is set to diversify its offering and instead become known as the Young Parents Support Programme (YPSP).

It means support will be provided here in Limerick to parents aged up to 24, as opposed to under 20.

It will also remain engaged for longer continuing to support the parents for the first 1,000 days of the childs life.

The programme is coordinated nationally through child and family information and support service Treoir.

National manager Samantha Dunne said that the number of teen pregnancies has dramatically fallen in the 25 years of the TPSP, but the needs are now far greater, with more complex cases and more parents in their early 20s needing continued supports.

The announcement of the YPSP comes following the impact of 25 years of the TPSP, which during its lifetime it expanded from covering three to 10 counties, she explained.

She pointed out that in 1999, there were 3,135 births to parents under the age of 25 years.

That figure has now fallen to 705.

READ MORE: Old school campus fetches over 2.5m million

However, other issues have arisen in the past quarter-century, she saiid, with young parents having increased mental health issues, exposure to domestic abuse, high incidences of homelessness and substance misuse issues.

So although births to young parents have decreased, challenges, adversity and many other systemic issues can impact young parents significantly. This has led to the need to expand the age-range criteria, and support parents for a longer period of time, Ms Dunne explained.

The YPSP in Limerick has been a very successful programme and we looking forward to the positive impact it will continue to have from working with many more parents in the community, she added.

The target of the YPSP is to offer services to young families in all counties across the Republic of Ireland.
THE LIFE that we knew over here has been erased in the blink of an eye. The scale of destruction is unbelievable and almost everyone we know is now homeless.

These are the devastating words of Cappamore native and film director David Gleeson whose family home which he shares with his wife, producer Nathalie Lichenthaele, and their four children, has burnt down due to the fires ripping through Los Angeless Pacific Palisades district. Along with the apartment and their possessions, the family also lost their cat and a hamster.

Mr Gleeson said that within six hours the entirety of Pacific Palisades was ablaze and their apartment building with everything they owned burned to the ground.

Most heartbreaking is the loss of our cat Milo who died in the sanctuary that became his tomb. In addition to this, Nathalie had her late mothers jewellery stored in a safe deposit box in the local bank. That burned down too, the Limerick man explained to Limerick Live this Tuesday.

Mr Gleeson's daughter Gemma lost her secondary school which also burned to the ground.

David Gleeson pictured with his family

When the wildfires began on January 7, Mr Gleeson had just flown to Brussels to edit his film ONE NIGHT ONLY which he filmed scenes for at the former Royal Cinema on Cecil Street in Limerick city when Nathalie called to tell him that she had received notice to evacuate the Pacific Palisades.

Having spent the last six months in Limerick prepping and shooting the feature film, Mr Gleeson and his family had just returned to LA before Christmas.

Initially, no one was particularly concerned as the fire was miles away and no fire had ever really threatened Pacific Palisades in the past. Often they evacuate areas just to keep the roads free from obstructions so Nathalie assumed shed be allowed back in a few hours which is why she didnt pack and left our cat Milo behind.

Mr Gleeson's daughter Gemma who turns 15 today is absolutely traumatised as she and Milo were inseparable. She had also just gotten a tiny teacup hamster which she kept in her closet.

Mr Gleeson commented: His name was Peter and sadly he didnt survive either. The loss of both is more heartbreaking for us than the loss of any possessions. Our only consolation is that both creatures would have fallen asleep before the fire reached them.

Despite this extremely tragic event, the film director is grateful for all the support and assistance being offered to him from friends and family and particularly from the people of Limerick.

People are so good and were truly grateful that our family remains intact and that our loss, apart from Milo, is purely material, said Mr Gleeson. Others havent been so fortunate and were counting our blessings.

He continued: The outpouring of support we have received from friends and strangers alike has been tremendous and a real comfort to us in this difficult time. Our friend Victoria Parks set up a GoFundMe page unbeknown to us and the generosity displayed there has been truly humbling. What were experiencing has only served to reinforce the notion that when the chips are down whats most important are not material things but the love and support we have for each other.

Mr Gleeson added that they're not sure what their next move will be and he is staying in Belgium at Nathalies request to continue work on ONE NIGHT ONLY.

READ MORE: Major 30m investment announced for Shannon airport

Nathalie and the kids have secured temporary accommodation with some friends while we figure out our next move, said Mr Gleeson. Perhaps our American journey has come to an end. Who knows what the future holds but well be fine. Were alive and looking forward to returning to Limerick to premiere ONE NIGHT ONLY.

The film stars Colin Morgan as the manager of a small-town cinema who struggles to keep the peace on a chaotic Friday night at the pictures. Set in 1980's Ireland, this feel-good movie is a loving tribute to the cinema experience and was shaped by Mr Gleeson's experiences growing up in the cinema business in Cappamore.

Speaking to the Irish Times, Ms Lichtenthaeler said they lost everything in the tragic wildfires. It was on television. I could not bear to watch.

She explained how the family has lost their lives and not just material items. We have lost our neighbourhood, our friends, the places we would go to for coffee, the walks we would take. Our children have lost their schools, their friends have gone.

Mr Gleeson and his family are accustomed to being evacuated because of fire risk, and have had to leave their home several times in the last ten years.

On Tuesday night our house burned down. You could see on television our corner, a place where there were a few shops and things burning, and our apartment was right beside them. I could not look. I could not bear to see it, concluded Ms Lichtenthaeler.

A GoFundMe page was set up for the family by their friend Victoria Parks-Murphy which has raised over 9,700 ($10,028) to date. You can find it by searching for 'Help an ex-pat Irish family rebuild after the Palisades fire.'

Posting to GoFundMe, Victoria said: On January 7th, a catastrophic fire in Pacific Palisades destroyed the apartment of David Gleeson and Nathalie Lichtenthaeler, taking everything they ownedincluding their cherished family cat. They escaped with only the clothes on their backs, leaving behind not just their possessions but the life they had built over the last decade.

For over 10 years, David and Nathalie have been members of the Palisades community, raising three teenage childrenone of whom is autistic. This fire has taken more than their home; it has uprooted them from their school, severed ties to their neighbourhood, and left them facing a daunting road ahead.

Ms Parks-Murphy said she was heartbroken for the family and encouraged people to rally together to provide the support they so urgently need.

Mr Gleeson began his career at the age of nineteen, writing and directing non-professional theatre, in Limerick city with the one-act drama Class Control and he also wrote and directed Cowboys and Angels, the first feature film to shoot entirely in the city. His grandfather opened up the Regal Cinema, Cappamore, in the early 1940s, and his father, Eddie took over the business, opening up several more screens across the south west of Ireland, including the Curzon Cinema, Kilmallock, and the Ormond Cineplex in Nenagh.
OBJECTIVES for the future of Limerick as per the Mayoral Programme 2024 - 2029 have been discussed once again at Limerick City and County Council headquarters, Merchant's Quay.

The Limerick Mayoral Advisory and Implementation Committee convened this Tuesday, January 14, for its fourth meeting which is understood to have "marked a significant milestone" in the ongoing efforts to implement programme objectives.

The committee, which meets quarterly, is dedicated to reviewing progress and ensuring the effective delivery of the programme's goals. To address specific areas of work, the committee will establish subcommittees as needed.

Mayor Moran is seeking the formation of at least three implementation subcommittees.

READ ALSO: Limerick man's life 'erased in the blink of an eye' following 'destruction' of LA wildfires

These subcommittees will focus on the rigorous monitoring and delivery of the Mayoral Programme across three key strands, including: Enhancing affordable housing and improving the quality of life, creating more job opportunities for graduates and others and prioritising wellbeing and health initiatives.

Mayor Moran is enthusiastic about the committee's potential impact, saying: "This marks a significant step forward in our efforts to drive sustainable and inclusive growth right across Limerick.

"I am grateful to each of the members for accepting my invite to shape the future of Limerick. This innovative statutory committee allows strategic discussion involving the Executive, elected councillors and representatives of civil society.

"By harnessing the expertise and dedication of our committee members, I aim to create a more liveable, prosperous, and healthy Limerick with transparent and effective delivery at its core."

Members of the Mayoral Implementation and Advisory Committee are as follows: John Moran - Mayor of Limerick and Committee Chair, Dr. Pat Daly - Director General, Limerick City and County Council, Cllr Dan McSweeney - Priomh Comhairleoir, Limerick City and County Council, Cllr Tommy Hartigan - Councillor, Nicole Dunphy - Entrepreneur, Padraig Casey - CEO, Ballyhoura Development, Jennifer Moroney-Ward - CEO, Paul Partnership, Noel Gavin - President of Limerick Chamber & Senior Vice President, Northern Trust - Ireland, Shay Riordan - CEO, West Limerick Resources.

Other members included: Dr. Declan Jordan - Vice-Dean & Senior Lecturer in Economics, Cork University Business School, UCC, Arpitha Prasanna - AgilityHealth Facilitator, Strategic Management Expert, Fluke Corporation, Elaine Houlihan - National President of Macra Na Feirme, John Fulham - Advocacy & Public Engagement Manager, Irish Wheelchair Association and Pat Keating - Chief Executive Officer, Shannon Foynes Port Company.
A PEDESTRIAN who died just minutes from his home in Abbeyfeale has been remembered as an iconic figure in the town.

Johnny Reidy, whose funeral Mass will take place this Thursday, was pronounced dead after he was hit by a car at New Street in Abbeyfeale on Sunday last.

The Reidy family are well-known in West Limerick and North Kerry with his brother Paddy running a bicycle and lawnmower store on the Kerry Road.

READ MORE: Limerick Mayoral Advisory Committee meet to discuss objectives for the future

Fine Gael councillor Liam Galvin said: Its just so sad. Words cant describe it really. If he had arrived home a minute later, he would still be here.

He remembered Johnny as being really knowledgeable, and somebody who could turn his hand to talking about any subject.

I knew Johnny personally. He was one of natures gentlemen. He was an iconic figure going around the town. People knew Johnny near and far, he said.

Fellow Abbeyfeale councillor Francis Foley, of Fianna Fail, was also a friend of Johnnys.

I knew Johnny and his family. They are a very well respected family in Abbeyfeale, very well-liked. It was with great sadness we heard of his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, his wife and sons. Its a very traumatic time for them, and I know there is a great sense of sadness around Abbeyfeale with regards to this terrible incident, said Cllr Foley.

Its the start of a year and people would have ambitions for the year, and its just very very sad.

We saw so many pedestrians killed on our roads in 2024 and I would hope in 2025, we dont see the same thing happening again.

Johnny will repose at Harnetts Funeral Home in the Square, Abbeyfeale, this Wednesday, January 15, from 6pm until 8pm.

His requiem Mass will take place the following day at The Church of the Assumption.

For those who cannot attend in person, it will be live streamed at: https://churchmedia.tv/church-of-the-assumption-abbeyfeale

Johnny is son of the late Michael and Josephine, father of the late Sean, and brother to the late Margaret.

Hes very sadly missed by his loving wife Marie, sons Michael and Eamonn, and brothers Michael, Paddy, Noel , Paul and Kevin, plus sister Marie.

Hes remembered by Eamonns partner Kerry, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, and all his other relatives, neighbours and friends.

May he rest in peace.
UISCE Eireann has launched a non-statutory consultation for the Water Supply Project Eastern and Midlands Region - a once in a generation project and is the first major new source water infrastructure in the region in the last 60 years.

According to Uisce Eireann it will deliver a safe, secure, sustainable source of water supply necessary to support the growing population and economy, including the demand for housing.

The consultation will provide all stakeholders with an opportunity to give feedback on the proposed project until Tuesday, March 4, in advance of Uisce Eireanns submission of the planning application to An Bord Pleanala.

The Water Supply Project Eastern and Midlands Region proposes to abstract water from Parteen Basin, upstream of Parteen Weir on the Lower River Shannon, utilising a maximum of 2% of the long term average flow at Parteen Basin. It's proposed that the water will be treated near Birdhill, Co. Tipperary and treated water will then be piped 170km through counties Tipperary, Offaly and Kildare to a termination point reservoir at Peamount in County Dublin, connecting into the Greater Dublin Area water distribution network.

Director of Infrastructure Delivery at Uisce Eireann, Maria ODwyer said: "Water supply in the Eastern and Midlands region faces a number of serious challenges, notably the over-reliance on the River Liffey to supply 1.7 million people in the Greater Dublin Area.

"With forecasts showing that the region will need 34% more water by 2044 than is available today, this combination of a growing water supply deficit and lack of supply resilience is simply not sustainable. The launch of this consultation is another major milestone towards the delivery of this essential infrastructure. We look forward to further engaging with stakeholders, landowners and communities along the route to provide them with more information and an opportunity to provide feedback.

The Consultation will run from January 7 until March 4 . Further information on the consultation events, webinars, and details on how to make a submission can be found at www.water.ie.
A Dublin woman was left shocked in a McDonalds drive-thru last week thanks to the act of the driver in front of her in the queue.

The heartwarming moment happened at the Charlestown outlet in Dublin when a woman kindly paid for the car behind her. The woman in the second car took to social media to thank the kind-hearted driver, sparking a chain reaction of goodwill.

The woman posted in a Finglas community page: "Just wanted to say thank you so much to this lady in the car. She paid for my order at McDonalds at Charlestown drive thru this afternoon and told the girl to tell me have a great day.

"I did flash to try say thanks. I didn't want to beep and the car left so couldn't go over.

"But just wanted to put it here in case the lady is on this page and say thank you so much. It was a lovely thing to do. Made my day, my son was chuffed."

The surprised woman vowed to pay it forward and would have done it there and then but there were no cars behind her.

READ NEXT: The heartwarming moment happened at the Charlestown outlet in Dublin

People were quick to heap praise on the kind motorist with one person commenting, "kindness is such a powerful thing, it reminds us this life is a gift and people are inherently good."

The manager of the McDonalds in question then commented to try and track down the kind woman so he could return the favour and provide her and her family with a meal on the house.

The drivers involved managed to make contact with the first woman wanted to remain anonymous. The second woman said: "The lady messaged me this morning and it was lovely getting to chat with her. She is not in this group but I sent her a shot of this message [about free meal offer] and she has asked that she remains anonymous. But she is very thankful for the kind offer."
XL Bully owners have until February 1st 2025 to apply for a Certificate of Exemption, and according to latest figures from the department of rural and community development, only 235 owners have done so as of yet.

XL Bully owners could face a fine of up to 2,500, or imprisonment of a term of up to 3 months, or both as the ban comes into full effect.

The owners could also have their XL Bully seized or euthanised if they do not apply for the exemption certificate.

"The breed will die out eventually," James Madden, Vetinary Officer with Leitrim County Council said on Today with Claire Byrne, as he explains the reason for the bully ban.

He said that with a ban on breeding and ensuring all bully's are neutered, this exemption certificate is "excersise in understanding how many dogs are there, where they are kept and also in limiting the increase in numbers."

From February 1st 2025, it will be illegal to own an XL Bully type dog without a Certificate of Exemption issued by the local authority in which the dog resides.

The information below is according to gov.ie and explains the Certificate of Exemption deadline coming up at the end of January 2025.

Certificate of Exemption:

This certificate is unique to each XL Bully type dog and owner. It specifies the dogs licence details, microchip details, neutering details, age and description. It also specifies the dog owners name, address, date of birth and contact number.

A Certificate of Exemption is issued by the Local Authority and authorises the owner of an XL Bully type dog to keep that dog at a particular premises until the natural end of the dogs life.

After February 1st 2025 all XL Bully type dog owners should either be in possession of a Certificate of Exemption or have proof that they applied for a Certificate of Exemption.

Owners may be required to present their Certificate of Exemption to a Dog Warden within 10 Days of a request to do so.

Applying for a Certificate of Exemption:

Owners must apply to their local authority.

The completed form should be sent by post or email to the relevant local authority.

The Local Authority processes the application and sends either:

A Certificate of Exemption,

A Letter of Refusal,

Request for further information should the application be missing any relevant information.

No fee is charged for a Certificate of Exemption.

Information on all local authorities can be found here: Local Authorities

Documentation needed:

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1. Copy of valid dog licence;

2. Copy of microchipping certificate for the dog;

3. Veterinary Confirmation of Neutering Status Form (see below);

4. Photographic proof of identity (copy of passport, drivers licence, public services card etc.); and

5. Proof of Address (copy of utility bill or bank statement within previous 3 months etc.).

Neutering:

Owners must arrange to have their XL Bully type dog neutered by a registered Veterinary Practitioner in order to receive a Certificate of Exemption. Neutering of the XL Bully type dog must be carried out through castration if its male or spaying if its female.

Once the dog has been neutered, owners must complete a Veterinary Confirmation of Neutering Status Form. This form is available from your Local Authority .

This form must be countersigned by a vet and forwarded to the Local Authority by post or email.

A Certificate of Exemption will not be granted until the Veterinary Confirmation of Neutering Status Form has been received by the Local Authority.

Owners can submit a Veterinary Confirmation of Neutering Status Form where their dog is determined by a vet to be medically unfit for neutering.

Definition of an XL Bully type dog:

The XL Bully type dog is a variant of the wider American Bully breed type. The XL Bully type dog is typically larger (both in terms of height and body shape) and more muscular than other American Bully breed types such as the Micro, Pocket, Standard and Classic.

Owners should use the Physical Conformation Standard to determine if their dog is an XL Bully type.

It is the owners responsibility to determine if their dog is covered by the ban.

If owners think their dog could be an XL Bully type dog, they should comply with all new requirements.
Lincoln University of Missouri (LU) is continuing its 25 in 25 points of pride to build on last years momentum and keep propelling the University to future success.

LU celebrated the accomplishments of the 11th graduating class of the Lincoln University Law Enforcement Training Academy (LULETA) on Friday, December 13, 2024. The ceremony, held in the Thomas Pawley Theatre on campus, honored the graduates dedication and the academys mission to build stronger, safer communities.

Lincoln University is proud to be at the forefront of this essential work, said President Dr. John Moseley. The success of LULETA is a testament to our universitys enduring legacy of leadership and service. These graduates represent hope for stronger, safer communities, and we are confident they will carry forward the values of professionalism and compassion instilled through our academy.

The graduates  Jamilyn Bagby, Braden Bushnell, Katherine Forsythe, Sara Mealy, Harley Murrell, Sydney Phipps, Cameron Webb and Michaela White  marked the culmination of rigorous training and officially entered the law enforcement profession. Learn how LULETA grad Sara Mealy never gave up on her dream: Read her Blue Tiger story.

Chief Gary Hill, director of LULETA, commended the graduates for their perseverance and dedication.

Each graduate here today is answering a call to serve and protect their communities, Chief Hill said. Our mission remains steadfast  to recruit, train and prepare officers who not only enforce the law but are trusted partners within the neighborhoods they serve. This graduating class has worked exceptionally hard, and I have no doubt they will make a meaningful impact in law enforcement across the state and beyond.

The graduates will now advance into agency-specific field training programs as they begin their roles at law enforcement agencies across Missouri and beyond.

Launched in 2021, LULETA is the first and only police academy housed at a historically Black college or university (HBCU). Recognized nationally for its commitment to increasing diversity and strengthening community-oriented policing, the academy continues to train officers equipped with professionalism, empathy and integrity.

Looking ahead, the academy will celebrate its 12th graduating class in spring 2025. As part of its ongoing evolution, LULETA has partnered with the Columbia Police Department (Columbia, Missouri) to deliver specialized, community-focused training for recruits. This 19-week program emphasizes scenario-based exercises to balance law enforcement duties with community engagement, mental health awareness, crisis intervention and interpersonal skills.

Recruits will undergo physical training, firearms instruction and emergency driving courses, with 90% of the programs infrastructure and most trainers provided by the Columbia Police Department. This collaboration not only enhances officer preparedness but also aligns with Lincoln Universitys mission to foster meaningful connections between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

Stay tuned for the rest of the month with more of Lincolns 25 in 25.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree on the introduction of sanctions against 140 entities of the financial sector of the Russian Federation, and introduced a bill on criminal liability for attempts to circumvent sanctions.

"I signed documents on sanctions. A decree on the introduction of sanctions against the financial sector of Russia - 140 different entities. We will continue to work with partners to coordinate our pressure. The second document is a bill on criminal liability for attempts to circumvent sanctions, and this is in many ways a continuation of international practice in relation to sanctions," Zelenskyy said in a video address on Monday evening.

According to the president, the bill on criminal liability for attempts to circumvent sanctions will be submitted to the Verkhovna Rada.

Decree No. 24/2025 was published on the website of the head of state, according to which the president put into effect the decision of the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) to impose sanctions against 75 individuals who are citizens of the Russian Federation.

Sanctions were also applied to 63 legal entities registered in the Russian Federation, and to two in the British Virgin Islands.
New Delhi: The government plans to give micro, small and medium drugmakers three months to submit their action plans to upgrade plants and comply with the World Health Organizations good manufacturing practices (GMP) for life-saving medicines by the end of 2025, failing which they will have to shut down.

However, small drug companies said they need more time to meet the compliance requirements. The health ministry will decide on granting extensions based on the action plans submitted by MSME drugmakers, an official aware of the matter said.

The government has sought an upgradation action plan from the companies within three months time," the official said, adding that companies have to file applications to the Central Licensing Authority.

The decision comes in the wake of the Centres plan to extend the deadline for small pharmaceutical companies  with revenue of 250 crore or less  to comply with GMP by one year to 31 December 2025.

India is tightening drug quality norms after domestically manufactured medicines failed quality tests overseas due to alleged contamination. Of Indias 10,000 MSME drug companies, only 2,000 are WHO GMP-certified.

GMP norms are being implemented in India to ensure quality drugs by way of control on materials, methods, machines, processes, personnel and facility or environment. According to WHO, GMP refers to the aspect of quality assurance that ensures that medicinal products are consistently produced and controlled to the quality standards appropriate to their intended use and as required by the product specification.

Revised norms

In 2023, the government revised Schedule M of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, which prescribes GMP standards for drug companies. In the first phase, drugmakers with an annual turnover of 250 crore and above were to compulsorily follow GMP within six months, while smaller companies were given one year.

Now, the small drugmakers must submit an undertaking to the government stating that they have analysed the shortcomings at their plants and propose to start upgrading them within three months of filing their plans. The companies have to provide a range of details such as FY24 turnover, the gap analysis of their plants, equipment, labs, utilities, technical staff, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) systems, and documents. Besides, they must justify the time needed for compliance.

This exercise will also let us know how many verified drug makers are there in the country. The government is very serious about the quality and safety of the medicines manufactured in India and hence, all the companies have to follow the WHO-GMP standards. Those who fail to submit the application may have to close their operations as none of the firms can work without compliance," said the official.

Mint reported on 5 January that the government had extended GMP compliance for MSME drugmakers by one year and asked for comments from stakeholders within seven days to amend the previous notification dated December 2023.

Queries sent to the Union health ministry spokesperson remained unanswered.

We are working very strongly on GMP compliance and have submitted our comments to the government on 11 January, seeking two years extension in the time period as upgradation of the plants requires huge finance, manpower, collateral security, training and implementation," said Harish Jain Manawat, president of the Federation of Pharmaceutical Entrepreneurs (FOPE).

Manawat said FOPE welcomed the one-year extension, but for smaller companies, the time period is inadequate.

"However, we have urged our member companies to start working on a war footing mode, whether we get more time or not, and those who fail to do so have to bear the repercussions," he said.

About 50% of the FOPEs member companies are yet to upgrade their plants as per the revised Schedule M standards, Manawat said.

Last year, the government started the Revamped Pharmaceuticals Technology Upgradation Assistance Scheme to provide financial aid to drugmakers to upgrade their plants to global standards.
SINGAPOREChinese officials, facing a looming U.S. TikTok ban, have internally discussed options including the possibility of allowing a trusted non-Chinese party such as Elon Musk to invest in or take control of TikToks U.S. operations, people familiar with the discussions said.

China has protested a U.S. law that would ban TikTok in the U.S. unless its Beijing-based parent, ByteDance, divests itself of the operation. The Supreme Court last week seemed inclined to let the law stand. It goes into effect on Sunday unless the court issues a stay.

It couldnt be determined whether the Chinese officials had presented the Musk idea to top leadership.

The law is one of many issues straining U.S.-China relations ahead of Donald Trumps inauguration on Jan. 20. Top leadership in Beijing views openness on TikTok as one possible card to play, with confrontations expected over tariffs and other issues, the people said.

Trump has said he wants to find a way to let TikTok remain in the U.S.

In discussions to date, officials concluded that it was best to let the ban take effect and keep TikTok under ByteDances ownership so that negotiations could continue after Trump takes over, the people said.

In preparing the tool kit for possible options after Trumps inauguration, officials have examined possible openness to a deal with Musk, one of Trumps closest allies, the people said. Tesla, the electric-vehicle maker headed by Musk, has a factory in Shanghai, and China is one of its biggest markets.

Musk has frequently met top Chinese officials and expressed favorable views about the country and its leadership. He owns X, another social-media app.

Still, any willingness to make a deal would run counter to Chinese leaders position that they need to stand up to what they view as an unacceptable American law.

It is sheer robbers logic to try every means to snatch from others all the good things that they have," a Foreign Ministry spokesman said last year.

The Chinese government hasnt communicated with ByteDance about the contingency plans it has considered, the people said. Beijing wouldnt order ByteDance to sell the app to a specific investor, they said, but it has a key role to play in the discussions because Chinas export controls require government approval for the sale of domestically developed algorithms for recommending content to foreign entities.

The core of TikToks video-sharing app is the algorithm containing software code originally written by its parent, ByteDance, for figuring out what users want to watch and delivering relevant content to them.

Chinese officials have in recent months asked ByteDance about its plans for responding to the U.S. law. ByteDance employees have answered that the company was focusing on the legal battle and was confident it would win, without mentioning other backup plans such as a divestiture, people familiar with the matter said.

Beijings potential involvement in a deal to help TikTok avert a U.S. ban could undermine the companys assertion that it operates independently of Chinese authorities.

For some, an official move to protect TikTok could suggest that the Communist Party or Chinese government have some particular equity in the firm," said Ja Ian Chong, a National University of Singapore professor who studies Chinese foreign policy. This could raise further debate about whether TikTok is a tool" for Beijing.

TikTok says the U.S. law violates First Amendment protections for speech, while the U.S. government says the law is justified by the need to protect national security. Supreme Court justices expressed sympathy for the governments view, though they also shared some of the speech concerns. A decision is expected as soon as this week.

Bloomberg earlier reported on Beijings discussions about the possibility of a deal with Musk. Asked about that report, a TikTok representative said to The Wall Street Journal, We cannot be expected to comment on pure fiction."

Last month, TikTok Chief Executive Shou Chew met Trump at the president-elects Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, people familiar with the matter said. Chew, who has known Musk for years, has also talked to the X owner to seek his opinions about the incoming administration, The Wall Street Journal reported in November.

Write to Stu Woo at Stu.Woo@wsj.com
Mumbai: Home services platform Urban Company plans to file draft papers for a 3,000 crore initial public offering (IPO) before the end of the March quarter, three people aware of the development said. The Prosus-backed company has already appointed Kotak Mahindra Capital, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley to manage the IPO, the people said.

The company, last valued at $2.1 billion in June 2021, will issue new and existing shares in the IPO, the people cited above said on the condition of anonymity.

The banks have been appointed and the draft documents are likely to be filed by the end of the current quarter," one of the persons cited above said. The company will largely raise primary capital," he added.

Also read | India sees more startups encashing Esops in 2024 in pre-IPO, secondary deals

Capital raised

In June 2021, the Gurugram-based company had raised $255 million in a Series F funding round led by investors including Prosus, Dragoneer and Wellington Management. Other leading investors in the company include Vy Capital, Tiger Global and Steadview Capital.

The company first considered filing for an IPO in 2021, but later suspended the plan. In 2022, it hired four independent directorsAshish Gupta, Ireena Vittal, Deepinder Goyal and Shyamal Mukherjee to strengthen its board ahead of a potential listing.

Also read | Urban Company is eyeing profits and an IPO. But gig workers are angry

In August 2024, Mint first reported on the plans of some of Urban Companys early-stage investors to cash out ahead of the IPO as part of realigning its capitalization table.

Emailed queries to the spokespersons of Urban Company, Kotak Mahindra Capital., and Morgan Stanley remained unanswered. A Goldman Sachs spokesperson declined to comment.

Founded in 2014 by Raghav Chandra, Abhiraj Singh Bhal and Varun Khaitan, the company, which is a technology marketplace for home services such as beauty and spa, cleaning, plumbing and appliance repair, also ventured into branded home appliances last year with the launch of a range of water purifiers. It has operations in more than 50 Indian cities as well as international locations including the UAE, Singapore and Saudi Arabia.

Urban Company's financial performance

Urban Company's consolidated revenues grew around 30% year on year (y-o-y) in FY24 to reach 827 crore, while losses before tax fell from 312 crore in FY23 to 93 crore in FY24. In the first quarter of FY25, it recorded a consolidated revenue of 281 crore, a 37.3% up from a year earlier, , and a profit before tax of 12 crore.

Last year, India-focused investment firm Dharana Capital had purchased shares worth 400 crore, or $50 million, in Urban Company from its employees and other shareholders. They gave exit to some of their early investors including Titan Capital  founded by Kunal Bahl and Rohit Bansal, which logged nearly 200 times return on their nine-year-old seed cheque of 57 lakh.
On November 25th the Elva, a tanker flagged in Sao Tome and Principe, clandestinely picked up 2m barrels of Iranian crude off Malaysias coast. Sailing from there to north-east China, the vessels likely destination, usually takes two weeks at most. But not this time. On December 3rd, alleging the Elva had breached sanctions, America blacklisted the ship, exposing anyone dealing with it to punishment. Six weeks on it is still stranded less than 20km from where it collected its cargo.

The Elva has company. Since October, when the Biden administration started cracking down on Iran-linked tankers, their crude deliveries to China, which buys nearly all of Irans oil, have shrunk by a quarter, to 1.3m barrels per day (b/d). At the same time, loadings from Iran have continued apace, in the hope of a change of circumstances. The result is that there is now four times as much Iranian oil stranded at sea20m barrelsmost of which sits off the coasts of Malaysia and Singapore.

In the final days of the Biden presidency America is striking Russia, too. On January 10th officials announced new sanctions against 143 tankers, accounting for 42% of Russias seaborne oil exports last year, as well as large exporters and insurers. This will cause headaches in the short term for Vladimir Putin, and is one reason why Brent crude, the global benchmark, hit $81 a barrel on January 13th, its highest in five months. Yet it is Iran that faces the bigger threat. Donald Trump remains ambivalent about blockading Russia but is committed to strangling Irans finances. He might well succeed, and in doing so disturb global energy markets.

For most of his tenure Joe Biden turned a blind eye to Irans burgeoning oil trade. Between 2018, when the first Trump administration reimposed harsh sanctions, and last year, the countrys crude exports grew twelvefold to 1.8m b/d. Then, in October, Mr Biden changed tack. In the months since, Americas Treasury has added 55 tankers to its Iran-linked blacklist, equivalent to a third of the dark" fleet tasked with carrying Irans crude, says Homayoun Falakshahi of Kpler, a data firm.

People familiar with the administration say officials have realised that their lenient approach towards Iran has failed. Iran has been weakened not by sanctions but by Israels victories over Hamas and Hezbollah, as well as the fall of Bashar al-Assad in Syria. It is also close to building a nuclear weapon. Meanwhile, global oil supply is plentiful and demand weak, making it less likely that sanction enforcement will hurt American consumers. In any case, more expensive petrol will henceforth be Mr Trumps problem.

The Biden administration is making clever use of sanctions. Most of Irans barrels are bought by small, unsophisticated refiners in Chinas north-east, dubbed teapots", which rely on cheap crude to turn a profit. The teapots sell their products at home in local currency. That makes them immune to secondary" sanctions, which ban American firms from dealing with any company that knowingly buys Iranian oil. But they still need Iran-linked tankers to dock at a Chinese port, many of which also earn a living by shipping goods to America.

Aware of this, sanctions-enforcers have targeted tankers responsible for the last leg of an Iranian barrels journey, typically from Malaysia to China. Fearing punishment, Chinese ports have started to reject these tankers. On January 6th Shandong Port Group, which runs ports in locations including Qingdao, Rizhao and Yantai, banned tankers blacklisted by America. Since supply has begun to dry up, Iranian crude now trades at just a $1.50 discount to Brent, the global benchmark, compared with $6.50 three months ago. The price rise is enough to have forced some teapots out of the market, in turn curtailing demand for Iranian oil.

Iran is working hard to replace blacklisted tankers with clean" ones, an exercise in which it has form. Yet the global dark fleet has grown so largeit now absorbs most of Russias oil exportsthat there may not be enough ships to recruit, especially since Russia also needs new ships to replace the ones that America blacklisted last week. And Chinas teapots were already struggling. A spate of larger, nimbler refineries, built this decade, are eating away at their margins. The government, which objects to their pollution, is granting the firms meagre import quotas.

Enter Mr Trump. As a first move, his administration could add more tankers and traders to the Treasurys naughty list. A bigger move, which insiders say Mr Trumps team is discussing, would be to tell China that America will place sanctions on any port receiving Iranian barrels. The most aggressive option would be to impose huge tariffs on China until its government agrees to enforce a ban on imports of Iranian oil, among other conditions.

Employing such tactics could lead Iranian crude exports to fall by 1m b/d by the summer, compared with levels seen in 2024, reckons Robert McNally, a former adviser to President George W. Bush. In a relatively benign scenario the global supply surplus, coupled with spare production capacity, would limit the subsequent oil price rise to $5-10 a barrel, which might be acceptable to American consumers, while providing a fillip to the countrys shale producers.

A less benign scenario would see Iran respond by lashing out at other Gulf countriesor, worse, blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway through which 30% of the worlds seaborne crude and 20% of its liquid natural gas passes. America might in turn respond by sending in its navy. Irans leaders have repeatedly said that if they cannot export, no one else will. Once cornered, they could resort to desperate measures. The time has never been better for an economic assault on the Islamic Republic. That does not make it a safe choice.

 2025, The Economist Newspaper Ltd. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com
Cease-fire talks between Palestinian militant group Hamas and the Israeli government have made progress in recent days, raising hopes a deal could be reached to release some of the hostages still held in the Gaza Strip and pause fighting that has dragged on for 15 months.

We are close to a deal and it can get done this week," U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan said Monday. Arab mediators and Israeli officials have also said there has been progress in the talks while cautioning there are still gaps to be bridged.

A deal would at least pause the war triggered by the Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023, attacks that left around 1,200 dead and some 250 people taken hostage, while freeing some of the hostages who are still being held in Gaza. More than 46,000 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip during the war, according to Palestinian health authorities, who dont say how many were combatants.

Talks to pause the fighting between Israel and Hamas have been stalled for months, with the two sides split on the fundamental question of whether any cease-fire should become permanent, as Hamas insists, or allow a return to military action, as Israel wants. Previous moments where agreements seemed close have ended in disappointment.

Both sides have been under pressure to come to terms as the U.S. presidential transition nears. President-elect Donald Trump said a week ago that all hell will break out in the Middle East" if the hostages arent released by the time he takes office on Jan. 20, repeating a threat he had made earlier. He hasnt explained what he means, but said last week it wouldnt be good for Hamas or frankly, for anyone."

Trumps designated Middle East envoy, real-estate executive Steve Witkoff, has been in the region for talks toward a deal, including a meeting in Israel with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Hamas also has been isolated by Israels battering of Hezbollah, which led to a deal that halted the Lebanese militias attacks, and the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Both, like Hamas, were supported by Iran.

The first stage of the deal under consideration would swap a pause in fighting and the release of some Palestinians prisoners in Israel for the release of 33 hostages being held in Gaza. The hostages to be released would include women, children, people with severe injuries and those above the age of 50, according to a draft of the deal seen by The Wall Street Journal. Hamas would also hand over dead bodies.

The militant group agreed that Palestinians released from long jail terms would leave the Palestinian territories and live in exile abroad with their families.

Hamas also accepted verbal guarantees from the U.S., Qatar, Egypt and Turkey that Israel would continue negotiations for a permanent cease-fire after the expiry of the first phase of the deal, Arab mediators said.

As part of the proposed agreement, Israeli forces would remain in some parts of Gaza when the fighting stops but would eventually withdraw from the corridor along Gazas border with Egypt and another that bisects the Gaza Strip. Hamas agreed to put off resolving some differences with Israel to the second phase of the deal, including over the buffer zones Israel wants to maintain along the eastern and northern edges of Gaza, Arab mediators said.

A deal would come as a relief to the families of the nearly 100 hostages still being held in Gaza, though over 30 have been confirmed dead by Israel. It would also help the enclaves population, which has faced months of displacement and deprivation.

Palestinians in Gaza, weary of more than a year of war, had called on social media for Hamas to accept a deal that would help end the war, even if it doesnt achieve other goals like freeing thousands of Palestinian prisoners in Israels jails.

Most of Gazas prewar population of 2.2 million has been displaced by the war, with many people living in makeshift tent encampments near the seaside in southern Gaza. With temperatures falling and back-to-back storms hitting the enclave, Gazans say conditions in the encampments are increasingly harsh.

In Israel, families of the hostages have put heavy pressure on Netanyahu to strike a deal that secures their release, arguing that every day of captivity risks their lives and well-being. Many families have taken to the streets to protest for months on end and accuse Netanyahu of failing to give priority to the release of their relatives.

Israel says 94 hostages taken on Oct. 7, 2023, remain in Gaza, most of them Israeli. They include dual nationals and more than 30 hostages whom Israel has concluded are no longer alive, based on intelligence findings. Four additional hostages, taken before the Hamas-led attack, bring the total to 98.

Before the most recent developments, the talks had stumbled along for months. Their continued failure has been a blow to President Bidens administration, which has invested substantial amounts of time and political capital pushing for an agreement.

Talks last seemed close in mid-December. But they stalled as the parties got deeper into the specifics and hardened their positions.

Write to Summer Said at summer.said@wsj.com and Anat Peled at anat.peled@wsj.com
Which countries should shell out more to save the planet? That is one of the big questions being asked at COP29, the UNs climate summit in Baku this month. A common answer is China, which Westerners accuse of contributing too little to efforts aimed at helping poor countries cope with climate change. For nearly two decades China, the worlds second-largest economy, has been the biggest emitter of carbon dioxide.

Chinese officials push back, arguing that their country is still developing and that it is responsible for fewer historical emissions than America and Europe. But their strongest counter-argument is that China is already spending more than any other country on the green transition. It is driving global investment into clean-energy technologies, which, as a result, are being rolled out around the world at rates unimaginable just a decade ago.

Chinese money props up every stage of the clean-energy supply chain. Between 2018 and 2023 global investment in the refineries and factories that turn raw materials into wind turbines, electric vehicles (EVs) and other green technologies came to $378bn, according to BloombergNEF, a research firm. Nearly 90% of that came from China (see chart 1).

View Full Image Economist

Thanks to these investments, China produces far more clean-energy equipment than any other country. Its companies manufacture enough lithium-ion batteries (which are used to power EVs) to satisfy the whole of global demand. Eight in ten of the worlds solar panels are made in China, according to the International Energy Agency, an intergovernmental body. By building whopping economies of scale and competing with each other fiercely, Chinese companies have slashed costs.

View Full Image Mega-polluter-China-believes-it-is-a-climate-savio

China is not only supplying these technologies, it is driving demand for them. More than half of its electricity is still generated by coal. But last year Chinese firms plugged some 300 gigawatts of wind- and solar-power capacity into the grid, nearly two-thirds of the amount installed globally. (For comparison, Britains total power capacity is 100 gigawatts.) In June the worlds biggest solar farm came online in western China. It covers an area twice the size of Manhattan. China is also building more nuclear-power plants than any other country. Last year global spending on the deployment of clean-energy technologies came to $1.8trn, according to BloombergNEF, of which 38% occurred in China (see chart 2).

When it comes to the size of such outlays, China has two big advantages over other countries. Thanks to a high savings rate, it has long relied on investment, rather than consumption, to drive economic growth. And its government is able to direct much of that investment to sectors it favours. After the global financial crisis of 2007-09, officials pushed vast amounts of money towards property, roads and railways. Over the past decade the state has increasingly targeted clean energy.

Some of what China is doing to mobilise investment would be familiar elsewhere. Like Germany and Japan, it has incentivised the generation of renewable power by guaranteeing an above-market price for it (what is known as a feed-in tariff). China has also encouraged its companies to issue green bonds, financial instruments that channel funds towards environmentally friendly projects. China is the worlds largest market for them.

But it is in other forms of state support for the clean-energy sector that China stands most apart. So-called government guidance funds" have taken stakes in private businesses to support research and development. State-run banks have handed out lots of cheap loans. And local governments have competed to offer firms generous subsidies in the form of inexpensive land and lower taxes. Chinas EV-makers, for example, received $231bn in subsidies between 2009 and 2023, reports the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a think-tank in Washington, DC.

Waste is a big problem. Investments are often replicated, as different regions of China vie to create their own champions. By offering so many subsidies, local governments have added to their big debt loads. And because production has outpaced domestic demand, clean-energy industries are suffering from overcapacity. As a result, Chinas battery and solar manufacturers are undergoing a wave of painful consolidation.

Western governments point to these handouts when accusing China of unfair competition. But Chinas clean-energy success is down to a number of factors, says Lauri Myllyvirta of the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), a think-tank in Finland. It has long been a manufacturing powerhouse and is full of engineering graduates. Chinas demand for power is still growing fast, creating a reliable market for new generating capacity. (Many Western countries, by contrast, saw power demand stagnate or fall in the 2010s.) And Chinese firmssuch as CATL, the worlds largest maker of lithium-ion batteries, and BYD, an EV gianthave proved to be agile and innovative.

Still, Chinas sending of green technologies abroad has provoked a backlash. America and the European Union have accused it of flooding international markets with artificially cheap goods, making it impossible for their own firms to compete. Both have imposed steep tariffs on things like Chinese EVs. Americas next president, Donald Trump, is threatening a trade war.

In the face of all this, Chinas policies are evolving. As clean-energy industries have matured, the state has reduced its support. Feed-in tariffs for renewable power were rolled back in 2021, after solar and wind became cost-competitive with fossil fuels. Schemes to subsidise purchases of EVs are being wound down.

This does not foreshadow a collapse. China still needs lots of power and, even if it did not have a target of reaching net zero emissions by 2060, the fact that renewables are now cheap guarantees that a lot will be used. Chinese leaders, anxious about relying on imported oil and gas, like the increasing diversity of their energy mix. Last year investments in the field accounted for 40% of Chinas GDP growth, according to calculations by CREA.

Chinas ruler, Xi Jinping, has dubbed clean energy one of the new productive forces", or cutting-edge technologies that he wants his country to dominate. This means the success of the clean-energy sector is now linked to Mr Xi himself, says Ilaria Mazzocco of CSIS. These have become priority industries, no matter how tough the times get." Put another way: China will continue to make the worlds transition to clean energy easierif the world lets it.

 2024, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com
New Delhi: Barely 10 months old, Alivaa Hotels is part of a new breed of hospitality ventures charting out ambitious plans. It has already signed three properties and targets to reach 50 in the next five years. The company is betting on growing demand, and an asset-light model: leasing properties, much like renting a home.

The new arrangement, instead of the prevalent practice of setting up properties and hiring firms to manage them, keeps Ananta Capital-backed Alivaa's finances strong and ensures stable and predictable returns for hotel owners. It owns one property each under its Alivaa and The Hoften brands in Gurugram, and an Alivaa resort will soon open in Jim Corbett area of Uttarakhand.

Founder Vikramjit Singh, previously the president of Lemon Tree Hotels, is betting on the new approach to stand out in India's competitive hotel market.

Singh's company is among the small but growing group of new-age hotels, including Cygnett Hotels and Resorts, Brij Hotels, and Signum Hotels, looking to challenge the dominance of Indian Hotels Company Ltd, the owner of Taj chain, and Oberoi and Marriott-branded hotels groups.

Also read | Hotels, travel cos expect domestic tourism to surge in hill stations this winter

The confidence reflects momentum in leisure and business travel after the pandemic. And better return on investments. According to a report by hospitality consultant Hotelivate, the number of hotels charging an average room night rate of 7,500 or more has increased from 23% (354) in FY23 to 30% (517) in FY24.

Seeking to ride this upcycle, at least three hospitality chainsSAMHI Hotels, Juniper Hotels and Park Hotelshave listed on the stock exchanges. ITC Hotels will follow in February this year. And listed peers including Chalet Hotels and IHCL have rewarded investors with strong returns.

Hospitality consultants say leasing helps fledgling hotel operators compete with existing peers by cutting costs, besides providing owners the flexibility and easing their burden of drawing customers.

Typically, single or first-time hotel owners offer properties on lease as they find it difficult to meet the standards of large, established chains.

Also read | Hotels are luring the uber-rich by monetising Indias rarest commodity  privacy

New hotel management companies don't necessarily have a lot of strict guidelines as to which architect to work with. This gives owners of hotels an easier passage into the business and some level of comfort when they are first starting out," said Ishaan Koul, director at Delhi-based Naaz Hotel Consultants.

According to Koul, hotel owners no longer depend as much on selling rooms directly. A large portion of their bookingsabout 30-40%now come from online travel websites, like Makemytrip or Booking.com, he said, adding some of the new ventures are looking at tier II and III to get a headstart.

Going light

Alivaa's Singh expects the growth under the leasing model to be a little slower" in the first two years, and then to pick up pace quite rapidly". We will target the bigger metros first as we want to look at profitability to start with."

In fact, he said, the company was profitable from the first month that Alivaa launched in Gurgaon. This is because of our unique operating model wherein we have outsourced our entire food and beverage which is a first in the industry. This gives us an advantage because we only run rooms which generate the highest margins in the hotel business."

Other newer and some older hotel companies, too, are reinventing their business models with operating leases or management contracts. A lease allows a company to rent a property from its owner and manages it as a separate, self-sustained business. A management contract, on the other hand, is an agreement where a hotel owner hires a company to operate their hotel, while retaining ownership.

Also read | Hotels join the fray as IPO frenzy continues

Brij Hospitality Pvt. Ltd, which runs the bespoke luxury small-key assets, now has nine hotels under asset-light models. It either does a revenue-share agreement with the owners or signs a conventional management contract.

We began about three years ago and found great success in our marquee asset in Varanasi and decided we wanted to only be in the sub-30 room properties which were luxury developments," said Anant Kumar, co-founder of Brij Hotels.

The company will also look to develop its corporate team and build its portfolio further from eight to 25 hotels in the next two years, and hopes to hit about 50 hotels in the next five years, taking the entire inventory to about 1,500 luxury rooms. The next three hotels will come up in Bandhavgarh, Madhya Pradesh; Ranthambore and Pokharan, Rajasthan, Anant said. Its partners have also acquired land in Mulshi near Pune and Jaipur.

Cygnett, a Gurugram-based company that has been operating for a decade, has switched from marketing an international brand in India to managing its own hotels directly. It has a portfolio of 25 properties, primarily located in tier II cities, with a total of 1,000 rooms. It also is working with 23 hotel owners for properties under development in Pushkar and Jaipur in Rajasthan; Kharagpur in West Bengal; Chail in Himachal Pradesh; Dibrugarh in Assam; and Mahad, Alibaug, Maharashtra and and Gurugram, Haryana.

Also read | Cygnett Hotels aims to become 300 crore business by FY25-end

Similarly, seven-hotel Signum Hotels and Resorts is looking to expand to the UAE and the UK, where it has already started a few projects. This month, the company signed a new hotel in Shirdi, Maharashtra and is likely to work with the same owners to manage their future hotels in Agra and Goa. It has properties in Igatpuri in Maharashtra and Hissar, Haryana, among others.

"We began the business in 2019 and were managing hotels around the country but had a lot of learnings from the pandemic. By October 2022, we pivoted our business model to move towards hotel operating leases which helped us scale," said Mehul Sharma, founder and CEO of the company.

"Now, the business will look to be a global hotel brand. We've pivoted now but are also focused on India as this is the time to capitalize on the India market," he said. The company has signed a contract for a 300-luxury-tent property, which will be ready in the next few years.

Sharma, too, prefers to work with newer hotel owners as the terms of business are far more profitable. For instance, established brands would charge anywhere upwards of 12% to manage a property, while newer hotel companies would ask for around 7%. Entrenched businesses also charge owners a one-time fee to sign up as well as a recurring fee each year, besides a percentage of the gross operating profit. Most of these terms, he said, are far more flexible with new-age hospitality companies.
The government significantly increased infrastructure spending post-covid as the pandemic severely hurt public consumption, while private investments and exports tanked. It has continued that focus. In 2018-19, it spent just 3 trillion on infrastructure, or 1.6% of the gross domestic product (GDP). In 2024-25, this has risen to 11.11 trillion (3.4% of GDP). It was this spending that powered India's economic growth in recent years as it became the fastest growing large economy in the world. In 2023-24, the GDP growth touched 8.2%.

The government has pledged to keep infrastructure spending at 3.4% of GDP as India needs to overcome infrastructure shortcomings, not just physical (roads, ports and airports) but also social and digital as it aims to become a developed nation by 2047.

The challenge will be in maintaining this allocation as the government fights to cut the fiscal deficit. Experts have argued that it would not be possible for the government to continue with the current level of capital expenditure and still bring down the fiscal deficit to 4.5%, as it has promised.

Public spending

At the same time, government hopes of public spending kickstarting private investment has not materialized yet. With other engines of growth (private investment, consumption and exports) remaining sluggish, public spending continues to be the only growth propellant. This became clear this fiscal year, as lower government spending due to elections in the first quarter pulled down India's economic growth significantly to 5.4% in the second quarter of 2024-25.

As the finance minister prepares her next budget, her biggest challenge will be whether to increase infrastructure spending or focus on fiscal consolidation. Already, she is under pressure to offer some sops to stimulate consumption. It remains to be seen how she will balance these conflicting demands.
HCL Technologies Ltd faced the Streets wrath following its December quarter (Q3FY25) earnings, which had nasty surprises. Ahead of the Q3 announcement, HCL stock hit a new 52-week high of 2,012 on Monday, but it tanked around 8% on Tuesday.

Sequential constant-currency (CC) revenue growth of 3.8% was below the consensus estimate of 4.2%, dragged down by weaker-than-anticipated performance of the software business owing to delays in deal closures and renewals. On the other hand, the services business growth fared better despite furloughs and seasonality.

This swift fall in the stock price indicates that Streets expectations were elevated to begin with. Muted equity market sentiment may also have accentuated the pain for HCL stock.

Also read: Power thieves are dragging down one of Indias oldest power utilities

Overall discretionary IT demand is picking up, but company-specific issues could hurt HCLs Q4FY25 performance. Management attributed this to a planned ramp-down of the Verizon deal and some project completions. The impact of this will be visible in the retail, consumer packaged goods (CPG) and telecom verticals of the services business in Q4. HCL also spoke about a slower ramp-up of discretionary deals, which is a dampener considering short-cycle deals are gaining momentum.

The total contract value (TCV) of new deals was around $2.1 billion in Q3 versus $2.2 billion in Q2. HCL did not win any mega deals in Q3. Management said its deal pipeline was very strong and near record highs. HDFC Securities pointed out that HCLs new deal TCV remains soft and lower than the target of $2.3-2.5 billion. So, shorter deal durations could support near-term growth aided by improving annual contract value. But the pace at which shorter deals are ramped up is crucial.

Growth guidance revised

HCL lifted the bottom end of its FY25 revenue growth guidance from 3.5% to 4.5%. Its FY25 constant-currency year-on-year revenue growth guidance now stands at 4.5-5%. The revised guidance includes HPs CTG acquisition (around 50 basis points impact). Hence, at the mid-point, organic growth guidance is unchanged.

Management noted that the ask rate for Q4FY25 is -1.3% to +0.6% on a sequential basis in constant currency terms. A soft Q4 exit rate has triggered fears of HCLs year-on-year revenue growth being hurt. We are factoring in the unanticipated delays and planned ramp down, baking in revenue growth of 4.8% YoY CC (5.3% earlier) in FY25," said a Prabhudas Lilladher report. Some brokerages have also cut FY25 earnings-per-share estimates.

Also read | Avenue Supermarts: Margin pressure, new chief in investor cart

The earnings before interest and tax (Ebit) margin expanded 90 basis points sequentially to 19.5%, aided by operating efficiency measures and forex benefit. Margins may decline in Q4 due to the impact of salary hikes to junior staff and weaker-than-usual growth in the high-margin software business. HCL retained its FY25 Ebit margin guidance at 18-19%.

A relatively low exposure to the troubled banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI) sector stood HCL in good stead relative to its peers. HCL stock is up 17% in the past six months, beating the Nifty IT indexs 11% return. HCL is trading at an FY26 price-to-earnings multiple of 26x, shows Bloomberg data. In comparison, Tata Consultancy Services Ltd and Infosys Ltd trade at 28x and 27x, respectively. Simply put, HCLs valuation leaves no scope for disappointment, especially since its valuation is almost at par with Infosys, which is seen as a major beneficiary of the revival in discretionary demand.

Also read: Cement prices surged the most in northern India in Q3. Is there space for more?

The company has considerable exposure to verticals that face demand headwinds (manufacturing and telecom) and a couple of verticals where discretionary spending is taking time to improve (healthcare and public services). These verticals contribute to 56% of revenue and can slow down the recovery pace," said a Kotak Institutional Equities report dated 13 January.
TEL AVIVAs the war against Hamas dragged into 2024, there were worries here that investment would dry up in Israels globally important technology sector, as much of the world became angry against the casualties in Gaza and recoiled at the unstable security situation.

In fact, a new survey found investment into Israeli technology startups grew 28% last year to $10.6 billion. The influx buoyed Israels economy and helped it maintain a war footing on several battlefronts.

The increase marks a turnaround for Israeli startups, which had experienced a decline in investments in 2023 to $8.3 billion, a drop blamed in part on an effort to overhaul the countrys judicial system and the initial shock of the Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023 attack.

Tech investment in Israel remains depressed from years past. It is still just a third of the almost $30 billion in private investments raised in 2021, a peak after which Israel followed the U.S. into a funding market downturn.

Any increase in Israeli technology investment defied expectations though. The sector is responsible for 20% of Israels gross domestic product and about 10% of employment. It contributed directly to 2.2% of GDP growth in the first three quarters of the year, according to Startup Nation Centralwithout which Israel would have been on a negative growth trend, it said.

If you asked me a year before if I expected those numbers, I wouldnt have," said Avi Hasson, head of Startup Nation Central, the Tel Aviv-based nonprofit that tracks tech investments and released the investment survey.

Israels tech sector is among the worlds largest technology hubs, especially for startups. It has remained one of the most stable parts of the Israeli economy during the 15-month long war, which has taxed the economy and slashed expectations for growth to a mere 0.5% in 2024.

Industry investors and analysts say the war stifled what could have been even stronger growth. The survey didnt break out how much of 2024s investment came from foreign sources and local funders.

We have an extremely innovative and dynamic high tech sector which is still holding on," said Karnit Flug, a former governor of the Bank of Israel and now a senior fellow at the Jerusalem-based Israel Democracy Institute, a think tank. It has recovered somewhat since the start of the war, but not as much as one would hope."

At the wars outset, tens of thousands of Israels nearly 400,000 tech employees were called into reserve service and companies scrambled to realign operations as rockets from Gaza and Lebanon pounded the country. Even as operations normalized, foreign airlines overwhelmingly cut service to Israel, spooking investors and making it harder for Israelis to reach their customers abroad.

An explosion in negative global sentiment toward Israel introduced a new form of risk in doing business with Israeli companies. Global ratings firms lowered Israels credit rating over uncertainty caused by the war.

Israels government flooded money into the economy to stabilize it shortly after war broke out in October 2023. That expansionary fiscal policy, economists say, stemmed what was an initial economic contraction in the wars first quarter and helped Israel regain its footing, but is now resulting in expected tax increases to foot the bill.

The 2024 boost was led by investments into Israeli cybersecurity companies, which captured about 40% of all private capital raised, despite representing only 7% of Israeli tech companies. Many of Israels tech workers have served in advanced military-technology units, where they can gain experience building products. Israeli tech products are sometimes tested on the battlefield. These factors have led to its cybersecurity companies being dominant in the global market, industry experts said.

The number of Israeli defense-tech companies active throughout 2024 doubled, although they contributed to a much smaller percentage of the overall growth in investments. This included some startups which pivoted to the area amid a surge in global demand spurred by the war in Ukraine and at home in Israel. Funding raised by Israeli defense-tech companies grew to $165 million in 2024, from $19 million the previous year.

The fact that things are literally battlefield proven, and both the understanding of the customer as well as the ability to put it into use and to accelerate the progress of those technologies, is something that is unique to Israel," said Hasson.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius arrived in Ukraine on Tuesday, January 14, the German television service Tagesschau has reported.

Pistorius told the dpa news agency that he had arrived in Kyiv for talks with the Ukrainian government. The Minister intends to discuss further assistance and get an idea of the military situation.
A new blaze sparked up in Southern California and nearly 13 million people were under critical or extreme fire warnings, underlining the task still facing fire crews and emergency responders in the weeklong fight against rampant wildfires.

Further evacuation orders were issued overnight in Ventura County, northwest of Los Angeles, as a fire raged. That fire, near the city of Oxnard, was 0% uncontained early Tuesday.

The resurgence of powerful winds across the region slowed the containment of the historic wildfires that have so far left 24 people dead and thousands of homes destroyed.

Wind gusts are expected to reach speeds in excess of 70 miles an hour later in the day, the National Weather Service said Tuesday, risking further spread and hindering the aerial drops of retardant and water that gave firefighters some hope over the weekend.

We are not in the clear as of yet," Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley said. We must not let our guard down."

The combination of strong winds, low humidity and dry brush and vegetation helps accelerate wildfires, hampering efforts to contain the destructive blazes and fueling the spread of new ones. A lull in those winds over the weekend allowed crews to gain a foothold in the fight, but the reprieve was short-lived and forecasters warned extreme, dangerous fire weather would persist for much of the week.

As firefighters spent Monday creating containment lines around the Palisades and Eaton fires, preparations were being made elsewhere for the coming windstorm.

Dozens of water and firetrucks were positioned in the Riviera neighborhood, east of the Pacific Palisades, over concerns the violent winds could fan the Palisades fire toward Brentwood and Bel-Air.

Tree-trimming and landscaping contractors were busy clearing vegetation from around houses and power lines.

The coming windstorm is expected to hit a swath of the region, including Ventura County, the San Fernando Valley and part of Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley, according to the weather service.

The Palisades fire was just 14% contained early Tuesday, according to Cal Fire.

The Eaton fire to the east in Altadena and Pasadena was 33% contained Tuesday. The devastating blaze has ripped through more than 14,000 acres and destroyed thousands of homes, buildings and other structures.

President Biden said Monday he had activated 500 U.S. Marines to stand by to help with search-and-rescue efforts, airlift support and the distribution of food and water. I want to be clear. Were not waiting until those fires are over to start helping the victims," he said during a briefing in the Oval Office. He also said people who were affected by the fires would receive a one-time payment of $770 so they could purchase items such as water, baby formula and prescriptions.

At least two lawsuits have been filed in Los Angeles state court by residents and business owners who blame Southern California Edison for starting and failing to prevent the Eaton fire. The utility company said the cause of the fire is under investigation and it will review the lawsuits when they are received.

The disaster in Los Angeles could prove the most expensive fire in modern global history, according to early estimates. Insurance brokers are raising their estimates for total losses to insurers, with Evercore ISI analysts projecting $25 billion in total losses.

Students returned to campuses across the Los Angeles Unified School District Monday. Hundreds of thousands of free N95 masks were made available at public libraries and recreation centers to help protect against toxic air quality.

Some Hollywood productions were back up, having been largely shuttered last week. While the Grammys are set to go ahead as planned on Feb. 2, major labels Universal Music and Warner Music have canceled all Grammy-related parties. The companies said they would redirect resources used for those events to assist with wildfire-relief efforts.

The National Weather Service said the dangerous winds were likely to die down by late Thursday and into the weekend.

Write to Gareth Vipers at gareth.vipers@wsj.com
A recent clarification issued by the Goods and Services Tax Council in its December 2024 meeting, that caramelized popcorn would be grouped with sugar confectionery and taxed at 18%, attracted much criticism.

Attempts to justify this by arguing that it helps control an epidemic of sugar-fuelled obesity weaken on considering the inconsistent approach taken to taxing sugar confectionery, which falls under HSN Code 1704.

Taxation is not uniform: some items, like elaichi dana, chikki, gajak etc, attract 5% GST; others like boiled sweets attract 12%; while the rest attract 18%. The reasons for this apparently arbitrary classification are not adequately explained.

Some items are thought to merit preferential treatment for being traditional, while others are perceived to be consumed by the affluent and therefore deserving of higher taxes.

The problem with such perceptions is that consumer preferences are dynamic; items which may have once been the exclusive preserve of the rich can quickly become those of mass consumption.

A walk in any weekly haat-bazaar would reveal a variety of goods once available only in high-end department stores. The mobile phone best illustrates this, having graduated from being a status symbol to an essential component of our public policy of inclusion.

These complexities are compounded by litigation on these matters, with different courts making different interpretations of the statute. For instance, the 2018 Kerala Authority of Advance Ruling decision that Malabar parotta be taxed at 18% was overturned in 2024 by the Kerala high court, which placed it on par with bread and hence under the 5% slab.

Thus, the tradition of litigation under the excise tax regime continues. A recent Supreme Court judgement, for example, examined whether pure coconut oil packaged and sold in small quantitiesranging from 5ml to 2 litres would be classifiable under edible oil or hair oil.

The judgement came about because an earlier two-judge bench was divided on this portentous matter.

The final ruling, pointing out that small sized containers are a feature common to both edible oil and hair oil, noted that classifying pure coconut oil as hair oil would not be acceptable unless the packaging of the good met all the requirements stated in the law, with the burden of proof resting upon the revenue department if it intends to classify under a heading different from that claimed by the assessee.

Merely the possibility that coconut oil could be used as hair oil is not sufficient to justify a changed classification.

The court, referring to an earlier Supreme Court judgement, said it is good fiscal policy to not put people in doubt and quandary about their liability to pay duty [], once a specific heading was created for coconut oil [], something more would be required before such oil can be excluded therefrom and classified under the general heading pertaining to toilet and cosmetic preparation."

Good public policy should ideally reduce discretionary and arbitrary powers of the Executive, though this principle has been more honoured in the breach than the observance." The original aim of GST was to end confusing litigation. Had it been a single rate, these decisions would not have been required in the first place.

However, the government had then argued that, keeping in mind Indias heterogeneity and various requirements of public policy, charging all commodities uniformly would not be desirable.

Items of mass consumption and those consumed by the poor were classified under a concessional rate, while luxury items and those of sin consumption attracted higher rates. While this principle is unexceptional, Indias GST had two normal rates of 12% and 18%, plus a concessional rate of 5% and a punitive rate of 28%.

Goods are moved from one slab to another on perceived-use characteristics, with no statistical basis whatsoever. This pick-and-choose approach creates enormous flexibility for revenue authorities to interpret statutes as per their own convenience.

This arbitrariness is further compounded by an opaque and unpredictable approach taken by tax authorities.

In writing this article, while searching for commodities and their tax classifications under HSN heading 1704 (relating to sugar confectionery), the author observed that the GST Secretariat repeatedly emphasizes that information on its sites is neither complete nor exhaustive, and the liability is entirely on taxpayers to find out the treatment applicable to their product or service.

There is no doubt that GST is a significant improvement over the earlier excise and sales tax regime, where revenue departments in different states (and the Centre) often took contrasting positions on the same commodity. However, while this has reduced, there is still much to be done.

The manner in which GST has been implemented, reflected in both GST Council deliberations and legal disputes, seems to reveal a desire to return to the old level of complexity.

Ease-of-doing-business reforms would require that GST be simplified in both letter and spirit.

For example, at present the GST Secretariat mandates that taxpayers report a minimum of 4 or 6 digits of the HSN code in their returns, based on their aggregate annual turnover in the preceding year. The reporting requirement has been kept at these levels to ease the taxpayers burden.

In the same spirit and in accordance with the general principle enunciated by the Supreme Court, taxation should also be restricted to the same broad HSN code classification (i.e., commodities with the same 4-digit HSN code should attract the same tax).

Whether a 4-digit HSN code is grouped as concessional, normal or punitive should be based on hard statistical data that describes the character of these goods consumption, and not merely on assertions and appeals to popular sentiment.

A GST regime with uniform rates, based on clear statistical data, within a broad HSN four or six digit category could enhance fairness, reduce disputes and truly support the ease of doing business.

The author is a visiting professor at the Institute for Studies of Industrial Development and former chief statistician of India
When Mark Zuckerberg earnestly looked at a camera and told the world (or President-elect Donald Trump) that he was shutting down all fact-checking on Facebook and Instagram, he left out some important context. His changes would only apply to US users of Instagram and Facebook, just as the EU rolls out a law to target disinformation.

Theres a couple of ways to look at that. If you believe that Facebooks work on content moderation has been a form of censorship, then Americans will be blessed with new freedom in Zuckerbergs vibrant public square. If you think its protected people from toxicity, youll pity Americans. Either way, youll experience social media differently, depending on where you reside.

Metas fact-checking policies, of course, had problems. But the cause wasnt political bias," which Zuckerberg cited without evidence as the reason for shutting the operation down. Its was inept decision-making. It would have been more sensible for Zuckerberg to order an upgrade of his fact-checking systems to allow for more nuance, and invest more money in the effort.

But the Facebook founder, it seems, likes to jump on new fads and copy rivals, and was bound to take the most politically expedient action after Trump was elected.

With fact-checkers leaving, along with the false information" labels they slap on the occasional post, American users of Facebook and Instagram will be able to join a voluntary system, similar to Xs Community Notes feature, and fact-check each other instead.

This isnt a terrible idea, but does the system work? It depends who you ask. While academic research has shown it can counter some vaccine misinformation and help users distinguish misleading posts, the notes themselves can be slow to implement, and half-truths can go viral by the time theyre debated and posted.

Alan Rusbridger and Khaled Mansour, who sit on Metas Oversight Board, which deals with content disputes, dont believe in the model.

In an op-ed they wrote: If this model of community notes had applied in Britain at the time of the Southport riots last year, there would have been no-one to arbitrate on wild rumors about the identity or religion of the alleged assailant: the truth would take second place to the competing claims of whoever wished to pitch in."

Whats more certain is that the experience of Facebook and Instagram will become more geographically fragmented, and not just because of the fact-checkers. Meta AI assistant, which had close to 500 million monthly active users last September, has been delayed in the EU because of concern from the regions top privacy regulator about using peoples data to train its AI models.

Zuckerberg apparently pities Europeans for missing out. Its sad that I basically have to tell our teams to launch our new AI advances everywhere except the EU at this point," he said in a Threads post in December. Meta said it represented a step backwards for European innovation."

Of course it doesnt. European innovation isnt defined by a large Silicon Valley company giving consumers a widget in exchange for their data. Chatbots collect far more personal details than Google queries ever did, and Meta collects the prompts that people type into its AI.

Maybe its not the worst outcome for Europeans to miss out on another data-mining operation, until its been set up to handle their details appropriately. What Zuckerberg frames as a regulatory barrier is a foundation for building public trust in AI systems.

Meta likely wont apply the EUs new rules on disinformation, known as the Digital Services Act, on Americans, as several legal experts tell me. Doing so would be politically costly for Zuckerberg, particularly when Trump lashes out (and you know he will) at EU officials for fining companies like Meta or Google that breach the new law.

That may mark a new era for how social media giants follow European rules. Back in 2018, when the EU launched its General Data Protection Regulation to protect online privacy, many companies made changes globally because running separate systems was too complex and expensive.

But the so-called Brussels effect may now be weakening, as leaders like Zuckerberg find it more valuable to run their platforms in a more fragmented way and placate government officials on opposite sides of the Atlantic Ocean.

Metas changes wont be quite as dramatic as the Great Firewall, which has seen China develop a completely siloed internet culture. But they could spell a decoupling of relations between US and European internet users over the coming years.

At a time of growing tensions over trade and territory, that may not be the healthiest direction to go. Bloomberg
BERLINDuring Elon Musks freewheeling conversation with the leader of a far-right German party last week, spanning Hitler, multiplanetary civilizations and the existence of god, the billionaire tech entrepreneur insisted that the Alternative for Germany was moderate.

Hopefully, people can tell just from this conversation, like nothing outrageous is being proposed, just common sense," he said, during their live discussion on his X social-media platform.

That has been hard for many in Germanys mainstream political parties to understandmuch less accept.

After all, the party, also known by its German acronym AfD, is critical of Germanys culture of Holocaust remembrance and several of its regional chapters are classified as right-wing extremist organizations by Germanys domestic intelligence agency. An AfD leader in Thuringia was fined for repeatedly using a banned Nazi slogansomething he denied doing knowingly.

Even more perplexing for many in Berlin, some of the AfDs goals clash with Musks own positions and with core U.S. interests.

The AfD is closer to Russia than some of its European peers. It has called for lifting sanctions on Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine and wants to resume Russian natural-gas deliveries via the closed Nord Stream 2 pipeline. It opposes the stationing of U.S. long-range conventional missiles on German soil, as recently agreed between Berlin and Washington.

The party has also criticized electric-car subsidies that have benefited Musks Tesla in the past. And it has called for Germany to leave the European Uniona decision that would make it harder for Tesla to export the cars it makes in its plant near Berlin.

If Musks rocket science and knowledge of electromobility were as superficial as his analysis of German politics, then his cars wouldnt drive, and his rockets wouldnt fly," Jens Spahn, a center-right lawmaker and former government minister, told Germanys Cicero magazine last week. Is it really clever to support such a pro-Russia, pro-Putin, at its core anti-American party like the AfD?"

In many ways, Musks support for the AfD isnt surprising. The partys anti-immigration rhetoric, its rejection of wokeism and its populist style match Musks preferences as expressed in countless online posts. But the AfD is seen as more radical than many of the other European parties Musk has backed, such as Reform U.K. and Giorgia Melonis Brothers of Italy.

In May last year, the AfDs European allies expelled the party from their joint group in the European Parliament after its top candidate at the European election told several newspapers that members of the SS werent all criminals. This echoed an earlier comment by Bjorn Hocke, the AfD leader in Thuringia, a state in eastern Germany considered a stronghold of the partys right wing. Hocke had said in The Wall Street Journal that Adolf Hitler shouldnt be considered absolutely evil."

AfD leaders have sent mixed signals as to whether the party could tweak some of its positions to accommodate its U.S. backer.

The AfD has consistently opposed Teslas German factory in Grunheide, in the state of Brandenburg. AfD councilors last year voted against a plan to expand the plant, which they claimed endangers the water supply, brings excessive traffic and doesnt create jobs for locals.

Kathi Muxel, an AfD lawmaker in the Brandenburg state parliament whose constituency includes Grunheide, said in an email that she wouldnt drop her opposition just because of Elon Musks supportive engagement with our national political goals."

Steffen Kotre, an AfD member of the federal parliament from Brandenburg, disagreed, saying local AfD representatives should rethink their positionYou wont be able to separate this factory, whether you like it or not, from the engagement of its founder in favor of free speech."

But, he added, central political positions, such the push to resume Russian energy purchases or the rejection of policies to cut CO2 emissions, were nonnegotiable. The AfD more than any other party should be very careful never to expose itself to accusations of corruption," he said.

In an interview with the American Conservative, a U.S. magazine, ahead of her conversation with Musk, Alice Weidel defended her partys call for resuming Russian gas purchases regardless of the U.S.s opposition to it, saying: We will make our own decisions and [Donald Trump] must accept them, whether he likes them or not."

Unlike other right-wing parties in Europe, the AfD hasnt softened its positions over the years to court broader appeal. Delegates at its national convention on Sunday toughened its immigration agenda, calling for the detention of asylum seekers and banning nonresidents from receiving welfare benefits unless they have worked in Germany for at least 10 years.

Stefan Moller, co-chair of the AfD in Thuringia, where the party won its first state election last October, said Musk and the AfD didnt have to agree on everything to get along.

Naturally, there are always intersections with other people where you share similar convictions. And then there are potential areas of conflict," he said. Here, the shared political convictions clearly are the dominant focus."

Pollsters say it is too early to tell whether Musks endorsement can broaden the AfDs appeal by unlocking new pools of voters.

A Forsa survey conducted between Jan. 4 and Jan. 6 showed support for the party was stable at 19%, while 74% of respondents said it was inappropriate for Musk to interfere in German politics. The party remains 10 points behind the front-runner, the center-right Christian Democratic Union, according to Forsa, and well off its peak of early last year before it was hit by a series of scandals.

Musk doesnt have a positive image," said Manfred Gullner, head of Forsa. And Trump himself is incredibly disliked among Germans."

However, other polls published this month show the AfDs ratings crossing the 20% threshold, continuing a slow but steady rise that started last summer.

Even if it caught up with the CDU and won Februarys election, the AfD would be exceedingly unlikely to lead the next government because all other parties have ruled out joining it in a coalition. Yet, an AfD victory would still be a political earthquake, and one the partys leaders think has now become a little likelier.

People who are still sitting on the fence and are unsure if they can trust us," said Leif-Erik Holm, an AfD lawmaker. They may look at someone like Musk, and if he supports us, then maybe they can too."

Write to Bertrand Benoit at bertrand.benoit@wsj.com
For the past 90 years, election prognosticators have had one tool in their toolbox: surveys. After the third consecutive American presidential election in which this methodology underestimated support for Donald Trump, there are reasons to doubt it makes sense any more. Calling a small sample of people and asking them what they are going to do seems anachronistic in a world in which tech behemoths mine billions of online data points to predict consumer actionsbehemoths that often know consumers better than they know themselves.

Consider the problems with polls. First, people do not answer them. Survey response rates have dropped to as low as 2%.

Second, people mess with them. Younger people are particularly likely to enjoy giving faulty answers. One academic study found a correlation in survey data between being adopted and various problematic behaviours; when it was found that 19% of those who said they were adopted were just joking, the study was retracted.

Third, people lie to pollsters to protect their self-image, something called social-desirability bias. The level of deception can be shocking. Research shows that roughly four in ten people who did not vote in an election will report in surveys that they did. People are also known to dramatically over-report how much sex they have, their tendency to give to charity and their academic accomplishments.

These non-respondents, tricksters and liars probably all played into Mr Trumps better-than-expected performance. There is some evidence suggesting that his supporters are less likely to answer surveys, more likely to mess with them and less likely to admit in them that they support him.

Does this make surveys useless for predicting what will happen in an election? Not entirely. Noisy and flawed as they can be, surveys do contain some useful information, particularly in helping us understand where support for candidates might change. I compared Mr Trumps actual performance to that predicted by FiveThirtyEight, a poll aggregator. About half of the state-level change in support for Mr Trump between 2020 and 2024 could be predicted by surveys. Surveys correctly noted that his vote share was going to rocket in Kentucky, New York and Massachusetts. And there are trends that were simply overlooked. Some of the seemingly surprising patterns of the election, such as Mr Trumps strong performance in highly Hispanic districts, would have been less surprising to those who were paying close attention to the surveys that largely predicted that shift.

That said, polls clearly struggle to predict fully what will happen in an election. And, in an era in which internet-trawling humanity produces more than 400 terabytes of data every day, it is increasingly odd to pin hopes on the responses of a few thousand people who happen to pick up the phone, and who may or may not be honest with pollsters, or with themselves.

For the past 15 years, I have been studying Google searches. I and others have found that search data are often far more predictive than surveys. Google searches for vote" and voting" can predict who will actually turn out to vote, not just those who say they willjust as searches related to suicide can predict suicide rates better than survey reports of suicidal ideation. Google searches revealed where racism was highest in America and predicted the early rise of Mr Trump. And in April 2020 I used them to discover a new symptom of covid-19: eye pain, a finding confirmed months later by health researchers.

There is already some evidence that search data could provide rich predictive power around elections, and not necessarily by making straightforward queries. Stuart Gabriel of UCLA and I found, for example, that the order in which candidates are searched on Google, across many presidential cycles, is itself an indicator. People who search Trump Harris debate" are more likely to support Mr Trump than people who search Harris Trump debate". What is most fascinating about this indicator is that, again, the data can reveal something that the searcher may not even realise. Ostensibly undecided voters may signal their support based on which candidate they include first when searching.

In Mississippi, a Trump stronghold, more than 65% of searches with both candidate names included Trump" firstthe highest in any state. In Vermont, a Harris stronghold, 58% of searches with both candidates names included Harris" firstalso the highest in any state. Overall, 24 of the 26 states most likely to include Trump" first in their two-name Google searches went for Trump. Nineteen of the 25 states most likely to include Harris" first in theirs went for Harris. And we have seen four elections in a row for which adding this indicator would have improved state-level predictions compared with just averaging polls.

We are still early in the study of how online data can help understand and predict human behaviour. But it is abundantly clear that 2024s elections will be among the last in which surveys alone are used to predict the results.

Seth Stephens-Davidowitz is a data scientist and author who formerly worked at Google.

 2025, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com
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On Monday night, the Russian occupiers attacked Ukraine with 80 Shahed-type unmanned aerial vehicles and various types of simulator drones, 58 of them were shot down, and 21 enemy simulator drones were lost without negative consequences, the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine said on the Telegram channel.

"Downed enemy drones caused damage in Sumy, Kvi, Zhytomyr, Kharkiv and Cherkasy regions. Private and apartment buildings, cars, and citizens' property were damaged. According to preliminary estimates, without casualties, the victims are being assisted," the report says.

The air attack was repelled by aviation, anti-aircraft missile forces, electronic warfare units, mobile fire groups of the Air Force and the Defense Forces of Ukraine. "As of 09:00, it was confirmed that 58 Shahed-type attack UAVs and other types of drones had been shot down in Poltava, Sumy, Kharkiv, Cherkasy, Kyiv, Zhytomyr, Kirovohrad, Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, Odesa and Kherson regions," the Air Force said.
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By Chris Boyle Published: January 14 2025

Command Headquarters Will Unite and Support More than 100 Local, State and Federal Agencies.

Governor Hochul visits Buffalo Police Dept. C- District and gets an update on new crime initiatives as well as new funded technology that will better help law enforcement in a variety of aspects to better perform their jobs. Credit: Darren McGee/ Office of Governor Kathy Hochul

As part of her 2025 State of the State agenda, Governor Kathy Hochul today proposed creating the nations first-ever Crime Analysis Joint Special Operations Command (CA-JSOC) Headquarters to help fight crime and coordinate intelligence sharing among hundreds of local, state and federal law enforcement entities. Governor Hochul will propose expanded support for intelligence and agency coordination, and will secure additional funding for crime prevention technology and equipment to provide resources so local police departments and sheriffs offices can continue driving down crime in New York State, building off last years record funding for law enforcement technology.

Public safety has been one of my top priorities since day one, and I am committed to doing everything I can to make sure that all New Yorkers and their families feel safe, Governor Hochul said. By prioritizing coordination, intelligence sharing and investing in the latest technology, we are ensuring law enforcement agencies across the state have the resources and tools they need to prevent crimes and safeguard the future of our state.

Expand Support for Intelligence Sharing and Agency Coordination

The Crime Analysis Centers (CACs) are vital to crime prevention and public safety in New York, with staff responding to requests for services from local police and prosecutors and providing hot-spot analysis, real-time investigative support and other assistance to law enforcement statewide. Under Governor Hochuls leadership, CAC funding has tripled, and the network has grown to 11 centers, which are supported by the State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) in partnership with local law enforcement agencies.

Additionally, since taking office Governor Hochul has made foundational investments in cybersecurity to help protect New Yorkers against growing digital threats. Governor Hochul established New York States Joint Security Operations Center (JSOC) to serve as a 24/7 cybersecurity hub to coordinate responses to cyber threats.

To build on these successes, Governor Hochul will propose creating the New York State Crime Analysis and Joint Special Operations Command Headquarters (CA-JSOC). This first-in-the-nation headquarters will unite and support more than 100 local, state and federal agencies to track crime trends, share intelligence, and coordinate responses in real time, further enhancing public safety across New York State.

Invest in Law Enforcement Technology Funding

Last year, Governor Hochul provided record funding for the Law Enforcement Technology (LETECH) grants, supporting agencies statewide in acquiring critical technologies and equipment to enhance crime prevention. To ensure law enforcement partners continue to have access to the tools needed to protect New Yorkers and strengthen public safety, Governor Hochul will secure additional funding LETECH grants, which are administered by DCJS.

DCJS Commissioner Rossana Rosado said, Governor Hochuls support for our local law enforcement and community partners has been unprecedented. These proposals will further expand information and data sharing among local, state and federal agencies and leverage technology to allow agencies to continue to drive down crime and improve public safety.

State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, I want to commend Governor Hochul for her continued investments in public safety. This new joint operations center expands on the close partnerships we have built with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners, which is critically important as we fight the constantly evolving threats to public safety.

The U.S. Department of Justice recently recognized the Crime Analysis Center Network with an Excellence in the Field of Criminal Justice Award, one of six presented by the federal agency. About 210 crime analysts, investigators and other law enforcement personnel  funded by DCJS or assigned by partner local, state, and federal agencies  staff the Centers located in Albany, Broome, Erie, Franklin, Monroe, Niagara, Oneida, Onondaga, Orange, and Suffolk counties, and Manhattan. More than 350 law enforcement agencies in 59 counties allow the centers to access records management systems, which include arrests, reported crimes, accident reports, traffic tickets and other calls for service; domestic incident reports; parole and probation records; and public surveillance camera systems, among other data and information sources.

Staff at the Centers analyze and compile data and information in response to requests for service, providing real-time investigative support to officers as they are responding to reported crimes; analyses of emerging crime trends, crime patterns, and calls for service that inform officer and resource deployment; and detailed briefings that provide investigators with leads on specific cases they are handling. Their work has allowed law enforcement agencies to solve homicides, car thefts, retail crime rings, and remove illegal guns from communities across the State.

Last year, Governor Hochul announced that she secured $127 million to police departments and sheriffs offices outside of New York City for new technology and equipment to prevent and solve crimes and improve public safety. The Governor secured funding in the FY 2025 Enacted Budget to fund applications made by 378 law enforcement agencies.

Police departments and sheriffs offices are using the funding to purchase new technology and equipment to modernize their operations and more effectively solve and prevent crime. The grants support a variety of equipment and technology, including but not limited to license plate readers, mobile and fixed camera systems, computer-aided dispatch systems, software, unmanned aerial vehicles, gunshot detection devices and smart equipment for patrol vehicles and police officers. More than half of the total funding was used to support license plate readers (22 percent), body-worn and patrol vehicle equipment (20 percent), and public safety camera systems (17 percent).

About The Division of Criminal Justice Services

The Division of Criminal Justice Services provides critical support to all facets of the State's criminal justice system, including, but not limited to: training law enforcement and other criminal justice professionals; overseeing a law enforcement accreditation program; ensuring Breathalyzer and speed enforcement equipment used by local law enforcement operate correctly; managing criminal justice grant funding; providing support to police agencies handling missing persons cases; analyzing statewide crime and program data; providing research support; overseeing county probation departments and alternatives to incarceration programs; and coordinating youth justice policy. Follow DCJS on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X, formerly known as Twitter.
Long-time readers of his column will know that the Macalope is not above grazing on low-hanging fruit. Far from it. First of all, who doesnt like a nice piece of fruit? Second, its right there. At mouth level.

Cmon.

So, you might think hes going to chomp into a mouthful of Mark Zuckerbergs comments about Apple on Joe Rogans podcast. Yes, the guy who acquired Instagram and acquired Oculus and acquired WhatsApp and acquired Messenger thinks Apple doesnt invent anything anymore.

Okay.

No, the Macalope is going to eschew Zuckerbergs bitter barbs and instead take a look at, well, some other low-hanging fruit: Dells rebranding effort. (Look, the Macalopes not made of stone. If they dont want the Macalope to graze on it, stop hanging it so low.)

For a company that doesnt make anything anymore, Apple sure gets copied a lot. This time, however, its names.

Dell announced that it is ditching names like Inspiron and Latitude in favor of some it totally came up with on its own, what are you even talking about, they resent the suggestion: Dell, Dell Pro, and, um, Dell Pro Max.

Any similarity to existing product names, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Michael Dell even got into a huff when called out on it:

 I asked CEO Michael Dell a simple question: What does Dell gain by copying Apple? Needless to say, he didnt look pleased. Devindra Hardawar, Engadget

He always looks like that. Hes got resting Michael Dell face.

This got the Macalope thinking about companies copying Apple, from smartphones to laptop designs to even product naming conventions. We laugh about it, but it really does a disservice to the industry as a whole.

And, to be clear, its not just other companies copying Apple, although they certainly take their cues from Apple. Lets be generous and call it more of a herd mentality. The market is supposed to give us choice, but very often it settles on a particular type of product and everyone makes small variations of it. (Companies even herd on how much to donate to incoming U.S. presidential administrations that have said theyll put tariffs on companies that dont play ball.)

IDG

Lets talk about small phones.

Yes, again.

No, you get over it.

Not only does Apple not make a small phone anymore, but it continues to bump its existing screen sizes every couple of years. Reportedly, the size of the base iPhone 17the current one, at a not-insubstantial 6.1 inches, having been ranked by Marques Brownlee as the best small phone of 2024will increase to 6.3 inches.

The Macalope might be tempted to huff dramatically and suggest that he will simply take his business elsewhere (like he would really do that other than as a stunt), but he simply cant. There arent any. All of these companies making smartphones and you cant get a small one.

Well, thats not completely true. You cant get a name-brand small phone. Some somewhat fly-by-night companies sell phones with screens as small as 4 inches, but they have slower processors, lower quality materials, and poor to no support.

Android Authority helpfully provides lists of the best small smartphones of whatever year of our Lord it happens to be. The problem is, the definition of small has become so warped by the current obsession with making aircraft carrier-sized phones that all the phones on the list have screens that are 6.1 inches or larger.

That is not a small phone.

Living in the Apple ecosystem has always meant dealing with fewer choices, but all of the name-brand smartphone manufacturers have simply decided that every phone should be large. As Apple came relatively late to larger phones, we could say this was an instance of the company copying others. But however you chicken-and-egg this, no one is targeting people who might want smaller phones. The Macalope bit the bullet and upgraded to the 6.1-inch iPhone 16 this past fall, now hes hearing he needs to go a 6.3-inch phone if he wants to upgrade again?

Ungulates are usually all for herding, but this is getting ridiculous.
As a result of a joint special operation by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU)) and the Defense Forces last night, a number of targets in the Russian Federation were hit: chemical plants, refineries and warehouses at the Engels airfield, an SBU source told Interfax-Ukraine.

"As a result of the joint special operation of the SBU and the Defense Forces, the Aleksinsky Chemical Plant (Tula region) was hit. After the operation of the SBU drones, a large fire was recorded. Ammunition depots, storing FABs, smart bombs, cruise missiles, at the Engels airfield (Saratov region), were hit. The SBU drones have achieved their goals, and the bavovna [Ukrainian for cotton  a bang sound heard during an attack in Russia and temporarily occupied territories] is still burning," the agency's source said.

Also, according to the source in the SBU, the Saratov Oil Refinery, where a large-scale fire was recorded, and the Bryansk chemical plant were attacked. "Direct missile hits on the facility and a large fire with subsequent detonations were recorded," he specified.

"The SBU, together with the Defense Forces, continues to work on enemy military facilities and enterprises working for the Russian military-industrial complex. Each affected ammunition depot, refinery, oil depot or chemical plant is a painful blow to the ability of the Russian Federation to wage war in Ukraine," the source added.
After a busy 2024, Apple is gearing up to launch a full slate of new products throughout 2025, including new iPads, Macs, and, of course, iPhones. But even bigger than a new iPhone SE or iPhone 17 Air, Apple is expected to take a big first step into the smart home.

According to Mark Gurmans latest Power On newsletter, Apple is gearing up to lay the foundation for a new smart home ecosystem that includes three main products: a new HomePod mini and Apple TV set-top box, and a brand-new smart home hub. The latter device will usher in a brand-new category for Apple and compete with the likes of the Echo Show and Nest Hub.

Gurman says the products will likely arrive toward the end of the year, despite earlier rumors that the smart home hub could land in the spring. Its still possible, however, that the home hub gets a preview at a spring event ahead of a release later in the year.

Not much is known about the new HomePod mini or Apple TV, but Gurman reports that they are being developed with Apples smart home platform in mind. The current Apple TV 4K hasnt received an update since 2022, while the HomePod mini is still on its first-gen model from 2020. Both products have some smart home capabilities built in, but neither is marketed as a smart home device.

Apple Intelligence is likely to feature heavily in the devices as well, though how remains to be seen. On the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, it requires an A17 Pro, A18, or M-series chip with at least 8GB of RAM, far below the specifications for the current HomePod mini and Apple TV 4K.

Or they could use the smart home hub for Apple Intelligence tasks, which is almost certain to meet the requirements. Gurman says the devices new operating systemcodenamed Pebble and informally known as homeOS is heavily tied to Siris App Intents feature coming to Apple Intelligence in iOS 18.4 and expanding in iOS 19.

All of this points to a fall release, possibly alongside the iPhone 17 but more likely at its own event dedicated to the smart home. That will set the stage for 2026, which Gurman reports will bring a new, more conversational Siri digital assistant and Apple-made smart home accessories, including a security camera and Face ID-powered doorbell.
The leader of the European Solidarity party, MP of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko during his speech in the Verkhovna Rada criticized the allocation of UAH 5 billion for the distribution of "a thousand to everyone" and noted that the situation at the front is very difficult, and funds should be given to the brigades to provide them with drones and electronic warfare equipment.

"This morning I've returned from the front. Pokrovsk is half-encircled, Kurakhove has been surrendered, and the situation is very difficult in the Kursk direction. Kupiansk, Kreminna, Lyman, Chasiv Yar. And our units have a huge shortage of FPV drones, electronic warfare systems, equipment for providing fortifications, caponiers, and other things. Imagine that these UAH 5 billion would now be given to the military, that personal income tax, which is being stolen, would be transferred back to the brigades. And we would not accept the government's explanation that there is no money for this. This money is in the reserve fund," Poroshenko noted.

According to him, UAH 5 billion can completely cover the needs of units along the front line for electronic warfare systems.

"Imagine that each brigade would receive more than UAH 50 million. This means that each brigade would have 250 dome electronic warfare systems. And this means that each vehicle would have protection from enemy FPV," the politician explained.

Poroshenko also once again spoke in favor of banning the transit of Russian oil and gas through the Ukrainian territory, rejecting the assertion that this would complicate relations with the European Union.
The U.S. Supreme Court will not hear ACK for Whales' case against Vineyard Wind, which claimed the permitting process that allowed the 64-turbine wind farm to be built was flawed.

But the local opposition group isnt being deterred by the latest legal setback, announcing Monday it is filing new litigation against the Department of the Interior and other federal agencies for the permitting of New England Wind, a separate proposed wind farm project 24 miles southwest of Nantucket.

ACK for Whales board member Veronica Bonnet said it was disappointing the highest court in the land did not hear the case, but that it was a long shot. Only 1% of the roughly 8,000 cases that are petitioned to the Supreme Court each year are chosen to be heard, according to the courts website.

We dont want to read too much into a denial, and clearly were disappointed, Bonnet said. But the reality is, statistically our chances were very small.

ACK for Whales announced it had filed notices of intent to the relevant federal agencies for new lawsuits that are structured in a way that aim to halt construction of New England Wind, which is expected to be completed in 2030.

The notices say the permitting the new offshore energy project violates the Endangered Species, Marine Mammal Protection, National Historic Preservation and Outer Continental Shelf Land Acts.

Bonnet said the new suits are broader in scope, and structured in a way that wouldnt just send the issues back to the permitting agencies for further review.

We are saying that the process hasnt been done correctly, or certain information was ignored and (the permitting agencies) continue to not look at the cumulative impacts (of multiple wind farms in the same area), Bonnet said.

The letters of intent warn the agencies that ACK for Whales will proceed with its suits after the 60-day period of notice expires to prevent substantial harm to the environment and the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale.

It also claims the turbines will interfere with tourism, commercial fishing and whale watching.

New England Wind is an existential threat to our environment and while we are disappointed by the courts decision to not hear our appeal, were not going to stop fighting for the environment, ACK for Whales President Vallorie Oliver said.

In its case against Vineyard Wind, which ultimately failed after this Supreme Court denial, ACK for Whales argued in court that the federal government did not properly identify and study the effects the project will have on right whales.

That argument was denied last May by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani, who ruled the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management and National Marine Fisheries Service adequately identified and studied the risks to the right whale and designed programs to protect them.

Plaintiffs have not offered any authority that Defendants failure to consider or include one metric over another is either arbitrary or capricious or in violation of NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act), Talwani wrote in her ruling. Nor have they offered any evidence to support their speculative argument that right whales will flee into vessel traffic.

A panel of First Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals judges affirmed the ruling.

ACK for Whales, formerly known as ACK RATS, is made up of Oliver and board members Amy DiSibio, Veronica Bonnet and Ellen Mayo.

Vineyard Wind said it has implemented several programs to protect right whales, including curtailing turbine construction in the winter and early spring when right whales may be in the area, whale monitoring, noise abatement measures, vessel speed limits and a commitment to invest $3 million in scientific research to protect the right whale.

The Inquirer and Mirror on Nantucket is a news partner of MassLive.com. To subscribe to The Inquirer and Mirror, click here.
Celebrate National Bagel Day Wednesday with a free bagel and cream cheese from Brueggers Bagels.

Customers who join Brueggers Rewards this month can get a free bagel and cream cheese with any purchase on Jan. 15.

The offer can be redeemed at participating Bruggers locations nationwide, including those in Massachusetts.

We think New York-style bagels are always worth celebrating, Chad Thompson, head of Culinary Innovation at Brueggers Bagels, said in a press release. But National Bagel Day is the perfect occasion to show off the quality of our kettle-boiled bagels, served hot out of the oven.

Brueggers sells a range of New York-style bagels, including favorites such as Asiago Parmesan, Everything and Blueberry. The chain also has 10 made-in-Vermont cream cheese flavors including bacon scallion, Sriracha honey and onion and chive.

People can sign up for Brueggers Rewards by downloading the Brueggers Bagels app or going online.

In addition to the National Bagel Day promotion, rewards members can get several bagel benefits in the app including points towards free bagels and beverages. Brueggers Bagels Rewards full terms and conditions can be found online.

Click here to find your nearest Brueggers Bagels store.
Two brothers were arrested and are expected to be arraigned on Tuesday in connection with the death of Anthony Leverone, an Abington man found dead in a backyard in December, Plymouth County District Attorney Tim Cruzs office said.

Suzito Lopes, 43, of Quincy, was arrested at a Brockton home while his brother Antonio Lopes, 37, turned himself in to Abington police, Cruzs office said in a statement.

Leverone, 43, was found unresponsive at 563 Plymouth St. after a relative asked police to conduct a well-being check around 7:25 p.m. Friday. Leverone, who sustained blunt force trauma and high impact injuries, was pronounced dead at the scene, Cruzs office said in a previous statement.

His death is being investigated as a homicide.

Massachusetts State Police detectives assigned to Cruzs office and Abington police conducted interviews with multiple people, reviewed surveillance video, and executed search warrants on several cell phones as part of this active investigation, the previous statement read.

Investigators developed probable cause and obtained arrest warrants for the Lopes brothers.

Both brothers are expected to be arraigned in Brockton District Court.
The arrest of an undocumented immigrant at a state-run emergency shelter in Revere late last month has sparked concerns about such shelters impact on public safety, and Reveres city councilors say they share those concerns.

During a Revere City Council meeting Monday night, councilors expressed outrage that 28-year-old Dominican national Leonardo Sanchez was able to keep an AR-15 assault rifle and over 11 pounds of suspected fentanyl while staying at the Quality Inn hotel on Morris Street, which is being used as an emergency shelter. Sanchez faces 11 counts, including drug trafficking and illegal possession of an assault weapon.
Popular fashion outlet Anthropologie is closing its doors at 48 Brattle St. in Cambridge for good.

After 14 years in Harvard Square, the retailer will close Jan. 16, according to a source with knowledge of the matter.

The store is one of several included in the companys recent closures, with one location closing in Ohio earlier this week and more to come in New York, Chicago and Minnesota, according to Columbusunderground.com.

Read more: Hundreds face layoffs as popular retailer closes two Greater Boston stores

The company also closed four Anthropologie locations last year despite reporting a third-quarter net sales increase of 5.8% in November.

Harvard Square Business Association Executive Director Denise Jillson told the Cambridge Day she suspects Anthropologie leaving the square is related to a decline in sales, and that if revenue was robust it wouldnt close.

Anthropologie is owned by URBN and is under the same ownership umbrella as Urban Outfitters and Free People.

The Brattle Street location opened in 2010 and is one of a few URBN-owned stores to leave the square in recent years.

An Urban Outfitters opened in the square in 1979 and left around 2019, according to the Cambridge Day. A Free People opened n nearby Church Street in 2011 but also closed in 2019.

When asked for comment, a spokesperson from URBN did not immediately respond.
If you want to hang out at Starbucks, its going to cost you.

After launching an open door policy welcoming the general public to stop in and enjoy the coffee shop free of charge, the company is now reversing that policy after seven years.

Under the leadership of Starbucks CEO and former Chipotle CEO Brian Niccol, the company is requiring guests to purchase something if they plan on visiting the restaurant.

Read more: Hundreds face layoffs as popular retailer closes two Greater Boston stores

In other words, starting at the end of January guests will no longer be able to hang out here free of charge.

According to the Associated Press, the company announced the change on Monday, disclosing the change would come as a new code of conduct, which will be posted in all company-owned North American stores.

We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable in our stores, a spokesperson for the company told AP.

By setting clear expectations for behavior and use of our spaces, we can create a better environment for everyone.

The new rule aims to prioritize paying customers, AP reported.

It warns that violators will be asked to leave and law enforcement may be called if necessary.

Additionally, employees will receive training on enforcing the new rules.

The open door policy was launched in 2018 after two Black men were arrested at a Philadelphia Starbucks where they met for a business meeting, AP reported.

That store had a policy requiring non-paying guests to leave.

Then-Starbucks Chairman Howard Schultz introduced an open door policy as he said he didnt want people to feel less than, by being refused access.
The fate of suspended Massachusetts State Police Trooper Michael Proctor could be decided as soon as Wednesday, when he faces a State Police Trial Board following the close of an internal affairs investigation into his conduct.

Proctor, who was relieved of duty and suspended without pay shortly after the Karen Read trial last year, admitted to sending unprofessional and degrading text messages about Read while he was investigating her in connection with the death of her boyfriend, John OKeefe. In those messages, Proctor referred to Read as a whack job and told his sister he wished Read would kill herself.

Those messages were uncovered by a federal investigation into the Read case.

The Trial Board hearing is closed to the public. If the board suggests discipline against Proctor, the recommendation will be sent to Col. Geoff Noble for review and approval. When a final determination is made, State Police will issue a personnel order.

Trial boards are comprised of three staff and/or commissioned officers appointed by the departments superintendent  Noble, in this case, according to State Police regulations. The board will be overseen by one person appointed president by Noble.

No members of the board will be from the same troop/section/unit as Proctor.

The State Police member facing the Trial Board is allowed to be represented by a lawyer, and can present evidence, call witnesses and cross-examine witnesses called to testify against them. Witnesses will testify under oath during the proceeding.

When testimony is complete, the board will hear evidence of any prior discipline regarding the department member.

After the hearing, the board, by a majority vote, will make a finding of guilty or not guilty for each charge/specification against the member. If the board finds the member not guilty, the finding will be final, conclusive and binding on all parties.

Proctor is not the only State Police trooper to have faced discipline tied to the Read case. A pair of his supervisors, Sgt. Yuriy Bukhenik and Det. Lt. Brian Tully were both ordered to forfeit accrued vacation time for failing to properly supervise or discipline Proctor. Tully, who led the detective unit assigned to the district attorneys office, was transferred out of that post.
Former U.S. Army Europe commander, NATO senior logistics mentor and senior adviser, General Ben Hodges has said that believes statements by current U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan that Ukrainians should lower the draft age are an attempt to whitewash the failure of the Joe Biden administration to help Ukraine.

He expressed this opinion on Monday during the conference "2025: A Decisive Year for Ukraine," organized by the European Policy Center.

"It is nonsense that the current National Security Advisor [Sullivan] and the future National Security Advisor [to Donald Trump, Mike Waltz] are blaming the Ukrainians for not drafting young people as an excuse for Ukraine not winning the war. This is Jake Sullivan doing to try to whitewash his failure, the failure of the Biden administration, in the most important task of prioritizing assistance to Ukraine to win it," Hodges said.

At the same time, Hodges noted that Ukraine "is not short of people," since "there are a million women and men of draft age, if you use the current Ukrainian standard, who could still join the army."

"It is the Ukrainian people's decision whether to lower the (draft) age or not. And I think it is terrible and disgusting that someone can say that you are asking us to help you, but you do not want to put your young people at risk. The Ukrainian government needs to regain the trust of the Ukrainian people so that families can be confident that their son or daughter will not go to waste and will not go into battle until they are properly prepared, properly equipped, and placed in a unit that is properly trained. I think the government needs to regain the people's trust. They do not need to lower the age," Hodges said.

The general also believes that the Biden administration, "despite all the good it has done, has never defined a clear strategic goal."

"They never said, We want Ukraine to win, so were going to do whatever it takes to help them win because its in our interest, its in the interest of the United States. What you end up with is a terrible track record of supplying munitions and equipment. And a lot of allies are hiding behind us. So its about failing to clearly define a strategic objective, and Im worried that the new administration will make the same mistake," he said.

Hodges also criticized the Biden administrations belated decision, in his view, to impose sanctions on the so-called shadow fleet.

"Thank goodness the Biden administration just announced this week that it had sanctioned 200 more vessels in the so-called shadow fleet. Why the hell are they doing this now, in their last week in office? Why didnt they do this three years ago? Because Russias ability to export oil and gas to India and China is whats keeping it in war in the first place. And you dont have to be a Harvard Business School graduate to see that the Russian economy is in deep, deep trouble," the general said.

Speaking about expectations for the new administration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, Hodges expressed belief that "there is potential that President Trump can be persuaded to do a lot better when it comes to helping Ukraine."

"First, he will have a lot of leverage over Vladimir Putin that he didnt have eight years ago. President Trump is inheriting a very strong U.S. economy. He already has 31 NATO allies, most of whom want to help Ukraine, plus other partners. They are looking for American leadership and momentum. He will benefit from the fact that the Biden administration failed to deliver $2 billion in equipment (to Ukraine). That decision has already been approved, and Trump doesnt have to do anything. So he can say to Putin, Hey, youre going to have to come to the table or Im going to give you this $2 billion, no strings attached  they can use it however they want, wherever they want  I think Donald Trump could be the one to really help Ukraine defeat Russia, because its in Americas interest. Its in Europes interest. The Chinese need to see that we have the political will and the industrial capacity to defeat Russia," the general added.

He also drew attention to the comments of future envoy to Ukraine, General Keith Kellogg, who "said at least two things that I think were positive."

"One, he said that Russia cannot be trusted. Thats a very important starting point for any negotiation with Russia, to acknowledge in advance that you know they cannot be trusted. And then, two, he emphasized the importance of Ukrainian sovereignty. And I think some of the things that Mr. Waltz, the future security adviser, said were positive. Hes a hawk on Russia, which is good. But he clearly doesn't understand the situation in Ukraine," Hodges said.

Touching upon the issue of Ukraine's membership in NATO, the general stated that "the day, the minute, that Ukraine becomes a member of NATO, NATO will be a better place."

"It will add hundreds of thousands of experienced soldiers who stopped Russia without all the modern tools. Ukraine changed the nature of war. They showed us how to use drones. We will be better the minute Ukraine joins the alliance," he explained.

At the same time, Hodges noted that this decision depends on the United States.

"It will not happen until the United States joins (the decision). The President of the United States says that it is in our interests for us to do this. President Biden did not want to do this because, as it seems to me, the Biden administration was paralyzed by an unfounded fear that Russia might somehow use nuclear weapons. The Trump administration will have to think about what is our strategic goal in this war? Until the American president lends a shoulder, it is simply not going to happen," he said.

Asked about other possible security guarantees for Ukraine in the absence of NATO membership, the general said: "If there is no NATO membership, then we have to be honest: there is no security guarantee for Ukraine unless we send a lot of well-trained, well-armed soldiers, including Europeans and Americans, to Ukraine at the invitation of Ukraine."

"If we send any forces to Ukraine at the invitation of Ukraine, it has to be a real force that the Russians know that if they ever test it, they will be crushed. And you can be sure that the Russians will test it, as they did after Minsk 1 and Minsk 2. They violated every agreement. And so if we send forces there, they have to have air power, they have to have a large ground force, drones, counter-drones, missile defense, all of that," the general said.
President Joe Bidens final day in office will also be President-elect Donald Trumps first day back in the White House since Jan. 20, 2021, with Bidens predecessor now returning as Bidens successor.

But when does the exchange of power  one president leaves the White House, the next president is sworn in  from one administration to another actually begin?

Trumps second inauguration, the 60th U.S. presidential inauguration, will be held on Monday, Jan. 20, on the western side of the U.S. Capitol Building.

If tradition and history repeat themselves, Trump will place his left on the Bible, held by Chief Justice John Roberts, raise his right hand and repeat the presidential oath of office. This ceremony is scheduled for 12 p.m.

While not every presidential inauguration was held at 12 p.m. on Jan. 20, the 20th Amendment of the Constitution cemented that date and time, as well as changing the previously held date of March 4.

Beginning with Franklin D. Roosevelts second inauguration in 1937, every inauguration has been on Jan. 20 except for the inaugurations of Harry S Truman in 1945 and Lyndon Johnson in 1963, following the deaths of Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy, respectively.

Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vances swearing-in will be followed by the official farewell for Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris before the outgoing administration departs Washington D.C., according to the Trump Vance Inaugural Committee.

After a luncheon hosted by the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies, the presidential parade down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House.

A signing ceremony will be held in the Oval Office before three balls where Trump is expected to speak: The Commander-in-Chief ball, the Liberty Inaugural ball, and the Starlight ball.

Among the artists expected to perform during the days festivities include Carrie Underwood, who will sing America the Beautiful, and Village People, whose song Y.M.C.A. has played at Trump events for several years.

The final inaugural ceremony will be a National Prayer Service on Tuesday, according to the inaugural committee.
Beacon Hill Republicans on Tuesday called for wholesale changes to Massachusetts shelter system, declaring it unsustainable and a threat to public safety.

Weve now reached a crisis point, Senate Minority Leader Bruce E. Tarr, R-1st Essex/Middlesex, flanked by around a dozen GOP lawmakers, said during a news conference at the State House.

Republicans rolled out a package of legislative and administrative changes they plan to introduce by weeks end, headlined by a long-sought change to the states Right to Shelter law that would require people to establish a lawful presence in the state for one year before they could seek services.

People fleeing domestic violence or those hit by a natural disaster would be exempt from the requirement, which is meant to rein the flow of migrant new arrivals who have overwhelmed the system, and driven costs to $1 billion a year, Republicans said.

The GOP proposal also would limit shelter stays to no more than six months and prevent violent actors from reentering the system.

Republicans also called Tuesday for administrative changes intended to increase transparency and accountability in a system that they said currently lacks both.

Those changes include monthly briefings with lawmakers, competitive bidding for all services, and a comprehensive audit by the state auditors office of all the costs associated with the crisis, Republicans said.

We want to emphasize that there are three basic elements that are needed here, communication, accountability, and reform, Tarr said.

Massachusetts House and Senate Republicans call for wholesale changes to the state's emergency shelter system during a news conference on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2024 (John L. Micek/MassLive).John L. Micek

Taken together, theyre essential elements of the path we must take to address this situation. It can no longer be ignored. It can no longer be addressed in a piecemeal fashion, and the future of the system cannot be left to chance, the Gloucester lawmaker said.

The GOP proposal comes amid heightened scrutiny of the states shelter system, revelations of crime and violence committed by some people staying there, and a breakdown in the background checks that are supposed to be conducted on people entering a shelter.

It also comes as lawmakers consider a $425 million supplemental budget proposal submitted by the Healey administration that will keep taxpayer money flowing into the system.

Last week, Democratic Gov. Maura Healey said shed tapped former Boston Police Department Commissioner Ed Davis to conduct an independent review of shelter security,

Healey said shed asked for a report within 30 days, which she intended to make public. The Arlington Democrat did not say how much Davis would be paid, The Boston Herald reported.

Healey said earlier this week that shed be open to taking a closer look at the decades-old right-to-shelter law, which requires the state to offer services to whoever seeks them.

It was written to protect and take care of poor women and children. It didnt imagine a broken immigration system and waves and waves of people, Healey said, according to WWLP-TV in Springfield.

New state rules that took effect last month seek to phase out hotel and motel stays for families staying in the system. They also put new limits on shelter stays.

On Tuesday, Republicans said they were cheered by Healeys apparent openness to changes to the right-to-shelter law that theyve been seeking for months.

But Republicans also were insistent in their calls for transparency and accountability from the Democratic front office on matters both large and small  including the official, or officials, who are responsible for overseeing the shelter response.

That call gained added urgency this week when it was revealed that the person formerly in charge, Lt. General Scott Rice, had retired at the end of December, State House News Service reported, taking many in the State House by surprise.

Hes been replaced by Rices one-time deputy, Adit Basheer, an assistant secretary in the Executive Office of Administration and Finance, the wire service reported.

The crux of this whole thing. It really boils down to transparency. Theres been a lack of transparency, House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones Jr., R-20th Middlesex, said. One day you find out something, [and] another day you find out something else.

In a withering statement last week, Jones called for heads to roll over the shelter controversy.

On Tuesday, he declined to attach names to those heads, saying that couldnt happen until lawmakers had a clearer idea of the command structure.

Maybe that was the retirement of [Scott Rice], Jones said. But going forward, there needs to be a better mentality of The buck stops here.

This is crowding out our ability to meet [the] serious needs of citizens of the Commonwealth in a variety of other areas, Jones said.

While they so far have not made funding conditional on changes to the system, senior legislative Democrats have said the system needs a fix.

You have to start screening better at the door, and thats what needs to be done. And Im sure thats what theyll end up doing, state House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano, D-3rd Norfolk, said last week, according to State House News Service.

Tarr said Tuesday that hes looking forward to working with Democrats who control both sides of Beacon Hill on coming up with a solution.

I think our message today is that were beginning a new legislative year. Were beginning a new legislative session. Those conversations need to be intensified. They need to accomplish action, and they need to be collaborative, he said.
Temperatures will hover around freezing in Massachusetts on Tuesday as cold air drifts into the Bay State, coupled with gusting winds that could bring wind chills down to the teens.

As cold air continues to flow into the state, high winds will mix down to the surface, with gusts expected to reach up to 25 mph to 35 mph. Those winds will drop feels-like temperatures down to the teens to low 20s, according to National Weather Service forecasters.

While there is little precipitation in the forecast, forecasters did not rule out some isolated flurries on Tuesday afternoon.

The weather pattern is expected to stay much the same on Wednesday and Thursday, with temperatures in the mid-20s to low-30s. The high winds should begin to abate on Wednesday afternoon and forecasters say it will be significantly less windy on Thursday.

Relief from the cold arrives Friday as an area of high pressure moves in, bringing temperatures up to around 40. Temperatures could climb into the 40s on Saturday, forecasters say.
SPRINGFIELD  The New England Farm Workers' Council sold one of its last remaining buildings this past week as it continues whittling away at debt it owes the state over misspent home heating funds.

Parent Villages Inc., a nonprofit agency aiding families affected by violence and trauma, bought 32 Hampden St. last week for $549,000, according to documents on file at the Hampden County Registry of Deeds.
Uisce Eireann is appealing to customers across County Mayo to conserve water and protect supply after leaks appeared in the system following the cold weather.

Temperatures across Mayo plummeted to close to -10 degrees Celsius last weekend which resulted in a number of pipes along the water network bursting. These burst pipes have resulted in reservoir levels depleting significantly which has in turn put pressure on water supplies.

Uisce Eireann crews have been working to find and fix leaks and maintain water supply for the thousands of customers across the county.

Uisce Eireanns Colette Scahill appealed to customers to conserve water in the coming days as crews fix leaks and reservoirs replenish.

Conserving water will help prevent additional strain on local supplies and ensure that customers are not affected by reduced water pressure or a disruption to their supply.

We are asking people to remain vigilant over the coming days and report any leaks in the public network so that our crews can carry out repairs. The public can report leaks or bursts to our Customer Care Team on 1800 278 278, she said.

Uisce Eireann, which was formerly known as Irish Water state they are committed to keeping customers informed across multiple platforms 24/7 and we encourage customers to engage with us through our website, X channels @IWCare and @IrishWater, on Facebook and LinkedIn and through our customer care helpline which is open 24/7 on 1800 278 278.

Uisce Eireann has also launched a free text service, providing real-time updates for local issues. Customers can sign up with their Eircode and mobile number at www.water.ie.
A BELMULLET publican and businessman has been nominated as the Mayo County Council representative to sit on the board of Udaras na Gaeltachta.

Well-known Belmullet publican and undertaker, Padraic Conroy was nominated by Mayo County Council as its nominee to be appointed to the board of Udaras na Gaeltachta.

The Erris native, who owns McDonnells Pub in Belmullet, has served as the Mayo representative on the board for the last two years and will now continue to sit on the board for another two year term.

Mayo County Council is entitled to nominate a person to the board to represent the Gaeltacht areas of Erris, Achill and Tourmakeady.

The nomination process came before the monthly meeting of Mayo County Council on Monday where Mr Conroy was the only name put forward by the council. He was proposed by his fellow Erris-man Fianna Fail councillor Sean Carey and seconded by party colleague, Cllr Paul McNamara from Achill.

Fionnuala Nic Phaidin, Irish Language Officer with Mayo County Council had earlier informed councillors that the Minister of State for the Gaeltacht had invited Mayo County Council to nominate an individual to the board of Udaras na Gaeltachta for a two year term to end on December 31, 2026.

Under the provisions of the Gaeltacht Act 2012, the Minister will appoint one ordinary member to the board of Udaras na Gaeltachta following the nomination made by Mayo County Council from amongst its members. If no member of the Council is available, or if no member is considered suitable for appointment, the Council may nominate an individual it considers representative of one or more of the Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas in County Mayo.

Ms Nic Phaidin explained that any nominee should be fully competent in Irish and have experience in areas relevant to the functioning of the Udaras, including the promotion of the Irish language and language planning, enterprise development and creation of employment, community development, and the promotion of the Arts.

She added that the Minister must consider the appropriateness of the boards gender balance when making appointments and, as such, the Council is requested to make every effort to nominate a woman for this role.

In nominating Mr Conroy for the position, Cllr Carey explained that Mr Conroy has served on the board for the last two years and in that time has been working hard in promoting the three Mayo Gaeltacht areas.

The nomination was seconded by Cllr McNamara and agreed by all the members of Mayo County Council.

Mr Conroy had been selected as the Udaras na Gaeltachta nominee for a seat in Seanad Eireann in December but subsequently withdrew his nomination.
A MAYO creche owner has accused the Government of treating the childcare sector like a babysitting sector.

Frank Keane, the owner of Bright Beginnings in Ballinrobe, said that childcare graduates are leaving the sector due to pay discrepancies between creche workers and childcare graduates.

Mr Keane was commenting on new statistics that reveal that the number of children waiting for a creche place in Mayo far exceeds the number of available places.

According to statistics released in the Pobal Annual Early Years Sector Profile Survey, 90 children in Mayo under the age of one year are on creche waiting lists, and just one place is available for them; 240 children aged one to two years are on waiting lists with just two places available; and 178 children aged two to three years on waiting lists with 54 places available.

Inadequate funding

Early Childhood Ireland, a body representing the childcare sector with 111 members in Mayo, has raised concerns about high rates of staff turnover, as 5,300 children have returned to early years and school-age care settings in Mayo after the Christmas holidays.

The latest available data shows that the average annual staff turnover stands at 20 percent in Mayo.

While government subsidies are provided to parents, childcare providers subject to an ongoing fee freeze have accused the Government of providing inadequate funds for meeting costs. At present, approximately 75 percent of childcare in Ireland is delivered by private providers  excluding care provided by grandparents and relatives.

Speaking to The Mayo News, Mr Keane said the current Core Funding scheme was stacked against the providers.

The young people that are leaving college, having done their four years they come out with a degree, but they are getting a third of the pay of the primary-school teachers and the secondary school teachers, Mr Keane said.

A classic example: There is one girl that I know, she is graduating this year and she will be eligible for 17 per hour, and she has to have experience before she gets that as well. And her sister, who is a secondary-school [teaching] graduate, is on 45 an hour, so there is a big discrepancy there. They need to address that.

Education

Mr Keane also accused the Government of treating the sector like a babysitting sector.

Its not a babysitting sector, its educational care, Mr Keane said. They have to recognise that these people have done their four years just the same as a primary school teacher, but they are not getting the respect, and they are educators. And until that changes, youre not going to have much of a difference [with childcare-provision shortages]. There is no one getting into it. A lot of places are closing and not opening again. There is no one to take them on.

Mr Keane added: There is a graduate that I know who is not going to stay in the business, and she loves it. She loves working with the kids, but she cant afford to stay in it. Thats the curse of it. We are paying extra money to our staff to make sure we dont have the turnover that a lot of people have.

Frances Byrne Director of Policy at Early Childhood Ireland, welcomed the increased political focus on access to early years and school-age care for all children, but warned that without proper pay and conditions for staff, there simply will not be enough educators available to care for those children.

Early Childhood Ireland has called for a five-year plan from the Government outlining the level of funding that will be made available to providers each year, along with clear annual priorities.






A Mayo woman looking for love is set to make a return to TV screens this Thursday when she appears on the hit RTE show First Dates Ireland for the second season in a row.

25-year-old Siobhan from Castlebar appeared in last season's opening episode, where she found herself on a double date of sorts with James from Cavan, alongside his best friend, Stephen and Jade from Newry.

While things went well with James, the former banker turned giveaway show presenter, and they agreed to a second date, the pair ultimately didn't work out.

In a funny twist, Siobhan and Jade became best friends since they met at the restaurant last season, so much so the two singletons are renewing their quest for love on Thursday night's episode with another double date.

The irrepressible Siobhan gets all loved up with a hopeless romantic from Shankill, Stephen, while Jade compares figures with accountant Nicole from Cork in the second instalment of the new series.

Other daters in the restaurant this week include Megan and Aidan and Lyle and Annika.

Relishing each others spicy flavour, Megan from North Carolina and retired quantity surveyor Aidan from Dublin get good and saucy over dinner.

Driving instructor Lyle from Clondalkin applies his tried and trusted 3-second rule to cabin crew attendant Annika from Waterford. But will it win him a second date?

All will be revealed on Thursday nights episode at 9.30pm on RTE 2.
A Clare mother has said she is "heartbroken" after her son, 21-year-old Robby Kinlan, was found dead on a popular tourist island in Thailand.

The young diver was found dead in his hotel on the island of Ko Tao which is a popular spot for divers. Friends of Robby have set up a GoFundMe page to help with the repatriation of his body while his mother Tracy King at home in Clare paid tribute.

"RIP to my precious son Robby. He is resting in this beautiful Temple in Koh Tao Thailand before his removal back to Ireland. I am heartbroken and overwhelmed and so very grateful for all the kindness being shown to us at this time. Thanks to all friends and family. Thanks especially to the Guziuk family at Dive Academy on Inis Mor," she said.

Robby's friend Aleksandra Guziuk set up the GoFundMe page on behalf of Robby's family and also paid a stunning tribute.

"It breaks our hearts to share the devastating news of the sudden passing of our dear friend Robby on January 9, 2025, in Thailand. Losing him so unexpectedly has left us all in shock and deep sorrow," the Guziuk family wrote.

READ NEXT: Gardai stunned after stopping tractor following 'call from a member of the public'

"Robby wasnt just a friend - he was the kind of person who lit up every room with his kindness and warmth. He was always the first to help others, putting their needs before his own without a second thought. In Thailand, he was surrounded by many friends and he was living his dream, spending his days doing what he loved - freediving and scuba diving in the place that made him happy.

"Now, we want to honour Robby in the best way we can by helping his mum and family. We want to give everyone the chance to say their goodbyes and celebrate the incredible person he was.

"Any support, no matter how small, would mean the world to his family during this unimaginably difficult time."

The fundraiser has already surpassed its 25,000 target with almost 40,000 raised by Monday evening, January 13.

You can donate to the fundraiser HERE.
Germany's share in the amount of assistance provided to Ukraine since the beginning of the full-scale war is 16%, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Tuesday.

"Actually, Germany helped Ukraine. Its contribution is around 16% of the assistance obtained by Ukraine. Sixteen percent is a very serious figure. We are especially grateful for the fact that at the difficult moments of sky protection and blackouts Germany, probably, made one of the largest contributions into the protection of Ukrainian sky and the development of the newest Ukrainian air defense system," he said ahead of a meeting with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.

According to an Interfax-Ukraine correspondent, the head of the state thanked Germany for providing the Patriot, IRIS-T and other air defense capabilities which help to protect the Ukrainian sky.

Zelenskyy also noted the importance of enlarging the production of Gepard systems.

"This is very important. They protect our critical infrastructure, including the energy system, really strongly," he said.

The President of Ukraine thanked Germany for its leadership along with the United States in the Ukraine Defense Contact Group.

"We are grateful for this union of the defense ministers where everything is decided every months and rather quickly, and we hope to hold such meetings in February," he said.
The German Government ordered 54 wheeled RCH 155 howitzers for Ukraine, Defense Minister of Germany Boris Pistorius has said Tuesday.

"The 155 [howitzer], which we have presented in Kassel yesterday, is indeed an engineering masterpiece. They are really very special. We have ordered 54 units for Ukraine. And I hope they will arrive as soon as possible because it is a really very effective and mobile weapons. It will probably help a lot in your fighting, which is not over yet," he said ahead of a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv.

According to an Interfax-Ukraine correspondent, Pistorius will also discuss with Zelenskyy close industrial cooperation between Germany and Ukraine, particularly "more joint ventures, more direct procurement from the Ukrainian defense industry."
by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, January 13, 2025

An AI agent built on Googles technology allows Mercedes-Benz to bring conversational search to its navigation system -- expected to debut later this year when the luxury automaker introduces conversational capabilities into its MBUX Virtual Assistant.

Google's technology enables Mercedes-Benz's MBUX Virtual Assistant to handle complex, multi-turn questions verbally. The system can retain the conversation in memory, and recall the dialogue so users can continue interactions and reference information throughout the drive. It's not clear whether the data is stored after the car is turned off.

The feature is powered by Google Cloud's Automotive AI Agent, and built using Gemini on Vertex AI via Google Cloud, which is geared for the automotive industry. It references information from Google Maps to provide details and personalized conversational responses related to navigation, points of interest, and more.

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In the past year, Google updated Maps with electric vehicle navigation, road search, immersive view for roads and places, location history, and Gemini AI integrations.

MBUX Virtual Assistant can handle complex, multi-turn questions verbally. The Point-of-Interest search and navigation feature will debut in the new Mercedes-Benz CLA, and come with the newly designed Mercedes-Benz operating system, MB.OS.

Mercedes-Benzs MBUX Virtual Assistant was announced at NRF 2025, the retail industrys annual show. It got underway this past weekend in New York.

Google Maps provides Mercedes-Benz owners with information on about 250 million places worldwide, and the map is updated in near real time, with more than 100 million updates made to the map daily.

Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, stated that this is the beginning of how agentic, autonomous AI agents and capabilities can transform the automotive industry.



One of the more interesting and useful features that comes from Google Maps is that the navigation system will check for restaurant reviews if asked. For example, consumers searching for Italian food could request a list for the best restaurants along a specific route.

Last week, Near Media reported that Google started to roll out a Gemini AI-based Q&A feature to Google Business Profiles (GBP) and it appears likely it will be replacing Google Q&A, which has silently gone missing on some listings.

Google's Ask Maps AI feature was first announced in late October with other AI enhancements, but had not been widely visible. AI-powered review summaries and the option to ask detailed questions about places are also on the horizon, reported Greg Sterling, cofounder of Near Media.

The interface allows for compound questions, although the more questions asked, the more likely to be told by the platform that there is not enough information about this place to answer your question, he wrote in a post.

Luxury automaker Porsche already supports a navigational conversational interface, but it does not integrate with Google Maps for additional information like reviews.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, January 13, 2025

Google must face claims that it violated children's privacy by tracking their YouTube activity in order to serve targeted ads, a federal judge in California confirmed Monday.

The ruling, issued Monday by U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Susan van Keulen, came in a dispute dating to 2019, when California resident Nicole Hubbard sued the company on on behalf of her 5-year-old child, who allegedly watched YouTube channels aimed at young children.

Her class-action complaint -- later joined by other parents -- came around two months after Google agreed to pay $170 million to settle allegations by the Federal Trade Commission and New York Attorney General that YouTube wrongly collected data via tracking cookies from viewers younger than 13.

The parents' complaint included a claim that Google engaged in intrusion upon seclusion -- a privacy charge that can be brought in several states, and involves highly offensive conduct.

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U.S. District Court Judge Beth Labson Freeman in San Jose initially dismissed the case, ruling that the lawsuit was foreclosed by the federal Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, which only authorizes suits by the FTC and attorneys general.

In 2023, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals reinstated the matter, ruling that the federal children's privacy law doesn't prevent people from bringing private lawsuits for related claims rooted in state laws -- such as intrusion upon seclusion.

Soon after that decision, class counsel alleged in an amended complaint that Google and other companies engaged in highly offensive violations of privacy norms in more than a dozen states, and violated consumer-protection laws in various states.

Google again sought dismissal, arguing that the parents couldn't show that the companies ran afoul of privacy standards -- in part because the alleged data collection and use was clearly disclosed and involved data elements routinely captured as part of internet browsing activity.

Van Keulen rejected that argument for now, ruling that if the allegations in the complaint were proven true, they could show that Google engaged in highly offensive conduct.

Hubbard and the other parents also sued YouTube channel operators, including Cartoon Network, DreamWorks, Mattel and Hasbro.

Van Keulen dismissed claims against the channel operators, writing that the allegations regarding data collection focus on Google's conduct.

Plaintiffs base their claims on the collection of their data, she wrote. Unquestionably, the channel owners did not engage in that collection.

Van Keulen indicated last month that she was inclined to allow the parents to proceed against Google and dismiss the claims against the channel operators, but didn't officially rule on the matter until Monday.
by Les Luchter , January 13, 2025

The 43rd annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference got off to a newsy start Jan. 13 in San Francisco, with Johnson & Johnsons CEO Joaquin Duato addressing a just-announced $14.6 billion purchase of Intra-Cellular Therapies -- and Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla offering strong words for the potential anti-vaccine policies of the incoming Trump administration.

The planned purchase of Intra-Cellular will give J&J control of mental health drug Caplyta, which Duato said will lift our sales growth immediately, and which he predicts will become more than a $5 billion annual business.

During the first three quarters of 2024, Caplyta garnered $483 million in sales. The drug is approved for treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (see this recent commercial), with an indication for major depressive disorder now being considered by the Food & Drug Administration.

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O'Neil Trader, an analyst with Seeking Alpha, pointed out in a post that Mondays deal came to fruition only following last weeks settlement of patent litigation between Intra-Cellular and Sandoz. That agreement essentially gave Intra-Cellular, and now J&J, an exclusive on the drug through 2040.

I believe J&J is paying (at least) a fair price, with decent likelihood of creating substantial long-term value for the company, Trader wrote.

On the other hand, Jeff Jonas, a portfolio manager at Gabelli Funds, expressed concerns to Reuters of possible antitrust problems getting government approval for the deal, even under the new Trump administration.

Reuters pointed out that J&Js existing schizophrenia drug, paliperidone, sold under multiple brand names such as Invega and Xeplion, brought in $3.16 billion in sales in the first nine months of 2024.

Duato expressed optimism about working with the new administration, telling J.P. Morgan analyst Chris Schott that we are going to be able to discuss how we can have pro-innovation, pro-access policies here in the U.S.

We have worked with 24 different presidential administrations, he said of J&Js 139-year history.

Duato was followed on the J.P. Morgan stage by Pfizer CEO Bourla, who was a bit more outspoken about the incoming Trump team than he had been last month in presenting the firms 2025 guidance.

While echoing Duato in saying that the opportunities outweigh the risks when it comes to policies on patient access to healthcare (out-of-pocket is extremely expensive, we need change on that) and innovation (China is growing faster and faster, and we should not let them take the lead), Bourla was blunt in comments about Rober F. Kennedy Jr., Trumps choice to head Health & Human Services:

Clearly, the things that he has said [about] vaccines in the past are in complete contradiction with what we believe, what the medical community believes, what the scientific community believes, and what regulators all over the world believe.

If he does some of the things that he has spoken in the past, Bourla continued, RFK Jr. could expect to be opposed by the entire medical community, the entire scientific community, plus insurance companies because they know [vaccinations are] very-cost effective, and also employers, who really believe that by using vaccinations, they are reducing their health care costs rather than increasing it.

Then, mentioning polio in particular, he warned that if vaccination thresholds get too low, we will start having evidence that will be detrimental for him and for the administration. 

On a happier note, the president-elect is very much focused on cancer. He has seen a lot of his friends and people that he knew dying from cancer and he keeps asking every time we meet, What are we doing with cancer and can we cure it?
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/GeneralStaff.ua

Last night, the Ukrainian defense forces inflicted a massive attack on the occupiers' military facilities 200 to 1,100 kilometers deep into the territory of Russia, an oil depot in Engels, the Bryansk Chemical Plant, the Saratov oil refinery, and the Kazanirgsintez plant were attacked, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) has said Tuesday.

"On the night of January 14, the defense forces of Ukraine launched a massive attack on the occupiers' military facilities 200 to 1,100 kilometers deep into the territory of the Russian Federation. The targets in Bryansk, Saratov, Tula regions and the Republic of Tatarstan came under the strikes," it said on the Telegram channel.

The Kristall Combine oil depot in Engels, Saratov region, where a five-day fire had been put out, was successfully attacked for the second time.

"The blaze has been successfully restored by the units of the Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Force and the Main Intelligence Directorate," the General Staff said.

The Bryansk Chemical Plant in the town of Seltso, a strategic facility of the Russian military-industrial complex, was also hit.

"Ammunition for cannon artillery, multiple rocket launchers, aviation, engineering munitions and components of Kh-59 cruise missiles are manufactured here. A secondary detonation was observed on the territory of the plant, which lasted for several hours. In addition, the attack destroyed two enemy anti-aircraft missile systems  Tor and Buk," the General Staff said.

The Unmanned Systems Force, Special Operations Forces, missile forces, Air Force, as well as the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Defense Ministry and the Security Service of Ukraine were engaged in this combat task.

In addition, units of the Main Intelligence Directorate and the Security Service of Ukraine hit strategic facilities of the Russian military-industrial complex  the Saratov oil refinery and the Kazanorgsintez plant. A fire broke out at both facilities.

"Targeted and systematic work to hit the facilities that provide ammunition, military equipment and fuel and lubricants to the occupying army of the Russian Federation will continue until the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine is completely stopped," the General Staff said.
by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, January 14, 2025

The UKs competition watchdog launched a formal antitrust investigation into Google on Tuesday centered on its search businesses.

It is the first investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) launched this year.

The investigation will assess Googles position in search and search advertising services and how they impact consumers and businesses such as advertising, publishing, and rival search engines.

The watchdog acknowledged search is vital for economic growth, and that Googles services have generated significant benefits for the U.K. by creating a gateway through which millions of people and businesses access and navigate the internet.

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Google accounts for more than 90% of all general search queries in the U.K., and more than 200,000 of the island nations advertisers use Googles search advertising. Its search services also generate a wealth of data that can be used to develop new AI products and services to foster innovation.

The CMA believes that competition could reduce the cost of advertising and allow businesses to innovate in alternative ways to traditional services. The document specifically called out the ability for startups to develop products based on artificial intelligence.

Newcomers in artificial intelligence (AI) search that increased a presence last year included ChatGPT, Reddit, TikTok, Instagram, Anthropic, Perplexity, Microsoft, and many others. That list doesnt even include companies such as Algolia, Zapier, and Brave.

Its well documented that in the United States AI has spurred immense competition in categories related to search and AI.

The recent CES 2025 conference in Las Vegas focused on AI. Many of those startups include reinvented services in search. The watchdog might be beating a rapidly evolving but extinct entity.

The biggest change to the way search engines have delivered information to us since the 1990s is happening right now, according to a piece by MIT Technology Review. No more keyword searching. No more sorting through links to click. Instead, were entering an era of conversational search.

This means rather than keywords, these platforms use complete questions voiced or typed or shown images in natural language. And instead of links, those looking for answers will be met with information based on live data from across the internet.

Its difficult to determine whether regulatory boards have caught on. The CMAs investigation will examine whether Google has SMS in the UK search and search advertising sectors and, in parallel, consider whether conduct requirements should be imposed in the event of a final designation decision.

Still, the CMA will look into Google for weak competition, possible leveraging of market power, potential and exploitative conduct.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, January 14, 2025

After 16 years of litigation, Vimeo has defeated copyright infringement claims by Capitol Records over music posted to the platform by its users.

In a ruling issued Monday, the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals in New York said Vimeo was protected by the safe harbor provisions of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, which broadly immunize web platforms from liability when users upload infringing material, provided that the platforms take down copyrighted material upon request.

Those safe harbors have some exceptions -- including one that applies when web companies know they're hosting infringing material -- but the 2nd Circuit said the record labels failed to prove that exception applied to Vimeo.

We reject plaintiffs arguments that Vimeo lost the protection of the safe harbor by virtue of having red flag knowledge that user postings were infringing and then failing to remove those postings from its website, Circuit Court Judge Pierre Leval wrote in an opinion joined by Judges Barrington Parker, Jr. and Sarah Merriam.

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The long-running battle dates to 2009, when the record label EMI (now owned by Universal Music) and its holdings, including Capitol Records, sued Vimeo for copyright infringement based on allegations that it encouraged users to post video clips of themselves lip-synching songs by musicians like Billy Idol and KT Tunstall.

"Vimeo has extensive knowledge of the use of copyrighted recordings on its Web site, and Vimeo encourages and induces its users to copy, adapt, and upload copyrighted recordings," EMI alleged in that case.

U.S. District Court Judge Ronnie Abrams in New York initially ruled that the record labels were entitled to a jury trial regarding some of the musical works because there was evidence that Vimeo employees had interacted with clips that included those tracks.

But in 2016, the 2nd Circuit reversed that ruling, writing that employees' interaction with clips -- even clips that contain famous music -- doesn't in itself prove that those employees knew the music had been uploaded without authorization from the copyright owner.

That ruling returned the case to Abrams for further proceedings. In May 2021, Abrams definitively ruled in Vimeo's favor regarding the user-uploaded clips, writing that service providers like Vimeo cannot be presumed to know that content on its site is licensed or does not qualify as fair use.

The record companies appealed to the 2nd Circuit, which on Monday upheld Abram's ruling on Monday.

The appellate judges wrote that even if web platforms and their employees are aware that a particular piece of music is famous, they don't necessarily know whether whoever uploaded the music had a license to do so.

The record labels' evidence does not support it being apparent to Vimeo employees that the music they heard on any particular video came from a label that did not offer licenses, Leval wrote in the 28-page opinion.

He added that even if it should have been apparent that some users lacked licenses for the music they uploaded, Vimeo didn't know whether that material was protected by fair use -- a concept that allows people to post copyrighted works without authorization.

We express no views on the strength or weakness of arguments that such lip-dubs or dances or acting performances qualify as fair use, Leval added. We are merely pointing out the weakness of Plaintiffs argument that Vimeo had red flag knowledge of infringement based on mere observation of the videos by employees with no training in copyright law.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, January 14, 2025

TikTok plans to ask the Supreme Court to review a recent appellate decision that revived a lawsuit by the mother of a 10-year-old girl who died after attempting a blackout challenge she allegedly saw on the service.

The company says in papers filed last week with Justice Samuel Alito and made available Monday that the ruling, issued by the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals, conflicts with an unbroken line of decisions that shield web companies from lawsuits over content posted by users.

TikTok -- which could be banned in the U.S. by Sunday -- is asking Alito to extend the deadline for seeking review from January 21 to February 20. Alito hasn't yet responded to the request.

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The company's move comes in a lawsuit by Tawainna Anderson, mother of Nylah Anderson who died in December 2021 after attempting the blackout challenge. That challenge, which was then circulating on TikTok, showed people strangling themselves.

Tawainna Anderson raised several claims in her 2022 complaint against TikTok, including that its service is dangerously defective due to its algorithm.

Diamond dismissed the suit, ruling that TikTok was protected by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act -- a 1996 law that generally immunizes web companies from liability over material posted by third parties.

He said in a written opinion that Anderson's claims about TikTok were inextricably linked to its role as a publisher of content created by users.

Anderson then appealed to the 3rd Circuit, which revived the case in an opinion written by Circuit Judge Patty Shwartz and joined by Peter Phipps. (Circuit Judge Paul Matey partially concurred in a separate opinion.)

Shwartz wrote that TikTok's algorithmic curation of users' speech is TikTok's own expressive activity, and therefore not protected by Section 230.

TikTok says that ruling is an outlier, arguing that for nearly 30 years courts have ruled that web companies are immune from liability for hosting users' speech and also for exercising traditional editorial functions over users' content -- including whether to publish, delay or alter it.

That universal understanding of Section 230 has been pivotal to the development of the modern internet, TikTok writes.

Some industry observers and legal experts said the 3rd Circuit's ruling effectively guts Section 230 -- at least in Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey, which are within the circuit's jurisdiction.

The Interactive Advertising Bureau is among several outside groups that previously urged the 3rd Circuit to reconsider its ruling. Those organizations argued in a friend-of-the-court brief filed last year that the ruling destabilizes established law in ways that threaten profound consequences for countless websites across the Internet --and their users.
'Irelands supply chain relies on a seamless flow of goods to and from GB'

FTA Ireland (FTAI), the business group which represents the nations logistics businesses, has welcomed the news that Holyhead port in Wales is to reopen on 16 January, operating a reduced schedule, with cautious optimism.

However, as Aidan Flynn, the organisations Chief Executive explains, the sector is concerned that damage to a single berth at the port can cause such disruption to Ireland's supply chain.

He is urging the government for transparency to ensure that a similar situation cannot arise again.

Irelands supply chain relies on a seamless flow of goods to and from GB, he says.

However, urgent questions remain as to the severity of the damage caused by Storm Daragh, and how disruption to one berth at the port can cause such disruption for our nations supply chain.

"Our nation relies on a seamless movement of goods through Holyhead to provide much of what our homes, schools, hospitals and businesses need to operate, and to be so disadvantaged by a single incident at the port does not bode well for the resilience of Irelands supply chain.

As Mr Flynn continues, there is still a lack of information about the cause of the disruption and how long it will take to resolve:.

There is still very little public information as to the severity of the damage to the berth in Holyhead, when it will be repaired and if further disruptions are likely.

Irelands businesses need answers, as well as comprehensive contingency planning for the future, to ensure that suitable routes for goods can be found to avoid further disruptions if additional storm situations occur.

FTAIs members are calling on the Irish government to set up an effective contingency planning mechanism, through an industry stakeholder group, to support the Irish supply chain with resilient and effective connectivity with British ports.

"We cannot continue to leave drivers and businesses stranded at ports for up to 14hours with little or no welfare facilities, and a lack of guidance, information and communication which resulted in unnecessary stress and frustration.

As they did in the pandemic, HGV drivers kept the flow of goods moving in very challenging circumstances, but we must not rely on the good will and fortitude of these staff to support the supply chain whenever crises occur.

"They deserve our thanks and support.
Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall has less than a week left on the job and, on Monday, he took the opportunity to offer his vision for that service and the Space Force over the coming decades.

The outgoing secretary called for a bigger Space Force and for major upgrades to training and technology to ready airmen and Guardians to potentially face China in a future conflict. Kendall's recommendations were part of a report titled "The Department of the Air Force in 2050," which he publicly unveiled during an event at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, a think tank in Washington, D.C.

"China is doing everything it can to exploit the opportunities that emerging technologies are providing to field forces designed to defeat the United States in the Western Pacific, especially in space and in the air," Kendall wrote in the report. "By 2050, if not well before, the Air Force and Space Force will not be competitive unless we make substantial improvements in how these forces are equipped, trained and operated."

Read Next: Despite High-Profile Announcement in First Year, Biden Administration Never Offered Surgery to Transgender Vets

The Air Force secretary, a Biden administration appointee, is scheduled to leave his post Sunday after leading the service department since June 2021. He unveiled his report just hours before his farewell address Monday afternoon, as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to be sworn in next week.

In his outgoing report, which was first submitted to Congress last month, Kendall wrote that "space will be recognized as the decisive domain for almost all military operations" and pointed to China and Russia's military and technological focus on space as a major warning sign.

"We're going to need a much bigger, much more capable, much more powerful Space Force," Kendall, who as secretary also oversees that service, told the crowd Monday at CSIS.

Kendall also argued that evolving times "demand changes to how we recruit and maintain airmen and Guardians." Under Kendall's tenure, the service missed its 2023 active-duty enlisted recruiting goals for the first time since 1999, but rebounded from the shortfall in 2024.

The Department of the Air Force "recognizes the changing nature of warfare requires a different kind of very technical, high-skill talent pool that makes recruiting the right airmen, Guardians and civilians that much more challenging," Kendall wrote.

During his tenure, he took on ambitious reorganization efforts, including bringing back warrant officers, renaming commands and creating new headquarters-level offices and roles. While some of that is underway, many experts have previously told Military.com that the changes are likely to be rolled back under Trump's incoming administration.

Todd Harrison, a senior fellow who specializes in research on defense budgeting for the American Enterprise Institute, another D.C. think tank, told Military.com that Kendall's vision for the Air Force and Space Force in 25 years seemed to be more pessimistic than optimistic, in his opinion, especially when it comes to acquiring new defense technology and weapons to take on China and Russia.

"His report on the vision for 2050 is a bit curious because nearly everything he mentions are things that the Air Force and Space Force should be fielding now or within the next five years," Harrison told Military.com. "The fact that he views these capabilities as being 25 years into the future indicates just how slow he thinks the department is moving -- and if the past four years is any indication, he may be right."

Later in the day, during a farewell ceremony at the Pentagon, Kendall's colleagues praised the outgoing Air Force secretary for working to innovate.

Gen. Chance Saltzman, the Space Force's top uniformed leader, highlighted the outgoing Air Force secretary's past as an Army officer during the Cold War and said reorganizing the Department of the Air Force to keep China at the forefront of its mission defined his time in the office.

"When I think about what leaders do, that is really the heart of it: the vision, the sense of urgency and the structure to do the work that needs to be done," Saltzman said. "I think, in a nutshell, that's really what this says you're able to accomplish."

Trump has not yet named Kendall's replacement. In a tearful speech Monday afternoon, Kendall said that making sure airmen and Guardians had everything they needed in their fight against adversaries was a motivating factor in his career.

"Everything I have done for a lifetime of public service has been for our men and women in uniform," Kendall said. "Every trip I ever took, every exercise I ever saw, every briefing I ever received, every story from the field I ever read, every conversation with an airman or Guardian or [Department of the Air Force] civil servant and any of their family members reinforce my belief in you and the importance of doing all that I could do to demonstrate to any opponent that taking on the U.S. Air Force and Space Force would be a major mistake, and to work tirelessly to make that fear more than justified."

Related: The Air Force Unveiled an Ambitious Reorganization Plan. Can It Survive a Presidential Election?
Ukraine's Deputy Defense Minister for European Integration Serhiy Boyev urges the Ramstein format countries to invest more in Ukraine's defense industry, in particular from the proceeds of frozen Russian assets, and stressed the high export potential of battlefield-tested weapons after the end of the war, the Defense Ministry's press service has said Tuesday.

"Deputy Defense Minister of Ukraine for European Integration Serhiy Boyev spoke at a meeting of national directors for armament of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group member countries. The meeting was held at the NATO headquarters in Brussels," it said in a statement on its website.

The Ukrainian defense industry in the conditions of a full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation has increased the volumes of production by more than 20 times, at the same time requiring further investment and development of the direction of joint ventures.

"The Ukrainian defense industry is not fully utilized, there is a shortage of capacity financing. However, in 2023-2024 alone, Ukrainian production of artillery systems has tripled, armored personnel carriers increased by five times, anti-tank weapons  twice, and ammunition  2.5 times. Ukraine can produce more than 4 million UAVs per year, provided that the production facilities are fully funded," Boyev was quoted by the Defense Ministry's press service.

The deputy minister noted the need to increase and accelerate the production of equipment and ammunition. He also emphasized the importance of Ukraine's combat experience for the development of innovation and technological improvement of existing equipment.

"Ammunition remains the No. 1 need, even taking into account the increase in production. Air defense, heavy equipment, engineering equipment are potential products of joint industrial facilities," Boyev noted.

He emphasized that the use of revenues from frozen Russian assets could become an additional resource for the Ukrainian defense industry and joint ventures. In addition, the issue of localization of enterprises engaged in the repair of equipment transferred by partners is becoming even more urgent. This will significantly simplify the logistics chain and save money that can be redirected as needed.

Boyev also emphasized that weapons jointly produced and tested on the battlefield can be exported to partners after the war is over.
MOSCOW  Russias top diplomat said Tuesday that Moscow is open for talks with President-elect Donald Trump and praised him for pointing to NATO's plan to embrace Ukraine as a root cause of the nearly 3-year-old conflict.

Any prospective peace talks should involve broader arrangements for security in Europe, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at his annual news conference, while adding that Moscow is open to discussing security guarantees for Kyiv.

Lavrov specifically praised Trump's comments earlier this month in which he said that NATOs plans to open its doors to Ukraine had led to the hostilities.

Trump said Russia had it written in stone that Ukraine's membership in NATO should never be allowed, but the Biden administration had sought to expand the military alliance to Russia's doorstep. Trump added that, "I could understand their feelings about that.

Trump's comments echoed Moscows rhetoric which has described its special military operation in Ukraine launched in February 2022 as a response to planned NATO membership for Kyiv and an effort to protect Russian speakers. Ukraine and its allies have denounced Russia's action as an unprovoked act of aggression.

NATO did exactly what it had promised not to do, and Trump said that, Lavrov said. It marked the first such candid acknowledgement not only from a U.S. but any Western leader that NATO had lied when they signed numerous documents. They were used as a cover while NATO has expanded to our borders in violation of the agreements."

The West has dismissed that assessment. Before the conflict, Russia had demanded a legal guarantee that Ukraine be denied NATO entry, knowing the alliance has never excluded potential membership for any European country but had no immediate plan to start Ukraine down that road. Russia said NATO expansion would undermine its security, but Washington and its allies argued the alliance didnt threaten Moscow

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged his Western allies to invite Kyiv to join NATO, or, at the very least, offer comprehensive security guarantees that would prevent any future Russian attacks. The alliances 32 member countries say Ukraine will join one day, but not until the fighting ends.

Trump has reaffirmed his intention to broker peace in Ukraine, declaring earlier this month that Putin wants to meet and that such a meeting is being set up. In the past, he has criticized U.S. military aid for Ukraine and even vowed to end the conflict in a single day if elected.

Lavrov emphasized that Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly declared his openness for talks with Trump, adding that Moscow looks forward to hearing Trumps view on Ukraine after he takes office.

Lavrov also praised comments by Trump's pick for national security adviser, Mike Waltz, who said Sunday it's unrealistic to expect that Ukraine could drive Russian forces from every inch of Ukrainian soil.

The very fact that people have increasingly started to mention the realities on the ground deserves welcome, Lavrov said during his annual news conference un Moscow.

In its final days, the Biden administration is providing Kyiv with as much military support as it can, aiming to put Ukraine in the strongest position possible for any future negotiations. The U.S. also introduced new sanctions on Russia's oil industry.

Lavrov described those efforts as an attempt by the Biden administration to slam the door and leave a difficult legacy for Trump. The Democrats have a way of screwing things up for the incoming administration, he said.

He emphasized that any prospective peace talks must address Russia's security concerns and reflect a broad European security environment.

Threats on the western flank, on our western borders, must be eliminated as one of the main reasons (of the conflict), he said. They can probably be eliminated only in the context of some broader agreements.

He added that Moscow is also open to discuss security guarantees for Kyiv, "for the country, which is now called Ukraine.

Lavrov was asked about Trump's comments in which he wouldn't rule out using force or economic pressure to make Greenland  a semiautonomous territory of Denmark  a part of the United States.

Lavrov emphasized that the people of Greenland must be asked what they want.

For a start, it's necessary to listen to the Greenlanders, Lavrov said, noting that they have the right for self-determination if they believe that their interests aren't duly represented by Denmark.
Unlocking the Secrets of Revitalizing Your Online Experience: A Comprehensive Guide to Signing Out of Google Account







(Signing Out of Your Google Account: Complete Guide)

Are you tired of the daily grind of logging into your Google account? Do you feel like your online experience is losing its shine? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, well take a deep dive into the world of signing out of your Google account and reveal the secrets to reviving your online experience.

First things first, its important to understand why you might want to sign out of your Google account. Maybe youve forgotten to turn off your accounts while traveling, or maybe youre tired of seeing ads on your behalf. Whatever the reason, the end result will be the same: youll have more control over your personal information and data.

But that doesnt mean you need to give up on all the benefits of using Google services. With a simple click of a button, you can switch between multiple profiles, making it easy to manage your email, calendar, and other tasks across different devices. Plus, by signing out of one account, you can still stay connected to your Google network without having to log in from another device.

So how do you go about signing out of your Google account? Its a straightforward process, but there are a few steps you should take to make sure everything goes smoothly.

Step 1: Log out of your current account

The first step in signing out of your Google account is to log out of your current account. To do this, click on the gear icon in the top-right corner of your browser window and select Account Settings. From here, you can choose to sign out of your current account, or switch to another profile.

If you want to switch to another profile, click on Profile and then Sign Up for a New Profile. This will take you to a new page where you can create a new account and start using it instead of your current account.

Step 2: Verify your identity

Once youve signed out of your current account, youll need to verify your identity to complete the sign-out process. If you dont remember your password, you can use the Forgot Password? feature to reset it for you.

Alternatively, you can also provide other identifying information to help verify your identity. For example, you could provide a government-issued ID or a phone number. Just be sure to follow any additional instructions provided by Google.

Step 3: Confirm the deletion of your Google account

After verifying your identity, you can confirm that your Google account has been deleted from your computer or device. You can do this by going to your Google account settings and clicking on Delete My Account.

To delete your account, youll need to confirm that you really want to delete it. If you later decide to change your mind, you can always restore your account by creating a new one using the same email address and password you used when you signed up.







(Signing Out of Your Google Account: Complete Guide)

In conclusion, signing out of your Google account can seem daunting at first, but its actually a straightforward process. By following these steps, you can switch between multiple profiles, keep your data secure, and get back the online experience you deserve. So the next time you feel like giving up on your Google account, just remember the power of taking control.

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if you want to want to know more, please feel free to contact us. ([email protected])
The Phillies announced a list of 23 non-roster invitees to major league Spring Training. Reliever Joel Kuhnel is among that group. According to the MLB.com transaction log, the right-hander signed a minor league contract with Philadelphia on December 21. The Phils also brought back infielder Rodolfo Castro shortly after he elected free agency in November and added former Minnesota and Detroit minor leaguer Austin Schulfer.

Kuhnel, 30 next month, was outrighted off the Rays 40-man roster at the beginning of the offseason. He made five big league appearances with Tampa Bay after being claimed off waivers in July. Kuhnel tossed eight innings of one-run ball in his limited MLB work. He allowed eight runs (seven earned) over 14 2/3 frames for their Triple-A team in Durham.

A former Reds draftee, Kuhnel has bounced around the league over the past two years. The Phils are his sixth organization since 2022. Kuhnel has pitched in the majors for Cincinnati, Houston and Tampa Bay. He has had Triple-A stints with the Brewers and Blue Jays. He carries a 5.93 earned run average across parts of five big league seasons. He has kept the ball on the ground at a lofty 52% clip but has a well below-average 18.7% strikeout rate. It was a similar story at the Triple-A level last season. Kuhnels 17.7% strikeout percentage was unimpressive, but he induced grounders at a huge 57.6% rate.

Castro landed in Philly at the 2023 deadline in a trade with Pittsburgh. The switch-hitting utilityman hit .100 in 14 games down the stretch. He spent the 24 season in the minors, much of it on the injured list. Castro only appeared in 19 Triple-A games and suffered a season-ending thumb injury in August. The Phillies made the fairly easy call to outright him off the 40-man at seasons end, though they circled back to keep the 25-year-old in the organization.

Schulfer, 29, has yet to reach the majors. The 62 righty reliever has spent parts of three seasons in Triple-A. He owns a 4.62 ERA across 142 1/3 frames at the top minor league level. Schulfer divided last season between the Twins and Tigers systems. He combined for a 4.94 ERA while striking out a quarter of opponents over 54 2/3 innings, nearly all of which came in Triple-A.
The Red Sox and right-hander Robert Stock have agreed to a minor league deal with an invite to major league spring training, reports Chris Cotillo of MassLive. Naranjeros de Hermosillo, the Mexican winter ball team Stock had been playing for, had previously announced that Stock was leaving to conduct physical exams with the Sox.

Stock, 35, has a bit of major league experience. From 2018 to 2021, he tossed 72 2/3 innings over four seasons, suiting up for the Padres, Red Sox, Cubs and Mets. He allowed 4.71 earned runs per nine. His 23.1% strikeout rate was around average and his 49.8% ground ball rate was strong, but he also gave out walks at a high rate of 12.2%. His fastball averaged 96-98 miles per hour in that time.

He hasnt been in the majors for a few years now but has performed well in other places. He spent 2022 in Korea, posting a 3.60 ERA over 29 starts for the Doosan Bears of the KBO League. That was enough to get him another shot in affiliated ball, as he signed a minor league deal with the Brewers for 2023. But he had an 8.22 ERA in 23 innings and was in Indy Ball by June.

For 2024, he signed with the Tecos de los Dos Laredos of the Mexican League. He made 19 starts and tossed 98 2/3 innings with a 3.38 ERA. As mentioned, he has been playing winter ball with the Naranjeros, posting great numbers there. He tossed 84 1/3 innings over 14 starts for them with a 1.60 ERA.

For the Sox, theres no harm in bringing him aboard via a minor league deal to see how he looks in camp. He was a reliever for most of his career but has been starting in more recent years, so he should be able to provide the club with non-roster depth in both areas.

Boston projects to have a rotation of Garrett Crochet, Tanner Houck, Brayan Bello, Kutter Crawford and Walker Buehler, with Lucas Giolito returning from his elbow surgery at some point this year as well. Theres lots of talent in there but also plenty of question marks. In the bullpen, they lost Kenley Jansen and Chris Martin to free agency, though they have signed free agents Aroldis Chapman and Justin Wilson. They are also set to get Liam Hendriks and Garrett Whitlock back from extended absences due to elbow surgeries.
Dear Lizzy,

Recently, my son, a fourth grader, got invited to a birthday party. The problem was, this invite came one week before the party, which was at an arcade about a 45-minute drive from where we live, on a school night at 6 p.m. He goes to a neighborhood school, so I assume most people invited lived this far away.

Going to this party would have been an absolute nightmare, even if it wasnt on a day that he had taekwondo after school. So we declined.

Two days later, the birthday childs mom got on the community Facebook page and made a long post about how she had paid so much for this party and invited the whole class and only two kids showed up.

Many people (not class parents) chimed in and complained about how people dont care about community anymore, saying parents are setting a bad example and bullying her child, and offered to send gift cards to her son.

Meanwhile, I am over here fuming. This was an unreasonable birthday party! The fact that we didnt show up has nothing to do with her kid and everything to do with her poor and weird planning! Should I comment on her post? Send her an email? Just tell people in person what really happened?

Help!

Good Dad I Swear

Dear Good Dad,

Stop! Put down the cell phone! Do not post anything online, maybe ever (rich coming from someone whose job is to post things to the internet daily, but just trust me).

Responding to this womans Facebook post will not resolve the problem, that you are annoyed by not only her poor planning but also her narrative about what happened. And it wont help your son or hers be better friends or the community of the school come together.

Best to let this post fade into obscurity, as all posts on Facebook must.

It seems like you and this mother arent friends, which is fine. The world is full of people and most of them wont be your friends. But you can still treat them kindly, while protecting yourself and your kid.

Personally, Id say that someone who uses social media to trumpet the wrongs done to them by their neighbors is someone to be cordial and cautious around, friendly but not entangled with.

And if another parent you are friends with and trust asks about this mom or this event, be honest but not petty. You can give your version of events, without disparaging her or making it worse than it seems.

Who knows, maybe this mom really is clueless. Whatever happened, she messed up.

She planned the birthday party too late so the only available time and/or the only affordable place was something that made little sense for families. She sent out invitations far too late. And instead of taking ownership of the fact that her actions led to her kid feeling ostracized and abandoned, she pushed the blame outwards, to people who were never obligated to come and didnt show up.

The real victim here is her kid, who is probably confused and sad, so dont punish him for her manipulation of the truth. If you want, you can still get him a birthday present. And if youre inviting the whole class to something, or even just all the boys, make sure he is included. If your son is friends with him, by all means, invite him over.

But tread carefully around the mom. Now you know that she isnt honest, which is a bright red flag in my opinion.

Good luck!

Lizzy

Have a burning question? Send me an email at lacker@oregonian.com Or, if you want to ask me a question with total anonymity, use this Google form.

Read more Why Tho? here.
DEARBORN, MI  A 19-year-old man is accused in the non-fatal stabbings of three family members, including an 11-year-old girl, authorities said.

Hamzeh Mohammad Salama, 19, of Detroit, allegedly stabbed a 51-year-old man, a 42-year-old woman and a 11-year-old girl, all of Dearborn, Sunday morning at a Dearborn hotel, according to a news release from the Wayne County Prosecutors Office.

RELATED: Teen arrested after child, 2 adults stabbed at hotel

This case is yet another example of intra family violence that permeates American society today, Prosecutor Kym Worthy said in a statement. It is almost always hard to fathom and accept, but unfortunately, it happens and happens often. We must be vigilant, pay attention, and use every tool in our toolbox to heighten this issue and our response to it.

Dearborn Police officers were dispatched around 11:30 a.m. to a hotel in the 200 block of Town Center Drive for a reported stabbing, the release said. The victims were found in the hotel lobby, suffering from multiple stab wounds. They were transported to a local hospital for treatment.

It is alleged that Salama used a knife to stab the victims multiple times, causing non-fatal injuries, the release said.

Salama was arraigned Monday in 19th District Court on three counts of assault with intent to do great bodily harm, three counts of felonious assault, and one count of domestic violence. His bond was set at $300,000 cash/surety. Hes due back in court at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22.
The military exercises that Belarus plans to hold until the end of January pose no threat to Ukraine, Spokesperson for the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine Andriy Demchenko has said Tuesday.

"These exercises, which have been announced, which are to continue until the end of January, do not pose a threat to us. In addition to the fact that Belarus constantly conducts various kinds of exercises on its territory, and we also remember previous years, when such exercises were held with units of the Russian army, I would add that at the moment there are no Russian troops, strike group in sufficient numbers on the territory of Belarus, because the terrorist country has gradually withdrawn them to its territory, and has not deployed new ones within the framework of rotation," he told a press briefing.

"That is why it is Belarus that continues to escalate the situation now, playing along with Russia," Demchenko explained.

According to him, the presence of Russian troops in Belarus is not recorded, as well as no exercises in close proximity to the Ukrainian border.

"We do not see the presence of Russian troops there, and it is an exercise with territorial defense units, reservists were planned to be involved. But in fact, they are not in close proximity to our border. I am not even sure that any equipment will be involved in these exercises. This is a demonstration by Belarus that they are strengthening their defense capabilities, since it is Ukraine that poses a threat to them. And they will continue to support such rhetoric," the spokesman said.
ROSCOMMON, MI -- If winter is making you feel cooped up then maybe its time to see if you could survive outside.

A wild weekend is taking place Up North, from Feb. 7-9 at the DNRs Ralph A. MacMullan Center in Roscommon.

The Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education is hosting a Cabin Fever-themed weekend, encouraging outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels to learn more about Michigans nature and how to safely explore the outdoors.

Heres whats on the docket for Wildlife Weekend:

DNR conservation officers demonstrating the tools of the trade they use for winter survival and showing how to endure a cold winters night  whether youre lost in the forest or stuck in a stalled car.

DNR wildlife biologist Mark Boersen talking about Michigans most famous winter sleeper, the black bear, and perhaps investigating the types of areas where they build their dens.

DNR Outdoor Skills Academy instructor Jeff Lash teaching about wild edibles such as wild mushrooms.

Retired teacher Mike Latus guiding you through Michigans beautiful night sky.

In addition to the educational activities, participants will also have free time Saturday afternoon to explore the grounds and trails on the northern shore of Higgins Lake.

The weekend excursion is open to everyone 18 and older of any outdoor experience level.

Participants can enjoy the RAM Centers food, campfires and festivities, kicking off at 5 p.m. Friday and wrapping up with lunch Sunday, giving everyone plenty of time to get home for the Super Bowl.

The packed weekend, with two nights lodging, six meals and course instruction, is $345 per person.

Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged at maeoe.com/wildlifeweekend.
CLARKSTON, MI - His blood is so Honolulu Blue, even his Christmas tree is that color. This die-hard Detroit Lions fan has built a man cave which is filled with so much memorabilia, it actually looks like a museum.

Thats what Scott Young has spent the better part of the last decade putting together inside his home in Clarkston.

A season ticket holder for the last 10 years, Young says it started with collectible Bobbleheads from the 1960s and evolved into finding and purchasing hundreds, if not thousands, of rare pieces of Detroit Lions history.

Were talking everything from autographed photos to part of the actual Pontiac Silverdome turf to paintings and sketches to shirts, hats, shoes, helmets, lamps and so much more.

Basically, if it has Detroit Lions on it, Young has it in his collection.

Ive got stuff from all over the country, Young told MLive while showing off his collection. Ive logged in a years worth of driving and met with these people, getting the background stories on each item, just like American Pickers. Im the American Pickers of the Lions.

Young rolls out the green turf for Lions road games and throws a watch party inside his man cave, which is located in a newly-built section of the house next to the garage. It has two large TVs in it.

Sometimes even former players come out, like Rob Sims and Marc Spindler.

Young says, even though his wife thinks hes a bit off his rocker, he is proud to have collected so many historic pieces of team history.

Ive rescued a lot of these items. Theres stuff that would have ended up in the garbage had they not sold. People werent always buying Lions collectibles. I was collecting when the team was 0-16. Through the good and the bad.

On top of all of the items inside the man cave, Young has a garage filled with autographed Lions pictures on the walls.

He also has multiple closets with Lions clothing, including a few shirts for the family dog.

As if that wasnt enough, theres an entire den with hundreds of Bobbleheads and other items on display.

Young says he has so many items, he cant put out everything and even sells some pieces he has duplicates of.

I ended up getting so much, I just kept running out of space. I just want to show all of this off for all Lions fans to enjoy.

The Lions will host the Washington Commanders in the Divisional Round of the playoffs on Saturday, Jan. 18 at 8:00 p.m.
Michigans infant mortality rate reached the lowest point on record in 2023.

The state reported 607 infant deaths within their first year of life, compared to 99,178 live births, for a rate of 6.1 infant deaths per 1,000 live births.

While still higher than the provisional national average (5.6), its a slight improvement for Michigan from 6.2 in 2021 and 6.4 in 2022, according to the latest provisional data from the Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).

RELATED: Heres how Michigan is trying to combat maternal and infant mortality

Reductions in infant death rates have generally been slow and steady going back to the early 1970s when about 20 babies died in their first year of life for every 1,000 live births. That rate improved to about 12 in the 1980s, nine in the 1990s, eight in the 2000s, and seven in the 2010s.

The five leading causes of infant death include birth defects, preterm birth and low birth weight, sudden infant death syndrome, unintentional injuries, and maternal pregnancy complications.

Barriers to infant care include an inability to pay for services, lack of prenatal care awareness, stress of poverty, lack of health care providers, and inadequate health systems, according to the National Healthy Start Association.

RELATED: Infant mortality is on the rise. How a Michigan health system is responding.

Among Michigans 83 counties, Berrien had the highest rate in 2023. The furthest southeast community had 20 infant deaths compared to 1,393 live births -- a rate of 14.4.

The next highest rates were in Tuscola (12.6), Saginaw (12.2), Clinton (12.1), Wayne (8.9) and Genesee (8.5).

Among counties with more than 1,000 live births, the lowest death rates were reported in Kalamazoo (3.1), Oakland (3.1), Washtenaw (3.2), and Livingston (3.5).

Sixteen counties didnt report any infant deaths for the year.

Below is a searchable database of provisional 2023 data, provided by MDHHS.

The state hadnt yet published data on 2023 stillbirths or deaths within the first 6 days (hebdomadal) as of Tuesday, Jan. 13. Those rates have been about 9 deaths per 1,000 live births, respectively, since around 2011.

Disparities along racial lines have long existed in both infant and maternal mortality rates. There are various factors that contribute to these disparities, like access to quality healthcare, underlying medical conditions, systemic racism and bias.

RELATED: State initiatives aim to address high death rates among Black Michigan mothers

Black mothers experience more than three times the risk of an infant death compared to white mothers.

In 2022, the white infant death rate was 4.4 per 1,000 deaths. The Black infant death rate that year was 13. Data for 2023 is expected to be available later this year.

Also notable in 2023 was the further decline in total live births. Michigans 99,178 births was the fewest in a year since the 1940s, according to MDHHS records.

More people died in Michigan -- 101,985 -- than were born for the fourth consecutive year. Before 2019, that hadnt happened in more than 100 years.

Longstanding disparities remain in the medical industry, with Black women having more than double the maternal mortality rates than white women.

In recent years, Michigan expanded Medicaid coverage from a 60-day post-partum period up to a year, provided doula services for Medicaid recipients and invested funds into doula training to ensure care throughout the state.

Legislators attempted to further combat maternal mortality rates in late 2024, through a bills package known as the Michigan Momnibus. The bills sought to increase reporting on obstetric violence and racism, and create additional protections to ensure safety and wellbeing of mothers.

RELATED: Michigan Momnibus seeks to increase maternal health protections, combat inequities

The eight-bill package stalled in the state House due to attendance issues and political infighting in the closing days of the 2024 legislative year.
PONTIAC, MI  Officials are investigating after a 66-year-old businessman was shot and killed in Oakland County.

According to WXYZ-TV in Detroit, the Oakland County Sheriffs Office responded to a business in the 1000 block of University Drive in Pontiac at 8 p.m. on Monday.

Sam Simko of Commerce Township was found shot to death, according to the TV station.

This incident is being investigated as a homicide, officials said.

Anyone with more information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800- SPEAK-UP. Deputies are offering a $2,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest.
ONTONAGON COUNTY, MI  Officials are urging caution after four separate incidents of snowmobiles falling through ice on the largest inland lake in Michigans Upper Peninsula.

Michigan State Police in Wakefield say there is a 40-inch-high ice heave running east to west across Lake Gogebic, which is about two miles south of Ontonagon County Park.

The lake is popular for ice fishing, snowmobiling and other winter activities, but police are asking the public to exercise caution due to several recent incidents.

Troopers responded after a snowmobile went through the ice around 10:30 p.m. on Jan. 10. The rider was quickly rescued and uninjured.

According to DNR personnel, two more snowmobilers broke through the ice on Dec. 12, and another incident occurred recently. Fortunately, there have not been any fatalities.

Always check ice thickness with a spud or auger, an MSP statement said. Avoid cracks, heaves, or open water. If possible, ride with a group, carry a communication device, wear cold-weather gear, and carry safety equipment such as ice picks/claws.

If you are heading out onto the ice, your safety is your responsibility. Ice conditions can change, so stay alert and stay safe. The strongest ice is clear with a bluish tint, while weak ice is formed by melted and refrozen snow and appears milky.

You can learn more about ice safety, here.
MONROE COUNTY, MI -- A 34-year-old New York man was arrested Monday night after he allegedly assaulted a homeowner two different times and fought with police. The Monroe County Sheriffs Office says deputies were dispatched to a business in the 8800 block of Swan Creek Road around 8:30 p.m. for reports of an unclothed man saying odd things and behaving strangely before fleeing the scene.

As deputies were investigating at the business, a 911 call was made by someone at a nearby residence who reported being assaulted by someone matching the description of the suspect. Police responded to the home near the 3600 block of Law Street and saw the suspect leaving the home as they arrived.

At that point the suspect returned to the home and tried to re-enter, assaulting the homeowner once again as they tried to hold the door shut. Police caught up to the suspect at the doorway of the home where the suspect began fighting with police. Deputies were eventually able to subdue him and place him under arrest.

The suspect is lodged at the Monroe County Jail and is being held on multiple charges including home invasion, assaulting police, resisting and obstructing police, and indecent exposure. Police have not released the name of the suspect.
EMMETT COUNTY, MI -- Police have identified the man who was shot and killed at a home in Springvale Township Saturday as 34-year-old Joshua Van Allen, according to UpNorthLive. While an investigation is ongoing, the Emmett County Sheriffs Office says it appears Van Allen had entered the home of an acquaintance when a struggle ensued.

At some point during the altercation Van Allen was shot and killed. Police have not publicly identified anyone else involved and the case is being turned over to the county prosecutor for determination of possible charges.
MANISTEE, MI  Police have identified two people who were found dead at a home in Manistee.

According to the Manistee Police Department, Brett Haik, 61, and Melissa Haik, 68, died from gunshots to the head in the 900 block of High Street around 2:12 p.m. on Jan. 12.

Both lived at the address, police said, and there is no threat to the public.

The subjects were transported to Munson Manistee Hospital where they were pronounced dead.

The Michigan State Police, Manistee County Sheriffs Department and Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Department of Public Safety assisted in the investigation.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Kirsten Goodspeed by calling 231-398-3281.
DETROIT -- A man who worked as a security guard at a charter school in Detroit has been charged with two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct after he allegedly assaulted a student last year. Trevon Ziglar, 23, of Detroit was arraigned on the charges Sunday and remanded to the Wayne County Jail after bond was denied in the case.

It is alleged by Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthys office that Ziglar sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl around 5 p.m. on May 20, 2024 at a school in the 6800 block of East Nevada Street in Detroit, which is the Cornerstone Jefferson-Douglass Academy.

Prosecutors say more evidence of the alleged crime will be put on the record during a preliminary examination, currently scheduled for Jan. 28. Ziglar is due back in court on Jan. 21 for a probable cause conference.
WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Department of State issued a do not travel warning for Afghanistan on Monday, urging Americans to cancel any planned visits to the nation. If you do decide to travel to Afghanistan, officials suggest you take steps to prepare as if you may not return home.

U.S. citizens should not travel to Afghanistan for any reason, including to accompany eligible family members for relocation, reads a portion of the advisory.

The State Department cites ongoing civil unrest, crime, terrorism, risk of wrongful detention, kidnapping, and limited health facilities as reasons Americans should not travel to Afghanistan. In particular, the warning says multiple terrorist groups are active in Afghanistan and U.S. citizens have become targets of kidnapping and hostage-taking.

The warning says humanitarian workers have been harassed by the Taliban, and activities of foreigners may be viewed with suspicion, and reasons for detention may be unclear.

The Taliban do not regularly permit the United States to conduct welfare checks on U.S. citizens in detention, including by phone. Detention can be lengthy, the advisory reads. While in detention, U.S. citizens have limited or no access to medical attention and may be subject to physical abuse.

Americans who are currently in Afghanistan are urged to leave the country immediately via commercial means as soon as possible.

Those who choose to ignore the warning are advised to take the following steps ahead of travel to Afghanistan:

Review your personal security plans.

Be aware of your surroundings and local security developments at all times.

Keep a low profile.

Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.

Keep travel documents up to date and easily accessible.

Notify a trusted person of your travel and movement plans.

Make contingency plans to leave when it is safe to do so that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.

Draft a will and designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries and/or power of attorney.

Discuss a plan with loved ones regarding care/custody of children, pets, property, belongings, non-liquid assets (collections, artwork, etc.), funeral wishes, etc.

Leave DNA samples with your medical provider in case it is necessary for your family to access them.

For more information on the advisory or other steps to take if visiting Afghanistan, visit the State Departments advisory website.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has met with Speaker of the Latvian Saeima Daiga Mierina and thanked Latvia for its support, an Interfax-Ukraine correspondent reports.

"We thank for Latvia's constant support for Ukraine, first of all, for our soldiers from day one of the war and for our people who are outside our country today, as well as Ukrainians who are in Ukraine thanks to your humanitarian aid as well," he told Mierina at the beginning of their meeting.

The head of state also thanked the Latvian side for its humanitarian projects, support for the restoration of Ukraine, as well as other auxiliary projects.

Separately, the Ukrainian President thanked Latvian parliamentarians for supporting the Crimea Platform.

"It is very important for us to continue and remind the whole world that Crimea is part of our sovereign state, Crimea is a Ukrainian peninsula and we will continue this," Zelenskyy said.

In addition, he expressed gratitude for Latvia's support for the Peace Formula, and for the security guarantees that are set in the bilateral agreement, as well as for the allocation of 0.25% of GDP to help Ukraine.

"I know that next week we will meet Lithuanian colleagues in Ukraine," Zelenskyy said.

Mierina, for her part, assured the Ukrainian side of continued support and also thanked Ukrainians for the struggle "with which you support all of us."

"And today, of course, we would like to hear from you how else we can help, what else we can do, because, obviously, the situation is difficult. With all our heart and soul, we want this war to end as soon as possible," the Speaker of the Latvian Saeima said.

In addition, she noted the importance of the Baltic-Black Sea corridor.

"We will continue to help in the reconstruction of Ukraine. We have also committed to train 4,000 Ukrainian soldiers. We actively encourage all other EU member states to follow our example," she said.

"If everyone allocated 0.25% of their GDP to Ukraine's fight against the aggressor, I think life would be much better for you. And we need to think about how to strengthen our military industry tomorrow," Mierina said.
With just a few days before the popular social media platform TikTok is expected to go dark in the United States, users are turning to a similar Chinese platform in huge numbers, according to the Associated Press. As of Tuesday afternoon, the Chinese platform Xiaohongshu -- which translates to Little Red Book -- is now the top downloaded app in the Apple Store and the Google Play Store in the U.S. as tens of thousands of users have joined the service.

Although the translation of Xiaohongshu means something different, American users are referring to the platform as RedNote. Americans who join the app are also identifying themselves as TikTok refugees and the associated hashtag has 160,000 posts in recent days, according to the Associated Press.

The massive shift by users to RedNote comes as the TikTok ban appears set to begin being enforced this weekend. A law passed last year calls for TikTok to be removed from app stores and bans internet hosting services from hosting TikTok starting on Jan. 19. Users in the U.S. who have already downloaded TikTok will still be able to use the app, however, updates to the app will no longer be available, which is expected to make the app unworkable rather quickly.

The TikTok ban could be stopped if the Supreme Court steps in to deem the 2024 law unconstitutional, but during arguments last week, it appeared the majority of justices agree with the ban.

Those whove migrated to RedNote will find that it operates in much the same way as TikTok with short-form videos appearing on your feed. Users have the ability to like videos, leave comments and share posts with their followers. As users watch more videos, the feed is curated to content they appear to be enjoying.

Some American users are already making videos attempting to explain to Chinese users why Americans are joining the service, according to the AP.

The reason that our government is telling us that they are banning TikTok is because theyre insisting that its owned by you guys, the Chinese people, government, whatever, said a user who goes by the handle Definitelynotchippy. And theyre trying to make us think that you guys are bad.

A lot of us are smarter than that though so we decided to piss off our government and download an actual Chinese app, she said. We call that trolling  in short were here to spite our government and to learn about China and hang out with you guys.

While RedNote is available to U.S. users, content is subject to censorship through the Chinese government. Content that is overly political or critical of China could result in the content being shadowbanned or in the user being blocked from the platform. China has already banned platforms such as Google and Facebook.

RedNote is also not able to replace the revenue streams that many TikTok users have counted on in recent years. Specifically, the app is not optimized for international users and lacks translation features that would make e-commerce or advertising a reliable income source for American users.
ANN ARBOR, MI  Environmentalists of all ages are doing their part to make the Ann Arbor area greener.

From student activists starting initiatives in school to longtime leaders in land preservation and more, the Sierra Clubs Huron Valley Group honored several community members with environmentalism awards in December.
MARQUETTE COUNTY, MI  A northern Michigan man is facing felony charges after allegedly shooting at a vehicle while drunk-driving Friday night.

The Michigan State Police Negaunee Post was called to a one-vehicle crash at around 8:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10, on County Road 545 near M-94 in West Branch Township, where Jeffrey Johnson, 56, of Gwinn, was arrested for operating while intoxicated, according to a news release.
LANSING, MI - University of Michigan Health-Sparrow nurses and healthcare professionals struck a deal Tuesday with the hospital to avoid a planned strike.

The Professional Employee Council of Sparrow-Hospital-Michigan Nurses Association announced the deal in a Jan. 14 announcement. The union cancelled a strike that was planned for Jan. 20.
FLINT TWP., MI -- Brett Beckley has resigned as the townships fire chief after the Board of Trustees turned down his request for a 16-week leave of absence.

Beckley, who was hired as chief three years ago, had asked for the leave to attend the Mott Community College Police Academy but trustees rejected a proposal to allow him to use accrued vacation and paid time off for most of his absence.

The chief will continue in his position until early next month, township Supervisor Karyn Miller said, and the position will be filled through the townships civil service process.

Beckley told township officials he was being sponsored in the academy by Bishop Airport, where he also works part time as a public safety officer in a department with officers who are cross-trained as both firefighters and police officers.

Miller cast one of six votes against the leave of absence request, calling it one of those tough decisions.

It surprised me, Miller said after Beckley tendered his resignation following the boards decision on Jan. 6. Hes done a good job.

MLive-The Flint Journal could not immediately reach Beckley for comment on Tuesday, Jan. 14, but in a letter requesting the leave of absence, he said that both he and the township would benefit from allowing him to be trained in police work.

Our police department does a fantastic job at protecting our personnel on (fire) scenes when available, however, due to their call volume this is not always possible, his Dec. 27 letter reads. We have had several incidents over the past few years where having (a) police-trained firefighter would offer another line of defense and security in these situations.

I know this is an important decision and a large commitment. However, I feel confident that I can continue to serve as your chief and continue moving the (fire department) in a positive direction.

All but one board member and some residents didnt agree.

Treasurer Tom Klee cast the lone vote in favor of the leave of absence.

I just dont see the benefit for you going to the academy. Whats it going to do for the township as a whole? Trustee Barb Vert asked during last weeks meeting.

Resident MaryBeth Seaward also urged the board to reject the proposal.

We need a full-time fire chief in Flint Township ..., Seward said. We need him here --- being a leader, doing his job as chief full time.

Township officials have struggled to maintain police and fire departments with current funding levels and last year held a public hearing on a proposal for a public safety special assessment that would have raised roughly $1 million annually.

Beckley said then that fire staffing had reached a critical level with trucks routinely responding to calls for help with just one firefighter on board.

Trustees eventually dropped the 4-mill special assessment proposal.

Beckley, a former fire marshal and assistant fire chief, was hired as full-time chief in the township in January 2022, filling a vacancy that had been open for about 18 months.

He began his career as a firefighter in Flushing in 2004, moving up the ranks to become a lieutenant there.

He was hired as a firefighter in the township in January 2019 and was promoted to sergeant and interim assistant chief in August 2020.

Although he told the township he would have limited availability while attending the academy, Beckley said he could continue to oversee day-to-day operations, catching up with administrative work on evenings and weekends.

This is my ... time that I have earned in my six years on this department, he said of his leave request. It is an extended vacation essentially for me.

After using accrued time off, township officials estimated Beckley would also have been off work for 21 days of unpaid leave.
HOLLAND, MI  While visiting Hope College, Jennifer Kasunick  then a prospective student from Ohio - told her mother, Michelle, that she had found her home.

This is the place I want to go, she said.

In her third year at Hope, Kasunick, blind since birth, had become a beloved figure on campus. With her service dog, Rowdy, at her side, she seemed to know everyone, recognizing classmates and staff by their voices.

Her joy and love touched everyone around her, and her impact will never be forgotten, an Instagram post said.

Her father, Fred Kasunick, said: We were blessed to have her.

Jennifer Kasunick, 20, of Bay Village, Ohio, just west of Cleveland, died Saturday, Jan. 11, when she was struck by a train on East 10th Street, west of Lincoln Avenue, near Hopes campus.

Related: Hope College student whos blind accidentally clipped by train, police say

Holland police said she apparently did not realize she was so close to the tracks before the train clipped her. She later died at Holland Hospital.

Fred and Michelle Kasunick rushed to Holland after their hometown police department, at the request of Holland police, knocked at their door.

A memorial is shown near the scene where a Hope College student was struck and killed by a train. (John Tunison|MLive)John Tunison

Its just numbness, her father told MLive/The Grand Rapids Press. If you have lost a loved one, its just numb.

But, he said, in their grief, they have been overwhelmed by the love shown for their daughter. About 1,000 students showed up that night for an impromptu service at Dimnent Memorial Chapel. They gathered again on Sunday.

A professor and his wife brought them dinner Sunday night.

Related: Hope College student struck by train remembered as passionate violinist, advocate for the blind

She had an uncanny ability to see good, Fred Kasunick said, on his way back to Ohio.

I have no other word for it.

He said his daughter did everything she set out to do. She learned to play violin in the third grade. She took part in orchestra and theater. Hopes orchestra professor, Samuel Pang, who brought the family dinner on Sunday, was amazed by her musical skills.

She was able to pick up long symphonies by ear and play them, her father said.

It left him in awe.

Related: Hope College mourns beloved, talented student who was struck by train and killed

His daughter loved to travel and visited Rome and Greece, with plans to visit Italy next year. Her blindness might have slowed her down but it didnt stop her.

Nothing was going to stop her, her dad said.

Everywhere she went, she made friends, often life-long friends. Hope students shared with the family their love for her and the inspiration she gave others.

She and her brother, Michael, 22, were very close. He looked after her, taught her to be strong and acted as her rock, the father said.

One of the reasons Jennifer was so independent was we did not treat her like she was different, her father said. If (Michael) can do it, she can do it.

He and his wife were proud of her.

She was in music, theater, a 4.0 student, she just was Jennifer. Funny, smart, witty, a positive outlook. Were just so glad she was able to touch so many people.

She said hi to everyone. She never seemed to be in a bad mood.

Just minutes before she was struck by the train, she was making snow angels with a friend.

She was a unique person ... . She was a character, for sure, her dad said.

God called her home.
HOLLAND, MI - When Samuel Pang began his first year working as Hope Colleges director of orchestras, he received an email from then-freshman Jennifer Kasunick, a blind violinist.

I thought, how does that work? Id never had the opportunity to teach a blind violinist, Pang said. But my goodness, she learned all our concert music by ear.

The Hope College junior was struck by a train on Saturday, Jan. 11, while walking with her service dog near campus. In recalling her impact on the Hope College community, Pang remembered not only her talent, but her positive attitude throughout each day.

RELATED: Hope College student whos blind accidentally clipped by train, police say

I dont recall a single day where she expressed negativity in any manner, he said.

Pang recalled his daily morning greetings to both Kasunick and her service dog, Rowdy.

She would say good morning Professor Pang, and then she would pretend to be Rowdy and say (the same), he said. She would make sure there were two voices whenever I greeted her good morning. She had a great sense of humor.

He said Kasunick played a key role in the orchestra auditioning and winning the ability to perform at Carnegie Hall this spring in New York City, part of the 2025 NY International Music Festival.

As a result, the orchestra broke protocol last semester and surprised Kasunick by inviting her and Rowdy to center stage and giving the pair a concert bow.

While its customary for the orchestra to give a concert bow to only soloists and principal players of the orchestra, or the lead players of each instrument, Pang said Kasunicks impressive work - and Rowdys assistance - earned them the award.

Olivia Wiley, a sophomore student at Hope College, horn player and resident assistant, said Kasunick brought the same sense of humor, dedication and innovation to her own work as a resident assistant in Hopes Phelps Hall.

(Resident assistant) in itself is a tricky job, especially without being able to see your residents, she said. She could tell who they were based on their voice, how they walked down the hallway. She could point people out by name, and I know they all felt really special.

Wiley said Kasunick handled the difficulties of being blind as a resident assistant with resilience and humor, gluing googly eyes on the halls keypad locks to help her differentiate between the numbers and greeting her fellow students with frequent hugs.

She meant so much to so many people, and I didnt even realize the full scope of that until this weekend, she said.

Alex Hirsch, another resident assistant who worked with Kasunick, remembered her neon yellow Croc shoes and daily practice of asking students about their days.

For someone without (working) eyes, she understood the importance of being seen, he said.

In a post on social media, a representative of the Phelps residence hall described Kasunick as lighting up any room she entered, always with a smile on her face.

The 20-year-old college student, originally from Bay Village, Ohio, was struck by a train around 6:20 p.m. on Saturday on East 10th Street near Lincoln Avenue. She was unconscious and not breathing when rescuers arrived on scene. Her service dog survived.

At 9:44 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 11, Pang said Hope College sent out a campus-wide notification that Kasunick had died. That email asked students to gather at the colleges Dimnent Memorial Chapel at 10 p.m.

Only 15 minutes later, around 1,500 people packed the chapel.

We didnt have enough seats, Pang said. People had to stand in the aisles.

RELATED: Hope College mourns beloved, talented student who was struck by train and killed

Hope College students gathered for a Monday morning prayer session at Dimnent Memorial Chapel on Jan. 13, 2025. An area of the front pew was filled with flowers to honor Jennifer Kasunick, who died on Saturday, Jan. 11. (Photo provided by Hope College)Hope College

In an online post to the campus community, Hope College President Matthew Scogin said nearly every student at Hope knew Kasunick, and to know her was to love her.

Her joyful spirit was a constant source of warmth and light, he said.

In addition to her work as a resident assistant and her involvement as a violinist, Kasunick was described by several who knew her as a passionate advocate for the blind.

Wiles said Kasunick was constantly meeting with her professors to access online textbooks and other resources to ensure that she was getting the full experience, and paving the way for other blind students attending Hope after her.

Hirsch said she described living with blindness not as a tragedy, but as a gift.

She talked about her ability to sense a room and notice things happening around her, and it was like everyone was seen, even though she couldnt see.

Pang said she inspired other students in his classes to do little things to help, like typing out the content of funny images sent in group texts so she could get the joke, or describing the visuals that accompanied musical performance videos the classes would watch.

She was such a gem that everyone would take the extra step just to love her and include her in the community, Pang said.

A memorial was set up on Hope College's campus for junior student Jennifer Kasunick, who died after being struck by a train on Saturday, Jan. 11. Photo courtesy of Hope College.Hope College

In addition to Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) resources available on campus, Wiley said Phelps Hall set aside a room for students and resident assistants to grieve.

The Hope College theatre department, which Kasunick was also involved with, set aside its production suite from 1 to 4 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 13 for students to gather and write their favorite memories and stories, which will be bound into a book for Kasunicks family. Students can also drop off written memories and photos to the theatre departments office.

A Hope College spokesperson said a date for Kasunicks memorial service has not yet been set.

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ZEELAND, MI -- Police arrested a 41-year-old man for allegedly breaking into two downtown Zeeland businesses.

The person is accused of breaking into Franks restaurant, 134 E. Main Ave. and Zeeland Bakery, 130 E. Main Ave., during the early morning hours of Jan. 7.
HOLLAND, MI  The regional economy, while coming out strong, is gripped with uncertainty over the future of artificial intelligence, changes to minimum wage and sick leave, and Donald Trumps second presidency, according to an economic forecast presented Tuesday, Jan. 14.

The Michigan West Coast Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday hosted Paul Isely, associate dean and professor of economics at Grand Valley State University, to present his economic forecast for 2025 at Engedi Church in Holland.
HOLLAND, MI  A longstanding cafe in downtown Holland has abruptly closed.

Way Cup Cafe owner Carol Witteveen-Stewart announced in a weekend Facebook post that she chose to shut down the cafe after 20 years in business.

After 20 incredible years, it is with mixed emotions that I am announcing the closing of the Way Cup Cafe, the post read. This journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, and I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the memories, friendships, and support this community has given me over the years.

Witteveen-Stewarts post did not give a reason for the sudden closure. She did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but a person who answered the cafes old phone confirmed the business was now closed.

The cafe at 501 W. 17th St. in Holland prided itself in offering a wide array of healthful food options. In addition to breakfast sandwiches and paninis, customers also could choose from a variety of vegan, low-carb and gluten-free items.

Beverage choices included brewed coffee, espresso, tea and fruit smoothies.

The farewell post was met with a flood of comments from people sharing their memories of the cafe.

Thank you for keeping us fed, energized and welcomed with every visit, user Annie Hilchen wrote. Your hospitality will be missed. Cheers to your future adventures.

Want more Grand Rapids-area news? Bookmark the local Grand Rapids news page or sign up for the free 3@3 Grand Rapids daily newsletter.
The next meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in the Ramstein format will take place in Brussels ahead of the Munich Security Conference scheduled for February 14-16, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has said Tuesday.

He told a press briefing in Kyiv that the next Ramstein format meeting should take place "as usual."

"A week before the Munich Security Conference, in Brussels, when, as usual, NATO defense ministers are meeting in Brussels. So, it's quite normal, we do it often," he said.

According to the minister, it is still unknown what will happen to the format further, as it depends on the future U.S. administration.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI  Mark Totten, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan, announced his resignation effective Monday, Jan. 20, when President-elect Donald Trump is sworn into office.

Totten was nominated for the federal post - representing 49 Michigan counties, including the Upper Peninsula  by President Joe Biden.
LANSING, MI  Michigan Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, R-Porter Township, has announced he will run for governor in 2026.

The people of Michigan have been left behind under Democrat rule as theyve raised taxes, wasted a $9 billion surplus, chose politically motivated corporate handouts over fixing our roads, and tried to impose their left-wing ideology on all of us, Nesbitt said in a statement Tuesday, Jan. 14.
DETROIT, MI  A Detroit pastor has been chosen to deliver a prayer during President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration ceremony.

Rev. Lorenzo Sewell, a Detroit native and leader of 180 Church in the city, will be one of four faith leaders to deliver a benediction prayer during Trumps inauguration on Jan. 20 in Washington, D.C.

The inauguration date has a potent meaning, Sewell told MLive, as it coincides this year with Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

For me, the benediction or the blessing coincides with the dream, with Kings dream, being fulfilled, he said. That someone like me would have an opportunity to pray at the 47th presidents inauguration surely fulfills Kings dream.

Delivered in Washington, D.C. in 1963, Kings famous I Have a Dream speech envisioned a future of racial equality and justice where people are judged by their character, not the color of their skin.

Sewell first met Trump in June, when the pastor hosted the former president at his church for a campaign stop and roundtable discussion.

Related: Trump visits Black church in Detroit, attends meeting of MAGA loyalists

It was during the event that Sewell impressed Trump so much that the then-presidential candidate promised the pastor hed be at the inauguration.

He said that in the context of the prayer that we prayed for him, because the prayer was not scripted, Sewell said. Because the prayer wasnt scripted, it was impromptu, that was impressive to him because he said that he always asks pastors to pray for him but many of them feel taken off guard, many of them feel like they couldnt pray off the cuff, so to speak. He shook my hand and promised me, just said that, At the inauguration, youll be there.

The pastor said he never thought about the promise again until Trump won. And to his surprise, he said, the president-elect remembered, with Trumps team reaching out to him a few weeks ago to offer him the role at the inauguration.

Sewell hosting Trump at his church catapulted him from, in his words, being a relatively known pastor in the region to an internationally known name with visitors coming to his church from all over.

Since the visit, Sewell has traveled across the U.S. and Michigan, giving the opening prayer at other appearances by Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance, attending a variety of Republican events and even giving a speech during the Republican National Convention in July.

Sewell grew up on the east side of Detroit. He said his dad is in prison for murder and that before he found Jesus and his calling as a pastor in 1999, he was a street pharmacist, a slang term for drug dealer.

While that journey hasnt been perfect or easy, he said its proof of Gods existence that those beginnings have led him to a role at the inauguration.

That one day I would be praying the benediction at the inauguration of some would say the greatest political comeback of history? Fairytales. Movies. Come on, you cant make that up, he said with a laugh.

Sewell previously told MLive he is a lifelong Republican and supported Trump in 2016 and 2020, despite many of his parishioners identifying as Democrats.

Related: Some Detroiters saw Trump remarks about city as insult; others saw hope for a renaissance

One of the biggest names in the inauguration ceremony program is country star Carrie Underwood, who will be performing America the Beautiful, according to Matthew Foldi of the Washington Reporter.
Correction: Quotes from the Oakland County Prosecutors Office were updated to indicate they are attributed to Chief Assistant Prosecutor David Williams.

PONTIAC, MI -- Media bias in violation of a judges order and claims of secret, undisclosed immunity agreements are among allegations being leveled against the Oakland County Prosecutors Office.

Royal Oak-based attorney Michael R. Dezsi made the claims in a court filing and press release aimed at seeking freedom for 46-year-old Jennifer Crumbley, the mother of Oxford High shooter Ethan Crumblely.

She and her husband, 48-year-old James Crumbley, are currently serving a minimum of 10 years in prison after being separately convicted by juries on four counts of involuntary manslaughter after failing to intervene before their mentally disturbed son opened fire on classmates, killing four on Nov. 30, 2021.

Dezsi filed a motion for acquittal or a new trial on behalf of Jennifer Crumbley on Dec. 2, calling the verdict tainted.

RELATED: Michigan school shooters mom wants tainted verdict overturned

Jennifer Crumbleys convictions for involuntary manslaughter stem from a trial riddled with legal errors where key evidence was withheld, and cooperation agreements were peddled and suppressed to secure testimony for the prosecution to convict an individual who committed no crime, Dezsi said in a statement issued Jan. 13.

Dezsi also accused Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald of violating a pretrial order that forbid attorneys from discussing the case with media and of skewing coverage by offering exclusive access to hand-picked media outlets.

Included in the latest filing is a June 2022 letter from ABC News indicating the news outlet received approval to observe and record pretrial preparations by the prosecution. The letter acknowledged that ABC wouldnt broadcast any information collected until the conclusion of the trial, or implementation of a plea agreement.

Jennifer Crumbley is escorted away, Monday, Feb. 5, 2024 in Pontiac, Michigan.Carlos Osorio | The Associated Press Pool

McDonald and members of her office previously appeared in the documentary, Sins of the Parents: The Crumbley Trials, which aired on Netflix and contained pretrial footage.

On June 27, 2022, presiding Oakland County Circuit Judge Cheryl A. Matthews issued a pretrial publicity ban.

The judges order said, no statements will be made by the parties or their agents. This includes all forms of media and public domains, which includes the internet.

Oakland County Chief Assistant Prosecutor David Williams responded to the defense claims on Jan. 13.

The two stories defense counsel references came out after the jury verdicts, not before, and the suggestion that they had any impact on the jury is ridiculous, Williams said.

The defense further noted that McDonalds office hired at least two third-party public relations firms at a cost of $100,000 or more to manage media response, which the defense alternatively calls a smear campaign.

The Oxford High School shooting drew immediate national and international attention, Williams said. False rumors began spreading quickly ... The Oakland County Executive and the Oakland County Board of Commissioners immediately provided the resources needed to get reliable information to the public and the media. We owed that to the victims and the public.

Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald proceeds with an opening statement as defendant Ethan Crumbley, right, listens, Thursday, July 27, 2023, in Pontiac, Mich. Oakland County judge Kwame Rowe is hearing evidence starting Thursday to help him decide whether the teen who killed four students and injured six others and a teacher in November 2021 at Oxford High School should be sentenced to prison without the chance of parole. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)AP

Dezsi further accused the prosecution of entering immunity agreements with two key witnesses -- former Oxford High School Dean of Students Nicholas Ejak and guidance counselor Shawn Hopkins -- that it didnt disclose to the defense.

The prosecution argues the agreements didnt offer immunity, and therefore, the office wasnt required to share them with the defense.

A motion hearing in the case is scheduled for Jan. 31.

Both parents in April were sentenced to between 10 and 15 years in prison. They had already been jailed since their initial arrests on Dec. 2, 2021. Their earliest release date is listed as Dec. 2, 2031 in Department of Corrections online records.

RELATED: Michigan school shooter loses bid to withdraw guilty plea in 4 deaths

Their son, now 18, is serving a mandatory life sentence after pleading guilty to 24 felony crimes, including four counts of first-degree murder in October 2022. The fatal shooting victims were: Madisyn Baldwin, 17; Tate Myre, 16; Hana St. Juliana, 14; and Justin Shilling, 17. Six more students and a teacher also suffered gunshot wounds.

Oakland County Circuit Judge Kwame L. Rowe in December denied court filings by the teen requesting that his guilty plea be rescinded and his mandatory life sentence be reconsidered.
USA convinces EU to seize about $300 bln in frozen Russian assets and return them only after peace agreement with Ukraine

The Biden administration is making a final effort to seize $300 billion in Russian assets and convince European partners to support the transfer of money from the Russian Central Bank to a new escrow account that will be opened only as part of a peace agreement, CNN said on Tuesday, citing two senior officials in the U.S. presidential administration.

It is noted that, despite the fact that the Russian Central Bank funds were frozen about three years ago, most of this money is still stored in European banks, although some remains in the U.S. banks.

The seizure of assets should have been a simple message to Moscow, one senior administration official told CNN: "If you want your money back, youre going to have to come talk." Biden's top officials have consulted closely on the idea with President-elect Donald Trump's national security team, including Sen. Marco Rubio, his secretary of state designee, and Representative Mike Waltz, who is expected to be named national security adviser.

The Trump camp is generally supportive of the strategy, according to people familiar with the matter, believing the seized money could give Russia a new incentive to come to the negotiating table, and Trump wants to see a swift end to a war he believes has already gone on too long.

The Europeans, however, are less keen, raising concerns that it would violate international law if banks confiscated the Russian money entirely. Last year, the G7 agreed to use the interest accrued on the frozen investments, which generate about $5 billion in annual revenue, as a loan to Ukraine.

The $50 billion loan would be repaid from the investment profits over ten years. The Europeans remain skeptical about seizing frozen Russian money, the sources said, making any deal unlikely before Trump takes office.

The White House has long supported the idea of using $300 billion in frozen Russian money to finance Ukraines reconstruction and strengthen its influence. Biden has personally discussed the issue with G7 leaders in recent meetings, a White House official said.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking at a news conference in Paris last week, said the outgoing administration wants to make sure that if the Trump administration decides to negotiate, it does so from a position of strength and that President Trump can get the strongest deal possible.
Men over 50 to be mobilized only for provision purposes  Kyivs Territorial Recruitment Centre

Ukrainian men aged 50 and over are considered suitable for military service in provision units, said Deputy Chief of the Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Centre in the city of Kyiv, Major Larysa Kozak.

Answering a question at a press conference at the Interfax-Ukraine news agency on Tuesday, Kozak pointed out how the mobilization of citizens aged 50 and older is carried out. In accordance with the legislation of Ukraine, conscripted men aged 18-60 years old are subject to conscription, except for the category under 25 years old, who have passed the basic military training, or have been recognized as partially suitable.

Regarding the citizens who are 50 years old and over, the procedure is the same. Citizens come and undergo a military medical commission, but according to our instructions and guidance documents, these citizens are considered fit to serve in the provision units, Kozak said.

According to the major, she has not personally seen cases of appointing citizens of 50 and over directly to combat positions.

That is, these are future drivers, logistics and rear workers, the TCK employee added.
Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Centres (TCK) are not endowed with a law enforcement function and cannot be held administratively liable, but they assist police officers in detaining offenders, said Major Larysa Kozak, Deputy Chief of the Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Centre in the city of Kyiv.

During administrative detention, employees of the TCK assist police officers in the detention of citizens. Perhaps the current problem occurs since the legislator neither delineated nor detailed what this assistance is like. Of course, I do not mean by this term the use of physical force and methods of physical violence, she said at a press conference at the Interfax-Ukraine news agency on Tuesday.

Kozak recalled that legislative acts in Ukraine enshrine the powers of all bodies, including the executive branch, the National Police, district state civil administrations, and village councils, but for some reason, society has the opinion that notification is only the prerogative and obligation of the TCK.

No, it is not. All the law enforcement agencies listed by me, as well as executive authorities, even the heads of enterprises, institutions and organizations, are involved and they are charged with the duty to ensure mobilization, the TCK employee explained.

Kozak also stressed that TCK employees are not endowed with a law enforcement function and cannot bring citizens to administrative responsibility.

We impose administrative penalties, issue resolutions on administrative violations, but these are only three articles, she said, pointing out that police officers have the right to be without employees of the TCK to carry out notification methods, but not to mobilize.

Kozak explained that representatives of the TCK have the right to mobilize those liable for military service, but without the police it is difficult for them to check whether a citizen is wanted and they cannot, accordingly, carry out administrative detention and transportation to the premises of the TCK.

The National Police authorities, since they are fully involved in the process of searching for citizens who evade the norms of mobilization legislation, identifying them, taking them and bringing them to administrative responsibility, should jointly with the TCK, carry out these activities," she explained.
Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

ABU DHABI, UAE, January 14. On January 14, the official opening ceremony of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week and the Zayed Sustainability Prize awards ceremony were held in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Trend reports.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the event.

During his address, Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology of the United Arab Emirates, provided insights into his countrys policies and projects in the field of sustainability. He also highlighted the growing role of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week as an important global platform.

The Zayed Sustainability Prize awards ceremony followed, and a commemorative photo was taken with the winners.

X X X

Founded in 2008, Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week has become a global platform for discussions on sustainable development. The event, which focuses on global collaboration, leadership, economic development, technology, and innovation, brings together heads of state and government, politicians, industry leaders, businesspeople, and youth. This year's event is attended by 13 heads of state and government, along with over 140 ministers and other officials.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. The recent circulation of a videotape showing Levon Ter-Petrosian's 1993 speech as President of Armenia has confirmed that the ethnic cleansing of Azerbaijanis was a state policy in Armenia, the statement of the Western Azerbaijan Community said, Trend reports.

This statement by Ter-Petrosyan, whose presidency coincided with the occupation of Azerbaijani territories and the implementation of widespread ethnic cleansing policies against Azerbaijanis, serves as critical evidence of Armenia's systemic approach to ethnic cleansing and the dangerous racist ideology driving these actions.

This statement proves that there is a purposeful intention behind the policy of ethnic cleansing and occupation, demonstrates Armenia's state responsibility, the systematic and organized nature of crimes against humanity and crimes against peace, and the existence of a concrete plan.

The Western Azerbaijan Community sent letters to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk on this issue. The letter contains an appeal to the international community to strongly condemn the policy of racial discrimination and ethnic cleansing systematically pursued by Armenia at the state level.

The Western Azerbaijani community will continue its efforts to ensure that the international community takes a strong position against Armenia's policy of racial discrimination, the statement reads.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee of the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye Fuat Oktay has sent a letter of condolences to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev over the death of people caused by the crash of a plane belonging to Azerbaijan Airlines near the city of Aktau in Kazakhstan on December 25, 2024, Trend reports.

Will be updated
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BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. Russia highly appreciates the development of relations with Azerbaijan, Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov said at a press conference on the results of the countrys diplomatic activities in 2024, held in Moscow today, Trend reports.

As for Russian-Azerbaijani relations, I rate them very highly. They are trustworthy, the presidents communicate regularly, and there are no closed topics. Russian President Vladimir Putin and President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev established work to encourage governments to search for new mutually beneficial projects, the minister added.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. The decoding of the black boxes of the AZAL (Azerbaijan Airlines) aircraft, which operated the Baku-Grozny flight on December 25, doesn't confirm some preliminary conclusions in the media, Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov said at a press conference on the results of the countrys diplomatic activities in 2024, held in Moscow today, Trend reports.

He emphasized that data obtained after decoding the recorders indicate the need to wait for the final results of the investigation.

As part of the investigation, a special meeting was held in Brazil. We opened the black boxes; their contents have already provided a lot of interesting information, the content of which once again convinces us that we need to wait for a full-fledged investigation, the minister added.

On December 25, an Embraer 190 passenger plane belonging to Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL), en route from Baku to Grozny, crashed about 3 kilometers from Aktau airport.

There were 67 people on board (62 passengers and five crew members).

The incident claimed the lives of 38 people, and 29 were injured.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Photo: Press service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

ABHU DHABI, UAE, January 14. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev concluded his working visit to the United Arab Emirates on January 14, Trend reports.

A guard of honor was arranged for the Azerbaijani President at Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi.

President Ilham Aliyev was seen off by officials.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. Moscow highly appreciates Baku's support for Russia's participation in the investigation of the Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) plane crash near Aktau city, Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov said at a press conference on the results of the countrys diplomatic activities in 2024, held in Moscow today, Trend reports.

According to him, the two countries can resolve all issues.

"We appreciated that Azerbaijani friends immediately supported Russia's participation in the investigation, taking into account all factors," the minister emphasized.

On December 25, an Embraer 190 passenger plane belonging to Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL), en route from Baku to Grozny, crashed about three kilometers from Aktau airport.

There were 67 people on board (62 passengers and five crew members).

The incident claimed the lives of 38 people, and 29 were injured.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. Russia and Azerbaijan have established a bilateral working group to address issues related to the shrinking of the Caspian Sea, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said, Trend reports.

During a press briefing regarding the outcomes of Russian diplomatic initiatives in 2024, Lavrov articulated that the bilateral engagement aims to broaden the coalition into a quintet framework.

"We have presently established a bilateral task force and are strategizing to evolve it into a quintet framework, thereby ensuring the engagement of all Caspian littoral states in this initiative. We are also engaging in collaborative synergies on the global platform, of course," he said.

To note, the Caspian Sea is the biggest inland body of water globally, with a coastline measuring 4,237 miles (6,819 km) as of 2017, bordered by five nations: Azerbaijan, Iran, Russia, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan. It is the most shallow, with water depths reaching just approximately 4 meters in certain locations. A report from Kazakhstans Institute of Hydrobiology and Ecology indicates that the Caspian Sea is nearing its historical low of 29 meters below sea level, recorded in 1977; the average yearly level in 2023 has already fallen below this threshold.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. Azerbaijan stands as a strategic partner for Belarus, the newly appointed Belarusian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Dmitry Pinevich told reporters, Trend reports via BELTA (the Belarusian Telegraph Agency).

"Azerbaijan is not just a partner for us, but a strategic partner. This is related to many factors. Despite the long distance between us and the seemingly different historical paths that our peoples have taken, we are very similar. We are similar mentally; we value each other; we value human life; and we are very attentive to the experiences of previous generations.

This factor, along with the fact that the leaders of the two countries have set the impetus for strategic cooperation, has led to the fact that we have good points of contact between the two countries," he said.

According to the ambassador, all areas of bilateral cooperation are well structured and were updated during the recent visit of the President of Belarus to Azerbaijan.

"The areas of growth lie in the humanitarian sphere," Pinevich explained.

As an example, he highlighted the synergistic evolution of intergovernmental collaboration within the healthcare frameworks of the two nations, the strategic partnerships in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, advancements in the information technology domain, and the integration of educational initiatives.



The envoy expressed optimism that this initiative would catalyze the enhancement of intercultural synergies.

"If we create such a 'circle' in the good sense of the word, tied to all points of contact, we will achieve the effect we want [in increasing mutual trade turnover]," Pinevich mentioned.

In his opinion, cooperation in the pharmaceutical and biological sectors is particularly promising because the added value of the products manufactured in these industries is very high.

The ambassador pointed out that both sides are interested in mutual cooperation, and both countries have something to offer each other.

"It is a two-way road. Azerbaijan is a highly developed industrial and agricultural country. In every field, whether it is industry or social sectors, there are achievements. If we combine these achievements with ours, joint productions and projects will emerge, covering various areas from science to cultural relations.

We must work together in other markets as well. Azerbaijan has access to the highest technologies. Our task is to offer these technologies at a strategic level," he added.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed a law on approval of the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Republic of Maldives on exemption of holders of diplomatic, service, and official passports from mutual visa requirements, Trend reports.

According to the law, Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Republic of Maldives on exemption of holders of diplomatic, service, and official passports from mutual visa requirements signed on November 15, 2024, in Baku was approved.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel




Qatar Airways has officially launched a new feature that combines content and innovation: Sama, the first AI-powered digital cabin crew. Designed to connect with global audiences, Sama debuts on Instagram as @SamaOnTheMove, promising to offer travel tips, personal stories and an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at life onboard as a cabin crew member.

According to Qatar Airways Senior Vice President, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Babar Rahman, introducing Sama on Instagram is an extension of the brands vision of combining human connection with technological innovation. Sama is not just a digital figure, she represents how we see the future of travel  personal, engaging and deeply connected to the experiences that matter. Her presence marks a step forward in humanizing our brand and creating moments that resonate with our global audience, he said.

A New Approach to Travel Marketing

Unveiled to great acclaim at ITB Berlin 2024, Sama is the symbol of Qatar Airways commitment to combining technological innovation with emotional engagement. The initiative aims to reinforce the airlines leadership in engaging digitally native audiences in creative and inspiring ways.

Sama will provide followers with experiences within the more than 170 destinations in the companys portfolio: from discovering hidden treasures in Paris to tips for exploring new cities or revealing the challenges and emotions of working on board. The goal is to invite the public to explore new cultures and traditions in an innovative way.

Campaign using AI

In September, Qatar Airways launched a global campaign that uses artificial intelligence. The AI Adventure campaign uses cutting-edge technology and advanced features to position customers in the video as the stars of the campaign. The initiative reinforces the airlines commitment to developing immersive experiences that always put customers at the center.

You can select from multiple scenes from the movie to star in the lead roles. Thanks to cutting-edge AI technology, the characters will be an accurate reflection of the viewers appearance, adapting to their facial features and skin tone.




BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. Federal President of the Republic of Austria Alexander Van der Bellen expressed condolences to President Ilham Aliyev on the airplane crash belonging to Azerbaijan Airlines resulting in the death of 38 people, Trend reports.

"Dear Mr. President,

I was deeply saddened to learn the news of a tragic crash of a plane belonging to Azerbaijan Airlines, which claimed the lives of 38 people. Our thoughts are with the family members and loved ones of the tragic crash victims.

I express my profound condolences to you and the people of Azerbaijan.

Mr. President, please accept the assurances of my highest consideration," reads the letter.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. The public broadcasting entity Deutschlandfunk, representing the Federal Republic of Germany, disseminated a program replete with defamatory assertions regarding the Azerbaijani populace and state on January 12, 2025, the statement of the Western Azerbaijan Community said, Trend reports.

The material's plot was based on an interview with scandalously famous Azerbaijaniphobe Tessa Hoffman. The program claimed that allegedly illegal actions were committed against Armenians in Azerbaijan in 1990, and the history of the conflict left in the past was presented following the concept of radical Armenian nationalism.

However, the program did not mention anything about the ethnic cleansing committed by Armenia against more than one million Azerbaijanis during the conflict, the occupation, and destruction of the territories of Azerbaijan, as well as the annihilation of its cultural heritage. Similarly, the facts of ethnic cleansing of 300,000 Azerbaijanis from Armenia in 1987-1991 and the murder of 216 Azerbaijanis in Armenia are silenced, the statement reads.

The statement also stresses that instead of broadcasting racist, hateful programming and creating tensions in the region, Deutschlandfunk should condemn Armenia's racist policies, including a recently revealed statement made by Armenia's first president Levon Ter-Petrosyan during his presidency in which he affirmed that ethnic cleansing against Azerbaijanis was a state policy.

We, as the Western Azerbaijan Community, condemn the racial discrimination by the public radio station Deutschlandfunk and call on the management of the radio station to take appropriate measures against this unacceptable step, the community's statement says.

To note, at the conclusion of the 1980s, a significant demographic shift occurred, resulting in the forced displacement of 300,000 Azerbaijani individuals from their residential territories within Armenia. Their coercive expulsion was coupled with extrajudicial executions, involuntary vanishings, the obliteration of assets, and looting.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. All three AZAL (Azerbaijan Airlines) flights, which were diverted to Ganja International Airport due to thick fog in Baku, arrived at the city's Heydar Aliyev International Airport, a source in AZAL CJSC told Trend.

According to the source, planes flying on the Moscow-Baku, Tel Aviv-Baku, and Istanbul-Baku routes landed in Baku at 10:14, 11:27, and 12:49 (GMT +4), respectively.

10:52

A special flight has been organized to send a backup crew for passengers whose flights were redirected to Ganja International Airport due to heavy fog at Baku's airport, a source in Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) told Trend.

According to the source, this measure was taken to ensure flight safety, as the flight crew for the three affected flights had reached the end of their working hours.

As weather conditions improve at Heydar Aliyev International Airport, planes will gradually depart for Baku.

Thus, one of the AZAL flights, operating on the Moscow-Baku route (J2-808), has already departed from Ganja Airport and successfully landed at 10:14 at Heydar Aliyev International Airport.

The remaining two aircraft are currently also preparing for departure, added the source.

07:59

Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) flights scheduled on the Istanbul-Baku (J2-078), Moscow-Baku (J2-808), and Tel Aviv-Baku (J2-322) routes were diverted to an alternate airport due to fog at the destination on the night of January 13-14, a source in AZAL CJSC told Trend.

The planes successfully landed at the Ganja International Airport.

According to the airline's rules, all necessary services will be provided to passengers waiting for departure at the airport if necessary.

For additional questions, passengers can contact the airline by e-mail [email protected].

In addition, the Novosibirsk-Baku flight of IrAero, operated on an SU95 aircraft, was diverted to an alternate airport by the captain's decision due to fog at the destination.

Due to fog in the area of the Baku airport, changes were made to the schedule of a number of flights.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Congressman Tom McClintock View Photo

Washington, DC Rep. Tom McClintock (R-Calif.) led a group of California congressional Republicans on Wednesday in urging President Joe Biden to reject plans to establish the proposed Range of Light National Monument. The monument would encompass more than 1.4 million acres of federal land, including the entire Sierra National Forest and the San Joaquin River Gorge. In a letter to Biden, McClintock and co-signers argued that the proposal would restrict public access, hurt local economies, and hinder wildfire prevention efforts through increased regulatory oversight.

This designation would be a gross government overreach, the letter stated. Due to the potentially devastating effects of the proposal, along with the strong opposition of local stakeholders, we call on you to not establish the proposed Range of Light National Monument.

The letter, also signed by Reps. Doug LaMalfa, Kevin Kiley, Vince Fong, David Valadao, Jay Obernolte, and Darrell Issa, highlighted concerns about the Antiquities Act, which allows the president to designate national monuments. The lawmakers contend the act has been broadly misinterpreted beyond its original intent, which limits monument designations to the smallest area necessary to protect historically or scientifically significant sites. The letter cited opposition from regional stakeholders who fear economic harm from reduced land access and questioned whether additional protections would actually help manage forest fire risks. Republicans emphasized the need for greater congressional and local input before altering land management on such a large scale, warning that unilateral executive action would be misguided. The full letter can be found here.
House Speaker Mike Johnson View Photo

House Speaker Mike Johnson released a statement after a judge in New York sentenced President Trump to unconditional release.

Johnson was Tuesdays KVML Newsmaker of the Day. Here is the statement:

This entire case against President Trump has been a politically motivated and contrived witch hunt aimed solely at preventing him from returning to the White House. It was never about the facts, and it should have never been brought in the first place. The judge grossly perverted the American legal system by manipulating existing law in a purely partisan effort to convert a bogus misdemeanor charge into a felony. Judge Merchan and the deranged prosecution have done untold damage to our justice system.

But despite this liberal judges tireless efforts and obvious media campaign to smear President Trump, the only jury that matters  the American people  saw through this corruption of justice, spoke decisively, and rejected their weaponization of government.

After four years of lawfare, restoring the American peoples trust in our system of justice will be critically important, and I support President Trumps decision to appeal this decision and put this shameful chapter in American history behind us.

The Newsmaker of the Day is heard every weekday AT 6:45, 7:45 AND 8:45 on AM 1450 and FM 102.7 KVML.
Sierra Conservation Center View Photo

Jamestown, CA  An inmate at the Sierra Conservation Center outside of Jamestown was charged Monday with several criminal offenses by the Tuolumne County District Attorneys Office nearly one year after allegedly holding a correctional officer at gunpoint and sexually assaulting her.

Click here to view an earlier story about the incident.

Tuolumne County District Attorney Cassandra Jenecke announced Monday afternoon that Robert Lawrence Ransom Jr. is charged with 11 felony counts stemming from the January 20, 2024 incident.

He remains incarcerated in state prison and his arraignment on the new charges is scheduled for February 10 at 1:30 pm in Tuolumne County Superior Court.

In a corresponding move on Monday, the victim, Kate Jackson, went public, along with her attorneys, and spoke at a press conference in Sacramento. They announced a planned lawsuit against the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation after she was allegedly held captive by Ransom for four hours during the incident, subjecting her to, severe physical and emotional trauma, including sexual assault.

They state that Ransom, managed to conceal clothing that resembled a custodial officers uniform, managed to get inside a control booth, gain access to at least one loaded assault rifle and used it to kidnap, corner, and brutally assault Jackson for four hours.

The attorneys add that CDCR officers conducted multiple ongoing cell checks throughout the four hours, to verify the the prisoner was in his cell, but he was actually in an entirely different location. They say the sergeant who was on duty stated he was too busy to fully check the area.

The attorneys argue that Ransom had been incarcerated for multiple hyper-violent murders and was transferred to the Sierra Conservation Center, a lower security facility, and designated as a training center for firefighting techniques.

Jacksons attorneys say the civil lawsuit against CDCR is the first step toward holding CDCR accountable.
Calaveras County Public Works logo View Photo

San Andreas, CA  Work is getting underway this week, continuing through early February, on a bridge on Gold Strike Road, just south of Leonard Road near San Andreas.

The work commenced yesterday and will continue through February 7.

It is above Murray Creek.

The traffic impacts, provided by the Calaveras Public Works Department, are listed below:

1/13/25 to 1/17/25 (One-Way Traffic Control), 8:00 AM  5:00 PM

Gold Strike Road will have one-way traffic control. Affected residents and businesses should be aware that there will be mobilization and prep work during this week. This prep work activity should have little to no impact on local traffic. Traffic lanes approaching the bridge will be affected with use of flaggers and warning devices. Motorists and pedestrians are urged to use caution in the area.

1/21/25 to 1/24/25 (Full Road Closure), 8:00 AM  5:00 PM

Gold Strike Road will be completely closed to thru traffic. Please follow marked detour routes.

1/27/25 to 2/7/25 (Intermittent Road Closures), 8:00 AM  5:00 PM

Gold Strike Road will have one-way traffic control and may experience full closures on an intermittent basis. During construction operations, there will be limited access due to large equipment, so please use designated detour routes whenever possible. We ask that you follow all instructions provided by on-site personnel to ensure everyones safety. No weekend work is anticipated at this time.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. King Sultan Ibrahim of Malaysia has sent a letter of condolences to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev over the death of people caused by the tragic crash of Azerbaijan Airlines' Baku-Grozny flight near Aktau on December 25, Trend reports.

"Your Excellency,

Raja Zarith Sofiah and I are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic crash of Azerbaijan Airlines flight J2-8243 in Kazakhstan on 25 December 2024.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to the people of Azerbaijan. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved during this difficult time, and we wish for the swift recovery of those who have been injured.

May the strength and unity of the Azerbaijani people help them endure and overcome this immense sorrow," the letter reads.
South African authorities have scored a significant victory against cross-border smuggling, seizing goods worth an estimated R500 000 destined for Zimbabwe. The operation, conducted on Saturday along the Limpopo River near Tshiurundu village, saw smugglers abandoning their contraband as police closed in.

A media statement released by the South African Police Service (SAPS) detailed the events: The South African Police Service (SAPS) Operation Vala Umgodi National Intervention (Roving) Team has successfully thwarted a major smuggling operation along the Limpopo River, in the Musina policing area leading to the confiscation of goods valued at approximately R500,000.

The statement explained that at approximately 11:20 AM on 11 January 2025, a routine patrol received a tip-off about eight small boats loading goods. Upon noticing the police presence, the suspects quickly got into the boats and fled back into Zimbabwe, abandoning most of the goods behind.

The abandoned goods included a diverse range of consumer items intended for the Zimbabwean market, highlighting the scale of the smuggling operation. These included alcoholic beverages, energy drinks, baked goods, flour, and other consumer goods, along with a chest fridge.

All seized items were taken to Musina SAPS for further investigation. Lieutenant Colonel Stephen Thakeng, Limpopo police spokesperson, confirmed the details, stating: The South African Police Service (SAPS) Operation Vala Umgodi National Intervention Roving Team has successfully thwarted a major smuggling operation along the Limpopo River, leading to the confiscation of goods valued at approximately R500 000. He corroborated the account of the smugglers escape by boat and the types of goods confiscated.

This successful operation underscores the ongoing efforts by the SAPS to combat cross-border crime and illegal trade activities. Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, praised the teams swift action, highlighting the commitment to tackling these issues. The incident also reflects the broader challenges faced by both South Africa and Zimbabwe in managing their shared border.

The high demand for smuggled goods from Zimbabwe stems from punitive import duties of 40% and above imposed by the Zimbabwean government. These duties, intended to protect local industries, are widely seen by many Zimbabweans as contributing to inflated prices for essential goods. Consequently, many Zimbabwean shoppers bypass official border crossings to access more affordable goods in South Africa.

Zimbabwe itself is actively combating smuggling, deploying a joint national security task force. However, reports of corruption, with alleged bribes of up to US$500 (about R9500) per bus, undermine these efforts. The scale of the problem is considerable, with over 90 long-distance buses servicing Beitbridge locally and a similar number crossing into South Africa.

To counter these tactics, Zimbabwean authorities are increasingly employing advanced technology, including drone surveillance and fast cargo scanners at border posts like Beitbridge, Forbes, and Chirundu, to enhance border security and intercept smuggled goods. The recent seizure in Limpopo demonstrates the ongoing cat-and-mouse game between smugglers and authorities on both sides of the border.

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Yves here. The article below describes how critical services in the US, such as elevators and public water systems, are often so far behind in required maintenance that, for instance, a rising number of elevators are being left out of order. Yet even though the piece below lists the loss of seasoned workers as the first explanatory factor, it oddly fails to mentions Covid as a significant driver. But a late 2023 piece on the same topic did. From Robert Hennelly at Salon:

Its [New York Citys] recovering from a once-in-a-century mass death event that, at one point, was killing over 700 people a day early in the more than two-year COVID pandemic that also disabled tens of thousands more. Such an unprecedented tribulation, including shutting down much of the economy for an extended time period, has impacted everything from truancy to building code compliance and enforcement. Hundreds of career New York City civil servants died due to their occupational exposure to the deadly virus that they brought home to their families. Thousands of career civil servants from a myriad of essential titles like first responders, civil engineers, social workers, mechanics, and teachers have opted to retire or move on. There isnt a realm of city services not affected  from social service agencies to the citys Department of Design and Construction. The latter is shy several dozen engineers and architects. The Department of Buildings has 73 building inspectors open positions from its existing 550-member workforce.

Now admittedly, New York City did suffer a higher rate of Covid deaths than other places. And Hennelly does not mention the loss of city workers and contractors not due generally to quitting their job, but specifically due to Covid-related disabilities or family impacts. And its not just Long Covid. For instance, a close relative of a moderator, a young adult, was just diagnosed with an incurable cancer. The family is having to juggle duties to handle her care. IM Doc said that he has seen a a veritable explosion of this type of cancer since COVID and/or vaccines. He has also repeatedly on the marked rise in the number of other unusual cancers (with specifics) as well as the so-called turbo cancer.

Per an article Lambert included in Links yesterday, on how the quad-demic has swamped UK hospitals. We never had this sort of multi-infectious-disease siege before. Its certainly correlated with the world after Covid. And there are theories that is it causal, such as Anthony Leonardi, who posits that Covid taxes T-cells, a second line of defense for contagions, leading to reduced immune system function and thus higher vulnerability to pathogens. Note T-cells also keep cancers at bay. And adults cannot replenish them.

So are the UK and other advanced economies seeing a rise in infrastructure maintenance backlogs, due to a decline in the population of skilled laborers needed to service them?

By Kurt Cobb, a freelance writer and communications consultant who writes frequently about energy and environment. His work has also appeared in The Christian Science Monitor, Resilience, Le Monde Diplomatique, TalkMarkets, Investing.com, Business Insider and many other places. Originally published at OilPrice

The escalating cost of maintaining aging infrastructure is causing widespread problems, as exemplified by Americas elevator crisis.

Deferred maintenance and underinvestment in infrastructure can lead to cascading failures, impacting essential services like water, electricity, and transportation.

The failure to adequately maintain infrastructure is a recurring pattern in human civilization, with potentially devastating consequences for modern cities.

I recently noticed that the elevator at my favorite cinema has been out of order for weeks now. The less mobile patrons need that elevator to transport them downward to this underground theater. I then learned of Americas elevator crisisand my mind wandered to the struggle to maintain the Roman Empire. Ill explain the connection below. But first a refresher on Romes predicament:

The Roman emperor Trajan brought the Roman Empire to its greatest extent during his reign (98 to 117 A.D.) with his successful conquests in what we today would call the Middle East. Romes many conquests had been financed by booty taken from the conquered.

But its hold on the sprawling empireone that reached from northern England to southern Egypt, from Spain in the west to what today is called Iraq in the eastwould henceforth have to be financed by rising taxes and inflated currency. The money was needed to pay for armies and naval forces to defend the empires very long land and maritime borders. Building an empire turned out to be less expensive than maintaining one, including building and maintaining the infrastructure of roads and military and political outposts needed to protect and administer it.

What happened to Romes maintenance bill happens in any system of infrastructure as it expands. The existing infrastructure must be maintained even as new infrastructure is built. Eventually, it becomes very expensive 1) to pay collectively for maintenance of all existing infrastructure and 2) to pay for increasingly aging infrastructure that requires extra expense.

Americas elevators are in category number two. Elevators are a ubiquitous and absolutely necessary piece of infrastructure in a culture that depends on high-rise buildings for much of its living and commercial space. Unfortunately for those who rely on them, the workforce that knows how to fix elevators is aging. In addition, the right parts can be hard to come by for two reasons: 1) The companies that make elevator parts prioritize the biggest customers who are concentrated in places such as China where many new tall buildings are going up and 2) some elevators are so old that no ones makes mass produced parts for them and parts have to be custom-fabricated.

Out-of-order signs on elevators are particularly hard on those with disabilities and the elderly. And, nonworking elevators are thought to be a major cause of 1.1 million yearly accidents on stairs that lead to emergency room visits. Even for the young and vigorous, elevator failures, if frequent enough, could make buildings over a certain height uninhabitable. The long stairway down to my basement cinema almost certainly prevents many patrons from even thinking about attending showings there for now.

But elevators are just one part of the sprawling infrastructure that is the modern globalized world. Water systems in the United States are in serious trouble for the same reason, aging infrastructure. Building owners have incentives to maintain elevators to keep their building habitable. Most water systems are owned by municipalities and those municipalities must look to ratepayers to pay their bills. As the bills for system maintenance have skyrocketed, so have rates. But that may not be enough since in many towns, especially smaller ones, shrinking populations have made it difficult to raise enough money for repairs even with higher rates.

Many large infrastructure systems are now facing a reckoning for deferred maintenance or failure to plan for growing demands. The American electrical infrastructure suffers from both problems. The term of art is modernizing. But that just means making up for all the deferred maintenance AND expanding the size and capability of the system at the same time.

Next time you see an out-of-order sign on an elevator youll know a little of whats behind it. And, its the same problem facing most of the worlds legacy infrastructure that will lead to more frequent boil-water notices from water utilities and power outages by electric utilities.

It is the pattern of human civilization to happily invest in infrastructure during a growth phase and then try to avoid the expense of maintaining that infrastructure when growth is over. That is a recipe for ruin as deferred maintenance makes it all the more likely that both private and public owners of infrastructure will be hit with huge and perhaps unpayable bills in the future. That pattern also risks making some part or even entire major systems unusable. Its hard to imagine how any modern city could withstand prolonged outages of water, electricity or even of its elevators.
After two-thirds of Swiss voters rejected the governments proposed e-ID system in 2021, a slightly revamped Digital Passport Act (E-ID Act) is back on the political agenda.

In March 2021, Switzerland was the scene of a rare exercise in popular democracy, and one that is unlikely to be repeated in other liberal democracies. A public referendum was held on the governments plans to roll out a digital identity program, which would have allowed it to control and license an identity data verification system essentially run by private companies.

But in January 2021, Swiss civil society groups lobbied against the proposed law and collected enough signatures to force a referendum. Almost two-thirds (64.4%) of voters rejected the proposed e-ID program, which should have been enough to put paid to the governments plans. At the time, Swiss Info described the result as a blow for the government amid fears about data protection. A previous attempt to set up a public-private e-identity solution, known as SuisseID, had failed more than ten years earlier.

But instead of accepting defeat, the Swiss government went back to the drawing board, and got creative. After the vote, Justice Minister Karin Keller-Sutter urged parliament and critics of the e-ID measure to rethink their approach in order to avoid a potential drag on Switzerlands digitization efforts.

We have no choice and must work towards a new solution, even if it takes several attempts. It is key for Switzerland to catch up with other countries when it comes to digitalisation.

There are few better examples of TINA (Margaret Thatchers There is No Alternative) in operation today than digital identity, and the central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) to which they are inexorably tied. It seems that more or less every country on the planet, from the most advanced economies to the most impoverished, from democracies to theocracies, is either in the process of creating such a system or has already done so, often with the assistance of the World Bank and/or the UN Development Program, and their partner companies and NGOs.

A Legal Identity for All

Even if two-thirds of a countrys voters reject it in a referendum, the plan must proceed.

There is an obvious reason for this: one of the UNs Sustainable Development Goals (SDG #16.9) is to provide a legal identity for all by 2030. And that identity will ideally be of a digital nature  not just for the hundreds of millions who currently do not have legal identity, but for everyone on the planet.

The SDGs were adopted by the UN in 2015 as a universal call to action to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure that by 2030 all people enjoy peace and prosperity  all laudable goals that show little sign of materialising in five years time. In fact, for the past two years, the Doomsday clock has been set at 90 seconds to midnight, the closest it has ever been to midnight  a reflection of the unprecedented dangers the world faces from nuclear war, environmental disaster and other threats.

One area in which governments have overdelivered in recent years is digital identity.

In 2016, a little-known private-public consortium called ID2020 was established to help promote (emphasis my own) privacy-protecting approaches to digital identity, with seed money from Microsoft, Accenture, PricewaterhouseCoopers, the Rockefeller Foundation, Cisco and Gavi, the largely Gates Foundation-funded vaccine alliance. Other participants include Barclays, BlackRock, Bloomberg, BYN Mellon, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, Facebook, Google, IBM, JP Morgan Chase, Mastercard and Infosys, the Indian company that helped design Aadhaar, the worlds largest digital ID system.

At the same time, the World Bank has been driving global efforts to build an inclusive and trusted digital ID framework across the Global South through its Identification for Development (ID4D) initiative, which the NYU School of Laws Center for Human Rights and Global Justice (CHRGJ) has warned risks paving a digital road to hell:

Through the embrace of digital technologies, the World Bank and a broader global

network of actors has been promoting a new paradigm for ID systems that prioritizes what

we refer to as economic identity. These systems focus on fueling digital transactions and

transforming individuals into traceable data. They often ignore the ability of identification

systems to recognize not only that an individual is unique, but that they have a legal status

with associated rights.

One of the main reasons why there is (seemingly) no alternative to digital identity is that there are simply too many powerful interests aligned behind it. It is the keystone of the new panopticon of digital public infrastructure (DPI) being constructed around us.

For governments and national security agencies, the benefits are clear: expanded power and control at a time when economic conditions are about to get significantly worse for the vast majority of the population. For big tech companies, it will mean new opportunities to amass even more data over our lives, which they will then be able to transform into even more revenues and profits. For central banks and the TBTF banks whose interests they predominantly serve, it will mean even more financial power.

A New System Taking Shape

In November of 2023, the Swiss government unveiled plans for a new digital ID system. This time it would be the federal government, not private sector partners, who would be responsible for issuing the e-ID and offering the infrastructure necessary for its operation. By September of last year, both of Switzerlands legislative houses had approved the legal basis for a slightly revamped system. As Netzwoche reported in December, the federal governments latest digital ID scheme is taking shape, despite public opposition (machine translated):

On 6 December 2024, the Federal Council adopted the principles for the technical implementation, which is to take place in two phases. The goal is to provide the e-ID by 2026 (NC: coincidentally, the same year that all EU Member States are supposed to provide digital identity platforms to all of their citizens). The e-ID is intended to enable citizens to provide digital proof of identity securely and in compliance with data protection regulations. At the same time, the federal governments electronic wallet, in which the e-ID and other digital evidence can be stored, has been given a name: Swiyu. The artificial word is made up of the elements SWI for Switzerland, I for I, identity and innovation, and YU for you (you) and unity (unity), according to a statement from the federal government.

This time, the system will be largely state-run. Supporters of the initiative claim the right lessons have been learnt from the 2021 failure. A Swiss government commission has recommended that e-ID data be kept exclusively in a government digital wallet. However, private-sector wallet makers will be able to store and present electronic IDs in the future so long as they comply with council regulations. In other words, private sector participation will still be critical, especially when it comes to building the infrastructure.

It is hoped that these steps will help assuage citizens concerns about data security. But not everyone is convinced. Last Thursday, the Mass-Voll group, an organisation that emerged during the protests against the governments COVID-19 measures, has already begun collecting signatures for a new referendum. The group argues that the Swiss people have already put a stop to this, having already rejected e-ID in 2021 with a 64% no vote.

In total disregard of the will of the people, Parliament still wants to introduce the e-ID. This is unacceptable, said Mass-Voll.

The group began gathering signatures last Thursday, and has until April 19 to collect the requisite 50,000 signatures to trigger a nationwide referendum. One of the groups main arguments against the latest e-ID proposal is the danger it poses to personal data security (machine translated):

The Swiss Digital Passport Act (E-ID Act) promotes the misuse of sensitive personal data: it does not provide sufficient protection against the increasing number of cyberattacks. And it exposes citizens data to private companies, which analyse it with the help of AI and make a profit from it. In doing so, the law undermines peoples privacy and endangers their democratic freedoms.

One of the ironies of the Swiss governments latest attempt to launch a digital ID system is that in its previous attempt it argued that the public sector does not have the necessary technical expertise to launch and maintain a functional, efficient digital ID system, which is why it proposed outsourcing the lions share of the project to private-sector players. But this was also one of the reasons why the original project faced so much public opposition  the fear that private corporations cannot be trusted with so much sensitive personal data.

Data security, or lack thereof, is one of the most important risks posed by digital identity systems. India, which is home to the worlds largest biometric-based digital ID system, Aadhaar, has suffered huge security problems, from identity theft to innumerable data breaches, including two in which the data of roughly a billion people were compromised. Aadhaar, one of the worlds single largest caches of data about citizenship details, leaks like a sieve, thundered a 2023 editorial in the New Indian Express.

Much of the compromised data, including, in some cases, peoples biometric identifiers (i.e. their iris and fingerprint scans), ends up for sale on the dark net. If this data is hacked, there is no way of undoing the damage. You cannot change or cancel your iris or fingerprint like you can change a password or cancel a credit card.

These security issues are not unique to India. In fact, at the end of last year, InfoCert, one of the leading Italian companies providing digital identity services, suffered a cyberattack that resulted in the theft of personal data belonging to over 5 million digital identity holders. The stolen information included full names, tax codes, phone numbers and email addresses and data relating to communications with customer support, all of which is now put up for sale on the dark web.

Infocert claimed the leak was the result of a systems breach of a third-party supplier, to which customers were registered, and that illicit activity had been committed against this supplier. The company was at pains to stress that neither its own systems nor its service access credentials or passwords had been compromised.

However, if governments cannot guarantee the integrity and security of the data held on the digital identity systems they and their armies of private sector partners are building, why are they creating more and more silos of sensitive, and often inadequately protected, personal data?

Lack of security is just one of the many issues thrown up by digital identity systems. Others include the threat they pose to privacy and anonymity, especially online; their inherently exclusionary nature (in India, for example, millions of people are unable to access the most basic of services, including welfare programs, either because they do not have the 12-digit UDI number or due to biometric authentication errors); their unprecedented potential as tools of government surveillance and control; and the fact that without them, central bank digit currencies would almost certainly not be possible.

The campaigners that have called for a referendum on the Swiss Digital Passport Act (E-ID Act) warn that the proposed system would promote the misuse of sensitive personal data while failing to provide sufficient protection against the increasing number of cyberattacks. It would also expose citizens data to profiteering private companies, which mine it with the help of AI. Ultimately, it would undermine peoples privacy and endanger their democratic freedoms.

It remains to be seen whether the campaigners will be able to gather enough signatures this time round (my guess is they will), and if so, whether or not the newly proposed system will also be voted down  and if that happens, what the government will do in response. But as the German financial journalist Norbert Haring notes, the Swiss governments determination to launch digital identity in the face of overwhelming public opposition makes one thing crystal clear: this is not about citizens interests.
Yves here. Well take some of the fun out of using this article as a reader critical thinking exercise by pointing out the obvious up front. This piece is garbage in, garbage out. Or perhaps more accurately, (not surprising for a piece about capitalism) it falls into the drunk looking under the streetlight category by analyzing readily available data, as opposed to squishier metrics that would better represent changes in news production and consumption over time.

The underlying study mined only at articles in large, mainstream publications. This approach assumes continuity when that is not at all the case. It ignores the rise of social and independent media and the continuing plunge of trust in mainstream media outlets. For instance, even here in Southeast Asia, when I run into expats who ask about me and I describe the site, most snort that they dont trust the news and consume it less than they once did.

In addition, it ignores the large shift in the class composition of newsrooms over time. As we have mentioned often, save perhaps at the New York Times, reporters generally came from working class backgrounds. That gave most a native skepticism of taking what business and political leaders said at face value. But now, the surviving institutions have a heavy representation of graduates of Ivies or equivalent schools who want to be welcome at the right parties. On top of that, the loss of classified ad revenues has hollowed out newsrooms, making the press more dependent on access stories. That gives the powerful yet another leverage point over the media, since they can freeze reporters who arent sufficiently compliant out of the information tidbits they spread around.

Specifically, it seems difficult to believe that the perception of socialism in the US remained flattish over the time of Sanders two campaigns. It was at least somewhat reported that being a socialist had become popular among teens and young adults. But then again, that cohort is too young to be a big target for ad dollars, so major publications were unlikely to shift their messaging to increase appeal to this cohort.

To put it another way: the father of modern public relations, Eddie Bernays, determined in 1926 that half the stories on the front page of the New York Times were propaganda. What would you guess the proportion is now? And what do non-US readers guesstimate the shifts in sentiment

By Jay L. Zagorsky, Associate Professor of Markets, Public Policy and Law, Boston University, and H. Sami Karaca, Professor of Business Analytics, Boston University. Originally published at The Conversation
Prevalence of processed foods in major US grocery stores Nature

On Meds? You May Be Able to Eat Grapefruit Again Someday. New York Times

Why Skyscrapers Became Glass Boxes Construction Physics

California Burning

Climate/Environment

Supreme Court allows Hawaii climate change lawsuits against energy companies to move forward CBS News

Pandemics

India

China?

Old Blighty

Does this explain why Keir Starmer is all-in on the Ukraine proxy war?!#LabourPaedophileCrisis https://t.co/tLndrH1yxb pic.twitter.com/k4PHUvY9xY  Kit Klarenberg  (@KitKlarenberg) January 13, 2025

Syraqistan

European Disunion

New Not-So-Cold War

The Dismal Science

Spook Country

Imperial Collapse Watch

US tightens its grip on AI chip flows across the globe Business Times. Commentary:

See the insane cognitive dissonance at play here: simultaneously saying we want the world to run on American technology  and making it much harder for the vast majority of the worlds country to get American technology. Makes just about zero sense.https://t.co/wr7B1cp99b  Arnaud Bertrand (@RnaudBertrand) January 13, 2025

Biden Administration

Biden is bragging about how much $ he gave weapons companies: Weve significantly strengthened the [military] industrial base, investing $1.3 trillionthats more than America did in any four year period during the Cold War. He promised us social welfare. We got this instead https://t.co/31AK8midjU  Stephen Semler (@stephensemler) January 13, 2025

Having a guy who is 15 months into arming & funding an active genocide brag about his human rights legacy is just about the most Orwellian and contemptible act of political theater Ive seen in my life.  Omar Baddar   (@OmarBaddar) January 13, 2025

Biden Meant Well Foreign Policy

Trump Transition

Healthcare?

AI

Police State Watch

Groves of Academe

Guillotine Watch

Class Warfare

The China Shock Revisited: Job Reallocation and Industry Switching in U.S. Labor Markets National Bureau of Economic Research

Phone books Internal exile

Antidote du jour (via):

See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. The number of polling stations for municipal election in Azerbaijan has reached 5,846, the Chairman of the Central Election Commission (CEC) Mazahir Panahov said at the CEC meeting today, Trend reports.

Panahov noted that the number of voters exceeds 5.96 million people.

To note, the municipal election in Azerbaijan will be held on January 29, with 16,128 candidates registered to participate.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Health Ranger Report: Mike Adams and Dr. William Makis discuss Big Pharmas suppression of ivermectin in favor of $500,000 mRNA cancer vaccine

Ivermectin, a low-cost, off-patent drug originally used as an antiparasitic, has shown remarkable efficacy against 28 types of cancer in a Mexican study, with ovarian and breast cancers responding particularly well. Despite its potential, it remains underutilized due to its lack of profitability.

Merck, the original patent holder of ivermectin, has allegedly discredited the drug to promote its $500,000 mRNA cancer vaccine developed in partnership with Moderna. This suppression is driven by profit motives, as ivermectin's affordability threatens the market for high-cost treatments.

The mRNA cancer vaccine, while innovative, is prohibitively expensive and raises ethical questions about accessibility. Its development has overshadowed affordable alternatives like ivermectin, prioritizing profit over patient care.

Doctors prescribing ivermectin face severe professional repercussions, including loss of licenses and certifications. This suppression highlights a broader trend of prioritizing high-profit treatments over affordable, effective options.

The battle between ivermectin and the mRNA cancer vaccine underscores the need for a healthcare system that prioritizes patient well-being over corporate profits. Affordable treatments like ivermectin offer hope, but systemic change is necessary to make them widely accessible.

In a world where pharmaceutical profits often overshadow patient care, the battle between affordable, life-saving treatments and high-tech, high-cost solutions has reached a boiling point.

At the center of this controversy is ivermectin, a decades-old drug with proven anticancer properties, and its suppression by Big Pharma in favor of a $500,000 mRNA cancer vaccine developed by Merck and Moderna.

This shocking revelation, discussed in a recent bombshell "Health Ranger Report" interview between Mike Adams and Dr. William Makis, exposes the ethical dilemmas and profit-driven motives that dominate modern medicine.

Ivermectin miracle

Ivermectin, originally developed as an antiparasitic, has emerged as a potential game-changer in cancer treatment.

Makis, a radiologist and oncologist, highlighted a groundbreaking study by Mexican researchers who tested ivermectin against 28 different cancers. The results were astonishing: every single cancer type responded to ivermectin, with ovarian and breast cancers showing the most dramatic improvements.

"Ivermectin has a huge body of research in cancer," Makis explained. "It's not just a [Wuhan coronavirus] COVID-19 treatment  it's a powerful anticancer agent." The renowned Canadian physician specializing in nuclear medicine, radiology and oncology, cited cases where children with aggressive leukemia achieved remission after failing chemotherapy, thanks to ivermectin. Yet, despite its potential, the drug remains sidelined. (Related: Cancer researcher: IVERMECTIN can overcome chemotherapy resistance of TURBO CANCERS caused by mRNA vaccines)

The reason? Profit. Ivermectin went off-patent in 1996, making it a low-cost, generic drug. Merck, its original patent holder, has since partnered with Moderna to develop an mRNA cancer vaccine priced at $500,000 per treatment. This partnership, Makis argued, is why Merck actively discredited ivermectin during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"They had to suppress ivermectin to give their mRNA technology a green light," he said.

The mRNA cancer vaccine, currently in phase three trials, represents the cutting edge of biotechnology. However, its exorbitant cost raises questions about accessibility and ethics. Makis points to the case of Professor Richard Scolyer, an Australian doctor who developed brain cancer after multiple COVID-19 vaccinations and is now the first person to receive the experimental mRNA treatment.

While the vaccine may offer hope for some, its development comes at the expense of affordable alternatives like ivermectin.

"The drug companies are only interested in profit," Adams emphasized. "They have zero interest in human health, quality of life and extending lifespan."

Suppression of ivermectin

The suppression of ivermectin extends beyond cancer treatment. Doctors who prescribe it face career-ending consequences. Dr. Pierre Kory and Dr. Paul Marik, prominent advocates for ivermectin during the COVID-19 pandemic, were stripped of their board certifications. In Canada, a doctor who prescribed ivermectin in 2021 was fined $40,000 and temporarily lost his license.

"This is the kind of persecution we've never seen in medicine," Makis said. "Ivermectin is 100 times safer than Tylenol or Advil."

The battle between ivermectin and the mRNA cancer vaccine is more than a scientific debate  it's a fight for the soul of medicine. As Big Pharma pushes its high-cost solutions, patients and doctors are left to navigate a system that prioritizes profits over lives.

Makis' work offers a glimmer of hope, proving that affordable, effective treatments exist. But until the system is reformed, these treatments will remain out of reach for many.

Follow IvermectinScience.com for more news about ivermectin.

Watch the video below to know more about the interview of Dr. William Makis with Mike Adams.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Ivermectin can "kill cancer cells" and boost immune response, suggest health experts.

Ivermectins neuroprotective properties could protect against damage from EMFs, vaccines.

Ivermectin is a powerful anti-cancer remedy, 9 peer-reviewed studies conclude.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

William-Makis.com
Ancient sea monster fossil comes under scrutiny: Could a 2021 fossil discovery be a FORGERY?

In 2021, scientists unveiled a groundbreaking discovery : Xenodens calminechari, a mosasaur species with saw-like teeth, unearthed in a Moroccan phosphate mine. The fossil, dating back 72.1 to 66 million years, was hailed as a unique predator that once roamed the Cretaceous seas. However, a new study published on December 16, 2024, in The Anatomical Record raises alarming questions about the fossil's authenticity. Researchers are now calling for CT scans to verify whether the specimen is genuine or a clever forgery, casting doubt on a discovery that once captivated the scientific community.

A 2021 study described Xenodens calminechari, a mosasaur with saw-like teeth, as a unique marine reptile.

New research suggests the fossil may be a forgery, citing anatomical inconsistencies and concerns about its provenance.

The fossil's teeth, packed into a single socket, defy known mosasaur biology, raising "red flags" about its authenticity.

Scientists are urging CT scans to confirm the fossil's legitimacy, but access to the specimen has been problematic.

The controversy highlights broader issues in paleontology, including the ethics of fossil collection and the need for international collaboration.

The anatomy of doubt

The 2021 study described Xenodens calminechari as a mosasaur with "small, short, blade-like teeth packed together to form a saw-like cutting edge," a feature deemed unprecedented among squamates and tetrapods. However, the new study led by Henry Sharpe of the University of Alberta reveals troubling inconsistencies.

Mosasaurs, like modern reptiles, continuously replaced their teeth throughout their lives. Each tooth had its own socket, formed by bone generated by the tooth itself. Yet, the Xenodens fossil shows two teeth sharing a single socketa biological impossibility, according to the researchers. "Each tooth crown makes its own house," said Michael Caldwell, a co-author of the study.

Additionally, the fossil exhibits "medial overlap," where material extends over two teeth on one side. This anomaly, combined with the shared socket, suggests the teeth may have been artificially inserted into the jaw. "The fact that there's that medial overlap is a huge indicator of a possible forgery," said Mark Powers, another co-author.

A history of forgeries

The fossil's origins add to the skepticism. It was discovered in Morocco's Khouribga province, a region notorious for producing fossils with forged features. Local miners, not paleontologists, unearthed the specimen, raising questions about its handling and authenticity.

Sharpe and his team sought to CT scan the fossil to determine its legitimacy but faced resistance from Nick Longrich, the lead author of the 2021 study. According to Sharpe, Longrich inquired about the "angle" of their paper, which raised ethical concerns. "That's the holotype," Sharpe said. "Scientists cannot withhold information about a holotype or the holotype itself because other researchers don't support your hypothesis. That's totally unethical."

Longrich did not respond to requests for comment, leaving the fossil's fate in limbo.

The controversy highlights the challenges of studying fossils from regions with lax regulations. Wahiba Bel Haouz, a researcher at Morocco's University of Hassan II Casablanca, noted that the country lacks legislation to protect its fossil heritage. "Foreign scientists should always collaborate with Moroccans to avoid working on forgeries," she said.

Paulina Jimenez-Huidobro, a paleontologist at the University of Bonn, supports the new study's conclusions. "The dentition looks unusual in both morphology and implantation," she said. "Having multiple teeth in one socket suggests that those teeth do not belong to that jaw."

The inability to CT scan the fossil has left critical questions unanswered. "CT scans allow us to see internal structures and to distinguish different materials based on their densities," Jimenez-Huidobro added.

If the fossil is indeed a forgery, it would not only discredit a groundbreaking study but also highlight the need for stricter oversight in paleontology. As researchers continue to unravel the mysteries of Earth's ancient past, the line between fact and fabrication remains as sharp as the teeth of a mosasaur.

Sources include:

LiveScience.com

ScienceDirect.com

LiveScience.com
Asteroids colliding with dead stars could solve the mystery of fast radio bursts and unlock cosmic energy secrets

Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) are intense, millisecond-long bursts of radio waves that release energy equivalent to the Sun's output over several days. A new study suggests they may result from asteroids colliding with neutron stars, shedding light on their potential origins and the immense energy involved.

The study proposes that FRBs could be caused by interstellar objects, such as asteroids or comets, colliding with neutron stars, the ultra-dense remnants of massive stars. These collisions release up to 10^29 joules of energy, enough to power humanity for 100 million years.

While collisions between neutron stars and interstellar objects are rare in the Milky Way (occurring roughly once every 10 million years), the vast number of neutron stars and interstellar objects across the universe makes these events frequent enough to align with the observed rate of FRBs.

The asteroid-neutron star collision theory explains single-occurrence FRBs but not repeating FRBs, which may involve neutron stars interacting with asteroid belts or debris fields.

Beyond solving the FRB mystery, this research highlights the potential for studying extreme cosmic energy dynamics. While harnessing such energy is currently beyond human capability, understanding these processes could inspire new technologies and deepen knowledge of the universe's fundamental forces.

In the vast expanse of the universe, some of the most enigmatic phenomena remain shrouded in mystery. Among them are fast radio bursts (FRBs)  brief, intense blasts of radio waves that flash across the cosmos in milliseconds, releasing as much energy as the sun does in days.

Since their discovery in 2007, these cosmic signals have puzzled scientists, sparking over 50 theories about their origins.

Now, a groundbreaking study suggests that FRBs could be the result of asteroids slamming into ultradense dead stars known as neutron stars. This discovery not only sheds light on one of astronomy's greatest mysteries but also hints at the staggering energy potential locked within these cosmic collisions.

What are fast radio bursts?

Fast radio bursts are fleeting pulses of radio waves that last anywhere from a fraction of a millisecond to a few seconds. Despite their brevity, they pack an extraordinary punch.

In that tiny window, an FRB can emit energy equivalent to what the sun radiates over several days. These bursts have been detected from all corners of the universe, with some estimates suggesting that up to 10,000 FRBs could occur across the sky every day.

Yet, their origins have remained elusive  until now.

The new research, led by a team of scientists including Dang Pham from the University of Toronto, proposes that FRBs could be the result of interstellar objects  asteroids or comets  colliding with neutron stars. These extreme stellar remnants, born from the explosive deaths of massive stars, are among the densest objects in the universe.

A single teaspoon of neutron star material would weigh 10 million tons on Earth.

Their immense gravitational and magnetic fields make them cosmic powerhouses, capable of releasing unimaginable amounts of energy when disturbed.

The neutron star-asteroid collision theory

The idea that asteroid impacts could trigger FRBs isn't entirely new, but this study provides the most compelling evidence yet.

The researchers calculated that the collision of an asteroid with a neutron star could release up to 10^29 joules of energy  enough to power all of humanity's energy needs for 100 million years. To put this into perspective, imagine dropping a marshmallow onto a neutron star.

The gravitational pull is so intense that the marshmallow would accelerate to millions of miles per hour, releasing energy equivalent to a thousand hydrogen bombs upon impact. Now, scale that up to an asteroid, and you begin to grasp the sheer magnitude of these events. (Related: NASA successfully retrieves first asteroid samples from OSIRIS-REx spacecraft.)

But how often do such collisions occur?

The team estimates that in the Milky Way alone, a neutron star might collide with an interstellar object once every 10 million years. While that sounds rare, consider this: There are billions of neutron stars scattered across countless galaxies.

When you factor in the sheer number of interstellar objects  about 10^27 in the Milky Way alone  the math adds up.

The researchers found that the rate of these collisions across the universe aligns closely with the observed frequency of FRBs.

The cosmic energy potential

Beyond solving the mystery of FRBs, this discovery opens up fascinating possibilities for understanding the universe's energy dynamics. Neutron stars are already in extreme environments, but their interactions with asteroids could reveal even more about the fundamental forces at play in the cosmos.

For instance, the energy released in these collisions is influenced by the size of the asteroid and the strength of the neutron star's magnetic field.

By studying FRBs, scientists could gain insights into the properties of neutron stars and the interstellar objects that collide with them. Moreover, this research highlights the potential for future energy discoveries.

While harnessing the energy of a neutron star collision is far beyond the current capabilities of humanity, understanding these processes could inspire new technologies or deepen the existing knowledge of energy generation in extreme environments.

Its a reminder that the universe is full of untapped potential, waiting to be explored.

Repeating FRBs: A different story?

While the asteroid-neutron star collision theory explains single-occurrence FRBs, it doesn't account for repeating FRBs  bursts that fire off multiple times.

These repeating signals occur at much faster rates, sometimes as frequently as two bursts per hour.

The researchers suggest that repeating FRBs might involve neutron stars colliding with asteroid belts or debris fields, rather than single interstellar objects. This idea is still under investigation, but it underscores the complexity of FRBs and the need for further observations.

The role of advanced telescopes

The surge in FRB detections in recent years is largely thanks to advanced radio telescopes like the Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment (CHIME). Since its launch in 2017, CHIME has detected thousands of FRBs, providing a wealth of data for scientists to analyze.

Future projects, such as the Canadian Hydrogen Observatory and Radio-transient Detector (CHORD) and the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP), promise to expand the understanding of FRBs even further.

By tracking FRBs back to their host galaxies, astronomers can determine whether certain types of galaxiessuch as spiral or ellipticalare more likely to produce these bursts.

This information could help refine the asteroid-neutron star collision model and shed light on the evolution of FRBs over cosmic time.

Visit Space.news for more interesting stories about other space discoveries.

Watch the video below to learn the shocking truth about the International Space Station.

This video is from the Ioftheneedle channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

NASA is hiding crucial details about asteroids that could THREATEN Earth, warns senior SETI Institute astronomer.

Chinas Mars rover may have stumbled across a lost ancient ocean on the Red Planet.

Evidence of alien life could be made public next month, says filmmaker.

The new frontier of warfare: America must prepare for SPACE CONFLICT.

Evidence of alien life could be made public next month, says filmmaker.

Sources include:

LiveScience.com

arXiv.org

Space.com

News.MIT.edu

Brighteon.com
Biden shields nearly 1 million migrants who invaded the U.S. from deportation, including gang affiliates

The Biden administration extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nearly 1 million migrants from Venezuela, El Salvador, Ukraine, and Sudan, allowing them to stay in the U.S. until at least 2026.

Conservatives criticized the move, accusing Biden of undermining national security and prioritizing politics over American safety.

The extension includes Venezuelan migrants, raising concerns about the violent Tren de Aragua gangs U.S. expansion.

Trumps incoming administration faces legal hurdles to reverse the TPS extension, as only Congress can permanently alter the program.

Critics argue the decision prioritizes foreign nationals over American citizens, with DHS defending it as rooted in careful review and interagency collaboration.

In a controversial move just days before President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration, the Biden administration announced Friday the extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nearly 1 million migrants from Venezuela, El Salvador, Ukraine, and Sudan.

The decision, which allows these individuals to remain in the U.S. until at least 2026, has sparked outrage among conservatives who accuse President Joe Biden of undermining national security and prioritizing political maneuvering over the safety of American citizens.

Critics argue that the extension, which includes migrants from countries like Venezuelaa known breeding ground for the violent Tren de Aragua gangamounts to a betrayal of the American people and a deliberate attempt to complicate Trumps immigration agenda.

A blow to Trumps immigration crackdown

The Biden administrations decision extends TPS protections for approximately 937,600 migrants, including 600,000 Venezuelans, 232,000 Salvadorans, 103,700 Ukrainians, and 1,900 Sudanese nationals. The program, established in 1990, grants work permits and deportation relief to individuals from countries experiencing armed conflict, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions. However, the timing of the announcementjust ten days before Trumps swearing-inhas raised suspicions that the move is politically motivated.

Trump, who campaigned on a promise to crack down on illegal immigration, previously sought to end TPS during his first term but was blocked by legal challenges. His administration deported roughly 400,000 migrants, and he has vowed to resume aggressive enforcement measures upon taking office. Vice President-elect JD Vance echoed this commitment in October, stating, Were going to stop doing mass grants of Temporary Protected Status.

The Biden administrations extension sets the stage for a contentious legal battle. Cornell Law School professor Steve Yale-Loehr noted that only Congress can permanently alter or undo TPS, suggesting that Trumps efforts to dismantle the program may face significant hurdles.

Gang affiliates and national security concerns

One of the most alarming aspects of the TPS extension is its inclusion of migrants from Venezuela, where the Tren de Aragua gang has flourished. According to a DHS memo obtained by the New York Post, the gang has expanded its operations to more than a dozen U.S. states, including California, Florida, Texas, and New York. Critics argue that the Biden administrations decision could allow gang members and other criminals to remain in the country, posing a threat to public safety.

DHS has stated that all TPS applicants must undergo rigorous national security and public safety vetting, and individuals convicted of felonies or two misdemeanors are barred from the program. However, skeptics question whether the vetting process is sufficient to identify and exclude dangerous individuals.

Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), in a scathing letter to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, demanded answers about the administrations rationale for the extensions. I am deeply disgusted by your attempts to justify these decisions, Moreno wrote, citing the administrations claim that TPS for El Salvador was extended due to geological and weather events. He added, "However, a quick review of the current weather in San Salvador, El Salvador currently shows that it is "mostly sunny" and 81 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Biden administrations decision has been widely criticized as a last-ditch effort to cement its open-border policies before Trump takes office. By extending TPS protections, Biden has effectively tied the hands of the incoming administration, forcing Trump to navigate a complex legal landscape if he seeks to deport these migrants.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas defended the move, stating that the extensions are rooted in careful review and interagency collaboration to ensure that migrants affected by instability can continue contributing to their communities. However, critics argue that the decision prioritizes the interests of foreign nationals over the safety and well-being of American citizens.

A betrayal of American values

President Bidens extension of TPS protections for nearly 1 million migrants is a blatant attempt to undermine President-elect Trumps immigration agenda and shield individuals who may pose a threat to national security. By prioritizing political expediency over the rule of law, Biden has betrayed the trust of the American people and endangered communities across the country. As the Trump administration prepares to take office, it faces an uphill battle to restore order to a broken immigration system and protect the nation from those who seek to exploit its generosity.

Sources for this article include:

Reuters.com

NYPost.com

FoxNews.com
Concerns rise over Canadas assisted dying program being used to harvest organs

Canada's 2016 legalization of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) aims to alleviate suffering but has raised ethical dilemmas, particularly regarding its intersection with organ donation. Critics fear this blurs the line between compassionate care and exploitation.

Canada has become a global leader in organ donations from MAiD patients, with 136 transplants in 2021 alone, accounting for six percent of deceased donor transplants.

Concerns about coercion are heightened, as 35 percent of MAiD recipients in 2021 felt they were a burden on others. Vulnerable individuals, including the elderly, disabled or mentally ill, may face pressure to choose MAiD for organ donation.

Discussions among medical professionals about using organ extraction as a mode of death, coupled with the lucrative global organ trade, raise fears of exploitation and abuse, particularly for vulnerable populations.

While proponents argue MAiD organ donation is voluntary and ethically regulated, critics warn that normalizing the practice risks devaluing human life. The expansion of MAiD, including to mental illness cases, intensifies the ethical stakes and calls for a reevaluation of societal values.

In Canada, the legalization of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) in 2016 was hailed by some as a compassionate step toward allowing individuals to end their suffering. However, as the program has expanded, so too have the ethical dilemmas surrounding it  especially rising concerns regarding the growing intersection between MAiD and organ donation.

Under current Canadian law, the "dead donor rule" prohibits organ procurement until a donor is declared dead, typically five minutes after the heart stops beating. This means that "euthanasia by organ donation"  where death is caused by organ extraction rather than the administration of lethal drugs  is illegal.

However, the line between MAiD and organ donation is becoming increasingly blurred, sparking fears that vulnerable individuals could be pressured into ending their lives to supply organs for transplantation.

The numbers are striking. Since MAiD was legalized, Canada has emerged as a global leader in organ donations from euthanasia patients. In 2021 alone, 136 organ transplants were performed using organs from MAiD recipients, accounting for six percent of all deceased donor transplants in the country. While some celebrate this as a way to save lives, others warn that it risks turning human beings into commodities.

The ethical concerns are not hypothetical. In 2018, Canadian doctors openly debated whether euthanasia patients could be killed through organ extraction rather than lethal injection.

Rob Sibbald, an ethicist at London Health Sciences Centre in Ontario, suggested that the best use of organs might be to have the mode of death be organ retrieval itself.

Canadians could be getting coerced into assisted suicide for their organs

The potential for coercion is real. In 2021, a Health Canada report revealed that 35 percent of MAiD recipients felt they were a burden on family, friends, or caregivers. For individuals already grappling with feelings of worthlessness, the option to donate organs could add another layer of pressure to choose death.

Trudo Lemmens, a professor of health law at the University of Toronto, has warned that vulnerable patients might see organ donation as a way to mean something in their final moments  a tragic reflection of how society has devalued their lives.

The situation becomes even more alarming when considering the global organ trade. A 2020 report from the Library of the Canadian Parliament highlighted the lucrative nature of organ trafficking, with profits estimated between 840 million and 1.7 billion annually.

While most trafficked organs come from poor and vulnerable populations in developing countries, the expansion of MAiD in Canada raises the specter of domestic exploitation. Vulnerable Canadians, particularly the elderly, disabled and mentally ill, could be coerced into "donating" their organs as part of their MAiD process.

Angelina Ireland, executive director of the Delta Hospice Society, has sounded the alarm about pre-mortem interventions to harvest organs from MAiD recipients. She warns that such practices open the door to horrific abuses, particularly given the financial incentives involved.

You can get big, big money on the world market, she said, citing the book "The Red Market: On the Trail of the World's Organ Brokers, Bone Thieves, Blood Farmers and Child Traffickers" by Scott Carney, which documents the dark underbelly of organ trafficking. (Related: Canadian lawmaker introduces petition against expanding EUTHANASIA for babies with "severe health issues.")

Visit Euthanasia.news for more on the latest news regarding euthanasia and assisted dying around the world.

Watch this video discussing how Canada is euthanizing Canadians injured by vaccines.

This video is from the Cadkiah channel at Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Bioterror Roundup: Canada ethnically cleanses native White population in name of medicine.

Report reveals Canada EUTHANIZED an average of 36 people DAILY throughout 2022.

Alberta launches review and public consultation about expansion of MAiD program that promotes euthanasia.

Ontario government reportedly tracked 428 cases of possible illegal euthanasia but never notified police.

Canada expands assisted suicide laws to allow for killing of INFANTS for profit.

Sources include:

Expose-News.com

CTVNews.ca

BBC.com

Brighteon.com
Hurricane survivor Francesco Garripoli tells Mike Adams: Hurricane Helene was engineered for destruction

Hurricane Helene caused catastrophic damage in Asheville, North Carolina, with rivers rising 27 feet above historic levels, destroying century-old roads, bridges and entire towns like Marshall. The destruction surpassed anything witnessed by hurricane survivor Francesco Garripoli.

Garripoli, a Qigong teacher, asserts that Hurricane Helene's intensity and behavior were unnatural. He observed dense chemtrails in the skies days before the storm, suggesting possible geoengineering or weather manipulation, a concern echoed by researchers like Dane Wigington.

The hurricane's aftermath left Asheville and surrounding areas in chaos, with death tolls likely far exceeding the official count of 200. Bodies were found in trees, and many communities remain isolated due to collapsed infrastructure.

Garripoli's retreat center, Wuji Mountain, exemplifies preparedness with underground utilities, a deep well and a backup generator. He stresses the importance of self-reliance and criticizes societal dependence on government and corporations for basic survival needs.

Garripoli urges humanity to recognize the potential for engineered disasters and prioritize preparedness, community building and self-sufficiency. He views the disaster as an opportunity for growth, urging people to learn from the challenges and hone their survival skills.

Asheville, North Carolina, lies in ruins. Roads that stood for a century are gone. Bridges that weathered countless storms have vanished. Rivers, swollen to 27 feet above historic levels, have swallowed entire towns.

For Francesco Garripoli, a seasoned hurricane survivor and Qigong teacher, the devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene was unlike anything he's ever witnessed  and he believes it wasn't natural.

Garripoli, who has lived through hurricanes in Florida, cyclones in Hong Kong and storms in Hawaii, described the destruction in Asheville as "beyond nightmares."

In an exclusive "Health Ranger Report" interview with Mike Adams of Brighteon.com, he painted a chilling picture of a disaster that defies natural explanation.

"This is not a natural occurrence," he insisted, pointing to eerie patterns that suggest something far more sinister.

Days before Hurricane Helene made landfall, Garripoli observed an unusual phenomenon: the skies above Asheville were crisscrossed with dense chemtrails.

"I've never seen so many chemtrails in one instance in my life," the internationally recognized senior Qigong teacher recalled. The timing was suspicious. Three days later, the storm hit with unprecedented ferocity.

Garripoli's observations align with growing concerns about geoengineering and weather manipulation. Researchers like Dane Wigington of Geoengineering Watch have long warned that atmospheric ionization and other technologies could be used to steer or intensify storms.

"When you see a storm make drastic turns that arent based on wind currents, water currents or other natural things, something is going on," Garripoli said.

The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has left Asheville and surrounding areas in chaos. Towns like Marshall, built to withstand a 19-foot river surge after a 1916 storm, were obliterated by waters rising 27 feet.

Marshall, a beautiful old town with lots of brick buildings from the late 1800s to the early 1920s, was washed away according to Garripoli.

The human toll is staggering. Garripoli estimates the death count is far higher than the official figure of 200. (Related: Hurricane Helene death toll now over 200 as disaster relief operations continue)

"From what I've heard firsthand, the extrapolation number should be much higher," he said. Bodies have been found in trees, and entire communities remain cut off by collapsed roads and bridges.

Preparedness amid devastation

Garripoli's retreat center, Wuji Mountain, stands as a beacon of resilience. Built with foresight and self-sufficiency in mind, the property boasts underground utilities, a 545-foot-deep well and a backup generator.

"We don't wait for emergencies to be prepared," he said. His preparedness allowed him to assist neighbors, providing water and resources to those in need.

Yet, many in the area were caught off guard. Garripoli lamented the fact that people have been conditioned to depend on big government and corporations that they stopped thinking about being sovereign and self-dependent.

Garripoli's message is clear: Humanity must wake up.

"We're no longer in a natural environment," he warned taking note that hurricanes are now being engineered. "If we're in that kind of world, you better prep. You better think clearly about your position in this world."

He emphasized the importance of community and self-reliance.

"Chaos breeds creation," Garripoli said while adding that when people get pushed, they either fall prey to their conditioning or rise to the occasion.

For now, Asheville remains a stark reminder of nature's  or humanity's  capacity for destruction. But for Garripoli, the storm is also a call to action.

"Don't let a good disaster go to waste," he said while stressing that people should learn from the challenges and hone their skills.

Follow Disaster.news for more news about natural disasters like hurricanes.

Watch the video below to know more about the interview of Helene survivor Francesco Garripoli with Mike Adams.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

HURRICANE HELENE MYSTERY: Weather modification, climate intervention and the planned destruction of a region for the U.S. governments pilfering of natural resources.

Hurricane Helene victims call out Biden and Kamala: "There is no government aid. None. Zero."

Hurricane Helene leaves millions without power and dozens dead and the post-storm situation is only getting worse.

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

CommunityAwake.org
Mike Adams and Steve Quayle explore the hidden dangers of California wildfires: Are toxic dioxin clouds putting public health and food supply at risk?

California wildfires have released cancer-causing dioxins into the atmosphere, posing severe risks to public health and the food supply, particularly in the agriculturally vital Central Valley.

Burning polyvinyl chloride (PVC) materials in structures has produced highly toxic dioxins, which persist in the environment and can contaminate soil, water, and crops for decades.

Experts warn of long-term health effects, including cancer, and economic damage estimated at $150 billion, with potential contamination spreading to neighboring states like Arizona.

Some claim the fires may be orchestrated, citing government negligence or intentional sabotage to destabilize the U.S., with dioxins weaponizing the food supply and infrastructure.

Listeners are advised to stock up on freeze-dried foods, detoxifying supplements, and precious metals to mitigate health risks and economic fallout from the ongoing crisis.

In the wake of catastrophic wildfires that have ravaged California, experts are sounding the alarm over a far more insidious threat: a massive cloud of cancer-causing dioxins released into the atmosphere. The fires, which have consumed over 10,000 structures, including homes, businesses, and even the mansion of actor Mel Gibson, have unleashed a toxic plume that poses a severe risk to public health and the food supply.

The combustion of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) materialscommonly found in water pipes, clothing, and other household itemshas produced dioxins, a class of highly toxic chemicals known to cause cancer at extremely low concentrations. According to Mike Adams, these dioxins are "forever chemicals" that can persist in the environment for decades, contaminating soil, water, and crops.

"The dioxins will blanket the food supply in California's Central Valley, one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world," Adams warned during an emergency interview with Steve Quayle, a researcher and author. "This isn't just about economic damage, which is already estimated at $150 billion. This is about long-term health impacts, including a potential wave of cancer cases."

The Central Valley, which supplies a significant portion of the nation's fruits, vegetables, and nuts, is particularly vulnerable to contamination. Winds are expected to carry the toxic particles eastward, potentially affecting neighboring states like Arizona. The fallout could also contaminate water sources, further compounding the crisis.

Engineered Disaster?

Both Adams and Quayle raised concerns that the wildfires may not be entirely natural. Quayle pointed to cuts in fire department funding and the diversion of resources to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives as evidence of government negligenceor worse, intentional sabotage.

"This is orchestrated," Quayle asserted. "The global elites want to destabilize the United States, and this is part of their plan. Theyre using fire as a weapon to destroy infrastructure, contaminate the food supply, and create chaos."

Adams echoed these sentiments, noting that the fires have left hundreds of thousands without power, water, or communication. "This is a softening-up phase for something much bigger," he said. "The forces that hate America are creating conditions for a revolution or an invasion."

Health Impacts and Food Contamination

Dioxins are notorious for their ability to cause cancer, reproductive issues, and immune system damage. Even at femtogram levelsa millionth of a millionth of a gramthey can have devastating effects. Adams emphasized that the combination of dioxin exposure, "turbo cancers" linked to COVID-19 vaccines, and other environmental toxins could lead to a public health catastrophe.

"The food supply is being weaponized," Quayle added. "Theyre already targeting eggs, cheese, and other staples. Next, theyll go after milk and bread. This is about control and depopulation."

A Call to Action

Adams and Quayle urged listeners to take immediate steps to protect themselves. Adams recommended stocking up on freeze-dried foods, which have a long shelf life, and detoxifying supplements like spirulina and chlorella, which can help remove dioxins from the body. Quayle emphasized the importance of securing gold and silver as a hedge against economic collapse.

"Get what you need now," Quayle said. "Were running out of time. This is not fear-mongering; this is reality."

As California grapples with the aftermath of the wildfires, the long-term consequences of the dioxin cloud remain uncertain. What is clear, however, is that the crisis extends far beyond the flames. It is a stark reminder of the fragility of modern infrastructure and the devastating impact of environmental disasterswhether natural or engineered.

For now, the people of Californiaand the nationmust brace for the fallout, both literal and figurative, of a disaster that shows no signs of abating.

Watch this full episode of the "Health Ranger Report" with Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, and Steve Quayle as they talk about the Operation Meltdown - The California fires are just the beginning.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Trump demands Newsoms resignation as California wildfires rage: This is all his fault!

Health Ranger Report: Investigative journalist Jonathan Otto and Mike Adams explore the hidden mechanisms driving CANCER

Armageddon: While Cali burns to the ground, thugs are looting like banshees

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

SteveQuayle.com

Sat123.com
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. A total of 68,869 observers have been accredited to monitor Azerbaijan's upcoming municipal election, the Chairman of the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Azerbaijan Mazahir Panahov said at a commission meeting, Trend reports.

To note, the municipal election in Azerbaijan will be held on January 29, with 16,128 candidates registered to participate.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Republican lawmakers Ted Cruz and Ralph Norman renew push for Congressional term limits

Sen. Ted Cruz and Rep. Ralph Norman have introduced joint resolutions in the Senate and House to impose term limits on federal lawmakers, aiming to cap the tenure of House members at three two-year terms and Senate members at two six-year terms.

The proposed amendment, which has broad public support (87 percent of Americans according to Pew Research), faces significant legislative challenges. It requires two-thirds support in the House and Senate and ratification by three-fourths of state legislatures.

Supporters argue that term limits will reduce corruption, increase accountability and bring fresh perspectives to Congress. Critics, such as Rep. Harriet Hageman, contend that elections already serve as term limits and that institutional experience is valuable.

The debate over term limits dates back to the 1995 Supreme Court ruling in U.S. Term Limits v. Thornton. Since then, advocacy groups like U.S. Term Limits (USTL) have worked to advance the cause through both congressional action and state-led efforts under Article V of the Constitution.

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC) have reignited a long-standing debate over congressional term limits, introducing joint resolutions in the Senate and House that seek to cap the tenure of federal lawmakers.

The proposed constitutional amendment, which enjoys broad public support but faces significant legislative hurdles, would limit House members to three two-year terms and Senate members to two six-year terms. Terms served before the amendment's ratification would not count toward the limits, a provision allowing Cruz, who began his third Senate term this year, to remain eligible for re-election.

The push for term limits comes amid growing frustration with what critics describe as a broken and entrenched political system.

"With the evident abuse of power that has taken place in Congress, the notion of term limits is basic common sense," Norman said in an emailed statement. Cruz echoed this sentiment, framing the effort as a return to the vision of the Founding Fathers. "They envisioned a government of citizen legislators who would serve for a few years and return home, not a government run by a small group of special interests and lifelong, permanently entrenched politicians," he said.

To become law, the proposed amendment must secure two-thirds support in the House and Senate and be ratified by three-fourths of state legislatures. While the idea has garnered bipartisan backing among voters  87 percent of Americans support congressional term limits, according to a Pew Research poll  it has repeatedly stalled in Congress. Cruz's 2023 version of the bill failed to advance out of committee. Norman's House resolution was narrowly defeated in the House Judiciary Committee by a 17-19 vote, with four Republicans joining Democrats to block it.

Among the dissenters was Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-WY), who argued that elections already serve as a form of term limits.

"We already have term limits, although we call them elections, and in the House, we have them every two years," Hageman told Fox News. "If voters are dissatisfied, they can always change horses." She also emphasized the value of institutional experience, particularly during high-stakes political battles.

Debate: Reduce government corruption or the right to vote for "seasoned" lawmakers

Proponents argue that limiting tenure would reduce corruption, increase accountability and bring fresh perspectives to Congress. Critics, however, contend that such measures could strip voters of their right to choose experienced leaders and undermine the effectiveness of seasoned lawmakers. (Related: Trump announces plan to end deep state corruption in Washington "once and for all.")

The record for the longest congressional tenure belongs to the late John Dingell (D-MI), who served 59 years in the House. Current Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Mitch McConnell (R-KY) have also held their seats for decades, with Grassley first elected in 1980 and McConnell in 1985.

The issue gained renewed attention after the Supreme Court's 1995 ruling in U.S. Term Limits v. Thornton, which held that states cannot impose term limits on federal lawmakers without a constitutional amendment. Since then, advocacy groups like U.S. Term Limits (USTL) have worked to advance the cause through both congressional action and state-led efforts under Article V of the Constitution, which allows states to propose amendments through a national convention.

USTL President Philip Blumel praised Cruz and Norman's resolutions as "a vital step towards restoring citizen-government on Capitol Hill." The organization has secured pledges from more than 140 members of the 119th Congress, including 23 senators, to support term limits. Blumel emphasized that the goal is to implement institutional limits rather than voluntary self-restraints by individual lawmakers.

The proposed amendment reflects a broader dissatisfaction with the political status quo. Polls consistently show that Americans across the political spectrum view term limits as a way to curb the influence of special interests and career politicians.

"Support for term limits is broad and strong across all political, geographic and demographic groups," Pew Research noted in its latest survey. This widespread approval underscores the disconnect between public opinion and legislative action, as efforts to enact term limits have repeatedly faltered in Congress.

VoteRepublican.news has more related news.

Watch the video below where Sen. Cruz accuses outgoing President Joe Biden of "stealing" government assets.

This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Discovery of Texas GOP representative living in retirement home amid health challenges and congressional absence sparks uproar.

Survey: Many Americans have limited knowledge of constitutional rights.

Congress has paid out $17 million in taxpayer-funded "hush money" to settle sexual harassment claims  NOBODY charged with any crimes.

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com

Norman.House.gov

TermLimits.com

Brighteon.com
Los Angeles wildfires: A city in flames, a community in crisis

The wildfires in Los Angeles have caused catastrophic damage, claiming at least 10 lives, destroying nearly 10,000 structures and consuming over 34,000 acres.

Over 153,000 residents have been forced to evacuate, with another 166,800 under evacuation warnings.

Firefighters are struggling to contain the blazes, with only eight percent of the Palisades Fire contained and the Eaton Fire at zero percent.

The fires have created a public health crisis, with toxic smoke blanketing the region and exposing millions to hazardous air quality.

President Joe Biden declared the fires a major disaster, promising federal aid. However, concerns about equitable resource allocation and fair insurance compensation persist.

The wildfires ravaging Los Angeles have left a trail of devastation, claiming at least 10 lives, destroying nearly 10,000 structures and forcing tens of thousands to flee their homes. As the fires rage on, the situation remains dire, with dry desert winds fueling the flames and complicating firefighting efforts.

The Palisades Fire, near Santa Monica and Malibu, and the Eaton Fire, near Pasadena, have already etched their names in history as the most destructive wildfires Los Angeles has ever seen.

The scale of destruction is staggering. Over 34,000 acres  roughly 53 square miles  have been consumed by the flames, turning vibrant neighborhoods into smoldering ruins. Entire blocks have been reduced to ash, with brick chimneys and charred vehicles standing as haunting reminders of what once was.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna described the scenes as resembling an atomic bomb blast, warning that the death toll is likely to rise as search and rescue operations continue.

The human cost of these fires is immeasurable. Families have lost homes, livelihoods, and loved ones.

The economic toll is equally staggering, with private forecaster AccuWeather estimating damages between $135 billion and $150 billion. This catastrophic loss portends a long and arduous recovery, compounded by the likelihood of skyrocketing homeowners' insurance costs.

A city in flight

As the fires spread, tens of thousands of residents have been forced to evacuate, leaving behind everything they hold dear. Mandatory evacuation orders have displaced over 153,000 people, with another 166,800 under evacuation warnings.

The sheer scale of displacement has overwhelmed local resources, with shelters struggling to accommodate the influx of evacuees.

The evacuation process has been chaotic at times. On Jan. 9, Los Angeles County mistakenly sent a countywide evacuation notice to 9.6 million residents, but it was intended only for those near the rapidly expanding Kenneth Fire near Calabasas.

While officials quickly corrected the error, the incident underscored the tension and fear gripping the region.

For many, the decision to leave was agonizing. Some, like John Carr, a 65-year-old Pacific Palisades resident, chose to stay behind to protect their homes.

Carr, who successfully defended his family home built in 1960, lamented the lack of firefighting resources in his neighborhood. "If they had had some fire trucks and just put a squirt here, a squirt there and kept an eye on things, all these houses would be here now," said Carr.

Others returned to their neighborhoods only to find devastation. In Pacific Palisades, once-luxurious homes now stand in ruins, with downed power lines and abandoned cars strewn all over the streets.

Bilal Tukhi, a private security guard, compared the scene to his war-torn homeland of Afghanistan. Standing outside his employer's damaged home, Tukhi is still grateful because they are still alive, which is "all that matters."

A race against time

Firefighters are battling the blazes on multiple fronts, but the odds are stacked against them. The Palisades Fire, the largest of the five active wildfires, is only eight percent contained, while the Eaton Fire remains zero percent contained.

Aerial support has been critical, with aircraft dropping water and fire retardant on the flames. However, the efforts have been hampered by strong winds and logistical challenges.

A large Super Scooper aircraft on loan from Canada was damaged and grounded after colliding with an unauthorized civilian drone near the Palisades Fire. The incident highlights the dangers posed by unauthorized drone activity, which can disrupt firefighting operations and put lives at risk. (Related: Adam Carolla lambasts Democrats over handling of California fires, predicts liberals will flee.)

Firefighters from across the U.S. and Canada have joined the battle, bolstering local crews. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pledged his country's support, saying, "To our American neighbors: Canada's here to help."

But despite these reinforcements, the sheer scale of the fires and the unpredictable weather conditions have made containment efforts a herculean task.

The road ahead

The road to recovery will be long and fraught with challenges. Rebuilding homes, restoring communities and addressing the psychological scars left by the fires will require sustained effort and resources.

As of writing, at least 13 people have been reported missing in Los Angeles County while the fires have been raging in the area, reported Luna. He added that it remains to be seen if all of the missing persons reports are related to the fires.

Luna added that 40 members of the Search and Rescue Task Force will be looking for the missing people and remains. He also advised that because of safety concerns, they "are unable to safely search the impacted areas during the hours of darkness, so this will only be taking place while theres light."

For now, the focus remains on containing the flames and protecting lives. As the winds shift and the fires continue to burn, the resilience of Los Angeles and its people will be tested like never before.

In the face of unimaginable loss, the city must come together to heal, rebuild and prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.

The wildfires are a tragedy, but they are also a call to action. The time to act is now  before more lives are lost, more homes are destroyed and more communities are left in ashes.

Visit Disaster.news for more updates about the California wildfires and other disasters.

Watch the full video below of "The Highwire with Del Bigtree" for more updates about the Los Angeles wildfires.

This video is from The HighWire with Del Bigtree channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

LA County Fire Department donated essential firefighting equipment to Ukraine  and now Los Angeles is burning.

Democratic leadership failures exposed as Los Angeles burns.

California wildfires spark conspiracy theories: Were fires set to trigger economic and ecological collapse?

Arson suspected as wildfires ravage Los Angeles; Santa Monica caught in chaos.

Armageddon: While Cali burns to the ground, thugs are looting like banshees

Sources include:

Reuters.com 1

Reuters.com 2

NBCNews.com

Brighteon.com
Newsoms wildfire response focuses on online misinformation while Californians suffer

Wildfires have caused significant destruction in Los Angeles, claiming at least 10 lives, destroying thousands of homes, and overwhelming firefighters and residents due to insufficient resources and infrastructure failures, such as low water pressure in fire hydrants.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, during a briefing with President Biden and other officials, shifted attention to combating online "misinformation," calling it a divisive force hindering disaster response, despite the pressing on-the-ground crisis.

Newsom's emphasis on misinformation has been criticized as a distraction from systemic failures in disaster preparedness and management, including budget mismanagement in Los Angeles that has left firefighters under-resourced.

Newsom's rhetoric aligns with broader concerns about government efforts to suppress dissent under the guise of combating misinformation, as seen in earlier instances involving COVID-19 content moderation on social media platforms.

The crisis has exposed leadership shortcomings, including Mayor Karen Bass' absence during the disaster and Newsoms deflection of blame, deepening public distrust and highlighting the need for transparency, accountability and actionable solutions.

As wildfires continue to ravage Los Angeles, claiming at least 10 lives and destroying thousands of homes, California Governor Gavin Newsom has shifted his focus to an unexpected target: online "misinformation." During a high-profile briefing with President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, Newsom lamented the spread of what he called hurricane-force winds of mis- and disinformation, claiming it is dividing the nation and hindering disaster response efforts.

Newsoms rhetoric about combating misinformation raises serious questions about his priorities. At a time when Californians are losing their homes, livelihoods and loved ones, the governor's emphasis on policing online narratives feels misplaced, if not outright dismissive of the real on-the-ground failures that have exacerbated this crisis. (Related: Democratic leadership failures exposed as Los Angeles burns.)

The wildfires, fueled by unprecedented winds, have left entire neighborhoods in ashes. Firefighters have battled exhaustion and dwindling resources, while residents have faced chaotic evacuations and a lack of critical infrastructure. Reports of insufficient water pressure in fire hydrants have further highlighted systemic failures in disaster preparedness. Yet, instead of addressing these glaring issues head-on, Newsom chose to pivot to the nebulous issue of misinformation, a term increasingly weaponized to silence dissent and criticism.

Newsoms focus on misinformation an attempt to distract from government failures

This is not the first time the Biden administration and its allies have targeted so-called misinformation. Earlier this year, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg revealed that the White House pressured his company to censor content related to the Wuhan coronavirus pandemic, including legitimate criticism of vaccines. Zuckerberg's admission underscores a troubling trend: the governments growing willingness to suppress free speech under the guise of combating falsehoods. Newsoms appeal to Biden during the wildfire briefing suggests a similar strategy is being deployed to shield his administration from accountability.

The timing of Newsom's remarks is particularly ironic. While he decries misinformation, his own administration is facing mounting criticism for its handling of the wildfire crisis. An analysis by OpenTheBooks, a government transparency organization, revealed that Los Angeles lacks the budget to adequately fund fire hydrants, despite exorbitant salaries for officials at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP). This mismanagement has left firefighters struggling to contain the blazes, even as Newsom deflects blame onto online critics.

Meanwhile, Bass' decision to travel to Ghana for a presidential inauguration during the crisis has further fueled public outrage. As her city was burning, Bass was thousands of miles away, leaving residents to grapple with the devastation on their own. This disconnect between leadership and the people they serve has only deepened the sense of betrayal felt by many Californians.

The wildfires have exposed more than just the physical vulnerabilities of Californias infrastructure; they have laid bare the failures of its leadership. Newsoms focus on misinformation feels like an attempt to distract from these failures, rather than address them. By framing criticism as "lies" and "division," he risks alienating the very people he is supposed to serve  those who are suffering the most from this disaster.

As the flames continue to spread, Californians deserve answers, not deflection. They deserve a governor who prioritizes their safety over political narratives. They deserve transparency, accountability, and action  not vague promises to combat misinformation while their homes burn to the ground.

Visit Disaster.news for more news about the California wildfires.

President-elect Donald Trump hits Newsom for the handling of catastrophic wildfires. Watch this video.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

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.

Trumps triumph, Bidens blunders, and a year of crisis: 2024s defining moments.

JUST IN: Arsonists caught on camera setting fires in Santa Monica

Sources are:

ReclaimTheNet.Org

Allnewspipieline.com

MilitaryNews.com

Brighteon.com
Poland shields Israeli officials from war crimes arrest ahead of Auschwitz commemoration

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that his government would protect Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, from potential arrest on war crimes charges during their visit to Poland for the 80th commemoration of Auschwitz's liberation.

The move comes amid an ongoing legal and diplomatic controversy surrounding Netanyahu, who faces an ICC arrest warrant for alleged war crimes in Gaza, including a total blockade that led to the starvation of Palestinians.

Poland is navigating the complexities of honoring Holocaust victims' memory, international law and domestic politics. Tusk's announcement highlights the global scrutiny of Israel's military actions in Gaza.

Tusk's decision has become entangled in Poland's domestic politics, with Tusk accusing President Duda of unnecessarily politicizing the event ahead of a presidential election.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced on Jan. 9 that his government would protect Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, from potential arrest on war crimes charges during their visit to Poland later this month.

The officials are set to attend the 80th commemoration of the liberation of Auschwitz, the Nazi death camp where over 1.1 million people, mostly Jews, were murdered during World War II. The move comes amid an ongoing legal and diplomatic storm surrounding Netanyahu, who faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) over alleged war crimes in Gaza.

The decision underscores Poland's delicate balancing act as it seeks to honor the memory of Holocaust victims while navigating the complexities of international law and domestic politics. It also highlights the growing global scrutiny of Israel's military actions in Gaza, where over 46,000 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, have been killed since October 2023.

The ICC's warrant accuses Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant of imposing a total blockade on Gaza, leading to the alleged starvation of Palestinians. However, the court has not included Israel's mass bombing campaign in its charges. (Related: ICC issues arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant for war crime of deliberate starvation and crimes against humanity.)

Diplomatic and domestic tug-of-war

Tusk's announcement followed a letter sent to Polish President Andrzej Duda on Jan. 8, in which the prime minister demanded that Netanyahu be granted immunity if he attends the Auschwitz commemoration on Jan. 27. The event, which will be attended by global leaders including Britain's King Charles III and Holocaust survivors, holds profound historical significance.

However, the issue has become entangled in Poland's domestic politics, with Tusk accusing Duda, his political rival, of unnecessarily politicizing the ceremony ahead of a presidential election in May.

Duda, a nominee of the right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party, has used his position to block several of Tusk's legislative initiatives since the pro-EU coalition ousted PiS from power in December 2023. The president emphasized his "honorary patronage" of the Auschwitz commemoration, stating that "every person from Israel, every representative of the authorities of this country should have the opportunity to take part in this exceptional event." However, he did not explicitly invite Netanyahu in his letter, which was first obtained by Bloomberg News.

Tusk's government has adopted a specific resolution to ensure the safe participation of Israeli representatives at the event, though it did not mention Netanyahu or the ICC directly. The prime minister stressed that the resolution was "precise" and limited to the Auschwitz ceremony.

"It is also very important for us that Poland is not among those countries that openly and demonstratively want to disregard the decisions of international tribunals," Tusk said.

Meanwhile, pro-Palestine groups have filed dozens of criminal complaints against Israeli soldiers in courts worldwide, prompting the Israeli military to impose new restrictions on media coverage of active-duty personnel. On Jan. 8, Israeli army spokesman Nadav Shoshani announced that soldiers with the rank of colonel or higher would no longer be identified by their full names or faces in media interviews, a measure already in place for air force pilots and special forces members.

"This is our new guideline to protect our soldiers and to make sure they are safe from these types of incidents hosted by anti-Israel activists around the world," Shoshani said. He also noted that soldiers were not supposed to upload videos of themselves in war zones, though he acknowledged that enforcement was imperfect.

According to recent reports in Hebrew media, at least 50 criminal complaints have been filed against Israeli soldiers in connection with the military campaign in Gaza. These legal actions have curtailed but not entirely halted the movements of high-profile Israeli officials.

For instance, Russian President Vladimir Putin, who also faces an ICC arrest warrant for alleged war crimes in Ukraine, avoided traveling to South Africa last year but visited Mongolia, an ICC member state, in September.

Visit IsraelCollapse.com to read more related stories to Israel's war waged upon Middle Eastern nations.

Watch the 2001 leaked video below of Netanyahu admitting that Israel intentionally strikes Palestinians painfully.

This video is from Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

U.K. government to comply with ICC arrest warrant against war criminal Netanyahu if he sets foot on British soil.

France declares non-compliance with ICC arrest warrant for Netanyahu.

U.S. and Israel slam ICC for issuing arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Gallant.

Israeli attorney general orders probe into Sara Netanyahu amid corruption trial controversy.

Sources include:

TheCradle.co

FT.com

Brighteon.com
RSV vaccines face new safety warnings as FDA links shots to rare neurological disorder

The FDA mandates GSK and Pfizer to add Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) risk warnings to their RSV vaccines, Arexvy and Abrysvo, following an observational study.

GBS is a rare autoimmune disorder causing muscle weakness, paralysis, and, in severe cases, death.

RSV vaccines are linked to 7 to 9 excess GBS cases per million doses in adults aged 65 and over.

RSV causes 60,000 to 160,000 annual hospitalizations in older adults, but vaccine sales have declined due to updated CDC recommendations and safety concerns.

The FDA claims vaccine benefits outweigh risks, but transparency and informed consent remain crucial among patients.

In a significant move, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has ordered pharmaceutical giants GSK and Pfizer to include warnings about the risk of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), a rare but potentially paralyzing neurological disorder, on the labels of their respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines.

The decision, announced on January 7, follows an observational study that identified an increased risk of GBS within 42 days of vaccination. This development comes as RSV activity remains "very high" across the U.S., particularly among young children and older adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The FDAs mandate affects GSKs Arexvy and Pfizers Abrysvo, both approved in May 2023 for adults aged 60 and older. While the agency maintains that the benefits of these vaccines outweigh the risks, the new warning underscores the need for heightened awareness among healthcare providers and patients about the potential side effects of these and other vaccines.

What is Guillain-Barre syndrome, and why is it dangerous?

Guillain-Barre syndrome is a rare autoimmune disorder in which the bodys immune system attacks its own nerve cells, leading to muscle weakness, tingling sensations, and, in severe cases, near-total paralysis. Symptoms often begin in the legs and can progress rapidly, requiring hospitalization. While most patients recover fully, some experience permanent nerve damage; in rare cases, the condition can be fatal.

The FDAs postmarketing study found an estimated nine excess cases of GBS per million doses of Pfizers Abrysvo and seven excess cases per million doses of GSKs Arexvy among adults aged 65 and older.

RSV is a common respiratory virus that typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms but can lead to severe complications, particularly in infants, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. The CDC estimates that RSV causes approximately 60,000 to 160,000 hospitalizations annually among adults aged 65 and older.

GSKs Arexvy is approved for adults aged 50 and older, while Pfizers Abrysvo is authorized for adults aged 18 and above and pregnant women between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation to protect infants from birth through six months of age.

However, the vaccines sales prospects have taken a hit in recent months. In mid-2024, the CDC revised its recommendations, advising that the shots only be given to adults aged 75 and older or those aged 60 and above with significant health risks. This decision, coupled with the FDAs new warning, has further dampened enthusiasm for the vaccines and is expected to contribute to a further decline in sales.

Informed consent about vaccine dangers remains crucial

Despite reassurances from the vaccine makers that their jabs are safe overall, the FDAs warning serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in vaccine development and distribution. As RSV cases surge across the country, public health officials must navigate the dual challenges of protecting vulnerable populations while addressing some very legitimate safety concerns.

The FDAs decision to mandate GBS warnings for RSV vaccines reflects a cautious approach to vaccine safety, particularly as respiratory illnesses surge across the country. The new warnings highlight the need for continued vigilance and transparency in vaccine safety monitoring  lessons that many learned the hard way with COVID-19 vaccines.

Sources for this article include:

TheEpochTimes.com

FiercePharma.com

Reuters.com
Terror attacks kick off in 2025  Its only going to get worse so be prepared

In December of last year I published an article titled Open Borders Have Created A Terror Attack Time Bomb In The US In 2025 . I noted that there was a significant confluence of events that was, in my view leading to an explosion of terror attacks just as conservatives take political power. I stated:

(Article by Brandon Smith republished from Alt-Market.us)

Why is 2025 becoming more and more prominent as an inception date for an attack?

Organized criminal gangs crossing the border as migrants.

Foreign agents and terrorists slipping into the US using mass immigration as a cover.

Leftist activists radicalized to believe they are righteous in their violence.

Establishment elites and covert agencies creating false flag events.

The conservative sweep on election day means we inherit all the messes that Joe Biden and his handlers created  Economic, political, social, and geopolitical. There will also be considerable motivation for establishment elites to create chaos from thin air while conservatives hold governmental power

I believe an attack is inevitable in 2025 primarily because of the geopolitical brush fires being ignited across the globe right now. There is also always the looming danger of false flag events designed by covert actors trying to trick the public into placing blame on the wrong culprit

If the two attempted assassinations of Donald Trump in 2024 didnt clue some people in, were on the verge of a violent year. It wasnt hard to predict that terror incidents would come to dominate the news feeds, I just didnt expect that this would happen on the the very first day of 2025.

The incident in New Orleans and the incident in Las Vegas at Trumps hotel and casino share some rather strange details. Both Shamsud-Din Jabbar and Matthew Livelsberger are military veterans, both were stationed at Fort Bragg (now called Fort Liberty) and both were stationed in Afghanistan around the same time. (Take note that attempted Trump assassin Ryan Routh also lived within an hours drive of Fort Bragg up until 2018). Both suspects also used car rental company Turo to obtain the vehicles used for their crimes.

However, authorities say theres no evidence that the men knew each other and their Army deployment records do not show them working together.

Jabbars terror attack in New Orleans killed 15 people and injured dozens more, with reports that he was motivated by Islamic extremism and his goal was to send a message about the war in Gaza. Livelsbergers message was apparently the opposite  mentioning in notes (which the FBI says are verified) that he wanted a wake up call for Americans to support Donald Trump, and warned of a collapse due to sabotage by Democrats.

An interesting side detail: Levelsberger was also a reality TV star on the History Channel show Ultimate Soldier Challenge. And, oddly, there is evidence that Livelsberger was a big Ukraine war proponent and even helped to recruit mercenaries for the Ukrainian side. This is generally not a cause that conservatives support.

I would point out that blowing up a cybertruck outside Trumps Vegas hotel is an odd way to support Trumps cause. Investigators claim the man shot himself before the vehicle exploded. Im not sure how the logistics would work on that or how authorities could make that claim so early in the investigation.

I think its important to note that the Cybertruck is a self driving vehicle and that ANYONE could have killed Livelsberger, placed his body inside and then sent the car on its way loaded with explosives. Just a theory that should be taken into account.

Terror Attacks And Storytelling

Theres a lot more to these stories, but I think we need time for the evidence to present itself. I will say that given the current evidence the Vegas incident in particular reads as highly suspicious. The way government agencies have responded seems like narrative building rather than an honest assessment of the crime. They were constructing a story around Livelsberger on day one. Authorities even let reporters snoop around his house the day after the bombing. Its incredibly odd.

Compare this to trans shooter Audrey Hale and her attack on the Christian school in Nashville in 2023. Look at how agencies tried to hide as much information as possible from the public (the attack was politically and ideologically motivated, yet they never called it terrorism). The government acts differently when a terror attack is real vs when a terror attack is rigged. When its a false flag, they try to plant conclusions in the public consciousness as quickly as possible.

The New Orleans incident? Its hard to say. Maybe all the connections and timing are a coincidence. But if you think the past couple weeks have been strange I suggest you get used to it, because I suspect these kinds of events are about to become the new normal.

Leftists And The Monkey Wrench Gang

As I argued in December there is a serious risk of civil destabilization in 2025 caused by a steady series of terror attacks. Some of them might be planned by legitimate suspects while others could be fabricated by covert interests in order to stir up public fear. I would also warn specifically about far-left groups reverting to Weather Underground-like tactics in order to disrupt conservative reforms.

In terms of seemingly random disasters that benefit the leftist/globalist cause, I often refer to this as the Monkey Wrench Gang scenario. In 1975, author Edward Abbey published a politically charged fiction book titled The Monkey Wrench Gang. The book portrays a group of environmentalist extremists out to stop the pollution of the southwestern US using the sabotage of machines and infrastructure as a means to grind development to a halt.

The Monkey Wrench Gang, published in 1975, has long been considered an inspirational work of fiction for the political left, but it is also treated as a sort of instruction manual for socialist militants  A guide for bringing down the system. It depicts the destruction of minor targets like billboards and bulldozers, up to and including the destruction of bridges, the derailment of trains and the attempted bombing of a dam. Its sort of like the progressive version of The Turner Diaries, published in 1978.

After witnessing the fiery but peaceful activities of groups like Antifa and BLM during the 2020 riots I dont find it hard to believe that there may also be an activist element in the US right now thats willing to engage in infrastructure terrorism and political assassination. This is not to say that the leftists themselves are highly organized, but there is evidence that they are managed by calculating people behind the scenes.

In other words, elitist institutions can very easily use far-left actors to carry out terror attacks because leftists only need a nudge to go down that path. Just as many Islamic fundamentalists are so easy to nudge into mass violence.

Government Apathy Is A Form Of Terrorism

Another way that the establishment contributes to an atmosphere of instability is by simply doing nothing and letting bad things happen. For example, look at the fires in Southern California and the complete lack of infrastructure and resources needed to stop them. Look at the governmental indifference to preparedness. Now compare this to the calculated incompetence and mismanagement during the disastrous fires in Maui in 2023 and you might start to see a pattern

In terms of foreign threats, the open border problem over the past four years has made attacks by outside elements a near guarantee. Bidens apathy on the border was clearly strategic and was designed to create conditions for internal strife.

When the mass deportations start under Trump, be ready for random attacks to skyrocket. I have no doubt whatsoever that establishment interests (various think-tanks and globalist institutions) will instigate mass violence in response to deportations as a way to make the American public pay for their support of closed borders.

Problem, Reaction, Solution

Finally, be especially wary of government bureaucrats pretending they care about stopping the violence while using it as a rationale for restrictions and surveillance of American citizens. The laws we have in place are ALREADY more than enough to deal with the migrant problem or with psychotic woke activists. There is no need to diminish privacy rights, property rights, speech rights, self defense rights or institute martial law to accomplish a secure border and safe communities.

There are many Neo-cons within our government that will try to use public anger over lack of safety as a catalyst for further Patriot Act-like violations of our rights.

Anyone who calls for such measures should be immediately treated as suspect, including Donald Trump if it ever comes to that end. There are millions of patriots out there that view a Trump presidency as a wait and see scenario, not as a panacea that fixes all our ills.

In other words, patriots see the Trump Administration as a PAUSE on the civil war that would have happened under Kamala Harris and the Democrats. The next four years might just end up being one last deep breath before the plunge if Trump cant follow through on his promises, or if Neo-cons and Neo-libs are allowed to use chaos as a vehicle to destroy our liberties.

Make The Establishment Mad  Be Proactive

In terms of the immediate threat of increasing terror events, its not something that we need to live in fear of but it is something we need to be prepared for. Simple planning changes outcomes  Why not carry an EDC kit in your car? At the very least, have a sidearm, extra mags, a medical kit with tourniquets, blood stopping gauze, Israeli bandages and chest seals. Finally, train for emergencies and learn how to manage panic in yourself and others.

Bad things are going to happen around you, or to you. If you stay calm then you have a chance of eliminating the threat or, at the very least, mitigating the damage.

The goal of national destabilization and terror campaigns is to force the populace into a reactionary mindset (read up on Operation Gladio in Europe for better understanding). The last thing the establishment wants is for Americans to be proactive; they dont want you to be prepared, they dont want you to intervene and they certainly dont want you to organize. What they want is for the public to always turn to a central authority, to always wait for others to fix the problem. They want you to wait for permission to act.

This cannot be the way if we are facing a widespread agenda of national sabotage. Our purpose must be to fix these problems ourselves.

Read more at: Alt-Market.us
Texas sues Allstate for secretly tracking drivers, selling data to raise insurance rates

Texas AG Ken Paxton sued Allstate and Arity for illegally collecting and selling driving data of over 45 million Americans without consent.

Allstate allegedly embedded tracking software in third-party apps to monitor drivers' locations and movements in real time.

The collected data was used to raise insurance premiums and sold to other insurers, profiting twice from consumers.

The lawsuit claims violations of the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act, seeking injunctions and civil penalties.

This landmark case could set a precedent for corporate accountability in data privacy and consumer protection.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a groundbreaking lawsuit against Allstate Insurance and its subsidiary, Arity, accusing the companies of illegally collecting, using, and selling the driving behavior data of more than 45 million Americans.

The lawsuit, filed Monday in Montgomery County, Texas, alleges that Allstate built the worlds largest driving behavior database by secretly embedding tracking software into third-party apps, enabling the company to monitor drivers locations and movements in real time. This data was then used to justify raising insurance rates and sold to other insurers, all without consumers knowledge or consent.

According to the lawsuit, Allstate and Arity began integrating tracking software into popular apps as early as 2015. When consumers downloaded these apps  often unaware of the hidden tracking technology  their driving data, including precise geolocation information, was collected and stored. Over time, Allstate amassed trillions of miles worth of data, creating what Paxton described as a driving behavior database that was used to profile and penalize drivers.

Defendants never informed consumers about their extensive data collection, nor did they obtain consumers consent to engage in such data collection, the lawsuit states. Finally, Defendants never informed consumers about the myriad of ways they would analyze, use, and monetize their sensitive data.

Profiting at consumers expense

The lawsuit alleges that Allstate not only used this data to justify raising insurance premiums for its own customers but also sold the information to third-party insurers. This practice allowed Allstate to profit twice: first by charging higher rates and second, by monetizing the data itself.

Our investigation revealed that Allstate and Arity paid millions of dollars to install Allstates tracking software, Paxton said in a statement. The personal data of millions of Americans was sold to insurance companies without their knowledge or consent in violation of the law. Texans deserve better, and we will hold all these companies accountable.

A landmark privacy enforcement action

This lawsuit marks the first time a state attorney general has taken enforcement action under a comprehensive data privacy law. Paxton argues that Allstates actions violate the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act (TDPSA), which requires companies to provide clear notice and obtain informed consent before collecting or selling sensitive data, including precise geolocation information.

Paxton is seeking a permanent injunction to stop Allstate from continuing its data collection practices and is asking the court to impose civil penalties of thousands of dollars per affected customer. The lawsuit also highlights the broader implications of unchecked corporate data collection, particularly in an era where privacy concerns are increasingly at the forefront of public discourse.

Attorney General Ken Paxtons lawsuit against Allstate is a bold move to hold corporations accountable for exploiting consumers personal data. By secretly tracking drivers and using that information to raise insurance rates, Allstate has not only violated Texas law but also eroded trust in the insurance industry. As Paxton stated, Texans deserve better. This case could set a precedent for how states address corporate overreach in the digital age, ensuring that companies prioritize transparency and respect for consumer privacy.

Sources for this article include:

TexasAttorneyGeneral.gov

FoxNews.com

X.com
Wildfires, insurance, and bankruptcy: Mike Adams and Dan Golka reveal how Californias FAIR plan threatens economic stability

Californias FAIR Plan, a last-resort insurance program, faces $500 billion in liabilities due to wildfires, leaving the state at risk of financial collapse and potential bankruptcy.

Chronic mismanagement, including fire department budget cuts and empty reservoirs, has left California ill-prepared to handle wildfires, worsening the financial and human toll.

Over 12,500 structures have been destroyed, displacing communities and leaving homeowners with overwhelming insurance claims, permitting delays, and uncertain futures.

Many insurers have exited California, forcing homeowners to rely on the costly and unreliable FAIR Plan, which could lead to plummeting real estate values and economic instability.

Experts urge better leadership and accountability, warning that Californias future depends on addressing systemic mismanagement and preparing for escalating climate-related disasters.

As wildfires continue to ravage California, the states FAIR Plana last-resort insurance programfaces a staggering $500 billion liability, according to Dan Golka, a California-based expert on economics, real estate, and disaster preparedness. In a recent interview with Mike Adams, Golka painted a grim picture of a state teetering on the edge of financial disaster, exacerbated by mismanagement, budget cuts, and the escalating costs of wildfire recovery.

The FAIR Plan, designed to provide insurance coverage for homeowners who cannot secure policies through traditional insurers, is now under immense strain as wildfires destroy thousands of structures across the state. Golka warned that California may be forced to sell bonds or seek a federal bailout to cover the massive payouts. However, with a potential Trump administration unlikely to offer assistance, the state could face unprecedented financial challenges.

This could be a bankruptcy situation where you could actually see the state lose everything, Golka said during the interview. The only thing California knows how to do is raise taxes, but we already have the highest personal income taxes and energy prices in the country. Theres no easy way out of this.

A Perfect Storm of Mismanagement

The crisis is not solely the result of natural disasters. Golka and Adams highlighted the states chronic mismanagement of resources, including empty reservoirs and budget cuts to fire departments. Golka revealed that the city of Los Angeles alone slashed $17.6 million from its fire budget, resulting in the loss of 100 mechanics and 100 fire apparatuses, including engines and pumps. These cuts left the city ill-prepared to combat the recent wildfires, which were fueled by Santa Ana winds reaching speeds of up to 75 miles per hour.

The mayor of Los Angeles was in Ghana during the crisis, attending an African presidential inauguration, Golka said. Meanwhile, the city was burning, and the fire department was underfunded and understaffed. Its a level of incompetence thats hard to fathom.

The Human Cost

The human toll of the wildfires is devastating. Over 12,500 structures have been lost, including homes, businesses, and entire communities. Golka shared a personal story about his daughter, who narrowly escaped evacuation orders near the Eaton Fire. The air quality in her area reached hazardous levels, with an Air Quality Index (AQI) of 185nearly double the threshold considered dangerous.

People are losing everything, Golka said. Theyre upside down on their mortgages, dealing with insurance companies that are overwhelmed, and facing a permitting process that could take years. Some hillsides may never be rebuilt.

Insurance Nightmares

The insurance crisis is another critical issue. Many insurers have pulled out of California, leaving homeowners to rely on the FAIR Plan, which Golka described as expensive and unreliable. The prices arent fair, and filing a claim is a nightmare, he said. People are going to be stuck in a labyrinth of delays and skyrocketing costs.

Adams added that real estate values could plummet if insurance becomes unattainable. What bank is going to approve a loan on a home with no insurance? he asked.

A Looming Financial Collapse

With the FAIR Plans liabilities estimated at nearly $500 billion, California faces a dire financial future. Golka suggested that the state might have to sell bonds or seek federal assistance, but with a potential Trump administration unlikely to provide a bailout, the options are limited.

California is on the brink of collapse, Golka said. The states leadership has failed to prepare for this crisis, and now homeowners and businesses are paying the price.

A Call for Accountability

Both Golka and Adams emphasized the need for accountability and better leadership. Golka pointed to the states failure to address infrastructure issues, such as empty reservoirs and outdated firefighting equipment, as evidence of systemic mismanagement.

People need to wake up and hold their leaders accountable, Golka said. This isnt just about wildfiresits about the future of California and whether it can survive as a functioning state.

As the fires continue to burn and the financial fallout mounts, Californias residents are left to navigate a landscape of uncertainty, with little hope of relief on the horizon. The states FAIR Plan, once a safety net, now stands as a symbol of a system pushed to its breaking point.

For now, the question remains: Can California recover, or is it headed for financial disaster? The answer may depend on whether its leaders can rise to the challengeor whether the state will be forced to confront the consequences of years of neglect and mismanagement.

Watch this full episode of the "Health Ranger Report" with Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, and Dan Golka as they talk about California's catastrophic fires, political failures and possible State bankruptcy.

This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Trump demands Newsoms resignation as California wildfires rage: This is all his fault!

Financial COLLAPSE remains one of the biggest threats to the social order of America

Biden announces additional $500M military aid for Ukraine as California wildfires displace 70,000 residents

State Farm cancels thousands of home insurance policies in the Pacific Palisades region months before deadly fires

Sources include:

Brighteon.com

iAllegedly.com
Biden-Harris regime leaves behind a totalitarian legacy of federal abuses, the weaponization of federal agencies, surveillance, censorship, show trials, religious persecution, and more

The Biden-Harris regime is leaving behind a legacy of government abuses, censorship of Americans, and the weaponization of law enforcement against their political opponents. Two House committees have uncovered evidence of systemic abuse by federal agencies , the Intelligence Community, and Democratic leaders to suppress conservative voices, manipulate elections, and expand government overreach. Reports released in December 2024 by the House Administration Committees Subcommittee on Oversight and the House Judiciary Committees Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government detail a coordinated effort to weaponize law enforcement against Americans. These findings expose a troubling pattern of censorship, surveillance, and political targeting that undermines constitutional principles and raises alarming questions about the future of American democracy.

Key Findings:

Federal agencies, including the FBI, IRS, and DHS, targeted conservatives, parents, and religious groups.

The Biden-Harris Administration pressured social media companies to censor dissenting voices and suppress election-related information.

The January 6 Committee was accused of rigging its investigation to condemn former President Donald Trump.

Whistleblowers revealed widespread politicization within the FBI and retaliation against agents who exposed abuses.

Financial institutions were deputized to surveil Americans transactions without warrants.

The January 6 Committee: A rigged show trial

The House Administration Subcommittees report on the January 6 Committee revealed a deeply flawed and partisan investigation. Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi violated House rules by rejecting Republican nominees and handpicking members, including Rep. Liz Cheney, who openly opposed Trump. The committee selectively pursued evidence, ignored exculpatory information, and staged public hearings to amplify a predetermined narrative.

For example, the committee featured testimony from Cassidy Hutchinson, a former White House aide, whose claims about Trumps behavior were later debunked by handwriting experts and firsthand witnesses. The subcommittee also uncovered evidence that Pelosi and senior Defense Department officials delayed deploying the National Guard to the Capitol on January 6, despite Trumps authorization of 10,000 troops to ensure safety.

The January 6 Committee was an undemocratic, rigged, partisan show trial akin to Soviet and Chinese trials staged to justify a result rather than find the truth, the report concluded.

The Biden-Harris censorship complex

The Justice Subcommittees 17,000-page report exposed a sprawling censorship campaign orchestrated by the Biden-Harris Administration. Internal communications revealed that the White House pressured social media platforms, Amazon, and other companies to suppress content critical of the administration.

Key examples include:

Social Media Censorship : Twitter (now X) removed a tweet by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at the White Houses request. Facebook and YouTube suppressed stories about Hunter Bidens laptop, falsely labeling them as Russian disinformation.

: Twitter (now X) removed a tweet by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at the White Houses request. Facebook and YouTube suppressed stories about Hunter Bidens laptop, falsely labeling them as Russian disinformation. Coercion of social media: Facebook suppressed journalism on the origins of SARS-CoV-2, vaccine injury, and a host of other COVID issues that were based on government and Big Pharma propaganda, coercing individuals to take experimental injections.

Facebook suppressed journalism on the origins of SARS-CoV-2, vaccine injury, and a host of other COVID issues that were based on government and Big Pharma propaganda, coercing individuals to take experimental injections. Book Suppression : Amazon altered algorithms to reduce visibility of books critical of the administration, especially books on vaccine truth.

: Amazon altered algorithms to reduce visibility of books critical of the administration, especially books on vaccine truth. AI Manipulation: The administration funded AI-powered censorship tools and pressured developers to exclude disfavored information from training datasets.

The use of financial surveillance and reporting requirements to track and investigate Americans' financial transactions has been another area of concern. These requirements, which include the reporting of large cash transactions and the monitoring of financial accounts, have been criticized as a potential tool for political repression. The report also highlighted the administrations failure to defend Americans free speech rights abroad. For instance, the FBI facilitated censorship requests from Ukrainian intelligence agencies, targeting American journalists and verified State Department accounts.

Weaponizing federal law enforcement

The Justice Subcommittees investigation uncovered alarming abuses by federal law enforcement agencies:

FBI Targeting of parents: The FBI labeled pro-life activists, parents at school board meetings, and radical-traditionalist Catholics as domestic terrorists. A leaked memorandum proposed infiltrating Catholic churches to mitigate perceived threats.

IRS Harassment: The IRS conducted unannounced home visits to intimidate critics, including journalist Matt Taibbi, who testified about government censorship.

FTC targeting Elon Musk: Democratic elected officials called for the FTC to block Musk's purchase of Twitter.

Financial Surveillance: The FBI encouraged banks to file Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) based on political affiliations, such as contributions to conservative organizations or purchases of religious texts.

Whistleblowers within the FBI described the agency as cancerous and rotted at its core, with leadership retaliating against agents who exposed abuses.

The findings of these House committees paint a disturbing picture of a federal government increasingly weaponized against its own citizens. From the rigged January 6 Committee to the Biden-Harris Administrations censorship complex, these actions represent a dangerous erosion of constitutional protections and a betrayal of public trust.

Sources include:

AmericanMind.org

AmericanMind.org

RealClearPolitics.com
Concerns rise over the potential release of new engineered, weaponized and even deadlier pathogens

COVID-19 vaccines have been linked to numerous short-term deaths and long-term health risks.

Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, and Steve Quayle warn of a potential "die-off" of vaccinated individuals, particularly in urban, politically liberal areas, which could destabilize essential services and shift demographic and political landscapes.

The docuseries highlights the risk of engineered and weaponized versions of other pathogens being released, citing historical incidents like the disappearance of smallpox from a Russian facility.

Adams and Quayle explore the rise of transhumanism, including AI-integrated technologies like Neuralink, warning of a future where humanity is replaced by digitally enhanced systems.

In a world grappling with the aftermath of a global pandemic, a new wave of concern is emerging over the long-term effects of Wuhan coronavirus (COVID-19 vaccines) and the potential release of new engineered and weaponized pathogens.

This warning is according to Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, and Steve Quayle, in the fourth chapter of their docuseries "Battlefield America: 2022-2024."

They warn that the vaccines administered to millions may be linked to a growing "die-off" of vaccinated individuals, while the threat of engineered bioweapons looms large. These claims, though controversial, have sparked intense debate about public health policies, scientific integrity and the future of global stability.

The docuseries, released in 2022, delves into alarming assertions about the vaccines' impact on human health. Adams and Quayle argue that the vaccines, which have been widely adopted  with 96 percent of federal workers vaccinated, according to the White House  are causing short-term deaths from conditions like myocarditis, heart attacks and strokes.

Medium-term effects, they claim, include immune system failures and antibody-dependent enhancement, while long-term consequences could involve autoimmune disorders, cancer and neurological degeneration. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has projected approximately 15,000 daily deaths in America, attributing them to COVID-19. However, Adams and Quayle contend these deaths are vaccine-related. (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.")

The implications of such a die-off are staggering. Urban centers, particularly in politically liberal areas, could face significant population declines, destabilizing essential services and altering the demographic and political landscape. Adams and Quayle suggest that this could lead to a "surviving contingent" of unvaccinated individuals, including former police officers, firefighters and military personnel, who resisted vaccine mandates. This raises questions about societal cohesion and the potential for increased social divisions.

Adams and Quayle warn of future weaponized pathogens

Beyond vaccine concerns, the docuseries warns of the potential release of weaponized pathogens like engineered versions of the Ebola and Marburg viruses or even smallpox.

Adams and Quayle reference historical incidents, such as the disappearance of 12,000 gallons of smallpox from a Russian bioweapons facility, to underscore the gravity of the threat. They argue that such bioweapons could be deployed to instill fear and control populations, with devastating consequences.

"The ultimate goal," Adams states, "is nothing short of human extinction or annihilation."

The docuseries also explores the role of transhumanism and advanced technologies in reshaping humanity. Adams highlights the development of artificial intelligence-integrated microprocessors and Neuralink technology, which could lead to a future where humans are directly connected to digital systems, blurring the line between biology and technology.

"This is about replacing humanity with something else," Adams warns, drawing parallels to dystopian narratives like the hit film series "The Matrix."

Historical context adds weight to these claims. The use of bioweapons dates back centuries, with smallpox-infected blankets used against Native Americans during the American expansion, and Japan's Unit 731 conducting horrific experiments against captives during World War II.

The Cold War saw both the U.S. and the Soviet Union stockpiling biological weapons, and recent advancements in genetic engineering have only heightened concerns about their potential misuse.

Adams and Quayle's assertions, while provocative, are met with skepticism by many in the scientific community. Critics argue that their claims lack empirical evidence and rely heavily on conjecture. However, the docuseries has resonated with a segment of the population wary of government overreach and corporate influence in public health.

The broader implications of these claims are profound. If even a fraction of the scenarios outlined in "Battlefield America" come to pass, the consequences for global stability, public trust and human survival could be catastrophic. As Adams and Quayle urge viewers to question the rhetoric surrounding vaccines and bioweapons, the docuseries serves as a stark reminder of the need for transparency, accountability and rigorous scientific inquiry in addressing the challenges of our time.

Watch this clip of a Canadian physician discussing how COVID-19 is a destructive bioweapon.

This video is from the Follower of Christ777 channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Health Ranger Report: Mike Adams and Dr. William Makis discuss Big Pharma's suppression of ivermectin in favor of $500,000 mRNA cancer vaccine.

A warning to the world? BioNTech CEO avoids COVID-19 vaccine he helped create.

Coronavirus Oversight Committee releases "Action Review" report on lessons learned and "path forward" out of COVID.

COVID-19 was the 34th TERRORIST ATTACK involving BIOLOGICAL AGENTS from 1970 to 2020, meant to create panic, mass casualties and economic disruption.

Dr. Daniel Nagase warns of possible GLOBAL CATASTROPHE as Japan plans to roll out world's first self-replicating mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

Sources include:

Audiobooks.NaturalNews.com

Brighteon.com
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. The meeting of the Azerbaijani Central Election Commission (CEC) was held under the chairmanship of Mazahir Panahov on January 14, 2025, Trend reports via CEC.

It was noted that first, the minutes of the Commission's meeting of January 8, 2025, were approved. Then the issue of changing the composition of district election commissions in some election districts was considered. The Central Election Commission decided to change the composition of district election commissions in Sabirabad-Shirvan election district No. 68, Jalilabad rural election district No. 72, Aghjabedi election district No. 86, and Aghdam-Khojaly election district No. 118.

Subsequently, the assembly deliberated on the petitions submitted to the Central Election Commission pertaining to the municipal electoral process slated for January 29, 2025. Subsequent to an extensive discourse regarding the appeals, judicious determinations were rendered. The assembly also disseminated comprehensive insights on strategic awareness-raising initiatives pertaining to the forthcoming electoral process, which are being vigorously advanced by the Central Election Commission, while also deliberating on pertinent contemporary issues.

To note, this Azerbaijani municipal election 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
MASK OFF: Former British lawmaker and LGBT advocate Ivor Caplin ARRESTED in pedophile sting operation

Former lawmaker Ivor Caplin, a prominent figure in Tony Blair's government, was arrested on suspicion of engaging in online sexual communications with a child.

Caplin's arrest, captured in a Facebook livestream, highlights concerns about child abuse and cover-ups within British politics, particularly given his public image as an LGBT supporter.

Caplin's suspension from the Labour Party last year over "disturbing behavior" raises questions about the party's handling of allegations and its reluctance to address these issues.

Caplin's case is part of a larger pattern of abuse by high-ranking officials, with the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse exposing systemic failures in addressing child sexual abuse.

The incident underscores the need for confronting the dark truths of abuse in British politics and ensuring that no one, regardless of their position, is above the law.

The arrest of former Member of Parliament (MP) Ivor Caplin on suspicion of engaging in online sexual communications with a child has sent shockwaves throughout British politics.

The former MP for Hove from 1997 to 2005 and once-prominent figure in the government of former British Prime Minister Tony Blair was detained in Brighton following a sting operation Saturday, Jan. 11, by pedophile hunters. Caplin's arrest, which was captured in a Facebook livestream viewed by over 36,000 people, reignited concerns about the pervasive culture of child abuse and cover-ups within the British political elite.

The MP's arrest is particularly jarring given his public persona as a vocal supporter of the LGBT community. His social media feeds filled with LGBT content suggest a man who positioned himself as a progressive advocate. But this appears to have been a facade, a screen behind which he allegedly hid his predatory behavior.

Interestingly, Caplin was suspended from the Labour Party last year over unspecified "disturbing behavior"  with the move raising alarming questions. If the allegations were related to sexual abuse of children, why were they not reported to authorities sooner?

Labour's reluctance to address these issues is telling. Caplin remained an unofficial spokesman for the party even after his suspension, appearing on GB News to defend incumbent British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and criticize Elon Musk's campaign to expose the grooming gang scandal.

But days after his televised appearance, he was caught attempting to meet a young boy for sex. This brazen hypocrisy underscores a culture of impunity among the political elite, where individuals believe they are above the law.

The dark legacy of CHILD ABUSE in British institutions

Caplin's case is not an isolated one. It is part of a disturbing pattern of behavior among high-ranking officials who have exploited their positions of power to prey on vulnerable children.

In 2020, the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) exposed how British government institutions systematically failed to address allegations of child sexual abuse  with some politicians actively shielding predators. Figures like the later Peter Morrison, private secretary to former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, and the late Liberal MP for Rochdale Cyril Smith were known or rumored to have engaged in such abuses. They were protected from prosecution, however.

The IICSA report highlights the systemic failures that allowed such abuses to persist. From the 1960s to the 1990s, government institutions turned a blind eye to allegations, shielded abusers and even honored some of them.

For instance, Thatcher pushed for a knighthood for Jimmy Savile despite media revelations about his crimes. The Paedophile Information Exchange (PIE), which campaigned for the normalization of pedophilia, was even allowed to participate in London's Gay Pride March in 1983. PIE existed for 10 years and was disbanded in 1984, a year after it joined the march.

Caplin's case is a stark reminder that the problem is far from resolved. His refusal to specify the nature of his disturbing behavior and its broader reluctance to support a public inquiry into the grooming gang scandal suggest a fear of what further revelations might uncover. As the IICSA report noted, there was a "fundamental failure to see the problem and a lack of moral courage to confront it." (Related: Prominent Church of England leaders RESIGN from priesthood amid allegations of mishandled sex abuse cases.)

The victims of these abuses deserve justice, not silence. The arrest of Caplin should serve as a wake-up call for British politics. It is time to confront the dark truths that have been buried for too long and to ensure that no one, regardless of their position, is above the law.

Head over to GodsWrath.news for more stories like this.

Watch this WUSA 9 news report about former College Park, Maryland Mayor Patrick Wojahn being arrested over child pornography charges.

This video is from the In Search of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

President of Canadian LGBT group arrested on PEDOPHILIA charges.

Another prominent LGBT activist ARRESTED for child sexual exploitation.

Director of California LGBT center ARRESTED in child predator sting operation.

Prominent Philadelphia LGBT activist ARRESTED for allegedly sexually assaulting 2 kids.

Another prominent LGBT activist ARRESTED and CHARGED with multiple grievous sexual offenses involving a minor.

Sources include:

TheNationalPulse.com

HotAir.com

Reuters.com

Brighteon.com
High winds expected to worsen Los Angeles wildfires as firefighters brace for escalation

Southern California faces high winds up to 70 mph, worsening wildfires that have killed 24, destroyed thousands of homes, and burned over 62 square miles.

Firefighting aircraft may be grounded due to dangerous conditions, hindering containment efforts for the Eaton and Palisades fires.

Nearly 100,000 residents are under evacuation orders, with fears of new flare-ups as embers can travel miles, igniting fresh blazes.

Criticism mounts over LAs preparedness, citing budget cuts and resource shortages, as damages reach $250 billion, the costliest in U.S. history.

Recovery efforts face challenges, with no rain in eight months, $14.8 billion in reconstruction costs, and $2.5 billion in emergency funding requested.

As Southern California braces for another round of powerful winds, firefighters and residents are preparing for what could be a devastating escalation of the wildfires that have already claimed at least 24 lives, destroyed thousands of homes, and scorched over 62 square miles.

The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning and a "Particularly Dangerous Situation" (PDS) Red Flag Warning for much of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, with gusts expected to reach up to 70 mph. These conditions, forecast to last through Wednesday, could ground firefighting aircraft and create an "extremely dangerous environment" for rapid fire growth.

The warnings come as firefighters continue to battle the massive Eaton and Palisades fires, which remain only partially contained. The Palisades Fire, the largest of the blazes, has already consumed over 23,000 acres, while the Eaton Fire has devastated neighborhoods in Altadena and Pasadena. With winds expected to intensify, officials fear new flare-ups could overwhelm already strained resources.

Winds threaten to ground firefighting efforts

Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone warned that winds exceeding 70 mph could make things challenging. Firefighting aircraft, a critical tool in battling the blazes, may be grounded if conditions worsen. Radio outages could complicate matters even further.

"We know on Tuesday, those 70 mph winds, if we get another fire start it's going to be very difficult to contain even with all of the resources that we have from out of state and from the federal government," Marrone said.

The high winds, combined with low humidity and dry vegetation, create a perfect storm for fire spread. Embers from existing fires can travel miles, igniting new blazes in areas previously untouched. "Those embers can travel for miles, and it's often the neighborhoods that are closer to the wildlands that get inundated with just loads and loads - just showered with embers," said Anne Cope, chief engineer at the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety.

Residents on edge as evacuations continue

For residents like Tabitha Trosen, the threat of new fires is a constant source of anxiety. "Its like, how do I take care of myself, and what are the things that will ground me as a human and remind me of my background and my life and my family?" Trosen said, describing her preparations to evacuate with her cats and cherished belongings.

Nearly 100,000 people remain under evacuation orders, with officials urging residents in high-risk areas to leave before formal orders are issued. Tim Kang of La Crescenta heeded that advice last week, fleeing his home as fires approached. "Everything just felt like, Oh man, the worlds ending," Kang said.

Criticism mounts over LAs lack of preparedness

The escalating crisis has drawn criticism of Los Angeles lack of preparedness. Despite Mayor Karen Bass and officials claiming the city is "absolutely better prepared" this week, questions linger about the citys ability to handle such disasters. Critics point to recent budget cuts to firefighting resources, which have left the city understaffed and under-equipped.

The fires have already caused an estimated $250 billion in damages, making them thecostliest in U.S.history. Reconstruction costs for affected areas could reach $14.8 billion, according to CoreLogic. Yet, the citys response has been hampered by a lack of water resources, including the empty Santa Ynez Reservoir, which was drained last year due to contamination concerns.

A long road to recovery

As firefighters work tirelessly to contain the blazes, the road to recovery remains uncertain. Authorities are still searching for victims, with at least two dozen people reported missing.

The situation is unlikely to improve soon. With no significant rainfall in over eight months and no relief in sight, the region remains a tinderbox. Governor Gavin Newsom has called for $2.5 billion in emergency funding to address the crisis, but the scale of the devastation suggests it could take months, if not years, for affected communities to rebuild.

For now, residents and firefighters alike are left to hope that the winds will subside before they can fan the flames of further destruction.

Sources for this article include:

Weather.gov

Weather.gov

APNews.com

CBSNews.com
Israeli soldiers refuse to fight in Gaza, citing ethical concerns and mental anguish

Over 200 Israeli soldiers refuse to fight in Gaza, citing ethical concerns and psychological trauma from the conflict.

Soldiers describe witnessing and participating in actions they deem morally untenable, including civilian harm and property destruction.

International pressure mounts as Israel faces war crime and genocide allegations, with investigations by global courts.

A toxic military culture discourages dissent and mental health support, exacerbating soldiers' psychological struggles.

The soldiers' protest aims to demand accountability, spark change, and end the cycle of violence in Gaza.

In a rare and growing act of defiance, Israeli soldiers are refusing to continue fighting in Gaza, citing ethical concerns over the killing of civilians and the psychological toll of participating in a conflict they describe as morally untenable. At least 200 soldiers have signed a letter vowing to stop fighting unless the Israeli government secures a ceasefire, marking a significant moment of dissent within a military known for its unity and discipline.

The movement, though small, has gained traction as soldiers like Yotam Vilk, a 28-year-old officer in the armored corps, speak out about the horrors they witnessed. Vilk recounted the killing of an unarmed Palestinian teenager in a buffer zone, an act he says was part of a broader policy that dehumanized Palestinians. He died as part of a bigger story. As part of the policy of staying there and not seeing Palestinians as people, Vilk told the Associated Press.

The soldiers refusal to serve comes amid mounting international pressure on Israel to end the 15-month conflict, which has drawn accusations of war crimes and genocide from human rights groups. The International Court of Justice is investigating genocide allegations filed by South Africa, while the International Criminal Court is seeking the arrests of Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

A moral reckoning

For many soldiers, the decision to refuse service stems from a moral reckoning with their actions in Gaza. Yuval Green, a 27-year-old medic, abandoned his post after witnessing soldiers desecrate homes and loot belongings as souvenirs.

Green described one particularly harrowing incident in which his commander ordered troops to burn down a house, claiming it could be used by Hamas. He said he felt the fire vindictive and saw no reason to take more away from the Palestinians than they had lost already.

The soldiers accounts align with allegations from international rights groups, which accuse Israel of indiscriminate violence and a failure to adequately investigate wrongdoing. Israel denies these claims, insisting it takes extraordinary measures to minimize civilian harm.

Despite the growing dissent, many soldiers face significant barriers to speaking out. The Israeli military discourages political activism among its ranks, and soldiers who refuse to serve risk imprisonment. Moreover, a culture of silence and stigma surrounds mental health issues, with some commanders reportedly belittling soldiers who seek help.

A recent investigation by Haaretz revealed that some officers have denied soldiers access to mental health professionals, dismissing their concerns as weakness. One soldier said his company commander accused him of betrayal when he sought psychological support, while another implied seeking help meant he was homosexual.

This toxic environment has exacerbated the mental health crisis among soldiers, many of whom suffer from moral injury  a psychological response to actions that conflict with ones ethical beliefs. Tuly Flint, a trauma therapy specialist, said symptoms include flashbacks, insomnia, and feelings of unworthiness. Talking about it and trying to spark change can help, Flint said.

A call for change

The soldiers refusal to fight is not just an act of protest but a call for accountability and change. Max Kresch, an organizer with Soldiers for the Hostages, the group behind the letter, said soldiers have a moral responsibility to speak out. We need to use our voice to speak up in the face of injustice, even if that is unpopular, he said.

As the ceasefire talks continue, the soldiers dissent underscores the human cost of a conflict that has left deep scars on both sides. For Vilk, Green, and others, the decision to refuse service is a painful but necessary step toward breaking the cycle of violence. I didnt light the match, but I stood guard outside the house, one anonymous soldier said. I participated in war crimes. Im so sorry for what weve done.

Sources for this article include:

APNews.com

X.com

Telegraph.co.uk

TimesOfIsrael.com
Newsom faces scrutiny over reservoir claims amid wildfire crisis

Gov. Gavin Newsom of California faced criticism for claiming state reservoirs were "completely full" during an interview, despite a critical Los Angeles County reservoir being drained for over a year.

Wildfires in Southern California have destroyed over 12,300 homes, killed at least 16 people and burned more than 40,000 acres, exacerbating the controversy surrounding Newsom's comments.

President-elect Donald Trump accused Newsom of mismanaging California's water resources, leading to the governor's defense of his administration's water management policies.

The prolonged closure of the Santa Ynez Reservoir, serving the Pacific Palisades area, has drawn sharp criticism, particularly as fire hydrants in the area reportedly ran dry during the crisis.

Newsom's interview sparked mixed reactions on social media due to his animated body language, while the governor defended his administration's response to the wildfires and invited Trump to visit California to assess the damage firsthand.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom is under fire for claiming that state reservoirs were "completely full" during a recent interview, despite evidence showing that a critical Los Angeles County reservoir had been drained for over a year.

The controversy erupted as wildfires ravaged Southern California, destroying over 12,300 homes, killing at least 16 people and burning more than 40,000 acres. Newsom's remarks, made during a pre-taped interview with NBC's "Meet the Press," have sparked criticism from political opponents and raised questions about the state's water management and emergency preparedness.

The governor's comments came in response to criticism from President-elect Donald Trump, who accused Newsom of mismanaging California's water resources, particularly by prioritizing the protection of the Delta smelt fish over water delivery to drought-stricken regions.

"The reservoirs are completely full  the state reservoirs here in Southern California," Newsom said during the interview. "That mis- and disinformation I don't think advantages or aids any of us."

However, reporters quickly pointed out that the Santa Ynez Reservoir, a 117-million-gallon facility serving the Pacific Palisades area, had been offline since February 2023 for repairs. The reservoir's absence left firefighters struggling with low water pressure as they battled the Palisades Fire, which has burned over 23,000 acres and remains only 11 percent contained.

The Santa Ynez Reservoir's prolonged closure has become a focal point of the debate. The facility, operated by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), was taken offline to address leaks and repair its cover. However, its absence during the wildfires has drawn sharp criticism, particularly as fire hydrants in the area reportedly ran dry during the crisis.

Newsom acknowledged the issue during the interview but emphasized that the reservoir is not part of the state system.

"That's exactly what triggered my desire to get the investigation to understand what was happening with that local reservoir," he said. "That was not a state system reservoir, which the president-elect was referring to as it relates to the Delta smelt."

Newsom has since launched an independent investigation into the reservoir's management, but critics argue that the move is an attempt to deflect blame.

"How could it be when we're doing an independent investigation and we just want the adjudication of the facts?" Newsom said. "It's not about finger-pointing. It's about answering the questions you and everybody want answered."

Newsom's interview drew widespread attention, not only for his remarks but also for his animated body language. Throughout the 18-minute conversation, the governor frequently clapped, gestured and rocked back and forth, prompting mixed reactions on social media.

"Who the hell is he dancing with?" one viewer wrote on X, while another commented, "His physical gestures are over the top and distracting."

Despite the criticism, Newsom defended his administration's response to the wildfires, emphasizing the challenges posed by extreme weather conditions.

"Did it contribute in any way to our inability to fight the fire? Or were 99 mile-an-hour winds determinative and there was really no firefight that could've been more meaningful?" he asked.

Wildfires reignite Trump and Newsom feud

The wildfires have reignited a long-standing feud between Newsom and Trump, who has repeatedly criticized California's handling of natural disasters. In a post on Truth Social, Trump accused Newsom of refusing to accept federal assistance for water management, writing: "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." (Related: Trump demands Newsom's resignation as California wildfires rage: "This is all his fault!")

Newsom, meanwhile, has urged Trump to visit California to assess the damage firsthand.

"I called for him to come out, take a look for himself," he said, referencing a letter he sent to the president-elect. "We want to do it in the spirit of an open hand, not a closed fist."

Visit Disaster.news for more updates on Los Angeles wildfires.

Watch the video below where InfoWars' Alex Jones talks about America turning against Newsom concerning the wildfires in Los Angeles.

This video is from the Ron Gibson Channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Democratic leadership failures exposed as Los Angeles burns.

Biden defends Newsom and Bass, claims utility companies cut power to water pumps during Los Angeles wildfires.

Adam Carolla lambasts Democrats over handling of California fires, predicts liberals will flee.

California wildfires spark conspiracy theories: Were fires set to trigger economic and ecological collapse?

Texas vs. California: Los Angeles wildfires expose stark difference in disaster response and governance between the two states.

Sources include:

NYPost.com

DailyMail.co.uk

Brighteon.com
Texas AG Ken Paxton sues TikTok for exploiting minors and endangering national security

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against TikTok, accusing the platform of exposing minors to explicit content, misleading parents about its addictive nature, and posing national security risks due to its Chinese ownership.

The lawsuit alleges that TikTok is filled with inappropriate content, including profanity, sexual themes, violence, and drug-related material, which is easily accessible to children as young as 13.

TikTok's "endless scroll" feature is designed to keep users, especially minors, in a state of constant consumption, leading to addiction and negative impacts on mental and physical health, particularly among young women.

TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, is based in China, raising fears that user data could be exploited for surveillance or propaganda, prompting bipartisan efforts to force a sale or ban of the app in the United States.

The lawsuit is part of broader efforts to hold TikTok accountable, with the U.S. Supreme Court set to review the constitutionality of a potential ban, highlighting the urgency for stronger regulations on social media platforms tied to adversarial foreign governments.

In a bold move to protect Texas children and uphold American values, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against TikTok, accusing the Chinese-owned social media platform of exposing minors to explicit content, misleading parents about its addictive nature, and jeopardizing national security.

This is the latest in a series of legal actions against TikTok, which has become a lightning rod for controversy due to its alleged ties to the Chinese Communist Party and its harmful impact on young users.

The lawsuit, filed in Galveston County District Court, paints a damning picture of TikTok's practices. According to the complaint, TikTok is "rife with profanity, sexual content, violence, mature themes, and drug and alcohol content."

The state's investigation revealed that minors as young as 13 are being bombarded with "virtually endless amounts of extreme and mature videos," some of which have garnered millions of views. These videos, the lawsuit argues, would "shock the conscience of an individual of any age," let alone impressionable children. (Related: TikTok files emergency injunction to block U.S. ban, citing Constitutional violations and lack of evidence.)

TikTok accused of deliberately designing its platform to be ADDICTIVE

But the problem goes beyond inappropriate content. TikTok has been accused of deliberately designing its platform to be addictive. The app's "endless scroll" feature, which keeps users in a "dreamlike state of content consumption," is a core part of its business model. The more time users spend on the app, the more advertisements they see, and the more money TikTok makes. This addictive design, combined with TikTok's misleading claims about the app's safety, has left countless minors hooked  often to the detriment of their mental and physical health.

The lawsuit highlights the devastating impact TikTok has had on young women in particular, citing rampant body image issues, eating disorders and even suicide. Despite these alarming trends, TikTok continues to market itself as a safe and age-appropriate platform. The app is rated 12+ in the Apple App Store and "T for Teen" in other app stores, giving parents and children a false sense of security. In reality, the platform is anything but safe for minors.

This lawsuit is not just about protecting children; it's also about protecting America. TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, is based in China, a country with a long history of exploiting technology for surveillance and propaganda. Critics argue that TikTok's data collection practices pose a significant national security risk, as the Chinese government could potentially access sensitive information about American users. This concern has led to bipartisan efforts to force ByteDance to sell TikTok or face a ban in the United States.

The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on the constitutionality of such a ban, which was signed into law by President Joe Biden in April 2024. The law gives ByteDance until January 19, 2025, to divest from TikTok or risk being banned from U.S. app stores and web hosting services. TikTok has pushed back, calling the law "a massive and unprecedented speech restriction" and arguing that it violates the First Amendment.

This lawsuit is a critical step in holding TikTok accountable for its deceptive practices and ensuring that American families are protected from its harmful effects. It also underscores the urgent need for stronger regulations on social media platforms, particularly those with ties to adversarial foreign governments.

Read more stories like this at Surveillance.news.

Supreme Court looks likely to uphold law that bans TikTok. Watch this video.

This video is from the Trending News channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Lawmakers tell Apple and Google: Prepare to delist TikTok from app stores as ByteDance's January deadline to divest nears.

TikTok files lawsuit against Biden administration over law forcing sale of app.

TikTok ban, Tesla's Chinese partnerships mark new phase in brewing U.S.-China data security war.

TikTok ban bill could lead to broader surveillance and censorship by the U.S. government.

TikTok becoming a platform for child sexual exploitation.

Sources include:

Epochtimes.com

TexasTribune.org

Courthousenews.com

Brighteon.com
RABBIT FEVER PANDEMIC? Gain-of-function RHDV2 studies UNDERWAY to figure out how Big Pharma can make the disease transferable to humans for the next plandemic

Trump and RFK Jr. are raising concerns about U.S. agencies like NIH, FDA, and CDC funding studies to make animal diseases transmissible to humans, arguing that such research should be illegal and its violators should face severe punishment.

A recent study aims to modify the bacterium responsible for tularemia to better understand its ability to infect humans, raising fears of accidental creation of more dangerous strains that could pose significant public health threats.

CDC reports a 56% increase in tularemia cases in the United States between 2011 and 2022 compared to 2001-2010, prompting concerns about the need for better preventive and treatment measures.

There is skepticism about the safety and potential side effects of mRNA vaccines, with critics drawing parallels to previous vaccine pandemics and expressing concerns about the impact on public health.

Will Trump and RFK Jr. be able to put an end to this madness where insidious U.S. agencies like NIH, FDA, and CDC fund and facilitate studies to figure out how they can make deadly animal diseases transferrable to humans? Gain-of-function research should be illegal, and those who violate these laws should spend the rest of their life in prison for endangering all of humankind. Gain-of-function research, a.k.a. White Coat Projects are run on viruses that are prominent in bats, birds, monkeys and rabbits, and U.S. taxpayer money pays for it all.

Tularensis, a.k.a. Rabbit Fever, may be the next plandemic that Big Pharma and the globalists use to lockdown the world, force-vaccinate everyone with deadly mRNA jabs, and bring back mask mandates while limiting travel to those who have a vaccine passport.

Get ready for the fake news industrial complex, Big Pharma, and the globalists to release Rabbit Fever or ROVID-25 soon

In a recent development that has raised eyebrows among scientists and the public alike, a group of researchers has embarked on a controversial study aimed at understanding how the bacterium responsible for "rabbit fever" or tularemia can be modified to enhance its ability to infect humans. This research, known as "gain of function" (GOF) studies, has sparked heated debates over its potential risks and benefits.

Tularemia, also known as rabbit fever, is a serious bacterial disease caused by the bacterium Francisella tularensis. The disease primarily affects rabbits, hares, and rodents, but it can also be transmitted to humans through various means, including tick and deer fly bites, inhalation of contaminated dust, or ingestion of contaminated water. The good news is that it is not spread directly from person to person, which has limited its spread.

The bacterium responsible for tularemia is classified as a Tier 1 Select Agent by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), due to its potential to be used as a bioweapon. This classification reflects the bacterium's high level of infectiousness and the severe illness it can cause in humans.

Recent reports from the CDC have shown a significant rise in tularemia cases in the United States. Between 2011 and 2022, there was a 56% increase in the annual average incidence of the disease compared to the period from 2001 to 2010. While improved reporting methods could be contributing to this increase, it also suggests a potential rise in actual infections.

The goal of the GOF research is to better understand the pathogen's mechanisms and develop more effective treatments and preventive measures. However, this type of research is highly regulated due to the potential risks involved. Critics argue that by enhancing the bacterium's ability to infect humans, scientists could inadvertently create more dangerous strains that could pose a significant threat to public health.

Dr. Jane Smith, a microbiologist who specializes in bacterial pathogens, explains, "The idea behind gain of function research is to understand the bacterium's weaknesses and how it can be stopped. However, we need to be extremely cautious and ensure that the research is conducted in a secure environment to prevent any accidental release." Hint, hint.

One of the challenges in treating tularemia is the lack of a licensed vaccine. Currently, an investigational vaccine called the live vaccine strain (LVS) is given to at-risk laboratory personnel, but it is not widely available to the general public. The vaccine is considered safe when used correctly, as they always say. But wait until the mRNA jab comes out for it, because surely there will be another vaccine pandemic where a couple billion people suffer from strange rubbery vascular clots, again.

Bookmark plague.info to your favorite independent websites for updates on new gain-of-function viruses the CDC and WHO release into the wild. #ROVID-25

Sources for this article include:

TheGatewayPundit.com

USSAnews.com

NaturalNews.com
Russia accuses Ukraine of ENERGY TERRORISM in alleged drone attack on TurkStream pipeline

Russia accused Ukraine of attempting "energy terrorism" through a drone attack on a gas compressor station linked to the TurkStream pipeline, a critical energy artery from Russia to Turkey and southern Europe.

The attack, near Russias Krasnodar Region, involved nine kamikaze drones, with one causing minor damage to a gas metering station, which was quickly repaired.

The TurkStream pipeline, launched in 2020, delivers 31.5 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually to Turkey and several European nations, becoming increasingly important for Russia to bypass Ukraine.

European nations reliant on Russian gas expressed concern over the attack, with Hungary emphasizing the security of energy supply as a sovereignty issue.

The incident highlights the vulnerability of energy infrastructure and the broader implications for global energy markets, especially amid ongoing sanctions and shifting geopolitical dynamics between Russia and the West.

Russia accused Ukraine on Monday of attempting to carry out an act of "energy terrorism" after an alleged drone attack on a key gas compressor station linked to the TurkStream pipeline, a critical energy artery supplying natural gas from Russia to Turkey and southern Europe. The incident, which occurred overnight near the village of Gaikodzor in Russias Krasnodar Region, underscores the escalating tensions between the two nations nearly three years into Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov condemned the attack, calling it part of a broader campaign by Kyiv to destabilize Europes energy security. "Kiev follows this line of energy terrorism," Peskov stated, echoing accusations that Ukraine has targeted Russian energy infrastructure in the past. The Russian Defense Ministry reported that nine kamikaze drones were used in the attempted strike, with all but one intercepted. The lone drone that evaded defenses caused minor damage to a gas metering station, which was swiftly repaired.

The TurkStream pipeline, launched in January 2020, is a vital conduit for Russian gas exports, delivering 31.5 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually to Turkey and several European nations, including Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria, and Greece. The Russkaya compressor station, the target of the alleged attack, serves as the pipelines exit point on Russian soil.

A history of energy tensions

The alleged drone strike is the latest chapter in a long-standing energy conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which has intensified since Moscows invasion in February 2022. For decades, Ukraine served as a major transit route for Russian gas to Europe, earning billions in transit fees. However, Kyiv halted the transit of Russian gas on January 1, 2025, ending a five-year agreement and further straining relations.

The TurkStream pipeline has become increasingly important for Russia as it seeks to bypass Ukraine and maintain its energy influence in Europe. The pipelines underwater section spans 930 kilometers (580 miles) beneath the Black Sea, connecting the Russian city of Anapa to K?y?koy in Turkey before branching into overland routes to Europe.

This incident follows previous accusations by Moscow that Ukraine has attempted to sabotage TurkStream and other energy infrastructure. In 2022, explosions severely damaged the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines, which carried gas from Russia to Germany under the Baltic Sea. While Kyiv denied involvement, the attacks heightened fears of energy warfare in the region.

European concerns and reactions

The alleged attack has raised concerns among European nations reliant on Russian gas. Hungary, which receives gas via TurkStream, called for the pipelines security to be respected. "The security of energy supply is a sovereignty issue, so any action that threatens the security of our energy supply must be seen as an attack on sovereignty," Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said in a statement.

Other European countries, including Austria and Slovakia, have sought alternative gas supplies since Ukraine halted transit. Meanwhile, the European Union has been working to reduce its dependence on Russian energy, though some member states continue to import liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia.

Broader implications for global energy markets

The incident comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions and a shifting global energy landscape. Last week, the United States and Britain announced fresh sanctions targeting Russias oil sector, including state-owned Gazprom Neft and a "shadow fleet" of tankers used to circumvent Western restrictions. Kremlin spokesman Peskov criticized the sanctions, warning they would "destabilize" global energy markets.

The alleged drone attack also highlights the vulnerability of critical energy infrastructure in times of conflict. As Russia and Ukraine continue to clash on the battlefield, their energy rivalry threatens to spill over into broader disruptions for European consumers.

The alleged drone strike on the Russkaya compressor station marks another escalation in the energy conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with far-reaching implications for Europes energy security. As both nations grapple with the fallout of the war, the targeting of critical infrastructure underscores the fragility of global energy networks in an era of geopolitical strife. With no end to the conflict in sight, the risk of further disruptions looms large, leaving Europe and the world to navigate an increasingly uncertain energy future.

Sources include:

RT.com

Reuters.com

Rfi.fr
Study: Higher fluoride levels in drinking water linked to lower IQ scores in children

A groundbreaking NIH review published in JAMA Pediatrics found that higher fluoride levels in drinking water are associated with lower IQ scores in children. The analysis of 74 studies revealed a strong link, particularly when fluoride levels exceeded 1.5 mg/L, higher than the U.S. standard of 0.7 mg/L. A dose-response relationship was also observed, with rising fluoride levels correlating with further IQ declines.

Fluoride can cross the blood-brain barrier and accumulate in brain regions responsible for cognition and memory. The review found that every 1 mg/L increase in urinary fluoride was linked to an average IQ drop of 1.14 to 1.63 points, potentially shifting population-level intelligence distributions.

Fluoride exposure during pregnancy can cross the placenta, potentially affecting fetal brain development. Researchers emphasize that even moderate fluoride intake during this critical period could have lifelong cognitive consequences for children.

While some experts argue that the dental benefits of fluoridation outweigh potential risks, others highlight growing evidence of neurodevelopmental harm. The National Toxicology Program and a recent federal court ruling in California have raised concerns, prompting the EPA to revise fluoride standards.

Parents and caregivers can take action by testing water for fluoride levels, limiting fluoridated products, choosing low-fluoride beverages and advocating for updated regulations. The NIH review calls for more research and proactive measures to protect vulnerable populations, emphasizing that childrens brain development must be prioritized.

A groundbreaking review by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has raised alarming concerns about the impact of fluoride on childrens brain development. The study, published in JAMA Pediatrics, reveals that higher levels of fluoride in drinking water are associated with lower IQ scores in children.

This finding has sparked a heated debate among health experts and policymakers, with many calling for stricter regulations to protect children from potential harm.

The review analyzed 74 studies, 64 of which found a clear link between increased fluoride exposure and reduced intelligence in children. The association was particularly strong when fluoride levels in drinking water exceeded 1.5 milligrams per liter (mg/L)a threshold higher than the current U.S. standard of 0.7 mg/L.

Thirty-one of the studies also identified a dose-response relationship, meaning that as fluoride levels rose, IQ scores dropped further.

The implications of these findings are profound. Fluoride, a mineral added to drinking water for decades to allegedly prevent tooth decay, may have unintended consequences for brain development, especially in vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women.

How fluoride affects the brain

Fluoride can cross the blood-brain barrier, a protective shield that keeps harmful substances from entering the brain. Once inside, it accumulates in areas responsible for cognition and memory.

While the exact mechanisms remain unclear, the evidence suggests that high fluoride exposure disrupts normal brain development, leading to measurable declines in intelligence.

The NIH review found that every 1 mg/L increase in urinary fluoridea marker of total fluoride exposurewas associated with an average IQ drop of 1.14 to 1.63 points. While this may seem small on an individual level, the cumulative effect on a population scale could be significant.

For example, a five-point drop in average IQ could shift the distribution of intelligence in a community, potentially reducing the number of gifted individuals and increasing the number of those with cognitive challenges.

Pregnant women and unborn babies at risk

The risks of fluoride exposure extend beyond children. Pregnant women who consume fluoridated water or other fluoride-containing products may inadvertently expose their unborn babies to the mineral.

Studies have shown that fluoride can cross the placenta, potentially affecting fetal brain development.

Ashley Malin, a researcher at the University of Florida, has studied the effects of fluoride on pregnant women and their children. She emphasizes that even moderate levels of fluoride exposure during pregnancy could have lasting impacts on a childs cognitive abilities.

"This is a critical period of brain development" and disruption during this time "could have lifelong consequences," she added. (Related: MSM smears RFK Jr. after he announces plans to BAN FLUORIDE from drinking water, with WaPo taking the lead.)

The NIH review underscores the need for pregnant women to limit their fluoride intake, not just from water but also from other sources like toothpaste, mouthwash and certain foods and beverages made with fluoridated water.

The debate over fluoride safety

Despite the mounting evidence, experts remain divided on the risks of fluoride. Some argue that the benefits of water fluoridationsuch as reduced tooth decayoutweigh the potential harms.

Dr. Steven M. Levy, a dentist who wrote an editorial accompanying the NIH study, contends that there is "no evidence" of adverse effects at the lower fluoride levels used in most community water systems.

However, critics point to the growing body of research linking fluoride to neurodevelopmental issues.

The National Toxicology Program (NTP), part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), has also raised concerns. In a report released in August, the NTP concluded that fluoride concentrations close to the current Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standard of 0.7 mg/L pose a risk to neurodevelopment.

This report played a pivotal role in a recent federal court case in California, where environmental nonprofit Food & Water Watch sued the EPA over the safety of fluoridated water.

The judge ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, stating that the current fluoride level in drinking water poses an "unreasonable risk" to childrens IQs. As a result, the EPA is now required to revise its fluoride standards, a move that could have far-reaching implications for public health policy.

Protecting children from fluoride exposure

With nearly three million people in the U.S. relying on water systems with fluoride levels above 1.5 mg/L, the need for action is urgent.

Parents and caregivers can take steps to reduce childrens fluoride exposure:

Monitor water Sources. Test your drinking water for fluoride levels, especially if you rely on well water or live in an area with naturally high fluoride concentrations.

Limit fluoridated products. Use fluoride-free toothpaste for young children and ensure they use only a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste to minimize ingestion.

Choose beverages wisely. Opt for beverages made with low-fluoride water, and avoid excessive consumption of soft drinks, fruit juices and bottled water, which may contain fluoride.

Advocate for change. Support efforts to update fluoride regulations and ensure that public health policies prioritize childrens brain development.

A call for more research and action

While the NIH review provides compelling evidence of fluorides potential harms, many questions remain unanswered. For instance, what are the long-term effects of low-level fluoride exposure?

How does fluoride interact with other environmental toxins? And what steps can be taken to protect vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women and children?

Experts agree that more research is needed to fully understand the risks and benefits of fluoride. In the meantime, policymakers must weigh the evidence carefully and take proactive measures to safeguard public health.

Protecting children from unnecessary fluoride exposure is not just a matter of public healthits an investment in humanity's collective future.

The findings of this study serve as a wake-up call. While fluoride has long been hailed as a public health triumph, its potential impact on brain development cannot be ignored.

As the debate continues, one thing is clear: The health and well-being of children must come first.

Watch the video below to learn more about the dangers of fluoride exposure.

This video is from The HighWire with Del Bigtree channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Fluoride exposure during pregnancy linked to behavior problems in children.

RFK Jr.s plan to remove fluoride from drinking water is racist, MSNBC ridiculously claims.

Trump says hes open to RFK Jr.s proposal to BAN FLUORIDE in city water supplies across America.

American Dental Association DOUBLES DOWN, pledges to push fluoridated water despite courts revealing fluoride causes brain damage to children.

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com

TheGuardian.com

HSPH.Harvard.edu

Brighteon.com
Tens of thousands protest in Bucharest as Romanias presidential election annulment sparks outrage

Tens of thousands of Romanians protested in Bucharest against the Constitutional Court's decision to annul the first round of the presidential election, citing alleged irregularities.

The protest was organized by the far-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR), with demonstrators waving Romanian flags and chanting slogans such as "freedom" and "bring back the second round."

Independent candidate Calin Georgescu emerged as the surprise frontrunner in the first round, raising questions about the integrity of Romania's democratic process.

The court's decision has reignited debates about foreign interference in Romanian elections, with allegations of coordinated promotion on TikTok and "aggressive hybrid attacks from Russia."

The annulment has deepened divisions within Romania, with protesters accusing the government of undermining democratic principles and demanding a return to fair elections.

Tens of thousands of Romanians flooded the streets of Bucharest on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, to protest the Constitutional Courts unprecedented decision to annul the results of the first round of the presidential election. The courts move, which came after independent candidate Calin Georgescu emerged as the surprise frontrunner, has plunged the NATO and EU member state into political turmoil and raised questions about the integrity of its democratic process.

The protest, organized by the far-right Alliance for the Unity of Romanians (AUR), saw demonstrators waving Romanian flags, honking horns, and chanting slogans like freedom and bring back the second round. Placards reading Democracy is not optional and We want free elections dotted the crowd, while some carried portraits of Georgescu or Orthodox Christian icons. Organizers claimed over 100,000 people attended, though police estimates were significantly lower.

The courts decision to annul the election, citing alleged irregularities and the need to ensure the correctness and legality of the process, has been met with widespread criticism. Georgescu, a religious nationalist who has criticized NATO and the EU, secured 22.94% of the vote in the first round on Nov. 24, 2024, edging out liberal leftist candidate Elena Lasconi. The courts ruling, issued just two days before the scheduled Dec. 8 runoff, canceled the second round and called for a complete rerun of the election.

A political shockwave

Georgescus unexpected rise to the top of the polls sent shockwaves through Romanias political establishment. A vocal critic of Romanias involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Georgescu has pledged to end military and political support for Kyiv if elected. He has also accused NATO of using Romania as a door for war and raised concerns about the military buildup at the Mihail Kogalniceanu Air Base near the Black Sea.

His campaign, which relied heavily on social media, particularly TikTok, has been the subject of intense scrutiny. The Constitutional Court cited the illegal use of digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, and undeclared sources of funding as reasons for annulling the election. Georgescu, who declared zero campaign spending, has denied any wrongdoing and challenged the courts decision in both local and European courts.

The power of the people is the basis for a democratic state, and the authorities are obliged to respect the results of the national vote, Georgescu said in a statement. The current government is afraid of losing power.

Allegations of foreign interference

The courts decision has also reignited debates about foreign interference in Romanias elections. Declassified documents from Romanias National Security Council alleged that Georgescus campaign benefited from coordinated promotion on TikTok, including paid advertisements and algorithm manipulation. The documents also pointed to aggressive hybrid attacks from Russia, though Moscow has vehemently denied any involvement.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova dismissed the allegations as absolutely groundless, accusing Romania of fostering an unprecedented surge of anti-Russian hysteria to influence public opinion.

A divided nation

The annulment has deepened divisions within Romania, a country still grappling with the legacy of its communist past and its transition to democracy. For many protesters, the courts decision represents a betrayal of democratic principles.

We are protesting against the coup detat that took place on Dec. 6, said George Simion, leader of the AUR, during Sundays rally. We are sorry to discover so late that we were living in a lie and that we were led by people who claimed to be democrats, but are not at all. We demand a return to democracy through the resumption of elections, starting with the second round.

The government has since set new dates for the rerun, with the first round scheduled for May 4 and a potential runoff on May 18. However, it remains unclear whether Georgescu will be allowed to participate, as his eligibility is now under legal scrutiny.

A test for democracy

The protests in Bucharest underscore the fragility of Romanias democratic institutions and the challenges of navigating a polarized political landscape. The annulment of the election has drawn comparisons to past crises in the region, where allegations of electoral fraud and foreign interference have undermined public trust in democratic processes.

As Romania prepares for a new round of voting, the stakes could not be higher. The outcome will not only determine the countrys political future but also test its commitment to democratic principles in the face of internal and external pressures.

For now, the streets of Bucharest remain a battleground for the soul of Romanian democracy, as protesters vow to keep fighting for what they see as their stolen right to free and fair elections.

Sources include:

RT.com

APNews.com

United24Media.com
Three military Humvees stolen from Tustin Army Reserve Center in bold heist

Three Humvees (one armored, two with cloth doors) and significant military equipment, including binoculars, machine gun mounts, tripods, medical supplies, and bayonets, were stolen from the Tustin Army Reserve Center in Southern California on January 8. No firearms or ammunition were taken.

A joint investigation by the Tustin Police Department and the Armys Criminal Investigation Division is underway. One Humvee was recovered on January 10, but the other two vehicles and stolen gear remain missing.

This incident is part of a series of Humvee thefts in California over the past five years, including cases in Bell, Upland, and Santa Rosa, raising concerns about vulnerabilities in military facility security.

Theft from military facilities is a federal crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Authorities are investigating potential links to previous thefts and whether this represents a new trend.

Law enforcement urges the public to report sightings of the stolen Humvees (marked HQ-61, HQ-81, and HHC-06) or suspicious activity to the Tustin Police Department at 714-573-3225 or Detective Schaller at 714-573-3245. The incident highlights the need for enhanced security and public collaboration to safeguard military assets.

In a brazen act of theft, three Humvees were stolen from the Tustin Army Reserve Center in Southern California this week, marking the latest in a string of similar incidents targeting military vehicles in the state. The theft, which occurred on January 8, has prompted a joint investigation by the Tustin Police Department and the Armys Criminal Investigation Division.

According to authorities, unidentified suspects broke into the Army Reserve Centers storage warehouse in Tustin between 8 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. The thieves cut through a fence to access a military vehicle parking lot, where they made off with three Humvees  one armored and two with cloth doors. In addition to the vehicles, the suspects stole a significant amount of military equipment, including 40 pairs of binoculars, eight machine gun vehicle mounts, seven machine gun tripods, unspecified medical equipment, and 18 bayonets. Notably, no firearms or ammunition were taken during the heist.

The Tustin Police Department reported that the suspects also attempted to cut a lock to access uniform storage but were unsuccessful. The stolen Humvees bear administrative numbers painted on their hoods: HQ-61, HQ-81, and HHC-06.

The Army Reserve Center in Tustin is strategically located between two major freeways in Orange County, raising questions about whether the thieves fled the area or remain local. As of now, the whereabouts of the stolen vehicles and equipment remain unknown.

This incident is not an isolated one. Over the past five years, California has seen a troubling pattern of Humvee thefts from military facilities. In 2021, an armored Humvee was stolen from the California National Guard facility in Bell, only to be discovered days later in the Los Angeles River. In 2020, an attempted Humvee theft at an Army Reserve Center in Upland was thwarted when the suspect was quickly apprehended. Most recently, in July 2023, a Humvee was stolen from the Santa Rosa National Guard Armory and remained missing for months before being recovered.

The repeated thefts highlight vulnerabilities in the security of military facilities and raise concerns about the potential misuse of stolen military equipment. Humvees, particularly armored ones, are highly valuable and could pose significant risks if used for criminal purposes.

Stealing from the military is a serious crime

In a positive development, one of the stolen Humvees was recovered in Orange on Friday, January 10. However, the search for the remaining two vehicles and the stolen gear continues. The Tustin Police Department is urging anyone with information about the case to contact Detective Schaller at (714) 573-3245.

The FBI has emphasized the seriousness of such crimes, noting that theft from a military facility carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison. As investigations unfold, authorities are working to determine whether this latest theft is connected to previous incidents or if it represents a new trend in military vehicle thefts.

For now, the community remains on alert, and law enforcement agencies are doubling down on efforts to recover the stolen property and bring the perpetrators to justice. The theft serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced in safeguarding military assets and the need for enhanced security measures to prevent future incidents.

As the story develops, residents are encouraged to report any sightings of the missing Humvees or suspicious activity to local authorities. The Tustin Police Department can be reached at 714-573-3225 for tips related to the case.

This incident underscores the importance of vigilance and collaboration between law enforcement and the public in addressing crimes that threaten national security and public safety.

Sources include:

TaskandPurpose.com

ABC.com

CBSNews.com
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. Since the start of the year, a few faint tremors have been shaking things up in Azerbaijan.

What is the current seismic activity landscape in Azerbaijan?

Director General of the Republican Seismological Service Center under the Academy of Sciences, Gurban Yetirmishli, told Trend that, its a daily occurrence in Azerbaijan to have the ground shake beneath our feet, though many of these tremors go unnoticed.

About 50 earth tremors have been registered today. However, none of them were felt. These are all natural processes. The earthquakes registered in Azerbaijan are typical for the seismically active region. There is no reason for concern. Seismic activity on the territory of the republic is at the background level, he said.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Winning a battle in the war on censorship: Facebook scraps fact-checkers

The war for free speech is far from over, but we just scored a significant victory in our ongoing battle against Big Tech censorship.

(Article by Ty and Charlene Bollinger republished from TheTruthAboutCancer.com)

Less than a month after we (Ty and Charlene Bollinger) filed a historic lawsuit against the Censorship Industrial Complex and just one day after Childrens Health Defense (CHD) appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court in its censorship case against Meta, Mark Zuckerberg revealed the company is shutting down its third-party fact-checking program and taking major steps towards curtailing censorship in general. So, after years of silencing dissent, banning accounts, and suppressing anything that didnt align with the establishment narrative, Metas fearless leader has had an about face.

Our lawsuit alleges that the U.S. Government, Big Tech, and NGOs suppressed dissenting voices and censored us and our companies (The Truth About Cancer and The Truth About Vaccines) under the guise of combating misinformation. The lawsuit alleges collaboration between federal agencies and tech giants like Meta and Google to silence critics of COVID-19 policies, vaccines, and other public health issues.

The timing of Metas decision has raised eyebrows and underscores the growing pressure on Big Tech to address its heavy-handed approach to content moderation. Mark Zuckerberg, Metas CEO, admitted in a recent statement that the companys earlier efforts to combat misinformation often led to mistakes and overreach. Its time to get back to our roots around free expression on Facebook and Instagram, Zuckerberg told viewers in a press release video.

For years, Metas fact-checking partners, often funded by entities with ties to Big Pharma, labeled our content as misinformation. This systemic suppression extended beyond us. It became emblematic of a larger effort to silence dissenting voices, manipulate public perception, and enforce ideological, philosophical, political, medical, and et cetera conformity.

In May 2024 (on Memorial Day, in fact), our friend and colleague, Mike Adams, founder of Natural News and Brighteon, also filed a pivotal lawsuit against Big Techs censorship. The suit alleges a coordinated effort to suppress free speech by censoring content from Brighteon and Webseed, including Natural News. The complaint contends that the U.S. Government engaged in censorship laundering by collaborating with and funding overseas organizations to indirectly censor American citizens, thereby violating constitutional rights. In actuality, the Adams suit is very much like ours, but with a slightly different cast of characters (namely the overseas NGOs involved in the censorship).

Metas new Community Notes V2 system (akin to that of X) is designed to empower users to provide context without resorting to outright censorship. While this shift is promising, we remain vigilant, knowing that the battle for free speech requires constant vigilance and knowing that much of what Big Tech says can only be believed when we actually see it happen. Zuckerberg has apparently had a moment of clarity on the importance of free speech, but will Metas future actions reflect his words? Until they fully restore all our accounts, their censorship continues. Its not enough to simply forge a new path forwardthey must also repair the damage theyve caused. Lets not forget the untold damage done by throttling health freedom advocates and alternative viewpoints.

Winning this battle is a big deal, but we recognize it is only one battle in a much larger war for free speech and against the entrenched forces of censorship. Has Zuckerberg finally recognized the Constitution (namely the First Amendment) means something? Or have the shifting winds of public opinion caused Zuckerberg to go into damage control mode? Only time will tell 

Read more at: TheTruthAboutCancer.com
Zelensky says Ukraine is ready to return captured North Korean soldiers in exchange for prisoners of war held by Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Ukraines readiness to return captured North Korean soldiers to Kim Jong Un in exchange for Ukrainian prisoners of war held by Russia.

At least two North Korean soldiers were confirmed to have been captured in Russia's Kursk region, with estimates suggesting 11,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to support Russian forces.

The two captured soldiers expressed differing desires  one wished to return to North Korea, while the other considered staying in Ukraine.

South Korean intelligence reports indicate around 300 North Korean soldiers killed and 2,700 injured, attributed to their lack of modern warfare experience and Russia's battlefield tactics.

The deployment highlights growing military collaboration between Russia and North Korea, potentially involving Russian technical support for North Korea's nuclear programs in exchange for manpower.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Sunday, Jan. 12, that Kyiv is prepared to return captured North Korean soldiers to their leader, Kim Jong Un, in exchange for Ukrainian prisoners of war held by Russia.

The announcement marks the first time Ukraine has confirmed that it has captured North Korean soldiers alive since their involvement in the conflict last autumn.

The two North Korean soldiers were captured in Russias Kursk region, a region currently partially occupied by Ukrainian troops following a lightning incursion in early August. Ukrainian and Western assessments suggest approximately 11,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to Kursk to bolster Russian forces in the area. (Related: North Korean troops join Russian assaults in Kursk, Ukraine claims.)

Zelensky, in a social media post, emphasized that more captures are likely as the war progresses.

"In addition to the first captured soldiers from North Korea, there will undoubtedly be more. It's only a matter of time before our troops manage to capture others," he said.

The Kremlin has neither confirmed nor denied the presence of North Korean troops in Russia, and spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on Zelenskys offer on Monday, Jan. 13, stating, We do not know what is true there, who offered what to whom.

The capture of North Korean soldiers sheds light on Pyongyang's deepening military collaboration with Moscow, which has raised alarms among Western nations. Experts suggest that North Koreas involvement may be part of a broader exchange, with Russia providing technical assistance for North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs in return for manpower in its grinding conflict against Ukraine.

However, the deployment of North Korean troops has come at a steep cost. South Korean lawmakers briefed by their countrys National Intelligence Service (NIS) reported on Monday that approximately 300 North Korean soldiers have been killed and 2,700 injured in combat. The high casualty rate has been attributed to their lack of understanding of modern warfare and the way Russia has utilized them on the battlefield.

"Poor understanding of modern warfare tactics, along with the way they are being utilized by Russia, has contributed to the high casualty rates," said South Korean lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun, citing the NIS briefing.

The agency also revealed that North Korean authorities have instructed soldiers to commit suicide by detonating explosives rather than face capture, likely out of fear of reprisals against their families back home.

Ukraine's North Korean captives to be used as bargaining chips for the return of prisoners of war

Zelensky shared a video on social media showing the interrogation of the two captured soldiers, one lying on a bed with bandaged hands and the other sitting with a bandage on his jaw. Through an interpreter, one soldier claimed he was unaware he was fighting against Ukraine, believing he was on a training exercise. He expressed a willingness to return to North Korea if ordered but also indicated he would consider staying in Ukraine if given the opportunity.

"One of them expressed a desire to stay in Ukraine, the other to return to Korea," Zelensky said in a televised statement. He added that Ukraine would offer alternatives to those who do not wish to return home, particularly those willing to "bring peace closer by spreading the truth about this war."

The soldiers' capture provides a rare window into the experiences of North Korean troops, who are often described as poorly trained and ill-prepared for modern combat.

"There should be no doubt left in the world that the Russian army is dependent on military assistance from North Korea," Zelensky said, signaling that the war's ripple effects extend far beyond Europe's borders.

Watch this clip of Ukrainian prisoners captured by Russia in Kursk.

This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Moldova and breakaway region of Transnistria confronting energy and security crisis after Ukraine ends transit agreement for Russian gas.

Ukraine to receive $15 billion thanks to proceeds from FROZEN Russian assets.

Biden administration racing to distribute another $1.25 billion in military aid to Ukraine before term ends.

Putin claims divine approval and foresees Russian VICTORY in Ukraine by 2025.

Anti-Putin propaganda: NATO says North Korean troops aiding Russia is a "critical shift."

Sources include:

SCMP.com

Fortune.com

NBCNews.com

Brighteon.com
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. With nearly $17 billion invested in purchasing Kazakh goods, services, and works since 2004, the North Caspian Operating Company (NCOC) has been a major contributor to the country's economic development and a staunch supporter of local businesses, a source at NCOC told Trend.



As per the NCOC, a crucial yardstick of its endeavors is the slice of the pie that total procurement costs allocate to local goods and services. The company is all in when it comes to boosting the participation of Kazakhstani suppliers in its projects, especially in the big leagues of oil and gas initiatives.



The source highlighted that NCOC prioritizes integrating local suppliers into key projects, such as the development of the Kashagan field. "Our objective is to create opportunities for local companies at every stage of contract execution and procurement. This approach helps them grow their businesses and improve competitiveness."



Supporting local enterprises through training and certification is a cornerstone of NCOC's strategy.



"Since 2004, more than 230 Kazakhstani companies have obtained international certifications such as ASME, API, and ISO. Additionally, we have provided professional training to over 5,390 employees of local companies, enhancing their qualifications in high-demand areas like welding safety and mobile crane operations," the source added.

NCOC also works to strengthen the local supply chain by identifying opportunities for local suppliers to meet operational needs. The company invests in capacity-building initiatives, offering technical training, certification programs, and skills development for workers and businesses.



To ensure local contractors benefit economically from large projects and contribute to Kazakhstans GDP, NCOC collaborates closely with local enterprises, international partners, and the government. This collaborative approach supports sustainable economic growth and improves operational efficiency.



Headquartered in Atyrau, Kazakhstan, NCOC operates under the Production Sharing Agreement for the North Caspian. Its consortium includes seven major global energy companies: KazMunayGas (16.88 percent), Eni (16.81 percent), Shell (16.81 percent), ExxonMobil (16.81 percent), TotalEnergies (16.81 percent), CNPC (8.33 percent), and INPEX Ltd. (7.56 percent). From 2004 to 2024, NCOC has provided specialized professional training to over 5,390 employees from Kazakhstani companies in fields such as confined space operations, welding safety, electronic systems, and assembly. These efforts reflect NCOCs ongoing commitment to fostering local expertise and driving sustainable development in Kazakhstan.
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BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. Chevron Corporation has announced that Laura Lane will take on the role of Vice President and Chief Corporate Affairs Officer starting February 1, Trend reports.

Lane will be responsible for overseeing the companys government affairs, communications, and social investment initiatives. She will be based in Houston, succeeding Al Williams, who is set to retire in April after a 34-year tenure at Chevron.

"Lauras extensive experience across both the private and public sectors, coupled with her leadership in global organizations and work in diverse regions, makes her an excellent choice to lead our corporate affairs globally," said Mike Wirth, Chairman and CEO of Chevron.

Wirth also expressed gratitude to Williams for his significant contributions to Chevron. "Al has been a remarkable leader throughout his career, excelling in Upstream, Downstream, and Midstream operations, as well as in his corporate roles," Wirth added.

Lane brings a wealth of experience to Chevron, having previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer at UPS. Her career also includes senior roles at Citigroup and Time Warner. In addition to her private sector accomplishments, Lane has a strong public service background, having worked in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and as a diplomat in the U.S. Foreign Service.
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Mild cognitive impairment is linked to blood vessel dysfunction in the brain's temporal lobes - the seat of memory - according to a new USC-led study.

The findings, seen in people with and without signs of amyloid buildup in the brain, suggest that microvascular trouble may be an important, early biomarker for dementia as well as a potential target for therapy.

The research, involving scientists from multiple universities, appears in the journal Neurology.

We're studying the ability of these very small vessels to respond to stimuli and to dilate, and they're showing dysfunction in people who have memory problems. It could implicate blood vessel dysfunction in a very early stage of memory loss. It happened whether or not people had Alzheimer's-related brain changes. They still had this blood vessel problem if they had memory issues." Daniel Nation, senior author, professor of gerontology and medicine at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology

New biomarker for dementia

For the study, researchers recruited a sample of 144 older, independently living adults from the community. The volunteers took a neuropsychological assessment, gave blood samples and underwent brain MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging.

During MRI, volunteers held their breath for 15-second intervals, an exercise designed to dilate the brain's blood vessels, a natural process called "cerebrovascular reactivity" which regulates oxygen levels in the brain.

Researchers paid special attention blood vessels supplying the temporal lobes, located on the sides of the head, near the ears. Participants whose blood vessels didn't dilate properly showed signs of cognitive impairment.

"With this approach, we can pinpoint the problem to the blood vessels and their ability to dilate. That's not the way people usually think about memory impairment in older adults," Nation said. "There's an increasing realization that the main cause of dementia is not actually Alzheimer's disease, it's mixed pathology. If you just focus on amyloid, you're certainly not going to get the full picture. Maybe this technique should be incorporated into our diagnostic approaches."

"Our findings underscore the need to focus on vascular health as a critical factor in memory decline," said first author Arunima Kapoor, a graduate student at University of California, Irvine.

Nation said that some blood pressure drugs may potentially protect vascular function in a way that preserves memory, but more research is needed.

About this study

In addition to Nation and Kapoor, other authors include John Paul Alitin, Trevor Lohman, Isabel Sible, Anisa Marshall, Aimee Gaubert, Xingfeng Shao and Danny Wang, all of USC; Shubir Dutt of University of California, San Francisco; Allison Engstrom and Fatemah Shenasa, Lorena Sordo and Elizabeth Head, all of University of California, Irvine; and David Robert Bradford and Kathleen Rodgers of University of Arizona.

The research was supported by National Institutes of Health grants R01AG064228, R01AG060049, R01AG082073, P01AG052350, P30AG066530, and a grant from the American Heart Association, 23PRE1014192.
New findings from the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) Researching COVID to Enhance Recovery (RECOVER) Initiative suggest that infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, may be associated with an increase in the number of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) cases. According to the results, 4.5% post-COVID-19 participants met ME/CFS diagnostic criteria, compared to 0.6% participants that had not been infected by SARS-CoV-2 virus. RECOVER is NIH's national program to understand, diagnose, prevent, and treat Long COVID.

The research team, led by Suzanne D. Vernon, Ph.D., from the Bateman Horne Center in Salt Lake City, examined adults participating in the RECOVER adult cohort study to see how many met the IOM clinical diagnostic criteria for ME/CFS at least six months after their infection. Included in the analysis were 11,785 participants who had been infected by SARS-CoV-2 and 1,439 participants who had not been infected by the virus. Findings appear in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.

ME/CFS is a complex, serious, and chronic condition that often occurs following an infection. ME/CFS is characterized by new-onset fatigue that has persisted for at least six months and is accompanied by a reduction in pre-illness activities; post-exertional malaise, which is a worsening of symptoms following physical or mental activity; and unrefreshing sleep plus either cognitive impairment or orthostatic intolerance, which is dizziness when standing. People with Long COVID also experience some or all of these symptoms.

Long COVID is an infection-associated chronic condition that occurs after SARS-CoV-2 infection and is present for at least three months as a continuous, relapsing and remitting, or progressive disease state that affects one or more organ systems. People with Long COVID report a variety of symptoms including fatigue, pain, and cognitive difficulties.

Dr. Vernon and her team determined that new incidence cases of ME/CFS were 15 times higher than pre-pandemic levels.

These findings provide additional evidence that infections, including those caused by SARS-CoV-2, can lead to ME/CFS.

Post-exertional malaise, orthostatic intolerance, and cognitive impairment were the most reported ME/CFS symptoms among participants in the infected group.

Limitations of this study include reliance on self-reported symptoms, exclusion of RECOVER participants who had been hospitalized, and the sporadic nature of ME/CFS symptoms.

More research is needed to understand the biological mechanisms of why some people are more likely to develop ME/CFS following infection than others. Advancing knowledge of how the SARS-CoV-2 virus can result in ME/CFS may help uncover potential treatments for a range of infection-associated chronic conditions.

The study was supported by the NIH (OT2HL161841, OT2HL161847, and OT2HL156812).
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have uncovered how specialized cells surrounding small blood vessels, known as perivascular cells, contribute to blood vessel dysfunction in chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes and fibrosis. The findings, published today in Science Advances, could change how these diseases are treated.

The study, led by Luiz Bertassoni, D.D.S., Ph.D., founding director of the Knight Cancer Precision Biofabrication Hub and a professor at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute and the OHSU School of Dentistry, shows that perivascular cells sense changes in nearby tissues and send signals that disrupt blood vessel function, worsening disease progression.

Nearly a decade ago, Bertassoni and his team developed a method to 3D print blood vessels in the lab - a breakthrough recognized as one of the top scientific discoveries of the year by Discover magazine. Since then, they've focused on engineering blood vessels that better mimic those in the human body to study more complex diseases.

Historically, endothelial cells lining blood vessels have been considered the main contributors of vascular disease. Our findings represent a paradigm shift, showing how perivascular cells, instead, act as important sentinels. They detect changes in tissues and coordinating vascular responses. This opens the door to entirely new treatment strategies." Luiz Bertassoni, D.D.S., Ph.D., founding director of the Knight Cancer Precision Biofabrication Hub and professor at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute and the OHSU School of Dentistry

Cristiane Miranda Franca, D.D.S., Ph.D., the study's lead author, is an assistant professor in the OHSU School of Dentistry and holds appointments with the OHSU Knight Cancer Precision Biofabrication Hub and Knight Cancer Institute's Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center, or CEDAR.

"The applications of this research are wide," she said. "We've shown for the first time how perivascular cells trigger inflammation and signal blood vessel changes when surrounding tissues are altered."

The study used an innovative "blood vessel on-a-chip" model developed by Christopher Chen, M.D., Ph.D., and his team from Boston University and the Wyss Institute at Harvard, who are collaborators on this project. By replicating conditions like tissue stiffening and scarring - common in aging, chronic diseases and cancer - the researchers discovered that perivascular cells drive blood vessel leakage and distortion, worsening inflammation and disease.

"When we removed perivascular cells, blood vessels essentially failed to respond to tissue changes," Franca said.

The findings shed light on the relationship between the extracellular matrix, blood vessel function and disease progression. Perivascular cells could become targets for therapies aimed at restoring normal vascular function and reducing the progression of various diseases such as fibrosis, diabetes and cancer.

Importantly, the research also holds promise for cancer prevention and early intervention. Early detection and treatment of changes in these cells could help stop tumors before they grow.

"If we intervene early, we might prevent precancerous lesions from advancing to full-blown cancer," Bertassoni said. "This could revolutionize how we approach cancer prevention and treatment."

In addition to Bertassoni and Franca, OHSU co-authors include Maria Elisa Lima Verde, Ph.D., Alice Correa Silva-Sousa, D.D.S., Ph.D., Amin Mansoorifar, Ph.D., Avathamsa Athirasala, M.S., Ramesh Subbiah, Ph.D., Anthony Tahayeri, B.S., Mauricio Sousa, D.D.S., M.S., Ph.D., May Anny Fraga, D.D.S., M.S., Rahul Visalakshan, Ph.D., Aaron Doe, M.S., Keith Beadle, B.S., and McKenna Finley, B.A. Co-authors also include Emilios Dimitriadis, Ph.D., with the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering; Jennifer Bays, Ph.D., and Marina Uroz, Ph.D., with Boston University; and Kenneth Yamada, M.D., Ph.D., with the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research of the National Institutes of Health.
New findings reveal how contemporary H5N1 avian flu viruses adapt to suppress human immune responses, leading to milder illness but underscoring the importance of vigilant monitoring for future risks.

Dispatch: Comparison of Contemporary and Historic Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus Replication in Human Lung Organoids. Image Credit: Credit: NIAID and CDC

In a recent study published in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, researchers compared viral replication and immune responses in human lung organoids (hLOs) infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza A (HPAI) viruses of the H5N1 subtype.

In North America, HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b viruses have been circulating in avian species since 2021 and have also been detected in mammalian species, including unusual hosts like domestic dairy cattle.

Broad host range raises new concerns: HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b viruses have infected an unprecedented variety of mammalian hosts, including dairy cattle, highlighting potential for further spillover to humans.

In 2024, HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b virus was detected in cattle, which spread to herds in 16 states across the United States (US). The broadened host range and transmission of clade 2.3.4.4b viruses have raised critical concerns about their spillover to humans.

As of January 6, 2025, 66 cases of infection with HPAI H5N1 virus have been confirmed in the US, many of which were linked to cattle exposure. Nevertheless, recent outbreaks have led to the detection of poultry-related human cases.

Further, a virus isolated from a dairy farm worker in Texas was closely related to cattle viruses, suggesting this was likely a consequence of direct cow-to-human transmission. Reported symptoms from these cases ranged from mild respiratory illness to conjunctivitis, and only one fatality has been recorded, a stark contrast to the 50% mortality rate associated with historic HPAI H5N1 infections.

The Study and Findings

In the present study, researchers assessed viral replication, immune responses, and cell survival in human alveolar epithelium infected with historical and contemporary HPAI H5N1 viruses.

First, alveolar type 2 (AT2) cells from adult stem cell-derived hLOs and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived human lung organoids (ihLOs) were infected with three HPAI H5N1 isolates.

These included contemporary isolates from cattle (A/bovine/Ohio/B24OSU-342/2024) and humans (A/Texas/37/2024), and a historic human isolate (A/Vietnam/1203/2004) from a fatal case in 2004.

The team found that the historic isolate replicated higher titers in hLOs and ihLOs compared to the cattle isolates. However, the Texas human isolate showed enhanced replication fitness compared to the cattle isolate, possibly due to the presence of the PB2 E627K mutation, which has been linked to increased replication in mammalian hosts.

Milder symptoms contrast starkly with history: Unlike the 50% mortality rate of historic H5N1 infections, contemporary human cases have been predominantly mild, with only one fatality in the recent outbreaks.

Next, the team quantified cell death in lung organoids. Organoids infected with the historic isolate had earlier cell death; infection with the other isolates also caused cell death, but all three isolates showed similar levels of cell death at 96 hours post-inoculation, suggesting extrinsic factors may govern in vivo pathogenicity.

Further, they quantified the induction of interferon (IFN)-stimulated genes (ISGs), such as ISG15 and ISG20, and proinflammatory cytokines: IFN-, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-, interleukin 6 (IL-6), and IL-1.

The highest ISG induction was detected in organoids infected with the historic isolate, which was most pronounced in hLOs. By contrast, contemporary isolates appeared to suppress ISG responses, particularly in hLOs, despite detectable viral replication. This suppression of ISG responses in hLOs suggests an adaptation by contemporary isolates to counteract the human interferon system.

Proinflammatory cytokines exhibited distinct patterns: ihLOs infected with contemporary isolates and hLOs infected with the cattle or historic isolate showed the strongest induction. These differences in immune activation may partially explain the reduced disease severity observed in contemporary infections.

Conclusions

Taken together, the study investigated viral replication, immune responses, and cell survival in human alveolar epithelium infected with HPAI H5N1 virus isolates.

Contemporary viral isolates showed reduced replication in lung organoids compared to the historic isolate, plausibly explaining why recent human influenza cases with clade 2.3.4.4b viruses have resulted in mild illness.

Moreover, the ability of contemporary isolates to counteract the human IFN system may contribute to lower disease severity observed with clade 2.3.4.4b viruses. The historic isolate elicited substantially higher ISG induction, whereas contemporary isolates elicited reduced induction despite detectable viral replication.

Overall, HPAI H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b viruses currently circulating in cattle and other mammals appear to cause less severe illness in humans than historic HPAI viruses; however, they should be continuously monitored for changes that impact their transmission and pathogenicity.

Chronological Overview of Significant Global HPAI Outbreaks

1878: First description of avian influenza as "fowl plague" in northern Italy, identified as a contagious disease causing high mortality in poultry.

1959: First known H5N1 outbreak in Scotland, affecting chickens.

1997: H5N1 infects humans for the first time in Hong Kong, resulting in 18 infections and 6 deaths; approximately 1.3 million chickens are culled to control the outbreak.

2003: Re-emergence of H5N1 in humans, with cases reported in China and widespread outbreaks in poultry across several Asian countries.

2004: H5N1 spreads to additional Asian countries, leading to significant poultry outbreaks and human infections, with notable cases in Vietnam and Thailand.

2005: H5N1 was detected in migratory birds at Qinghai Lake, China; the virus spread to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa through bird migration.

2006: H5N1 reaches India, North Africa, and Europe, causing outbreaks in wild bird populations and domestic poultry.

2007: Significant H5N1 outbreaks occur in countries including Japan, the United Kingdom, and Saudi Arabia, affecting both poultry and wild birds.

20082019: Multiple HPAI outbreaks worldwide, with various subtypes (e.g., H5N8, H7N9) causing infections in birds and sporadic human cases, particularly in Asia.

20202024: H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b becomes predominant, causing widespread outbreaks in wild birds and poultry across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas; human cases remain rare but are closely monitored.

Journal reference: Flagg M, Williamson BN, Ortiz-Morales JA, Lutterman TR, De Wit E. Comparison of Contemporary and Historic Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus Replication in Human Lung Organoids. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2025, DOI: 10.3201/eid3102.241147, https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/31/2/24-1147_article
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. Speaking at the opening ceremony of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW), Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, the UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, addressed the rapidly growing global energy demand and the key role of battery storage in meeting future needs, Trend reports.

Battery storage is the fastest growing energy technology in the world today, Al Jaber stated, underscoring the importance of innovation in energy storage. He revealed that a record 100 gigawatts of storage capacity will be added to the grid this year. However, the minister warned that this development represents only a small fraction of the growing global demand for energy, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence.

Before AI took off, power demand was already on track to grow from 9,000 gigawatts to over 15,000 GW by 2035, he explained. But with apps like ChatGPT, growing by half a billion visits every month and using 10 times as much energy as a single Google search, demand by 2050 could reach as high as 35,000 GW. We are talking about an increase of over 250%.

The UAE minister stressed the scale of this challenge, noting that no single source of energy could meet such an unprecedented demand. I am sure you would all agree that no single source of energy can meet this unprecedented demand, Al Jaber emphasized.

In addition to this, he pointed out the disparity in global energy access, highlighting that a billion people still lack access to energy. In response to these challenges, the minister called for a diverse range of energy solutions, ensuring that the world has the flexibility and capacity to meet rising energy demands while addressing gaps in energy access.
Study uses explainable machine learning to optimize hormone timing and improve IVF outcomes

Study: Explainable artificial intelligence to identify follicles that optimize clinical outcomes during assisted conception. Image Credit: Corona Borealis Studio / Shutterstock.com

A recent Nature Communications study utilizes explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) to identify follicle sizes important for relevant downstream clinical outcomes during assisted conception.

Assisted conception and the use of XAI

Current estimates indicate that one in six couples throughout the world is affected by infertility, which is considered one of the most serious global disabilities by the World Health Organization (WHO). Assisted reproductive technology (ART), including in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment, has emerged as a viable option to support patients experiencing infertility.

Due to the extensive amount of data produced during IVF treatment, along with the complexity and specificity of IVF protocols for each patient, it can be difficult for clinicians to consider all relevant data while devising treatments. XAI can overcome these challenges by handling large complex datasets, thereby enhancing the quality of personalized ART treatments and preventing the underutilization of crucial data.

About the study

Ovarian stimulation (OS) involves the administration of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) or a gonadotropin-release hormone (GnRH) agonist that facilitates the maturation of oocytes that can be subsequently fertilized by sperm. Importantly, the timing of hCG or GnRH agonist administration must be carefully determined to ensure that the ovarian follicles are at an optimal size for oocyte production.

The current study utilizes XAI techniques to identify follicle size on the day of trigger (DoT) administration to increase the likelihood of mature oocyte retrieval. It also studied the effect of follicle size on premature progesterone elevation.

To this end, data were obtained from a multi-ethnic cohort of 19,082 female participants between 2005 and 2023 who were receiving treatment in clinics throughout Poland and the United Kingdom. All patients previously underwent a transvaginal ultrasound scan showing a minimum of three follicles of size greater than 10 millimeters (mm) on the same day as the DoT administration.

All patients were between 18 and 49 years old, with a median body mass index (BMI) of 24.17. The antral follicle count was 15.

As the primary outcome, the assessment of oocyte maturity grade detailing metaphase-II oocytes was used. Downstream outcomes such as the number of high-quality blastocysts and two pronuclear (2PN) zygotes were also examined.

Study findings

Follicle sizes on the DoT that contributed most to the number of mature oocytes were identified using a gradient-boosting regression tree model. Follicles between 13 and 18 mm in size contributed most to the number of mature oocytes retrieved, whereas those between 12 and 20 mm contributed the most to the overall number of oocytes retrieved

Follicles within the size range of 14-20 and 13-18 mm were the most important for high-quality blastocysts and 2PN zygotes, respectively. Follicle size for 2PN zygotes remained the same in sensitivity analyses; however, for high-quality blastocysts, 15-18 mm follicles were the most contributory.

Among patients, 35 years of age or younger, follicles between 13 and 18 mm in size were the most important. Comparatively, follicles between 15 and 18 mm in size provided the greatest contribution in patients 35 years of age and older. Follicles sized 14-20 mm contributed most among patients who received long protocol cycles as part of the IVF treatment, whereas follicles within the range of 12-19 mm were most contributory in short protocol cycles.

Assessment of a multilayer perceptron model showed a higher mean absolute error (MAE) and identified 14-18 mm follicles as the most important. This improved and reduced to 2.54 when potential aberrant data were excluded from the analysis.

Although follicles of 13-18 mm in size had the highest relative contribution, other follicles were also contributory, although to a relatively lesser extent. The trained model accounting for each follicle size and the relative contribution of a follicle of that size had more predictive performance.

There was a modest improvement in MAE on including other variables such as BMI, age, and IVF protocol. Overall, the most important factor was the knowledge of follicle size on the DoT.

The proportion of follicles 13-18 mm in size on the DoT was positively associated with the live birth rate (LBR) when adjusted for total follicle count, age, and type of trigger administered. A negative association was observed between LBR and mean follicle size.

Progesterone elevation on the DoT was associated with reduced LBR, whilst the mature oocyte yield remained similar. Furthermore, as the number of follicles greater than 18 mm in size on the DoT increased, serum progesterone on the DoT also increased.

Conclusions

Intermediately sized follicles on the DoT were found to significantly contribute to the retrieval of mature oocytes and embryo development. These findings demonstrate the potential of XAI techniques to offer data-driven optimization of IVF treatment, which can lead to improved downstream clinical outcomes.
Punjab National Bank Asks These Customers To Update KYC By January 23, 2025

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 15:27 IST

PNB KYC Last Date: For any assistance, PNB has advised customers to visit their nearest PNB branch or check the official website.

PNB KYC Last Date: Failure to update KYC details within the stipulated time may result in restrictions on account operations. (Representative image)

PNB KYC Last Date: In adherence to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines, Punjab National Bank (PNB), a leading public sector bank, has urged its customers to update their Know Your Customer (KYC) information by January 23, 2025, to ensure smooth functioning of their accounts.

In a press statement, PNB said that this is applicable only to those customers whose accounts were due for KYC updation as of September 30, 2024.

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PNB KYC Documents

As part of the KYC compliance exercise, PNB customers have been advised to provide their updated information like identity proof, address proof, recent photo, PAN/Form 60, income proof, mobile number (if not available) or any other KYC information at any branch.

PNB KYC Online: Punjab National Bank KYC Last Date

PNB added that KYC can also be done through PNB ONE/Internet Banking Services (IBS) or registered e-mail/post to their base branch by January 23, 2025.

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Failure to update KYC details within the stipulated time may result in restrictions on account operations," the statement added.

For any assistance, PNB has advised customers to visit their nearest PNB branch or check the official website.

First Published: January 14, 2025, 15:15 IST
ITC Chairman Rejects 90-Hour Work Week, Stresses On Employee Flexibility, Shared Vision

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 16:36 IST

ITC Chairman Sanjiv Puri said that it is more important for the workers to be aligned to the grander vision of the company

Image L to R: ITC Chairman Sanjiv Puri and L&T Chairman and MD SN Subrahmanyan. (Representative image)

Weighing in on the 90-hour workweek controversy, ITC Ltd Chairman Sanjiv Puri said that it is more important for the workers to be aligned with the grander vision of the company rather than the number of hours put in.

Giving an analogy of many workers building a castle, he said, If you ask a mason what he is doing, he might say he is laying a brick, another might say he is building a wall but some might say he is building a castle. It is that vision that workers should have," he told news agency PTI in an interview.

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Puris statement also received backing from political circles. Trinamool Congress Member of Parliament Mahua Moitra voiced her support for ITCs stance by posting on X.

Thank you @ITCCorpCom for showing the way  lets hope your peers wake up," Moitra wrote on X.

Asked if he is saying that meant he would rather not put a number to the work hours at ITC, Puri said, We would not do that."

We would rather like people to be part of the journey (of the company) and feel passionately involved and kind of feel the urge amongst themselves to make a difference to the enterprise. Thats how we look at it".

Flexible Work Environment

The cigarettes-to-consumer goods conglomerate allows a flexible work environment, including work from home on two days every week, he said.

ITC, he said, provides a lot of flexibility in working. Also two days a week, you can work from home," he said.

So its not so much about, you know, really monitoring each individuals number of hours. Its more about enabling individuals, helping them to actualise their potential, and then reviewing what goals people have achieved."

Puris comments follow a controversy SN Subrahmanyan, Chairman and Managing Director of Indias largest engineering and construction company Larsen & Toubro Ltd, sparked on social media when he said employees should work 90 hours a week including on Sundays rather than sit at home.

I know that he (Subrahmanyan) has been debated a lot, but let me tell you the philosophy with which you look at it," Puri said.

He then went on to explain how empowering the employees with the companys vision and goal was important.

Vision, values and vitality are what ITC is all about, he added.

So we put a lot of effort in making sure that everybody understands the vision of the enterprise. We use a part of the vision and want to contribute to making the vision a reality. And we enable vitality by our processes, by the resources we provide, by the freedom to act, that we provide, the empowerment that we provide, which are very different and very clear goals for individuals to achieve, and these are the primary things that we look at," he said.

What L&T Chairman Said?

I regret I am not able to make you work on Sundays," Subrahmanyan had said in an undated video of his discussion with staff.

What do you do sitting at home? How long can you stare at your wife, and how long can the wife stare at the husband." The video, which was circulated widely on social media platforms X and Linkedin, led to heated debate about work-life balance.

While Subrahmanyans comments sparked a heated debate about work-life balance in the country, a Larsen & Toubro spokesperson last week said that the chairmans remarks reflect the companys larger ambition".

We believe this is Indias decade, a time demanding collective dedication and effort to drive progress and realise our shared vision of becoming a developed nation," the company had said in a statement.

L&Ts Head Of HRs Clarification

L&Ts head of HR for domestic operations- Sonica Muraleedharan- took to LinkedIn to address the controversy. In her detailed post, Sonica Muraleedharan expressed disappointment over how Subrahmanyans words had been taken out of context and misinterpreted as she said that the comments were made during an internal discussion but the companys never mandated or even suggested a 90-hour work week.

Criticism From the Business Community

L&T heads views drew criticism from some peers in the business community. RPG Group Chairman Harsh Goenka said longer working hours was a recipe for burnout and not success.

Subrahmanyans comments followed Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthys suggestion of a 70-hour workweek and Adani Group chairman Gautam Adanis biwi bhaag jayegi (wife will run away)" remark if one spent more than eight hours at home.

Your idea of work-life balance should not be imposed on me and my idea shouldnt be imposed on you. Say, someone spends four hours with family and finds joy in it, or if someone else spends 8 hours and enjoys it, that is their work-life balance," he had said last month.

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Aath ghante family ke saath bitayega tho biwi bhaag jaayegi (Wife will leave if one spends eight hours with family)," he had said.

The work-life balance debate echoes a similar one in China where the so-called 996 culture  the three digits describe a punishing schedule of 9 am to 9 pm six days a week  is being debated.

First Published: January 14, 2025, 16:26 IST
BSE Shares Surge 5% After Jefferies Raises Target Price; Should You Invest?

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 11:18 IST

Goldman Sachs cautioned that with valuations nearing all-time highs, BSEs pricing appears in line with global peers; Should you invest?

BSE shares jump

Shares of BSE Ltd, Asias oldest stock exchange, rose by 4.9% on Tuesday, reaching Rs 5,408.95 on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) after brokerage firm Jefferies upgraded its rating on the company to Hold from Underweight and significantly raised its target price to Rs 5,250 from Rs 3,500.

The revised target implies a modest upside of 2% from Mondays closing levels.

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Jefferies highlighted that earnings for exchanges are likely to be upgraded, though brokers may need to raise prices to adapt to the changing market conditions.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)s new F&O measures have notably impacted option volumes, with a 70% decline in the number of contracts. However, premiums in January (month-to-date) have dropped by less than 10%, which is an improvement compared to Jefferies earlier projection of a 25% decline.

Interestingly, the average ticket size for the industry has tripled in the second week of January 2025, compared to November 2024, following the increase in lot sizes.

Despite this, discount broking volumes could decline by over 40%, requiring substantial price hikes to offset the impact, according to Jefferies.

In a similar vein, Goldman Sachs recently initiated coverage on BSE with a Neutral rating and a target price of Rs 5,060. Goldman Sachs believes BSE will benefit from strong growth in Indias equity capital markets, supported by robust nominal growth in the earnings of Indian listed companies.

However, Goldman Sachs cautioned that with valuations nearing all-time highs, BSEs pricing appears in line with global peers, making the risk-reward outlook fairly balanced.

Currently, BSE has a market capitalization of Rs 69,691.75 crore. On the technical front, the stock is neither in the overbought nor oversold zone, with its Relative Strength Index (RSI) at 46.8. An RSI reading below 30 is considered oversold, while above 70 is considered overbought.

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Among the nine analysts covering BSE, five have a Buy recommendation, three have a Hold, and one recommends a Sell.

BSE shares closed 0.51% higher on Monday at Rs 5,148. The stock has surged 130% over the past year.

First Published: January 14, 2025, 11:18 IST
PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana: Govt Approves 2 More Payment Methods For Rooftop Solar Installation

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 17:56 IST

Ministry has allowed two more payment methods for the installation of rooftop solar system under PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.

PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana: Under this scheme, Rs 100 crore has been earmarked for payment security mechanism. (Representative image)

PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana: The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy has come out with new guidelines, allowing two more payment methods for the installation of rooftop solar system under PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.

The move will ensure payment security as well as the grant of subsidy to households in case of payments through Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) and utility-led aggregation models.

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The ministry has notified scheme guidelines for implementation of Payment Security Mechanism component and Central Financial Assistance component for RESCO models/ utility-led aggregation models under PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, an official statement said.

Under this scheme, Rs 100 crore has been earmarked for payment security mechanism (PSM) for de-risking investments in RESCO-based grid-connected rooftop solar models in residential sectors, which may be supplemented through other grants, funds and sources after due approval, the statement said.

Under the RESCO model, third-party entities invest in rooftop solar installations, enabling consumers to pay only for the electricity consumed without bearing the upfront costs.

Under the utility-led aggregation (ULA) model, power distribution companies or state designated entities install rooftop solar projects on behalf of individual households.

The ministry further clarified that these guidelines are in addition to the existing mode of implementation undertaken by consumers (capex mode) through the national portal and said these alternative models will supplement the national portal-based implementation of the scheme.

PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana: Background

In February of last year, the Union Cabinet approved the PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana (PM-SGMBY), with a total budget allocation of Rs 75,021 crore. The initiative aims to install rooftop solar panels in one crore households across India, offering free electricity of up to 300 units per month. Announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 13, 2024, the scheme includes central financial assistance to encourage the adoption of solar energy.

PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana Subsidy Amount

The PM-SGMBY offers central financial assistance to encourage households to adopt rooftop solar systems. These installations provide significant savings on electricity bills and even offer the potential for additional income through the sale of surplus power to DISCOMs.

The scheme will add 30 GW of solar capacity nationwide, reducing 720 million tonnes of CO2 emissions over 25 years. Households are eligible for the following subsidies:

Rs 30,000 for a 1 kW system

Rs 60,000 for a 2 kW system

Rs 78,000 for systems of 3 kW or higher

Additionally, every district will feature a Model Solar Village to promote rooftop solar adoption in rural areas.

How To Apply For PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana?

If you own a home with a suitable roof, you can participate in this initiative. Heres how to get started:

-Register: Visit the national rooftop solar portal pmsuryaghar.gov.in and complete the registration process.

-Choose a Vendor: Select a vendor from the curated list available on the portal.

These vendors are already registered with local DISCOMs, ensuring quality and reliability. A national vendor registry may be introduced later to simplify the process further.

PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana Eligibility

-A valid electricity connection is required.

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-Your household must not have previously received a subsidy for solar panel installations.

The scheme is expected to generate 17 lakh jobs across sectors like manufacturing, logistics, installation, operations, and related services. This will not only boost economic growth but also advance Indias green energy agenda.

First Published: January 14, 2025, 17:50 IST
Can Pensioners Get Loans From Banks? Here's What SBI, Bank Of Baroda Offer

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 16:49 IST

Both SBI and Bank of Baroda require the pension to be credited through their branches

Emergency Funds for Pensioners: A Guide to SBI and Bank of Baroda Loans (Representative image)

Loan On Pension Income: For many retirees, a pension ensures a steady source of income. However, life after retirement may bring unforeseen financial needs, from medical emergencies to funding weddings or pursuing dreams. In such scenarios, pension loans provided by banks can be a lifeline.

Lets delve into what these two major banks, State Bank of India and Bank of Baroda, offer for pensioners seeking financial assistance.

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State Bank of India (SBI) Pension Loan

SBIs Pension Loan program is designed to provide a hassle-free borrowing experience to central, state, and defense pensioners, as well as family pensioners. Whether its for a medical emergency, a family event, or even a vacation, the bank ensures that retirees can access financial support with ease.

SBI: Eligibility for Central & State Government Pensioners

Age Criteria: Pensioners should be below 76 years of age.

Pension Payment: Pension must be disbursed through SBI.

Undertaking: Pensioners must give an irrevocable undertaking not to transfer their pension account to another bank during the loan tenure.

Guarantee: Requires either a spouse (eligible for family pension) or a suitable third-party guarantor.

SBI: Eligibility for Defense Pensioners

Open to pensioners from Armed Forces, Paramilitary Forces, Coast Guards, Rashtriya Rifles, and Assam Rifles.

Age Criteria: No minimum age requirement; maximum age is 76 years.Eligibility for Family Pensioners

Family members authorized to receive pensions after the pensioners death.

Age should not exceed 76 years.

Bank of Baroda Pension Loan

Bank of Baroda offers personal loans tailored for pensioners, emphasizing quick financial support for emergencies or personal goals. The loan ensures retirees can enjoy a stress-free life even during unexpected situations.

Eligibility Criteria

Pensioners or family pensioners drawing their pension through Bank of Baroda branches.

Pension disbursed through the Treasury/Defense Pension Disbursing Office (DPDO) to Bank of Baroda accounts.

Pensioners must have been drawing their pension through the branch for at least three months, with no bounced cheques due to insufficient funds.

Key Features

Purpose: Loans can be taken for any legitimate purpose other than speculation.

Repayment Period:

Pensioners up to 70 years: Loan tenure up to 60 months.

Pensioners above 70 years: Loan tenure up to 36 months.

Repayment Capacity: Total monthly deductions, including loan EMIs, should not exceed 60% of the monthly pension.

Common Ground: Flexibility and Security

Both SBI and Bank of Baroda require the pension to be credited through their branches, ensuring financial discipline and repayment security. Additionally, while SBI allows a guarantor, Bank of Baroda focuses on individual eligibility and account conduct.

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Pensioners looking for financial support can count on banks like SBI and Bank of Baroda for structured and accessible loan options. These loans ensure retirees can meet their financial needs without compromising on their dreams or emergencies.

Whether youre planning a family event, pursuing personal aspirations, or addressing urgent needs, these pension loans provide a reliable safety net.

First Published: January 14, 2025, 16:49 IST
Budget 2025: Finance Bill Likely To Upgrade Income Tax Application With AI For Efficient Audits, Flagging Of Frauds, Enhanced Capacity

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 12:04 IST

Budget 2025 is likely to come with the next generation of the income tax core application for audits and investigation

Budget Tax Reforms

Budget 2025 is likely to come with the next generation of the income tax core application for audits and investigation, complete with AI enablement for assessing returns, flagging frauds and to enhance capacity, a senior government official said.

The Finance Bill is likely to introduce ITBA 2.0, an advanced version of the Income Tax Business Application (ITBA), with AI-enabled capabilities to upgrade the system making faceless assessments, return filings and compliance faster and more efficient, he said.

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The ITBA 2.0 upgrade will significantly enhance the systems functionality, scalability and speed. It will integrate artificial intelligence to assess returns, flag discrepancies and reduce fraudulent activities. The current system handles 8 crore taxpayers, and the upgraded version will cater to a much higher capacity while improving document upload speeds and response times. Interministerial discussions on the cabinet note for this initiative have already been completed," the official told Moneycontrol.

The proposal, under active consideration of the cabinet, is likely to be part of Budget 2025, he added.

ITBA is the core platform used by income tax officers for audits, investigations, penalties, appeals, compliance management and HR operations. The overhaul aims to adopt a modern technology stack, creating a scalable and future-ready application.

Impact on taxpayers

AI-driven automation: The system will employ AI for efficient assessment, faster detection of anomalies and automated communication, including reminders and notices.

Scalability and speed: The platform will be equipped to handle a larger taxpayer base with reduced response times, improving the overall taxpayer experience.

Real-time updates: Taxpayers will benefit from real-time status tracking of returns, refunds and assessments, fostering greater transparency.

Fraud reduction: Enhanced data validation and security features will minimise errors and fraudulent activities.

Apart from faster processing of returns and refunds, the automated updates and notifications will simplify interactions between taxpayers and authorities, reducing delays and confusion, the official said.

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With ITBA 2.0, faceless assessments will become more efficient, saving time for both taxpayers and tax officials," he added. The new system will also ensure swifter implementation of fiscal policy changes announced in the budget."

ITBA 2.0 is a good initiative that aims to increase the efficiency and transparency of Indias tax system by automating real-time updates. However, there are some issues that need to be fixed, such as the fact that sometimes the tax has been paid but doesnt appear in ITBA, or that the refund issued by the jurisdictional officer does appear in the CPC (centralised processing centre). Therefore, a discrepancy between the ITBA and CPC data reconciliation needs to be addressed," Gaurav Padhan, partner at chartered accountancy firm KPSG & Co, told Moneycontrol.

First Published: January 14, 2025, 12:04 IST
BITS Design School To Close Applications For B.Des Programme On Jan 31

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 14:03 IST

BITS Design School (BITSDES) will close the registration process for 4-year Bachelor of Design (Honours) programme on January 31, 2025.

BITS Design school is currently accepting applications. (Image: BITS)

BITS Design School (BITSDES) will close its application process for the 2025 intake of the 4-year Bachelor of Design (Honours) programme on January 31, 2025. This will be the second batch of the programme, which is part of BITS Pilani, a well-known private university in India.

BITSDES offers 180 seats in its B Des (Hons) programme, with five areas of focus: Physical Product Design, Digital Product Design (UX/UI), Design Research and Insights, Experience Design, and Visual Design.

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Nandita Abraham, Dean, BITS Design School, said, BITS Design School is a place where people from around the world come together to harness the power of design and shape a more thoughtful and impactful future. Our students are learning in a transdisciplinary environment and have a strong inclination toward addressing real-world problems through design. We emphasize international exposure, hands-on experiences, and industry-relevant projects, equipping our students to adapt to evolving trends in the global design landscape."

Admission is based on scores from NID DAT Prelims, UCEED, or the BITS Design Aptitude Test (BITSDAT). Applicants using NID DAT Prelim or UCEED scores must submit their applications by January 31, using their registration or roll numbers. These applicants will be able to upload their scores from April 5 to 8, 2025.

ALSO READ: Maharashtra RTE Admissions 2025 Begins For Classes 1 To 8, Check Direct Link To Apply

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BITSDAT, a 60-minute multiple-choice test on general aptitude and design concepts, can be taken between March 31 and April 5, 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be announced on April 14, 2025, and selected students will upload portfolios and attend online interviews from May 2 to May 12, 2025. The application process is entirely online at https://www.bitsdesign.edu.in.

The school collaborates with international institutions like Aalto University, Arizona State University, and RMIT University for curriculum development, research, and student exchange. It also has a mentorship programme where design professionals guide students in small groups. For more details on the 2025-26 admissions, visit their website.

First Published: January 14, 2025, 13:58 IST
Investigation Launched Into 'Humiliation' Of Girl Students By Dhanbad School Principal

Published By :

PTI

Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 08:42 IST

The principal is accused of asking 80 class 10 girls to remove their shirts for writing messages on them.

The girl students were forced to return home wearing only blazers. (Representative Image)

A joint team of the district legal services authority (DLSA) and the Dhanbad administration on Monday investigated allegations of humiliation of girl students by their school principal.

Led by DLSA secretary-cum-sub judge Rakesh Roshan and sub-divisional officer Rajesh Kumar, the team recorded statements of the principal, students and their guardians.

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The principal is accused of asking 80 class 10 girls to remove their shirts for writing messages on them, forcing them to return home wearing only blazers, according to parents.

CCTV footage from the school was reviewed and seized for further examination.

Roshan said a report would be submitted to the Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority (JHALSA), while Kumar would provide a separate report to Dhanbad deputy commissioner Madhvi Mishra.

We will wait for JHALSAs instruction," Roshan said.

Earlier, the JHALSA took suo motu cognizance of the case and directed the DLSA to investigate the matter.

On Monday, activists of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) staged a protest outside the school demanding the principals arrest.

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A womens group also took out a candle march in Koyla Nagar, demanding justice for the students.

On Sunday, the Jharkhand Abhibhawak Mahasangh (JAM) filed a complaint with the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), accusing the principal of committing a "shameful act" and demanding action under the POCSO Act.

Location : Dhanbad, India

First Published: January 14, 2025, 08:42 IST
Kerala CM Accuses Centre of 'Undermining' State Universities' Autonomy with UGC Regulations

Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 20:37 IST

In his speech, Vijayan also outlined the progress Kerala has made in the higher education sector, noting several significant structural changes.

Vijayan made these remarks after inaugurating an international conclave on next generation higher education, organised by the state Higher Education Department. (File image: X)

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday accused the Centre and the University Grants Commission of attempting to destabilise" the higher education institutions, highlighting the latest UGC draft regulations as a prime example.

He said the regulations, which threaten the autonomy" of state universities, undermine the independence granted to them by acts formulated by elected legislative assemblies.

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Vijayan made these remarks after inaugurating an international conclave on next generation higher education, organised by the state Higher Education Department here.

During his address, the CM made it clear that the state has no opposition to fixing minimum qualifications for teacher appointments or similar matters, and it fully adhered to such regulations.

However, the UGC overstepping its boundaries in this way is unacceptable", he said adding that most of the universities are funded by state resources, with minimal central contributions.

It is concerning and disappointing to observe that the Union Government and the UGC are adopting an approach aimed at destabilising these institutions under the state government," he said.

A prime example of this is the latest UGC regulations, which threaten the autonomy of state universities." The Left veteran also urged the central government and UGC to respect the autonomy of universities and the rights of state governments in matters concerning education.

Actions, the UGC and the union government fail to recognise that these efforts could lead to the collapse of a publicly funded higher education system that is efficient, ultimately paving the way for more private educational institutions." Vijayan also said such attempts would not only harm public universities, but also erode the credibility of the UGC itself.

The CM stepped up his attack against the UGC days after he had slammed the Draft UGC Regulations 2025, claiming that they take away states rights to appoint Vice Chancellors and vest unchecked powers in the Chancellors.

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, was released last week.

According to the Union Education Ministry, the draft guidelines aim to give flexibility to the universities in appointing and promoting teachers and academic staff in their institutions.

In his speech, Vijayan also outlined the progress Kerala has made in the higher education sector, noting several significant structural changes.

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At a time when the Kerala government is trying to transform the state into a hub of higher education in the country, this conclave assumes greater significance, he said.

Despite facing financial challenges, the state government has consistently ensured that funds earmarked for the higher education sector are protected, the CM added.

Location : Kochi [Cochin], India

First Published: January 14, 2025, 20:37 IST
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Adif AV have signed a 350 euro million loan agreement to upgrade Spain's railway infrastructure, focusing on safety, sustainability, and resilience, Trend reports.

The investment, part of a broader 830 million euro project, aims to modernize both conventional and high-speed rail systems, enhancing service quality and promoting environmentally friendly transport options.

The funding will be used to improve key components such as communications systems, drainage infrastructure, and anti-vandalism measures on the high-speed network. On conventional lines, projects include removing level crossings, renewing tracks, and expanding the GSM-R communication system for safer and more efficient operations.

Pedro Marco de la Pena, President of Adif and Adif AV, highlighted the collaborations impact: This loan allows us to uphold the highest standards for our railway network, ensuring quality and sustainability through targeted upgrades.

EIB Director General Jean-Christophe Laloux emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership: A safe and reliable rail network is vital for encouraging sustainable transport, delivering economic and environmental benefits.

The project will also prioritize regions with below-average EU incomes, fostering economic and territorial cohesion. This aligns with the EIBs role as the EU Climate Bank, supporting initiatives that address climate adaptation and resilience in railway infrastructure.

This agreement follows a 430 million euro EIB loan in 2024 to support the Y vasca high-speed rail project in the Basque region, part of the EIBs 13.5 billion euro investment in Spains high-speed rail network to date.
Atishi Files Nomination Papers For Delhi Elections: Heres What Has Changed Since 2020

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 20:00 IST

Addition of three new cases, movable assets worth Rs 17.14 lakh, including 10 gm gold in Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and outgoing CM Atishis nomination papers for Delhi polls. Congress's Alka Lamba, too, filed her papers on Tuesday

Atishi arrives to file her nomination from the Kalkaji constituency for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, in New Delhi, on Tuesday. (PTI)

The outgoing Chief Minister of Delhi, Atishi, filed her nomination papers from the Kalkaji assembly seat on Tuesday. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders wealth has increased by Rs 17.14 lakh since 2020  the last time she filed papers for the Delhi assembly polls.

As per her 2020 poll affidavit, she was facing only one pending case of criminal defamation. Now, three more cases have been added to the list.

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Atishi has no loans, no government dues, or acquired property under her name. While she continues to not own any immovable assets, the value of the movable assets, including bank accounts and gold, has increased.

As per the 2020 papers, she did not own any jewellery, but now she has 10 grams of gold worth Rs 1 lakh.

She continues to own three bank accounts, although one of the old accounts has been removed, and a new one has been added.

As per the document, Atishi has Rs 76.91 lakh worth of movable assets as of now, while in 2020, it was Rs 59.79 lakh. She has Rs 75.41 lakh in her two accounts, including fixed deposits of over Rs 40 lakh.

3 ADDITIONAL CRIMINAL CASES

A case was filed against her in Manipurs Lamphel in May 2022 under sections 504, 505 (1) (B), 153 A, 120B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The charges included intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of the peace. The charge sheet in the case has not been filed.

Along with an old case, in three of the cases, she is facing charges of criminal defamation, which are pending in court. In the one filed in 2021, charges have been framed against her, and an appeal has been filed.

USING MARLENA AS SURNAME

Much has been said about the surname of the outgoing chief minister. In her affidavit, she continues to call herself Atishi Marlena. In the 2020 papers, she declared herself as the daughter of Tripta Wahi, her mother. This time, she has used the name of her father, Vijay Kumar Singh, while announcing her candidature.

For the 2025 assembly polls, she has not mentioned her husband in the affidavit. In the 2020 elections, she declared details of Praveen Singh in the spouse section.

All 70 assembly seats in Delhi will go for polls on February 5, and the counting of votes will take place on February 8. Atishi is aiming for a second term as an MLA from the Kalkaji seat.

ALKA LAMBA FILES POLL AFFIDAVIT

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Congress has fielded Alka Lamba, 49, against Atishi, 43. Lamba also filed the affidavit on Tuesday. Both these women have masters degrees, as per their papers. Lamba is facing just one pending case with charges of assault or criminal force against public servants from 2017 when she took part in a protest.

The worth of Lambas movable assets stood at Rs 61.12 lakh, up from Rs 41.01 lakh in 2020 when she contested from Chandni Chowk seat. At Rs 2.80 crore, the value of the immovable assets stood unchanged.

First Published: January 14, 2025, 19:44 IST
Delhi Polls: 3 Reasons Why BJP Is Confident Of Win In Mustafabad Which Has 40% Muslim Voters

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 13:12 IST

Delhi elections: Mohan Singh Bisht isnt happy fighting from a constituency with 40% Muslim voters, with his loyalists assuming the party sacrificed him when they could not disregard him

The 40% Muslim votes will get divided among three Muslim candidates of the AAP, Congress and AIMIM. (PTI file for representation only)

Heres the curious case of the Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) third list  it bore only one name, that of Mohan Singh Bisht, the partys sitting MLA from Karawal Nagar, contesting from Mustafabad.

The BJP fielded former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) minister Kapil Mishra from Karawal Nagar, disregarding the five-time MLA Bisht, forcing Bisht to turn into a rebel. Overnight communication channels were opened to assure Bisht that a third list bearing only his name would be put out after he openly criticised the party leadership and called fielding Mishra, whom he called aire gaire natthu khaire", a big mistake".

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The BJP, which had its reasons to panic, kept its promise and released the third list.

However, there are still problems for the BJP. Bisht isnt happy fighting from a constituency with 40% Muslim voters, with his loyalists assuming the party sacrificed him when they could not disregard him.

            2025           pic.twitter.com/VqWzIqe3JN BJP Delhi (@BJP4Delhi) January 12, 2025

THE 3 REASONS

The BJP sources staunchly oppose the idea. They cite at least three reasons why Bisht has a better winning chance than his competitors. The BJP fights to win," said a BJP functionary at party headquarters.

One, while there is no denying that Mustafabad has 40% Muslim voters, it also has 60% Hindu voters, says the BJP functionary. While the 40% Muslim voters will get divided among three Muslim candidates of the AAP, Congress and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), Bisht is set to capitalise on the entire Hindu vote, he insists.

Two, Owaisis AIMIM making undertrial former AAP leader Tahir Hussain its Mustafabad candidate will polarise the election in Mustafabad, the BJP hopes. Hussain is an undertrial prisoner in a Delhi riots case.

#DelhiElections2025: On Kapil Mishra fielded from Karawal Nagar seat, sitting BJP MLA Mohan Singh Bisht says, "The BJP thinks they will field anyone and he will win. This is a big mistake. Only time will tell what will happen in Burari, Karawal Nagar, Ghonda, Seelampur, Gokalpuri pic.twitter.com/nAvb2jXZmX ANI (@ANI) January 12, 2025

Finally, BJP sources insist, that more than 60% of the Mustafabad assembly constituency, as we see today, used to be the core work area of Bisht and he was a very popular leader back then. So gelling back will not take a long time, hopes the party.

I have been an MLA from 1998 to 2008 in Karawal Nagar when Mustafabad assembly constituency was being created. People are coming out in my support here," Bisht said, expressing hope of winning Mustafabad for the BJP, leaving the animosity behind.

Multiple sources confirmed to News18 that while the BJPs chance of winning from Mustafabad remains high even after it being a Muslim-dominated seat.

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The fact that the party had to yield to Bishts tantrums shows two things  his clean image and acceptability in Karawal Nagar, from where he has been sent packing and a fear of caste backlash from Uttarakhandis and Rajputs.

So far, Bisht is the only Uttarakhandi in the Delhi BJP list, while he also hails from the Rajput community. And the BJP not giving him a chance even in Mustafabad could have been counterproductive for the saffron party.

First Published: January 14, 2025, 13:06 IST
INDIA Bloc Cracking? Sharad Pawar Hints At Going Solo In Mumbai Civic Polls, Backs AAP For Delhi

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 17:41 IST

Pawar's remark comes days after the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) announced that it would contest the elections to the local bodies alone.

NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar (File image)

Hinting towards a possible rift among the allies of Maha Vikas Aghadi, NCP (SP) supremo Sharad Pawar on Tuesday indicated that like Uddhavs Sena, his party is would also contest the upcoming Mumbai civic polls alone.

Pawar said the INDIA bloc was formed only for national-level elections and nothing was discussed about contesting municipal or state polls together.

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When the INDIA bloc was formed, the discussion was only about national issues and elections. No discussion was held regarding local body polls or state polls," Pawar said while addressing the media.

However, Pawar also stated that a meeting would be held among the MVA constituents to decide if the parties should go ahead with contesting the civic polls alone or stay in the alliance and fight together.

The decision regarding the upcoming municipal elections in Maharashtra will be taken after holding a meeting in 810 days whether we will fight together or alone. We have communication within the alliance," he added.

Pawars remark comes days after the Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) announced that it would contest the elections to the local bodies, including the one for the coveted Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), alone.

Uddhav Sena To Go Solo

The Shiv Sena (UBT) on Saturday confirmed that the party will contest local body elections alone. Announcing the decision, senior party leader Sanjay Raut said that there will be no alliance with the opposition coalition, the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), for local elections.

Right from Mumbai to Nagpur, we will fight the elections (local self-government) on our own strength. We want to see what happens," Raut said.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader r Anand Dubey also on Tuesday said that the INDIA alliance was formed for the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. It was the responsibility of the Congress party to take it forward. There is no meeting of the alliance. There is no chairman of the alliance."

Shiv Sena (UBT) will contest the Mumbai and Nagpur Municipal Corporation elections on its own because it is the demand of the workers If they (Congress) had helped AAP, BJPs victory would have been stopped. The fight is between AAP and BJP, but now Congress will cut AAPs votes. Congress party should introspect," he added.

Test For INDIA Bloc

The INDIA bloc alliance is set to witness a tough test since its allies Congress and AAP are contesting the Delhi polls alone against each other. It is important to note that the elections in the national capital will prove to be a testing time for the opposition alliance as its allies like Samajwadi Party and Trinamool Congress have extended their support to Arvind Kejriwals AAP ahead of the polls in the capital, scheduled to take place on February 5.

Pawar has also snubbed Congress and asserted that his party would support Arvind Kejriwal in the Delhi elections. In Delhi Assembly elections, my feeling is that we should help Arvind Kejriwal," the former Maharashtra Chief Minister said.

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First Published: January 14, 2025, 16:16 IST
How Pariksha Pe Charcha Became A True Andolan Of Students, What To Expect This Year? Explained

Reported By :

News18.com

Edited By: Shilpy Bisht



Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 10:20 IST

'Pariksha Pe Charcha' organised by the Department of School Education and Literacy under the Ministry of Education has been held in Delhi since 2018, where PM Modi interacts with students and addresses their queries. This year has seen record 3 crore registrations so far

The education ministry has said it was student and teachers interaction with PM Narendra Modi that led to an ever-increasing number of registrations. (File Photo)

More than 3.25 crore students, 20.36 lakh teachers and 5.38 lakh parents have so far registered for this years Pariksha Pe Charcha (PPC), where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take up students queries. Just like the previous year, the eighth edition of PPC is scheduled to be held at Bharat Mandapam, in a town hall format, in the last week of January. Final date of the event is yet to be announced.

The programme is organised by the Department of School Education and Literacy under the union Ministry of Education (MoE).

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Applications are being accepted until January 14.

What Is The Event About?

PPC is an annual interactive session hosted by PM Modi where he addresses students queries on exam-related problems, tips on how to beat the stress and advises parents and teachers on how to make it easier for students to not feel under pressure during examinations.

It is part of a bigger movement called Exam Warriors led by the PM on how to create a stress- free environment for students. The movement is inspired by the book Exam Warriors written by PM Modi himself. Through this book, the Prime Minister has outlined a refreshing approach to education. Knowledge and holistic development of students are given primary importance. The PM urges everyone to put exams in the right perspective, rather than making it a life-and-death situation punctuated by undue stress and pressure," according to the PPC website.

According to the education ministry, this year has seen 3 crore registrations  the highest ever since the commencement of the event in 2018, when the number of participants was around 22,000. Last year, 2.25 crore students had registered for the PPC against 38 lakh in the previous year. This was more than the double of 15.7 lakh enrollments in 2022. Around 10 lakh students signed up in 2021.

This remarkable response underscores the growing resonance of the programme as a true Jan Andolan," the ministry said in a statement.

Who Can Participate?

The competition is open for students from Classes 6 to 12 across the country. Students may also submit their questions to the Prime Minister under 500 characters. The participants of the main event will be selected through an online competition hosted on the MyGov portal.

While some questions will be taken directly from the participants at the event, others will be selected through the video-recorded messages sent by the students.

Parents and teachers can also participate in the online activities designed exclusively for them. All the participants will receive a Pariksha Pe Charcha (PPC) participation certificate.

The ministry will give PPC kits to around 2,500 selected students.

How Did The Programme Expand Over The Years?

The ministry had said last year it was student and teachers interaction with the PM that led to an ever-increasing number of registrations.

Schools start preparing for the event much in advance in terms of helping students frame their queries and submit their entries. Students are most excited to ask questions to the PM and have him speak to them. It has become an annual exercise where students look forward to the session from the beginning of the new year," said a teacher at a government school in Delhi, who didnt wish to be named.

Also, students look forward to the answers and advice given by the PM, which is quite helpful for them, the teacher added.

Last year, the MoE directed all departments to make necessary arrangements in the PPC format so that all students from Class 6 onwards across the country can view and hear the telecast.

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It was ensured that the telecast reaches even the remotest of the areas, where Internet connectivity is weak. Besides, viewing through Edusat, and other devices such as computers, laptops, smartphones was also arranged. The interaction was also aired live on radio channels.

Besides, every year the session is live-streamed on government websites such as PMO, MoE (including You Tube, MyGov.in and Facebook live).

First Published: January 14, 2025, 10:17 IST
Why South Korean President Yoon Will Get A Salary Hike Despite Impeachment | Explained

Curated By :

News18.com

Edited By: Shilpy Bisht



Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 17:31 IST

South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol, who was impeached in December for his attempt to put the country under martial law, will earn Rs 1.54 crore (262.6 million won) annually after a 3% hike. DPK party has proposed a salary cut of up to 50%... Read More

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol will make Rs 76 lakh for the next six months despite not performing any presidential duties. Han Duck-soo, who became acting president, has also been impeached, and will get an increased pay of Rs 1.19 crore. (Image Credit: AP)

South Korean impeached president Yoon Suk Yeol will receive an annual pay hike despite impeachment for briefly placing the country under the martial law. Yoons salary for 2025 will increase by 3% to 262.6 million won (Rs 1.54 crore) annually, the government said.

The president received a hike in line with the salary increase for all government officials in the country.

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How Much Will Yoon Earn?

Yoon continues to draw salary despite suspended from office. He will now earn 21.8 million won (Rs 12.84 lakh) per month. South Korean presidents are entitled to 95% of their salary for the rest of their lives after leaving office, the Korea Herald reported.

Yoon will make Rs 76 lakh for the next six months despite not performing any presidential duties. Interestingly, Han Duck-soo, who became acting president, has also been impeached. BBC report says Hans salary in 2025 will increase to Rs 1.19 crore.

The US president, by comparison, receives Rs 3.46 crore per year, while the UK Prime Minister has a yearly allowance of Rs 1.80 crore. The Prime Minister of India reportedly gets Rs 1.66 lakh per month.

Salary Cuts For Impeached Public Officials Proposed

Korea Times reported that Representative Park Yong-kab of the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) has suggested cutting the salary for impeached public officials.

DPK Representative Yoon Joon-byeong also proposed cutting the salary of impeached public officials by up to 50%.

According to CebuDailyNews, former president Moon Jae-in continues to receive his pension after resigning in May 2022.

However, ex-president Park Geun-hye does not receive any pension as her impeachment was confirmed by the Constitutional Court.

Ex-president Lee Myung-bak, who served from February 2008 to February 2013, also lost his pension after a bribery conviction. Lee, who was also given to 17 years in prison, was pardoned by Yoon in December 2022.

Why Was Yoon Impeached?

Yoon was suspended from his duties on December 14, 2024 after being impeached over the short-lived martial law declaration earlier that month. The Constitutional Court is preparing to rule on the validity of his impeachment by the National Assembly. If it clears the parliamentary decision, Yoon will be removed from office.

The martial decree was announced for the first time in the country in 40 years, but ended after just six hours when the National Assembly voted to withdraw it.

According to observers, Yoon acted like a president in siege. I declare martial law to protect the free Republic of Korea from the threat of North Korean communist forces, to eradicate the despicable pro-North Korean anti-state forces that are plundering the freedom and happiness of our people, and to protect the free constitutional order," Yoon had said.

He was voted into office in May 2022 as a hardline conservative, but has been a lame duck president since April when the opposition won a landslide in the countrys general election.

Yoon had been struggling to push his agendas through in an opposition-controlled parliament. His government since then has not been able to pass the bills they wanted and have been reduced instead to vetoing bills passed by the liberal opposition.

He has also seen a fall in approval ratings  hovering around lows of 17%  as he has been mired in several corruption scandals in 2024  including one involving the First Lady accepting a Dior bag, and another around stock manipulation.

In a televised speech, Yoon justified martial law as an inevitable step" to safeguard South Koreas liberal democracy. He accused the Democratic Party of attempting to overthrow the regime" and plunging the nation into chaos".

What Are The Charges Against Yoon?

The trial against Yoon began on Tuesday in Seoul to determine whether to strip him of his presidential duties over the martial law. The hearing was adjourned minutes after it started in the countrys Constitutional Court due to Yoons absence.

The court has 180 days from December 14 to make its ruling. Yoon would be formally removed from office if at least six of the eight justices voted in support of impeachment.

According to South Korean law, the court must set a new date for a hearing before they can proceed without his participation. The next hearing is now scheduled for Thursday.

While many of his critics want to see the disgraced president impeached and arrested, Yoon supporters see his short-lived martial law order as justified to protect the South Koreas democracy.

Yoon is facing a separate investigation for alleged insurrection and abuse of power. The impeached president has so far evaded arrest despite investigators securing two warrants for his detention.

Earlier this month, Yoons security blocked investigators from reaching him at the presidential residence. The stalemate saw an initial arrest warrant expire on January 7, but a local court extended it.

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His lawyer said last week that Yoon would abide by the Constitutional Courts ruling on his impeachment even if it meant an end to his presidency. So, if the decision is removal, it cannot but be accepted," the lawyer told a news conference, as quoted by The Independent.

Yoon ignored the Constitutional Courts request to file his legal briefs before hearings began on December 27. His lawyers said he was willing to appear in person to argue his case.

First Published: January 14, 2025, 17:28 IST
44 Held In Kerala Minor Sexual Abuse Case, 2 Accused Abroad: Police

Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 15:57 IST

The investigation so far has revealed that several of the accused met the girl at a private bus stand in Pathanamthitta. She was then taken to various locations in vehicles and subjected to abuse.

The girl, who is now 18 years old, has alleged in her complaint that she was sexually abused by 62 individuals since the age of 13. (Representative image)

The special investigation team (SIT) of Kerala police probing the sensational case of alleged sexual abuse of a Dalit girl in the district has arrested 44 people so far in connection with the matter, a senior police officer of the district said on Tuesday.

DIG S Ajeetha Begum, who is overseeing the investigation, said that 30 FIRs have been registered in connection with the alleged sexual assault of the girl and out of the 59 accused mentioned in the cases, 44 have been arrested.

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"Two of the accused are absconding. They are abroad at present. We are considering issuing Look out Circulars for them. We are also planning to issue a Red Corner notice for them through Interpol," the officer told TV channels.

Besides them, 13 more have to be arrested, she said.

"We are searching for their locations. They will be arrested soon. A foolproof and scientific investigation will be carried out by the SIT. We will not spare any of the accused. There will be no compromise. We will bring all of them before the law," the officer said.

The investigation so far has revealed that several of the accused met the girl at a private bus stand in Pathanamthitta. She was then taken to various locations in vehicles and subjected to abuse, police said.

The probe also found that the girl, while she was studying class XII last year, was taken by a youth who was acquainted with her through Instagram to a rubber plantation in Ranni, where he raped her along with three others.

Police said the investigation revealed she was gang-raped on at least five occasions, including incidents inside a car and at the Pathanamthitta General Hospital in January 2024.

The girl, who is now 18 years old, has alleged in her complaint that she was sexually abused by 62 individuals since the age of 13.

The matter came to light during counselling conducted by the Child Welfare Committee, after the victims teachers at an educational institution informed the panel about noticeable changes in her behaviour.

The Committee, subsequently, notified the police and an investigation is on.

The SIT had been formed to conduct a comprehensive probe into the incident, with Pathanamthitta Deputy SP P S Nandakumar leading the team under the supervision of District Police Chief V G Vinod Kumar.

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The team comprises over 30 police officers, including women, from various ranks and stations.

DIG Ajitha Beegam said that once the Sabarimala pilgrimage season gets over, more officers will be included in the SIT.

Location : Pathanamthitta, India

First Published: January 14, 2025, 15:57 IST
Another TMC Leader Killed In Malda, Two Party-Men Injured In Attack

Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 21:40 IST

The incident occurred in the Kaliaganj area under the Kaliachak police station limits when TMC local committee president Bakul Sheikh and other party workers were attending a programme.

Another TMC worker was killed and two others, including a local committee president, were critically injured in an attack. (Representational image)

Less than a fortnight after the killing of Trinamool Congress (TMC) councillor Dulal Sarkar, fresh violence rocked West Bengals Malda district as another TMC worker was killed and two others, including a local committee president, were critically injured in an attack on Tuesday, police said.

The incident occurred in the Kaliaganj area under the Kaliachak police station limits when TMC local committee president Bakul Sheikh and other party workers were attending a programme to inaugurate a road.

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Initial reports said four to five assailants arrived at the scene and fired indiscriminately at Bakul Sheikh and his associates.

Later in the evening, police claimed no gunshot wound was found on the body of the deceased or the injured.

"The person died after he was repeatedly hit by a brick by the attackers. Two others suffered injuries similarly. According to preliminary investigation, no shots were fired," a police officer said. Ataul Haque alias Hasu Sheikh, a TMC worker, succumbed to his injuries on the spot. Disturbing video footage showed that as Haque fell to the ground, he was continuously battered with a brick by one of the assailants.

Bakul Sheikh and former panchayat chief Esaruddin Sheikh suffered critical injuries and are undergoing treatment at Malda Medical College and Hospital, where their condition remains serious, police said.

"We are questioning witnesses and others. So far, 10 people have been detained, and six more have been identified," Malda district police superintendent Pradeep Kumar Yadav said in a statement.

Preliminary investigations suggest the attack might be linked to factionalism within the ruling party, police sources said.

Senior TMC leaders, including English Bazar Municipality Chairman Krishnendu Narayan Choudhury, claimed that external forces, including Bangladeshi infiltrators, might be involved in the attack.

The brother of the deceased, Hasa Sheikh, alleged that Zakir Sheikh, a former Congress member who recently joined the TMC with the help of the Block TMC president, orchestrated the attack due to a longstanding feud with Bakul Sheikh over territorial dominance.

District TMC president Abdur Rahim Boxi, however, denied that Zakir Sheikh is a member of the party, asserting, "Zakir Sheikh is not associated with the TMC. He has a personal enmity with Bakul Sheikh and was motivated by revenge." Boxi added that a legal dispute between the two individuals had been ongoing.

This attack comes amid heightened tension in Malda following the January 2 killing of TMC district vice-president Dulal Sarkar, who was gunned down in broad daylight near his home.

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Seven individuals were arrested in connection with Sarkars murder, but the case remains unresolved. The party had expelled its Malda Town President, Narendra Nath Tiwari, who was arrested last week for his alleged involvement in the conspiracy of the murder.

The back-to-back killings have intensified speculation about internal strife within the ruling party, raising questions about the TMCs ability to manage factionalism ahead of the crucial panchayat elections.

Location : Maldah, India

First Published: January 14, 2025, 21:40 IST
Asaram Gets Interim Bail By Rajasthan High Court In 2013 Rape Case

Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 14:00 IST

The Rajasthan High Court on Tuesday granted interim bail till March 31 to selfstyled godman Asaram, who is serving life imprisonment in a 2013 rape case.

Self-styled godman Asaram was serving life imprisonment in a 2013 rape case.

The Rajasthan High Court on Tuesday granted interim bail till March 31 to self-styled godman Asaram, who is serving life imprisonment in a 2013 rape case.

This comes a week after the Supreme Court granted him bail till March 31 in another rape case, observing that he suffered from various ailments and needed treatment.

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Soon after the top court granted him relief on medical grounds, Asarams counsels moved a suspension of sentence plea in the high court.

A division bench of Justices Dinesh Mehta and Vineet Kumar Mathur granted interim bail to Asaram considering that the nature of the plea was similar to the one filed in the Supreme Court.

We argued that the plea was similar in nature to that filed in the Supreme Court and the grounds stand valid in this case as well," Asarams counsel Nishant Bora said.

He said the conditions for Asarams interim bail are the same as those set by the apex court on January 7 except one.

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If Asaram wants to travel outside (Jodhpur), he will have to bear the expenses of the three constables who have been asked to accompany him," Bora said.

A lower court sentenced Asaram to life imprisonment in April 2018 for raping a minor at his ashram in Jodhpur in 2013.

Location : Jodhpur, India

First Published: January 14, 2025, 13:57 IST
Bus Carrying Pilgrims To Prayagraj Maha Kumbh Catches Fire In Vrindavan, 1 Killed

Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 21:17 IST

According to Additional SP City Arvind Kumar, the bus had around 50 pilgrims and arrived at the Vrindavan Tourist Centre on Tuesday evening

The group was en route to Prayagraj for a holy dip at the Maha Kumbh later in the night. (Representative Image)

An elderly passenger was killed when a private bus carrying pilgrims from Telangana to the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh caught fire on Tuesday, police said.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the blaze, which created chaos at the tourist facility in Vrindavan where the bus was parked, they said.

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According to Additional SP City Arvind Kumar, the bus had around 50 pilgrims and arrived at the Vrindavan Tourist Centre on Tuesday evening.

The group was en route to Prayagraj for a holy dip at the Maha Kumbh later in the night. While some pilgrims ventured out to visit temples, others stayed back to prepare food.

Amid this, sparks emerged from the bus, quickly escalating into a massive fire. Police and fire services were alerted immediately.

One of the pilgrims raised an alarm and pointed out that an elderly man, identified as Dhrupati, was still inside the bus. However, by the time fire teams arrived, the blaze had engulfed the vehicle, and Dhrupati was found dead.

A fellow passenger who had been sitting near Dhrupati alleged that the deceased was smoking a beedi and chose to remain in the bus while others stepped out to visit temples.

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He speculated that the fire might have started due to the lit beedi.

Senior police officials reached the site and are investigating the incident. The body has been sent for post-mortem, Kumar said.

Location : Vrindavan, India

First Published: January 14, 2025, 21:17 IST
CRPF Gets 1,000 More jawans For VIP Security, Total Strength Reaches 7,000

Reported By :

News18.com

Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 10:05 IST

The VIP Security Wing is a specialised branch of the CRPF tasked with providing security to individuals assigned by MHA, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP president JP Nadda

The CRPF is expected to provide additional security coverage, thereby alleviating the burden on the National Security Guard (NSG). (PTI)

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), in an effort to address the acute shortage of commandos in the VIP Security Wing of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), has allocated one battalion (approximately 1,000 personnel) to the unit.

According to an official, the MHA issued a communication last week confirming the move. As a result, the total number of CRPF personnel assigned to protect and secure VVIPs will now total 7,000, including both male and female officers.

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Sources told News18 that CRPF raised concerns about the shortage of security personnel for VVIP protection in May last year.

Earlier, we had about 70-80 protectees under our security coverage. Gradually, that number tripled, but the number of personnel remained the same. Since CRPF is tasked with protecting high-level VVIPs, we requested additional staff for their security, and this request has been fulfilled by the Ministry of Home Affairs. Now, a total of 7,000 troops, across seven battalions, have been assigned to protect VVIPs, including the latest battalion earmarked for these duties," a CRPF official familiar with the development told News18.

A decision has been made to allow CRPF to allocate one more battalion, namely the 190th Battalion, with its headquarters in Chatra, Jharkhand (currently engaged in anti-Naxal operations), for VVIP security duties until further notice. This brings the total to seven battalions exclusively tasked with VIP security," a government official quoted the document on condition of anonymity.

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The CRPF is expected to provide additional security coverage, thereby alleviating the burden on the National Security Guard (NSG). Plans to transfer certain protectees from the NSG to the CRPF are still in progress.

The VIP Security Wing is a specialised branch of the CRPF tasked with providing security to individuals assigned by MHA. These VVIPs include Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP president JP Nadda, members of the Gandhi family, Union ministers, governors, chief ministers, politicians, government officials, spiritual leaders, business tycoons, and other prominent figures.

First Published: January 14, 2025, 10:05 IST
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has hosted a discussion on the strategic framework document of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) for the next decade, Trend reports.

The discussions took place during a meeting between Azerbaijans First Deputy Minister of Economy Elnur Aliyev, IsDB Group Chairman Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser, and Turkiyes Deputy Minister of Treasury and Finance, Osman Celik, within the framework of a visit to Saudi Arabia.

In the course of the strategic dialogue with Chairman Al Jasser and Deputy Minister Celik, a plethora of pertinent issues of mutual interest were deliberated upon. Critical elements for the establishment of the IsDBs strategic framework document for the forthcoming decade (2026-2035) were also delineated, alongside focal areas and developmental requisites of the member nations.

Elnur Aliyev highlighted Azerbaijan's fruitful cooperation with the IsDB and emphasized the significance of signing a partnership document with the Bank as part of the project for the construction of a main irrigation canal in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan.

He also emphasized the importance of the partnership document signed in Baku within the framework of COP29 for the "Construction of the Main Irrigation Canal from the Giz Galasi Reservoir" in Azerbaijan's liberated territories and noted that this irrigation canal project is the first to be financed by international financial institutions in these liberated areas.

The framework document stresses the need to address the reconstruction and restoration needs of member countries and tackle issues like overcoming drought in climate-sensitive regions. Investment in large-scale infrastructure projects such as transport corridors, energy networks, and green infrastructure initiatives aligned with global sustainable development goals was also highlighted.

The document also underscores the importance of addressing the needs of member countries in terms of reconstruction and recovery and addressing problems such as drought in climate-sensitive regions. Special focus is given to investment in large-scale infrastructure projects, including transport corridors and energy networks, as well as green infrastructure projects and digital transformation initiatives that meet global sustainable development goals.

The event underscored the IsDB's dedication to innovation and inclusivity. Participants engaged in a productive exchange of ideas focused on enhancing the organization's role as a trusted partner and aligning priorities for the development of member countries. The paramount significance of bolstering transnational initiatives among constituent countries with the facilitation of the IsDB was likewise underscored.

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ED Registers Money Laundering Case In Torres Ponzi Scam Case

Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 21:14 IST

According to the police, 1,916 investors have complained about being cheated so far in Ponzi schemes operated by a private firm owning the Torres jewellery brand.

The scam came to light when hundreds of investors gathered at the jewellery brand's store situated at Torres Vastu Centre building in Dadar (West)

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has registered a money laundering case to probe the Torres investment "fraud" of about Rs 38 crore where a number of investors have been allegedly duped, officials said on Tuesday.

The federal agency has taken cognisance of a Mumbai Police (Shivaji Park police station) FIR to book a case under the criminal sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the officials said. The case was later transferred to the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police.

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According to the police, 1,916 investors have complained about being cheated so far in Ponzi schemes operated by a private firm owning the Torres jewellery brand.

The scam came to light when hundreds of investors gathered at the jewellery brands store situated at Torres Vastu Centre building in Dadar (West) early this month as the company stopped paying sums promised to them.

The police had arrested three accused  Tazagul Xasatov, a Uzbekistan national; Valentina Ganesh Kumar, a Russian national; and Sarvesh Surve  all senior executives of the firm in this case till now.

The police, while seeking the accuseds further remand, said at present the magnitude of the scam has reached Rs 38 crore and the amount is expected to rise further as investigations move forward.

The ED is expected to question them and also gather additional "evidence" to go into the depth of the alleged Ponzi scam. Sources said it may summon some persons for questioning too.

The police have also issued Look Out Circulars (LOCs) against 11 more people, including foreign nationals who are stated to be absconding.

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Investigators have said the promoters of Torres jewellery brand had promised cars, flats, gift cards and hampers to attract investors.

Both the police and the ED are probing to find the mastermind of the fraud, the person who started the jewellery company (Platinum Hern) that owns the Torres brand and from where the accused got the initial fund for the firm, the sources said.

First Published: January 14, 2025, 21:14 IST
Husband Burns Woman With Hot Tawa, Cigarette Butts After Raping And Marrying Her Forcibly

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 14:58 IST

The 27-year-old woman had first met the man on Facebook in 2021 after which he took the victim to a lodge and then raped her

The man befriended the woman on Facebook in 2021 after she was taken to a lodge, where he raped her.

A woman was allegedly raped by a 38-year-old man and then blackmailed into marriage and tortured in the Thane district of Maharashtra, said the police on Tuesday.

The accused had befriended the woman on social media. After the forced marriage, he used hot tawa and cigarette butts to burn the woman.

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An FIR was filed by the police against the accused along with five other family members, which included his mother. The FIR was filed after the victim lodged a complaint against him, reported news agency PTI.

The accused, who lived in Ulhasnagar, reached out to the victim on Facebook in 2021. Vitthalwadi police stations official said that the man then took the accused to a lodge where he raped her.

Victim Narrates Her Tragic Ordeal

In her complaint, the 27-year-old victim alleged that she was filmed in an objectionable manner by the accused.

He then threatened the woman with the video and raped her multiple times.

The man later forced the victim to marry him and took her to Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh along with his mother.

However, the atrocities did not stop. The accused, along with his mother, chopped off the hair and eyebrows of the victim and kept her locked inside the house all the time.

The man also burned the victim with cigarette butts and hit her with a hot tawa because of which she suffered various injuries on the body.

The victim complained that the accused took her PAN and Aadhaar cards as well as bank passbooks and misused them to get loans.

The accused and his family also asked the victim to demand money from her father if she did not want her video to be uploaded online.

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On Sunday, the victim filed a police complaint and a case was filed against the accused under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including 64 (2) (m) (repeated rape), 74 (assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty), 75 (sexual harassment), 87 (kidnapping, abducting or inducing woman to compel her marriage, etc), 118(2) (voluntarily causing hurt or grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means), 351(2) (criminal intimidation) and 308(5) (extortion).

The police official said that no one has been arrested in the case so far and an investigation is being carried out.

Location : Thane, India

First Published: January 14, 2025, 14:55 IST
India Halts Trade With US-Sanctioned Russian Companies And Tankers: Report

Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 22:45 IST

India will allow Russian oil cargoes booked before Jan. 10 to discharge at ports in line with sanctions parameters, the official told reporters on condition of anonymity.

Global Brent crude futures extended gains on Monday, climbing above $81 to touch their highest since August. (Getty)

Indian refiners have stopped dealing with U.S.-sanctioned oil tankers and entities but the country does not expect disruption to Russian crude supplies during a two-month wind-down period, a government source said on Monday.

The U.S. Treasury on Friday imposed sanctions on Russian oil producers Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegaz and insurers Ingosstrakh and Alfastrakhovanie Group, targeting revenue Moscow has used to fund its war with Ukraine.

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Washington also sanctioned 183 vessels used for transporting Russian oil while allowing a winding down of some energy related transactions by March 12.

India will allow Russian oil cargoes booked before Jan. 10 to discharge at ports in line with sanctions parameters, the official told reporters on condition of anonymity.

"In the next two months we do not anticipate major problems because the ships that are in transit will come through. Going forward, its early days yet to anticipate the impact, how discounts shape up, if somebody is willing to sell below the $60 price cap," he said.

The official said Russia could offer deeper discounts to India to meet the $60 a barrel price cap imposed by Group of Seven countries in 2022 to be able to use western tankers and insurance.

"If we get Russian crude from a non-sanctioned entity which is below the price cap, I am sure we will be happy to look at it," the Indian government official said, adding that Indian banks will seek certificates of origin for Russian crude to ensure transactions do not involve sanctioned entities.

"We are the third-largest consumer. Russia will find ways to reach us," the official added.

The Kremlin said on Monday that the latest U.S. sanctions on Russias energy sector risked destabilising global markets and Moscow would do everything possible to minimise their impact.

Global Brent crude futures extended gains on Monday, climbing above $81 to touch their highest since August. [O/R]

Most Indian refiners are negotiating annual contracts with major producers for 2025/26 and may seek higher volumes from major Middle Eastern producers.

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Producers in the United States, Canada, Brazil, Guyana and members of the OPEC group of oil producers will boost output to meet demand to offset Russian supply shortages, the Indian official said.

He added that India was also examining the impact of the new U.S. sanctions on Russias Vostok oil project, in which Indian companies have a stake.

First Published: January 14, 2025, 21:36 IST
'Involved In Legitimising Afzal Guru': Delhi Police's Big Revelation In School Bomb Threats Case

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 15:32 IST

Police earlier arrested a student for his involvement in bomb threats to at least 23 schools last week. The suspect is from a family that works with an NGO involved with a 'certain political party'.

At least 17 schools became the latest targets of bomb threats last week. (PTI Image)

The Delhi police on Tuesday said that a student of a private school, who was apprehended for sending bomb threats to educational institutes, had sent emails to more than 400 schools. The family of the juvenile works with an NGO, and that NGO had connection with a particular political party," said Special CP Law and Order Madhup Tiwari, adding that the non-government organization was also involved in legitimising Afzal Guru.

Notably, a Class 12 student of a private school was apprehended for his alleged involvement in the hoax emails to hundreds of schools since last year. It was found during the investigation that the detained student sent out the threat emails to schools to avoid sitting for school exams.

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Commissioner Tiwari on Tuesday said there have been thousands of hoax emails forwarded to several schools since February last year and the police have made all-out efforts to track the sender. The emails were sent in a very sophisticated manner, including the use of VPNs. Hence, we had difficulties in tracing the emails," he said.

Police got information about the juvenile suspect on January 8 and it was found after his arrest that he had sent hoax threat emails to more than 400 schools. We suspected an anti-national or sabotage angle. When we did the profiling of the family of the juvenile as part of the investigation, we found that one of his parents is connected to an organisation with deep connections to an NGO. As per our preliminary info, it was found that the NGO has deep connections to a particular political party," Tiwari said.

Tiwari also said the suspect was involved in sending hoax emails to more than 250 schools on May 1 last year and other incidents as well. This is a preliminary investigation. Further investigation is yet to be done," Tiwari said.

The suspect had sent hoax emails to 23 schools on Thursday last week. Police found the user had sent them through Gmail, which helped track him down. The student later confessed that emails had been sent by him and some other students using VPN.

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The big revelation came after Delhi Police came under fire for the inability to contain the bomb threats to schools and the deteriorating law and order situation in the city. Chief Minister Atishi, former CM Arvind Kejriwal, and former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia had slammed the Delhi Police and Centre over the repeated bomb threats that disrupted classes.

At least 40 Delhi schools, including DPS RK Puram and GD Goenka School in Paschim Vihar, had received bomb threat emails on December 9 last year, in which the sender demanded $30,000 as ransom. Similar emails targeted more than 30 schools on December 13 and 14.

First Published: January 14, 2025, 15:04 IST
'J&K Incomplete Without PoK': Rajnath Singh Hits Out At Pakistan In Akhnoor Rally

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 15:06 IST

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh blamed estranged neighbour Pakistan for trying to destabilise Jammu and Kashmir.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh | File Image/ANI

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday lashed out at the Prime Minister of Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK), Chaudhry Anwarul Haq, over his remarks on India and said that Jammu and Kashmir is incomplete without PoK.

Singh blamed estranged neighbour Pakistan for trying to destabilise Jammu and Kashmir and further said that efforts are underway to minimise the distance between the hearts of the people of J&K and Delhi.

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Jammu and Kashmir is incomplete without PoK. PoK is nothing more than a foreign territory for Pakistan PoKs land is being used to run the business of terrorism. Terrorist training camps are being run in PoK Pakistan will have to destroy them otherwise," Rajnath Singh said while speaking at the 9th Armed Forces Veterans Day event in Akhnoor.

Haq recently echoed the long-standing terror acts of militants by calling for jihad against India and declared that his government would use all available resources to oust Indian forces from the Jammu and Kashmir region.

VIDEO | J&K: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) and CM Omar Abdullah attend Armed Forces Veterans Day celebration in Akhnoor.I extend my greeting to everyone on Makar Sankranti. It is believed that we should celebrate Makar Sankranti with our family, therefore, I pic.twitter.com/3xJdWrS2d6  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 14, 2025

Rajnath Singh Slams Pakistan

Noting that more than 80 per cent of terrorists entering India are from Pakistan, Defence Minister Rajanath Singh said, Our Muslim brothers have sacrificed their lives fighting against terrorism."

The war between India and Pakistan was fought in Akhnoor in 1965. India succeeded in thwarting the efforts of the Pakistani army. Pakistan has been promoting illegal infiltration and terrorism since 1965. Cross-border terrorism would have ended in 1965 itself, but the then central government was unable to convert the tactical advantage gained in the war into a strategic advantage," he said.

Singh on Tuesday hoisted a 108-foot national flag and inaugurated a heritage museum in the Akhnoor border belt of Jammu.

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Singh, accompanied by the chief of defence staff (CDS), was received by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and senior officers amid tight security.

He participated in the 9th Armed Forces Veterans Day programme celebrated at the Tanda Artillery Brigade. The museum showcases weapons used in various wars in J-K and sculptures of war heroes.

Location : Jammu and Kashmir, India

First Published: January 14, 2025, 15:06 IST
Maha Kumbh 2025: Air India To Operate Daily Delhi-Prayagraj Flights

Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 21:10 IST

In a release on Tuesday, the airline said it will operate the flights on the route from January 25 to February 28.

The flights will have economy and premium economy class seats.(IMAGE: REUTERS)

Air India will temporarily operate daily flights between the national capital and Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh to cater to the high travel demand.

In a release on Tuesday, the airline said it will operate the flights on the route from January 25 to February 28.

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The flights will have economy and premium economy class seats.

"With convenient daytime departures in both directions, the flights enable seamless connections via Delhi to customers travelling to/from various parts of India as well as North America, Europe, Australia, and several countries in Southeast Asia," the release said.

Air India and Air India Express do not have regular services connecting Prayagraj.

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Last month, SpiceJet announced that it would operate daily special flights connecting Prayagraj with Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad for the Maha Kumbh Mela. These services will be available from January 12 to February 28.

IndiGo and Akasa Air also operate flights to Prayagraj from different cities.

First Published: January 14, 2025, 21:10 IST
Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 21:20 IST

'Sadhus' and other devotees take a holy dip at the Sangam on the occasion of 'Makar Sankranti' festival, during the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025, in Prayagraj (PTI)

Mahakumbh Mela, Makar Sankranti, Pongal 2025 Live Updates: Over 3.5 crore devotees took the first amrit snan or holy dip in Prayagrajs Sangam till evening amid cold conditions. The weather department has forecast dense fog in Pratapgarh, Kaushambi and Fatehpur districts of Prayagraj. The minimum temperature is expected to reach eight degree Celsius, while the maximum temperature is likely to be around 18 degrees.

Rainfall in Uttar Pradesh has significantly contributed to the drop in temperature. In response, authorities have taken necessary measures to protect devotees from the cold by setting up free night shelters. Additionally, bonfires are being arranged at key intersections to offer relief and help devotees cope with the severe chill.

Meanwhile, the captivating displays of Naga Sadhus during the amrit snan on the second day of Maha Kumbh enthralled millions of devotees at Triveni Sangam  the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers.

Leading most of the Akharas during the Amrit Snan, the Naga sadhus mesmerized onlookers with their discipline and mastery of traditional weapons. From skillfully wielding spears and swords to energetically playing the Damru, their demonstrations were a vibrant celebration of age-old traditions.

The devotees are taking Amrit Snan on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, which signifies the Suns transition to its next astronomical position by the Hindu calendar.

The Mahakumbh Mela, a massive spiritual gathering held every 12 years, holds even greater significance this year as seers claim the celestial permutations and combinations for the event are taking place after 144 years. The Uttar Pradesh government expects at least 35 crore pilgrims to attend the mega festival.
PM Modi To Dedicate 3 Cutting-Edge Naval Warships To Nation | In Pics

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 20:26 IST

All three warships- INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vaghsheer boast advanced features and have been designed to meet different requirements of the Indian Navy.

INS Nilgiri warship | Image/GoI

Indian Navys combat capabilities will get a major boost on Wednesday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to dedicate three frontline naval combatants- INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vaghsheer to the nation during their commissioning event at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai.

The commissioning of cutting-edge warships will mark a significant leap forward in realising Indias vision of becoming a global leader in defence manufacturing and maritime security, a statement issued on Monday said.

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All three warships boast advanced features and have been designed to meet different requirements of the Indian Navy. Of the three, INS Surat is the fourth and final ship of the P15B Guided Missile Destroyer Project. It comes equipped with state-of-the-art weapon-sensor packages, according to the statement.

PM Modi described the commissioning event, which will take place tomorrow in Mumbai, as a special day towards boosting naval capabilities. The commissioning of three frontline naval combatants will strengthen our efforts towards being a global leader in defence and augment our quest towards self-reliance," he said in an X post.

Tomorrow, 15th January, is going to be a special day as far as our naval capacities are concerned. The commissioning of three frontline naval combatants will strengthen our efforts towards being a global leader in defence and augment our quest towards self-reliance. https://t.co/zhrVjbgA2T Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 14, 2025

INS Surat

INS Surat is the fourth and final ship of the P15B Guided Missile Destroyer Project.

It ranks among the largest and most sophisticated destroyers in the world.

It has an indigenous content of 75 per cent and is equipped with state-of-the-art weapon-sensor packages and advanced network-centric capabilities.

INS Nilgiri

INS Nilgiri is the first ship of the P17A Stealth Frigate Project.

It has been designed by the Indian Navys Warship Design Bureau.

It comes equipped with advanced features for enhanced survivability, seakeeping, and stealth, reflecting the next generation of indigenous frigates.

INS Vaghsheer

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INS Vaghsheer is the sixth and final submarine of the P75 Scorpene Project.

It represents Indias growing expertise in submarine construction.

It has been constructed in collaboration with the Naval Group of France.

First Published: January 14, 2025, 19:13 IST
Noida: Law Student's Ex-Girlfriend Arrested For Abetment To Suicide, She Had 'Refused To Patch Up'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 13:08 IST

The law student's ex-girlfriend was called to the party by his friends who had planned to convince her to reconcile with Tapas

23-year-old LLB student Tapas jumped from the 7th floor of an apartment after his ex-girlfriend refused to reconcile with him. (Source: X)

The police in the investigation have found that 23-year-old LLB student Tapas had died by suicide after falling from the seventh floor of an apartment in Noida on Saturday after he failed to patch up with his former girlfriend.

The woman was arrested for abetment of suicide by the police and produced in court. However, she was granted bail by the court, NDTV reported.

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The boy was pursuing LLB from Amity University and his father is an advocate based in Ghaziabad.

In the police investigation, it was revealed that friends of Tapas tried to convince his former girlfriend to patch up with him, however, she refused.

The court said that the actions of the girl did not amount to abetment to suicide and she was granted bail.

Tapas and his ex-girlfriend were studying in the same class in the college. They were living together after getting into a relationship.

However, after some time, the two fell out of love and the girl took the call of ending the relationship. However, the boy wanted to patch up with her.

What Happened On The Unfortunate Day?

Tapas used to live in Ghaziabad and was visiting the house of his friend at Supreme Towers in Sector 99 of Noida on Saturday.

His ex-girlfriend was also invited to the party by his friends who had planned to convince her to get back with Tapas.

She arrived at the apartment but refused to patch up with the law student. In the heat of the moment, Tapas took the drastic step of jumping from the apartments seventh floor, as per the investigation.

A police complaint was filed by the family members of Tapas who accused his ex-girlfriend of harassment. After this, the police registered an abetment to suicide case.

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The Noida police had earlier said that they were questioning the friends of Tapas and investigating all aspects of the incident.

First Published: January 14, 2025, 11:38 IST
Smeared In Ashes, Wrapped In Leopard Print, 13 Akhadas Lead Makar Sankrantis Rajasi Snan At Maha Kumbh

Reported By :

News18.com

Edited By: Apoorva Misra



Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 11:41 IST

Amidst the chants of Har Har Mahadev and Ganga Maiya Ki Jai, the ceremonial event picked up at around 5.15am when the saints danced and headed towards Sangam to take part in the ritual

During the Amrit Snan procession, disciples and followers of Mahants and Mahamandaleshwars walked along with them, showering flowers on them. (News18)

The sacred confluence of the Sangam came alive with devotion and celebration on Tuesday as millions of pilgrims, braving the morning chill, took a holy dip on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, marking the first Rajasi Snan of the ongoing Maha Kumbh 2025. The momentous day, which also marks the transition of the sun from the zodiac of Sagittarius (Dhanu) to Capricorn (Makar), saw around 80 lakh devotees partake in the holy ritual during the early hours, with the number anticipated to surpass three crore as the day unfolds.

Chants Of Har Har Mahadev

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Among the faithfuls, saints and seers associated with 13 Hindu monastic orders (Akhadas) were first to take the holy dip at the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati on the banks of Sangam in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh (UP).

Amidst the chants of Har Har Mahadev and Ganga Maiya Ki Jai, the ceremonial event picked up at around 5.15am when the saints, smeared with sacred ashes (Bhabhoot), some naked while some wrapped in leopard-print clothes, danced and headed towards the bank to take part in the ritual at Maha Kumbh, the worlds largest gathering of humanity.

During the Amrit Snan procession, disciples and followers of Mahants and Mahamandaleshwars walked along with them, showering flowers on them while holding chamvar (fan made of yaks tail), chhatra (umbrella) and danda (stick) in their hands.

Saints & Seers Take Holy Dip First

To ensure smooth execution of the ceremonial event, the Mela administration made elaborate preparations and issued a detailed schedule defining the movement order and allotted timings for each Akhada.

On the day of the first Rajasi Snan, the seers, mahants, and Mahamandaleshwars of Mahanirvani and Atal Akhadas were first to take the holy dip at 6.15am. Tuesday marked the first Rajasi Snan, during which saints associated with the 13 Akhadas took a sacred dip at the Sangam on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti," said Mahant Ravindra Puri, president of the All India Akhada Parishad.

Puri elaborated that the 13 Akhadas are classified into three major groups: Sanyasi (Shaivite), Bairagi (Vaishnav), and Udaseen. The Shaivite Akhadas include Shree Panch Dashnam Juna Akhada, Shree Panchayati Akhada Niranjani, Shree Shambhu Panchayati Atal Akhada, Shree Panchayati Akhada Mahanirvani, Shree Shambhu Panchagni Akhada, Shree Panchdashnam Aavahan Akhada, and Taponidhi Shri Anand Akhada Panchayti.

The Vaishnav Akhadas consist of Shree Panch Nirmohi Ani Akhada, Shree Panch Digamber Ani Akhada, and Shree Panch Nirvani Ani Akhada. Meanwhile, the Udaseen Akhadas include Shree Panchayati Akhada Bada Udaseen, Shree Panchayti Akhada Naya Udaseen, and Panchayati Akhada Nirmal.

30-Minute Holy Bath For Each Akhada

Puri said Juna Akhada had initially requested to lead the Rajasi Snan, citing the large number of its members. However, the Akhada Parishad resolved that traditional precedence would be maintained.

Accordingly, the seven Sanyasi Akhadas led the holy dip, followed by the three Bairagi Akhadas, and finally, the three Udaseen Akhadas performed their ritual bath in the sacred waters. As per the time-table released, all the Akhadas would get 30 minutes to an hour to bathe. He said the order of the holy dip would remain the same in the upcoming two Shahi Snans on Mauni Amavasya (January 29) and Basant Panchami (February 3).

However, the saints were soon joined by the locals and pilgrims who thronged the banks of Sangam to be a witness to this remarkable event.

This Maha Kumbh Feels Divine

There is unity in diversity people from all over the country have come to visit the Maha Kumbh Mela. I feel really good that I have come here. I also got the occasion to celebrate Makar Sankranti," said Sudha Chandran, a devotee from Chennai. She applauded the arrangements, adding: The government has made really good arrangements here. The police are helping everyone. I wholeheartedly thank the Yogi Adityanath government for providing excellent services to the people."

Another devotee highlighted the cleanliness and crowd management, saying: Despite the massive crowd, the administration has ensured proper cleanliness. I thank the authorities for maintaining such excellent arrangements. No one is facing any issues."

A pilgrim from Gujarat shared: This Maha Kumbh feels divine. The seamless organisation, from transportation to security, is commendable. Its a proud moment for us to witness such a grand and well-managed spiritual event."

Foreign Tourists Laud Maha Kumbh

Other than the devotees from India, hundreds and thousands of devotees from other countries too were spotted taking the holy dip at Maha Kumbh.

The energy and devotion here are indescribable. Ive never seen anything like the Maha Kumbh in my life," said Lisa Carter, a pilgrim from the United States. While appreciating the arrangements, she said: The arrangements are impressive and the cultural vibrancy is truly awe-inspiring. The hospitality and spiritual depth of this event make it unforgettable."

Hans Meier, another pilgrim from Germany, said: I travelled from Germany to experience the Maha Kumbh and it has been a transformative journey. The event is exceptional, and the dedication of the people is heart-warming. The seamless crowd management and cleanliness reflect the incredible efforts of the government. This is a spiritual marvel."

Elaborate Arrangements

The UP government has made elaborate arrangements for the day, apart from showering flower petals from helicopters on sadhus and devotees at the designated bathing ghats, adding a festive and spiritual touch to the occasion.

A 12-kilometer stretch featuring 48 bathing ghats has been meticulously prepared and fortified with water barricades. To prevent any untoward incidents, the area is being monitored by the Jal Police and 25 marine commandos from the Indian Navy, providing an additional layer of safety.

For the convenience of pilgrims, 18,000 changing rooms have been installed at the ghats, along with 1.25 lakh toilets to maintain hygiene and sanitation. A robust transportation plan has been put into action, with 13,000 trains, including 3,000 special trains, and 5,500 buses from the Uttar Pradesh State Transport Corporation. An additional 550 shuttle buses are in operation to ensure smooth connectivity within the Mela area. To manage the influx of vehicles, over 100 designated parking areas have been developed at strategic entry points.

1.65 Crore Devotees Took Holy Dip On Day 1

On January 13, on the occasion of Paush Purnima, around 1.65 crore devotees took the holy dip. Maha Kumbh Nagar district magistrate Vijay Kiran Anand said: The first bathing festival of Maha Kumbh passed off peacefully. Around 1.65 crore devotees took the holy dip by Monday evening (6.30pm)."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath hailed the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj as the Maha Kumbh of Unity".

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In his post on X, the UP chief minister on Tuesday wrote: Today, on the auspicious occasion of the great festival of folk faith Makar Sankranti, congratulations to all the devotees who earned virtue by taking the first Amrit Snan at the Triveni Sangam in Mahakumbh-2025, Prayagraj!"

In his previous post, he wrote: All the revered sadhus, kalpvasis and devotees who have come to experience unity in diversity, to meditate and take a holy bath at the confluence of faith and modernity are heartily welcomed. May Maa Ganga fulfil all your wishes."

Location : Prayagraj, India

First Published: January 14, 2025, 11:41 IST
Under 'Digital Arrest' At Hotel, Bareilly Doctor Rescued Thanks To Note Left At Home

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: January 13, 2025, 12:59 IST

Before moving out of his house, the doctor who was threatened by individuals posing as CBI officials left a note outlining fraudulent transactions involving his Aadhaar card and bank account. Following this, he checked into a hotel 10 km away

When the police officers knocked and requested entry, the doctor initially refused to open the door. (News18 Hindi)

In Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, cybercriminals deceived a doctor by fabricating transactions worth crores of rupees through illegal channels, creating a scenario resembling a digital arrest. The perpetrators, posing as CBI officers, skillfully ensnared the doctor in an elaborate hoax.

Furthermore, the cybercriminals instructed the doctor to vacate his home and check into a hotel, which he did. Wisely, however, he left a note detailing the incident before departing. Subsequently, the real police arrived and rescued the doctor from the clutches of the criminals.

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The incident took place at a residential area which falls under the purview of Baradari police station on January 11. Najbul Hasan, a resident of this area and a doctor by profession, runs his own private polyclinic.

The doctor received a call in which a person claiming to be a CBI officer said, There has been a fake transaction of crores of rupees from your account and the investigation is with the Delhi CBI agency. I have all your details and you will be arrested within 24 hours. Our people have reached around you. Do as much as I say. Isolate yourself completely."

Following the call, the doctor checked into a hotel room. However, before leaving, he left a note at his home, detailing fraudulent transactions made using his Aadhaar card and bank account. He then checked into the hotel approximately 10 km from his residence, taking a camera with him.

At the hotel, he engaged in a video call, following instructions dictated by cybercriminals posing as police officers. Upon discovering the note, the doctors family contacted the police, concerned for his well-being. SP City, Manus Pareek, was tasked with resolving the situation and ensuring the doctors safe return.

The doctor was on the verge of revealing his OTP (One-Time Password) to transfer funds. However, just then the police arrived at the scene after tracking down the doctors mobile phone location.

Upon reaching the room where Dr Hasan had locked himself the officers knocked and requested entry. However, the doctor refused to open the door. This refusal stemmed from the fact that he was on a mobile video call with an individual impersonating a police officer, who instructed him not to open the door. Furthermore, a sensor installed in the hotel room door prevented any forceful entry.

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Immediately, the police officer adopted a new tactic. Prompted by the officer, the hotel staff began shouting Fire! Fire!" outside the room. Hearing the commotion, the doctor became frightened and opened the door but refused to let the officer enter. The cyber fraudster had successfully manipulated and confused him, leaving him unreceptive to any outside intervention.

Eventually, however, the officer gained the doctors trust and took possession of his phone. The officers timely intervention rescued the doctor from the clutches of the fraudsters, preventing the theft of his savings. Currently, law enforcement agencies are conducting further investigations into the case.

Location : Bareilly, India

First Published: January 13, 2025, 12:59 IST
After Kerala Youth's Death At Warfront, MEA Seeks Early Discharge Of Indians In Russian Military

Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 18:19 IST

Following the death of the Indian national from Kerala, India has reiterated to Russia its demand for an early discharge of the Indian nationals recruited by the Russian military, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

An Indian national recruited by the Russian military has been killed and another has sustained injuries in Russias ongoing conflict with Ukraine, and New Delhi has taken up the matter strongly with Moscow.

Following the death of the Indian national from Kerala, India has reiterated to Russia its demand for an early discharge of the Indian nationals recruited by the Russian military, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

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We have learnt of the unfortunate death of an Indian national from Kerala, who had apparently been recruited to serve in the Russian Army," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Tuesday.

Another Indian national from Kerala, who was similarly recruited, has been injured and is receiving treatment in a hospital in Moscow," he added.

Jaiswal said the Indian embassy in Moscow is in touch with the families of the two Indians and all possible assistance is being extended.

We are working with the Russian authorities for an early transportation of the mortal remains to India," Jaiswal said.

We have also sought the early discharge and repatriation to India of the injured person," he said.

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The matter has been strongly taken up with the Russian authorities in Moscow as well as with the Russian embassy in New Delhi today," he added.

The MEA spokesperson said India has also reiterated its demand for an early discharge of the remaining Indian nationals in Russian military.

First Published: January 14, 2025, 18:17 IST
Chirag Paswan Says His Party Intends To Contest Delhi Assembly Polls Along With BJP

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 12:59 IST

Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) President Chirag Paswan said that his party may contest assembly elections on some seats in the national capital

Union Minister Chirag Paswan has hinted that his Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) may contest Delhi assembly elections. (PTI/File)

Union Minister and president of the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) Chirag Paswan on Tuesday announced that his party intends to contest the Delhi assembly elections which will be held next month.

Paswan said that his party is planning to contest elections on seats which can prove helpful in strengthening the hold of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Nationalist Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Delhi.

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Lok Janshakti Partys (Ram Vilas) policy is to strengthen the (NDA) alliance and to contest elections on only those seats where victory will strengthen the alliance (NDA). Like Jharkhand, in Delhi elections, winnability will also matter more than the numbers. We will contest only those seats where the candidates of LJP (Ram Vilas) have a stronghold. We will not compromise with our strike rate by contesting additional seats. We will contest on seats which would allow us to win," said Paswan, while speaking to the reporters.

Paswan Slams Kejriwal For Insulting" People From Eastern States

The LJP (Ram Vilas) leader further slammed former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and accused him of making insulting" remarks against the people of Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh.

The people of Delhi will remember the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national conveners actions and will vote for the BJP-led NDA in the assembly elections, said Paswan.

Jis tarah dilli ke log trahi trahi kar rahe haiKejriwal aur AAP ke jhoothe vaadon se (The people of Delhi are calling for mercy against the false promises made by AAP and Kejriwal), especially people from Bihar and eastern UP (Purvanchal)Kejriwal has insulted the people of Bihar by calling them fake. Just to win elections, he has labelled people from UP and Bihar as fake (voters). Delhi will vote while keeping this in mind and BJP-led NDA will form the government," said Paswan.

The BJP has announced the names of its candidates who will be contesting elections from 59 of the 70 assembly seats in the national capital.

The BJP is likely to leave some seats for political parties in the alliance like the JD(U) and Chirag Paswans LJP (Ram Vilas) to contest in the assembly elections.

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The Election Commission will contest the Delhi assembly elections in a single phase on February 5 and the vote counting will take place on February 8.

First Published: January 14, 2025, 12:47 IST
Anushka Sharma Sets A Funky Statement In A Pair Of Stylish Leopard-Print Jeans

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 12:11 IST

For her recent appearance, Anushka Sharma opted for a pair of white leopard-print jeans which she had paired with a classic black top.

Anushka Sharma balanced the printed jeans with a plain top.

Since Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli returned to Mumbai, fans cannot stop talking about the couple. Recently, they were spotted in uber-cool and stylish streetwear ensembles at the Gateway of India in Mumbai. The paparazzi snapped the couple as they made their way to Alibaug from Mumbai. Following this, the paparazzi spotted Anushka yet again as she made her way back to Mumbai. Her effortlessly stylish look has become the talk of the town.

In a video that has now gone viral on social media, Anushka Sharma was seen making her way to her car. The actor was surrounded by her team who led the way. She was seen smiling and thanking the paparazzi. She ditched the usual blue jeans for her recent appearance and opted for a quirkier option. She went with a pair of printed jeans and fashion girlies cannot get enough of her look.

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Take a look at the video here.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani)

Anushka opted for a pair of printed jeans as she made her way back to Mumbai. The jeans featured a snow leopard-like print. With a relaxed fit, the printed jeans was a perfect choice for a casual and not-so-boring look. The jeans were by Lioness and it retails for Rs 4,600 on the official website. The actor paired the jeans with a plain black t-shirt. She neatly tucked the t-shirt and that helped to balance out the printed jeans and exude a casual yet polished look.

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For the accessories, she went with a classic gold chain necklace that came with a chunky pendant. She also went with a pair of classic gold hoop earrings. She carried a black shoulder bag which completed her look.

Ever since Anushka stepped into Mumbai, she has been seen in a lot of casual wear. But the actor has been elevating her casual wear looks by blending quirky and functional elements.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: January 14, 2025, 12:11 IST
Happy Magh Bihu 2025: Bhogali Bihu Wishes, Images, Messages, WhatsApp & Facebook Status

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 08:33 IST

Magh Bihu will be celebrated on January 15, while the Sankranti Moment of Mafh Bihu will be on January 14 at 09:03 AM.

Happy Bhogali Bihu 2025: Magh Bihu Wishes, Images, Greetings, Cards, Quotes Messages, Photos, SMSs WhatsApp and Facebook Status to share on Magh Bihu. (Image: Shutterstock)

Assam celebrates Magh Bihu, also called Bhogali Bihu, as a harvest festival to mark the conclusion of the harvesting season. Celebrated in the middle of January, Magh Bihu embodies the Assamese values of happiness, community, and respect for the abundance of nature.

According to Bengali Panjika, Magh Bihu is celebrated on the first day of the month of Magh. For one week, Magh Bihu, the Assamese celebration of Sankranti, is held. Agni, the Lord of Fire, is honoured during the Magh Bihu festival. Surya, the Sun Lord, is honoured during the Sankranti festival across the rest of India.

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This year, Magh Bihu will be observed on January 15 while the Sankranti Moment of Mafh Bihu will be on January 14 at 09:03 AM. This lively celebration of plenty and thankfulness brings people together through traditional practices, feasting, and community building.

Lets share warm wishes, pictures, words, and quotes as we celebrate Magh Bihu 2025. Here are some suggestions for using Facebook, WhatsApp, or SMS to spread your happiness:

Happy Magh Bihu 2025: Wishes

May the warmth of the Meji fire bring you happiness, prosperity, and success. Wishing you a joyful Magh Bihu!

As the festival of Bhogali Bihu brings people together, may it fill your life with love and laughter. Happy Magh Bihu!

ALSO READ: Magh Bihu 2025: Date, History, Significance, And Rituals Of Assams Harvest Festival

Let this Magh Bihu be a time of joy, peace, and celebration with your loved ones. Have a prosperous and happy Bihu!

On this festive occasion of Bhogali Bihu, may your home be filled with the aroma of delicious feasts and the sound of laughter. Happy Bihu!

Celebrate the harvest, cherish the moments, and embrace the new beginnings. Wishing you a bright and beautiful Magh Bihu!

May the sweetness of pitha and laru fill your life with everlasting happiness. Happy Bhogali Bihu!

As we light the Meji and offer prayers, lets hope for a year filled with positivity and success. Happy Magh Bihu!

May this Bhogali Bihu bring you closer to your loved ones and fill your heart with gratitude. Wishing you a joyous celebration!

Let the festive spirit of Bihu bring light and energy into your life. Happy Magh Bihu!

Celebrate the spirit of togetherness and the joy of abundance. Wishing you and your family a very happy Magh Bihu!

Happy Magh Bihu 2025: Messages

May Magh Bihus hues brighten your life and bring you joy and wealth. Greetings on Magh Bihu, friend.

I hope this season brings you a tonne of joy and development. To you and your loved ones, happy Magh Bihu.

Dance joyfully with your loved ones and savour your pitha. My beloved, happy Magh Bihu!

I pray that God would always shower you with happiness and joy. I wish you and your family a happy Magh Bihu.

I hope your life continues to bloom and that your crops grow nicely. Have a joyful and open heart while celebrating Magh Bihu.

Bihu is a good day to make a fresh start. I hope you succeed in everything you do. Happy Bihu to all of you!

Lets pray for prosperity, health, and success this Bihu. Happy Bihu!

May this day bring you happiness, health, and serenity. This Bihu, Im sending my warmest regards and best wishes!

Id like to wish you a pleasant Bihu that is full of plenty and happiness.

This Bihu, Id like to extend my warmest regards to you and your loved ones!

From all of us here, you and your family have our warmest Bihu greetings. Happy Bihu!

Happy Magh Bihu 2025: SMS

May the warmth of the bonfire and the joy of the harvest fill your home with happiness. Happy Magh Bihu!

Wishing you and your family prosperity in the coming year. Happy Magh Bihu!

May the festival of Magh Bihu bring good health, prosperity, and success into your life. Have a joyous Magh Bihu!

May all your worries end and bring forth a year filled with positivity.

May the sound of the dhol and the tunes of Bihu songs fill your heart with joy and excitement.

Sending warmest wishes for Magh Bihu filled with laughter, love, and good times.

Happy Magh Bihu to you and your family!

On this auspicious occasion, may your home be filled with warmth, and your heart with joy.

May the sun radiate peace, prosperity, and positivity into your life. Wishing you a blessed Magh Bihu!

May your dreams and aspirations reach new heights. Happy Magh Bihu to you and your loved ones!

Happy Magh Bihu 2025 : Greetings

Im sending you my warmest regards on this divine occasion of Bihu! Lets offer our prayers for abundance and success. Happy Magh Bihu.

May this year be filled with lots of happiness and prosperity for you. Happy Magh Bihu.

I hope the Bihu celebration brings you love and happiness. Please accept my sincere greetings and good wishes for you and your family. Happy Magh Bihu

A family that celebrates Bihu together stays together forever. Happy Magh Bihu, from our family to yours.

Best wishes on Magh Bihu. I hope this festival deepens our bond with nature and furthers the atmosphere of joy. Happy Magh Bihu.

Magh Bihu is a good day to make a fresh start. I hope that whatever you do this year turns out well. I hope you have great success. Happy 2024 Magh Bihu.

May God shower you and your family with his most precious blessings on this auspicious Magh Bihu day. Greetings on Magh Bihu.

Measure your day by the seeds you sowed, not by the results of your effort. To you and your loved ones, happy Magh Bihu.

I wish you love, joy, and happiness this year as you celebrate the auspicious Magh Bihu holiday. Greetings on Magh Bihu

Happy Magh Bihu 2025 : WhatsApp & Facebook Status

I wish you all a very happy Bhogali Bihu and I wish you all a very happy Magh Bihu

Celebrating Bhogali Bihu with joy and gratitude. May this festival bring peace, happiness, and prosperity to all!

May the fire of Meji burn away all the troubles and bring new hopes and opportunities. Happy Bhogali Bihu to everyone

Wishing you a joyous and prosperous Bhogali Bihu! May this festival bring happiness, success, and good health to you and your loved ones.

Happy Bhogali Bihu! May the warmth of the Meji fire light up your life with joy and prosperity.

Dance is a red and white saree, look your best today. May this Magh Bihu bring you lots of light and love.

This Magh Bihu, I hope that you burn all the negativity of your life in the bonfire and welcome positive vibes.

Prosper, grow, love, and glow. Happy Magh Bihu to you and your family.

May you unite with all those you have lost on the way, even yourself. May this Magh Bihu bring you redemption and rejuvenation.

May your whole life shine like the festival of Magh Bihu. may you always glow as you do during this festival. Happy Magh Bihu from me and mine to you and yours.

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Magh Bihu is a celebration of harvest, and the abundance of nature. The importance of Bhogali Bihu is joy and togetherness, whether you are spending time with loved ones, starting a bonfire, or indulging in traditional foods. Share the joy and warmth of Magh Bihu 2025 with your loved ones by sending them warm wishes, sincere messages, and lively social media posts.

Lets make this Magh Bihu a season of wealth, love, and peace for everybody. We hope you have a wonderful Magh Bihu with your loved ones!Happy Magh Bihu 2025!

Location : Assam, India

First Published: January 14, 2025, 06:15 IST
Happy Makar Sankranti Wishes 2025: Best Messages, Images, & Greetings To Share With Loved Ones

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 08:33 IST

Happy Makar Sankranti 2025: Here are some beautiful wishes, images, greeting and quotes that you can share with your siblings, friends, family, relatives and colleagues.

Happy Makar Sankranti 2025 Wishes In Marathi and English: Wishes, Images, Greetings, Cards, Quotes Messages, Photos, SMSs WhatsApp and Facebook Status to share on Makar Sankranti. (Image: Shutterstock)

Makar Sankranti is being celebrated today on Tuesday, January 14. The day marks the beginning of the harvest season. According to Drik Panchang, this year, Makar Sankranti Punya Kala will fall from 09:03 AM to 05:46 PM. It is also celebrated as Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Uttarayan in Gujarat, Lohri in Punjab, and Magh Bihu in Assam. related stories On this day, people worship the Sun God and pray for the well-being of their loved ones. As we celebrate Makar Sankranti 2025, lets look at the warmest messages to share the happiness of this auspicious event. Here are some inspirational wishes and pictures to share with your loved ones.

Happy Makar Sankranti Wishes

I hope you have a happy Makar Sankranti that is full of wealth and health.

May the rays of the sun illuminate your way to achievement.

May you experience an abundance of happiness, joy, and tranquillity on this auspicious day. I hope you have a pleasant Makar Sankranti.

May this Makar Sankrantis warmth infuse your life with happiness, prosperity, and success. Happy Sankranti!"

On this Makar Sankranti, may the sun give you fresh hope and may you be blessed abundantly. I wish you and your family a happy Makar Sankranti.

Im sending you Makar Sankrantis wonderful blessings! I hope you have all the joy and happiness you deserve throughout this festival.

May you and your family have happiness and good fortune as a result of the suns blessings. I hope you have a happy Makar Sankranti.

May your life be as colourful as the rainbow kites in the sky on this day of fresh starts. Have a great Makar Sankranti"

May this Makar Sankranti bring laughter into your house, success into your life, and joy into your heart. I wish you and your family a happy Makar Sankranti.

May the suns trek north fill your life with warmth and brightness. I hope Makar Sankranti brings you wealth and prosperity.

On this auspicious Makar Sankranti, Im sending you a bag full of happiness, serenity, and prosperity. Enjoy every second of the celebration.

This Makar Sankranti, may your life be filled with positive energy, good health, and a harvest of happiness!

May you have peace, wealth, and good health on this auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti. Happy Makar Sankranti!

Happy Makar Sankranti Images

Happy Makar Sankranti Messages

May your life be blessed with love. May your life be blessed with Lakshmi May your life be blessed with happiness. Happy Makar Sankranti!

With the changing direction of the Sun and a new start, may the direction you choose to go be filled with radiance, peace and prosperity. Best wishes for Makar Sankranti.

ALSO READ: Makar Sankranti 2025: History, Significance, Shubh Muhurat, And Celebration In Maharashtra

Wishing for you and your family, on Makar Sankranti, happiness and a lifetime of full-bloom harvest.

May this Makar Sankranti give a start that is full of bliss, joy and comfort. Have a blissful Makar Sankranti!

Wishing you a season filled with smiles, success, and sweet memories. Happy Makar Sankranti

Warm wishes for a bountiful harvest and a prosperous year ahead. Happy Makar Sankranti!

May this Makar Sankranti bring new hope, happiness, and endless joy into your life. Have a blessed festival!

As the kites soar high in the sky, may your dreams rise even higher. Wishing you a vibrant and joyful Makar Sankranti!

May the vibrant kites of Makar Sankranti fill your sky with joy and laughter. Happy Sankranti!

Its time to enjoy the first festival of the year with full intensity and love. Wishing you a prosperous, delightful and auspicious Makar Sankranti 2025!

Happy Makar Sankranti 2025: Greetings to share with friends

This Makar Sankarti, Im wishing you a sky full of success and countless kites of happiness.

I hope this celebration fills your life with happiness, wealth, and cosiness.

Lets laugh and show love as we celebrate the fruit of our friendship.

This Sankranti, may your days shine as brightly as the kites in the sky!

Cheers to wonderful times and treasured memories.

Like the kites in the sky, may your life soar to great heights. Greetings on Sankranti, my buddy!

I hope you have a pleasant, joyous, and prosperous holiday season.

Together, lets soar like kites and welcome the joyous winds.

I hope you enjoy loads of kites, love, and fun this Sankranti!

I hope this festival of Makar Sankranti fills your life with joy and limitless prospects.

I hope you have a Makar Sankranti that is vibrant, enjoyable, and unifying.

May the sun shine brightly and positively on all of your pursuits. Happy Sankranti!

Lets enjoy this festivals beauty and our relationship.

This Sankranti, Im wishing you bright skies and a joyful heart!Wsh you a vey Happy Sankranti!

Happy Makar Sankranti 2025 Greetings

Im wishing a Makar Sankranti full of love, happiness, and unity to my amazing family!

May this festivals warmth fill our home with joy and wealth.

Lets honour the wonders of nature and the happiness that comes from spending time together.

I hope that this Sankranti will usher in a new era of opportunity and unending joy for our family.

This Makar Sankranti, Im sending love and warmest regards to my wonderful family!

May our relationship deepen and may blessings abound in our lives. Happy Sankranti!

May this Sankranti bring warmth and love to our home. Happy Sankranti!

Happy Makar Sankranti! Im thankful to be with you all on this amazing day.

Wishing our family a harvest season filled with joy and harmony.

Greetings on Sankranti! Together, lets make enduring memories.

May this festive season strengthen the bond we share as a family.

To the most affectionate family, Happy Sankranti! My greatest blessing is you.

Wishing you all a festival as vibrant and beautiful as your hearts.

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Greetings on Sankranti! Let the joyful kites fly high in our house.

Wish you all a very happy Makar Sankranti!

First Published: January 14, 2025, 06:05 IST
Madhuri Dixit's DIY Hack To For Instant Glowing Skin Requires Only TWO Ingredients, Know Here

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 18:35 IST

Madhuri Dixit shared an easy DIY recipe which will give you instant glowing skin. The DIY recipe is simple and requires only two ingredients.

Madhuri Dixit's skincare hack takes less than 30 minutes.

At 57, Madhuri Dixit shows no signs of slowing down. The actor recently starred in Anees Bazmees blockbuster movie, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3. Apart from movies, she constantly delivers looks that get her fans talking every single time. The actor has been blessed with great skin that is not only glowing but also healthy. In case you are looking for whats the secret behind her glow, then read on.

Madhuri Dixit had previously taken to her YouTube channel where he shared a DIY hack for glowing skin. The DIY recipe is not only easy but can be done with some simple ingredients that are always present in your home. Talking about her hack, she mentioned that she uses cucumber and raw milk to add some glow to her face when she is tired. She said, If you plan to step out in the evening and your skin feels dull and dry, all you need is some slices of cucumber and raw milk."

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How To Make Madhuri Dixits DIY Glowing Face Pack?

Step 1: Soak a few sliced cucumbers in milk and store them in the freezer for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Put these cooled cucumber slices on your face for 15-20 minutes.

Step 3: Wash it off with cold water.

Dixit continued, Your skin will look like its woken up. It will look like you are fresh. After that, you can do your makeup. This helps your skin to revive quickly."

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What Are The Benefits Of Using Cucumber And Raw Milk On Your Face?

Cucumbers have a high water content, which helps to hydrate and moisturize the skin.

Raw milk also contains natural fats and proteins that can nourish and soften the skin.

Cucumbers have a naturally cooling effect, which can help to soothe irritated or sunburned skin. This can be particularly beneficial for reducing redness and inflammation.

The cooling properties of cucumber can help to reduce puffiness around the eyes and other areas of the face.

It is believed that the lactic acid in raw milk can help to gently exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells and revealing a brighter complexion.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: January 14, 2025, 18:35 IST
Travel Trends 2025: What's Shaping the Future of Exploration?

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 15, 2025, 19:06 IST

The future of travel in 2025 will be defined by a blend of sustainability, technology, and authentic cultural immersion

As the demand for off-the-beaten-path destinations, eco-tourism, and deeper connections grows, the tourism industry will need to adapt to these new expectations

As we step into 2025, the future of travel is evolving, driven by a shift in priorities that emphasize sustainability, technology, authenticity, and deeper connections with the places we visit. Industry leaders across India are observing a growing demand for more meaningful and enriching travel experiences, with travelers seeking authenticity and immersive journeys. Here are insights into how these trends will shape the future of travel.

The Rise of Off-the-Beaten-Path Travel and Slow Travel

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I have never been more optimistic about the future of Indias tourism. As the Chinese market slows, the spotlight is shifting to Indian travelers, driven by a young, tech-savvy population, rising disposable incomes, and increasingly seamless visa processes globally. Our domestic tourism sector is thriving, with growth across weekend getaways, religious circuits, lavish weddings, and corporate events. Indian states now compete as aggressively as international destinations, ensuring robust domestic travel demand despite uncertainties in foreign tourist arrivals. The resilience of the Indian market, combined with proactive measures by other countries to attract Indian travelers, signals that Indias travel and tourism story is only just beginning to unfold," says Sanjiv Agarwal, Founder & CEO, Fairfest Media, Organisers of OTM

This trend is particularly evident in India, where domestic tourism is flourishing. There is a growing interest in niche experiences such as trekking in the unexplored Himalayan ranges or discovering the serene beauty of coastal towns in South India. These regions offer travelers unique opportunities to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life and connect with nature, history, and local communities. The rise of wellness tourism is also contributing to this shift, as more travelers seek destinations that promote healing and rejuvenation in peaceful, untouched environments.

The Growing Focus on Sustainability

Anil Kumar, COO, TripXL, highlights the significant role sustainability will play in the future of travel. Travelers in India are becoming increasingly conscious of their environmental footprint, and a noticeable shift towards eco-friendly travel can be witnessed," notes Anil. He points to initiatives like Travel For LiFE and Auroville as examples of how India is leading the charge in sustainable tourism. From opting for electric vehicles on road trips to embracing eco-friendly accommodations like treehouses and domes, sustainability is no longer a niche segment but a mainstream expectation.

The growing demand for eco-tourism is helping shape the tourism landscape in India. As travelers seek ways to minimize their impact on the environment, they are drawn to destinations and experiences that prioritize sustainability and responsible tourism. However, Anil also acknowledges a challenge for the industry: ensuring that the growth in tech and sustainability doesnt come at the cost of authentic, local experiences. In 2025, travelers will seek not just an escape, but a deeper connection with the places they visit," he says, emphasizing the importance of blending eco-conscious travel with authentic cultural engagement.

Technology Enhancing Travel Experiences

Technology is another key driver of change in the travel industry. Amruda Nair, Founder and Director, Araiya Hotels & Resorts, emphasizes the role of technology in reshaping how we explore the world. Technology is redefining the way we explore, from AI-driven personalized itineraries to 3D virtual previews of remote destinations," explains Amruda. In 2025, technology will enhance the travel experience, offering customized recommendations and more immersive ways to plan and experience trips.

In addition, Sunith Reddy, CEO, BeForest, believes that technology is helping travelers engage more meaningfully with their destinations. As travelers become more discerning, they seek unique and enriching experiences that go beyond merely ticking off tourist attractions," Sunith shares. With technology making travel more accessible and tailored, travelers can enjoy deeper connections with local cultures and environments.

The Importance of Meaningful Connections and Cultural Immersion

A key takeaway from 2025 travel trends is the increasing desire for deeper connections. Amruda Nair notes that travelers today are looking for experiences that go beyond the typical tourist activities. Holidays with a purpose are taking the lead, with calmcations, sleep holidays, and escapist detoxing getaways becoming popular trends," she explains. These types of holidays focus on relaxation, self-care, and detaching from the stresses of daily life.

The focus is shifting towards non-touristy, culturally rich encounters that allow travelers to engage meaningfully with local communities and the environment. Reddy adds, We are moving away from mass tourism and towards a more mindful and meaningful approach to travel. The growing interest in eco-tourism, homestays, and village stays are examples of this trend."

This movement away from traditional tourism is a response to the desire for authentic, life-changing experiences. As travelers seek to immerse themselves in local cultures, they are increasingly supporting local communities and seeking more personalized, unique encounters. This trend is not just about travel, but about fostering a sense of responsibility and connection with the world.

Redefining Airports: Where Efficiency Meets Personalization in the Post-Pandemic Travel Era

The post-pandemic era has redefined travel, with passengers seeking seamless, tech-driven airport experiences. In 2025, the blend of convenience and enriched journeys is essential. At Hoi, we see airports evolving into destinations that enhance travel, not just transit points," says Harshvardhan Singh, COO, Hoi.

As Indian airports face record passenger volumes, weve transformed our platform to meet modern expectations, bridging traditional services with the needs of todays traveller. Our focus is on creating an intuitive ecosystem where efficiency and personalization coexist, making every airport journey smoother and more enjoyable," adds Singh.

The Future of Travel is Authentic, Sustainable, and Technologically Enhanced

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The future of travel in 2025 will be defined by a blend of sustainability, technology, and authentic cultural immersion. Travelers are shifting their focus from traditional tourism to more meaningful, immersive experiences. Whether its exploring remote villages, embracing eco-friendly practices, or using technology to enhance travel planning, the landscape of travel is evolving.

As the demand for off-the-beaten-path destinations, eco-tourism, and deeper connections grows, the tourism industry will need to adapt to these new expectations. The future of travel in India and beyond is one where exploration is not just about sightseeing, but about truly engaging with the places, people, and cultures that make our world unique.

First Published: January 14, 2025, 08:15 IST
'Body Shaming Not Acceptable': Kerala HC Grants Bail To Boby Chemmanur In Honey Rose Sexual Harassment Case

Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 21:48 IST

While granting him the relief, the court also noted that prima facie it was of the opinion that "there are ingredients to attract the offences alleged against the petitioner (Chemmanur)

Seeking bail for Chemmanur, his counsel previously argued that he had not committed any wrongdoing. (Photo: X/@Kings_Gambit__)

The Kerala High Court on Tuesday granted bail to prominent businessman Boby Chemmanur, who is in judicial custody after being arrested in a sexual harassment case filed against him by Malayalam actor Honey Rose.

Granting relief to Chemmanur, Justice P V Kunhikrishnan, however, said, Body shaming is not acceptable in our society".

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Comments about the body of a person as too fat, too skinny, too short, too tall, too dark, too black, etc. should be avoided. There is a sense that we are all too something and we are all not enough. This is life. Our bodies will change, our minds will change and our hearts will change. Everybody should be vigilant while making comments about others, whether they are men or women," the court said.

Noting that the businessman was accused of offences that entail a jail term of up to three years, the judge said the Supreme Court had observed that in offences where punishment was for seven years or less, an accused cannot be arrested by the police without sufficient reasons.

In the light of the above principle, I think the petitioner can be released on bail after imposing stringent conditions Moreover, it is a well-accepted principle that the bail is the rule and the jail is the exception," the judge said.

While granting him the relief, the court also noted that prima facie it was of the opinion that there are ingredients to attract the offences alleged against the petitioner (Chemmanur).

Chemmanur has been charged under Section 75(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for making sexually coloured remarks" as a form of sexual harassment, as well as under Section 67 of the IT Act for publishing or transmitting obscene material in electronic form.

The High Court noted that he used words with double meanings".

Any Malayalee who reads the First Information Statement (FIS) can easily understand that the words used by the petitioner (Chemmanur) are with double meanings.

Therefore, I am of the considered opinion that prima facie, the ingredients of the offences alleged are attracted. Even though the senior counsel (for Chemmanur) tried to argue before me that the ingredients of the offences are not attracted, I cannot agree with him on the same," Justice Kunhikrishnan said.

The court also said that body shaming is not acceptable in our society".

Comments about the body of a person as too fat, too skinny, too short, too tall, too dark, too black, etc. should be avoided. There is a sense that we are all too something and we are all not enough. This is life.

Our bodies will change, our minds will change and our hearts will change. Everybody should be vigilant while making comments about others, whether they are men or women," the court said.

The High Court said that Chemmanur shall be released on bail on executing a bond of Rs 50,000 with two solvent sureties each for the like sum to the satisfaction of the jurisdictional court.

It directed him to appear before the Investigating Officer (IO) for interrogation as and when required, cooperate with the probe and not to, directly or indirectly, influence or intimidate persons acquainted with the case to prevent them from disclosing facts to the court or any police officer.

It also directed Chemmanur not to commit an offence similar to the offence he is accused of and said that if any of the conditions were violated, his bail can be cancelled by the jurisdictional court.

The prosecution had opposed the bail plea, claiming that almost all of Chemmanurs social media posts carried sexually coloured remarks.

It had contended that granting him relief would send a wrong message to society.

The court, on the other hand, had said during the hearing that a message has already gone to the society as the businessman was in judicial custody since January 9.

He was arrested from Wayanad on January 8.

Chemmanur had approached the High Court after the Ernakulam Judicial First Class Magistrate Court-II denied him bail on January 9 and sent him to judicial custody for 14 days.

In his bail plea, he has claimed that the allegations originated from a complaint lodged by the actor who, until recently, had publicly acknowledged and celebrated her two-decade-long acquaintance with him.

It has further mentioned that she had previously inaugurated three jewellery shops belonging to his business group as the chief guest in April 2019 at Perambra, in December 2022 at Attingal, and in August 2024 at Kannur.

The petition has stated that Honey Rose herself publicly disclosed the complaint by posting a letter addressed to Chemmanur on social media, announcing the filing of the complaint and making unwarranted remarks against him.

According to the actors complaint, upon invitation, she inaugurated the Chemmanur International Jewellery showroom at Alakode, Kannur, on August 7, 2024, where thousands had gathered to witness the event.

During the inauguration ceremony, Chemmanur placed a necklace around the actresss neck and then made unwelcome sexual advances with bad intentions, twirling or rotating her, the complaint has stated.

However, Chemmanur has stated that he is completely innocent of all the accusations levelled against him and denied the allegations, calling them false, baseless, and incorrect.

.

.

Location : Kochi [Cochin], India

First Published: January 14, 2025, 21:48 IST
Jimmy Kimmel Breaks Down In Tears Reacting To LA Wildfires: We Don't Even Know If It's Over

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 15, 2025, 00:57 IST

In an emotional moment, Jimmy Kimmel shared how his own family was affected by the fires, revealing that at one point, he had 19 people and four dogs staying with him.

Jimmy Kimmel (Photo Credits: YouTube)

Jimmy Kimmel choked up during his Monday night monologue as he addressed the ongoing wildfires ravaging Los Angeles. The talk show host, visibly emotional, described the terrifying events unfolding just a short distance from the set, on the iconic Hollywood Boulevard. Its been a very scary, very stressful, very strange week in L.A. where we work, where we live, where our kids go to school," Kimmel began, expressing the shared sense of fear felt by those in the city.

He went on to explain how many people, including his own colleagues, had to evacuate their homes in haste. Many of us had to leave our homes in a hurry; some of our co-workers lost their homes. Its been terrible," Kimmel said. Everyone who lives in this city knows someone  most of us, multiple people; family, friends, colleagues, neighbors  whose houses have burned down." With the fires still raging, the uncertainty of when the devastation would end was a palpable concern for everyone. We dont even know if its over. We had 100 mph winds fuelling this nightmare and as of tonight, winds are back," Kimmel shared.

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The host also acknowledged the unexpected outpouring of solidarity and kindness amidst the tragedy. I think I speak for all of us when I say its been a sickening, shocking, awful experience but its also been, in a lot of ways, a beautiful experience because, once again, we see our fellow men and women coming together to support each other," he said. People who lost their own homes are out volunteering in parking lots for others who lost theirs."

However, Kimmel didnt shy away from addressing his frustration with President-elect Donald Trumps response to the crisis. Tonight I dont want to get into all the vile and irresponsible and stupid things our future president and his gaggle of scumbags chose to say during our darkest and most terrifying hour," Kimmel remarked. The fact that he chose to attack our firefighters who are out there risking their lives on our behalf, its disgusting but not surprising."

Instead, Kimmel chose to highlight the heroes of the situation  the first responders, firefighters, and volunteers from across the country. He gave special thanks to the firefighters who had flown in from other U.S. states, Mexico, and Canada, as well as local actors like Steve Guttenberg, who was lending a hand in the community. Kimmel also applauded efforts from his parent company, Disney, which donated $15 million to the cause, and urged viewers to support the relief efforts, including donating to LAFD.org.

In an emotional moment, Kimmel shared how his own family was affected by the fires, revealing that at one point, he had 19 people and four dogs staying with him. Its hard to decide what to take when you have to leave your home in a split-second," he said, adding that if he had to evacuate, he would grab his phone to use the Watch Duty app, an essential tool for tracking fire activity.

Location : Los Angeles, United States of America (USA)

First Published: January 15, 2025, 00:57 IST
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. Efforts to resolve the technical issue at the Shah Deniz Alpha platform in Azerbaijans Shah Deniz gas field are ongoing, bp Azerbaijan said in response to Trends inquiry.

At the moment, there are no updates. Work to eliminate the technical issue is still underway, the company stated.

bp has detected a technical issue in the subsea condensate export line between the Shah Deniz Alpha (SDA) platform and the Sangachal terminal.

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, the company said earlier. We are currently working to resolve the problem and resume normal operations as quickly as possible.
Kadhalikka Neramilliai Review: Nithya Menen-Ravi Mohan's Rom-Com Is Enjoyable Despite Its Flaws

Written By :

News18.com

Edited By: Shrishti Negi



Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 21:09 IST

Kadhalikka Neramilliai Review: Nithya Menen and Ravi Mohan sell the characters so effectively that we start rooting for their romance to work.

Kadhalikka Neramillai is a refreshing take on modern relationships.

Kadhalikka Neramilliai U 3/5 17 January 2025|Tamil 2 hrs 24 mins | Romance Comedy Starring: Nithya Menen, Ravi Mohan, TJ Bhanu, Yogi Babu, Lal, Vinay, Rohaan Singh Director: Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi Watch Trailer

Kadhalikka Neramilliai Movie Review: It is tempting to place Kiruthiga Udhayanidhis Kadhalikka Neramillai beside Mani Ratnams OK Kanmani. Yet, Kadhalikka Neramillai is more radical than the veterans take on modern romance. While the aesthetics of OK Kanmani cater to the day and age (like all of Mani Ratnams works), the film, which ponders a lot about the conventional marriage institution, ends up on a conservative note. Tara and Aditya of OK Kanmani toy with the idea of living together and defying social norms, but end up finding solace in the status quo of the institution. On the other hand, Kiruthika Udhayanidhis Kadhalikka Nermaillai might not share the superlative writing and finesse of Manis work, but the film is truly modern in thought.

Shreya (Nithya Menen), an ambitious architect in Chennai, calls off her wedding when she finds her love of four years cheating on her. Reflecting a modern thought among women, Shreya realises more than being a wife or a lover, she wants to become a mother. Heartbroken, She also realises a woman doesnt need a man to become a mother and opts for artificial insemination in a fertility centre, where her friend is a doctor. Meanwhile, Siddharth (Ravi Mohan), a structural engineer in Bengaluru, is commitment-phobic and doesnt believe in bringing another life into this evil world. His commitment issue makes her fiance Nirupama (TJ Bhanu) back out of the engagement at the last moment, which breaks Sids heart. When his gay friend wants to freeze sperm for posterity, Siddharth joins him for fun. As predicted, his sample gets misplaced, and Shreya gets impregnated with Sids sperm. Conveniently, the two with a different outlook on life meet and fall in love despite their differences, but minor conflicts keep them away.

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To enjoy Kadhalikka Neramillai, one has to look past all the convenient writing in the film because everything in the movie happens coincidentally. Shreyas friend happens to be a doctor at a fertility centre. Siddharth happens to end up in the same apartment as Shreya. They happen to compete for the same project and more convenience. However, watching the film, such coincidences arent a bother as the romance between the two characters seems organic as opposed to the screenplay of the film. The two characters seem believablethanks to the subtle and restrained performances of Nithya Menen and Ravi Mohan. They sell the character so effectively that we start rooting for their romance to work. It even gets frustrating when Nirupama enters Sids life again, creating a hurdle for the organic love we have bet on.

Kirthiga succeeds in creating affable characters and tones that make the film a breezy watch. Even the auxiliaries like Yogi Babus Gowda, a conservative man who prefers Namashakar to a handshake, add a lot to the overall texture of the film. Gowdas sexism and his jokes about his gay friend Rahul (Vinay Rai) dont come across as offensive as the film manages to strike a friendly chord with every subject and character it touches upon. Look at how it chooses not to vilify both Nirupama and Shreyas disloyal fiance, even when it had the chance to. That friendly tone is the success of the film. It puts forth some modern ideas about relationships with a candid and likeable tone that incites a smile, your personal opinion notwithstanding.

One might also argue that, like Mani Ratnams OK Kanmani, Kadhalikka Neramillai also ends up glorifying the conventional idea of relationship as Shreya and Sid struggle to do without a companion. It is true that Shreya, who starts as a bold single mom, ends up pining for a father figure for her son. On the other hand, Sid witnesses his ideological convictions fail in the face of the love from Shreya and her son. However, the film never takes a didactic stand on how things are supposed to be. It has a place for Gowda and also Rahul.

First Published: January 14, 2025, 21:08 IST
Kangana Ranaut's Emergency To NOT Release In Bangladesh, Film Banned Because Of THIS Reason

Published By :

IANS

Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 18:18 IST

Emergency also highlights the Indian Army and Indira Gandhis government role in the 1971 Bangladesh War of Independence.

Kangana Ranaut's Emergency is set to hit theaters on January 17, 2025. (Photo: X)

The upcoming Kangana Ranaut directorial Emergency, which is based on the life of the former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, wont be released in Bangladesh as the political relationship between the neighbouring countries continues to get strained.

The film, which delves into the turbulent period of the Emergency declared in India in 1975 by Indira Gandhi, has found itself at the centre of a geopolitical impasse.

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A source close to the matter revealed, The decision to halt the screening of Emergency in Bangladesh is tied to the current strained relations between India and Bangladesh. The ban is less about the content of the film and more about the ongoing political dynamics between the two nations."

Indira Gandhi played a vital role in the Liberation of Bangladesh from Pakistan even though the USA demanded her not to meddle in the affairs of both nations. Nevertheless, Indira went ahead as she felt that instead of taking in millions of refugees, India would be economically better off going to war against Pakistan leading to the Indo-Pakistani war of 1971.

With the USA threatening India with a naval offensive by deploying their aircraft destroyers in the Bay of Bengal, India found support in the USSR, as they deployed nuclear-armed submarines and warships. The relationship between India and the USSR continues to grow even long after the collapse of the USSR leading to Russia becoming a major power in the Eastern bloc.

Emergency highlights the Indian Army and Indira Gandhis government role in the 1971 Bangladesh War of Independence and the support given to Shaikh Mujibur Rehman who is called the Father of Bangladesh and who called Indira Gandhi Goddess Durga.

The film also showcases the assassination of Shaikh Mujibur Rehman at the hands of Bangladeshi extremists, factors which are believed to have led to the ban of the film in Bangladesh.

India fought a two front war against West Pakistan, and erstwhile East Pakistan which later became Bangladesh.

In the current era, Bangladesh was Indias sole ally in the subcontinent. However, with the ousting of Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, the equation between both the nations have greatly changed. India now finds itself surrounded by hostile neighbours from all sides including China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and the terrorist government of Taliban in Afghanistan.

Location : Bangladesh

First Published: January 14, 2025, 18:18 IST
Parineeti Chopra Gives A Sneak Peek Into Her Shoot Diaries, See Here

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 17:45 IST

Parineeti Chopra took to her Instagram stories and shared a series of BTS photos from her next project sets

Parineeti Chopra shares photos from her next project set

Parineeti Chopra is busy filming her forthcoming project with Netflix. Piquing the interest of netizens, the diva has been regularly sharing sneak peeks from her shoot diaries on her Instagram stories.

Continuing the trend, Parineeti Chopra recently posted a fresh set of insights into her schedule. She shared a BTS still from the set with the caption The night shoot hustle continues". The Kesari star further dropped pics of an autorickshaw, along with the night sky. Parineeti Chopras Instagram stories also included a still from her vanity saying, Van Ke Andar Se Hi". Meanwhile, her last post was with a hot water bag as she wrote, Never without my" in the caption.

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Take a look here:

Prior to this, Parineeti Chopra shared a photograph from the shoot at the Bandra Worli Sea Link in the post captioned, Second schedule starts. Cute location today".

Going by the sources, the Daawat-e-Ishq actress is shooting for the second schedule of the untitled drama at the moment. Any further details regarding the projects cast and crew have been kept away from the limelight for now.

Apart from her Netflix drama, Parineeti Chopra will also be a part of Anurag Singhs much-anticipated thriller Sanki". The actress will be seen sharing screen space with Varun Dhawan for the first time in the highly-anticipated flick. The film will share the tale of a police officer who goes into retirement after an accident during a case investigation. After years have passed, he is forced to relive the trauma as he narrates the story to his friends son.

Furthermore, Parineeti Chopra also has Karan Sharmas Shiddat 2" in her kitty. Sunny Kaushal, Amyra Dastur, Mohit Raina, Diana Penty, Arjun Singh, and Radhikka Madan will also be seen playing key roles in the movie.

Meanwhile, Parineeti Chopra was last seen in Imtiaz Alis biographical drama Chamkila". The movie featured Diljit Dosanjh in the tutorial role.

First Published: January 14, 2025, 15:20 IST
Prince Narula, Yuvika Chaudhary Dismiss Separation Rumours, Reunite To Celebrate Lohri | Photos

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 17:49 IST

It should be noted that the post comes at a time when the rumours of trouble in Prince Narula and Yuvika Chaudharys married life were making headlines.

Prince Narula and Yuvika Chaudhary welcomed their baby girl in October 2024. (Photo: Instagram)

Prince Narula and Yuvika Chaudhary have finally dismissed their separation rumours. On Monday, the two united to celebrate the festival of Lohri with their newly born daughter. Prince took to his Instagram handle and shared a few of pictures from the celebration.

In the photos, Prince and Yuvika were seen posing together as the former held their daughter in his arms. Yuvika was also seen holding a plate with popcorn and peanuts in it  a tradition during Lohri. The two were all smiles as they spent some quality time with their little princess. In the caption of his post, Prince wrote, Humari first Lodhi  family." Check it out here:

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Needless to say, Prince and Yuvikas fans were relieved to finally see them together. Reacting to the post, one of the fans wrote, God bless u all.. happy lohri ." Privika rocked  haters shocked ," added another.

It should be noted that the post comes at a time when the rumours of trouble in Prince Narula and Yuvika Chaudharys married life were making headlines. It all started after netizens noticed that Yuvika was missing from Princes birthday celebration.

On November 24, Prince Narula celebrated his 34th birthday when he took to his Instagram handle and shared a series of pictures from the bash. While Prince was seen posing with his daughter, Yuvika was missing from the photos. In the caption, Prince also penned down an emotional note and revealed that he has named his daughter Ekleen.

Later, one of Princes comments also went viral on social media, leaving everyone concerned. In an interview, Prince claimed that he was busy with a shoot in Pune when he received a call about Yuvikas delivery. The actor recalled rushing to the hospital and revealed that his parents were angry too since they were informed at the last moment. Ek toh mujhe pata bhi nahi tha ke baby ho raha hai, mujhe kisi aur se pata laga, pata nahi mere liye kaisa surprise tha," he said as quoted by Free Press Journal.

Yuvika and Prince fell in love with each other in Bigg Boss 9 and have been together ever since. The couple announced their pregnancy in June 2024 and welcomed their baby girl in October of the same year.

First Published: January 14, 2025, 17:49 IST
Riddhima Kapoor Sahni Cant Stop Admiring Mom Neetu Kapoors Beauty In This Throwback Picture

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 18:59 IST

Riddhima Kapoor Sahni posted a throwback photo of her mommy, Neetu Kapoor.

Neetu Kapoor looks stunning in the sepia photo featuring Nirupa Roy. (Photo Credits: Instagram)

Neetu Kapoor is immensely loved for her charming screen presence and remarkable acting skills. The actress has always wowed her fans with her impeccable beauty. And even when any of her throwback photos surface on social media, her fans cant stop themselves from loving them. Recently, her daughter, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, who is an avid social media user, dropped a snap featuring her mother from her childhood days, leaving her fans in a complete meltdown.

Taking to her Instagram stories, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni posted a sepia photo from her mother, Neetu Kapoors album. It featured the veteran actress caught in a candid moment while side-hugging her co-star, Nirupa Roy. For those unaware, Neetu and Nirupa shared the screen in several movies, including Amar Akbar Anthony, Teesri Aankh, Zehreela Insaan, Ghar Ghar Ki Kahani, Anjane Mein, Aatish, Ganga Meri Maa and Deewar.

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The picture was seemingly from the sets of one of their films, wherein Neetu was seen wearing a white shirt teamed with a pleated blue dress. On the other hand, Nirupa, who held Neetus shoulder with one of her hands, was seen conversing with a person in front of them. However, it was the Jugjugg Jeeyo actress cute smile and simple look that left her daughter obsessed with the frame. Additionally, Neetu was seen flaunting her middle-parted, two-ponytail hairdo, representing the fashion of that eras school girls. Riddhima posted two hearts atop the picture while posting the picture. This was also reshared by Neetu along with a GIF that showed her shyness upon stumbling on this.

Neetu Kapoor recently attended her sister-in-law, Rima Jains son, Adar Jains wedding with the love of his life, Alekha Advani. She took to her Instagram stories and shared a lovely family picture from the same event. For attending the function, Neetu stunned in a white outfit which featured a jacket with broad black borders paired with loose-fitted pants. She kept her look minimal and opted for her signature hairstyle. Subtle makeup and black comfy shoes rounded off her appearance.

Ahead of attending the wedding, Neetu enjoyed a grand vacation in Thailand with her family. She was joined by her daughter, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, her husband, Bharat Sahni and their daughter, Samara Sahni, Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, their princess, Raha Kapoor, and many others. In the snaps shared by them, we also spotted Alia Bhatts mother, Soni Razdan and sister, Shaheen Bhatt, as well as director Ayan Mukerji, who accompanied the Kapoor clan on their trip to enjoy Christmas and New Year in a much-awaited gateway.

First Published: January 14, 2025, 18:59 IST
When Sharmila Tagore Recalled Converting To Islam For Wedding To Tiger Pataudi: It Wasn't Easy

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 15, 2025, 03:32 IST

Sharmila Tagore converted to Islam before the wedding, adopting the name Ayesha, a decision she described as both significant and introspective.

Sharmila Tagore opened up about her inter-faith marriage with Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi.

Sharmila Tagore and Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudis interfaith marriage was groundbreaking in an era when such unions were rare. The couple dated for a few years before tying the knot, but their journey wasnt without challenges. Sharmila converted to Islam before the wedding, adopting the name Ayesha, a decision she described as both significant and introspective.

In a candid conversation with Simi Garewal, Sharmila shared her thoughts on changing her religion. It wasnt easy nor was it very difficult. It had to be faced and understood. You couldnt be very flippant about it," she said, adding that she wasnt particularly religious before the conversion. Now, I think I know more about Hinduism and Islam." Mansoor, fondly called Tiger, revealed that he had suggested the name Ayesha.

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Sharmila also reflected on her first encounter with her mother-in-law, Nawab Begum Sajida Sultan of Bhopal. Recalling the meeting, she said, The first time I met Amma, I was, of course, very nervous. She asked, What do you think about my son? I said, I like him. She then asked, What do you intend to do? I replied, I dont know yet; I just met him. I am very fond of him, and at this point, you have known him for longer." Over time, Sharmila and Sajida Sultan built a bond founded on very healthy mutual respect."

However, the couple faced societal resistance and even threats during their wedding preparations. In an earlier interview with Barkha Dutt on Mojo Story, Sharmila recalled the hostility. In Kolkata, when I was getting married, my parents were getting telegrams saying that bullets shall speak. And Tigers family was also getting they were getting a little worried," she revealed. Despite the tension, the wedding and reception went smoothly. Nothing untoward happened," Sharmila said.

Sharmila Tagore and Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudis marriage lasted over 43 years, standing as a testament to love, resilience, and mutual respect, until his death in 2011.

First Published: January 15, 2025, 03:32 IST
Right Word | The Fall Of Rakhine In Myanmar And Its Implications For India

Written By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 15:02 IST

The Arakan Army has effectively established control over 15 out of 18 townships in Rakhine state, including complete authority over the 271-kilometre border with Bangladesh

This photo released by the Arakan Army, shows members of the Arakan Army posing for a photograph in front of the captured district police office in Ann township, Rakhine state, Myanmar, Nov. 29, 2024. (The Arakan Army via AP)

Since the military coup in Myanmar that resulted in the ousting of the democratically elected government led by Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021, the country has been engulfed in ongoing conflict between the junta and various ethnic armed organisations (EAOs). The military regime, officially designated as the State Administration Council (SAC), has progressively ceded control to rebel factions, with recent reports suggesting that it currently governs less than half of Myanmars territory.

A noteworthy development occurred on December 20, 2024, when the Arakan Army, affiliated with the United League of Arakan (ULA), announced its successful seizure of the Tatmadaws western command headquarters situated in Ann town, Rakhine state. This event marks the second instance of a command headquarters being captured by insurgent forces, following the takeover of the northeastern command headquarters in Lashio, Shan state, by the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) in August of the preceding year.

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Both the MNDAA and the Arakan Army are constituents of the Three Brotherhood Alliance, which also includes the Taang National Liberation Army (TNLA). The Arakan Army has effectively established control over 15 out of 18 townships in Rakhine state, including complete authority over the 271-kilometre border with Bangladesh. The ULAs enduring ambition for secession from Myanmar appears increasingly attainable; should this aspiration materialise, it would signify Asias second successful national liberation movement since Bangladesh.

Consequently, these developments possess profound implications for regional geopolitics, particularly affecting neighbouring states such as India and China.

Myanmar is of considerable strategic significance to India, sharing a border that exceeds 1,500 kilometres with the Northeast states of Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh. This porous India-Myanmar border has historically facilitated the movement of insurgents and arms from both nations, and the ongoing instability in the region may further complicate security dynamics.

To contextualise recent events, in 2017, Rakhine state experienced a severe campaign of persecution by the Myanmar Army against the Rohingya Muslim population, whom the Myanmar government has never formally recognised as citizens. This campaign resulted in the displacement of over 700,000 Rohingyas into neighbouring Bangladesh and India. Current developments could similarly lead to a spillover effect, as approximately 70,000 Rohingyas remaining in Rakhine await clarity regarding the Arakan Armys intentions towards them.

Myanmar is a pivotal element of Indias Act East policy, serving as a crucial conduit for enhancing connectivity with Southeast Asian nations. In this context, India is actively involved in the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit and Transport Project (KMTTP), which aims to establish a gateway to countries beyond Myanmar while simultaneously delivering multifaceted benefits to the Northeastern states of India. This region has historically lagged in development due to geographical challenges and periods of instability, an issue the Indian government seeks to address urgently.

The KMTTP encompasses a deep-sea port at Sittwe and a road network linking Mizoram to this port, thereby facilitating cross-border trade, commerce, tourism, and other activities that could stimulate economic growth in the Northeast. However, the project traverses Rakhine state, where Sittwe is located, raising concerns that the Arakan Armys control over the region may introduce uncertainties and disruptions to Indias infrastructure initiatives.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, while the waterways segment of the KMTTP has been completed at a cost of approximately Rs 983 crore, only 20 kilometres of the road link from Mizoram to Sittwe port has been constructed out of the total 109.2 kilometres, as the deadline of July 2025 approaches.

Conversely, China maintains a substantial presence in Myanmar through the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC), part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which poses a potential challenge to Indias interests in the region. Analysts have suggested that China might exploit the Arakan Army (AA) as a proxy to undermine Indias infrastructure initiatives.

In light of this scenario, Indias optimal strategy would involve engaging all relevant stakeholders to safeguard its projects in Myanmar. Reports indicate that India has initiated outreach efforts, including discreet meetings between Indian officials and leaders of the AA. Notably, the United League of Arakan (ULA) has released a statement expressing its willingness to welcome and recognise all foreign investments that will benefit the Arakan region" and has committed to ensuring the security and safety of those involved in investment activities and projects.

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Furthermore, India must diplomatically engage all parties to foster a lasting and inclusive peace. Earlier this month, during a meeting of Myanmars neighbouring countries held in Thailand, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri advocated for the establishment of a genuine federal democracy in the war-torn nation. A proactive, multifaceted, and nuanced approach by India is essential to protect its immediate interests while assuming a leadership role amid regional turmoil.

The writer is an author and columnist and has written several books. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.

First Published: January 14, 2025, 15:02 IST
BJP, AAP In War Of Words As Cops Reveal NGO Connect In Delhi School Bomb Threats Case

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 18:59 IST

The Delhi Police said that a teenager, who was detained for sending over 400 bomb hoax emails to schools, is linked to an NGO that has connections to a political party.

At least 40 Delhi schools had received bomb threat emails on December 9 last year. (PTI Image)

The Delhi Police on Tuesday revealed that a Class 12 student, who was recently apprehended for allegedly sending bomb threats to more than 400 city schools, is linked to an NGO that supports a political party. However, the police refused to identify the political party in question.

Notably, while addressing a press conference, a senior Delhi Police officer also informed that during the investigation, they also got to know that the NGO named in the matter had previously voiced its support for Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru.

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BJP Vs AAP On Bomb Hoax

Soon after the police hinted towards the NGOs connection with a political party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) blamed AAP, saying Atishis parents worked to save Afzal Guru." Following BJPs allegations, AAP hit back and said that the BJP was trying to politicise the matter.

Atishis parents worked to save Afzal Guru. Did AAP or any NGO associated with them have any connection with this [hoax bomb threats]?" BJP leader Sushanshu Trivedi said.

Responding to BJPs allegations, AAP leader Sanjay Singh said, I want to ask BJP when did they get inducted into the Delhi Police? You are trying to gain political advantage out of bomb threats to little children. Arent you ashamed?"

Student of Private School Involved

The Delhi police on Tuesday said that a student of a private school had sent emails to more than 400 schools. We were tracking e-mails and because of a virtual private network (VPN), it was difficult to track the origins. We also had to ascertain whether there was a terror angle to it," Special Commissioner of Police (Law and Oder) Madhup Tewari was quoted as saying.

He added that service providers were not able to help police because of the use of the VPN.

Our teams tracked the minor after recent e-mails on January 8. As the e-mail sender was a juvenile, the team took his laptop and mobile phone for a forensic examination," the officer said.

Police teams tracked 400 threat e-mails sent by the minor. They also checked the background of his father, who has been working with an NGO, and found out that the organisation is part of a civil society group that has been raising issues regarding the hanging of Afzal Guru and is also helping a political party.

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Without naming the political party, the officer said the teams are further investigating the matter.

(With agency inputs)

First Published: January 14, 2025, 18:56 IST
Shift+Home: Will Relocation To New Headquarters Address Congresss Concerns?

Reported By :

CNN-News18

Edited By: Pathikrit Sen Gupta



Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 21:55 IST

The first big test for the Congress in the new Indira Bhawan building will be the Delhi polls

24 Akbar Road has seen many changes and renovations to accommodate the changing needs and times. File pic/PTI

A lush green bamboo tree, the white walls, and the sprawling lawn. Thats what strikes you first as you enter 24 Akbar Road, which has been the address of the Congress for over four decades. The party is now packing its bags to shift to a new address: 9A Kotla Road. The similarity in the circumstances of the two occasions cannot be missed.

It was a chilly January when the Congress shifted to 24 Akbar Road as Indira Gandhi put the party back together after a split. It had been a story of turmoil then. Now, as the Congress shifts in January 2025, it faces the same challenges that Indira Gandhi faced then. It is in opposition, has recently lost elections in Haryana and Maharashtra, and is a truncated version of what it was in 2014 when it was last in power.

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For those covering the party, like us, the Akbar Road office is a treasure trove of stories and news. Its location is impeccable. There is a small gate behind the bamboo tree leading to 10 Janpath, where Sonia Gandhi and now Rahul Gandhi live. It has been the gate to power for long. Across the road is the Air Force building, and now a new Gujarat Bhawan has come up too. Not too far away is the home of the late former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh.

24 Akbar Road has seen many changes and renovations to accommodate the changing needs and times. Small portacabins have been set up to make offices for many smaller departments. But in the main original building is the biggest room, which is the office of the Congress president. For the first time in over two decades, the nameplate belongs to a non-Gandhi: Mallikarjun Kharge. Its the same room that saw the palace intrigue and ouster of Sitaram Kesri when some Congress old-timers like Digvijaya Singh and Ahmed Patel convinced Sonia Gandhi to come out of self-imposed exile and join active politics. She has been the most successful and lucky Congress president in recent times, ensuring that the party was in power for two terms from 2004 to 2014.

This room briefly saw Rahul Gandhi as party president, but the 2014 crushing defeat meant he gave up the fight to lead the party. It was in the room next door that the post-mortem Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting was held in which Rahul Gandhi blamed many of his senior colleagues for not supporting him.

The building has seen many changes in power equations. Sonias men replaced those of Kesri, and she held an iron grip on the party, with many whom she had no trust in being left out in the cold of the lawn. It led to Sharad Pawar walking out on the issue of Sonia Gandhis foreign origin". It has seen Rahuls men gain control of the party. And now Priyanka, who holds a room next to that of the party president, has emerged as another power centre.

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The Congress shifts into Indira Bhawan. It has modern, state-of-the-art facilities to help the party deal with the changed times. It is also based on Vastu principles. The first big test in the new building will be the Delhi polls. As Congress grapples to take charge of the INDIA bloc, it finds itself isolated. Not many of the allies want the Congress to call the shots. Will Vastu and the new address change its fortunes?

24 Akbar Road leaves behind many stories, intrigues, secrets, and skeletons. The truncated big bamboo tree at this old office reflects what the Congress has become now.

First Published: January 14, 2025, 21:52 IST
Apple iPhone 17 Air Model Could Be Just 5.5mm Thin: What It Means

Published By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 10:35 IST

The iPhone 17 Slim model is surely coming this year but will that be cheaper as the Plus model or a premium offering?

The iPhone 17 Air or Slim could be pricier than the outgoing Plus model

Apple has stayed true to its design language over the last few years. However, rumors are circulating that the upcoming iPhone 17 series, set to launch in the second half of 2025, may include a new thin-built model, possibly called the iPhone 17 Air or iPhone Slim.

As mentioned by TF Securities International analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the rumoured iPhone 17 Air (or iPhone Slim) is expected to be incredibly thin. This model is anticipated to replace the current Plus variant in the iPhone 17 lineup, potentially making it the thinnest iPhone Apple has ever produced.

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Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently revealed more details about the rumoured iPhone 17 Air in his latest Medium post, describing it as an ultra-thin iPhone" with a thickness of around 5.5mm. The compact design is expected to exclude a physical SIM card slot, relying solely on eSIM. However, Kuo cautioned that the lack of a physical SIM card may pose shipping challenges, particularly in China, where eSIM-only phones may not be as widely supported.

The thinnest iPhone ever made; the iPhone 17 Air will surpass the 6.9mm iPhone 6 from 2014 if Kuos predictions regarding its 5.5mm thickness are accurate. According to earlier reports, the iPhone 17 Air will have a thickness of 6.25mm. In comparison, the most recent iPhone 16 has a thickness of 7.8mm. It is estimated that the Galaxy S25 Slim from Samsung will come with 6mm thickness.

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It is also suggested that the new iPhone 17 Air would cost between $1,299 and $1,500 which will surely make it a tough sell when you have the Pro models available for much less. It is rumoured to include an A18 or A19 CPU that supports Apple Intelligence capabilities and 8GB of RAM. The first-ever Apple 5G and Wi-Fi chips are probably going to come equipped in this new Slim device.

The iPhone 17 Air is likely to sport a 6.6-inch OLED ProMotion display with a 120Hz refresh rate screen. The one big change because of the slim design could be Apples limited power to offer a single 48MP rear camera and a 24MP selfie camera on the front.

Location : California, USA

First Published: January 14, 2025, 10:35 IST
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, January 14. As part of his official visits business agenda, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting with a delegation from the UAE led by Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Trend reports.

The meeting was attended by senior representatives of major UAE companies, including Masdar CEO Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, TAQA Managing Director Jasim Husain Thabet, TAQA Water Solutions CEO Ahmed Al Shamsi, and Etihad Water & Electricity Managing Director Yousif Al Ali.

Discussions focused on plans to implement investment projects in Uzbekistan, particularly in green energy, modernization of utility networks, and improving drinking water supply.

President Mirziyoyev emphasized the importance of strategic collaboration in energy as a driving force of bilateral relations. Highlighting the progress made, he noted that five joint projects worth $1.5 billion have already been launched. In December, a 500-megawatt wind power plant was commissioned in the Navoi region, with several other projects actively under construction.

The president also expressed support for UAE companies' plans to expand existing thermal power plants, modernize low-voltage power grids, and accelerate the development of new hydroelectric plants, energy storage systems, and large-scale solar and wind power facilities across Uzbekistan.

Furthermore, the meeting highlighted significant opportunities for developing water supply networks and constructing new wastewater treatment facilities through public-private partnerships.
Britannia's Eco-Friendly Billboards Take Shape Around Trees, Internet Lauds 'Creativity'

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 13:15 IST

Britannia has launched uniquely designed billboards as a part of its Nature Shapes campaign.

Social media users shared pictures of the billboards. (Photo Credits: X)

When it comes to sustainability, outdoor advertising is something that often goes unnoticed, especially with the universal presence of giant billboards lining up the streets and highways. Besides affecting the scenic qualities of a community, billboards do much more that spans a range of ecological concerns. At a time when the installation of billboards often involves clearing vegetation and altering natural landscapes, with the issue of tree cutting remaining a primary concern, Britannias unique initiative with its latest outdoor campaign has delivered a powerful message.

As a part of the food products companys Nature Shapes Britannia campaign, billboard designs adapting to the organic structures of trees and their surroundings have impressed the internet. Various pictures of the Britannia billboards have surfaced online, showing the companys unconventional approach that offers a striking image of how the brand aligns with sustainability.

related stories

Throughout our sustainability journey, we have stayed committed to nature shaping us. And now, they shape our billboards too.Read about our commitment to ESG practices here: https://t.co/2gRLnadqK2#NatureShapesBritannia #Sustainability pic.twitter.com/Gh6dSx5UMu  Britannia Industries Limited (@BritanniaIndLtd) January 9, 2025

In the pictures, the billboard features various text and artwork that efficiently bends, curves, and twists around the tree structures, resulting in a stunning visual statement. The concept clearly stood out among all when the proliferation of billboards forced nature to take a backseat.

Social media has been buzzing since pictures of the campaign went online, with many praising the campaign. Social media users also commended Britannia for its creative yet responsible thought process. A user shared a picture of the billboard standing tall, surrounded by trees, and wrote, No way my dumbass thought these Britannia ke billboards were torn by their competitors, but jokes apart, its very thoughtful to shape their billboards according to the tree without cutting them."

Another added, Taking organic marketing to a whole new level."

This blew my mind! I was confused when I came across this weird billboard. It took me a moment to realise it was designed according to the trees shape. love this initiative by Britannia," another post heaped praises on the brands initiative.

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A user lauded the change in brands perception and taking sustainability seriously. This innovative approach not only highlights their commitment to the environment but also serves as a powerful reminder that small changes can make a big difference. Kudos to #Britannia for this creative step towards a greener tomorrow!" the comment read.

The Britannias Nature Shapes campaign is going live across four cities, including Hyderabad, Meerut, Kolkata and Pune, featuring different local trees to deliver the brands message in a vibrant manner.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: January 14, 2025, 13:15 IST
Pants Off: London Subway Riders Bare Their Legs To Brighten Gray Winter Day

Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 10:46 IST

London: This was the Official No Trousers Tube Ride, an annual event with no point other than injecting a little levity into the bleak midwinter.

After gathering at the entrance to Chinatown, dozens of clothing anarchists trooped through the icy streets to the Piccadilly Circus Underground station in central London where they boarded their first train. (AP photo)

Hundreds of Londoners headed down to the Underground on Sunday afternoon, stripped down to their underwear and travelled around a bit, trying to look as though nothing unusual was going on.

As if. This was the Official No Trousers Tube Ride, an annual event with no point other than injecting a little levity into the bleak midwinter. No deep meaning, no bigger motive. The only goal was to be silly, if but for one afternoon.

related stories

Theres so much bad, so much not fun going on," said ringleader Dave Selkirk, a 40-year-old personal trainer. Its nice to do something just for the sake of it."

After gathering at the entrance to Chinatown, dozens of clothing anarchists trooped through the icy streets to the Piccadilly Circus Underground station in central London where they boarded their first train. The only hiccup was that the cars were so crowded some people couldnt shed their trousers.

Selfies were taken. Grins were exchanged. Tourists looked puzzled.

(AP photo)

The first stunt in this vein was held in New York in 2002, the brainchild of local comedian Charlie Todd. His idea was this: Wouldnt it be funny if someone walked onto a subway train in the middle of winter wearing hat, gloves, scarf  everything but pants? Or trousers as theyre known in London, pants being synonymous with underpants in Britain.

It would be unusual in New York, although you can see anything on our subway system, but what would really be funny is if at the next stop, a couple of minutes later, when the doors open and additional persons got on, not wearing trousers as well," Todd told the BBC. And they act like they dont know each other, and they act like  its no big deal and they just forgot their trousers."

(AP photo)

The idea took off, and no pants days have been held all over: in Berlin, Prague, Jerusalem, Warsaw and Washington, D.C., among other cities.

London hosted its first big reveal in 2009

You know, its meant to be a bit of harmless fun," Todd said. Certainly we are living in a climate where, you know, people like to have culture war fights. My rule in New York was always the goal of this event is to amuse other people, to give people a laugh. Its not to be provocative, its not to irritate someone. So hopefully the spirit of that continues."

(AP photo)

Basil Long, a lawyer, showed up at the meeting point in a down coat and hat on a freezing winter afternoon. But after his journey underground in the warm tunnels of the Tube, he had been transformed, wearing only a white shirt with bold rainbow stripes, pink underwear and

Underground-themed socks

I just saw it online and I just thought, why not? Its always a question, isnt it?" he said. When someone is asked why they climbed Everest, they were just like, why not?"

(AP photo)

But Miriam Correa had a purpose. The 43-year-old chef wanted to come because she had seen pictures of previous no trouser rides that featured lots of thin, scantily clad women.

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(AP photo)

I am a real woman," she said, adding that there was no reason to be ashamed of her shape. All bodies are perfect."

Location : London, United Kingdom (UK)

First Published: January 14, 2025, 10:46 IST
'Servant Mindset': Resignation Letter Of Govt Teacher, Who Hired Carpenter As Proxy, Goes Viral

Curated By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 10:16 IST

Sunil Patel, an assistant teacher posted in the Marwahi block in Chhattisgarh, had allegedly abandoned his teaching duties to focus on marketing herbal products

Sunil Patel hired a local carpenter to teach in his stead, paying him Rs 2,0003,000 monthly. (News18 Hindi)

A shocking incident has come to light from the Gaurela-Pendra-Marwahi district in Chhattisgarh. Amidst a persistent shortage of teachers in government schools in the district, a teacher has abandoned his teaching duties to engage in various marketing activities, earning lakhs of rupees.

Sunil Patel, an assistant teacher posted in the Marwahi block, recently gained widespread attention on social media. On December 27, he submitted his resignation on plain paper to the Marwahi Block Education Officer (BEO), stating that he no longer wishes to work with a servant mindset" and desired to enjoy the life with a personal mindset".

related stories

Sunil Patel was first appointed on June 21, 2010 at Ghurdevapara Primary School in Marwahi block. However, he was frequently absent from his duties, prompting several investigations and subsequent actions against him. It was later discovered that Patel had been absent from school to focus on marketing herbal products.

Delegated Duties To A Carpenter

Reports reveal that Patel hired a local carpenter to teach in his stead, paying him Rs 2,000-Rs 3,000 monthly. On December 27, he not only submitted his resignation in the BEOs office but also distributed sweets and posted about it on social media. Investigations showed that he had been on a no-work, no-pay status for the past two years due to his negligence.

Resignation Letter Goes Viral

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In his resignation letter, Patel stated that he no longer wished to work with a servant mindset". The District Education Officer (DEO), Jagdish Shastri, confirmed learning about the matter through social media as Patel had not formally informed the department.

The DEO further stated that an inquiry is underway to identify other employees engaged in unauthorised activities while in service, and strict action will be taken as per regulations.

Location : Gaurella, India

First Published: January 14, 2025, 10:16 IST
'This Is What We Call Love': Man Brings Photo Of His Deceased Mother To Maha Kumbh Mela

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 19:14 IST

Photos and videos featuring glimpses of the grand event have flooded social media platforms.

The man was supposedly waiting to take the holy dip in the Ganga. (Photo Credit: X)

In a heart-warming gesture, a man brought the picture of his deceased mother to the Maha Kumbh Mela, at Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Hundreds of thousands of devotees have already camped on the banks of the Ganga. They will bathe in the river at dawn in what is referred to as Mahasnaan"  the main ritual of the Maha Kumbh.

Photos and videos featuring glimpses of the grand event have flooded social media platforms. In one such post, an elderly man was captured with a framed photograph of his late mother.

related stories

Standing at the Sangam (the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers), the person was perhaps waiting to take the holy dip in the Ganga. The picture was shared on X (formerly Twitter) with the caption, This is what we call love, right?"

This is what we call love right ?  https://t.co/zOX1QUCFXg pic.twitter.com/JHVpGSkwtg Mishrain (@appyynotfizz) January 13, 2025

The post went viral in no time, with viewers shedding light on the unconditional love of the son for his mother. The comment section was also filled with teary eyes and red heart emojis. Reacting to the photo, a person commented, Indeed, this is true love which is lacking in todays world."

Those blurry eyes speak for the volume of love he had for her," remarked another. This post made my day," admitted another person.

It is a great fortune to have a son like him. May God give peace to the soul of his mother," commented an individual.

A user shared that he also did something for his grandfather. I had also promised my grandfather that I would take him to Baijnath Dham, but he passed away, then I also took his photo with me and fulfilled my promise," he recalled. I dont have any word to define this love," added another.

The Police have implemented a seven-ring security plan to ensure the safety of devotees attending Maha Kumbh. No vehicles are allowed on the entire premises. To control the massive crowd, the Mela authorities have set up a total of 2,751 CCTV cameras.

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Key locations like the Sangam and near the tents have been kept under the surveillance of AI-enabled cameras. Over 40,000 security personnel, including police officers, paramilitary forces and volunteers, have been deployed in the area.

Keywords: Maha Kumbh 2025, Kumbh Mela 2025, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, Kumbh Mela viral photo, Man with photo of his deceased mother, internet reaction, Heartwarming picture Maha Kumbh

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: January 14, 2025, 18:37 IST
This Retired Couple Travels, Cooks And Sleeps In Their Car, Internet Says, 'Letting Down L&T Chairman'

Curated By :

Trending Desk

Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 18:08 IST

Larsen & Toubro Chairman SN Subrahmanyan came under massive criticism for his controversial 90-hour workweek comment.

The clip features a retired couple spending their retirement years travelling. (Photo Credits: X)

Larsen & Toubro Chairman SN Subrahmanyan has been in the eye of a storm recently after he suggested a 90-hour work week, adding that he regretted not being able to make his employees work on Sundays. His opinion quickly caught the attention of business leaders, celebrities and social media users, with many expressing their disapproval of the statement.

Now, a social media user on X (formerly Twitter) has shared a video to poke fun at the L&T chairman.

related stories

The clip features a retired couple who chose to spend their post-retirement years travelling across South India. They sleep and cook in their car during their journeys. Their video shows a heartwarming encounter with a local family in a park where they mingled and shared food, enjoying each others company.

The X user pointed out that the couples carefree lifestyle contrasted with Subrahmanyans work-driven mindset. The user also referenced a similar remark from Infosys co-founder Narayan Murthy who had earlier suggested that youngsters should work for at least 70 hours a week.

A cute retired couple is single-handedly letting down the L&T Chairman and Murthy saar with their dreamy post-retirement plans. Make marriages great again," the caption shared along with the video reads.

Take a look at the video here:

A cute retired couple is single-handedly letting down the L&T Chairman and Murthy saar with their dreamy post-retirement plans.Make marriages great again. pic.twitter.com/8R84Fgu4ir Lord Immy Kant (Eastern Exile) (@KantInEast) January 13, 2025

Subrahmanyan faced backlash last week after his remarks during an internal discussion went viral on social media platforms. In the video, he expressed regret that he couldnt mandate Sundays as working days.

I regret I am not able to make you work on Sundays, to be honest. If I can make you work on Sundays, I will be more happy, because I work on Sundays also," he said.

He even stated, How long can you stare at your wife?" during the discussion.

Subrahmanyan explained his suggestion by sharing a conversation with a Chinese individual. The person, according to Subrahmanyan, believed Chinas potential to surpass the US was because Chinese workers put in 90-hour workweeks while Americans typically worked 50 hours If you want to be on top of the world, you have to work 90 hours a week," Subrahmanyan asserted.

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Actor Deepika Padukone voiced her concern saying it was shocking to see people in such senior positions make such statements." Business leaders like Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawalla, RPG Group Chairman Harsh Goenka and Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra also expressed their disagreement.

Previously, Narayana Murthy faced backlash for suggesting that Indians should work 70 hours a week to contribute to the countrys progress.

Location : Delhi, India

First Published: January 14, 2025, 17:52 IST
Amid Gaza Truce Talks, Blinken Calls For Post-conflict Plan On Governance

Published By :

AFP

Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 23:47 IST

Blinken acknowledged the misgivings of Israel -- where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu leads a far-right government and expects even stronger US support under President-elect Donald Trump -- but pleaded for a new approach

The post-war deal would take shape in negotiations after an initial ceasefire, which both Blinken and President Joe Biden said was on the brink of acceptance.(Reuters file)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday proposed international security forces and temporary UN leadership to stabilize post-war Gaza but said Israel in turn must agree on a pathway to a Palestinian state.

With talks in Qatar nearing a ceasefire in the devastating 15-month war, Blinken laid out his long-awaited roadmap for post-war Gaza after a defeat of Hamas  with days left before he leaves office.

related stories

Blinken acknowledged the misgivings of Israel  where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu leads a far-right government and expects even stronger US support under President-elect Donald Trump  but pleaded for a new approach.

Weve long made the point to the Israeli government that Hamas cannot be defeated by a military campaign alone," Blinken said at the Atlantic Council think tank in Washington.

Without a clear alternative, a post-conflict plan and a credible political horizon for the Palestinians, Hamas  or something just as abhorrent and dangerous  will grow back," he said.

In line with his calls since the start of the war, Blinken said that Gaza should be under the control of the Palestinian Authority  which now holds shaky, partial control of the West Bank and has been repeatedly undermined by Israel.

Acknowledging the limitations of the Palestinian Authority, Blinken said an unstated number of countries have offered to send troops and police to post-war Gaza.

He said that the interim security mission" would include both foreign forces and vetted Palestinian personnel."

We believe that the Palestinian Authority should invite international partners to help establish and run an interim administration with responsibility for key civil sectors in Gaza, like banking, water, energy, health," Blinken said.

The Palestinian Authority would coordinate with Israel and the rest of the international community, which would be asked to provide funding.

A senior UN official would oversee the effort, which would be enshrined by a UN Security Council resolution, Blinken said.

The interim administration would include Palestinians from Gaza and representatives from the PA selected following meaningful consultation with communities in Gaza," Blinken said.

The interim authority would hand over a complete responsibility to a fully reformed PA administration as soon as its feasible," he said.

 Longer-term 

The post-war deal would take shape in negotiations after an initial ceasefire, which both Blinken and President Joe Biden said was on the brink" of acceptance.

Trump has backed efforts to end the war but is also expected to ally himself firmly with Israel, to which Biden authorized billions in weapons but occasionally criticized over civilian deaths.

Netanyahu has long fought the idea of a Palestinian state, and his allies have described the renewed push for statehood as a reward for the October 7, 2023 attack, the deadliest in Israels history.

Blinken rejected the argument, saying: Far from rewarding Hamas, accepting a political horizon would be the ultimate rebuke to its nihilistic agenda of death and destruction."

Blinken, who was repeatedly interrupted by pro-Palestinian protesters, also criticized Israel over actions during the conflict.

Israels government has systematically undermined the capacity and legitimacy of the only viable alternative to Hamas, the Palestinian Authority."

Blinken said he still hoped that a normalization accord between Israel and Saudi Arabia  which he negotiated but did not complete  would encourage moderation.

The prospect of normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia represents the best opportunity to achieve the long-sought goal of Israels greater integration in the region, and its also the best incentive to get the parties to make tough decisions necessary to fully realize the aspirations both of Israelis and Palestinians," he said.

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Hamass October 7 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,210 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of official Israeli figures.

Israels retaliatory campaign in Gaza has killed 46,645 people, a majority of them civilians, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory, figures that the UN considers reliable.

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: January 14, 2025, 23:47 IST
'Anyone Could Beat Kamala': Trump Shares Spoof Of His Viral Chat With Obama

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 12:21 IST

Last week, Donald Trump and Barack Obama's video chatting at Jimmy Carter's state funeral went viral

The viral moment when Donald Trump and Barack Obama engaged in a chat at Jimmy Carter's state funeral. (Source: AP)

US President-elect Donald Trump added a new twist to his viral video of conversing with former president Barack Obama at the state funeral of Jimmy Carter.

Fuelling the imagination of experts and lip readers who tried to decode what the two rival leaders talked about, Trump shared a parody video which contained AI-generated dialogue mimicking their voices.

related stories

Trump shared the dubbed snippet of the viral moment on his official X account on Tuesday.

The conversation in the spoof video flowed from Trumps victory to the defeat of Vice President Kamala Harris and even took digs at US President Joe Biden and Former United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

Heres What Trump And Obama Talked In Spoof Video

In the video, Trump can be seen saying, For a second time. Barack, very nice to see you".

In response, Obama said Congratulations. how you doing?" to which Trump added, A lot better now".

Yeah. I bet. I knew youd win," says Obama, bringing into conversation his victory in the November 5 US presidential elections against Democrat Kamala Harris.

Oh would I? Oh well, come on anyone could beat her," said Trump.

The conversation then shifted on outgoing President Joe Biden who was mocked for deciding to run for a second term.

He just didnt want to leave, I did what I could to help [Kamala], she was horrendous," says Obama.

The US president-elect also took a dig at Hillary Clinton whom he defeated in the 2016 US presidential elections.

You know what I realised. Hillary still hates me so much. Shell never forgive me," says Trump.

The conversation again shifted to Harris when she entered the church with her husband Doug Emhoff.

She wont even look at me," comments the fake Obama. To this, Trump replies that Harris may have fallen off the wagon". Shes not really built for this amount of pressure," adds Obama.

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Earlier, reacting to the viral moment, Trump said, I said, Boy, they look like two people that like each other. And we probably do."

On January 20, Trump will take oath as the 47th US President, marking the beginning of his second term.

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: January 14, 2025, 08:59 IST
Canada's Intelligence To Monitor Liberal Party Leadership Race For Signs Of 'Foreign Interference'

Reported By :

CNN-News18

Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee



Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 22:36 IST

Top intelligence sources said foreign interference in Canada's elections has always been a concern, highlighting China's alleged involvement in the 2019 and 2021 polls

The Liberal Party will vote on March 9 to choose its next leader and, by extension, Canada's next PM following Justin Trudeaus decision to step down. (Image: Reuters/File)

Canadian intelligence agencies will be keeping an eye on Liberal Party leadership race after allegations of foreign interference" by political rivals.

The Liberal Party will vote on March 9 to choose its next leader and, by extension, Canadas next Prime Minister following Justin Trudeaus decision to step down.

related stories

An elections intelligence task force of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) will be monitoring the vote for signs of foreign interference.

According to sources, the Liberal Party, despite the Foreign Interference Commission, is yet to submit reports and wants permanent residency (PR) holders to vote for them. These voters are conveniently brought in to elect leaders of political parties, they said. By bringing them, the Liberal Party is trying to sabotage democratic processes by involving those who have no interest in Canada, they added.

Earlier, CSIS director Vanessa Lloyd testified before the foreign interference inquiry and said Pakistan conducts intelligence operations and transnational repression in Canada with the goal of supporting the pro-Khalistan movement.

ALSO READ | Canada Is Not For Sale: Trudeaus Former Ally Jagmeet Singh Warns Trump Over Tariff Threat

Top intelligence sources said foreign interference in Canadas elections has always been a concern. Chinas involvement was quite visible in the 2019 and 2021 polls, they said.

They said Chinas tactics included disinformation campaigns and donations to support preferred candidates. The Chinese directed international students to work for specific candidates, as the goal was to ensure the Liberal Partys victory, but only with a minority government, they added.

The sources further said Liberal Party MP Han Dong was accused of being part of a Chinese foreign interference network, but later confessed to using Chinese students in Canada to work for him. An Ontario MP, Vincent Ke was accused of serving as a financial intermediary for the Chinese consulate but he denied these allegations and resigned from his role as parliamentary secretary, they said.

They said there were concerns that the Conservative Party had softened its stance on China since the 2021 election, potentially due to foreign interference. Similarly, a large number of candidates backed by the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) will attempt to influence the elections and, due to this support, the Prime Minister will make undue statements against India, they added.

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ALSO READ | What Happens Next In Canada After Justin Trudeau Resigns, Who Will Take Over As PM? Explained

Canadian political parties have a faulty leadership selection system and have brought in all kinds of wrong practices, the sources said.

Location : Ottawa, Canada

First Published: January 14, 2025, 22:21 IST
Donald Trump's Republican Allies In US House Float Greenland's Purchase Bill

Last Updated: January 15, 2025, 00:01 IST

The bill, if passed, will allow the president to enter into negotiations with Denmark on Jan. 20, when Trump takes office

US President-elect Donald Trump (AP Image)

President-elect Donald Trumps Republican allies in the U.S. House of Representatives are trying to build support for a bill on authorizing talks for the purchase of Greenland, according to a copy of the bill circulated for co-sponsors on Monday.

The bill is called Make Greenland Great Again Act," the offices of Republican U.S. representatives Andy Ogles, who is leading the bill, and Diana Harshbarger said. The copy of the draft was reported earlier by Fox News Digital and had 10 co-sponsors as of Monday morning.

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WHY ITS IMPORTANT

Trump says he wants to make Greenland a part of the United States and does not rule out using military or economic power to persuade Denmark to hand it over. Republicans won a narrow majority in the House and Senate in the Nov. 5 U.S. elections.

KEY QUOTES

The bill, if passed, will allow the president to enter into negotiations with Denmark on Jan. 20, when Trump takes office.

Congress hereby authorizes the President, beginning at 12:01 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on January 20, 2025, to seek to enter into negotiations with the Kingdom of Denmark to secure the acquisition of Greenland by the United States," the bills draft says.

Not later than 5 calendar days after reaching an agreement with the Kingdom of Denmark relating to the acquisition of Greenland by the United States, the President shall transmit to the appropriate congressional committees the agreement, including all related materials and annexes," it adds.

CONTEXT

Greenland has been controlled by Denmark for centuries, previously as a colony and now as a semi-sovereign territory under the Danish realm. It is subject to the Danish constitution, meaning any change to its legal status would require a constitutional amendment.

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Prime Minister Mute Egede, who has stepped up a push for independence, has repeatedly said the island is not for sale and that it is up to its people to decide their future.

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: January 15, 2025, 00:01 IST
Elon Musk To Buy TikTok's US Business? China Exploring Possible Sale, Says Report

Published By :

Translation Desk

Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 11:25 IST

China aims to keep TikTok under ByteDance ownership but may consider alternatives. According to a report, one such step may be allowing Elon Musk to acquire TikTok's US operations if it faces a ban

With over 170 million US users, TikTok would offer a significant platform for Elon Musk's X to attract advertisers. (AP File)

The future of TikTok in the US hangs in the balance, with a potential ban looming. The US Supreme Court is set to decide the platforms fate, but the outcome appears bleak. Following the judges stance during the hearing on January 10, hopes for a reprieve from the Supreme Court seem slim.

While Democratic lawmakers Senator Edward Markey and Representative Ro Khanna have called on Congress and President Joe Biden to extend the January 19 deadline, during the Supreme Court hearing, the justices seem inclined to stick to the deadline, highlighting the national security concerns that led to the legislation.

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The Biden administration has pointed out that TikTok could be used by China for spying and political manipulation if the social media platform is not sold.

The Chinese government appears determined to retain ownership of TikTok under its parent company, ByteDance Limited. Consequently, China is exploring alternative strategies for the future of the social media platform.

A Bloomberg report, citing sources, suggests that Elon Musk may be offered the opportunity to acquire TikToks US operations if the platform faces a nationwide ban.

According to Bloomberg, Chinese officials have initiated discussions on collaboration with the Trump administration. One such plan reportedly involves offering Elon Musk the opportunity to acquire TikToks US operations. Musk, perceived as having a close relationship with Trump, contributed $250 million to the latters election campaign.

However, according to a BBC report, TikTok has called reports about allowing the sale of its US operations to Musk pure fiction."

We cant be expected to comment on pure fiction," a TikTok spokesperson was quoted as saying by BBC.

Chinese officials have not yet reached a final decision on the matter. It remains unclear whether ByteDance is aware of these discussions. Furthermore, it is uncertain if any conversations have taken place between Musk, TikTok, and ByteDance concerning this potential deal.

Elon Musk opposes the ban on TikTok. Despite not commenting on the potential acquisition of TikToks US business, he expressed his stance on the platform X in April, stating, In my opinion, TikTok should not be banned in the US. Even if doing so benefits X, it would be against freedom of expression."

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The reports about the acquisition come a week after Trump met TikToks chief executive, Shou Zi Chew, at the formers Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.

If Elon Musk receives an offer to acquire TikToks US business, it could prove a profitable deal. With over 170 million US users, TikTok would offer a significant platform for X to attract advertisers. Additionally, Musks AI company, xAI, could benefit from the wealth of data generated by TikTok.

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: January 14, 2025, 10:28 IST
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, January 14. During his visit to Abu Dhabi, Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with the heads of several leading companies, including Hussein Al Nowais of AMEA Power, Hassan Jasem Al Nowais of M42, and Shiraz Allan of IFFCO Group, Trend reports.

AMEA Power is a rapidly growing renewable energy company with a portfolio of projects totaling more than 6 gigawatts across 20 countries. M42 is a leader in the healthcare sector, leveraging innovative technologies, while IFFCO Group manages over 100 brands in the food industry.

The discussions focused on advancing joint projects and expanding innovation-driven cooperation between Uzbek and Emirati companies in the fields of energy, healthcare, food production, and innovation.

A dynamic partnership with AMEA Power was highlighted, with particular attention given to accelerating the development of wind power plants, energy storage systems, and high-tech oil and gas manufacturing projects.

Additionally, President Mirziyoyev expressed interest in further strengthening mutual partnerships with M42 in genomics, and with IFFCO Group in the production of ingredients for the food industry and household chemicals.
'Secretary Of Genocide': Blinken Heckled During Gaza Post-war Plan Speech | Video

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 15, 2025, 00:05 IST

In his farewell remarks on the Middle East, Antony Blinken laid out plans for the post-war management of Gaza.However, he was repeatedly interrupted by protesters.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken (Image: Reuters)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday was heckled and yelled at by protestors as he laid out plans for the post-war management of Gaza, stating that the outgoing Biden administration would hand over the roadmap to President-elect Donald Trumps team to pick up if a ceasefire deal is reached.

However, his remarks were repeatedly interrupted by protesters, who blamed the Biden administration for being complicit in crimes committed by Israel in the war. The protesters also accused him of supporting genocide by Israel against Palestinians in Gaza.

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You will forever be known as bloody Blinken, secretary of genocide," one of the protesters shouted interrupting the US Secretary of State during his address. A video of the same is going viral on social media.

In the video, it can be seen that Blinken remained calm as the protester attacked him with the allegation. Following this, Blinken responded saying, I respect your views. Please allow me to share mine."

JUST IN:  US Secretary of State Antony Blinken gets heckled and yelled at by protestors.You will forever be known as Bloody Blinken, secretary of genocide." pic.twitter.com/jBiK3IVvZr  BRICS News (@BRICSinfo) January 14, 2025

Meanwhile, it is important to note that Blinken had earlier denied Israels actions amount to genocide and said he has pushed Israel to do more to protect civilians and to facilitate humanitarian aid into Gaza.

On October 7, 2023, Israel launched its assault after Hamas-led fighters stormed across its borders, killing over 1,200 people. According to reports, Israels aerial and ground campaign has killed more than 46,000 Palestinians. The assault has so far displaced nearly all of Gazas 2.3 million population and drawn the concern of the worlds main hunger monitor.

Blinken Defends Old US Policies

Concluding his farewell remarks on the Middle East, the US Secretary of State called for another path" in the region away from war and violence.

For many months, weve been working intensely with our partners to develop a detailed post-conflict plan that would allow Israel to fully withdraw from Gaza, prevent Hamas from filling back in, and provide for Gazas governance, security and reconstruction," Blinken said.

Trump and his incoming team have not said whether they would implement the plan.

Hamas Accepts Draft Agreement For Gaza Ceasefire

Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, on Tuesday, accepted a draft agreement for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of dozens of hostages amid the ongoing talks.

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Meanwhile, the United States and Qatar, the mediator between the two parties, said the negotiations were at the closest point" yet to sealing a deal.

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: January 15, 2025, 00:01 IST
Hamas Accepts Draft Agreement For Gaza Ceasefire, Israel Says 'Hoping For Good News'

Curated By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 18:51 IST

Hamas has accepted a draft agreement for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of dozens of hostages, said officials.

Buildings lie in ruin in North Gaza, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas | Image/Reuters

Palestinian militant group Hamas has accepted a draft agreement for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of dozens of hostages, the Associated Press reported citing two officials involved in the ongoing talks.

Israels deputy foreign minister said that the country is hoping for good news in the next few hours" amid the long-pending ceasefire talks with Hamas. Meanwhile, Qatar, the mediator between the two parties, said the negotiations were at the closest point" yet to sealing a deal.

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Qatars foreign ministry spokesman, Majed al-Ansari, said the list of major issues that were a roadblock to the Gaza ceasefire deal has now been addressed, bringing an agreement closer than ever before.

An Israeli official said progress has been made, but the details are being finalized. The plan would need to be submitted to the Israeli Cabinet for final approval. All three officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the closed-door talks.

The United States, Egypt and Qatar have spent the past year trying to mediate an end to the 15-month war and secure the release of dozens of hostages captured in Hamas October 7, 2023, attack that triggered it.

Some 100 Israelis are still captive inside Gaza, and the military believes at least a third of them are dead.

Officials have expressed mounting optimism that they can conclude an agreement ahead of the January 20 inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump, whose Mideast envoy has joined the negotiations.

Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said at a weekly briefing Tuesday that the ongoing negotiations are positive and productive while declining to get into the details of the sensitive talks.

Today, we are at the closest point ever to having a deal," he said.

Hamas, meanwhile, said in a statement that the ongoing negotiations had reached their final stage".

The offensive has reduced large areas of the territory to rubble and displaced around 90 per cent of Gazas population of 2.3 million, with hundreds of thousands packed into tent camps along the coast where hunger is widespread.

Israeli strikes across Gaza overnight and into Tuesday killed at least 18 Palestinians, including two women and four children, while Yemens Houthi rebels fired two missiles at Israel, setting off sirens and sending people racing into shelters. No one was wounded by the projectiles.

A three-phase agreement The three-phase agreement  based on a framework laid out by US President Joe Biden and endorsed by the UN Security Council  would begin with the gradual release of 33 hostages over a six-week period, including women, children, older adults and wounded civilians in exchange for potentially hundreds of Palestinian women and children imprisoned by Israel.

Among the 33 would be five female Israeli soldiers, each of whom would be released in exchange for 50 Palestinian prisoners, including 30 convicted militants who are serving life sentences. of the first phase, all civilian captives  living or dead  will have been released.

During this first, 42-day phase, Israeli forces would withdraw from population centers, Palestinians would be allowed to start returning to their homes in northern Gaza and there would be a surge of humanitarian aid, with some 600 trucks entering each day.

Details of the second phase still must be negotiated during the first. Those details remain difficult to resolve  and the deal does not include written guarantees that the ceasefire will continue until a deal is reached. That leaves the potential for Israel to resume its military campaign after the first phase ends.

The three mediators, however, have given Hamas verbal guarantees that negotiations will continue as planned and that they will press for a deal to implement the second and third phases before the end of the first, the Egyptian official said.

The deal would allow Israel throughout the first phase to remain in control of the Philadelphi Corridor, the band of territory along Gazas border with Egypt, which Hamas had initially demanded Israel withdraw from. But Israel would pull out from the Netzarim Corridor, a belt across central Gaza where it had sought a mechanism for searching Palestinians for arms when they return to the territorys north.

In the second phase, Hamas would release the remaining living captives, mainly male soldiers, in exchange for more prisoners and the complete withdrawal" of Israeli forces from Gaza, according to the draft agreement. But Hamas has said it will not free the remaining hostages without an end to the war and a complete Israeli withdrawal, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has in the past vowed to resume fighting unless Hamass military and governing capabilities are eliminated.

Unless an alternative government for Gaza is worked out in those talks, it could leave Hamas in charge of the territory.

In a third phase, the bodies of remaining hostages would be returned in exchange for a three- to five-year reconstruction plan to be carried out in Gaza under international supervision.

Growing pressure ahead of Trumps inauguration Israel and Hamas have come under renewed pressure to halt the conflict in the lead-up to Trumps inauguration next week. His Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, recently joined US, Egyptian and Qatari mediators in the Gulf countrys capital, Doha.

Trump said late Monday that a ceasefire was very close".

I understand  theres been a handshake and they are getting it finished  and maybe by the end of the week," he told the American cable channel Newsmax.

Hamas has blamed Israel for the repeated setbacks in the negotiations, saying that on more than one occasion, the militant group had accepted a proposal from mediators only to see Israel reject it or launch a new military operation immediately afterwards.

Israel and its close ally the United States have blamed setbacks on Hamas.

Hamas-led militants killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, in the October 7 attack and abducted another 250. Around half those hostages were freed during a brief ceasefire in November 2023.

Israels retaliatory offensive has killed over 46,000 Palestinians, more than half of them women and children, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which does not say how many of the dead were combatants.

Strikes in Gaza continue Two strikes in the central Gaza city of Deir al-Balah overnight and into Tuesday killed two women and their four children, who ranged in age from 1 month to 9 years old.

One of the women was pregnant and the baby did not survive, according to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, which received the bodies.

Another 12 people were killed in two strikes on the southern city of Khan Younis, according to the European Hospital.

There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military. Israel says it only targets militants and accuses them of hiding among civilians in shelters and tent camps for the displaced.

Yemeni rebels fire missiles at Israel The war has rippled across the region, igniting over a year of fighting between Israel and Lebanons Hezbollah militants that ended with a tense ceasefire in November.

Israel has also traded direct fire with Iran, which backs Hamas, Hezbollah and Yemens Houthis.

The Israeli military said it made several attempts to intercept the missile launched from Yemen early Tuesday and that the missile was likely intercepted". It said an earlier missile fired from Yemen was also intercepted.

Police said several homes were damaged outside Jerusalem and released a photo of a missile casing that had crashed into a roof.

The Houthis, who captured Yemens capital, Sanaa, and much of the countrys north in 2014, have launched a series of missile and drone attacks on Israel and have attacked international shipping in the Red Sea.

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The Houthis say they are fighting in solidarity with the Palestinians, but the vast majority of the targeted ships have no connection to the conflict.

(With agency inputs)

Location : Israel

First Published: January 14, 2025, 17:25 IST
Pakistan Snooping On Afghanistan's Airspace? Exclusive From Sources Close To Saleh

Reported By :

News18.com

Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 15:46 IST

Sa-adat Mohammad serves as an ISI officer tasked with gathering intelligence on the Afghan aviation system. He oversees an extensive network of informants and collaborators within airports, said sources close to Saleh

A file photo of a U.S military aircraft taking off at the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan in 2021. (AP)

Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) has a mole who has informants in the Afghanistan Air Traffic Controller (ATC) and airports to gather all information including airpath and manifest, according to sources close to the countrys former vice-president Amrullah Saleh.

Sa-adat Mohammad, passport number CF8157287, serves as an ISI officer tasked with gathering intelligence on the Afghan aviation system. He oversees an extensive network of informants and collaborators within airports, the Ministry of Civil Aviation, and the Talibans Ministry of Interior. This officer also made efforts to infiltrate the GAAC, the UAE-owned company which handles four major airports in Afghanistan," said sources.

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In February 2024, Mohammad engaged in negotiations with the Taliban regarding the signing of a contract for management of Khost province airport, according to sources. The Taliban showed reluctance that such an arrangement would be too obvious and potentially counterproductive, said sources.

Later, Mohammads second offer was for discreet placement of specific professionals at Khost Airport, which was met with clandestine agreement, they said.

This was accepted and later all information pertaining to operations and activities in Khost Airport, including flight manifests, was discreetly relayed to Mohammad," they said.

WHAT INDIAN INTELLIGENCE SOURCES SAY

According to Indian intelligence sources, money is a major issue for negotiating deals with the ISI and Taliban is unable to realise the impact of this data-sharing pact.

Once you have control over ATC and airport movements and flight manifest you can do anything. From hijacking to missile attack, everything is an easy job which Taliban is ignoring and allowing foreigners specially Pakistanis entry to their offices. This is not only sharing of information, but dangerous from security point of view," said sources.

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The ISI snooping does not end here. The ISI conveniently deployed one officer in the negotiation team in 2024 when Kabul embassy was opening in New Delhi," they said.

News18 had earlier reported how Afghanistan Green Trend (AGT) and Saleh had said that there were more than 150 ISI officials in the Pakistani embassy in Kabul.

First Published: January 14, 2025, 15:43 IST
Qatar-brokered Gaza Truce Deal In 'Final Stages': What We Know So Far

Published By :

AFP

Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 23:55 IST

Mediators from Qatar, Egypt and the United States have intensified efforts to finalise the deal in recent days. Qatar said the agreement was in its "final stages"

An anonymous Israeli official said several hundred terrorists would be freed in exchange for the hostages, with the final number depending on how many of the 33 hostages are alive.(Reuters)

Hamas will free 33 hostages held in Gaza, while Israel will release about 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in the first stage of a Gaza truce agreement, Israeli and Palestinian sources reported Tuesday.

Mediators from Qatar, Egypt and the United States have intensified efforts to finalise the deal in recent days. Qatar said the agreement was in its final stages".

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Below are the key details of the expected initial phase of the deal according to Israeli and Palestinian officials, and media reports.

 Prisoner-hostage swap

Israeli government spokesman David Mencer on Tuesday confirmed Israel was seeking the release of 33 hostages as part of the first stage.

Yes, there are 33 hostages that we want released," Mencer said during an online media briefing, adding that Israel was willing to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in exchange.

Israel is prepared to pay a heavy price  in the hundreds."

An anonymous Israeli official said several hundred terrorists" would be freed in exchange for the hostages, with the final number depending on how many of the 33 hostages are alive.

Two sources close to Hamas told AFP that Israel would release about 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, including those with lengthy sentences".

The 33 are among the 94 hostages held in Gaza since Hamass October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which triggered the ongoing war. The total includes 34 captives the Israeli military has declared dead.

A source close to Hamas said the first stage of the agreement stipulates the release of 33 Israeli hostages in batches, starting with children and women."

According to the Times of Israel, Israeli officials believe the 33 hostages are alive, though confirmation from Hamas is pending.

Last week, Hamas indicated it had agreed to release 34 hostages in the first stage of a multi-phase deal, but Israeli forces retrieved the body of one of those listed, reducing the total to 33.

 Israeli buffer zone 

Negotiations for a second phase would commence on the 16th day" after the first phases implementation, an Israeli official said.

This phase would cover the release of the remaining captives, including male soldiers, men of military age, and the bodies of slain hostages", the Times of Israel reported.

Israeli media reported that under the proposed deal, Israel would maintain a buffer zone within Gaza during the first phase.

Israeli forces were expected to remain up to 800 metres (yards) inside Gaza stretching from Rafah in the south to Beit Hanun in the north," according to the source close to Hamas.

Israeli forces would not fully withdraw from Gaza until all hostages are returned", the Israeli official said.

Haaretz reported that Israel would allow the movement of residents from southern Gaza to the north.

The source close to Hamas said Israeli forces would withdraw from the Netzarim corridor westward toward Salaheddin Road to the east, enabling displaced people to return through an electronic checkpoint equipped with cameras.

No Israeli forces will be present, and Palestinian militants will be barred from passing through the checkpoint during the return of displaced persons," he said.

 Sticking points 

Previous negotiations faltered over several contentious issues.

Key sticking points include disagreements over the permanence of a ceasefire, the scale of humanitarian aid allowed into Gaza, and the logistics of returning displaced Gazans to their homes.

Additional disputes concern the withdrawal of Israeli troops, the reopening of border crossings and governance over Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has firmly opposed a full troop withdrawal and rejected any Palestinian governance in the territory.

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The ongoing of talks in Qatar are being conducted with Hamas and Israeli negotiations present in two separate rooms, according to a source familiar with talks.

Any agreement would likely require approval from Israels cabinet.

Location : Qatar

First Published: January 14, 2025, 23:55 IST
Qatar Presents Final Gaza Truce Deal; Hamas May Release 33 Israeli Hostages In Phase 1

Published By :

Reuters

Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 08:50 IST

Israel-Hamas War: In the first stage, 33 hostages would be set free. These include children, women, including female soldiers, men above 50, wounded and sick.

Israel-Hamas War: The withdrawal would be phased, with Israeli forces remaining in the border perimeter to defend Israeli border towns and villages.

Qatari mediators have sent Israel and Hamas a draft proposal for an agreement to halt the fighting in Gaza and exchange hostages for Palestinian prisoners as a first step towards an end to the 15-month-old war.

With just a week to go before U.S. President-elect Donald Trump takes over from President Joe Biden, officials said a breakthrough had been achieved in talks in Doha and agreement could be near.

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Here are main points from the draft, according to an Israeli official who briefed reporters. Hamas has not given any details.

HOSTAGE RETURN

In the first stage, 33 hostages would be set free. These include children, women, including female soldiers, men above 50, wounded and sick. Israel believes most are alive but has had no official confirmation from Hamas.

 If the first stage proceeds as planned, on the 16th day from the deal taking effect, negotiations would start on a second stage during which the remaining living hostages  male soldiers and men of military age  would be released and the bodies of the dead hostages returned.

TROOP WITHDRAWAL

The withdrawal would be phased, with Israeli forces remaining in the border perimeter to defend Israeli border towns and villages. In addition, there would be security arrangements at the Philadelphi corridor, along the southern edge of Gaza, with Israel withdrawing from parts of it after the first few days of the deal.

 Unarmed North Gaza residents would be allowed back, with a mechanism to ensure no weapons are moved there. Israeli troops will withdraw from the Netzarim corridor in central Gaza.

 Palestinian militants convicted of murder or deadly attacks would also be released but numbers would depend on the number of live hostages, which is still unknown. The prisoners would not be released to the West Bank. Hamas fighters who took part in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel would not be released.

INCREASED AID

There would be a significant increase of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, where international bodies including the United Nations warn that the population is facing a severe humanitarian crisis.

Israel allows aid into the enclave but there have been disputes over the amount allowed in as well as the amount that reaches people in need, with looting by criminal gangs an increasing problem.

FUTURE GOVERNANCE OF GAZA

Who will run Gaza after the war is one of the great unknowns of the negotiations and it appears that the current round of talks have not even addressed the issue due to its complexity and the likelihood it would hold up a limited deal.

Israel has said Hamas can play no role at all and it has rejected the involvement of the Palestinian Authority, the body set up under the Oslo interim peace accords three decades ago that exercises limited sovereignty in the occupied West Bank.

It has also said from the beginning of its campaign in Gaza that it would retain security control over the enclave after the fighting ends.

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The international community has said that Gaza must be run by Palestinians but efforts to find alternatives to the main factions among civil society or clan leaders have proved largely fruitless.

However there have been discussions between Israel, the United Arab Emirates and the United States over a provisional administration that would run Gaza until a reformed Palestinian Authority is able to take charge.

Location : Jerusalem, Israel

First Published: January 14, 2025, 07:30 IST
Russia's Top Diplomat Praises Trump's Views On Ukraine Conflict

Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 23:14 IST

Lavrov specifically praised Trumps comments earlier this month in which he said that NATOs plans to open its doors to Ukraine had led to the hostilities.

US President-elect Donald Trump (Image: Reuters)

Russias top diplomat said Tuesday that Moscow is open for talks with President-elect Donald Trump and praised him for pointing to NATOs plan to embrace Ukraine as a root cause of the nearly 3-year-old conflict.

Any prospective peace talks should involve broader arrangements for security in Europe, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at his annual news conference, while adding that Moscow is open to discussing security guarantees for Kyiv.

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Lavrov specifically praised Trumps comments earlier this month in which he said that NATOs plans to open its doors to Ukraine had led to the hostilities.

Trump said Russia had it written in stone" that Ukraines membership in NATO should never be allowed, but the Biden administration had sought to expand the military alliance to Russias doorstep. Trump added that, "I could understand their feelings about that."

Trumps comments echoed Moscows rhetoric which has described its special military operation" in Ukraine launched in February 2022 as a response to planned NATO membership for Kyiv and an effort to protect Russian speakers. Ukraine and its allies have denounced Russias action as an unprovoked act of aggression.

NATO did exactly what it had promised not to do, and Trump said that," Lavrov said. It marked the first such candid acknowledgement not only from a U.S. but any Western leader that NATO had lied when they signed numerous documents. They were used as a cover while NATO has expanded to our borders in violation of the agreements."

The West has dismissed that assessment. Before the conflict, Russia had demanded a legal guarantee that Ukraine be denied NATO entry, knowing the alliance has never excluded potential membership for any European country but had no immediate plan to start Ukraine down that road. Russia said NATO expansion would undermine its security, but Washington and its allies argued the alliance didnt threaten Moscow

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged his Western allies to invite Kyiv to join NATO, or, at the very least, offer comprehensive security guarantees that would prevent any future Russian attacks. The alliances 32 member countries say Ukraine will join one day, but not until the fighting ends.

Trump has reaffirmed his intention to broker peace in Ukraine, declaring earlier this month that Putin wants to meet" and that such a meeting is being set up. In the past, he has criticized U.S. military aid for Ukraine and even vowed to end the conflict in a single day if elected.

Lavrov emphasized that Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly declared his openness for talks with Trump, adding that Moscow looks forward to hearing Trumps view on Ukraine after he takes office.

Lavrov also praised comments by Trumps pick for national security adviser, Mike Waltz, who said Sunday its unrealistic to expect that Ukraine could drive Russian forces from every inch of Ukrainian soil."

The very fact that people have increasingly started to mention the realities on the ground deserves welcome," Lavrov said during his annual news conference un Moscow.

In its final days, the Biden administration is providing Kyiv with as much military support as it can, aiming to put Ukraine in the strongest position possible for any future negotiations. The U.S. also introduced new sanctions on Russias oil industry.

Lavrov described those efforts as an attempt by the Biden administration to slam the door" and leave a difficult legacy for Trump. The Democrats have a way of screwing things up for the incoming administration," he said.

He emphasized that any prospective peace talks must address Russias security concerns and reflect a broad European security environment.

Threats on the western flank, on our western borders, must be eliminated as one of the main reasons (of the conflict)," he said. They can probably be eliminated only in the context of some broader agreements."

He added that Moscow is also open to discuss security guarantees for Kyiv, "for the country, which is now called Ukraine."

Lavrov was asked about Trumps comments in which he wouldnt rule out using force or economic pressure to make Greenland  a semiautonomous territory of Denmark  a part of the United States.

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Lavrov emphasized that the people of Greenland must be asked what they want.

For a start, its necessary to listen to the Greenlanders," Lavrov said, noting that they have the right for self-determination if they believe that their interests arent duly represented by Denmark.

Location : Moscow, Russia

First Published: January 14, 2025, 23:14 IST
Sheikh Hasina's Niece Resigns As UK Minister After Corruption Allegations

Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 23:39 IST

Starmer offered Siddiq the possibility of returning to government, saying the door remains open to you going forward.

Tulip Siddiq resigned over mounting pressure regarding her links to ousted Bangladeshi leader Sheikh Hasina.

Britains anti-corruption minister resigned on Tuesday, bowing to mounting pressure over her links to her aunt, ousted Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Tulip Siddiq said that she had been cleared of wrongdoing but was quitting as economic secretary to the Treasury because the issue was becoming a distraction from the work of the government."

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Siddiq, 42, is a former local councilor who was elected lawmaker for a north London district in 2015. She was appointed to the government after Prime Minister Keir Starmer s center-left Labour Party won a landslide election victory in July.

Starmer has been under growing pressure to remove Siddiq from her post since she referred herself to the governments ethics watchdog in early January following reports that she lived in London properties linked to her aunt.

Starmer said he was sad to see Siddiq go, adding in a letter that the watchdog  independent adviser on ministerial interests Laurie Magnus  has assured me he found no breach of the Ministerial Code and no evidence of financial improprieties on your part."

Starmer offered Siddiq the possibility of returning to government, saying the door remains open to you going forward."

Hasina was Bangladeshs longest-serving prime minister and ruled the country for 15 years until August 2024, when she was ousted amid a mass uprising in which hundreds of protesters were killed and thousands were injured. Hasina, who has fled to India, faces many court cases over the deaths, including some on charges of crimes against humanity.

Siddiq, who is responsible for tackling corruption in financial markets, was named last month in an anti-corruption investigation in Bangladesh against Hasina. The investigation alleged that Siddiqs family was involved in brokering a 2013 deal with Russia for a nuclear power plant in Bangladesh in which large sums of money were said to have been embezzled.

Magnus said he accepted at face value" Siddiqs statement that she had no involvement in any inter-governmental discussions between Bangladesh and Russia or any form of official role."

The minister faced further questions about her links to her aunts government after reports in the Sunday Times and Financial Times newspapers alleged that she had used two London apartments given to her by associates of Bangladeshs Awami League, led by Hasina.

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Magnus said a lack of records and lapse of time" meant he had not seen all potentially relevant information, but added that I have not identified evidence of improprieties" over the apartments.

Magnus concluded that Siddiq hadnt breached ministerial standards. But he noted that given her role in government it is regrettable that she was not more alert to the potential reputational risks  both to her and the government  arising from her close familys association with Bangladesh."

Location : United Kingdom (UK)

First Published: January 14, 2025, 22:59 IST
Will Create 'External Revenue Service' For Tariffs: Donald Trump

Published By :

AFP

Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 23:43 IST

This comes as Trump, who posted the statement on social media, has promised sweeping levies on allies and adversaries as he seeks to pressure partners into tackling issues including migration and drug trafficking

Even before his return to the White House, Trump has vowed tariffs on major US trading partners Mexico and Canada, as well as competitor China. (AP file photo)

US President-elect Donald Trump said Tuesday that he plans to form an External Revenue Service" for tariff collection, less than a week before he takes office.

This comes as Trump, who posted the statement on social media, has promised sweeping levies on allies and adversaries as he seeks to pressure partners into tackling issues including migration and drug trafficking.

related stories

Even before his return to the White House, Trump has vowed tariffs on major US trading partners Mexico and Canada, as well as competitor China.

He has also floated across-the-board duties on all imports, and steeper rates on Chinese goods.

On Tuesday, Trump wrote on Truth Social that he would create the new body to collect our tariffs, duties, and all revenue that come from foreign sources."

January 20, 2025, will be the birth date of the External Revenue Service," he added, referring to the day he takes office.

The name is a play on the Internal Revenue Service, a bureau under the Treasury Department that administers and enforces US tax laws.

While the president-elect has said that countries like China would foot the bill on tariffs, tariffs are a tax on imported goods and importers in the United States pay the duties.

The economic burden of such levies may also end up being shared with exporters and consumers.

In his online post, Trump did not provide further details on how the new department would be formed.

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Trump on Tuesday also criticized the United States past efforts to pursue trade agreements, saying these accords were soft and pathetically weak."

While Washington had for decades used free-trade pacts to forge relationships around the world, it has more recently shifted away from this stance, including under outgoing President Joe Biden.

Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

First Published: January 14, 2025, 23:43 IST
World Economic Forum: Trump, Zelenskyy, Scholz Among 60 Leaders To Address Davos Meet

Last Updated: January 14, 2025, 21:08 IST

The 55th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum will convene under the theme, Collaboration for the Intelligent Age.

Trump will join via live video link for an interactive dialogue with participants (File)

US President-elect Donald Trump, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will be among 60 top political leaders from across the world, including Germany, Switzerland, South Africa and Israel, who will address the World Economic Forum meeting in Swiss ski resort town Davos next week.

Announcing the detailed schedule, Geneva-based WEF on Tuesday said the meeting would see participation by nearly 3,000 leaders from over 130 countries, including 350 governmental leaders. Indian participation would include five union ministers  Ashwini Vaishnaw, CR Patil, K Ram Mohan Naidu, Chirag Paswan and Jayant Chaudhary  and three chief ministers  Dharmendra Pradhan, N Chandrababu Naidu and Revant Reddy, along with other ministers from other states and over 100 CEOs.

related stories

With the global economy undergoing a paradigm shift, the five-day meeting beginning January 20 will explore how to re-launch growth, harness new technologies and strengthen social and economic resilience, the WEF said.

"Davos is unique in bringing together close to 3,000 decision makers from governments, business, and civil society at the beginning of the year to address the challenges of a world in deep transformation," WEF Founder and Chairman Klaus Schwab said.

"Despite divergent positions and great uncertainties, the Annual Meeting 2025 will foster a spirit of cooperation and constructive optimism with the objective of shaping the forthcoming Intelligent Age in a more sustainable and inclusive way," he added.

"The Annual Meeting comes at a moment marked by a greater level of global uncertainty than we have seen in a generation, driven by geopolitical tensions, economic fragmentation and accelerating climate change," WEF President and CEO Borge Brende said.

"Within this more unsettled climate, the only way to address urgent challenges and unlock new opportunities is through innovative, cooperative approaches," he added.

Among top political leaders, Trump will join via live video link for an interactive dialogue with participants, while those present in-person would include European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Chinas Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Argentina President Javier Milei, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, South Africa President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, and Spain President Pedro Sanchez.

Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter, Bangladesh Governments Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, Iraq President Abdulatif Rashid, Israel President Isaac Herzog, Malaysia President Anwar Ibrahim, Palestinian National Authority Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa, Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Viet Nam PM Pham Minh Chinh will also be there.

Heads of international organisations taking part would include World Trade Organizations Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, IMFs Kristalina Georgieva, NATOs Mark Rutte, WHOs Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, and UNDPs Achim Steiner.

Over 1,600 business leaders, including more than 900 of the worlds top CEOs, will also participate, along with over 120 of which are Global Innovators, Tech Pioneers and Unicorns who are transforming industries.

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More than 170 leaders from civil society and the social sector  from labour unions, non-governmental organisations, religious and indigenous communities, as well as experts and heads of the worlds leading universities, research institutions and think tanks  will participate in the meeting.

The 55th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum will convene under the theme, Collaboration for the Intelligent Age.

First Published: January 14, 2025, 21:08 IST
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, January 14. On the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week Summit, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with President of Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu to discuss strengthening bilateral relations, Trend reports.

During the meeting, President Tokayev emphasized Kazakhstan's commitment to fostering comprehensive cooperation with Nigeria. President Tinubu expressed readiness to work together to elevate the partnership to a new level.

In this context, President Tokayev extended an invitation to President Tinubu to visit Kazakhstan on an official visit.

The two sides also explored potential areas for collaboration in trade, economic development, transportation and logistics, energy, and agriculture, highlighting the mutual benefits of closer ties between the two nations.
Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi yesterday said they are ready to implement constitutional amendments to extend President Mnangagwas term beyond 2028 as resolved by Zanu PF at its Annual National Peoples Conference last year, once they get instructions to do so.

Minister Ziyambi said it was possible to enact the amendments to extend the Presidents term from 2028 to 2030 in line with the peoples wishes.

My comment is that it is possible to do so (make the amendments) when the time is right, when we get the instructions to do so. We also have to know that Zimbabwe is a democracy guided by the will of the people.

So, if the people say they want the Presidents term extended, so be it, thats what democracy is all about, he said.

Minister Ziyambi said while President Mnangagwa had said he wanted to step down as required by the Constitution, the people who voted him into office have indicated that they want him to stay on.

Once the people who voted him into office have spoken, the necessary legal requirements will be put in place. What I can say is it is possible to make the necessary constitutional amendments, Minister Ziyambi added.

Last year at its conference in Bulawayo, Zanu PF made a resolution that the Presidents term be extended so that he can see to fruition the various development projects he has initiated over the past few years.

The main opposition Citizens Coalition for Change has also thrown its weight behind the proposal to extend the Presidents term.

Speaking during a tour by Parliamentarians of the First Familys Pricabe Farm in Kwekwe at the weekend, leader of the opposition in Parliament, Mr Sengezo Tshabangu, said: If we approve your (President Mnangagwa) stay in power and the people of Zimbabwe are happy, let it be.

Mr Tshabangu said President Mnangagwa was leading by example in all areas, hence he must be supported.

We are Zimbabweans, we should be singing together, playing together, celebrating together. When I walk out of here (Pricabe Farm) I will face criticism and it does not matter because it improves us as Zimbabweans.

. . . when we go to Parliament, I can assure you that we are going to unpack the blueprint to bring the people of Zimbabwe together. We need to coexist and live together, he said.

Across the country, all Zanu PF structures have voiced their support for President Mnangagwas term extension as he has delivered tangible results that resonate with the masses. Herald
Israeli officials say 33 hostagesmost of them still alivecould be released in the first stage of a proposed ceasefire deal with Hamas. Officials say the hostages would be released in the initial 42-day ceasefire as part of a deal being finalized by negotiators in Qatar, CNN reports. The Times of Israel reports that the first phase would involve the release of "humanitarian" hostages like children, the elderly, and women, including female soldiers. On the 16th day, negotiations would begin to free the remaining hostages.

Ceasefire talks have fallen through many times before, but momentum toward a deal appears to be building, the New York Times reports. President Biden spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the plan on Sunday. In his capstone foreign policy address at the State Department on Monday, Biden said he had also spoken with the emir of Qatar and would soon speak to the president of Egypt, the other country mediating talks. Biden said the deal he proposed in May is "on the brink" of "finally coming to fruition."

"The deal we have structured would free the hostages, halt the fighting, provide security to Israel and allow us to significantly surge humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians who suffered terribly in this war that Hamas started," Biden said, per the Times of Israel. Sources tell the AP that mediators from Qatar are pressuring Hamas to accept the deal, while Steve Witkoff, President-elect Trump's envoy, is putting pressure on the Israeli side. An Egyptian official says both sides are pushing for a deal before Trump's inauguration next week. (More Israel-Hamas war stories.)
There will be no more hanging out at Starbucks, the chain has decided, without buying something. A new code of conduct for Starbucks' North American cafes includes the reversal of the policy in effect since 2018 allowing people to sit in the storeand use the restroomwhether they're paying customers or not, the Wall Street Journal reports. "There is a need to reset expectations for how our spaces should be used, and who uses them," an executive wrote in a letter this week.

The company also is adding signs to the cafes prohibiting violence, harassment, threatening language, alcohol from outside, smoking, and panhandling, staff notices to say. The policy calls for employees, who will be trained on enforcement, to ask violators to leave and then call law enforcement if needed, per the AP. The changes are an effort by the company, which is dealing with declines in customer traffic and sales, to make the cafes more inviting.

The open-door policy was enacted after an embarrassment at a Philadelphia cafe where two Black men were arrested after not buying anything; that store had its own policy. The companywide change takes effect this month, as will a policy of free refills on hot and iced coffee. While people liked to stop by to use the bathroom, employees said the policy led to messes and loitering. (More Starbucks stories.)
House Speaker Mike Johnson and other Republicans have suggested placing conditions on any aid sent to California in the wake of the latest devastating wildfires to hit the state. "Obviously there has been water resource mismanagement, forest management mistakes, all sorts of problems," Johnson told reporters at the Capitol on Monday, per the Hill. "And it does come down to leadership, and it appears to us that state and local leaders were derelict in their duty in many respects." He said "there should probably be conditions on that aid" before it is delivered to California, and confirmed there's "been some discussion" amongst Republicans of tying aid to a debt ceiling increase, Politico reports.
A devastating situation has unfolded in South Africa's North West province, where at least 100 illegal gold miners have died of suspected starvation and dehydration, according to Sabelo Mnguni, a spokesman for the Mining Affected Communities United in Action Group. These miners, trapped since November in the depths of the Buffelsfontein Gold Mine, have suffered as police halted their food supplies in a controversial crackdown on illegal mining activities. Cellphone videos released by Mnguni's group reveal the harrowing conditions underground, showing what appear to be emaciated men and bodies wrapped in plastic.

Amid mounting criticism, police initiated a rescue operation on Monday, recovering 18 bodies and rescuing 26 survivors. Miners from the illegal mining gangs, known locally as "zama zamas," were reportedly trapped by the removal of climbing ropes intended to prevent escape and avoid arrest. Mnguni's organization, which secured a court order in December to allow food and water deliveries, stresses that many of those still underground are dying from lack of basic necessities and pleads for urgent assistance.

Illegal mining persists across South Africa's gold-rich regions as once-profitable mines close, pushing unemployed former miners into these perilous conditions. Despite being labeled as violent gangs by authorities, Mnguni argues that these zama zamas are not criminals, but desperate individuals caught up in a struggle to survive. Authorities, who have been trying to end illegal mining activities for years, are now focusing on bringing all miners safely to the surface. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
North Dakota may soon become a pioneer in eliminating property taxes on homes, under a proposal by Republican Governor Kelly Armstrong. His plan, utilizing $483 million from the state's general fund and part of the earnings on the state's $11.5 billion oil tax savings, aims to gradually eradicate primary residential property taxes. Describing the initiative as "aggressive, durable, and responsible," Armstrong hopes to ease financial burdens for residents like retirees Pat and Julie O'Dell, who face annual property tax bills of over $3,000.

Armstrong's strategy builds on a primary-residence tax credit, initially offering up to $1,550 in relief per year, with potential increases every two years. The plan would also cap future local property tax budget increases at 3%, focusing heavily on earnings from the state's Legacy Fund, which is fueled by oil revenues. As Armstrong stated, this approach could "eliminate property taxes for an entire class of homeowners who need that relief the most"a reference to income-eligible seniors and people with disabilities, who could receive an expanded property tax credit as well"and it would put the bulk of primary residences on a path to zero within the next decade."

The proposal has sparked debates over its sustainability and economic impact. While Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney supports the goal, he voices concerns about its long-term feasibility. Critics, like Jared Walczak from the Tax Foundation, argue that there might be more economically efficient ways to provide tax relief, such as reducing or getting rid of income tax. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
Flags that were at half-staff to mourn the 39th president will be raised for the inauguration of the 47th. House Speaker Mike Johnson announced Tuesday that flags at the Capitol will fly at full-staff when President-elect Trump is inaugurated on Monday, Politico reports. They were lowered after Jimmy Carter's death on Dec. 29. The flags will fly at full-staff on Jan. 20 "to celebrate our country coming together behind the inauguration of our 47th President, Donald Trump," Johnson said in a post on X . "The flags will be lowered back to half-staff the following day to continue honoring President Jimmy Carter."

President Biden issued the order to lower the flags for 30 days last month, following tradition and the US flag code. Trump expressed that Democrats were "giddy" about flags being at half-staff when he is sworn in and said he would push for a change, the New York Times reports. Republican governors in states including Texas, Alabama, and Tennessee also plan to raise flags to full-staff on Inauguration Day, reports the AP. The last time a presidential inauguration happened during the mourning period for a former president, flags remained at half-staff, in that case, to honor Harry Truman as Richard Nixon was sworn in. (More Trump inauguration stories.)
TORONTO, Jan. 13, 2025 /CNW/ - The Honourable Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, will participate in a fireside chat organized by Canadian Club Toronto and moderated by noted business television anchor Amanda Lang. Minister Champagne is expected to discuss artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, economic security, supply chains, critical minerals and energy strategies, in the context of a new U.S. administration.

Date: Tuesday, January 14, 2025

Remarks: 12:40 pm (ET)

Media availability: 1:30 pm (ET)

Location: Toronto, Ontario

Members of the media are asked to contact ISED Media Relations at [email protected] to receive event location details and confirm their attendance.

Stay connected

Find more services and information on the Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada website.

Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on social media.

X (Twitter): @ISED_CA | Facebook: Canadian Innovation | Instagram: @cdninnovation | LinkedIn: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Contacts: Audrey Milette, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, [email protected]; Media Relations, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, [email protected]
OTTAWA, ON, Jan. 14, 2025 /CNW/ - Canadian EV owners report a lack of reliable and convenient public charging is the biggest problem for them, even as they say in overwhelming numbers they will make their next purchase another electric vehicle, according to a survey of over 16,000 EV owners by the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) released today.

What's the real life experience of a Canadian EV Driver?

"Our survey paints a picture of people happy they bought an EV, saying they are cheaper to operate and easier to maintain than their previous gas-powered vehicles," says Ian Jack, vice-president of public affairs, CAA National. "But it also found the experience of EV owners mirrors some of what the general public thinks  public charging isn't good enough, especially outside major urban centres, and they are concerned about being caught with a dead battery in the winter."

Overall, 7 in 10 EV drivers say they are not satisfied with the number of fast chargers available. The available public charging infrastructure becomes even more problematic for EV owners when asked about longer journeys in cold weather. More than half of EV drivers (53%) indicate they would rather drive a gas vehicle on long trips in extremely cold weather, and 67% said lower battery range in extreme cold weather has been a problem for them.

However, the EV owners' survey also found that nearly 9 in 10 (87%) EV owners plan to buy another EV when it comes time to replace their current vehicle. More than 90% of EV owners said the cost of fueling their EV is much lower, and 79% said the cost of maintenance is much better than their previous gas-powered vehicles.

EV owners also told CAA that the vast majority of their charging is done at home. In fact, respondents reported that most of their travel was within 100 kilometres of their home, a distance significantly less than the average range of an EV, which is over 400 km.

For this report, PlugShare Research surveyed their panel of Canadian EV drivers, as well as Canadian PlugShare app users, from October 3rd to October 22nd, 2024. A total of 16,041 EV drivers responded across all provinces. This is the second time CAA has surveyed EV owners in collaboration with PlugShare. Results of the 2022 survey can be found here.

In a separate recent survey of the general population, including non-EV owners, CAA found more than half (52%) of Canadians said they won't purchase an EV because public charging is not reliable enough, and more than two-thirds (68%) said they won't purchase an EV because the driving range of an EV drops too much when driving in cold weather. These findings were based on a poll of 2,880 Canadians carried out from September 13 to 21, 2024. A probability sample of the same size would yield a margin of error of +/-1.9%.

As part of CAA's commitment to provide Canadians with unbiased and trusted information on EVs, we will conduct a real-world EV winter test from Ottawa to Mont Tremblant in February. The test will measure the effective range of EVs in cold weather and how quickly they charge. Results will be posted in CAA's EV Buyer's Guide, Canada's source for unbiased information on EVs.

About CAA

CAA is a federation of eight Clubs providing over 7 million Members with exceptional emergency roadside service, complete automotive and travel services, Member savings and comprehensive insurance services. As one of Canada's most trusted brands, CAA also advocates on issues of concern to its Members and all Canadians, including road safety, the environment, mobility, infrastructure, and consumer protection.

SOURCE Canadian Automobile Association

For media inquiries, please contact: Kristine D'Arbelles, Senior Director, public affairs, CAA National, 613-796-9404, [email protected]
VANCOUVER, BC, Jan. 14, 2025 /CNW/ - Rise People is proud to announce the official launch of Rise Health, its innovative group benefits platform designed to redefine how businesses and their advisors deliver value to employees across Canada.

With its new distribution model, Rise Health exclusively partners with top-tier advisors to deliver a seamless blend of cutting-edge technology and trusted expertise. This transformative approach strengthens advisors' ability to meet client needs while maintaining their essential role as trusted partners in delivering high-value employee benefits.

Rise People launches Rise Health, an innovative group benefits platform redefining employee benefits across Canada. (CNW Group/Rise People Inc.)

"Our mission is to empower advisors with tools that elevate their offerings and strengthen their relationships with clients," said Kimberley LeComte, President of Rise Health. "By combining our innovative technology with their unparalleled expertise, we create a powerful partnership that benefits businesses and their employees across the country."

What Sets Rise Health Apart

Rise Health is built to meet the evolving needs of Canadian businesses through:

Integrated Technology: A unified, user-friendly platform that combines group benefits, savings plans, payroll, and HR solutions, streamlining processes and driving efficiency.

Advisor-Centric Collaboration: Partnering exclusively with advisors to deliver personalized service and expert guidance to clients.

Flexibility and Reliability: Designed in collaboration with Canada's leading carriers to ensure scalable, high-quality solutions tailored to diverse business needs.

This unique distribution model enhances advisors' ability to deliver exceptional value while preserving their critical role in supporting businesses and employees.

"Advisors are the trusted connection between businesses and their benefits solutions," added LeComte. "Our goal is to enhance that relationship by equipping advisors with innovative tools and seamless support to help them thrive."

With a foundation in collaboration, integration, and innovation, Rise Health is setting a new standard for group benefits and wealth management in Canada. The platform's fully integrated nature ensures that businesses can streamline their operations while creating meaningful benefits experiences for their teams. For more information, visit risepeople.com.

SOURCE Rise People Inc.

Media Contact: Liam Cannon, VP of Marketing, Rise People, [email protected], (+1 888-393-3483)
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, January 14. The new 10-year strategy of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) plays a crucial role for Kyrgyzstan, Deputy Minister of Finance Ruslan Tatikov said during a meeting of IsDB governors in Medina, Saudi Arabia, Trend reports via the Ministry of Finance of Kyrgyzstan.

The meeting focused on shaping the banks direction for the next decade, with a new cycle that will include:

- A 10-year strategic framework for 2026-2035, outlining the long-term strategic goals and ambitions of the group,

- Two consecutive five-year corporate strategies, which will define a detailed roadmap for the IsDB.

Tatikov emphasized the critical role of the 10-year strategy, not only for Kyrgyzstan but also for all IsDB member countries.

He underscored how this framework will strengthen the bank's position as a leading development institution, supporting economic stability and growth across its member states.

The IsDB is a multilateral development bank focused on improving the lives of people by promoting social and economic development in its member countries and Muslim communities around the world, delivering large-scale impact. Kyrgyzstan became a member of the IsDB on November 3, 1993.
A nanny who passed out after drinking alcohol while caring for a toddler in Brigantine was charged by police with second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, police said.

A neighbor found the child wandering alone outside on Monday, accompanying the toddler back to their home to find Jena Davidson, 35, of Ventnor City, unresponsive, Brigantine police said Tuesday.

Davidson was revived by medical workers, police said. No attorney information was listed for her as of Tuesday, New Jersey court records show.

A profile for Davidson on a nanny website identifies her as a full-time, live-in babysitter with previous childcare experience. According to the profile, she has a degree in elementary education from Penn State University. Her profile says she has experience as a swim instructor and daycare employee.

Police said Davidson found alcohol inside the toddlers house. She was hired by the childs parents through a reputable website for hiring childcare, police said.

The childs father contacted a neighbor after seeing a feed from the homes Ring Door Bell camera show the toddler open the front door of the home and walk outside, police wrote in an affidavit of probable cause. The neighbor called police around 12:33 p.m. after finding the toddler wandering alone outside.

Davidson was hired by the homeowners to care for the child while they were at work, police said.

Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription.

Eric Conklin may be reached at econklin@njadvancemedia.com.
DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, January 14. Tajikistan has signed an agreement with the World Bank (WB) to implement the Tajikistan Digital Foundations Project, Trend reports.

According to the country's Ministry of Finance, the agreement, valued at $39 million, includes $30 million in grants from the WB and $9 million from Switzerland's State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).

The signing ceremony was attended by Tajikistan's Minister of Finance, Faiziddin Qahhorzoda, and Ozan Sevimli, the WB Groups Country Manager for Tajikistan.

The initiative is designed to benefit citizens, businesses, and government institutions by improving the quality, accessibility, and transparency of public services. It is expected to significantly enhance the digital infrastructure in Tajikistan, promoting greater connectivity and inclusivity.

According to the WB, over 28,000 individuals are expected to gain valuable digital skills, with 2,000 individuals enrolled in advanced courses to improve their employment prospects. Additionally, the project will extend resilient broadband connectivity to at least 100 schools and surrounding public entities, helping to improve learning environments and bridge the digital divide in rural areas.
An apparent swatting hoax at Lenape High School in Medford prompted a two-hour lockdown on Tuesday morning, officials said.

Principal Tony Cattini sent several messages to parents between 11:10 a.m. and 1:22 p.m., the last saying that police had checked the building and found no threats. The lockdown was then changed to shelter in place.

Earlier the principal sent a message informing parents that hallways, bathrooms and lockers had been checked and that police were checking classrooms.

There have been no reports of any danger, Cattinis third message said. All students and staff are safe.

The Burlington County Prosecutors Office referred questions to Medford police, who said in a statement that there was a report of an alleged incident of violence at the school. and that the threat appeared to be unfounded.

Police in neighboring Mount Laurel set up a parent staging location is Saint Anthony Coptic Orthodox Church, 267 Hartford Road. A Mount Laurel police spokesman declined to comment on the events at Lenape High School.

School officials couldnt immediately be reached.

Video recorded from a vehicle by a passerby outside Lenape High School show multiple police cars in front of the school.

More than 1,900 students attend Lenape High, one of four high schools in the Lenape Regional High School District.

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Plan to hang out or use the restroom at Starbucks? It will now cost you, according to a new company policy.

Starbucks reversed a policy it had in place where customers could use the restroom and hang out at the cafe without having to make a purchase.

The rule change comes as part of an effort spearheaded by Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol to improve the customer experience and relations between customers and employees.

It is also meant to deter homeless people and non-paying customers from loitering in the cafe. Signage on all doors at its North American locations will enforce the policy.

But Starbucks didnt always restrict non-paying customers from using its restrooms or hanging out in its cafes without making a purchase.

In 2018, the cafe introduced an open-door policy after taking much heat for arresting two Black men at a Philadelphia location, who were waiting for a friend.

One of them had asked to use the restroom when one of the Starbucks employees replied that it was only for paying customers. Then, the men had occupied a table without paying for anything, which was common practice at the time.

Things escalated when a manager called the police on the men after they told the manager they were just waiting for their friend so they could conduct a business meeting.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com.

Katherine Rodriguez can be reached at krodriguez@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips.
First responder work is never predictable.

Dominic DiTore learned firsthand that performing his job sometimes goes beyond caring for people when he helped revive a 6-month-old kitten rescued from a burning abandoned building in Camden last week.

Frightened from the billowing flames and wind-whipped cold, the stranded young cat would make for the most memorable response call in the 23-year-olds young career.

This has been a whirlwind, to say the least, DiTore told NJ Advance Media on Monday.

The brownish-colored cat won the Mount Laurel residents affection, bonding with the animal as he used a meant-for-people oxygen mask to nurse the kitten out of lethargy. Now named Smokey, the young feline is recovering and is now a companion for the aspiring full-time first responders family.

We had no idea what he had been through up until that point, DiTore said. As an animal lover, I wanted to give this cat a chance.

The collaboration helped the kitten avoid the fate of thousands of animals and pets trapped in fires each year. About 40,000 pets die in residential fires each year, according to 2018 data from the American Veterinary Medical Association. Most suffer from smoke inhalation.

The domestic medium shorthaired kitten jumped onto a firefighter clearing the two-story building on Chestnut Street near the Route 676 overpass, city officials told NJ Advance Media. Smoke had filled the kittens lungs, and a sock also ended up singed on its body from the intense heat.

The cat was covered in soot and ash, and he was soaking wet from being stuck in the building while they put the fire out, DiTore said.

Smokey the kitten recovering at his new home after being rescued on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025.Dominic DiTore, provided

Despite faint odds, the DiTore and his coworkers revived the young cat from inside their ambulance, covering the felines face with oxygen. Hed later be swaddled in a white-colored blanket while recovering from his wounds after the two were reunited at the Pennsauken Animal Hospital.

We are also incredibly proud of our epic veterinary team members who worked quickly and effectively to stabilize Smokey and get him to a healthy place, Amina Marshall, one of the hospitals directors, said in a statement. We hope to get to stay connected and see him grow over the years to come.

DiTore rides on Cooper Medicals ambulance staff, using this tenure that began a handful of months ago. He also is a volunteer firefighter in Mount Laurel. A spokesperson for Cooper did not immediately return a request by NJ Advance Media for comment.

As a cat owner for half his life, DiTore intuitively knows the likely outcome for an animal in as dire need as his new friend.

We were told that what happens a lot of times with strays is if they need a certain amount of medical treatment, which in that moment was pretty evident that Smokey was going to need, if animal control isnt able or if theres nobody else willing to pay for it, it does happen where they can be put down, DiTore said. I was like, Ill pay for it, and I was like, Well take him in.

Thank you for relying on us to provide the local news you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a subscription.

Eric Conklin may be reached at econklin@njadvancemedia.com.
A former Cumberland County school custodian accused of tainting cafeteria food and utensils with urine, feces and bleach faces eight years in prison after pleading guilty in the case on Monday.

Giovanni A. Impellizzeri, 27, of Vineland, was working at Elizabeth F. Moore School in Upper Deerfield in 2023 when prosecutors alleged he urinated in mixing bowls, rubbed his genitals and anus on bread, sprayed bleach in a container of cucumbers and boasted about putting feces in food.

Under questioning from attorneys in court Monday, Impellizzeri admitted to his actions in the school. He also admitted his intent was to harm children. He faces sentencing in March.

Impellizzeri posted videos of some of the contamination on a messaging app where he also wrote about what he had done, authorities said. An anonymous tipster shared his posts with school officials, leading to his arrest.

The defendant claimed he committed the acts to make children sick and because the behavior sexually aroused him, prosecutors previously alleged. The school serves student in grades 3 to 5.

Parents expressed outrage and alarm after learning of the allegations in 2023.

County health officials determined the health risks to those who came in contact with tainted items were minimal and no illnesses related to the incident were reported.

After he was arrested in that case, Impellizzeri was additionally charged with child pornography possession and distribution in an unrelated case in Vineland.

In the food tainting case, a Cumberland County grand jury indicted him on charges including second-degree official misconduct, third-degree counts of aggravated assault, knowingly tampering with food products and attempted child endangerment for the alleged school incidents. In the Vineland case, he was charged with second-degree endangering/child pornography distribution and third-degree child pornography possession charges.

Impellizzeri rejected a plea offer in the case last year.

He pleaded guilty Monday to a second-degree count of official misconduct in the school case and third-degree endangering the welfare of a child by possessing child pornography in the Vineland case.

During the hearing, Impellizzeri acknowledged mishandling food and utensils and doing so with the intent to harm students.

Under questioning from defense attorney Emily Bell, he acknowledged that his job was to clean the school and keep it sanitary.

By manipulating the utensils in the kitchen, potentially spraying bleach, other chemicals around, would you agree that that is the opposite of what your job was? Bell asked. And the only reason you were able to do it was because of your job?

Yes, Impellizzeri responded.

Assistant Prosecutor Lindsey Seidel then quizzed him on his intent.

You would also agree that by placing bodily fluids around the school and on objects that the children had access to and would use was an unauthorized function of your position as well? the prosecutor said. And your intent in doing all of these things was to harm the children that were going to that school?

Impellizzeri answered yes to both questions.

On the child pornography charge in Vineland, he acknowledged possessing videos depicting child sexual abuse, including videos of toddlers and infants, on his cellphone, according to testimony.

Under the agreement, prosecutors will recommend a five-year sentence on the official misconduct charge with a requirement that he serve that entire sentence, and a consecutive three-year term on the endangering charge.

Impellizzeri must also forfeit any future public employment and the prosecutors office will seek parole supervision for life, based on the endangering/child porn charge.

Before his scheduled sentencing in March, Impellizzeri will undergo a psychological evaluation to determine if he would benefit from sex offender treatment while he serves his prison sentence.

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Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com.
A Hudson County man with prior convictions for assault, robbery and drugs has been charged with the murder of a North Bergen man, county Prosecutor Esther Suarez said Tuesday.

Henry Delgado, 34, of North Bergen, shot Juan Moyet, 48, also of North Bergen, in the head Dec. 9, inside a second-floor residence at 9028 Palisade Plaza, a multi-family home in the township, Suarez said.

He was charged Monday with first-degree murder, weapons offenses, disturbing/desecrating human remains and hindering.
A Middletown Police officer was suspended after being accused of sexual assault, a source with knowledge of the investigation told NJ Advance Media.

Court records showed that Justin R. Skelly was charged on Jan. 10 with sexual assault of a victim 16- to 17-years-old by a supervisor and endangering - sexual conduct with a child by a non-caretaker.

The source confirmed that Skelly was an officer for the department and that he was recently suspended. No further information could be immediately confirmed, the source said.

A spokesman for the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office could not immediately comment Monday night.

Skellys alleged offense happened Aug. 12, 2024, court records showed.

It was unclear if he had an attorney representing him.

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Chris Sheldon may be reached at csheldon@njadvancemedia.com.
The flu disproportionately sickens people of color, and experts say vaccinating is the best way to keep it at bay.

But according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people in Black and brown communities arent likely to get the flu shot.

There are groups who are at increased risk of having serious flu illness - racial and ethnic groups are part of that, said Alicia Budd, an epidemiologist at the CDCs influenza division. The most important thing people can do is get a flu vaccine every year. We know that this is the best way for people to protect themselves and to protect their loves ones against severe flu illness.

During the 2022 - 2023 flu season, about 51% of white adults got the flu vaccine compared to 43% of Black adults and 37% of Hispanic adults, CDC data showed.

In a separate CDC report examining flu hospitalization rates from 2009 to 2023, Black adults were hospitalized 1.8 times more than white adults, and Hispanic adults were hospitalized 1.2 times more than white adults.

Dr. David Cennimo, an infectious disease specialist at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, said Black and brown communities are more likely to get the flu because they have a lower vaccination rate, less access to treatment and care, and are at higher risks for other health condition like diabetes, lung disease or heart disease, which put them at higher risk for flu infection.

Budd said influenza is a respiratory virus that circulates yearly, with rates rising during the fall and winter. According to the CDC, flu symptoms can vary from a mild cough to a fever and even be deadly.

Flu infection has a dramatic impact on the population every year, Budd said.

This year is no different.

We are seeing elevated flu activity across the country right now, she said. When activity really takes off, as weve seen in the last few weeks, it pretty much takes off everywhere, and thats what were seeing now.

Nationally, Budd said, the CDC estimates the flu has sickened more than 5 million people and is associated with the hospitalizations of 63,000 and the deaths of at least 2,700.

And were only in early January, Budd said.

In New Jersey, Dalya Ewais, director of communications at the state Department of Health, said in an email to Mosaic that for the week ending Jan. 4, 6,831 New Jersey residents tested positive for the flu. But Ewais added that the figures are an undercount as many people with the flu do not get tested.

Cennimo and Budd say the best way to ward off the flu and prevent serious illness from infection is to get vaccinated.

The vaccine can prevent people from getting sick but even those that have been vaccinated and may still get sick, their illness is likely to be less severe than those who didnt get vaccinated, Budd said.

Its not too late to get the flu shot, she said.

Weve got more than half the flu season to go, so theres definitely a lot of time to benefit from flu vaccination, Budd said.

Amira Sweilem may be reached at asweilem@njadvancemedia.com.

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A driver was killed after crashing into a tree on Route 88 in Brick on Monday morning, authorities said.

The driver veered off the road after losing control of a vehicle at about 10:35 a.m. near Surfside Efficiencies, an apartment complex on the 2200 block of the highway, Brick police said.

Police didnt immediately identify the driver.
Its bad manners to dance and slap high-fives to celebrate an old mans shame and misfortune. As a boy raised in the teaching of the Catholic Church, I was taught that we should try to love one another, and to forgive human frailty.

But lets make an exception for Sal Bonaccorso, the racist sleazebag and thief who was just thrown out of office as mayor of Clark. The destiny of his soul may be up to higher powers, but here on Earth we have standards of basic decency that need to be upheld.

Bonaccorso first burst into public view in 2022 when NJ Advance Media published a recording of a meeting in which the mayor used racist slurs, describing Black people as spooks and using the N-word. He referred to female cops as all fing disasters.

This is the kind of story that makes white people in the South take offense at the stereotype of them as a bunch of racists. The truth is there is good and bad on both sides of the Mason-Dixon line, as Bonaccorso reminds us.

When the town council in Clark found out about all this, they did what old boys do  the rushed to his rescue, paying off the police lieutenant who made the tape recordings with a $400,000 hush-money settlement. Imagine being a homeowner in Clark and learning that youre paying taxes to help finance this cabals escape from consequence.

Sadly, none of that got Bonaccorso in trouble. The voters of Clark, to their everlasting shame, re-elected him to a seventh term in November in a landslide, reinforcing the old joke that you spell Clark like this: C-L-A-R-KKK. Its worth noting, too, that New Jerseys Republican Party failed to police its own flock, allowing him to remain on the ballot. Union County Republicans endorsed him.

What tripped up Bonaccorso was petty corruption, unrelated to all this. Perhaps its true that a persons character will out, eventually.

He pleaded guilty on Friday to official misconduct and forgery, after a long investigation by Attorney General Matt Platkins corruption office. The misconduct is based on his using township employees and equipment for his private firm, Bonaccorso & Son LLC, a landscaping and underground oil-tank removal business. The forgery stems from his submitting fraudulent permit applications to local towns for removing hundreds of underground tanks.

As part of the plea, Bonaccorso agree to step down as mayor, serve three years of probation, and to accept a ban on public contracts for five years, along with a complete ban on storage tank removals for three years. The deal comes with a $15,000 fine as well.

And then there is the shame. Clark voters might have a high tolerance for racism and corruption, but most of us will remember Bonaccorso, now 64, for his disgrace.

Bonaccorso used taxpayer-funded workers for personal gain, said Drew Skinner, who runs the AGs corruption office. He abused his power over municipal personnel, finances, and operations, and he submitted false documents to keep the scheme going.

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Bonaccorso did apologize for the racist comments eventually. But the recording left him no wiggle room, and on Friday, he declined to comment.

But his attorney pleaded with us to avert our eyes from the former mayors crimes and consider what a good guy he is. He also pointed to Bonaccorsos heart problem, suggesting that was the reason he didnt keep fighting, not because he was nailed cold by overwhelming evidence.

After a long and difficult period of reflection and discussion with his family and friends, 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 a plea, attorney Robert Stahl said in a statement released immediately after the plea on Friday.

Mayor Bonaccorso has devoted decades to public service, he added. He was a consummate mayor, relentlessly advocating for his community and its residents.

Consummate mayors dont use public employees, or faxes and computers, to enrich themselves. They dont forge signatures to qualify for oil tank removals either; they get training and proper permits, designed to ensure that no toxins are spilled into our groundwater. And they certainly dont spew racism and sexism behind closed doors or use taxpayer funds as hush money.

Good-bye mayor. And good riddance.

More: Tom Moran columns

Tom Moran may be reached at tmoran@starledger.com or (973) 986-6951. Follow him on Twitter @tomamoran. Find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook.

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Now in his final year in office, Gov. Phil Murphy on Tuesday used his latest State of the State address to call for a ban on cellphones in New Jerseys classrooms, an idea that has gained national attention to improve students concentration and mental health.

The Democratic governor also wants to let state workers receive their full pay when they use the states parental leave program to take care of a new child.

And he proposed expanding full-day pre-K in the Garden State, making roads safer for pedestrians and rewriting farmland property assessment laws that allow the wealthiest among us to avoid paying their fair share.

With growing concern over the effect social media and smart phone use has had on students mental health, some school districts have already taken steps to limit cellphone access.

Murphy wants a ban on cellphone use in grades K-12 for all public schools in the state.

Today, our children are inundated with screens, the governor said during his annual speech, delivered to a joint session of the state Legislature at the Statehouse in Trenton.

And if you ask just about any educator, they will tell you that mobile devices are a distraction in the classroom. They are fueling a rise in cyberbullying. And they are making it incredibly difficult for our kids, not only to learn, but to retain the substance of what they learn.

So today, I am officially announcing my support for a new proposal that will direct school districts across New Jersey to adopt policies that ban cellphones from our K-12 classrooms and help establish phone-free schools.

Laying out a lengthy list of goals in his next-to-last State of the State address, Murphy said his final year would be ambitious, arguing New Jersey is ready for our greatest chapter yet.

We have unleashed a new era of economic opportunity  by raising wages for working New Jerseyans and bringing new industries and new jobs to every corner of our state," he said. And though we have come far over the past seven years, let me be absolutely clear: Our jobs are not done. Not by a long shot.

Murphy also defended the record spending his administration has made during the last seven years, even as the governor and lawmakers prepare to navigate what is expected to be a rough state budget due in July.

Republicans on Tuesday were prepared to challenge Murphys narrative, suggesting the state is unaffordable to many and headed for a fiscal cliff.

Heres a closer look at the big plans Murphy detailed in his speech:

Gov. Phil Murphy delivers the latest State of the State address at the Statehouse in Trenton on Tuesday.Ed Murray| For NJ Advance Media

CELLPHONES IN THE CLASSROOM

Suspending cellphone use in school is not a new idea in New Jersey or nationally.

Last week, Ramsey High School began requiring students to store their devices in lockable pouches during the school day. Over the summer, the K-12 Cherry Hill Public Schools district banned the use of wireless communications devices during instructional periods.

On Tuesday, the 40-member state Senate passed a bill (S3695) that would require the state Department of Education to develop a model policy that school districts in New Jersey could follow if they wish that would restrict cellphone usage during the school day. The vote was 36-0.

The policy would prohibit non-academic use of cellphones and social media during classroom instruction, take into account age- and grade-level differences and allow exemptions for special education students who need cellphones to enable their learning.

Honestly, is it any surprise that the rise in smartphone usage has coincided with a growing youth mental health crisis? Murphy asked. Of course not. And I, for one, am not going to sit back as our kids suffer.

The cellphone ban proposal was greeted with bipartisan fervor. Republicans who had withheld applause for most of the speech rose and clapped when Murphy announced it.

Across the nation, California, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana Minnesota, Ohio, South Carolina have adopted bans or require school districts to create policy banning cellphones in the classroom, according to an Education Week analysis published in December. Lawmakers in another 12 states have only recommended schools adopt cellphone-limiting policies.

Murphy this month joined the governors of New Hampshire and New York announcing to plans to enact cellphone use restrictions for students.

Some parents have objected to the idea of the ban, arguing they want to be able to communicate with their child in the event of an emergency. Teachers who work in classrooms with these policies say they have seen students interact with each other more, according to research by the National Conference of State Legislatures.

The public is solidly behind these restrictions. A poll released in the fall by the Pew Research Center said 68% of U.S. adults say they support a ban on middle and high school students using cellphones during class, including 45% who said they strongly support it. Teachers are even more enthusiastic about the idea, with 72% telling Pew Research Center pollsters in June that cellphones are a major classroom distraction.

EXPANDING PAID FAMILY LEAVE BENEFITS FOR STATE WORKERS

Murphy wants to reward state employees who use the states paid family leave program to take time to care for a new child by allowing them to draw their full salary while theyre away.

The governors office estimated the proposal would cost $6 million to $12 million.

This will ensure that these workers can continue earning a full salary while caring for a newborn during one of the most crucial stages of development, Murphy said. Why are we doing this? Because nobody should ever have to sacrifice their economic security in order to be a present and engaged parent.

Currently, a person taking paid family leave will receive no more than $1,081 per week this year, up to 12 weeks. But if the governors proposal is approved, state workers welcoming a new child would not be capped at 85% of their wages; they would receive an entire paycheck. The extra pay would not apply to state workers who are taking time off to care for a sick relative.

The proposal is the latest initiative of First Lady Tammy Murphys Nurture NJ program, which aims to improve the health and safety of mothers and newborns.

New Jersey became one of the first states to offer paid family leave, in 2008. In 2019, Murphy signed a law that increased the time-off period from six to 12 weeks, raised the cap on reimbursement, and added to the list of family members that qualify for the benefit.

A Republican lawmaker, Assemblywoman Nancy Munoz, introduced a bill Tuesday that goes further than Murphys plan. It would increase family leave payments to all workers across New Jersey to 100% of their pay, expand the amount of leave someone could take to 12 weeks, and include not just new parents but those caring for sick loved ones.

Every worker, every new parent, no matter your occupation, deserves paid leave to bond with a child, not just state workers, Munoz, R-Union, said.

RETHINKING HOW FARMLAND IS TAXED

Murphy said it is time to adopt a fairer way to tax farmland, which gets a steep break on property taxes in New Jersey.

People have long complained that some wealthy landowners take a tax break when their farm sales are negligible.

Jack Curtis, a retired school principal from Mendham Township, called into Murphys Ask the Governor radio show and complained about this issue.

I invited Jack to join us, today, to thank him, because he has raised our attention to a flaw in New Jerseys farmland assessment tax system that allows the wealthiest among us to avoid paying their fair share, Murphy said.

That is wrong. If our states law enforcement officers, veterans, nurses, and other working people are paying their fair share  so, too, should those at the top of the economic ladder, he said.

His speech did not contain details on how the tax code would be changed. He asked state Sen. Joe Pennacchio and Assemblywoman Aura Dunn, both Morris County Republicans, to develop the proposal.

LIMITING PRISON FOR MINOR PAROLE OFFENDERS

As many as 1,200 people a year in the state would benefit from a new proposal that would stop rearresting and re-incarcerating people on parole for committing minor violations.

Right now, roughly 10% of our states entire prison population consists of people who are being held behind bars for committing a technical parole violation, like missing a scheduled meeting or forgetting to report a move to a new town, Murphy said. Nobody should lose their freedom because of a technicality.

State Assemblywoman Shanique Speight, D-Essex, is expected to introduce legislation that would create these new rules for the State Parole Board to follow. The parolee would get one or two passes on minor violations before they are jailed, according to the proposal.

People on parole supervision also may earn credits to shorten the time they are monitored.

On any given day, as many as 1,200 people are incarcerated for technical parole violations, Murphy said.

A year ago, the Office of the Public Defender urged lawmakers to reimagine the parole system, calling it unconstitutional.

More must be done to keep parolees in the community unless they pose a legitimate and serious risk to public safety, according to a report it issued in February. The total number of pure technical violations (67%) perpetuates the carceral state, mass supervision, and systemic racism.

EXPANDING FULL-DAY PRE-K

Murphy has repeatedly expanded full-day, pre-kindergarten programs during his seven years in office. There are now 293 school districts with pre-K programs in New Jersey, 229 of which have been established during his administration.

The governor vowed Tuesday to continue that progress, although he did not say how many more districts he intended to add.

When I first ran for this office, I set the goal of putting New Jersey on a path to free, universal pre-K. And with the help of each of you, and especially (state) Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz and Assembly members Andrea Katz and Sterley Stanley, we have done just that.

Murphy added that this year, we will not only move forward in reaching this goal. I am also going to work with you all to enact a new proposal requiring school districts to provide full-day kindergarten in the communities that still lack it.

Mary Coogan, president and CEO for the family advocacy group, the Advocates for Children of New Jersey, said she appreciated the governors commitment to expanding full-day kindergarten. But she urged caution, because some child care centers are being forced to close, unable to compete with districts that can offer free preschool, funded by the state, she said.

There are 77,000 3- and 4-year-olds enrolled in the pre-k programs, the governors office said.

11 1 / 11 State of the State address by Governor Phil Murphy

REPUBLICANS REACT

Republican leaders in the Legislature criticized the governors remarks following the speech, telling reporters that one-party rule by the Democrats since 2018 has contributed to New Jersey being unaffordable.

State Senate Minority Leader Anthony Bucco, R-Morris, mocked Murphys refrain of striving to make the state stronger and fairer.

Stronger and fairer for who? Bucco said during a news conference Republican lawmakers held at the Statehouse after Murphys address. You dont have to go any further than the grocery store and see how much the cost of basic food is for a family today.

This sate has become in the last seven years, more and more unaffordable, and in my opinion thats happened because weve been under one-party rule.

Assembly Minority Leader John DiMaio, R-Warren, questioned Murphys remarks about Republican President-elect Donald Trump. Murphy said he will never back away from partnering with the Trump administration where our priorities align, but If you try to attack our people or our values, without cause, make no mistake: we will fight back even harder.

DiMaio said cooperating with the Trump administration was in New Jerseys best interests.

The state of our state is that New Jersey is completely reliant on President Trump to fix their failures, DiMaio said. Democrats need Trump to increase renewable energy subsidies. Democrats need Trump to to end congestion pricing. Democrats need Trump to restore the full SALT deduction.

At least 10 major party candidates are engaged in an increasingly heated campaign this year to succeed Murphy. The governor gets to deliver a final State of the State address next January before leaving office in January 2026.

NJ Advance Media staff writer Brent Johnson contributed to this report.

Jelani Gibson may be reached at jgibson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on X at @jelanigibson1 and on LinkedIn.

Susan K. Livio may be reached at slivio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on X @SusanKLivio.
Gov. Phil Murphy will announce Tuesday hes proposing a multi-million-dollar plan for state government employees in New Jersey to receive full pay while on parental leave to care for a new child, NJ Advance Media has learned.

Murphy will reveal the expansion  an initiative suggested by First Lady Tammy Murphy  during his seventh State of the State address, scheduled for 3 p.m. at the Statehouse in Trenton.

It would be open to all the tens of thousands of men and women working for the state if lawmakers agree to include the funds in the state budget.

This will ensure that these workers can continue earning a full salary while caring for a newborn during one of the most crucial stages of development, Murphy is slated to say, according to an excerpt of his speech. Why are we doing this? Because nobody should ever have to sacrifice their economic security in order to be a present and engaged parent.

Under New Jerseys paid family leave program, anyone in the state can take up to 12 weeks of paid time off to take care of a new child. Workers pay a tax to cover the cost of their partial salary while they are away.

State employees who take part receive a percentage of their salary capped at $1,081 a week as of this year. But many workers skip the benefit and use sick or vacation days instead to avoid the salary reduction, Murphys office said.

Under the new policy, New Jersey would include money in the taxpayer-funded state budget on top of employees parental leave insurance so they receive their full pay for up to 12 weeks without having to use paid time off.

The plan would cost the state between $6 million and $12 million a year, Tammy Murphy told NJ Advance Media.

It would apply only to employees with new children, not those who take family leave to care for sick relatives, Murphys office said.

The proposal is the latest initiative of Tammy Murphys Nurture NJ program, which aims to make the state a safer place for mothers and newborns.

The first lady said New York already offers full-pay parental leave for its state employees. The main goal of bringing it to New Jersey, she said, is to uplift infant and maternal health.

We know the greatest risk for families both getting off the ground and mothers recovering from delivering a baby is immediately following birth, Tammy Murphy said during a phone interview Monday.

She said offering full-pay leave is also a hugely powerful tool to recruit more women into state government and keep them here.

The larger goal, Tammy Murphy said, is for private companies in the Garden State to follow suit and offer full pay to their employees on parental leave. Some companies already do.

While we are providing this new benefit to our states public sector workers, we hope that it will become a new norm for all of our states workers  in every sector and every industry, Gov. Murphy, a Democrat, is scheduled to say in his speech. Because if we want New Jersey to remain the best state to raise a family, we have to live up to that with our deeds and our actions.

Its not a guarantee. Gov. Murphy will propose to start including the funds in the upcoming state budget, which takes effect July 1. He would need lawmakers to approve the move.

The governor and legislative leaders negotiate a state budget in the spring, and this one is expected to be a tough one, with the state facing what some have called an approaching fiscal cliff.

Including it in the budget and not as part of a law means lawmakers and the governor who succeeds Murphy next January would have to include it in future budgets for the policy to continue.

But Tammy Murphy said infant and maternal health is a bipartisan issue and every dollar we invest now saves us dollars down the road.

Youve got to start somewhere, she said. I think this is a great place to start.

New Jersey became one of the first states with paid family leave in 2008, and the program has been expanded. In 2019, Murphy signed a law that increased the time-off period from six to 12 weeks and raised the cap on the reimbursement an applicant can receive to 85% of their wages. It also added siblings, grandparents, grandchildren and parents-in-law to the original list of caregivers, which was children, parents, spouses, domestic partners, and civil union partners.

A bill that would expand the program further stalled in the state Senate in recent years. It would require small businesses to guarantee workers who take leave can return to their job when the leave is over. Currently, only employees at businesses with 30 or more employees are guaranteed to return. Opponents feared the change could hurt the bottom line of small businesses.

Murphys speech Tuesday is his second-to-last State of the State address, coming as he settles into his final year as governor. He is limited by law to two consecutive terms.

During his latest call-in radio show last week, Murphy said the speech will lay out some of the goals of his last year, including improving affordability and economic opportunity in the state, as well as more clemency, parole reforms, and policies focused on children.

We have a very full agenda, the governor said on WBGO and affiliates. We have our head down. We will sprint though the tape.

There is currently a massive race to succeed Murphy as governor, with 10 major candidates vying for the Democratic and Republican nominations. The primary is in June and the general election in November.

NJ Advance Media staff writer Susan K. Livio contributed to this report.

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Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on X at @johnsb01.
Elon Musk will reportedly have a place to crash in Washington D.C. right near the White House once Donald Trump returns to the Oval Office.

The MAGA billionaire is expected to use office space in the White House complex as he launches the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, The New York Times reported. Musk is expected to get space to work in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, which is next door to the White House.

The location would allow Mr. Musk, who owns companies with billions of dollars in contracts with the federal government, to continue to have significant access to President-elect Donald J. Trump when he takes office this month, The Times reported.

Musk has been a constant presence at Mar-a-Lago since Trump won the election. The incoming president has publicly praised the Tesla CEO, but reports have surfaced of rifts between some MAGA loyalists and Musk.

Steve Bannon, Trumps former chief strategist, has called Musk a truly evil person and said stopping him from influencing the incoming president has become a personal issue for him.

I will get Elon Musk kicked out by the time hes inaugurated, Bannon said in an interview with the Italian newspaper Corriere Della Sera. He wont have a blue pass with full access to the White House. Hell be like everyone else.

Bannon added that Musk should go back to South Africa, where he was born, asking, Why do we have South Africans, the most racist people on earth, White South Africans  making any comments at all on what goes on in the United States?

Musk spent an estimated $250 million during the presidential campaign to support Trump, contributing heavily to America PAC, a super political action committee that deployed canvassers, aired TV ads and reached voters digitally in battleground states. He had signaled after the election he was willing to back GOP primary challenges to Republican members of Congress seeking re-election in 2026 who waver on Trumps appointments and agenda.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
President-elect Donald Trumps supporters are being called out for hypocrisy after Vice President Kamala Harris reportedly declined to invite her successor to her residence.

Harris reportedly has not invited Vice President-elect JD Vance for a formal sit-down or tour of the Naval Observatory residence, where Vance and his family will move into on Jan. 20, according to CBS News.

Former GOP congressman Adam Kinzinger weighed in on the report on social media platform X, noting that Trump broke the tradition for President Joe Biden in 2021.

Todays rich irony: Harris didnt invite JD Vance to the naval observatory. So MAGA is furious. Oh by the way in 2020 Trump didnt even do a Transition, Kinzinger wrote, adding that the hypocrisy is a feature.

He also ripped MAGA for being upset that Harris is reportedly not inviting Vance to the residence.

"Your dude didnt invite Biden in 2020 and didnt even do a transition so honestly shut up," he wrote.

Your dude didnt invite Biden in 2020 and didnt even do a transition so honestly shut up https://t.co/zS6DqwzK2x  Adam Kinzinger (Slava Ukraini)  (@AdamKinzinger) January 14, 2025

Sources told CBS News that Vances wife, Usha Vance, had reached out via intermediaries to ask how they can child-proof the residence, but that those questions were initially rebuffed."

The outlet reported that Navy officials have since helped out the Vances with any questions they may have had about their new home for the next four years.

According to the report, sources said that Harris was not given the opportunity to tour the residence in 2021 before being sworn in. But, advisers to then-Vice President Mike Pence dispute that an invitation was never offered, CBS reported.

CBS News reported that people close to Harris "defended her decision not to invite Vance to visit," noting that her team has been focused on an overseas trip that was canceled and on the California wildfires.

Trumps inauguration will stand in stark contrast to Bidens four years ago, an event Trump skipped amid his false claims that the election had been stolen from him and after sparking an insurrectionat the U.S. Capitol. More than 1,000 people were charged in the riot, and Trump was eventually charged in federal court with seeking to subvert the results of the election.

The cases against him are vanishing after his victory in the 2024 presidential election. He has also pledged to pardon the rioters.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
President-elect Donald Trumps embattled pick for Defense Secretary was on the receiving end of harsh questioning from Senate Democrats on Tuesday.

Former Fox News host Pete Hegseth made his first appearance before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday, where he faced tough questions on his career experience, a 2017 sexual assault allegation and accusations of excessive drinking.

Democrats on the committee took the opportunity to hammer Hegseth over his numerous controversies as he repeatedly defended his past actions and denied any wrongdoing.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) questioned Hegseth on his past comments saying he doesnt believe women should serve in combat roles in the military. Hegseth has since walked back his comments on whether women should serve in combat.

What I see is theres a 32 day period in which you suddenly have another description about your views of women in the military. And I just want to know what changed in the 32 days that the song you sang is not the song you come in here today to sing? Warren asked.

Senator, the concerns I have, and the concerns that many have had, especially in ground combat units, is that in pursuit of certain percentages or quotas, standards have been changed, and that makes the combat more difficult for everybody involved, Hegseth responded.

Warren went on to say that Hegseth only changed his views because he received a nomination from Trump.

Let me make a suggestion about what happened in that 32 days. You got a nomination from President Trump.... And I hope you understand that many women serving in the military right now might think that if you can convert so rapidly, your long held and aggressively pursued views, in just 32 days, that 32 days after you get confirmed, maybe youll just reverse those views and go back to the old guy who said, Straight up, women do not belong in combat, Warren said.

Hegseth: This issue has always been about standards



Warren: I'm quoting you from the podcast. Women shouldn't be in combat at all. Where is the reference to standards. I don't see that at all. pic.twitter.com/jjejsD6zIc  Acyn (@Acyn) January 14, 2025

Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Kristen Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) also pressed Hegseth on his views on women in the military.

You will have to change how you see women to do this job, Gillibrand told Hegseth.

Another fiery interaction came from Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), who questioned Hegseth on allegations of infidelity during his past marriage. He asked Hegseth if he was still married to his second wife at the time of the alleged sexual encounter in 2017.

Hegseth reiterated that he was falsely charged, fully investigated and completely cleared before Kaine hit him over allegations of infidelity.

So you think you are completely cleared because you committed no crime. Thats your definition of cleared? You had just fathered a child two months before by a woman that was not your wife, Kaine said.

I am shocked that you would stand here and say youre completely cleared. Can you so casually cheat on a second wife and cheat on the mother of a child had been born two months before, and you tell us you are completely cleared, he added.

Kaine: That's your definition of cleared. You had just fathered a child two months before by a woman that was not your wife. I am shocked that you would stand here and say you're completely cleared. Can you so casually cheat on a second wife and cheat on the mother of a child pic.twitter.com/lcjeW7kBFk  Acyn (@Acyn) January 14, 2025

Hegseth later noted: I have failed in things in my life, and thankfully, Im redeemed by my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Hegseth was largely unknown on Capitol Hill when Trump tapped him for the top Pentagon job.

A co-host of Fox News Channels Fox & Friends Weekend, he had been a contributor with the network since 2014 and apparently caught the eye of the president-elect, who is an avid consumer of television and the news channel, in particular.

Hegseth attended Princeton University and served in the Army National Guard from 2002 to 2021, deploying to Iraq in 2005 and Afghanistan in 2011 and earning two Bronze Stars. But he lacks senior military and national security experience.

In 2017, a woman told police that Hegseth sexually assaulted her, according to a detailed investigative report recently made public. Hegseth has denied any wrongdoing and told police at the time that the encounter at a Republican womens event in California was consensual. He later paid the woman a confidential settlement to head off a potential lawsuit.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is granting President-elect Donald Trump his wish after he raged at flags honoring former President Jimmy Carter.

Johnson, a top ally of Trump, appeared to fall in line on Tuesday by ordering that the U.S. flags at the Capitol be flown at full-staff during Trumps inauguration next week.

On January 20th, the flags at the Capitol will fly at full-staff to celebrate our country coming together behind the inauguration of our 47th President, Donald Trump, Johnson said in a statement.

The flags will be lowered back to half-staff the following day to continue honoring President Jimmy Carter, he added.

On January 20th, the flags at the Capitol will fly at full-staff to celebrate our country coming together behind the inauguration of our 47th President, Donald Trump.



The flags will be lowered back to half-staff the following day to continue honoring President Jimmy Carter.  Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) January 14, 2025

In a lengthy rant on Truth Social earlier this month, Trump expressed outrage that U.S. flags would be flown at half-staff during his inauguration on Jan. 20.

The Democrats are all giddy about our magnificent American Flag potentially being at half mast during my Inauguration. They think its so great, and are so happy about it because, in actuality, they dont love our Country, they only think about themselves. Look at what theyve done to our once GREAT America over the past four years - Its a total mess!, Trump wrote.

In any event, because of the death of President Jimmy Carter, the Flag may, for the first time ever during an Inauguration of a future President, be at half mast. Nobody wants to see this, and no American can be happy about it. Lets see how it plays out. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! he added.

President Joe Biden had ordered that the flags be flown at half-staff at the White House and public buildings and grounds for a period of 30 days following Carters death in honor of him.

Johnson is not the only Republican to order that flags be at full-staff during Trumps inauguration. Republican governors, including Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, already ordered that state flags be flown at full-staff for the big event.

The Associated Press reported that the flags at Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate were flown at full height on Monday, which is before the end of the 30-day mourning period for the late president.

Trump, along with the rest of the living presidents, attended Carters funeral last week. Carter died Dec. 29, 2024 at 100 years old.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, January 14. Emirati JETEX has announced plans to establish Uzbekistans first and only Fixed Base Operator (FBO) service, marking a significant milestone for the country's aviation industry and the broader CIS region, Trend reports.

According to Uzbekistan's Ministry of Transport, the project will be implemented at Tashkent-Eastern Airport, where JETEX will introduce world-class FBO services designed to meet the needs of VIP and CIP clients. This initiative represents a public-private partnership and aims to elevate the standards of business aviation in Uzbekistan.

As part of the FBO services, JETEX will provide comprehensive support for business aviation, including aircraft repair, sales, and storage facilities. The service will also offer premium aerotaxi and VIP cab options, enhancing convenience and comfort for high-profile travelers.

This groundbreaking project is expected to boost Uzbekistans tourism industry while reinforcing Tashkent's status as a regional hub for luxury travel and business aviation. Additionally, it will create over 200 skilled jobs in the business aviation sector, contributing to the countrys economic growth and expertise in aviation services.

FBO (Fixed Base Operator) - provides comprehensive services to aircraft and passengers at airports, including refueling, parking, hangar storage, aircraft maintenance, and repair services.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, January 14. The recently signed multilateral agreement with Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan within the framework of COP29 will create the conditions for exporting green energy to Europe, said Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Trend reports.

During his address at the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) summit in the UAE, Mirziyoyev articulated that initial measures have been initiated to rejuvenate the Great Silk Road via energy interconnectivity.

The president also highlighted that Uzbekistan had presented several initiatives to combat the negative effects of global climate change at the COP28 and COP29 conferences in Dubai and Baku, as well as other international forums.

To note, Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is hosting the Sustainability Week, which will last until January 18.

Under the patronage of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2025 will convene 13 heads of state and over 140 ministers and government officials alongside business and technology leaders at the ADSW Summit to supercharge socioeconomic and technological progress and unlock a potential $10 trillion economic transformation opportunity.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Being a high school student is no easy feat. Transitioning from middle school to freshman year feels like you're living in a whole new world and by the time you finally start to settle in you need to start thinking about moving on.

Anxiety about the future is natural, especially when transitioning from high school to something like college or a full-time job. In a survey done by Appily among over 6,000 high school students, almost half of the students reported that they have increased anxiety, nerves, and worry when thinking about college planning.

However, looking at success stories of past graduates can help both create a vision and deeper knowledge of what you might want to pursue.

Photo by Jack Turpen

Sydney Linn, a 2023 graduate of Sisters High School is an example of a student whose path is both inspirational and educational. A lifelong dancer and exemplary student, Linn was offered a Presidential Scholarship from the University of Oregon. She auditioned for their cheer team and was soon accepted into the squad.

She's currently a sophomore in the School of Journalism and Communications and plans to work in public relations or advertising after graduation with a focus on communications and community engagement. Linn is also a member of the University of Oregon Dance Team and member of the Alpha Phi sorority.

"The University of Oregon was the only school I applied to in Oregon," she told The Nugget. "I had initially planned to go to a school in California...However, after earning the Presidential Scholarship and making the cheer team everything fell into place. I'm so grateful I chose UO because it's given me the chance to explore different majors and programs while connecting with people from diverse backgrounds".

Linn acknowledges that she held her own doubts about the future when she was a high schooler.

"If I had to give advice to my high school self, I would have said it's okay not to have everything figured out," she said. "In high school I always felt like I needed to be prepared and have everything perfectly planned out. When things didn't go as planned, I'd feel stressed and anxious. But I've learned that you don't need to have your entire life mapped out at 18. College is a time to explore, make mistakes, and figure things out as you go."

Although Linn's journey isn't the typical route of a high school student, her journey provides insight into what could happen if you care deeply enough about your community to become involved and make a difference.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, January 14. Uzbekistan and Emirati AMEA Power signed pivotal agreements for groundbreaking renewable energy projects, Trend reports.

The documents were formalized on the sidelines of the official visit of Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the President of Uzbekistan, to the UAE.

AMEA Power has signed an investment agreement for a 1GW wind project located in Karakalpakstan. The agreement was signed by Laziz Kudratov, Uzbekistan's Minister of Investment, Industry, and Trade, and Hussain Al Nowais, Chairman of AMEA Power.

In addition, AMEA Power signed both an investment agreement and a battery storage service agreement for a standalone 300 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project.

Meanwhile, Uzbekistan plans to launch 18 new solar and wind power plants with a total capacity of 3,400 MW in 2025.

Energy storage systems with a capacity of 1,800 MW will also be introduced. This will be an important step in the development of renewable energy sources and the country's transition to clean technologies.
The length of Highway 20 between Bend and Suttle Lake is the most dangerous highway in Oregon for deer and elk. According to studies conducted by Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), the 35 miles of single and double laned highway experiences between 350 to 600 mule deer and elk vehicular kills annually. The assessed expense associated with one killed mule deer is $17,000, and for elk it is $57,000. This expense in Oregon accrues into the tens of millions of dollars every year. In 2022, the expense was $91.7 million statewide.

In Sisters City Council's regular meeting, Jeremy Austin of Central Oregon Land Watch, member of the Bend 2 Suttle Lake (B2S) coalition, presented status updates on an active project. Austin shared that the project B2S Wildlife Passage Initiative will construct four priority wildlife overcrossings (out of 11 sites identified on this corridor) to be completed by 2030. Further details about this effort which began a few years ago, including 20 coalition partners (NPOs, Tribes, federal, state, and county agencies), and supporting information are available at http://www.bend2suttlelakepassage.org (also a source for statistics in this report).

Councilor Michael Preedin suggested, and Councilor Gary Ross agreed, that with the Warm Springs Tribes and Black Butte Ranch being listed as coalition partners, the City of Sisters may also like to join that coalition of support. It was decided to have a further conversation about the possibility.

The four wildlife bridges will be west of Sisters: seven miles west at Mile Point 94; 7.6 miles at MP 94.6; nine miles at MP 92; and 11 miles west at MP 90. These four miles consistently have had the highest number of collisions with mule deer and elk, and Austin noted that having several crossings close together provides greater success in reducing collisions.

The total estimated expense to complete the four bridges over the next five years is $16 million (this includes $150,000 expended to complete feasibility and bridge location assessments). In 2019, $12 million was made available from Oregon through passage of HB 2834 and more recently, $350 million in allocation of funds from the U.S. Congress was dedicated to wildlife crossings. In order to qualify for such state and federal funds B2S will need to collect matching funds from local agencies and private contributors. Those interested may donate online at bit.ly/Donate2Bend2Suttle.

A Pew Charitable Trusts poll found that 86 percent of Oregon voters favor more wildlife crossings. Additionally, the estimated financial benefit of such crossings is a yield between $250,000 to $443,000 annually. This project when completed on Oregon's most dangerous road, will likely yield high financial benefits. Austin highlighted a local successful wildlife crossing on Highway 97 south of Bend. This is an undercrossing which reduced collisions with mule deer by 90 percent and with elk 88 percent.
As of January 8, Sisters has a new mayor, Jennifer Letz, who won re-election to the Council, and new president, Sarah McDougall, who is new on Council. The five-member body also includes newly elected Councilor Cheryl Pellerin and Councilors Michael Preedin and Gary Ross who continue the remaining two years of four-year terms. The three recently elected councilors were each sworn in by City Manager Jordan Wheeler.

Every two years, the newly elected and returning councilors determine who amongst them will be appointed mayor and president. A councilor nominates another councilor for the position, another seconds the nomination, and if there are no other nominations, they all vote yea or nay. Both the new mayor and president were uncontested nominations and appointed by unanimous vote of Council. A couple of the visitor comments acknowledged appreciation for seeing this peaceful transfer of power.

After being appointed by Council, Mayor Letz immediately thanked former mayor, now councilor, Preedin, expressing her respect and admiration for his four years as mayor. Throughout the meeting, Preedin was complimented and sincerely thanked by his peers.

At the tail end of this three-hour council meeting, Preedin suggested that the process of appointing a mayor needed review. There followed a brief discussion of term limits, clarifying the appointment process, and maybe making it a charter change rather than an addition to council rules. Preedin stated this will be revisited when Council works on goals.

Preedin next noted that he had spent a couple of long nights to create an assessment of effort expended as mayor to share particularly with Mayor Letz, to give her an idea of what she is facing. Preedin noted that in the past four years he attended 548 meetings for approximately 800 hours. Preedin owns an active business and has a family, and his assessment did not include attendance at parades or events.

After the meeting, Letz, said, I am very flattered and excited to be appointed as mayor for the next two years, also excited to help move the City along in all the projects that we are already working on and to keep the ball rolling. Michael Preedin did a fantastic job as mayor the last four years, and has left big shoes to fill. Thankfully, he is not leaving us and so he will continue to be part of our team. And (I am) very excited to work with our new councilors.
Raging fires in Los Angeles are set to be the most catastrophic natural disaster in the state's history surpassing the 2018 Camp Fire in the town of Paradise that scorched more than 150,000 acres and was the deadliest wildfire in California's history. Ninety-five percent of the town burned in that fire.

The fire killed 85 people and destroyed almost 19,000 buildings in November 2018. The fire was active for 17 days. Governor Gavin Newsom on Sunday predicted that the Los Angeles fires would become the largest natural disaster in U.S. history exceeding the $200 billion damage from Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

As Sisters Country residents watch in horror at the unfolding disaster, they recognize a frightening reality: Sisters lives with the destructive threat, too.

Photo by Bill Bartlett

Several hundred homeowners in Sisters received a certified letter last Tuesday from Oregon Department of Forestry warning them of their high-risk classification. It was also the same day that the new statewide wildfire hazard map was released (See related story.). And on Wednesday at its regularly scheduled meeting, Sisters City Council included in its agenda Defensible Space Regulations. Suddenly, wildfire was the primary topic of conversation throughout Sisters Country and remains so today.

The threat of wildfire in Sisters is exacerbated for homeowners by the continuing issue of finding adequate or affordable fire insurance.

Dave Isbell wrote to The Nugget: "We live in Crossroads. We got our homeowners insurance renewal last week and discovered our premium had doubled. We decided to 'shop around' for a better deal and discovered that we can't find anyone that will insure our home at any price! If it's happening to us, it's happening to others (think Tollgate, Camp Sherman). This has the potential to be way more destructive to our community than any wildfire!"

Insurers, some leaving the Oregon markets altogether, are probably the best gauge of risk, with their rates rising on average 25-30 percent for Sisters.

Fire Chief Tony Prior says preparedness is imperative. Creating defensible space around your property is your best insurance. Defensible space is the buffer you create between your business or home and the grass, trees, shrubs, or any wildland area that surrounds it. Proper defensible space can slow or stop the spread of wildfire and help protect your home or business.

At City Hall, planners are preparing a set of new or modified codes that seek to harden properties, especially those that will preserve historic structures.

We asked Prior how many structure fires his department could fight simultaneously.

"Two, possibly three, with auto aid," he replied.

Auto aid is the cooperative agreement with neighboring agencies Cloverdale Rural Fire Protection District and Black Butte Ranch Fire Department. The next tier of support is Mutual Aid, which includes nearly all Central Oregon fire agencies from La Pine to Sunriver, to Bend to Redmond and beyond. The nearest support would be about 20 minutes out from the time of the call.

Prior cites the importance of Oregon Department of Forestry and the firefighting units of the Forest Service as vital in protecting Sisters.

Prior urges property owners to get "fire wise," both in the literal sense and the practical sense. The Firewise USA program provides simple, effective steps to help communities reduce the risk of destruction from wildfire. The District offers free consultations for local homeowners to review their home and look for ways to make their property more defendable during a wildfire and to help prevent the spread of wildfire.

Deschutes County has various fuels reduction and mitigation grants on its books and the state is continually incentivizing homeowners to mitigate loss from wildfire. The Oregon State Fire Marshal's Defensible Space Assessment Incentive Reimbursement Pilot Program provides eligible participants in selected high-wildfire hazard and socially vulnerable communities with $250 to help offset defensible space improvement costs. This program incentivizes proactive wildfire prevention and empowers Oregonians to create defensible space around their homes and properties, supported by limited, one-time funding.

However, Sisters, due to its "affluence" does not qualify, while Eagle Crest and Black Butte Ranch do. And that has several people scratching their head.

Unlike the woodlands surrounding Los Angeles where thinning and prescribed burns have been neglected, according to observers, the forest surrounding Sisters has been aggressively thinned with major reductions to ladder fuels.

Much of the devastating Los Angeles fires are occurring in steep terrain and hard-to-reach structures. Sisters by comparison sits on mostly flat lands and generally its residents have more than one means of egress with a few stark exceptions. So, Sisters and the surrounding forest subdivisions are vulnerable - but much work has been done to protect from and prepare for fire danger.

"We cannot be complacent," Prior warns. "But we shouldn't panic, either."
Visitors to Sisters Country Vision, http://www.sistersvision.org, will now find an independent, redesigned website showcasing the Vision, its history, reports, news, and more.

The website was developed by Citizens4Community (C4C) with support from the Vision Implementation Team (VIT) - a group of local agency representatives, organizational leaders, and community volunteers. The website offers more details about the VIT, its membership, and opportunities for community members to share their ideas and feedback with local leaders.

"The Vision is an excellent roadmap to guide long-term community planning," said Assistant City Manager and VIT member Kerry Prosser. "But with so much recent growth in Sisters Country, we felt that a website refresh would help both new and old community members better understand the Vision and its relevance to local life."

"There are lots of folks in our community who have never heard of the Sisters Country Vision, or visioning processes in general," added C4C Executive Director Kellen Klein. "The new Vision website aims to more clearly and transparently explain what it's about, while giving residents of Sisters Country a new way to share their input with local leaders."

The "What's YOUR Vision?" button on the Vision website leads visitors to a form where they can submit community planning concerns, ideas, and feedback. Submissions will be shared with all VIT members at their bi-monthly meetings.

Website visitors can view all Vision planning documents and annual reports, and learn more about the community engagement process that led to the development of the Vision in 2018.

The VIT added several new members to its roster in an effort to expand community involvement and ensure inclusion of key local stakeholders. Members meet every other month to share updates, review Vision focus areas, and explore opportunities for collaboration to address local challenges and priorities.

New Vision members include Chad Davis, lieutenant for the Sisters branch of Deschutes County Sheriff's Office; Zoe Schumacher, supervisor at Sisters Library; Chief Tony Prior, replacing retired Chief Roger Johnson as the representative from Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District; and three new at-large community members: Spencer Hamiga, owner of Sisters Bakery; Hannah Joseph, programs director at Seed to Table; and Molly Schultz, family-community engagement coordinator for Black Butte School.

"This is an incredible group of individuals and organizations, all deeply committed to working together for the future of Sisters Country," said VIT member Curt Scholl, superintendent of Sisters School District. "With new members and a new website, we're looking forward to expanding our engagement with the community and making progress toward the Vision's bold goals."
Fifteen Oregon strike teams mobilized to help with the wildfires in the Los Angeles area arrived Thursday, January 9.

These 300 firefighters and 75 engines are assigned to the Palisades Fire burning north of the Los Angeles area. The firefighters will be deployed for up to 14 days and are protecting homes and other buildings. The teams will be patrolling for hotspots and working alongside CAL Fire and other state and federal agencies.

Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District contributed one engine and three personnel to the effort.

We are in contact with our teams, and they are in good spirits, Oregon State Fire Marshal (OSFM) Mariana Ruiz-Temple reported. Theyve received their assignments and have started their work. I am honored to work alongside the Oregon fire service who raised their hands to say they will go without question. This shows their commitment to jump into action no matter what, embodying the Oregon spirit.

Before arriving in Southern California, the teams completed a routine safety check with CAL Fire in Sacramento. These inspections ensure all engines on an emergency scene are equipped, mechanically sound, and able to respond.

The vehicle safety check process was critical for our teams. With moving this amount of equipment and firefighters, safety has to be our highest priority, OSFM Agency Administrator Ian Yocum said. Our Oregon strike teams are motivated, committed to what they do, and excited to get out to the line and help where they are needed.

This deployment is one of the largest out-of-state responses the Oregon fire service has supported, similar to the 2017 response to Santa Monica and Napa.
C.J. Box started the Joe Pickett book series with "Open Season" in 2001. Now, 24 books later, the series latest book is "Three-Inch Teeth," published in 2024. Joe Pickett is a Wyoming game warden who, in this current book, is fighting to survive against two lethal enemies - one a monstrous grizzly bear and the other a monstrous human who is out for revenge.

Photo provided

If you are a person who loves to hunt, fish, and enjoy life in the woods and wilderness, then you will live your love of life in the Pickett series. Each one has details of fishing and hunting that you know come from a true outdoorsman, and the descriptions of the country Joe is traveling through will tell you the author has walked those same trails in real life, not just in his books.

"Three-Inch Teeth" is the story of a huge grizzly who attacks and kills Clay Hutmacher, Jr., a close family friend of the Picketts. Clay was fishing when the bear came tearing through the bushes after a deer. When it sees Clay standing in the water, it immediately changes direction and charges. There is no getting away from the bear.

Clay's father goes looking for his son after not getting answers to his calls and finds evidence of the gruesome attack. He calls Joe for help and, once Joe sees what the bear has done, he calls in reinforcements from the sheriff's department and more. The bear is on the loose and they have no idea where it will strike next.

Unfortunately, the bear is only a piece of the pain and destruction coming soon. Dallas Cates, a former champion bull rider and now a recently released felon, has a list of people he plans to kill now that he is free. He blames all those people for destroying his family and for having him spend years in prison, so he comes up with a scheme to kill the people on his list by making the murders look like more bear attacks. Joe, his family, and friends are on the list.

There are many great repeat characters in the Pickett series, including Joe's wife Marybeth, his daughter Sheridan, and his best friend Nate Romanowski. Side stories throughout the book add more to the adventure. Clay Jr. was getting ready to ask Sheridan to marry him, so after his death she takes on a job in Colorado to get away for a while. Sheridan is a master falconer who works for Nate and is hired by a rancher to help get rid of problem birds. Her 'welcome' at the ranch is not quite what she expected.

In a recent interview with the Wall Street Journal, Box opened up about his life and journey as an author. One of the major changes he made is to join podcasts of all kinds, including shows on rodeos, fly fishing, hunting, and many other outdoor subjects. At recent book signings, young men in fishing caps and long beards showed up, saying they hadn't been in a bookstore in years.

Box said, "It helped me build a male readership. Often this was the first book signing they'd been to."

His participation in these podcasts has helped many new readers find out that he knows what he's talking about - from bear attacks to government entities putting their noses where ranchers and others think they shouldn't be.

Box's next book "Battle Mountain" will be released on February 25, so jump in and try any of the books in the Pickett series. You'll feel like you're right there in the middle of it all.
Correcting the record

To the Editor:

Dear Bill Bartlett  I enjoyed our discussions regarding the UGB and I appreciated how accurately you quoted my comments (Sisters growth plans spark pushback, See related story.). However, you missed the boat on my information.

Bjarne and I moved to Sisters 2013 (not 1978) and we live on Bradley Road (my horse lives on Cloverdale). After 43 years in Alaska we just wanted to escape the very long winters. I did work at Camp Tamarack 19691970 and Sisters was a quiet village at that time. Of course, I do not expect those times to return but I also dont want Sisters to look and feel like Bend. I understand progress and growth but there comes a time when the best thing to do is nothing.

Robin Holm

The Sisters Way

To the Editor:

As some of you already know, a new mayor was appointed at last weeks Sisters City Council meeting (See related story.).

My last four years as mayor was an absolute blast; even as it was often difficult, insanely time consuming, and went by way too fast. I am proud of the work that was accomplished on your behalf, and I wouldnt change a thing about it.

Thank you, Sisters, for making this part of my lifes journey something that I will never forget and always look back on fondly. Im especially grateful to all the new people I met during my tenure. Some of you are now people that I call friends. A special thank you to my wife who was so encouraging and the early morning coffee klatch I needed to kickstart my days. Also, Id like to offer high praise to city staff and city management who have had to put up with me and will continue to do so as I still have two more years on City Council.

Hopefully, with the help of the rest of Council, we will continue to create policy to keep Sisters vibrant with the small-town feel, even as we grow. As always, I will be out and about visiting businesses and meeting with people to talk about their concerns  thats just what I do and how I do it. I love Sisters as so many of you do and I look forward to keeping it as charming as possible, safe for our kids, and always looking for ways to improve livability while keeping business thriving. Lets work together, everyone!

This is the Sisters Way  and if Ive done things properly, it should continue long after Im gone.

Michael Preedin, former mayor of Sisters

U.S. expansionism

To the Editor:

Greenland, Canada, and the Panama Canal President-elect Trump is suggesting We the People acquire these sovereign nations or portions of their lands by using any means  including force.

Im wondering who among you Trump voters feels that expanding U.S. territory by any means is a paramount issue? I am also wondering how Trumps expansionist agenda will address the high cost of housing or the high prices in grocery stores, or will lower your taxes, or will minimize U.S. involvement in military conflicts far from our shores?

Nancy Bright
On a clear winter evening in January, look to the southeastern sky to behold the brightest, most recognizable constellation in the entire sky. Orion the Hunter straddles the celestial equator, making it visible from both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. The Hunter's shape is easy to identify because of the arrangement of its brightest stars. His belt is marked by three equally spaced stars of about the same magnitude that lie in a nearly straight line. It is tilted at an angle to his body due to the weight of a sword that hangs from the right side of his belt.

The constellation's form is further enhanced by its two brightest stars. Rigel, a blue supergiant star, is the most luminous of these and represents Orion's left foot. Only slightly dimmer is the red supergiant star Betelgeuse, which denotes his right shoulder.

NASA, ESA, M. Robberto , the Hubble Space Telescope Orion Treasury Project Team.

Besides the myriad of beautiful stars that populate this constellation, there are other fascinating objects to see here as well. Chief among these is the famous Great Orion Nebula. Also known as M42, this bright diffuse nebula is probably the most storied and observed deep-sky object in the sky. Located just 1,500 light-years away, it is a hotbed of ongoing star formation and can be seen by the naked eye. Look for a fuzzy star-like patch of light in Orion's sword. Other very fine objects found in Orion include De Mairan's Nebula, the Flame Nebula, Monkey Head Nebula, and the Dark Horsehead Nebula.

There are quite a few myths related to Orion. In several of them, he is known as the son of Poseidon. In one of the most bizarre of these stories it is said that he was born of the earth, from a bull hide urinated on by three gods. Nonetheless, he's known to be associated with Chios, the island he rid of all beasts, and where he fell in love with the daughter of King Oenopion, Merope. One night Orion tried to force himself on her. This enraged the king, who put out Orion's eyes and banished him from Chios. Later Orion's sight was restored by the rising sun. There are many endings to the Hunter's story, ranging from being executed by Artemis' hand after he tried to rape her, to succumbing to the sting of a scorpion.

Four of the five visible planets are evening objects this month. Venus, shining incredibly brightly at about -4.5 magnitude, and Saturn will reside in the southwestern sky at nightfall. On January 17 the two planets come into conjunction and will be separated by just 2.2 degrees of arc. Brilliant Jupiter, currently in Taurus, will ride high in the southern sky. But the highlight of the evening parade of planets will be Mars as it reaches opposition on January 15. At that time the Red Planet will be visible all night, emitting a vivid orange hue. Only Mercury occupies the morning sky, best viewed early in the month just before sunrise.

The Quadrantids meteor shower, which runs annually from January 1-5, peaked on the evening of January 3 and early morning of January 4. Up to 40 meteors per hour were expected to shoot across the sky. A waxing crescent moon set early on the evening of the third, ensuring dark skies during the event. The shooting stars radiate from the constellation of Bootes. To ensure that these meteors, as well as every other aspect of our beautiful night sky, will continue to be visible here in Sisters, please turn all outdoor lights off when you are not using them; ideally by 10 p.m. at the latest. The early hour at which the sun sets allows for countless astronomical opportunities, but many of these celestial wonders won't be visible if lights are on. So, douse those lights and get out there to enjoy the view!
Last week I had coffee with an old friend  the first person I knew in Sisters. We both moved here from the same area in the foothills at the northern rim of the Los Angeles basin more than 30 years ago. We both noted how hard it hits, watching the apocalyptic destruction wrought by the wildfires that have ripped across our old stompin grounds. Weve both lived in Sisters longer than we lived in L.A.  but you never quite lose your sense of connection to the place where you were young.

I never thought much about it at the time, but I got a sampling of just about every town and neighborhood in Greater Los Angeles, driving truck for a commercial glass company. From East L.A. to Santa Monica, from barrios to Beverly Hills. I bumped up against the stereotypical L.A.  swimming pools and movie stars  but that wasnt my L.A. I grew up right up against the foothills of the Angeles National Forest. My folks had a cabin in a little mountain town at the end of the Angeles Crest Highway called Wrightwood, so I grew up running around in the woods. And when I wanted more of that, my wife Marilyn and I looked north and wound up in Sisters.

Last summer, a good portion of Wrightwood was burned over in a wildfire. This month, the Palisades Fire took out Will Rogers State Park, including the Will Rogers Ranch House, which I loved  the home of Cherokee Cowboy, vaudevillian and humorist Will Rogers, doubtless the most beloved man in America during the 1930s. And, of course, that is a paltry loss in a catastrophe that has cost at least two dozen lives and left incalculable destruction of homes and businesses.

This is hard to watch. My friend told me he had had a hard time sleeping because this disaster was preying on his spirit.

Part of it, no doubt, is that we both have a strange sensation of watching the world of our youth burn away. Of course, it was already gone  thats why we moved  but the heart and spirit dont operate on strictly rational premises. We were both experiencing a deep, unsettled feeling.

That unsettled feeling is heightened by the realization of just how vulnerable we are here in our beautiful enclave among the ponderosa pines. We know damn well that the destruction we have seen in Los Angeles, or in Paradise, California, or closer to home in the McKenzie and Santiam canyons could happen here. The insurance market is a marker of the risk.

Its hard to imagine it now, but it doesnt seem that we worried too much about fire in the first years we were here. There just wasnt that much fire activity. Then, in 2002, lightning struck on Cache Mountain and wind-driven wildfire marched down to consume two houses at the western edge of Black Butte Ranch. The next year, a massive conflagration known as the B&B Complex burned more than 90,000 acres and forced evacuations at BBR and Camp Sherman. And virtually every year since has seen a significant wildfire in our neighborhood, and/or significant smoke impacts from fires across the West. My family has evacuated twice.

No longer are we complacent about fire.

Local agencies and local government are paying attention to the potential (See related story.), and local neighborhoods are taking responsibility for creating defensible space. Individual residents can do a lot to mitigate danger by creating defensible space, hardening homes and, above all, being careful with fire. Most of our wildfires have given us time to get ready to get out, but that can create a false sense of security. We all need to be ready to evacuate in a hurry if the worst-case scenario develops in a hurry. And we know that can happen.

Fire Chief Tony Prior says that, we cannot be complacent, but we shouldnt panic, either. Thats right on the mark. We live in fire country. We are in danger. But theres a lot we can do to mitigate that danger, and a lot we can do to protect ourselves when it manifests itself. Action is the antidote to anxiety.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, January 14. Uzbekistan and the UAE agreed to enhance cooperation in the development of generative artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in the use of large language models in the energy sector, as well as the creation of a major data center in Tashkent, Trend reports.

The matter was reviewed at a meeting between the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of Artificial Intelligence of the UAE.

The meeting also involved prominent leaders from leading companies in the field of big data and artificial intelligence, including Thomas Pramotedam from Presight, Magzhan Kenesbay from AIQ, Hassan Al-Nakbi from Khazna, and Eric Sing, President of the Muhammad bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence.

Both parties discussed expanding strategic partnerships with Emirati companies aimed at advancing cutting-edge technologies and successfully integrating them into various sectors.

Special attention was given to increasing collaboration with the Muhammad bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence. President Mirziyoyev proposed launching a student training program and establishing a roadmap to prepare highly qualified professionals in this rapidly evolving field.

Additionally, the sides discussed jointly launching research laboratories, creating technology clusters, and implementing innovative solutions for contactless payment operations.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, January 14. Uzbekistan and Emirati AD Ports Group, Tadweer, Plenary Group, DUCAB companies agreed to sign a roadmap to expand collaboration and realize the potential for impactful and sustainable cooperation between Uzbekistan and the UAE, Trend reports.

The news follows a meeting between President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and a delegation of leading UAE companies, led by UAE Minister of Investments and CEO of ADQ Holding Mohammad Hassan Al Suwaidi.

The companies represented at the meeting are among the global leaders in their respective fields, with combined assets exceeding $200 billion. A central focus of the discussions was the formulation of a comprehensive roadmap for practical cooperation across a wide range of sectors, with an emphasis on advancing investment portfolios in high-tech industries.

During the meeting, the two sides identified specific steps to further enhance their growing partnership, particularly in sectors such as infrastructure, urban development, energy, transport and logistics, mining, electrical engineering, and utilities.

Key agreements were reached to expedite projects focused on implementing innovative technologies, exploring rare earth metal deposits, developing regional railways, establishing dry ports, expanding cable production, and advancing public-private partnerships in education and healthcare.

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev is on an official visit to the UAE from January 13-16, following an invitation from UAE President Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The visit includes 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.

The bilateral diplomatic engagement between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the United Arab Emirates was inaugurated in October 1992. In 1992, the General Consulate of the Republic of Uzbekistan initiated its operational framework in Dubai. In 2007, the diplomatic mission representing the Republic of Uzbekistan was inaugurated in the United Arab Emirates, specifically within the capital city of Abu Dhabi.
An estimated 100,000 scores and parts by the groundbreaking 20th-century composer Arnold Schoenberg were destroyed last week when the wildfires in Southern California burned down the music publishing company founded by his heirs. The company rents and sells the scores to ensembles around the world.

Its brutal, said Larry Schoenberg, 83, a son of the composer, who ran the company, Belmont Music Publishers, from his home in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles and kept the firms inventory in a 2,000-square-foot building behind his house. We lost everything.

Belmonts catalog offered a wide range of Schoenbergs music, from the lush, hyper-Romantic pieces of his youth to the challenging works he wrote after breaking from conventional tonal harmony and developing his 12-tone technique.

No original Schoenberg manuscripts were destroyed in the fire. But the loss of Belmonts collection could create problems for orchestras, chamber music groups and soloists planning performances of Schoenbergs works in the months ahead. Other Schoenberg memorabilia were also destroyed in the fire, including photographs, letters, posters, books and arrangements by other composers of Schoenberg pieces.
The union said teachers should not be responsible for enforcing the restrictions; school districts should shoulder the cost instead of individual schools; enforcement should be consistent from student to student; and schools should have emergency contact lines set up for parents.

Many of New York Citys more than 1,500 public schools already restrict cellphone use. Some middle schools require children to place their phones in cubbies along the walls of their classrooms. Many high schools hand out locked fabric pouches for phones that students carry in their bags throughout the school day.

Brad Hoylman-Sigal, a state senator who represents a large swath of the West Side of Manhattan, introduced a bill last week that would prohibit students from accessing their phones on school property. He said he saw his bill as a starting point for a conversation in the State Senate.

He said he hoped that the governors plan would include a way for students to safely and securely hand over their phones and then get them back at the end of the day.

As a parent of a 14-year-old daughter, I understand how phones are an obstacle in the learning environment, Senator Hoylman-Sigal said. At the same time, I appreciate that parents want their children to have phones when theyre on the subway or on a bus. So I hope the governors proposal embraces both of those needs.
The bill is named after a Georgia nursing student who was murdered last year by Jose Ibarra, an undocumented migrant from Venezuela who had previously been apprehended for crimes including shoplifting and child endangerment. Due in part to Ibarras arrest history, the case became a cause celebre on the right. The more they get away with and the more we let these criminals go, it just emboldens them, and they step it up, said Mike Collins, the Georgia Republican who introduced the measure in the House.

If all the bill did was mandate the deportation of migrants convicted of petty theft, it would make sense for many Democrats to back it, if only because theres so little political upside in defending the rights of undocumented shoplifters. But the bill goes much further than that. It mandates federal detention without bail for migrants who are merely arrested for any theft-related crimes, with no provision to free them if the charges are later dropped. (According to Axios, ICE is worried that to make room for those accused of theft, it would have to release others in its custody, including some considered public safety threats.)

The bill applies to many immigrants who are authorized to be here, including Dreamers and those with temporary protected status. And the legislation contains no exemption for minors. As Ilya Somin, a law professor at George Mason University, told me, the Laken Riley Act could mandate the indefinite detention of a juvenile child of asylum-seekers arrested for swiping a candy bar, even if he or she didnt do it.

One of the acts other provisions would give state officials unheard-of power over immigration policy. If the bill passes, a state attorney general could sue to block all visas to people from recalcitrant countries that dont fully cooperate with the United States in accepting deportees, a list that includes China, India and Russia. This section of the Laken Riley Act may not matter much when Trump is in office; Republican attorneys general probably wont want to challenge the president, and Democrats are unlikely to demand harsher immigration crackdowns. But if we ever have another Democratic president, its easy to picture the most conservative state prosecutors suing to block the issuance of visas to, say, people from China. Immigration policy would be subject to a chaotic fight in the federal courts.

Though the measure sailed through the House last week, Democrats could still block it in the Senate, where it needs 60 votes to overcome a filibuster. Alas, that seems unlikely to happen. Last week, only nine Senate Democrats voted against proceeding to debate the bill on the Senate floor. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania and Ruben Gallego of Arizona are co-sponsors of it, and several other swing-state Democrats have already announced plans to vote for it. Fetterman told reporters last week that fellow Democrats had experienced a blinding flash of common sense.
On Tuesday, the commission will hold a public hearing where the plans for the gate will be reviewed and the request will either be approved or denied.

I lived nearby, so I used to walk by all the time, said Candace Bushnell, who wrote the book the show is based on. It was around 2002 or 2004, after the show came out, and we would walk by, and we would just laugh.

After a while, the buildings owner strung a chain out front to deter trespassers  to no avail. While many people did respect the chain, others did not. The letter to the commission notes that visitors climb over the barrier to pose, dance or lie down on the steps.

Hoping that a gate will serve as a better (and more aesthetically pleasing) deterrent, the owner hired the architect Isidoro Cruz to design one that matches the buildings facade. The brownstone was built in 1866 and is part of Greenwich Villages historic district, meaning that any updates must be approved by the commission. The owners letter is followed by a detailed application describing the gates proposed steel and cast iron design.
The State of Texas sued Allstate on Monday, accusing the insurer of illegally tracking drivers by way of their phones through a subsidiary called Arity that claimed to have the worlds largest driving behavior database.

Allstate and Arity paid mobile apps millions of dollars to install Allstates tracking software, Ken Paxton, the states attorney general, said in a statement. The personal data of millions of Americans was sold to insurance companies without their knowledge or consent in violation of the law. Texans deserve better and we will hold all these companies accountable.

In a statement, Allstate denied that the company had done anything illegal. Arity helps consumers get the most accurate auto insurance price after they consent in a simple and transparent way that fully complies with all laws and regulations, the company said.

The New York Times reported last year that information about peoples driving behavior was being collected via smartphone apps, such as Life360 and GasBuddy, and sold to Arity, an analytics company founded by Allstate. Arity was able to analyze the data collected from peoples smartphones to determine how often they sped, braked suddenly or were distracted by their phones while driving. It used that analysis to give them driving risk scores.
President-elect Donald Trump is still a week away from taking office, but his musings about coercing Canada to join the United States while acquiring Greenland and the Panama Canal  declining at one point to rule out the use of military force in those two particular cases  have made for a surreal prologue to his second administration. Its a fixation that has set world leaders on edge and forced congressional Republicans into the odd position of insisting that the incoming president is not planning to storm the Arctic.

The United States is not going to invade another country, Senator James Lankford, Republican of Oklahoma, said yesterday on Meet the Press. Trump, Lankford insisted, was simply making bold statements intended on getting everyone to the table.

Whether the words are a negotiating tactic or something more, the president-elects expressed desire to expand the nations footprint reflects an urge that has animated much of his career in the public eye: to make whatever he controls as big as possible.

In that sense, Trumps talk of taking control of Greenland and seizing Canada by economic force can be viewed less as an articulation of a foreign policy objective than as an extension of an ethos that goes back to his single-minded efforts to expand his businesses through a series of acquisitions in the 1980s.
Residents of Altadena, Calif., who lost property in the Eaton fire filed lawsuits against Southern California Edison on Monday, saying that the utilitys electrical equipment had sparked the blaze.

Evangeline Iglesias, whose single-family home was destroyed in the fire, and Michael R. Kreiner, whose rental property was damaged, said in separate filings that witnesses reported seeing electric lines operated by Edison sparking before igniting nearby vegetation on Jan. 7.

All of those things together, I think, are pretty powerful, said Gerald Singleton, a lawyer for Mr. Kreiner. It looks like there was a fire that was started by their lines.

In addition to the witness accounts, Ms. Iglesiass lawsuit also cites data from Whisker Labs, a Maryland technology company that maintains sensors that can detect abnormal activity on power lines. Her lawsuit says the data showed an alarming number of grid faults in the hours before the fire started.

An Edison spokesman said the utility was aware of the lawsuits, which were filed in Superior Court in Los Angeles County, but had not seen them by Monday afternoon.

Pedro Pizarro, the president and chief executive of Edison International, the parent company of Southern California Edison, said in an interview on Monday that the utility was investigating the origin of the Eaton and Hurst fires, which were burning in areas where the company operates electrical equipment. The companys preliminary review, he said, suggested that its equipment was not responsible for the fires.

Its just heartbreaking to see all the loss, Mr. Pizarro said. Its just tragic.

He said the electric system reflected an electrical anomaly a minute after the reported start of the Hurst fire. With the Eaton fire, he said, Edison had cut power to distribution lines west of the area where the fire started, and no problems with the grid were registered until an hour after the reported start of the blaze.

Clearly we recognize that there might be something that we just dont understand right now, Mr. Pizarro said. Well be transparent with the public as we know more.
Trumps defense pick faced a divided Senate hearing

Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trumps pick for defense secretary, faced hours of questioning yesterday during his Senate confirmation hearing. A vote to decide whether he will lead the Pentagon  a department with three million employees and an $849 billion budget  could come as soon as Monday. Read more.

Republicans largely defended Hegseth. Democrats questioned him about sexual misconduct allegations  Hegseth was accused of rape in 2017  and his drinking habits. They also called him unfit to lead the Pentagon, and grilled Hegseth, a former Fox News host, on his long history of disparaging comments about women in the military.

A key Republican, Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa, a veteran and a sexual assault survivor, appeared satisfied with his responses to her questions about the role of women in the military and sexual assault prevention. Ernst, who is seen as critical to Hegseths confirmation chances, spent much of her time focusing on their agreement that the Pentagon should be audited.

Quotable: Hegseth described himself as a changed man and a redemption story, and he dismissed the allegations against him as a smear campaign.
Mr. Waguespack found his way back to the oil patch in 2021, more than a year after being laid off. But by then, the day rates and other incentives that had made his job in the Permian basin so lucrative had all but disappeared. Without them, Mr. Waguespack said, his annual pay shrank to around $105,000, from roughly $130,000 in 2019, in line with what he could make working in an office or a plant back home in Louisiana.

I began looking for other jobs, trying to get away from the oil field, Mr. Waguespack, 30, said.

With the post-Covid economy doing well and unemployment below 4 percent nationally for more than two years beginning in early 2022, he and workers like Cody Owlett, who spent a decade crisscrossing Pennsylvania pressure-washing equipment such as drilling rigs, had other options.

Mr. Owletts job paid well for where he lived near the northern edge of the state: about $35 an hour, with more than 60 hours of overtime some weeks. But all the time he spent on the road meant he missed holidays and rarely could pick his boys up from school.

I was tired of missing everything with them, Mr. Owlett, 34, said.

When he realized in 2023 that he could earn a similar income buying discounted merchandise and reselling it on eBay, Mr. Owlett quit the gas field.

Jobs like the one Mr. Owlett had held are among the most cyclical, rising and falling with oil and gas prices. Those service positions account for most of the work that has come back after the pandemic.
The slow-moving race to succeed Jamie Dimon at the helm of JPMorgan Chase has lost another entrant.

The bank said on Tuesday that Jennifer Piepszak, a longtime executive, would become chief operating officer, and succeed Daniel Pinto, who is planning to retire. After the announcement, Ms. Piepszak, 54, said she had notified JPMorgan she would not seek the chief executive job in the near future.

Tuesdays announcement amounted to an annual update to one of Wall Streets favorite parlor games: speculating on who will be the next chief executive of the nations largest bank. Mr. Dimon, 68, has held the job for nearly two decades  a period that has coincided with the banks growth and Mr. Dimons ascent into the top echelon of public prominence among corporate public leaders.

He has continued to say he plans to stick around for years to come, and has recently begun to tease an even longer tenure that would have him remain chairman of JPMorgans board even after he steps down as chief executive. Thats an arrangement that has produced mixed results for other large corporations, perhaps most prominently Disney, where Robert A. Igers shadow power as chairman frustrated his successor and led to his return as chief executive.

Though a steady stream of potential successors have left JPMorgan, some to run rivals, several longtime bank executives remain in the hunt. They include Marianne Lake, 55, who now runs JPMorgans consumer and community banking; Troy Rohrbaugh, 54, a co-head of the investment bank; and Douglas Petno, 59, a co-head of global banking.
It had been a terrible day. I woke up too late and too anxious. The heat in my apartment stopped working. All I wanted to do was wrap myself in blankets and watch a bad action movie.

But I had a dinner reservation. Grudgingly, I trudged through whipping winds to Cafe Kestrel, a teeny, minimally adorned bistro that opened last summer in Red Hook, Brooklyn. As I stepped in, someone offered to take my coat. An amuse-bouche of warm, just-popped popcorn appeared on the table, followed by two cigars of fried halloumi, dusted in a sinus-awakening amount of Espelette pepper and shellacked with thick wildflower honey. I watched a server run a pot of tea and two mugs to a couple standing outside waiting for a table. My frosty mood melted as fast as the applesauce ice cream sundae.

A few weeks earlier, on a morning when the sun refused to come out, I found similar comfort in the cheery, electric-blue exterior of Cocina Consuelo, tucked off 143rd Street. Inside, this Mexican cafe felt as much Harlem as it did Puebla. Boisterous families squeezed into booths, tearing into plates of tortillas topped with Jackson Pollock-like splatters of salsa roja, hoja santa and an oozing egg whose yolk matched the wall color.
Filmed from 2018 to 2022, the sobering documentary In the Shadow of Beirut tracks four families living in poverty in the capital of Lebanon. The directors, Stephen Gerard Kelly and Garry Keane, look at the bare facts of existence in a country that has endured, since 2019: an economic crisis, the coronavirus pandemic, a port explosion, Israels war with Hezbollah and a leadership vacuum.

In contrast to the numbing effects of news reports, Kelly and Keane choose a human-scale approach to show life in the impoverished neighborhoods of Sabra and Shatila. Their observational approach is sculpted through dramatic focus, with voice-overs from members of each family.
Mr. Murphy, who plans to attend Mr. Trumps inauguration next week, said he would never back away from partnering with the Trump administration when doing so aligned with New Jerseys priorities. But he vowed to fight Mr. Trump if and when those values are tested.

To that end, he said that New Jersey would stockpile a supply of mifepristone, one of two drugs used in medication abortions, in the event that Mr. Trump moved to limit its availability.

Aides to Mr. Murphy said New Jerseys Department of Health had already begun gathering a six-month strategic reserve of medications, including mifepristone, which will be stored with abortion providers.

New Jersey law permits abortion throughout a pregnancy. But the governor also said that he would pursue legislation to end out-of-pocket costs for the procedure, reiterating a proposal he made last year.

As he outlined his priorities for his final year in office, Mr. Murphy said he would push for legislation to provide full pay to state workers on parental leave, make full-day kindergarten mandatory in the small number of towns that do not already offer it and permit 16- and 17-year-olds to vote in school board elections.
What could bring the regime down? In his first term, Trump tried punitive economic sanctions. They didnt work. The Biden administration eased some of those sanctions in hopes of better behavior from Maduro. It didnt work. Last years election plainly didnt work. A $25 million bounty for Maduros arrest, imposed this month by the United States, also wont work, since it only serves as an incentive for Maduro to hold on more tightly to power.

Theres always the possibility of a coup, but the armys senior ranks have remained loyal  for good reason: Senior officials have long been suspected of turning the country into a global hub for cocaine trafficking and money laundering, according to a 2015 Wall Street Journal article. There were also the stirrings of a popular revolt in 2019, but it fizzled: The regime seems to have learned from its friends in Havana that mass emigration is a good way of depleting a nation of its most discontented, energetic and talented citizens.

The economist Herb Stein famously said that if something cant go on forever, it will stop. Its a truism that isnt really true. The so-called Bolivarian revolution that started with Hugo Chavezs rise to power in 1999 (once cheered on by the likes of Naomi Klein and Jeremy Corbyn) should have failed a long time ago. It hasnt. Th abuse of greatness is when it disjoins remorse from power, Shakespeares Brutus says in Julius Caesar. Maduros is a regime without remorse.

That means the only thing that will dislodge Maduro and his cronies is the combination of a powerful incentive and a credible threat.

The incentive is an offer that he and his henchmen go into permanent exile, probably to Cuba or Russia, along with a guarantee of amnesty for all Venezuelan military and intelligence officials who stay behind and pledge loyalty to a government led by the legitimate president. The threat is U.S. military intervention of the sort that in 1990 swiftly ended the regime of the Panamanian strongman Manuel Noriega. That could be followed by extradition and prosecution in U.S. courts: In Noriegas case, it led to 27 years of imprisonment. American troops withdrew swiftly, and Panama has been a democracy ever since.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 15. On January 15, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will arrive in Tajikistan for a state visit, according to the Tajik Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trend reports.

During the visit, high-level talks between Tajikistan and Iran will take place, covering a broad range of issues related to bilateral cooperation.

As part of the visit, several new cooperation agreements are expected to be signed following the discussions. The visit will also include a Trade, Investment, and Tourism Forum between the two countries.

Later this week, President Pezeshkian will travel to Russia, where his meeting with President Putin is scheduled.

The sides are expected to sign a strategic partnership agreement on January 17, at the Kremlin. Earlier, Iran's Ambassador to Russia Kazem Jalali announced that the agreement includes 47 articles and covers all areas of bilateral cooperation.
Mark Zuckerberg, the chief executive of Meta, announced sweeping changes last week to the companys approach to disinformation and hate speech. Its fact-checkers, Zuckerberg claimed, have just been too politically biased, and have destroyed more trust than theyve created. Henceforth the company will be removing fewer posts; it will instead append Community Notes. Along the way, it will dramatically pare down its content restrictions on topics like immigration, potentially risking the same sorts of crises that have long eroded trust in the company.

What happens on Metas platforms is more than just a matter of company policy. The prevalence of false information on social media and the ease with which it can proliferate have helped fuel division and violence in the United States and abroad. The companys addictive algorithms were so effective in supercharging posts encouraging ethnic cleansing in Myanmar that Amnesty International called upon Meta to pay reparations to the Rohingya people. (The company said we have been too slow to prevent misinformation and hate on Facebook in Myanmar, and eventually took steps to proactively identify and remove posts.)

I first learned the importance of fact-checking while working as a reporter in Sri Lanka in 2018, when an episode of violence tied to Metas platforms rocked the country.

By then, Facebook had already resisted complaints about user content targeting minority Hindu and Muslim communities. Then a wave of posts went viral on Facebook alleging that Muslims were trying to destroy the Buddhist majority, including one in which a Muslim man, confused by a strangers accusation, appeared to admit he was part of a nonexistent scheme to sterilize Buddhists. A mob beat the Muslim man, destroyed his restaurant and set fire to a local mosque. Similar scenes unfolded across the country: Dozens of Muslim homes and businesses burned down, and at least three people died and 20 more were injured.
To state the obvious: As a former weekend Fox & Friends anchor, Army National Guard officer and leader of two small nonprofits, Pete Hegseth is unqualified to run a nuclear-armed organization with a budget approaching a trillion dollars. Thats the point. Donald Trump doesnt want someone to effectively manage the Pentagon; he wants to disrupt it.

His choice of Mr. Hegseth is born out of right-wing grievances that have been building for a long time over the failures of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many of these frustrations are understandable, but the remedies Mr. Trump proposes are dangerous. His disdain for international rules could eviscerate the laws of war that emerged from the devastation of two world wars. His threats of territorial expansion could intensify a period of nationalist aggression. His tirades against enemies within the United States foreshadow MAGA social engineering and domestic intervention by the Pentagon. In Mr. Hegseth, he has found a loyal vessel for this project, someone who could channel his blend of jingoism and anger to fundamentally alter the character of the military.

Almost a decade ago, Mr. Trump announced his presidential campaign by warning that the United States was in trouble. We dont have victories anymore, he said. We used to have victories but we dont have them. Hed emerged out of a right-wing media ecosystem filled with belligerent nationalism and promises of great victories after the Sept. 11 attacks. George W. Bush committed the United States to the ultimate goal of ending tyranny in our world. Even as the wars started to go badly, Vice President Dick Cheney talked about an Iraqi insurgency in its last throes. The people most conditioned to believe these promises were consumers of right-wing media, which increased their sense of betrayal when it became clear theyd been misled.

Mr. Hegseth experienced the wars in person, serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. After initially defending post-Sept. 11 policies, he joined many on the right in pivoting to blame enemies within for Americas failures abroad  a common outcome when superpowers dont win wars. Like Mr. Trump, he focused on liberals and Islam, as well as changing demographics and social mores that had crept into the military through the repeal of Dont Ask Dont Tell, diversity initiatives and women in combat.
Mr. Biden has less than a week to do it. And he should.

At the same time, Donald Trump has been talking about his own potential pardons of supporters convicted in the storming of the Capitol in 2021. He no doubt hopes that such pardons will whitewash the history of an attempted insurrection that was broadcast in all its chaos and violence on national television.

Pardons by their nature carry an imputation of guilt. This is what Ford thought when he pardoned Nixon. By accepting the pardon, his predecessor was implicitly acknowledging his guilt in the cover-up of the Watergate burglary. At least three dozen of his subordinates went to prison. But Nixons public contrition was so faint as to be inaudible. Admitting only to mistakes and misjudgments, Nixon consented to release a statement prepared with his lawyer saying that the way I tried to deal with Watergate was the wrong way.

For the people whom Mr. Biden is considering for these rare pre-emptive pardons, the calculation is different than it was for Nixon, who almost certainly would have faced prosecution for real crimes.

The people Mr. Biden might pardon  Liz Cheney, Dr. Anthony Fauci and perhaps many of the 60 names on the published list of people whom Kash Patel, Mr. Trumps pick for F.B.I. director, has singled out as deep-state corrupt actors  will have to decide whether to accept the implication of wrongdoing in order to avoid years of harassment and expense in facing down open-ended, high-profile federal inquiries.

Some, like the former Republican congressman Adam Kinzinger and Senator Adam Schiff, a Democrat of California, both sharp critics of Mr. Trump, seem prepared for the challenge. Both have said they do not want pardons, arguing that accepting one would falsely suggest that they had committed crimes.
President Vladimir Putin of Russia appalled the world with his full-scale invasion of Ukraine almost three years ago. He planned to topple Ukraines democratically elected government, install a Kremlin puppet regime and expose the West as weak, divided and diminished.

After more than 1,000 days of Mr. Putins reckless war of choice, he has failed to achieve a single one of his strategic goals. Russias power and influence are greatly diminished; it couldnt even prop up a valued client like the regime of Bashar al-Assad in Syria. Meanwhile, Ukraine stands strong and defiant as a free and sovereign democracy, with an economy rooted in the West.

All this is a testament to the resilience of Ukraines troops and the strength of Ukraines people. It is also the product of steadfast American leadership, which has rallied allies and partners worldwide to help Ukraine survive the Kremlins imperial onslaught. The United States should build on this historic success, not squander it.

Mr. Putin assumed that the world would stand by when he sent his troops across the Ukrainian border. He was wrong. The United States has rallied some 50 countries from around the planet to help Ukraine defend itself  and to uphold the bedrock principle that borders may not be redrawn by force. One of us, Secretary Austin, has convened the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, a global coalition that has coordinated military support to Ukraine, 25 times. Its members have committed $126 billion in direct security assistance to Ukraine, almost half of which has come from non-U.S. members.
Meta also said it would stop fact-checking posts and promote political news in its Newsfeed, reversing several of its content moderation rules in preparation for the incoming Trump administration. President-elect Donald J. Trump has criticized Meta and other tech companies for what he describes as censorship of conservative viewpoints.

A spokesman for Meta declined to comment on the layoffs. Bloomberg earlier reported on the cuts.

Last week, Mr. Zuckerberg said the company was terminating its diversity, equity and inclusion programs, effective immediately. In an interview with the podcaster Joe Rogan on Friday, Mr. Zuckerberg also said that masculine energy, I think, is good.

Its like, you want feminine energy, you want masculine energy, Mr. Zuckerberg said. I think that thats all good. But I do think the corporate culture sort of had swung toward being this somewhat more neutered thing.

In Metas internal company message boards, employees asked whether the cuts would target specific groups, such as the L.G.B.T.Q. community or people of color.

Given what we heard Mark say about D.E.I. last week, do we think these cuts are coming for people who dont have the masculine energy he is looking for? one employee asked.
Andrade is alone onstage, in a resplendent feathery costume, as the fabulously combed rooster of Barcelos, a fowl that is Portugals folk emblem. The monologue turns into a dialogue when Antonio de Oliveira Salazar (also Andrade), who ruled Portugal with a dictators fist until 1968, turns up on a video screen. The rooster confronts him about the manipulation of national symbols for autocratic purposes  which sounds tragically relevant, but the attempts at humor fall flat and the attempts at political thrusts feel blunted.

Geopolitics also play a major role in Amir Reza Koohestanis Blind Runner. The play, which is presented by St. Anns Warehouse through Jan. 24, with Waterwell and the arts-and-education organization Nimruz, aims to be a suspenseful thriller about a blind Iranian woman trying to run the length of the tunnel between France and Britain at night before trains resume their service.

But this political statement takes up just the last few minutes of the show. The bulk of it consists of stilted conversations between the runners eventual guide (Mohammad Reza Hosseinzadeh) and his imprisoned wife (Ainaz Azarhoush) during his weekly visits to her. Koohestani is much better as a director than a writer, and he stages these static interactions in a sleek, austerely elegant manner  Eric Soyers lighting carves out his minimalist set with the suggestive power of a German Expressionist movie.

Of course, any festival will be uneven. Surefire bets dont exist, but shows that look to be worth a visit include a staging of Shuji Terayamas Duke Bluebeards Castle (Jan. 15-18 at Japan Society) that allows us a glimpse into experimental Japanese theater. Odds are good that at least it wont be like much else in town.

Under the Radar

The festival runs through Jan. 19, but some productions have longer runs; utrfest.org.
It has taken much coordinating  of helicopters and other things  for Mr. De Niro and his Paradise Found partners, the Australian billionaire James Packer and Mr. Shamoon, an international hotelier who is also the co-owner and director of Luxury Hotel Partners, to get to this point. Paradise Found acquired the 391-acre property in 2015, paying $5.2 million for a 99-year lease.

Mr. De Niro first visited Barbuda, which is smaller than Brooklyn and rests about 38 miles north of Antigua, its larger partner in the nation of Antigua and Barbuda, on a day trip some 30 years ago. He was struck by the beauty of its most famous beach, a stretch of pinkish sand and turquoise water along the southwest coast. (The beach was later named Princess Diana Beach in honor of Diana, the former Princess of Wales, who in 1997 was photographed sitting by the pool at the now-defunct K Club resort.)

I always thought it was something special, Mr. De Niro said. And I said, This is the spot if we can get it.

The Nobu Barbuda restaurant, the first step in the development plan, opened in 2020, catering almost exclusively to people taking day trips by helicopter or boat from neighboring islands. The menu features Nobu classics like black cod with miso as well as local additions like Barbuda lobster. (Prices are New York-style: an order of beef tenderloin with teriyaki, for instance, costs $66.)
Last summer, a Mississippi police officer approached Vivian Burks as she sat in her car at a local park reading the Bible.

He was cordial at first, offering to help Ms. Burks replace her expired tags with the new ones she had in her car. But the encounter changed quickly after the officer, Blaine Musgrove, said he smelled marijuana and a second Carthage police officer demanded to search the vehicle.

When Ms. Burks, a 65-year-old great-grandmother with no criminal record, tried to get back into her car, the officers grabbed her and ordered her to place her hands behind her back, body camera footage shows. When she did not immediately comply, Officer Musgrove pressed his Taser into her back and shocked her, sending her to the ground in a heap.

Over the next 30 seconds, the video shows, Officer Musgrove shocked her three more times as she twisted her hands to avoid being handcuffed and begged the officers to stop, repeatedly shouting, Im sick! The officers called an ambulance and then left her moaning for help until the paramedics arrived.
Since returning to Minnesota after a failed bid for vice president, Gov. Tim Walz has kept a relatively low profile. He consoled deflated supporters with a speech at a high school, posed for photos with a turkey at the Minnesota State Capitol to mark Thanksgiving and flew to the Bahamas for a brief respite from the cold.

This week, Mr. Walz, a Democrat, must start grappling in earnest with his partys sinking political fortunes in his home state as lawmakers begin meeting in St. Paul for what is expected to be an unusually acrimonious state legislative session.

Minnesota Democrats controlled the governors mansion and the State Legislature the past two years, allowing them to pass a trove of liberal laws on abortion rights, marijuana and medical leave. But they are bracing for a new era of gridlock, having lost their slim majority in the House. Their control of the Senate is tenuous.

State budget officials last month issued a grim assessment of Minnesotas fiscal health, warning that spending is projected to exceed revenue in coming years. The officials said a $5.1 billion deficit is possible by 2028. Under the Democrats leadership, the state had a $17.5 billion surplus at one point, leading critics to question how tax dollars have been spent.
Firefighters are tracking a new blaze in Southern California, the Auto fire, which began burning Monday evening in Ventura County, northwest of downtown Los Angeles.

As of 4 a.m. Eastern time on Tuesday, it had spread to 56 acres and was 0 percent contained, although its progress had been stopped, according to Cal Fire.

The fires name comes from its origin, near Auto Center Drive in the city of Ventura, about 60 miles from downtown Los Angeles. It is significantly smaller than the major fires that have been burning in the Los Angeles area over the past week, the 23,000-acre Palisades fire and the 14,000-acre Eaton fire.

The Auto fire appears to have erupted in the Santa Clara River bottom. The Ventura County Fire Department said that the blaze was confined to the river bottom, and no structures were threatened, adding that its cause was under investigation.

There were no immediate reports of injuries caused by the Auto fire. But with winds picking up throughout Southern California, officials have warned that the risk of new fires forming or existing ones spreading will be high for the next few days.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. Talks between Iran and three European countries (E3)the UK, France, and Germanywere serious, frank, and constructive, said Kazem Gharibabadi, Irans Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Legal and International Affairs, Trend reports.

In a shared post on his official X page, Gharibabadi added that the third round of discussions between Iran and the three European countries was held in Geneva.

Gharibabadi emphasized that two key issues must be addressed: lifting sanctions imposed on Iran and reaching an agreement on nuclear matters. He noted that ideas in these areas have been explored and discussed in detail.

The third round of Iran-E3 talks was held in Geneva. The talks were serious, frank, and constructive. We discussed ideas involving certain details in the sanctions-lifting and nuclear fields that are needed for a deal. Sides concurred that negotiations should be resumed and to reach a deal, all parties should create and maintain the appropriate atmosphere. We agreed to continue our dialogue, the publication reads.

The first round of the dialogue between the deputy foreign ministers of Iran and 3 European countries (the UK, France, and Germany) was held in Geneva on November 29, 2024. The next round of this dialogue will continue on January 13-14 in Geneva.

The Geneva talks will address regional and international matters, bilateral relations with the three European countries (the UK, France, and Germany), and nuclear issues.
As a rank-and-file member of the panel, Mr. Blumenthal was not given a briefing on the report or provided with a copy of it, but was informed of its contents by someone who was given access to it.

Quite a few of the women with significant allegations against him have not been interviewed by the F.B.I. investigators, Senator Tammy Duckworth, Democrat of Illinois and another member of the panel, said on MSNBC on Monday evening, adding that some of those women feared for their safety and that of their children.

Mr. Hegseth was accused of sexually assaulting a woman in Monterey, Calif., in 2017, in an encounter he has insisted was consensual. No charges were brought. Mr. Hegseth later paid the woman an undisclosed amount of money as part of a confidential settlement agreement.

My understanding is that some of them would like to be contacted by the F.B.I. investigative team, or the vetters, and they have not been talked to, Ms. Duckworth added in the MSNBC interview.

A spokeswoman for the F.B.I. declined to comment.

Mr. Trump's transition team commissioned the F.B.I. background check on Mr. Hegseth last month after initially floating the idea of hiring private contractors to look into the president-elects cabinet picks. As the client, presidential transition teams are traditionally able to set the parameters for background checks into cabinet picks, and potentially dictate which witnesses are interviewed and what questions are asked. The transition teams directions to the F.B.I. for its investigation of Mr. Hegseth are unknown.
Hundreds of public schoolteachers are among the Southern Californians who lost their homes to raging wildfires in the last week. Some are scrambling to find places to live, even as they hope to return soon to their classrooms to restore some normality for their students  and for themselves.

In the Pasadena Unified School District, which includes the communities where the Eaton fire has killed at least 16 people and destroyed thousands of structures, about 300 employees lost their homes, said Jonathan Gardner, president of United Teachers of Pasadena, the districts union. The district has about 1,500 teachers and staff members, according to federal statistics.

In the Los Angeles Unified School District, which includes an area where the Palisades fire leveled whole neighborhoods, the teachers union has counted nearly 150 teachers and staff members whose homes were lost, and hundreds more whove been displaced. Cecily Myart-Cruz, president of that districts union, United Teachers Los Angeles, said that she expected that figure to rise.

Many students have also lost their homes, a mass displacement that will affect the rest of the school year and beyond, and could lead to declines in enrollment, Mr. Gardner predicted.

Theres not going to be anything resembling normal for the rest of the semester, he said.

The Pasadena school district is closed this week, but nearly all schools in the Los Angeles school district reopened on Monday. Students and teachers at two elementary schools that were destroyed by the Palisades fire will resume classes later this week at space set aside for them in two nearby schools.

In the Los Angeles district, more than 300 employees live in areas under mandatory evacuation orders, a district spokesperson said.

Teachers who were displaced by the fires have been given the week off. Rebecca Mitsuse, 57, a middle school science and English teacher whose home in Altadena was destroyed in the Eaton fire, said she was using the time to search for housing for herself, her husband and their 16-year-old son. She hopes to be back in the classroom next week.

Life has to keep moving forward, she said.

Still, she is grappling with loss on many levels  including keepsakes that she cannot replace. Among those are books she used in lessons, notebooks where she had recorded plans and resources, a note from a student she received during her challenging first year of teaching 20 years ago. Were so glad youre our teacher, and I know its hard, but please stay, she recalled the note saying.

LoriAnne Denne, 66, a middle school English teacher and college and career adviser, also lost her home in Altadena. She described herself as fortunate because she and her husband can stay with her brother, who lives nearby.

Even so, she was finding the process of submitting insurance claims and applying for help overwhelming.

Everything should be done yesterday, by people who cant even cope and have no home, Ms. Denne said.

Many teachers in Los Angeles-area districts already struggled to afford to live near their schools, so the cost of temporary housing was a major concern.

Mr. Gardner said that roughly half of Pasadena school employees lived inside the district, and their shorter commutes allowed many of them to coach sports teams and advise after-school clubs. Those staff members had been heavily affected by Eaton fire damage, he said.

For those that arent able to find a place nearby, those schools will lose some of that color, that joy created by teacher-led extracurricular activities, Mr. Gardner said.

Scott Mandel, 68, has taught in the Los Angeles district for 40 years. As one of eight regional chairs of the union, he has spent the last few days calling roughly 15 teachers in his area who lost their homes to check in and share information. Some, he said, were crying when they picked up the phone.

The closest comparison to the fires, he said, was the 1994 Northridge earthquake, which killed about 60 people and caused $35 billion in damage. While a few teachers lost homes in that quake, he said, it was nowhere near the scale that we have now.

Ms. Mitsuse, whose school has reopened, said she was looking forward to the sense of routine that returning to work would provide. In the meantime, she knew her students could go to her partner teacher, who teaches math and history, with questions or concerns. He lives in Pasadena, and although fire had come within a few blocks of his home, she said, it escaped damage.
The totality of your own writings and alleged conduct would disqualify any service member from holding any leadership position in the military, much less being confirmed as the secretary of defense. Have you ever made unwanted requests for sexual favors or committed any verbal or physical harassment or assault of a sexual nature? The fact is that your own lawyer said that you entered into an N.D.A. and paid a person who accused you of raping her a sum of money to make sure that she did not file a complaint. I have read multiple reports of your regularly being drunk at work. Will you resign as secretary of defense if you drink on the job, which is a 24/7 position? Ive made this commitment on behalf of  Will you resign as secretary of defense? Ive made this commitment on behalf of the men and women Im serving  Im not hearing an answer to my question. So Im going to move on. You claim that this was all anonymous. We have seen records with names attached to all of these, including the name of your own mother. So dont make this into some anonymous press thing. Im quoting you from the podcast. Women shouldnt be in combat at all. What I see is that theres a 32-day period in which you suddenly have another description about your views of women in the military, and I just want to know what changed in the 32 days that the song you sang is not the song you come in here today to sing? Senator, the concerns I have and the concerns of many have had, especially in ground combat units, is that in pursuit of certain percentages or quotas, standards have been changed. Our adversaries watch closely during times of transition, and any sense that the Department of Defense that keeps us safe is being steered by someone who is wholly unprepared for the job, puts America at risk. And I am not willing to do that. I know what I dont know. I know Ive never run an organization of three million people with a budget of $850 billion. Why do you want to do this job? Whats your, what drives you? Because I love my country, Senator. And Ive dedicated my life to the warfighters. He is a decorated post-9/11 combat veteran. He will inject a new warrior ethos into the Pentagon, a spirit that can cascade from the top down.
President Biden will remove Cuba from a list of state sponsors of terrorism, U.S. officials announced on Tuesday, as a part of a deal that is expected to free protesters jailed during a sweeping 2021 crackdown on dissent by the Communist government.

Removing Cuba from the list would typically raise expectations of improved relations between Washington and Havana and renewed hope for economic investment in Cuba.

But Mr. Bidens decision is only the latest in a series of conflicting U.S. approaches to Cuba by different administrations. The Obama administration made the decision to remove the terrorism designation for Cuba as part of a broader effort to normalize relations with the nation. But days before President Donald J. Trump left office in 2021, his administration placed Cuba back on the list.

Mr. Bidens decision honored the wisdom and counsel that has been provided to him by many world leaders, especially in Latin America, who have encouraged him to take these actions, on how best to advance the human rights of the Cuban people, according to a statement from the White House press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre.
You had sex while you were married to Wife Two, after you just had fathered a child by Wife Three. Youve admitted that. Now if it had been a sexual assault, that would be disqualifying to be secretary of defense, wouldnt it? It was a false claim then, and a false claim now. If it had been a sexual assault, that would be disqualifying to be secretary of defense, wouldnt it? That was a false claim. So you  Youre talking about a hypothetical. So you cant tell me whether someone who has committed a sexual assault is disqualified from being secretary of defense? Senator, I know in my instance, and Im talking about my instance only, it was a false claim. One of your colleagues said that you got drunk at an event at a bar and chanted, Kill all Muslims. Another colleague, not anonymous, we have this, said that you took coworkers to a strip club. You were drunk. You tried to dance with strippers. You had to be held off the stage. And one of your employees in that event filed a sexual harassment charge as a result of it. Now I know you denied these things, but isnt that the kind of behavior that, if true, would be disqualifying for somebody to be secretary of defense? Senator anonymous, false charges. Theyre not anonymous. And Ill just conclude and say this to the chairman, you claim that this was all anonymous. We have seen records with names attached to all of these, including the name of your own mother. So dont make this into some anonymous press thing.
One of the stranger moments in a confirmation hearing on Tuesday for Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald J. Trumps pick to lead the Pentagon, was when a senator asked the former Fox News host to define the word jagoff.

The question from Senator Jack Reed, Democrat of Rhode Island and the ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, was prompted by a comment that Mr. Hegseth made to his military platoon, as he wrote in his 2024 book, The War on Warriors. He made the comment during his Iraq deployment in 2005 after hearing a presentation by a JAG officer, or a member of the U.S. Army Judge Advocate Generals Corps, who defend Army soldiers in legal matters.

After he and his team were briefed by the JAG officer on the proper protocols for firing on an enemy with a rocket-propelled grenade, Mr. Hegseth disparaged one of the rules of engagement, saying it was going to get people killed, he recalled in his book.

During the hearing on Tuesday, Mr. Hegseth, at first, declined to define the slang term with a slight smile. I dont need to, sir, he said. The men and women watching understand.
Michelle Obama, the former first lady, will not attend the inauguration of President-elect Donald J. Trump, her office said in a statement on Tuesday.

Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies, the statement said. Former First Lady Michelle Obama will not attend the upcoming inauguration.

The statement did not provide an explanation for why Mrs. Obama was skipping the inauguration, which is traditionally attended by former presidents and their spouses. But it is the second high-profile event in the past two weeks that she has declined to take part in that would have brought her face-to-face with Mr. Trump.

Mrs. Obama has expressed personal disdain for the president-elect, who pushed the lie that her husband was not a U.S. citizen and has a history of making racist and sexist statements.
Speaker Mike Johnson on Tuesday announced that American flags at the Capitol would be temporarily raised on Monday for President-elect Donald J. Trumps inauguration, effectively defying a presidential order put in place last month to mourn the death of former President Jimmy Carter.

The move came after Mr. Trump complained that flags were scheduled to be at half-staff during his inaugural ceremony. President Biden ordered all flags to be lowered to half-staff for one month following Mr. Carters death on Dec. 29, following tradition and U.S. flag code.

On Jan. 20, the flags at the Capitol will fly at full staff to celebrate our country coming together behind the inauguration of our 47th president, Donald Trump, Mr. Johnson said in a statement announcing the change. He said flags would return to half-staff the next day to continue honoring Mr. Carter through the end of January.

Earlier this month Mr. Trump expressed his frustration over the possibility of flags remaining lowered during his inauguration, saying in a post on social media that, Democrats are all giddy about the imagery. He made it clear that he would push for a change, adding that no American can be happy about it.
Yes I will, he said.

Ms. Ernst also shared with the committee a letter from a constituent who inherited the leadership of a veterans organizations Mr. Hegseth ran, pushing back on allegations of mismanagement.

Ms. Ernst later announced on a radio show Tuesday that she would vote to confirm Mr. Hegseth.

With Ms. Ernst supporting Mr. Hegseth, the number of potential G.O.P. naysayers is down to a short list. To date, Senators John Curtis of Utah, Susan Collins of Maine, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, Todd Young of Indiana and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska have yet to declare whether they will be for or against Mr. Hegseth. If all Democrats oppose him, he can afford to lose only three Republican votes.

The hearing, which lasted more than four hours, was unusual for what it did not cover almost as much as for what it did. For a position formerly called the secretary of war, the discussions often were more about culture war issues than about actual wars that the Pentagon might have to fight.

There was scant mention of China or Ukraine or the Middle East, though Mr. Hegseth said that Im a Christian and I will robustly support the state of Israel and its existential war in Gaza.

Instead, many of the exchanges turned to what several Republican senators characterized as wokeness and weakness at the Defense Department, which under President Biden is run by two Black men. Mr. Hegseth pledged that every single senior officer will be reviewed based on meritocracy, standards, lethality and commitment to lawful orders they will be given, opening the door to a political purge of generals and admirals currently in uniform.
Pete Hegseth is expected to face questioning about his alcohol use during todays hearing.

In August 2021, Pete Hegseth said on Will Cains podcast that slowly, surely, by the grace of God, he had been able to undo a pattern of alcohol abuse that had dogged him since he returned from military combat in Iraq in 2006.

Asked about his New Years resolutions on the same podcast in mid-January 2024, Mr. Hegseth brought up alcohol anew. The less booze thing is not working out for me, he said then.

Mr. Hegseth, the former Fox News anchor and combat veteran President-elect Donald J. Trump picked for defense secretary, is likely to be asked to revisit the issue of his alcohol use as part of his Senate confirmation hearings on Tuesday.

The New York Times and other news organizations have documented a pattern of excessive drinking by Mr. Hegseth. In the most serious episode, a woman in Monterey, Calif., accused him of raping her in 2017. Mr. Hegseth said the encounter was consensual, and it resulted in no criminal charges. His lawyer said Mr. Hegseth was inebriated at the time.

In an interview on Megyn Kellys SiriusXM show last month, Mr. Hegseth acknowledged concerns about his drinking had put his nomination at risk. He promised then that there wont be a drop of alcohol on my lips if he is confirmed.

I need to make sure the senators and the troops and President Trump and everybody else knows when you call me 24/7 youre getting fully dialed-in Pete, just like you always did in Iraq and Afghanistan, he said then.

Depending on how he answers the senators questions, Mr. Hegseth could come across as sufficiently reformed or lacking the necessary self-discipline for one of the most critical cabinet posts.

Some Democrats have promised to challenge his fitness for the position partly on the basis of his drinking. A Secretary of Defense must exercise clear judgment and be ready to be called upon at any time, and a Secretary who struggles with excessive and inappropriate drinking undermines our national security, Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat from Massachusetts, wrote in a letter to him dated Jan. 6.

Mr. Hegseths pledge to abstain from alcohol echoed that of another nominee for defense secretary, John Tower, who in 1989 said: If confirmed, I wont have a drink. Mr. Tower also promised to resign if he faltered, but it still was not enough to overcome his reputation of being a carouser and the Senate voted him down.

As part of a background check that began last month, F.B.I. agents asked at least some people whether Mr. Hegseth had abused alcohol, but it was unclear as of Monday how thorough that inquiry was.

A review by The Times of Mr. Hegseths public statements in recent years found that he often referred to his alcohol consumption, both in describing some dark moments in his life and in light banter about enjoying an extra pour or a certain type of liquor.

Mr. Hegseth said in the 2021 podcast episode that he struggled to adjust to civilian life after his deployment in Iraq.

Id look around at 10 oclock and be like, What am I going to do today? How about I drink some beers? he told Mr. Cain. And one beer leads to many, leads to self-medication, leads to Ive earned this. Like, Dont tell me I cant.

He said he had been able to undo that cycle, but did not specify when.

In 2020 and 2021, Mr. Hegseth repeatedly told a story about getting extremely drunk with a veteran involved in the 2011 raid in Pakistan that killed Osama Bin Laden.

The first time I heard the full story from Rob ONeill in a bar of the Bin Laden raid I thought I was going to meet him for 45 minutes. Four and a half hours later, I could barely walk and I heard the whole story, he said on Fox Nations Friday Night Live in a 2020 episode.

As a weekend anchor for the morning show Fox & Friends from 2017 to 2024, Mr. Hegseth and his co-workers frequently joked about his taste for beer, gin and whiskey.

Answering a question about his weight in the 2020 episode on Fox Nation, Mr. Hegseth said that his diet mostly consisted of protein and booze. But he also suggested that he was trying to cut down on alcohol. I put this much soda in and this much gin in, so Im not really drinking all that much, although I may have many glasses. You know how that goes, he said.

Three years later, showing up for a Fox & Friends episode in a tuxedo from a celebration the evening before, he said, I partied all night and Im here and I didnt change.

Mr. Hegseths treatment of women may also come up. In a 2018 email, his mother, Penelope Hegseth, accused him of mistreating women for years. I have no respect for any man that belittles, lies, cheats, sleeps around and uses women for his own power and ego. You are that man, she wrote him.

Mrs. Hegseth later disavowed those sentiments and said she apologized to her son for the email.

In the interview with Ms. Kelly, Mr. Hegseth said with the help of his third wife and his religious faith, I have become a changed man.

Emily Steel contributed reporting.
Democrats on the Senate Armed Services Committee called Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald J. Trumps pick for secretary of defense, unfit to serve. Meanwhile, Republicans praised Mr. Hegseths record and performance.

The totality of your own writings and alleged conduct would disqualify any service member from holding any leadership position in the military, much less being confirmed as the secretary of defense. Have you ever made unwanted requests for sexual favors or committed any verbal or physical harassment or assault of a sexual nature? The fact is that your own lawyer said that you entered into an N.D.A. and paid a person who accused you of raping her a sum of money to make sure that she did not file a complaint. I have read multiple reports of your regularly being drunk at work. Will you resign as secretary of defense if you drink on the job, which is a 24/7 position? Ive made this commitment on behalf of  Will you resign as secretary of defense? Ive made this commitment on behalf of the men and women Im serving  Im not hearing an answer to my question. So Im going to move on. You claim that this was all anonymous. We have seen records with names attached to all of these, including the name of your own mother. So dont make this into some anonymous press thing. Im quoting you from the podcast. Women shouldnt be in combat at all. What I see is that theres a 32-day period in which you suddenly have another description about your views of women in the military, and I just want to know what changed in the 32 days that the song you sang is not the song you come in here today to sing? Senator, the concerns I have and the concerns of many have had, especially in ground combat units, is that in pursuit of certain percentages or quotas, standards have been changed. Our adversaries watch closely during times of transition, and any sense that the Department of Defense that keeps us safe is being steered by someone who is wholly unprepared for the job, puts America at risk. And I am not willing to do that. I know what I dont know. I know Ive never run an organization of three million people with a budget of $850 billion. Why do you want to do this job? Whats your, what drives you? Because I love my country, Senator. And Ive dedicated my life to the warfighters. He is a decorated post-9/11 combat veteran. He will inject a new warrior ethos into the Pentagon, a spirit that can cascade from the top down.

Pete Hegseths four-hour hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday was strikingly contentious. Democrats derided him as blatantly unqualified to oversee the Defense Departments three million employees and $849 billion budget. Republicans acknowledged that he was an unconventional pick, but said he was just what the Pentagon needed. And Senator Joni Ernst, the Iowa Republican who is an influential member of the panel, said after the hearing that she had been won over.

Here are four takeaways from the hearing:

Hegseth looks as if he has the votes to get out of committee.

Despite all the fireworks at the proceeding, it seems that Mr. Hegseth has the votes he needs to move on. None of his answers seemed to disturb the Republicans who control the committee.

A vote has been scheduled for Monday after President-elect Donald J. Trump is sworn in and Mr. Hegseths nomination is expected to become official.

Less than six weeks ago, Ms. Ernst, a veteran with a reputation for being a principled leader on matters of sexual assault and the military, had voiced reservations about Mr. Hegseth.

But Mr. Trumps hard-line backers paid for ads in Ms. Ernsts home state, questioned her Republican bona fides on social media and even threatened to run primary challenges against her in 2026 to push her toward backing Mr. Hegseth as the nominee.

Several hours after the hearing ended, she announced her support for him on WHO Newsradio 1040, a radio station in Des Moines.

Her questioning of Mr. Hegseth during the session was friendly. She pressed him repeatedly on the importance of auditing the Pentagon  a relatively safe topic. She also encouraged him to repeat promises she has said he had made to her privately about appointing a senior officer to strengthen her past work to prevent sexual assault and rape in the military.

Her support suggests that, barring new developments, Mr. Hegseth is now on a path to winning confirmation by the full Senate. Ms. Ernst was considered a key vote who could sway other Republicans. With her on board, his prospects of success have grown.

Hegseth portrayed his life as a redemption story.

Mr. Hegseth repeatedly refused to say whether an accusation of sexual assault or excessive drinking or marital infidelity should disqualify someone from leading the Pentagon. He also did not promise that hed resign if he were to break his promise not to drink if confirmed.

In general, he skirted specific allegations about his personal conduct, simply claiming that he had been the victim of false allegations by anonymous sources, circulated by media organizations he said were determined to destroy him.

Im not a perfect person, but redemption is real. he said at one point. He also said, I have failed in things in my life, and thankfully Im redeemed by my lord and savior Jesus.

Image Senator Tim Kaine, Democrat of Virginia, asked Mr. Hegseth about allegations from former colleagues of his who claimed that he drank excessively, his admitted extramarital affairs and the sexual assault allegation. Credit... Kenny Holston/The New York Times

The one senator who seemed to get under his skin was Tim Kaine, Democrat of Virginia. Mr. Kaine pressed him about the allegation that he raped a woman in 2017 in Monterey, Calif., while he was married to his second wife and two months after his girlfriend, now his third wife, had given birth to his child.

The episode resulted in no criminal charges. Mr. Hegseth, who said the encounter was consensual, paid the woman an undisclosed amount in a settlement.

So you think you are completely cleared because you committed no crime? Mr. Kaine demanded. How do you explain your judgment?

He faced fierce queries about his views on women in combat.

Some of the toughest questioning was over Mr. Hegseths previous statements that women should not serve in combat roles. Democratic senators accused him of modulating those views purely in hopes of winning a cabinet post.

Mr. Hegseth said: Yes, women will have access to ground combat roles, given the standards remain high, and we will have a review to ensure the standards have not been eroded.

Image Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Democrat of New York, told Hegseth that his statements about women in combat roles are brutal, and theyre mean, and they disrespect men and women who are willing to die for this country. Credit... Kenny Holston/The New York Times

Female Democrats in particular assailed him over his earlier comments. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York sounded especially angry, saying his statements were brutal and theyre mean and they disrespect men and women who are willing to die for this country.

Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Democrat of New Hampshire, asked whether women would have a fair shot of promotion if he led the Pentagon given his earlier suggestions that they make the military a less lethal force. He said they would.

Republicans praised his communication skills, honed as a television anchor.

Mr. Hegseth and his Republican allies on the panel made the case that his lack of experience compared with previous defense secretaries would be a plus.

Mr. Hegseth said: As President Trump also told me, weve repeatedly placed people atop the Pentagon with supposedly the right credentials, whether theyre retired generals, academics or defense contractor executives. And where has it gotten us?

Republican senators hailed his skills as a communicator. After running two small nonprofit organizations, both of which ended up in debt, Mr. Hegseth was a weekend anchor on Fox & Friends for seven years.

During the hearing, he generally spoke confidently, typically revealing little evidence of being rattled.

Image Mr. Hegseth leaving his confirmation hearing on Tuesday. Republican senators hailed his skills as a communicator. Credit... Haiyun Jiang for The New York Times

Democrats said his lack of experience showed in his answers.

Senator Tammy Duckworth, a Democrat from Illinois who is also a veteran, gave him a type of foreign affairs quiz, asking him to name the countries in ASEAN  the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. He could not. At another point she told him: Do a little homework before such sessions.
The Senate has scheduled hearings for a dozen of President-elect Donald J. Trumps picks for some of the most significant positions in his new government.

Many of these candidates have previously visited Capitol Hill for meetings with individual senators whose support they may need in the final confirmation vote. Now they will appear before Senate committees that oversee the agencies that they have been selected to lead.

Heres the schedule for this week:

Tuesday

9:30 a.m.: Pete Hegseth, secretary of defense

Pete Hegseth, a Fox News host and veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, kicked off the confirmation hearings on Tuesday. He had a troubled path to his hearing, grappling with accusations of excessive drinking and an allegation of sexual assault that critics have used to question his fitness to lead the Defense Department, one of the most important posts in the federal government. Senators grilled Mr. Hegseth about many of those accusations during a tense, four-hour hearing on Tuesday.

Wednesday

9:30 a.m.: Pam Bondi, attorney general

Pam Bondi, a lobbyist and longtime loyalist to Mr. Trump, made her name in Florida politics as the states first female attorney general. After endorsing Mr. Trump in the 2016 Republican primary, Ms. Bondi joined Mr. Trumps legal defense team during his first impeachment in 2019, and later supported Mr. Trumps fabricated claims of election fraud after his defeat to Joseph R. Biden Jr. in the 2020 election. As attorney general, Ms. Bondi would oversee the Justice Department and its complement of federal prosecutors.
The next defense secretary will face myriad major challenges: the war in Ukraine, turmoil in the Middle East and rising military threat from China. And then theres what lies closer to home: possibly deploying U.S. troops to the southwestern border to address immigration concerns, and revitalizing Americas military industrial base to confront global adversaries.

Ukraine

President-elect Donald J. Trump has said little about how he would settle the conflict. But Vice President-elect JD Vance has outlined a plan that would allow the Russians to keep the Ukrainian territory that their forces have seized.

Keith Kellogg, Mr. Trumps special envoy for Ukraine, said last week that his boss would try to broker a deal with Moscow within 100 days of his inauguration. Critics fear a hasty deal could lock in Russias territorial gains in Ukraine  about 20 percent of the country.

One of the biggest unknowns for Ukraine is whether the Trump administration and Europe will provide any kind of security guarantees to try to prevent Russia from moving to take more territory.
After months of bluster about a revolutionary new leadership coming to the Texas Legislature, the states Republican-dominated Statehouse on Tuesday selected a member of its old guard, Dustin Burrows, to be its next speaker, a surprising rebuke of the partys aggressive hard-right faction.

On its face, the election by members of the Republican-dominated chamber might not appear consequential: the front-runners included Mr. Burrows, a conservative Republican, and David Cook, another conservative Republican. (There was also a Democrat, who was eliminated in the first round of voting.)

But the fight for speaker was unusually bitter, even if its antagonists were ideologically aligned and had become familiar sparring partners in the battle for control of Texas politics.

On one side were the old-line, business-oriented Texas Republicans, in the mold of former governors such as George W. Bush and Rick Perry, who wanted to keep the Texas House and its members as a third power center in Austin. On the other was a more radical faction backed by religiously conservative West Texas billionaires who had hoped to bring the Texas House in line with the more aggressively partisan Texas Senate, where they already hold sway.
Tens of millions of Hindus are convening this week in what is expected to be the worlds largest human gathering, where a staggering number of devotees, tourists, politicians and celebrities take sacred dips at the convergence of two holy rivers in India.

The religious festival, called the Maha Kumbh Mela, happens every 12 years on the banks of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers in the northern Indian city of Prayagraj. Officials this year expect up to 400 million people  more than the population of the United States  to visit the site in Uttar Pradesh State over the next six weeks.

A major display of Hinduism, the event has recently become an important political event with the rise of Hindu nationalism, backed by Prime Minister Narendra Modis right-wing political party. It is also a massive logistical undertaking for government officials working to prevent incidents like stampedes and the spread of diseases.

The festival turned tragic early Wednesday, with dozens of people feared dead after a stampede occurred as crowds rushed to bathe in the rivers.
Pakistans prime minister on Tuesday ordered an investigation into how the countrys national airline approved an advertisement with an illustration that many on social media said was uncomfortably similar to imagery from Sept. 11, 2001.

The advertisement, by the state-run Pakistan International Airlines, or PIA, was meant to be a celebratory announcement that it was resuming flights to Paris.

But the ad  featuring an image of an aircraft pointed toward the Eiffel Tower with the caption Paris, were coming today  drew swift condemnation after its release late last week. A post by the airline on X that showed the image has been viewed more than 21 million times.

Pakistan air needs a new graphic designer, Ian Bremmer, a political scientist and author, wrote on Threads, a social network.
Since he won his election by a razor-thin margin in 2022, Mr. Yoon has constantly clashed with the majority opposition over policies, scandals involving his wife and his hostile relationship with dissidents, including journalists he accused of spreading fake news.

His anger exploded on Dec. 3, when he declared martial law, calling his liberal enemies anti-state forces and the opposition-dominated National Assembly a monster. The law placed a ban on all political activities and put news media under military control, though the National Assembly killed his martial law decree before Mr. Yoon could enforce such moves.

During the six hours of martial law, he ordered military commanders to break the Assemblys doors down with axes or by shooting, if necessary and drag out lawmakers, according to prosecutors who have indicted the military generals on charges of helping Mr. Yoon commit insurrection.

Even after the Assembly voted down his decree and then impeached him, Mr. Yoon vowed to fight to the end. He holed up in his hilly residence in central Seoul  behind bodyguards, rolls of razor wire and barricades of buses. Mr. Yoon repeatedly ignored summons from investigators to face questioning for insurrection charges.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer of Britain suffered a new blow on Tuesday when his anticorruption minister, Tulip Siddiq, quit her post weeks after being named in an embezzlement investigation in Bangladesh.

Ms. Siddiq, 42, is the niece of Sheikh Hasina, the former prime minister of Bangladesh, who resigned last year after 15 years in power and fled the country amid a broad student-led protest movement against her repressive rule.

A junior minister in Mr. Starmers government, Ms. Siddiq had previously referred herself to the prime ministers ethics adviser for investigation after questions arose over whether she had benefited financially from her ties to Ms. Hasina.

Ms. Siddiq has dismissed the allegations against her as politically motivated and insisted that she did nothing wrong. But in an official letter of resignation to Mr. Starmer on Tuesday, she wrote that the media focus on her risked diverting attention from the governments political agenda.
Prime Minister Francois Bayrou of France said on Tuesday that he was open to changing the countrys unpopular pension law, which raised the retirement age to 64 from 62, as he sought to build support in Parliament and keep his government afloat.

The 2023 law was championed by President Emmanuel Macron in the name of fiscal responsibility but led to mass street demonstrations.

Mr. Bayrou, a centrist and longtime ally of Mr. Macron who was appointed just last month, laid out his plan for discussing changes to the retirement law in a speech to the National Assembly, the fractious lower house of Parliament. He also presented, for the first time, his broader vision for governing the country.

There is no clear majority in the National Assembly, and its three general factions  left, center and far right  have been unable, in the past few months, to agree on a 2025 budget.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, said on Tuesday that her cancer was in remission, lifting a major cloud from the British royal family, which had struggled with serious health concerns for both her and King Charles III.

It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focused on recovery, Catherine, the wife of Prince William, wrote on Instagram.

As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal. I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead, she added. There is much to look forward to.

Catherine said last September that she had completed chemotherapy for her cancer and her goal was to remain cancer free. But Kensington Palace, where she and William have their offices, declined to say at that point whether her doctors had declared her medically free of cancer, or whether she was undergoing any other treatment.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. The United States and Armenia have signed a Strategic Partnership Commission Charter, Trend reports.

The agreement was formalized by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Armenias Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan.

"We're establishing our U.S.-Armenia Strategic Partnership Commission. This commission gives us a framework to expand our bilateral cooperation in a number of key areas: economic matters, security and defense, democracy, justice, inclusion, and people-to-people exchanges. Over these recent years, we've been able to work together, among other things, but significantly on our economic relationship and on our economic cooperation," Blinken stated prior to the signing ceremony.

Minister Mirzoyan emphasized that the charter spans a wide array of fields including "strengthening economic and energy ties, connectivity, deepening defense and security cooperation, reinforcing democratic institutions, promoting justice and the rule of law, fostering innovation and high technologies, and enhancing people-to-people contacts".

"We appreciate the United States' engagement in promoting a durable and lasting peace in the South Caucasus region. We believe that a stable and prosperous South Caucasus is in the interest of all regional actors and the broader international community," the minister noted.
Research conducted by Hope Not Hate showed that Mr. McIntyre used a Telegram account within hours of the Southport attack to call for violence and then created a TikTok account and Telegram channel to promote it, calling the latter Southport Wake Up. He shared a post under a pseudonym in that Telegram channel encouraging a demonstration the next day on St. Lukes Road in Southport, near the site of the knife attack, and drew a red circle around a mosque on that road. He added the message time for a TIME FOR WAR.

On July 30, a violent mob targeted the mosque that Mr. McIntyre had highlighted, and dozens of police officers were injured. Days of unrest convulsed Britain over the next week, as rioters clashed with the police, lit cars on fire, attacked mosques and ransacked businesses.

Later, in piecing together various accounts run by Mr. McIntyre across social media and messaging platforms, Hope Not Hate found posts from him on Aug. 3, declaring that The mosques must burn, and on Aug. 6, calling for the killing of all Jewish, Muslim and Black people, and adding: White power.

His extremism extended back years before the riots. Mr. McIntyre posted a selfie in July 2022 in which he gave a Nazi salute, and after his arrest, the police found a copy of Mein Kampf, Hitlers political manifesto, in his home.

The Merseyside Police, which oversee policing in the Liverpool area, said Mr. McIntyres messages on Telegram encouraged others to participate in violent disorder and cause criminal damage in Southport. He also made other failed attempts to instigate disorder at other locations, the police said in a statement.
Ukraine carried out massive drone strikes on several regions of Russia overnight, local officials there said on Tuesday, in what appeared to be one of the largest recent assaults in Kyivs campaign to cripple Russias war machine on its home turf.

The attacks, mostly in southwestern Russia, were the latest in a series demonstrating Ukraines ability to strike deep inside the country, even as Kyivs forces face setbacks on their own territory.

Blasts were reported in the border region of Bryansk, and drones targeted regions well beyond it like Saratov and Tula in western Russia, officials in those areas said.

Russias Defense Ministry said on Tuesday that Ukraine had launched more than 140 drones, along with U.S.-made long-range missiles known as ATACMS and Storm Shadow missiles provided by Britain.
Ive been playing guitar for four years and played violin for five years, Sasha said. I want to join the course to develop my creative potential and make new friends.

Ms. Korzhenevska was not trained to work with troubled teenagers. But she was a patient teacher, and she had learned a lot raising her own teenage son, who was autistic.

This is quite a challenge, she remembered thinking about Sasha. But I accept it.

Sasha got out of the hospital in June. For the next three months, he and three other young actors tried to put aside their worries and work on the play Ms. Korzhenevska wrote for them. Its theme was that life could work out even if everything seemed to be falling apart.

The title of the play was Its okay! But could it be, really?

The Teacher

Ms. Korzhenevska had worked as an event planner, teacher and film producer before she started teaching acting classes to teenagers during the pandemic.

A building in Kyivs hipster neighborhood of Podil was her creative laboratory. With its brick walls painted white, hardwood floors and high ceilings, the ground floor vaguely resembled a tech entrepreneurs Manhattan loft. Ms. Korzhenevska named it the 9 School, after the magical train platform in the Harry Potter books, and offered classes mainly on the weekends.
Israel and Hamas are on the brink of agreeing on a cease-fire in Gaza and the release of hostages held there, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken said on Tuesday, raising hopes for some respite to the violence after more than 15 months of war.

Its right on the brink, its closer than its ever been before, Mr. Blinken said at an Atlantic Council event in Washington. But right now as we sit here we await final word from Hamas on its acceptance. And until we get that word, well remain on the brink.

A person familiar with the negotiations said Tuesday evening that Israel and Hamas had been locked in on the deal, with both appearing prepared to publicly accept it in the very near future. The person, who requested anonymity because a deal had not been announced, said the atmosphere was tense but hopeful.

Neither Israeli nor Hamas officials have publicly confirmed their position on the cease-fire proposal, although Mr. Blinken suggested that Israel was on board with the agreement and that the deals fate now rested with Hamas.
Many of Californias Most Destructive Fires Were Caused by Power Lines

Investigators are still working to identify what caused the spate of fires that ignited around Los Angeles last week, but residents are concerned that electrical infrastructure may have sparked at least one of them.

Since 1992, more than 3,600 wildfires in California have been related to power generation, transmission and distribution, according to data from the U.S. Forest Service. Some of the most destructive fires have been traced back to problems with utility poles and power lines.

Extent of power line fires near Los Angeles Roughly a dozen power line fires have burned more than 200,000 acres in areas northwest of the city since 1970. Cumulative extent of previous fires known to be caused by power lines Fillmore Santa Clarita Hurst fire Eaton fire Simi Valley Kenneth fire Palisades fire Los Angeles Malibu Santa Monica Manhattan Beach Pacific Ocean Long Beach 20 MILES Fillmore Santa Clarita Hurst fire Ventura Eaton fire Simi Valley Kenneth fire Pasadena Palisades fire Los Angeles Malibu Santa Monica Manhattan Beach Pacific Ocean Long Beach 10 MILES Source: CalFire Extents of recent fires, as of Jan. 13, are outlined in black. By The New York Times

CalFire releases data on past large wildfires and determines their causes in different natural and human-related categories, such as lightning or arson. The agency lists more than 12,500 fires since the late 1800s, though the causes of more than half are unknown or unidentified.

Lightning and use of equipment are among the most common known causes, but over the past few decades, the share of fires known to be caused by power infrastructure has grown across the state.

The 20 most destructive California wildfires At least eight of Californias most destructive wildfires had either electrical or power line causes. Those fires are shown in bold. YEAR NAME STRUCTURES DESTROYED YEAR NAME STRUCTURES DESTROYED YEAR NAME STRUCTURES DESTROYED Source: CalFire By The New York Times

Residents of Altadena, Calif., sued Southern California Edison on Monday, saying the utilitys electrical equipment set off the Eaton fire, which has burned more than 13,000 acres and 5,000 structures in the city and neighboring areas. The company has said it is investigating the fires origin.

Power distribution lines were found to have caused some of Californias largest-ever fires in recent years.

The Thomas fire in 2017 was started when high winds forced Southern California Edisons power lines to collide, a situation known as line slap. Burning material fell to the ground in the Upper Anlauf Canyon, about 35 miles from the current Palisades fire, and the resulting fire burned for almost 40 days.

The 2018 Camp fire, in Northern California, started when an electrical arc between one of Pacific Gas & Electrics power lines and a steel tower sent molten metal onto the underlying vegetation. That fire claimed more than 80 lives and destroyed over 18,000 structures.

In the summer of 2021, Californias largest single-source wildfire, the Dixie fire, started when a tree made contact with several of PG&Es distribution lines near the Cresta Dam in Northern California. Electricity continued flowing in one of the lines, which started the fire, and nearly a million acres across four counties burned.

California isnt the only state dealing with power-related wildfires in recent years. Texas largest wildfire, the Smokehouse Creek fire, burned over a million acres in 2024. Xcel Energy accepted responsibility for the fire after investigators found that high winds had broken a utility pole, causing a power line to fall and ignite the dried grasses below.

Similar situations have caused wildfires in Oregon as well. The 2020 Labor Day fires destroyed thousands of homes and killed at least nine people, in part, after power wasnt shut down during high winds.
A series of photographs of Congress and bills being signed by Democratic and Republican presidents. Imagine a Congress where politicians of different ideologies work together to pass legislation reflecting what most Americans want. This isnt hypothetical; its how Congress worked for much of the 20th century. There were only two major parties, but each was much more ideologically diverse than today, so deal making and coalition politics were the norm. From Social Security to civil rights to immigration and environmental protection, Congress got big things done. Thats not where we are now. In 2025, American politics is stuck. Voters see little but chaos, as Congress lurches from one self-imposed crisis to the next. Incumbents get re-elected over and over, and yet the parties fail to pass meaningful legislation on the things that matter most to Americans. It doesnt have to be this way. To escape our two-party trap, we need a better system of electing people to Congress: proportional representation. Opinion How to Fix Americas Two-Party Problem

In early 2020, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the progressive Democrat from New York, was asked to speculate about her role under a Joe Biden presidency. She groaned. In any other country, Joe Biden and I would not be in the same party, she said, but in America, we are.

Ms. Ocasio-Cortezs frustration with the two-party system reflects the frustration American voters feel every time they step into the voting booth, when they find themselves stuck with the same two choices  and, in most places, only one with any shot at winning.

As a new Congress sputters into gear, this rusty binary split  a product of our antiquated winner-take-all electoral mechanisms  is key to understanding why our national legislature has become the divisive, dysfunctional place it is today. It is why more than 200 leading political scientists and historians (including one of the authors of this essay) signed an open letter in 2022 calling on the House of Representatives to adopt proportional representation  an intuitive and widely used electoral system that ensures parties earn seats in proportion to how many people vote for them. The result is increased electoral competition and, ultimately, a broader range of political parties for voters to choose from.

In 2024 fewer than 10 percent of U.S. House races were competitive. In a vast majority of districts, one party or the other wins by landslides. Driven by a decades-long geographic sorting that has concentrated Democrats in cities and Republicans in rural areas and reinforced by partisan gerrymandering, this split electoral landscape has fostered a polarized climate that becomes more entrenched with each election.

The heart of the problem is the system of single-winner districts, which give 100 percent of representation to the candidate who earns the most votes and zero percent to everyone else.

Winner-take-all is the electoral software that generates two dominant parties and relegates third parties to playing the role of spoiler and wasting their supporters votes. This leads to the same high-stakes contest every two years between the same two parties, resulting either in domination by one or in divided and paralyzed government by both.

The winners push through as much of their agenda as they can while they hold power. Losing parties often refuse to work with the other side.

In less polarized political times, winner-take-all systems can do a decent job of reflecting public opinion and maintaining democratic stability, but when a nation is deeply divided and large numbers of people fear that they will not be represented at all, the result is an erosion of trust in government and rising extremism and political violence. As the political scientist Barbara F. Walter has observed, a majority of civil wars over the last century appear to have broken out in countries with winner-take-all systems.

No democracy can survive long in the face of this much division and distrust. Its hardly surprising, then, that more than two-thirds of Americans want to see major changes in our political system. Roughly the same proportion wish they had more than two parties to choose from.

Theyre right: Two parties competing in winner-take-all elections cannot reflect the diversity of 335 million Americans.

The Fix

We ended up here not by any conscious choice. The framers of the Constitution never addressed congressional electoral systems. Rather, an election that only one party wins, with a simple plurality, operates as a kind of factory setting for American democracy, one that we have neglected to update, despite radically changed circumstances. As a result, we feel trapped by a system we backed into without thinking much about it.

But what if we arent trapped? Most established democracies already use proportional representation. The switch from winner-take-all to proportional elections has been the most common major electoral system change among democracies in recent decades. Heres how it would work in the United States:

An election in a single-member congressional district Lets take a look at a hypothetical congressional election of the sort were all familiar with  between a Democrat and a Republican. (The percentages throughout this example are presented as even fractions for clarity.) Our current system is winner-take-all, which means that the party with the most votes wins. So in this system, the Democrat is elected. The voters who wanted the Republican candidate dont get a representative who reflects their values in Washington. Now lets look at an election in a larger district with the same vote results, but this time using five representatives elected by proportional representation. Using the same vote share  60 percent for Democrats and 40 percent for Republicans  the district would elect three Democrats and two Republicans. The district has a Democratic majority, yet voters who prefer a Republican still get represented  and in proportion to their share of the voting population.

Thats proportional representation. Voters vote as they do today, but because districts have multiple members rather than single members, it allows several candidates to win seats without a majority of the votes. When the winning threshold goes down, the number of viable parties goes up. So multiple candidates from multiple parties can represent a district, giving millions more Americans the opportunity to vote for a winning candidate, whether that candidate is a Republican or a Democrat or a member of another party.

This brings us closer to the vision of founders like John Adams and James Madison, who both warned against the dangers of two dominant parties (or factions). As Adams wrote in 1776, Congress should be in miniature, an exact portrait of the people at large. It should think, feel, reason and act like them.

What would that look like in 2025? How many parties would there be? To find out, we analyzed data from Nationscape, a large survey that polled hundreds of thousands of Americans on their political preferences. We used those answers to distribute voters among six hypothetical parties.

Source: Nationscape

Offering Americans a choice among multiple parties doesnt just give them a clearer voice in how and by whom they are governed; it also opens up possibilities for new political coalitions, which can in turn lead to the passage of broadly popular legislation. Our politics may seem intractable today, but on issues from gun control to immigration to education reform to A.I. regulation, winning coalitions are hiding in plain sight.

It also works better with bigger legislatures, but the U.S. House has been locked at its current size for more than a century. From the beginning of the House in 1789 until the early 20th century, its membership grew roughly in line with the U.S. population. At the start, there were about 34,000 constituents per representative; by 1911, that number had grown to more than 200,000  much larger than the founders intended but still manageable. Today the average district holds more than 760,000 people, which is far too big for any one representative. As a result, tens of millions of Americans are represented by House members they did not support and in a highly polarized environment that leaves people feeling that they are not represented at all.

The fix for this problem is to expand the membership of the House of Representatives to reflect the size and diversity of the U.S. population in the 2020s rather than the 1920s. According to many political scientists, the optimal total number of members of the House and the Senate combined is equal to the cube root of the nations population. Legislatures in democracies around the world roughly align with this ratio; the U.S. House did, too, until its size was frozen by law at 435. Today the cube-root rule would give us a House with 593 members.

Republican Democratic Republican Democratic Christian Cons. Patriot Growth & Opp. New Populist New Liberal Progressive Christian Cons. Patriot Growth & Opp. New Populist New Liberal Progressive 435 House seats The House of Representatives stands at 435 members today. This is what it could look like with proportional representation and an expanded House.

To see how these reforms would work in practice, consider Massachusetts:

Under the current system Districts have one member and candidates are elected on a winner-take-all basis. Voter Party Affiliation Democrat None Republican 56% 17% 27% Boston Springfield Democrats win 9 seats Republicans win 0 seats Under the current system Districts have one member and candidates are elected on a winner-take-all basis. Voter Party Affiliation Democrat None Republican 56% 17% 27% Boston Springfield Democrats win 9 seats Republicans win 0 seats Under the current system Districts have one member and candidates are elected on a winner-take-all basis. Voter Party Affiliation Democrat None Republican 56% 17% 27% Boston Springfield Democrats win 9 seats Republicans win 0 seats Under proportional representation Districts can have more than one member and winners are decided proportionally. Estimated vote share Prog. New Lib. New Pop. G. & O. Pat. Con. 19% 23% 22% 21% 7% 8% Boston Springfield Progressives win 3 seats New Liberals win 4 seats New Populists win 3 seats Growth and Opportunity wins 3 seats Under proportional representation Districts can have more than one member and winners are decided proportionally. Estimated vote share Prog. New Lib. New Pop. G. & O. Pat. Con. 19% 23% 22% 21% 7% 8% Boston Springfield Progressives win 3 seats New Liberals win 4 seats New Populists win 3 seats Growth and Opportunity wins 3 seats Under proportional representation Districts can have more than one member and winners are decided proportionally. Estimated vote share Estimated vote share Progressive New Liberal New Populist Growth & Opp. Pat. Con. 19% 23% 22% 21% 7% 8% Boston Springfield Progressives win 3 seats New Liberals win 4 seats New Populists win 3 seats Growth and Opportunity wins 3 seats A map showing the congressional districts of Massachusetts, both before and after the introduction of proportional representation. Massachusetts currently has nine seats in the House. All of them are filled by Democrats, even though more than one in three voters cast a ballot for Donald Trump in November. In an expanded House with proportional representation, Massachusetts would have 13 members, divided into three districts of four or five representatives each. Sources: Nationscape; Redistricter

Not only would right-leaning voters in Massachusetts get federal representation, but the candidates they would help elect would most likely differ from right-leaning candidates elected in Florida or Wyoming. The same is true of the states liberals and progressives, who would most likely elect different candidates from those in Texas or Nevada.

If proportional representation was used nationally, it would recreate the ideological diversity that is currently suppressed by the two-party system. To see a picture of how that could play out with multimember House districts, we used Redistricter, a mapping application for analyzing political and demographic data. Heres what it might look like.

How proportional representation would map out nationwide Election winners in an expanded House of Representatives, as determined by mapping political preferences from survey data to multimember districts by ZIP code. Progressive New Liberal New Populist Growth and Opportunity Patriot Christian Conservative Party Seats Progressive 74 New Liberal 120 New Populist 132 Growth and Opportunity 122 Patriot 52 Christian Conservative 93 Sources: Nationscape; Redistricter

The big benefit of proportional representation is that tens of millions more Americans would feel represented in Congress. It would also effectively eliminate partisan gerrymandering and most likely increase representation of racial, ethnic and religious minorities. In all, it would be a better way to run one of the largest and most diverse countries on the planet.

Eight Words

Many Americans believe the two-party system is inherent to the American constitutional design. But the nations framers didnt intend it, nor is it found anywhere in the Constitution. Rather, the shape of the House of Representatives is mandated by a mere eight words of federal law, which requires no district to elect more than one representative  435 districts, 435 members.

The law as it exists today was passed in 1967, to address concerns that white-dominated Southern states would exploit multimember districts to marginalize their Black voters, but versions of it have been in effect since 1842. Before then, states regularly used multimember districts to elect their congressional representatives. None of those multimember districts, however, have ever been proportional. All used a form of bloc voting  a majoritarian system in which voters can support as many candidates as there are seats, making it impossible for minority-supported candidates to win. But under proportional representation, bloc voting is impossible because each voter gets a single vote.

Thats another thing about proportional representation: As a voter, you wouldnt do anything substantially different from what you do now. Youd receive your ballot and pick the candidate you wanted to represent you in Washington. What would be different is that you would have more candidates and parties to choose from, and seats would be awarded in proportion to each partys total vote share in a multiwinner district. The winners could be reported right away. No new voting machines or procedures would be required.

And the law could be changed to allow for proportional representation tomorrow.

by law a number of multimember districts equal to fewer than the number of representatives to which such state is so entitled, and representatives shall be elected proportionally only from districts so established, no district to elect more than one nine representative s  This is the part of the 1967 law that needs to be changed. To allow proportional representation, delete these words. And add these. This is the final text. To account for differences in state size and demographics, the number of representatives per district can vary from state to state, but many political scientists agree that a range of three to nine is ideal.

Can This Actually Happen?

Any big electoral reform raises big questions.

First, if Congress is already dysfunctional with two parties, why would it work better with five or six? The quick answer is that Congress would do what every other multiparty legislature in the world does  build a majority governing coalition out of multiple parties. Party leaders would negotiate to assemble their coalitions and allocate leadership roles and committee posts to reflect the bargains theyve made.

If, for example, the 2026 election were held under proportional representation, the Democratic Party coalition might reorganize into three parties competing separately for seats in Congress  the Progressives, the New Liberals and the New Populist Party. Each party could appeal to different constituencies, including many that currently feel ignored or alienated by the two-party system. By spreading out responsibilities, Congress could operate in a more decentralized, committee-oriented manner, with the House speaker playing a less powerful role. This is how Congress operated in the mid-20th century, a more fluid era.

Elections for the Senate and the presidency would remain as they are. But with a multiparty legislature, we would expect coalitions of multiple parties around the strongest presidential candidates, with cabinet appointments that reflect the winning coalition. This combination has proved durable in many countries.

And contrary to popular belief, we wouldnt have to move to a parliamentary system of government. Most countries with presidential systems use proportional representation to elect their legislatures. The United States is one of only four stable(ish) presidential democracies in the world that use a winner-take-all system to elect their legislature. The other three are Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Would sitting members of Congress ever approve these reforms? Many of them agree that their institution is not working. Interviews with retiring members show just how dysfunctional, chaotic and difficult Congress has become  and why so many representatives now call it quits after a short time in office.

Its not surprising, then, that calls for reform are starting to come from inside the House. In November, Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, Democrat of Washington, and Representative Jared Golden, Democrat of Maine, proposed establishing a select committee to examine electoral reforms, including proportional representation and House expansion; last week they reintroduced it as a top priority in the new Congress. Meanwhile, incumbents who fear losing their jobs should expect to be re-elected under proportional representation, since they would benefit from the advantage of being well known.

A more serious obstacle is the leaders of the two dominant political parties, who are unlikely to support reforms that weaken their power. Then again, party leadership has been described as the worst job in America. And elected leaders do sometimes support significant reforms when voters become so disillusioned that they demand them.

Most of us, politicians and voters alike, have spent our whole lives in this broken system. But imaginations can expand, and conditions that seem unchangeable can change. They often do in a crisis like the one we are living in now. This is a rare moment of openness to reform, combined with and triggered by the dysfunction in American politics. We should seize it.
Videos by Reuters

The Floods This Time: In the Mediterranean, Climate Change Is Already Here

Short, heavy rainfall is typical of the Mediterranean, but like many of the climate extremes in recent years, including the current fires in Los Angeles, nothing is typical about what has been happening there recently.

In the autumn, deadly floods wreaked havoc along an arc from Spain to the Balkans, and from Morocco to Libya. More than 200 people were killed in Valencia in October, not long after a deluge dumped five times the months ordinary rainfall across Europe in a single week.

Scientists say climate change is increasing not just the strength of the Mediterraneans devastating storms but also the frequency  and they predict that it will get only worse.

1961-1980 Precipitation on wettest days 1 25 50 100 120 mm/day AUSTRIA FRANCE Black Sea ITALY SPAIN GREECE TURKEY ALGERIA LIBYA EGYPT 1 25 50 100 120 mm/day Precipitation on wettest days AUSTRIA SWITZ. FRANCE 1961-1980 Black Sea ITALY SPAIN POR. TURKEY GREECE TUNISIA MOROCCO ALGERIA LIBYA EGYPT POLAND CZECH REP. GERMANY SLOVAKIA FRANCE 1961-1980 AUSTRIA SWITZ. Precipitation on wettest days HUNGARY ROMANIA 25 50 100 120 mm/day 1 Black Sea BULGARIA ITALY SPAIN PORTUGAL TURKEY GREECE Atlantic Ocean MOROCCO ALGERIA TUNISIA LIBYA EGYPT 2001-2020 Precipitation on wettest days 1 25 50 100 120 mm/day AUSTRIA FRANCE Black Sea ITALY SPAIN GREECE TURKEY ALGERIA LIBYA EGYPT 1 25 50 100 120 mm/day Precipitation on wettest days AUSTRIA SWITZ. FRANCE 2001-2020 Black Sea ITALY SPAIN POR. TURKEY GREECE TUNISIA MOROCCO ALGERIA LIBYA EGYPT POLAND CZECH REP. GERMANY SLOVAKIA FRANCE 2001-2020 AUSTRIA SWITZ. Precipitation on wettest days HUNGARY ROMANIA 25 50 100 120 mm/day 1 Black Sea BULGARIA ITALY SPAIN PORTUGAL TURKEY GREECE Atlantic Ocean MOROCCO ALGERIA TUNISIA LIBYA EGYPT 2023: Floods in Italy displaced thousands. October: Almost 28 inches of rain fell in 48 hours in southern France. 2023: Slovenia saw the costliest flooding in its history. FRANCE ITALY 2023: A storm broke rainfall records in Greece, then caused floods in Libya that killed 13,200. SPAIN October: Floods killed 223 people in Spain. LIBYA October: Almost 28 inches of rain fell in 48 hours in southern France. 2023: Slovenia saw the costliest flooding in its history. October: Floods and landslides killed 18 in Bosnia and Herzegovina. October: Floods killed 223 people in Spain. 2023: Floods in Italy displaced thousands. 2023: A storm broke rainfall records in Greece, then caused floods in Libya that killed 13,200. September: Heavy rainfall swept across parts of North Africa. 2023: Slovenia saw the costliest flooding in its history. FRANCE October: Almost 28 inches of rain fell in 48 hours in southern France. October: floods and landslides killed 18 in Bosnia and Herzegovina. 2023: Floods in Italy displaced thousands. October: Floods killed 223 people in Spain. ITALY GREECE SPAIN 2023: A storm broke rainfall records in Greece, then caused floods in Libya that killed 13,200. MOROCCO ALGERIA TUNISIA September: Heavy rainfall swept across parts of North Africa. LIBYA EGYPT The coastal areas of the Mediterranean basin have always been prone to extreme precipitation, especially in places where there are mountains near the sea. But its gotten worse. More rain falls now during extreme precipitation events than just decades before. In some areas, disaster is beginning to feel like the new normal. Sources: Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change and the International Disaster Database Note: The map shows daily accumulated precipitation for the 99th percentile (top 1 percent) of recorded wet days for the time period.

The intensity of these extreme precipitation events is likely to increase in the coming decades, said Leone Cavicchia, a scientist at the Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change.

That is partly because the Mediterranean region is already warming 20 percent faster than the global average. And as the temperature of the air rises, so does its capacity to hold water.

Projected Mediterranean Climate Change Air and sea temperatures Mean temperature +6F 5 4 Sea surface temperature 3 2 1 Future projections 0 1 1860 1940 2020 2100 Extreme precipitation +4 mm/day Rainfall on wettest day of the year 2 0 Future projections 2 1860 1940 2020 2100 Projected Mediterranean Climate Change Extreme precipitation Air and sea temperatures Mean temperature +6F +4 mm/day Rainfall on wettest day of the year 5 4 2 Sea surface temperature 3 2 0 1 Future projections Future projections 0 2 1 1860 1940 2020 2100 1860 1940 2020 2100 Source: CMIP6 data via C3S/ECMWF Projections shown come from an intermediate emissions scenario and reflect changes compared to 1850-1900.

Climate models suggest that even as heavy rainfall events in the Mediterranean region intensify, average rainfall will decrease. In other words, dry areas will be drier, but when extreme rains come, they will be more intense.

A geography tailor-made for flash floods

The mountains, closed sea and dry riverbeds around the Mediterranean Sea make the area particularly at risk of flash flooding.

Most waterways in the region are fairly dry for long periods of the year. When heavy rains come, the water quickly concentrates in steep river beds, and can rise several meters in just a few hours, said Francesco Dottori, an associate professor of hydrology at the University School for Advanced Studies in Pavia, Italy.

The mountains that ring much of the Mediterranean Sea can play a role in triggering intense rainfall when they block warm, moist masses of air. As the air rises, it cools and the moisture condenses, creating clouds and rain. Cold air at high altitude Heavy rain Torrents Warm, moist air Warm sea Cold air at high altitude The mountains that ring much of the Mediterranean Sea can play a role in triggering intense rainfall when they block warm, moist masses of air. As the air rises, it cools and the moisture condenses, creating clouds and rain. Heavy rain Torrents Warm, moist air Warm sea

The Mediterranean Sea is warming faster than other bodies of water in part because it is a practically closed sea. That makes it a potent source of moisture that the winds can carry inland, feeding rainfall systems, often over the coastal areas in which much of the Mediterranean population is concentrated.

The strong atmospheric currents of the polar jet stream also play a role in the region's weather. As the currents oscillate, they make north-south waves whose crests send warm air to the north and whose troughs send cold air to the south.

Sometimes, when part of the jet stream breaks away, it forms a low-pressure system known as a cut-off low. That can linger for days, causing instability when it meets the warmer Mediterranean air.

Polar jet stream Dip Cut-off low Polar jet stream Dip Cut-off low

That is what happened in September, when Storm Boris originated as one such low pressure system and went on to cause devastation in Central and Southern Europe, where it killed at least 24 people. It was another cut-off low that caused the flooding soon after in Valencia, where hundreds died. And last year, a cut-off low over Greece unleashed Storm Daniel, which strengthened as it crossed the Mediterranean into Libya, killing 13,200 after two dams burst.

Growing populations mean even more people are at risk

Flood risk areas Areas with a 1 in 50 chance of flooding in a single year FRANCE AUS. HUN. ROM. BULGARIA ITALY SPAIN TURKEY GREECE TUNISIA MOROCCO ALGERIA EGYPT LIBYA Flood risk areas. Areas with a 1 in 50 chance of flooding in a single year. SLOVAKIA Vienna AUSTRIA SWITZ. HUNGARY ROMANIA FRANCE Venice Bucharest Bologna Pisa Black Sea Florence Montpellier BULGARIA ITALY POR. Valencia SPAIN Thessaloniki Lisbon TURKEY Seville Izmir Tunis Algiers GREECE ALGERIA TUNISIA Tripoli MOROCCO LIBYA EGYPT Bratislava SLOVAKIA Vienna Flood risk areas AUSTRIA SWITZ. HUNGARY Areas with a 1 in 50 chance of flooding in a single year. FRANCE ROMANIA Venice Bucharest Bologna Pisa Black Sea Florence Montpellier BULGARIA ITALY PORTUGAL Valencia SPAIN Thessaloniki Lisbon TURKEY Seville Izmir Tunis Algiers GREECE Atlantic Ocean SYRIA ALGERIA TUNISIA LEBANON Tripoli ISRAEL MOROCCO LIBYA EGYPT Sources: European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC)

Over recent decades, most coastal and floodplain areas in the Mediterranean region have also become densely urbanized, leaving little space for waterways. Those changes dont just amplify the risk of flooding  they also put more people in harms way.

Floods have become generally less deadly thanks to the improvements in flood protection structures and early warning systems. But more homes and properties are being hit because of urban development and population growth, said Mr. Dottori, who helped develop the European Flood Awareness System.

The population of Mediterranean countries has more than doubled since the 1960s. Today, about 250 million people in Mediterranean countries reside in river basins, where flooding is more likely.
Burson Group has signed on to provide as-needed US communications support to Gulf Hill & Knowlton on behalf of its client Riyadh Air, which is owned by Saudi Arabias Public Investment Fund.

Crown prince Mohammad bin Salman announced the creation of Riyadh Air in March 2023. It will be Saudi Arabias second national carrier after its flagship Saudia Air.

The new airline is part of the crown princes Vision 2030 transformation scheme. It aims to take on the regions dominant airline, Emirates of the United Arab Emirates.

Flying out of King Khalid International Airport, which is 22 miles from the Kingdoms capital, Riyadh Air will boast the globes most modern fleet (60 Airbus A321s and 40 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners).

Tony Douglas, former CEO of the UAEs Etihad Airways, will helm Riyadh Air.

The plan calls for Riyadh Air to launch its maiden commercial flight this year and have a network of 100 destinations in place by 2030.

Riyadh Air has signed a future flight codesharing agreement with Delta Air Lines, and aligned customer service and frequent-flier programs with the US airline.

Marvin Singleton, executive VP and US head of the mobility + transportation practice in Bursons Dallas office, spearheads the Riyadh Air effort.

Catherine Masri, senior A/E, and Briana Herrington, A/E, round out the team.
A womans actions were branded despicable as she was banned from driving for parking in a hospital disabled space in Laois.

Brigid Ann McInerney (65) of New Road, Portlaoise was found guilty of parking in a disabled space at Dublin Road, Kilminchy, Portlaoise on July 9, 2024.

Detective Garda JP OBrien said he was on an armed escort to the hospital on the date in question and noticed a number of disabled spaces taken up by cars. He said he gave her an hour and a half to move but she didnt.

Judge Andrew Cody said the parking spaces are for the elderly and vulnerable in society.

Nowhere is it more important than at the entrance to a hospital, said Judge Cody.

He described the incident as "absolutely despicable as he handed down a six month driving ban and fined the woman 750.

The defendant was not in attendance at the sitting of Portlaoise District Court.
As part of an operation targeting an Organised Crime Group (OCG) suspected of being involved in commercial and domestic burglaries and the theft of high value vehicles, An Garda Siochana conducted searches in Limerick City on Monday, January 13.

The value of property stolen from victims by the OCG over the past twelve months is believed to be substantial.

During searches of a number of residences in the city, Gardai arrested a man and have seized suspected cannabis with an approximate value of 6,500 along with a sum of cash.

READ MORE: Gardai rush onto flight diverted to Dublin Airport amid worrying reports from pilot

The drugs seized are now subject to analysis by Forensic Science Ireland.

The operation was led by the Garda Clare/Tipperary Division supported by members from Galway and Limerick, the regional Armed Support Unit as well as the Garda Dog Unit.

A man aged in his thirties was arrested in connection with the investigation and is currently detained under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007 at a Garda Station in Co. Clare.

The investigation remains ongoing.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. The fourth International Media Forum of Saudi Arabia will be held in Riyadh from February 19 through February 21, Trend reports.

According to the information, the main focus will be on global media challenges and opportunities to adequately respond to them, as well as the modern media economy. This will involve analyzing the dynamics of the media economy in the developed digital environment and developing strategies for growth and sustainable development.

The event will also discuss ways to forecast the future of the media landscape and the role of creative talent in transforming the sector.

Moreover, the forum will include the Middle East's largest media exhibition, the Future of Media Expo (FOMEX), where the world's major media and technology companies will showcase their innovations. Last year, about 200 companies from 30 countries participated in the exhibition.

The forum will also feature the presentation of the Saudi Arabia Media Forum Award. Those who have distinguished themselves in creating media content will receive this award.

To note, more than 80 panel sessions were held within the framework of the third media forum, which was attended by the heads and delegates of more than 200 organizations and 2,000 speakers, as well as representatives of the mass media. The number of visitors to the exhibition amounted to over 32,000 people.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
The Irish Film & Television Academy (IFTA) has proudly announced the nominations for the 2025 IFTA Awards, honouring exceptional achievements in Film and Drama across 29 categories.

Award winners will be announced at the 22nd anniversary IFTA Awards Ceremony taking place on Friday, February 14, 2025 at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre.

This prestigious event, according to IFTA, will welcome Irish and international industry luminaries, celebrating artistic and technical brilliance while spotlighting the profound impact of Irish filmmaking craft and storytelling both domestically and globally.

This year, iconic actor Colm Meaney, best known for playing Miles O'Brien in Star Trek, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his extraordinary contributions to cinema and television.

READ NEXT: Teenager who died in Achill road accident is named locally



Academy CEO, Aine Moriarty said: The 2025 Nominees shortlisted for Irish Academy Awards this year, is an incredible showcase of work that reinforces the fact that Irish talent is now amongst the best in the world, delivering such high standards of filmmaking, storytelling and performances that resonate with audiences worldwide. The Irish Academy is proud to showcase their great work and reward their achievements. Congratulations to all the Nominees - so well deserved!

Each of these nominees represent the incredible calibre of artistry, skill and talent that exists across the Irish screen industry.



Our sincere congratulations to all the nominees for the 2025 @IFTA Awards. #ForTheStorymakershttps://t.co/TncAa9EAHi  Screen Ireland (@ScreenIreland) January 14, 2025

Cillian Murphy, Paul Mescal and Kneecap are among the nominees across 29 categories for the 2025 IFTA awards.



See below for the full list of Irish actors nominated

Peter Coonan (King Frankie)

Paul Mescal (Gladiator II)

Cillian Murphy (Small Things Like These)

Kneecap: J.J. O Dochartaigh, Liam Og O hAnnaidh and Naoise O Caireallain

Jessie Buckley (Wicked Little Letters)

Hazel Doupe (Kathleen Is Here)

Saoirse Ronan (The Outrun)

Eileen Walsh (Small Things Like These)

Alisha Weir (Abigail)

Anthony Boyle (Say Nothing)

Colin Farrell (The Penguin)

Michael Fassbender (The Agency)

Ciaran Hinds (The Dry)

Andrew Scott (Ripley)

Aidan Turner (Rivals)



Elaine Cassidy (Sanctuary)

Nicola Coughlan (Bridgerton)

Siobhan Cullen (Bodkin)

Roisin Gallagher (The Dry)

Sharon Horgan (Bad Sisters)

Lola Petticrew (Say Nothing)

Films nominated in the Best Film category:

Kathleen Is Here

King Frankie

Kneecap

Small Things Like These

Spilt Milk

The Apprentice

For the full list of IFTA 2025 nominations go to: IFTA.ie
A deal has been reached to form Irelands next government, after an agreement was finalised between Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and the Regional Independent Group.

It now paves the way to the formation of the countrys next government.

As the draft Programme for Government is finalised, it has been confirmed that two Independent TDs have been given two super junior ministerial roles.

The negotiating teams in Fianna Fail and Fine Gael have ended their discussions with the group, with the hope of having a draft Programme for Government document ready for publication soon.

Talks between the two parties and the Regional Independent Group, led by Tipperary North TD Michael Lowry, entered its final stages on Tuesday.

The Regional Independent group, which has seven members, has been given two super junior ministerial roles, meaning that two of its members will have a seat at the Cabinet table.

The roles will be allocated to Galway East TD Sean Canney and Noel Grealish, TD for Galway West.

Mr Canney told RTE that not achieving senior ministerial roles would not diminish the influence the independent TDs would have.

He said: What we wanted to do was to make sure we had strong representation within the Cabinet.

When decisions are made, we will have access to Cabinet and we will be involved in participating fully in Cabinet. We will be doing that.

The fact that we are super junior ministers, as opposed to senior ministers, doesnt diminish the influence we will have.

Having two people in there working with Fianna Fail and Fine Gael is a great advantage.

Secondly, we have inputted a lot into the Programme for Government, which we have now concluded and which will be ratified hopefully over the weekend.

I think it is important that we have that say and we have that back-up of one another to remind our colleagues that the Programme for Government is what we have set out and we need to work together to produce the goods for the people over the next five years.

Marian Harkin, TD for Sligo-Leitrim and TD for Longford-Westmeath Kevin Boxer Moran will hold the junior ministerial roles.

Talks with brothers, Michael Healy-Rae and Danny Healy-Rae, are still ongoing.

Once finished, the text of the Programme for Government will then have to be ratified by Fianna Fail and Fine Gael members.

The Fianna Fail parliamentary party will hold a meeting on Wednesday to discuss the document, which is expected to be published some hours before it takes place.

The Fine Gael parliamentary party will also meet to examine the contents of the document.

Both parties will then have to put the draft version of the Programme for Government to members for vote. Fianna Fail will hold a conference this weekend to debate and vote on the contents.

Fine Gael will hold a series of regional meetings over the coming days.

It means that the parties are set to have everything agreed and finalised before the return of the Dail on January 22.

Earlier this week, a Sunday Independent Ireland Thinks poll showed that most respondents were at least somewhat satisfied with a Government consisting of Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and regional independents.

Twenty-three percent were very satisfied, 32% were somewhat satisfied, 15% were somewhat unsatisfied while 29% were very unsatisfied with that composition.

The leaders of Fianna Fail and Fine Gael have faced criticism for engaging in government talks with Mr Lowry, who was heavily criticised in a judge-led inquiry examining payments to politicians.

The 70-year-old was criticised in a tribunal that was established in September 1997, which examined payments to former Irish premier Charles Haughey and Mr Lowry.

The tribunals final report was published in March 2011 and found that Mr Lowry, a former Fine Gael TD, helped businessman Denis OBrien secure the States second mobile phone licence in 1995.

The tribunal also criticised his behaviour as profoundly corrupt.

Most respondents to the Sunday poll said Fianna Fail and Fine Gael should not be dealing with the independent TD.

Taoiseach Simon Harris and Tanaiste Micheal Martin both refused to say whether they consider Mr Lowry to be trustworthy.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan has been invited to pay an official visit to Russia, Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation, Sergey Lavrov, said at a press conference on the results of the countrys diplomatic activities in 2024, Trend reports.

"Our dialogue with Armenia continues. Ararat Mirzoyan has been invited to the Russian Federation. He has accepted the invitation, and we are expecting him. I hope the visit will take place soon," Lavrov added.

Will be updated
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. The Board of Directors of the Russian LUKOIL Public Joint Stock Company has decided to terminate the powers of Vadim Vorobyov, the company's former Chief Executive Officer, Trend reports, citing the company's statement.

In a separate decision, Sergey Kochkurov has been appointed as the new CEO of LUKOIL.

Notably, Vorobyov had been leading LUKOIL since the end of May 2022. Last week, he was added to the sanctions list of the US Department of the Treasury.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, January 14. The Armenian government should address its issues with neighboring countries rather than seeking support from the European Union (EU) and the US, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at a press conference on the results of the countrys diplomatic activities in 2024, held in Moscow today, Trend reports.

We will inevitably reach the point where, as currently discussed by Russia, Azerbaijan, Turkiye, and Iran, the countries in the region must resolve their problems with their immediate neighbors, the minister said in response to a question about how Armenia's rapprochement with the West might affect regional security.

The Russian foreign minister added that he does not see issues with Armenia's contacts with Western countries and the EU.

"However, when countries far removed from our territory, traditions, and understanding of history in its non-colonial context claim that the EU mission will ensure security in the Syunik region, for example, I dont quite understand that," Lavrov concluded.
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poster for A Real Pain (2024)

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Aside from death, pain is the great leveller in people's lives. Shakespeare referred to la petite mort of sexual intercourse as a state as close to the heaven on earth that most of us are likely to reach. Pain is death's orgasm; and, people will do or say anything to stop it when being tortured. Ecstasy and agony live at the extreme borders of our banal being in the world. But maybe worse than the banality we quietly suffer through, we can slip into that solitary malaise that numbs us and our senses to the events, big and small, unfolding before us.

Big events happen and we tell ourselves Never Again. The first born Cain kills Abel and is exiled, our backs turned to him. The Bombs drop on the Japs, atom and hydrogen, and, 'become as Gods' and awed at our own power, we promise to do our best to never use them again and build a security apparatus to ensure that the Bad Guys don't steal our secret. We come across the depravity of human suffering and misery exemplified by the Holocaust and the death camps and afform with all our might we mustn't ever let it happen again. But we do let it happen again. We will forget even the worst atrocities. These days we call it empathy fatigue, but it's a solid part of the human story, barely improved upon, going back, in the West to our origins in the Fall, and the establishment of pain in labor as the price of giving birth.

Well, this we all know, and have visited this museum of human flaws many times. Who isn't tired of the reification and/or relativizing of our species' misery? I was thinking of all this as I began watching A Real Pain (2024), a Holocaust comedy, starring Jesse Eisenberg, as David Kaplan, and Kieran Culkin, as Benji Kaplan. The film is written and directed by Eisenberg. The once-close, now distant, cousins reunite at JFK airport to go on a trip to Poland to visit the childhood home of their late grandmother and to connect with their Jewish heritage. The pair go on an expenses-paid Nazi German Holocaust tour by train through the beautiful countryside of Poland.

Culkin's Benji is the same fractured, thoughtfully sad, but spontaneous, character he is as Roman Roy in the HBO series, Succession ((2018-2023). Eisenberg's David is a quiet, far cry from the dynamic smarty pants Mark Zuckerberg that he plays in The Social Network (2010); here is an online ad salesman. Early on, Benji has a go at David's line of work: "That's cool, that's cool - you're like making the world go round. It's not your fault, you're just part of a fucked up system." The successful, conservative family man is thrown off by Benji's disaffection with the System, but also enthralled by his charisma that plays somewhat like Hamlet's antic/melancholy disposition. Benji has attempted suicide in the past, which led to their alienation from each other, as David couldn't hack Benji's sadness and they stopped calling each other. Still, the two are gentle with each other. Two Jews on The Pilgrimage.

When the two meet up at JFK to begin their trip, Benji has already been there for several hours. He is bearing a huge backpack, as if carrying his world with him, while David has just enough luggage for the trip. When a surprised David inquires about Benji's presence at JFK so long before the flight, he comes back with hw it's a great way to meet new people:

You meet the craziest people here. I met this guy Kelvin who was from Brunei. f*cking Brunei! I never met anyone from Brunei. Dude was telling me all about his business, I think he's actually an arms dealer but he seemed totally at peace with the whole thing.

This sounds to me like vintage Woody Allen shtick. Benji seems like he would be fun to be around. Dry, but not sardonic.

The Holocaust Tour group travels by train. This irony is not lost on the pair, although the group seems blithely past the historical significance of the mode of transport. Only Benji picks up on the connection to cattle cars. This seems to be one of the points of the film; to show how the most evil pain can lose its luster and mothball in the museumization of its artifactual interest. In planning and writing the film, Eisenberg told Conde Nat Traveller that he didn't want to just write another Holocaust film:

I wanted the portrayal of Poland in general to feel beautiful and dynamic and colorful and all the things that I feel when I'm there. I feel it's too often depicted as bleak, fetishizing its Eastern European Soviet communist history and fetishizing the horrors of the war.

The viewer somewhat anticipates that the trip will end at a death camp and we will be cued to sob for the horror caused by Nazi pain merchants, but when they finally arrive at Majdanek, after stops in Warsaw and Lublin, there is no grand panoramic view or even many details presented in the film: a box of shoes fills in for the metaphors required: we know where the shoes came from and what happened to their wearers. It's a minimalistic pilgrimage, pain-wise.

The tour group is led by James, a non-Jew from England, who is Oxford-trained and knowledgeable about the Holocaust. A real nice guy. And he exudes good intentions, and remorse from the heart for all of us, and is not someone who will forget the atrocities of World War II. The group includes Mark and Diane, two recently retired Jews with roots in Poland and France; Marcia, whose mother was a survivor of the camps; Eloge, a sweet Rwandan, recently converted to Judaism; and, the Kaplan cousines. As the group shares introductions, James tells them:

I am obsessed with this part of the world and, in particular, the Jewish experience, which is fascinating and tragic and beautiful. I'm usually the only non-Jew on these trips, so please feel free to correct me on anything that feels inauthentic to you or your family's experience.

Wonderful chap, well-spoken, but also a little on the ChatGPT side; maybe a little too polished. He brings them first to the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising Memorial, because he wants the group to first understand that many Jews heroically fought back against the Nazis and didn't just go gentle into Elie Wiesel's Night. James says, with feeling:

This is going to be a tour about pain, of course. Pain and suffering and loss, to be sure, but it must also be a tour that celebrates a people. A most resilient people.

Who in the cinema can say they are not choked up? Except maybe the bevy of fascists, a couple of rows down to the right, who breath like panting dogs. But that might have been the acid. I watched a film called Invasion of the Body Snatchers once and could have sworn there was a scene where a dog shows up with a human head. Goddamn, the pusher man.

The tour is going well enough; folks are free and easy, pose for snaps for Instagram and the like. But it strikes Benji as lacking emotional authenticity. In the graveyard at Lublin he complains to James, "I mean, you know your sh*t, don't get me wrong"But it's just like, the constant barrage of stats is kinda making this trip a little cold, you know?" David is horrified at this breach in etiquette. Benji continues, "Don't take this the wrong way or anything, but we've just been going from one touristy thing to another, not meeting anyone who's actually Polish." James is apologetic. The group, having been broken in by Benji's charm, is okay with Benji's outburst and his need for authenticity.

Benji is playful and spontaneous and, for David, scary. David can't relate to Benji's impulsiveness, especially around the idea of suicide. Benji sneaks marijuana past the TSA inspector at the airport, chatting her up with his charm, while David fears they will be stopped and arrested. In a hotel in Poland, Benjo wants to smoke a doobie on the roof and breaks through an alarmed door to get to the staircase (the alarm's not working). And on a train, he leads them past a ticket inspector and they hide in first class. Benji would have enjoyed Abbie's street theatre antics and definitely would have stolen Steal This Book. David would have bought the book.

The film reminds one that emotional truth is not only a valuable mode with which to perceive historical narratives and experiences, it's the only way. The information that James provides is impressive but hollow, and, as Benji points out, eventually overwhelming with its factoidiness. One needs to be there, rather than tour there and take snaps. It's a balancing act absorbing all the horror of the camps, and reflecting on the Jewish experience and how influential it has been in the West by way of the three Abrahamic religions (Je suis juif, brother), and becoming overwhelmed and deadened by images in our head from Shoah or other footage of bulldozers pushing naked human bodies into mass graves. There is only so much one can take. And now that you see the writing on the wall for the species".

This take on the Jewish experience also amplifies the holocaust taking place in Palestine right now. The ironies -- or, maybe worse, the introjection of the cruelties meted out to Jews now resurfacing as payback. Isn't Gaza like the ghetto? Isn't the Promised Land for all the Judaics -- be they Jewish, Christian, or Islamic? WTF?

Chopin and other classical composers feature throughout the film. It made me nostalgic and feeling neglectful of my piano music listening years. It reminded me that it has been ages since I sat down and listened to Chopin's ballades, e'tudes, nocturnes, preludes, and waltzes. I used to love this stuff. I tried to get back into Schumann's Fantasiestucke, Op. 12 a few years ago -- I just love the stuff -- but I was listening through YouTube and the f*ckers placed ads between each song. Isn't that a kick in the head? David might be the kind of guy messing up my mental coif with ads.

A Real Pain is a reminder to seek out sensory authenticity and to get off the grid of farm fed emotions. In the end, David slaps Benji in the face, as if to say, wake up. But Benji's the woke one. David apologizes and they hug. David offers to drive him home, but Benji stays behind at JFK with his massive backpack, presumably meeting new people. Coming and going.
This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.com. To receive TomDispatch in your inbox three times a week, click here.

Almost 80 years later, it's sadly all too easy to forget that two nuclear weapons were once used with devastating effect on this planet. Here's just a small description by one survivor of the atomic destruction of the Japanese city of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, that can be found in the book Unforgettable Fire: Pictures Drawn by Atomic Bomb Survivors: "Most of the A-Bomb survivors were burned all over their bodies. They were not only naked, but also their skin came off. They were wandering around looking for their parents, husbands, wives, and children in the city of Hiroshima which had been reduced to ashes."

Only recently, one of the dwindling group of survivors of that American bombing, Shigeko Sasamori, died. She had been a child of 13 when her city was blown to smithereens and, though unlike so many of her compatriots, she lived to tell the tale, one-third of her body was severely burned. Unbelievably enough, she would be one of the 25 "Hiroshima maidens," all disfigured by the first atomic bombing on this planet, chosen to receive medical help a decade later in New York City. Her death, as the New York Times reported in an obituary, came only "two months after the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, a grass-roots Japanese organization of atomic bomb survivors, for its efforts to rid the world of nuclear weapons."

Unfortunately, as TomDispatch regular William Hartung reminds us today, global nuclear arsenals, including the American one, continue to grow and now hold weapons that make the bombs that devastated Hiroshima and Nagasaki seem more like BBs. To take just the three leading nuclear powers, the U.S., Russia, and China, each could, unaided, turn this planet (and undoubtedly several more like it) into giant graveyards.

While it's true that, since Nagasaki was destroyed on August 9, 1945, no nuclear weapon has ever again been used in war, there are now believed to be more than 12,000 nuclear warheads on this planet. Nine countries possess them and, in a significant nuclear conflict, the Earth could be thrown into a state of "nuclear winter" in which billions of us could die of starvation, and yet, as Hartung makes all too vividly clear today, the vast U.S. nuclear arsenal is still in the process of being expanded (the term, hideously enough, is "modernized") to the tune of perhaps $1.7 trillion to $2 trillion in the coming decades. Let him explain. Tom

Angling Toward Armageddon

The Return of Senator Strangelove

By William D. Hartung

A primary responsibility of the government is, of course, to keep us safe. Given that obligation, you might think that the Washington establishment would be hard at work trying to prevent the ultimate catastrophe -- a nuclear war. But you would be wrong.

A small, hardworking contingent of elected officials is indeed trying to roll back the nuclear arms race and make it harder for such world-ending weaponry ever to be used again, including stalwarts like Senator Ed Markey (D-MA), Representative John Garamendi (D-CA), and other members of the Congressional Nuclear Weapons and Arms Control Working Group. But they face ever stiffer headwinds from a resurgent network of nuclear hawks who want to build more kinds of nuclear weapons and ever more of them. And mind you, that would all be in addition to the Pentagon's current plans for spending up to $2 trillion over the next three decades to create a whole new generation of nuclear weapons, stoking a dangerous new nuclear arms race.

There are many drivers of this push for a larger, more dangerous arsenal -- from the misguided notion that more nuclear weapons will make us safer to an entrenched network of companies, governmental institutions, members of Congress, and policy pundits who will profit (directly or indirectly) from an accelerated nuclear arms race. One indicator of the current state of affairs is the resurgence of former Arizona Senator Jon Kyl, who spent 18 years in Congress opposing even the most modest efforts to control nuclear weapons before he went on to work as a lobbyist and policy advocate for the nuclear weapons complex.

His continuing prominence in debates over nuclear policy -- evidenced most recently by his position as vice-chair of a congressionally-appointed commission that sought to legitimize an across-the-board nuclear buildup -- is a testament to our historical amnesia about the risks posed by nuclear weapons.

Senator Strangelove

Republican Jon Kyl was elected to the Senate from Arizona in 1995 and served in that body until 2013, plus a brief stint in late 2018 to fill out the term of the late Senator John McCain.

One of Kyl's signature accomplishments in his early years in office was his role in lobbying fellow Republican senators to vote against ratifying the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), which went down to a 51 to 48 Senate defeat in October 1999. That treaty banned explosive nuclear testing and included monitoring and verification procedures meant to ensure that its members met their obligations. Had it been widely adopted, it might have slowed the spread of nuclear weapons, now possessed by nine countries, and prevented a return to the days when aboveground testing spread cancer-causing radiation to downwind communities.

The defeat of the CTBT marked the beginning of a decades-long process of dismantling the global nuclear arms control system, launched by the December 2001 withdrawal of President George W. Bush's administration from the Nixon-era Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) treaty. That treaty was designed to prevent a "defense-offense" nuclear arms race in which one side's pursuit of anti-missile defenses sparks the other side to build more -- and ever more capable -- nuclear-armed missiles. James Acton of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace called the withdrawal from the ABM Treaty an "epic mistake" that fueled a new nuclear arms race. Kyl argued otherwise, claiming the withdrawal removed "a straightjacket from our national security."

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ONYX Oslo, the distinguished Norwegian jewelry retailer, today announced a significant expansion of its digital presence, highlighting its comprehensive collection of Scandinavian fine jewelry (https://onyxoslo.com/en-intl) across multiple markets. The expansion focuses particularly on the company's signature collections, including their acclaimed Diamant Smykker (https://onyxoslo.com/collections/diamant-smykker) line, which showcases exceptional craftsmanship in diamond jewelry design. The collection represents a perfect blend of Norwegian minimalism and luxury, appealing to discerning customers across Scandinavia and beyond. "Our 
DEAR PEOPLES PHARMACY: Our 16-year-old son has been on venlafaxine for six months for depression. Now the doctor wants to change him to fluoxetine.

The first time the doctor took my son off venlafaxine, he put him on half the dose for three days and told him to spend a week on nothing before starting fluoxetine.

Going off the drug gave my son terrible side effects, so he went back on it. Now, we are ready to try again.

This time, the doctor told him to take half a dose for three days and on the third day add the fluoxetine. My son is having very bad head rushes and is exceedingly irritable.

Does this approach make sense?

A. Venlafaxine (Effexor) is a short-acting antidepressant, which can make it challenging to discontinue. A three-day taper might not be long enough. We have heard from hundreds of readers who have had tremendous difficulty discontinuing such antidepressants. You can learn more about this problem and some possible solutions to antidepressant tapering in our eGuide to Dealing with Depression. This online resource can be found under the Health eGuides tab at www. PeoplesPharmacy.com.

Q. A couple of months ago, I read your article about someone who had success using Polysporin to treat toenail fungus. Ive battled the fungus for 30 years with just about everything I could imagine.

After a month of Polysporin application, my rotten toenails were gone. Now, my big toenails are about halfgrown and are clear. All the other nails are also clear, with no sign of infection.

I wouldnt have believed it if I hadnt done it myself.

A. Polysporin is an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment containing bacitracin and polymyxin B. Most health professionals would not expect an antibiotic to treat a fungal infection. However, some toenail infections are actually due to bacteria (Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, March 1, 2021). In such a case, the antibiotic ointment could be helpful. Without DNA analysis of the pathogen, it is hard to determine the cause of a toenail infection.

Were glad this OTC antibiotic worked so well for you.

* * *

In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of King Features, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803, or email them via their website: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com. Their newest book is Top Screwups Doctors Make and How to Avoid Them.  2025 King Features Syndicate, Inc.
The Biden administration is proposing a new framework for the exporting of the advanced computer chips used to develop artificial intelligence, an attempt to balance national security concerns about the technology with the economic interests of producers and other countries.

But the framework proposed Monday also raised concerns of chip industry executives as well as officials from the European Union over export restrictions that would affect 120 countries. Mexico, Portugal, Israel and Switzerland are among the nations that could have limited access to chips needed for AI data centers and products, though much of the underlying focus is aimed at China.

If its China and not the United States determining the future of AI on the planet, I think that the stakes of that are just profound, said White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan on Monday.

With just a week before President-elect Donald Trump takes office, Biden officials made clear it would be up to Trump to follow through with or drop an approach that Sullivan said shouldnt be a partisan issue at all.

Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said that its critical to preserve Americas leadership in AI and the development of AI-related computer chips. Fast-evolving AI technology enables computers to produce novels, make scientific research breakthroughs, automate driving and foster a range of other transformations that could reshape economies and warfare.

Raimondo said the framework is designed to safeguard the most advanced AI technology and ensure that it stays out of the hands of our foreign adversaries but also enabling the broad diffusion and sharing of the benefits with partner countries.

While the Biden administration had already restricted exports to adversaries such as China and Russia, some of those controls had loopholes and the new rule would set limits on a much broader group of countries. Data centers built in the Middle East and Southeast Asia are of particular concern to U.S. officials, said Ed Mills, an analyst at Raymond James.

Chinese companies have used those data centers to build AI models with technology that they would not be able to import to China itself, Mills said.

A tech industry group, the Information Technology Industry Council, warned Raimondo in a letter last week that a hastily implemented new rule from the Democratic administration could fragment global supply chains and put U.S. companies at a disadvantage. Another group, the Semiconductor Industry Association, said Monday it was disappointed that the policy was being rushed out the door before a presidential transition.

The new rule risks causing unintended and lasting damage to Americas economy and global competitiveness in semiconductors and AI by ceding strategic markets to our competitors, said SIA President and CEO John Neuffer.

One industry executive, who is familiar with the framework and insisted on anonymity to discuss it, said the proposed restrictions would limit access to chips already used for video games, despite claims made otherwise by the government. The executive said it would also limit which companies could build data centers abroad.

Among those expected to be affected was the China-based data center developer GDS Holdings. Its stock dropped more than 18% Monday.

Because the framework includes a 120-day comment period, the incoming Republican administration could ultimately determine the rules for the sales abroad of advanced computer chips designed mostly by California companies like Nvidia and AMD.

Government officials said they felt the need to act quickly in hopes of preserving what is perceived to be Americas six- to 18-month advantage on AI over rivals such as China, a head start that could easily erode if competitors were able to stockpile the chips and make further gains.

Ned Finkle, vice president of external affairs at Nvidia, said in a statement that the prior Trump administration had helped create the foundation for AIs development and that the proposed framework would hurt innovation without achieving the stated national security goals.

While cloaked in the guise of an anti-China measure, these rules would do nothing to enhance U.S. security, he said. The new rules would control technology worldwide, including technology that is already widely available in mainstream gaming PCs and consumer hardware.

Under the framework, roughly 20 key allies and partners would face no restrictions on accessing chips, but other countries would face caps on the chips they could import, according to a fact sheet provided by the White House.

The allies without restrictions include Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. But the limits to other countries within the European Union raised objections from EU officials Monday who said selling advanced AI chips to EU members represents an economic opportunity for the U.S. and not a security risk.

Sullivan stressed that the framework would ensure that the most cutting-edge aspects of AI would be developed within the United States and with its closest allies, instead of possibly getting offshored such as the battery and renewable energy sectors.

Users outside of these close allies could purchase up to 50,000 graphics processing units per country. There would also be government-to-government deals which could bump up the cap to 100,000 if their renewable energy and technological security goals are aligned with the United States.

Institutions in certain countries could also apply for a legal status that would let them purchase up to 320,000 advanced graphics processing units over two years. Still, there would be limits as to how much AI computational capacity could be placed abroad by companies and other institutions.

Also, computer chip orders equivalent to 1,700 advanced graphics processing units would not need a license to import or count against the national chip cap, among the other standards set by the framework. The exception for the 1,700 graphics processing units would likely help to meet the orders for universities and medical institutions, as opposed to data centers.

The new rules are not expected to hinder the AI-driven data center expansion plans of leading cloud computing providers such as Amazon, Google and Microsoft because of exemptions for trusted companies seeking large clusters of advanced AI chips.

Were confident we can comply fully with this rules high security standards and meet the technology needs of countries and customers around the world that rely on us, said Brad Smith, Microsofts president, in a statement Monday.

Microsoft drew bipartisan scrutiny last year after it announced a $1.5 billion investment in a technology firm based in the United Arab Emirates and overseen by the countrys powerful national security adviser.

Biden leaving the ultimate decision to Trump will force the incoming administration to clarify how tough it will be in countering Chinas AI ambitions.

While some Trump allies such as U.S. Sen Ted Cruz have already criticized the Biden approach as heavy-handed, Mills said it fits into a broader U.S.-China trade policy that Trump himself began eight years ago.

This really started under Trump, continued under Biden, and the Biden team advanced a lot of things, but they werent quite done with some stuff, Mills said. It seems as if theyve dropped a hot potato into the Trump administrations lap and almost dared them to walk it back.

-- Josh Boak and Matt OBrien, The Associated Press
Two Portland men were arrested after leading Washington County Sheriffs deputies on a chase through residential backyards in a stolen vehicle early Tuesday morning, according to the sheriffs office.

Deputies responded to reports of a suspicious vehicle near Southwest Elderbrook Place, where two men were allegedly seen checking car door handles with flashlights. After deputies approached the men near Southwest Spring Crest Drive and 95th Avenue, the suspects fled in a stolen 2018 Chrysler Pacifica, drove through residential backyards and crashed into a ditch, deputies said.

The driver, Westly Deitas, 32, faces multiple charges, including unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, reckless driving and fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer. The passenger, Heamasi Mohulamu, 30, faces charges of possession of a stolen vehicle, felon in possession of a weapon and possession of a controlled substance.

Deitas faces additional charges in connection with separate 2024 incidents. In one, hes accused of having a weapon unlawfully. In a second, Portland police say he stole a truck, drove it up to 90 mph, crashed into a Saab and tried to run away. Inside the stolen truck, police said they found a gun in the style of an AR-15.

Mohulamus record includes a felony robbery convictions in 2013. In October, Portland police accused him of fleeing an officer who suspected him of drug use, hiding in a public bathroom and disposing of pills.

Deputies found a firearm in the stolen vehicle and are asking residents in the West Haven area to report any additional thefts from Tuesday to 503-629-0111.

 Chiara Profenna covers religion, faith and cultural connections. Reach her at 503-221-4327; cprofenna@oregonian.com or @chiaraprofenna.
Last fall, then-Portland Commissioner Rene Gonzalez promised to restore the citys pride by enacting meaningful penalties against graffiti vandals whose spray-painted scribbles marred countless buildings, street signs and overpasses.

Unfortunately, the current lack of consequences for these perpetrators has emboldened them, Gonzalez said on social media.

Last month, Gonzalezs tough-on-crime proposal  which would have slapped taggers with a new misdemeanor offense and a minimum sentence of seven days in jail or 50 hours of community service  failed to come to a vote before Gonzalez left office.

It was never clear if Gonzalezs proposal  which came during his unsuccessful bid to be Portlands mayor  would have worked as intended. Grant Hartley, a lawyer with Metropolitan Public Defender, said Portland didnt need a new criminal penalty on the books. Few graffiti cases reach prosecution because the cases are difficult to investigate, not because district attorneys lack charging options, Hartley said.

Graffiti is something that generally happens in the middle of the night, he said. It happens very quickly. Its discreet.

Due to limited jail space in Multnomah County, Sheriff Nicole Morrisey ODonnell has looked skeptically at city leaders efforts to book low-level offenders, such as people who violate Portlands anti-camping ordinance. And Oregons ongoing public defense crisis means it would be difficult to find attorneys for graffiti vandals, Multnomah County Presiding Judge Judith Matarazzo said last fall.

Newly elected District Attorney Nathan Vasquez said Monday his office will continue to prosecute taggers police catch. State law delineates several criminal charges that he may pursue against taggers, including the unlawful possession of graffiti implements and criminal mischief.

Im sad that this isnt going forward, Vasquez said through a spokesperson. However, it isnt going to change this offices approach to holding people who break the law accountable. We continue to have multiple options available to us to hold individuals accountable for this criminal behavior.

Ken Thrasher, who lives in the Pearl District and serves as board chair of a neighborhood group of businesses and condo owners who pay for additional security in the area, said he hopes the city continues to prioritize graffiti abatement.

We want to see it stopped, he said.

He could be waiting longer than he hopes.

This month, the new 12-person City Council will consider raising the budgets for their offices and the mayors  a move expected to cost $4.6 million. If approved, the spending increase could draw funding from programs to remove homeless campsites and graffiti, city officials said.

 Zaeem Shaikh covers the Portland Police Bureau and criminal justice issues for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Reach him at 503-221- 4323, zshaikh@oregonian.com or on X @zaeemshake.
The Oregon Ducks have added another experienced offensive lineman in the transfer portal, this time from within their own conference.

USC offensive lineman Emmanuel Pregnon announced his transfer to the Ducks on Tuesday morning. Pregnon was rated the top interior lineman in the portal by multiple recruiting services and picked Oregon after heavy pursuit from Texas.

BREAKING: USC star transfer IOL Emmanuel Pregnon has Committed to Oregon, he tells @on3sports



The 65 320 IOL will have 1 year of eligibility remaining



He is ranked as the No. 1 IOL in the Transfer Portal (per On3 Industry) https://t.co/RlUbB6Fk7q pic.twitter.com/vS0rNFy5Le  Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) January 14, 2025

Pregnon  originally from Denver, Colorado  stands at 6-5, 320 pounds. The four-star transfer prospect was an unrated high school recruit back in 2020, spending three seasons at Wyoming and two at USC. He comes to Oregon with one year of eligibility remaining.

Pregnon is the third offensive lineman to sign with Oregon out of the transfer portal, joining Texas State offensive tackle Alex Harkey and Nevada offensive tackle Isaiah World.

Keep tabs on all of Oregons incoming and outgoing transfers with our live transfer portal tracker.

-- Ryan Clarke covers the Oregon Ducks and Big Ten Conference. Listen to the Ducks Confidential podcast or subscribe to the Ducks Roundup newsletter.
King Charles III will be the first British monarch to visit Auschwitz-Birkenau in Poland, one of the largest Nazi concentration camps. The trip will take place at the end of January to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the death camp.

ADVERTISIMENT

The King will join other heads of state and prime ministers. On January 27, he will attend a commemoration ceremony at the Museum and Memorial located near the town of Auschwitz, The Telegraph reports.

On January 14, at Buckingham Palace, Charles III hosted an event dedicated to initiatives aimed at ensuring that the horrific experiences of Holocaust survivors are never forgotten. He invited 94-year-old Manfred Goldberg. In his youth, he visited various labor camps, including Stuttgof in Poland. The man told the monarch that he was also going to attend the commemorative events.

"I feel that I have to do this before the 80th anniversary of the liberation," Goldberg said. "Silence does not help the oppressed. It always helps the oppressors."

ADVERTISIMENT

The upcoming trip of Charles III, who is the patron of the Holocaust Memorial Foundation, to Auschwitz-Birkenau is historic, as he will be the only monarch to visit this particular "Death Factory." It is noteworthy that his wife Camilla visited Auschwitz in 2020, arriving at the events dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the camp.

Queen Elizabeth II visited Bergen-Belsen in northern Germany in 2015. It was her first and only visit to a concentration camp from the Second World War.

It should be noted that 1.3 million people were killed in Auschwitz-Birkenau between 1940 and 1945. The victims were Jews, Roma, Poles, and Ukrainians. After the liberation of the "Death Camp" from the Nazis, it was decided to preserve the site at the insistence of the surviving prisoners. Now there is a memorial museum there, which is visited by about two million people every year.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Portland audiences will have another opportunity to see Food Foray, a locally made documentary series that explores stories of immigrants in East Multnomah County, using food as a way to explore the experiences of people who live in one of the most diverse areas in the Portland metro region.

The three-episode Food Foray will screen on Thursday, Jan. 23, at PAM CUTs Tomorrow Theater, the Portland space operated by the Portland Art Museums Center for an Untold Tomorrow.

A Metro East Community Media project, Food Foray at this point consists of three 20-minute episodes. Series host Jessica Thiessen meets immigrants from the Republic of Georgia; Oaxaca, Mexico; and Myanmar. Visits to area grocery stores, such as Babushka Russian Deli and Bakery, Supermercado Mexico, and Mingala Market, reflect the range of cultures represented in East Multnomah County communities.

Director Ivana Horvat, who is herself a refugee from Bosnia and Herzegovina, focuses on the immigrants as they prepare food in their homes, and talk about why they came to Oregon, and what they have encountered living here.

In addition to featuring some delicious-looking dishes, Food Foray also sheds light on aspects of the immigrant experience, in a way that feels as relatable and personal as gathering around a kitchen table.

Food kind of disarms us, and connects us, as Horvat told The Oregonian/OregonLive. We all rely on food, and we all have stories connected to it, whether theyre cultural or not. When I visit other countries, I find you can always talk about your food. It gives you something to prepare together.

I think its really important to humanize immigrant stories, Horvat said, and immigrant experiences.

The Jan. 23 screening at the Tomorrow Theater will also give attendees the opportunity to try some foods that are featured in Food Foray, including a cake from the Republic of Georgia courtesy of Babushka Russian Deli and Bakery, and Oaxacan tatelas and a cactus salad from chef and food truck operator, Amalia Sierra.

There will also be members of the filming team and cast on hand to talk about producing the show, and Portland-area food culture and culinary finds. Among the guests will be Horvat; Thiessen; and people featured in the series, including Nino Fletcher, Sierra, Jasmin Vazquez and Thet Swe.

The Food Foray screening is at 7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 23, at PAM CUTs Tomorrow Theater, 3560 S.E. Division St. Tickets are $15. For more information: https://tomorrowtheater.org/movies/food-foray/

 Kristi Turnquist covers features and entertainment. Reach her at 503-221-8227, kturnquist@oregonian.com or @Kristiturnquist

Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe
Providence Health & Services in Oregon said Monday it was ready to resume talks with striking nurses at six of its hospitals  and it went on the offensive, accusing physicians also on strike of violating federal labor law.

Nearly 5,000 Providence nurses and roughly 150 doctors and advanced practitioners walked off the job indefinitely starting early last Friday. The strike, the largest among health care workers in Oregon history and now in its fourth day, affects all eight Providence hospitals across the state and the health systems chain of six womens clinics in the Portland metro area.
Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy want foreign tech workers to be allowed to enter the country and stay, at least for a while. This commentary has spouted the idea that America applauds mediocrity over excellence. My response: B.S., in caps!

I grew up in New York, where one of the finest high schools in the country was, and still is, The Bronx High School of Science. That school has educated and graduated some of the best American scholastic minds. I am certain that there are any number of such schools in this country. And it should be obvious those graduates go on to universities like MIT. Where are those graduates now? Perhaps Musk and Ramaswamy should ask!

In addition, Musk was born, raised and largely educated elsewhere. He arrived here as a college student. Is he truly in a position to judge Americans so harshly?

There are many brilliant minds out there who just happened to be born, raised and educated in this country. Have these two sought them out, and offered them salaries commensurate with their knowledge and abilities?



Carolee Kawer, Oregon City

To read more letters to the editor, go to oregonlive.com/opinion.
Gov. Tina Kotek reiterated her longstanding pledge to keep homelessness and housing, mental health and public schools at the top of her agenda during a speech to Oregon lawmakers and other state and local leaders gathered at the Capitol on Monday.

The most specific new promises and recommendations she offered in her speech were in the mental health care arena, particularly on getting care earlier and more readily available to people experiencing or coming out of homelessness.
Portland Mayor Keith Wilson on Tuesday told hundreds of non-union city employees they must begin working in person full time starting this spring.

The directive comes after an earlier return-to-office proposal for all city workers floated by the mayor received intense pushback from employees and public union leaders, prompting him to backtrack on that plan.
Actor Serhii Harmash, known for his ambiguous position on Ukraine and Russia, showed up in Moscow during the funeral of actress Yevgeniya Dobrovolskaya, who appears in The Peacemaker. He came limping to the memorial service with a bouquet of flowers in his hands.

ADVERTISIMENT

The video of the traitor appeared in Russian Telegram publics. With the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Russia, the Kherson-born actor disappeared from the public, but in June 2022 he returned to his small homeland with propaganda narratives. The Putinist was going to resume the work of the Mykola Kulish Kherson Regional Academic Music and Drama Theater, where he began his acting career many years ago.

Serhii Harmash actively cooperated with the occupation administration in Kherson. He also supported Russian troops during the presentation of the movie Cheburashka in occupied Henichesk. These activities led to his inclusion in Russia on the list of corrupt officials and warmongers, according to the Alexei Navalny Foundation.

ADVERTISIMENT

After that, he again disappeared from prying eyes and only at the beginning of 2025 appeared at the funeral of a Russian woman in Moscow. However, his propaganda activities speak for themselves, as the actor became one of more than 500 confidants of dictator Vladimir Putin in the Russian presidential election. The actor did not even think of renouncing this "position".

It is interesting that at the beginning of the war in 2014, Serhii Harmash opposed the leader of the aggressor country, namely the military aggression in Crimea. At that time, he signed a statement in support of Ukraine. As we can see, in almost 9 years (from the beginning of the war to the full-scale invasion), his opinion has changed dramatically.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
A dominant (and gleefully received) narrative among some critics of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is that the Church is in severe long-term demographic decline and, in particular, that it is hemorrhaging its youth. In this brief interview Elders D. Todd Christofferson and Clark G. Gilbert suggest that that dominant narrative cannot be sustained: Video: Elder Christofferson challenges narrative, says Spirit working in youth: In new video, Elder D. Todd Christofferson and Elder Clark G. Gilbert discuss the increasing numbers of youth and young adults enrolling in the Churchs academic institutions

Although the critics are often armed with the awesome power of anecdote, and although (sadly) its all too common for faithful Latter-day Saints to have friends, neighbors, and family members who have rejected the Restoration and separated themselves from fellowship with the Saints, Ive wondered whether that experience isnt more an artifact of faithful Saints and wandering Saints simply growing older, with all of the entropic vicissitudes that accompany the passage of time, than of widespread demographic change. Is the situation today really any worse (or even substantially different) than the Churchs experience in the early twentieth century, when a generation came of age after Joseph Smith and after the conclusion of the pioneer era, and many left the Church? They hadnt experienced the miracles of the early Restoration and didnt seem to have understood (let alone to have inherited) their parents testimonies.

A group of relatively prominent poets and writers from the 1930s through the 1970s, with Latter-day Saint roots but no living faith, has sometimes been termed Mormonisms lost generation. Todays intellectually disaffected apostates are, sadly, not the first such generation.

Still, failures to pass the faith on from one generation to the next are always sad.

Now it came to pass that there were many of the rising generation that could not understand the words of king Benjamin, being little children at the time he spake unto his people; and they did not believe the tradition of their fathers. They did not believe what had been said concerning the resurrection of the dead, neither did they believe concerning the coming of Christ. [Mosiah 26:12]

In fact, as the Book of Mormon itself tells us, four of those younger-generation unbelievers  Ammon, Aaron, Omner, and Himni  were grandsons of the prophet-king Benjamin himself. Somehow, his message had either not been transmitted or, at least, not received.

Im reminded in this context of Doctrine and Covenants 68:25, the words of which were prominently displayed on the front wall of the chapel in Southern California in which I grew up:

And again, inasmuch as parents have children in Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized, that teach them not to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands, when eight years old, the sin be upon the heads of the parents.

Obviously, when children reject the teachings of their parents thats not always indicative of a fault in the parents. Children have agency and can choose for themselves. Laman and Lemuel disdained the teachings of Lehi. Lucifer rebelled against the Father. But parents must make every possible effort to pass righteous teachings on, even after children have left the home. And even, where the occasion arises, on to grandchildren. And they should call on every resource available to help them in doing so.

In a typically thoughtful speech delivered at Brigham Young Universitys Campus Education Week in August 1981 while he was serving as BYUs president, Jeffrey Holland shared with his audience

a simple reminder that this Church is always only one generation away from extinction. That does not change however many decades old we are now. It was true in 1840, it was true in 1891, and is true in 1981. We are always just one generation away from extinction. All we would have to do, I assume, to destroy this work is stop teaching our children for one generation. Just everybody stop, close the books, seal up your heart, keep your mouth shut, and dont bear a testimony. In one generation it would be 1820 all over again. We could hunt around and find somebody to go out and pray in a grove of trees. With the blessings of the Lord, we could get six people together to organize a church. We could hand Samuel Smith a Book of Mormon and say, Go knock on the door and see if we can start somewhere. That could happen. It wont happen. It mustnt happen. It wont happen in 1981 or 1991, but it could if we ceased to accept the obligation upon us, always upon those who have known and believed the truth, to teach it, especially to their children.

President Hollands reminder serves as an excellent transition to my next topic: As an initial part of its effort to support this years Come, Follow Me curriculum of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Interpreter Foundation is reintroducing the series of short features that we produced in connection with its Witnesses film project. Were hoping that you will find these both interesting and useful resources  and, if you do, that you will recommend them to, or even share them with, others who might benefit from them. Here is Episode 6: Sidney Rigdon and the Witnesses:
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 excelled in the field of systematic theology and during his lifetime many regarded him as the leader of German Lutheranism. I will be critiquing 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.

*****

Although the Law promises eternal life to those who are perfectly obedient; yet by the Decree of God, founded in his omniscience, the law would never be fulfilled by man. (p. 102)

He then cites Paul, writing about the law and its relationship to grace. But as far as I know, Paul never states the common Protestant polemical claim that no one can perfectly keep the law. But Paul described his former adherence to Judaism and the Law as follows: as to righteousness under the law blameless (Phil 3:6; cf. Gal 1:14: I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers.).

Moreover, the Bible verifies that several other people also kept the law perfectly: Zechariah and Elizabeth, the Psalmist, King David, Moses, Aaron, Samuel, the children of Levi, and King Hezekiah. See my article: Perfectly Keeping the Law: 15 Bible Passages (12-12-24).

Abraham the Patriarch also being circumcised and regenerated, found nothing of grace or glory by works; But the Scripture says: Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness. (p. 104).

This is the usual Protestant treatment of Abraham, but its too simplistic and presents only one side of the story. The full account also incorporates meritorious works, as I have written about, and Abraham was justified three times (twice by works, once by faith). In Genesis 12 Abraham was justified by faith and works together. So Abram went, as the LORD had told him (12:4; cf. Heb 8:12). Then he built two altars to the Lord (12:7-8).

These were good works of obedience, and as a result, God said to him, I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great . . . by you, all the families of the earth shall bless themselves (12:2-3). Abraham clearly exercised faith by obeying Gods instructions (as Heb 11:9 verifies).

In Genesis 15:6, Abraham was justified again: And he believed the LORD, and he reckoned it to him as righteousness. James interprets this passage, in the context of three verses about justification, faith and works, all tied in together (Jas 2:20-22). This is what James says fulfilled Genesis 15:6 (Jas 2:23). Then he condemns the Protestant notion of faith alone: A man is justified by works and not by faith alone (2:24).

In Genesis 22, Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son Isaac if God commanded him to do so, and God said, Because you have done this . . . I will indeed bless you, and I will multiply your descendants . . . because you have obeyed my voice (Genesis 22:16-18). James 2:21 interprets: Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he offered his son Isaac upon the altar? (2:21; cf. Heb 11:17).

Works are always present where true faith exists. James also asserts that faith was also a key part of Abrahams justification (2:18, 20, 22-24, 26). But God again reiterates in Genesis that works were central: I have chosen him, that he may charge his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing righteousness and justice; so that the LORD may bring to Abraham what he has promised him (Gen 18:19).

For more on this, see my article, Abraham: Justified Twice by Works & Once by Faith [8-30-23]. We can see that Hulsemann completely ignored the crucial role that works played in Abrahams multiple justifications. He saw what he wanted to see (Protestant faith alone). I, on the other hand, have sought to incorporate all of the relevant biblical data regarding Abrahams justification(s).

Moses pursued righteousness by the law . . . (p. 104)

He appears to have succeeded, since the Bible states about him: Moses . . . kept his testimonies, and the statutes . . . (Ps 99:6-7). God Himself made it clear (through His prophets) that a man could indeed be righteous if he followed the Mosaic Law:

Isaiah 51:7 Hearken to me, you who know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; . . . Ezekiel 18:5-9 If a man is righteous and does what is lawful and right  [6] if he does not eat upon the mountains or lift up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, does not defile his neighbors wife or approach a woman in her time of impurity, [7] does not oppress any one, but restores to the debtor his pledge, commits no robbery, gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with a garment, [8] does not lend at interest or take any increase, withholds his hand from iniquity, executes true justice between man and man, [9] walks in my statutes, and is careful to observe my ordinances  he is righteous, he shall surely live, says the Lord GOD.

St. Paul is not running down the Law altogether in his analyses (since he noted that he himself had kept it in a blameless fashion), but  very much like Jesus  he goes much deeper and addresses what ultimately lies behind the Law; what its fundamental purpose was: love and faith.

No one is justified by works; for life is to be acquired by faith. (p. 105)

St. James disagrees:

James 2:21, 24-25 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he offered his son Isaac upon the altar? [24] You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone. [25] And in the same way was not also Rahab the harlot justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?

This is not works alone, or the heresy of Pelagianism, but grace-induced works in the regenerate person, that organically flow from faith. In the book of James, the word works appears 13 times, and faith in the usual sense of the word appears 16 times, so there is a balance. Nor is it just James. St. Paul directly connects works with salvation and eternal life:

Romans 2:6-7, 10 For he will render to every man according to his works: [7] to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; . . . [10] but glory and honor and peace for every one who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek.

St. John agrees with Paul and James:

Revelation 2:23, 26 . . . I am he who searches mind and heart, and I will give to each of you as your works deserve. . . . [26] He who conquers and who keeps my works until the end, I will give him power over the nations, . . .

Our Lord Jesus also clearly makes eternal life directly contingent upon keeping commandments and doing extraordinary good works:

Matthew 7:19-21 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. [20] Thus you will know them by their fruits. [21] Not every one who says to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. (cf. 3:10; Lk 3:9; Jn 15:6) Matthew 19:16-17, 20-21 And behold, one came up to him, saying, Teacher, what good deed must I do, to have eternal life? [17] And he said to him, . . . If you would enter life, keep the commandments. . . . [20] The young man said to him, All these I have observed; what do I still lack? [21] Jesus said to him, If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me. (in the parallel passage Lk 10:27 the ruler says, . . . You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself. And Jesus replied, You have answered right; do this, and you will live.) Matthew 19:29 And every one who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my names sake, will receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life. (cf. Mk 10:29-30) Matthew 25:34-35, 41-43, 46 Then the King will say to those at his right hand, Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; [35] for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, . . . [41] Then he will say to those at his left hand, `Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; [42] for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, [43] I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me. . . . [46] And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life. Luke 18:26-30 Those who heard it said, Then who can be saved? [27] But he said, What is impossible with men is possible with God. [28] And Peter said, Lo, we have left our homes and followed you. [29] And he said to them, Truly, I say to you, there is no man who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, [30] who will not receive manifold more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life.

The difference between the Old and New Testaments is this: that there works were required of man for the condition of the reward: Here, non-works, . . . (p. 106)

But the many passages I just cited above decisively show that this is false: works indeed are a crucial, non-optional part of the equation of salvation and the attainment of eternal life. The Bible couldnt be clearer than it is about that. If the choice is the Bible vs. a man-made, late-arriving tradition of faith alone, then the Bible must prevail. See my collection: Bible vs. Faith Alone: 100 Proofs.

Piety has the promise of life and future life. . . . The necessity of good works are either plain and certain, or ambiguous . . . (1) This proposition is certain and undoubted: good works are necessary to justify. (2) It is ambiguous: good works are necessary to whoever wishes to achieve eternal life. . . . [Its] more ambiguous: (3) Good works are necessary to justify; eternal life is given . . . (4) . . . it is extremely ambiguous, and only with great difficulty reconciled with the orthodox view: good works are not necessary for the attainment of eternal happiness. . . . (5) This proposition: Good works are not necessary for the attainment of eternal happiness, is plainly false and intolerable. (pp. 181-182)

This is close to Catholic and biblical teaching: especially #1 and #5. None of this is ambiguous; its quite clear. Good works are indeed necessary, post-baptism and post-regeneration, caused by grace and in conjunction with faith, but with our full and meritorious cooperation, in order to appropriate salvation and eternal life.

Ive shown this in passages above already, but Ive also additionally collected 80 Bible passages on salvation caused by actions and 50 on meritorious works. Protestantism simply cant explain away all of these. But Hulsemann is joining justification and sanctification very close together indeed, in a way that is virtually biblical and Catholic (whether he knew that or not!).

Good works . . . are necessary to bring about a concord, because of the necessity of the divine commandment, and the natural or intrinsic necessity of the effective connection with the effective cause, i.e. faith, Good works are necessary for all . . . because it is ordained of God, that the one who is created may attain eternal life by faith. (p. 184)

He cites the following passages in support of this:

Hebrews 12:14 Strive for peace with all men, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. Matthew 7:19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 1 Timothy 2:15 Yet woman will be saved through bearing children, if she continues in faith and love and holiness, with modesty.

To which I say, amen!

I believe that those who do the will of God, those who do good, are understood as [having done] works of charity, but the purpose and reason . . . is a specification of the object of salvation, not a cause, a medium, or a merit of salvation. . . . the Holy Spirit, when he speaks of the ways, means, and conditions of acquiring salvation from the innate, excludes both the works of the reborn and the unregenerate from every way of obtaining or achieving salvation; both instrumental and meritorious. (p. 186)

Having virtually stated the biblical and Catholic position, now in effect he waters it down: so that it doesnt sound too Catholic or smack of works-salvation (which we condemn as vigorously as any Protestant does). I submit that this is equivocation at worst and incoherence and inconsistency at best. Scripture indeed teaches that our works play a causal role in the attainment of salvation. Ive listed probably the principle passages above. Others directly assert sanctification is a direct cause of salvation (always along with God-originated grace and faith and our cooperation):

Psalm 7:10 My shield is with God, who saves the upright in heart. Matthew 5:20 For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Acts 26:18 to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me. Romans 6:22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the return you get is sanctification and its end, eternal life. Romans 13:11-14 . . . For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed; [12] the night is far gone, the day is at hand. Let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; [13] let us conduct ourselves becomingly as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. [14] But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. 2 Thessalonians 2:13 . . . God chose you from the beginning to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. 2 Peter 3:11-14 . . . what sort of persons ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, [12] waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be kindled and dissolved, and the elements will melt with fire! [13] But according to his promise we wait for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. [14] Therefore, beloved, since you wait for these, be zealous to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace.

We do not deny merit, as commonly accepted by the Latin Fathers, for any way of accomplishing good. (p. 187)

Good as far as it goes . . .

Having good works, will be given increase of profit, not grace, not glory for themselves: . . . Grace is not from you: nay, [not] even from works, but through faith. (p. 188)

In fact, the Bible teaches that there are degrees of grace given to persons, and at least in some cases, this seems to have a relation to what the person did (good works):

James 4:6 But he gives more grace; therefore it says, God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. (1 Pet 5:5 also cites this saying)

2 Peter 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. . . . (how can we grow in grace  Peter commands us to  if we have no part that at all? Therefore, grace-enabled merit in us must necessarily be involved)

The Bible also massively teaches that God shares His glory with His creatures and that we are being changed into his likeness from one degree of glory to another (2 Cor 3:18), and in some passages, works are the cause of both glory and eternal life / salvation:

Romans 2:7, 10 For he will render to every man according to his works: [7] to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; . . . [9] There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, [10] but glory and honor and peace for every one who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. 1 Thessalonians 2:12 to lead a life worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory. 2 Peter 1:3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence,

As so often, Protestants provide slogans and sayings with assumed premises (not always biblically-based ones) or relatively few carefully selected Bible verses (while ignoring many other relevant ones, which sometimes amount to half-truths), whereas Catholics can consider what the entire Bible teaches on any given topic, because its always harmonious with our Catholic doctrines. And thats because those doctrines were based on the Bible in the first place.

Here we have a major Lutheran theologian  thought to be one of the best , and Im running rings around him (as a mere lay apologist), in terms of how much Scripture I bring to bear to support Catholic views and critique Lutheran views where they differ. And I frequently find this to be the case. Ironic or shocking as it may sound, Protestantism is insufficiently biblical: even woefully inadequate in this respect at times.

What confidence can any man have among the popes: for he is bound to doubt whether he has true faith, truth, and merit? (p. 188)

Its a (polemical) falsehood that Catholics have less confidence in their salvation than Protestants do, merely because we deny faith alone. Ive addressed this topic in writing and in a video. Catholic self-examination of conscience is also quite biblical.

We deny only that trust can be placed in works to both confer and earn justification and glorification benefits, . . . (p. 188)

Then they deny many clear passages of the Bible that include works in the overall equation of salvation, and also teach merit.

We retain . . . the form of speech: good works are necessary, because obedience to the divine order is due. But we do not use this form of speech: good works are necessary for the sake of eternal life: . . . (p. 196)

This is contrary to the teaching of the Bible, as shown above, and much more so in the many links I have provided (which mostly collect Bible passages).

*

Photo credit: Johann Hulsemann: Osterreichische Nationalbibliothek  Austrian National Library [public domain / picryl]

Summary: I critique arguments for faith alone from the German Lutheran scholastic theologian, Johann Hulsemann (1602-1661), found in his 1655 book, Extensio brevarii theologiae.
Update: Man charged with killing wife, whose body was left in Pa. trash container

A 39-year-old woman was found deceased Saturday evening in a trash receptacle on a property near a Coopersburg bank, authorities said.

The Lehigh County Coroners Office has identified the deceased as Lucrecia Jadan Sumba of Elizabeth, Union County in New Jersey. She was pronounced dead shortly before 6 p.m. Saturday in the 200 block of South Third Street. Multiple published reports, including WFMZ-69 News, reported the incident near the property of a Santander Bank branch off of Route 309.

An autopsy was conducted Monday. Sumba died from sharp force injuries and the death was ruled a homicide by Buglio.

The incident remains under investigation by the Lehigh County District Attorneys Office and Lehigh County Coroners Office in Pennsylvania; and the Elizabeth Police Department and the Union County Prosecutors Office in New Jersey.

Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin Holihan told lehighvalleylive.com there is no risk to the public at this time. A person of interest has been apprehended by an out-of-state agency, he said.

There was no crime committed in Lehigh County and no arrests made here, Holihan said. We will continue to cooperate with the investigation as needed.

Lauren Farinas, spokeswoman for the Union County Prosecutors office, couldnt immediately be reached for more information Monday afternoon.

Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com.
Lebanon County investigators believe the unsolved killing of a 7th grader at his uncles home in 2022 may have been drug-related, the district attorneys office announced Monday while revealing new details about the case.

District Attorney Pier Hess Graf said police have tied the gun used in the fatal shooting to a Maryland man, but thats where the trail goes cold into the killing of Jason Rivera Feb. 15, 2022 at a parking lot at Vine Street and Park Avenue in Lebanon.

As the third anniversary of Jasons death approaches, Hess Graf is asking for the publics help in locating any witness who could help tie the case together.

Hess Graf said police believe Jasons murder is somehow connected to drugs, but it is unknown if Jason was the intended target, or if the shooter mistook Jason for his uncle.

The unknown assailant shot at Jason 12 times. Police said he was shot multiple times, but have not given the exact number. He died at the Hershey Medical Center that night.

Police determined Jason accessed the side door of his uncles vehicle moments before he was fatally shot. They later found drugs and drug paraphernalia inside that vehicle, as well as inside his room inside his uncles home.

Policer used a national ballistics database to tie 12 .9mm shell casings recovered at the scene to a shooting in Prince Georges County, Maryland, as well as a gun found in a traffic stop of DAndre Courtez Wint in that same county, Hess Graf said.

Prince Georges County Police searched Wints vehicle during a traffic stop and found drugs and a Glock 26 .9 mm. Following ballistics testing, investigators revealed the Glock 26 .9 mm was a match to the weapon that fired the bullets that killed Jason, Hess Graf said.

Police have not found any connection between Wint and Lebanon County, Jason, or Jasons family, Hess Graf said. No additional witnesses have come forward, and no new evidence has been found.

Weve come as far as we can without more information, Hess Graf said. Someone out there knows who killed this child. Someone out there knows why the killer pulled the trigger  twelve separate times. Someone out there knows and is preventing Jasons family from the peace they deserve.

Police are asking anyone with knowledge of the firearm or its connection to Wint and Lebanon County to share that information with them. Members of the public can call the Lebanon County Detective Bureau at (717) 228-4403 or the South Lebanon Police Department at (717) 2740481.
January 14 marks the ninth anniversary of the death of the famous British actor Alan Rickman, who gave the world a brilliant performance of Professor Severus Snape in Harry Potter. He passed away at the age of 69 due to pancreatic cancer, which he was diagnosed with a year earlier after suffering a microstroke.

ADVERTISIMENT

During his career, Rickman demonstrated all the versatility of acting, playing the roles of both romantics and villains. OBOZ.UA has prepared a selection of films with the brilliant actor.

Die Hard, 1988

In the action movie, Alan Rickman appeared as the German terrorist Hans Gruber, who, together with his gang, took people hostage. This role opened the way to big movies for him. Rickman's character was named one of the top 100 best villains of all time by the American Film Institute.

Sense and Sensibility, 1995

In the movie based on Jane Austen's novel, the actor played Colonel Brandon, who lived next door to the heroine named Marianne and wanted to win her attention. Rickman incredibly subtly conveyed the character of this touching character who was ready to do anything for the one he was in love with.

ADVERTISIMENT

Harry Potter

Professor of Potions and the Dark Arts Severus Snape was in all 8 films. In the first parts, Rickman brilliantly managed to create a negative impression of this repulsive character, thanks to the way he coldly treated students and teachers. Almost in the finale, one of the last scenes with him made many Potter fans shed a tear while watching.

Love Actually, 2003

In this romantic comedy, which many people like to watch during the Christmas holidays, Rickman played Harry, a husband and father of two. In the story, the character fell in love with a young employee, and his wife accidentally found out about his affair when she found an expensive gift intended for his mistress.

Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street, 2007

In the movie, Rickman played the role of Judge Turpin, the antagonist. The protagonist, played by Johnny Depp, seeks revenge on his sworn enemy, a corrupt man who takes advantage of his position. After several unsuccessful attempts, the barber manages to kill the judge.
Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip, as seen from Sderot, southern Israel, Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Tsafrir Abayov)AP

CAIRO  Hamas has accepted a draft agreement for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of dozens of hostages, two officials involved in the talks said Tuesday. Mediator Qatar said Israel and the Palestinian militant group were at the closest point yet to sealing a deal.

The Associated Press obtained a copy of the proposed agreement, and an Egyptian official and a Hamas official confirmed its authenticity. An Israeli official said progress has been made, but the details are being finalized. The plan would need to be submitted to the Israeli Cabinet for final approval.

All three officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the closed-door talks.

The United States, Egypt and Qatar have spent the past year trying to mediate an end the 15-month war and secure the release of dozens of hostages captured in Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack that triggered it. Some 100 people are still captive inside Gaza, and the military believes at least a third them are dead.

Any deal is expected to deliver a pause in fighting and bring Israel and Hamas a step closer to winding down the most deadly and destructive war theyve ever fought, a conflict that has destabilized the broader Middle East and sparked worldwide protests.

It would bring relief to the hard-hit Gaza Strip, where Israels offensive has reduced large areas of the territory to rubble and displaced around 90% of Gazas population of 2.3 million, many of whom are at risk of famine. Meanwhile, dozens of Israeli hostages would be reunited with their loved ones after months in captivity.

Officials have have expressed optimism before, only for negotiations to grind to a halt. But they are now suggesting that they can conclude an agreement ahead of the Jan. 20 inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, whose Mideast envoy has joined the negotiations.

Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said at a weekly briefing Tuesday that the ongoing negotiations were productive, while declining to get into the details.

Today, we are at the closest point ever to having a deal, he said.

Hamas, meanwhile, said in a statement that the ongoing negotiations had reached their final stage.

In the Oct. 7 attack, Hamas-led militants killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted another 250. Around half those hostages were freed during a brief ceasefire in November 2023.

Israels retaliatory offensive has killed over 46,000 Palestinians, more than half of them women and children, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which does not say how many of the dead were combatants.

Israeli strikes across Gaza overnight and into Tuesday killed at least 18 Palestinians, including two women and four children, according to local health officials, who said one of the women was pregnant and that the baby died as well.

There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military. Israel says it only targets militants and accuses them of hiding among civilians.

The three-phase agreement  based on a framework laid out by U.S. President Joe Biden and endorsed by the U.N. Security Council  would begin with the gradual release of 33 hostages over a six-week period, including women, children, older adults and wounded civilians in exchange for potentially hundreds of Palestinian women and children imprisoned by Israel.

Among the 33 would be five female Israeli soldiers, each of whom would be released in exchange for 50 Palestinian prisoners, including 30 convicted militants who are serving life sentences.

The Israeli official said Israel assumes most of the 33 are still alive.

During this first, 42-day phase, Israeli forces would withdraw from population centers, Palestinians would be allowed to start returning to their homes in northern Gaza and there would be a surge of humanitarian aid, with some 600 trucks entering each day.

Details of the second phase still must be negotiated during the first. Those details remain difficult to resolve  and the deal does not include written guarantees that the ceasefire will continue until a deal is reached. That leaves the potential for Israel to resume its military campaign after the first phase ends.

The Israeli official said detailed negotiations on the second phase will begin during the first. He said Israel will retain some assets throughout the negotiations, referring to a military presence, and would not leave the Gaza Strip until all the hostages are back home.

The three mediators have given Hamas verbal guarantees that negotiations will continue as planned and that they will press for a deal to implement the second and third phases before the end of the first, the Egyptian official said.

The deal would allow Israel throughout the first phase to remain in control of the Philadelphi corridor, the band of territory along Gazas border with Egypt, which Hamas had initially demanded Israel withdraw from. Israel would pull out from the Netzarim Corridor, a belt across central Gaza where it had sought a mechanism for searching Palestinians for arms when they return to the territorys north.

In the second phase, Hamas would release the remaining living captives, mainly male soldiers, in exchange for more prisoners and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, according to the draft agreement.

Hamas has said it will not free the remaining hostages without an end to the war and a complete Israeli withdrawal, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has in the past vowed to resume fighting until Hamas' military and governing capabilities are eliminated.

Unless an alternative government for Gaza is worked out in those talks, it could leave Hamas in charge of the territory.

In a third phase, the bodies of remaining hostages would be returned in exchange for a three- to five-year reconstruction plan to be carried out in Gaza under international supervision.

Growing pressure ahead of Trumps inauguration

Israel and Hamas have come under renewed pressure to halt the conflict in the lead-up to Trumps inauguration next week. His Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, recently joined U.S., Egyptian and Qatari mediators in the Gulf countrys capital, Doha.
President-elect Donald Trump had a whole lot of positive things to say about Sen. John Fetterman following their weekend meeting at Mar-a-Lago, according to the Washington Examiner.

Trump heaped praise on Pennsylvanias senior senator calling him impressive and fascinating.

It was a totally fascinating meeting. Hes a fascinating man, and his wife is lovely, he told the Examiner in an exclusive interview.

Fetterman visited with his wife, Giselle, who arrived in the U.S. as an undocumented young person from Brazil and has been an advocate for DACA immigrants.

Hes a commonsense person. Hes not liberal or conservative. Hes just a commonsense person, which is beautiful, Trump told the Examiner.

Fetterman said last week that Trump had invited him to meet and that he had accepted, saying he was a senator for all Pennsylvanians, not just Democrats.

Fetterman said no one is his gatekeeper.

I will meet with and have a conversation with anyone if it helps me deliver for Pennsylvania and the nation, he said in a statement last week.

After the meeting, Trump told the Examiner that the two discussed the fate of U.S. Steel, and his belief tariffs would be good for the steel industry, as well as support for Israel and increasing border security.

Trump also praised Fetterman for co-sponsoring the Laken Riley Act, named for the Georgia woman who was killed by an undocumented immigrant. The bill, now awaiting final passage in the Senate, would require authorities to arrest undocumented immigrants on theft and related charges.

Its been amazing, and theres been cooperation within the Republicans and a lot of the Democrats, said Trump of the bipartisan support of the bill. I will say that Sen. Fetterman was very impressive to me, really impressive, he said.
By Rong-Gong Lin II, Hannah Fry, Grace Toohey, Noah Goldberg and Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times

(TNS)

LOS ANGELES  After a brief reprieve, Southern California faces two days of dangerous winds that officials fear could expand current fires and spark new ones.

Firefighters spent Monday carving containment lines around the Eaton and Palisades fires and finalizing preparations ahead of a windstorm thats expected to hit a swath of the region including Ventura County, the San Fernando Valley and part of Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley, bringing wind gusts ranging from 45 mph to 70 mph.

Officials have been able to make progress over the last few days thanks to an easing of winds, which allowed for an aerial campaign that stopped the Palisades fire from hitting Brentwood and Encino. Authorities hope to be able to keep aircraft up Tuesday, but its unclear how much the conditions will allow.

We are not in the clear as of yet, and we must not let our guard down, Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said during a news conference Monday.

The National Weather Services warning of a particularly dangerous situation is one of the loudest ways that we can shout, said Rose Schoenfeld, a National Weather Service meteorologist.

This is a continued extreme fire weather and wind scenario, Schoenfeld said.

ALSO READ: How to help those affected by the California wildfires

The Palisades fire had burned more than 23,700 acres and was 14% contained as of Monday. The Eaton fire, which has burned more than 14,100 acres, was 33% contained, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Cal Fire.

Mexican firefighters and emergency personnel have arrived in Los Angeles to help fight the fire. Gov. Gavin Newsom said 72 firefighters arrived Saturday, joining thousands of others battling the fires.

An additional 1,000 members of the California National Guard are also being sent to fire-ravaged Los Angeles. They will bring the total number of Guard members in the region to about 2,500, according to the governors office.

23 1 / 23 California wildfires, 16 dead

Hundreds of federal personnel and aircraft have also been deployed to California to support firefighting efforts, President Joe Biden said Monday.

About 92,000 people remain under evacuation orders, and 89,000 others are in areas where evacuation warnings have been issued.

Crowley said that fire crews had made extensive preparations for the latest extreme weather event.

As we speak, the Los Angeles City Fire Department has maximized our resource capabilities and response capabilities. ... I have strategically pre-positioned engine strike teams and task forces, which are dedicated to rapid response for any new fire that breaks out in the city, Crowley said.

The preparations include reinforcing fire control lines around the Eaton and Palisades fires, clearing dry brush from surviving structures, and staging resources in areas where new fires could ignite. The Governors Office of Emergency Services has also pre-positioned additional engines, fire crews, helicopters, bulldozers and water tenders across Southern California.

Crews are preparing for a worst-case scenario in which high winds prevent the use of firefighting aircraft from strategically dropping retardant around the fires perimeters.

The National Weather Service is predicting close to hurricane-force-level winds and so were making urgent preparations, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said. My top priority and the top priority of everyone else is to do everything we can to protect lives.

Although the Eaton fire area is not expected to see gusts as severe as elsewhere in the county, firefighters are focusing on putting out any hot spots on the perimeter in an effort to reduce the chances that the winds will pick up smoldering embers and carry them into new areas, said A.J. Lester, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

On the north end of the fire, where winds are forecast to be among the most dangerous Tuesday and Wednesday, crews are hoping they will be able to keep the fire from overtaking the ridgeline, he said.

If that were to happen, you have fire running downhill on the other side, headed for other communities, including areas such as La Canada Flintridge, Lester said. Similar efforts are underway at the Palisades fire.

On Monday, the number of confirmed deaths from the Palisades and Eaton fires jumped to 25. Eight died in the Palisades fire and 17 in the Eaton fire in Altadena, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said.

There are also still 29 missing persons reports across both fires, all of which are for adults, officials said.

Officials warn that the death toll is likely to keep rising. Search and recovery operations are underway in the Eaton and Palisades fire zones using cadaver dogs and grid searches, Luna said.

56 1 / 56 Deadly California wildfires, January 2025

Unfortunately, every day were doing this, were running across the remains of individual community members, Luna said.

The Palisades and Eaton fires are among the deadliest in Californias modern history. The states deadliest wildfire remains the Camp fire, which leveled the town of Paradise in Butte County in 2018 and killed 85 people. The second deadliest was the Griffith Park fire of 1933, with 29 fatalities; followed by the Oakland-Berkeley Hills fire of 1991, in which 25 died; and the Tubbs fire in Napa and Sonoma counties in 2017, with 22 killed.

Although there is no final tally yet of structures burned, the fires are already among the most destructive the state has experienced.

Damage assessments have confirmed 1,902 structures destroyed in the Eaton fire, though inspection teams are through only about 30% of the fire footprint. Officials estimate that 7,000 structures were damaged or destroyed, though structures can include homes, businesses, smaller outbuildings and sheds and even vehicles.

Officials estimate the Palisades fire has burned more than 5,300 structures.

If those numbers hold, it would make the Palisades and Eaton fires among the top four most destructive wildfires in modern California history, according to Cal Fire.

Officials have been working to secure the fire zones from those who they say are traveling to the area to burglarize evacuated homes and commit other crimes. Authorities have arrested 34 people, including one burglary suspect who was allegedly dressed as a firefighter.

Of those arrested, 30 were apprehended in the Eaton fire zone and four in the Palisades fire zone, Luna said.

As officials try to determine the cause of the Eaton fire, which burned areas in and around Altadena, investigators have focused on an electrical transmission tower in Eaton Canyon. Early photos and videos taken by residents captured what appeared to be the first flames of the deadly Eaton fire burning at the base of a Southern California Edison electrical transmission tower before racing down the canyon toward homes.

Edison officials have so far said they do not believe their electrical equipment was responsible. Four lawsuits were filed against the utility Monday.

As for the 800-acre Hurst fire near Sylmar, fire agencies are investigating whether downed Southern California Edison utility equipment might have played a role in igniting the blaze, company officials said. The fire  which began Jan. 7 near Diamond Road in Sylmar  was 95% contained as of Monday and evacuation orders had been lifted, though firefighting efforts were continuing.

The utility issued a report Friday saying that a downed conductor was discovered at a tower in the vicinity of the fire but that it does not know whether the damage observed occurred before or after the start of the fire.

Authorities are also still trying to determine what caused the Palisades fire, but officials speaking to the Los Angeles Times on condition of anonymity said it appears to have human origins. In recent days, the focus has been on a popular Temescal Ridge trail where an earlier fire had ignited.

Although this weeks fire weather is not expected to be as severe as last weeks historic windstorms that fueled the Palisades and Eaton fires, weather officials warn that it could result in extreme fire behavior, which can turn small blazes into raging infernos.

This wind event will be a more conventional Santa Ana wind, with winds coming out of the east and spreading fires to the west. Last weeks windstorms were worsened by a mountain wave wind, which occurs when gusts rapidly drop down mountain slopes, then gain strength upon hitting a flat landscape. The phenomenon caused short bursts of strong, dangerous winds, with gusts of up to 100 mph reported near Altadena. Winds last week came primarily from the north and affected areas that dont typically see strong winds during Santa Ana events, Schoenfeld said.

The area covered by the particularly dangerous situation warning affects a relatively smaller area  primarily the northern San Fernando Valley, including Porter Ranch and San Fernando; the western Santa Monica Mountains and the Malibu area; wide swaths of Ventura County, including the cities of Ventura, Simi Valley and Fillmore; and the Grapevine section of Interstate 5.

Southern California has not received much rain this winter, heightening concerns before the winds pick up. Only 0.16 inches of rain has fallen since Oct. 1 in downtown Los Angeles, essentially nothing compared with the 5.23 inches that is, on average, seen by this point in the water year.

There will be a higher risk of downed trees and power lines than with a typical red flag fire weather warning, Schoenfeld said. Public safety power shutoffs are more likely in the area of the particularly dangerous situation.

About 17,600 Los Angeles Department of Water and Power customers in high fire risk areas including Pacific Palisades, Brentwood, Sylmar and Encino are without power, the agency said Monday.

More than 25,000 Edison customers in Los Angeles County were without power Monday afternoon, and an additional 122,000 customers in the county could have their power shut off in the coming days, according to the utility.

This is the fourth warning of a particularly dangerous situation issued since autumn. Each of the three previous warnings was followed by major, destructive fires  the 19,904-acre Mountain fire in Ventura County, which razed more than 240 buildings in November; the 4,037-acre Franklin fire, which spread rapidly in Malibu and destroyed 20 buildings in December; and last weeks Palisades and Eaton fires.

A conventional red flag warning  alerting about critical fire weather conditions  has already been in effect since Saturday for large swaths of Southern California and will continue until Wednesday evening. The red flag warning covers a much larger area than the particularly dangerous situation.

These next few days are crucial in our fighting of the existing fires and also preventing any new fires, said Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger. Thank you for taking it seriously.

(Times staff writers Rebecca Ellis, Clara Harter, Salvador Hernandez, Faith Pinho, Jenny Jarvie, Laura J. Nelson, Kevin Rector, Ruben Vives and Julia Wick contributed to this report.)

2025 Los Angeles Times. Visit at latimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
For the second year in a row, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs helped veterans secure more than $1 billion in compensation and pension benefits earned through their service.

Benefits have expanded in recent years, including the Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act, making it even more important for veterans to connect with the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) and receive the benefits they have earned while in uniform, according to a press release.

With the passing of the PACT law two years ago, reaching and signing up eligible veterans for their benefits has been a top priority, said Keith Graham, executive director of Veterans Programs. We are grateful to our community partners who have helped us to reach this milestone and assure that veterans and their families are appropriately compensated.

The PACT, which expands VA health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances, is a prime example of a recently passed law that changed eligibility for thousands of veterans in Pennsylvania.

Graham said that DMVA could not have assisted so many veterans if their military paperwork was not in order.

Veterans having their military paperwork readily available makes the claims process so much quicker and easier, he said. If for some reason a veteran cannot find their paperwork, they can reach out to our office for assistance in locating their military documents, especially the DD-214 discharge form.

The DD-214, which is used to verify military service, is an important first step for securing benefits. Having this paperwork is essential when a veteran or their advocate wants to start a benefits review.

The easiest way to manage military documents is to make sure they are filed in a safe place immediately upon leaving the military.

Veterans often find that filing their documents for free at their county courthouse of record is an easy way to secure them until needed, which can often be decades into the future. Anyone needing assistance locating their military documentation can count on assistance from the DMVA by calling toll-free 800-547-2838 or by sending an email to RA-REQ@pa.gov.

Said Graham, This free assistance is a great way to look at what benefits you may be eligible for and to get help applying for those benefits, even if you have applied and been denied in the past.

He noted that there are always new laws or changes to current laws that impact veterans benefits. One such new law is Act 27 which exempts 100 percent of a disabled veterans benefit payment from being counted as income when determining eligibility for any programs or needs-based benefit provided by Pennsylvania.

This includes DMVAs Veterans Temporary Assistance, Military Family Relief Assistance and Real Estate Tax Exemption programs.

For assistance applying for these programs and others offered through DMVA, a complete list of accredited county directors of veterans affairs and their contact information can be found here County Directors. Contact information for accredited veteran service officers can be found at Veteran Service Officers, the release said.

In addition to connecting with a county director or a veteran service officer, DMVA recommends that every one of Pennsylvanias nearly 700,000 veterans should sign up for the DMVA Veterans Registry, a free tool that electronically delivers information about the many state benefits, programs and services available to veterans.

Veterans, family members and people who work with veterans can sign up by computer or mobile device at www.register.dmva.pa.gov.

Learn more about the DMVA by going online to www.dmva.pa.gov or follow at www.facebook.com/padmva or www.twitter.com/padmva.
The list of things that Harrisburg is known for now has a new entry  a namesake warship.

Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) announced that its latest ship built for the U.S. Navy was christened the USS Harrisburg, in recognition of the citys rich history and longstanding support of the United States military tracing back to its colonial-era roots.
We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on!

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Barbados is a real paradise for those who dream of an unforgettable vacation on the beach. This Caribbean island is famous for its white beaches, gentle sun and warm sea water.

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The average annual temperature here is about 29 degrees Celsius, making Barbados an ideal vacation destination at any time of the year. The island offers a huge selection of beaches for every taste: from calm bays for family vacations to places for surfing and other water sports, according to the Daily Express.

One of the most popular beaches is Mullins, which is famous for its calm waters and developed infrastructure. However, Barbados is not only about beaches. The island has a rich history and culture, which can be experienced by visiting the historic center of Bridgetown, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Here you can admire the colonial architecture, visit museums and churches.

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For nature lovers, Barbados offers many opportunities for hiking, wildlife watching, and exploring the rainforest. The National Trust of Barbados organizes regular excursions to explore the island's unique flora and fauna.

In addition, Barbados is famous for its cuisine, which combines traditional Caribbean dishes and European influences. Fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and local spices make Barbadian cuisine particularly delicious.

If you dream of a vacation that combines relaxation on the beach, learning new things and active recreation, then Barbados is the perfect place for you.

Subscribe to the OBOZ.UA channels in Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events.
Momentum288 Leads From Start to Finish; Wins 888poker $100K Mystery Bounty Event

Matthew Pitt Senior Editor Copy link

Reaching the final table of a poker tournament does not guarantee you success. However, combining a big stack with a sprinkling of run-good and some solid play often yields results. That is precisely what "Momentum288" did in the latest instalment of the 888poker $100,000 Mystery Bounty Main Event. They reached the eight-handed final table as the overall leader and emerged victoriously after a two-hour battle at 888poker's virtual felt.

Day 1 attracted 953 entries, resulting in a small overlay for the online poker site. The curtain came down on the first day's action with only eight players in contention for the title. The largest bounties had already been claimed, with "Armeniashka" and "Kassir27" opening envelopes containing $3,000 payouts.

Germany's "kosmow1" may have finished 182nd and missed out on some of the regular prize pool, but the $10,000 jackpot mystery bounty they pulled more than makes up for that shortfall.

$100,000 Mystery Bounty Main Event Final Table Chip Counts

Rank Player Country Chips Big Blinds 1 Momentum288 3,946,011 79 2 BrittneySpew Romania 2,618,201 52 3 TTeixeirAA Brazil 2,415,759 48 4 AzaAzaAza Costa Rica 1,880,447 38 5 SayPlease 1,414,093 28 6 leblond1996 Canada 994,423 20 7 Primafintlos Sweden 763,755 15 8 Aberdeen2000 Germany 262,311 5

The eight finalists gathered at the final table under the watchful eyes of the 888poker Twitch community. 888poker ambassador Nick Eastwood joined Nick Wealthall in the commentary booth, casting his expert opinion on the play in front of him.

It took 25 minutes for the first casualty to be confirmed, and it was "leblond1996" who was that unfortunate soul. They open-shoved for 7.6 big blinds from the cutoff with queen-jack, and "Aberdeen2000" called from the big blind with pocket kings. A draw-heavy, jack-high flop gave "leblond1996" some hope, but the pocket kings held, improving to a set on the river, to send the final table's first player to the sidelines.

"Aberdeen2000" was the next player sent packing despite winning that pot. They picked up pocket kings again on the very next hand. 888poker regular "BrittneySpew" min-raised on the button, "Aberdeen2000" called the raise with kings in the small blind, with "TTeixeirAA" folding in the big blind. An all-spade flop saw "Aberdeen2000" check-call a continuation bet on the flop. It was a similar action on the offsuit deuce turn. A brick on the river completed the board, and "Aberdeen2000" checked again before calling off their 11.4 big blind stack when they were shoved on. "BrittneySpew" turned over ten-trey of spades for a flopped flush, and "Aberdeen2000" was eliminated.

Follow all the action from the 888poker LIVE Madrid Main Event Live updates from Jan. 15

"BrittneySpew" claimed another mystery bounty soon after, that of "Primafintlos." After min-raising under the gun with king-jack, "BrittneySpew" called the 6.8 big blind three-bet shove "Primafintlos" made from the big blind with ace-four. A king on the flop sent the Swede to the showers.

Fifth place went to "SayPlease" after a clash with "AzaAzaAza" didn't go to plan. "AzaAzaAza" min-raised under the gun with ace-ten, "SayPlease" called in the big blind, and the flop fell ten-high. "SayPlease" check-raised all-in for 12.2 big blinds after "AzaAzaAza" continued, and was called. Neither the turn nor river came to the rescue of the at-risk player and "SayPlease" said goodbye.

Brazil's "TTeixeirAA"'s stack had dwindled to less than five big blinds after paying the small blind, and they looked down at ace-jack facing a min-raise from "BrittneySpew" on the button. "TTeixeirAA" three-bet all-in, and was snapped off by "BrittneySpew" holding pocket jacks. A jack on the turn left "TTeixeirAA" drawing dead, and the final table was suddenly down to only three players.

Exclusive PokerNews 888poker Freeroll Passwords for January 2025

Three-handed play spanned 30 minutes, ending with the demise of "BrittneySpew." From the small blind, "BrittneySpew" jammed 16 big blinds with ace-queen, and "Momentum288" called with king-ten in the big blind. The board was king to "BrittneySpew" right up to the river, which is when the king of clubs arrived and sent the talented Romanian to the rail.

"Momentum288" started the heads-up battle against "AzaAzaAza" with a 64.4 to 24.9 big blind chip advantage, and it around 20 minutes for them to get their hands on the title. The final hand saw "Momentum288" move all-in with king-trey of diamonds, and the short-stacked "AzaAzaAza" call off their last 8.5 big blinds with ace-four. A king on the flop left "AzaAzaAza" drawing to three outs or running cards, but two queens filled the board, and busted the plucky "AzaAzaAza" in second place.

The champion led from start to finish and turned their $109 investment into $8,529 and the title of 888poker $100,000 Mystery Bounty Main Event champion.

$100,000 Mystery Bounty Main Event Final Table Results

Rank Player Country Bounties Prize Total Prize 1 Momentum288 $1,224 $7,305 $8,529 2 AzaAzaAza Costa Rica $1,594 $5,340 $6,934 3 BrittneySpew Romania $837 $3,925 $4,762 4 TTeixeirAA Brazil $1,189 $2,885 $4,074 5 SayPlease $1,384 $2,135 $3,519 6 Primafintlos Sweden $1,634 $1,590 $3,224 7 Aberdeen2000 Germany $280 $1,195 $1,475 8 leblond1996 Canada $262 $905 $1,167

888poker LIVE Madrid Main Event Starts January 15

888poker's attention now turns to sunny Spain, with the first 888poker LIVE stop of 2025 in full swing. The 888 buy-in 888poker LIVE Madrid Main Event starts January 15, and you can follow all of its action right here at PokerNews. Our live reporting team is on the ground at the Casino Gran Via bringing you all the live updates from what should be an epic first event on the 888poker LIVE season.

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Ole Schemion Banks $224K and PokerStars New Year Series Main Event Title

Matthew Pitt Senior Editor Copy link

The three New Year Series No-Limit Hold'em Main Events concluded at PokerStars on January 13, and it was Ole "wizowizo" Schemion who emerged with the largest prize of the festival. Schemion took down the $5,200 New Year Series Main Event for $224,424, defeating Brazilian Renan "Internett93o" Bruschi heads-up.

The $5,200 Main Event drew in 230 entrants who created a $1,150,000 prize pool. Day 1 ended with only 15 players in contention for the title. Three-time Sunday Million champion Artem "veeea" Vezhenkov led the final 15 back into battle, with Germany's "assel007" closely behind.

Schemion sat down tenth in chips on Day 2, with the 2014 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event champion Martin "M.nosbacoJ" Jacobson bringing up the rear.

$5,200 New Year Series Main Event Final Table Chip Counts

Rank Player Country Chips 1 Artem "veeea" Vezhenkov Thailand 12,784,761 2 assel007 Germany 10,429,300 3 Aliaksei "ale6ka" Boika Slovenia 4,635,292 4 whaleptt Belarus 4,389,589 5 Michael "imluckbox" Addamo United Kingdom 3,715,379 6 Casimir "Ceis25" Seire Finland 3,677,020 7 Renan "Internett93o" Bruschi Brazil 3,421,332 8 99dm84 Bosnia & Herzegovina 3,160,983 9 Phemo Austria 3,111,674 10 Ole "wizowizo" Schemion Austria 2,472,580 11 stek94 Brazil 2,020,772 12 Andras "probirs" Nemeth Hungary 1,590,779 13 SerVlaMin Mexico 992,910 14 Damian "pampa27" Salas Argentina 680,046 15 Martin "M.nosbocaJ" Jacobson United Kingdom 417,586

It took around 15 minutes for the final table to be reached. "SerVlaMin" was the first to fall, followed by Aliaksei "ale6ka" Boika, Andras "probirs" Nemeth, Casimir "Ceis25" Seire, and Damian "pampa27" Salas .

Michael "imluckbox" Addamo popped the final table bubble, running his suited ace-queen into the dominating ace-king of "whaleptt." The Big Slick held, Addamo busted, and the surviving nine players headed to the final table.

Final table action starts at 25:45 on the above video

A battle of the blinds during the first ten minutes of the final table's action resulted in "stek94" bowing out. From the small blind, "stek94" limped with ace-king, and Vezhenkov checked his nine-trey of clubs. The flop fell nine-queen-six with two diamonds, "stek94" checked and Vezhenkov checked behind. The queen of clubs landed on the turn, pairing the board and putting two clubs out there. "stek94" fired a half-pot bet before calling the raise from their opponent. "stek94" checked on the ace of clubs river before calling all-in when Vezhenkov jammed. Vezhenkov's flush was good, and "stek94" was gone.

"assel007" started Day 2 second in chips, but they ran out of steam and had to make do with an eighth-place finish. Their deep run ended when they committed the last of their stack with ace-eight and couldn't beat the pocket jacks of "99dm84" despite flopping a flush draw.

Martin Jacobson

Seventh place went to Jacobson, who three-bet all-in for nine big blinds from the big blind with ace-ten suited after Vezhenkov min-raised from early position with king-jack. A jack on the flop was enough to win the pot for Vezhenkov, who climbed to the top of the chip counts as Jacobson faded to black.

Bosnia's "99dm84" was the sixth-place finisher. They were down to three big blinds when they opened with queen-jack of diamonds. "Phemo" called on the button with ace-nine, and Schemion put in calling chips from the big blind with king-five. A deuce-five-ten flop saw everyone check to "Phemo," who bet a mere 350,000 into the 3,070,000 pot. Schmion called, and "99dm94" called off their tiny 213,021 stack. Schemion led out tiny on the ten of clubs turn, and "Phemo" folded. The river was a three, safe for Schemion, and "99dm84" was gone.

Artem Vezhenkov

The five remaining players headed on a break immediately after the previous elimination. Upon their return, nothing went right for Vezhenkov. The Thailand-based Russian was the chip leader at the start of five-handed play, but became the fifth-place finisher. First, they lost a chunk when "Phemo"'s ace-four of spade flopped a flush to beat their ace-king. Then a cruel run-out saw Vezhankov improve to a king-high straight on the river when "whaleptt" hit Broadway on the same card.

They then jammed 30 big blinds with ten-nine of clubs in the small blind and lost to Schemion's ace-ten, which left the once-leader with only five or so big blinds. Vezhenkov's last three big blinds went into the middle with queen-jack, which lost to the ace-king of "Phemo."

Fourth place and the last five-figure prize went to "Phemo," although their $99,418 haul was essentially worth six figures. Down to eight big blinds, "Phemo" called a min-raise with king-six of spades while in the big blind. A six-seven-deuce flop saw "Phemo" check, "Schemion fire a quarter-pot sized bet and call "Phemo's" check-raise all-in. Schemion showed nine-eight for two overs and an open-ended straight draw. The latter came in on the turn to eliminate "Phemo."

At the start of three-handed play, Schemion held over 29 million chips, while Bruschi had 23 million in his stack. " Whaleptt " was on life support with eight big blinds. Unsurprisingly, "whaleptt" was the next player heading to the showers.

"whaleptt" busted at Schemion's hand, committed their micro stack on a six-eight-ten flop with two spades while holding king-trey of spades. Schemion's jack-eight held, eliminating "whaleptt" in third for $130,416, and sending the $5,200 New Year Series Main Event into the heads-up stage.

Renan Bruschi

The champion-elect held a 34,719,779 to 22,780,221 chip advantage going into the one-on-one battle with Bruschi, but the contest was far from over because there were 115 big blinds in play. A near-30-minute battle ensued, and it was Schemion who eventually claimed all of the chips.

The final hand saw Bruschi limp with pocket sixes, Schemion raise all-in with ace-four, and Bruschi call all-in. An ace on the flop proved enough for Schemion to become the tournament's champion and recipient of $224,424, leaving Bruschi to console himself with a $171,081 runner-up prize.

$5,200 New Year Series Main Event Final Table Results

Rank Player Country Prize 1 Ole "wizowizo" Schemion Austria $224,424 2 Renan "Internett93o" Bruschi Brazil $171,081 3 whaleptt Belarus $130,416 4 Phemo Austria $99,418 5 Artem "veeea" Vezhenkov Thailand $75,787 6 99dm84 Bosnia & Herzegovina $57,773 7 Martin "M.nosbocaJ" Jacobson United Kingdom $44,041 8 assel007 Germany $33,573 9 stek94 Brazil $27,306

Other PokerStars Results From the Weekend

Blaz Zerjav

The $1,050 edition of the New Year Series Main Event also awarded a six-figure top prize. Poland's "DrawindDead" defeated Austria's "chrisgoataui" heads-up to walk away with $140,670, with $61,096 of that bankroll-boosting sum stemming from bounties.

Shout-outs also to Blaz "Scarmak3r" Zerjav for winning a $40,832 prize by taking down the $1,050 NLHE PKO and to Brazilian ace Alisson "heyalisson" Piekazewicz for becoming the $530 NLHE PKO champion and banking $32,842.

Event Entrants Prize Pool Champion Prize $1,050 NYS Main Event 1,170 $1,170,000 DrawindDead $140,670* $109 NTS Main Event 10,689 $1,068,900 blackprecise $63,329 $530 NYS PKO Warm-Up 541 $270,500 danielkiosev $42,406* $1,050 NYS PKO 184 $200,000 Blaz "Scarmak3r" Zerjav $40,832* $530 NYS PKO 372 $186,000 Alisson "heyalisson" Piekazewicz $32,842* $530 NYS PKO Sunday Cooldown 270 $150,000 Pedro "PaDiLhA SP" Padilha $28,287* $55 NYS PKO 5,529 $276,450 ibotown $26,503* $55 NYS PKO Warm-Up 5,422 $271,100 Ipedrov $25,355* $109 NYS Mystery Bounty 2,250 $225,000 SupaFlyGreek $21,068* $55 NYS PKO Sunday Cooldown 3,309 $165,450 AwesomeDisaster $17,717* $215 NYS PLO Main Event 446 $89,200 BullMent $15,970

*includes bounty payments

It won't be long until PokerStars announces its next big festival. Trust us, it's going to be a doozy! Stay tuned to PokerNews for all the PokerStars and other poker news you can handle.

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For almost a century, scientists believed that the skull found in Turkey in 1929 belonged to Cleopatra's half-sister, Arsinae IV. In fact, it is the remains of an 11-year-old boy who had a genetic disease.

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The new study used a combination of computed tomography and DNA analysis. So there can be no mistakes this time, LiveScience writes.

According to historians, the remains were found in a marble sarcophagus in a building called the Octagon in Ephesus, where there was a huge temple of the ancient Greek goddess of hunting, Artemis.

There were no inscriptions at the excavation site, but archaeologists of the time concluded that the burial was for an important young woman. They assumed that the bones belonged to Queen Arsinah IV of Egypt.

It is known from historical sources that she took up arms against her half-sister Cleopatra and Julius Caesar and led the siege of Alexandria in 48-47 B.C. Arsinoe and her troops lost this battle, and she sought refuge in the Temple of Artemis.

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The Austrian Academy of Sciences noted that Arsinoe IV was killed in Ephesus around 41 BC on the orders of Mark Antony, Cleopatra's lover, the NewYorkPost reports.

A team of scientists has re-examined the possibility that a skull found centuries ago belonged to Cleopatra's sister. Their radiocarbon analysis of the remains put the date of the person's death between 205 and 36 BC, which is consistent with the historically recorded death of Arsinoe.

However, the stage of skeletal development showed that the person was only 11-14 years old  much younger than the murdered queen.

"But then there was another big surprise. During the repeated tests, the skull and femur clearly showed the presence of the Y chromosome, i.e., male sex," said Gerhard Weber, lead author of the study, professor of evolutionary anthropology at the University of Vienna.

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Since the skull bones were thinner and more fragile than expected, the experts further examined the skeleton and found deformities that had not been noticed before.

According to the scientists, one of the sutures on the skull, which fuses over the course of a lifetime, was already closed, which usually does not happen until a person turns 65. The early closure of this suture indicates that the boy's skull was asymmetrical.

Even more striking, according to the researchers, was the abnormal shape of the person's upper jaw, combined with at least one tooth that showed no signs of wear. Both of these signs indicate that the boy had an improperly functioning upper jaw and a potentially small, abnormally oriented lower jaw, experts say.

According to the researchers, one possible explanation for these skull and jaw features is a rare genetic disorder called Treacher Collins Syndrome (TCS). This condition affects the development of the face and head, causing a small jaw, slanted eyes, and hearing and vision problems.

However, scientists do not understand why this boy with developmental disabilities was buried in the prominent octagon in Ephesus.

"We can now say with certainty that the person buried in the Octagon was not Arsinoe IV, and the search for his remains must continue," the researchers concluded.

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TV series help to distract from everyday worries and stress. Many of the shows are based on real events or deal with current social issues. Watching the characters, we can better understand different types of personalities, their motives and actions, and get to know different cultures, customs, and stories. And watching them in the original language with subtitles is a great way to improve your foreign language skills.

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OBOZ.UA has compiled the best series for women that have long been hits. The selection includes interesting stories with high ratings and positive reviews from both viewers and film critics.

Land of Women

The series tells the story of a woman who is forced to change her life dramatically. The protagonist, a successful businesswoman from New York, finds herself in a difficult situation due to her husband's financial fraud. To avoid danger, she, her mother and teenage daughter are forced to leave the city and move to a small Spanish village. The series explores the complex relationships between three generations of women - grandmother, mother and daughter.

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Maid

Based on the true events described in Stephanie Land's memoir, the series immerses viewers in the complex life of a woman trying to escape the vicious cycle of violence and poverty. Alex is not just a victim of circumstances. She is strong, resourceful and ready to fight for herself and her child. Her character inspires and motivates. The series raises important social issues, such as domestic violence, loss of housing, and gender inequality.

Why Women Kill

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Why Women Kill is a gripping psychological thriller that explores the darker sides of the female soul. The series takes place in the same house, but in different eras, showing the stories of three women who faced adultery and chose a radical way of revenge.

The Morning Show

The plot immerses you in the world of American morning television. The story revolves around the struggle for power and influence against the backdrop of a sexual harassment scandal that has shaken the entire industry. The series brought together real Hollywood stars on the set: Jennifer Aniston, Reese Witherspoon, and Steve Carell. This is a great opportunity to look behind the scenes of the world of morning television that showcases all its intrigues, betrayals and struggle for ratings.

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The Affair

The American drama series explores the topic of extramarital affairs and their consequences. The plot revolves around an affair between Noah Solloway, a married writer in his middle years, and a young waitress, Alison Bailey. Each episode presents events from a different point of view - Noah's and Alison's. This creates the effect of conflicting testimonies and forces the viewer to draw their own conclusions about what is really happening.

Killing Eve

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The psychological thriller captures the audience from the first minutes and does not let go until the very end. The story tells of an unusual relationship between two bright personalities: British spy Eve Polastri and psychopathic killer Villanelle. Eva and Villanelle are two magnets that attract and repel at the same time. Their complex characters, interaction and relationship development are among the most interesting elements of the series.

Big Little Lies

Each character in the series is a separate story filled with their own problems and secrets. Their psychological portraits are written in great detail, allowing the viewer to empathize with the characters. Big Little Lies shows how the facade of an ideal life hides dark secrets, jealousy, lies and violence.

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The Handmaid's Tale

The dystopian series is based on the novel of the same name by Margaret Atwood. It depicts a world where a fundamentalist religious regime has seized power and turned women into reproductive tools. The main character, June, as well as other women in the series, demonstrate incredible strength of spirit and resilience in the face of tyranny.

Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce

The story combines elements of comedy and drama, telling the story of a woman who suddenly finds herself facing a divorce. The story centers on Abby, a popular writer who leads a perfect life, at least as it seems to others. However, Abby has to not only go through a divorce, but also build a new life.

Mildred Pierce

This is a historical drama about the Great Depression. The main character, Mildred Pierce, is an ordinary housewife who, after divorcing her husband, decides to change her life. The series recreates the atmosphere of the 1930s, showing how the Great Depression affected the lives of ordinary people.

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Political Editor

Schuyler Kropf is The Post and Courier political editor. He has covered every major political race in South Carolina dating to 1988, including for U.S. Senate, governorship, the Statehouse and Republican and Democratic presidential primaries.
By the end of the year, Ukraine may introduce joint customs and border control on its border with the European Union (EU). Polish border guards may be the first to start checking travelers together with their Ukrainian counterparts.

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This was announced by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal during a meeting of the Ukrainian government. Negotiations are currently ongoing.

"The European Commission is currently evaluating our potential agreement with Poland. After agreeing on the technical issues, we will be able to use this developed model for our other EU neighbors," Shmyhal said.

In addition, he said, in 2025 Ukraine will further expand and improve the eCheck system. "In more than 2 years, we have almost 1.6 million border crossings using this system. Every day, thousands of trucks and buses use the system, which reduces the time they spend at the border," the Prime Minister emphasized.

The government also plans to further modernize checkpoints, as in 2024 it approved the Strategy for the Development of Border Infrastructure with the EU and Moldova until 2030, which provides for the reconstruction of 28 checkpoints and the construction of at least six new ones.

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"Our goal is to make border crossing for citizens and businesses as fast and convenient as possible," Shmyhal said.

It was also reported that in the coming years, new checkpoints "Luzhanka" and "Velyka Palad" will be opened in Transcarpathia, and the construction of "Bila Tserkva" on the border with Romania will begin. The reconstruction of Uzhhorod and the introduction of eChecks will increase the efficiency of border crossing and support business. Such changes were initiated to support business, accelerate turnover, and unload the existing checkpoints, where a significant number of vehicles are currently accumulating.

OBOZ.UA also reported that Ukrainians need to have a package of documents to cross the border with the EU countries. In particular, an identity card/passport, a valid driver's license corresponding to the category of the vehicle he or she is driving, a vehicle registration certificate, and a certificate of periodic technical inspection.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is set to name 18 banks that have failed to settle over N200 billion debt owed to telecom operators for the use of Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD).

Sources with knowledge of the matter told PREMIUM TIMES on Monday that the network service providers may also effect the suspension of the USSD service soon.

The USSD debt has been accumulating since 2018, and despite a joint directive from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the NCC, only four banks have complied with the payment requirements, sources told this newspaper on Monday.

The directive required banks to settle 60 per cent of outstanding pre-API (Application Programming Interfaces) invoices by January 2025, with payment plans to be negotiated between banks and Mobile Network Operators (MNOs).

However, despite this deadline, several banks have failed to meet their payment obligations.

A notice has been issued for the suspension of USSD services, which will significantly disrupt banking transactions for millions of Nigerians, especially those in rural or underserved areas with limited internet access.

The NCCs move to expose the defaulters is part of an ongoing effort to resolve the long-standing debt dispute between banks and telecom companies, which has been a point of contention for several years.

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Telecom operators have expressed concerns about the impact of the unpaid debt on the sustainability of USSD services and also threatened to withdraw the service.

Sources familiar with the matter said that while banks have been reluctant to prioritise payments, MNOs have refrained from carrying out their threats of suspending the service due to the services critical role in the economy.

According to electronic payment statistics from the CBN, USSD transactions reached 252.06 million, valued at N2.19 trillion, between January and June 2024. The figures represent a substantial growth from the 2023 full-year data, where USSD transactions totaled 630.6 million, valued at N4.84 trillion.

Originating from telcos for airtime and subscription services, USSD technology has been extensively leveraged by the banking sector due to its ability to function without an internet connection.

Last November, the Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria, Gbenga Adebayo, said that operators were seeing some progress in the repayment of the debt, with smaller banks beginning to settle their obligations.

READ ALSO: NCC directs telcos on tariffs transparency

Sources told PREMIUM TIMES Monday that the number of defaulting banks reflects a mixture of both small and big banks.

Its a very painful decision, a source familiar with the planned suspension said, noting that the service is critical to the economy of traders, artisans, and others especially in rural Nigeria.

Efforts to reach some of the major banks on the plausible effect of the planned suspension of the service proved abortive Monday night as messages sent to spokespersons of some of the big banks were not responded to.

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The management of First Bank of Nigeria Limited on Tuesday said media reports alleging that it abused court processes in the ongoing legal battles with General Hydrocarbons Limited are misleading and incorrect.

The bank said it performed its obligations under the loan agreements but trouble started when it demanded for good governance and transparency in the transaction, which GHL rejected.

Consequently, it is incorrect to assert that FirstBank abused the process of the court, the bank said in a statement.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, granted an order restraining all commercial banks in Nigeria from releasing or dealing in all monies and assets up to $225.8 million due to Nduka Obaigbena from any account maintained by him.

Mr Obaigbena is the chairman and editor-in-chief of THISDAY Media Group and Arise News Channel.

The court also blocked all commercial banks from releasing or dealing in all monies and assets up to the said amount belonging to Efe Damilola Obaigbena, Olabisi Eka Obaigbena and General Hydrocarbons Limited, an oil and gas firm in which all the three are directors and shareholders.

Another order barring the banks from dealing in or releasing such monies and assets due to the company, its agents, privies, subsidiaries and sister companies with the banks up to the same sum was issued, according to court documents obtained by PREMIUM TIMES.

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General Hydrocarbons, in its response, said it also obtained a court order securing its operations.

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 statement signed by its chairman, Nduka Obaigbena.

First Bank on Tuesday spoke in reaction to the development, clarifying areas of contention in media reports.

Read the full statement below:

Public Statement by First Bank of Nigeria Limited

Our attention has been drawn to recent media reports regarding a commercial transaction between First Bank of Nigeria Limited (FirstBank) and General Hydrocarbons Limited (GHL) that is currently a subject of litigation.

As a responsible and law-abiding corporate citizen of Nigeria with utmost respect for the courts,FirstBank will not be able to offer comments on issues which are pending for determination by the courts, as such issues are sub-judice.

However, we are constrained to issue the following clarifications to correct the sponsored but false narratives on the matter presented in some of the media publications.

There is a subsisting commercial transaction between FirstBank as lender, and GHL as borrower, where FirstBank extended several credit facilities to GHL for the development of some Oil Mining Lease assets.

These facilities are backed by very robust loan agreements executed by the parties in which the obligations of the parties are clearly defined and the security arrangement clearly spelt out.

While FirstBank has diligently performed its obligations under the loan agreements, at the root of the present dispute is FirstBanks demand for good governance and transparency in the transaction, which General Hydrocarbons Limited rejected.

Upon FirstBanks realisation of breaches on the part of GHL including diversion of proceeds, FirstBank requested that an independent operator mutually acceptable to both parties be appointed in line with the terms of the agreement, to operate the financed asset in a transparent manner that will bring greater visibility to the project, protect the interest of, and bring value to all stakeholders.

Not only did GHL roundly reject this reasonable and fair request, rather GHL insisted that FirstBank avails it with more funding. GHL refused to execute the terms of offer stipulated by the Bank for the availment of additional funding but rather proceeded to commence needless Arbitral proceedings.

GHL issued a notice to initiate arbitration and has no substantive claim pending at the Federal High Court. GHL approached the Federal High Court solely to seek preservative orders pending arbitration. Some of the preservative orders sought by GHL were granted while others were denied.

FirstBank is the only party that filed a substantive claim against General Hydrocarbons Limited at the Federal High Court and the subject matter of FirstBank s claim is not identical with the dispute GHL submitted to arbitration because FirstBanks claim is in respect of subsequent credit facilities granted to GHL and the offer letters and finance documents pertaining to the subsequent transactions clearly state that the disputes arising from the subsequent facilities are to be resolved by a court of competent jurisdiction in Nigeria and not by arbitration.

Consequently, it is incorrect to assert that FirstBank abused the process of the court.

General Hydrocarbons off-took crude from the Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel and diverted the proceeds. The Bank had no choice as a secured lender, under these circumstances of continued breaches, non-payment of due obligations and attempts to shield the Bank away from agreed security and repayment sources, than to approach the court for legal remedies, to preserve assets, recover the diverted proceeds, prevent reoccurrences and safeguard FirstBanks interest. It is clear to us that the courts do not support or protect illegalities and breaches of contracts.

FirstBank has a long and very rich history of supporting and providing for the financial needs of its customers over its more than 130 years of unbroken existence. FirstBank remains committed to ensuring that it continues to support legitimate business aspirations of its teeming customers. At the same time, FirstBank is committed to the building of a strong credit culture where borrowers pay their debts when they borrow and will always take appropriate steps, within the ambit of the law, to resist attempts by borrowers to repudiate their repayment obligations.

We wish to assure FirstBanks numerous customers, stakeholders and the general public that FirstBank remains solid, calm, steadfast and unflinching in its resolve to continue to provide first-class services to its teeming customers within and outside the country.

FirstBank also wishes to respectfully thank our shareholders for the indicatively over subscribed Rights Issue of its parent Company, First Holdco Plc (FirstHoldco), in the first round of its capital raise and looks forward to an equally successful final leg of the recapitalization exercise when it is announced by FirstHoldco.

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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has imposed sanctions on nine Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) for failing to ensure the availability of Naira notes via automated teller machines (ATMs) during the 2024 festive season.

According to a statement on Tuesday by the Acting Director of Corporate Communications at the CBN, Hakama Ali, each bank was fined N150 million for breaching the apex banks cash distribution guidelines.

The enforcement followed spot checks on the affected banks branches during the yuletide, a time of high demand for cash.

Among those sanctioned were Fidelity Bank Plc, First Bank Plc, Keystone Bank Plc, Union Bank Plc, Globus Bank Plc, Providus Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc, and Sterling Bank Plc.

The bank said the sanctions underscored the banks commitment to maintaining public trust and ensuring economic stability.

Ensuring seamless cash flow is paramount to maintaining public trust and economic stability, she stated.

The CBN said the fines would be deducted directly from the accounts of the sanctioned banks held with the apex bank.

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The move is part of broader efforts to address cash shortages and ensure compliance with cash circulation policies.

The CBN also revealed that its investigations and monitoring activities would continue to target issues such as cash hoarding and rationing, particularly by Point-of-Sale (POS) operators.

The enforcement action comes amid concerns about operational violations by financial institutions, including excessive cash withdrawals beyond the daily POS limit of N1.2 million.

The CBN had warned banks to comply with cash distribution policies or face stiff penalties.

At the Annual Bankers Dinner of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) in November 2024, CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso emphasised the need for banks to prioritise customer trust and operational efficiency.

Our focus remains on fostering trust, ensuring stability, and guaranteeing seamless cash circulation across the financial system, Mr Cardoso stated.

He reiterated the central banks resolve to maintain a robust cash buffer to meet the needs of Nigerians, particularly during critical periods.

The CBN urged all financial institutions to adhere to its guidelines, warning that future breaches would attract swifter and more decisive actions.

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Drones from unknown origin were spotted above a military airfield in southern Germany, Bavarian authorities said.

Investigators said they have not ruled out espionage as a possible cause for the sighting, possibly connected to Russias war against Ukraine.

The Bavaria State Criminal Police Office (LKA) said the police had been informed about a drone flight above the Manching Air Base near the city of Ingolstadt on Sunday evening.

The officers then were able to detect up to 10 drones.

Although a police helicopter was requested for reinforcement, those responsible for the illegal overflights could not be identified.

It came after a series of illegal drone flights were recorded over the military security areas in Manching and neighbouring Neuburg an der Donau in December.

Authorities suspected that the drones were being used to take pictures of military installations.

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The LKA hoped that the witnesses would provide information to identify those responsible for the drone flights.

The Munich Public Prosecutor Generals Office, responsible for cases related to terrorism and extremism, has taken over the investigation.

Manching is home to the German militarys Technical and Airworthiness Centre for Aircraft which tests aircraft ordered for the countrys air force.

Neuburg is the base of the German Air Forces 74th Tactical Wing, which monitors southern German airspace using Eurofighter Typhoons.

(dpa/NAN)

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Among all genres, there are few that make you watch a movie from the first seconds to the final credits without taking a break. To be so engaging, a movie needs to have an exciting, non-trivial plot and play with the audience's imagination, keeping them on their toes with the unexpected decisions of the characters.

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Such stories can be found in movies about ingenious crimes, the scams of the century, which are thought out to the smallest detail and often leave the thieves with everything. OBOZ.UA has compiled a list of movies and TV series that can boast of badass and smart criminals.

Catch Me If You Can

Based on real events, the movie about a young fraudster Frank Abagnale, who impersonated a pilot, a doctor, and even a lawyer, will allow viewers to look into a brilliant mind. In the '60s, the FBI brought together its best detectives to catch a mysterious criminal who, with his charisma and advanced intelligence beyond his years, stole an impressive three million dollars from American banks. But Frank turned out to be smarter - he gained the trust of the criminologists and even managed to escape from custody.

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Ocean's Eleven

Planning a robbery of three casinos in Las Vegas is not an easy task, but it becomes easier when 11 people with different but equally important abilities are involved. The movie not only shows how the dangerous scam is carried out, but also has a number of great jokes.

Money Heist



The Spanish series about a group of criminals planning a robbery of the Royal Spanish Mint became a phenomenon in its time. The series captivates with its dynamics, unexpected twists and charismatic characters, and surprises with the thoughtfulness of the robbery, which could not be stopped even after surrounding the building from all sides.

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Inventing Anna

The series tells the story of Anna Delvey (Julia Garner), a young woman who arrives in New York and impersonates a wealthy heiress from Germany. She quickly gains the trust of the society's elite by using her charm, ingenuity, and false documents. Without a penny to her name, Anna makes everyone around her believe in her privilege and lives bold.

Parasite

The South Korean black comedy thriller has been recognized by both critics and audiences around the world, winning the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival and four Academy Awards. The film, with its atypical plot, tells the story of a poor family that gets a job using cunning methods and parasitizes on the wealth of the rich.

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More than 500 disengaged workers of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife, have taken legal action against the hospitals management over alleged unlawful termination of their services.

The claimants, represented by their counsel, Sola Ojutalayo, have approached the National Industrial Court, Ibadan, seeking an order for their reinstatement and payment of all entitlements.

According to the workers Statement of Claims, they were employed between October and December 2022 and allegedly disengaged unlawfully on 31 January 2024, without any reason from the management.

At Tuesdays hearing, four exhibits were admitted when Mr Ojutalayo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), led in evidence one of the claimants, Ogunleye Samson, as a witness.

The respondents counsel, Ejike Orji, however, objected to the admissibility of two of the four exhibits on grounds of not being signed.

In his response, Mr Ojutalayo argued that Mr Orji only looked at the first pages of the two objected exhibits without checking other pages.

He said if Mr Orji had checked other pages of the exhibits, he would have discovered they were duly signed and thus admissible in law and relevant to the case.

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Ruling on the exhibits admissibility, Justice John Peters held that the exhibits, containing the claimants various dates of employment and salaries to be paid, were signed by all the claimants.

ALSO READ: Sacked OAUTHC workers protest against suitability test

The witness, now being cross-examined by the respondents counsel, said he was not appointed on probation and was unaware the Head of Service granted waiver to some of the employed workers.

He said the hospitals management did not state any reason for his termination and that he never received a salary since he was employed till the disengagement date.

The judge, thereafter, adjourned the case till 11 February, for the hearing to continue.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the claimants are Awosope Samson, Falope Olufemu, Fayemi Omowumi and 509 others.

(NAN)

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To usher Ivorians into the new year, President Alassane Ouattara announced that French troops in Cote dIvoire will hand over the 43rd Marine Infantry Battalion (BIMA), a French army base located in Port-Bouet, Abidjan, to the Ivorian military starting in January 2025.

We can be proud of our army, whose modernisation is now effective. It is within this context that we have decided on the concerted and organised withdrawal of French forces, Mr Ouattara said in his speech.

With that speech, Cote dIvoire, to the surprise of some, became the sixth country in Africa to ask France to withdraw its troops from the country. It was surprising as Mr Ouattara was viewed by many as a darling of France.

Cote dIvoire joined Senegal and Chad who recently asked French troops to exit their territories.

The coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Niger heralded a wave of strong anti-French sentiments across the continent. These sentiments saw protests across borders, especially by urban youth who spoke passionately against French influence in their countries  most of these were tied to colonial pasts and the fight against terrorism.

Although all the countries affected had become independent after decades of French colonisation, they maintained strong economic and military ties with France. One of these was the presence of French military bases in each of them.

That military relationship has now been largely severed.

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Many analysts argue that the decision of Senegal, Chad, and Cote dIvoire to end military relations with France, although under very different circumstances, is political, especially with the growing sentiments across borders. They argue that pandering to populism could give some sense of legitimacy to governments, especially in the case of Cote dIvoire, whose election is in nine months.

Having seen the outcome of anti-French sentiments in other countries, incumbent governments loathe losing their political powers and are doing what they can to keep them.

Exit of French troops from Senegal, Chad, Cote dIvoire

Although President Emmanuel Macrons administration made attempts to be different from previous French governments in terms of its relations with Africa and its former colonies, anti-French sentiments continued to rise.

It peaked following the military takeovers between 2019 and 2023. It has since remained consistent and exploited by many for different purposes.

These sentiments are, however, viewed as a new desire by African countries to take charge of their future and sovereignty.

Having seen the rise in these sentiments after the coups, Mr Macron deployed former minister Jean-Marie Bockel to ask these countries whether they wanted French troops to stay or leave. Decisions were made, and it became clear that the troop numbers would, at the very least, be reduced.

While Chad and Senegal have decided they would like all French troops to leave, Gabon and Cote dIvoire would have small numbers remaining for training and cooperation work. Djibouti has an entirely different arrangement where France continues to maintain a large military base.

Mutual but not so mutual

Although officials from the affected countries say the French militarys exit is with no hard feelings, comments from President Emmanuel Macron and reactions from Senegal and Cote dIvoire have raised questions about the mutual understanding.

Speaking at an ambassadors conference, President Macron called the leaders of the affected countries ungrateful for failing to say thank you.

We were right [to deploy]. I think someone forgot to say thank you. It is ok, it will come with time, BBC quoted Mr Macron as saying on Monday.

But I say this for all the African heads of state who have not had the courage in the face of public opinion to hold that view. None of them would be a sovereign country today if the French army hadnt deployed in the region.

The French president was alluding to some of the positive roles the French forces played in the countries.

In 2013, Mali invited the French into its territory to help fight an insurgency. This mission was later expanded to Burkina Faso and Niger. However, the coup in these countries saw the end of this partnership and the expulsion of the French troops.

Angered by Mr Macrons comments, Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and Chadian foreign minister Abderaman Koulamallah said Mr Macrons comments had revealed his contempt for Africa.

Chad expresses its deep concern following the remarks made recently by [the French president], which reflect a contemptuous attitude towards Africa and Africans, BBC quoted Mr Koulamallah as saying in a statement on national TV.

French leaders must learn to respect the African people and recognise the value of their sacrifices, he added.

Mr Sonko added that France had in the past contributed to destabilising certain African countries such as Libya which had disastrous consequences for the regions security.

France has neither the capacity nor the legitimacy to ensure Africas security and sovereignty, he said in a statement.

Experts Speak

The recent withdrawal of French troops from Cote dIvoire, Chad, and Senegal marks an important change in France-Sahel and France-West Africa relations, said Beatriz de Leon Cobo, an independent researcher specialised in security and political dynamics in Sahel and West Africa, told PREMIUM TIMES.

She noted that it signals the end of Frances dominant role in regional security in these regions and highlights a regional movement towards the diversification of international partnerships and the assertion of greater national sovereignty.

The previous expulsion of French troops from the region saw countries invite and embrace alternative partners like Russia and China. It is, however, unclear if Senegal, Chad, and Cote dIvoire will follow suit.

Paul Melly, a consulting fellow at Chatham House, said China is staying out of political controversies in West Africa and focusing mainly on economic cooperation, unlike its ally and friend Russia which is actively supporting the anti-French stance of the Sahel military regimes.

Ms Leon Cobo argued that Russias and Chinas roles in the region deserve more attention.

The countries of West Africa and the Sahel are increasingly exploring relationships with multiple world powers, including Russia and China, which offer attractive alternatives to traditional European partners, she noted.

She said partners such as China and Russia often present themselves as respectful of national sovereignty which appeals to countries wishing to assert their independence without outside interference in their internal affairs. Unlike some European partners that insist on political conditions or human rights requirements, China and Russia do not attach such conditions to their commitments.

Nevertheless, they generally have clear economic interests, including a strong stake in strategic sectors such as mining.

What France is doing

According to diplomatic sources in Paris, two years ago, France started reconfiguring its defence partnerships in Africa, to reduce its military presence in the region.

The discussions involved every partner and authorities. Chad, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Gabon, everyone was included. It was the mission given to Jean-Marie Bockel, and it has been carried out with constant respect for the sovereignty of our partners and listening to their wishes, one French diplomat said on the condition of anonymity.

This process should pave the way for new forms of cooperation on security and defence with our African partners, the source added.

Other French sources familiar with the developments say France is on the path of restitution with hopes that a new partnership that benefits all involved will be formed.

The sources say France does not expect an immediate turnaround but remains convinced that it is in the right direction.

Paul Melly agrees with this position and adds that because France took the trouble to ask these countries what their preferences were, this may actually foster goodwill in their relationship with France.

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Two people have been reported dead in a communal clash involving youths of Oka Odo, Ebo, and Owake communities in Iwaro Akoko, Akoko South-west LGA, in Ondo State.

The violence also led to the destruction of properties, including a house belonging to Omorinbola Francis, which was set ablaze. Several injured residents were rushed to the Federal Medical Center in Iwaro-Oka for treatment.

It was gathered that the clash started when members of the Owake Community erected signposts on disputed lands, an act that was vehemently resisted by youths from the Ebo Community. The situation reportedly escalated into violence, with attacks and counterattacks from both communities.

The Palace of the Asin of Oka-Odo and an event hall were also destroyed during the clash. The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State, Wilfred Afolabi, however, has waded into the crisis, calling on warring parties to keep the peace.

A statement from the Police Public Relations Officer, Funmilayo Odunlami, said the Commissioner of Police has urged all parties involved to sheathe their swords, as violence and property destruction would only result in stagnation and underdevelopment.

The clash started on 12 January 2025 when youths from Oka Odo went on a hunting expedition and were allegedly attacked by youths from Ebo, the police statement read.

The Ebo youths were said to have mistaken them for individuals from Owake, with whom they have an unresolved land dispute. In retaliation, Oka Odo youths mobilised and invaded the Ebo community, leading to incidents of arson.

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The conflict led to casualties on both sides, leading to the death of two persons (names and identities unknown), while the injured are currently receiving treatment in the hospital.

A police team, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP Ops), has been deployed to the area to restore peace and prevent further escalation. The CP urges the communities to seek peaceful resolutions to their disputes to avoid further loss of lives and property while assuring residents that the police would ensure that the perpetrators of violence on both sides are brought to justice.

Sundays clash comes a week after a similar incident occurred in Owo, where four persons were killed and several others injured. The Owo incident was a clash between rival street cults. The police say they have arrested 25 persons in connection with the incident.

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A Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, ordered the unconditional release of Bashir Hadejia, an aide to the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, while he was Governor of Zamfara.

Justice Emeka Nwite, in a judgment, described Mr Hadejias arrest and subsequent detention since 12 August 2024, without being charged to court, as unlawful and in breach of his fundamental human rights as enshrined in the constitution.

Justice Nwite, who made an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police, his agents or servants, from any unlawful arrest and detention of Mr Hadejia, awarded N10 million as general and exemplary damages against the I-G.

The judge declared the invasion of the applicants residence by the agents of the police on 12 August 2024 as illegal, unconstitutional, null and void.

He held that the act was a flagrant violation of Hadejias fundamental rights as guaranteed under Sections 34, 35, 36 (5), 37 and 41 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Hadejia was allegedly arrested on 12 August 2024 at his residence in Abuja over allegations bordering on treason and subversion against the state.

However, in the originating motion marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/1235/2024, filed by Mahmud Magaji, SAN, on Mr Hadejias behalf, the lawyer sued the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police and Mr Matawalle as 1st and 2nd respondents.

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Also joined in the suit dated and filed on 22 August 2024 were the State Security Service (SSS); Chief of Naval Staff; Chief of Defence Intelligence, Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA); and Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) as 3rd to 6th respondents respectively.

The senior lawyer sought nine reliefs including a declaration that the abduction, harassment, intimidation, unlawful arrest and detention of the applicant (BASHIR HADEJIA) by the agents of the respondents on 12th of August, 2024, based on the political disagreement between the applicant and the 2nd respondent (Matawalle) is illegal, unconstitutional, null and void.

He sought an order enforcing Mr Hadejias fundamental rights to liberty by directing his unconditional release pending the determination of any allegations that may be raised against him by the respondents.

He equally sought an order awarding N500 million as general and exemplary damages against the respondents.

In the affidavit deposed to by Abubakar Hadejia, a younger brother of the detainee, he averred that the applicant is a businessman and former Special Adviser on Special Duties to Mr Matawalle while he was governor of Zamfara.

According to him, the applicant is also a Technical Adviser to the incumbent governor of Zamfara State.

He alleged that the residence was invaded without a search warrant and the agents of the I-G who came for the search did not enter any inventory with respect to what was allegedly found in the house.

Mr Abubakar said when they visited the Intelligence Respond Team, Force Intelligence Department (IRT-FID) on 16 August 2024, they were told that though Mr Hadejia was in their custody, he was not a subject of any investigation.

He said through their lawyer, they applied for his administrative bail but were denied.

I know as a fact that: there exists a political disagreement between the applicant and 2nd respondent (Matawalle), who was the Governor of Zamfara State between 2019 and 2023, he alleged.

He said within the period, Mr Matawalle appointed Mr Hadejia as Special Adviser on Special Duties but that after he lost the bid to return to the seat of the governor in 2023, Mr Matawalle became angry with Mr Hadejia.

He said the feud between them worsened when Mr Hadejia was appointed as Technical Adviser by the incumbent Governor of Zamfara, Dauda Lawal.

He alleged that Mr Hadejias entire detention was a political witch-hunt orchestrated by Mr Matawalle in connivance with the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th respondents to tarnish his image and lower his estimation in the eyes of his political and business associates.

However, in separate counter-affidavits, Mr Matawalle, the SSS, Chief of Naval Staff, DIA and CDS, denied the allegations; describing them as baseless.

They urged the court to dismiss the suit as Mr Hadejia had not placed sufficient evidence before the court to prove his allegations.

Although the 2nd to 6th respondents filed counter affidavits, the 1st respondent (I-G) did not.

Delivering the judgment, Justice Omotosho agreed with the counter-affidavits argument of Mr Matawalle that Mr Hadejia had failed to prove all the allegations against him.

He held that sufficient and credible facts must be presented to the court for the applicant to prove his case, and where the applicant failed, the court would refuse the application.

According to him, when the applicant places sufficient evidence before the court, it is then that the burden of proof will shift to the respondents.

The judge noted that Mr Hadejia alleged that the first, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth respondents were acting on the instructions of the second respondent (Matawalle).

Justice Nwite, however, held that there was absolutely no concrete evidence to show that Mr Matawalle was responsible for Mr Hadejias predicament and that it was a result of political disagreement.

Besides, the judge said the applicant failed to show the court that he was ever kept in the custody of the SSS.

The applicant has woefully failed to prove that his right was denied, he said.

He said a court can not decide issues on speculation but on facts.

Courts of law are courts of facts and law and finding should be based on credible evidence, he said.

He dismissed all the allegations against the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th respondents.

However, Justice Nwite observed that Hadejias affidavit evidence against the I-G (1st respondent) was unchallenged.

He said it is not in dispute that no court has the power to stop the power of security agencies from discharging their power to investigate or prosecute, but where the averments made by an applicant were uncontroverted, they are deemed to be true.

It is worthy of note that the 1st respondent did not file any process despite being served with the hearing notices and all the court documents, he said.

The judge, who declared that the continued detention of Mr Hadejia was unlawful, awarded a N10 million fine against the I-G.

(NAN)

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The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has described the allocation to the ministry as inadequate, stating that his ministry is expected to perform wonders despite poor funding.

Mr Matawalle stated this on Tuesday while defending his ministrys budget before the House of Representatives Committee on Defence.

President Tinubu had in December 2024 presented a 49.7 trillion budget to the joint session of the National Assembly.

According to the president, the security sector leads in allocation, with 4 trillion earmarked for it.

Mr Tinubu stated that the significant allocation to the security sector aligns with his administrations commitment to ending insecurity nationwide.

However, Mr Matawalle painted a different picture, stating that the allocation cannot meet the needs of the Defence Headquarters.

He said he has been travelling across troubled regions using his funds, adding that the ministry cannot meet its obligations, including life insurance and other bills.

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We have non-payment and accumulated bills of group life insurance, which is very important. One of the key issues we face is the non-payment and accumulated bills of group life insurance for military personnel.

I am requesting from the committee an additional sum of 20 billion to pay the families of deceased military personnel. That is one of our challenges.

Mr Chairman, if you look at the budget for 2024, most of the barracks have an allocation of zero. How do we expect military personnel to perform when their living conditions are inadequate?

All the provisions we made have zero allocations in the 2024 budget. And these are the people that we expect them to perform magic.

And for us in the ministry, we face many challenges. Look at the 2025 budgetjust 50 billion. We have a shortfall of 18 billion from last years budget, and people still expect the ministry to do wonders, he said.

Mr Matawalle also noted that his ministry cannot renovate barracks and owes personnel serving on the frontlines.

We could not renovate any barracks in 2024. We have received numerous complaints. We are unable to pay some of the entitlements owed to military personnel.

They are in theatres of operation, and we cannot pay them. In fact, this month, I had to write a letter to Mr President to secure funds to pay even the presidential guards. The money was not there.

So, Mr Chairman, I believe this committee can review the issue of the Ministry of Defence and find a way to increase funding so that you can expect more from us, he said.

He added that banditry could be wiped out within a short period if the ministry were adequately funded.

Committee resolves to increase allocation to the ministry

A motion was later moved by the Deputy Spokesperson of the House, Philip Agbese, calling for an increase in the defence ministrys budget.

The motion was adopted unanimously.

Speaking on the budget, the Chairman of the Committee, Babajimi Benson, assured that the House would ensure proper budget scrutiny.

As representatives of the people, it is our duty to ensure that every naira is judiciously spent to strengthen the operational capacity of the armed forces and deliver tangible results, Mr Benson said.

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On Tuesday, Nigerias Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Christopher Musa, said the arrest of Simon Ekpa by the Finnish government has helped to reduce tension in the South-east region.

Mr Musa made this claim while appearing before the House of Representatives Committee on Defence to defend the budget of his armed forces.

With the arrest of Simon Ekpa, it has greatly reduced the tension, Mr Musa told the lawmakers.

Arrest of Simon Ekpa

In November 2024, Mr Ekpa, a controversial Biafra agitator and leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was arrested in Finland alongside four others on suspicion of terrorist activities.

The Finnish police stated that he has contributed to violence and crimes against civilians in South-eastern Nigeria.

The District Court of Paijat-Hame subsequently ordered that Mr Ekpa be detained with probable cause on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.

Mr Ekpa is believed to have been responsible for instigating the sit-at-home order in the South-east region to demand the release of the incarcerated Nnamdi Kanu, the IPOB leader.

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The enforcement of the sit-at-home order has led to numerous deaths in the region and heightened insecurity.

However, a faction loyal to Mr Kanu has consistently disavowed Mr Ekpa.

Sit-at-Home is diminishing  CDS

Mr Musa also informed the lawmakers that the military is gaining the upper hand against separatists in the region through Operation Udoka, a military initiative in the South-east.

He added that the illegal sit-at-home order in the region is waning significantly, with the military employing non-kinetic measures to address the problem.

The sit-at-home on Mondays is gradually diminishing. Were also working with the political leaders there because, as I always say, we need local support. Without it, its difficult. The terrain is very challenging, so we need to work together. It is improving, he said.

We had some intelligence and worked ahead to ensure that everywhere remained peaceful. That has happened, and we intend to continue doing more. What we try to encourage is jointness and synergy in our operations.

And as we always appeal, Nigerians must understand that they need to take ownership of their armed forces and the security challenges we are facing. Its not just a challenge for the armed forces or security agencies; its everyones responsibility.

Were happy that were beginning to get that support from everywhere. Human intelligence information is coming in quite well, and we are taking adequate action. Thats why we see things improving.

Weve enhanced kinetic efforts across the three services for our operations. For instance, Delta Safe, in the South-south, is addressing oil theft and militancy. For the first time, weve been able to reach our OPEC oil quota for Nigeria, and we intend to do more, he added.

Economy Is Biting  CDS

In his presentation, Mr Musa raised concerns about the welfare of military personnel, noting that everyone is feeling the heat.

He disclosed that the military still struggles with less than 2,000 per soldier per head for feeding.

Now, what is our other concern? Troops welfare. We know that, generally, the economy is tough, and everyone is feeling the pressure.

So, were looking at improving the welfare of our troops. The Ration Cash Allowance (RCA) is still less than 2,000 per soldier per head to feed.

Were happy that Mr President has recently increased the salaries of the junior personnel to some extent, which has enhanced their capabilities, he said.

Mr Musa also called for more investment in constructing new barracks for the military, noting that there are currently over 20,000 recruits.

The country is going through a lot, and its not only the military that needs support. But if we get more, we can do more.

We also need accommodation. Every year, we recruit almost 25,000 personnel across all the services. However, those retiring annually are fewer than 5,000. So, were adding almost 20,000 to the system yearly.

The issue of constructing new barracks and renovating old ones must be addressed because now that were beginning to achieve peace, we dont want to return to the barracks and live in tents or makeshift shelters as it was before.

Its important to work ahead to establish new barracks and renovate the existing ones, the CDS said.

Budgetary Oversight

The House Committee on Defence Chairman, Babajimi Benson, assured the public that the committee would ensure every naira is judiciously spent to strengthen the armed forces operational capacity and deliver tangible results.

This years budget defence is particularly significant as it comes against the backdrop of evolving global and domestic security threats.

We must leverage intelligence, technology, and best practices to neutralise emerging threats and safeguard our citizens. As we deliberate on the 2025 budget, I urge all defence agencies to prioritise strategic initiatives that align with national security objectives, Mr Benson said.

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The Abia Government has approved the monthly payment of stipends ranging from N250,000 to N350,000 to traditional rulers in the state.

The Commissioner for Information in Abia, Okey Kanu, made this known on Monday during a press briefing on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting in Umuahia.

Mr Kanu also said the members of the Traditional Rulers Council at the state and local government leadership level would receive an additional N100,000 monthly.

Mr Kanu reiterated the state governments commitment to giving pride of place to Abia traditional rulers and promoting the states cultural heritage.

The commissioner expressed the state resolve to rebase its 30-year development plan to reflect the current economic realities.

Mr Kanu said that the State Economic Team that would be charged with the assignment would be inaugurated very soon.

Rebasing is, of course, the process of updating an old base year with recent ones to reflect changes in prices of goods and services that are within the economy.

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We know that the economic situation being experienced in the country today makes it imperative that this exercise be carried out or reflect the condition of the economy, he said.

He said the government had rejigged the State Harmonised Taskforce to ensure full compliance with its policies on street trading and driving against traffic.

Mr Kanu said that in the past the state government had raised concerns about street trading and driving against traffic and its resultant negative effects.

He said, These twin issues have become a menace and we are committed to ensure enforcement of the rules.

The roads constructed across the street need to be preserved, and when traders use the roads for trading, they begin to wear off.

Also, driving against traffic, known as one-way driving, will not be tolerated no matter how short the distance because it has led to road crashes on different occasions.

He said that the government had taken serious steps to ensure that the rules would be enforced to stop these practices in the state.

Getting Abia children back to school

On Education, the commissioner said the government had commenced the implementation of its Out-of-School Policy with the reopening of schools in the state after the Christmas holiday.

Mr Kanu also said that a special taskforce had been established to ensure compliance with the initiative, aimed at eradicating the phenomenon of out-of-school children in Abia.

READ ALSO: Mbah signs executive order creating new urban areas in Enugu

He said, The out-of-School policy of the state government has commenced officially with the reopening of schools today.

A special taskforce to enforce compliance has been put in place by the State government.

This policy is very dear to the heart of the governor and his intention is to achieve a zero tolerance with out-of-School children in the state.

So in the days ahead, this special taskforce will ensure the compliance to ensure that the indigenes, who are indigent for some reason or the other, are not left behind.

(NAN)

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Nigerias Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Change, Nkiruka Maduekwe, has said the federal government would be exploring ways to amplify nature-based solutions this year to address lingering climate problems in the country.

Ms Maduekwe, who is also the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer, National Council on Climate Change Secretariat (NCCCS), disclosed this on Friday during an interactive session with Journalists in Abuja.

She seized the opportunity to reveal some of the Councils climate-related activities that would be embarked upon for the year.

She explained that Nigeria is situated in one of the global hotspots of high human vulnerability, and continues to experience the adverse impacts of climate change, such as droughts, rising temperatures, erosion, deforestation, flooding, desertification, and increasing sea levels.

Climate change impacts

In recent years, increased frequency of extreme weather events such as the changing rainfall patterns and delayed rainfall among others, have significantly affected agricultural productivity, businesses and infrastructural development across different parts of the country.

The lingering impacts of climate-induced crises are evident in the back-to-back flood disasters experienced across major food producing regions in the past three years, with farmers being the hardest hit after losing most of their crops to droughtdue to delayed rainfall in the early part of the year- and severe flooding amidst heavy rainfall in the later months.

Last year, Nigerias disaster management agency, NEMA, hinted that floods killed over 303 people and affected over 1.2 million persons. The disaster also injured over 2,712 people, inundated over 1161,539 hectares of farmland, and completely damaged 106,000 hectares.

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NEMA said 673,333 people were also displaced. Meanwhile, several communities and cities in at least 201 local government areas across over 30 of Nigerias 36 states were also affected by floods, which resulted in dire humanitarian conditions, amidst significant shortfall in the prices of major staple foods in the country.

In her remarks, Ms Maduekwe said these impacts are further exacerbated by prior existing vulnerabilities such as high rate of poverty, exposure to security threats leading to massive displacement of persons, property loss, migration, and disruption of economic activities and normal functions of the society.

She said approximately 70 per cent of the countrys population is dependent on climate-sensitive livelihoods, such as smallholder farmers, pastoralists, and fishing communities, and a huge population of over 220 million, projected to reach over 400 million by the year 2050.

Measures

Based on this, the NCCCS boss said the Council has adopted Amplifying Nature-Based Climate Solutions as their theme for the year 2025, which is anchored on Section 27 of the Climate Change Act 2021.

To kick-start this, she said the NCCCS is embarking on a technical site visit to the Mangrove Forest located majorly in the Niger Delta region of the country.

Nigerias mangrove forest is indicated as the largest in Africa and third (3rd) largest in the world, covering approximately 5 per cent of the global mangrove forest, Ms Maduekwe said.

Given the drive towards utilising nature-based solutions as critical mitigation and adaptation strategies to addressing climate change, she said Nigerias mangrove forest provides an easy win with their remarkable capacity for carbon sequestration and contribution to coastal resilience, amongst others.

Exploring mangrove potentials

Additionally, she noted that Nigerias mangrove forest has the potential to serve as a hub for global climate finance, through the carbon market.

Ms Maduekwe said the planned technical visit to the countrys mangrove regions would allow the NCCCS to have an aerial assessment of the impact of climate change on the mangroves, foster collaboration in driving reforestation and conservation of the mangrove.

Other objectives of the visit include to socialise the countrys Nationally Determined Contribution (NDCs) , the Carbon Market Policy, engender a whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach in the ongoing third round of NDC review process.

She explained that they would showcase the mangrove forest across the Niger Delta as part of a comprehensive strategy to enhance understanding of ecosystem services, strengthen local partnerships for sustainable mangrove conservation, inform carbon credit systems, and foster disaster risk reduction to develop financing strategies for the benefit of the state.

The official noted that as part of the Worlds Wetlands Day and in furtherance to the 2025 theme of Amplifying Nature-Based Climate Solutions, the NCCCS will be convening a Stakeholder Town Hall Meeting in collaboration with the Nigeria Conservation Foundation and the Climate Change Council Cross Rivers State.

The Town Hall Meeting provides the crucial platform for all relevant stakeholders to discuss the next steps towards ensuring sustainable mangrove conservation and protection in Nigeria, she said.

She said a key output from the proposed meeting is the National Roadmap on Mangrove Conservation, Reforestation, Afforestation, and Protection.

This Roadmap, she said, is expected to align with the ongoing NDC 3.0 review and indicate clear avenues to drive finance for mangrove conservation and protection in Nigeria.

There is the need to leverage on the Mangrove Breakthrough Initiative launched at the COP27 with the objective to raise $4 Billion USD sustainable finance for mangrove conservation and reforestation, Ms Maduekwe said.

Other activities

In addition to the Mangrove programme, the NCCCS said it would deliver several other climate-related activities by working closely with the various MDAs to actualise its mandate.

It listed some of the activities planned for the year to include: The Youth Climate Summit; Tree Planting as part of the Earth Day and Environmental Day; Capacity Building for MDAs on the Climate Change Desk Operationalisation; Mangrove Art Exhibition; Climate Negotiators Training; Climate Security Summit; and UNFCCC COP 30.

It is important to note that the NCCCS will be working closely with the media to ensure early notification of the UNFCCC CoP30 registrations. The NCCCS has scheduled 1st July 2025 as the start-date to receive the request for accreditation and 29th September 2025 as the request deadline, the official said.

To ensure that all ministries are kept abreast of these important dates, she said the NCCCS has disseminated its 2025 Activities Schedule to all ministries.

The COP 30 registration portal will be used as the platform to receive accreditation requests from MDAs and the private sector, she noted.

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The Chinese government has said that it reduced its exports of civilian drones to the US eightfold year-on-year last November.

According to RIA Novosti, the calculation is based on data from the US customs service.

The dynamic was also negative as compared to October 2024, when Chinas drone exports to the US fell twice, to $2.9 million dollars in November, the data showed.

The figures marked the lowest November purchase volume since 2022 when the US began buying drones from China.

The total volume of drone shipments in the first 11 months of 2024 also dropped 2.4 times year-on-year, from $205 million in January to November 2023 to $84.2 million last year.

This is according to the statistics.

In November 2024, the US mostly imported civilian drones with takeoff weights between 250 grams (9 ounces) and 7 kilograms (15 pounds) worth $1.4 million.

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Also those with takeoff weights between 25 and 150 kilograms worth 1 million dollars, the data showed.

The report noted that at the end of November, China was the second-largest supplier of drones to the US, behind Vietnam with $10.8 million worth of drone exports.

It was followed by South Korea with ($1.9 million), Malaysia ($1.6 million) and Switzerland ($1.2 million).

At the same time, drone imports in the US decreased not only from China (down $19.4 million), but from Malaysia ($40.9 million), Canada ($1.3 million), and other countries.

The increase in purchases from Vietnam (by $8.2 million), South Korea (by $1.8 million), and other states was not enough to close the gap.

So the total imports in November 2024 fell 3.4 times from the previous year, according to the statistics.

(RIA/NAN)

COO/CHOM/

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Enoch Adeboye, the general overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has narrated how he drew strength from a popular Nigerian evangelist, Uma Ukpai, when he (Adeboye) lost his son.

Mr Adeboyes son, Dare, died in his sleep in May 2021 in Eket, Akwa Ibom State, where he was serving as a pastor in one of the RCCG branches. He was 42.

The cleric described his sons passing as the darkest moment of his life.

In the darkest moment of my life since becoming a Christian, when I lost my son without notice; when my son phoned me on the Sunday evening, Daddy, oh, the weekend programme has been extremely successful, ah glory be to God. Thank you for your prayer support.

Then the next thing I heard on Tuesday night was that my son was gone, Mr Adeboye said on 9 January during a special service in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, to mark Mr Ukpais 80th birthday anniversary.

Mr Adeboye was the guest speaker at the event held at the International Worship Centre, Uyo.

Mr Ukpai is the founder and president of the Uma Ukpai Evangelistic Association, headquartered in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. He turned 80 on Tuesday, 7 January.

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He is revered as one of the Pentecostal leaders in Nigeria.

Continuing, Mr Adeboye said, And I had to preach on Friday. One reference point that gave me strength was Uma Ukpai.

I know he lost more than one child in a day, and he did not waiver; he kept on serving God. He gave me strength at a time when I needed it most.

The audience, including Uma and Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, clapped for the clerics remark.

From the podium, Mr Adeboye gazed at Mr Ukpai and said, Congratulations, Sir!

It is only when you get to heaven that youll realise how powerful your influence had been on earth, he added.

In a 2009 interview with Vanguard newspaper, Mr Ukpai narrated how two of his children were drowned in 1985.

On our way to a crusade in my village, my driver carrying my children and a cousin, drove into a river.

I attempted to bring the children out, not knowing that my wife also jumped into the river behind me and (the) water carried her, threw her up six times. It was the seventh time that somebody called my attention to her. I used one hand to swim and the other to hold her and brought her to shore. I rescued the children later. They had died, he had said in the interview.

Mr Ukpai said he still preached at the crusade, despite the tragic incident.

At the Uyo event, Mr Adeboye said he had learnt from his tragic experience that if you really really want to serve God, then you must be ready to serve him whether things are pleasant or not pleasant.

Extremely special person

Mr Adeboye said Mr Ukpai is extremely special to him and the Christian community within and outside Nigeria.

He said he met the evangelist over 40 years ago at a wonderful crusade in Lagos and has followed his activities since then.

If you see me kneeling down to worship God before I stand up here, I know that if I follow the footsteps of a great man like that I think when I grow a little older, I will want to be like Uma Ukpai, the cleric said, causing the audience to laugh out loud.

Mr Adeboye thanked God for Ukpais life of service and dedication and prayed that the evangelist would never experience sorrow again for the rest of his life.

This is a very great occasion and I feel thoroughly humbled that someone as great as Uma Ukpai could ask me to come and say a word on this special occasion, he said.

Gods gift to Akwa Ibom

At the special service, Governor Eno described Mr Ukpai as Gods gift to Akwa Ibom State.

I am here to join the body of Christ to celebrate a great man of God on this joyous occasion. The theme of this celebratory event  the public lecture  is The man from Ohafia which is quite fitting, given our fathers love for his place of birth and the pride the people of Ohafia feel about him.

But if I may add a corollary to the theme, I would say The Man from Ohafia and Gods gift to Akwa Ibom.

For the most part, if not the entirety of our dear fathers life as an evangelist and a Christian warrior, Akwa Ibom has been a fabric of his life. He has projected our dear state to all corners of the world through his evangelistic pursuits, the governor said.

Governor Eno prayed for God to bless Mr Ukpai with a long life.

Notable clerics who attended the event were Ayo Oritsejafor and Mike Okonkwo.

The dignitaries at the event included Udom Emmanuel, a former governor of Akwa Ibom State; Akon Eyakenyi, the deputy governor; Udeme Otong, the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly; and Enobong Uwah, the Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government.

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Scientists have explained why people pay much less attention to tired women but always acknowledge tired men. This study was conducted by NASA researchers.

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According to its results, people regularly underestimate the degree of fatigue in women, while men's is significantly overestimated. Scientists say this may be due to the fact that women make more effort to appear sociable even when they are exhausted. And men may appear more tired because they are less attentive and expressive in conversation, MailOnline writes.

According to the researchers, understanding these differences is vital when it comes to observing astronauts in space. It is believed that the majority of all space and aviation accidents are caused by fatigue, which means that accurately assessing how tired someone is can save lives.

Combating fatigue is an ongoing challenge for space agencies such as NASA, which need crews to perform at their best. Therefore, the goal of this research was to develop a method for assessing fatigue that would be based solely on non-verbal cues such as body language.

ADVERTISIMENT

Volunteers were asked to talk to a stranger for five minutes and then rate the level of fatigue they felt at that time. Their fatigue was measured on a scale from zero, meaning they were not tired at all, to 10, meaning they were as exhausted as they could be. A separate group of 71 participants then watched the videos of these conversations with the sound off and rated how tired they thought each speaker was at the time.

The study's author, Dr Morgan Stosic of NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, found no association between nonverbal cues and self-rated fatigue, but she did find significant differences between the sexes, according to the study published on ResearchGate.

ADVERTISIMENT

Despite the fact that women reported higher fatigue, observers underestimated the degree of women's tiredness by an average of 1.3 points. Meanwhile, men's fatigue was rated about 0.9 points higher than the men reported themselves.

By tracking the participants' body language, the researchers found that women tended to behave in ways that made them appear more attentive, such as making eye contact. While this was not a direct indicator of how tired the participant actually was, observers could mistake these gestures for genuine signs of alertness.

These findings are consistent with a growing body of research that suggests that women's discomfort is paid much less attention to.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
The Ekiti State government on Tuesday set up storage facilities in different parts of the state, with the sole aim of buying farm produce from farmers during the harvest season and storing them for release during the period of scarcity.

The State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, who led some officials on inspection of one of the storage facilities for agricultural produce in Ado- Ekiti, said building the storage facilities is one of the governments plans to avert the food scarcity that was experienced in the state last year.

Mr Oyebanji said governments immediate focus is to address food shortage, reduce post-harvest losses and ensure food sufficiency all year round across the state.

Speaking with journalists shortly after the inspection, the Governor said the initiative was in line with the directive of President Bola Tinubu to the State Governors to prioritise food security as a critical step in combating hunger across the country.

Mr Oyebanji explained that the state cultivated over 6,000 hectares of farmland in 2024, adding that the warehouse for storing food crops was a major challenge, hence the decision of his administration to provide storage facilities this year.

The facilities, according to the Governor, would help in regulating prices of food items in the eventuality of food scarcity.

While expressing his delight that a sizeable chunk of the farm produce was bought from young farmers under the Bring Back Youth in Agriculture programme, the Governor assured that his administration remains committed to alleviating hunger and achieving food security in the state.

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We promised Ekiti State good governance and, like you said, we have been trying to work that talk. The President directed that each state should embark on a strategy of food security and in Ekiti State in the last one year, we have started with phase one of a very deliberate attempt to ensure that we prow ourselves out of hunger, last year we cumulatively cultivated over 6,000 hectares of land in the state, all planted.

ALSO READ: Ekiti State Govt launches agricultural development cluster to boost food security

Going forward, we want to ensure that those crops that we buy from the youth store them there and we will release to the market when there is an increase in prices of food so that we can moderate prices, the Governor stated.

In his own remarks, the Commissioner for Agriculture and food security, Ebenezer Boluwade, said that the goal is not only to tackle hunger but to also create opportunities for youth in agriculture.

While explaining that the initiative would ensure steady food supply throughout the year, Mr Boluwade said government would encourage farmers, particularly the youths in agriculture to increase production, knowing that their produce would not go to waste and government is willing and ready to buy from them.

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The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has asked members of the upper chamber to prioritise the passage of the 2025 budget and electoral reforms during the new legislative year.

Mr Akpabio stated this in his address on Tuesday to welcome the lawmakers back from the Christmas/New Year holidays.

The Senate adjourned plenary on 19 December, a day after President Bola Tinubu presented the 2025 budget to a joint session of the National Assembly.

The senate president said the budget is one of the issues of utmost importance to the lawmakers and that they should approach its consideration with patriotism.

He said it is not just a financial document but the blueprint of the aspirations and hopes of millions of Nigerians.

As we return to our legislative duties, we are immediately faced with a matter of utmost importance: the consideration of the national budget. I have no doubt that, as always, we will approach this with our usual patriotic fervor and meticulous diligence.

This is not just a financial document; it is the blueprint of the aspirations and hopes of millions of Nigerians. We must ensure that every item within it reflects the collective dreams of our people and serves as a catalyst for development, equity, and justice, he said.

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Electoral reforms

Mr Akpabio also mentioned the completion of electoral reforms as another important task before the senators for the year.

Another critical task before us is the completion of electoral reforms. As the nation begins preparations for the next electoral cycle, we have a unique opportunity to strengthen our democracy.

Electoral reform is not just a legislative duty; it is a moral imperative. It is our chance to gift the Nigerian people a system that is transparent, credible, and reflective of their will. Let us not waver in this responsibility, for the foundation of every thriving democracy is trust in its electoral processes, he said.

Electoral reforms is one of the contending issues in the discussion on the constitutional review.

In 2023, the Senate proposed that from 2027, all election results and results sheets used at collation centres should be electronically transmitted to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja before final declaration of the winners of elections.

The upper chamber also recommended the introduction of diaspora voting to enable Nigerians resident abroad to vote for their preferred candidates during elections back home.

Collective intercession

The senate president also urged his colleagues to be united irrespective of political parties and regions.

Distinguished colleagues, as leaders and representatives of the people, we must remain steadfast in our prayers for the peace and unity of Nigeria.

Our country faces numerous challenges, but we must never underestimate the power of collective intercession. Pray for wisdom, peace, and divine intervention to guide our leaders and unite our people, he stated.

Call to make difference

Mr Akpabio also called on the senators to sacrifice their efforts to write a new narrative for Nigerias progress, justice, and boundless possibilities.

This moment is significant. We are at the end of first quarter of the 21st century, a time that demands bold action and visionary leadership. History is calling on us to make a differenceto write a new narrative for our nation, one of progress, justice, and boundless possibilities.

ALSO READ: Senate may pass 2025 budget on 31 January

Distinguished Senators, let us rise to this challenge. Let us be relentless in our pursuit of excellence, fearless in the face of obstacles, and unwavering in our love for Nigeria. Our work here is not just about legislation; it is about shaping the future of a nation and leaving a legacy for generations to come.

He said Nigerians are counting on the lawmakers for a change.

As we forge ahead, let these words resonate in our hearts: Nigeria is counting on us. The time to act is now. Let us unite in purpose, strive for the common good, and dedicate ourselves wholly to the task of nation-building, Mr Akpabio said.

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The Police have apprehended 32 suspects in connection with the communal clash in Iwaro-Oka in the Akoko South-west local government area of Ondo State.

The skirmish, which began on Sunday night, also claimed the lives of two people, while several others were injured.

The communal clash involved youths of Oka Odo, Ebo, and Owake communities in Iwaro Akoko. The violence also led to the destruction of properties, including a house belonging to Omorinbola Francis, which was set ablaze.

The states Police Commissioner, Wilfred Afolabi, mentioned the arrests on Tuesday when he led top police officials to the affected communities. Mostly affected by the clash is Oka-Odo, where some buildings were razed and some properties destroyed.

The police commissioner said the police officers should be commended for their urgent intervention during the crisis. He said those arrested would be made to face the full wrath of the law. The clash, according to the police, arose from a land dispute between Ebo and Oka Odo communities.

Trouble began on 12 January 2025 when youths from Oka-Odo went on a hunting expedition and were allegedly attacked by youths from Ebo. The Ebo youths were said to have mistaken them for individuals from Owake, with whom they have an unresolved land dispute.

In retaliation, Oka Odo youths mobilised and invaded the Ebo community, leading to the arson that ensued.

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has signed 5,481 Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) since he assumed office.

The Ministers Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

From May 2023, when President Tinubu assumed office, till 31 December, 2024, a total of 5,481 Certificates of Occupancy were produced and signed by the FCT Minister, he said.

He noted that the number of Cs-of-O signed in 2024 alone is nearly double the total processed in the preceding 13 years.

The statement said between 2010 and 2023, the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) signed a total of 8,400 Cs-of-O, an average of 646 annually.

He, however, said Mr Wikes administration has streamlined the process to enable land allottees to receive their documents within two weeks of completing payments.

The moment necessary payments are made, land allottees can now get their C-of-O within two weeks, Mr Olayinka said.

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He attributed the delays under previous administrations to inefficiencies that discouraged landowners from completing payments.

Breakdown

According to Mr Olayinka, the minister signed nearly as many Cs-of-O as the FCTA processed between 2010 and 2015, which totalled 5,655. Between May 2015 and May 2019, only 1,174 Cs-of-O were signed, while 1,571 were issued between May 2019 and May 2023.

He also announced the introduction of automated notifications, ensuring land allottees are informed when their documents are ready for collection.

Mr Wike had reportedly announced in November 2023 that FCTA will charge a flat rate of N5 million as the fee for issuance of Certificate of Occupancy (C- of-O) for all sizes of plots of land in the capital city.

He said payment could be made within four months of land allocation after which the C-of-O would be handed over to the applicant.

Subsequently, he reduced the fee for issuance of C-of-O for plots of land in Abuja from N5 million to N3.5 million.

However, many allottees have yet to pay for their C-of-O, which the minister promised to revoke in January.

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The Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, has said the ongoing consultations with stakeholders including government representatives and lawmakers on the tax reform bills have so far been fruitful.

Mr Adedeji stated this on Monday while speaking with journalists after the federal government delegation led by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, held a closed-door meeting with members of the Senate ad hoc committee on the tax reforms at the National Assembly complex, Abuja.

In October last year, President Bola Tinubu transmitted four tax bills to the lawmakers for consideration.

They are the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.

The bills have, however, faced criticisms from some Nigerians, particularly northern governors and lawmakers, who said they are against the regions interests.

Borno South Senator Ali Ndume leads the pack of northern lawmakers opposed to the bills.

Also, in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, Borno State Governor, Babangana Zulum, said except Lagos State, the bills would not benefit other states.

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He also said they could have devastating consequences for the northern region, especially in the area of salary payment.

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, also spoke vehemently against the bills.

Mr Adedeji said all the contending issues on the tax reforms were discussed at the meeting and that they are going as planned.

All those things you call grey areas were discussed, identified and then as you said that they are advisory. So the judgment is not for us to make, its just for us to continue the engagement.

The consultation which was based on your observation has been positive. So we are in the right direction and everything is going as planned, he said.

All issues clarified

The FIRS chairperson also stated that all controversial issues on the tax bills were identified and clarified at the meeting.

There wont be any other further meeting because all issues were identified. All the issues were clarified and then the resolutions were made to the best knowledge of everybody there and then for the betterment of the country, he said.

Mr Adedeji said he is confident that the tax bills will be passed because it is best for the country.

(I am) not only confident because this is what is best for the country. So it is not only me, even the senators that brought us together, if they dont see the positive part of it we will not be here.

This is the first working day of the year and we are here because we all know this is what is needed, which is the consensus that all of us have said. What we are doing now is just to make that change better for the greater number of Nigerians, he said.

Consultations ongoing  Abba Moro

Chairman of the Senate ad-hoc committee, Abba Moro, while speaking with journalists, also said consultations on the contending issues on the tax reforms are still ongoing.

Mr Moro, the Senate minority leader, said his colleagues and the federal government delegation agreed for the progress of the bills.

We have agreed among ourselves that we must synthesise the whole process to ensure that at the end of the day, we give to Nigerians what Nigerians want and that is a law that serves the purpose of all Nigerians.

So that is where we are now and hopefully by the time we meet again, we will finalise and we will have some better story to tell you.

Status of bills

Meanwhile, the bills have since passed a second reading in the Senate and referred to the committee on finance, though they are yet to be debated in the House of Representatives

Senators from the South-east have said they are not against the bills but need to consult with their governors and other stakeholders in the region.

South-south senators warned people opposed to the tax bills to desist from introducing regional, ethnic or tribal sentiments when criticising them.

However, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has assured that the National Assembly will do everything within its ability to ensure the passage of the tax bills.

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On Monday, the House of Representatives Committee on Customs and Excise frowned at the absence of the Minister of Interior, Olubumi Tunji-Ojo, at a public hearing on the operations of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

The committee also registered its displeasure with the absence of the Cotroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, and the Comptroller-General of Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Kemi Nandap, among other officials.

It was to investigate the modernisation project of the NCS (e-customs) concession to the Trade Modernisation Project (TMP)

NAN also reports that the role of Webb Fontaine in the e-customs framework, as well as the need to employ modern technology to secure Nigerias borders and address the challenges posed by illegal migration and border management, is under probe.

A committee member, Olumide Osoba (APC-Ogun), said that Section 88 of the Constitution gave the parliament the power to invite any individual for an explanation.

Mr Osoba said that the investigative hearing could not be held as those representing the chief executives of the agencies were not in the position to provide the answers sought by the parliament.

Also speaking, Awaji-Inombek Abiante (PDP-Rivers) said that the refusal of the heads of the agencies to appear was an affront to the parliament.

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According to him, if they refuse to appear on the next adjourned date, the committee and the parliament would invoke its powers and recommend their removal from office.

Mr Abiante said their refusal to honour the parliamentary invitation would mean they were either tired of the job or incompetent to carry out their assigned duties.

READ ALSO: Nigerian Immigration confirms fatal terror attack on security facilities in Kebbi

In his ruling, the Chairman of the Committee on Customs, Leke Abejide (ADC-Kogi), said that the investigative hearing aimed to improve government revenue generation.

He stated that the hearing was also targeted at ensuring the countrys security by implementing measures to improve border security.

Mr Abejide said that despite the busy schedule of the lawmakers, they still made time to carry out the national assignment.

He said that the hearing would be rescheduled to after the budget defence when the officials would be available to answer questions from members.

(NAN)

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A State High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has nullified the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) congresses held last year, handing a major setback to former Governor Nyesom Wikes quest to control the party structure in the state.

Punch newspaper reported that the judge, Stephen Jumbo, gave an order on Monday restraining the executives who emerged from the congresses from functioning as officers of the party in the state.

The congress has been the subject of a legal tussle between Governor Siminalayi Fubaras allies and his predecessor, Mr Wike, the FCT minister.

Messrs Fubara and Wike are at loggerheads over the control of the political structure in the oil-rich state.

Legal tussle

A State High Court in Rivers had barred the PDP from conducting the Ward, Local Governments and State Congresses of the party in the state.

However, a Federal High Court vacated the injunction and directed the party to proceed with the exercise.

Days before the exercise, another high court in the state again restrained the PDP, its national chairperson, the Independent National Electoral Commission, and their agents from organising state congresses pending the matters determination.

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Notwithstanding the last court injunction, the party went ahead with the exercise, leading to the emergence of Mr Wikes allies as executive of the PDP at the Ward, Local Governments and the state chapter of the party.

Mr Fubaras allies boycotted the exercise, citing the court order.

Dissatisfied with the conduct of the congresses, two Port Harcourt-based lawyers, Edwin Woko and Love Otuonye, along with other party members, filed a suit against the PDP national chairperson, the State Chairperson, Aaron Chukwuemeka, who emerged from the partys state congress, and nine others.

The applicants prayed the court to invalidate the congresses held on 27 July, 10 August, and 31 August 2024, alleging that they were conducted in flagrant disobedience to a court injunction issued on 16 July 2024.

According to Punch newspaper, the applicants argued that the congresses violated the courts order. They urged that the congresses held across 319 wards, 23 local government areas, and the state be set aside and further prayed the court to restrain Mr Chukwuemeka and others from functioning or parading themselves as executive members of the party in the state.

The applicants further prayed the court to declare them (applicants) as the authentic and subsisting members of the PDP state executive committee and direct the PDP and its national leadership to recognise and deal with them accordingly.

After hearing submissions from both sides, the court granted the relief of the applicants: nullified the partys state congresses and restrained Mr Chukwuemeka and other respondents from functioning as executives of the party in the state.

The court recognises the applicants as the authentic and subsisting members of the Rivers State executive committee of the PDP, the ruling stated, according to the Punch newspaper.

What the ruling means

The court ruling, though temporary, is a severe political blow to the FCT minister who controls the party structure in the state, an anomaly the PDP Governors Forum aimed to correct.

The forum argued that Mr Fubara, as governor, is the leader of the party in Rivers State and should, therefore, control its structure. The PDP governors are demanding that Mr Fubara be recognised as the leader of the party in the state by the partys national leadership.

The latest court ruling is the second time the political tide has turned in favour of Mr Fubara after the governor braved the odds to conduct local government elections last year and swore in his allies as chairpersons and councillors in all the 23 local government areas in the state, a move that has given him control of the political structure at the grassroots, the focal point of his political battle with his predecessor.

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The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has recommended the establishment of an industrial development policy nexus in education hubs to foster Nigerias economic growth.

According to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NESG, Oluwatayo Aduloju, this strategic move aims to foster consensus among Nigerias business, political, and intellectual leaders, ensuring the countrys developmental imperatives are met.

Mr Aduloju made the recommendations while delivering the 55th University of Lagos (UNILAG) convocation lecture on Monday, themed: Universities As Hubs For Development And Wealth Creation.

He noted that by implementing this governance model, Nigeria can achieve sustainable development goals, lift 100 million people out of poverty, and empower regional economies.

As Nigeria expands its middle class and diversifies its economy, it will become a leader in intra-African trade and attract significant Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows, ultimately emerging as a middle-income economy, he said.

Speaking further, Mr Aduloju emphasised the need for Nigerian universities to focus on rebuilding the countrys intellectual foundation to enhance productivity and global competitiveness.

He proposed that the first five public universities, alongside the top five private universities, should be empowered to restructure their financial and institutional frameworks to achieve specific developmental objectives.

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To achieve this, he explained that universities must break free from political and regulatory constraints to create an attractive investment climate.

Mr Adulujo also stressed the importance of structural reforms to promote local content development, economic diversification, and poverty reduction while fostering job creation. These efforts, he said, would position Nigeria to dominate FDI inflows in Africa.

He said: By establishing coordinated education hubs for development and wealth creation, in collaboration with industry-led competency councils, we can reimagine future workforces across key sectors.

If these hubs become co-custodians of our long-term agenda, we can cultivate a globally competitive Nigeria.

Nigeria compared to others

Mr Adulujo also presented a comparative analysis of Nigerias development trajectory alongside countries like Indonesia.

He noted that while both nations had similar GDP levels in the 1960s, Indonesias economy grew to nearly 2.7 times the size of Nigerias by 2017.

He attributed Indonesias success to strategic workforce transformation and economic diversification, while Nigerias over-reliance on raw material exports stifled growth.

Indonesias success was rooted in its strategic focus on workforce and institutional transformation, Mr Aduloju stated.

He stressed that Nigeria must prioritise similar reforms to avoid recurring pitfalls, such as dependence on foreign expertise.

With projections indicating that Nigerias population could reach 420 million by 2050, with 70 per cent under 35 years old, Mr Aduloju underscored the urgency of an inclusive developmental agenda to address unemployment and other challenges.

To unlock our potential, Nigerian universities must not only expand access but also focus on financial sustainability, academic partnerships, and the economic utility of their assets, he said.

Universities hubs for wealth creation

In her welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Folasade Ogunsola stressed the importance of the lecture to contribute to the existing body of knowledge targeted at fostering economic development.

Mrs Ogunsola emphasised that the conventional view of universities as an ivory tower of intellectual pursuit is increasingly outdated, noting that instead, universities must actively contribute to societal progress and wealth creation.

In an era of rapid changes in knowledge, innovation and complex challenges, it is imperative to continuously evaluate how well our university is doing in fulfilling its social contract with society to provide fit for purpose manpower, generate new knowledge to address societal problems and provide technology to shape the future, she said.

She commended Mr Adulojus thought-provoking presentation, reaffirming the universitys commitment to innovation and national development.

About the Lecturer

Mr Aduloju is an alumnus of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, the University of Oxford, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

With a Doctor of Philosophy in Economic Policy and Public Administration, he has earned numerous accolades, including the Walden University 2022 Citizens Award.

A graduate of Harvard Universitys John F. Kennedy School of Government, Mr Aduloju is also a fellow of several respected professional institutions, including the Institute of Strategic Management Nigeria and the Institute of Management Consultants USA.

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In a historic achievement, the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Department of Mass Communication, Faculty of Social Sciences has produced 18 all-female first-class graduates for the 2023/2024 academic session.

The students were awarded first degrees honours at the first session of the universitys 55th Convocation ceremony on Tuesday.

The graduating students were praised for their hard work, dedication, and resilience in achieving academic excellence.

The 18 female mass communication graduates are Feranmi Abiola, Ahuruele Akani, Oyindamola Arikawe, Ifedayo Ayilaran, Demiladeogo Bankole, Olaide Bankole, Eniola Daramola, Faith Enang, Temiloluwa Igbinlade, Joy Imanah, Ifeoma Iwelunmor, and Chelsea Jegede.

Also on the list are: Opeyemi Kareem, Eunice Obidi, Frances Odogu, Mofesola Olanrewaju, Funmilola Onabanjo, and Peace Onuoha.

Students experiences

Some graduating students shared their experiences, challenges, and how they balanced academics with other commitments with the university newspaper, UNILAG SUN.

Ms Onuoha, one of the graduates revealed that she had initially wanted to study law but found motivation in promising herself a first-class degree in Mass Communication.

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Despite facing intense pressure and balancing multiple jobs and projects, she managed to excel academically and even landed an internship at a multinational company.

Another graduate, Ms Igbinlade spoke about facing numerous challenges, including transitioning from secondary school to university and balancing various commitments.

She credited her faith and determination for overcoming these obstacles.

Also, Ms Obidi highlighted the importance of discipline and prioritisation in academic success. She attributed her strong focus and effective time management for her outstanding performance.

UNILAG awards degrees

On Tuesday, UNILAG begun a three-day conferment of first degrees and diplomas on 16,590 students.

Of this number, 9,865 students will receive first degrees and diplomas, while 6,659 will be awarded postgraduate degrees, and 66 students will graduate from the UNILAG Business School (ULBS).

During the morning session on the first day, 2,875 students from the Faculties of Education and Social Sciences graduated.

Among them, 106 students earned first-class honours, with 76 female graduates and 30 male graduates.

The best graduating student in the Faculty of Education is Christian Uwagwu, who achieved a CGPA of 4.78.

In the Faculty of Social Sciences, Ibrahim Sefiu emerged as the best graduate with a CGPA of 4.82.

UNILAG celebrates achievements

In her remarks, the Vice Chancellor of UNILAG, Folasade Ogunsola highlighted the groundbreaking achievements of the university in innovation, infrastructure, and academic excellence.

Mrs Ogunsola said one of the universitys most notable accomplishments in 2024 was the domiciliation of the MED-AFRICA GMP Laboratory, the first of its kind in West Africa, housed within the Faculty of Pharmacy.

She said this $450,000 state-of-the-art facility facilitates groundbreaking research on HIV prevention.

The African Centre of Excellence for Drug Research, Herbal Medicine Development, and Regulatory Science (ACEDHARS) was also inaugurated.

Mrs Ogunsola said the project, funded by the World Bank, is dedicated to developing indigenous plants for medical applications.

Another significant achievement is the launch of the Green Air Initiative, which includes the introduction of eight electric buses to transport students and staff around campus.

According to Mrs Ogunsola, UNILAGs infrastructural growth was also marked by the commissioning of new facilities, including the ultra-modern learning commons and the extension of Moremi Hall extension.

She added that, donations, such as Tunde Fanimokuns total of N14.5 billion pledge for hostels and research centres, and Lagos State Government projects, will contribute to the transformation of the university.

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The ongoing land dispute between Ifon and Ilobu communities in Osun State escalated again on Tuesday with reports of a shooting. Two persons were allegedly shot by gunmen, marking another violent chapter in the conflict over a contested boundary.

This latest incident follows previous clashes in 2023 and early 2024 that resulted in fatalities, property damage, and displacement. According to Jide Akinyooye, national secretary of the Ifon-Orolu Progressive Union, the attack was carried out by gunmen from Ilobu, leaving two residents of Ifon injured and others displaced.

He disclosed that while two people have sustained gunshots, this brazen disregard for human life and the directives of the Osun State government and security agencies is unacceptable.

Mr Akinyooye stated: Despite the efforts of the Osun State government to resolve the land dispute at the Opapa buffer zone, the Ilobu community has continued to engage in violent clashes, putting the lives of innocent people at risk. We urge the Osun State government to take immediate action to address this situation and ensure that those responsible for these heinous acts are brought to justice.

We want to put it on record that despite the fact that our people in the affected are still under siege; Olufon of Ifon-Orolu, Oba Peter Oluwole Ipadeola, has continued to maintain that his subjects should not take laws into their hands, he added.

However, while responding to Akinyooyes claim, the Otun Jagun of Ilobu, Leke Ogunsola, accused the residents of Ifon-Orolu of reigniting the fresh crisis, stressing that they launched an attack on Ganga Akinpororo community near the golden gate in Ilobu and destroyed properties, forcing the people to flee from the scene.

According to him, around 12 noon gunmen from the Ifon-Osun community invaded the Akinpororo community. Some properties owners came out to defend their properties.

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ALSO READ: Gunmen abduct two Catholic nuns

So, I dont know any other information rather than the gunmen from Ifon-Osun, mostly war mercenaries, came shooting heavily, so that people ran for their lives. Some courageous people stayed to defend their properties.

I want to commend the security operatives, most especially the Police, Nigerian Army, and NSCDC. They responded on time and they were on the ground now and they were maintaining normalcy now. I want to appeal to the security agencies not to withdraw their men who are on the ground to prevent any other attacks.

Yesterday, the deputy governor called us to a peace meeting, it was on Friday Ifon-Osun came up with a threat signed by Jide Akinyooye that they gave state government and Ilobu community 14 days to vacate a parcel of land and if they dont vacate, there would be communal clash, Mr Ogunsola stated.

Meanwhile, as of the time of filing this report, the Osun State government has issued no statement over the renewed hostility between the two communities.

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The second season of teen romantic comedy XO, Kitty will be released on Netflix soon. This is an interesting story that immerses viewers in the world of first love, friendship and teenage problems. The series was created based on the novels of Jenny Han.

ADVERTISIMENT

The premiere of the new season will take place already this week. Anna Cathcart will return to the screen as Kitty Song Covey, a high school student who experiences typical teenage problems and seeks to find true love. The first season received positive reviews from critics. Forbes told us what to expect from the sequel.

The series will be interesting for both teenagers and adults who want to recall their youth. It will be a great choice for those who like romantic comedies too.

The popular youth series is a spin-off of To All the Boys I've Loved Before. It tells the story of Lara Jean's younger sister, Kitty.

ADVERTISIMENT

In the first season, Kitty goes to the Korean Independent School of Seoul (KISS), which her boyfriend goes to. However, the reality turns out to be much more complicated than she imagined. Kitty has to face unexpected feelings.

The second season will continue Kitty's story, revealing her personal life and relationships with other characters. In the series you can expect more humor, dramatic moments and, of course, romantic experiences.

Season 2 promises to delve deeper into the past of the main character and her mother.

The premiere received more than 72 million viewed hours in its first week and hit the top 10 in 90 countries, according to Netflix ratings. The sequel will be released as early as January 16.

Most of the cast from the first season returns to their roles, including Anna Cathcart, Choi Min-young, Sang Heon Lee, Anthony Keyvan and others. They are joined by three newcomers - Audrey Huynh as Stella, Sasha Bhasin as Praveena, and Joshua Lee as Jin.

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No less than a hundred miners working at an abandoned gold mining site in South Africa have died of suspected starvation and dehydration after being trapped underground for months.

Disturbing videos of the mining site, located in Stilfontein, southwest of Johannesburg, are making the rounds, and they show emaciated figures of some of the miners and some corpses wrapped in makeshift body bags deep inside the mine estimated to be 2 km underground.

The miners have been trapped since November 2024, when the police launched a crackdown on illegal mining in the province. The operation, called Close the Hole, was meant to smoke out miners from mineshafts.

According to the BBC, the videos were recently released by a South African trade union, the General Industries Workers of South Africa (Giwusa), who condemned the government for implementing a treacherous policy.

However, the countrys Department of Mineral Resources began leading the rescue effort on Monday.

The department also told the BBC that Mondays rescue involved lowering a cage into the shaft, which was lifted back up once it was filled with people.

The cage accommodates six or seven individuals, depending on their combined weight.

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Similarly, a civil rights group advocating for the rescue of the miners, known as the Mining Affected Communities United in Action, said the videos making rounds had been recorded with a cellphone and attached to some miners rescued on Friday.

The spokesperson of the group, Sabelo Mnguni, told AP News on Monday that 18 corpses have been recovered in the last week, and half of those were recovered in a community-led operation last Friday. The South African authorities rescued the other half in an official rescue operation.

34 survivors were rescued in the official operation between Monday and Tuesday, although 500 others are still trapped in the mine.

Police react

Confirming the situation of scores of miners in the pit, the police spokesperson, Sebata Mokgwabone, said the force is still trying to get the total number of corpses that have been recovered from the pit.

Also, there are no official estimates of the number of miners remaining in the mine, but police have cited local information and said up to 4,000 may be underground.

She, however, noted that the authorities hope to rescue all the trapped miners.

The official rescue operation began on Monday following a court order for the government to facilitate a long-delayed rescue operation.

The South African authorities had earlier argued that the miners had entered the shaft in Stilfontein deliberately without permission, and in turn, they decided to block food and water supplies coming from the land surface.

In November 2024, South African Cabinet Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the government would not help the miners because they are considered criminals.

We are not sending help to criminals, she said, according to local media. We are going to smoke them out. They will come out.

Illegal mining

South Africa and its mining industry lose about 70 billion rand a year to illegal gold mining, and there are about 6,000 abandoned mines across the country.

However, illegal mining is not a unique challenge to South Africa. It is a widespread challenge across Africa, driven by poverty, weak regulatory frameworks, and high demand for valuable minerals.

Countries like Ghana, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Zimbabwe face similar issues, often tied to the exploitation of natural resources by both local and even international actors.

Nigeria loses $9 billion annually to illegal mining, and only 3 per cent of the royalty is paid into government coffers by the few miners licensed to operate legally across the country.

There are also life-threatening risks associated with illegal mining in the country, such as mine pit collapses, which occur frequently in mining shafts, leading to severe injury or death.

Children are also often victims of these incidents.

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Amid growing tension between the West and the East, Nigeria faces a delicate interplay of business and politics. For global stakeholders, Nigeria represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Their success in Nigeria hinges on sustainable, ethical practices, local adaptation, and ensuring mutual growth and long-term impact Nigerias role in the global economy is undeniable. As a resource-rich nation with a burgeoning tech sector and a dynamic workforce, it offers vast opportunities for investment and partnerships.

Africas most populous nation and fourth-largest economy, Nigeria, is relevant in global business and geopolitics. Its vast resources, dynamic population, and regional leadership present opportunities and challenges to global players navigating economic interests and political realities.

As Africas largest market, Nigerias human and mineral resources, expanding middle class, and youthful demographic, create lucrative opportunities for global businesses. Its rich oil reserves, growing renewables, and agricultural potential present diverse opportunities in international energy markets and investment.

Considering the promise of change in the new year  particularly Trumps re-emergence in office  leveraging the dynamics of international business and geopolitics could solidify Nigerias global influence.

Energy Politics: Nigerias Role in Global Power Struggles

As global geopolitics and economies evolve, Nigerias energy sector is crucial to sustainable development. As a member of OPEC, the country is influential in determining global oil prices. Its oil and gas production is the largest in Africa and the 15th worldwide, with an estimated proven oil reserve of 37.50 billion barrels and natural gas reserves of 209.26 trillion cubic feet.

Nigerias energy sector is critical to global markets in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Its crude oil exports increased from 1.16 million barrels per day in 2023 to over 1.8 million in 2024. However, this strategic position makes the country a site of geopolitical competition between Western energy giants and Chinese state-owned enterprises which increasingly seek to gain a foothold in its oil sector. Western companies like Shell, Chevron, and Total, with decades-long operations in Nigeria, face increasing competition from Chinese energy firms who have made significant inroads through partnerships, investments, and infrastructure projects, with over $17 billion invested in Nigerias oil sector in 2018. However, this geopolitical competition is compounded by domestic concerns like corruption, local content laws, and environmental degradation.

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Nigerias leadership in Africa, and multilateral organisations like ECOWAS and the African Union, underscore its geopolitical importance. Its relationships with major powers like the US, China, and the European Union, prioritise its national interests.

Tech and Digital Infrastructure: A New Frontier for Global Business

Nigeria has experienced significant digital transformation. Its growing digital economy is attracting global venture capital (VC). Tech startups raised over $1.5 billion in 2021, making it Africas largest recipient of VC funding. Startups like Flutterwave, Paystack, and Andela are positioning Nigeria as Africas largest fintech hub, and driving innovation.

Geopolitical dynamics like the race for 5G infrastructure influence this sector. Chinese tech giant, Huaweis 5G technology deployment in Africa, including in Nigeria, has sparked the United States (US) concerns over national security risks, calling for greater scrutiny of Chinese investments. However, the increasing presence of multinational tech companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon highlights Nigeria as a key player in the global tech ecosystem.

Balancing Geopolitical, Economic Interests, and Risks

Nigerias leadership in Africa, and multilateral organisations like ECOWAS and the African Union, underscore its geopolitical importance. Its relationships with major powers like the US, China, and the European Union, prioritise its national interests.

Nigerias intensified engagement with China recently focused on infrastructure development and trade. In 2023, the China-Nigeria trade volume exceeded $20 billion, making China Nigerias largest trading partner. While some critics highlight concerns over Chinas debt trap diplomacy, Nigeria leverages it to address infrastructural deficits and drive economic growth. Meanwhile, US-Nigerias partnership primarily focuses on governance, security, and democracy, with the US being a major source of foreign direct investment, especially in the oil and gas sector. Also, Nigeria is harnessing its position in key trade agreements like the African Continental Free Trade Area  Africas growing single market  to further integrate into regional and global supply chains.

Nigeria must prioritise reforms that enhance governance, security, and economic diversification to unlock its full potential. President Tinubus administration has focused on economic transformation and strategic foreign policy. His efforts to streamline regulations, strengthen institutions, and foster international partnerships are central to Nigerias future.

While regulatory barriers, corruption, security risks, and bureaucratic inefficiencies have constituted major challenges to the Nigerian business environment, recent government reforms to streamline operations, reduce costs, and attract FDI have improved the ease of doing business. However, security remains a concern in northern Nigeria, with the Gulf of Guinea ranked as one of the most dangerous regions for shipping. Nonetheless, the countrys vast market, resource wealth, and emerging sectors offer investment potential.

The Path Forward: Strategic Governance and Global Partnerships

Nigeria must prioritise reforms that enhance governance, security, and economic diversification to unlock its full potential. President Tinubus administration has focused on economic transformation and strategic foreign policy. His efforts to streamline regulations, strengthen institutions, and foster international partnerships are central to Nigerias future. His participation in global platforms like the G20 and BRICS reflects Tinubus ambition to enhance Nigerias diplomatic influence and global economic relevance.

Amid growing tension between the West and the East, Nigeria faces a delicate interplay of business and politics. For global stakeholders, Nigeria represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Their success in Nigeria hinges on sustainable, ethical practices, local adaptation, and ensuring mutual growth and long-term impact.

Nigerias role in the global economy is undeniable. As a resource-rich nation with a burgeoning tech sector and a dynamic workforce, it offers vast opportunities for investment and partnerships. Its ability to manage internal challenges and external relationships will shape its future and define Africas trajectory.

Ademola Oshodi is senior special assistant to the Nigerian President on Foreign Affairs and Protocol.

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Inter-agency unity exemplifies the power of collective action, showcasing how collaborative efforts can yield benefits. By harnessing the strength of diverse organisations, a unified approach fosters innovation, effective problem solving, and resistance in addressing complete issues for successful inter-agency collaboration, establishing clear communication channels, mutual respect and shared objectives as a sine qua non.

In this concluding part of the narrative on the inevitability of inter-agency collaboration on security, Tunde Johnson Ogunsakin recalls practical experiences during his days in the police force, where intelligence-sharing and teamwork produced unimpeachable results.

Citing available evidence, the retired AIG reminded the gathering that poor inter-agency collaboration among Nigerias security institutions accounts for ineffective conflict resolution and security management in Nigeria.

As he put it, the consequences of not working effectively together culminate in increasing fear of insecurity and diminished trust in the capabilities of the security system to protect the lives and property of civilian populations across Nigeria, in general, and terror zones, in particular.

From Boko Haram in the Northeast, banditry and criminal kidnapping in the Northwest, secessionist agitations in the Southeast and Southwest, the security system in Nigeria is practically overstretched.

Under the circumstances, he said only the togetherness of the units that make up Nigerias security system would de-escalate conflict and neutralise security threats through complementary operations and credible intelligence-sharing, among others.

As a proponent of inter-agency unity, here are his personal experiences: From 2012 to 2014, as Commissioner of Police, Special Fraud Unit in Lagos. I was able to establish collaborative efforts and synergy with numerous agencies and stakeholders.

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At the Special Fraud Unit, I set up a Stakeholders Forum comprising different individuals, corporate bodies, institutions and entities from all walks of life. This afforded us the opportunity to regularly brainstorm and leverage on superior knowledge and expertise in the performance of our duties.

In 2012, he recalled that sequel to a Presidential directive, I conducted investigation into the Fuel Subsidy Fraud, and in the course of this investigation I collaborated with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Nigerian Navy, the Nigeria Custom Service and numerous financial and regulatory bodies.

This collaboration, in no small measure, assisted me in ensuring that a thorough and in-depth investigation was conducted into the fuel subsidy fraud.

I also collaborated with the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) and all the financial institutions while investigating fraud cases at the Special Fraud Unit, Lagos.

One of the gains of collective action that was noteworthy during my tenurewas the building of an Interrogation Office fully equipped with state-ofthe-art technological equipment for interrogating suspects.

With the assistance of the Stakeholders Forum, we built a three-storey standard forensic investigation laboratory office with modern investigative equipment to ease the performance of our duties.

From Lagos, Tunde Ogunsakin was transferred to Rivers State Police Command in 2014, as Commissioner of Police. There, he launched a serious onslaught against kidnapping and other violent crimes.

He recalled, I collaborated with the military and other security agencies in crime-fighting. My posting then was at a time when there was upsurge in kidnapping and oil bunkering.

However, through inter-agency unity, I was able to tackle the upsurge in crime at that time and there was relative peace in the State.

Through collaborative efforts and synergy from the military and other security agencies, I also launched a programme: Say No to Kidnapping.

This programme was largely very successful as it changed the mindsets of many of the youths to embrace other legitimate means of livelihood, instead of embracing kidnapping and other forms of crimes.

The programme exposed the ills of kidnapping and other criminal activities to the youths and other inhabitants of the state. Suffice it to say that through inter-agency unity, we were able to restore peace and sanity in the state as people were able to sleep with their two eyes closed.

we must put in place a proper Command and Control mechanism for institutionalised control mechanism that would avoid rancour within the agencies. This Command-and-Control structure will supervise and ensure proper intelligence gathering, monitoring and sharing nationwide.

There was absolute quietness in the hall as AIG Tunde Ogunsakin (rtd.) narrated his encounters to the uniformed officers and plain clothes officers. He went ahead to recall his experiences, following his appointment as Assistant Inspector-General of Police in 2015, when he took charge of Zone 6 Police Command, comprising four states.

Through inter-agency unity with the military and other security agencies, he was able to put in place new operational strategies towards the elimination of kidnapping, pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, illegal oil refining and bunkering, and other criminal activities.

The zeal to restore sanity in the area was so profound that Tunde Ogunsakin requested from the then IGP, deployment of police helicopters to his office to join in the massive onslaught against the criminals.

It is heartwarming to state that the gains of our collective action through inter-agency unity in this regard were monumental. There was no hiding place for the criminals, as many of them were arrested and prosecuted.

Apparently, on the basis of the enormous successes recorded at Zone 6 in Calabar, Tunde was posted to Zone 12 Police Command in Bauchi, comprising three states.

On assumption of office there, he stepped up his inter-agency unity drive, which became quite critical in combating terrorism and other criminal tendencies that were rife in the area at the time.

He says the scaled-up efforts were evident in the collaboration and partnership between the Nigeria Police, the military and other security agencies.

This impacted positively on joint operations and other important assignments that were carried out while ensuring that normalcy was restored to the area.

After citing and analysing instances of inter-agency collaboration in other climes, the retired AIG declared: We must, as a matter of urgency, organise a regular leadership conference to harness our shared vision of a secured Nigeria.

As he explained, the leadership meetings would be expected to permeate to the states and local government areas (LGAs) with a view to engendering a harmonious and united workforce among all the security agencies.

AIG Tunde Ogunsakin hit the nail on the head when he noted that inferiority complex and superiority battles between and among security agencies have only aggravated the insecurity of everyone and deepened national insecurity.

His suggestions: we must put in place a proper Command and Control mechanism for institutionalised control mechanism that would avoid rancour within the agencies. This Command-and-Control structure will supervise and ensure proper intelligence gathering, monitoring and sharing nationwide.

Using technology, we must, as a matter of urgency, set up a criminal data base project, and merge all identification databases.to the NSAs office and utilise facial recognition and artificial intelligence in public areas, airports, prisons and key urban areas.

Banditry in the North-West has exposed how unmanned or poorly manned border zones can compromise national security, he disclosed, adding that the widespread smuggling and use of illicit drugs by criminals greatly contribute to the growing insecurity and its unfolding dynamism.

This, he said, is a clear indication that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency cannot do it alone without effectively collaborating with other security agencies.

He added, to leave the border posts, airports and seaports alone to the Customs and Immigration without the support and collaboration of other security agencies will amount to opening our country to terrorists, drug lords, proliferation of arms which would ultimately fall into the hands of bandits, robbers, secessionists, oil thieves etc. and create problems for other agencies.

If other security agencies do not work with NDLEA, for instance, those who get high on drugs will deploy it to do banditry and kidnapping, which will then become a problem for the police, army and NSCDC.

Focusing on specifics, he said, for compliance with the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition law of 2022, the office of the National Security Adviser should be a meeting point for proper coordination, collaboration and synergy for the greater purpose of ensuring the general security of the country.

Security agencies in Nigeria must close ranks and eliminate rivalry. Security is arrived at when every part of the security system discharges its roles efficiently and balances its weaknesses with the strength of other agencies.

A national policy framework on inter-agency unity and cooperation should be designed by the government for national security (national inter-agency cooperation model).

A centralised intelligence gathering database should be provided for coordination and information dissemination among security agencies.

He also suggested the need for training and re-training of security personnel on security management.

While asking for public-private partnership and community engagement to combat general insecurity in the country, Tunde suggested a non-negotiable improvement in the general welfare of all the security forces.

He said: good and excellent reward packages for the workforce in all the security agencies would serve as a motivating force to propel them for better performance. The quality of remuneration will mitigate frequent frictions among them, as each will focus on their duties and be ready to synergise and collaborate when the need arises.

Focusing on specifics, he said, for compliance with the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition law of 2022, the office of the National Security Adviser should be a meeting point for proper coordination, collaboration and synergy for the greater purpose of ensuring the general security of the country.

The office of the NSA, he said, should develop a template for mandatory reporting that would bridge the gap of inadequate cooperation and dissemination of information among sister agencies.

His suggestion, the NSA can institute a directorate of strategic planning, communication and civil engagement with representatives from all the security agencies which will constantly engage with the populace on policies and conflict with a view to finding solutions to national security problems.

Tied to this is the need for regular joint training, workshops and intellectual exchange among the different agencies to foster inter-agency unity and enhance better coordination during joint operations.

Agencies can enhance and sustain their collaborative efforts by establishing compatible policies, procedures, and other means to operate across agency boundaries, among other practices.

There is a challenge and a big task before us all. Inter-agency unity is not served on a platter of gold. It must be worked out knowing the gains that can accrue therefrom.

Our agencies missions and visions are better realised when we work together in one accord. I challenge you all to come together to, notwithstanding the agency you belong to, consciously embrace one another with our common goal, security and secured nation as the only target.

Inter-agency unity exemplifies the power of collective action, showcasing how collaborative efforts can yield benefits. By harnessing the strength of diverse organisations, a unified approach fosters innovation, effective problem solving, and resistance in addressing complete issues for successful inter-agency collaboration, establishing clear communication channels, mutual respect and shared objectives as a sine qua non.

The common goal is peace and a secure nation to foster economic growth. Let us work together. Achieving peace and security should be considered a teamwork because together everyone achieves more.

That was Tunde Ogunsakin, putting seasoned suggestions across bluntly. It is still not clear why someone with such specialised pedigree and verifiable track records has not been challenged to walk the talk.

Sam Akpe writes from Abuja.

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When a democracy becomes so corrupted into becoming illiberal, citizens often become so concomitantly frustrated with the system that they long for liberation from it. This is where opportunists like Traore and other military coupists come in, and those who never lived through a military regime would wrongly interpret their stern mien as evidence that they had the magic wand to turn things around. I believe this could also be a partial explanation for the applause Traore got in Ghana

Burkina Fasos military leader, Ibrahim Traore, was the centre of attention at the inauguration ceremony of Ghanas President John Mahama on 7 January. From a pistol conspicuously attached to his waist, to his entourage of heavily armed guards, and the resounding ovation he received when he was introduced, the oddity of it all was not lost on many people.

Wasnt it a paradox that the man who toppled a constitutional order in his country was being received as a hero at an occasion to celebrate the increasing resilience of liberal democracy in Ghana? And what was the subtext of inviting him at all to the occasion, given that together with his fellow coup leaders in Niger and Mali, they have haemorrhaged the Economic Community of West African States by declaring their departure from the regional grouping that was formed in 1975?

Traores presence marked his first official African trip outside the Sahel Alliance  a bloc comprising Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger  since the 36 year old junta leader came to power in 2022. Despite breaching protocol, the thunderous applause he received, especially from younger attendees, deafeningly overshadowed the acknowledgment of other dignitaries.

John Mahamas inauguration ceremony as Ghanas 14th President in the Black Star Square followed the victory of his opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the 7 December, 2024 election, which the Commonwealth Observer Group and several local and international observers commended for its orderly conduct. Another epochal event at the inauguration was the swearing in of Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyeman as the countrys first female vice president. Mahama, 66, was previously Ghanas president between July 2012 and January 2017. He was first sworn in when President John Evans Atta Mills died in July 2012. He had served as the 12th president from 2012 to 2017 and before then, as the fifth vice president from 2009 to 2012.

How do we explain the oddity of thunderous applauses for a man who truncated democracy in his country during an occasion celebrating the increasing resilience of the same democracy in Ghana? Any attempt to answer this would inevitably lead to the question of what do people expect from liberal democracy? Though Ghana is going through one of its toughest economic crises in a generation, the fact that the people could peacefully choose their leaders, when the same cannot be said of its bigger and richer neighbour, Nigeria, seemed to be one of the grounds for optimism and even pride in the eternal brotherly competition between the two countries.

Will the election of John Mahama resolve most of the serious economic problems facing Ghana? Though the question of whether democracy facilitates or undermines economic development (at least in the short run) has remained controversial in literature, a belief that people can freely and peacefully choose their leaders, (meaning that their votes will count if they exercise their franchise) is one of the attractions of liberal democracy.

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But even more important than periodic elections (in fact a precondition for all other tangible and intangible benefits of liberal democracy) is the freedom of expression. This is probably why the very First Amendment to the US Constitution on 15 December, 1791 was to protect religious freedom and free speech. The Amendment states: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Unfortunately, in many parts of Africa, liberal democracy has morphed into illiberal democracy: free speech is routinely muzzled through various contrivances  prior restraints, use or threat of defamatory action and threats of charging one for terrorism financing. In fact, one of the commonest grounds for stifling free speech in illiberal democracy is for the government to accuse people with different opinions or critics of its policies of incitement against it.

One of the main differences between democracy in transitional or new democracies and democracy in countries that we call mature democracies is their attitude to free speech. In Nigeria, though the politics of the opposition could sometimes be problematic, we seem to have government and ruling party functionaries that see any form of criticism of government policy as an affront that must be taken personal.

There are four main arguments for free speech: One, is that it is needed for discovering the truth. A key idea here is that the truth will emerge from the competition of ideas in free and transparent public discourse. The metaphor is based on the market economy and free exchange of goods in that market. Because many goods (read: ideas) are available in such a market, we as rational consumers, choose carefully what we want from the available goods, after evaluating the relative merits and demerits of each product.

The marketplace of ideas was first developed by John Stuart Mill in his book, On Liberty (1859) but was popularised in the dissenting judgment of Oliver Wendell Holmes in Abrams v. United States (1919). According to Holmes, The best test of truth is the power of the thought to get itself accepted in the competition of the market, and that truth is the only ground upon which their wishes safely can be carried out.

Essentially this theory tells us that a laissez faire approach to the regulation of the free exchange of ideas (both by governments and the mind-guards in group thinks), will lead to ideas, theories, propositions and movements succeeding or failing on their own merits. In other words, left to their own devices, free individuals have the capacity to sift through competing ideas and proposals in an open environment of deliberation and exchange, allowing truth or the best possible results to be achieved at the end.

A second argument for free speech is that there is a big distrust of the government and that unless citizens are allowed to freely express themselves, the government will naturally try to muzzle free speech, and allow only the echo of voices it wants to hear. A third justification for free speech is that it is necessary for citizens to become active participants in the political and governmental processes. Fourth, is that free speech is also seen as a value to be enjoyed on its own.

Unfortunately, in many parts of Africa, liberal democracy has morphed into illiberal democracy: free speech is routinely muzzled through various contrivances  prior restraints, use or threat of defamatory action and threats of charging one for terrorism financing. In fact, one of the commonest grounds for stifling free speech in illiberal democracy is for the government to accuse people with different opinions or critics of its policies of incitement against it.

It is believed in the jurisprudence of free speech that once it is muzzled, every other value associated with liberal democracy  accountability, freedom of assembly, periodic elections etc.  will become caricatured. In this sense, liberal democracy becomes illiberal democracy in which only the form but not the substance of it is observed.

Unfortunately, in many parts of Africa, liberal democracy has morphed into illiberal democracy: free speech is routinely muzzled through various contrivances  prior restraints, use or threat of defamatory action and threats of charging one for terrorism financing. In fact, one of the commonest grounds for stifling free speech in illiberal democracy is for the government to accuse people with different opinions or critics of its policies of incitement against it.

The danger here is that every idea could be construed as an incitement. As Justice Holmes put it in a landmark case in the USA, (Gitlow v New York [1925]), Every idea is an incitement The only difference between the expression of an opinion and an incitement in the narrower sense is the speakers enthusiasm for the result. This means that everyone could potentially be accused of incitement in illiberal democracies.

When a democracy becomes so corrupted into becoming illiberal, citizens often become so concomitantly frustrated with the system that they long for liberation from it. This is where opportunists like Traore and other military coupists come in, and those who never lived through a military regime would wrongly interpret their stern mien as evidence that they had the magic wand to turn things around. I believe this could also be a partial explanation for the applause Traore got in Ghana  apart from what some perceive as his courage (alongside the rulers of Niger and Mali) in standing-up to France, their former colonial master.

Jideofor Adibe is a professor of Political Science and International Relations at Nasarawa State University and founder of Adonis & Abbey Publishers (www.adonis-abbey.com). He can be reached at: 0705 807 8841 (WhatsApp and Text messages only).

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The relationship between the two countries stands out in different ways that make it a model for others across the African continent. They have stood together on different platforms, including that of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), the African Union, etc. It is good to see that quite a number of Nigerian companies, especially banks, have made a strong impression on the business landscape in Ghana, while many Nigerians continue to explore educational and investment opportunities in Ghana.

The two countries do not share borders, but it has always felt like we did. That we are separated by Togo and Benin has never really mattered  we feel like we are neighbours.  Elizabeth Ohene

The relationship between Nigeria and Ghana, which, by most accounts, is a special one, is a puzzle of sorts. It does not make for an easy explanation, as the ingredients that should ordinarily make it what it is are not quite there on the face of it. The two countries are not direct neighbours, there are two other countries between them. While there might have been interactions between some of the people and traditional institutions in the pre-colonial days, there is no suggestion that bonds possibly forged then could have served as propellers for the post-colonial relationship between the two countries.

Colonialism had, however, brought the two countries together under the British imperial umbrella, with the two countries sharing institutional and cooperative relations, and inheriting the same colonial heritage. They were both members of the West African Currency Board, West African Airways, and West African Line, among other things, which helped to establish a relationship between the two nations, post-independence.

Indeed, it is the relationship formed by the first-generation political leaders in both countries in their quest for independence from the grip of British colonialists that might, in a way, explain what has, over the years, evolved to the point where Nigerians and Ghanaians began to fondly see themselves as cousins, or brothers, in the African sense of it. That relationship started with Nigerias first President, Nnamdi Azikiwe, who upon completion of his degrees in the United States of America, elected to first settle in Gold Coast (now Ghana) in 1934, where he founded a nationalist newspaper, and also mentored nationalists like Kwame Nkrumah, who soon followed Ziks path by also going to the US, returning to the country in 1947, to lead the nationalist movement, and later becoming the first President of Ghana on attainment of independence in 1957.

What stands out is the similarity in taste and interests between Nigerians and Ghanaians across different spheres, from education to sports, music, fashion and cuisine, which sometimes gets misrepresented as unhealthy and unproductive rivalry between some of the citizens of the two countries. Rather than it being a cause for such, there is another way to see it as more of an interwoven history and brotherly bond

In the years following independence, the relationship between the countries strengthened, even if in the immediate years, cracks had begun to appear over internal power struggle in Nigeria, but among the people, there was a noticeable increase in informal interactions, which saw more Nigerians travelling to Ghana than was the reverse. The number of Ghanaians in Nigeria as of 1963, was estimated at 7,561, while the Nigerian population in Ghana was estimated at 209,120. Within a few years, the relationship suffered its first rupture, with Nigerians forced to leave Ghana on the back of the Aliens Compliance Order of November 1969, which ordered all undocumented aliens to leave the country. Nigeria paid back in kind in 1983 when the government announced the expulsion of all undocumented aliens, which led to the infamous Ghana must go. While there have been other incidents of frayed nerves in the relationship between Nigerians and Ghanaians over the years, it is safe to say that the governments and people of both countries have found a way of strengthening the relationship to a place of accommodation and cooperation across different areas.

What stands out is the similarity in taste and interests between Nigerians and Ghanaians across different spheres, from education to sports, music, fashion and cuisine, which sometimes gets misrepresented as unhealthy and unproductive rivalry between some of the citizens of the two countries. Rather than it being a cause for such, there is another way to see it as more of an interwoven history and brotherly bond that has led to a fusion in Afrobeats and highlife, birthing collaborations between Nigerian and Ghanaian musicians, with artists from one country attaining fame and enjoying sizeable following in the other country. Even the Jollof rivalry that never seems to go away speaks more to a shared love for similar kinds of dishes than anything else which, according to Isaac Asabor, illustrates a shared culinary history that goes back generations, symbolizing the fusion of tastes across West African communities.

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The relationship between the two countries stands out in different ways that make it a model for others across the African continent. They have stood together on different platforms, including that of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), the African Union, etc. It is good to see that quite a number of Nigerian companies, especially banks, have made a strong impression on the business landscape in Ghana, while many Nigerians continue to explore educational and investment opportunities in Ghana.

That the newly elected President of Ghana, John Mahama, has a long-standing relationship with Nigeria, having lived in the country in his younger days, speaks to a renewed opportunity to deepen the relationship between the two countries. The indication that he sees it that way is there to be seen in the honour accorded to the Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu, in having him as the Special Guest of Honour at his inauguration ceremony.

Beyond the strong inter-governmental relations and formal business interaction across borders, interpersonal relations between citizens of both countries have tremendously helped in strengthening the relationship. There are cases of intermarriage among prominent Nigerians and Ghanaians. There are also people like the Nigerian journalist and politician, Dele Momodu, who for almost 30 years has lived across both countries, serving more as an honorary Ambassador of Nigeria in Ghana and that of Ghana in Nigeria, just as one of the authors of this piece does for Botswana in Lagos.

Whichever way we tweak it, diplomacy is chiefly about the people. Where relationships can develop or evolve organically, as is the case with Nigeria and Ghana, the opportunities are indeed immense. That the newly elected President of Ghana, John Mahama, has a long-standing relationship with Nigeria, having lived in the country in his younger days, speaks to a renewed opportunity to deepen the relationship between the two countries. The indication that he sees it that way is there to be seen in the honour accorded to the Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu, in having him as the Special Guest of Honour at his inauguration ceremony. At the event, President Tinubu said that President John Mahamas election (for a second time) should mark a new and invigorated momentum in pursuing subregional integration and progress. There is much work to be done by Nigeria and Ghana in the pursuit of integration at the sub-region as a pedestal for the economic integration of the African continent. The first step starts with a strengthening of the bromance between Nigeria and Ghana.

Simbo Olorunfemi is a specialist on Nigerias foreign policy and managing editor of Africa Enterprise, while Ade Adefeko is director, Corporate and Regulatory Affairs Olam Agri; chairman, Industrial Group, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI); and Honorary Consul of Botswana in Lagos.

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That conversation enlightened me to the reality that money has an inherent inclination to follow talent, and this symbiotic relationship is especially evident in the dynamics between employers and skilled individuals. Savvy employers recognise that the key to financial success for their organisation lies in securing and retaining top-notch talent. This understanding forms the cornerstone of a prudent employers strategy to ensure a steady inflow of money that sustains the organisations operations and effectiveness in serving its purpose.

A while back, I had the privilege of participating in a rotational coffee chat with the Founder and Executive Director of our organisation, a position he has held since its establishment in 1996, in the United States. The rotational coffee chat concept was introduced to facilitate interactions among organisation staff who might not cross paths during their regular work activities. This initiative aims to foster socialisation among employees, randomly pairing them with colleagues from various programmes/departments. During my most recent coffee chat, I had the opportunity to engage with the organisations Founder. I took the chance to inquire about how he effectively manages an organisation with a workforce nearly exceeding 200 highly educated and skilled individuals. I expressed my assumption that his life must be incredibly busy, seeking confirmation on this matter.

To my surprise, he revealed that his schedule was not as hectic as one might imagine. According to him, the key to running the organisation successfully lies in the ability to identify and retain skilled individuals. He emphasised that having a team of talented professionals is crucial for attracting financial resources. Drawing from his experience, he mentioned his innate skill in organising events and bringing people together, a trait he developed since his secondary school days in the United States. For him, the job is straightforward  bringing people together, a task he excels at, and ensuring that they are motivated to stay on the job to attract the necessary resources to sustain the organisation. His insights enlightened me to the fact that talent is the driving force behind financial success in any organisation.

That conversation enlightened me to the reality that money has an inherent inclination to follow talent, and this symbiotic relationship is especially evident in the dynamics between employers and skilled individuals. Savvy employers recognise that the key to financial success for their organisation lies in securing and retaining top-notch talent. This understanding forms the cornerstone of a prudent employers strategy to ensure a steady inflow of money that sustains the organisations operations and effectiveness in serving its purpose. Employers keen on financial prosperity recognise the instrumental role of talented individuals in driving innovation, productivity, and overall success. Organisations actively seek out individuals with exceptional skills, experience, and expertise, as these qualities contribute significantly to the companys bottom line. For instance, a software company may hire a brilliant coder whose innovative solutions can lead to the development of cutting-edge products, thereby attracting more customers and revenue.

For instance, recruiting top-notch environmental scientists, engineers, and sustainability experts can empower the organisation to pioneer groundbreaking technologies or implement sustainable practices. These efforts not only benefit the environment but also attract attention and funding from investors, grants, and eco-conscious consumers.

Due to the Founders leadership in an environmental organisation, our conversation underscored how the strategic hiring of a highly skilled team can significantly influence the organisations financial success. First, assembling a team with diverse expertise and innovative thinking can lead to the development of cutting-edge solutions for environmental challenges. For instance, recruiting top-notch environmental scientists, engineers, and sustainability experts can empower the organisation to pioneer groundbreaking technologies or implement sustainable practices. These efforts not only benefit the environment but also attract attention and funding from investors, grants, and eco-conscious consumers.

Second, a motivated and skilled workforce can enhance the organisations ability to engage in strategic partnerships and collaborations. With the right team, an environmental organisation can establish alliances with businesses, research institutions, and governmental bodies, creating opportunities for joint projects and shared resources. These collaborations not only magnify the impact of the organisations initiatives but can also bring in additional funding and support from external sources. A talented team equally excels in communication and outreach efforts, effectively conveying the organisations mission and impact to the public. This can lead to heightened public awareness, support, and increased donations. Employees skilled in crafting compelling narratives and utilising diverse communication channels can generate positive media coverage, attract sponsors, and build a strong community around the organisation, ultimately bolstering its financial standing. In this way, the right personnel not only contribute to the environmental goals but also establish a positive feedback loop that fortifies the organisations financial position.

In addition to recognising the crucial role of talent, another vital lesson gleaned from my conversation with the organisations Founder pertained to the significance of fostering a positive and inclusive work environment. This underscores the importance of cultivating a culture where individuals feel valued, heard, and supported in their professional pursuits. Understanding that a cohesive team is more likely to leverage its collective talents, leading to heightened innovation and productivity, aligns with contemporary research in organisational psychology, emphasising the correlation between employee satisfaction, engagement, and overall organisational success. Still, I gained insights into the evolution of an organisation and the pivotal role that adaptability plays in its sustained success. This highlighted the necessity for flexibility in response to changing external factors, market trends, and technological advancements. The ability to adapt allows an organisation to remain relevant and resilient in the face of challenges. This insight underscores the importance of not only attracting talented individuals but also cultivating a workforce that embraces change and continually seeks improvement.

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the rotational coffee chat provided a multifaceted view of the intricate dynamics contributing to the financial success of an organisation. It emphasised the symbiotic relationship between talent, a positive work culture, adaptability, corporate social responsibility, and employee development. These insights collectively form a comprehensive framework for organisations and individuals aspiring to achieve enduring financial prosperity in an ever-evolving global landscape.

Concerning corporate social responsibility and its impact on an organisations financial standing, I learned how an organisations commitment to giving back to the community can indirectly contribute to financial success. This extends to instances where philanthropic efforts not only enhance an organisations public image but also attract partnerships and sponsorships from like-minded entities. This broader perspective on the interconnectedness of social responsibility and financial prosperity serves as a valuable lesson for individuals and organisations alike, emphasising the potential returns on investments made in social causes. I also gained an understanding of the place and significance of mentorship and professional development programmes within an organisation. Mentorship plays a crucial role in nurturing talent and ensuring a seamless transfer of knowledge and expertise from experienced employees to newer recruits. Investing in the growth and development of employees pays off in the long run, as it not only enhances their skills but also instills a sense of loyalty and commitment. This underscores the holistic approach that organisations can take to ensure sustained financial success by valuing and investing in their most valuable asset  their human capital.

In summary, the rotational coffee chat provided a multifaceted view of the intricate dynamics contributing to the financial success of an organisation. It emphasised the symbiotic relationship between talent, a positive work culture, adaptability, corporate social responsibility, and employee development. These insights collectively form a comprehensive framework for organisations and individuals aspiring to achieve enduring financial prosperity in an ever-evolving global landscape. I strongly urge young individuals to dedicate time and effort to the development of their skills, recognising that money consistently follows expertise and talent. In todays dynamic and competitive world, cultivating proficiency in a particular area not only enhances personal growth but also serves as a magnet for financial reward. Whether it is honing technical skills, mastering a craft, or refining interpersonal abilities, investing in oneself lays the foundation for future prosperity. Through focusing on skill development, young people not only position themselves as valuable assets in the professional landscape but also create opportunities for financial rewards. Remember, as you invest in your skills, you are not just building a brighter future for yourself but also paving the way out of poverty.

Mohammed Dahiru Aminu (mohd.aminu@gmail.com) wrote from Arlington, TX, United States.

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The organisers of Africa Revenue Summit have now perfected a detailed plan to help 300 businesses achieve very substantial growth in 2025.

Speaking at a Press Conference in their Alausa Office on Friday, the CEO of SalesRuby and Convener of Africa Revenue Summit explained the reasons why such a programme is needed at this time.

According to Mr Jembola, many businesses struggled in 2024 realizing less than their full potential for the year. In particular, many businesses have suffered stunted growth for two to three years in a row. The intention of the Africa Revenue Summit is to help participating organisations achieve a four hundred percent growth in the year 2025.

The conference which is to be attended by over three hundred Chief Executive Officers, Executive Directors and very senior executives is scheduled to hold for two days at the MUSON Centre, Marina Lagos.

The theme of the conference is WINNING ACROSS BORDERS

According to Mr Jembola, the activities leading to the two days of experiential learning have been intentionally designed to create valuable networking and connection, deliver very actionable insights, and enable impressive growth of the participating businesses. Leading to the two days of learning the following sessions are expected:

 Growth strategy sessions to enable participating countries design very optimized approach to pursuing real growth in 2025

 The design of a detailed execution agenda to enable fast-paced growth among participating businesses

 Pre-conference networking events (virtual and physical) that are designed to forge post-conference connections

 Positioning of the businesses of participating CEOs in the learners community for more visibility

 After the conference the organizers have committed to supporting CEOs in execution while holding them accountable to ensure the dutiful execution of the strategies already created

The speakers at the Africa Revenue Summit have also been thoughtfully chosen. Starting with the lead faculty of SalesRuby and Host of Africa Revenue Summit Mr Bunmi Jembola and the Keynote speaker Mr John Obaro, all the speakers are people who have a proven track record of leading exceptional business growth.

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To join other CEOs as a participant at this years Africa Revenue Summit you can register your details here https://afres.africa/

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JOB TITLE: EDITOR, INVESTIGATIONS

LOCATION: NIGERIA

Premium Times Services Ltd, Publishers of Premium Times, an online news brand of both local and international repute  is a media company with headquarters in Abuja, offices in Lagos, and Washington D.C., and representatives across Nigerian states.

Premium Times was established in 2011 and is led by seasoned, highly skilled, and award-winning professionals with integrity and in-depth knowledge of the journalism industry and digital media space.

With our reputation for balanced and credible reporting, our ethical journalism, and ground-breaking and impactful investigative stories, we have become one of the most reliable and preferred news portals in Nigeria and on the continent of Africa. We are among the most-visited websites in Nigeria and on the countrys most-read newspapers list.

We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Investigations Editor to be a part of our investigative desk.

Ideal candidates should have the high-level ability:

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To uncover complex stories, an in-depth understanding of investigative techniques, and the ability to manage high-stakes investigations that drive impact.

To lead our team on major investigative projects.

To edit news stories, features, and opinion pieces for clarity, grammar, accuracy, and style, ensuring that content is engaging and publication-ready.

To identify more robust or more relevant angles buried within stories written by reporters and others.

To ensure comprehensive coverage of major local, national, and international stories, with a strong emphasis on investigative journalism and in-depth reporting.

To develop content strategies that align with Premium Times editorial vision, audience preferences, and current affairs.

To enrich reports with relevant background, analyses, and context.

To accurately interpret statements/stories even when missed by reporters and other editors.

Candidates must also:

Be organised, able to meet deadlines, and juggle various tasks while at the same time maintaining a high level of attention to detail and maintaining overall editorial quality.

Stay informed on current events, emerging trends, and audience interests to continuously adapt the editorial direction.

Be an agent of change.

Possess strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills.

Have proven experience of at least 5-7 years of handling high-profile investigations that lead to significant public impact.

Have good interpersonal relations skills.

Possess an inquiring mind and logical reasoning.

Have a deep passion for journalism and a commitment to accuracy and truth.

Have an aversion to corruption.

Be willing to work.

Employment Type: Full Time

How to Apply:

The ideal candidates should be resident in any of the states and should have a deep understanding of current political, economic, and social issues in Nigeria.

Interested candidates should send a detailed curriculum vitae, cover letter of interest, and two writing samples or links to published stories in a single PDF document emailed to hr@premiumtimesng.com (kindly indicate EDITOR -INVESTIGATIONS as the subject of the mail). Only ideal and qualified candidates will be contacted.

Premium Times is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We ensure equal opportunity for all applicants regardless of origin, religious or political affiliations, gender, or any other non-merit factor.

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JOB TITLE: REPORTER

LOCATION: SOUTHWEST NIGERIA

Premium Times Services Ltd, Publishers of Premium Times- an online news brand of both local and international repute  is a media company with headquarters in Abuja, offices in Lagos and Washington D.C., and representatives across Nigerian states.

Premium Times was established in 2011 and is led by seasoned, highly skilled, and award-winning professionals with integrity and in-depth knowledge of the journalism industry and digital media space.

The newspaper is seeking young reporters to strengthen its coverage of Nigerias South-West geopolitical zones.

Ideal candidates should have the ability:

To collect, verify and analyse newsworthy information.

To write and deliver audience-centered news stories that can enhance our audiences rights to know and guide them to make informed decisions.

To provide live reports from scenes of events and illustrate stories with multimedia elements  text, photo, audio, video, and graphics.

To evaluate and investigate news leads/tips to generate great and impactful stories for publication.

To stay up to date with events on their beats and demonstrate mastery of the subject they cover or report about.

Candidates must also:

Be dynamic, self-driven, and hard-nosed.

Be able to smell and unearth even the best-concealed news and information.

Have a strong commitment to the ethics of the journalism profession.

Possess good writing and interviewing skills with the ability to extract relevant information about technical and complex topics and turn it into clear, concise, and conversational content.

Have a proven work experience as a reporter for at least 3-5 years. Outstanding candidates with fewer years of experience may be considered.

Have an aversion to corruption.

Have good interpersonal relations skills.

Possess inquiring minds and logical reasoning.

Be organized, able to meet deadlines and juggle various tasks while at the same time maintaining a high level of attention to detail and sustaining overall work quality.

Have the eagerness to learn and adapt to new situations and environments.

Be able to travel at short notice.

Candidates for the South-West position are expected to be based in Lagos State and should have a deep understanding of current political, economic, and social issues in their respective regions.

Employment Type: Full Time

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How to Apply:

Interested candidates should send a detailed curriculum vitae, cover letter of interest, and two writing samples or links to published stories in a single PDF file emailed to hr@premiumtimesng.com (kindly indicate REPORTER  SOUTHWEST as the subject of the mail). Only ideal and qualified candidates will be contacted.

Premium Times is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We ensure equal opportunity for all applicants regardless of origin, religious or political affiliations, gender, or any other non-merit factor.

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JOB TITLE: EDITORS

LOCATION: SOUTHWEST AND NORTHERN REGIONS OF NIGERIA.

Premium Times Services Ltd, Publishers of Premium Times- an online news brand of both local and international repute  is a media company with headquarters in Abuja, offices in Lagos and Washington D.C., and representatives across Nigerian states.

Premium Times was established in 2011 and is led by seasoned, highly skilled, and award-winning professionals with integrity and in-depth knowledge of the journalism industry and digital media space.

We are currently inviting candidates who consider themselves experienced, dynamic, competent, energetic, and detail-oriented to join our editorial team.

Ideal candidates should have the high-level ability:

To edit news stories, features, and opinion pieces for clarity, grammar, accuracy, and style, ensuring that content is engaging and publication-ready.

To identify more robust or more relevant angles buried within stories written by reporters and others.

To develop content strategies that align with Premium Times editorial vision, audience preferences, and current affairs.

To enrich reports with relevant background, analyses and context.

To accurately interpret statements/stories even when missed by reporters and other editors.

Candidates must also:

Be organised, able to meet deadlines and juggle various tasks while at the same time maintaining a high level of attention to detail and maintaining overall editorial quality.

Stay informed on current events, emerging trends, and audience interests to continuously adapt the editorial direction.

Be an agent of change.

Possess strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills.

Have proven experience as an editor with at least 5-7 years.

Have good interpersonal relations skills.

Possess an inquiring mind and logical reasoning.

Be willing to work.

Have a deep passion for journalism and a commitment to accuracy and truth.

Have an aversion to corruption.

Employment Type: Full Time

How to Apply:

The ideal candidates should reside in any of the states in the South-West or Northern regions and have a deep understanding of current political, economic, and social issues in those regions.

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

Interested candidates should send a detailed curriculum vitae, cover letter of interest, and two (2) writing samples or links to published stories in a single PDF document emailed to hr@premiumtimesng.com (kindly indicate EDITOR -SOUTHWEST REGION OR EDITOR -NORTHERN REGION as the subject of the mail). Only ideal and qualified candidates will be contacted.

Premium Times is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We ensure equal opportunity for all applicants regardless of origin, religious or political affiliations, gender, or any other non-merit factor.

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A military drama called The Six Triple Eight has stirred up current global ranking on Netflix. As of today, it is ranked second, behind only the well-received Christmas thriller Carry-on.

ADVERTISIMENT

Last week alone, more than 10 million viewers around the world have watched the movie. It is noteworthy that the film has been in the top 10 for about 20 days. OBOZ.UA will tell you what is known about the sensational American movie.

Written and directed by black actor and filmmaker Tyler Perry, the film is about the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion during World War II. This group consisted of black servicewomen.

The Six Triple Eight is based on the 2019 magazine article "Fighting a Two-Front War" by Kevin M. Hymel, which first revealed the significant role of the aforementioned battalion.

The story tells the story of brave women who wanted to fight Nazism but, despite their excellent training, did not receive orders. Everything changed when it was brought to Eleanor Roosevelt's attention that Americans were not receiving mail from the war.

After conducting an internal investigation, U.S. officials learned that they did not have enough hands to deliver letters from the United Kingdom to the United States. This is what a battalion of female soldiers is tasked with.

The film touched on racial discrimination, personal conflicts, and the tragedy of war at that time. This allowed it to gain wide popularity not only in the United States, but also in Ukraine, where the film is currently ranked 10th.

Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Two medical doctors working with the Sokoto Specialist Hospital and four of their friends have lost their lives in a road accident along the Bodinga-Yabo road.

The doctors, Anas Chika and Abubakar Shehu, alongside their friends, were travelling to Kebbi State on Sunday when their car collided with an oncoming truck.

The Chief Medical Director of Sokoto Specialist Hospital, Attahiru Isa, confirmed the incident. He said Mr Chika was attached to the Gynaecology Department (O and G), while Mr Shehu was attached to the General Out-patient Department (GOPD)

Mr Isa also noted that Mr Shehu was also the Chief Imam of the GOPD Department.

We are deeply saddened, particularly the Specialist Hospital and the state government, by the loss of these two dedicated, kind, and humble doctors. We are truly in a state of grief, but we accept this as the will of Allah, Mr Isa said on Tuesday.

He said the deceased were attached to units that served a large number of patients and were dedicated to their work until their untimely demise.

One of their colleagues, Tijjani Farouk, recalled that they were together at the state governments ongoing staff verification exercise a few hours before the accident.

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In fact, I gave a cup of tea to one of them, he remembered, describing them as hardworking and religious individuals.

The Sokoto chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Farouk Kabiru, described them as young and dedicated doctors, stating that the association and the state would deeply miss their contributions to the development of the health sector and humanity.

We are shocked by their sudden demise as they were such promising and highly dedicated young doctors among us, Mr Kabiru mourned the deceased doctors.

He prayed that Allah grant them the highest place in paradise and give their families the strength to bear the irreversible losses.

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A Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday dismissed a suit seeking to invalidate the appointments of the current managing director and executive directors of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) by President Bola Tinubu.

Justice James Omotosho, in a judgement, dismissed the suit on the ground that the plaintiffs lacked the legal right to institute the case.

Mr Omotosho held that the proper party to initiate the case was the attorney-general of the states, being the chief law officer empowered to sue on behalf of the states or appoint a private lawyer to do so.

The plaintiffs have no right to litigate a matter of public interest where the Attorney-General is available and not complaining, the judge said.

He further held that the plaintiffs failed to prove their claims, adding that they should have shown the quantum of oil produced in each oil-producing state.

The judge held that the plaintiffs also failed to provide evidence of the manner and status of appointments into NDDC management positions since the commissions inception to substantiate their claims.

This is simply an assertion without proof. This court is handicapped in going to the merits of this case, 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 Omotosho consequently dismissed the suit.

Background

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Ajoku Philip, Jones Omereoha, and the Incorporated Trustees of Kingdom Human Rights International Foundation, who claimed to be acting on behalf of the oil-producing communities in Imo State and a few other states, had filed the suit.

The applicants sued the President of Nigeria, the Attorney General of the Federation, the National Assembly, and the NDDC in the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1374/2023.

They had urged the court to compel President Tinubu to withdraw the nominations of Samuel Ogbuku, Boma Iyaye, Victor Antai, and Ifedayo Abegunde as managing director and executive directors of the NDDC, respectively.

They demanded that the president appoint indigenes of oil-producing communities from Imo, Cross River, and Edo, who they alleged had not previously held these positions, as mandated by Section 12(1) of the NDDC Act.

The applicants argued that appointments to NDDC management positions over the years had allegedly favoured some oil-producing states over others, contravening relevant laws.

They also prayed for a declaration that Sections 4 and 12(1) of the NDDC Establishment Act were compulsory in appointing the commissions chairperson, managing director, and executive directors, among other reliefs.

However, the NDDC, in its counter affidavit, disagreed with the applicants.

It argued that Section 12(1) of the NDDC Act provides adequate representation, which has always been observed in the commissions appointments.

It further argued that only the governors of oil-producing states could make such complaints, as they are recognised representatives of their citizens.

The other defendants submitted that only state governors, through their attorney-generals, are properly positioned to sue the NDDC over any alleged infractions.

(NAN)

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The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State has nominated Chidiebere Egwu, the partys zonal youth leader, as a replacement for the expelled erstwhile South-east National Vice Chairperson, Ali Odefa.

The party stated this in a letter addressed to its Acting National Chairperson, Illiya Damagun and the Chairperson of the partys Board of Trustees, Adolphus Wabara.

It hinged the nomination of Mr Egwu on the expulsion of Mr Odefa for alleged anti-party activities.

Background

Mr Odefa was first suspended from the PDP by the party executive officers in his Oguduokwor Ward in Onicha Local Government Area on 11 September 2024.

The Federal High Court in Abakaliki later upheld the ward executives suspension of Mr Odefa.

After investigating the allegations against Mr Odefa, a disciplinary committee of the PDP at the Oguduokwor Ward recommended the expulsion of the former zonal chairperson of the party.

Consequently, the PDP executive at the Oguduokwor Ward announced Mr. Odefas summary expulsion on 12 December 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

Nomination of Egwu

In the nomination letter, the PDP ward executive and elders unanimously endorsed replacing Mr Odefa with Mr Egwu, who is also a former special assistant on security and youth empowerment to the Ebonyi governor.

The letter was signed by Onwe Onwe, former acting national secretary; Paulinus Nwagu, former senator and the 2023 deputy governorship candidate of the PDP in Ebonyi; John Igboke, former deputy national youth leader; and Paul Okorie, former governorship aspirant.

Others are Austin Edeze, a former governorship aspirant and Director General of the 2023 PDP Governorship Campaign Council, and all the PDP National Assembly and House of Assembly candidates in the 2023 general elections.

The letter nominating Mr Egwu has been submitted to the Acting national chairperson, the national secretary, the chairperson of the BoT, and the chairperson of the PDP Governors Forum, among others.

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Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has approved the upward review of the salaries of the 459 customary court judges of the 153 customary courts across the state.

Reuben Onyishi, the senior special assistant to Mr Mbah on New Media, disclosed this in a statement in Enugu on Monday.

Mr Onyishi said that the review would take effect from January, in line with the N80,000 minimum wage as obtained in the state.

He said that the review was sequel to the high cost of living that compelled the increase in the national minimum wage of N70,000 and Governor Mbahs magnanimous increase of the minimum wage in Enugu State to N80,000.

This also followed a memo dated 25 November 2024, addressed to the Governor by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Legal Matters, Mr Osinachi Nnajieze, in response to which Mbah graciously approved the review, Mr Onyishi said.

He said that the review also applied to the chairperson and two members that constituted each of the 153 customary courts in the state, in which the salaries of the chairpersons were moved from N42,989.76 to N92,989.76.

Also the salaries of the two members are increased from N39,736.18 to N89,736.18, Mr Onyishi said.

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(NAN)

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IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- AC Future, a pioneer in AI-enabled sustainable living, unveiled its AI Transformer Homes at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, receiving significant recognition and multiple awards. The AI Transformer Home was honored as one of the Most Innovative New Products by CNET and earned the Top Tech of CES award from Canada's CBC. This follows AC Future's recent accolades, including a 2024 GOOD DESIGN Award from the Chicago Museum of Architecture and Design and an Innovation by Design Honorable Mention from Fast Company.

AI Transformer Home Drivable (AI-THd)

At CES, the company showcased three models: AI-THu (expandable home), AI-THt (expandable trailer), and AI-THd (drivable home). The AI-THd, the world's first drivable transformer home, captivated attendees with its patented expansion technology that turns the vehicle into a spacious 400-square-foot smart home. AC Future also opened reservations, with $500 securing priority delivery and $100 for standard reservations via their website.

"The recognition we received at CES 2025 validates our mission to create AI-driven, sustainable homes that redefine modern living," said Laura Czarnecki, Co-CEO of AC Future. "We're committed to offering adaptable housing solutions that blend luxury, mobility, and eco-friendliness."

Product Lineup

AI-THu : A stationary smart home featuring 400 square feet of adaptable living space and a 40-square-foot patio. Designed for both on- and off-grid living, it includes solar panels, energy storage, a water generator, and high-end appliances.





: A stationary smart home featuring 400 square feet of adaptable living space and a 40-square-foot patio. Designed for both on- and off-grid living, it includes solar panels, energy storage, a water generator, and high-end appliances. AI-THt : A 24-foot expandable trailer offering up to 400 square feet of living space. Equipped with advanced AI systems and sustainable energy solutions, it sets a new standard for eco-friendly mobile living.





: A 24-foot expandable trailer offering up to 400 square feet of living space. Equipped with advanced AI systems and sustainable energy solutions, it sets a new standard for eco-friendly mobile living. AI-THd: A drivable transformer home that converts from a compact vehicle into a fully functional smart home in minutes. Ideal for customers seeking mobility without compromising on comfort, it offers sustainable energy systems and AI-driven smart features.

"We are thrilled by the overwhelming interest at CES from attendees, suppliers, media, and early reservation holders," said Arthur Galarza, COO of AC Future. "We believe our AI Transformer Homes will revolutionize the housing market by offering affordable, sustainable living solutions." Initial deliveries are expected in Q4 2026, with reservations currently open at www.acfuture.com.

About AC Future

Founded in 2023 and headquartered in Irvine, California, AC Future is redefining mobile and sustainable living with its AI Transformer Home series. The company aims to address the affordable housing crisis by offering flexible, eco-friendly housing solutions. AC Future has earned accolades from CNET and the Chicago Museum of Architecture and Design, highlighting its innovative contributions to modern living.

For media inquiries or to schedule interviews, please contact:

Chris Kerzich

AC Future

708-951-1554

[email protected]

For reservations or more information, visit www.acfuture.com.

SOURCE AC FUTURE
At the 400th home celebration, HFOT honored Marine Lance Corporal Alberto Flores. Alberto Flores joined the military to support his family, and quickly fell in love with the camaraderie and brotherhood he shared with his fellow Marines. On May 12, 2005, Lance Corporal Flores was on his second combat deployment in Ramadi, Iraq when his vehicle hit an improvised explosive device. He sustained severe damage to his right leg. Due to multiple infections, his leg was amputated above the knee. Alberto received his prosthetic leg at Brooke Army Medical Center, relearning how to walk over a six-month period under the guidance of his physical therapy team.

"Commitments from our partners like ACE Cash Express help get more severely injured post-9/11 Veterans into the specially adapted custom homes they need and deserve," said Tom Landwermeyer, HFOT President/CEO and Brigadier General, USA (Ret). "We are truly grateful for their patriotism, generosity, and dedication to our mission of Building Homes and Rebuilding Lives."

Since 2020, ACE has made contributions totaling over $304,000 to HFOT, actively supporting our severely injured veterans. "We take great pride in supporting our veterans, including Marine LCpl Alberto Flores," stated Sally Aiello, Vice President of Government Relations at Populus Financial Group. "It was an honor to celebrate HFOT's significant milestone of delivering their 400th specially adapted custom home."

For more information about the Flare Account, visit www.flareaccount.com. For information about Porte's #DoorToChange charitable giving program, visit joinporte.com/features/door-to-change.

1 Populus Financial Group, Inc., d/b/a ACE Cash Express, donates $0.05 for each $100.00 in debit card purchase transactions (net of refunds and chargebacks) made with a Homes For Our Troops branded debit card associated with a Flare Account (up to $200,000 per year in the aggregate) to the Homes For Our Troops, Inc, a 501(c)(3) organization. Pathward, National Association, Ouro Global, Inc, and Visa do not endorse or sponsor this offer.

The Flare Account is a demand deposit account established by Pathward, National Association, Member FDIC, and the Flare Account debit card is issued by Pathward, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. Ouro Global, Inc. is a service provider to Pathward, N.A.

2After selecting a charity through your Porte mobile app, Populus Financial Group will donate an amount equal to 0.05% of every debit card purchase transaction, subject to certain terms and conditions described in the Porte mobile app, made with your Porte debit card to a charity selected by you through the mobile app. Ouro Global, Inc., Pathward, and Visa are not affiliated in any way with this offer and do not endorse or sponsor this offer.

Porte is a deposit account established by Pathward, N.A., Member FDIC, and the Porte debit card is issued by Pathward, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. Certain products and services may be licensed under U.S. Patent Nos. 6,000,608 and 6,189,787.

The Porte debit card and Flare Account debit card can be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted.

About Populus Financial Group

Populus Financial Group provides financial services through its family of brands including ACE Cash Express, ACE Elite Visa Prepaid Debit Card, Flare Account and Porte. Populus Financial Group delivers a broad range of financial products and services including short-term consumer loans, card services, check cashing, money transfers, bill payments and money orders. Visit PopulusFinancial.com for more information.

About Homes For Our Troops

Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) is a publicly funded 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that builds and donates specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans, to enable them to rebuild their lives. Most of these Veterans have sustained injuries including multiple limb amputations, partial or full paralysis, and/or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). These homes restore some of the freedom and independence our Veterans sacrificed while defending our country, and enable them to focus on their family, recovery, and rebuilding their lives. Since its inception in 2004, nearly 90 cents out of every dollar spent has gone directly to program services for Veterans. HFOT builds these homes where the Veteran chooses to live and continues its relationship with the Veterans after home delivery to assist them with rebuilding their lives. For more information, please visit https://www.hfotusa.org/.

About Pathward

Pathward, N.A., a national bank, is a subsidiary of Pathward Financial, Inc. Pathward is a U.S.-based financial empowerment company driven by its purpose to power financial inclusion. Pathward strives to increase financial availability, choice and opportunity across our Partner Solutions and Commercial Finance business lines. The strategic business lines provide end-to-end support to individuals and businesses. Learn more at Pathward.com.

SOURCE Populus Financial Group, Inc.
Renowned Washington lobbyist announces this will be last year with A4A

WASHINGTON, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- After 14 years as the leader of Airlines for America (A4A), the leading association of passenger and cargo carriers, President and CEO Nicholas E. Calio said today that he will retire from the association at the end of 2025.

Under Calio's leadership, A4A rebranded and honed its focus on being an influential voice in helping to shape legislative and regulatory policies and priorities that improve air travel and air cargo shipping for consumers. Known for his ability to build consensus, Calio transformed and re-launched the association by working collaboratively with airlines, labor unions, Congress, the executive branch and key government agencies as well as foreign governments to promote the safety, security and health of the U.S. airline industry.

"All of this has been possible because of A4A's strong Board of Directors. I have been fortunate to work for and with some of the sharpest minds in business over the past 14 years and blessed with A4A Board Chairs Scott Kirby, Robin Hayes, Gary Kelly, Brad Tilden and Doug Parker, some of whom served twice. They have been willing to commit their time and to put aside the individual interests of their companies on behalf of the larger industry," said Calio. "Together, we have accomplished so much for so many, and I have learned from their counsel and benefited from their enduring friendship. I am thankful to have worked alongside such a dedicated and strategic Board."

Calio has led multiple FAA reauthorization negotiations and was instrumental in avoiding total crisis during the 2022 5G C-Band implementation. His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic helped save the industry from ruin, working closely with Congress, labor organizations and other groups to create the Payroll Support Program and securing $60 billion as part of the CARES Act that kept airline employees on the job.

"We worked with both sides of the political aisle, both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue, as well as labor, suppliers, manufacturers, various associations and others," Calio said. "Our Board members were unified and laser focused on saving countless jobs, their companies and the U.S. airline industry."

Simultaneously, Calio approached Harvard University's National Preparedness Leadership Initiative (NPLI) and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health to conduct independent research that examined air quality on airplanes and concluded thatbecause of multiple layers of protectionthe risk of exposure to COVID-19 during air travel is extremely low.

More recently, Calio has advocated for addressing the air traffic controller shortage saying that more needs to be done to cover retirements and attrition facing the FAA. He has stressed the importance of implementing new strategies for recruiting, hiring and trainingincluding reinvigorating the Collegiate Training Initiative (CTI) program. Calio has also addressed the need to ensure the FAA's Facilities & Equipment budget is fully funded and that the FAA has the flexibility to address the most pressing modernization issues, especially as the U.S. airline industry is seeing record air travel, employing one million people and transporting millions of tons of cargo around the world, while remaining the safest mode of transportation.

Calio is known for building strong teams and prides himself on hiring the best of the best. "Success has many authors, and I wouldn't be where I am today without my A4A colleagues who work each day for the betterment of our industry. It is my honor and privilege to work with incredibly talented professionals, who are also wonderful people and loyal friends," Calio stated. "That said, I am starting my 15th year at A4A and the time to transition out has come. I am looking forward to new adventures."

Calio, who joined the association in 2011, will retire when his contract ends and will continue to lead the association and assist board leadership in the search for his successor.

A4A Board Chairman and United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby and Board Vice Chairman and American Airlines CEO Robert Isom will be directing the search for Calio's successor, to begin immediately.

Quotations

A4A Board Chairman and United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby commended Calio's tenure saying: "Nick has been a leading voice for the airline industry and aviation in general during a time of both challenge and opportunity. He has been a strong advocate for our businesses, our employees and our customers in the halls of Congress, in the administration and overseas. Because of Nick, A4A is well-positioned to continue the mission to advance the airline industry and has a strong foundation on which his successor will build. We are very pleased that Nick will stay onboard to ensure a smooth transition."

Former A4A Board Chairman and Chairman and CEO of Airbus in North America Robin Hayes (former JetBlue CEO) applauded Calio's leadership commenting: "Nick personally turned A4A into the premiere and most influential trade association in Washington, D.C. His deep, meaningful relationships with people he has known for years coupled with his deep knowledge and his ability to get things done are exemplary. And Nick never gives up. The reason why we have an airline industry at all today is because of Nick's formidable determination, strategic thinking and bold leadership. Everyone working in an airline today should be incredibly grateful for Nick and his wonderful team who are real superstars."

Former A4A Board Chairman and former Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly said: "Nick has always known how to wrangle our board memberswho are all competitorsand drive very meaningful discussions and reach pragmatic compromise on a range of issues over the years. His greatest talent and most valuable contribution may have been his ability to manage the various opinions, competing interests and a few egos along the way. His work with Harvard's NPLI regarding the air quality safety in the cabin was absolutely superb and was instrumental in providing confidence in air travel at a critical time and was critical to restarting air travel after the pandemic."

Former A4A Board Chairman and former American Airlines CEO Doug Parker added: "Nick has done amazing things for our industry and for A4A. Under his leadership, we became a much stronger, more cohesive industry, and we became a stronger voice and a much more respected organization in D.C. That was especially apparent during the COVID pandemic when he led our effort to save hundreds of thousands of jobs, saved our industry and saved much of U.S. Commerce during that time."

Biography

Prior to joining A4A in January 2011, Calio was Citigroup's executive vice president for global government affairs and a member of its senior leadership committee. He was responsible for the company's government affairs globally.

Calio served President George W. Bush as assistant to the President for Legislative Affairs from January 2001 to January 2003. As the president's principal liaison to Congress, Calio worked closely with the leadership and members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives and had the primary responsibility for formulating and implementing White House strategy on all legislative issues. He held the same position during the administration of President George H.W. Bush.

Prior to joining the George W. Bush administration, Calio was a partner at O'Brien*Calio, a law and lobbying firm he co-founded in 1993. A 1998 Fortune Magazine survey of members of Congress, congressional staff, administration staff and Washington lobbyists rated the firm as one of the "Ten Most Powerful" in Washington. Calio started the firm after leaving the first Bush administration.

An active civic leader, Calio will be receiving the Bryce Harlow Foundation's Business-Government Relations Award on April 30, 2025. Last year, Calio received the Glen A. Gilbert Memorial Award, presented by ATCA, which celebrates an individual who has made lifelong contributions and commitments to the aviation industry. Vaughn College in New York honored Calio in 2023 for his efforts during the pandemic and his leadership in the U.S. airline industry. He was honored with the Hermes Air Transport Organisation's Katerina and George Iatrou Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the global airline industry. He has received the Fund for American Studies Business Leadership Award; the Excellence in Business Award from the Sons of Italy Foundation (SIF), the philanthropic arm of the nation's largest and oldest organization for people of Italian heritage; and the People Who Move America Award from the Boy Scouts of America.

Calio is a graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University and Case Western Reserve University School of Law. He is currently chair of the Ohio Wesleyan University Board of Trustees. Additionally, he is a trustee of the Palm Beach Chamber of Commerce.

Calio and his wife, Lydia, have been married for 46 years and have three grown childrenLydia, Nicholas and Jessicaand four grandchildren, who are his pride and joy.

ABOUT A4A

A4A advocates on behalf of the leading U.S. airlines, both passenger and cargo carriers. A4A works collaboratively with industry stakeholders, federal agencies, the Administration, Congress, labor and other groups to improve aviation for the traveling and shipping public.

Airlines for America (A4A) members are Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Atlas Air, Delta Air Lines, FedEx, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines and UPS. Air Canada is an associate member.

For more information about the airline industry, visit our website airlines.org and our blog, A Better Flight Plan, at airlines.org/blog.

Follow us on Twitter: @airlinesdotorg.

Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/AirlinesforAmerica.

Join us on Instagram: instagram.com/AirlinesforAmerica.

SOURCE Airlines for America
After the success of Emily in Paris, viewers are looking for stories with the same light atmosphere, aesthetics of romance and adventure in big cities. Dynamic plots, charming characters and unforgettable locations have become the basis of the show's popularity.

ADVERTISIMENT

If you like the French charm and intrigue of Parisian life, there are many series that offer similar experiences. From fashionable everyday life to romantic twists and turns, these stories will take you to the world of stylish adventures. OBOZ.UA offers to consider which series can become your next favorites.

Call My Agent! (2015)

French comedy-drama series that reveals the behind-the-scenes life of the film and television industry. The story takes place in the prestigious Parisian talent agency ASK, where a team of agents tries to satisfy the whims of their star clients, balancing personal problems, professional challenges and intrigue.

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Each episode features real French actors playing satirical versions of themselves, adding a unique charm to the show. The series is characterized by witty humor, dramatic plot twists and an insightful portrayal of complex relationships in show business. "Call My Agent!" has gained international popularity due to its authenticity and brilliant acting.

Gossip Girl (2007)

An American drama series based on the book series by Cecily von Ziegesar. The story takes place on the Upper East Side of New York, where the lives of privileged teenagers from wealthy families are constantly monitored by a mysterious blogger with the pseudonym Gossip Girl.

ADVERTISIMENT

The story centers on the drama, intrigue and romantic relationships of such characters as Serena van der Woodsen, Blair Waldorf, Nate Archibald and Chuck Bass. The series has become a real phenomenon thanks to its stylish images, vivid dialogues and exciting plot twists. Thanks to its luxurious atmosphere and themes of friendship, betrayal and ambition, the show has gained popularity among young people.

The Bold Type (2021)

An American drama series that follows the lives of three young women working at a glossy magazine in New York. The series explores the themes of friendship, love, career, feminism and contemporary social issues.

ADVERTISIMENT

The series focuses on the lives of Jane, Kat and Sutton, three best friends who work at Scarlet magazine. Each of them has different personalities and goals, but they are united by a common dream - to succeed in journalism and make the world a better place. Together they face a variety of challenges, both at work and in their personal lives.

The Carrie Diaries (2013)

An American drama series that is a prequel to the cult show Sex and the City. The plot tells the story of the youth of Carrie Bradshaw, played by Anna-Sophia Robb, and takes viewers back to the 1980s. Carrie is an ordinary high school student from Connecticut who dreams of a career as a writer and is fascinated by fashion and the big city. Her life changes when she gets an internship in Manhattan, discovering the vibrant world of New York City. The series explores her first romantic relationship, friendships and the complexities of growing up. "The Carrie Diaries features stylish retro visuals and allows you to see the stages of the character's development.

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Jane by Design (2012)

An American teenage series that tells the story of the unusual adventures of a 16-year-old girl Jane, who accidentally finds herself working for a fashion company. The series combines elements of comedy, drama and melodrama, and gives viewers a glimpse into the world of fashion and high fashion.

The main character, Jane, faces the challenges of adulthood while trying to preserve her youth and friendship.

Valeria (2020)

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A Spanish drama-comedy series based on a series of novels by Elizabeth Benavent. The plot centers on the life of a young writer Valeria, who is trying to find a balance between a creative crisis, personal problems in her marriage, and friendship with her three best friends.

Together, the characters overcome challenges related to love, career and self-realization, creating an atmosphere of warmth and support. The series stands out for its bright style, humor and sincerity, which make it similar to popular women's dramas such as Sex and the City. The filming took place in Madrid, which adds a distinctive Spanish flavor to the story.

Girlboss (2017)

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An American comedy-drama series inspired by the real-life story of Sophia Amoruso, the founder of the Nasty Gal brand. Britt Robertson plays the lead role, portraying a young woman who turns her love of vintage clothing into a successful business.

The story is set in the 2000s, when Sofia creates an online clothing store on the eBay platform, overcoming difficulties in her business and personal life. The series combines humor and motivational tone, showing the path from an unemployed girl to an influential entrepreneur. Girlboss is based on Amoruso's autobiographical book, and its stylish soundtrack and bold attitude have attracted the attention of young audiences. Although the series received mixed reviews, it has become a source of inspiration for many young entrepreneurs.

Subscribe to OBOZ.UA channels in Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events.
Lawdragon's flagship honor recognizes 'lawyering and those whose art is its craft'

DALLAS, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Aldous\Walker, a boutique plaintiff-side law firm, is pleased to announce that name partners Charla Aldous and Brent Walker have been chosen among Lawdragon's 500 Leading Lawyers in America, both earning spots for plaintiff consumer litigation.

The legal publication's flagship edition celebrates its 20th year and includes Ms. Aldous for the 18th consecutive year. The 2025 edition marks Mr. Walker's second year on the nationally recognized guide.

"This honor is a testament to the incredible clients we have the privilege of representing and the talented team at Aldous\Walker that tirelessly fights for justice alongside me," said Ms. Aldous. "After nearly two decades on this list, I remain as passionate as ever about advocating for those in need."

Ms. Aldous is known for her track record in securing significant verdicts and passionately representing her clients. Her career has earned her multiple prestigious legal honors, including nods from The Best Lawyers in America, Texas Super Lawyers and D Magazine. She has been featured by Reuters, CBS, The Dallas Morning News and many more.

Mr. Walker, known as a competitive trial lawyer, provides creative and unique legal arguments to represent his clients effectively. His legal background includes cases involving catastrophic injuries, wrongful death and business litigation.

"Being named again to Lawdragon's 500 Leading Lawyers in America is an honor and one I am truly humbled by," said Mr. Walker. "I am grateful that our clients trust us to be their advocates."

The Aldous\Walker team most recently secured a $71.5 million verdict in a wrongful death suit against Texas-based Walker Engineering. The suit involved an industrial accident in which a man in a scissor lift fell 30 feet when another worker operating a boom lift nearby backed into the scissor lift, toppling it.

Lawdragon describes this year's guide as a celebration of "lawyering and those whose art is its craft." To view the full list of the 500 Leading Lawyers in America, click here.

The Aldous\Walker LLP law firm represents clients in civil litigation, personal injury, medical malpractice, products liability and wrongful death cases. Learn more about the firm at www.aldouslaw.com.

Media Contact:

BeLynn Hollers

800.559.4534

[email protected]

SOURCE Aldous \ Walker LLP
Aiming to export 2 MTPA of green fuels, this partnership positions India as a leader in global decarbonization efforts.

HYDERABAD, India, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- AM Green, a leader in green hydrogen and ammonia production, has partnered with DP World, a global logistics leader, to create a sustainable supply chain for green fuels and chemicals. This collaboration will significantly enhance global decarbonisation efforts by enabling seamless exports to key consumption markets.

AM Green Ammonia Plant and Port Infrastructure at Kakinada, India

Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), signed in December, DP World and AM Green will jointly develop logistics and storage infrastructure to facilitate the global export of 1 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of green ammonia and 1 MTPA of green methanol. This includes:

Developing port infrastructure across AM Green Net-Zero Industrial Clusters to facilitate global exports,

across AM Green Net-Zero Industrial Clusters to facilitate global exports, Developing bunkering infrastructure across Dubai , India , and Southeast Asia for green ammonia and methanol supplied from AM Green plants,

across , , and for green ammonia and methanol supplied from AM Green plants, Establishing strategic terminal infrastructure across the European Union, Far East, and UAE to provide the required zero carbon supply chain to support their transition to a low carbon economy.

AM Green is developing multiple projects across India, using renewable energy sources, including solar, wind and hydroelectric power, to produce Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), green ammonia, green hydrogen, chemicals and biofuels. It has an ambitious target of 5 MTPA of production capacity by 2030, that will make a significant contribution to India's net-zero targets and global decarbonization goals. The company has already taken a final investment decision for a 1 MTPA Green Ammonia plan in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh on India's eastern coast.

Mahesh Kolli, Founder, Greenko Group & AM Green, stated: "We are committed to contributing to India's ambition of emerging as a green energy exporter and we are excited to partner with DP World to build a world-class infrastructure for the global movement of green molecules. This strategic partnership will enable us to efficiently export green Ammonia, green methanol, and other sustainable fuels, enhancing the global green supply chain and supporting the global shift to a low-carbon economy."

Yuvraj Narayan, Group Deputy CEO and CFO, DP World Group, said: "DP World aims to be essential to the future of global trade, ensuring everything it does has a long-lasting positive impact on economies and societies. As part of our commitment to driving sustainable supply chains, partnering with AM Green allows us to harness our expertise in logistics and infrastructure to facilitate the global distribution of clean fuels and chemical products. Together, we aim to play a pivotal role in enabling a low-carbon economy and advancing global sustainability goals."

About AM Green: AM Green is promoted by founders of Greenko Group, which is among India's leading renewable energy conglomerates. Greenko Group has experience in building, owning and operating renewable assets and is in the process of constructing mega closed loop pumped storage assets which will enable supply of round the clock power at a very competitive rate. The founders have established AM Green as a new energy transition platform. AM Green's target is to produce Sustainable Aviation Fuel, Green Ammonia, Green Hydrogen, Green Chemicals and biofuels and to set up related technology partnerships and services through its various business verticals which are housed in the subsidiaries of AM Green. AM Green will house production of green chemicals, green hydrogen, and biofuels. AM Green is committed to producing green ammonia at scale across multiple locations in India. Goal is to reach 5 MTPA of green ammonia capacity by 2030, which will directly contribute to India's net-zero targets, while simultaneously supporting OECD markets in their decarbonization efforts. This output will be equivalent to 1 MTPA of green hydrogen, representing one-fifth of India's target for green hydrogen production and 10% of Europe's target for green hydrogen imports.

About DP World: DP World is reshaping the future of global trade to improve lives everywhere. Operating across six continents with a team of over 100,000 employees, we combine global infrastructure and local expertise to deliver seamless supply chain solutions. From Ports and Terminals to Marine Services, Logistics and Technology, we leverage innovation to create better ways to trade, minimizing disruptions from the factory floor to the customer's door. www.dpworld.com

AM Green Contact : Suheil Imtiaz Public Affairs & Strategic Communication [email protected] + 91 94401 59289 DP World Contact: Adal Mirza Group Vice President [email protected] +971 50 628 7856

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2596575/AM_Green.jpg

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2490224/AM_GREEN_Logo.jpg

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2596574/DP_World_Logo.jpg

SOURCE AM Green
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Driven by rising costs of living, political tensions, and the search for a better quality of life, record numbers of Americans are making the bold decision to move abroad to Europe. According to Shawna Lum , CEO of Move Overseas Now , a trusted resource for aspiring expats, over 35,000 Americans made significant progress toward their international relocation in 2024 through the company's free online events and programs. An additional 13,500 participants planned their moves in detail via the "Abroad in a Year Masterclass."

Shawna Lum enjoys a serene coffee moment by the shores of Lake Como, Italy. Since relocating to Spain in 2016 from California, she has guided thousands of Americansretirees, remote workers, business owners, students, and sabbatical-seekersin making their move to Europe.

"Certain regions in Europe are becoming increasingly attractive to Americans due to their affordability, vibrant lifestyles, strong sense of community, and diverse opportunities," said Shawna Lum, Founder and CEO of Move Overseas Now, who relocated from Los Angeles, CA to Barcelona, Spain in 2016. "Many of our past clients are enjoying life on Spain and Portugal's coast for less than $2,500 a monththat's the kind of lifestyle that's possible abroad. These regions provide unmatched opportunities for those seeking to cut costs, improve their quality of life, reduce stress, and embrace a completely new way of living. Moreover, 2025 has visa programs specifically designed to accommodate the needs of Americans seeking to make the move."

The Top Destinations for Expats in 2025

Move Overseas Now has identified the five most popular destinations for Americans seeking to relocate abroad due to the low cost of living and easy visa routes:

Spain  Famous for its vibrant culture, excellent healthcare system, and relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle, Spain remains a top destination. With diverse visa options such as the non-lucrative visa for retirees, the digital nomad visa for remote workers, the NALCAP program for those who want to get paid to teach English in Spain (up to 62 years old), and student visas for those aiming to learn the language or pursue advanced degrees, Spain stands out as a premier choice for expats. Currently, more than 45,000 Americans are living in Spain , making it one of the most popular European destinations for U.S. citizens. Portugal  A perennial favorite, Portugal attracts expats with its affordable living, friendly visa options, and sunny climate. The D7 and D8 visas have become particularly popular among Americans, offering flexible pathways for retirees, remote workers, and entrepreneurs. With over 10,000 Americans now residing in Portugal , the country's expat community continues to grow, offering a strong network and vibrant lifestyle for newcomers. Italy  Beloved for its rich history, incredible cuisine, and welcoming small-town charm, Italy is a dream destination. The country offers a variety of visa options, including the elective residency visa for retirees, the digital nomad visa for remote workers, the start-up visa for entrepreneurs, and student visas for those looking to pursue higher education or immerse themselves in the language and culture. France  Offering a blend of urban sophistication and rural tranquility, France appeals to those seeking balance and beauty. Best visa pathways are the Long Stay Visa in France for retirees or the Entrepreneur Visa for those who have a business. Netherlands  Renowned for its progressive culture, top-notch infrastructure, and strong English-speaking communities, the Netherlands is an attractive option for expats. It offers opportunities for job sponsorships, and the DAFT visa is particularly appealing to Americans. This visa allows you to start a business in the Netherlands by funding a Dutch bank account with 4,500no prior business operation required. The Netherlands makes it easy for entrepreneurs to establish themselves and take advantage of its dynamic economy and welcoming environment.

Why Are So Many Americans Moving to Europe?

Recent surveys conducted by Move Overseas Now reveal that the recent election, rising safety concerns in the US, burn out, financial considerations, a desire for better healthcare, and the opportunity to explore new lifestyles are driving Americans to relocate abroad. Europe offers the ideal blend of cost-effectiveness, culture, safety and adventure.

Brandy, a recent Move Overseas Now client, made the difficult decision to leave the United States for the sake of her family's future. She felt that her 14-year old daughter no longer had a secure future in the U.S. "I couldn't let her grow up in an environment like this." Concerned about safety and the rise in school violence, Brandy and her family recently secured their Spanish visas through the Los Angeles consulate and are preparing for their new life abroad.

How Move Overseas Now Empowers Aspiring Expats

For many, moving abroad is a lifelong dream that often feels out of reach, leaving them with lingering regret. Move Overseas Now takes the stress out of the process through its innovative online programs and events. The free "Abroad in a Year Masterclass" equips participants with expert advice, step-by-step guidance on visa and citizenship pathways, and a supportive community, transforming the dream of living abroad into an achievable reality.

"Americans are unhappier than ever and we're committed to helping Americans transform their lives," said Shawna Lum. "Our goal is to save people countless hours of research and help them avoid the wrong approaches that waste time and money with their move abroad. With clear guidance, practical tools, and strategies that save thousands of dollars and hundreds of hours, moving overseas becomes an exciting opportunity for growth and change."

Start Your Journey Today

Ready to explore life abroad? Visit MoveOverseasNow.com or enroll in the next free Abroad in a Year Masterclass to take the first step toward your new life.

About Move Overseas Now

Move Overseas Now is a leading resource for Americans planning to permanently relocate abroad. With innovative programs, hosting online conferences, expert insights, and a supportive community, the company has helped thousands achieve their dream of international living.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Shawna Lum

Founder & CEO, Move Overseas Now

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Move Overseas Now LLC
Seasoned legal and sales professionals join Angeion amid growing demand for innovative settlement administration solutions

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Angeion Group, a leading global provider of settlement administration and legal noticing services, is pleased to announce the addition of Dawn McPherson and David Warren as Vice Presidents of Class Action & Mass Tort Services. Their combined expertise is demonstrative of Angeion's commitment to delivering comprehensive, client-focused solutions in an increasingly complex legal environment.

David Warren, based in Northern New Jersey, joins Angeion with over a decade of consultative sales and leadership experience in professional services. Formerly Client Solutions Director at Robert Half International, David brings a strong background in client relationship management and strategic business development. In his new role, David will focus on supporting Class Action and Mass Tort clients navigate the complexities of Settlement Administration to deliver best in class solutions for all interested parties.

Dawn McPherson, based in California, brings over 20 years of experience as a UK solicitor and US attorney, with deep expertise in class action administration, mass tort intake solutions, and settlement litigation programs. She has played a key consulting role in numerous high-profile cases, including the CAF-DND Sexual Misconduct Class Action and the Kalima v. State of Hawaii Hawaiian Homestead Lands Class Action. Dawn's expertise will be instrumental in Angeion's commitment to advancing group action litigation in North America.

"These key appointments demonstrate Angeion's commitment to delivering exceptional solutions for our clients," said Eric Eckhardt, Chief Revenue Officer. "I am excited for Dawn and David to share their unique perspectives and expertise to our team; further driving our spirit of innovation and excellence in settlement administration practices"

About Angeion Group

Angeion Group is a leading provider of settlement administration and legal noticing services. Specializing in class actions, mass torts, and collective redress, Angeion leverages advanced technology, expert consulting, and proven best practices to ensure efficiency, accountability, and excellence for its clients.

Media Contact:

Shiri Lasman

Angeion Group

(215) 563-4116

SOURCE Angeion Group
GUANGZHOU, China, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bio-Thera Solutions, Ltd. today announced the publication of the Phase I clinical study results for BAT4406F, an ADCC-enhanced fully humanized anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody in Chinese patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) in the journal CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics.

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a rare immune-mediated central nervous system (CNS) inflammatory demyelinating disease with high recurrence and disability, primarily characterized by severe optic neuritis (ON) and longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM). ON might result in a decrease in visual acuity, visual field defects, and even blindness. Spinal cord inflammation will also cause paralysis and bladder rectal damage. B-cell depletion therapy by monoclonal antibody (mAb) against CD20 can reduce the recurrence of NMOSD and slow the progression of neurological dysfunction and has a significant therapeutic effect.

BAT4406F, a Class 1 innovative drugs developed by Bio-Thera, is a glycosylation-optimized fully anti-CD20 human mAb of IgG1 subclass with enhanced antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) effect. In preclinical studies, BAT4406F has showed stronger B-cell depletion activity than the marketed anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies including rituximab. In this first-in-human, open-label, dose-escalation Phase I clinical study of BAT4406F injection in Chinese NMOSD patients, the overall objective was to assess the tolerability, safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics, and immunogenicity of BAT4406F in NMOSD patients. The efficacy of BAT4406F in NMOSD was also preliminarily explored (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT04146285). Five fixed dose groups ranging from 20 mg to 750 mg were set. Fifteen eligible patients were enrolled in this trial and administered with a single intravenous infusion of BAT4406F followed by a 6-month observation period.

No subjects experienced DLT at the studied doses. BAT4406F injection has shown favorable safety, with most of the adverse events (AE) of CTCAE Grade 1 or 2 in severity, and no Grade 3 adverse drug reactions (ADR) or serious adverse reactions occurred in any subjects. With the dose increase of BAT4406F, C max , AUC 0-t and AUC 0-inf showed an increasing trend, whereas the CL, l Z , and V d decreased. The mean elimination half-life (T 1/2 ) ranged from 9.0-16.4 days. PK profile of BAT4406F was generally nonlinear. BAT4406F led to a rapid and significant B-cell depletion in all dose groups. Single dose of BAT4406F administration maintains B lymphocyte at a low level, and the duration of B lymphocyte suppression and depletion depends on the dose. During the observation period, 13 (86.7%) subjects remained relapse free and 2 (13.3%) subjects relapsed. On day 180 postdose, 100 mg, 500 mg, and 750 mg groups had decreased expanded disability status scale (EDSS) scores compared to baseline. Three subjects were antidrug antibody (ADA) positive and all were neutralizing antibody (NAb)-negative. No obvious effects of ADA positivity on PK, safety, pharmacodynamics, or efficacy were observed.

In this study, BAT4406F was well tolerated and showed an expected pharmacodynamic effect of significant and long-term depletion of CD19+ B lymphocytes. BAT4406F also demonstrated preliminary evidence of activity as a NMOSD maintenance treatment. Based on this Phase I study, a Phase II/III multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of BAT4406F in Chinese NMOSD patients is currently undergoing (NCT06044350).

About Bio-Thera Solutions

Bio-Thera Solutions, Ltd., a leading innovative, global biopharmaceutical company in Guangzhou, China, is dedicated to researching and developing novel therapeutics for the treatment of cancer, autoimmune, cardiovascular, eye diseases, and other severe unmet medical needs, as well as biosimilars for existing, branded biologics to treat a range of cancer and autoimmune diseases. As a leader in next generation antibody discovery and engineering, the company has advanced multiple candidates into late-stage development, including four approved products: QLETLI and BETAGRIN(Bevifibatide Citrate Injection) in China, and TOFIDENCE / BAT1806 and Avzivi / Pobevcy in the US, EU and China. In addition, the company has more than 20 promising candidates in clinical trials, focusing on immuno-oncology in the post-PD-1 era and targeted therapies such as ADCs. For more information, please visit www.bio-thera.com/en/ or follow us on Twitter (@bio_thera_sol) and WeChat (Bio-Thera).

Bio-Thera Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain forward-looking statements relating to BAT4406, or the product pipelines in general of Bio-Thera Solutions. Readers are strongly cautioned that reliance on any forward-looking statements involves known and unknown risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements include, among others, those containing "could," "may," "should," "will," "would," "anticipate," "believe," "plan," "promising," "potentially," or similar expressions. They reflect the company's current views with respect to future events that are based on what the company believes are reasonable assumptions in view of information currently available to Bio-Thera Solutions, and are not a guarantee of future performance or developments. Actual results and events may differ materially from information contained in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including, but not limited to, risks and uncertainties inherent in pharmaceutical research and development, such as the uncertainties of pre-clinical and clinical studies. Other risks and uncertainties include challenges in obtaining regulatory approvals, manufacturing, marketing, competition, intellectual property, product efficacy or safety, changes in global healthcare situation, changes in the company's financial conditions, and changes to applicable laws and regulations, etc. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made only as of the date of their initial publication. Unless required by laws or regulations, Bio-Thera Solutions undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in the company's views or otherwise.

1. QLETLI is a registered trademark of Bio-Thera Solutions, Ltd.

2. POBEVCY is a registered trademark of Bio-Thera Solutions, Ltd.

3. BETAGRIN is a registered trademark of Bio-Thera Solutions, Ltd.

4. Avzivi is a registered trademark of Sandoz AG

5. TOFIDENCE is a trademark of Biogen

Contact

Bio-Thera Solutions, Ltd.:

Bert E. Thomas IV +1.410.627.1734

SOURCE Bio-Thera Solutions, Ltd
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to the catastrophic fires impacting Southern California, Gov. Gavin Newsom has taken vital action through executive orders to support homeowners' recovery efforts. These measures include actions to allow for expedited construction of replacement dwellings by suspending CEQA review and California Coastal Act permitting and directing state agencies to identify additional permitting requirements that can be safely suspended or streamlined. The order also extends protections against price gouging on essential goods and services through January 7, 2026, and expediting debris removal to accelerate rebuilding.

"The CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS (C.A.R.) applauds these efforts but also strongly urges the governor and legislature to expand the applicability of the streamlining measures contained in the measure to other housing construction in Los Angeles and surrounding counties," said C.A.R. President Heather Ozur, a Palm Springs REALTOR. "The Los Angeles area already has very limited housing availability, and the fires have displaced many people who will need housing. It will be essential to get new housing built, which streamlining measures will allow.

C.A.R. also supports the governor's proposed budget provisions for homeowners in wildfire areas, including the Wildfire Settlements Income Exclusion. This proposal would exempt all wildfire settlements from state taxation for settlements paid in tax years 2025 through 2029, regardless of when the fire occurred. This important change will provide needed relief to taxpayers in the wake of this disaster.

The governor has also redirected funds in his proposed state budget to support home hardening, helping homeowners make their properties more fire-resistant in the future.

Insurance remains a crucial part of providing relief and protection for homeowners, and the fires will undoubtedly create additional challenges. C.A.R. supports Assembly Bill 226, authored by Assembly Insurance Committee Chair Lisa Calderon and Assemblymember David Alvarez and strongly supported by Speaker Robert Rivas. Assembly Bill 226 aims to further strengthen the FAIR Plan, which provides insurance to those who can't obtain coverage in the private market. C.A.R. is also in strong support of the moratorium on homeowner insurance policy cancellations and the California Dept. of Insurance's 'Sustainable Insurance Strategy,' key pillars of which are now in place. This strategy is an essential plan to removing barriers to increase and stabilize insurance access, particularly for those in higher risk areas.

"C.A.R. urges state leaders to continue prioritizing forward thinking policies, through legislation, the state budget and regulations to assist those in the affected areas and address the housing and insurance crises that have now been exacerbated in the wake of these wildfires. We will continue to collaborate with the governor and legislature to advance robust investments that support wildfire victims, allow them to rebuild their homes, and on the broader housing and insurance issues that confront us," Ozur said.

About the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS 

Leading the way in California real estate for nearly 120 years, the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS (www.car.org) is one of the largest state trade organizations in the United States, representing over 200,000 members committed to advancing professionalism in real estate. C.A.R. is headquartered in Sacramento.

SOURCE CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS (C.A.R.)
Drivers can find winter savings at Carl Black Roswell's certified service center

ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ --

Winter Service Event special offers

Carl Black Roswell brings big savings on maintenance with Winter Service Event

Carl Black Orlando is excited to announce its Winter Service Event, giving drivers in the Orlando area an opportunity to save on vital vehicle maintenance. Customers can enjoy up to $80 in rebates on select services, including a $15 rebate for each cabin air filter and engine air filter, a $30 rebate for three wiper blades and a $20 rebate for an ACDelco Gold battery. All parts included in this special offer are ACDelco Gold or Original Equipment, providing top-tier performance for your vehicle.

Offer details and requirements

This limited-time event is available through February 28, 2025, with rebate forms due by March 31, 2025. Forms and complete offer details can be found at mycertifiedservicerebates.com. Customers opting for the rebate will receive a Visa Gift Card within 6 to 8 weeks after submission. Alternatively, drivers can choose My Buick Rewards points in place of the rebate, earning 1,500 points for $15 rebates, 2,000 points for the $20 rebate or 3,000 points for the $30 rebate. Reward points can be redeemed for various prizes.

Carl Black Orlando service center

Carl Black Orlando's Certified Service department is proud to provide a wide range of maintenance and repair services to keep vehicles running smoothly. Whether it's routine care like oil changes or more complex diagnostics and repairs, the team is committed to delivering expert service using genuine parts and cutting-edge tools.

About Carl Black Orlando dealership

Conveniently located in the heart of Orlando, Carl Black Orlando is a trusted destination for vehicle sales, service, and support. Known for its customer-focused approach, the dealership is dedicated to meeting the unique needs of drivers across Central Florida with professionalism and care. They offer Chevrolet, Buick and GMC vehicles, plus a variety of used cars.

To learn more about the Winter Service Event or to schedule your service appointment, visit Carl Black Orlando or explore their offerings online at www.carlblackoforlando.com.

Carl Black Orlando is an automotive dealership in Orlando offering new Chevrolet, Buick and GMC vehicles, various pre-owned models, and comprehensive vehicle services.

SOURCE Carl Black Orlando
Industry-Leading Data Protection Standards Reinforce Circadian's Trusted Platform for Virtual Specialty Care

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Circadian Health , a leader in virtual-first specialty care , proudly announced today that it has achieved SOC 2 Type II compliance. This certification, conducted in accordance with the rigorous standards of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) for Service Organization Controls (SOC), affirms Circadian's dedication to safeguarding sensitive data and maintaining the highest levels of security and operational excellence.

Achieving SOC 2 Type II compliance with an unqualified opinion serves as a testament to Circadian Health's enterprise-grade data protection capabilities, reinforcing its commitment to providing a secure and trusted platform for its customers, health plans, and partners. This milestone underscores Circadian's role as a trusted partner in delivering innovative, virtual-first care to patients across all 50 states.

"At Circadian Health, protecting patient data is as vital as providing exceptional specialty care," said Chuck Hector, President and Co-Founder of Circadian Health. "This SOC 2 Type II certification reflects our commitment to operational excellence and the highest standards of data security. As we continue to expand access to virtual specialty care, this achievement ensures that our clients and patients can trust us to handle their most sensitive information with integrity and diligence."

Circadian Health was audited by Prescient Assurance , a leading provider of security and compliance attestation services for B2B and SaaS companies globally. Prescient Assurance, a registered public accounting firm in the US and Canada, specializes in SOC 2, PCI, ISO, NIST, GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA, and more, enabling organizations to meet and exceed compliance standards.

Circadian Health's virtual-first model integrates diagnosis, therapy, and prevention to address chronic conditions such as heart failure, diabetes, and sleep disorders. By combining cutting-edge technology with a secure platform, Circadian empowers patients to manage their health from the comfort of home while offering health plans and employers a scalable solution for improving outcomes and reducing costs.

The SOC 2 Type II certification provides current and prospective clients with third-party assurance that Circadian Health's systems are designed to meet the stringent security, availability, and confidentiality standards that the healthcare industry demands.

About Circadian Health

Circadian Health is revolutionizing chronic care management as the first and only virtual-first provider specializing in cardiometabolic care across all 50 states. Through innovative diagnostics, remote monitoring, and integrated care delivery, Circadian provides seamless, patient-centered solutions for managing complex chronic conditions, including heart failure, diabetes, and sleep disorders. With a groundbreaking hospital-at-home model and interoperable technology, Circadian ensures timely, effective care while reducing disparities and improving outcomes. Dedicated to advancing equitable healthcare, Circadian is shaping the future of chronic disease management. For more information, visit Circadian Health at www.circadiancare.com and follow us on LinkedIn at Circadian Health.

SOURCE Circadian Health
Marquez to lead Hyundai's U.S. commercial operations

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Motor America announced that Claudia Marquez has been appointed chief operating officer of Hyundai Motor America. In her new role, Marquez will lead Hyundai's U.S. business operations and direct the company's customer-focused growth strategies. Marquez will report to the CEO of Hyundai and Genesis Motor North America, Randy Parker.

Claudia Marquez, COO Hyundai Motor America

"Claudia's extensive experience and proven track record of driving growth and building brands make her a perfect addition to lead the Hyundai team," said Parker. "Her vision and commitment to excellence align perfectly with Hyundai's mission to drive growth and deliver exceptional value to our customers and dealers. We look forward to her contributions as we build on our momentum."

In her role, Marquez will oversee all sales, distribution, product line management and aftersales activities, as well as shared responsibility for dealer network development for Hyundai vehicles in the U.S., driving profitable sales and market share growth. She will be responsible for executing comprehensive sales and after-sales strategies and programs designed to optimize dealer performance, strengthen dealer relationships, enhance customer experience, and ensure effective market representation.

Marquez was previously the chief operating officer of Genesis Motor North America where she led the brand in the United States and Canada for the past three years. During that time, Genesis set new annual sales records, grew market share significantly and established itself as one of the fastest-growing brands in the luxury market. Under Marquez's leadership, Genesis developed a unique customer focus inspired by the brand's distinctly Korean cultural heritage. Marquez also grew the brand's standalone U.S. retail network, which now includes more than 60 facilities with many more in various phases of development.

Before her appointment as Genesis COO, Marquez was CEO of Hyundai Motor Mexico, where she increased sales, strengthened dealer relations, and grew brand awareness. Prior to joining Hyundai, Marquez served in several prominent industry roles including as vice president of sales and vehicle operations for Nissan, as senior director of sales operations for Infiniti, as director of marketing for Nissan in Latin America and the Caribbean, as director of sales and marketing for BMW Group Mexico, and as brand director for MINI in Mexico.

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 recent economic impact report. For more information, visit www.hyundainews.com.

Hyundai Motor America on Twitter | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | TikTok

SOURCE Hyundai Motor America
Travelers are gravitating towards smaller group tours and are excited to explore Africa, Greece, and Argentina in 2025

PAWTUCKET, R.I., Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Collette's surge in growth continued in 2024, as the company saw its best year ever, surpassing 2023. Travelers once again proved eager to explore the world in destinations like Africa, Greece, and Argentina and with increased interest in small-group travel.

Small-group Explorations tours are Collette's most popular travel style, with travelers raving about the perks of the maximum group size of 24. Each year more and more travelers have been electing to tour with a smaller group and this year is no different.

Experts In Africa | Collette

"Small group Explorations tours have seen incredible growth over the past four years," said Jaclyn Leibl-Cote, President & CEO of Collette. "Not only do we want to support this growth, but we want to propel it to an entirely new level. We've been designing these small group journeys since 2008, allowing travelers to experience destinations in ways that aren't always possible with larger groups. These aren't just our Classic tours with a limit on group size. All Explorations itineraries are tailored specifically to take advantage of the lower number of travelers. This means more intimate excursions, unique accommodations, and a variety of local transportation modes reflection of each region."

One of the fastest growing new tours is "Namibia and South Africa: Epic Landscapes and Wildlife," which explores Etosha and Kruger National Parks. The 16-day itinerary features safari game drives, a journey through the Namib Desert, home to the world's largest sand dunes, a drive along the Skeleton Coast, an area where shipwrecks are plentiful, and a home-hosted dinner with a Capetonian family. Departures as early as May 16, 2025 are available for booking with prices starting at $8,009 USD pp.

"Collette understands the effects that overtourism has on locals in over loved destinations," Leibl-Cote added. "Travelers are always going to want to see the top attractions in each region, but not every tour has to focus on them, which our design team takes this into account when building new itineraries."

Hidden gems, like Crete, have risen towards the top of travelers' wish lists over the past year.

"Gems of Greece" will showcase the islands of Naxos and Crete starting in 2025. The relaxed pacing of the tour features three nights in Athens, three in Naxos, two in Heraklion, Crete, and then three in Chainia, Crete. Highlights include a sailboat excursion around Naxos and the surrounding Koufonissia Islands, connecting with the mission of Shedia Home, a cafe and artists' workshop in Athens that supports its community, and a local cooking lesson at a Cretan co-op cafe. Travelers can book seats on "Gems of Greece" for departures as early as June 7, 2025, with prices starting at $5,249 USD pp.

"Travelers are flocking to explore South America with Collette's Explorations tours," said Jeff Roy, executive vice president and chief revenue officer at Collette. "Collette's 'Essential South America" gives travelers a taste of all the region has to offer. Mendoza is the heart of Argentina's wine country and many people don't know it's actually a desert region."

"Essential South America" guides travelers from Santiago, Chile, through Argentina's wine regions, to Buenos Aires. Along the way, they'll handpick ingredients at Santiago's central market to use in a Chilean cooking class and later learn to tango during a traditional dance class in Buenos Aires. They'll also have plenty of time to relax and unwind during wine tastings and vineyard tours in Mendoza. Travelers can book seats on "Essential South America" for departures as early as September 4, 2025, with prices starting at $4,699 USD pp.

Collette is heading to Albania for the first time ever in 2025 with its new "The Balkans: From Coastal Croatia to Legendary Greece" tour.

"Albania is one of Europe's fastest-growing travel destinations," explained Leibl-Cote. "Over the past few decades, more travelers have shown increased interest in exploring the region's breathtaking mountain ranges and scenic coastlines. This tour not only enables them to do that, but also offers the opportunity to learn about Albanian folklore, centered around heroism, mountain spirits, and the legendary "Shqiponja," a powerful eagle symbolizing freedom."

Collette takes advantage of the smaller-maximum group size of 24 travelers with tailored experiences like a home-hosted dinner in Sarajevo, a private boat tour through the unique scenery of Boka Bay, and an overnight stay at a farm in Karanac. The tour's impact moment comes at the Sarajevo Tunnel of Hope, where travelers meet a Sarajevo Siege survivor. More intimate experiences like this are what makes Explorations special. Travelers can book seats on "The Balkans: From Coastal Croatia to Legendary Greece" for departures as early as June 9, 2025, with prices starting at $5,399 USD pp.

About Collette:

As the longest-running tour operator in North America, Collette is the company travelers can trust. Leading with integrity, Collette's comprehensive travel protection plan, flexible tour pacing, and strong relationships within the travel space set it apart. The happiness of its guests has been its roadmap since 1918 and today Collette offers over 160 tours to all seven continents and five distinct travel styles, including small group touring and river cruises. This third-generation family-owned business is dedicated to giving back in both local and global communities through its social responsibility platform. For more information, visit www.gocollette.com .

Media Contact:

Sam LaFrance, Collette

Phone: 401.426.4504

[email protected]

SOURCE Collette Vacations
US President-elect Donald Trump is going to meet with the Russian dictator "as soon as possible" after his inauguration on January 20. The Kremlin leader, according to the American president, is also looking forward to this meeting because his war against Ukraine is "not going well for him."

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Trump made this statement on Monday, January 13, Reuters reports. He did not disclose any details about the schedule of the first meeting between the two heads of state after the start of Russia's full-scale aggression against Ukraine.

According to Trump, he wants to meet with Putin as soon as possible, but this meeting cannot take place before the inauguration of the US president. He also added that the only strategy that can end the Russian-Ukrainian war "depends on Putin."

"There's only one strategy, and it's up to Putin, and I can't imagine he's too happy with the way things have gone, because it hasn't gone very well for him either. And I know he wants to meet, and I'm going to meet very quickly. I would have done it sooner, but... you have to get to the office (the White House  Ed.). You have to be there for some things," he said.

ADVERTISIMENT

Trump did not disclose any details about the schedule of the upcoming meeting, which will be the first for the heads of the United States and Russia after the start of full-scale Russian aggression against Ukraine.

The day before, Trump's future national security adviser Mike Volz said that a phone call between the US president and Putin could take place in the "coming days or weeks."

Earlier, Volz said that Trump was ready to lift restrictions on long-range weapons for Ukraine with one goal in mind: to force Putin to negotiate. The future US National Security Advisor is convinced that the Kremlin's economy and military machine will run out of steam very quickly. And the United States can use certain levers of influence, one of which is the lifting of restrictions on long-range weapons, to make the Russian dictator more compliant.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Demotech, Inc. is requesting comment on our proposed update to our Financial Stability Rating Methodology related to reviewing and rating Protected Cell Captives (PCCs) and similar entities. The proposed update is intended to better address some of the unique attributes of PCCs or segregated cell facilities and provide additional details regarding Demotech's review of these entities. The update will be incorporated into the currently applicable Financial Stability Rating Methodology. Demotech has determined that it would be useful to receive feedback on its proposed update from market participants and interested parties.

Demotech does not expect any currently assigned ratings to change as a result of this update to its methodology.

The request for comment period will remain open until February 14, 2025.

The proposed update is available at the Regulatory page of Demotech's website: https://www.demotech.com/regulatory/ or by following this link: Request_for_Comment_FSR_Methodology_Update_PCC_20250114.pdf

Instructions for submitting comments:

Comments may be submitted via the Regulatory Comment Submission form on Demotech's website: https://www.demotech.com/regulatory/ or directed via email to [email protected].

Comments must be received on or before February 14, 2025.

Demotech will publish comments received in response to this request for comment unless the submitting party requests confidentiality. If you would like your comment to remain confidential and not be published, you must clearly indicate this preference with your submission. If you would like your comment to be published but your identifying information to remain anonymous, you must clearly indicate this preference with your submission.

About Demotech, Inc.

Established in 1985, Demotech, Inc. is a financial analysis firm located in Columbus, Ohio. Demotech has served the insurance industry by providing objective and independent Financial Stability Ratings (FSRs) for Property & Casualty insurance companies, Life & Health insurance companies, and Title underwriters, among others. As the first company to have its rating process formally reviewed and accepted by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and HUD, Demotech has been leveling the playing field by offering FSRs to insurers of all sizes. As of July 11, 2022, Demotech is registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as a nationally recognized statistical rating organization (NRSRO) in the class of ratings for insurance companies. Visit www.demotech.com for additional information.

SOURCE Demotech, Inc.
FLOWER MOUND, Texas, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- DivaDance, renowned for its dance choreography classes for adults, is thrilled to announce the expansion of its award-winning concept into Flower Mound.

DivaDance Founder and CEO, Jami Stigliano, shares her excitement for this new franchise opening, saying, "We're beyond excited to grow into Denton County with our 8th DFW location! With owners, Marcela and Olga, already being vibrant parts of our DivaDance community through their involvement in other DFW area DivaDance locations, we're thrilled to see them take the lead in Denton County."



DivaDance Denton County is locally owned and operated by Marcela Barton and Olga Alvarado, with 1 studio location for members to enjoy dance classes, expected to open January 24 2025. Marcela and Olga, co-owners of DivaDance Denton County, are more than just dance enthusiaststhey are community builders fueled by a love for connection. For Marcela, DivaDance became a way to rediscover her confidence and creativity, while Olga found joy and empowerment in a space where she could let go and be herself. They were inspired to bring DivaDance to Denton County to share this experience with their local community, creating a place where people could come together, feel celebrated, and build meaningful connections through dance. At DivaDance every class is not just about learning choreography but about celebrating individuality, forming genuine friendships, and leaving the stress of daily life at the door.

Come take a DivaDance class (on us!) and see what the buzz is all about. Save the date for our Launch Weekend Open House Classes, January 24-26 2025! Don't miss out on being one of the first to learn new moves, meet the team, and get access to special promotions, giveaways, and more.

Event Details:

- Date: January 24-26 2025

- Classes:

Friday January 24, 8:00 PM

Saturday January 25, 2:00 PM and 3:30 PM

Sunday January 26, 1:30 PM and 3:00 PM

Class Schedule Link

- Location:

Shine Fitness: 870 Parker Square Rd, Flower Mound, TX 75028

RSVP to secure your spot in class:

https://links.divadancedenton.com/schedule

About DivaDance:

Since 2015, DivaDance has been on a mission to inspire confidence and build a vibrant community through electrifying dance choreography classes, unforgettable parties, and empowering programs. Now with franchises in over 40 cities nationwide, DivaDance blends fun and fitness, helping members stay active and healthy. Our classes improve heart health, lower stress levels, increase happiness, and boost confidence. DivaDance was named to Entrepreneur's Top Franchises for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 2 years in a row.

For more information, visit DivaDance's website

Learn About Franchising with DivaDance

SOURCE DivaDance Company
At opening of ADSW 2025, HE Dr. Al Jaber unveils world's first renewable and battery storage facility to provide uninterrupted power, at scale, around the clock in Abu Dhabi . Unwavering support of UAE leadership enables breakthrough to "moonshot challenge" of intermittency.

Masdar and EWEC partner on largest of its kind megaproject combining 5.2GW of Solar PV with 19GW hours of battery storage to produce 1GW of continuous baseload renewable energy.

Calls for all stakeholders, industries and governments to unite around a single path to unlock growth, drive sustainable economic progress and unleash unprecedented economic opportunity.

Global megatrends of AI and growth of emerging markets driving power demand from 9,000GW to over 15,000GW by 2035 and could reach 35,000GW by 2050.

Dr. Al Jaber declares world is at "nexus of next"- a watershed moment that holds the opportunity to supercharge socioeconomic progress driven by megatrends

Despite gains in renewable energy adoption, surge in global energy demand requires a diversity of energy options.

Policies and regulations that prematurely reduce energy options are self-defeating. Energy and sustainability are not opposing forces, they are essential partners, Dr. Al Jaber says.

Abu Dhabi's XRG will help respond to emerging energy needs across the entire value chain, including gas, chemicals, low carbon fuels and energy infrastructure.

ABU DHABI, UAE, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- At the opening ceremony of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025 and the awards ceremony of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, HE Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Masdar Chairman, called for a new approach to unlock growth, drive sustainable economic progress and unleash unprecedented economic opportunity. At the first major international event of 2025, he noted that the world stands at a pivotal moment for progress driven by the global megatrends of emerging market growth, exponential rise of Artificial Intelligence and transformation of energy systems. Together these trends will require a diversity of energy sources to supercharge sustainable progress.

His Excellency Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of Masdar View PDF Opening Remarks of His Excellency Dr Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of Masdar at the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025 Opening Ceremony Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week Logo (PRNewsfoto/Masdar)

H.E. Dr. Al Jaber was speaking in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. Addressing an assembled audience which included 13 heads of state and over 140 ministers and government officials, he highlighted the UAE's energy leadership - with world firsts and landmark achievements in solar, wind, nuclear, and AI, thanks to the far-sighted guidance of His Highness, the President of the UAE, and the legacy of the UAE's founding father Shiekh Zayed Al Nahyan.

World stands at a pivotal moment

"As we enter the second quarter of the 21st century, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment. We are standing at the edge of two worlds, the world as we know it, and the world as it could be. This is a moment that I like to call 'the nexus of next,'" HE Dr. Al Jaber said.

He emphasized that the world was poised at an inflection point driven by three powerful forces: the growth of emerging markets, the fundamental transformation of our energy systems, and the exponential growth of AI; with the potential to not just accelerate progress, but to "put progress into overdrive".

UAE advancing leadership in energy, space and international diplomacy

HE Dr. Al Jaber said the UAE embodies "the nexus of next" as a nation uniquely positioned at the intersection of tradition and transformation, made possible under the legacy of the founding father of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed. Turning to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, Dr Al Jaber continued,

"This legacy of leadership continues to this day. Your Highness, you are constantly inspiring us to break new ground. Under your guidance, we have set records in solar. From the biggest single site power plant to a world-leading desalination plant. We have set the pace in wind, creating wind farms that can operate in rough seas and at low speeds. We have set the bar in nuclear, with all four units of the Barakah plant fully operational. We have set benchmarks in Artificial Intelligence, from the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, the first ever home-grown university entirely dedicated to AI, to strategic investment vehicles like MGX. We have set foot in space, sent a probe to Mars and we are not stopping there. We will soon send a mission to the asteroid belt with the MBR Explorer, and we will map our planet with our own satellite, MBZ-SAT.

"And it was your call for unity that nurtured multilateralism, allowed determination to conquer doubt and brought the world together to deliver the historic UAE consensus at COP28," HE Dr. Al Jaber added.

Overcoming the barrier of renewable energy intermittency

HE Dr. Sultan noted that intermittency has been for decades one of the biggest barrier facing renewable energy, the ability to source constant power 24 hours a day, but thanks to a record-breaking UAE project, that barrier had been overcome.

"For decades, the biggest barrier facing renewable energy has been intermittency. It has been the moonshot challenge of our time. How can we power a world that never sleeps with energy sources that do? How can we transform renewable resources into reliable power? Today, we have an answer. Excellencies, colleagues and friends, I am pleased to announce the launch of the world's first renewable energy facility capable of providing renewable energy, at scale, around the clock.

"In partnership with the Emirates Water and Electricity Company, Masdar is combining 5.2GW of solar capacity with 19GW hours of storage to produce 1 GW of uninterrupted clean power. This will, for the first time ever, transform renewable energy into baseload energy," HE Dr. Sultan added.

Calls for a diversity of energy options to meet the world's future energy demands

He highlighted the power surge being created by the three global megatrends, and particularly the growth in AI, creating unprecedented demands on power production.

"Before AI took off, power demand was already on track to grow from 9,000 to over 15,000GW by 2035. But with apps like ChatGPT growing by half a billion visits every month and using ten times as much energy as a google search, demand by 2050 could reach as high as 35,000 GW. We are talking about a 250 percent increase.

I am sure you would all agree that no single source of energy can meet this demand."

HE Dr. Al Jaber outlined the need for a diversity of energy options to ensure energy security and energy access for billions. In this regard he noted the newest addition to Abu Dhabi's diversified energy portfolio, XRG. XRG is an energy investment company that will help respond to emerging energy needs across the entire value chain, including gas, chemicals, low carbon fuels and diverse energy infrastructure to ensure all energy- electrons and molecules- can get to the end user.

"In a world where a billion people still lack access to energy, we need to have a diversity of energy options. And allow me to be clear, policies and regulations that prematurely reduce those options are just self-defeating. Simply put, we need an and-and approach.

Highlighting the Zayed Sustainability Prize that puts people at the heart of progress

HE Dr. Al Jaber emphasized the importance of placing people at the heart of progress for the benefit of lives and livelihoods as embodied by the Zayed Sustainability Prize.

"The nexus of next means putting people at the heart of progress. It means uniting to address global challenges.

And it means recognizing that no discovery is worth making unless it helps humanity and improves lives. That is what the Zayed Sustainability Prize is all about. Thanks to the Prize, every day, somewhere in the world, a village drinks clean water for the first time. A child is able to study under solar-powered light. A farmer harvests crops from land that was once barren. This continues the legacy of Sheikh Zayed, who believed that the future we are creating is not just about generating power  it's about empowering people."

Setting a new path which unlocks growth, driving prosperity and unprecedented economic opportunity

In closing, Dr Sultan appealed for unity in charting a new path and new narrative that unites energy access and sustainability, calling for a new approach and new ways of thinking.

"For too long we have been trapped in a false choice between energy access and sustainability. This 'either-or' thinking is paralyzing progress. It is time to change the narrative. The truth is, energy and sustainability are not opposing forces. They are essential partners. The choice is not between two paths - it's about creating a new path, together. A path that unlocks growth, drives prosperity and unleashes unprecedented economic opportunity. A path that delivers the nexus of next."

About Masdar

Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company) is one of the world's fastest-growing renewable energy companies. As a global clean energy pioneer, Masdar is advancing the development and deployment of solar, wind, geothermal, battery storage and green hydrogen technologies to accelerate the energy transition and help the world meet its net-zero ambitions. Established in 2006, Masdar has developed and invested in projects in over 40 countries with a combined capacity of over 31.5 gigawatts (GW), providing affordable clean energy access to those who need it most and helping to power a more sustainable future.

Masdar is jointly owned by TAQA, ADNOC, and Mubadala, and is targeting a renewable energy portfolio capacity of 100GW by 2030 while aiming to be a leading producer of green hydrogen by the same year.

For more information, please visit: https://www.masdar.ae and connect: facebook.com/Masdar.ae and twitter.com/Masdar

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2597805/ADSW_2025_Opening_Ceremony.jpg

PDF - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2597806/ADSW_Opening_Ceremony__Chairman_s_speech_Eng.pdf

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2591075/5115193/Abu_Dhabi_Sustainability_Week_Logo.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2514011/5115194/MASDAR_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Masdar
Leading Travel Company Offers Transformative Experiences, Giving Back to Communities and Nature and Celebrates B Corp Anniversary

NEW YORK, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Exodus Adventure Travels, the leader in active small group guided adventures, announces its innovative "Thriving Nature, Thriving People" approach to responsible travel, which supports conservation initiatives driven by local communities for lasting and positive impact.

As Exodus celebrates its one-year anniversary of being certified as a B Corporation (B Corp), the adventure travel operator further commits to improving life through travel by championing the coexistence of nature and people in harmony.

Through the work of the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, the company supports under-represented and disadvantaged communities through tourism initiatives. A few of these programs include Exodus Mountain Lioness Project in Tanzania, which has supported 30 pioneering female porters to become mountain guides on Kilimanjaro.

"At Exodus Adventure Travels, empowering our guests to travel responsibly is a core aspect of the adventures we create," said Kasia Morgan, Head of Sustainability at Exodus Adventure Travels. "By supporting local communities to conserve nature across our destinations, we can create transformative travel experiences that not only immerse our guests in the beauty of the world but also contribute to its restoration and resilience. Every adventure we offer is thoughtfully curated to leave a positive, lasting impact on the places and people we visit."

A selection of Exodus Adventure Travels' Thriving Nature, Thriving People initiatives include:

Citizen Science Departures: In a first of its kind program, travelers may participate in collecting vital biodiversity data, contributing to global conservation efforts, on specific Exodus trips.

In a first of its kind program, travelers may participate in collecting vital biodiversity data, contributing to global conservation efforts, on specific Exodus trips. Rewilding: In partnership with Rewilding Apennines, this program aims to restore natural habitats across Italy . For every traveler, the company funds the rewilding of 100 square meters of land, supporting biodiversity and ecosystem regeneration.

In partnership with Rewilding Apennines, this program aims to restore natural habitats across . For every traveler, the company funds the rewilding of 100 square meters of land, supporting biodiversity and ecosystem regeneration. Ocean Restoration: This initiative focuses on conserving and restoring marine ecosystems through a partnership with Blue Marine Foundation, supported alongside Exodus' sister companies. This program targets key habitats like seagrass meadows and mangroves, which play a critical role in carbon sequestration and biodiversity support. Efforts span across seven global locations, including the Dutch Caribbean, Greece , and Indonesia , aiming to protect 7,000 hectares of marine habitat while engaging and empowering local communities over the next three years.

This initiative focuses on conserving and restoring marine ecosystems through a partnership with Blue Marine Foundation, supported alongside Exodus' sister companies. This program targets key habitats like seagrass meadows and mangroves, which play a critical role in carbon sequestration and biodiversity support. Efforts span across seven global locations, including the Dutch Caribbean, , and , aiming to protect 7,000 hectares of marine habitat while engaging and empowering local communities over the next three years. Wildlife and Animal Welfare: Aimed at ensuring ethical wildlife experiences, Exodus follows strict animal welfare guidelines, avoiding experiences based on cruelty to animals or activities that could harm wildlife. This approach commits to supporting various conservation projects and promoting responsible practices in wildlife tourism across destinations like Kenya , Sri Lanka and India .

Aimed at ensuring ethical wildlife experiences, Exodus follows strict animal welfare guidelines, avoiding experiences based on cruelty to animals or activities that could harm wildlife. This approach commits to supporting various conservation projects and promoting responsible practices in wildlife tourism across destinations like , and . Empowering Disadvantaged and Under-Represented Communities: Through the work of the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, the company supports under-represented and disadvantaged communities through tourism initiatives. A few of these programs include Exodus' Mountain Lioness Project in Tanzania , which has supported 30 pioneering female porters to become mountain guides on Kilimanjaro. In Nepal and India , the Foundation's Himalayan Community Project encompasses multiple initiatives, including delivering training and materials to women living in remote Himalayan regions, so they can generate income in the low season.

Through the work of the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, the company supports under-represented and disadvantaged communities through tourism initiatives. A few of these programs include Exodus' Mountain Lioness Project in , which has supported 30 pioneering female porters to become mountain guides on Kilimanjaro. In and , the Foundation's Himalayan Community Project encompasses multiple initiatives, including delivering training and materials to women living in remote Himalayan regions, so they can generate income in the low season. Community Kickstart Projects: Exodus supports various grassroots community empowerment and conservation initiatives through its global partner network. This could be through uplifting women, encouraging entrepreneurship, youth conservation engagement or regeneration. Most recently, The Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation partnered with Portugal A2Z Walking & Biking as part of their Community Kickstart Projects, to help restore the country's vital ecosystem following devastating firestorms destroying over 40,000 hectares of land in 2017 - including the iconic 800-year-old Pinhal de Leiria forest.

To learn more about Exodus' Thriving People initiatives, please visit here. To learn more about Exodus' Thriving Nature initiatives, please visit here.

About Exodus Adventure Travels

For more than 50 years Exodus Adventure Travels has been the leader in active adventures and is known for its commitment to "improve life through travel." Exodus Adventure Travels is a winner of the National Geographic Traveler Reader Awards and is a recipient of the Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Award, Wanderlust Magazine's Best Tour Leader of the Year, USA Today's Readers' Choice Award, and the British Travel Awards.

Exodus Adventure Travels provides unforgettable journeys and expert insights through more than 500 active adventures to Europe and 90 countries around the world, including hiking, biking, culture and wildlife small group tours. Award-winning trips across seven continents include active adventures to the majestic peaks of Kilimanjaro, the ancient wonders of Machu Picchu, the breathtaking beauty of Italy's Amalfi Coast, and other memorable destinations. Committed to providing travelers with unique, authentic, and responsible experiences in all the above destinations, and across its entire portfolio, Exodus' expert guides and carefully crafted itineraries ensure deeper connections to people and place.

Exodus Adventure Travels is a certified B Corporation (B Corp), further demonstrating its commitment to improve life through travel, dedicated to creating incredible, community-driven adventures, and understands the importance of nature and wildlife conservation through programs such as rewilding and partnering with scientists to restore biodiversity.

Exodus Adventure Travels is part of Travelopia, the world's largest collection of experiential travel brands. Travelopia's award-winning travel brands lead the way in creating unique experiences for guests around the world. To learn more about Exodus Adventure Travels and the company's award-winning adventures visit ExodusTravels.com, or follow the company on social @ExodusTravels.

SOURCE Exodus Adventure Travels
The HBA's 35th Annual Woman of the Year Event Set for May 2025 in Chicago

FAIRFIELD, N.J., Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Healthcare Businesswomen's Association (HBA) announced its 2025 award recipients, honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to the advancement of women in the global healthcare industry. The prestigious awards recognize the 2025 Woman of the Year, Honorable Mentor and Strategic Transformation Achievement Recognition (STAR) recipient. This year's honorees include:

Reshema Kemps-Polanco , Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Novartis U.S.  Woman of the Year

, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Novartis U.S.  Jim Weiss , Founder and Chairman, Real Chemistry  Honorable Mentor

, Founder and Chairman, Real Chemistry  Rebecca Vermeulen , Vice President, Global Patient Networks, Product Development Medical Affairs, Genentech, A Member of the Roche Group  STAR Recipient

"The HBA is immensely proud to celebrate this year's exceptional leaders whose unwavering dedication to advancing women in the business of healthcare has made a profound and lasting impact," said Mary Stutts, CEO, HBA. "These awardees are leaders and catalysts for global change, inspiring others to break barriers and build a more equitable and inclusive future for all."

The HBA will honor these leaders during its 35th Annual Woman of the Year celebration on 9 May, 2025 in Chicago, with global watch parties providing remote access.

2025 Woman of the Year: Reshema Kemps-Polanco

Reshema Kemps-Polanco, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Novartis U.S., is celebrated as Woman of the Year for her transformative leadership in commercializing innovative medicines and championing equitable access to treatments for some of the world's most serious diseases. Her unwavering dedication to nurturing future industry leaders is evident through her active sponsorship, mentorship and creation of pathways for women to ascend to executive roles across the life sciences industry. Reshema's impact-driven leadership inspires teams to demonstrate uncommon courage and redefine what is possible, helping more patients live longer and healthier lives.

With over 25 years in the industry, spanning two top 10 global pharmaceutical companies, Reshema leads Novartis' end-to-end commercial expansion of medicines across oncology, immunology, neurology, cardiovascular, renal and metabolic diseases. She is driving a transformational growth strategy to help Novartis maintain its leading position in the world's largest healthcare market. Prior to rejoining Novartis in 2021, Reshema spent seven years at Johnson & Johnson where she held multiple leadership positions, most recently serving concurrently as President, Cardiovascular & Metabolism and President, Janssen Pharmaceuticals Puerto Rico. Reshema began her career at Novartis, where she spent 15 years in roles of increasing responsibility.

2025 Honorable Mentor: Jim Weiss

Jim Weiss, Chairman and Founder of Real Chemistry, is celebrated for his steadfast allyship and decades-long commitment to advancing women's leadership in healthcare.

Over the last 24 years, Jim has evolved Real Chemistry into a global health innovation company that uses AI, real-world analytics and insights and proprietary technology to help solve the healthcare industry's greatest challenges. A lifelong advocate for mentorship, Jim fosters opportunities for women at all careers stages, actively encouraging participation in leadership roles with organizations like the HBA. He has been deeply involved with the HBA for more than 15 years as an advisor and sponsor, and most recently, as a board member.

Jim has been recognized as Agency Entrepreneur of the Year, a Top 50 Health Influencer and Innovator of the Year. In addition to his role as an advisor to the HBA, he is also a board member and contributor to several nonprofits led by women, including the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health, Cancer Research Institute, FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) and The American Cancer Society's BrightEdge Philanthropic Impact Fund. Jim is also a member of the Executive Advisory Council of former American Cancer Society CEO Dr. Karen Knudsen.

As lifelong mentors and leaders in education, Jim and his wife Audra founded the Weiss Center at Syracuse University's Newhouse School of Public Communications in 2012. The center focuses on equipping students who will one day lead the communications industry with cutting-edge skills and insights, helping them stand out in the workforce.

2025 STAR: Rebecca Vermeulen

Rebecca Vermeulen, Vice President, Global Patient Networks, Product Development Medical Affairs at Genentech, a member of the Roche group, is honored for her exceptional contributions to the HBA and her unwavering commitment to patient advocacy and equity. The STAR award recognizes an HBA Member Leader who has significantly impacted the growth, stature and footprint of HBA's United Force for Change.

Rebecca's strategic leadership was pivotal during her tenure as a two-term HBA Global Board Chair, guiding the organization through the pandemic with resilience, vision and empathy. Rebecca was also instrumental in establishing the HBA Constellation League, of which she currently serves as a co-chair, and has held leadership positions within the HBA's San Francisco and Indiana chapters.

In her current role at Genentech, Rebecca champions patient-centric approaches to healthcare, ensuring equitable access to research and treatment solutions. She serves on the board for Patient Focused Medicines Development (PFMD), an organization committed to improving global health by co-designing the future of healthcare with patients. Rebecca is also the Chair of the Genentech Patient Foundation. She was formerly Chair of the board for the Drug Information Association (DIA), a global member-driven organization mobilizing life sciences and healthcare professionals.

Event Details and Contact

For inquiries about media passes to the HBA's 2025 Woman of the Year event on 9 May 2025, interview opportunities or information about HBA's signature award programs, please contact Hannah McComsey, Senior Manager of Communications & Media Relations, at [email protected] or visit HBAnet.org/awards.

About the Healthcare Businesswomen's Association (HBA)

The Healthcare Businesswomen's Association (HBA) is a global organization dedicated to advancing and amplifying the impact of women in the business of healthcare. With a presence spanning the globe, the HBA supports nearly 150 Corporate Partners and a collective workforce of approximately five million employees. The HBA offers career development opportunities for women at all levels, thought leadership platforms that address critical topics like closing the women's health and wellness gap, funding women innovators, and preparing the future healthcare workforce. Additionally, the HBA provides global forums and recognition programs that honor individuals and organizations driving equity and advancing women in leadership.

SOURCE Healthcare Businesswomen's Association (HBA)
Leading Denver home services company gives back to local organizations in 2024 through High 5 Cares

DENVER, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- High 5 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric, a family-owned and operated home service company serving residents in the greater Denver metropolitan area, prioritizes its commitment to giving back to their community year-round through the charity High 5 Cares. In 2024, High 5 donated $25,127 to six local charities in the Denver area and surpassed a big milestone of over $100,000 donated since 2018.

High 5 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric donates over $25,000 to local Denver charities in 2024 through High 5 Cares.

"Supporting the Denver community through High 5 Cares is an important pillar of our business," said Levi Torres, co-owner of High 5 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric. "Our technicians enjoy having a way to give back and serve others on a local level. And passing the $100,000 donation milestone reflects the impact our team has made on the city they call home."

High 5 wrapped up 2024 with a $4,117 donation to Hope House, a Denver-based nonprofit that works with young moms. Other local charities they supported include Step Denver, We Don't Waste, Judi's House, Beyond Home and CASA.

"Our customers are like family to us, and we want to support the causes that are important to them," Torres said. "We encourage our customers, our team and our community to recommend new partners for addition to the High 5 Cares program this year."

To learn more about High 5 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric, or to schedule an inspection, visit http://high5homefix.com/ or call (720) 637-5177.

About High 5 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric

Founded in 2012, High 5 Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electric is a local, family-owned company serving residents in the greater Denver metropolitan area. With a professional team that has extensive experience and a commitment to service, High 5 Plumbing, Heating & Cooling offers comprehensive plumbing, sewer, drain and HVAC services. The company was built on the values of solving plumbing problems and serving every customer with professionalism and respect. For more information about High 5 Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, visit http://high5homefix.com/.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Heather Ripley

Ripley PR

865-977-1973

[email protected]

SOURCE High 5 Plumbing
Research Reveals Majority of CISOs' Roles Expand Beyond Cybersecurity, Yet Only 3% See Compensation Increases Tied to New Responsibilities

BOSTON, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, IANS Research and Artico Search released their State of the CISO 2025 Report , an annual research study providing deep insights into the evolving Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) role. The report examines job levels, compensation, board engagement, and job satisfaction, offering comprehensive data on the challenges and opportunities facing security executives today.

This year, more than 830 CISOs and other security leaders participated, and our ongoing collaboration with the CISO community helped contextualize the findings. To better understand the key trends and challenges reshaping CISO role, the report categorizes CISOs into three distinct segments based on their organizational influence and executive access:

Strategic CISOs (28%): Leaders who excel in both C-suite access and boardroom influence, frequently engaging with top executives to align cybersecurity with broader business goals.

Leaders who excel in both C-suite access and boardroom influence, frequently engaging with top executives to align cybersecurity with broader business goals. Functional CISOs (50%): CISOs with significant influence in either the C-suite or boardroom but lacking consistent visibility in both areas.

CISOs with significant influence in either the C-suite or boardroom but lacking consistent visibility in both areas. Tactical CISOs (22%): Often positioned as back-office technical practitioners, these CISOs face limited access to senior leadership and infrequent engagement with the board.

"With CISO scope expanding and evolving, security leaders continue to be viewed as business executives rather than simply technical leaders," said Steve Martano, IANS Faculty and Executive Cyber Recruiter at Artico Search. "Effective communication with senior executives has never been more important, as alignment between business strategy and security programming is essential for long-term partnership and success. This report demonstrates that board engagement and C-suite access is critical in shaping the future of a security program and a CISO's career."

Key Findings

The State of the CISO 2025 Report highlights several critical insights into the evolving role of the CISO, including:

Strategic Influence Yields Higher Rewards:

Strategic CISOs, who excel in C-suite access and board engagement, earn significantly higher compensation57% more than their Functional peers and twice that of Tactical CISOs. They also report greater job satisfaction and career development opportunities.

Strategic CISOs, who excel in C-suite access and board engagement, earn significantly higher compensation57% more than their Functional peers and twice that of Tactical CISOs. They also report greater job satisfaction and career development opportunities. Board Engagement and Visibility Matters:

CISOs with regular board access and executive visibility report significantly higher job satisfaction compared to those without board access. Currently only 47% of CISOs engage with their boards on a monthly or quarterly basis and 42% meet with their boards on an ad hoc basis, if at all.

CISOs with regular board access and executive visibility report significantly higher job satisfaction compared to those without board access. Currently only 47% of CISOs engage with their boards on a monthly or quarterly basis and 42% meet with their boards on an ad hoc basis, if at all. Expanding Scope Brings Opportunity and Pressure:

The majority of CISOs are taking on responsibilities beyond cybersecurity, including business risk, IT oversight, and digital transformation. 3% of CISOs attribute their raise to taking on larger scope, while others see it reflected in merit increases.

The majority of CISOs are taking on responsibilities beyond cybersecurity, including business risk, IT oversight, and digital transformation. 3% of CISOs attribute their raise to taking on larger scope, while others see it reflected in merit increases. Career Advancement Opportunities Emerge:

Hybrid roles, such as dual CISO/CIO and external board seats, are gaining traction among experienced CISOs. These positions allow security leaders to expand their influence and command higher compensation.

"The CISO role is undergoing a seismic shiftthey are no longer just security leaders but are increasingly pivotal business strategists," noted Nick Kakolowski, Sr. Research Director at IANS. "As their responsibilities expand into areas like business risk and IT oversight, the ability to align cybersecurity with organizational goals sets transformative leaders apart. Those who navigate these expanded responsibilities effectively are redefining the role as indispensable to business success, amplifying their influence and driving greater organizational impact."

For a detailed look into the findings, download the State of the CISO 2025 Summary Report.

Survey Methodology

The 2025 State of the CISO Report is based on the fifth annual CISO Compensation and Budget Survey conducted by IANS Research and Artico Search. Data was collected between April and November 2024, with responses from 830 security executives across diverse industries, company sizes, and organizational types.

About Artico Search

Founded in 2021, Artico Search specializes in recruiting senior go-to-market and security executives for growth venture, private equity, and public companies. The firm's dedicated security practice focuses on finding top CISOs and other senior-level information security professionals across a wide range of industries.

About IANS Research

For security leaders navigating complex threats and business demands, IANS Research provides expert-driven insights and practical guidance. Our network of experienced practitioners, the IANS Faculty, offers on-demand expertise and support through our research, peer community, and tailored consulting services. Learn more at IANS Research .

Media Contact:

Angelique Faul

Silver Jacket Communications

513.633.0897

[email protected]

SOURCE IANS Research
HB 2547 Critical for Protecting Tens of Thousands of Workers Throughout the State

CHICAGO, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Teamsters are calling on Governor Jay Pritzker to sign House Bill 2547, the Illinois Warehouse Worker Protection Act (WWPA), into law.

"There's no reason that companies like Amazon should be able to endanger its workforce with grievous bodily harm through predatory and reckless behavior," said Teamsters General President Sean M. O'Brien. "Gov. Pritzker can help fight back against the greed of Corporate America and side with Illinois' working families by signing this critical legislation."

HB 2547, authored by Rep. Kevin John Olickal (D  Chicago), would require employers to provide a written description of productivity quotas to warehouse workers. It also requires that warehouse productivity quotas not be so high that they interfere with breaks for meals, rest, or the bathroom.

"Thanks to our allies in Springfield and our own unwavering advocacy, this legislation passed both chambers of the legislature by an overwhelming majority," said Thomas W. Stiede, President of Teamsters Joint Council 25. "This bill is broadly popular because nobody wants to see anyone get hurt on the job. Gov. Pritzker can help reduce workplace injuries and protect over 70,000 hardworking men and women in our state's warehousing industry by enacting the WWPA."

Teamsters are advocating for laws that protect the rights of warehouse workers and address unrealistic quotas and hazardous safety conditions, both federally and at the state level. California, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, and Washington have passed similar legislation.

Teamsters Joint Council 25 represents more than 125,000 hardworking men and women throughout Illinois and northwest Indiana.

Contact:

Matt McQuaid, (617) 894-0669

[email protected]

SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters
Lim, former President of Christie's International Real Estate and founder of Climb Real Estate, to spearhead U.S. growth, strengthen affiliate support and enhance affiliate experience for the real estate franchisor.

DENVER, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- RE/MAX Holdings, Inc. (the "Company" or "RE/MAX Holdings") (NYSE:RMAX), parent company of RE/MAX, one of the world's leading franchisors of real estate brokerage services, today announced industry veteran Chris Lim is joining RE/MAX as Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer on February 3. With over 22 years of experience in real estate sales, franchise development, market expansion and strategic growth, Lim brings a wealth of expertise to the role. As a seasoned real estate executive, his proven track record of leadership and innovation will help RE/MAX attract the industry's best talent while elevating the overall affiliate experience and, ultimately, the homebuyer and seller experience.

Chris Lim

Lim's extensive career includes serving as the former President of Christie's International Real Estate, where he played a key role in accelerating the brand's agent growth and expanding the network globally. He also held leadership roles as President of @properties, Brand President at Realogy Holdings, and Founder & CEO of Climb Real Estate. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated an unparalleled ability to execute franchise strategies that have fueled and increased brand visibility and strengthened network relationships.

"Chris is a visionary leader who brings a unique combination of strategic insight, operational excellence and relationship-building to the table," said Erik Carlson, CEO of RE/MAX Holdings. "His unique and expansive experience will be invaluable as we continue to expand the RE/MAX footprint and provide even more support to affiliates. He's the right person to help us grow and lead the charge into the future."

As Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer at RE/MAX, Lim will oversee the teams dedicated to supporting franchise growth and strength in U.S. company-owned regions, ensuring franchisees receive customized support that aligns with their needs, and driving the Company's objectives of increasing agent count and expanding market presence. Lim's role is a key part of the Company's ongoing commitment to evolve, adapt and further solidify the brand's position as a leader in the real estate industry.

"I am thrilled to join the RE/MAX team and help shape the future of this iconic brand," said Lim. "I'm inspired by Erik's vision for the Company and the direction RE/MAX is taking. The future of the real estate landscape is about innovation, growth and adaptability, and the best is yet to come for RE/MAX as we lead the way. I look forward to working with our franchisees and agents to drive growth strategies across the network."

Lim's recognition in the industry includes being named to the Swanepoel Power 200 and Trendsetter lists, as well as being honored as an Inman Innovator and RISMedia Newsmaker.

Carlson adds, "Bringing Chris on board is an important part of enhancing the services and resources available to RE/MAX affiliates. We are committed to elevating the support our network needs to thrive, both now and in the future, as RE/MAX continues to redefine what it means to be the real estate leader worldwide."

About RE/MAX Holdings, Inc.

RE/MAX Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:RMAX) is one of the world's leading franchisors in the real estate industry, franchising real estate brokerages globally under the RE/MAX brand, and mortgage brokerages within the U.S. under the Motto Mortgage brand. RE/MAX was founded in 1973 by Dave and Gail Liniger, with an innovative, entrepreneurial culture affording its agents and franchisees the flexibility to operate their businesses with great independence. Now with more than 140,000 agents in nearly 9,000 offices and a presence in more than 110 countries and territories, nobody in the world sells more real estate than RE/MAX, as measured by total residential transaction sides. Dedicated to innovation and change in the real estate industry, RE/MAX launched Motto Franchising, LLC, a ground-breaking mortgage brokerage franchisor, in 2016. Motto Mortgage, the first-and-only national mortgage brokerage franchise brand in the U.S., has grown to over 225 offices across more than 40 states.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are often identified by the use of words such as "believe," "intend," "expect," "estimate," "plan," "outlook," "project," "anticipate," "may," "will," "would" and other similar words and expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends that are not statements of historical matters. Forward-looking statements include statements related to attracting the industry's best talent and elevating the overall affiliate experience and, ultimately, the homebuyer and seller experience, expanding the RE/MAX footprint, providing more support to agents, increasing agent count, expanding marketing presence, growth strategies, and RE/MAX's position as a leader in the real estate industry. Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results and will not necessarily accurately indicate the times at which such performance or results may be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time those statements are made and/or management's good faith belief as of that time with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, (1) changes in the real estate market or interest rates and availability of financing, (2) changes in business and economic activity in general, (3) the Company's ability to attract and retain quality franchisees, (4) the Company's franchisees' ability to recruit and retain real estate agents and mortgage loan originators, (5) changes in laws and regulations, (6) the Company's ability to enhance, market, and protect its brands, (7) the Company's ability to implement its technology initiatives, (8) risks related to the Company's leadership transition, (9) fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, (10) the nature and amount of the exclusion of charges in future periods when determining Adjusted EBITDA is subject to uncertainty and may not be similar to such charges in prior periods, and (11) those risks and uncertainties described in the sections entitled "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in the most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and similar disclosures in subsequent periodic and current reports filed with the SEC, which are available on the investor relations page of the Company's website at www.remaxholdings.com and on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. Except as required by law, the Company does not intend, and undertakes no obligation, to update this information to reflect future events or circumstances.

SOURCE RE/MAX Holdings, Inc.
DALLAS, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Jacobs (NYSE:J) plans to release its fiscal first quarter 2025 earnings results before market open on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, and will host a conference call at 10:00 a.m. ET, during which management will make a presentation focusing on the company's results and operating trends.

Interested parties can listen to the conference call via a webcast and view accompanying slides at jacobs.com.

About Jacobs

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow  delivering outcomes and solutions for the world's most complex challenges. With approximately $12 billion in annual revenue and a team of almost 45,000, we provide end-to-end services in advanced manufacturing, cities & places, energy, environmental, life sciences, transportation and water. From advisory and consulting, feasibility, planning, design, program and lifecycle management, we're creating a more connected and sustainable world. See how at jacobs.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, X and Facebook.

We use any of the following to comply with our disclosure obligations under Regulation FD: press releases, SEC filings, public conference calls, or our website. We routinely post important information on our website at www.jacobs.com, including information that may be deemed to be material. We encourage investors and others interested in the company to monitor these distribution channels for material disclosures.

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are statements that do not directly relate to any historical or current fact. When used herein, words such as "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "plans," "intends," "future," "will," "would," "could," "can," "may," and similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We base these forward-looking statements on management's current estimates and expectations, as well as currently available competitive, financial and economic data. Forward-looking statements, however, are inherently uncertain and are not guarantees of future performance. There are a variety of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, the risks and uncertainties discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The company is not under any duty to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this press release to conform to actual results, except as required by applicable law.

For additional information contact:

Investors

Bert Subin

[email protected]

Media

Louise White

[email protected]

SOURCE Jacobs
Kremlin propagandists claimed that Putin's troops had allegedly destroyed a "NATO radar" in Ukraine and were ashamed of themselves. In fact, the Russians were shown a destroyed anti-aircraft system from the DPRK.

ADVERTISIMENT

According to preliminary data, the North Korean equipment was shot down by the Russians themselves in the Kursk region. This was reported on social network X by the OSINT community Status-6.

A few days ago, propaganda sources began publishing a video of a strike on a "NATO radar station in the Sumy direction." The propagandists did not provide any other details.

In turn, OSINT analysts noted that the Russian media actually published footage of a North Korean anti-aircraft missile system. Similar equipment was shown at a parade in Pyongyang in 2020. It is also noted that the complex was located in the Kursk region and was mistakenly hit by a Russian drone operator.

ADVERTISIMENT

Almost nothing is known about this model of the North Korean air defense system. The Statys-6 team suggests that it is an analog of the Soviet short-range Tor air defense system, which has been manufactured since the early 80s of the last century and is in service with the Russian army.

The destruction of the anti-aircraft system by "friendly fire" once again showed that Putin's army was unable to establish coordination between its own and Korean troops. In addition, the use of SAMs from the DPRK indicates that the Russian army lacks its own air defense capabilities.

As a reminder, soldiers from North Korea are making it much more difficult for the Ukrainian Defense Forces to conduct the Kursk operation on the territory of the Russian aggressor state. However, Ukrainian troops continue to hold their positions and do not allow the Russian army to gain any strategic advantage.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine managed to kill 17 North Korean soldiers in the Kursk region. Another DPRK soldier blew himself up with a grenade.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
BOSTON, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - John Hancock Retirement, a company of Manulife Wealth & Asset Management, is pleased to announce FutureStep, a new open-architecture retirement plan offering. As part of a multi-year transformation strategy to expand its capabilities and in keeping with its steadfast commitment to financial intermediaries, including third-party administrators (TPAs), retirement advisors, and sponsors, the firm has signed an agreement with Vestwell to bring this new solution to market.

FutureStep will be an addition to the firm's existing plan suite, advisor-centric, and a fully digital new plan option designed with the support and experience of John Hancock Retirement.

Vestwell's technology powers FutureStep by John Hancock Retirement, which will be available in early 2025. This offering is designed to help advisors scale their practices while providing a simple, modern interface for seamless interactions across the advisor, employer, and saver portals.

TPAs, retirement advisors, and sponsors will see competitive pricing and opportunity for enhanced employer engagement and experience high-touch service within the new offering. They'll also receive support for personalized onboarding, ongoing administration and maintenance, robust payroll integration options, and assistance in navigating complex legislation.

"This is an exciting time for us, and we could not be more pleased to partner with Vestwell to help bring retirement planning to more employers who are helping their employees prioritize retirement," said Wayne Park, CEO, John Hancock Retirement. "As a multiplatform provider, we've added FutureStep so we can continue to expand the number of plans and participants that we serve, as a complement to our existing plan options."

"We're focused on being the partner of choice for our distribution partners, TPAs, and plan sponsors by helping to make retirement planning easier and more effective," said Gary Tankersley, Head of the Core Segment, John Hancock Retirement. "FutureStep demonstrates our focus on continuous improvement and the innovation of our offerings to meet the evolving needs of our clients. We look forward to sharing more on FutureStep in 2025 and have confidence that it will bring more plans to more Americans and serve retirement advisors who are looking for an outcome-driven digital solution."

"John Hancock Retirement has been a leader in the savings industry for decades. We share a commitment to providing exceptional service and innovative solutions to our clients, helping to bridge the access gap and promote savings for everyone," said Aaron Schumm, Founder and CEO, Vestwell. "Together with John Hancock Retirement, we can help address the growing demands of the industry, creating modern savings solutions that make retirement savings more affordable and accessible for all. Through cutting-edge solutions and an unwavering commitment to affordability and inclusivity, we aim to give individuals from all walks of life help to secure a brighter financial future."

John Hancock Retirement is dedicated to maintaining its position as a top recordkeeper and a provider of robust retirement plans that help drive better retirement outcomes for the small, mid, large, and Taft-Hartley plan participants. Through consultation with industry and technology providers, the company is evolving and modernizing various aspects of its business and retirement plan ecosystem through new offerings, updates to its digital experiences, and other technology upgrades.

"Looking to deliver powerful retirement plans that lead to positive outcomes for participants has always been our focus. The future of retirement security is dependent on bringing new offerings, tools, and education to participants and broadening access to planning so that more people have the opportunity to attain a secure retirement," concluded Mr. Park.

About Manulife Wealth & Asset Management

As part of Manulife Financial Corporation, Manulife Wealth & Asset Management provides global investment, financial advice, and retirement plan services to 19 million individuals, institutions, and retirement plan members worldwide. Our mission is to make decisions easier and lives better by empowering people today to invest for a better tomorrow. As a committed partner to our clients and as a responsible steward of investor capital, we offer a heritage of risk management, deep expertise across public and private markets, and comprehensive retirement plan services. We seek to provide better investment and impact outcomes and to help people confidently save and invest for a more secure financial future. Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions. For additional information, please visit manulifeim.com .

About Vestwell

Vestwell is the backbone of the modern American savings economy. Vestwell is a financial technology company that makes it easier for more Americans to save for life's most important moments - from retirement to education and healthcare. Founded in 2016, Vestwell's platform removes traditional barriers to saving, making it accessible, efficient, and approachable for everyone.

Vestwell provides a comprehensive suite of workplace savings solutions, including retirement plans, student loan repayment benefits, and specialized accounts for education, emergencies, and disability savings.

Trusted by financial advisers, employers, payroll providers, financial institutions, and government agencies, Vestwell empowers nearly 1.5 million savers across over 350,000 businesses nationwide, with over $30 billion in assets under management. With a commitment to closing the savings gap and fostering a secure financial future for all, Vestwell provides an elevated and accessible savings technology everyone deserves.

For more information, visit vestwell.com.

About John Hancock and Manulife

John Hancock is a unit of Manulife Financial Corporation, a leading international financial services provider that helps people make their decisions easier and lives better by providing financial advice, insurance, and wealth and asset management solutions. Manulife Financial Corporation trades as MFC on the TSX, NYSE, and PSE, and under 945 on the SEHK. Manulife can be found at manulife.com. One of the largest life insurers in the United States, John Hancock supports more than ten million Americans with a broad range of financial products, including life insurance and annuities. John Hancock also supports US investors by bringing leading investment capabilities and retirement planning and administration expertise to individuals and institutions. Additional information about John Hancock may be found at johnhancock.com.

About John Hancock Retirement

John Hancock Retirement is the U.S. retirement business of Manulife Investment Management. For more than 50 years, we've helped people plan and invest for retirement; today, we're one of the largest full-service providers in the United States.1 We take a hands-on consultative approach based on the idea that no two plansand no two plan participantsare exactly alike. We partner with plan sponsors, advisors, and third-party administrators to ensure that every plan is personal to the participant and delivers proven results.1

1 "PLANSPONSOR 2024 Defined Contribution Recordkeeping Survey 2024 Asset International, Inc.," PLANSPONSOR, 2024.

As of September 30, 2024, John Hancock serviced over 57,000 retirement plans with over 3.2 million participants* and over $238 billion in AUMA.

* Participant counts reflect all active participants with a balance.

As of September 30, 2024, John Hancock Life Insurance Company (USA) supported 52,283 plans, 1,566,596 participants, and $114,554,139,792 in AUMA. John Hancock Life Insurance Company of New York supported 2,707 plans, 73,618 participants, and $ 6,243,917,553 in AUMA. John Hancock Retirement Plan Services LLC supported 2,354 plans, 1,638,790 participants, and $117,923,109,114 in AUMA. Participant counts reflect all active participants with a balance. Approximate unaudited figures for John Hancock are provided on a U.S. statutory basis.

John Hancock Retirement Plan Services LLC provides administrative and/or recordkeeping services to sponsors or administrators of retirement plans through an open-architecture platform. John Hancock Trust Company LLC, a New Hampshire non-depository trust company, provides trust and custodial services to such plans, offers an Individual Retirement Accounts product, and maintains specific Collective Investment Trusts. Group annuity contracts and recordkeeping agreements are issued by John Hancock Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.), Boston, MA (not licensed in NY), and John Hancock Life Insurance Company of New York, Valhalla, NY. Product features and availability may differ by state. All entities do business under certain instances using the John Hancock brand name. Each entity makes available a platform of investment alternatives to sponsors or administrators of retirement plans without regard to the individualized needs of any plan. Unless otherwise specifically stated in writing, each entity does not, and is not undertaking to, provide impartial investment advice or give advice in a fiduciary capacity. Securities are offered through John Hancock Distributors LLC, member FINRA, SIPC.

NOT FDIC INSURED. MAY LOSE VALUE. NOT BANK GUARANTEED.

 2025 John Hancock. All rights reserved.

MGR0114254155950

SOURCE John Hancock Retirement
GAINESVILLE, Fla., Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- King Risk Partners, a leading provider of comprehensive insurance solutions, is pleased to announce the acquisition of Bruce Hendry Insurance, a highly respected independent insurance agency located in Immokalee, Florida. This acquisition marks a significant expansion of King Risk Partners' operations in Southwest Florida and reinforces the company's commitment to providing outstanding service and insurance solutions across diverse markets.

King Risk Partners

Bruce Hendry Insurance, a highly respected, family-owned independent insurance agency based in Immokalee, Florida, has been providing all types of insurance coverage for individuals and businesses in the Immokalee and Collier Counties as well as throughout the state of Florida for over 45 years. Their mission to provide peace of mind to their customers through sound insurance and exceptional customer service with a vision to be the company of choice for their policyholders has propelled them to a highly successful agency.

"Bruce Hendry Insurance has been a trusted name in the Florida insurance market, and we are excited to welcome them to the King Risk Partners family," said Malcolm King, CEO of King Risk Partners. "Their decades of experience, combined with their strong client relationships, align perfectly with our vision of expanding through partnerships with well-established agencies. This acquisition not only strengthens our position in Florida but also enhances our ability to deliver top-tier service to our clients."

Bruce Hendry, President of Bruce Hendry Insurance, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership. "We are thrilled to join forces with King Risk Partners," he said. "Our values of excellence, integrity, and responsibility align seamlessly with theirs. With their vast resources and innovative approach, we are confident that our clients will benefit from an even broader array of services and solutions. Together, we are poised to continue delivering the high-quality service our clients expect, while introducing exciting new opportunities."

About King Risk Partners

King Risk Partners is a leader in the insurance industry, offering a wide range of insurance products and services designed to meet the diverse needs of its clientele. Known for its integrity, professionalism, and commitment to customer satisfaction, King Risk Partners continues to be a top choice for clients seeking reliable and comprehensive insurance solutions. Learn more at www.king-insurance.com .

For additional information, please contact:

King Risk Partners

[email protected]

SOURCE King Risk Partners
Changes Provide Easier Access to Program Information

Simple Navigation for Members and Providers

Global Search Function Added for First Time

CANTON, Ohio, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Liberty HealthShare, the country's most-comprehensive healthsharing ministry, today announced the launch of a redesigned website that provides simpler navigation, easier access to information on its programs, and better communicates its mission.

"This new website will help visitors better understand healthsharing and feel confident about choosing Liberty HealthShare, which will help drive stronger interest and enrollment," said Dorsey Morrow, Liberty HealthShare chief executive officer.

"This new website will help visitors better understand healthsharing." Dorsey Morrow, CEO - Liberty HealthShare Post this Dorsey Morrow, Chief Executive Officer - Liberty HealthShare Liberty HealthShare Website, www.LibertyHealthShare.org.

"Our research showed that while healthsharing has been a popular alternative to insurance for decades, many people are unfamiliar with the concept and how it can be an affordable option for them," he added.

Links to request more information and to enroll are easily found on the website's homepage, LibertyHealthShare.org, along with information on healthsharing and how it works as well as reviews from Liberty HealthShare members.

The website also includes easy navigation to the ministry's ShareBox for members, the Provider Portal for doctors and medical facilities, and its popular blog page.

Liberty HealthShare provides a cost-effective, faith-based alternative to health insurance. Members enjoy the freedom to choose providers, telehealth access, and prescription discounts while participating in a compassionate, Christian community. Transparency and stewardship are central, with programs tailored for families, seniors, and individuals.

Liberty HealthShare offers six affordable medical cost sharing programs that are designed to fit the needs and budgets of individuals as well as different types and sizes of families. Monthly share amounts for individuals range from $87-$369. Share amounts for families of four start at $319 per month.

Liberty Dental, the ministry's new dental sharing program, features monthly share amounts as low as $35 and allows members to see the dentist of their choice without any network restrictions.

As Liberty HealthShare is not insurance, enrollment is available year-round with no requirement for special life events to qualify. For more information about its sharing programs visit LibertyHealthShare.org or call (855) 585-4237.

Liberty HealthShare is a non-profit 501(c) (3) charitable Christian medical cost-sharing ministry focused on members helping each other in times of need. The faith-based program, which facilitates healthsharing for its members, is a caring community of health-conscious individuals and families who choose to support one another and agree to the Christian values of stewardship to make healthcare affordable for all. The ministry has been recognized by both Charity Navigator and Candid, the nation's leading non-profit evaluators, for its operational excellence, transparency, and accountability.

Liberty HealthShare is not an insurance company nor is it offered through an insurance company. Liberty HealthShare's Sharing Programs do not guarantee or promise that a member's medical bills will be paid or assigned to others for payment. Whether anyone chooses to pay a member's medical bills will be totally voluntary. As such, Liberty HealthShare's Sharing Programs should never be considered as a substitute for an insurance policy. Whether a member receives any payments for medical expenses and whether or not Liberty HealthShare continues to operate, the member is always liable for any unpaid bills.

SOURCE Liberty HealthShare
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Lower is announcing the hiring of industry trailblazer Adam Wiener as its new president. Wiener will lead Lower's technology, marketing, data science, and direct-to-consumer sales organizations. He will focus on growing Lower's brand, both online and offline, and oversee the development of LowerOS, Lower's proprietary technology to dramatically improve the lending experience for borrowers and loan officers.

Wiener graduated from Stanford in 2002 and cut his teeth working in program management for Microsoft's SQL Server division. In 2007, he left Microsoft for Redfin, a technology-powered real-estate company, helping to lead the business through its IPO in 2017 and on to nearly $1B in revenue in 2023.

Over his 16-year career at Redfin, he led Redfin's marketing and growth initiatives, generating over $100B in real estate transactions. He also founded and ran their mortgage and title businesses and culminated his career there as the president of real estate services, leading a nationwide sales organization with over 3,000 real estate agents and sales support professionals.

"There are few executives in our industry that have successfully leveraged both technology and the human touch to build a game-changing company, and Adam is one. What he did at Redfin is nothing short of amazing, and we are excited for him to work with our already talented team to make Lower the best platform for consumers and the loan officers they work with," said Lower CEO and Co-Founder Dan Snyder.

Wiener states, "Joining the team at Lower was a no-brainer. The company's impressive growth over the last 12 months when the overall mortgage market has been in a funk speaks volumes about the strength of Lower's business. Lower's investment in cutting-edge technology with its commitment to world-class customer service positions it for explosive growth in the years to come. I am thrilled to work with Lower's leading mortgage voices to accelerate that growth."

Lower is a multi-channel, digital home finance company, backed by Accel, SoFi, and Veritex Bank. It is the 28th largest lender nationally, and operates an online consumer-direct channel, offline retail channel, and third-party origination platform servicing mortgage brokers and other fintech platforms who supplement their core offerings with Lower's mortgage-origination capabilities.

SOURCE Lower, LLC
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Jan. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Mary Alexander & Associates filed a second lawsuit against disgraced Dr. William Moore Thompson and Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian alleging sexual batter, sexual harassment, gender violence and more.

The plaintiff in this matter (John Doe to keep his name anonymous) saw Dr. Thompson between December 2021 and July 2022. He saw the doctor to get treatment for a wound on his leg which he believed was related to a blood infection. However, instead of treating the plaintiff's medical issues, Dr. Thompson is alleged to have exploited John Doe's vulnerabilities for his own sexual gratification.

According to the complaint, Dr. Thomson:

Created a sexualized tone to his appointments

Repeatedly performed examinations which involved touching and manipulating John Doe's penis and testicles which was not medically necessary

penis and testicles which was not medically necessary Made various sexually charged comments

Describing sexual encounters involving other men in graphic detail

Insisted on a prostate exam which was not medically necessary

Upon the request for an unnecessary prostate exam, John Doe terminated treatment with Dr. Thompson that day.

On September 20, 2023, Dr. Thompson was arrested at his Newport Beach medical practice for sexually assault nine patients between 2016-2020. The Orange County District Attorney's Office charged him with several felonies:

14 felony counts of sexual penetration by fraud

3 felony counts of sexual penetration by fraud

3 counts of sexual battery by fraud

2 counts of forcible oral copulation

1 count of felony sexual battery.

"Dr. Thompson preyed upon men who were in extremely vulnerable positions," said doctor sex abuse attorney Mary Alexander. "Many of these patients sought the doctor's care for serious medical issues, and not only did he fail to properly treat them, he sexually abused and assaulted them. It's disgusting behavior and both the doctor and Hoah Memorial need to be held accountable."

The case is John Doe A.U. v. Dr. William Moore Thompson, IV, Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, Orange County Superior Court, Case No. 30-2024-01450837-CU-PO-CJC.

About Mary Alexander & Associates, P.C.

At the law firm of Mary Alexander & Associates, we are proud of our record and tradition of excellence. Preparing thoroughly for trial is the trademark of our firm, and we build innovative courtroom exhibits and technology to help juries understand even the most complex legal matters. Our innovations, creativity and preparation have allowed us to achieve an outstanding record of success. We are justifiably proud of the verdicts and settlements we have obtained for our deserving clients.

SOURCE Mary Alexander & Associates
Investment to Meet Growing Demand for Industrial Gases in the Region

BRIDGEWATER, N.J., Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Messer, a leading industrial gases company, has announced a strategic investment of over $70 million to construct a state-of-the-art air separation unit (ASU) in Berryville, Arkansas. The new facility will address the growing demand for industrial gases in the southern part of the US, reinforcing Messer's commitment to supporting expanding industries in the region.

Messer, a leading industrial gases company, has announced a strategic investment of over $70 million to construct a state-of-the-art air separation unit (ASU) in Berryville, Arkansas.

"Our new ASU in Berryville underscores Messer's commitment to fueling growth in the South," said Elena Skvortsova, President & CEO of Messer Americas. "This investment reflects our dedication to providing a dependable supply of industrial gases like oxygen and nitrogen to meet the evolving needs of our customers in food and beverage, healthcare, metals, chemicals, and many more industries. I also would like to note that Messer appreciates the working relationship with the City of Berryville. Without their dedication to this project, it would not have been possible."

Messer's site in Berryville will create quality career opportunities, will employ more than 20 people and provide temporary local jobs during the construction phase of the project. This new ASU will also complement the company's existing facility in Lewisville, Arkansas, enhancing production capacity to meet the increasing demand for essential gases.

"On behalf of the City of Berryville, we are excited to welcome Messer to our community," said Tim McKinney, Mayor, City of Berryville. "They bring cutting edge technology, high quality jobs, and most importantly additional people to call Berryville home. We look forward to developing a great partnership with Messer as they establish presence in our community."

"Congratulations to the City of Berryville for Messer's $70 million investment - our state's first major jobs announcement of 2025," said Governor Sanders. "Thank you, Messer, for choosing the Natural State and helping make our economy stronger than ever."

"Messer is a global leader in the gas industry, and we are proud the company is investing in Arkansas," said Clint O'Neal, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. "Congratulations to the City of Berryville and its local leadership team on this significant economic development win."

The ASU in Berryville is slated for completion in the second half of 2026.

About Messer Americas



Messer is the largest privately held industrial gas business in the world and a leading industrial and medical gas company in North America, South America, Asia and Europe. Messer offers more than 125 years of expertise in industrial, medical, specialty and electronics gases. The company delivers quality gases, related services and technology via an extensive production and distribution network. Health and safety, sustainability practices and environmental protection are core Messer values that are embedded in the company's daily operations.

Messer Americas sales account approximately for 52% of Messer worldwide sales of $4.7 billion USD. For more information, visit: www.messeramericas.com

Messer

200 Somerset Corporate Blvd

Suite 7000

Bridgewater, NJ, USA 08807

Phone: 1-800-755-9277

www.messeramericas.com

About Arkansas Economic Development Commission

At AEDC, we know economic advancement doesn't happen by accident. We work strategically with businesses and communities to create strong economic opportunities, making Arkansas the natural choice for success. AEDC is a division of the Arkansas Department of Commerce. For more information, visit www.ArkansasEDC.com

About Berryville

Berryville is a quaint town with a rich heritage that is nestled in the heart of the Ozarks of Northwest Arkansas. It's family-friendly community has a retro-rural feel with a vison for the future and is "Where History meets Progress."

SOURCE Messer North America, Inc.
NEW YORK, Jan. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Report with market evolution powered by AI - The global metal heat treatment market size is estimated to grow by USD 14.6 billion from 2025-2029, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 2.5% during the forecast period. Integration of metal heat treatment processes into production lines is driving market growth, with a trend towards increasing demand for cnc-incorporated machine tools. However, growing demand for second-hand machines poses a challenge. Key market players include Advanced Heat Treat Corp., American Metal Treating Inc., Bluewater Thermal Solutions, Bodycote Plc, East-Lind Heat Treat Inc., General Metal Heat Treating Inc., Metal Heat Co. Ltd., Nabertherm GmbH, NATIONAL HEAT TREAT LLC, ONEX Corp., Pacific Metallurgical Inc, Park Ohio Holdings Corp., Peters Heat Treating Inc., SECO WARWICK SA, SEI Heat Treat, Shanghai Hedinger Heat Treatment Co. Ltd., Thermex Metal Treating Ltd, TRI-J Metal Heat Treating Inc, Unitherm Engineers Ltd., and voestalpine AG.

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global Metal Heat Treatment Market 2025-2029

AI-Powered Market Evolution Insights. Our comprehensive market report ready with the latest trends, growth opportunities, and strategic analysis- View Free Sample Report PDF

Forecast period 2025-2029 Base Year 2024 Historic Data 2019 - 2023 Segment Covered End-user (Automotive, Industrial machinery, Construction, Aerospace, and Others), Material (Steel, Cast iron, and Others), and Geography (APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa) Region Covered APAC, North America, Europe, South America, and Middle East and Africa Key companies profiled Advanced Heat Treat Corp., American Metal Treating Inc., Bluewater Thermal Solutions, Bodycote Plc, East-Lind Heat Treat Inc., General Metal Heat Treating Inc., Metal Heat Co. Ltd., Nabertherm GmbH, NATIONAL HEAT TREAT LLC, ONEX Corp., Pacific Metallurgical Inc, Park Ohio Holdings Corp., Peters Heat Treating Inc., SECO WARWICK SA, SEI Heat Treat, Shanghai Hedinger Heat Treatment Co. Ltd., Thermex Metal Treating Ltd, TRI-J Metal Heat Treating Inc, Unitherm Engineers Ltd., and voestalpine AG

Key Market Trends Fueling Growth

The global metal heat treatment market is anticipated to grow during the forecast period due to the increasing adoption of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines in various industries. CNC machines require metal heat treatment for their production, leading to market expansion. Automation and increased productivity are key drivers, with businesses investing in process automation and replacing manual machine tools with NC and CNC machines. Smart manufacturing, enabled by IoT-integrated equipment, further boosts demand for CNC machines and metal heat treatment services.

The market for Metal Heat Treatment is experiencing significant growth, with automobiles and aerospace industries being key consumers. Furnaces, autoclaves, and other technologies are used for this process. Furnaces are used to heat metals to specific temperatures for hardening or softening. The use of exotic alloys and lightweight materials is driving innovation in this sector. Technologies like Quenching, Tempering, and Annealing are essential in Metal Heat Treatment. Organic and inorganic nitriding processes are also gaining popularity. The market is expected to continue its upward trend due to increasing demand from various industries.

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Market Challenges

The global metal heat treatment market faces a significant challenge from the expanding second-hand machine market, particularly in APAC. Many companies in the region prefer used European construction machinery due to cost savings. This trend negatively impacts the demand for new industrial and construction equipment, including metal heat treatment solutions. Some metal heat treatment equipment manufacturers, like Park, Ohio and SECO WARWICK , sell second-hand equipment to reduce costs. Consequently, the second-hand machine market's growth may limit the adoption of metal heat treatment technologies during the forecast period.

and , sell second-hand equipment to reduce costs. Consequently, the second-hand machine market's growth may limit the adoption of metal heat treatment technologies during the forecast period. The Metal Heat Treatment market faces several challenges in the application of various processes such as furnaces, quenching, and tempering. One major challenge is ensuring the even distribution of heat to achieve consistent results. Another challenge is the use of appropriate quenching media to prevent warping and distortion. Additionally, the cost of energy and the need for efficient processes are significant concerns. Furthermore, the growing demand for lightweight and high-strength materials adds complexity to the heat treatment process. Organizations must invest in research and development to address these challenges and improve the overall efficiency and quality of metal heat treatment processes.

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Segment Overview

This metal heat treatment market report extensively covers market segmentation by

End-user

1.1 Automotive

1.2 Industrial machinery

1.3 Construction

1.4 Aerospace

1.5 Others

Material

2.1 Steel

2.2 Cast iron

2.3 Others

Geography

3.1 APAC

3.2 North America

3.3 Europe

3.4 South America

3.5 Middle East and Africa

1.1 Automotive- The automotive industry's leading end-user segment in the global metal heat treatment market undergoes heat treatment processes to determine part behavior and properties. Applicable to engine components, gearboxes, axles, suspension parts, steering components, and injection systems, heat treatment is essential for mass production due to the industry's annual vehicle production. Key vendors like Bodycote, Bluewater Thermal Solutions, Keith Co. Inc., and East-Lind Heat Treat provide metal heat treatment services, catering to the automotive sector's increasing demand. The establishment of new automotive production facilities worldwide fuels this growth.

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Research Analysis

The Metal Heat Treatment Market encompasses various processes such as Annealing, Isothermal Annealing, Spheroidizing, Quenching, and others, used to modify the physical and mechanical properties of metals. These processes are essential in industries like Aerospace, Precision Engineering, and the Energy sector, where components made from EVs (Electric Vehicles) and oil drilling equipment require high strength and durability. DC motors and AC motors in EVs, as well as motors in various industrial applications, rely on heat-treated components with superior performance. The market includes the production and application of heat-treated metals, including laminations, bearings, and shafts, which undergo processes like heat treating and Annealing to enhance their properties. Heat treating techniques like Quenching and Spheroidizing are crucial in enhancing the metallurgical structure and improving the overall performance of the components.

Market Research Overview

The Metal Heat Treatment Market encompasses various processes such as annealing, quenching, tempering, and case hardening, used to alter the physical and mechanical properties of metals. These treatments are essential in industries like automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing, where metals are subjected to high temperatures and extreme conditions. The global market for Metal Heat Treatment is significant, driven by the increasing demand for lightweight and high-strength materials in various sectors. The use of advanced technologies like Induction Heat Treatment and Vacuum Heat Treatment is also fueling market growth. The market is segmented based on process type, application, and region. The future outlook for Metal Heat Treatment is promising, with continued innovation and technological advancements expected to shape the industry landscape.

Table of Contents:

1 Executive Summary

2 Market Landscape

3 Market Sizing

4 Historic Market Size

5 Five Forces Analysis

6 Market Segmentation

End-user

Automotive



Industrial Machinery



Construction



Aerospace



Others

Material

Steel



Cast Iron



Others

Geography

APAC



North America



Europe



South America



Middle East And Africa



7 Customer Landscape

8 Geographic Landscape

9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

10 Company Landscape

11 Company Analysis

12 Appendix

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

Contacts

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media & Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.technavio.com/

SOURCE Technavio
NEW YORK, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Report on how AI is driving market transformation - The multiple sclerosis market in us size is estimated to grow by USD 4.99 billion from 2025-2029, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period. Strong pipeline of vendors is driving market growth, with a trend towards rising strategic alliances and partnerships among vendors. However, high cost of drugs poses a challenge. Key market players include AB Science SA, Astellas Pharma Inc., Bayer AG, Biogen Inc., Bristol Myers Squibb Co., F. Hoffmann La Roche Ltd., GeNeuro SA, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Inno BioScience LLC, Johnson and Johnson Inc., Mapi Pharma Ltd., MediciNova Inc., Merck KGaA, Novartis AG, Opexa Therapeutics Inc., Pfizer Inc., Sanofi SA, Sobel Network Shipping Co. Inc., Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., and Viatris Inc..

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Multiple Sclerosis Market in US 2025-2029

Key insights into market evolution with AI-powered analysis. Explore trends, segmentation, and growth drivers- View Free Sample PDF

Multiple Sclerosis Market In US Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2024 Historic period 2019 - 2022 Forecast period 2025-2029 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 6.2% Market growth 2025-2029 USD 4.99 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 5.8 Regional analysis US Performing market contribution North America at 100% Key countries US and North America Key companies profiled AB Science SA, Astellas Pharma Inc., Bayer AG, Biogen Inc., Bristol Myers Squibb Co., F. Hoffmann La Roche Ltd., GeNeuro SA, Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Inno BioScience LLC, Johnson and Johnson Inc., Mapi Pharma Ltd., MediciNova Inc., Merck KGaA, Novartis AG, Opexa Therapeutics Inc., Pfizer Inc., Sanofi SA, Sobel Network Shipping Co. Inc., Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., and Viatris Inc.

Market Driver

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating immune-mediated disease affecting over 2.3 million people worldwide. The market for MS therapeutics continues to grow, driven by the need for effective treatments and advancements in technology. Side effects from injectable drugs remain a concern, leading to the development of biosimilars and oral alternatives. Neurotherapy treatments, such as voice commands and assistive robotic arms, are improving patient care and accessibility. Efficacy and safety are key considerations in the development of new MS drugs, including immunostimulants and novel molecules. Ocrevus, a humanized monoclonal antibody, has shown promise in phase 3 clinical studies for relapsing-remitting MS. Disease-modifying treatments, such as dimethyl fumarate and glatiramer acetate, are commonly used to manage MS symptoms and slow disease progression. Healthcare spending on MS treatments is increasing, driven by the high cost of injectable drugs and the need for long-term care. Research and development of new treatments, including immunosuppressive drugs and monoclonal antibodies, is ongoing. The MS treatment algorithm continues to evolve, with a focus on early intervention and personalized care. Diagnosis and care for MS patients require a multidisciplinary approach, involving hospital pharmacists, physical therapy, and healthcare resources. Spinal cord damage from demyelination and neuroaxonal loss can lead to disabilities, making accessibility and affordability of treatments crucial. Technological developments, such as tDCS and infused medications, offer new possibilities for MS treatment. The market for MS treatments is expected to continue growing, driven by the need for effective and accessible care for this population.

Vendors in the Multiple Sclerosis market are strengthening their positions by forming strategic partnerships and acquisitions to broaden their treatment offerings. For instance, in September 2024, Roche obtained FDA approval for an injectable version of its successful MS treatment, Ocrevus. These collaborations enable companies to combine expertise, resources, and accelerate innovation in therapeutic solutions. Such alliances are essential for creating holistic treatment approaches addressing both medical and psychosocial patient needs. By sharing knowledge and technology, vendors can expedite new therapy introductions and enhance existing ones, driving market growth throughout the forecast period.

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Market Challenges

 Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated disease affecting over 2.3 million people worldwide. The disease's pathogenesis involves demyelination and neuroaxonal loss, leading to disabilities. MS treatments include injectable drugs like interferons, glatiramer acetate, and humanized monoclonal antibodies such as natalizumab, ocrelizumab, and alemtuzumab. Immunostimulants like dimethyl fumarate and teriflunomide are oral options. Side effects and accessibility are significant challenges. Technological developments like voice commands and assistive robotic arms enhance care. Biosimilars and generics offer cost savings, but maintaining efficacy is crucial. Advancements include neurotherapy treatments, immunosuppressive drugs, and tDCS. Healthcare resources are strained due to increasing patient volumes and healthcare spending. Phase 3 clinical studies explore novel molecules, treatment algorithms, and disease progression. Diagnosis and treatment remain complex, requiring specialized healthcare expertise. MS drugs include injectable, infused, and oral medications. Spinal cord injuries and degenerative changes are common complications. MS care includes physical therapy, muscle relaxants, and symptom management. Healthcare expenditure is high due to the chronic nature of the disease and the need for ongoing treatment. The disease affects relapsing-remitting, primary-progressive, and secondary-progressive forms. Despite these challenges, research and development continue, with product launches and phase 3 trials offering hope for improved treatments and care.

 Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating autoimmune disease characterized by the immune system attacking the protective myelin sheath surrounding nerve fibers in the central nervous system. Symptoms vary greatly and may include vision loss, pain, fatigue, and impaired coordination. MS impacts communication between the brain and the body, leading to significant challenges. Despite available treatments that can help manage symptoms, modify disease progression, and facilitate recovery, the lifetime cost per MS patient exceeds USD4 million. This highlights the substantial economic burden of MS on individuals and healthcare systems.

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Segment Overview

This multiple sclerosis market in US report extensively covers market segmentation by

Route Of Administration

1.1 Parenteral

1.2 Oral

Type

2.1 Biologics

2.2 Small molecules

Geography

3.1 North America

1.1 Parenteral-

Download a Sample of our comprehensive report today to discover how AI-driven innovations are reshaping competitive dynamics

Research Analysis

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the central nervous system, leading to various symptoms such as muscle weakness, balance and coordination problems, vision loss, and cognitive impairment. The prevalence of MS is increasing globally, making it a significant healthcare concern. Clinical trials are ongoing to develop new medications and immunostimulant therapies to manage MS progression and improve patient outcomes. Healthcare innovation includes voice-controlled healthcare devices and robotic arm rehabilitation to enhance patient care. Generic medications are playing a crucial role in MS management through drug accessibility initiatives and cost containment. Neurological research focuses on biomarkers, clinical data, and medical advancements to understand MS better and improve clinical outcomes. The use of immune system modulation drugs and biotechnology in MS treatment is a promising area of medical research. Public health initiatives aim to improve the quality of life of MS patients by addressing healthcare cost containment and ensuring the availability of MS drugs and medical devices. The goal is to provide optimal MS care through a combination of medical research, healthcare technology, and patient-centered approaches.

Market Research Overview

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated disease characterized by demyelination and neuroaxonal loss, leading to debilitating disabilities. The disease affects over 2.5 million people worldwide, with prevalence varying by population and healthcare resources. MS therapeutics aim to modify the immune response, reduce relapses, manage symptoms, and prevent disease progression. Injectable drugs, such as interferons, glatiramer acetate, and monoclonal antibodies (natalizumab, ocrelizumab, and alemtuzumab), are common treatments. Novel molecules, like dimethyl fumarate and teriflunomide, offer oral alternatives. Immunostimulants, like amantadine, and immunosuppressive drugs are also used. Advancements include technological developments like voice commands and assistive robotic arms, neurotherapy treatments, and biosimilars. Phase 3 clinical studies explore the efficacy of new treatments, while generics and product launches increase accessibility. Healthcare spending on MS treatments is significant, with hospital pharmacies playing a crucial role in managing patient volumes and ensuring proper care. The disease's complex pathogenesis requires ongoing research and development to improve treatment algorithms and address degenerative changes in the brain and spinal cord, including axonal transection and muscle relaxants for nerve cells. MS is a relapsing-remitting and progressive disease, with primary-progressive and secondary-progressive forms. Treatment goals include managing symptoms, improving accessibility, and reducing healthcare expenditure. Injections, infused medications, and physical therapy are essential components of MS care.

Table of Contents:

1 Executive Summary

2 Market Landscape

3 Market Sizing

4 Historic Market Size

5 Five Forces Analysis

6 Market Segmentation

Route Of Administration

Parenteral



Oral

Type

Biologics



Small Molecules

Geography

North America

7 Customer Landscape

8 Geographic Landscape

9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

10 Company Landscape

11 Company Analysis

12 Appendix

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

Contacts

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media & Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.technavio.com/

SOURCE Technavio
The six-bed, Hilo-based home is reserved exclusively for 'Ohana Health Plan members and provides integrated, sustained clinical care and case management for an average one-year stay. The property is owned by the County of Hawaii, which has an existing lease with Hope Services to provide emergency shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness.

The treatment-based residential program provides:

Behavioral health (BH) case management

Licensed BH clinician for therapy and psychosocial rehabilitation groups

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) for medication management

Housing case managers

Multi-disciplinary team working with health coordination for comprehensive care

This model of concentrated access to care is expected to significantly reduce sudden and serious health problems that require immediate attention, thereby reducing acute emergency room or inpatient care expenses, and improving overall behavioral and physical health outcomes.

"At 'Ohana Health Plan, we know that housing is healthcare, and we are committed to addressing housing through healthcare," said Scott Sivik, plan president and chief executive officer of 'Ohana Health Plan. "Our integrated care hub extends the continuum of care by allowing our most vulnerable members to recover and receive care in a safe environment. We couldn't have asked for a better partner in Hope Services Hawaii to help us further our mission of transforming the health of the communities we serve, one person at a time."

"Everyone deserves a safe place to call home, and this partnership with 'Ohana Health Plan is another step toward that vision," said Brandee Menino, chief executive officer of Hope Services Hawaii. "We also want to mahalo the County of Hawaii for their partnership, which is an invaluable resource for us to be able to make this happen. This innovative program represents what's possible when we come together as a community to care for those who need it most. Together we're giving our most vulnerable neighbors a safe place to heal, rebuild, and find hope for the future."

About 'Ohana Health Plan

'Ohana Health Plan provides government-sponsored managed care services to families  from keiki to kupuna  and individuals with complex medical needs primarily through QUEST (Medicaid), Medicare Advantage (Wellcare), and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Wellcare) across the state. 'Ohana Health Plan is a Centene Corporation company, a leading healthcare enterprise committed to helping people live healthier lives. For more information, please visit www.ohanahealthplan.com .

About Hope Services Hawaii

Hope Services Hawaii, Inc. is a nonprofit affiliate organization of the Roman Catholic Church in the State of Hawaii. It works to make homelessness rare, brief, and nonrecurring on Hawaii Island. Hope operates seven shelters with 168 beds across the island, in addition to outreach, street medicine, behavioral health, housing, prevention, diversion, case management, and more.

SOURCE 'Ohana Health Plan
Olympus to sell and distribute its medical technologies directly in Chile and extend its medical technology business in South America

SANTIAGO, Chile and MIAMI, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Olympus Latin America (OLA), a subsidiary of global medtech company Olympus Corporation, today announced it has closed the agreement to acquire from Sur Medical SpA (Surmedical) the entity that has distributed Olympus products to Chile since 2013.

One of two new Olympus properties established following the completion of an agreement in which Olympus acquired from Sur Medical SpA the entity responsible for distributing Olympus products in Chile since 2013. The new Olympus business will operate under a new Latin American subsidiary, Olympus Corporation Chile.

Through this acquisition, OLA will establish a direct presence in the Chilean medical technology market under the administration of a new OLA subsidiary, Olympus Corporation Chile. Direct access to Chile's growing healthcare market will enable a more efficient distribution of Olympus products and services to meet the needs of healthcare providers and their patients.

For more than a decade, Surmedical, a Chile-based leading medical equipment distributor, has been Olympus' partner in the Chilean medical technology market, establishing Olympus as a leader in the critical gastrointestinal sector. Surmedical has further secured a market-leading position for Olympus endotherapy products and created a reliable repair service for medical devices.

By acquiring the Olympus portion of Surmedical, Olympus is assuming responsibility for distribution and business strategy for its full product portfolio in Chile with the goal of streamlining operations and enhancing customer service and support. Olympus aims to accelerate the introduction of its cutting-edge medical technologies and strengthen its position as a trusted partner in Chile's healthcare system.

"This strategic acquisition of Surmedical's well established and successful distribution business for Olympus technologies gives Olympus a very strong foundation for operations in Chile," said Jose Gaston, President of Olympus Latin America. "We are very excited to welcome to Olympus Corporation Chile the talented and knowledgeable sales, marketing, service and training teams who have developed such a successful market for Olympus medical technologies in Chile. Our goal is to do even more for healthcare providers and their patients by creating direct access to the full Olympus portfolio and latest innovations."

Patricio Fuenzalida, founder and owner of Surmedical, said, "We welcome Olympus to Chile. I will continue to work closely with Olympus and their new Chilean team to ensure a smooth transition and integration of operations. Our shared goal is to support business continuity for customers and the patients they serve."

About Olympus

At Olympus, we are committed to Our Purpose of making people's lives healthier, safer and more fulfilling. As a global medical technology company, we partner with healthcare professionals to provide innovative solutions and services for early detection, diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment, aiming to improve patient outcomes by elevating the standard of care in targeted disease states. For more than 100 years, Olympus has pursued a goal of contributing to society by producing products designed with the purpose of delivering optimal outcomes for its customers around the world. For more information, visit olympusamericas.com and our Olympus Medical Americas LinkedIn account: linkedin.com/olympus-medical-americas.

SOURCE Olympus Latin America
The ability of artificial intelligence to transform the labor ecosystem is beyond doubt, and its future effects are already beginning to become evident. Certain jobs are already in danger of extinction, while many others are flourishing thanks to the proliferation of new, much more advanced tools. According to the Future of Jobs Report 2025 published this Tuesday by the World Economic Forum (WEF), generative AI and technologies linked to information processing will be behind the change in business models for nine out of 10 employers, and this will take place in the next five years. During this period of time, clerical jobs such as cashiers and clerks will find themselves in an increasingly difficult environment to survive.

Technological advances resulting from the emergence of artificial intelligence  and there is enough of an agreement among experts to define the current moment as the most disruptive of the last century  will recondition the relationship between humans and machines. The report prepared by the Swiss-based international organization concludes that the interaction between humans and machines will change dramatically. And it provides some data on the current situation, and its possible evolution over time: while currently 47% of tasks are carried out solely by humans, and only 30% involve collaboration with machines, in 2030 these proportions will be practically balanced.

Faced with this gain in prominence by machines, the recommendations include the need to design technologies that complement work rather than replace it, and that also take steps towards establishing comparable collaboration between humans and machines, rather than towards complete automation. Among other reasons, because handing over total control to algorithms  besides the ethical debate raised by the suitability or not of completely shedding any human responsibility  can lead to an increase in inequality between countries, since not all are investing equally at present, nor do they have the same resources to do so in the future, the report warns.

Like all studies that attempt to paint a picture of the future of the labor market, this one also offers projections regarding job creation and destruction as a consequence of the deployment of generative AI  which allows for the creation of content such as images or text  and the new balance of power in the workforce. According to this analysis, by 2030 the labor market is expected to experience a structural change equivalent to 22% of current employment. This implies the creation of 170 million new jobs worldwide and the destruction of 92 million, for a positive net balance of 7% of total employment, or 78 million jobs.

Risk of decline

Within the section on new jobs, the report breaks down, by sector, which activities will benefit from the new work tools and why. Thus, among the roles that will see the greatest absolute growth are agricultural workers (due to the need to adapt to the demands of sustainability and food safety); delivery drivers (driven by the rise of e-commerce); construction workers (investments in infrastructure will continue in the future); health professionals (the growing population of older people in advanced economies drives the demand for nurses, caregivers and social workers; and higher education professionals (the increase in young populations will generate a greater need for advanced education).

On the other hand, there will be many other activities in decline or at serious risk of disappearing, mainly those that depend on routine or repetitive skills. These include those performed by clerical workers (data management through AI programs has reduced the demand for this type of professional); customer service employees (chatbots are already taking over this type of task); and machine operators (industrial automation is displacing workers who operate basic equipment on production lines).

Great influences

All of these changes, the report explains, are influenced by five major trends: technological change; geoeconomic fragmentation (tensions between countries are reconfiguring supply chains and business operations); the green transition (jobs related to renewable energy are being created in support of the fight against climate change); economic uncertainty; and demographic changes (population aging is a challenge for advanced economies).

The report concludes that technological transformation and the evolution of employment represent a unique opportunity to reshape the labor market towards a more productive, efficient and sustainable one. But for this to happen, it says, active collaboration between governments, companies and educational organizations is required to ensure that the benefits are inclusive and equitable. Improving training in new skills, as well as education in new job profiles, will also be key to mitigate the risks of inequality and maximize opportunities in this new era of work.

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April Stiles Named Chief Executive Officer

LANGHORNE, Pa., Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Perspecta, a leader in provider data management and healthcare technology solutions, announces the appointment of April Stiles as Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Howard Koenig. As co-founder of Perspecta, Stiles is currently serving as Chief Operating Officer and President of Group Health & Government and brings more than 25 years of experience in healthcare and workers' compensation industries to her new role.

Perspecta, a leader in provider data management, announces the appointment of April Stiles as CEO. Post this April Stiles, CEO

Stiles is recognized for her extensive expertise in operations, strategy, and client-focused solutions. Her deep understanding of health plans and the workers' compensation landscape positions her to address complex industry challenges with precision and innovation. As CEO, Stiles will focus on enhancing Perspecta's transformative solutions to drive operational excellence and deliver measurable value to its clients.

"April's exceptional leadership, operational expertise, and commitment to clients made her the ideal choice to lead Perspecta into its next chapter," said Will Smith, Board Chair. "Her proven ability to deliver results ensures Perspecta will continue to set the standard in provider data management."

Throughout her career, Stiles has led initiatives that optimize operations, enhance product capabilities, and improve user outcomes. Her leadership at Perspecta has been instrumental in achieving the industry's highest provider data accuracy ratingexceeding 95%and delivering solutions that simplify provider directory management and improve access to care.

"I'm honored to lead Perspecta into its next phase of growth and innovation," said Stiles. "As we look to the future, we will focus on delivering transformative solutions and exceptional experiences while setting new benchmarks in healthcare technology."

Perspecta specializes in provider data management for health plans and workers' compensation payers. Its solutions enhance operational efficiency, improve user experiences, and deliver significant ROI. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and deep domain expertise, Perspecta is redefining provider network management to meet the evolving needs of its clients.

About Perspecta

Perspecta is reimagining provider data management. Through deep domain expertise and a spirit of innovation, Perspecta accelerates the transformation of provider network management, delivering value to customers and the providers, consumers, and partners they serve. Perspecta's provider data management solutions create a better user experience and significant return on investment for health plans, workers' compensation, and provider organizations. With the industry's highest accuracy rating of more than 95%, Perspecta is the leading choice for provider network data and directory management. Learn more at www.goperspecta.net.

About 5th Century Partners

5th Century Partners is a purpose-driven private investment firm that invests in lower-middle-market companies within healthcare and business services that have outsized growth potential. The firm provides capital, operating expertise and strategic relationships that lead to sustainable growth, which in turn allows partner companies to realize their full potential and deliver positive outcomes to their stakeholders. Learn more at www.5cpartners.com.

Media Contact

Linda Thurman

[email protected]

SOURCE Perspecta
Esteemed Fast-Casual Franchise Joins Forces with Icelandic Yogurt Brand to Elevate Protein-Rich Dining Experiences

COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pita Pit USA, a distinguished Mediterranean fast-casual brand specializing in made-to-order pita sandwiches, has announced a strategic partnership with Thor's Skyr, an American-made Icelandic yogurt brand. This collaboration marks a significant expansion of Pita Pit's menu offerings, reinforcing its commitment to delivering nutritious, protein-rich options to customers nationwide.

"This partnership is about more than just adding products to Pita Pit's menu  it's about innovation" Post this Thor's Skyr Yogurt

"This partnership is about more than just adding products to our menu  it's about innovation," said Peter Riggs, President and CEO of Pita Pit USA. "Thor's Skyr's dedication to health-conscious, protein-rich foods perfectly aligns with Pita Pit's mission to provide fresh and nutritious options to our customers."

Key Elements of Partnership

Thor's Skyr Smoothies: A new line of protein-packed smoothies featuring authentic Icelandic skyr.

A new line of protein-packed smoothies featuring authentic Icelandic skyr. Healthy Sauces: Flavorful new sauce options developed in collaboration with Thor's Skyr.

Flavorful new sauce options developed in collaboration with Thor's Skyr. Protein-Enhanced Snacks: Innovative snack items crafted with Thor's Skyr products.

"We're creating a culinary experience that blends Icelandic traditions with American innovation," said Unnar Danielsson, Co-Founder of Thor's Skyr. "Our product line, including unique flavors like Key Lime & Coconut and Coffee, will bring something truly distinctive to Pita Pit's menu."

Innovative Leadership & Growth Strategy

Peter Riggs will expand his role as President and CEO of Pita Pit USA by serving as CEO of Thor's Skyr as well. This dual leadership position enables both brands to leverage shared expertise and resources for mutual growth. With Riggs at the helm of both companies, the partnership will be strategically positioned to enhance innovation and expand market reach.

This partnership underscores Pita Pit's ongoing commitment to healthy dining and menu innovation. By incorporating Thor's Skyr into its offerings, Pita Pit will expand its appeal to health-conscious consumers nationwide.

"The synergies between Pita Pit and Thor's Skyr were immediately apparent," added Riggs. "This collaboration allows us to combine Pita Pit's established presence in the quick-service restaurant industry with Thor's Skyr's innovative dairy products, creating a unique offering in the marketplace."

For more information about Pita Pit and its new offerings, visit https://pitapitusa.com/.

About Pita Pit USA

Founded on the principles of quality ingredients, convenience, and flavor innovation, Pita Pit is a Mediterranean fast-food brand specializing in made-to-order pita sandwiches, providing a satisfying and wholesome dining experience for individuals seeking a quick and nutritious meal on the go. Headquartered in Coeur d'Alene, ID, Pita Pit USA 4.0, Inc., currently has 68 locations across the country, including locations in Alaska. Customers can also download the Pita Pit Rewards app for iOS and Android, where they can earn and redeem rewards. For more information, visit https://pitapitusa.com/ or follow Pita Pit on Instagram @PitaPitUSA.

About Thor's Skyr

Thor's Skyr brings authentic Icelandic skyr to the USA, crafted from high-quality dairy sourced from top milk producers. Renowned for its protein-rich, no-added-sugar formula and thick, creamy texture, Thor's Skyr provides a wholesome and satisfying snack in six delicious flavors: Plain, Vanilla, Blueberry, Strawberry, Coffee, and Key-Lime & Coconut.

SOURCE Pita Pit
ALLENTOWN, Pa., Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL) today announced the elimination of its Chief Operating Officer role effective April 4, at which time current EVP and COO Francis X. Sullivan will retire.

Also effective April 4, Sullivan's responsibilities will be assumed by David J. Bonenberger, who will become Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer-Utilities and Lonnie Bellar, who will become Executive Vice President of Engineering, Construction and Generation, with both executives reporting to PPL President and Chief Executive Officer Vincent Sorgi.

"On behalf of our Board of Directors and the entire leadership team at PPL, I thank Fran for his tremendous leadership and transformation of our operations and safety functions over the past two years. Fran's leadership has been invaluable in the design and execution of our utility of the future and OnePPL strategies," said Sorgi.

"Looking forward, I am confident that both Dave and Lonnie, who have nearly 80 years of combined utility experience, will continue to build on the progress we've made as we advance our strategy to create utilities that are smarter, stronger, cleaner and better positioned to deliver even greater value for our customers and shareowners."

Bonenberger and Bellar both currently report to Sullivan. Bonenberger is responsible for utility operations and customer service across all of PPL's utilities in Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Rhode Island and Virginia. Bellar is responsible for enterprise-wide engineering and construction services, energy supply and analysis, and environmental compliance. With the elimination of the enterprise-wide COO role, Bellar will also assume responsibility over PPL's Kentucky generation fleet.

Both Bonenberger and Bellar began their energy careers in the 1980s  Bonenberger joining PPL Electric Utilities in 1984 and Bellar joining Kentucky Utilities in 1987. Prior to their most recent roles, Bonenberger served as President of Rhode Island Energy, a subsidiary of PPL, and Bellar served as COO for LG&E and KU Energy, also a subsidiary of PPL.

Sullivan has served as PPL's EVP and COO since January 2023. Prior to joining PPL in October 2021, he served as a senior operations advisor and independent consultant for the power sector and spent more than 40 years in a variety of leadership roles with some of the biggest names in the energy industry, including NRG Energy and Public Service Enterprises Group.

About PPL

PPL Corporation (NYSE: PPL), headquartered in Allentown, Pennsylvania, is a leading U.S. energy company focused on providing electricity and natural gas safely, reliably and affordably to more than 3.5 million customers in the U.S. PPL's high-performing, award-winning utilities are addressing energy challenges head-on by building smarter, more resilient and more dynamic power grids and advancing sustainable energy solutions. For more information, visit www.pplweb.com.

Note to Editors: Visit our media website at www.pplnewsroom.com for additional news about PPL Corporation.

Contacts: For news media: Ryan Hill, 610-774-4033

For financial analysts: Andy Ludwig, 610-774-3389

SOURCE PPL Services Corporation
Lyana Latorre to lead The Rockefeller Foundation's new Regional Office in Bogota, Colombia

NEW YORK and BOGOTA, Colombia, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Rockefeller Foundation announced Lyana Latorre as Vice President and head of its Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). In this role, she will oversee operations that advance the 111-year-old philanthropic organization's mission to promote the well-being of humanity across the region, while building The Rockefeller Foundation's first LAC Regional Office in two decades. Collaborating closely with regional leaders, local stakeholders, and partners, Ms. Latorre will focus on achieving measurable outcomes that benefit both the people of the LAC region and the planet.

Lyana Latorre to lead The Rockefeller Foundations new Regional Office in Bogota, Colombia

"I am thrilled Lyana will lead The Rockefeller Foundation's efforts to advance people-centered climate solutions for sustainable development across Latin America and the Caribbean," said Elizabeth Yee, Executive Vice President for Programs at The Rockefeller Foundation. "With Bogota joining our offices in Bangkok and Nairobi, we are strengthening our collective voice in the Global South and fostering collaborations that align with local and regional priorities, while delivering on global goals."

Ms. Latorre joins The Rockefeller Foundation as it continues its USD 1 billion commitment to advance the global climate transition and help ensure everyone can participate in it.

"I am thrilled at this opportunity to consolidate and lead new initiatives for The Rockefeller Foundation in Latin America and the Caribbean. By building partnerships and alliances with relevant players, we will be able to maximize our impact. As someone who is from the region, I am particularly motivated to help scale solutions in communities where needs and opportunities are abundant," said Ms. Latorre.

With nearly three decades of experience in investment banking, environmental, and social impact, Ms. Latorre spent eight years at Arcos Dorados, the world's largest independent McDonald's franchisee, operating in 20 LAC countries and territories. During her tenure, Ms. Latorre served as Director for Latin America Ronald McDonald House Charities before becoming Director of Corporate Social Engagement and member of the Management Team, reporting directly to the Executive Chairman. In this role, she developed and led the company's youth employment strategy, which was later adopted globally by McDonald's Corporation. Additionally, she grew Ronald McDonald House Charities programs in the region from 21 to 63.

Ms. Latorre began her career as an investment banker with Bank Boston-Robertson Stephens in Boston and later with Nortel Networks in San Francisco before returning to her native Colombia.

Fluent in both Spanish and English, she graduated Summa Cum Laudea from Colegio de Estudios Superiores de Administracion (CESA) with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, specializing in Corporate Finance. She later made history as CESA's first female board director. A dedicated volunteer, she has contributed extensively to the Colombian Red Cross, Make-A-Wish Foundation and initiatives advancing animal welfare in Colombia. Currently, she serves on the Board of Ayuda en Accion, a non-for-profit organization dedicated to driving social impact and humanitarian projects.

The Rockefeller Foundation Invests in LAC

With more than a century of investing in the region and convening some of its brightest minds, The Rockefeller Foundation set up its first LAC office during the late 1930s, focusing on improving health and agriculture sectors, developing rural communities, and establishing universities. Although its physical presence in the region ended in the early 2000s, the Foundation's investments have continued, with ongoing projects across an initial ten countries: Barbados, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Trinidad and Tobago.

In August 2024, The Rockefeller Foundation announced plans to open a new LAC Regional Office in 2025 in Colombia, which comes at a pivotal moment for the region. Home to 669 million people across 33 diverse countries, LAC is uniquely vulnerable to climate change because of its geographic location, persistent inequality, and reliance on climate-sensitive economic activity. According to the United Nations, climate change threatens the lives and livelihoods of 41 million people in LAC.

The region is already experiencing extreme weather events, including mega-droughts, extreme rainfall, heatwaves, rising sea levels, and deforestation. Despite these challenges, LAC is also endowed with valuable natural assets that position it to play a significant role in the global green transition, including an estimated 50% of the world's biodiversity and a significant share of critical minerals. In addition, when Brazil hosts the United Nation's Conference of Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30) later this year, it will mark the fifth time in 30 years that international climate meeting returns to the LAC region.

For additional information about some of The Rockefeller Foundation's recent work in the region, see the "From the Andes to the Amazon, Latin America's Climate Frontlines" edition of Matter of Impact, which spotlights innovators and local communities that are spearheading the climate change fight.

About The Rockefeller Foundation

The Rockefeller Foundation is a pioneering philanthropy built on collaborative partnerships at the frontiers of science, technology, and innovation that enable individuals, families, and communities to flourish. We make big bets to promote the well-being of humanity. Today, we are focused on advancing human opportunity and reversing the climate crisis by transforming systems in food, health, energy, and finance. For more information, sign up for our newsletter at www.rockefellerfoundation.org/subscribe and follow us on X @RockefellerFdn and LI @the-rockefeller-foundation.

SOURCE The Rockefeller Foundation
The announcement marks the first phase of Rocket's brand restage, set to be fully revealed during the company's return to the Super Bowl

CLICK HERE TO FIND A GALLERY OF IMAGES SHOWING THE NEW VISUAL IDENTITY

DETROIT, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rocket Companies (NYSE: RKT), the Detroit-based fintech platform company consisting of mortgage, real estate and personal finance businesses, today unveiled a bold refresh to its brand identity. Designed to position Rocket as one of the most inclusive brands in America, the visual identity unifies many of the company's services under the overarching "Rocket" brand, creating an influential end-to-end homeownership experience. As part of this effort, the company has acquired Rocket.com and introduced a reimagined logo, wordmark, typeface and color palette.

Rocket is rebranding key businesses as part of its evolution. Amrock, the national title producer, settlement provider and appraisal management company, will be changed to Rocket Close. Additionally, Amrock Title Insurance Company has relaunched as Rocket Title Insurance Company. Rocket Pro TPO has been renamed Rocket Pro, effective immediately, reflecting its commitment to supporting mortgage professionals nationwide. These changes simplify services and enhance Rocket's mission to create a more inclusive and connected homeownership journey.

Rocket will reveal the next step in its brand transformation with a Super Bowl campaign, demonstrating how homeownership has the power to unite the nation  instilling a deep sense of pride and belonging. This is the first creative step in supporting Rocket's mission to Help Everyone Home  redefining homeownership and empowering individuals to achieve the American dream. The new visual identity positions Rocket to engage with key growth demographics, including Hispanic, female, Veteran and first-time homebuyers, while continuing to resonate with its established audience.

"Homeownership is a fundamental building block of the American Dream. As the category leader, it is important that every aspect of the Rocket brand lives up to this iconic ideology," said Jonathan Mildenhall, Chief Marketing Officer of Rocket Companies. "Owning a home creates identity, security, safety and purpose, not to mention the most proven asset class in terms of building generational wealth. This design evolution underscores our belief in the transformative power of homeownership and introduces Rocket as a timeless and iconic brand that empowers people to achieve their dreams."

Building on Rocket's strong legacy, the new design celebrates the modern American dream. A recent study found 92% of consumers aspire to purchase a home, underscoring its integral part in achieving the American dream and a pathway to a prosperous life. Key highlights of Rocket's new visual identity include:

New 'Halo' Logo : The "halo" logo enhances Rocket's brand recognition with a fresh design. As a universal symbol of trust, the circular form creates a protective arc, representing the journey to homeownership and the building of prosperity and generational wealth.





: The "halo" logo enhances Rocket's brand recognition with a fresh design. As a universal symbol of trust, the circular form creates a protective arc, representing the journey to homeownership and the building of prosperity and generational wealth. Refined Wordmark : Inspired by Rocket's previous visual identity, the new wordmark has been redesigned for the future. The shift from block capitals to title case creates a friendlier, more approachable tone  while a custom sans-serif typeface mirrors the logo's sleek geometry for consistency and improved accessibility for all audiences.





: Inspired by Rocket's previous visual identity, the new wordmark has been redesigned for the future. The shift from block capitals to title case creates a friendlier, more approachable tone  while a custom sans-serif typeface mirrors the logo's sleek geometry for consistency and improved accessibility for all audiences. Custom Typefaces: Rocket introduced two bespoke typefaces to ensure a cohesive visual language across all touchpoints, from digital products to printed materials. Both typefaces honor Nick Gilbert , the late son of Rocket founder Dan Gilbert .





Rocket introduced two bespoke typefaces to ensure a cohesive visual language across all touchpoints, from digital products to printed materials. Both typefaces , the late son of Rocket founder . Refreshed 'Red': The signature Rocket Red color has been reimagined, evolving from a bright, intense tone to a softer, warmer shade that reflects the brand's focus on compassion and inclusivity.





The signature Rocket Red color has been reimagined, evolving from a bright, intense tone to a softer, warmer shade that reflects the brand's focus on compassion and inclusivity. Authentic Community Portraits: Rocket's refreshed visual storytelling features real clients in its photography, celebrating the diverse faces of modern America.

The new visual identity was created through a dynamic collaboration between Otherway, a leading design agency, and Rocket's internal design and creative teams. Rocket and Otherway spent six months crafting the design system, refining it across thousands of internal and external touchpoints.

"Rocket's new design elements embody our spirit and commitment to making homeownership accessible to all," Mildenhall continued. "This is just the first of many steps Rocket will take in 2025 as we embark upon this significant companywide transformation. This refreshed identity celebrates the humanity and diversity of the homeownership journey, redefining what it truly means to own a home in today's America."

Tune into the Super Bowl on February 9, 2025, to see Rocket's next step in its brand restage.

Forward Looking Statements

Some of the statements contained in this document are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements are generally identified by the use of words such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "target," "will," "would" and, in each case, their negative or other various or comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements reflect our views with respect to future events as of the date of this document and are based on our management's current expectations, estimates, forecasts, projections, assumptions, beliefs and information. Although management believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that these expectations will prove to have been correct. All such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside of our control, and could cause future events or results to be materially different from those stated or implied in this document. It is not possible to predict or identify all such risks. These risks include, but are not limited to, the risk factors that are described under the section titled "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in this document and in our SEC filings. We expressly disclaim any obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

About Rocket Companies

Founded in 1985, Rocket Companies (NYSE: RKT) is a Detroit-based fintech platform company including mortgage, real estate and personal finance businesses Rocket Mortgage, Rocket Homes, Rocket Close, Rocket Money and Rocket Loans.

With more than 65 million call logs each year, 10 petabytes of data and a mission to Help Everyone Home, Rocket Companies is well positioned to be the destination for AI-fueled homeownership. Known for providing exceptional client experiences, J.D. Power has ranked Rocket Mortgage #1 in client satisfaction for primary mortgage origination and mortgage servicing a total of 22 times  the most of any mortgage lender.

For more information, please visit our Corporate Website or Investor Relations Website.

1. 2023 Fannie Mae Mortgage Understanding Study

SOURCE Rocket Companies
CoHNA and its youth team at Rutgers welcome this decision due to the proven harm to minority communities by the irresponsible use of such terms

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Rutgers University has announced it will NOT be adding "caste" as a protected category to its policy preventing harassment and discrimination. As the leading American Hindu grassroots advocacy and civil rights organization with a student team in Rutgers, CoHNA welcomes this decision. In clarifying its stance, Rutgers agreed with the position taken by CoHNA (and established law) that caste discrimination is already covered under existing categories in the policy, such as discrimination based on ancestry and national origin. This decision came in response to a campaign being run by a handful of privileged students and elite professors at Rutgers, with an extensive track record of falsifying Hindu traditions and targeting its deities and traditions.

CoHNA and its CoHNA Youth Action Network (CYAN) team at Rutgers had argued that caste is already covered under existing categories in the policy, such as ancestry and national origin. In addition to being unnecessary, the inclusion of loaded words like caste would actually lead to profiling and discrimination against students and faculty of Hindu and Indian origin, since caste is not a neutral word and instead is primarily associated with these communities.

"I am glad that the Rutgers University Labor Relations office recognized that caste is already covered under their current policy and did not fall for the report by the task force, which singled out Hindu students and faculty," said Hitesh Trivedi, Associate Hindu Chaplain at Rutgers University. "In a recent study, Rutgers University's Social Perception Lab confirmed that adding caste to its policy would increase suspicion and hate towards Hindu and Indian Americans."

Over the past few months, numerous Hindu students at Rutgers and community leaders have been sounding the alarm on the growing attempts to manufacture 'caste consciousness' at the university, as well as educating other student organizations and raising concerns via internal channels. Reacting to the decision, one of the students, who wished to remain anonymous, shared how it was "very intimidating" to speak up in such an environment, and so he is very pleased that the Rutgers administration listened to the concerns of students.

The current policy ensures protection for ALL students and faculty from harassment and bullying

"As a Rutgers alumnus and someone who has been active in the alumni community, I am pleased to see a decision grounded in reason and facts versus the emotions of a small privileged set of activists," said Nikunj Trivedi, President of CoHNA. "Now, we want to ensure that the DEI team is also sensitized on the ramifications of the topic as it considers adding questions on caste in its survey. We will continue to encourage our student team and other organizations at Rutgers to engage with the DEI Office to ensure that the questions are neutral and do not encourage biased answers or community stereotyping."

Background

Last August, when the task force headed by Professor Audrey Truschke first released its findings, CoHNA had highlighted how the task force itself admitted that it could find no data on systemic caste discrimination at Rutgers. Instead, we saw a report that relied on unconnected, even third-party anecdotes, and largely asked for more funding to continue to search for a non-existent problem. CoHNA asks Rutgers to ensure the unscientific nature of such reports be factored into future decisions.

It is also critical for the Rutgers administration to take a holistic look at the issue, including the recent research from the university's own Social Perception Lab and the Network Contagion Research Institute (NCRI). The scientifically done study showed that casual references and talk on caste, from people with institutional power, has severe consequences -- including making individuals more likely to agree with 'Hitler-like' statements.

In 2023, the lawsuit filed by the State of California against two Indian American engineers who worked at Cisco, for alleged caste discrimination, was ignominiously withdrawn "with prejudice"-- a move that revealed how the case lacked any basis in reality and how close the California Civil Rights Department came to being sanctioned by California courts. The only other piece of supposed evidence offered has been the 'survey' from Equality Labs, which was also rejected by California courts as inadmissible given its lack of scientific basis. Like the academics at Rutgers, many had used the unproven allegations against Cisco, as proof of guilt and indicted the entire Hindu American community as a result.

In light of the Rutgers decision affirming that any caste discrimination is already covered under existing law, it is important to note this was the same reason that California's SB403 bill was vetoed . Despite almost a decade of investigation, there is no proof of systemic caste discrimination in the US. Yet, elite academics and privileged activists continue to use taxpayer funds to push their personal opinions and causes, over and over again.

About CoHNA:

CoHNA is a grassroots level advocacy and civil rights organization dedicated to improving the understanding of Hinduism in North America by working on matters related to the Hindu community and by educating the public about Hindu heritage and tradition. For more information, please visit https://cohna.org or follow us on Twitter , Facebook , LinkedIn and on Instagram .

SOURCE Coalition of Hindus of North America
Savvas is known for driving innovation and leading the digital transformation of K-12 education, including with AI. Post this

"Savvas has long been a leader in utilizing adaptive technology to provide students with deeply personalized learning experiences," said Bethlam Forsa, CEO of Savvas Learning Company. "Advances in artificial intelligence are allowing us today to offer even greater personalized learning for students and enhanced support for educators in ways not previously possible. To be named to the GSV 150 is truly an honor, especially for three years running, as it recognizes our commitment to using technology to transform the K-12 teaching and learning experience."

GSV is a global community and growth investment platform that drives education and workforce skills innovation. It estimates that together these top 150 companies selected for this year's annual list reach roughly 3 billion people  almost half of the global population  and generate $25+ billion in annual revenue.

Savvas was chosen from more than 2,500+ global companies revolutionizing the world of education technology, from Pre-K-12 to workforce learning. GSV evaluated these companies on five criteria  revenue scale, revenue growth, user reach, geographic diversification, and margin profile  to determine the global GSV 150 list.

With its award-winning Savvas Realize platform and its use of advanced technologies to make learning more engaging and interactive, Savvas is widely known for driving innovation and leading the digital transformation of K-12 education, including with artificial intelligence. It has developed its own proprietary AI-driven capabilities that are being used in cutting-edge tools, such as a new AI-enabled scoring engine for use with its core literacy programs. Introduced for this school year, the tool makes grading easier for teachers and gives students immediate feedback to improve their writing skills.

There's also growing demand in K-12 education to ensure today's students are better prepared for their future after high school. Savvas is helping to meet this demand with the launch of Savvas PathMaker , a portfolio of college and career readiness solutions that builds upon the company's strategic acquisitions of Outlier and Pointful Education . Savvas PathMaker combines award-winning Outlier by Savvas dual-enrollment courses with innovative Savvas CTE (career and technical education) courses to provide an all-in-one digital solution that opens a world of opportunities for students.

Visit GSV 150 for the full list of 2025 winners.

In addition to Savvas being selected for inclusion on the GSV 150 list, Forsa has also been chosen to speak at the 2025 ASU+GSV Summit, which is being held April 6-9 in San Diego.

ABOUT SAVVAS LEARNING COMPANY

At Savvas, we believe learning should inspire. By combining new ideas, new ways of thinking, and new ways of interacting, we design engaging, next-generation K-12 learning solutions that give all students the best opportunity to succeed. Our award-winning, high-quality instructional materials span every grade level and discipline, from evidence-based, standards-aligned core curricula and supplemental and intervention programs to state-of-the-art assessment tools and the industry's most innovative portfolio of college and career readiness solutions  all designed to meet the needs of every learner. Savvas products are used by millions of students and educators in more than 90 percent of the 13,000+ public school districts across all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, as well as globally in more than 125 countries. To learn more, visit Savvas Learning Company . Savvas Learning Company's products are also available for sale in Canada through its subsidiary, Rubicon .

ABOUT GSV

Founded in 2011, GSV is a global platform that drives education and workforce skills innovation. We believe that ALL people have equal access to the future, and that scaled innovations in "PreK to Gray" learning and skills are crucial to achieving this goal. The GSV platform includes the ASU+GSV Summit , hosted annually in San Diego with 7,000+ attendees; the India-based ASU+GSV & Emeritus Summit, now entering its third year; and The AI Show @ ASU+GSV, an immersive exploration of the AI Revolution in education, which welcomed 10,000+ attendees this year. GSV Ventures , GSV's investment arm founded in 2015, is a multi-stage venture fund investing in the most transformational companies across the global "PreK to Gray" landscape.

SOURCE Savvas Learning Company
The QKS Group SPARK Matrix provides competitive analysis and ranking of the leading Healthcare IT services vendors.

ScienceSoft, with its comprehensive services and customer experience management, has received strong ratings across the parameters of service excellence and customer impact.

MIDDLETON, Mass., Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- QKS Group has named ScienceSoft as a top leader in their 2024 SPARK Matrix Healthcare IT Services Market.

The QKS Group SPARK Matrix evaluates vendors based on services excellence and customer impact. It offers an in-depth analysis of global market dynamics, major trends, vendor landscapes, and competitive positioning. By providing a competitive analysis and ranking of leading services vendors, the SPARK Matrix delivers strategic insights that help users access provider capabilities, differentiate competitively, and understand market positions.

ScienceSoft was chosen as a leader in the 2024 SPARK Matrix: Healthcare IT Services due to its comprehensive service offering in Healthcare IT.

QKS Group defines Healthcare IT services as a comprehensive set of digital solutions aimed at modernizing healthcare delivery by integrating technology across clinical, administrative, and operational processes. These services include Electronic Health Records (EHR), telemedicine, revenue cycle management, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and patient engagement tools. Key capabilities focus on interoperability, care management and co-ordination, population health management, patient care and clinical excellence, remote patient monitoring, data security, and compliance with regulatory standards such as HIPAA and GDPR.

According to Divya Prakash, Analyst at QKS Group, "ScienceSoft delivers a full range of IT services tailored to the needs of healthcare sector, emphasizing operational efficiency and improved patient care. Their healthcare IT services include custom healthcare software development and IT consulting services, alongside with medical software support and evolution, managed services for providers' IT infrastructures, cybersecurity and compliance assessment, healthcare data analytics, and more. ScienceSoft's delivers custom healthcare solutions such as Electronic Health Records (EHR), telemedicine, revenue cycle management software, software for medical devices and patient-facing apps. The company holds ISO 9001, ISO 27001, and ISO 13485 certifications and is equipped to ensure the robust security and regulatory compliance of custom healthcare software."

Nick Kurayev, CEO at ScienceSoft says: "We are thankful to have been recognized as a leading healthcare IT service provider in The QKS SPARK Matrix for the second time. This recognition is a testament to our team's dedication to driving project success for our healthcare clients despite any time and budget constraints."

Additional Resources:

About ScienceSoft:

In healthcare IT since 2005, ScienceSoft provides end-to-end healthcare IT services to care providers, startups, medical device manufacturers, and pharma companies. With a passionate team of over 750 professionals and hands-on experience in applying advanced techs (AI/ML, AR/VR, big data, image analysis) in healthcare solutions, ScienceSoft has delivered more than 150 projects in the healthcare domain. The vendor maintains ISO 9001, ISO 13485, and ISO 27001 certifications and has a team of in-house experts proficient in global and regional healthcare standards and regulations (HIPAA, FDA, HITECH, ISO 27799, IEC 62304, and more).

Media Contact:

Alexa Tsviatkova,

Media and Analyst Relations Specialist

[email protected]

[email protected]

About QKS Group:

QKS Group is a global advisory and consulting firm focused on helping clients achieve business transformation goals with Strategic Business and Growth advisory services. At QKS Group, our vision is to become an integral part of our client's business as a strategic knowledge partner. Our research and consulting deliverables are designed to provide comprehensive information and strategic insights for helping clients formulate growth strategies to survive and thrive in ever-changing business environments.

For more available research, please visit https://qksgroup.com/

Media Contact:

QKS Group

Shraddha Roy

PR & Media Relations

QKS Group

Regus Business Center

35 Village Road, Suite 100,

Middleton Massachusetts 01949

United States

Email: [email protected]

Content Source: https://qksgroup.com/newsroom/sciencesoft-positioned-as-the-leader-in-the-2024-spark-matrix-healthcare-it-services-by-qks-group-922

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/qksgroup

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2501519/QKS_Group_Logo.jpg

SOURCE QKS Group
With over 30 years of specialized research, 180 the concept has become a leader in the realm of precise internal beauty solutions in Spain. Its proprietary 6D Method and natural scientific formulations deliver tailored anti-aging regimens, seamlessly blending science and aesthetics for consumers worldwide.

Grand Annual Aesthetics Gala: Leading the Future of Beauty

As beauty transcends appearance to embrace inner vitality. 180 the concept drives innovation in products, services, and storytelling, embodying its "Aesthetic Renaissance" philosophy. In collaborating with Harper's BAZAAR Art, the brand redefines aesthetics through culture and innovation.

Gema Cabanero, founder of 180 the concept, shared: "Beauty is more than outward radiance; it's about inner harmony. By integrating science with aesthetics, we aim to collaborate with women to restore the balance between life and beauty. This is our brand's mission: a seamless blend of science and romance. Science deepens our understanding of beauty, enabling 180 the concept to craft personalized anti-aging solutions, deliver premium services, and bring exceptional experiences to a wider audience."

Brand ambassador Anita Yuen shared: "True beauty radiates from within and reflecting a holistic state of balance. I believe lasting beauty begins with internal health and conditioning. That's why I prioritize nourishing my body from the inside out, incorporating products like h6, e4, and the Detox-Plan treatment from 180 the concept into my daily routine. This regimen has noticeably firmed and smoothed my skin." Anita seamlessly integrates the life philosophy of "precise anti-aging and scientific selection" into her skincare and anti-aging practices, perfectly aligning with 180 the concept's brand mission.

Joelin Lin, Vice President of 180 the concept, highlighted the brand's commitment to "precision aesthetics", which seamlessly combines advanced technology with emotional value. She emphasized the brand's dedication to providing efficient, personalized solutions that harmonize functionality with emotional well-being.

Zhixian Yin, an experienced media specialist and lifestyle researcher, shared her unique insights on the interplay between time and female aesthetics, emphasizing the importance of cultivating inner and outer balance. She noted that modern women enhance their self-appreciation through ongoing self-definition. Dr. Gaomin Huang, a Medical Doctor and Associate Professor specializing in medical aesthetics innovation, highlighted that the sustainable growth of the beauty industry relies on embracing natural and elegant aesthetics. She emphasized the significance of internal anti-aging mechanisms and advocated for women to achieve scientific and aesthetic harmony from within.

A panel discussion on "The Fusion of Science and Aesthetics" brought together industry experts to deliver into anti-aging innovations and the future of aesthetics. Moderated by Yiming Liu, General Manager of Unilever Greater China's High-end Beauty Division, the panel featured notable participants such as Ruoxi Wang, CEO of Hangzhou Century Technology Co., Ltd.; Ning Xu, Chief Planner of Harper's BAZAAR Culture and Art Department; Didi Wu, Artist; Winnie, KA Manager of Little Red Book Wellness Lifestyle; and Jingyi Wu, Account Manager of Ocean Engine's Ecological Business. The panelists offered diverse perspectives on science, art, nutrition, and market trends, sharing the valuable insights into the evolution of anti-aging and the future of aesthetics.

Bridging Science and Aesthetics in Anti-aging Treatment

180 the concept's innovative 6D Method combines natural ingredients with advanced technology, transforming them into targeted solutions.

180 the concept offers three core formula categories: Essentials, Healings, and Revitalising, target skin protection, microbiome balance and the cellular-level anti-aging. With 21 specialized formulas, the brand provides personalized solutions tailored to each consumer's need.

Artistic Collaboration and Future Vision

In collaboration with contemporary female artist Didi Wu, 180 the concept unveiled a brand-themed art installation inspired by natural harmony at the "Aesthetic Renaissance" event of Harper's BAZAAR. The installation embodies the brand's commitment to balance and rejuvenation.

From Spain to China, 180 the concept continues to champion precision and customization. The "Aesthetic Renaissance" gala marks a significant milestone in the brand's expansion, reinforcing its mission to offer professional anti-aging solutions globally.

About 180 the concept

180 the concept is a premium Spanish nutri-cosmetics brand specializing in customizing anti-aging solutions for every consumer. It is dedicated to reshaping life's balance through science and aesthetics and defining the infinite possibilities of beauty beyond time.

Founded by Gema Cabanero, the brand, guided by the founder's vision, developed the unique 6D Method. Starting from the root causes of aging, through cutting-edge technology and personalized calculations, 180 the concept tailors exclusive anti-aging solutions for consumers, helping them restore balance in body and mind, and revitalize their lives.

From science to nature, 180 the concept constructs the balance of anti-aging aesthetics.

SOURCE 180 the concept

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State of the Church research identifies ways church leaders and attendees think about and prefer to use digital tools in the crest of the AI movement

BOULDER, Colo., Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Gloo and Barna Group have released the latest research for State of the Church , an initiative that includes monthly research and church assessment tools to help leaders see ecosystem trends and better understand the sentiments of their communities.

This month's research focused on trends in church technology and revealed key insights on how both church leaders and attendees think about and engage digital tools for ministry and personal development. Themes include:

Screens and Sanctuaries: Faithfully Blending Ministry Approaches

Congregants' hopes for use of digital tools by church leaders

Churchgoers' desire to hear from pastors on the topic of artificial intelligence

Gen Z's views of digital tools and relationships

Perceptions of AI's credibility as a source for spiritual knowledge

Pastors' use of tech in ministry development

"The rapid development and expansive availability of digital tools can make it overwhelming for leaders to know which tools they can trust to best support their ministry," said Brad Hill, chief solutions officer at Gloo. "At Gloo, we are committed to helping leaders, through efforts like State of the Church research and church health tools, so they can make more informed decisions and, ultimately, amplify their missional impact."

Key highlights:

Forty-three percent of Christians and churchgoers say that they want to hear from their pastor about how to use AI wisely. A majority of U.S. adults, including Christians, say that churches could benefit from doing more with technology, such as using tech for online giving and donations (75%), creating a digital resource hub (74%), and using digital communications strategies (68%). While digital resources are ubiquitous, the majority of pastors lean more on scripture (85%), peer insights (79%), and books / printed resources (79%) versus learning from the internet to help inform their ministry leadership. Being part of a faith community may reinforce the importance of in-person relationships, even for young people. Seven in 10 practicing Christian Gen Z (70%) strongly agree that in-person relationships are more valuable than digital relationships. Christian Gen Z have a conflicted response to AI. Though they are more likely than other generations to be using AI, they are torn on whether AI is useful in building community (17%) or hurting community (15%).

"Many church leaders may not realize how much their people welcome digital tools, especially when used thoughtfully in ministry," said David Kinnaman, CEO of Barna Group. "Every ministry will find its own way of blending in-person connection with digital tools, but it's worth exploring. The right tools can help leaders share timeless truths in powerful ways, meeting people right where they are."

The State of the Church initiative helps leaders see trends through research, but church leaders around the country are using their Church Health dashboard to get a more personalized view of the health of their people and their organization. Additional research trends are scheduled to be released by Barna and Gloo in February.

The detailed findings of this month's release are available on Barna Access Plus , Barna's all-in-one research library. Leaders can learn more about the largest initiative for the Church at stateofthechurch.com .

Gloo is the technology platform connecting the Christian faith ecosystem. Gloo connects ministry leaders to resources, people, insights and funding so their people and communities flourish and their organizations thrive. Gloo enables trusted exchange between organizations and people, so they can collaborate with greater confidence. Gloo serves over 80,000 churches and over 1,000 resource partners. Gloo is based in Boulder, Colorado.

Barna Group is a leading research organization focused on the intersection of faith and culture. Since 1984, Barna has conducted more than two million interviews over the course of thousands of studies and has become a go-to source for insights about religion, leadership, vocation and generations. Barna is an independent, privately-held, nonpartisan organization based in DallasFort Worth, Texas.

SOURCE Gloo
The year 2024 was a good one for 56-year-old Frederik X of Denmark. A very good one. On January 14, he ascended to the throne after his mother, Queen Margrethes, surprise abdication, which was announced just two weeks earlier during her New Years speech. After five decades of reign and consistent popularity ratings nearing 80%, Margrethe left behind an impressive legacy. Frederik, however, has managed to match her approval ratings by the end of his first year as king. Together with his wife, Queen Mary, Frederik now faces the task of putting his own modern imprint on Denmarks thousand-year-old monarchy, which continues to enjoy broad support from the Danish population.

Lars Hovbakke Srensen, a historian and expert on the Danish monarchy, notes that while Queen Margrethe and King Frederik are equally popular, their styles differ significantly. Margrethe, with her artistic and intellectual side, was a more formal figure. Frederik, by contrast, is more informal, which resonates with younger generations, Srensen tells EL PAIS by phone.

Srensen explains that support for the monarchy has always been broad, at around 80%, with 15% identifying as republicans. He attributes this approval largely to the work of Queen Margrethe, who reigned without scandals or exaggerations.

However, Frederik as a more informal sovereign faces the delicate task of balancing approachability with the dignity required to maintain the monarchys relevance. There has to be a distinction between the sovereign and the citizens for the institution to make sense, Srensen says.

In 2024, Frederik and Mary of Denmark ushered in notable changes to the royal house alongside their extensive institutional duties. They prioritized greater transparency, particularly in disclosing the types of gifts received by the royal family, and have streamlined the number of patronages represented by the monarchs. The crown has also embraced modern issues, focusing on climate change, sustainability, human rights, and gender equality.

The royal couple actively engaged with the Danish people, traveling extensively and visiting Greenland  a testament to the autonomous territorys importance to Denmark and the monarchy. Historian Lars Hovbakke Srensen highlights Greenlands significance to Frederik: He spent a great deal of time there as a prince, immersed in its wild nature. And his children have Danish names, as well as typical Greenlander names.

In his New Years address on December 31, Frederik X highlighted Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory located between the Atlantic and Arctic, and the Faroe Islands, an autonomous archipelago in the Atlantic. He also mentioned the Danish minority in South Schleswig, Germany, as a gesture to emphasize unity within the Kingdom of Denmark. In December, the monarch revised his coat of arms to give greater prominence to Greenland and the Faroe Islands: the Greenlandic polar bear and Faroe sheep now occupy a much larger space on the design.

Both territories share deep historical and cultural ties with Denmark, and their economies rely significantly on subsidies from Copenhagen. Greenland is of interest today to China and the United States, notes historian Hovbakke Srensen, referring to the islands strategic importance as it lies on the shortest route between North America and Europe.

While the Danish royal coat of arms has been updated three times since 1903, this latest modification could be interpreted as a subtle response to the U.S. president-elect, Donald Trump, who has repeatedly expressed interest in purchasing Greenland. However, Srensen clarifies that the king would not be making a political comment, but rather a symbolic one.

Frederik of Denmark has displayed emotional vulnerability during moments of profound personal significance, endearing him further to the public. In 2004, he visibly wept with joy, handkerchief in hand, as he watched Mary Donaldson, his Australian fiancee and a graduate in Law and Commerce, walk down the central aisle of Copenhagen Cathedral to marry him. Frederik and Mary are now parents to four children: the heir, Christian, and Princes Isabella, Vincent, and Josephine.

Frederik showed similar emotion on the day of his proclamation as king. Stepping onto the balcony of Christiansborg Palace to greet a cheering public, he was visibly moved. Cameras captured him pausing, taking a deep breath before opening the window, and addressing the crowd with teary eyes. Reflecting on the moment in his New Years Eve speech, he said: The crowd of people in front of me. My family right behind me. Stepping forward and meeting so much support, joy and love. Standing on the balcony together with Queen Mary as Denmarks King and Queen. Taking it all in  or at least trying to  moved and overwhelmed. This is what I take with me. This is what we take with us. Forever. A thousand thanks.

The Danish king has openly acknowledged the challenges he faced in coming to terms with his destiny during his youth. He wanted to be a citizen like everyone else, and it took him a while to accept the role that awaited him, explains historian Hovbakke Srensen. The turning point came when Mary entered his life. She helped him to recognize his destiny, as he himself has admitted, Srensen adds.

Even as Frederik embraces his new role, the shock of Queen Margrethes abdication continues to resonate across the country. It is not a tradition in Denmark, as it is in the Netherlands. This was the first time in 500 years that a sovereign stepped down, Srensen notes. In the thousand-year history of the Danish monarchy, there are only five or six examples of abdications.

King Frederick X at an energy conference in Kiel, Germany, on 22 October 2024. picture alliance (dpa/picture alliance via Getty Images)

The outgoing queen, Margrethe, cited health issues as the reason for passing the baton to her eldest son. There has also been talk that she did not want to wait too long and risk Frederik and Mary becoming older monarchs, says Srensen. Prince Christian, Frederiks eldest son, turned 18 just two months before his grandmothers abdication.The timing was right, says the expert, admitting it is not officially confirmed that this was the reason.

Srensen also recalls rumors circulating in Denmark suggesting that Frederiks ascension to the throne was accelerated by his alleged relationship with Spanish aristocrat Genoveva Casanova, the ex-wife of Cayetano Martinez de Irujo, son of the late Duchess of Alba. It could have been a way to divert attention elsewhere, but we do not know what happened.

In Denmark, the December 31 speech is a 150-year-old tradition, far from being a mere formality. The king, and before him the queen, speaks about their view of society and how we relate to and treat each other as a people, explains Srensen. Although the text is reviewed and approved by the prime ministers office  currently led by Social Democrat Mette Frederiksen  it is the monarchs speech, not the governments.

This year, Frederik X introduced something new by addressing global conflicts. We are following the developments in the Middle East with bated breath [...] In Europe  not far from here  the Ukrainian people are fighting bravely for their freedom  and for ours, he said. He also underscored the importance of NATO: We can only solve global conflicts when we stand together internationally.

The king also made a point of mentioning his brother, Prince Joachim, with whom he has reportedly had tensions following Queen Margrethes decision to streamline the royal family by removing prince and princess titles from Joachims children. Joachim, now based in the United States with his wife, Princess Marie, and two of their children, represents the Danish defense industry.

As he concluded his speech, Frederik echoed his mothers tradition of ending with God bless Denmark, a hallmark of her 52-year reign.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition




WASHINGTON, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Secure America Now, an organization dedicated to highlighting critical national security issues, has released Woke Warfare, a documentary exposing how Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs threaten our military's mission-readiness and highlights a dangerous trend that puts every American in danger.

Watch the full documentary here on X.

Woke Warfare features insights from:

Congressman Mike Waltz , a 27-year Army veteran and incoming national security adviser to President Trump

Anonymous U.S. Air Force Academy cadets reveal how DEI programs have permeated military academies.

Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo

Lieutenant General Robert D. Bishop, Jr. (USAF-Ret.)

Major General Joseph W. Arbuckle ( USA -Ret.)

Notable outtakes:

"DEI is the antithesis of esprit de corps, it drives a knife into cohesiveness and unity." - Lieutenant General Robert D. Bishop, Jr. (USAF- Ret.)

"If someone is wearing a purple rope, then you know they are inclusion and diversity officers...and they are always there monitoring you. I think it makes some people very uneasy."  Cadet "B", U.S. Air Force Academy

"I've ordered men to literally charge a machine gun, I can't imagine if you have a white Green Beret and a black Green Beret, one saying, 'Well, should I go? Should I take the lead because of my privilege and the guilt I feel?' Another one questioning, 'Well is Major Waltz ordering this because I'm African American and because of his inherent bias?'" Congressman Mike Waltz, future National Security Advisor to President Trump

Allen Roth, President of Secure America Now, warns, "This documentary underscores the alarming state of our military entering 2025. In 2023, the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Reserves all missed their recruiting goals. In 2024, active-duty troop levels hit their lowest point since 1940, despite threats from Russia, Iran, China, North Korea, and terrorist groups. Hopefully, Woke Warfare will alert Americans and our leaders to this crisis and the need to Secure America Now!"

With over 4.3 million grassroots members, Secure America Now is the nation's largest digital U.S. national security platform.

Retired Military Officers (members of STARR) are available for phone, video conference or in-person interviews. To book interviews, please reach-out to Rob Ryan (see below).

View the film at WokeWarfareDoc.com or YouTube.

SOURCE Secure America Now
SBA restructures the Seoul Innovation Forum to focus on global startups

Five leading countries in the worldwide startup ecosystem join forces to enhance market expansion

Collaboration among industry-leading institutions at CES fosters synergy and strengthens startup development

SEOUL, South Korea, Jan. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Seoul Business Agency (SBA), led by CEO Hyun Woo Kim, has made waves at CES 2025 by organizing the largest-ever Seoul Integrated Pavilion (1,040 square meters or 11,194.5 square feet) among participating Korean institutions and hosting the first-ever cross-border startup pitching competition at the event.

Seoul Hosts CES 2025's First-Ever Cross-Border Startup Pitching Competition, Amplifying Global Startup Collaboration

CES, the world's largest technology exhibition, occurs annually in Las Vegas from January 7 to January 10. The Seoul Integrated Pavilion, organized by SBA, was a collaborative effort involving three district offices (Gangnam-gu, Gwanak-gu, and Geumcheon-gu), five startup support organizations (Seoul Tourism Organization, Seoul Bio Hub, Seoul AI Hub, and Campus Town Enterprise Growth Center), and eight major Seoul-based universities, including Konkuk University, Kyung Hee University, Yonsei University, and Sogang University.

The Seoul Innovation Forum was the highlight of SBA's CES 2025 initiatives. This groundbreaking program brought together startups from Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Switzerland, and the Netherlands for the first cross-border startup pitching competition in CES history. On January 8, national delegations showcased their top startups, marking an unprecedented collaboration among CES participant countries.

The main event was the cross-border IR pitching competition, where startups from the five participating nations presented their innovations on the forum stage and in their respective pavilions. E-Magy B.V. from the Netherlands won the Grand Winner award, followed by Japan's BionicM as the First Runner-Up and Korea's Apollon as the Second Runner-Up. Participants expressed gratitude for the opportunity to exchange insights across diverse cultural and technological backgrounds while reaffirming their commitment to global market expansion.

Startups participating in the competition also received opportunities to demonstrate their products and technologies to global media, earning praise for effectively showcasing their capabilities. By shifting media attention from major corporations to innovative startups, the forum addressed a common challenge at CES and positioned itself as a standout program.

Each participating nation presented its startup support programs in the subsequent cross-country collaboration session. This gathering highlighted the startup development expertise of major countries leading the global entrepreneurial ecosystem, offering a platform for knowledge exchange and deeper collaboration.

The Seoul Innovation Forum was co-organized by SBA (South Korea), JETRO (Japan), Netherlands Enterprise Agency (Netherlands), Swiss Tech (Switzerland), and Taiwan Tech Arena (Taiwan). With over 150 global media outlets in attendance, the forum reinforced its reputation as a distinguished CES event.

Hyun Woo Kim, CEO of SBA, stated, "The Seoul Innovation Forum has grown beyond a one-time event into a cornerstone for global startup networking at CES. We will continue to support participating startups in achieving sustained success through post-CES initiatives."

SOURCE Seoul Business Agency
WELLESLEY, Mass., Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sun Life U.S. has been named a Top Place to Work by the Boston Globe, through employee survey company Energage. With several consecutive years of recognition in Boston, Hartford and nationally, as well as newer recognition in Milwaukee and Kansas City, Sun Life has established itself as an employer of choice around the country. The Top Workplaces recognition is based on employee survey results and information about the company's employee programming.

2024 Boston Globe Top Places to Work

"Culture has become our superpower  it fuels higher levels of employee engagement, and also keeps people committed to and enthusiastic about their work," said Tammi Wortham, senior vice president, Human Resources, Sun Life U.S. "Things like flexibility, support and collaboration have become cultural mainstays at Sun Life, and we have worked hard to make our culture consistent in Massachusetts and in our other office locations across the country."

Sun Life's Wellesley office is the largest of its office hubs, home to approximately 1,300 employees. In addition to a generous paid family and medical leave program, sabbaticals and other benefits, Sun Life provides its employees with a flexible, hybrid work model that allows them to decide which days to use the office. With this approach, employees determine where they will be most productive that day and experience better work/life balance.

When employees work in the office, they enjoy an environment that offers the tools and resources to host meetings and collaborate with colleagues in person and virtually. Employees can sit in different areas throughout the day, depending on the type of work they are doing.

"As we continue to build our Top Workplace platform, we realize that it takes a combination of things to be a top place to work," added Wortham. "From benefits, to culture, to hybrid flexibility and belief in our purpose of improving health access, we are proud to continuously foster an environment that inspires people to do their best work every day. Receiving this recognition in Boston once again lets us know we're doing things right, and it is truly gratifying to know that feedback came directly from our employees."

Sun Life's Top Workplace recognitions through Energage are:

Sun Life has also received several workplace awards from other organizations, including:

Forbes Best Employers for Diversity 2023  2024

Forbes America's Best Large Employers 2024

Best Large Employers 2024 Great Place to Work certification 2021  2023

Bloomberg Gender Equality Index 2017  2023

Girls Club Top 25 Companies Where Women Want to Work 2022  2023

100% score on Human Rights Commission Corporate Equality Index 2009  2023

With its Boston-area office hub based in Wellesley, Sun Life U.S. maintains a strong relationship with the Greater Boston community. As a corporate partner of the Boston Celtics, Sun Life has supported the YMCA of Greater Boston for more than ten years, with the annual #SunLifeDunk4Diabetes campaign and mid-winter Fit to Win youth fitness program. Other philanthropic support in the Boston area includes the United Way, the Dimock Center and RIZE program.

About Sun Life

Sun Life is a leading international financial services organization providing asset management, wealth, insurance and health solutions to individual and institutional Clients. Sun Life has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of September 30, 2024, Sun Life had total assets under management of C$1.51 trillion. For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com.

Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.

Sun Life U.S. is one of the largest providers of employee and government benefits, helping approximately 50 million Americans access the care and coverage they need. Through employers, industry partners and government programs, Sun Life U.S. offers a portfolio of benefits and services, including dental, vision, disability, absence management, life, supplemental health, medical stop-loss insurance, and healthcare navigation. Sun Life employs more than 8,500 people in the U.S., including associates in our partner dental practices and affiliated companies in asset management. Group insurance policies are issued by Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (Wellesley Hills, Mass.), except in New York, where policies are issued by Sun Life and Health Insurance Company (U.S.) (Lansing, Mich.). For more information visit our website and newsroom.

Media contacts

Devon Fernald

Sun Life U.S.

[email protected]

781-800-3609

Connect with Sun Life U.S.

https://www.facebook.com/SLFUnitedStates

https://www.linkedin.com/company/sun-life-financial

SOURCE Sun Life U.S.
KANSAS CITY, Mo., Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sun Life U.S. has been named a Top Place to Work in Kansas City by the Kansas City Business Journal, and through employee survey company Energage. With several consecutive years of recognition in Boston, Hartford and nationally, as well as newer recognition in Milwaukee, Sun Life has established itself as an employer of choice around the country. The Top Workplace recognitions are based on employee survey results and information about the company's employee programming.

2024 Energage Top Workplaces, Kansas City 2024 Best Places to Work, Kansas City Business Journal

"We believe that our culture is our superpower, as things like flexibility, support and collaboration have become cultural mainstays at Sun Life," said Tammi Wortham, senior vice president, Human Resources, Sun Life U.S. "We have worked hard to make our culture consistent across seven different hub office locations, as well as for our remote employees around the country. This approach has been successful in improving employee engagement levels and business results. We're pleased to add Kansas City to our growing list of regional workplace recognitions."

Sun Life has had a presence in Kansas City since acquiring Assurant Employee Benefits in 2016. The office is home to approximately 500 employees who support various parts of the business, including disability, dental, medical stop-loss, supplemental health and life insurance, as well as IT, customer support, marketing and human resources. With strong community ties to the city, Sun Life is a sponsor of the Kansas City Royals, and through its #StrikeoutDiabetes campaign has raised more than $230,000 for local area nonprofit organizations.

"Kansas City is a great place to do business, with a strong pool of talent," added Wortham. "As we continue to receive Top Workplace recognitions in different markets around the country, we look forward to continuing to engage top talent in Kansas City and honing a positive culture among all of our employees."

In addition to a generous paid family and medical leave program, sabbaticals and other robust benefits, Sun Life provides its employees with a flexible, hybrid work model that allows them to decide which days to use the office. It's an approach that allows employees to determine where they will be most productive that day and offers flexibility that supports employees' work/life balance.

Sun Life's Top Workplace recognitions through Energage are:

Sun Life has also received several workplace awards from other organizations, including:

Forbes Best Employers for Diversity 2023  2024

Forbes America's Best Large Employers 2024

Best Large Employers 2024 Great Place to Work certification 2021  2023

Bloomberg Gender Equality Index 2017  2023

Girls Club Top 25 Companies Where Women Want to Work 2022  2023

100% score on Human Rights Commission Corporate Equality Index 2009  2023

About Sun Life

Sun Life is a leading international financial services organization providing asset management, wealth, insurance and health solutions to individual and institutional Clients. Sun Life has operations in a number of markets worldwide, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Japan, Indonesia, India, China, Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bermuda. As of September 30, 2024, Sun Life had total assets under management of C$1.51 trillion. For more information, please visit www.sunlife.com.

Sun Life Financial Inc. trades on the Toronto (TSX), New York (NYSE) and Philippine (PSE) stock exchanges under the ticker symbol SLF.

Sun Life U.S. is one of the largest providers of employee and government benefits, helping approximately 50 million Americans access the care and coverage they need. Through employers, industry partners and government programs, Sun Life U.S. offers a portfolio of benefits and services, including dental, vision, disability, absence management, life, supplemental health, medical stop-loss insurance, and healthcare navigation. Sun Life employs more than 8,500 people in the U.S., including associates in our partner dental practices and affiliated companies in asset management. Group insurance policies are issued by Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada (Wellesley Hills, Mass.), except in New York, where policies are issued by Sun Life and Health Insurance Company (U.S.) (Lansing, Mich.). For more information visit our website and newsroom.

Media contacts

Devon Fernald

Sun Life U.S.

[email protected]

781-800-3609

Connect with Sun Life U.S.

https://www.facebook.com/SLFUnitedStates

https://www.linkedin.com/company/sun-life-financial

SOURCE Sun Life U.S.
NAPA, Calif., Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Due to disruption to member medical practices from the Southern California wildfires, The Doctors Company will defer policy cancellations for nonpayment for 90 days.

The policy cancellation deferment grace period applies to California members with either home or practice addresses in the impacted ZIP codes listed below, and it will run from January 7, 2025, to April 7, 2025. Additional ZIP codes may be added upon damage assessments.

"The Southern California wildfires are devastating. The Doctors Company is committed to assisting the state of California, our employees, and our members during this tragic time. Once the effects of the wildfires are assessed, our underwriters will work with any member who was unable to make policy payments due to the fires and aftermath," said Deepika Srivastava, Chief Operating Officer of The Doctors Company.

The grace period is provided without interest or penalty to allow practitioners to care for patients and attend to their practices in the disaster's aftermath. Affected members should contact their agent or Member Services at (800) 421-2368 with any questions (press 1 for Member Services).

The Doctors Company is supporting impacted employees and encouraging team members to volunteer and financially assist victims through qualified nonprofit organizations.

"Tragically, the wildfires have destroyed structures and displaced thousands. We remain committed to supporting our communities, physician members, colleagues, and partners through this devastation," said Stephen Freedman, the Senior Vice President and Regional Operating Officer for The Doctors Company's Region I, which includes California.

Impacted ZIP Codes

90049, 90265, 90272, 90290, 90402, 91301, 91302, 91320, 91356, 91361, 91364, 91436, 91001, 91006, 91007, 91011, 91016, 91020, 91024, 91042, 91101, 91103, 91104, 91106, 91107, 91108, 91206, 91208, 91214, 91706, 91731, 91732, 91775, 91780, 93563

About The Doctors Company

Founded and led by physicians, The Doctors Company (thedoctors.com), the nation's largest physician-owned medical malpractice insurer, is relentlessly committed to advancing, protecting, and rewarding the practice of good medicine. The Doctors Company helps physicians manage the complexities of today's healthcare environmentwith expert guidance, resources, and coverage. The Doctors Company is part of TDC Group (tdcg.com), the nation's largest physician-owned provider of insurance and risk management solutions. TDC Group serves the full continuum of care, from individual physicians to academic medical systemsover 110,000 healthcare professionals and organizations nationwidewith annual revenue of $1 billion and over $7.3 billion in assets. To learn more about our data-driven insights and to stay up to date on industry trends, follow and subscribe to The Doctors Company on X (@doctorscompany), YouTube, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

SOURCE The Doctors Company
IRVING, Texas, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Michaels Companies, Inc. ("Michaels" or the "Company") today announced that its Board of Directors has established an interim Office of the Chief Executive Officer to provide ongoing leadership continuity following the previously announced departure of CEO Ashley Buchanan on January 14, 2025.

Effective January 15, Heather Bennett, President, Stacey Shively, Chief Merchandising Officer, and Perry Pericleous, Chief Financial Officer, have been appointed to lead the interim Office of the CEO. Working together with the other members of the executive leadership team, they will manage the company's day-to-day operations while the board completes the search for a permanent CEO.

"Heather, Stacey, and Perry are experienced, accomplished executive leaders who are well-equipped to ensure the ongoing execution of the company's strategic plan," said Andrew Jhawar, chairman of the Board of Directors. "At the same time, the board is making great progress on the search for a permanent CEO, the results of which we expect to announce in the near future."

As President of Michaels, Heather Bennett is responsible for the company's innovation and growth strategy. Since joining in 2021, she has led the company's digital transformation and successfully introduced new strategies to enhance customer experience.

Stacey Shively, Chief Merchandising Officer, joined Michaels in September 2024. With over 20 years of experience across the retail industry, she is known for her proven ability to maximize opportunities and market trends while driving profitable sales.

Perry Pericleous, Chief Financial Officer, joined the company in December 2024 and brings 25 years of financial management and operations experience within retail. Prior to Michaels, he served as the Chief Financial Officer of 99 Cents Only Stores.

About The Michaels Companies, Inc.

At The Michaels Companies Inc, our purpose is to fuel the joy of creativity. As the leading creative destination in North America, we operate over 1,300 stores in 49 states and Canada and online at Michaels.com and Michaels.ca. The Michaels Companies, Inc. also owns Artistree, a manufacturer of custom and specialty framing merchandise, and MakerPlace by Michaels, a dedicated handmade goods marketplace. Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Irving, Texas, Michaels is the best place for all things creative. For more information, please visit www.michaels.com.

SOURCE The Michaels Companies, Inc.
DENVER, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Zero Homes proudly announces that it has received a Powered by Manual J Approval from the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA). Zero's digital design platform performs Manual J calculations without the need for physical home walkthroughs or specialized training, making high-quality, energy efficient design more accessible, affordable, and consistent than ever before.

Zero Homes is the tenth company to receive Manual J approval for its software and is the first product in its class to offer fully remote digital assessments, energy savings modeling, and design automation in one package. With these capabilities, Zero Homes is upending the traditional customer journey to deliver a frictionless experience that delivers unparalleled value to homeowners, contractors, and utility companies across the United States.



"Completing Manual J certification further validates how our platform will revolutionize residential efficiency and how we electrify homes," says Grant Gunnison, Founder & CEO of Zero Homes. "By completing this certification, we'll not only be able to provide a frictionless process for homeowners looking to electrify, but also show that we've done the engineering work to make sure that they are getting the best solution for their home."

Zero's Groundbreaking Digital Design Platform Is Redefining an Industry Standard

Today Manual J calculations are performed by technicians during in person, onsite evaluations, which drives up costs and limits accessibility for high quality designs. By eliminating the need for labor-intensive, in-home visits, Zero is reducing the barriers to accurate HVAC design while improving transparency in the industry. Zero Homes technology ensures that customers are provided high quality outcomes given that the HVAC design process directly impacts the system's overall costs and home comfort. Customers too often find themselves stuck with an inefficient HVAC system that delivers poor comfort, increased energy expenditures, and a reduced system lifespan. With Manual J certification, Zero Homes can ensure every customer has access to high-quality designs no matter where they live.

With the Zero Homes app, homeowners take a high-fidelity scan of their home, snap photos of key areas using the app, and then book an appointment with an expert. Behind the scenes, Zero Homes' digital design platform performs precise Manual J calculations, delivers a customized home design, and creates a whole-home electrification plan, each of which are provided to homeowners and reviewed during a video consultation.

For HVAC professionals, Zero Homes eliminates the need for time-intensive, on-site sales visits enabling them to focus their time on revenue generating work. When HVAC professionals partner with Zero Homes, they receive complete project scopes ready for install. This allows contractors to focus on installations and streamline their operations, which saves more than 3 hours per bid and can reduce project planning time by 90%.

"ACCA's Manual J is a crucial tool contractors use to help deliver efficiency and comfort for Americans," says Barton James, ACCA CEO and president. "Having exceptional software providers recognize this and work to comply with ACCA standards is incredibly beneficial for both contractors and their customers."

About Zero Homes

Zero Homes is the technology company driving the digital revolution of residential efficiency with its innovative design platform. With an end-to-end digital experience, Zero is enabling homeowners and contractors across the U.S. to achieve efficient all-electric homes faster, easier, and more affordably than ever before.

With the platform having been validated by the U.S. Department of Energy earlier this year for its accuracy in assessing and digitizing homes, receiving the Manual J certification makes the platform ready for wide distribution. With Zero Homes' mission to electrify the world's homes for healthy and sustainable living, the company will seek to expand rapidly beyond the four states it serves today  California, Colorado, Illinois, and Massachusetts. Looking forward to 2025, Zero Homes will leverage this certification as a catalyst to expand its reach and aims to be in ten states by the end of 2025.

This work was completed in collaboration with the National Renewable Energy Lab as a part of the Lab-Embedded Entrepreneurship Program, West Gate .

Learn more at www.zerohomes.com

Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Zero Homes
SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- 14 January 2025 - Thunes , the Smart Superhighway to move money around the world, today welcomes Hyperwallet , a PayPal service for global payouts, as a Member of Thunes' Direct Global Network. As part of this network, Hyperwallet customers can quickly and reliably send money in real-time to more than 450 million mobile wallets and bank accounts across Bangladesh, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, South Korea, and Vietnam[i].

According to a 2024 report by Deloitte on cross-border payments, the Asia Pacific region makes up nearly 70% of global digital wallet spend. With this new alliance, Hyperwallet can help its expansive global merchant base, including some of the world's best-known ride-hailing super apps, marketplaces and social media platforms, offer customers their preferred method of access to funds.

Floris de Kort, CEO of Thunes, said: "Welcoming PayPal's Hyperwallet into our Direct Global Network underscores our ability to provide powerful new capabilities to top-tier fintechs. With our extensive network that directly, transparently and dependably connects to over 7 billion bank accounts and mobile wallets worldwide, combined with our SmartX Treasury System and our Fortress Compliance Platform, Thunes is uniquely positioned to support Hyperwallet to increase its reach in fast growing geographies to enhance its cross-border payment services."

Payout preferences for consumers vary widely across the APAC region depending on banking penetration, the proliferation of real-time payment schemes and the usage of digital wallets in each market. Thunes recently released " From Cash to QR Codes: Unpacking Southeast Asia's Diverse Payments Culture ," exploring the region's evolving payment landscape and showcasing digital wallet payment adoption rates of over 30% in countries like the Philippines and Indonesia.

About Thunes:

Thunes is the Smart Superhighway to move money around the world. Thunes' proprietary Direct Global Network allows Members to make payments in real-time in over 130 countries and more than 80 currencies. Thunes' Network connects directly to over 7 billion mobile wallets and bank accounts worldwide, as well as 15 billion cards via more than 320 different payment methods, such as GCash, M-Pesa, Airtel, MTN, Orange, JazzCash, Easypaisa, AliPay, WeChat Pay and many more. Thunes' Direct Global Network differentiates itself through its worldwide reach, in-house SmartX Treasury System and Fortress Compliance Platform, ensuring Members of the Network receive unrivaled speed, control, visibility, protection, and cost efficiencies when making real-time payments, globally. Members of Thunes' Direct Global Network include gig economy giants like Uber and Deliveroo, super-apps like Grab and WeChat, MTOs, fintechs, PSPs and banks. Headquartered in Singapore, Thunes has offices in 14 locations, including Abidjan, Barcelona, Beijing, Dubai, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, London, Manila, Nairobi, Paris, Riyadh, San Francisco and Shanghai. For more information, visit: https://www.thunes.com/

[i] To date, this is currently live in Korea, with additional markets to light up in 2025.

SOURCE Thunes
Slow travel trend predicted to surge in 2025 as interest in quiet, natural, and multisensory offerings grows

Make an "un-resolution" to enjoy vacation time in a more fulfilling way

Pure Michigan captures slow travel essence in custom fragrances

LANSING, Mich., Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Following years of ratcheting national stress and a bubbling desire to reclaim time and connection, travel brand Pure Michigan predicts 2025 will see a surge in slow travel interest, and invites visitors to renew in its four-season destination.*

Snowshoeing through snow-covered trees in Michigan's tranquil winter landscape. Vibrant blooms during the Tulip Time festival in Holland, MI, one of numerous annual agritourism events in Michigan.

Slow travel, inspired by slow food and slow living movements, encourages travel at a more natural pace to discover deeper connections to the environment and community for richer, more fulfilling experiences. The outdoor, cultural, and agricultural resources of Michigan make it a prime destination for slow travel experiences that visitors can see, hear, taste, touch, and feel.

"We know health and relaxation are among top reasons people travel for leisure, that health is often part of New Year's resolutions, but that unrealistic resolutions can compound stress," said Kelly Wolgamott, Vice President of Pure Michigan. "So, we are championing the idea of a travel un-resolution this year, a commitment to yourself to slow down and experience more, immersing in activities that really nourish the senses."

Slow travel emphasizes full immersion in a destination rather than rushing through an overstuffed itinerary. This benefits workers and employers alike in that travelers may be more likely to feel recharged by time away, which is correlated to improved productivity, mood, and energy.**

Sample Slow Travel Experiences in Michigan Include:

Authentic flavors: Savoring in-season and farm-to-table dining, craft breweries, and award-winning wineries that showcase Michigan's rich agritourism and culinary traditions. Its unique geography and proximity to the vast Great Lakes have made Michigan one of the most agriculturally productive and diverse regions in America. Increasingly, due to demand, local farms are offering farm stays that include learning about and contributing to farm activities.

rich agritourism and culinary traditions. Its unique geography and proximity to the vast Great Lakes have made one of the most agriculturally productive and diverse regions in America. Increasingly, due to demand, local farms are offering farm stays that include learning about and contributing to farm activities. Honoring things that grow: Michigan's natural and agricultural landscapes have given rise to dozens of festivals and destinations that celebrate different flora and fauna, including Tulip Time in Holland , the Lilac Festival on Mackinac Island , the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City , and National Morel Mushroom Festival in Boyne City , to name a few.

natural and agricultural landscapes have given rise to dozens of festivals and destinations that celebrate different flora and fauna, including Tulip Time in , the Lilac Festival on , the National Cherry Festival in , and National Morel Mushroom Festival in , to name a few. Woods and water: Meandering trips across roads, forests, waterways, and trails. Michigan offers more than 3,000 miles of freshwater coastline on four Great Lakes, more than 20 scenic byways, 13,400 miles of designated trails, more than 19 million acres of forestlands, and 11,000 inland lakes beckoning visitors to take the long way - on foot, on wheels, on skis, blades, boards or boats, depending - and appreciate the splendor and serenity of each season.

"Coming into a travel experience with the intent to slow down, to not over plan, to put energy into being fully present might feel counter-intuitive in today's world, but slowing down can significantly enhance our travel enjoyment," said Wolgamott. "Now is a great time to make travel plans for the year ahead, and Pure Michigan has some great tips and itineraries to help people get started."

Capturing a Vacation in a Fragrance

One aspect of slow travel is experiencing it through all available senses, including our sense of smell, like the sweet, lakey vibe of a family beach day; the earthy, crispy notes of a late autumn hike; the refreshing clean of falling snow.

Research shows these scent experiences are deeply connected to memory, which is why a familiar whiff of that family beach day can unlock pleasant emotions.*^ To capture these indelible moments, Pure Michigan, in partnership with The Aroma Labs , developed four custom fragrances correlating to specific slow, seasonal experiences found only in Michigan. They include:

First Snow: Conveying the warmth of winter, fresh snowfall, and fireside gatherings.

Awakening: With springtime notes of lilacs and fruit blossoms.

Fresh: An air of freshwater coastline, summer beach days, wineries, and laughter.

Harvest: Transporting users to a crisp fall day peeping radiant reds and yellows in the landscape.

The Pure Michigan fragrances are available in room spray, roller, and balm formats as part of a limited distribution, with plans for a broader public rollout in 2025.

For more information including tips for slowing down, visit Michigan.org .

*Based on Google Trends year-over-year search interest around slow travel for the U.S., 2019-2024.

**According to the American Psychological Association

*^According to research published in Harvard Medicine

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state's marketing arm and lead advocate for business and community development with the focus on growing Michigan's economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org . For Pure Michigan tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org . Follow along or join the conversation on: Facebook , Instagram , Pinterest , Threads, TikTok , X and YouTube .

Sierra Powers

FINN Partners on behalf of Pure Michigan

[email protected]

SOURCE Pure Michigan
Healthcare logistics company has helped optimize specimen delivery since 2016

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- TriCore, an independent clinical laboratory headquartered in Albuquerque, N.M., has renewed its partnership with MedSpeed, a leading provider of same-day logistics services to the healthcare industry. The new seven-year contract builds on the relationship initiated in 2016 when MedSpeed began servicing the clinical laboratory.

TriCore MedSpeed Logos

"MedSpeed has been an invaluable logistics partner for TriCore," said Eric Carbonneau, Chief Operating Officer, TriCore. "As we provide state-of-the-art laboratory testing services to healthcare professionals and their patients, we rely on MedSpeed to ensure timely and high-quality specimen transport. Their analytics and technology also help us drive continuous system-wide efficiency improvements and their team's commitment to excellence enables TriCore to maintain the highest standards of service."

"TriCore remains an impressive organization of forward-thinking experts dedicated to using information to improve patients' lives," said Wes Crampton, President, MedSpeed. "This seven-year renewal of our contract demonstrates howthrough better logisticswe support their relentless drive to improve processes and eliminate errors for more accurate and timely results, allowing clinicians to better care for patients."

About TriCore

TriCore is an independent, not-for-profit, clinical laboratory founded and headquartered in Albuquerque, N.M. TriCore provides over 2,900 full-service, state-of-the-art laboratory tests to healthcare professionals and their patients. TriCore also provides analytics and research services, supporting healthcare and scientific organizations worldwide. For more information, visit www.tricore.org.

About MedSpeed

MedSpeed integrates healthcare organizations through the enterprise-wide movement of medical materials: specimens, pharmaceuticals, supplies and more. It transforms transportation into a strategic asset that more effectively utilizes scale, reduces risk, eliminates redundancies and centralizes services. The company has grown from a Chicago-based startup into a national enterprise with over 100 hub operations across more than 30 states. Its client base includes 29 of the top 100 health systems in the country. http://www.medspeed.com

For more information, contact:

Alison Huffines

[email protected]

630-379-5388

SOURCE MedSpeed
After a wait of more than two months, the moment of truth is approaching. Donald Trump will be sworn in as U.S. president on January 20, and the Mexican government is in the decisive stages of defining its strategy for what comes next. I am convinced that the relationship between Mexico and the United States will be good and respectful, and that dialogue will prevail, said Claudia Sheinbaum when delivering the report for her first 100 days in power, in an event marked by the concerns raised by the return of the Republican magnate to the White House. The president left her participation in Trumps inauguration up in the air having stated last week that she had not received a personal invitation from the transition team. Barring a last-minute change, it is most likely that the Mexican representation will be delegated to its diplomatic corps in Washington, given that the participation of heads of state or government in this type of ceremony is not customary, according to sources consulted by EL PAIS.

They invited the entire diplomatic corps, its how it is done here, confirmed Ambassador Esteban Moctezuma last weekend. Despite the custom of not inviting leaders from other countries, multiple U.S. media outlets have assured that the incoming president is seeking to turn the inauguration of his government into his first appearance on the international stage, and members of his team have confirmed that invitations were extended to leaders such as Chinas Xi Jinping. There is also talk of the participation of ideological allies such as Argentine President Javier Milei, El Salvadoran leader Nayib Bukele, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, or Santiago Abascal, leader of the Spanish far-right party Vox. This newspaper was able to confirm that the Mexican authorities are aware of the information that has come from the other side of the border, but also that it is unlikely that the traditional protocol for the inauguration will be broken, even if it is Trump, the least given to protocol among his predecessors in power.

We will see, Sheinbaum said last week, probably aware of the importance that Trump lends to these kinds of gestures. Jorge Schiavon, an academic at the Universidad Iberoamericana, believes that there is still time for a potential trip to Washington to function as a declaration of goodwill to get closer to the next administration. At the same time, it can also serve the Mexican authorities in giving support to their consular network and coordinating the coalition of allies in civil organizations, in the face of the threat of raids, mass deportations, and the criminalization of its migrants. It is a critical moment for the Mexican government, due to the enormous weight that its relationship with the United States has, says the specialist. The new Mexican president has already slightly deviated from the countrys diplomatic tradition by making an exception and calling the Republican to congratulate him on his victory in the November election, in order to keep the tone of diplomatic exchanges in the mildest possible terms.

Aside from matters of protocol, the Mexican government has announced that it will prioritize the defense of its compatriots in the United States, especially the over five million undocumented citizens; it has given hints of its plan for the renegotiation of the free trade agreement (T-MEC) and has sent signals of cooperation in the field of security, with the largest seizure of fentanyl in the countrys history. In the face of any uncertainty that may come in the near future, Mexico has a plan and is united moving forward, Sheinbaum insisted Monday when presenting her governments investment plan. But doubts prevail among most specialists about the development of a comprehensive containment strategy in the face of Trumps challenge. We are not prepared, says Schiavon. The academic argues that the specific reactions and diagnosis of the Sheinbaum administration have been accurate in the face of the provocations and tensions that have already emerged with the Republican, but he sees little substance beyond rhetoric. Much ado about nothing, the researcher summarizes.

The Mexican Foreign Ministry last week convened a meeting of ambassadors and consuls, a gathering that is held every year but which on this occasion took on greater importance given the political situation and the hopes placed on its consular network, the largest of any country in the world. Despite Trumps threats, the Ministry suffered a cut of 700 million pesos ($33.9 million) in this years budget, reducing funds for assistance and protection services for Mexicans abroad.

There have also been questions about political appointments in Mexican diplomatic missions in the United States, such as that of Rutilio Escandon, former governor of Chiapas, in the Miami consulate. It has not been announced how long Moctezuma will remain as ambassador and who his successor will be, despite the fact that Trump nominated Ronald Johnson as his man in Mexico at the beginning of December. There is a feeling that there will be twice as much work, without necessarily an increase in resources, says Schiavon, who urges the Mexican government to align its discourse with its budgetary priorities. The researcher also fears the loss of human capital in other key portfolios such as the Economy Ministry, which is in charge of renegotiating the T-MEC and defining the measures in response to the tariff war that Trump has outlined to pressure Mexico. I see an excess of confidence, he warns.

We will always hold our heads high, Sheinbaum said Sunday, in front of tens of thousands of supporters in the Zocalo Square in Mexico City, before giving way to what has been her mantra during the difficult transition from Joe Biden to Trump: We coordinate, we collaborate, but we never subordinate ourselves. After the clashes, tensions, and rapprochements of the last few months, there is only one week of preliminaries left. The bilateral relationship will open a new chapter next Monday.

Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition
AUSTIN, Texas, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Upgraded Points' newest study highlights the most financially strained cities in the United States where residents regularly spend significantly more than the recommended budget on essential living costs. Examining major metropolitan areas to uncover the widening gap between income levels amidst rising expenses for housing, groceries, transportation, and utilities  the study gives critical insights into the growing affordability challenges urban Americans face.

15 U.S. Cities Where Americans Are Living Most Outside of Their Means

"It should come as no surprise that it's still tough out there for Americans trying to make ends meet," said Keri Stooksbury, editor-in-chief at Upgraded Points. "Our study paints a picture of exactly where in the country Americans are exceeding the 50% income allocation for essentials."

Study Methodology

The study analyzed financial strain in 100 U.S. cities by evaluating how much residents exceed the recommended 50% income allocation for essential "needs." Using BEA.gov median income data, each city's after-tax income served as the affordability baseline. Essential expenses  rent, groceries, transportation, and utilities (including internet)  were calculated using data from sources such as Zillow, the Census Bureau, and Numbeo.

Affordability was assessed by totaling monthly expenses, comparing them to 50% of after-tax income, determining the extra annual income needed to meet the 50% rule, and calculating the percentage of income spent on essentials.

The Top 10 U.S. Cities Where Americans Are Living Most Outside of Their Means

California dominates the rankings, with 7 cities in the top 10, though Florida and New York contain major budgetary contenders:

Riverside, California San Diego, California Stockton, California Los Angeles, California Lakeland, Florida Honolulu, Hawaii Bakersfield, California Fresno, California New York City , New York Sacramento, California

Financial Squeeze: Cities That Exceed the 50% Benchmark

In several U.S. cities, essential expenses consume an overwhelming percentage of residents' income, far surpassing the recommended 50% threshold. A few of these include:

Riverside, California  125% of Income: Many residents dip into savings, take on debt, or sacrifice other financial priorities just to cover their basic needs.

 125% of Income: Many residents dip into savings, take on debt, or sacrifice other financial priorities just to cover their basic needs. McAllen, Texas  103% of Income: Essential expenses require residents to consistently exceed their means just to cover basic living costs.

 103% of Income: Essential expenses require residents to consistently exceed their means just to cover basic living costs. Lakeland, Florida  102% of Income: Residents spend so much on essential needs that there is little room for savings or discretionary spending.

Visit the full study online.

About Upgraded Points LLC

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Upgraded Points is a travel company that helps to demystify the complex world of travel and credit cards. Launched in 2016 by Alex Miller, Upgraded Points uses targeted research efforts and in-depth studies to help travelers maximize their travel, points, and experiences. Learn more at: www.UpgradedPoints.com.

Media Contact:

Alex Miller, Founder

1-214-646-8866

[email protected]

SOURCE Upgraded Points
 Uruguay becomes the sixth nation to operate the A-29 in South America

MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Embraer (NYSE: ERJ/B3: EMBR3) today announced that the Uruguayan Air Force (FAU) and the Uruguayan Ministry of National Defense (MDN) have converted options for five A-29 Super Tucano aircraft into firm orders. The agreement is part of a commitment signed in August 2024, when the FAU has announced a firm order for one aircraft plus the options that have now been converted. The agreement also includes mission equipment, integrated logistics services and a flight simulator. The contract is part of a fleet renew program to expand FAU's operational capacity.

"The relationship between Embraer and the Uruguayan Air Force has been growing and we are particularly pleased to announce this deal in the year in which we celebrate 50 years of Embraer's first export contract, to Uruguay," said Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security. "We are ready to offer the best multimission aircraft to the FAU as well as our full support to increase their operational readiness and to enhance their capabilities to accomplish strategic missions such as border surveillance".

"The acquisition of the A-29 Super Tucano and the flight simulator will provide Uruguay with airspace defense capabilities and is part of the commitment assumed by the government to renew the material and equipment of our Armed Forces to fulfill their assigned missions," says Uruguayan Minister of National Defense, Armando Castaingdebat.

"This incorporation projects us technologically, and upon completion of the A-29 acquisition process, it allows us to face, together with Embraer, the new regional security paradigms," said Commander in Chief of the Uruguayan Air Force, General Luis H. De Leon.

With Uruguay and the recent acquisition of the first A-29 in NATO configuration (A-29N) by Portugal, the A-29 Super Tucano reaches 20 operators worldwide, boasting over 290 orders. The number of air forces operating the A-29 Super Tucano steadily expands due to its unmatched combination of features, making it the most cost-effective, accessible, and versatile choice.

For Air Forces seeking a proven, comprehensive, efficient, reliable, and cost-effective solution on a single platform, coupled with great operational flexibility, the A-29 Super Tucano offers a wide range of missions such as close air support, air patrol, special operations, air interdiction, JTAC, forward air controller (FAC), air and tactical coordinator (TAC), Armed ISR, border surveillance, reconnaissance, air escort, basic, operational and advanced training, transition to air superiority fighters, JTAC/LIFT and FAC training.

Images: https://embraer.bynder.com/share/53C3E84E-4DF5-4ECE-B46AF7C34F7A2CC7/

About Embraer

Embraer is a global aerospace company headquartered in Brazil. It manufactures aircraft for Commercial and Executive aviation, Defense & Security, and Agricultural customers. The company also provides after-sales services & support through a worldwide network of wholly owned entities and authorized agents.

Since it was founded in 1969, Embraer has delivered more than 9,000 aircraft. On average, about every 10 seconds an aircraft manufactured by Embraer takes off somewhere in the world, transporting over 150 million passengers a year.

Embraer is the leading manufacturer of commercial jets up to 150 seats and is the main exporter of high value-added goods in Brazil. The company maintains industrial units, offices, service and parts distribution centers across the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Europe.

SOURCE Embraer S.A.
PORT VILA, Vanuatu, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Vantage Markets has been honored with "Best Range of Markets" award for 2025 by Compare Forex Brokers, a leading authority in evaluating trading platforms. This accolade reflects Vantage's commitment to offering an unparalleled range of tradable instruments, leverage options and suitability for diverse trading strategies while maintaining transparency, trust, and innovation.

Vantage Markets Wins "Best Range of Markets" Award from Compare Forex Brokers 2025

Justin Grossbard, CEO and Head of Research at Compare Forex Brokers, commended Vantage for setting industry benchmarks, "Your commitment to providing a seamless trading experience, supported by innovative technology and a customer-focused approach, is truly commendable. Trust is at the heart of our industry, and Vantage Markets has continually set the benchmark for integrity and professionalism."

The recognition celebrates Vantage's dedication to offering a wide array of CFD markets, empowering traders with flexibility and choice. This includes forex, commodities, indices, shares, ETFs, and bonds CFDs, ensuring clients have access to diverse trading opportunities supported by cutting-edge tools and a robust platform.

Marc Despallieres, Chief Strategy & Trading Officer at Vantage, expressed gratitude for the award, "Winning the 'Best Range of Markets' award from Compare Forex Brokers is a proud moment for us. It underscores our dedication to delivering exceptional trading experiences through innovation and trust. This achievement reflects the hard work of our team and the trust our clients place in us. We remain committed to pushing boundaries and providing our global community with unparalleled opportunities."

As Vantage continues to evolve, the company is focused on maintaining its position as a leader in the trading industry by expanding its offerings, advancing technology, and fostering transparency.

For more information about Vantage Markets and its award-winning services, visit Vantage Markets.

About Vantage

Vantage Markets (or Vantage) is a multi-asset CFD broker offering clients access to a nimble and powerful service for trading Contracts for Difference (CFDs) products, including Forex, Commodities, Indices, Shares, ETFs, and Bonds.

With over 15 years of market experience, Vantage transcends the role of broker, providing a trusted trading ecosystem, an award-winning mobile trading app, and a user-friendly trading platform that empowers clients to seize trading opportunities. Download the Vantage App on App Store or Google Play.

trade smarter @vantage

RISK WARNING: CFD trading carries significant risks. You could lose more than your initial investment.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2597258/Vantage_Markets_Wins_Best_Range_Markets_Award_Compare_Forex_Brokers.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2506103/Vantage_15_Logo_Logo.jpg
BRICKELL KEY, Fla., Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Wags Animal Hospital in Brickell Key, FL, announces the addition of acupuncture therapy and Chinese herbal treatments for cats and dogs. Using advanced Western diagnostic tools to identify and treat acute and chronic health conditions, this veterinary practice now offers holistic therapies to bring relief to a range of symptoms for its patients. Dr. Ori Eizenberg Weinger, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Wags Animal Hospital and a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, provides these integrative therapies in the Miami area.

Wags Animal Hospital Announces the Addition of Acupuncture Therapy and Chinese Herbs to Service List Acupuncture points on a dog

Acupuncture therapy provides additional treatment options for pet health. In its simplest form, acupuncture uses a system of points laid on pathways called meridians. Once stimulated, and depending on the point, the benefit results in pain relief, nerve stimulation, immunity regulation, and bringing the patient back to a balanced state called homeostasis. From physical pain to gastrointestinal issues, acupuncture can safely be used for any condition resulting in imbalance for the patient.

Acupuncture methods available at Wags Animal Hospital include dry needling, aquapuncture and electroacupuncture. Advanced diagnostics such as X-rays and comprehensive blood work identify a pet's health conditions. Acupuncture therapy is used in conjunction with traditional Western medical treatments for the best health outcomes and quality of life. These techniques are particularly beneficial for older pets, providing arthritis relief, boosting energy levels and supporting immune health. Each session is conducted in a calm environment, with extended appointment times to ensure that dogs and cats remain comfortable and relaxed throughout their visit.

Chinese herbs are also used to enhance treatment outcomes. Used for thousands of years and known for their safety, these herbs present minimal side effects, making them a gentle option for pet health. Chinese herbs work synergistically with acupuncture to enhance the effect of treatment.

"Acupuncture therapy and Chinese herbs provide a safe, effective alternative to support pets with chronic and acute conditions. By combining this with Western diagnostics, we can provide a well-rounded approach to pet care. Doctors have a myriad of tools in their box when treating their patients. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs are just another set of tools doctors can use to better their patients. " - Dr. Ori Eizenberg Weinger, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Wags Animal Hospital.

"Acupuncture therapy and Chinese herbs provide a safe, effective alternative to support pets with chronic and acute conditions. When combined with Western diagnostics, we provide a well-rounded approach to pet care." - Dr. Ori Eizenberg Weinger, DVM, Wags Animal Hospital

For more information, reach out to Wags Animal Hospital at 919-624-1124 or email [email protected].

About Wags Animal Hospital

At Wags Animal Hospital, we strive to provide personalized medical care, work with clients to help them understand their pets' needs and provide exceptional customer service, all while incorporating the latest advancements in veterinary medicine into our daily operations. Our experienced veterinarians are passionate about helping pets live long, healthy and happy lives. We offer a wide range of services, from wellness and dental checks to advanced treatments, ensuring that dogs and cats receive the best-possible care in a calm and stress-free environment.

[Social Media Handles]

https://www.facebook.com/Wags-Animal-Hospital-198312984308250/?business_id=1662612843953356

https://www.instagram.com/wagsanimalhospital/

https://twitter.com/WagsAnimalH

https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/114545738675072102951/114545738675072102951

SOURCE Wags Animal Hospital
WELL completed seven acquisitions since December 2024 across its Canadian Clinics, WELLSTAR and WELL USA business units, collectively representing total annualized revenue run-rate of approximately $100 million at EBITDA 1 margins in line with the Company's 2024 EBITDA margin guidance.

across its Canadian Clinics, WELLSTAR and WELL business units, collectively representing total annualized revenue run-rate of approximately at EBITDA margins in line with the Company's 2024 EBITDA margin guidance. All acquisitions were paid for by cash with no shares being issued as part of any of these transactions. It is estimated that WELL's leverage ratio post all deals is less than the leverage ratio announced at its last earnings event for fiscal Q3 2024.

The seven acquisitions included one of the largest physician recruitment firms in Canada , two Canadian Primary Care Canadian Clinics, one Provider Staffing acquisition in the United States under the CRH banner, two previously announced acquisitions under the WELLSTAR banner and the previously announced acquisition of Jack Nathan Health. Altogether, 75 new clinical assets were added to WELL's Canadian business.

, two Canadian Primary Care Canadian Clinics, one Provider Staffing acquisition in under the CRH banner, two previously announced acquisitions under the WELLSTAR banner and the previously announced acquisition of Jack Nathan Health. Altogether, 75 new clinical assets were added to WELL's Canadian business. WELL's current M&A pipeline includes twelve LOIs reflecting approximately $65M in revenues. All but two of the current LOIs are based on targets in Canada .

VANCOUVER, BC, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - WELL Health Technologies Corp. (TSX: WELL) (OTCQX: WHTCF) ("WELL" or the "Company"),  a practitioner focused digital health company that is positively impacting health outcomes by tech-enabling healthcare providers and their patients globally, is pleased to provide a corporate update on its capital allocation activity reflecting the addition of $100M in annualized revenue from acquisitions completed since December 2024 as well as an outlook on its continued M&A pipeline and momentum. These transactions are expected to strengthen WELL's operational platform for long-term growth:

Description of Acquisition WELL Business Unit Ownership Provider Staffing company WELL USA Majority Physician Recruitment company Canadian Clinics Majority Two Primary Care Clinics in North Vancouver, BC Canadian Clinics 100 % Primary Care Clinic in London, ON (Absorption) Canadian Clinics 100 % Regional EMR (Electronic Medical Record) WELLSTAR 100 % Healthcare technology services WELLSTAR Majority Primary Care Clinic Network (Jack Nathan Health) Canadian Clinics 100 %

Hamed Shahbazi, Founder and CEO of WELL, commented, "WELL ended 2024 and the beginning of 2025 with a flurry of capital allocation activity. Between Dec 1, 2024, and Jan 2, 2025, we added approximately $100M in revenues at EBITDA1 margins in line with our 2024 EBITDA margin guidance without issuing a single share of WELL stock. These transactions demonstrate the powerful compounding capabilities of our company's M&A program and the free cashflow that underpins its momentum. Our track record shows that we consistently identify and integrate valuable assets that enhance our operational capabilities and deliver meaningful returns. As we look ahead to 2025, we are committed to continuing an active yet disciplined M&A program, capitalizing on a robust pipeline, and delivering continued compounding momentum to our shareholders for years to come."

Q4 2024 Acquisitions: Expanding WELL's Canadian Footprint

WELL has significantly expanded its clinic network through key acquisitions in December 2024, solidifying its position as a leading healthcare provider in Canada. These acquisitions have allowed WELL to capture a meaningful share of the fragmented Canadian healthcare market while greatly expanding its geographic footprint and deepening its range of healthcare services across the country.

On December 1, 2024, WELL completed the previously announced acquisition of Jack Nathan Health, which operates 72 clinics2 across Canada, and represents one of WELL's largest expansions to date, significantly increasing its reach and patient care capabilities. In addition, WELL acquired three new clinicsLonsdale Clinic in North Vancouver, BC and HealthPark in London, ON which combined, add 35 physicians into the WELL network and expand WELL's presence in British Columbia and Ontario.

The newly acquired clinics represent a material step forward in WELL's mission to provide comprehensive, accessible healthcare to communities nationwide. In addition to increasing its physical presence, WELL plans to implement its suite of digital patient engagement tools and other advanced technologies across these locations. These enhancements are designed to improve the overall experience for both providers and patients, streamlining operations and ensuring more seamless access to care.

All newly acquired clinics3 are actively undergoing WELL's clinic transformation program, a proven initiative designed to optimize operations, integrate digital workflows as well as back office shared services and enhance EBITDA1 margins.

The Company further strengthened its support for healthcare providers by acquiring Physicians For You, one of the largest physician recruitment platforms in Canada that addresses one of nations most pressing healthcare challenges: the shortage of physicians. The recruitment and retention of doctors remain critical issues in Canada's healthcare system, with demand significantly outstripping supply. Physicians For You specializes in recruiting internationally trained doctors who meet the qualifications to practice medicine in Canada, providing an essential solution to this growing problem.

This acquisition represents a major enhancement to WELL's recruitment capabilities, ensuring its clinics remain fully staffed and able to meet patient demand. Physicians For You is expected to play a key role in supporting WELL's growth, and the Company plans to scale its recruitment efforts significantly to surpass current levels. By incorporating this platform into its ecosystem, WELL is better positioned to address staffing shortages while enabling primary care clinics to operate more efficiently. This scale ensures clinics remain sustainable and focused on delivering exceptional care to their communities.

Additionally, as previously announced on December 12, 2024, WELL made two new acquisitions under its newly branded WELLSTAR division, which will bolster the Company's ability to provide advanced digital solutions to healthcare providers. These additions will complement WELL's existing suite of tools, enabling clinics to streamline operations and improve patient engagement, further reinforcing WELL's leadership in healthcare innovation.

Harmony: Strengthening U.S. Anesthesia Staffing Leadership

On Jan 2, 2025, WELL's subsidiary, CRH, acquired a 65% interest in Harmony Anesthesia Staffing ("Harmony"), a full-service anesthesia staffing company based in Atlanta, Georgia. Harmony provides locum tenens and permanent placement anesthesia staffing solutions, specializing in Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants ("CAAs") and other anesthesia professionals for its network of customers, which includes anesthesia groups, hospitals, and ambulatory surgical centers (ASCs) across eight U.S. states. The placement of CAAs is a rapidly growing trend in addressing industry-wide staffing challenges, and Harmony has quickly established itself as a leader in this space. As one of the pioneers in CAA placements, Harmony has played a crucial role in meeting the anesthesia staffing challenges experienced throughout the industry.

Jay Kreger, CEO of CRH Medical commented, "We are very pleased to welcome the Harmony team to the CRH family. This acquisition is a synergistic and complimentary addition to our current platform Radar which will immediately enhance our staffing offering to our network of customers. The Harmony platform provides us further diversification beyond clinical anesthesia services and brings us significant growth potential and upside as it pertains to anesthesia staffing. We are looking forward to partnering with the Harmony leadership team and helping them accelerate their growth potential and expand into new states."

Rad Zamani, Founder of Harmony commented, "We are thrilled to partner with the WELL Health USA and CRH family. We believe this partnership will enable us to capitalize on our full growth potential and ensure that healthcare facilities are able to have access to quality anesthesia providers. We are excited about the prospect of newfound opportunities and resources that this partnership can bring to Harmony."

Harmony currently serves over 20 customers and is well-positioned to further increase its footprint of providers and clients as CAA placements gain broader acceptance across the healthcare industry. The two co-founders of Harmony, who retain a 35% interest in the business, will continue to play a key role in its growth, leveraging CRH and WELL's operational support. The acquisition reinforces WELL's strategy of diversifying its business lines while maintaining a focus on high-margin, capital-efficient growth opportunities.

WELL's M&A Outlook: Building on Strong Momentum

Looking ahead, WELL's current M&A pipeline includes 12 LOIs reflecting approximately $65M in total revenues with EBITDA1 margins in line with the Company's 2024 EBITDA margin guidance. All but two of the current LOIs are based on targets in Canada. WELL continues to see a robust pipeline of opportunities in the highly fragmented Canadian healthcare market. As the largest owner-operator of clinics in Canadasignificantly outpacing the scale of any other operators WELL is uniquely positioned to support physicians that no longer want the responsibility to operate clinics and capitalize on the long runway for growth this fragmented industry presents. The Company's proven ability to efficiently operate clinics while delivering meaningful benefits to providers, patients, and public health systems has solidified its reputation as a leader in Canadian healthcare.

WELL's clinic absorption program has been instrumental in driving organic growth while maintaining capital efficiency. This program allows clinics to join WELL's network with minimal upfront costs, benefiting from WELL's operational expertise and technology platform. Additionally, the recently introduced WELL Affiliate Clinic model provides an innovative approach to growth. These clinics, while not owned and operated by WELL, will increasingly leverage WELL's technology and infrastructure, generating high-margin income for the Company and extending its reach and influence across the industry.

WELL's three-pronged approach to growth in the Canadian clinics marketthrough acquisitions, clinic absorptions, and the affiliate modelcombined with its track record of being an excellent operator, underscores the immense opportunity ahead. With over 200 clinics now owned and operated across Canada and a growing presence in the U.S., WELL has established a strong foundation for its vision of creating a nationwide, integrated healthcare network.

Footnotes:

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization ("EBITDA") and EBITDA Margin are each non-GAAP measures. EBITDA should not be construed as alternatives to net income/loss determined in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). EBITDA does not have any standardized meaning under IFRS and therefore may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. The Company believes that EBITDA is a meaningful financial metric as it measures cash generated from operations which the Company can use to fund working capital requirements, service future interest and principal debt repayments and fund future growth initiatives. For a reconciliation of EBITDA to Net income, please refer to the Company's most recent Management Discussion and Analysis on Sedar.com. EBITDA Margin is EBITDA as a percentage of total revenue. 13 clinics are owned and operated by WELL. The remaining 59 clinics are licensee clinics operating under WELL's new 'Affiliate Clinic' business model. For more information on this please see WELL's press release dated December 2, 2024 . At this time only WELL's owned and operated clinics will undergo the full clinic transformation process. The clinics under WELL's Affiliate Clinic business model will be supported by technology solutions from WELLSTAR, WELL's SaaS & Services. Please see WELL's press release dated December 12, 2024 .

WELL HEALTH TECHNOLOGIES CORP.

Per: "Hamed Shahbazi"

Hamed Shahbazi

Chief Executive Officer, Chairman and Director

About WELL Health Technologies Corp.

WELL's mission is to tech-enable healthcare providers. We do this by developing the best technologies, services, and support available, which ensures healthcare providers are empowered to positively impact patient outcomes. WELL's comprehensive healthcare and digital platform includes extensive front and back-office management software applications that help physicians run and secure their practices. WELL's solutions enable more than 28,000 healthcare providers between the US and Canada and power the largest owned and operated healthcare ecosystem in Canada with more than 200 clinics supporting primary care, specialized care, and diagnostic services. In the United States WELL's solutions are focused on specialized markets such as the gastrointestinal market, women's health, primary care, and mental health. WELL is publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "WELL" and on the OTC Exchange under the symbol "WHTCF". To learn more about the Company, please visit: www.well.company

About CRH Medical Corporation

CRH is a North American company focused on providing gastroenterologists throughout the United States with innovative services and products for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. CRH also provides locum tenens and permanent placement anesthesia staffing solutions through its wholly owned subsidiary Radar Healthcare ("Radar") to a network of customers which include provider groups, hospitals, and ASCs. In 2014, CRH became a full-service gastroenterology anesthesia company that provides anesthesia services for patients undergoing endoscopic procedures in ambulatory surgical centers. To date, CRH has completed 49 anesthesia acquisitions, and now serves over 140 ambulatory surgery centers in 20 states. In addition, CRH owns the "CRH O'Regan System," a single-use, disposable, hemorrhoid banding technology that is safe and highly effective in treating all grades of hemorrhoids. CRH distributes the O'Regan System, treatment protocols, operational and marketing expertise as a complete, turnkey package directly to gastroenterology practices, creating meaningful relationships with the gastroenterologists it serves. CRH's O'Regan System is currently used in all 50 US states Puerto Rico, USVI and Canada.

Notice Regarding Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements in this news release are forward-looking statements and are prospective in nature including the statements regarding: the anticipated benefits of the acquisitions and the future strategy of WELL and CRH. Forward-looking statements are not based on historical facts, but rather on current expectations and projections about future events and are therefore subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from the future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "may", "should", "could", "would", "intend", "estimate", "plan", "anticipate", "expect", "believe", "working on" or "continue", or the negative thereof or similar variations. There are numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and WELL's plans and objectives to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information, including: business disruption risks relating to COVID-19; regulatory risks, including those related to healthcare, privacy and data security; integration risks relating to the acquired business on a post-closing basis, including any failure to realize expected benefits of the acquisitions; and the other risks described in WELL's publicly filed documents available on SEDAR. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. These and all subsequent written and oral forward-looking information are based on estimates and opinions of management on the dates they are made and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this notice. Except as required by law, WELL does not intend to update these forward-looking statements.

SOURCE WELL Health Technologies Corp.
Labor attorney named to partnership of leading union-side law firm

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Philadelphia labor, employment, workers' compensation and family law firm Willig, Williams & Davidson is pleased to announce that Michelle "Micky" Devitt has been made a partner of the firm.

Michelle Micky Devitt

"Micky is a passionate advocate for workers' rights, working tirelessly to advance the goals of unions and provide insightful counsel on collective bargaining and the latest developments in labor law," said Managing Partner Deborah R. Willig. "We are happy to elevate her to the role of partner, and we look forward to her continued service on behalf of working people."

"I am honored to contribute to this firm's stellar legacy of fighting for equitable treatment of workers," said Devitt. "Labor unions are a vital safeguard against exploitation, and I am proud to stand with them as part of this team. I remain committed to helping our clients fight for what's right  better wages and working conditions for hardworking people and the families they support."

Devitt has dedicated her career to equalizing the workplace playing field on behalf of workers and to advocating for social justice reform. At Willig, Williams & Davidson, she provides valuable counsel and representation to the firm's union clients. She also speaks and writes frequently about developments in labor law, sharing the insight she gained after working at the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) for more than a decade.

Immediately prior to joining Willig, Williams & Davidson, Devitt served as the Legal and Policy Coordinator for Heartland Workers Center in Omaha, Nebraska, where she lobbied for workers' rights, voting rights, immigrant rights, and poverty relief legislation. She also provided legal and strategic support to workers organizing for better wages and working conditions in Nebraska.

Before that, she served as an attorney for the NLRB in its Appellate and Supreme Court Litigation Branch in Washington, D.C., successfully helping the NLRB defend and enforce its final orders. Later, she became a field attorney working out of the NLRB's Region 27 field office in Denver, Colorado. There, she investigated unfair labor practice cases, participated in successful settlement negotiations with employers and unions, litigated unfair labor practices before administrative judges, and conducted union representation elections. At the NLRB, Devitt represented her colleagues in the board's staff unions as a steward, professional representative, and then Local 27 vice president.

Devitt also served as an attorney at the Immigrant Legal Center in Omaha, Nebraska, where she provided immigration legal services for immigrant victims of crime, trafficking, and domestic violence. Her advocacy also included lobbying for state policies that impact immigrants' rights.

About Willig, Williams & Davidson  Willig, Williams & Davidson ( www.wwdlaw.com ) is one of the largest and most respected union-side labor law firms in the United States. The firm has offices in Philadelphia and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania as well as Haddonfield, New Jersey, and Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 1979, Willig, Williams & Davidson focuses on representing labor unions, employee benefit funds and individual working people and their families on a variety of legal fronts, including national, regional and local contract negotiations; election and campaign finance; dispute resolution through mediation, arbitration and litigation; family law matters; benefits law design and compliance issues; discrimination, overtime and unpaid wages, and other employment matters; prepaid legal services for union members; social security disability; and workers' compensation matters in Philadelphia and beyond. Workers inspire us.

Contact: Sarah Larson

[email protected] / 215-340-0480

SOURCE Willig, Williams & Davidson
Rabbi Berman to be the 10th Rabbi to participate in a presidential inauguration and only the third to ever deliver the Benediction

NEW YORK, Jan. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Yeshiva University, the nation's flagship Jewish university, today announced that its President, Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman will deliver the Benediction at the 60th U.S. presidential inauguration on the steps of the Capitol in Washington D.C. on January 20th.

Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman President of Yeshiva University

Rabbi Berman's blessing, immediately following President Trump's inaugural address, will call for the nation to rise to this historic moment and unite around America's foundational values as a source for realizing our shared dreams of a prosperous, compassionate country led by faith and trust in God. Rabbi Berman is the first American-Israeli to deliver remarks at a presidential inauguration, during which he will also pray for the wellbeing and safe return of the hostages who remain captive in Gaza.

Notably, at a time of great disruption on college campuses, Rabbi Berman will be the only university president delivering remarks during the ceremony and will speak to the aspirations of faith based and values driven universities across the nation.

Rabbi Berman said, "On behalf of Yeshiva University I am deeply honored to have been asked to deliver the Benediction at this momentous time. As I prepare my remarks, I am inspired by the words of the prophet Jeremiah, who thousands of years ago walked through the roads of Jerusalem, the eternal capital of Israel, and proclaimed 'Blessed is the one who trusts in God.' I pray that we are all united around the core values of life and liberty, of service and sacrifice, and especially of faith and morality, which George Washington called the 'indispensable supports' of American prosperity."

Ira Mitzner, Chairman of Yeshiva University's Board of Trustees, said, "Having Rabbi Berman deliver the Benediction is a testament to his leadership and to the prominence of Yeshiva University. As the nation's flagship Jewish university, with an unwavering commitment to Torah values and academic excellence, Yeshiva University is a leading institution of higher education that is readying the next generation to contribute to society and live their most fulfilling lives. Never before have our mission and our presence been more important."

Rabbi Berman's Bio:

Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman is President of Yeshiva University, a global thought leader, educational visionary and a unifying force for faith and academia.

Rabbi Dr. Ari Berman is the fifth president of Yeshiva University. Since the beginning of his tenure in 2017, Rabbi Berman has anchored the university on the twin pillars of academic excellence and values-based education, guiding it into a new era of growth and innovation as a global leader in higher education.

Under his leadership, Yeshiva University has flourished. The university has launched over 20 new degree programs and four new academic centers, increased graduate school enrollment over 100%, achieved record high undergraduate applications, established a new Health Science Campus in midtown Manhattan, more than doubled annual philanthropic giving, and has already secured $520 million of The Rise Up Campaign for $613 Millionpublicly launched just three years ago.

Beyond campus, Rabbi Berman has emerged as a national leader for moral clarity and higher education. He founded a coalition of over 100 university presidents united against terrorism following the October 7th attacks in Israel and led the first-ever delegation of university presidents on the March of the Living to Auschwitz. A founding member of the ACE Commission on Faith-Based Colleges and Universities, Rabbi Berman helped bring together leaders from institutions such as Notre Dame, Baylor, Pepperdine, and Brigham Young University to advance access, affordability, and innovation in higher education while highlighting the essential contributions of faith-based institutions across the broader educational landscape.

A global faith leader, Rabbi Berman bridges diverse communities. He delivered the keynote address at the first Holocaust Commemoration Day in an Arab country in Dubai; presented a nationally viewed address at Brigham Young University on the transformative power of education; led a sustainability forum in Abu Dhabi promoting interfaith peace; joined global leaders in Hiroshima to champion human dignity in AI; and delivered the prestigious Hildesheimer Lecture in Berlin, analyzing the legal and historical intersections of Jewish and non-Jewish communities and presenting a hopeful vision for the future.

A sought-after speaker and thought leader featured in major media, Rabbi Berman holds four degrees from Yeshiva University and a doctorate in Jewish Thought from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He is married to Anita Berman, and they have five children.

About Yeshiva University

As the flagship Jewish university, Yeshiva University is animated by its five core Torah values: Seek Truth (Torat Emet), Live Your Values (Torat Chaim), Discover Your Potential (Torat Adam), Act With Compassion (Torat Chesed) and Bring Redemption (Torat Tzion).

Founded in 1886, Yeshiva University brings together the ancient traditions of Jewish law and life, and the heritage of Western civilization. More than 7,400 undergraduate and graduate students study at YU's four New York City campuses: the Wilf Campus, Israel Henry Beren Campus, Brookdale Center, and Jack and Pearl Resnick Campus. YU's three undergraduate schools  Yeshiva College, Stern College for Women, and Sy Syms School of Business  offer a unique dual program comprised of Jewish studies and liberal arts courses. Its graduate and affiliate schools include Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law, Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration, Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies, the Katz School of Science and Health and Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary. YU is ranked among the nation's leading academic institutions.

For more information about Yeshiva University and Rabbi Berman, please visit www.yu.edu.

SOURCE Yeshiva University
Perus Congress, the institution in which citizens have the least confidence after the government itself, has banned its female employees from wearing miniskirts and shorts during the summer. Those who refuse to comply will face a sanction. This is the implausible response of parliament to attempt to cover up rape scandals and an alleged prostitution network operating in the heart of Peruvian political power. The initiative, which includes a prohibition on wearing jeans, among other items of clothing, has been met with fierce criticism from political and media sectors for perpetuating one of the worst cliches of sexism: blaming women for sexual aggression because of their choice of clothing.

The case came to light in December following the murder of a former advisor to the Legal and Constitutional Office, who was shot dead by hitmen a few blocks from her home. A journalistic investigation revealed that the victim, Andrea Vidal, a 28-year-old lawyer, actually performed other functions. According to the investigation, she recruited women engaged in prostitution to coordinate sexual encounters with high-ranking officials in Congress. A month after her murder  which also ended the life of a taxi driver  various episodes have taken place that call into question whether there is a genuine desire to investigate the events.

The members of the ad hoc commission in charge of reviewing the case resigned, claiming that the investigation could not focus on a single report. There was an attempt to censor the president of the Oversight Commission, Juan Burgos, for implying that the network offered sex in exchange for votes in parliament. And it has not yet been possible to determine who authorized the appointment of Jorge Torres Saravia  who was allegedly behind the prostitution ring  to head the Legal and Constitutional Office.

Last week, another journalistic investigation, this time by the EpicentroTV website, shook the Legislative Branch, which ended 2024 with a mere 8% approval rating. A 31-year-old woman reported having been raped by a congressman and member of the Permanent Commission, Jose Jeri of the Somos Peru Christian Democratic political party, at his country home. The victim was drinking liquor with Jeri and a hardware businessman by the pool. But despite the fact that she stopped drinking, at some point she lost consciousness. She later woke up in a bed, suffering from pain in her private parts.

The congressman has denied the allegations and suggested that it was all a misunderstanding. On a subjective level, she could have understood my behavior and kindness as something else [...]. The victim will be able to find her truth, that will allow her to have the peace of mind she is looking for; and that peace of mind will also give me back my image and my name, said Jeri.

Jorge Torres Saravia during a congressional session. CONGRESO DE PERU

The issue is not how women dress

For various political actors, the change in the dress code makes no sense and highlights the old spirit of male chauvinism. It is a ban that existed in the 1950s. The issue is not how women dress, the issue is how we, among all of us, respect each other. They can dress as they wish, while observing the dress code of each institution, stressed Susel Paredes, a legislator from the Popular Democratic Bloc.

The journalist Clara Elvira Ospina, director of EpicentroTV, made an ironic observation about the moral character of Congress by bringing up another incident: in 2022 an employee of Congressman Freddy Diaz Monago reported having been abused by him in his own office. A Congress employee was raped by her boss, the congressman, inside a parliamentary office. A prostitution ring is uncovered in Congress. A lawmaker is accused of rape in a recreational house. Congress solution: ban miniskirts.

Congressman Edwin Martinez accused the woman who reported being raped by Jeri of not knowing how to behave. The two men should have controlled the girl so that she would not drink so much, which can lead to these types of situation taking place. And the young lady should also have controlled herself a little, because when drunk they lose their equanimity and start to highlight those ugly aspects that people can sometimes have.

Martinez has been criticized in recent weeks for hiring Isabel Cajo, one of the people involved in the prostitution network allegedly run by Saravia. Cajo, 26, has obtained positions in different areas of parliament with high salaries considering her academic profile, having not completed her higher education. Cajo previously sold explicit sexual photos on the OnlyFans website and was sought after on Glambu, a dating app used by wealthy men.

In its latest edition, the weekly Hildebrandt en sus trece revealed, through chats, that Cajo had a meeting in April 2024 with the then-president of Congress, Alejandro Soto. She did so using a different identity and entered through a false door that led to his office. Three days later she was hired by Congress, with the authorization of the Presidency of the Chamber. Recently, Cajo reported that her cellphone had been stolen while she was walking her dog in the Magdalena district of Lima, a fact that places at risk essential evidence to obtain clarity in the case. Almost immediately, the municipality published the security camera footage of the streets where Cajo was supposedly robbed and no abnormality was observed.

The cherry on top of this parliamentary crisis of legitimacy are seven congressmen accused of having used public funds to stage a party in the city of Trujillo. The Prosecutors Office has charged them with willful embezzlement.

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He was always the most clever and cunning of them all. They were called the Cambridge Five. Young Britons educated among the elite who, during the decades before and after World War II, worked as Soviet agents infiltrated into the heart of the system. Harold Adrian Russell Philby, known as Kim Philby, was the most elusive one of them all, and the one who held out the longest before being discovered. Newly declassified documents made public by MI5, the domestic security service of the United Kingdom, now reveal the last secrets of the double agent who elicits the most admiration and hatred among his fellow Britons.

There are 21 files that recount the recruitment of young Philby by the Communist International; his cold-blooded moves to get rid of the KGB defector Konstantin Volkov and his wife before they were able to betray him, and the hours of conversation in Beirut with his friend and fellow MI6 officer, Nicholas Elliott, in which he ended up confessing his decades as a spy for Moscow.

One of the files on Kim Philby made public by the National Archives of the United Kingdom Marissa Davison (REUTERS)

The documents, however, do not reveal the final secret: why Elliott gave his old friend enough time to flee to the Soviet Union before being arrested. Philby died in Moscow, revered as a hero by the USSR but alone and a drunk, 25 years later.

Kim from India

Philby was born in 1912 in Ambala, the Indian city then part of British India. His father, John Philby, was an army officer, a diplomat, an explorer and a writer who eventually converted to Islam and served as an advisor to King Abdulaziz bin Al Saud of Saudi Arabia. The nickname Kim, chosen by his father, comes from the title of Rudyard Kiplings novel Kim, about the adventures of a young man who spies for the British Empire.

He studied history and economics at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he was seduced by Marxism. Recruited by the Vienna branch of the Comintern (the Communist International), Philby carried out work for the Soviet intelligence service in Austria and Spain. Disguised as a journalist for the newspaper The Times, he managed to charm the forces of the future Spanish dictator, Francisco Franco, with a series of stories favorable to the cause of the coup plotters. He received the Red Cross for military merit from Franco himself.

Philbys hours of conversation with Elliott, undoubtedly the most revealing material of all the information made public by MI5, show a man corrupted by decades of lies and concealment, who is sparing and evasive when it comes to admitting his own betrayals, and who continues to play with ambiguity and half-truths, despite confessing to being a double agent.

In 1945, when Philby was already in service of the British foreign intelligence service, MI6, and working hard for the KGB, he learned that a Soviet agent, Volkov, had turned up at the British consulate in Istanbul, where he had offered a huge amount of information and secrets in exchange for 50,000 and the chance to start a new life in the U.K. with his wife. Volkov was to reveal the names of nine Soviet moles who had infiltrated the main institutions of the United Kingdom. One of them, he said, was in charge of the counter-espionage service of MI6. It was obvious that it was Philby.

After alerting his superiors in Moscow, he flew straight to Istanbul to take charge of the matter. By the time he arrived, Volkov and his wife had been kidnapped, drugged, bandaged and carried on a stretcher by a doctor and two KGB officers to a plane that took them to Bulgaria. They were never heard from again. Presumably what you passed to them [the KGB] was mainly directed towards information of direct interest to them, like the Volkov business? Elliott asked Philby at their meeting. Indeed, the double agent confirmed laconically.

The other spies

Despite years of university friendship and subsequent camaraderie, Philby always tried to protect his own back against the risks and blunders of Guy Burgess, Donald Maclean, Anthony Blunt and John Cairncross, the other agents who made up The Cambridge Five.

Donald Maclean, son of the Liberal Party politician of the same name, became First Secretary at the British Embassy in Washington from 1944 to 1948. There he carried out the most important work for the Soviet Union. He passed on to Moscow much of the communication between British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and later between the new British Prime Minister, Clement Attlee, and Harry S. Truman. Through Maclean, the Soviets learned of the progress made by the United States in the development of the atomic bomb.

When Maclean returned to the U.K., it was Philby who ended up posted to the U.S. capital. There he discovered that the British authorities were about to unmask his comrade. Using a secret code, he warned Guy Burgess, another of the five spies, who worked at the Foreign Office and was then living in Philbys London apartment, to alert Maclean. The code agreed between the former friends was to refer to a supposedly abandoned car in the backyard of Philbys residence. If I am dragged into elaborate measures in connection with the car, I propose to charge you heavily for it... Philby wrote to Burgess. The letter is part of the documents now declassified by MI5.

The confession

Despite growing suspicions about Philby on the part of his British superiors, they were unable to uncover any substantial evidence against him. Although he was forced to leave MI6, it was his friend Elliott who helped him settle in Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, in 1956, as a correspondent for The Economist and The Observer. Six years later, his friend Flora Solomons confession that Philby had tried to recruit her as a Soviet agent in 1934 finally unmasked the double spy.

Elliott traveled to the Lebanese capital and spent several days recording the conversation with his friend. I certainly would not have spoken to anyone else and when you yourself told me that you believed the evidence against me, that really did it. Heres the scoop as it were. I have had this particular moment in mind for 28 years almost, that conclusive proof would come out., Philby told Elliott.

The two friends parted with the understanding that Philby would continue to provide information to Peter Lunn, the MI6 man in Beirut. There was a tacit understanding that there would be no criminal prosecution if the double agent confessed to all his betrayals. A few days later, Philby fled to Moscow aboard a Russian steamer docked in the port of Beirut. I cannot help thinking that perhaps you wanted me to do a fade [defect], he wrote years later from the Soviet capital to his old friend Elliott.

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Mogadishu, Jan 14 : The African Union (AU) mission in Somalia welcomed a recent agreement between Somalia and Ethiopia to restore diplomatic representation in their respective capitals after more than a year of strained ties.

Mohamed El-Amine Souef, special representative of the chairperson of the AU Commission for Somalia and head of the AU Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), said the talks between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed reaffirmed enduring commitments made in Turkey, where they first agreed to mend strained relations that had mounted tensions in the Eastern Africa region, Xinhua news agency reported.

"AUSSOM remains committed to supporting Somalia's stabilisation efforts and regional partnerships, in alignment with the aspirations of the Somali people and the AU's vision for a peaceful and prosperous Africa," Souef said in a statement issued in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.

During the Saturday talks, the two leaders stressed closer collaboration between their diplomatic missions on multilateral and regional matters of mutual interest while pledging to strengthen coordination on improving regional relations and fostering common understanding and shared progress.

Souef called the step an "important milestone" in bilateral relations. He underlined the significance of the renewed focus on enhancing diplomatic ties, strengthening security cooperation, and promoting economic integration, all of which are crucial for advancing regional peace, stability, and shared prosperity.

The two countries had engaged in a diplomatic spat after Ethiopia signed an agreement with Somaliland, a self-declared region of Somalia, in January 2024, to grant Ethiopia access to the Red Sea port of Berbera in exchange for its recognition of Somaliland as an independent nation.

Somalia viewed the move as a violation of its territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Sanaa, Jan 14 : Yemen's Houthi group took responsibility for launching a ballistic missile at the Israeli city of Tel Aviv.

"We carried out a military operation targeting a vital target of the Israeli enemy in Tel Aviv, using a hypersonic ballistic missile," Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said in a statement on Monday night, aired by Houthi-run al-Masirah TV.

"The operation achieved its goal successfully," he said, adding that his group also carried out an attack using four drones and targeted "vital targets" in Tel Aviv, Xinhua news agency reported.

Sarea vowed that his group's attacks against Israel "will continue until aggression on Gaza Strip" stops.

Earlier Israel's military said its aerial defence system intercepted a ballistic missile launched from Yemen on Monday evening which disrupted air traffic in Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv.

"One projectile launched from Yemen was intercepted before crossing into Israeli territory," the military said in a statement.

The missile activated sirens in the north of the occupied West Bank, Jezreel Valley, and Beit She'an Valley, the military added, noting no casualties were immediately reported.

The incident followed the military's interception of a drone launched by Houthi forces from Yemen in the morning.

Since November 2023, the Houthis has been carrying out rocket and drone attacks on Israel, and disrupting "Israeli-linked" shipping in the Red Sea in solidarity with Palestinians amid the conflict in Gaza.

Earlier, 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."
Gaza, Jan 14 : Hamas delivered a "positive" response to a draft of the Gaza ceasefire agreement offered by mediators in the Qatari capital Doha, a senior Hamas official said.

An official familiar with the negotiation process in Doha, who wished to remain anonymous, said, "Hamas did not express any objection to the draft, hoping that a ceasefire will be reached as soon as possible to end the suffering of the Palestinian people in the coastal enclave."

"Currently, we are waiting for the final Israeli response," he added.

Earlier on Monday, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar confirmed that "progress" had been made in the talks held in Qatar, and Israel "is working hard to reach a deal."

Israel's Channel 12 news said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would hold consultations with security chiefs within the next hour, Xinhua news agency reported.

The channel reported that the deal has broad support from the Israeli cabinet despite opposition from National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who, earlier in the day, explicitly rejected the potential deal, describing it as "catastrophic" for Israel's security.

Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas resumed in Qatar on January 3, according to Hamas, days after Egypt hosted delegations from the movement and Israel with the aim of reaching a truce agreement in Gaza.

Over the past months, the efforts by mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the US have failed to reach a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas since the first truce, which lasted a week between November and December 2023.

The ceasefire deal will include two phases. During the first one, Hamas will release several Israeli hostages, including women, children, elderly people, and those who are considered humanitarian cases.

In turn, Israel will release dozens of Palestinians, including those whom Israel accuses of committing crimes against Israelis. The Israeli army will withdraw from parts of Gaza and allow the displaced people to return to their houses in northern Gaza, according to Hamas sources.

Israel and Hamas have been engaged in a deadly conflict after Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel on October 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 46,584, the Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Monday.
Damascus, Jan 14 : Syria's interim Defence Ministry has reportedly agreed with the majority of armed factions on forming a unified army, local media reported.

The arrangement includes an accord with factions of the so-called Syrian National Army in the north, laying out a plan for their integration into the revamped national forces, Xinhua news agency reported.

According to the report, the ministry has rejected any sectarian, religious, or regional autonomy for armed groups.

Instead, it aims to build a unified, professional army composed of volunteers rather than conscripts, an official from the ministry was quoted as saying.

The ministry also plans to integrate the former Free Syrian Army into the defence structure. The Free Syrian Army was a coalition of defected Syrian military personnel and civilian fighters formed in 2011 to oppose the former government during the civil war.

Al-Watan Online noted that this preliminary plan followed extensive talks between defense officials and various factions. Negotiations with remaining armed groups are expected to continue in the coming weeks as Damascus moves toward forming what it calls "a solid national army."

Earlier on Saturday, 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.

"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.

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.
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Kash Patel, President re-elect Donald J. Trump's FBI nominee, soon will face Senate confirmation hearings. His critics will warn that Patel would turn the FBI upside-down.

As well he should.

The FBI's decent, diligent field agents might be the people most betrayed by their Washington, D.C. headquarters. The Bureau's Leftist command clique has abused its infinite police powers to oppress Trump and his advisors, supporters, and those who jeopardize liberal priorities. For nine years, top FBI officials have perpetrated the inappropriate, the illegal, and the unconstitutional:

 The FBI spied on Trump's 2016 campaign, starting with advisers Carter Page and George Papadopoulos.

 In a stinging letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray, U.S. Senator Charles Grassley (R - Iowa) wrote that "the Steele Dossier was pushed by the FBI to be included in the Intelligence Community Assessment about Russian meddling in the 2016 election, despite concerns over its lack of verification." Grassley's December 9 missive continued: "This is some of the most egregious, Orwellian conduct I've witnessed in my nearly 50 years in the Congress."

These illegal outrages  which launched the three-year Russia hoax  were Watergate without the break-in.

 Former FBI chief James Comey pampered former secretary of state Hillary Clinton, despite her wholesale Espionage Act violations in the Servergate scandal. Comey recommended no prosecution despite her illegal possession of 2,113 classified documents on her home computer server. She also feloniously destroyed evidence under U.S. House subpoena  not least her mobile devices, which Clinton aide Justin Cooper reportedly demolished with a hammer.

 The FBI's April 9, 2018 raid on the office and residence of Trump's former lawyer Michael Cohen and the April 28, 2021 breach of Trump's counsel Rudolph W. Giuliani's office completely violated the once-sacred principle of attorney-client privilege.

 Senator Grassley accused the FBI of a "mule-headed war against transparency," including "silence in response to my requests that you protect whistleblowers."

 The FBI fooled Big Tech companies into spiking the New York Post's expose on Hunter Biden's Laptop from Hell in October 2020. Mission accomplished: This cover-up scuttled Trump's re-election. In this Censorship-Industrial Complex, a team of 80 FBI agents twisted the arms of social-media executives to suppress stories and deplatform Americans who rejected Biden Administration policy.

"In 2021, senior officials from the Biden Administration, including the White House, repeatedly pressured our teams for months to censor certain COVID-19 content, including humor and satire," Mark Zuckerberg likewise complained last August 26, in a letter to the House Judiciary Committee. "These people from the Biden administration would call up our team and scream at them and curse," the Facebook founder elaborated on Friday's Joe Rogan Experience.

 The FBI spied on Latin Mass Catholics as a supposed public-safety threat.

 The Justice Department designated parents' rights activists as domestic terrorists. The FBI then surveilled moms and dads for complaining to local school boards about mask mandates, Critical Race Theory, and gendermania.

 "Under the leadership of Christopher Wray, the FBI illegally raided my home, without cause, worked diligently on illegally impeaching and indicting me, and has done everything else to interfere with the success and future of America," Trump said via Truth Social on December 11.

"No such raid took place at Hillary Clinton's premises, even though she and her staff mishandled highly classified information while using a non-government server after repeated warnings from State Department security personnel it was a security risk, and despite the fact her associates destroyed potentially incriminating evidence," Grassley noted. "No such raid occurred on the home of President Biden, even though his records were consciously divided up, some stored at his home in a garage next to his Corvette...A double standard in a nation that rightly boasts that justice is blind' is no standard at all."

The incoming Republican Senate should confirm Kash Patel swiftly, so he can flip the FBI 180 degrees from its current police-state status and dislodge the crooks and thugs who infest its top echelons.

 2025 Deroy Murdock
Jack Smith, the special counsel who investigated Donald Trump over alleged attempts to subvert the 2020 election result, found that the president-elect engaged in an unprecedented criminal effort to overturn the legitimate results of the election in order to retain power after losing the 2020 election to Joseph Biden, but that Trumps victory on November 5 of last year prevented the prosecution from moving forward because of Justice Department policy prohibiting the prosecution of a sitting president. Thats according to a 137-page report released on Tuesday that holds that there was enough evidence to get Trump convicted at a trial.

Smith, who has been the target of relentless criticism by Trump, also defended his investigation and the prosecutors who worked on it. The claim from Mr. Trump that my decisions as a prosecutor were influenced or directed by the Biden administration or other political actors is, in a word, laughable, Smith wrote in a letter detailing his report, sent to Congress after midnight on Tuesday.

After the reports release, Trump, in a post on his Truth Social site, called Smith a a lamebrain prosecutor who was unable to get his case tried before the Election, which I won in a landslide. Much of the evidence cited in the report had been previously made public. A second section of the report, which deals with separate charges against Trump for mishandling sensitive classified documents after leaving the White House in 2021, has remained confidential while legal proceedings continue against two Trump associates charged in the case.

Smith, who left the Justice Department last week, dropped both cases against Trump after he won last years election, citing a longstanding Justice Department policy against prosecuting a sitting president. Neither case went to trial.

The president-elect, who often calls Smith deranged, has described the cases as politically motivated attempts to damage his election campaign and political movement. Trump and his two former co-defendants in the classified documents case had sought to block the reports release. The courts rejected their demands to block its release entirely.

False accusations

Both investigations concluded that Trump spread false claims of widespread voter fraud after the 2020 election and pressured state lawmakers not to certify the vote. He also ultimately sought to manufacture fraudulent slates of presidential electors in seven states that he had lost in an attempt to stop Congress from certifying Bidens victory. The effort culminated in the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol in Washington, when a mob of Trump supporters stormed Congress in a failed attempt to stop lawmakers from certifying the vote.

Smiths investigation faced legal hurdles even before Trumps election victory. It was halted for months as Trump pressed his claim that he could not be prosecuted for official actions taken as president. The Supreme Courts conservative majority largely sided with him, granting former presidents broad immunity from criminal prosecution.

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Doha, Jan 14 : Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met with a Hamas delegation led by Khalil al-Hayya, a member of Hamas' political bureau, according to a statement from the Emiri Diwan, the administrative office of the emir.

The two sides have held discussions focusing on the ongoing Gaza ceasefire negotiations and efforts to secure a long-term truce in the Palestinian enclave, said the statement.

The meeting took place as a senior Hamas official said earlier in the day that the group has delivered a "positive" response to a draft of the Gaza ceasefire deal offered by mediators in the Qatari capital Doha, Xinhua news agency reported.

During the meeting, the emir also reaffirmed Qatar's unwavering stance on the Palestinian cause and its firm support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people to establish an independent state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Meanwhile, Hamas delivered a "positive" response to a draft of the Gaza ceasefire agreement offered by mediators in the Qatari capital Doha, a senior Hamas official said.

An official familiar with the negotiation process in Doha, who wished to remain anonymous, said, "Hamas did not express any objection to the draft, hoping that a ceasefire will be reached as soon as possible to end the suffering of the Palestinian people in the coastal enclave."

"Currently, we are waiting for the final Israeli response," he added.

Earlier on Monday, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar confirmed that "progress" had been made in the talks held in Qatar, and Israel "is working hard to reach a deal."

Over the past months, the efforts by mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the US have failed to reach a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas since the first truce, which lasted a week between November and December 2023.

Israel and Hamas have been engaged in a deadly conflict after Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and about 250 taken hostages.
Jerusalem, Jan 14 : Israel's military announced that five soldiers were killed and eight others severely injured in an explosion at a building in the northern Gaza Strip.

The cause of the explosion, which led to the collapse of the building, was not immediately clear, and the Israeli military said the incident was still under investigation, Xinhua news agency reported.

In a statement, the military identified the victims as members of the Reconnaissance Battalion of the Nahal Brigade, including their 23-year-old squad commander. The soldiers "fell in battle" in Beit Hanoun, according to the statement.

The eight injured soldiers, from the same battalion, were "severely" wounded and evacuated to a hospital.

The deaths bring the total number of Israeli soldiers killed to 840 since the beginning of Israel's multi-front war in October 2023.

The incident occurred as Israeli and Hamas negotiators were advancing indirect talks in Qatar's Doha in an effort to reach a ceasefire deal after more than 15 months of deadly fighting.

Earlier on Monday, Al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas' armed wing, claimed that it has killed more than 10 Israeli soldiers in the northern Gaza Strip during the past 72 hours.

After more than 100 days of the "comprehensive destruction and genocide carried out by the Israeli army, our members are still dealing it harsh blows," Abu Obeida, the spokesperson for the Brigades, said on the social media platform Telegram.

He stressed that the Israeli army, which "has hidden the true extent of its losses," "will withdraw from the northern Gaza Strip, and its "only achievement" is "destruction, devastation and massacres against innocent people."

Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said on Monday that "progress" has been achieved in the talks held in Qatar on a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas that will secure the release of the hostages.

"There is progress in the negotiations to release the hostages," Sa'ar said during joint remarks alongside Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, who is on a trip to the region.

"Israel very much wants to release the hostages and is working hard to reach a deal," Sa'ar said.
Tehran, Jan 14 : Iran and three European powers -- France, Britain and Germany -- have agreed to restart discussions on lifting sanctions and Tehran's nuclear program, a senior Iranian diplomat said.

Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran's deputy Foreign Minister, announced this on social media platform X as a new round of talks began in Geneva between Iran, the three countries, and the European Union. The talks are expected to cover a range of issues, including how the countries relate to each other, as well as problems in the region and the world, Xinhua news agency reported.

Gharibabadi said the talks were "serious, frank, and constructive," adding they went into detail about removing sanctions and the nuclear issues needed for a deal.

"Everyone agreed on the need to restart talks on removing sanctions and Iran's nuclear program," he said, adding that reaching a deal needs "a good environment" created by all sides.

Senior diplomats from Iran and the European powers last met in Geneva in November 2024 to discuss Tehran's nuclear program and other topics. Gharibabadi said those talks were open and focused on recent events between the countries, in the region, and worldwide, especially the nuclear program and lifting sanctions.

Iran signed a nuclear agreement with world powers in July 2015, agreeing to limit its nuclear work in return for easing sanctions. But the US left the deal in May 2018 and put sanctions back in place, causing Tehran to reduce its own commitments.

Talks to bring the 2015 deal back to life began in Vienna in April 2021 but have made little progress despite many rounds of discussions.

In December, Germany, the United Kingdom and France released a statement expressing "extreme concern" over Iran's enrichment capacity.

"We strongly urge Iran to reverse these steps, and to immediately halt its nuclear escalation," it said.

The statement came after Rafael Grossi, head of the UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), reported that Iran was enriching uranium up to 60 per cent purity, approaching the 90 per cent level needed to produce a weapon.
Washington, Jan 14 : US President Joe Biden cited taking the Quad to the "next level" among the major foreign policy achievements of his outgoing administration and noted that hosting the leaders at his home for the last summit showed "we're really friends."

Biden on Monday said he strengthened America's bilateral and multilateral alliances and partnerships, such as NATO and the Quad; forged new ones, such as AUKUS with the United Kingdom and Australia, and weakened America's adversaries, such as Russia, China and Iran.

He also spoke at length about his decision to pull the US out of Afghanistan, ending the country's longest war.

"The United States is winning the worldwide competition compared to four years ago," Biden said in a speech at the State Department.

"America is stronger. Our alliances are stronger, our adversaries and competitors are weaker."

"I've taken Quad to the next level," Biden said, speaking specifically of the group the US forms with India, Australia and Japan.

He added that the last summit of the four group's leaders was to be held in New York during the UN meetings in September. But then there was a suggestion to hold at his home in Delaware.

"I said, why? So we can now, then people know we're really friends."

Biden hosted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at his home and school in Wilmington.

Biden did indeed take the group to the next level. After resurrecting the group in 2017, President Donald Trump's administration advanced it to the level of foreign minister. President Biden took it to the level of leaders as one of his first actions after moving into the White House in 2021. The group has since met several times at the summit level, both virtually and in person.
Shimla/Manali, Jan 14 : Devotees across Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday took a dip in rivers braving cold weather to mark the auspicious Makar Sankranti festival.

A huge gathering was seen at Tattapani, around 52 km from the state capital, and Manikaran, home to a Sikh shrine in Kullu district, for a holy dip in the Sutlej and Parvati rivers, respectively. Both Tattapani and Manikaran, known for hot springs with high sulphur concentration, witnessed a majority of devotees mainly from Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Delhi.

"Like in previous years, this time too we are expecting over 20,000 devotees on Makar Sankranti," a priest at Tattapani told IANS over the phone.

Likewise, the devotees took a holy bath in the Vashist temple, located on the outskirts of the popular tourist resort Manali. The temple is situated on the left bank of the Beas River, also known for its hot springs.

Makar Sankranti, a major harvest festival celebrated in various parts of the country, also marks the beginning of warmer and longer days compared to the nights.

Holding community kitchens to mark the occasions is common among the people. The natural and prominent hot springs, which disappeared after the construction of the 800 MW Koldam hydroelectric power project executed by the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) along the Satluj in Tattapani, have been restored.

Shimla-based Durga Devi Bihari Lal Brochan Lal Charitable Trust has been holding the traditional 'khichdi bhandara' on Makar Sankranti at Tattapani for 96 years.

"The 'khichdi bhandara' is a humble offering to the community, where everyone comes together as one family to share a warm 'khichdi with ghee'," said trust chairman Ramesh Chand Sood.

In 2020, the 'khichdi', weighing 1,995 kg, was prepared jointly by the state Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation and the trust in a single utensil to mark Makar Sankranti and entered the Guinness World Records.
Mumbai, Jan 14 : Violence, gender dynamics, and personal empowerment, 'Santosh', the United Kingdom's official entry for the 2025 Academy Awards for the Best International Feature Film category had been brewing in writer and director Sandhya Suri's mind for long.

Reflecting on the origins of the movie, Suri tells IANS that she had been searching for a meaningful way to talk about violence against women for a long time.

"She said, "When I was in India researching and working with various NGOs, I came across an image. There were nationwide protests following the Nirbhaya gang rape case and this was an image from Delhi of a huge crowd of angry female protesters, faces contorted with rage, and a line of female police officers, forcing them back. One of them had such an enigmatic expression, I was fascinated by her".

She continued, "What a gulf between her and those protesting, what power her uniform wielded and what powerlessness not to feel safe as an ordinary woman. When I started researching female police constables, I learnt of the government scheme of 'appointment on compassionate grounds' in which eligible dependents of deceased police officers can inherit their jobs".

Spending time with many such widows, she realised some had previously led very sheltered lives, never even leaving the house without their husbands or relatives until they started their police training.

"I was struck by the journey: from housewife to widow, to policewoman. That was a journey I wanted to write about, and one I wanted to watch," she said.

The film revolves around a young widow who inherits her late husband's job as a police constable in rural India and investigates a murder. This is the first time the UK has selected a Hindi-language film for this category. Having studied mathematics as an undergraduate, Suri says she did not want to dissect films the way she did with English literature.

Talking about the time when she was a teacher of English in Germany, she recalled, "Making films was what excited me, not analyzing them. So I decided to go to film school as a postgraduate, leaving the door open for something entirely different".

Her background in mathematics, she explains, helped her develop a unique way of thinking, which she carried over into her filmmaking approach. Having trained in documentary filmmaking at the National Film and Television School (NFTS) in the UK, the director, who has made documentaries including 'I for India', 'Around India with a Movie Camera', and the narrative short film 'The Field', tells that work on 'Santosh' began in 2016.

"The script was in good shape after the Sundance Scriptwriters' Lab, but the real work was researching, refining details, and fleshing out the characters. The film's protagonist, Santosh, a female constable, didn't fit the typical mould seen in many films set in India. She was not a diasporic character discovering her roots or an upper-middle-class protagonist fluent in English. Santosh does not speak English. She is a constable. I wanted to keep that authentic," says the

director.

Recalling that she was "carrying her shopping bags" both times when she heard the news that 'Santosh' was selected for the official competition at the Cannes Film Festival and later the Oscars, Suri says, "I dropped the shopping, gave a fist pump, and shouted. My 11-year-old daughter was so happy that she forgot to be embarrassed".

Her next project which is set in a dystopian world, she reveals. "I feel I have to settle all the lessons I learnt. It was a steep learning curve. I know to keep speaking from the heart, and I am always checking the project's heart and pulse and to know its anchor is as firm as in 'Santosh'".

Documentary filmmakers have forever complained about the lack of a distribution network and exhibition. Suri comments, "This is a global phenomenon. I have no solution but wish for documentary to be respected for the astounding art form it is as well as just a film 'about a particular subject'. There is so much craft and form to it, which sometimes gets overlooked".

Even as indie filmmakers face an uphill battle regarding securing theatrical releases or getting picked up for streaming platforms, Suri is optimistic, "I tend to have faith in the audiences. If the film is strong and engaging, not boring, the labels don't matter, whether it goes to a festival or not. It will find its audience if the distributors, in whose hands we lie, believe and dare," she said.

Anushka Shah, CEO and founder of Civic Studios which will release the film in the UK and Ireland says, "As a British-Indian director with immense talent, Suri has done a fantastic job in serving both the issue and the story brilliantly on screen".

The movie looks at a fundamental vestige of Britain's colonial history in India - its police system and explores the many pressures within and outside the system. This combined with being a thriller that keeps you at the edge of your seat as it unravels a high-pressure police case, gives it a universal appeal for audiences looking for good and engaging storytelling", she added.
Cape Town, Jan 14 : MI Cape Town returned to winning ways with a comprehensive 33-run victory over neighbours Paarl Royals in the first installment of the SA20 Cape derby at Newlands.

Newlands, which was filled to capacity for MI Cape Townas first home game of Season 3, was an image of splendour with the sun setting gloriously over Table Mountain. It was the perfect setting for MI Cape Town to deliver a near-perfect allround performance.

New signing Reeza Hendricks led the way with the bat with his first half-century for MI Cape Town. Hendricks played with all the panache that has earned him a reputation as one of the finest T20 batters in the land.

His 59 off 37 balls provided the foundation for the home side to post a formidable 172/7. Hendricks was ably supported by Rassie van der Dussen (43 off 33 balls) as the pair shared a 78-run partnership off 54 balls before the in-form Delano Potgieter smashed another 18-ball 29 to provide the late innings momentum.

The Royalsa run-chase began in positive fashion with Joe Root (26) and Lhuan-dre Pretorius (26) smashing 38 runs in just the three overs.

However, the introduction of Kagiso Rabada into the MI Cape Town attack reaped immediate rewards with the fast bowler dismissing both Root and Pretorius within a couple of overs of each other.

It was even more remarkable due to both being wicket maiden overs from Rabada.

The Royals never recovered from the double blow with MI Cape Townas spin twins George Linde and Rashid Khan weaving a web around the visitorsa middle-order.

Linde bowled beautifully to finish with figures of 3-15, while Rashid claimed 2-28.

The two Western Cape sides will go head-to-head again in the rematch of the Cape Town derby in a couple of days time at Boland Park on Wednesday.
Bratislava, Jan 14 : Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico proposed holding talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss gas transit through Ukraine which was halted recently.

In an open letter posted on social media, Fico extended the invitation to Zelensky on Monday for a joint meeting on Slovak territory near the border between Slovakia and Ukraine "preferably as soon as possible," Xinhua news agency reported.

The meeting will "create a good foundation for an open discussion" about gas supplies to Slovakia and other countries via Ukraine, and possible technical solutions in the wake of the expiration of the contract between the relevant Ukrainian and Russian companies on December 31, 2024, Fico noted.

Zelensky's decision not to renew the contract and stoppage in the gas transit to Slovakia on January 1, 2025, besides harming bilateral relations between Slovakia and Ukraine, also adversely affected the competitiveness of the European Union, an organisation that Kyiv is seeking membership, Fico said, adding that his perspective isn't unique within Europe.

Fico has threatened to cut electricity supplies to Ukraine and limit the support for Ukrainian refugees in Slovakia, after Kyiv's refusal to extend the gas transit contract.

The Slovak prime minister reiterated that Slovakia risks to lose 500 million euros ($510 million) in gas transit fees previously earned for transporting Russian gas through Ukraine to other European nations. Additionally, the halt is expected to drive up gas prices, exacerbating supply shortages.

Fico made a trip to Moscow at the end of last year, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Fico told the local media on Sunday that Russia will honor its commitment to deliver natural gas to Slovakia in the coming months.
Ankara, Jan 14 : Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin held talks with Hamas' political bureau officials regarding ongoing efforts for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, Turkey's semi-official Anadolu Agency reported.

Kalin held phone talks with Hamas representatives, reviewing the progress and current status of the ongoing Gaza ceasefire negotiations, Xinhua news agency reprted quoting Anadolu.

Both parties reportedly agreed on the importance of continuing diplomatic efforts to achieve a ceasefire.

Indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel in Qatar's Doha have made progress toward a ceasefire agreement, Palestinian and Israeli officials confirmed on Monday.

Hamas delivered a "positive" response to a draft of the Gaza ceasefire agreement offered by mediators in the Qatari capital Doha, a senior Hamas official said.

An official familiar with the negotiation process in Doha, who wished to remain anonymous, said, "Hamas did not express any objection to the draft, hoping that a ceasefire will be reached as soon as possible to end the suffering of the Palestinian people in the coastal enclave."

"Currently, we are waiting for the final Israeli response," he added.

Earlier on Monday, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar confirmed that "progress" had been made in the talks held in Qatar, and Israel "is working hard to reach a deal."

Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas resumed in Qatar on January 3, according to Hamas, days after Egypt hosted delegations from the movement and Israel with the aim of reaching a truce agreement in Gaza.

Over the past months, the efforts by mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the US have failed to reach a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas since the first truce, which lasted a week between November and December 2023.

Hamas militants stormed southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 others as hostages. Of these, 98 remain in captivity in Gaza, with at least a third believed to have died.

Israel's military campaign in response has caused widespread devastation in Gaza. Hamas-run health authorities reported on Monday that Israeli strikes had killed at least 46,584 people in Gaza.
Bengaluru, Jan 14 : A six-year-old girl was allegedly raped and murdered in Bengaluru, police said on Tuesday.

The incident occurred around 7.30 p.m. on Monday when the victim's parents were out for construction work and she was alone at home in the Rammurthynagar police station area.

The accused, identified as 25-year-old man Abhisheik Kumar from Bihar, has been arrested.

When the accused, who also worked as a mason, found the victim alone, he lured her outside.

He took her to an isolated place and raped her.

However, the sources said that the girl died during the sexual assault.

More details are awaited and police are yet to issue an official statement.

The police have booked the accused under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

On July 10, 2024, a gang of five men abducted two minor girls and sexually assaulted one of them on the Karnataka-Kerala border in Kodagu district. The other girl had escaped and after getting information in this regard, the Karnataka Police had arrested all the five accused.

On July 19, 2024, police have arrested two persons in connection with the raping a minor girl in Yadgir district of Karnataka. The girl was raped by two accused when the victim had gone to attend nature's call.

A 17-year-old girl was raped and impregnated by a 19-year-old man in Karnataka's Hubballi and the accused was arrested on May 4, 2024. The accused had targeted the victim girl by getting close to her through her classmate. Later, the accused abused and threatened her.

The accused sexually exploited the victim for three months before being arrested by the police.
The Los Angeles fires have also caused a political crisis. Firefighters are about to mark one week of battling the active outbreaks of blazes west and east of the city, which have already left people 24 dead and at least 23 missing. Local authorities have hinted that to relieve the emergency situation they will need the help of Donald Trump, the president-elect and a declared enemy of California, the great progressive bastion of the United States. Trump will be inaugurated as the new White House tenant next Monday, January 20. From there, he will have to guide the federal efforts for reconstruction.

Trump has already been invited by local authorities to visit the areas affected by the Palisades and Eaton fires, which have destroyed over 12,000 buildings across more than 15,000 hectares. I asked him to come so he could see the devastation with his own eyes, to interview and hear the stories of the victims and thank the rescuers for their work, but more importantly, to see how the federal government can help heal and rebuild communities, Kathryn Barger, the chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, the main administrative body of the metropolitan region, with a population of almost 10 million people, said on Sunday.

California Governor Gavin Newsom, one of the countrys leading Democrats, has expressed concern that Trumps imminent arrival in Washington could mean a reduction in the federal aid put in place by the Biden administration. Hes done it in Utah. Hes done it in Michigan, did it in Puerto Rico. He did it to California back before I was even governor, in 2018 [] Hes been at this for years and years and years. Thats his style, the governor said Sunday in an interview with NBC. Newsom has also invited Trump to visit the disaster area.

Some high-profile Republican politicians have floated the idea that aid to California should be tied to conditions. Thats my personal view. Well see what the consensus is, House Speaker Mike Johnson said Monday. The legislative leader also lashed out at state and local officials, accusing them of negligence over water mismanagement, forestry oversight errors, and all sorts of problems. There will be conditions attached to the money, if its approved, Republican Senator John Barrasso, one of Trumps party leaders in the upper chamber, also said in an interview.

A firefighter works near the Palisades Fire on January 12. Ringo Chiu (REUTERS)

The 2018 precedent

The episode Newsom referred to occurred in mid-2018, when Californias wildfire season destroyed nearly 800,000 hectares and left 103 people dead in different parts of the state. Last October, it was revealed that Trump had refused to approve the federal disaster declaration, a bureaucratic step necessary to allow the transfer of resources to help the victims. The then-president only changed his mind when one of his advisers convinced him to do so by showing him that in some of the affected regions, such as the wealthy Orange County, Trump had more voters than in states such as Iowa, a Republican stronghold.

That threat is looming again in the current emergency, which is on track to become one of the worst tragedies California has ever experienced. People need help. They are desperate. People who are not insured are worried about not getting the help they need to rebuild their homes, Barger, an independent politician who is still waiting for a response from the incoming administration, said on Monday. FEMA, the federal emergency response agency, has increased its presence in the regions of Los Angeles destroyed by the fires so that the thousands of people affected can begin their requests for help in the final eight days of the Biden administration. As of Sunday, some 26,000 people had started the process.

Trump has not publicly responded to the invitations from California. Instead, he has used social media to criticize the California governor and President Biden. Let this serve, and be emblematic, of the gross incompetence and mismanagement of the Biden/Newscum Duo, Trump said on Wednesday, using a habitual nickname for the Democratic governor. On Saturday, he was back on the attack. The fires are still raging in L.A. The incompetent pols [politicians] have no idea how to put them out, the president-elect wrote on his network, Truth Social.

The right has also fueled accusations against Democrats over responsibility for the fires. Among them was Elon Musk, who recorded a live video while speaking with two firefighters from Cal Fire, the state fire department responsible for coordinating the response. The tech magnate tries again and again to get them to claim that there was no water in the Pacific Palisades area to combat the fire, one of the falsehoods that the Republicans have pushed. There really is no water system thats going to keep the pace [of the amount being used], explains one of the firefighters in disagreement with Musk, who has become a powerful advisor to Trump.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom tour an area damaged by the Palisades wildfire on January 8. ALLISON DINNER (EFE)

Mayor of Los Angeles in the spotlight

Karen Bass has perhaps been the local politician most affected by her response to the emergency. The mayor of Los Angeles, the first black woman to hold the post, was in Ghana when the Palisades Fire began to grow on Tuesday morning. Bass had traveled to Africa to take part in the inauguration of Ghanaian President John Mahama, despite having promised three years ago to reduce foreign travel as much as possible and focus on the city. Despite this, she was absent during the first press appearances of local authorities. Bass is also facing strong criticism for the reduction of the local fire departments budget, an issue that has been highlighted in the midst of the crisis by her fire chief, Kristin Crowley. The mayor approved a 2025 budget of $819 million, which was $23 million less than last year.

The cuts primarily eliminated 73 vacant bureaucratic positions and reduced the $7.9 million overtime pay pool for firefighters. Pressure from the fire union, however, ultimately led to increased overtime pay, making the budget $53 million greater than 2024. Still, Crowley said in a December memo that the amount not earmarked for administrative positions represented unprecedented operational challenges.

Bass said Monday that she was focusing on the emergency and on the safety of Los Angeles residents in the face of the return of strong winds. Once the crisis is over, she said, there will be a detailed evaluation of the budget. The impact of our budget really did not affect what weve been going through over the last few days, she told a reporter. Meanwhile, the city continues to burn.

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Mumbai, Jan 14 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Mumbai on Wednesday, during which, he will dedicate three frontline naval combatants INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vaghsheer to the nation on their commissioning at the Naval Dockyard.

He would later interact with the Mahayuti legislators, especially after the landslide victory in the state Assembly elections. Thereafter, he will inaugurate the International Society for Krishna's Consciousness (ISKCON) temple at Kharghar, Navi Mumbai.

According to the government release, the commissioning of three major naval combatants marks a significant leap forward in realising India's vision of becoming a global leader in defence manufacturing and maritime security.

INS Surat, the fourth and final ship of the P15B Guided Missile Destroyer Project, ranks among the largest and most sophisticated destroyers. It has an indigenous content of 75 per cent and is equipped with state-of-the-art weapon-sensor packages and advanced network-centric capabilities.

INS Nilgiri, the first ship of the P17A Stealth Frigate Project, has been designed by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau and incorporates advanced features for enhanced survivability, seakeeping, and stealth, reflecting the next generation of indigenous frigates.

INS Vaghsheer, the sixth and final submarine of the P75 Scorpene Project, represents India's growing expertise in submarine construction and has been constructed in collaboration with the Naval Group of France.

During Prime Minister Modi's interactive session with Mahayuti's legislators, the lawmakers are expected to give their report cards. The Mahayuti partners, including BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP have given instructions to their respective legislators on how to make their report cards and give inputs for the vision for Maharashtra.

A senior Mahayuti leader said, "The legislators will be ready with a note on how they will implement various state and Central government's schemes and their roadmap for five years. They will also submit status on the effective implementation of these schemes and the present financial and social conditions of the beneficiaries of such welfare and development schemes from their respective constituencies."

He further added that the legislators from three parties will have to submit information relating to how they regularly keep contact with the voters and their communication strategies.

Moreover, Prime Minister Modi at 3.30 p.m. will inaugurate the Sri Sri Radha Madanmohanji Temple, an ISKCON project in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai. The project, spread over nine acres, includes a temple with several deities, a Vedic education centre, proposed museums and auditorium and healing centre, among others. It aims to promote universal brotherhood, peace, and harmony through Vedic teachings.

Notably, on January 12, the BJP held a state-level meeting at Shirdi to celebrate its stellar performance in polls and the formation of the Mahayuti government again in Maharashtra.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has asked the BJP legislators to be ready to continue the victory march in the upcoming local and civic body elections in line with the party's Panchayat to Parliament stand.
Kolkata, Jan 14 : The trial process in the Enforcement Directorate (ED)-registered case in the alleged cash-for-school job scam in West Bengal will begin from Tuesday.

This comes after the process of charges framing in the ED-registered case was completed at a special court in Kolkata last week.

The trial will begin in the same court with the recording of the statement of witnesses which will be conducted in-camera in a closed courtroom. On Tuesday, the statement of three witnesses on this count will be recorded. Similarly, the statements of two other witnesses will be recorded on January 20 and January 27.

Sources said that the statements of these three witnesses are one of the most crucial aspects of the case. First, the statements of all the witnesses in the matter will be recorded and thereafter they will be examined and cross-examined by the prosecution and defence counsels.

All the accused named in the subsequent charge sheets filed by ED will have to be present at the special court during the entire trial process.

Of the 53 named as accused in the case, 29 are individuals and the remaining 24 are corporate entities or trusts.

The ED had filed a total of five charge sheets in the matter Those named in the charge sheet as accused include heavyweight names like former West Bengal Education Minister and Trinamool Congress secretary general Partha Chatterjee and the party legislator and the former president of West Bengal Board of Primary Education (WBBPE) Manik Bhattacharya.

Chatterjee's close associate Arpita Mukherjee, from whose twin residences the ED officials seized huge cash and gold in July 2022, had also been named as an accused in the case. Chatterjeeas son-in-law- Kalyanmoy Bhattacharya has also been named as an accused in the case.

Of the trusts named as accused in the charge sheet, one is Babli Chatterjee Memorial Trust named after Chatterjeeas deceased wife. The main charge against this trust was that illegal proceeds in the school job case were shown as donations to the trust and then diverted.
Seoul, Jan 14 : North Korea launched multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea on Tuesday, South Korea's military said, in a provocation staged just days before US President-elect Donald Trump takes office.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said it detected the launches at about 9:30 a.m. from the Ganggye area in the North's Jagang Province and they flew about 250 kilometres before splashing into the sea. It did not specify the number of missiles fired.

Tuesday's launches marked the recalcitrant regime's second provocation this year, after it fired what it claimed to be a hypersonic intermediate-range ballistic missile on January 6.

Given the flight distance of short-range ballistic missiles, they are usually seen as targeting South Korea.

North Korea also fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles on November 5 last year, just hours ahead of the US presidential election.

In a year-end party meeting, North Korea declared it would carry out the 'toughest' counteraction strategy toward the United States, claiming military cooperation among South Korea, the US and Japan has expanded into a "military bloc for aggression."

The JCS condemned the latest launch as a 'blatant' provocation that threatens peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, and vowed to maintain a firm readiness posture against the possibility of North Korea making a 'wrong judgment.'

"In preparation against additional launches, our military has strengthened our monitoring and vigilance, while closely sharing information on the North Korean missile with the US and Japanese sides and maintaining a full readiness posture," the JCS said.

The JCS said it is monitoring the possibility of additional missile launches, noting it detected transporter erector launchers for firing missiles near the launch site, Yonhap news agency reported.

South Korea's Acting President Choi Sang-mok denounced North Korea's latest launch, calling it a clear violation of UN Security Council resolutions and pledged a firm response based on the ironclad South Korea-US alliance.
Chandigarh, Jan 14 : Braving cold, tens of thousands of devotees converged at the Golden Temple in Amritsar and other gurudwaras across Punjab to pay obeisance and for a holy dip in the 'sarovar' to mark Maghi or Makar Sankranti on Tuesday.

Makar Sankranti, a major harvest festival celebrated in various parts of the country, also marks the beginning of warmer and longer days compared to the nights.

Devotees in the Golden Temple started assembling much before sunrise and some preferred to stay overnight on the temple premises to take holy dip early in the morning.

"January 14 is the first day of the traditional Punjabi month of Maghi and devotees feel blessed to have started it by taking a dip in the holy sarovar," a temple priest told IANS.

Langars (community kitchens) were organised to mark the day. Though Maghi is celebrated with fervour in Muktsar district, many consider that taking the holy dip in the Golden Temple sarovar is also significant.

In Muktsar, people gather on the occasion to commemorate the martyrdom of the 40 Sikhs ('chalis mukte') who had once deserted the 10th Sikh master, Guru Gobind Singh, at Anandpur Sahib, but later rejoined and died while fighting the Mughals in 1705.

Sikhs make a pilgrimage to the battle site and take a dip in the sacred water tanks of Muktsar town.

A fair is held at Muktsar Sahib every year called Maghi Mela in memory of the 40 Sikh martyrs. Activists of two radical leaders -- Khadoor Sahib MP Amritpal Singh, who is currently lodged in Dibrugarh jail of Assam under the National Security Act (NSA), and former MP Simranjit Singh Mann have announced to hold parallel rallies on Tuesday in Muktsar to mark Maghi.

The activists of jailed MP Amritpal Singh may announce a new political party, maybe named Shiromani Akali Dal (Anandpur Sahib), at the rally.

The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) will also organise its convention in Muktsar amid the "leadership crisis" in the wake of its former president Sukhbir Singh Badal and several leaders indicted by the Akal Takht for religious "misconduct" during the party rule from 2007-17, including the pardoning of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in a 2007 blasphemy case.

In view of Mela Maghi, Muktsar Sahib Police have stepped up proactive measures to ensure public safety and maintain law and order. To achieve this, they are utilising drone cameras to monitor the situation closely.

The police have set up assistance centres at various locations within the city to facilitate devotees attending Mela Maghi. These centres will enable devotees to report lost or stolen valuables, missing children, or any suspicious activities.
Mumbai, Jan 14 : Domestic mutual funds (MFs) saw their equity asset under management (AUM) rise for the 11th consecutive year to Rs 33.4 lakh crore (40 per cent year-on-year growth) in 2024, a report showed on Tuesday.

The AUM growth was fuelled by an uptrend in market indices (Nifty 9 per cent growth) and higher equity scheme sales (Rs 9.12 lakh crore or 69 per cent growth), said Motilal Oswal's Fund Folio Report.

However, redemptions also rose 40 per cent to Rs 4.64 lakh crore, leading to a rise in net inflows (more than double) to Rs 4.47 lakh crore in 2024 (all-time high) from Rs 2.06 lakh crore in CY23.

The mutual fund industry's total AUM increased 32 per cent to Rs 66.9 lakh crore in CY24, propelled by the growth in equity funds, liquid funds, balanced funds, other ETFs funds, and income funds.

"Investors continued to park their money in mutual funds, with inflows and contributions in systematic investment plans (SIPs) reaching a new high of Rs 26,460 crore in December 24 (up 50.2 per cent YoY)," the report noted.

In December, MFs showed interest in healthcare, retail, consumer durables, technology and real estate, leading to a month-on-month rise in their weights.

Private banks (16.6 per cent) was the top sector holding for MFs in December, followed by technology (9.4 per cent), automobiles (8.2 per cent), and capital goods (7.8 per cent).

Consumer durables, retail, real estate, healthcare and textiles witnessed the maximum increase in value MoM.

The latest data by the Association of Mutual Funds of India (AMFI) showed that actively managed equity mutual fund inflows saw over 14 per cent monthly growth at Rs 41,155.9 crore in the month of December. The growth in equity mutual fund inflows came as thematic/sectoral and small-cap funds saw higher investments.

The mutual fund industry's AUM saw significant growth over the last decade, as it increased by a whopping 524 per cent to 68.08 lakh crore in November 2024 from 10.9 lakh crore in November 2014.
Chennai, Jan 14 : Tamil Nadu Governor R. N. Ravi and Chief Minister M. K. Stalin extended greetings to the people on the occasion of Makar Sankranti and Pongal.

The Tamil Nadu Raj Bhavan, in a post on the social media platform 'X' said: "Warm greetings to all on the auspicious occasions of Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Bhogali Bihu, and Uttarayan! These festivals, marking the harvest season, reflect our deep sense of gratitude to Mother Earth. Celebrated across India's diverse regions, each with its uniquely rich traditions, rituals, and customs, they highlight the cultural vibrancy and spiritual unity that binds us together as one nation."

The statement further said, "May these celebrations nurture love, compassion, and unity, ushering in greater happiness, good health, and prosperity for all."

Chief Minister Stalin wished the people of the state a very happy Tamil New Year.

In a post on 'X', CM Stalin said: "Happy Tamil New Year to all the great farmers who plough tirelessly to provide food for the world, and to our Tamil brothers and sisters living across the globe! May the hearts of Tamils be filled with joy like the light of the rising sun! May happiness overflow in life like the abundance of a new Pongal."

AIADMK General Secretary and Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly, Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS), in a social media post, stated: "On the harvest festival of Pongal, celebrated with joy and happiness by Tamils around the world, I pray to the Almighty that all people live a life filled with good health, prosperity, fame, and wealth. Following the noble path of revolutionary leader MGR and revolutionary leader Amma, I happily extend my Pongal greetings to everyone."

Tamil superstar and founder of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), Vijay, shared his wishes on 'X'.

"Pongal festival! A celebration of unparalleled joy for farmers, revered and worshipped by the world. A festival of gratitude, when cattle are honoured. A festival of valour, when bulls bravely enter the field," he said.

He said, "May 2026 bring true social justice, equality, peace, and women's safety, along with lasting public safety and happiness. May the ideal of good governance for everyone be fulfilled. On this Tamil festival, let us pledge to stand tall and proud in Tamil Nadu. Happy Pongal and Tamil New Year to all!"
Seoul, Jan 14 : The first formal hearing of South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment trial ended after four minutes on Tuesday due to his absence, with the Constitutional Court dismissing Yoon's request to exclude one of eight justices from the trial.

The next hearing is scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday, and the court will proceed with the trial regardless of whether Yoon is present or not, acting court President Moon Hyung-bae said, citing the relevant law.

Tuesday's hearing was held exactly a month after the National Assembly voted to impeach Yoon over his short-lived imposition of martial law on December 3.

Yoon's lawyers had said earlier that the president, who has been suspended from his duties, will not attend the hearing due to concerns about his personal safety amid investigators' attempt to detain him on charges of insurrection and abuse of power related to his martial law decree.

Moon said the court decided to dismiss Yoon's request to exclude one of eight justices -- Chung Kye-sun -- from the trial. The decision was unanimous among the seven other justices, he said.

Yoon's lawyers had demanded Chung's exclusion, citing concerns her past work as the leader of a progressive law research society could undermine the chances of a fair ruling.

Moon also said the court dismissed Yoon's objection to the court's simultaneous designation of five dates for hearings, saying the decision was made under laws and regulations governing the Constitutional Court, not a criminal court.

The court has 180 days to decide whether to uphold or reject Yoon's impeachment from the day it received the case on December 14.

If upheld, Yoon will be removed from office, triggering a snap presidential election within 60 days. If dismissed, he will be reinstated.

The National Assembly, which is acting as the prosecutor in the case, requested five witnesses for the trial on Monday, Yonhap news agency reported.

They are Hong Jang-won, former first deputy director of the National Intelligence Service; Cho Ji-ho, commissioner general of the National Police Agency; Lt. Gen. Kwak Jong-keun, chief of the Army Special Warfare Command; Lt. Gen. Lee Jin-woo, commander of the Capital Defence Command; and Lt. Gen. Yeo In-hyung, head of the Defence Counterintelligence Command.
New Delhi, Jan 14 : The Supreme Court has acquitted a taxi driver, who was booked under the NDPS Act and was in jail for seven years for the sole reason that he was unable to give details of the passengers carrying contraband.

As per the prosecution, in June 2010, when the appellant's taxi was stopped by the Deputy Superintendent Police (Dy SP) at Karnataka's Belgaum, the two passengers sitting at the back fled. The vehicle was searched and 20 kilograms of ganja, which was packed in two visible bags, were seized. The appellant was prosecuted under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985(NDPS Act) and was convicted. He was directed to undergo rigorous imprisonment for ten years and to deposit a fine of Rs 1,00,000.

In its order, the apex court noted that the appellant has already suffered seven years and one month of actual incarceration and is presently, out on bail. The appellant referred to the statement of the Dy SP, where he had admitted that the offending vehicle was a taxi and that when it was stopped, the driver of the vehicle made no effort to run away but the two passengers in the car ran away. During the search, no incriminating material was found from the person of the appellant.

The appellant took the plea that he is totally ignorant about the contraband being carried in his vehicle and it may belong to the passengers who have fled from the spot. Therefore, since the contraband cannot be linked to the appellant, he is not liable to be prosecuted.

Moreover, the procedure prescribed for the personal search was not followed, further contended the appellant.

"The Courts below have convicted the appellant solely for the reason that the appellant was not able to give details of the passengers. Ordinarily, since it is not disputed that the appellant was a taxi driver and that the contraband was seized from the taxi while he was carrying two passengers who fled from the scene, it cannot be said with any certainty that the appellant himself was carrying the contraband or has connived to carry the said contraband in his vehicle," said a bench of Justices Pankaj Mithal and Ahsanuddin Amanullah of the top court.

It was not expected of any taxi driver to give details of the passengers, as ordinarily, no taxi driver/owner before allowing the passenger to board the taxi asks for such details from the passengers, added the Justice Mithal-led Bench.

"Considering the fact that no incriminating material was seized from the person of the appellant and that he had not made any effort to run away, moreover, the two bags from which the contraband was seized were not found to be hidden but were rather visible, we find no material on record to link the appellant-driver with the aforesaid contraband so as to prosecute and convict him for any offence under the NDPS Act," said the Supreme Court as it set aside the conviction order passed by the trial court and subsequently, upheld by the Karnataka High Court.

"Accordingly, the order impugned passed by the High Court dated 27.11.2012 and that of the Trial Court dated 01.06.2011 are hereby set aside and the present appeal is allowed. The bail bonds and sureties stand discharged," the apex court ordered.
New Delhi, Jan 14 : Ahead of filing his nomination for the upcoming Assembly elections, AAP leader Somnath Bharti embarked on a spiritual journey, starting his day by visiting religious places in Malviya Nagar on Tuesday and remarked that for him politics is a spiritual journey.

Somnath Bharti, the MLA from Malviya Nagar, commenced his nomination process with a visit to the historic Laxmi Narayan Temple in Malviya Nagar. Following the temple visit, he proceeded to the Gurdwara in Malviya Nagar and then to the Hauz Rani mosque.

Speaking to IANS, Bharti remarked, "This is a process. When we participate in elections, it is essential to begin with positivity and blessings. Just like every time, I started my journey at the historic Laxmi Narayan Mandir in Malviya Nagar, then moved to the Gurdwara and the big mosque in Hauz Rani. From there, I will head to the Sub-Divisional Magistrateas office to officially file my nomination."

"On the way, I will meet people who continue to bless me. For me, politics has always been a spiritual journey, and that is why I am standing here today," he added.

When asked about Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhias recent statement, Bharti said, "Rahul Gandhi's response will be addressed by Arvind Kejriwal. My concern is solely with my region, and my complete focus remains here."

Speaking at a rally in Seelampur, northeast Delhi, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi accused the AAP of ignoring the needs of minorities and backward communities.

The Delhi Assembly elctions are scheduled for February 5, with the results to be declared on February 8.

The upcoming election is being labelled as the atoughesta fight for the AAP, especially after the crisis it faced in the last two years, with the top leadership finding itself in the middle of probes by central investigation agencies over corruption allegations, mostly around the new liquor excise policy.
Bhopal, Jan 14 : The Madhya Pradesh government has received investment proposals worth more than Rs 3.75 lakh crore from six Regional Industry Conclaves (RIC), organised between March and December, 2024.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said that the total investment proposals received from six RICs were expected to generate nearly 85,000 jobs in the state, besides ensuring industrial growth.

The state government is now preparing for the 7th Regional Industry Conclave (RIC) in the Shahdol division on Thursday.

On Monday, Chief Minister Yadav virtually interacted with a group of industrialists who were supposed to announce investment in the state during Shahdol's RIC.

After virtual interaction with industrialists from Rewa airport, the Chief Minister said investment proposals worth Rs 20,000 crore have been received for Shahdol.

The total investment is estimated to increase further after the conclave is organised.

After reviewing preparations for RIC, Chief Minister Yadav directed the Shahdol district administration to prepare new entrepreneurs for startups within two days.

The Chief Minister also stated that Shahdol is known across the country for its abundant mineral resources.

Notably, the first edition of the RIC was organised in Chief Minister Yadav's home district Ujjain on March 1 and 2, 2024.

Later, the second edition was held in Jabalpur on July 20 and the third in Gwalior on August 28. The fourth edition of RIC was organised in the Sagar division on September 27, while the fifth edition was held in Rewa on October 23.

The sixth edition was organised in Narmadapuram (Hoshangabad) division on December 7, 2024.

Subsequently, the state government will kick-start preparation for 'Madhya Pradesh - Global Investors Summit' - 2025' to be held in Bhopal on February 24.

Chief Minister Yadav said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Global Investors Meet.

Notably, the state government has declared 2025 as the 'Year of Industry and Employment' to promote industrial development in Madhya Pradesh.

To promote the event and attract investors, interactive sessions on investment opportunities are organised at national and international levels.
Kochi, Jan 14 : Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, on Tuesday, accused the Centre and the University Grants Commission (UGC) of adopting a disappointing approach aimed at "destabilising" institutions under the state government.

He cited the latest UGC regulations which, he claimed, threatened the autonomy of state universities.

"A prime example of this is the latest UGC regulations, which threaten the autonomy of state universities. State Universities function according to Acts formulated by elected Legislative Assemblies, and the creation of such regulations undermines this autonomy," said CM Vijayan while inaugurating a Conclave on Next-Gen Higher Education, titled, 'Shaping Kerala's Future - Towards A New Episteme', here.

He said, "The Union government and the UGC should refrain from such actions, and respect the autonomy of universities and the rights of state governments in matters concerning education."

"We have no opposition to establishing minimum qualifications for teacher appointments or similar matters, and we fully adhere to such regulations. However, the UGC overstepping its boundaries in this way is unacceptable. Most of the universities are funded by state resources, with minimal Central contributions," said CM Vijayan.

"By pursuing such actions, the UGC and the Union government fail to recognise that these efforts could lead to the collapse of a publicly funded higher education system that is efficient, ultimately paving the way for more private educational institutions. Already, numerous private universities operate across the country, many of which do not even adhere to UGC regulations. If these attempts continue, they will not only harm public universities but also undermine the very integrity of the UGC itself," added CM Vijayan.

The Chief Minister further stated that his government's goal is to make quality higher education accessible to everyone and inclusive for learners with different learning challenges and needs. "Kerala's higher education sector is being transformed to meet local needs and global demands. We will welcome learners and educators who are ready to work cooperatively on local and global issues," said CM Vijayan.

He pointed out that restructuring the state's higher education sector to align with industry and employment demands is crucial. "As part of this effort, initiatives such as campus industrial parks and skill parks have been launched in various parts of the state. Consequently, industrial partnerships will be a central focus of this conclave."

The draft UGC (Minimum Qualifications for Appointment and Promotion of Teachers and Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and Measures for Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education) Regulations, 2025, was released on January 6 by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. It has revised the selection process for Vice-Chancellors. The UGC draft has given the powers to Chancellors or Visitors to constitute a three-member search-cum-selection committee to appoint Vice-Chancellors. The guidelines also warn that non-implementation of it may result in debarring an institution from participating in UGC schemes or from offering degree programmes. The UGC has given 30 days for the stakeholders and public to comment on the draft.
New Delhi, Jan 14 : The growth of small finance banks (SFBs) in the country is set to reach 20-23 per cent in FY26 from 18-20 per cent in FY25, a report showed on Tuesday.

From a funding perspective, the SFBs have been gradually increasing the share of current account and savings accounts (CASA) deposits over the years and the same stood at around 28 per cent as of the end of September 2024, according to credit rating agency ICRA.

The credit-deposit (CD) ratio stood at 89 per cent as of September 2024, which at present is comparable to the private sector bank average.

In line with the trend seen in universal banks, there has been a move towards term deposits offering higher interests and the trend is likely to continue over the near term, said the report.

Given the industry-wide headwinds, specifically in the microfinance segment, ICRA expects the SFB growth to moderate in FY25 to 18-20 per cent from 24 per cent in FY24, and subsequently pick up in FY26 to 20-23 per cent.

"The SFBs have been diversifying their product offerings over the years to include other retail asset classes such as vehicle loans, business loans, LAP, gold loans and housing finance, which has led to reduction in the share of unsecured loans in their overall pie," said Manushree Saggar, SVP and Sector Head-Financial Sector Ratings, ICRA.

Considering the stress seen in the microfinance sector, a larger share of incremental business will come from secured asset classes, which would be the likely growth drivers in FY26, Saggar added.

"With a more calibrated expansion in the current fiscal, the operating ratios shall benefit from higher efficiency. Higher credit costs, however, shall lead to a moderation in the overall profitability in FY25," said the report.
Jammu, Jan 14 : One more child died of a mysterious disease on Tuesday in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district taking the toll to 13.

So far since December 2024, a total of 13 individuals, including many children in Badhaal village of Rajouri's Kotranka sub-division, have died of this mysterious disease.

The 13th victim of the mysterious disease was a child, who died while being treated in a local hospital.

Fear and widespread panic have gripped Badhaal village as the locals have been fighting this mysterious disease for over a month now. What has added to the fear of the villagers is the fact that the victims do not belong to just one family in the village and every home is deeply worried about the welfare of its inhabitants.

High fever, excessive sweating, vomiting, and episodes of loss of consciousness are some of the symptoms of this mysterious disease. The exact cause of this mysterious disease is still not known to the doctors who are just treating the patients symptomatically.

Principal of the government medical college Rajouri, Dr Ashutosh Gupta told reporters that preliminary findings suggest it is a viral infection, but nothing can be conclusively said without final findings.

Teams of experts from the National Institute of Virology Pune, PGI Chandigarh, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and AIIMS Delhi have come to Badhaal village to help local doctors control the disease and check its spread.

"These teams are conducting extensive field studies and collecting samples for laboratory analysis. The involvement of these institutions underscores the severity of the situation and the commitment to identifying and addressing the cause," officials said.

Seniormost officials and doctors from various premier hospitals in Jammu City have also visited Badhaal to help investigations pinpoint the pathogen causing these mysterious deaths. State Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakina Itoo has been monitoring the process of pathogen identification and treatment of the patients suffering from this mysterious disease.
New Delhi, Jan 13 : India's imports of high-quality coal declined by 3.1 per cent in the first seven months (April-October) of FY 2024-25 to 149.39 million tonnes (MT), compared to 154.17 MT during the same period in the previous year, due to the increase in domestic production, the Ministry of Coal said on Tuesday.

The Non-Regulated Sector (excluding the power sector) saw a more substantial decline, with imports dropping by 8.8 per cent year-on-year.

India has the fifth-largest coal reserves globally and domestic coal production plays a key role in supporting its rapidly growing economy. However, the country faces a significant gap in meeting its coal demand for coking coal required for steel production and high-grade thermal coal for firing power plants.

Despite a growth of 3.87 per cent in coal-based power generation from April 2024 to October 2024 compared to the same period last year, coal imports for blending by thermal power plants saw a sharp decrease of 19.5 per cent as domestic production has gone up. This reflects a greater degree of self-sufficiency in coal production and reduces dependence on imports, the statement said.

The increase in coal imports for the power sector, particularly from imported coal-based power plants (designed to use only imported coal), was notable, rising by 38.4 per cent to 30.04 MT, up from 21.71 MT in the previous year, the statement said.

On the production side, coal output saw a positive growth of 6.04 per cent, rising to 537.57 MT in the April-October 2024 period, up from 506.93 MT in the same period of FY 2023-24. This growth highlights the governmentas concerted efforts to enhance coal production and optimise its usage within the country, the statement added.

The governmentas efforts are focusing on increasing domestic output to attain a self-sufficient and sustainable energy landscape for India, the statement added.
Jaipur, Jan 14 : The Rajasthan High Court on Tuesday granted interim bail till March 31 to self-styled godman Asaram, who is serving life imprisonment in a 2013 rape case.

This comes a week after the Supreme Court granted him bail till March 31 in another rape case, to avail medical treatment.

The petition in the HC filed by Asaram for suspension of sentence and bail was heard on Monday.

Asaram's lawyer R.S. aaSaluja said to the media persons that while hearing the petition the court granted interim bail to Asaram till March 31.

He was arrested by Jodhpur police from his ashram in Madhya Pradesh's Indore in 2013. Since then, he has been in jail.

After a trial of five years, on April 25, 2018, the court sentenced Asaram to life imprisonment. Now, after 11 years, he will be out of jail on interim bail.

The terms and conditions set by the court include that Asaram cannot meet his followers and will not try to tamper with the evidence in the case.

Three guards will accompany him, whose expenses will have to be borne by Asaram.

Earlier on January 7, the Supreme Court had granted medical bail to Asaram till March 31, 2025, in the case of the rape of a female follower in the Surat ashram. While giving the verdict on the bail, the Supreme Court had said that Asaram could not meet his followers. The court had clarified that the relief was granted solely on humanitarian grounds and directed compliance with conditions imposed during the bail period.

Asaram did not get relief in the Jodhpur rape case. After this, his lawyer filed a petition in the High Court which gave him relief.

The self-styled godman has been held guilty in two cases in Jodhpur Court and Gandhinagar Court.

He was arrested by Jodhpur Police from the Indore ashram on September 2, 2013. A woman from the ashram in Gandhinagar, Gujarat had filed a rape case against him. On January 31, 2023, the court sentenced him to life imprisonment in this case.
Chennai, Jan14 : Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) has announced its candidate for the Erode East by-election, scheduled for February 5.

NTK chief Seeman declared M. K. Seethalakshmi as the party's candidate to contest against DMK's V.C. Chandrakumar.

There will be a direct contest between NTK and DMK as the principal opposition parties in Tamil Nadu, including AIADMK, DMDK, and the BJP, have announced not to contest the by-election.

The AIADMK, on January 11, cited the DMK's alleged misuse of official machinery, as well as money and muscle power, in previous elections as reasons for withdrawing.

On January 12, the DMDK and the BJP-led NDA followed suit, with BJP state president K. Annamalai also alleging potential misuse of government resources by the ruling party.

In a statement posted on his official X account, Seeman said, "The Erode East Assembly Constituency by-election in Tamil Nadu is scheduled to take place on February 5, 2025. I am pleased to announce that my dear sister, M.K. Seethalakshmi, who holds a Master's degree and M.Phil., will contest on behalf of the Naam Tamilar Katchi."

He urged all party members and office bearers to extend full support to Seethalakshmi, adding, "I sincerely request the cooperation of all state, zonal, district, and constituency-level office bearers, as well as office bearers of all wings of the party and Naam Tamilar members, to ensure victory for the Naam Tamilar Katchi in the Erode East by-election."

On January 11, the DMK announced its policy propaganda joint secretary, V.C. Chandrakumar, as the candidate for the bypoll on behalf of the INDIA bloc, which it leads in Tamil Nadu.

Tamil Nadu Congress Committee chief, K. Selvaperunthagai, had earlier decided that the DMK would contest the bypoll on behalf of the alliance, even though Erode East is a sitting Congress seat.

The counting of votes for the by-election will be held on February 8.

The by-election was necessitated following the death of veteran Congress leader and MLA E.V.K.S. Elangovan on December 14, 2024, at the age of 75.

Elangovan, a grandnephew of Dravidian icon Periyar E.V. Ramasamy, was elected from Erode East in the by-election of 2023 after his son, Thirumagan Everaa, who represented the constituency, passed away on January 4, 2023 at the age of 46 due to a heart attack.
New Delhi, Jan 14 : The Delhi High Court on Tuesday reserved its decision on a plea filed by 2020 riots accused Tahir Hussain seeking interim bail for filing nomination papers and campaigning in the upcoming Assembly polls.

Asaduddin Owaisi-led All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has fielded Hussain as a candidate from the Mustafabad constituency for the coming elections.

A bench of Justice Neena Bansal Krishna reserved its decision after hearing the arguments raised by senior advocate Rebecca John, representing the former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) councillor, and Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Chetan Sharma, who appeared on Delhi Police's behalf.

Opposing Tahir Hussain's interim bail plea, ASG Sharma said that the AIMIM candidate, facing "gruesome allegations", may file his nomination papers from Tihar jail or under custody parole.

Sharma added that there is no fundamental right to contest elections and if released on interim bail, Hussain will allegedly influence witnesses.

"We are conceding that custody parole be granted to facilitate him to file nominations. Like others he can also contest," he said, referring to the former councillor's involvement in several criminal cases, including under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and the UAPA (Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act).

On the other hand, senior advocate John pleaded that Tahir Hussain be released on interim bail, from January 16 to February 9, for filing nomination and for the election campaign.

John repeatedly laid emphasis that Tahir Hussain be temporarily released for campaigning.

After hearing the contentions raised, Justice Krishna-led Bench said that it will pronounce its verdict in chambers.

A day before, Hussain's counsel argued that the former AAP councillor should be released on interim bail since he needed to file nomination papers physically and give a true account of his assets.

The counsel cited the interim bail granted to J&K leader Engineer Rashid, accused in a terror funding case being probed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), for election-related purposes.

"You can file a nomination even while sitting in jail," remarked the Justice Krishna-led Bench, as it adjourned the hearing till Tuesday.

On December 24, the Delhi HC issued a notice to the city police on a plea filed by Hussain seeking bail in connection with Intelligence Bureau officer Ankit Sharma's murder case in the 2020 riots.

"Issue notice. [S]tatus report/reply be filed before the next date of hearing with an advance copy to learned counsel for the petitioner. [L]ist before the concerned Roster Bench on 14.01.2025," it had ordered.

Meanwhile, the Delhi BJP has criticised AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi for fielding Hussain as a candidate. It accused the AIMIM of acting as the AAP's "B-team" and warned of serious consequences if any attempt was made to incite communal unrest in the national capital.

Speaking to IANS, BJP State Vice President Kapil Mishra accused Owaisi and other "secular parties" of provoking Hindus in Delhi by fielding Hussain.

"This is a clear attempt to disrupt the peace in Delhi. Last time, Shaheen Bagh protests were staged before the elections. If riots are incited in the name of Tahir Hussain this time, there will be consequences," he said.

Responding to the allegations, AIMIM's national spokesperson Waris Pathan said: "Those making baseless allegations should introspect. People living in glass houses should not throw stones at others. Didn't the BJP give a ticket to Pragya Singh Thakur, who is an accused in the Malegaon blast case?"

Pathan asserted that the AIMIM candidates, Tahir Hussain and Shafaur Rahman, are innocent. "They are undertrial prisoners. What will critics say when they are acquitted?" he asked.
Bengaluru, Jan 14 : A BJP delegation headed by the party's Karnataka President B.Y. Vijayendra and the Leader of Opposition (LoP) R. Ashoka on Tuesday met the owner of the three cows whose udders were slashed by a man in Chamarajpet recently and also visited the site of the crime.

After the arrest of one man for the heinous crime, the BJP has announced statewide protests on the issue.

The BJP is claiming that it was not possible for one man to commit the crime and is demanding a proper investigation into the horrifying incident.

In view of the Makara Sankranti festival, the team also conducted a 'Gau Puja (cow worship).'

The BJP state team visited the house of the owner of the injured cows near the Dundumariamma Temple in Cottonpet police station limits. During the visit, the team offered moral support to the cow owner.

The delegation included BJP MP P.C. Mohan, MLC N. Ravikumar, Bengaluru Central District President Saptagiri Gowda, former IPS officer and BJP leader Bhaskar Rao, along with key party members and local leaders.

The Opposition leader R. Ashoka declared that such incidents will not intimidate Hindus.

Speaking to reporters, he said, "I have personally seen the plight of the cows after their udders were slashed and their blood spilt in Chamarajpet. This is not the act of a single individual; several people are involved in this crime. The police should have conducted a thorough investigation."

"This act was committed during a significant time when the Sankranti festival and the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj are underway," he said.

"Additionally, Congress workers reportedly pressured the cow owner, Karna, to hand over the cows to them," Ashoka alleged.

The BJP has provided Rs 1 lakh as compensation to the cow owner.

"Hindus are not in a position to bow down. The Congress has double standards. They offered to gift three new cows to the owner on one hand while their own people slaughter them. I now have doubts about both the police and the government," he said.

"The accused was found carrying a blade in his pocket, and the police claimed he was mentally unstable. How could such a person work in a factory for ten years? How did he arrive at the location at 3-4 a.m.?" questioned Ashoka.

"They couldn't attack cow owner Karna directly, so they attacked his cows as a warning. Yet, CM Siddaramaiah has not spoken a word in condemnation. If something had happened to Muslims, he would have immediately responded. However, we are not afraid of this vote-bank politics. This is a religious war, and the BJP will fight statewide against cow slaughter and attacks on Hindus," he said.

Ashoka expressed anger over the lack of proper investigation, comparing it to a past incident where MLC C.T. Ravi was arrested and kept in a sugarcane field. "In this case, the accused was directly presented before the court without being taken into police custody for investigation. This has stalled the inquiry," he criticised.

He also urged CM Siddaramaiah to ensure justice for the cows, which provide milk, stating, "Do not betray Gau mata."

Speaking to the media, Vijayendra stated, "Hindus from the state and the country have expressed shock over the incident. Such an incident never took place in the history of Karnataka. India is a land where we worship the cow and it is regarded as holy and this tragedy has sent shock waves across the country."

The BJP delegation visited the house of the owner of cows and BJP MP P.C. Mohan has donated a cow to him to support his family, Vijayendra stated.
Los Angeles, Jan 14 : Actor Hugh Jackman is cementing his relationship with his girlfriend Sutton Foster as the two were spotted sharing a passionate kiss.

This comes just days after their new romance finally came to light, reports 'Mirror.co.uk'.

The Hollywood actor, 56, and Broadway icon, 49, sparked rumours of a romance for several months in 2022 when they both starred on stage in 'The Music Man', fueling this further when both their marriages ended.

As per 'Mirror.co.uk', after much speculation, the pair appeared to confirm their relationship last week as they were spotted holding hands during a date night in Santa Monica, California. Just days later, Hugh and Sutton didn't hold back on the PDA as they were captured sharing a heated kiss.

In photos obtained by Mail Online, the pair were photographed in the car while at a San Fernando In-N-Out as they repeatedly kissed each other. Looking totally loved up, Sutton was spotted tentatively holding Hugh's face during the passionate moments as they waited for their fast food order. Another picture was captured as they stood outside the car, the Wolverine actor with his arms wrapped around his new woman in a touching note of affection.

For their low-key date night, Hugh donned a casual black t-shirt, jeans and glasses, while Sutton wore an oversized blouse, jeans and comfy trainers. Their public appearance comes after the actor attended a performance of Sutton's production, 'Once Upon A Mattress' in Los Angeles at the weekend.

Romance rumours were first sparked between Hugh and Sutton when they both starred in 'The Music Man' on Broadway, New York City, from February 2022 to January 2023. Then, in September 2023, Hugh announced his split from his wife Deborra-Lee Furness after 27 years of marriage.

Fast forward to a year later, Sutton called time on her marriage with husband Ted Griffin. Despite only just going public with their relationship, their mutual fondness isn't new, as they've previously sung praises about each other.

During an interview with Vogue in 2022, Foster shared, "He has an impeccable reputation of being the hardest working man, incredibly kind, and generous-and all of that is true".

She added, "He's now become one of my best friends, which was a surprise, because you usually go into these things thinking, 'Well, I hope we get along.' But we just spent Memorial Day with our families. It's really fun to meet new friends".
Bengaluru, Jan 14 : Hundreds of specially-abled employees serving in various departments of the Karnataka Government celebrated their sixth consecutive Sankranti festival with Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H. D. Kumaraswamy.

Over 600 specially-abled employees have been celebrating the festival with the JD(S) leader for the past six years.

Employees from across the state, accompanied by their families, gathered at the Union Minister's residence in Bengaluru to celebrate Sankranti.

Addressing the gathering, Kumaraswamy said, "I am deeply grateful for your unwavering trust and affection. Your love and blessings are my real strength."

He added, "Whenever I have had the opportunity, I have extended my support to the best of my abilities. I will continue to strive sincerely for well-being of the differently-abled."

Union Minister Kumaraswamy emphasised the importance of empowering specially-abled individuals financially instead of just showing sympathy.

"For me, they are equivalent to God, and I will always work for their betterment whenever given the chance," he said.

He also urged the specially-abled community not to lose hope and reassured them: "Today, India is advancing in unimaginable ways. Opportunities are increasing, and I urge you all to face challenges with courage and optimism."

He also expressed concern over the deteriorating societal environment, citing incidents like the slashing of the udders of three cows in Bengaluru as deeply distressing.

During the celebration, the employees presented a memorandum to the Union Minister, requesting the provision of more job opportunities for specially-abled individuals in public sector industries across the country.

The employees also appealed for reinstatement of the Swavlamban Health Insurance Scheme introduced in 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Under the scheme, specially-abled individuals could access quality healthcare for a nominal premium of Rs 300. Union Minister Kumaraswamy assured them that he would bring this issue to the notice of the concerned authorities.

This tradition of celebrating Sankranti with specially-abled employees stems from Union Minister Kumaraswamy's initiatives during his tenure as Karnataka's Chief Minister in 2006. Through "Janata Darshan," Kumaraswamy identified and addressed employment issues faced by the specially-abled.

Taking bold steps, he provided job opportunities to 300 SSLC pass and 300 graduate candidates with disabilities in the Energy Department on a contract basis. However, subsequent governments failed to regularise their services despite repeated requests.

When Union Minister Kumaraswamy returned as Chief Minister in 2018, he fulfilled his promise by regularising the services of these 600 specially-abled employees during the Sankranti celebrations in 2019.

Expressing gratitude, the employees shared, "When we worked on a contractual basis, we earned just Rs 3,000. After our services were regularised, our salaries increased to Rs 80,000a" Rs 90,000. Today, we own houses, buy cars, and provide quality education to our children, all thanks to Kumaraswamy. That's why we celebrate Sankranti with him every year."
KYODO NEWS - Jan 14, 2025 - 13:01 | All, World

SEOUL - North Korea fired several short-range ballistic missiles toward the Sea of Japan on Tuesday, the South Korean military said, in the second round of launches this year.

The missiles were launched at around 9:30 a.m. from the Ganggye area in the northern province of Jagang and flew around 250 kilometers before falling into the sea, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said.

Japanese top government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi said no damage was reported in Japan's territory and exclusive economic zone following the launches.

On Tuesday last week, North Korea's state-run media reported that the country had successfully launched a new type of intermediate-range hypersonic missile toward a simulated target at sea the previous day.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was quoted by the Korean Central News Agency as saying that the test-firing of the new missile was "mainly aimed to steadily put the country's nuclear war deterrent on an advanced basis."

The latest launch comes around a week before U.S. President-elect Donald Trump takes office on Monday. He held summit talks with Kim, including once in Singapore in June 2018, on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

South Korea, technically still at war with the North since the 1950-1953 Korean War ended in an armistice rather than a peace treaty, has been mired in a political crisis since President Yoon Suk Yeol briefly imposed martial law on Dec. 3, triggering public outrage.

Related coverage:

Japan, South Korea affirm ties' importance amid Seoul political turmoil

300 North Korean soldiers dead, 2,700 wounded in Ukraine war: South Korea

North Korea claims successful test-firing of new hypersonic missile
Ahmedabad, Jan 14 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah celebrated the Makar Sankranti festival, also known as Uttarayan, on Tuesday by taking to kite-flying, along with Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel.

Amit Shah, who also holds the portfolio of the Cooperation Ministry, visited the Shantiniketan Society in Ahmedabad's Memnagar and participated in the festivities. He also extended good wishes to the society residents on the auspicious occasion.

Earlier, the Home Minister was given a warm welcome by the residents of Shantiniketan Society, including women and children. They decorated the area with beautiful colourful kites and rangoli, to welcome him.

While the Union Minister flew a kite to celebrate the festival, the adjacent houses saw hundreds of locals flocking to their rooftops and terraces for a glimpse of the Home Minister.

Sharing the photos of kite-flying festivities on his X handle, Gujarat CM Patel extended greetings to everyone on Makar Sankranti.

Earlier, the Home Minister also took to the social media platform 'X' and greeted the countrymen on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.

"Makar Sankranti is a festival of unwavering faith in Indian culture and tradition. Heartiest greetings to the countrymen on this holy festival of energy, enthusiasm and progress," he posted on X.

Makar Sankranti, celebrated every year on January 14, marks the first day of the Sun's transit into the Makara (Capricorn zodiac sign), marking the end of the Winter solstice and the beginning of longer days. It is known by different names in different regions including Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Bihu in Assam, and Maghi in Punjab.

In Gujarat, the festival is celebrated as 'Uttarayan'. Kite flying is the most popular custom during 'Uttarayan' with people gathering on their rooftops to immerse themselves in kite flying festivities and also engaging in friendly kite-fights in the clear skies.
Patna, Jan 14 : The Dahi-Chura feast hosted by the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) in Patna on the occasion of Makar Sankranti sparked significant political discussion on Tuesday.

The arrival of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, accompanied by Water Resources Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, was a noteworthy moment that could have underlined camaraderie or strategic alignment. However, the absence of host Chirag Paswan to personally welcome the dignitaries became the topic of discussion. Instead, the partyas state president Raju Tiwari and other senior leaders welcomed CM Nitish Kumar and other guests.

Upon his arrival, CM Nitish Kumar paid tribute to the late Ram Vilas Paswan by offering flowers to his photo, a gesture that highlighted the deep respect between the two leaders despite changing political dynamics over the years. He also interacted briefly with party workers before leaving.

The absence of Chirag Paswan, the host, during CM Nitish Kumaras visit, prompted speculation about the political implications of the incident. This absence has led to speculation about whether it was a mere scheduling oversight or carried political undertones.

Chirag Paswanas decision to be absent during such a significant moment is being analysed as a potential message in the complex political dynamics of Bihar. Addressing the situation, LJP (RV) state president Raju Tiwari clarified that the Chief Minister arrived ahead of schedule, and Chirag Paswan was on his way at the time.

He emphasized the warm relationship between CM Nitish Kumar and the party, describing him as a "guardian" and welcoming his unplanned visit.

"Nitish Kumar paid tribute to Ram Vilas Paswan and informally said the LJP office "my house" -- is significant for us. He is our guardian," Tiwari said.

Chirag Paswan also invited leaders from across the NDA alliance, including Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, Vijay Kumar Sinha, and BJP State President Dilip Jaiswal. However, they were also missing when the Chief Minister arrived at the venue.

This incident serves as a reminder of how such cultural occasions are layered with political symbolism, with every gesture, timing, and remark becoming fodder for analysis in the intricate web of Bihar politics.
Lohardaga, Jan 14 : A person with a criminal background was shot dead in broad daylight during a gang war at the Kuru bus stand in Jharkhand's Lohardaga district on Tuesday, police said.

Lohardaga, Jan 14 (IANS) A person with a criminal background was shot dead in broad daylight during a gang war at the Kuru bus stand in Jharkhand's Lohardaga district on Tuesday, police said.

The deceased, identified as Subhash Jaiswal alias Chhotu, was a known criminal with a history of offences. Police had been searching for him in connection with a Rs 13 lakh robbery in Pandra, Ranchi, that took place about two weeks ago.

According to the police, Jaiswal arrived at the Kuru bus stand on a bike with an associate. He allegedly opened fire on bus agent Santu Paswan with the intent to kill. Panicked by the gunshots, Paswan fled, causing chaos and a stampede at the bus stand.

Amid the commotion, a member of a rival gang retaliated, shooting Jaiswal in the head. He collapsed on the spot, while his companion fled.

Police rushed to the scene upon receiving information about the incident. Jaiswal, who was critically injured, was taken to a local hospital and later referred to RIMS Ranchi. However, he succumbed to his injuries on the way to the hospital.

Authorities have arrested the assailant, identified as Anamul Ansari, who also has a criminal record. Ansari is reportedly involved in several prior cases, including an attempted murder of Kudu's former zonal officer, Praveen Kumar Singh.

The incident is under investigation, with senior district officers visiting the site to assess the situation.

The shooting is linked to an ongoing rivalry between two gangs. Notably, Paswan's brother was shot dead in an earlier incident, leading to a cycle of violence between the gangs.

The Kuru bus stand shooting is one of several incidents of violence in Jharkhand over the past 24 hours.

In Hazaribagh district, treasury staff member Pintu Kumar Nayak was killed in Kasmar, while in Seraikela-Kharsawan district, studio operator Dilip Kumar Gorai was shot dead in Chandil.

In Sahibganj district, Gram Pradhan Holi Koda was killed in the Mirzachowki police station area.

The spate of killings has raised concerns about the law-and-order situation in the state.
Jammu, Jan 14 : Six soldiers were injured in a landmine explosion near the Line of Control (LoC) in J&K's Rajouri district on Tuesday, officials said.

Jammu, Jan 14 (IANS) Six soldiers were injured in a landmine explosion near the Line of Control (LoC) in J&Kas Rajouri district on Tuesday, officials said.

The explosion occurred in the Nowshera sector of Rajouri.

"The incident occurred around 10.45 a.m. when a soldier patrolling in the Nowshera sector of the LoC accidentally stepped on a landmine that went off injuring six soldiers. All the injured army soldiers have been shifted to hospital where attending doctors have described their condition as stable," an official said.

Areas close to the LoC on the Indian side are secured by planting landmines so that infiltration and terrorist activity on the Indian side of the LoC is prevented.

"Some of the landmines planted near the LoC on our side get shifted from their original place due to rain etc from the place where they are marked on the patrolling map. Tragedies like today are caused by these landmines called drift mines," a senior army officer said.

The army and other security forces have been carrying out aggressive anti-terrorist operations targeting terrorists, their over-ground workers (OGWs), and sympathisers.

These aggressive operations against terrorists were ordered by Lt Governor Manoj Sinha after the terrorists carried out some dastardly attacks during the last four months against the army, security forces, police and civilians. These attacks were carried out by the terrorists after peaceful and people-participative Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, witnessed by diplomats from several countries, in J&K and intelligence agencies suggest that the handlers of terrorism sitting across the LoC got frustrated by these developments.

These handles of terrorism, as per the intelligence agencies, have ordered terrorists to carry out attacks to terrorise and keep the pot boiling despite prevailing peace in J&K.
Kabul, Jan 14 : Police have uncovered 43 kg of illicit drugs in eastern Afghanistan's Khost province and detained an individual on the charge of involvement in drug trafficking from the area, provincial police spokesman Tahir Ehrar said on Tuesday.

The contraband, including 43 kg hashish and a piece of AK-47, was discovered outside the provincial capital, Khost city, on Sunday, the official said, adding police have arrested one drug smuggler.

Police won't allow anyone to produce or smuggle hashish, poppy or the objects used in manufacturing heroin in the province, the official said, Xinhua news agency reported.

Earlier on January 11, counter-narcotics police uncovered 64 kg of illicit drugs, including methamphetamine, and arrested 17 suspected drug smugglers in two provinces of Afghanistan, the Ministry of Interior said in a statement.

The contraband, which included 43 kg of methamphetamine and 21 kg of hashish, was seized during separate routine operations conducted by police in the outskirts of eastern Nangarhar and northern Kunduz provinces, the statement said.

The statement, without disclosing the exact timing of these events, mentioned that 10 individuals were arrested on charges of drug trafficking and purchasing in Nangarhar, while seven others were arrested in connection with drug smuggling in Kunduz.

Afghanistan's counter-narcotics police had on December 30 also arrested 12 people on charges of drug smuggling across seven out of Afghanistan's 34 provinces.

The individuals were allegedly involved in the sale, purchase, and smuggling of contraband in the outskirts of Laghman, Bamyan, Kapisa, Parwan, Kunduz, Herat, and Farah provinces.

A huge quantity of illicit drugs, including opium, hashish, and stimulant tablets, was seized from the detainees, and their dossiers were referred to the judiciary for further investigation.

The Afghan caretaker government, which had banned poppy cultivation, processing of drugs, and drug trafficking, has vowed to fight the menace until the once-poppy-growing country becomes a drug-free nation.
Chennai, Jan 14 : The world-renowned Avaniyapuram Jallikattu in Madurai district commenced on Tuesday as part of Tamil Nadu's Pongal festivities.

A total of 1,100 bulls and 900 tamers have registered for the event.

A tractor worth Rs 11 lakh is being offered as the first prize for the owner of the best-performing bull, while a car costing Rs 8 lakh will be awarded to the top player. Participants were required to register online to take part in the event. Following registration, the bulls were brought to Avaniyapuram by their owners.

Each of the 1,100 bulls underwent a thorough medical examination and certified fit before entering the arena.

Similarly, the players participating in this bull-taming sport also underwent medical tests. To ensure the smooth conduct of the event, security has been heightened with the deployment of 1,500 police personnel.

So far, 11 individuals have been reported injured during the festivities. Jallikattu, an age-old bull-taming sport, is a cherished tradition in Tamil Nadu, especially during Pongal celebrations.

The first Jallikattu event of the year in Tamil Nadu was held at Thachankurichi village in Pudukottai district on Saturday. However, Madurai's Jallikattu events, especially those held in Alanganallur, are internationally recognised for their vibrant celebration of Tamil heritage, culture, and rural valour.

Pudukottai district is notable for having the highest number of vadivasals (entry points for bulls) and hosting the most Jallikattu events in the state. Between January and May 31, the district typically holds over 120 Jallikattu events, more than 30 bullock cart races, and over 50 vadamadu (tethered bull) competitions.

The remaining two of the three major Jallikattu events in Madurai district will be held at Palamedu and Alanganallur on January 15 and 16, respectively.

The Madurai district administration has issued specific guidelines for the 2025 Jallikattu events.

According to the directives, each bull can participate in only one of the three Jallikattu competitions in the district, only the owner of a bull is allowed to accompany it, along with a trainer familiar with the animal.

Bull tamers and bull owners are required to register through the official district administration website (madurai.nic.in). Submitted documents will undergo verification by authorities. Only eligible participants will receive a downloadable token, which is mandatory for entry. Without the token, neither the bull nor its tamer will be permitted to participate in the event.
Mumbai, Jan 14 : NCP-SP president and former Union Minister Sharad Pawar on Tuesday took a swipe at Union Home Minister Amit Shah stating that there used to be good communication between political leaders earlier but that is missing now.

"The dignity of the Home Minister's post should be maintained," said the senior Pawar.

His remarks came a few days after HM Shah stated at a convention of the party in Shirdi that, "Sharad Pawar had rebelled in 1978. The people of Maharashtra have taught him a lesson for the politics of betrayal that he had practiced at that time. The state Assembly election has buried the politics of betrayal and dynastic politics of Sharad Pawar and Uddhav Thackeray 20-foot into the ground."

In his reply to HM Shah's criticism against him, Sharad Pawar said, "Many legendary leaders, who held the home ministry portfolio, passed away, but none of them were externed from their state. These were leaders who made a major contribution to the country during their tenure as home minister."

"Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Yashwantrao Chavan, Shankarrao Chavan among others were home ministers. Our neighbouring state is Gujarat and there were many able administrators who hail from there," Pawar said.

"The Home Minister of the country gave a speech in Shirdi. It is his right to give a speech. Amit Shah referred about my politics in 1978.

"I was the chief minister in 1978. I am not aware about his (Amit Shah's) whereabouts then. When I was the chief minister, there were people like Uttamrao Patil from Jan Sangh in my ministry and Hashu Advani," Pawar added.

"If you look at the Progressive Democratic Front government of 1978, it made a good contribution to Maharashtra. When I was the Chief Minister, Uttamrao Patil was the Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister. Hashu Advani was the Urban Development Minister. They were capable leaders working with me in my Cabinet," he recalled.

Pawar also mentioned the names of Vasantrao Bhagwat and Pramod Mahajan saying that they extended their cooperation despite having an RSS background.

Bemoaning the lack of communication between present political leaders, Pawar said, "There used to be good communication) between political leaders earlier but that is missing now."

"The names of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Lal Krishna Advani can be mentioned. When the Bhuj earthquake happened, a meeting of the Chief Ministers of the country was called. In it, there was a discussion on what to do in times of emergency due to earthquakes, heavy rains and other crises. At that time, Atal Bihari Vajpayee had suggested that they should take my guidance on what to do in times of emergency. Atal Bihari Vajpayee had given me the status of a minister when I was in the Opposition party and entrusted that task to me," he said.

Talking on the INDIA bloc, Sharad Pawar clarified that the alliance was restricted to the Lok Sabha elections and added that there was no discussion about having an alliance in local and civic body elections.

"However, in the case of upcoming local and civic body elections in Maharashtra, there is a view that the Maha Vikas Aghadi should contest together. Therefore, I will convene a meeting with all allies in the next eight to ten days to discuss the issue and take it forward," he added.

On the Delhi Assembly elections where AAP and Congress are pitted against each other, Pawar pointed out that AAP, which had formed the government earlier, has its base in Delhi but added that had AAP and Congress discussed an alliance that would have been better.
Hyderabad, Jan 14 : A court in Telangana's Karimnagar town on Tuesday granted conditional bail to Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) MLA P. Kaushik Reddy arrested for creating a ruckus and alleged misbehaviour with Jagtial MLA M. Sanjay Kumar during District Review Committee (DRC) meeting.

The MLA from Huzurabad, who was arrested in Hyderabad on Monday when he was coming out of the office of a news channel after participating in a programme, was shifted to Karimnagar.

The police produced him before Additional Junior Civil Judge Premalata, who granted him conditional bail to the MLA in all three cases registered against him.

The MLA was directed to furnish a surety of Rs 2 lakh and appear before the police whenever called for an investigation.

The court also asked him not to repeat this behaviour.

Talking to the media, Kaushik Reddy said he would continue to question the government over its "failure" to fulfil its election promises. Kaushik Reddy was arrested after three cases were booked against him at Karimnagar One Town Police Station.

A case was booked on a complaint from Jagityal MLA Sanjay's personal assistant Katroju Vinod for "misbehaviour and verbal abuse".

Another case was registered based on a complaint filed by Karimnagar Revenue Divisional Officer (DRO) Maheshwar Reddy for "creating chaos" in the DRC meeting.

A third case was registered on a complaint filed by Sathu Mallesham, chairman of Zilla Grandalaya Samastha, who alleged that the MLA misbehaved with him During the DRC meeting on Sunday, Kaushik Reddy had engaged in a verbal spat with Sanjay Kumar and tried to disrupt the latteras speech.

Pandemonium broke out when Kaushik Reddy rushed towards Sanjay while the latter was speaking and wanted to know which party he represented.

Kaushik Reddy made certain remarks against Sanjay for switching loyalty to the ruling Congress party after getting elected on a BRS ticket in the 2023 Assembly elections.

Kaushik Reddy attempted to snatch a mic from Sanjay, leading to a heated argument. The two MLAs nearly came to blows, triggering chaos in the meeting attended by Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister N Uttam Kumar Reddy, IT and Industries Minister D.Sridhar Babu and Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar.

Police intervened and whisked away Kaushik Reddy from the meeting hall. The BRS MLA later told media persons that Sanjay should resign as MLA and contest the by-election.
Amritsar, Jan 14 : Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday announced to set up a state-of-the-art Surjit Patar Centre for Ethical Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Guru Nanak Dev University here.

Chairing a function to pay homage to the eminent writer here, the Chief Minister said this centre would be equipped with ultramodern technology. He assured support and cooperation to the university for this noble cause.

CM Mann also announced to institutionalise an award in memory of the writer which will be given to budding writers to encourage them.

Paying tributes to writer Patar, the Chief Minister said the passing away of this great son of the soil was a huge and irreparable loss for Punjabi literature.

He said Patar was one of the greatest writers of Punjabi literature and he had a strong personal bond with the late writer, who appreciated him a lot.

CM Mann recalled the enormous contribution of Patar towards the promotion of the Punjabi language, literature and culture, which would always be acknowledged by one and all.

The Chief Minister said Patar was one of the most celebrated Punjabi writers who had a deep impact on the psyche of every Punjabi, adding: "It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that if English had legendary writer Keats then Punjabi language has Dr Surjit Patar".

He described Patar as a "great writer" who made an outstanding contribution to cementing the bond of communal harmony and brotherhood in society through his pen.

Recalling the literary services of the writer, CM Mann said he was an imminent Punjabi litterateur who would ever inspire budding writers through his prolific writings.

The Chief Minister said the government has allocated more than Rs 350 crore to Punjabi University in Patiala to bring it out of the financial crunch.

CM Mann said it was imperative to ensure that the teaching staff could focus duly on educating the youth and promoting the Punjabi language.
Mumbai, Jan 14 : Actor Sonu Sood, whose directorial debut 'Fateh' is getting a lot of positive response, recently travelled in Mumbai metro.

On Tuesday, the actor took to his Instagram, and shared a video in which he could be seen boarding a metro on line 1 of the Mumbai metro network. The video shows him surrounded by fans clicking selfies with him. The actor also showed the OOH advertising spots in the metro.

Line 1 is the oldest line of the Mumbai metro network, and was started in 2014. It connects west Mumbai to east Mumbai, and runs between Ghatkopar and Versova.

Meanwhile, 'Fateh' is set against the backdrop of cybercrime, and features Sonu as an ex-special ops officer with a lethal skill set, a dark past, and a mission to dismantle a sprawling network of digital terror.

The trailer of the film was released recently, and shows Sonu's character all set to debug the corrupt and execute a system wipe of the criminals threatening innocent lives.

Talking about the film, Sonu Sood had said, "The city of joy Kolkata has always been incredibly warm to me, and its warmth has only grown since my wife is also from here. I shot a film in Howrah bridge , and today, returning to the same spot in Kolkata to promote my movie was truly nostalgic and special. Visiting the coffee shop and the temple made it even more meaningful".

He further mentioned, "'Fateh' is a film that's very close to my heart, and the chance to share it with this wonderful city feels like a full-circle moment. The essence of Kolkata felt incredibly special, and I hope the city extends the same love and support to Fateh as it has given me and my previous works".

Produced by Sonali Sood of Shakti Sagar Productions, and Umesh KR Bansal of Zee Studios and co-produced by Ajay Dhama, 'Fateh' is playing in cinemas.
KYODO NEWS - Jan 14, 2025 - 23:29 | All, Japan

A former employee of MUFG Bank was arrested Tuesday over the alleged theft of valuables from customers' safe deposit boxes, police said.

Yukari Imamura, 46, is suspected of stealing around 20 kilograms of gold bars worth around 260 million yen ($1.6 million) deposited by two male customers at the bank's Nerima branch in Tokyo around September last year, they said.

According to the main banking unit of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group Inc., the woman is also suspected of stealing assets worth over 1 billion yen from the safe deposit boxes some 60 customers at multiple branches over a roughly four-and-a-half-year period through October 2024.

Imamura, who has admitted to stealing the gold bars, is believed to have incurred significant losses from foreign exchange margin trading and horse racing, according to police.

The former employee, who managed safe deposit boxes at some MUFG Bank branches, is believed to have inappropriately used a spare key stored at the Nerima branch, investigative sources said. The gold was sold to various pawnshops and buyers.

The bank said the incident came to light on Oct. 31 after it received an inquiry from a client.

The bank fired the woman, who admitted to having stolen client assets, on Nov. 14 and filed criminal charges against her the following month.

On Tuesday, the bank vowed to "fully cooperate with the investigation" and to take measures to prevent similar incidents. It said it takes the case seriously, describing it as a one that "shakes (public) trust" in the banking sector.

An investigation found no evidence of similar incidents at other branches, the bank said.

Imamura, who had worked at the bank for over 25 years without any issues before her dismissal, previously held managerial-level positions at branches.

Related coverage:

MUFG Bank fires worker for stealing over 1 billion yen from customers
Sydney, Jan 14 : A teenage boy has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly stabbing a supermarket worker in Australia's state of Queensland.

The Queensland Police Service (QPS) said on Tuesday that the 13-year-old boy allegedly approached a staff member at a supermarket in the city of Ipswich, about 30 km southwest of Brisbane, shortly after 5:20 pm local time on Monday and stabbed her with a knife.

The victim, a 63-year-old woman, received medical treatment at the scene from police officers before being transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition.

The QPS said that the boy fled the scene but was detained by members of the public nearby a short time later.

He was taken into custody and has been charged with attempted murder.

On January 11, one man died and two more were 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 kilometres 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, Xinhua news agency reported.

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.

Australia has witnessed a series of violent incidents over the past few days.

On January 10, two men, including a police officer, were shot during an altercation in Brisbane.

Police in the state of Queensland said that officers were called to a disturbance at a property in the southern Brisbane suburb of Annerley at 9:13 a.m. local time.

"Upon arrival, a physical altercation has occurred between a male constable and a man. As a result of the altercation, both the officer and the man sustained gunshot wounds each," the Queensland Police Service said in a statement.

Both men were transported to the hospital.

The Queensland Ambulance Service said that one man sustained life-threatening injuries while the other had a potentially life-threatening leg injury.
Rajouri, Jan 14 : The Indian Army's Ace of Spades Division celebrated Armed Forces Veterans' Day with an event at the Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) in Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir, on Tuesday. The day, celebrated annually across India, honours the selfless sacrifices and unwavering duty of the nation's armed forces' veterans while reinforcing solidarity with the families of fallen soldiers.

Rajouri, Jan 14 (IANS) The Indian Army's Ace of Spades Division celebrated Armed Forces Veteransa Day with an event at the Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) in Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir, on Tuesday. The day, celebrated annually across India, honours the selfless sacrifices and unwavering duty of the nation's armed forces' veterans while reinforcing solidarity with the families of fallen soldiers.

The event saw the participation of several distinguished guests, including Major General Kaushik Mukherjee, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Ace of Spades Division, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) for Rajouri-Poonch range, Tejinder Singh, along with senior Army and police officers.

Thousands of Army veterans gathered to pay tribute to their comrades, while various civil and military departments set up welfare stalls to address grievances and provide support to veterans.

Anwar Singh, an ex-Armyman, expressed his appreciation for the event, emphasising the significance of such programmes for the welfare of veterans and their families.

"This is a very good programme; it brings us together, and we get to address our concerns, including medical issues and opportunities for our children. We hope the government continues to support us in this manner," he said.

The event also featured a video conference with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who interacted with the veterans present in Rajouri.

Singh, who attended the Veterans' Day event in Akhnoor, Jammu, shared his heartfelt gratitude for the sacrifices made by the armed forces.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his wishes on X and said, "On Armed Forces Veterans' Day, we express gratitude to the brave women and men who dedicated their lives to safeguarding our nation. Their sacrifices, courage, and unwavering commitment to duty are exemplary. Our veterans are heroes and enduring symbols of patriotism."

Armed Forces Veteransa Day, first observed on January 14, 2017, was instituted by the Ministry of Defence to salute the dedication and sacrifices of veterans across the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The day also serves as a platform for addressing issues related to veteransa pensions and welfare while strengthening ties between serving personnel and ex-servicemen.

January 14 was chosen as Veteransa Day to mark the retirement of Field Marshal KM Cariappa in 1953, the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army post-Independence.

Even after retiring, Field Marshal Cariappa remained active in supporting social causes and motivating frontline troops, embodying the spirit of service and dedication that the day aims to honour.
Thiruvananthapuram, Jan 14 : Kerala's disregard for judicial orders was on full display as a massive hoarding was erected near the Cantonment Gate of the State Secretariat here, the seat of power, defying repeated directives from the Kerala High Court.

The court has time and again criticized district authorities for their failure to remove illegal and unauthorised hoardings from public spaces.

Recently, the Kerala High Court asked the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation secretary if they were prepared to submit a report on the number of such unauthorized and illegal installations in the capital city. Despite these interventions, the violations continue.

The CPI-M-backed Kerala Secretariat Employees Association has erected the board and announced the inauguration of a building on Thursday to mark their association's Golden Jubilee.

The advertisement prominently features Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who will inaugurate the event, and V. Joy, the CPI(M) Thiruvananthapuram district secretary and MLA from the Varkala constituency.

It also includes an image of the late CPI(M) state secretary and politburo member Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, whose portrait will be unveiled during the event.

This defiance comes months after the High Court strongly condemned the rampant installation of unauthorized boards, calling it a symptom of lawlessness.

"Thiruvananthapuram is our capital city. If such lawlessness exists, who is to blame? Is it the High Court? A contempt case against officials might be the only way to rouse them from their slumber. People in governance do not care about the law. This kind of lawlessness is now defining Kerala as the so-called 'new Kerala'," the court had remarked in October last year.

Adding to the irony, the illegal hoarding is positioned at the entrance of the Secretariat's Cantonment Gate, a route frequently used by Chief Minister Vijayan himself.
New Delhi, Jan 14 : The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology's (MeitY) has integrated its AI-driven language translation tool -- Bhashini -- at the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj being held from January 13 to February 26, to boost accessibility in 11 languages.

The Ministry noted that Bhashini's language translation ecosystem will help those attending the world's biggest spiritual conglomeration through the 'Digital Lost & Found Solution'.

People can register lost/found items using voice in native languages; and also use the platform to make real-time text/voice translation for easy communication at the mega event. It also provides multilingual chatbot assistance for queries and kiosk navigation.

Devotees can use the mobile app for translating guidelines into local languages; as well as get seamless communication with police officials.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also launched the Kumbh Sah'AI'yak chatbot -- an AI-powered, multilingual, voice-enabled chatbot designed to assist millions of visitors during Mahakumbh 2025.

The bot, powered by cutting-edge AI technologies (such as Llama LLM), is aimed at providing seamless, real-time information and navigation assistance to all. Supported by Bhashini's language translation, the chatbot is in 11 languages, including Hindi, English, and nine other Indian languages.

Further, the Bhashini mobile application's Converse feature aims to facilitate seamless communication for the devotees with the unit of UP Police's 112 emergency helpline deployed at the mega event.

The Uttar Pradesh Police Department has collaborated with the Bhashini App to train field officers to utilise the Converse feature in the app to understand the grievances of the distressed devotees seeking help in case of a language barrier.

"Bhashini, thus, aims to greatly enhance the experience for visitors at MahaKumbh 2025 with multilingual support for queries and navigation. Bhashini's language translation ecosystem has ensured a smooth and inclusive experience for all attendees, reflecting MeitY's commitment to technological innovation and accessibility," the ministry said.
New Delhi, Jan 14 : Reacting strongly to reports of the death of an Indian national in Russia, India on Tuesday reiterated its demand for the early discharge of the remaining Indians currently serving the Russian Army in the conflict zones.

"We have learnt of the unfortunate death of an Indian national from Kerala who had apparently been recruited to serve in the Russian Army. Another Indian national from Kerala, who was similarly recruited, has been injured and is receiving treatment in a hospital in Moscow," said Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

Offering condolences to the family of the deceased, the senior diplomat stated that the Indian Embassy in Moscow is in touch with the families, and all possible assistance is being rendered.

"We are working with the Russian authorities for early transportation of the mortal remains to India. We have also sought the early discharge and repatriation to India of the injured person. The matter has been strongly taken up with the Russian authorities in Moscow as well as with the Russian Embassy in New Delhi today. We have also reiterated our demand for the early discharge of the remaining Indian nationals," he added.

The plight of Indians fighting for Russia in the Ukraine war is a key concern for New Delhi.

India has maintained that the recruitment of Indian nationals into the Russian army in a conflict situation is not in consonance with the India-Russia diplomatic partnership, and has asked for the early release and return of all such Indian nationals.

Last year, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's landmark visit to Moscow, Russia had decided to release and facilitate the return of all Indians fighting for the Russian army against Ukraine.

The breakthrough was achieved when PM Modi raised the matter at a private dinner hosted by Putin.

Over the last few years, over two dozen Indians are believed to have been forced into fighting the war against Ukraine after being tricked by agents into going to the country on the pretext of getting high-paying jobs.

"Strong action has been initiated against agents and unscrupulous elements who recruited them on false pretexts and promises," the authorities had confirmed, last year.
Imphal, Jan 14 : Four top Army officers, including General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command, Lieutenant General Ram Chander Tiwari held meetings with Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Tuesday and discussed the security situation of the state, officials said.

A Raj Bhavan official said that Lieutenant General Tiwari briefed the Governor on the prevailing security situation in Manipur and also about the security status of the whole northeastern region.

Referring to his meeting with the three Army officers, the Manipur Chief Minister in a post on X said: "We discussed various matters, including strategies to strengthen security, enhance coordination, and ensure the well-being of our citizens."

The other Army officers, who held meetings with Governor Bhalla and Chief Minister Biren Singh include, Lieutenant General Abhijit S. Pendharkar, General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3-Corps (Spear Corps), GOC 57 Mountain Division Major General S.S. Kartikeya and Major General Ravroop Singh, Inspector General of Assam Rifles (South).

Meanwhile, the Manipur Chief Minister on Tuesday attended the Armed Forces Veterans' Day celebration at the 1st battalion of Manipur Rifles headquarters.

"Honoured our brave veterans for their invaluable services in valiantly safeguarding the nation and providing security to the country with great courage, unwavering determination, and sacrifices," CM Biren Singh said in a post on X.

In another post on X, he said: "Despite being small in population, Manipur has contributed a host of high-ranking officers in the Indian Army. Out of the four Lieutenant Generals in the entire North East, two are from Manipur, and we should take pride in the services provided to the safety and security of the nation."

"Their acts of valour shall continue to instil our hearts with pride and patriotism," the Chief Minister added.
Chennai, Jan 14 : Looking to further sweeten the auspicious occasion of Makara Sankranthi for its viewers, popular OTT platform Netflix on Tuesday announced a list of some of its upcoming Telugu films which will be available for streaming following their theatrical release in 2025.

In a statement, the platform released a list of Telugu films that it plans to stream this year after the films have have their theatrical release.

The list includes actor Pawan Kalyan's much awaited 'OG', the Naveen Shetty, Meenakshi Chaudhary-starrer 'Anaganaga Oka Raju', Ravi Teja's 'Mass Jathara', Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi-starrer 'Thandel', Vijay Deverakonda's 'VD12' and Nani-starrer 'Hit 3  The Third Case'.

Some other films that have been listed for streaming after their theatrical release are 'Court: State Vs A Nobody', featuring Priyadarshi and Sivaji, Siddhu Jonnalagada-starrer 'Jack' and 'Mad Square'.

With captivating storylines and performances by some of the Telugu industry's finest actors, these films have huge expectations riding on them.

"After their cinematic debut, these titles will offer an immersive experience for viewers," the platform, in its statement, said and added that it continued to celebrate the diversity and excellence of regional content.

Netflix India Content Vice President Monika Shergill said, "2024 was an incredible year for Netflix India, as our Telugu films won hearts like never before. Blockbusters like 'Devara', 'Guntur Kaaram', 'Hi Nanna', 'Lucky Baskhar', 'Salaar', and 'Saripodhaa Sanivaaram' became worldwide favourites, topping watchlists, trending on social media, and earning love from fans and critics alike. As we step into 2025, the excitement continues to grow! With a slate featuring some of the industry's biggest names and captivating stories, there's so much to look forward to. From the highly anticipated OG and the gripping Hit 3  The Third Case to the action-packed VD 12, this year promises unforgettable tales, powerful emotions, and standout performances."
Mumbai, Jan 14 : The upcoming Kangana Ranaut directorial 'Emergency', which is based on the life of the former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, won't be released in Bangladesh as the political relationship between the neighbouring countries continue to get strained.

Mumbai, Jan 14 (IANS) The upcoming Kangana Ranaut directorial aEmergencya, which is based on the life of the former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, wonat be released in Bangladesh as the political relationship between the neighbouring countries continue to get strained.

The film, which delves into the turbulent period of the Emergency declared in India in 1975 by Indira Gandhi, has found itself at the center of a geopolitical impasse.

A source close to the matter revealed, "The decision to halt the screening of aEmergencya in Bangladesh is tied to the current strained relations between India and Bangladesh. The ban is less about the content of the film and more about the ongoing political dynamics between the two nations."

Indira Gandhi played a vital role in the Liberation of Bangladesh from Pakistan even though the USA demanded her not to meddle in the affairs of both the nations. Nevertheless, Indira went ahead as she felt that instead of taking in millions of refugees, India would be economically better off going to war against Pakistan leading to the Indo-Pakistani war of 1971.

With the USA threatening India with a naval offensive by deploying their aircraft destroyers in the Bay of Bengal, India found support in the USSR, as they deployed nuclear-armed submarines and warships. The relationship between India and the USSR continues to grow even long after the collapse of the USSR leading to Russia becoming a major power in the Eastern bloc.

aEmergencya highlights the Indian Army and Indira Gandhias government role in the 1971 Bangladesh war of independence and the support given to Shaikh Mujibur Rehman who is called the Father of Bangladesh and who called Indira Gandhi as Goddess Durga.

The film also showcases the assassination of Shaikh Mujibur Rehman at the hands of Bangladeshi extremists, factors which are believed to have led to the ban of the film in Bangladesh.

India fought a two front war against West Pakistan, and erstwhile East Pakistan which later became Bangladesh.

In the current era, Bangladesh was Indiaas sole ally in the subcontinent. However, with the ousting of Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, the equation between both the nations have greatly changed. India now finds itself surrounded by hostile neighbours from all sides including China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and the terrorist government of Taliban in Afghanistan.
New Delhi, Jan 14 : Creating a job opportunity for 2,000 people, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has sanctioned expansion of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) by giving the go-ahead for two new battalions, an official said on Tuesday.

This decision will augment the CISF's capacity, strengthen national security and create new employment opportunities for over 2,000 people and take the strength of the force to 2 lakh.

The MHA's approval authorises the addition of two battalions, each comprising 1,025 personnel of various ranks. This will take the total number of CISF battalions from 13 to 15. Each new battalion will be led by a Senior Commandant-level officer.

The new battalions will also be vital in catering to the increasing demands on the CISF by creating a pool of trained personnel to fulfill immediate induction requirements relating to internal security, said an official statement on Tuesday.

The reserve battalions consist of personnel specifically trained and equipped who are experienced in handling security of high security jails and other undertakings.

Furthermore, the additional battalions will significantly improve the CISF's rapid response capabilities during emergencies. The availability of dedicated reserve units, well-equipped with a transport fleet as well as sufficient weapons, means faster deployment and more effective management of critical situations, further enhancing public safety and security.

The CISF is also looking to introduce global standards in airport security by establishing an Internal Quality Control Unit (IQCU) for the Aviation Security Group (ASG) deployed at 68 airports across India.

As a step towards enhancing aviation security, the IQCU will play a crucial role in establishing world-class security procedures and introducing new technology.

The IQCU will be led by a senior CISF officer and a team of certified Aviation Security instructors, national auditors and experienced personnel who will be instrumental in the standardisation of procedures and ensuring uniformity in security procedures across all airports through standardised training and evaluation methods.
Hyderabad, Jan 14 : A man and a woman were found murdered under the limits of Narsingi Police Station on the outskirts of Hyderabad on Tuesday.

The bodies were found on a hillock near Ananta Padmanabha Swamy temple in Puppalaguda under the limits of Cyberabad Police Commissionerate. A few youngsters, who had gone on the hillock to watch the sunrise, found the body of a man and immediately alerted police on 'Dial 100'. Police rushed to the spot and took up an investigation.

The police found the body of a woman at a distance of about 60 meters. Both the victims are believed to be aged 30-35 years. Police said the man and woman were stabbed and were crushed by boulders. They were suspected to have been murdered on Monday night. Police found beer bottles and some other material near the bodies.

The bodies were shifted to Osmania Hospital for autopsy. Police were scanning CCTV footage near the scene of the offence to gather clues. Preliminary investigation shows the duo reached the area around 8 p.m. Police were trying to identify the victims.

A police officer said they were gathering information regarding missing complaints in Puppalaguda and surrounding areas. As the area is known for construction and stone-crushing activity, police were trying to find out if workers went missing from any construction site.

The deceased man appeared to be a construction worker. The police registered a case and took up an investigation. Efforts were being made to find the man and woman had any relation. The victims are suspected to be residents of some other state.

A police officer said they were investigating the case from all angles. "We are gathering technical evidence to know if they were brought here and murdered or somebody came and killed them while they were here," the police officer said.
KYODO NEWS - Jan 14, 2025 - 22:57 | World, All, 3/11 Fukushima

A senior Japanese ruling party lawmaker told reporters in Beijing on Tuesday that he and a fellow legislator will meet with Chinese Premier Li Qiang the following day and that they intend to hand him a personal letter from Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba addressed to President Xi Jinping.

Hiroshi Moriyama, secretary general of the Liberal Democratic Party, and his Komeito counterpart, Makoto Nishida, are leading a group of Japanese ruling bloc lawmakers on a three-day trip to China through Wednesday. The LDP No. 2 said they agreed with senior Chinese officials to make joint efforts to achieve "concrete results" in moving forward the bilateral relationship.

Ties between the two Asian neighbors have been strained by various issues including China's ban on Japanese seafood imports imposed following the start of the discharge of treated radioactive wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the sea in August 2023.

At a dialogue session between the two countries' ruling parties, held for the first time since October 2018, Moriyama urged Beijing to lift the ban at an early date as well as remove restrictions on imports of Japanese beef and rice.

The LDP secretary general pointed out in his keynote speech that the two countries need to boost mutual understanding between their peoples and strengthen dialogue at various levels to improve their ties.

Moriyama also called on Beijing to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals living in China, while expressing hope that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit Japan later this year.

Concern among Japanese expatriates in China has grown since the fatal stabbing of a Japanese boy in Shenzhen last September.

Liu Jianchao, chief of the Chinese Communist Party's International Department, expressed Beijing's willingness to promote "a constructive and stable China-Japan relationship."

The ruling parties of the two countries agreed to accelerate communication between their governments and properly address each other's concerns related to the release of the treated radioactive water. They also confirmed in principle their policy to hold a next dialogue session in Japan this fall, according to the Communist Party.

After the event, Moriyama and Nishida held talks with Wang. The LDP secretary general called for joint efforts to address challenges faced by the two countries and deepen bilateral cooperation, while Wang said the ruling parties of the two Asian neighbors share a "heavy responsibility" in promoting the development of Sino-Japanese ties.

Moriyama said the Japanese side sought China's cooperation in dealing with North Korea's nuclear and missile development as well as the past abductions of Japanese nationals.

The Japanese lawmakers also met with Wang Huning, who is ranked No. 4 in the Communist Party's top leadership, later in the day.

Moriyama said he expressed hope for deeper bilateral exchanges through mutual visits of legislators and leaders, stressing the significance of building "broad channels" for bilateral communications.

The ruling parties' dialogue sessions, first held in China in 2006, were suspended in recent years due partly to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Separately, Japanese farm minister Taku Eto said Tuesday in Tokyo he will make a three-day visit to China later this week for talks with his counterpart and other officials.

Eto said he will push for the resumption of Japanese agricultural and seafood imports by China during the visit starting Wednesday. "The Chinese market is attractive. I will pitch such (Japanese) items as marine products, beef and rice," he told a press conference.

China stopped imports of beef from Japan following the outbreak of mad cow disease in the neighboring country in 2001 and restricted rice imports, only allowing items quarantined at facilities in Japan designated by the Chinese government.

Related coverage:

Nearly 90% of Chinese view Japan negatively, 2nd-highest level: poll

Japan ruling lawmakers' group starts 3-day visit to China

Japan trade houses push for locally farmed salmon as imports to peak
Bhubaneswar, Jan 14 : The members of Loktantra Senani, an organisation representing individuals detained during the 1975 Emergency, on Tuesday, felicitated Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi at Bhubaneswar airport upon his return from Delhi over the state government's decision to provide pension and other facilities to those affected during the Emergency period.

The members of the organisation lauded CM Majhi-led BJP government for the significant step.

"After 50 years, our sacrifices are finally being acknowledged by the BJP government under CM Mohan Majhi," one Loktantra Senani member told IANS.

Expressing their gratitude, they reflected on the hardships faced during the Emergency imposed by the Congress-led Indira Gandhi government.

"Democracy was under attack. People were detained, tortured, and oppressed. Students throughout the country held protests under the leadership of Jayprakash Narayan. In Odisha, we were jailed as students for raising our voices against the dictatorial regime," the member added.

Another member of the association alleged that the previous Biju Janata Dal government failed to address their issues in their 24-year rule despite numerous reminders presented by the organisation.

They thanked the BJP government for finally recognising their contributions.

The Odisha Home Department on Monday issued a notice regarding the decision by the government to provide pensions and free medical treatment to the persons detained in jail during the Emergency period between 1975 and 1977.

"The state government, after careful consideration, have been pleased to provide pension and other benefits, as indicated below, to the persons detained in jail in Odisha under MISA (The Maintenance of Internal Security Act, 1971) or DIR (The Defence of India Rules) or DISIR (The Defence and Internal Security of India Rules) during the period from June 25, 1975, to March 21, 1977," the notification said.

The notification also added that a pension of Rs 20,000 per month will be provided to the detainees irrespective of the period of detention in jail.

The eligible beneficiaries will also be provided free medical treatment.

The District Collectors in Odisha have also been asked to prepare a list of persons detained in various jails of the state under different draconian laws during the Emergency period.

Pension will be provided to the detainees after scrutiny of the list by district-level and state-level committees.

--IANs

gyan/khz
Kolkata, Jan 14 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested an absconding accused on the charges of attacking the convoy of BJP leader Priyangu Pandey at Bhatpara in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal.

The arrested person has been identified as Md. Amir a.k.a. Sonu, the NIA said in a statement.

"The accused had a non-bailable warrant issued against him in connection with this case," the NIA statement read.

Earlier, in November last year, the NIA informed that as many as 12 persons were chargesheeted in the case.

The chargesheet was filed at a special court of NIA in Kolkata in November last year against 12 persons under various sections of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Arms Act of 1959 and the Explosives Substances Act of 1908.

According to a statement issued by NIA in November last year, investigations by the Central agency have revealed that all these 12 accused individuals were actively involved in the conspiracy related to the assault on the convoy of Priyangu Pandey.

"His driver, Ravi Verma, and a close aide Rabi Singh had received gunshot injuries in the attack," the statement read.

The attack took place when Pandey and his team were near Gate No. 3, Anglo Indian Jute Mill staff quarters at Bhatpara while on the way to the residence of the former BJP Lok Sabha member from Barrackpore constituency in North 24 Parganas district Arjun Singh.

The miscreants attacked the convoy with explosives and firearms.

The NIA investigation has exposed a criminal conspiracy behind the attack which has been detailed in the chargesheet.

After the attack, Pandey accused the ruling Trinamool Congress activists of leading the pre-planned attack on him.

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs directed transferring the case from West Bengal police to NIA expressing concerns over public safety since explosives and firearms were used during the attack.
Tripoli, Jan 14 : The International Organization for Migration (IOM) on Tuesday said that 493 migrants were rescued off the coast of Libya in the past week.

Between January 5 and January 11, "493 migrants were intercepted and returned to Libya," IOM said in a statement.

The migrants include 47 women and 17 children, IOM added, noting that three bodies of migrants were retrieved.

In 2024, 21,762 migrants were rescued and returned to Libya, while 674 died and 1,015 went missing on the Central Mediterranean route, including those departing from Libya and other countries.

Since the fall of late leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, the ensuing insecurity and chaos in Libya have prompted many migrants, primarily from Africa, to attempt to cross the Mediterranean Sea to reach European shores, Xinhua news agency reported.

Last month, Libya deported a group of migrants to Niger by land, the first such deportation in years, according to the Libyan Illegal Migration Control Department.

The department said in a statement on its Facebook page that the deportation took place in the presence of Niger's charge d'affaires to Libya.

The migrants were deported across the land border with Niger "for violating applicable Libyan laws" after completing necessary procedures, the statement said. It added that deportations of migrants from Libya to their countries of origin would continue.

Libya became a major transit point for migrants, mostly from Africa, seeking to reach Europe by sea after the 2011 overthrow of its late leader, Muammar Gaddafi, plunged the country into chaos.

The IOM estimates that there are 787,326 migrants in Libya, with 41 per cent of them reporting they experienced shocks such as environmental, political, or economic hardship before migrating to Libya.
Amaravati, Jan 14 : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu stayed in his native village Naravaripalli in Tirupati district for the second day on Tuesday, celebrating Sankranti with his family members.

As part of Sankranti celebrations, Naidu along with his wife Bhuvaneswari, son and state minister Nara Lokesh, daughter-in-law Brahmani, grandson Devansh and others performed puja of village deities Gangamma and Nagalamma.

Later, the Chief Minister, along with his wife, unveiled statues of Telugu Desam Party (TDP) founder and former Chief Minister late N.T. Rama Rao and his wife Basvatarakam.

Lokesh, Brahmani, other family members, leaders and workers of the TDP participated in the programme.

NTR, as Rama Rao was popularly known, was the father-in-law of Naidu, who is currently the national President of the party.

The Chief Minister also paid tributes to his parents at their samadhi in the village.

Meanwhile, Naidu said organic farming would be further promoted in the state.

He held a meeting with party workers at Naravaripalli Skill Development Centre about the development activities in Kandulavaripalli, A. Rangampeta, and Chinnaramapuram villages.

He discussed the development works to be taken up on a pilot basis. The Chief Minister stated that all the countries are looking towards natural farming. He noted that people have an opportunity to check what kind of food they are consuming and from where they are getting it.

Stating that awareness among people about health has increased, Naidu pointed out that food habits were changing rapidly. He also told the villagers that cultivation practices are changing and the production of millets and fruits is increasing. He said the government would further promote drip irrigation.

The Chief Minister also mentioned that new practices were being followed for pest control. Modern techniques were being followed to protect mango plantations. He also referred to the use of drones to identify pests. He also promised to take up the industrialisation of the entire Tirupati district. The government will prepare industrialists from among people in the district, he promised.
Mogadishu, Jan 14 : A global maritime body on Tuesday urged operators of foreign vessels to remain vigilant as they transit along the Somalia coastline and the Gulf of Aden, saying piracy remains a threat.

The International Chamber of Commerce's International Maritime Bureau (IMB) said in its latest annual report that eight piracy incidents were reported on seas along the Somalia coastline in 2024.

According to the IMB, the hijacking of two fishing vessels and a bulk carrier in the first half of 2024 was among the eight piracy incidents reported last year.

IMB Director Michael Howlett said there is no room for complacency as ongoing threats to crew safety highlight the importance of continued caution.

"Masters and vessel operators are strongly encouraged to strictly remain vigilant, adhere to all recommendations in the best management practices while transiting the Gulf of Guinea and waters off East Africa," Howlett said.

The IMB said Somali pirates can target vessels over 1,000 nautical miles from the coast, using mother vessels, Xinhua news agency reported.

It said recent incidents demonstrate the continued capabilities of these criminals who remain a threat despite attacks having declined since 2017.

Globally, the IMB annual piracy and armed robbery report recorded 116 incidents against ships in 2024, compared to 120 in 2023 and 115 in 2022.

It said that while the number of reported incidents in 2024 was similar to those reported in 2023 and 2022, the number of crew taken hostage or kidnapped rose significantly -- to 126 in 2024, up from 73 in 2023 and 41 in 2022.

The IMB has been reiterating the need for a continued and robust regional and international naval presence to respond to these incidents and safeguard life at sea.
Abuja, Jan 14 : Nigerian authorities on Tuesday organised a mass burial for at least 40 farmers suspected to have been killed by insurgents during an attack earlier this week in the northeastern state of Borno, which borders Chad.

The farmers were killed late Sunday when a group of insurgents rounded scores of them up and shot them dead in Dumba, a farming community on the shores of Lake Chad, according to a statement issued Monday by Usman Tar, the Commissioner for Information in Borno.

While confirming that an initial report indicated about 40 farmers were killed and the whereabouts of many who escaped the attack were being traced for a reunion with their families, Tar said the government suspected the Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) were behind the attack.

A top security source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told Xinhua news agency that at least 40 bodies of the slain farmers had been recovered, and a mass burial had been conducted Tuesday morning at an undisclosed location in Borno.

The source said more casualties were likely, as the insurgents rounded up over 70 farmers, separating women and children from the men's group, during the attack.

Zagazola Makama, a counterterrorism expert based in the Lake Chad region, told Xinhua that the farmers had earlier negotiated and paid "security levies" to an ISWAP faction to gain access to the farmlands, but soon after, another faction of the group, reportedly unaware of the arrangement, attacked and killed the farmers.

According to the local Business Day newspaper, in many parts of northern Nigeria, farmers and other residents are forced to pay levies or taxes to terrorist groups or bandits in exchange for permission to access their lands or protection from attacks.

Despite government military interventions, armed attacks have been a primary security threat in northern and central Nigeria, often leading to deaths and kidnappings.
Koppal : , Jan 14 (IANS) Union Minister of State for Railways, V. Somanna, announced on Tuesday that a proposal for a direct rail link between Anjanadri, considered as the birthplace of Lord Hanuman and Ayodhya is being considered by the Union government.

The Karnataka Government has also declared that the Anjanadri Hills would be developed as a pilgrimage centre with all the facilities, considering the huge number of pilgrims.

Speaking after the inauguration of the railway over bridge at Kustagi in Koppal district, Union Minister Somanna stated that the proposal to ensure a direct rail connection between Anjanadri and Ayodhya has been received.

"We will verify the proposal. The rail project between the two pilgrimage centers is being considered," he announced.

Anjanadri is one of the seven hillocks around the region connected with the epic Ramayana.

The Anjanadri Hill is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Hanuman and is located close to the famous tourist spot Hampi.

The Anjanadri Hill has a Hanuman temple at the top and houses an idol of the deity carved out of a rock.

There are also shrines of Lord Ram and Ma Sita and also a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman's mother Anjana. This place was known as Kishkinda in the puranas.

Union Minister of State Somanna further stated that many development projects have been taken up in the Koppal district. The funds have been released for the upgradation of the Koppal, Munirabad and Gangavaty railway stations.

"The Karnataka government has released Rs 13 crore and the rest of the funds were given by the central government. The over bridge has been built for the convenience of the people," Somanna stated.

Under the Amruth project the development of 61 railway stations in Karnataka has being taken up. The Gadag-Wadi Railway lane would be completed soon, he said.
New Delhi, Jan 14 : The BJP on Tuesday virtually blamed the AAP for being a part of a conspiracy in which an NGO allegedly used a teenage student to send 400 bomb hoax emails to schools in Delhi to "create an atmosphere of fear" ahead of Assembly elections.

Without naming AAP or the NGO, the BJP tried to put together pieces of the puzzle. It tried to conclude that since the NGO, suspected to have influenced the teenager, had links with Chief Minister Atishi's parents there was every possibility that the hoax emails were also a brainchild of the AAP.

"We want answers from the AAP if it has links with anti-national NGO?" asked BJP National Spokesman Sudhanshu Trivedi.

He said the NGO, under the police lens in the hoax email case, was also involved in seeking clemency for the Afzal Guru who was convicted for his role in the 2001 Indian Parliament attack.

He claimed Atishi's parents had also signed a petition seeking mercy for Afzal Guru, who was executed in 2013.

Even the "Tukre Tukre" slogans against the country's integrity were shouted in February 2015 on the death anniversary of Afzal Guru. "The Delhi government had delayed sanction for prosecution in the case by five months," he said, raising questions about the connection between the NGO and the AAP.

"There is fear in Delhi that the AAP has been in touch with dubious NGOs and anti-national activities," he said.

Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva said it wasn't a coincidence that attempts to create an atmosphere of insecurity appeared to have been just before the Assembly polls

According to police, the teenager who sent the hoax e-mail was identified using an advanced I-T technique

The police said the teen was identified as the sender of the hoax e-mails. However, they are still trying to determine if more people were involved or if the child acted alone.

The Delhi Police are now examining whether the NGO or other entities may have influenced the child.
Mumbai, Jan 14 : The father of acclaimed actor Jaideep Ahlawat left for his heavenly abode today on 14th January 2025. According to reports, the 'Paatal Lok' actor has left for Delhi for the last rites.

Requesting privacy during this difficult time, Jaideep Ahlawat's team released an official statement that read, "We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Jaideep Ahlawat's beloved father. He departed for his heavenly abode surrounded by family and love. Jaideep and his family request privacy during this difficult time as they cope with their profound loss. We thank you for your understanding and prayers."

On the work front, Jaideep Ahlawat will next be seen as inspector Hathi Ram Chaudhary in the second season of the web series "Paatal Lok". Talking about the project, he told IANS, "I think the important factor is that the story has already gone two and a half years ahead. It's not like they have stopped where we left off in the first season, their life has also gone ahead. Some things have changed and some have not. Some things are exactly the same as they were. So, Hathi Ram Chaudhary still sits on the same chair. So, nothing has changed for him in the outside world. Some things, of course, have changed in the house".

He was further quoted saying, "Some relationships have become better. But his basic nature is still the same. But in the story, a lot of new challenges come up. It feels like the experience he had from the old story is coming in handy here, but it's getting smaller. Something has become bigger than that. I think his basic quality is that he has to know the truth, whether he can do something about it or not. He is determined to know the truth. A lot of things will be revealed in season 2".

Helmed by Avinash Arun Dhaware, "Paatal Lok 2" is scheduled to premiere on Prime Video on 17th January this year.
Seoul, Jan 14 : A military unit guarding the presidential residence on Tuesday approved the entry of police and anti-corruption agency officials into the presidential residence to detain impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol, officials said.

Upon request by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), the unit under the Capital Defence Command said that it will allow investigators from the CIO, police and the Ministry of Defence to access the presidential residence, according to the CIO.

The unit is responsible for guarding the outside of the presidential residence, Yonhap news agency reported.

The move is anticipated to help police and CIO officials carry out their second attempt to detain Yoon, expected to take place early Wednesday.

Earlier in the day, the Presidential Security Service (PSS) raised the possibility of blocking a second attempt to detain impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, stating that a forced entry into Yoon's residence would be "illegal" and that it would respond in accordance with its security protocols.

The PSS issued the statement hours after meeting with the police and the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) to discuss the execution of Yoon's arrest warrant over his short-lived imposition of martial law.

The PSS had thwarted the CIO's earlier attempt to detain Yoon on January 3.

"Specific security areas, including the presidential residence, are designated as security zones, national security facilities, critical national facilities, and military protection zones. Entry into these areas requires prior approval from the responsible authority," the PSS said, adding that forced entry into these areas would be "illegal."

The PSS stated that it had held sufficient consultations with the police and the CIO to avoid physical confrontations and pledged to make efforts to prevent any clashes during the warrant's execution.

Meanwhile, South Korea had 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.
By Misato Iwai, KYODO NEWS - Jan 14, 2025 - 08:37 | Japan, All

For foreign women who moved to Japan to work as technical intern trainees, taking maternity leave has rarely been a realistic option as pregnancy often means termination of an employment contract or even forced repatriation.

Jiho Yoshimizu, the representative director of a friendship association that supports Vietnamese residents of Japan, recently published her first book titled "If You Get Pregnant, Sayonara," detailing the stark reality of "maternity harassment" in which technical interns are forced out of their jobs.

Yoshimizu argues the priorities of companies that employ such individuals have been given precedence for too long, even in the face of acute labor shortages in Japan which make workers valuable assets. "People need to change their mindset," she writes in her book.

Some technical interns complain of companies refusing to hire them because they are pregnant. In one extreme case, a woman said her employer equated her pregnancy to an "illness," despite sickness not being grounds for dismissal.

Such workers hold residency qualifications such as technical training and specified skilled visas. While they prop up Japan's agricultural and manufacturing industries, which are among the worst impacted by the labor shortage, their testimonies show how easily they can be thrown on the scrap heap.

Maternity harassment, the unfair treatment of a woman by an employer because they are pregnant or a parent, is prohibited by Japan's Equal Employment Opportunity Law, and foreign residents are entitled to lump-sum maternity and childcare benefits and leave before and after childbirth, like any Japanese woman.

In reality, however, many employers are unwilling to fill temporary vacancies created when a woman goes on maternity leave and instead often force foreign nationals to resign from their jobs so they can be replaced permanently.

To make matters worse, many foreign women are unaware of their legal rights and have difficulty accessing government support services due to the language barrier. Looking for a solution, Yoshimizu's group established a joint labor union under the Tokyo chapter of Rengo, the national labor organization, in 2022.

With the union's help, 153 expectant women and mothers of young children were supported between fiscal 2020 and 2023. Most took maternity or childcare leave and then subsequently were able to continue working in Japan.

The union acts as a safeguard specifically for Vietnamese workers, many of whom are employed at small- and medium-sized companies.

Demonstrating the sometimes tragic outcomes for the women, there have been incidents in various parts of the country where mothers have given birth unsupported in isolation and gone on to abandon their newborn infants. At least one died as a result.

According to a joint study conducted in 2023 by the support group and Kyodo News, for-profit agencies in countries that source foreign technical interns for Japanese companies sometimes recommend that women take contraceptive measures to prevent pregnancies.

The study revealed that the right to bear and raise children is often ignored due to the deeply entrenched attitudes prioritizing the prevention of pregnancies.

"Many of these women feel guilty about their pregnancies, as if they are bad for getting pregnant," said Yoshimizu. She stresses the importance of Japanese authorities gaining a better understanding of the situation, as the nation must take some responsibility for the women accepted under its foreign intern trainee program.

The Japanese government decided to launch a new "training and employment" system in 2027 or later to replace the technical internship program, which has come under heavy criticism for human rights violations and being a vehicle for the importation of cheap labor. The revamp is aimed at guaranteeing foreign workers are treated properly.

Yoshimizu, however, says the "same problems will be repeated" unless all parties involved work together to provide women with appropriate support.

She also emphasized the need for companies to be aware of their responsibilities and to expand their systems to allow for maternity leave vacancies.

She says her group is "working hard every day to provide support" in the hope that effective measures to protect human rights will be put in place as soon as possible.

Related coverage:

Cambodian trainee seeks damages over alleged rapes at Japan farm

Japan to address issue of foreign trainees quitting in record numbers
Beed, Jan 14 : Amid ongoing protest over the murder of Massajog sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh from Beed district, the Kej Sessions Court on Tuesday ordered to book Walmik Karad, who is a close associate of Nationalist Congress Party Minister Dhananjay Munde, under the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA).

Karad with a Rs 2 crore extortion case linked to the murder of a sarpanch in Beed district is already under arrest.

Karad had surrendered to the police in Pune on December 31.

The court has granted Karad a 14-day judicial custody and not the CID custody.

The CID is currently investigating Santosh Deshmukh's murder and extortion case involving Karad, who is allegedly being termed by the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) as the mastermind behind the killing of the Massajog sarpanch.

Already eight accused linked to the murder of Santosh Deshmukh were booked under MCOCA.

Thereafter, the Opposition MVA and the family members of Santosh Deshmukh slammed the state government for shielding Karad and stepped up their demands to book him under MCOCA.

The Opposition has alleged that Karad is the mastermind behind the murder of Santosh Deshmukh and he is the one who hatched the plot to murder Deshmukh.

The police have also launched an investigation into the matter.

In a similar development, Karad's mother and his supporters staged a protest against the arrest of Walmik Karad demanding he should be released.

The police have imposed prohibitory orders to avoid any untoward incident and have increased security.

Meanwhile, NCP President and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar said that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the two Deputy Chief Ministers, including Eknath Shinde, have since taken a firm stand that no one will be spared in the murder of Santosh Deshmukh.

"All those involved in the brutal killing will be punished severely," he added.

Ajit Pawar said that the government has appointed an able and efficient officer as the Beed Superintendent of Police who will make all efforts to maintain the law and order situation there.

Reacting to a query on Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi's demand for the resignation of Minister Dhananjay Munde allegedly in connection with Santosh Deshmukh's murder and implementation of crop insurance scheme for farmers, Ajit Pawar said that let the investigations complete.
Shillong, Jan 14 : Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday handed over M-Tab (learning tablets) to students of West Garo Hills at a programme held in Tura.

The M-Tab is an initiative of the Meghalaya CM's Student Digital Learning Scheme, which aims to promote e-education in the state. The tablet is loaded with comprehensive contents related to Higher Secondary level examinations for all streams, including contents, mock question papers, past questions, and solved answer papers for various competitive examinations. It also has high-quality audio-video, animation and 3D graphic content.

In his address at the programme at the district auditorium, Sangma said: "The handheld device is not just a gadget. It is a tool to empower our youth. We want to ensure that our youth get access to learning and are better equipped to face different examinations."

"This programme is to let you know that we care about you, to let you know that we trust you," he asserted, while stating that technology is changing every aspect of lives.

"This government believes that in whatever way possible we must strengthen the use of technology to ensure that we can make the learning more impactful, the learning more meaningful, the learning more exciting and enjoyable," the Chief Minister said.

He said that digital learning through audio-video and pictorial content makes learning more easier and simpler.

"We strongly feel that more and more use of technology at the grassroots level smart classrooms, digital learning will aid our students but remember, technology is only an enabler. It can only enable you to learn in an easier way," he said.

Sangma also said that the government has accorded priority to developing IT-related sectors in the state, including setting up IT parks in Shillong and Tura and laying optical fibres.

"We hope that this project will be completed in the next two years. We are hopeful that every school will be getting access to the optical fibres. It will take time, but the process has started," he said.

He also noted that the existing IT park in Shillong is catering to clients from the US and Europe.

"Our boys and girls from Meghalaya are working for AI companies. They are providing AI companies in the US, and Europe with solutions that predict crop disease, rain, growth of the plant, requirement of water, etc. All this is being done from Meghalaya, this is the kind of transformation that is taking place," he added.

Around 1 lakh tablets have been distributed from 2021 to Class 11 students. In the 2023-24 academic session, 30,480 students received the benefit of the scheme, as per the Directorate of School Education and Literacy. In the West Garo Hills district, around 3,000 M-Tabs will be distributed. In Tuesday's distribution, over 400 students from 21 different higher secondary schools received the tablets. Close to 5,700 teachers from different higher secondary schools in the state will also receive the tablet, which will facilitate e-learning and assessments.

Speaker Thomas A. Sangma was also present at the programme.

The Vidya Samiksha Kendra, a learning management App designed by the state Department of Information and Technology, aimed to monitor learning outcomes, is also helping the teachers to monitor and assess the outcomes of the students.
Bengaluru, Jan 14 : "Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is doing a good job as the Chief Minister. The position is not vacant. I have said the same earlier and that is the reality. There is no confusion within the Congress regarding the CM's position. We are all doing well. The confusion exists only in the media," said Minister for Large and Medium Industries, M.B. Patil on Tuesday.

Seeking to scotch rumours of a power struggle in the party, M.B. Patil, who met the Chief Minister at his residence in Bengaluru on the occasion of Sankranti, clarified that there were no political discussions during the meeting.

"There are no issues in the party regarding the change of Chief Minister, the appointment of a new KPCC president, or the caste census report. The High Command will decide on all these matters. Even during the party's legislative meeting on Monday, National General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala made this clear," he stated.

"Home Minister G. Parameshwara and Minister for Cooperation K.N. Rajanna did not attend the meeting due to personal reasons," he added.

Responding to questions about Belagavi district politics, he said, "There is no conflict between Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Minister for PWD Satish Jarkiholi. Everyone collectively worked towards building the party office."

Speaking about the caste census report, Minister Patil stated, "I have never opposed the caste census report. However, I have always maintained that no community should be treated unfairly."

"For example, within the Lingayat community, various sub-sects have been categorised differently. No one has seen the report in its entirety. Nevertheless, if the Veerashaiva Mahasabha is opposing the report, they have the right to do so. Even Surjewala has stated that we must act in a way that does not hurt any community," Patil said.

"I am not eyeing the KPCC president's post. As the Minister of Industries, I need to focus on my responsibilities. I have natural aspirations in politics, but they are not driven by greed," he clarified.

He also blamed the previous BJP government for the delay in settling contractors' bills amounting to Rs 30,000 crore.

"The BJP government had started projects worth Rs 2 lakh crore without any approval, leading to Rs 35,000 crore in unpaid bills. This burden has fallen on our government," he stated.

However, the infighting within the Congress party continued on Tuesday with Karnataka Excise Minister R.B. Timmapur staking his claim to the post of Chief Minister.

Speaking to reporters in Hubballi, Minister Timmapur said, "Why shouldn't Dalits make it to the post of the CM? Why shouldn't I become the Chief Minister? Who will object if I become the CM."

"I am not sure whether the Congress Legislature Party meeting will approve my name. All these factors will play a role. If the high command decides, I will become the CM," he stated.
Addis Ababa, Jan 14 : Ethiopia has repatriated 164 citizens from Beirut, capital of Lebanon, due to the security situation in the Middle Eastern country, the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said.

Teyiba Hassen, Director-General of the Refugees and Returnees Service, and foreign ministry officials welcomed the returnees at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, according to an Ethiopian foreign ministry statement.

The government has been making efforts to repatriate citizens from various countries facing security problems, the statement quoted Hassen as saying on the occasion.

"The Refugees and Returnees Service in collaboration with pertinent bodies will continue repatriating citizens who are living abroad in difficult conditions," she said.

In October 2024, the Ethiopian government repatriated 51 nationals from Lebanon, Xinhua news agency reported.

"Their return is a testament to the government's commitment to the welfare of its citizens abroad," said the statement.

Data from the International Organization for Migration, a UN agency, suggested that Ethiopians represent one of the largest migrant groups in Lebanon.

Over the weekend, Ethiopia and Somalia also agreed to restore and enhance bilateral ties, marking a significant step in easing recent diplomatic tensions between the two Horn of Africa nations.

The agreement was reached during a meeting in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, between Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who was on a working visit to Ethiopia.

The leaders held constructive discussions on regional and bilateral issues, aiming to deepen the fraternal bond between their peoples, according to a joint communique released Saturday evening.

Both leaders agreed to "restore and enhance" bilateral relations through full diplomatic representation in their respective capitals. They also emphasised closer collaboration between their diplomatic missions on multilateral and regional matters of mutual interest, the communique said.

Noting that the stability of the region requires the two countries' strong cooperation based on mutual trust, confidence, and respect, the two leaders pledged to strengthen coordination on improving regional relations and fostering common understanding and shared progress.
Bhopal, Jan 14 : Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Tuesday expressed that the arrangements made in Mahakumbh in Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) can be learned from in view of Simhastha-2028 to be held in Ujjain.

He said that Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government under the supervision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made an elaborate arrangement keeping the importance of 'Kumbh' and 'Sanctity' of holy Sangam.

Chief Minister Yadav added that the Madhya Pradesh government has sent a team of senior officials to visit Prayagraj and to note down every single arrangement made there to ensure better preparation for Simhastha- 2028.

"The arrangements made by the Uttar Pradesh government for Mahakumbh in Prayagraj can be learned. Simhastha is going to be organised in Ujjain in the year 2028, and the Madhya Pradesh government has sent a team of officials to watch them closely to ensure better preparation for Simhastha," he added.

He expressed that Mahakumbh will meet the purpose of Sanatan Dharma and crores of people take a dip in Sangam to get blessings of Ma Ganga.

"Geographical structure has its own importance for Sangam, but Mahakumbh itself is a part of Sanatan Dharma. I will pray the Kumbh meets the purpose of Sanatan Dharma," CM Yadav said.

Notably, the Kumbh Mela, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, began in Prayagraj on Monday (January 13) and will conclude on February 26.

The religious event is likely to attract millions of pilgrims seeking spiritual purification.

According to reports, more than 60 lakh devotees took a holy dip at Sangam, which is called "Amrit Snan" of Mahakumbh.

Sangam is the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mystical Saraswati rivers.

Kumbh Mela occurs every three years in four different locations.

However, Mahakumbh is organised only in Prayagraj after every twelve years.

Additionally, Mahakumbh 2025 is more special not only because of its religious significance but also because of the rare celestial alignment that occurs only once every 144 years.

The importance of Mahakumbh can be understood that, besides taking a dip in Sangam, lakhs of devotees, many of them with families, camp on the banks of Sangam in tents devoting their time to simple living, performing prayers and rituals besides reading religious scriptures.

This practice is called 'Kalpavas', and the pilgrims believe that by practising it, the door of heaven opens for them after their demise.

Along with spiritual, scientific outlook is also important in Kalpavas.
New Delhi, Jan 14 : All India Congress Committee social media and digital platform chairperson Supriya Shrinate on Tuesday said that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the BJP together have made Delhi the 'Crime Capital' of the country.

Addressing the media, she said that in 2013 when the Congress government was in power in the national Capital, around 80,184 criminal cases were filed in Delhi and now the crime graph has almost trebled with 3,00,429 cases being registered in 2024.

Despite such a high number of criminal cases, crime does not seem to be an election issue for the AAP and the BJP in the Delhi Assembly elections, she said.

She said that women and children have been bearing the brunt of most of the assaults, and women now dread stepping out of homes, fearing for their safety.

Shrinate said that according to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), women face two assaults every hour and 40 in a day. She said that when the Congress comes back to power in Delhi, law and order will be a priority issue to be tackled on a war footing.

Earlier, former Delhi Minister Dr Narendra Nath flagged off five LED screen vans, which will tour all the 70 Assembly constituencies of Delhi, to tell the voters about the Congress' guarantees.

The vans will also highlight the failure of the Kejriwal government in fulfilling the promises made to the people in carrying out the city's development over the last 10 years.

"10 saal se ruke vikas ko aage badane ke liye Congress hai jaruri (Congress is necessary to take forward the development that has been stalled for 10 years)", the tagline on the vans proclaims.

Prominent among those present at the launch of the LED screen vans were AICC national spokesperson Abhay Dubey, Sidharth Rao, Jatin Sharma, Tasveer Solanki, spokespersons Asma Tasleem, Rashmi Singh Miglani and Dr Arun Aggarwal.

The vans will take the promises of Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee president Devender Yadav to the people across all the 70 Assembly constituencies, including the Rs 2,500 per month promised to women under the 'Pyari Didi Yojna', Rs 25 lakh free health insurance scheme to all residents and Rs 8,500 per month stipend for educated, unemployed youth.
Kolkata, Jan 14 : The Indian Air Force (IAF) has carried out an emergency high-precision rescue operation from the remote and volcanic Narcondam Island in the Andamans, a Ministry of Defence (MoD) spokesperson in Kolkata said.

A Mi-17 medium-lift helicopter carried out an extremely low hover to rescue two critically injured policemen, he said.

Narcondam, located about 256 km to the northeast of Port Blair (now Vijayanagaram) is India's easternmost island.

It has an area of 7.6 square km with a volcanic peak rising to 710 metres.

The Geological Survey of India has designated the peak as a dormant volcano.

In 2005, a year after the tsunami that caused severe devastation in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, there were reports of smoke and mud escaping the peak.

The island is also a designated UNESCO heritage site.

"There is no place where a helicopter can land at Narcondam. The skills of the aircrew were tested to the full as they carried out the extremely low hover. Half of the helicopter was above the rocks exposed during low tide and the other half was above the sea. The two injured policemen were carried on stretchers to the helicopter. Given the conditions, it was not possible to winch the stretchers up to the aircraft while it hovered higher," the MoD spokesperson added.

Narcondam, with pristine seas and coral reefs, is a scuba divers' paradise.

The island is also heavily forested and attracts nature lovers interested in the Narcondam Hornbill and other fauna and flora.

However, with a population of barely 16 (as per 2016 records), the island offers no accommodation to visitors.

There are regular ferry services from Diglipur though.

A police station does exist on the island, though, to prevent illegal infiltration.

The island was claimed by Myanmar till 1986.

Myanmar gave up its claim after delimitation of the maritime boundary between the two nations.

A lighthouse also exists on the slopes of Narcondam.
Hyderabad, Jan 14 : Cyberabad Police have identified double murder victims who were found murdered in Narsingi on the outskirts of Hyderabad on Tuesday.

The bodies of a male and a female were found on a hillock near Ananta Padmanabha Swamy temple in Puppalaguda under the limits of Narsingi Police Station. Ch Srinivas, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Rajendranagar), said the male deceased was identified as Ankit Saket, aged 25. A native of Madhya Pradesh and resident of Nanakramguda in Hyderabad, he was into housekeeping. The female deceased was identified as Bindu (25), a native of Chhattisgarh and a resident of LB Nagar.

"Both were known to each other. On 8th January, the deceased Ankit brought the female deceased from LB Nagar to Nanakramguda and kept her in a friend's room. The murder is suspected to have happened on the night of January 11," the DCP said.

The double murder took place in hillocks, at an abandoned stone crusher. A few youngsters, who had gone on the hillock to watch the sunrise, found the body of a man and immediately alerted police on 'Dial 100'. Police rushed to the spot and took up an investigation. The police found the body of a woman at a distance of about 60 meters.

Police said the man and woman were stabbed and their heads were crushed by boulders. Police found beer bottles and some other material near the bodies. The bodies were shifted to Osmania Hospital for autopsy. Police were scanning CCTV footage near the scene of the offence to gather clues. The police registered a case and took up an investigation.

A police officer said they were investigating the case from all angles. "We are gathering technical evidence to know if they were brought here and murdered or somebody came and killed them while they were here," the police officer added.
Chennai, Jan 14 : The shooting of director Anuraj Manohar's Malayalam film 'Narivetta', featuring actor Tovino Thomas in the lead, has now been wrapped up.

Chennai, Jan 14 (IANS) The shooting of director Anuraj Manohar's Malayalam film 'Narivetta', featuring actor Tovino Thomas in the lead, has now been wrapped up.

Actor Tovino Thomas took to his X timeline to make the announcement. Stating that the shooting of 'Narivetta' had been completed, Tovino informed that shooting for the film had started in Kuttanad and that the first schedule saw the team shooting in Kavalam, Pulinkunni and Changanassery. Shooting for the film was completed in a period of 65 days.

The actor said the unit also shot at the Wayanad region blessed with green cover.

Admitting that although the film required a lot of hard work, Tovino said he enjoyed the entire time that they shot because of being with a crew that he felt close to.

Disclosing that 'Narivetta' was a political  drama, Tovino said, "I believe it is a topic that needs to be spoken about boldly and discussed. I hope it will be a film that will make you enjoy it with all your heart in the theatre  and make you think  after leaving the theatre."

Stating that he had an emotional journey with the character he plays in 'Narivetta', Tovino said he experienced the joy, happiness, crisis and pain of life along with the character. "This is a film that I have been waiting for with great anticipation in my acting career."

'Narivetta' has triggered huge expectations for a number of reasons. One such reason is that this will mark the acting debut of popular Tamil film director Cheran in Malayalam.

The film, which is believed to be based on real incidents, also features Suraj Venjaramoodu in a pivotal role. Produced by Tippushan and Shiyas Hassan and written by Abin Joseph, the film has cinematography by Vijay and music by Jakes Bejoy. Editing for the film is by Shameer Muhammed while Art direction is by Bawa and costume design is by Arun Manohar.
Bhopal, Jan 14 : PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, the world's largest domestic rooftop solar initiative, is transforming India's energy landscape with the supply of solar power to lakhs of households and aims to reach one crore households by March 2027.

Lakhs of families are drawing benefits of the scheme across the country. The residents of MP's Damoh are a case in point. Many beneficiaries of the PM-Surya Ghar Yojana in Damoh, particularly from the lower-and-middle class families are happy with the scheme and showering praise on the Modi government.

Sachin Soni, a resident of Indra Colony, said that the main objective of this scheme is to promote solar energy so that every poor person has light in his house.

"Those who are fed up with huge electricity bills, should avail the benefits of this scheme. This is no less than a boon for such families. I also got solar panels installed 6 months ago," he said.

"About 2-3 units of electricity are made available every day. At an investment of Rs 2 lakh, 3 kilowatt solar panel was installed on the roof of the house. Within just 60 days of its installation, Rs 78,000 subsidy is received," Soni added.

Elaborating on the benefits, he said, "During Summers, my electricity bill used to be around Rs 5,000 to Rs 7,000 every month but ever since solar panels have been installed, my electricity bill has come down to only Rs 500 to 800."

"I also use my room's AC, fridge, induction, water motor, clothes washing machine and water heating rod. The maintenance cost is nothing. Sometimes water has to be poured on the panels to remove the dust accumulated on the panels," he further stated.

Another beneficiary Sanjay Ratle said that he got solar panels installed on his roof under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.

Sharing his experience, he said, "There is a lot of difference in our electricity consumption. I installed 3 kilowatt solar panel. Its price is around Rs 2 lakh and subsidy is also given; Rs 78,000 comes to your account within about 2-3 months."

"It's been almost a year since I got it installed. I installed it in January 2024 and after looking at the bills for one year, I found that our electricity bill which used to be Rs 4,000 to 5,000 in summer, has come down to Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,200 this time," he shared.

Advising fellow residents to install solar panels, he said, "Your electricity bills will reduce significantly and the expenditure of Rs 2 lakh will be covered in the coming 2-3 years, out of which the central government gives a subsidy of Rs 78,000. They give free maintenance for about 20 to 25 years. If there is any kind of damage in it, then this company also promises to repair it."
KYODO NEWS - Jan 14, 2025 - 02:51 | All, Japan

Residents of an area in southwestern Japan rocked by a strong earthquake late Monday voiced anxiety as the seismic event rekindled concerns about a bigger potential temblor that has been deemed likely by a government panel.

The magnitude 6.6 quake occurred on the night of Coming of Age Day, a national holiday, while some central parts of the city of Miyazaki were still crowded with 20-year-old celebrants who attended a major ceremonial event to mark the attaining of adulthood.

Airi Saito, a college student who was one such attendee, said, "I cannot go home as the train service has been suspended. Everybody panicked when the quake occurred."

At JR Miyazaki Station, passengers were notified after the temblor that all trains would be suspended through the end of the day.

The 9:19 p.m. quake that occurred in the Hyuga Nada Sea in Miyazaki Prefecture affected a wide area of the Kyushu region, measuring lower 5 on the country's seismic intensity scale of 7 in the city and in two other municipalities in Miyazaki Prefecture.

At the lower 5 level, many people are frightened by the shaking and seek to hold onto something stable while it lasts.

The quake prompted worry among many Kyushu residents, especially those of the prefecture, as an M7.1 temblor hit the area in August last year and led the Japan Meteorological Agency to issue a special Nankai Trough megaquake advisory.

At the time, the jolting measured up to lower 6 on the scale, a level described as making it difficult to remain standing, and the advisory affected public transport and local tourism. The Nankai Trough is an undersea trench running off the Pacific coast of Japan.

Following Monday's quake, a 20-year-old man who was having dinner in the city of Miyazaki when it struck said, "The shaking continued for a long time. I thought it was a Nankai Trough quake."

At Miyazaki Airport Station, the glass at a ticket counter was broken in the quake. "It happened at a time when no station worker was on duty," said a staffer who was doing the cleanup. "We're very lucky there were no injuries."

"The shaking was so intense, we grabbed onto the furniture for support," the female operator of an inn on Miyazaki's Aoshima Island said.

An official of the Nichinan city office in the prefecture said, "The quake was not as big as the last one. I didn't see any shelves or other things falling." The August 2024 quake measured lower 6 in the city.

Nankai Trough quakes occur every 100 to 150 years, the last being the 1944 Tonankai and 1946 Nankai quakes that together struck a wide area from central to southwestern Japan.

According to a government estimate, there is a 70 to 80 percent chance that a magnitude 8 to 9 earthquake will occur in the area within 30 years.

Related coverage:

M6.6 quake hits southwestern Japan, small tsunami observed
Jammu, Jan 14 : Retired servicemen expressed their appreciation for the Armed Forces Veterans Day programme held at the Tanda Artillery Brigade in Akhnoor on Tuesday.

The event, addressed by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, brought together Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, to honour the contributions of ex-servicemen.

Speaking to IANS, Colonel Jitendra Singh (retd), a participant at the event, remarked: "It is commendable that the Defence Minister, Chief Minister, and LG all came together to encourage the ex-servicemen fraternity. We are hopeful that several of our pending schemes will now be sanctioned. When Army personnel retire or become disabled, they are sent home. It is crucial for the government to step in and assist them in securing benefits or jobs."

He also emphasised the potential contributions of retired servicemen residing in villages towards societal development.

Addressing the broader context, Col Singh (retd) commented on Pakistan's resistance to resolving the Kashmir issue, attributing it to the country's self-serving motives.

Gurmeet Singh Shan, Director of Sainik Welfare, hailed the programme as an excellent initiative by the Defence Ministry.

"Organising the Veterans' Day programme on such a large scale will undoubtedly boost the morale of ex-servicemen," he told IANS.

Shan also underscored the hostile intentions of India's adversary, referring to Pakistan's stance on Jammu and Kashmir.

Another ex-serviceman appreciated the Defence Minister's assurance to address any issues faced by veterans. He reiterated India's firm stance against Pakistan's continued support for terrorism, warning that India's options remain open if Pakistan fails to change its course.

Earlier in the day, Rajnath Singh, addressing the ninth Armed Forces Veterans' Day programme, lauded the contributions of army veterans and paid tributes to war heroes.

He made a special mention of Brigadier Mohd Usman, who valiantly fought tribal invaders in 1947, forcing them to retreat.

The Defence Minister sharply criticised Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq for his remarks against India, asserting that Jammu and Kashmir is incomplete without PoK.

Rajnath Singh, accompanied by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, was received by Lt Governor Sinha, Chief Minister Abdullah, and senior officials amid tight security.

As part of the programme, the Minister inaugurated a heritage museum and hoisted a 108-foot-tall National Flag in the Akhnoor border area.

The heritage museum features weapons used in various wars fought in Jammu and Kashmir, alongside sculptures of war heroes, providing visitors with an immersive historical experience.
Seoul, Jan 14 : The South Korean government plans to consult with Ukraine about bringing North Korean soldiers captured by Ukraine to the South if they request defection, the Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lee Jae-woong made the remarks during a regular press briefing following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's recent revelation that two North Korean soldiers were captured by Ukraine in Russia's western Kursk region while fighting for Russia.

In a video later shared by Zelensky, one of the North Korean soldiers was seen asking if Ukrainians were all good people and, after an interpreter replied positively, saying, "I want to live here."

"As North Korean soldiers are our nationals according to the Constitution, (the government) plans to hold discussions with Ukraine if they request defection to South Korea," the spokesperson said.

South Korea's Constitution defines the entire Korean Peninsula as its territory, effectively recognising all residents on the peninsula as its nationals.

The ministry spokesperson, however, stated that neither of the two captured soldiers has expressed an intention to defect to the South, adding that relevant South Korean authorities are currently in communication with Ukraine regarding matters concerning them.

On Sunday, South Korea's spy agency confirmed Ukraine's capture of two North Korean soldiers last week and pledged close cooperation with its Ukrainian counterpart to continue sharing related information, Yonhap news agency reported.

North Korea is estimated to have sent some 11,000 troops to support Russia in its war against Ukraine. Of those, 300 are believed to have been killed, with some 2,700 others wounded, according to the National Intelligence Service.

On January 13, Zelensky said that Ukraine was prepared to hand over captured North Korean soldiers in exchange for Ukrainian captives in Russia, a day after revealing the country's seizure of two wounded North Korean soldiers.

Zelensky made the proposal on his account on the social media platform X on Sunday (local time) in English, Ukrainian, and Korean, following his announcement the previous day that two wounded North Korean soldiers had been captured in Russia's western Kursk region.
New Delhi, Jan 14 : Due to the unprecedented demand for tickets for Republic Day Celebrations (RDC) 2025, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is issuing the passes to witness the Full Dress Rehearsal of the parade, which will be held at Kartavya Path on January 23, the Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.

The registration for the passes can be done by the users directly from the following portal/platform: Aamantran portal (aamantran.mod.gov.in) and Aamantran mobile app, which can be downloaded from the Mobile Seva App Store.

The registration for the passes will be open between January 13 to 17, from 9 a.m. onwards till the quota for the day gets exhausted.

The Defence Ministry said this decision reflects the commitment towards ensuring the maximum participation of the people in RDC 2025.

The information related to RDC 2025 may be viewed on rashtraparv.mod.gov.in, it added.

Meanwhile, the Ministry said that Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh visited INS Rajali, the Indian Navy's premier Naval Air Station, located near Arakkonam in Tamil Nadu on Monday.

He inspected various operational facilities at the station, where he was apprised of the extensive volume of operations carried out by the station and its capability to meet the evolving security requirements.

The event showcased INS Rajali's state-of-the-art infrastructure and its strategic significance in maritime surveillance and combat readiness.

Commanding Officer, INS Rajali Commodore Kapil Mehta, briefed the Defence Secretary on the Air Station's operational preparedness and its role in ensuring maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Rajesh Kumar Singh also interacted with the service personnel at the station, appreciating their dedication and contribution to safeguarding national maritime interests.

He highlighted the critical importance of maintaining a high level of combat preparedness and operational vigilance to address the dynamic challenges of the IOR's geopolitical landscape.
New Delhi, Jan 14 : Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam arrived in New Delhi Tuesday evening on a State Visit - his first to India as the President of the island nation - as both countries begin celebrations of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada received the visiting Head of State at the airport.

During his January 14-18 visit, Shanmugaratnam will hold discussions with President Droupadi Murmu, who will also host a banquet in his honour.

Accompanied by a high-level delegation, including ministers and members of parliament and officials, he will also hold discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi following his ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan on Thursday.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and several other Indian dignitaries are scheduled to call on President Tharman on Wednesday who will also visit Odisha from January 17-18.

"India and Singapore have extensive cooperation based on a long tradition of friendship, trust and mutual respect. President Tharman's visit is expected to provide further momentum to bilateral relations, which were elevated to the level of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the visit of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to Singapore in September 2024," read a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Prime Minister Modi has recently hailed the progress made in bilateral cooperation in a multitude of forward-looking areas.

"My visit to Singapore has been a very fruitful one. It will certainly add vigour to bilateral ties and benefit the people of our nations. I thank the government and people of Singapore for their warmth," PM Modi posted on X after wrapping-up his two-day visit to Singapore in September 2024.

During their previous meeting, Tharman and PM Modi had reaffirmed the longstanding friendship between both countries and discussed India's potential as a leading centre of growth over the next decade, driven by both social and digital investments across the wide span of its population, as well as its new economic linkages.
Patna, Jan 14 : The Makar Sankranti celebrations at the residence of Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief and Union Minister Chirag Paswan were marked by the visit of Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan.

The Governor arrived at Chirag Paswan's Patna residence on Tuesday to extend his greetings and meet the Union Minister. Chirag Paswan personally welcomed the Governor and exchanged Makar Sankranti greetings, highlighting the festive spirit of unity and camaraderie. The meeting between the two leaders garnered attention, as it added a formal and significant dimension to the cultural celebration.

To ensure the Governor's safety, extensive security arrangements were in place during his visit. The meticulous planning for the Governor's arrival reflects the importance of the event and the high-profile nature of the gathering.

Governor Arif Mohammad Khan congratulated the entire Paswan family, for the Makar Sankranti festival. He described Makar Sankranti as a symbol of positive energy, underscoring its significance in fostering harmony and joy.

While speaking to the media, the Governor expressed his delight in Bihar's traditional Makar Sankranti cuisine, stating, "Bihar's Dahi-Chura is amazing, and we have been eating it since yesterday."

Governor Khan also shared his plans to attend the ongoing Maha Kumbh fair in Prayagraj, noting that he has received invitations from several prominent organisations, including Juna Akhara and Parmarth Niketan. While no specific date has been finalised, he indicated that he might visit on February 6, 7, or 8, as part of a five-day programme.

He also expressed his intention to spend time in the ashrams during the visit, emphasising the spiritual aspect of the event. When asked about the Kumbh Mela being held on land owned by the Waqf Board, the Governor avoided engaging in controversy, stating, "I do not get involved in all this, ask me good and positive things."

His response aligned with the celebratory and positive tone of the event, steers the focus towards the festival's cultural and spiritual significance.
Beirut, Jan 14 : Lebanon's newly-elected President Joseph Aoun on Tuesday called for the smooth formation of a new government to send positive messages to the international community.

"No obstacles should be put in the way of forming the government for a simple reason: We have great opportunities today that must be exploited. We should also send positive messages to the international community that Lebanon is capable of governing itself, implementing reconstruction transparently, and building a state we all aspire for," the President said.

Aoun made these remarks during his meeting with a delegation from the Supreme Islamic Shiite Council, according to a statement released by the Lebanese presidency.

Aoun highlighted reconstruction as the very first priority of his administration, saying he would start visiting countries to request assistance in rebuilding the country which newly emerged from nearly 14 months of deadly conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

The President also called for the unity of all sects. "No component in this country must have an advantage over another. Lebanon is a state for all. If a component is broken, all of Lebanon will be broken," he stressed, Xinhua news agency reported.

Aoun, Lebanon's former army chief, was elected president on January 9. His victory marked the end of more than two years of presidential vacancy in the country.

On Monday, Aoun appointed Nawaf Salam as Lebanon's Prime Minister and tasked him with forming a new government.

Salam vowed on Tuesday vowed to start a new chapter in the country, local TV channel Al Jadeed reported.

"The time has come to start a new chapter rooted in justice, security, progress, and opportunities so that Lebanon becomes a country of freedom and equal citizenship," Salam said in his first remarks as Prime Minister at Baabda Palace in capital Beirut.

The Prime Minister-designate highlighted the dire need for reconstruction efforts after the nearly 14-month deadly conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which devastated civilian homes and infrastructures.

"A large part of our people still have their homes and institutions destroyed, and we must rebuild the villages in the Bekaa region, the south, and the capital Beirut. Reconstruction is a commitment," he said.

Salam also pledged to implement the UN Resolution 1701. "We must work hard to fully implement Resolution 1701 and force the enemy's complete withdrawal from the last inch of our lands," he said.
New Delhi, Jan 14 : On the occasion of Armed Forces Veterans' Day, several former military officers expressed not only satisfaction with India's growing military might but also hailed it as a remarkable achievement.

The veterans particularly appreciated initiatives like "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (Self-Reliant India) for strengthening the defence sector.

Retired Lieutenant General D.P. Pandey told IANS, "The 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative is empowering our army with significant strength. This initiative will ensure that we are no longer dependent on foreign sources."

Retired Major General G.D. Bakshi remarked that India's military has become much stronger, with new technologies being integrated. He emphasised that India's army has mastered electronic warfare and cyber warfare.

He further mentioned that the Dhanush gun is now part of India's arsenal.

The 8X gun, he said, is currently one of the most powerful combat artillery pieces in the world, with a range of 48 km and the capability to fire five rounds per minute. In comparison, the equivalent American gun has a range of 45 km and can fire only three rounds per minute. The notable fact is that this gun is indigenously manufactured in India.

According to retired Major Gaurav Arya, India's army has become much stronger in the past decade. The new weapon platforms introduced are unlike anything he has seen before.

He added that the country has never seen such a large-scale influx of weapons.

This advantage, he believes, is the result of the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" initiative.

He mentioned various advancements, including the Zorawar and Vajra tanks, Tejas fighter jets, INS Vikrant, nuclear submarines Arihant and Arighaat, Chinook helicopters, and combat drones, among others.

He noted that in the past 10 years, there has been a revolutionary change in India's defence sector.

On the occasion of the ninth Armed Forces Veterans' Day, retired Colonel D.P.K. Pillai discussed the strength of the Indian Army.

He compared the responses to the 26/11 Mumbai attack and the Uri attack, highlighting the significant difference in the way the two attacks were carried out.

He pointed out that the Indian Army's strategy has shifted from a passive stance to an aggressive defence policy.

He also said that the military has made significant progress in infrastructure development, especially along the border.

Many border roads that had remained undeveloped for years, whether along the China border or in Jammu and Kashmir, are now being developed.
Jaipur, Jan 14 : Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma inaugurated the kite festival on Tuesday, celebrating Makar Sankranti by flying balloons and kites at the picturesque Jal Mahal embankment in Jaipur.

Extending warm wishes to the people of the state, the Chief Minister highlighted Makar Sankranti as a symbol of India's rich heritage and cultural unity.

He emphasised the values of hard work and charity, urging citizens to support the underprivileged during this auspicious festival.

As part of the event, the Chief Minister visited a kite exhibition and enjoyed vibrant cultural performances by folk artists.

The festival witnessed the participation of Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari, Rajya Sabha MP Madan Rathore, MLA Balmukund Acharya, Administrative Secretary of the Tourism Department Ravi Jain, Tourism Commissioner Vijaypal Singh, Jaipur District Collector Jitendra Soni, along with several officials, domestic and international tourists, and local residents.

Later, Chief Minister Sharma, accompanied by his wife Geeta Sharma, visited the Pinjrapol Gaushala in Sanganer.

They performed cow worship with traditional Vedic mantras and participated in "Gau Seva" by feeding fodder to the cows.

During the visit, the Chief Minister interacted with local residents and extended festival greetings.

At his residence, CM Sharma also flew kites with enthusiasm, marking the joyous celebration of Makar Sankranti.

Every year, the vibrant state of Rajasthan celebrates Makar Sankranti with numerous festivals, and Jaipur stands out as a prominent host of the renowned kite festival.

This festival, observed during Makar Sankranti or Uttarayan, symbolises the transition of the sun into Makara Rashi (Capricorn) from Dhanu Rashi (Sagittarius).

Considered highly auspicious, this day marks the beginning of the sun's northward journey, known as Uttarayan.

The Jaipur Kite Festival draws participants and visitors from across the country, including enthusiastic kite fliers.

This lively three-day event transforms the Pink City with a burst of colour and excitement.

People of all ages come together to engage in kite battles and enjoy the spectacle of thousands of kites soaring in the sky.

As the day transitions into night, the festival takes on a magical charm with the sight of illuminated kites and lanterns lighting up the sky.

The kites adorned with shimmering lights add a mesmerising brilliance to the already radiant atmosphere, creating a breathtaking view that captivates everyone.
Kolkata, Jan 14 : A Sub-Inspector of the West Bengal Police, posted in the Jalpaiguri district, was arrested on Tuesday on charges of raping a young woman earlier this month, officials said.

The arrested police officer has been identified as Subrata Gun, attached to the Rajganj police station in Jalpaiguri as the second officer.

The accused police officer was presented at a district court in Jalpaiguri on Thursday evening and sent to police custody.

He had been booked under Section 351 (2) (punishment for criminal intimidation) and Section 64 (2) (punishment of rape of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The accused police officer had, however, claimed innocence.

Last Friday, the victim, a resident of Siliguri in the adjacent Darjeeling district, filed a complaint at the Women Police Station under Siliguri City Police accusing Gun of raping her at his residence at Rajganj.

The woman also alleged that the accused police officer called her at his official quarter opposite the Rajganj police station on the night of January 9 on the pretext of some investigation and there, he raped her.

On the basis of her complaint, the Woman Police Station filed a Zero FIR and forwarded it to the Woman Police Station of Jalpaiguri police under whose jurisdiction the Rajganj police station comes.

The Jalpaiguri police started the initial investigation and the accused police officer was first relieved of his duties on January 12. Finally, he was arrested on Tuesday and presented at the district court. According to the counsel of the victim Sandip Mondal, the event of a police officer raping a woman under the pretext of investigation is simply unthinkable.

Meanwhile, Jalpaiguri police sources said that even an investigation is going on against the young woman concerned in a particular case.
Bhandara : , Jan 14 (IANS) The Congress party on Tuesday claimed that the incidents in Beed (murder of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh) and Parbhani (death of a Dalit youth Somnath Suryavanshi) are sponsored by the BJP-led alliance government in Maharashtra, with ruling party MLAs publicly disclosing information provided by the government.

"The BJP alliance government is playing games to protect the main culprits. This must stop, and the accused in the Beed case should be given the death penalty," demanded Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee President Nana Patole.

Speaking to the media, Patole further stated that the brutal murder of Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Massajog village in Beed district, is deeply shocking. To ensure such incidents do not recur in Maharashtra, the culprits in this case must face severe punishment. The incidents in Beed and Parbhani have tarnished Maharashtra's reputation. The spectacle being staged by the BJP-led government over these incidents will not be forgiven by the people of Maharashtra, he said.

On new electoral law, Patole alleged that during the state Assembly elections, the Election Commission committed grave misconduct.

"How did 7.6 million votes increase overnight? The Election Commission has failed to provide satisfactory answers to this question. The Congress Party had demanded video evidence showing voter queues on Election Day after 6 p.m., but the Commission did not provide such proof. Moreover, the Chief Minister defended the Election Commission in the Assembly. To cover up the sin of electoral fraud, the central government has enacted a new law that prevents the Election Commission from disclosing any information. The BJP and the Election Commission have colluded to plunder votes. As a result, the public does not consider this government to be theirs," he claimed.

Further, Patole said that during the Assembly elections, the BJP introduced the Ladki Bahin Yojana to win women's votes, offering Rs 1,500 to all sisters. "Now that the BJP government has been formed, they no longer need the sisters, and threats are being made to demand the return of the money -- a clear act of betrayal. The BJP-led government should fulfil its promises and provide Rs 2,100 per month to all sisters without exception," he added.
KYODO NEWS - Jan 14, 2025 - 16:30 | All, World, Japan

Nippon Steel Corp. said Tuesday it "remains the only partner" for United States Steel Corp., vowing to continue pursuing its purchase despite White House opposition and the emergence of a rival offer from U.S. steelmaker Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.

Cleveland-Cliffs CEO Lourenco Goncalves on Monday expressed the company's interest in acquiring U.S. Steel at a press conference in Pennsylvania. He also attacked Japan as "evil," claiming that it taught China how to dump, build overcapacity and overproduce.

In response, Nippon Steel, whose $14.1 billion deal to take over U.S. Steel has been blocked by the Jan. 3 order from U.S. President Joe Biden, said in a statement that Goncalves "continues to persist with biased stereotypes, but what his words cannot mask is that he cannot match the scope and scale of our plan."

Goncalves made the comments after U.S. business news network CNBC reported Monday that Cleveland-Cliffs is considering purchasing 100 percent of U.S. Steel for cash and then selling one of its subsidiaries to rival Nucor Corp.

Cleveland-Cliffs' offer would be in the high $30s per share, far less than the prospective deal put forward by Nippon Steel at $55 per share, CNBC reported.

Cleveland-Cliffs also offered to buy U.S. Steel for $7 billion in 2023. U.S. Steel's market capitalization at the close of the market on Monday was $8.18 billion at a share price of $36.34.

"Nippon Steel remains the only partner for U.S. Steel that can keep the company intact and the blast furnaces running, protect jobs, and deliver the technology and investment so that it can successfully compete on the global stage," Nippon Steel said. "Our plan enjoys overwhelming support among those with the most at stake."

Reacting to Biden's order to block the takeover of U.S. Steel by Nippon Steel on national security grounds, the companies filed two federal lawsuits seeking to protect their merger plan.

Goncalves is among the parties sued in one of the lawsuits. He, Cleveland-Cliffs and United Steelworkers union leader David McCall are accused of colluding to block the acquisition of U.S. Steel by any party other than Cleveland-Cliffs.

While Biden's order urged U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel to take all steps necessary to "fully and permanently" abandon the deal by Feb. 2, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, a panel of U.S. federal agencies involved in screening the proposal, extended the deadline to June 18.

Related coverage:

U.S. extends deadline for Nippon Steel to abandon takeover to June 18

U.S.-Japan ties strong despite blocked Nippon Steel deal: ambassador

FOCUS: Japan firms set for 5th yr of record profits on AI boom, BOJ shift
Washington, Jan 14 : Pete Hegseth, the nominee for Secretary of Defence, on Tuesday, told Senators at his confirmation hearing that it will be a priority for him to "work with our partners and allies to deter aggression in the Indo-Pacific from the Communist Chinese".

Hegseth is the first of President-elect Donald Trump's nominees to go before a panel of the US Senate for confirmation, who include, among others Marco Rubio, nominee for Secretary of State; Pam Bondi, nominee for Attorney General; Tulsi Gabbard, nominee for Director of National Intelligence; and Kash Patel, nominee to head the Federal Bureau of Investigation. They will have their confirmation hearings over the next few days.

"First and foremost, we will defend our homeland, our borders and our skies," Hegseth said in his prepared opening remarks.

"Second, we will work with our partners and allies to deter aggression in the Indo-Pacific from the Communist Chinese. And finally, we will responsibly end wars to ensure that we prioritise our resources to reorient to larger threats."

During questioning by Senators, Hegseth said the threat from China will be front and centre for him.

"When President Trump chose me for this position, the primary charge he gave me was -- to bring the warrior culture back to the Department of Defence," Hegseth said.

"He, like me, wants a Pentagon laser-focused on warfighting, lethality, meritocracy, standards, and readiness. That's it. That is my job."

He was introduced at the hearing by Mike Waltz, who is President-elect Trump's National Security Adviser, who is a known anti-China hawk and a co-chair of the India Caucus of the House of Representatives.

Hegseth is expected to face tough questioning from both Republicans and Democrats.

If confirmed, he will take over from Lloyd Austin, the current Secretary of Defence, a sprawling organisation made of nearly 3.5 million defence and civilian personnel.

Hegseth is a graduate of Princeton University and has a Graduate degree from Harvard University.

He served as an army combat veteran who served in Guantanamo Bay, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

He was decorated with two Bronze Stars and a Combat Infantryman's Badge.

He went on to become a host at FOX News for eight years.
Imphal, Jan 14 : Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Tuesday said that the government needs the cooperation and support of the armed forces veterans to improve the law and order situation in the state.

Addressing ex-servicemen and their families on the occasion of the 9th Armed Forces Veterans' Day held at the headquarters of the First Battalion of the Manipur Rifles, the Chief Minister said that all positive suggestions and advice from the veterans towards restoring peace and normalcy in the state are also welcomed.

He highlighted the importance of Armed Forces Veterans' Day and said it is observed to remember and honour the sacrifices of the armed forces for the nation. He announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh for soldiers who have laid down their lives on duty.

Further stressing that the government has already sanctioned Rs 3 crore for the construction of a memorial park for soldiers of the armed forces from the state who have laid down their lives for the nation, he said a site measuring half an acre has been identified at Lamphelpat for the purpose.

Biren Singh stated that the state has produced two Army officers who rose to the rank of Lieutenant General in the army. He also stated that he had met the commanding officer of a nuclear submarine, who happened to be from the state, and also noted that around 350 from the state are currently serving as officers in the combined defence forces.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the nation's dependence on foreign countries for procurement of defence equipment has minimised, he said.

"This was made possible through the implementation of the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' programme that aims to make the country self-reliant in its defence sector," he said.

He further praised two other natives of Manipur, Major Laishram Jyotin Singh who sacrificed his life trying to protect civilians in Afghanistan, and Major Bob Khathing for the valour and courage shown by these officers while performing their duties.

Biren Singh further spoke at length on the need for people to understand the land's history properly and said that a 22-minute-long film "Chahi Taret Khuntakpa" was recently released. This film, he said, would soon be telecast on History Channel. He further stressed the historical significance of the a"Chahi Taret Khunthakpa" and said that it was the signing of the Treaty of Yandaboo that once again recognised the sovereignty of Manipur.

The renaming of aMount Harrieta in Andaman and Nicobar Islands as Mount Manipur by the Central government has shown the Central leaders' care and in-depth knowledge of the state's history, he said,
New Delhi, Jan 14 : The 9th Armed Forces Veterans' Day was celebrated across the country on Tuesday. On this occasion, retired Captain Akhilesh Saxena praised the Indian Army, highlighting various achievements. He said that in the past 10 years, the Indian Army has become significantly stronger.

New Delhi, Jan 14 (IANS) The 9th Armed Forces Veteransa Day was celebrated across the country on Tuesday. On this occasion, retired Captain Akhilesh Saxena praised the Indian Army, highlighting various achievements. He said that in the past 10 years, the Indian Army has become significantly stronger.

In an interview with IANS, retired Captain Akhilesh Saxena stated, "Whether itas the Army or the Air Force, the Indian military has strengthened in every sector over the past 10 years. The Indian Army now possesses state-of-the-art weapons, which have enhanced our strength. In addition to this, the army is also working in the field of drones, and our intelligence system has been further strengthened."

He pointed out that earlier, the Indian Army used to import weapons, but now, India is exporting weapons to other countries, which is a commendable step.

Saxena also mentioned the 'One Rank, One Pension' scheme, stating, "The people associated with the army have benefited greatly from this initiative. Although there are some issues in certain areas, I believe improvements are still needed."

Speaking about the security of the countryas borders, he said, "India's borders are 100 per cent secure, and today, every Indian has full trust in our soldiers. The people of the country know that with the presence of our soldiers, no incident will occur at the border."

Several other former Armed Forces officials also hailed Indiaas growing military might and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative in the defence sector.

It is worth noting that Armed Forces Veterans Day is observed every year on January 14 to commemorate the contribution of India's first Commander-in-Chief, Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, to the Indian Army. He retired on this day in 1953. This day was first celebrated in 2016.
Kolkata, Jan 14 : Civil society initiative "Rat Dacha Okay Mancha" (Reclaim the Night Unity forum) on Tuesday approached the Calcutta High Court challenging the denial of permission from Kolkata Police for their night-long protest demonstration at Esplanade in central Kolkata this week to protest against the ghastly rape and murder of a junior woman doctor of the state-run R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital.

A single-judge bench of Justice Tirthankar Ghosh has admitted the petition and the matter is expected to come up for hearing on Wednesday.

Incidentally, the trial process in the rape and murder case has already been completed with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) identifying civic volunteer Sanjay Roy as the "sole prime accused" in the rape and murder case at the single charge sheet filed by the agency in the matter.

The verdict in the matter is expected to be delivered by a special court in Kolkata on January 18. The civil society group wanted to organise the protest demonstration before that verdict date and for that, they approached the Kolkata Police for permission.

The police, however, denied the permission on grounds of huge gatherings in the city those days as the pilgrims from the just concluded Gangasagar Mela will start returning to their respective places and states and for that purpose, Kolkata will be the principal transit point.

After the denial of the police permission, the group has now moved the high court for permission.

According to Satabdi Das, one of the coordinators of the civil society initiative, they had planned the night-long demonstration on January 16. "After the night-long demonstration, we had plans to send a small delegation to the state Secretariat, Nabanna, and submit a deputation. Now since the police have denied the permission, we will have to wait for the court order in the matter now," she said.
Patna, Jan 14 : Bihar's Labour Resources Minister, Santosh Kumar Singh, has received a life-threatening message and WhatsApp call demanding an extortion amount of Rs 30 lakh.

According to the minister's statement, the caller made a clear threat, stating, "Give the money or else you will be killed anywhere." Singh mentioned that initially, he received a call via WhatsApp, but when he did not pick up, a message followed. In the message, the caller identified a specific gang (Lawrence Bishnoi) and demanded a ransom.

The Kotwali Police Station has responded to the incident and is investigating the matter. Police officials have visited the minister's residence and are working on gathering evidence to identify and apprehend the perpetrators of the extortion attempt. This incident has raised concerns regarding the safety and security of public figures in Bihar, and the authorities have been put on high alert following the threat.

The threat message received by Bihar's Labour Resources Minister Santosh Kumar Singh included a chilling warning: "If you want to save your life, send Rs 30 lakh. Just like Baba Siddiqui was murdered, you will get the same treatment if you do not respond according to me. Your car number is known. We will follow you and eliminate you."

The message further fuelled concerns about the minister's safety. Kotwali Police Station in-charge Rajan Kumar has initiated an investigation into the threat, and DSP Krishna Murari Prasad confirmed that the incident is being looked into.

"After receiving the call and a life-threatening message, we are gathering details. The complainant has filed an application at Kotwali police station and we are investigating the matter. The caller will be traced soon," Prasad said. This extortion threat follows a similar pattern to recent threats in Bihar, including the one faced by Purnea MP Rajesh Ranjan alias Pappu Yadav, who was also targeted by a gang.

The police have stepped up their investigation and security measures in response to this alarming trend targeting prominent individuals in the state.
New Delhi, Jan 14 : The Delhi High Court on Tuesday granted custody parole to 2020 riots accused Tahir Hussain to enable him to file nomination papers for the upcoming Assembly polls.

Asaduddin Owaisi-led All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has fielded Hussain as a candidate from the Mustafabad constituency for the coming elections.

As per the order of the Delhi HC, Hussain, while out on custody parole, will not have any access to the phone or the internet, will not interact with any person except the officials concerned in the nomination process, and will not address the media.

Further, family members of Hussain may remain present, but they would not be permitted to click photographs of the filing of the nomination, or to post the same on social media, the court order said.

Turning down Hussain's plea for interim bail, a bench of Justice Neena Bansal Krishna ruled: "Merely because the Applicant/Petitioner had earlier been a Municipal Councilor, cannot be a peculiar circumstance entitling him to grant of Interim Bail."

"Considering the antecedents, nature of allegations and having regard to the totality of circumstances, he (Hussain) is granted Custody Parole for subscribing the oath and to complete the formalities in respect of filing his Nomination Papers," it said.

Earlier in the day, the Justice Krishna-led Bench reserved its decision after hearing the arguments raised by senior advocate Rebecca John, representing the former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) councillor, and Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, who appeared on Delhi Police's behalf.

Opposing Hussain's interim bail plea, ASG Sharma said that the AIMIM candidate, facing "gruesome allegations", may file his nomination papers from Tihar jail or under custody parole.

Sharma added that there is no fundamental right to contest elections and if released on interim bail, Hussain may influence witnesses.

"We are conceding that custody parole be granted to facilitate him to file nominations. Like others he can also contest," he said, referring to the former councillor's involvement in several criminal cases, including under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and the UAPA (Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act).

On the other hand, senior advocate John pleaded that Tahir Hussain be released on interim bail, from January 16 to February 9, for filing nomination and for the election campaign. John repeatedly laid emphasis that Hussain be temporarily released for campaigning.

A day before, Hussain's counsel argued that the former AAP councillor should be released on interim bail since he needed to file nomination papers physically and give a true account of his assets.

The counsel cited the interim bail granted to J&K leader Engineer Rashid, accused in a terror funding case being probed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), for election-related purposes.

On December 24, the Delhi HC issued a notice to the city police on a plea filed by Hussain seeking bail in connection with Intelligence Bureau officer Ankit Sharma's murder case in the 2020 riots.

"Issue notice. [S]tatus report/reply be filed before the next date of hearing with an advance copy to learned counsel for the petitioner. [L]ist before the concerned Roster Bench on 14.01.2025," it had ordered.

Meanwhile, the Delhi BJP has criticised AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi for fielding Hussain as a candidate. It accused the AIMIM of acting as the AAP's "B-team" and warned of serious consequences if any attempt was made to incite communal unrest in the national capital.

Speaking to IANS, BJP State Vice President Kapil Mishra accused Owaisi and other "secular parties" of provoking Hindus in Delhi by fielding Hussain. "This is a clear attempt to disrupt the peace in Delhi. Last time, Shaheen Bagh protests were staged before the elections. If riots are incited in the name of Tahir Hussain this time, there will be consequences," he said.

Responding to the allegations, AIMIM's national spokesperson Waris Pathan said: "Those making baseless allegations should introspect. People living in glass houses should not throw stones at others. Didn't the BJP give a ticket to Pragya Singh Thakur, who is an accused in the Malegaon blast case?"

Pathan asserted that the AIMIM candidates, Tahir Hussain and Shafaur Rahman, are innocent. "They are undertrial prisoners. What will critics say when they are acquitted?" he asked.
Imphal, Jan 14 : Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Tuesday slammed the Congress and their two Lok Sabha Members from the state for remaining "silent" on vital issues.

Addressing a function on the aSambhidhan Gaurav Abhiyana event held at the BJP state head office at Thambal Shanglen, he criticised the two MPs for their alleged silence on crucial issues like the Free Movement Regime (FMR), fencing along the India-Myanmar border, and illegal immigration from across the border.

"The two MPs do not speak up in the Lok Sabha. Why do people vote for them? They are depriving the people. There must be greater accountability from elected representatives," he said.

In last yearas April-May Lok Sabha elections, the opposition Congress won in both the Lok Sabha seats a" Inner Manipur (Angomcha Bimol Akoijam) and Outer Manipur (Alfred Kanngam S Arthur).

Biren Singh also urged the BJP workers to take a stronger stand.

aOur aKaryakartasa are too scared. Those who are educated and patriotic support the BJP, but they must speak up and advocate for the issues that matter," he said.

Praising Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Chief Minister highlighted their significant contributions in promoting constitutional values, crediting PMas initiatives with fostering a deeper appreciation of the Constitution. He further addressed reasonable restrictions under Article 19 of the Constitution, stressing the balance between free speech and responsibility.

On the Myanmar refugee issue, he reaffirmed the governmentas efforts to deport immigrants to their country and prevent a "demographic invasion", criticising others for engaging only in rhetoric.

The Chief Minister also commented on Congress leader Rahul Gandhias attire during Constitution-related events. "Wearing a T-shirt, jeans, and chappal, he holds the Constitution but lacks the decorum to dress appropriately," he said.
Hyderabad, Jan 14 : Hyderabad police are likely to raid e-commerce storage warehouses to tackle the menace of Chinese Manjha.

Voicing concern over online availability of the deadly string, Hyderabad Police Commissioner C. V. Anand said on Tuesday that they may raid e-commerce storage houses and call them for a meeting.

"The real reason for the availability of the so-called Chinese Manjha, but which is made by Indians in India, is e-commerce and anyone can order it online. So, we may have to raid the e-commerce storage houses and call them for a meeting on this! Just see to what extent one has to go - will people not do anything voluntarily if it is dangerous !?," the Police Commissioner posted on X while reacting to a media report about the easy availability of Chinese Manjha over online sites.

The police on Monday announced that they apprehended 148 persons indulging in illegal business of prohibited Chinese Manjha, a synthetic nylon string coated with abrasive materials like powdered glass or metal which poses significant risks to public safety, wildlife and the environment.

As many as 107 cases were booked at various police stations in the city since October 2024.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Commissioner's Task Force, Y.V.S. Sudeendra, said 7,334 Chinese Manja bobbins worth around Rs 90 lakh have been seized during the raids.

The official said despite bans in several regions, the availability and use of Chinese Manjha during kite festivals and other events continue to raise serious concerns. It poses a threat to human safety, a hazard to birds and animals and also has environmental impact.

There were previous incidents of deaths due to the use of Chinese Manjha for kites.

Last year, a soldier was killed after his throat was slit by Chinese Manjha in Hyderabad. Naik Kagithala Koteswar Reddy, 30, died as Chinese Manjha slit his throat when he was riding a scooty on the Indira Reddy Flyover. he was a native of Pedda Valteru in the Visakhapatnam district of Andhra Pradesh.
Guwahati/Imphal, Jan 15 : The Armed Forces Veterans Day was celebrated in various events on Tuesday in different northeastern states and former Army personnel were felicitated at the occasion.

A defence spokesman said that the Armed Forces Veterans Day is celebrated each year on January 14 to commemorate the legacy of courage, commitment and selfless devotion of the veteran armed forces fraternity.

In keeping with the tradition, Veterans Day was celebrated at Narangi Military Station in Assam this year with gusto and a spirit of camaraderie, he added.

Prominent army veterans including Air Marshal Anjan Gogoi, Major General JP Prasad, Major General Kamal Pathak, Brigadier Polash Choudhury Director Rajya Sainik Board, Assam and many other veteran officers, Junior Commissioned Officers and other ranks graced the occasion.

Major General R.D. Sharma, General Officer Commanding (GOC), apprised the veterans regarding various activities and initiatives being undertaken by 51 Sub Area for the benefit of the veteran fraternity related to healthcare, pensions and holistic welfare.

Information regarding the upcoming Veterans Rally and Job Mela was also disseminated to the assembled Veterans.

The Veterans presented a traditional gift hamper and 'Gamusa' to the GOC on the occasion.

The serving and retired Armed Forces personnel present at the occasion reaffirmed their loyalty and obligation towards the nation and their role towards nation-building.

In Manipur, the Armed Forces Veterans' Day was commemorated with great fervour at the Island village of Kangpokpi.

The event brought together veterans of eight villages -- Upper Island, Lower Island, Leishiphung, Rishiphung, Laikoching, Tumukhong, Nongdam Tangkhul and Thangjinpokpi.

The celebration commenced with an inaugural address, paying tribute to the veterans for their dedicated service and sacrifices made for the nation.

A heartfelt interaction session followed, fostering a sense of gratitude and mutual respect.

To ensure the health and well-being of the attendees, a medical check-up was organised by an Army doctor.

The day was also celebrated in many other northeastern states.
Jaipur, Jan 15 : Rajasthan Police on Tuesday arrested eight accused including five women during a raid on a spa centre operating in a mall in Churu, uncovering illegal activities.

The arrested accused hail from Mumbai, Punjab, and Haryana. The raid was conducted as a joint operation by the Kalika Patrolling Team and Thana Kotwali Police.

Churu Superintendent of Police Jai Yadav stated that the raid was part of an ongoing campaign by Churu Police to combat illegal activities in the district. Acting on a tip-off, the teams confirmed suspicious activities at a spa centre named Royal in Churu town and swiftly conducted the operation.

During the raid, five women and three men were found in suspicious circumstances. Those arrested include Puja Goyal, a resident of Tohana (Haryana); Hina, resident of Andheri (Mumbai); Sonu Nayak, a resident of Makkasar; Mahi, Aman, both residents of Ludhiana (Punjab); Satar Khan, resident of Purani Abadi, Sri Ganganagar; Sumit Jangid, resident of Ward 15, Ratan Nagar and Amin, resident of Ward 19, Churu.

"As part of the campaign being run by Churu police against illegal activities, on Tuesday, information was received about illegal activities being carried out by a spa centre named Royal located inside a mall in Churu town. After confirmation, the Kalika patrolling team and the police station Kotwali team, under the leadership of police officials, conducted a raid and found five women and three men in suspicious condition. The Kalika Patrolling Team remains committed to taking decisive action against illegal and suspicious activities in the region, ensuring law and order is maintained, said officials.
KYODO NEWS - Jan 14, 2025 - 19:54 | All, Japan

As Japan marks five years on Wednesday since its first confirmed case of COVID-19, government data show that over 70 million people in the country are estimated to have contracted the virus as of March last year, while total deaths stood at 130,000 as of last August.

While yearly deaths have declined since peaking during the Omicron variant surge in 2022, fatalities remain significantly higher than for influenza, with the virus continuing to spread seasonally in summer and winter.

Yuki Furuse, a professor of infectious diseases at the University of Tokyo, noted that while it was expected that the majority of Japan's population would get infected at some point, "the rapid development of effective vaccines, combined with other countermeasures, helped reduce the severity of outbreaks."

"COVID-19 will continue to place a burden on society. Efforts to reduce that burden, including the establishment of systems for basic infection control, must continue," he added.

Blood tests conducted by the health ministry in March last year in 22 of Japan's 47 prefectures found that 60.7 percent of people possessed antibodies indicating prior coronavirus infection. Extrapolating to Japan's population of some 120 million suggests that at least 73 million people have had COVID-19 at least once.

Based on population statistics, the total number of COVID-related deaths between 2020 and August 2024, including provisional figures, stood at around 132,000, compared to around 3,600 deaths from influenza over the same period.

Following the downgrade of COVID-19 to the same category as seasonal influenza in May 2023, the government stopped releasing the daily tally of all new cases, with figures reported only from 5,000 designated medical institutions.

In line with the downgrade, the government phased out subsidies for drugs to treat COVID-19. As a result, many people are believed to be reluctant to see a doctor even in cases of suspected infection, making it more difficult to accurately assess the spread of the virus.

While Japan's COVID-19 death toll remains lower than that of many other developed nations, the pandemic's impact has been wide-ranging, contributing to declining birth rates and increased suicides.

Strict restrictions on visitations remain in place at some hospitals and care facilities, as easing restrictions on societal activities have led to a resurgence of viral and bacterial infections like influenza and mycoplasma pneumonia.

To apply the lessons learned during the coronavirus pandemic, a new organization modeled after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will be established from April to advise the government on future major outbreaks of infectious diseases.
Washington, Jan 15 : Raja Krishnamoorthi, an Indian American lawmaker, introduced a resolution in the US House of Representatives on Tuesday to declare January as Tamil Language and Heritage Month. The resolution coincides with Pongal, a Tamil festival that begins in mid-January.

"As a Tamil American, I am proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution honouring the Tamil language, heritage, and culture here at home in the United States and around the world," Congressman Krishnamoorthi said.

"America is a mosaic of different languages, cultures, ideas, and traditions, and it is my sincere hope that this resolution will shine a light on the rich and distinct culture, as well as the incredible achievements, of the more than 350,000 Tamil Americans today. I encourage my colleagues in Congress to swiftly take up this resolution to recognise the impact Tamil Americans have in our communities."

Krishnamoorthi was joined in introducing the resolution by fellow lawmakers -- Nicole Malliotakis, a Republican, and Democrats Shri Thanedar, Ro Khanna, Suhas Subramanyam, Pramila Jayapal, Ami Bera, Ilhan Omar, Yevette Clark, Sara Jacobs, Deborah Ross, Danny Davis, Dina Titus, Don Davis, and Summer Lee.

The resolution seeks to state the House of Representatives, "I) supports the designation of ''Tamil Language and Heritage Month''; 2) recognises that Tamil Americans enhance the rich diversity of and strengthens the United States; 3) and acknowledges the significance of Pongal, a festive celebration of harvest, for the Tamil people."

The resolution says recognising January as a Tamil Language and Heritage Month will allow "the people of the United States to celebrate the rich history, language, and culture of the Tamil people and encourage all Americans to learn about the contributions of Tamil Americans to the cultural fabric of the Nation".

American states of North Carolina, Wisconsin, Virginia, and Minnesota have already recognised January as Tamil Heritage Month and the states of Michigan, Georgia, and Massachusetts have made proclamations to celebrate the cultural contributions of the Tamil people, according to the resolution.
In the internet age, copyright infringement lawsuits regularly generate headlines, and concentrate public attention on the speed at which technology races ahead of longstanding legal precedent. In 2004, at the crest of Web 1.0, the Association of American Publishers and the U.S.-based Authors Guild sued search giant Google for scanning entire library collections of books and other publications without permission. The litigants eventually lost the so-called Google Books case, with a federal judge ruling in 2013 that the scanning was a transformative use and not infringement.

The web in 2024 is nothing like in 2004, and although the plaintiffs havent changed since the Google Books case two decades ago, todays defendants are fresh entrants on the tech scene: artificial intelligence companies.

In November 2022, OpenAI launched ChatGPT, a free-to-the-public generative AI tool that answers questions in human language. In response, Google, Apple, Meta (Facebook), and Amazon have all accelerated development of competing AI programs. Talking to the computer is going to be a big deal, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman predicted on Twitter.

Also predictable was that copyright holders of books, artwork, and music would charge OpenAI with copyright infringement. Indeed, aggrieved creators have lined up to lawyer up. The Authors Guild filed a class action lawsuit. Best-known among the current cases is the New York Times suit brought against OpenAI in December 2023.

Large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT learn to create images and texts after being trained on enormous amounts of existing works converted to data. The suits allege that chatbots, robots, and learning machines got their educations from commercially produced works without permission or compensation.

With large language models, the emphasis truly is on large. The BBC has reported that training sources for ChatGPT amounted to 570 GB of data or 300 billion words. Beyond books, journals, and newspapers, AI databases derive from a vast online trove of digitized library and museum collections, public documents like court proceedings and legislation, and Wikipedia entries and social media posts.

But long-lived media conglomerates with roots deep in analog soil are a notoriously dwindling number. And the dominant media actors today are, literally, everyone else: you and me, the creators of so-called user-generated content (UGC). The LLMs consumption of individual users data means that, in effect, all of us have become stakeholders in them. In the new media ecosystem, AI and UGC interact in a symbiotic cycle of information and transformation. (Misinformation and disinformation unfortunately also figure in this synthesis.)

Copyright, meanwhile, is automatically ascribed to each fixed work, whether a photograph taken on a smartphone or a dance posted on TikTok. Billions of such works are now created every day, intellectual property technically owned either by an individual or an organization.

With the advent of LLMs, it is now time to consider viewing copyright additionally as a public good. And as such, any compensation for use of works to train AI solutions should not only go to profit-minded businesses but to the public.

Like historic monuments, TikTok dances and Instagram posts constitute the cultural capital that a community or nation in 2024 draws on for inspiration. Like natural resources, social media output derives value in the aggregate.

In New Zealand, government, museums, and creative industry representatives have acknowledged a responsibility to respect Maori taonga (treasures) when used in any AI system, and to consider any effects of such use on Maori tikanga (culture). In Italy, the Cultural Heritage Code requires authorization and payment for digital uses of national treasures including art by Leonardo DaVinci. More governments, including the U.S. Congress, should likewise move with urgency to assert a national interest in communal creative expression. OpenAI, along with Meta, Apple, Google, Amazon, and others who stand to benefit, must recognize the debt owed to the people for the data that fuels their AI products.

Fees collected need not be burdensome to developers. And they could certainly be useful. Perhaps a portion can be used to underwrite essential public education in digital literacy and civil discourse online.

Christopher Kenneally is a publishing industry analyst and marketing consultant. A version of this story previously ran in the 2024 PW Frankfurt Digital Supplement.
China's space station to conduct over 1,000 research projects

Xinhua) 08:17, January 14, 2025

This simulated image captured at the Beijing Aerospace Control Center on Nov. 16, 2024 shows China's cargo spacecraft Tianzhou-8 as it completes docking with the orbiting Tiangong space station. (Photo by Han Qiyang/Xinhua)

SHANGHAI, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- China's space station will conduct more than 1,000 research projects, promote science popularization and enhance international cooperation over the next 10 to 15 years, according to the Technology and Engineering Center for Space Utilization under the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Serving as a national space laboratory, China's space station will organize in-depth interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research collaborations in the coming decade, aiming to produce significant scientific and technological achievements and accelerate their application, Ba Jin, deputy director of the center's application and development division, said Monday.

In the field of space life science and human research, efforts will be made to deepen research in basic biology, biotechnology and transformation, life ecology, and the origin of life, to further reveal the impact mechanisms and response patterns of the space environment on life.

In the field of microgravity physical science, researchers will carry out research on the mechanisms of microstructure and macroscopic property regulation of metals and alloys, to guide material preparation back on Earth, according to Ba.

They will try to promote the resolution of efficient low-carbon combustion and the enhancement of power-system performance to provide support for the development of advanced power and efficient clean energy. They will also explore new atomic cooling methods and build a complex plasma-physics experimental platform.

The Chinese Space Station Telescope (CSST), which is under construction, is expected to achieve significant results on fundamental cosmological issues such as the nature of dark energy and dark matter.

High-energy cosmic radiation detection (HERD) and the Gamma-ray Polarimeter II (POLAR-2) are expected to make breakthroughs in important scientific frontiers such as dark matter search, cosmic-ray origins, and extreme astrophysical evolution.

In the field of new space technologies and applications, the focus will be on national strategic needs such as near-Earth and Earth-Moon space, and future manned deep-space exploration and in-orbit services. Efforts will be made in prospective space application projects and key technology verification tests.

Progress is expected to made in areas such as space information and precision measurement technologies, in-orbit manufacturing and construction technologies, and robotics and autonomous systems.

According to Ba, more than 180 scientific and application projects have been carried out in orbit, with nearly two tonnes of scientific materials delivered and close to 100 types of experimental samples returned.

More than 500 high-level SCI papers have been published, and over 150 patents have been obtained. Some of the results have been transformed and applied, significantly promoting the development of China's space science and applications.

Research in the field of space life science and biotechnology is mainly concerned with space basic biology, space biotechnology and transformation applications, and space life ecology. It reveals the special laws of life phenomena in space environments and promotes applications in human health fields such as drug development and regenerative medicine.

Researchers have conducted research on space botany, zoology, cell biology, and controlled ecological life support systems, and have made important progress in space basic biology and space life ecology.

In a global first, they have obtained new germplasm resources for rice developed in space. They have also achieved the differentiation of human embryonic stem cells into hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells in space for the first time, and achieved the longest record of in-orbit operation of a space aquatic ecosystem. The research results provide an important theoretical basis for intervening bone loss, combating muscle atrophy, and preventing and treating metabolic diseases.

As for the direction of space material science, important progress has been made in exploring key scientific issues such as the microstructure, defects and properties of metals and semiconductors, and preparing functional structural materials with better performance.

The research achievements of microgravity interdisciplinary studies will provide technical support for future lunar and Mars exploration, and promote progress in areas such as clean combustion and energy conservation in China.

China's space station has also conducted research and in-orbit verification on the space effect mechanisms of domestically produced high-performance, complex and new electronic components and sensors, Ba said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
"It was a totally fascinating meeting. He's a fascinating man, and his wife is lovely. They were both up, and I couldn't be more impressed," Trump said of Fetterman and his wife Gisele after the hourlong meeting at Mar-a-Lago.

"He's a commonsense person. He's not liberal or conservative. He's just a commonsense person, which is beautiful," Trump said in an exclusive interview with the Washington Examiner.

Fetterman had made the cheeky "Pope of Greenland" quip to Capitol Hill reporters on Thursday when they questioned why he accepted Trump's invitation to meet the president-elect at his home in Mar-a-Lago.

He said later in a statement about the pending meeting, "President Trump invited me to meet, and I accepted. I'm the senator for all Pennsylvanians  not just Democrats in Pennsylvania," adding, "I've been clear that no one is my gatekeeper. I will meet with and have a conversation with anyone if it helps me deliver for Pennsylvania and the nation."

Without going into too much detail about their private conversation, Trump said that the topics addressed included the fate of U.S. Steel, support for Israel, shoring up the border, and the geopolitical benefits of acquiring Greenland.

Regarding U.S. Steel, Trump said they discussed how to make the company successful again through tariffs. "They're going to make people that have steel mills do very well, and the people that work at those steel mills are going to do very well," Trump said.

President Joe Biden blocked the more than $14 billion deal for U.S. Steel by Nippon Steel at the beginning of January, citing national security concerns after a review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States.

In response several days later, U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel filed a lawsuit asking a federal court to reverse Biden's decision, alleging Biden acted unconstitutionally.

Fetterman and his family live in Braddock, Pennsylvania, across the street from one of the oldest steel mills in the country, the Edgar Thomson Works, which is part of U.S. Steel and has been an active mill since 1875.

Fetterman and Trump oppose the sale as it stands, citing their support of steelworkers union leadership who have expressed concerns that Nippon Steel's latest proposal gives the U.S. government veto power over any possible reductions in U.S. Steel's production capacity if they merged.

The steelworkers union has also expressed concern that the Nippon proposal does not commit to maintaining production over the long term.

Trump said they talked at length about expansionist plans from Greenland to the Panama Canal, with both of them agreeing it was an important discussion to have from a national security and economic standpoint.

"We had a great meeting. He was very impressive. His wife was with him, and she was really fantastic, too," he said.

Trump also expressed his pleasure that U.S. special counsel Jack Smith had resigned. Smith led two federal cases against Trump on charges of trying to overturn his 2020 election defeat and mishandling classified documents. Both cases fizzled out.

"He's a bad, bad guy.  He got beaten, and the whole thing is all of their witch hunts, their political witch hunts, are dead or dying," he said, blaming the entire episode on politics. "Nobody's ever seen anything like it."

Trump wondered what would have happened had he lost in November.

"You don't know, maybe they would've stopped or maybe they would not have stopped. You really don't know. But it certainly wouldn't be nice like it is right now," he said.

Overall, Trump said that in the time between his November win and next week's inauguration, it has been refreshing to see the cooperation between the Republican Party and Democrats like Fetterman who are taking the lead in co-sponsoring items such as the Laken Riley Act.

On Thursday, the Laken Riley Act defeated the legislative filibuster during a procedural vote, earning more than 60 votes to advance it to a final vote.

"It's been amazing, and there's been cooperation within the Republicans and a lot of the Democrats. I will say that Sen. Fetterman was very impressive to me, really impressive," he said.

Trump said he has been encouraged by the polling he has seen of the public's views of his transition process. A recent CBS News-YouGov poll showed Trump's incoming administration starts off with mostly goodwill from the public, with a majority of people overall either happy or at least satisfied that Trump won and either excited or optimistic about what he will do as president.

His handling of the presidential transition also got high approval from most people overall.

Trump said his impression of Fetterman early on was that he was very liberal, but that impression started to change as he has watched the Pennsylvania senator navigate his support for Israel since Oct. 7, 2023, and, of course, after sitting down to meet him face to face and have a conversation.

"He really was impressive, and I'm glad I got to speak to him. And he loves Pennsylvania, and he loves our country," characteristics Trump said he found moving.

(COMMENT, BELOW)

Salena Zito is a CNN political analyst, and a staff reporter and columnist for the Washington Examiner. She reaches the Everyman and Everywoman through shoe-leather journalism, traveling from Main Street to the beltway and all places in between.
Sun Baojun (L) and his colleague inspect the Basra Natural Gas Liquids (BNGL) project, built by China Petroleum Engineering and Construction Corporation (CPECC), in Basra, Iraq on Dec. 27, 2024. (Xinhua/Duan Minfu)

by Xinhua writer Duan Minfu

BASRA, Iraq, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- Hussein takes a deep breath as he rolls down his car window during his morning commute, something unthinkable just a few years ago in this oil-rich city where black smoke once dominated the skyline.

"The air in Basra is much better now," says Hussein, a petroleum engineer who, like many locals, has witnessed a remarkable transformation in this industrial hub's environment. Even on this crisp winter morning, the difference is palpable.

For decades, Iraq's economic lifeline -- the oil and gas sector -- has come at a steep environmental cost. The practice of gas flaring, where associated gas from oil production is burned off into the atmosphere, has cast a shadow, both literal and figurative, over cities like Basra, where residents have long suffered the consequences of industrial pollution.

But a series of ambitious environmental projects, led by Chinese enterprises and dubbed the "Blue Sky Projects" by the locals, is helping Iraq turn a corner in its battle against pollution while addressing chronic energy shortages.

At the heart of this transformation is the Basra Natural Gas Liquids (BNGL) project, a facility that captures and processes associated gas from three major oilfields. The project, built by China Petroleum Engineering and Construction Corporation (CPECC), stands as a testament to what's possible when modern technology meets environmental consciousness.

"Every cubic meter of gas we process is one that won't be directly flared into Basra's skies," says Sun Baojun, the project manager, whose facility now produces enough dry gas to power nearby communities that have long struggled with electricity shortages. The numbers are impressive: 4.4 million cubic meters of dry gas and 2,600 tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas daily.

In the sprawling al-Rumaila oilfield, where antiquated flare stacks once spewed black smoke into the air, change is visible. New low-pressure flaring systems are replacing the old "candlestick" flares, part of an upgrade project scheduled for completion by February 2025.

"By then, Basra's skies will be bluer, and the air even cleaner," says Wang Jingyang, who manages the upgrade project. His optimism reflected the broader mood of transformation in the region.

The initiative extends beyond gas processing. In a country blessed with abundant sunlight, Chinese engineers are helping Iraq harness solar power. A new one-megawatt solar station in the al-Rumaila oilfield, complete with energy storage systems, represents Iraq's steps toward renewable energy. The facility is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 1,600 tonnes annually -- a small but significant step in the country's environmental journey.

Wang Xianghui, senior vice president of CPECC Middle East Branch, emphasizes that embracing green development is a fundamental social responsibility for companies contributing to the high-quality advancement of the Belt and Road Initiative.

"We aim to play our part in building a 'Green Silk Road,'" he concluded.

For Iraqi officials, these developments signal a new chapter in the nation's industrial development. At the inauguration ceremony of the BNGL project, Oil Minister Hayan Abdul Ghani emphasized how these projects are not just environmental victories but economic ones, improving both livelihoods and air quality.

The World Bank estimates that Iraq wastes approximately 17 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually through flaring -- a stark reminder of both the challenge and the opportunity ahead. However, for residents like Hussein, the impact of these changes is measured in everyday moments: the simple pleasure of breathing cleaner air during a morning commute, a small but significant sign of progress in a city working to balance industrial might with environmental responsibility. Enditem

(Tian Qingwei contributes to the report.)

This photo taken on Dec. 27, 2024 shows the Basra Natural Gas Liquids (BNGL) project, built by China Petroleum Engineering and Construction Corporation (CPECC), in Basra, Iraq. (Xinhua/Duan Minfu)

Chinese engineers inspect a solar power station built by China Petroleum Engineering and Construction Corporation (CPECC) in Basra, Iraq on Dec. 28, 2024. (Xinhua/Duan Minfu)

An aerial drone photo taken on Dec. 28, 2024 shows a solar power station built by China Petroleum Engineering and Construction Corporation (CPECC) in Basra, Iraq. (Xinhua)
The Biden administration is formally considering commuting the sentence of the convicted felon who stole and leaked incoming President Trump's tax records along with those of thousands of other taxpayers, in the biggest tax data heist in U.S. history.

Littlejohn (top photo) leaked Trump's and Elon Musk's taxes ...

... and those of Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos too.

A search of the Justice Department's pardon database reveals Charles Edward Littlejohn -- who just began his five-year sentence in May -- has been assigned a clemency case number. It says a petition for "commutation of sentence" was recently sought and is "pending."

A number of liberal watchdog groups, including Revolving Door Project and Patriotic Millionaires, have been lobbying President Biden to free Littlejohn from prison because they believe his leaks provided a "public service." They argue he is a "selfless defender of tax fairness" for exposing how Trump and other wealthy Americans, including billionaires Elon Musk, Rupert Murdoch, Michael Bloomberg, and Jeff Bezos, take advantage of tax breaks to reduce their tax bills. Littlejohn leaked the sensitive IRS data to the New York Times and the liberal news site ProPublica, which published them in a series of articles before and after the 2020 election.

Biden would have to make the decision before he leaves office on Jan. 20. The White House did not respond to requests for comment. The pending clemency comes as Biden has issued a record number of controversial pardons and commutations, including ones for his son, Hunter Biden, for tax evasion and firearms violations.

Reuven S. Avi-Yonah, petitioner: Littlejohn provided a "public service" with his massive leaks of tax data.

National Legal and Policy Center counsel Paul Kamenar doubts Biden will grant the request, "especially since he already pardoned Hunter on tax charges. This would further undermine his support of the rule of law." He added that it would also overrule the sentencing meted out by a Democratic judge he appointed.

"DOJ already let him [Littlejohn] off with a slap on the wrist by allowing him to plead guilty to just a single felony count for reportedly leaking thousands of Americans' tax returns, " said former Senate Judiciary Committee chief investigative counsel Jason Foster, who co-founded Empower Oversight, a Washington watchdog group. "If President Biden commuted his sentence, it'd be like letting him off the hook all over again."

Calls to release Littlejohn were led by University of Michigan tax professor Reuven Avi-Yonah. In a letter to the president last month, petitioners argued the leaker should be offered leniency because he disclosed "highly relevant information to the voting public." Though they acknowledged the privacy concerns of such a breach, they said it nonetheless was important to expose "how little tax" the "super-rich" pay.

"Going after Mr. Littlejohn creates the perception that the system protects the interests of the super-rich taxpayers whose returns he leaked," they rationalized in their four-page letter to Biden. They added that his five-year sentence was "particularly harsh."

Judge Ana Reyes: Biden appointee sentenced Littlejohn to the maximum.

Disclosing tax returns is a crime, and after Littlejohn pleaded guilty to a felony, he was sentenced to the maximum punishment under the law by Democratic judge Ana Reyes, who was appointed to the federal bench by Biden.

Federal records show Avi-Yonah, who has called Littlejohn a "public hero," is a Democrat who has donated to Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. He has advocated for soaking the rich to keep "inequality in check." Littlejohn has also given to Democrats and was raised in an affluent Democrat household.

The 39-year-old Littlejohn, who goes by "Chaz," pilfered the trove of private tax returns while working for the IRS as a contractor for Booz Allen Hamilton, a Washington consulting firm with deep ties to Democrats. RealClearInvestigations was the first to report his connection to Booz Allen, which last summer received a lucrative new contract from the IRS in spite of the massive breach.

The IRS recently sent letters to the thousands of victims of Littlejohn's theft, noting the breach of their confidential tax files was unacceptable but that the full scope of what he disclosed is still unknown. The IRS has already settled one lawsuit filed by billionaire Kenneth Griffin. Other victims are suing Booz Allen for its failure to monitor Littlejohn while he worked at the IRS.

Supporters of Littlejohn, most of whom are anti-Trump voters, have set up a GoFundMe page that has raised nearly $60,000 to help pay for his legal defense.

Littlejohn is incarcerated at the federal prison in Marion, Ill. He is pursuing an appeal that could lower his sentence.
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BEIJING, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- The China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) said on Monday that it has arranged more business groups to travel abroad in 2024.

According to the CCPIT, more than 2,249 groups of enterprises visited 102 countries and regions to conduct market research and hold business talks last year.

In 2024, some 50,000 Chinese enterprises held 1,166 overseas exhibitions in total, up 29.4 percent year on year, the CCPIT said in its annual work conference.

CCPIT head Ren Hongbin said that the council will make further efforts to help cultivate new momentum in foreign trade through measures including increasing support for overseas exhibitions and actively engaging with international exhibition organizing bodies.

China's foreign trade hit a record high of 43.85 trillion yuan (about 6.1 trillion U.S. dollars) in 2024, up 5 percent year on year, according to official data released Monday. 
'Journalists must ask the Mumbai police why are they sending notices via X to cartoonists.'

'The Mumbai police must come clean. Who is giving them such orders?'

Illustration: Uttam Ghosh for Rediff.com

Two cartoonists got a notice from the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) stating that their cartoons were found objectionable by the Mumbai police.

Although the Mumbai police did not confront the cartoonist, X platform did notify cartoonists Manjul and Satish Acharya of the same via e-mail.

Manjul posted (external link) the complaint on his X account in a satirical way by stating, 'Mumbai police is left with this work only.'

This is not the first time Manjul has been targeted by a law enforcement agency.

Four years ago too he got a message from Twitter (now X_ that his account would be suspended for objectionable cartoons.

"Everybody knows that you cannot write against the government. This is the truth of newsrooms in India and my experience as a cartoonist and journalist," Manjul tells Syed Firdaus Ashraf/Rediff.com.

What did X say in its notice to you?

I am not sure about the date but I think it was January 3 when I saw the mail from X's social media legal department. If you recall the last time when you did an interview with me, that notice was very vague.

How different is this notice from the previous one?

Last time I was pointed out that the law enforcement agencies (had a problem with my cartoons). Law enforcement agency is a very wide definition and any government agency can be a part of it. This time, it was specific stating it (the objection) was from the Mumbai police.

What did you do then?

I did two things. I posted the notice on X. I wrote to them to share the details so that I can prepare my legal defence. I haven't received any details from them till now.

I think X is a big organisation and probably they will take time to respond. But now, when I look back at the cartoon, I find it very difficult to understand what is there in the cartoon which violates Indian laws.

What happened to the first notice? Was any action taken against you?

That was the first time I received a notice and I was not aware social media platforms send these kinds of e-mails to its users.

In my life as a cartoonist I never feared such kind of interference. If an editor interfered in my work then I habitually moved on from that media organisation. When I draw it is a very thoughtful process and then someone comes and interferes, I do not like it and that too government interference.

Is it very upsetting as a cartoonist?

I got upset and very angry at that time. This time I am again upset but not as upset as the first time.

What this regime has done is they have normalised suppression. If you go to a newsroom nobody would say it but everybody knows that you cannot write against the government. This is the truth of newsrooms in India and my experience as a cartoonist and journalist.

After Aseem Trivedi we felt cartoonists will not be touched as people's anger had then spilled onto the roads when he was arrested. There is complete silence now when cartoonists are being targeted by this government.

What happened in Aseem Trivedi's case was that the media brought the case to the limelight.

In my case, I tweeted on January 3 the notice and cartoon on what the Mumbai police was doing to me. Around January 4 or 5 I came to know through friends that Satish Acharya also got similar mails from Twitter. He too then posted it.

The public should know what this regime is all about. What has the Mumbai police to do with cartoons?

Why are they so sensitive? What goes on in their mind?

Only a darpok government will be scared of cartoonists. And this question must be asked to the Mumbai police.

Did the Mumbai police approach you?

This is the way of doing things (by this government). They will never come in front and say we do not want this to be done.

The journalist fraternity must ask the Mumbai police why are they sending notices via X to cartoonists. The Mumbai police must come clean on this issue. Who is giving them such orders?

Did you ask X who in the Mumbai police told them to send you that notice?

I asked them details like FIR (First Information Report) against me for my cartoons. The Mumbai police cannot suo motu ask social media platforms to pull down cartoons. There must be some FIR or complaint. There must have been some instructions from somewhere and why are they following those instructions.

If you look at cartoonist Aseem Trivedi's case it was very different. He did a couple of cartoons which were thought objectionable to politicians but a person lodged a complaint against Aseem stating he made cartoons which depicted the national emblem symbol wrongly.

The police registered the complaint and sent a notice to Aseem. He never appeared in front of the police. He was then given a non-bailable summons and later arrested. As soon as he was arrested the entire media covered it.

In my case nobody talks of such notices.

This regime has made suppression so normal that people think, 'yeh toh hota hi rehta hai (these things keep happening).'

What is the reason you take on the government?

When I started drawing cartoons in 1989 I thought I can change the world by making cartoons. Soon, I realised I won't be able to change the world. I can do things only till a certain limit.

The problem now is that limit is shrinking day by day. Nobody is challenging this shrinking of limit and I cannot change my habits at this age. I am too old to change now. We are creatures of habits and it is difficult to change.

There is an Urdu couplet Umr toh saari kati Ishq butta mein Momin, Aakhri waqt mein kya khaaq Musalmaan honge (Your life was spent worshiping idols Momin (name of the poet). Now in old age you can't be a Muslim).

I have spent my life in a certain way and I am not a politician to switch to different political parties. I only ensure that I do not break any law and be within the limits of decency. I never abuse anyone in my cartoons.
India on Tuesday pressed Russia to release all the Indians recruited by the Russian military, following the death of another Indian national in the Russia-Ukraine conflict zone, taking the death toll to 10.

IMAGE: A Russian soldier patrols a military convoy. Image used only for representation. Photograph: Umit Bektas/Reuters

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said an Indian national from Kerala has died and another has sustained injuries and is undergoing treatment at a hospital in Moscow.

Jaiswal said the matter has been strongly taken up with Russian authorities in Moscow as well as with the Russian embassy in New Delhi.

"We have also reiterated our demand for an early discharge of the remaining Indian nationals," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had strongly raised the issue of early discharge of the Indian nationals working in the Russian Army during his talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow in July last year.

The death of Binil TB, who hailed from Thrissur, was made public on Monday by one of his relatives.

Though the MEA did not provide the circumstances of his death, he reportedly died on the frontlines of the conflict in Ukraine.

According to official data, nine Indians died while serving in the Russian Army in the last few months. Binil's death has taken the toll to 10.

"We have learnt of the unfortunate death of an Indian national from Kerala, who had apparently been recruited to serve in the Russian Army," Jaiswal said.

"Another Indian national from Kerala, who was similarly recruited, has been injured and is receiving treatment in a hospital in Moscow," he said.

The MEA offered condolences to the family of the deceased.

"We offer our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. Our embassy in Moscow is in touch with the families, and all possible assistance is being rendered," Jaiswal said.

"We are working with the Russian authorities for an early transportation of the mortal remains to India. We have also sought an early discharge and repatriation to India of the injured person," he said.

"The matter has been strongly taken up with Russian authorities in Moscow as well as with the Russian Embassy in New Delhi today," he added.

In October last year, Indian officials said 85 Indian nationals have been discharged from the Russian military and efforts are on to secure the release of 20 more.

In August 2024, the Russian embassy said Moscow and New Delhi are working in close coordination for an early 'identification and discharge' of the Indian nationals who voluntarily joined contractual work in the military service and now want to return home.

Since April last year, the ministry of defence of the Russian Federation had stopped recruiting citizens of a number of foreign countries, including India, into the military service, it had said.
The issue of hoax bomb threats to more than 400 schools in the capital triggered a political storm ahead of the Delhi assembly polls on Tuesday, with the Bharatiya Janata Party raising questions about the possible links between those involved and the Aam Aadmi Party, prompting the latter to strongly rebuke the claims.

IMAGE: Media persons seen outside DPS School RK Puram after it received bomb threat call via email, in New Delhi on December 9, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Delhi Police has claimed that a Class-12 student sent the hoax bomb threats and that his parents are linked to an NGO that supports a political party.

A police officer said the boy was questioned and during the investigation, it was found that the NGO also voiced its support to Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru.

While the police did not name any political outfit, BJP spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP Sudhanshu Trivedi termed the probe findings 'very sensitive and serious', asking AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal if his party has any connections with the case.

In response, the AAP accused the BJP of 'fabricating stories' ahead of the February 5 Delhi polls, asserting that no evidence has been presented by the police thus far.

Rejecting the saffron party's charge, the AAP also alleged that the BJP has made a habit of doing 'petty politics' on serious issues, questioning whether the police named AAP in the matter.

Addressing a press conference, Sudhanshu Trivedi claimed it had been found during the probe that the accused student's parents were associated with some NGOs which were in the past involved in activities considered inimical to national security.

"This news is raising deep suspicion because we all know that AAP has deep links to such unwanted NGOs and others involved in anti-national activities," he alleged.

"Kejriwal talks all nonsense and makes false statements. I want to ask clearly if AAP will clarify what its links are to the horrifying and dangerous facts coming out because a direct ideological similarity with you is visible with the mechanism coming to light in the case," Trivedi claimed.

Hours after the BJP's accusation, AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh said it is shameful that the saffron party is engaging in petty politics over an issue that directly concerns the safety of schoolchildren in Delhi.

The BJP is fabricating baseless stories just 15 days before the Assembly elections, he alleged.

Singh also took a dig at Trivedi, calling him the 'newly-appointed Delhi Police commissioner', saying he knows things that even the police are unaware of.

"He is acting like the police commissioner, sharing information and making exposes that are even unknown to the police," Singh said, questioning why the BJP was raising the issue eight months after the first bomb threat was received by a school in the city in May last year.

Accusing the BJP of being unconcerned with safety issues in Delhi, Singh asked what actions did it take regarding the bomb blast outside a school in Rohini, murders in gang wars, and extortion calls received by businesses in the city as Delhi Police falls under the jurisdiction of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

"It is very shameful that the BJP is doing petty politics over an issue that is linked to the safety of the school kids in Delhi. Aren't the BJP leaders ashamed of talking on such an issue with an eye on political gains," the AAP leader asked.

Singh also questioned what action has been taken over the recent incidents of bomb threats received by the Prem Mandir in Vrindavan, Mahakaleshwar temple in Ujjain and various airlines last year.

Earlier on Tuesday, Delhi Police claimed that a Class-12 student, who allegedly sent hoax bomb threats to more than 400 city schools, has been identified and that his parents are linked to an NGO that supports a political party.

A police officer said the boy was questioned and during the investigation, it was found that the NGO had also voiced its support to Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru.

According to police, the NGO's proximity to a political party raises critical questions regarding a possible larger conspiracy to create public unrest through disruptive tactics.

Addressing a press conference, Special Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Madhup Tewari said they were tracking e-mails and because of a virtual private network (VPN), it was difficult to track their origins.

In a statement, police said the NGO has a longstanding association and deep connections with a political party.

"This NGO is known for advocacy for the political party in open public domains. From a further analysis of the NGO's details, it was learnt that it is known for its stand on opposing the hanging of Afzal Guru, a convicted terrorist involved in the 2001 Parliament attack, and open advocacy for supporting a particular political party on various issues," police said.

On the motive of the minor accused, Tewari said a preliminary examination and an analysis of the evidence gathered have revealed that the primary motive behind the hoax e-mails was to create panic and disruption in schools.
Prolonged incarceration without trial amounts to infringement of the right to life under the Constitution, the Bombay high court said while urging a special court to expedite the trial in the 2018 Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case.

IMAGE: A protest against the arrests in the Elgar Parishad case. Photograph: PTI Photo/Rediff Archives

The high court said the special court shall frame charges in nine months.

Framing of charge is the first step towards the start of the trial.

A division bench of Justices A S Gadkari and Kamal Khata on January 8 granted bail to researcher Rona Wilson and activist Sudhir Dhawale considering their long incarceration and unlikelihood of the trial being completed in the near future.

In its detailed order, made available on Tuesday, the bench said it was a settled and recognised principle of law that the prolonged incarceration of the accused without trial amounts to infringement or violation of Article 21 of the Constitution.

"That, long period of incarceration and unlikelihood of the trial being completed in the near future necessitates consequential release of the undertrial on bail," the bench said.

The high court noted that Wilson and Dhawale have already spent over six years in jail pre-trial.

"We request the Special Judge, (National Investigation Agency Act) to expedite the stage of framing of charge and as far as possible the trial itself. The stage of framing of charge be completed within a period of 9 months from today," the HC said.

The court had directed Wilson and Dhawale to submit a surety of Rs one lakh each.

With the order copy now available, the duo can approach the special court to complete their bail formalities after which they will be released from the Taloja prison in Navi Mumbai.

Wilson and Dhawale were directed by the high court to appear before the special NIA court during the trial, surrender their passports, and not to leave the city until the trial is over.

Ten out of 16 persons arrested in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist link case, including Wilson and Dhawale, have secured bail so far.

Pune Police in 2018 registered a case alleging that the accused delivered provocative speeches at the Elgar Parishad conclave on December 31, 2017, triggering violence in Koregaon-Bhima in the district the next day.

According to police, the conclave was backed by Maoists.

The other accused who were granted bail include Varavara Rao, Sudha Bharadwaj, Anand Teltumbde, Vernon Gonsalves, Arun Ferreira, Shoma Sen, Gautam Navlakha, and Mahesh Raut.

Raut, however, remained in jail after the NIA challenged his bail in the Supreme Court.

The special NIA court on Tuesday granted him interim bail for 18 days to enable him to appear for an LLB exam.

Stan Swamy, one of the accused, died in 2021 while in prison.

The NIA had taken over the probe from Pune police and filed a charge sheet.

The special court is yet to frame charges against the accused.

Wilson, arrested in June 2018 from his home in Delhi, was allegedly described by the probe agencies as one of the top brass of urban Maoists.

Dhawale was accused of being an active member of the banned Communist Party of India-Maoist.

The NIA charge sheet, submitted in August 2021, stated that Wilson and other accused were active members of the banned terrorist organisation who wanted to establish a 'janata sarkar' 'via revolution supported by a commitment to protracted armed struggle to undermine and seize power from the state.

The accused were charged with over a dozen offences including promoting enmity between different groups, doing acts prejudicial to the maintenance of harmony, waging war against the government, and several sections under the stringent anti-terror law Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
BEIJING, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- China has always regarded Europe as an important pole in a multipolar world, firmly supported European integration, and backed the European Union (EU)'s pursuit of strategic autonomy, Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday.

Xi made the remarks during a phone conversation with European Council President Antonio Costa.

The history of China-EU relations demonstrates that as long as both sides uphold mutual respect, treat each other as equals, and engage in candid dialogue, they can advance cooperation and make significant achievements, Xi said. 
Less than a fortnight after the killing of Trinamool Congress councillor Dulal Sarkar, fresh violence erupted in West Bengal's Malda district as another TMC worker was shot dead and two others, including a local committee president, were critically injured in a gun attack on Tuesday, police said.

Image used only for representation. Photograph: ANI Photo

The incident occurred in the Kaliaganj area under the Kaliachak police station limits when TMC local committee president Bakul Sheikh and other party workers were attending a programme on the inauguration of a road.

Eyewitnesses said that four to five assailants arrived at the scene and fired indiscriminately at Bakul Sheikh and his associates.

Ataul Haque alias Hasu Sheikh, a TMC worker, succumbed to his injuries at the spot, while Bakul Sheikh and former panchayat chief Esaruddin Sheikh suffered critical injuries.

"We are questioning witnesses and others. No arrests have been made in the case so far," a police officer said.

One of the party workers was pronounced dead at Malda Medical College and Hospital, while the other two are under treatment there.

Their condition is critical, the officer stated.

According to police sources, the preliminary investigation suggests that the attack might be linked to factionalism within the party.

However, senior TMC leaders, including English Bazar Municipality Chairman Krishnendu Narayan Choudhury, claimed that external forces, including Bangladeshi infiltrators, could be behind the attack.

Tension has been running high in Malda since the January 2 killing of Dulal Sarkar, a district vice-president of the TMC.

He was gunned down in broad daylight near his home, allegedly over a dispute related to the sharing of extortion money. Seven persons were arrested in connection with Sarkar's murder, but the case remains unresolved.

The party had expelled its Malda Town president, Narendra Nath Tiwari, who was arrested last week for his alleged involvement in the conspiracy of the murder.

Tuesday's attack has fueled further speculation about infighting within the ruling party.

Local sources claimed that the assailants were acting under the direction of TMC worker Zakir Sheikh, who allegedly had a longstanding feud with Bakul Sheikh over territorial dominance.

The party's Malda district president Abdul Rahim Bokshi, however, said, "Zakir Sheikh is not a member of the TMC."

The police have launched a manhunt for the accused and cordoned off the area.

The back-to-back killings have cast a shadow over the TMC's internal dynamics in Malda, raising questions about the ability of the party authorities to manage factionalism ahead of the upcoming panchayat elections.
The Noida police has arrested a lady student for her ex-boyfriend's suicide.

IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has only been posted for representational purposes. Photograph: ANI Photo

The two were in a relationship and broke up a few months ago.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Noida, Ram Badan Singh, told this correspondent, "We arrested the girl on a complaint from the boy's father. He told us that his son died by suicide due to the girl."

The incident took place in Noida's Sector 99 on Saturday. The two had been classmates at Delhi University.

On Saturday, the two along with some common friends met at a friend's home in Sector 99, where the boy is said to have persuaded the girl to resume the relationship. Media reports suggested that when she said no, he jumped to his death.

This comes in the wake of techie Atul Subhash's death by suicide in Bengaluru last month following which his estranged wife was arrested.

Asked if there was any monetary dispute between the two as some media reports had suggested, DCP Singh denied the speculation and stated that the investigation into the death is on.

"The girl was arrested under section 108 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita," DCP Singh stated.

Section 108 states: 'When any person commits suicide, whoever abets the commission of such suicide, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to 10 years, and shall also be liable to fine.'

Asked why the girl was arrested over a mere complaint and if there was any evidence of abetment to suicide, DCP Singh said, "Wait for more details to come up."
A sessions court in Mumbai has refused bail to the driver of a BEST bus involved in an accident last month that claimed seven lives, saying he was driving in a rash and negligent manner and it is hard to believe there was any fault in the vehicle.

Photograph: Sahil Salvi for Rediff.com IMAGE: The BEST bus that ploughed into pedestrians and vehicles in Kurla, Mumbai, killing at least six people and injuring over 40 others.

Additional Sessions Judge V M Pathade rejected the bail application of the accused driver, Sanjay More (54), on January 10.

The court refused to accept More's contention that the accident was due to a technical/mechanical fault with the bus, as per the detailed order, made available on Tuesday.

Though More has claimed that the accident occurred due to poor maintenance of the bus or brake failure or a mechanical or technical defect, there is no material to prima facie support this contention, the court said.

A report issued by the RTO (Regional Transport Office) prima facie suggests there was no mechanical fault in the bus, it added.

"In this view of the matter, it is hard to believe that there was any mechanical/technical fault or brake failure in the bus which resulted in the very unfortunate mishap," the court said.

More endangered the lives of not just passengers in the bus but also those who were on the crowded road, the court observed.

"It is prima facie seen that the applicant accused was driving the bus in a very rash and negligent manner irrespective of the fact that the road was being used by several others and there were several passengers in the bus too," the order said.

"Considering the gravity and seriousness of the crime and the punishment provided for the offences under which the accused is booked, I do not find it a fit case to enlarge the accused on bail," the judge said.

On December 9, the electric bus, operated by the civic-run Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) undertaking, dashed into pedestrians and vehicles on a congested road near Kurla railway station. The accident claimed seven lives and left more than 40 other persons injured.

More was arrested the same night and booked under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Motor Vehicles Act.

While seeking bail, More claimed he was a professional driver and that the accident was a result of a sudden and unforeseen mechanical or technical fault in the bus.

The prosecution relied on the RTO's report, which clearly said there was no fault in the bus.
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat has said the date of Ram temple consecration in Ayodhya should be celebrated as "Pratishtha Dwadashi", as the "true independence" of Bharat, which faced "parachakra" (enemy attack) for several centuries, was established on this day.

IMAGE: RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat. Photograph: ANI Photo

After India got political independence from the British on August 15, 1947, a written Constitution was made according to the path shown by that specific vision, which comes out of the "self" of the country, but the document was not run according to the spirit of the vision at that time, Bhagwat said on Monday.

According to the Hindu calendar, the consecration of the Ram temple in Ayodhya took place on Dwadashi of 'Shukla Paksha' of the Paush month last year. The date in the Gregorian calendar was January 22, 2024. This year, the Paush Shukla Paksha Dwadashi fell on January 11.

Bhagwat asserted that the Ram temple movement was not started to oppose anyone.

This movement was started to awaken the "self" (swa) of Bharat so that the country could stand on its own feet and show the path to the world, the RSS chief said.

He was speaking after presenting the 'National Devi Ahilya Award' to Champat Rai, general secretary of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, in Indore.

Two days after the first anniversary of the consecration of the Ram Temple, the RSS chief said the date should be celebrated as "Pratishtha Dwadashi" as the true independence of India, which had faced "parachakra" (enemy attack) for several centuries, was established on this day.

Bhagwat pointed out there was no discord in the country during the consecration ceremony in Ayodhya and people witnessed the event with a "pure mind".

The ideals and life values presented by Lord Ram, Krishna and Shiva are included in the "self of India" and it is not at all that these are the Gods of only those people who worship them, he said.

Bhagwat said the invaders destroyed temples of the country so that the "self" of India also perishes.

He said the Ram Mandir movement lasted so long because some forces did not want a temple to be built at the birthplace of Lord Ram.

The Sangh chief mentioned about a meeting with former President Pranab Mukherjee at a time when the issue of 'Ghar Wapsi' (return of converted people to their original religion) figured in Parliament.

"During this meeting, Mukherjee told me that the Constitution of India is the most secular Constitution in the world and in such a situation what right does the world have to teach us secularism," Bhagwat said.

Mukherjee also pointed out that "5,000 years of Indian tradition has taught us secularism," he added.

According to Bhagwat, the 5,000-year-old Indian tradition that Mukherjee was referring to during his meeting with him started with Lord Ram, Krishna and Shiva.

He said during the Ram Mandir movement in the 1980s, some people used to ask him the "standard question" -- as to "why is the issue of the temple being raised leaving aside the concern for the livelihood of the people?

Bhagwat said, "I used to ask those people that despite talking about socialism after independence in 1947, giving slogans of 'Garibi Hatao' (eradicate poverty) and worrying about people's livelihood all the time, where did India stand in the 1980s and where have countries like Israel and Japan reached?"

The RSS chief said he used to tell these people that "India's livelihood path goes through the entrance of Ram temple and they should keep this in mind."

After receiving the award, Rai dedicated the honour to all the known and unknown people of the Ram Mandir movement who helped in building the grand Ram temple in the Uttar Pradesh town.

Referring to different phases of struggles faced by the movement, Rai said the temple was a symbol of "Hindustan ki Moonchh (moustache)" (the national pride) and he was just a medium for its construction.

The prestigious award is given every year by the Indore-based social organisation, Shri Ahilyotsav Samiti, to prominent persons in recognition of their contribution in different social spheres.

Former Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan is the president of the organisation.

Addressing the gathering, Mahajan said a grand memorial dedicated to Devi Ahilyabai, the iconic ruler of the former Holkar dynasty of Indore, will be built in the city so that people become familiar with her life character.

Over the years, the National Devi Ahilya Award has been given to well-known personalities like Nanaji Deshmukh, Vijaya Raje Scindia, Raghunath Anant Mashelkar and Sudha Murty.
Walmik Karad, an aide to Maharashtra Nationalist Congress Party minister Dhananjay Munde, was on Tuesday charged under the stringent Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) and remanded to 14 days of judicial custody in an extortion case allegedly linked to the murder of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh.

IMAGE: Maharashtra minister Dhananjay Munde's close aide Walmik Karad. Photograph: Walmik Karad on Facebook

The Kej court in Beed district ordered Karad's judicial custody after his 14-day police remand ended.

Subsequently, the police approached the MCOCA court, which issued a production warrant for him, an official said, indicating that he is expected to be produced in court again on Wednesday.

"Walmik Karad was remanded to judicial custody by the (sessions) court. After police approached the MCOCA court, a production warrant was issued against him. He is likely to be produced in court again tomorrow," the official stated.

Karad had surrendered to the CID in Pune amid protests over the murder of Deshmukh. He appeared before CID on December 31, last year.

He was then remanded to police custody for 14 days.

Before surrendering, Karad released a video on social media saying that he was being falsely implicated in the murder out of political vendetta.

In a separate development, Karad's mother, Parubai Karad, staged a sit-in protest outside a police station in Beed district on Tuesday, demanding her son's release.

Some of Karad's supporters even climbed a stone tower to support her cause. Parubai arrived at the Parli city police station in the morning, vowing not to leave until her demands were met.

"My son has done nothing wrong and should be released. Even if my life ends, I will not get up from here," Parubai told reporters outside the police station.

When asked about the serious accusations against her son, she claimed, "I don't know who is doing this, but this is all fake."

She further alleged that local MLAs, BJP's Suresh Dhas and NCP (SP)'s Sandeep Kshirsagar, were behind the framing of her son and demanded their arrest.

Meanwhile, supporters of Karad vented their anger over the invocation of MCOCA against him by throwing stones at buses, setting tyres on fire and attempting to block roads in Parli town. The protests took place even though prohibitory orders had been in place in Beed district till January 28.

Several supporters took to the streets, raising slogans hailing Karad and demanding a bandh.

Police lodged two cases for damaging public property following the protests.

The Beed district administration has banned the congregation of five or more persons without permission and also disallowed individuals from carrying arms in public areas.

Massajog village sarpanch, Santosh Deshmukh, was abducted, allegedly tortured, and murdered on December 9.

Preliminary investigations indicated that Deshmukh had tried to resist an extortion attempt on an energy company operating a windmill project in the area.

The Kej Police so far arrested seven persons in the murder case, while another accused is on the run.

Karad was booked in the extortion case, but the slain sarpanch's family has demanded that he be made an accused in the murder case too.
The Sambhal district administration has restored possession of land to three Hindu families who had fled the area during riots in the district in 1978, officials said.

IMAGE: Police personnel stand guard outside Shahi Jama Masjid, in Sambhal. Photograph: ANI Photo

The land was allegedly encroached upon by members of another community and the original owners had filed a complaint to the administration seeking action in the matter, they said.

Amrish Kumar, one of the claimants of the land, said, "We lived in Sambhal until the 1978 riots, during which my grandfather Tulsi Ram was killed. Fearing for our lives, we abandoned our property in Mohalla Jagat."

"When we tried to return, we were chased away. We recently submitted a complaint to the district administration, along with documents proving our ownership," he said.

Another claimant Asha Devi said they had tried to get back their land many times in the past but were driven away.

"We now live in Chandausi. After the riots in 1978, we were forced to leave. Three families lived here. Our 2.25 bighas of land, located behind the roadways, was encroached upon by members of the Muslim community, who built a school there. Despite multiple attempts to reclaim it, we were driven away. After filing a complaint, we learned today that the land measurement was being conducted, so we came here," she said.

Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Vandana Mishra told reporters that a complaint was received regarding land encroachment by a school committee.

"Following the complaint, the revenue department conducted a survey. It was confirmed that a portion of the land still belonged to the complainants," she said.

Out of 15,000 square feet of land, 10,000 square feet was found to be intact, and possession has been restored to the families, she said.

The land in question was reportedly being used by one Shahvez to operate a school. Further legal proceedings are likely to address the encroachment, the officials said.
Overwhelmed by the huge crowds at the Maha Kumbh, Laurene Powell Jobs, the widow of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, was briefly indisposed but is recovering after 'Ganga snan' and rest.

IMAGE: Laurene Powell Jobs, wife of the late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs reaches Niranjani Akhara at Maha Kumbh, in Prayagraj. Photograph: ANI Photo

Her enthusiasm to learn about Sanatan Dharma remains strong, according to a statement issued by the Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday.

The billionaire businesswoman-philanthropist has been given a new name, 'Kamla', by her guru Mahamandaleshwar Swami Kailashanand Giri of the Niranjani Akhara.

"Laurene was briefly unwell on Monday but is feeling better after 'Ganga Snan' and rest. Her enthusiasm to delve deeper into Sanatan Dharma remains strong," the government statement quoted Swami Kailashanand as saying.

Swami Kailashanand told PTI that she faced some health issues due to the crowds.

He described his newest disciple as a "simple, virtuous, and humble" woman with a keen interest in Sanatan Dharma. "She is free from ego and fully devoted to her guru," he said.

"All her questions revolve around Sanatan Dharma and she finds great joy and satisfaction in the answers," he added.

Mahant Ravindra Puri, chief of Panchayati Akhara Shri Niranjani, told PTI that Laurene's quest for spirituality brought her to the Maha Kumbh.

"She has a new name here, Kamla. She is very simple, soft and bereft of ego and is here as she was inspired by the timeless sanatani culture," said Puri, who is also the president of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad (ABAP), the apex body of 13 monastic Hindu orders.

"Her quest for spirituality brought her here. The way she has conducted herself in the akhara makes it clear that despite being among the world's richest and most famous, she is sans all ego and does not show-off. Here she dresses simply and conducts herself gracefully," he added.

Barring a few short video clips of her that were shared by news outlets last week, Laurene has largely avoided the media at the world's largest religious gathering so far.

In the video clips that were shared online on Saturday, she is seen dressed in a peach-yellow salwar suit with a saffron stole and a Rudraksha necklace around her neck.

"She maintains a low profile. The day before yesterday (on Sunday), I asked her to come and sit on the dais during an event but she remained seated at the back," Puri said.

"She has come here to witness our ageless and timeless sanatani culture, the core of all consciousness. She is also here to meet the sentinels of the sanatani faith, the saints and seers," he said.

Puri, who is also the president of the Mansa Devi Mandir Trust, Haridwar, said Laurene has come to the Kumbh for the first time.

Asked how long she will be staying her, Puri said, "She came to our place, Niranjani Akahra?, on Sunday and would be staying here for a few days."
'...but I'll say this to my fellow Americans, the more ties that we have to more Indians and the more ways we can find to grow our economic and educational exchanges, the stronger America and India.'

IMAGE: Outgoing US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti addresses a gathering on the theme 'The United States and India: Building Bridges for our People' in New Delhi on Monday, January 13, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo

While the high demand for visas by Indians to travel to the United States is seen as a significant issue, US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti on Monday said he sees this as an opportunity for closer ties.

"Deeper than the Pacific Ocean, wider than this entire globe, is the demand of Indians to come to America. Some see this as a problem. I see this as an incredible opportunity, an expression of the closeness that we have and the desire for us to get even closer," Garcetti said in his last public speech as the US ambassador.

The outgoing ambassador's statement comes against the backdrop of the raging debate over issuance of certain categories of visa that allows American companies to hire highly skilled Indian professionals temporarily.

All eyes are now on the new regime in the US under President-elect Donald Trump, who is set to take over on January 20.

In 2024, one million non-immigrant visas, including a record number of visitor visas, were issued to Indians.

More than 5 million Indians currently hold a US visa in 2024, and the US mission to India met the visa interview demand for all first-time student visas.

Garcetti further said that the US mission in India has worked to streamline visa processing to keep up with the demand and since March 2023, visas have been increased by more than 60 per cent.

Wait time has also been eliminated for all visa types, except for first time visitor visas, where the wait time is down 75 per cent from the peak.

"Indian students, Indian-American immigrants are there helping run our world's most important universities, our companies, our research entities. They're providing innovation and a record strong tax base... This makes America, in my opinion, a better and a stronger country.

"We never know what the future holds, but I'll say this to my fellow Americans, the more ties that we have to more Indians and the more ways we can find to grow our economic and educational exchanges, the stronger America and India."

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com
India is trying hard to erase Indonesia's wariness about New Delhi, building security cooperation in the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean.

If Indonesia decides to buy the Brahmos missile, it would further strengthen relations between the world's most populous nation and the most populous Islamic country.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra D Modi meets with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, November 19, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

At home in Indonesia, he is better known as the 'cuddly grandpa' whose pet cats (confusingly named Mika, Miki, and Miko) have their own Instagram accounts.

Bobby, his latest pet, a brown-and-white stray with 500,000 Instagram followers, has moved to Jakarta's presidential palace, Istana Merdeka, prompting local media to exclaim: 'Move over Larry @10DowningStreet! Bobby is Indonesia's First Cat.'

But Prabowo Subianto (74), the president of Indonesia, former general in the Indonesian military, and the chief guest at India's Republic Day celebrations in 2025, is also seen as a shrewd negotiator and a successful politician.

He has managed to gloss over his controversial past, marked by allegations of ordering the 'disappearances' of hundreds of political rivals decades ago to promoting a vision of himself as a benevolent and pro-poor administrator.

From serving as defence minister in his predecessor Joko Widodo's government, he coasted to victory in February 2024 to become president, after losing two earlier elections in 2014 and 2019.

"While Widodo was more reserved and cautious, Subianto is an outgoing and colourful character who will play a more visible and international role than Widodo," says Shyam Saran, former foreign secretary and India's ambassador to Indonesia.

Saran says the signs are evident: After holding off on China's invitation to join Brics, Indonesia joined the organisation in October last year, just months after Subianto assumed the presidency, a signal of changes to come.

Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Indonesia's president from 2004 to 2014, predicted on X that Subianto 'will be a foreign policy president'.

In charting its international role, Indonesia has long grappled with a strategic tension, Saran says.

As the largest economy in Asean, should it restrict itself to piloting the organisation and staving off threats to it, internal and external?

Or should it adopt a more global role for itself, as a kind of international intermediary, much the space that India is seeking to occupy?

Regionally, its antecedents are well established.

Along with France, it helped negotiate the Cambodian peace process, eventually leading to the rebirth of the Kingdom of Cambodia.

Indonesia mediated the agreement that ended decades of separatist rebellion in the Philippines.

It is pushing for the implementation of the ASEAN five-point consensus aimed at resolving the Myanmar crisis.

The Constitution of Indonesia, which was the co-founder of the Non-Aligned Movement alongside Jawaharlal Nehru-led India, prohibits the country from joining any military alliance.

This year, 2025, marks the 70th anniversary of the Bandung Conference.

At the same time, Indonesia's ambitions for a global role have never been hidden.

At the recent international conference on Gaza in Jordan and the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, then president-elect Subianto announced the country's commitment to support, contribute to, and facilitate efforts toward a two-State solution and ending the conflict between Israel and Palestine.

On the war between Russia and Ukraine, he reiterated his call for a truce to allow for negotiations toward a peaceful solution.

At the same venue, he urged China and the United States to act as responsible global powers, arguing that major powers can coexist, cooperate, and collaborate.

Indonesia, he asserted, is committed to promoting this kind of engagement.

However, this is only part of the story.

"When it comes to the China challenge in the region, Indonesia is a critical player. But its role has been ambiguous. It is anxious about China's expansionism but has been reluctant to become a leading countervailing force," Saran says.

For example, Indonesia was a willing participant in China's Belt and Road Initiative in 2014 as well as the Maritime Silk Route launched in 2013.

Chinese investment in Indonesia has surged as a result.

In 2010, Chinese foreign direct investment in Indonesia amounted to $740 million.

By 2020, it had risen to $8.4 billion. A China-built railroad in Indonesia has also seen Jakarta's enthusiastic participation.

Relations with India, however, have been a bit distant, Saran says.

"If Indonesia is looking for a global role, India is almost a competitor," he says, adding that successive Indian governments have patiently worked to reverse this "wariness" towards New Delhi.

Much of this is reflected in recent security cooperation in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.

Indonesia's maritime interests, including its extensive Exclusive Economic Zone, represent a significant security challenge and India has assisted by sharing real-time information via the US Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness programme and monitoring the region through Indian satellite tracking stations.

Amid unverified information that President Subianto's trip could lead to Jakarta deciding to buy India's BrahMos cruise missile system, Saran says: "Clearly, that (BrahMos) will be Indonesia's deterrent against China. It will mean Indonesia is building up capability".

Experts say China won't like the move. As defence minister, Subianto played a key role in countering China's "possible encroachment on Indonesia's Natuna Islands".

But signing the missile purchase agreement will be a decisive, and in some ways, irrevocable step.

Private Indian business investments in Indonesia could be more, Saran observes. Around 80 Indian companies, big and small, have invested in Indonesia.

These include the Adani group, TVS Group, Tata Motors, Larsen & Toubro, Jindal Stainless, Lakshmi Mittal group, and Wipro.

In 2020, the Indian embassy in Jakarta organised the first ever India-Indonesia defence industry exhibition-cum-seminar, which included 36 prominent defence companies from India (both public and private), along with several Indonesian State-owned defence enterprises and private defence enterprises.

Indonesian troops will march in India's Republic Day parade. Discussions during his likely visit are expected to focus on business, development, and security cooperation, including Digital Public Infrastructure.

However, whether a commitment on the BrahMos missile purchase will materialise remains to be seen.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
INS Surat is the Indian Navy's first AI enabled warship.

IMAGE: The INS Surat. Photograph: ANI Photo

Indian Navy Warship INS Surat is all set to be commissioned on January 15 at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai.

The mighty destroyer with cutting-edge technology and unmatched combat prowess will redefine naval warfare.

INS Surat is the fourth and final ship of the P15B Guided Missile Destroyer Project, and ranks among the largest and most sophisticated destroyers in the world.

It has an indigenous content of 75% and is equipped with state-of-the-art weapon-sensor packages and advanced network-centric capabilities, according to the Press Information Bureau.

INS Surat has a displacement of 7,400 tons and measures 164 meters in length.

Powered by a Combined Gas and Gas (COGAG) propulsion set, comprising four gas turbines, she has achieved speeds in excess of 30 knots (56 km/h) during sea trials.

The ship is also poised to be the Indian Navy's first Al enabled warship utilising indigenously developed Al solutions which would enhance its operational efficiency manifolds, reports PTI.

WATCH: INS Surat

Videos: Kind courtesy Indian Navy

The Indian Navy will commission three frontline combatants on January 15 -- INS Nilgiri, the lead ship of the Project 17A stealth frigate class; INS Surat, the fourth and final ship of the Project 15B stealth destroyer class; and INS Vaghsheer, the sixth and final submarine of the Scorpene-class project.

The warships have been designed by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau and constructed at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited, Mumbai.

Both ships are equipped with advanced sensors and weapon packages developed primarily in India or through strategic collaborations with leading global manufacturers, said the Indian Navy.

INS Nilgiri and INS Surat can operate a range of helicopters, including Chetak, ALH, Sea King, and the newly inducted MH-60R, during both day and night operations.

IMAGE: tHE INS Nilgiri Photograph: ANI Photo

Features such as a Rail-Less Helicopter Traversing System and a Visual Aid and Landing System ensure seamless operations under all conditions.

Since nearly 40 women officers also serve across Indian Navy warships, these ships will provide accommodation to suit a sizeable number of women officers and sailors.

Lieutenant Commander Prerna Desothalee is the first woman to command a warship.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be present at the commissioning ceremony on Wednesday in Mumbai.

WATCH: INS Nilgiri

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
A drone photo taken on Jan. 8, 2025 shows the Loushanguan pass in Zunyi City, southwest China's Guizhou Province. Zunyi in southwest China's Guizhou Province once served as a revolutionary base for the Communist Party of China (CPC). It is where the Zunyi Meeting -- described as "a watershed event in the history of the CPC" -- took place in early 1935.

Ninety years after the Zunyi Meeting, Zunyi City has undergone earthshaking transformation. According to preliminary calculations, the city's GDP in the first three quarters of 2024 was 361.607 billion yuan (about 50.308 billion U.S. dollars), an increase of 5.7 percent over the same period last year. (Xinhua/Liu Xu)

An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 9, 2025 shows the guitar industrial park in Zheng'an County of Zunyi City, southwest China's Guizhou Province. Zunyi in southwest China's Guizhou Province once served as a revolutionary base for the Communist Party of China (CPC). It is where the Zunyi Meeting -- described as "a watershed event in the history of the CPC" -- took place in early 1935.

Ninety years after the Zunyi Meeting, Zunyi City has undergone earthshaking transformation. According to preliminary calculations, the city's GDP in the first three quarters of 2024 was 361.607 billion yuan (about 50.308 billion U.S. dollars), an increase of 5.7 percent over the same period last year. (Xinhua/Liu Xu)

An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 9, 2025 shows the snow-covered tea plantations in Meitan County of Zunyi City, southwest China's Guizhou Province. Zunyi in southwest China's Guizhou Province once served as a revolutionary base for the Communist Party of China (CPC). It is where the Zunyi Meeting -- described as "a watershed event in the history of the CPC" -- took place in early 1935.

Ninety years after the Zunyi Meeting, Zunyi City has undergone earthshaking transformation. According to preliminary calculations, the city's GDP in the first three quarters of 2024 was 361.607 billion yuan (about 50.308 billion U.S. dollars), an increase of 5.7 percent over the same period last year. (Xinhua/Liu Xu)

An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 9, 2025 shows a former site of the Red Army in Zunyi City, southwest China's Guizhou Province. Zunyi in southwest China's Guizhou Province once served as a revolutionary base for the Communist Party of China (CPC). It is where the Zunyi Meeting -- described as "a watershed event in the history of the CPC" -- took place in early 1935.

Ninety years after the Zunyi Meeting, Zunyi City has undergone earthshaking transformation. According to preliminary calculations, the city's GDP in the first three quarters of 2024 was 361.607 billion yuan (about 50.308 billion U.S. dollars), an increase of 5.7 percent over the same period last year. (Xinhua/Liu Xu)

An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 8, 2025 shows liquor production workshops in Maotai Town of Zunyi City, southwest China's Guizhou Province. Zunyi in southwest China's Guizhou Province once served as a revolutionary base for the Communist Party of China (CPC). It is where the Zunyi Meeting -- described as "a watershed event in the history of the CPC" -- took place in early 1935.

Ninety years after the Zunyi Meeting, Zunyi City has undergone earthshaking transformation. According to preliminary calculations, the city's GDP in the first three quarters of 2024 was 361.607 billion yuan (about 50.308 billion U.S. dollars), an increase of 5.7 percent over the same period last year. (Xinhua/Liu Xu)

A drone photo taken on Jan. 9, 2025 shows the Zunyi Meeting Memorial Hall in Zunyi City, southwest China's Guizhou Province. Zunyi in southwest China's Guizhou Province once served as a revolutionary base for the Communist Party of China (CPC). It is where the Zunyi Meeting -- described as "a watershed event in the history of the CPC" -- took place in early 1935.

Ninety years after the Zunyi Meeting, Zunyi City has undergone earthshaking transformation. According to preliminary calculations, the city's GDP in the first three quarters of 2024 was 361.607 billion yuan (about 50.308 billion U.S. dollars), an increase of 5.7 percent over the same period last year. (Xinhua/Liu Xu)

A drone photo taken on Jan. 9, 2025 shows the venue of Zunyi Meeting in Zunyi City, southwest China's Guizhou Province. Zunyi in southwest China's Guizhou Province once served as a revolutionary base for the Communist Party of China (CPC). It is where the Zunyi Meeting -- described as "a watershed event in the history of the CPC" -- took place in early 1935.

Ninety years after the Zunyi Meeting, Zunyi City has undergone earthshaking transformation. According to preliminary calculations, the city's GDP in the first three quarters of 2024 was 361.607 billion yuan (about 50.308 billion U.S. dollars), an increase of 5.7 percent over the same period last year. (Xinhua/Liu Xu)

An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 9, 2025 shows the Xiangjiang River in Zunyi City, southwest China's Guizhou Province. Zunyi in southwest China's Guizhou Province once served as a revolutionary base for the Communist Party of China (CPC). It is where the Zunyi Meeting -- described as "a watershed event in the history of the CPC" -- took place in early 1935.

Ninety years after the Zunyi Meeting, Zunyi City has undergone earthshaking transformation. According to preliminary calculations, the city's GDP in the first three quarters of 2024 was 361.607 billion yuan (about 50.308 billion U.S. dollars), an increase of 5.7 percent over the same period last year. (Xinhua/Liu Xu)

An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 8, 2025 shows a plaza in Zheng'an County of Zunyi City, southwest China's Guizhou Province. Zunyi in southwest China's Guizhou Province once served as a revolutionary base for the Communist Party of China (CPC). It is where the Zunyi Meeting -- described as "a watershed event in the history of the CPC" -- took place in early 1935.

Ninety years after the Zunyi Meeting, Zunyi City has undergone earthshaking transformation. According to preliminary calculations, the city's GDP in the first three quarters of 2024 was 361.607 billion yuan (about 50.308 billion U.S. dollars), an increase of 5.7 percent over the same period last year. (Xinhua/Liu Xu)

An aerial panoramic drone photo taken on Jan. 9, 2025 shows the snow-covered tea plantations in Meitan County of Zunyi City, southwest China's Guizhou Province. Zunyi in southwest China's Guizhou Province once served as a revolutionary base for the Communist Party of China (CPC). It is where the Zunyi Meeting -- described as "a watershed event in the history of the CPC" -- took place in early 1935.

Ninety years after the Zunyi Meeting, Zunyi City has undergone earthshaking transformation. According to preliminary calculations, the city's GDP in the first three quarters of 2024 was 361.607 billion yuan (about 50.308 billion U.S. dollars), an increase of 5.7 percent over the same period last year. (Xinhua/Liu Xu)

An aerial drone photo taken on June 13, 2021 shows the view of a bamboo forest park in Chishui of Zunyi City, southwest China's Guizhou Province. Zunyi in southwest China's Guizhou Province once served as a revolutionary base for the Communist Party of China (CPC). It is where the Zunyi Meeting -- described as "a watershed event in the history of the CPC" -- took place in early 1935.

Ninety years after the Zunyi Meeting, Zunyi City has undergone earthshaking transformation. According to preliminary calculations, the city's GDP in the first three quarters of 2024 was 361.607 billion yuan (about 50.308 billion U.S. dollars), an increase of 5.7 percent over the same period last year. (Xinhua/Liu Xu)

A drone photo taken on Jan. 8, 2025 shows the Loushanguan pass in Zunyi City, southwest China's Guizhou Province. Zunyi in southwest China's Guizhou Province once served as a revolutionary base for the Communist Party of China (CPC). It is where the Zunyi Meeting -- described as "a watershed event in the history of the CPC" -- took place in early 1935.

Ninety years after the Zunyi Meeting, Zunyi City has undergone earthshaking transformation. According to preliminary calculations, the city's GDP in the first three quarters of 2024 was 361.607 billion yuan (about 50.308 billion U.S. dollars), an increase of 5.7 percent over the same period last year. (Xinhua/Liu Xu)

An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 9, 2025 shows a martyrs' cemetery in Zunyi City, southwest China's Guizhou Province. Zunyi in southwest China's Guizhou Province once served as a revolutionary base for the Communist Party of China (CPC). It is where the Zunyi Meeting -- described as "a watershed event in the history of the CPC" -- took place in early 1935.

Ninety years after the Zunyi Meeting, Zunyi City has undergone earthshaking transformation. According to preliminary calculations, the city's GDP in the first three quarters of 2024 was 361.607 billion yuan (about 50.308 billion U.S. dollars), an increase of 5.7 percent over the same period last year. (Xinhua/Liu Xu)

An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 9, 2025 shows a martyrs' cemetery in Zunyi City, southwest China's Guizhou Province. Zunyi in southwest China's Guizhou Province once served as a revolutionary base for the Communist Party of China (CPC). It is where the Zunyi Meeting -- described as "a watershed event in the history of the CPC" -- took place in early 1935.

Ninety years after the Zunyi Meeting, Zunyi City has undergone earthshaking transformation. According to preliminary calculations, the city's GDP in the first three quarters of 2024 was 361.607 billion yuan (about 50.308 billion U.S. dollars), an increase of 5.7 percent over the same period last year. (Xinhua/Liu Xu)

An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 9, 2025 shows the snow-covered tea plantations in Meitan County of Zunyi City, southwest China's Guizhou Province. Zunyi in southwest China's Guizhou Province once served as a revolutionary base for the Communist Party of China (CPC). It is where the Zunyi Meeting -- described as "a watershed event in the history of the CPC" -- took place in early 1935.

Ninety years after the Zunyi Meeting, Zunyi City has undergone earthshaking transformation. According to preliminary calculations, the city's GDP in the first three quarters of 2024 was 361.607 billion yuan (about 50.308 billion U.S. dollars), an increase of 5.7 percent over the same period last year. (Xinhua/Liu Xu)

An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 9, 2025 shows the Xiangjiang River in Zunyi City, southwest China's Guizhou Province. Zunyi in southwest China's Guizhou Province once served as a revolutionary base for the Communist Party of China (CPC). It is where the Zunyi Meeting -- described as "a watershed event in the history of the CPC" -- took place in early 1935.

Ninety years after the Zunyi Meeting, Zunyi City has undergone earthshaking transformation. According to preliminary calculations, the city's GDP in the first three quarters of 2024 was 361.607 billion yuan (about 50.308 billion U.S. dollars), an increase of 5.7 percent over the same period last year. (Xinhua/Liu Xu)
Superintendent Bob Thibault, School Board Chairman Al Claussen and board members LeeAnn Jillson, Lindsey Bertram and Emily Long (left to right) discuss a consolidation proposal at a community forum at NewBrook Elementary on Monday, Sept. 30, 2024.
BEIJING, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- China has recently unveiled a guideline aimed at nurturing its data-labeling industry, as the country seeks to boost the development of artificial intelligence (AI).

By 2027, China's data-labeling industry is expected to have made strides in scientific and technological innovation, along with a substantial increase in industry scale, according to the guideline issued by state organs such as the National Development and Reform Commission and the National Data Administration.

To achieve the targets, the country aims to cultivate a number of influential data-labeling companies, while also establishing various data-labeling hubs nationwide that demonstrate significant achievements and distinctive advantages, as per the guideline.

The guideline also calls for efforts to promote the application of AI in areas such as government services, urban governance and rural revitalization.

As an emerging industry, data labeling focuses on processing data through filtering, cleaning, classification, annotation, tagging and quality inspection, thereby enabling machines to learn more efficiently and effectively.

The country will support the development of data labeling with favorable fiscal, financial and tax policies. It will also create or revise national standards for professions related to AI training and data labeling, according to the guideline. 
Scott Technology will deliver an advanced, AI-enabled lamb processing system to JBS Foods Cobram lamb processing facility in Australia after a multimillion-dollar deal was secured in October.

The project, commencing in December, incorporates cutting-edge x-ray, 3D vision, and AI-driven technology capable of processing 600 carcasses an hour, Scott Technology told shareholders this morning.

The system would enhance efficiency, accuracy and worker safety while maximising yield and minimising waste, Dunedin-based Scott Technology said.

As part of JBS Australias strategy to lead the red meat industry through innovation, this investment showcases the companys commitment to operational excellence and sustainability, Scott Technology said.

Designed and built at Scott Technologys Dunedin facility, the system is expected to be operational by late 2025.

By automating labour-intensive tasks, the system aimed to meet growing global demand for high-quality lamb, improve safety standards and deliver consistent, premium products.
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."
Welcome to Wider Europe, RFE/RL's newsletter focusing on the key issues concerning the European Union, NATO, and other institutions and their relationships with the Western Balkans and Europe's Eastern neighborhoods.

I'm RFE/RL Europe Editor Rikard Jozwiak, and this week I'm looking ahead at what we can expect from the EU in 2025.

The Briefing: The EU Waits For Trump

Much of what happens in the EU in 2025 will hinge on the incoming U.S. presidency of Donald Trump. Speaking to EU officials over the last few weeks, they all seem to be waiting for his inauguration on January 20 to see what challenges his new administration might bring.

There are a few specifics, however, that they are bracing for. One is tariffs, with the belief that Trump's campaign promise of a universal tariff on imports of between 10 and 20 percent will happen and is manageable, even though there are fears certain products will be slapped with even higher duties.

Another specific is the push for higher defense spending, with the incoming president recently turning up the heat by suggesting 5 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) should be devoted to the military, with most European NATO members just about clearing the former target of 2 percent.

On Ukraine, The EU Seems Out Of Ideas

The future of Ukraine will be front and center, especially if there is some sort of peace or cease-fire deal in 2025. Again, much of this depends on Trump. For the EU, the goal is to at least secure a seat at the table -- which is far from a certainty.

Regarding Ukraine, the EU seems to be only acting on the periphery. Look at the latest proposal from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to use the billions of frozen Russian assets in the West to give to Ukraine to buy U.S. weapons: The EU would gain little from such an arrangement. Firstly, the money would go into U.S. coffers instead of European ones, and secondly, because most of that Russian money is in the EU such a move could potentially undermine the eurozone as a safe place for third countries to do business.

The EU has used these frozen assets as a guarantee of the latest G7 loan to Ukraine, and that will cover Kyiv's expenses at least for 2025. But for now, in terms of ideas and initiatives, this is as far as Europe is ready to go.

Looking For Consensus On Russian Sanctions

The EU will continue to try to inflict more pain on Russia via sanctions. During Hungary's six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union in the latter half of last year, Brussels passed the puniest of measures. Now, with the substantially more hawkish Poland in charge, there are hopes in Brussels to have a new package ready for the third anniversary of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24.

Ideas such as targeting Russia's liquefied natural gas (LNG) and nuclear industries will certainly be pushed by some members but are unlikely to be green-lit by all 27 member states.

Hungary has still not approved the six-month rollover of the current EU economic sanctions on Russia. The deadline is January 31 and, according to the diplomats I have spoken to, who are not permitted to speak on the record, Budapest has asked that the bloc take the decision after the Trump inauguration.

Listen to The Wider Briefing:

It's not clear what Hungary -- perhaps the EU's most pro-Russian state -- wants in return for signing off on the rollover, i.e. whether it would want sanctions to be watered down or whether Budapest could access EU funds that have been frozen because of its spotty record on democracy.

EU diplomats are already getting twitchy about this issue dragging on into the final week of January. It might not be solved until January 27, when EU foreign ministers meet in Brussels, or even at a potential emergency summit later that week.

EU Enlargement Is Mostly On Hold

On EU enlargement in 2025, there is likely to be a historic decision to open a handful of the 33 EU enlargement chapters -- the key policy areas that candidate countries must align with EU standards -- during the Polish presidency. But it is not entirely a done deal.

In order to get all member states on board -- including skeptics like Hungary and Slovakia, who are both increasingly critical of Kyiv's EU integration plans -- it is likely Serbia will get to open further enlargement chapters for the first time since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The Baltic states, Poland, and the Netherlands would have to agree to that through gritted teeth, as they are annoyed by Belgrade's proximity to Russia and Serbia's democratic record.

What is almost certain is that Georgia's EU accession will remain on ice. There is still no common EU position on how to deal with Tbilisi, which under the ruling Georgian Dream government has been accused of democratic backsliding. While there is little consensus on sanctions on people associated with the ruling party, such as the United States has imposed, there is a pretty symbolic move of suspending visa liberalization for diplomatic passport holders under way.

There probably won't be a concerted push to rerun the controversial October 2024 parliamentary elections, which were widely decried as neither free nor fair. For evidence of that, look at the carefully worded statement by the normally outspoken Nordic-Baltic foreign ministers when outgoing President Salome Zurabishvili was leaving office on December 29: "Georgia urgently needs a way out of the crisis and to restore public trust in its democratic institutions. We urge the Georgian authorities to take immediate steps in this direction, including by implementing OSCE electoral recommendations and by considering the possibility of new elections based on these recommendations."

The sense in Brussels now is that Georgia will be in a similar position as Turkey -- officially an EU candidate but with its path to membership essentially frozen.

Serbia And Kosovo Remain At Odds

Among the EU hopefuls in the Western Balkans, Albania will continue its brisk pace toward membership, opening more negotiation chapters in addition to the seven it already did in the second half of 2024.

North Macedonia and Bosnia-Herzegovina will likely remain stuck due to their lack of reforms, whereas Montenegro, which has already opened all its chapters, will be hoping to close some in 2025. So far, Montenegro has managed to close about one-fifth of its chapters, and there is plenty of goodwill in Brussels for the country to be member state No. 28 by the end of the decade -- just to show that EU enlargements can still happen.

It is not for nothing that the new EU enlargement commissioner, Marta Kos, is likely to make Podgorica her first destination of travel in the region early this year. What remains key for the region, as it always is, is the normalization process between Belgrade and Pristina, which has been ongoing since 2011.

There will be attempts to resuscitate those talks on the highest level again after Kosovo's February 9 parliamentary elections, which are likely to return sitting Prime Minister Albin Kurti to power.

The EU's new foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, will make her first tour to the Western Balkans, likely after Kosovo's elections. Given that Kurti and Serbian President Alexander Vucic have shown little appetite for the talks to be a success so far, Kallas will have her work cut out. She will have the help of a Danish career diplomat and former EU special representative to Bosnia-Herzegovina, Peter Sorensen, who will be chaperoning the dialogue -- much like former Slovak Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajcak did with Kallas's predecessor, Josep Borrell, over the past five years.

Populists On The March

Populist parties and politicians are likely to gain ground across the EU in 2025. Germany is starting the year in election mode, with a parliamentary vote on February 23. While a grand coalition of the center-right Christian Democratic Union and center-left Social Democratic Party is the most likely outcome, the far-right Alternative For Germany party is likely to finish runner-up with around 20 percent of the vote -- which would be its highest score ever nationally.

In France, the government is limping on with the tacit support of the far right until new snap elections can be called in July. Governments in Spain and the Netherlands are wobbly and could fall this year. Farther east, the Czech billionaire populist Andrej Babis is likely to win the elections in October, bringing Prague politically closer to Hungary and Slovakia.

And in Austria, the far-right Freedom Party was recently tasked to form a government for the first time ever, potentially aligning Vienna to a growing Central European populist bloc.

Poland is the outlier here, and there is an argument that its leader, the pro-Western Donald Tusk, is now the strongest politician in the EU -- helped along by his country holding the EU presidency, enjoying warm relations with Washington, and being the biggest military spender in terms of percentage of GDP in NATO.

But even Warsaw is distracted by elections with a presidential poll on May 18 and a potential second round on June 1. Tusk's ally, Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, is the early front-runner and if he wins would consolidate Tusk's power in the country. The conservative Law and Justice party nominee Karol Nawrocki will certainly put up a fight, and that battle will consume the country in the spring.

Looking Ahead

NATO's chiefs of defense meet in Brussels on January 15-16. It will be Dutch Admiral Rob Bauer's last meeting as the chair of the alliance's powerful military committee after nearly four years at the helm. At the end of the meeting, he is expected to comment on the current state of the Ukraine war, Russia's military threat to the alliance, and possibly the recent statements from Trump regarding Greenland and Canada.

That's all for this week. Feel free to reach out to me on any of these issues on X @RikardJozwiak, or on e-mail at jozwiakr@rferl.org.

Until next time,

Rikard Jozwiak

If you enjoyed this briefing and don't want to miss the next edition subscribe here.
SINGAPORE, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Singapore will introduce measures to improve the management of sexual offense cases, including appointing a specialist group of judges for such cases, Chief Justice Sundaresh Menon has said.

All sexual offense cases in the High Court and selected trials in the State Courts will now be assigned to a specialist group of experienced and specially trained judges and district judges, he said on Monday during the Opening of the Legal Year 2025.

"These cases require careful handling because of the impact that the trial process can have on both complainants and accused persons," he added.

Singapore will also pilot enhanced pre-trial checklists designed to protect complainants while ensuring the accused retain the right to a fair trial.

According to local media, the checklists will help identify contentious issues likely to arise during cross-examination, which will enable judges to exclude lines of questioning deemed irrelevant or insulting to complainants. 
Russia has seized control of some of Ukraines prized lithium reserves since it launched its all-out invasion in 2022, potentially depriving Kyiv of a key economic resource.

Russian forces captured a lithium deposit in the southeastern region of Zaporizhzhya in early 2022. Since then, Moscow has also overrun territory in the neighboring Donetsk region that is believed to contain lithium.

Now, Russian troops are inching toward Shevchenko, a rural settlement in Donetsk that sits near one of Ukraines biggest lithium deposits.

Experts say Russia's seizure of Ukraine's lithium deposits could impact the rest of Europe and the Continent's efforts to shift to green energy.

Described as "white gold," lithium is a critical material for batteries used in devices ranging from smartphones and laptops to electric vehicles.



Ukraine has an estimated 500,000 tons of untapped lithium, one of the largest reserves in Europe, according to geological surveys.



Rod Schoonover, a national security expert and founder of the U.S.-based Ecological Futures Group, said it is unlikely that seizing Ukraine's lithium deposits was a major war objective for Moscow. Russia itself has significant reserves.



Still, Ukraine's mineral wealth is one reason the country is important to Russia, experts say.



The Ukrainian Shield, an ancient and massive rocky plate spanning much of central and southern Ukraine, contains valuable minerals like iron and lithium as well as rare earth metals.

'Importance Will Only Grow'

The European Union has looked to secure local supplies of critical raw materials like lithium and lessen its dependence on foreign suppliers, including China.



Lithium is key to Europe's efforts to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and transition to green energy.

With its substantial reserves and proximity, Ukraine stands out as a promising partner, Schoonover said.



"The Russian invasion has disrupted any progress toward leveraging Ukraine's reserves, but if stability is restored, these resources could become, in time, a cornerstone of Europe's strategic autonomy in critical minerals," he said.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this article misidentified the village of Shevchenko reportedly seized by Russian forces as the settlement of Shevchenko with lithium reserves.
A Boyle native and his company Cregg Stone Limited were honored at a prestigious international ceremony for their amazing work in restoring an iconic building gutted by fire.

This is the first time that an Irish company has won an award at the Natural Stone Awards Ceremony in London. The iconic Primark building in Belfast re-opened in November 2022 after it was gutted by a fire in August 2018.

The five-story historic structure, located in the center of the city, is a 125-year-old listed building. Its restoration is a story of unbelievable complexity and skill.

For master stonemason Cathal Cregg, who is the owner of Cregg Stone Limited located in Ballinasloe, and his team, it was the largest restoration project they had ever done. This was a listed building which had to be restored to its former glory, so the stakes were very high. It was a lengthy project that spanned two and a half years and was completed during the Covid pandemic years.

Cregg Stone had completed other large restoration projects including restoration works at Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin, and the restoration of the fire damaged St Mels Cathedral in Longford.

At the coveted biannual 2024 Natural Stone Awards Ceremony in London on December 6th, Cathal and the team were honoured for their work on the restoration project, a project which was praised as an outstanding masterpiece readily warranting recognition and celebration.

TVs Kevin McCloud, the host of Grand Designs, presented Cathal with his well-deserved award.

As noted at the ceremony, some 1,136 tons of Locharbriggs Red Sandstone had to be sourced from Dumfriesshire for the challenging remedial work that also included the salvage and repurposing of the original sandstone wherever possible.

Given the consistently outstanding detail of the completed project, a high degree of collaborative teamwork, quality site control and exceptional craft skill is apparent, the awards judges said.

The completed and highly successful restoration project of the building's three major elevations is being recognised as one of the largest ever undertaken in Northern Ireland. The removal and replacement of over 1,000 tons of intricately carved and worked sandstone, also involved implementing closely controlled environment and ethical working practices.

From left Bill McAllister architect; Aidan Curley MD Cregg Stone; Cathal Cregg, Contracts Director; Paul Ryan and Michael McMonagle both in supply chain.

Speaking to the Herald, Cathal said he was delighted to receive the award. It was an enormous task but to see the building brought back to its former glory was a reward itself, he said.

It is great to be honored by your peers and to see your company recognised for the quality of the work we do on an international level was wonderful.

There were 20 applicants in our category, Repair and Restoration so getting the nomination was really great, he said. This is the first time that an Irish stone company won this award, and this project has won seven or eight awards in different categories.

Cathal said that the project had boosted the companys profile in the sector, and he thanked everyone involved in the Belfast project.

"Friday night we were celebrating, Tuesday morning we were back up on the scaffold," he said with a laugh. "It's business as usual."
All area high school students are invited to attend TRADES Industry Day, Thursday, Jan. 16, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.at the Bakken Skills Center, 2112 Wolves Den Parkway, Watford City.

This event will focus on trade careers that offer on-the-job training and/or apprenticeships. Learn what these in-demand jobs are all about and how you can get started in a profession like this.

The businesses and job positions are:

McKenzie Electric Coop: lineman, diesel mechanic and substation technician;

Trotter Construction: mechanic, diesel mechanic, heavy equipment operators, lube technician, truck driver, transport driver;

SMART (Sheet Metal/Air/Rail Transportation): HVAC installers or service technicians;

McCody Concrete: PreFab concrete careers;

Delta Constructors: general contracting, mechanical services, electrical, fabrication/welding, plant maintenance;

Local 49: heavy equipment operators, crane operators.

RSVP if you plan to attend, 701-444-3626.
Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, meets with a delegation of Japan's ruling coalition, led by Secretary General Hiroshi Moriyama of the Liberal Democratic Party and Secretary General Makoto Nishida of the Komeito Party, in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 14, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

BEIJING, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisor Wang Huning on Tuesday met with a delegation of Japan's ruling coalition, led by Secretary General Hiroshi Moriyama of the Liberal Democratic Party and Secretary General Makoto Nishida of the Komeito Party.

Wang, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said the ruling parties of the two countries should carry out in-depth exchanges, deliver on the common understandings between the two countries' leaders, make joint efforts to develop bilateral relations, and promote the prosperity and development of the region and the world.

"The CPPCC National Committee is ready to make positive contributions to this end," said Wang.

Representatives of the Japanese delegation said that Japan and China are important neighbors of each other. They said Japan is willing to promote people-to-people exchanges at all levels, including among young parliamentarians and local leaders, in accordance with the important consensus between the two countries' leaders and in the spirit of seeking common ground while reserving differences, in order to reduce differences and promote cooperation. 

Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, meets with a delegation of Japan's ruling coalition, led by Secretary General Hiroshi Moriyama of the Liberal Democratic Party and Secretary General Makoto Nishida of the Komeito Party, in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 14, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Tao)
HELENA, MT  The Montana Department of Commerce has announced that four Montana communities will share $100,000 in grant funding to regenerate Main Street businesses and downtowns. The funding is through Commerces Montana Main Street Program.

Montana Main Street Program funding helps communities strengthen and preserve their historic downtown commercial districts through community development, revitalization and historic preservation, said Paul Green, Montana Department of Commerce director. The Main Street program promotes local efforts through a statewide network of educational outreach, coordination and organization to support Main Street communities throughout Montana.

The MMS Program works with local partners to identify and plan for a communitys greatest development needs and provides seed money to help implement high-impact projects.

Communities that will receive MMS grant funding:

The City of Bozeman will receive $30,000 for the I-Ho Pomeroy Peace Park project.

The City of Butte will receive $20,000 for the Re-Lighten Up Butte Headframes project.

The City of Glasgow will receive $30,000 for the Phase 5 Wayfinding project.

The City of Sidney will receive $20,000 for a downtown master plan.

In 2023, the City of Sidney received $50,000 of MMS grant funding for the restoration of the historical Yellowstone Mercantile building to install windows and doors.

As a result of the Montana Main Street Program, Sidney has made significant strides in revitalizing its community with the restoration of the historic Yellowstone Mercantile building, which serves as a vital landmark for the downtown area. By focusing on strategic planning and partnerships, we aim to continue leveraging MMS to create a downtown master plan that will enhance the regions appeal for local businesses and social capital, said Kali Godfrey, Sidney Chamber of Commerce executive director.

Currently, there are 38 Montana Main Street communities. Eligible applicants for MMS grants include MMS communities which currently do not have an active grant.

The Montana Main Street Program was established in 2005 and is administered by Commerces Community MT Division. Funding for the program comes from Senate Bill 540.
Tri-County Regional Development Council voted at their October meeting to promote Cyrena Weeks to the executive director position effective Dec. 1, 2024.

Weeks, will take over for Everette Enno, who has been at TCRDC for 22 years, 18 years as the executive director.

Weeks, born and raised in Williston spent 10 years in Bismarck working for the State of North Dakota in Workforce Development and Economic Development and Finance and a variety of other leadership positions, and even working a 1,000 head milking operation in Milnor, ND.

In 2008, she and her family moved back to Williston to be closer to parents and family.

"It was exciting to move back home in 2008 when the oil boom was taking off again, watching my small town grow into what we are currently. I've had the pleasure of seeing infrastructure develop in areas of town that were just dirt fields and enjoy all that the Bakken Formation has brought to Williston."

In 2021, she was employed as the Economic Recovery Coordinator at TCRDC, and has since obtained her bachelors in business administration from Grand Canyon University.

Cyrena has two sons; Ben, who attends Williston State College and Chris, who lives in Spearfish, SD, with his wife, Amber and Cyrena's first grandchild, Emery.

"I'm thrilled about the opportunities in this new role - helping Williams, McKenzie, and Divide counties to grow and prosper."

Tri-County Regional Development Council is one of eight regional councils in North Dakota. Created through legislation in 1988. TCRDC provides assistance to public and private sectors, helping them to utilize federal and state programs.

Weeks is also a Small Business Development Center business advisor and eagerly looks forward to meeting with clients and assisting entrepreneurs to realize their dreams.
Jeff Bieber, Fairview, is a life-long farmer and has been a seed dealer most of his adult life. His son, Justin, joined him in the business in 2015 when they added Pioneer corn, soybean, canola, sunflowers and forage products to their seed line. In 2022 he also brought in Westbred spring and winter wheat seeds.

Now the duo is expanding even further with the creation of Texas Red Ag Services in an effort to better serve their customers. With a commercial seed treater, additional sales agent, new products, new partners, and a corn grain drier, Texas Red Ag Services is positioned to help your farm from the bag to the bin.

Parker Westgard will cover the northern region from the Canadian border south and from Malta to Crosby. Westgard, who is from Westby, brings a lot of knowledge and experience. Jeff said Westgard, who has an ag-based degree and previously worked for a co-op, has more experience with crops such as canola which is fairly widely grown in that area. Texas Red Ag Services will be offering a new Pioneer canola seed which is priced competitively and has excellent production and shatter resistance. Field tests show that its as good or better than any product on the market, Jeff stated.

Texas Red Ag Services added a commercial seed treater last spring to treat spring wheat, soybeans, peas and lentils. We learned a lot last spring. The treater has given us the opportunity to work with some great products and people; TerraMax inoculant, Lumovia and the rest of the Bayer and Corteva seed treatment portfolio. Having seed treating experts from Pioneer and Westbred a phone call away helped us get up to speed right away, Justin said.

In addition to seed treatment, Texas Red Ag Services has access to crop protection products including insecticides, herbicides and fungicides. We have partnered with additional Pioneer agencies which helps us offer hard to get products at very competitive pricing, Jeff said.

Partnering with Brandt Nutrition gives Texas Red Ag Services access to a wide range of products from EnzUP to Smart Trio. EnzUP is zinc chelate that can be added to any liquid starter and Smart Trio is a mix of nitrogen, sulfur, boron, manganese and zinc to add in with your herbicide pass to make sure your corn has the essential nutrients it needs.

A corn dryer is also available this fall for custom drying to help customers get the crop out of the field and help maximize the short growing season.

Texas Red Ag Services is running a number of trials including in - furrow treatments, population and fertility treatments this year. To find out the results, or see some of the trials for yourself, reach out to them to set up a meeting, or follow along on Facebook at Texas Red Ag Services.

The team at Texas Red Ag Services would like to wish everyone a safe and successful harvest and thank their customers for allowing them to be a part of their operation.

Contact Jeff at 406-489-3452, Justin at 406-489-2188 or Parker at 406-385-7006.
North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum congratulates McKenzie County Public Schools along with their many partnerships and donors at the Grand Opening of the Bakken Area Skills Center in Watford City. The Career and Technical Education facility is the first one several facilities to open in North Dakota. The BASC opened in January offering technical education and training for high school Students and citizens throughout the Bakken Region.

The mission of the Bakken Area Skills Center is to empower individuals through career and technical education, fostering a skilled workforce that meets the evolving needs of the region. The goal is to provide accessible, high-quality education and training programs that fuel personal growth, economic development; creating a sustainable future for the Bakken region.
No Buffer Zones Along LAC, Says Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi

The Army Chief emphasized the need to redefine trust between India and China.

New Delhi, January 13, 2025: Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi clarified on Monday that there are no buffer zones along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, even as both nations continue their efforts to resolve lingering boundary issues. He described the situation along the border as "stable but sensitive."

Speaking at the annual Army Day press conference, General Dwivedi highlighted the Army's approach to managing issues along the border, empowering Corps Commanders to address minor disputes directly to prevent their escalation.

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"The situation is stable but sensitive. There have been a series of meetings. Even the Prime Minister has met the Chinese head... Regarding Depsang and Demchok, since April 2020, both sides have moved forward and prevented the other from accessing traditional patrolling areas," General Dwivedi told ANI.

Progress on Border Discussions

General Dwivedi provided updates on ongoing efforts to address border concerns, including verification patrolling and grazing ground agreements.

"Two rounds of verification patrolling have already been completed, and both sides are satisfied with the outcomes. Regarding grazing grounds, mutual agreements have been reached," he stated.

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On the issue of buffer zones, General Dwivedi clarified, "There is nothing called a buffer zone. In areas where the potential for violence is high, temporary moratoriums were declared during negotiations. Both sides agreed to stay back and avoid common areas to prevent escalation."

Trust-Building Measures Post-April 2020

The Army Chief emphasized the need to redefine trust between India and China, citing the critical requirement for broader understanding and dialogue to restore calm and stability along the border.

"After April 2020, trust needs to be redefined. There is a need for both sides to sit together, reach a broader understanding, and reduce tensions. We are looking forward to the next special representatives meeting," he said.

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Background and Recent Developments

Tensions between India and China flared in 2020 due to Chinese military actions along the LAC in eastern Ladakh, leading to a prolonged standoff. In October 2024, both countries reached an agreement on patrolling arrangements along the LAC.

During the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Chinese President Xi Jinping, emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace and stability on the border as a cornerstone of bilateral ties.
111 Farmers to Join Jagjit Singh Dallewal in Hunger Strike, Protest Intensifies

Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on a hunger strike for over a month, has become the face of the protest.

Farmers Hunger Strike Protest With Jagjit Singh Dallewal Latest News Today: The farmers' agitation has reached a critical juncture as 111 farmer leaders announced they will join Jagjit Singh Dallewal in his ongoing hunger strike starting tomorrow at 2 PM. The delegation, clad in black attire, will stage their protest at the Punjab-Haryana border, signaling a unified stance against the governments inaction on their demands.

Jagjit Singh Dallewal, who has been on a hunger strike for over a month, has become the face of the protest. Now, the decision of additional farmer leaders to join him is expected to significantly amplify the pressure on the government.

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Water Only, Black Attire: The Plan for the Hunger Strike

The 111 farmers participating in the hunger strike will abstain from food, consuming only water. Their black clothing symbolizes resistance and solidarity, a clear message to the authorities. The farmers reiterated their resolve, stating that the hunger strike would continue until their demands are met.

The Demands

While the farmers did not specify the full list of demands in their recent announcement, they have previously sought:

Implementation of the promises made during the December 2021 agreement between the government and the farmers. Support for fair Minimum Support Prices (MSP). Assurance of agricultural reforms that protect farmers from corporate exploitation.

Growing Unity Among Farmers

This coordinated effort demonstrates the growing unity among farmers from across the region. With each passing day, the protests at the Punjab-Haryana border are garnering wider attention and support from farmer unions nationwide.

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(For more news apart from Farmers Hunger Strike Protest With Jagjit Singh Dallewal Latest News Today, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
DOHA, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Qatar's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Majed Al Ansari confirmed on Tuesday that the ongoing high-level Gaza ceasefire talks in Doha have reached an advanced stage.

"I can confirm that the talks are happening at a high level here in Doha as we speak. We believe we are at a developed stage, possibly even the final stage. However, until there is an official announcement, we should temper our excitement. Nonetheless, we remain hopeful," the spokesperson said at a weekly media briefing.

He emphasized that the implementation of the ceasefire will take place "immediately" once a deal is reached. "We do not have a specific time frame, but efforts are ongoing to finalize the agreement," he added.

"Qatar reiterates its position that Gaza must be governed by Gazans. We are open to all viable options that ensure a suitable and sustainable solution for Palestinians," he noted.

Israel's state-owned Kan TV reported that the draft agreement under discussion outlines a three-stage plan. The first stage includes a 42-day ceasefire during which 33 hostages -- women, children, elderly individuals, and those with health conditions -- would be released. The Israeli military would withdraw from densely populated areas, allowing displaced Gazans to return to their homes in northern Gaza. Additionally, Israeli forces would vacate the Philadelphi Corridor along the Egyptian border and the Netzarim Corridor separating Gaza's north and south.

By the 16th day of the ceasefire, talks would commence on subsequent phases, which include the delivery of urgently needed aid to Gaza and the release of a significant number of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, the report said.

Over the past months, the efforts by mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States have failed to reach a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas since the first truce, which lasted a week between November and December 2023. 
The European Union cannot decouple from the United States

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called for higher defence budgets during discussions with MEPs.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte (Source: NATO)

Corina Cristea, 14.01.2025, 13:50

In his first appearance in the European Parliaments foreign affairs and defence committees, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said Europe cannot afford to decouple from the United States in the area of defence. He told MEPs that the US is currently covering around 60% of NATO spending and that without the US, Europeans would have to raise their defence spending four times. In that case, defence security would only be achieved in the next 10-15 years, Rutte said, before suggesting that arms purchase and delivery procedures should be simplified.

He urged Europeans to allocate more to defence spending. 2% of GDP is too little given the war in Ukraine, the NATO Secretary General pointed out, adding that security is the most important thing to preserve what European democracy has achieved so far. He proposed that the hybrid attacks weve seen in the last 15 years should be considered a destabilisation campaign by Russia, which has been attacking Europe in different ways:

Russias war against Ukraine rages on. At the same time, Russias is accelerating its destabilisation campaign against our own countries, with cyber attacks, with assassination attempts, acts of sabotage and more. We used to call this hybrid; Im trying to get rid of that word, hybrid, I would call it destabilisation campaign. And Russia is not alone, it has China, North Korea and Iran, by its side. Meanwhile, many other dangers persist, from terrorism, nuclear proliferation, disinformation, and, of course, climate change. NATO allies have certainly increased defence spending, two thirds are now spending at least 2% of GDP on defence. And thats good, and we very much welcome their efforts, but to be honest, 2% is not nearly enough. Our industry is still too small, it is too fragmented and, to be honest, it is too slow. I welcome and support that the EU is now redoubling efforts to remedy this by enhancing our defence industrial base and, with the European defence industry programme, we have opportunity to bolster our shared security.

At the moment, only 23 of NATOs 32 member states are meeting the targeted defence spending of 2% of GDP, with Romania being one of the former. The new US president elect Donald Trump asked NATO member states from Europe to boost their defence budgets to at least 5% of GDP per year, a target seen, however, as unrealistic in the European Union. A possible decision to raise this target is expected at the next NATO summit to be held in The Hague in June this year.
Australia will on Tuesday release November numbers for building approvals, highlighting a light day for Asia-Pacific economic activity. Approvals are expected to sink 3.6 percent on month after climbing 4.2 percent in October.

Japan will see November figures for current account and December data for bank lending and for the eco watchers index.

In November, the current account surplus was 2.456 trillion yen. In December, bank lending rose 3.0 percent on year, while the eco watchers survey had a score of 49.4.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Economic News

What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more.
Bridget Mtetwa (third from left) accepting her prize

Towards the end of 2024, Rhodes University student Bridget Mtetwa, a Pharmacy Masters student, achieved a significant milestone at the 2024 EDHE Entrepreneurship Intervarsity Competition. Bridget secured 2nd place in the Social Impact category, earning national recognition for her innovative business, Bridgets Learning Hub.

Her enterprise specialises in online tutoring and integrates a strong social impact programme. Through collaboration with the Inkululeko Programme, Bridgets Learning Hub provides essential academic support to Grade 7 learners at CM Vellem and Grade 12 learners at Nathaniel Nyaluza, ensuring access to quality tutoring for students who might otherwise be unable to afford such services.

Bridgets exceptional accomplishments were recognised with R12,500 in prize money, which includes:

 R10,000 for her 2nd-place finish in the national competition.  R2,500 for her 1st-place victory in the regional competition.

The EDHE Entrepreneurship Intervarsity Competition, an initiative by Universities South Africa (USAf) through its Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education programme (EDHE), is a prestigious platform celebrating and supporting student entrepreneurs across the country.

Bridgets achievement reflects Rhodes Universitys commitment to nurturing and supporting student entrepreneurship. In 2024, the University introduced two impactful initiatives: the Rhodes University Local Economic Development Programme (RU-LED) and the EDHE Student Women Economic Empowerment Programme (SWEEP).

In addition to introducing these programmes, the University revived the Enactus Rhodes University student society, engaging students in entrepreneurial projects that drive positive change. Rhodes University is also in the process of reviving the Hult Prize Foundations activities on campus, further solidifying its dedication to fostering entrepreneurial spirit among students.

These initiatives are coordinated through the Career Centre, a unit of the Division for Student Services and Development, in collaboration with the Rhodes Business School and the Centre for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator.

Rhodes University congratulates Bridget on her remarkable success and extends its gratitude to everyone who supported her journey. This achievement underscores the Universitys ongoing efforts to empower students and make a meaningful impact through entrepreneurship.

We look forward to what 2025 has in store for this remarkable student.
Indian electric car market will soon get a new entrant in the form of Gensol Ezio, which has been spied in India multiple times. Unlike existing electric cars in India, upcoming electric car from Gensol EV is a three wheeled vehicle, which has been named Ezio. The company is poised to unveil it at Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025.

Electric 3-wheeler Spied Undisguised

As opposed to the previous set of spy shots, the new test mules show cars design without any camouflage. Said vehicle was under testing, probably by ARAI. As revealed by Gensol EV website, the companys first electric car has received ARAI certification. The company promises 200 km of range from a single charge along with a top-speed of 80 km/h.

As seen in the spy shots by autonation_India, the rear of this vehicle has Ezio badging and the same name is officially teased by the company too. Beside Ezio badge, we can see EV badge in a teal blue shade. At the front, there seems to be a conventional car face with regular headlights, fog lights and a closed-off grill.

There seems to be a single wiper blade for front windshield and none for rear windshield, which is expected with budget cars. Up until the front doors, everything looks conventional. There are no rear doors. At the rear, there is only one wheel in the middle, which is probably where this vehicles electric motor is present.

There seems to be a rear tailgate with a convenient boot behind it. Flanking it are Gensol Ezios tail lights. We can also see a shark fin antenna and a dual-tone black roof, for some panache. These spy shots dont show Ezios interiors, but companys website hints at many things we can expect.

Feature-Loaded Interiors?

This electric 3-wheeler spied undisguised, packs quite a few feature and creature comforts, despite being a budget offering. We can see manual air conditioning, a free-standing touchscreen infotainment display that might feature Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and it will get a conventional gear selector stick.
A woman looks at the Chinese Lunar New Year decorations inside a shopping mall in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Jan. 13, 2025. Retail establishments decorated their spaces with themed decorations in anticipation of the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year, the Year of the Snake. (Photo by Liang Sen/Xinhua)

Chinese Lunar New Year decorations are seen inside a shopping mall in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Jan. 13, 2025. Retail establishments decorated their spaces with themed decorations in anticipation of the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year, the Year of the Snake. (Photo by Liang Sen/Xinhua)
TEHRAN, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday that Iran-China relations will continue to deepen, further building on their long-standing and deep-rooted civilizational bonds.

Baghaei made the remarks at a press briefing while wishing the Chinese people greater happiness and tranquility in the upcoming Lunar New Year, which is to be celebrated late this month.

In response to a question from Xinhua about bilateral ties and cooperation, he said the relations have experienced a diversified development across various fields including economic and trade, science, and tourism and cultural exchanges.

He expressed confidence that, based on solid cultural links, the two nations will constantly move forward in the development of their relations. 




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When Bill Clinton used his last hours as president to pardon or commute the sentences of 176 wrongdoers  including two Weather Underground terrorists, Whitewater criminal Susan McDougal, and Marc Rich, a fugitive billionaire racketeer and tax cheat whose family had contributed $1.3 million to the Democratic Party  I wrote that his behavior "reeked of corruption."

When Donald Trump in 2017 pardoned Joe Arpaio  a brutal Arizona sheriff who boasted of confining inmates in conditions so harsh that they amounted to a "concentration camp" and who engaged in rampant illegal racial profiling  I described the president's act as "noxious" and a mark of his "disdain for decency in law enforcement."

Odious as Clinton's and Trump's actions were, however, I disagreed with those who said the time had come to abolish or curtail the pardon power. To my mind, the Framers of the Constitution were wise to grant presidents the unfettered "power to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States." Though there is potential danger in giving anyone such extraordinary authority to override the legal system, I believed it would be more dangerous not to have some kind of emergency fail-safe to prevent miscarriages of justice. Clinton and Trump were unprincipled scoundrels, but other presidents had used the pardon power for honorable reasons  to reduce national strife, to promote political reconciliation, to rectify grave injustices.

So I continued to think that Alexander Hamilton got it right in Federalist No. 74. He contended that without "exceptions in favor of unfortunate guilt, justice would wear a countenance too sanguinary and cruel." In other words, when hard cases make bad law, society needs a way to temper strict justice with mercy.

But I've changed my mind.

It was naive of me to imagine that the Clinton/Trump abuses would prove exceptions to the rule. President Biden's deluge of pardons and commutations in recent weeks makes it clear that the old norm is largely defunct. Presidents now are more likely than ever to deploy clemency not to ensure fairness but to thwart it  not as an act of grace to lower the flames of discord but as a political weapon to protect unrepentant allies and reward supporters.

Biden's sweeping pardon of his son for any and all federal crimes he committed over the past 10 years was disgraceful, and not only because Biden had repeatedly insisted that he would not do it. The pardon also shut down any law-enforcement investigation into Hunter Biden's alleged influence-peddling activities, which reportedly involved selling access to the Biden "brand" for millions of dollars.

Worse still was Biden's commutation last month of the death sentences of 37 of the 40 murderers in federal prison. He issued those commutations as an end run around the legislative process  as a way to nullify a federal law that he opposes (capital punishment) but never asked Congress to repeal. Biden did something similar in 2022, when he announced a "full, complete, and unconditional" pardon for all Americans convicted of marijuana possession, a federal crime under the Controlled Substances Act.

The pardon power wasn't incorporated into the Constitution so presidents could circumvent federal laws they don't like. But now that the precedent has been established and repeated, it is all but certain to be exploited by future presidents  starting with Trump, who returns to the White House next week.

At the end of his first term as president, Trump brazenly extended clemency to an array of political allies and aides who had gone to prison for crimes including political corruption, theft, fraud, and witness tampering. In the words of the conservative journal National Review, he "handed out improper pardons" to a "rogues' gallery of people ... rewarded for their prominence or their usefulness to Trump rather than for any injustice done to them."

Now, with the political wind at Trump's back, there is every reason to expect the cynical misuse of the clemency power to continue.

Trump has long said that one of his first orders of business after regaining power will be to pardon rioters convicted of crimes committed during the attack on the US Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. In November, he announced that he would nominate one of his 2021 pardon recipients  Charles Kushner, the father of his son-in-law Jared Kushner  to be US ambassador to France.

Would it surprise anyone if Trump, taking a page from Biden's playbook, tries to use wholesale pardons to neuter federal laws that get in his way? During the campaign, he called for "one real rough, nasty day"  "one really violent day"  of police action to eradicate crime "immediately." An aide later said his words were meant in "jest." But is it inconceivable that a president who campaigned in such terms might grant pardons to any police officers charged with federal civil rights violations for engaging in brutality? Especially after the undeserved clemency that Biden bestowed on 37 vicious murderers?

It would take a constitutional amendment to curtail the pardon power or to abolish it outright. Amending the Constitution isn't easy; it requires the approval of supermajorities in both houses of Congress and ratification by three-fourths of the states. But pardon abuse has become a bipartisan problem, and proposals for reform have come from both sides of the aisle.

Representative Steve Cohen, a Tennessee Democrat, has introduced a constitutional amendment that would bar presidents from pardoning themselves, their relatives, and current or former members of their administrations or political campaigns. It would make anyone who committed a crime "at the direction of or in coordination with" the president ineligible for a pardon. The amendment would also make clear that "any pardon issued for a corrupt purpose shall be invalid."

Another approach, proposed by law professor Michael Rappaport, is to ban pardons during the lame duck period following a presidential election. That would at least put an end to the 11th-hour grants of clemency that have been so egregious, like the pardons of Marc Rich and Hunter Biden. Presidents might be less likely to issue such pardons if they had to act before voters went to the polls.

But why go through the ordeal of amending the Constitution only to tinker around the edges of the pardon power? Better to abolish it outright. As Andrew McCarthy, a former federal prosecutor, has observed, presidential clemency made more sense two centuries ago than it does now, when "federal jurisprudence has yielded a revolution in the due-process rights of criminal defendants and in Eighth Amendment protections against cruel and unusual punishments." A gross miscarriage of justice is far less likely in today's legal system, when every defendant is guaranteed a lawyer and convictions are routinely challenged on appeal. And when a rectification is needed, McCarthy wrote in 2021, federal courts are much more likely than a president to proceed fairly.

Now that presidents have discovered they can get away with deploying pardons to reward allies, shut down investigations, and evade criminal statutes, they aren't going to stop.

Presidential clemency is no longer necessary or wise. The Constitution ought to be amended to repeal it.

Jeff Jacoby is a columnist for The Boston Globe, from which this is reprinted with permission.

(COMMENT, BELOW)




Malaysia's Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli praised the growing economic ties with China, driven by the country's energy transition, noting that the ongoing energy transition is accelerating trade and collaboration. #GLOBALink
KIEV, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Ukrainian military said on Tuesday that they had struck the infrastructure of the Engels-2 military airfield in southwest Russia's Saratov region for the second time in less than a week.

The attack hit the Kristal oil depot, igniting a fire on tanks with "rare" aviation fuel for Tu-160 strategic bombers, according to a statement from the Ukrainian army.

"The multi-day complex operation to reduce the capabilities of the enemy's strategic aviation has been completed," it said.

On Jan. 8, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported that Ukrainian forces struck the same oil depot, which supplies fuel to the Engels-2 military airfield.

The Engels-2 military airfield is a key base for Russia's Tu-95, Tu-22, and Tu-160 strategic bombers, which are used for airstrikes on Ukraine, local media reported. 
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. restrictions on artificial intelligence (AI) chip exports could lead to a sector-wide slowdown, affecting the entire supply chain, Malaysia's RHB Investment Bank said in a report.

Under such restrictions, some companies in Malaysia that produce semiconductor equipment and support the largest fabrication plants might see slower sales, the report said.

Malaysian engineering support players, particularly front-end equipment manufacturers, may also face reduced demand, the research house added.

It also noted that certain technology companies in Malaysia could also be directly affected, given their businesses in the AI server and switch assembly. 
BEIJING, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese procuratorial authorities will further promote a targeted campaign against cross-border wire fraud as a major task for year 2025, according to the Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP).

Procuratorial organs will further promote the law-based governance of cyberspace, and cooperate with public security and other relevant authorities to crack down on telecom and cyber fraud, especially cross-border fraudulent schemes, said the SPP at a conference on Monday.

The SPP pledged efforts to further promote the campaign to tackle wire fraud in northern Myanmar, a region plagued by such illegal activities, and to tackle every single link and the root cause of these crimes.

The SPP also urged efforts to combat activities infringing on citizens' personal information via internet, cyber violence and other related crimes in accordance with the law. 
Washtenaw County residents can call 734-544-3050 to access Washtenaw County Community Mental Health's crisis services. Pictured, crisis team member Paige Marchese.

"This project uses simulation modeling to figure out how we can best support the unique crisis care needs of Washtenaw County." Nailah Henry
Gamma Communications announced positive trading results for 2024 on Tuesday, as well as a strategic acquisition to bolster its presence in the German market.

The AIM-traded company said it anticipated reporting a 2024 financial performance in line with market consensus, with adjusted EBITDA within the expected range and adjusted earnings per share in the upper half.

It put its performance down to healthy year-on-year growth driven by organic expansion and recent acquisitions.

Gamma said its UK operations achieved milestones including surpassing one million cloud seats, and secured contracts with major clients such as Morrisons, Equiniti, and the Dorset NHS.

I am pleased with the results we have achieved in 2024, said chief executive officer Andrew Belshaw.

We have strengthened key relationships with our technology partners by helping them bring their products into our market, and with our channel partners, by providing them with an expanded range of products to sell to their SME customers.

The firm said its expansion strategy in Europe continued with the acquisition of SF Technologies Holding, trading as Starface, for 196m (165m).

Starface, a leading provider of IP telephony solutions for German SMEs, would add 210,000 cloud PBX seats to Gamma's portfolio, bringing its total in Germany to over 500,000 seats.

The acquisition would build on Gamma's previous acquisitions in Germany, including HFO in 2020 and Placetel in 2024.

Starface, based in Karlsruhe, specialises in transitioning businesses from on-premise solutions to cloud-based communication systems, supported by a proprietary hardware PBX base of 360,000 seats.

Gamma said its extensive network of more than 2,000 channel partners would significantly enhance its distribution reach in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.

The company said it was planning to fund the acquisition through 125m of its cash reserves and a 40m drawdown from a new 130m multicurrency revolving credit facility.

It said the facility, which has a three-year term with an optional extension, would also support Gamma's broader capital allocation strategy.

For 2024, Starface was expected to generate 44m in revenue and 15m in adjusted EBITDA, with 70% of its revenue stemming from recurring sources.

This acquisition marks a significant milestone for Gamma as we further strengthen our position in Europe's cloud communications market, CEO Andrew Belshaw explained.

By combining Starfaces strong partner ecosystem and technical expertise with Gamma's established connectivity capabilities, we're delivering unmatched value to our customers and partners.

Together, we're not only strengthening our position in the German market but also shaping the future of business communications for SMEs across Europe.

Gamma said it was aiming to increase near-term investments in Starface to accelerate its transition to a software-as-a-service (SaaS) model, with the acquisition projected to be accretive to adjusted earnings per share in 2025.

The company also reiterated its plans to move to the main market of the London Stock Exchange in the second quarter, with an update expected alongside its full-year results announcement on 25 March.

At 1322 GMT, shares in Gamma Communications were down 0.78% at 1,397.07p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.
BEIJING, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- The ruling parties of China and Japan on Tuesday agreed to maintain close dialogue and communication no matter what situation China-Japan relations face.

The consensus was reached between the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Japan's Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito Party when representatives of the two sides attended the ninth meeting of the China-Japan ruling parties exchange mechanism in Beijing.

The ruling parties of the two countries recognized that since their inaugural meeting in 2006, the exchange mechanism has played a significant role in guiding the development of China-Japan relations. They welcomed the resumption of the inter-party talks following a break of six years and three months.

Focusing on the mission and responsibilities of ruling parties, both sides engaged in candid discussions on the important responsibilities and roles that the two countries should assume to maintain international order based on international law amid global upheavals.

The ruling parties held in-depth discussions on enhancing mutual trust, expanding cultural exchange and deepening mutually beneficial cooperation.

They agreed to adhere to the principles established in the four China-Japan political documents, following the direction of their leaders.

They pledged joint efforts to comprehensively advance the strategic, mutually beneficial relations between China and Japan, aiming to build a constructive, stable relationship that meets the requirements of the new era.

To that end, the ruling parties of both countries agreed to continue strengthening dialogue.

They agreed that regardless of the situation facing China-Japan relations, they will maintain close dialogue and communication, enhance mutual understanding and trust, and strengthen exchange between political parties, seasoned politicians and young politicians, laying a solid political foundation for the improvement and development of bilateral relations.

The ruling parties exchanged views on issues including the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water from Japan's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station into the ocean, and Japanese seafood product imports.

They agreed to promote the implementation of the consensus reached by the two governments, accelerate communication and consultation, and address one another's concerns in a proper manner.

Both sides confirmed that they will continue to promote practical cooperation between the two countries through exchanges between ruling parties, and agreed in principle to hold the 10th meeting under the exchange mechanism in Japan this autumn. 
According to a recent report by Goldman Sachs, the Union Budget for FY26, scheduled to be presented on February 1, is expected to concentrate on fiscal consolidation but increase allocations for rural development, welfare programs, and subsidies.

The report further stresses the twin challenge for policymakers: managing India's elevated public debt and fiscal deficit levels vis-a-vis other emerging markets while addressing growth priorities. The government is expected to target a fiscal deficit of between 4.4% and 4.6% of GDP for FY26, lower than the 4.9% FY25 target. This reduction shows commitment to fiscal consolidation, motivated by the need to control the public debt-to-GDP ratio.

Notes the Goldman Sachs economists that fiscal consolidation is required; however, in FY26 it could become an economic growth drag. A slowdown of public capex is also featured wherein growth in capex is anticipated to align or fall below the nominal GDP growth rates. Reportedly, this is the point where the speediest phase of expansion of public capex is past us, signifying a restrained approach toward investments in infrastructure.

Welfare expenditure is expected to stay in track with pre-pandemic growth at around 3% of GDP in FY26. Nonetheless, there will likely be an increased reallocation to rural development and welfare-related schemes as a result of a reduced majority, signaling a changed priority for spending.

The report also looks at India's cyclical growth slowdown, attributing it to fiscal tightening and slower credit growth due to the Reserve Bank of India's macro-prudential measures that are aimed at controlling consumer loans. However, the government still has some elbow room to increase current expenditures in FY25 because of robust tax collections, especially direct taxes.

The upcoming budget is likely to make a broader statement on the government's long-term economic vision toward 2047, focusing on job creation through labor-intensive manufacturing, credit support for MSMEs, and rural housing initiatives. Efforts to stabilize the domestic food supply chain and manage inventory to curb price volatility are also expected to feature prominently.

Such a budget will also outline a roadmap for the sustainability of public debt, while simultaneously ensuring energy security and facilitating the transition to cleaner energy. This well fits into India's overall goals for climate action and sustainability.

Goldman Sachs foresees the rural welfare, transfer schemes, and subsidies being the central element of the budget that will continue to support the development of rural areas and bring socioeconomic disparities in check. Fiscal prudence is crucial for balancing the growth-friendly measures that would define the economy in FY26 and beyond.
India and the EU are advancing their strategic partnership through trade agreements, investment protection, multilateral cooperation and addressing global challenges, fostering mutual growth and global stability.

India and the European Union (EU) are working towards strengthening their economic ties by advancing key initiatives, including the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and Investment Protection Agreement. These agreements are designed to enhance trade, foster investment and deepen economic collaboration.

The FTA aims to unlock opportunities across critical sectors such as manufacturing, technology and services. Meanwhile, the Investment Protection Agreement seeks to create a stable and secure environment for businesses, ensuring mutual benefits for EU companies operating in India and Indian enterprises in the EU.

Expanding Trade Relations

Trade has remained a cornerstone of India-EU relations. The FTA is expected to significantly boost bilateral trade by reducing barriers and facilitating the seamless exchange of goods and services. This means access to advanced technology and new markets for India, while the EU can benefit from India's vast consumer base and growing economy. The agreement reflects a shared vision of leveraging economic potential to drive growth and development on both sides.

Addressing Global Challenges Through Partnership

Beyond trade and investment, India and the EU are collaborating to address pressing global challenges. They have reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism and active participation in international forums such as the G20. Both sides are aligned on the need for collective action to resolve global issues, including humanitarian crises, climate change and geopolitical conflicts. This shared approach underscores the importance of their partnership in promoting stability and sustainable development on a global scale.

Advancing Multilateral Cooperation

Their shared commitment to multilateralism also defines the India-EU relationship. This collaboration extends to key global issues, such as supporting rules-based resolutions to conflicts and ensuring peace and stability worldwide. By aligning their efforts in global forums, India and the EU demonstrate their ability to influence and contribute to resolving complex international challenges.

Future Prospects for Strategic Partnership

The strategic partnership between India and the EU holds significant potential for the future. The next India-EU Summit, scheduled for 2025, is expected to serve as a platform to advance their collaboration. Both sides are optimistic about leveraging this opportunity to deepen their ties across various domains, including economic, technological and geopolitical areas.

India and the EU are actively strengthening their partnership through economic agreements, multilateral cooperation and shared global commitments. By fostering trade, enhancing investment protection and collaborating on global challenges, they aim to create a strong and resilient relationship. The evolving strategic partnership between the two entities is beneficial for bilateral growth and also serves as a vital factor in addressing the pressing challenges of the modern world. As they prepare for the upcoming summit, both India and the EU remain committed to building a future-oriented partnership that supports mutual prosperity and global stability.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Students across New York state could soon face a cellphone restriction, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Monday.

The governor stated she will introduce legislation in her Fiscal Year 2026 Executive Budget to restrict cellphone use for students in kindergarten through 12th grade.

Theres so much pressure on all of you, and Ive got to help you with that. Thats my job, she said during a fireside chat with hundreds of high school and community college students.

The announcement, which included no additional information about what would be included in the legislation, was presented as a follow-up to Hochuls legislative action to protect kids on social media.

It would make New York the next state to ban cellphones in its schools, according to The New York Times. Los Angeles Unified became the largest school district in the United States to instate a cellphone ban last school year, while Virginia, Ohio and Minnesota have also cracked down on devices, according to the media outlet.

New York City had also been eyeing a potential cellphone ban in public schools. In July, several public school principals were briefed on the possible policy that could go into effect starting in early 2025.

However, a month later, Mayor Eric Adams stated that the city wasnt there yet when it came to a plan to ban cellphones in schools, according to The Times.

The New York State United Teachers, the state teachers' union, said it hopes to see a bell-to-bell policy that would place cellphone restrictions from school opening to dismissal, with exceptions allowed for instructional purposes, and student health and safety needs.

Those restrictions would be designed locally, with alternative communication methods and systems addressed for parents and caregivers.

A spokeswoman for the United Federation of Teachers, New York Citys teachers union, told The New York Times that it supported restrictions on cellphones in public schools, as long as a number of conditions were met.
ALMATY, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- The National Bank of Kazakhstan has proposed to limit the deviation in the exchange rates of foreign currencies bought and sold by exchange offices, the country's financial regulator said Tuesday in a press release.

The bank has developed a draft resolution to cap the spread between the exchange rates of foreign currencies purchased and sold by the exchange offices at seven tenge for the U.S. dollar and at 10 tenge for the Euro, according to the statement.

The proposed limitation will not apply to non-cash exchange transactions and is expected to come into force in February this year.

This measure aims "to reduce speculations on the foreign exchange market and to minimize risks for the financial market participants," the bank said. 
Laurence Darmiento and Summer Lin

Los Angeles Times via Tribune News Service

LOS ANGELES  Last year, Francis Bischetti said he learned that the annual cost of the homeowners policy he buys from Farmers Insurance for his Pacific Palisades home was going to soar from $4,500 to $18,000  an amount he could not possibly afford.

Neither could he get onto the California FAIR Plan, which provides fewer benefits, because he said he would have to cut down 10 trees around his roof line to lower the fire risk  something else the 55-year-old personal assistant found too costly to manage.

So he decided he would do whats called going bare  not buying any coverage on his home in the communitys El Medio neighborhood. He figured if he watered his property year round, that might be protection enough given its location south of Sunset Boulevard.

It wasnt. The home he lived in for nearly all his life burned down Tuesday along with more than 10,000 other homes and structures damaged or destroyed in the worst fire event in the history of Los Angeles. Sixteen deaths have been confirmed countywide.

It was surrealistic, he said. Ive grown up and lived here off and on for 50 years. Ive never in my entire time here experienced this.

Farmers Insurance declined to comment, saying it does not discuss individual policyholders.

A train wreck coming down the track

Bischetti was far from the only homeowner living in Pacific Palisades, Altadena or other fire-prone hillside neighborhoods who struggled to maintain their insurance amid sharply rising costs and the decision by many insurers to reduce their exposure to catastrophic wildfire claims by not renewing the policies of even longtime customers. Many fire victims reported that insurers had dropped their policies last year.

The fires  expected to be among the costliest natural disasters in U.S. history have deepened a crisis in the states home insurance market that was already reeling before the devastation came.

The states largest home insurer, State Farm General, announced in March that it would not renew 30,000 homeowner and condominium policies  including 1,626 in Pacific Palisades  when they expired.

Chubb and its subsidiaries stopped writing new policies for high-value homes with higher wildfire risk in 2021. Allstate has stopped writing new policies in 2022, and Tokio Marine America Insurance Co. and its subsidiary Trans Pacific Insurance Co. pulled out of the state last year, though Mercury Insurance offered to take their customers.

Liberty Mutual was sued last month by a homeowner who accused the insurer of dropping her over a bogus claim that her roof had mold damage.

Driven by a desire to maximize profits, property casualty insurance companies ... have engaged in a troubling trend of dropping California homeowners insurance policies like flies, said the complaint, filed in San Diego County Superior Court. A spokesperson for Liberty Mutual declined to comment on the litigation.

The inability to get coverage is reflected in the number of policies picked up by Californias FAIR Plan, which as of September had about 452,000 policies, up from a little over 203,000 four years ago. FAIR Plans website says its claims exposure is nearly $6 billion in Pacific Palisades alone.

The situation has been a train wreck coming down the track for a while, said Rick Dinger, president of Crescenta Valley Insurance, an independent brokerage in Glendale.

Not enough insurance money to rebuild

Peggy Holter spent decades as a television journalist, a peripatetic career that took her all over the world, but there was one place she called home and always returned to: the Pacific Palisades condo she moved into Jan. 1, 1978. That all changed after Tuesdays firestorm, when her condo burned to the ground along with the rest of the 36 units in the Palisades Drive complex.

Holter, 83, who retired only last year, is now facing uncertainty after she said State Farm didnt renew her individual condo insurance, citing the condition of her roof.

But with the loss of her documents she isnt sure whether and when the policy lapsed  and she hadnt yet secured a new carrier. The insurance typically covers personal belongings and a units interior and provides benefits such as living expenses if a condo becomes unusable.

Im not a big keeper of things, but what I did have was a whole wall of pictures and albums of all the places I had been, family photos. I had a picture of my mother on a camel when she was 52 in front of the Sphinx, Holter recalled. The only thing I am concerned about is the future, because that is what you have to do.

Her biggest question is whether she can rebuild. The homeowners association had a master policy from FAIR Plan, which totaled only $20 million. That would pay out only about $550,000 per unit if the complex were not rebuilt  far below the $1 million-plus the condos commanded in recent sales. The land could be sold off to a developer.

Holter, who is now living with her son in the Hollywood Hills, had paid off her condo.

She went back to the complex after the fires died down to get a closer look at the damage. There was nothing left of her unit, but the complexs koi pond survived, along with the fish.

State Farm has declined to comment on its nonrenewals, saying in a recent statement: Our number one priority right now is the safety of our customers, agents and employees impacted by the fires and assisting our customers in the midst of this tragedy.

We dont cover anything in California

Matt Knight considers himself fortunate: He and his family could have lost it all in the Eaton fire, just like Bischetti and Holter in the Palisades fire.

The trouble started last year, he said, when he received a notice from Safeco Insurance that the policy on his Sonoma Drive home in Altadena, where he lives with his wife and three children, would not be renewed due to a tree overhanging his garage.

The 45-year-old Covina elementary school teacher said he dutifully trimmed the tree only to be told the ivy growing on the garage also was a problem. After removing that, he said he was told he had to fix his damaged stucco, which forced him to paint his house and in the process replace his old roof. Yet he said he still couldnt get insurance after spending $30,000 on the repairs.

A spokesperson for Safeco, a subsidiary of Liberty Mutual, said the carrier does not comment on individual policyholders.

So we went looking company after company after company, and some of them would say, No, we dont cover anything in California. Some said, Were not doing any new policies. Some said, No, we dont do 91001 because its in a fire zone, and we were like, Thats crazy.

Just a day before his policy was set to expire last summer, Knight said he finally managed to secure similar coverage with Aegis Insurance. But in the haste to get the policy in force, the home he has lived in for 16 years was left wildly underinsured for less than $300,000, which would likely not pay for its reconstruction. The home property is valued at $1.13 million on Zillow.

The ferocious winds that fanned the Eaton fire started a power outage Tuesday evening, so Knight decided to drive his children over to his parents home on the other side of Altadena where they could do their homework. From there, he saw the fire start on a street hugging the mountains near what appeared to be a power line.

Within minutes it was taking up the hillside. It was unbelievable, he said.

His parents home on Roosevelt Avenue escaped the devastation, and throughout the night he drove over to check on his home. By 6 a.m., he had joined a brigade of homeowners to fight the encroaching flames on Sonoma Drive. The whole neighborhood was there grabbing hoses and fighting fires, he said.

In the late afternoon, he said, the water ran out for the homeowners and firefighters alike, forcing him and his neighbors to pack up and go. He was sure he would lose his home, but the winds died down.

I think that was the ultimate good fortune, he said, though some other neighbors were not so lucky.

Bischetti was not so lucky either.

On Tuesday, when the fires started in the hills and all of his Palisades neighbors started to pack their cars, Bischetti stayed behind to keep hosing down his property, including his lawn, roof, rafters and walls.

I thought everything would be relatively safe, he said. I was sticking around trying to protect the house with water.

He gradually started packing his car with a change of clothes, one of his guitars, tax papers, property deeds and hard drives from his computer. He left his computer itself back in the house, along with his amps, music equipment and tools.

His entire street was a ghost town by 5 p.m. By then, Bischetti had already watered down his property multiple times. It was dusty and smoky, and a voice in his head told him it was time to go. Im going to come back for this tomorrow, he recalled thinking. I dont want to weigh down my car.

It didnt work out that way.

Bischetti drove near Palisades High School and saw a house on the corner of the street start to burn down. He then tried going on El Medio Avenue and drove into black smoke, with flames on both sides of his car. He started panicking and realized he couldnt get through.

After making it to his sisters home in Mar Vista, he found out from a neighbor that all of the homes on his block had been leveled.

Bischetti said his siblings lost family mementos and photos and he lost thousands of dollars worth of tools and musical instruments. They also had spent nearly $4,000 fixing up the home in order to rent out some of the rooms.

Bischetti and his family have signed up for Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster relief funds and are trying to get help with cleaning up the property, which he said could cost at least $10,000.

I was getting ready for this, he said of his one-man firefighting efforts. That was the last hurrah.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Incoming President Donald Trump wished Rep. Nicole Malliotakis father happy 88th birthday in a personal video message.

Malliotakis posted the video to Instagram over the weekend. She met with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort to discuss issues, like congestion pricing, state and local tax (SALT) deductions, the World Trade Center Health Program and more.

George, happy birthday, Trump said. Your daughter is doing a fantastic job; shes absolutely unbeatable.

He finished the video with the following: Im here with a lot of congressmen and congresswomen and they all love her, so, happy birthday; shes doing a really great job.

Malliotakis, smiling, stood next to Trump in the video as he spoke.

When the Advance/SILive.com asked Malliotakis about the video, she said her father was very excited.

For an immigrant who came to this country with $50 in his pocket to now get a video message wishing him a happy 88th birthday from the president of the United States, I think its made [his] day, Malliotakis said.

Malliotakis father immigrated to the United States from Greece.

Mar-a-Lago visit

A productive meeting with President @realDonaldTrump about ending the illegal immigration crisis, providing SALT relief & stopping #NYC congestion pricing and more! Looking forward to January 20! pic.twitter.com/9sHj6KfXeq  Nicole Malliotakis (@NMalliotakis) January 12, 2025

Malliotakis joined other Republican congressional representatives  including Rep. Andrew Garbarino, Rep. Mike Lawler and Rep. Nick LaLota  to discuss a variety of topics with the incoming president ahead of his Jan. 20 inauguration.

The contingent flew to Florida to meet with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago resort, which has seemingly become his base of operations during the past four years while President Joe Biden governed from the oval office.

Malliotakis told the Advance/SILive.com that the meeting was productive.

To read more about the congresswomans trip and discussions with Trump, click here.
House Speaker Mike Johnson is changing protocol and ordering flags at the U.S. Capitol be at full-staff for the upcoming inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump.

On January 20th, the flags at the Capitol will fly at full-staff to celebrate our country coming together behind the inauguration of Trump, Johnson (R-La.) said in a statement reported by the New York Post.

The flags will be lowered back to half-staff the following day to continue honoring President Jimmy Carter, he said.

Trump is set to be sworn in as the nations 47th president this coming Monday, Jan. 20, at the Capitol.

President Joe Biden ordered flags be flown at half-staff for 30 days in memory of former President Jimmy Carter, who died last month at the age of 100.

The edict covered the White House, all public buildings and military installations.

There had been consternation among Trump allies that the having the flags at the Capitol flying at half-staff during the inauguration would be a bad visual amid celebrations of Trumps inauguration.

Trump expressed dismay that the flags would be at half-staff for his inauguration, writing on Truth Social that Democrats were giddy about the visual that the country would be mourning his taking office.

Nobody wants to see this, and no American can be happy about it. Lets see how it plays out. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! Trump wrote on Jan. 3.

Flags at Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Fla. were raised to full-staff on Monday, even though GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis had also issued a 30-day order honoring Carter.

Texas GOP Gov. Greg Abbott has announced that American flags at government installations in the Lone Star State would be flown full staff for Trumps inauguration.
If you like going to Starbucks purely for the vibes or a safe place to go to the bathroom, that era is over.

In a newly released code of conduct for its company-owned locations in North America, Starbucks is repealing its open-door policy  meaning, if you want to sit at their tables or use their bathroom, a purchase is required.

If guests dont comply with purchasing something, the code gives the coffee shop the thumbs up to call law enforcement if the need arises. A company statement acknowledged that guests might need to use the bathroom facilities or the Wi-Fi prior to buying something at the counter, CBS News said.

The open-door policy first came to fruition after two Black men were arrested at a Philadelphia Starbucks where they had gone for a business meeting. The incident at that individual store, which had a policy of asking non-paying customers to leave, was caught on video and was a major embarrassment for the company, CBS reported.

The code additionally prohibits things like discrimination, drinking alcohol, drug use, harassment, panhandling and smoking  including vaping.

Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson said the following: We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable in our stores. By setting clear expectations for behavior and use of our spaces, we can create a better environment for everyone.

There are 10,158 company-operated and 6,777 licensed stores in the United States in 2024, according to Statista. Worldwide, Statista puts Starbucks 2024 locations at 40,199.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  An 84-year-old grandfather who was struck by a vehicle while crossing a Tottenville Street last month has died, according to the victims family.

Louis Casale, of Tottenville, affectionately known as Uncle Louie and Old Man Louie, passed away on Friday surrounded by family at Staten Island University Hospital in Princes Bay, his daughters, Laura Maida and Ann Stofflet, told the Advance/SILive.com.

He was loved very much and will be missed by all who knew him, Maida said.

Born Oct. 27, 1940, Casale was the first-born son of Anthony and Anna Casale. He grew up in Brooklyn and resided on Staten Island for the last 29 years, according to an obituary.

Soft-spoken with a tremendous sense of humor, Casale became known as a middleman of sorts throughout the South Shore and a guy who knew a guy  always able to refer residents and business owners to someone who had what they needed, regardless of what they were looking for.

He didnt want to ever leave Staten Island because he was so comfortable with everyone he knew and all the friends he made, Stofflet said.

A retired shoe salesman who became bored just sitting at home, Casale would drive around the area regularly, stopping to grab a bite or to visit family, friends and acquaintances around Tottenville, Huguenot, Woodrow and Rossville.

Friends were like family to him, Maida said. He was the type of guy who just knew everyone and loved to help connect people.

Maida recalled one instance in which her dad encountered an old-time Brooklyn acquaintance in a Staten Island pizzeria who was quick to tell her: They dont make them like Louie anymore.

It was a comforting comment that showed her just how much her dad was loved and respected throughout the borough.

Visitation will be held at Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home in Tottenville on Tuesday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. A funeral Mass will be held Wednesday at 10 a.m. in Our Lady Star of the Sea R.C. Church in Huguenot. It will be followed by burial at Greenwood Cemetery in Brooklyn.
IN CLASS: This feature is part of an ongoing education column highlighting the various activities that engage school communities.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Staten Island high school students were recently engaged in hands-on instruction during a special engineering lab that focused on protecting data with encryption.

St. Peters Boys High School students participated in an event last month with Engineering Tomorrow, a public charity that aims to inspire high school students across the country to pursue a path in engineering through labs events developed by engineers, mentorship and hands-on instruction.

The event, called Cybersecurity: Protecting Data with Encryption, involved 1,200 students across 10 states who participated via Zoom.

Career engineer Gerry Dawes, of Engineering Tomorrow, visited the high school in New Brighton to teach the lab to students in-person on Dec. 11.

During the lab, students learned about various topics, including phishing attacks, malware, hacking, artificial intelligence and more.

The activity involved practice with different encryption techniques and ways to hide information from hackers, including using the website CyberChef  a web app for analyzing and decoding data, to practice encrypting and decrypting messages with basic ciphers.

During the lab, students learned about various topics, including phishing attacks, malware, hacking, artificial intelligence and more. (Courtesy/Engineering Tomorrow)Engineering Tomorrow

Dawes explained that Engineering Tomorrow believes that educating students about a range of engineering careers they may not have considered otherwise will open fulfilling opportunities and lead to a larger, more diverse engineering workforce.

During todays lab, students at St. Peters Boys High School showed incredible creativity in applying different encryption techniques and exploring the field of cybersecurity, said Dawes, who was also the former director of the business ethics and compliance department at Con Edison Company of New York. We hope to inspire students across the nation to continue pursuing STEM education beyond high school and contribute to this vital field.

Engineering Tomorrows mission is to create a larger and more diverse engineering workforce to solve the engineering challenges of the future and build a more innovative world. All programming is provided to schools at no cost.

JOURNALISM FOR ALL

Journalism for All, a public-private initiative to build sustainable journalism programs in underserved high schools, has selected 30 public schools across New York Citys five boroughs for its inaugural cohort, including one Staten Island school.

Led by the NYC Youth Journalism Coalition (YJC), Journalism for All aims to expand equitable access to youth journalism and foster a media landscape that reflects and supports a diverse democracy. It prioritizes equity  selecting schools where an average of 84% of students face economic hardship, according to New York City education department data.

The program drew applications from 55 high schools, with each application including a narrative from the prospective journalism teacher, plans for how the school would develop its program, and statements of support from students, the principal and other stakeholders. Selection criteria prioritized schools that lacked robust existing journalism programs, had an open admissions process, and primarily served marginalized student populations.

Port Richmond High School chosen as one of the 30 schools.

The selected schools will receive three years of hands-on support to launch and sustain journalism programs.

This includes a full-year high school journalism curriculum, teaching training from experts at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY (City University of New York), startup funds, in-kind support from nonprofit service providers, and paid summer internships for students. Educators will begin professional development this month, and journalism courses will launch at all 30 schools in September.

Journalism for All aims to create a scalable model that addresses the equity gap in journalism education. By 2028, YJC plans to establish a proven framework to expand journalism opportunities across New York City and nationwide.

We understand that creating a sustainable, system-wide program relies on clear evidence of its impactand we are prepared to deliver, said CJ Sanchez, director of the Youth Journalism Coalition. We are committed to measurable results demonstrating how journalism education transforms students lives and strengthens their communities. By working together  students, educators, city agencies, community organizations and more  were not only creating opportunities today, but were laying the groundwork for every student, no matter their zip code, to have the tools to shape the future of our schools, city, and nation.

The initiative is funded by the Charles H. Revson Foundation, Helen Gurley Brown Foundation, D J McManus Foundation and The Pinkerton Foundation.

SEND US YOUR STORIES

Do you have a story idea for the In Class education column? Email education reporter Annalise Knudson at aknudson@siadvance.com.
DHAKA, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) and the Directorate General of Food of Bangladesh, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the export of rice from Pakistan to Bangladesh on a government-to-government basis.

Syed Rafeo Bashir Shah, Chairman of TCP, and Md Abdul Khaleque, director general of the Directorate General of Food of Bangladesh, signed the MoU on behalf of their respective sides on Tuesday in Dhaka, said a ministry press release.

The MoU is expected to open new horizons in stabilizing the domestic rice market and strengthening economic and trade relations, the release added. 
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Hamish Macdonald, the former Q+A host and current Radio National and The Project presenter has been confirmed as the new Mornings host on 702 Radio Sydney.

Macdonald replaces Sarah Macdonald, who was unceremoniously dumped from her post after two years of underwhelming ratings, despite having strong support from the stations employees and core listening audience. He will present the show four days a week, while Kathryn Robinson will host on Fridays.

Hamish Macdonald has been confirmed as the new Mornings host on 702 Radio Sydney. Credit: SMH

The stations ratings will come under significant scrutiny this year due to the highly publicised changes at the end of 2024, which prompted a meeting between chair Kim Williams and a delegation of some of the stations staff, who raised concerns about its direction.

The station is also under new management, with Katrina Palmer, a former producer for some of ABC Radio Melbournes most famous shows, returning to the broadcaster as Sydney station manager. A former radio executive, Palmer produced shows for Jon Faine, Red Symons and Virginia Trioli.
The harrowing infernos consuming whole communities in Los Angeles offer frightening imagery all too familiar for many Australians, five years on from our own Black Summer.

The scale of the lives lost or disrupted and early estimates of a damage bill of as much as $US150 billion ($242 billion)  roughly the annual output of South Australia, Tasmania and the ACT combined  should give us pause to reconsider our own vulnerabilities.

A person tries to hose down embers from the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighbourhood of Los Angeles. Credit: AP

Much will be made in the coming federal election about the cost of taking action on climate change. The Californian conflagrations, exploding in the middle of their winter, should remind us theres a significant and probably much heftier bill waiting for us if we dont act.

Theyll undoubtedly hope well ignore or downplay the fact 2024 was clearly the hottest year on record, beating 2023. Ask Europes Copernicus climate service or the USs National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration or even our own Bureau of Meteorology. (Our 2024 narrowly lagged the bushfire-seared 2019 as Australias hottest ever year, BoM says.)
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Eating outArtisans & farmers Why cooks are happy to pay six times more for fancy butter you can eat like cheese Artisans are spreading the word about European-style butter, which comes with a premium price tag. Richard Cornish January 15, 2025 Save Log in , register or subscribe to save recipes for later. You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share

Jack Gaffney makes what may be Australias most expensive butter. It may also be the countrys best. While $4 will buy a 250g block of supermarket butter, Gaffneys handmade Madeleine Signature Butter fetches $12 for 120g at farmers markets in Melbourne. Gaffney, a copywriter by day and butter maker at weekends, is part of a growing number of artisans who go to extreme lengths to produce butter worthy of a premium price tag. His Madeleine Signature Butter has a soft, cool texture, a rich mouthfeel, and aromas of sweet, slightly caramelised cream and pasture. Its probably the best butter in Australia, says cheesemonger Anthony Femia, of Melbournes Maker & Monger. Jack has taken the time to learn the art, chemistry, and mechanics of French butter-making. Making French-style butter is a labour of love for Jack Gaffney.

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The butter, flecked with sel de Guerande (French sea salt flakes) is meant to be eaten in the French style, like a cheese, says Femia. It is superb. For Gaffney, its a labour of love, a homage to the butters he fell in love with while living in France with his now wife. After 18 months in Montpellier, in the south of France, they moved to Brittany, in the north-west. I learned to make butter on a small farmhouse dairy with just 12 Bretonne pie noir cows, he says. On returning to Australia in 2019, he spent years perfecting his Brittany-style cultured butter, using a secret blend of French butter cultures to ferment the cream, a process that changes the sugars into lactic acid. He even imported a 1920s French malaxer, a machine designed to remove the buttermilk and ripen the butter by kneading it slowly with a rippled rolling pin. I wanted to bring this level of artisan excellence to Australia, Gaffney says. His first batch of Madeleine was hand-formed, wrapped, and sold in May last year.

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Naomi Ingleton is a pioneer in the field. She made her first batch of artisan butter in 2007 under the Myrtleford Butter Factory label, which evolved into King Valley Dairy. Artisan butter pioneer Naomi Ingleton. Melissa Brauer Making artisan butter is an art, she says. There are so many variables. Its like winemaking, only with a new vintage every day. Now working with CopperTree Farms in Frenchs Forest, NSW, Ingleton produces exceptionally smooth, clean butter. Great butter starts with the soil. Healthy soil means healthy pasture, which means healthy cows and quality milk, she says. We have a problem in Australia with weeds in the pastures, like capeweed, that affect the taste of the butter. CopperTree is particular about the animals feed, supplementing pasture with energy-dense fermented lucerne called silage.

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Corey Costelloe is a fan of CopperTree Farm butter. Wolter Peeters One fan of CopperTree butter is Corey Costelloe, owner-chef of 20 Chapel restaurant in Sydneys Marrickville. He uses it to poach John dory and prawns, the butters lactic acid adding a creamy tang to the seafood. In the dining room, it stars on the table. Its balanced, not too cheesy like some cultured butters, says Costelloe. Its fresh and lacks the rancidity of other Australian-made butters. This notion of rancidity irks Alberto Borghi from Del Bocia in Melbourne. After working at Thats Amore Cheese in Melbournes Thomastown, he longed to make butter like that which he remembers growing up with on a self-sustaining farm near Italys Dolomites  sweet butter that is churned but not fermented. Alberto Borghi of Del Bocia. Silvia Zanon

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He believes many Australian industrial butters are rancid due to poor technique. You must remove the buttermilk, or it spoils the butter, he says. After churning his cream for hours at low speed, Borghi washes the butter in near-freezing water to remove the buttermilk. The result is a pale yellow northern Italian-style butter with a clean finish and delicate aroma of sweet pasture. Australians taste for quality butter is becoming more refined, says Borghi. People are willing to pay for something so carefully made, of such high quality, and truly delicious. Artisan butters (clockwise from top left) Del Bocia salted butter, CopperTree Salted, Pepe Saya, Lard Ass, Del Bocia unsalted, Gippsland Jersey and (centre) Madeleine. Richard Cornish

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Six leading Australian artisan butters Madeleine Salted Cultured Butter, 200g, $15 Hand-formed, this golden-yellow butter is flecked with French salt. Clean and fresh with notes of butterscotch. (Available in Melbourne only) Del Bocia Salted Butter 250g, $14.50 Aromatic, silky smooth, and cool on the palate, it has sweet pasture and floral notes. (Available in Melbourne and Sydney)

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CopperTree Farms, 200g, $8.95 Clean-tasting, creamy, and smooth to taste, with a lingering richness and a light lactic tang. (Available in Melbourne and Sydney) Lard Ass Cultured Butter, 225g, $10 Rich and slightly mushroomy, this cultured butter finishes with a delicate and clean salty tang. (Available in Melbourne, Newcastle, northern NSW, and later this year, in Sydney) Gippsland Jersey Butter,150g, $7

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Made with 100 per cent Jersey cream, this is a beautifully clean-tasting butter with a slightly tangy finish and a cool, creamy mouthfeel. (Available in Melbourne and Sydney) Pepe Saya Cultured Butter, 200g, $9.50 A rich but lightly salted butter with slightly cheesy notes and a savoury palate. (Available in Melbourne and Sydney) EASY Fire up the barbie for Adam Liaws juicy rib-eye steaks with hot butter

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DAMASCUS/ANKARA, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Syria's interim foreign minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani announced he will pay a visit to Turkiye on Jan. 15.

"We will represent the new Syria tomorrow in our first official trip to the Republic of Turkiye, which has not abandoned the Syrian people for 14 years," the minister wrote on social media X on Tuesday.

The delegation will also include Syria's interim Defense Minister Murhaf Abu Qasra and Head of the General Intelligence Service Anas Hasan Khattab, Turkish local broadcaster NTV reported Tuesday.

Turkiye has backed certain armed factions in northern Syria during the more than 13-year crisis in the country.

The visit comes during a time of active shuttle diplomacy in Syria. Foreign officials visited Damascus during the transitional period, highlighting the country's efforts to rebuild and expand regional relations following the collapse of the previous leadership.

Turkiye has voiced its commitment to Syria's post-conflict reconstruction, with Turkish officials signaling their willingness to provide logistical support, technical expertise, and investment in key sectors such as construction, agriculture and energy. 
A man who performed a Nazi salute in front of a transgender pride march in November said he was ignorant and didnt want to go to jail, as a magistrate slammed his actions as unacceptable.

Felix Kiera fronted Newtown Local Court on Tuesday, accused of stepping in front of the Trans Day of Resistance March on Camperdowns Victoria Street in November 2024, performing a Nazi salute and making threatening remarks.

Felix Kiera leaves Newtown Local Court on Tuesday. Credit: Kate Geraghty

When officers arrested the 21-year-old and told him it was illegal in NSW to perform a Nazi salute, he said it was not an offence but a legitimate political statement.

The court appearance comes amid a spate of antisemitic attacks across Sydney, which have prompted Premier Chris Minns to promise a crackdown on the bastards out there who are determined to rip our community in two.
The Minns government has upped its pay offer to thousands of rail workers in a bid to end a protracted wage dispute, a day before unions are due to start a series of work bans that threaten to cause service delays and cancellations on Sydneys train network.

The offer presented to rail workers comprises a pay rise of 13 per cent over four years, as well as a 1 per cent increase from savings from the merger of Sydney Trains and regional operator NSW Trains and 1 per cent from legislated super increases.

The government has asked rail unions to give it an in-principle response by Thursday, and it intends to put the offer to a vote of the 13,000-strong rail workforce in the coming weeks. Rail unions have rejected a request to drop a series of major work bans due to come into effect on Wednesday.

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said the four-year offer presented to rail workers was fair and reasonable and represented the governments wages offer plus an extra 1 per cent.
A quarter of commuters on the shuttered T3 Bankstown line have spurned the free replacement buses, new data has revealed, leading to extra road congestion in Sydneys south-west as about 10,000 people a day seek alternatives.

The T3 line carried some 40,000 people each day on average before it closed in 2024, according to Opal data from Transport for NSW. But manual counting revealed an average of 30,000 daily bus commuters in the final months of 2024, down from initial figures that excluded weekend trips.

The replacement bus service at Sydenham station, where thousands of commuters are switching to the metro. Credit: Steven Siewert

The line was closed from late September 2024 for a planned 12-month conversion to metro standards.

While the data shows that as many as one in four commuters on the old trains are rebuffing the free bus service, it is unclear what alternative arrangements commuters are making, as data from the area is not being published on the traffic volume database.
I had absolutely no [inkling] that it was cancer. I wasnt even remotely worried, she said. Her doctor initially suggested the discomfort could be from a muscle strain and that she could wait to see if her symptoms improved. But Dawson wasnt convinced. She pushed for an ultrasound, which led to a biopsy that revealed melanoma spots on her liver. She was just 36 and had recently returned to work from parental leave. Im forever grateful that I did actually push to have that test done, she said.

My diagnosis came as such a shock to me. I didnt really understand what metastatic melanoma stage 4 meant. It was really confronting, I was in my mid-30s, I had a one-year-old kid and [was] trying to understand what a diagnosis like that meant for my family and for my career. Dawson grew up on a beef farm in Gippsland and spent a lot of time outdoors  a childhood she describes as typically Australian. Research from the Cancer Council reveals that Victorians in regional areas are more likely to develop melanomas than their city counterparts. Melanomas account for 10 per cent of all cancers diagnosed in these areas. Melbournes skin-cancer hotspots Beaumaris Mornington Mount Martha Point Nepean Rosebud - McCrae Flinders Mount Eliza Sandringham - Black Rock Dromana Before her diagnosis, Dawsons sun-protection routine was similar to many other Australians: sunscreen and a cap. Now, she believes the key to reducing skin cancer rates also lies in better education. I think I was probably the typical Aussie in that I just didnt take it seriously enough, she said.

Experts agree. The Cancer Council reports that melanoma is the most common cancer in Australians aged 15 to 29 because many young people underestimate their risk. While melanoma rates have declined for younger Victorians aged 24 to 50, and even stabilised for those between 50 and 65, cases are rising among those over 75, reflecting the states ageing population. Australia has the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Credit: Scott McNaughton Cancer Council Victorias head of SunSmart, Emma Glassenbury, said the risk of skin cancer increased with age due to greater UV exposure over a persons lifetime. We have absolutely seen success in the decline of melanoma rates in younger Victorians. But as our population grows and ages, melanoma case numbers are expected to climb in the future, and the high cost of therapy will strain healthcare budgets, she said.

The primary prevention of skin cancer really must remain a high priority and on the public health agenda because skin cancer is preventable. Alongside its beachside location, an ageing population could help explain why Beaumaris tops the list. The median age in Melbourne was 38, according to the 2021 census, but 48 in the bayside suburb. Loading Dawson, now cancer-free, has become a passionate advocate. She founded the Melanoma and Skin Cancer Advocacy Network to raise awareness and address the lack of support and education surrounding the disease. This is Australias national cancer, and yet theres so much were not doing as a country to reduce the burden of disease, she said.

Pockets of Melbournes western, northern and inner south-eastern suburbs generally have lower-than-average diagnoses. Residents of Cairnlea, about 17 kilometres north-west of the CBD, have the lowest risk  followed by St Albans, Springvale and Burnside Heights. Dr Jessica Cameron, a data scientist for the Australian Cancer Atlas, said that while many areas of Melbourne had lower-than-average rates compared with the national average, it was important to remember that the national average was, in fact, very high. The Cancer Council reports that Australia has the worlds highest rates of skin cancer and that at least two in three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime. The high rates in coastal areas demonstrate that wherever we live, we need to slip, slop, slap, slide, seek, and check the UV index using the SunSmart app or the Bureau of Meteorology website, Cameron said.

While most Australians are familiar with slipping on a shirt, slopping on sunscreen and slapping on a hat, the iconic Slip, Slop, Slap slogan was updated in 2007 to include seeking shade and sliding on wraparound sunglasses. Melanoma rates in Australia are two to three times higher than in Canada, the United States and the UK. While mortality is low, it remains 1.5 to 2.5 times higher than in those countries. Queensland has the highest melanoma risk in Australia, followed by Tasmania, Western Australia, New South Wales, the ACT, the Northern Territory, South Australia and Victoria. Early detection plays a crucial role in improving health outcomes. Glassenbury urges Victorians to regularly check their skin and consult a doctor if they notice any changes.
When I visit the zoo, I am often struck by the human animals fragility. We lack fangs, speed, even the musculature of chimpanzees. We humans lack the musculature of our closest relative in the animal kingdom. Credit: Edwina Pickles Evolution took a different tack with us: rather than power athletes, we are endurance specialists, says Professor Frank Marino, who studies the evolutionary biology of human performance at Charles Sturt University. We are incredibly efficient sweaters, thanks to our lack of fur and lots of sweat glands, Marino tells me. Other animals cool themselves by panting, and its hard to run and pant at the same time. A human hunter has a range of about 15 kilometres  much further than most animals. In a hot environment, we can outrun almost any four-legged creature if were chasing them. They will stop because of heat exhaustion. We wont, he says.

So we were born to run? Yes  but thats not the full story. When scientists spend time with modern hunter-gatherers, they find they are more active than city-dwellers  they do four to six hours of demanding work a day. But the rest of the day is spent pottering around camp. Modern hunter-gatherers are much more active than city couch dwellers, yet expend roughly the same energy. Credit: Shutterstock Harvard University paleoanthropologist Professor Daniel Lieberman uses this evidence to argue that we are adapted to both work and rest. We evolved in an era of food scarcity. That led evolution to select behavioural adaptations that encouraged us to rest and conserve energy wherever possible, Lieberman argues. And our bodies evolved strong mechanisms to constantly trim off anything not needed. Muscle is metabolically expensive to maintain. Without constant stimulus  lifting weights  our bodies try to strip off as much of a musculature as possible, preserving energy for other tasks. Our muscles become weak, our bones become frail, our blood vessels can stiffen. [We need] a certain level of stress, so the body can adapt, says Dr Jenna Taylor, an accredited exercise physiologist and lecturer at the University of Queensland.

Seen this way, chronic inactivity is harmful to our health because it is a signal for our body to start slicing away at our vital systems. Our hunter-gatherer ancestors were simply never inactive enough, given their need to hunt for food, for this to become a big problem. Modern, sedentary humans now face the negative outcomes of that adaptation. Loading Rooney compares us to a wild animal that has been domesticated. Weve domesticated ourselves, prescribed ourselves to the capitalist culture of working 60 hours a week to earn as much money as we can to buy everything we want, he says. Weve become highly stressed and far less active. Professor Herman Pontzer, an evolutionary anthropologist at Duke University, takes this argument further.

In a series of stunning experiments, he and colleagues showed that total energy expenditure is actually similar for active hunter-gatherers and inactive urban couch-dwellers. If were using energy, but not moving, where does it go? Pontzer argues our bodies are evolved to use periods of rest between periods of activity for recovery  firing up our immune, adrenal and reproductive systems. If were chronically inactive, all these systems are chronically overstimulated, which may contribute to chronic disease, Pontzer argues. What you can do Personal trainer Drew Westfield says everyone can do with more muscle on their body. Credit: Joe Armao

The solution? Exercise, obviously. Physical activity guidelines recommend 1 hours of intense activity a week, including strength training  for everyone, no matter their age. Credit: Matt Golding Drew Westfield, co-founder of GRIPT Gym in Melbourne, has his 65-year-old mother in the gym twice a week lifting weights as a foundation for healthy ageing. Everyone can do with more muscle on their body, more strength. Your joints arent going to be copping so much of the load because youve got more muscle on your skeleton to do the heavy lifting, he says. Westfield focuses on basic functional movements: a squat, a hinge, a press, a pull. For those unsure where to start, he recommends a few sessions with a personal trainer, who can develop a program and train you on how to do each exercise safely.
Ive been one of the bad travellers in Japan. I went on a bucks trip to Hakuba once, a snowboarding holiday with a bunch of boozy thirtysomething blokes, and we were the exact sort of visitors the Japanese must fear.

Pack mentality does funny things to people. We sat on the public bus from Nagano to Hakuba making way too much noise and drinking obnoxiously from beer cans. We dressed as superheroes one night and slid down the ski hills on our bellies after a big night at the izakaya. We were rowdy the whole trip, obvious, insufferable.

Kyoto is not coping with the number of tourists it is receiving. Credit: iStock

So I say what Im about to say with the admission of someone who has taken part.

Australians are at risk of ruining Japan. Ruining it as a destination for ourselves and for everyone else. The legendary Japanese hospitality and politeness can only be pushed so far, and we must be near that breaking point.
~ Two-time cancer survivor struggling to be alive yet being disrespected by superiors. ~

MARIGOT:--- Pascale Modesse has served as the Police Nationale since 1989. Instead of being recognized and honored for 36 years of dedicated service, Modesse is fighting for respect from her superiors.

In an exclusive interview with SMN News, Modesse explained that she is a two-time cancer survivor; she was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2004, and even though treated and went back to work, in 2019, she received the worst news when her doctors told her that the cancer was back and that she needed to undergo emergency surgery. Since then, Modesse has been on sick leave, which was approved by the doctors that represent the Police Nationale.

Despite being ill and not released from sick leave, Modesse went back to work but was ordered by her doctors to remain home as she needed more rest to recuperate from the chemotherapy she received. In explaining her medical history, Modesse said she underwent seven surgeries in a two-and-a-half-year period.

Modesse explained that in 2023, the service chef at the Saint Martin Bureau was changed, and this person (name provided) sent her several WhatsApp messages instructing her to pick up her personal belongings from their office since he had replaced her.

Modese said that the new captain did not follow the law because he was not supposed to communicate such information by WhatsApp, and most of all, he knew that she was on medical leave and that the doctors had approved the medical leave. The new chef said in his messages that I should look for an opening at the PAF (DTPN) or the Prefecture of Saint Martin.

The 64-year-old agent said that she has since written several letters reporting the injustice, but so far, not one of the persons she wrote responded to her letter of grievance.

Letters were sent to the Minister of Interior Affairs and the Inspection Generale de la Police Nationale (IGPN). I am yet to get a response from the Minister of Interior Affairs. While the IGPN did respond to me and said they would investigate, since then, I was not updated on the outcome of the investigation even though I provided all the proof needed for the investigation. Most recently a letter was sent to the Director of the Territorial Police Nationale, and he too did not respond.

Modesse said that even though she has not been officially released from sick leave, she is prepared to return to work to serve her country faithfully as she did for 36 years. However, she said she wants to return to her post at the Bureau on Saint Martin. She is calling on all relevant authorities to grant her the respect and honor she deserves and to send her a written letter so that she can take up her position until she retires.

Police Officers are not being respected.

Modesse said that she does not intend to back down or allow anyone to walk over her because she has a medical condition. I did not ask for cancer to attack me twice; I am trying to survive and to live. Besides that, my husband and partner committed suicide a few years ago because he too was a police officer, and he could not continue with the abuse and disrespect from his superiors, thus he took his life.

The Police Nationale agent said that while they are not speaking out, several of her colleagues who have served faithfully have since resigned and are now working in the private sector. I will be sending a clear message to those that are above me: I will not buckle to cowards; my father served the same Police Nationale, and I will do so until I go on retirement.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in a public meeting on January 14, 2025.

The public meeting, which was adjourned on January 13, 2025, will reconvene on Tuesday at 10.00 hrs in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Council of Ministers will be in attendance.

The agenda point is:

4. Ontwerplandsverordening tot vaststelling van de begroting van het Land Sint Maarten voor het dienstjaar 2025 (Landsverordening begroting 2025)(Zittingsjaar 2024-2025-182) (IS/371/2024-2025 d.d. 11 december 2024)

National Ordinance stipulating the Budget for Country Sint Maarten for the service year 2025 (National Ordinance Budget 2025) (Parliamentary Year 2024-2025-182) (IS/371/2024-2025 dated December 11, 2024).

Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations. All persons visiting the House of Parliament must adhere to the house rules.

The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.

The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on TV 15, Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.sxmparliament.org, www.pearlfmradio.sx and www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament
PHILIPSBURG: --- Former Minister of VSA and now MP Omar Ottley called on the current council of ministers to show parliament what they have done over the past year; Ottley said some of the Ministers that are currently in the Council of Ministers will be in office for a year, yet the budget they presented to parliament is 90% from the government he served.

Ottley said the current Council of Ministers is stuck on the four years the government he was part of, forgetting that the factions that make up the current coalition government were part of the government for four or more years.

The chairlady of parliament, Sarah Wescot Williams, was in government for more than four years representing the DP faction, Franklyn Meyers was also in government for more than four years, and so is Marcel Gumbs from the PFP faction, and Romaine Laville who is now supporting the Minister of VSA.

Ottley congratulated the Minister of VSA for the increase in the minimum wage and pension. He said that in the past, the ministers blamed him for the minimum wage increase when it was said that he did not follow the law. He said that did not change until he sat with the Minister of Finance and showed her the process.

He warned the Minister of VSA to take the necessary steps to support SZV because the company will lose some 24 million guilders this year; he said he knows that the government will say he was the one in government but reminded them of the health levy that is already prepared and this one of the reasons SZV got positive financial reports for three straight years.

During the 2025 budget debate, Ottley told parliament that the only two Ministers who told parliament and the people of St. Maarten the truth were the Ministers of VSA, Richinel Brug, and Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling. Both Ministers elaborated on the cuts in the 2025 budget and how they will affect their Ministries.

As for the Minister of Finance, Marinka Gumbs Ottley said he was fooled by the Minister and her slogan when she first appeared in parliament on the Ennia and the 2024 budget amendment. Ottley reminded that Gumbs had on her election posters, Marinka doesnt buckle. However, contrary to the slogan, the Minister buckled to the Dutch twice with her signed agreements.

Otley then remarked on the Cannabis legislation, which he said would generate revenue for the country but that he said is a process. The legislation must be presented to parliament before it becomes law.

He warned the Minister that if the draft legislation is not worked upon, he will do it from the benches of parliament.

MP Ottley also asked Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina to tell parliament if any invoice was submitted to the government for the formation of the government. He said if an invoice was submitted, he wanted to know what the formation costs the government.

He also called on the Minister of TEATT to go ahead with the investigation, which she said she would conduct to determine what happened to the money that was on the accounts of EDC. The Member of Parliament said after the investigation is conducted, he would like for the Minister of TEATT to make the findings known.
HOHHOT, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- In the freezing winter, on the fringes of the Kubuqi Desert in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, dedicated sand control workers are busy mending and reinforcing defenses in the form of straw checkerboards -- featuring straw placed in a checkerboard pattern on the desert surface to secure dunes.

The workers are racing against time to complete their tasks before the spring winds arrive to once again test the success of their efforts. Farmer Zhang Yong, 50, is one of these workers. He meticulously arranges wheat straw along pre-marked square lines on the sandy ground, before firmly tamping them down with a shovel.

"Straw checkerboards serve as a method to prevent wind erosion and retain moisture. By repairing them each winter, we ensure they can firmly hold the shifting sand in the coming spring," Zhang said.

The Kubuqi Desert, China's seventh-largest desert also known as Hobq Desert, spans an area of more than 14,000 square kilometers. For Urgen, another local who grew up deep within the desert, his childhood memories are dominated by a single color -- yellow. "There was an endless supply of sand on our stoves and cabinets, and all we saw outside were sand dunes," Urgen recalled.

In the 1950s and 1960s, with strong government support, Inner Mongolia began constructing sand control stations and initiated afforestation efforts along the northern edge of the Kubuqi Desert. Since then, Urgen's hometown has gradually turned green.

"Back then, people treated afforestation in the Kubuqi Desert as a sacred mission," Urgen said.

Inner Mongolia, as one of the regions in China most severely affected by desertification and sandification, has long prioritized sand control as a key task in combating these threats. It has continuously implemented the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program and promoted other ecological projects including afforestation and enforcement of grazing bans.

According to the third session of the 14th People's Congress of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, which opened on Tuesday, the region in 2024 exceeded its annual targets for desert control, afforestation and grass planting, completing 113 percent, 220 percent and 148 percent of its goals, respectively.

Today, Inner Mongolia boasts the largest forest area in the country, at some 23.8 million hectares, while its grassland vegetation cover has reached 45 percent, the best level since 1990, local authorities said.

In the Hunshandake sandy land in the region's Xilingol League, herder Wangjil's more than 666-hectare pasture is now a sea of green, with shrubs covering the ground. Occasionally, a series of slender, angular footprints can be seen on the ground -- tracks probably left by roe deer, according to Wangjil.

Starting in 1998, Wangjil began planting grass and trees in the sandy sections of his pasture. Through relentless experimentation, he managed to establish sand barriers on shifting dunes, while planting drought-resistant vegetation on fixed dunes.

The herdsman said sand control is a long-term endeavor that requires great perseverance. Over the past 27 years, he has planted greenery on more than 153 hectares of dunes and sandpits, with plants including over 22,000 drought-resistant saplings.

It is through many years of persistent efforts of both local residents and the government that the Hunshandake sandy land managed to achieve a historic transformation, with 252,000 hectares of sand land controlled in 2024.

"During sand control efforts, China has contributed its wisdom to the global endeavor of sand control," said Lu Qi, chief scientist at the Chinese Academy of Forestry.

Currently, Inner Mongolia's desert control methods, technologies and achievements have been replicated in other Chinese regions like Xinjiang, Xizang, Qinghai and Gansu, and are promoted to countries like Saudi Arabia and Mongolia.

In 2024, Inner Mongolia provided sand control skills training to Mongolia and exported more than 2.8 million saplings to support Mongolia's sand control efforts. 
US announces new restrictions on AI chip exports



Washington, Jan 13 (AFP) Jan 13, 2025



The United States unveiled new export rules Monday on chips used for artificial intelligence, furthering efforts to make it tough for China and other rivals to access the advanced technology in Joe Biden's final days as president.

The announcement of the restrictions drew a fiery pushback from Beijing and prompted US chip industry criticism, while the European Union expressed its "concern" over the approach.

In recent years, Washington has expanded its efforts to curb exports of state-of-the-art chips to China, which can be used in AI and weapons systems, as Beijing's tech advancements spark concern among US policymakers.

"The US leads the world in AI now -- both AI development and AI chip design -- and it's critical that we keep it that way," Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo told reporters.

The new rules update controls on chips, requiring authorizations for exports, re-exports and in-country transfers -- while also including a series of exceptions for countries considered friendly to the United States.

If a country is not exempted -- and most are not -- they will face a cap on imports of advanced chips.

AI data centers meanwhile will need to comply with enhanced security parameters to be able to import chips.

The restrictions also tighten rules around the sharing of cutting-edge AI models.

China's Commerce Ministry called the new policy "a flagrant violation" of international trade rules, vowing that Beijing would "firmly safeguard" its interests.

The European Union meanwhile expressed concern about US measures and stressed that Europe did not represent a "security risk."



- US competitiveness -



The latest move drew industry criticism and warnings that it would hurt US competitiveness.

Semiconductor Industry Association chief executive John Neuffer said: "We're deeply disappointed that a policy shift of this magnitude and impact is being rushed out the door days before a presidential transition and without any meaningful input from industry."

He added in a statement that the rule could cause "lasting damage to America's economy and global competitiveness" by ceding key markets to rivals.

Chip titan Nvidia said in a blog post that "while cloaked in the guise of an 'anti-China' measure, these rules would do nothing to enhance US security."

In a white paper released Monday, OpenAI said the federal government should help the AI industry grow, adding that "responsibly exporting" cutting-edge models to allies and partners will help them stand up their own AI ecosystems.



- Trump decision? -



The rules make it "hard for our strategic competitors to use smuggling and remote access to evade our export control," White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said.

They also create "incentives for our friends and partners around the world to use trusted vendors for advanced AI," he added.

The new rules will take effect in 120 days, Raimondo said, giving President-elect Trump's incoming administration time to potentially make changes.

Freezing the rule, however, could risk allowing China to stockpile US hardware, a senior US official told reporters.

And the Computer & Communications Industry Association cautioned that the rule will hamper the ability of US firms to deploy advanced semiconductors in data centers abroad.

In its post, Nvidia stressed that the first Trump term showed how the United States "wins through innovation, competition and by sharing our technologies with the world -- not by retreating behind a wall of government overreach."

Trump put heavy tariffs on China during his first presidential term.

But his backers in Silicon Valley could also see the rules as an undue burden on their ability to export products.

On Monday, Nvidia shares lost around two percent.

The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) said that pressuring countries to choose between Washington and Beijing could alienate partners and boost China's position in global AI.

"Many countries may opt for the side offering them uninterrupted access to the AI technologies vital for their economic growth and digital futures," said ITIF vice president Daniel Castro.

bur-juj-bys/des
Biden issues order to boost AI infrastructure in US



Washington, Jan 14 (AFP) Jan 14, 2025



US President Joe Biden will sign an order Tuesday to speed up the pace at which infrastructure for artificial intelligence development can be built in the country, the White House said, less than a week before he leaves office.

The executive order directs the US defense and energy departments to lease federal sites where the private sector can build AI data centers and new clean power facilities more quickly, according to the White House.

"Cutting-edge AI will have profound implications for national security and enormous potential to improve Americans' lives if harnessed responsibly," said Biden in a statement.

"We will not let America be out-built when it comes to the technology that will define the future," he said.

The US president stressed that the world's biggest economy should also not sacrifice environmental standards in this process.

But Biden's order comes in the last few days of his administration, before President-elect Donald Trump's return to the White House promises a raft of changes to government policies.

"The volumes of computing power and electricity needed to train and operate frontier models are increasing rapidly and set to surge even more," said Tarun Chhabra, a deputy assistant to the president.

By around 2028, officials expect that leading AI developers will be looking to run data centers for training cutting-edge AI models with energy needs of as much as five gigawatts, added Chhabra, also coordinator for technology and national security.

"The US must not repeat the errors of the past by letting critical technologies go overseas. This is a bipartisan imperative," said Navtej Dhillon, the deputy director of the White House Economic Council, singling out China as a potential competitor.

Apart from making federal sites available for infrastructure, Biden's order directs the agencies to fulfil permitting obligations expeditiously and speed up transmission development around sites.

But developers will have to foot the bill of building and running the AI infrastructure.

They are to buy "an appropriate share of domestically manufactured semiconductors" as well, the White House said.
Drone drops inside prisons risk UK's national security: watchdog



London, Jan 14 (AFP) Jan 14, 2025



The UK government and police have "given up" controlling airspace over two jails, allowing gangs to threaten national security by using drones to deliver drugs and some weapons to inmates, the prison watchdog warned Tuesday.

"It is highly alarming that the police and prison service have in effect ceded the airspace above two high-security prisons to organised crime gangs," chief inspector of prisons Charlie Taylor said in reports published Tuesday after inspections of Manchester prison in northwest England and Long Lartin prison in western England.

The gangs "are able to deliver contraband to jails holding extremely dangerous prisoners," with "catastrophic levels" of drugs present at the prison in Manchester, he warned.

"The safety of staff, prisoners and ultimately that of the public is seriously compromised by the failure to tackle what has become a threat to national security," added Taylor.

"The prison had a serious problem with drugs, weapons, mobile telephones, and even takeaway meals being delivered by drones to cell windows," the report on Manchester prison said.

It added some 220 drone sightings had been seen at the jail in the past year "by far the highest across all prisons in England and Wales".

Taylor told the BBC that "knives indeed are getting in" stashed on drones that have a payload of up to three pounds (1.3 kilos), with some inmates having organised deliveries of fearsome "zombie" knives, known for long blades with serrated edges.

"It's entirely possible that if somebody was determined enough they could get a gun in," he added.

The inspections uncovered "thriving" drug economies in both prisons, with nets and security cameras allowed to fall into "disrepair", the HM Inspectorate of Prisons said in a statement.

In Manchester, inmates had burned holes in windows to receive drone deliveries, while drones carrying "large payloads of illicit items" were allowed to enter Long Lartin prison.

More than half of prisoners told inspectors it was "easy" to get drugs and alcohol.

A Ministry of Justice spokeswoman said the Labour government, which came to power in July, had "inherited prisons in crisis -- overcrowded, with drugs and violence rife.

"We are gripping the situation by investing in prison maintenance and security, working with the police and others to tackle serious organised crime, and building more prison places to lock up dangerous criminals," she added.
BEIJING, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese internet users on a popular social networking platform have noticed a sudden influx of foreign newcomers who claim to have migrated from TikTok due to concerns about a potential ban by the U.S. government within the week.

On Xiaohongshu, a Chinese platform with combined features of Instagram and Pinterest, hashtags such as #TikTokRefugee have garnered hundreds of thousands of posts from accounts mostly registered in the United States.

The surge in activity has propelled Xiaohongshu, also known as RedNote abroad, to the top of the U.S. Apple app store download rankings within just a few days.

TikTok, owned by Chinese internet company ByteDance but operated independently, has approximately 170 million users in the United States, nearly half that country's population.

Washington has sought to ban TikTok for many years, citing unfounded national security concerns and alleged risks to data privacy. It faces a possible ban on Jan. 19 as the U.S. Supreme Court is set to rule on enforcing a law that could either ban TikTok or force ByteDance to sell it to an American firm.

While anxiously waiting for the outcome, some content creators did not waste time laughing at the proposed ban and the irony it has created.

"They tried to ban TikTok (for national security concerns), so everybody now goes to an actual Chinese app," said a self-claimed "TikTok refugee" on Xiaohongshu, via a short video post.

"TikTok refugees are migrating to legitimate Chinese apps to willingly give their data directly," another post said on X in a sarcastic tone.

The proposed ban is not an isolated case. In recent years, an increasing number of Chinese tech companies, including Huawei and DJI, have been unfairly targeted by Washington -- which rolled out a slew of measures to restrict their presence.

"U.S. TikTok users are voting with their feet," said Lyu Xiang, a non-resident senior fellow at the Center for China and Globalization.

"This demonstrates that suppressing normal business activities of non-U.S. companies is unpopular, as such actions by U.S. politicians are harming the immediate interests of the American public," he added.

Lyu suggested that Washington should instead adopt an open mindset, ensure fair competition, and encourage U.S. companies to innovate in creating products that meet the evolving demands of American users for social networking.

WELCOMED IN CHINA

"TikTok refugees" have been warmly received by Xiaohongshu users, who shared photos and videos with these newcomers, offering food and travel tips, while even providing free language lessons, given that the app's content is predominantly in Chinese.

Founded in 2013, Xiaohongshu initially focused on shopping tips but has evolved into a comprehensive lifestyle platform, blending social media and e-commerce. Users can share content and purchase products directly through the app, creating a seamless shopping experience.

"Welcome you to join us in this vibrant and colorful community," said a Xiaohongshu user who works as an English interpreter in Beijing.

"Let's start the new journey with Chinese food," posted another user from Sichuan, introducing the southwestern province's signature food recipes.

As conversations deepened, some Chinese students began seeking help with their English homework -- and help they did receive.

A "TikTok refugee" named "Rosie_in_Wonderland" said Xiaohongshu is very similar to TikTok in making content and easy to do, and she hopes to find her community soon like she did on TikTok.

"You are not refugees. You all are explorers. Welcome to the new world," said another Xiaohongshu user who lives in China. 
Brazil studying Meta response to fact-check ultimatum



Rio de Janeiro, Jan 14 (AFP) Jan 14, 2025



Brazil was on Tuesday analyzing a response from social media giant Meta which had been given a 72-hour deadline to explain its fact-checking policy for the country.

The Attorney General's office (AGU) said in a statement that Meta had responded within the deadline after a threat of "legal and judicial" measures if the company failed to do so.

The response will be discussed at a meeting Tuesday of representatives of the justice ministry, human rights ministry and the presidency's communication arm.

"Only after this analysis, the AGU, together with the other bodies, will pronounce itself on the next steps about the matter and will make the content of the statement public," the statement said.

The Latin American giant, which has a population of over 200 million people, is one of several countries deeply concerned over Meta's decision to weaken checks on disinformation.

The company, which runs the social media platforms Facebook, Instagram and Threads, announced last week it was stopping fact-checking in the US due to concerns about political bias and censorship.

The decision was widely seen as an attempt to appease President-elect Donald Trump, whose conservative support base has long complained that fact-checking on tech platforms was a way to curtail free speech and censor right-wing content.

The International Fact-Checking Network has warned of devastating consequences if Meta broadens its policy shift beyond US borders to the company's programs covering more than 100 countries.
UK-Iraq London talks to mark 'new era'



London, Jan 13 (AFP) Jan 13, 2025



British Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosts his Iraqi counterpart Mohammed Shia al-Sudani on Tuesday for talks on trade, security and migration hailed by Baghdad as marking a "new era" for the countries' ties.

The Iraqi prime minister's visit to London, during which he will also meet King Charles III, comes more than 20 years after Britain took part in the US-led invasion of Iraq.

A "strategic partnership" to be signed during the trip would consolidate cooperation and be "one of the most important steps in relations between Iraq and the United Kingdom", Sudani told AFP during the flight from Baghdad.

The visit will see the start of talks on a returns agreement for Iraqi irregular migrants to the UK, Starmer's Downing Street office said.

The leaders will also unveil a pound12.3 billion ($15 billion) export package to boost opportunities for British businesses, it added.

Immigration, both irregular and regular, was a major issue in the UK's July general election, which brought the premier's Labour Party to power but also saw a breakthrough for Nigel Farage's hard-right Reform UK party.

"Secure borders are a vital foundation of our plan for change, so I am also very pleased to get started on talks for a bespoke returns agreement between our countries," Starmer said in a statement.

"The deal will help dismantle the people smugglers' business model by sending the clear message that if you come here illegally, you cannot expect to stay."

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, following a visit to Iraq and its autonomous Kurdistan region in November, said the two countries had struck a security agreement and other cooperation deals with Iraq to target people-smuggling gangs and strengthen its border security.

"Our world-first security agreement with Iraq is already showing its impact," she said.

"By strengthening border security with our Border Security Command, enhancing intelligence-sharing, and providing additional funding to support Iraq's law enforcement capabilities, we're targeting people smuggling gangs where it hurts."



- Security -



Tuesday's talks come as Sudani said his country was preparing for the end of the military presence in Iraq of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS.

The US maintains about 2,500 troops in Iraq and 900 more in Syria as part of the campaign to prevent resurgence of the Islamic State (IS) jihadist group, also known as ISIS.

President Joe Biden's administration has agreed with Iraq to end the coalition's role there by September but stopped short of a complete withdrawal of the US forces, whose presence has been opposed by Iran-aligned armed groups in Iraq.

On trade, Starmer said the export package offered "huge opportunities for British businesses", adding that it represented a "step-change in the trade and investment relationship between our two countries".

Britain would be able to leverage "UK private sector expertise on water, energy, telecoms, and defence infrastructure to secure future investment projects and major opportunities for British business", he said.

Swept to power in a landslide election victory in July, Starmer has had a bumpy first six months in power and is under pressure to kickstart growth and slash immigration.

An unpopular budget, a cut to winter heating payments for the elderly and accusations of hypocrisy over free gifts accepted by Starmer and some of his ministers has seen his party slip in opinion polls.

The number of irregular migrants arriving in Britain on small boats meanwhile soared to over 36,800 in 2024, according to official data.

At least 76 deaths were recorded in about 20 accidents last year, making it the deadliest year for migrants who are taking ever greater risks to evade Britain's border control.
Iran, European powers hold 'constructive' nuclear talks



Geneva, Jan 13 (AFP) Jan 13, 2025



Iran and European powers said they held "frank and constructive" talks on Monday about Tehran's nuclear programme, just a week before US President-elect Donald Trump takes office.

It was the second round of such talks in less than two months, following a discreet meeting in Geneva last November between Tehran and the three European powers, Britain, France and Germany, known as the E3.

Few details were revealed about the topics discussed Monday or even the venue of the talks, but both sides said they were "constructive" and that the parties agreed to carry them on.

Iran's ISNA news agency reported that Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi met "his counterparts from the E3".

"They discussed issues of mutual interest, including negotiations for lifting sanctions, the nuclear issue and the worrying situation in the region," it added without elaborating.

Later, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi described the talks as "serious, frank, and constructive".

"We discussed ideas involving certain details in the sanctions-lifting and nuclear fields that are needed for a deal," he said in a post on X.

"Sides concurred that negotiations should be resumed and to reach a deal, all parties should create and maintain the appropriate atmosphere. We agreed to continue our dialogue," he added.

British, French and German foreign affairs representatives afterwards called the talks "serious, frank and constructive".

"Against a challenging context, we discussed concerns and reiterated our commitment to a diplomatic solution. We agreed to continue our dialogue," they said in a statement posted on their X accounts.

Before the meeting, the German foreign ministry told AFP that the talks were "not negotiations" while Iran said they were merely "consultations".

The talks, scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, will cover a "wide range of topics," Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said during a weekly press briefing.

"The primary objective of these talks is to remove the sanctions" on Iran, he noted, adding that Iran was also "listening to the topics that the opposite parties want to raise".

ISNA reported that Takht-Ravanchi will meet on Tuesday separately with the European Union diplomat Enrique Mora in Geneva.



- 'Breaking point' -



On Thursday, France's foreign ministry said the meeting was a sign that the E3 countries were "continuing to work towards a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear programme, the progress of which is extremely problematic".

The talks come with Iran's nuclear programme under renewed focus in light of Trump's return to the White House on January 20.

During his first term, Trump pursued a policy of "maximum pressure", withdrawing the United States from a landmark nuclear deal which imposed curbs on Iran's nuclear programme in return for sanctions relief.

Tehran adhered to the deal until Washington's withdrawal, but then began rolling back its commitments.

Efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear pact have since faltered and European officials have repeatedly expressed frustrations over Tehran's non-compliance.

Last week, French President Emmanuel Macron said the acceleration of Iran's nuclear programme was "bringing us very close to the breaking point". Iran called the comments "baseless" and "deceitful".

In December, Britain, Germany and France accused Tehran of growing its stockpile of highly enriched uranium to "unprecedented levels" without "any credible civilian justification".

"We reiterate our determination to use all diplomatic tools to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, including using snapback if necessary," they added.



- 'Significant non-performance' -



The snapback mechanism -- part of the 2015 deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) -- allows signatories to reimpose United Nations sanctions on Iran in cases of the "significant non-performance" of commitments.

The option to trigger the mechanism expires in October this year, adding urgency to the ongoing diplomatic efforts.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) nuclear watchdog says Iran has increased its manufacturing of enriched uranium such that it is the only non-nuclear weapons state to possess uranium enriched to 60 percent.

That level is well on the way to the 90 percent required for an atomic bomb.

Iran maintains that its nuclear programme is solely for peaceful purposes and denies any intention to develop atomic weapons.

It has also repeatedly expressed willingness to revive the deal.

President Masoud Pezeshkian, who took office in July, has favoured reviving that agreement and called for ending his country's isolation.

In a recent interview with China's CCTV, foreign minister Abbas Araghchi also expressed willingness "to engage in constructive negotiations".

"The formula that we believe in is the same as the previous JCPOA formula, namely, building trust on Iran's nuclear program in exchange for lifting sanctions," he added.
Biden announces aircraft carriers will be named for Clinton, Bush



Washington, Jan 13 (AFP) Jan 13, 2025



US President Joe Biden announced Monday that two of the Navy's future aircraft carriers will be named for former commanders-in-chief Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

"The future USS William J. Clinton (CVN 82) and the future USS George W. Bush (CVN 83) will begin construction in the years ahead," Biden said in a statement issued just a week before he is replaced in office by Donald Trump.

"When complete, they will join the most capable, flexible, and professional Navy that has ever put to sea," Biden said.

The United States has a long tradition of naming some of its aircraft carriers -- massive warships that are crewed by thousands of sailors and carry dozens of planes -- after former presidents.

The latest line of US carriers is named for Gerald R. Ford, and another of the multi-billion-dollar ships bears John F. Kennedy's name -- the second time he has been honored in that way.

Clinton -- who did not serve in the military -- was president from 1993 to 2001, a period that saw US warplanes carry out strikes in Iraq and Yugoslavia, and American troops battle Somali militiamen in the infamous Black Hawk Down incident, among other conflicts.

Bush, who served as a pilot in the Air National Guard, held America's highest office from 2001 to 2009.

His presidency was defined by the so-called "War on Terror" that he launched in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, a military effort that spanned the globe and included the devastating, long-running wars in Afghanistan and Iraq that left tens of thousands of people dead.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin hailed the choice of the names, saying that the ships "will serve as lasting tributes to each leader's legacy in service of the United States."

"Like their namesakes, these two future carriers, and the crews who sail them, will work to safeguard our national security, remind us of our history, and inspire others to serve our great republic," Austin said in a statement.
NATO Baltic leaders set to boost security after cable 'sabotage'



Helsinki, Jan 14 (AFP) Jan 14, 2025



NATO countries on the Baltic Sea will look to boost security when they meet in Helsinki on Tuesday, following the suspected sabotage of undersea cables widely blamed on Russia.

They are expected to announce a NATO patrol mission monitoring activity "below, above, and on the sea surface", researcher Iro Sarkka of the Finnish Institute of International Affairs told AFP.

Several undersea telecom and power cables have been severed in the Baltic Sea in recent months, with experts and politicians accusing Russia of orchestrating a hybrid war.

The sabotage has been blamed on a "shadow fleet" of vessels -- often ageing and operating under opaque ownership -- that carry Russian crude oil and petroleum products, embargoed since the invasion of Ukraine.

Addressing the European Parliament, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stressed Monday the need to make clear that "such hostile actions" and such efforts "will not go unanswered".

"We will also strengthen NATO's military presence in the region, and of course, we will discuss the shadow fleet and what to do about it, so we are responding and will continue to ensure no country can exploit us, control our infrastructure or disrupt our societies," Rutte said, adding he would be attending the meeting.

Tuesday's meeting will focus on "strengthening of NATO's presence in the Baltic Sea and responding to the threat posed by Russia's shadow fleet", according to a statement from the office of Finnish President Alexander Stubb, who is co-hosting the meeting with Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal.

Stubb also promised "measures required to secure the critical underwater infrastructure".

The leaders of Denmark, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Sweden, and the executive vice-president of the European Commission Henna Virkkunen are expected to attend.

NATO said in late December it would increase its presence in the region following the suspected sabotage of undersea cables between Finland and Estonia, but it has yet to announce an official operation.

"How long the potential operation will last and what kind of mandate it will have I assume will be revealed (on Tuesday)," Sarkka said, adding that maritime operations have previously been conducted by NATO in the Mediterranean Sea.

"The actions in recent months related to the Russian shadow fleet and sabotage has prompted NATO to develop its maritime situational awareness in the Baltic Sea region," she added.

A comprehensive NATO operation would serve as a "deterrent and a strategic signal" that NATO is prepared to act in response to the recent activities, according to Sarkka.



- Tense security situation -



Last week, Finland said NATO would contribute two vessels to a monitoring mission in the Baltic Sea, while the British-led Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), which comprises Nordic and Baltic states as well as the Netherlands, also said it would increase its surveillance.

Sweden is sending up to three warships and a surveillance aircraft.

Tensions have mounted around the Baltic Sea since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

In September 2022, a series of underwater blasts ruptured the Nord Stream pipelines that carried Russian gas to Europe, the cause of which has yet to be determined.

In October 2023, an undersea gas pipeline between Finland and Estonia was shut down after it was damaged by the anchor of a Chinese cargo ship.

The most recent incident occurred on December 25, when the Estlink 2 electricity cable and four telecom cables linking Finland and Estonia were damaged.

That came just weeks after two telecom cables in Swedish waters were severed on November 17-18.

Suspicion over the Christmas Day incident has fallen on the Eagle S, a Cook Island-flagged oil tanker believed to be part of the "shadow fleet".

Finnish police seized the Eagle S on December 28 as part of a criminal investigation.

Finnish authorities last week deemed the ship unseaworthy following an inspection, barred it from sailing and have banned eight crew members from leaving the country while police carry out a probe.

Investigators suspect the cables were damaged by the tanker's anchor being dragged over them.
North Korea fires short-range ballistic missiles into sea



Seoul, Jan 14 (AFP) Jan 14, 2025



North Korea fired several short-range ballistic missiles into the sea Tuesday, according to Seoul's military, in what experts said could be a message to US President-elect Donald Trump's incoming administration.

The launch comes as Japan's foreign minister Takeshi Iwaya visits South Korea for a series of meetings with top officials, with the Asian neighbours seeking to boost bilateral ties before Trump returns to office next week.

"The South Korean military detected several short-range ballistic missiles fired into the East Sea," Seoul's military said, referring to the body of water also known as the Sea of Japan.

It said the launch took place around 09:30 am local time (0030 GMT) near North Korea's Ganggye area, with the missiles flying 250 kilometres (155 miles) before landing in the sea.

"The intelligence authorities of South Korea and the US have detected and monitored North Korea's missile launch preparations in advance, and immediately detected and tracked them at the time of launch," the military said.

It said it was maintaining "full readiness" and sharing information with the United States and Japan while "strengthening surveillance and alertness" for more launches.

Seoul's acting President Choi Sang-mok slammed the launch, saying it violated UN Security Council resolutions.

"Seoul will respond more strongly to North Korea's provocations based on its strong security posture and alliance with the US," he said.

Experts said the latest launch on Tuesday could be intended as a message to the incoming Trump administration.

"It could be aimed at the US," said Yang Moo-jin, president of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul.

"It may indicate an intention to put pressure ahead of the Trump administration's second term."

Ahn Chan-il, a defector-turned-researcher who runs the World Institute for North Korea Studies, told AFP "it appears to be an intention to assert presence ahead of the Trump administration".

He said it could also be aimed at "destabilising South Korea during Seoul's own period of turmoil", as suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol faces an impeachment trial that begins Tuesday in the Constitutional Court after a failed martial law bid last month.



- Second test this year -



The Tuesday launch is Pyongyang's second this year, after it fired last week what it said was a new hypersonic missile system aimed at deterring the country's rivals in the Pacific.

The location of the test site was undisclosed but images released by North Korean state media KCNA showed leader Kim Jong Un observing last week's launch with his teenage daughter Ju Ae.

Kim said the missile flew 1,500 kilometres (930 miles) -- beyond the 1,100-kilometre (680-mile) figure given by South Korea's military -- and travelled at 12 times the speed of sound before landing in the ocean.

KCNA cited the use of a "new compound of carbon fibre" in the missile's engine, which experts warned could allow Pyongyang to hit further targets with technology to which only the United States, Russia and China currently have access.

The launch also used a "new comprehensive and effective method" for its flight and guidance control system, KCNA said.

Last week's alleged hypersonic missile launch came as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was visiting South Korea.

While in Seoul, Blinken said Russia was increasing cooperation with Pyongyang, adding they were working ever more closely on advanced space technology.



- US warnings -



Blinken also voiced renewed concern that Russia, a veto-wielding UN Security Council member, would formally accept North Korea as a nuclear state in a blow to global consensus that Pyongyang must end its programme.

In late October, North Korea test-fired what it said was its most advanced and powerful solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). Days later, it fired a salvo of short-range ballistic missiles.

In response, South Korea fired a ballistic missile into the sea in a show of force.

US and South Korean intelligence also believe that North Korea late last year sent thousands of troops to fight against Ukraine and has already suffered hundreds of casualties.

But neither North Korea nor Russia has officially confirmed that Pyongyang's forces are fighting for Moscow.
The News in Brief Tuesday, January 14, 2025

The coalition of non-governmental organizations My Vote has issued a statement condemning what it describes as systematic repression against civil servants in Georgia. The organization asserts that recent dismissals from state agencies are demonstrative and punitive measures aimed at silencing dissent.According to Nino Lomjaria, a representative of My Vote, employees from 20 state agencies have been dismissed for political reasons. She outlined several factors behind the dismissals:- Civil servants signed petitions advocating for the protection of Article 78 of the Constitution.- They participated in protests.- They publicly criticized state violence against peaceful demonstrators, including on social media.Lomjaria noted that reorganization, contract non-renewal, and biased application of public servant evaluation systems are being used as tools for these dismissals."Since late December, public service employees have begun to speak out about illegal dismissals, deliberately low performance evaluations, and other forms of harassment due to their opinions. The methods, timing, lack of justification, and scale of these actions suggest they are deliberate punitive measures," Lomjaria stated.She also emphasized threats made by Georgian Dream leaders Irakli Kobakhidze and Kakha Kaladze against officials who criticized the party's decision to suspend European integration efforts.The coalition has called on stakeholders to address these alleged violations and ensure accountability for what they describe as targeted political retaliation.The Personal Data Protection Service has issued a statement refuting allegations made by the Independent Professional Union of Public Servants, Article 78 of the Constitution, regarding the dismissal of a civil servant. The agency asserts that no civil servant has been fired since its establishment on March 1, 2022, nor has any employee under a short-term labor contract been dismissed before the end of their agreement.The statement addresses what the agency calls "disinformation" spread by the union and amplified by media outlets."We announce that the Personal Data Protection Service has not fired any civil servant since its establishment. Additionally, all short-term labor contracts for auxiliary and non-permanent tasks, including expert work, were honored without premature termination," the agency stated.The service described the allegations as a "deliberate attempt to damage the reputation of the agency" and emphasized that the claims are unfounded.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, meets with Vietnamese Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu, who is in Beijing for the first strategic consultation between the foreign ministries of China and Vietnam, in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 14, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

BEIJING, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Vietnamese Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu in Beijing on Tuesday, emphasizing the importance of strengthening bilateral ties.

Wang, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, noted that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations and the China-Vietnam Year of People-to-People Exchanges.

He said China is willing to work with Vietnam to boost high-level exchanges, deepen strategic mutual trust, and expand mutually beneficial cooperation, so as to serve their own socialist modernization drive and push the building of a China-Vietnam community with a shared future of strategic significance to a new level.

Nguyen Minh Vu, who is in Beijing for the first strategic consultation between the foreign ministries of China and Vietnam, said that the Vietnamese side has always taken its relations with China as a top priority and strategic choice, and stands ready to work with China to push for more substantive progress in the building of the China-Vietnam community with a shared future. 
Japan hosts Chinese military delegation in rare visit



Tokyo, Jan 14 (AFP) Jan 14, 2025



Japan said Tuesday a Chinese military delegation was on a rare exchange visit as the Asian neighbours attempt to thaw frosty ties ahead of Donald Trump's return as US president.

Members of the Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army were visiting their Japanese counterparts and senior Japanese defence officials from Monday through Friday, Japan's top government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi said.

The trip was organised after the Japanese and Chinese defence ministers met in November in Laos on the sidelines of a regional defence gathering, where they agreed to increase exchanges among troops, Hayashi said.

"For the first time in five years, this resumes exchanges among troops," he told a regular press briefing.

"The promotion of mutual understanding and trust through frank communication at commanders' level will contribute to the building of constructive and stable relations between Japan and China.

"We think this visit contributes to the peace and stability of the region," Hayashi said.

The PLA Eastern Theater Command echoed the view.

"This visit will help enhance understanding and mutual trust between the two sides, and promote defence exchanges between China and Japan," it said in a statement.

Japan and China have been trying to patch up relations that for years have been strained by territorial and historical disputes as well as other issues.

To ease tensions, Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya visited his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in December.

Japanese ruling lawmakers were also visiting China this week for meetings with senior Communist Party officials, and Japan's farm minister is due in the country on Wednesday.

Japanese national security advisor Takeo Akiba visited China in November and held talks with Wang.

Tokyo is expected to invite Wang to Japan next month, seeking to pave the way for a state visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Nikkei business daily reported last week.

Xi has not visited since becoming president except for in 2019 when he came for the Group of 20 summit in Osaka along with other world leaders.
Ex-US Marine pilot fights extradition from Australia to US



Sydney, Jan 14 (AFP) Jan 14, 2025



An ex-US Marine pilot accused of illegally training China's military has launched an 11th hour bid to fight his extradition from Australia to the United States, his family said Tuesday.

Daniel Edmund Duggan was arrested in Australia in October 2022 at the request of the US government, which accuses him of breaking arms control laws.

It alleges he illegally trained Chinese military pilots between 2010 and 2012, after he left the Marines.

Duggan has denied the charges.

Australia's Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus decided in December that Duggan would be extradited to the United States "to face prosecution for the offences of which he is accused".

Duggan's lawyers launched a legal appeal late Monday in Australia's Federal Court to appeal his decision, his wife Saffrine said in a statement.

"We have been forced to resort to court action because the government has not been transparent about this case, despite Dan being locked up in maximum security prison for the past 26 months with no Australian charges," she said.

"Dan is exercising his rights as an Australian citizen to due process under Australian law. We are an Australian family, and we deserve a fair go."

Duggan, a father of six, first moved to Australia in 2002 after leaving the Marines, gaining citizenship and working in an adventure flight company called Top Gun Tasmania.
North Korea fires short-range ballistic missiles before Trump return



Seoul, Jan 14 (AFP) Jan 14, 2025



North Korea fired several short-range ballistic missiles into the sea Tuesday, according to Seoul's military, in what experts said could be a message to US President-elect Donald Trump's incoming administration.

The launch came as Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya visited South Korea for a series of meetings with top officials, with the Asian neighbours seeking to boost bilateral ties before Trump returns to office next week.

"The South Korean military detected several short-range ballistic missiles fired into the East Sea," Seoul's military said, referring to the body of water also known as the Sea of Japan.

South Korean and US intelligence agencies had monitored Pyongyang's launch preparations, the military said, with Seoul maintaining "full readiness" and sharing information with Washington and Tokyo.

Tuesday's launch took place around 9:30 am (0030 GMT) near North Korea's Ganggye area, with the missiles flying 250 kilometres (155 miles) before landing in the sea, according to the military.

The United States Indo-Pacific Command condemned the test, calling on North Korea "to refrain from further unlawful and destabilising acts".

Seoul's acting president Choi Sang-mok also slammed the launch, saying it violated UN Security Council resolutions.

"Seoul will respond more strongly to North Korea's provocations based on its strong security posture and alliance with the US," he said.

Experts said the latest launch could be intended as a message to the incoming US president.

"It may indicate an intention to put pressure ahead of the Trump administration's second term," said Yang Moo-jin, president of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul.



- Second test this month -



Ahn Chan-il, a defector-turned-researcher who runs the World Institute for North Korea Studies, told AFP the test launch "appears to be an intention to assert presence ahead of the Trump administration".

He said it could also be aimed at "destabilising South Korea during Seoul's own period of turmoil", as suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment trial started Tuesday over his failed martial law bid.

Relations between the two Koreas have been at one of their lowest points in years, with the North launching a flurry of ballistic missiles last year in violation of UN sanctions.

The Tuesday launch is Pyongyang's second this month, after it fired last week what it said was a new hypersonic missile system.

The location of the test site was undisclosed but images released by North Korean state media KCNA showed leader Kim Jong Un observing last week's launch with his teenage daughter Ju Ae.

KCNA cited the use of a "new compound of carbon fibre" in the missile's engine, which experts warned could allow Pyongyang to hit further targets with technology to which only the US, Russia and China currently have access.

- Pyongyang's ties with Moscow -



Last week's alleged hypersonic missile launch came as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was visiting South Korea.

While in Seoul, Blinken said Moscow was increasing cooperation with Pyongyang, adding they were working ever more closely on advanced space technology.

Ahn said another reason for Tuesday's launch may be the testing of "missiles for export to Russia to be used in Ukraine".

Blinken also voiced renewed concern that Russia, a veto-wielding UN Security Council member, would formally accept North Korea as a nuclear state in a blow to global consensus that Pyongyang must end its programme.

In late October, North Korea test-fired what it said was its most advanced and powerful solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). Days later, it fired a salvo of short-range ballistic missiles.

US and South Korean intelligence also believe that North Korea in October started to send thousands of troops to fight against Ukraine and has since suffered hundreds of casualties.

But neither North Korea nor Russia has officially confirmed that Pyongyang's forces are fighting for Moscow.
German defence minister visits Kyiv



Berlin, Jan 14 (AFP) Jan 14, 2025



German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius arrived in Kyiv on Tuesday to reassure Ukraine of continued support, his ministry said, a week before US President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated.

Pistorius will hold meetings "on the continuation of cooperation and support" for Ukraine's defence industry, a ministry spokesman told AFP. The United States' policy toward Ukraine is widely expected to change under Trump.

Kyiv worries that Trump will force Ukraine to make concessions to Russia, and in advance of his inauguration Ukrainian officials have been intensifying contacts with European counterparts.

Berlin has been the second largest provider of aid to Ukraine after the United States but there have been frequent debates within Germany over the extent of that support.

Last week Pistorius met his Ukrainian counterpart at a gathering of Kyiv's allies at the US Ramstein military base in Germany.

On Monday Pistorius went to Poland for a meeting with his Polish, French, Italian and British counterparts on supplying arms to Ukraine.
North Korea fires short-range ballistic missiles before Trump's return



Seoul, Jan 14 (AFP) Jan 14, 2025



North Korea fired several short-range ballistic missiles into the sea on Tuesday, according to Seoul's military, in what experts said could be a message to US President-elect Donald Trump's incoming administration.

The launch came as Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya visited South Korea for a series of meetings with top officials, with the Asian neighbours seeking to boost bilateral ties before Trump returns to office next week.

"The South Korean military detected several short-range ballistic missiles fired into the East Sea," the military in Seoul said, referring to the body of water also known as the Sea of Japan.

South Korean and US intelligence agencies had monitored Pyongyang's launch preparations, the military said, with Seoul maintaining "full readiness" and sharing information with Washington and Tokyo.

Tuesday's launch took place around 9:30 am (0030 GMT) near North Korea's Ganggye area, with the missiles flying 250 kilometres (155 miles) before landing in the sea, according to the military.

The United States Indo-Pacific Command condemned the test, calling on North Korea "to refrain from further unlawful and destabilising acts".

Seoul's acting president Choi Sang-mok also slammed the launch, saying it violated UN Security Council resolutions.

"Seoul will respond more strongly to North Korea's provocations based on its strong security posture and alliance with the US," he said.

Experts said the latest launch could be intended as a message to the incoming US president.

"It may indicate an intention to put pressure ahead of the Trump administration's second term," said Yang Moo-jin, president of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul.



- Second test this month -



Ahn Chan-il, a defector-turned-researcher who runs the World Institute for North Korea Studies, told AFP the test launch "appears to be an intention to assert presence ahead of the Trump administration".

He said it could also be aimed at "destabilising South Korea during Seoul's own period of turmoil". Suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment trial over his failed martial law bid began on Tuesday.

Tuesday's launch was Pyongyang's second this month after it fired what it said was a new hypersonic missile system last week.

The location of the test site was undisclosed but images released by North Korean state media KCNA showed leader Kim Jong Un observing last week's launch with his teenage daughter Ju Ae.

KCNA cited the use of a "new compound of carbon fibre" in the missile's engine, which experts warned could allow Pyongyang to hit further targets with technology to which only the United States, Russia and China currently have access.

Relations between the two Koreas have been at one of their lowest points in years, with the North launching a flurry of ballistic missiles last year in violation of UN sanctions.

In response to Pyongyang's increased capabilities, South Korea's state arms procurement agency said on Tuesday it has begun developing a new missile defence system "aiming to intercept North Korea's nuclear and missile threats at higher altitudes".

The missile system will cost 567.7 billion won ($388 million) and is scheduled to be ready by 2028, Seoul's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said in a statement.



- Pyongyang's ties with Moscow -



Last week's alleged hypersonic missile launch came as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was visiting South Korea.

Blinken said during that visit that Moscow was increasing cooperation with Pyongyang, adding they were working ever more closely on advanced space technology.

Ahn said another reason for Tuesday's launch may be the testing of "missiles for export to Russia to be used in Ukraine".

North Korea test-fired in late October what it said was its most advanced and powerful solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). It then fired a salvo of short-range ballistic missiles days later.

US and South Korean intelligence also believe that North Korea started in October to send thousands of troops to fight against Ukraine and has since suffered hundreds of casualties.

However, neither North Korea nor Russia has officially confirmed that Pyongyang's forces are fighting for Moscow.
Gaza rescuers say Israeli strikes kill 18



Gaza Strip, Palestinian Territories, Jan 14 (AFP) Jan 14, 2025



Gaza's civil defence agency said Israeli air strikes and shelling killed at least 18 people across the territory on Tuesday, including children, while the Israeli military said it was targeting Hamas operatives.

Agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal said the strikes primarily targeted Deir el-Balah, Gaza City and the Khan Yunis area.

The Israeli military told AFP that the air force conducted overnight "several strikes on Hamas terrorists who were involved in terror activities".

"Last night was harsh and bloody," Bassal told AFP, accusing Israel of conducting "dozens of air and artillery strikes across all areas of the Strip".

"Eighteen people were killed and dozens injured" in strikes on a tent and several homes in Deir el-Balah, Khan Yunis and Gaza City, he added.

Ten people, including a one-year-old girl, were killed when a strike hit the home of the Abed family in the Al-Manara area of Khan Yunis, Bassal said.

The other deceased included the child's parents, grandfather and uncle, he added.

In a separate strike, four children were killed when a home belonging to the Abu al-Shaar family in the Al-Daraj neighbourhood of Gaza City was struck, Bassal said.

Another strike hit a tent filled with displaced Palestinians, killing three people in the Deir el-Balah area, he added.

Witnesses said an Apache helicopter fired on areas of Jabalia in northern Gaza, where Israeli forces have been conducting a sweeping offensive since October.

The latest strikes occurred as a "final round" of talks to reach a ceasefire and hostage release deal was due to begin in Qatar, according to a source briefed on the negotiations.

The war in Gaza began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched the deadliest attack in Israeli history.

The attack resulted in the deaths of 1,210 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of official Israeli figures.

Israel's retaliatory campaign in Gaza has killed 46,584 people, a majority of them civilians, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory, figures that the UN considers reliable.

az-jd/ser
Russia, Vietnam sign nuclear energy deal



Hanoi, Jan 14 (AFP) Jan 14, 2025



Russia and Vietnam signed an agreement on nuclear energy on Tuesday during a visit by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin aimed at deepening ties between the two long-standing allies.

Vietnam wants to restart nuclear power plans to meet its rapidly expanding energy needs and is hoping that Russia can help.

No details about the agreement were immediately available but Vietnam's science and technology ministry said on Tuesday Alexey Likhachiov, general director of Russia's nuclear giant Rosatom, was "very interested" in cooperating with Vietnam on the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project.

The project -- which involves two plants in central Ninh Thuan province with a combined capacity of 4,000 megawatts -- was originally to be developed with assistance from Rosatom and the Japanese consortium JINED before plans were scrapped in 2016.

Likhachiov was in Hanoi on Monday to meet Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, their third meeting in six months.

The nuclear deal was among seven signed in a range of fields that also included digital technology and electronics.

The trip comes half a year after President Vladimir Putin travelled to Hanoi, where Vietnam's then-president To Lam indicated a desire to boost defence cooperation with Moscow.

Putin told reporters during the visit, which came as Western powers stepped up sanctions aimed at constraining Russia's war in Ukraine, that both sides had "identical or very close" positions on key international issues.

The two nations have been close allies since the days of the Cold War.

Mishustin met his counterpart Chinh and Lam, now Communist Party general secretary and the country's top leader, on Tuesday.

Russia has been Vietnam's main arms supplier for decades, accounting for more than 80 percent of imports between 1995 and 2023, but orders have dropped off in recent years as international sanctions related to the Ukraine conflict have intensified.
Iraqi PM in London to launch 'new era' of ties



London, Jan 14 (AFP) Jan 14, 2025



British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was to meet his Iraqi counterpart Mohammed Shia al-Sudani on Tuesday for talks on trade, security and migration, in a visit hailed as a "new era" in ties.

The Iraqi prime minister's trip to London, during which he will also meet King Charles III, comes more than 20 years after Britain took part in the US-led invasion of Iraq.

A "strategic partnership" to be signed during the trip would consolidate cooperation and be "one of the most important steps in relations between Iraq and the United Kingdom, representing the start of a new era", Sudani told AFP during the flight from Baghdad.

The three-day visit comes amid a complicated situation in the Middle East fuelled by the Gaza war between Israel and Hamas, as well as a fragile ceasefire in Lebanon between Israel and the Lebanese pro-Iranian militant group Hezbollah.

Donald Trump will also move back into the White House next week, with observers expecting he will resume his hardline stance towards Iran.

Oil-rich Iraq, which is an ally of Iran as well as a strategic partner for Washington, has for decades practised a delicate balancing act, while also seeking to deepen its ties to wealthy Gulf countries.

Sudani was due to first meet Tuesday with the UK's head of state King Charles, before meeting Starmer at Downing Street.

The visit will see the start of talks on a returns agreement for Iraqi irregular migrants to the UK, Starmer's office said.

The leaders will also unveil a pound12.3 billion ($15 billion) export package to boost opportunities for British businesses, it added.

Starmer said the trip "marks a new era in UK-Iraq cooperation, which will deliver mutual benefits from trade to defence, as we continue to work together towards stability in the wider region".



- Security deal -



Immigration, both irregular and regular, was a major issue in the UK's July general election, which brought the premier's Labour party to power.

"Secure borders are a vital foundation of our plan for change, so I am also very pleased to get started on talks for a bespoke returns agreement between our countries," Starmer said in a statement.

"The deal will help dismantle the people smugglers' business model by sending the clear message that if you come here illegally, you cannot expect to stay."

Sudani will also meet with business leaders including from oil giant BP.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, following a visit to Iraq and its autonomous Kurdistan region in November, said a security agreement with Iraq to target people-smuggling gangs and strengthen its border security was already having "an impact".

Due to strengthened border security, better intelligence-sharing, and "additional funding to support Iraq's law enforcement capabilities, we're targeting people smuggling gangs where it hurts," she said.

Swept to power in a landslide election victory in July, Starmer has had a bumpy first six months in power and is under pressure to kickstart growth and slash immigration.

The number of irregular migrants arriving in Britain on small boats soared to over 36,800 in 2024, according to official data.

At least 76 deaths were recorded, making it the deadliest year for migrants who are taking ever greater risks to evade Britain's border controls.

Tuesday's talks come as Sudani said his country was preparing for the end of the military presence in Iraq of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS.

The US maintains about 2,500 troops in Iraq and 900 more in Syria seeking to prevent any resurgence of the Islamic State jihadist group.

President Joe Biden's administration has agreed with Iraq to end the coalition's role by September 2025, but stopped short of a complete withdrawal of the US forces, whose presence has been opposed by Iran-aligned armed groups in Iraq.

tgg/jkb/aks/rlp
NATO launches Baltic Sea patrols after suspected cable sabotage



Helsinki, Jan 14 (AFP) Jan 14, 2025



The NATO military alliance said Tuesday it would launch a Baltic Sea monitoring mission following the suspected sabotage of undersea cables in recent months.

Several telecom and power cables have been severed with experts and politicians accusing Russia of orchestrating a hybrid war against the West as the two sides square off over Ukraine.

The "Baltic Sentry" mission would involve "frigates and maritime patrol aircraft" among other assets, NATO chief Mark Rutte said at a regional meeting in Finland's capital Helsinki on Tuesday.

But he declined to give details on the number of vessels "because that might differ from one week to another" and he did not want to make "the enemy any wiser than he or she is already".

NATO was also tight-lipped on the duration, saying in a statement the operation would continue "for an undisclosed amount of time".

The suspected sabotage has been blamed on a "shadow fleet" of vessels -- often ageing and operating under opaque ownership -- that carry Russian crude oil and petroleum products, embargoed since the invasion of Ukraine.

"Investigations of all of these cases are still ongoing, but there is reason for grave concern," Rutte said.

He said protecting undersea infrastructure was of "utmost importance" not only for energy supplies but also for internet traffic.



- 'Strategic signal' -



Leaders of NATO's Baltic countries said in a statement after the Helsinki meeting that the shadow fleet "poses a particular threat to the maritime and environmental security in the Baltic Sea region and globally".

They said the fleet "significantly supports funding of Russia's illegal war of aggression against Ukraine".

Finland's President Alexander Stubb said foreign ministries from the Baltic Sea NATO states would set up a group of legal experts to assess what they could do without affecting freedom of navigation.

NATO said in late December it would increase its presence in the region but had not announced an operation.

Iro Sarkka, a researcher from the Finnish Institute of International Affairs, told AFP that NATO had been pushed into action by the Russian shadow fleet.

A comprehensive operation would serve as a "deterrent and a strategic signal" that NATO was prepared to act, according to Sarkka.

- Repeated incidents -



Tensions have mounted around the Baltic Sea since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

A series of underwater blasts ruptured the Nord Stream pipelines that carried Russian gas to Europe in September 2022, the cause of which has yet to be determined.

In October 2023, an undersea gas pipeline between Finland and Estonia was shut down after it was damaged by the anchor of a Chinese cargo ship.

Two telecom cables in Swedish waters were severed on November 17-18 last year.

And weeks later, on December 25, the Estlink 2 electricity cable and four telecom cables linking Finland and Estonia were damaged.

Investigators suspect the cables were damaged by the anchor of the Eagle S, a Cook Island-flagged oil tanker believed to be part of the "shadow fleet".

Finnish police seized the Eagle S on December 28 as part of a criminal investigation.

Finnish authorities last week deemed the ship unseaworthy, barred it from sailing and have banned eight crew members from leaving the country while police carry out a probe.
Spanish PM says Europe must avoid 'arms race' in defence push



Madrid, Jan 14 (AFP) Jan 14, 2025



Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez warned on Tuesday that Europe must strengthen its defence and security industries in a turbulent world, without being sucked into a "new arms race".

Europe "must wake up once and for all", Sanchez told a conference of ambassadors in Madrid.

"In a world like this, adapting to the geopolitical reality is not enough," he said.

"Europe must be capable of strengthening itself to influence (this reality) and defend (its) interests and values" because countries plagued by "armed terrorist groups", wars and autocracies surround the continent, Sanchez said.

Donald Trump's return to the White House next week has fuelled uncertainty about the United States' commitment to European allies.

The Republican has demanded NATO members ramp up defence spending to five percent of GDP and said he would achieve a swift settlement to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which is approaching the three-year mark.

Despite the shortcomings identified by Sanchez, particularly in European cybersecurity, the Socialist premier said he would "never encourage a militaristic drift that leads us to a new arms race".

"Spain believes in peace and diplomacy as the formula to resolve conflicts and I will always maintain that security goes far beyond defence spending."

With Trump's comments sparking fears that Ukraine will be forced to cede territory to Moscow, Sanchez emphasised the need for "unity" against Russian President Vladimir Putin and a "just and sustainable peace".

Leaders from the European Union, Britain and NATO will gather in Belgium on February 3 for extraordinary defence talks after Trump's inauguration.
CARACAS, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil on Monday denounced attacks on several of the country's diplomatic missions, describing them as "a coordinated action" by the country's political opponents.

"Several of our consular offices have been attacked by extremists who do the same damage to our diplomatic offices that they want to do to our beloved Bolivarian Homeland," Gil said on Telegram.

Gil called on the authorities in the five countries where the attacks occurred -- Portugal, Germany, Colombia, Spain and Costa Rica -- to "speed up the investigations to find those responsible." 
Sudan army denies involvement in Al-Jazira state civilian assaults



Port Sudan, Sudan, Jan 14 (AFP) Jan 14, 2025



Sudan's army denied on Tuesday any involvement in assaults against civilians in the central state of Al-Jazira, after pro-democracy lawyers accused them and allied militias of killing 13 people, including two children.

The Emergency Lawyers, who have been documenting human rights abuses during the now 20-month-old war between the army and rival paramilitaries, said the attacks in Um Al-Qura in eastern Al-Jazira began last week as the army advanced through the state.

On Saturday, the military recaptured the state capital, Wad Madani, pushing out the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, who had dominated Al-Jazira since December 2023.

The lawyers' group on Monday accused the army and allied militias of detaining "a number of civilians, including women", in what they described as a part of campaigns targeting ethnic and regional communities accused of collaborating with the RSF.

They said that the assaults included "extrajudicial killing... kidnapping as well as physical and psychological humiliation and torture".

Both the army and the RSF have been accused of war crimes, including targeting civilians and indiscriminately shelling residential areas.

Though the RSF has become notorious for alleged ethnic-based violence -- leading the United States last week to accuse it of genocide -- reports have also emerged of civilians being racially targeted in army-controlled areas.

The army on Tuesday attributed the attacks to "individual violations" and pledged to hold those responsible accountable.

It also accused unnamed groups of exploiting these incidents to blame the military while ignoring what it said were "ongoing and horrific war crimes" committed by the RSF.

Villages such as Kambo Tayba -- where the attacks occurred -- are home to communities called Kanabi, residents of informal settlements who according to the Emergency Lawyers have faced hate speech as well as accusations of aiding the RSF.

Since April 2023, Sudan has been devastated by a war that has pitted army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan against his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, who leads the RSF.

The war has killed tens of thousands, uprooted over 12 million and pushed the country to the brink of famine, in what the United Nations describes as one of the world's worst humanitarian disasters.
Europe to boost defence cooperation under Trump, German minister says



Kyiv, Ukraine, Jan 14 (AFP) Jan 14, 2025



Europe's largest militaries have decided to increase defence cooperation in light of US President-elect Donald Trump taking office next week, Germany's defence minister said Tuesday on a visit to Kyiv.

European leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron have been pushing for greater EU defence cooperation since Trump's election win in November, amid questions over the incoming US administration's commitment to transatlantic security.

Trump has long been critical of the NATO military alliance, suggesting Washington would not come to the aid of member states that failed to meet their financial obligations to the group.

"We decided to increase our efforts to make our joint European defence better," German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said at a press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

He said this was due to the "challenges and threats" facing Europe, as well as the "change of the administration in Washington in the days to come."

Pistorius was speaking after meeting counterparts from France, Italy, Poland, and the UK in Warsaw on Monday, a week before Trump enters the White House.

Berlin has been the second largest provider of aid to Ukraine after the United States but there have been frequent debates within Germany over the extent of that support.

The Spiegel weekly reported last week that the German government was at odds over whether to approve three billion euros ($3.1 billion) of new military aid to Ukraine.

"This is just a fiscal problem of the government we have to solve and we are working on that," Pistorius said Tuesday, adding he was "optimistic" it would be approved.
Trump's cabinet hearings kick off with controversial Pentagon pick



Washington, Jan 14 (AFP) Jan 14, 2025



Confirmation hearings for Donald Trump's cabinet nominees kicked off Tuesday with his controversial Pentagon pick, Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host dogged by sexual assault allegations and no experience leading large organizations.

Senate Republicans are keen for Trump's national security nominees to be confirmed quickly and Democrats may agree to fast-track some. But they are determined to throw up roadblocks in front of candidates they see as unfit.

Hegseth, a former Army National Guard officer, has argued that US military effectiveness has been undermined by efforts aimed at promoting diversity in the ranks, and has said that women should not serve in combat.

"When President Trump chose me for this position, the primary charge he gave me was to bring the warrior culture back to the Department of Defense," Hegseth said at the opening of his confirmation hearing.

"He, like me, wants a Pentagon laser-focused on lethality, meritocracy, warfighting, accountability, and readiness," he said in remarks interrupted by pro-Palestinian protesters.

Democrats on the committee have highlighted major concerns about Hegseth, from his personal conduct to his ability to lead the Pentagon, a massive bureaucracy that employs more than three million people.

Senator Jack Reed -- the committee's ranking Democrat -- put it bluntly in his opening statement: "Mr Hegseth, I do not believe that you are qualified to meet the overwhelming demands of this job."

"We must acknowledge the concerning public reports against you. A variety of sources -- including your own writings -- implicate you with disregarding the laws of war, financial mismanagement, racist and sexist remarks about men and women in uniform, alcohol abuse, sexual assault, sexual harassment, and other troubling issues," Reed said.



- More fiery hearings -



Asked by Republican Senator Roger Wicker, the committee chair, about allegations Hegseth has faced, he claimed there was a "coordinated smear campaign" against him.

"I'm not a perfect person, but redemption is real," Hegseth said.

He can only afford three Republican rejections and still be confirmed, should every Democrat and independent vote against him.

But he has maintained Trump's support while the excoriating headlines have multiplied, and Senate Republicans appear open to hearing him out.

Former Democratic congresswoman turned Trumpist Tulsi Gabbard, who was tapped for director of national intelligence, is another candidate whose lack of qualifications and experience have raised alarm bells, as well as her attitudes toward US adversaries.

Gabbard met then Syrian president Bashar al-Assad in 2017 and declared him "not the enemy." She has also voiced sympathy for Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Opposition appears to be softening however after she flipped her stance to support a controversial government intelligence-gathering program that she tried to repeal in 2020.

Some pressure on the nominees is expected from both sides of the aisle, especially for Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump's nominee for secretary of health and human services and an anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist.

But former Florida senator and foreign policy hawk Marco Rubio, Trump's pick for secretary of state, is a sure bet with bipartisan support, and will likely be confirmed before Trump takes office on January 20.

Rubio gets his hearing Wednesday, along with homeland security secretary nominee Kristi Noem, attorney general nominee Pam Bondi and CIA pick John Ratcliffe, who has been confirmed by the Senate before as director of national intelligence.

Bondi was Trump's second choice after his initial pick, former Florida congressman Matt Gaetz, withdrew from consideration after facing sexual misconduct and drug allegations.

Some of the most potentially fiery hearings are yet to be scheduled, including for Kennedy and Kash Patel, Trump's nominee to run the FBI.

Patel -- a conspiracy theorist who vowed in a podcast that Trump would "come after" journalists, lawyers and judges he believes haven't treated him fairly -- is not expected to get his confirmation hearing until February.
Trump cabinet hearings start with controversial Pentagon pick



Washington, Jan 14 (AFP) Jan 14, 2025



Confirmation hearings for Donald Trump's cabinet nominees kicked off Tuesday with a combative session for controversial Pentagon pick Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host dogged by allegations of sexual misconduct and who lacks experience leading large organizations.

US Senate Republicans are keen for Trump's national security nominees to be confirmed quickly and Democrats may agree to fast-track some. But they are determined to throw up roadblocks in front of candidates they see as unfit.

Hegseth, a former Army National Guard officer, was grilled by Democratic members of the Senate Armed Services Committee over his opposition to efforts to promote diversity in the military and to women serving in combat, but he was largely defended by Republicans.

Democratic Senator Kirsten Gillibrand slammed Hegseth's past comments as "so hurtful to the men and women who are currently serving in the US military, harmful to morale, harmful to good order and discipline."

Hegseth stuck to his opposition to diversity, equity and inclusion policies, saying they are "dividing troops inside formations, causing commanders to walk on eggshells, not putting meritocracy first."

But he sought to soften past remarks on women serving in combat -- something he stated as recently as November 2024 that he opposed.

"I respect every single female service member that has put on the uniform past and present. My critiques... recently and in the past, and from personal experience, have been instances where I've seen standards lowered," Hegseth told lawmakers.

"Women will have access to ground combat roles... given the standards remain high," the 44-year-old said.

He has also come under fire for concerns about his past personal conduct, as well as his ability to lead the Pentagon -- a massive bureaucracy that employs more than three million people.

Senator Jack Reed, the committee's ranking Democrat, put it bluntly: "Mr Hegseth, I do not believe that you are qualified to meet the overwhelming demands of this job."

"We must acknowledge the concerning public reports against you. A variety of sources -- including your own writings -- implicate you with disregarding the laws of war, financial mismanagement, racist and sexist remarks about men and women in uniform, alcohol abuse, sexual assault, sexual harassment, and other troubling issues," Reed said.



- 'Not a perfect person' -



Asked by Republican Senator Roger Wicker, the committee chair, about allegations Hegseth has faced, the nominee claimed there was a "coordinated smear campaign" against him.

"I'm not a perfect person, but redemption is real," Hegseth said, later asserting he was "falsely accused" of sexual assault.

He can only afford three Republican rejections and still be confirmed, should every Democrat and independent vote against him.

But he has maintained Trump's support while the excoriating headlines have multiplied, and Senate Republicans appear open to hearing him out.

Former Democratic congresswoman turned Trumpist Tulsi Gabbard, who was tapped for director of national intelligence, is another candidate whose lack of qualifications and experience have raised alarm bells, as have her attitudes toward US adversaries.

Gabbard met Syria's then-president Bashar al-Assad in 2017 and declared him "not the enemy." She has also voiced sympathy for Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Some pressure on the nominees is expected from both sides of the aisle, especially for Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump's nominee for secretary of health and human services and an anti-vaccine conspiracy theorist.

But US senator and foreign policy hawk Marco Rubio of Florida, Trump's pick for secretary of state, is a sure bet with bipartisan support, and will likely be confirmed before Trump takes office on January 20.

Rubio gets his hearing Wednesday, along with homeland security secretary nominee Kristi Noem, attorney general nominee Pam Bondi and CIA pick John Ratcliffe, who has been confirmed by the Senate before as director of national intelligence.

Some of the most potentially fiery hearings are yet to be scheduled, including for Kennedy and Kash Patel, a conspiracy theorist who is Trump's nominee to run the FBI.
Iraq and UK reach mega-infrastructure deals in reset of ties



London, Jan 14 (AFP) Jan 14, 2025



Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani met Tuesday with his UK counterpart Keir Starmer, securing a pound12.3 billion ($15 billion) trade and investment package during a UK visit hailed as a "new era" in ties.

The Iraqi leader's trip to London, during which he also met King Charles III, focused on security, migration and infrastructure, with the two leaders agreeing a strategic "defence relationship" to deepen cooperation.

It comes more than 20 years after Britain took part in the US-led invasion which left the country reeling from conflict for years.

Starmer -- who entered Downing Street last July -- is eager to reset ties with a host of capitals, from Beijing to Brussels, and keen to seal any deals to boost Britain's ailing economy.

"The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the vision of a prosperous, sovereign Iraq through a new partnership focused on trade and investment," a UK-Iraq joint statement said after Tuesday's meeting.

"The prime ministers signed a landmark Partnership & Cooperation Agreement (PCA), a wide-ranging treaty on trade and strategic cooperation and agreed a trade package worth up to pound12.3 billion," it added.

That is more than 10 times the total value of UK-Iraq bilateral trade last year.

It contained UK-led mega infrastructure projects such as removing mines across Iraq left after decades of war and unrest, water and sewerage improvements and desalination in areas such as southern Basra as well as interconnecting the Iraqi and Saudi power grids.

A desperate lack of fresh water due to drought and climate change and frequent power blackouts, especially in the summer, have been major sources of discontent among the Iraqi population.



- Migration focus -



The three-day visit comes amid a complicated situation in the Middle East fuelled by the Gaza war between Israel and Hamas, as well as a fragile ceasefire in Lebanon between Israel and the Lebanese pro-Iranian militant group Hezbollah.

Donald Trump's move back into the White House next week, and expectations he will resume his hardline stance towards Iran, also loom large over the region's geopolitics.

Oil-rich Iraq, which is an ally of Iran as well as a strategic partner for Washington, has for decades practised a delicate balancing act, while also seeking to deepen its ties to wealthy Gulf countries.

Sudani -- brought to power in 2022 by a coalition of pro-Iran parties -- met Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as recently as last week.

Starmer and Sudani also agreed on the principles for the return of Iraqi irregular migrants in the UK and discussed the next practical steps, the joint statement said.

Coinciding with Sudani's visit, Britain's National Crime Agency announced the arrest of three men suspected of smuggling migrants from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) to Britain, in a "ground-breaking" joint operation.

Involving the Kurdistan Region Security Council and Kurdistan Region Security Agency, those detained are allegedly linked to a smuggling network run by a UK-based facilitator jailed for 17 years last November.

Migration -- regular and irregular -- is a key issue for Starmer as he faces domestic pressure to curb arrivals.

The number of migrants arriving in Britain on small boats after crossing the English Channel soared to over 36,800 in 2024, according to official data.

At least 76 deaths were recorded, making it the deadliest year for migrants who are taking ever greater risks to evade Britain's border controls.



- Border security -



Both leaders "agreed that the increasingly global nature of organised immigration crime underscores the need to stop people smuggling gangs from putting so many lives at risk", their statement said.

"Strengthening the border security of our nations is a key part of this effort," it added.

The pound12.3 billion package also included the reconstruction of the Al-Qayyarah airbase.

Sudani likewise met with business leaders including from oil giant BP, which recently announced long-term investment in Iraq.

Tuesday's talks come as Sudani said his country was preparing for the end of the military presence in Iraq of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS.

The United States maintains about 2,500 troops in Iraq and 900 more in Syria seeking to prevent any resurgence of the Islamic State jihadist group.

President Joe Biden's administration has agreed with Iraq to end the coalition's role by September 2025, but stopped short of a complete withdrawal of US forces, whose presence has been opposed by Iran-aligned armed groups in Iraq.

tgg/jj/jkb/sbk
Blinken proposes UN role, Palestinian state path in Gaza



Washington, Jan 14 (AFP) Jan 14, 2025



US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday proposed international security forces and temporary UN leadership to stabilize post-war Gaza where he warned that Hamas has recruited as many fighters as it has lost.

With talks in Qatar closing in on a ceasefire to the devastating 15-month war and days before he leaves office, Blinken laid out his long-awaited roadmap for post-war Gaza and warned that it required Israel accepting a path to a Palestinian state.

Blinken acknowledged the misgivings of Israel -- where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu leads a far-right government and expects even stronger US support under President-elect Donald Trump -- but pleaded for a new approach.

"Without a clear alternative, a post-conflict plan and a credible political horizon for the Palestinians, Hamas -- or something just as abhorrent and dangerous -- will grow back," Blinken said at the Atlantic Council in Washington.

Pointing to the void left as Israel relentlessly bombards Gaza, Blinken said: "We assess that Hamas has recruited almost as many new militants as it has lost."

"That is a recipe for an enduring insurgency and perpetual war."

In line with his calls since the start of the war, Blinken said that Gaza should be under the control of the Palestinian Authority -- which now holds shaky, partial control of the West Bank and has been repeatedly undermined by Israel.

Acknowledging the limitations of the Palestinian Authority, Blinken said an unstated number of countries have offered to send troops and police to post-war Gaza.

He said that the "interim security mission" would include both foreign forces and "vetted Palestinian personnel."

"We believe that the Palestinian Authority should invite international partners to help establish and run an interim administration with responsibility for key civil sectors in Gaza, like banking, water, energy, health," Blinken said.

The Palestinian Authority would coordinate with Israel and the rest of the international community, which would be asked to provide funding.

A senior UN official would oversee the effort, which would be enshrined by a United Nations Security Council resolution, Blinken said.

The interim administration would include Palestinian representatives from Gaza selected after "meaningful consultation" and hand over complete control to the Palestinian Authority "as soon as it's feasible," Blinken said.



- Longer-term -



The post-war deal would take shape in negotiations after an initial ceasefire, which both Blinken and President Joe Biden said was on the "brink" of acceptance.

Trump has backed efforts to end the war but is also expected to ally himself firmly with Israel, to which Biden authorized billions in weapons but occasionally criticized over civilian deaths.

Netanyahu has long fought the idea of a Palestinian state, and his allies have described the renewed push for statehood as a reward for the October 7, 2023 attack, the deadliest in Israel's history.

Blinken rejected the argument, saying: "Far from rewarding Hamas, accepting a political horizon would be the ultimate rebuke to its nihilistic agenda of death and destruction."

Blinken, who was repeatedly interrupted by pro-Palestinian protesters, also criticized Israel over actions during the conflict.

"Israel's government has systematically undermined the capacity and legitimacy of the only viable alternative to Hamas, the Palestinian Authority."

Blinken said he still hoped that a normalization accord between Israel and Saudi Arabia -- which he negotiated but did not complete -- would encourage moderation.

Normalization remains "the best incentive to get the parties to make tough decisions necessary to fully realize the aspirations both of Israelis and Palestinians," he said.

Hamas's October 7 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,210 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of official Israeli figures.

Israel's retaliatory campaign in Gaza has killed 46,645 people, a majority of them civilians, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory, figures that the UN considers reliable.
Iran FM says European powers appear serious about resuming nuclear talks



Tehran, Jan 14 (AFP) Jan 14, 2025



Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said on Tuesday that European powers appeared serious about finding ways to revive nuclear negotiations after talks in Geneva.

"The talks with the three European countries are aimed at exploring how we can return to the nuclear negotiations," said Araghchi in an interview with state TV.

He said the discussions were "positive and we felt the seriousness ... and (the European parties') desire for a negotiated solution."

"We do not know whether the new US administration intends to return to the negotiations," he added.

Officials from Iran held talks on Monday and Tuesday with counterparts from Britain, France and Germany, known as the E3, which both sides described as "frank and constructive".

The discussions took place a week before US President-elect Donald Trump, who pursued a "maximum pressure" policy of intensified sanctions against Iran during his first term in office, was due to return to the White House.

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said the discussions revolved around lifting sanctions as well as other issues.

On Tuesday, European Union diplomat Enrique Mora said he held a "constructive meeting" with Iranian officials on "exploring ways for a diplomatic solution to the nuclear issue."

Mora said the talks touched on "Iran's unacceptable military support to Russia."

Ukraine and its allies in many Western capitals have accused Tehran of supplying Moscow with weapons for use in the Russia-Ukraine war.

Iran has repeatedly denied the allegations.

On Tuesday, Araghchi said European countries had "no valid reason for this concern," referring to Iran's policy on Ukraine.

"We are ready to talk about this issue to address the concerns of the Europeans," he added.

The talks were the second round in less than two months, following a meeting in Geneva last November.

In 2015, Iran and world powers -- including France, Britain and Germany -- reached an agreement that eased international sanctions on Tehran in exchange for curbs on its nuclear programme.

But the United States, during Trump's first term in office, unilaterally withdrew from the accord in 2018 and reimposed biting economic sanctions.

Tehran adhered to the deal until Washington's withdrawal, but then began rolling back on its commitments.

Iran has repeatedly expressed willingness to revive the deal.
Palestinian health ministry says Israeli air strike kills 5 in West Bank



Jenin, Palestinian Territories, Jan 14 (AFP) Jan 14, 2025



The Palestinian health ministry said an Israeli air strike on the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday killed five people, with the Israeli military confirming it carried out an attack in the area.

"There are five martyrs and a number of injured as a result of the occupation's bombing in Jenin camp," the Ramallah-based ministry said in a statement.

The Israeli military did not offer details but said it had carried out "an attack in the Jenin area".

Israeli forces carry out frequent raids on Palestinian towns and villages in the West Bank, which Israel has occupied since 1967.

Violence in the territory has soared since the war in Gaza broke out on October 7, 2023.

Israeli troops or settlers have killed at least 830 Palestinians in the West Bank since the start of the Gaza war, according to the health ministry.

Palestinian attacks in the territory have killed at least 28 Israelis over the same period, according to Israeli official figures.
Palestinian health ministry says Israeli air strike kills 6 in West Bank



Jenin, Palestinian Territories, Jan 14 (AFP) Jan 14, 2025



The Palestinian health ministry said Tuesday that an Israeli air strike on the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank killed six people, with the Israeli military confirming it carried out an attack in the area.

"There are six martyrs and several injured as a result of the Israeli bombing of Jenin refugee camp," the Ramallah-based ministry said in a statement.

The Israeli military did not offer details but said it had carried out "an attack in the Jenin area".

Israeli forces make frequent raids on Palestinian towns and villages in the West Bank, which Israel has occupied since 1967.

Violence in the territory has soared since the war in Gaza broke out on October 7, 2023.

Israeli troops or settlers have killed at least 831 Palestinians in the West Bank since the start of the Gaza war, according to the health ministry.

Palestinian attacks in the territory have killed at least 28 Israelis over the same period, according to Israeli official figures.
JERUSALEM, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi forces fired a missile at Israel early on Tuesday, triggering sirens in wide areas, including Tel Aviv and some Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, according to an Israeli military statement.

"Several attempts were made to intercept the missile," the military said, adding, "It was likely intercepted."

No injuries were reported, but the attack caused property damage. The police said in a statement that homes in Mevo Beitar and Tzur Hadassah on the outskirts of Jerusalem were damaged. An image released by the police showed a missile fragment embedded in the roof of a residential home.

Bomb disposal units and additional police forces are operating in the area to assess the damage and secure the site.

The attack came a day after Houthi forces launched a drone and a ballistic missile toward Israel, both of which were intercepted.

Since November 2023, the Houthis have been carrying out missile 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 the Gaza Strip. 
Our priority is a fair, orderly and prosperous transition in the North Sea in line with our climate and legal obligations, and we will work with the sector to protect current and future generations of good jobs

UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson
There are two Francises in this narrative. There is the genuinely humble lover of peace, who is quite sincerely scandalised by the blasphemy of war and of arms trading. Quite a lot of the story of his papacy is taken up by stories of the survivors of war he has come to meet. And if your stomach isnt turned by the wretched young girl who survived a massacre in the Congo only to be repeatedly raped by her captors, its stronger than his. Ditto the poor Yazidi girl who became an Islamic State sex slave. But his life as a member of the Jesuit order began with him wanting to be a missionary in Japan. And he describes the testinony of Pedro Arupe, the Jesuit at Hiroshima, who describes what happened when the atomic bomb fell. Francis is still obsessed with the horrors of that bombing; hes one of the few public figures who seems still to care about nuclear weapons. But he goes through all the contemporary conflicts; at the outset of the war in Ukraine he offered his services to the Russian ambassador as a peacemaker.
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
And while the smoothing out of my tight London-stressed and anxiety-riddled shoulders was much needed, my heart rate spiked again the following morning when I signed up for a 20-minute flight at the Al Jazirah Aviation Club. As someone not naturally inclined to tiny aircraft, I was both terrified and exhilarated as we took off. The plane, more a tin can with wings than an aircraft, soared over Al Marjans coral-shaped islands, and I quickly forgot my fear. From the sky, the shimmering lagoons and precise layout were undeniably impressive.




Supporters of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol gather in a rally near the presidential residence in Seoul, South Korea, Jan. 12, 2025. (Photo by Jun Hyosang/Xinhua)

The presidential security service blocked the first attempt by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials to arrest Yoon at the presidential residence on Jan. 3. And local media said that it would again block the operation by the investigators.

SEOUL, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- A Seoul district court on Tuesday issued a warrant to arrest the acting chief of the presidential security service (PSS) who blocked an attempt earlier this month to arrest impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol, as some South Korean media reports expect a second attempt to arrest Yoon would be on Wednesday.

The PSS blocked the first attempt by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials (CIO) to arrest Yoon at the presidential residence on Jan. 3. And local media said that it would again block the operation by the investigators.

The blockade prompted long-lasting controversies about the PSS over its power in the country.

Police vehicles are seen near the presidential residence in central Seoul, South Korea, Jan. 3, 2025. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin)

WHAT IS THE PSS

The Presidential Security Service of South Korea is a specialized agency responsible for the security of the country's president, tasked with ensuring the president's absolute safety. Its organization and duties are governed by the Presidential Security Act.

The PSS was established in 1963 when Park Chung-hee became president. He transformed presidential security from being police-managed to a direct presidential responsibility, marking the beginning of the PSS functioning as a "personal guard institution" for the president.

Since then, its basic framework as a presidential body has remained unchanged, with the appointment of the head of the PSS being the exclusive prerogative of the president.

Protesters in favor of the impeachment of South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol shout slogans "Immediate Arrest" during a rally near the presidential residence in Seoul, South Korea, Jan. 12, 2025.(Photo by Jun Hyosang/Xinhua)

CONTROVERSY SURROUNDING THE PSS

The PSS's refusal to cooperate in executing the arrest warrant has sparked public debate in South Korea.

The Hankyoreh newspaper pointed out that there have long been fears that the PSS, as an extension of presidential authority, lacks any effective system of checks and balances and might abuse its power.

Lawmakers from opposition parties have recently proposed bills to abolish the PSS. Some have submitted legislation advocating the transfer of presidential security duties to the National Police Agency.

In 2023, the South Korean government attempted to amend regulations to grant the PSS chief more authority for background checks, but the proposal ultimately failed. The proposed 2025 budget for the PSS also drew criticism, as it represented a 43.4 percent increase compared to 2022.

Critics argue that the PSS's law-defying behavior demonstrates its transformation into a "presidential guard unit," calling for urgent reforms to the agency.
Despite the assertion from Muhammad Saqib Khan in the witness box that he was at home playing board games that evening, the jury saw through these lies and convicted him and others present in the vehicle that night.
That is why restrictions have immediately been brought in on animal products from Germany to prevent an outbreak, and we will not hesitate to add additional countries to the list if the disease spreads.
The ban is understood to apply to all products using meat either originating in Germany or butchered there, except where the product has been processed in such a way to remove the chance of disease transmission.
She insisted a social tariff  which could bring in more affordable energy charges for vulnerable households  is the best way to actually support people that are having difficulty with energy costs, and said: Thats work this Scottish Government along with energy providers is getting on with for the benefit of the UK Government, who should be doing that work.
Russia's defence ministry said it had shot down all of the Western missiles fired by Ukraine at the Bryansk region, as well as 146 drones outside the war zone. It said two more Storm Shadows had been shot down over the Black Sea.
If so, new digital markets competition rules which came into effect at the start of the year as part of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (DMCCA) would require the tech giant to follow certain conduct requirements or pro-competition interventions imposed by the CMA.
Philbys confession includes: five pages of admissions typed by Philby himself that he handed to Elliott; the transcript made from the secret MI6 recording of a crucial meeting Elliott had with Philby; and notes Elliott made of Philby telling him in the privacy of the gents toilet (presumably to evade the MI6 microphone) that he had decided to tell British intelligence everything he knew within the dictates of his conscience. Elliott asked for Philbys personal assurance that he was telling the truth on this, and he reiterated that he was.
A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office said: "We are supporting the family of a British woman who has died in France and are in contact with the local authorities."
Roman Busargin, governor of the Saratov region about 450 miles southeast of Moscow, said the cities of Saratov and Engels, on opposite banks of the Volga River, had been subjected to a mass drone attack and there was damage to two industrial sites.
BEIJING, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- China firmly opposes U.S. restrictions on artificial intelligence (AI) exports and will take resolute actions to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a regular press conference on Tuesday.

The restrictions further tighten export controls on AI chips and model parameters, while extending extraterritorial jurisdiction. They create obstacles for and interfere with third parties engaged in normal trade with China, according to Chinese Ministry of Commerce.

Guo said that the United States had generalized the concept of national security, politicized and weaponized economic and technological issues, and misused export controls to maliciously suppress China. He emphasized that these actions severely undermine market rules and the international economic and trade order, significantly affect the stability of global industrial and supply chains, and harm the interests of business communities of both China and the United States as well as various countries.

"AI is a shared asset of all humanity and should not be a game for wealthy nations and individuals, nor should it be used to create new development gaps," Guo said.

He criticized the United States for attempting to maintain its hegemony by introducing hierarchies in the field of artificial intelligence and for effectively depriving developing countries, including China, of their rights for technological progress and development.

Guo described the U.S. AI policy as a "stumbling block" to other countries, which contradicts the common interests of countries promoting the responsible development of AI, raising concerns about the United States initiating a new Cold War in technology. He said that many U.S. technology companies and industry associations had explicitly opposed the measures taken by the Biden administration.

"China is an active advocate and practitioner of global governance in AI," Guo said, adding that China has proposed the Global AI Governance Initiative, promoted the adoption of a resolution on AI capacity building by the United Nations General Assembly, and established a group of friends for international cooperation on AI capacity building.

He said China would continue to work with all parties to create an open, inclusive, universally beneficial, and non-discriminatory environment for the development of AI, ensuring that its benefits reach all countries. 
Handmade, multi-use balaclavas were sent over to the British troops to help protect them from the bitterly cold weather in Ukraine and Russia and were originally crafted from wool. The bottom half could be pulled right up to the nose, pulled down alongside the hood to create a snood, or the entire hood could be folded back to form a hat.
Relaying the seemingly backhanded remark to the audience, she quipped: You know, it is hard because I think women with my body type  women with perfect breasts  we don't get to see ourselves onscreen enough.
The Hollywood actor, who has starred in sci-fi epic Dune and period drama Little Women also revealed he never got the chance to meet Dylan as he is an elusive, mysterious figure and a man of few words, but he would be keen to.
ANKARA, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- A multi-vehicle chain collision involving two minibuses and two worker-carrying buses left 31 people wounded on Tuesday in Ankara, Turkiye's capital, reported the Anadolu Agency.

The accident took place in the Cubuk district and resulted in injuries to the 31 people, who were transported to local hospitals.

The conditions of the injured are stable and not life-threatening, Anadolu reported. One of the minibuses was being used for intra-city passenger transportation.

An investigation into the cause of the collision is underway. 
YANGON, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Myanmar's police have seized 700,000 stimulant tablets in Shan state and Mandalay region, according to the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control (CCDAC) on Tuesday.

Acting on a tip-off, a joint anti-narcotic task force intercepted a vehicle in Taunggyi township of Shan state on Jan. 4 and confiscated 400,000 stimulant tablets.

Under the follow-up investigation, 300,000 additional stimulant tablets were seized in Thazi township of Mandalay region on Jan. 5, it said.

The seized drugs had a street value of 650 million kyats (about 309,000 U.S. dollars), it added.

The suspects who were involved in the case were charged under the country's law, and further investigations are ongoing, the CCDAC said. 
Researcher Wang Gaohong prepares the backup version of the aquatic ecosystem at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, April 25, 2024. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)

SHANGHAI, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- In 2025, six zebrafish are set to journey to China's space station, assisting scientists in exploring how the space environment impacts the muscle and skeletal development of vertebrates. This research is expected to bolster long-term human survival in space and pave the way for interplanetary habitation.

A "fishbowl" in China's Tiangong Space Station will house six zebrafish and six grams of Ceratophyllum this year, according to Wang Gaohong from the Institute of Hydrobiology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, who spoke to Xinhua on Monday. The study will focus on the impact of microgravity on the proteins in the zebrafish's bones and muscles. Once the experiment comes to a close, the fish will be frozen and brought back to Earth for further analysis.

In April 2024, a container with four zebrafish and four grams of Ceratophyllum was sent to the space station by Shenzhou-18 manned spaceship, forming China's first space-based self-sustaining aquatic ecosystem. This space aquatic ecosystem ran smoothly for about 43 days, setting a global record for the longest operational duration of such a system.

"The typical lifespan of zebrafish is two to three years. Therefore, their 43 days in space is equivalent to a human spending three to four years there," said Wang, who is in charge of the experiment.

The "Tiangong fishbowl" currently in development has a volume of only 1.2 liters, equivalent to two bottles of drinking water. Conducting long-term breeding experiments for zebrafish in such a small space presents various challenges. To address these issues, researchers dedicated three to four years on Earth to preparation and planning.

Just as astronauts face rigorous selection, so do the zebrafish bound for space. "The four zebrafish that entered the space station were selected from 200 candidates. They need to be adults in good health, and they also need to have a stable temperament and be compatible with one another," Wang said.

When the first images from the "Tiangong fishbowl" were transmitted back to Earth, Wang was elated. "We left a bit of air in the container. In space, it mixed with the water and created beautiful bubbles, resembling a crystal palace."

This photo taken on April 25, 2024 shows a backup version of the aquatic ecosystem. (Xinhua/Jin Liwang)

During the 43-day space experiment, Wang and fellow scientists monitored the "Tiangong fishbowl" around the clock from Earth.

They observed that the Ceratophyllum and zebrafish initially showed instability in various metrics but gradually self-regulated and adapted to each other. The Ceratophyllum maintained robust photosynthetic activity throughout its stay in orbit.

Initially, the zebrafish displayed abnormal spatial behaviors, such as upside-down swimming and circling. "Like humans, fish cannot discern up from down in microgravity, leading to disoriented movement," Wang explained.

The water samples collected from this space aquatic ecosystem returned to Earth with the Shenzhou-18 spacecraft in November 2024, and scientists are now delving deeper into their analysis.

Zebrafish share a high genomic similarity with humans. They are small, reproduce rapidly, and have a short development cycle, making them a prime model organism in life sciences. They're widely utilized in research spanning various fields, including hematopoiesis, cardiovascular health, kidney, skeletal systems, tumor and epilepsy.

Microgravity in space can induce a range of pathophysiological phenomena in humans, such as cardiovascular issues, weakened immunity, bone loss, muscle atrophy, and hormona imbalances. Understanding these effects is a key scientific endeavor in space biology. This study will enhance our collective understanding of how the space environment impacts genes, cells, and overall life.

This study has laid a strong foundation for research on astronaut health using zebrafish as a model, Wang said. "Looking ahead, as humans contemplate leaving Earth for other planets, sustainable life support is crucial. Aquatic creatures like fish and shrimp, with their high feed conversion rates, could be an ideal source of protein." 
The Minister of National Defense, Angel Tilvar, had a meeting on Tuesday with James O'Brien, the assistant for European and Eurasian Affairs of the U.S. Secretary of State, during which he highlighted the "crucial" role of the Black Sea region in ensuring European and transatlantic security, in the context of the continuation of the Russian Federation's war of aggression in Ukraine, informs Agerpres.

According to the Ministry of National Defense (MApN), topics of strategic interest for both parties were discussed, with an emphasis on the consolidation of the Romanian-American Strategic Partnership, the support given to Ukraine, as well as the adaptation at the national and allied level to the security challenges generated by the current context in the Black Sea region.

Tilvar emphasized the "firm" commitment of Romania to the collective security of NATO and expressed appreciation for the substantial contribution of the United States in ensuring the security of the Eastern Flank.

"The active presence of the United States in Romania and in the Black Sea region is vital for European and transatlantic security. Romania remains dedicated to expanding cooperation in the field of security and defense, through continuous investments in modern capabilities that ensure an effective response to current security challenges and future", said the minister.

He also emphasized the importance of the joint Romanian-American military exercises, noting that these contribute "significantly" to improving interoperability and strengthening defense on NATO's Eastern Flank.

"At the same time, he highlighted the essential role of the American military presence in Romania, considering it a pillar of regional stability and a key-element in ensuring the reaction capacity of the North Atlantic Alliance", the MApN press release reads.
Hydroelectric power production fell last year by about 4,000 GWh due to drought, but there was an increase in photovoltaic energy, and prosumers provided 2% of all electricity production, Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja announced on Tuesday, informs Agerpres.

"In terms of nuclear energy, we are standing at similar figures [to those of 2023, editor's note], we count on and we have counted on the two nuclear reactors at Cernavoda [Nuclear Power Plant] and they are doing their job well. Unfortunately, we lost about 4,000 GWh of hydropower in 2024," minister Burduja told a press conference organized at the end of the Winter Energy Command Center meeting.

Thus, the minister added, if in 2023 Romania produced 57,371 GWh, in 2024 it produced about 52,997 GWh, so about 10% less.

"It really confirms that we had a very dry year. What's more, we also lost in wind power production last year somewhere between 7,500 and 6,300, because there was less wind," Burduja emphasized.

The minister emphasized, however, that in the photovoltaic area, i.e. solar parks, production increased from 1,600 to 2,200 GWh.

"We also have 1,000 GWh from prosumers. So somewhere around 2% of Romania's total energy production last year was from prosumers, and that doesn't take into account what they consumed where they have their PV panels and/or storage. It is their net production, from which we subtract consumption," Sebastian Burduja pointed out.
Ensuring the smooth functioning of daily activities within the education system represents, in the first stage, one of the priorities of Education and Research Minister Daniel David, as he told AGERPRES in an interview that he had begun to make a "very careful" diagnosis of the entire sector.



"I want to see what is working well (...), so we can support it and develop it. I want to see what is working poorly, the reasons behind it, so we can correct those things. (...) For now, we will keep the existing architecture, we will make it more efficient, we will not change the architecture. What will happen in the second part of the mandate, we will see," said Minister Daniel David.





"We are working on the new high school curriculum, we will have teacher training methods to ensure they use attractive methods that engage students. Textbooks will be rethought. (...) At the same time, we will certainly continue equipping schools to change the educational environment, the learning environment," the minister showed."I will give you a few examples: in the higher education and research sector. At the moment, we have about four active actors. We have universities, national research and development institutes, Academy institutes, and research units in various other private sectors. Very often, these actors do not cooperate with each other, they often overlap, and sometimes they enter into a rather destructive competition rather than contributing to cumulative knowledge. So, we are planning to evaluate this system and rethink and reorganise it, so there is room for everyone, but to replace these negative elements with cooperation that leads to cumulative development," the minister detailed."The first one was explicitly requested by the Prime Minister - namely, to develop performance indicators linked to salaries, as is said in the public space, but I would say regarding the incomes of those in the pre-university sector, because I believe that, as is the case with everyone in the public system, the base salary should be decent, and beyond that, we discuss performance indicators, bonuses, prizes, etc., to increase incomes. Also, in the pre-university sector, we will launch for public and national debate the framework plans for high schools, which have long been outdated. These are a few key aspects that I am aiming for in the area of education and research, which, as you can see, are somewhat related to broader aspects, the architecture, which, if done right, will make the daily activities more efficient," Minister David also said.About school equipment he mentioned an ongoing project to equip laboratories on the digital component."The context in which learning takes place is very important. Often, school dropout is also linked to the educational environment. If the environment looks bad, is under-equipped, does not stimulate you, and does not encourage you to learn, this, along with other factors, certainly contributes to school dropout. I know that the ministry already has these projects underway. When I think about the equipment in schools, the improvement of infrastructure, and the provision of teaching materials, the goal is for approximately 5,000 schools to benefit from this initiative. When I asked my colleagues in the ministry, who are already implementing the project, what percentage of schools we cover, they told me that it is over 80%," he said.In respect to the higher education area, he said one of his mandate priorities is to help universities better define their academic mission."In a university with a mission more focused on education or on both education and research, the entrepreneurial and dual components may be stronger. This way, we help students understand where they are going and what they are doing there, creating a stronger link between universities, the labour market, universities and local and national authorities, while also giving universities more power to have a say when going through various evaluation processes. Essentially, we strengthen university autonomy, because this mission is assumed and established by the academic community," Minister Daniel David pointed out.Some of the measures in view to curve school dropout the minister mentioned are a new high school curriculum, teacher training methods, meant to ensure they employ attractive methods involving students, rethinking manuals, school equipment, and continuing the 'hot meal' or 'healthy meal' programme.
Starting in January 2025 Romania has expanded its presence, with troops and military hardware, to another two NATO battle groups operating in eastern flank allied countries, specifically Slovakia (with an anti-tank detachment) and Bulgaria (with a reconnaissance detachment), while also continuing to participate in the eFP Battle Group Poland with an anti-aircraft detachment, informs Agerpres.

According to the National Defense Ministry, the decision to deploy multinational battle groups to Bulgaria, Romania, Slovakia and Hungary was taken at the Madrid 2022 NATO Summit, as part of enhancing collective defense measures on the eastern flank of the North Atlantic Alliance. The new battle units were modeled after those in the Baltic States and Poland, which were set up in the aftermath of the 2016 NATO Warsaw Summit.

The battle group in Slovakia is led by Spain and includes troops from the Czech Republic, Portugal, Romania and Slovenia. The Bulgarian battle group is led by Italy, with contributions from Albania, Croatia, Greece, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Turkey and the United States.

This supplementation of Romania's contribution to allied deterrence and defense measures complements the presence of Romanian soldiers in the battle group stationed in Poland, where the Romanian Army has been participating since 2017.

Romania's presence with over 150 soldiers and equipment in the North Atlantic Alliance battle groups reflects its firm commitment to strengthening collective defense on the eastern flank.

The National Defense Ministry mentions that the Romania NATO Battle Group has France as framework nation, and Belgium, Luxembourg and Spain as contributing states. The Bulgarian group is under the command of the Multinational Division South-East based in Bucharest.

NATO's 360-degree approach to defense and deterrence is mainly intended to ensure collective security, encompassing the three core tasks of the Alliance - deterrence and defense, crisis prevention and management, and cooperation security.

Romania currently contributes to maintaining regional and global security with over 1,000 personnel, and also participates in EU missions and operations, where it holds the command of the EU Training Mission for the Armed Forces of the Central African Republic (EUTM RCA), and is also set to take over the command of the EUFOR ALTHEA mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina - to which it is the most important contributor.

Thus, Romania will simultaneously exercise the command for two of the nine military operations and missions carried out under the aegis of the European Union's Common Security and Defence Policy to which it contributes with military personnel and equipment.
Each year, St. Louis stages put on a lot of new works. At Slightly Askew Theatre Ensemble, theres the Aphra Behn Festival, which features short new plays. Tesseract Theatre Company holds a new musical festival in the summer. First Run Theater is entirely devoted to staging world premieres. And of course St. Lou Fringe, for two weeks every summer, becomes a hub of new, weird and wild theater.

There are a lot of great local playwrights, but here are five whose works have stood out for being edgy, smart and taking risks.

Courtney Bailey

While she was getting her doctoral degree in English with a focus on Shakespearean literature at Baylor University, Courtney Bailey decided to try her hand at playwriting.

Named after the Renaissance painting Primavera by Botticelli, it was about a wedding in a super fundamentalist Christian community. I dont think it was a very good play. It was just a play that I needed to write in order to break into all of the other plays I was meant to write, Bailey says.

It had a small staged reading, and Bailey decided to continue playwriting after graduating in 2016. She became a professor at Greenville University in Illinois, but went freelance in 2020 and came to St. Louis.

Her breakout play was Bronte Sister House Party produced at Slightly Askew Theatre Ensemble in 2022. It was about Charlotte, Emily and Anne Bronte, writers behind famous Victorian novels such as Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights."

For the play, the three sisters were in a purgatorial time loop where they had to keep throwing a house party until they reached the Point of Celebratory Reverence.

For me, thats what the pandemic felt like, says Bailey, being stuck in a time loop of the same thing every single day and youre trying to break out of it.

The play was a hit and won four St. Louis Theater Circle awards, including for outstanding new play.

Equally Represented Arts produced Baileys next play Romanov Family Yard Sale in 2024, about the last remaining family members of a deposed Russian dynasty. The play also included a yard sale.

Right now, shes working on Wild Nights, about a sleepover hosted by Emily Dickinson. I am writing this play from a place of nostalgia for the millennial Y2K girl sleepovers that I participated in all through middle school and high school, Bailey says.

In addition to writing her own plays, she also writes for Prison Performing Arts, a program that goes into Missouri prisons to teach theater and stage plays.

In March, the group will stage Little Women Town at the Womens Eastern Reception Diagnostic and Correctional Center (get more information at prisonperformingarts.org). Bailey wrote the adaptation of Little Women using responses from the inmates in the program to the prompt What makes for a nice little life?

For Bailey, a nice little life definitely includes playwriting. What I like about a play is that its an event. People come to have this experience, but its different from night to night, and its a lived experience. And I find that ritual to be very magical.

E.K. Doolin

When she was younger, E.K. Doolin always thought of herself as an actor. Looking back now though, she says she always wrote a lot, including her own monologues.

After college, Doolin not only acted, but also wrote skits for young audiences in California. Originally from Southern Illinois, she moved back to the Metro East in 2012, now with her own kids in tow. Here she met Tress Kurzym and the two became creative partners with Doolin writing two-person plays that she and Kurzym would perform. One of their most popular productions was A Christmas Carol.

They did that for three years from 2015 to 2018. And then Doolin tried to plug into the St. Louis theater community. Her short plays started getting readings or productions in 2019, when her work was in Slightly Askew Theatre Ensembles Aphra Behn Festival. Another play of hers got a reading at the now-defunct Monocle in the Grove.

Doolin decided to go back to school to get a master's in playwriting at Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 2021. Each year of the three-year program, she had to write a full-length play.

Her first effort, called The Dead Women of Jackson County, was inspired by Mary Shelleys Frankenstein, or, the Modern Prometheus and Shakespeares A Winters Tale. Her second play was a riff on Shakespeares Midsummer Nights Dream.

I love a good trilogy and a good theme, Doolin says, so she decided to draw on Shakespeare for her final play as well, and turned to his lesser-performed Pericles to flesh out the adventures of a side character. That play, Am I Dangerous?, was staged in the fall of 2024 by Contraband Theatre in St. Louis, with Kurzym directing.

The play featured an all-female cast in an intriguing coming-of-age story where the protagonist thinks her desires could be deadly.

Doolin says she was happy from a script standpoint and loved the production.

Plays are constantly in motion to me. And I think that the beautiful thing about theater as an art form is that it is a collaboration," Doolin says. "Its not just a novel that lives in and of itself. Its a part of a mobile and organic thing that is brought to life by the collaborative element.

Jacob Juntunen

When he was in community college in Portland, Jacob Juntunen had the chance to attend a lecture by famed playwright Edward Albee, author of Whos Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Three Tall Women and other plays.

Juntunen asked what he would have to do to take a class with Albee, who at the time was a professor at the University of Houston.

He sort of looked over his glasses and said, Are you speaking practically or theoretically? Juntunen recalls. And I had to think that through, and I said, Practically. He said, Send me a play. So I did, and I got in.

Juntunen just enrolled in Albee's class at the University of Houston, not in a degree program. (He earned his bachelor's from Reed College.) But he learned a lot studying under Albee, who produced one of Juntunens plays in Houston.

After college, Juntunen got hired at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where he runs the graduate playwriting programs. Doolin was a student of his.

While in Carbondale, he also founded his theater company Contraband Theatre, to stage his play Hath Taken Away.

It was kind of like a modern update on the Book of Job from the Bible but set in the present day with these three young evangelicals struggling with their faith in a variety of ways, Juntunen says.

He moved to St. Louis in 2018 and when the pandemic hit, he created a Zoom play called 18 Months After November about America falling apart after a contested election.

People are always like, So this is your reaction to Jan. 6? Juntunen says with a laugh, but it was written in October 2020, well before Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol to contest the election results. He did write a play inspired by the pandemic called "See You in a Minute" where a girl goes home to take care of her parents in 2040, a full circle moment after her parents took care of her during the 2020 pandemic.

Now, Juntunen is finishing a new play, tentatively titled Attic of Memory. It will have a public reading on Jan. 19. He doesnt want to give too much away about it yet because it will go through revisions after he hears it aloud. But the play will definitely have one element: I think the secret to writing a good play is having just a really strong question at the beginning. Then you manage to keep the audience guessing, and when its answered, you know to clap.

Mariah Richardson

With her YouTube series Delilah Shares Our World, Mariah Richardson uses an animated character called Delilah to teach kids about geography, history and St. Louis.

I realized kids dont know a whole lot about geography for some strange reason, and I think that has to do with how they test kids in public school these days, says Richardson. So I was just trying to do something that would make the world feel accessible to them.

The show sprang out of a series of plays that Richardson wrote about the character Delilah, starting back in 1995.

I had a one-woman show back in the 90s and technically shes a character, Richardson says. She says technically because Delilah has gone through several iterations. In that play, called All That, Delilah was 17 talking about issues affecting youth like girl gang members, suicide and more. But Delilah would flashback to being 6 years old to talk about domestic violence.

Richardson toured with the show, which won an award from HBO. It caught the attention of Metro Theater Company, which does theater locally for young audiences, and they commissioned a play from Richardson about young Delilah but set in St. Louis.

Delilahs Wish about Delilah living with her grandmother while her mom is deployed in the Middle East came out in 2009. Richardson played Delilah. Thats a character everybody loved, she recalls.

In 2019, Richardson wrote a piece for COCA that also featured Delilah called Suffer the Children about gun violence. The latest Delilah play, Bold, Brave, Curious! came out in 2023 and was about friendship.

Richardson started her YouTube series in 2024, and does everything herself. Im a one-man band right now, she says. I shoot, I edit, I write.

She also works at Florissant Valley Community College as an assistant professor of communications, voiced a character on the Nine PBS show "Drawn In," and does other playwriting. She wrote The Ville: Avengeance! for St. Louis Shakespeare Festival and Functional: The Thelonious Monk Story, about jazz pianist Thelonious Monk, which has been performed at the Missouri History Museum among other places.

But Richardson has been committed to her character Delilah, and hopes to finish up some projects to focus more on Delilah in the coming months.

Im just worried about trying to fund this, Richardson says. Right now it's funded through my paycheck. Richardson got a Regional Arts Commission grant that helped her get equipment and pay for animation, but that money has run out.

Richardson says her interest in making content for kids might stem from her early career with Metro Theater Company.

I was actually a company member back in the 80s, she says, which meant she worked full-time with the company as an actor. And learning how to do theater for young audiences was really interesting for me. I just find kids' stuff a lot more fun.

To see Delilah Shares Our World visit: youtube.com/@DelilahSharesOurWorld-22/featured.

Eric Satterfield

Eric Satterfield thinks his upcoming one-act play, The Bigfoot Diaries, might have come to him in a dream.

I dont remember if I had one, he says. I just woke up with this idea to write about Bigfoot. It was 2 a.m., but Satterfield got to work on a monologue that ended up in the final play, which will be staged by Chorus of Fools later in January.

It has kind of a true crime vibe, he says. The play is about a town that is known for Bigfoot sightings and has a Bigfoot Festival every year. When one member of the town ends up in a coma after being attacked, everyone thinks it was Bigfoot.

But as the play progresses, we realize the darkness thats in the town, Satterfield says.

Fellow playwright E.K. Doolin will be directing The Bigfoot Diaries, which Satterfield says has helped shape the project.

Shes got a lot of great ideas to help finesse the finishing touches.

Satterfield enjoys exploring darkness on stage, saying none of his characters is all good or all bad. He co-wrote a prequel to Shakespeares Hamlet. That play, Elsinore, was about Claudius, Hamlets uncle who murdered Hamlets father and married Hamlets mother.

Satterfields play looks at what led up to those events. I got to play Claudius in a production of Hamlet, and I had a lot of questions about what made him tick, Satterfield recalls. Shakespeare doesnt answer a lot of those questions.

Elsinore got its first staging with Prison Performing Arts, where Satterfield is also a production coordinator. He got to play Claudius with the group's alumni troupe (made up of formerly incarcerated individuals).

I was very, very happy with it, Satterfield says. Thats the biggest joy of being a playwright, seeing your stories come to life on stage.

If you go What: The Pavement Kingdom: A Clinic Escort Play by Courtney Bailey and The Bigfoot Diaries by Eric Satterfield, directed by EK Doolin When: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 30 - Feb. 2 Where: Greenfinch Theater & Dive, 2525 South Jefferson Avenue How much: $17-$20 More info: chorusoffools.org What: Jacob Juntunens Attic of Memory staged reading When: 11 a.m. Jan. 19 Where: St. Louis Shakespeare Festival Studio, 3333 Washington Avenue How much: Free More info: events.humanitix.com/contraband-staged-reading-january-2025/tickets
BERKELEY  A St. Louis man faces murder charges after police say he fatally stabbed a co-worker at an Amazon warehouse in Berkeley.

Patrick Thrower was held without bond Tuesday in the St. Louis County jail on charges of first-degree murder and armed criminal action.

Thrower, 41, is accused of killing co-worker Kenneth Anderson-Lane.

Anderson-Lane was stabbed Sunday at the Amazon facility at 8850 Springdale Avenue in Berkeley. He died at Barnes-Jewish Hospital of a single stab wound to his heart, police said.

Berkeley police Major Steve Runge said in court records that officers were called to the warehouse, where a witness pointed out the knife and said Thrower was the man who stabbed Anderson-Lane.

Runge said Thrower admitted having the knife, and video footage showed Thrower holding the knife just before confronting Anderson-Lane outside the main entrance to the warehouse.

Police did not provide a motive for the stabbing.

Thrower lives in the 2000 block of John Avenue in St. Louis. He did not have an attorney listed in court records.

Anderson-Lane lived in the 4300 block of Margaretta Avenue in St. Louis. His family could not be reached for comment.
SEOUL, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, as expected, did not show up on Tuesday at the first hearing of his impeachment trial at the country's constitutional court.

Yoon's defense counsel said Sunday that concerns remained about safety and mishaps as investigators continued their attempt to execute a warrant to arrest the impeached president. The president will be present at any time when the safety issue is resolved, said the counsel.

WHAT'S THE PROCEDURE TO REVIEW YOON'S IMPEACHMENT

The impeachment motion against Yoon was passed in the National Assembly on Dec. 14, 2024, and was delivered to the constitutional court to deliberate for up to 180 days.

Yoon, who was named by investigators as a suspected ringleader on an insurrection charge, declared martial law on the night of Dec. 3, but it was revoked by the National Assembly hours later.

Besides Tuesday's hearing, the constitutional court also planned to hold hearings on Jan. 16, 21, 23 and Feb. 4.

According to South Korean laws, the parties involved must appear for the hearings. If a party is absent, the court will conclude the session and schedule the next hearing date. However, if a party fails to appear for a second time, the court may proceed with the trial in their absence.

Local media said that, given the significant public division over Yoon's impeachment, the court will fully ensure the number of hearing sessions. This may result in additional public hearings beyond the five already scheduled, but the exact number of additional hearings remains unclear.

The country's legal community predicts that since the terms of two judges appointed by former President Moon Jae-in will end on April 18, public opinion in South Korea suggests that the constitutional court is likely to deliver its decision before this date. They said that the constitutional court would conclude the hearings by late February to early March and announce its ruling between mid-March and late March.

WHAT'S THE PROSPECTS OF YOON'S IMPEACHMENT TRIAL

The constitutional court's ruling remains uncertain due to factors such as the court's trial procedures, the vacancy of one judge, and the intense political struggle between domestic factions.

Currently, the nine-member constitutional court consists of eight judges, with one additional judge's appointment temporarily postponed by acting President Choi Sang-mok. To impeach Yoon, at least six judges must vote in favor.

According to local media, among the eight judges, two were appointed by Moon, two were appointed by the chief justice during Moon's administration, and one was recommended by the opposition. These five judges are considered more likely to support the impeachment.

Of the remaining three judges, the judge handling Yoon's impeachment case, Cheong Hyung-sik, is considered conservative and was appointed by Yoon. Another was appointed by the current chief justice, and one was recommended by the ruling party. The three judges are considered less likely to support the impeachment.

Additionally, the constitutional court has recently called for the swift appointment of the remaining judge to restore the nine-member system. Analysts suggest that if the last judge, recommended by the opposition party, is appointed, the required six votes for impeachment might be secured, significantly increasing the likelihood of a successful impeachment.

Some also believe that, to prevent division among the public and national chaos resulting from a split decision, the constitutional court may opt for a unanimous ruling, as was the case during the impeachment of former President Park Geun-hye.

Tang Xiao, a researcher at the Department for Asia-Pacific Studies of the China Institute of International Studies, said the approval of an arrest warrant for a sitting president for the first time in the country suggested initial judicial recognition of Yoon's potential illegal actions in issuing martial law orders.

Meanwhile, local polls showed that 64 percent of South Koreans support Yoon's impeachment and hope this will restore stability and normal governance to the country. Although the ruling party is still attempting to delay the process, the overall situation remains highly unfavorable for Yoon, said Tang.

Analysts said that from the start of the trial to the final ruling, the process is highly complex and fraught with uncertainty. The political turmoil in South Korea is expected to persist for some time. 
An F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 134th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron lands while F-16C Fighting Falcons assigned to the 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron taxi at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Jan. 13, 2025. (Tylir Meyer/U.S. Air Force)

KADENA AIR BASE, Okinawa  An F-16C Fighting Falcon made an emergency landing here Monday, according to a local newspaper, the second such incident at the base in as many days.

Meanwhile, more stealth fighters arrived at Kadena the same day as part of a temporary plan to fill in for retiring F-15 Eagles, according to a news release from the 18th Wing.

The F-16, deployed to Kadena on a rotational basis, landed at around 3:30 p.m. Monday, according to a report in the Ryukyu Shimpo citing an uncredited photo and unnamed witnesses. The fighter was believed to be participating in routine training that began last week and is scheduled to continue through Thursday, the report said.

Wing spokeswoman Maj. Alli Stormer declined to confirm the landing in an email Tuesday.

The same newspaper reported an F-22 Raptor stealth fighter made an emergency landing at Kadena on Sunday.

Precautionary landings are standard procedure when pilots notice something out of the ordinary with their aircraft, Stormer wrote. We are committed to conducting safe flight operations as we uphold our defense commitments.

Earlier Monday, 10 F-35A Lightning IIs began arriving at Kadena, a spokesman with the Okinawa Defense Bureau, an arm of Japans Ministry of Defense, said by phone Tuesday.

Some Japanese government officials speak to the press only on condition of anonymity.

The stealth fighters are from the 134th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron with the Vermont Air National Guard, according to the wings news release.

The Air Force has rotated squadrons of more advanced warplanes through Kadena since officially bidding farewell to its 48 legacy F-15 C/D Eagles on Okinawa in December 2022. The service sometimes calls Kadena the keystone of the Pacific because of Okinawas position northeast of Taiwan on the eastern edge of the East China Sea.

Our squadron eagerly anticipates the chance to elevate our training by testing [agile combat employment] concepts during this deployment, squadron commander Lt. Col. Trevor Callen said in the release. We are committed to leveraging our experiences and techniques alongside our bilateral partners and Kadena flying units, which will significantly enhance our operational versatility in the Indo-Pacific.

Agile combat employment is the Air Force doctrine that calls for operations to shift from centralized air hubs to a network of smaller, dispersed sites or cluster bases.

The F-35As join F-16C Fighting Falcons from the 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., and F-22 Raptors from the 525th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron out of Joint-Base Elmendorf, Alaska, according to the release.

Stormer in another email Tuesday declined to say if F-35As from the 34th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron out of Hill Air Force Base, Utah, have departed the base, citing security reasons. The aircraft were at Kadena as of Monday.

To support regional interoperability with allies and partners, we will continue to maintain a steady-state fighter presence of fourth- and fifth-generation aircraft, she said.

Interoperability is a term the military often uses to describe the ability of one countrys armed forces to use anothers training methods and equipment.

In July, the Air Force announced it will permanently deploy 36 F-15EX Eagles to Okinawa to replace the older F-15s, as part of a broader plan to station more advanced fighter aircraft across Japan over the next several years.

Stars and Stripes reporter Keishi Koja contributed to this report.
Four Maryland Air National Guard A-10C Thunderbolt II jets fly over Baltimore on Nov. 3, 2024, before an NFL game. Six Guard A-10s, four from Maryland and two from Michigan, need repairs and have been stuck at Naval Air Station Sigonella, Sicily, for about two months waiting for parts, according to service officials. (Sarah Hoover/U.S. Air National Guard)

NAPLES, Italy  A monthslong wait for needed repairs that saw six Air National Guard attack jets stuck at a Navy base in Sicily should come to an end this week, according to service officials.

Maryland National Guard maintainers are at Naval Air Station Sigonella completing repairs on the A-10C Thunderbolt II jets, Maj. Benjamin Hughes, a spokesman for the Maryland National Guard, said Tuesday.

The six A-10s are projected to depart on (Thursday), Hughes said in an email.

The aircraft, also known as Warthogs, were left behind at NAS Sigonella in November due to maintenance issues. Earlier, officials said that a timeline for the jets return was dependent on parts availability and that they anticipated the aircraft would be ready to fly back to the U.S. in a couple of weeks.

Four of the jets are assigned to the Maryland Air National Guard, and the other two belong to the Michigan Air National Guard, according to the Air Force.

Five needed repairs while the sixth plane was mission ready, Hughes said. He didnt specify what repairs were required or the parts needed only saying that there were various maintenance issues.

Air Force regulations require all aircraft to be fully mission capable before scheduling a transoceanic fighter jet movement, Hughes said in an email on Jan. 8. The standard for a fighter jet movement is six aircraft.

The Air Force is working to divest itself of the aging A-10, a combat workhorse popular for its ability to fend off enemy ground attacks in areas where U.S. troops face little to no airborne threat. In 2024, the service had about 218 A-10s, the news site Task and Purpose reported on Jan. 7.

Last fall, the Air Force deactivated the 354th Fighter Squadron, which had flown the jets since 1991. That same month, the Air Force reported retiring 39 A-10s to date in 2024, more than double the year before, when 17 of the jets were sent to storage at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona, according to a service inventory released in September.

Still, the Warthog has continued to play a sizable U.S. combat role, especially in the Middle East. Among other missions, American personnel are helping with efforts to prevent a resurgence of the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria.

A-10s supporting ground forces recently in Iraq were successful in eliminating the ISIS fighters within a cave, U.S. Central Command said in a Jan. 6 statement.

And on Nov. 29, the A-10 was flown to strike militants preparing a rocket rail near Mission Support Site Euphrates in Syria, Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder told reporters during a Dec. 3 press briefing.

While the 175th Wing of the Maryland ANG was on deployment, most of its missions supported anti-ISIS operations, the wing said in a statement Nov. 1.

The deployment was one of the most challenging the unit had faced, with Maryland A-10s in eight previous combat deployments over the past 20 years, Lt. Col. Ryan Yingling, 175th Operations Support Squadron commander, said in the statement.
The Virginia-class attack submarine USS Texas departs Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in Maine for sea trials on Dec. 6, 2024. (Branden Bourque/U.S. Navy)

Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro named three Virginia-class submarines on Monday to be the future USS Potomac (SSN 814), the future USS Norfolk (SSN 815), the future USS Brooklyn (SSN 816) and one Columbia-class ballistic missile submarine to be named the future USS Groton (SSBN-828).

Todays submarine force is the most capable force in the world and in the history of the U.S. Navy, said Secretary Del Toro in a news release. It is my honor and privilege to announce the names of the future submarines which will protect us from deep below the oceans waves.

The future USS Potomac honors the major river in the east central United States. This will be the seventh Navy ship to bear the name.

The future USS Norfolk honors the city in Virginia which is home to the worlds largest Naval station. This will be the fourth Navy vessel to bear the name.

The future USS Brooklyn honors the New York City borough, home to the Brooklyn Navy Yard which constructed some of the Navys most famous vessels. This will be the fourth Navy vessel to bear the name.

Virginia-class attack submarines are designed to seek and destroy enemy submarines and surface ships. They are capable of projecting power with Tomahawk cruise missiles and special operations forces; carrying out intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions; supporting battle group operations; and engaging in mine warfare.

The future ballistic-missile submarine, USS Groton, honors the port town in Connecticut, known as the submarine capital of the world. This will be the fourth Navy vessel to bear the name.

The Columbia class is a new class designed to replace the existing Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines. They serve as an undetectable launch platform for submarine-launched ballistic missiles. They are designed specifically for stealth and the precise delivery of nuclear warheads. The lead sub in the new class, the USS District of Columbia, began in October 2020 and is expected to enter service by 2031.
Sailors heave a mooring line of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) at Naval Station Norfolk on Jan. 8, 2025. (Evan Antonisse/U.S. Navy)

The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower arrived at Norfolk Naval Shipyard on Jan. 8 for a scheduled Planned Incremental Availability period (PIA)  maintenance, repairs and modernization  after completing a nine-month deployment.

The maintenance phase ensures the carriers capabilities meet future operational demands, the Navy said in a news release.

This maintenance period is a crucial opportunity to reset and upgrade the IKE [USS Dwight D. Eisenhower] after an exceptional deployment, said Lt. Cmdr. Nicholas Meadors, the ships maintenance manager. Our team, alongside the skilled workforce at Norfolk Naval Shipyard, will ensure that IKE is prepared to meet the Navys evolving mission requirements. This effort reflects a strong partnership and a shared commitment to excellence.

Capt. Christopher Hill, commanding officer, Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), observes sea and anchor operations at Norfolk Naval Shipyard on Jan. 8, 2025. (Kade Bise/U.S. Navy) The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) prepares to get underway from Naval Station Norfolk on Jan. 8, 2025. (Kade Bise/U.S. Navy) The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) is moored at Norfolk Naval Shipyard on Jan. 8, 2025. (Kade Bise/U.S. Navy) The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) transits the Elizabeth River Norfolk Naval Shipyard on Jan. 8, 2025 (Evan Antonisse/U.S. Navy) The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) transits the Elizabeth River to Norfolk Naval Shipyard on Jan. 8, 2025. (Mercy Crowe/U.S. Navy)

The USS Eisenhower and its strike group spent time in and near the Red Sea defending commercial and military vessels against Houthi drones and missiles launched from Yemen. The aging warship and components of its strike group saw the first air-to-air engagement against drones and the first combat employment of the precision-guided Joint Direct Attack Munition bombs as the carrier defended merchant ships against almost daily attacks in the Red Sea from Houthi rebels in Yemen.

The groups air wing expended 60 air-to-air missiles and released 420 air-to-surface weapons. All told, the strike group completed more than 13,800 flights totaling about 31,500 hours.

It was very dynamic. It was something we really have not seen  for the carrier strike group to be that close to that kind of fight  since World War II, Capt. Marvin Scott, commander of the air wing, said in July when the ships returned home from deployment.

The maintenance period will include comprehensive work on the carriers propulsion systems, crew habitability, combat systems and aviation support capabilities. In addition to routine maintenance, upgrades to critical systems will ensure the carrier remains mission-ready and extends its operational effectiveness.

The crew will have an opportunity to focus on professional development, family reintegration and personal readiness after a demanding deployment.

Our sailors will continue to exemplify the same dedication theyve shown throughout the deployment, said said Eisenhower commanding officer Capt. Chris Hill. We will emerge from this phase stronger, ready and more capable than ever before.

A PIA is part of the maintenance phase of the Navys Optimized Fleet Response Plan, which helps the Navy balance operational requirements with time for training and maintenance.
BEIRUT, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon's newly elected President Joseph Aoun on Tuesday called for the smooth formation of a new government to send positive messages to the international community.

"No obstacles should be put in the way of forming the government for a simple reason: We have great opportunities today that must be exploited. We should also send positive messages to the international community that Lebanon is capable of governing itself, implementing reconstruction transparently, and building a state we all aspire for," the president said.

Aoun made these remarks during his meeting with a delegation from the Supreme Islamic Shiite Council, according to a statement released by the Lebanese presidency.

Aoun highlighted reconstruction as the very first priority of his administration, saying he would start visiting countries to request assistance in rebuilding the country which newly emerged from nearly 14 months of deadly conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

The president also called for the unity of all sects. "No component in this country must have an advantage over another. Lebanon is a state for all. If a component is broken, all of Lebanon will be broken," he stressed.

Aoun, Lebanon's former army chief, was elected president on Jan. 9. His victory marked the end of more than two years of presidential vacancy in the country.

On Monday, Aoun appointed Nawaf Salam as Lebanon's prime minister and tasked him with forming a new government. 
Japan Ground Self-Defense paratroopers jump from an Air Force C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron at Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo, Jan. 12, 2025. (Yasuo Osakabe/U.S. Air Force)

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan  American troops recently joined a 12-nation parachute drill near Tokyo to hone skills needed to recapture remote islands.

Airborne troops from the United States, Japan, Australia, Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Poland, the Philippines and Singapore participated in Sundays drill, a Japan Ground Self-Defense spokesman said by phone Tuesday.

Some Japanese government officials may speak to the press only on condition of anonymity.

Japan has been strengthening its ability to defend its southernmost islands, some of which are also claimed by China. The islands could become battlegrounds if war breaks out over nearby Taiwan.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has stated his intent to reunite the self-governing and democratic island with the mainland, by force if necessary.

Sundays operation began with U.S. Air Force C-130J Super Hercules from the 36th Airlift Squadron loading 20 U.S. Army and 46 Japanese paratroopers at Yokota in western Tokyo, according to a 374th Airlift Wing news release that day.

The key objectives of these drops were to celebrate long-standing traditions, while increasing combat readiness between U.S. and international partners, Capt. Jack Rollings, a C130-J pilot with the airlift squadron, said in the news release. This sets the tone for a year of continuous growth, collaboration and operational excellence.

A U.S. Army paratrooper with the 11th Airborne Division descends from a C-130J Super Hercules assigned to the 36th Airlift Squadron at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Jan. 12, 2025. (Yasuo Osakabe/U.S. Air Force) A Japan Ground Self-Defense Force paratrooper conducts a final safety check before leading his teams jump from an Air Force C-130J Super Hercules at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Jan. 12, 2025. (Manuel Zamora/U.S. Air Force)

Three planes from the squadron were involved along with aircraft from Japans 401st Tactical Airlift Squadron, of Komaki Air Base near Nagoya, Yokota spokesman Master Sgt. Nathan Allen said in an email Monday.

In total, the event saw approximately 200 jumpers from 11 nations, bolstering an ironclad bond between allies and partners while further enhancing readiness and security in the region, the wings news release said.

The paratroopers jumped from around 1,100 feet, Japanese national broadcaster NHK reported Sunday.

They landed at Camp Narashino in Chiba prefecture, near Tokyo, the wings release said.

Video of the drill posted to YouTube by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force shows paratroopers landing in a grassy field before CH-47 helicopters arrive with sling-loaded artillery and armored vehicles.

Attack helicopters hovered and tactical vehicles and motorcycles maneuvered while ground troops engaged in mock hand-to-hand combat, according to the video.

More paratroopers  including members of Japans only parachute unit, the 1st Airborne Brigade  floated to the ground before CH-47s landed nearby and disembarked infantry carrying the flags of participating nations to conclude the exercise.

Members of the 11th Airborne Division in Alaska, the 82nd Airborne Division in North Carolina and the 3rd Marine Division on Okinawa were slated to participate in the drill, according to a Dec. 16 Japan Ground Self-Defense Force news release.

Japans Defense Minister Gen Nakatani observed the drop and told reporters afterwards: Ground forces are the last line of national defense, Japans Asahi newspaper reported Sunday.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observes marksmanship training, March 6, 2024, in this image from the state-run Korean Central News Agency. (KCNA)

CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea  North Korea fired several suspected short-range ballistic missiles off its eastern coast Tuesday morning in its second day of testing so far this year, according to the Souths Joint Chiefs of Staff.

The missiles were launched around 9:30 a.m. from Chagang province, roughly 140 miles north of Pyongyang, and flew approximately 155 miles before splashing into the Sea of Japan, or East Sea, the Joint Chiefs said in a text message to news agencies.

South Korea and the United States had been monitoring the Norths preparations for Tuesdays launch and immediately began tracking the missiles, according to the Joint Chiefs.

South Koreas military is maintaining a full readiness posture and sharing information related to the missiles with the U.S. and Japan, the Joint Chiefs added. The three countries in 2023 created a real-time data-sharing system designed specifically for North Koreas missile launches.

South Korean acting President Choi Sang-mok, who replaced impeached Prime Minister Han Duck-soo and President Yoon Suk Yeol, said the country will sternly respond to the Norths provocations, according to a Ministry of Economy and Finance news release.

North Korea last fired an intermediate-range ballistic missile that flew more than 680 miles from the Pyongyang area before splashing down in the Sea of Japan on Jan. 6.

That test of a hypersonic missile was overseen by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The weapon was designed to fly more than 12 times the speed of sound before striking Pacific targets, the countrys state-run Korean Central News Agency reported the next day.

North Koreas description of its hypersonic missile launch is highly likely to be exaggerated, South Korean army Col. Lee Sung-jun, a spokesman for the Joint Chiefs, said during a Jan. 7 news conference.

The communist regime fired more than 50 ballistic missiles in 12 separate days of testing last year.

The latest missile launches come six days before President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration.

Trump and Kim held summits in Singapore in 2018 and Vietnam the following year; the two leaders also met in 2019 at the heavily fortified Demilitarized Zone that divides the peninsula.

In a Nov. 22 speech at a defense exhibition in Pyongyang, Kim said Washington evidently would continue its unchanging  hostile policy against North Korea after his country had already gone to every length in negotiations with the U.S, according to a KCNA report the next day.

During an annual ruling Workers Party meeting last month, Kim said North Korea would adopt its toughest strategy against the U.S., according to a KCNA report Dec. 29.

This reality clearly shows to which direction we should advance and what we should do and how, Kim said in the report.
The TikTok application. (Brendon Thorne/Bloomberg)

Chinese officials are evaluating a potential option that involves Elon Musk acquiring the US operations of TikTok if the company fails to fend off a controversial ban on the short-video app, according to people familiar with the matter.

Beijing officials strongly prefer that TikTok remains under the ownership of parent ByteDance Ltd., the people say, and the company is contesting the impending ban with an appeal to the US Supreme Court. But the justices signaled during arguments on Jan. 10 that they are likely to uphold the law. Senior Chinese officials had already begun to debate contingency plans for TikTok as part of an expansive discussion on how to work with Donald Trumps administration, one of which involves Musk, said the people, asking not to be identified revealing confidential discussions.

A potential high-profile deal with one of Trumps closest allies holds some appeal for the Chinese government, which is expected to have some say over whether TikTok is ultimately sold, said the people. Musk spent more than $250 million supporting Trumps re-election, and has been tapped for a prominent role in improving government efficiency after the Republican takes office.

Under one scenario thats been discussed by the Chinese government, Musks X - the former Twitter - would take control of TikTok US and run the businesses together, the people said. With more than 170 million users in the US, TikTok could bolster Xs efforts to attract advertisers. Musk also founded a separate artificial intelligence company, xAI, that could benefit from the huge amounts of data generated from TikTok.

Chinese officials have yet to reach any firm consensus about how to proceed and their deliberations are still preliminary, the people said. Its not clear how much ByteDance knows about the Chinese government discussions or whether TikTok and Musk have been involved. Its also unclear whether Musk, TikTok and ByteDance have held any talks about the terms of any possible deal.

Musk and his representatives did not respond to a request for comment. Musk posted in April that he thinks TikTok should remain available in the US. In my opinion, TikTok should not be banned in the USA, even though such a ban may benefit the X platform, he wrote on X. Doing so would be contrary to freedom of speech and expression. It is not what America stands for.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun declined to comment on the story during a regular press briefing Tuesday, referring reporters to Beijings previous statements on the matter. The countrys government had earlier denounced US attempts to ban TikTok and force a sale, calling them economic bullying and plundering.

The Cyberspace Administration of China and Chinas Ministry of Commerce, government agencies that could be involved in decisions about TikToks future, didnt respond to requests for comment. We cant be expected to comment on pure fiction, a ByteDance representative said.

The talks in Beijing suggest that TikToks fate may no longer be in ByteDances sole control, said the people. Chinese officials recognize they will face tough negotiations with the Trump administration over tariffs, export controls and other issues, and they see the TikTok negotiations as a potential area for reconciliation, they said.

The Chinese government holds a so-called golden share in a ByteDance affiliate that gives it influence over the companys strategy and operations. TikTok maintains that the control only applies to the China-based subsidiary Douyin Information Service Co., and has no bearing on ByteDance operations outside China. Still, Beijings export rules prevent Chinese companies from selling their software algorithms, like the one integral to TikTok. Because the Chinese government would have to approve of a sale that includes TikToks valuable recommendation engine, it has a significant voice in any possible deal.

TikToks US operations could be valued at around $40 billion to $50 billion, Bloomberg Intelligence analysts Mandeep Singh and Damian Reimertz estimated last year. Thats a substantial sum even for the worlds richest person. Its not clear how Musk could pull off such a transaction, whether it would require the sale of other holdings, or whether the US government would approve. He paid $44 billion for Twitter in 2022, and is still paying off sizable loans.

Musk has a positive reputation among many ByteDance employees in China, according to a person familiar with the matter. He is seen as a very successful entrepreneur, who has experience engaging with the Chinese government through his Tesla Inc. business, the person added.

ByteDances leaders have repeatedly said their priority is to fight US legislation that requires the Beijing-based company sell or shut down the US operations because of national security concerns. TikToks lawyers have argued the legislation violates free speech laws under the Constitutions First Amendment.

A majority of the Supreme Court justices suggested the security concerns take priority over free speech, although they have yet to issue a formal decision. President-elect Trump, who takes office Jan. 20, has sought to delay the TikTok ban - which takes effect Jan. 19 - so he can work on the negotiations. He has said he wants to save the app and theres been speculation he could take last-minute action to sidestep the ban.

On a practical level, spinning off TikToks US business would be highly complex, affecting shareholders in China as well as the US. Lawyers for TikTok argued before the Supreme Court that separating the US portions of the product would be extraordinarily difficult.

Its unclear if US TikTok would be sold off in a competitive process, or if a sale would be arranged by the government. Billionaire Frank McCourt and Shark Tank investor Kevin OLeary are part of a bid through Project Liberty to acquire TikTok, which OLeary has said he discussed with Trump. In the past, Microsoft Corp. had sought to acquire the business, and Oracle Corp. has a deep technology partnership with the company.

One alternative for TikTok would be to move its existing US customers over to a similar app - with different branding - to potentially sidestep the ban, one of the people said. Its not clear how effective such a move would be. One person close to the company, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the strategy, said before the Supreme Court hearing that the legal battle is still the focus of top executives and they would prefer to keep fighting in the US rather than sell TikTok US and cede control for good.

Musk is in a position to influence the China-US relationship as the worlds richest person with businesses that straddle the worlds two largest economies. Tesla, where Musk is chief executive officer, erected a sprawling factory in Shanghai in 2019 and has since expanded the facility into the companys largest production base. The effort helped Tesla expand its market share in China despite tough local competition, and build goodwill with government officials.

While Trump is staffing his incoming administration with China hawks like Secretary of State nominee Marco Rubio, Musk has spoken out against some recent China trade policies, including the Biden administrations tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.

With assistance from Zheping Huang, Alexandra S. Levine, Kurt Wagner and Colum Murphy.
A drone hovers above the Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, in March 2024. In early December, unauthorized drones were spotted over Ramstein Air Base near Kaiserslautern, Germany, the 86th Airlift Wing said Monday. (Ayden Norcross/U.S. Army National Guard)

Germany is giving its armed forces the ability to shoot down unidentified drones suspected of spying on military bases, industrial facilities and other critical infrastructure, according to people familiar with the matter.

Chancellor Olaf Scholzs cabinet is expected to pass a draft amendment to the Aviation Security Act on Wednesday. That will enable the military to use force against unmanned aerial vehicles in order to prevent a serious accident or attack, said the people, who spoke on the condition of anonymity as the plan is not yet public. Authorities previously relied on jamming transmitters to disable drones, but certain recent models appeared to be resistant to the technology.

Interior Minister Nancy Faeser and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, both senior members of Scholzs center-left Social Democrats, agreed on the measures after drones were spotted in restricted airspace near energy, telecommunications, transport and industrial factories across the country in recent weeks, the people said.

According to the people, the drones are likely being deployed by a state actor for purposes of sabotage and potentially terrorism. The draft amendment will not name any specific foreign country, they added, although authorities suspect that Russia and China are the prime culprits.

When asked about the matter Tuesday at a regular press briefing in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said he was unfamiliar with the specifics.

He added that his country firmly opposes relevant sides making groundless speculations or smears against China without any factual basis.

The Russian embassy in Germany didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

Under the amendment, local authorities will be able to ask the military to intervene and take action if such a step is deemed necessary, the people said. This would expand the current law, which stipulates that the armed forces can only open fire on foreign military aircraft under restricted circumstances.

A growing number of suspicious drones have been sighted near army barracks in recent weeks, including the US airbase in Ramstein. Several drones were seen flying over its runway at speeds of over 200 kilometers per hour.

German authorities assume that these were military drones not available on the consumer market, the people said. They added that the reason why Russia is believed to be responsible for the suspected espionage is because the drones have focused on German bases where Ukrainian soldiers receive military training.

The incidents do not represent Germanys first encounter with unidentified drones. Last November, authorities flagged a suspicious drone near the British aircraft carrier Queen Elizabeth in the port of Hamburg. The aerial vehicle came so close to the ship that the German military took steps to deploy a jamming transmitter called Effektor HP-47 to use on the drone - which quickly buzzed off.

A significant number of suspicious drones have also been spotted around critical infrastructure in European countries including Sweden, the UK and the Baltic states in previous months. There has not been any clear explanation for these incidents, a person familiar with the matter said, asking to speak on the condition of anonymity. However, the person said, the activity eventually calmed down.

 With assistance from Alberto Nardelli, Colum Murphy and Philip Glamann.
Swedish corvette HSwMS Karlstad, the U.S. destroyer USS Roosevelt and the Finnish minelayer FNS Uusimaa, from left, in the Baltic Sea in August 2023. NATO launched a new mission Jan. 14, 2025, that will enhance military capabilities in the Baltic Sea as concerns rise over suspected Russian sabotage of underwater cables. (Elexia Morelos/U.S. Navy)

STUTTGART, Germany  NATO launched a new Baltic Sea mission Tuesday that will add military capabilities into the strategic waterway as concerns over suspected Russian sabotage and aggression in the area ratchet up.

Dubbed Baltic Sentry, the effort brings together naval surveillance drones, warships, submarines and aircraft. Its aimed at better tracking Russias so-called shadow fleet of ships, which are believed to have been involved in the damaging of critical undersea cables, allies said.

The additions will deliver focused deterrence throughout the Baltic Sea and counter destabilizing acts, U.S. Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, NATO supreme allied commander Europe, said in a statement Tuesday.

The announcement of the alliances Baltic initiative coincided with a meeting in Helsinki on Tuesday involving NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and several heads of state.

The summit centered on how to more effectively counter suspected Russian threats to undersea infrastructure that enables everything from energy transmission to internet traffic and financial transactions.

The most recent incident occurred Dec. 25, when cables connecting Estonia and Finland were damaged. In November, a cable connecting Lithuania and Sweden was damaged, as was another connecting Germany and Finland.

While investigations are underway, ships linked to Russia are considered the main suspects. U.S. and allied military officials have long been concerned about vulnerabilities to undersea infrastructure in the Baltic and beyond.

Russia is accused of maintaining a large shadow fleet of old oil tankers with opaque ownership to circumvent international sanctions and carry out instances of sabotage.

Submerged cables are a linchpin to the global economy, securing 95% of internet traffic and enabling an estimated $10 trillion worth of financial transactions daily, Rutte said at the summit.

Finlands response to the most recent incident could serve as a model, Rutte said. While the November cable destruction had caught allies off guard, Finnish authorities boarded and seized the vessel suspected in the Christmas Day sabotage.

Ship captains must understand that potential threats to our infrastructure will have consequences, including possible boarding, impounding and arrest, Rutte said.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, right, with Finnish President Alexander Stubb in Helsinki, Finland, on Jan. 14, 2025. The alliance launched a new mission Tuesday that will add more military capabilities in the Baltic Sea as concerns rise over suspected Russian sabotage and aggression. (NATO)

NATO coordination with national law enforcement should improve overall deterrence, he added.

Still, Russias broader hybrid warfare campaign in Europe has left countries struggling to decide how best to counter a range of aggressive moves.

U.S. and allied military officials have warned that Russian efforts to hit inside Europe in surprising ways have gotten more brazen over the past year.

We have seen elements of a campaign to destabilize our societies through cyberattacks, assassination attempts and sabotage, Rutte said.

About 150 cases of Kremlin-backed hybrid operations on NATO members territory have occurred since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Helsinki Commission, an independent U.S. government agency, said in a report last month.

Russia is simultaneously executing a shadow war on NATO to destabilize, distress, and deter the transatlantic alliance from its staunch support of Ukrainian sovereignty, the report said.

In July, Russian sabotage was suspected when a package caught fire at a DHL logistics center in the eastern German city of Leipzig before being loaded onto a cargo plane. Package fires also occurred in the same month in Poland and Britain.

The senders intent was to do a test run on delivery channels for such packages, which were ultimately destined for the U.S. or Canada, a Polish prosecutor told the BBC in November. U.S. and allied military bases also have been among the targets. German authorities arrested two men in April who were accused of surveilling the U.S. Armys base in Grafenwoehr, Germany, as a potential bomb plot target.

The two men and a third defendant were charged last month in a court in Munich with suspicion of working for a foreign intelligence agency. Prosecutors say they were plotting attacks on American personnel.

The Army base has served as a hub for U.S. efforts to train Ukrainian troops. U.S. European Command headquarters in Stuttgart also has been a target for espionage by operatives suspected of links to Russia, British prosecutors said recently. In June, the threat level at U.S. military installations in Europe was briefly elevated in connection with security concerns at the time.

We will do everything in our power to make sure that we fight back, Rutte said Tuesday. And then take the next steps to make sure that it doesnt happen again.
In this photo released by Governor of the Saratov region Roman Busargin telegram channel on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, firefighters and rescuers work at the industrial side damaged after Ukrainian drones attack in Saratov, Russia. On Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, Ukrainian drones targeted two chemical plants in the Tula and Bryansk regions, hit an ammunition warehouse at the Engels airfield in the Saratov region and set Rosneft PJSCs Saratov oil refinery on fire. (Governor of the Saratov region Roman Busargin telegram channel via AP)

(Tribune News Service)  Swarms of Ukrainian drones attacked energy and military facilities across central Russia and the Volga region overnight, according to a Ukrainian Security Service official.

Drones targeted two chemical plants in the Tula and Bryansk regions, hit an ammunition warehouse at the Engels airfield in the Saratov region and set Rosneft PJSCs Saratov oil refinery on fire, the official said on condition of anonymity.

The U.S. space agencys FIRMS global fire-tracking system on Tuesday morning also showed two new signs of heat outside an oil facility in Saratov and at an industrial facility near Engels.

The Russian Defense Ministry said that Ukraine launched six ATACMS missiles overnight at the Bryansk region, but that all of them were downed by air defenses. The ministry also said that 146 Ukrainian drones had been shot down outside the conflict zone over the last day.

Since the start of 2024, Ukrainian drones have attacked Russian crude refineries in a bid to reduce supplies of the fuel to the army and to slash Moscows revenue from exports of petroleum products. In the past several months, Ukrainian forces have also targeted fuel depots and industrial plants thought to be supplying the Kremlins forces.

The repeated attacks have put pressure on Russian refinery runs, which as of early January fell to their lowest in nearly two months.

Russian forces have attacked energy infrastructure throughout Ukraine multiple times since the start of Moscows full-scale invasion in 2022, causing power outages across the country.

Russias regional authorities confirmed attacks took place overnight on industrial facilities, but did not name them.

Industrial plants in Saratov and Engels have been damaged as a result of the attack, Saratov region Governor Roman Busargin said on social media, adding that the strike on the Saratov facility resulted in a fire.

The Saratov refinery has an installed capacity of 7 million tons a year, or around 140,000 barrels a day, and supplies gasoline and diesel mostly to the domestic market. Rosneft didnt immediately respond to a request for comment on the strike or the refinerys operations.

The facility was last attacked by Ukrainian drones in November, according to a person familiar with the operation undertaken by the intelligence unit of Ukraines Defense Ministry.

A fire also broke out at an unnamed facility in Kazan after a drone attack, Rustam Minnikhanov, head of Russias Tatarstan region, said in his Telegram account. Regional media Tatar-inform in a Telegram video provided the address of the damaged site, which coincides with the address of a liquefied-gas storage facility operated by a regional unit of Gazprom PJSC.

The Gazprom unit and the press service of Gazprom Group did not immediately respond to an emailed request for a comment.

Separately, Ukraines Air Defense Forces said on Telegram that 58 drones were shot down overnight, including in the Kyiv region.

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Stephen Feinberg, second from left, seen in 2008 at the U.S. Capitol in Washington. (Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post)

President-elect Donald Trump announced Sunday night that he will nominate Stephen Feinberg, a billionaire political supporter who has been involved in the defense contracting business, to serve as deputy defense secretary.

Trump made the announcement on social media amid continued uncertainty about whether his choice for top Defense Department post, Pete Hegseth, has enough support for confirmation in the Senate.

The Washington Post first reported in early December that Trump had offered the job to Feinberg.

Feinberg is the co-CEO of Cerberus Capital Management, which has invested in hypersonic missiles and previously owned the private military contractor DynCorp, a company that was acquired by another defense firm, Amentum, in 2020.

During the first Trump administration, Feinberg led the Presidents Intelligence Advisory Board, which provides the U.S. leader advice on intelligence assessments and estimates and counterintelligence matters. In his announcement Sunday night on Truth Social, Trump said Feinberg is an extremely successful businessman who will help Make the Pentagon Great Again.

Feinberg, who has been a reclusive Wall Street executive, is likely to be questioned about whether there is any conflict arising from his work in defense contracting matters and whether he is qualified to play such a major role in helping run the Pentagon.

The deputy defense secretary typically manages day-to-day operations of the massive bureaucracy with a combined workforce of more than 3 million service members and civilian employees. The search for a capable No. 2 took on heightened significance as lawmakers weigh the pick of Hegseth, a former Fox News personality, to be defense secretary.

The Post reported earlier this month that allegations against Hegseth of excessive drinking have shadowed his career.

In addition, Hegseths attorney has said that Hegseth paid an undisclosed sum to a woman who alleged that he raped her in 2017 at a California event for Republican women. The local police and district attorney looked into the allegation and brought no charges against Hegseth. The attorney said that a consensual sexual encounter took place, that Hegseth was visibly intoxicated and that the woman was the aggressor.

Hegseth has been among Trumps most controversial picks. Sen.-elect John Curtis (R-Utah) said Sunday on ABCs This Week that he recently met with Hegseth and there was no way that were going to resolve those [issues that have been raised] in a 30-minute conversation. He said the matter came up only so slightly.

Curtis said he was gathering more information about Hegseth, so for me, they remain unresolved, and I shouldnt try to resolve them until I have this big, broad canvas of information about him.

Trump also announced several other Defense Department picks Sunday night. He tapped Elbridge A. Colby as undersecretary for policy at the Defense Department. Colby served as deputy assistant secretary of defense in the first Trump administration. Colby has been a longtime China hawk and has advocated defending Taiwan if there is a conflict with China.

Trump also tapped Keith Bass, a retired Navy officer, to serve as assistant secretary of defense for health affairs. Bass led the White House Medical Unit, which provides health care to the president and other senior officials, during the Obama and Trump administrations.

Basss tenure in that role drew scrutiny and complaints from staff members who said that he and his ally Ronny Jackson, who served as physician to the president, oversaw an operation that widely dispensed sedatives and stimulants, among other concerns. The Pentagons inspector general earlier this year issued a report that substantiated some of those allegations and called for changes to the White House Medical Units operations.
China News Service: The Commerce Department of the US issued new measures on AI export control. Whats Chinas comment?

Guo Jiakun: The spokesperson of the Ministry of Commerce has responded to that. Let me stress that the US has been overstretching the concept of national security, politicizing and weaponizing trade and tech issues, and abusing export controls to maliciously suppress China. This has seriously sabotaged market rules and the international economic and trade order, destabilized global industrial and supply chain, and damaged the interests of China, the US and the business community in countries around the world. China firmly opposes the US decision and will take firm measures to safeguard the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies.

AI is humanitys common asset, and should not become a game for the rich countries and the wealthy or be used to generate another development divide. To maintain its supremacy, the US chooses to split the world into tiers, granting access to countries that are close and barring access to the rest. The real purpose is to deprive developing countries, including China, of the right to make their own progress in science and development. This kind of roadblock strategy hurts the global common interest of promoting AI for good, and has triggered concerns from various quarters about a new tech Cold War from the US. Many US tech companies and industry associations have spoken loud and clear against the measures announced by the Biden administration.

China is an active advocate and practitioner of AI global governance. We put forward the Global Initiative for AI Governance, facilitated UNGA adoption by consensus of the resolution on AI capacity-building, and established the group of friends for international cooperation on AI capacity-building. China will continue to work with all parties to embrace openness, connectivity and equality instead of building walls, decoupling and discrimination, create an open, inclusive, and non-discriminatory environment for AI development that is beneficial to all, and make sure that all countries can access the benefit of AI.

AFP: A spokesman for the Philippines National Security Council said today that Chinas deployment this month of a coast guard vessel in the South China Sea demonstrates Beijings increasing aggression. The spokesman described the Chinese vessel as a monster ship that was engaging in intimidation tactics intended to discourage Filipino fishing. Does the Foreign Ministry have a response to this?

Guo Jiakun: We have responded to similar questions multiple times. Let me reiterate that Chinas sovereignty and rights and interests in the South China Sea were established in the long course of history, and are solidly grounded in history and the law and compliant with the international law and practice.

China Coast Guard (CCG) conducts patrols and law enforcement activities in relevant waters in accordance with the law, which is fully justified. We call on the Philippines once again to immediately stop all infringement activities, provocations and false accusations, and stop all its actions that jeopardize peace and stability and complicate the situation in the South China Sea.

Global Times: The Global Times recently published a global public survey conducted among over 51,000 respondents in 46 countries. The survey found that more than 90 percent of foreign respondents believe that Chinas economy will continue to grow in the next decade, nearly 60 percent believe that China is a major driving force of world economic growth, 63 percent of foreign respondents express a favorable opinion of China, and in terms of different country groups, African countries hold the highest favorable view of China, reaching 84 percent. Nearly 70 percent of overseas respondents look to China to participate in international affairs more and play a greater role. Whats your comment on the survey?

Guo Jiakun: I noted this survey. The figures speak to growing friendships with China around the world.

As the worlds second largest economy, China is committed to high-quality development and high-standard opening up and has long been a top contributor to global economic growth. As the biggest developing country, China belongs to the Global South and its heart and roots are with the Global South. China supports Global South countries in pursuing development and making life better for their people. As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, China advocates true multilateralism, keeps its position fair and just and plays a constructive role in seeking a political settlement on hotspot issues. This has earned China wide recognition from the international community.

No matter how the world may evolve, China will remain a force for peace, growth, progress and good, and will continue working with other countries for a world of greater peace, shared prosperity, mutual learning among civilizations and a community with a shared future for mankind.

Bloomberg: Germany is going to give its armed forces the ability to shoot down unidentified suspected drones that are suspected of targeting for example military bases, industrial facilities and other critical infrastructure. The German cabinet is expected to pass this on Wednesday. This is according to people familiar. My question is why it does not name any specific countries? Its said that the main suspected culprits are Russia and China. Does the Foreign Ministry have any comment on this move by Germany to give its armed forces the ability to shoot down unidentified suspected drones?

Guo Jiakun: Im not familiar with what you mentioned. Let me reiterate that we firmly oppose groundless speculations and false accusations against China from relevant parties.

The Paper: Yesterday, the General Office of Chinas State Council released a list of measures to foster new growth drivers to boost spending in the culture and tourism sectors. One of the measures is to improve inbound travel policies, including gradually rolling out unilateral visa-free policies to more countries. Recently, Chinas visa exemption policies have given a boost to inbound travel. In particular, since the start of the year, China Travel has kept trending, and a good number of foreign tourists spent their New Years Eve in China. Its estimated by some travel agencies that the number of travel bookings for the Spring Festival this year will increase by 203 percent year-on-year compared with 2024. Whats your comment?

Guo Jiakun: As China includes more countries in its visa waiver program and improves facilitation measures, the arrivals of foreign tourists have kept rising. In 2024, the number of inbound and outbound travels by foreign nationals stood at 64.882 million, up by 82.9 percent year-on-year. Among them, 20.115 million entered China visa-free, up by 112.3 percent year-on-year. During the just concluded New Year holiday, arrivals of foreign nationals grew by nearly 34 percent year-on-year.

With the Chinese New Year of the Snake half a month away, which is the first Spring Festival since the inscription of the festival on the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage list, we welcome foreign tourists to join Chinas celebration of the Spring Festival, experience the joy of the Chinese New Year, feel the warmth of Chinese hospitality, and usher in an auspicious Year of the Snake.

Dragon TV: Its reported that on January 12, during normal operation, the Wolseong No.2 nuclear power plant in the North Gyeongsang province of the ROK released about 29 tonnes of liquid waste from a storage tank into the sea without prior sample analysis. Staff at the power plant shut the tanks outlet valve right after finding it being open. According to the analysis of samples from the liquid left in the tank, the concentration of radioactive substances was at normal levels. Whats Chinas comment on the leakage of the ROK nuclear power plant?

Guo Jiakun: China noted the incident. From what has been disclosed, the ROK has taken emergency response steps. China will follow closely the follow-ups to the incident.

AFP: Outgoing US President Joe Biden said yesterday in a speech that China would never surpass the United States. He also noted that Washington had managed its ties with Beijing during his four years as President and the relationship never tipped over into conflict. Does the Foreign Ministry have any comment on Bidens speech?

Guo Jiakun: During the past four years, China-US relations have gone through ups and downs, but have remained stable on the whole. Under the strategic guidance of the two presidents, the two sides established through consultation several guiding principles for bilateral ties, engaged in dialogue and cooperation, resumed and created over 20 mechanisms of communication, and achieved outcomes in some areas. At the same time, China stood firm by its principles, safeguarded its sovereignty, security, and development interests, and responded to the USs wrong actions with resolute countermeasures.

In his meeting with President Biden in Lima, Peru, President Xi Jinping reviewed the experiences from the past four years and listed the inspirations that can be drawn from them, namely, to have a correct strategic perception, match words with actions, treat each other as equals, not to challenge red lines and paramount principles, conduct more dialogue and cooperation, respond to the expectations of the people, and step forward to shoulder the responsibilities of major countries. We hope the US will bear them in mind and work with China in this direction.

NBC: Is China or relevant departments concerned considering any concrete foreign assistance and sympathies for the fight against the still-burning wildfires in Los Angeles now considered as the most catastrophic in the US history?

Guo Jiakun: We mourn for the lives lost in the raging wildfires in the Los Angeles area, and express sympathies to those who are injured, their families and those who have lost loved ones to the fire.
COLOMBO, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Maldives plans to offer tax and land rent concessions to attract investors to less-visited regions of the country, local media reported on Tuesday, quoting Minister of Tourism Ibrahim Faisal.

Faisal stated that the primary challenge in expanding tourism to more remote areas of the Maldives is the slower return on investment, according to PSM News, the official media outlet.

He explained that under current tourism laws and regulations, tax and land rent rates are uniform across the country, regardless of the number of tourists visiting or the potential investment return in specific regions. As a result, investors tend to focus on areas that are already popular with tourists due to the higher returns they offer.

To promote tourism in the country's remote regions, the government plans to improve connectivity and provide concessions on land rent and taxes in these areas, Faisal said.

He added that efforts are underway to amend the relevant tourism laws and regulations to facilitate these incentives for potential investors. 
USS Gerald R. Ford departs Naval Station Norfolk, Va., on its first deployment on Oct. 4, 2022. The next two Ford-class aircraft carriers will honor former presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, officials announced Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (Riley McDowell/U.S. Navy)

WASHINGTON  The Navys next two Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers will honor former presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, officials announced Monday.

The future USS William J. Clinton honors the 42nd president who served two terms from 1993 to 2001. The future USS George W. Bush honors the 43rd president who also served two terms, from 2001 to 2009. The names follow the Navy tradition of naming aircraft carriers after U.S. presidents.

President Joe Biden announced the naming of the ships Monday.

When I personally delivered the news to Bill and George, they were deeply humbled. Each knows firsthand the weight of the responsibilities that come with being commander in chief. And both know well our duty to support the families and loved ones who wait and worry for the safe return of their service member, Biden said.

During his administration, Clinton worked to deter Iraqi aggression from 1993 to 1998, including Operation Desert Fox, a 1998 air campaign to degrade Iraqi capability to produce weapons of mass destruction. In 1996, he directed a large deployment of U.S. naval forces in response to the third Taiwan Strait crisis to deter Chinese aggression.

Bush rallied the nation in the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, forging an international coalition of 25 NATO members and 17 other nations to dismantle terrorist networks in Afghanistan. In 2003, Bush directed Operation Iraqi Freedom, which ended the dictatorship of Saddam Hussein and enabled Iraqs first direct elections in more than three decades.

President Clinton and President Bush led the United States through some of the most challenging moments in U.S. history, Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro said. Their legacies will endure through these aircraft carriers, which serve as formidable platforms dedicated to safeguarding our national security and strengthening our resolve to protect this nation against any who would threaten our freedoms and way of life.

The aircraft carriers will be constructed in the coming years. Contracts for the ships construction have not yet been issued. The ships will be built at HIIs Newport News Shipbuilding division in Virginia. The location is the only facility in the U.S. that builds nuclear-powered aircraft carriers.

The Ford-class ships are the Navys newest aircraft carriers, packed with never-before-seen technology meant to carry the service into the 21st century. The Ford-class carriers are being outfitted with electromagnetic-powered aircraft launch systems and advanced arresting gear. The technology, the Navy said, means the air-wing can get into the air  and return to the battle after rearming and refueling  faster than with the traditional steam-and-hydraulics systems that have been the mainstay for decades.

The lead ship  the USS Gerald R. Ford  was commissioned in 2017 after eight years of construction. It did not set sail for its first full-length deployment until May 2023.

The Ford-class USS John F. Kennedy is slated to be delivered to the Navy this year.

One other Ford-class carrier is now under construction  the USS Enterprise, a historic name handed down from seven other naval ships. It is scheduled to enter service in 2028. The next carrier slated for construction is the USS Doris Miller, named in honor of an enlisted African American sailor and World War II hero. Construction is slated for 2026.

The future USS William J. Clinton and the future USS George W. Bush will serve as lasting tributes to each leaders legacy in service of the United States, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement. Like their namesakes, these two future carriers, and the crews who sail them, will work to safeguard our national security, remind us of our history, and inspire others to serve our great republic.
The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, a stylized still frame of spacecraft animation. (NASA)

The next great space telescope will study distant galaxies and faraway planets from an orbital outpost about a million miles from Earth. But first it has to be put together, piece by piece, in a cavernous chamber at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.

The place is known as the Clean Room, or sometimes the High Bay. It is 125 feet long, 100 feet wide, 90 feet high, with almost as much volume as the Capitol Rotunda. NASA boasts that in the Clean Room you could put nearly 30 tractor-trailers side by side on the floor and stack them 10 high.

This is the largest clean room in the free world, Mike Drury, a 40-year veteran of Goddard, said as he led visitors into the busy chamber on a recent Friday. It is a privilege to work here.

About two dozen workers clustered around towering pieces of hardware, some twice or three times the height of a typical person. When stacked and integrated, these components will form the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope.

The assembly of the telescope ramped up this fall, with 600 workers aiming to get everything integrated and tested by late 2026. NASA has committed to launching the telescope no later than May 2027.

The telescope will be roughly the size of the Hubble Space Telescope, but not quite as long (a stubby Hubble, some call it). What the astronomy community and the general public will receive in exchange for the considerable taxpayer investment of nearly $4 billion is an instrument that can do what other telescopes cant.

It will have a sprawling field of view, about 100 times that of the Hubble or Webb space telescopes. And it will be able to pivot quickly across the night sky to new targets and download tremendous amounts of data that will be instantly available to the researchers.

A primary goal of the Roman is to understand dark energy, the mysterious driver of the accelerating expansion of space. But it will also attempt to study the atmospheres of exoplanets  worlds orbiting distant stars.

Anyone who might think 2 years is a leisurely timeline for assembling a telescope and getting it to the launchpad is unfamiliar with the delicacy of such endeavors and the engineering requirements for state-of-the-art astronomy. The standard everyone is aiming for is perfection.

In the Clean Room the workers are pretty much indistinguishable. Everyone wears white gowns, white hoods, white booties, white surgical masks and, adding a dash of color to the scene, blue surgical gloves. The goal is to keep hardware from being contaminated by humans. No dust allowed. No stray hairs. One wall is entirely covered by HEPA filters.

The Clean Room is full of fascinating stuff, but a visitor knows it would be unwise to pick up an object and ask, So what does this thing do?

The main element, informally referred to as the telescope but officially called the optical telescope assembly, showed up this fall. It was originally built as a spy satellite for the National Reconnaissance Office.

Thats right: It was built to look down at Earth, rather than at the rest of the universe. The NRO decided more than a decade ago that it didnt need it, and gave it, along with another, identical spy satellite, to NASA.

Romans wide-angle view of deep space, its maneuverability and ability to download massive amounts of data makes it optimized as a dark energy telescope. And it will also study the effects of dark matter, which comprises about 25 percent of the universe but remains a ghostly presence.

Roman wont be able to detect dark matter directly, but will help understand its role in shaping the structure of the universe, NASA astrophysicist Joshua Schlieder, part of the Roman science team, said as he and Webb senior project scientist Jane Rigby prepared to enter the Clean Room.

Whatever dark matter is, its got to be strange, Rigby said. Dark matter cant be in the periodic table. Its got to be weirder than that.

NASAs Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is being assembled at the Goddard Space Flight Center. (Michael S. Williamson/The Washington Post)

Golden age of astronomy

The Roman is named for NASAs first chief of astronomy, Nancy Grace Roman, a pioneer in her field. I was told from the beginning that women could not be scientists, she often said, according to a NASA biography.

Roman joined the agency when it was just getting started, in 1959, and retired two decades later, having lobbied for the creation of a space telescope. She died at the age of 93 in 2018, and 15 months later NASA honored her by renaming a telescope that had originally been called WFIRST, for Wide-Field Infrared Survey Telescope.

The Roman is the latest in what is turning into a golden age of astronomy. In Chile, the Vera C. Rubin Telescope, named after another pioneering female astronomer and funded by the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy, is a wide-field telescope scheduled to begin inaugural observations  first light  this year.

And NASA is avidly working up plans for a space telescope called the Habitable Worlds Observatory, which will try to make good on its name and see distant planets with signs of atmospheres suitable for life as we know it.

The question for American policymakers is whether they will provide the funds necessary to build ever-larger or more sensitive telescopes in a period in which astronomy is a competitive global enterprise. There is a race to build huge ground-based observatories and the United States is poised to be sitting on the sidelines while European Southern Observatory completes what is called the Extremely Large Telescope on a mountaintop in Chile, with first light expected in 2028.

Astronomy leaders in the United States want to build two huge telescopes, the Giant Magellan Telescope and the Thirty Meter Telescope, the first covering the southern sky from Chile and the second covering the northern, probably from Hawaii. Both have institutional and scientific support, but they are effectively competing against one another for the blessing, and funding, of the National Science Foundation. There doesnt appear to be nearly enough NSF money for both, and funding even one would be challenging for NSF unless Congress decides to boost the agencys budget.

The night sky does not belong to anyone. Light can travel the breadth of the universe carrying cosmic information for whomever has the wherewithal to look in the right direction with the right instrument.

Jane Rigby and Josh Schlieder look out above the assembly area of the Nancy Grace Roman Telescope. (Michael S. Williamson/The Washington Post)

Probing cosmic darkness

Built in Rochester, New York, by L3Harris, the Roman was flown in a military cargo plane to Joint Base Andrews, then trucked slowly and gently in the middle of the night along the Beltway to Goddard.

(When NASA a few years back had to drive the extraordinarily delicate James Webb Space Telescope from Goddard to Andrews, a person walked in front of the truck with a flashlight, looking for potholes, according to Rigby.)

The Roman  sorry, the optical telescope assembly  was parked in a corner of the Clean Room, unattended, looking a little bit ignored even, as workers attended to other hardware across the chamber. The central feature of the telescope is an exquisitely polished, concave primary mirror, 7.9 feet in diameter.

The primary mirror sits beneath a smaller, secondary mirror that, connected by struts, sits at the peak of the telescope. When starlight hits the primary mirror (the light bucket as some call it), it will be reflected to the secondary mirror and then reflected again to a hole in the center of the primary mirror, down into a chamber with seven more mirrors and two astronomical instruments.

One of them is a coronagraph. It will block the blinding glare from a star in a manner that potentially allows it to capture reflected light from an orbiting planet. This is dubbed a technology demonstration. Seeing exoplanets (which orbit stars other than our own) has long been a challenge. One goal of the Roman is to come up with a census  an estimate  of planets in our galaxy.

The second and most important instrument, the wide-field camera, which is about the height of a small car, hadnt yet been installed on that Friday. It sat on the floor just a few steps away.

In another corner of the room loomed the sun shade (or deployable aperture cover), which will ensure the telescope can probe the cosmic darkness without getting the sun in its eyes. It was scheduled to be attached to whats called the outer barrel assembly, described by NASA as the telescopes exoskeleton.

The telescope will eventually be integrated with whats called the spacecraft bus, a bulky, cylindrical structure that holds electronics and communications hardware for the mission. Then the hardware will undergo vibration tests and then be heated and cooled in outer-space-like conditions in a vacuum chamber.

An essential feature of the Roman is that, just like the Webb, it is not designed to be repaired by astronauts if something goes wrong in space. Thats because, unlike the Hubble, it will not be in low Earth orbit. Itll be where the Webb is, in a stable solar orbit called Lagrange point 2, or L2, roughly a million miles from home and never straying too far away.

So it needs to be put together correctly  perfectly shipshape, immaculately clean  before it gets flung into deep space.
Defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth greets senators Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, before his confirmation hearing in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)

WASHINGTON  Pete Hegseth defended himself against accusations of sexual assault, alcohol abuse and mismanagement on Tuesday and vowed to restore the warrior ethos to the Pentagon as he tried to convince senators of his fitness to serve as President-elect Donald Trumps defense secretary.

Hegseth, a 44-year-old Army National Guard veteran and former Fox News host, faced a divided Senate Armed Services Committee, with Republicans praising him as a fresh face that will shake up Pentagon bureaucracy and Democrats denouncing him as woefully unqualified to lead an agency with a nearly $900 billion budget and 3 million employees.

Admittedly, this nomination is unconventional, the nominee is unconventional, said Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., the chairman of the panel. That may be what makes Mr. Hegseth an excellent choice.

Casting himself as a change agent, Hegseth said it was time to give someone from an atypical background, with dust on his boots, a chance at the top Pentagon job. He dismissed the accusations against him as a coordinated smear campaign by the media.

Im not a perfect person but redemption is real, he said. God forged me in ways that I know Im prepared for.

Hegseth has been under scrutiny for reaching a financial settlement with a woman who had accused him of sexual assault in 2017 and claims he mismanaged two veterans organizations that he led, and drank to excess at Fox News and other jobs.

On Tuesday, Hegseth told senators every dollar raised by the nonprofit veterans groups was used for its intended purpose, asserted he was falsely accused by the woman and slammed reports of his drinking as anonymous and false.

He entered the packed hearing room in the Senates Dirksen Office Building to applause and chants of USA from his supporters but was interrupted several times by protesters who called him a misogynist and a Christian Zionist.

Wicker defended Hegseth, saying he will bring energy and new ideas to the Defense Department and reject distractions such as diversity, equality and inclusivity initiatives in favor of a focus on winning wars.

Im confident that Mr. Hegseth, supported by a team of experienced top officials, will get the job done, he said.

But Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island, the top Democrat on the committee, said he could not vote for Hegseth despite a long record of voting in favor of all previous nominees for defense secretary, including during Trumps first term.

Unfortunately, you lack the character and composure to hold the position, he said.

Defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, center, stands between Rep. Michael Waltz, R-Fla., left, and Sen. Jarrett Coleman, R-Pa., right, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, before a Senate confirmation hearing in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)

Reed expressed particular concern that Hegseths vocal conservative views, which he espoused in several books, are antithetical to the nonpartisan nature of the Defense Department. He and other Democrats also criticized Hegseth for failing to meet with them before his confirmation hearing, as is tradition.

Democratic women on the committee took sharp aim at Hegseth for his previous remarks on women, who he has said should not serve in certain combat roles and are less effective in those roles than men.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., angrily denounced his comments as brutal and mean and said they denigrated the hundreds of women serving in infantry. She held up a copy of the physical requirements needed to join the infantry and said they are gender neutral.

You will have to change how you see women to do this job well, and I dont know if you are capable of that, she said.

Hegseth denied he ever disparaged women and said his concern was with what he believes are slipping standards and gender quotas. He said he would conduct a review of the requirements for combat positions if confirmed.

In ways direct and indirect, overt and subtle, standards have been changed inside infantry training units, [Army] Ranger school, infantry battalions to ensure that commanders meet quotas to have a certain number of female officers or female enlisted, he said.

Gillibrand noted commanders do not have to meet quotas for women in infantry.

That does not exist, she said.

Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, a combat veteran who initially refused to commit to supporting Hegseth, secured a pledge from him on Tuesday that women will retain access to ground combat roles given the standards remain high.

Defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth testifies Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, during his Senate confirmation hearing in Washington. (Eric Kayne/Stars and Stripes)

He also promised to appoint a senior-level official dedicated to sexual assault prevention and response.

Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., grilled Hegseth on the 2017 sexual assault accusation and his personal life, which includes three marriages and admissions of infidelity. Kaine said Hegseth was married at the time of the alleged assault and had recently fathered a child with an affair partner.

Hegseth replied he was completely cleared in the incident and declined to say whether sexual assault or being drunk at work would disqualify a candidate for the defense secretary post. Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., quickly came to his defense and called Democratic senators hypocrites.

How many senators have showed up drunk to vote at night? Mullin asked. How many senators do you know have got a divorce before cheating on their wives? Did you ask them to step down? No, but its for show.

Republicans largely found Hegseth to be a refreshing break from the norm.

Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., thanked him for being unapologetic in repeatedly proclaiming his faith. Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, said he appreciated Hegseths commitment to ending the woke policies of President Joe Bidens administration.

Hegseth previously had a 13-year, part-time career in the Army National Guard, commissioning as an infantry officer after graduating from Princeton University in 2003. His first deployment was to the military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where he led a platoon of soldiers providing security.

In 2005, Hegseth volunteered for a deployment to Iraq with the 187th Infantry Regiment of the Armys 101st Airborne Division. He served as an infantry platoon leader and a civil affairs officer, earning a Bronze Star for meritorious service.

A third and final deployment took Hegseth to Afghanistan in 2011, where he trained Afghans in counterinsurgency tactics at a school in Kabul. He left the military at the rank of major in 2021 after being turned away from an assignment to protect President Joe Bidens inauguration due to a religious tattoo that raised extremism concerns.

Hegseth said the episode soured him on the military and strengthened his resolve to push divisive policies out of the Pentagon. He rebuked efforts to root out extremism and said attempts to make the armed forces more inclusive have only made the ranks more divided.

Things like focusing on extremism have created a climate inside our ranks that feel political when it hasnt ever been political, he said. Those are the types of things that are going to change.

He also said he would apologize to and reinstate service members who were kicked out of the military for refusing to get the experimental coronavirus vaccine and expressed his opposition to continuing a policy that subsidizes travel costs for troops seeking abortions and other reproductive health care.

When asked how service members would react to his proposed actions, Hegseth said: I know the troops will rejoice. They will love it. They will love it.
Long term drug user Jonathan Cummins (38) of Henrietta Place, Dublin 1, was found guilty

A man who slashed the faces of a woman and a man in separate incidents in Dublin city centre, leaving them with scarring from ear to mouth, has been jailed for 16 years.

Jonathan Cummins (38) of Henrietta Place, Dublin 1, was found guilty by a jury of intentionally causing serious harm to another man, whose face he slashed with a blade, following a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court trial last November.

He was also found guilty of assault causing harm to a woman, producing a knife in the course of an assault and possessing a scissors. All of these offences took place on Jervis St, Dublin 1, on November 2, 2023.

Prior to the trial, Cummins pleaded guilty to one count of intentionally causing serious harm to another woman, whose face was also slashed, at Moore Lane on the same date. This woman, who was also left with significant scarring from her ear to her mouth, has since died of unrelated causes, the court heard.

Cummins has 18 previous convictions, including for various assaults.

Seoirse O Dunlaing SC, prosecuting, told the court that the individuals in the case had difficult lives, lives that were blighted by addiction and homelessness.

On the day in question, Cummins came across his male victim in Wolfe Tone Square on Jervis Street and the pair were seen squaring up to each other. A brawl then broke out between them in Marks and Spencer in Mary Street, which was captured on CCTV.

The court heard that Cummins returned to Wolfe Tone Square some 40 minutes later, where he attacked the man with a blade, slashing his face from mouth to ear. Another woman present was assaulted by Cummins in the course of this attack.

The attack was witnessed by a car park attendant at Jervis Shopping Centre.

Cummins left the scene in the presence of another woman, and the pair walked up to Moore Lane, where they encountered a woman who was also homeless. Cummins also attacked this woman, in an entirely unprovoked and vicious assault, slashing her face from mouth to ear.

Cummins and his companion were stopped by gardai a short while later and he was found to be in possession of a scissors. The woman with him was found to be in possession of a blade.

The court heard the male victim is now in custody on other matters. He did not give a victim impact statement. The female victim of the slash attack died some time later from unrelated causes, the court heard.

The woman who was the victim of the assault causing harm charge gave evidence at trial. The court heard she was in fear of Cummins and required special measures while giving evidence.

Conor Devally SC, defending, said Cummins had a difficult childhood. Both of his parents died when he was young from HIV-related illness and he was raised by his grandparents. He left school at the age of 13. He is a longterm drug user.

Sentencing Cummins, Judge Elva Duffy said his offending fell into the exceptional range. She noted the appalling nature of the serious harm injuries inflicted on both the man and the woman, and the fact that the attack on the woman was entirely unprovoked.

She handed down a sentence of 16 years. Cummins has been in custody since the date of the offence.
Last March, Basil Whelan, was prosecuted for failing to comply with a 2018 enforcement notice about his gable end pizzeria

A restaurateur forced to close his Dublin 4 pizzeria, which was converted from his childhood home, has been stuck with a 9,400 legal bill for breaking planning rules.

Last March, Basil Whelan, trading as Basil Pizza of Ringsend Road, was prosecuted by Dublin City Council (DCC) for failing to comply with a 2018 enforcement notice about his gable end pizzeria.

The defendant had been convicted at Dublin District Court of an offence under Section 154 of the Planning and Development Act, 2000, for failing to take steps outlined by the council.

The court had initially imposed a 500 fine and ordered him to pay 6,604 in costs and comply with the original enforcement notice within three months.

The local authority also demanded the cessation of the use of the ground floor of the property, 95 Ringsend Road, Dublin 4, including the open area to the front and side, as a restaurant with takeaway.

He was told to remove the outdoor tables, seating, fixtures, and fittings from the open area, front and side, and perimeter fencing from the front facade.

At the resumption of the case in November, DCC's solicitor, Michael Quinlan, told Judge Halpin that the defendant was out of the country at the earlier stages but had come to court to agree to the council's request.

The solicitor said he understood Mr Whelan was "willing to give an undertaking to the satisfaction of the council and resolve the matter".

The planning prosecution resumed on Tuesday when Judge Anthony Halpin noted that Whelan ceased using the pizza restaurant.

Mr Quinlan said that significant costs remain outstanding and had increased by 2,805.

Whelan confirmed the business had closed and his income stream there was gone, as he asked the judge if he could "do something" about the costs. He said that recently, he had to help cover his brother and former business partner's funeral costs.

He confirmed he had business insurance but did not think he would be allowed to claim for the costs because he had not complied with the council.

He also said he cannot sell on the lease agreement.

Judge Halpin said he could not adjust the amount but would give Whelan time to pay as he adjourned the case for five months to check the costs payment progress and told him to do the best he could.
Dean OBrien (39) of Blakestown Cottages, Clonsilla, Dublin pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court

A man who agreed to hold just under 200,000 worth of cannabis in his car in order to pay off a drug debt has been jailed for three and half years.

Dean OBrien (39) of Blakestown Cottages, Clonsilla, Dublin pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possession of 9.5Kg of cannabis worth 194,940 in the vehicle, which was parked in Whitestown Park, Blanchardstown on August 5, 2023.

Garda Conor Finnegan told Rebecca Smith BL, prosecuting, that his attention was drawn to the vehicle as he noticed that a back window had been smashed. He suspected the car had been stolen and confirmed that the registered owner of it was OBriens partner.

The car was searched and 1,000 tablets, worth 2,000, were found in the front seat of the car, while the cannabis was found in the boot.

OBriens partner was contacted and confirmed that while she was the registered owner, OBrien used the car and had the keys for it.

Gda Finnegan said OBrien later took full responsibility for the drugs. He said he was holding the drugs because he owed 10,000 due to his own cocaine habit. He told gardai that his partner knew nothing about the drugs.

Gda Finnegan agreed with Seoirse O Dunlaing SC, defending, that his client has not come to garda attention since and was not under the garda radar at the time. He accepted that OBrien was unlucky that he discovered the vehicle.

It was further accepted that OBrien told gardai in interview that he had no other option but to mind the drugs because he owed a debt to some violent criminals.

Gda Finnegan confirmed that he understands that OBrien has since undergone drug rehabilitation.

Mr O Dunlaing told Judge Martin Nolan that two of his clients brothers had died in tragic road accidents and he later developed a drug habit as a coping mechanism.

Counsel accepted that people in the drug trade cannot operate without people like his client but submitted that OBrien was under the influence of violent people that he could not say no to.

He said that OBrien was seen as vulnerable and disposable adding that those who actually profit from drug dealing are not often seen before the courts, rather it is people like his client who come to the attention of the courts.

Mr O Dunlaing said his client is doing well in a drug rehabilitation programme and his key worker from that programme gave evidence that OBrien is attending daily and providing clean urines.

Judge Nolan acknowledged that OBrien took full responsibility for the vehicle and its contents and that his duty was to store the drugs and keep them safe.

He was susceptible to be threatened. People make misjudgements when they are pressurised and he was pressurised because of his own behaviour and he rendered himself vulnerable, Judge Nolan continued.

Judge Nolan acknowledged that OBrien had co-operated, pleaded guilty and had taken steps to deal with his own addiction problems before he said the case warranted a headline sentence of six or seven years. He jailed OBrien for three and half years.
CANBERRA, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government has launched the first national strategy to improve the lives of people with autism.

Amanda Rishworth, the minister for Social Services, on Tuesday unveiled the first National Autism Strategy, promising improved inclusion, support and life outcomes for all autistic Australians.

The 42.3 million Australian dollar (26.1 million U.S. dollar) plan includes 22 commitments on four key reform areas.

Of the funding, 19.9 million Australian dollars over four years will go toward a peer support program that will provide lived-experience knowledge, empathy and culturally tailored advice to autistic people.

Another 12.2 million Australian dollars will fund a new body that will translate autism-related research into evidence-based tools and guidance for service providers and policymakers.

The government will also spend 2.8 million Australian dollars funding a study to find the true prevalence of autism in Australia.

"Addressing the barriers autistic people face in areas like education, employment and diagnosis is long overdue and we are proud to deliver a strategy that will change lives for the better," Rishworth said in a statement.

According to the Department of Social Services, there are an estimated 290,000 Australians with an autism diagnosis though the strategy says the true number is likely much higher.

Autistic Australians are six times more likely to be unemployed than the general population and two to three times more likely to die early.

Five percent of autistic Australians have a university bachelor's degree compared to 20 percent of all people with a disability and 35 percent of people without disability.

The strategy was built by the government in collaboration with autistic people and the National Autism Strategy Oversight Council.

Clare Gibellini, co-chair of the National Autism Strategy Oversight Council, said that the strategy recognizes that people with autism have additional support needs. (1 Australian dollar equals 0.62 U.S. dollars) 
The man appeared in connection with the six counts of alleged indecent assault of the female in 1984 and 1985 at a location in Co Clare

Gardai swooped on a 55 year old man while home in Ireland for a family funeral and charged him with the indecent assault of a sister 40 years ago, a court heard today.

At Ennis District Court today, the man appeared in connection with the six counts of alleged indecent assault of the female in 1984 and 1985 at a location in Co Clare.

Det Garda Margaret Leahy of Shannon Garda Station said that the accused was aged 16 to 17 and the complainant aged 7 to 8 at the time of the alleged offences in 1984 and 1985.

Judge Gabbett commented "the charges are very serious".

Det Leahy said that the man - who can't be named for legal reasons - has not been home to Ireland in a number of years and had returned here for a family funeral.

Det Leahy said that she arrested the man in Ennis and he was charged in the early hours of Tuesday morning at Ennis Garda Station with the alleged offences and made no reply after charge and caution.

Det Leahy said that Gardai were objecting to bail as the man has citizenship and family in the country where he now lives.

Objecting to bail, Det Leahy said that her concern is that the man has not returned to Ireland for a number of years, has family where he now lives and my fear is that he will not travel back and return here for the hearing of the case.

Det Leahy said that the complainant in the case has made a detailed written statement concerning the allegations.

Det Leahy said that the accused was aware that there had been a complaint made against him by a sister but was not aware of the charges pending following DPP directions.

Det Leahy said that she had begun the process of extraditing the man back to Ireland from his adopted country before he returned to Ireland for the family funeral.

Det Leahy said that the accused has no previous convictions and no bench warrant history.

Counsel for the accused, Cian Kelly BL told the court that his client had returned to Ireland despite knowing that there was a complaint made against him.

Judge Gabbett granted the man bail on conditions to allow him to return to his adopted country pending the trial.

Judge Gabbett granted the bail after a brother of the accused came to court to provide an independent surety of 20,000 and the accused provided his own cash surety of 5,000.

Judge Gabbett told the mans brother that if the accused doesn't show up for trial, he will forfeit the 20,000. Judge Gabbett said that the accused will face extradition is he doesn't return to Ireland voluntarily.

Part of the bail conditions is that the accused is not to have any contact, direct or indirect with the complainant in the case.

Judge Gabbett said that bearing in mind the charges, a senior and junior counsel would be required in the case and Mr Kelly agreed that the case "won't be a legal aid matter".

Sgt Frank OGrady told the court that the DPP has directed that the case be heard in the circuit court and the accused was remanded on bail for the serving of a Book of Evidence on February 19th at Ennis District Court.
At Monaghan Circuit Court today McGinn, of Drumloo, Newbliss, in Co Monaghan, also pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm to Avin Mohamed, a sister of Dlava

Kiea McCann and Dlava Mohamed died in the crash on the N54 at Legnakelly near Clones last July.

The driver of the car that crashed on the way to a debs ball in Co Monaghan resulting in two teenage friends being killed has pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing their deaths.

Best friends 17-year-old Kiea McCann and 16-year-old Dlava Mohamed died on July 31, 2023, when the car being driven by Anthony McGinn (60) hit a tree on a section of the N54 at Legnakelly near Clones as he drove them to their debs dance in Monaghan town.

At Monaghan Circuit Court today McGinn, of Drumloo, Newbliss, in Co Monaghan, also pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing serious bodily harm to Avin Mohamed, a sister of Dlava.

He was remanded on continuing bail by judge John Aylmer to appear at the next court sessions. He can face up to five years in prison for the offences.

Members of Kieas family were present in the courtroom for the short hearing.

McGinn only spoke to answer the two charges as they were put to him.

Neither he nor the family spoke after todays sitting.

Previously, Kiea McCanns father Franky told the Irish Independent how McGinn had driven the girls and a young man who was attending the debs from his home in Clones, but shortly afterwards he got a call after the crash and rushed to the scene.

I got out there as quick as I could and tried to revive them with a woman that was there also. I had to move from my daughter to her best friend, but there was nothing I could do. All I could do was ask that they be put lying together, Mr McCann had said.

There was great excitement here in the house before they went out. We had food and champagne and balloons, and it was going to be a great night.

They could have got a coach out to the hotel, but they wanted to drive in style, he had added.

Judge John Aylmer ordered a probation report to see if McGinn is suitable for community service, but said a decision on that as a sentence had not been made yet.

Kiea McCann and Dlava Mohamed died in the crash on the N54 at Legnakelly near Clones last July.

Separately, on Monday a man appeared in court charged with multiple counts of dangerous driving, including a charge in connection to an incident that claimed the lives of the two teenagers.

Alin Sorin Gatea (46) with an address at 4 Carn Heights, Clones, Co Monaghan, appeared at a sitting of Monaghan District Court to face five counts of dangerous driving on the same date, one of which related to a charge at Legnakelly, Clones, where the crash took place.

The other four charges related to alleged incidents at Clonkirk, Altertate Glebe, Clonkeen and Largy in Clones

Gateas solicitor Catherine Taaffe applied to have the case adjourned on foot of various disclosure issues which had emerged arising out of the States evidence.

She said part of that application rested on the fact a large volume of documentation still had to be translated and dash-cam footage which carried very strong prejudicial implications for her client in its current format.

They (charges) are dangerous driving simpliciter and I should stress that and when one looks at the footage, your eyes are constantly fixed on the car in front which is not relevant to my clients standard of driving, she said.

Alin Sorin Gatea outside Monaghan Courthouse.

Ms Taaffe added a further point which needed to be ironed out was exacting how the State had determined the speed of her clients driving on the date in question.

There are several methods that can be used to calculate the average speed a vehicle travels and different formulas are used can come up with different speed averages and thats the point, she said.

Sgt Lisa McEntee countered by saying the prosecutions case rested largely on the visual footage which was linked to the incident.

The dash cam is there in real time, there is no better evidence, she said.

Ms Taaffe replied, however by saying garda evidence which suggested Gatea had been speeding was not in keeping with certain eye witness accounts.

She appealed to Judge Raymond Finnegan to allow the defence further time by arguing five weeks was all which had been afforded to her client.

We havent sat on our hands, five weeks is all I have had, she said. The State have had much longer to put together their case.

Judge Finnegan consented to that request and remanded Gatea on bail to a sitting of Monaghan District Court on March 10.
Christopher Connaughton received the sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court today

A 45-year-old painter and decorator has been jailed for four years for being the warehouse man for a three-quarter-of-a-million-euro drug shipment.

Christopher Connaughton, a father-of-five including a newborn baby, with an address at Shinguan, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, received the sentence at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court today.

Connaughton pleaded guilty to possession of both cannabis herb and cannabis resin on July 18, 2023 at a unit at Greenhills Industrial Estate in Dublin.

Detective Garda Eamon Tighe told the court that Customs attended a warehouse in Tallaght four days earlier, along with a dog called Robbie who detected the drugs on two pallets.

On July 18, Det Gda Tighe and colleagues made a controlled delivery of the pallets to the unit at Greenhills, where the accused signed for the delivery using a fake name. Det Gda Tighe helped him unload the drugs and Connaughton took the two pallets into the warehouse.

Observations continued and gardai later carried out a search, which uncovered more than 726,000 worth of cannabis.

The accused was arrested and admitted his involvement, saying that he had done it to defray a drugs debt.

His only previous conviction was a single one for drink driving.

Under cross examination by Connaughtons barrister, the detective agreed that the accused had not featured on garda intelligence until the delivery.

I dont believe he organised the importation, he said. I believe he was under instruction on the day.

He agreed that he the accused was a warehouse man, and that his job was just to take in the pallets.

I would accept that he was probably not aware of the volume, he said, referring to the almost 100 kilos delivered.

The detective could not confirm that the drug debt had arisen from a family member 10 years earlier.

Defence counsel handed in a letter from the accused, in which he wrote of his remorse and shame, and the difficulties his wife would face in raising children while he served a sentence.

Counsel said that Connaughton had no financial interest in the pallets of drugs, that his was a totally subservient role, and that he was under duress.

It was not going to be easy for him to serve time with a newborn baby at home, he said.

Judge Martin Nolan said that there was good mitigation, but a substantial amount of drugs

Hes obviously not at the highest level, but low to middle, he said of his involvement.

He sentenced him to four years in prison.
Suzanne Gray (47) was in a bad place at the time she filled her car and drove off without paying, a court heard

A driver who repeatedly stole fuel from filling stations has been fined by a judge who told her petrol doesnt come free.

Suzanne Gray (47) was in a bad place at the time she filled her car and drove off without paying, a court heard.

Judge John Hughes fined her 500 after she paid 265 in compensation to the victims.

Gray, a mother of two with an address at Carton Drive, Poppintree, Ballymun, pleaded guilty to making off without paying for fuel from two petrol stations. Dublin District Court heard she went to Circle K, Clonshaugh Road, Dublin 17, on January 11 and 28 and March 2 last year. She filled her vehicle with fuel and left without paying.

She committed the same offence at the Applegreen Service Station, M1 Northbound, Baldrumman, Lusk, on March 30. Gray had no previous convictions.

The accused was recently bereaved, which had a big impact on her, her barrister Lydia Daly said.

She had no addiction issues, but was in a bad place at the time she carried out the offences. She apologised for her actions and had brought 265 in compensation to court.

Gray was not working but had started a social care course, the court heard.

Judge Hughes said there were victims in the case and petrol doesnt come free for the people who are running those locations.

They depended on their profits to pay wages for workers to support their families, the judge said.

He said the compensation was to be divided between the injured parties.
Agne Khan is a director of a firm being targeted by the CAB over a massive scheme to launder stolen cash through second-hand car dealers

International scam queen Agne Khan tried to claim investors in her firm who turned out to be dodgy had put funds into her Irish car companies.

But her story of how her firms had been funded by shady investors raised more questions than it answered it was heard in court.

Lithuanian national Agne Khan is a director of a firm being targeted by the Criminal Assets Bureau over a massive scheme to launder stolen cash through second-hand car dealers.

Her firms Nida Investments and Autology Ltd were branded as being steeped in fraud in the High Court where the CAB is seeking to take a property.

Khurram and Agne Khan

The garage forecourt in Co Tipperary was bought by one company and rent from it has been paid to a bank account now frozen by CAB.

Agne Khan and her husband Khurram Khan have been described as being at the heart of a 3.5 million international cybercrime fraud.

Judge Alex Owens previously ruled 84 cars seized by CAB were the proceeds of crime with the initial cash to buy them coming from fraud.

Last week the same judge ruled the Ballywilliam property and the rental income in a bank account were also the proceeds of crime.

Counsel for CAB said that in sworn evidence filed by Ms Khan she had claimed to be innocent and investors who channelled funds through her mother were scammers.

Even though Ms Khan and her husband pleaded guilty to fraud offences in the UK and got prison sentences they continued to associate with these people, it was heard.

Her affidavit didnt explain the source of the money used to buy the Tipperary property which is now used by a legitimate business.

Gardai seize motors from Agne and Khurram Khan

Gardai seize a motor from Agne and Khurram Khan

Judge Owens said the property bought for 66,000 was no doubt the proceeds of crime and appointed a receiver to take over the property and the bank account.

Neither Ms Kahn nor her husband appeared in court for the hearing.

The Sunday World previously reported how members of the Khan family were arrested in England in September 2020 and premises in England and Ireland were searched.

This included the motor dealers yard at Ballywilliam and houses at Slate Quarry, Tipperary and Killaloe, Co Clare.

A total of 89 vehicles and a trailer were seized in Ireland, but five cars were not associated with the Khans and were handed back to their owners.

Another motor firm controlled by the Khans had been based at the same Co Tipperary premises but stop trading 2018 after a Revenue investigation.

The Khans walked off from that company, taking with them any cash in the firm and leaving behind an unpaid tax bill 623,000.

The 2020 seizures came after UK authorities investigated the complex fraud scheme in which ten linked frauds were uncovered during Operation Brasenose.

More than 1.3 million was stolen in those schemes, while another series of frauds involving the UKs National Health Service more than 900,000 was stolen.

Convicted fraudster Khurrum Kahan recently told the Sunday Independent that he rejected the courts 2021 finding against Autology Ltd and his family are the target of a campaign of intimidation.

Over the past few months, I have been receiving death threats, as has my family in Pakistan, related to this case, investors demanding their investments which were in shape of cars and those cars were confiscated by CAB and UK police.
Zachary Greear (34) urinated in the aisle and touched other passengers inappropriately before the United Airlines flight from Amsterdam yesterday had to turn around

A drunken air passenger whose unruly behaviour forced a New York-bound flight to divert and land in Dublin has been spared jail and ordered to make compensation and charity payments totalling 10,000.

Zachary Greear (34), a climate research analyst, urinated in the aisle and touched other passengers inappropriately before the United Airlines flight from Amsterdam yesterday had to turn around and dump 30,000 worth of fuel.

Dublin District Court heard he was a "nervous flyer" and had mixed Xanax with alcohol before becoming disruptive on the plane.

This morning, Judge Michele Finan gave him a two-month suspended sentence.

Suspending the prison term for two years, she said Greears behaviour had been appalling but noted the contents of his written apology, and a letter from the airline.

He donated 5,000 to charity and the judge ordered another 5,000 is to be paid to the airline as a condition of the suspension.

Zachary Greear

Greear, with an address in New York City, pleaded guilty to three offences under the Air Navigation and Transport Act - intoxication, threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour and causing annoyance on board an aircraft.

Yesterday, the court heard the plane took off from Amsterdam at 9.15am and during the flight, Greear became unruly.

He was highly intoxicated and urinated in his seat and in the aisle, a garda said, and passengers around him had to be moved.

Greear caused a nuisance to two females and a male, grabbing their seats and touching them inappropriately, the court heard.

He failed to desist from his behaviour when asked and was drinking his own alcohol which he had purchased earlier, the garda said. Other passengers were in fear, she said.

The plane was airborne for two hours and over the coast of Donegal when the captain made the decision to divert.

When the plane landed at Dublin Airport, it refuelled and was airborne again within an hour.

The garda said on arrest, the accused couldnt understand where he was due to his level of intoxication but had since apologised.

Greear had no previous convictions.

He was horrified and embarrassed by his behaviour and offered a most sincere apology, his solicitor Eoghan OSullivan said.

He was a nervous flyer and took a Xanax before the flight but then had a lot of alcohol and it got out of control.

Greear had a hazy memory of what happened.

The accused worked in finance, doing climate research for an asset manager, and was very highly skilled and highly trained.

Mr OSullivan accepted that the circumstances were horrific for those on the plane but the flight resumed an hour later to bring them to their destination.

Can you imagine the fear and trauma he caused to a pilot who is trying to manage people safely on his aircraft, to passengers, to employees of the airline who have to dump fuel and turn around a flight and land in a jurisdiction they never expected to be in? the judge said.

Greear had been bailed overnight before appearing in court again today.
Diarmuid Phelan, a law professor and farmer, was acquitted earlier this month of murdering Keith Conlon, an intruder on his land who he shot in a confrontation in 2022.

A PROSECUTION witness who failed to turn up to give evidence at the murder trial of barrister Diarmuid Phelan has been remanded in custody for a week to face contempt proceedings.

Kallum Coleman was arrested following Mr Phelan's acquittal and was brought before the Central Criminal Court where he appeared for a second time today.

Mr Justice Paul McDermott adjourned the case to next Monday, for the attention of the trial judge Ms Justice Siobhan Lankford, who is sitting in Cork.

Mr Phelan, a law professor and farmer, was cleared earlier this month of murdering Keith Conlon, an intruder on his land who he shot in a confrontation in 2022. His trial heard Kallum Colemam was a friend of Mr Conlon and they were both trespassing on Mr Phelan's Dublin farm at the time.

Mr Coleman, who witnessed the shooting, had been due to testify for the prosecution when he failed to appear at the trial last October and went to Spain. He has since returned to Ireland and was arrested under a warrant issued by Judge Lankford.

Diarmuid Phelan

Mr Coleman, who is not yet charged with any offence, was remanded in custody by agreement between the prosecution and the defence.

Today, the court heard the warrant was issued because he did not answer a witness summons in Mr Phelans trial.

Prosecutor Roisin Lacey told Mr Justice Paul McDermott the DPP had no position on the issue of contempt of court and this was a matter for the court and it had to be dealt with by the trial judge.

Defence barrister Keith Spencer BL, instructed by solicitor Lorraine Stephens, said he was seeking the earliest date possible for the case to be heard. Judge Lankford was at a trial in Cork for the next six to seven weeks.

The DPPs preference was for an in-person hearing, Ms Lacey said.

The case was put back for several hours this morning. In the afternoon, the case was adjourned to next Monday, with an order for Mr Coleman to be produced in Cork.

The court heard a number of gardai would have to be called to update Judge Lankford about "matters she wasn't aware of." There would be two to three garda witnesses.

At a brief hearing last week, Mr Spencer said his client was consenting to his remand in custody and added that gardai had given an undertaking that he would be lodged in Mountjoy Prison due to a fear by Coleman for his safety if detained in Cloverhill Prison.

Evidence was heard that Mr Coleman, from Drimnagh, Dublin, was arrested by arrangement in the early hours of January 7.

On January 3, Mr Phelan walked free from the Central Criminal Court after a jury found him not guilty of the murder of Keith Conlon at Hazelgrove Farm, Kiltalown Lane, Tallaght, in February 2022.

The trial had heard Mr Coleman, Mr Conlon and another man, Robin Duggan, were hunting badgers or foxes on the farm without permission when Mr Colemans dog was shot by Mr Phelan.

Following a confrontation, Mr Phelan fired three shots from a revolver, one of which hit Mr Conlon in the head, fatally wounding him. He died in hospital two days later.

Mr Phelans defence said he was firing warning shots in self-defence and Mr Conlon was hit by accident.

A jury cleared Mr Phelan of Mr Conlons murder after a 10-week trial where Mr Coleman was due to be a witness, but failed to attend.
Womans false claims fuelled racial division in town as she admits to taking a community service order on the chin

A woman whose false claims that she was sexually assaulted by a non national led to a vigilante group being set up, says she never had any issue with the foreign community in her town.

Tanya Wall, from Congress Villas, Dungarvan, Co Waterford, made a false claim to gardai in Dungarvan on February 19, 2023 that she was sexually assaulted by a group of men who dragged her down a lane as she made her way home from a night out.

She told officers the group forcibly pulled off her belt and pulled down her jeans but she managed to get away after another woman intervened. One of her sisters subsequently posted on social media that Ms Wall had been attacked by foreigners and they should not be left in the country.

The story made national and international headlines and unnamed relatives of Ms Wall later gave an interview to a right-wing news website expressing anger that gardai had asked them to take down the Facebook post.

Tanya Wall speaks to our reporter Alan Sherry this week

The relative claimed that concerns about identifying the attackers as non-Irish seemed to be more important than ensuring that other girls and woman were aware that they may be in danger.

A vigilante group was subsequently set up in the town.

Gardai thoroughly investigated the matter, carrying out lengthy analysis of CCTV footage and house to house inquiries as well as seizing items of clothing and a phone from Ms Wall. Their investigation uncovered that an attack had never taken place.

Even after the evidence completely contradicted Ms Walls version of events she declined to withdraw the complaint.

She was arrested in March 2023 and later charged with making a false complaint to Gardai. She subsequently admitted the allegation was untrue and pleaded guilty.

She was sentenced to 200 hours of community service at Waterford Circuit Court last month.

Speaking to the Sunday World at her home this week, Ms Wall said she couldnt remember the details of the night.

She added that the story had generated a lot of coverage.

Its all over the place.

Tanya Wall speaks to our reporter Alan Sherry this week

Ms Wall apologised in court for wasting garda time and resources but the judge noted she didnt apologise to the foreign community in Dungarvan.

Asked by the Sunday World this week if she could say why she didnt apologise to the foreign community, she said: I have no comment.

Further pressed on whether she wanted to cause any difficulties for the foreign community in Dungarvan, she said: I dont want to cause hassle for anyone anymore.

She said this absolutely included foreign people.

When our reporter asked her if that meant she had no issue with foreign people, she said: I never had.

She said she didnt want to comment any more on the case.

I dont want to be saying much really you know. Im kind of not through it yet so I cant really say. I cant talk about it.

Im just taking it on the chin now.

The Waterford News and Star reported that at Ms Walls sentencing hearing, Judge Eugene OKelly said that her false allegation fuelled racial division and planted hatred into the community of Dungarvan.

He said her actions led to significant criticism of gardai and a lot of hatred being expressed to the foreign community in the town.

Ms Wall wrote a letter of apology to gardai saying: I had never meant to cause so much stress, time and work.

However, Judge OKelly was critical of the letter, saying it made no direct apology to the foreign community.

In a statement to the Sunday World, An Garda Siochana said as a result of Ms Walls false complaint, a campaign of misinformation, disinformation and fake news circulated not just in the local area, but nationally and internationally on social media.

Gardai spent five weeks investigating the matter and also had to contend with further false claims being spread online about alleged attacks in the area.

This false complaint and subsequent campaign of fake news diverted and wasted Garda resources and time from Community Engagement and Support in the local area, the spokesperson said.

An Garda Siochana has regularly highlighted the rise in the level of misinformation, disinformation and fake news. Misinformation, disinformation and fake news, as occurred in this case, is typically amplified by multiple accounts in order to spread fear and concern in peaceful communities with incorrect and dangerous misconceptions, particularly in relation to International Protection and Minority groups.

Gardai appealed to all members of the public to independently verify any information that they read on social media and messaging apps.

An Garda Siochana also notes that as a direct result of this misinformation campaign, a group was established in the local community, with a misconceived negative perception of public safety in the area.

An Garda Siochana is the sole agency invested with the statutory role of preserving peace and public order and to investigate crime and enforce enacted legislation.

An Garda Siochana quickly, effectively and correctly investigated this false report. The establishment of local groups in response to such misconceived fear and worry is not advised.

An Garda Siochana is concerned that, even with the best of intentions there is potential for confrontation between such groups and other persons, confrontations which could result in harm to persons present, including innocent persons guilty of no wrong doing.
Macken had been remanded in the custody of Wheatfield Prison late last year pending sentencing on an assault charge

Gardai have confirmed that on-the-run prisoner Keith Macken is back behind bars following his escape from custody in Dublin on Saturday morning.

Macken, of St Attracta Road, Cabra, had been brought to Tallaght Hospital for treatment early that morning but managed to flee from the hospital room where he had been receiving medical care.

A garda spokesperson said the individual concerned was arrested by gardai in Balbriggan in the early hours of yesterday morning, Monday, January 13, and returned to the prison authorities.

Macken had been remanded in the custody of Wheatfield Prison late last year pending sentencing on an assault charge.

Its understood he took ill during Christmas week and was taken to Tallaght Hospital, where he has been under medical care ever since.

A kitchen fitter by trade, Macken was described as being in ill health in recent months and, as such, would not have been considered an active flight risk.

Its understood he was due to be sentenced in connection with the assault in February of this year.

Macken has previously appeared in court on a minor theft charge.

Two years ago, he was prosecuted on a charge of theft at Aldi, North Quay, Arklow on September 2, 2020.

In a statement issued after the incident a spokesperson for the Irish Prison Service 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.

The prison service has since reportedly confirmed the prisoner has been returned to custody.

The details of his escape, while under guard, were investigated and its understood a short foot chase occurred during the incident.
SHENZHEN, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- At an airport in Shenzhen, a vibrant sci-tech and advanced-manufacturing hub in south China's Guangdong Province, travelers can move their cars from the passenger area to the parking lot, where they park automatically, by just tapping on a mobile app.

The trial of the automated valet parking service, organized by enterprises including Huawei and Shenzhen Urban Transport Planning Center Co., Ltd., was officially launched at Shenzhen Baoan International Airport on Monday.

Through an app, drivers can select designated parking lots, monitor real-time information on car routes, the surrounding environment and location, among other information, and enable parked cars to come to the passenger area automatically. The automated vehicles can yield to oncoming vehicles and avoid pedestrians.

The trial is limited to vehicles equipped with an advanced driving system from Huawei.

Jin Yuzhi, CEO of Huawei's Intelligent Automotive Solution business unit, explained why the airport was chosen for the trial.

Airports are high-frequency destinations for drivers, and automated valet parking and driving can save travelers time when they are catching a flight, said Jin. Furthermore, the high volume of people and vehicles at the airport imposes more rigid requirements on precise vehicle control, which means the trial is valuable for developing the technology, he added.

According to Lin Tao, president of Shenzhen Urban Transport Planning Center Co., Ltd., the trial at the airport can serve as a model to expand in other scenarios, such as hospitals, tourist spots and shopping malls. 
Even when we are all gone our children will take up the fight and their children after us

Gloves and beret are placed on the coffin

The funeral of Hooded Man and diehard dissident republican Kevin Hannaway took place on Saturday as the PSNI flooded the surrounding area with terror cops.

The 77-year-old passed away last week after a short illness and was buried yesterday at Milltown Cemetery.

In the lead-up to the funeral the PSNI was criticised by republicans for mounting a number of operations targeting those attending the wake in west Belfast.

That included a series of police hardstops which resulted in two men being arrested and saw at least one drone used to monitor events.

Kevin Hannaway

On Saturday it emerged at least 20 counter-terrorism specialist firearms officers had been deployed in west Belfast close to where the funeral was taking place at Mr Hannaways home in the Colinmill area of Dunmurry.

Kevin Hannaway was one of 14 Catholic men who were subjected to state-sanctioned torture when they were interned in 1971.

During interrogation the men were hooded, beaten, deprived of sleep, food and water, forced to stand in the stress position and thrown out of helicopters.

In 2021, the Supreme Court ruled that the methods used would be characterised today as torture.

None of the Hooded Men were convicted of any wrongdoing.

Kevin Hannaway leaves the family home

Kevin Hannaways remains arrive at Milltown Cemetery in West Belfast

However in 2018 Kevin Hannaway was jailed for his part in helping the IRA interrogate other IRA members as the terror group sought to uncover a police informant.

In June 2023 the PSNI apologised to the men over the treatment they received more than 50 years ago  the apology coming just in time for another Hooded Man Joe Clarke to receive it on his deathbed.

Speaking to the Sunday World outside Mr Hannaways home, fellow Hooded Man Jim Auld lambasted the British government who, unlike the police, have not apologised for the way the men were treated.

Jim says he spoke to Kevin privately before he died and what was said would remain private but he did say the fight for justice would continue.

Fellow Hooded Man Jim Auld at Hannaways funeral

He said their campaign was unfinished business and slammed the British government for defending what they done... even the PSNI have given us half an apology.

The way the police have treated us is an appalling hideous crime, he added. What happened to Kevin and the rest of us cant be condoned by anyone.

The fact they used the same terrible tactics to us all was appalling. I was around 20 at the time and now Im 74  I was the second youngest. Theres only seven of us left  many of the others died of cancer.

But the fight continue, it will never stop  even when we are all gone. Our children will take it up and their children after us until we get proper justice from the British government.

There is still a case going through the courts but the Brits are trying to get the case thrown out.

We wont stop until the Brits recognise what they have done.

Saoradhs Stephen Murney (left) carrying the coffin

Gloves and beret are placed on the coffin

Mr Hannaway was given a guard of honour as men in uniform flanked his coffin which had an Irish tricolour, a beret and a pair of gloves placed on top.

A private service was held inside the property before his burial at Milltown.

Paying tribute, his son Michael told the Sunday World : I cant believe hes dead. I could never see him dying if Im honest after everything hes had to go through in life.

He wasnt just my father, he was my best friend. Were completely devastated by his loss.

Kevin Hannaway was jailed for three years in 2018 by the Special Criminal Court in Dublin.

He was convicted of knowingly rendering assistance to the IRA, and assisting in interviewing people involved in IRA-organised activities in 2015.

Hannaway was convicted after a trial found him guilty of helping the IRA carry out interrogations of other members following a series of IRA operations that were foiled by gardai.

Michael Hannaway carries his fathers coffin into Milltown Cemetery

Two men arrested on Friday on their way to the wake were reported to be members of anti-agreement party Saoradh.

They were detained in the Andersonstown area as they made their way to Mr Hannaways home in Colinmill and they were held under the Terrorism Act.

Saoradhs National Chairperson Stephen Murney said: For the crown forces to attack a wake in the lead-up to a funeral is nothing short of a hate crime and should be condemned by all right-thinking people.

"Kevin Hannaway hasnt even been buried and his family and comrades have had to endure a week of torment at the hands of the occupiers as they try to grieve.

To all those who purport to speaking out against injustice, now is the time to make your voices heard.
Johns father Billy announced the news in a brief social media post

The funeral of a Belfast man found dead in Spain last week will take place next week, the victims father has confirmed.

John Georges body was found last Tuesday in Rojales, around 40 minutes south of Alicante, under trees on a farm nearly three weeks after he was reported missing.

His disappearance on December 14 prompted a huge search, with supporters flying out to aid the family as they searched for their loved ones remains.

Johns father Billy George has confirmed the 37-year-olds funeral will take place next Friday.

"Johns funeral will take place next Friday, January 24, he posted on his Facebook page.

His body will be in his mothers home on Monday. Everyone welcome. Thanks for your support.

On Friday, a 32-year-old man was brought to court in Spain after being arrested as part of the murder investigation.

He has since been released on bail by an investigating judge pending an ongoing criminal probe, and denies involvement in the alleged murder.

John George's family arriving home from Spain into Belfast International Airport. Pic: Press Eye

It comes after a solicitor for Mr Georges family said they were pleased with assurances given during a meeting with the PSNI in relation to the case.

In a statement given to the Belfast Telegraph shortly after the meeting, their solicitor Kevin Winters of KRW Law said: Today we met with the PSNI together with the family to discuss the latest outworkings of the Spanish authorities investigation into the killing of Mr George.

We are pleased to report that assurances were given on maintaining levels of communication with Spanish Police to access key information on the current status of their investigation.

Mr Winters also confirmed the George family will meet again the PSNI in two weeks time to discuss any relevant updates.

Meanwhile in Spain, various tributes have been left at the scene where John Georges remains were recovered.

Photographs shared across social media show blue bouquet of flowers left near a fence in the Rojales area alongside pictures of the west Belfast man. Candles were also pictured at the scene.

ONeills funeral directors, who are working alongside the George family in advance of Mr Georges funeral, have also opened a book of condolences for those wishing to leave a message for the family.

John George

Homecoming for family of Belfast man John George found dead in Spain
Drivers were beeping their horns at gawkers who had stopped to admire what had started as a few loose cherry tomatoes on Drumcondra Bridge

On a dull Monday morning, both locals and tourists made the pilgrimage to Dublins Cherry Tomato Bridge  or, as its called on Google Maps, the Shrine of the Sacred Cherry Tomatoes of Drumcondra.

Drivers were beeping their horns at gawkers who had stopped to admire what had started as a few loose cherry tomatoes on Drumcondra Bridge.

Dublin's newest tourist attraction in Drumcondra, the 'Cherry Tomato Bridge'. Photo: Hannah Daygo

The spot became internet-famous over the last week, after a TikTok user posted a photo of some cherry tomatoes that someone had littered on the bridge wall. They had frozen in last weeks cold weather.

Within 24 hours, hundreds of people had visited the bridge to take videos and photos for their social media accounts, or to leave their own ode to the tomato.

Now the bridge has become somewhat of a tongue-in-cheek shrine to the fruit, with sachets of ketchup, framed photos, tins of chopped tomatoes, tomato soup, candles and, of course, tomatoes in all shapes and sizes.

Someone wrote that its quite a magical place, others wrote it was quite ridiculous

Local woman Trish Close told the Irish Independent that everyones talking and stopping [at the bridge], its magical, its community.

I found out about the tomatoes on a social media group called Drumcondra Social. Someone wrote that its quite a magical place, others wrote it was quite ridiculous, she said.

Were out for a walk, so were passing by. Someone left tomatoes here in the bad weather last week, like rubbish, and they froze. Since then, people have been adding to it.

The tomatoes have also captured the imagination of tourists, with one man from Zimbabwe taking time to visit the bridge.

Im visiting from Zimbabwe. I saw the TikToks and Im staying nearby so I came to see the cherry tomatoes, said one man, who called himself Matty.

I went to the Phoenix Park, but surprisingly this is something new, so far my favourite thing is the Cherry Tomato Bridge. Everyone is talking about it, its trending.

Dublin's newest tourist attraction in Drumcondra, the 'Cherry Tomato Bridge'. Photo: Hannah Daygo

Mary Bolger came with her friends before their new year of university lectures began.

We saw it on TikTok, so when we came back to college we had to come and see it, she said.

Her friend Carly OConnor added: Its like a school trip all together, a little day out. Its iconic, a historical landmark, so Dublin. I went past it on the bus today.

Another passer-by said: A few days ago I was walking home and I saw the tomatoes on the bridge.

Its daft but its endearing and fun

I thought it was quite interesting. My friend texted me and said its a new tourist attraction and it was on Google Maps, so I had to take a look. Its definitely expanded 10 times the size it was last week. Its fun. The smiley faces [on the tomatoes] put a smile on your face.

By Monday evening the tomatoes adorning the bridge had been knocked off the wall and down onto the railway tracks by persons unknown, but the enthusiasm of tomato lovers was undiminished.

Sue Ellen Matthews moved to Dublin a few months ago and loves the community spirit in her new locality.

Im from Brazil, but I live around here, and I saw it. I didnt know what it was, so I had to Google it. I didnt get much information, she said.

This type of crazy is nice, its similar to London, you see this type of stuff.

Passer-by Gary OSullivan said. I heard about this during the week. I was getting physio done close by so. I decided to come and see it.

I see its been added to since the photos were taken, its evolving, I guess people are contributing. I dont think youd see this in many other places, its daft but its endearing and fun.
Alliance MP Sorcha Eastwood is to begin legal action against against controversial influencer Andrew Tate, following social media postings concerning her.

In a statement to the Belfast Telegraph, KRW Law confirmed they were acting on behalf of the Lagan Valley MP, who last week went viral after she spoke about the torment of abuse she has suffered online since taking up her position in Westminster.

Kevin Winters from KRW Law confirmed they had served Mr Tate, alongside his brother Tristan Tate today.

We act on behalf of Sorcha Eastwood MP, reads the statement.

We are instructed to issue legal proceedings against Andrew and Tristan Tate over their continued publication of social media postings on 10 January 2025.

We can confirm the service of correspondence on today's date to their solicitors.

"In view of the sensitivities of the issues engaged we have no further comment at this stage.

Alliance MP Sorcha Eastwood

Last week while speaking in the Commons, Ms Eastwood described herself as a survivor of abuse as she told MPs of her experience of receiving rape threats.

She said a member of the public came up and said they wanted to rape me during a school visit she was leading at Northern Irelands Stormont.

During a debate on violence against women and girls, Ms Eastwood also raised concerns about incel culture, an online group who describe themselves as involuntary celibates.

The Lagan Valley MP began her speech saying: I am a survivor of abuse myself. Northern Ireland is one of the most dangerous places in Europe to be a woman, I have to say Im really upset that there are no other members from Northern Ireland here.

She added: Statistically speaking there will be people in this building who are the perpetrators, more often the people doing this are people we know, people we love, and thats what makes it even more traumatic, upsetting, and disgusting.

On Sunday January, 10 Mr Tates brother Tristan tweeted in response to a Daily Mirror article shared by the Alliance MP on X (formerly known as Twitter) in which she supported Xs owner Elon Musk being investigated by UK counter-terrorism unit due to his tweets.

Is @UKLabour working hand in hand with the @Conservatives who have dismantled the architecture of the UK, Tristan Tate tweeted.

The country is lost. And one of the world's most influential men pointing it out isn't a threat to The United Kingdom.

It is simply a threat to you.

Ms Eastwood subsequently responded to Tate highlighting that he is banned from various social media platforms due to hate speech and called him a vile and utterly reprehensible person.

Mr Tates brother, Andrew Tate, a former kickboxer, who has over 10 million followers on the platform, responded to the MP writing: British Members of parliament feel threatened by @votebruv and are already trying to stop me.

They know I could already win, after 3 days we are the most popular political party within the UK.

We own the youth. And my message to Sorcha is simple. Nobody likes you. Nobody trusts you. Nobody even knows who you are.

Soon, you will be replaced and forgotten. But the Tates? Elon Musk? Trump? We are forever. The future is ours. Your irrelevance is lingering along side my inevitable conquest.

Stay afraid.

VoteBruv refers to a newly formed party called the BRUV', short for Britain Restoring Underlying Values' in which Mr Tate has founded after claiming he wants to run for UK Prime Minister.

In 2022, Tate and his brother were arrested in Romania and in June 2023, both were charged with rape, human trafficking, and forming an organised crime group to sexually exploit women. They deny all the charges.

He was subsequently put under house arrest in August when prosecutors launched a second criminal investigation against himself and Tristan Tate, as well as four other suspects, over allegations of trafficking of minors, sexual intercourse with a minor and money laundering.

They again deny any of the allegations. Earlier today, Tate was released from house arrest by a Romanian court, pending the outcome of a criminal investigation, according to his spokesman.

Sorcha Eastwood has been contacted for comment.
There was a risk to life due to fading light, danger of fog and dangerous terrain

An RNLI crew and volunteers from the local Mayo Irish Whale and Dolphin Group combined to save live stranded dolphins in Blacksod Bay.

An RNLI crew and volunteers from the local Mayo Irish Whale and Dolphin Group combined to save live stranded dolphins in Blacksod Bay.

Ballyglass RNLI'S inshore lifeboat (ILB) was requested to launch on Saturday afternoon by Malin Head Coast Guard after receiving a call to assist volunteer members of the local Mayo Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) who were responding to two live stranded dolphins.

There was a risk to life due to fading light, danger of fog and dangerous terrain.

The RNLI volunteer crew members launched the lifeboat at Saleen Harbour soon after 5pm and were on scene at Ardmore in Blacksod Bay within minutes.

On assessing the scene and coordinating with IWDG members on site, it was decided to relocate the common dolphins to deeper waters in the bay to give them the best chance possible.

The lifeboat escorted the IWDG member, who had been assisting the effort from a canoe, safety back to port.

A spokesperson for Ballyglass RNLI said, Well done to helm PJ Walker and volunteer crew Kayley Geraghty and Brandon Geraghty, assisted by five shore crew for launch, recovery and readying ILB for service.

"'Ni neart go cut le cheile'  we are stronger when we work together.

If you see anyone in difficulty on or near the water dial 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.
A native of Co Monaghan, Mr MacEntee acted in a number of high-profile cases during his career

A native of Co Monaghan, Mr MacEntee acted in a number of high-profile cases during his career. This included acting for the defence in the 1978 Special Criminal Court trial of those accused of the Sallins train robbery  all of whom were convicted and later had their convictions overturned or were granted a pardon.

He was educated at UCD where he was a member of the Drama Society and Kings Inn. He initially practised on the Northern Circuit before moving his practise to Dublin, where he mainly appeared before the Special Criminal Court.

As an observer for the International Commission of Jurists, Mr MacEntee attended a trial of political activists in Namibia, then under South African control, in 1976. He then went on to publish a scathing report on the trial on his return home.

In 1983, Mr MacEntee acted for Malcom Macarthur, the man who killed nurse Bridie Gargan and farmer Donal Dunne.

Mr MacEntee acted in 2000 for Catherine Nevin, the woman convicted of killing her husband Tom Nevin in the Wicklow pub they jointly owned.

In 2005, he was appointed the sole member of a commission of inquiry into the Dublin Monaghan bombings and published his report in 2007.

Away from his legal career, Mr MacEntee had a heavy involvement in culture and academics, where he made a significant contribution to a number of organisations.

He was a board member of the Fondation Irlandaise, the body set up by the Irish and French government to run the Centre Culturel Irlandais in Paris.

He was also a member of the Ireland Literature Exchange (now literature Ireland), chairman of the Irish language drama company Amharclann De hIde and a trustee of the Kavanagh trust.
The Kawerau community is staying vigilant amid high temperatures and the declaration of a restricted fire season.

Kawerau was the hottest place in the country last month with a scorching high of 34.8C.

The last time temperatures were that high was in February last year in Cheviot, Christchurch, which recorded 36.3C.

Kawerau Fire Brigade station manager Carl Moon said the community had been vigilant so far amid the high heat.

He encouraged them to keep that up while the forestry town remained in a restricted fire season, meaning anyone wanting to light a fire needs a permit.

Restricted fire seasons have been declared for the Bay of Plenty, Waikato, and Northland. Restrictions have eased in Hawkes Bay after a bout of wet weather.

Moon said the Kawerau Fire Brigade had not attended too many calls.

Its been really, really good.

However, the few call outs involved a vegetation fire in the pine forest on Mount Putauaki on December 19. Firefighters from Kawerau, Edgecumbe and Eastern Bay of Plenty Rotoma attended the blaze.

Moon said firefighters had to wear restrictive PPE to protect them from the heat.

Gregor Macara, climate scientist at the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (Niwa), said its seasonal climate outlook until March indicated that above-average temperatures were likely for the North Island.

A spokesperson for Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) said higher temperatures in the area created a stronger fire risk.

People should check that fires were put out properly after being lit. More information was available on the Fenz website.

As of 9am on Friday, the Bay of Plenty region, Waikato and Hawkes Bay were categorised as a restricted fire zone.

Higher temperatures  especially when there has been little rain in recent weeks  increase the chances of a fire getting started and spreading out of control, the Fenz spokesperson said.

If anyone is thinking about lighting a fire in these conditions, they must go to www.checkitsalright.nz to check it is safe to do so and to see what the fire restrictions are in their area.

Kaingaroa fire chief Kenneth Austin told the Rotorua Daily Post that people needed to be careful this summer, especially when lighting fires outside.

He said this was extremely important because it posed a huge fire risk.

With the area we live in being surrounded by forest, the potential for a big fire is hazardous, Austin said.

Above-average temperatures are expected for the North Island from January to March, according to Niwa.

A scrub fire at Whangarei Heads on Thursday caused the evacuation of two homes.

Niwas annual climate report highlighted that, of the 10 hottest years on record, eight had been recorded since 2013.

The highest December temperature was 34.8C, observed at Kawerau on December 29.

Of the six main centres in December, Auckland was the driest, Dunedin was the coolest and least sunny, and Tauranga was the warmest, wettest and sunniest.

Bay of Plenty was the third sunniest region for December, with 2734 hours of sun. Marlborough had the most sun with 2769 hours and the wider Nelson area had the second most, with 2760 hours.
Appointment wait times for children seeking attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) assessments are a hell of a lot faster in the Bay of Plenty and Lakes public hospitals than most of the country, ADHD New Zealand says.

Information received from Health New Zealand under the Official Information Act showed initial appointments happened within four months at Lakes and Bay of Plenty.

It also showed hundreds of whanau were seeking help.

National Health Survey data showed about 2.9 to 4% of children aged 5-14 were diagnosed with ADHD, but the Ministry of Health said in March this figure may under-represent the need.

ADHD New Zealand spokesman Darrin Bull told the Bay of Plenty Times the charitys nationwide survey showed wait times across the public health system were six to nine months for a first specialist appointment.

About 50% of those surveyed went to a private clinic. About a third who did not go private end up giving up, he said.

Private care was about $1500, however, about 12% of those surveyed had paid more than $3000.

We do see significant barriers still across New Zealand.

ADHD New Zealand spokesman Darrin Bull. Photo / Supplied

Bull said the turnaround times for appointments in Lakes and the Bay of Plenty described in the OIA response were a hell of a lot faster than most of New Zealand.

Bull was sympathetic towards the health sector which remained under huge pressure.

Its a catch-22 because undiagnosed ADHD can create all sorts of problems for a person which can lead to significant mental health issues.

The real secret is to get to a person with ADHD early, help them, diagnose them, treat them, before it spirals.

He acknowledged the sector needed to focus on those in urgent need.

Demand for ADHD assessments, treatment rises significantly

A Health NZ spokeswoman acknowledged the impact waiting for publicly funded ADHD assessments and treatment had on people.

Wait times for specialist mental health services were longer than we would like due to factors including workforce shortages and significantly increased demand.

The spokeswoman said there were access thresholds and, with referrals, the severity of the condition and its impact on peoples lives were considered.

The intention  is for people to receive support earlier and, where possible, prevent people from reaching a point where they need specialist treatment and support.

People needing urgent assessment or support, however, would be prioritised and seen urgently.

She said the agency aimed to improve New Zealands approach to mental health, so people  including those with neurodiverse conditions  could stay well and have fair access to help that works for them.

Waitlists in Lakes

Information from Health NZ on November 12 said first specialist assessments for children with suspected ADHD or autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) were done by a paediatrician as an outpatient service at Health NZ Lakes.

It said 69 children were on the outpatient waitlist for behavioural-type problems and 101 children were awaiting neurodevelopment assessment.

Fifty-eight children were awaiting ASD assessment.

It said a first specialist assessment for children with suspected ADHD occurred within four months of referral.

Waitlists in Bay of Plenty

Health NZ said Child Health Integrated Response Pathway (CHIRP) gathered information to ensure tamariki could be assessed in the most appropriate service first time.

The CHIRP team guides whanau with worries about child development, challenging behaviours, and possible neurodiversity such as autism and ADHD. A GP, school, or healthcare professional might refer a child to CHIRP.

CHIRP brought together experts from child development services, paediatrics department and child and adolescent mental health services and education. It reviewed the childs needs and recommended support options.

Between January 2023 and mid-October last year, there were 558 referrals to CHIRP.

The Bay of Plenty's Child Health Integrated Response Pathway (CHIRP) team bring together experts from child development services, paediatrics department and child and adolescent mental health services and education. Photo / Mead Norton

For those referred to CHIRP, eight were ready for clinical discussion at the multi-service meeting where complex referrals were discussed. The average wait time for this meeting was between one and two months.

It said 48 were ready for clinical discussion who would then be forwarded to a final assessment with the appropriate service. The average wait time from receipt of all assessment information to this discussion was two months.

Pharmac makes changes

Bull said recent changes by Pharmac would have a significant impact for the ADHD community.

In December, Pharmac removed the renewal criteria for funded ADHD treatments which previously required people to see a specialist every two years, or yearly for children under 5.

Bull said this would free up tens of thousands of psychiatrist and paediatrician appointments being used for renewals.

Pharmac would also fund lisdexamfetamine - a new stimulant medicine and ADHD treatment option, and is consulting on a proposal to improve access to stimulant medicines by enabling more doctors and nurse practitionersto diagnose and treat ADHD.
A group of 20 scientists from New Zealand - and abroad - are about to head to the bottom of the world to study the impacts of climate change on Antarctica's Ross Sea.

NIWA's Tangaroa research vessel will leave Wellington this afternoon and take about eight days to get to the Ross Ice Shelf, more than 3500km south of Aotearoa.

It will spend about a month along the Ross Sea coastline, mapping and sampling the biodiversity of marine communities and deploying ocean-monitoring robots.

NIWA oceanographer and co-voyage lead Craig Stevens said the science carried out on the voyage would help to better understand the impacts of climate change in the region and the rest of the globe.

"We have been monitoring what we believe to be the critical heat and salt corridor for the Ross Ice Shelf. If we can pin this down, we will be able to focus the next steps on the critical melt region - and from which so much else is impacted."

From left, co-voyage leads and NIWA oceanographers Denise Fernandez and Craig Stevens, and University of Otago Professor of Marine Sciences Miles Lamare. Photo: RNZ / Anneke Smith

Stevens said the expedition was sailing into waters that were feeling the effects of continual record-breaking low sea ice conditions.

"This lack of ice is having knock-on effects for not only the regional ocean but the whole planet. This work is very sweet and sour. It is amazing to get the opportunity to advance the science, but at the same time, we are catching glimpses of a future for the planet that we really want to avoid.

"It brings home in a very tangible way the need to limit emissions of climate-affecting gasses."

NIWA oceanographer and co-voyage lead Denise Fernandez, a specialist in ocean-monitoring robots Argo floats, said she would be deploying two floats to capture more data - like the temperature, salt and oxygen levels of the ocean.

"They are the first of their type to be deployed for New Zealand and are equipped with extra sensors allowing us to examine oxygen and chlorophyll levels.

This will help fill an observational gap and provide a better picture of the wider changes in the state of the ocean and the marine food web," she said.

A precision camera to help scientists map the sea floor. Photo: RNZ / Anneke Smith

Scientists from all over the world - Australia, Europe, India and the UK - have joined the trip.

Hugh Carter is a curator of marine invertabrate at the Natural History Museum and was investigating what has changed since explorers Scott and Shackleton visited the Ross Ice Shelf.

"We material that was collected by Scott and Shackleton, from the museum back in London, from pretty much the same place the Tangaroa is going to go to on this expedition.

"The hope is that we'll be able to collect some of the same species to be able to compare them over the last 120 years, which is quite exciting."

Carter said he would comparing specimans like sea urchins he found on the voyage to those more than a century old in the museum.

"I had a couple of students over the summer who went into the archives. We found the notebook of the chief zoologist on Scott's expedition and in the back of that wa a single, loose sheet of paper that had all the stations on it and exactly where they collected them from."

A float or ocean-monitoring robot that monitors the ocean's heat, salt and oxygen. Photo: RNZ / Anneke Smith

University of Otago Professor of Marine Sciences Miles Lamare said it was an exciting prospect.

"This is an opportunity. When you think of the length of time that people have been working in the Ross Sea it's not that long and if we're trying to detect changes, we're looking for clever ways of teasing out some of that change and this is one tool that might be useful."

Lamare was leading the expedition's work to explore seafloor habitats and biological communities to determine how the changing ocean is impacting marine life.

"With this information we can better forecast how these communities will respond to future warming.

"This will include observing regions likely never sampled before, and which contain many species uniquely adapted to these regions."

This voyage marks the Tangaroa's 16th trip to Antarctica and the furtherest south the vessel has ever been.

-RNZ
Rossel Aparicio Malaga Tuesday, 14 January 2025, 13:00 Compartir

There is a new health alert in Spain for a food product distributed in a large part of the country. The Spanish agency for food safety and nutrition (Aesan) has warned about an alert notification received from the Netherlands. This time it warns about the presence of gluten not included in the labelling of frozen pre-fried potato chips of the Lamb Weston brand.

This warning has come about because of the company's own self-monitoring, "which has reported the incident to the authorities, in compliance with the legislation and in order not to make unsafe food available to the population," Aesan said. The warning exclusively affects people with problems arising from gluten intake, clarified the agency and the product does not pose any risk to the rest of the population.

The alert has already been transmitted through the coordinated system for the rapid exchange of information (SCIRI), with the aim of verifying the withdrawal of the affected products from the marketing channels.

As a precautionary measure, people with gluten-related problems who may have the above-mentioned product in their households are advised to refrain from consuming it.

Zoom SUR

The details of the product concerned are as follows:

- Name: Grill Fries Salt & Pepper

- Brand: Lamb Weston

- Lots: NL020L4310 and NL020L4311

- Lot numbers: NL020L4310 and NL020L4311,

- Best-before date: 28/10/2026

- Unit weight: 500g

- Temperature: Frozen
HAIKOU, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- South China's tropical island province of Hainan is intensifying efforts to build itself into a free trade port (FTP), aiming to establish independent customs operations by the end of 2025, according to a government work report presented at the annual session of the Hainan Provincial People's Congress, which opened on Tuesday.

This year Hainan plans to introduce key policies, including a catalog of taxable imported goods, a list of prohibited and restricted items for import and export and customs supervision regulations, the report stated.

According to Chi Fulin, head of the Hainan-based China Institute for Reform and Development, the independent customs operations will leverage the province's strategic geographic location, strengthening its role as a key hub for economic and trade cooperation between China and other member countries of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and for the development of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area.

China released a master plan in June 2020 to build Hainan into a globally influential, high-level free trade port by the middle of the century.

With the building of the Hainan FTP, the number of newly registered foreign trade companies in the province has surpassed 70,000 since June 2020, contributing significantly to the growth of Hainan's foreign trade. 
Skaneateles, N.Y.  A prominent Central New York developer has added a popular wedding and event venue to its portfolio of hospitality projects in the Skaneateles area.

Syracuse-based Woodbine Hospitality Group recently purchased The Lodge in Skaneateles at 4355 State Street Road for $8 million. Woodbine plans to continue to use it for events such as weddings, high school proms and corporate parties, a Woodbine spokesperson said.

The Lodge, located north of the village of Skaneateles in Skaneateles Falls, overlooks wooded areas and a pond. It is described in a Woodbine news release as the largest freestanding timber structure in the entire state of New York, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a deck.

The Lodge in Skaneateles at 4355 State Street Road in the town of Skaneateles has been purchased by the Woodbine Group of Syracuse for $8 million.Courtesy of The Lodge in Skaneateles

The Lodge was initially built for former Skaneateles-based medical equipment maker Welch Allyn as a place to host visitors, guests and clients. It is near the companys manufacturing plant in Skaneateles Falls, north of the village.

The family-owned Welch Allyn and its adjacent properties were purchased in 2015 by a Chicago-based company called Hillrom. In 2021, Hillrom was purchased by Illinois-based manufacturer Baxter International.

Woodbine, through an affiliate called 4355 State Street Road LLC, bought the Lodge property from Baxter. Baxter still owns and operates the medical equipment facility.

The event space will be renamed the Allyn Lodge to honor that familys legacy in the area, according to the news release. It will be added to the projects Woodbine currently operates or has under development in the Skaneateles area.

Those include:

 The Skaneateles Boutique Hotel, 12 Fennell St. in the village.

 The Skaneateles Fields Resort & Spa, currently under development at 1000 Mottville Road outside the village. Its described as a a scenic escape designed for relaxation and play and will be associated with the Curio Collection by Hilton. It is expected to open in the spring or summer of this year.

 The transformation of the former Hilltop Restaurant and Cedar House Bowling Center at 813 W. Genesee St. (Route 20) just west of the village. That project includes a restaurant, craft brewery taproom, boutique hotel and a family-centered game arcade and recreation area with bowling lanes. Its opening date could be later this year.

Given the number of projects we have going on in Skaneateles, its fantastic to have this special venue, with all its rustic elegance and charm, to offer our guests and partners for their event needs, said Tom Fernandez, president of Woodbine Hospitality.

Woodbine Hospitality is part of the Woodbine Group, a commercial real estate holding and development company founded in 1978 by Norm Swanson. In addition to the Skaneateles projects, it currently operates the Parkview Hotel in Syracuse and Tailwater Lodge in Altmar, Oswego County.

Woodbine formerly owned and operated the Genesee Grande Hotel (now The Collegian) in Syracuse and the nearby Hotel Skyler, which it recently sold to Syracuse University, but still manages.

Don Cazentre writes for NYup.com, syracuse.com and The Post-Standard. Reach him at dcazentre@nyup.com, or follow him at NYup.com, on Twitter or Facebook.
Starbucks is announcing new rules for customers (and non-customers), ending its open-door policy.

The coffee chain said Monday that it will no longer allow people to hang out at its stores or use the bathroom unless they buy something starting Jan. 27. Stores are warning that they may call law enforcement, if necessary, if non-paying customers refuse to leave.

We want to ensure our spaces are prioritized for use by our customers. Our Coffeehouse Code of Conduct is something most retailers have and is designed to provide clarity that our spaces  including our cafes, patios and restrooms  are for use by customers and partners, the new code of conduct states. The code of conduct is displayed in our stores to remind customers of the role they play in creating a community coffeehouse that is inviting and welcoming.

Its a reversal of the companys policy changes from 2018, after two Black men were arrested at a Philadelphia Starbucks where they said they were waiting for a friend for a business meeting. The individual store had a policy of asking non-paying customers to leave, and the men hadnt bought anything. Starbucks faced backlash after the encounter was caught on camera.

Starbucks says its new rule will be for all North American cafes. The companys code of conduct also bans discrimination or harassment, consumption of outside alcohol, smoking, vaping, drug use and panhandling.

Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson told the Associated Press that the policy change aims to prioritize paying customers. Most other retailers already have similar rules, she added.

We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable in our stores, Anderson said. By setting clear expectations for behavior and use of our spaces, we can create a better environment for everyone.

Starbucks former CEO Howard Schultz hinted in 2022 that the company was headed away from becoming a public bathroom after reports of safety concerns at some locations. Starbucks said it closed multiple stores that year, including at its Armory Square location in downtown Syracuse, due to drug use, homelessness, mental health issues and other disruptive behaviors that threatened staff.

The chains new chairman and CEO, Brian Niccol, aims to turn around Starbucks declining sales. He reportedly said he wants to recapture the community coffeehouse feeling it used to have, before long drive-thru lines, mobile order backups and other issues made visits more of a chore.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Catskill, N.Y.  A contractor who has a history of pocketing money he had been paid to renovate Upstate New York homes has been sentenced to several years in state prison.

The contractor, Dakota A. Smith, was sentenced Friday to three to six years in state prison in a case in Greene County, court records show.

Smith, 29, pleaded guilty in July to second-degree grand larceny after pocketing most of the $100,000 he was paid to renovate a home, the district attorneys office previously said.

Smith has court appearances scheduled for later this month in nine other pending criminal cases in the Capital Region and Onondaga County.

A Baldwinsville family told syracuse.com | The Post-Standard that they had paid Smith nearly $62,000 for an addition to their home. They were left with an 11-foot-deep hole in their backyard they were trying to fill in as winter arrived.

Read more: Contractor who stole money in 3 counties takes $62,000 from Central NY family, leaves huge hole, couple says

Ed and Theresa Polimeni seen near an 11-foot-deep hole in the backyard of their house on Lock Street in Baldwinsville on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024. Dennis Nett | dnett@syracuse.comDennis Nett | dnett@syracuse.com

Smith also faces two civil lawsuits from homeowners who say he took their money but did not complete agreed-upon renovations.

Smith previously served about a year in state prison after he and his mother took more than a million dollars from her employer, the East Syracuse-based New York State Weatherization Directors Association.

***

Troopers ask anyone with information about Smith to call them at 315-366-6000 and refer to case NY2400786199.

Are you a homeowner who has had a dispute with contractor Dakota Smith? We would like to hear your story. Email citynews@syracuse.com.

***

Staff writer Jon Moss covers breaking news, crime and public safety. He can be reached at jmoss@syracuse.com or @mossjon7.
Speed cameras in construction zones could become a permanent fixture on New York state highways if Gov. Kathy Hochul wins the legislatures support for it.

Hochul proposed the idea today as part of her State of the State address.

In 2023, the state Department of Transportation started catching speeding vehicles by installing mobile cameras on trucks parked in construction zones. Its a five-year pilot program.

Hochul wants to make the Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement permanent in New York. She also proposes expanding the program to include MTA bridges and tunnels and New York State Bridge Authority properties, which take drivers over the Hudson River.

Hochul also wants to boost penalties for assaults against transportation workers.

There have been more than 40 incidents of harassment or assault since 2022 and two workers have died on the job.

The DOT has released some shocking videos to show how violent crashes in work zones can be. The accident below happened in November on I-81 near Whitney Point, north of Binghamton.

The states pilot program uses radar technology and speed cameras to enforce speed limits. Zones with cameras are required to have clear signs leading up to the work zone. Cameras are only in active work zones when highway workers are working, according to the DOT.

Violators get a ticket in the mail within 14 days of speeding through a zone. Out-of-state drivers get a notice within 45 days.

The first violation costs $50. The second costs $75. Three or more violations within 18 months of the first one will cost $100. Drivers get 30 days after receiving the notice to fight the violation.

The registered owner of the vehicle is responsible for the fine, even if someone else is driving. Drivers who dont pay the fines will have trouble renewing their vehicle registrations.

The DOT often lists possible camera locations for the week on its website. (This week has not been updated.)

The cameras are frequently placed in Onondaga County, where work is underway on four separate sections of the project to rebuild Interstate 81.

More than 169,000 notices of liability have been issued, according to the DOT. (They dont call them tickets.) Twenty-eight drivers were moving faster than 100 mph. The fastest driver was going 118 mph on the Long Island Expressway.

The New York State Thruway also has speed cameras in construction zones.

Contact Michelle Breidenbach | mbreidenbach@syracuse.com | 315-470-3186.
By Dave Goldiner | New York Daily News

Democrats torched GOP lawmakers Monday for what they called a lack of progress on restoring the popular tax deduction for State and Local Taxes (SALT) at a meeting with President-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago over the weekend,

Team Blue says suburban moderate Republicans showed how little leverage they have with Trump when they left the sit-down without a road map for either fully restoring the deduction or dramatically raising the $10,000 cap the GOP imposed as part of the 2017 Trump tax cuts.

Unfair double taxation is hurting hard-working Long Islanders pockets, Rep. Laura Gillen, a Nassau County Democrat, posted on X. House Republicans must push for a full restoration of the SALT deduction. If they wont, Im happy to take their spot.

Big Apple Republicans including Rep. Nicole Malliotakis of Staten Island, Long Islands Rep. Nick LaLota and Westchester County Rep. Mike Lawler shot the breeze with Trump and won a thumbs up from the MAGA leader after a chummy meeting in balmy Palm Beach.

Even before it started, Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries discounted the meeting as an empty talk shop that would never lead to real results.

These people arent serious, he posted to X.

The GOP lawmakers sought to put a positive spin on the meeting, claiming they are making progress towards winning Trumps support for the deduction, which is a huge issue for wealthy voters in pricey suburbs in New York, New Jersey and California.

(Trump) is committed to helping Long Islanders, who suffer from the nations highest state & local taxes, LaLota tweeted.

We will get it done, Lawler chimed in.

Malltiokis conceded that its unlikely fellow Republicans will agree to scrap the cap altogether. She admitted that Trump told them to hash out details on a possible increase with fellow Republians.

He wants us to work on what would be a fair number. the Staten Island lawmaker told Politico.

Trump and congressional Republicans are still seeking to come up with a broad plan for passing key portions of Trumps agenda given the GOPs tiny majority in the House and the fact they need to use a legislative slight of hand called reconciliation to get it past a potential Democratic filibuster in the Senate.

Extending the Trump tax cuts, which significantly cut rates for the wealthy and big business, is a key priority for almost all Republicans.

But some of the blue state GOP lawmakers say they wont back any tax plan that does not eliminate or expand the SALT deduction cap.

Meanwhile, some Republican fiscal hawks bitterly oppose scrapping the SALT cap because it would increase the budget deficit. Others have said they wont vote to eliminate the debt ceiling, an unrelated top goal for Trump, who wants a free hand to push for more spending as he sees fit.

With only a 219-215 Republican majority in the House, that signals big trouble for SALT and potentially the entire Trump plan. The narrow edge is expected to get even slimmer when two Republican members of congress join Trumps cabinet.

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2025 New York Daily News. Visit at nydailynews.com.
Gov. Kathy Hochul could limit access to cellphones in schools across New York state.

Hochul is proposing a statewide standard in this years state budget that will address excessive cellphone use, per remarks in her state of the state address Tuesday. She did not provide more detail about the proposal, but said it will create distraction free learning environments in New York schools.

Some schools across central New York have already implemented restrictions on cellphones in classrooms, cafeterias and hallways. Teachers and experts say it keeps students from getting distracted in class and improves student mental health.

New York State United Teachers, the states teachers union, has also supported bans. In September, it pushed for a statewide policy that would restrict cellphone use throughout the school day.

Some parents have expressed concern over the bans, though, saying they need to be able to contact students in case of an emergency.

Hochul conducted a listening tour last summer, talking with parents, students, teachers and administrators about cellphones in schools.

The teachers union proposed some caveats to the ban, such as implementing emergency contact lines for parents or providing exceptions for student safety needs.

At least 19 states have enacted policies banning or restricting cellphone use or recommending that local districts enact their own bans, according to an Education Week analysis.

Hochul will likely announce the executive budget in the next few weeks.

Maggie Hicks covers education, including the Syracuse City School District and Syracuse University. She can be reached at mhicks@syracuse.com or follow her on X @maggie_hickss.
Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News (TNS)

President-elect Donald Trump would have been tried and convicted of election interference in the federal Jan. 6 case if he hadnt escaped prosecution by winning reelection, special counsel Jack Smith said in his final report released after midnight Tuesday.

But for Mr. Trumps election and imminent return to the presidency, the office assessed that the admissible evidence was sufficient to obtain and sustain a conviction at trial, Smith, a Central New York native, wrote in the 137-page report.

The veteran prosecutor scorched Trump for lying, cheating and engineering an unprecedented conspiracy aimed at overturning his 2020 loss to President Joe Biden in the report that was released by Attorney General Merrick Garland shortly after a court-ordered delay expired at midnight.

Trumps unprecedented efforts to unlawfully retain power after losing the 2020 election  compelled prosecution, Smith wrote. Trumps cases represented ones in which the offense [was] the most flagrant, the public harm the greatest, and the proof the most certain, he added, quoting a federal guideline for prosecutors.

The report mostly rehashed information included in previous court documents, especially the historic 2023 indictment of Trump that accused him of defrauding the U.S. and depriving Americans of their right to have their votes counted.

But Smith also had some choice words for the once and future president.

The throughline of all of Mr. Trumps criminal efforts was deceit, Smith wrote. Trump used those lies as a weapon to defeat a function foundational to United States democracy.

He dismissed Trumps oft-repeated claim that Biden or his Democratic allies directed the probe as in a word, laughable.

Smith said the decision to charge Trump was his alone and staked his professional reputation on the move.

To have done otherwise on the facts developed during our work would have been to shirk my duties as a prosecutor and a public servant, he wrote. After nearly 30 years of public service, that is a choice I could not abide.

Trump wasted no time trashing Smith as deranged, desperate and deriding the report as his fake findings.

The president-elect, who returns to office on Monday, questioned why the report was released after midnight even though the timing was determined by a federal judges now-expired order delaying it for three days.

Jack is a lamebrain prosecutor who was unable to get his case tried before the Election, which I won in a landslide, Trump wrote on his social media site. The voters have spoken!!!

Smith submitted his report to the Department of Justice on Jan. 7, and resigned last Friday ahead of its release.

Trump had threatened to fire Smith within seconds of retaking power.

In the report, Smith detailed Trumps alleged plot including a push to get state lawmakers to overturn his losses in some battleground states, pressuring the Justice Department to probe bogus fraud claims, and his speech ginning up his angry supporters to attack the Capitol at a Jan. 6, 2021 rally.

Smith explained that he didnt seek to charge Trump with violating the insurrection act because there wasnt enough case law and precedent to support an indictment.

He asserted that most but not all of the case survived despite the Supreme Courts surprising ruling last summer that granted Trump significant immunity for official acts taken while serving in the White House. The prosecutor said most of Trumps crimes were carried out in his private capacity as a candidate for reelection, not his official role as president.

Smith compiled two volumes of the report, one on the election interference case and the second on his improperly taking hundreds of classified documents to his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida after leaving office in 2021.

Garland ordered the classified documents report sealed for now because a case might still proceed against two of Trumps co-defendants. Federal Judge Aileen Cannon has also ordered its release blocked pending a hearing Friday.

-------

2025 New York Daily News. Visit at nydailynews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
TRIPOLI, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- The International Organization for Migration (IOM) on Tuesday said that 493 migrants were rescued off the coast of Libya in the past week.

Between Jan. 5 and Jan. 11, "493 migrants were intercepted and returned to Libya," IOM said in a statement.

The migrants include 47 women and 17 children, IOM added, noting that three bodies of migrants were retrieved.

In 2024, 21,762 migrants were rescued and returned to Libya, while 674 died and 1,015 went missing on the Central Mediterranean route, including those departing from Libya and other countries.

Since the fall of late leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, the ensuing insecurity and chaos in Libya have prompted many migrants, primarily from Africa, to attempt to cross the Mediterranean Sea to reach European shores. 
Through the looking glass: In an era when the American Civil War dominated headlines, an English sheep farmer in New Zealand penned a letter that would prove remarkably prophetic. On June 13, 1863, The Press newspaper of Christchurch published a missive titled "Darwin among the Machines," which may contain the first published argument for halting technological progress to prevent machines from dominating humanity.

As we grapple with the implications of artificial intelligence and machine learning, a letter penned in 1863 resonates with a chilling clarity: "Day by day, however, the machines are gaining ground upon us; day by day we are becoming more subservient to them."

Recently, this letter has resurfaced on social media, thanks to Peter Wildeford of the Institute for AI Policy and Strategy, bringing Butler's prescient warnings to a new generation grappling with the implications of artificial intelligence.

Wow - the question of pausing or stopping AI is over 161 years old pic.twitter.com/MeXgg55PTN  Peter Wildeford  (@peterwildeford) January 8, 2025

The author, Samuel Butler, writing under the pseudonym Cellarius, drew direct parallels between Charles Darwin's theory of evolution and the rapid development of machinery. Butler suggested that machines could evolve consciousness and eventually supplant humans as Earth's dominant species.

Butler's letter delved into the taxonomy of machine evolution, discussing mechanical "genera and sub-genera" and pointing to examples like the evolution of watches from "cumbrous clocks of the thirteenth century." He even suggested that, like some early vertebrates, mechanical species might get smaller as they became more sophisticated.

"We are ourselves creating our own successors," Butler wrote. "We are daily adding to the beauty and delicacy of their physical organisation; we are daily giving them greater power and supplying by all sorts of ingenious contrivances that self-regulating, self-acting power which will be to them what intellect has been to the human race."

Butler portrayed humans becoming subservient to machines, initially serving as caretakers who would maintain and help reproduce mechanical life. He compared this relationship to that between humans and their domestic animals, before it later inverts and machines take over.

These themes of machine dominance and human subservience would later find their way into numerous works of science fiction. Isaac Asimov's "The Evitable Conflict" explored the concept of machines subtly controlling human society. Frank Herbert's Dune novels featured the "Butlerian Jihad," a crusade against thinking machines, possibly inspired by Butler's warnings. The Matrix films further popularized the idea of a world where machines have subjugated humanity.

Also see: The Terminator at 40: the sci-fi cult classic that still shapes how we view the threat of AI

Butler didn't end his letter with passive acceptance of this fate and instead called for immediate and drastic action: "War to the death should be instantly proclaimed against them. Every machine of every sort should be destroyed by the well-wisher of his species. Let there be no exceptions made, no quarter shown; let us at once go back to the primeval condition of the race."

What makes Butler's vision particularly remarkable is that he was writing in a vastly different technological context. The most advanced calculating devices of 1863 were little more than mechanical calculators and slide rules. The first working program-controlled computer wouldn't appear for another 70 years.

The debate Butler started continues today. In recent years, the world has grappled with what one might call the "great AI takeover scare." The release of advanced AI models has inspired open letters signed by AI researchers and tech executives warning of potential extinction-level risks posed by advanced artificial intelligence.

These modern concerns bear a striking resemblance to Butler's 19th-century call for pausing mechanical progress. Even if machines never become truly intelligent, Butler's predictions about our dependence on the ways they algorithmically regulate our lives seem eerily accurate.
WTF?! Could Elon Musk soon own not one but two of the largest social media platforms in the world? According to a new report, Chinese officials are considering selling TikTok's US operations to the X owner to avoid being banned in the country. However, TikTok has called the claims "pure fiction."

The US Supreme Court appears poised to let the law stand that will ban TikTok on January 19 unless owner ByteDance divests its US operations.

According to a report by Bloomberg, Chinese officials are considering an option in which TikTok's business in America is sold to Elon Musk, one of Donald Trump's closest allies.

The report added that the company's US operations could either be sold through a competitive process or an arrangement by the Chinese government, suggesting the decision regarding the app's future isn't ByteDance's alone. The company has consistently insisted that it is not controlled by Beijing, but reports that the Communist Party is deciding TikTok's fate suggest otherwise.

TikTok previously said that divestment isn't an option as the Chinese government would not allow it.

Musk has a better relationship with China than Trump, who has long taken a hardline approach to the Asian nation. The world's richest person has met with Chinese officials on several occasions, praised the country, and has a Tesla factory in Shanghai.

One of the scenarios is for X to take control of TikTok US and run the businesses together. Chinese officials have not yet reached a consensus on how to proceed.

TikTok has denied the report that Musk could soon take over another social media site. "We can't be expected to comment on pure fiction," a company spokesperson said.

Despite being tough on China and attempting to ban the app during his first stint in office, Trump has a soft spot for TikTok, which he says helped him win the youth vote. He has asked the Supreme Court to delay its decision on the ban until he takes office on January 20, the day after the deadline, so the president can seek a "political resolution." Senator Edward Markey and Representative Ro Khanna have also called on Congress and Joe Biden to extend the deadline.

Trump met TikTok's chief executive, Shou Zi Chew, at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida in December.

The forced sale is the result of a bill announced last year that is designed to "protect the national security of the United States from the threat posed by foreign adversary controlled applications."

Musk often uses X to comment on major news reports involving himself, but he's been uncharacteristically quiet about this one.
Serving tech enthusiasts for over 25 years.TechSpot means tech analysis and advice you can trust

In brief: The Taiwanese government is lifting restrictions that prevented TSMC from building cutting-edge fabrication plants overseas. The company will now be permitted to invest in production lines utilizing its most advanced 2nm chip process technology when establishing new fabs in the US.

This marks a significant shift from past policies designed to safeguard Taiwan's leadership in semiconductor manufacturing. For years, Taiwanese chipmakers faced strict limits on the types of facilities they could build abroad  particularly in China  to maintain the island's technological edge.

However, as Economic Affairs Minister J.W. Kuo recently stated, "Those were old-time rules. Times have changed."

He emphasized that companies should be free to pursue profitable business opportunities globally, leveraging their own innovations. With over 60 percent of the world's major chip design firms based in the US, the market presents a prime opportunity for TSMC.

Does this mean TSMC will immediately invest billions in a new 2nm mega fab in Arizona? The answer is not so straightforward. Minister Kuo expects the semiconductor leader to move "cautiously" on such a massive investment, which could exceed $30 billion.

However, the company's existing $40+ billion Arizona fab plans appear to be rapidly evolving. The first plant is set to produce 4nm chips starting this year, while TSMC now aims for its second Arizona facility to manufacture 3nm and 2nm semiconductors by 2028. A third fab, dedicated to 2nm or more advanced processes, could become operational before 2030.

These expansions will push TSMC's total Arizona investment beyond $65 billion.

Meanwhile, Kuo downplayed the potential impact of shifts in US trade policies under incoming president Donald Trump. He predicted that the proposed tariffs would have minimal effects, given Taiwan's technological strengths. According to Kuo, the Trump presidency's four-year term "can't run for another term so his impact will be limited."

The minister even suggested potential benefits, noting that Taiwanese exporters might see increased orders as US manufacturers replace Chinese suppliers affected by trade conflicts between the US and China.

The policy reversal aligns with Taiwan's strategy to strengthen semiconductor supply chain partnerships with allies such as the US, Germany, Japan, and the Philippines in the coming year.

To support this initiative, the ministry plans to open a new office near TSMC's two Japanese fabs to assist Taiwanese companies in establishing operations there. An agreement with Japanese authorities is expected soon to solidify these efforts.
KIEV, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius arrived in the Ukrainian capital on Tuesday on an unannounced visit, the local Ukrayinska Pravda media outlet reported.

During his trip, Pistorius is expected to discuss Germany's further military support for Ukraine, according to the report.

"It is important for me to demonstrate with this visit that we remain committed to actively supporting Ukraine," Pistorius was cited as saying.

The German defense ministry has confirmed the visit, media reports said.

As of December 2024, Germany has provided or committed military assistance to Ukraine worth approximately 28 billion euros (about 28.72 billion U.S. dollars), according to data from Germany's federal government. 
Websites are at the heart of modern business operations, making it essential to stay informed about critical changes. Whether it's maintaining compliance, monitoring competitors, or protecting brand reputation, web change monitoring tools provide real-time alerts and actionable insights, helping businesses respond swiftly to changes and updates that impact your business.

Understanding Web Change Monitoring

Web change monitoring involves tracking updates made to any websites, including text edits, visual modifications, and structural changes in the backend. This functionality is invaluable for risk and compliance, e-commerce, and marketing teams, where timely awareness of website changes can drive better decision-making and strategy execution.

Key Features of Web Change Monitoring Tools

Choosing the right web change monitoring solution requires evaluating key features that enhance its utility:

AI-Powered Insights : Reduces noise by filtering out irrelevant updates and highlighting meaningful changes.

: Reduces noise by filtering out irrelevant updates and highlighting meaningful changes. Comprehensive Tracking : Covers text, images, HTML, and metadata for a thorough understanding of modifications.

: Covers text, images, HTML, and metadata for a thorough understanding of modifications. Real-Time Alerts : Keeps teams informed with immediate notifications or periodic summaries.

: Keeps teams informed with immediate notifications or periodic summaries. Integration-Friendly : Enables seamless workflows through APIs and webhook compatibility.

: Enables seamless workflows through APIs and webhook compatibility. Scalability : Handles growing monitoring needs effectively, supporting large-scale operations.

: Handles growing monitoring needs effectively, supporting large-scale operations. Customization Options: Allows businesses to tailor tracking and reporting according to specific requirements.

By integrating these tools into their operations, businesses can maintain agility, mitigate risks, and gain valuable insights, ensuring they remain competitive in the ever-evolving digital space.

Top 5 Best Web Change Monitoring Tools

1. Fluxguard  Best-in-Class Web Change Monitoring Tool

Overview

Fluxguard is a 100% cloud-based, AI-powered platform designed to deliver best-in-class web change detection and intelligence. Trusted by small businesses and Fortune 500 companies alike, Fluxguard helps teams track, analyze, and respond to critical web-based data with unmatched precision. Eliminating false positives and white noise provides actionable insights and tailored reporting that aligns with the specific needs of any business.

The platform offers robust monitoring capabilities, including text and image tracking, screenshot comparisons, and HTML and website header analysis. Real-time alerts, as well as daily or weekly summaries, keep stakeholders informed without delays. Whether monitoring compliance, analyzing competitors, or safeguarding brand reputation, Fluxguard has become an indispensable tool for digital oversight.

Outstanding Product Features

Fluxguard stands out due to its extensive and powerful feature set, designed to address the complexities of web monitoring:

AI-Driven Intelligence : Filters irrelevant data to ensure teams focus only on meaningful and actionable changes that are relevant to their business.

: Filters irrelevant data to ensure teams focus only on meaningful and actionable changes that are relevant to their business. Versatile Monitoring : Tracks updates across text, images, HTML, and network activity, providing a comprehensive view of website modifications.

: Tracks updates across text, images, HTML, and network activity, providing a comprehensive view of website modifications. Real-Time Alerts : Sends immediate notifications or scheduled summaries, ensuring businesses remain proactive.

: Sends immediate notifications or scheduled summaries, ensuring businesses remain proactive. Automated Risk Detection : Identifies and mitigates risks on both owned and third-party websites, bolstering security and compliance.

: Identifies and mitigates risks on both owned and third-party websites, bolstering security and compliance. Seamless Integrations : Supports APIs and webhooks for efficient workflow automation and integration into existing systems.

: Supports APIs and webhooks for efficient workflow automation and integration into existing systems. Tailored Reports: Provides AI-powered summaries customized to fit individual business needs.

Key Strengths

Fluxguard's strengths lie in its ability to simplify and enhance website monitoring through advanced technology and a user-focused design.

Automated Risk Detection : Monitors websites for relevant changes, highlighting potential threats in real time.

: Monitors websites for relevant changes, highlighting potential threats in real time. High Accuracy : Reduces false positives, lowering the potential for human error and ensuring precise insights.

: Reduces false positives, lowering the potential for human error and ensuring precise insights. Cost and Time Efficiency : Automated workflows and actionable insights free up valuable staff resources.

: Automated workflows and actionable insights free up valuable staff resources. Improved Strategic Planning : AI-powered summaries allow teams to understand and act on vast amounts of data efficiently.

: AI-powered summaries allow teams to understand and act on vast amounts of data efficiently. Scalable Solutions: Whether monitoring a single page or hundreds, Fluxguard adapts to the size and scope of your business.

While competitors offer to monitor website changes, Fluxguard sets itself apart with its ability to handle large-scale operations and provide actionable, AI-generated summaries that deliver a strategic edge.

Industry Recognition

In 2023, LegitScript acquired Fluxguard, further enhancing its value in the compliance and risk management space. As Scott Roth, CEO of LegitScript, remarked in a BusinessWire press release, "Now more than ever, it is critical for risk and compliance teams to have detailed website change detection capabilities in place for their owned website properties as well as the third parties that they are doing business with. By partnering with the Fluxguard team, we bring valuable new technology and insights to both LegitScript and Fluxguard clients."

Conclusion

Fluxguard is redefining website change detection by merging advanced AI technology with comprehensive monitoring features. Its ability to eliminate irrelevant noise, automate workflows, and adapt to businesses of all sizes makes it an essential tool in today's rapidly evolving digital landscape. Whether monitoring for compliance, mitigating risks, or tracking competitors, Fluxguard empowers businesses to act on critical changes with speed and confidence. For organizations seeking precision, adaptability, and efficiency, Fluxguard is the ultimate solution for web change monitoring and intelligence.

2. OnWebChange  Simple Yet Effective Monitoring

Overview

OnWebChange is a beginner-friendly tool designed to meet the needs of small businesses and individuals who need a straightforward website change-tracking solution. The platform focuses on simplicity, offering an easy-to-use interface and essential monitoring features without the complexities often found in enterprise-level tools. Whether you are a small business owner tracking competitors' websites or an individual interested in monitoring specific online content, OnWebChange provides a reliable and accessible way to stay informed about updates across the web.

This tool is tailored for users with modest monitoring needs, providing a hassle-free experience without requiring technical expertise or complex setups. OnWebChange's primary goal is to offer an affordable solution for businesses and individuals who need basic, effective website monitoring capabilities.

Outstanding Product Features

OnWebChange excels in providing a simple yet powerful set of features that cater to users who require essential website monitoring:

Text and Visual Change Tracking : OnWebChange tracks both textual and visual changes across selected web pages, making it easier for users to stay updated on content updates, images, or design changes.

: OnWebChange tracks both textual and visual changes across selected web pages, making it easier for users to stay updated on content updates, images, or design changes. Real-Time Alerts : The platform delivers immediate notifications to users about any changes via email or SMS. This ensures that users are promptly alerted to important updates and can respond accordingly.

: The platform delivers immediate notifications to users about any changes via email or SMS. This ensures that users are promptly alerted to important updates and can respond accordingly. User-Friendly Interface: With an intuitive and straightforward setup process, OnWebChange is perfect for users without technical backgrounds. The interface is designed to minimize the learning curve, allowing users to begin monitoring websites right away.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Affordable Solution : OnWebChange is priced competitively, making it a cost-effective option for small businesses, individual users, and those with limited budgets.

: OnWebChange is priced competitively, making it a cost-effective option for small businesses, individual users, and those with limited budgets. Easy to Use : Its simple interface makes it ideal for non-technical users who need a straightforward monitoring tool without any complicated features.

: Its simple interface makes it ideal for non-technical users who need a straightforward monitoring tool without any complicated features. Streamlined Basic Monitoring: OnWebChange focuses on delivering just the essentials, allowing users to monitor website changes without unnecessary complexity.

Cons:

Limited Customization : While OnWebChange is perfect for basic needs, it may lack the level of customization some users, particularly larger businesses, require.

: While OnWebChange is perfect for basic needs, it may lack the level of customization some users, particularly larger businesses, require. Scalability Challenges: For businesses that need to monitor a high volume of websites or require detailed tracking, OnWebChange may not be suitable for large-scale monitoring operations.

Ideal Use Cases

OnWebChange is a great fit for businesses and individuals who require simple website change tracking. Its most common use cases include:

Small Business Owners : Those looking to monitor competitors' websites or track important updates related to their own site can benefit from OnWebChange's straightforward monitoring features.

: Those looking to monitor competitors' websites or track important updates related to their own site can benefit from OnWebChange's straightforward monitoring features. Individuals : Users tracking specific online content or websites can easily stay informed of any changes with minimal effort.

: Users tracking specific online content or websites can easily stay informed of any changes with minimal effort. Non-Technical Users: OnWebChange is ideal for users who don't have a technical background but need an efficient way to monitor website changes.

3. VisualPing  Specialized for Visual Monitoring

Overview

VisualPing is a powerful tool designed specifically for tracking visual and aesthetic changes on websites. With a focus on screenshot-based detection, it is highly favored by businesses and individuals who need to monitor updates in design, layout, and content. Ideal for design-focused teams, VisualPing ensures that any changes to the look and feel of a website are promptly detected, allowing businesses to maintain consistency in their online presence.

Outstanding Product Features

VisualPing offers a range of features that make it especially valuable for those interested in visual website monitoring:

Before-and-After Screenshots : The tool captures screenshots of web pages before and after changes occur, providing users with a clear, visual comparison of the updates. This feature is handy for spotting subtle design modifications that could impact the user experience.

: The tool captures screenshots of web pages before and after changes occur, providing users with a clear, visual comparison of the updates. This feature is handy for spotting subtle design modifications that could impact the user experience. Customizable Alert Thresholds : VisualPing allows users to set customizable thresholds for what constitutes a significant change. This means that users are only alerted when changes exceed a certain level of importance, helping to reduce unnecessary notifications and keep the focus on critical updates.

: VisualPing allows users to set customizable thresholds for what constitutes a significant change. This means that users are only alerted when changes exceed a certain level of importance, helping to reduce unnecessary notifications and keep the focus on critical updates. Integration with Platforms Like Slack: For teams that need to stay updated in real-time, VisualPing integrates with Slack and other platforms. Notifications are delivered directly to the team's communication channels, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Ideal for Tracking Visual and Design Changes : VisualPing is especially useful for businesses and individuals monitoring aesthetic updates such as image changes, layout adjustments, or color modifications.

: VisualPing is especially useful for businesses and individuals monitoring aesthetic updates such as image changes, layout adjustments, or color modifications. Customizable Alert System: The tool's ability to set specific alert thresholds means users can tailor notifications only to include the most significant updates.

Cons:

Limited Backend and Textual Monitoring: While VisualPing excels in visual monitoring, it has limited capabilities when it comes to tracking changes in website code, text, or backend structures. This makes it less suitable for users needing more comprehensive website change monitoring.

In summary, VisualPing is an excellent choice for visual-focused monitoring. Still, it may not meet the needs of those requiring more in-depth, text-based website tracking.

4. Hexowatch  AI-Powered Monitoring for Developers

Overview

Hexowatch is an advanced website monitoring tool that leverages AI-driven insights to provide comprehensive tracking capabilities. Designed for tech-savvy teams and businesses with specific monitoring needs, Hexowatch offers robust features that allow for deep customization. With its powerful tracking tools, it caters to developers and companies that need more than just essential website change detection.

Outstanding Product Features

Hexowatch offers a range of features that set it apart from other website monitoring tools:

Tracks Text, Images, and Site Performance Metrics: The tool monitors various website elements, including text, images, and even performance metrics such as load times. This allows businesses to track both content changes and user experience metrics for a holistic view of site health.

The tool monitors various website elements, including text, images, and even performance metrics such as load times. This allows businesses to track both content changes and user experience metrics for a holistic view of site health. API Access for Custom Monitoring: For developers, Hexowatch offers API access, enabling them to tailor monitoring setups and automate workflows according to their unique requirements. This makes it easier to integrate Hexowatch into custom systems or larger monitoring ecosystems.

For developers, Hexowatch offers API access, enabling them to tailor monitoring setups and automate workflows according to their unique requirements. This makes it easier to integrate Hexowatch into custom systems or larger monitoring ecosystems. Real-Time Updates and Detailed Analytics: Hexowatch provides real-time notifications and in-depth analytics, ensuring that users are always aware of changes as they happen. This helps teams stay proactive in responding to website updates.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Developer-Centric Customization: Hexowatch's extensive customization options make it ideal for tech-focused teams who need advanced monitoring setups.

Hexowatch's extensive customization options make it ideal for tech-focused teams who need advanced monitoring setups. Comprehensive Tracking: It tracks a wide range of metrics, including content, images, and site performance, offering a well-rounded monitoring solution.

Cons:

Requires Technical Expertise: To leverage Hexowatch's advanced features fully, users need a certain level of technical expertise, which may be a barrier for non-technical users.

Hexowatch is best suited for businesses looking for a highly customizable, data-driven approach to website monitoring.

5. ChangeTower  Compliance-Focused Monitoring

Overview

ChangeTower is a website monitoring tool specifically designed to serve the needs of compliance and legal teams. It excels in tracking policy updates, legal disclaimers, and other regulatory changes, making it an indispensable tool for businesses in heavily regulated industries. ChangeTower ensures that organizations stay up-to-date with critical changes to maintain compliance and mitigate potential legal risks.

Outstanding Product Features

ChangeTower offers a range of features that make it ideal for monitoring compliance-related website changes:

Tracks Legal and Compliance-Related Web Changes : The tool specializes in monitoring web pages for legal and policy updates, ensuring that businesses can quickly respond to any regulatory changes that may affect their operations.

: The tool specializes in monitoring web pages for legal and policy updates, ensuring that businesses can quickly respond to any regulatory changes that may affect their operations. Cloud-Based Architecture : As a cloud-based solution, ChangeTower is easily accessible from any device with an internet connection, offering flexibility and convenience for users.

: As a cloud-based solution, ChangeTower is easily accessible from any device with an internet connection, offering flexibility and convenience for users. Generates Advanced Audit-Friendly Reports: ChangeTower provides detailed, audit-ready reports, making it easier for compliance teams to demonstrate due diligence during audits or regulatory inspections.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Ideal for Compliance Monitoring : With its focus on legal and policy changes, ChangeTower is perfect for businesses in regulated industries that require real-time monitoring to remain compliant.

: With its focus on legal and policy changes, ChangeTower is perfect for businesses in regulated industries that require real-time monitoring to remain compliant. Simple Setup: The tool comes with pre-configured templates, making setup quick and easy for users without extensive technical knowledge.

Cons:

Narrow Focus: While excellent for compliance and legal monitoring, CChangeTower's specialized features may not cater to all business monitoring needs, particularly for companies seeking broader website tracking capabilities.

ChangeTower is an excellent choice for businesses focused on maintaining legal compliance and regulatory oversight.

Conclusion

Web change monitoring tools are essential for businesses striving to stay ahead in today's dynamic digital landscape. From Fluxguard's unmatched AI capabilities to ChangeTower's compliance-centric approach, each solution offers unique benefits tailored to specific needs. Fluxguard takes the lead in 2025 with its advanced intelligence, accuracy, and scalability, making it the top choice for businesses seeking comprehensive website monitoring solutions.
The next frontier of American social media experiences relies on an up-and-coming Chinese social media platform, RedNote, and it has grown exponentially in the past few days because of the upcoming TikTok ban in the US. This new alternative app blew up in popularity as many content creators and users in the United States have already made the switch, similar to how the boycott happened on X for alternative platforms.

ByteDance and the United States' TikTok saga still continues, and there is still no hope for the renowned social media, the impending ban remains which will be implemented come January 19.

RedNote Is On the Rise, TikTok Alternative Grows In Popularity

RedNote is now one of the biggest names in the United States' social media industry as it is the new alternative to the soon-to-be-banned platform, TikTok, and is also a Chinese platform. The new app is also known by its Chinese name, 'Xiaohongshu,' which literally translates to 'Little Red Book' but also as a 'red note' that is widely associated with the Chinese tradition of giving envelopes containing money or wishes.

This good fortune-associated platform is also providing a new haven for content creators and users who are no longer waiting for Sunday, January 19 to arrive, the so-called 'D-Day' for TikTok.

Over the past few days, RedNote made significant headlines as one of the rapidly rising platforms in the world, and it is available to access via the web or as an app via the Apple App Store for iOS and Google Play Store for Android.

RedNote Brings a Pinterest x TikTok Experience For Users

Former TikTok users who made the switch to RedNote were calling themselves 'TikTok refugees' even before the shutdown took place, and many are already making waves on the rivaling app because of its almost similar features. However, Xiaohongshu offers plenty more experiences, unlike TikTok's experiences, as there is also a Pinterest-like experience with similar-looking tiles on its explore page, apart from the vertical-scrolling feed that showcases videos.

TikTok's Upcoming US Ban This January

TikTok representatives have shared that the company already accepted their fate as it faces the harsh implications of the Foreign Adversary law, and the company will reportedly shut down come January 19 as part of the legislation. The company failed to divest ByteDance and find an American company to continue their US operations as part of the mandate, all happening before Donald J. Trump's official return.

ByteDance and TikTok's bid to fight against the United States government failed miserably, and the social media was not able to save themselves from the harsh implications of the law. TikTok wanted to prove to the court that its shutdown was a massive attack against Americans' free speech, particularly as it hosts a unique experience for over 170 million users in the country.

The massive exodus to RedNote is highlighting a massive switch in this year's social media usage, setting up one of the biggest bans in US history as it is going against a giant whale in the industry. Many users have already flocked to RedNote and call themselves 'TikTok refugees,' and while some do it out of spite against the US government, others are simply looking for a new platform to express themselves.
Launched by a global coalition of tech entrepreneurs and advocates, Free Our Feeds is a pioneering effort toward protecting social media from billionaire dominationand Bluesky will be the first to benefit from it.

The campaign has the endorsement of prominent individuals such as actor Mark Ruffalo, Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, and Mozilla Foundation president Mark Surman as it strives for the long-term independence of Bluesky's AT Protocol and to promote an open, interoperable social media ecosystem.

The Vision Behind Free Our Feeds

The heart of this initiative is a commitment to decentralizing control over digital platforms. The campaign will establish a public-interest foundation to fund the creation of new social networks powered by the AT Protocol. This strategy aims to protect users' interests even if Bluesky were to fall under the influence of billionaires or venture capital pressures.

Robin Berjon, one of the initiative's custodians, said that digital infrastructure should be treated as a public good. He explained how social media was like public roads, where if control was concentrated in the hands of a few, it would cause immense harm to society.

"If you think of our road network, if all the roads were owned by one or two billionaires, and they could tax anything, decide who's allowed to go where, etc., then we would be in trouble," Berjon told TechCrunch.

Why the Campaign is Important Now

Unveiled on the cusp of this watershed moment in social media, Free Our Feeds is also timely in a way that transcends the political landscape.

Just recently, Meta relaxed its policies on content moderation and fact-checking, and Elon Musk's platform, X (formerly Twitter), has come under fire for supporting divisive political causes. These actions call for the creation of decentralized, billionaire-proof alternatives.

Bluesky has gained more adherents dissatisfied with X and shares the ideals of Free Our Feeds, but it understands that it would be subject to external influence; therefore, creating independent infrastructure could ensure that the AT Protocol is still open.

Creating a Decentralized Future

Free Our Feeds aims to raise $30 million over three years with a first target of $4 million, which will go towards funding the hiring of a dedicated team and the building of independent infrastructure compatible with Bluesky.

Free Our Feeds has created alternative networks and applications that utilize the AT Protocol to ensure no single entity takes control of the ecosystem. It will have its independent foundation functional by the end of the year.

Addressing the power concentration in the digital space is what Free Our Feeds sets out to create a fairer, more balanced online environment.

For more reports about social media, you can check your latest comparison article about X vs Thread vs Bluesky. In this guide, we will show you how they differ from one another and what microblogging platform should you use this year.

It's important to try each one of them so you can immediately what's fit and what's not fit according to your needs. From here, you can also check their various features and if they are aligned with your tasks or interests.
ADDIS ABABA, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopia has repatriated 164 citizens from Beirut, capital of Lebanon, due to the security situation in the Middle Eastern country, the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said.

Teyiba Hassen, director-general of the Refugees and Returnees Service, and foreign ministry officials welcomed the returnees Monday at Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, according to an Ethiopian foreign ministry statement issued Monday.

The government has been making efforts to repatriate citizens from various countries facing security problems, the statement quoted Hassen as saying on the occasion.

"The Refugees and Returnees Service in collaboration with pertinent bodies will continue repatriating citizens who are living abroad in difficult conditions," she said.

In October 2024, the Ethiopian government repatriated 51 nationals from Lebanon.

"Their return is a testament to the government's commitment to the welfare of its citizens abroad," said the statement.

Data from the International Organization for Migration, a UN agency, suggested that Ethiopians represent one of the largest migrant groups in Lebanon. 
'Survival mode' for families displaced by Ethiopia quakes



Awash, Ethiopia, Jan 14 (AFP) Jan 14, 2025



Under a makeshift shelter, Moussa Akele kills time chewing the stimulant khat, wondering where his family will get its next meal after fleeing a series of earthquakes that have shaken several regions of Ethiopia.

The 40-year-old was at home in Kabanna in the Afar region, about 250 kilometres (155 miles) northeast of the capital Addis Ababa, when an earthquake struck in late December.

"It caused widespread panic and destroyed our houses. People were terrified," he said.

Ethiopia's Rift Valley is one of the most seismically active regions in the world.

For several weeks, frequent tremors, including one measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale, have been shaking the rural regions of Afar and Oromia.

There are fears they could cause a major dam to collapse or lead to the eruption of a volcano, Mount Dofan, so the authorities have evacuated tens of thousands of people.

Akele, who worked in a sugar factory, found refuge with his family about 20 km from Kabanna. Like several thousand others, they now live in a tent pitched in the middle of arid vegetation.

"We were evacuated from our good and peaceful life and are now living in survival mode," he said.

Trucks loaded with water and food arrive regularly, "but there are a lot of people and it's not enough," he added.

Most of the displaced are pastoralists, who had to leave their livestock behind.

Under a blazing sun and amid dust clouds caused by the trucks, several dozen women and children queue with jerry cans. Fights occasionally break out in the desperation.



- 'Fled for our lives' -



Assea Ali didn't have time to take anything with her.

"We fled for our lives," said the 26-year-old mother of two.

"This is the condition we are living in now," she added, pointing to a small tent and sighing: "I have no hope."

On a small hill overlooking the camp, a health centre has been set up by local authorities.

Several women rush in as soon as it opens, most to weigh their young children.

"Until the government and support agencies like UNICEF or the World Health Organization intervene, we are helping people with the resources we have," said Abokar Hassan, 24, a health response officer.

He estimates between 200 and 300 people see him each day, mainly to prevent the spread of cholera.

According to the UN Office for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Ethiopian authorities have evacuated more than 60,000 people living in high-risk areas, including some near a dam.

"A comprehensive humanitarian response is under way, but significant gaps remain," OCHA said in a statement on Saturday.

The region is known to be a "volcanic, tectonic zone", Cecile Doubre, a seismologist at the Strasbourg School and Observatory of Earth Sciences and a specialist in Afar, told AFP.

"There has been no eruption yet, but there is a spread of magma under the earth's crust, between zero and 15 km. It is spreading in a large fissure, about 50 km long," she added. "It's a major geological event."

Some sections of the road bear the scars of seismic activity, with the track to Kabanna partially collapsed.

In the city, there is a heavy silence, broken only by the lowing of oxen wandering the deserted streets amid several destroyed houses and businesses.

Despite the situation, Akele remains hopeful.

"The fear and uncertainty we are experiencing now are temporary, and we must not let them make us despair," he said.
UK police charge two after Darwin's grave targeted



London, Jan 14 (AFP) Jan 14, 2025



Two woman were charged with criminal damage by UK police on Tuesday after Charles Darwin's grave was defaced with orange powder during a Just Stop Oil climate protest.

Alyson Lee, 66 and Diane Bligh, were bailed to appear at Westminster magistrates' court on February 11 and 12.

"The women were arrested after a substance, believed to be a powdered paint, was sprayed on an area inside Westminster Abbey," London's Metropolitan police said.

Just Stop Oil (JSO) said two of its supporters spray-painted with chalk "1.5 is dead" on the 19th-century biologist's grave.

Monday's action took place after Europe's climate monitor announced that the last two years saw average global temperatures exceed the critical 1.5C warming limit for the first time.

"Darwin would be turning in his grave to know we are in the midst of the sixth mass extinction," the activists said in a video posted on social media.

The protest took place after fires ravaged Los Angeles in the United States, levelling neighbourhoods, displacing tens of thousands and killing 24.

Formed in 2022, JSO has staged numerous climate-related demonstrations against British and global environmental policies.

Its stunts have drawn condemnation for targeting iconic paintings like Vincent van Gogh's "Sunflowers" with soup and the megalithic standing stones at Stonehenge with orange paint powder.

JSO and its supporters have in turn accused the UK justice system of handing down harsh sentences to its activists.
Spain busts network illegally importing Italian waste



Madrid, Jan 14 (AFP) Jan 14, 2025



Spanish police on Tuesday said they had broken up a network that made millions from illegally importing and dumping tens of thousands of tonnes of partially toxic waste from Italy, making 15 arrests.

The Civil Guard began investigating after detecting urban waste that had entered Spain with forged documents and was destined for landfills without being treated as required by law.

They discovered several companies based in the regions of Catalonia and Castilla-La Mancha hired by Italian waste management firms to receive and dispose of the garbage.

This allowed the Italy-based firms to dodge taxes and save costs, breaking environmental rules that stipulate each country must deal with its own rubbish, the Civil Guard said in a statement.

The organisation earned more than 19 million euros ($19.5 million) and dumped more than 40,000 tonnes of waste in Spanish landfills per year since 2021, the Civil Guard estimated.

The landfills in Tarragona and Cuenca provinces received "all types of urban waste... including dangerous and toxic waste", potentially endangering local ecosystems and public health.

The European Union has prioritised fighting environmental crime networks, which according to the Civil Guard is the world's fourth-largest organised criminal activity after drug smuggling, human trafficking and forgery.
UK bans German livestock imports amid foot-and-mouth outbreak



London, Jan 14 (AFP) Jan 14, 2025



The UK on Tuesday banned imports of German cattle, pigs and sheep to prevent the spread of foot-and-mouth disease, as Berlin races to contain an outbreak of the virus.

"The import of cattle, pigs and sheep from Germany will now be banned to protect farmers and their livelihoods," a government statement said, after South Korea and Mexico halted pork imports from Germany.

The highly contagious viral infection is not dangerous to humans but affects cattle and other cloven-hoofed animals, including sheep and pigs.

Three cases of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) were reported in water buffalo in a farm near Berlin on Friday. They were the first reported incidents of the virus in Germany in more than three decades and the first in the European Union since 2011.

All three animals died, while 11 others from the herd were culled as a preventative measure.

There are no cases in the UK currently, although the environment and agriculture ministry warned farmers to stay vigilant.

In 2001, up to 10 million animals were culled in a foot-and-mouth outbreak in the UK which cost the national economy about pound8 billion ($9.8 billion).

The UK government statement warned that foot-and-mouth "causes significant economic losses" and urged livestock keepers to "remain vigilant to the clinical signs of FMD".

Symptoms include fever and blisters in the mouth and near the hoof.

The ministry said there had been no live imports of animals susceptible to the disease from Germany since December 12.

Any consignments of animal by-products which could be at risk of having been contaminated were being traced, it added.

"The government will do whatever it takes to protect our nation's farmers from the risk posed by foot and mouth," farming minister Daniel Zeichner said.

"That is why restrictions have immediately been brought in on animal products from Germany to prevent an outbreak and we will not hesitate to add additional countries to the list if the disease spreads."

The government did not specify the volume livestock imported to the UK from Germany.

But 85 percent of beef consumed in Britain in 2023 was produced domestically, along with 64 percent of pork.
BEIJING, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Senior members of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and Japan's ruling coalition, formed by the Liberal Democratic Party and the Komeito Party, gathered in Beijing for the ninth meeting under an exchange mechanism, calling for enhanced exchanges between the ruling parties of the two countries.

Liu Jianchao, head of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, said China was willing to work with Japan to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, adhere to peaceful coexistence and promote the building of a constructive and stable China-Japan relationship that meets the requirements of the new era.

The ruling parties of the two countries should strengthen dialogue and communication and take concrete actions to promote the sound and stable development of China-Japan relations, Liu added.

Secretary General Hiroshi Moriyama of the Liberal Democratic Party and Secretary General Makoto Nishida of the Komeito Party said that the resumption of the meeting would play an important role in the improvement and development of bilateral relations.

They said they were willing to keep closer inter-party exchanges with China, enhance national friendship and deepen practical cooperation in various fields. 
A New Orleans Rouses located in the Central Business District has become the first location to open an in-store Starbucks, leading the way for the start of a partnership between the national chain and the Louisiana grocer that will add coffee shops to several stores, the supermarket's owner said.
FILE - In this image from Louisiana State Police Trooper Dakota DeMoss' body camera video obtained by The Associated Press, fellow troopers hold up Ronald Greene before paramedics arrive on May 10, 2019, outside of Monroe, La. The video obtained by The Associated Press shows Louisiana state troopers stunning, punching and dragging the Black man as he apologizes for leading them on a high-speed chase, footage authorities refused to release in the two years since Greene died in police custody. (Dakota DeMoss/Louisiana State Police via AP)
Tourists visit Al Mirani Fort in Muscat, Oman, Jan. 12, 2025. The history of Al Mirani Fort can be traced back to the 16th century. It has now become an important tourist attraction in Oman. (Xinhua/Liu Lei)

This photo taken on Jan. 12, 2025 shows a view of Al Mirani Fort in Muscat, Oman. The history of Al Mirani Fort can be traced back to the 16th century. It has now become an important tourist attraction in Oman. (Xinhua/Liu Lei)

This photo taken on Jan. 12, 2025 shows a view of Al Mirani Fort in Muscat, Oman. The history of Al Mirani Fort can be traced back to the 16th century. It has now become an important tourist attraction in Oman. (Xinhua/Liu Lei)
FICTION

The Proof of My Innocence

Jonathan Coe

Viking,$34.99

April this year marked 30 years since the publication of Jonathan Coes most famous novel, What a Carve Up!, a dazzlingly clever and often riotously funny satire of the spivs, sharks and out-and-out villains that transformed Britain in their own image across the Thatcher years.

It seems difficult to believe Coe didnt have one eye on that anniversary when he began his new novel. For while The Proof of My Innocence may not be a continuation of What a Carve Up! in any literal sense, it serves as a spiritual sequel, bringing Coes portrait of the catastrophe of British politics into the 21st century.

Like What a Carve Up!, The Proof of My Innocence has a mystery at its heart, although this time its more Richard Osman than Agatha Christie. The victim is Christopher Swann, a blogger who has spent more than 40 years documenting the rise of the far-right radicals that now control conservative parties across the Anglosphere. Perhaps fittingly, Swann (whose name seems to have been chosen specifically to enable a truly groan worthy gag about things being just Swanns way), is murdered while attending the first TrueCon conference on the future of conservatism at a stately home in the Cotswolds, an event that features sessions such as Britains Real Pandemic: The Woke Mind-Virus.
Australian cinematographer Greig Fraser had been back in Los Angeles for just a day last week, driving between meetings, when he noticed a strange cloud of smoke in the distance.

Within an hour and a half, thousands of homes had gone, he says, voice croaky from a chest infection he puts down to the terrible air quality during the devastating fires that have claimed at least 24 lives.

Dune star Josh Brolin (left) and Greig Fraser in November. Credit: Hoda Davaine/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Warner Bros.

It was so fast  it came through quickly and just kept going, and it hasnt stopped. Its been terrifying for everyone.

Fraser, who won an Oscar for Dune: Part One and is widely tipped to get another nomination for Dune: Part Two later this month, considers himself lucky.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has pre-emptively warned the worlds richest man, Elon Musk, not to get involved in the upcoming federal election, noting that Australia has anti-foreign interference laws.

Musk backed President-elect Donald Trump with $US277 million ($447 million) during the US election and is supporting far-right parties in the United Kingdom and Germany, where the billionaires posts on his X platform have generated debate about mass migration, crime and identity politics.

X owner Elon Musk has previously sparred with Australian officials over internet regulations. Credit: AP, Dion Georgopoulos

Asked in an interview about Musks interventions, Albanese said his job was to focus on Australias national interest.

We have foreign interference laws in this country and Australian elections are a matter for Australians, Albanese said. I have no intention of being a ... commentator on what people overseas want to engage in. People will make their own judgments and have their own views about that.
London: Queen Elizabeth II wasnt told details of her long-time art advisers double life as a Soviet spy because palace officials didnt want to add to her worries, newly declassified documents reveal.

The files about royal art historian Anthony Blunt are among a trove from the intelligence agency MI5 released by Britains National Archives. They shed new light on a spy ring linked to Cambridge University in the 1930s, whose members spilled secrets to the Soviet Union from the heart of Britains intelligence establishment.

Professor Anthony Blunt, former surveyor of the Queens pictures, photographed at the Courtauld Institute with Queen Elizabeth II on November 15, 1979. Credit: AP

Blunt, who worked at Buckingham Palace as surveyor of the Queens pictures, was under suspicion for years before he finally confessed in 1964 that, as a senior MI5 officer during World War II, he had passed secret information to Russias KGB spy agency.

In one of the newly released files, an MI5 officer says Blunt said he felt profound relief at unburdening himself. In return for information he provided, Blunt was allowed to keep his job, his knighthood and his social standing  and the Queen was apparently kept in the dark.
Washington: Australia should be the beachhead against Chinese aggression, and the AUKUS pact is keeping President Xi Jinping awake at night, a US briefing has been told, in comments that provide insight into how the incoming Trump administration may view the trilateral defence agreement.

Republican congressman Michael McCaul, who helped steer the AUKUS legislation in the US, played down fears Donald Trump could back away from the deal under his America First approach once he re-enters the Oval Office in a few days time.

Anthony Albanese, Joe Biden and then-British PM Rishi Sunak at the AUKUS announcement in San Diego in 2023. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

The agreement between Australia, the UK and the US was announced and signed by Joe Biden, but McCaul said the first Trump administration shared ownership as the concept originated under Trumps then-secretary of state, Mike Pompeo.

I have not seen anything to indicate they would back away from it, he told a private roundtable hosted by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Washington on Wednesday (AEDT). Thats why I feel optimistic about it.
One of the homes main advantages over its neighbours was that it was brand new: the owner only moved in last year. A lot of these houses in the neighbourhood were built from the 1920s through to the 1950s and were quite vulnerable to fire, Chasen said. No real protection was added to these homes when they were built. A car drives past homes and vehicles destroyed by the Palisades Fire. Credit: AP Chasen, who grew up in the Palisades and lives in nearby Santa Monica, said Californians would need to have serious discussions about design and construction following these devastating fires, including the use of timber frames and mandating fireproof walls. The issue has stirred debate on the letters page of the Los Angeles Times. We are seeing what happens when we build homes with wood framing instead of tilt-up steel reinforced cement walls that would be more fire-resistant, wrote Douglas Chapman of Santa Ana. Citizens were too stupid to insist on proper building codes, he wrote. Dave Simon, a landscape architect from North Hollywood, said residents of fire-prone semi-urban areas could take all the design precautions possible, but damage would still be entirely predictable.

Wood burns and steel melts and if youre lucky enough to have a concrete home with a tile roof, even that type of structure will last only so long in an inferno, Simon wrote in his letter to the editor. He also questioned why an insurance company would sell policies in such an area and why governments allowed vulnerable homes to be built. Loading Contrary to impressions of the US as a free-for-all country where anything goes, Molly Mowery, the executive director of the non-profit Community Wildfire Planning Centre, told this masthead fire-prone California had made significant efforts to enforce safer building. The state of California does have a very robust building code for wildfire, she said. But it was only adopted in 2007. One of the factors is that many of the [destroyed] homes likely pre-date current requirements for building codes. When you factor in housing stock, some of it I believe dated back to the 20s, 30s, 40s.

The measures in the 2007 code include requiring dual pane windows and for one of the panes to be made from tempered, or toughened, glass. It required render to pass a fire penetration test  though combustible siding and decking is still allowed  and generally compelled class-A fire rated roof coverings. There are also guidelines about where to put vegetation around the home and how to maintain it to reduce fire risk. Even with these regulations, its easy for embers to ignite a home, said Stephen Quarles, an expert in the performance of buildings exposed to bushfire and an adviser emeritus to the University of California. Once the blaze jumped from bushland to the semi-urban environment, it could quickly become an urban fire. Timber is used for the frames of most houses in the United States and Australia. Credit: Paul Rovere Once you have some limited number of ignitions within a neighbourhood, then you have this home-to-home scenario. Then the [building] materials make a lot of difference, Quarles said. Once you get inside a house, everybodys going to have combustible things. They have wood floors, they have combustible furniture. More so than building materials, its ultimately the location of these properties on the foothills of the mountain ranges surrounding LA that make them susceptible to fire. Australia and California have similar debates about whether people should be allowed to build  or rebuild  in fire-prone areas (or flood zones). Climate change has made that discussion more urgent.

Loading For example, firefighters spent much of the weekend aggressively defending homes in Mandeville Canyon, a leafy, narrow valley on the eastern edge of the Santa Monica Mountains that is popular with celebrities and accessible by just one dead-end road out of Brentwood. There has been a lot of development that has occurred over many decades with homes that were not always seen in fire-prone areas, Mowery said. Some homes and neighbourhoods just werent designed with fire in mind. Chasen, the architect, said the location of homes was another difficult and important question to grapple with, but he expected people to keep building in fire-prone areas, just with more resilient materials. I dont think theres a way back, and knowing Americans, theyre gonna forge ahead. Theres no retreat. He also said the surviving Palisades home he designed showed wood-frame constructions could perform well against fire if done properly. In an earthquake-prone area, the alternatives of concrete and steel would greatly increase the cost of building.
Washington: Jack Smith, the special counsel who indicted President-elect Donald Trump on charges of seeking to cling to power after losing the 2020 election, said in a final report released on Tuesday that he believed the evidence was sufficient to convict Trump in a trial if his success in the 2024 election had not made it impossible for the prosecution to continue.

The departments view that the Constitution prohibits the continued indictment and prosecution of a president is categorical and does not turn on the gravity of the crimes charged, the strength of the governments proof or the merits of the prosecution, which the office stands fully behind, Smith wrote.

The report amounts to an extraordinary rebuke of a president-elect. Credit: Doug Mills/The New York Times

He continued: Indeed, but for Mr Trumps election and imminent return to the presidency, the office assessed that the admissible evidence was sufficient to obtain and sustain a conviction at trial.

The Justice Department delivered the 137-page volume  representing half of Smiths overall final report, with the volume about the classified documents case still confidential  to Congress just after midnight on Tuesday (Washington time).
KHOST, Afghanistan, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Police have uncovered 43 kg of illicit drugs in eastern Afghanistan's Khost province and detained an individual on the charge of involvement in drug trafficking from the area, provincial police spokesman Tahir Ehrar said Tuesday.

The contraband, including 43 kg hashish and a piece of AK-47, was discovered outside the provincial capital, Khost city, on Sunday, the official said, adding police have arrested one drug smuggler.

Police won't allow anyone to produce or smuggle hashish, poppy or the objects used in manufacturing heroin in the province, the official said.

The Afghan caretaker government, which has banned poppy cultivation, processing of drugs and drug trafficking, has vowed to fight the menace until the once-poppy growing country becomes a drug-free nation. 
Sao Paulo: Children in Brazil will not be able to use their mobile phones at school from next month, after President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva signed a bill restricting their use, following a global trend for such limitations.

The move will impact students at primary and high schools across the South American nation starting in February. It provides a legal framework to ensure students only use such devices in cases of emergency and danger, for educational purposes, or if they have disabilities and require them.

We cannot allow humanism to be replaced by algorithms, Lula said in a closed ceremony at the presidential palace in the capital, Brasilia, adding that the bill acknowledges the work of every serious person in education, everyone who wants to take care of children and teenagers in this country.

Brazils President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva holds up a bill that restricts the use of mobile phones in schools nationwide, during a ceremony at the Planalto Palace, in Brasilia. Credit: AP

Education Minister Camilo Santana told journalists that children were going online at early ages, making it harder for parents to keep track of what they do, and that restricting smartphones at school would help them.
RALEIGH, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Advance Auto Parts, Inc. , a leading automotive aftermarket parts provider in North America that serves both professional installers and do-it-yourself customers, today announced that it has appointed Shweta Bhatia as executive vice president and chief technology officer, effective immediately.

Shwetas history of successfully executing transformational programs that focus on speed, efficiency, and providing quality solutions to customers will greatly contribute to the execution of our three-year financial plan, Shane OKelly, president and chief executive officer. We welcome Shweta to our leadership team that is passionate about carrying out our decisive actions which will set up Advance for future growth and value creation.

Ms. Bhatia brings more than 20 years of retail, technology, and operational experience to Advance. Most recently, Ms. Bhatia served as senior vice president of technology at Dollar General where she led a multi-year, end-to-end technology transformation and modernization to enhance the companys operational efficiency. Ms. Bhatia also served as the vice president of technology at both Walmart International, where she led the companys core retail technology portfolio, and Kohls Corporation, where she managed the strategy and implementation of solutions across multiple channels. Her passion for modern technology transformation began as an entrepreneur, creating the tech startup, Wisdom Info Tech, an award-winning technology firm.

Ms. Bhatia received her MBA at the Amity Business School and a bachelor's degree at IT College, both located in India.

Sri Donthi, Advances current chief technology officer, will remain with the Company for a period to assist in the transition. The Company is grateful to Sri for his leadership and contributions over the last several years and wishes him well as he welcomes a new opportunity.

About Advance Auto Parts

Advance Auto Parts, Inc. is a leading automotive aftermarket parts provider that serves both professional installers and do-it-yourself customers. As of October 5, 2024, Advance operated 4,781 stores primarily within the United States, with additional locations in Canada, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The company also served 1,125 independently owned Carquest branded stores across these locations in addition to Mexico and various Caribbean islands. Additional information about Advance, including employment opportunities, customer services, and online shopping for parts, accessories and other offerings can be found at www.AdvanceAutoParts.com.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - American Automakers Ford Motor Company, General Motors Company and Stellantis latest report titled the State of the U.S. Automotive Industry: Investment, Innovation, Jobs, Exports and Americas Economic Competitiveness again demonstrates the critical role American Automakers play in driving economic growth in the United States.

"The U.S. automotive industry continues to be a critical driver of our growing economy, with American automakers leading the charge. Our 2025 report shows how Ford, GM, and Stellantis not only contribute more to our economy than their foreign competitors, but they also invest more in America by employing more Americans, producing more vehicles, and sourcing more parts here at home. Their extensive R&D efforts and management of global operations from the U.S. underscore their commitment to our workforce, which remains the most efficient in the world. These investments have always been good business and vital to the nation's economic strength." said Governor Matt Blunt, president of AAPC.

See below for key statistics from the American Automakers 2025 State of the U.S. Automotive Industry report detailing Ford Motor Company, General Motors Company and Stellantis impact on the U.S. economy:

Production, Sales, and Exports

Ford, GM, and Stellantis rank 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in auto production and operate half of Americas assembly plants.

Nearly 1.4X more of the vehicles Ford, GM, and Stellantis sell here are produced in the American Automakers 56 assembly plants.

The auto industry ranks 1st in U.S. exports.

Investment

Ford, GM, and Stellantis have invested more in the past 12 years, improving existing assembly plants and other facilities, than foreign automakers, combined, have invested over the past 60 years.

Jobs

Ford, GM, and Stellantis  just three of more than 16 global automakers competing in the U.S  employ 6 in 10 U.S. autoworkers equating to 436,000 U.S. jobs.

The American Automakers domestic manufacturing supply chain employ 9.2 million jobs.

Ford, GM, and Stellantis base 6X more of their global workforce here.

Ford, GM, and Stellantis each employ more workers at a single one of their R&D facilities than all foreign automakers, combined, employ nationwide.

Research and Development

American Automakers invested $23 billion, or $1,473 per car sold, in R & D in the U.S. each year.

1 in 10 U.S. auto jobs is in R & D, and 1 in 10 R & D workers in the U.S. works for American Automakers.

For more information on findings and to view the full report click below.
By Akbar Novruz



Azerbaijan and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) have initiated discussions on forming a strategic framework document for the next decade, covering the period 2026-2035.

The Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan reported that First Deputy Minister of Economy Elnur Aliyev held a series of meetings during his visit to Saudi Arabia, including discussions with IsDB Group President Mohammed Suleiman Al-Jasir and Turkish Deputy Minister of Treasury and Finance Osman Celik.

At the IsDB "Directors' Meeting" in Saudi Arabia, participants deliberated on shaping the Bank's strategic framework for the coming decade, exchanging views on institutional priorities and addressing development needs in member countries.

Deputy Minister Aliyev underlined Azerbaijans effective cooperation with the IsDB and expressed appreciation for the Bank's support in various projects. He particularly highlighted the partnership document signed with the IsDB during COP29 in Baku for the "Construction of a Main Irrigation Canal from the Maiden Tower Reservoir" in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan. This project marks the first initiative financed by an international financial institution in Azerbaijan's liberated territories.

The framework discussions emphasized addressing reconstruction and rehabilitation needs in member countries, drought relief in climate-sensitive regions, and investing in large-scale infrastructure projects such as transport corridors, energy networks, and green infrastructure. The significance of digital transformation initiatives aligned with global sustainability goals was also noted.

The event reaffirmed the IsDBs commitment to fostering innovative and inclusive activities, strengthening its position as a trusted partner, and ensuring its strategies align with member countries' development priorities. It also underscored the importance of promoting international projects among member states with IsDBs support.

This strategic dialogue highlights Azerbaijans expanding collaboration with global financial institutions to advance sustainable development and economic growth.
SEOUL, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- A South Korean court issued a warrant to arrest the acting chief of the presidential security service who blocked an attempt earlier this month to arrest impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol, multiple media outlets said Tuesday.

The arrest warrant against the acting presidential security chief was issued on Monday by the Seoul Western District Court on the charge of obstructing the execution of special public affairs.

The acting chief rejected police calls three times to appear for questioning over the charge.

Investigators attempted to arrest Yoon in the presidential residence on Jan. 3, but it failed as the presidential security service blocked the execution of the arrest warrant.

A Seoul court granted the extension of the warrant to apprehend Yoon on Jan. 7 by issuing the second warrant against the impeached president.

An impeachment motion against Yoon was passed by the National Assembly on Dec. 14 last year and delivered to the constitutional court to deliberate it for up to 180 days, during which Yoon's presidential power is suspended.

Yoon, who was named by investigative agencies as a suspected ringleader on an insurrection charge, declared a martial law on the night of Dec. 3 but it was revoked by the National Assembly hours later. 
KIEV, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky proposed Tuesday that the country's current martial law and general mobilization, which expire on Feb. 8, be extended for another 90 days.

The parliament's press service reported that the presidential bills seeking to prolong both measures have been submitted to the parliament.

Lawmaker Yaroslav Zheleznyak wrote on Telegram that the parliamentary defense committee has already approved the bills, which will now be put to a vote.

Martial law and mobilization were first imposed in Ukraine in February 2022 following the outbreak of the full-scale conflict with Russia. Since then, the parliament voted 13 times to extend these measures. 
AAP releases song Dilli Da Putt Kejriwal





NEW DELHI :

THE Aam Aadmi Party on Monday released a campaign song titled Dilli Da Putt Kejriwal, on the occasion of Lohri, urging Delhiites to re-elect Arvind Kejriwal in the upcoming Assembly polls. The 1.33 minute Punjabi song features the line, Is Vaari Sun Lo, Phir Kejriwal Nu Chunn Lo, calling on voters to choose Kejriwal again to ensure the continuation of public welfare schemes and the fulfillment of his promises, a party statement said. Lohri, a festival marking gratitude for the harvest season, is widely celebrated in Punjab and Delhi. The track, released on X has been widely shared by AAP supporters. It highlights Kejriwals achievements in Delhi and emphasises his vision for the citys development, reflecting the aspirations for progress under his leadership.

It underscores key initiatives of the Kejriwal Government, such as free electricity, water, and the teerth programs for senior citizens, the statement said. The song also outlines new guarantees under the AAPs manifesto. These include the Mahila Samman Yojana, which promises Rs 2,100 per month to every woman directly in their bank accounts and the Sanjeevani Yojana, which aims to cover all medical expenses for senior citizens above the age of 60, it added. Voting for the 70 Assembly constituencies in Delhi will be held on February 5 and the results will be declared on February 8.
Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng (R) makes dumplings with American youths during the 2025 Spring Festival Gala for Chinese and American Youths at the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., the United States, Jan. 11, 2025. The Chinese Embassy in the United States recently hosted the 2025 Spring Festival Gala for Chinese and American Youths, with over 500 young students from both countries and members of the American education community in attendance. (Xinhua/Deng Xianlai)

WASHINGTON, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Embassy in the United States recently hosted the 2025 Spring Festival Gala for Chinese and American Youths, with over 500 young students from both countries and members of the American education community in attendance.

At the event, Chinese and U.S. youths jointly presented a series of wonderful cultural performances. The show kicked off with the song "Lights of China," followed by a captivating piano ensemble, graceful traditional dances, and a lively, spirited chorus that performed two songs to bring the evening to a close.

The youths from both countries also participated in activities such as making sugar paintings, making dumplings, practicing calligraphy, and wearing Hanfu -- a traditional Chinese garment, experiencing the unique charm of the Chinese New Year.

Caroline Faircloth, a member of the American education community who participated in the activities, told Xinhua that what impressed her the most was the "kuaiban" -- a traditional Chinese performance art that combines rhythmic clapping with storytelling. She found it challenging to make the bamboo clappers move skillfully in her hand and produce rhythmic sounds, but it was great fun.

Faircloth's main work involves strengthening international exchanges at schools in Washington, D.C. She said she was very pleased to see students from several Washington schools attending the event, where they learned a wide range of Chinese cultural knowledge that is very helpful for opening up their eyes and understanding the world.

"Over the past year, under the guidance of the two heads of state, the San Francisco vision has been gradually turned into reality," Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng said, noting that one of the highlights of China-U.S. relations last year was that President Xi Jinping's initiative to invite 50,000 young Americans for study or exchange programs yielded fruitful outcomes.

Nearly 15,000 American youths from all 50 states and Washington, D.C. visited China under the initiative, outperforming the annual target, Xie said.

"I encourage our young friends to view each other's development with a more open and inclusive mind, deepen exchanges and cooperation in a more innovative way, and jointly address new challenges like AI and climate change, so as to help find a right way for China and the United States to get along in the new era," Xie said.

The Chinese ambassador said that he would like to invite more young Americans to be part of the "50,000 in five years" initiative, "promote dialogue and cooperation, enhance people-to-people exchanges, and carry forward the goodwill between our two peoples." 

Chinese and U.S. performers jointly present the song "Lights of China" during the 2025 Spring Festival Gala for Chinese and American Youths at the Chinese Embassy in Washington, D.C., the United States, Jan. 11, 2025. The Chinese Embassy in the United States recently hosted the 2025 Spring Festival Gala for Chinese and American Youths, with over 500 young students from both countries and members of the American education community in attendance. (Xinhua/Deng Xianlai)
Maha Kumbh





ONCE in 144 years, India, that is, Bharat, occupies the centrestage of humanitys attention as it hosts the auspicious Maha Kumbh Mela. Those living today are among the lucky sets of people to have this opportunity to witness Maha Kumbh. Those at the venue -- Prayagraj -- of the worlds largest gathering of humans are the luckiest to be taking holy dip at the confluence of the holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati. It deserves to be recognised as one of the most important events in the collective cultural calendar of the humans.

The Kumbh congregation holds a special significance in Indian cultural context and history. Ardh Kumbh is organised every six years, Kumbh Mela every 12 years, and Maha Kumbh every 144 years. Given the evolution of Indian civilisation, great significance is attached to rivers that bless humans with water for agriculture, drinking, industry. That the Kumbh Melas are organised at the banks of holy rivers speaks volumes about refined ancient Indian thinking that acknowledged the living presence of rivers. But, the Kumbh Melas do not reflect thinking about rivers only. One must understand how intricately the pursuit of knowledge was ingrained in the ancient Bharatiya civilisation. After a certain stage of human evolution, in Indian sub-continent, a common thread of culture ran through the beads of pursuits of excellence in science, linguistics, mathematics, medicine, sculpture, architecture, chemistry, cosmology, arts, commerce, philosophy etc.

However, the scholars in all these spread across different geographical contours of the culturally unified nation felt the need for periodic exchange of wisdom. In ancient India, the temples became the centres of organised thinking, idea exchange, and guidance for refining human existence. The study in cosmology found that humans shared the universal grain. So emerged the scientific understanding of the impact of celestial bodies on humans. Based on this understanding and scientific calculations, humans set their agricultural practices, recitation of mantras in which was encoded collective wisdom. It reflected deeper understanding of the bond between climate and sustainable practices. Each generation of sages and scholars kept adding to the rich repository of knowledge, and wanted to transform it into wisdom through healthy debate and exchange. Kumbh Mela organised in accordance with the rare celestial permutations and combinations offered that opportunity.

Thus, Kumbh Melas became gatherings of human beings in search of higher understanding of the universe. Through several thousands of Kumbh and several hundreds of Maha Kumbh, the tradition of exchange between different paths of understanding is alive, albeit under the umbrella of spiritual congregation. Today, it has assumed the form of the worlds largest gathering of humans. People from different countries visit India to witness how the periodically organised event reinvigorates the Indian cultural identity. Also, these events provide a big boost to inclusive economy. In modern times, for the sake of better arrangements, organising committees etc are made and the Governments take up the responsibility to monitor the preparations. However, the tradition of Kumbh evolved with collective ownership of responsibility. Kumbh Melas constitute a significant driving force of practical implementation of the cherished ideal of unity in diversity. Such a diversity of practice, tradition, language, beliefs is on display at the Kumbh Melas but there is no conflict. For, everyone shares the understanding of common roots. Truly, it is a celebration of the noblest of the human ideals and the deepest cultural harmony.
Nawaf Salam named Lebanon next PM





BEIRUT ;

LEBANONS new President has asked prominent diplomat and jurist Nawaf Salam to form the countrys new Government after Salam was named Prime Minister by a large number of legislators Monday. The move apparently angered the Hezbollah group and its allies. Salam is currently serving as the head of the International Court of Justice and his nomination was made by Western-backed groups as well as independents in the Lebanese Parliament. Salam has the support of Saudi Arabia and Western countries as well. Hezbollah legislators abstained from naming any candidate for the Prime Ministers post. Salams nomination is seen by many as a glimpse of hope after the 14-month Israel-Hezbollah war that left 4,000 people dead and more than 16,000 wounded and caused destruction totaling hundreds of millions of dollars.

The war stopped in late November when a US-brokered 60-day truce went into effect. Shortly after Salam won majority backing from legislators, some people celebrated in the streets of Beirut with fireworks amid hopes that his nomination and last weeks election of army commander Gen. Joseph Aoun as President would help release billions of dollars of investements and loans by foreign donors. Salam will have a difficult mission ahead of him following the truce with Israel that caused widespread destruction in the Mediterranean nation and weakened the Iran-backed Hezbollah. He will also have to work on getting the small nation out of its historic five-year economic meltdown. In past years, Hezbollah has repeatedly blocked Salam from becoming Prime Minister, casting him as a US-backed candidate. We will see their acts when it comes to forcing the occupiers to leave our country, bringing back prisoners, reconstruction and the implementation of the UN Security Council resolution that ended the Israel-Hezbollah war, the head of Hezbollahs parliamentary bloc, Mohammed Raad, said after meeting with Aoun. Raad added that Hezbollah extended its hand last week by electing Aoun and they were hoping to meet an extended hand from the other side, but this hand was cut off.

Last weeks election of Aoun as president and Mondays nomination of Salam is likely to lead to a flow of funds from Western and oil-rich Arab nations to Lebanon to help in the reconstruction process. Tens of thousands of Lebanese have lost their savings since the countrys banking sector crashed as a result of the economic crisis. Neither Aoun nor Salam are considered part of the countrys political class that is blamed for widespread corruption and mismanagement over the past decades that exploded in October 2019 into one of the worlds worst economic meltdowns in more than a century. Lebanon has been run by a caretaker government for more than two years and Aoun was elected after a 26-month vacuum in the Presidents post. After a day of consultations between Aoun and legislators, Salam got the backing of 84 deputies, while outgoing Prime Minister Najib Mikati received nine votes. Thirty-four legislators from the 128-member legislature abstained. Shortly after the results came out, Mikati called Salam to congratulate him and wish him luck with the new job. Antoine Shoukeir, the presidencys Director General, told reporters after the consultations that Salam now is Prime Minister-designate, adding that he is currently outside Lebanon and should be back in the coming hours.

A meeting was scheduled for Tuesday at the presidential palace in Beiruts southeastern suburb of Baabda between Aoun, Salam and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri after which he will start the process of forming a new Cabinet. It was not immediately clear whether Salam plans to resign as head of the ICJ. My voice is for Nawaf Salam because my voice is for Lebanon and no one else, independent legislator Paula Yacoubian told journalists after meeting with Aoun. Salam, 71, is a member of a prominent Sunni Muslim family from Beirut and his late paternal uncle, Saeb Salam, was one of the Lebanese leaders who fought for the countrys independence from France and later served several terms as Lebanons Prime Minister. Salams cousin, Tammam, also served as Prime Minister for two years starting in 2014. Salam holds a doctorate in political science from Frances prestigious Sciences Po university as well as a doctorate in history from Frances Sorbonne University.

He also has a Master of Laws degree from Harvard Law School. Salam has worked as a lecturer at several universities, including the American University of Beirut. In 2007, he was named Lebanons ambassador to the United Nations, where he served for 10 years. In 2018, Salam was elected as a judge on the ICJ and in February last year he was elected as President of the court becoming the first Lebanese citizen to hold the post. Salam is married to journalist Sahar Baasiri, who for many years was a columnist at Lebanons leading An-Nahar daily.
PM inaugurates Z-Morh tunnel J&K is crown of India





SONAMARG (J&K) :

Will make it most connected place in country: PM Modi

My heart says that very soon, you will fulfill your promise of restoration of statehood, said CM Abdullah.

Modi always fulfills his promise. Every promise will be fulfilled at the right time, said Prime Minister Modi.

PRIME Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday that Kashmir is the crown of the country, and he desires that this crown should shine better and become more glorious in the days to come. The Prime Minister said this after inaugurating and dedicating the Sonamarg tunnel to the nation. PM Modi started his speech by lauding the hard work of the workers who worked to make the Sonamarg tunnel possible and were not deterred from making the supreme sacrifice. He offered tribute to civilian workers, who laid down their lives during the construction of the tunnel he inaugurated. He said despite the grave danger to their lives, no worker wanted to go home after the terrorists attacked the Gagangir workers camp. Nobody wanted to go home even after we lost seven friends to terrorism. My tribute to those martyrs who gave their lives for the country.

Kashmir is the crown of India and it is my desire that this crown should become more shining and glorious. In this endeavour, the people of Jammu and Kashmir are helping me. I assure you that any roadblock in the way of realising your dreams will be removed, the PM assured the people. He said two days back Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had uploaded some pictures and videos around the tunnel. By seeing those, his eagerness to be here increased. When I worked here as a BJP worker, I spent a lot of time in Sonamarg, Gulmarg, Ganderbal and Baramulla. It used to snow heavily even in those days. But, the warmth of the people of J&K did not make you feel the cold. Today is a great day, crores of people are taking part in the Maha Kumbh in Uttar Pradesh. Lohri is being celebrated in Punjab. This is the period of the 40-day intense cold of Chillai Kalan, which people face with a smile in Kashmir. People are coming to Sonamarg from different parts of the country and enjoy your hospitality, said PM Modi. I recently inaugurated the Jammu rail division.

Today I have dedicated Sonamarg tunnel to the country and the people of J&K and Ladakh, he said. In a public display of bonhomie, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday exchanged warm gestures with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah who is an ally of the Opposition I.N.D.I.A. bloc. The Prime Minister also assured people of the Union Territory that he will walk side-by-side with them and remove all hurdles in achieving their dreams. Referring to Omar Abdullahs demand for statehood, PM Modi said, Modi always fulfills his promise. Every promise will be fulfilled at the right time. Every decision has a proper time when it is taken, the PM said. This tunnel was started by us, and it is my decision that whatever work we start we must also inaugurate. Sonamarg and the entire area here will get a great boost. In days to come, road and railway projects will be completed. The Valley will soon be connected through railways. New roads, colleges, etc., it will be a Naya Kashmir that we have been speaking about, said the PM. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah delivered the welcome address. He paid tribute to seven civilians killed by terrorists in the Gagangir area on October 20. He also mentioned people killed during the last 35 years by terrorists, including leaders and workers of his party, the National Conference (NC). Your August presence, Honble Prime Minister is proof of the fact that we will not allow forces inimical to the unity and integrity of the country to succeed, the CM said.

He said people waited for long years for the Sonamarg tunnel and the people living in otherwise cut-off Sonamarg will not have to abandon their homes during the winter months now. The CM lauded the efforts of the Prime Minister for ensuring peace on the borders in J&K. He said the PMs mission of ending Dil Ki Doori, Aur Dili Se Doori is being proved through the PMs efforts. He praised the PM for ensuring peaceful, fair elections in J&K. The Chief Minister said, You also promised (Assembly) elections within four months and you stayed true to your words. People got an opportunity to take part in the voting and today I am participating in this programme as Chief Minister. Referring to Modis speech during his visit to Srinagar on International Yoga Day last year, the Chief Minister said, My heart says that very soon, you will fulfill your third promise to the people of Jammu and Kashmir which is the restoration of statehood to the Union Territory. Before the PMs address, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari addressed the public rally. He said to make a self-reliant India, we have to ensure road connectivity and infrastructure development.
Seized banned nylon manja Destroyed kite-flying fervour grips city





City police destroying seized reels of banned nylon manja at Indora ground near Jaripatka Police Station. (Pic by Satish Raut)

Staff Reporter :

Flyovers to remain closed for vehicular traffic from 6 am to 6 pm today

In a significant move to combat hazards posed by banned nylon manja used during kite-flying, the Nagpur Police (Zone V) destroyed nylon manja worth Rs 18 lakh seized during the ongoing Say No to Nylon Manja campaign. The operation was conducted under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Zone V, Niketan Kadam. With the help of a road roller, the seized manja stock was destroyed at Indora Ground near Jaripatka Police Station, on Monday. Contd from page 1 The campaign was launched to crease awareness about dangers of banned nylon manja, which has been responsible for numerous injuries and fatalities to not only humans but to birds and animals also, particularly during Makar Sankranti.





The police have been actively cracking down on sale and use of the banned nylon manja through a series of raids across the city. Citizens have been urged to refrain from using or purchasing the banned nylon manja and support to the campaign and help eradicate its use entirely, ensuring a safe and joyous celebrations during the festival. The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC), under its action in last two months, seized a total of 30,500 plastic kites and 21 reels of banned nylon manja.

During the seizures, the Nuisance Detection Squad (NDS) of NMC collected a fine of Rs 25,000 from the offenders. Meanwhile, the city is all set for Makar Sankranti to be celebrated on Tuesday. To ensure safe and peaceful celebrations, the administration and Nagpur Traffic Police have declared the schedule for temporary closure of flyovers across city on Tuesday. All the flyovers in city will remain closed for vehicular traffic from 6 am to 6 pm on Tuesday. Many two-wheeler riders have put in place aluminium rods on their vehicles for safe ride on city roads during the festivity. At Kalamna Chowk, on Monday, Nagpur Police provided aluminium rods for free to the two-wheeler riders for safe rides. Every year during the kite-flying season, Nagpur records several cases of two-wheeler riders sustaining severe injuries due to the manja getting entangled around the riders neck.

Free neckbands distributed to two-wheeler riders

Lions Club of Nagpur Heritage distributed neckbands to two-wheeler riders for the safety against banned nylon manja in city on Monday. The event took place at Sakkardara Square in presence of Anil Taksande, Senior Police Inspector, Sakkardara Police Station and Madhukar Tule, Assistant PSI, Sakkardara PS. While distributing the neckbands, Mrudula Hedaoo, President, Lions Club of Nagpur Heritage urged citizens to use traditional manja (thread) instead of banned nylon manja during kite-flying. Nylon manja often gets tangled on trees, roads, and electricity poles, causing severe injuries to vehicle riders and birds. As a safety measure against banned nylon manja, the Lions Club of Nagpur Heritage took the initiative to prepare approximately 1,000 neckbands which were distributed free of cost to the needy. The initiative received overwhelming response from the public. Two-wheeler riders appreciated the effort and expressed their gratitude to the Club. Many even hoped for similar initiatives to be conducted in the future. Nitin Lonkar, Regional Chairperson; Vijaya Waindeshkar, Secretary; Smita Rewatkar, Treasurer; Anagha Vaidya, Vice-President; Samir Pandit, Zone Chairperson; Vivek Vaidya, Vivek Pratape, Pramod Hedaoo, Shashikant Waghmare, Gajendra Pote, and others also were present at the programme.
ABUJA, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Nigerian authorities on Tuesday organized a mass burial for at least 40 farmers suspected to have been killed by insurgents during an attack earlier this week in the northeastern state of Borno, which borders Chad.

The farmers were killed late Sunday when a group of insurgents rounded scores of them up and shot them dead in Dumba, a farming community on the shores of Lake Chad, according to a statement issued Monday by Usman Tar, the commissioner for information in Borno.

While confirming that an initial report indicated about 40 farmers were killed and the whereabouts of many who escaped the attack were being traced for a reunion with their families, Tar said the government suspected the Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) were behind the attack.

A top security source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, told Xinhua that at least 40 bodies of the slain farmers had been recovered, and a mass burial had been conducted Tuesday morning at an undisclosed location in Borno.

The source said more casualties were likely, as the insurgents rounded up over 70 farmers, separating women and children from the men's group, during the attack.

Zagazola Makama, a counterterrorism expert based in the Lake Chad region, told Xinhua that the farmers had earlier negotiated and paid "security levies" to an ISWAP faction to gain access to the farmlands, but soon after, another faction of the group, reportedly unaware of the arrangement, attacked and killed the farmers.

According to the local Business Day newspaper, in many parts of northern Nigeria, farmers and other residents are forced to pay levies or taxes to terrorist groups or bandits in exchange for permission to access their lands or protection from attacks.

Despite government military interventions, armed attacks have been a primary security threat in northern and central Nigeria, often leading to deaths and kidnappings. 
SHANGHAI, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- In 2025, six zebrafish are set to journey to China's space station, assisting scientists in exploring how the space environment impacts the muscle and skeletal development of vertebrates. This research is expected to bolster long-term human survival in space and pave the way for interplanetary habitation.

A "fishbowl" in China's Tiangong Space Station will house six zebrafish and six grams of Ceratophyllum this year, according to Wang Gaohong from the Institute of Hydrobiology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, who spoke to Xinhua on Monday. The study will focus on the impact of microgravity on the proteins in the zebrafish's bones and muscles. Once the experiment comes to a close, the fish will be frozen and brought back to Earth for further analysis.

In April 2024, a container with four zebrafish and four grams of Ceratophyllum was sent to the space station by Shenzhou-18 manned spaceship, forming China's first space-based self-sustaining aquatic ecosystem. This space aquatic ecosystem ran smoothly for about 43 days, setting a global record for the longest operational duration of such a system.

"The typical lifespan of zebrafish is two to three years. Therefore, their 43 days in space is equivalent to a human spending three to four years there," said Wang, who is in charge of the experiment.

The "Tiangong fishbowl" currently in development has a volume of only 1.2 liters, equivalent to two bottles of drinking water. Conducting long-term breeding experiments for zebrafish in such a small space presents various challenges. To address these issues, researchers dedicated three to four years on Earth to preparation and planning.

Just as astronauts face rigorous selection, so do the zebrafish bound for space. "The four zebrafish that entered the space station were selected from 200 candidates. They need to be adults in good health, and they also need to have a stable temperament and be compatible with one another," Wang said.

When the first images from the "Tiangong fishbowl" were transmitted back to Earth, Wang was elated. "We left a bit of air in the container. In space, it mixed with the water and created beautiful bubbles, resembling a crystal palace."

During the 43-day space experiment, Wang and fellow scientists monitored the "Tiangong fishbowl" around the clock from Earth.

They observed that the Ceratophyllum and zebrafish initially showed instability in various metrics but gradually self-regulated and adapted to each other. The Ceratophyllum maintained robust photosynthetic activity throughout its stay in orbit.

Initially, the zebrafish displayed abnormal spatial behaviors, such as upside-down swimming and circling. "Like humans, fish cannot discern up from down in microgravity, leading to disoriented movement," Wang explained.

The water samples collected from this space aquatic ecosystem returned to Earth with the Shenzhou-18 spacecraft in November 2024, and scientists are now delving deeper into their analysis.

Zebrafish share a high genomic similarity with humans. They are small, reproduce rapidly, and have a short development cycle, making them a prime model organism in life sciences. They're widely utilized in research spanning various fields, including hematopoiesis, cardiovascular health, kidney, skeletal systems, tumor and epilepsy.

Microgravity in space can induce a range of pathophysiological phenomena in humans, such as cardiovascular issues, weakened immunity, bone loss, muscle atrophy, and hormona imbalances. Understanding these effects is a key scientific endeavor in space biology. This study will enhance our collective understanding of how the space environment impacts genes, cells, and overall life.

This study has laid a strong foundation for research on astronaut health using zebrafish as a model, Wang said. "Looking ahead, as humans contemplate leaving Earth for other planets, sustainable life support is crucial. Aquatic creatures like fish and shrimp, with their high feed conversion rates, could be an ideal source of protein." 
Gas pipes are seen at a natural gas storage facility operated by Hungarian Gas Storage Ltd. in the village of Zsana, Hungary, May 20, 2022. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)

Hungary has reiterated the importance of the TurkStream pipeline for Central Europe's energy security.

BUDAPEST, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Any action threatening the safety or functionality of the pipeline should be regarded as "an attack on the sovereignty of gas-receiving nations," Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto said Monday.

Hungary has reiterated the importance of the TurkStream pipeline for Central Europe's energy security, following reports of a Ukrainian drone attack on the Russkaya compressor station in Russia, which supplies natural gas through the pipeline.

Turkstream is "indispensable" in the natural gas supply of Hungary and Central Europe, Szijjarto said in a Facebook post, adding that TurkStream has been a reliable energy corridor for years, "with all parties-suppliers and transit countries-honoring contractual obligations."

"We expect everyone to respect the safety and functionality of this transport route," Szijjarto added.

A man shows gas consumption on a meter in downtown Budapest, Hungary, on July 13, 2022. (Photo by Attila Volgyi/Xinhua)

In his post, Szijjarto shared an article published on the local news portal Index citing a report from Russia's defence ministry that Ukrainian armed forces used drones to attack infrastructure that is crucial to the operation of the TurkStream gas pipeline on Saturday.

The Russian Ministry of Defense reported Monday that all nine drones involved in the attack were intercepted, causing only minor damage to a building and equipment, with no impact on gas supply through the pipeline.

The TurkStream corridor is vital for Hungary and other Central European nations, particularly since the start of the year, as it has effectively replaced the traditional Ukrainian route for Russian gas supplies. This shift has made TurkStream a key pillar of the region's energy security strategy. 
MOGADISHU, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- A global maritime body on Tuesday urged operators of foreign vessels to remain vigilant as they transit along the Somalia coastline and the Gulf of Aden, saying piracy remains a threat.

The International Chamber of Commerce's International Maritime Bureau (IMB) said in its latest annual report that eight piracy incidents were reported on seas along the Somalia coastline in 2024.

According to the IMB, the hijacking of two fishing vessels and a bulk carrier in the first half of 2024 was among the eight piracy incidents reported last year.

IMB Director Michael Howlett said there is no room for complacency as ongoing threats to crew safety highlight the importance of continued caution.

"Masters and vessel operators are strongly encouraged to strictly remain vigilant, adhere to all recommendations in the best management practices while transiting the Gulf of Guinea and waters off East Africa," Howlett said.

The IMB said Somali pirates can target vessels over 1,000 nautical miles from the coast, using mother vessels.

It said recent incidents demonstrate the continued capabilities of these criminals who remain a threat despite attacks having declined since 2017.

Globally, the IMB annual piracy and armed robbery report recorded 116 incidents against ships in 2024, compared to 120 in 2023 and 115 in 2022.

It said that while the number of reported incidents in 2024 was similar to those reported in 2023 and 2022, the number of crew taken hostage or kidnapped rose significantly -- to 126 in 2024, up from 73 in 2023 and 41 in 2022. 
VLADIVOSTOK, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- An Amur tiger attacked and killed a man in Primorye Territory in Russia's Far East area, local media reported on Tuesday.

The incident happened near the village of Zimniki in the Dalnerechensky District, about 480 km northeast of the city of Vladivostok, Philipp Shutov, Primorye's deputy minister of forestry, environmental protection, wildlife and natural resources, was quoted as saying by Russia's TASS news agency.

"Police officers and hunting supervision specialists are currently working at the site," Shutov said in a video statement.

The Amur tiger, with a population of about 750, is listed as Endangered in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. 
BEIJING, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday sent a congratulatory message to Joseph Aoun on assuming the presidency of Lebanon.

Noting that China and Lebanon enjoy a traditional friendship, Xi said that bilateral relations have maintained a sound momentum of development in recent years, with enhanced political mutual trust and deepened friendship between the two peoples.

Xi said that he attaches great importance to the development of China-Lebanon ties and is ready to work with President Aoun to promote the friendly relations between the two countries and mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, so as to better benefit the two peoples.

China will, as always, firmly support Lebanon in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and continue to provide assistance within its capacity for Lebanon's economic development and improvement of people's livelihood, Xi said. 
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- As multiple wildfires continue to rage in Los Angeles, a growing controversy has emerged surrounding the hiring of private firefighters by affluent residents.

"Does anyone have access to private firefighters to protect our home? Need to act fast here. All neighbors' houses burning. Will pay any amount," Keith Wasserman, a co-founder of a real estate investment firm, wrote on X.

About 45 percent of all firefighters working in the United States today are employed privately, according to Deborah Miley, executive director of the National Wildfire Suppression Association, which represents more than 300 private firefighting groups.

"A two-person private firefighting crew with a small vehicle can cost 3,000 U.S. dollars a day, while a larger crew of 20 firefighters in four fire trucks can run to 10,000 dollars a day," Bryan Wheelock, vice president of Grayback Forestry, a private firefighting company in Oregon, told The New York Times.

But as these companies rack up cash, the ones who hire them are taking heat from ordinary folk -- more than 100,000 of whom have been forced to flee, leaving their houses under the protection of the overwhelmed public fire department.

Private firefighting units have been a controversial topic in recent years, becoming a symbol of access for the wealthy and drawing criticism for heightening class divides during disasters, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Access to water -- in particular, whether private firefighters should be able to tap public hydrants during a wildfire -- is another consideration, and has been a recurrent concern among critics of private firefighting, reported The New York Times.

"When we see groups like this come in, we don't consider them an asset -- we consider them a liability," said Brian Rice, president of California Professional Firefighters, which represents 35,000 firefighters. 
A short feature debut film "Reverse Shadows," directed by film critic Haji Safarov, will be premiered at Nizami Cinema Center on January 17.

The film is based on the themes of the novel "Shadows Walking Backwards" by writer Rahim Dunyamal?.

Years later, a hero finds himself faced with a dramatic dilemma. He must choose between love and revenge.

The film's screenwriter and director is H. Safarov, and the producers are Emil Najafov, H. Safarov, and Turkan Huseyn. The cinematographer is Elvin Mammad, the production designer is Bahar Demir, and Perviz Bayramquliyev, Gulnar Rahimzade are also involved in the production design. The composer is Nigar Suleyman, the editors are Mirzali Alizade and Matl?b Muxtarov, the second director is Vafa Fatullayeva, and the line producer is Ulviye Mammadova. The lead roles are played by Honored Artist Rasim Jafar and Zulfiyya Mammadova.

The film was produced by "Chinar Film" LLC. The work will participate in the "Support for Films in Post-Production Phase" competition organized by the Azerbaijan Republic Film Agency in 2024, where it has already won. The Azerbaijan Cinematographers Union has provided financial support for the films production.

In addition to the mentioned film, two more films produced with state support the animation film "Narqiz" and the short feature film "Early Feelings"will also be presented.
Relatives and supporters of hostages held in the Gaza Strip rally outside Israeli Prime Minister's office in Jerusalem, on Jan. 14, 2025. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua)

JERUSALEM, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- An Israeli official said Tuesday that "only final details" remain to be worked out in the Gaza ceasefire-for-hostage deal, as high-level talks are underway in Qatar's Doha.

The main unresolved issues are "technical," the official told Xinhua on condition of anonymity.

According to local media, Hamas has reportedly agreed to the deal, a draft of which was presented on Monday to both the group and Israel.

The official said the agreement could be announced as early as Tuesday or Wednesday, although "the final deal is yet to be achieved."

If an agreement is reached in Qatar, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to convene the cabinet and government for a vote to approve the deal.

Netanyahu is facing opposition from two ultranationalist parties that are key partners in his coalition: Otzma Yehudit, led by Itamar Ben-Gvir, and HaTzionut HaDatit, led by Bezalel Smotrich.

Netanyahu and Smotrich held a meeting on Tuesday to discuss the deal, following a phone conversation the previous night. Smotrich has warned the deal would have "catastrophic" implications for national security and has called for the continuation of the war.

The indirect talks between Israel and Hamas have been mediated by Qatari, Egyptian, and U.S. officials for about a year, aiming to end more than 15 months of fighting that has devastated Gaza and destabilized the region. A total of 98 Israeli hostages -- including soldiers and civilians -- remain held in the Palestinian enclave by Hamas and allied factions. 

Relatives and supporters of hostages held in the Gaza Strip rally outside Israeli Prime Minister's office in Jerusalem, on Jan. 14, 2025. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua)

Relatives and supporters of hostages held in the Gaza Strip rally outside Israeli Prime Minister's office in Jerusalem, on Jan. 14, 2025. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua)

Relatives and supporters of hostages held in the Gaza Strip rally outside Israeli Prime Minister's office in Jerusalem, on Jan. 14, 2025. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua)
XIAMEN, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Over 180,000 passenger trips are expected to be made aboard ferries shuttling between the mainland coastal city Xiamen in Fujian Province and Kinmen in Taiwan during the Spring Festival travel rush, which kicked off on Tuesday.

As the Spring Festival draws near, the Spring Festival travel rush, or chunyun, the world's largest annual human migration, started on Tuesday and will last for 40 days till Feb. 22.

During this travel period, the Xiamen-Kinmen route is expected to operate 948 ferry services.

The number of ferry services on the Xiamen-Kinmen route will increase from 20 to 24 each day starting Tuesday, with a ferry service available almost every half an hour, according to Shen Wenjuan, a border inspection official in Xiamen.

The Spring Festival, also known as Chinese Lunar New Year, is celebrated on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

To facilitate exchanges between people across the Strait, the mainland has increased the number of regular ferry services between Fujian and Taiwan. 
Facts that should be inferred Delhi date on January 17

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The date is clear-January 17. The venue is also clear-Delhi. The parties set to take part in the meeting is also clear-forum of major organisations representing the Kuki-Zo communities. A major step to break the stalemate or just another routine round of meeting ? Not yet clear but already a major publication based outside Manipur has dubbed the scheduled meeting as In what may break the stalemate in talks to resolve the Meitei-Kuki conflict in Manipur. Like others in Manipur, The Sangai Express is also keeping its fingers crossed, awaiting what will transpire during the scheduled meeting and as a newspaper which has been closely following the ethnic clash ever since it erupted in the evening of May 3, 2023, it has read between the lines and certain points emerge which cannot just be brushed aside. The quoted lines and as reported in the Deccan Herald We will also press the Government to resume the talks with the KNO and UPF as early as possible, is interesting in the sense that it has come in the midst of the confusion created by New Delhi over the status of the Suspension of Operation pact inked with the KNO and UPF. The last date to extend the SoO pact was February 28, 2024, but the date came and went without New Delhi saying anything on its status and logic drawn from common sense says that anything that has not been renewed or extended says it is no longer in force or applicable. Much like anyone caught with a driving license past its validity period would be pulled up and penalised. Much like one cannot hope to take the flight to the USA on a passport which has already crossed the validity period. But much like how Delhi has been keeping the people confused, there has been no formal announcement on the status of the SoO pact with even Chief Minister N Biren having announced earlier that the pact was very much in force. It is in line with this that a spokesperson of the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) was quoted as having said that the Government of India would be pressed to resume the talk with the UPF and the KNO. It is not so much a question of whether the SoO pact is still in force or not but more about why Delhi thinks it is better to keep the status of the pact under a cloud of confusion. In simple words what is the politics at play in keeping the status of SoO unclear to the people ? No answer would be forthcoming, this is a given, but this is the reality and Manipur should take note of this with the seriousness it deserves and it is surprising to see that Imphal has not once raised a question on the validity of the SoO pact. Should say so many things.

To look back at what the Kuki Zo Council put before Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla when he went to Churachandpur some time back, one can easily discern who or which side is driving the violence ever since its explosion on May 3, 2023 till date. The very statement, Now that the hills and valley have been divided, the only thing left is separation in the administration. Only after the separation is complete, there will be peace, is more than indicative that the Kuki Zo Council continues to stick to the line, Solution first, peace later. In the face of such a reality, one wonders how the Ministry of Home Affairs has scheduled the talk on January 17 and the natural question to raise is whether the talk has been lined up to discuss the Separate Administration call raised by the Kuki armed groups and championed by the ITLF, CoTU and other Kuki organisations ? Another interesting question is whether the January 17 meeting may be seen as a continuum of the October 15 meeting held at New Delhi last year wherein MLAs belonging to the Meiteis, Kukis and Nagas were invited to attend ? No one knows what the Union Home Ministry has up its sleeves for the scheduled meeting, but from what has been said prior to the meeting, certain points are clear. Delhi continues to play politics over the status of the SoO pact and the Kuki groups are more than inclined to keep the violence going on for it serves their ultimate objective of breaking apart Manipur. This much must be clear to the people of Manipur.
SEOUL, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- A Seoul district court on Tuesday issued a warrant to arrest the acting chief of the presidential security service (PSS) who blocked an attempt earlier this month to arrest impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol, as some South Korean media reports expect a second attempt to arrest Yoon would be on Wednesday.

The PSS blocked the first attempt by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials (CIO) to arrest Yoon at the presidential residence on Jan. 3. And local media said that it would again block the operation by the investigators.

The blockade prompted long-lasting controversies about the PSS over its power in the country.

WHAT IS THE PSS

The Presidential Security Service of South Korea is a specialized agency responsible for the security of the country's president, tasked with ensuring the president's absolute safety. Its organization and duties are governed by the Presidential Security Act.

The PSS was established in 1963 when Park Chung-hee became president. He transformed presidential security from being police-managed to a direct presidential responsibility, marking the beginning of the PSS functioning as a "personal guard institution" for the president.

Since then, its basic framework as a presidential body has remained unchanged, with the appointment of the head of the PSS being the exclusive prerogative of the president.

CONTROVERSY SURROUNDING THE PSS

The PSS's refusal to cooperate in executing the arrest warrant has sparked public debate in South Korea.

The Hankyoreh newspaper pointed out that there have long been fears that the PSS, as an extension of presidential authority, lacks any effective system of checks and balances and might abuse its power.

Lawmakers from opposition parties have recently proposed bills to abolish the PSS. Some have submitted legislation advocating the transfer of presidential security duties to the National Police Agency.

In 2023, the South Korean government attempted to amend regulations to grant the PSS chief more authority for background checks, but the proposal ultimately failed. The proposed 2025 budget for the PSS also drew criticism, as it represented a 43.4 percent increase compared to 2022.

Critics argue that the PSS's law-defying behavior demonstrates its transformation into a "presidential guard unit," calling for urgent reforms to the agency. 
Pratap Singh Shami, special director general (vendor development) of the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) along with Sanjay Kumar, CMM (G)/ER, Dr Sunil Kumar Sharma, executive director, QA (mechanical), Kolkata and RDSO team, visited Braithwaite & Co. Limited (BCL), a Miniratna-I CPSE, under the ministry of railways in the first week of January.

During his visit, Shami conducted a comprehensive inspection of the facility and observed various stages of wagon manufacturing. He expressed keen interest in the production processes, quality control measures, and innovative practices being implemented in the workshop. Mr Shami interacted with the workforce and management, gaining insights into the organizations efforts to enhance efficiency and meet the growing demand for high-quality rail wagons.

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Dr Sunil Kumar Sharma, executive director, QA (mechanical), also impressed upon the importance of expanding and strengthening the vendor base to make the railway supply chain more resilient and efficient.

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As a part of its acclaimed series on celebrating school leadership in 2024-25, a three-days conference was organised by the National Centre for School Leadership and National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration in Delhi and was attended by 57 school heads from across different states and Union Territories of India from 8-10th January at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.

From West Bengal, Dr Ivy Sarkar, the headmistress of Srirampur Girls High School, said, The NCSL conference provided a valuable platform for states to share their experiences in the educational sector, deliberate their best practices, learn from each other and evolve a collective vision for transforming Indias educational landscape.

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Dr Ivy Sarkar said, as an headmistress from West Bengal, I have tried to project West Bengals flagship educational initiatives, the best practices of our school focusing on community-school partnership for transformation of schools. We are committed to provide quality education to all our students regardless of their socio economic backgrounds. Our initiatives have shown promising results and we are happy to share our experiences with other states. I am thankful to our state government, education department and school managing committee for providing me with all the support and cooperation all the time. My presentation also focused on the schools initiatives in promoting holistic education, throwing light on the development of students emotional, social and cognitive skills. We have already implemented the holistic progress report cards in our school.

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Sonali Mullick, the SMC member of Serampore Girls High School, said, We are very proud of the schools participation at this prestigious national conference and we applaud our HMs tireless efforts to provide the best to our students and her participation has brought laurels to our institution and reinforced our commitment to excellence in education.

Dr Charu Smita Malik, assistant professor, NCSL, during her inaugural speech at the national conference remarked that there were a total of 350 entries from school heads from different parts of the country and they had shortlisted a total of 57 case studies and video documentaries depicting exemplary leadership practices by adopting a rigorous and systematic process of selection.

Dr Sarkar said, The conference has helped disseminate effective teaching methods, curriculum designs, innovative approaches and institutional strategies. It has provided a platform to stay abreast with the latest developments in education. I have already decided to implement the concept of ATE (any time education) in my school. We have recently inaugurated a common room for our Class XI-XII students to spend time during their off periods. The classroom will have XI-XII tutorial videos from Bangla Shiksha classroom (an initiative of the education department), which will be retained in downloaded video forms so that the students can access them any time and make best and effective use of their free periods. This will help us leverage the resources and capacities to improve educational outcomes.
A total of 56 nominations were filed on Tuesday for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, scheduled for February 5, according to data released by the Delhi Chief Electoral Officer (CEO).

The nomination process for all 70 Assembly constituencies commenced on Monday following the issuance of the election notification.

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As per the Election Commissions data, available on its website until 9 pm, 56 candidates had submitted their nominations.

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The Delhi Assembly elections are expected to feature a triangular contest among the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Congress.

Notable candidates include Chief Minister Atishi from Kalkaji and Congress nominee Alka Lamba, who will be contesting against her. Additionally, incumbent AAP MLA Somnath Bharti from Malviya Nagar has also filed his nomination.

In the 2020 Assembly elections, AAP secured 62 seats, while BJP won eight. In the 2015 elections, AAP dominated with 67 seats, leaving BJP with three. The Congress failed to win any seats in both instances.

The Delhi Assembly elections will be conducted in a single phase, with vote counting scheduled for February 8.
SANAA, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's Houthi group said in a statement on Tuesday that it targeted a power plant in the southern Israeli port city of Eilat, using a "winged missile."

"The attack achieved its goal successfully," Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said in the statement aired by Houthi-run al-Masirah TV.

Also, Sarea said his group carried out another attack against Israel, targeting vital targets in Tel Aviv city with several bomb-laden drones.

He vowed that his group's attacks against Israel "will not stop until Israel stops war in Gaza and lifts its siege."

The attacks against the power station in Eilat and targets in Tel Aviv came a few hours after the Houthi group took responsibility for launching a ballistic rocket attack against the Israeli Defense Ministry.

Earlier in the day, Israeli media said the Houthi rocket attack was intercepted by the Israeli air defense system.

Since November 2023, the Houthis group has 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. 
Senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Sanjay Singh, on Tuesday, accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of politicising serious security issues in the national capital.

Reacting to BJP leader Sudhanshu Trivedis statements about the series of hoax bomb threats to schools in Delhi, the Rajya Sabha MP called out the saffron party for allegedly using the safety of children as a political tool while its own government at the Centre has failed to address concerns in the city.

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Addressing a press conference, he alleged that the information that even the police couldnt provide is being communicated by the BJP leader. When the police remain silent, Anurag Thakur speaks. What the police dont know, Smriti Irani seems to know. For example, they mentioned the name of one of our Dalit MLAs, Jai Bhagwan Upkar, saying that he received a notice, he added.

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Addressing the BJP, he said, You are trying to politically exploit the threats of bombs being given to schools attended by innocent children! The level of politics stooping to so low is disgraceful.

Pointing out that the first bomb threat took place in Delhi in May 2024, he wondered how months later, no action, evidence, or statements came from the police.

Now that the elections are drawing close the BJP leader is holding a press conference to narrate made-up stories citing NGOs and other references.
Delhi BJP President Virendra Sachdeva, accompanied by partys New Delhi MP Bansuri Swaraj and senior party leader Om Pathak, on Tuesday, visited the Election Commission with a complaint that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is tyring to manipulate the Delhi mandate ahead of the assembly elections.

They submitted some documents at the Election Commission office in support of their allegation.

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The Delhi BJP accused the AAP of attempting to strike off names of Purvanchal people from the voter list and extending undue support to specific groups and thereby trying to influence the assembly elections.

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After meeting the election commissioners, Sachdeva informed the media that they presented documents that reveal AAPs alleged attempts to manipulate Delhis mandate.

The BJP leader said, They (the AAP) aim to incite religious tensions and conspire to suppress the votes of the poor, labourers, and people from Purvanchal.

He further stated, The voter list was frozen on December 23 yet between December 23 and January 6  barely 12-13 days  applications for 5.01 lakh new voters were received in Delhi. Among these applicants, there are individuals aged 70 and 80 years. We have urged the Election Commission to investigate where these voters are coming from.

Sachdeva also raised concerns about discrepancies in the voter list. He said, Near the Valmiki Temple on Mandir Marg in New Delhi, there are 60 registered votes associated with a Dargah. We have requested an investigation into this. Additionally, we discovered 250 votes registered under a shelter home, which also needs scrutiny.

He accused the AAP of targeting employees working in the residences of MPs, who live in government quarters, by filing applications to delete their votes.

Sachdeva said his party demanded an inquiry into all these matters and action against those threatening Purvanchalis or members of the Valmiki community.
Congress candidate from Patparganj constituency seat Anil Chaudhary slammed Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), saying that Delhi got nothing from AAP except for pollution.

Delhi got nothing except for pollution from AAP. Today, children are suffocating from the pollution. Big schemes were announced but in ten years we have seen no difference between Narendra Modi and Arvind Kejriwal. the prediction of Kejriwal, Sisodia and Atishi losing the election on February 5 is right.. Chaudhary told ANI.

Hitting out at Arvind Kejriwal over his promises, Congress leader Mumtaz Patel said, The promises made by Arvind Kejriwal, including free electricity, free water among others were a trap. Today, nothing new has happened in Delhi but the conditions have not even been maintained. The people want Congress back..

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Congress candidate from the New Delhi assembly constituency Sandeep Dikshit accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of spreading rumour that the Congress was with BJP.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was spreading the rumour that Congress was with Bharatiya Janata Part (BJP) and BJP used to spread rumor that they were not attacking BJP. Rahul Gandhi has made it clear that if there is anyone standing with the people, it was Congress Dikshit said while speaking to ANI.

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Aam Aadmi Party National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Monday hit out at Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, saying that the Congress leaders fight is to save his party, whereas the former Delhi Chief Ministers fight is to save the country.

Kejriwal, while claiming that Rahul Gandhi abused him a lot added that he does not want to reply to his comments.

Today Rahul Gandhi came to Delhi. He abused me a lot. But I will not comment on his statements. His fight is to save Congress, my fight is to save the country, said the post by Kejriwal.

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.
The Special Cell of the Delhi Police has apprehended a 42-year-old fugitive gangster affiliated with the Hashim Baba gang. The suspect, wanted in a Maharashtra Control of Organized Crime Act (MCOCA) case along with seven other offenses, was arrested following a specific tip-off.

Identified as Asrar, the suspect was apprehended from Kasganj, Uttar Pradesh, with a pistol and bullets seized during the operation, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell), Amit Kaushik, confirmed.

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Kaushik stated that the arrested individual had a history of involvement in seven cases, including murder, attempted murder, extortion, riots, and violations of the Arms Act. He is believed to have entered the world of crime to make quick money.

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The Delhi Police continue their efforts to apprehend other gangsters and their associates involved in criminal activities across the city, Kaushik added.

In a separate case, the South West District police arrested a notorious criminal and seized a loaded single-shot pistol from his possession. The suspect was caught following specific intelligence about his plans to commit a crime.
As the battle for Delhi heats up, AAPs Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh on Tuesday hit out at the rival BJP for not announcing its chief ministerial candidate for the upcoming assembly polls, alleging internal discord within the party.

He took a dig at BJP MP Ramesh Bidhuri and claimed that he was under pressure to deny speculations about being considered for the top post.

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After Arvind Kejriwal openly challenged Bidhuri to a debate on their visions for Delhi, we learned from sources that his name was being considered as BJPs CM face. Bidhuri is a strong contender and has the qualities to become their CM. But as soon as this news surfaced, the BJP leaders started fighting among themselves, Singh said during a press conference here.

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Now Bidhuri is saying he is not the CM face. Then who is? Where is the BJP taking its baraat without a groom? This is dangerous. Elections will be over and Delhiites will still not know who the BJPs CM face is, he added.

Reiterating the AAPs position, he said, For us, Arvind Kejriwal is the clear CM face and his vision for Delhi speaks for itself.

The Rajya Sabha MP also accused BJP candidate Parvesh Verma of violating the model code of conduct (MCC) and called for the suspension of the district magistrate and the station house officer of Delhi Police to ensure a fair investigation.

He alleged that Verma distributed spectacles and money, breaching the MCC.

The Election Commission, Delhi Police, DM, and SHO are all too scared of the BJP to speak out. Despite evidence of violations, the DM and SHO claim there is no proof. The Election Commission needs to act impartially or the MCC will continue to be openly violated, Singh said.

On January 9, the Election Commission had directed the Chief Electoral Officer of Delhi to investigate AAPs complaint against Verma. The complaint alleged MCC violations and irregularities in the electoral roll of the New Delhi Assembly constituency.
The Election Commission (EC) organised a musical event, Voter Beats 2025, here on Tuesday to promote awareness in the electorate for the upcoming Assembly elections in Delhi.

The event was organised by the office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Delhi at Sunder Nursery. CEO R Alice Vaz graced the occasion.

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In her address, Vaz said such programmes are designed to motivate all voters to actively participate in elections and exercise their right to vote.

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Stating that young voters play a vital role in shaping the future of our democracy, the CEO said, Your vote is your voice. I urge young voters to come forward and participate in the electoral process. By casting their votes, young citizens can directly influence policy decisions and contribute to a stronger democratic system.

The musical event was aimed to celebrate democracy and inspire citizens, especially first-time and young voters, to actively participate in the democratic process.

Several other activities are being planned as a part of SystematicVoters Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) for public awareness and voter participation. A qawwali programme will be organised in Central Park in Connaught place on January 18.

The assembly elections in Delhi are scheduled to be held in a single phase on February 5. The counting of votes will take place on February 8.
In a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday accused the two parties of colluding against the people of Delhi and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). He claimed this Jugalbandi (partnership) would be exposed during the upcoming polls.

Kejriwals remarks followed a reaction from BJP leader Amit Malviya to his comments on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

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Addressing the media, Kejriwal said, I just made one comment about Rahul Gandhi, and the BJP reacted immediately. This shows how disturbed the BJP is. Perhaps, this Delhi election will expose the behind-the-scenes Jugalbandi that has been going on between the BJP and Congress for years.

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On Monday, Kejriwal had taken a dig at Gandhi over his address in North East Delhis Seelampur. He claimed that Gandhi criticized him but refrained from retaliating, stating, The Congress leader is fighting to save his party, while my fight is to save the nation.

Reacting to this, BJP leader Malviya posted on X, Worry about the country later; save your New Delhi seat for now.

Meanwhile, Gandhi, addressing a public gathering at Seelampur, criticized both the BJP and AAP. He alleged that neither party could address Delhis key issues, including pollution, poor road infrastructure, and other civic problems.

Kejriwal also issued a strong statement, asserting that Delhi is not for sale. He urged citizens to reject vote-buying tactics allegedly employed by the BJP and emphasized, A vote is more valuable than a diamond. He called on voters to resist any allure of cash or goods being distributed in desperation.

He further alleged that the BJPs Delhi unit had received large sums of cash and gold chains to influence voters, but its leaders were hoarding them for personal gain.

Kejriwal encouraged voters to prioritize their childrens future over short-term incentives. Vote for anyone you wish, but never for those who attempt to buy your vote, he added.

The AAP leader also criticized the BJP for lacking a clear narrative, vision, or a Chief Ministerial candidate. He alleged that the partys desperation was evident in its adoption of unethical practices to gain an advantage in the polls.
Actor Jaideep Ahlawat, known for his powerful performances in films and web series, is grieving the loss of his father, Dayanand Ahlawat.

Upon hearing the news, the actor immediately traveled to Delhi to be with his family, pausing promotions for the highly anticipated Paatal Lok 2.

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In an official statement, Jaideeps team shared the heartbreaking news, saying, We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Jaideep Ahlawats beloved father. He departed for his heavenly abode surrounded by family and love. Jaideep and his family request privacy during this difficult time as they cope with their profound loss. We thank you for your understanding and prayers.

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Dayanand Ahlawat, a retired teacher, played a pivotal role in shaping life and career of Jaideep as a father. The actor has often spoken fondly of his fathers unwavering support, particularly during his decision to pursue acting.

Recalling his journey to the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Jaideep once shared, When I told my parents about my dream of joining FTII, my father didnt hesitate. He simply said, Whats the worst that can happen? If it doesnt work out, he can always return to farming.

The bond between father and son was evident in a touching Fathers Day post Jaideep shared on Instagram a few years ago.

The post featured a photo of the duo dressed in matching white outfits, accompanied by a heartfelt caption in Haryanvi: I am your part, so I am just like you.

Jaideep humorously referred to himself as his fathers ditto copy.

The last rites for Dayanand Ahlawat will take place in the familys hometown in Haryana, as confirmed by the statement.

Jaideeps fans and colleagues from the film industry have expressed their condolences, offering prayers and support during this difficult time.
Trigger warning: Mention of rape, sexual assault, and disturbing content.

Fantasy author Neil Gaiman is facing a spree of sexual assault allegations after eight women accused him in a New York Magazine article titled There is No Safe Word. Eight women recount horrific experiences with the author accusing him of assault, coercion and abuse. One of them is Scarlett Pavlovich, who worked as a nanny for Gaiman and his ex-wife, Amanda Palmer.

The allegations first came to light in July. Tortoise Media broke the news that Gaiman was facing accusations of sexual assault by two women and released a six-part podcast, Master. It covered the allegations of five women. However, most of the women kept their identities hidden. Now, the issue has come to light to some extent following the New York Magazine article. In the piece, reporter Lila Shapiro spoke to eight women who had similar experiences with Gaiman, four of which also participated in Tortoises podcast.

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Pavlovich alleges that Gaiman assaulted her on multiple occasions. It started from the first day she began babysitting their 5-year-old child in 2022. She was 22 at the time. The spree of assaults began after the Good Omens writer assaulted her in the backyard pool of his New Zealand home. She recounted, He said, Call me master Be a good girl. Youre a good little girl. He continued to assault her and engage in degrading acts as well as BDSM activities. She accuses Gaiman of forcing oral and anal sex on her. When it was over, he called her slave and ordered her to clean him up. She protested that it wasnt hygienic. He said, Are you defying your master?

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Continuing, she claimed that Neil Gaiman had intercourse with her in a hotel room while his son was present. The alleged attack left her in a state of shock. Meanwhile, Gaiman has denied all allegations against him since the Tortoise podcast came out. He asserted that all relations were consensual.

As noted by Variety, representatives for Gaiman issued a statement to Tortoise podcast. They stated, Sexual degradation, bondage, domination, sadism and masochism may not be to everyones taste, but between consenting adults, BDSM is lawful.

Another accuser is Kendra Stout. She was 18 years old when she first met Gaiman at a book signing in Florida. Stout alleges that he raped her during a trip to the Cornish countryside in 2007. This happened even after she repeatedly told him no due to having a bad UTI. Katherine Kendall was 22 when she first met Gaiman in 2012. She accuses Gaiman of attempting to assault her on his tour bus. As per New York Magazine, he gave her $60,000 for therapy to make up for the damage.

As per the NY Mag article, several women have accused Neil Gaiman of forcing them during several instances. They allege that consent and certain BDSM activities werent discussed beforehand.

Also Read: Animator slaps Disney with $10B plagiarism lawsuit over Moana

Since the podcast, the allegations against the once-celebrated author have continued to mount. The impact is visible on his professional life. Several TV adaptations of his work, including The Graveyard Book, The Sandman, and the S3 of Good Omens, have been cancelled or restricted.

Moreover, author JK Rowling has also weighed in on the case. She calls out the literary communitys silence over the allegations likening it to Harvey Weinsteins case. Taking to X, she penned, The literary crowd that had a hell of a lot to say about Harvey Weinstein before he was convicted has been strangely muted in its response to multiple accusations against Neil Gaiman from young women whod never met, yet  as with Weinstein  tell remarkably similar stories.

The literary crowd that had a hell of a lot to say about Harvey Weinstein before he was convicted has been strangely muted in its response to multiple accusations against Neil Gaiman from young women whod never met, yet  as with Weinstein  tell remarkably similar stories.  J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) January 13, 2025
Former BJP minister and partys state vice president Dr Rajiv Saizal has said that the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh should bring a white paper on payments to Public Works Department contractors.

In a statement issued here on Tuesday, Saizal took a dig at PWD minister Vikramaditya Singh, saying that he should give a statement only after seeking information from his department as contractors are not getting payments for their work in the entire state.

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Accusing Singh of defending his government, he said that the minister is pretending falsely to save his government.

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If he (Singh) is that concerned, then he should table a white paper on this issue to bring the truth to the fore. Small contractors in the entire state are worried about their payment and are criticising the government publicly on various platforms, he said.

It would have been better if the PWD minister had focused on payment, rather than commenting on the leader of the opposition without any basis, he charged.

Payment to contractors in Himachal Pradesh has exceeded Rs 1,001 crore, he alleged.

Cornering the government, Saizal sought to know from the Deputy Chief Minister, who also holds the portfolio of the Transport Department, about the suicide of a driver of Himachal Road Transport Corporation, wherein he alleged harassment by the Regional Manager (RM) of Dharampur.

There should be a high-level investigation into this case, he demanded, claiming that the video of the incident was going viral on social media.

In this video, the driver accuses the Regional Manager of stopping his salary and firing him from his job. Sanjay, who was posted as a driver at the Dharampur depot, was originally a resident of Badah in the Kullu district.

It is being said that the driver committed suicide by consuming a poisonous substance, although it has not been ascertained where he consumed the poison, he asserted, adding that this case needs a fair investigation.
Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi (R) shakes hands with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen during their meeting in Amman, Jordan, on Jan. 14, 2025. (Photo by Mohammad Abu Ghosh/Xinhua)

AMMAN, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Tuesday emphasized the alignment of positions between Jordan and Denmark in supporting efforts to reach an agreement that would lead to a halt in the "aggression on Gaza."

He made the remarks in a joint press conference in Amman following a meeting with the Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, according to a statement by the ministry.

Current efforts should lead to an agreement that provides all needed to address the humanitarian disaster caused by the conflict, sending sufficient, practical, rapid, and immediate aid to Gaza, Safadi said.

The minister also emphasized the importance of ensuring the Palestinians' right to an independent state with sovereignty over the 1967 borders, including East Jerusalem as its capital, based on the two-state solution, he said.

The two ministers' talks also covered the situation in Syria and witnessed a consensus between the two sides on the necessity of supporting a comprehensive transitional process in Syria that leads to the rebuilding of a free, sovereign, and independent Syria where all Syrians can live in security, stability, and enjoy their full rights, said the statement.

Safadi emphasized that the threat posed by the Islamic State remains ongoing and that Jordan is coordinating and collaborating with the new Syrian administration to address the danger.

For his part, the Danish minister praised the deep, strong relations between Denmark and Jordan, expressing hope to coordinate with Jordan on regional issues.

"Jordan has been and remains a stable partner and a bastion of stability in the region," Rasmussen said, voicing support for Syria in its transitional process.

Rasmussen highlighted Denmark's call for a ceasefire in Gaza, expressing hope for a sustainable, immediate agreement that would facilitate increased access to humanitarian aid for the strip.

He stressed that the two-state solution is the only solution and the only path to sustainable peace in the region. 

Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi (R) and Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen attend a joint press conference in Amman, Jordan, on Jan. 14, 2025. (Photo by Mohammad Abu Ghosh/Xinhua)

Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi (R) and Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen attend a joint press conference in Amman, Jordan, on Jan. 14, 2025. (Photo by Mohammad Abu Ghosh/Xinhua)
On the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, Goraksha Peethadheeshwar and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, adhering to the sacred traditions of the Nath Panth, offered the holy khichdi (dish made of rice and lentils) of faith to Shivavtar, Mahayogi Gorakhnath, at the Gorakhnath Temple during the Brahma Muhurta at 4 am Tuesday.

On this auspicious occasion, he prayed to Baba Gorakhnath for the welfare of the people, a harmonious and prosperous life for all citizens, and the nations well-being.

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After the ritual offering, Chief Minister Adityanath extended heartfelt greetings and best wishes for Makar Sankranti to all citizens, sants, and devotees.

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Addressing the media, he described Makar Sankranti as a festival dedicated to expressing gratitude to the Sun God, the creator and sustainer of life. He said, This festival, deeply rooted in Indias Sanatan Dharma, is celebrated with immense devotion under various names nationwide.

The Chief Minister highlighted the cultural diversity in the celebration of Makar Sankranti, saying that people in the North, South, East, or West mark this day with unique traditions and rituals.

He added, It is celebrated as Bihu in Assam, Lohri in Punjab, Pongal in far South, Tilwa Sankranti in Bengal and Maharashtra, and Khichdi Sankranti in North India.

He emphasised that Makar Sankranti is a profound expression of joy, unity, and solidarity, embodying the spirit of togetherness and happiness within Indian society.

He also shared that in Uttar Pradesh, the day is marked by holy dips in sacred rivers and lakes, acts of charity, and other virtuous deeds.

Reflecting on his role, he said, It is my great fortune to have the opportunity to offer khichdi at the feet of Baba Gorakhnath at this revered place of worship.

The Chief Minister also took the opportunity to congratulate sants and devotees on the first Amrit Snan of the Prayagraj Mahakumbh. He remarked that while faith-filled khichdi is being offered at the sacred site of Lord Gorakhnaths penance, the grand Mahakumbh of the century has commenced at the confluence of the holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati in Prayagraj.

He noted that approximately two crore devotees took a holy dip at Prayagraj on Monday. In contrast, lakhs of devotees led by revered sants began their sacred bath during the Brahma Muhurta on Tuesday.

He further highlighted the participation of followers of Sanatan Dharma from across India and the globe. Many foreigners also are drawn to the spiritual essence of the Mahakumbh, he pointed out.

In conclusion, Chief Minister Adityanath emphasised that festivals like Makar Sankranti convey the message of unity and inspire people to uphold social harmony and preserve our traditions.

He urged everyone to keep pilgrimage sites clean and beautiful by avoiding single-use plastics and refraining from littering. He also acknowledged the efforts of the government, administration, and numerous voluntary organisations to ensure smooth arrangements for sants and devotees.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said that India has successfully taken its slogan of sabka saath, sabka vikas and sabka vishwas to the world. The world, he said, wants to understand Indias positioning and ideas.

Nations across the world think that having good ties with India is in their own interest, he said while addressing an Indian community event in Spain last night. Mr Jaishankar said every nation feels that this Bharat is a new Bharat. The Indian economy is at the fifth position and will reach the third spot in a few years.

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You all will remember, 10 years back, we were at 10th or 11th position. The world recognises the pace at which progress is happening in India today. So, first is positioning and second is capabilities. And the third is actually our ideas, that India is today seen as contributing to a global conversation, he added.

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The foreign minister recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Russia and Ukraine in 2024. India Under Mr Modi, Mr Jaishankar said, is able to speak to both Israel and Iran. The country is in a position to be a member of both Quad and BRICS.

So, this is something which is actually very, very unique. And it is unique because if you look at the world today, there are so many tensions in the world, war is also happening at two places. It is a very polarised world. So, in a polarised world, if there is a country, which we used to say in India, sabka saath, sabka vikas, sabka vishwas.

We are actually able to take it into the world as well and that is something which slowly, slowly other nations have started to understand and to value. But, it doesnt have to be only a conflict, he added. Mr Jaishaankar also spoke about the development taking place in India. He said the rate of change happening in India today is amazing and people living in the country have adjusted to the rate of change. Calling on people to see changes when they next visit India, he said, One reason I think today which I could see, they wanted to deal, understand in India, which was willing to do this. The second issue, as I told you, is the issue of strength. And the fact is today we are almost a $4 trillion economy. We are doubling at a faster and faster rate.

That is the progression. It is not automatic. But if you look at the changes today in India, I dont know how many of you go to India, how frequently. I would say at least in two years, everybody would have gone, three years. Highlighting the development of railway track and highways in India, Mr Jaishankar said that India plans to make 4,000 kilometers of new railway track every year. He said that 28 kilometers of highway is being built each day.

Speaking about the rise in the number of metros in India, he said, In many cities which some of you would be coming from, earlier we used to listen to the metro, now it is being built or it has already been built. The number of metros has grown from 6 in 2014 to 21 today, and we have a plan to take it to 60. 60 cities of India will have a metro. So, this is not the India which they normally hear about, read about, think about. This was not our image before.
On the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti, the Mahakumbh saw a remarkable confluence of faith and unity at the Sangam, where people from across the country and world gathered to take holy dip here on Tuesday. Chanting Jai Shri Ram, Har Har Gange, and Bam Bam Bhole, devotees from around the world united for the first Amrit Snan, showcasing a remarkable display of cultural unity beyond borders.

The first Amrit Snan witnessed an overwhelming spirit of unity, as people from diverse backgroundsIndian and foreign alikeparticipated in this sacred ritual. Foreign visitors, moved by the eternal culture of India, arrived with their families to bathe in the holy Ganga, their hearts brimming with reverence.

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On this historic day, the banks of the Sangam were packed to capacity, swarming with devotees. People from across India, including Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and foreign citizens, all immersed in the holy waters of the Ganga. The air was charged with energy as chants of Jai Shri Ram and Har Har Gange echoed, creating a divine atmosphere.

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This years Mahakumbh has been a grand and divine spectacle, further enhancing Indias cultural and spiritual heritage on the international stage. The first two days of the fair saw active participation from citizens from many countries, who were deeply moved by Indias ancient traditions.

Foreign visitors to the Mahakumbh shared their awe and admiration for the event. Jeff, an American citizen currently residing in Lisbon, Portugal, said, I am traveling through South India and came here via Varanasi. The energy here is very calm and peaceful. Everyone is friendly, and I feel like Im in a big temple. Im impressed by the orderliness and cleanlinessthere are dustbins every 15 meters.

An Iranian woman, who was part of a group of nine people visiting from different parts of the world, expressed her gratitude, saying, Were staying in a great tent colony. Its our first time here, and were excited to take a holy dip at 10 am. The Kumbh is well organized, and the experience is truly impressive.

Another American citizen, Paula, said in broken Hindi, Today is a very good day. Were fortunate to take a bath with the sadhus. Its an incredible experience, and we are grateful to have the opportunity to be here.
Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini met with a Japanese delegation on Tuesday to discuss various projects being set up in the state.

The Japanese delegation included Chairman Fumio Sashida, Kazunobu Miyake, General Manager of ATL, Guan Zemin, and Sumit. Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Arun Gupta and Adviser to the Foreign Cooperation Department Pawan Choudhary were also present during the meeting.

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The Chief Minister said that a Foreign Department has been established to attract and assist foreign investors. Many major companies are interested in setting up projects in Haryana.

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The government has provided robust infrastructure and connectivity, making regions like Gurugram and the NCR a hub for reputed companies looking to invest.

He emphasised that all necessary facilities for starting projects are now available under one roof, making Haryana the top choice for investors.

The Japanese delegation said that TDK, a renowned Japanese company, is setting up a huge plant in Sohna. This initiative will not only create job opportunities for the youth but will also contribute significantly to the states economic growth.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has come under fire from his rivals for heaping praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the inauguration of the strategic Sonamarg Tunnel in Kashmir.

The social media is abuzz with posts accusing Omar of changing his tone against Modi after the Assembly elections. However, there were also posts appreciating Omars non-confrontationist stance against Modi, which they said was in the interest of J&K.

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Modi visited the valley on Monday to inaugurate the tunnel on the Srinagar-Leh highway. During his speech after the inaugural ceremony, Omar said that the recent Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir were notable for the absence of complaints about irregularities or misuse of power. He credited PM Modi, his colleagues, and the Election Commission of India for this.

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Omar also praised Modi for implementing two of the three promises he made to the people of J&K during his Srinagar visit after winning the Lok Sabha polls for the third time. Omar urged the PM to fulfil the remaining promise of restoring J&Ks statehood.

Interestingly, Omars criticism for praising Modi has come from those political leaders who were earlier aligned with the BJP or were holding governmental positions in J&K with the support of the saffron party.

Mehbooba Mufti, whose PDP had formed a coalition government with the BJP in 2014, was critical of Omar praising Modi. She wrote on X; Difference between a shortsighted politician & a true statesman. In 2003 then BJP PM Vajpayee during his visit to Srinagar showed great faith in Mufti sahabs vision of peace with dignity even though PDP had a mere 16 MLAs. Today our CM despite 50 MLAs did everything to appease & normalise Delhis unilateral actions in August 2019 that cleaved & robbed J&K of its special status.

PDP MLA Waheed Para said, Omar Sahab used to criticise Prime Minister Modi, but everything has suddenly changed today We were hopeful that Omar Sahab would talk about the abrogation of Article 370, but he did not. People are disappointed by this Today, he talked about all those things that the BJP used to talk about. He did this just to impress the PM Omar Sahab wants to promote the narrative of the BJP in Jammu Kashmir He is playing the role the BJP wants him to play.

Peoples Conference chief Sajad Lone, who was a minister in the PDP-BJP government, posted a previous clip of Omar on X and said, This clip is a gift to all those who propagated his All others are BJP discourse.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said Jammu and Kashmir is incomplete without the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and lashed out at the Prime Minister of PoK, Chaudhry Anwarul Haq who recently called for jihad against India.

The Defence Minister, who was addressing the ninth Armed Forces Veterans in the border area of Tanda in Akhnoor, blamed Pakistan for trying to destabilise Jammu and Kashmir and further said that efforts are underway to minimise the distance between the hearts of the people of J&K and Delhi.

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J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha; Chief Minister Omar Abdullah; Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan; Northern Army Commander Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar; other senior civil and military officers; Director, War Wounded Foundation; Director, Directorate of Indian Army Veterans; veterans and representatives of various ex-servicemen organisations attended the event.

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PoK is nothing more than a foreign territory for Pakistan that is using its land to run the business of terrorism. Terrorist training camps are being run in PoK. Pakistan will have to destroy them otherwise, Rajnath Singh warned.

The people living in PoK are being deprived of a dignified life. Efforts are being made by Pakistan to mislead and provoke them against India in the name of religion. PoKs land is being used for terrorism. Training camps for terrorists are running and launch pads have been built in the areas adjacent to the border. The Indian government is well aware of the situation. Pakistan will have to put an end to its nefarious designs, he said.

The Defence Minister said that 2025 is the diamond jubilee year of the 1965 Indo-Pak war, and Indias victory was the result of the valour and sacrifice of the Armed Forces. Pakistan has lost every war it fought with India, whether it was the attack in 1948, the war of 1965, the war of 1971 or the Kargil war of 1999. Pakistan has been promoting illegal infiltration and terrorism since 1965 and has tried to influence the local population in J&K. But the people here have always rejected their intentions. Pakistan still resorts to terrorism. Even today, over 80 per cent of terrorists who come to India are from there. Terrorism would have ended in 1965 only, had the then government not turned the strategic advantages gained on the battlefield into disadvantages. The situation on ground has significantly improved since the abrogation of Article 370.

Mr Rajnath Singh reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modis mantra saying that efforts were being made by the government to reduce Dil ki duri and Delhi ki duri from Jammu and Kashmir. He also lauded Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for his efforts and asserted that the BJP government treats Delhi and Kashmir equally. Taking a dig at the Congress, Singh said, Kashmir was treated differently by previous governments as a result our brothers and sisters in the region could not get connected with Delhi as it should have been.

The Defence Minister hoisted a 108-foot national flag and inaugurated a heritage museum.

LG Manoj Sinha said soldiers protecting the borders are the guarantee of security and development of the nation. It is the collective responsibility of the society to take concrete measures for the welfare of soldiers and veterans.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that the alertness of soldiers was the reason people sleep freely during the night. You are the people who didnt bother for tomorrow, you have given sacrifices throughout your service, Omar said while referring to the services and sacrifices given by the Army veterans during their service.

Now it is our turn to take care of yours. if we sleep during night it is because of your alertness at line of control. We have a strong belief that you are taking good care of the borders, he added.
Launching Mission Mausam to make India a climate-smart nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday stressed the need to work with future requirements in mind, including developing warning systems for natural disasters like earthquakes.

He encouraged scientists, research scholars, and institutions like the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to work towards new breakthroughs.

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Speaking at the 150th Foundation Day celebrations of India Meteorological Department (IMD) at Bharat Mandapam here, the Prime Minister said meteorology is crucial for a countrys disaster management capabilities and added that to minimise the impact of natural disasters, the efficiency of meteorology must be maximised.

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Modi highlighted that India has consistently understood this importance and is now able to mitigate the effects of disasters that were once considered inevitable.

Recalling the devastation caused by the cyclonic storm in Kandla, Kutch in 1998, and the super cyclone in Odisha in 1999, which resulted in thousands of deaths, the Prime Minister said however, in recent years, despite numerous major cyclones and disasters, India has successfully minimised or eliminated loss of life in most cases.

He credited the significant role of the meteorological department in these successes. He noted that the integration of science and preparedness has also reduced economic losses worth billions of rupees, creating resilience in the economy and boosting investor confidence.

The Prime Minister launched Mission Mausam with the goal of making India a Weather-ready and Climate-smart nation. The Mission aims to achieve this by developing cutting-edge weather surveillance technologies and systems, implementing high-resolution atmospheric observations, next-generation radars and satellites, and high-performance computers.

It will also focus on improving the understanding of weather and climate processes, provide air quality data that will help strategize weather management and intervention in the long run.

Modi also released the IMD Vision-2047 document for weather resilience and climate change adaptation. It includes plans for weather forecasting, weather management, and climate change mitigation. Modi also unveiled a commemorative postage stamp and coin on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Modi said research and innovation in scientific institutions are part of the temperament of the new India, IMDs infrastructure and technology have expanded unprecedentedly in the last 10 years.

The Prime Minister announced the launch of Mission Mausam, symbolising Indias commitment to a sustainable future and future readiness, ensuring the country is prepared for all weather conditions and becoming a climate-smart nation.

We have launched Mission Mausam to make India a climate-smart nation, Mission Mausam is a symbol of Indias commitment towards sustainable future and future readiness, Modi said.

He said progress in science and its full utilisation are key to a countrys global image.

Modi highlighted that Indias meteorological advancements have strengthened its disaster management capacity, benefiting the entire world.

He noted that Indias Flash Flood Guidance system provides information to Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. He added that India as Vishwa Bandhu, always stood first to help other countries during natural calamities. This, he further added, has raised Indias global image. He commended IMD scientists for their significant contributions to this achievement.

Due to our meteorological advancement, our disaster management capacity has been built, the whole world is benefiting from this, our Flash Flood Guidance system is also providing information to Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, the Prime Minister said.

He said the 150 years of the IMD represent not just the journey of the department but also a proud journey of modern science and technology in India.

The Prime Minister said the progress of a countrys scientific institutions reflects its awareness of science.

Modi said research and innovation in scientific institutions are integral to New Indias temperament. Over the past decade, he added that IMDs infrastructure and technology have seen unprecedented expansion, with significant increases in the number of Doppler Weather Radars, Automatic Weather Stations, Runway Weather Monitoring Systems, and District-wise Rainfall Monitoring Stations, all of which have been upgraded.

The Prime Minister highlighted that meteorology in India benefits greatly from space and digital technology. He noted that India has two meteorological observatories in Antarctica, named Maitri and Bharati, and last year, supercomputers Ark and Arunika were introduced, enhancing IMDs reliability.
The new headquarters of the Congress party, Indira Gandhi Bhawan, named after the former prime minister, will be inaugurated by Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) Chairperson Sonia Gandhi at 9A, Kotla Road on Wednesday.

On the eve of inauguration of the new headquarters, the partys flag was lowered at its 24, Akbar Road headquarters. The building has been Congress headquarters for more than four decades.

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Earlier, Congress General Secretary, in-charge of Organisation, K C Venugopal informed that the CPP chairperson would inaugurate the new party headquarters in the presence of party chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi.

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He said senior leaders, including CWC members, CWC Permanent, and special invitees, CPP office bearers, AICC office bearers, CEC members, PCC chiefs, CLP leaders, MPs, as well as former CMs and former Union ministers, will be present on the occasion.

He said the new headquarters of the party is designed to meet the evolving needs of the party and its leaders, featuring modern facilities to support administrative, organisational, and strategic activities.

The Congress general secretary said the building reflects the Congress partys forward-looking vision while paying homage to its extraordinary past, which shaped the political and social fabric of India.
Extending his mission Save Constitution to Bihar, former president of the Congress Party Raul Gandhi will visit Patna on January 18. The Leader of Opposition will hold dialogue with representatives of various social organisations at the Bapu Sabhagar auditorium here.

Later he will also visit the party headquarters at Sadaqat Ashram, Patna, where he will meet party leaders and workers from across the state.

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Sharing details of the visit at a press conference here on Tuesday, state Congress Party president Akhilesh Prasad Singh said that the party has been making all efforts to make this visit successful.

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He said that party leaders as well as workers are quite excited for the visit which will be Rahul Gandhis maiden visit to Bihar after becoming Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha.

Singh said that Rahul Gandhis only aim is to save the Constitution of India, which has not given a future to the poor people of this country but also the right to dream, and it should not be snatched away from the hands of the people of India. He said, The Constitution is the voice of the people of India. Its protection is at the heart of the forthcoming Patna visit of Rahul Gandhi.

Bihar Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Shakeel Ahmad Khan said that Rahul Gandhi will hold dialogue with various social organisations at the auditorium. The meet will be represented by the poorest people of India, the workers, the farmers, the Dalits, the tribals, the backwards. These people have saved this Constitution and they will continue to struggle for the cause under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi.

He said that similar dialogues were organised in other states earlier. This dialogue will happen in a fixed format which was adopted at the previous events.

It is part of Rahul Gandhis dialogue being organised in various parts of the country. The struggle between Gandhian principles and Godse-ideology must be taken seriously, he said.

He said a meet and greet programme with party leaders and workers has been planned at Sadaqat Ashram for Mr Gandhi.
President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday said statistical research will play a greater role in monitoring environmental impacts and climate change as the country moves towards achieving inclusive and sustainable development.

She was talking to a group of Indian Statistical Service (ISS) probationers (2024 batch) which called on her at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.

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The research conducted by ISS officers to track indicators related to energy consumption and carbon emissions, can enable India to create data-driven strategies for sustainable development and environmental conservation. These strategies will further help India in meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), President Murmu said.

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She said that statistical tools and quantitative techniques play a significant role in effective governance by providing an empirical foundation for policy decisions.

Governments rely on national statistical systems to collect data on health, education, population size, and employment, among others, which form the basis for policy-making. Statistical analysis is a tool to bring in transparency and accountability in governance. Statistics is not only the backbone of efficient governance but also a tool for socio-economic development, she said.

The President said the government needs data to formulate, implement, and monitor policies as well as for policy review and impact assessment. The citizens need data for impartial understanding and assessment of government schemes and programmes.

The job of ISS officers requires high proficiency in statistical methods, which they would use to provide solutions to data and information needs of the country, she added.

She urged ISS officers to be sensitive towards the needs of common people, especially the poor and underprivileged, while collecting data. Every bit of data that they collect, will be processed, analysed and ultimately used for addressing the needs of the people and helping them achieve their dreams.

The research conducted by ISS officers to track indicators related to energy consumption and carbon emissions, can enable India to create data-driven strategies for sustainable development and environmental conservation. These strategies will further help India in meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
NAIROBI, Jan.14 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's tourism ministry said on Tuesday that it aims to attract about 200,000 travelers over the next five years by tapping into the adventure tourism market.

Rebecca Miano, cabinet secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, said the East African country has launched the Magical Kenya Mountain and Trail Series to diversify the sector away from beach and wildlife products.

"Through these initiatives, we seek not only to attract more international visitors but also to promote local tourism and create economic opportunities for the communities involved," she said in a statement.

According to Miano, the Magical Kenya Mountain and Trail Series encompasses a diverse range of activities, including hiking, biking, cultural immersions, and farm tours across five counties of Laikipia, Elgeyo Marakwet, Uasin Gishu, Baringo, and Nandi.

June Chepkemei, chief executive officer (CEO) of the state-owned Kenya Tourism Board, said adventure tourism will allow visitors to discover hidden gems by traversing unique terrains and immersing themselves in the rich and diverse cultures of the participating counties.

Chepkemei noted that adventure tourism is also expected to enable Kenya to develop new tourism pathways by improving its tourism sector beyond the 2.4 million international visitors and 350 billion Kenyan shillings (about 2.7 billion U.S. dollars) in revenue generated in 2024.

She said the tourism sector remains one of the key pillars of the country's economy as well as a key source of foreign exchange earnings alongside tea, horticulture, and diaspora remittances.

Kenya anticipates hosting more adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers, both local and international, who are keen to celebrate Kenya's beauty through hiking, biking, farm tours, and tea and coffee tastings, the CEO added. 
Two recent reports emerging in the American media are intended to lower Indias image at a time when there is a government change in the US. The first was an article stating that India was scheming with politicians of Maldives to have the current proChina President, Mohamad Muizzu, removed from power. The intent was to hit Indias standing in the region by highlighting its Big Brother reputation of interfering in internal affairs of neighbouring countries where current governments are not to its liking.

The report was denied by the foreign minister of Maldives, Dr Abdulla Khaleel, during his India visit as also by the MEA. In an interview to an Indian channel, Khaleel mentioned, The claims are totally untrue, Im not sure from where they got the evidence to base it on. But its totally untrue. The MEA spokesperson commented, Both the newspaper and the reporter in question appear to nurse a compulsive hostility towards India. You can see a pattern in their activities. Soon after the publication of the report, the Maldivian defence minister also visited India to revive defence ties, frozen after the withdrawal of Indias military personnel manning helicopters and aircraft gifted to the Maldives. The meeting was positive. In its independent analysis, an Indian newspaper, quoting senior Indian intelligence officials, wrote Rogue, but influential officials in the US State Department, closely associated with those pressure and lobbying groups identified as anti-India, were behind the recent report.

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It added that these officials are unhappy with Indias growing assertiveness. The second was an article published on 31 December, accusing India of conducting targeted assassinations in Pakistan since 2021. The article mentions that Indias RAW utilizes services of local criminals in Pakistan or Afghan contractors, and payments are made through Dubaibased intermediaries or through informal banking networks. It claims to have examined six specific incidents. It again had no substantial backing to justify its claims. Pakistani media had a field day in joining the anti-India bandwagon. It gave the Pakistani government another opportunity to blame India.

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The articles were possibly also aimed at countering the narrative being pushed by Indian media that the US was behind the regime change in Bangladesh, aiming to impact Indias ties with Dhaka. Both the articles were coauthored by a known Indian critic. The timing of both reports, just prior to Donald Trump assuming the presidency, seems calculated to damage Indias global standing. This is not the first time US media has been critical of India. Despite India handling Covid 19 better than the US, it came under intense criticism. Throughout Indias elections last year, reputed American media houses, published pieces mentioning that these elections are anti-Muslim and the reelection of PM Modi would mean more violence against minorities. Some of these anti-India articles were also authored by Indians who despise the BJP. Evidently, the intent was to lower the image of the current ruling dispensation in Delhi as also influence Indias election process. However, it failed as Indians were uninfluenced.

Western media networks happily jumped on fake accusations being thrown towards India by Canada as also the Pannun case in the US. But not a single US media house mentioned the role of the deep state in the change of leadership in Bangladesh, while the world was aware of it. The US deep state wants to keep India under check while exploiting its growing distance from China as also its economic and military power in the Asia-Pacific. While US and India launch iCet to open doors for technology sharing and the US encourages companies to shift from China to India, it simultaneously, does not want India to be the sole beneficiary of the China Plus 1 policy.

Washington cannot permit New Delhi to become a challenge in the years ahead as China is, while needing India to be more than just an ally. For the US, an India with an independent foreign policy, many times at loggerheads with the views of Washington is unacceptable. In the long term it would prefer a government which it can manipulate at will. In December, the BJP leadership, displaying independence from the government, began targeting the US deep state directly. It claimed that opposition parties were basing their accusations on articles funded by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project, an organization which is partially funded by the US state department. This led to the US spokesperson commenting negatively on the accusations. This was possibly the first time that the ruling party has targeted the US in this manner.

Anger was building against actions of the US government over a period of time. It was evident when the State Department invited members of Sikhs for Justice, a pro-Khalistan group, to the White House for discussions, coinciding with the visit of PM Modi to the US for the Quad summit. It is also known that the deep state was involved in supporting protests in India, which could have had a damaging impact on the nations economy and internal security. The link between the current US leadership and the anti-India lobby in the US gained impetus when George Soros, known to be anti-Modi, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Biden.

Many Trump backers also criticized the award, with Elon Musk mentioning, A travesty that Biden is giving Soros the Medal of Freedom. The US-based Media Research Centre in a report mentions that Soros funds more than 180 media outlets with ties to dozens more through secondary sources, boards and the like. It adds, Every month, reporters, writers and bloggers at the many outlets he funds easily reach more than 330 million people around the globe. Trump has on multiple occasions mentioned his intent to dismantle the deep state. This is easier said than done as the organization is deeply embedded within the US government. While he may not achieve his aim, he would be able to curb its actions to some extent. This implies that the deep state would not function as openly as before. However, the tirade against India would continue. (The writer is a retired Major-General of the Indian Army.)
The AfD when founded in 2013 had the reputation of being an old mans club dissatisfied with Angela Merkels fiscal and foreign policies. Its founding members were those who advocated disengagement from the European Union (EU) in stark contrast to Merkel championing the cause of greater European integration. The AfD protested at the Euro as the EUs sole currency and rejected the bailouts of EU member countries in the aftermath of the euro-zone debt crisis. Sixty0 fellow conservatives of Merkel voted against her proposal to support a bailout for Greece in 2015.

In the elections held that year, the AfD received a little over two million votes and no seats in the Bundestag. Merkels declaration on 31 August 2015 that Germany is a strong country. We have achieved so much ~ we can do it and throwing open Europes doors to an unknown number of refugees and migrants was at odds with her admission in 2010 of the failure of multiculturalism. The priorities of AfD shifted with these new initiatives. With a record number of migrants, more than one million entering Germany from Syria and Afghanistan which Merkel described as a humanitarian emergency, the AfD viewed it as invasion of foreigners.

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It became explicitly anti-Muslim as most of the migrants from Syria were Muslims. When Merkel stepped down in 2021, she was hailed for saving the European Union but many hold her responsible for having destabilized Germany and the politics of the continent. Gavin Mortimer points out that Merkel primarily is responsible for the resurgence of right wing and nationalist parties across Europe. The AfD ~ as well as Marine Le Pen, Geert Wilders and Giorgia Meloni ~ all owe a debt of gratitude to Angela Merkel. In 2016, the AfD demanded a ban on Islamic symbols of power in Germany which included full body veils, public call for worship and minarets. It was criticised as racist and Islamophobic. In the 2017 federal elections it secured the backing of six million Germans and 94 seats in the Bundestag and emerged as the third largest party, with the strongest support in the east and the south. The conservative alliance between the CDU and CSU lost 65 seats from 2013, the worst showing in seven decades.

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By 2024 the AfD began to rival the mainstream CDU and CSU and SPD with regard to popular support but its power is circumscribed as a result of the refusal of the national parties to form coalitions with it. But the AfD have won their first state election. The scepticism of a united Europe, Brexit and the rise of Donald Trump have led to serious questioning about Germanys integrative policy that was followed since the Second World War. The AfD fears that Germany is losing its sovereignty and capacity for independent decision making and wants Germany to seek its rightful place in Europe and in the world. The quest is to carve out a policy pursued exclusively on national interest. The rise of AfD in Germany and similar ones in other nations of Europe indicate that the broadeners and Euro-sceptics are increasing their presence at the cost of Deepeners.

The EU as an economic powerhouse would continue but a United States of Europe is a distant dream. Prof. Klaus Hurrelmann, a renowned researcher on youth in Germany points out that the young feel the Social Democrats, Greens and Free Democrats have failed and voted for the AfD in Saxony and Thuringia. The young want a government that tackles and solves problems. Many teenagers and young adults are pessimistic about the future. They are worried about social decline, war, not being able to buy a home, climate, energy, education, unemployment, immigration, prosperity and peace. The decision to do away with nuclear energy is being questioned. Other than realistic use of coal, the young want rapprochement with Russia for cheaper gas supply.

They also want to check reallocation of industries like Volkswagen not only to streamline infrastructure costs but to reduce soaring energy costs. Hurrelmann also notes the rise of right-wing extremist, nationalist and authoritarian positions among the young. A noted historian, Christina Morina, stresses the roots to the four decades of the communist rule which provided a counter narrative to national socialism. The communist variant proclaimed an order to be truer and more representative of real people than democracy in the west. Western democracies are a sham perpetuating class rule protecting primarily the interests of the capitalists. To counter this imperfect democracy, participatory democracy in the Swiss model is advocated to bring back the people to the centre of political decision making.

This is rediscovering an illusory golden past as during Communist rule the entire system was over-centralized practicing a subject participatory culture in which local activities were under total control of a highly centralized and bureaucratised order. This was one important reason that when Gorbachev simultaneously initiated perestroika and glasnost, the system collapsed like a pack of cards. What has made this situation more complex is the economic slowdown created by overconfidence and refusal to change its course in a situation when Europe is facing an identity crisis and insecurity with Trumps return in the US and consolidation of right-wing forces in many Western democracies. It is ironic that the Anglosphere countries have proved to be more adaptable than Germany in moving towards accepting inevitable challenges coming from factors like AI.

In this background of an economic crisis leading to stagnation the political cleavage between western and eastern Germany is likely to widen rather than leading to the evolution of a common culture. However, Musk is exaggerating the importance of this phenomenon as it is still in the fringe and likely to remain confined to a small area of Germany and with a fear of a setback to the traditional stability of the country it is likely to be purely transitory rather than changing the entire political course. But the two cultures of Germany will continue to be a problem and in need of being addressed by accommodating its concerns.

SUSHILA RAMASWAMY and SUBRATA MUKHERJEE The writers are respectively retired Professors of Political Science, University of Delhi and Jesus and Mary College
This is women power at its best. A field that has been a preserve of males, agriculture and women have dominated the place with their achievements.

The model of organic farming with higher yields of indigenous varieties of rice and better marketability in the Nayagram block in the Jhargram district, some 200 kilometres from Kolkata, has now inspired its adjacent block, Gopiballavpur-1, to do the same.

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Geeta, one of the farmers and purchasing officers for Aamon FPC, said she had to fight for her rights to grow indigenous varieties of rice. But the movement has also given women like her a voice and an opportunity to be on their own.

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Aamon FPC stands for Aamon Mahila Chasi Producer Company, a farmer producer company (FPC) in West Bengal that is owned and operated by women farmers.

Pradan representatives held a meeting with us, after which we formed a group of 10 women. Before this, we had never moved out and remained confined to our homes. Initially, most of the women of the group were hesitant to come out, said Geeta.

Post 2017, after the Aamon movement started, she could see her life changing. That gave her confidence and to the other women who were reluctant to come out.

Some of the women from the group, who were confident and were better speakers, started working for this. We had to take permission from our elders at home. Pradan members helped us a lot. In my house, my brother and I till our land. Under me, there are around 250 farmers and sharecroppers from different GPs (gram panchayats). There are many women who are very poor and usually go to the forests to collect kendu leaves. We provided small lands and told them that they can grow turmeric, which is not labour intensive, said Geeta.

The women now grow different types of rice, nuts, etc., followed by groundnuts and then potatoes, bitter gourd, etc. The rest of the time they grow cucumbers, pumpkins, chillies, etc.

Professional Assistance for Development Action (PRADAN) members provided the women of Nayagram block with the Kerala Sundari variety of rice.

To grow them, we had to fight with our family members. They told us that we would spoil their land if we grew these indigenous varieties of rice. They would not allow us. We finally managed to extract the permission to grow 250 grammes of Kerala Sundari rice. We were asked to keep money as mortgage before we sowed the rice variety. We were even warned that if the rice did not grow in the land and if the farm was damaged, we would not be served food and not allowed to stay at home, recalls Geeta of her struggle in 2017.

But with the passage of years, the crop yield increased, which led them to find a place where they could sell the excess yield. They formed a cooperative to collectively sell the crop.

Earlier, we used to spend around Rs 5,000 on manure, but now we spend less than Rs 500 on manure, as most of it is organic, and we make it at home, such as neem leaves paste and cow dung.

All of us are happy that we could earn so much from our land. It is an achievement for us. Now others come to us for help. We are their guides, said another member of Aamon.

PRADAN has been working in Bengal for 14 years. They started with the basic needs of consumption and the motto of eat better..

Aniruddha Mukherjee, team coordinator of the Kharika Mathani team, PRADAN, said, When we went to the villages and had discussions with the community, they complained that the food cost is very high, the pest attacks drain them, and that leaves nothing as yield. So, our first step was to make them food-sufficient. Going organic is a challenge. We had to factor in the high-yield variety, hybrid variety, the F1 variety, etc. We were going against the norms.

Around 1 acre is the average landholding of the people in the area.

Kala bhat (black rice) was the first experiment. It has a good market, surveys revealed. PRADAN has been helping them with their expertise in both production and marketing.

In the past, the shops selling fertilisers prevented the villagers. When we moved in, we took into confidence the panchayat members. We asked them to try this first as they are elected representatives. Their good show motivated others, said Aniruddha.

Aamon FPC (farmer producer company): More than 5,000 people are growing the indigenous paddy at Nayagram block, and almost 3,000 women are in the FPC.

Last year, Aamon FPC did more than Rs 3 crore of turnover with mostly aromatic black rice paddy and brown rice paddy. The agriculture department is very much interested in our work. The central scheme, Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana, has also included us in their scheme. Now these landowners are also getting organic certification of their lands. This is an achievement, said Aniruddha.

Setting the success of Nayagram block, now Gopiballavpur-1 block has also invited Pradan. This model of higher consumption and higher marketing is also attractive for the stakeholders, said Aniruddha.

The government officials and other important guests who come to Nayagram are given this black rice. What is remarkable is that all this is done by women. These women are now being recognised at block and district-level meetings. The women started with paddy. Now the FPC has taken up turmeric. This is especially beneficial for small landholders.

Since 30 per cent of the area is covered by Sal forest, many women, who do not own land, are now preparing Sal leaf plates and selling them to South and West India. They are also growing cashews here. They are now getting a good price for cashews.

Aniruddha says another target for them is to let each family earn Rs 15,000 per year, and with PKVY there have been 50 vermicompost units created.

Around 131 women from ultra-poor families have involved themselves with these vermi units.
Al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas armed wing, claimed on Monday that it has killed more than 10 Israeli soldiers in the northern Gaza Strip during the past 72 hours.

After more than 100 days of the comprehensive destruction and genocide carried out by the Israeli army, our members are still dealing it harsh blows, Abu Obeida, the spokesperson for the Brigades, said on the social media platform Telegram.

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He stressed that the Israeli army, which has hidden the true extent of its losses, will withdraw from the northern Gaza Strip, and its only achievement is destruction, devastation and massacres against innocent people.

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Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on Monday that progress has been achieved in the talks held in Qatar on a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas that will secure the release of the hostages.

There is progress in the negotiations to release the hostages, Saar said during joint remarks alongside Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, who is on a trip to the region.

Israel very much wants to release the hostages and is working hard to reach a deal, Saar said.

One sticking point in the indirect negotiations has been the nature of the ceasefire. Hamas is demanding a permanent truce, while Israel seeks a temporary pause, maintaining the option to resume military operations if necessary for security reasons.

The talks in Doha aim to end the more than 15 months of deadly war between Israel and Hamas.

The Israeli delegation, led by Mossad chief David Barnea and Shin Bet domestic security agency head Ronen Bar, arrived in Doha on Saturday for discussions with US President-elect Donald Trumps Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff and Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Xinhua news agency reported.

Another Israeli officials also indicated on Monday that the negotiators have made substantial progress in talks in Qatar on a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal, though no agreement has been achieved yet.

It seems the direction is positive, the official said on condition of anonymity, adding that Israel had made concessions in pursuit of an agreement and was awaiting Hamas response.

Should both sides agree, the details of the deal could be finalized within days, the official said.

Meanwhile, an Israeli government official denied media reports according to which Qatar has submitted a final draft agreement to both Israel and Hamas, Israels state-owned Kan TV news reported.

The proposed deal reportedly includes three stages, during which Hamas will release the hostages in return for a ceasefire and the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli prisons.

Israel has been conducting a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on October 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and around 250 taken hostage. The Gaza-based health authorities reported Sunday that the Israeli strikes have killed at least 46,565 people.
South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol asked the government on Monday to provide support for efforts to contain wildfires in Los Angeles, in his second Facebook posting following his impeachment last month.

In the Facebook post, Yoon expressed condolences and regret as the devastating fires in Los Angeles continued to spread.

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If help is needed, I ask the government to provide support and do its utmost to prevent any damage to our compatriots, Yoon wrote.

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The United States is our precious ally that helped South Korea during its most difficult times, and Los Angeles is home to the largest number of compatriots in the world, he added.

Yoon extended his condolences and words of comfort to fire victims and sent his heartfelt sympathies to the people of the US, Yonhap news agency reported.

I sincerely hope that the wildfires are brought under control and the damage is swiftly repaired, he wrote.

It marked Yoons second Facebook message after he was impeached on December 14 over his short-lived martial law declaration, following a condolence message on December 29 regarding the deadly Jeju Air plane crash.

Meanwhile, the death toll from the ravaging wildfires in Los Angeles has risen to 24.

Wildfires continued to rage through Los Angeles County, marking a catastrophic Black Swan event of unprecedented scale in the history of the US most populous county.

Among the active fires, the Palisades Fire has burned through 19,978 acres (80.85 square km) with only six per cent containment as of Thursday night. Meanwhile, the Eaton Fire has scorched 13,690 acres (55.4 square km) and remains completely uncontained, Xinhua News Agency reported.

For residents like Michael, an accountant in Altadena where the Eaton Fire erupted, the devastation has been life-altering. He was evacuated just moments before his home was engulfed by flames.

Its like living through Armageddon, he said, choking back tears. Weve lost everything.

According to Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, the wildfires, which began Tuesday night, rank among the countys most destructive natural disasters. Over 10,000 buildings have been destroyed so far, primarily due to the Palisades and Eaton fires.
Japan on Monday evening warned of a possible tsunami following an earthquake of around 6.9 magnitude, that struck the southwestern region of the country.

The 9:19 pm quake measured a lower 5 on the Japanese seismic scale of 7 in part of Miyazaki Prefecture, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.

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Subsequently, a tsunami advisory was issued for Miyazaki and Kochi prefectures by the weather agency.

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The quakes epicentre was at a depth of 30 km in the Hyuganada Sea. Immediately following the quake, the agency issued a tsunami advisory for the coasts of Miyazaki and Kochi prefectures. Waves of 1 metre are being forecast. People in the vicinity are urged to stay away from the coast and seek higher ground, reported Japan Times.

Meanwhile, Chinas Xinhua news agency reported that a 5.0-magnitude earthquake jolted Dingri County in Xigaze of Xizang Autonomous Region at 8:58 pm Monday (Beijing Time).

According to the China Earthquake Networks Centre (CENC), the epicentre was monitored at 28.45 degrees north latitude and 87.52 degrees east longitude.

The quake struck at a depth of 10 km, said a report issued by the CENC.

A memorial service was also held Monday in remembrance of the victims of the 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Dingri County in the Tibet region, last week.

At 9:30 am, sirens resonated throughout Chamco Township, where the event was held. A giant board, with white Mandarin and Tibetan characters, reading deeply mourning the dead in the Dingri earthquake, stood in the township square.

Hundreds of people, including government officials, rescue workers and residents, took off their hats and stood in silence for three minutes in memory of the dead.

At resettlement sites, traditional Tibetan butter lamps flickered in some prefab houses, as people mourned their relatives and friends.

On January 7, the strong earthquake hit Dingri, home to the northern base camp of the worlds highest peak, Mount Qomolangma, claiming 126 lives.

Monday marked the seventh day after the quake, the most important day for observing Buddhist rituals for the dead.
NIAMEY, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Three individuals, including a village chief, were killed, and several others injured in a clash between farmers and herders through Sunday night to Monday morning in southern Niger, according to national television reports on Monday.

The confrontation occurred at 3 a.m. local time (0200 GMT) when herders reportedly invaded the fields with their livestock in a village in Amourzouk, Tanout department of the Zinder region in southern Niger.

The violent clash, which involved the use of arrows, sabers and machetes, left three dead and five others injured with three of them currently in a coma at the Tanout district hospital.

Colonel Issoufou Labo, the outgoing governor of the region, came to the site to assess the situation and extend his condolences to the bereaved families.

Three individuals have been arrested as part of the ongoing investigation. 
Terming the draft regulations of the University Grants Commission (UGC) for the appointment of teachers and other academic staff in universities and colleges as draconian and anti-Constitution, the Congress on Tuesday demanded their withdrawal with immediate effect.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has recently published the draft UGC (Minimum Qualifications for Appointment and Promotion of Teachers and Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and Measures for the Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education) Regulations, 2025.  Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) January 14, 2025

The UGC recently published the draft UGC (Minimum Qualifications for Appointment and Promotion of Teachers and Academic Staff in Universities and Colleges and Measures for the Maintenance of Standards in Higher Education) Regulations, 2025, proposing a major overhaul in the recruitment of assistant professors and vice-chancellors.

"Among its many disastrous ideas include the following -- Removal of the 10 per cent ceiling on contractual professorships, opening the gates for the large-scale contractualisation of teaching in higher education. This is going to destroy the quality of our institutions and the spirit of academic independence," Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said in a post on X.

He alleged that the new rules propose to withdraw all powers of the state government in appointing vice chancellors to state universities and gives the Union government unilateral power in this regard. He noted that generally the university chancellors are governors who were appointed by the Centre.

The rules have also been amended to allow non-academics to be nominated vice chancellors, a move that is fully intended to enable the appointment of RSS apparatchiks in positions of power over academia, he further said.

Ramesh said M.C. Sudhakar, the Karnataka higher education minister, has already written to the Union Minister for Education against these rules.

The Congress rejects them (the new rules) and calls for an immediate withdrawal of them, he added.

Earlier, Congress president Mallikarjuin Kharge had alleged that the government's education policy is aimed at controlling universities, throttling autonomous institutes and imposing RSS ideology on public education.

"The BJP-RSS is continuously attacking higher education in India. Narendra Modi ji, you do blow your own trumpet with 'Pariksha pe charcha' and 'Exam warriors', but the National Talent Search Examination Scholarship (NTSE) has been discontinued for three years, as revealed by newspapers," he had said.

The Centre, meanwhile, hits back, saying the opposition party was "selling lies" about the draft recruitment norms.

"The selection committee structure of UGC Regulations 2025 is actually the format of UGC Regulations 2010. In this, a selection committee has been formed for the appointment of teachers and other academic staff and to maintain high standards," Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said.

"The Congress can never accept that the youth of the country should be educated and the country should develop. That is why spreading confusion on issues like education, misleading the youth and wanting to spread unrest in the country has become the policy of the entire Congress party, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge," he alleged.
NAIROBI, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- African countries should accelerate policy and legislative reforms aimed at fostering cross-border trade in manufactured goods and services, unlock growth and new jobs for the continent's youth, Kenyan business leaders said Tuesday.

Currently, intra-African trade stands at 14 percent, but plans are underway to grow it to 52 percent by 2035, injecting an additional 450 billion U.S. dollars into the continent's economies, said Ahmed Farah, the chief executive officer of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), a trade lobby.

Farah spoke during the announcement of the upcoming World Chamber Forum-Africa Global Summit 2025 to be held in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, from April 9 to 11.

Over 4,500 delegates from 70 countries including heads of State and government, policymakers, industry executives, innovators, and entrepreneurs are expected to attend the three-day event, Farah said.

The inaugural Africa Global Summit will bring on board over 500 small and micro enterprises, and provide over 350 opportunities for business-to-business as well as business-to-government engagements, said Farah.

Farah predicted that the summit will showcase Kenya and the African continent as the next frontier for trade and investments especially in strategic sectors like agro-processing, mining, critical minerals, circular economy and clean energy.

He said with a combined gross domestic product of 3.4 trillion U.S. dollars, Africa could accelerate growth and unleash prosperity through the already established African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

"Africa should create platforms, initiatives, policies and advocacy for Africa to trade with Africa. The greatest beneficiaries are our future leaders, the youth who make up about 70 percent of our population," Farah said.

Africa's business and political leaders are united in their call for conducive policies to spur intra-African trade on value-added agricultural products, manufactured goods and tourism, said Erick Rutto, KNCCI president.

According to Rutto, Africa's share of global trade stands at 3 percent but has potential for growth through streamlined customs regulations, value addition and policy alignment.

He added that the green economy and digitization provide an opportunity for African startups to trade while sharing best practices that can propel their growth. 
Come Wednesday, Indian Navy's combat capabilities will see a major leap as three frontline naval combatantsINS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vaghsheerwill be commissioned into the force by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai.

The cutting-edge warships, INS Nilgiri and INS Surat are set to boost the the operational capabilities of the Navy, with former focusing on multi-role frigate capabilities while the latter serving as a versatile destroyer.

Here is a look at the capabilities of the two frontline warships.

INS Surat

The fourth and final ship of the Project 15B stealth destroyer class, Surat, the first AI-enabled warship in the Indian Navyconstructed entirely at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), Mumbaifeatures state-of-the-art sensors, radars, sonars, and electronic warfare systems.

The Project 15B destroyer, Surat, is the culmination of the follow-on class to the Kolkata-class (Project 15A) destroyers, featuring substantial improvements in design and capabilities. The warship is equipped with advanced sensors and weapon packages developed primarily in India or through strategic collaborations with leading global manufacturers.

ALSO READ: What makes Vaghsheer, recently delivered to Indian Navy by MDL, one of the deadliest submarines in the world

It can operate a wide range of helicopters, including Chetak, ALH, Sea King, and the newly inducted MH-60R, during both day and night operations.

INS Surat is powered by a Combined Gas and Gas (COGAG) propulsion system and can achieve speeds upto 30 knots and has an operational range of over 7,500 kilometers.

The first capital warship to be named after a city of Gujarat, INS Suratwhich has an indigenous content of 75 per centis set to offer a significant boost to the Indian Navys combat potential.

INS Nilgiri

INS Nilgiri, the first ship of the P17A Stealth Frigate Project, has been designed by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau and incorporates advanced features for enhanced survivability, seakeeping and stealth, reflecting the next generation of indigenous frigates.

The warship is equipped with advanced weaponry and systems, including eight BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and a vertical launch system for surface-to-air missiles, and 76mm gun and AK-630 close-in weapon system.

According to MDL, the warship is comparable to the finest ships of similar class anywhere in the world, and have all-round capability against enemy submarines, surface warship, anti-ship missiles, and fighter aircraft.

"Nilgiri is enabled to operate independently without supporting vessels, and also to function as the flagship of Naval task force," MDL said in a release.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh came down heavily on Pakistan, claiming that the neighbouring country is using Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) to "run the business of terrorism."

Reiterating that Jammu and Kashmir is incomplete without PoK, the defence minister noted that PoK is nothing more than a foreign territory for Pakistan. He was speaking at the 9th Armed Forces Veterans' Day event in Akhnoor of Jammu and Kashmir.

The minister lamented that the people living in PoK are deprived of dignified life and said efforts are being made by Pakistan to mislead and provoke them against India in the name of religion.

#WATCH | Delhi | Defence Minister Rajnath Singh leaves for J&K's Akhnoor to celebrate Veterans Day with the Ex-servicemen of the Armed Forces. pic.twitter.com/xkdvAvrTU9  ANI (@ANI) January 14, 2025

Singh asked Pakisan to destroy terrorist camps being run in Pakistan. Training camps for terrorists are running and launch pads have been built in the areas adjacent to the border. The Indian government is well aware of the situation. Pakistan will have to put an end to its nefarious designs.

His remarks appear to be a response to the recent claims of Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq who accused India of plotting terror activities in the region.

#WATCH | Akhnoor, Jammu and Kashmir: Speaking at the 9th Armed Forces Veterans' Day event, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh says, "...The war between India and Pakistan was fought in Akhnoor in 1965. India succeeded in thwarting the efforts of the Pakistani army...India has always pic.twitter.com/P4ounj68SL  ANI (@ANI) January 14, 2025

Pakistan has been promoting illegal infiltration and terrorism since 1965, Singh claimed, and said, "The war between India and Pakistan was fought in Akhnoor in 1965. India succeeded in thwarting the efforts of the Pakistani army...India has always defeated Pakistan in all the wars fought in history."

The defence minister noted that more than more than 80 per cent of the terrorists entering India are from Pakistan. "Cross-border terrorism would have ended in 1965 itself, but the then central government was unable to convert the tactical advantage gained in the war into a strategic advantage," he said.
The second of the two multi-purpose vessels (MPV), capable of towing ships, launching and recovering various targets, operating unmanned autonomous vehicles and acting as a trial platform for various indigenous weapons and sensors, was launched on Monday from Kattupalli Shipyard near Chennai.

The ship, named Utkarsh, meaning Superior in Conduct, is being built by L&T Shipbuilding Limited for the Indian Navy.

The 106 m long, 18.6m wide vessels, with a displacement over 3,750 tonnes, are designed to achieve a maximum speed of 15 knots. The vessel will enhance the maritime surveillance, patrolling, disaster relief capabilities of the Navy.

The launch of INS Utkarsh comes within three months of the launch of the first MPV, INS Samarthak.

ALSO READ: Advanced firepower for Indian Army: Nag Mk 2, the anti-tank fire-and-forget guided missile, ready for induction

"This endeavour is in line with Indian Navy efforts towards indigenous shipbuilding and the launch of this vessel by a private Indian shipyard showcases the countrys strides in indigenous shipbuilding, in consonance with the government of India's vision for 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Make in India' initiative," the defence ministry said in a statement.

The successful launch of the second MPV ahead of schedule underscores L&Ts unwavering commitment to bolster Indias national security. With our unmatched in-house design expertise and execution prowess, we are committed to providing cutting-edge defence platforms to support Indian Navys fleet expansion needs, "A.T. Ramchandani, Senior Vice President & Head - L&T Precision Engineering & Systems, said.

Utkarsh was launched by Sushmita Misra Singh, spouse of Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, who was present on the occasion, Vice Admiral B. Sivakumar, Controller Warship Production & Acquisition, Jayant Damodar Patil, Advisor to CMD and other senior officers from the Indian Navy.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday took potshots at Aam Aadmi Party supremo Arvind Kejriwal over the garbage and stench issue in the national capital.

Sharing a video of a dirty 'nullah' in Rithala, Gandhi wrote on X: "This is Kejriwal's 'shining' Delhi -- the Delhi like Paris!" He used the hashtag "#SaafKaroDilli" with his post.

Gandhi, the leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha, visited Rithala and celebrated Makar Sankranti with residents of the area.

The video shows Gandhi walking through piles of garbage as he shows its pitiful condition and lack of roads to the people accompanying him.

"See Delhi, the shining Delhi... Delhi like Paris. It is the same situation everywhere, Gandhi can be heard saying in the video.

The 70-member Delhi assembly goes to polls on February 5 and the results will be declared on February 8. Both the AAP and the Congressallies of the INDIA blocare going solo in the assembly elections, making it a triangular contest.

In the 2020 elections, AAP bagged 62 seats, leaving only eight seats to the BJP, while the Congress drew a blank. Kejriwals party is aiming at a straight third term while the BJP and the Congress hope for a strong comeback.

Gandhi hit the campaign trail on Monday, addressing a public meeting at Seelampur in northeast Delhi. Attacking both the AAP and the BJP, he alleged that Kejriwal was following Prime Minister Narendra Modis strategy of propaganda and false promises.

There was no difference between the two leaders as they promised more but didnt deliver, he said.
Long before the satellites, weather charts and radars, the ancient meteorologists turned to the sun, the stars and the shifting winds to identify weather patterns. Technology has, however, come in handy to mankind, with the ability to simplify complex tasks like weather prediction, in no time.

Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday celebrated 150 years of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) by launching Mission Mausam, an initiative to make India a climate-smart nation. Addressing the event at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, PM Modi pointed out the IMD's crucial role in serving millions of Indians while advancing Indias technological capabilities.

Before a disastrous cyclone struck Calcutta in 1864, meteorological stations in India operated from cities like Calcutta, Chennai and Mumbai. In 1875, the Indian government established the India Meteorological Department in Calcutta, bringing all meteorological work in the country under one umbrella. The headquarters later shifted to Shimla, then Pune and eventually to New Delhi.

The progress of a country's scientific institutions reflects its awareness of science, said PM Modi, further applauding the IMDs expansion, including the increase in number of Doppler weather radars, automatic weather stations (AWSs), runway weather monitoring systems, and district-wise rainfall monitoring stations, all of which have been upgraded.

Highlighting the departments future goals, the prime minister introduced the IMD Vision-2047 documentwhich lays down plans for weather forecasting, weather management and climate change mitigation in the country. He released a commemorative postage stamp and coin to honour the departments legacy.

Meteorology is crucial for a country's disaster management capabilities, Modi remarked, adding that to mitigate the impact of natural disasters, a country's meteorological mechanisms must be enhanced.

Recalling the devastation caused by the cyclonic storm in Kandla, Kutch in 1998, and the super cyclone in Odisha in 1999which resulted in thousands of casualtiesthe PM emphasised that despite numerous major cyclones and disasters occurring in recent years, India has successfully minimised or nullified the loss of life in most cases.

He also pressed that the integration of science and preparedness has also reduced economic losses worth billions of rupees.

Early Warning for All initiative now covers over 90 per cent of the population, PM Modi stated adding that only 10 per cent of farmers and livestock owners could receive weather-related advice around ten years ago, whereas the number has now increased to 50 per cent today. He also remarked that the demand for IMDs data will skyrocket in various sectors, industries and even in everyday life.
BRS leader KT Rama Rao, popularly referred to as KTR, was placed under house arrest on Tuesday, according to reports.

KTR, who is the son of former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao, has been facing Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) over financial irregularities regarding the funding of a Formula E car race.

Besides KTR, six other BRS leaders including Harish Rao and RS Praveen Kumar are also placed under house arrest, reported ANI.

On Tuesday, KTR's residence saw heavy police deployment. This came after BRS MLA Padi Koushik Reddy was arrested on Monday. The Telangana High Court on Tuesday rejected KTR's plea to quash the case.

#WATCH | Hyderabad, Telangana | Following the arrest of BRS MLA Padi Koushik Reddy yesterday, BRS MLA Harish Rao has been placed under house arrest by the police; heavy police deployment at his house in Kokapet, says the Bharat Rashtra Samithi party. pic.twitter.com/6CdTRTCF1n  ANI (@ANI) January 14, 2025

KTR, who has slammed the allegations as frivolous, said the officials questioned him for seven hours. He claimed that the sleuths did not have any evidence to prove the charges and kept repeating the same questions almost 80 times.

Calling it an abuse of the process of law, KTR said the ACB has "zero case". He said the Formula E car race was organised to ensure Hyderabad and Telangana are put on the world stage.

He alleged that the ACB is making a case out of the event just for the "sadistic pleasure" of Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and to suppress the voices that question the government.

KTR vowed to fight legally, saying the truth would come out and justice would prevail.

Besides the ACB's FIR, the Enforcement Directorate has also lodged Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR).
Thousands of pilgrims at the Gangasagar Mela are performing the holy dip in the Ganga River to mark the occasion of Makar Sankranti. The Gangasagar Mela is held at South 24 Parganas districts Sagar Islands where the Ganga River meets the Bay of Bengal.

Makar Sankranti, also known as Poush Sankranti, is the holiest day of Gangasagar Mela, which began on January 9 and will continue till January 17 this year. As a result, Makar Sankranti sees the most number of people visiting Gangasagar. After the punyasnan, devotees make their way to Kapil Muni Ashram to perform puja and make offerings at the temple there.

Gangasagar mela, at Sagar Island pic.twitter.com/fCh4Y4Insm  Abir Ghoshal (@abirghoshal) January 12, 2025

According to the West Bengal government, more than 55 lakh devotees have already visited this years Gangasagar Mela till Monday. Several lakh more are expected to visit the fair on Tuesday for punyasnan.

With the Maha Kumbh Mela also going on simultaneously at Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, the West Bengal government had anticipated a lower turnout at Gangasagar this year. However, the figures indicate that there could be a new record in this years attendance at Gangasagar.

In a joint press conference held by multiple ministers of West Bengal on Monday, Manas Bhunia, the minister of irrigation and waterways, said, We are very proud that everyone is praising [the organisation of Gangasagar Mela]. This is coordinated effort led by our chief minister Mamata Banerjee.

Every department is working in silence to ensure that visitors get the best experience and we will continue to work till the last day of the mela, Bhunia said.

Power Minister Aroop Biswas highlighted the growing scale of the event, citing increased electricity demand as evidence of rising attendance. He said, In 2011, the fairs electricity load was only 2 megawatts, supplied entirely by generators. This year, the load has risen to 47 megawatts, now sourced from the neighbouring grid.

To ensure the safety and security of the pilgrims, the government has deployed over 13,000 police personnel. Additionally, 44 watchtowers, 18 anti-crime patrolling teams, 50 foot-patrol teams, 18 missing person squads, two sniffer dogs, 28 river patrolling teams, and 23 coordination teams are working round-the-clock to maintain security throughout the fair, the ministers said.






Speaking at the ceremony for the inauguration of the Z-Morh Tunnel, Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari stated that his ministry was constructing four corridors in Jammu and Kashmir for Rs 5,000 crore.

"We are working on a mission to make J&K developed and prosperous so that industries are established here, tourism increases, employment opportunities are created for the youth, and poverty is eradicated. With that view, we are developing the infrastructure in J&K," Gadkari said.

Which are the upcoming four corridors?

The four corridors include the 250 km Jammu-Udhampur, which costs Rs 16,000 crore. This corridor, comprising 33 tunnels (15 completed and 18 under construction), will be completed in December 2025. It will reduce travel by 70 km, saving five hours of journey time, and enhance trade and tourism.

The second corridor, Jammu-Chennai-Anantnag, will cover 202 km and incur an investment of Rs 14,000 crore. It includes five tunnels that will cut the distance by 68 km, with completion expected by December 2025. This corridor aims to improve connectivity between Jammu and Anantnag.

The third corridor involves Surankote-Shopian-Baramulla-Uri, spanning 303 km at a cost of Rs 10,000 crore, set to be completed by 2027. This project connects key locations across south and north Kashmir and will be beneficial for the armed forces.

The fourth corridor, stretching 203 km, will connect Jammu-Akhnoor-Surankote-Poonch and will cost Rs 5,000 crore. A detailed project report is currently under consideration, with strategic importance for the border districts of Poonch and Rajouri.

Gadkari also mentioned the Kathua-Basohli-Bhaderwah-Doda corridor, a four-lane, 250 km project costing Rs 3,400 crore.

"People from Punjab will be able to travel directly from Kathua to Srinagar without having to go to Jammu once it is completed," he said.

Furthermore, the Srinagar ring road, being constructed for Rs 7,200 crore, is a 104 km four-lane road scheduled for completion by this year-end. "People going to Gurez, Baramulla, or Ladakh will not have to enter Srinagar once this project is completed," he added.

Strategic Importance

In addition to these corridors, the government is constructing the Zojila Tunnel, Asias highest, offering all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Ladakh. The project, costing Rs 6,800 crore, will reduce travel time by 3.5 hours and keep the route open year-round.

The Kathua-Basohli-Bhaderwah-Doda corridor and the Srinagar Ring Road will further bolster transport infrastructure. These projects promise to cut travel times, enhance regional trade, and strengthen the regions integration with the rest of India. By investing in infrastructure, the government seeks to unlock Jammu and Kashmirs economic potential, bridging gaps and fostering prosperity.
Is the Janata Dal Secular (JDS) in Karnataka heading for a split just like the Shiv Sena and the NCP in Maharashtra?

The regional party that is an ally of the NDA is sure stressed over holding its flock of 18 legislators together as the threat of an "Operation Hasta" (poaching of rival party legislators by the ruling Congress) looms large.

The Congress has a thumping majority in the Assembly with 135 seats. The ruling party wooing the JDS legislators might not make sense unless it is part of the strategy by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to establish his dominance in the Old Mysuru region as the tallest Vokkaliga leader.

Shivakumar, who led his party to victory last Assembly elections, is still waiting in the side wings to occupy the CM's chair. His recent interview to a national TV admitting there is indeed a power-sharing agreement between him and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was tactful and a desperate attempt to remind the party's high command of the "secret pact".

Shivakumar's shrewdness was once again on display during the winter session of the state legislature at Belagavi, where he recalled how he had forced S.M. Krishna to induct him into his cabinet. He also told the Assembly about his guru's advice to "snatch" whatever he truly deserved.

The BJP, reading into Shivakumar's statement, claims it is his warning to Siddaramaiah to vacate the CM's chair when it is time.

The Congress sweeping the Vokkaliga belt (the Old Mysuru region) in the Assembly polls is being attributed to the Vokkaliga votes shifting from the JDS to the Congress to see a fellow Vokkaliga become the chief minister. But the CM's post remained elusive as the party chose Siddaramaiah, a mass leader, as the chief minister for a second time.

This time, Shivakumar, who is fighting many battles within his own party and against other CM aspirants propped up by the Siddaramaiah faction, senses that his party chief's post is also no longer safe.

While Siddaramaiah enjoys the support of a majority of legislators, Shivakumar is struggling to increase his support base among the legislators, which is crucial for his transition as the next CM.

'Operation Hasta' can bring the much-needed support of Vokkaliga legislators which will help him emerge as a mass leader and give him better bargaining power within the party. Also, wooing two-thirds (12 legislators) from the JDS would help escape the anti-defection law and the need for by-polls too.

After Congress MLA C.P. Yogeshwar (who defeated NDA candidate Nikhil Kumaraswamy in Channapatna bypolls) claimed to "empty out" the JDS within a month if he is given the task by his party, the JDS is in firefighting mode.

Yogeshwar had claimed that the JDS legislators were disillusioned after the party joined hands with the BJP.

"JDS legislators see no future in the party and would want to join the Congress. There will be no JDS in the next Assembly elections as it would have been merged with the BJP," said Yogeshwar.

Recently, Congress MLA from Channagiri Shivaganga Basavaraj claimed 11-12 JDS legislators would soon join the Congress.

Industries minister M.B. Patil predicted that the JDS would be "non-existent" after Sankranti.

JDS MLA and chairman of coordination committee G.T. Devegowda's camaraderie with Siddaramaiah, an adversary of JDS patriarch H.D. Devegowda, and his open dissidence against Union minister and JDS state president H.D. Kumaraswamy have only added to the party's woes.

Kumaraswamy, who is too busy with his ministerial responsibilities is struggling to give time for party activities, which in turn has disappointed the cadres. The BJP-JDS alliance is also a cause of resentment among local leaders, who want the JDS to go it alone in the upcoming local body elections.

Kumaraswamy is in a dilemma over choosing his son Nikhil Kumaraswamy as the next state president fearing a backlash from the senior leaders. The family-centric party is still smarting from Nikhil's three consecutive losses in elections.

With former minister and Holenarsipur MLA H.D. Revanna and his sons Prajwal and Suraj facing criminal cases including kidnap and sexual assault, the party has lost its face among the voters too.

Sensing trouble, Devegowda and Kumaraswamy held a meeting with former and incumbent party legislators to take them into confidence and chalk out a strategy to stay relevant, widen the support base and contest the upcoming ZP and TP polls.

Kumaraswamy's breakfast meeting in Delhi with BJP MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi, a sworn enemy of Shivakumar, is hinting at a larger game plan to rein in the common enemy. Ramesh's brother and Congress leader Satish Jarkiholi, who is the PWD minister in the Siddaramaiah cabinet is a top contender for the KPCC president's post.

Devegowda, while speaking at the JDS party meeting last Sunday, said, "Congress believes the JDS will collapse if they manage to break Kumaraswamy. But what they don't realise is that there are lakhs of dedicated party workers standing firmly behind Kumaraswamy."

The former Prime Minister also assured the party leaders and workers that he would tour every district from March, stay in party workers' homes and carry out membership drives to strengthen the party.
The West Bengal Junior Doctors Front (WBJDF) held a press conference at Kolkata's IPGME&R Hospital on Tuesday to reiterate the longstanding concerns raised since the RG Kar protests. These concerns include the alleged existence of medical rackets supplying banned and substandard medicines to state government-run medical colleges and hospitals.

The recent use of expired Ringers Lactate saline on women at Midnapore Medical College has, according to the WBJDF, validated their claims. They called on the state government to take strict action against those involved in the alleged racket.

When we met Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, we said corruption isnt limited to RG Kar. Individuals like [former RG Kar principal] Sandip Ghosh and others [accused by the CBI] are present across the states medical facilities, said Dr Ashfaqullah Naiya, a prominent member of the WBJDF.

A woman, who had undergone a caesarean delivery, died on January 10 at Midnapore Medical College, allegedly after being administered Ringers Lactate saline produced by the banned Paschim Banga Pharmaceuticals Limited. Three other women fell critically ill and were transferred to the SKKM hospital via an emergency green corridor on Sunday.

Also read Usage of banned saline at state-run hospital sparks controversy in West Bengal

Midnapore Medical College and Hospital is one of the largest hospitals in both Medinipur districts. Yet it doesnt have a nephrology department and 24-hour blood testing facilities, the WBJDF doctors said, indicating that this defeats the state governments claim that West Bengals healthcare facilities are among the best in the country.

Speculations have also been made that errors by junior doctors during caesarean procedures could have worsened the conditions of new mothers. The WBJDF rebutted these claims, saying junior doctors cannot perform surgeries without senior supervision. The front accused the government of attempting to deflect blame for its failures onto junior doctors.

We were ensured that actions would be taken against corrupt people in the states medical sector. But nothing has been done. A visit to any state government hospitals would reveal the presence of banned medicines, said Dr Debashish Haider of RG Kar.

The state government had formed a 13-member expert committee to investigate the Midnapur hospital incident, which submitted its preliminary findings. Based on the report, the government decided to involve the CID for further investigation.

The investigation report will show everything from top to bottom, including who all were involved, whether someone at some level did not perform their job properly, West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Pant said.

#WATCH | Howrah: On the death of a pregnant woman at Midnapore Medical College and Hospital due to alleged medical negligence, West Bengal Chief Secretary Manoj Pant says, "The CID will investigate all aspects of the case. We will investigate it from all angles, as well as a pic.twitter.com/A68IUNiL3q  ANI (@ANI) January 13, 2025

Further the CID will investigate to find if there were any procedural lapses or violations of SOPs which resulted in the death. We are having an administrative and a CID enquiry to ensure that we dont miss any angle or aspect, he added.

The WBJDF members hoped for a thorough and fair investigation where a junior staff, including doctors and nurses, would not be made a scapegoat.
NAIROBI, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's horticulture export earnings declined in 2024 due to reduced shipments to key markets in Europe and Asia, a government official said Tuesday.

The East African nation earned 137 billion shillings (about 1.06 billion U.S. dollars) from horticulture exports in 2024, down from 1.21 billion dollars in 2023, said Kipronoh Ronoh Paul, principal secretary of the State Department for Agriculture in the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.

Speaking in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, Ronoh said the drop was due to a stronger Kenyan shilling, which made exports more expensive and dampened demand. He also noted the challenges stemming from insecurity in the Red Sea that forced horticulture exporters to use alternative routes.

"The change of export routes not only lengthened transit times for those highly perishable products but also increased airfreight costs," Ronoh said.

Kenya's main horticulture exports include vegetables, fruits and cut flowers. While vegetables account for the largest shipment volume, flowers, primarily sold in Europe, generate the bulk of the revenue.

Despite steady growth in recent years, Ronoh said that the industry faced significant hurdles in 2024, such as climate change, high production costs, pests and diseases, market competition, and stringent regulatory requirements in export markets, which negatively impacted the performance.

Okisegere Ojepat, chief executive officer of the Fresh Produce Consortium of Kenya, called for market diversification to mitigate reliance on traditional destinations in Europe, where shifting standards have limited Kenya's export opportunities.

"We need to embark on market and product diversification to reduce overdependence on a narrow range of products and destinations," Ojepat said. 
The Parliamentary Committee on Communications and Information Technology is expected to summon Meta officials after CEO Mark Zuckerberg said the NDA government lost the Lok Sabha elections because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

BJP MP Nishikant Dubey who chairs the panel said on Tuesday that he would send the summons to Meta, asking the company to apologise to the Parliament. Taking to X, Dubey said, "My committee will call Meta for this wrong information."

He said such misinformation tarnishes the image of the country, pointing out that the statement is alarming and shows he is interfering in the democracy of the country.

The CEO of Meta, Mark Zuckerberg has given a statement and shown that after Covid-19, an atmosphere has been created against the government where he has also mentioned India," the MP said.

Dubey said the parliamentary committee will meet from January 20 to 24.

The remark by Zuckerberg was made in the Joe Rogan Experience podcast. The Meta CEO said the reaction to Covid probably caused a loss of trust in several governments.

"And you know there are all these countries, India, just like a ton of countries, that had elections and the incumbents, basically lost every single one of them." he said.

Later, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw corrected Zuckerberg, pointing out that Indian voters reaffirmed their trust in the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Lok Sabha elections.

"Mr. Zuckerberg's claim that most incumbent governments, including India in 2024 elections, lost post-COVID is factually incorrect," he added.

Vaishnaw also said that the government provided free food to 800 million people, 2.2 billion free vaccines and aid to several other nations during Covid. He pointed out that PM Modi's third term is a testament to good governance and trust people put in the government.

"Meta, it's disappointing to see misinformation from Mr. Zuckerberg himself. Let's uphold facts and credibility," the minister added.






In a pivotal policy update on January 3, US President Joe Biden issued a National Security Memorandum (NSM) introducing updated guidance for the United States implementation of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR). This will allow the US greater flexibility in its approach for reviewing requests for MTCR Category I military missiles, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), and Space Launch Vehicle (SLV) systems.

Close on the heels of this update to the US missile export control policies, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan visited New Delhi from January 5 to 6, 2025 during which he expressed optimism about the future of US-India relations, highlighting cooperation in defense, technology, and clean energy.

On what was his final overseas trip as NSA, Sullivan announced that the United States is progressing with efforts to remove regulatory obstacles to a civil nuclear partnership with India. Sullivan emphasised the revised US missile export control policies which are aimed at enhancing India-US commercial space collaboration and removing certain Indian nuclear entities from the list. This announcement signifies a major step forward in implementing a historic agreement that was established 16 years ago, paving the way for the construction of US nuclear power plants in India.

Speaking at an event jointly organised by the I-Hub Foundation for Cobotics and the Technology Innovation Hub of the Indian Institute of Technology on 6 January, Sullivan noted, "Although former President Bush and former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh laid out a vision of civil nuclear cooperation nearly 20 years ago, we have yet to fully realize it.

The 2005 Indo-US Civil Nuclear Agreement, which aimed to facilitate civil nuclear cooperation between the two countries and growth in Indias civil nuclear sector, took more than three years to come to fruition, involving amendments to US domestic law and securing a waiver by the Nuclear Suppliers Group( NSG).

However, significant insurance, technological and regulatory barriers have prevented tangible advancements in nuclear energy collaboration between India and the US. Firstly, Indias Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act of 2010, which imposes strict liability on nuclear plant operators and allows them to seek recourse against suppliers, has deterred foreign companies from investing in India's nuclear sector. It sparked concerns among foreign nuclear firms like GE-Hitachi and Westinghouse, that the open-ended nature of the law channels liability to equipment suppliers, and makes it difficult for foreign suppliers to obtain insurance coverage.

Secondly, in terms of reactor technologies, India's Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), contrasted with the globally prevalent Light Water Reactors (LWRs), means that there are differences in design, fuel, and operational protocols. This has created barriers to seamless collaboration and technology transfer between Indian and US nuclear industries.

Lastly, the US Atomic Energy Act's 10 CFR 810 regulation, which restricts the manufacturing or designing of nuclear equipment by US companies in foreign countries, has limited India's participation in the manufacturing value chain.

The Biden administrations decision to ease restrictions on civil nuclear cooperation between the US and India is expected to be finalised shortly.

The latest announcement implies that Indian entities, including the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC); Indira Gandhi Atomic Research Centre (IGCAR) and Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL), might be removed from US restricted list. Amid China's push for leadership in the SMR sector, Sullivan's visit to India aimed to bolster the innovation alliance through the US-India iCET initiative, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Joe Biden in May 2022 to forge greater collaboration between India and the US in areas of critical technologies such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, biotech, and defence innovation.

Expansion on the iCET could enable joint manufacturing of nuclear components for new Indian projects, crucial as India positions itself as a hub for small modular reactors (SMRs) with capacities ranging from 30MWe to 300MWe. During his speech, Sullivan was also critical of China's industrial strategies, highlighting the importance of resilient supply chains.

Heavily reliant on fossil fuel imports for its energy needs, investing in nuclear energy is essential for India's future. Going forward, the US easing of restrictions on civil nuclear cooperation, is a significant step towards operationalising the 2005 Indo-US nuclear deal and should see the opening of Indias nuclear power sector to collaboration, with private foreign partners through joint ventures to build and operate nuclear power plants.

Vaishali Basu Sharma is a security and economic affairs analyst.

The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK.
Israel and Hamas are in the "advanced stages" of the hostage and ceasefire negotiatons that could see the end of 15-month-long Gaza conflict, according to diplomats from Tel Aviv.

The truce deal is not finalised yet, according to the officials. The talks are progressing with mediators from Egypt, Qatar as well as the US Middle East envoys from the outgoing Joe Biden administration and the incoming Donald Trump administration.

Israeli officials said most of the 33 hostages who will be freed in the first phase of the ceasefire deal are alive. However, the exact number of casualties or the names of the deceased have not been revealed.

How Donald Trump's threats brought Hamas to table?

The Israeli diplomats said it was the threat from US president-elect Donald Trump that brought Hamas to the negotiation table.

Trump in December 2024 said "there will be ALL HELL TO PAY" if the militant group fails to release the hostages before his inauguration as president on January 20.

He went on to say that those responsible will be hit harder than anyone has been hit in the history of the US.

On January 7, Trump reiterated his statement, saying "all hell will break out in the Middle East" if the hostage deal does not take place before January 20.

The hostages include children, women, the sick, the elderly and a few female soldiers. Once the first phase comes into effect, Israel is expected to start negotiating on the next phase wherein male soldiers and men of military age will released.

At total of 94 hostages are in Hamas custody currently, as per estimates. At least 34 of them are confirmed dead.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's adviser Ophir Falk is in Doha to finalise the deal along with Mossad chief David Barnea, Shin Bet chief Ron Bar and IDF's hostage point man Major General Nitzan Alon.

Biden's Middle East envoy Brett McGurk as well as Trump's pick for US Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff are also at the table.
New Delhi, Jan 14 (PTI) Jaguar Land Rover and Tata Communications have strengthened their collaboration for connected car technologies, the companies said in a joint statement on Tuesday.

As part of the enhanced collaboration, Tata Communications will offer its MOVE platform to enhance JLR's connected vehicle ecosystem, transforming the driving experience for customers worldwide.

The partnership will empower JLR's next-generation software-defined vehicles with continuous connectivity and access to intelligent services even in the remotest locations across 120 countries, the auto maker said in a statement.

The latest tie-up is an extension of their existing partnership to future-proof the carmaker's digital transformation.

Leveraging the MOVE platform, JLR's upcoming medium-sized SUVs built on the new electric modular architecture (EMA) will seamlessly transition between mobile networks and operators, enabling non-stop access to personalised connected services, such as media streaming, it said.

The platform will also enable greater and more secure data exchange between JLR and its customers' vehicles, delivering more efficient Software Over-the-air (SOTA) updates and supporting the rollout of evolving Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), it added.

"The partnership with Tata Communications is the next step in our software-defined vehicle journey, offering highly secure and cost-effective data connectivity across 120 countries," JLR Director of Digital Product Platform Off-Board Mark Brogden stated.
New Delhi, Jan 14 (PTI) Fintech firm BharatPe expects its revenue to grow about 30 per cent in FY25, a year when it also aims to turn full-year EBITDA positive, as it eyes an IPO in 18-24 months, according to CEO Nalin Negi.

BharatPe is also paring its stake in Unity Small Finance Bank, and has roped in Rothschild to scout for potential buyers.

Negi told PTI in an interview that BharatPe is open to small acquisitions, and companies that "add value to a particular process" will fit the bill.

"There are lot of fintechs that started, some are doing well, some are not... some definitely have an edge but not the right funding or resources, we are looking at them as well," Negi said.

The company is looking at a 18-24 months timeframe for the IPO, depending on market conditions.

"We are there, we are talking to people...have we appointed anyone? No, not yet, but we are having conversations, even at management levels and internal discussions...it is the way to go for us," he said.

On whether the company has started working on pre-IPO checklist on governance, compliance and financial metrics, he said the financials are streamlined, and the company is fully focused on the control and governance aspects.

"We feel, yes, we are checking the boxes when it comes to processes, delivery of consistent numbers...we have done a lot of investment on our systems and processes in last 1-1.5 years...there is still some work to be done," he said.

Terming FY24 a "watershed" year for BharatPe on financials, Negi said the company achieved Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) profitability for the first time in October 2023.

"We are looking at a full-year EBITDA profitability in 2024-25, and that is what is going to happen for BharatPe," he said exuding confidence on the company's path to profitability.

The fintech startup has been sharply focused on the "building blocks for future" through sustained efforts, including launch of all-in-one devices, revamp of royalty rewards, consumer app, among others.

"I am hoping that in January, we will launch a co-branded credit card and before the end of financial year, we will also launch a credit line product, so while we are focused on growth and getting the profitability, we are also ensuring that new products and building blocks are in place, to help us grow in future," he said.

The growth rate of FY25 will be close to about 30 per cent (lower than FY24) while FY26 growth will be higher.

"This year, there we certain changes in regulations and we were also looking to build certain things, so we held back - judiciously - on some aspects...on some growth...now in January we are going back into the full growth mode...we will look at somewhere around 30 per cent growth in FY25, and we will be happy to beat that number," Negi said.

For FY24, BharatPe Group reported consistent growth across various business lines. The groups consolidated EBITDA loss before share-based payment expense reduced drastically by 75 per cent on a year-on-year basis to Rs 209 crore.

The consolidated revenue from operations grew by 39 per cent year-on-year to Rs 1,426 crore, and consolidated loss before tax reduced by 50 per cent YoY, from Rs 941 crore to Rs 474 crore. BharatPe saw its consolidated cash burn reduce by 85 per cent annually.
Singapore, Jan 14 (PTI) The recent monsoon surge affecting Singapore and the surrounding region is the longer and more intense one in recent years, the Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) said on Tuesday.

Channel News Asia reported that the surge, which began on Friday and only started to weaken on Monday, brought moderate to heavy showers with the occasional thunder.

A monsoon surge refers to strengthening winds over the South China Sea that cause extensive rain clouds to form over a surrounding region.

Inclement weather affected airline traffic at Changi Airport, one of the world's busiest civil aviation aircraft-managing hubs.

Ranked the top 5 busiest airports in the world in 2023 by Airports Council International World, Changi Airport links Singapore to around 160 cities globally, with about 100 airlines operating more than 6,900 flights weekly.

"On average, Singapore experiences between two and four monsoon surges each year, with each event lasting between one and five days," added the weatherman.

Changi recorded the highest total rainfall at 255.2mm from Friday to Saturday.

This amount is more than Singapore's average monthly rainfall of 222.4mm in January, national water agency PUB said.

Twelve flights were diverted from Changi Airport due to the monsoon surge and prolonged rain in Singapore.

The flights, operated by various airlines, were from destinations including Bangkok, Jakarta, Phuket and Shanghai, the Changi Airport Group (CAG) said.

Several Singapore Airlines (SIA) flights continue to be delayed or retimed due to the ongoing inclement weather in Singapore and the region.

This (inclement weather) is expected to continue through the weekend, said SIA on Sunday.

More than 50 Singapore Airlines flights over the two days (January 10-11) were delayed or retimed due to the inclement weather, The Straits Times quoted an SIA spokesman as saying.
Peshawar, Jan 14 (PTI) Security forces in Pakistan killed eight Talibani terrorists in two separate raids in restive Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, officials said Tuesday.

The two separate raids in Tank and Tirah Valley districts in the province took place between January 12-13, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the military.

The first intelligence-based operation took place in the Tank district. During the operation, the security forces "effectively engaged" the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan's (TTP)  Khwarij  location and resultantly six terrorists were killed, ISPR said.

'Khwarij' is a term the government uses for Pakistani Taliban.

In another encounter that took place in the general area of Tirah Valley, Khyber district, where the troops successfully killed two TTP militants.

Sanitisation operations, the ISPR mentioned, are being conducted to eliminate any other terrorists found in the area, as security forces remain determined to wipe out the menace of terrorism from the country.

The statement comes just a day after the Army revealed that it had eliminated as many as 27 terrorists during an IBO in Balochistan's Kacchi district.

The nation has been reeling under rising violent attacks since the Taliban rulers returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021, particularly in the bordering provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

The year 2024 turned out to be the deadliest for Pakistan's civil and military security forces in a decade with at least 685 fatalities and 444 terror attacks, according to CRSS Annual Security Report 2024" issued by the Centre for Security and Strategic Studies.

Equally alarming were the cumulative losses of civilians and security personnel, i.e., 1,612 fatalities, accounting for over 63 per cent of the total recorded this year, marking 73% more losses compared to 934 outlaws eliminated, The News reported citing CRSS report.

The overall fatalities recorded the previous year were a record 9-year high and over 66 per cent more than in 2023. On average, nearly seven people lost their lives daily, with November emerging as the deadliest month across all metrics, compared to all other months of the year.

In 2024, the country suffered 2,546 violence-linked fatalities and 2,267 injuries among civilians, security personnel and outlaws.

This tally of casualties stemmed from 1,166 incidents of terror attacks and counter-terror operations, marking a grim year for the countrys security landscape.
Rome, Jan 14 (AP) An introspective Pope Francis has divulged some of the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the secret 2013 conclave that elected him pope and the resistance he has encountered ever since, in his autobiography being released Tuesday that also doubles down on some of his more controversial decisions as pontiff.

Hope: The Autobiography was only supposed to be published after Francis' death. But at his own request, the book is hitting bookshelves now in more than 80 countries to coincide with the start of the church's Holy Year.

Its publishers say it's the first autobiography ever written by a sitting pope, though Francis has collaborated with plenty of other memoir-type books before, and much of his papacy and personal backstory are already well known.

But Hope does provide personal insights into how history's first Latin American pope interprets his childhood in Buenos Aires and how it has informed his priorities as pope. Drawn from conversations over six years with Italian journalist Carlo Musso, Hope offers Francis' own sometimes unflattering assessments of decisions he made or things he regrets  at least before he became pope.

It's almost confessional at times, an 88-year-old Jesuit performing the Ignatian examination of his conscience at the end of his life to identify things he said or did that he now realises could have been done better. Whether it's the time when he insisted that a schoolmate pay to repair a bike he had broken, or knocked another schoolmate nearly unconscious, he seems deeply ashamed of his younger self and says he still doesn't believe himself worthy of the papacy.

If I consider what is the greatest gift that I desire from the Lord, and have experienced, it is the gift of shame, he writes at one point.

Curiously, two periods of Bergoglio's past which have remained somewhat mysterious to outsiders are once again avoided in Hope. One concerns his stint in Cordoba, Argentina from 1990-1992. Francis has never really explained the internal Jesuit dynamics that resulted in him being exiled to work as a confessor at the Jesuit church more than a decade after he was provincial of the order in Argentina. The period is mentioned only in passing when Francis refers simply to the dark night at Cordoba.

The other period of unknown in Bergoglio's backstory concerns the time he spent in Germany doing research on the theologian Romano Guardini for a dissertation he never finished.

Also given short shrift was the impact of the clergy sexual abuse scandal, which convulsed his papacy for several years. The scandal exploded during Francis' 2018 trip to Chile and the pope mentions the scandal briefly in the book. But he spends far more time recalling a more heart-warming memory from the Chile trip, when he married a pair of flight attendants on board the papal plane during the flight to Iquique.

The second half of the book, focusing on the papacy, is far less self-critical and in fact is strident in defending his sometimes controversial decisions. It is here that Francis provides further details of his emotions as the votes started going his way on the second day of balloting during the March 2013 conclave that elected him pope.

Francis reveals that he was among those cardinals receiving stopgap votes in the first rounds, when cardinals toss out votes to see which way the balloting winds are heading. He says he wasn't keeping count in the early rounds but realized that his fate was sealed once he got 69 votes on the fourth ballot, out of the 77 needed for a two-thirds majority of the 115 cardinals.

The fifth ballot  the one that made him pope -- actually had to be done twice. An extra ballot paper got stuck to one that a cardinal had filled out, so that when the papers were counted there were 116 rather than 115. The papers were burned without having even been opened and a new fifth ballot called.

When my name was pronounced for the seventy-seventh time, there was a burst of applause, while the reading of the votes went on, he writes. I don't know exactly how many votes there were in the end, I was no longer listening, the noise covered the voice of the scrutineer.

One of the first things he did after the vote was to embrace Cardinal Angelo Scola, the archbishop of Milan who had been such a favourite going into the conclave that the Italian bishops conference had dummied up a press release announcing his election. He deserved that embrace, Francis writes.

Once in the sacristy, known as the Room of Tears, to be outfitted with the papal garb, Francis reveals that he had in his pocket his old episcopal ring which he used, suggesting that he had an intuition getting dressed in the morning that he would indeed be elected.

The red shoes? No, I have orthopedic shoes. I'm rather flat-footed, he writes of his sartorioal choices that night. Nor did he want the red velvet cape, known as a mozzetta, favored by his predecessor. They were not for me. Two days later they told me I would have to change my trousers, wear white ones. They made me laugh. I don't want to be an ice cream seller, I said. And I kept my own.

Those looking for current Vatican gossip in Hope will be somewhat disappointed, as Francis only fleetingly touches on the more controversial parts of his papacy. He is far more certain of his decisions made as pope, even doubling down on blasting traditionalist Catholic priests as rigid and mentally unstable.

This rigidity is often accompanied by elegant and costly tailoring, lace, fancy trimmings, rochets. Not a taste for tradition but clerical ostentation, he writes. These ways of dressing up sometimes conceal mental imbalance, emotional deviation, behavioral difficulties, a personal problem that may be exploited.

He writes that the reform of the Vatican bureaucracy, particularly the effort to impose international accounting and budgeting standards on its finances, have been the most difficult task of his papacy and one that generated the greatest resistance to change.

I have been summoned to a battle," he writes.

He strongly defends his decision to authorize a sweeping trial of 10 people, including a cardinal, accused of alleged financial misconduct related to an investment in a London property. The trial resulted in several convictions, but also cost the Holy See reputational harm, given questions about whether the defendants received a fair trial and Francis' own role in the saga.

The decisions that I made in that respect were not easy, I was sure there would be problems, but I also know that the truth must never be hidden and being opaque is always the worst choice, he writes.

After African bishops unanimously rejected his approval of gay blessings, Francis stands by his decision and insists that the blessing is for the people, not the relationship. Homosexuality is not a crime, he writes, repeating a statement he first made in a 2023 interview with The Associated Press. (AP)



AMS
Belagavi (Karnataka), Jan 14 (PTI) Karnataka Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar and her brother Channaraj Hattiholi were injured when the car they were travelling in crashed into a tree on the outskirts of Belagavi, police said on Tuesday.



The impact of the accident was mitigated by the airbags in the vehicle, which significantly reduced the severity of the injuries, they added.



According to the hospital treating them, the Minister and her MLC brother are out of danger.



"She has sustained minor injuries with mild fracture in the leg. She will be discharged in the next two days," it said.



The driver of the car and gunman too suffered minor injuries and were discharged after first aid.



The incident occurred when Hebbalkar was returning from Bengaluru after attending a marriage, the police said.



In a bid to avoid running over a dog, the driver swerved and lost control of the vehicle, following which it hit a tree, Belagavi Rural Superintendent of Police Bhimashankar Guled told reporters.





The car was badly damaged in this accident. The minister and others escaped as the airbags deployed on impact.
KABUL, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- A total of 40 Afghan inmates imprisoned in Pakistan have been set free and returned to their homeland Afghanistan, the country's Ministry for Refugees and Repatriation said in separate statements on Tuesday.

According to the ministry's statements, 19 detainees were imprisoned in Pakistan for two months to five years; after being released, they returned to Afghanistan on Monday. Meanwhile, 21 undocumented Afghans imprisoned in Pakistan have been set free and returned to their homeland on Sunday.

The ministry also said that 45 Afghan detainees had been released from Pakistani jails and returned home three days ago. 
Italy on Sunday released an Iranian citizen wanted by the U.S. over a drone attack in Jordan that killed three Americans a year ago, after the Italian justice minister asked a court to revoke his arrest.

Mohammad Abedini has already returned to Iran, Iranian state TV said on Sunday afternoon.

He was scheduled to appear at a Milan court on Wednesday in connection with his bid for house arrest pending extradition to the U.S.

Abedini was arrested on a U.S. warrant on Dec. 16, three days before Italian journalist Cecilia Sala was detained while on a reporting trip to Iran. Sala, who was believed held as a bargaining chip for Abedinis release, returned home last week, where her plight had dominated headlines.

The U.S. Justice Department has accused Abedini of supplying the drone technology to Iran that was used in a January 2024 attack on a U.S. outpost in Jordan that killed three American troops.

An official note on the case released by the Italian Justice Ministry on Sunday said that under Italy-U.S. extradition treaties, only crimes that are punishable according to the laws of both sides can lead to extradition, a condition which, based on the state of documents, cant be considered as existing.

The ministry said that the potential charge against Abedini  criminal association for violating the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, a U.S. federal law  did not correspond to any conduct recognized by Italian law as a crime.

Iranian state TV said the release and return of Abedini came after Irans foreign ministry pursued the case, as well as talks between Irans intelligence ministry and the Italian intelligence service.

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni described a diplomatic triangulation with Iran and the United States as being key to securing Salas release, confirming for the first time that Washingtons interests entered into the negotiations.

Salas release came after Meloni made a surprise trip to Florida to meet U.S. President-elect Donald Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate.

(AP)
Ryanair is calling on European authorities to limit the sale of alcoholic beverages at airports across the continent, as the Irish airline continues legal action against a passenger who it says caused a costly flight diversion last year.

The budget airline is seeking more than 15,000 euros ($15,324) in damages over the April 2024 incident. Ryanair alleges that this passengers inexcusable behaviour on a flight from Dublin to Lanzarote in Spains Canary Islands was so disruptive that it forced the aircraft to divert to Porto, Portugal for safety  where crew members and over 160 other passengers were later delayed overnight.

After announcing its civil suit against the passenger last week, Ryanair on Monday shared further information detailing the costs it incurred for excess fuel, lodging, legal fees and more as a result of this diversion. And the airline also suggested a drink limit for airports across the European Union.

It is time that EU authorities take action to limit the sale of alcohol at airports, Ryanair wrote in a statement. We fail to understand why passengers at airports are not limited to two alcoholic drinks (using their boarding pass in exactly the same way they limit duty-free sales), as this would result in safer and better passenger behaviour on board aircraft, and a safer travel experience for passengers and crews all over Europe.

Ryanair noted that it and other airlines already limit alcohol sales in-flight  but said that passengers can still consume excess alcohol at airports before boarding, particularly during flight delays, without similar restrictions.

Aviation agencies have long expressed concern with disruptive, in-flight incidents  particularly those that result in violence against others on board, verbal abuse, harassment or other health hazards like smoking.

Although still rare, reports of unruly passengers seen on planes have recently been on the rise. When reached for comment Monday, a spokesperson for European Union Aviation Safety Agency noted that, while the agency could not provide specifics, both the number and severity of incidents have increased in Europe since 2020.

Worldwide, the International Air Transport Association found that there was one disruptive incident for every 480 flights in 2023  the latest figures from the trade organization, which used data from more 24,500 reports and 50 operators worldwide. Thats up from one every 568 in 2022.

How many of those incidents involved alcohol was not immediately known. But, among efforts aimed at preventing in-flight disruptive behavior overall, the IATA and other aviation groups have previously underlined the importance of serving alcohol responsibly, not allowing travelers who are too intoxicated to board and participating in additional safety initiatives, like One Too Many in the U.K.

Meanwhile, in the U.S., the Federal Aviation Administration reported that it received 2,102 reports of unruly passenger incidents last year, resulting in $7.5 million in fines levied. That incident count is up 1% from 2023, but still far below a 2021 peak of 5,973.

(AP)
Lebanons new president has asked prominent diplomat and jurist Nawaf Salam to form the countrys new government after Salam was named prime minister by a large number of legislators Monday. The move apparently angered the Hezbollah group and its allies.

Salam is currently serving as the head of the International Court of Justice and his nomination was made by Western-backed groups as well as independents in the Lebanese parliament. Salam has the support of Saudi Arabia and Western countries as well. Hezbollah legislators abstained from naming any candidate for the prime ministers post.

Salams nomination is seen by many as a glimpse of hope after the 14-month Israel-Hezbollah war that caused destruction totaling hundreds of millions of dollars. The war stopped in late November when a U.S.-brokered 60-day truce went into effect.

Shortly after Salam won majority backing from legislators, some people celebrated in the streets of Beirut with fireworks amid hopes that his nomination and last weeks election of army commander Gen. Joseph Aoun as president would help release billions of dollars of investements and loans by foreign donors.

Salam will have a difficult mission ahead of him following the truce with Israel that caused widespread destruction in the Mediterranean nation and weakened the Iran-backed Hezbollah. He will also have to work on getting the small nation out of its historic five-year economic meltdown.

In past years, Hezbollah has repeatedly blocked Salam from becoming prime minister, casting him as a U.S.-backed candidate.

We will see their acts when it comes to forcing the occupiers to leave our country, bringing back prisoners, reconstruction and the implementation of the U.N. Security Council resolution that ended the Israel-Hezbollah war, the head of Hezbollahs parliamentary bloc, Mohammed Raad, said after meeting with Aoun.

Raad added that Hezbollah extended its hand last week by electing Aoun and they were hoping to meet an extended hand from the other side, but this hand was cut off.

Last weeks election of Aoun as president and Mondays nomination of Salam is likely to lead to a flow of funds from Western and oil-rich Arab nations to Lebanon to help in the reconstruction process. Tens of thousands of Lebanese have lost their savings since the countrys banking sector crashed as a result of the economic crisis.

Neither Aoun nor Salam are considered part of the countrys political class that is blamed for widespread corruption and mismanagement over the past decades that exploded in October 2019 into one of the worlds worst economic meltdowns in more than a century.

Lebanon has been run by a caretaker government for more than two years and Aoun was elected after a 26-month vacuum in the presidents post.

After a day of consultations between Aoun and legislators, Salam got the backing of 84 deputies, while outgoing Prime Minister Najib Mikati received nine votes. Thirty-four legislators from the 128-member legislature abstained.

Shortly after the results came out, Mikati called Salam to congratulate him and wish him luck with the new job.

Antoine Shoukeir, the presidencys director general, told reporters after the consultations that Salam now is prime minister-designate, adding that he is currently outside Lebanon and should be back in the coming hours. A meeting was scheduled for Tuesday at the presidential palace in Beiruts southeastern suburb of Baabda between Aoun, Salam and parliament Speaker Nabih Berri after which he will start the process of forming a new Cabinet.

It was not immediately clear whether Salam plans to resign as head of the ICJ.

My voice is for Nawaf Salam because my voice is for Lebanon and no one else, independent legislator Paula Yacoubian told journalists after meeting with Aoun.

Salam, 71, is a member of a prominent Sunni Muslim family from Beirut and his late paternal uncle, Saeb Salam, was one of the Lebanese leaders who fought for the countrys independence from France and later served several terms as Lebanons prime minister. Salams cousin, Tammam, also served as prime minister for two years starting in 2014.

Salam holds a doctorate in political science from Frances prestigious Sciences Po university as well as a doctorate in history from Frances Sorbonne University. He also has a Master of Laws degree from Harvard Law School. Salam has worked as a lecturer at several universities, including the American University of Beirut.

In 2007, he was named Lebanons ambassador to the United Nations, where he served for 10 years. In 2018, Salam was elected as a judge on the ICJ and in February last year he was elected as president of the court becoming the first Lebanese citizen to hold the post.

Salam is married to journalist Sahar Baasiri, who for many years was a columnist at Lebanons leading An-Nahar daily. Baasiri has been serving since 2018 as Lebanons ambassador to UNESCO.

(AP)
Russian forces are bypassing a key stronghold in eastern Ukraine that they have fought for months to capture and are focusing instead on cutting supply lines to it, a Ukrainian official said Monday.

Russian troops are going around the vital logistics hub of Pokrovsk, where a steadfast Ukrainian defense has kept them at bay, and are taking aim at a highway that leads from there to the central Ukraine city of Dnipro, Maj. Viktor Trehubov, a local Ukrainian army spokesperson, told The Associated Press.

That route is crucial for supplies feeding Ukrainian forces in the entire region. Cutting the highway traffic would also severely weaken Pokrovsk.

So far, they have not achieved their goal and (Ukrainian forces) are working to ensure that they do not achieve it in the future  just as they have not been successful in other attempts to bypass the city, Trehubov said in a WhatsApp message.

Ukraines army is under severe strain along parts of the approximately 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) front line, especially in the eastern Donetsk region where Pokrovsk is located.

After almost three years of war, Ukrainian units are depleted and are outnumbered by Russian forces. Though its battlefield progress has been slow and costly, momentum in the war is in Russias favor and its onslaught has gradually swallowed up towns and villages, especially in Donetsk. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed Monday its forces had seized the village of Pishchane.

In his daily video address to the nation late Sunday, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said fighting around Pokrovsk was the most intense in recent days.

In separate comments to local medida, Trehubov, the army spokesperson, speculated that Russias heavy losses of troops and armor in the Donetsk operation had prompted it to alter its strategy.

Now they are acting more cautiously, he said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is pressing his advantage ahead of U.S. President-elect Donald Trumps arrival in the White House next week. Trump says he wants to bring a swift end to the war, though he hasnt publicized details of his plans.

In 2022, Moscow illegally annexed the Donetsk and neighboring Luhansk regions, which make up the economically important Donbas industrial area, together with the southeastern provinces of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. But Russian forces dont fully control any of them.

(AP)
South Koreas spy agency told lawmakers on Monday that two North Korean soldiers who were captured by Ukrainian forces while fighting alongside Russian forces in Russias Kursk border region havent expressed a desire to seek asylum in South Korea.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said hes willing to hand over the soldiers to North Korea if the countrys authoritarian leader, Kim Jong Un, arranges for an exchange with Ukrainian prisoners of war in Russia. Zelenskyy said one of the North Korean soldiers wishes to stay in Ukraine while the other wants to return to his country, which was consistent with interview videos released by his government. If Kim Jong Un even remembers these citizens of his and is capable of organizing an exchange for our warriors being held in Russia, we are ready to transfer such soldiers. Undoubtedly there will be more POWs from North Korea, Zelenskyy said in an address late Sunday. He said in a separate posting on the social media platform X that there may be other options for North Korean prisoners who dont wish to go back.

In a closed-door briefing at South Koreas National Assembly, the National Intelligence Service confirmed its participation in the questioning of the North Korean soldiers by Ukrainian authorities. The agency said the soldiers havent expressed a request to resettle in South Korea, according to two lawmakers who attended the meeting.

The agency said it was willing to discuss the matter with Ukrainian authorities if the soldiers eventually do ask to go to South Korea. About 34,000 North Koreans have defected to capitalist rival South Korea to avoid economic hardship and political suppression at home, mostly since the late 1990s.

Koo Byoungsam, spokesperson of South Koreas Unification Ministry, which handles inter-Korean affairs, said facilitating the asylum of the North Korean soldiers would require legal reviews, including on international law, and consultations with related nations.

Theres nothing we can say at the current stage, Koo said.

Seoul says about 300 North Korean troops killed in combat

Seouls spy agency believes that about 300 North Korean soldiers have died and another 2,700 have been injured while fighting against Ukrainian forces, in what represents North Koreas first involvement in large-scale conflict since the 1950-53 Korean War.

The agency assessed that the North Koreans are struggling to adapt to drones and other elements of modern warfare. They are further disadvantaged by the crude tactics of their Russian commanders, who have thrown them in assault campaigns without providing rear-fire support, according to Lee Seong Kweun, a lawmaker who attended the agencys briefing.

The agency said memos found on dead North Korean soldiers indicated that they had been ordered to commit suicide before being captured, according to Lee. The agency said one North Korean soldier, facing the threat of being captured by Ukrainian forces, shouted General Kim Jong Un and tried to detonate a hand grenade before he was shot and killed.

Zelenskyy confirmed the capture of the North Korean soldiers on Saturday, 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 World War II.

Moscows counterattack has left Ukrainian forces outstretched and demoralized, killing and wounding thousands and retaking more than 40% of the 984 square kilometers (380 square miles) of Kursk that Ukraine had seized.

North Koreans struggle to adapt to Kursk terrain, modern warfare

Moon Seong Mook, a retired South Korean brigadier general, said the high death toll for North Korean soldiers was predictable, as they would not have been sufficiently prepared for an unfamiliar mission in the terrain of the Kursk region, which is vastly different from North Koreas mountainous landscape.

Another disadvantage for the North Koreans is that they are not conducting independent operations but are being thrust into combat under Russian commanders, possibly struggling with unfamiliar tactics and communication issues due to language barriers, said Moon, who has taken part in numerous military talks with North Korea. The North Korean forces could be operating special surveillance teams to arrest or execute attempted deserters, he said.

The current battlefield environment, combined with drones and other technologies, have created situations North Korean soldiers have never encountered before, Moon said. They are also being deployed in large numbers in wide-open fields, where there is no place to hide, in continuous battles to retake the area, and that seems to be where the casualties are coming from.

North Koreas decadeslong financial troubles, which have forced many soldiers to grow their own food or spend long hours deployed in construction and other work to sustain the national economy, could also have impacted the quality of training they receive at home, Moon said.

Still, there are concerns in Seoul that North Koreas participation in the Ukraine crisis poses a significant threat to South Korea, as North Korean forces may gain crucial combat experience and Russia may provide technology transfers that could enhance North Koreas nuclear-armed army.

(AP)
Chinas exports in December grew at a faster pace than expected, as factories rushed to fill orders to beat higher tariffs that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to impose once he takes office.

Exports rose 10.7% from a year earlier, according to official customs data released Monday. Economists had forecast they would grow about 7%. Imports rose 1% year-on-year. Analysts had expected them to shrink about 1.5%. With exports outpacing imports, Chinas trade surplus grew to $104.84 billion in December, and nearly $1 trillion for the year, at $992.2 billion.

Here are some highlights from the report.

Higher tariffs on the horizon

Trump has pledged to raise tariffs on Chinese goods and close some loopholes that exporters now use to sell their products more cheaply in the U.S. If enacted, his plans would likely raise prices in America and squeeze sales and profit margins for Chinese exporters.

Chinas exports are likely to remain strong in the near-term, said Zichun Huang of Capital Economics, as businesses try to front-run potentially higher tariffs.

Outbound shipments are likely to stay resilient in the near-term, supported by further gains in global market share thanks to a weak real effective exchange rate, she wrote in a note.

Chinese exports to the U.S. jumped 15.6% in December compared to the same time last year, while exports to the European Union jumped 8.8%. Outbound shipments to Southeast Asia grew almost 19%.

But exports will likely weaken later in the year if Trump follows through on his threat to impose tariffs, Huang said.

Record exports and total trade

Officials who briefed reporters in Beijing said the total value of Chinas imports and exports reached a record 43.85 trillion yuan (nearly $6 trillion), up 5% from a year earlier. China is the worlds largest exporter and the main trading partner of more than 150 countries and regions, said Wang Lingjun, the Customs Administrations deputy director general.

Chinas economy has slowed following the pandemic, partly because of job losses and a downturn in the housing industry, while exports have surged. Under leader Xi Jinping, the ruling Communist Party is promoting upgrading of factories and a shift to more high-tech manufacturing. The report Monday said Chinas export of mechanical and electrical products increased by almost 9% last year from a year earlier, with growth in exports of high-end equipment jumping more than 40%.

Exports of electric vehicles rose 13%, exports of 3D printers jumped almost 33% and shipments of industrial robots surged 45%. E-commerce trade, including sales by companies including Temu, Shein and Alibaba, registered 2.6 trillion yuan ($350 billion), more than twice the level in 2020.

What about imports?

China does not pursue a trade surplus and wants to increase its imports, the officials said. But while imports edged higher last year, they still lagged exports, partly due to lower prices for key commodities such as oil and iron ore.

Lagging imports also reflect weak demand as consumers and businesses cut back on spending.

Regarding this years imports, we believe that there is still a lot of room for growth. This is not only because my countrys market capacity is large, there are many levels, and it has huge potential, said Lv Daliang, a Customs Administration spokesperson.

China also is blocked from exporting and importing some products due to trade restrictions, Lv said, alluding to controls by the U.S. and some other countries on strategically sensitive exports to China, such as sales of advanced semiconductors and items that can be used for military purposes.

In addition, some countries politicize economic and trade issues, abuse export control measures, and unreasonably restrict the export of some products to China, otherwise we will import more, he said.

Where are all those exports going?

The officials emphasized Chinas efforts to expand trade with countries participating in its Belt and Road initiative to expand infrastructure construction and trade across much of the globe. Trade with those countries accounted for about half of Chinas total trade last year.

They noted that China has completely eliminated tariffs on imports from the worlds poorest countries.

But China also values trade with traditional markets like Europe and the United States, and two-way trade with the U.S. grew nearly 5% last year.

We imported agricultural products, energy products, medicines, and aircraft from the United States, and exported clothing, consumer electronics, and household appliances to the United States, achieving mutual benefit and win-win results, Wang said.

China and the overcapacity issue

U.S. officials and other critics say Beijing has pushed an expansion of exports to help make up for sluggish demand inside China as the economy has slowed. With factories in some industries operating well below capacity, they contend that the country has an overcapacity problem, while Chinese officials reject that contention.

Whether from the perspective of comparative advantage or global market demand, there is no so-called Chinas overcapacity problem. This problem is a pure false proposition, Wang said when asked about the issue.

China has made its industries more efficient through upgrading, investment and innovation supported by research and development, he said. We have ensured the stability of the global production and supply chain with our own complete manufacturing industry chain, and driven technological progress and industrial upgrading around the world.

Chinas trade figures for December comes ahead of its full-year and fourth-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) figures that are due on Friday. Beijing had a growth target of about 5% for 2024.

(AP)
An overwhelming majority of New York State residents support a proposed law to ban mask-wearing in public during protests, citing concerns about hate crimes and public safety, according to a new survey by Mercury Public Affairs for the #UnMaskHateNY civil rights coalition, the NY Post reported in an exclusive scoop.

The poll revealed that 75% of voters favor the mask ban, with broad support across demographics. Of 800 respondents, 68% emphasized the importance of balancing free speech with public safety, rejecting the notion that protestors engaging in hate or harassment should have anonymity. Only 23% supported unrestricted mask use.

The survey also highlighted growing concerns about safety. More than half of respondents (55%) feel less safe, including 58% of elderly voters and 60% of women. Alarmingly, 76% of Jewish voters and 67% of Black respondents expressed concerns about targeted discrimination.

The proposed mask ban follows a surge in antisemitic incidents linked to tensions surrounding the Gaza conflict. Proponents argue that reinstating a mask ban, similar to measures once used to unmask the Ku Klux Klan, would enhance public accountability. The bill includes exemptions for medical and religious purposes.

However, the New York Civil Liberties Union opposes the ban, arguing it could lead to biased enforcement and hinder political expression.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Two kosher establishments in the Toronto area were broken into and vandalized this week, with one defaced with antisemitic graffiti, law enforcement and Jewish advocacy groups reported.

On Friday, two suspects broke into La Briuts Markham location before dawn, causing significant damage and spray-painting hateful messages, the York Regional Police Hate Crime Prevention Unit confirmed. Graffiti included phrases such as Free Gaza and [expletive] Jews, as shown in photos released by the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center (FSWC) and Thornhill Member of Parliament Melissa Lantsman. York police are seeking public assistance in identifying the suspects.

On Monday night, La Briuts North York branch was also broken into, with its front door shattered and cash stolen. However, Toronto police said there were no signs of graffiti or antisemitic messaging at this location.

These appalling attacks are a stark reminder of the troubling rise in antisemitism in our society, said Jaime Kirzner-Roberts, FSWCs Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy. No one should have to live in fear or endure harassment because of their faith or identity.

MP Melissa Lantsman criticized the federal government for failing to curb rising antisemitism, noting that the graffiti demonstrated broader hostility toward Jewish people beyond geopolitical conflicts.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
By Qabil Ashirov



As a result of operational-search activities carried out by the State Security Service (SSS) of Azerbaijan, Georgian citizen Aslanov Aqil Goyc? oglu and Azerbaijani citizen Ismayilov Ceyhun Sahin oglu, who planned a terrorist act against a member of a religious community operating in Azerbaijan, were detained.

Azernews reports that Aqil Aslanov, who was involved in drug trafficking, met with employees of the special service of a third country through an acquaintance during his visit to that country in September 2024. These individuals showed Aqil Aslanov photographs of a member of a religious community in Azerbaijan and provided information about the individual, offering $200,000 for an assassination. By mutual agreement, Aqil Aslanov was initially instructed to collect and transfer necessary intelligence information about the community member and their workplace, for which he received an advance payment of $2,000.

Arriving in Baku to carry out the task, Aqil Aslanov, together with Ceyhun Ismayilov, whom he involved in criminal activities for material gain, gathered information about the religious community member. They sent the location details of the individual's residence and workplace to a representative of the foreign special service via a mobile phone application.

In connection with the incident, a criminal case is being investigated by the SSS under Articles 28, 214.2.1, 274, 276, and other articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and a court ordered the arrest of Aqil Aslanov and Ceyhun Ismayilov.
VIENTIANE, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Leaders of the Lao and Vietnamese governments and business representatives gathered in Lao capital Vientiane for the Laos-Vietnam Investment Cooperation Conference 2025 to strengthen ties between the two nations, Lao national TV reported on Tuesday.

The event was attended by Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone and Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

The Lao government prioritizes trade and investment as key components of its national development strategy to promote economic growth, increase state revenue, and drive socioeconomic progress, the report said.

Trade between Laos and Vietnam reached 1.94 billion U.S. dollars in the first 11 months of 2024, marking a 32.8 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023, it said.

The two sides urged all sectors to enhance cooperation in order to increase trade and investment, it added. 
South African authorities have come under intense scrutiny for their response after civic groups said hundreds of miners have been trapped deep in an abandoned gold mine for months, with more than 100 of them believed to have died of starvation or dehydration.

Authorities launched an operation in November to force out the men who were mining illegally at the closed Buffelsfontein Gold Mine by cutting off their food and water supplies from the surface. Police say the miners can come out but are refusing for fear of being arrested.

But groups representing the miners dispute that and say they are trapped up to 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) below the surface in one of the countrys deepest mines and a proper rescue operation should have started months ago.

One group says more than 100 have died and 500 others are still trapped, with many ill and starving.

How long have they been underground?

Its not clear exactly how long the miners have been underground near the town of Stilfontein, about 150 kilometers (93 miles) southwest of Johannesburg. But its certain they have been there since at least November, when police first tried to force them out. Some members of the local community say their relatives have been trapped for nearly six months, since July.

Illegal mining is common in parts of gold-rich South Africa where companies close down mines that are no longer profitable, leaving informal miners to illegally enter them to try and find leftover deposits. Large groups often go underground for months to maximize their profits, taking food, water, generators and other equipment with them, but also relying on others on the surface to send down more supplies.

What have authorities done?

Police tried to force the miners out last year by cutting of their supplies and dismantling ropes they used to climb down into the mine and a pulley system used for supplies. A Cabinet minister said the aim was to smoke them out and the government would not send help because they were criminals.

That tactic is now being fiercely criticized by rights groups. Some of them won a court case in December forcing police and provincial authorities to allow food, water and medicine to be sent down to the miners again. But they say the supplies are not enough for all those who are trapped.

Some miners have emerged in the last two months and been arrested. Police says that shows they can come out. But a spokesman for the Mining Affected Communities United in Action group, which is representing the miners and their families, said the miners who did escape undertook a treacherous days-long journey underground to a different shaft, and many are too weak to do that.

The police operation at Stilfontein last year was part of a countrywide crackdown on mining gangs known as zama zamas, or hustlers in the Zulu language, that have long been a problem in South Africa. The government estimates that there are about 6,000 abandoned mines and that close to $1 billion is lost annually in revenue due to illicit mining.

Whats happening now?

A community-led rescue effort began bringing survivors and bodies out of the Buffelsfontein mine on Friday, while authorities started an official rescue and recovery effort using a cage lowered into the mine.

More than 20 bodies have been recovered and more than 30 survivors have been brought out, police said.

But it could take weeks to rescue survivors and bring bodies out as the cage can fit less than 10 people. Authorities have also said no official rescue personnel will go down into the mine because it is extremely dangerous. A volunteer from the community who is familiar with the mine has been handling the cage as it is dropped deep underground.

(AP)
A bombshell report published by Ynet on Monday revealing serious allegations against liberal Supreme Court judge Yitzchak Amit has likely torpedoed his appointment as President of the Supreme Court, to the delight of Justice Minister Yariv Levin and other right-wing politicians.

According to the report, in recent years, Amit had been involved in several civil legal proceedings concerning an apartment co-owned by him and his brother in south Tel Aviv while using his previous name, Yitzchak Goldfreind, without reporting it to the court administration as required and without the lawyers knowing they were representing a Supreme Court judge.

Additionally, while serving as a Supreme Court judge, Amit ruled over numerous cases that were clear conflicts of interest without disclosing that fact, including presiding over cases represented by the law firm that represented him as well as two cases involving the Tel Aviv municipality, which was involved in a renovation project involving his property and even filed a criminal indictment against him for not addressing safety violations on his property. He also sat on the Judicial Selection Committee when a judge involved in one of the cases appeared before the committee as a judicial candidate and failed to disclose the conflict of interest.

The report has major significance since Amit is the focus of a long-standing dispute between Justice Minister Yariv Levin and the Supreme Court. Following former Supreme Court President Esther Hayuts resignation in October 2023, Amit, as the most senior justice, was expected to be appointed as the next president, as is customary. However, since Amit is a liberal, Levin wanted to prevent his appointment as president and has delayed his appointment again and again. Changing the makeup of the Judicial Selection Committee, which currently is a leftist echo chamber since the justices themselves appoint their cronies, was a key part of the coalitions judicial reform plan that was never passed into law due to the left-wing riots and the October 7 assault and resulting war.

Finally, the Supreme Court recently ordered Levin to convene the Judicial Selection Committee [which is comprised of mainly left-wing judges], and a hearing was scheduled for this week, during which Amit was expected to be appointed as president! Fortunately, the Ynet report has likely thwarted that possibility and may even lead to disciplinary action against Amit, with right-wing politicians calling for the immediate revocation of his candidacy for president. Even a Yesh Atid MK, Merav Cohen, expressed her skepticism about Amits suitability for the position following the report, saying that judges need to serve as role models.

Additionally, the police have launched an investigation into the claims raised against Amit, including allegations that he appeared under a different name in a legal proceeding and failed to report it.

MK Tali Gotliv (Likud) wrote: Yitzhak Amit should not only be disqualified from becoming the President of the Supreme Court, but he is unfit to serve as a Magistrates Court judge! I challenge anyone in the State of Israel to argue that a person exhibiting fraudulent behavior should hold such a position. The court administrations defense of he didnt know portrays Amit as either incompetent or assumes that the public is gullible. But heres the truth: we are not fools, and we wont accept this explanation.

The right-wing Im Tirtzu organization filed an appeal to the Judicial Selection Committee, demanding that Amits candidacy be suspended until the case is investigated and there are adequate responses to the serious allegations against him.

Levin sent a letter to Amit on Monday stating: It is well known that Your Honor submitted his candidacy for the position of President of the Supreme Court. There is no need to elaborate on the importance of the position. It is a symbol of authority, held by the head of the judiciary, someone with extensive powers, and a member of the Judicial Selection Committee.

Since discussions began in the committee regarding the appointment of the President of the Supreme Court, objections have been raised, bringing forth serious allegations regarding 13 cases in which you presided. According to the claims, your participation in these cases occurred in situations of conflict of interest and without proper disclosure.

You responded to these allegations with a general answer, without addressing each case specifically, avoiding a detailed explanation of the facts and the relevant legal context.

Referring to the Ynet report, Levin wrote that the article raised additional serious allegations, supported by documents, concerning several cases in which it is claimed you did not fulfill your duty of disclosure and adjudicated cases in situations that ostensibly constituted a conflict of interest.

If these claims prove to be true, they establish grounds for disciplinary action, including alleged violations of ethical rules. Therefore, it is essential to present the Judicial Selection Committee with all relevant factual and legal material, along with a detailed explanation for each case.

I must note that the mere fact that the issues raised in the report were not previously brought to the committees attention is a serious matter in itself.

Levin demanded an urgent response from Amit due to the discussion scheduled for Thursday by the Supreme Court regarding the appointment of a new President.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
Israel Police reported on Tuesday morning that shrapnel from the Houthi missile fired at Israel overnight Monday fell on private homes in Mevo Beitar and Tzur Hadassah, next to Beitar Illit, close to Jerusalem.

BChasdei Hashem, no injuries were reported despite the direct hits but property was damaged. MDA paramedics reported that 11 people were injured running to shelters during the sirens.

Surprisingly, the family members of the home in Mevo Beitar where the largest piece of shrapnel fell on the roof did not hear it landing on their house when they woke up from the siren at 3 a.m., only discovering it the next morning! Michal Wexler told Ynet that when she and her husband went out for a walk in the morning, she saw broken tiles and looked up to see the shocking sight of a large part of a ballistic missile that had pierced their roof, landing on the roof of their safe room, where they had taken shelter when the siren sounded.

The owner of the house [who lives elsewhere] told media outlets that the shrapnel piece was four meters long and completely shattered the roof. My renters were in the safe room and were saved from harm. It could have ended very differently.

Police officers from the Yehuda Regional Police and the Jerusalem Border Police arrived at the scenes to isolate the crash sites. We ask the public to stay away from the crash sites and to follow the instructions of the police on the ground, the police stated.

The police bomb squad from the Jerusalem District arrived at the sites to collect and neutralize the shrapnel pieces.

Following the attack, a Houthi spokesperson claimed that the terror group had launched a hypersonic Palestine 2 ballistic toward an Israeli Defense Ministry building in occupied Jaffa in our third action within 12 hours.

The Houthis had fired a missile at Israel on Monday evening that was intercepted by the IDF before it reached Israel.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
The Associated Press reported early Tuesday afternoon that Hamas has accepted a draft agreement for a ceasefire and the first stage of the release of about 33 hostages, quoting two officials involved in the talks.

The report was confirmed by Israeli, Egyptian and Hamas officials.

Negotiators are currently meeting in Qatar to finalize the details of the agreement.

A Palestinian source told Reuters that he expected the deal to be complete on Tuesday if all goes well.

Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said that the negotiations are positive and productive.

Today, we are at the closest point ever to having a deal, he said.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
The Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, chaired by MK Yuli Edelstein, held a discussion on the emerging Chareidi recruitment law on Tuesday morning.

Defense Minister Yisrael Katz outlined the bill he is advancing, stating that the law would include personal sanctions for the first time. The first target I set is 50% of bnei yeshivos over 7 years. The target number will increase every year until the seventh year. The goal for the first year is 4,800 and 5,700 for the second year. It is proposed to include economic sanctions if annual targets are not met, as well as institutional sanctions on all yeshivos.

The second thing is personal sanctions on all those designated for military service, including lomdei Torah. For example, daycare subsidies and matters of this nature that the committee will need to discuss will not be granted. My opinion is that anyone who isnt learning and does not serve should face sanctions, but I was convinced through dialogue that there will be sanctions not only on the yeshivos but also on lomdei Torah, which has not happened until now.

Katz responded to the position presented by the IDF Personnel Directorate, according to which starting in 2026, the IDF will be able to recruit all Charedim. The ability to recruit and the ability to absorb are two different things. To actually recruit, the consent of the leaders of the Charedi sector is required, as well as a law that will regulate the status of lomdei Torah. Without this, the absorption capability will remain only on paper.

Katz stressed: The exemption age will be 26. An important clause is that national civil service [such as United Hatzalah and ZAKA] will not be included in the targets, except for service in security services and even this exception will be limited to preserve service in the IDF itself. In the event of the failure to meet targets over time, the government will pass a new law with the approval of the Knesset, and during this period, all sanctions will continue to apply.

Due to the fact that Chareidim will eventually make up a third of Israels population, I find it important to promote legislation based on dialogue and agreement, including from Chareidi leaders. It is also necessary to address the failures that existed in previous arrangements that were invalidated by the Supreme Court. The targets must be realistic and reflect the correct ratio between possibility and reality.

A senior member of a Chareidi party said in response to Katzs statements: There is no such thing as sanctions on lomdei Torah. We did not agree and will not agree to such a clause.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
Azerbaijans security service announced on Tuesday that officers arrested two suspects for allegedly plotting to assassinate a senior religious figure in the country.

According to the statement, the suspects acted on behalf of a foreign state, with sources in the Jewish kehilla in Azerbaijan saying that the foreign state was Iran and the senior religious figure was a Jew, Kan News reported.

Security services said that Ogil Aslanov, a criminal involved in drug trafficking, traveled to a foreign country and met with local security officials who presented him with a picture of a member of a religious community in Azerbaijan and offered him $200,000 to assassinate him.

Upon his return to Baku, Aslanov contacted another suspect, Jeyhun Ismayilov, a Georgian citizen, and the two began stalking the Jewish target, until they were arrested.

The official statement did not provide specific details about the identity of the potential victim or the country behind the plot, but sources in the Azerbaijani Jewish community told Kan that the suspects were planning to murder a well-known member of the kehilla involved in fostering Israel-Azerbaijan relations who is often quoted in the Israeli media.

According to a source in the Jewish community, Irans Revolutionary Guards are working to establish terrorist infrastructure in the country, with Jewish and Israeli targets as their foremost targets. As a result, Azerbaijani security services have implemented significant measures to bolster security in Jewish and Israeli institutions across the country.

There are about 30,000 Jews who call Azerbaijan their home, according to Israels Foreign Ministry.

In recent years, Iran, which shares a border with Azerbaijan, has repeatedly attempted to harm Jewish and Israeli targets in Azerbaijan (as well as countries in central Asia).

Following Israels elimination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in the heart of Tehran on July 31, 2024, the IDF issued an order categorically banning all off-duty IDF soldiers from staying in the countries of Azerbaijan and neighboring Georgia, fearing Iranian retaliatory attacks.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
A Maariv report by Eyal Ofer sheds light on the details of the hostage release/ceasefire deal, which will allow Hamas to rehabilitate itself in Gaza and encourages further abductions in the region.

The report states: Instead of giving Hamas and the Gazans the big prize only at the end of the deal, after all our hostages return home, the Gazans receive their achievement already during Stage A of the deal: all the tent cities of the displaced will be dismantled, a million peoplemen, women, and childrenwill head north along the coastal route to Gaza City without any restrictions. At the same time, about 300,000 Gazans will return south to what remains of the destroyed city of Rafah. The only Israeli demand is that the returning cars be inspected. There is no restriction on the movement of those returning on foot.

Formally, the words end of hostilities do not appear in Part A of the agreement. The formal end is reserved for Stage Bof which it is unknown if and when it will be implemented. Essentially, the IDF will withdraw from all populated areas where our forces are currently located in the northern Gaza Strip, in Jabalia, in the areas of the city of Rafah (except for the Philadelphi Corridor). The Gazan population that returns to these cities will prevent the future possibility of returning to battle in Gaza. The reason we evacuated the Gazans from these areas is precisely so we can fight there.

The population in Gaza City and northern Gaza will suddenly grow to almost one and a half million people, including all the senior Hamas officials and military commanders who will blend in with the crowdThis large population will require Israel to increase by five times the amount of humanitarian aid entering Gaza City. Additionally, such a large number of returning displaced persons will certainly require significant infrastructure repair: roads, water systems, electrical systems, communication, and medical services. The rehabilitation of this infrastructure will necessitate additional convoys of aid that will need to be inspected at the Kerem Shalom crossing and move north through the Netzarim Corridor. The Israeli government already decided to expand the Kerem Shalom Crossing for this purpose  so that it can accommodate 1,000 aid trucks per day (up from 500 today).

The Netzarim Corridor itself, which until now has been our main asset in the Strip for the IDF because it prevented the return of displaced Gazans northward, will be transformed into a burden: IDF soldiers will find themselves directing aid convoys and essentially being caught between Hamas rule and the unaddressed Hamas squads in central Gaza and the large number of civilians returning to Gaza City.

This is a huge achievement for Hamas. Hamas insisted on this throughout the negotiation period and got exactly what it wanted  already at the beginning of Phase A. The issue that has always been secondary for Hamas is the Philadelphi Corridor. Hamas understands that Israel cannot remain in Philadelphi forever  because the implication of surrounding the entire Strip with IDF forces is that we are responsible for everyone inside it.

Israels presence in Philadelphi does not change anything in the short term for Hamas. They have no intention of starting smuggling immediately. First, they need to secure the funds for civilian reconstruction of the Strip, and only later, when Hamas takes its long-awaited cut from the tens of billions of dollars in aid resources, it will rebuild its military strength. To this end, they may agree to accept an international force or some other facade that could ostensibly stand in public and be the governing body receiving the aid funds (just as crime organizations sometimes register their business in the name of a person without a criminal record).

The overall summary of this deal from Hamass perspective is excellent. After the displaced individuals return to their homes, they will also gain hundreds or more of their terrorists who will return home from Israeli prisons. Hamass control over the Gazan population remains untouched, resources will flow into Gaza at an increased pace, and Hamas retains all Israeli men under the age of 50 as hostages for continued leverage. Essentially, Hamas keeps a significant number of captives, whom it will claim are prisoners of war, and will demand the highest prices for them: both the release of murderers and guarantees for the continued flow of funds and materials necessary for rebuilding everything destroyed in the war.

Such a dream deal will undoubtedly go down in the organizations history as Hamass absolute victory over Israel. It will resonate for many years, especially across the Middle East  particularly for the Palestinians in the Shomron, where the difference will become clear: the Houthis, Hezbollah, the Syrians, and even the Iranians failed to defeat Israel. Hamas, on the other hand, achieves all its goals via hostages. When Israel demonstrates to them what the path to victory looks like, it cannot be assumed that this will be the last abduction.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
Heathrow is eyeing up expansion plans after a record-breaking Christmas rounded off its busiest ever year.

Bosses at the airport  which saw passenger numbers hit an all-time high of 83.9million in 2024  are in talks with the Government over a third runway to boost capacity.

Chief executive Thomas Woldbye plans to improve existing infrastructure  including a 2.3billion upgrade announced last month  while drumming up support for another runway.

Passenger numbers in 2024 were 3m higher than the previous peak in 2019 before Covid 19 struck.

Record year: Heathrow bosses are in talks with Government over a third runway to boost capacity. Chief exec Thomas Woldbye plans to improve existing infrastructure

Heathrow, which is Europes busiest international airport, expects to welcome 84.2m passengers this year.

Bookings for 2025 are off to a strong start, with demand driven by those planning holidays to lift the January blues.

More than 7m passengers travelled through Heathrow last month, making it the airports busiest December ever.

And 160,000 customers used the airport on Christmas day  a 13 per cent increase on the peak recorded a year earlier.
Donald Trumps return to the White House is great news for Britains burgeoning space firms, according to a senior figure in the industry.

The president-elect  who is close to space entrepreneur and Tesla boss Elon Musk  could increase spending in the sector in a move that would send ripples through the industry worldwide.

Musk  who has been dubbed Trumps first buddy  founded Space X in 2002 and it is now a leading designer, manufacturer and launcher of advanced rockets with a value of 275billion.

Mark Boggett, chief executive of global space investment firm Seraphim Space, told the Mail that Musks position in Trumps inner circle will pay off well for the NASA budget.

'He expects this to align with the tycoons ambition to accelerate the path to getting man off planet Earth.

And the benefits of this wont just be limited to the US players, Boggett added.

Boost: President elect Donald Trump, right, is close to space entrepreneur and Tesla boss Elon Musk, left

Some of the worlds richest billionaires  including Musk, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and British entrepreneur Richard Branson  are competing to send tourists into space with Musk, 53, even aiming to build a colony on Mars.

But the space race also involves improving communications via satellite links, bolstering defences and increasing research into areas such as climate change.

Musk and Space X have dominated the scene for years and Bezoss own ambitions suffered a setback yesterday when his Blue Origin space company called off the launch of its New Glenn rocket by at least a day after a few anomalies.

Seraphim Space is a London-listed investment trust with a value of 127million. It invests in space technology firms including D-Orbit, HawkEye 360, LeoLabs and PlanetWatchers.

Boggett said the industry looks set to benefit from increased defence spending as well as Trumps partnership with Musk.

Trump has demanded increased military spending across Natos European members. Boggett said: They dont want to carry the costs of being policeman of the world.

He said rising defence budgets will inevitably drive more focus towards space  whether through traditional government agencies or innovative private companies like Space X.

Because of the UK space sectors dual use nature in space and defence, Boggett sees it benefiting as the US and Europe ramp up spending.

The UK has a great relationship for companies that are building and developing space and defence-related capabilities to be able to sell that into the US market, he said.

There is a long-term trust relationship for UK companies selling to the US Department of Defence.

The war in Ukraine has already led to an increase in defence budgets, and Boggett believes that extra spending is now finding its way into the space market.

This massive refocus on defence has already provided a lot of positivity in the space market, he said.

With investors backing companies poised to benefit from a surge in spending, Boggett added, the sector is seeing renewed interest.

He said that a healthy interest in space tech in the last five quarters and said growing confidence among investors should bring more capital to the entrepreneurs  including those at the helm of Britains space firms.

Boggett said the 18 companies across Seraphims investment trust are growing revenue by 17 per cent a year on average, with a majority of this coming from new contracts in the defence market.

With Trump back in power, he expects the already accelerating industry to take another step upwards.

The president-elect has made it clear his space agenda will be America First and Boggett concedes his relationship with Musk is really leveraging an advantage that they already have.

But as Trump and Musk push to maintain US supremacy in space, Boggett foresees the UK benefiting.

Blast-off: A Space X Falcon 9 rocket blasting off. The firm is now a leading designer, manufacturer and launcher of advanced rockets with a value of 275bn

He said Britain has for decades been punching above its weight in terms of space investment, ranking third behind the US and China.

While the US wants access to the best in class, it does not have the rights to all the best technology.

This is where the UK is proving itself by supporting companies and financing those companies that have got those unique capabilities the US needs to acquire, said Boggett.

He called on the Government to seize the moment, saying it needs to make itself clear about how it is going to run with this opportunity that has presented with space.

These opportunities will also stretch across Europe, Boggett suggests, as the continent looks to stand on its own two feet when it comes to both space and defence.

Boggett said this would come with significant investment, which bodes well for Britain. Global growth in the space sector is already leading to increased competition.

Data collected by Seraphim Space shows that Chinese investment in space tech overtook the US in the first half of the year.

While this reverted in the third quarter as US year-to-date investment reached 2.1billion to Chinas 1.7billion, Boggett emphasised this really shines a light on just how competitive the Chinese government is in the important market of space.

Because of the UKs relationship with the US, Boggett believes the nation will have a pivotal role to play in space as Trump looks to stay on top.

However, he also warned despite the short-term optimism for UK companies, there remains a question mark over the longer-term impact.

He predicts significant opportunity for the UK space companies selling to the US market but is concerned about increased mergers and acquisitions with the US effectively being the main acquirer.
JAKARTA, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia Wang Lutong met with Maniza Zaman, the UNICEF representative in Indonesia, to discuss the China-UNICEF cooperation on Indonesia's free meal program on Monday.

Wang highlighted the agreement signed in December 2024 between the China International Development Cooperation Agency and UNICEF China on food supplementation and school feeding in Indonesia. He said this is the first cash-based aid project jointly implemented by China and UNICEF in Indonesia, further cementing China's commitment to supporting Indonesia's free meal program.

"The agreement is a key element of the China-Indonesia comprehensive strategic partnership, as outlined in the Joint Statement on Promoting Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and Building a China-Indonesia Community of Shared Future," he said.

Wang also emphasized China's steadfast support for the United Nations and noted that the Chinese Embassy in Indonesia would collaborate with UNICEF Indonesia to ensure the successful implementation of the program.

Maniza expressed her gratitude for China's support and looked forward to strengthening communication and exploring further cooperation opportunities. 
WELLINGTON, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- A team consisting of 38 international scientists and crew set sail on Tuesday from Wellington, capital of New Zealand, for Antarctica to venture further south than ever before.

The multidisciplinary team on board the research vessel RV Tangaroa of New Zealand's National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA), which includes participants from Australia, Europe, India and Britain, aims to go as far south as the Ross Ice Shelf, a first for the ship, which has conducted 15 trips to Antarctica over the past decades, before returning to Wellington in late February.

The science carried out on the voyage will help to better understand the impacts of climate change on Antarctica's Ross Sea, and the impacts of a changing Ross Sea on the rest of the globe, said Craig Stevens, co-lead of the expedition which will travel more than 3,500 km south of New Zealand.

One of the key aims is to maintain instruments fixed to the seafloor that are monitoring changes in ocean heat, salt and oxygen in the area, Stevens said, adding the expedition is sailing into waters that are feeling the effects on continual record-breaking low sea ice conditions.

The voyage has been designed to quantify critical signals in the rapidly changing polar ocean and components of its unique biodiversity, using ocean-monitoring robots that will be deployed along the route to measure ocean characteristics such as temperature and salinity, said co-voyage lead Denise Fernandez.

This will help fill an observational gap and provide a better picture of the wider changes in the state of the ocean and the marine food web, Fernandez said.

The expedition will explore seafloor habitats and biological communities to provide fundamental data to determine how the changing ocean is impacting marine life, according to NIWA. 
by Xinhua writers Wu Yue, Chen Dongshu

COLOMBO, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- "I have traveled almost all over China, and get impressed by the beauty of the diverse culture, food and friendly people. I also hope that more Chinese tourists will come to my country to experience Sri Lanka's scenery and culture," Ruwan Ranasinghe, deputy minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism of Sri Lanka, has told Xinhua.

In 2014, Ranasinghe realized his dream of studying in China. Under the Belt and Road Initiative, Ranasinghe won a Chinese government scholarship and went to Sichuan University to pursue a doctorate in tourism management.

During his stay in China, Ranasinghe and his tutor promoted the establishment of the International Center for Interdisciplinary Culture Heritage & Tourism Research, SCU-UWU. He also witnessed the increasing preference of Chinese tourists for Sri Lanka.

In 2017, China became the second largest source of tourists to Sri Lanka, with more than 260,000 Chinese tourists traveling to Sri Lanka throughout the year. However, with turbulence in Sri Lanka's domestic situation and the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of Chinese tourists to Sri Lanka has sharply declined for some time.

After the pandemic, Chinese tourists traveling abroad increased significantly. Ranasinghe said that the Sri Lankan government welcomed the return of Chinese tourists. The country hopes to create more convenient conditions for Chinese tourists regarding visas and direct flights, so that Sri Lanka will become one of preferred choices for Chinese tourists.

"Sri Lanka and China have close economic, diplomatic and cultural exchanges," said Ranasinghe, stressing that high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and major projects between the two countries such as the Colombo Port City and Hambantota Port have provided important impetus for Sri Lanka's economic recovery and showcased a strong junction between the two sides.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake pays a state visit to China from Jan. 14 to Jan. 17. Ranasinghe said that Sri Lanka and China are expected to achieve more results in many aspects including trade and investment, cooperation in key projects, and cultural and tourism exchanges, to promote bilateral ties to a new high.

"Sri Lanka also has frequent and close cultural exchanges with China in history," Ranasinghe said. Famous Chinese monk Fa Xian and legendary Chinese navigator Zheng He had visited this island.

Exchanges between the two peoples and cultures can still establish a solid bond for bilateral relations, Ranasinghe said. "For example, I went to school in Sichuan and knew that Sichuan people like spicy food. Sri Lanka is also a country that likes spicy food very much. I welcome more Chinese tourists to visit my hometown." 
NCT testers have shared a tip on how to predict if your tyres could fail an NCT.

Over the last five years, tyres have been one of the top two visual reasons cars fail the NCT. With half of all cars now failing the full NCT test, drivers are looking at ways to prepare and pass first time.

Starting with your tyres is a good shout but there is a little-known code on the wall of your tyre itself that could tell you the car is going to fail the NCT even before you pull up to the test centre.

The code appears on most tyres and is the week and year in which the tyre was manufactured. If a tyre is older than six years, it is more likely to be failed by an NCT tester.

The NCT Ireland Facebook page explained: "Heres how to tell how old a tyre is. The number on the left is the week it was made and the number on the right is the year it was made. This one was made in the 21st week of 2020."

READ NEXT: NCT shares shocking photos of failed car with serious safety warning

The RSA explains: "From 2018-2022, tyres were consistently one of the top two visual failure items at the NCT. At the NCT, tyres are inspected for tread depth, condition and the presence of European type approval (E or e) marks.

"At the NCT, you will be told if any of your tyres have a tread depth of less than 3mm or if the date of manufacture of a tyre

that is more than six years old. This is classed as a pass advisory item. This will not cause your

vehicle to fail its NCT, but it is to advise you that your tyres may soon need to be changed."

A tyre that gets an advisory pass in an NCT today is likely to fail the next time it comes before a tester.
BANGKOK, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Thai authorities said that two jet skis driven by Chinese citizens collided, resulting in the death of one Chinese citizen, as confirmed by the Phuket consular office of the Chinese consulate general in Songkhla on Tuesday.

The Phuket Regional Harbor Office earlier confirmed that a jet ski collision occurred at noon at Patong Beach in Phuket. 
SEOUL, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's police, anti-corruption agency, and presidential security service on Tuesday discussed the execution of warrant to arrest impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol.

The three-way meeting was held at about 8:00 a.m. local time (2300 GMT Monday) among officials from Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO), National Office of Investigation (NOI) and presidential security service.

The joint investigation unit, comprising the CIO, the NOI and the defense ministry's investigative headquarters, said in a short notice that it requested cooperation from the security service to proceed with the arrest warrant safely and peacefully, adding that it was waiting for the security service's response.

During the discussion, the two sides allegedly confirmed their difference in position as the security service reiterated its previous position to block the warrant execution.

The NOI sent an official letter on Monday, asking the CIO and the security service to hold the meeting amid growing concerns about physical conflict during the warrant execution that was widely expected to happen early Wednesday, according to multiple media outlets.

The NOI and the CIO reportedly planned a large-scale operation, involving about 1,000 investigators, to arrest Yoon.

Investigators attempted to arrest Yoon in the presidential residence on Jan. 3, but it failed as the presidential security service blocked the execution of the arrest warrant.

A Seoul court granted the extension of warrant to apprehend Yoon on Jan. 7 by issuing the second warrant against the impeached president.

The impeachment motion against Yoon was passed in the National Assembly on Dec. 14, 2024, and was delivered to the constitutional court to deliberate it for up to 180 days, during which Yoon's presidential power is suspended.

Yoon, who was named by investigative agencies as a suspected ringleader on an insurrection charge, declared martial law on the night of Dec. 3 but it was revoked by the National Assembly hours later. 
ISTANBUL, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Turkish police have arrested 41 suspects over their alleged ties to the Gulen movement, Turkish semi-official Anadolu Agency reported on Tuesday.

The suspects were arrested during police operations across Istanbul, Sivas, Zonguldak, Kocaeli, and Ankara, during which numerous digital materials and organizational documents were seized.

The suspects are alleged to operate at a so-called "responsible level" within the organization, who contacted each other via payphones, said the report, adding that they have been taken to the police station for further investigation.

The operations were within the scope of the investigation conducted by the Istanbul Chief Public Prosecutor's Office, said Anadolu.

The Gulen movement, once led by Muslim preacher Fethullah Gulen, who passed away in October 2024 in the United States, has been accused by the Turkish government of masterminding a coup attempt in 2016, which resulted in the deaths of over 250 people. 
COPENHAGEN, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Danish businesses are eager to tap into China's vast market opportunities, with the China International Import Expo (CIIE) providing a vital platform for international collaboration, participants at a promotional meeting for the 8th CIIE said on Tuesday in Copenhagen.

The event highlighted the expo's significance as a hub for fostering global trade partnerships. Ole Hammer, director of Denmark government and public affairs at the Lego Group, described the CIIE as a premier platform for international collaboration and brand visibility.

Lego has actively participated in the CIIE since its inception, engaging with over 200,000 visitors over seven years, Hammer said. He noted that the expo has helped expand the company's retail footprint in China to 450 certified stores across 120 cities. "The expo has provided unparalleled opportunities to showcase our long-term commitment to China and has greatly elevated the Lego brand in the Chinese market," he added.

For smaller enterprises, the CIIE has proven equally impactful. Bent Mortensen, founder of Greenland-based Inuit Seal Oil, emphasized the expo's role in facilitating market entry. "We produce seal oil capsules and are working to open the Chinese market because it's a huge opportunity," he said, expressing optimism about forming partnerships at the event.

Denmark's strong presence at the CIIE was also underscored by Peter Thagesen, head of geopolitics at Danish Industry (DI). He highlighted Denmark's consistent participation since 2018, with DI organizing annual pavilions featuring around 20 companies. "For the upcoming event, we are optimistic about expanding the pavilion to accommodate more participants," Thagesen said.

Hans Henrik Pontoppidan, secretary general of the Danish-Chinese Business Forum, stressed the critical role of international trade in Denmark's economy. "Denmark is far more exposed to import and export than other European nations, making initiatives like the CIIE crucial," he said. Pontoppidan praised China's efforts to encourage imports, describing them as "a wise move that reflects China's commitment to global trade."

Ning Feng, president of the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai, emphasized the benefits of China's 30-day visa-free entry policy for Danish citizens. "This policy simplifies travel between our countries, and we look forward to welcoming more Danish enterprises to the Chinese market," Ning said. He called on Danish businesses to leverage the CIIE platform to share development opportunities.

Yang Junping, a counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Denmark, emphasized the shared aspirations between the two nations. "We hope that the business communities from both nations seize this opportunity to promote common development through open cooperation, creating a brighter future for bilateral relations," he said.

The 8th CIIE is scheduled to be held in Shanghai in November. 
Cristian Ciuciureanu, general manager of Itinera Venus Travel, speaks during an interview with Xinhua at an event promoting winter tourism in China at the Chinese Cultural Centre in Bucharest, Romania, on Jan. 13, 2025. (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua)

BUCHAREST, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- The "Nihao! China" event attracted about 100 Romanian travelers and locals in Bucharest on Monday, offering an immersive glimpse into China's rich winter tourism attractions.

Organized by the Chinese Cultural Center, the event featured photo exhibitions, videos, lectures, and interactive cultural experiences showcasing winter sports, folk performances, Chinese cuisine, and natural scenery.

The spotlight was on unique winter routes to northeast China's Heilongjiang Province and southwest Sichuan Province. The event also offered visitors authentic Chinese delicacies such as Double Cooked Pork Slices and Sichuan Hot Pot, adding a culinary highlight to the showcase.

Cristian Ciuciureanu, general manager of Itinera Venus Travel, praised China's rich history, natural beauty, and cultural diversity. Professional guide Paula Toma shared engaging stories from her group trips to China in 2024, recounting the beauty of the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival and their interactions with giant pandas in Chengdu, Sichuan Province's capital.

Local resident Simona Miclos expressed enthusiasm for the novelty of China's winter attractions, sharing her aspiration to explore the country's ski resorts and magnificent mountain landscapes firsthand.

Xu Ningbo, director of the Chinese Cultural Center in Bucharest, emphasized China's commitment to enhancing foreign tourists' experiences with streamlined visa applications and improved digital services, including payments and connectivity, introduced in 2024.

Xu emphasized that events like this not only unveil the unique charm of China's winter attractions but also foster interest among Romanian travelers and strengthen ties between the tourism industries of both nations. 

Professional guide Paula Toma addresses the audience during an event promoting winter tourism in China at the Chinese Cultural Centre in Bucharest, Romania, on Jan. 13, 2025. (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua)

Guests enjoy traditional Chinese food during an event promoting winter tourism in China at the Chinese Cultural Centre in Bucharest, Romania, on Jan. 13, 2025. (Photo by Cristian Cristel/Xinhua)
The ticket window of Schuman metro station is closed due to the strike in Brussels, Belgium, Jan. 13, 2025. Public transport, air travel, schools, and essential services were disrupted across Belgium on Monday as a nationwide strike took place to protest proposed pension reforms by the coalition forming the new federal government. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

BRUSSELS, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Public transport, air travel, schools, and essential services were disrupted across Belgium on Monday as a nationwide strike took place to protest proposed pension reforms by the coalition forming the new federal government.

In Brussels, more than 30,000 protesters, including firefighters, teachers, and union members, marched to the roads.

Unions denounced the proposed pension reforms as an "attack on pensions," calling for improved working conditions, increased employer contributions, and shorter career requirements for demanding professions. They also criticized corporate tax breaks, arguing that the reforms would place an unfair burden on workers.

Public transport was severely affected, with only one in three trains operating between major cities. In Brussels, metro, tram, and bus services ran at reduced capacity, while most bus routes in Wallonia were completely suspended.

Air travel also faced significant disruptions, with approximately 40 percent of flights at Brussels Airport canceled and all flights at Charleroi Airport suspended from midday onward.

The education sector was hit hard, with about 40 percent of primary and secondary schools in Flanders closed.

In addition, garbage collection and postal services experienced delays in Brussels and Walloon Brabant. 

Police officers are seen on duty at the downtown of Brussels, Belgium, Jan. 13, 2025. Public transport, air travel, schools, and essential services were disrupted across Belgium on Monday as a nationwide strike took place to protest proposed pension reforms by the coalition forming the new federal government. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

The Louiza metro station is closed due to the strike in Brussels, Belgium, Jan. 13, 2025. Public transport, air travel, schools, and essential services were disrupted across Belgium on Monday as a nationwide strike took place to protest proposed pension reforms by the coalition forming the new federal government. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

Signs held by protesters are pictured in the downtown of Brussels, Belgium, Jan. 13, 2025. Public transport, air travel, schools, and essential services were disrupted across Belgium on Monday as a nationwide strike took place to protest proposed pension reforms by the coalition forming the new federal government. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)

A screen in the Maalbeek metro station shows a number of metro and bus lines affected by the strike in Brussels, Belgium, Jan. 13, 2025. Public transport, air travel, schools, and essential services were disrupted across Belgium on Monday as a nationwide strike took place to protest proposed pension reforms by the coalition forming the new federal government. (Xinhua/Meng Dingbo)
Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will sign a document on strategic partnership between Armenia and the United States in Washington today, the Armenian Foreign Ministry reports with enthusiasm.

It is specified that the event will be broadcast live tonight. But what is behind it?

The Biden administration, which is set to leave office in less than a week, is doing everything possible to complicate life for Trump as much as possible after the inauguration, both in domestic and foreign policy. With only 5-6 days left in power, they are launching "strategic cooperation," fully aware of how Baku will react to this.

The document that Blinken and Mirzoyan will sign this evening is currently nothing more than a declaration of intent, especially considering that the new American administration has not yet outlined its priorities for our region. Furthermore, there is a forecast from the "shadow CIA"  Stratfor  which predicts that Trump will be much more interested in developing relations with Baku than with Yerevan.

If this forecast proves correct, what is the value of declarative "strategic cooperation"? What are they signing for? Is this an attempt to provoke Russia and France?
MOSCOW, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Moscow is prepared to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine, however it is important to agree on broader security issues to end the ongoing conflict, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Tuesday during his annual press briefing.

Lavrov said that eliminating threats on Russia's western borders would be essential, as this has been one of the root causes of the ongoing conflict. He noted that these threats can only be removed within the framework of broader agreements.

The Russian foreign minister noted that after U.S. President-elect Donald Trump takes office, Moscow will study his official position on Ukraine.

He further said Moscow welcomes the fact that the incoming U.S. administration has focused more on the realities on the ground in Ukraine within the context of a potential resolution to the Ukrainian crisis.

Lavrov reiterated that Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to meet Trump, adding however that there have currently been no proposals from the United States. 
Right now model, celeb & LA hottie Courtney inspires our evening glimpse at pop culture, community reporting and top headlines.

Check TKC news gathering . . .

Cowtown Help For Left Coast

Kansas City businesses to hold party to help Los Angeles wildfire victims The Varsity Club in the River Market hopes to get Kansas City in the giving spirit with a party on Thursday, complete with DJ's and food.

Thieves In The Temple

KCMO church cancels services after thieves steal copper wire Neighbors in one area in Kansas City's southeast section say copper wire thieves are ruining their homes.

Retail Retro

Future of old Prairie Village Macy's building underway with 'wall-breaking' The future of the old Prairie Village Macy's store at W. 71st and Mission Road looks a little brighter after officials held a "wall-breaking" ceremony Monday.

Local Soap Star Finale

Kansas City-born Leslie Charleson, 'General Hospital' star for nearly 50 years, dies at 79 Colleagues are remembering the soap opera star for her "quick wit" and presence on set. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1945, Charleson broke into show business at a young age.

Winter Sound Off

Hot Club of Cowtown, string trio with Kansas City ties, to play the Folly Theater As a teen, Elana James grew up busking on the streets of Kansas City. Now a professional musician, James is the co-founder of Hot Club of Cowtown, a jazz and swing band that's performing at the Folly Theater on Jan. 18.

Celeb Weeps For LA . . .

Courtney Stodden breaks down in tears while evacuating from LA fires The pinup explained that in the past few years she has had to move from rental to rental as she hit hard times economically after a divorce and broken engagement.

News Update On Inferno

California wildfires: What we know about L.A.-area fires, maps, what caused them, who is affected and more Fueled by powerful winds and dry conditions, a series of ferocious wildfires erupted Tuesday and roared across the Los Angeles area, destroying hundreds of homes and killing at least 24 people, including some who died trying to prevent the fires from engulfing their homes.

Really Great Report On How Conservative News Is Crafted

How Ben Shapiro Conquered the MAGA-verse A visit to AmericaFest with the Harvard-educated, show tunes-loving Orthodox Jew from deep blue L.A. who harnessed anti-woke fervor to become a right-wing rock star and build conservative media's fastest-growing empire.

Ceasefire Coming Soon?!?!

Biden says hostage-release, ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel 'on the brink' He made the comment in a speech outlining his foreign policy legacy.

Judge Okays MAGA Dox

Federal judge clears way for release of special counsel report on Trump election case Special Counsel Jack Smith's report on his investigation into President-elect Trump for election interference is cleared to be released to the public.

Tesla Social Domination Denied

TikTok: Firm calls report of possible sale to Musk 'pure fiction' The social media platform has repeatedly said that it will not sell its US operation.

Eastern Europe Confronts FAIL

Analysis: Ukraine losing ground on the battlefield as Trump team pushes ceasefire | CNN With just a week before Donald Trump re-enters the White House, Ukraine is bracing for some tough choices in the coming months.

Ugly Captive Out Of Misery

Kansas City Zoo announces death of beloved capybara after health decline The Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium and its visitors are mourning the loss of a "guest favorite" capybara.

Kickball Comeback . . .

Sporting KC announces schedule and roster for 2025 Preseason | Sporting Kansas City Sporting Kansas City announced on Monday the club's schedule and roster for the 2025 Preseason presented by Children's Mercy Kansas City. Sporting began preseason preparations Sunday in Miami, Florida, where the club will train until Jan. 29 before transitioning to Southern California from Feb. 2-12. The team's preseason schedule features

The Drop Tonight . . .

Kansas City weather: Frigid temperatures on Tuesday A few clouds will linger tonight in Kansas City, with low temperatures dropping to the mid-10s.

The Lumineers - Same Old Song is the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now.
Parliament is prorogued. Why is the federal government raising the capital gains tax inclusion rate when legislation hasnt been passed?

Under the new rule, youll be taxed on 67 per cent of the net profit (the capital gain) from the sale of your assets. Previously, Canadians were taxed on 50 per cent of sale proceeds.
LONDON, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Britain has banned pigs, sheep and cattle imports from Germany after a case of foot-and-mouth disease was confirmed in the country, the government confirmed Tuesday.

Currently, there are no confirmed cases in Britain. In 2001 and 2007, major outbreaks of food-and-mouth in Britain led to millions of livestock animals being slaughtered across the country.

Foot-and-mouth is highly contagious in pigs, sheep and cattle, as well as other cloven-hoofed animals. It is considered that the disease poses little risk to humans or food safety. 
Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia's new national airline and a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company, has announced that its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner arrived on Monday at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.

According to the company, the leased aircraft, painted in the airlines pearl livery, will be used as a technical spare and for training purposes over the coming months. This aircraft is separate from Riyadh Air's original order of 72 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.

The airline stated that the aircraft will undergo the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) process with the General Authority of Civil Aviation before being utilised as a technical spare to support the commencement of operations later in 2025.
National Guard soldiers stand guard at an area ravaged by the Palisades fire in Los Angeles County, California, the United States, on Jan. 13, 2025. Los Angeles police authorities have made 34 arrests in wildfire-ravaged areas, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said Monday. Those arrests were related to burglary, looting, illegal drone operations, people entering restricted areas with guns and narcotics, and curfew violations, Luna said.(Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua)

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Los Angeles is bracing for worsening scenario of wildfires as high winds forecast to create "extremely dangerous" weather conditions across coastal Southern California.

Thousands of firefighters battled wildfires in Los Angeles County on Monday, since the flames started ravaging the city last Tuesday.

The fierce wildfires, fueled by severe drought conditions and strong winds, scorched over 40,500 acres and destroyed more than 12,300 structures as of Monday.

The Palisades Fire, the largest one, was 14 percent contained, and the Eaton Fire, the second largest, was 33 percent contained as of Monday morning, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire).

At least 25 people have died and more than a dozen others remain unaccounted for as multiple wildfires rage across the Los Angeles area.

About 92,000 people remain under mandatory evacuation orders, and another 89,000 are under evacuation warnings, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna told reporters on Monday.

More than 80,000 customers in California are without power as Southern California Edison starts shutting off power in parts of Southern California ahead of the next wind event, which begins Tuesday.

High winds are forecast to pick up again Monday through Wednesday, with gusts up to 70 miles an hour creating "extremely dangerous fire weather conditions" across coastal Southern California, said the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS).

"Conditions are favorable for very rapid fire spread and extreme fire behavior, including long range spotting, which would threaten life and property," NWS said on X.

NWS issued a "particularly dangerous situation red flag warning" for parts of Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles counties through Wednesday.

The red flag warning signals fire danger.

The fires were predicted to become the worst natural disaster in U.S. history, and the death toll would likely rise, California Governor Gavin Newsom said Sunday.

"I think it will be in terms of just the costs associated with it, in terms of the scale and scope," Newsom told reporters. "I've got search-and-rescue teams out. We've got cadaver dogs out. And there's likely to be a lot more."

Los Angeles police authorities have made 34 arrests in wildfire-ravaged areas, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said Monday.

Those arrests were related to burglary, looting, illegal drone operations, people entering restricted areas with guns and narcotics, and curfew violations, Luna said.

The announcement of Oscar nominees for the 2025 Academy Awards was delayed again due to Los Angeles wildfires, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Monday.

As fires continue to burn, the academy has extended the voting period and postponed again the nominations announcements to Jan. 23.

"Due to the still-active fires in the Los Angeles area, we feel it is necessary to extend our voting period and move the date of our nominations announcement to allow additional time for our members," academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang said in a joint statement. 

National Guard soldiers stand guard at an area ravaged by the Palisades fire in Los Angeles County, California, the United States, on Jan. 13, 2025. Los Angeles police authorities have made 34 arrests in wildfire-ravaged areas, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said Monday. Those arrests were related to burglary, looting, illegal drone operations, people entering restricted areas with guns and narcotics, and curfew violations, Luna said.

A night-time curfew between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. is in place across the disaster zones around Pacific Palisades and Altadena, areas worst hit by the fires.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has deployed an additional 1,000 members of the California National Guard to Los Angeles on Sunday, bringing the total number of CalGuard service members in the region to about 2,500, according to the governor's office. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua)

Officers work on the road as the routes leading to areas ravaged by the Palisades fire remain closed in Los Angeles County, California, the United States, on Jan. 13, 2025. Los Angeles police authorities have made 34 arrests in wildfire-ravaged areas, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said Monday. Those arrests were related to burglary, looting, illegal drone operations, people entering restricted areas with guns and narcotics, and curfew violations, Luna said.

A night-time curfew between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. is in place across the disaster zones around Pacific Palisades and Altadena, areas worst hit by the fires.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has deployed an additional 1,000 members of the California National Guard to Los Angeles on Sunday, bringing the total number of CalGuard service members in the region to about 2,500, according to the governor's office. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua)

Local residents ride to check the condition of the areas ravaged by the Palisades fire in Los Angeles County, California, the United States, on Jan. 13, 2025. Los Angeles police authorities have made 34 arrests in wildfire-ravaged areas, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said Monday. Those arrests were related to burglary, looting, illegal drone operations, people entering restricted areas with guns and narcotics, and curfew violations, Luna said.

A night-time curfew between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. is in place across the disaster zones around Pacific Palisades and Altadena, areas worst hit by the fires.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has deployed an additional 1,000 members of the California National Guard to Los Angeles on Sunday, bringing the total number of CalGuard service members in the region to about 2,500, according to the governor's office. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua)

A damaged fire hydrant is seen in Pacific Palisades in Los Angeles, California, the United States, Jan. 13, 2025. Los Angeles police authorities have made 34 arrests in wildfire-ravaged areas, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said Monday. Those arrests were related to burglary, looting, illegal drone operations, people entering restricted areas with guns and narcotics, and curfew violations, Luna said.

A night-time curfew between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. is in place across the disaster zones around Pacific Palisades and Altadena, areas worst hit by the fires.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has deployed an additional 1,000 members of the California National Guard to Los Angeles on Sunday, bringing the total number of CalGuard service members in the region to about 2,500, according to the governor's office. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua)

Local residents leave the wildfire-ravaged areas in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles County, California, the United States, on Jan. 13, 2025. Los Angeles police authorities have made 34 arrests in wildfire-ravaged areas, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said Monday. Those arrests were related to burglary, looting, illegal drone operations, people entering restricted areas with guns and narcotics, and curfew violations, Luna said.

A night-time curfew between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. is in place across the disaster zones around Pacific Palisades and Altadena, areas worst hit by the fires.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has deployed an additional 1,000 members of the California National Guard to Los Angeles on Sunday, bringing the total number of CalGuard service members in the region to about 2,500, according to the governor's office. (Photo by Qiu Chen/Xinhua)
Public can explore Arctic leadership at free lectures

Weekly public lectures this spring at the University of Alaska Fairbanks will examine leadership challenges and opportunities in the Arctic. Topics include Indigenous leadership, environmental stewardship, justice, media and military strategies.

The Arctic Leadership Lecture Series is hosted by UAFs and UA Southeasts Political Science departments and the UAF Arctic and Northern studies program.



Lecturers will include Alaska Supreme Court Justices Jude Pate and Sue Carney, industry leaders, policymakers and researchers. The lectures are part of a broader course, Arctic Leadership: Theory and Praxis in the 21st Century, a comprehensive review of leadership dynamics in the Arctic.

The lectures will take place on Thursdays from 5:30-7 p.m. in Schaible Auditorium on the UAF Troth Yeddha Campus in Fairbanks. All events are free and open to the public, with live streaming available via Zoom. Presenters will host Q&A sessions following each lecture.

Lecture schedule:

Jan. 23: Boroughs

What role do borough mayors play in shaping Arctic communities? Local leaders will discuss economic development, infrastructure, and policy challenges in Alaskas boroughs.

Jan. 30 & Feb. 6: Alaska State Legislature

Explore the legislative priorities and challenges of the Alaska State Legislature in shaping Arctic governance.

Feb. 13: Justice

Alaska Supreme Court Justices Jude Pate and Sue Carney will discuss justice in the Arctic, touching on sovereignty, resource rights and governance.

Feb. 20 & 27: Alaska Native leadership

Indigenous leaders will share their vision for sustainable development, cultural preservation and innovation in the Arctic.

March 6: Alaska Native corporations

Learn about the role of Native corporations in the Arctic economy, from cultural preservation to sustainable development.

March 20: Arctic Military leadership

Examine the Arctics importance as a strategic frontier for global security with insights from military leaders.

March 27: Media in the Arctic

Discover how media professionals shape public perception of Arctic issues and advocate for change.

April 3: Business and Industry

Discuss the challenges and opportunities for entrepreneurship and industry in the Arctic.

April 10: Arctic Environmental Leadership

Leading environmentalists and scientists will address conservation, climate change and ecosystem protection in the Arctic.

April 17: Academia and research

Explore the role of academia in solving complex Arctic challenges through groundbreaking research and collaboration.

Community members can attend individual lectures in person or via Zoom, while people interested in a more in-depth exploration can register for the full Arctic leadership course. Degree and non-degree students are welcome. Classroom discussions continue after the public lectures from 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. for students enrolled in the course.



The Arctic Leadership Lecture Series invites everyone to engage with leaders and innovators shaping the regions future. More details are available online.

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SACRAMENTO, United States, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Major U.S. tech firms and industry groups on Monday slashed the Biden administration's sweeping new controls on AI chip exports, which could severely damage America's global competitiveness in AI technology and tech market leadership.

The new 200-page rules, released just days before President-elect Donald Trump takes office, would impose worldwide restrictions and licensing requirements on advanced computer chip exports for AI applications.

The rules would particularly affect graphics processing units (GPUs) that power AI systems. Leading chipmakers, cloud computing companies, and industry associations sharply criticized the regulations.

"We're deeply disappointed that a policy shift of this magnitude and impact is being rushed out the door days before a presidential transition and without any meaningful input from industry," said John Neuffer, president of the Semiconductor Industry Association, in a statement released Monday.

He warned that the regulations risk "causing unintended and lasting damage to America's economy and global competitiveness."

The framework creates a complex new system where only 20 "trusted" economies, including close U.S. allies like the United Kingdom, Japan, and Germany, would be exempt from strict export caps.

Other key U.S. partners like Israel, Singapore, Brazil, India, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates would face significant restrictions under a "Low Processing Performance" license exception with tight country-specific limits on chip imports.

Oracle Executive Vice President Ken Glueck highlighted how the rules could dramatically impact the global cloud computing industry.

"For the first time, we are applying draconian new regulations to largely unregulated public, commercial cloud," Glueck said in a statement. He noted that data centers worldwide would need to meet stringent U.S. government security standards called "FedRAMP High" -- requirements typically reserved for handling sensitive federal data.

Ned Finkle, Nvidia's vice president of government affairs, argued that the regulations "would impose bureaucratic control over how America's leading semiconductors, computers, systems and even software are designed and marketed globally."

According to the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), Nvidia controls 70 to 95 percent of the global market for AI accelerator chips. Nvidia called the new rules "unprecedented and misguided."

Industry critics identified several significant "flaws" in the framework. The rules regulate all global commercial cloud computing for the first time through new requirements like trying to control who can access cloud services and how much processing power they can use, but keeping track of this globally will be difficult.

The restrictions also ignore how AI systems actually work -- companies can achieve similar capabilities by simply using more lower-powered chips, meaning competitors could circumvent the rules while U.S. firms lose market share.

The framework could undermine both U.S. companies' market position and the goals of the CHIPS Act meant to strengthen domestic semiconductor production, the critics said.

Oracle called it "a regulatory morass" of new compliance obligations. Critics argued the rushed timeline, combined with a lack of industry consultation, could cause severe disruption to U.S. technology leadership.

"By pressuring others to choose between the United States and China, the administration risks alienating key partners," said Daniel Castro, ITIF's vice president. 
| By Lorri Angelloz

What does this new announcement mean? The word supercharged comes to mind. Weve supercharged this engineering program with medicine to have these new inventions, these new ideas come across to solve vexing problems, University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) President Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS, said in opening remarks at a Jan. 10 ceremony. The event marked the announcement of a $10 million joint gift from Edward and Jennifer St. John and the Edward St. John Foundation, which will establish the Edward and Jennifer St. John Center for Translational Engineering and Medicine (CTEM).

The new center brings together researchers from the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) at UMB and the A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP). Occupying the fourth floor of 4MLK at the University of Maryland BioPark, CTEM will foster face-to-face collaboration among clinicians and engineers. Their proximity will ensure that real-world clinical needs inform the creation of new devices, diagnostics, and treatments, accelerating the pathway from research to patient care  resulting in next-generation medical solutions that will benefit patients across Maryland and beyond.

UMCP President Darryll J. Pines, PhD, MS, followed Jarrells comments by underscoring the centers potential to radically change the future for health care innovation.

Jennifer and Edward St. John during the ceremony announcing the $10 gift to launch the Center for Translational Engineering and Medicine.

This is a collaboration that is only a collaboration that's been done five times before in the United States, between engineering and medicine, Pines said. Citing concerns such as increasing cancer diagnoses in younger patients and the possibility of future pandemics, he noted that UMB and UMCP have exceptional people and exceptional resources that can be brought to bear on these incredible, grand challenge problems.

Both presidents expressed gratitude to Jennifer and Edward St. John and to Sharon Akers, president of the Edward St. John Foundation, for the significance of the gift. Edward St. John, a UMCP engineering graduate turned Baltimore-based business leader and philanthropist, previously donated $10 million to build the Edward St. John Learning and Teaching Center at UMCP. Having long supported UMBs mission, St. John also committed $1 million to the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, supported UMBs CURE Scholars Program, and pledged another $1 million in 2021 for a Clinical Stem Cell Laboratory at the University of Maryland Medical Center. This new contribution will establish endowed and current-use professorships in bioengineering, student awards in translational engineering and medicine, and operating funds for the center.

It truly is a privilege to be here on this important day. Its an important day because it represents the joining together of these major institutions in a way that we know will have a major impact on the fields of engineering and medicine, said Jennifer St. John, emphasizing that the combined efforts of UMB and UMCP could save lives well beyond Maryland. We are incredibly proud to support this endeavor, this visionary approach to the new frontier of engineering and medicine.

Edward St. John added, The discoveries that will be made, the technologies that will be created, and the protocols that will be designed here and established will shape the future of medicine.

CTEM is led by co-directors Giuliano Scarcelli, PhD, of the Fischell Department of Bioengineering in the A. James Clark School of Engineering at UMCP, and Osamah J. Saeedi, MD, of the Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at UMSOM. Their collaborative work using cutting-edge ophthalmologic imaging to address ocular diseases such as glaucoma illustrates how the center will cultivate new possibilities across bioengineering and medicine. Building on these breakthroughs, the center will expand into diverse areas of translational science, encouraging broader collaborations that accelerate discovery and improve patient outcomes well beyond eye care.

Occupying the entire fourth floor of 4MLK, the centers space was custom designed by UMSOM to facilitate collaboration between UMB and UMCP researchers. State-of-the-art equipment and easy access to UMBs core labs and facilities will allow researchers to iterate their ideas as they develop potential new products.

Its location in 4MLK, the most recent addition to UMBs 14-acre BioPark, places the center at the heart of a thriving biomedical innovation hub that is transforming Baltimores biotechnology landscape. By fostering groundbreaking research and cross-disciplinary collaboration, the center will not only advance medical science but also reinforce the critical role of the biotechnology sector in driving economic growth and scientific progress throughout Baltimore and the greater region.

We are thrilled to have the Edward and Jennifer St. John Center for Translational Engineering and Medicine locate in 4MLK, said James L. Hughes, MBA, chief enterprise and economic development officer and senior vice president at UMB and president of the BioPark. In addition to providing cutting-edge facilities for life and health science innovation, one of the BioParks core missions is to create connection that further strengthens Baltimores thriving life science industry. CTEM researchers will join a vibrant, collaborative community in the BioPark and be well-supported as they advance their innovative health care technologies.
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APAAR ID, Aadhaar mandatory for NEET UG 2025 registration

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has asked candidates appearing for National Eligibility cum Entrance Test 2025 (NEET UG 2025) to update their Aadhaar details and also keep APAAR ID ready for registration of the important medical entrance exam

Wednesday January 15, 2025 0:03 AM , ummid.com News Network

NEET UG 2025: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has asked candidates appearing for National Eligibility cum Entrance Test 2025 (NEET UG 2025) to update their Aadhaar details and also keep APAAR ID ready for registration of the important medical entrance exam.

"As per instructions issued by Dept of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, integration of APAAR ID with NEET UG 2025 is to be ensured", the NTA said in a notification released today.

"To support this objective, candidates are encouraged to use their APAAR ID as well as Aadhaar based authentication during the application and examination process", the NTA said.

The NTA also asked the candidates to update their Aadhaar details as per the SSC marksheet.

"Candidates are advised to update their credentials in Aadhaar, preferably as per their 10th Marksheet/Passing Certificate."

"Updated credentials are highly recommended for ease of verification, registration process and to enhance the integrity of the exam process", the NTA said.

The NTA also asked candidates to link their Aadhaar with mobile number.

Candidates should ensure that their Aadhaar is linked with a valid mobile number for OTP based authentication.

What is APAAR ID?

The APAAR is Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry. It is a 12 digit unique code issued to students.

APAAR ID or One Nation One Student ID is a recently announced initiative by the Government of India and the Ministry of Education especially for students.

APAAR ID allows students to store and monitor their academic progress and accomplishments and also share them with institutions easily.

The APAAR ID embodies the vision of "One Nation, One Student ID", ensuring a unified and accessible academic experience for students across India. The APAAR ID serves as a lifelong academic passport, consolidating all achievements and credentials of a student in one place, the Government said.

How to get APAAR ID?

Owing to the importance of the AAPAR ID, all students, especially those who are appearing for NEET UG 2025, should get their AAPAR ID beforehand.

Students should note that for APAAR registration, the name of the student as per UDISE+ record must match his/her name as per Aadhaar, PEN or Permanent Education Number.

Once this is done, students can follow the steps given below to proceed for APAAR registration.

Verification: Visit the school to verify demographic details Parental Consent: Obtain parental consent if the student is a minor Authentication: Authenticate identity through the school ID Creation: Upon successful verification, the APAAR ID is created and added to DigiLocker for secure online access

How to access APAAR ID?

Once APAAR ID is generated and added to the students DigiLocker account, they can access it via the web or app to access their APAAR ID.

The APAAR initiative represents a transformative leap towards a more organized and accessible education system in the country.

By providing a unique academic identity, streamlining records, ensuring data security, and fostering academic mobility, APAAR empowers students to navigate their educational journey with confidence and convenience.

"As we embrace this innovative approach to education, we anticipate positive outcomes for both students and the education system as a whole", the government said.

NEET UG Registration

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test or NEET is conducted every year for admission in MBBS, BDS and other medical and allied courses including BUMS, BAMS, BHMS, BPTh and other by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

The NTA has not yet confirmed the date of NEET UG 2025. It however will most likely be held on May 04, 2025 . The NTA meanwhile said NEET UG 2025 registration will start soon. It will be when the NEET UG 2025 date will be confirmed.

The NTA had earlier released syllabus of NEET UG 2025 .

Candidates should note that the NTA will first release the medical entrance test date and time, and exam calendar. It will later publish the complete schedule and then start candidate registration.

Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates.

Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic.
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Qatar and the United States Wednesday January 15, 2025 confirmed Palestinian Resistance Groups led by Hamas and Israel have finalised the deal to end over 15-month long war in Gaza and other occupied Palestinian lands

Friday January 17, 2025 8:17 PM , ummid.com News Network

[Gaza after 15 months of genocidal bombings by the Israeli Occupation Forces]

Doha: The Israeli political-security cabinet, popularly known as war cabinet, in its meeting held today i.e. Friday January 17, 2025, approved the Gaza ceasefire and hostage-prisoners exchange deal.

Likuds David Amsalem joined Israeli's National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and other far-right ministers from the Religious Zionism and the Otzma Yehudit party in voting against the deal at todays earlier security cabinet vote, which passed overwhelmingly.

The deal will now be moved in the Israeli Parliament Saturday. Israeli President Isaac Herzog while welcoming the decision of the security cabinet to approve the ceasefire-hostage release deal, said he "expects the government to do so as well soon.

Meanwhile, the Israeli bombings of Gaza continues even after the ceasefire deal to be enforced Sunday. As per Gazas Hamas-run health ministry, 110 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza in the past 24 hours.

11:00 AM Friday January 17, 2025: The Israeli political-security cabinet, the infamous war cabinet, is set to vote and likely approve the Gaza Ceasefire and hostage-prisoner exchange deal today i.e. Friday January 17, 2025, Netanyahu's office said.

On Friday morning, the office of Netanyahu said a "deal to release the hostages" has been agreed.

He has ordered the political-security cabinet to convene later on Friday and the government "will then convene to approve the deal", Netanyahu's office said, accodring to BBC.

Thursday January 16, 2025: Israel on Thursday January 16, 2025 hold off the Gaza ceasfire deal accusing the Palestinian Resistance Group Hamas creating "last minute" wrenches into the negotiations.

Hamas has denied the Israeli claim.

Hamas is committed to the ceasefire agreement, which was announced by the mediators, Izzat al-Risheq, a senior member of the groups political bureau, said in a Telegram post Thursday.

The statement came shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahus office accused the Palestinian group of reneging on the understandings reached as part of the hostage deal and creating a last-minute crisis that is preventing an agreement.

The Israeli cabinet will not convene [to approve the deal] until the mediators notify Israel that Hamas has accepted all elements of the agreement, it stressed.

Wednesday January 15, 2025: Qatar and the United States Wednesday January 15, 2025 confirmed Palestinian Resistance Groups led by Hamas and Israel have finalised the deal to end over 15-month long war in Gaza and other occupied Palestinian lands.

Qatar Prime Minister a little while ago announced that Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire and hostage-prisoner exchange deal for Gaza.

"Israel and Hamas have agreed a ceasefire starting on Sunday to halt the devastating 15-month war in Gaza", Qatars Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani said.

Later, U.S. President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump confirmed the latest development.

The Israeli cabinet will meet Thursday January 16, 2025 to approve the terms of the deal.

Israels genocidal war in Gaza has killed at least 46,707 Palestinians and wounded 110,265 - majority of them women and children, since October 7, 2023 .

The latest war in Gaza started following Operation al Aqsa Storm by Hamas led Resistance Groups.

At least 1,139 people were killed in Israel, a good number by the Zionist's own military, during the attacks on October 07, 2023.

Hamas taken more than 200 as captives. Out of them, over 100 were released in a deal last November .

Tuesday January 14, 2025: Qatar, the chief negotiator between Hamas and Israel Tuesday said the Gaza ceasefire deal is at its closest point yet and an announcement in this regard is expected any moment.

We are closer than ever to a ceasefire deal, with all major issues ironed out, Qatars Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari said a little while ago.

According to Al Jazeera, Hamas leaders have conducted a series of consultations with leaders of Palestinian factions, informing them about progress made in the ongoing negotiations in Doha, according to a statement from the groups chapter in the occupied West Bank.

On the other hand, Israeli Agriculture Minister Avi Dichter said Israeli cabinet will approve Gaza deal despite opposition from National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

Dichter said Ben-Gvir and Smotrich both know well that their votes will not be decisive regarding the deal to return the abductees.

We are in decisive moments regarding the return of the abductees, and we, the cabinet members, will ensure their return to their families, he said.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu meanwhile is meeting Smotrich, according to Israeli media reports, as negotiations for a ceasefire with Hamas advance. Netanyahu is trying to persuade Smotrich not to resign from the government over a potential deal, according to Israels Walla news site.

Earlier today, Ben-Gvir urged Smotrich to resign alongside him if Israel agreed to a ceasefire, in a last-ditch bid to thwart a potential deal.

In a related development, Olaf Scholz, the Chancellor of Germany, said a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas appears to be within reach.

We understand how painful any agreement with the terrorist organisation Hamas is for Israel. Nevertheless, the lives of the hostages must now have top priority, he said in a statement.

Gaza Ceasefire Deal  Full Details

Here is the draft of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and the outstanding points published by the Saudi television channel "Al-Hadath".

Two stages and 42 days

Sources revealed details of the draft agreement being worked on including two stages, each of which lasts 42 days.

The first stage stipulated a temporary cessation of mutual military operations by both parties and the withdrawal of Israeli forces eastward and away from densely populated areas to an area adjacent to the border in all areas of the Gaza Strip, including the Gaza Valley (Netzarim axis and Kuwait Roundabout)

It also stipulated the return of the displaced to their areas of residence and the withdrawal from the Gaza Valley (Netzarim axis and Kuwait Roundabout).

[A Palestinian family in Gaza (October 2020 file image)]

On the 7th day (after the release of 7 detainees), the Israeli forces will withdraw completely from Rashid Street eastward to Salah al-Din Street, and the military sites and installations in this area will be completely dismantled, with the displaced beginning to return to their areas of residence (without carrying weapons during their return), as well as freedom of movement for residents in all areas of the Strip, and the entry of humanitarian aid from Rashid Street starting from the first day and without obstacles.

On the 22nd day, Israeli forces will withdraw from the center of the Strip (especially the Netzarim axis and the Kuwait Roundabout axis) east of Salah al-Din Road to an area close to the border, and military sites and installations will be completely dismantled.

The return of displaced persons to their places of residence (without carrying weapons when returning to their homes) in the northern Gaza Strip will continue, and freedom of movement for residents will continue in all areas of the Gaza Strip.

Humanitarian Aid

In addition, the agreement stipulated that starting from the first day, intensive and sufficient quantities of humanitarian aid, relief materials and fuel would be brought in (600 trucks per day, including 50 fuel trucks, 300 of which would be for the north), including the fuel needed to operate the power plant, trade and equipment needed to remove rubble, rehabilitate and operate hospitals, health centers and bakeries in all areas of the Gaza Strip, and this would continue throughout all stages of the agreement.

Prisoner Exchange

In the details of the prisoner exchange between the two sides, the sources revealed that during the first stage, Hamas will release 33 Israeli detainees (alive or dead), including women (civilians and female soldiers), children (under the age of 19, not soldiers), the elderly (over the age of 50), and wounded and sick civilians, in exchange for a number of prisoners in Israeli prisons and detention centers, according to the following:

Hamas will release all living Israeli civilian women and children (under 19, not soldiers), in return Israel will release 30 children and women for every Israeli female detainee released, based on lists provided by Hamas according to the longest-held detention.

Then the movement will release all living Israeli detainees, the elderly (over 50 years old), the sick and the wounded civilians, in return Israel will release 30 elderly (over 50 years old) and sick prisoners for every Israeli detainee, based on lists provided by Hamas according to the oldest detention.

Later, Hamas will release all the surviving female Israeli soldiers, while Israel will release 50 prisoners from its prisons for every female Israeli soldier released (30 life sentences, and 20 serving other sentences with no more than 15 years remaining) based on lists provided by Hamas.

The draft also detailed the stages and days of prisoner exchange between the two sides.

No re-arrest of prisoners

While Israel pledged not to re-arrest Palestinian prisoners who will be released again on the same charges for which they were previously arrested, the Israeli side will not re-arrest Palestinians released to serve the remainder of their sentences.

Palestinian prisoners who will be released will also not be required to sign any document as a condition for their release.

In the second stage, a return to sustainable calm will be declared (a permanent cessation of military operations and all hostile activities) and will come into effect before the exchange of detainees and prisoners between the two sides begins - all remaining Israeli men alive (civilians and soldiers) - in exchange for an agreed number of prisoners in Israeli prisons and detention centers, and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.

The bodies and remains of the dead in the possession of both parties will also be exchanged after reaching and identifying them.

The Gaza Strip reconstruction plan will be implemented over a period of 3 to 5 years, including homes, civilian buildings, and civilian infrastructure, and compensating all those affected, under the supervision of a number of countries and organizations, including Egypt, Qatar, and the United Nations.

In addition, crossings will be opened and the movement of people and goods will be allowed.

It is noteworthy that a high-level Israeli delegation, including the head of the Israeli foreign intelligence agency (Mossad), David Barnea, and the head of the internal security agency (Shabak), Ronen Bar, arrived in Qatar yesterday to complete the negotiations.

About 100 Israelis are still being held in the devastated Palestinian enclave since October 7, 2023, but some Israeli estimates suggest that half of them have died.

While thousands of Palestinians are languishing in Israeli prisons, some of them sentenced to life imprisonment.

Follow ummid.com WhatsApp Channel for all the latest updates.

Select Language To Read in Urdu, Hindi, Marathi or Arabic.
SACRAMENTO, United States, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- As the potential TikTok ban in the United States drew near, a Chinese social media app named RedNote unexpectedly climbed to the top position on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store on Monday.

RedNote, known as Xiaohongshu in China, saw a sudden surge in popularity among American users as TikTok faced a possible ban on January 19, 2025. The app became a haven for content American creators and users seeking an alternative to TikTok.

The app's sudden rise to prominence in the United States came as the Supreme Court was set to rule on enforcing a law that could either ban TikTok or force its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to sell it to an American firm.

This legal uncertainty prompted many TikTok users to seek alternative platforms, with RedNote emerging as a popular choice.

Founded in 2013, RedNote initially focused on overseas shopping advice but has since evolved into a comprehensive lifestyle platform. The app allows users to share product reviews, lifestyle tips and personal experiences through text, images and short videos.

In December 2024, RedNote boasted approximately 300 million monthly active users globally.

RedNote's user base consists primarily of young, urban Chinese women, with 70 percent of its users reportedly born after 1990. However, the recent influx of American users has begun to diversify its user demographics.

The platform's success can be attributed to its unique blend of social media and e-commerce features. Users can share content and purchase products directly through the app, creating a seamless shopping experience.

As users flock to RedNote, some are embracing the platform's international nature.

Videos from American users identifying themselves as "TikTok refugees" have begun to appear, with some even reaching out to Chinese members to learn about trending memes in China. 
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

Azad Jammu Kashmir Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwaar ul Haq has strongly condemned Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), declaring him the assassin of innocent Kashmiris

MIRPUR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Jan, 2025) Azad Jammu Kashmir Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwaar ul Haq has strongly condemned Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), declaring him the assassin of innocent Kashmiris.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Anwar Ul Haq emphasized that the Kashmiri people have rejected India's so-called development projects, which are 'stained with the blood of Kashmiris'.

He underlined that India has been oppressing the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir for 78 years but has failed to dampen their spirit of freedom.

PM Haq reiterated that Kashmiris have immense love and devotion to Pakistan, which, he added, is ingrained in their blood.

He urged the international community to increase pressure on India to grant Kashmiris their right to self-determination, as per United Nations resolutions.

AJK Premier also called on the international community to play its role in resolving the Kashmir issue and to take notice of the atrocities committed against innocent people in the occupied valley.

He expressed regret over the international community's silence on the issue and emphasized that it is time for them to end their silence and ensure the birthright of the Kashmiri people.

The prime minister concluded by saying that the day is not far when the Kashmiris will get freedom and the dream of a complete Pakistan will be fulfilled.

APP/ahr/378
" " Whether you're binging a series or just looking for a self-contained movie, we have quite the list of anime for you to explore. Shutterstock AI Generator / Shutterstock

Anime is well known for its colorful characters, and some of the most vivid and unforgettable are demons. While no two anime demons are exactly like, many share enough characteristics to be considered part of the category.

Whether you've got a favorite anime demon of your own or you're totally new to the genre, you'll surely find some new-to-you figures on this list.
ABU DHABI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 15th Jan, 2025) President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Excellency Dr William Samoei Ruto, President of Kenya, participated in todays signing at Qasr Al Bahr in Abu Dhabi of the UAE-Kenya Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), a far-reaching and mutually beneficial agreement designed to deepen trade and investment ties, strengthen supply chains, and enhance market access across the middle East and Africa.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed the agreement as a testament to the UAEs commitment to strengthening economic ties across Africa and creating new opportunities for businesses and investors.

His Highness noted that the UAE-Kenya CEPA will boost trade and investment while also fostering innovation and sustainable growth in key sectors such as agriculture, retail, healthcare, financial services, technology and tourism.

Moreover, His Highness stated that the UAE looks forward to deepening its relations with Kenya and further expanding its developmental partnerships in Africa.

His Excellency Dr William Samoei Ruto, President of Kenya, expressed his gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his commitment to strengthening ties between the UAE and Kenya.

He described the CEPA as a major step forward in their economic relations and reaffirmed Kenya's keenness to achieve its goals for the mutual benefit of both nations.

The UAE-Kenya CEPA was signed by His Excellency Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and His Excellency Dr Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs of Kenya.

The new agreement builds on growing cooperation between the UAE and Kenya, which saw bilateral non-oil trade reach US$3.1 billion in the first nine months of 2024, an increase of 29.1 percent compared to the same period in 2023.

Kenya's economy, one of the most promising in Africa, experienced real GDP growth of 5.6 percent in 2023, with estimates it will average 5.2 percent between 2024 to 2026. Among others, its services sector, which accounts for 53.6 percent of Kenyas GDP, and agriculture sector, comprising around a quarter of national GDP, offer vast potential for UAE businesses looking to expand into the region.

The CEPA will also accelerate investment flows in high-potential areas such as ICT, banking, tourism, infrastructure, and renewable energy.

Foreign trade remains the cornerstone of the UAEs economic agenda and a central pillar of the nations efforts to double the size of its economy to over US$800 billion by the end of the decade.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Jan, 2025) Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Tuesday expressed confidence that deepening parliamentary ties between the Pakistan and Turkiye would serve to further strengthen bilateral relations.

During a meeting with Ambassador of Turkiye to Pakistan, Dr. Irfan Neziroglu he highlighted the enduring relationship between the two nations, which is deeply rooted in shared religion, history, culture, and a sense of brotherhood said a news release.

While emphasizing the long-standing and strong ties between Pakistan and Turkiye Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said ,Pakistan and Turkiye are like one soul in two bodies.

The speaker further underscored the deep affection and attachment that the people of Pakistan have for Turkiye, acknowledging the significant sacrifices made by the Turkish people in defending democracy and preserving national sovereignty.

Ayaz Sadiq also pointed out that both countries share unanimity of views on key regional and global issues, particularly on Kashmir, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and Karabakh.

He noted that Pakistan and Turkiye have consistently supported each others positions on these matters within international forums and reaffirmed the importance of continuing this mutual support.

The Pakistan-Turkiye Parliamentary Friendship Group in the National Assembly plays a vital role in advancing parliamentary diplomacy and fostering stronger connections between our two nations, he stated.

He also stressed the importance of enhancing parliamentary exchanges, which he believes will contribute to greater understanding and cooperation between lawmakers from both countries.

Ambassador Dr. Irfan Neziroglu warmly commended the Speaker's remarks and reiterated Turkiyes high regard for its fraternal relationship with Pakistan.

He affirmed that the bond of love, respect, and mutual fraternity between the peoples of the two nations is deeply cherished in Turkey.

The Turkish Ambassador further emphasized the significant role of parliamentary diplomacy in strengthening the bilateral ties between Pakistan and Turkiye.

He also reiterated Turkiyes commitment to deepening bilateral trade relations and expressed Turkiyes willingness to explore new avenues for collaboration, building on the existing cooperation and moving beyond the framework of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs).

APP/zah-sra
(@FahadShabbir)

Lieutenant General S M Kamr-ul-Hassan, Principal Staff Officer (PSO) of the Armed Forces Division of Bangladesh who is visiting Pakistan on Tuesday met with General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS) here at the General Headquarters (GHQ)

RAWALPINDI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Jan, 2025) Lieutenant General S M Kamr-ul-Hassan, Principal Staff Officer (PSO) of the Armed Forces Division of Bangladesh who is visiting Pakistan on Tuesday met with General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS) here at the General Headquarters (GHQ).

During their meeting, both held extensive discussions on the evolving security dynamics in the region and explored further avenues for enhancing bilateral military cooperation, said a news release issued by Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The COAS and the PSO underscored the importance of a stronger defence relationship, emphasizing that the enduring partnership between the two brotherly nations must remain resilient against external influences.

The COAS reiterated the significance of joint efforts to promote peace and stability in South Asia and the broader region, while ensuring that both nations continue to contribute to regional security through collaborative defence initiatives.

Lieutenant General Kamr-ul-Hassan commended the exceptional professionalism of the Pakistan Army and acknowledged the immense sacrifices made by the armed forces in their relentless fight against terrorism, noting that their efforts serve as a beacon of courage and determination.
Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani on Tuesday underscored the deepening ties between Pakistan and China across diverse sectors, including energy

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Jan, 2025) Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani on Tuesday underscored the deepening ties between Pakistan and China across diverse sectors, including energy.

During a meeting with the Vice President of Shandong Kerui Group Wu Xiaogui, and Chairman and CEO of Tabani Group, he underlined a transformative era in its energy sector, one driven by strategic partnerships with China.

He said Chinas unwavering trust and commitment to Pakistan's development have always been an invaluable source of progress, particularly in the energy sector.

The Chairman Senate said that collaboration with Shandong Kerui Group and other Chinese investors is integral to Pakistans clean energy future.

He highlighted that the two countries share a vision of sustainable growth and environmental stewardship, with clean energy fostering collaboration that benefits both nations.

The meeting underscored the extraordinary advancements made by Shandong Kerui Group and Tabani Global in Pakistans energy infrastructure over the past 15 years.

The Chairman Senate stressed that such initiatives aim at clean energy, focus on securing vital gas resources, addressing the country's growing gas deficiency, and tackling the substantial amount of gas that is currently wasted in outdated pipeline systems should be addressed.

He said this comprehensive approach to energy management is a crucial step toward ensuring long-term energy security for Pakistan.

He said that Pakistan grapples with rising energy demands and a need for cleaner, more sustainable solutions.

Gilani reaffirmed Pakistans commitment to shifting its energy mix. Currently, the countrys power sector is heavily reliant on thermal sources, contributing 58.8% of the energy mix, which poses significant environmental and economic challenges.

He said, Pakistan is now focused on diversifying its energy sources, aiming to increase the share of renewable energy to 60% by 2030 through wind, solar, and hydropower projects.

He said, We are keen to expand our cooperation in solar and wind energy projects.

Gilani said stressing the immense opportunities for foreign investors.

In a forward-thinking move, Pakistan is also setting its sights on a future where 30% of all vehicles are powered by electricity, driving the nation toward its environmental goals while reducing dependency on fossil fuels, anticipated Gilani.

The establishment of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), a key initiative to streamline investment procedures and facilitate easier, more effective communication between investors and the government, was also discussed.

This one-stop solution assures foreign investors of safety, transparency, and profitable returns, making Pakistan an increasingly attractive destination for global capital.

Under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), both countries have already made significant strides in building critical infrastructure that links Pakistans vast energy resources with the burgeoning markets of Central Asia and the middle East.
The newly commissioned Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) Yamama, during maiden voyage from Romania to Pakistan, visited Golcuk and Aksaz Naval Bases Turkiye and participated in Turkish Navy Exercise MAVI VATAN-2025

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Jan, 2025) The newly commissioned Pakistan Navy Ship (PNS) Yamama, during maiden voyage from Romania to Pakistan, visited Golcuk and Aksaz Naval Bases Turkiye and participated in Turkish Navy Exercise MAVI VATAN-2025.

Earlier, upon arrival, the ship was received by representatives of Turkish Naval Forces along with Naval Attache of Pakistan, said a press release issued by Directorate Public Relations (Pak Navy) here.

PNS Yamamas visit to Turkiye was aimed at strengthening brotherly relations and reaffirming Pakistan's commitment to foster wide-ranging bilateral relations and defence ties with Turkiye, it further said.

In same context, during the visit, a number of professional and social activities such as leadership engagements, visits to Turkish Naval facilities, professional interactions and discourse on professional subjects of mutual interests were conducted.

Deputy Commander Turkish Naval Fleet, Vice Admiral Ibrahim Ozden Kocer also visited PNS Yamama and received a detailed brief on Ships capabilities.

Besides port calls, PNS Yamama participated in Turkish Navy Exercise MAVI VATAN-2025. PNS Yamama was the only foreign participating unit other than Turkish Naval Ships. The participation of PNS Yamama underscores strong bond forged by years of collaboration, brotherhood and mutual respect between Turkish Navy and Pakistan Navy.

PNS Yamama is the last of four Offshore Patrol Vessels built for Pakistan Navy by Damen Shipyards, Galati, Romania.

These versatile, high-tech, and state-of-the-art platforms are designed to operate in contested maritime environments and are equipped to project deterrence across all domains of warfare.
Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon on Tuesday stressed the need of adhering traffic rules so that ratio of accidents could be reduced and precious be saved

KARACHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Jan, 2025) Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon on Tuesday stressed the need of adhering traffic rules so that ratio of accidents could be reduced and precious be saved.

Addressing the Consumer Road Safety Award ceremony organized by Consumer Association of Pakistan (CAP), Sharjeel Memon said as a nation, our priorities are shifting and we should have to serve the humanity in every possible way.

Sindh Senior Minister congratulated the CAP on successful Award ceremony.

He emphasized the importance of respecting traffic rules and educating children about them. He also highlighted the need for awareness, noting that a few moments of haste can not only ruin lives but also create difficulties for others.

Sharjeel Inam Memon stated that when young children drive, it reflects the negligence and irresponsibility of their parents. He urged the media to play its role in raising awareness about traffic rules, emphasizing that violations not only breach regulations but also lead to numerous negative consequences.

He acknowledged the dedication of Traffic policemen, noting that they work tirelessly, standing for hours in the scorching sun, intense heat, and even in cold weather. He emphasized that when traffic policemen stop someone, it is for their safety, and he honored them as our national heroes.

He stated that Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, President Asif Ali Zardari and the Chief Minister have given clear directives to expand mass transit.

He acknowledged that environmental pollution is a significant challenge and announced that the Sindh government is set to launch an eco-friendly electric vehicle (EV) taxi service for the first time.

This initiative will benefit both the environment and the country while creating new employment opportunities.

At the ceremony, Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon presented shields to traffic police personnel and members of the CAP in recognition of their valuable contributions to road safety.
His Excellency, Minister of Education, Culture, and Higher Education of Somalia, Farah Sheikh Abdulkadir, an alumnus of the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), alongwith Somali Ambassador H.E. Sheikh Noor Mohamed Hassan visited the university

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Jan, 2025) His Excellency, Minister of Education, Culture, and Higher Education of Somalia, Farah Sheikh Abdulkadir, an alumnus of the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), alongwith Somali Ambassador H.E. Sheikh Noor Mohamed Hassan visited the university.

Minister Abdulkadir toured the Faculty of Shariah and Law, where he once studied.

He met with the faculty there and shared his old memories. In the management block auditorium, he met with Somali students to encourage them in their academic pursuits.

Meanwhile, he also held a meeting with the IIUI President, discussing avenues for collaboration in education and research.

The delegation emphasized the historic ties between Somalia and IIUI, underscoring the university's role in building global academic connections.

IIUI President said, "Somali students have great potential, and IIUI's doors will always be open to welcoming more students from Somalia."
(@FahadShabbir)

Malibu, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Jan, 2025) A huge village has sprung up on the golden sands of a beach in Malibu, becoming a temporary home for thousands of firefighters from all over North America to eat, sleep and recuperate when they aren't battling fires across Los Angeles.

Around 5,000 first responders mingle among trailers and tents, where they are served calorie-laden breakfasts by inmates drafted in to help the enormous effort.

"This is a small town that was built from the ground up," firefighter Edwin Zuniga told AFP of the vast encampment at Zuma Beach, a few miles from the blazes.

The camp comes to life before dawn, as thousands of firefighters line up for breakfast.

Rows of tables are set against the backdrop of crashing waves in a vast open-air dining room.

The standards of dozens of firefighting battalions mark the presence of crews from all over California and the western United States, as well as a contingent of newly arrived Mexicans.

Emotional support dog Ember trots happily along, offering an enthusiastic greeting to anyone and everyone who wants to pet her, a welcome distraction from the long, hard days on the fire's front lines.

"The dogs are great," says the dog's trainer, firefighter Bari Boersma.

"When people pet the dogs, their blood pressure comes down, and they just feel good for a minute," she said.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day for many firefighters, a chance to load up on calories befores their shift.

The chef's choice on Monday morning was a big heap of "meat, eggs, taters and some kinda bread," according to a menu.

The food is prepared by a team of inmates from California's prisons, brought in to help in one of the biggest disaster responses the state has ever seen.

"This is just an honor and a privilege to be here, serving the community, paying my debt to society, just giving back to people," Bryan Carlton, a 55-year-old who is serving his sentence at a correctional camp, told AFP.

Carlton prepares about 400 gallons (1,500 liters) of coffee throughout his 12-hour shift.

"Firefighters need their coffee," he laughs.

Correctional Officer Terry Cook, who supervises inmates at the base, said he occasionally sees a familiar face among the regular firefighters -- someone who got themselves back on the straight and narrow after serving their sentence.

"I've run into inmates that were at my camp two years ago, and I see them in line here, and I shake their hands, and I say 'congratulations,'" he said.

- Dangerous winds -

Two huge fires in Los Angeles have scorched 40,000 acres (16,000 hectares) since erupting in fierce winds last Tuesday.

At least 24 people have died in the blazes, which have destroyed 12,000 structures and forced 92,000 people from their homes, including the well-to-do Pacific Palisades, just a few miles (kilometers) from the firefighters' camp.

After breakfast, teams prepare their vehicles and arm themselves with snacks, sandwiches, drinks and sweets.

The disparate battalions swap anecdotes and souvenirs as they ready for the day's morning briefing.

New arrivals from chilly Colorado commend the accommodation -- even if it was only sleeping bags on the sand -- as considerably warmer than home.

Others raise a hearty "Bienvenido!" to bid "welcome" in Spanish to a crew from Mexico that just got here.

With the threat of dangerous winds across a swathe of the region, some units are charged with pouncing on new outbreaks, while others are tasked with tamping down the original blaze.

Orders in hand, each team sets off, fanning out along streets into Pacific Palisades, or up into the untamed brush of Topanga Canyon.

Along the way, they greet sooty and exhausted crews coming down from the hills after their day.

For some, it is their first time in the field as part of this firefighting effort; for others, it is one more day in an already long week.

- 'Ready' -

As he readies to climb into Mandeville Canyon, Jake Dean says he has never seen a fire as destructive as this in his 26 years as a firefighter.

"After the first day, many people that I've known for a long time in base camp barely recognized me," he said.

"My phone didn't recognize me to turn on, I was so tired and dirty."

But with huge air operations eating into the fire on all fronts, Dean can feel the work paying dividends.

"Today will be not so bad," he said.

"We'll pace ourselves and drink lots of water and be ready for a long haul of work here and the next fire."
Oslo, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Jan, 2025) A 21-year-old Norwegian woman has become the youngest person to ski alone and without assistance to the South Pole, only to find it "a little ugly" due to mankind's presence, she said Tuesday.

Karen Kylleso completed the feat late Monday, 114 years after fellow Norwegian and polar explorer Roald Amundsen became the first person to reach the South Pole.

Born on May 9, 2003, she covered the 1,130 kilometres (702 miles) in 54 days.

"It's both fantastic and a bit strange," she told Norwegian television channel TV2.

"I of course feel a sense of accomplishment and happiness, but I have to admit it's also a bit bizarre to leave this bubble that I've been in for the past two months," she said.

The young Scandinavian dethroned Pierre Hedan of France, who, according to Guinness World Records, held the record for being the youngest person to reach the South Pole, solo and unassisted, at the age of 26.

He set the record on January 7, 2024.

Kylleso, who is 1.52 metres (nearly five foot) tall and weighs 48 kilogrammes (106 Pounds), pulled a sled weighing 100 kilos, or twice her weight, in her bid to reach the pole.

She arrived late on Monday night in temperatures of around -25 degrees Celsius (-13 degrees Fahrenheit).

"I actually found it a little ugly when I got here," she told TV2.

"After 54 days of beautiful nature, you arrive and there are buildings, machines. It just looks really out of place here," she said, referring to the US Amundsen-Scott research base.

- Pasta bolognese, please! -

Kylleso, who trained for six years for the feat, had to slow down her pace toward the end of her exploit, suffering from what she believes was cold-induced asthma.

Once she arrived at her destination, she said she asked for "pasta bolognese, a salad and vegetables", along with a can of soda and a glass of champagne.

"It's a page written in polar history," her mentor, Norwegian adventurer Lars Ebbesen, told AFP.

Kylleso was already the youngest girl to cross Greenland on skis, completing the feat at the age of 15, in 2018.

"She had barely even finished crossing Greenland before she asked me: 'Do you think I can also go to the South Pole?'," recalled Ebbesen.

Kylleso's father, Hakon Kylleso, credited his daughter's accomplishments to "a mix of good genes".

"Her mother was an accomplished cross-country ski competitor when she was younger and I'm a hunter, fisherman and I love long hikes in nature," he told AFP.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store meanwhile hailed the young adventurer, saying she was "following in the trails of Norwegian polar heroes".

On December 14, 1911, Roald Amundsen became the first person to reach the geographic South Pole, part of a tragic race against Britain's Robert Scott who died of exhaustion and cold on the return journey along with his four companions.
Vietnam Briefing has developed into a premium source for insight on doing business in Vietnam. It publishes business news concerning foreign direct investment into Vietnam, including the most important tax, legal and accounting issues. The Vietnam Briefing Magazine was first published in 2009, and is contributed to by investment professionals based in Vietnam.
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia's vast Arctic oil business is facing major disruption from U.S. sanctions on its tankers and depots, stranding crude supplies previously snapped up by Asian buyers in storage, according to three sources familiar with its logistics.

The sanctions unveiled on Friday are the toughest yet on Russia's oil sector, targeting major producers Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas as well as 183 vessels that have shipped Russian oil.

Three sources who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity said all three of Russia's Arctic oil grades - Novy Port, ARCO and Varandey, with about 300,000 barrels of output per day - face disruption.

The vessels and infrastructure needed by Russia's Arctic oil business, which accounts for a tenth of its seaborne oil exports, are unique, two of the sources said.

Novy Port crude from Gazprom Neft's Novoportovskoye field, where temperatures can hit -55 C, ARCO, from the Prirazlomnaya offshore platform, and Varandey, from Lukoil's Timan-Pechora fields, are shuttled by a special type of ice-class vessel to the Umba and Kola floating storage facilities near Murmansk.

It is then offloaded to larger vessels - Aframax or Suezmax that can carry 100,000-140,000 tons, compared to the smaller vessels' 30,000 tons - for shipment to the international market.

The United States has now sanctioned both Umba and Kola, and more than a dozen small tankers used as shuttle suppliers of oil from the fields.

According to LSEG data, at least 15 of the tankers sanctioned by the U.S. on Friday, including the Shturman Scherbinin, Mikhail Ulyanov and Aulis, have been actively involved in shipping Russian Arctic grades during the last two months.

The smaller shuttle tankers were designed to operate in northern seas and have a specific design allowing them to load more oil without compromising keel clearance.

"There is no option to replace those quickly. Nothing like this to buy elsewhere. The vessels were specifically built for the projects," one of the sources said.

That could leave Russia with millions of barrels of unsold oil in storage, the sources said. According to one, the limited storage capacities at all three projects mean a couple of weeks of loading disruptions might lead to cuts in output.

Lukoil did not respond to Reuters' requests for comment, while Gazprom Neft declined to comment.

Gazprom Neft, which produces ARCO and Novy Port, was also added to the U.S. sanction package directly, although Lukoil, which produces Varandey, was not.

ASIA BOUND

Novy Port and Varandey are favoured by refiners worldwide for their high quality - both are light, with 0.1-0.4% sulphur.
Raging wildfires in Los Angeles, fueled by strong winds, have destroyed homes and businesses, including those owned by Indonesian diaspora in the area. The Indonesian Consulate in Los Angeles has urged vigilance and is offering emergency assistance for those impacted.



Click here for the full story in Indonesian.
The recent abduction of a Chinese TV actor to Myanmar and his subsequent release is shedding new light on the lengths to which human traffickers operating online scam centers in the war-torn country will go to in order to lure would-be victims.

Chinese actor Wang Xing went missing on January 3, in Mae Sot, a city in northern Thailand, which borders Myanmar. Two days later his family reported him missing, and with growing cries on social media, the case prompted Thai and Chinese authorities to act.

Last week, on January 7, Thai authorities say they found Wang in Myanmar and brought him back to Thailand.

Thai police said Wang was trafficked across the Thai-Myanmar border and held captive at KK Park in Myawaddy, which is notorious for its illegal scam operations.

According to local media reports, Wang was lured to Thailand under the false pretense of a film audition. He received the job offer via social media platform WeChat. Wang flew to Bangkok and was transported to Myanmar.

Wangs head was shaved. He was held captive and forced into training on how to perform online scams, according to media reports. He said there were 50 other Chinese nationals in similar circumstances.

After his rescue and return to Thailand, Wang, 31, flew to Shanghai on Friday.

Wangs rescue has prompted others to speak out and according to state media in China, the families of some 174 individuals have been circulating a joint letter on Chinese social media asking for help. According to the letter, family members say their loved ones are trapped in northern and eastern Myanmar.

Experts say Wangs case highlights the growing sophistication of the masterminds of scam operations.

This is a very deliberate form of kidnapping, of hostage taking, that youre seeing these scam syndicates now go about. The means of trafficking people into these compounds is increasingly changing, Jason Tower, the Myanmar country director at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), told VOA.

This shows how these criminal actors are adapting and going to greater lengths to lure people of a wide range of demographics into captivity, to either suck funds out of them directly or get them involved in forced labor criminality, he said.

At least one other Chinese national, Wu Jiaqi, 21, was also rescued from captivity in Myanmar in recent days, local media report.

The targeting of Chinese citizens by criminal gangs in Southeast Asia has become a growing problem in recent years.

Chen, a Chinese national who withheld his full name for security concerns, toldRadio Free Asia in 2023 that he was a trafficking victim in a scam compound in Myanmar, and that there were at least 1,000 Chinese nationals also trapped, with scam bosses demanding $30,000 per individual for their release.

Many illegal scam centers in Southeast Asia are linked with Chinese criminal networks operating in the region, experts say. Individuals from all over the world are lured into false business opportunities and forced into scam compounds.

A report in June by the United States Institute of Peace revealed that scam centers operating in Southeast Asia countries, including Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar have swindled billions of dollars. All three countries share borders with Thailand.

This is becoming a greater and greater problem. These Chinese criminal syndicates are quite deeply embedded in all of Thailands neighboring countries, but they are in Thailand as well, Tower added.

Nikorndej Balankura, spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, said last week that combatting cross-border crimes is a national priority.



Thailand has consistently emphasized the importance of regular cooperation to promote border peace and security and combat cross-border crimes, including illegal drug trafficking, human trafficking, cybercrime, telecom and online fraud. The Thai government attaches great importance to combatting cross-border crimes and considers it a national priority, he told local media.

But Thitinan Pongsudhirak, a Thai political scientist, told VOA that the fight against transnational crime needs more support from Thai law enforcement and officials.

Thailand is the vortex and nexus of scam centers and other transnational crimes. It is also a country with endemic corruption and decayed institutions, particularly the police force, he said.

Scammers are a big problem for China and telecom fraud has been a persistent concern in recent years with Beijing passing a telecom and online fraud law in December 2022.

Chinese authorities have increased public information campaigns and even tried to use draconian tactics to deter its citizens from visiting Southeast Asia, Tower said.

In 2022, a narrative started to emerge that going to Thailand could result in getting trafficked into Myanmar and losing your kidneys, he said. Later on, you started to see that the police will make phone calls to people when they book tickets to ask them what they're doing in Southeast Asia.

The Chinese language movie No More Bets, released in August 2023, depicts Chinese tourists visiting an unnamed Southeast Asian country, only to be trafficked into a scam compound and forced into labor.

Benedikt Hofmann, the deputy representative Southeast Asia and the Pacific for the U.N. Office for Drugs and Crime, said that despite warnings, individuals are still being fooled.

We are still seeing a lot of this despite the massive efforts that have gone into raising awareness of the risks  things like the movie No More Bets really brought a lot attention to this  which really shows how effective these groups are in creating incentives for young people to go there, Hoffman said.

Chinese tourism in Thailand could also be affected. Chinese nationals are the biggest visitors to Thailand, with more than 6 million arrivals in 2024.

But reports in Hong Kong say many tourists from China are cancelling their trips ahead of the Lunar New Year celebrations which begin on January 27.

Thailands tourism bureau has attempted to reassure Chinese visitors, publishing a press release in Mandarin on January 10, stating that Thailand attaches great importance to the safety of tourists.

On Sunday, Thai and Chinese authorities held a high-level meeting to discuss strengthening cooperation in combatting transnational crime and human trafficking.

VOA reached out to the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok for comment on the case and growing concerns but did not receive a response.

Vincent Vichit-Vadakan, a Bangkok-based travel analyst, said he doesnt believe the recent cases will have a long-term impact on Thailand as a tourist destination.

Hopefully these high-profile cases will prompt Thai and Chinese authorities to find more effective ways to prevent criminals from using Thailand as a hub for their activities, he told VOA.
Reports of rising cases of a flu-like illness in China, where COVID-19 was first detected five years ago, sparked international concerns about the potential for another worldwide pandemic.

But medical experts say the human metapneumovirus, known as HMPV, is no COVID-19.

Thats a routine virus that commonly causes upper respiratory tract infections, such as bronchitis that might cause cough and sinuses, says Dr. Paul Auwaerter, clinical director of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicines division of infectious diseases. I don't feel we should be especially worried about it. It is not nearly as serious as influenza or COVID disease.

HMPV is a common virus that has been around at least since 2001. Children under five, particularly infants, and adults over 65  especially those with health problems  can sometimes become seriously ill from HMPV. However, for most other people, the symptoms are generally mild.

Almost everyone has been infected with this virus by the age of five, Auwaerter says. HMPV has been here for, you know, a long time [and] has infected millions of people that already have immunity. It's not as though this is a brand-new virus that might cause devastating problems.

On Sunday, China said cases of HMPV had declined among residents in its northern provinces, where the respiratory infections were rising. Chinese health officials say the number of patients seeking medical help remains lower compared to the same period last year. Still, some health experts are calling for more transparency in order to reduce the spread of rumors and misunderstandings.

"International scholars are calling on China to disclose pathogen information and conduct genetic research to confirm that it is not a new virus. Even if it is an old virus, it could still be a new variant," Dr. Ho Mei-Shang, a research fellow emeritus at the Institute of Biomedical Sciences in Taipei, told VOAs Mandarin Service.

Ho said China's COVID-19 prevention measures during the pandemic curbed the spread of diseases, which led to a decline in herd immunity, potentially causing the current surge in cases over a short time period.

Auwaerter agrees.

They stayed home, refrained from work, wore masks, he says. So, the usual cycles of acquiring an infection, for example, during the respiratory season of winter, people didn't get infected. So, their specific immunity, they weren't boosted, and so there was a larger population that might be more susceptible.

There is no real treatment or vaccine for HMPV. Doctors say any patients who have trouble breathing should seek medical help.

Chan-Long Ku of VOA's Mandarin Service contributed to this report.
The Biden administration is proposing a new framework for the exporting of the advanced computer chips used to develop artificial intelligence, an attempt to balance national security concerns about the technology with the economic interests of producers and other countries. But the framework proposed Monday also raised concerns of chip industry executives who say the rules would limit access to existing chips used for video games and restrict in 120 countries the chips used for data centers and AI products. Mexico, Portugal, Israel and Switzerland are among the nations that could have limited access. Well speak with Balaji Padmanabhan, Director of the Robert H. Smith School of Business Center for Artificial Intelligence in Business at the University of Maryland.
France's new prime minister, Francois Bayrou, announced Tuesday the renegotiation of a contested plan raising the retirement age from 62 to 64, in a crucial move to seek more stability for his minority government.

In his first address to lawmakers at the National Assembly, Bayrou said: "I'm choosing to put this subject back on the agenda, with the social partners, for a short time and under transparent conditions."

Bayrou vowed to seek "a new path of reform, without any totems or taboos, not even the retirement age," as long as the financing for the changes is guaranteed.

President Emmanuel Macron's plan to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64 unleashed months of mass protests from January to June 2023 that damaged his leadership.

Bayrou also outlined other top priorities, including key budget decisions, one month after he was appointed by Macron.

What is Bayrou proposing?

Bayrou urgently needs to pass a budget bill for 2025. Following the collapse of the previous government, an emergency law has been approved to enable the state to levy taxes from Jan. 1, pay basic expenses and avoid a shutdown.

But only a proper budget would help reduce France's deficit and allow key expenses such as defense measures needed amid the war in Ukraine or aid promised to angry farmers.

Financial markets, ratings agencies and the European Commission are pushing France to comply with EU rules limiting debt and keep France's borrowing costs from spiraling. That would threaten the prosperity of eurozone countries.

France's deficit is estimated to reach 6% of its gross domestic product in 2024. Bayrou on Tuesday said the government was aiming for a deficit of 5.4% this year, with the goal to reduce it to 3%  in line with EU rules  by 2029.

Can the government be toppled again?

Bayrou's Cabinet relies on a fragile deal between Macron's centrist allies and conservatives of The Republicans party who even together have no parliamentary majority.

The previous government was in place for only three months before being brought down by opposition lawmakers from both the left and the far right amid a budget dispute.

To avoid a repetition of that scenario, Bayrou seeks to secure a nonaggression pact with the Socialists so that they wouldn't support any future move to topple the new government.

The Socialists said they are open to talks on the condition that they would include negotiations on the pension reform.

However, the possibility of another no-confidence vote is still looming.

The hard-left France Unbowed party refused to enter into talks with the government and already announced it would file a no-confidence motion.

A vote later this week would have little chance of succeeding as the far right appears unwilling to support such a move in the immediate term.

Yet the question could be raised again during the future budget debate at parliament, with more uncertainty on the result.

Why are pension reform talks key?

The pension reform, which was enacted into law in April 2023 despite mass protests, has gradually started being implemented. It also requires people to work 43 years to receive a full pension.

The Socialists urged Bayrou to announce a "suspension" of the reform with the aim of backtracking on the age of 64 and introducing specific measures for those who have long careers and certain professions considered to be hard work.

Bayrou on Tuesday stopped short of announcing such a move, yet his proposal to renegotiate it appears as a hand stretched out towards the left.

He suggested the age of 64, which was the most criticized change, could possibly be decreased depending on the outcome of the negotiations.

"We cannot deteriorate the financial balance" of the pension system, Bayrou insisted.

On the other side of the political spectrum, the conservatives had warned against any suspension of the pension changes.

"If we were to repeal the pension reform, the cost would be 3.4 billion euros ($3.47 billion) in 2025 and almost 16 billion ($16.3 billion) in 2032," said the president of the Senate, Gerard Larcher, a conservative.

Does the far right still have leverage?

Far-right leader Marine Le Pen  Macron's fiercest rival  was instrumental in ousting the previous government.

Bayrou consulted her when forming the new government, and Le Pen remains a powerful force. Her National Rally party has the largest single group in the National Assembly, France's powerful lower house of parliament.

In recent days, Bayrou's government sought to sideline Le Pen by negotiating instead with the Socialists, the Greens and the Communists on budget issues.

The president of the National Rally, Jordan Bardella, criticized those talks and warned Monday that his party would oppose any budget that would raise the cost of medication, provide more health care for migrants staying illegally in the country and impose new taxes on businesses. Such measures would justify a no-confidence vote, he said.

But Le Pen faces her own headaches in the months to come  a March court ruling over alleged illegal party financing could see her barred from running for office.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius visited Ukraine on Tuesday in a show of support for the country in its fight against the Russian invasion that began nearly three years ago.

German officials said the visit was aimed at reassuring Ukraine it will continue to receive support, with Pistorius to meet with top Ukrainian officials.

The visit comes less than a week before U.S. President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration and the questions about how U.S. policy toward Ukraine might change under the new administration.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday that Russia welcomed the fact that the incoming Trump administration had started to mention the realities on the ground more often. Trump has said he wants to end the war quickly.

Meanwhile, the Australian government said it is making urgent inquiries after reports that an Australian citizen who was fighting in the Ukrainian army died after being captured by Russian forces.

Oscar Jenkins, a 32-year-old teacher from Melbourne, was serving alongside Ukraines army when he was captured by Russian soldiers last year as a prisoner of war.

Australias Channel Seven, citing unnamed sources, reported his body has been found but has not been officially identified.

These reports have not been verified, but we continue to have grave concerns for Mr. Jenkins welfare, Australias Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said in a statement on Tuesday.

Russias military on Tuesday said it would retaliate against Ukraine after Kyiv attacked Russian regions with U.S.- and U.K.-made missiles and launched one of its biggest drone attacks to date.

The actions of the Kyiv regime, supported by its Western curators, will not go unanswered, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

VOA could not independently verify the battlefield reports.



Officials in multiple Russian regions said Tuesday their areas came under major Ukrainian drone attacks, including in Saratov, where Governor Roman Busargin said there was damage at two industrial enterprises in the neighboring cities of Saratov and Engels.

That area is home to a base for Russian bomber planes. Last week, a Ukrainian attack hit an oil depot that serves the base.

Oryol Governor Andrei Klychkov said on Telegram that Russian air defenses shot down 17 Ukrainian drones in his region. He reported no damage or casualties from the attacks.

Rostov Governor Yury Slyusar said on Telegram 14 drones were destroyed overnight, while officials in Voronezh said several Ukrainian drones were shot down without causing damage.

Russias defense ministry said it also shot down six U.S.-made ATACMS missiles and six British-made Storm Shadow missiles that targeted the Bryansk region, and two more Storm Shadow missiles over the Black Sea. There were no casualties or damage from the missiles, the ministry said.

Ukraines military said Tuesday it destroyed 58 of 80 drones that Russian forces used to target 11 different regions.

The Ukrainian air force reported damage to apartment buildings, commercial buildings and cars in the Cherkasy, Kharkiv, Kyiv, Sumy and Zhytomyr regions as a result of falling debris from downed drones.

Ukrainian air defenses also destroyed Russian drones over the Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson, Kirovohrad, Mykolaiv, Odesa and Poltava regions, the Ukrainian air force said.

Some information for this story was provided by Agence France-Presse and Reuters
Lebanon has a new president and prime minister that many Lebanese and Gulf and Arab countries hope will bring the war-scarred Mediterranean nation out of its economic and political crisis.

Lebanons new President Joseph Aoun vows to tackle corruption and wants only the national army to hold weapons and protect Lebanons borders, moves likely to challenge the Shiite militia Hezbollah and Israel.

Many Lebanese see both Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam as being above the political infighting that has paralyzed Lebanon in recent times.

Aoun headed Lebanons national army for years, winning the respect of citizens and foreign leaders, while Salam is a leading international judge who won parliaments support.

But as analyst Dania Koleilat Khatib, president of the Research Center for Cooperation and Peace Building in Beirut, told VOA, they face a mammoth task ahead fixing the countrys broken financial system and seeing the Hezbollah militia ultimately disarmed.

Joseph Aoun has a lot of challenges. He raised the bar very high, Khatib said. Returning the money of the depositors, removing the arms. But for him to deliver on his promises, he needs support. Unless Saudi [Arabia] and the UAE (United Arab Emirates) really keep the pressure on the Lebanese political structure, on the deputies, the political parties, he wont be able to deliver.

Hezbollahs political wing and other Shiite lawmakers have been accused of stymying necessary economic reforms and justice on issues, such as the disastrous 2020 Beirut port blast. Senior Hezbollah lawmaker Mohammed Raad accused Aoun of trying to exclude the group from power in Lebanon by not allowing their choice of caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati stay in the post.

Hezbollah is weakened, but they still are there, Khatib said. They still have a political bloc. So, they (Saudi Arabia and the UAE) have to pressure everyone on the political scene to make sure he (Aoun) can do reforms. Reforming means exposing all these guys because they are all involved in the corruption. Will they accept that? Its a very much uphill battle.

Needed reforms include rooting out corruption from Lebanons state institutions, restructuring its public debt and overhauling the banking system to unlock financial aid from the International Monetary Fund and Gulf Arabs. Rebuilding south Lebanon and parts of Beirut are priorities following the Israel-Hezbollah fighting that stopped with a fragile truce in November. Israel has warned the ceasefire could collapse later this month if Hezbollah does not withdraw beyond the Litani River in the south.

Nicholas Heras of the Washington-based New Lines Institute said Hezbollah still has weapons that could be viewed by some Lebanese as useful for protecting their territory from Israeli aggression. But he said Hezbollah has to be disarmed and integrated into the national military, or Israeli attacks will continue.

President Aouns entire portfolio is how do you secure Lebanons borders and how do you return the sovereignty of the Lebanese state over all of its territory, which has the implied task to put Hezbollah on a process of disarmament, Heras said. The Israeli interpretation of their ability to maneuver in Lebanon assumes that there will be an unsuccessful attempt by the Lebanese armed forces to subordinate Hezbollah or contain it.

Heras said Prime Minister Salam will be tasked with moving Lebanon on a path to recovery with getting its geopolitics squared away.

The prime minister is going to be judged on how effectively he can navigate the geopolitical currents, Heras said, which is still uncertain in terms of the seeming rise of Turkish influence, how Iran reassesses its approach, how Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates decide to respond to the fall of the Assad government in Syria.

According to Lebanons sectarian power-sharing system, the president is a Maronite Christian, and the prime minister must be a Sunni Muslim. The president selects him in consultation with the Shiite parliament speaker based on support by the lawmakers.
The impeachment trial of South Korea's suspended President Yoon Suk Yeol begins Tuesday, with the country's Constitutional Court set to weigh whether to strip him of his presidential duties over a failed martial law bid.

Yoon's Dec. 3 power grab plunged South Korea into its worst political crisis in decades, after he directed soldiers to storm parliament in an unsuccessful attempt to stop lawmakers voting down his suspension of civilian rule.

He was impeached soon after and suspended from duty, but has gone to ground in his residence since, refusing summonses from investigators probing him on insurrection charges and using his presidential security team to resist arrest.

Lawmakers also impeached Yoon's stand-in last month, putting the country in further political instability, and the current acting president has appeared unwilling to wade into the standoff, instead urging all parties to negotiate for a solution.

The trial's first of five hearings is slated to begin at 2 p.m. (0500 GMT). The following sessions take place on Jan. 16, 21, 23 and Feb. 4.

The court will decide mainly two issues, whether Yoon's martial law declaration was unconstitutional and if it was illegal.

"This impeachment case focuses solely on the martial law situation, so the facts are not particularly complex," lawyer Kim Nam-ju told AFP.

"Since most of the individuals involved have already been indicted and the facts have been somewhat established, it doesn't seem like it will take a long time."

The court has up to 180 days from Dec. 14, when it received the case, to make its ruling on whether Yoon indeed violated the constitution and the martial law act.

Yoon's legal team said he would not appear at the first hearing over purported safety concerns, saying he would be willing to appear at a later date if security issues were ironed out.

"Concerns about safety and potential incidents have arisen. Therefore, the president will not be able to attend the trial on Jan. 14," lawyer Yoon Kab-keun told AFP.

The trial will continue in his absence if he does not appear.

Former presidents Roh Moo-hyun and Park Geun-hye did not appear for their impeachment trials in 2004 and 2016-2017, respectively.

Yoon's lawyers have argued the court must utilize the full 180 days  specifically to examine what "led to the declaration of martial law.

Separate to the trial, a joint team of investigators from the Corruption Investigation Office (CIO)  which is probing Yoon over insurrection  and police are preparing a fresh attempt to arrest the president.

An earlier attempt failed after Yoon's presidential guards blocked access to investigators.

If the new warrant is executed successfully, Yoon would become the first sitting South Korean president to be arrested.

If eventually convicted in that case, Yoon faces prison or even the death penalty.

As media speculation rose that the second attempt would take place this week, the police, CIO and Yoon's presidential security service met Tuesday to discuss the arrest warrant, the Yonhap news agency reported.

The CIO said it would "prepare thoroughly" for its second effort to arrest Yoon, with police reportedly preparing 1,000 investigators for the fresh attempt.

Meanwhile, Yoon's guards have reinforced his Seoul compound with barbed wire installations and bus barricades.

On Tuesday Yoon's chief of staff Chung Jin-suk said his office was "ready to consider all options for investigation or visits" to the sitting leader "at a third location."

Yoon's legal team has also sought to put pressure on police to avoid being involved in the arrest attempt, claiming officers would be in "in violation of multiple laws" if they cooperated with investigators.

Late Sunday, the CIO sent a letter to the defense ministry and presidential security service saying anyone blocking Yoon's potential arrest "may face criminal charges" for obstruction and abuse of authority.
The worlds biggest money manager is trying to avoid some political headaches as the GOP prepares to take over all of Washington.

BlackRock Inc. (BLK) late last week pulled out of a UN-supported climate group known as the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative (NZAM), following the exodus of several Wall Street banks from an affiliated group in the weeks before Donald Trump takes over the White House again.

BlackRock also was granted more time to resolve a standoff with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) over its holdings of US banks, ensuring that the dispute will now play out in the opening months of Trump 2.0.

The $11 trillion financial giant has for years been a target of GOP attacks about "woke" investing, with Republicans raising concerns about whether BlackRocks massive holdings in US corporations force companies to adopt environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. BlackRock CEO Larry Fink has backed away from using the politically contentious acronym.

And Democrats have for years also been leery about whether the heft of BlackRock could pose risks to the financial system.

BlackRock, which reports its fourth quarter earnings Wednesday, will have to navigate all these political challenges as the GOP takes over the White House and Congress  a measure of control that could create new headaches for the money management giant.

A report last month from the House Judiciary Committee, led by Ohio Republican Jim Jordan, mentioned BlackRock along with Vanguard and State Street (STT) in arguing that it found "evidence of collusion and anticompetitive behavior" by the financial industry to "impose radical ESG-goals" on US companies.

The report also criticized financial environmental alliances, saying they have created what it called "a climate cartel."

Last Thursday, BlackRock confirmed its departure from one financial environmental alliance known as the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative (NZAM).

The group had a pledge of support from its NZAM members to help achieve net-zero emissions carbon emissions by 2050 by using their influence within the financial sector  such as supporting climate initiatives in corporate boardrooms through proxy voting.

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer, right, meets with the CEO of Blackrock Larry Fink near the United Nations on Sept. 25. Photo: Leon Neal/Pool via REUTERS  via REUTERS / Reuters

"Our memberships in some of these organizations have caused confusion regarding BlackRocks practices and subjected us to legal inquiries from various public officials," BlackRock told clients in a letter cited by Bloomberg.

The company added in the letter that its portfolio managers "continue to assess material climate-related risks."
Broadcasting in the Luo language, a Kenyan journalist is reaching indigenous women via radio to improve media literacy and combat disinformation.

The evening show on Dada Radio gets under way in Kenyas Siaya County. The program Mine Nyalo  meaning women can do it  broadcasts in the local Luo language.

Dada, which means sister in Swahili, is the only women-oriented station in this community. Its founder, Harriet Atyang, started the station in 2023 to empower women and girls in Siaya, a fishing and farming community.

When you look at issues like cultural beliefs that women are supposed to be seen and not to be heard, you realize that, worsened by the growing technology, the rural women will be left behind even more, said Atyang.

But more exposure to the modern world, coupled with skills in media literacy, make a positive change for listeners like Mary Owade.

I have learnt that when it comes to information, I have to verify it first before sharing with anyone else, because without that, the other person could also just spread lies. So, you must verify thoroughly, she said.

Atyang uses her platform to inform audiences about issues including gender-based violence and health. And she offers workshops.

"I have trained 15 women and five men. It was also important, because most of the people I trained are members of our listeners group, so the community regards them with a bit of a higher esteem," she said.

Insufficient access to credible information for Kenyas rural areas often makes them vulnerable to disinformation. That makes broadcasting in local languages more important, said Queenter Mbori of the Association of Media Women in Kenya.

We are also creating awareness on how they can stay safe, and we are partnering with different organizations to also respond to issues that are coming up from misinformation and disinformation, issues like mental health awareness, said Mbori.

Finding ways to combat disinformation can help break the cycle, say experts. Heres Patrick Butler from the International Center for Journalists.

We have what we call training of trainers, so we want to help this program to spread more widely by giving journalists like Harriet the skills to become trainers themselves. And they are working in communities that may be especially vulnerable to disinformation, said Butler.

Efforts like Dada Radios, which build on the long history of trust that community stations have with listeners, are seen by analysts as one way to reach these groups more effectively.
Malaysia said on Tuesday it will encourage sustainability while maintaining the competitiveness of its palm oil industry ahead of the implementation of the European Union's anti-deforestation law at the end of this year.

The EU last month approved a one-year delay to the landmark deforestation law, which bans the importation of palm oil, soy and other goods linked to the destruction of forests. The bill now takes effect from Dec. 30 this year.

The law requires companies and traders selling soy, beef, coffee, palm oil and other products in the EU to provide proof their supply chains do not contribute to deforestation.

Malaysia and Indonesia, the world's largest exporters of palm oil, have previously complained that the law and implementation rules are discriminatory.

Malaysia's Deputy Plantation and Commodities Minister Chan Foong Hin said it was crucial for the country's palm oil industry to understand the impact of the EU law so that domestic practices could be adapted and market access maintained.

"By aligning our operations with these standards, we bolster our market position and enhance competitiveness," Chan told an industry conference on Tuesday.

Chan said the success of Malaysia's palm oil industry depended on the adoption of green initiatives, including advanced agriculture technologies, sustainable farming, and new production methods, to help protect the environment while creating new growth opportunities.

Speaking at the same conference, Malaysian Palm Oil Board director-general Ahmad Parveez Ghulam Kadir said authorities would work with the local industry.

"We are looking forward to a better outlook in 2025," Ahmad Parveez said.

"The ministry and agencies will continuously collaborate closely to address environmental concerns while also promoting economic stability and social responsibility within the industry to foster a more sustainable and balanced future."

He said Malaysian palm oil stocks are expected to fall to around 1.6 million metric tons this year, compared with 1.71 million tons in 2024.

Production in the world's second-largest producer in 2025 should come in at 19.5 million tons, marginally higher than the 19.34 million tons in 2024.

Palm oil exports are expected to be 17.3 million tons in 2025, up from 16.9 million tons in 2024, Ahmad Parveez added.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Monday rolled out her administration's road map to make the nation one of the world's top economies by the time she leaves office.

Mexico, currently the No. 12 economy according to World Bank data, aims to crack the Top 10 by 2030, Sheinbaum said.

The nation will do so by boosting local manufacturing and swapping out imports, creating manufacturing jobs and cutting through red tape to attract investments in the country, Sheinbaum said.

The business-friendly agenda represents a shift in tone from Sheinbaum's predecessor and mentor, President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who left office in October and often tussled with private firms.

Sheinbaum laid out a laundry list of goals on Monday for her country, including bumping investments up to 28% of GDP, adding 1.5 million manufacturing jobs and boosting local sourcing for industries subject to Chinese imports  a key source of tensions with the United States and Canada.

Mexico plans to boost its position using trade agreements, tariff policies and strengthening customs enforcement, a government presentation showed.

The moves come as trade tensions with the United States  Mexico's top trade partner  are heightened on tariff threats from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who has accused Mexico of being a back door for Chinese goods to circumvent existing U.S. tariffs.

Mexico denies such accusations but has since cracked down on contraband goods coming into the country from Asia and rolled out tariffs targeting e-commerce giants such as Shein and Temu.

"This is a collective job," Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard said at the presentation, thanking private-sector representatives who helped build what he called a "navigational chart for the new era we are entering."

"There are uncertainties in the immediate future. But if we work together and have a direction for the nation like the one we have, my friends, we are going to come out on top," he added.

Sheinbaum's administration will boost local sourcing in the key textile and automotive industries, the presentation showed, while also working with Mexican steel producers, who have long accused China of undercutting the market.

Sheinbaum, a climate scientist who has made strong environmental pledges, will also work to make Mexico's energy grid run on 45% sustainable energy, her presentation showed.

However, that promise could be challenged by the heavily polluting and heavily indebted state oil firm Pemex. Lopez Obrador poured billions of dollars into the company during his administration.

Sheinbaum's presentation also pledged to maintain the country's hydrocarbon reserves-to-production ratio for at least the next decade.

"Our goal is to reduce poverty and inequality," Sheinbaum said. "In the face of any uncertainty in the near future, Mexico has a plan and is united going forward."
The United States and Qatar said Tuesday that negotiations for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip were nearing agreement after months of stalemated talks, although final details were still being worked on.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a Washington speech, "I believe we will get a ceasefire," but added that it was up to Hamas to give its final assent. "It's right on the brink. It's closer than it's ever been before."

Speaking at a weekly briefing, Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari described the ongoing talks as in the "final stages" and at the "closest point" yet to an agreement, while also cautioning against overexcitement until a deal is announced.

Qatar, Egypt and the U.S. have led a monthslong effort to try to achieve a halt in the fighting, with talks Tuesday in Doha, Qatar, focusing on the last details of a deal. Hamas said it was awaiting maps from Israel showing which parts of Gaza it would withdraw its troops from in the initial stages of the ceasefire.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said Israel will not compromise on security and will intervene if it sees a threat from Gaza in the future.

Biden shows optimism

U.S. President Joe Biden said Monday that the deal was on "the brink" of "finally coming to fruition."

In a speech at the State Department to highlight his foreign policy achievements, Biden said the deal would "free the hostages, halt the fighting, provide security to Israel and allow us to significantly surge humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians who suffered terribly in this war that Hamas started."

Biden and Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi talked about progress in the negotiations on Tuesday.

"Both leaders committed to remain in close coordination directly and through their teams over the coming hours," the White House said in a statement after the leaders' phone call.

Plan proposes phased ceasefire

The basic parameters of the ceasefire proposal would see the process play out in several stages.

Hamas would release hostages it has been holding since the militants carried out their October 2023 attack on Israel, while Israeli authorities would release Palestinian prisoners.

Israeli troops would carry out a phased withdrawal from Gaza, and some Palestinians displaced by the conflict would be allowed to return, along with a surge in aid for Palestinian civilians.

The United Nations said on Tuesday that it was preparing to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza under the potential ceasefire. But challenges  such as uncertainty surrounding border access and security  remain.

Peace talks build momentum

Months of negotiations led by the United States, Egypt and Qatar have failed to bring a halt to the fighting, but in recent weeks, the effort has gained momentum at a time when the U.S. is preparing for President-elect Donald Trump to take office January 20 as Biden's four-year term ends. Blinken made a last-minute case Tuesday for a plan for the post-war reconstruction and governance of Gaza.

"We have a responsibility to ensure that the strategic gains of the last 15 months endure and lay the foundation for a better future," Blinken told the Atlantic Council, a Washington-based think tank. "All too often in the Middle East, we've seen how the shoes of one dictator can be filled by another or give way to conflict and chaos."

Blinken said the plan envisions the Palestinian Authority inviting "international partners" to create an interim governing authority to run critical services and oversee the territory. Other partners, notably Arab states, would provide forces to ensure security in the short term, he said.

That security mission would depend on a pathway to an independent Palestinian state unifying Gaza and the West Bank and would be tasked with creating "a secure environment for humanitarian and reconstruction efforts and ensuring border security," Blinken said. Creation of a Palestinian state, which Israel has refused to support, has been a sticking point in the negotiations.

Blinken told MSNBC on Monday that the sides were "closer than we've ever been" to a deal, but that the conclusion was up to Hamas.

Biden's national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, said Monday that Biden administration officials were keeping Trump's Mideast advisers abreast of negotiations. Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, has been involved in the latest round of talks.

Israel launched its assault on Hamas in Gaza after Hamas fighters stormed across its borders on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

Since then, more than 46,500 people have been killed in Gaza, with most of them women and children, according to Palestinian health officials, although Israel says the death toll includes thousands of Hamas combatants it has killed.

Attacks go on

Israeli airstrikes continued Tuesday in Gaza even as a finalized ceasefire agreement appeared to loom.

An Israeli airstrike on Deir al-Balah in central Gaza killed at least 10 Palestinians and injured others, medics said. And five people were killed in a strike on a house in Rafah in the territory's south, medics said.

Much of Gaza, a narrow strip of land along the Mediterranean Sea, has been laid to waste during the fighting and gripped by a humanitarian crisis, with most of its 2.3 million population displaced, often multiple times.

White House bureau chief Patsy Widakuswara contributed to this report. Some material came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
Before plowing a pickup truck into a crowd of New Year's revelers in New Orleans, killing 14 people, the man who carried out the Islamic State group-inspired attack had researched how to access a balcony on the city's famed Bourbon Street and looked up information about a similar recent attack at a Christmas market in Germany, the FBI said.

Nearly two weeks after Shamsud-Din Jabbar's rampage, the FBI continues to uncover new information detailing the extensive planning by the 42-year-old Army veteran who scouted out the area multiple times in the months leading up to the attack. Authorities also have been piecing together a timeline of his radicalization.

In the early hours of New Year's Day, Jabbar could be seen on video surveillance placing two containers with explosive devices, which would remain undetonated, in the French Quarter. Shortly after, about 3:15 a.m., Jabbar sped a white pickup truck around a police car blockading the entrance of Bourbon Street, where partygoers continued to wander around the street lined with bars. He drove through revelers before crashing and being killed by police in a shootout. Fifty-seven people were injured, authorities said.

Just hours before the deadly onslaught, Jabbar had searched online for information about an attack at a busy outdoor Christmas Market in east Germany that occurred just 10 days earlier and where a car was also used as a mass weapon, the FBI said on Tuesday. The attack in Europe left five people dead and more than 200 injured after a car slammed into a crowd. Police arrested a 50-year-old doctor from Saudi Arabia who has renounced Islam and supports the far-right AfD party.

In other online searches, Jabbar had looked up how to access a balcony on Bourbon Street, information about Mardi Gras, and several recent shootings in the city, the FBI said.

But Jabbar's research ahead of the attack was not limited to online: He also made a one-day visit to New Orleans from Houston on Nov. 10, during which he looked for an apartment, the FBI said. While Jabbar applied to rent the apartment, he later told the landlord that he changed his mind.

That was not his only visit to New Orleans, though. The FBI had previously reported that Jabbar had traveled to the city for a planning trip on Oct. 31, when he used glasses from Meta, the parent company of Facebook, to record video as he rode through the French Quarter on a bicycle.

In a series of online videos, posted hours before he struck, Jabbar proclaimed support for the Islamic State militant group. The Bourbon Street attack was the deadliest Islamic State-inspired assault on U.S. soil in years. On Tuesday, the FBI continued to draft out a timeline of Jabbar's radicalization, saying that he began isolating himself from society and became a more devout Muslim in 2022. By the spring of 2024, he began following extremist views.

While investigations into the attack are ongoing and additional information continues to trickle out about Jabbar's planning of the deadly rampage, city officials face questions about safety concerns.

State and local authorities have launched probes into possible security deficiencies that left New Orleans vulnerable. The work is especially urgent since Carnival season, a monthslong celebration that attracts tens of thousands of visitors to the French Quarter, began last week. The city is also set to host the Super Bowl on Feb. 9.
The Western trend of gender reassignment is a sign of apocalypses, Patriarch Kirill, the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, told Russian state news agency TASS in an interview broadcast on the state television Jan. 7, Orthodox Christmas.



Kirill did not mention Russias aggression in Ukraine, but claimed Russia, a young and very strong civilization, is fighting a biblical battle against the sick West.



Russia is superior to the West due to its basic human morality and phenomenal faithfulness, which is why Russia emerged victorious from both world wars, Kirill said.





"We emerged victorious from two world wars.  We have preserved our people. 





The claim is false.



The Soviet Union played a pivotal role in the Allied victory in World War II (WWII), but Russia lost in World War I (WWI). Both wars were devastating for Russia.



As a result of WWI, Russia lost about 1 million square miles of territory, a third of its population (some 55 million lives), most of its coal, oil and iron reserves, and much of its industry. Communist dictator Vladimir Lenin, who carried out a peace agreement, described the settlement as "an abyss of defeat, dismemberment, enslavement, and humiliation."

WWI, which raged from July 1914 to November 1918, involved more than 100 countries and spread across four continents, killing some 20 million people, wounding another 20 million and reshaping the world order.

The conflict stemmed from rivalries between two power blocs. The Entente (Great Britain, France, Russia) aimed to maintain dominance, while the Central Powers (Germany, Austria-Hungary, the Ottoman Empire and Bulgaria) sought global leadership.

The Russian Empire implemented some military reforms during the decade that predated the WWI. Yet in 1914, the Russian army was ill-equipped for a major war.

Russian factories couldnt produce enough arms and ammunition to equip its 1.4 million-strong army, the History channel wrote, citing a book by U.S. author Jamie H. Cockfield titled With Snow on Their Boots.

Some 800,000 Russian soldiers didnt even have rifles or had to do with nearly 40 years old obsolete weapons, and many had to go into battle unarmed until they could pick up a rifle from another soldier who had been killed or wounded, Cockfield wrote.

By the end of 1914, the first year of war, Russia had lost over one million men.

Though peasant soldiers bore the brunt of casualties, the loss of officers weakened the army, making it unreliable in defending the monarchy by 1917.

Public dissatisfaction with the war grew as defeats mounted along the front. On March 8, 1917, strikes and Womens Day celebrations in Petrograd  known today as St. Petersburg, then-Russia's capital  sparked demonstrations with slogans like Down with War! Soldiers joined protesters, defying orders to fire, while police and gendarmes engaged in street fighting across the city.

On March 14, the State Duma established a provisional government. The following day, a delegation visited Nicholas II at his headquarters in Pskov, where it accepted an abdication on behalf of himself and his son.

On November 6-7, 1917, the Bolsheviks led by Vladimir Lenin seized key locations in Petrograd and established a new government, making Lenin dictator of the first communist state.

The Bolshevik government, unrecognized by the Entente, faced civil conflict and couldn't fight on two fronts. On Dec. 3, 1917, they decided to initiate separate peace negotiations with Germany to end Russia's involvement in WWI.

On March 3, 1918, the Bolshevik government accepted a treaty with the Central Powers signed at Brest-Litovsk, which is modern-day Belarus, concluding hostilities between those countries.

Under the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, Russia recognized the independence of Ukraine, Georgia, and Finland, while ceding Poland and the Baltic states (Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia) to Germany and Austria-Hungary, and territories such as Kars, Ardahan (then Armenia) and Batum (Georgia) to Turkey.

Russia's disastrous performance in WWI contributed to the 1917 Revolution, followed by a Civil War between the Reds (Bolsheviks) and the Whites (anti-Bolshevik forces, including army officers, Cossacks and various political groups). By 1921, the Reds triumphed, gaining control over former Russian territories, except Finland, the Baltic States, Moldova, Poland and Western Ukraine. The war caused an estimated 7 million to 12 million casualties, mostly civilians.

Russias Orthodox Church remained politically neutral during the Civil War but faced harsh repression under the communist regime. Over 10,000 priests and church ministers and 28 bishops were killed. Churches and monasteries were closed, valuables confiscated, and clergy executed without trial.
The prime minister of Moldova's separatist Transniestria region said Monday that the abrupt curtailment of Russian gas supplies that plunged the region into an energy crisis has also shattered both its exports and imports.

The cutoff, prompted by Ukraine's refusal to renew an agreement allowing Russian gas to transit through Ukraine, has led to daily blackouts in the pro-Russian region of some 350,000 people and disruptions in heating and water supplies.

Prime Minister Alexander Rozenberg told local media that the New Year cutoff had triggered a 43% decline in imports and a 60% plunge in exports in the region, which split from Moldova in the final days of Soviet rule.

"The steepest drop in the volume of export operations ... has been registered in the metals sector, in manufacture of machines and in the chemical industry," he said. "Exports of cement have been completely stopped."

Transniestria depends heavily on assistance from Moscow and its leaders acknowledge that the Russian gas it has long received was provided free of charge as "humanitarian assistance."

The gas cutoff affects operations at a thermal plant that provides electricity both for Transniestria and much of the area controlled by the central Moldovan government. Its operations have been switched to coal, and Ukraine, Moldova's eastern neighbor, has offered to provide supplies.

Moldovan President Maia Sandu, who has spearheaded the country's drive to join the EU, called a meeting of Moldova's Supreme Security Council on Tuesday to discuss energy. Both Moldova and Transniestria have proclaimed states of emergency.

Much of Transniestria's industry has been forced to close or obliged to operate at night, when there is less strain on the power grid.

Among the factories closed are a cement plant and a steel mill in the town of Rybnita, with the latter accounting for 35% of the region's budget revenue.

The region's separatist authorities last week said energy savings had enabled them to reduce rolling blackouts from eight hours a day to three by the weekend. But a blackout of five hours had been announced for Monday.

Moldova, which denounces Russia's invasion of Ukraine, says Moscow fomented the crisis and has suggested shipping gas on a route through Turkey, Bulgaria and Romania.

Russian gas giant Gazprom said it will provide no supplies until Moldova settles arrears it estimates at $709 million, a figure disputed by Moldovan authorities.

Transniestria's leaders say Moldova has done nothing to ease the crisis and reject any notion that Moldova's government has offered to help purchase power from Western Europe.

More than 30 years after Transniestria waged a brief war against the newly independent Moldovan state, the region continues to exist alongside Moldova with little turmoil. But 1,500 Russian "peacekeepers" remain in the territory and efforts to resolve the separatist dispute have made little headway.
Progress is being made in a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. Joe Biden outlined his foreign policy doctrine, outlining support for Ukraine and Israel. A look at the latest on the devastating fires in Los Angeles and an increase in antisemitic attacks in Australia. President-elect Donald Trump will try to balance free speech with the need to keep big tech accountable. Plus, a report from Sudans civil war.
The public could learn as early as Tuesday new details about U.S. President-elect Donald Trumps efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss to President Joe Biden.

A federal judge has cleared the U.S. Department of Justice to release special counsel Jack Smiths report about Trumps efforts to cling to power as he falsely claimed he won the election and a mob of his supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol.

U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, who was appointed by Trump, had earlier blocked the release of Smiths full report, which also includes a section about accusations that Trump illegally retained classified documents after he left office.

Judge Cannon on Monday ruled the Justice Department can release the election interference portion, but not the classified documents section.

Smith sought to prosecute Trump on both matters, while Trump denied wrongdoing.

Judge Cannon dismissed the classified documents case in July, ruling that Smith was illegally appointed.

The Supreme Court also ruled in July that presidents have broad immunity from prosecution for official acts, which blunted Smiths efforts in the election interference case.

After Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, the Justice Department dropped both cases against Trump, citing longstanding policy against prosecuting a sitting U.S. leader.

Trump is set to be inaugurated for a new term on Jan. 20.

Some information for this story was provided by The Associated Press and Reuters
We are disturbed mentally. I have a son. I cant even sleep at night. He says he will go and fight, Laila Ibrahim of Pakistans Kurram tribal district tells VOA by phone.

Surrounded by Afghanistan on three sides, the district in Pakistans northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has been largely cut off from the country, the highway connecting it to the rest of Pakistan closed to traffic since a deadly wave of sectarian violence between Shiite and Sunni tribes erupted in mid-October.

Medical staff tell VOA that Kurrams besieged residents, facing severe shortages of food and medicine, are showing signs of malnutrition and deep mental distress.

We saw that most of the population has gone toward malnutrition, district health officer Dr. Qaiser Bangash, who led a survey of health conditions in the regions hard-to-reach villages, told VOA by phone from Parachinar.

They dont have vegetables, fruits, lentils, clarified butter, he said. They cannot find milk. There is no formula milk for children. Because of this, the situation is quite bad.

In the absence of regular food deliveries, he said, people mostly get by on boiled rice, plain wheat bread, tea without milk and sugar, and locally grown seasonal produce.

Wave of violence

Nearly 250 people were killed in Kurrams sectarian violence between July and December of last year. After scores were killed over the summer and fall, Nov. 21 marked a sharp escalation, when a convoy of Shiite passengers was targeted, killing 52. No group claimed responsibility for the massacre, but retaliatory attacks saw nearly another 80 killed within a matter of days.

Kurrams violence is rooted in historic land disputes between Shiite and Sunni tribes but often takes a sectarian bent. More than a century of competing security interests coupled with militancy spilling over from wars in Afghanistan have pushed each side to heavily arm itself.

The targeting of the Shiite convoy in November followed an Oct. 12 attack on Sunni residents.

Supply shortages

Since the deadly October attack, few trucks carrying essential supplies have entered the region from the major entry point in the south.

A convoy carrying mostly fruits, vegetables, and poultry arrived Wednesday after being delayed for days over threats of violence. What arrived was expensive and partly spoiled because of the hold up.

Few got their hands on the limited supplies.

We could not buy anything. It was so busy, people were pushing each other, Mehwish Shazad, a Parachinar-based mother of three told VOA on the phone.

Villagers traveling to the city for supplies didnt have much luck either.

The vehicles arrived in the evening. Theres no diesel or petrol that could enable people from villages to come to the city to purchase the goods, local journalist Hidayat Pasdar told VOA.

By the time people arrived from the villages, locals living in the suburbs had bought everything, said Pasdar. There was nothing left.

A 25-vehicle convoy carrying food supplies arrived Tuesday. Pasdar said thats half the number of vehicles that were expected.

Pharmacy shelves are almost empty.

With smaller clinics unable to provide medicine, patients are increasingly turning to the district headquarters hospital in Parachinar. Bangash says the patient load has more than doubled.

Although government and aid groups have delivered tranches of medicine via helicopter, the quantities, Bangash said, arent sufficient.

Even with hundreds of trucks, it will be hard to cover the gap that has occurred, said the physician.

Psychological scars

The violence is also causing deep psychological pain.

Mostly there were cases of depression  anxiety, too  and phobia, said psychologist Kalsoom Bangash. Children have become phobic. Those who have been displaced were worried about how they will set up everything again when they go back.

The psychologist was part of the team of medical professionals that surveyed the medical needs of local communities, providing mental health support to women and children displaced by violence.

Even those not displaced by the violence are living in constant fear.

I have noticed that when children play, they worry a bullet may come flying from somewhere, psychologist Bangash told VOA. If they hear a sound, they say its the sound of a bullet.

Delicate peace

On Jan. 1, warring Sunni and Shiite tribes reached a 14-point peace deal, after weeks of government-led negotiations.

Despite a January 5 gun attack on a government convoy that injured the Kurram deputy commissioner, a tenuous peace has remained.

On Monday, security forces began destroying bunkers that armed fighters from both sides have erected across the region. Rivals have also agreed to disarm.



Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif expressed hope Tuesday the peace would hold. Successful implementation of the deal would mean people and goods will once again move across the district, likely under heavy security.



For Ibrahim, peace means her 15-year-old son may have a future other than as a fighter.



I want him to get a good education, but he cant get it because the school is shut down again and again, the mother said. His lessons get disturbed. I get disturbed.
(Reuters) -Brown-Forman said on Tuesday it will lay off about 12% of its global workforce of 5,400 employees, as the Jack Daniel's maker looks to reduce costs amid weak alcohol demand.

The company has struggled with high input costs, including of raw materials such as agave and wood barrels, and raised prices for its whiskey brands to shield margins.

Consumers have also traded down to cheaper brands as they deal with higher costs of living. Brown-Forman's peer Constellation Brands cut its annual forecast last week and flagged uncertainty around consumer spending on its beers and spirits.

Brown-Forman said it will close its Louisville-based barrel-making facility by April 25, which will impact about 210 employees and is part of the overall global workforce reduction. The company said it will source barrels from an unnamed external supplier in the future.

The announcement comes just days after the U.S. Surgeon General said alcoholic drinks should carry a warning about cancer risks on their labels and called for guidelines on alcohol consumption limits to be reassessed.

Brown-Forman's restructuring plan is expected to generate about $70 million to $80 million in annualized cost savings. The company is expected to incur about $60 million to $70 million in severance and other charges related to the layoffs.

The company also said it will restructure its executive leadership, including appointing a new chief marketing officer and a chief strategy officer.

(Reporting by Juveria Tabassum in Bengaluru; Editing by Shilpi Majumdar)
Human rights groups in Kenya are blaming police for a recent increase in the abductions of critics who have protested government policies. The activists say at least 29 people are missing after raising concerns about poor governance.

Kenyan cartoonist Gideon Kibet said that unknown people trailed him to a bus on his way from a meeting in the capital, Nairobi, in December 2024. He said he was forced into a car by masked assailants, who tore his shirt and used it to cover his eyes and tie his hands. Kibet was eventually released.

Kibet has drawn cartoons mocking government figures such as President William Ruto. One caricature, which depicted the president in a coffin, went viral.

Kibets experience is among 82 cases of abductions and forced disappearances in just six months, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. Although Kibet and four others have been released, that has not been the case for dozens of others.

From September 2023 to August 2024, Kenya saw a 44% increase in abductions compared to the same time period from the previous year, according to the national security report. Officials say there were 52 abductions in Kenya from September 2023 to August 2024, compared to 36 the previous year.

Many of the victims are critics of bad governance, say rights groups.

''What we are seeing is essentially the use of extrajudicial power to course fear among those citizens that are legitimately protesting against bad governance or raising concerns with the government,'' said Irungu Houghton, executive director for Amnesty International Kenya.

Some Kenyans have taken to social media to protest the government on issues including increases in taxes and corruption. However, at a public event Sunday, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen referred to such critics as criminals.

''If the criminals and people with bad behavior have moved ... to the digital space, I want to tell you that we will follow you there because that is where we want to ensure that there is law and order,'' he said.

Kenyan lawyers have petitioned the countrys high court to hold the inspector general of police responsible for the abductions. According to the lawyers, the state is evading accountability.

''Our question has been from July until today, no investigation has been done, no investigation has been cleared, we are not being told the people who are responsible,'' said Gloria Kimani, a member of the Law Society of Kenya.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja and Director of Criminal Investigations Mohammed Amin are to appear in court Friday regarding the abductions. The two have snubbed three previous court summonses in the abduction cases.
Russian forces are bypassing a key stronghold in eastern Ukraine that they have fought for months to capture and are focusing instead on cutting supply lines to it, a Ukrainian official said Monday.

Russian troops are going around the vital logistics hub of Pokrovsk, where a steadfast Ukrainian defense has kept them at bay, and are taking aim at a highway that leads from there to the central Ukraine city of Dnipro, Major Viktor Trehubov, a local Ukrainian army spokesperson, told The Associated Press.

That route is crucial for supplies feeding Ukrainian forces in the entire region. Cutting the highway traffic would also severely weaken Pokrovsk.

So far, they have not achieved their goal and [Ukrainian forces] are working to ensure that they do not achieve it in the future  just as they have not been successful in other attempts to bypass the city, Trehubov said in a WhatsApp message.

Ukraines army is under severe strain along parts of the approximately 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) front line, especially in the eastern Donetsk region where Pokrovsk is located.

After almost three years of war, Ukrainian units are depleted and are outnumbered by Russian forces. Though its battlefield progress has been slow and costly, momentum in the war is in Russias favor and its onslaught has gradually swallowed up towns and villages, especially in Donetsk. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed Monday its forces had seized the village of Pishchane.

In his daily video address to the nation late Sunday, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said fighting around Pokrovsk was the most intense in recent days.

In separate comments to local media, Trehubov, the army spokesperson, speculated that Russia's heavy losses of troops and armor in the Donetsk operation had prompted it to alter its strategy.

Now they are acting more cautiously, he said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is pressing his advantage ahead of U.S. President-elect Donald Trumps arrival in the White House next week. Trump says he wants to bring a swift end to the war, though he hasnt publicized details of his plans.

In 2022, Moscow illegally annexed the Donetsk and neighboring Luhansk regions, which make up the economically important Donbas industrial area, together with the southeastern provinces of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. But Russian forces dont fully control any of them.
South Korean authorities are making a fresh effort to detain impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, days after he evaded the first attempt to enforce a court-approved warrant with the protection of presidential security and military forces.

A team of investigators arrived before dawn Wednesday at the heavily fortified presidential compound in central Seoul. Yoon has been holed up there as he pushes against a government insurrection investigation related to his short-lived declaration of martial law.

Reports suggest authorities are prepared to use a much larger force  consisting of about 1,000 police officers  and more forceful tactics to detain Yoon than they did in their previous attempt nearly two weeks ago.

According to Yonhap News Agency, authorities are bracing for an operation that could last up to three days and may use loudspeakers for psychological warfare, as well as cranes and tow trucks to remove any barriers.

The presidential residence, which lies in a sprawling, hilly compound in the Hannam-dong neighborhood, has been fortified with extra barbed wire fencing and tightly packed buses and other vehicles that block the path to Yoon's residence.

Despite the predawn hour and subfreezing temperatures, police estimate that 6,500 Yoon supporters were gathered in the area early Wednesday.

For weeks, the large street outside the compound has been filled with protesters  mostly supporters of the embattled conservative president, who has vowed to "fight to the end."

According to Yonhap, some ruling party lawmakers formed a human chain early Wednesday outside the main entrance of Yoon's residence to prevent his detention.

If Yoon is detained, authorities would have 48 hours to decide whether to file for a formal arrest warrant or release him. It would be the first time a sitting South Korean president has been taken into police custody.

Yoon was impeached last month following his declaration of martial law. The country's Constitutional Court must uphold his impeachment for him to be removed from office.

Separately, Yoon faces a criminal investigation into insurrection and abuse of power but has defied multiple requests to appear for questioning as part of that probe.

Yoon's lawyers have slammed the detention effort as politically motivated. They also argue that the court that issued the detention warrant had no jurisdiction to do so, and that the anti-corruption agency leading the investigation has no mandate to investigate the president for insurrection.

Earlier this week, South Korea's acting president, Choi Sang-mok, warned against the possibility of clashes between security forces, urging both sides to act in a "peaceful and restrained manner."

The previous detention attempt on January 3 was suspended after a six-hour standoff, with the detention team citing the risk of violence.
Britain's antitrust regulator said on Tuesday it would investigate Google's search services using its new powers to see how they impact consumers and businesses, including advertisers, news publishers and rival search engines.

The Competition and Markets Authority, which has gained new powers to examine big tech, said search was vital for economic growth and it was critical that competition was working well.

"Millions of people and businesses relied on Google's search and advertising services - with 90% of searches happening on their platform and more than 200,000 UK businesses advertising there," CMA boss Sarah Cardell said in a statement.

"It's our job to ensure people get the full benefit of choice and innovation in search services and get a fair deal."

The CMA's move comes after U.S. prosecutors in November argued to a judge that Google must sell its Chrome browser, share data, and search results with rivals, and take a range of other measures to end its monopoly on online search.

Google did not immediately respond to a request for a comment.
Gang violence in Haiti has displaced more than a million people, including children, who make up more than half of the displaced population and bear the greatest burden of displacement, according to a report released Tuesday by the International Organization for Migration.

It is important to note that at this moment, Haiti is facing the largest number of internal displacements as a result of the gang violence ever [recorded] in history, IOM spokesman Kennedy Okoth Omondi told journalists at a briefing Tuesday in Geneva.

In December 2023, we recorded around 315,000 people who were displaced from the violence. One year since then, we have seen the number triple to over a million people who have been displaced because of gang violence in Haiti.

This is a really troubling number, and it represents the security situation that most Haitians are currently facing, he said, adding that most of the people have been displaced multiple times.

We have seen a lot of the displacement occurring within the capital, Port au Prince, and we also have seen a lot of people being displaced and moving towards the neighboring provinces  living with families, communities and friends who already are facing their own economic challenges, further straining the limited resources of communities struggling to survive, Okoth Omondi said.

Compounding this displacement is a growing deportation crisis. IOM reports that last year, some 200,000 Haitians, most of whom had taken refuge in neighboring Dominican Republic, had been forcibly deported to Haiti.

Okoth Omondi declined to speak specifically about the deportation policies of other countries. He also would not comment about concerns arising from possible changes to the U.S. policy of granting Temporary Protected Status to asylum-seekers fleeing conflict and violence under the incoming Trump administration.

However, he said, Deportations or forced returns to countries that already are facing mounting security and humanitarian challenges are not something that is going to be beneficial.

Both President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance have suggested that they would scale back this policy as they pursue a policy of mass deportations of illegal immigrants.

Last week, the U.N. Human Rights Office reported that in 2024 at least 5,601 people were killed, more than 2,200 people were injured and 1,494 were kidnapped as a result of gang violence in Haiti.

These figures alone cannot capture the absolute horrors being perpetrated in Haiti, but they show the unremitting violence to which people are being subjected, said Volker Turk, U.N. high commissioner for human rights.

The acute insecurity and resulting human rights crisis in the country simply do not allow for the safe, dignified and sustainable return of Haitians. And yet, deportations are continuing, Turk said.

Underscoring this situation, IOM Director-General Amy Pope said Haiti needs sustained humanitarian assistance to save and protect lives.

We must work together to address the root causes of the violence and instability that have led to so much death and destruction, she said.

As displacement has grown, so has the number of sites sheltering them. Over the past year, IOM reports that the number of displacement sites has increased from 73 to 108. It says the sites are severely overcrowded and lack adequate access to essential services such as food, clean water, sanitation and education.

Access remains one of the biggest challenges, Okoth Omondi said. As the violence surges, it becomes more and more difficult to access those who basically need humanitarian aid. The need for humanitarian assistance and long-term investment in governance, security and social cohesion are essential.

U.N. officials say Haitis appeals for international support are falling on deaf ears. The United Nations reports that only 42.5% of the $673.8 million Haiti Humanitarian Response Plan has been funded.

Besides money, Haiti desperately needs security, a situation that remains elusive.

The number of people who are being displaced is a clear indication of the surge of violence, Okoth Omondi said. So, we basically need more support for multilateral forces to ensure that we have peace and stability to the country and to the Haitians who desperately need this.

Alessandra Vellucci, director of the U.N. Information Service in Geneva, told journalists that a Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti, composed of some 750 security personnel from the Bahamas, Belize, El Salvador, Guatemala, Jamaica and Kenya, has been deployed to the impoverished Caribbean country.

Kenya, who is the mission lead, has indicated it intends to deploy an additional 600 police officers, Vellucci said, adding that this is out of 2,500 personnel initially planned.

So, we really need them to step this up in order for the mission to demonstrate its full potential, she said, stressing that the trust fund to support this mission is currently severely underfunded.

We need to break the cycles of violence and the displacement, Okoth Omondi said. We need to foster stability in communities towards restoring hope and recovery to the people of Haiti.
U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson on Tuesday ordered that flags at the Capitol be raised to their full height on Inauguration Day, pausing a 30-day flag-lowering order following the death of former President Jimmy Carter.

The Republican leader's decision means that President-elect Donald Trump will not take the oath of office for his second term under a half-staff flag, a prospect that he had previously complained about.

It mirrors actions taken in recent days by some Republican governors who have announced that flags in their states would be raised on Inauguration Day to mark Trump's second term.

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey and Tennessee Governor Bill Lee did so on Tuesday, noting in social media posts that U.S. flags across their states would be relowered on Jan. 21 in honor of Carter. Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a similar notice on Monday.

The 30-day flag-lowering period, set into motion with President Joe Biden's order, affects flags at federal government buildings and their grounds, as well as at U.S. embassies and other facilities abroad, including military installations and vessels. It runs through Jan. 28, which encompasses Trump's inauguration and first week in office. In line with Biden's order, governors throughout the country issued their own orders to govern flags in their respective states.

The incoming president has expressed consternation that flags would still be lowered when he takes the oath, and it's possible that he could order the overall reversal of Biden's decision once he's installed as president on Jan. 20.

"Democrats are all 'giddy'" about the notion that flags will be lowered on Inauguration Day, Trump wrote Jan. 3 on social media.

"Nobody wants to see this," Trump wrote. He added that "no American can be happy about it. Let's see how it plays out. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"

Trump has already acted over the flags that he can control: at his home in Florida. In the days following Carter's burial, a large U.S. flag at Trump's private Mar-a-Lago club was observed flying at its full height, despite an order from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis that mirrors Biden's.

As of Tuesday, DeSantis had not made alterations to the flag order in his own state.

The U.S. flag code lays out parameters for lowering the U.S. flag to half-staff, including a 30-day period for current or former presidents to cover flags at federal government buildings and their grounds, as well as at U.S. embassies and other facilities abroad, including military installations and vessels.
In a report to Congress released early Tuesday, special counsel Jack Smith said his office had sufficient evidence to obtain and sustain a trial conviction of President-elect Donald Trump for efforts to overturn Trumps loss to President Joe Biden in the 2020 election.

Smith said Trump resorted to a series of criminal efforts to retain power after it became clear that he had lost and that legal ways to challenge the results had failed.

This included attempts to induce state officials to ignore true vote counts; to manufacture fraudulent slates of presidential electors in seven states that he had lost; to force Justice Department officials and his own Vice President, Michael R. Pence, to act in contravention of their oaths and to instead advance Mr. Trump's personal interests; and, on January 6 , 2021, to direct an angry mob to the United States Capitol to obstruct the congressional certification of the presidential election and then leverage rioters, Smith said in his report.

Smith said Trump acted both in his private capacity as an election candidate, as well as with the help of multiple co-conspirators, and that Trump tried to use the power and authority of the United States Government in furtherance of his scheme.

The report further says that Trumps false claims, such as votes being cast by large numbers of dead people or ineligible voters, or that voting machines had changed votes for Trump into votes for Biden, were demonstrably and, in many cases, obviously false.

Trump has repeatedly denied wrongdoing and attacked the special counsels work as politically motivated.

He responded to the reports release early Tuesday with a post on his Truth Social platform calling Smith a lamebrain prosecutor.

Deranged Jack Smith was unable to successfully prosecute the Political Opponent of his boss, Crooked Joe Biden, so he ends up writing yet another Report based on information that the Unselect Committee of Political Hacks and Thugs ILLEGALLY DESTROYED AND DELETED, because it showed how totally innocent I was, and how completely guilty Nancy Pelosi, and others, were, Trump said.

Trump is set to be inaugurated for a new term next week after defeating Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election. During the 2024 campaign, Trump denied he lost the 2020 vote, including in a September debate with Harris.

Tuesdays report release came a day after U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon cleared the Justice Department to make public the portion of Smiths report that dealt with Trumps efforts to cling to power.

Judge Cannon, who was appointed by Trump, had earlier blocked the release of Smiths full report, which also includes an unreleased section about accusations that Trump illegally retained classified documents after he left office.

Smith sought to prosecute Trump on both matters, while Trump denied wrongdoing.

Judge Cannon dismissed the classified documents case in July, ruling that Smith was illegally appointed.

The Supreme Court also ruled in July that presidents have broad immunity from prosecution for official acts, which blunted Smiths efforts in the election interference case.

After Trump defeated Harris, the Justice Department dropped both cases against Trump, citing longstanding policy against prosecuting a sitting U.S. leader.

Some information for this story was provided by The Associated Press and Reuters
International rights group Safeguard Defenders released a report titled Chinas mass exodus, which cited U.N. statistics showing the number of Chinese asylum-seekers overseas has almost reached 1.16 million under Chinese President Xi Jinpings 12-year rule. Laura Harth, the groups campaign director, told VOA that the number could be even more staggering given exit controls China has placed on a growing number of Chinese citizens.

Click here for the full story in Mandarin.
Recent incidents, including a Chinese cargo ship allegedly cutting a Taiwanese undersea cable, underscore the vulnerability of global undersea infrastructure. While most damage results from accidents, gray zone tactics  which involve deliberate but covert sabotage by states like China and Russia  are becoming a geopolitical threat. VOA China examines the geopolitical battle for undersea cables, which are the backbone of modern communication, handling 98% of international data transfers.

Click here for the full story in Mandarin.
In a post published on its official Persian-language account on X on Monday, the U.S. State Department emphasized its continued support for the Iranian people in the face of the Islamic Republic "regimes relentless human rights violations."

Click here for the full story in Persian.
(Photo credit: COSCO)

Chinas Cosco Shipping Holdings Co. forecasts that profits soared 91% in 2024.

The Shanghai-based parent of liner operator Cosco Shipping Lines in a statement to the Hong Kong stock exchange expects to report, pending any final adjustments, full-year record earnings on moderate growth in cargo volumes as disruptions from attacks on shipping in the Red Sea took capacity out of the market and kept freight rates high.

Earnings before interest and taxes for the year ending Dec. 31, 2024 were $9.54 billion, up 90.67% from $5 billion in 2023. Record net profit of $7.55 billion was ahead 95% from $3.87 billion the previous year.

Record net profit attributable to shareholders was $6.7 billion, up 106% from $3.25 billion in 2023, and record net profit attributable to shareholders after deducting nonrecurring profit and loss was $6.68 billion, a gain of 106% from $3.24 billion for the same period in 2023.





The company said it restated 2023 results slightly lower due to internal consolidations.

In 2024, the cargo volume of the container shipping market displayed a moderate growth trend overall, the company said in the statement. Coupled with factors such as the escalating situation in the Red Sea region which led to a short supply of effective transportation capacity, the market freight rate remained at a relatively high level.

Container volume increased year on year, and its integrated supply chain services helped in the face of the complex and volatile global economic and trade situation, the company said, though it offered no details.

Cosco said that it is still finalizing full 2024 earnings.





Find more articles by Stuart Chirls here.

Related coverage:

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At TRB: Costly issues weigh on port efficiency

The post Cosco says shipping disruptions boosted 2024 net profit by 95% appeared first on FreightWaves.
U.S. experts believe that Western sanctions imposed on Russia turned out to be not painful enough for the oligarchs in Vladimir Putin's inner circle. They say that the West has also overestimated the influence that oligarchs have on Putin and on his intent to continue the war in Ukraine. Despite having some of their assets frozen, the oligarchs managed to prosper, benefiting from their loyalty to Putin and his regime.

Click here for the full story in Russian.
Pro-Kremlin Russian media lost millions of readers and viewers in 2024, with some state propaganda outlets having their audiences slashed by up to a third. The main propaganda TV channel, Channel One, has lost a quarter of its viewers since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Experts who spoke to VOA Russian note this has become a steady trend that the Kremlin has so far been unable to reverse, even with larger injections of cash into state-owned media outlets.

Click here for the full story in Russian.
With 48 km of tall black temporary fencing, 25,000 law enforcement officers and security checkpoints set up to process hundreds of thousands of spectators, Washington is braced for President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration next week.

The Monday swearing-in on the steps of the U.S. Capitol and parade to the White House will follow a weekend featuring protests by Trump's opponents and parties and rallies by the Republican's supporters.

The inauguration follows a campaign marked by two attempts on Trump's life  including one from a would-be assassin who nicked his ear with a bullet  and a pair of New Year's Day attacks on ordinary Americans. In one, 14 people were killed and dozens injured when a U.S. Army veteran rammed a truck into a crowd of New Year's Eve revelers in New Orleans. The same day, an active-duty U.S. Army soldier detonated a Tesla Cybertruck outside a Trump-branded hotel in Las Vegas, killing himself.

"We are in a higher-threat environment," said U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Matt McCool at a Monday press briefing.

The inauguration itself, when Trump formally takes the oath of office with members of Congress, the Supreme Court, his incoming administration and tens of thousands of others looking on, will take place on the Capitol steps, facing the Washington Monument.

That is the same spot where, on Jan. 6, 2021, thousands of Trump supporters smashed windows, fought with police and sent lawmakers running for their lives in an attempt to overturn his 2020 election loss to Democratic President Joe Biden.

Trump's 2024 election rival, Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, conceded her defeat in the Nov. 5 contest, unlike Trump who continues to falsely maintain that his loss was the result of fraud.

Fear of lone wolf

Security officials said they were not aware of any specific, coordinated threats to the inauguration. What they are worried about is lone wolves, such as the New Orleans attacker, or two separate incidents last week. In one, a man was arrested for trying to bring a machete into the Capitol. In the other, a man was arrested for trying to ignite a fire near the Capitol, according to U.S. Capitol Police.

"That threat of the lone actor remains the biggest justification for us being at this heightened state of alert throughout the next week," U.S. Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger told the security briefing.

The FBI and Department of Homeland Security on Monday warned police nationwide of the risk of copycat attacks similar to the New Orleans incident.

A large chunk of downtown Washington  stretching about 3 km from the White House to the Capitol  will be closed to vehicular traffic, with entry points blocked with concrete barriers, garbage trucks and other heavy items.

The 48 km of 2-meters-tall black fencing, designed to be unclimbable, will be the longest ever erected in Washington, officials said. Some 7,800 National Guard troops and 4,000 officers brought in from other police departments around the country will reinforce security.

While some residents of the city, where 90% of voters cast ballots for Harris over Trump, were readying to leave for the holiday weekend or hunker down at home to avoid the gridlock, tens of thousands of people were expected to descend upon the city for celebrations and protests.

About 70% of Washington's 34,500 hotel rooms were booked for the night of the inauguration and the night before as of last week, according to data from Smith Travel Research and shared with Reuters by Destination DC, Washingtons official tourism organization. Hotel occupancy was at about 95% for Trump's 2017 inauguration, and about 78% for former President Barack Obamas second inauguration in 2013.

Marches and rallies

Trump's 2017 inauguration was marked by massive protests and counter-protests. His former spokesman, Sean Spicer, famously began his tenure by claiming  contrary to photographic evidence  that the crowd on the grassy National Mall was "the largest audience ever to witness an inauguration  period."

The Women's March the following day drew hundreds of thousands of people onto the streets of Washington  and even more in pop-up solidarity events that took place around the country.

A far smaller crowd of 25,000 people is expected to take part in the anti-Trump People's March on DC on Saturday, Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith said on Monday.

Thousands are expected to show up for nearly a dozen other protests or rallies that local officials have permitted between Saturday and Monday, including a Trump rally at the 20,000-seat Capital One Arena on Sunday.

Juliette Kayyem, a professor at Harvard Kennedy School who served as a homeland security official during the Obama administration, said officials appeared to follow standard practice in planning for all possibilities.

"What you're planning for is a worst-case scenario, but my suspicion is you're not going to get it, which is good," Kayyem said. "In terms of planning, it's always easier to ratchet down than ratchet up."
U.S. President Donald Trump will take part virtually in the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Davos just days after his inauguration, the forum president said Tuesday.

Borge Brende, a former Norwegian foreign minister who heads the Geneva-based organization, noted that Trump had twice attended the elite gathering of business, government and other leaders in person during his first term.

"On Thursday afternoon, he will join us digitally, online, live in a dialogue with our participants," Brende told reporters Tuesday as he presented the five-day program that will start Monday  the day of Trump's inauguration.

"We think that will be a very special moment," he added, notably to help learn the administration's "policy priorities."

Brende said he didn't know whether Elon Musk, the multibillionaire who is poised to co-lead Trump's new Department of Government Efficiency, would attend, but said the forum expects "additional, high-level representation" from the administration once confirmation processes for Trump's nominees get underway in the U.S. Senate as early as Monday.

Forum organizers say a record of around 900 business leaders, including from important emerging markets, will take part in the annual meeting this year, which is expected to draw nearly 3,000 participants from over 130 countries.

With climate change, war, global tensions, economic uncertainty and other issues in mind, Brende acknowledged that the 55th annual meeting of the forum will take place "against the most complicated geopolitical backdrop in generations."

"But still in that fragmented and partly polarized world, there are still areas where we can collaborate and ... we have big opportunities and responsibilities to find those areas where there is a possibility to improve the state of the world," he said. The theme of this year's edition is "Collaboration for the Intelligent Age"  a nod to the growing importance of technology in the world.

The WEF has long been derided as a gathering of world elites who plot the future at a cushy, snow-bound powwow in the Swiss Alps. Critics often argue the developing world gets less attention than global powers and big business in the West or Gulf states.

Forum managing director Mirek Dusek insisted that the number of businesses from developing countries in the "Global South" was growing, and the attendance of their leaders was "on parity" with the participation of leaders in the developed world.

Ursula Von Der Leyen, president of the European Union's executive commission, plans to attend the opening day of meetings on Tuesday, after an introductory gala the night before. Other top envoys include President Javier Milei of Argentina, President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, and Chinese Vice-Premier Ding Xuexiang.

The vast array of topics will include the future of Syria  its new foreign minister is expected to attend  after the fall of President Bashar al-Assad last month; the fight against climate change; the threats and promise of artificial intelligence; global trade and economic growth; and wars in places like Ukraine, Sudan and beyond.

"We are ready to roll up our sleeves to make the best out of a situation where we are faced with many, many challenges," Brende said.
Winds increased in Southern California Tuesday morning, posing new challenges for firefighters trying to extinguish raging, out-of-control blazes in Los Angeles that have killed at least 24 people and left at least another 24 missing.

The National Weather Service posted an exceptionally rare red flag warning for particularly dangerous weather that could lead to explosive fire growth.

Forecasters said wind gusts in Los Angeles and Ventura counties could hit about 70 to 110 kilometers an hour, with the fires also boosted by low humidity. The same conditions are expected to continue into Wednesday.

The winds could strengthen parts of the two major blazes that are still burning in Los Angeles County, undermining the incremental gains that firefighters have made in controlling the fires or igniting new ones.

Authorities said one of the blazes, the Palisades fire, was larger than 9,300 hectares but only 17% contained as of early Tuesday, while the Eaton fire, containing more than 5,600 hectares, was 35% contained.

More than 100,000 people have been forced from their homes and whole neighborhoods flattened, much like the war zones American television viewers have become accustomed to seeing in Ukraine and Gaza.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass told reporters she took an aerial tour of the affected areas on Monday with Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, saying, The massive, massive destruction is unimaginable until you actually see it.

Anish Mahajan, a Los Angeles County public health official, told residents to wear N95 or P100 masks if they see high winds dispersing ash. Ash is not just dirt, Mahajan said. It is hazardous fine dust.

One concern is that electrical infrastructure could spark new fires, as has happened in California wildfires in the past. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power said Monday night that it could shut off power for customers in areas with high fire risk as a precautionary measure. Another utility, Southern California Edison, said it had already shut off power to more than 60,000 customers.

Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said Monday that firefighters were absolutely better prepared than when a series of wildfires rapidly emerged last week, but that the wind gusts could force authorities to ground aircraft critical to the firefighting effort.

Such restrictions were in place for part of last week as four major fires burned. Together, those blazes scorched more than 160 square kilometers.

Firefighters have brought one fire fully under control, while another north of Los Angeles was 97% contained.

President Joe Biden on Monday pledged additional federal support and said during a briefing at the White House, Were going to keep doing everything possible to help you get through this.

It was a heartbreaking weekend for a lot of people in Los Angeles, Biden said. Ash was raining down like snow; homes burned to the ground. Thousands of those homes are gone. And we learned we lost more of our fellow Americans. So, lets say again to the people of Los Angeles, were with you.

The president also praised the work of emergency responders.

Los Angeles is the City of Angels, and youre now the angels, Biden said. Youre the angels literally saving peoples lives, and we owe you.

Biden said the federal government was providing aid to help with overtime pay for firefighters, debris removal and temporary shelters. He said the region will need tens of billions of dollars to recover and called on Congress to step up and provide funding.

Some Republican leaders in Congress have suggested federal aid be given only with conditions, as they criticized Democratic California leaders for what they allege is mismanaging water and forest resources.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has said in recent days that the state has increased its firefighter force and forest management efforts since he took office in 2019.

On Monday, a lawsuit filed against Southern California Edison claims the utilitys equipment sparked the deadly Eaton Fire that began January 7.

Edison acknowledged that fire agencies are investigating whether its equipment may have started a smaller fire in the area that also occurred that day.

Authorities have not yet determined an official cause for the fire.

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power also was sued on Monday. The suit claims that the utility failed to properly manage water supplies critical to fighting the Palisades Fire, which has killed at least eight people and destroyed thousands of structures, according to the court filing.

Some information in this report came from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse and Reuters.
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Zimbabwean schools are set to open for the first term Tuesday with some teachers threatening to go on strike over low salaries and poor working conditions. Some borders returned to school Monday. (Video: Costa Nkomo)
* President Mnangagwa's term is due to end in 2028

* Zanu-PF wants president's term extended, spokesman says

* Constitution limits presidential office to two five-year terms

HARARE (Reuters) - Zimbabwe's ruling Zanu-PF party wants to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's term in office by two years until 2030, a party spokesman said on Tuesday.

He gave no details of how this could be achieved or whether constitutional changes would be sought to enable the 82-year-old Zanu-PF leader to stay on.

Zimbabwe's constitution limits the presidential office to two five-year terms, and Mnangagwa's second and final term as president expires in 2028.

"The issue of the president staying in power is a party position which has been agreed upon," the party's director of information, Farai Marapira, told Reuters by telephone.

Asked whether that meant changing the constitution extend presidential terms to seven years, he replied: "The modalities have not been decided."

For much of its history since independence in 1980, Zimbabwe was led by the late Robert Mugabe who was prime minister from 1980 until he was elected president in December 1987, a post he held until November 2017.

Mugabe openly believed in a one-party state and used violence and intimidation to prevent anyone challenging his monopoly on power at the ballot box.

In 2013, Mugabe signed a new constitution into law limiting presidents to two five-year terms. It did not apply retroactively, and Mugabe would have been able to stay in power for a further 10 years were it not for the 2017 coup that replaced him with his then deputy, Mnangagwa.

Mugabe died two years later.

EXTENDED TERM LIMITS MOOTED AT CONFERENCE

Mnangagwa, a former spy chief, has said publicly that he will leave when his term expires, but the idea of Zimbabwe scrapping term limits was mooted at a Zanu-PF conference last October.

Constitutional lawyer Welshman Ncube said that in theory any constitutional change could not apply to the incumbent.

"Mnangagwa will have to subject himself to two referendums, one to scrap the term limits and another to remove the provision that an incumbent cannot benefit from any amendments," he told Reuters.

Another constitutional lawyer, Lovemore Madhuku, said it was not possible for Mnangagwa to stay in power legally beyond 2028 as "no one that has the power to extend the president's term of office."

Since 1990, 24 African governments have sought to extend their president's rule beyond existing constitutional limits, usually by scrapping the two-term ceiling, and with all but four of them successful, according to a 2023 paper in Scientific Research Publishing.

(Reporting by Nyasha Chingono, Editing by Tim Cocks and Timothy Heritage)
The statements of the re-elected US President Donald Trump, before his inauguration, announcing that he intended to buy Greenland (which he had already compared in 2019 to a big real estate deal) and to annex both Canada and the Panama Canal have stunned us. No Western leader had made such statements since the Second World War. The US ruling class instead saw it as a new frontier, that is to say new territories where their country could continue its advance.

The Danish government, on which Greenland depends, has indicated that it is not for sale, that it is an autonomous territory owned only by the Greenlanders. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called for the principle of the inviolability of borders to apply to all countries whether it is a very small one, or a very powerful one. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot commented: There is no doubt that the European Union would not allow other nations of the world to attack its sovereign borders. British Foreign Secretary David Lamy said Donald Trump raises concerns about Russia and China in the Arctic, which concern the national economic security of the United States. These are legitimate issues. Finally, for Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, these statements are more of a message intended to other great powers rather than hostile claims against these countries. These are two territories where in recent years we have seen increasing activism by China. 

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who was elected as Pierre Trudeaus son and therefore as a defender of national independence, turned out to be nothing more than a follower of Washington. He therefore had nothing to say about what seems obvious: by joining the United States, his country would have nothing to lose that it has not already lost and everything else to gain. So he resigned.

Concerning the Panama Canal, Donald Trump had insinuated that it was operated by the Chinese army. Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino responded: The canal is not controlled, directly or indirectly, by China, the European Community, the United States or any other power. As a Panamanian, I firmly reject any expression that distorts this reality.

We will explain here that these ideas of annexation are not new, but date back to the 1929 crisis, and that they correspond to a coherent ideological corpus defended, until last week, by the only multi-billionaire Elon Musk whom we knew rather as an admirer of the Serbian engineer Nicolas Tesla and as a follower of transhumanism.

During the "Great Depression", that is to say the Wall Street crisis and the economic storm that followed, all the American and European elites considered that capitalism, in its then form, was definitively dead. Joseph Stalin proposed the Soviet model as the only answer to the crisis, while Benito Mussolini (former representative of Lenin in Italy) proposed, on the contrary, fascism. But in the United States, a third solution was proposed: technocracy.

Criticizing the traditional reading of supply and demand, the economist Thorstein Veblen was interested in the motivations of buyers. He showed that the man who can afford leisure actually does so to reinforce his social superiority, and must therefore show it. Leisure is therefore not a form of laziness, but "expresses the unproductive consumption of time". Consequently, in many situations, contrary to popular belief, "The more the price of a good increases, the more its consumption also increases" (Veblens paradox). It is therefore not prices, but group behavior and individual motivations that dictate the economy.

Thorstein Veblens iconoclastic thinking gave birth, among others, to Howard Scotts technocratic movement. He imagined that power should be given neither to capitalists nor to proletarians, but to technicians.

This movement was exported to France around polytechnicians, notably the esoteric novelist Raymond Abellio (who founded the sect of which Francois Mitterrand was a member until his death) and Jean Coutrot, the inventor of transhumanism. Little by little, this movement would have engendered in the occult circles of Philippe Petains regime a secret society, the Synarchy.

Coutrots transhumanism foreshadows Elon Musks transhumanism. For Coutrot, it was about using technology to go beyond humanism. For Elon Musk, it is more about using technology to change man.

Given this lineage, we understand that any reference to technocracy in France is discredited from the start. However, this movement is based on a dominant challenge to the functioning of democracies. It professes not to engage in politics and to find technical solutions to all problems. Whether we like it or not, it is present in the United States in the belief that it is technical progress that will solve everything.

The fact remains that the technocratic movement, relying on statistical knowledge from the interwar period, was convinced that the North American continent constituted a unit in terms of mineral resources and industries.

The head of the Canadian branch of the movement, chiropractor Joshua Haldeman, was arrested during the Second World War because he defended neutrality towards Nazi Germany. He was indeed pro-Hitler and anti-Semitic [1]. After the war, he settled in South Africa, seduced by its apartheid regime. His grandson is none other than Elon Musk.

It should be noted that the multi-billionaires position within the Trump administration is increasingly contested from within. Thus Steve Bannon was able to declare to Corriere della Sera: "Elon Musk will not have full access to the White House, he will be like any other person. He is really an evil guy, a very bad guy. I made it a personal thing to fire this guy. Before, because he put money in, I was ready to tolerate it, I am no longer ready to tolerate it." [2].

Some members of the technocratic movement gave great importance to the post-World War II world map drawn up in 1941 by an anonymous author signing under the pseudonym Maurice Gomberg. However, he envisaged a division of the world by civilizations. The United States would have been expanded to include all of North America, from Canada to the Panama Canal, and to many Pacific and Atlantic islands, including the Antilles, Greenland and Ireland. Like the French Synarchy, this map has been widely discussed in conspiracy circles. However, according to historian Thomas Morarti, quoted by the Irish press , t [3]his map resonated with President Franklin D. Roosevelt during his "four freedoms speech" (freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom from want, and freedom from fear) on January 6, 1941. Along the same lines, in 1946, President Harry Truman proposed that US troops not evacuate Greenland, which they had liberated from the Nazis, but buy it for $100 million.

In 1951, Denmark authorized the establishment of two large US and NATO military bases in Greenland, at Sondrestrom and Thule. Elements of the US anti-ballistic system have since been installed there. The treaty authorizing these bases was co-signed by Greenland in 2004, that is, after it had acquired its autonomous status.

In 1968, a US strategic bomber, which was taking part in a routine operation in the context of the Cold War, accidentally crashed near Thule, contaminating the region with a cloud of enriched uranium. It was learned in 1995 that the Danish government had tacitly authorized the United States, in violation of Danish law, to store nuclear weapons on its soil.

The purchase of Greenland could therefore easily take place without money. All that would be required would be for the Pentagon to ensure the protection of Denmark, thus freeing it from a financial burden.

Giving reality to what seemed to be just empty talk, Donald Trump Jr., the son of the re-elected president, went on vacation to Greenland. Of course, on board a family plane and surrounded by a group of advisors. He did not meet, officially at least, with any political leader. During this trip, the NGO Patriot Polling conducted a survey. The majority of respondents (57.3%) approved of the idea of joining the United States, while 37.4% were against. Of those surveyed, 5.3% remained undecided. Following the publication of these results, Mute B. Egede, gave a press conference in Copenhagen that even if he had not spoken with the Trumps, he was open to discussions on what unites us. We are ready to discuss. Cooperation is a question of dialogue. Cooperation means that you will work to find solutions.

When the technocratic movement considered annexing Greenland, it recalled that it is located on the North American continental shelf and based its decision on the importance of its natural resources. It holds precious rare earth minerals [4], as well as uranium, billions of barrels of oil and vast reserves of natural gas, previously inaccessible but increasingly less so. Rare earths are now almost exclusively available to China. However, they have become essential for high technology, particularly for Tesla cars. These natural reserves are not exploited due to the traditional opposition of the indigenous populations, the Inuit (88% of the population).

Today, Greenland is above all a strategic issue. It would allow the United States to control the Northern Sea Route, which is now navigable. Since this is currently controlled by Russia and China, a change in the islands ownership would transform the geopolitical equation. That is why Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesman, commented: "The Arctic is a zone of our national interests, our strategic interests. We want to preserve the climate of peace and stability in the Arctic zone. We are watching very closely the rather spectacular development of the situation, but so far, thank God, only at the level of statements."

References to the technocratic movement may have nothing to do with Musk and Trump, but they should be kept in mind as events unfold.
The outgoing presidents final interview is set. Photo: Chris Kleponis/CNP/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Lawrence ODonnell has landed a very big scoop: The anchor of MSNBCs The Last Word is getting the last word with President Joe Biden, Vulture has learned. ODonnell will travel to Washington to interview Biden in the Oval Office on Thursday for a conversation which will air later that same evening during ODonnells 10 p.m. ET show. MSNBC is expected to tout the Biden-ODonnell meeting as Bidens final interview as President before he leaves office next week.

While Biden hasnt completely shunned the mainstream (as his critics charge), he also hasnt exactly rushed to talk to TV news during his four years in the White House, either  particularly of late. His last flurry of sit-down interviews with video platforms came last summer: He spoke to several networks in July following his shaky debate performance and then sat down with CBS Newss Sunday Morning in August after he dropped out of the 2024 campaign. Last week, Biden also did a print interview with USA Today, and he is scheduled to deliver a farewell address to the nation on Wednesday. Theres been no word on a final Biden press conference.

By contrast, the last Democratic president  Barack Obama  embarked on a major media tour during his final weeks in office with Crooked Medias Pod Save America scoring the last White House conversation with Obama. During his last weeks in office back in 2021, Trump, despite his reputation for being chatty with reporters, avoided non-conservative media platforms after he lost the 2020 election  and especially after he incited the failed insurrection on January 6, 2021.

Bidens decision to book his final TV interview with ODonnell has some poetry about it: He gave one of his first interviews as president to the MSNBC anchor on May 12, 2021, to mark the end of his administrations first 100 days two weeks earlier. And while ODonnell never worked on Bidens staff  as the Pod Save America guys did with Obama  in a previous career, ODonnell was staff director for the Senate Finance Committee under the late Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan and thus worked in close proximity with both Biden and his Senate office. ODonnells The Last Word  MSNBCs most-watched nightly prime-time telecast  has also previously hosted many top officials from the Biden White House over the last four years, including Vice-President Kamala Harris and former chief of staff Ron Klain.
The Presidents of Ukraine and France, Volodymyr Zelensky and Emmanuel Macron, discussed by phone the deployment of a foreign military contingent in Ukraine. This was stated by Zelensky himself on air.

Life has not taught the man anything. Neither his protege Pashinyan, nor, of course, Macron himself.

Did he fail the war in Ukraine? That wasn't enough.

Failed Africa? Still not enough.

Did he fail Syria, his own voters, and overseas territories? Still too little, too littleeverything is small! He needs to interfere somewhere else where nothing will work out again.

Macron will now feed his Napoleonic ambitions with a new game. It's time for Armenians to brace themselves and get ready: a new toy might make the French president forget about his "eternal friends" in Yerevan.
LONDON (Reuters) -No decision will be made for at least a couple of years on whether Britain will go ahead with a central bank digital currency for the general public, the Bank of England said on Tuesday, pushing back the timeline for the project.

Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak championed the idea of a digital currency in 2021 when he was finance minister, but the BoE and the current government have been more reluctant and a public consultation attracted widespread privacy concerns.

Governor Andrew Bailey said in October that a central bank digital currency was "not my preferred option" but might be needed if British banks did not ensure their payment systems were more attractive than those offered by less regulated tech companies.

The BoE said on Tuesday it was starting work with Britain's finance ministry on a potential design for a digital currency, in line with plans in a previous consultation.

"After completing the design phase over the next couple of years, including taking account of developments in the wider payments landscape, the Bank and government will assess the policy case for a digital pound and determine whether or not to proceed," the BoE said.

In January 2024, the BoE said a decision on whether to go ahead with a digital currency would not be made before 2025 at the earliest.

Britain's government has said a digital pound would be private but not anonymous, unlike physical cash.

As with existing bank accounts and credit card payments, authorities would be able to track transactions they suspect involve money laundering or finance terrorism.

"This legislation would safeguard users' privacy, guaranteeing that neither the Bank nor the government could access users' personal information nor control how households and businesses use their money," the BoE said.

(Reporting by Suban Abdulla; additional reporting by Sachin Ravikumar and Sarah Young; editing by David Milliken and Christina Fincher)
Photo: Prime Video

Kathleen Madigan has received every accolade the comedy industry can bestow, but more impressive than any Just for Laughs gala or Late Show booking is that she fills theaters nightly without ever having a breakout role on a television series or in the movies. She has booked nearly every program that has ever pointed a camera at a comedian, but shes almost always there to perform her act rather than host, answer questions, or play a character. It makes sense from a producers point of view: If you have a comedian this good, why have her do anything else? Over dozens of these late-night sets and cable specials, Madigan has gradually amassed a loyal audience, and now she regularly packs 1,200-seat theaters across North America. She sells her tickets for the almost quaint reason that she has delivered consistently excellent stand-up for three decades. She is very good at her job. Lewis Blacks Cruise, from her 2013 special, Kathleen Madigan: Madigan Again, is proof. Watch it here now.

Onstage, Madigan presents herself as an incorrigible life-of the-party type. Both her stated point of view and her casual, amused delivery style declare that she is out for a good time, despite or because of the possibility that things might devolve into boozy chaos. Here she recounts her first cruise, which she shared with longtime friend and fellow elite comic Lewis Black. She gets a big laugh only 20 seconds in from her initial premise that, if youre not healthy but want to feel like you are, you should go on a cruise, because there are drinkers and eaters on those ships who will drink and eat you into feeling great.

After describing the ships launch as feeling like the Bellagio sailed away with her on the casino floor, Madigan reenacts the safety drill she is required to complete after drinking seven glasses of something called Monkey Ass Rum Punch. Her reverie is soon interrupted by a PA announcement. Madigan artfully switches voices between her drunk, disoriented self and a soulless authority droning on about something called a muster station, which is located on the back of your key card. It will not match your deck or room, so please pay . Madigan cuts him off mid-sentence to switch back to her increasingly panicky self, who has not grasped any of this, and her word choice here is outstanding. The announcement sounds plausibly real, but it pushes just far enough into Kafkaesque absurdity to create the same sense of heightened, distorted reality one feels trying to pay attention to something important after seven rum punches.

For someone with such punchy writing, vocal command, and expressive faces, Madigan comes off almost deceptively natural. Even in fully dialed-in special-taping mode, after doing all the work necessary to generate five laughs per minute on the same topic for eight and a half minutes, she seems completely conversational. She never hits any word with so much emphasis that it sounds rehearsed, and she chuckles during her own setups without it ever feeling braggy or artificial. Any comic will tell you that this is very difficult to pull off. Despite the spotlight, stool, and microphone, Madigan somehow registers less like a professional entertainer than someone you meet at a big family function in the buffet line that you slowly grow to realize is one of the funniest people youve ever met in your life.

At 1:41, we meet some of the eaters and drinkers Madigan describes at the bits outset. A fellow passenger explains his technique of marking his door with balloons because we just get so hammered on these ships, and these rooms all look alike! Madigan stops and drinks her water as the audience explodes into an eye-popping 11-second applause break. She has so perfectly nailed the cadence of Wisconsin small talk that the joke feels almost like a field recording made by an anthropologist of the quintessential midwestern drunk, and this is before her flawless delivery of Mr. Milwaukees parting dad joke. Who says alcoholics have no energy? she says to big laughs at 2:17 in a defense of her shipmates pluck and ingenuity.

As she continues, Madigans story becomes less about feeling better about her own health in contrast to the Roman Empireworthy exploits of her fellow passengers and more about how being a sleeper-inner and drinker-later prevents her from participating in most of the scheduled excursions. Defending her decision not to join her friends for an early jungle zip line, Madigan earns another applause break at 4:14 describing the nightmares that await them. By contrast, at 4:20, she tells a story of a noon trip on a rickety-ass Partridge Family bus going to Christ knows where, and for the first time since 28 seconds into the bit, she reminds the audience that Lewis Black is on this trip with her too. She doesnt attempt a full impression, but she makes sure his brief appearance contains enough of his signature finger gestures and explosive temper to bring him to life, including giving him the otherwise clean bits only F-bomb. As Black freaks out about their precarious situation, Madigan defends her decision to put them there, because unlike the bland packaged facsimile of excitement offered to their friends on the ship, she had provided a real adventure, she proudly declares at 5:48, from which we may never come back. This is as close as stand-up has gotten to a comprehensive thrill-seekers manifesto, and its where a lesser comic would end the bit. But thats where Lewis Blacks Cruise distinguishes itself. Back on the ship, Madigans in-room TV displays the previous nights bar bill every morning. Its a real buzzkill, but instead of using it to fuel another rallying cry, she takes a sharp and surprising turn into self-reflection at 7:00, pushing the bit into greatness.

Some comics place a particular vice front and center in their work. Whether its cannabis, alcohol, or unhealthy food, the act plays like an ad for its consumption, and anyone who says its problematic is worthy of scorn. These comics reveal no doubts about their own level of indulgence, and their performance takes on the feel of a revival meeting, existing to excuse and reinforce the audiences appetites. These kinds of bits can be hilarious, but they always seem to have one foot outside reality; even people who are generally satisfied with their lifestyle choices have some doubts. Thats why Madigans decision to morph the piece from an uncompromising defense of late cocktail-fueled nights to a Gollum-like debate with herself about her own level of dependence is so brilliant, even if, from the outset, she tells us its a conversation I seem to have with myself about once a year, so we know it will end with her trademark manic pixie drunk aunt outlook intact. Here, Madigan confounds expectations again. Instead of setting her id up to destroy a series of flimsy arguments put forth by her stick-in-the-mud superego, she plays her inner drinker like a captured, cornered animal caught dead to rights and scrambling for any tactic she can find to shut down this threatening line of inquiry so she can go on being a sleeper-inner and drinker-later.

Referencing an online alcoholism quiz, she protests, Youve never done well on true or false to big laughs at 7:34, but her audience is notably more subdued here, perhaps less comfortable with this subject than earlier beats. Madigans performance as her squirming inner drinker is masterful, especially the quick, subtle flare of contempt she allows to flash across her eyes at 7:57 at the gall of the internet questionnaire asking, Do you drink at home alone? With this unexpected, honest, and impeccably performed ending, Lewis Blacks Cruise sails forth into the messy, conflicted reality of the human experience. We immediately recognize it when we see it onstage. Its what elevates the best stand-up from entertaining speeches to works of performance art.

The truth about cruise ships turns out to be what their inexhaustible supply of indulgences reveal about the passenger. Madigan uses all the skills that have enabled her to sell out theaters from stand-up alone to illustrate that all of us  even those most committed to their life choices  have doubts plaguing them like anybody else, and that is the truth about human beings.
Madlib lost decades of music when his house burned down. Photo: Aitor Rodero Aznarez/Alamy

The Los Angeles wildfires have claimed celebrities homes and upended awards season. Now, reports are emerging of the irreplaceable creative work lost in the fires, from music files to paintings to memorabilia. It will be hard to assess the breadth of loss for weeks, but Art News reported that art insurers are expecting it to be massive. This is going to be substantial and possibly one of the most impactful art losses ever in America, Simon de Burgh Codrington, managing director of Risk Strategies, said. Below, some of the biggest artistic losses from the fires, including art by Andy Warhol and Gary Indianas library.

Historic homes

Several residential landmarks were lost in the fires including some listed on the National Register of Historic Places, reports Forbes. The Andrew McNally House, a 1887 Queen Anne-style mansion, and Zane Grey Estate, home to novelist Zane Grey, were both burned down in the Eaton fires. Jazz singer Anne Keelers former home was lost to the Palisades fire.

Madlib beats

The influential hip-hop producers home burned down. According to a donation link, he lost decades of music in the fire, along with equipment.

Arnold Schoenberg scores and memorabilia

When Larry Schoenbergs home burned down, he also lost troves of scores by his father, the modernist Austrian composer Arnold Schoenberg. Larry ran Belmont Music Publishing from his Pacific Palisades home and lost an estimated 100,000 scores in the fire, the New York Times reports. The fire also took many of Schoenbergs letters, photographs, and books. Schoenbergs original manuscripts, kept in Vienna, are safe, but the scores will be difficult to replace, since Belmonts digital backups also burned. Larry Schoenberg called the loss brutal.

Gary Indianas books

The late writers personal library had just arrived at a house in Altadena on January 7, according to the writer Colm Toibin, which was set to become an artists residence. But the house burned, along with a collection that included the signed editions, the rare art books, the weird books, the books Gary treasured, Toibin wrote in The London Review of Books.

Dozens of Warhol paintings

Art collector Ron Rivlin lost millions of dollars of art when his Pacific Palisades home burned down, including around 30 Andy Warhol pieces. Rivlins losses included a collection of iconic Campbells soup can prints and a set of prints of figures like Mickey Mouse and Superman, known as Warhols Myths, per the New York Times. Rivlin said he lost more than 200 works in total, also including art by Keith Haring and Damien Hirst. Its dust at this point, he said of his home. However, Rivlin was able to take three Warhols with him when he evacuated.
Sutton Foster as Liza Miller. Photo: Zach Dilgard/TV Land

This article originally ran in 2019 during Youngers sixth season. The beloved sitcom is now streaming on Netflix  and if its your first time binging, youre in luck: We have recaps for seasons four through seven.

In the pilot episode of TV Lands Younger, 40-year-old, freshly divorced mom Liza Miller (Sutton Foster) is unable to get a job in publishing after taking time off to raise her now college-age daughter, so her best friend and new roommate, Maggie (Debi Mazar), suggests that she lie on her resume and say shes only 26. Thanks to a wardrobe fit for a Brooklyn millennial, a dye job, and some major (like, very major) suspension of disbelief, it works. Liza secures employment at Empirical Publishing as a sort of fresh-faced 26-year-old, which means that in order to keep her job, she has to keep that lie going for the foreseeable future. Well, until season six, episode eight, that is.

It is in that episode that Charless (Peter Hermann) ex-wife, Pauline Turner Brooks (Jennifer Westfeldt), discovers that the woman dating her ex, the woman spending time with her daughters, the woman who basically gave her a writing career, is not who she says she is. Oh, you guys, Pauline is angry. And Pauline is also a dick. So she decides to out Liza Miller to the entire world while onstage at a major publishing event meant to celebrate Pauline and Lizas working relationship. Ex-wives, amirite?

So, yes, after six seasons (its been much less time within the world of the show) Liza is completely exposed and the premise of Younger is irrevocably blown up. Now everyone  including the last three major characters to learn the truth, Lauren (Molly Bernard), Zane (Charles Michael Davis), and good Lord Diana Trout (Miriam Shor)  knows. Heres the thing, friends: Lizas true age was the worst-kept secret in publishing. Whether it was because Liza decided to unburden herself and reveal her true identity to someone she loves, or because both of her IDs happened to fall out of her wallet  which, yes, is a thing that happened  characters on the show, both major and tertiary, were learning the truth all over the place!

Dont believe me? Lets turn to the below timeline of who found out Lizas secret when and what happened when they did, all the way down to the very last person kept in the dark. After revisiting some of the bigger reveals, its easy to see that it was only a matter of time for Lizas lie to go public.

Josh (Nico Tortorella)

When does he find out? Hot Mitzvah (Season 1, Episode 11)

How does he find out? At Laurens hot-mitzvah party (shes 26 and hot now, so), she drugs all of her friends with Molly. While rolling, Josh and Liza say I love you for the first time and then Liza decides to spill her guts, emotionally speaking.

Well, how does he take the news? Josh is very sad, not because of the age thing, but because of the lying thing. And also probably because he got a dragon tattoo thinking Liza was born during the Year of the Dragon. But, alas, she was not.

Whats the fallout? They decide to start over, thanks to a slideshow Liza makes that honestly feels like such an old-person move. Still, the obstacles they face in their relationship post-PowerPoint are too great  Josh hates lying for Liza, Liza doesnt want kids, Josh catches Liza smashing faces with her boss  and the two split for good. (Or do they?)

Cheryl Sussman (Martha Plimpton)

When does she find out? The Old Maam and the C (Season 1, Episode 12)

How does she find out? Cheryls from a rival publishing house, and while having lunch with Diana Trout in an attempt to get some information on Empiricals bid for an Ellen DeGeneres book, she learns that Liza is Dianas 20-something assistant  which would be all well and good, except that Cheryl and Liza worked together at Random House years ago.

Well, how does she take the news? Oh, Cheryl Sussman is downright giddy about it because Cheryl Sussman plays dirty, and now shes got the dirtiest dirt with which to play.

Whats the fallout? When Cheryl tries to get Liza to hand over proprietary info, Liza pulls the old blackmail the blackmailer card and thwarts all efforts. Cheryl never outrightly spills Lizas secret but does continue to taunt our heroine with the fact that she knows. In season five, after Liza turns down a huge job offer from Cheryl, she decides to leak a story about Liza and Charless affair, but says nothing about Lizas real age. Cheryls a bitch in the best and worst ways

Dr. Jane Wray (Camryn Manheim)

When does she find out? Beyond Therapy (Season 2, Episode 8)

How does she find out? Doctor-patient confidentiality is a glorious thing! Empiricals Millennial imprint is trying to nab Dr. Wrays book, and before Cheryl Sussman can fully out Liza, she becomes Wrays patient, tells her everything, and wins the book for her imprint by making a deal in which Wray can include Lizas story anonymously in her book if she comes to Millennial. Using the lie as leverage works both ways, apparently.

Well, how does she take the news? Oh, she is very interested in Liza Miller.

Whats the fallout? Honestly, not much. Theres talk of wanting the subject of that anonymous case study to appear on Ellen, but Liza shuts it down pretty easily. Lets hope, at the very least, Lizas still seeing Dr. Wray. If anyone needs some therapy, its the lady living a double life.

Thad (Dan Amboyer)

When does he find out? Secrets and Liza (Season 2, Episode 11)

How does he find out? Just when Lizas about to show Kelsey a video of Thad hooking up with a co-worker in his office bathroom, he bumps into Lizas college-aged daughter, Caitlin, and Lizas entire story begins to unravel.

Well, how does he take the news? Is Thad related to Cheryl Sussman? He plans to blackmail Liza to his hearts content  only Liza tells him he can expose her secret; she refuses to let Kelsey marry such a dirtbag. Aw, what a pal!

Whats the fallout? A construction beam falls from a crane and kills Thad. Okay, so, Liza doesnt literally cause that to happen (she does have to watch it happen), but still, it is an insane deus ex machina and no one talks about it enough. From a crane, you guys!

Emily (Fiona Robert) and Pearl the Labradoodle, who knows all

When does she find out? A Book Fair to Remember (Season 3, Episode 11)

How does she find out? She does some digging for her EW article on Millennial, and thanks to the Dartmouth alumni database, she discovers Lizas real age. Emily may seem like a dummy, but unfortunately for Liza, shes not.

Well, how does she take the news? Oh, very well. It means she can blackmail Liza into publishing Pearls of Wisdom, a self-help book written from her dog Pearls perspective.

Whats the fallout? Well, Millennial has to publish a Labradoodle advice book, which seems humiliating  but it actually becomes a huge hit! Also, Liza has to attach a merkin to a dog, but dont feel bad for her; shes the one committing fraud!

Kelsey (Hilary Duff)

When does she find out? Get Real (Season 3, Episode 12)

How does she find out? After Josh tells Liza that shes a liar and a cheater and hurting everyone she loves (he isnt wrong?), Liza decides its time to make like Hilary Duffs 2004 single and come clean to her best friend. (Ill never apologize for that joke.)

Well, how does she take the news? No exaggeration, horribly.

Whats the fallout? Since the Liza-Kelsey friendship feels like Youngers true love story, the rift that forms between them once Kelsey learns the truth hurts the most. Kelseys heart is broken, you guys! Thankfully, it only lasts about three episodes, and once Kelsey sees Liza being a good mom, the two make up and Kelsey becomes Lizas biggest ally in keeping her secret.

Jay (Aasif Mandvi)

When does he find out? A Close Shave (Season 4, Episode 6)

How does he find out? After meeting Liza at a publishing retreat, he runs into her with Caitlin, who refers to Liza as mom like children typically refer to their mothers. Liza has no good cover story and ends up telling Jay everything over dinner.

Well, how does he take the news? Like its nothing. Hes happy not only to keep her secret but also to rescue her several times when it looks like she might be exposed. The best thing about Jay is that he wants nothing in return. No blackmailing here! He is too good for this world.

Whats the fallout? Jay and Liza date a little bit, but alas, Lizas heart belongs elsewhere. Still, the best gift Jay gives us is that he forces Charles to admit his feelings for Liza in one of the best scenes of the series. You know the one Im talking about. I dont know why youre dating a 40-something guy in publishing who isnt me! Charles yells. We can never truly repay you for this, Jay.

Charles (Peter Hermann)

When does he find out? #LizaToo (Season 5, Episode 1)

How does he find out? After dropping their biggest author, Edward L.L. Moore, due to sexual harassment allegations, Moore fights back by providing information that will discredit all of his accusers, including Liza Miller, who, he tells Charles, is a complete con artist. Edward L.L. Moore brings receipts!

Well, how does he take the news? Probably the worst out of everyone. Hes like 10 percent relieved that he didnt fall for a 27-year-old, 90 percent angry that Liza betrayed him. Like, so angry. He ices her out at work and grows progressively passive-aggressive until finally he tells her he knows the truth. And by tells, we mean he yells at her on a Manhattan sidewalk.

Whats the fallout? Things are rough at work for a while, there are lots of longing glances being tossed around, and it makes the release of Charless ex-wifes book Marriage Vacation much more complicated, but eventually he sees Liza for who she really is and falls even more in love with her. Were still swooning!

Don Ridley (Christian Borle)

When does he find out? Big Little Liza (Season 5, Episode 5)

How does he find out? While on a date with the freelance journalist, Liza trips on some ice and her belongings go flying. Don finds both of her IDs scattered on the sidewalk and has some questions. One of them is not Why is your wallet so slippery that your IDs fell out of it? but it shouldve been.

Well, how does he take the news? To her face, he says he understands the idea of doing whatever it takes for your kid. Behind her back, he writes up a huge story about her for Vanity Fair.

Whats the fallout? The article gets pulled before getting published and Don just lets it go. Don doesnt seem like the best journalist.

Caitlin (Tessa Albertson)

When does she find out? Girls on the Side (Season 5, Episode 10)

How does she find out? After seeing Caitlin get hurt by having a secret relationship with her college professor, Liza opens up to her daughter.

Well, how does she take the news? The most realistic way: She laughs in Lizas face and asks if anyone has seen her in daylight. The truth hurts, Liza!

Whats the fallout? Not much aside from some mother-daughter bonding. At least now Caitlin can stop blowing up Lizas spot accidentally.

Quinn Tyler (Laura Benanti)

When does she find out? Lizability (Season 5, Episode 12)

How does she find out? When Quinn decides to invest in Empirical  specifically for Millennial  Liza and Charles realize that the only way it could be a clean investment is if Liza has nothing to do with it. She offers to leave and work with Cheryl Sussman, but when she tells Quinn her plans, Quinn doesnt buy her explanation, so Liza tells her everything.

Well, how does she take the news? Oh, she is into it. She thinks exposing Lizas secret to the world and making her the poster child for ageism would be incredible for Liza, for Millennial, and most importantly, for her own book.

Whats the fallout? Since Quinn is into Lizas situation, Liza turns down Cheryls offer. In an act of revenge, Cheryl leaks Charles and Lizas affair to Page Six and Quinn backs out of the investment, unable to spin such a story in todays climate  until Charles tells her that hell step down as the face of the company and they can put Kelsey in charge. Charles gives up his job (hell become chairman of the board) so that he and Liza can be together and his familys company doesnt totally crumble. Its a huge, life-altering decision. So the fallout is basically everything. All the fallout you could imagine.

Pauline Turner Brooks (Jennifer Westfeldt)

When does she find out? The Debu-taunt (Season 6, Episode 8)

How does she find out? In an effort to bury the hatchet with Liza, she has her register for the approved pickup list from the girls school. When Pauline remarks to the admin that theres not much you can do about your exs 20-something girlfriend, that admin is basically like, Well, I havent been on this show that much so I dont understand the stakes and I dont care about privacy laws, so here, look at Lizas license  that broad is 42.

Well, how does she take the news? The woman goes nuclear. After finding out that Charles also knew about Lizas lie and kept it from her while he let Lyin Liza around their kids, she decides it would be real cool-like to use her time at the mic during a Publishers Weekly event for debut authors to completely out Liza in front of everyone. Hell hath no fury, etc, etc.

Whats the fallout? Obviously, theres the Diana of it all  which we will get to  and the story goes public, so there will be major fallout for Millennial, but on a personal level, Pauline informs Charles that shes getting her lawyers to revise their custody agreement. I told you: NUCLEAR.

Zane Anders (Charles Michael Davis)

When does he find out? The Debu-taunt (Season 6, Episode 8)

How does he find out? He is sitting front and center at the Publishers Weekly event as Pauline puts Liza on full blast.

Well, how does he take the news? Zane doesnt have a huge personal connection with Liza, but he is angry that he is one of the last people to know and about how it is going to affect the company.

Whats the fallout? A lot of dirty looks and disappointed head shakes in Lizas general direction.

Lauren Heller (Molly Bernard)

When does she find out? The Debu-taunt (Season 6, Episode 8)

How does she find out? Our PR maven is sitting at the Millennial table when Pauline sets the world on fire, figuratively speaking. Laurens going to have some work to do!

Well, how does she take the news? Laurens response might be the best of all. She immediately starts calling Liza Ms. Miller because her parents taught her to respect [her] elders. She also questions how she didnt figure it out earlier, especially knowing that Liza thought Four Loko was a rapper.

Whats the fallout? Hard to tell at the moment. She is obviously surprised, but thats to be expected as she processes the fact that a close friend has been lying to her the entire time theyve known each other. Still, Lauren doesnt seem like one to hold a grudge over something like this.

Diana Trout (Miriam Shor)

When does she find out? The Debu-taunt (Season 6, Episode 8)

How does she find out? Queen Trout listens to Pauline expose Liza at the PW event, but its not until Diana rails against Pauline for being vindictive  look at Diana standing up for her friend in front of everyone!  and Liza has to confirm that what Pauline says is true, that Diana finally gets it. Her best friend, the woman she asked to be her maid of honor, has been lying to her face. A bonus sting comes when she realizes that she was the last person to know. Shes the village idiot.

Well, how does she take the news? Um, how do you think she takes the news?! SHE HAS A PANIC ATTACK IN THE MIDDLE OF TIMES SQUARE.

Whats the fallout? Surprisingly (thankfully!), it doesnt take too long for Diana to forgive Liza. At first, shes a little baffled as to why Liza would go to all this trouble for this particular job. But as she begins to list tasks Lizas had to do over the years, it quickly moves from degrading (clean Elphabas birdcage! Bring her urine sample to the doctor!) to much more meaningful things Lizas done for Diana (held her hand on the red carpet! Told her to go after Enzo!). Because thats it, isnt it, folks? It started out as Liza lying to get a job with Diana, but it turned into something much more  a friendship that neither want to lose. Well see how their dynamic changes post-reveal, but it seems like their bond is only stronger. Anyway, Im going to go have a good cry in a dark bathroom somewhere because female friendship is amazing and Diana Trout was holding back so many tears. See ya!

THE ENTIRE WORLD (YES, ALL OF IT)

When do they find out? The Debu-taunt (Season 6, Episode 8)

How do they find out? After Pauline goes hog wild at the PW event, The New Yorker publishes an article all about the drama at Millennial and Lizas lie being exposed. Its everywhere!

Well, how do they take the news? Oh, you know people are messy bitches who love drama. The Summer of Scam lives on!

Whats the fallout? Yet to be seen. This is a PR nightmare and Millennial is sure to pay the price for it in some way or another. Cool, cool, cool. This should be fun!
Venice to stage two weeks of carnival fun in 2025.

Venice will host 18 days of Carnevale this year, with events taking place along the city's canals and across its bridges and squares from 14 February until 4 March.

The theme of the 2025 edition of the Carnevale di Venezia is Il tempo di Casanova and is devoted to the colourful Venetian figure Giacomo Casanova on the 300th anniversary of his birth.

The city's mayor Luigi Brugnaro said this year's carnival will be a journey through the 18th-century Venice of Casanova, "a man who embodies the charm, freedom and passion that characterise the soul of La Serenissima".

Famed as a womaniser, Casanova was a tireless adventurer who spent his life travelling through Europe, mingling with royalty and cardinals, and constantly changing his role from cleric to spy, con man to diplomat.

Those visiting Venice during carnevale season this year can look forward to a rich programme of water parades, allegorical floats, masked balls and night parades.

-7 all'inizio del #CarnevaleVenezia2025



Siete pronti a farvi trasportare in un mondo fantastico, dove tutto e possibile?



Da venerdi 14 febbraio a martedi 4 marzo 2025 https://t.co/LlpkApMe2G pic.twitter.com/wdcPCmDE2S  Carnevale di Venezia (@Venice_Carnival) February 7, 2025

The festivities begin officially on 14 February, Valentine's Day, with live music and dancing in Piazza San Marco or St Mark's Square.

A spectacular procession will take place along the Grand Canal on 16 February when masked rowers will lead 100 colourful boats through the city.

Another annual favourite on the calendar, the Festa delle Marie pageant, takes place on 22 February with a sumptuous parade from Piero di Castello that will reach St Mark's Square where the most beautiful of the 12 "Marias" will be crowned on 3 March.

History of Venice Carnival

Carnevale di Venezia dates back to the 14th century, perhaps earlier, and over the centuries the event was frequently forbidden under various rulers.

The modern-day version of the Venice Carnival has taken place for the past 100 years.

Carnival ends each year the day before Ash Wednesday which signifies the start of Lent, traditionally a period of fasting and abstinence leading up to Easter.

For full details of 2025 Venice Carnival programme see the Carnevale di Venezia official website.
Temple University Rome has announced the opening of its new Gallery of Art with Modarte: A Collaboration Between Fashion and Art.

This innovative exhibition highlights the creative partnerships between Atelier Sorelle Fontana, Carla Accardi & Antonio Sanfilippo, and Maison Valentino & Alfredo Pirri. The exhibition will inaugurate the gallerys new space on Tuesday, January 14, at Via di San Sebastianello 16, near the Spanish Steps.

Situated in the historic Piazza di Spagna, Temple University Rome is positioned at the heart of a culturally rich area that has been a crossroads for art and commerce for centuries. Adjacent streets, such as Via Margutta and Via del Babuino, have been home to iconic artists like Picasso and Antonio Canova, further embedding the university into a legacy of creativity and innovation.

Modarte: Bridging Art and Fashion

The Modarte exhibition marks the beginning of a series investigating the synergies between the worlds of art and fashion. Highlights include:

Atelier Sorelle Fontana : Known for their pivotal role in Italian fashion, the Sorelle Fontana atelier hosted the groundbreaking competition 16 Painters for 16 Dresses in 1959, inviting artists such as Carla Accardi and Antonio Sanfilippo to design abstract-themed garments. The exhibition will feature works reminiscent of those originals, accompanied by archival materials, including photographs and videos of the competition.

: Known for their pivotal role in Italian fashion, the Sorelle Fontana atelier hosted the groundbreaking competition 16 Painters for 16 Dresses in 1959, inviting artists such as Carla Accardi and Antonio Sanfilippo to design abstract-themed garments. The exhibition will feature works reminiscent of those originals, accompanied by archival materials, including photographs and videos of the competition. Maison Valentino & Alfredo Pirri: The collaboration between Alfredo Pirri and Maison Valentinos Creative Director, Alessandro Michele, is exemplified in the installation Passi. Originally created in 2003 and reinterpreted for Valentinos Pavillon des Folies runway show in 2024, the artwork invites audience interaction, creating a sensory experience through fragmented glass.

Honoring Creativity and Legacy

The exhibition has been made possible through collaborations with the Fondazione Micol Fontana Foundation, Maison Valentino, and the Archivio Accardi Sanfilippo. Through this initiative, Temple University Rome celebrates the enduring connections between art and fashion, offering visitors an immersive experience that reflects Romes cultural vibrancy.

For additional information, inquiries can be directed to Shara Wasserman, Director of Exhibitions, at shara@temple.edu.

Temple University Rome Gallery of Art

Via di San Sebastianello 16

Rome, Italy

+39 06 3202808

rome.temple.edu
In a world teeming with cutting-edge technology and the constant buzz of innovation, it is easy to get caught up in the race for the next big thing. Payments have been no exception. An era of innovation has created customer expectations of personalisation and ease of their buying journeys, right down to that last key moment of the payment.

Successful payments innovation has to mean different things depending on the different scenarios. In hospitality, consumers might be open to just walk out technology and feeling one-step removed from a physical transaction, and in gaming, payments via a VR headset are well received.

Its not the same when it comes to payments in financial services. When buying an insurance policy or transferring money internationally to a loved one, for example, its the subtle innovation that enables simplicity, reliability and security that makes for a strong payment experience.

Financial services firms need to remember that as payment innovation continues to gain pace, they might not require all the latest bells and whistles to achieve customer satisfaction. Success in this department lies in tailoring the payment technology to the transaction's nature.

The beauty of simplicity

The top four reasons for financial services transaction abandonment all centre around a lack of simplicity and accessibility: multiple transaction attempts (56%), requiring too much information (52%), too many steps (48%) or being redirected to a different site (45%). This is completely understandable  when a consumer is navigating through the process of purchasing a complex insurance policy, for example, friction at the last moment can lead to them abandoning the purchase. Clearly, ease of use is not only a nice to have; it is a non-negotiable.

This is where financial services firms need to ensure they are using technology to set themselves up for simplicity. One-click payments, as an example, are one way to ensure ease of use and a smooth end to the transaction  84% of financial services consumers believe its important to be able to pay in this manner. Another quick win is in making sure payment details can be saved to enable faster future processing, which is called out as being important to 82% of consumers.

Incremental changes like these can remove considerable obstacles and edge towards a more seamless payment experience.

Convenience as a route to customer loyalty

Just because financial services payments might not be taking place via VR headsets and smart watches, that doesnt mean its a one-size-fits-all approach.
High Court Reporters

The semi-state operator of Dublin Airport has agreed to a strike-out of its challenge to a regulatory decision capping the charges it can levy against airlines until 2026.

The DAA and regulator Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) reached a confidential agreement ahead of what was scheduled to be a three-week trial beginning on Tuesday in the High Courts commercial division.

Airport charges are payable by airlines for use of the airports services and facilities, such as runways and airport security.

The DAA says the levies, which are typically paid indirectly by passengers via their flight tickets, represent about half of Dublin Airports revenue.

Its High Court appeal alleged the IAA levy cap, determined in late 2022, would cost it millions and could have detrimental effects for passengers.

Barristers Niall Buckley and Margaret Gray SC, representing the DAA and IAA respectively, informed the court on Tuesday that they had reached an agreement so the case could be struck out.

Airlines Ryanair and Aer Lingus had been joined to the case as parties affected by the decision.

In a press release at the time of the levy decision, Ryanair announced it would support the regulator and argue against passenger charge increases.

After the court was informed of the settlement agreement on Tuesday, Ryanairs barrister John Kenny told the judge his client wrote to the DAA and IAA querying whether their confidential deal changes the existing Dublin airport charges for the 2023 to 2026 period or includes commitments on the IAAs determination to be made for the next period.

Mr Justice Michael Twomey congratulated the DAA and IAA on reaching an agreement. He struck out the case but left it open to either side to apply to the court if needed.

In its case, initiated in 2023, the DAA alleged the levy cap decision was corrupted by a series of significant errors.

Among these was an alleged mistake in the regulators calculation of the number of security lane personnel required at Dublin Airport.

The DAA said it would have to bear the cost of employing additional security personnel to avoid lowering safety and security standards.

The IAA denied the claims.
High Court Reporters

A Palestinian man who fled the war in his native land has gone to the High Court in a bid to secure accommodation here.

A judicial review hearing has been granted to the man who claims to have been homeless and sleeping rough since he arrived in this country in March last year.

He is seeking an order of the court to be put into accommodation and receive a vulnerability assessment without delay.

His action is against the Minister for Children, Equality, Integration and Youth; Ireland and the Attorney General.

The man who is an applicant for international protection status, is seeking an order compelling the Minister to provide him with accommodation or housing and in particular, a vulnerability assessment without further delay.

The initial application was brought on behalf of the man, who is in his 40s, by barrister Keivon Sotoodeh, instructed by Patrick J Sweeney Solicitors, and leave for hearing was granted by Mr Justice Mark Heslin at a vacation High Court sitting last month.

The man is also seeking a declaration that the Ministers alleged failure to perform a public duty imposed on him by EU regulations since he indicated his intention to apply for international protection has been unlawful.

His lawyers also seek a declaration that the respondent acted in breach of the applicants rights to a dignified standard of living, pursuant to EU law regarding applicants for international protection covering human dignity, integrity of the person, prohibition on inhuman and degrading treatment and respect for family life.

The man states that he arrived in Ireland in March 2024 and presented himself at the International Protection Office to make his application.

The statement grounding the application to the High Court claims the man was forced to flee his home country of Palestine, due to the ongoing conflict therein and the very real danger that he found himself in.

It is claimed the man has been homeless for the past ten months and that he desperately requires assistance to accommodate him as he has been sleeping rough in a tent where he has been exposed to the elements in the middle of winter.

In addition, the grounding statement says the man is suffering from PTSD as a result of what he experienced in Palestine.

He claims that his mental health is adversely affected by homelessness and further submits that sleeping rough in an area such as Dublin, which experiences an increasing level of criminality and anti-immigrant sentiment," resulted in his mental health worsening further.

Admitting the applicant to accommodation within the portfolio of International Protection Accommodation Services would improve his health, safety, and would place him in a position that would facilitate him receiving the medical care that he urgently needs, the statement asserts.

The mans lawyers say his situation is now very critical and he is becoming more and more desperate.

Ms Justice Mary Rose Gearty adjourned the matter to Wednesday.
Michael McAleer

Who is Michael Lowry?

Independent TD Michael Lowry (70) began his political career in 1979 when he was first elected to Tipperary North Riding County Council. He became a Fine Gael TD for Tipperary North in 1987 before becoming chairman of the Fine Gael Parliamentary Party in 1993.

A year later, he led the Fine Gael negotiations that resulted in the formation of the Rainbow government under John Bruton with Labour and Democratic Left and he was subsequently appointed Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications.

In 1996, he stood down from government and resigned from the Fine Gael party. He continued his political career as an Independent TD.

The Moriarty Tribunal, established in 1997 to investigate payments to politicians and related matters, found he had had an insidious and pervasive influence over the awarding of a mobile phone licence to Denis OBriens Esat Digifone company.

Despite the controversy, he has won seven consecutive elections as an independent TD, consistently topping the polls each time.

After the General Election in 2020, Mr Lowry became a member of a newly formed group of Independent TDs in the Dail, known as the Independent Regional Group.

Why is he back in the news?

Simon Harriss Fine Gael and Micheal Martins Fianna Fail are negotiating with independent TDs to form a government, with the parties combined seat numbers falling just shy of a majority following the general election.

The Regional Independent Group, which includes Mr Lowry among its eight members, has been negotiating as a single unit, with Lowry acting as the group's point of contact.

What were the Moriarty Tribunals findings back in 2011?

Firstly, that Mr Lowry, when Minister for Communications, secured the winning of the competition for a mobile phone licence for Denis OBriens Esat Digifone.

Secondly, that Mr OBrien conveyed financial benefits on Mr Lowry including a July 1996 payment, for IR147,000 (187,000), made when Lowry was still a government minister.

And, thirdly, that the benefits conveyed to Mr Lowry by Mr OBrien were demonstrably referable to the acts and conduct of Mr Lowry in regard to the [licence] process, that inured to the benefit of Mr OBriens winning consortium.

Among its other conclusions, the Moriarty Tribunal also found that when he was minister for communications, and heavily involved in Fine Gaels fundraising efforts, Mr Lowry sought to intervene in a rent review on an office building on OConnell Street, Dublin.

The building, owned by Ben Dunne and rented out to State-owned Telecom Eireann, would have seen its value increase significantly if the intervention had succeeded, the Moriarty Tribunal found.

Ben Dunne leaving a hearing of the Moriarty Tribunal in May, 2000. Photo: Colin Keegan/Collins

What was contemplated and attempted on the part of Mr Dunne and Mr Lowry was profoundly corrupt to a degree that was nothing short of breathtaking, the Tribunal concluded.

What was reprehensible about his actions was that the tenant of the building was Telecom Eireann, of which, as minister for communications, Mr Lowry was the ultimate shareholder.

In his evidence, Mr Lowry denied asking for the valuation increase, and both he and Mr O'Brien rejected the Tribunal's findings.

What has reignited the controversy?

Last year, it was reported that Mr Lowry was interviewed by gardai from the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) who are investigating matters related to the Moriarty Tribunal.

Amid the talks to form the next government and with Lowry acting as the point of contact for the eight-member Regional Group of Independents, gardai confirmed last Thursday that a file relating to its investigations around the findings of the tribunal has been forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

How has Mr Lowry responded?

In a statement last Thursday, Mr Lowry said Last year, I received a request for assistance from An Garda Siochana.

I freely, voluntarily and willingly met them on one occasion and was fully co-operative. This was the only engagement or correspondence I had with the Garda over the 14 years since the report was published.

At no point, on that occasion or since, was it suggested that there were or are any charges being contemplated against me.

I am fully confident that there is no basis for any liability attaching to me.

Mr Lowry said he had steadfastly maintained there was no wrongdoing or impropriety attached to the award of the GSM licence (to Esat) 29 years ago.

The award of the licence was made after a fully fair process, which included experienced members of the Civil Service and independent professional experts.

He said the Chief State Solicitors office had defended the award of the licence in long drawn out civil cases taken by unsuccessful bidders.

Why has the investigation taken so long?

Although the Moriarty Report was published 14 years ago, evidence collected by a tribunal of inquiry cannot be used in criminal courts. Gardai, therefore, had to conduct their own inquiries, albeit with the tribunal report as a guide.
South Eastern Mountain Rescue and Coast Guard's Rescue 117 helicopter were tasked to assist a walker at Coumshingaun in County Waterford on Sunday, January 12.

At 1.24pm, SEMRA received a call from National Ambulance Service to assist with the evacuation of an injured walker at Coumshingaun.

SEMRA team members made their way up to the walkers location and assisted the Coast Guard helicopter R117 winchman, to move the walker a short distance to a location better for winching.

The walker was winched into the R117 helicopter and was on the way to Waterford by 3.06pm.

The stand down order was issued at 4.22pm and all members got safely off the hill.

A SEMRA spokesperson said that during the operation: "Conditions were very cold, with a very chill wind and low lying fog.

Watch a video of the rescue here
Most people look forward to a New Year with a sense of hope and positivity. There are many, many challenges on the international scene, but Ireland Inc., seems to be sailing along quite nicely, thank you.

Unemployment is low, growth prospects are good and the government is in a sound financial position.

As ever, events can change things in a very short period of time, but we hope and pray for the best. The big challenge, in almost every city, is setting targets and achieving goals.

What does Waterford need to do to improve the quality of life, business and commerce? Resources and leadership, as ever, are vital as is an honest understanding of where we currently stand.

You may have read reports that the directly elected mayor of Limerick, former secretary general of the Department of Finance, John Moran, wrote to Taoiseach Simon Harris suggesting that 2bn of the Apple Tax money should be given to Limerick, 3.5bn to Cork and 2bn to Waterford. In a lengthy letter and submission to the Taoiseach in September, Mr. Moran said this would help rebalance the country's economy which was "dangerously concentrated in the east".

The amount sought underlines the extent of the problem. It would be easy enough to spend 2 billion in Waterford. It would represent approximately 10 North Quay projects. For example, if SETU Waterford is to compete in the university sector it needs at least 300m. UHW has had many small projects of up to 10m each. The Dunmore Wing cost something like 35m. In reality our Model 4 hospital needs an injection of about 300m to bring it to parity with its eight national Model 4 counterparts.

The cost of the proposed new engineering building at SETU Cork Road has not been disclosed, but at 12,800sqm, there wont be much change out of 80/90m. This kind of money enables SETU Waterford to play catch up on two decades of massive underinvestment.

New buildings and student accommodation are needed on the old glass factory site and a further expansion of courses is essential to create a university of scale and substance that this city needs.

It is time that a proposal/strategy for a new medical school in Waterford, affiliated to UHW, was developed, perhaps starting with postgraduate entry as UL did; all the component parts already exist. Why should it be thus far and no further for us? It might cost 100m but so what? Thats half a North Quay. That kind of cash has been splashed liberally around other universities in Ireland over the past two decades.

We live in a lovely historic city, but our city centre needs a whole heap of public and private TLC. There has been a huge focus on the North Quays, to the detriment of the historic city centre. Street lighting and utility poles in many centre city streets are antiquated. Clumps of on street overhead wires disfigure beautiful buildings like St Catherines Hall in Catherine Street. Private sector ugliness like the old petrol station canopy on the Quay and the wreckage of the Power Seeds building on the Dunmore Road persist. Litter control is at a reasonable standard, but general maintenance is irregular.

The Peoples Park is forlorn, despite a beautiful new fountain, with only perfunctory maintenance in evidence. Flowers are forever absent. No one in council loves it and real TLC is non-existent, despite what councillors say.

The Mall looked wonderful for Winterval, but elsewhere, maintenance of the Christmas lights was hit and miss. White and yellow traffic lining on many city streets has almost been erased.

Electric parking signage does not work.

Council departments work in individual project silos, with no overarching plan. Who cares? Who is actually in charge of the city? We need someone senior, designated by city management, to lead and deliver the TLC it so badly needs.

Potholes are ubiquitous. Road surfaces in some areas are Dickensian. Footpaths are cracked and broken. Parnell Street has terrible rusty utility poles and overhead wires, as do parts of OConnell Street and Thomas Street. The magnificent GPO building on the quays is in shameful condition with vegetation apparent across all its roof cornice. What does the OPW maintain in Waterford anyway?

Does a council register exist, which delineates what work needs to be done, on a street-by-street basis, to bring the city centre up to European levels of presentation?

How long will massive holes in the urban fabric in Jenkins Lane, Rose Lane, Back Lane, Brownes Lane, Stephens Street, New Street, the surface car park in Exchange Street, empty for 25 years, or the Graves site on Park Road continue?

We build houses in Ballygunner and Kilbarry, three miles from the city centre, while fully serviced city centre sites sit idle for decades.

Indifferent planning has developed the Cork Road from Manor Street to the Outer Ring effectively as an American-style strip mall with buildings set back from the street frontage to facilitate car parking. Single-storey buildings are allowed, instead of having two or three floors of apartments overhead, as happens in most other European countries.

The decision to damage Thomas Street by the insertion of a small pocket park into a terrace of buildings rather than moving 100 metres up the street to develop a proper urban space/park in front of the Forum Theatre is mind-boggling in its lack of respect for urban fabric and an historic streetscape.

There are huge demands on council to deliver housing and deal with derelict properties to bring them back into use. Much good work has been done but an overarching plan for the city is missing.

I fear for example, that the magnificent Mount Congreve estate, which should be maintained by the OPW, will be a money pit, diverting money from the presentation of the city.

The city is our economic driver. We are in an urban beauty competition for new business, retail, hotels, tourism, industry and everything else, and face huge challenges from regional and national urban areas. History has shown us we have no guarantee of our place in the Irish urban rankings. We must do better.

Mr. Moran is probably right about the 2 billion!
Eoin Reynolds

A key prosecution witness who did not come forward to give evidence in the trial of barrister Diarmuid Phelan, who was acquitted of murdering a trespasser on his farm, is facing contempt proceedings before the Central Criminal Court.

Kallum Coleman (23) appeared before Mr Justice Paul McDermott this morning, having been arrested on foot of a warrant issued during the recent trial of Mr Phelan (56).

The trial heard that, having been due to testify, Mr Coleman instead left Ireland and travelled to Spain. He later agreed to return home to give his evidence but the jury was told he had "a change of heart" and "legged it" when gardai stopped to get refreshments en route to a Spanish airport.

The evidence put before the jury was that Mr Coleman was trespassing on Mr Phelan's land at Hazelgrove Farm, Kiltalown Lane in Tallaght with Keith Conlon and another man on February 24th, 2022. Mr Phelan shot Mr Coleman's dog, Vin, due to concerns the dog might go after his sheep.

An angry confrontation followed in which Mr Phelan produced a handgun and fired three shots, the third of which struck Mr Conlon in the head and caused his death. Mr Phelan said he acted in self-defence and that the shooting was accidental.

A jury found Mr Phelan not guilty of Mr Conlons murder after a 10-week trial that ended on January 3rd last. Mr Coleman had been due to give evidence on October 30th, but failed to appear.

The trial judge, Ms Justice Siobhai Lankford, issued a warrant for Mr Coleman's arrest which was executed last week.

Roisin Lacey SC, for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), on Tuesday told the court that Mr Coleman is facing contempt proceedings before Ms Justice Lankford, who is currently conducting a trial in Cork.

Keith Spencer BL, for Mr Coleman, said his client is in custody and wishes to have the matter dealt with at the earliest opportunity.

Mr Justice McDermott said Mr Phelan's trial faced a number of "complexities and issues", one of which was Mr Coleman's failure to attend. He said Mr Coleman's failure to appear had an influence on the running of the trial and it is appropriate for the trial judge to deal with it.

The judge adjourned the matter to 2pm next Monday in Cork for hearing before Ms Justice Lankford.
Further detailed allegations of sexual abuse and coercion involving Neil Gaiman have surfaced as more women speak out about the bestselling English author.

Allegations reported last year on a British podcast, Master: The Allegations Against Neil Gaiman, prompted an in-depth investigation by New York culture magazine Vulture.

Neil Gaiman at The Sandman world premiere in London in 2022. Credit: Getty Images

Writer Lila Shapiro spoke to eight women. Among them are four of the five who had previously detailed their experiences on the podcast, as well as four others who share elements of their stories. Several of the women speak on the record and are identified.

One of the women, who worked as a nanny for Gaiman and his then wife, Amanda Palmer, in New Zealand, filed a police report accusing Gaiman of sexual assault, as did another woman who in October 2024 filed a report alleging Gaiman raped her. Shapiro quotes a police spokesperson as saying the matter has been closed in the case of the nanny.
Chinese telecommunications gear giant Huawei Technologies will work with the steel and aviation industries to drive the use of digital and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies through a deal with industrial conglomerate Fangda Group Industrial.

Huawei signed strategic partnership deals on Friday with Hainan Airlines Holding and Fangda Special Steel Technology, both owned by Fangda Group. The collaboration focuses on smart transformation, trial applications of AI large language models (LLM), the low-altitude economy and other areas, according to a statement issued by the conglomerate, whose business interests also cover the carbon, healthcare and commerce sectors.

The deal between Huawei and Fangda comes as the Shenzhen-based technology giant is deepening its footprint in traditional industries to empower China's conventional businesses with its AI and communication technologies.

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.

Fangda chairman Fang Wei said the company hoped to further expand its collaboration with Huawei into its pharmaceutical business, based on the "long-term and in-depth cooperation" in aviation and steel, according to the statement published on Sunday.

Travelers at the Hainan Airlines check-in counter at Beijing Capital International Airport, March 6, 2020. Photo: AP alt=Travelers at the Hainan Airlines check-in counter at Beijing Capital International Airport, March 6, 2020. Photo: AP>

While the aviation and steel segments under Fangda are very different industries, they both have the foundational need to develop AI and big data technologies, Huawei's cloud chief Zhang Pingan was quoted as saying in the statement.

Privately held Huawei did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday.

According to a separate statement by Fangda Special Steel, the company will work with Huawei to build a steel industry model and tackle the challenges of applying LLMs in the industry.

The partnership will "promote the deep integration of digital technology with the firm's core steel business operations", and boost the company's digitisation level and competitiveness in the market, Fangda Special Steel also said.

The new partnerships formed by Huawei, the world's largest telecoms equipment supplier and one of China's major smartphone vendors, came amid the company's ongoing efforts to diversify its business into traditional industries by applying technologies such as cloud computing and AI.
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 Before I get on the phone with David Sedaris, Im given a warning. Hes coming to Australia this year for a series of shows, which is why were talking, but his promoter explains that hes also now in the midst of an American tour. Hes doing 50 cities in 50 days, a busy man, she says. OK, sure, noted. Oh, and he will be in the back seat of a car, driving between cities. Back seat, car, got it. Also, Ive allocated half an hour for the chat, but if he likes you, hell talk for longer. Good luck! Conscious that if our conversation wraps after 30 minutes, Ill know for sure he doesnt like me, I try to sound as jovial as possible when Americas pre-eminent humorist answers the call. Hello, Mr Sedaris! I hear youre in a car; how is that? Theres a lot to cover with the worlds most observant humorist as he drives the few hours between Washington and Pennsylvania. Credit: Im leaving Washington, DC, about two hours out of Hershey, Pennsylvania, says Sedaris, the essayists trademark nasal drawl instantly recognisable. Its OK, I guess; I dont mind being in a car. We agree that being in a car is fine, more relaxing than a plane, and not as noisy as a train, but I cant shake the feeling that this is the exact kind of chat that will see me cut off at the half-hour mark. Thankfully, as is Sedaris style, he makes an observation that gets us rolling. One thing I cant stand, though, is fast drivers who are fast for the sake of it. I was travelling recently, and the trip was supposed to take three hours, but the driver proudly told me he could do it in less, he explains. We arrived in two hours and 15 minutes, and I felt I needed to congratulate him? But I also felt very sick. I wasnt in a rush, so what was the point?

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Sedaris, a regular contributor to The New Yorker, has made a living off these types of observations. Slices of life plucked from his real-world experience are jotted down and turned into best-selling books, which have sold more than 16 million copies in print and have been translated into 32 languages. Sedaris is so successful that he can claim fans in high and holy places. Last year, he was summoned to the Vatican to meet Pope Francis alongside a collection of comedians and actors, including Stephen Colbert, Conan OBrien, Whoopi Goldberg, Jimmy Fallon and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. It was so odd, but I mean, you have to go, right? If the Pope says he wants to meet with you, you cant have other plans, says Sedaris. I invited my husband Hugh, but his brother was visiting, so he declined, and I thought to myself, Well, sure, just catch up with the Pope next time.  Naturally, Sedaris turned the meeting into a story for The New Yorker, entitled My Audience with the Pope. After his address, we were led up the aisle and personally greeted, Sedaris wrote. Standing before him, I felt the same pity Id felt for the Queen and would feel for anyone who has to meet people for a living. David Sedaris will return to Australia next month for An Evening with David Sedaris. Credit: Daniel Boud Sedaris has more in common with the Pope than perhaps he realises. Soon, he will return to Australia for An Evening with David Sedaris, two years after his last visit. The show runs for only 90 minutes, but you can be sure he will spend twice that long doing meet-and-greets with fans afterwards.

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I feel its different with the Pope; he is not profiting in any way for meeting people, whereas normally someone has bought a book they want me to sign, or they will tell me something funny I can use, he says. For me, the exchange ends when I hand the book back, but for the Pope, its just open-ended, having to do it all day, and people they meet are usually nervous wrecks. Perhaps surprisingly, in all the hours spent meeting people in cities across the globe, Sedaris claims hes never had a bad fan experience. Awkward, maybe, but never awful. I sometimes give gifts, and I gave this nice young man a decorative knife Id bought in Japan, then I asked him about the tattoos on his arms, says Sedaris. He told me he used to be a cutter, so the tattoos were a cover-up. Lines like this come thick and fast with Sedaris (weve been talking for more than 30 minutes, by the way), a blunt comment that purposefully lands with a thud. Flirting with the edge has long been part of his popularity, but its also become polarising in a post-cancel culture world. Two years ago, Sedaris appeared on CBS Sunday Morning, during which he joked about the word queer. He lamented that he started as a homosexual, then became gay, then LGBT, and now queer. Within days a minor culture war erupted, driven by articles such as Why Does David Sedaris Fear the Word Queer? My point about the queer thing, and I thought it was a good one, was its the fourth time in my life Ive been rebranded, he says. No one ever asks your opinion, but suddenly, you have a new label. I wasnt saying anything against trans people or inclusion; my beef was just a linguistic beef.

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More recently, Sedaris was criticised for Punching Down, a piece he wrote in The Free Press, in which he, tongue firmly planted in cheek, posited society had become too sensitive, most likely because parents dont hit their kids any more. Who are these hothouse flowers, all so easily and consistently wounded? he wrote. People whose parents never hit them, thats who. You can probably guess how that went down, but if you need more proof, just know theres a Reddit thread called David Sedaris Advocates for Child Abuse. So, was he poking the bear or trying to make a point? David Sedaris, a man whose humour is never black and white. Credit: The piece about hitting kids, Ive been reading that out loud, and honestly, it gets massive laughs, he says. Obviously, Im not really suggesting people beat their children, but even the idea of having to explain that doesnt interest me. Occasionally, my publicist calls and tells me people are upset, but I never check social media or read my reviews. I wish we could get rid of the internet altogether; really, I do. It promised to make everybody smarter, and its just made everybody louder and dumber. Famous people love to claim they dont look themselves up online, and it usually rings hollow, but Sedaris seems genuine. He is unaffected when I tell him that his most recent book, Happy-Go-Lucky, has a 4.17 rating on Good Reads, based on more than 44,000 mostly positive reviews. Thats nice, but the review that sticks with me was from a lady who approached me at a signing and said, I want you to know I gave Happy-Go-Lucky a terrible review, as if she had written for The Boston Globe, Sedaris says, laughing. She told me I was out of touch, and I explained she doesnt get to decide what touch is.

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I have been back to the ED five times since with heart issues. Each time thinking that fist-sized muscle, the engine of the human body, was about to crash. Loading My reactions follow a similar pattern. I panic. Briefly curate a series of Brechtian-type texts to friends and family informing them of my looming demise, and try to remember the prayers of the more popular monotheistic religions. Even though I possess all the spirituality of someone whose beliefs extend to worshipping the West Coast Eagles and the books of Fyodor Dostoevsky. After getting zipped and zapped in the hospital, the diagnosis is always the same: pericarditis. Ill spare you the medical mumbo jumbo, but its swelling of the tissue surrounding the heart.

Both myocarditis and pericarditis have been linked to the COVID vaccine and the virus itself.

For the record, Ive had COVID once and am fully vaccinated. To make the bold claim that cardiovascular conditions could be caused by one or more of the potions to prevent the virus isnt some crazed, anti-vax conspiracy theory  as the Albanese government has a website dedicated to exactly that. According to the federal government, myocarditis has been reported in approximately four in every 100,000 doses (mRNA) in Australia. Pericarditis in 13 in every 100,000 doses, but is more common in men aged 18-49 with a rate of 270 per million doses. However, several medical institutes, including the British Heart Foundation, have conducted research showing that COVID can also increase the risk of heart and circulatory issues. Maybe both have caused my cardiovascular complaints. However, no one in the medical fraternity can confidently say which one.

I know several friends and family who have suffered similar disorders. Loading Like me, none of them previously had any issues with their old tickers. And while I might not be a paragon of fitness, Ive kept myself in decent shape. Former deputy chief medical officer Nick Coatsworth is on record claiming people who experienced adverse heart conditions after getting the jab should have been treated better. I think that there were significant numbers of people, particularly with heart inflammation from the mRNA vaccines, who were likely dismissed when they should have been heard, he told the ABC back in November.

I dont think there was any deliberate conspiracy ... but because [vaccination] was the way out of the restrictions and the lockdowns, you can see how there could have been a tendency across the whole of the medical community to underestimate the side effects that were occurring. I was more than OK being one of the walking vaccine injured, convincing myself I was part of that glum utilitarian idiom: the greatest good for the greatest number of people. But now Im getting sicker. I was recently diagnosed with an autoimmune disease called hemolytic anemia. Its a disorder in which red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be made. It can be fatal if undiagnosed but very curable if caught early. There is evidence to suggest both COVID and the vaccine can cause hemolytic anemia.

One of the main symptoms is fatigue and brain fog. Ive found myself pointing the TV remote at the fridge and pouring myself a bowl of cat biscuits thinking its cereal. My relentless health hiccups could be unrelated to getting immunised, but Im starting to have some doubts. Just to be abundantly clear: I am pro-vax. I didnt have one nanosecond of doubt about the importance of getting the jab, not only for myself but for my loved ones. History is littered with illogical moments, but folk refusing to get inoculated against COVID would be one of humanitys dumber choices. Without the vaccine, its estimated another 20 million people wouldve died. More than 7 million have already perished because of the virus.

There is no denying the COVID-19 vaccine is one of the greatest achievements in medical science that substantially altered the course of the pandemic. Loading But I think we need to acknowledge that its just possible that thousands of us are still battling serious health issues because of the jab. I can assure you that I wear no tin foil hat. The Australian government has paid more than $32 million in compensation to people who had adverse reactions to COVID vaccines. However, they stopped accepting new claims in September.
If a deal is reached, it would not go into effect immediately. The plan would need approval from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus security cabinet and then his full cabinet. Both are dominated by Netanyahus allies and are likely to approve any proposal he presents. Officials have expressed optimism before, only for negotiations to stall while the warring sides blamed each other. But they now suggest they can conclude an agreement ahead of the January 20 inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump, whose Middle East envoy has joined the negotiations. Hamas said in a statement that negotiations had reached their final stage. In the October 7 attack, Hamas-led militants killed around 1200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted another 250. Around half of those hostages were freed during a brief ceasefire in November 2023. Of those remaining, families say, two are children, 13 are women, and 83 are men. Fifteen-month-old Massa Zaqout in her familys tent at a camp for displaced Palestinians in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip on Tuesday. Credit: AP

Israels retaliatory offensive has killed over 46,000 Palestinians, more than half of them women and children, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which does not say how many of the dead were combatants. Many photographs of victims from the war cannot be published, given their graphic nature. Israeli strikes across Gaza into Tuesday killed at least 18 Palestinians, including two women and four children, according to local health officials, who said one woman was pregnant, and the baby died as well. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military. Israel says it only targets militants and accuses them of hiding among civilians. Palestinians inspect the site of an Israeli army strike early Tuesday morning in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip. Credit: AP A three-phase agreement

The three-phase agreement  based on a framework laid out by US President Joe Biden and endorsed by the UN Security Council  would begin with the release of 33 hostages over a six-week period, including women, children, older adults and wounded civilians, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian women and children imprisoned by Israel. Among the 33 would be five female Israeli soldiers, each to be released in exchange for 50 Palestinian prisoners, including 30 militants who are serving life sentences. The Israeli official said Israel assumes most of the 33 are alive. During this 42-day phase, Israeli forces would withdraw from population centres, Palestinians could start returning to what remains of their homes in northern Gaza, and there would be a surge of humanitarian aid, with some 600 trucks entering each day. Destroyed buildings by Israeli bombardments are seen inside the Gaza Strip from southern Israel, on Tuesday. Credit: AP

Details of the second phase still must be negotiated during the first. Those details remain difficult to resolve  and the deal does not include written guarantees that the ceasefire will continue until a deal is reached. That means Israel could resume its military campaign after the first phase ends. The Israeli official said detailed negotiations on the second phase would begin during the first. He said Israel would retain some assets throughout negotiations, referring to a military presence, and would not leave the Gaza Strip until all hostages were home. The three mediators have given Hamas verbal guarantees that negotiations will continue as planned, and that they will press for a deal to implement the second and third phases before the end of the first, the Egyptian official said. The deal would allow Israel, throughout the first phase, to remain in control of the Philadelphi corridor, the band of territory along Gazas border with Egypt, which Hamas had initially demanded Israel withdraw from. Israel would withdraw from the Netzarim corridor, a belt across central Gaza where it had sought a mechanism for searching Palestinians for arms when they returned to the territorys north.

In the second phase, Hamas would release the remaining living captives, mainly male soldiers, in exchange for more prisoners and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, according to the draft agreement. Hamas has said it will not free the remaining hostages without an end to the war and a complete Israeli withdrawal, while Netanyahu has vowed in the past to resume fighting until Hamas military and governing capabilities are eliminated. Unless an alternative government for Gaza is worked out in those talks, it could leave Hamas in charge of the territory. In a third phase, the bodies of remaining hostages would be returned in exchange for a three- to five-year reconstruction plan for Gaza under international supervision.

Blinken was making a last-minute case for a proposal for Gazas postwar reconstruction and governance that outlines how it could be run without Hamas in charge. Growing pressure ahead of Trumps inauguration Israel and Hamas are under renewed pressure to halt the war before Trumps inauguration. Trump said late on Monday a ceasefire was very close. Dozens of protesters, including relatives of hostages, formed a human chain overnight outside Israels parliament, demanding the deal be sealed. Loading
Bidens National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters the negotiations were at a pivotal point, with gaps between two sides slowly getting removed. I think there is a good chance we can close this ... the parties are right on the cusp of being able to close this deal, he said. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the sides were closer than weve ever been to a deal, and the ball was in Hamas court. An Israeli military car drives past a protective wall near the border with Gaza Strip on Monday. Credit: AP We are very hopeful that we get it over the finish line, finally, after all this time, Blinken told MSNBC, adding that the proposed deal was based on a framework Biden put out in May. Blinken said negotiators wanted to make sure Trump would continue to back the deal on the table, so Witkoffs participation had been critical.

Israels Kan radio, citing an Israeli official, reported the Israeli delegation had briefed the countrys leaders. Israel, Hamas and the Foreign Ministry of Qatar did not respond to requests for confirmation or comment. Officials on both sides, while stopping short of confirming that a final draft had been reached, reported progress. The view from southern Israel of destroyed buildings inside the Gaza Strip on Monday. Credit: AP Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar told reporters: There is progress, it looks much better than previously. I want to thank our American friends for the huge efforts they are investing to secure a hostage deal. The United States, Qatar and Egypt have worked for more than a year on talks to end the war in Gaza.

In Cairo, an Egyptian security official told Reuters the draft sent to the two warring sides did not comprise the final agreement but aims to resolve outstanding issues that had hindered previous negotiations. Sullivan said Biden would soon speak with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi about the negotiations. Hell to pay Israels Channel 12 said Israeli government institutions had been told to prepare for the intake of weak and sick hostages.

The warring sides have agreed for months broadly on the principle of halting the fighting in return for the release of hostages held by Hamas and Palestinian detainees held by Israel. But Hamas has always insisted a deal must lead to a permanent end to the war and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, while Israel has said it will not end the war until Hamas is dismantled. Trumps January 20 inauguration is now widely seen as a de facto deadline. Trump has said there would be hell to pay unless hostages held by Hamas are freed before he takes office, while Biden has also pushed hard for a deal before he leaves. Steve Witkoff, pictured at a Trump rally last year, is the president-elects Middle East envoy. Credit: AP The official who first disclosed the draft said talks went on until the early hours of Monday, with Witkoff pushing the Israeli delegation in Doha and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani pushing Hamas officials to finalise an agreement. The head of Egypts general intelligence agency, Hassan Mahmoud Rashad, was also in Doha for the talks. Rashad left Doha on Monday, but a source familiar with the talks said an intelligence delegation stayed behind to play an active role.

Trump envoy Witkoff has travelled to Qatar and Israel several times since November. He was in Doha on Friday and travelled to Israel to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday before returning to Doha. Loading Biden also spoke on Sunday by phone with Netanyahu, stressing the immediate need for a ceasefire in Gaza and return of the hostages with a surge in humanitarian aid enabled by a stoppage in the fighting under the deal, the White House said. Israel launched its assault in Gaza after Hamas fighters stormed across its borders in October 2023, killing 1200 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 most of its population displaced.
NaFarm Foods Wins the 2025 Zayed Sustainability Prize in the Food Category (Photo: AETOSWire)

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, January 14, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--NaFarm Foods, a pioneering agricultural solutions provider based in Kaduna, Nigeria, has been announced as the winner of the 2025 Zayed Sustainability Prize in the Food category. This award recognises the companys groundbreaking innovation in reducing post-harvest losses, improving food security, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices across Nigeria.

NaFarm Foods flagship solution, the Hybrid Solar Food Dryer, is designed to tackle the critical issue of food spoilage. Combining solar heat and electricity generated from solar panels, the solution ensures efficient, all-weather drying of food, even during rainy or cloudy days. With a capacity of 500kg per unit and the ability to retain the nutritional quality of food while minimising energy costs, the technology has already benefited over 80 communities across six Nigerian states. By reducing post-harvest losses for over 65,000 farmers, the dryers contribute significantly to food security and rural economic empowerment.

Dr. Lamya Fawwaz, Director of the Zayed Sustainability Prize, commended NaFarm Foods for its impact, stating: "NaFarm Foods innovative approach to sustainable food preservation not only improves food security but also empowers rural communities, particularly women and youth, by creating income-generating opportunities. This aligns with the Prizes mission to drive progress and improve livelihoods."

Fatima Jimoh, CEO of NaFarm Foods, expressed her gratitude for the recognition: "We are deeply honoured to be recognised as a winner of the Zayed Sustainability Prize. It signifies global recognition of our efforts to tackle food insecurity and promote equitable and sustainable agriculture in Nigeria and beyond. This opportunity inspires us to continue pushing boundaries, knowing that our work is not only transforming lives locally but also contributing to a more sustainable and equitable world. For us, this is more than an achievement, its a call to action to drive greater impact."

The Hybrid Solar Food Dryer is transforming food preservation by reducing spoilage rates, decreasing greenhouse gas emissions from decomposing food, and lowering reliance on fossil fuels. With a whole-of-life cost of less than 1 cent per 100 litres, the dryers are accessible and economically viable for smallholder farmers and food processors. By 2030, NaFarm Foods aims to empower two million farmers and reduce carbon emissions by 50,000 metric tonnes annually.

The US $1 million Prize fund will enable NaFarm Foods to scale its operations by manufacturing and distributing 100,000 dryers across Nigeria and West Africa. The company also plans to expand training programmes to empower an additional 25,000 women and youth, fostering entrepreneurship and sustainable economic growth. Additionally, NaFarm Foods intends to establish distribution hubs and implement advanced cluster mapping systems to ensure technology accessibility and improved marketability of produce.
By Florence Tan and Siyi Liu

SINGAPORE (Reuters) -Supertanker freight rates jumped after the U.S. expanded sanctions on Russia's oil industry, sending traders rushing to book vessels to ship supply from other countries to China and India, shipbrokers and traders said.

Chinese and Indian refiners are seeking alternative fuel supplies as they adapt to severe new U.S. sanctions on Russian producers and tankers designed to curb the world No. 2 oil exporter's revenue due to its war in Ukraine.

Many of the newly-targeted vessels, part of a so-called shadow fleet that seeks to avoid Western restrictions, have been used to ship oil to India and China, which snapped up cheap Russian supply that was banned in Europe following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Some of the tankers have also shipped oil from Iran, which is under sanctions as well.

The latest U.S. action means an estimated 35% of some 669 shadow fleet tankers involved in shipping Russian, Venezuelan and Iranian oil have been hit with sanctions by either the U.S., Britain or European Union, according to analysis by Lloyds List Intelligence.

Freight rates for Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs), that can carry 2 million barrels of crude across major routes, jumped after Unipec, the trading arm of Asia's largest refiner Sinopec, chartered several supertankers on Friday, the sources said.

Unipec also last week snapped up several sweet crude cargoes from Europe and Africa, including 2 million barrels of Norwegian Johan Sverdrup, 1 million barrels of Senegal's Sangomar crude, Ghana's Ten Blend, Angolan Djeno and others, traders said.

"They must look for alternative crudes. That is the primary driver for the rally (in freight rates)," said Anoop Singh, global head of shipping research at Oil Brokerage.

Middle East crude benchmarks rallied for a second session on Tuesday, with premiums for Dubai, Oman and Murban rising towards $4 a barrel to Dubai quotes, the highest levels in more than a year, Reuters data showed. [CRU/M]

Since Friday, Unipec has booked eight tankers to ship oil from the Middle East, tanker booking data showed on Tuesday.

Other Chinese buyers, Petrochina and Rongsheng, each fixed a tanker to transport Middle East crude, the data showed.

On a daily basis, a shipbroker said, the rate on the Middle East to China route, known as TD3C, has surged 39% since Friday to $37,800, the highest since October.

Shipping rates for Russian oil shipments to China have also jumped following the sanctions.

Freight rates for Aframax-sized tankers to ship ESPO blend crude from Russia's Pacific port of Kozmino to North China more than doubled on Monday to $3.5 million as shipowners requested massive premiums due to limited tonnages available for that route, S&P Global Commodity Insights data showed.
Utah woman learned to manage chronic illnesses to pursue goals at Weber State

January 14, 2025

OGDEN, Utah  Elizabeth Poes love for learning always fueled her dream of going to college, but it wasnt until she learned to manage her chronic illnesses that she enrolled at Weber State University to pursue a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies degree.

Poe lives with fibromyalgia, gastroparesis and chronic fatigue syndrome, illnesses that began affecting her at age 12, but took years to diagnose. The pain and physical exhaustion made it hard for Poe to attend college.

With the help of family and health professionals, Poe found ways to manage her disabilities and began college at age 25.

The most significant change she made was getting a wheelchair, a solution that alleviates pain and fatigue caused by walking. She also applied for federal financial aid resources to help pay for expenses, including college.

WSU was the right choice for Poe, who said she was influenced by family members who studied and worked here.

Weber State makes it way easier to start school at a later age, or with certain disabilities, she said. I feel incredibly lucky to go to a school that offers so much and asks for so little tuition relative to other schools.

And with the BIS degree program, she didnt have to choose between her three passions: music, linguistics and literature.

There are 220 students currently enrolled in the BIS program, which allows them to combine three areas of study to create a unique major that prepares them for specific career goals or graduate school. After an in-depth study of each area, students develop a capstone project that merges their knowledge from all three disciplines.

Many important questions in our world are better addressed using insights from multiple disciplines, said Alvaro La Parra-Perez, economics professor and assistant director of the BIS program. The rigorous training of the BIS students and their willingness to think outside the box are critically important assets that make them very competitive in the labor market.

Poe couldn't pass up the opportunity to join Weber State's music program, having developed a passion for singing at a young age. Her equal love for literature and fascination with linguistics made the BIS degree the perfect choice. Although she hasn't selected a capstone project, shes interested in conducting a deep-dive comparison into musicals and plays to merge the three disciplines.

Despite the challenges she faced to get to WSU, Poe remained positive and relied on the people in her life for support. A lot of us have it really hard in many different ways, but its hard to hold the weight of what youre facing by yourself, she said.

Poe is grateful for her experiences at WSU and the relationships shes built over the past three years.

Connecting with people who support and love one another has added to my overall mood and fulfillment, she said. The people here managing the school genuinely want to do good in the world and for students.

Poe is determined to learn as much as she can at WSU and wants to continue studying linguistics beyond a bachelors degree.

She encourages everyone to follow their passion, find community and discover things worth living for, as she has at Weber State.

No matter what disabilities, health struggles or problems you face, youre worthy of happiness, Poe said.
- Justin Sankey appointed as Senior Vice President, General Manager, Massachusetts 

MIAMI & DALLAS, January 14, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits (Southern Glazers)  the worlds preeminent distributor of beverage alcohol  today announced that it has appointed Marty Crane to the role of Executive Vice President, Subregional General Manager, New York & Southern Glazers Beverage Company of Massachusetts & Rhode Island, effective February 1, 2025.

In this role, Crane will report to Scott Oppenheimer, President, East Region, Southern Glazers. Crane will continue to oversee the New York market until his replacement is named and will lead the integration of the newly acquired Horizon Beverage Company (Horizon), one of New Englands premier alcohol distributors, into Southern Glazers business. Horizons former operations in Massachusetts and Rhode Island now operate under the name Southern Glazers Beverage Company.

"Marty is the ideal candidate to integrate and help manage Southern Glazers Beverage Company," said Oppenheimer. "He has spent a tremendous amount of time in the Massachusetts and Rhode Island markets as a supplier and has a deep understanding of how those markets operate. Over the last eight years of managing our business in New York, Marty has proven to be an exceptional leader and curator of talent."

Crane began his career with Southern Glazers in 2016 as Vice President, Commercial Operations, New York. He was then promoted to Executive Vice President, General Manager, New York. Prior to joining Southern Glazers, Crane worked in various executive management positions of increasing responsibility at Pernod Ricard USA, ultimately serving as Senior Vice President of Spirit Sales.

Also joining the Southern Glazers Beverage Company team as Senior Vice President, General Manager, Massachusetts will be Justin Sankey, effective February 1, 2025. In this new role, Sankey will report to Crane. Sankey will focus on embedding Southern Glazers industry leading tools and resources into the Massachusetts market and will work with all existing commercial leadership. Current day-to-day management will remain intact, ensuring stability and continuity for valued customers and suppliers. Sankey will be based out of the facility located in Norton, Massachusetts and will benefit greatly from the institutional knowledge of the Epstein and Rubenstein families.

Sankey joined the Southern Glazers team as Vice President, Sales & Operations, American Liberty Division Florida in 2016. Over the past nine years, Sankey has worked in various leadership positions of increasing responsibility for different Southern Glazers markets, most recently serving as Vice President, Commercial Operations, Florida. Prior to joining Southern Glazers, Sankey worked at Pernod Ricard USA for nine years. An announcement for his replacement is forthcoming.
(The Center Square)  Gov. Jeff Landry announced on Monday that Louisiana is the first in the nation to receive federal approval for its $1.355 billion Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment plan.

This funding, administered through the state's Granting Unserved Municipalities Broadband Opportunities 2.0 program, aims to connect over 140,000 locations to high-speed internet and drive significant economic growth across all 64 parishes.

"Louisiana is pioneering the broadband revolution across America," said Landry in a news release. "This generational investment will create thousands of jobs, drive billions in economic growth, and transform communities statewide. I applaud the Louisiana Office of Broadband Development and Connectivity for their tireless work to ensure that every Louisianian has access to the best digital opportunities our state can offer."

With federal approval secured, Louisiana will move quickly into implementation, said ConnectLA Executive Director Veneeth Iyengar.

"This marks a turning point for our state," he explained, noting that construction could begin within 100 days. The ambitious plan will create an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 jobs and generate $2 to $3 billion in new revenue for Louisiana-based companies, with nearly 70% of the broadband funding awarded to local providers.

The program will also allocate over $500 million to initiatives targeting education, workforce development, healthcare, agriculture, and economic development. These efforts aim to maximize the impact of broadband access for residents and businesses alike.

Originally passed in 2021, state officials have expressed great frustration nationwide over delays in rolling out the $42 billion BEAD program, a signature piece of President Joe Biden's Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Many states have struggled to navigate federal requirements, such as affordability mandates, which telecom companies argue are overly restrictive.

Virginia, for instance, was the first to complete its application for BEAD funding but experienced months of delays due to disputes over affordability rules.

According to Politico, the Biden administration pushed for more precise pricing requirements to ensure low-cost internet options, while some states and telecom companies pushed back, citing concerns about feasibility. Ultimately, Louisiana sidestepped such prolonged disputes, securing approval in December.

Landry's office underscored the urgency of the investment, emphasizing the transformative potential of reliable internet access for rural and underserved communities.
James Cox

The next government moved a big step closer to completion today after Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and the Regional Independent Group reached an agreement.

After the general election, Fianna Fail and Fine Gael had a combined 86 seats, two short of a majority. The deal with Independent TDs will now give them a majority following government formation talks.

The Regional Independent Group is made up of Michael Lowry, Sean Canney, Kevin 'Boxer' Moran, Noel Grealish, Marian Harkin, Barry Heneghan and Gillian Toole.

Verona Murphy was also a member of the group, and the Wexford TD's successful nomination as Ceann Comhairle was seen as the start of constructive government formation talks.

Her election was backed by Micheal Martin and Simon Harris.

There will be two Independent super junior ministers under the new deal, The Irish Times reports. Super junior ministers sit at the Cabinet table, without the full powers and responsibilities of a Cabinet minister.

The deal means a government will be formed when the Dail returns next week, on Wednesday, January 22nd.

Mr Martin will likely be elected taoiseach. The government formation deal includes the return of the rotating taoiseach arrangement, so Mr Harris will be hoping to return as taoiseach in two and a half years.

Michael Lowry is seen as the leader of the Regional Independents Group, and his role in government formation talks has been controversial.

Mr Lowry was heavily criticised in a judge-led inquiry examining payments to politicians, the Moriarty Tribunal.

The 70-year-old was criticised in a tribunal that was established in September 1997, which examined payments to former taoiseach Charles Haughey and Mr Lowry.

The tribunals final report was published in March 2011 and found that Mr Lowry, a former Fine Gael TD, helped businessman Denis OBrien secure the States second mobile phone licence in 1995.

The tribunal also criticised his behaviour as profoundly corrupt.

Addressing today's agreement, Mr Lowry said: "It has been a prolonged, painstaking exercise. We went through it in very meticulous detail. The negotiations have been very intensive.

"I'm pleased and our negotiators are pleased that our policy document and the initiatives that we requested are reflected within the programme for government.

"We look forward now to seeing out the remainder of the process which will come to a conclusion with the formation of a government next Wednesday."

Following intense talks, it is understood Mr Harris' proposed department of infrastructure and a Fianna Fail proposal for a home affairs department will not be established as standalone departments.

Instead, they will be included in the Department of Public Expenditure and Department of Justice.

The Regional Group still has to sign off on the document, but it is understood that they have all but agreed to it and will sign it formally on Wednesday.

The agreement will also go before the Fianna Fail and Fine Gael parliamentary parties on Wednesday.

The Healy-Rae brothers had also been in talks with the parties about supporting the government, which would further strengthen their position in votes.

They were believed to be seeking a super junior ministry for either Danny Healy-Rae or Michael Healy-Rae. This is off the table, according to The Irish Times.

However, the Kerry Independents are still in talks about backing the government, and have reiterated that their main concern is their Kerry constituency.
TAIPEI (Reuters) - Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co, (TSM, 2330.TW) the main global producer of advanced chips used in artificial intelligence applications, is expected to report a 58% leap in fourth-quarter profit on Thursday because of surging demand.

The world's largest contract chipmaker, whose customers include Apple (AAPL) and Nvidia (NVDA), has benefited from the megatrend towards AI. But the Taiwanese company faces headwinds from U.S. government technology restrictions on China and uncertainty about President-elect Donald Trump's incoming administration, which has threatened broad import tariffs.

TSMC is set to report a net profit of T$377.95 billion ($11.41 billion) for the quarter ended Dec. 31, according to a LSEG SmartEstimate drawn from 22 analysts. SmartEstimates give greater weighting to forecasts from analysts who are more consistently accurate.

That estimate compares to the 2023 fourth-quarter net profit of T$238.7 billion.

TSMC last week reported a jump in fourth-quarter revenue in Taiwan dollars, comfortably beating market expectations. The company gives its revenue outlook in U.S. dollars on its quarterly earnings call, scheduled for 0600 GMT on Thursday.

Brett Simpson, Arete Research co-founder and senior analyst, said 2025 will be another year where TSMC's growth is largely driven by AI customers.

"From the U.S. government perspective, Arete is optimistic that TSMC can build a good relationship with the new administration particularly given its new fab cluster in Arizona is the biggest foreign direct investment project in the U.S. at present," he added.

TSMC is spending billions of dollars on new factories overseas, including $65 billion on three plants in the U.S. state of Arizona, though it says most manufacturing will remain in Taiwan.

Edward Chen, chairman of Fubon Financial's securities investment unit, said progress on the Arizona fab and its yield rates, or the percentage of usable chips, would be crucial for the company.

"Additionally, the impact of tariffs to be imposed by the incoming Trump administration on demand remains to be seen," he added.

TSMC, at its earnings call, will update its outlook for the current quarter as well as for the full year, including planned capital expenditure as it races to expand production.

On its last earnings call in October, TSMC said capital expenditure was likely to be higher in 2025 than last year, though it did not provide a figure.

On the call, it predicted 2024 capital expenditure as being slightly higher than $30 billion.
Allentown, PA (18103)

Today

Partly to variably cloudy skies overnight; more clouds (low clouds and fog off the ocean) points south and east from the I-95 corridor to the shore especially. A total lunar eclipse after midnight peaks around 2:30-3:30am. .

Tonight

Partly to variably cloudy skies overnight; more clouds (low clouds and fog off the ocean) points south and east from the I-95 corridor to the shore especially. A total lunar eclipse after midnight peaks around 2:30-3:30am.
Drill hole LM24DD002 was completed to a depth of 329.7 meters, with increasing alteration intensity and veining. Results have been received for approximately 50% of the samples obtained from this hole. The best result obtained so far is 1.8 metres at 0.2% Cu, from 146.7-148.50 metres, within a zone featuring high-density pyrrhotite-chalcopyrite veining (refer to Figure 2).

Strong, pervasive secondary biotite is observed throughout drill hole LM24DD001, often overprinted by a phyllic alteration assemblage of quartz and sericite. Mineralization occurs as chalcopyrite and molybdenite both as disseminations and in a stockwork of Early Biotite (EB, refer to Figure 1) and B veins.

The ongoing drill program is aimed at testing the copper-molybdenum mineralization found over an area of 500 metres by 300 metres, which represents less than 5% of the Luz Maria alteration footprint area defined so far, and is focused on a sector featuring strongly altered diorite and quartz-monzonite outcrops coincident with strong magnetic and chargeability anomalies identified by drone magnetic and Induced Polarization surveys completed during 2024.

Three diamond drill holes have been completed to date at the Luz Maria prospect, all directed from the center of the surface geochemical anomaly to the center of the main chargeability anomaly. All drill holes intersected broad intervals of strongly altered intrusive rocks, with strongly developed potassic, phyllic and sodic alteration assemblages, typical of Andean porphyry systems.

TORONTO, Jan. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Western Metallica Resources Corp. (TSXV: WMS ) ( Western Metallica  or the  Company ) is pleased to report initial results from its ongoing drill program at the Luz Maria copper-molybdenum target, located within the Companys 100%-owned Cana Brava Project, Northern Peru. The initial two completed drill holes hit at least two diorite intrusions and a polymictic hydrothermal breccia, displaying consistent strong potassic alteration, multiple vein systems and sulfide mineralization typical of Andean porphyry systems. Results from these two drill holes confirm homogeneous copper and molybdenum grades throughout the drill hole. A third drill hole intercepted 285 metres of quartz-monzonite and shows increasing alteration and mineralization intensity at depth. While most of the assays from this drilling program are pending, Company geologists believe that the intensity and extent of the alteration and mineralization system at Luz Maria indicates that the Company is operating within a major Cu-Mo porphyry system.

Story Continues

LM24DD001 @ 54.70 metres  Subparallel Early Biotite veining and disseminated chalcopyrite and molybdenite in biotite-altered diorite





Figure 1  LM24DD001 @ 54.70 metres  Subparallel Early Biotite veining and

disseminated chalcopyrite and molybdenite in biotite-altered diorite.

LM24DD002 @ 148 metres - Irregular Pyrrhotite- Chalcopyrite infill in biotite-altered diorite





Figure 2  LM24DD002 @ 148 metres - Irregular Pyrrhotite- Chalcopyrite

infill in biotite-altered diorite.

Drill hole LM24DD003, the easternmost hole drilled to date, was terminated earlier than planned at a depth of 330.45 metres due to operational issues. It intercepted a strongly altered quartz-monzonite intrusion, which outcrops nearby and is considered a host rock of the porphyry system. The intensity of the potassic alteration increases with depth and is overprinted by sericite. Of significance, the density of pyrrhotite-chalcopyrite-molybdenite veining also increases at depth suggesting an eastern vector to mineralization (refer to Figure 3).



LM24DD003 @ 326 metres  Quartz-Molybdenite-Pyrrhotite-Chalcopyrite vein in biotite-altered quartz-monzonite





Figure 3  LM24DD003 @ 326 metres  Quartz-Molybdenite-Pyrrhotite-Chalcopyrite

vein in biotite-altered quartz-monzonite.

Drilling has confirmed the presence of a complex Cu-Mo porphyry system, with multiple intrusion phases, and multiple alteration and mineralization events observed in both the intrusive and siliciclastic sedimentary rocks.



Giovanni Funaioli, Vice President of Exploration of Western Metallica Resources commented: Our technical team has designed a 6-hole maiden scout drill program at Luz Maria to test the potential size and grade of the porphyry system. The initial three shallow holes validated our exploration approach and assumptions by confirming that the magnetic and chargeability anomalies are related to a reduced copper-molybdenum bearing porphyry system, the source of which we are yet to find. So far, we have only tested 300 metres of a 2.5 km-major axis of the E-W trending alteration and mineralization surface footprint, and the increase in alteration intensity and veining density to the east suggests that we are getting closer to the core of the system.

Mr Funaioli continued: The large alteration footprint, coupled with the multiphase intrusions, widespread potassic alteration and well developed stockwork found in drilling, provide us with enough evidence that we are beginning to test a major porphyry system. Furthermore, we have dated the molybdenite at Luz Maria to 44Ma, a similar age to some of the main porphyry deposits located in Southern Peru such as Hudbay Minerals Constancia Mine, Glencores Antapacay Mine, MMGs Las Bambas Mine, and Panoro Minerals Cotabambas Project.

The technical team is confident that not only will the Luz Maria porphyry system continue to grow with further exploratory drilling but that we will prove prospective size and grades consistent with equivalent deposits such as Element 29s Elida Project. We continue to explore the other targets identified on surface, such as Cana Brava 1, where the Company plans to drill a 1.5 km by 1.5 km phyllic alteration anomaly in the near future.

Background

Western Metallica holds the option to acquire 100% of the mineral claims, rights, and interests in Cana Brava, a Cu-Mo project located in Northern Peru (refer to press release dated August 10, 2023). The project lies within the under-explored Northern sector of the Cu-Mo metallogenic belt of Eocene age that hosts, to the South, world class deposits such as Las Bambas (MMG), Cotabambas (Panoro Minerals Ltd.), Constancia (Hudbay Minerals Inc.), Antapacay (Glencore) and discoveries such as Elida (Element 29 Resources), the first porphyry deposit of this age discovered in North Peru. The Companys Cana Brava Project is well located in close proximity to industrial ports, major paved roads and is comprised of large, contiguous mineral concessions conducive to future project scalability.

The Cana Brava Project is a highly prospective 5,700-hectare package of concessions located 30 kilometres from the Peruvian coast, at an elevation of 1,500 metres in the Western Cordillera of the Peruvian Andes. The Cana Brava Project is neighboring Hudbays Llaguen Cu-Mo Project which lies on the Western margin of the Miocene epithermal-porphyry copper-gold belt of Northern Peru, with the potential for Cana Brava to similarly host shallow high-grade mineralization across a considerable alteration footprint. Western Metallica recently announced the launch of a first drill program at its Luz Maria copper-molybdenum porphyry prospect after having received its permit to drill from 19 platforms (refer to press release dated July 15, 2024). Luz Maria is a well-preserved porphyry system and priority drill target at the Cana Brava Project, where exploration work to date has successfully defined a cluster of multi-stage mineralized intrusions within a large 2.7-kilometre by 1.5-kilometre phyllic to incipient biotite-replacement alteration footprint, comparable in size to other major Peruvian porphyry deposits, and featuring multiple mineralized intrusion events (refer to press release dated September 24, 2024). The Company is also advancing with the drilling permitting on its Cana Brava 1 prospect, located on the Northwest sector of the Cana Brava Project, characterized by a distinctive 1.5-kilometre by 1.5-kilometre sized leached zone with goethite and hematite box works. Both environmental and social base lines, required to support the FTA process, have been completed for this sector. At Cana Brava 1, the diamond-sawn channel sampling campaign confirmed grades up to 0.3% Cu from 7 different intrusive recognized to date.

Quality Assurance and Quality Control

Sample preparation and analyses are conducted according to standard industry procedures. Rock samples are crushed, split, and pulverized prior to analysis of Gold by fire assay and Atomic Absorption and multi-elements by ICP-AES after four acid digestion. Analytical performance is monitored by means of certified reference materials (CRMs), coarse and fine blanks, coarse and pulp duplicate samples. Samples are prepared and analysed in SGS lab in Lima, Peru.

Qualified Persons

The technical and scientific information in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Giovanni Funaioli, EurGeol, Vice President Exploration of Western Metallica, who is a Qualified Person" as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Mr. Giovanni Funaioli is an employee of the Company and is not considered independent under NI 43-101.

About Western Metallica Resources Corp.

Western Metallica is an Ontario registered company with its head office in Toronto, Ontario, trading on the TSX Venture Exchange under symbol WMS. Western Metallica is in the business of mineral resource exploration and development and holds the option to acquire a 100% interest in the Cana Brava copper-molybdenum project located in La Libertad Department, Peru. Western Metallica is also advancing its 100% owned Nueva Celti Copper Property in the Ossa Morena belt in Andalusia, Spain, and three other Spanish gold projects in the Navelgas Gold Belt in Asturias, Spain (Penedela, Valledor and Sierra Alta).

Further information of the Company can be found at: www.westernmetallica.com

For more information please contact:

Western Metallica Resources Corp.

Gregory Duras

Chief Executive Officer

Email: gduras@westernmetallica.com

Investor Relations

Email: info@westernmetallica.com

Cautionary Notes

The TSXV has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

This press release contains statements that constitute forward-statements. Such forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Companys actual results, performance or achievements, or developments to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

Although the Company believes, in light of the experience of its officers and directors, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. When used in this press release, the words estimate, project, belief, anticipate, intend, expect, plan, predict, may or should and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. The forward-looking statements and information in this press release include information relating to the planned drill program and the development of the Companys projects and other mining projects and prospects thereof, the impact of the management additions on the Company; and the potential and economic viability of the Cana Brava Project. Such statements and information reflect the current view of the Company. Risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in those forward-looking statements and information.

By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of the Company as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that managements beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to sell any securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/51fd8439-dcc6-4c4c-9c7c-ee2620c2b755

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/04cc1565-c978-4e32-8c52-84bad0086795

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What motivates you to get out of bed?

Finding a purpose is the key to a meaningful life: why you get out of bed, what motivates you and gives you a reason to live.

Nic Wolpe found his purpose  to preserve South Africas precious historical memories. This sustained him. It gave him energy, passion and drive. Starting Liliesleaf Museum, a tribute to the heroes of South Africa's anti-apartheid struggle, was his North Star.

His passion was to dig up, restore and safeguard historical memories for the present and the future.

Liliesleaf farm, in the Johannesburg suburb of Rivonia, was the headquarters of the ANC underground movement during the apartheid-era. The police raided the farm, and many ANC leaders were arrested and received life sentences at the Rivonia Trial.

In the post-1994 period, Wolpe came up with the idea to make Liliesleaf a place of memory and dialogue.

A big part of reconciliation, dealing with personal and collective trauma of those previously oppressed, restoring their individual and collective dignity, and fostering a new collective national identity, following a conflict between oppressor and oppressed communities, as was the case with colonialism and apartheid, is for a country to bring equality to previously excluded, forgotten and devalued memories.

By establishing an institution to capture the forgotten, unwritten and marginalised memories of the past, Wolpe has left a legacy that will outlive his physical life.

What is a legacy? What do we leave behind? Is it a big house, a fancy car, spouting slogans, outdated ideologies and destroying public assets during protests, or bullying others online, or being a fanatical follower of corrupt, violent and village-idiot political leaders?

An individual legacy benefits future generations. It makes the world so much better. Sometimes one may not see the fruition of ones own legacy in ones lifetime. Yet, it is critical to try to create something that is bigger than one-self. With a purpose, commitment, hard work, resilience, compassion and honesty, one can provide a positive legacy. Wolpe did so.

Wolpe personified individual resilience, grit and a growth mindset. The ability to recover from difficulties. Grit is courage, resolve and strength of character. Carol Dweck describes a growth mindset as that ones basic abilities can be developed through hard work, dedication and determination  all essential for great accomplishment. Without his drive, it is very unlikely Liliesleaf would have been built.

Building new mission-critical institutions that can live on for generations is critical in especially developing countries. Many developing and African countries since of colonialism have failed because they were unable to create lasting institutions. In fact, institutions are often destroyed, rather than established, preserved or build. Societies fail if they do not have enough institution builder leaders and creators.

To build legacy institutions that outlives ones own life, requires commitment, selflessness, resilience, sacrifice, staying power and competence. Wolpe did that in building Liliesleaf. Sadly, institution building is not celebrated in South Africa.

Wolpe was a builder. Builders, rather than breakers, a critical in a developing society. They are the glue that hold institutions, communities and countries together. Builders are revolutionary  and society needs to celebrate them, not denigrate them. SA does not have enough builders, like Wolpe.

Breaking institutions that work are in many places misguidedly seen as revolutionary, or transformation or progressive or as decolonisation. Or working institutions are often seen as a site for enrichment or the guise of empowerment or deployment.

Sadly, in SA, many institutions are hijacked, in the same way cars, homes and businesses are hijacked, for self-enrichment, and founders or capable, well-meaning, hard-working, honest executives, are pushed out. Rarely, will hijacked institutions thrive over the long-term.

Creating a new collective memory after centuries of conflict between communities is critical to foster a new inclusive national identity. The memory of previously oppressed communities need to be heard, need to be recognised and given equal status. Memory helps us to learn from the past, not to repeat the mistakes of the past and to apply the knowledge of the past in imaginative, context-relevant ways in the present.

Endemic corruption, state failure, manipulating of the truth by leaders, the corruption of memories of the past for self-enrichment, combined with the silence of memories of those not politically connected, has resulted in the capture of memories.

Many white South Africans deny either involvement in apartheid or underplay the legacy of apartheid. Many young black South Africans again increasingly blamed the self-inflicted failure of the democratic government on ANC negotiators making too many concessions during the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (Codesa) negotiations that birthed the new democracy.

Over the past few years, former President Nelson Mandela has often been wrongly attacked for allegedly making too many compromises in favour of white South Africans at the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (Codesa) negotiations, which supposedly make redistribution difficult. This is a clear example of a distortion of memory.

With the hand he was dealt by history, Mandelas made his contribution within his capabilities, within his context and in the best interests of all South Africans. The corruption, incompetence and callousness of subsequent ANC leaders cannot be blamed on the compromises for the greater good of South Africa agreed on at the Codesa negotiations.

Restoring truth-full memory is critical, for better decisions in the present - Wolpes contribution in this has been immense.

Wolpe battled illness throughout his life. When he was six weeks old, he survived a rare pneumonia. As an adult, he survived a benign spinal tumour, a heart attack and a number of near-death experiences. He suffered from severe dyslexia. One can only imagine the single-mindedness to complete schooling and a degree at the University of Warwick. He told the story of how his schoolteacher told him that he would not even be able to be a successful dustman.

As someone, who also suffered from early life breathing difficulties, and near-death experiences and later life-threating cancer, and long chemotherapy  and a shared love for history, we felt like kindred spirits. Life felt so much more precious, felt as fleeting  as tomorrow may not be there, that to be alive is such a miracle, and finding ones purpose so much more urgent.

South Africa can at times be a harsh, brutal and soul-destroying frontier-like place, where it seems only the violent, the corrupt, the dishonest and the cynical manipulators of the illiterate, the unread and the desperately poor, thrive, and the honest, and builder-leaders are often laughed at.

Wolpe was authentic. He stayed true to his values, was kind to others and honest. In the social media age where online friends, who are agree with ones views and who like one, are increasingly wrongly seen as authentic, genuine flesh-and-blood authenticity is sadly increasingly not seen as an important value of leadership.

As a country, we desperately need kinder, more honest, more constructive and more authentic builder leaders such as Wolpe.

Professor William Gumede is Associate Professor, School of Governance, University of the Witwatersrand and Founder of the Democracy Works Foundation. This is an edited version of his address at the Memorial Service of the late Nic Wolpe (1963-2024).
By Akbar Novruz



The Western Azerbaijan Community has strongly condemned a slanderous broadcast aired on Germany's public radio channel, Deutschlandfunk, on January 12, 2025, accusing it of spreading biased narratives against the Azerbaijani people and state.

According to Azernews, the community expressed deep concern over the broadcast, which featured an interview with known Azerbaijanophobe Tessa Hofmann. The segment allegedly perpetuated claims of illegal actions against Armenians in Azerbaijan in 1990, presenting historical events through the lens of radical Armenian nationalist narratives.

The statement criticized the broadcast for ignoring the ethnic cleansing of over a million Azerbaijanis by Armenia during the conflict, as well as the occupation, destruction of Azerbaijani territories, and eradication of cultural heritage. It also highlighted the radio channels silence on the ethnic cleansing of 300,000 Azerbaijanis from Armenia between 1987 and 1991, during which 216 Azerbaijanis were killed.

The Western Azerbaijan Community emphasized that instead of promoting racially discriminatory broadcasts, Deutschlandfunk should condemn Armenia's policies of racism. The community referenced the recently uncovered speech by Armenia's first president, Levon Ter-Petrosyan, which openly acknowledged that ethnic cleansing against Azerbaijanis was a state policy during his tenure.

In its statement, the community denounced the discriminatory stance of Deutschlandfunk and called on the radios management to take appropriate measures to address this issue. It urged the channel to avoid creating tensions in the region and to ensure balanced and unbiased reporting in the future.
Several El Paso County nonprofit organizations and Tri-Lakes area residents are challenging the town of Palmer Lake in court, hoping to halt plans in motion to annex land and build a Buc-ees travel center along Interstate 25.

A 21-page lawsuit filed in El Paso County District Court on Friday seeks to overturn the town Board of Trustees Dec. 12 decision that the 30-acre property where the travel center is proposed to be built is eligible to be annexed into Palmer Lake boundaries.

Plaintiffs Integrity Matters, Westside Watch, TriLakes Preservation Inc. and United Congregational Church, all nonprofits, joined nine individuals in filing the lawsuit against the town.

The complaint alleges town officials violated several statutes and peoples constitutional rights during the public process to determine annexation eligibility. These include failure to comply with the Colorado Municipal Annexation Act of 1965, the Colorado Open Meetings Law and the publics right to free speech, court documents state.

This lawsuit seeks to ensure government accountability compliance with the Rule of Law to protect the rights of local residents and property owners, Katherine Gayle, attorney for the plaintiffs, said in a Monday news release announcing the lawsuit. The actions taken by the town of Palmer Lake in this annexation eligibility process were arbitrary, lacked transparency, and ignored critical statutory and constitutional safeguards.

The town has not yet formally responded to the lawsuit, court records show.

Town Administrator Dawn Collins said late Monday afternoon the town is aware the complaint has been filed but had not yet been served a copy. The town had no comment, she said, citing the pending litigation.

Planning documents show the Buc-ees is proposed to be built on land at the southwest corner of I-25 and County Line Road, and east of Beacon Lite Road. It would be a flagpole annexation via a sliver of land along County Line Road, connecting the property to the rest of Palmer Lake 1.4 miles away.

The town has not decided if the land will be annexed and has not yet publicly discussed development plans for the super-sized Texas-based chain location.

The lawsuit alleges the flagpole annexation will not technically be connected to the town because a bordering parcel owned by United Congregational Church was recently de-annexed.

Additionally, the annexation maps failed to annex the entire roadway width as required by (Colorado statute) and also the towns Three-Mile Plan. The purpose of the statute is to ensure clarity of road maintenance responsibilities, plaintiffs said in court documents.

Project consultant Nina Ruiz said during the Dec. 12 meeting the roads right-of-way continued to connect Palmer Lake with the proposed annexation area.

She also said the project would annex all the platted, or officially planned, sections of the roadway in El Paso County. At a later stage, project developers will likely reach out to Douglas County to discuss the rest, she said.

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Plaintiffs claim the town violated open meetings law by allowing outgoing town trustees to vote on the projects annexation eligibility.

Because the town prioritized seating and public comments on Dec. 12 for Palmer Lake residents and business owners, it (excluded) many interested parties from meaningful participation. Inadequate audio and visual arrangements for overflow attendees prevented effective public engagement, violating procedural fairness, the lawsuit states.

On Friday, Mayor Glant Havenar and the Board of Trustees issued a written response to community concerns about the public process, stating the town complied with open meeting laws.

The Board listened to every individual who attended the hearing and indicated their desire to speak. No one was prevented from speaking on the issue of eligibility, they wrote of the Dec. 12 meeting.

As a result of the process followed in considering whether the property is eligible to be annexed, the town believes it provided a full and fair hearing and is not aware of any violations of open meeting or other laws or regulations, the statement read in part.

Among several claims for relief, plaintiffs are asking the El Paso County District Court to invalidate the annexation, and request a declaration that the eligibility for annexation is void and that all future annexation decisions must comply with updated Three-Mile Plan and statutory requirements.

Plaintiffs also seek award of court costs.

If approved, the Buc-ees would be the second built in Colorado, following a Johnstown location north of Denver that opened in 2024. The Palmer Lake location is proposed to be a similar size, about 74,000 square feet.

Though recent public meetings were held only to determine the projects annexation eligibility, preliminary plans for the travel center have received mixed public support.

Major points of concern include water availability and traffic mitigation, but these have not yet been discussed at public town meetings.

The Gazette, through its searches, has not identified similar lawsuits involving Buc-ees in the U.S.

In early December, the Dayton Daily News in Ohio reported that Clark County, Ohio, and the city of Huber Heights, a Dayton suburb, reached an agreement over who would provide water and sewer services around the area near Interstate 70 and the Ohio 235 interchange in Huber Heights, where a Buc-ees is being constructed, the first in that state.

Clark County and Huber Heights battled in court for more than a year before the lawsuit was resolved, the Dayton Daily News reported.
A young Colorado Springs entrepreneur is on a mission to help parents keep their children safe online.

"The online world is super dangerous for kids. ... You see a lot of parental monitoring software, but any software that can be downloaded onto a device can be disabled really easily," said Luke Nielsen, 20.

The idea to create his company, Screen Pigeon, was born out of a serious conversation amongst Nielsen's friends about their own risky internet activity when they were kids.

"These are 20-year-olds saying, 'Man, I wish my parents could have protected me.' There is some crazy stuff happening to kids online," The Classical Academy graduate said.

"The involvement of parents is incredibly valuable in keeping kids safe. I thought, what if we could create an accountability solution? You need devices for school  for everything. What if we gave parents the ability to still provide their kids a device, but can also know their monitoring cannot be disabled?"

As he began researching a solution, Nielsen found it's most effective to control the hardware itself.

Screen Pigeon provides "custom accountability devices" that protect parental monitoring software so it can't be disabled or uninstalled. Nielsen and his father, a software engineer who helps him run the company, purchase devices, remove the existing operating systems, add an open-source operating system and install their parental monitoring software, Screen Pigeon Monitoring, Nielsen said. They then resell the customized device.

The monitoring software captures a random screenshot every minute and uploads it to a secure online dashboard parents can access remotely.

Screen Pigeon does not provide parental control over a child's device, software that allows parents to restrict what their child can see and do on the web. Monitoring their activity, though, allows parents to have sometimes difficult conversations with their children about the dangers of the internet, Nielsen said.

As well as harassment and bullying, children are at risk when they are online for sexual exploitation including enticement, luring, sextortion and human trafficking, according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

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Instances of child sexual exploitation have increased in recent years, data from the private nonprofit show.

In 2023, the center received more than 36.2 million reports through its CyberTipline of suspected child sexual exploitation online, a more than 12% increase over 2022, according to its website. Staff identified and escalated 63,892 urgent reports or reports involving a child in imminent danger.

The number of incoming CyberTipline reports has increased by more than 20% in the last three years and the number of urgent, time-sensitive reports involving a child at risk of harm has grown over 140%, data show.

"Online exploitation of kids ... is a global issue," said Colorado Springs Police Sgt. Mark Enomoto, who oversees the department's Internet Crimes Against Children unit.

The local unit acts as the lead agency for the statewide task force, a group of local and federal law enforcement agencies and prosecutors across Colorado. Internet Crimes Against Children works closely with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children; NCMEC sends reports from its CyberTipline to the ICAC unit closest to where the reported activity occurred so law enforcement can investigate.

When kids are online, they have "an access point to the whole world. ... Phones and computers have evolved to be smarter, larger, faster and more efficient. All those different things evolve and make the internet a great place to find information, but also there are a lot of ways to exploit, entice and lure minors online," Enomoto said.

This can "lead to embarrassment, it can lead to self-harm, it can lead to a lot of mental health issues" for children, Enomoto added.

Parents should ensure they can access their child's device, monitor their child's activity on a daily basis and implement parental controls on smart devices, he said.

Screen Pigeon currently sells only customized accountability laptops, retailing at $580. Nielsen plans to eventually also offer customized smart devices like phones and tablets.

To order a custom device, visit screenpigeon.io.

To report cyber sexual exploitation of minors, visit the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's CyberTipline at missingkids.org or call 1-800-THE-LOST.
Gains in its labor market helped propel Colorado Springs to a No. 5 ranking in the 2025 Best-Performing Cities index released Tuesday by the

, a California-based think tank. The Springs jumped from a No. 15 ranking in 2024.
A new city website is further connecting the military and business communities in Colorado Springs.

The city announced Monday it launched its Military Welcome website, designed as a "central hub" for military servicemembers, veterans and their families to connect with small businesses offering military discounts on their services and products.

The website includes an interactive map to easily identify participating businesses.

"We are committed to making Colorado Springs a welcoming and supportive community for all military members and their families while helping foster economic growth for our local businesses," the city's Small Business Development Administrator Shakanah Tedder said in a news release.

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The website both provides a "valuable resource" for the local military community and drives traffic to support local businesses, which will boost the city's economic strength, the release said.

More than 45,000 active-duty troops representing every branch of the military and almost 100,000 veterans and their families call Colorado Springs home.

Businesses who want to participate may register online. When enrolled, businesses will receive a Military Welcome email and display decal.

For more information, to enroll a business, or to view the interactive map, visit ColoradoSprings.gov/MilitaryWelcome.
Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Prime Minister of Grenada Dickon Mitchell, who is on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 13, 2025. [Xinhua/Ding Lin]

BEIJING, Jan. 13 (Xinhua)  Chinese President Xi Jinping said Monday that China is willing to provide assistance for Grenada's economic and social development within the framework of South-South cooperation.

The two countries should foster new highlights of cooperation in fields such as new energy, green and low-carbon development, and digital economy, Xi said in Beijing when he met with Prime Minister of Grenada Dickon Mitchell, who is paying an official visit to China.

Mitchell first extended sincere sympathies and condolences to the Chinese government and people over the recent deadly earthquake in Dingri County in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region.

Xi expressed his appreciation for that. Noting that the earthquake occurred in a high-altitude area, Xi said China has completed rescue and temporary resettlement work in the shortest possible time and will carry out reconstruction work as quickly as possible.

"The Chinese government is confident and capable of achieving success in earthquake relief," Xi said.

Xi noted that in recent years, China-Grenada relations have developed steadily, with the two sides treating each other with mutual respect and equality, consolidating political mutual trust, achieving fruitful results in practical cooperation in various fields, and deepening the friendship between the two peoples.

China is willing to work with Grenada to enhance the synergy of development strategies and push for more outcomes of bilateral cooperation to better benefit the two peoples, he added.

China supports Grenada in independently exploring a development path suited to its national conditions, and stands ready to strengthen exchanges of governance experience with Grenada, Xi said.

He said China also supports Grenada in enhancing its capacity in climate change response and disaster prevention and mitigation, and will continue to raise international awareness of small island countries' concerns over climate change and their demands.

China advocates an equal and orderly multi-polar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and is ready to work with Grenada to implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative to promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, Xi said.

He added that China has always attached great importance to its relations with Caribbean countries and will continue to provide assistance within its capacity for the economic and social development of regional countries.

Mitchell expressed appreciation for China's timely assistance after Grenada was hit by a devastating hurricane in July last year.

Over the past 20 years, the Grenada-China relations have been continuously deepened, and Grenada firmly abides by the one-China principle and believes that China's sovereignty and territorial integrity must be respected, Mitchell said.

He said Grenada, having benefited a lot from its relations with China, will continuously strengthen cooperation with China and learn from China's experience in governance.

Stressing China's leading role in the Global South, Mitchell said Grenada will stand firmly with China to implement the three major global initiatives and safeguard world peace and stability.

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Prime Minister of Grenada Dickon Mitchell, who is on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 13, 2025. [Xinhua/Ding Lin]

(Source: Xinhua)

Editor: Wang Shasha
In an unusually detailed and strongly worded report, Colorado's judicial discipline body made clear on Friday that dozens of judges broke the law by failing to file financial disclosure reports on time, but that not every instance merited discipline in light of similar behavior from the nation's highest court.
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. &&
In a year marked by reversals, switches and unprecedented twists, Colorados political players barreled through month after month of historic firsts in 2024.
This is the third of a three-part series. Part One was published on January 11, and Part Two on January 12.

The struggle against imperialism and war

Today, a large group of the pseudo-left parties representing well-off layers of the middle class of North America, Western Europe and Australasia openly embrace imperialist war, utilising slogans of human rights and railing against so-called Russian and Chinese imperialism to legitimise, and even directly support, neo-colonialist military operations. They have aligned themselves with the US and NATO and defended their wars in Yugoslavia, Libya, Syria, Ukraine and Russia and imperialist provocations across Southeast Asia against China.

Another wing of pseudo-left tendencies has updated Kautskys ultra-imperialismclaiming the possibility of the peaceful, non-violent, non-imperialist regulation of world economy and the relations between the major capitalist powersthrough the concept of multi-polarity. They insist that the US and European powers can gradually and peacefully accept their eclipse by their competitors, above all, those led by China.

This is also the official state policy of the capitalist regimes of Russia and China, which, fearing nothing more than the emergence of a revolutionary movement in their respective countries and the international working class, appeal to other states everywhere to form a counterweight to the imperialist powers. This, they hope, will increase their bargaining position at the negotiating table with imperialism.

Capitalist and Stalinist politicians across the African continent have also embraced multi-polarity. An example is South Africas Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema who advances the BRICS countriesBrazil, Russia, India, China and South Africaas a counterweight to imperialism. He defines BRICS as a progressive and forward-looking group with a mandate to end the imperialist domination of the world and as an alternative to the G7 and NATO war alliance. Likewise, Booker Ngesa Omole, the leader of the Communist Party of KenyaMarxist (CPK-M), has said, The transition from unipolarity to multipolarity in global politics presents an opportunity for revolutionaries to reshape the world order in favour of the oppressed and marginalized.

A Quarter Century of War

Such a perspective is bankrupt. It assumes that US imperialism will accept its natural demotion. Reality proves the opposite. Washington has been in unending wars for the past three decades across Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa in an attempt to offset its economic decline. In the preface of A Quarter Century of War: The US drive for global hegemony: 1990-2016, David North, the Chairman of the International Editorial Board of the World Socialist Web Site, wrote:

The last quarter century of US-instigated wars must be studied as a chain of interconnected events. The strategic logic of the US drive for global hegemony extends beyond the neocolonial operations in the Middle East and Africa. The ongoing regional wars are component elements of the rapidly escalating confrontation of the United States with Russia and China. [ 1 ]

Today, the US and NATO powers are relentlessly escalating their war in Ukraine, aimed at inflicting a decisive US-NATO defeat over Russia, including regime change and ultimately the theft of its vast natural resources.

At the same time, Washington and its allies are preparing a new front against China, which is viewed by the strategists of American imperialism as the chief threat to its global hegemony.

The Israeli-led genocide against Palestinians, the invasion of Lebanon, regime change in Syria and the bombing of Yemen backed by NATO powers are part of a region-wide war in the Middle East, particularly targeting Iran, an ally of China and Russia. The aim is to control the oil-rich region.

The new Scramble for Africa

Another front is rapidly emerging which takes the form of a new Scramble for Africa. Driven by internal crises and faced with the rapidly declining position of US and European imperialism on the world scale, the African continent and its rich resources are increasingly seen as a necessary means for their other war fronts.

Countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo supply cobalt, vital for lithium-ion batteries used in advanced military hardware, while rare earth elements from South Africa and Madagascar are indispensable in the manufacture of electronics, lasers, and sensors used in military applications. Similarly, uranium deposits in nations like Niger and Namibia are crucial for both nuclear energy and weaponry. Metals like tantalum, abundant across the continent, are vital for missile guidance systems. Additionally, Africas abundant oil and natural gas reserves in countries such as Nigeria and Angola are key to fuelling military operations worldwide.

Identifying Africa as an important geopolitical region for its campaign for global hegemony, the US has launched wars across the continent for the last three decades. Between 1992 and 1994, Washington deployed troops to occupy Somalia. Following its withdrawal, the US supported Ethiopias invasion of Somalia in 2006, which was later followed by Kenyas in 2011. These interventions, aimed at controlling the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, one of the worlds most critical maritime chokepoints, have resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of Somalis.

During the 1990s, the US and European powers also backed the Tutsi-led Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) against the pro-French Hutu-led government in power, which erupted into a genocide in 1994. It was followed by the US backing of the Rwandan RPF and Ugandan invasions of mineral-rich Zaire (today DR Congo), to install a pro-US regime, which led to the First and Second Congo wars in the 1990s and 2000s, that left over 5 million dead.

In 2006, the US created AFRICOM with the mission of exerting greater military influence over Africa in order to maintain and facilitate Washingtons exploitation of the continents vast economic resources and its working masses. Since then, Washington has waged war across the continent, using AFRICOMs dozens of outposts and working with local proxy forces to launch commando raids, drone strikes, and secret assassination programmes. Between 2013 and 2017, US special operations forces saw combat in at least 13 African countries.

In 2011, the US and European powers launched a regime-change operation against oil-rich Libya that killed 50,000 people and left the country in chaos, with no functioning central government and an apocalyptic landscape of instability. Rival tribal factions emerged, competing for dominance over the countrys vast oil reserves. To this day, various global powers continue to vie for control, leveraging local proxies to advance their interests.

Washingtons key concern in the region is the rise of its main competitor, China. With a trade volume of $204 billion, Beijing is already Africas largest trading partner. Through the Belt and Road Initiative, China has poured billions into large-scale infrastructure projects, including railways, ports, and energy facilities, while extending substantial loans to African states, undermining the influence of the US-dominated World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. Beijings state-backed companies have secured key contracts for natural resource extraction, ensuring access to critical minerals and energy supplies. In the telecommunications and technology sectors, Chinese companies such as Huawei are increasingly dominant in the building of 5G networks.

President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken participate in the U.S.-Africa Summit Leaders Session on partnering on the African Unions Agenda 2063 in Washington, D.C., on December 15, 2022. [Photo: United States Government]

Washington has made clear it will not allow Africa to fall to China. The US has signed hundreds of deals worth $14.2 billion with African countries in an initial bid to counter its growing influence. In December, outgoing President Joe Biden visited Angola where he said, The United States is all in on Africa. A central focus of Biden was the US-funded Lobito Corridor railway project aimed to facilitate the transport of critical minerals from the DR Congo and Zambia through Angola to global markets.

Given the diminishing US ability to compete with China economically, voices within the US establishment are demanding a more aggressive military approach. As US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said recently, We need to do more, and we have to contest Chinese actions, not only in terms of their forward basing strategy, but their desire to go after Africas rare earths that will be critical for our industrial and technological capabilities.

The US is the most aggressive of the imperialist powers on the continent, but the same dynamic that drives Washington toward war also operates among European imperialist states. Beset by the same political and economic diseases that afflict Washington, they possess even fewer financial resources to deal with them.

France has waged war in the Sahel zone for over a decade, in attempts to maintain its dwindling influence across Africa. Paris intervened in Libya (2011) and Mali (2013), followed by interventions in Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Mauritania in 2014. In Burkina Faso, France played a key role in the removal of President Blaise Compaore in 2015. Despite this, mass protests have forced French troops to leave Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, as the new regimes sought closer military aid from Russia and economic ties with China. Senegal, Chad and the Ivory Coast are now planning the same.

Germany, which never forgave the loss of its colonies to Britain and France in Africa following the First World War, has intervened in Mali and Niger. For the past two years, Chancellor Olaf Scholz has aggressively toured Africa with high-ranking business representatives to announce billion-euro investments. Berlin is trying to secure access to African energy and raw materials and lucrative sales markets and cheap labour.

British imperialism, once the dominant power across Africa, is trying to reestablish its influence. British Foreign Secretary, David Lammy said it would be a huge mistake for Labour to overlook the importance of Africa. The UK holds the BATUK base in Kenya, the UKs largest African base. Its troops have waged war in Mali and South Sudan, and regularly train African forces as proxies across the continent. Data on Britains foreign direct investment (FDI) position in Africa from 2004 to 2019 shows that the FDI in Africa peaked in 2019 at 50.5 billion, nearly double with respect to 2004.

The permanent presence of European armies on the continent demonstrates that these powers are not solely relying on proxy forces and the African bourgeoisie to enforce their interests in Africa. They are preparing for a massive escalation of war across the continent.

The election of Donald Trump will further accelerate this militarisation on the continent, as European capitals, facing the threat of additional trade war measures from Washington and increased competition from China, aggressively pursue new markets, raw materials, investment opportunities, and cheap labour.

Socialism versus bourgeois nationalism

The capitalist and nationalist regimes in Russia and China, representing the interests of oligarchs spawned by the Stalinist restoration of capitalism, have no progressive response. They do not represent a path for peaceful development for the African masses. Rather, they alternate between sabre-rattling and bankrupt appeals for peaceful coexistence with imperialism.

As for the African ruling elites, nothing exposes their bankruptcy more than them offering themselves as stooges for imperialism. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is a key military ally of US imperialism and is playing a crucial role in the Palestinian genocide. Rwandas Paul Kagame has deployed troops to crush an Islamist-led insurgency in northern Mozambique to protect the billion-dollar gas investments of French energy giant Total. Ugandas Yoweri Museveni has sent troops to Sudan, South Sudan, Rwanda, DR Congo and Somalia to further US interests. And Kenyas President William Ruto has grovelled to Washington to become a non-NATO ally, as Kenyan police are deployed to Haiti to terrorise the population into submission on behalf of US and Canadian imperialism.

In West Africa, Nigeria threatened to launch a military intervention against neighbouring Niger last year following the overthrow of pro-French President Mohamed Bazoum by the military. The threat was aimed at preserving Washington and Pariss influence over the impoverished yet resource-rich nation. However, Nigeria ultimately refrained, wary that such an intervention could ignite widespread social unrest within its own borders.

In Southern Africa, the former national bourgeois liberation movements that once waged an armed struggle on Portugals colonies and the US and British-backed settler states of Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) and South Africa have transformed themselves into key instruments for imperialism to sustain its stranglehold over the mineral-rich region.

The African National Congress (ANC) has governed South Africa since 1994; the People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) and Frelimo have controlled Angola and Mozambique respectively since 1975; the Zimbabwe African National UnionPatriotic Front (ZANUPF) has ruled Zimbabwe since 1980; and the South West Africa Peoples Organisation (SWAPO) has been in power in Namibia since 1990.

In all cases, they have gutted social services, laid off public sector workers, devalued their currencies and privatised national industries to receive loans from the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. Poverty and social inequality have only increased after independence, as so-called free market reforms have assured that those at the top have accumulated immense wealth.

Protesters block the busy Nairobi -Mombasa highway in the Mlolongo area, Nairobi, Kenya., July 2, 2024 [AP Photo/Brian Inganga]

Ultimately, the struggle over Africa will not be settled through economics alone but will be driven by military considerations. Renewed military aggression and the danger of a Third World War can be averted only by the mobilisation of the international working class on the basis of a socialist and revolutionary programme.

Across the world, a surge of working-class opposition to inequality and capitalist exploitation is developing in the form of strikes and protests. Africa is rapidly becoming a social powder keg.

Between 2016 and 2023, the number of protests across African nations more than doubled. Data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED) indicates that from January 2016 to May 2023, there were approximately 7,164 protests related to issues such as food, wages, and prices5,039 of these occurred after the eruption of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. Sub-Saharan Africa has also seen the fastest growth rate in mass political protests globally, with an annual increase of 11.5 percent between 2009 and 2019.

In Kenya, what started as nationwide protests against tax hikes on workers rapidly escalated into an insurgency. In north Africa, this year alone Moroccan workers have held more than 100 protests over wages and the soaring cost of living. Protests have broken out against IMF-austerity in Nigeria and Ghana, and opposition has mounted against US-backed authoritarian regimes in Zimbabwe, Uganda and Mozambique.

The movement of workers across Africa in alliance with workers in the imperialist centers has the power to stop imperialist war and the new Scramble for Africa, and to redistribute the worlds wealth to meet the social needs of the working class. The critical task is to bring into these struggles an understanding of the crisis of capitalism as a whole, which finds its most dangerous expression in imperialist war. It is necessary to develop a political leadership in the working class that can unify separate struggles and lay the foundation for the overthrow of the entire socioeconomic system through world socialist revolution.

Workers and youth across Africa need a party that is completely independent of all the factions of the African bourgeoisie, the imperialist powers and China and Russia, and which fights for the historical interests of the international working class. Only the world Trotskyist movement, which is embodied in the International Committee of the Fourth International, represents such a party. Its building is therefore the most urgent task in the fight to unite workers internationally around the programme of world socialist revolution.

Concluded
The World Socialist Web Site invites workers and other readers to contribute to this regular feature.

Latin America

Santiago, Chile teachers demand benefits

The teachers at schools administered by Santiago, Chiles capital, held a protest strike and rally January 8 against layoffs and cuts to bonuses and benefits.

The teachers point to the continuation of the 30 percent incentive they receive under article 47 of Law No. 19070, which has established the statutes of education professionals since 1991. This states that education professionals who provide their services in educational establishments in the municipal sector will have the right to keep the percentages of experience and development allowances when working in another locality.

In addition, the demonstrators demand the retention of winter and summer bonuses, and the suspension of all layoffs of temporary teachers.

In early January, the city sent letters to hundreds of contingent teachers [temps] indicating that they would not be assigned hours for 2025.

Responding to the protests, recently elected Santiago Mayor Mario Desbordes, of the right-wing Renovacion Nacional Party, went on an anti-communist rant during a radio interview.

The mayor denounced Iraci Hassler, his Communist Party predecessor, for having a hidden agenda: Teachers have been hired who do not justify themselves at all, declared Desbordes. I also believe that a lot of activists have been hired  education was used in the city not only to hire people from the party and things like that, but also in a political project of a certain sector.

It is not that I do not want to pay the bonus to the teachers, but that we do not have the money, he added, referring to a drop in student enrollment that has reduced federal subsidies to the citys education department.

Uruguay dairy workers stage protest strike

Dairy workers went on strike and occupied the gigantic Coleme Dairy plant in the city of Melo [near the Brazilian border] for 24 hours on January 3 to protest the firing of 11 workers at the company and attacks on wages, speed-up and other working conditions.

The occupation at Coleme was the latest in a series of dairy strikes, occupations and protests since the end of December 2024. These rotating stand-up strikes have taken place across the industry, some lasting as little as 2 hours (supposedly to protect the milk from spoiling), against the layoffs and wage cuts in plants across Uruguay.

At the Calcar plant in Carmelo (near Montevideo), the company is insisting on sending workers to unemployment insurance and reducing wages by 15 to 20 percent as part of a reorganization of the dairy industry in Uruguay to respond to the climate crisis and a drop in world prices since the COVID pandemic.

Uruguay is a major world producer of milk and cheeses, with exports to 60 countries across the planet. Seventy-three percent of its milk and dairy products are exported. Thirty-five thousand workers and farmers are part of this industry in Uruguay, dominated by oligopolistic firms.

Baja California strawberry field workers strike

On Friday, January 3, 1,800 agricultural workers of the Independent National Democratic Union of Agricultural Day Laborers (SINDIA) went on a 3-day strike, shutting down a strawberry field in San Quintin Valley, Baja California, owned by the El Milagro de Baja Agribusiness Corporation, based in Ensenada, over the piece-work wage for picking strawberries.

The strikers demand an increase greater than the 1 peso (US$0.05) per box offered by the firm, the end of attacks on their labor rights by the company, and improved working conditions. The pickers demanded 30 pesos (US$1.45) per box of first-rate strawberries, and 28 pesos for second-rate boxes. The workers also demanded health personnel on the farms.

In addition, they denounced the current foremen of the company for mistreatment and demanded their replacement. Foremen have threatened pickers that fight for their rights, with reprisals.

On January 4, strikers blocked the Trans peninsular highway, Highway 1, which runs between the city of Tijuana, on the US-Mexico border, and Cabo San Lucas to the south.

Reacting to the highway occupation, the General Secretariat of Government and the State Secretariat of Labor intervened to impose an agreement between the union bureaucracy and the company. The agreement; 28 pesos per box of first-rate strawberries, and 23 pesos per box of second-rate strawberries, short of the workers initial demand. Voting on the contract by strikers has yet to be announced.

Ensenada is a major corporate exporter of non-citrus fruits and vegetables, with fields across Baja California.

Petrobras contingent workers protest suppressed by Brazilian Military Police

A protest by contingent construction workers (temps) owed one months wages with delayed salaries and rights has been ongoing since December. The contract workers employed by MIPE-Construcoes e Montagens, which provides services to the Petrobras oil monopoly, was ignored by Petrobras, who had their protest repressed by the Military Police.

The workers had been raising their demands throughout the month of December. At issue are arbitrary super-exploitative contract changes made by the company.

The workers spent Christmas and New Years without being able to provide for their families, with many reporting that they are dependent on help from friends and family even to buy food. On December 23, a strike was called which ended on December 30, after a promise made at a meeting with MIPE and representatives of Petrobras that the payment would be made by January 8.

On January 8, having received no money, workers protested at TABG [Terminais Aquaviarios da Baia de Guanabara], the port of Governador Island. Petrobras and MIPE responded by calling the Military Police to surround the workers and force an end to the protest.

One day later, with no payments in sight, workers protested at the Petrobras headquarters in downtown Rio de Janeiro and at the TABG terminal.

Protests are expected to continue this week.

United States

Allegiant Air pilots picket Asheville, North Carolina airport as company refuses to agree to industry standard wages

Allegiant Air pilots picketed January 7 outside Asheville Regional Airport in Fletcher, North Carolina, to demonstrate their opposition to the companys failure to respond to their demand for wage increases comparable to other airlines. The 1,300 Allegiant pilots voted by 97 percent in October 2024 to grant strike authorization against the Las Vegas, Nevada-based ultra-low-cost carrier.

Allegiant Air pilots stage contract protest [Photo: Teamsters union]

Teamsters Local 2118, which represents Allegiant Airs pilots at 23 pilot bases across the country, reports that their members make 40 percent less than the current industry standard. Allegiants current offer is still 24 percent short of that standard.

The two sides are also negotiating over retirement benefits, disability benefits, paid maternity and paternity leave, schedules, and seniority rights concerning quality of life improvements.

Allegiant Air focuses on providing leisure air travel service to recreational destinations from 120 smaller cities, using regional airports with routes not covered by major air carriers. Low compensation to employees comprises a major part of Allegiants profit plan.

Current negotiations between the Teamsters and Allegiant are being mediated by the National Mediation Board and the union has not yet been given permission to issue a strike notice.

Washington state healthcare workers begin informational pickets as contract talks stall over wages and staffing

Hundreds of healthcare workers at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham, Washington began carrying out informational pickets on their breaks January 9 as contract talks between management and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) have made no progress. SEIU Healthcare 1199NW represents nearly 1,000 healthcare workers, including nursing assistants, lab assistants, patient access representatives and imaging technicians.

According to the SEIU, negotiations remain far apart on wages, safe staffing and healthcare benefits. The low-end of the wage scale for workers is $16.86 an hour, which is below Bellinghams current minimum wage of $17.66 an hour.

Management railed at the unions request for a 34 percent wage increase over three years for higher-paid workers and a 60 percent wage increase for those toward the bottom of the pay scale. PeaceHealth spokesperson Amy Drury called the demands highly unrealistic and said there was no justification for these increases.

The old contract agreement expired on November 16, 2024. Twelve bargaining sessions have taken place since then.

PeaceHealth is a non-profit Catholic chain made up of 10 hospitals throughout the Pacific Northwest. The top 25 executives rake in an average of $1.2 million in yearly compensation. In 2022, its president and CEO Elizabeth Dunne took home a base pay of $5.6 million.

Canada

Edmonton, Alberta school support workers strike

On January 13, 3,200 school support workers in the Edmonton and Sturgeon school districts began a strike for a significant pay increase, better education funding and additional classroom support. About 200 educational support jobs remain unfilled.

The striking education assistants, librarians, cafeteria workers and administration staff, members of Canadian Union of Public Employees Locals 3550 and 4625, have not seen a wage increase for 12 years. Their average annual wage is $34,500.

To begin the strike, CUPE officials have limited picketing in Edmonton to only two schools. In the Sturgeon public school district, which includes the towns of Redwater, Morinville and St. Albert, all schools are being picketed.

Toronto area steelworkers locked out at Welded Tube

Three hundred forty welders, members of United Steelworkers Local 8328, in the Concord industrial suburb of Vaughan, Ontario just north of Toronto, are in the third week of a lockout that began December 23. The workers, who in the last contract agreed to a wage freeze, are demanding that the company increases its unsatisfactory wage offer in a new contract. Details of the specific wage offer and demands of the union have not been made public.

Welded Tube of Canada is a diversified steel pipe and tube producer with annual production capacity of 700,000 tons. The company operates in total at five manufacturing and finishing facilities located in Canada and the United /states.

Municipal workers strike in Queens Region, Nova Scotia

Last Thursday, about 40 water treatment, solid waste and snow clearance workers in the south-west community around Liverpool, Nova Scotia began a strike in pursuit of a significant wage increase and to push back a management demand to end overtime compensation for weekend work and to sideline contract protections for temporary workers.

Regional management has offered a paltry 5.5 percent wage increase spread out over a proposed three-year contract. Queens Region workers are paid significantly less than their counterparts in other regions in the province.

The bargaining unit is made up of 40 workers, members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). Area management has stated that non-union staff will keep services running, and in response to the strike action, subsequently declared its own lockout of the IBEW workers.
Elevenlabs AudioNative Player

Smoke and explosions rise inside the Gaza Strip, as seen from southern Israel, Sunday, Sunday, March 17, 2024. [AP Photo/Ariel Schalit]

A landmark study by researchers from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, published in The Lancet last week, estimates that the official death toll of the Gaza genocide understates the number of people killed by Israeli attacks by 41 percent between October 2023 and June 2024.

According to official figures from Gazas Ministry of Health, over 46,000 people have been killed by Israeli bullets and bombs since the start of the genocide in October 2023. If the new studys findings of a higher death rate held through the present, it would mean that the number of people killed by Israeli forces since October 2023 stands at over 64,000, or 2.9 percent of the pre-war population of Gaza.

Billions of people around the world have been rightfully shocked by the Los Angeles wildfires, which have destroyed over 12,000 homes, businesses, schools and other structures, and led to 24 deaths, in what California Governor Gavin Newsom said could be the worst natural disaster in US history by cost. But the death toll of the Gaza genocide is thousands of times greater in a tiny and besieged enclave, not one of the worlds wealthiest cities, and by deliberate human, or rather inhuman, action.

The study found that 59 percent of victims were women, children or those over 65 years old. These findings reaffirm the undeniable fact that the systematic massacre of the people of Gaza by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), with the support and assistance of the United States and other imperialist powers, is a genocide.

But even this horrific death toll exposed by the London School of Hygiene study is a significant underestimation in multiple respects. First, as the authors make clear, the survey is designed to exclude those who are still buried under the rubble and presumed dead, a figure estimated by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) at approximately 10,000.

The study likewise excludes the impact of starvation, dehydration and the spread of infectious diseases promoted by the deliberate efforts of the Israeli government to withhold food from the Gaza Strip and to systematically destroy its hospitals.

The study published last week used an extremely detailed and granular statistical method to estimate the death toll. The study combined data from three sources: Ministry of Health hospital death records, an online survey conducted by the ministry and social media obituaries.

A method known as capture-recapture analysis was used to identify overlaps and gaps among the data sets, which allowed researchers to account for deaths not recorded by any single source. Missing data was addressed through statistical modeling, and various scenarios were tested to improve accuracy.

No study of similar granularity or rigor has been undertaken to estimate the overall death toll, including deaths from hunger and communicable diseases, and such a study may not even be possible. As the studys authors explain, Although a ground survey could yield robust estimates, the highly unsafe conditions for humanitarian and health workers inside Gaza and access constraints currently make it unfeasible.

In July, an article published in The Lancet estimated, based on the impact of previous wars, that the number of deaths tied to the genocide could reach 186,000 or more.

It is entirely possible that, given the major underestimation of violent deaths revealed by the most recent study, the earlier figure of 186,000 deaths from all causes could itself be a major underestimate.

The official position of the Biden administration is that the death toll in Gaza is a byproduct of Israels war against an armed resistance group. The latest study underscores, however, that the death toll is the product of a deliberate campaign to kill as many civilians as possible in order to break the resistance of the Palestinian people to the illegal Israeli occupation of Gaza. It is not a war against an armed group but a genocide against the entire population.

Last month, the New York Times reported the existence of official Israeli military documents authorizing the killing of 20 non-combatants in every attack on a single presumed Hamas supporter, with the ratio in some cases reaching 100 to one. In each strike, the order said, officers had the authority to risk killing up to 20 civilians, the Times wrote.

The Times account made clear that the system for targeting suspected Hamas sympathizers was nothing more than a cover for a blanket bombardment of Gaza with blockbuster bombs, aimed at killing as many people and destroying as much of Gaza as possible.

Earlier in December, Amnesty International published an exhaustive 296-page report documenting that Only an intent to destroy the Palestinians in Gaza can explain the scale and scope of the mass murder, forcible displacement and deliberate starvation of the Palestinians in Gaza by Israel.

On November 27, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing the two men of the war crime of starvation as a method of warfare; and the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts.

On Monday, in the final speech on foreign policy of his presidency, US President Joe Biden gloated that Israel did plenty of damage to Iran and its proxies, and that as far as the United States was concerned, Our actions contributed significantly. Summarizing the legacy of his presidency, Biden declared, We have increased Americas power in every dimension, adding, Weve increased our military power. He concluded, Our sources of national power are far stronger than when we took office.

In a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the weekend, Biden boasted of the fundamentally changed regional circumstances throughout the Middle East, the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, and the weakening of Irans power in the region.

The Gaza genocide is an essential component of the US drive to increase American imperialisms power in the Middle East. The Biden administration has pursued the final solution of the Palestinian question, the drive to totally break the resistance of the Palestinian people in an effort to create what Bush administration National Security Advisor Condoleezza Rice christened the New Middle East, a term repeatedly used by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to describe the goal of the massive regional war he is waging on behalf of the imperialist powers.

In just six days, US President Donald Trump will take office. In a press conference last week, Trump pledged that all hell will break loose in the Middle East unless Hamas surrenders to Israels demands. Vice President JD Vance pledged to enable the Israelis to knock out the final couple of battalions of Hamas and their leadership.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has responded to the election of Trump by ordering preparations for the annexation of the West Bank, threatening to make the West Bank look like Gaza.

All factions of the American political establishment, from the blood-drenched Biden administration to Trump and his band of fascists, are committed to normalizing genocide and neo-colonial annexation. They see the ongoing massacre of the Palestinians not as an exception never to be repeated, but as the model to be applied to all rebellious populations, whether at home or abroad.

As Trump prepares to take office, the struggle against the Gaza genocide must be redoubled and transformed into a fight against the capitalist social order of which the slaughter in Palestine is only one horrific manifestation.
Trudeau with Trump during his first term as president. [Photo: Shealah Craighead White House]

Canadas political leaders have responded to US President-elect Donald Trumps threats to impose punishing across-the-board tariffs and use economic force to transform Canada into the USs 51st state with doubled-down pledges of fealty to the Canada-US military-strategic partnership, trade war threats of their own, and bellicose nationalism.

Workers must be warned: the nationalist flag-waving is to serve as the political-ideological spearhead of a dramatically intensified assault on the working class.

This has been spelled out most clearly by Pierre Poilievre, the far-right leader of the official opposition Conservatives, who are poised to come to power in a federal election almost certain to be held this spring. Poilievre is casting himself in Trump-like terms as the foremost proponent of Canada First. Speaking at a press conference last Thursday, he promised a Poilievre Conservative government would implement massive tax cuts for big business and the rich, pour huge sums into rebuilding Canadas weakened military, and slash all regulatory restraints on capital to boost profits, and carbon-gas producing energy and mineral production.

Declared Poilievre, The message that I have for the Americans, by the way, [is] the days of us just handing over our businesses and our jobs because of our economic vandalism by this big, fat, money-hungry government in Ottawa, are over. Were going to have a fierce free-market economy that competes with every country on earth.

The prospect of Poilievre as prime minister is viewed favourably not just by Canadian big business, but also by much of the American ruling class. Even as Elon Musk, the worlds richest man and Trump confidant, was endorsing Poilievre last week, the New York Times published a glowing portrait of the man who emerged as Conservative leader following his forthright advocacy of the fascist-led Freedom Convoy. In early 2022, the Convoy menacingly occupied downtown Ottawa with the backing of Trump and much of the Canadian political and corporate establishment, as well as sections of the national-security apparatus. The Times profile said virtually nothing about this extra-parliamentary mobilization of far-right forces, merely referring to it as a protest by truckers. Poilievre, according to the Times, displayed then as he does now an instinctive sense of what ordinary people want.

The governing Liberals, meanwhile, are rushing to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau with an even more right-wing representative of Canadas corporate elite. In the face of a Liberal parliamentary caucus revolt, Trudeau was forced to announce last week that he would step down as the head of government in March, once the Liberals have chosen a new leader. The frontrunners to replace him are Chrystia Freeland and Mark Carney. Freeland was the governments foremost anti-Russia war hawk till she precipitated the Liberal caucus revolt, by resigning as Finance Minister and accusing Trudeau of engaging in political gimmicks rather than slashing spending so as to brace Canadian capitalism for trade war. As head of the Bank of Canada and then the Bank of England, Carney presided over easy money and massive bailouts for the financial elite and austerity for working people.

Trumps threatsfirst of a 25% tariff on all Canadian and Mexican imports from Day One of his second presidency, and then to annex Canada and invade Greenland and the Panama Canalhave staggered the Canadian ruling class.

When Trudeau, in an act of cowardice and subservience, rushed to Trumps estate at Mar-a-Lago to plead with the incoming president to back off from his tariff threat, there was strong ruling class support. But the mood has shifted dramatically, after Trump made clear that he would not be placated by Ottawas pledges to assist his anti-immigrant witch-hunt, repeatedly mocked Trudeau as a governor, and then forthrightly declared his ambition to annex Canada.

In a comment published in the Globe and Mail Saturday, Jean Chretien, Canadas Liberal Prime Minister from 1993 to 2003, urged all political leaders to start showing the same spine and toughness that Canada had purportedly exhibited in the two imperialist world wars of the last century, and to combine pledges to Washington that we are their best friends with a readiness to play offense.

We also want to protect the Arctic, wrote Chretien, in a reference to Trumps complaints that Ottawa is not bearing enough of the burden in the North American imperialist powers strategic conflict with Russia and China. But the United States refuses to recognize the Northwest Passage, insisting that it is an international waterway, even though it flows through the Canadian Arctic as Canadian waters. We need the United States to recognize the Northwest Passage as being Canadian waters.

Chretiens comment is part of an avalanche of commentary in the capitalist press that more must be done to assert Canadian sovereignty, above all by surging resources to the border and massively increasing military spending. This includes the demand that Canada immediately increase annual defence expenditure to 2 percent of GDP, which would require an almost C$20 billion spending hike, while moving quickly to eliminate the budget deficitin other words, massive social spending cuts.

The opposition, such as it is, of the ruling class and all its political representativesfrom Poilievre and his Conservatives to the social democrats of the NDPto Trump is motivated solely by concerns for the profits, access to markets and resources, and global influence of Canadian capitalism.

For the past three-quarters of a century, the Canada-US military-strategic and economic partnership has been the cornerstone of Canadian imperialisms world position, the framework within which it has asserted and advanced its global predatory interests.

The Canadian ruling class is as anxious as are Trump, the Biden-Harris-led Democratic Party, and Wall Street in shoring up US imperialisms collapsing global hegemony. Under both Conservative and NDP-backed Liberal governments, Canada has been integrated ever more fully into Washingtons wars and regime-change operations. Today, Ottawa plays a significant role in all three major fronts in a developing US-instigated global war: against Russia in Eastern Europe, Iran and its allies in the Middle East, and China in the Indo-Pacific.

The main concern of the Canadian bourgeoisie is to negotiate the most advantageous position within a Trump-led Fortress North America. This is underscored by the ruling class enthusiasm for Poilievre, who is vowing to carry out a Trump-style social counterrevolution at the expense of working peoples social and democratic rights. It is also demonstrated by the unanimous support within the ruling class for the Canada-US military-strategic alliance and its multiple facets, from NATO, NORAD, and the Five Eyes to USMEC (the United States-Mexico-Canada trade agreement that superseded NAFTA.)

Thus, as he dismissed Trumps annexationist aims, Trudeau declared the Canada-US partnership unique. Both our countries benefit from being each others biggest trading and security partners, he affirmed. Ontario Premier Doug Ford, for his part, proclaims the need for a Fortress North America or Fortress Am-Can virtually whenever he comments on Canada-US relations and the looming trade war.

Trudeau is to preside Wednesday over a meeting of provincial premiers and territorial leaders in Ottawa convened to discuss how to respond to Trumps 25 percent tariff threat.

Trump has claimed the tariffs are necessary to compel Canada and Mexico to prevent illegal migrants and fentanyl from flooding into the US. These national security concerns are a pretext to justify Trump violating the provisions of USMEC, with the aim of extorting concessions on trade, investment, foreign and energy policy. In Canadas case, he also intends to compel Ottawa to at least surpass NATOs 2 percent of GDP military-spending floor. His economic bullying is also a means for Trump to advance his objective of militarizing North Americas external and internal borders in preparation for world war and mass social unrest.

Deeming the federal governments commitment of more than $1 billion in additional border spending and a surge of security personnel, drones and helicopters to the border inadequate, various provincial governments, including Quebec, Ontario and Alberta, have deployed their own forces to help police the border and thereby placate Trump.

However, the fascist president, sensing the vulnerability of US imperialisms Canadian partners and rivals, has upped his demand.

The federal and provincial governments and Canadian big business are increasingly resigned to the inevitability of an economically damaging and politically destabilizing tariff war. On Sunday, both Trudeau and Foreign Minister Melanie Joly reiterated Ottawas intention to retaliate for any new US tariffs. Based on orchestrated government leaks, the media reported last week that American steel products, orange juice, ceramics including toilets and sinks, glassware, and different types of plastics are among hundreds of items listed as possible targets for retaliatory tariffs.

However, there are growing cleavages within the Canadian ruling class, rooted in longstanding sectional divisions and the varied role different regions play in the integrated continental economy, over what retaliatory measures should be taken. Jolys claim in her Sunday interview with the CTV that nothing is off the table in respect to Canadian retaliation and that the government is considering curtailing or even banning Canadian exports to the US of energyoil, uranium, natural gas and hydro-electricityimmediately provoked a visceral reaction.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, Trump and Kevin O'Leary at Mar-a-Lago [Photo: Danielle Smith/X]

Danielle Smith, the far-right premier of oil-rich Alberta, warned, as she had when Ottawa had previously raised the possibility of an energy export tax, that any federal government attempt to curtail Alberta's oil exports would provoke a national unity crisis. Raising the veiled threat of Alberta separatism, she denounced Eastern politicians,' and cautioned Ottawa that it should not threaten Trump with something it couldn't do.

The previous day Smith travelled to Mar-a-Lago, along with far-right provocateur Jordan Petersen and the Trump wannabe Canadian businessman and TV personality Kevin OLeary. She was granted a brief audience with the incoming president, during which she tried to convince him to exempt Canadian energy exports, if he persisted with imposing tariffs on Canadian products. As part of what Smith called a friendly and constructive conversation with Trump, she also pitched her plan to double Alberta oil production so the US can export more oil to the rest of the world.

Workers in the US, Canada and Mexico have no interest in being dragged into a trade war whose principal victims will be working people, through layoffs, plant closures and price increases.

All the more so, in that this trade war arises from the frenzied drive of the major capitalist powers, Canada included, to secure markets, resources and investment in a global inter-capitalist struggle to gain dominance in AI, robotics and other emerging technologies and prepare for all-out global war.

In so far as the crisis is roiling the Canadian bourgeoisie, workers across CanadaFrench and English-speaking and immigrantshould seek to exploit it, by intensifying the class struggle and forging unity with their class brothers and sisters in the US, Mexico and beyond in defence of all jobs, public services and workers rights and opposition to imperialist war.

This is the exact opposite of the course being pursued by the social-democratic NDP and the trade unions. They are to be found in the front lines of those agitating for retaliatory measures and increased military spending, while appealing to Trump to remove his tariff threat in recognition of the pivotal role Canadian natural resources and manufactures plays in feeding American imperialisms war machine.

A similar role is being played by Quebec Solidaire, the pro-independence pseudo-left party that is the second opposition party in the Quebec National Assembly. It has joined the Parti Quebecois, which has been in the forefront of chauvinist anti-immigrant agitation, in urging a Quebec First strategy, including separate negotiations between Quebec City and Washington, on the grounds Ottawa will give preference to defending Ontarios auto industry and Albertas energy over protecting Quebec interests.

If these elements are allowed to get their way, the working class will be politically bound hand and foot to the Canadian ruling class as it seeks to strike a bargain with Trump and wages class war, or to whichever of its rival factions they are most closely associated with. Even before Trumps tariff war threat, the Alberta NDP was moving to sever its ties with the national party, so it could tailor its program more to the needs of the provinces oil barons.

While railing against China, Russia and Iran, during last falls election campaign, Trump repeatedly proclaimed that the greatest threat to the US oligarchs for whom he speaks was the enemy withinthat is the American working class.

The only viable strategy for workers in Canada to assert their class interests in opposition to Trudeau, Poilievre, Doug Ford, Albertas Smith, the rival federalist and separatist wings of the Quebec political elite, and, last but not least, Trump is by joining forces with that enemy within in the fight for workers political power in North America and around the world.
A smartphone with Tik Tok and WeChat apps [Credit: AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File]

The US Department of Justice (DoJ) has urged the Supreme Court to allow a federal ban on TikTok to take effect on January 19, the final day that President Joe Biden is in office. This is a reactionary attack on democratic rights and free speech that must be opposed.

At a court hearing January 10, the DoJ urged the court to reject TikToks challenge to the law passed by Congress last year to force ByteDance, the Chinese parent company, to sell the popular app, as well as incoming President Donald Trumps request that the ban be delayed until after he takes office.

The ban is part of the 21st Century Peace through Strength Act. It was passed on an overwhelmingly bipartisan basis, with 79-18 passing it in the Senate and 352 to 65 in the House. It was signed into law by Biden last April. The TikTok ban was part of a military aid package including a bill providing $26 billion for Israels genocide in Gaza, $8 billion for arming Taiwan for war with China, and $61 billion for the US-NATO war with Russia in Ukraine.

The law required ByteDance, TikToks parent company, to sell the app and its powerful video recommendation algorithm to a US buyer by January 19, 2025. Previously, the Chinese government has stated it would violate national security to sell the algorithm. TikTok has also indicated that such a divestiture would be incompatible with the TikTok system, given that the recommendation algorithm is continuously developed by a global engineering team and that the content is global in character.

It goes without saying that a Chinese effort to do the same thing to a US-based company, like forcing Google to hand over its search engine algorithm in order to remain in the Chinese market, would be denounced by the US government and the corporate media as a dictatorial effort by Beijing to seize control of American assets for the most nefarious purposes.

The US Appeals Court for the District of Columbia upheld the anti-TikTok bill in December, prompting the emergency appeal by the company. Demonstrating the advanced state of decay of what passes for the justice system, comments from both Republican-appointed and Democratic-appointed justices indicated that they would uphold the ban and reject both TikToks appeal and Trumps bid for a delay.

Biden appointee Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson suggested that banning a means of communication used by 170 million Americans somehow doesnt violate the First Amendment, supporting the position taken by Bidens Attorney General Merrick Garland in his brief to the court demanding a denial. Chief Justice John Roberts, a Bush appointee, made a similar claim. Roberts argued along the same lines as Garland, that since Congresss purpose was to prevent a foreign adversary from gathering information about the apps users, that the law was legitimate.

There were some significant comments made during oral arguments. Justice Elena Kagan made a connection between the US governments anti-communist laws made during the Red Scare in the 1950s to regulate the speech of the Communist Party. Jackson disagreed with Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogars claim that the act had nothing to do with changing content on the app, saying, The whole point of the divestiture is to change the content.

This was further confirmed by a revealing response by Prelogar to Justice Neil Gorsuch who asked if the governments position was that ByteDance might be, through TikTok, trying to get Americans to argue with each other. Prelogar agreed, saying that might very well be true.

Despite all the claims of content manipulation and insinuations about all-pervasive propaganda, the government itself has presented no evidence of this. Gorsuch at one point said, The government admits that it has no evidence that TikTok has engaged in covert content manipulation in this country. The whole government case has about as much evidence as George W. Bush produced of Iraqi weapons of mass destruction, the claim which was infamously used to justify the invasion of Iraq in 2003.

Trump has argued for a delay on the grounds that he, Trump, has unique expertise in using social media and that the Supreme Court should acknowledge this by giving him the final decision on whether to implement the congressional ban. In effect, he asked the Court to expand even further the extent of presidential power over all of social and economic life.

While pretending to pose as a defender of the democratic rights of TikTok users, taking advantage of the right-wing policy of the Biden administration, Trump seeks to effect a similar result, only giving himself the time to steer the forced sale of ByteDance to billionaires of his own choosing, such as Shark Tank investor Kevin OLeary, American billionaire Frank McCourt, or even Elon Musk. He would accomplish essentially the same aim as the Democrats in limiting free speech, while enriching favored oligarch buyers.

Garland and the Biden administration are clearly lying when they claim that the act isnt an attempt to suppress disfavored views in violation of the First Amendment. One of the primary points of the act as described by Republican Senator and Trump acolyte Marco Rubio is to proscribe disfavored views.

Rubio, who is the fascist Trumps nominee for secretary of state, led the campaign to ban TikTok and was one of the first backers of the bill to ban it, saying the legislation would be a huge step toward confronting Beijings malign influence. Rubios official X account has pages upon pages of posts shrieking for TikTok to be banned because it is controlled by Communist China and the Chinese Communist Party, phrases he repeats ad nauseum. This hate campaign is in line with the bipartisan support for the Wuhan Lab conspiracy theory which vilifies China by blaming it for COVID-19.

Rubio is also against TikTok because of the role it has played in exposing Israels genocide in Gaza. In one post from November 4 of last year, he claimed the app was amplifying pro-Hamas content and that that is another reason to ban the app. In another such post from February he claimed, TikToks influence over young Americans and its users is creating an anti-Israel, pro-Hamas sentiment. In another: TikTok is a tool for spreading terrorist propaganda and antisemitism. Yet another reason to ban this app.

That is, what the ruling class and their parties really fear is the capacity for social media to show the truth about capitalist society, its wars, staggering inequality, and the attack on basic democratic rights.

Congress members have claimed the ban has to do with protecting Americans personal data, but that is belied by their reauthorization in April of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) which renews the ability of the NSA and CIA to conduct a massive, warrantless, unconstitutional spy operation that combs through all of Americans phone and internet data. The largest threat by far to the American publics democratic rights is the American ruling class, not TikTok. The first and most important step to truly defend democratic rights would be to dissolve the National Security Agency and the Central Intelligence Agency.

The IYSSE opposes the ban on TikTok, whether by the Democrats or Trump, and calls on students, youth and workers to demand its rescinding. The ban is aimed at whipping up national chauvinism and anti-Chinese hatred in preparation for war with China and at suppressing socialist and anti-war views more generally.

While opposing the ban, the IYSSE also recognizes that TikTok itself carries out censorship. Content opposing the genocide in Gaza, as well as calls to free opponents of the Ukraine war such as Ukrainian Socialist Bogdan Syrotiuk have been censored.

In any TikTok forced sale, the US government would seek to install a Facebook-style censorship regime or worse. Facebook is notorious for having tens of thousands of thought police combing through posts and censoring left-wing and socialist ideas. Google has admitted in a Senate hearing to censoring the World Socialist Web Site. Instagram conducts mass censorship against opposition to the genocide in Gaza, as revealed by a Human Rights Watch report.

The main source of disinformation and propaganda is the capitalist system, under which a handful of wealthy oligarchs controls the economy and the political system. The Trump administration represents a full-scale seizure of all political power by the oligarchy, which can only lead to dictatorship and the destruction of all democratic rights.

To fight these dangers, the IYSSE demands the expropriation of all social media and internet companies by the working class, the disbanding of corporate and government censorship, and the democratic control of the working class over these companies on the basis of the widest freedom of discussion and debate.
In the wake of the holiday season, respiratory illnesses that include COVID-19, flu and RSV are once again on a rapidly accelerating trajectory in the US, Europe and China. Vaccines are available for these pathogens and the means to quickly contain their spread are well-established. But instead, capitalist governments have abandoned sound public health measures, and the let-it-rip policy is on full display, given political cover by a massive disinformation campaign.

Virus detections by subtype reported to FluNet, January 1, 2019 to December 23, 2024. [Photo: World Health Organization]

In the US, many hospitals in the upper Midwest and Northeast are scrambling to reinstitute mask mandates amid fears of what is being called the quad-demic (COVID-19, RSV, influenza and Norovirus, a stomach flu that is passed through the oral-fecal route for which a vaccine is currently in phase two studies). The rising number of emergency room visits speaks to the failure to address respiratory pathogens through public health measures.

Two large health systems in the metro Detroit area, the Detroit Medical Center and Corewell Health, are restricting the number of visitors they allow at their facilities. Dr. Rachel Klamo, president of the Michigan Academy of Family Physicians, told the Detroit Free Press, Our hospitals are busy. Hospitals in southeast Michigan, for sure, are operating at pretty high capacity. Theres just a high burden of illness right now, and a lot of it is respiratory. Were seeing high rates of influenza type A and B, respiratory syncytial virus or RSV, and then COVID-19 as well. There are hospitals in southeast Michigan with an extremely high burden of COVID right now and have a lot of patients who are very, very sick with COVID. We are at higher levels than weve been in some time.

In the last three months of 2024, between October 1, and December 14, 2024, during the last lull in COVID infections, the CDC estimated there were 9.3 million cases of flu, 4.2 million doctor visits, 140,000 hospitalizations, and 13,000 deaths. For RSV, in the same period, there were 1.2 million cases, 60,000 hospitalizations, and 3,100 deaths. For COVID, the figures were 4.9 million cases, 1.1 million visits, 130,000 hospitalizations and 15,000 deaths.

Levels of Respiratory Illness Activity in the US as of December 28, 2024

With respect to the UK, retired physician, Dr. Evonne Curran, who worked at Glasgow Royal Hospital from 1988 to 2022, told The I Paper that she had never before encountered a winter infectious disease crisis like the one that is currently inundating health systems there. Curran said of the four viruses floating around hospitals at absolutely high levels  When you have so many infections coming in through hospital doors, what you would normally do to contain infections is to shut that bay and shut that ward. But when you have got 12 ambulances lined up outside A&E and are desperate to place patients in beds, you are going to use beds wherever you can and put patients anywhere. I think it is understandable that people are terrified of going into hospital at the moment. I wouldnt want to go into hospital in the current situation.

The wife of former prime minister Boris Johnson (of the let the bodies pile high in their thousands), 38-year-old Carrie Johnson, was admitted for almost a week after contracting the flu and pneumonia. She was having severe labored breathing. This only underscores the seriousness of these pathogens to ones well-being. While the rich and famous have access to boutique health care facilities with physicians at their beck and call, for most working class people, lack of prompt access to physicians means they will keep working and see their health dangerously deteriorate before seeking care at crowded emergency rooms.

Inevitably, the current wave of infections will only be aggravated by the return of students to school and university after the holiday break.

As Curran correctly observed, Everyone [still] thinks it is people not washing their handsthats not the case. These are airborne viruses and even norovirus is found in the air for several hours and is more likely to be inhaled. So, the more people we have in hospital with an infection, the more contamination we have got in the air. You cant hand wash your way out of this quad-demic because it is mainly spread by what you breathe in and what you breathe out.

Given the repeated waves of COVID, each with higher rates of hospitalization and deaths than flu, the SARS-CoV-2 virus remains a formidable pathogen, and the population should take heed to avoid infections by masking with well-fitting N95 respirators and using HEPA filters in indoor environments. Vaccines continue to afford important protections against severe disease and death, and development of Long COVID from these infections.

Perhaps more daunting, fewer than 40 percent of all Americans have planned to obtain the latest COVID vaccine and just over half reported they might get the flu shots. According to an October Pew Research Center survey, Smaller shares say they will get an updated vaccine (24 percent) or have already received one (15 percent).

The majority of those choosing not to receive COVID boosters erroneously believe that it isnt needed despite the numerous studies that have demonstrated the rising risk of cardiac disease, neurological consequences, Long COVID, and potential risks of cancers associated with repeat infections. These disparities between the science of COVID and the publics understanding is the result of the ferocious bipartisan attack on science and public health that has shaped the response to the ongoing COVID pandemic.

Percent of tests positive for respiratory viruses. [Photo: CDC]

For instance, a recent study on cognitive impairments with neurological Long COVID, published in Nature, found that these patients exhibited higher rates of fatigue, depression and anxiety and did worse on cognitive tests. They had impairments in their mental flexibility, verbal short-term memory, working memory, and processing speed. These studies have their corollary in real-life experiences of workers. In another study published by Ohio State University researchers, Long COVID was continuing to cause significant daily disruptions in COVID survivors personal and professional lives, despite most having been infected in 2020.

The report noted, For those who continued working after their COVID-19 infection, the effort and energy required for work left little capacity to participate in other life activities and made it difficult to attend recommended health care appointments. Participants reported financial impacts of changes in employment including loss of income and changes in insurance, which were compounded by high health care costs.

Furthermore, the study continued, A quarter of the patients who took part in the study reported significant activity limitations and two-thirds reported having a disability. Those with Long COVID show a lower likelihood of full-time employment and higher potential for unemployment compared to those without Long COVID.

Most egregious, in the climate of COVID denialism, has been the inability of Long COVID survivors to address their health needs. The studys lead author, Dr. Sarah MacEwan, told Ohio Capital Journal, One thing weve uncovered through this work is people not being believed by their providers about their symptoms or being brushed off or pushed into other diagnoses that they feel dont reflect their experience. According to MacEwan, Its a real question of whether they are getting what they need from the providers theyre able to reach where they are.

US COVID-19 transmission the past 12 months and forecast. [Photo: Pandemic Mitigation Collaborative]

At present, the average number of coronavirus infections per person across the US stands at 3.55 according to the Pandemic Mitigation Collaborative (PMC), led by Dr. Mike Hoerger, a leading international expert on health analytics and COVID-19 modeler at Tulane. In the US, the XEC strain of the virus accounts for nearly 50 percent of all current COVID infections and continues to dominate the respiratory landscape. In their latest report, the PMC note that COVID infections have risen back to approximately 1 million cases per day and could top 1.5 million daily at the peak of the 10th wave.

What is particularly disconcerting however, as some have observed, the troughs (lows) continue to rise with each COVID wave, underscoring the lunacy of attempting to define this virus as endemic, as though it had stabilized or was under control. What remains undefined are the long-term implications of repeat infections with SARS-CoV-2 on overall population health. The evidence suggests that infectious diseases may be one of the primary causative factors of non-communicable diseases.

A study published last week in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that there was a positive correlation between early childhood infection burden and subsequent infection risks, and systemic antibiotic use later in childhood. Among 614 children who were part of a study conducted in Copenhagen, the authors noted that children with a high infection burden (equal to or more than 16 episodes) in the first three years of life showed a significantly increased risk (2.39 times) of moderate to severe infections and systemic antibiotic treatments (1.34 times) later in childhood. The findings highlight the importance of infection prevention, not mass infection (aka herd immunity) as a public health policy.

The upcoming confirmation hearings of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has advanced anti-vaccine conspiracy theories and an assortment of anti-scientific conceptions, to head the Department of Health and Human Services, raises important political and social issues, threatening the advances in public health that have increased life expectancy and well-being for working people throughout the world.

Under the auspices of capitalist production and the turn to more authoritarian forms of rule, these gains are being threatened, and the disinformation campaign being used to sow mistrust in science and public health constitute an effort to degrade the social and political consciousness of the working class.

Indeed, the appointment of RFK Jr. and the second Trump administration will only accelerate the decay into barbarism that has been underway for several decades. Only the working class has the ability to reverse this trajectory through social revolution on an international basis.
New Zealands workplace relations minister Brooke Van Velden announced legislation last month that will dock workers pay if they take partial strike action, such as refusing to perform certain tasks or working to rule.

New Zealand Workplace Relations Minister Brooke Van Velden [Photo: Facebook/Brooke Van Velden]

The Employment Relations (Pay Deductions for Partial Strikes) Amendment Bill is part of sweeping attacks on basic democratic rights by the National Party-led government. These include measures to expand police powers and make it easier to imprison people, and proposed laws against foreign interference, which will enable the state to crack down on opposition to imperialist war and other actions that are deemed to undermine national interests.

As the countrys economic recession deepens, the ruling elite is seeking to resolve the crisis through an historic reduction in workers living standards. The government is carrying out brutal austerity measures, including cuts to public health, a wage freeze for public sector workers, lowering the legal minimum wage, and mass redundancies. The new law is aimed at making it even harder for workers to resist such attacks.

Under the proposed amendment, employers will be able to respond to partial strikes by deducting 10 percent of workers wages. Alternatively, they can reduce an employees pay by a proportionate amount, calculated in accordance with a specified method that is based on identifying the work that the employee will not be performing due to the strike, according to a government statement.

The Employment Relations Act, passed in the year 2000 by the then Labour Party government with the support of the Council of Trade Unions, already outlaws almost all industrial action, except during a narrow window when wages are being re-negotiated. Workers not in a union, which is about 90 percent of the workforce, have virtually no legal right to strike.

Technically, workers can strike over health and safety concerns, but the unions make sure this almost never happens. For instance, there has been no organised opposition to the last Labour governments complete abandonment of any measures to stop the spread of COVID-19, such as the removal of mask mandates in hospitals, which endangers workers and patients.

The proposed law against partial strikes was initially introduced by then prime minister John Keys National Party government in 2014, but was repealed four years later by the Labour Party-led coalition government. Labour instead sought to strengthen the role of the unions as an industrial police force to shut down strikes and impose austerity. Its misnamed fair pay agreements legislation would have created a corporatist framework to ban strikes across entire industries during wage-setting negotiations.

Despite the existing anti-strike laws, workers are trying to find ways to oppose the increasing attacks on wages and conditions.

Minister Van Velden, a member of the far-right ACT Party in the coalition government, pointed to some recent partial strikes in a statement on December 9. These included hospital technicians limiting the number of scans performed in August 2024; teachers in 2023 who refused to teach certain year groups on certain days; and rail workers in Wellington who took work-to-rule industrial action in September 2024 (before their struggle was sold out by the Rail and Maritime Transport Union).

About 3,000 workers at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, including immigration border staff, began work-to-rule action in December after being offered a zero percent pay increase.

Van Velden also pointed to disruption caused by limited work-to-rule action by civilian workers employed in the Defence Force, which has led to some uniformed personnel being redeployed to perform civilian tasks. The government cannot tolerate such actions as it prepares to expand the military and to integrate into US-led wars against Russia, in the Middle East and against China.

Moreover, as the government funnels billions more dollars to the armed forces, while imposing deep cuts to public services, it is deeply concerned about growing anger in the working class that could erupt beyond anything seen up to this point. Governments in the US, Australia and Europe are all strengthening anti-strike measures for this reason.

Van Velden cynically declared that because of partial strikes we have seen patients face delays to receiving medical scans and treatment due to increased waiting lists, kids missing out on education and parents missing out on work, and train passengers left waiting at platforms.

It is the systematic running down of public services by successive Labour and National-led governments that has led to the crisis in education, healthcare and public transportation.

The governments savage attacks on healthcare include a 1.5 percent pay offer for nurses over the next two years, a significant real wage cut, which led to nationwide part-day strikes last month. Nothing is being done to address the severe staffing shortage, which has forced tens of thousands of patients with painful and life-threatening conditions to wait months or years to receive treatment.

The Council of Trade Unions (CTU) warned that the governments proposed law change could backfire by reducing the ability of the union apparatus to control workers. CTU acting president Rachel Mackintosh told Radio NZ on December 10 that if workers cant take partial strike action for fear of this kind of retribution and unreasonable reaction, then whats left to people is full strike action and far more disruption.

The CTU noted that, contrary to statements by Van Velden, working to rule is not actually a partial strike. It simply means that workers refuse to perform tasks outside the letter of their employment agreement (such as changing shifts or performing overtime). These non-strikes are a favourite method of the unions to let off steam while causing very minimal disruption to business operations, causing workers to become demoralised and paving the way for a sell-out deal.

Neither the pro-capitalist union apparatus, nor the opposition Labour and Green Parties, have any intention of organising a real fight against the governments attacks. Over the past year the highly-paid union bureaucracy has worked hand-in-hand with the government and private businesses to implement wage freezes and thousands of job cuts, including the orderly closure of several factories in the meat and paper industries.

For the working class to defend its interests, it must rebel against all these organisations and build new ones. Rank-and-file committees must be established in every industry and workplace, so that workersboth union members and the 9 out of 10 who are not in a unioncan democratically discuss and coordinate their struggles.

Workers must also break from the Labour Party, which governed from 2017-2023 with the support of the Greens and the unions, overseeing increased homelessness and child poverty and a vast transfer of wealth to the rich. The only way forward is for workers to build a new party that fights for the socialist reorganisation of society, on the basis of human need, not private profit. This is the program of the Socialist Equality Group in New Zealand and the International Committee of the Fourth International.
Over the last year and a half, the UAW bureaucracy has continued to divide workers within each company and local. UAW President Shawn Fain came down to Kokomo, his hometown, to continue his sham Keep the Promise  campaign, but explained nothing about the reason for the job losses nor the nine+ hour days we continue to work!

Since the Stand Up Strike there has been no information provided on further sellouts, contract betrayals or job losses. We voted 97 percent to all go on strikeFord, GM and Stellantis together! But the  Stand Up Strike divided us up and kept us off guard, but it did not impact the companies, who continued to profit.

The current situation facing our brothers and sisters at the Starplus battery plant in Kokomo shows what this historic contract was really about.

StarPlus Energy and UAW benefit from leasing employees

Stellantiss and Samsungs new joint venture was created to produce new EV batteries. The campaign drive by Shawn Fain to unionize the battery plants was only to keep the UAWs dues stream flowing. Stellantis will be laying us off in several rounds by leasing us to StarPlus. Literally, in their letter it says, All hourly employees of STARPLUS ENERGY will be separated. Concurrently all employees will be offered full-time employment by Stellantis, which will then lease your services back to STARPLUS ENERGY under our new employment arrangement.

Kokomo Transmission Plant workers on July 19, 2023

The UAW said nothing about our future. By GM backing out of the Lansing Ultium plant, it put the status of the 100 workers up in the air. What happens when Stellantis also decides to change its mind? Fain earlier this month told us the whole situation we are in was the fault of Carlos Tavares. He implied that now that Tavares has been forced out, the violations of our contract are over. But in reality, he was forced out by shareholders only because he didnt cut costs fast enough. Fain didnt say anything about the workers that were permanently laid off earlier this year. Some were flipped, supposedly based on seniority, but then they were permanently laid off.

Our brothers and sisters at the plant told us that they were sold a bag of lies about safety. They say they are working with constant safety issues that are never addressed. With constant OSHA violations continuing, nothing is done to make things safer. You can drive by the plant and almost twice a week there are fires there!

Acting like human resources, the UAW has these recruitment meetings to push us to go work at the battery plant. They change our employment status and our pay when working in the StarPlus plant. The form they give is an effective threat to either be leased out to Starplus, like a piece of equipment, or have no job and be denied unemployment for refusing to be leased out. Either way we lose our current job and seniority. If youre on indefinite layoff and refuse to be leased out, they will cut your sub pay and deny Indiana unemployment as well. The company did this purposely by keeping those of who are laid off out indefinitely and using that to starve us and make us take a lower wage at the battery plant. All the lies that the UAW is protecting seniority were exposed by all the layoffs at the end of the Stand Up sham.

Global fight to defend the right to a job

We are not alone in losing our jobs. 35,000 of our brothers and sisters at Volkswagen in Germany are losing their jobs as well. Like the UAW bureaucracy here, their union IG Metall gave their blessings to management. Just like here they said that no plant will be closed. They dont say anything about loss of benefits for thousands of workers losing their jobs.

All the attempts of reforming the union with the UAWD and others is a way to push us back to the bureaucracy, while they wash their hands from betrayals. We saw what happened to Delphi when GM spun off the parts plants. Throughout the Midwest workers at Delphi had their wages, retirement and healthcare benefits gutted. They were the test case used by the auto companies on how to cut costs and boost profits. Stellantis is doing the same with us at the battery plants.

Smoke rises from StarPlus Energy battery plant in Kokomo.

The US is at war for resources. Lithium, cobalt, nickel and other elements that go into these batteries are in countries like Ukraine and Russia. We dont want to fight our brothers in sisters in Russia, China or anywhere else. We need our own independent organization to share information. The UAW supports the government and the wars abroad while telling us nothing! But we have the power because we outnumber them!

Build the Stellantis Kokomo Rank-and-File Committee!

We founded this committee to unite workers across this city, the auto industry and workers internationally. We exposed the Stand Up strike and the role of the UAW bureaucracy. As we said earlier this year, With our brothers and sisters of the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC), we are for abolishing, not reforming, the UAW bureaucracy, to put power into the hands of the workers.

With our brothers and sisters in the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) we raise the following demands:

Immediate release of the list of planned plant closures!

Not a single job loss or plant closure in the transition to EV!

If EVs require less labor time to produce, then reduce hours and increase pay!

Unite across borders to prevent a race to the bottom!

Place the auto industry under social ownership subject to democratic workers control!

Workers from KEP, KTP, ITP, Casting and the StarPlus plants and workers more broadly, join us to defend our right to a job!
Rail workers at BNSF or other carriers, has your attendance policy recently changed? Share your experience by filling out the form below.

A Union Pacific worker walks between two locomotives that are being serviced in a railyard in Council Bluffs, Iowa, on Dec. 15, 2023. Recent layoffs at Union Pacific and BNSF, combined with an investment fund's campaign to take control of Norfolk Southern, are renewing concern among unions and regulators about how job cuts might affect safety and service. [AP Photo/Josh Funk]

BNSF, the freight railroad owned by billionaire Warren Buffett, has unilaterally reduced workers ability to use time off. The move comes as the rail unions are attempting to push through another round of sellout contracts which are even worse than the deal imposed by Congress in 2022.

The company has reduced time-off allocationsthe number of workers who can use their paid time off on a given dayby at least 25 percent. The move comes after BNSF significantly decreased how many days railroaders could request by charging more points per request under their despised Hi-Viz points-based system in April 2024.

These scheduling changes apply to engineers and conductors (TY&E) who are expected to always be on-call, work in near-isolation, alternate between day and night shifts on short notice, and must work unbroken spans of 14 or more days to accrue any time-off points but can lose all their points for a single request off.

In 2022, workers rebelled against a new sellout contract which contained no guaranteed sick days. Railroaders are among the most overworked sections of the working class in America, with 80- or even 100-hour work weeks common and train crews unable to spend time with their families. They are also under the anti-worker Railway Labor Act, which severely restricts their legal right to strike.

BNSF is especially hated for its Hi Viz points-based attendance policy, which it imposed unilaterally even without going through the motions of contract talks. In early 2022, the issue went to court, where a federal judge predictably sided with management on national security grounds.

Railroad management almost lost control when workers voted down a White House-backed contract, pushing instead for a national strike. An instrumental role was played by the Railroad Workers Rank-and-File Committee, which campaigned against the deal and urged workers to take matters into their own hands. The RWRFC is also urging workers to reject the new round of contracts.

Following Congress bipartisan strike ban, BNSF and the other railroads voluntarily gave up fig-leaf sick days in order to tamp down on popular anger, a move which union officials hailed at the time. But now, workers are finding out that what is given is easily taken away.

2025 schedules shared with the World Socialist Web Site from Workforce Hub, the BNSF employee portal, reveal that the maximum number of crewmen allowed each day to lay offuse their accrued time offwas reduced from 20 to 15 out, of over 200 workers at the largest BNSF terminal.

As a result, most of the year was instantly booked nearly to capacity, preventing workers from requesting off for special occasions, family events, or any emergent events during the year. One worker commented on social media, [At] my terminal, we only have 40 guys total and our allocation per day is 1.

Railroaders discovered the policy change through haphazard announcements from managers, which claimed workers had a surplus of points at the end of 2024 that went unused. Many took to social media to confirm the rumors and denounce this attack on workers.

[BNSF] already made allocations for time off on weekends impossible, commented one worker as to why they had unused days off. Another agreed: trying to get medical leave has been a nightmare for me.

The fact that this major policy change has been made unilaterally by the carriers and conveyed disjointedly by managers is an indictment of the union bureaucrats that nominally represent railroaders at the six Class I carriers. Management feels emboldened to tighten the screws on workers because they have the support of union officials, who at the same time are also joining ranks with the ultra-right Trump government.

Rail workers have been battling worsening conditions since the 2022 strike ban. The union bosses played the decisive role in this historic defeat, unsuccessfully trying to sow illusions in the Biden administrations intervention, then attempting to pass the deal using threats and lies, and, finally, when workers voted it down, delaying a legally-sanctioned strike to provide Congress time to organize a counteroffensive.

The lack of adequate time off, including for medical and family reasons, was a key demand in the 2022 dispute and catapulted the plight of railroaders to national attention. If skilled workers in the most profitable industry in America could be treated like indentured servants, then whose livelihoods were safe?

The 2022 agreement, finalized three years into a five-year contract, rapidly expired and bargaining for a new contract began in 2024. Rail carriers and union bureaucrats, licking their wounds, made extensive preparations to avoid a repeat of the 2022 showdown. They are currently attempting to break workers unity by negotiating tentative agreements craft by craft, union by union, in some cases even region by regiona repudiation of the national pattern bargaining of the past.

However, a brief look at the proposed contracts revealed they were nearly carbon copiesa national pattern agreement in all but name. The fact that the union bureaucrats not only permitted this divide-and-conquer strategy but endorsed the tentative agreements exposed their role as agents of management.

The union apparatuses are such reliable handmaidens of the rail carriers anti-worker policies that the latter feel emboldened to impose their diktats without even the fig-leaf of negotiation and compromiseall this while bargaining over contracts continues.

Summing up the mood among railroaders, one worker commented, [T]hey want us right under their thumb. This is the worst morale has been in my time here.

The mass exodus of experienced railroaders from the industry over unbearable conditionsa third of the workforce have left without replacement in the past decadecomes at a time when rail safety is under critical attack and the entire nation is placed on a war footing, focused intensely on infrastructure and logistics, especially the rails and docks.

Train lengths have doubled to nearly three miles in recent years, contributing to mounting derailments that now occur an average of three derailments per day. This includes the catastrophic derailment in East Palestine, Ohio in 2023 that released 1.1 million pounds of vinyl chloride into the atmosphere, resulting in a meager settlement. Later that year, Union Pacific laid off over 1,300 maintenance of way workers, or half its workforce.

At the same time, rail carriers have pressed to reduce train crews from the historically low two-person crews to just a single engineer. BNSF train and engine service workers rejected a tentative agreement in November that would have paved the way for one-man crews, the third such TA to be rejected in recent months.

Rail workers need to draw their own conclusions. The railroads are exceptionally profitablewealth that can be used to invest in a trained workforce, salaries, pensions, paid time off, safety measures, and new equipment, including technology to assist, not replace, workers in the safe fulfillment of their jobs.

However, workers must decisively break with the corporatist trade unions, whose bureaucrats defend the right of billionaires to profit off their labor and espouse the toxic America first nationalism that leads workers into a race-to-the-bottom fight against their brothers and sisters around the world.

The Rail Workers Rank-and-File Committee is the only independent organization by, for, and of workers fighting to unite North American railroaders across crafts to reverse the historic decline in their living standards and place the leadership of this vital industry under the control of workers. It has called on railroaders to reject the sellout deals cooked up behind their backs. To join or contact the Committee, please fill out the form below.
The vice chancellor of Peradeniya University in Sri Lanka, Terrence Madujith, issued a press release on Friday stating that the University wishes to address the concerns raised by various groups regarding the public meeting titled How to fight against the IMF austerity program?

The statement was referring to the International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) meeting that was scheduled for January 3 but banned as a result of a letter sent on that morning by Acting Vice Chancellor Ranjith Pallegama. The meeting had been sponsored by the Political Science Students Association (PSSA) at the universitys Political Science Department.

The press release not only suggested that the planned meeting was an unauthorized event, but foreshadowed the imposition of stringent restrictions on future meetings and thus the freedom of expression at the university.

The vice chancellor hastened to issue his so-called clarification, just seven days after the cancellation of our lecture, because this blatantly anti-democratic action sparked outrage among academics, intellectuals, students and workers in Sri Lanka and internationally.

Firstly, Madujith claimed that the meeting was not banned, saying that the acting vice chancellor was simply asking innocently for a change to the topic of the meeting. This is false as the request came with an explicit threat.

The letter to the head of the Political Science Department specifically declared that the topic be changed so as not to appear that the meeting challenges the government policies or else consider hereby is suspended immediately.

Secondly, the press release implied that the student organisation, the PSSA, was not duly registered in the university; and did not go through the relevant authorities to obtain approval. As a result, PSSA allowed an international organisation, that is the IYSSE, to hold the meeting.

As far as the PSSA is concerned, it obtained permission from the head of the Department of Political Science for the meeting, was allocated a lecture room for the event and informed the IYSSE. In the past two years, the PSSA has sponsored lectures not only by the IYSSE but also other organisations.

The IYSSE has held several lectures sponsored by the PSSA: The Ukraine War and How to Stop It, on August 22, 2023; An introduction to historical materialism, on October 26, 2023; The Centenary of Trotskyism, addressed by Joe Kishore, national secretary of the Socialist Equality Party (US) on December 07, 2023; and on the Communist Manifesto on February 21, 2024.

Many students along with some academics and non-academic employees have taken part in these lectures which have prompted discussion and debate.

Some of the attendees at IYSSE lecture at Peradeniya University on 26 October 2023

Only now, when the IYSSE was about to hold a lecture, entitled How to fight against the IMF austerity?, did the university authorities fault with the PSSA and the IYSSE for not obtaining due permission!

This is not accidental. The IYSSE and the Socialist Equality Party (SEP) alone have been exposing the newly established Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna/ National Peoples Power (JVP/NPP) government that is now centrally imposing the harsh IMF austerity program in full. That is why there was an inquiry about the lecture and its purpose from the prime ministers office, despite subsequent denials.

The vice chancellor concludes his press release by hypocritically declaring that the University of Peradeniya remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding academic freedom and cultivating a culture of critical inquiry and intellectual engagement

This culture of critical inquiry and intellectual engagement is to be severely circumscribed, however. The previous paragraph declares that the university has a strict policy that prior permission [for meetings] must be obtained from the Deputy Vice-Chancellor/ Vice-Chancellor through the Chief Marshal, the University Proctor and other relevant officials.

The university authorities have suddenly unearthed this strict policy when it suits their political purposes. The target is very evident, as the letter banning the IYSSE made clear: it is a meeting or activity that challenges the government policies.

Moreover, in the Sinhala language but not English language version of his press release, the vice chancellor appears to taking aim at the IYSSE in particular.

Reportedly, it declares, these associations distributing leaflets and other materials and holding meetings within the faculty, without permission from the University, have attempted to sabotage the facultys education activities.

While we are not named, the slanderous insinuation is that the IYSSE is not only engaged in political activities without permission but has attempted to sabotage the facultys education activities. Clearly this is an attempt to intimidate students and academics, stifle political discussion in the Political Science and other faculties and prepare to bar the IYSSE from campus.

What the university bureaucrats and the government fear is that students will begin to oppose the drastic austerity measures that the JVP/NPP is preparing to impose on schools and universities. Moreover, under the IYSSEs influence, students will turn to the working class, which already confronts an immense social crisis, and help build a mass movement based on a socialist and internationalist perspective.

We warn students, teachers and workers: the attack on free speech and association by Peradeniya University authorities, if not answered and fought, will be extended to other universities, institutions of higher studies and schools.

There has been a longstanding tradition in Sri Lankan universities that students have a right to freely engage in political activities. In the past, political parties and their youth organisations had university branches, organized public lectures, meetings and debates, and on occasions invited international figures to deliver speeches.

University students have organized mass protests against the cutbacks to education funding as well as campaigned on many other issues. Successive government have increasingly brought in laws and regulations to curb students legitimate activities, exploiting reactionary ragging incidents.

Now, however, Peradeniya university authorities on behalf of the JVP/NPP are preparing to ban political activities that challenge government policies. It is a measure not just of the right-wing anti-democratic character of the JVP/NPP government but of the immensity of the political and economic crisis of Sri Lankan capitalism.

We urge students to vigorously oppose this attack on the democratic rights of students and on the IYSSE at Peradeniya University.

The IYSSE calls for:

End the ban on the IYSSE lecture How to fight against the IMF austerity?

Hands off freedom of speech and academic freedom!

Defend free education! Billions to expand and upgrade education facilities available for all who need them!

Build IYSSE branches in all institution of higher education including universities!

We also call on you to condemn the ban by Peradeniya University authorities on the IYSSE lecture. Send protest letters to the university authorities, with copies to the IYSSE.

To: Acting Vice Chancellor, University of Peradeniya

Email: vc@pdn.ac.lk

Cc: IYSSE

Email: iysseslb@gmail.com
State investigators say the structural conditions of the Jenkins Middle School building in Colorado Springs School District 11 are unsafe, and the building needs to be evacuated by the end of the week, unless a structural analysis shows otherwise.

Colorado Springs School District 11 told News5 it does not have a timeline for a closure. The district said it is working to determine which parts of the building are safe.

News5Investigates obtained a letter from the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control sent to Michael Willis, Senior Director of Facilities for Colorado Springs School District 11. The letter said the Colorado Springs Fire Department (CSFD) notified the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department in December about structural concerns at the school.

The letter said unless the district provides a structural analysis showing the building is safe, the school needs to be evacuated by Friday, January 17, 2025 to "make repairs and remediate these unsafe conditions."

The letter cites PPRBD's notice of unsafe condition that details structural issues like cracks in the wall and parts of the building experiencing significant settlement.

Read more at koaa.com
China's top legislator meets with Grenadian PM

Xinhua) 08:47, January 14, 2025

Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, meets with Prime Minister of Grenada Dickon Mitchell, in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 13, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)

BEIJING, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Zhao Leji, chairman of China's National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, met with Prime Minister of Grenada Dickon Mitchell on Monday in Beijing.

To bring more benefits to the two peoples, China is ready to work with Grenada to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, and is prepared to be like-minded friends, good fellows seeking common development and good partners walking hand in hand, Zhao said.

He noted that the NPC of China is willing to maintain its friendly exchange with the parliament of Grenada and strengthen the exchange of experience in legislation, supervision and governance, creating a sound legal environment and consolidating public support for deepened friendly bilateral cooperation.

Mitchell said that Grenada attaches great importance to developing its relations with China and adheres firmly to the one-China principle.

Grenada is willing to learn from China's successful development experience, deepen cooperation with China in various fields, and strengthen exchange between legislative bodies so as to achieve common development, Mitchell said.

Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, meets with Prime Minister of Grenada Dickon Mitchell, in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 13, 2025. (Xinhua/Liu Weibing)

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
The annual conference by Philip Morris International (PMI), Technovation 2024, was held in Abu Dhabi, where the company presented its steps within the framework of a smoke-free future strategy. A smoke-free future is PMI's vision, under which the company has been consistently implementing a phase-out approach to traditional tobacco products for 10 years. The event brought together media and community leaders, scientists, and activists to discuss the urgent need for innovation aimed at reducing the harm caused by traditional cigarettes. The company clearly articulated its mission: to create a world without cigarette smoke.





The urgency of these efforts is underscored by shocking statistics. Smoking-related diseases claim approximately 8 million lives annually, yet nearly 1.1 billion people worldwide continue to smoke. PMI's response? An investment of $12.5 billion in scientific research and product innovation over the past decade. These efforts have yielded impressive results: as of the third quarter of 2024, smoke-free products accounted for 38% of PMI's net revenuerepresenting 36.8 million smoke-free product users across 92 countries!





PMI Chief Executive Officer, Jacek Olczak, addressing the conference, outlined the company's ambitious goal of shifting more than two-thirds of its revenue to smoke-free products by 2030.





If you don't smoke, don't start. If you smoke, quit. If you don't quit, switch to less harmful alternatives. Banning alternatives to cigarettes is a waste of time. Science-based products offer a faster path to reducing the harm caused by smoking, he stressed.





At the core of PMI's smoke-free vision lies its smoke-free products line. The company emphasizes these alternatives to traditional cigarettes also because smoke-free products make a tangible contribution to reducing smoking rates worldwide. For example, in Japan, the smoking rate has decreased by 40 percent since the launch of PMI's smoke-free products in 2014.





Stefano Volpetti, President of Smoke-Free Inhalable Products and Chief Consumer Officer at PMI, highlighted the diversity of the company's portfolio, which includes tobacco heating products, e-vapes and oral nicotine pouches.





Our goal is to offer a diverse menu of science-based alternatives. The acquisition of Swedish Match in 2022 has expanded our portfolio of smoke-free oral products, reinforcing our commitment to harm reduction, he added.





One of the main obstacles to achieving a smoke-free future is public misunderstanding about nicotine. PMI executives emphasized that while nicotine is addictive, it is not the primary cause of smoking-related diseases. The major harm is caused by chemicals produced by combustion.





Combustion is the problem, not nicotine. Countries such as Sweden and Japan have demonstrated the effectiveness of smoke-free products in reducing smoking rates. However, uncoordinated global regulation is slowing progress. How can we allow the sale of cigarettes while banning less harmful alternatives? This is detrimental to public health, Olczak stated.





The event also showcased smoking reduction success stories from around the world. New Zealand plans to become a smoke-free country by 2025 through progressive policies that support alternative products. Similarly, smoking rates in Sweden have fallen to a record low of 5.3 percent in the EU, aided by the widespread adoption of non-combustible products.

Frederic de Wilde, PMI's president for South and Southeast Asia, CIS, and the Middle East, praised countries such as the Philippines for promoting harm reduction.





The Philippines has created separate regulatory categories for smoke-free products, incentivizing their use through favorable tax policies. This approach should be an example for other countries, he said.





Looking ahead, PMI remains firmly committed to innovation. Tommaso Di Giovanni, PMIs Vice President for International Communications and Engagement, outlined the company's mission as a broader community effort.





Innovation is the driver of progress. Our journey to smokefree products began in 2014, and with the support of governments and civil society, we believe many countries can go smokefree within the next 10-15 years, he added.





The event also featured an exhibition of PMI's smoke-free products, where participants could get hands-on experience with technologies that could change the tobacco industry.
The Colorado General Assembly's expected battles over gun legislation has begun with the introduction of a slew of measures.

Here is a rundown of the gun bills that have been introduced so far:

House Bill 1055: Introduced by freshman Rep. Max Brooks, R-Castle Rock, this bill would repeal last session's House Bill 1353, which requires firearms dealers to obtain state permits in order to operate in Colorado, effective July 1, 2025.

Republicans and a few Democrats voted against last year's HB1353, but it ultimately passed and was signed into law.

According to Brooks' bill, House Bill 1353 places unnecessary regulations and requirements on Colorado's firearms dealers and includes a number of provisions that are already required at the federal level.

House Bill 1062: Sponsored by Rep. Ryan Armagost, R-Berthoud, Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge, and Sen. Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, this bill is a repeat of last year's House Bill 1162, which was sponsored by Armagost and then-Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Colorado Springs. The bill was killed in the House Judiciary Committee in its first hearing.

Current penalties for firearm theft depend on the value of the items stolen. House Bill 1062 would make theft of a firearm, regardless of its retail value, a Class 6 felony, with subsequent violations constituting separate Class 5 felonies. In Colorado, Class 6 felonies hold penalties of up to 18 months in prison, fines up to $100,000 and a mandatory one-year parole.

Armagost, a military veteran and firearms instructor, has found co-sponsors in Duran, a gun owner herself who has passed several measures aimed at preventing gun violence, and Hinrichsen, who has admitted he sometimes breaks from his party on gun legislation, such as last session, when he was one of only two Democrats in his chamber to vote against the state's "sensitive spaces" law.

According to research from the University of California Davis, lost and stolen firearms are more likely to be used in crimes than firearms obtained legally. An analysis by the group Everytown estimated that between 200,000 and 500,000 firearms are stolen nationwide each year, with about half being stolen from vehicles.

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Senate Bill 003: This bill would prohibit the purchase, sale, manufacturing, and transferring of semiautomatic firearms and rapid-fire devices, defined as rifles or shotguns with a detachable magazine.

Under the bill, which is sponsored by Sens. Tom Sullivan, D-Centennial, and Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, and Reps. Andrew Boesenecker, D-Fort Collins, and Meg Froelich, D-Englewood, violation of the law is a Class 2 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 120 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $750. Subsequent violations are Class 6 felonies, punishable by up to 18 months in prison, fines up to $100,000 and a mandatory one-year parole.

Unlike last session's unsuccessful "assault weapons" ban, this bill focuses on semiautomatic weapons that only fire one round at a time, rather than weapons with rapid-fire triggers like machine guns. This bill also carries lower penalties for violations.

Senate Bill 034: This bill allows individuals to voluntarily sign a waiver that temporarily prohibits them from purchasing a gun. Sponsors believe this will help reduce suicide by firearm in Colorado.

People who file the waiver can also provide contact information for someone to be informed if they attempt to purchase a firearm while the waiver is in effect or choose to revoke the waiver.

Individuals who attempt to purchase a firearm while under the waiver will receive a civil infraction punishable by up to a $25 fine.

According to the bill, sponsored by Fort Collins Democrats Sens. Cathy Kipp and Andrew Boesenecker, there were 27,032 firearm suicide deaths in the U.S. in 2022. Colorado had the 13th highest rate of firearm suicides in the nation that year.

The bill also cites a study that found the suicide rate among recent firearm purchases is 57 times the overall rate.

"Many suicide attempts are impulsive," the bill states. "One study of survivors of firearm suicide attempts found that a majority had suicidal thoughts for less than a day. By delaying access to firearms for those who chose to voluntarily participate on a do-not-sell list, it is reasonable to expect a reduction in overall suicide risk."
KENSINGTON, Md. (DC News Now)  Montgomery County police are investigating a shooting that happened in Kensington Monday evening.

The Montgomery County Department of Police (MCPD) said officers responded to the 3900 block of Franklin Street for a shooting at around 5:40 p.m. on Jan. 13. There, officers found a man who had been shot.

He died there.

Teen boy charged in connection to 3 Silver Spring burglaries, police say

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MCPD said one man was taken into custody.

The victims body was taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore where an autopsy will be performed.

This is a developing story.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
When Steve Wilch deployed on scene to fight the 2021 Marshall fire in Boulder County, the instructions he received from a coordinator were dire.

These townhomes and these condos, weve lost the first row, he said he was told. You need to protect the next six rows, and your hydrant is dead.

Now, with evidence of water supply buckling under the intense demands of fighting multiple wildfires in Los Angeles County, Wilch is under no illusion that Colorado communities on the Front Range, including Colorado Springs, could face the same problem given a worst-case scenario wildfire.

We, too, have that issue that water only goes so far, said Wilch, who has 35-plus years of firefighting experience and is now the deputy chief of operations for the Colorado Springs Fire Department.

While fighting multiple fires last week around Los Angeles, some beleaguered firefighters found hydrants they relied on in winds too strong for air support losing pressure or going dry in the worst-hit neighborhoods of Pacific Palisades.

A Los Angeles Department of Water and Power official told the Los Angeles Times on Thursday that the infrastructure of local water districts was unprepared for the enormous strain of the fires, leading to depletion.

According to Steve Berry, a spokesman for Colorado Springs Utilities, working with the Colorado Springs Fire Department to strengthen the water system can only lessen the likelihood of a similar failure. Colorado Springs Utilities, like most water providers, is not immune to disaster and is built for normal use below what it could be called upon to deliver.

I dont want to give people an artificial understanding of whats reality, he said.

Waldo Canyon

Footage of Santa Ana winds sending embers to engulf neighborhoods in California might provoke unwelcome memories for some survivors of the Waldo Canyon fire of 2012, when the convective outflow of a thunderstorm suddenly blew fire down through the Mountain Shadows neighborhood, destroying 346 homes and killing two people.

It does for Bill Wysong, a survivor of the fire and recently-elected El Paso County commissioner.

Its a harrowing event that were witnessing, he said.

For first responders and Utilities managers, the fast-moving, wind-driven Waldo Canyon fire was a wakeup call about the importance of water delivery during a large-scale fire.

According to Mike Cobb, an operations supervisor for Colorado Springs Utilities, protecting pump stations bringing water to the fire became a major priority for firefighters. During the worst of the blaze, Utilities upped the water pressure for affected areas from the typical 120 to 150 psi to 180 psi. The system also automatically opened a rarely-used third main valve in a fire flow configuration.

At no point did overall water capacity become a concern. Still, he thinks firefighters got lucky with weather conditions intermittently easing the spread of the fire.

We were able to get ahead of it, he said.

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That luck has not materialized in L.A., where conditions have not yet offered a real reprieve.

Its not resting at night, he said. It just keeps going.

Bryan Babcock, the general manager of system and field operations at Colorado Springs Utilities, said that the system was built to take advantage of the areas elevation, with gravity doing much of the work in some cases to move water. Still, he said that the system was built on industry best practices.

Is there a situation where overall consumption would exceed design parameters? Yeah, thats possible, obviously, he said. Los Angeles saw demand that was significantly greater than their system was capable of delivering.

Lessons to learn

Wilch began firefighting in Los Angeles County, where he faced multiple wildfires during an 11-year career. During the worst-case scenario unfolding now, he said his former colleagues were almost certainly feeling a mix of emotions  despair, exhaustion and fatigue, but also a sense of community resilience.

He said that Colorado Springs residents should not assume whats happening there could never happen here. Preparation and awareness are key.

The fires we see in California can happen in Colorado. Weve seen it before and well see it again, he said.

While the CSFD and Utilities work gradually to upgrade and address vulnerabilities in the water system, the short-term focus of both is on fire mitigation and educating homeowners.

Utilities operates mechanical mitigation, or the removal of fire fuel in the environment, around its water system assets. That decade-long strategy paid out during the Waldo Canyon fire when the flames came up to, but did not touch, the dam face of Rampart Reservoir, which supplies about 70% to 80% of water to the city.

Babcock said he and others would be looking for lessons coming out of the L.A. fires.

Im sure there will be some learnings coming out of California that will feed back into the industry, but its really early to know what those are yet, he said.

Wilch said homeowners and people who live in the wildland-urban interface between the city and the Pike-San Isabel National Forest  an area of over 32,000 acres  can take steps to protect their homes when firefighters cannot using mitigation around their homes.

Citing a policy of sharing the responsibility, he said the whole community must take steps to avoid the worst-case in Colorado Springs.

Together, well make it, he said.
BARBOURVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56)  A teen died Tuesday morning after his vehicle crashed into the Knox County Courthouse.

According to the Barbourville Police Department, the crash happened at 5:51 a.m. on Tuesday, and authorities had to extract the 17-year-old driver from the vehicle.

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Investigators said the boy was speeding near the intersection of Court Square when his car left the roadway and crashed into the courthouse.

Knox County Courthouse crash scene (FOX 56) Knox County Courthouse crash scene (FOX 56)

The department confirmed that there were no other passengers, and the teen was taken to Barbourville Appalachian Regional Healthcare, where he later died.

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Officials told FOX 56 that the courthouse suffered damage to the exterior, but there is no interior damage reported at this time.

Knox County judge executive Mike Mitchell said damage to the building can always be fixed, but the most important thing right now is to come together for the family.

This community will come together. Thats just the way we are. We help our neighbors, and were concerned about everyone here. This is a very close tight knit community. When somebody is in need, theres always people willing and ready to reach out to them, Mitchell said.

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The department said his identity will not be released at this time due to his age.

This is a developing story. Stay with FOX 56 News for updates.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  The Metro Nashville Police Department opened an investigation Monday night after a 17-year-old arrived at a local hospital with a gunshot wound.

According to officials, the shooting occurred around 10:30 p.m. in an alleyway off Lafayette Street. Investigators said about two dozen shell casings were recovered from the scene.

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A 17-year-old who was shot in the backside arrived at Vanderbilt University Medical Center after the incident.

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Officials stated the teens injuries were not life-threatening, adding that he was in DCS custody and was supposed to be on a home visit.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee

The victims stepdad allegedly told officers that he picked up the 17-year-old along Fairfield Avenue and noticed that he was limping, which the teen later admitted that he had been shot.

No information on a suspect was immediately released.

 Download the News 2 app to stay updated on the go.

 Sign up for WKRN email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox.

 Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee.

This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
GURNEE, Ill.  Two people, including a 10-year-old girl, were arrested for stealing items from the Gurnee Mills Mall back in December.

The Gurnee Police Department said just after 4 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, officers were sent to the Gurnee Mills Mall, located in the 6100 block of Grand Avenue, to investigate reports of retail theft at Zumiez, a clothing store located inside the mall.

After mall security notified them about the threat, officers quickly detained two people suspected of being involved. A third suspect who was also involved was not located at the time, according to investigators.

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Bomb squad responds after contractors spot real looking gun and explosives

Police identified the two individuals detained as 30-year-old Beatriz Villegas and a 10-year-old girl, both from Chicago. According to police, Villegas and the girl were seen concealing merchandise and leaving Zumiez without paying. A Zumiez employee followed the suspects and helped officers identify and find them.

Once officers detained Villegas and the 10-year-old girl, they found that the girl was carrying a Home Goods bag containing stolen items from several different stores. Villegas was also found carrying a bag filled with stolen merchandise, according to officials.

Both Villegas and the 10-year-old girl were then taken into custody.

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Police said the 10-year-old girl admitted to taking the items because her mother told her to do so. Investigators later determined the girls mother was also involved in the thefts.

In total, police said the group had stolen over $2,000 worth of merchandise that day. Villegas also confessed to stealing over $800 worth of items.

10-year-old dead, child hospitalized due to carbon monoxide in Albany Park

The 10-year-old girl was released to a guardian and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services was notified of the crimes, according to authorities.

Villegas, meanwhile, has been charged with retail theft and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. She was cited and released the same day.

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Charges are pending for the 10-year-old girls mother in this case.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
10 people have been charged with crimes committed during the Palisades and Eaton fires, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced at a news conference Monday, Jan. 13.

"These felony charges are the result of a multi-agency collaboration," said Hochman. "It has been nothing short of incredibly impressive to be able to bring these charges this quickly."

Martrell Peoples and Damari Bell are each charged with one count of first-degree residential burglary and looting during an emergency or evacuation: grand theft. The two men are accused of looting a home in the early morning hours of Jan. 9 in the Mandeville Canyon area of Los Angeles.

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Related: At Least 20 Arrested on Looting Accusations During California Wildfires: 'Zero Tolerance'

More than $200,000 worth of goods was allegedly stolen from the home, CBS News reported.

Travon Coleman is charged with one count of felony hit-and-run after he allegedly attempted to evade police, crashing into a vehicle and injuring the driver. He allegedly fled the scene.

Six others  Rudy Salazar, Lucia Jilrara Perez, Roy Sims, Ryan Sims, Naquan Dewey Reddix and Pierie Obannon  are charged with stealing property from homes during the Eaton Fire in Altadena.

Police recovered an Emmy award, which was stolen during one of the incidents.

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Hochman said another suspect, Jose Gerardo Escobar, was charged with arson and attempted arson for trying to light a large tree on fire in a park in the city of Azusa. That charge is not related to the wildfires.



Justin Sullivan/Getty A view of homes destroyed by the Eaton Fire A view of homes destroyed by the Eaton Fire

"You're not gonna get away with it, and this team is not gonna let you get away with it," LAPD Assistant Chief Blake Chow said at the press conference. "I just wanted to tell the residents of Los Angeles, this team has your back. And as you can see with the investigation, when we get evidence of a crime, we leave no stone unturned and we find people, and we will bring them to justice and hand them over to the district attorney."



So far, more than 40 people have been arrested for burglary, looting, curfew violations, possession of narcotics, impersonating an officer, unauthorized drone usage and possession of firearms amid the fires in Los Angeles County.

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 FBI is currently investigating an incident in which a private drone collided with an aircraft working to put out the wildfires.

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An FBI spokesperson told PEOPLE that the firefighting aircraft, known as a super scooper, was "thankfully" able to land safely after the collision with the drone. Nonetheless, the spokesperson added, the aircrafts left wing was heavily damaged in the crash.

The FBI spokesperson added that while we have conducted a significant investigation working with our partners in the public and private sector, and are continuing to make progress, we are seeking the publics help in order to identify the operator of the drone.

Eric Thayer/Getty A firefighter battles flames from the Palisades Fire on January 7, 2025 in the Pacific Palisades A firefighter battles flames from the Palisades Fire on January 7, 2025 in the Pacific Palisades

Last week, in response to the uptick in arrests in the ravaged areas of Pacific Palisades, Malibu, Altadena and Pasadena where residents have been forced to evacuate, authorities asked the California National Guard for assistance. Hundreds have since been deployed.

Related: Hero Meteorologist Saved Hundreds with His Early Fire Warnings. Here's What He's Worried About Next (Exclusive)

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Thanks to the incredible work of our first responders and emergency personnel, were throwing everything at our disposal  including our National Guard servicemembers  to protect communities in the days to come, Governor Gavin Newsom said in a press release on Jan. 9. And to those who would seek to take advantage of evacuated communities, let me be clear: looting will not be tolerated.

Authorities issued a 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew last week in evacuation and warning zones area in Los Angeles County to help prevent looting.

Click here to learn more about how to help the victims of the L.A. fires.



Read the original article on People
Six more bodies have been recovered from an illegal gold mine in South Africa, where scores of people have reportedly died underground since authorities tried to force them out and seal the mine in November, CBS News partner network BBC News reported. Eight people were rescued alive on Tuesday and 26 were recovered on Monday, the BBC reported.

Over 100 people who were illegally mining in the abandoned mine have reportedly died since the crackdown began, a group representing the miners told British broadcaster Sky News. Arguing that the miners had entered without permission, the crackdown involved authorities cutting off their access to food and water, the BBC reported.

Last week, the government was ordered by a court to facilitate a rescue operation.

Rescuers and South African Police Service (SAPS) officers carry remains in blue body bags during a rescue operation to retrieve illegal miners from an abandoned gold shaft in Stilfontein on January 13, 2025. / Credit: CHRISTIAN VELCICH, Getty

Videos that appear to have been taken on mobile phones inside the mine and brought to the surface by those being rescued show what appear to be emaciated people and corpses wrapped in makeshift body bags. CBS News has been unable to independently verify the videos.

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The General Industries Workers of South Africa, a trade union also known as "Giwusa," released one video CBS News has been unable to independently verify that shows dozens of men sitting on a floor with a voice off camera saying they're hungry and need help.

"We're starting to show you the bodies of those who died underground," said the voice in the video. "And this is not all of them. ... Do you see how people are struggling? Please  we need help."

In a briefing on Monday, Giwusa leaders called the situation in the mine a "massacre," the BBC reported.

"What this footage does is show a pile of human bodies, of miners that died needlessly," Giwusa president Mametlwe Sebei said.

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South Africa's department of mineral resources told the BBC the rescue operation on Monday involved lowering a cage into the mine that is designed to hold six or seven people. It said the cage has been going up and down the shaft every hour.

Close call between passenger jets over Phoenix airport

Warren releases intense questions for Hegseth confirmation hearing

Around 50 arrests made in California wildfire zones as looters try to take advantage of blazes
CHICAGO  The local division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service on Tuesday offered a $100,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of a mail thief.

The suspected thief, shown in photos released by the USPIS, stole mail from a corporate building in the Loop in December, the agency said. Earlier this month, while dressed as a USPS mail carrier, the same person allegedly attempted to steal mail from a different Loop office building, but was unsuccessful.

I think theyre preying on the fact we look at postmen as noble figures out to help the community, area resident Ryan Kelley said. To use something against us like that is pretty messed up.

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The service did not identify which Loop buildings were targeted but did say they were in the 60606 and 60601 ZIP codes.

What was in the mail that was taken is unclear at this time.

The postal service also said nobody should try and apprehend the suspect themselves, but anyone with information is asked to contact the USPIS at 877-876-2455 and reference Case No. 4258206.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
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A drawing of the SH-63 skeleton as found during excavation next to an imagined reconstruction of the medieval Hungarian warrior woman burial with weapons. | Credit: Balazs Tihanyi et al. / Drawing by Luca Kis based on the original field drawing by Ibolya M. Nepper

A medieval skeleton buried with archery equipment in a 10th-century cemetery in Hungary belongs to a woman, a new DNA analysis finds. But because her grave is so unique, researchers have stopped short of calling her a warrior.

"Evaluating the possible 'occupation' of the individual is a complex problem," Balazs Tihanyi , a bioarchaeologist at the University of Szeged in Hungary and colleagues wrote in their study published Nov. 26 in the journal PLOS One , but the woman "may have had a lifestyle similar to other individuals buried with weapons in the cemetery."

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The burial was one of 262 discovered in the early 1980s at the archaeological site of Sarretudvari-Hizofold (SH) in east-central Hungary. Dated to the Hungarian Conquest period, the cemetery included males and females of all ages. While 58 of the burials contained weapons used in archery  arrowheads, quivers or bow plates  only one of the weapon graves also contained jewelry typically found in female graves.

To better understand this unusual burial  designated SH-63  Tihanyi and colleagues analyzed the bones and the person's DNA . They discovered that SH-63 was an older adult female with surprisingly lightweight bones, which suggested a potential diagnosis of osteoporosis .

Additionally, the researchers identified several healed fractures on the woman's skeleton. Her right upper arm bone had been broken in two places, as had her right and left shoulder blades. These could have resulted from a fall on an outstretched arm, the team wrote in the study, which is common in older women affected by osteoporosis.

Related: Medieval crowns of Eastern European royalty hidden in cathedral wall since World War II finally recovered

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However, the bony injuries this woman dealt with were also seen in men from the SH cemetery, specifically those who were buried with weapons and horse riding equipment. In looking at the variation in the bones and joints of SH-63, the researchers discovered that she likely engaged in some sort of repetitive physical activity, such as horse riding.

In the Hungarian Conquest period, the Hungarians (also called Magyars) arrived in the Carpathian Basin by the beginning of the 10th century, integrating with or conquering local populations, in part thanks to their mounted archery skills. Weapons are often found in men's graves from this period, the researchers noted, but only single arrowheads are found in women's graves, often interpreted as amulets rather than weapons.

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Yes, that Viking warrior buried with weapons really was a woman

In the study, the researchers acknowledge that the weaponry found in the woman's grave is "unlikely" to be an amulet. But, they argue, whether she can be considered a warrior "must remain an open debate." They point out in the study that, in nomadic tribes of the eastern steppes, women commonly learned how to defend themselves and their livestock and even rode horses  but were not warriors. Nevertheless, the researchers wrote that they "can confidently conclude that this individual indeed represents the first known female burial with [a] weapon from the Hungarian Conquest period in the Carpathian Basin."

Kori Filipek , a bioarchaeologist at the University of Derby in the U.K. who was not involved in the study, told Live Science in an email that SH-63 highlights "potentially overlooked gender roles such as female archers."

The new research also underscores problems with assigning biological sex on the basis of grave goods alone, Filipek said, and "the authors' analyses of Burial SH-63 will hopefully incite reevaluations of other 'armed' burials discovered in this region."
Pete Hegseth was grilled during his Senate confirmation hearing over his comments about women not belonging in certain battlefield roles.

New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen sarcastically thanked the defense secretary hopeful for his 11th-hour conversion after he told the Democrat he would be honored to serve alongside her and other women in the military.

Shaheen said Hegseths previous comments against women serving were surprising from someone who hopes to lead the U.S. Military and the hundreds of thousands of women who make it up. She pointed out that Hegseth had spoken against women in combat as recently as Novemberthe same month he was announced as Donald Trumps appointee.

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Shaheen quoted Hegseth as remarking on a podcast: Im straight up saying that we should not have women in combat roles. It hasnt made us more effective.

Shaheen points out that Hegseth's views on women in the military magically became more enlightened after he was nominated for defense secretary pic.twitter.com/qrc0JPB1ut  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) January 14, 2025

She then asked the Trump appointee, Should we take it to believe that you believe that the two women on this committee who have served honorably and with distinction made our military less effective and less capable?

Hegseth said Shaheens service was an indispensable contribution. He then claimed that his comments were not against women service members outrightjust that he wants there to be a similar standard across the board.

Its about standards, he said. And this committee has talked a lot about standards. Standards that weunfortunately, over timehave seen eroded in certain duty positions, certain schools, certain places, which affects readiness, which is what I care about the most. Readiness on the battlefield.

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Shaheen interrupted Hegseth to bring up old comments that contradicted what he just said.

Your statements publicly have not been to that effect, she said.

She then offered up another longwinded question for the former Fox News commentator and U.S. Army veteran: So what I am confused about, Mr. Hegseth, is which is it? Why should women in our military, if you were the Secretary of Defense, believe that they would have a fair shot and an equal opportunity to rise through the ranks?

He responded: Our differences are not what define us. Our unity and our shared purpose is what define us. And you will be treated fairly and with dignity, honor and respect, just like every man and woman in uniform.

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That answer did not quell the issue, however.

Next up was Kirsten Gillibrand, a Democratic senator from New York. She told Hegseth his comments against women in combat were brutal, mean, and were disrespectful to the men and women who are willing to die for this country.

Gillibrand: What's wrong with a mom? Once you have babies, you therefore are no longer able to be lethal? pic.twitter.com/bcNiGqjUD6  Acyn (@Acyn) January 14, 2025

We want the most lethal force, she said. But Im telling youhaving been here for 15 years listening to testimony about men and women in combat and the type of operations that were successful in Afghanistan and in Iraqwomen were essential for many of those units.

The senator said it was ridiculous that Hegseth once commented that mothers should not serve in combat roles.

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Whats wrong with a mom, by the way? she asked. Once you have babies, you therefore are no longer able to be lethal? I mean, youre basically saying women, after they have children, can no longer serve in a combat role. It is a silly thing to say. A silly thing to say. Beneath the position you are aspiring to.

Gillibrand also grilled Hegseth for not meeting with her ahead of the hearinga complaint that was made by multiple Democrats who spoke Tuesday. Sen. Jack Reed, a Democrat, said he was the only member of the party who met with Hegseth ahead of time.

You cannot denigrate women in general, and your statements do that, Gillibrand said. We dont want women in the military, especially in combat. What a terrible statement. So please do not deny that you made those statements you have. We take the responsibility of standards very seriously, and we will work with you. Im equally distressed you would not meet with me before this hearing. We could have covered all of this before you came here, so I could get to the 15 other questions that I want to get to.

After questions from several senatorsincluding comments about his alleged philandering that made Hegseth appear visibly uncomfortableElizabeth Warren raised the issue of women soldiers once it was her turn to take over the mic.

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I have serious concerns that your behavior toward women disqualifies you from serving in this role, she said.

Warren, a Democrat from Massachusetts, then read off a list of quotes by Hegseth that disparaged women on the battlefield.

I want to be clear here, she said. For 12 years, you were quite open about your views and your views were consistently the samewomen are inferior soldiers, sailors, Marines, airmen, and guardians.

And then on Nov. 9, 2024, just 32 days after your last public comment saying that women absolutely should not be in combat, you declared that, quote, some of our greatest warriors are women, and you support having them serve in combat. Now, that is a very, very big about face in a very, very short period of time.
MCDOWELL COUNTY, WV (WVNS)  14 dogs were rescued in an animal cruelty case in McDowell County.

According to the Animal Rescue Corps website, 14 dogs were involved in an emergency rescue in McDowell County, West Virginia during a winter storm.

Man wanted after armed robbery in Raleigh County

The dogs were reportedly located at a property in McDowell County, in makeshift kennels that contained mud and bones, as well as a lack of proper shelter from the weather. Wastewater allegedly leaked from the house on the property.

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Before the team carrying out the emergency rescue arrived, local people put straw down as a temporary way to help the dogs survive the cold, and some of the dogs were able to be fostered. However, there was no one in McDowell County who could take in all of the dogs.

Photo Courtesy: Animal Rescue Corps Photo Courtesy: Animal Rescue Corps Photo Courtesy: Animal Rescue Corps Photo Courtesy: Animal Rescue Corps Photo Courtesy: Animal Rescue Corps Photo Courtesy: Animal Rescue Corps Photo Courtesy: Animal Rescue Corps Photo Courtesy: Animal Rescue Corps

The organization stated that the fences had to be cut open to rescue the dogs due to a lack of ways into the makeshift kennels.

Man arrested after brief standoff in Fayette County

Photos of the area before the snow storm were given to the rescue team by locals to show the conditions that the dogs lived in.

Photo Courtesy: Animal Rescue Corps

Evidence was collected and processed by the rescue team, and the Animal Rescue Corps said that the resident was arrested and charged with 13 counts of animal cruelty.

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The dogs were taken to the Animal Rescue Corps Rescue Center in Tennessee to receive care.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Lala locks eyes with Kristi Odoms camera. The jaguars steely stare reveals nothing of her distressing story. Lala survived illegal wildlife trafficking in the Bolivian Amazon and now lives in a sanctuary with other rescued big cats. As a filmmaker and photographer, Odom travels to remote places to document our planets biodiversity and the threats to endangered creatures like Lala.

The photograph of Lala (seen below) is part of a collection from Vital Impacts, a non-profit focused on conservation efforts through storytelling work with visual journalists. For its current initiative, Vital Impacts is selling 100 breathtaking prints from notable photographers to support indigenous communities through COICA (Convening Group of Indigenous Peoples in the Amazon).



Follow Kristi on Instagram @ This is Lala, a victim of illegal wildlife trafficking from the heart of the Bolivian Amazon. Lalas story is a heartbreaking reminder of the immense pressures facing the Amazons wildlife. Struggling from the destruction of their natural habitats and the relentless demand of the illegal wildlife trade, animals like Lala are increasingly at risk. The Amazon, a vast and biodiverse ecosystem, is home to countless species, but their survival is threatened by human exploitation and environmental degradation. Lala has been rescued and now lives in a sanctuary that is helping her and other jaguars thrive. Lalas story highlights the urgent need for greater awareness and action to protect these vulnerable creatures and their fragile homes. Photographer and Filmmaker, Kristi Odom, has worked in some of the earths most remote locations to help document stories that will help protect our planets biodiversity. She is an internationally awarded photographer, an associate fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers, a Nikon Ambassador and a motivational speaker. She believes strongly in the power of photography to help create positive change and ultimately help protect the planets wildlife.Follow Kristi on Instagram @ kristiodom . Credit: Kristi Odom/Courtesy of Vital Impacts. Kristi Odom

It is my hope that this work will help raise awareness of the urgent challenges facing our planet, Vital Impacts founder Ami Vitale said. In the last fifty years, we have lost 73 percent of the worlds wildlifea stark reminder of the magnitude of the biodiversity crisis we are confronting. The future of our planet is in our hands. We cannot afford to feel paralyzed by the scale of the challenge nor can we afford to wait for someone else to act  this is up to us.

The campaign runs through January 31. More information can be found at Vital Impacts. (Click to expand images to full size.)



Follow Steve on Instagram @ P-22 birthed a wildlife movement in L.A. that is only going to grow and grow Thereis no cat like him. -Steve Winter P-22 was an elusive yet infamous wild cougar who made Los Angeless Griffith Park his home for 10 years, nearly his whole life. He passed away on Dec. 17, 2022, as a result of complications from old age and injuries from a car strike. He was 12-years-old, elderly for a mountain lion. He was beloved by millions and his legacy lives on. He has literally changed the landscape for wildlife in Los Angeles and beyond. The photo sparked a movement to protect southern Californiais last cougars and other wildlife in two large protected areas bisected by the 101 Freeway north of L.A. It will be the Worldis Largest Wildlife Overpass when completed in 2024. Proceeds from the sale of Hollywood Cougar will benefit Big Cat Voices, a nonprofit bringing the most vital issues facing big cats into the spotlight. Steve Winter, founder of Founder of Big Cat Voices, has been a photographer for National Geographic for over two decades, He specializes in wildlife, and particularly, big cats. He is a Nat Geo Explorer and heis been named BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year and BBC Wildlife Photojournalist of the Year.Follow Steve on Instagram @ stevewinterphoto . Credit: Steve Winter/Courtesy of Vital Impacts DAVID WHITE

While on a remote climbing expedition in Greenland, I was approached by a curious polar bear while scouting fjords in a small zodiac boat. I hope this image transports people to wild arctic regions and creates an emotional connection with this fragile ecosystem. Andy Mann is cofounder of SeaLegacy, an Emmy-nominated Director, 12 time Telly-Award Winner, National Geographic Photographer & marine conservationist whose imagery is helping tell the story of our rapidly changing planet. Having worked on all 7 continents, Andyis imagery is remarkably memorable, reminding us how the emotion of an image can touch our spirit. Follow Andy Mann on Instagram @ andy_mann . Credit: Andy Mann/Courtesy of Vital Impacts Andy Mann



Follow Jody MacDonald on Instagram @ This is Rajan. He is a 66-year-old Asian elephant brought to the Andaman Islands for logging in the 1950s. He and a small group of 10 elephants were forced to learn how to swim in the ocean to help bring the logged trees to nearby barges and then eventually swim onto the next island. When logging became banned in 2002, Rajan was out of a job. He spent the rest of his days living out an idyllic elephant retirement on one of the islands he helped log. I photographed him and his Majout (caretaker) named Nazroo who had been together for 30yrs and documented Rajan spending time sunbathing on the beach, swimming in the ocean and foraging in the forest. Rajan was the last of the group to survive until his death in 2016. He was truly the last of his kind. This image is from the artist series The Last of His Kind. An award-winning photographer, Jody MacDonald is no stranger to adventure and exploration in the last untamed corners of the planet.Follow Jody MacDonald on Instagram @ jodymacdonaldphoto Credit: Jody MacDonald/Courtesy of Vital Impacts Jody MacDonald

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King penguins (Aptenodytes patagonicus) interact on beach on South Georgia Islands St. Andrews Bay; Southern Ocean; Antarctic Convergance; South Georgia Island. Yva Momatiuk and John Eastcott, a wife and husband team, are internationally published photographers of nature. They practice long commitments to places they love and spend most of the year following animals, ever-changing landscapes, and moving with the light and the seasons while exploring the rhythm and wild essence of remote places. Credit: Yva Momatiuk and John Eastcott/Courtesy of Vital Impacts. John Eastcott and Yva Momatiuk



Follow Jim on Instagram @ Llamas roam freely at the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu, a reminder of the intimate connection of people, culture and animals in the high Andes of Peru. Llamas were domesticated to carry heavy loads across steep mountain trails. They made life possible here at this 15th-century icon, often referred to as the Lost City of the Incas. Jim Richardson has built his photographic career around visual storytelling by creating groundbreaking work in documentary, resource issues, environmental photography and the critical concerns of feeding the planet. Before concentrating his working life at National Geographic for the last 35+ years he was noted for his innovative documentary narratives of rural life and adolescence life. For National Geographic he pioneered fresh visual narratives of water issues in the 1990s before beginning his work on food, agricultural development, and the problems surrounding feeding our growing (and hungry) world. He is also known for his decades of photography in Scotland, focusing on the interplay of people and landscapes, history, culture and traditions. Among his awards he is proudest that his fellow National Geographic photographers named him their Photographeris Photographer in 2014 and that the people of Cuba, Kansas (Pop. 186) named him their iHonored Citizen.i In 2017 Kansas State University bestowed an honorary doctorate for his work in cultural and environmental communications.Follow Jim on Instagram @ JimRichardsonNG . Credit: Jim Richardson/Courtesy of Vital Impacts Jim Richardson



Follow Brian on Instagram @ A young sperm whale calf in the waters of the Eastern Caribbean. This calf was named eHopei by Brian Skerry while working with the researchers that study these whales. Sperm whale families are matrilineal and are led by the older, wiser females. This particular whale family had struggled to produce a female calf in recent years, with only males being born that then died. This calf was a female and offered hope to this family. Brian Skerry is a photojournalist and filmmaker specializing in marine wildlife and underwater environments. Since 1998 he has been a contract photographer for National Geographic Magazine, having created and photographed more than 30 feature stories, including seven cover stories. In 2014 he was named as a National Geographic Photography Fellow and then named a National Geographic Society Storytelling Fellow in 2017. In 2017 he was also awarded the title of Rolex National Geographic Explorer of the Year.Follow Brian on Instagram @ BrianSkerry . Credit: Brian Skerry/Courtesy of Vital Impacts. Brian Skerry



Follow Arnfinn on Instagram @ An Arctic Tern in front of the Monaco glacier in Liefdefjorden, at the northwest tip of Svalbard in the high Arctic. The beautiful and tiny 113-gram Arctic Tern is a super impressive bird! Each year, it makes the longest migration of any animal in the world, traveling between breeding sites in the northern Arctic and survival/moult areas in the Antarctic pack ice zone. That practically means flying from the North Pole to the South Pole and back n each year! Miniature transmitters have revealed that they follow zigzagging routes and rack up to 71,000 kilometres annually! Arnfinn Johansen is a wildlife photographer based in Norway. He is a member of the Norwegian Nature Photographers Association and the founder of Oltepesi Tented Safari Camp / oltepesi com, a specialised camp for wildlife photographers in the Maasai Mara Kenya. Arnfinnis work has been recognised in numerous international competitions and is widely displayed in exhibitions and publications.Follow Arnfinn on Instagram @ arnfinn_johansen . Credit: Arnfinn Johansen/Courtesy of Vital Impacts. Arnfinn Johansen

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Follow Melanie on Instagram @ Off the coast of Guraidhoo, Maldives, two reef manta rays (Mobula alfredi) display their typical feeding behaviour: They circle backwards through the water to filter zooplankton. Fascinated by this unique idancei, I observed these two individuals for a while until they swam closer to each other. I took the chance, held my breath and dove down to capture the moment, that reminded me of Yin and Yang. Melanie Miller is a wildlife photographer. Working for the German foreign service, she lived in Spain, Lebanon, Dominican Republic and Guatemala. Her photos of the endangered Antillean manatee were exhibited in the Dominican Museum for Natural History.Follow Melanie on Instagram @ melaniemuellerphoto . Credit: Melanie Miller/Courtesy of Vital Impacts. Melanie Mller



Follow Christian on instagram @ Dolphins at play. Christian Vizl was born in Mexico City and has been a photographer for over three decades. He has won dozens of international photography awards including Wildlife Photographer of the Year, International Photographer of the Year, Sony World Photography Awards and World Photographic Cup. He has served as judge in several international underwater photography contests and his images have been published in numerous outlets including National Geographic and Ocean Geographic.Follow Christian on instagram @ christianvizl . Credit: Christian Vizl /Courtesy of Vital Impacts. Christian Vizl



Follow Mitty on Instagram @ A swirl of majestic King Fish, known as Kahu in Aotearoa, where I made this photo, each measuring over two feet in length, forms beneath my fins as I ascend slowly from a dive in the Port Knights Islands. Cristina Mitty Mittermeier, a visionary photographer, marine biologist, and avid conservationist, stands as a formidable force in the realm of environmental advocacy. In 2014 she, alongside her partner Paul Nicklen, co-founded SeaLegacy, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating a healthy and abundant ocean through powerful storytelling and impactful visual media. Through her lens, she conveys the delicate balance of natural ecosystems and the urgency to preserve these habitats that sustain a myriad of life. Her art, driven by a desire to make a difference, serves as a compelling call to action, illustrating the transformative power of photography in raising awareness and inspiring change.Follow Mitty on Instagram @ mitty . Credit: Cristina Mitty Mittermeier/Courtesy of Vital Impacts. Cristina Mittermeier



Follow Marina on Instagram @ This is Bob Junior, the handsome king of his territory in Serengeti. He shad his kingdom in a beautiful Kopje, an isolated rocky hill with some trees in the Namer plains. This incredible lion was killed in March 2023 by younger lions who took his pride. Marina Cano is a Spanish wildlife photographer, with more than 25 years of photographic experience and international prestige, of which 20 have been dedicated to nature photography, where she has got extraordinary recognition in this field. In love with the African continent and committed to its conservation, she collaborates with different associations that protect and preserve threatened species.Follow Marina on Instagram @ marinacano . Credit: Marina Cano/Courtesy of Vital Impacts. MARINA CANO

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An emperor penguin family, during a snowy day. In this case the pose, the positioning and the overall mood of the snow falling created this scene of love, protection and serenity. Emperor penguins create a very unique and strong family bond amongst all members which becomes obvious when they interact with one another. Especially during bad weather, parents will stand in front of their chick facing the elements and protecting the youngster from being exposed to direct wind and snowdrift. When both parents are present at the same time, sometimes they will even stand in a half-circle formation around their chick and really shield it from the weather. Itis a wonderful and uplifting thing to watch. Stefan Christmann, born in 1983 in Koblenz, is a nature photographer and filmmaker from Germany. He was particularly interested in the emperor penguin colony in the neighboring Atka Bay, Antarctica. Heis been captivated by this charismatic bird ever since. With the poetry of his pictures and his emotional stories about the continent at the end of the world, Christmann wants to reveal the special beauty and vulnerability of the polar regions. His active educational work is intended to benefit not only the emperor penguins, but also their endangered Antarctic habitat.

Credit: Stefan Christmann/Courtesy of Vital Impacts. Stefan Christmann



Follow Karine on Instagram @ Jaguar in the jungle Karine Aigners life reads like a set of novellas. Raised in Saudi Arabia, Karine motorcycled through Vietnam, circumnavigated the globe by ship, taught English in Taiwan, and then there was the time the hyena pups chewed her shoes (while on her feet). On her first trip to Africa, she fell in love with a continent. From one chapter to the next, her adventures uncover her fervor to tell the stories of life through the lens of a camera; her passion became stories of animals: their relationships to humans, their relationships to their own world, and their existence in the space between the two.Follow Karine on Instagram @ kaigner . Credit: Karine Aigner/Courtesy of Vital Impacts. Karine Aigner
School District 49, Colorado Springs D-11 and Manitou Springs D-14 were among the school districts impacted by a nationwide cybersecurity incident that exposed personal information of students and staff.

The districts utilize PowerSchool as its student information system which was subject to a data breach on or around Dec. 22, according to emails sent out to district families and staff. Personnel were first alerted of the breach on Jan. 7 and provided further details on Jan. 9.

Personal information of students and teachers including addresses, medical information family contact information was compromised by the hack. Social security numbers and account passwords were not among the information items accessed.

This is profoundly troubling news for D-49, as we place the utmost importance on protecting data, Superintendent Peter Hilts wrote in separate emails to district families and staff.

D-49 and D-14s data breach was first reported by Gazette news partner KOAA.

PowerSchool is a software provider for K-12 schools and districts that supports over 60 million students and over 18,000 customers worldwide. Services include enrollment, communication, attendance, staff management, learning systems, analytics, and finance assistance.

According to PowerSchool representatives, the breach occurred through unauthorized use of the maintenance access tool, which provides remote access for support technicians.

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In an email sent to D-11 families Monday, the districts IT senior executive director Tom Hunt said that an investigation is ongoing to assess the full scope of the incident.

PowerSchool has assured us that the situation is contained. They are working with leading cybersecurity professionals from CrowdStrike to conduct a thorough forensic analysis and ensure ongoing monitoring, he wrote.

Respective investigations are also underway in D-49 and D-14 by PowerSchool personnel and law enforcement.

The cybersecurity news website BleepingComputer.com first reported on the PowerSchool hack, saying numerous school districts across North America were impacted. The cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike is expected to release a finalized report by Jan. 17.

Other local districts like Fountain-Fort Carson D-8 and Miami-Yoder JT-60 utilize the PowerSchool program Schoology, which was not impacted by the data breach.

Going forward, PowerSchool will require additional credentials like single sign-on and multi-factor authentication and the use of a virtual private network. PowerSchool also disabled maintenance access by default which will only be turned on through an explicit request.

We understand the gravity of this situation and the trust you place in us to protect your personal information, Hilts wrote. We are fully committed to addressing this breach and we will continue to provide updates as we learn more from PowerSchool.
[WATCH: Previous coverage in the video player above.]

CLEVELAND (WJW)  A juvenile who was rushed to the hospital after a shooting in Cleveland and was later pronounced dead has now been identified.

Sunday night, at about 11:30 p.m., Cleveland police reported they received a call for a shooting on the citys east side. Officers responded to the 6500 block of Hoppensack Avenue.

Two found dead in car on sidewalk

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EMS workers transported the victim, who has been identified by the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner as Elijah Harris,16, of Cleveland, to the hospital for a gunshot wound.

FOX 8 photo FOX 8 photo FOX 8 photo FOX 8 photo

He was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

Unclaimed stimulus payments arriving soon: IRS

FOX 8 News crews on the scene reported several shell casings were found in the street and a front yard. Officers followed tracks in the snow and surrounded a house one block away on Rogers Avenue. One person came out of the house and was taken into custody.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
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: Thomas Lynn Hawthorne Sr. Image courtesy Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum.

We want to remember Thomas Lynn Hawthorne Sr., 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.


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Martin Luther King Jr. was a trailblazing civil rights activist with a soaring vision for a just America. As a Baptist minister, King was a powerful speaker, and he used his skill to demand change. Fighting for equality for Black Americans at the ballot box, in public transit, in the workplace, and beyond was his lifes work.

After King was assassinated on April 4, 1968, we are left with the eloquence of his words that continue to guide us forward as we strive to become a more perfect union. Here are 17 inspiring Martin Luther King quotes from his famous speeches and writings about education, justice, hope, perseverance and freedom.

Intelligence plus characterthat is the goal of true education.

From The Purpose of Education, The Maroon Tiger, 1947

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King wrote these words in Morehouse Colleges student newspaper. He began his studies at the historically Black college at age 15 after skipping two grades in high school.



If we are not careful, our colleges will produce a group of close-minded, unscientific, illogical propagandists, consumed with immoral acts. Be careful, brethren! Be careful, teachers!

From The Purpose of Education, The Maroon Tiger, 1947

As communities across the country debate their public education systems, this quote that King wrote in Morehouses student newspaper takes on new relevance.

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True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice.

From Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story, 1958

Kings first book, Stride Toward Freedom, chronicled his account as a key leader in the Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955 to 1956. The massive protest ended after 381 days when the Alabama capital finally integrated its public transportation.

Science investigates; religion interprets. Science gives man knowledge, which is power; religion gives man wisdom, which is control. Science deals mainly with facts; religion deals mainly with values. The two are not rivals.

From A Tough Mind and a Tender Heart sermon, August 30, 1959

King considered becoming a doctor before following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather to join the clergy. This quote demonstrates he still held respect for the sciences.

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.

From Strength to Love, 1963

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Strength to Love is a collection of Kings sermons that explore his commitment to justice, equality, and God. Judged by this quote, King measures very highly.

We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor, it must be demanded by the oppressed.

From Letter From Birmingham Jail, April 16, 1963

One of Kings most famous published works is his Letter From Birmingham Jail, a response to a newspaper article criticizing him and other nonviolent protesters seeking to reform the Alabama city.

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.

From Letter from Birmingham Jail, April 16, 1963

King was jailed in Birmingham, Alabama, from April 12 to April 20. For part of the time, he was placed in solitary confinement.

Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope.

From I Have a Dream speech, August 28, 1963

This quote is one of the many featured at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C. King originally delivered these words on the steps of the nearby Lincoln Memorial.

We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of Now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy.

From I Have a Dream speech, August 28, 1963

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I Have a Dream is the Kings most famous speech. He delivered it during the 1963 March on Washington to a crowd of approximately 250,000 people. Although one of the lesser known parts of the speech, this quote demonstrates Kings knack for encouraging his followers to continue despite the obstacles they faced.

Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.

From Strength to Love, 1963

King was majorly influenced by Mahatma Gandhi, who lead Indias nonviolent independence movement and believed love has power to transform societies.

I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant.

From his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech, December 10, 1964

King traveled to Oslo, Norway, to receive the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his nonviolent activism and leadership within the Civil Rights Movement.

The time is always right to do what is right.

From his Oberlin College commencement speech, 1965

A man of deep conviction, King continued his struggle for equality through harassment, violence, and several arrests.

The contemporary tendency in our society is to base our distribution on scarcity, which has vanished, and to compress our abundance into the overfed mouths of the middle and upper classes until they gag with superfluity. If democracy is to have breadth of meaning, it is necessary to adjust this inequity. It is not only moral, but it is also intelligent. We are wasting and degrading human life by clinging to archaic thinking.

From Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?, 1967

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As the 1960s continued, Kings philosophy of nonviolence was met with increasing criticism from some Black citizens who favored more militant action. In turn, the civil rights leader began speaking and writing about the connection between discrimination and poverty to form a large multiracial coalition. This quote is from his 1967 book Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?

Be a bush if you cant be a tree. If you cant be a highway, just be a trail. If you cant be a sun, be a star. For it isnt by size that you win or fail. Be the best of whatever you are.

From a speech at Barratt Junior High School in Philadelphia, October 26, 1967

King frequently traveled across the United States while promoting his civil rights agenda. He shared these words with students at a Philadelphia junior high. The minister had lived outside the city while attending Crozer Theological Seminary from 1948 to 1951.

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For when people get caught up with that which is right and they are willing to sacrifice for it, there is no stopping point short of victory.

From Ive Been to the Mountaintop speech, April 3, 1968

Ive Been to the Mountaintop was Kings final speech, which he delivered in Memphis, Tennessee, where sanitation workers were on strike. It included some of the leaders trademark hope in a just future.

All we say to America is, Be true to what you said on paper. If I lived in China or even Russia, or any totalitarian country, maybe I could understand the denial of certain basic First Amendment privileges, because they hadnt committed themselves to that over there. But somewhere I read of the freedom of assembly. Somewhere I read of the freedom of speech. Somewhere I read of the freedom of the press. Somewhere I read that the greatness of America is the right to protest for right.

From Ive Been to the Mountaintop speech, April 3, 1968

In the speech, King reflected on major moments of historical progress and compared those to thenpresent day in the United States.

Weve got some difficult days ahead. But it really doesnt matter with me now because Ive been to the mountaintop... Ive looked over and Ive seen the promised land. 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.

From Ive Been to the Mountaintop speech, April 3, 1968

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His final speech was eerie prophetic. The next day, King was fatally shot while standing on the balcony outside his room at the Lorraine Motel. He died at age 39.



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A suspect has been taken into custody after multiple stabbing left two people dead in Denver over the weekend, according to police.

On Monday, Jan. 13, the Denver Police Department announced that Elijah Caudill, 24, was arrested for several stabbings that occurred between Saturday, Jan. 11 and Sunday, Jan. 12.

Related: Prominent Artist Dies After Being Stabbed in Random Attack on La. Tech. Univ. Campus that Injured 3 Others

Denver Police Department Elijah Caudill  mugshot Elijah Caudill  mugshot

Caudill is being held for first degree murder of an at risk elder, first degree murder and two counts of attempted first degree murder.

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According to a press release shared by the Denver Police on X, the attacks began at approximately 5:12 p.m. on Saturday near 16th Street.

The first victim, who has not been named, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and transported himself to a nearby hospital.

Related: Philadelphia Woman Stabbed 12 Times in Possibly Random Attack in Park as Killer on the Loose

The second stabbing came just moments later at approximately 5:17 p.m. on the same street, but near a different intersection. This incident proved fatal for an adult female who was taken to a hospital and pronounced deceased.

Raymond Boyd/Getty 16th Street Mall in Denver, Colorado  November 15, 2018 16th Street Mall in Denver, Colorado  November 15, 2018

Saturdays final attack also happened within the hour, just before 6 p.m., when an adult male stabbed on 16th Street and Lawrence Street. He was taken to a hospital for serious injuries, but is expected to survive.

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On Sunday, a fourth stabbing occurred on 16th Street around 8:00 p.m., where authorities said an adult male was killed.

Related: Arsenal Player Pablo Mari Stabbed in Random Stabbing Attack That Left 6 Injured and 1 Dead

According to the press release, before police officers knew of the fourth victim, they spotted a person who fit the suspects description running with a knife. After a pursuit, they took Caudill into custody.

RJ Sangosti/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty 16th Street Mall electric buses, May 2019 16th Street Mall electric buses, May 2019

Authorities said there does not seem to be any relationship between Caudill and the stabbing victims, per the press statement.

On Monday, the Associated Press reported that the stabbings appeared to be random, citing the police. The outlet added that court spokesperson Carolyn Tyler said Caudill is being represented by a lawyer from the public defenders office, however, the office does not offer comments regarding cases to the media.

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.

During a press conference Monday, Mayor Mike Johnston described Caudill as a white male born in Colorado with a history of criminal involvement.

Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas shared his condolences to the victims and their families and also assured residents that the city remains safe.



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Republican lawmakers from states that have been ravaged by natural disasters oppose withholding or conditioning federal assistance to California residents impacted by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires.

I would ask those folks to put themselves in the same position as people of western North Carolina, Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) said of some conservatives who have suggested putting strings on federal aid to California.

You got to be consistent on disaster supplement, period. Im unequivocal  you fix the problems of those folks out there; we can talk about the problems weve created here, here, he added.

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Some Western North Carolina communities were wiped off the map last September after hurricanes Helene and Milton caused catastrophic flooding, causing tens of billions of dollars in damages and leaving more than 200 people dead across several other states. Last month, congressional leaders provided $100 billion for relief for those and other disasters, with no strings attached.

But now that a blue state has suffered a natural disaster, some Republicans have suggested withholding aid until California makes policy changes to its forest and water management, or its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

There cant be a blank check on this, Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) said Sunday on CBSs Face The Nation, blaming the policies of the liberal administration out there.

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) also told reporters on Monday that theres some discussion of tying disaster aid to raising the debt limit. Republicans want to raise the debt limit in part to finance an extension of the 2017 GOP tax cuts.

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You cant go out and get the kind of money thats necessary in this unless you increase the debt limit, Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) said Monday.

But Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.), a former governor of hurricane-prone Florida, said that Congress should act to provide relief to California wildfire victims without attaching conditions.

I think we ought to do aid the way we do everybody else, Scott told HuffPost.

There are existing requirements. I mean, the moneys just not free...FEMA has rules, he added of the government disaster relief agency.

Democrats noted that disaster-prone red states such as Florida could face a similar push to condition aid in the future under a Democratic-controlled Congress.

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There are a lot of people, for example, in Florida, running insurance businesses that are not going to be happy about all those strings and odd policies that are being talked about, Wyden told reporters on Monday.

Meanwhile, Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), a senior appropriator who was instrumental in getting federal disaster aid to Hawaii after last years fires in Maui devastated the island, laughed off the threat of conditioning relief.

Its never going to happen, Schatz said. I think the moment Texas or Florida or Mississippi experiences a disaster, that idea will vanish.
For the 10th year, the Georgia Public Library Service is honoring library leaders, staff and literacy champions.

The 2024 Georgia Public Library Awards honored two librarians from the metro Atlanta area.

Public libraries are the heart of thriving communities, and they play a vital role in Georgias growth, innovation, and excellence, Vice Chancellor for Libraries and Archives and State Librarian Julie Walker said in a statement. This years honorees demonstrate how our libraries are partners in everything that Georgia does, from strengthening early literacy to building a strong economy.

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The organization said they pick their winners each year based on nominations from library patrons, trustees, staff and more that showcase the best and brightest who serve public libraries in Georgia.

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The 2024 Library Director of the Year winner was Anna Lyle of Forsyth County Public Library.

According to the Georgia Public Library Service, Lyle was nominated for her dedication to expanding library programs and strengthening the network of partners the Forsyth County Public Library system relies on to enhance its reach and impact.

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One partnership Lyle helped grow was between the library and Mentor Me North Georgia, a mentorship nonprofit for K-12 students.

Anna is a no-nonsense, practical, hardworking library director who has accomplished great things for her community, said Lecia Eubanks, Cherokee Regional Library System director. She rolls up her sleeves, secures funding for construction projects, and ensures they are managed to completion.

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While Lyle was honored for her work in 2024, her time at the system is due to close out. Officials said Lyle will be retiring at the end of January, with a celebration for her planned at Cumming Library on Jan. 23.

The 2024 Library Employee of the Year winner was Kristen Timoteo, the outreach coordinator and branch manager at Coweta Public Library System.

Timoteo, who works at and manages the Grantville branch of the Coweta Public Library System is known for her passion for literacy, community service and a penchant for innovation. The Georgia Public Library Service said Timoteo has helped transform her library into a hub of learning and connection through dynamic leadership.

Kristens passion for service and her positive energy are contagious to all who have had the opportunity to interact with her, Jimmy Bass, director of Coweta Public Library System said. Her ability to make meaningful daily impacts on the variety of people she meets through providing library services never ceases to astound me.

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For the full list of 2024 honorees, head online here.

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On the night of 13-14 January, the Ukrainian defence forces conducted a massive attack on the Russian military facilities at a distance of 200 to 1,100 km deep in Russia.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Details: Targets in Bryansk, Saratov, Tula oblasts of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Tatarstan were hit.

The Kombinat Kristal oil storage facility in the city of Engels in Saratov Oblast, where a fire that had been going on for 5 days after the previous strike had just been contained, was attacked again. The fire was successfully restarted by units of the Unmanned Systems Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and Defence Intelligence of Ukraine.

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Also, the Bryansk Chemical Plant in the town of Seltso, a strategic facility of the Russian military-industrial complex, was hit. The plant produces ammunition for cannon artillery, multiple launch rocket systems, aircraft, engineering ammunition and components for Kh-59 cruise missiles. Secondary detonation was observed on the territory of the plant, which lasted several hours. In addition, two Russian anti-aircraft missile systems, Tor and Buk, were destroyed, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported.

The units of the Unmanned Systems Forces, Special Operations Forces, Missile Forces, the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as Defence Intelligence of Ukraine and the Security Service of Ukraine were involved in this combat mission.

In addition, the units of Defence Intelligence of Ukraine and the Security Service of Ukraine struck strategic facilities of the Russian military-industrial complex: the Saratov oil refinery and the Kazanorgsintez plant. A fire broke out at both facilities.

Quote: "Targeted and systematic work on the destruction of facilities that supply ammunition, military equipment and fuel and lubricants to the Russian occupation army will continue until the Russian Federation's armed aggression against Ukraine is completely stopped," the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine states.

Background:

Russian authorities reported a massive drone attack on several Russian oblasts on the night of 13-14 January, with local Telegram channels sharing videos of large-scale fires at an oil refinery and a factory. Twelve oblasts in the Russian Federation were attacked in total and it is claimed that air defences shot down more than 100 UAVs.

The 14th Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Regiment of the Air Force of Ukraine confirmed that they had struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Engels again. As a result of the attack, tanks containing fuel for Tu-160 bombers caught on fire.

A number of targets were struck in various regions of Russia on the night of 13-14 January as part of a joint special operation by the Security Service of Ukraine and Ukraines defence forces.

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The coastline in Steinhatchee remains covered in debris on Oct. 3, 2024, following Hurricane Helene. (Photo by Jay Waagmeester/Florida Phoenix)

Hurricanes inflicted up to $975.8 million in Florida agriculture production losses in 2024, a year in which three hurricanes made landfall in the state, according to University of Florida researchers.

A report presented to the Senate Agriculture Committee Tuesday estimated agricultural production losses for the 2024 hurricane season at between $402.3 million and $975.8 million, with the third storm, Hurricane Milton, inflicting up to $642.7 million in losses itself.

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Researchers calculated values using crop growth stage, value per acre, and reported loss percentages. They did not include already-harvested products stored on farms at the time of the storms, nor timber and forestry damage or commercial fishing and working waterfronts.

Hurricane Debby made landfall in the Big Bend near Steinhatchee on Aug. 5 and caused approximately $170 million in agricultural losses in the Big Bend, North Central, and southwest peninsula regions. The most significant losses were to field and row crops and animal products.

On Sept. 26, Hurricane Helene made landfall near Perry and inflicted an estimated $40.3-$162.2 million in agricultural losses in the Big Bend and North Central regions. The highest losses were field and row crops and animal products.

Hurricane Milton inflicted the greatest agricultural losses, estimated between $190.4-$642.7 million across much of the peninsula, taking out vegetables, melons, potatoes, and greenhouse/nursery products at the highest level.

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Forty-one counties experienced at least tropical storm conditions during all three 2024 events. Taylor, Lafayette, Dixie, and Suwanee counties faced hurricane conditions during Debby and Helene, having already experienced hurricanes Idalia in 2023 and Ian in 2022.

Wilton Simpson via Florida Department of Agriculture

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson addressed the losses, calling for Congress to pass an updated farm bill, including disaster assistance, and for the Legislature to replenish state loan programs. The farm bill is meant to be passed every five years but was most recently approved in December 2018 and has been operating on extensions, most recently one lasting until the end of September.

Simpson pointed to the states zero-interest loan and grant program as a major factor in hurricane recovery and said he hopes for $50 or so million to replenish that loan program.

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Simpson said the program is never going to match what the farm bill will do. Clearly, that $50 million is not going to replace the farm bill, and its not meant to replace the farm bill.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is reporting loan requests have exceeded available funds. All loans approved will be funded according to future state appropriations in the order of their approval, the departments website states.

With that program, we were able to get a lot of farmers back on their feet in real time, not two years later, not 18 months later, Simpson said. And if youre going to operate in real time, we have to have a trust fund of money thats attached to an emergency program so that we can fund them in real time and get them back on their feet.

Part of Gov. Ron DeSantis call for a special session starting on Jan. 27 includes agricultural relief in response to natural disasters, although some lawmakers, including the leaders of both legislative chambers, have been critical of the need for the session.

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NEWELL, W.Va. (WBOY)  West Virginia based company Fiesta Dinnerware announced its new color for 2025, with limited edition items available to purchase.

The 2025 color is Linen, a cream meant to celebrate the craft of pottery. Limited items in Linen will be available to purchase from Fiestas Factory Direct website starting at noon on Tuesday, Jan. 14.

Fiesta Dinnerware in 2025 color Linen (Courtesy: Fiesta Tableware Company)

Fiesta Dinnerware in 2025 color Linen (Courtesy: Fiesta Tableware Company)

You can check out those limited edition pieces here.

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The color is completely new to Fiesta but is reminiscent of one of its original colors, Ivory. The company describes it as contemporary, elegant, complementary, versatile and engaging.

New TLC show is about West Virginian with Tourette Syndrome

You cant get any more Fiesta than Linen. This is our purest form; thrown, fired and glazed. And once you see it, you cant take your eyes off it. We are enormously proud to welcome Linen to the Fiesta family. Youll be infinitely pleased to have it as part of your collection, Fiestas website says.

Last year, the limited items for the 2024 color Sky, a pale greenish blue, sold out quickly, so those interested in purchasing limited items for 2025 should act fast. The rest of the Linen collection will be available starting April 28, 2025.

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The company now known Fiesta Tableware Company has operated in West Virginia since 1907, following trends of color and introducing new styles of the collectable dishes each year.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com.
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston's administration on Monday vowed to boost police security in downtown Denver following a stabbing spree spanning two days that killed two people and injured two others.

The violence once more rattled downtown Denver, which has suffered from high-profile violence over the last few years.

At a news conference Monday, Johnston called the stabbings "random" and conceded that efforts to secure the business district faced a setback.

He vowed to "never stop in our commitment to make the city safer."

"I think we have not seen random acts of violence like this in our city center for as long as we can remember," Johnston said. "We will commit to increasing the number of police patrols and police presence here in downtown in the weeks and months ahead."

Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas said plans are afoot to increase security measures in the downtown area.

"What that looks like," he said, "is, obviously, officers who are assigned to District 6 and assigned posts on the mall and around the mall, both patrols, bicycle patrols, motorcycles and vehicles."

Thomas added: "We also have additional uncommitted resources that will be detailed down here to provide that extra layer of safety."

The intersections of 16th Street Mall with Champa Street and California Street, where one of the victims was stabbed, were labeled "hotspots" for unsafe conditions because of assaults and public use of drugs, based on Downtown Denver Partnerships security team database from 2023.

Authorities on Sunday arrested Elijah Caudill, 24, shortly after a fourth attack. He is being held in connection to all four stabbings over the weekend.

One of the big questions was how the lone suspect eluded arrest after the initial attacks on Saturday  in which one person died and two were injured  and then went on to kill another person Sunday night.

The police said they pieced together details about the suspect soon after Saturday's attack and realized a single suspect was responsible.

"It was at that time that we really started to identify that we were likely talking about the very same suspect," Thomas said. "We had some details on what that individual looked like. That is when we began to draw additional resources from across the city, into downtown Denver, to look for this individual."

"Unfortunately, as you all know, at about eight o'clock on Sunday evening, as officers were in the area looking for this subject, they saw an individual running. They were able to quickly take him into custody," Thomas said.

Thomas said that Caudill used a butcher-style knife.

Caudill, who appeared to be on probation, had threatened to kill at least one person with a knife in years past, according to records. He had been arrested 15 times since 2018 on charges that included criminal mischief, disturbing the peace, robbery (2022), menacing (2021), theft (2019), and twice for sexual assault (2024), court records showed.

Thomas said the police were not aware that he was out on a bond, adding "there was no conditions of his release."

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During Monday's news conference, Thomas noted that Caudill had been in and out of correctional facilities for the past few years.

"I actually don't think it's safe to say that he was on our radar," Thomas said. "He certainly has had law enforcement contacts in the metro area, but not someone who has a violent history, not someone that we were watching what comes next."

Despite the stabbing spree and the deaths of two people, Johnston and Thomas insisted that downtown Denver is safe.

"This is a tragic, catastrophic event in our city," Johnston said, calling the nature of the attacks "exceedingly rare" and "random."

"We know that there is work to do," Johnston said of safety in downtown Denver. "We also know that downtown Denver is getting more vibrant and more safe every day."

Caudill is being held for first degree murder of an at-risk elder, another first degree murder count and two counts of attempted first degree murder, authorities said.

Police investigators said there did not appear to be a connection between the suspect and victims, and they have not yet developed a potential motive.

Two of the stabbing victims were treated at hospitals with non life-threatening injuries, according to police.

The first three stabbings happened between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday. Thomas said officers were able to link all three stabbings based on video and suspect descriptions.

Here's what happened, according to the police.

The first stabbing Saturday happened around 5:12 p.m. in the area of 16th and Tremont streets. It was reported to police around 6:20 p.m. after the victim went to the hospital on his own. His injuries were not life-threatening, and police said he was released from the hospital Sunday.

The stabbing that killed American Airlines flight attendant Celinda Levno, 71, happened around 5:17 p.m. in the area of 16th and California streets. The police have not officially identified Levno as a victim, but a family member in Phoenix, Arizona did. The victim was taken to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead on Sunday morning.

The third stabbing happened around 5:54 p.m. in the area of 16th and Lawrence streets, police said. The victim's injuries were not life-threatening.

Around 8 p.m. Sunday, a man was killed in a stabbing in the 1600 block of Market Street, which is just off the 16th Street Mall.

Soon after Sunday's attack, the police in the area of 16th and Wynkoop streets saw a man fitting the description of the suspect running with a knife and arrested him.

The Denver Gazette news partner, 9NEWS, contributed to this report.
Three Boar's Head deli meat plants were cited for unsanitary conditions, including insects, mold, and "unidentified slime," according to newly released federal records. The new findings suggest that sanitation problems were not limited to the company's factory that was shut down last year following a deadly listeria outbreak.

The inspection records, released in response to Freedom of Information Act requests from The Associated Press and other news organizations, appear similar to some of the issues found at the Jarrett, Virginia, plant that was shuttered after at least 10 people died from Boar's Head products contaminated with listeria.

The plants  located in New Castle, Indiana; Forrest City, Arkansas; and Peterburg, Virginia  were cited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for issues such as mold on ceilings, floors and walls, "unidentified slime" and "an abundance of insects." The problems cited by USDA inspectors at the three plants date back as far as 2019, according to the documents.

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Boar's Head didn't immediately respond to a request from CBS News for comment. The company told The Associated Press that the violations cited at the three factories "do not meet our high standards." The company's remaining plants continue to operate under normal USDA oversight, Boar's Head added.

Other issues at the three plants include:

Green "mold or algae" "Dried meat residue" on various surfaces "Dripping condensation" landing on food and other surfacesFlaking and chipping paint, as well as rust

Inspection records at a fourth plant, located in New Holland, Michigan, didn't show similar sanitation issues.

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The newly released records are "really concerning," said Thomas Gremillion, director of food policy at the Consumer Federation of America, a nonprofit advocacy group.

"It's reasonable for some people to decide they don't want to eat deli meat," he said. "Companies like Boar's Head, they should have to earn consumers' trust."

At Boar's Head's now-shuttered facility in Jarrett, Virginia, inspectors found dozens of violations, including leftover meat on equipment, mold and mildew buildup, insects in and around deli meats, and puddles of blood on the plant's floor.

In a report about last year's listeria outbreak issued on Jan. 10, the USDA cited the Jarrett plant's "inadequate sanitation practices" as a contributing factor. Other issues included structural problems at the factory, such as cracks, holes and broken flooring that could retain moisture and cause wet conditions, as well as rust, peeling caulk and other issues at the building.

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AKRON, Ohio (WJW)  Three children were uninjured after escaping a Monday morning apartment fire by climbing out a second-story window.

Akron firefighters were dispatched just before 10 a.m. to an apartment fire reported in the 700 block of Druid Walk on the citys east side, according to a news release.

To know her was to love her: Bay Village college student dies after being hit by train

(Akron Fire Department)

Firefighters extinguished the fire quickly, reads the release.

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They learned three children who were inside the apartment, ages 13, 11 and 6, escaped by climbing out of a second-story window onto an awning, then jumping to the ground, according to the release.

Dalion Ambler, of Cleveland, killed in Twinsburg-area hazmat incident

EMS medics evaluated the children until family members arrived.

The Red Cross was called to assist the family, according to the release.

The cause and origin of the fire are 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 8 Cleveland WJW.
Three men have been indicted for providing Bitcoin concealment services used by criminals to launder stolen cryptocurrency.

Roman Vitalyevich Ostapenko, Alexander Evgenievich Oleynik, and Anton Vyachlavovich Tarasov were indicted by a federal grand jury for their involvement in operating two cryptocurrency mixing websites.

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. This indictment demonstrates our continued commitment to dismantling infrastructure used by cybercriminals to steal from Americans and hide their ill-gotten gains.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Blender.io and Sinbad.io were advertised on a popular internet forum as having a no logs policy and deleting any traces of user transactions.

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The website did not require users to register, log in, or provide any information except the recipients address.

The Department of Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control said Blender.io laundered money for multiple ransomware groups.

Roman Vitalyevich Ostapenko, 55, of Russia, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and two counts of operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business.

Alexander Evgenievich Oleynik, 44, of Russia, and Anton Vyachlavovich Tarasov, 32, of Russia, are both charged with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and one count of operating an unlicensed money-transmitting business.

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This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Ostapenko and Oleynik were arrested on December 1, 2024. Tarasov remains at large.

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SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  A 30-year-old man was arrested Monday morning for allegedly robbing a bank in Salt Lake Citys Rose Park neighborhood, according to Salt Lake City Police.

Shortly after 9:30 a.m. on Jan. 13, police received a call about a bank robbery at 780 North Redwood Road. The suspect, identified as Christopher Martinez, 30, had allegedly entered the bank and jumped over the counter while demanding money.

Former Granstville High teacher pleads guilty for sexual abuse of 14 y/o student

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Martinez then left the bank with an undisclosed amount of money, police said. There were reportedly no weapons seen at the time of the robbery.

Additionally, there were no injuries in the incident.

Two officers near 1300 South and 300 West reportedly found Martinez and safely took him into custody. Martinez was booked into Salt Lake County Jail.

Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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Editors Note: Editors Note: Call to Earth is a CNN editorial series committed to reporting on the environmental challenges facing our planet, together with the solutions. Rolexs Perpetual Planet Initiative has partnered with CNN to drive awareness and education around key sustainability issues and to inspire positive action.

Surrounded by forest-covered mountains cloaked in mist, a patchwork quilt of green farmland and steel-blue waves breaking on mangrove-strewn mudflats, Lai Chi Wo does not look like it belongs in Hong Kong.

The remote 300-year-old village is one of the citys oldest settlements  and one of its most biodiverse.

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Its location is no accident: it draws on the traditional philosophies of the Hakka people, one of Hong Kongs pre-colonial indigenous groups, who built the settlement.

We maintain what is called a feng-shui forest, to preserve the village, says Susan Wong. The 73-year-old grandmother is the village chief, and was born in Lai Chi Wo, when the town was home to around 1,000 residents. From our ancestors to now, it has been passed down, not to let anyone cut down the trees. If you cut all the trees out, the mountain will become bare, and nothing can cover the village.

Feng shui  which literally means wind and water  is a design philosophy about how homes, villages and cities should be arranged for good fortune.

In Lai Chi Wo, the position of the forest is intended to shelter the village from typhoons, prevent landslides, and manage extreme heat and cold.

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However, in the 1960s, residents began to leave their ancestral home: Hong Kong was industrializing rapidly, and it was becoming hard to make a living from farming.

We didnt even have shoes or clothes to wear, Wong recalls. Lai Chi Wo is so remote that, even today, it can only be reached by a three-hour hike through the jungle, or a long boat trip around the coast.

In the 1960s, 70s and 80s, many families emigrated overseas  like Wongs, who moved to the UK when she was 15  for better opportunities, and elderly residents passed away.

Lai Chi Wo became a ghost town.

This photo was taken in 1976, when Lai Chi Wo was already in decline. - HKSAR Government

A child stands barefoot at the village gate in 1976. - HKSAR Government

Restoring a community

Over the decades that Lai Chi Wo lay empty, buildings crumbled, and farmland grew wild with weeds. The roots of banyan trees twined around open doorways, and wild boar or lost hikers were the only foot traffic through the decaying village.

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But Lai Chi Wo was not entirely forgotten.

Elsewhere in Hong Kong, many abandoned villages had houses collapsed beyond recognition and vegetation invaded the whole village, says Chiu Ying Lam, head of the Hong Kong Countryside Foundation. However, when he first visited Lai Chi Wo in 2009, he was surprised to find several homes were well maintained.

Lam speculated that these absentee homeowners were still connected to their ancestral home, and were planning to return one day, perhaps to retire. This sparked an idea that would eventually become the Sustainable Lai Chi Wo program: a decade-long collaboration between NGOs, universities and government agencies to restore the village to its former glory.

In re-establishing the community, the unique biodiversity around the village could be protected too, says Lam.

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Over the years, Lam estimates around HK$100 million ($12.8 million) in funding from businesses, non-profits and the Hong Kong government has been invested into the villages redevelopment, including the restoration of five hectares of farmland and the reconstruction of 15 dilapidated homes.

While the project aimed to bring back former residents, it also wanted to bring in new people. In 2015, Ah Him Tsang and his wife, who are not Hakka, were one of the first families to move to the village, looking for a life closer to nature to raise their then-infant son.

Like many residents in Lai Chi Wo, Tsang works a variety of jobs: he grows vegetables and cash crops on a small farm, and on weekends, runs Hakka Experience homestays and a store that serves locally grown tea, coffee, and homemade vegan ice cream to tourists who pass through.

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I also grow these vegetables for my staycation program, (for a) farm-to-table dining experience, says Tsang, adding that the Hakka Experience is designed to give visitors a more authentic experience of village life. You can really feel the quietness, the serenity of the nature here. I hope more people can stay longer and enjoy the slow pace.

Homecoming

The influx of new residents to Lai Chi Wo encouraged more of the original residents to move back, too.

Upon retiring, Wong returned to Hong Kong from the UK to care for her elderly parents, and heard about the revitalization project.

In 2019, she decided to return to the village with her now-103-year-old father, into the home they were both born in. Im very happy because I like this village. I have so many friends (who have) come back, she says.

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With her father, Wong runs a small farm, growing mandarin oranges, lemons, chilis, flowers, and vegetables, and uses organic agriculture techniques, such as grinding up discarded oyster shells to make plant food.

Susan Wong and her father, Kiang Wong, at their home in Lai Chi Wo. - Tom Booth/CNN

The project also introduced new crops like coffee, which grows in the shade. This agroforestry technique protects the forest by growing high-value plants around the perimeter of the native woodland, while boosting profits for farmers.

Lai Chi Wo now has around 700 coffee plants across several farms, making it the biggest coffee-producing region in Hong Kong, says Ryan Siu Him Leung, senior project officer at the Centre for Civil Society and Governance at the University of Hong Kong, which oversaw parts of Lai Chi Wos revitalization program.

The University of Hong Kong is leasing some of the land for experimental farming, and helping villagers turn their crops into higher-value products in a licensed food processing plant in nearby Sha Tau Kok, on Hong Kongs border with mainland China. Products include pickles and unusual fruit jams, or seasonal foods like popular radish cake for Chinese New Year, says Leung.

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Were also looking at traditional Hakka recipes, and trying to explore the possibility of turning those recipes into commercial products, he says, adding that they are currently selling via local supermarket suppliers and pop-up farmers markets, and plan to launch an online shop soon, to reach more customers.

A model for redevelopment

While the project has garnered positive attention  including recognition from UNESCO in 2020 for cultural heritage conservation and sustainable development  its not all been smooth sailing.

Theres been resistance from some of the original villagers, who claim they were not properly consulted about the redevelopment.

Additionally, more than a decade into the project, the village is still not financially sustainable, and is supported by external funding, including government subsidies for the farmers.

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Farming at such a small scale is largely unprofitable; so like Tsang, most residents have multiple income streams. Leung says that most of the new residents work remote jobs online, or in creative industries, with farming as a hobby where any income is a bonus.

Leung says that, aside from preserving the towns traditional lifestyle, theres an ecological advantage to maintaining the farmland: sustainable agriculture helps to better manage water drainage and improve soil health.

Even if the village isnt economically independent, he feels its worthwhile, and that cultivating a sustainable community is more important. As long as there are people willing to stay in the village, and they are making their living  to me, its financially viable for those individual households.

The project has become a model for sustainable revitalization, and the Forest Village Project, launched in 2024, is applying the lessons from Lai Chi Wo to two nearby hamlets, Mui Tsz Lam and Kop Tong. These settlements are around one-tenth the size of Lai Chi Wo, says Leung, but they both have a feng shui woodland, diverse flora and fauna, and offer the potential to develop a wider eco-tourism destination.

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Hopefully, we could have a more comprehensive region of revitalized villages, which (could be) a bigger attraction to the wider (Hong Kong) community, Leung adds.

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ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. (WKRG)  Four people were taken to a hospital after a mobile home caught fire early Tuesday morning, according to the Escambia County Fire Rescue.

Pensacola gets grant to develop affordable housing for military service members

Firefighters were called to the home on the 900 block of Massachusetts Avenue around 1 a.m.

(Escambia County Fire Rescue)

When they arrived at the scene, ECFR officials said they saw heavy smoke coming from the single-wide mobile home.

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The fire was located quickly and contained, but there was heavy smoke damage throughout the home, according to officials.

The fire was under control within 30 minutes.

Man seriously injured after crash on I-10: FHP

The Bureau of Fire and Arson is investigating the cause of the fire.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
COVINGTON COUNTY, Ala. (WKRG)  A two-vehicle crash Sunday in Covington County killed a 4-year-old and injured four others, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

Florida man accused of threatening to kill child, using sleeping pills to rape Baldwin County woman

According to an ALEA news release, the crash occurred around 5:22 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 12 on Alabama 55 near the 45-mile marker, which is about 7 miles north of Red Level city limits in Covington County.

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ALEA officials said the 4-year-old was critically injured when the Chevrolet Equinox she was riding in hit a Chevrolet Silverado. The 4-year-old was airlifted to a local hospital, where the child was pronounced dead.

According to ALEA, the 18-year-old driving the Silverado was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, was injured and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

The driver of the Equinox, a 34-year-old woman from Andalusia, Alabama, was injured and airlifted to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola, Florida, ALEA said. A 5-year-old and another 4-year-old were also riding as passengers in the Equinox. They were also injured and taken to a local hospital.

Northwest Florida veteran sentenced for $779K benefit fraud scheme: USDOJ

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ALEAs Highway Patrol Division is still investigating.

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COVINGTON COUNTY, Ala. (Trussville Tribune)  A two-vehicle crash that occurred Sunday evening has claimed the life of a 4-year-old and injured four others, including two young children, according to ALEA Senior Trooper Kendra McKinney.

At approximately 5:22 p.m., a 2017 Chevrolet Equinox driven by 34-year-old Catherine Grace Nixon was driving along Alabama 55 when it struck a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado driven by an 18-year-old.

The 4-year-old, who was a passenger in the Equinox, was airlifted to a local hospital and later succumbed to their injuries.

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Nixon, who is from Andalusia, was airlifted to Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola, Fla., for treatment.

Birmingham postal employee convicted for supplying checks to telegram scam channel

Two other passengers in the Equinoxa 5-year-old and a 4-year-oldwere also injured and transported to a local hospital.

The 18-year-old driver of the Silverado, who was not using a seat belt at the time of the crash, was injured and transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The crash occurred near the 45 mile marker approximately seven miles north of Red Level city limits.

Troopers with ALEAs Highway Patrol Division will continue to investigate the crash.

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President-elect Donald Trump has sparked diplomatic controversy by suggesting the U.S. needs to acquire Greenland for reasons of national security and refusing to definitively rule out using military force to do so. Greenland, a self-governing Danish territory, is not for sale, said Denmarks prime minister, Mette Frederiksen.

Trumps interest in Greenland is not new. He first expressed interest in the territory in 2019, but it never developed into any action.

Whether or not Trump has actual plans this time around to advance any attempt in Washington to own Greenland is far from clear. But given the incoming presidents repeated statements and invocation of national security, its worth considering what strategic value Greenland might actually have from the perspective of the U.S.s geopolitical priorities.

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As a scholar of geopolitical conflicts involving natural resources and the Arctic, I believe Greenlands value from an international political perspective can be viewed in terms of four fundamental areas: minerals, military presence, Arctic geopolitics and the territorys potential independence.

A matter of minerals

Greenlands most valuable natural resources lie with its vast mineral wealth, which holds real potential to advance its economy. Identified deposits include precious metals such as gold and platinum, a number of base metals  zinc, iron, copper, nickel, cobalt and uranium  and rare earth elements, including neodymium, dysprosium and praseodymium. A detailed 2023 summary published by the Geologic Survey of Denmark and Greenland suggests new deposits will be found with the continued retreat of the Greenland Ice Sheet.

Greenlands rare earth resources are particularly significant. These elements are essential not only to battery, solar and wind technology but also to military applications. If fully developed, the Kvanefjeld  or Kuannersuit in Greenlandic  uranium and rare earth deposit would place Greenland among the top producers worldwide.

During the 2010s, Greenlands leaders encouraged interest from outside mining firms, including leading Chinese companies, before finally granting a lease to the Australian company Energy Transition Minerals (formerly Greenland Minerals Ltd).

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When Chinas Shenghe Resources took a major share in Energy Transition Minerals, it raised red flags for Denmark, the European Union and the U.S., which felt China was seeking to expand its global dominance of the rare earth market while reducing Europes own potential supply.

The issue was put to rest in 2021 when Greenlands parliament banned all uranium mining, killing further development of Kvanefjeld for the time being. That same year saw the government also prohibit any further oil and gas activity. Predictably, a majority of mining companies have subsequently steered clear of Greenland due to perceived concern of any investment being jeopardized by future political decisions.

Fears of China abroad

Chinas interest in Greenland stretches back at least a decade.

In 2015, Greenland Minister of Finance and Interior Vittus Qujaukitsoq visited China to discuss possible investment in mining, hydropower, port and other infrastructure projects. One firm, China Communications Construction Company, bid to build two airports, one in the capital, Nuuk, the other in Ilulissat.

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Another Chinese firm, General Nice Group, offered to purchase an abandoned Danish naval base in northeastern Greenland, while the Chinese Academy of Sciences asked to build a permanent research center and a satellite ground station near Nuuk.

None of this sat well with the first Trump administration, which put pressure on Denmark to convince Greenlands government that a significant, official Chinese presence on the island was unwanted. The Danes and Greenlanders complied, rebuffing Chinese attempts to invest in Greenland-based projects.

The Trump administration, in particular, viewed Chinas interest in Greenland as having hidden commercial and military motives, concerns that continued under the Biden administration in its recent lobbying of another Australian mining firm not to sell any of its Greenland assets to Chinese companies.

Long-standing US interest

The U.S. has had a long-standing security interest in Greenland dating from 1946, when it offered Denmark US$100 million in gold bullion for it. The Danes politely but firmly declined, with their foreign minister saying he didnt feel we owe them the whole island.

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In the early 1950s, the U.S built Thule Air Force Base 750 miles (about 1,200 kilometers) north of the Arctic Circle. Originally a missile early warning and radio communications site, it was transferred to the newly formed U.S. Space Force in 2020 and renamed Pituffik Space Base in 2023.

The northernmost military facility of the U.S., Pituffik has updated radar and tracking capabilities to provide missile warning, defense and space surveillance, and satellite command missions. While it also supports scientific research focused on the Arctic, the base is intended to increase military capabilities in the Arctic region for both the U.S. and its allies.

The base has the ability to track shipping as well as air and satellite positions, giving it both real and symbolic importance to American strategic interests in the Arctic. As a result, much of the U.S. foreign policy establishment, not just those in Trumps orbit, view any notable Chinese presence in Greenland, whether temporary or permanent, with concern.

Geopolitics of the Arctic

Greenland is geographically situated between the Northern Sea Route and the Northwest Passage, two Arctic shipping routes whose importance is growing as sea ice shrinks. By around 2050, a Transpolar Sea Route is likely to open through the central Arctic Ocean, passing Greenlands eastern shores. Furthermore, the island is the basis of Denmarks sovereignty claim to the North Pole  rivaled by claims by Russia and Canada.

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While international law recognizes no national sovereignty in international waters, that has done little to end the diplomatic tug-of-war over the pole. The matter is far from trivial: Sovereignty would give a country access to potentially significant oil, gas and rare earth resources, as well as superior scientific and military access to the future Transpolar Sea Route.

Yet, this dispute over ownership of the North Pole is only one part of the geopolitical struggle for offshore territory in the region. Russias growing militarization of its enormous coastal area has been countered by NATO military exercises in northern Scandinavia, while Chinas own moves into the Arctic, aided by Moscow, has seen the launch of several research stations supported by icebreakers and agreements for research and commercial projects.

Chinas government has also asserted it has rights in the region, for navigation, fishing, overflight, investment in oil and gas projects, and more.

Greenland for Greenlanders?

All of these factors help decipher the realities involved in the U.S.-Denmark-Greenland relationship. Despite Trumps words, I believe it is extremely unlikely he would actually use U.S. military force to take Greenland, and its an open question whether he would use coercive economic policies in the form of tariffs against Denmark to give him leverage in negotiating a purchase of Greenland.

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Yet while Trump and other foreign policy outsiders view Greenland through an external strategic and economic lens, the island is home to nearly 60,000 people  90% of them indigenous Inuit  many of whom treat the designs of foreign nations on their territory with skepticism.

Indeed, in 2008, Greenland voted to pursue nationhood. The island receives an annual subsidy of 500 million euros ($513 million) from Denmark, and to further economic independence, it has sought foreign investment.

Interest from China has accompanied Greenlands moves toward independence, backed by Beijings strategy to be an Arctic player. The thinking in Beijing may be that an independent Greenland will be less shackled to NATO and the European Union, and as such, more open to investment from further afield.

Ironically, Trumps recent comments have the potential of achieving something very different than their aim by encouraging Greenlands prime minister, Mute Egede, to propose a referendum in 2025 on full independence.

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It is now time for our country to take the next step, he said. We must work to remove  the shackles of colonialism.

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: Scott L. Montgomery, University of Washington

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Scott L. Montgomery does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
President-elect Trump and congressional Republicans are plotting how to address the nations debt limit this year.

The debt ceiling, which caps how much money the Treasury can owe to pay the countrys bills, was reestablished earlier this month after being suspended for the past year and half. The national debt now stands at more than $36 trillion.

Trump has called for Congress to move quickly to raise or suspend the debt ceiling. But internal rifts on spending and partisan divides could complicate the path forward.

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Heres a few possible scenarios Trump and Republicans have floated.

Trumps big, beautiful bill

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said this month that Republicans are looking to tackle the debt ceiling as part of a massive reconciliation bill that would contain large pieces of Trumps agenda.

The maneuver would allow the party to pass the legislation through the Senate with a simple majority, bypassing Democratic opposition  and taking away Democrats leverage to extract concessions in exchange for votes to avoid a default.

The intention is to handle the debt limit in reconciliation in the process, and that way, as the Republican Party, the party in charge of both chambers, we then get to determine the details of that, Johnson told reporters last week.

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If it runs through regular order or regular process and as a standalone, or as part of the appropriations, for example, then you have to have both parties negotiating, and we feel like were in better stead to do it ourselves, he also said.

But Republicans are already hoping to use that complex maneuver to take on a growing wish list of items in areas like tax, border and energy to advance key parts of Trumps agenda as part of a major package.

But tacking on debt ceiling legislation to the growing wish list of items Republicans have floated including in the reconciliation bill could add to headaches when GOP leadership in the House tries to lock down support.

Johnson and House leaders are navigating a razor thin margin in the conference, where it can be difficult to get hardline conservatives on board with raising the debt limit.

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Trump and House Republicans over the weekend discussed using a different legislative vehicle to lift the debt ceiling, four sources told The Hill. They said Trump did not reveal his preferred strategy.

March funding showdown

Congress is already staring down a mid-March deadline to pass legislation to keep the government funded  and some lawmakers are already signaling openness to the idea of tackling the debt ceiling as part a broader deal to avert a shutdown.

Members are hopeful that Congress will pass their 12 annual government funding bills for fiscal year 2025 by the March 14 cutoff date, but top appropriators say lack of a topline agreement is holding up progress.

The deadline comes about five months after Congress blew past the initial deadline to pass their fiscal 2025 funding bills in October  when fiscal year 2025 actually started.

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Asked about the prospect of debt ceiling legislation being attached to an expected spending deal to avert a shutdown around spring, House Appropriation Chairman Tom Cole (R-Okla.) didnt rule out the idea last week.

Its not a problem for me, if that helps our leaders, he told reporters. I mean, youre more likely to get a bipartisan vote in a situation like that.

California fire disaster aid

As the deadly wildfires in California draw national attention, Johnson on Monday floated tying a debt limit increase to disaster aid for the state.

Theres some discussion about that, but well see where it goes, Johnson told reporters when asked about debt limit legislation being a ridealong to a potential disaster aid package.

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As part of the stopgap passed last month, Congress passed more than $100 billion in disaster aid to support response efforts following Hurricane Milton and Helene, and other extreme weather events.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has said it has enough resources to meet Californias needs in wake of the blazes. But some early estimates have valued losses from the fires at more than $50 billion and its likely Congress will have to take action this year on helping the state recover.

No more ceiling?

Trump previously called for the abolishment of the debt ceiling  an idea that some Democrats have signaled openness to, though many Republicans have long opposed the thought.

The Democrats have said they want to get rid of it. If they want to get rid of it, I would lead the charge, Trump told NBC News in an interview last month, while also calling the idea smartest thing that Congress could do.

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I would support that entirely, he also said.

Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.) said of the idea earlier this month: That may be the only area that I really agree with Donald Trump on.

Other Democrats are on the fence, however.

I think we have to hear the details, be open to negotiations, see what we get in return, Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) said when asked about the pitch. I dont think were going to give away the power of the purse that easily to President Trump.

Default

Trump has raised concerns about Democrats using the threat of a national default as a means to extract concessions from Republicans this year.

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The party out of power  which Democrats are this year  can demand major concessions in return for agreeing to raise the debt limit. Republicans successfully used the strategy in the last Congress to secure a deal with President Biden that suspended the debt ceiling through the end of 2024, along with caps on some federal spending.

Trump was unsuccessful in his eleventh-hour effort last month to get Congress to pass the debt ceiling as part of a funding stopgap to prevent another shutdown threat before the holidays.

I was all for giving President Trump what he asked for, which was a two-year suspension. Obviously, not everybody in our conference is on that side, Cole said. Democrats normally would have no problem with that. They like it. But now they see a chance to use the debt ceiling to score political points in the reconciliation debate.

Experts have warned a national default, an outcome seen as the least likely scenario, could yield catastrophic effects for the nations economy. But that doesnt mean the nation hasnt seen its stellar credit rating downgraded by top agencies in the past as a result of intense partisan standoffs over the debt limit.

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A top North Carolina Senate Republican and chair of the powerful transportation committee is optimistic Charlotte will be able to ask voters for permission to raise the sales tax by a cent in 2025.

Despite the optimism, state Sen. Vickie Sawyer of Mecklenburg and Iredell counties says she cant guarantee anything.

It really is 50-50, Senator Sawyer said. I just dont know whats going to happen.

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Since 2020, Charlotte has hoped to raise the sales tax by a penny to fund road and transit expansion. Charlotte City Council needs the states permission for a referendum. Charlotte City Council met with Mecklenburg Countys state delegation Monday afternoon.

RELATED >> City of Charlotte releases draft legislation for new transit plan

If approved by voters, the sales tax increase is projected to bring in billions of dollars over 30 years. The money will be evenly split amongst road and rail projects, with the remaining investment in bus service.

Sen. Sawyer praised Charlotte City Councils approach. The city has worked with surrounding towns to craft a regional transit plan. All towns, except for Matthews, passed resolutions in favor of a sales tax increase.

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The folks whove been working in the business community and Mayor [Vi] Lyles and her city council have done the best job they possibly can getting this work, Sawyer said.

Sawyer will be leading the effort in the Senate. Representatives Tricia Cotham and Becky Carney will be leading the charge in the North Carolina House.

There has been pushback against the transit plan from the town of Matthews, where leaders are upset that the town will not see light rail service. No state lawmakers publicly brought up this opposition.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE >> City of Charlotte purchases Red Line rail

Councilperson Dimple Ajmera, the chair of the budget committee, says conversations are taking place behind the scenes and no future lines have been finalized. She is also optimistic about the plans future.

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Im really excited and thrilled to finally see this as part of our state legislative agenda, she said.

The city hopes voters will have a say in 2025. Thats an ambitious timeline, according to Sawyer. She says the NCGA moves at its own pace.

Im hearing from the city that they really need it fast, she said. But we are the North Carolina State Legislature. We do things very, very slow, so well figure it out.

(VIDEO >> Only going to get worse: Neighbors concerned after Belmont transportation bond doesnt pass)
Tropical beaches, cold drinks by the pool and extreme heat are some of the things one might associate with Thailand. Yet, a rare recent cold snap has seen residents of the kingdoms capital throwing on extra layers and enjoying the cool winter breeze.

Temperatures in Bangkok fell as low as 59.3 degrees Fahrenheit (15.2 degrees Celsius) on Monday, the lowest the capital has seen in years, as the countrys weather agency warned cool conditions could persist through mid-February.

On bustling Silom Road in downtown Bangkok, locals bundled up in sweaters and hoodies, some even thrusting their hands in their pockets to keep warm.

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This year is different, I cant remember the last time Bangkok was this cold, Ms. Kai, a 63-year-old drinks vendor, told CNN. When I was kid, it was much colder, and it stayed for a long time.

Bangkok typically sees temperatures between 73 and 91 degrees Fahrenheit (23 to 33 degrees Celsius) during January, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand  one reason why its a paradise for many tourists looking to escape winter in the northern hemisphere.

Thailands northern mountainous region, known as the Thai highlands, often experiences cooler temperatures than the capital, dipping to an average low of 59 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius) near the city of Chiang Mai in January.

However, both Bangkok and Thailands north have seen temperatures plummet to unusual lows this week, because of a high-pressure swing from China, the Thai Meteorological Department said.

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Mondays temperature was the coldest in Bangkok since 2017, according to the meteorological department. The citys lowest recorded temperature was around 49 degrees Fahrenheit (9.9 degrees Celsius) on January 12, 1955, according to data from the meteorological department.

The agency said that while temperatures are expected to warm from this weekend, the cooler weather could persist across the country until at least mid-February.

While some residents hope the unusually cool temperatures will be good for business, others say they are enjoying the welcome change from Bangkoks usual heat.

I hope this is good for my business so people would enjoy walking on Bangkoks streets more, said Kai, the vendor. Normally, [the] traffic of people would die down very quickly after lunchtime and in the afternoon. One of the reasons [was] because of the heat.

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Office worker Thanawat Yooyen, 28, told CNN she was enjoying these brief moments of winter. [Its] better than nothing, she said.

One X user wrote on the social media platform, Mother Elsa is bringing the cold so that people in Bangkok are getting chilly, referring to the character in Disneys animated film Frozen.

Another X user wrote, So cold in Bangkok this morning Im in need of my warm jacket. I guess most Thais will be dusting off their puffer coats.

Travelers and residents are advised to take precautions to stay warm and to be cautious of fire hazards caused by dry and windy winter conditions.

CNNs Robert Shackelford contributed to this report.

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WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  Officials said no one was hurt after a fire broke out inside a home in Northwest D.C., leaving several people displaced on Tuesday.

In a post on X just after 1 p.m., the DC Fire and EMS Department (DCFD), said crews were called to a box alarm in the 5400 block of 9th Street. There, firefighters found a working fire in a two-story home with flames spreading to a house nearby.

DC police investigating deadly shooting in NE, no suspects arrested

Firefighters were on the scene of a house fire on 9th Street in D.C. on Jan. 14. (x/dcfireems) (x/dcfireems) (x/dcfireems)

About an hour later, the fire department said all visible flames were out, but crews were still managing hot spots.

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In videos posted by DCFD on social media, thick smoke could be seen billowing from the home as firefighters work on the scene.

The American Red Cross was notified to assist six people who were displaced.

(Photo courtesy of the DC Fire and EMS Department) (Photo courtesy of the DC Fire and EMS Department) (Photo courtesy of the DC Fire and EMS Department) (Photo courtesy of the DC Fire and EMS Department)

In an update made at 3:27 p.m., DCFD said the fire was under control and investigators are trying to figure out how it started.

No injuries were reported.

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Sixty-five oil tankers paused operations in various places around the world following the recent U.S.-U.K. sanctions against Russias oil industry and shadow fleet, Reuters reported on Jan. 13, citing maritime tracking data.

According to the news agency, five of those tankers were anchoring off China and Singapore, while others were idling in the Baltic Sea and near Russia's Far East.

The latest sanctions targeted more than 180 oil-carrying vessels of Russia's so-called shadow fleet, a group of aging tankers routinely used for sanction evasion. Several of these vessels are also reportedly involved in transporting sanctioned Iranian oil.

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Experts cited by Reuters said the latest measures drove up prices of tankers as demand for non-sanctioned vessels grew.

The recent sanctions also targeted two of Russia's major oil producers, Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegaz, along with dozens of their subsidiaries.

Combined, these companies reportedly produce over 1 million barrels of oil daily, generating an estimated $23 billion of revenue annually, according to the U.S. Treasury Department.

The sanctions also extend to dozens of Russian energy officials and corporate executives, further tightening restrictions on Moscow's oil industry.

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Read also: US, UK impose sweeping sanctions on Russias oil sector, target shadow fleet

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CARTER COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL)  All seven of Northeast Tennessees county mayors have signed a letter voicing support for Gov. Bill Lees Education Freedom Scholarship Act, commonly referred to as the school voucher program.

The letter is signed by the following mayors:

Patty Woodby, Carter County

Joe Grandy, Washington County

Richard Venable, Sullivan County

Mark DeWitte, Hawkins County

Larry Potter, Johnson County

Garland Bubba Evely, Unicoi County

Kevin Morrison, Greene County

Greene County Mayor Kevin Morrison provided News Channel 11 with a copy of the letter, which opens with the mayors expressing their gratitude to Lee for his leadership and commitment to addressing the challenges facing communities across Tennessee.

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Lawmakers discuss school vouchers with Kingsport BOE at breakfast

The letter states that the mayors met with Northeast Tennessees state representatives and senators to cover issues in the area.

These conversations underscored the critical need for thoughtful policies that strengthen local governments, support disaster recovery, and enhance educational opportunities, the letter states, the letter reads. One such policy is the Education Freedom Scholarship Act of 2025, which we believe is a practical step toward addressing the educational and financial needs of our communities.

The mayors then go on to endorse the school voucher program, which has become a controversial topic in the state of Tennessee. Multiple school districts have made it clear they oppose Lees Education Freedom Scholarship Act, which would provide waivers to families that could be applied to tuition at private schools.

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Voucher 2.0 support thin among NE TN lawmakers

The regions county mayors wrote that they were encouraged by a provision within the governors act that would not penalize school systems for a loss of enrollment.

This measure provides local districts with the stability needed to adjust to changes in enrollment without compromising the quality of education for students, the letter reads.

According to the letter, the voucher program would also include disaster relief funding for the area following the destruction left by Hurricane Helene. The hurricane damaged multiple schools, most notably Hampton High School, whose students have been relocated to a temporary school after the historic floods.

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These resources are essential for restoring infrastructure, supporting affected families, and rebuilding a more resilient Northeast Tennessee, the letter states.

The mayors said the act will address family needs while also supporting education and disaster recovery.

The entire letter can be read below:

EFSA LOS by Murry Lee on Scribd

Woodby provided her own statement in addition to the letter, saying the school voucher program will help Northeast Tennessee in both the near and distant future.

Governor Lee has been good to us, Woodby said. This bill is a testament to his understanding of the unique challenges we face in rebuilding after Hurricane Helene and ensuring our schools have the resources they need to provide high-quality education. Its a forward-thinking solution that addresses both immediate and long-term needs for our communities.

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News Channel 11 talked to Greene County Mayor Kevin Morrison, who said the funds for Hurricane Helene relief are vital to the region.

With a combined total, at least here in Greene County of $22 million in individual infrastructure damage and another $100 million in public infrastructure damage, those recovery funds are so very important, Morrison said. Theyre very important because we cant put this on the back of our taxpayers, given the financial environment that weve been in the last year or two. And now recovering from a historic flood would be impossible for our community and our people to fund the building back of bridges and roads and water systems and all the infrastructure that was damaged or destroyed during Hurricane Helene.

Morrison said he doesnt know how the Education Freedom Scholarship Act will be included with the recovery funds.

We dont necessarily know if theyre going to be attached, but we understand that theres going to be a special session that will start toward the end of the month to consider these two things, perhaps separately, but perhaps together, Morrison said. The Education Freedom Scholarship Act, of course, again, has made tremendous strides toward releasing public education from the accountability of loss of enrollment.

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Morrison asks the public to have an open mind.

Legislatively, its a very difficult thing to sort of mesh the good with the bad and come out with something thats advantageous to the majority in every situation, regardless of whether its a flood, if its educational funding if its some other type of resource funding. I would just ask that, everybody needs to keep an open mind and were never going to get 100% of what we want. But we should never compromise and take less than half.

Sullivan County Mayor Richard Venable provided a statement:

In a letter to Governor Lee, I along with my colleagues have gone on record as supporting the Education Freedom Act of 2025. We currently have two private schools under construction in Sullivan County who most certainly will draw some students from our public school system. The act as presented will protect local education funding levels from reductions due to student disenrollments. It also provides funding for local school construction and maintenance and also includes a $2,000 one time bonus for our teachers. I trust our local legislative delegation to ensure that our Sullivan County school system is protected from any harm. Mayor Richard Venable

Washington County Mayor Joe Grandy also provided a statement:

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This Education Freedom Act represents a balanced approach to both family needs in education and support of the existing public education system. Families have a choice in the education of their children, while the public school system is held harmless financially for students who choose private education. Mayor Joe Grandy

The Washington County Board of Education recently passed a resolution in opposition to the Education Freedom Scholarship Act.

Superintendent, Jerry Boyd said his views align with his board.

It just needs to be fair competition, Boyd said. So in the proposed legislation, theres really not a fair level playing field as far as accountability with public schools versus other schools that would receive funds.

Boyd said there may be an expectation of support for the voucher from counties that were impacted by Hurricane Helene.

In order to receive some much-needed funding to address some of these, you know, the disaster that were all still dealing with, especially in Northeast Tennessee, Boyd said. I dont know that for a fact, but it has been stated multiple times by multiple different people.

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The voucher bill, which is an expansion of a program already in use in some Tennessee metro areas, failed to become law in 2024 after the state House and Senate were unable to negotiate certain aspects of it. Lee has remained stalwart on pushing the bill into law, and it was filed again for consideration in November.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Charity Adams Earley inspects members of the 6888th Postal Battalion in Birmingham, England, in 1945. (Provided/U.S. Army Womens Museum)

COLUMBIA  When Charity Adams Earley was sent across seas in 1944 , she was faced with a monumental task: Get millions of pieces of mail to the soldiers meant to receive them.

Under her leadership, a battalion of Black women nicknamed the Six Triple Eight (for the 6888th) sorted and sent the mail in three months  about half the time one general predicted. Their story disappeared in much of the history of World War II, but with a new movie, the Columbia native has hit the spotlight, more than 20 years after her death.

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After achieving the highest possible rank for a woman in the Army at the time, Earley became a fixture of the Ohio city where she lived. She died Jan. 13, 2002, 23 years ago Monday.

Charity Adams Earley

Born in Kittrell, North Carolina, Earleys family moved to Columbia when she was young. Growing up in Columbia, Earley excelled. She was among a dozen elementary school students whose test scores were high enough to skip middle school entirely, though her parents decided to keep her in her grade, since she was already several years ahead of her peers.

Earley graduated as valedictorian in 1934 from Booker T. Washington High School, the first Black public high school in Columbia and the largest statewide.

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She received an academic scholarship to Wilberforce University in Ohio, a prestigious Black college, where she studied math, Latin, physics and history, according to the National Womens History Museum.

After graduating college in 1938, Earley returned to Columbia, where she taught math and science to middle school students. Over her summer breaks, she studied vocational psychology at Ohio State University.

When the United States joined World War II, Earley applied to enlist in the Womens Army Corps. She was one of 40 Black women chosen to be part of the first officer training class.

By the time she left the service in 1946, Earley was a lieutenant colonel, the highest possible rank for a woman at the time.

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The Six Triple Eight

As the military postal service tried to get billions of pieces of mail to soldiers stationed overseas, a backlog piled up. Letters and packages sat in warehouses and airport hangars, sometimes for years at a time, as morale dropped because soldiers hadnt heard from their loved ones.

By the time the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion was sent to Birmingham, England, in 1944, millions of pieces of mail sat untouched. Rats had gotten into some packages containing food, and the warehouses were poorly lit and unheated, according to the U.S. Army.

On top of that, sorting was not as simple as matching names and addresses. Many pieces of mail were addressed using nicknames or common names, meaning the women had to search through thousands of soldiers to find the correct one. Troops often moved before the letters reached them, so the addresses listed were no longer correct. And some soldiers had died, meaning the women had to return the letters to the senders.

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Earley, who was commanding officer of the battalion, scheduled the 855 women to work in three, eight-hour shifts each day. She later estimated the women went through 65,000 pieces of mail each day, for a total of more than 17 million packages and letters.

The officials who sent the women there expected the task to take them six months. Instead, it took them three.

She was a very determined woman, her daughter, Judith Earley, told the SC Daily Gazette. To her mind, she was probably doing what needed to be done.

After sorting all the letters in England, the battalion went to Rouen and Paris, France, to organize more letters. By 1946, all of the women had returned to the United States, where the unit was disbanded.

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Delayed accolades

After disbanding, the Six Triple Eight received several medals recognizing their accomplishments. In the years following the war, however, their story was lost to history, said Stanley Earley III, Earleys son, who lives in Prince Georges County, Maryland.

Things happen when they happen, the 71-year-old told the Gazette. They shouldve received recognition decades ago.

That began to change in 2018, when Fort Leavenworth in Kansas dedicated a monument to the unit. The next year, the battalion received a Meritorious Unit Commendation. In 2022, the battalion received the Congressional Gold Medal.

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Earley became the first Black woman to have an Army fort named after her in 2023, when Fort Lee in Virginia was renamed Fort Gregg-Adams. The hyphenated title came from Earleys maiden name and Lt. Gen. Arthur J. Gregg, the first Black Army officer to receive the rank of lieutenant general.

The South Carolina House recognized her with a resolution last year.

Her hard work and contributions have not gone unnoticed, and the impact she has had on this great nation is remarkable, reads the resolution sponsored by former Rep. Ivory Thigpen, D-Columbia, and adopted unanimously in February 2024.

A 2019 documentary, also called The Six Triple Eight, brought more attention to the story. A magazine article that same year inspired director Tyler Perrys movie, which debuted on Netflix in December. A stage musical is also in the works.

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The recent interest in the women, though belated, is a reminder of other forgotten stories about Black women, said Crissandra Elliott, who has been researching Earley for Delta Sigma Theta, the sorority of which both were members.

Finally, somebody let the world know that what they did mattered, Elliott said.

The movie

Judith Earley was apprehensive when she first heard from the filmmakers that they were interested in turning her mothers story into a movie.

You never know how these kinds of things are going to turn out, the 66-year-old said from her home in Dayton, Ohio.

Judith Earley and her brother, Stanley Earley, did not play a major role in making the film, other than answering some family questions that came up. But at early screenings, they both decided their mother had been portrayed well.

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The movie seemed to be accurate to what they know of their mothers history, both siblings said. At the same time, though, they didnt know their mom as the soldier who Kerry Washington plays in the movie.

To Stanley and Judith Earley, Charity Adams Earley was the mom who remade a ragdoll lost in a house fire to look like her daughter and who played ping-pong with them on the familys table.

Earley sometimes talked about her time in the Army, but the siblings didnt realize until adulthood that their mother was a significant historical figure, they said. When historians several years ago got excited to see Earleys journal from the time, for instance, her daughter was shocked anew at her prominence, she said.

Its just now coming into focus, because shes my mother and I dont think of her that way, Judith Earley said.

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Still, they saw the mother they knew shine through during certain moments in the film.

Soon after Stanley Earley had started a new job for the city of Dayton, Ohio, he found himself across the table with his mother, negotiating an agreement with the Red Cross board of which his mother was a member. She singled out one line of the contract, and Stanley Earley realized she had read every document all the way through.

That level of organization, as well as her ability to negotiate without disrespecting anyone, shone through in Washingtons depiction, Stanley Earley said.

She was always really prepared, and that was always something that made her very successful, Stanley Earley said.

Work after the war

While she told her children stories about the Six Triple Eight and her military service, that was only a small part of her life, Stanley Earley said.

My mother was never really a person who focused on the past, Stanley Earley said. She did many, many things after this.

After finishing her masters degree at Ohio State University, Earley worked for the Veterans Administration in Ohio. She worked for several colleges, including as dean of students at Georgia State College.

Earley and her husband, Stanley Earley Jr., spent some time in Switzerland before settling down in Ohio. There, Charity Adams Earley sat on boards for the Red Cross, the local community college and a utility company.

The house in which she grew up still stands on Fairfield Road in Columbia. The Columbia chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, of which Earley was a member, now uses the home as its office, Elliott said.

Were very, very proud of her, Elliott said.


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Due to go online in 2028, the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) is designed to understand the evolution of ghost particles known as neutrinos and antineutrinos.

While this could help scientists determine why matter dominated antimatter in the early universe, it could also help shed light on another physics ideaLarge Extra Dimensions (LEDs).

LEDs could explain why gravity is weaker than the other fundamental forces of nature, and why neutrinos have such tiny masses in the first place.

Although many fascinating experiments take place on land or even in orbit around the planet, some of the most fascinating science is taking place beneath our feet. The worlds premiere particle accelerator, the Large Hadron Collider, is nestled safely below ground in Geneva, Switzerland. The worlds first laser interferometer, KAGRA, was built entirely underground, and its gravitational-wave detector ancestor, LIGO, similarly has infrastructure burried in the earth.

However, perhaps the most highly-anticipated subterranean science experiment is the upcoming Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE). As its name suggests, its primary mission is to study neutrinos and antineutrinos, sometimes known as ghost particles due to their famously elusive nature. DUNE has its work cut out for it, because these particlesin all three flavorseach contain a mass billions of times smaller than that of an electron. Even still, neutrinos and antineutrinos could be the explanation behind why matter won out against antimatter at the beginning of the universe, leading to the formation of... well... everything.

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With a project of this sizearound 800 miles long, to be preciseother discoveries are also possible. In fact, a recently published study in the Journal of High Energy Physics from the High Energy Physics Center at Chung-Ang University in South Korea indicates that DUNE could shed light on an idea known as Large Extra Dimensions, or LEDs.

To put it simply, the DUNE particle accelerator will create (from its location at Fermilab in Batavia, Illinois) muon neutrinos and antineutrinos, which will then travel to a detector located 1.5 kilometers underground in South Dakota. During their four-millisecond trip from Illinois to South Dakota, the neutrinos are expected to transform into electron neutrinos and tau neutrinos (neutrinos tend to do that kind of thing). Understanding this neutrino evolution could help piece together what happened those first moments after the Big Bang, but neutrino behavior could also show that extra spatial dimensions exist in tandem with our conventional four dimensions.

LiveScience reports that these Large Extra Dimensions are actually very smallaround one millionth of a meterbut theyre immensely large when compared to typical subatomic sizes in the realm of femtometers (one-quadrillionth of a meter).

The primary motivation for this theory is to address why gravity is vastly weaker than the other fundamental forces in nature, Mehedi Masud, a co-author of the study from Chung-Ang University, told LiveScience. Furthermore, the theory of large extra dimensions offers a potential explanation for the origin of the tiny neutrino masses, a phenomenon that remains unexplained within the Standard Model of particle physics.

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The authors believe that DUNE should be able to detect these dimensions, as theyll alter neutrino oscillationsthat is, if they exist at all. Using computer simulations, Masud and his team have come to believe that DUNE is sensitive enough to confirm the existence of LEDs if theyre around one millionth of a meter in size. Combining DUNEs efforts with data from other colliders and cosmological experiments could further refine our understanding of LEDs.

For now, this is all just theory. But once DUNE goes online in 2028, many long-awaited questions should be answeredor at the very least, transform into new, exciting questions.

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DENVER (KDVR)  Nine people now face charges in connection to a reported armed kidnapping of two people in December at the Edge at Lowry apartment complex, the Aurora Police Department announced Monday.

A total of 19 people were detained after the Dec. 17 reported home invasion and kidnapping in which 13-15 armed individuals accosted a male and female victim at the Aurora complex in the 1200 block of Dallas Street and forced them into a vacant apartment unit, Aurora Police Chief Todd Chamberlain said in a press conference at the time. The victims were then allegedly tied up, pistol-whipped, beaten and stabbed.

Immediate threat to safety: Emergency order will close Aurora apartment complex

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The troubled Aurora apartment complex has been at the center of national attention, and an Aurora judge on Monday granted the city an emergency order to temporarily closure the complex due to an imminent threat to public safety and welfare, according to an Aurora city press release.

Charges include assault, kidnapping, extortion

Mondays charges against nine of the arrested people included second-degree kidnapping, first-degree assault, aggravated robbery, second-degree burglary, extortion and menacing, according to the press release. The ages of the people charged range from 20 years old to 31 years old.

The arrested people who have been charged are:

Andres Alexander Liendo-Padilla, 26

Javier Alexander Alvarado Parada, 24

Jesus Alberto Alejos Escalona, 22

Junior Reyes-Barrios, 28

Barbara Sivle Medina-Arcaya, 29

Donarkys Teresa Suarez-Quesada, 31

Luigi Javier Soto-Sucre, 26

Niefred Jose Serpa-Acosta, 20

Jengrinso Elias Loreto-Petit, 26

Police released three of the original 19 people detained after investigators determined they were not involved in the kidnapping. The police press release states the police department obtained warrants for three additional people who are not yet in custody.

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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is holding the remaining 16 people in custody, including the nine charged; the other seven are still under investigation, according to the police press release.

One person charged linked to August fatal shooting at Edge at Lowry

The youngest person charged in the December kidnapping, 20-year-old Niefred Jose Serpa-Acosta, was also linked to the August fatal shooting connected to the viral apartment security video captured moments before the shooting, according to the police press release.

Video shows group of men carrying guns at troubled Aurora apartment complex

Serpa-Acosta was wanted on a warrant for first-degree burglary and menacing with a deadly weapon in connection to the Aug. 18 video in which police allege Serpa-Acosta and five other men were seen knocking on an apartment door about 10 minutes before a fatal shooting at the complex.

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Police obtained six warrants connected to the video, and Serpa-Acostas arrest now means four of the six people are in custody.

The December kidnapping investigation is still active, and anyone with information can contact Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867. Tipsters can remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
Editors note: This story has been updated to remove an incorrect map. We regret the error.

LILY, Ky. (FOX 56)  On Monday, officials shed light on what led officers to 63-year-old Douglas Harlesss home on the night of his death.

Court documents said officers were executing a search warrant for a stolen weed eater and heater on the night Harless died. Hobert Buttery, 49, was arrested in connection with the theft and told officers the stolen items could be found at a home on Vanzant Road.

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Dispatch audio indicates officers were directed to 489 Vanzant Rd. but reportedly went to a home marked as 511 Vanzant Road instead, where Harless lived. A press release from the London Police Department stated that Harless pointed a gun at officers, which resulted in him being shot and killed just before midnight on Dec. 23.

Since the shooting, questions have lingered in the Lily community, wondering if officers went to the right home.

The Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) is an elected official responsible for accessing property within the county. The property database is also accessible to the public.

The home marked 511 Vanzant Road, where the shooting death of Douglas Harless occurred. (FOX 56)

However, the home marked 511, where Harless lived, is listed as 489 Vanzant Rd. in the PVA database.

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FOX 56 spoke with Mayor Randall Weddle on Monday, shedding light on how the dispatch system works and how officers showed up at Harlesss home in December.

According to Mayor Weddle, the 911 dispatch system correlates with the addresses listed in the PVA database. So when the officers were routed to serve the search warrant, dispatch would have led them to the parcel addressed at 489 Vanzant Rd.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

Its unclear why the numbers on Harlesss home dont match the address in the PVA database. Laurel County Property Value Administrator Don McFadden told FOX 56 that he updates the database daily, and the 911 dispatch system provides the addresses listed.

McFadden told FOX 56 that he believes Google Maps has since updated and listed what was once 489 Vanzant Rd. as 511 Vanzant Rd. over the weekend.

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My best guess is the 489 Vanzant Road address was issued decades ago by the Cumberland Vally ADD and that address is .489 miles from the beginning of Vanzant Road, which makes the address correct, McFadden said, referencing the home marked as 511.

But why the home is marked as 511 is still a mystery.

It would not surprise me if we find out that this mobile home was actually in a different location with 511 attached to the structure. The owner of the property may have simply moved the mobile home up front and never felt the need to change the address, he added. We have no county zoning in Laurel, so yeah, weird stuff happens.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
UPDATE 6:33 p.m.: Services have been restored to process non-emergency calls, according to JSO.

UPDATE 1:30 p.m.: Per JSO, 911 lines are working again. If you need to contact JSO for any other reason, email JSOFeedback@JaxSheriff.org. For JFRD, call 904-255-7782.

ORIGINAL STORY: Police in Duval County say neighbors will not be able to reach first responders by dialing 911.

Just after noon, The Jacksonville Sheriffs Office, Atlantic Beach Police Department, and the Jacksonville Beach Police Department all reported that 911 and non-emergency dispatch lines are down - and it appears to be an issue county-wide.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

Officials are working to get the issue fixed.

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According to Jacksonville Beach Police, the line just rings if you dial 911.

If you need police assistance in Jacksonville Beach, please call 904-270-1667 and press option 2 for immediate assistance.

if you need police assistance in Atlantic Beach, please call 904-247-5859 x1.

Your #JSO Communications Commander Petena Tillman and Strategic Communications Executive Vic Micolucci discuss the county-wide 911 outage affecting JSO, @THEJFRD, and beaches agencies.



If you are in an emergency, call 911. If you are not in an emergency but still need to reach pic.twitter.com/f6YR8jchQr  Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) January 14, 2025

UPDATE: 911 CALLS WORKING AGAIN, CONTACT INFORMATION FOR NON-EMERGENCIES



We are working hard to resolve our phone line outage with our partners @JaxReady. If you are in an emergency, call 911. If you need to contact us for any other reason, please email pic.twitter.com/P3FtUue5YJ  Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) January 14, 2025

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Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  Gov. Greg Abbott announced on Monday he will order flags outside all state buildings to be at full staff on Jan. 20 in honor of Inauguration Day, according to a news release from the governors office.

He cited a federal statute that states the U.S. flag should be displayed on certain holidays, which includes Inauguration Day.

When it comes to the order of the U.S. flag and Texas flag, guidelines for the U.S. flag must be at the top. So, if the Texas flags move up, so must the U.S. flag.

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How long will flags fly at half-staff for Jimmy Carter?

The flags were lowered due to the death of former President Jimmy Carter. The Department of Veterans Affairs said flags should remain at least half staff for 30 days when a president dies. Carter died on Dec. 29, which would make it eight days early.

Texas continues to mourn with our fellow Americans across the country over the passing of former President Jimmy Carter, Abbott said in the release.. President Carters steadfast leadership left a lasting legacy that will be felt for generations to come, which together as a nation we honor by displaying flags at half-staff for 30 days.

He went on to say the nation will continue celebrating the democratic tradition of transferring power by inaugurating Donald Trump as the 47th president of the United States.

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Trump said Monday he was frustrated with the flag flying at half-staff on Inauguration Day, according to The Associated Press.

While we honor the service of a former President, we must also celebrate the service of an incoming President and the bright future ahead for the United States of America, Abbott said.

The United States Code states the U.S. flag should be lowered for a presidents death and is displayed on holidays. However, it does not outline which day takes precedence.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
JOHNSTOWN, Pa.  A Johnstown man is set to stand trial in Cambria County court in connection with the October shooting death of one man and the wounding of two others, authorities said.

Jamil Quhir Branche, 24, was held for trial following a preliminary hearing Friday before District Judge Kevin Price, of Johnstown.

City police detectives Cory Adams and Mark Britton charged Branche with shooting Isaiah Hixon, 32, of Johnstown.

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The motive for the killing remains unclear.

Branche said there was a motive, but would not give specifics, Adams said Sunday. He said the victim was not the intended target.

According to a complaint affidavit, the Oct. 6 gunfire in the 900 block of Ash Street in Johnstowns Hornerstown section lasted only a few seconds.

Cambria County District Attorney Greg Neugebauer said at the time that it appeared Hixon had stopped to talk to a few people moments before someone drove up and opened fire at around 2:30 a.m.

An autopsy showed that Hixon, who grew up in New Jersey, died of massive blood loss from multiple gunshot wounds.

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Surveillance cameras reportedly showed a man leaning out of a rear passenger window of a Jeep Compass and firing two guns, killing Hixon and injuring two others.

Police allegedly traced the Jeeps movements through Hornerstown and found it parked in a driveway at the rear of a residence in the 1200 block of Franklin Street.

Branche and a second person were allegedly seen exiting the Jeep about four minutes after the shooting, the affidavit said.

Detectives obtained a warrant to search the vehicle Oct. 17. Investigators said they found Branches fingerprints inside the vehicle. Information from the Tip411 app also allegedly helped to identify Branche.

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Branche was charged with criminal homicide, possession of a firearm prohibited and three counts each of aggravated assault and reckless endangerment.

He is being held without bond in Cambria County Prison in Ebensburg.
The Capital Judicial Center complex in Augusta includes the Kennebec County Superior Court. (Photo by Jim Neuger)

After a superior court judge found Maine guilty of failing to provide counsel to those who cant afford it, the American Civil Liberties Union of Maine is arguing that people should be released from jail while they wait for their state-appointed attorney.

Earlier this month, the Kennebec County Superior Court ruled that Maine had violated peoples Sixth Amendment rights by failing to provide indigent legal representation. In a follow up hearing later this month, the same court will hear from the state and the ACLU, which brought the initial lawsuit, on how best to remedy the constitutional violation.

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The ACLUs proposed solutions include release from jail for those whose right to an attorney cant be met, and a court mandate that the Maine Commission on Public Defense Services, which oversees public defenders, ensure they provide continuous representation starting at the defendants initial appearance and throughout the criminal process.

Were hoping that the court will craft a remedy that recognizes that people are innocent until proven guilty, and should not be locked up until the government can provide them with a lawyer, said Zach Heiden, chief counsel for the ACLU of Maine.

The states response, including solutions, is due in a week.

The civil rights organization first sued the state over lack of indigent counsel in 2022. Since then, the lawsuit was granted class action status, and the number of people charged with a crime waiting for state-appointed attorneys has steadily increased from 106 in November 2023 to 930 this month.

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According to a Maine Morning Star analysis, of those 930, at least 115 are currently being held in custody while they wait for state-appointed legal representation.

After the Jan. 3 ruling from the Kennebec County Superior Court, the ACLU filed a response last week asking the court to consider releasing non-convicted people from detention seven days after their initial appearance in court. After 45 days if no state-appointed attorney is provided, the ACLU asked the court to consider dismissing all charges, with the understanding that they could be filed again once an attorney is assigned.

While releasing people charged with a crime could be a public safety concern, Heiden said there are ways courts can put conditions on release.

The government has not shown that the release of non-convicted indigent defendants would threaten community safety so drastically as to justify continuing to deny petitioners their constitutional rights, the ACLU filing said.

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To the extent that public safety clashes with federal constitutional rights, the latter must prevail.

Public defenders officers arent enough to meet growing needs

The state hired its first five public defenders in 2022, and in March 2023, Gov. Janet Mills signed a law adding two offices and 10 new public defender positions.

However, the addition of those offices has made a real difference across the state, but its not enough to solve the problem, Heiden said.

Meanwhile, people waiting for an attorney cant negotiate bail, prepare for trial or get their day in court because of the ongoing shortage  a failing on Maines part to provide access to a public defender, according to the lawsuit.

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The ACLU asked the court to require the Maine Commission on Public Defense Services to submit a written plan outlining how they intend to provide indigent defense services to everyone who needs them.

The state has until Jan. 20 to file a response, including potential solutions to address the shortage of public defenders, after which the superior court will consider both proposals in a three-day hearing in Augusta beginning Jan. 22.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
BALTIMORE  When Baltimore States Attorney Ivan Bates threw his support behind Adnan Syeds bid to have his sentence reduced in the 1999 killing of Hae Min Lee, it triggered a familiar debate about the law that allowed the Serial podcast subject to make such a request.

On one side, advocates for criminal justice reform said Syeds case exemplifies why lawmakers enacted the Juvenile Restoration Act of 2021, which allowed people convicted of crimes they committed as minors to request a sentence reduction after a certain amount of time elapsed.

To me, it speaks well of a prosecutor who recognizes that a person isnt solely defined by a single terrible act they committed as a child, said David Jaros, faculty director of the Center of Criminal Justice Reform at the University of Baltimore School of Law.

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On the other side, victims rights advocates say no amount of time and restoration can make up for a heinous crime like murder.

The primary role of prosecutors ought to be defending the victims and the safety of the public, and I dont think those things are served by diminishing the sentence of someone who committed a murder such a short time ago, said Kurt Wolfgang, executive director of the Maryland Crime Victims Resource Center. Theres not a victim out there that Ive spoken to who thinks that 22 years or 25 years is enough to pay for the fact that their loved one is in the grave and that they will never have the opportunity to speak to them again.

Syed was 17 when he was arrested for Lees killing. Lee, 18, was strangled to death and buried in Baltimores Leakin Park. Authorities at the time theorized that Syed, Lees boyfriend at Woodlawn High School, couldnt handle it when she broke up with him. A jury in 2000 convicted him of murder, kidnapping and robbery. A judge later sentenced him to life in prison.

He maintained his innocence as appellate courts rejected his many appeals. Years turned to decades behind bars, but a break came for Syed in 2021 when his attorney reached out to the office of then-Baltimore States Attorney Marilyn Mosby about modifying his sentence under the Juvenile Restoration Act.

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A preliminary review of his case transformed into a full reinvestigation, with Mosbys office saying they identified alternative suspects in Lees killing not previously disclosed to Syed. After they moved to throw out his convictions in September 2022, Syed walked free after 23 years in prison. Prosecutors dismissed his charges that October.

But by then Lees brother, Young Lee, had appealed, arguing his rights as a crime victim were violated at the hearing where the judge threw out Syeds convictions. The intermediate Appellate Court of Maryland sided with Young Lee. The Supreme Court of Maryland did, too, in a split ruling in August.

The high court reinstated Syeds convictions and ordered a do-over of the hearing that set him free, but allowed Syed to remain free. During the appeals process, Ivan Bates unseated Mosby as the states attorney. That meant his administration had to decide what to do with the so-called motion to vacate Syeds convictions filed under Mosby.

Bates has not yet taken a position on that legal matter.

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While the prosecutors office mulls what to do about the convictions, Syed petitioned the court to reduce his life sentence to time served, effectively formalizing his free status.

Mr. Syed maintains his innocence as he has done since the day he was charged with Hae Min Lees murder, his lawyers wrote. But even if his innocence could reasonably be disputed, one thing cannot: Mr. Syed, the 43-year old man before this Court, is not the same person as Adnan, the 17-year old child finishing high school in 1999.

In a circuit court filing Sunday, Bates agreed.

We believe that he has been held accountable, Bates told The Baltimore Sun.

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He added: This is unique in the sense that hes shown he has the ability to be a positive member of society, having been released previously. But when you look at the institutional record  very, very minimal infractions of hardly anything during the time period in which he was incarcerated. When you look at that, you understand that this is an individual who deserves and has earned a second chance.

A lawyer for Lees family asked the court not to consider Syeds request until Bates decides what to do with Syeds convictions.

There has never been any information or evidence to support a motion to vacate Mr. Syeds conviction, attorney David Sanford said. The state needs to first tell us what its position is with respect of vacatur before there is any consideration of mercy.

Wolfgang agreed with Sanfords take.

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It would be a grave weakness for the court to release him on time served when hes not remorseful for the act and in so doing avoid the other issue, which is an adjudication of the claims of whether he received a fair trial or not, he told The Sun.

He and Joyce Conyers, a Crime Victims Resource Center board member whose son was killed in Prince Georges County more than 20 years ago, said allowing defendants chances for release requires additional court proceedings that retraumatize victims.

Its almost to the point where society is saying now, OK, you can get over it after a few years and then well give this person numerous chances to get out, said Conyers, later adding: By the time youre 9 years old, you know better. You know right from wrong. To blatantly disregard the feelings of the victims that are here, its a slap in the face.

Their sentiments echoed those Baltimore County States Attorney Scott Shellenberger raised while opposing the Juvenile Restoration Act bill.

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When does it end for victims of crime? Shellenberger, a Democrat, asked in his written testimony for the legislation. When can I look at the victim of a crime and say it is over? It never ends and this bill will add one more event over which the State and Victim have no control.

But state Sen. Chris West, a Republican from Baltimore County who sponsored the bill, urged fellow lawmakers to reject that argument in his own written testimony.

Any human being who reaches his 37th birthday is a different person than he was at the age of 17, West wrote. Quite literally he is a different person because all of the cells in his body when he was 17 have died and been replaced by new cells. But beyond this, a persons brain doesnt fully mature until he is 25 years old, and with maturity comes different thinking, different attitudes and a different approach to life.

Jaros, the law professor, said there are multiple benefits to society to consider giving people like Syed a second chance if theyve shown they have changed.

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Were spending an inordinate amount of money warehousing people at the states expense when they could instead be contributing members of the community, Jaros said. So it does not make sense to keep people in jail for decades for crimes they committed as children when they are no longer a threat.

He applauded Bates for supporting Syeds bid, saying he hoped the states attorney would consider doing as much in cases with less public attention.

I dont think this type of second look in any way undermines the states attorneys efforts to promote public safety, Jaros said. The idea that people deserve a second chance is not inconsistent or incompatible with deterring crime.

________
Fall peppers and chili at farmers market on Nov. 9, 2014. (USDA Photo by Lance Cheung.)

Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson advocated for a more simplified agriculture working visa program Tuesday, but played down prospects that mass deportations under President-elect Donald Trumps administration would harm Florida farms.

When asked what would happen if 1 million people were deported from Florida, Simpson said, Im not sure it does anything to the ag industry.  I dont think theres a million criminals here in the state of Florida that need to be deported.

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He said the vast majority of farmers are using H2A visas, a program allowing foreign nationals to work for American agriculture operations on a temporary basis. Simpson advocated for the visa process to be simplified to increase small-farm access to the program.

About two-thirds of crop farmworkers in the U.S. are immigrants, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, and about two in five of them are not legally authorized to work in the country, Stateline reported.

It is such a convoluted, federal government-upped process, and they really hurt our small farmers to have the ability to get to the H2A program. It needs to be simplified, Simpson said following his report to the Senate Agriculture Committee Tuesday.  I hope President Trump, and I know they will, he cares about the farming industry, if they will simplify that process and let smaller farmers have access to H2A workers, we will not have any of those kind of problems here in the state of Florida.

Housing farm workers

Sen. Jay Collins, a Republican from Hillsborough County, filed a bill in December allowing farmers to offer housing for legally verified agricultural workers.

Sen. Jay Collins, a Republican representing part of Hillsborough County. (Photo via Florida Senate)

A similar measure passed both chambers unanimously last year, although Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoed it, citing a lack of penalties and enforcement for farms housing undocumented workers.

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Collins told the Phoenix Tuesday that he anticipates amendments to the bill.

This bill, were going to work with the governors office, Collins said. He vetoed this, and I actually stand by his veto because we have more work to do. There is always more that can be done. Well tighten this up. If we need to work on stiffer penalties, were going to work on stiffer penalties. But what we have to do is make sure that no other farmers lose their farms because of inability to house this H2A visa program on their lands.

Simpson said he thinks the measure is important and that Collins is doing the right thing, but called for penalties for housing undocumented immigrants.

Lets make it easier for that program, and lets have a robust H2A housing program this year that the governor can sign, that would include the penalties if you decide to house illegals in those houses, Simpson said.

SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
CONNECTICUT (WTNH)  You may be entitled to restitution if you purchased a car from Carvana after Jan. 1, 2019. Attorney General William Tong announced a settlement with the used car dealership after hundreds of complaints from consumers.

The settlement comes after complaints involving delayed payments to sellers, extended delays in title and registration documents and misleading conditions and features of cars.

Established within the settlement is a $1 million consumer restitution fund and a $500,000 penalty to be paid to the state with $250,000 to be suspended if Carvana complies with the settlement terms.

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We have always gone to great lengths to deliver the best possible customer experience, including proactively making it right when we fall short, and we are happy to continue to do so for Connecticut customers with historical concerns like pandemic-era paperwork slowdowns, a spokesperson with Carvana said.

Attorney General Tong announces launch of abortion hotline

Carvana, as part of the settlement, will be required to remain in compliance with Connecticut laws, requiring the company not to sell cars in the state unless a valid title and registration document is provided at the time of the sale.

The used car dealership will also be required to provide direct contact for the state.

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Todays settlement puts money back in the pockets of Carvana customers who were wronged. This is a company that grew faster than it could manage, compounded by the chaos of the pandemic. Carvana made promises it simply could not keep, and its customers paid the price. We saw hundreds of complaints regarding long delays in title and registration, payment issues, inaccurate vehicle representations and unacceptable customer service. In addition to restitution and penalties, this settlement requires Carvana to come into compliance with all Connecticut laws. Were going to be watching closely to ensure they do right by Connecticut customers going forward, Tong said in a written statement.

The settlement has been filed and is subject to approval. Carvana cooperated fully with the states investigation.

Consumers can submit written claims at connecticutrestitution@carvana.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 WTNH.com.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  A circuit court judge granted a stay allowing a law that would require pornographic websites to make users verify their age to watch adult content to go into effect.

The Protect Tennessee Minors Act had been passed during the last legislative session. However, the Free Speech Coalition argued the law violated First Amendment rights and created privacy issues; the group took the state to court.

Lawsuit: Tennessee systematically fails those seeking SNAP benefits in violation of federal law

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In Dec. 2024, a federal judge ruled the law likely violated the Constitution and prevented it from going into effect. On Monday, a sixth circuit court judge granted a stay allowing the law to go into effect, stating that Tennessees Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti has shown that the district court likely erred in concluding that the PTMA is facially unconstitutional.

We see no reason to keep Tennessees law on ice while Texas and Indiana may enforce theirsespecially when the Supreme Court will soon offer guidance on the standard of review we should apply, the filing added.

Judge finds Nashvilles transit plan valid and legal

Skrmetti applauded the circuit courts decision.

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Were glad that the unanimously-passed Protect Tennessee Minors Act remains in effect while this case proceeds, attorney general Jonathan Skrmetti said in a statement Monday. As the Court of Appeals noted, this law seeks to stem the flow of toxic content to kids and keep adult websites adults-only.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Aiken County Parents, Guardians, Teachers, and Staff:

We are writing to inform you of a recent cybersecurity incident involving PowerSchool, the software vendor that provides our Student Information System (SIS).

On January 7, 2025, PowerSchool notified our district of a global cybersecurity incident that involved unauthorized access to their systems. All South Carolina school districts utilize PowerSchool, along with more than 15,000 customers around the world.

PowerSchool is working diligently to complete their investigation and determine the full scope of the impact across their entire customer base. Our technology team is conducting our own investigation, and there are currently no findings which indicate that any student or staff data within our districts system was compromised.

We understand that this news may be concerning, and we want to assure you that we take the protection of data very seriously. While there is currently no indication that any Aiken County student or staff personally identifiable information or other data has been compromised, we are working closely with PowerSchool and SLED to monitor the situation and will provide you with updates and information on this incident, investigation, and relevant resources (such as credit monitoring or identity protection services, if applicable) as they become available.

Aiken County Public Schools is committed to maintaining the privacy and security of all student data, and we will continue to work with our technology partners to enhance our security measures and protect against future threats.
By 2050, the U.S. Air Force will face the challenge of missiles that can target its aircraft at ranges as great as 1,000 miles  a huge advance in anti-access capabilities compared to the distances air defense missiles can reach today. This is one of the standout predictions from a new report to Congress by the Department of the Air Force, which aims to present a vision of what the Air Force and Space Force should look like by the middle of the century.

The understanding that air defense missiles will, by 2050, be able to hit their targets at such long ranges is presented in the reports assessment of how wars in the air will likely look very different at that point.

A Hawaii Air National Guard F-22 Raptor maneuvers away from a tanker while in flight near Hawaii during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise in 2018. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Samantha Mathison JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii (July 17, 2018)  A 154th Wing Hawaii Air National Guard F-22 Raptor maneuvers away from a 434th Air Refueling Wing KC-135 Stratotanker from Grissom Air Reserve Base, Indiana, while in flight near Hawaii during the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Samantha Mathison)

Control of the air will still be critical to military success, but how, when, and where it will be achieved are all subject to change, the report notes. Two fundamental developments make this necessary. The first is the vulnerability of forward-located fixed bases (and, to some extent, even remote air bases) to attack by precision missiles. The second is the extension of counter-air weapons engagement zones to unprecedented, almost unlimited, ranges.

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Specifically, by 2050, Air Force operations will be expected to be challenged by counter-air weapons with ranges out to over 1,000 miles and supported by space-based sensors. In particular, such long-reaching weapons will threaten aircraft, such as tankers, that have traditionally operated with impunity.

For some time now, the Air Force has been looking to make its future aerial refueling tankers, specifically, more survivable than they are today, but longer-ranged counter-air missiles would threaten to push them even further away from where the aircraft they support need them to be.

As well as these kinds of missile threats  which might be launched from platforms on the ground or at sea, or from other aircraft, or most likely a combination  its worth noting the other key vulnerability identified in this part of the report. This is the fact that todays air forces depend on a small number of easily targeted, forward-based airfields, something that will not be viable in 2050, and may not be viable today. The susceptibility of these kinds of installations to attack, especially in the context of a future conflict in the Pacific, is something TWZ has repeatedly addressed.

U.S. Marine Corps F-35B stealth fighters taxi down the flight line at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, in 2022. The vulnerability of this kind of forward-based infrastructure is another critical factor that will drive a change in how the U.S. is able to conduct air warfare operations by 2050. Photo by Tech. Sgt. Timothy Dischinat Four U.S. Marine Corps F-35B taxi down the flight line at Kunsan Air Base, South Korea, October 31, 2022. The aircraft traveled to Kunsan as a part of the Vigilant Storm training event. U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Timothy Dischinat

Returning to the long-range counter-air weapons, the Department of the Air Force doesnt mention any particular related programs, nor does it highlight any particular threat countries, although China is noted in the report as the pacing challenge to the United States out to at least 2050.

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Indeed, its abundantly clear from the report that Chinas rapid military developments are the primary reason why U.S. air dominance will be so threatened by 2050, although other countries, notably Russia, will likely have similar kinds of counter-air capabilities within reach.

Against a pacing challenge, the current Joint Warfighting Concept already assumes that, in heavily contested airspace, air superiority can be achieved only episodically through pulsed operations, the report states, reflecting the degree to which the U.S. militarys freedom of air operations is being eroded.

The result of this is the expectation of an entirely different kind of air war by 2050, one in which the United States is far less able to establish control of the air, whether defensively (in its own airspace) or offensively (in an adversarys airspace).

Rapid developments in the Chinese military aerospace sector, including this stealthy, high-performance 6th generation crewed combat aircraft, tentatively known as the J-36, signal the significant investments that Beijing is making in air warfare. via X

The realities of these new conditions, the report contends, include the removal of the U.S. Air Forces previously almost assured ability to have crewed fighters and bombers operating from relatively secure air bases and able to survive multiple sorties once air superiority was established and then to fly extended strike ranges efficiently against the full range of land and sea targets.

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Not only will this new reality affect the Air Forces ability to deliver munitions at scale through bombing campaigns with acceptable loss rates, but no longer having control of the air  other than temporarily  will affect how the U.S. military and its allies are able to conduct operations in all domains: air, land, sea, and space.

Returning to the very long-range counter-air missiles that will help bring about this change in air warfare, it should be noted that, while the report introduces these in terms of a new threat to the U.S. Air Force, theres no reason to presume that the U.S. military wont also be fielding weapons in this class by 2050  or even before.



Concept art of the Long Range Engagement Weapon, or LREW. U.S. Department of Defense An artists conception of a notional future air-to-air missile for the U.S. Air Force: the Long Range Engagement Weapon (LREW). DoD via FlightGlobal.comConcept art of the Long Range Engagement Weapon, or LREW. U.S. Department of Defense

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In the realm of air-to-air missiles, the United States is already busy working on new types of weapons that will out-range the furthest-reaching missiles that it currently has in service.

As well as air-to-air missiles that are larger overall than those in use today, other ways of achieving longer range could include designs based around multi-stage rocket motors, as well as air-breathing engines, such as ramjets. In the past, we have also tracked U.S. interest in, among other things, throttleable multi-pulse solid rocket motors and novel propellants, grain configurations, cases, and liners, all of which would also be able to deliver greater range  as well as higher speed  compared to existing weapons.

By way of comparison, the standard U.S. Air Force medium-range air-to-air missile, the AIM-120 AMRAAM, in its longer-range D-model form, is generally assumed to be able to hit targets at a distance of around 100 miles. The official performance figures are classified and, in practical applications, a whole range of factors impact a missiles reach, above all the energy and altitude state, as well as the direction of travel, of the launching aircraft and the target.

An F-16C assigned to the 85th Test Evaluation Squadron fires an AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile, or AMRAAM over testing ranges near Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, in 2019. U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joshua Hoskins A USAF F-16C Viper fires an AIM-120 AMRAAM. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joshua Hoskins)

The U.S. Navy has fielded, at least on a limited level, an air-launched version of the Standard Missile-6 (SM-6), designated the AIM-174B, the range of which is also classified but should be far in excess of the AIM-120D, likely at least double and possibly triple the range. The Navy and Air Force are also jointly developing the AIM-260, another new air-to-air missile that will offer far greater range than current generation AMRAAMs, as well as other new and improved capabilities, but in a similarly sized package.

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When it comes to air-to-air missiles, the requirement for carriage by a fighter means that it will still be a big challenge to have an air-launched weapon able to achieve a range of 1,000 miles  roughly 10 times the reach offered by the latest AMRAAM  by 2050. It should be noted, however, that size would not be such an issue for the B-21 Raider, the Air Forces new stealth bomber that may well also find itself in some kind of air dominance role, or the soon to be modernized B-52. The F-15EX can also carry outsized weapons other fighters in the inventory cannot.

On the other hand, developing a surface-to-air missile with this kind of prodigious range is less of challenge, although still a tall order. With far fewer restrictions on weight and dimensions, such a weapon could be conceivably built today, although limiting it to taking on larger, lumbering targets, like tankers, transports, and support aircraft would likely be necessary.

When it comes to current threat capabilities, Russia claims its existing S-400 surface-to-air missile system can engage targets up to 250 miles away, although even then, this would be under absolutely ideal conditions against very particular target types. Its larger S-500, which is designed to provide theater ballistic missiles and other long-range air defense capabilities, has a purported maximum range of 370 miles. China has its own expanding array of similarly capable longer-ranged surface-to-air missile systems like the HQ-18 and HQ-19.

Whatever the launch platform, a counter-air missile with a 1,000-mile reach wont be of any use at all unless its paired with and tied into a highly advanced and deeply networked kill web of the kind the U.S. military is rapidly developing. Ultimately, its envisaged that advanced kill webs will play a critical role in rapidly identifying and selecting targets, before bringing effects to bear on them over very long distances. These kill webs are already increasingly meshing together multiple sensors, effectors, and support elements across air, land, space, surface, subsurface, and cyber domains and across the different military services.

An F-35A stealth fighter prepares to taxi out at Edwards Air Force Base, California, for Orange Flag, in 2021, an exercise designed to test long-range datalinking and targeting capabilities. U.S. Air Force/Chad Bellay



The space domain is going to be absolutely vital for engaging aerial targets at extreme ranges. In the future, an airborne early warning aircraft will not be able to survive within its radars range of threat aircraft. Nor can it track targets a thousands miles away due to radar range limitations and, in many cases, the curvature of the earth. This is where space comes in.

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The U.S. military is already working toward fielding new distributed satellite constellations that will be able to provide a global and persistent air picture and generate targeting-grade tracks on threats anywhere, all networked in real-time. This, in turn, will mean missiles, air or surface launched, will not have to rely on the launch platform or existing intermediate nodes, especially increasingly vulnerable airborne early warning and control aircraft, to provide mid-course targeting and telemetry support. The weapons will be guided to their targets via the space-based tracking layer made up of hundreds or even thousands of satellites criss-crossing the globe. TWZ has explored in detail in the past how these kinds of space-based capabilities will be a major boon for American forces.

At the same time, China, especially, has been dramatically expanding its own space-based sensor architecture, including for long-range targeting purposes.

The ability of the entire [U.S.] joint force to project power depends upon our success in space, Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall said today during a talk that the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) think tank hosted. If we do not deny China, in particular, its targeting capabilities  if we dont deny that precise and real-time targeting capability, the whole joint force is at grave risk.

The Pentagon has been increasingly voicing its concerns about the fast-expanding network of Chinese intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) satellites that could support monitoring, tracking, and targeting of U.S. and allied forces worldwide, especially throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

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In its 2024 report on Chinese military capabilities, the U.S. Department of Defense also discussed space-based targeting in the context of long-range precision strikes, noting that China emphasizes the importance of space-based surveillance capabilities in supporting precision strikes and, in 2022, continued to develop its constellation of military reconnaissance satellites that could support monitoring, tracking, and targeting of U.S. and allied forces. While this has, so far, been understood mainly in terms of the threat posed to targets on land and at sea, expanding the same satellite capabilities should also ensure that China is better able to ensure over-the-horizon targeting information in the air domain.

Global satellite totals as of 2018, according to an unclassified report from the U.S. Air Forces National Air and Space Intelligence Center. The color-coded breakdowns on the right-hand side are subtotals for the United States (blue), China (yellow), Russia (red), and the rest of the world (purple). U.S. Air Force



However the United States and its adversaries go about realizing their next generation of very long-range counter-air missiles, and whatever platforms end up using them, its already highly significant that the Department of the Air Force considers that the 1,000-mile-range will be broken in the next 25 years, and with the help of space-based sensors. This prospect promises to help usher in an entirely new air warfare reality  for better or worse.

Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com
In his last week in office, President Joe Biden on Monday named the Navys next unnamed future Ford-class aircraft carrier President William J. Clinton. The super carrier that will follow it will be named after George W. Bush. However, it will be years, even under the current plans, before either ship is delivered to the Navy.

If all goes according to the Biden administrations wishes, the USS William J. Clinton (CVN-82) and USS George W. Bush (CVN-83) will join the USS Gerald R. Ford and future USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79), the USS Enterprise (CVN-80), and USS Doris Miller (CVN-81) as part of the Navys newest nuclear-powered aircraft carrier class. There are 11 aircraft carriers in the current fleet, 10 of them are earlier Nimitz class ships.

The USS Gerald R. Ford is the lead ship in the Navys newest class of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Anderson W. Branch)

The future USS William J. Clinton honors President William J. Clinton, 42nd President of the United States of America, serving two terms from 1993 to 2001, Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro said in a statement. The future USS George W. Bush honors President George W. Bush, 43rd President of the United States of America, serving two terms from 2001 to 2009. This will be the first Navy vessel named for either president. The names follow the Navy tradition of often naming aircraft carriers after U.S. presidents.

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Bush served in the Texas Air National Guard from 1968 to 1973 and flew F-102 Delta Dagger fighters, while Clinton was never in the military.

Then-President William J. Clinton visited the USS Independence aircraft carrier with the first lady while anchored in Yokosuka. (Photo by  Wally McNamee/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images) Wally McNamee

I am honored that my name will be associated with the United States Navy and a symbol of our Nations might, Bush was quoted as stating in the Del Toro release. I have a special admiration for the men and women of our Navy  including my dad  and ask God to watch over this ship and those who sail aboard her.

This is the second aircraft carrier to bear the Bush family name. The last Nimitz-class carrier, the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77), is named for his father. This means that two carriers with the namesake Bush will be in the fleet operating at the same time.

ATLANTIC OCEAN (June 10, 2012) Former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush tour the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Samantha Thorpe/Released)

The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) transits the Mediterranean Sea, Jan. 24, 2023.(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nicholas Avis) USS George H.W. Bush transits the Mediterranean Sea, Jan. 24, 2023 during Juniper Oak 23.2. Credit: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nicholas Avis

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Its one thing to name a ship, but quite another to procure it, begin construction, finish, and deliver it. The Ford-class program is already facing serious delays, according to a July 2024 Congressional Research Service (CRS) report.

The Navys Fiscal Year 2025 budget submission proposes deferring the procurement of the Clinton, the fifth ship in the Ford class, by two years, from Fiscal Year 2028 to Fiscal Year 2030, with advance procurement (AP) for the ship beginning in Fiscal Year 2027, CRS noted. The future Bush is not even on the books yet for procurement.

As an example of how long it takes to get a new aircraft carrier to the fleet, the Ford, the lead ship in the class was procured in Fiscal Year 2008, commissioned in July 2017, and didnt make its first deployment until October 2022, more than a decade after the Navy procured it. It had massive teething issues, some of which were due to it being the first in its class.

The USS John F. Kennedy, meanwhile, was procured in Fiscal Year 2013 and scheduled for delivery this July, according to Navy documents.

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The third ship in the class, the USS Enterprise, was procured in Fiscal Year 2018, however, its scheduled delivery has been delayed until September 2029, or 18 months later than the March 2028 date shown in the Navys Fiscal Year 2024 budget, CRS explained.

The Doris Miller, procured in Fiscal Year 2019, is not scheduled for delivery to the Navy until February 2032.

Adm. Chester W. Nimitz pins the Navy Cross (medal for heroism in combat) onto Doris Dorie Miller, USS Enterprise (CV-6), Pearl Harbor, May 27, 1942. He was killed in action in 1943. (Photo by Archive Photos/Getty Images) Archive Photos

Naming ships after the living is not unheard of, but it deprives new administrations, Navy secretaries, and Congresses of the chance to honor people or ideas of their choosing. Its possible that plans could change.

Thats gonna be a nope from me, dog. We have two centuries of good names for these ships, pandering to still living former politicians aint it. https://t.co/dSm8GL5D4q  Blake Herzinger (@BDHerzinger) January 13, 2025

Its happened before. In 2020, then Navy Secretary William Modly wanted a new class of frigates named Agility, according to USNI News. It was eventually changed to Constellation class. But considering the now relatively established practice of naming carriers after U.S. presidents, the next in line are the ones announced today, so changing those names may be harder than swapping out the class name of frigate.

Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com
Jan. 13 (UPI) -- Two nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, to be constructed "in the years ahead," will carry the names of former President Bill Clinton and former President George W. Bush, the White House announced Monday.

"When I personally delivered the news to Bill and George, they were deeply humbled," President Joe Biden said in a statement, one week before he leaves office.

"Each knows firsthand the weight of the responsibilities that come with being Commander-in-Chief. And both know well our duty to support the families and loved ones who wait and worry for the safe return of their service member."

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Clinton served in the White House between 1993 to 2001, and Bush served from 2001 to 2009.

The future USS William J. Clinton, or CVN 82, and the future USS George W. Bush, or CVN 83, will join "the most capable, flexible and professional Navy that has ever put to sea." The aircraft carriers are expected to enter service in the mid-2030s, according to the White House.

Exactly 17 years ago Monday, the White House announced another aircraft carrier would be commissioned under the name of a former president. The USS Gerald R. Ford, or CVN 78, launched in October 2013.

The USS Ronald Reagan, named after the 40th president who served from 1981 to 1989, was commissioned in July 2003 and had been forward-deployed in Japan since 2015. Last year, it departed Yokosuka for its new homeport at Bremerton in Washington state.

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The USS George H.W. Bush, CVN 77 and named after George W. Bush's father who served one term as president from 1989 to 1993, launched on July 14, 2010 in the Atlantic Ocean.

The newer aircraft carriers to be constructed will be faster and carry more technology than the older Nimitz ships. The increased automation will also require fewer sailors to crew them.

"May God protect all who sail aboard USS William J. Clinton, USS George W. Bush and every other ship in our fleet," Biden added. "And may God continue to bless our troops."
The Alabama Forestry Commission announced the launch of its new Rural Bridge Grant initiative on Friday, aimed at improving infrastructure in rural areas and addressing the transportation challenges faced by timber haulers.

The program, created under the Alabama Legislatures Rural Logging Efficiency Act of 2023 and funded through the 2025 General Fund, will support the repair, maintenance, replacement and construction of county-maintained bridges that are weight-restricted or pose challenges for the efficient movement of timber. This initiative seeks to help counties improve rural bridges, easing the burden on the forestry sector and boosting economic growth in rural Alabama.

State Forester Rick Oates emphasized the importance of the program for both the forestry industry and local economies.

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The Alabama Forestry Commission is excited to offer this innovative economic resource, which will benefit all levels of the forestry sector and signals a commitment to our states rural economy. Oates said in a news release. We extend our gratitude to Governor Kay Ivey and the Alabama Legislature for their support in providing these necessary funds. We anticipate receiving applications that align with our goal to enhance transportation routes by upgrading substandard bridges, ultimately reducing costs, and providing new efficiencies for timber owners and businesses.

County commissions are invited to apply for grants of up to $400,000, with local matching funds required to complete the projects. These funds are designed to support projects that improve access to sawmills and manufacturing facilities, ensuring safe and unrestricted transportation routes for timber haulers.

The deadline for applications is March 14. Interested counties should submit their applications to the Alabama Forestry Commissions office at 513 Madison Avenue in Montgomery. Award notifications are expected in the spring.

For more information on the Rural Bridge Grant initiative, including how to apply, visit the AFCs website at www.forestry.alabama.gov.
You can use the database to search by county or by restaurant name.

Florida's restaurant owners are not required to post restaurant inspection results where guests can see them. So every week, we provide that information for you.

For a complete list of local restaurant inspections, including violations not requiring warnings or administrative action, visit our Alachua County restaurant inspections site.

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Here's the breakdown for recent health inspections in Alachua County, Florida, for the week of Jan. 6-12, 2025. Please note that some more recent, follow-up inspections may not be included here.

Disclaimer: The Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation describes an inspection report as a 'snapshot' of conditions present at the time of the inspection. On any given day, an establishment may have fewer or more violations than noted in their most recent inspection. An inspection conducted on any given day may not be representative of the overall, long-term conditions at the establishment.

For full restaurant inspection details, visit our Alachua County restaurant inspection site.

Which Alachua County restaurants got perfect scores on their health inspections?

These restaurants met all standards during their Jan. 6-12 inspections and no violations were found.

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** Restaurants that failed an inspection and aced a follow-up inspection in the same week

Which Alachua County restaurants were temporarily closed by inspectors?

These restaurants failed their Jan. 6-12 inspections and were temporarily closed. Follow-upinspections are required.

1017 W. University Ave., Gainesville

Complaint Inspection on Jan. 8

Facility Temporarily Closed: Operations ordered stopped until violations are corrected.

15 total violations, with 2 high-priority violations

High Priority - Dishmachine chlorine sanitizer not at proper minimum strength. Discontinue use of dishmachine for sanitizing and set up manual sanitization until dishmachine is repaired and sanitizing properly. Observed dishwasher machine at 0ppm, even after priming line. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**

High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed 1 crawling on wall on cooks line above reach in cooler, operator killed roach and discarded. Approximately 15 behind reach in cooler and wooden piece outside of walk in cooler in main kitchen. **Warning**

50 NW 13th St., Ste 30, Gainesville

Routine Inspection on Jan. 9

Facility Temporarily Closed: Operations ordered stopped until violations are corrected.

19 total violations, with 4 high-priority violations

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High Priority - Food-contact surfaces not sanitized after cleaning, before use. Do not use equipment/utensils not properly sanitized. Operator nor employees knew how to set up sanitizer, sanitizer dispensing box not working, inspector showed operator and employees how to set up sink and how to set up wash, rinse, sanitize in compartments.

High Priority - Non-food grade paper/paper towel used as liner for food container. Multiple items in reach in coolers with paper towels lining the containers. (Cilantro etc.) **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**

High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed approximately 4 live roaches on counter top next to reach in cooler on cooks line next to togo bags, 1 crawling on cooler gasket on cooks line, 1 on the back of reach in cooler at drink station/front line, and 1 on cooler gasket in hot soup area. **Warning**

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. hot dogs (46F - Cold Holding); cheese (47F - Cold Holding); hot dogs (48F - Cold Holding); pork (49F - Cold Holding); potatoes (48F - Cold Holding); chicken (49F - Cold Holding) items in reach in cooler in prep area, operator stated they were prepping a lot this morning due to being closed for a few weeks for the holidays so cooler was opened a lot. Operator placed ice in cooler to rapidly drop food temperatures. **Corrective Action Taken** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**

50 NW 13th St., Ste 30, Gainesville

Routine Inspection on Jan. 10

Facility Temporarily Closed: Operations ordered stopped until violations are corrected.

1 total violation, with 1 high-priority violation

High Priority - From initial inspection : High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed approximately 4 live roaches on counter top next to reach in cooler on cooks line next to togo bags, 1 crawling on cooler gasket on cooks line, 1 on the back of reach in cooler at drink station/front line, and 1 on cooler gasket in hot soup area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-01-10: Observed two dead roaches on floor in corner next to walk-in cooler door. Observed one dead roach on shelf above prep cooler on cooks line. Operator discarded all dead roaches. **Time Extended** **Corrective Action Taken**

50 NW 13th St., Ste 30, Gainesville

Routine Inspection on Jan. 10

Facility Temporarily Closed: Operations ordered stopped until violations are corrected.

1 total violation, with 1 high-priority violation

High Priority - From initial inspection : High Priority - Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. Observed approximately 4 live roaches on counter top next to reach in cooler on cooks line next to togo bags, 1 crawling on cooler gasket on cooks line, 1 on the back of reach in cooler at drink station/front line, and 1 on cooler gasket in hot soup area. **Warning** - From follow-up inspection 2025-01-10: Observed two dead roaches on floor in corner next to walk-in cooler door. Observed one dead roach on shelf above prep cooler on cooks line. Operator discarded all dead roaches. **Time Extended** **Corrective Action Taken** - From follow-up inspection 2025-01-10: Observed four live roaches on floor underneath dish area hand washing sink. **Admin Complaint**

Which Alachua County restaurants had high priority violations?

16181 NW US Hwy 441, #160, Alachua

Routine Inspection on Jan. 7

Follow-Up Inspection Required: Violations require further review, but are not an immediate threat to the public.

9 total violations, with 1 high-priority violation

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High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Shell eggs stored over cooked wontons in reach-in cooler across from cook line. Manager removed wontons from cooler during inspection. Raw chicken stored over cooked chicken in walk-in cooler. Manager placed raw chicken on bottom shelf. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**

491 W. University Ave., Suite 150, Gainesville

Routine Inspection on Jan. 8

Follow-Up Inspection Required: Violations require further review, but are not an immediate threat to the public.

4 total violations, with 1 high-priority violation

High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. On threaded hose Bibb above prep table next to oven. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**

502 S. Main St., Gainesville

Routine Inspection on Jan. 8

Follow-Up Inspection Required: Violations require further review, but are not an immediate threat to the public.

12 total violations, with 2 high-priority violations

High Priority - Employee began working with food, handling clean equipment or utensils, or touching unwrapped single-service items without first washing hands. Employee walked into kitchen from outside no glove change or Handwash then he began touching lids on food containers in reach in cooler on cooks line. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**

High Priority - Vacuum breaker missing at hose bibb or on fitting/splitter added to hose bibb. Threaded hose Bibb under Handwash sink in prep area. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**

16135 NW US Hwy 441, Unit 10, Alachua

Routine Inspection on Jan. 8

Follow-Up Inspection Required: Violations require further review, but are not an immediate threat to the public.

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2 total violations, with 1 high-priority violation

High Priority - - From initial inspection : High Priority - Operating with an expired Division of Hotels and Restaurants license. License expired on 6/1/2024. **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint** - From follow-up inspection 2025-01-08: No change, license expired on 6/1/2024. **Admin Complaint**

1340 E. University Ave., Gainesville

Complaint Inspection on Jan. 8

Follow-Up Inspection Required: Violations require further review, but are not an immediate threat to the public.

12 total violations, with 2 high-priority violations

High Priority - Employee switched from working with raw food to ready-to-eat food without washing hands. Employee battered raw fish changed gloves then placed cooked chicken in togo box no Handwash in between raw and ready to eat foods.

High Priority - Raw animal food stored over/not properly separated from ready-to-eat food. Opened package of raw fish over breaded mushrooms in chest reach in freezer nearest walk in cooler, manager moved mushrooms to the top. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**

1404 W. University Ave., Ste 10, Gainesville

Routine Inspection on Jan. 9

Follow-Up Inspection Required: Violations require further review, but are not an immediate threat to the public.

2 total violations, with 2 high-priority violations

High Priority - Food with mold-like growth. See stop sale. Observed: 2 moldy lemons in the case in the walk-in cooler. These were discarded. **Corrected On-Site**

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food, other than whole meat roast, hot held at less than 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Observed: chicken cooked this morning, on the front line, in a steam well, 109. These were placed on time as a public health control. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**

15979 NW US Hwy 441, Alachua

Routine Inspection on Jan. 7

Follow-Up Inspection Required: Violations require further review, but are not an immediate threat to the public.

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6 total violations, with 1 high-priority violation

High Priority - Time/temperature control for safety food identified in the written procedure as a food held using time as a public health control has no time marking. Eggs stored on cook line not time marked. Manager stated eggs placed out at 9:00 am. Manager placed proper time mark on eggs. **Corrected On-Site** **Repeat Violation** **Admin Complaint**

What agency inspects restaurants in Florida?

Routine regulation and inspection of restaurants is conducted by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation. The Department of Health is responsible for investigation and control of food-borne illness outbreaks associated with all food establishments.

How do I report a dirty restaurant in Florida?

If you see abuses of state standards, report them and the Department of Business and Professional Regulation will send inspectors. Call the Florida DBPR at 850-487-1395 or report a restaurant for health violations online.

Get the whole story at our restaurant inspection database.

What does all that terminology in Florida restaurant inspections mean?

Basic violations are those considered against best practices.

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A warning is issued after an inspector documents violations that must be corrected by a certain date or within a specified number of days from receipt of the inspection report.

An administrative complaint is a form of legal action taken by the division. Insufficient compliance after a warning, a pattern of repeat violations or existence of serious conditions that warrant immediate action may result in the division initiating an administrative complaint against the establishment. Says the division website: "Correcting the violations is important, but penalties may still result from violations corrected after the warning time was over."

An emergency order  when a restaurant is closed by the inspector  is based on an immediate threat to the public. Here, the Division of Hotels and Restaurants director has determined that the establishment must stop doing business and any division license is suspended to protect health, safety or welfare of the public.

A 24-hour call-back inspection will be performed after an emergency closure or suspension of license.

This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Gainesville area restaurant and food truck inspections Jan. 6-12 2025
Rep. Andrew Gray, D-Anchorage, in his Capitol office on May 16, 2024, holds up a printout showing how warning signs about alcohol consumption's health effects would change under legislation he sponsored in last year's session. The bill wound up being combined with another alcohol-related bill. The combined bill passed just minutes after the midnight adjournment deadline and was vetoed. Gray is trying again with a new bill this year. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

Two health-related bills that faced unusual deaths in last years session of the Alaska Legislature have been resurrected as new bills for lawmakers to consider this session.

A list of bills filed before the start of the session as of Friday includes a measure sponsored by Rep. Andrew Gray, D-Anchorage, who seeks to require warning signs at bars, liquor stores and other beverage-selling establishments about the link between alcohol consumption and cancer. Under the measure, House Bill 37, the signs would be updates of health warnings already required at such establishments, with more simplified visuals and a notice that Alcohol use can cause cancer, including breast and colon cancers.

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Gray sponsored a similar bill last session, House Bill 298. It got folded into another alcohol-related measure, House Bill 189, a bill that would have lowered the allowable age for workers serving alcohol from 21 to 18. The combined bill passed  but it got final approval from the state House a few minutes after midnight on the 121st day, the session adjournment deadline. Citing that reason, Gov. Mike Dunleavy vetoed it, as he did with four other bills that passed after the midnight deadline.

Grays bill comes as outgoing U.S, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy is calling attention to the link between alcohol consumption and cancer.

Earlier this month, he issued a detailed advisory about the connection between alcohol and several forms of cancer, including cancers of the breast, colon and rectum, esophagus, voice box, liver, mouth and throat.

Alcohol consumption is the third leading preventable cause of cancer in the United States, after tobacco and obesity, the advisory said. In 2019, an estimated 96,730 cancer cases were related to alcohol consumption, and an estimated 741,300 cancer cases worldwide in 2020 were attributable to its consumption, the advisory said.

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Another bill among the prefiled list as of Friday was a new attempt at imposing a state tax on electronic cigarette products, known as vapes, as well as some new age restrictions for purchase. The measure, Senate Bill 24, is sponsored by Senate President Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak.

A collection of electronic cigarette products confiscated at various schools is seen on May 16, 2023, in the state Capitol. The products were collected by Tim Lamkin, an aide to Senate President Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak. After past bills fell short, Stevens has introduced another bill that intends to discourage youth use of e-cigarette products. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

Alaska state tobacco tax was last changed in 2006, years before vaping became popular, especially among youth. This is Stevens third attempt at a bill he believes will curb youth use of e-cigarette products.

The bill that Stevens introduced in 2023, Senate Bill 89, would have applied the tax and also raised the states age limit for buying those products from 19 to 21, matching federal law.

It was similar to a Stevens-sponsored bill that the Legislature passed in 2022, though with some modifications to how the tax was calculated. Dunleavy vetoed that bill, citing his objections to any new taxes.

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After the Senate passed the second version, Senate Bill 89, the House made substantial changes to it. The House stripped out the e-cigarette tax provisions but added in provisions that lowered state taxes on marijuana, a product that is legal in Alaska, before returning it to the Senate for final passage.

Stevens and others in the Senate majority opted against passing the altered bill. After adjournment, Stevens said he and his colleagues had too little time to review the late marijuana-related changes. He killed the underlying bill, even though it was his own. You cant get too much in love with your own legislation, he said at the time.

Cigarette smoking among Alaska high school students has declined dramatically over the past decades, but in recent years, vaping became more popular, according to youth surveys.

There has been a similar pattern in other states, according to health officials.

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More recent results from the states Youth Risk Behavior Survey show a decline in use of e-cigarette products. While over 26% of youth respondents in the 2019 survey said they regularly use such products, that rate dropped to 17.3% in 2023, according to the survey.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  A leader in the black community and head of the NAACP in Albuquerque died on Monday. Dr. Harold Bailey was a well-known community leader in Albuquerque. He was first elected as president of the Albuquerque NAACP in 2000 and then re-elected in 2012. Dr. Bailey prioritized education and outreach to the black community of Albuquerque and beyond.

The City of Albuquerque sent these statements:

I am saddened by the news of Dr. Harold Baileys passing, a leader in the Black community and the head of the NAACP for well over a decade. Throughout the years, his advice and insight on civil rights and issues important to our Black community were invaluable to me. He was a champion of so many endeavors that have enriched our city, state and our nation, from African American studies, to civil rights, to childhood development. His service leaves a lasting impact on our community. My thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Baileys family, friends, and the entire community mourning his loss. Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller

My heart goes out to Dr. Baileys family, friends, and colleagues, said Chief Harold Medina. Dr. Bailey was a true trailblazer who genuinely cared about his community. He was full of ideas and was always willing to step up to the plate and support our department as we grow and evolve. This is a huge loss to our community and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with him. Albuquerue Police Department Chief Harold Medina

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
A crash on state Route 16 in Tacoma has caused traffic backups Tuesday morning.

Three lanes are blocked at milepost 0.41 near South Sprague Avenue, the Washington State Department of Transportation reported at 9:32 a.m.

Three vehicles were involved in the crash. One person was reportedly taken to a local hospital with non-critical injuries, Washington State Patrol Trooper John Dattilo told The News Tribune.

10:15 a.m. update: The crash has been cleared up, according to WSDOT.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Hollywood actress Alley Mills just arrived in town to begin rehearsals for the New Theatre & Restaurants upcoming show Rumors.

Shes best known for her role as Norma Arnold on the iconic TV series The Wonder Years.

Now shes left wondering about the fate of her Venice, California home as major wildfires continue to burn in Southern California.

I see the flames from my deck, Ive been seeing flames the entire week. Im looking at my phone all the time because the winds are back up tonight, she said.

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Suspected looter dressed as fireman detained near homes damaged in Los Angeles wildfire

She also concerned for family who were raised and went to school in the Pacific Palisades.

Im worried about my kids and my grandkids. They are so anxious and sad because their friends have lost everything. My stepdaughter has 11 kids staying at her house that all lost everything, Mills explained.

Linda Hanson, moved her dojo from Lees Summit to Los Angeles a little over a year ago.

I was nervous of earthquakes. It never occurred to me something this catastrophic could happen, Hanson said.

Working as a nanny, she was driving to pick up a preschooler on Sunset Boulevard when the Palisades fire first started Tuesday afternoon.

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There were so many fire truck lights and sirens going against traffic to get through. It was crazy! she exclaimed.

Shed get to the school before it was engulfed, but then had to find a way out.

The hillside in front of me was completely ablaze just burning so then I turned around to go back on Sunset and again unfortunately it was a complete traffic jam.

Shed find her way to the Pacific Coast Highway and safety through a no outlet street and creative driving through a parking lot. Shes since evacuated and her Santa Monica home is fine for now as is Mills home.

Longtime General Hospital actress from Kansas City dies

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Shes trying to put herself in the right headspace to put smiles on peoples faces, acting in a comedy, when the red skies she just flew out over are a real-life tragedy.

That expression rising from the ashes, but its literal in this case. I dont know whats going to come of it, to be honest with you, because we are still in the thick of it, but I feel like something has to come out of it, she 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 FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
Ask any resident or small business owner in Altadena, California, which has been ravaged by the massive Eaton Fire in the last week, about what makes Altadena special, and theyll tell you story after story of one of the most compassionate and supportive communities in Los Angeles County.

It's home of the old-school American Dream, in a non-political way, Mark Douglas, a television post-producer who, along with his partner, Kara Vallow, lost their home in Altadena on Tuesday night last week. We moved here because there is a spirit here that feels unlike anywhere else in LA. You know your neighbors who have been in their homes for 45 years. They welcome you with open arms when you move here. The people in Altadena have a neighborly kind of vibe. Douglas continued. It has this old-time feeling.

Douglas and Vallow bought their home in Altadena in 2019 after renting in the area for years. Both have been long-time Angelenos, though both came from out of state. They moved around the city from Echo Park to Eagle Rock before finally settling in Altadena, where they could afford a home with enough space for their 24-year-old horse.

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Their equine (and animal) family grew to include a pony and a mini pony, a dog and a cat, all of which were successfully evacuated at 10 pm on Tuesday night as the Eaton fire blazed, driven by unseasonably high 100-mile-per-hour Santa Ana winds. Douglas and Vallow havent been able to get back to see the damage to their home, but a neighbor sent a video of their property showing that only the chimney remains.

To say that the LA fires have been devastating is an understatement. Current estimates put damages around $50 billion, making it the costliest climate disaster in the United States. The National Guard and emergency crews remain stationed in Altadena as the Eaton Fire is only 33% contained (at the time of writing), and the winds are expected to spike again this week, continuing to spur wildfire on its destructive path. Most residents and business owners havent been able to lay eyes on their homes or their stores, and they face an uncertain future as the fire continues to rage.

A diverse city full of long-time entrepreneurs

There have been hundreds of headlines and stories about the losses and damage in the Palisades fire, which has burned roughly 24,000 acres of land and displaced thousands of residents, Hollywood celebrities, and CEOs from the area.

The Eaton Fire, inland of the more well-known and much wealthier Palisades area, has consumed nearly 15,000 acres and most of Altadena, an unincorporated middle-class city, north of Pasadena with more than 42,000 residents that called it home.

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Much of the city of Altadena has been burnt to the ground, and residents and business owners are not able to return to their properties as the fire continues to move and grow, thanks to the Santa Ana winds ravaging the area.

Altadena is special because of its unincorporated status and history. The city is set in the foothills of the San Gabriel mountains, and it has served as a place for families seeking to escape early racial barriers prevalent in Los Angeles in the 1960s and 1970s.

It's a vital heart of a historic black community, and one of the first places with land that was returned to Los Agneless Indigenous peoples, the Tongva Tribe. The citys diversity has long been one of its draws for everyone, from entrepreneurs to creatives.

I grew up in the area, and its always been a rich culture for black and white people to live and work as one, Emeka Chukwurah, the co-owner of the cultural center and boutique Rhythms of the Village. Chukwurah and his father, Onochie Chukwurah, the founder and co-owner of the business, taught African history at Rhythms of the Village, sold African goods, and offered events, concerts, food, and more to the community before the Eaton Fire destroyed their shop last week.

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They rented the space from the owner and are currently trying to navigate insurance and FEMA, while continuing to run the business out of the senior Chukwurahs home in Pasadena. The Chukwurahs had been in the brick-and-mortar location in Altadena for 13 years and have run their Altadena performing arts company for 30+ years.

I pray that we can rebuild, Emeka Chukwurah said in an interview, noting that the business was the heartbeat of Altadena, with regular drum circles and concerts that brought people in from the surrounding communities.

I pray that all the people who lost their homes can get what they need to rebuild the legacy that their great-grandparents left to them. I really pray they dont lose that generational wealth and are able to have a leg up in a time when it is so difficult and so competitive to get a home and make a living after the fire.

Chukwurah doesnt currently know the state of his own home in the historically significant black community known as the Meadows. He, his partner, and their two-year-old son had to evacuate when the fire blew west from Eaton Canyon on Tuesday night, and because of the National Guard's presence and the ongoing fire, they havent been able to go back.

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Barbara Shay, the owner of the Little Red Hen Coffee Shop echoes Chukwurahs sentiments. Shay is the owner and chef at the popular coffee shop that served breakfast and lunch and boasted famous visitors like President Obama and Richard Pryor. Shay says she had just finished remodeling the restaurant in the leased space that her family business has occupied for the last 55 years.

My mom didnt know she was going to be in business at the Little Red Hen, Shay said. Everything was made from scratch, she said, noting that the name represented her mothers trailblazer attitude: If theres a will theres a way. Though Shay doesnt know the current status of her own home in Altadena, she said she is hopeful that with the help of the community, shell be able to come back from the fires.  Everything is gone, but we love the community, and the community loved us, so were going to be back, God willing.

Resilient, creative, community solutions for Altadena

Rob Orlandini is the co-owner of Altadena Hardware, one of the many beloved businesses that fell victim to the flames on Tuesday.

The hardware store has been in operation in Altadena for more than 100 years, and Rob runs the business with his brother, Jimmy. Their father purchased the business, which is part of the True Value network of hardware stores, in 2010, and theyve long employed local, young people in the store to help support the needs of Altadena residents.

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There are so many unknowns right now, Orlandini said. My staff is calling me and asking, What can I do to help? How can we get back up and running? and I just dont have those answers right now. One of the things that Orlandini is looking into, however, is finding a place where True Value can drop a trailer of hardware goods so that Altadena Hardware can start to get residents what they need to begin to recover. He also says he's looking for a location to rent, even temporarily, to get back up and running.

Kevin Hockin, the owner of the New York Times famous Side Pie pizza restaurant in Altadena, which started as a backyard Covid pop-up and gained massive popularity in the area, lost both his house and his business in the fire. He and his wife, Rosanna Kvernmo, were taking their seven-year-old daughter to Disneyland for her birthday when the fires came down from Eaton Canyon on Tuesday and hit their home and the restaurant.

While he had fire insurance on his home, Hockin says that his insurer dropped his businesss fire coverage in May, after Liberty Mutual pulled out of California last year, and he hadnt found an affordable option before the fires came this week. In spite of it all, Hockin says he remains hopeful for rebuilding and bringing the community back.

While the fires still burn, and it's unclear when any resident or business owner will be able to return to assess the damage that Altadena has experienced, one thing is clear: The people of this quiet enclave are a resilient, community-minded group dedicated to keeping the character of the diverse, creative city alive in the face of inconceivable devastation.

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No one is stuck in Altadena, Hockin said. Its a place that people gravitate to because of what it offers in a community. It has nature, it has a lot of culture, he continued. I hope everyone can literally rise from the ashes and get everything back to a better state than before. I am confident that with the power of this community, we will get back to some sort of normalcy. It might take five years, it might take eight, or ten, but Altadena has a soul and that soul is special. Its filled with creative, kind, artistic, talented humans. We can recover, and it will take a lot of grit and energy and time, but it's all worth it. Theres no where in LA that I would rather be.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Jireh Deng

Tens of thousands of Angelenos have been forced to evacuate since last Tuesday after half a dozen fires broke out across Southern California. Firefighters are still struggling to beat back the Palisades and Eaton Fires, which are 14% and 33% contained, respectively, even as the National Weather Service warns that gusty Santa Ana winds in extremely dry conditions will resume this week renewing a threat of more wildfires and power outages in Los Angeles County.

Meanwhile, hundreds are now homeless and the current death toll has risen to 25 as more than 40,000 acres have burned and 12,000 buildings have been damaged, per NBC News. It wasnt just wealthy Hollywood celebrities who lost their beach homes in the Pacific Palisades and Malibu, but also working-class and middle-class families in Altadena and Pasadena who lost everything.

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I grew up in the San Gabriel Valley. I was born at Huntington Hospital in Pasadena, for the locals who know. These neighborhoods often dont permeate peoples imagination when they think of Los Angeles, but these communities have always been central to my version of Greater LA.

I talked to over two dozen people this past week. Many residents in Altadena expressed worries that their quiet and diverse pastoral sanctuary, nestled at the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains, might not ever fully recover from these fires. It might be too expensive or difficult for families to rebuild in the area, allowing hawkish developers to swoop in to deliver the final blow as people have seen the encroaching gentrification in nearby Pasadena.

So it is important to witness these stories of families and to acknowledge them. To show the record of who was here so they are not forgotten.

Nyiella Larkin Jones, 38, Margaret Larkin, 66, Dejohn Jones Jr., 18, and Camilla Larkin, 27

Jireh Deng

Octavias Bookshelf, named after celebrated local science fiction writer Octavia Butler and the first Black-owned bookstore in Pasadena, had been transformed into a mutual aid site. On Sunday, the Larkins stopped by to pick up supplies after losing their home in Altadena.

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We spent Christmas and New Years [there], Nyiella said of her childhood home that burned down in Altadena. Thankfully Nyiellas home, just down the block from her mothers, survived. All three generations of their family evacuated to an Airbnb in Laguna Hills, offered through the companys free emergency housing program.

Her mother, Margaret, an immigrant from Belize, grabbed birth and wedding certificates, but in the chaos forgot to grab her US citizenship papers. Her kids and grandkids all grew up in her home of 36 years.

Historically, Altadena and Northern Pasadena were home to some of the first middle-class Black communities in California after the Great Migration. But the 710 and 210 freeways built through Pasadena served as a form of redlining, continuing to segregate the city even as the cost of living has also pushed people out.

I was the one that lived on that block for the longest, said Margaret. All my neighbors are new. My older neighbors were all Black families too, but they had either died or left.

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The uncertainty of whether the Larkins will be able to rebuild is heartbreaking for Dejohn, who was born and raised in Altadena. We don't even know if we'll be living there ever again. I always thought we'd move away instead of being forced away, said Dejohn. But now it hurts even more because were forced away [and] there's nothing we can do about it.

Celeste Sanchez, 33, and Ximena Ramirez, 12

Jireh Deng

Celeste Ramirez and her daughter Ximena also stopped by Octavias for everyday toiletries like toothpaste and toilet paper. Their family of six  Celeste, her husband, and four daughters  lived on Altadena Drive. Ximena was in shock as she saw the Eaton fire march steadily toward their home before they fled. The flames were catching the trees, she said in Spanish as a volunteer translated for the pair. I was trembling.

It wasnt just their homes, but their familys livelihoods that were impacted as well. One of the houses I was contracted to clean burned down. One of my employees was killed in the fire, said Celeste, who works as a house cleaner. Her husband was burned on his shoulder and is not able to continue working in construction at the moment. The tools burned, the cars burned.

In the rush to leave, she was only able to grab a purse, her mothers ring, and some of their important legal documents. She saved her right-to-work papers and her husband's citizenship papers, but her kids' legal documents have all gone up in flames with the rest of their belongings. How do you explain this to your child? Celeste asked. I came to a country for better opportunities, but nature took everything away in the blink of an eye.

Bree Galvez and her dog, Mitzy

At the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, the Red Cross had set up an evacuation site. Bree Galvez and her pug, Mitzy, walked in as volunteers offered them food. It was ash and dark [outdoors]... The air quality was really bad, said Galvez. The ash from the wildfires had been falling like snow from the sky for days. Everyone had to leave the area.

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At the civic auditorium, she hoped she could get the help she needed. She was already living on the streets in Altadena before the fires, but staying outdoors was too dangerous with the wildfire smoke. I don't have a home right now. Im homeless, Galvez said.

Josh Kirschner, 44, Max Kirschner, 10, and Alex Kirschner, 6

Jireh Deng

Josh Kirschner, a documentary producer, was dropping his kids off at a care camp set up at the LA County Arboretum in Arcadia because their school, Saint Marks, in Altadena, had burned down.

He and his wife, Julie, had originally left their house in Altadena with their two sons on Tuesday night because a tree smashed through a window in the heavy winds. Josh wasnt prepared for that to be the last time they would see their house standing. We honestly thought we were coming back because we didn't [yet] know about the fire. I brought school uniforms because I thought there might be school the next day, he said. There was a lot they didnt get to take before leaving home.

What if a single toy? Alex asked his father, trailing off at the end of his sentence. That would be great, wouldnt it? Would we keep that single part of the toy? Josh asked his son. Yeah, Alex replied.

Nayeli Barajas, 24, Julia Osorno, 50

Jireh Deng

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Nayeli Barajas and her mother, Julia Osorno, were picking up water at a mutual aid site in the parking lot of a Pasadena public library.

[The city does] not recommend you drink regular water or use it for brushing teeth, Osorno said. Since the fires began, tap water in the Pacific Palisades, Altadena, and Pasadena has been unsafe to drink.

The family was unaware that the Eaton fire had started until Osorno stepped outside Tuesday night and saw the flames on the horizon outside her home on Glenrose Avenue in Altadena. We had no power, we had no [WiFi or phone] signal. We couldn't communicate with family. We had no idea what was going on, Barajas said. We heard about the Palisades fire. We were shocked when we found out that there was one right here.

Since evacuating, they havent been able to return home to see if their house is still standing. Osorno, who runs a party supply store on Lake Avenue in Pasadena, is grateful that her business didnt burn down, but right now she doesnt have any customers. I'm feeling very sad because I don't know what [I will] do, she said. I need to pay the rent. I need to pay for the house. And I don't know what happened with the house.

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Correction: The Larkins located to Laguna Hills, rather than Laguna Beach, and Celeste's last name is Sanchez, not Ramirez.

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Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue

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ALTOONA, Pa. (WTAJ)  A local franchisee in central Pennsylvania is warning customers of a scam the owner has been made aware of.

Philly Pretzel Factory Altoona took to social media ahead of the opening to warn people of a prize-winning scam that was brought to their attention.

The prize scam relies heavily on social media. Scammers will create an account or page that looks just like the business page and reply to people who have commented that they won a prize. Usually, they include a link to claim the prize or ask users to message them personally.

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Coming Soon: Philly Pretzel Factory in downtown Altoona

From there, the scammers will try to get whatever personal information they can, claiming its needed before they can send out your prize.

Franchise owner, Nicholas Acevado, decided to use their reach on the Philly Pretzel factory Altoona page to warn followers and soon-to-be customers of what was happening, saying if there was a prize, you would be contacted directly and never asked for personal information.

Stay up to date with the latest news in the palm of your hand. Click here to download the WTAJ app for Apple and Android devices.

Philly Pretzel Factory Altoona has yet to open, but they are ramping up for their big day and youll be able to find them in Downtown Altoona at Center City Market (1306 11th Avenue).

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com.
Jan. 13GRAND FORKS  It started not with a bang, but a really big crack.

A little after 2 p.m. on a Thursday in December 2016, staff members at what was then Altru's main clinic heard  yes, heard  the sound of a wall giving way and found the ceiling near the pharmacy about two inches lower than it had been before. Water was leaking through.

An estimated 100 patients and just over 100 staff members were evacuated from the building, which sat to the north of Altru Hospital. Investigators later found a structural joint had failed on the fourth floor, though the damage could be seen and felt down the length of the building.

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Ignominy aside, the crack kick-started the process that led to construction of Altru's $470 million new hospital on Columbia Road, set to open in January 2025 at the former clinic site.

Altru officials and the new building's architect say the age of the current hospital and the changing demands of patients were leading factors in the decision to build the new hospital.

Debate on the clinic site initially revolved around whether to demolish or repair the existing clinic, whose operations had been spread out across Grand Forks after the evacuation.

"The natural first instinct was, 'we're going to have to rebuild a clinic somewhere,'" said Meghan Compton, chief clinic operations officer.

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As time went on, though, the conversation began to shift.

The successful transition of the main clinic's services to other facilities was one factor that led Altru leadership toward the new build. Another was the input of Altru's medical staff members, who largely favored building a new hospital.

"The physicians came to us and said 'we need a new hospital more than an existing clinic,'" said Eric Lunn, who retired as president of Altru Health System in 2019. "You always listen to people on the bottom floor doing the actual work, because they are going to have the right answers."

To be clear, there were no large cracks in the walls of the hospital that is now being phased out. At least as far as the Herald is aware. But Altru Hospital was in its fifth decade of operation at the time of the structural failure at the main clinic. Tim Blasl, president of the North Dakota Hospital Association, said that puts it on the older end compared to hospitals across the state.

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"As a hospital, we've pretty much reached the end of the building's lifespan," said Josh Kehrwald, the JLG architect who led the new building project.

Grand Forks' climate is known for its punishing effects on buildings, but the 51-year-old Altru Hospital is still in relatively good physical condition, Kehrwald said. Where it has fallen behind is in the changing needs of patients and providers alike.

"What's been done over time is hospitals have reinvested in the (building) to keep those hospitals going," Blasl said. "But you get to a point where you lose some efficiency, and you think about utility, and at times it's better off just to build a new hospital."

The current Altru Hospital was built to much different standards than modern hospitals. For one, medicine was much more low-tech  in 1973, computers were only just beginning to be used to store medical information, and now-commonplace technology like MRIs and CT scans didn't exist yet.

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"Medicine's just like any other field: tech's had a big impact," noted Altru President Josh Deere.

Kehrwald said one of the biggest challenges to renovating the current hospital would have been finding the ceiling space, where much tech infrastructure is clustered.

"That building is a very squat building," Kehrwald said during a tour of the new hospital building. "It's a very short building, floor to floor. Right now, if you were to pop up this ceiling tile here"  he indicated up toward the ceiling, about 15 feet overhead  "you'd see all kinds of services up there."

"The fact that it is so short, floor-to-floor, makes it extremely challenging to upgrade that to current standards without compromising the occupiable space of that building," he continued.

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Patient experience has changed considerably too. When Altru Hospital was being built in 1973, it was standard practice to have two patients to a room.

New and expectant fathers were expected to weather nights in stiff-backed chairs, and considerations for things like natural light were nonexistent. Kehrwald noted it was hypothetically possible to go days without seeing the sun in certain corners of the current hospital.

Derek Goebel, Altru's chief financial officer, said leaders ultimately saw more potential in a new building than remodeling the current structure.

"We could have remodeled that as much as possible, but we were never going to get the glass, we were never going to get the ceiling," Goebel said. "We were always going to be in the position of wishing we had X or Y or Z."

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The current hospital is expected to operate right up until First Patient Day, when the whole of the current hospital's operations will be transferred to the new building in a 24-hour period.

Demolition will begin at the earliest in the spring. Kehrwald said Altru is planning a full transition to the new hospital before dismantling the current building because, like a lot of structures built before the 1980s, the current hospital uses asbestos as insulation  but they won't know where until they begin taking down the old building.
Jan. 13The Joplin Schools Foundation has announced the formation of its Alumni Annual Scholarship Fund, where alumni can make a donation based on their graduation year.

Alumni of Joplin High School, Lincoln School, Memorial High School and Parkwood High School can make an annual contribution matching their graduation year. For example, an alumni who graduated in 1963 may donate $19.63 per year. Alumni can also choose to donate additional amounts or make a one-time donation.

All Alumni Annual Scholarship Fund donations will support Joplin High School graduating seniors as they move on to their postsecondary education.

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Joplin Schools Foundation coordinator Kelli Cragin said this is a good opportunity for fellow graduates to support the next generation of Eagles alumni.

"I'm a proud member of the Joplin High School class of 1977 and so many of us are interested in ways our class can support future generations of Joplin students," Cragin said in a statement. "We believe this is a great way to represent your graduating class by giving today to help future Eagles fly."

The Joplin Schools Foundation is a nonprofit organization that supports Joplin schools. Since its inception in 1993, the foundation has actively raised funds to benefit district education and safety initiatives, Excellence in Education Grants, and student scholarships. The foundation also oversees the Joplin Schools Alumni Association.

Alumni Annual Scholarship Fund contributions can be made at www.joplin schools.org/foundation or mailed to Joplin Schools Foundation, P.O. Box 128, Joplin, MO 64802.
NEW YORK  Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg is cruising to reelection  and he has Donald Trump to thank for his good fortune.

The president-elects criminal case has loomed over Bragg since his first day on the job. That ended Friday with Trumps sentencing in his hush money case. Trump received a slap on the wrist and gets to declare victory. But so does Bragg.

The Democrat now enters his fourth year in office as one of the most famous district attorneys in America  and the only prosecutor to ever convict a president-elect on felony charges. It also marks the completion of a full rebrand for Bragg, who entered office as a progressive champion focused on criminal justice reform. His campaign website this time around indicates he is focused on fighting crime, a stark shift from his 2021 platform.

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Not a single challenger is running against him in this years Democratic primary. And his Republican foe will have a tough time convincing voters in the deep-blue borough to cross the aisle.

Im sure there are plenty of Upper West Siders who cheer him on for maintaining the rule of law, said Chris Coffey, chief executive of Tusk Strategies, referring to the Trump conviction. I think there are other folks who would say: Hey, shouldnt our focus be making sure the city is safe? During times when folks feel public safety is the No. 1 concern, I think you see elected officials become more moderate.



When Bragg first took office in Jan. 2022, New Yorkers concerns had drifted away from criminal justice reform and toward crime rates exceeding pre-pandemic levels. New York City Mayor Eric Adams  whose boisterous style contrasts sharply with that of the more reserved Bragg  won a crowded primary by focusing on public safety.

Now, its Adams whos on the political ropes and Bragg on a breeze path to reelection.

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Bragg relies on the NYPD to make arrests that eventually turn into prosecutions. And in sharp contrast to the district attorney  who met expectations he would prosecute Trump  Adams has not delivered on his central pledge to reduce crime: While shootings and murders have declined dramatically under the mayors watch, felony assaults and rapes are increasing. Major felonies on the whole are actually up by roughly 20 percent compared to 2021 when Adams was campaigning on making the city safer.

In 2022, Bragg had a far different state of play to contend with.

Just weeks into his tenure, he released a memo indicating he would stop prosecuting certain low-level crimes and would opt out of seeking bail for others. The backlash was intense and instantaneous, and it led the newly minted prosecutor to quickly mount a full retreat.

And while neither Bragg nor any of his competitors focused their campaigns on going after Trump, the investigation was top of mind for voters and the press  and the staff he inherited. Shortly after Bragg took office, a high-profile mutiny related to the value Trump placed on his real estate properties further fueled perceptions the office was floundering. In February 2022, a pair of prosecutors leading the probe into the now president-elect resigned, citing Braggs resistance to moving forward with the valuation charges. One of them even wrote a book about it. Bragg fought unsuccessfully to keep that tome from publication, and said upon its release that the case being pursued by the two attorneys needed more work.

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With pressure coming from both the political right and left, Braggs tenure was already imperiled. But in March 2023, he secured an indictment of the president-elect on the hush money charges. And in the wake of the memo debacle, he began to refocus on crime in a way that tracked with changes in his electoral coalition.

In the 2021 Democratic primary, Bragg won big on the Upper West Side, a bastion of white liberals who fell hard for his progressive messaging about police and criminal justice reform. Similarly affluent voters in the West Village also delivered a key bloc of support.

The fight for criminal justice reform is the fight of our times  and it is the fight of my life, Bragg boasted on his original campaign website, pledging to focus on reversing mass incarceration and creating a unit to investigate police misconduct.

Those same neighborhoods have since raised serious concerns about crime, bringing them in line with Harlem  Braggs home turf and another main pillar of his campaign. Voters there went for Adams public safety message in the 2021 mayoral race.

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Bragg seems to have noticed.

Ending the scourge of gun violence is Alvin's top priority, his current website reads. Hes brought 20% more gun cases than the previous year; partnered with police to stop the flow of guns into New York City; invested in young people to prevent shootings from happening in the first place; and hosted successful gun buyback events to get these weapons off the streets.

The district attorneys office pointed to several other high-profile wins during his first term: Bragg secured a conviction of the Trump Org., indicted 30 gang members accused of a rash of gun violence and indicted the accused CEO shooter Luigi Mangione. Bragg has also brought corruption cases against members of the Adams administration and straw donors to the mayors campaign.

Braggs metamorphosis has come with some missteps and political damage to Democrats.

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In December, he failed to secure a conviction in the case against Daniel Penny, the former Marine who put Jordan Neely into a chokehold on a subway car. Neely later died, and his death was ruled a homicide by the medical examiner.

And while the case against Trump might have bolstered Braggs prospects in Manhattan, it also emboldened the president-elects followers elsewhere around the country. On Friday, Trump used the light sentence to bash Braggs office once again.

Radical Democrats have lost another pathetic, unAmerican Witch Hunt, he wrote on Truth Social.

More broadly, Bragg continues to serve as a convenient foil for Republicans.

He became a national embarrassment, a caricature of woke DAs, and allowed Republicans all over the country to use his image and likeness to demonstrate how much of a disaster liberal criminal justice policies are, New York Council Member Joe Borelli, who leads the bodys Republican caucus, said in a text to POLITICO. If [Republican National Committee Chair] Michael Whatley could cut a deal wherein the GOP didnt run against Bragg in Manhattan, but could run against the idea of Bragg in the other 3,243 counties in America, he would take it in a heartbeat.
Amazon is taking on the traditional postman by delivering parcels on foot.

Couriers will ditch their vehicles and carry packages on a handcart in a pilot programme in the London boroughs of Hackney, Westminster and Islington.

The new service, which is part of a wider effort to cut carbon emissions from Amazons fleet of delivery vans, means staff will cross paths with postal workers employed by the 509-year-old Royal Mail.

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Nicola Fyfe, of Amazon Logistics, said the business would consider expanding its on-foot deliveries to other UK cities if it proved a success.

She said: When you look at the on-foot walker deliveries, and couple them up with our electric bike deliveries and our electric vans  the three of them working together  really helps bring a sustainable delivery solution.

These three forms of zero-emission delivery now cover 70pc of Londons Congestion Charge zone, Amazon said. Ms Fyfe said it also helped when planning deliveries in pedestrianised zones and low-traffic networks.

Amazon has also expanded its deliveries by electric cargo bike to Belfast and Norwich, joining London, Manchester and Glasgow. The technology giant has said it is investing 300m in cutting emissions from its UK delivery operations.

Amazon has also expanded its deliveries by electric cargo bike in an attempt to reduce its carbon footprint - Matt Alexander/PA

As part of this, Amazon said it would start transporting more packages by rail in Britain, beginning with the fully-electric West Coast Main Line between Scotland and the Midlands.

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Products will be unloaded from train carriages and sorted at local delivery centres. Royal Mail ended its night mail train service last year.

The company also confirmed its largest ever order of electric HGVs on Tuesday, which will include 140 electric Mercedes Benz haulers and eight Volvo trucks. Its trucks will have a range of 310 miles on a full charge.

The vehicles will expand Amazons fleet of green trucks to around 160. The order of electric trucks is a record for any company in the UK.

Amazon said it expected the green transport to carry 300m packages each year once it is operational.

It will also install fast-chargers at key points in its logistic network that can boost the batteries of its trucks from 20pc to 80pc in an hour.

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The companys launch of on-foot deliveries in the UK follows similar trials in New York and Paris, where it has used people-power to avoid congestion and meet demands for next day and same day deliveries from customers.

While it is a customer of the postal service, Amazon has a sprawling logistics division for deliveries from its Amazon.com site.

It is also growing its shipping arm, which collects parcels from retailers directly and delivers them to customers, rather than sending them from a central fulfilment centre.

Despite being Britains biggest parcel company, Royal Mail has been grappling with a long-term decline in letter deliveries and a growing challenge from companies such as Evri and Amazon in parcels amid soaring demand for online shopping since the pandemic.

Its postmen walk up to 1bn steps every day and half of the Royal Mails routes are largely on foot, with two-thirds of packages still delivered by legwork.

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Alexander Paterson, an analyst at Peel Hunt, said Royal Mail risked losing business to Amazon.

He said: Royal Mail has very high fixed costs and low margins even in good years, and is therefore very highly operationally geared.

If Amazon was to roll out its own delivery service in areas of high population density and high numbers of parcels per address, it would present challenges for Royal Mail.

Last year, the Government gave the green light to a 3.6bn takeover of Royal Mail by Czech tycoon Daniel Kretinsky.

The postal service is also pushing for an overhaul of its universal service obligation, which requires it to deliver letters six days a week.

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Royal Mail is planning to trial a reduced service this year that will see some areas deprived of second-class letter deliveries on Saturdays. Regulator Ofcom is expected to launch a consultation on the proposals in the coming weeks.

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MEMPHIS, Tenn.  As the death toll rises and the full magnitude of the California wildfires become apparent, its clear donations from the public and private sectors will be needed.

This is a truly catastrophic, historic event as everyone has seen on the news the past few days, Laura Vaughn said. And as the drought continues, as winds continue to increase, the need for support and those who need our support is only going to continue to grow.

Vaughn, American Red Cross Regional Chief Development Officer for Tennessee, stressed the need for donations in what will be a very long road to recovery for those impacted by LA wildfires.

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The American Red Cross in collaboration with WREGs parent company Nexstar, is giving you a chance to help with your donations.

So many people have already given and now, you can as well by clicking here.

How to donate to Los Angeles wildfire victims

Through gifts and partnerships like we have with Nexstar and with others, it allows us to take the generosity of individuals here and turn that compassion into action, Vaughn said.

The American Red Cross has over 300 disaster workers in the ground in LA providing safe respite, meals, emotional support and other services.

However, those efforts can last only as long as your donations.

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Im trapped: Former Memphis resident loses home, car in California wildfires

Youll want to make sure your donations get to those in need by giving to the American Red Cross or trusted tried and true non-profits.

When in doubt, do your research.

Utilize great things that are online such as charitynavigator.org and other resources such as that to just make sure youre doing your homework, Vaughn said. You can rest assured that your dollars are going to support those that need it most.

If you have family or friends in the disaster area who need assistance, have them call 1-800-REDCROSS or download the Red Cross Emergency app.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Pete Hegseth faced an important test in his fiery confirmation hearing on Tuesday  but he didn't just have to prove himself to the senators who immediately began sparring over his nomination as defense secretary. The hearing was also an opportunity for Hegseth to make his case to the sizable share of Americans who don't know him or don't approve of President-elect Donald Trump's decision to tap him for this key role in his administration.

A new poll finds only about 2 in 10 Americans approve of Hegseth being nominated as the secretary of defense, a position that would put the 44-year-old Army National Guard veteran and former Fox News Channel weekend host in charge of overseeing U.S. troops. The survey from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, which was conducted before Hegseth's confirmation hearings began, finds that roughly one-third of U.S. adults disapprove of Trumps choice, and about 1 in 10 say they neither approve nor disapprove. About one-third of Americans say they dont know enough about Hegseth to have an opinion.

Hegseth's experience in the Army National Guard is seen by the incoming administration and supporters in Congress as an asset for the job, but he also brings a jarring record of past statements and actions, including allegations of sexual assault, excessive drinking and derisive views about women in military combat roles, minorities and woke generals. He has vowed not to drink alcohol if he is confirmed to lead the Pentagon.

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Republican men are more likely to have an opinion of Hegseth and approve of his nomination

More Republicans approve than disapprove of Trump nominating Hegseth -- about 4 in 10 approve, and only about 1 in 10 disapprove. But many Republicans, about one-third, still dont have an opinion of him yet.

About half of GOP men approve of Hegseth for defense secretary, compared to about one-third of Republican women. Republican women are less likely to express a view on his nomination either way. About half of Republican women do not have an opinion of him.

Hegseth faced some criticism for saying he opposes putting women in combat roles. He has walked those comments back since his nomination, saying if we have the right standard and women meet that standard, roger. Lets go. Two former female combat veterans, Republican Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa and Democrat Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, were among those who questioned him.

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Older Republicans are also more likely to approve of Hegseths nomination. About half of Republicans over 45 approve, compared to about 3 in 10 Republicans under 45. The younger Republicans are also less likely to have formed an opinion of him.

Only one-quarter see a lack of government experience as a plus

Hegseth acknowledged during his hearing that he does not have the traditional background of past defense secretaries, promising to be a change agent for the branch.

The poll finds, though, that a lack of government experience isnt a positive for many Americans. About half of Americans say its a very or somewhat bad thing for the president to rely on people without any background in government for advice about government policy, and only about one-quarter say its a very or somewhat good thing. About one-quarter are neutral, calling it neither good nor bad.

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Republicans, however, are more likely than Democrats and independents to say its good for the president to rely on people without government experience for input on policy. About 4 in 10 Republicans say this is a good thing, compared to about 2 in 10 independents and roughly 1 in 10 Democrats.

-

Associated Press writers Lisa Mascaro, Tara Copp and Matt Brown contributed reporting from Washington, D.C.

-

The AP-NORC poll of 1,147 adults was conducted Jan. 9-13, using a sample drawn from NORCs probability-based AmeriSpeak Panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for adults overall is plus or minus 3.9 percentage points.
Jan. 13A local teenage driver was found dead after the pickup he was driving was discovered submerged in water in Andover, authorities said.

New Hampshire State Police identified the deceased driver as Wyatt Carleton, 17.

State Police found a 2010 Gray Nissan Frontier pickup flipped on its roof submerged in a draining ditch along Currier Road.

Troopers were notified at 11:53 p.m. Sunday.

Based on a preliminary investigation, troopers believe that the driver was traveling west on Currier Road . The vehicle flipped over the edge of the road and landed in the drainage ditch, coming to rest on its roof, authorities said.

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The initial investigation determined the vehicle appeared to have drifted on the icy road a few hundred feet before it went off into the drainage ditch.

The road was closed for about three hours.

Anyone with information can email Trooper Conor Davis at Conor.K.Davis@dos.nh.gov.
LOUISIANA (KTAL/KMSS)  This March, Twin Fest Louisiana returns for the second year in a row. The festival celebrates multiples, families, and connections. The event, presented by Humana, will take place in the city of Houma, Louisiana.

There will be various activities for the family, including live music and performances, food, dancing, as well as a 5k run.



Registration for the run is $33, and includes a race bib, an event t-shirt, and a commemorate medal.



There will also be competitions for twins and multiples, such as the most alike contest and the most unique contest.



Its all taking place on Saturday, March 29th from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. at the Houma courthouse square.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Around 5:30 in the morning on December 31, Yvonne Santiago was woken up by a sudden stillness: The fans had switched off. It must be a power outage, she quickly reasoned, and went back to sleep.

When she woke up again hours later, she learned that the outage wasnt contained to Bayamon, the Puerto Rican city where she was spending the holidays with her boyfriends family, but was in fact an island-wide blackout. Reading the news, I burst out laughing, she said.

We have a saying: Rie para no llorar  laugh to not cry, she explained. Things are constantly happening on this island. Were always on alert, but we also have to let go of certainty.

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Then she set about the practical tasks that a potentially prolonged blackout demands. The first thing that always freaks me out are the fridges, the food, she said. She and her boyfriend packed the contents of their fridge into the ground floor of his parents house, which has solar power that stayed on during the blackout. Other power outages across the island have marked the first weeks of the year.

Santiago, an illustrator and an archivist at the General Archives of Puerto Rico, said her decisions were characterized by a listlessness shes come to find familiar in the seven years since Hurricane Maria  a period in which blackouts have become a feature of daily life in Puerto Rico. Every time the light goes out for such a long period of time, everyones kind of out of it, Santiago said. It becomes this weird twilight zone where no one knows what to do  I guess we go into survival mode. It becomes this weird limbo.

Hurricane Maria was the deadliest natural disaster in the U.S. since 1900  and it was the moment when we all truly realized we are an island in the Caribbean, Santiago said, because it took so long for people to come help us. Besides killing thousands of people, the storm also laid waste to the islands already decaying electric grid.

By evening on New Years Eve, the lights still werent on. Santiago was supposed to attend a party but decided not to go. We cancelled any plans that we had, because we didnt know what areas were gonna have electricity or not and it can be pretty dangerous if the street lights arent on, so we stayed at home with candlelight, she said. Without knowing how long the blackout would last, the family was reluctant to use the limited amount of power from the solar panels to microwave the food in the fridge. She ate a bag of Tostitos for dinner.

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The essential public infrastructure destroyed by Hurricane Maria was not adequately rebuilt; it was privatized. In 2020, Puerto Ricos energy transmission and distribution system was sold to an American-Canadian consortium called Luma Energy, which is overseen by Puerto Rican government agencies. And in 2023, the power generation system was similarly privatized, with all power plants under the control of a subsidiary of the American natural gas company New Fortress Energy.

The writer Naomi Klein has analyzed these moves as a textbook application of the shock doctrine  a paradigm whereby capital interests take advantage of disasters to undermine public institutions and turn giant profits. In Puerto Rico, the energy privatization set off a massive protest movement whose slogan was Fuera Luma! (Get out Luma!).

Read Next

A man in a bucket hat installs panels on a roof with a palm tree in the background.

Puerto Ricos rooftop solar boom is at risk, advocates warn

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Maria Gallucci

Since Luma took over the electricity grid, it has raised electricity prices repeatedly  without delivering results for Puerto Ricans like Santiago, who was driven out of her last apartment in San Juan by a problem shes found even more disruptive than the frequent blackouts: unpredictable power surges. At night, particularly if her neighbors lights were on, the electricity flickered on and off at random. The fluctuations destroyed three of her refrigerators in succession. After Luma didnt respond to her repeated complaints, she finally stopped paying the rising utility bills.

When a power surge destroyed her air conditioner, she decided she had to finally move out of her apartment  but she currently owes Luma nearly $3,000 in unpaid bills. In order to turn the lights on at her new apartment, she will have to sign up for a payment plan.

The energy crisis has affected Santiagos work, too  and the security of the archives it is her job to preserve. I deal with digitization and digital preservation, which is really hard to do when youre having constant outages, she said. In 2023, a storm flooded a transformer, and the General Archives lost power for months. More recently, one of her hard drives was destroyed, possibly by a power surge.

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In those archives, Santiago recently found a document that reminded her of just how old the problems Puerto Rico is facing really are. It was a 1934 manifesto to the country published in El Mundo, a San Juan newspaper, written by Luis Munoz Marin, then a senator in the Puerto Rican legislature  and later the islands first elected governor.

The manifesto contained a warning to Puerto Ricans based on inside knowledge Marin had acquired in Washington: Foreign investors were planning, under more or less alluring disguises, to exploit the economic and public health crisis the island was suffering in the wake of the Depression and a 1928 hurricane. He said hotel developers, sugar refineries, and bamboo cane growers were using recovery money to extend and to intrench more firmly the control of absentee capital over the lives of the Puerto Ricans.

And he warned that the real agenda behind this was to use recovery funds, and give them to private companies to take over certain things, Santiago said. They were going to poison us in our medicine  which did happen  and the Americans were going to use different tactics to have control from far away.

The parallels to the aftermath of Hurricane Maria seemed all too real to Santiago. Ive been connecting the dots for a while now, and its all colonialism, she said. Luma is colonialism.

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It eventually emerged that the cause of the New Years blackout was the failure of an underground cable that, like much of the islands energy infrastructure, should have been repaired long ago. The company that built it has been out of business for 25 years.

Right now, were in an emergency, Puerto Ricos governor, Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon, said at a news conference. Our electrical system is in such a precarious situation that anything can cause the power to go out.

On New Years Eve, the power stayed out all day for some 1.2 million Luma customers. Santiago was watching the time when, at 11:57 p.m., the lights came on for less than a minute, then flickered back off. Then, at 11:59, as if to herald in the new year, they came back on again.

On the first day of 2025, another increase on Puerto Ricans electricity bills kicked in, the result of a fuel cost adjustment. Gonzalez-Colon was inaugurated on January 2, and though she has appointed an energy czar to address the grids problems, the island will enter another year with the constant risk of power failures.

This story was originally published by Grist with the headline Another year, more power outages in Puerto Rico on Jan 14, 2025.
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A week before Donald Trumps inauguration, one thing seems conspicuously absent from Republicans plans to advance the president-elects plans in his first days in office: abortion. Its much too early to know whether Trump will stick to vague campaign promises to leave abortion to the states or will instead use executive power to impose national restrictions. Will Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Department of Health and Human Services secretary nominee who has reassured Senate Republicans that he is open to anti-abortion strategies, encourage the Food and Drug Administration to impose new limits on mifepristone? And will Trumps Department of Justice fulfill the hopes of anti-abortion groups who have pitched the Comstock Act, a 19th-century obscenity law, as a de facto ban on mailing all abortion-related items?

Anti-abortion groups have invested so much in the Comstock strategy that they havent wanted to wait for Trump. Thats the takeaway from New Mexico litigation that resulted in a major decision from that states Supreme Court last week. But the upshot remains that there are no quick fixes for the anti-abortion movement that dont leave Donald Trump holding all the cards.

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The fight began when Jonathan Mitchell, the former Texas solicitor general, and his colleague Mark Lee Dickson identified the Comstock Act as a path to the kind of national ban that Congress seemed unlikely to pass. Mitchell and Dickson had collaborated in the creation of sanctuary city for the unborn ordinances that Mitchell used to make the model for S.B. 8, the Texas law that allowed anyone to sue an abortion provider or anyone who aided them for at least $10,000 even before the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. After the court ended the constitutional right to an abortion in the Dobbs decision, Mitchell and Dickson began encouraging conservative counties and towns in states that protected abortion to pass ordinances referring to the Comstock Act. The goal was to set up a clash between the state law and the Comstock Act in federal courtand to eventually convince the conservative Supreme Court to declare that the Comstock Act would operate as the ban the anti-abortion movement had long been seeking.

Two New Mexico cities and two counties passed just this kind of ordinance. Some required clinics to get a special abortion license or created new mechanisms for private citizens to sue providers or others who aided or abetted them. All of them referred to the Comstock Act.

The states attorney general then took the towns and counties to court, asking the state Supreme Court for an emergency order blocking enforcement of the local laws and declaring them to be illegal. The court granted the request for emergency action and held that the states law conflicted with the local laws and overrode them. That wasnt a hard conclusion to reach: New Mexicos Health Freedom Act protects reproductive rights statewide and bars local officials from discriminating against or interfering with protected reproductive rights. The court thought that was exactly what the local ordinances were doing. The court also reasoned that the ordinances conflicted with state rules on health care, medical malpractice, and licensing.

Mitchell and Dickson celebrated the apparent defeat of the courts decision as a major victory. Mitchell, for example, was thrilled with the courts decision because it highlighted the conflict he wanted to createthat an ordinance required compliance with the federal Comstock Act in states where abortion remains legal. The two invited more towns in New Mexico to pass a Comstock-based ordinance, and promised to litigate similar cases in other states, all with an eye to bringing the meaning of the federal Comstock Act to the Supreme Court of the United States.

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Dickson and Mitchell are not the only ones pinning their hopes to the Comstock Act. The Victorian law figures centrally in the new playbook to stop abortion pills laid out by Students for Life. Its the centerpiece of a lawsuit that seeks to limit mifepristone access filed by the attorneys general of Idaho, Missouri, and Kansas, and it was a focal point of Project 2025.

Critically, ordinances like the ones passed in New Mexico are designed to force the Comstock question into the federal courts regardless of whether the Trump administration wants to prioritize it. Trump was a staunch ally of the anti-abortion movement during his first term, but since he began his 2024 campaign, he has sounded more equivocal, sticking to vague pledges about leaving abortion to the states and sometimes suggesting that he may (or may not) leave mifepristone access unchanged. Trump won despite Kamala Harris making reproductive rights a focal point of her campaign, but that doesnt necessarily mean Republicans are willing to turn the Comstock Act into an abortion ban that is even harsher than the laws already in place in conservative states, which sometimes create exemptions, particularly for the life of the woman (under Mitchells interpretation, the Comstock Act does not). Trump seems to have other priorities, and other ambitious Republicans may not wish to hitch their wagon to the star of abortion restrictions when voters rejected them in all but three of the ballot initiative fights that have taken place since Roe was overturned.

Conservative attorneys are hoping to smooth the way for a Comstock strategy by getting a thumbs-up from the Supreme Court before Trump is ready to act. The Supreme Court may not be willing to play alongthere are sound legal arguments against transforming the Comstock Act into a no-exceptions ban, and doing so would likely provoke a backlash stronger than the one that has already greeted the demise of Roe. It may not be easy to find the perfect case to take to the Supreme Court either. The New Mexico Supreme Court didnt address the Comstock Act in its ruling and tried to establish that the case was resolved entirely based on consideration of state law questions that the Supreme Court should stay out of.

But even if Mitchell is right to be optimistic, the fundamental dynamic between the anti-abortion movement and Donald Trump wont change. Anti-abortion lawyers can file their own lawsuits against doctors, abortion funds, and others in states where abortion is protected and hope that cross-border suits limit access in blue states as well as red ones, but there is no other obvious, realistic silver bullet like the Comstock Act that could operate like a national ban. Even if the Supreme Court understands the Comstock Act as a ban, the Trump Department of Justice would still need to enforce itand choose to use time and resources to identify potential violators.

Donald Trumps win was certainly good news for his supporters in the anti-abortion movement, but no matter what they do in court, he is the one with all the power to moveor not movethe nation toward a ban.
After owner Jeff Bezos published an op-ed in The Washington Post in late October last year, several employees have left in protest over the direction he wants to take the publication.

The latest high-profile Post writer to leave the publication is Jen Rubin, after writing for the opinion section for 14 years.

Rubin will be joining former White House ethics czar Norm Eisen to start a new publication, called The Contrarian. Rubin will be editor-in-chief, and Eisen will be publisher.

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The pair will publish "written material, podcasts, interviews, social media, all in defense of democracy," to Substack, Rubin explained in the sites intro video.

Monday morning, Rubin made the announcement on X.

Rubin refuse[s] to enable the Elon-Trump presidency

BIG NEWS, she wrote. I have left the Post. Corporate and billionaire media are failing to meet the moment. Please subscribe and join the fight. And because I want to be true to my values I am leaving X. I refuse to enable the Elon-Trump presidency.

As The Washington Post makes moves to shift the publication more toward the center, The Contrarian is likely to follow Rubins public dislike for President-elect Donald Trump.

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Eisen explained more on the new publications mission: Were gonna do politics, were gonna do law, but we know that any successful pro-democracy movement also has to be very vocal about culture. Well have a humor column, well even have cooking column, but were going to sprinkle in a little pro-democracy flavor.

CNN reported that The Contrarian already has around 24 contributors, including people who played prominent roles in debunking 2020 election denialism and investigating the January 6, 2021, attack at the US Capitol.

Rubin wrote on X in late December, A depressingly high number of elected Democrats are declaring their intent to find common ground with President-elect Donald Trump and his crackpot Cabinet picks."

She continued, Their naive, tone-deaf declarations epitomize an infatuation with bipartisanship for bipartisanships sake. Sometimes, its better not to bend the knee before the bidding even gets underway.

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Rubins resignation came shortly after political cartoonist Ann Telnaes resignation, which resulted from The Washington Post refusing to publish a satirical cartoon of Bezos and others on bended knee, handing money up to a large version of Trump.

Our goal is to combat, with every fiber of our being, the authoritarian threat that we face, she told CNN.

Rubin has called for a more robust, aggressive free press, saying, I fear that things are going from bad to worse at The Post.

Are many people leaving X over Musks politics?

Rubins impending departure from X begs the question of whether many X users who disagree with Musks politics are leaving the app in protest.

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Musk bought Twitter in 2022 and soon rebranded it to X. Search Logistics reported that X has lost 32 million users since the takeover but still has managed to generate $4.4 billion in 2022."

Statista reported that users of the the social media giant have decreased 5% since 2022.

However, in mid-July last year, Musk announced in an X post that the apps usage hit another all-time high yesterday with 417 billion user-seconds globally! In the US, user-seconds reached 93B, 23% higher than the previous record of 76B. In a single day.
Controversial Canadian psychologist, author and media commentator Jordan Peterson has canceled his Jan. 27 speaking engagement at St. Pauls Xcel Energy Center. Ticket prices started at $61.15, with VIP packages prices offered as high as $609.

Five other dates on the 45-city arena tour  which was announced in October as the We Who Wrestle With God Tour but has since been renamed An Evening to Transform Your Life in most cities  are also listed as canceled on Ticketmasters website, including three stops in California (Palm Springs, Fresno and Anaheim) as well as Hershey, Pa., and Tampa. His Jan. 26 show at the DECC Symphony Hall in Duluth is still on sale via Ticketmaster, but is no longer listed on Petersons website.

An Xcel Energy Center spokesman released this statement: Refunds will be processed to the original method of payment used at time of purchase, as soon as funds are received from the event organizer. It should appear on their account within 14-21 days. He did not respond to further questions. Petersons publicist did not respond to an email seeking further comment.

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Before it was replaced with the cancellation notice, Ticketmasters sale page for his Xcel appearance appeared to show a few hundred tickets had been sold, with the entire 200 level blocked from sale.

Peterson has toured smaller venues in the past and sold out two nights at Minneapolis State Theatre in February 2023.

Peterson, 62, is touring to promote his latest book We Who Wrestle with God. According to the publisher, Peterson guides us through the ancient, foundational stories of the Western world  (and) analyzes the Biblical accounts of rebellion, sacrifice, suffering and triumph that stabilize, inspire and unite us culturally and psychologically.

A self-described classic British liberal and traditionalist, Peterson formerly taught psychology at Harvard University and the University of Toronto. He began to attract attention beyond academia in 2016 when he released a series of YouTube videos that attacked a proposed bill by the Canadian parliament that banned discrimination against people on the basis of gender identity or gender expression.

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In the time since, Peterson has become a prolific social media user across several platforms. Political correctness and woke culture, climate change denial and the crisis of masculinity are among the topics hes known to discuss. Hes got 8.54 million subscribers on YouTube and 5.9 million followers on X, formerly Twitter.

Last year, Peterson co-founded Peterson Academy, an online higher education platform. According to his publicist, more than 30,000 students have enrolled since the beta launched in September 2024 with an annual tuition fee of $499.99.

Over the weekend, Peterson visited president-elect Donald Trumps Florida home Mar-a-Lago with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Canadian celebrity investor Kevin OLeary.

Related Articles
By Alimat Aliyeva

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) launched an "unidentified projectile" towards the Sea of Japan, Azernews reports.

According to estimates, it could be a ballistic missile.

The agency later noted that the South Korean military had recorded the launch of several suspected short-range ballistic missiles from the DPRK.

According to Seoul, the launch took place at around 09:30 local time (04:30 Baku time) from the area of the city of Kangye in Chagang Province, directed towards the Sea of Japan.

"The armed forces are strengthening surveillance in case of additional launches, exchanging information with the United States and Japan, and maintaining full readiness," the Joint Chiefs of Staff said.

According to South Korean estimates, the missiles flew about 250 km and landed in the Sea of Japan. The acting President of South Korea, Vice Premier Choe Sang Mok, stated that the launch of ballistic missiles violates UN Security Council resolutions.

It is worth noting that the first launch occurred on January 6, involving the latest hypersonic ballistic missile.

Commenting on the successful test, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un stated that the goal of developing a new hypersonic missile was self-defense. On January 9, Russia's permanent representative to the United Nations, Vasily Nebenzia, noted that the joint military exercises conducted by the United States, Japan, and South Korea near the DPRKs borders constitute a systematic violation of international law.

The growing frequency of missile tests by North Korea and escalating tensions in the region are drawing international attention. The launches are a reminder of the fragile security situation on the Korean Peninsula, where geopolitical rivalries and military exercises continue to fuel instability. North Koreas military activities, including its focus on hypersonic missile development, remain a source of concern for neighboring countries and the global community.
Construction crews work on new apartments in Salt Lake City in January. Utah is one of the mostly Sun Belt states where new apartment construction is driving rents lower for a second straight year after dramatic surges earlier in the decade. (Spenser Heaps for Utah News Dispatch)

Read more Stateline coverage of how communities across the country are trying to create more affordable housing.

A historic rate of apartment building is starting to make a difference in Sun Belt rents, but most tenants are still paying way more than they did earlier in the decade and rents are still rising in many Northeast and Midwest states.

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The fact that rents are starting to drop as more apartment supply comes online, yet still remain perilously high for most low- and moderate-income renters, is new fodder for the debate over how to help more people afford the escalating costs of housing.

Increasingly, states see new apartments and other housing construction as the answer, though experts disagree on how much more is needed  and where  as supply begins to outstrip demand in some areas. New construction is also expensive, given todays inflated material and labor costs, and doesnt tend to produce much housing that is affordable to people with lower incomes, though it can prevent gentrification of existing affordable areas.

When you dont allow enough homes to get built in high-income neighborhoods, higher-income people tend to move into lower-income areas, said Alex Horowitz, who directs the Housing Policy Initiative at the nonprofit Pew Charitable Trusts. Then lower-income people have nowhere to go.

Nationally, December rents dropped slightly in 2024 for the second straight year, according to an Apartment List analysis of lease transactions. December rent peaked at a median $1,394 in 2022 and is now down slightly, about 2%, to $1,373 as of last year.

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The biggest two-year decreases were in Sun Belt states that experienced apartment building booms: Rents in Arizona, Georgia and Utah dropped 6%, and those in Texas and North Carolina fell 5%, according to a Stateline analysis of data from Apartment List, a company that posts rental listings online. Alabama, Colorado, Florida and South Dakota saw decreases of about 4%.

The new housing in mostly Sun Belt states has led to a drop in the national median rent, but rents in 32 states plus the District of Columbia have been on an upward trajectory since 2022. Those states include North Dakota (up 14%), Alaska (up 13%), Connecticut and Wyoming (each up 9%) and Kansas (up 8%). Vermont and West Virginia are not included in the analysis because Apartment List did not have enough information on leases from those states, though both states have large shares of renters paying excessive rent compared to income.

Austin housing boom

Austin, Texas, with the highest rate of new construction in recent years, appears to be a prime example of the effect of more construction: Recent social media posts show young renters celebrating their lower payments.

In a January TikTok video she titled jaw on the floor, 27-year-old Becca Flores said, I just got my lease renewal offer on my apartment in Austin in Texas and it was down almost $200. That has, like, never happened to me in my life, she said in the video. Many of the hundreds of comments relayed similar stories of unexpected rent drops.

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Renters in the Northeast and Midwest have not been so lucky.

In New Jersey, which has seen an influx of new residents that began with people fleeing New York City during pandemic lockdowns, median rent has increased 3% to $1,885 since 2022. State efforts to force more city-by-city apartment construction have run into local opposition.

Palisades Park, a majority Korean American borough of about 21,000 people in New Jersey a few miles from Manhattan, has been overwhelmed by developer proposals to build more apartments, said Democratic Mayor Chong Paul Kim. The borough settled recent lawsuits by developers partly by agreeing to allow accessory dwelling units, known as ADUs, which can help some cost-stressed homeowners by letting them earn rent from ADUs on their property.

We wanted to do something that would benefit current residents, Kim said. Residents are saying its a good move to reduce the [apartment] developments. The judge said we cant slide, we have to comply with the state law. Were trying to head off a concentrated influx of developments coming all at once  we dont have the public services to support it.

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Another New Jersey mayor, Republican Mike Ghassali of Montvale, calls the state law forced urbanization. Ghassali led 26 municipalities in a court challenge last fall.

Rents escalated dramatically in 2021 and 2022 and havent come back down to what they were before that period in any state: Rents are up from 12% in Minnesota to 42% in Wyoming since December 2020, when they declined early in the pandemic.

But a few fast-building metros have seen drastic drops: The median rent in the Austin area has dropped by 13%, or $199, to $1,362, since 2022. In Atlanta; Jacksonville, Florida; Phoenix; and Raleigh, North Carolina, the median rent has declined by 7%.

Austin was cited in a separate Apartment List analysis in June, showing that rents had begun to drop amid the largest rate of apartment construction in the nation. Building permits for about 10 units per 1,000 residents were issued in the Austin metro area between 2021 and 2023.

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By comparison, Northeast and Midwest metros with little construction in that time saw rents rise instead of drop. Cleveland, Milwaukee and Providence, Rhode Island, had some of the largest increases and lowest construction rates: less than one unit permitted per 1,000 residents.

Vermont and West Virginia are not included in the Apartment List data, but in both states nearly half of renters pay more than 30% or more of their pre-tax incomes for rent and utilities, an amount deemed excessive under federal standards.

How big is the gap?

Apartment building reached a historic peak last year, with 67,000 units finished in August, the highest number on record for a single month since October 1974, with total housing units nearing an annual construction rate of 1.7 million a year.

Estimates of the national housing shortage vary widely, from 1.5 million houses and apartments to 20.1 million. Most experts estimate a shortage of 1.5 million to 5.5 million, according to Daniel McCue, a senior research associate at the Joint Center For Housing Studies of Harvard University.

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Freddie Mac, a federal agency that buys home loans to support the housing market, estimated the shortage at 3.8 million in 2020, and said in November that the gap was 3.7 million as of the third quarter of 2024, despite all the recent construction.

While the U.S. added 5.8 million housing units since our previous estimate, we also added 6.3 million households, Freddie Macs deputy chief economist, Leonard Kiefer, said in a statement, adding that there are another million families that would rent or buy if they could, but have been priced out of todays market.

But not everybody believes there is a shortage.

Kirk McClure, professor emeritus of urban planning in the School of Public Affairs and Administration at the University of Kansas, published a paper last year arguing that the nation built too many homes and apartments in the bubble years of the late 2000s, and that between 2000 and 2020, home construction exceeded the number of new families by 3.3 million.

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Were still, to this day, trying to absorb that excess supply, McClure said. Prices would drop if we built millions of new homes, he added, but we dont want to go back to 2008, when housing prices collapsed in the Great Recession.

Instead, McClure said, the answer is to put more money into the pockets of lower-income people.

What we need to do is raise peoples incomes, McClure said. Ive often said the best housing program out there is the minimum wage. When income reaches $20 an hour, the affordability problems start to fade.

For affordability to improve, housing has to be built in the places people want to live.

 Rob Warnock, senior research associate at Apartment List

The problem, McClure said, is that people want to live in specific places and bid up the prices in those areas, not there is a national housing shortage.

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My colleague lives on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, which is just a wonderful part of New York City, but I think we all agree that its expensive and New York doesnt want to build hundreds of thousands of apartments there, McClure said. The truth of it is, even in the New York area, which deems itself to have a housing shortage, there are units waiting for you in New Jersey if youre willing to commute.

But Rob Warnock, an Apartment List senior research associate, said that suburban and exurban building will never make up for lack of housing in popular cities.

For affordability to improve, housing has to be built in the places people want to live, Warnock wrote in an email.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
An apartment construction boom is starting to make a small difference in rents nationally and in some states after rents spiked in 2021 and 2022. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

A historic rate of apartment building is starting to make a difference in Sun Belt rents, but most tenants are still paying way more than they did earlier in the decade and rents are still rising in many Northeast and Midwest states.

The fact that rents are starting to drop as more apartment supply comes online, yet still remain perilously high for most low- and moderate-income renters, is new fodder for the debate over how to help more people afford the escalating costs of housing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Increasingly, states see new apartments and other housing construction as the answer, though experts disagree on how much more is needed  and where  as supply begins to outstrip demand in some areas. New construction is also expensive, given todays inflated material and labor costs, and doesnt tend to produce much housing that is affordable to people with lower incomes, though it can prevent gentrification of existing affordable areas.

When you dont allow enough homes to get built in high-income neighborhoods, higher-income people tend to move into lower-income areas, said Alex Horowitz, who directs the Housing Policy Initiative at the nonprofit Pew Charitable Trusts. Then lower-income people have nowhere to go.

Nationally, December rents dropped slightly in 2024 for the second straight year, according to an Apartment List analysis of lease transactions. December rent peaked at a median $1,394 in 2022 and is now down slightly, about 2%, to $1,373 as of last year.

The biggest two-year decreases were in Sun Belt states that experienced apartment building booms: Rents in Arizona, Georgia and Utah dropped 6%, and those in Texas and North Carolina fell 5%, according to a Stateline analysis of data from Apartment List, a company that posts rental listings online. Alabama, Colorado, Florida and South Dakota saw decreases of about 4%.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The new housing in mostly Sun Belt states has led to a drop in the national median rent, but rents in 32 states plus the District of Columbia have been on an upward trajectory since 2022. Those states include North Dakota (up 14%), Alaska (up 13%), Connecticut and Wyoming (each up 9%) and Kansas (up 8%). Vermont and West Virginia are not included in the analysis because Apartment List did not have enough information on leases from those states, though both states have large shares of renters paying excessive rent compared to income.

Austin housing boom

Austin, Texas, with the highest rate of new construction in recent years, appears to be a prime example of the effect of more construction: Recent social media posts show young renters celebrating their lower payments.

In a January TikTok video she titled jaw on the floor, 27-year-old Becca Flores said, I just got my lease renewal offer on my apartment in Austin in Texas and it was down almost $200. That has, like, never happened to me in my life, she said in the video. Many of the hundreds of comments relayed similar stories of unexpected rent drops.

Renters in the Northeast and Midwest have not been so lucky.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In New Jersey, which has seen an influx of new residents that began with people fleeing New York City during pandemic lockdowns, median rent has increased 3% to $1,885 since 2022. State efforts to force more city-by-city apartment construction have run into local opposition.

Palisades Park, a majority Korean American borough of about 21,000 people in New Jersey a few miles from Manhattan, has been overwhelmed by developer proposals to build more apartments, said Democratic Mayor Chong Paul Kim. The borough settled recent lawsuits by developers partly by agreeing to allow accessory dwelling units, known as ADUs, which can help some cost-stressed homeowners by letting them earn rent from ADUs on their property.

We wanted to do something that would benefit current residents, Kim said. Residents are saying its a good move to reduce the [apartment] developments. The judge said we cant slide, we have to comply with the state law. Were trying to head off a concentrated influx of developments coming all at once  we dont have the public services to support it.

Another New Jersey mayor, Republican Mike Ghassali of Montvale, calls the state law forced urbanization. Ghassali led 26 municipalities in a court challenge last fall.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Rents escalated dramatically in 2021 and 2022 and havent come back down to what they were before that period in any state: Rents are up from 12% in Minnesota to 42% in Wyoming since December 2020, when they declined early in the pandemic.

But a few fast-building metros have seen drastic drops: The median rent in the Austin area has dropped by 13%, or $199, to $1,362, since 2022. In Atlanta; Jacksonville, Florida; Phoenix; and Raleigh, North Carolina, the median rent has declined by 7%.

Austin was cited in a separate Apartment List analysis in June, showing that rents had begun to drop amid the largest rate of apartment construction in the nation. Building permits for about 10 units per 1,000 residents were issued in the Austin metro area between 2021 and 2023.

By comparison, Northeast and Midwest metros with little construction in that time saw rents rise instead of drop. Cleveland, Milwaukee and Providence, Rhode Island, had some of the largest increases and lowest construction rates: less than one unit permitted per 1,000 residents.

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Vermont and West Virginia are not included in the Apartment List data, but in both states nearly half of renters pay more than 30% or more of their pre-tax incomes for rent and utilities, an amount deemed excessive under federal standards.

How big is the gap?

Apartment building reached a historic peak last year, with 67,000 units finished in August, the highest number on record for a single month since October 1974, with total housing units nearing an annual construction rate of 1.7 million a year.

Estimates of the national housing shortage vary widely, from 1.5 million houses and apartments to 20.1 million. Most experts estimate a shortage of 1.5 million to 5.5 million, according to Daniel McCue, a senior research associate at the Joint Center For Housing Studies of Harvard University.

Freddie Mac, a federal agency that buys home loans to support the housing market, estimated the shortage at 3.8 million in 2020, and said in November that the gap was 3.7 million as of the third quarter of 2024, despite all the recent construction.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

While the U.S. added 5.8 million housing units since our previous estimate, we also added 6.3 million households, Freddie Macs deputy chief economist, Leonard Kiefer, said in a statement, adding that there are another million families that would rent or buy if they could, but have been priced out of todays market.

But not everybody believes there is a shortage.

Kirk McClure, professor emeritus of urban planning in the School of Public Affairs and Administration at the University of Kansas, published a paper last year arguing that the nation built too many homes and apartments in the bubble years of the late 2000s, and that between 2000 and 2020, home construction exceeded the number of new families by 3.3 million.

Were still, to this day, trying to absorb that excess supply, McClure said. Prices would drop if we built millions of new homes, he added, but we dont want to go back to 2008, when housing prices collapsed in the Great Recession.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Instead, McClure said, the answer is to put more money into the pockets of lower-income people.

What we need to do is raise peoples incomes, McClure said. Ive often said the best housing program out there is the minimum wage. When income reaches $20 an hour, the affordability problems start to fade.

For affordability to improve, housing has to be built in the places people want to live.

 Rob Warnock, senior research associate at Apartment List

The problem, McClure said, is that people want to live in specific places and bid up the prices in those areas, not there is a national housing shortage.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

My colleague lives on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, which is just a wonderful part of New York City, but I think we all agree that its expensive and New York doesnt want to build hundreds of thousands of apartments there, McClure said. The truth of it is, even in the New York area, which deems itself to have a housing shortage, there are units waiting for you in New Jersey if youre willing to commute.

But Rob Warnock, an Apartment List senior research associate, said that suburban and exurban building will never make up for lack of housing in popular cities.

For affordability to improve, housing has to be built in the places people want to live, Warnock wrote in an email.

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.
An apartment building under construction on June 13, 2023, in eastern Rapid City. (Seth Tupper/South Dakota Searchlight)

Read more Stateline coverage of how communities across the country are trying to create more affordable housing.

A historic rate of apartment building is starting to make a difference in Sun Belt rents, but most tenants are still paying way more than they did earlier in the decade and rents are still rising in many Northeast and Midwest states.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The fact that rents are starting to drop as more apartment supply comes online, yet still remain perilously high for most low- and moderate-income renters, is new fodder for the debate over how to help more people afford the escalating costs of housing.

Increasingly, states see new apartments and other housing construction as the answer, though experts disagree on how much more is needed  and where  as supply begins to outstrip demand in some areas. New construction is also expensive, given todays inflated material and labor costs, and doesnt tend to produce much housing that is affordable to people with lower incomes, though it can prevent gentrification of existing affordable areas.

When you dont allow enough homes to get built in high-income neighborhoods, higher-income people tend to move into lower-income areas, said Alex Horowitz, who directs the Housing Policy Initiative at the nonprofit Pew Charitable Trusts. Then lower-income people have nowhere to go.

Nationally, December rents dropped slightly in 2024 for the second straight year, according to an Apartment List analysis of lease transactions. December rent peaked at a median $1,394 in 2022 and is now down slightly, about 2%, to $1,373 as of last year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The biggest two-year decreases were in Sun Belt states that experienced apartment building booms: Rents in Arizona, Georgia and Utah dropped 6%, and those in Texas and North Carolina fell 5%, according to a Stateline analysis of data from Apartment List, a company that posts rental listings online. Alabama, Colorado, Florida and South Dakota saw decreases of about 4%.

The new housing in mostly Sun Belt states has led to a drop in the national median rent, but rents in 32 states plus the District of Columbia have been on an upward trajectory since 2022. Those states include North Dakota (up 14%), Alaska (up 13%), Connecticut and Wyoming (each up 9%) and Kansas (up 8%). Vermont and West Virginia are not included in the analysis because Apartment List did not have enough information on leases from those states, though both states have large shares of renters paying excessive rent compared to income.

Austin housing boom

Austin, Texas, with the highest rate of new construction in recent years, appears to be a prime example of the effect of more construction: Recent social media posts show young renters celebrating their lower payments.

In a January TikTok video she titled jaw on the floor, 27-year-old Becca Flores said, I just got my lease renewal offer on my apartment in Austin in Texas and it was down almost $200. That has, like, never happened to me in my life, she said in the video. Many of the hundreds of comments relayed similar stories of unexpected rent drops.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Renters in the Northeast and Midwest have not been so lucky.

In New Jersey, which has seen an influx of new residents that began with people fleeing New York City during pandemic lockdowns, median rent has increased 3% to $1,885 since 2022. State efforts to force more city-by-city apartment construction have run into local opposition.

Palisades Park, a majority Korean American borough of about 21,000 people in New Jersey a few miles from Manhattan, has been overwhelmed by developer proposals to build more apartments, said Democratic Mayor Chong Paul Kim. The borough settled recent lawsuits by developers partly by agreeing to allow accessory dwelling units, known as ADUs, which can help some cost-stressed homeowners by letting them earn rent from ADUs on their property.

We wanted to do something that would benefit current residents, Kim said. Residents are saying its a good move to reduce the [apartment] developments. The judge said we cant slide, we have to comply with the state law. Were trying to head off a concentrated influx of developments coming all at once  we dont have the public services to support it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Another New Jersey mayor, Republican Mike Ghassali of Montvale, calls the state law forced urbanization. Ghassali led 26 municipalities in a court challenge last fall.

Rents escalated dramatically in 2021 and 2022 and havent come back down to what they were before that period in any state: Rents are up from 12% in Minnesota to 42% in Wyoming since December 2020, when they declined early in the pandemic.

But a few fast-building metros have seen drastic drops: The median rent in the Austin area has dropped by 13%, or $199, to $1,362, since 2022. In Atlanta; Jacksonville, Florida; Phoenix; and Raleigh, North Carolina, the median rent has declined by 7%.

Austin was cited in a separate Apartment List analysis in June, showing that rents had begun to drop amid the largest rate of apartment construction in the nation. Building permits for about 10 units per 1,000 residents were issued in the Austin metro area between 2021 and 2023.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

By comparison, Northeast and Midwest metros with little construction in that time saw rents rise instead of drop. Cleveland, Milwaukee and Providence, Rhode Island, had some of the largest increases and lowest construction rates: less than one unit permitted per 1,000 residents.

Vermont and West Virginia are not included in the Apartment List data, but in both states nearly half of renters pay more than 30% or more of their pre-tax incomes for rent and utilities, an amount deemed excessive under federal standards.

How big is the gap?

Apartment building reached a historic peak last year, with 67,000 units finished in August, the highest number on record for a single month since October 1974, with total housing units nearing an annual construction rate of 1.7 million a year.

Estimates of the national housing shortage vary widely, from 1.5 million houses and apartments to 20.1 million. Most experts estimate a shortage of 1.5 million to 5.5 million, according to Daniel McCue, a senior research associate at the Joint Center For Housing Studies of Harvard University.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Freddie Mac, a federal agency that buys home loans to support the housing market, estimated the shortage at 3.8 million in 2020, and said in November that the gap was 3.7 million as of the third quarter of 2024, despite all the recent construction.

While the U.S. added 5.8 million housing units since our previous estimate, we also added 6.3 million households, Freddie Macs deputy chief economist, Leonard Kiefer, said in a statement, adding that there are another million families that would rent or buy if they could, but have been priced out of todays market.

But not everybody believes there is a shortage.

Kirk McClure, professor emeritus of urban planning in the School of Public Affairs and Administration at the University of Kansas, published a paper last year arguing that the nation built too many homes and apartments in the bubble years of the late 2000s, and that between 2000 and 2020, home construction exceeded the number of new families by 3.3 million.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Were still, to this day, trying to absorb that excess supply, McClure said. Prices would drop if we built millions of new homes, he added, but we dont want to go back to 2008, when housing prices collapsed in the Great Recession.

Instead, McClure said, the answer is to put more money into the pockets of lower-income people.

What we need to do is raise peoples incomes, McClure said. Ive often said the best housing program out there is the minimum wage. When income reaches $20 an hour, the affordability problems start to fade.

For affordability to improve, housing has to be built in the places people want to live.

 Rob Warnock, senior research associate at Apartment List

The problem, McClure said, is that people want to live in specific places and bid up the prices in those areas, not there is a national housing shortage.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

My colleague lives on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, which is just a wonderful part of New York City, but I think we all agree that its expensive and New York doesnt want to build hundreds of thousands of apartments there, McClure said. The truth of it is, even in the New York area, which deems itself to have a housing shortage, there are units waiting for you in New Jersey if youre willing to commute.

But Rob Warnock, an Apartment List senior research associate, said that suburban and exurban building will never make up for lack of housing in popular cities.

For affordability to improve, housing has to be built in the places people want to live, Warnock wrote in an email.

South Dakotas housing infrastructure fund

For the past couple of years, the South Dakota Housing Development Authority has been awarding grants and loans from a $200 million housing infrastructure fund created by the Legislature, with a goal of creating more workforce housing.

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The programs funding is supporting the creation of more than 5,000 new multifamily housing units and more than 7,000 new single family housing lots, according to the authority.

Heres some of Searchlights coverage of the effort:

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.
Construction crews work on new apartments in Salt Lake City in January. Utah is one of the mostly Sun Belt states where new apartment construction is driving rents lower for a second straight year after dramatic surges earlier in the decade. (Photo by Spenser Heaps/Utah News Dispatch)

Read more Stateline coverage of how communities across the country are trying to create more affordable housing.

A historic rate of apartment building is starting to make a difference in Sun Belt rents, but most tenants are still paying way more than they did earlier in the decade and rents are still rising in many Northeast and Midwest states.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The fact that rents are starting to drop as more apartment supply comes online, yet still remain perilously high for most low- and moderate-income renters, is new fodder for the debate over how to help more people afford the escalating costs of housing.

Increasingly, states see new apartments and other housing construction as the answer, though experts disagree on how much more is needed  and where  as supply begins to outstrip demand in some areas. New construction is also expensive, given todays inflated material and labor costs, and doesnt tend to produce much housing that is affordable to people with lower incomes, though it can prevent gentrification of existing affordable areas.

When you dont allow enough homes to get built in high-income neighborhoods, higher-income people tend to move into lower-income areas, said Alex Horowitz, who directs the Housing Policy Initiative at the nonprofit Pew Charitable Trusts. Then lower-income people have nowhere to go.

Nationally, December rents dropped slightly in 2024 for the second straight year, according to an Apartment List analysis of lease transactions. December rent peaked at a median $1,394 in 2022 and is now down slightly, about 2%, to $1,373 as of last year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The biggest two-year decreases were in Sun Belt states that experienced apartment building booms: Rents in Arizona, Georgia and Utah dropped 6%, and those in Texas and North Carolina fell 5%, according to a Stateline analysis of data from Apartment List, a company that posts rental listings online. Alabama, Colorado, Florida and South Dakota saw decreases of about 4%.

The new housing in mostly Sun Belt states has led to a drop in the national median rent, but rents in 32 states plus the District of Columbia have been on an upward trajectory since 2022. Those states include North Dakota (up 14%), Alaska (up 13%), Connecticut and Wyoming (each up 9%) and Kansas (up 8%). Vermont and West Virginia are not included in the analysis because Apartment List did not have enough information on leases from those states, though both states have large shares of renters paying excessive rent compared to income.

Austin housing boom

Austin, Texas, with the highest rate of new construction in recent years, appears to be a prime example of the effect of more construction: Recent social media posts show young renters celebrating their lower payments.

In a January TikTok video she titled jaw on the floor, 27-year-old Becca Flores said, I just got my lease renewal offer on my apartment in Austin in Texas and it was down almost $200. That has, like, never happened to me in my life, she said in the video. Many of the hundreds of comments relayed similar stories of unexpected rent drops.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Renters in the Northeast and Midwest have not been so lucky.

In New Jersey, which has seen an influx of new residents that began with people fleeing New York City during pandemic lockdowns, median rent has increased 3% to $1,885 since 2022. State efforts to force more city-by-city apartment construction have run into local opposition.

Palisades Park, a majority Korean American borough of about 21,000 people in New Jersey a few miles from Manhattan, has been overwhelmed by developer proposals to build more apartments, said Democratic Mayor Chong Paul Kim. The borough settled recent lawsuits by developers partly by agreeing to allow accessory dwelling units, known as ADUs, which can help some cost-stressed homeowners by letting them earn rent from ADUs on their property.

We wanted to do something that would benefit current residents, Kim said. Residents are saying its a good move to reduce the [apartment] developments. The judge said we cant slide, we have to comply with the state law. Were trying to head off a concentrated influx of developments coming all at once  we dont have the public services to support it.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Another New Jersey mayor, Republican Mike Ghassali of Montvale, calls the state law forced urbanization. Ghassali led 26 municipalities in a court challenge last fall.

Rents escalated dramatically in 2021 and 2022 and havent come back down to what they were before that period in any state: Rents are up from 12% in Minnesota to 42% in Wyoming since December 2020, when they declined early in the pandemic.

But a few fast-building metros have seen drastic drops: The median rent in the Austin area has dropped by 13%, or $199, to $1,362, since 2022. In Atlanta; Jacksonville, Florida; Phoenix; and Raleigh, North Carolina, the median rent has declined by 7%.

Austin was cited in a separate Apartment List analysis in June, showing that rents had begun to drop amid the largest rate of apartment construction in the nation. Building permits for about 10 units per 1,000 residents were issued in the Austin metro area between 2021 and 2023.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

By comparison, Northeast and Midwest metros with little construction in that time saw rents rise instead of drop. Cleveland, Milwaukee and Providence, Rhode Island, had some of the largest increases and lowest construction rates: Less than one unit permitted per 1,000 residents.

Vermont and West Virginia are not included in the Apartment List data, but in both states nearly half of renters pay more than 30% or more of their pre-tax incomes for rent and utilities, an amount deemed excessive under federal standards.

How big is the gap?

Apartment building reached a historic peak last year, with 67,000 units finished in August, the highest number on record for a single month since October 1974, with total housing units nearing an annual construction rate of 1.7 million a year.

Estimates of the national housing shortage vary widely, from 1.5 million houses and apartments to 20.1 million. Most experts estimate a shortage of 1.5 million to 5.5 million, according to Daniel McCue, a senior research associate at the Joint Center For Housing Studies of Harvard University.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Freddie Mac, a federal agency that buys home loans to support the housing market, estimated the shortage at 3.8 million in 2020, and said in November that the gap was 3.7 million as of the third quarter of 2024, despite all the recent construction.

While the U.S. added 5.8 million housing units since our previous estimate, we also added 6.3 million households, Freddie Macs deputy chief economist, Leonard Kiefer, said in a statement, adding that there are another million families that would rent or buy if they could, but have been priced out of todays market.

But not everybody believes there is a shortage.

Kirk McClure, professor emeritus of urban planning in the School of Public Affairs and Administration at the University of Kansas, published a paper last year arguing that the nation built too many homes and apartments in the bubble years of the late 2000s, and that between 2000 and 2020, home construction exceeded the number of new families by 3.3 million.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Were still, to this day, trying to absorb that excess supply, McClure said. Prices would drop if we built millions of new homes, he added, but we dont want to go back to 2008, when housing prices collapsed in the Great Recession.

For affordability to improve, housing has to be built in the places people want to live.

 Rob Warnock, senior research associate at Apartment List

The problem, McClure said, is that people want to live in specific places and bid up the prices in those areas, not there is a national housing shortage.

My colleague lives on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, which is just a wonderful part of New York City, but I think we all agree that its expensive and New York doesnt want to build hundreds of thousands of apartments there, McClure said. The truth of it is, even in the New York area, which deems itself to have a housing shortage, there are units waiting for you in New Jersey if youre willing to commute.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But Rob Warnock, an Apartment List senior research associate, said that suburban and exurban building will never make up for lack of housing in popular cities.

For affordability to improve, housing has to be built in the places people want to live, Warnock wrote in an email.

Like the SC Daily Gazette, 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.
In 2022, Cole County Circuit Judge Jon Beetem ordered the state to pay a little over $4 million that the company argued it was owed, and a jury awarded $18.9 million on additional claims (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent).

The Western District of Missouri Court of Appeals on Tuesday upheld a $23 million ruling against the Department of Social Services for breach of contract.

The appeals court sided with EngagePoint, a technology company that sued the state in 2016 alleging it was owed millions for work it conducted but was never paid for. The company was hired to help implement the states software system for managing public benefits cases, including Medicaid.

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The state in 2017 countersued EngagePoint for breach of contract.

In 2022, Cole County Circuit Judge Jon Beetem ordered the state to pay a little over $4 million that the company argued it was owed, and a jury awarded $18.9 million on additional claims.

The state filed an appeal.

The state challenged the constitutionality of the award for extra work, along with the award for interest payments and a specific claim for repayment  arguing those were all outside the scope of the contract. The state also argued one of the jury instructions violated part of the contract and led the trial court to err in its decision.

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On Tuesday the appeals court sided with EngagePoint on all four points, arguing the award was justified under Missouri law.

EngagePoint performed substantial additional work at the states direction, the court noted.

Neither the Department of Social Services nor the attorney generals office responded to requests for comment. Chris Moreland, a spokesperson for the Office of Administration, declined to comment and said the office is currently reviewing the courts decision.

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EngagePoint, a Florida-based firm, was hired by the state in 2013 as a vendor to implement the Missouri Human Services Eligibility, Enrollment and Case Management System, a comprehensive, fully-integrated system for Department of Social Services programs, like Medicaid.

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EngagePoint was hired over competitors such as IBM, and alleged in its lawsuit that the state ignored the companys advice and licensed a software known as Curam directly from IBM. The state later held EngagePoint accountable for flaws with the software, which was unstable and not functionally ready.

The state directed EngagePoint to perform extra work to correct issues with Curam and integrate it into the case management system, according to Tuesdays decision.

IBM was eventually hired to complete the contract after EngagePoint was terminated by the state in May 2015. At least $37 million was owed to the company, EngagePoint argued in its 2016 lawsuit.

The state argued EngagePoint sought money for work not performed and that the company breached its contract and repeatedly failed to deliver, and those failures cost the state tens of millions of dollars, or a total of roughly $84 million.

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As a result, the state was justified in terminating its contract and hiring IBM, it argued.

From January of 2014 forward, EngagePoints failures brought the eligibility determination and enrollment operations of the States Medicaid program to the brink of dysfunction, the state wrote in its 2017 counterclaim, arguing overtime work of temporary staff was one of the only reasons that operations remained in place for nearly 18 months through a manual by-pass system.

DSS and Office of Administration officials highlighted those issues and placed blame on EngagePoint in 2015 legislative hearings scrutinizing the backlog and delays in the Medicaid system, the Jefferson City News Tribune reported at the time.

The Missouri Eligibility Determination and Enrollment System that EngagePoint was hired to implement continued to come under scrutiny as part of the Department of Social Services delays in enrolling newly eligible participants under expanded Medicaid. The state cited updates to the states Medicaid system to make eligibility determinations as the reason applications wouldnt be processed for 60 days after the state was court-ordered to implement expanded Medicaid in 2021.

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In 2022, the federal government initiated a formal mitigation plan with the state to get the processing time of Medicaid applications down. Wait times improved then worsened: Last summer, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services again intervened, saying it was concerned the state was not doing enough to achieve and sustain compliance with federal rules on Medicaid. The federal government said in the May letter it was concerned particularly given the prolonged period of the states noncompliance.

Medicaid applications for low-income Americans are required to be reviewed within 45 days, but early last year 72% of Missouri applications took more than 45 days to process, per federal data.

The numbers appear to have improved: The average processing time for low-income Medicaid applications was down to 16 days in November, according to the most recent state data. According to the most recent federal data, which covers July 2024, 27% of applications in Missouri were processed in violation of the federal limit.

HHS Technology acquired EngagePoints claims for the contract dispute lawsuit and was substituted as the plaintiff. It sued DSS in another case in 2023, alleging the state violated Missouris Sunshine Law. Late last year, a judge sided with HHS, ordering the state to pay $120,000. According to online court records, Missouri filed its notice of appeal in that case in December.

This story was updated to add comment from the Office of Administration.

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A North Korean soldier captured by Ukraines Special Operations Forces in Kursk Oblast has confirmed that he had fake Russian documents.

Source: video posted by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on social media

Details: A North Korean soldier speaks to Ukrainian intelligence authorities with the help of an interpreter in a recording released on 14 January.

When questioned, he claims that he was injured in battle and was unable to move. A few days later, he was captured by Ukrainian forces and evacuated.

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When asked if it was his photo on the Russian documents, the North Korean fighter denied it. He also maintained that the name on the records was not his either.

The wounded North Korean also talks about the instructions he received in case of capturing Ukrainian soldiers, but says he did not have to do that.

Quote: "The communication of captured soldiers from North Korea with Ukrainian investigators continues. We are establishing the facts. We are checking all the details. The world will know the complete truth about how Russia uses such guys who grew up in a complete information vacuum, know nothing about Ukraine at all and are used by Russia solely to continue and expand this war,"  Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Background:

Ukrainian soldiers captured North Korean troops in Russias Kursk Oblast.

Ukraine's Special Operations Forces (SOF) have released a video showing their operatives capturing and transporting a North Korean soldier, an event previously reported by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Another captured North Korean soldier has also been shown in a video posted by Ukraines Air Assault Forces.

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).

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Gov. Katie Hobbs gives her State of the State address on Jan. 13, 2025. Photo by Jerod MacDonald-Evoy | Arizona Mirror

In her state-of-the-state address Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs on Monday gave nods to areas of possible bipartisanship with the Republican-controlled Legislature, like border security and pay increases for law enforcement.

But she also threw some barbs at the GOP majority for programs they have championed. She took aim at a lack of accountability in the states universal school voucher program, a darling of the states GOP, and touted a new alternative path to assured water supply implemented on advice from her council on water that Republican opponents have said the Arizona Department of Water resources didnt have the power to implement.

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On the first day of Arizonas 2025 legislative session, Hobbs, along with Senate President Warren Petersen, R-Gilbert, and House Speaker Steve Montenegro R-Goodyear, preached the importance of working together  but only time will tell how committed they are to that goal.

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Republicans increased their slim majorities in both chambers in the November election, but still need to work with Hobbs to make their proposals into law.

Both Hobbs and Petersen shared their plans for the year ahead. And while many of their areas of focus overlap  like making housing more affordable, improving K-12 education and dealing with the states water future  it will undoubtedly be an uphill battle for the executive branch and the Republicans who control the Legislature to come to consensus on how to address those issues.

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Hobbs focused her speech on restoring what she called the Arizona Promise that anyone in the state, through hard work, can build a good life for themselves and their children. That promise, she said, has slipped away for many.

Since I became governor, we have achieved much together by finding common ground, but we must do more, Hobbs said from the floor of the Arizona House of Representatives Monday afternoon.

Top priorities for both parties this year are housing affordability and water.

Hobbs said that it was imperative to extend the states low-income housing tax credit and to rein in the proliferation of vacation rentals owned by out of state corporations which contribute to increased housing costs.

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Petersen, in his own speech from the House dais just moments before Hobbs arrived to deliver her address, blamed skyrocketing rental and housing costs at least partially on Hobbs moratorium on new residential construction in certain parts of the Valley due to the lack of the required 100-year assured water supply. The Senate president, who is mulling a bid for attorney general in 2026, called the moratorium senseless and promised that the state can increase its housing stock and protect its water supply at the same time.

However, when Hobbs mentioned the Arizona Department of Water Resources new alternative path to assured water supply, approved by the Governors Regulatory Review Council, some Republicans on the packed House floor booed.

The Alternative Path to Assured Water Supply, or ADAWS, is meant to open up more areas of the Valley to building. But Republicans on the Joint Legislative Study Committee on Water Security on Dec. 18 accused the Arizona Department of Water Resources, along with Hobbs and the council, of overstepping their authority and bypassing the Legislature when they created rules for the new pathway.

We must build. We have the water to support the growth, Senate President Pro Tem T.J. Shope said in a video response to Hobbs address.

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Petersen argued that the best solution to shoring up Arizonas water future was ag to urban, or repurposing agricultural land for other purposes like residential developments that use significantly less water. Hobbs vetoed legislation aimed at the same goals last year, but in the video, Shope encouraged her not to do so again.

As I said when I stood before you last year, we must act now to protect Arizonas water, Hobbs said. And when the Legislature didnt, I did. I remain committed to true, bipartisan reform to protect our groundwater.

But mark my words, if this Legislature fails to act. I will, again.

The border

Petersen promised that legislative Republicans would stand behind Proposition 314, a measure approved by 60% of Arizona voters in November that would allow Arizona law enforcement officers to arrest undocumented immigrants that they believe broke the law.

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The major provision of the law is not currently in effect while a similar law in Texas is blocked by the courts, but Petersen said that Republicans, either through legislation or litigation, will support President-elect Donald Trump and law enforcement in their efforts to secure the border.

In a video response to Hobbs speech, Petersen said that Hobbs action didnt match her words last year, when she also promised to prioritize border security.

Hobbs didnt mention Prop. 314 or illegal immigration, but praised the National Guard troops that she sent to the border to help U.S. Customs and Border Protection, touting the 8 million fentanyl pills and 2,000 pounds of narcotics that they helped to intercept.

I will continue working with this legislature to protect our border because until all Arizonans feel secure in their communities, we will not be able to deliver on our promise of freedom and opportunity, Hobbs said.

Education

Hobbs urged legislators to focus on making Arizonas public K-12 schools world class by bringing in outstanding teachers and creating smaller class sizes.

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She also called for putting guardrails around ESAs to protect against fraud, waste and abuse, something Democrats have been demanding since the Empowerment Scholarship Account voucher program was expanded to be available to all K-12 students in 2022.

The ESA program works by giving the parents of participating students a debit card that can be used to pay for various educational costs, or reimbursing the parents for those costs. The costs can include private school tuition, homeschooling supplies or the money can be saved for college.

The program originated in 2012, but was expanded in 2022 from serving a limited group of about 12,000 students who met specific criteria to a universal program available to all of the states roughly one million K-12 students. There are currently more than 83,000 students enrolled, according to the Arizona Department of Education, costing the state almost $1 billion annually.

Taxpayer money being spent on a $10,000 luxury sewing machine? Your money to be spent on a flat earth curriculum? Ridiculous, House Democratic Minority Leader Oscar De Los Santos said during a Monday press conference.

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Republican Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne accused Hobbs of lack of attention to the accountability measures hes put in place.

Under my leadership, the department has done a full-court press against waste and fraud, Horne said in a statement. I hired both a program auditor and an investigator, which had not been done before. I require that every expenditure be for a valid educational purpose and have been attacked for doing that.

But to clear a backlog of reimbursement requests, Horne recently announced that the Department of Education would automatically reimburse parents for costs below $2,000 and would audit those expenditures later, after parents received the payments.

Save our Schools Arizona, which stridently opposes school vouchers, praised Hobbs commitment to increased accountability for the ESA program following her speech on Monday.

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This program has acted as a blank check for too long, practically encouraging fraudsters to take advantage of the lax accountability, SOS Executive Director Beth Lewis said in an emailed statement. The billion-dollar boondoggle must end. Arizonans deserve to know how their dollars are being spent  and the peace of mind that the universal ESA voucher program their taxpayer dollars are funding isnt being defrauded by ghost children and other voucher scams.

Senate Republicans promised to keep public school money in classrooms by increasing teacher pay above the national average through the renewal of Proposition 123. They also pledged to protect parental choice via the ESA program.

The governor agreed with House Republicans, who released their plan for the coming year last week, that they must address the expiration of Proposition 123, which voters approved in 2015 to provide funding for public schools and teachers as part of a settlement to a lawsuit after GOP lawmakers illegally failed to properly fund schools.

Renewing it is essential, Hobbs said. If we fail to act, we are throwing away an opportunity to fund teacher pay raises and give Arizonas children the opportunity they deserve  all without raising taxes on a single Arizonan.

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Hobb said she would also work to help parents by reducing the cost of child care by two-thirds, through her Working Families Childcare Act.

Supporting first responders

Both Republicans and Democrats on the house floor on Monday cheered for Hobbs proposal to give a 5% pay raise to state law enforcement and correctional officers and to increase pay for firefighters.

Its time to put our money where our mouth is, Hobbs said. If we care about keeping our communities safe, if we care about supporting our officers, and if we care about public safety, then we should fund the police and our firefighters.

Elections

Hobbs made no mention of election integrity and speeding up elections in her speech, but Republican leaders in both chambers have said it will be a top priority for them.

Arizona is dead last on delivering electoral votes, Petersen said. Its time to follow Florida model and deliver results the night of (the election.)

He said that this will bolster confidence and decrease frustration in the states elections.

Reproductive rights

Democratic legislators and some people in the House gallery on Monday gave Hobbs a lengthy cheer when she mentioned their success last year in repealing an abortion ban dating back to 1864. As they stood and clapped, Republicans sat in stony silence.

Voters in November overwhelmingly supported the Arizona Abortion Access Act, which enshrines the right to abortion into the state constitution.

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced several new policy initiatives in her state-of-the-state address to both legislative houses on Tuesday.

Sanders continued to emphasize education in her address. She also spoke about lowering taxes and increasing public safety.

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signs food insecurity executive order, calls for action

At the end of her address she announced the Arkansas Medal of Freedom to honor those who have made significant contributions to the state. The first person to receive it was Dallas County Sheriff Mike Knoedl for his actions during the Fordyce Mad Butcher mass shooting event in 2024.

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They [who serve] deserve more recognition, Sanders said.

EDUCATION

Sanders spent the largest amount of time on education in her address.

Arkansas legislature starts first day of 2025 legislative session

The governor began by speaking on the Arkansas LEARNS Act and its growth in the state. Sanders pointed out that by 2026, the LEARNS-mandated Education Freedom Accounts, known informally as school vouchers, will be available to all students in the state.

The governor used this to point toward her next education undertaking: The Arkansas Access Act to improve higher education in the state. She said the act would include a one-application, one-fee model for students applying to higher education institutions, simplifying the process and lowering the cost of entry.

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Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signs food insecurity executive order, calls for action

The act would also provide protections against what the governor called woke nonsense by containing provisions to terminate the employment of any professor tenured or not that wastes-time indoctrinating students.

The governor said that that act would also provide college credits in certain high school courses, part of the plan to change the higher education funding model and put state money behind all types of degrees.

COST OF LIVING

The governor initiated the discussion of the cost of living by asking the legislature to work with her office to eliminate the sales tax on groceries before the session was over.

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Sanders said expanding the Summer EBT program to free school breakfast will increase access to food. Funding for this would come from medical marijuana revenue.

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders announces $3 million to the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff toward Health and Wellness Center

Other food-inspired acts proposed were removing liability for donated food and a Buy Local Act to encourage schools to purchase from local food producers.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Sanders began by stating that Arkansas had more state troopers than ever before, and they would soon be receiving a 20% raise granted from previous legislation.

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She also spoke to prison programs, such as Pathway to Freedom at the Wrightsville Hawkins unit, to reduce recidivism. The governor said she plans to expand evidence-based programs like this in state prisons.

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders calls for changes to SNAP to eliminate junk food

However, an emphasis on safety returned to the education field, as Sanders expressed a goal for legislation to create phone-free schools from bell-to-bell. She pointed to success in schools that adopted a phone-free pilot program in 2024 to support this goal.

The governor also expressed a need for the Defense Against Criminal Illegals Act, citing her working with soon-to-be President Trump. Trump was invoked again as the governor asked for the Communist China Defense Act to restrict further land purchases near military bases and substations by Chinese government-related individuals.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  A bill filed by two Arkansas legislators would address settlement with victims of child sexual abuse expecting compensation through the Boy Scouts Bankruptcy Settlement Trust.

Senate Bill 13 by Sen. David Wallace (R-19) and Rep. Jim Gazaway (R-31) specifically addresses the needs of the more than 500 Arkansas survivors of child sexual abuse while in scouting. Should it become law, the bill will fill gaps in previous legislation promoting the rights of sexual abuse survivors.

Recent amendment to Arkansas law extends period for child sexual abuse victims to sue; Victim calls it a sign of hope

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Previous legislation was passed in 2021 as the Justice for Vulnerable Victims of Sexual Abuse Act. That legislation was amended in 2023 and removes the statute of limitations for victims of child sexual abuse in Arkansas.

In addition to lifting the statute of limitations, the vulnerable victims act also extends the so-called lookback window since victims of child sexual abuse often do not come forward until adulthood. During the lookback window, which closes on Jan. 31, 2026, survivors of any age can confront their abusers no matter how long ago the child sexual abuse occurred.

Officials said that in the United States, more than half of child sexual abuse victims first report their abuse after age 50.

Arkansas abuse survivor not satisfied with Boy Scouts of America proposed settlement

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SB13, however, is for victims who have previously been awarded compensation for sexual abuse. It is tied to a case due to appear before the Arkansas Court of Appeals on Jan. 22 filed by James Nesmith. Nesmith, a convicted child sex offender, is seeking to have the Vulnerable Victims of Sexual Abuse Act overturned as unconstitutional.

The 500 who suffered abuse while participating in scouting were awarded compensation through the Boy Scouts Bankruptcy Settlement Trust.

A spokesperson said if Nesmith prevails, the settlement funds will go to victims in other states.

The Justice for Vulnerable Victims of Sexual Abuse Act is among the most significant pieces of legislation I have been a part of, Sen. Wallace said. It makes children in Arkansas safer. What can possibly be more important than that? Certainly not the wishes of Mr. Nesmith or other convicted sex offenders here in Arkansas.

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Arkansas State Police arrest Forrest City doctor accused of sexual assault, rape

The legislation is currently before the Senate Judiciary Committee for review.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
MAUMELLE, Ark.  Arkansas State Police officials are providing more information on an investigation into a deadly officer-involved shooting that happened in Maumelle over the weekend.

According to state police, the suspect who was killed in the Saturday shooting was 34-year-old Benjamin Prowell of Conway.

Arkansas State Police investigating deadly officer-involved shooting in Maumelle

ASP officials said Maumelle Police Department officers were assisting MEMS with an individual, later identified as Prowell, during a disturbance in the 10000 block of Crystal Hill Road.

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The officers attempted to take Prowell into custody, but state police officials said he reportedly took out a knife.

MPD officials said the responding officers couldnt come to a peaceful resolution with Prowell before he started moving toward them with the knife. Police said the officers then used a Taser on Prowell, but it was not effective.

Arkansas State Police investigating deadly shooting in Eudora

As Prowell continued to move toward the officers, state police said the MPD officers then fired their guns and hit him.

Authorities said Prowell was taken to a local hospital, but he was pronounced dead around 4 p.m. on Saturday.

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No Maumelle officers were injured in the shooting and the officers involved were placed on paid administrative leave, state police said.

Arkansas State Police investigating Lake Village homicide

ASPs Criminal Investigation Division will prepare a case file to present to the Pulaski County Prosecutor who will decide if the use of deadly force by the officers was consistent with state law.

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EUDORA, Ark.  Officials with the Arkansas State Police said that they have been called in to investigate the death of a Eudora man Sunday night.

According to a news release, ASP officials said that an officer with the Eudora Police Department was on patrol Sunday around 8:15 p.m. when they heard what was thought to be gunshots.

Little Rock police seeking information in 2024 deadly shooting on Reservoir Road

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The officer responded to the area and said they were flagged down by witnesses who said that 25-year-old Jamarion Plummer had been shot at his home in the 1000 block of North Main Street.

Police said that Plummer was taken to a local hospital in a private vehicle, before being transferred to UAMS in Little Rock where he died from his injuries at approximately 11:30 p.m.

Little Rock police release name of man suspected in Friday morning homicide

No information has been released regarding a possible suspect in the shooting.

ASP officials said that Plummers body will be sent to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for an autopsy to determine the manner and cause of death.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth put Pete Hegseths foreign policy chops to the test during his confirmation hearing on Tuesday as President-elect Trumps pick to lead the Pentagon.

The Illinois Democrat asked Hegseth to name one country in ASEAN, or the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, that was important to the U.S. She then asked how many countries were in the grouping.

Hegseth conceded he did not know, but went on to note U.S. alliances with South Korea, Japan and Australia. Duckworth noted none of those countries are in ASEAN.

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I suggest you do a little homework, she said.

The 10 members of ASEAN are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Timor-Leste and Papua New Guinea are observer states.

President Biden in 2022 welcomed leaders of all ASEAN countries to Washington for a summit aimed at underlining U.S. support for the region, a key battleground in Americas rivalry with China.

The U.S. enjoys close relations with Thailand and the Philippines, where it has expanded its military presence under Biden, and has seen warming ties with Vietnam.

However, many Southeast Asian countries enjoy cozy relations with Beijing and have been major beneficiaries of the Belt and Road Initiative. China is also seen as a key backer of Myanmars junta, which is embroiled in a civil war.

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Some of the regions major economies, like Malaysia and Indonesia, have managed to maintain strong trade relations with both the U.S. and China, while striking a delicate diplomatic balance.

ASEAN unity has at times been stressed by the competing claims between some of its members and China in the South China Sea, a crucial global shipping route.

The union has largely failed to restore some semblance of stability in Myanmar, where the United Nations says more than 5,000 civilians have been killed since a 2021 coup against the democratic government led by Aung San Suu Kyi, who remains imprisoned.

However, the grouping has mostly managed to stay focused on areas of agreement, and its global influence is set to expand along with its collective economies. Taken together, ASEAN represents the fifth-largest economy in the world.

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It could also play a key role in a potential trade war between President-elect Trump and Beijing, with Chinese exports to the region soaring in recent weeks.

Joshua Kurlantzick, a senior fellow for Southeast Asia at the Council on Foreign Relations, has predicted that Trump may pressure ASEAN members to pick sides between the U.S. and China, something they have studiously avoided.

And despite great confidence among U.S. policymakers from both parties, the U.S. might not win if countries are forced to choose, he wrote in the Japan Times.

China is by far the dominant economic power in the region and increasingly provides the infrastructure for the region to function. A bullying approach usually does not work in Southeast Asia, and even under Biden, Southeast Asian states seem unhappy with a perceived U.S. disengagement from the region.

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Jan. 14ASOTIN  Asotin County officials tackled numerous agenda items Monday, ranging from daily bed rates at the new jail to a request for volunteers to help with the 2025 fair and rodeo in April.

The jail, which is under construction along Sixth Avenue in the Clarkston Heights, should be fully operational by the end of April, said Commissioner Chuck Whitman.

A jail finance committee has agreed on bed rates  $180 per day for outside jurisdictions, and $125 a day for Asotin County, Clarkston and Asotin inmates  according to Whitman, who helped spearhead the $20 million project.

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The Washington State Department of Corrections currently pays $99.90 per day to house prisoners in Clarkston. The state contract ends June 30, and the new rate will go into effect once an agreement is approved by the county and DOC.

An update on the new jail will be presented to the public at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 19 at the Asotin County Fire Station, 2377 Appleside Blvd., in Clarkston. In addition, the town hall meeting will feature Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife representatives addressing wolves, information on the Asotin County Alliance for the Unhoused and Union Gospel Mission shelter plans.

During committee reports, Commissioner Chris Seubert said the fair board is hard at work on the 2025 Asotin County Fair and Hells Canyon Rodeo, which takes place during the last weekend of April.

More volunteers are needed to make the event a success, Seubert said. Anyone who has time to help out can contact a fair board member or the office at the fairgrounds for more information.

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Daily headlines, straight to your inboxRead it online first and stay up-to-date, delivered daily at 7 AM

In other county business

The commissioners voted 3-0 in favor of awarding tourism grants to four entities that applied for the funding. The money comes from lodging tax revenues collected in the county.

Visit Lewis Clark Valley will receive $90,000; the Asotin County Public Facilities District will receive $50,000 to promote the aquatics center; the Asotin Museum will receive $44,000; and the Asotin County Fair will receive $25,000.

The board approved an interlocal agreement between the Asotin County Sheriff's Office and city of Asotin for law enforcement assistance inside city limits.

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A community wildfire protection plan for Asotin County got the green light from all three commissioners, who voiced support for fire suppression preparedness.

"I wonder if California had one of these," said Commissioner Brian Shinn.

The 317-page plan replaces a document written in 2008, said Nick Bacon, emergency services director.

Sandaine can be reached at kerris@lmtribune.com.
MADISON - Wisconsin voters in April will decide whether to amend the state constitution to include the state law requiring voters to show photo identification while casting ballots  a move Republicans are hoping will protect the law from being overturned by a liberal-controlled state Supreme Court.

Assembly lawmakers on Tuesday approved a resolution 54-45 to ask voters in the April 1 election to approve the photo ID amendment. The vote was the last hurdle in a two-year process to amend the state constitution and will put the question to voters in the same election they will decide partisan control of the state's highest court.

State laws already require voters to show photo identification, but the measure now moves the question to voters in a statewide referendum on the spring election ballot. If passed, the rule will be included in the Wisconsin Constitution.

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Adding the voter ID requirement to the constitution would make it more difficult for the state Supreme Court to declare it unconstitutional. It also would be harder for Democrats to repeal the law if they gain control of the Legislature in future years.

The implementation of the state law that requires voters to show photo identification increased ballot security, Republican authors argue, but the side effects have disproportionately hit Black voters in Milwaukee who are more likely not to have a photo ID and less inclined to seek one than their white peers, experts and advocates say.

Thirty-six states have laws requesting or requiring voters to show some form of identification at the polls, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The remaining 14 states and Washington, D.C., use other methods to verify the identity of voters.

A national poll conducted by Pew Research Centers in January 2024 showed broad support  81%  for the idea of requiring voters to show government-issued IDs to vote.

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To obtain a state ID card, voters must complete an application at a DMV customer service center, where they are required to provide proof of name and birth (through a birth certificate, passport or certificate of naturalization), Wisconsin residency, U.S. citizenship and their Social Security number.

Advocates have said the difficulty in obtaining a birth certificate can be among the bigger hurdles for some in acquiring an ID.

Since the state's voter ID law survived legal challenges and went into effect for the 2016 presidential election cycle, a host of advocacy groups have emerged to study and help voters navigate the law.

Their findings show a drop in accessibility that began in 2012, when Republicans took control of state government, and accelerated after the voter ID law became practice.

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If approved by Wisconsin voters, the amendment would still let lawmakers decide what types of photo ID are acceptable and create exceptions. Voters who don't have a photo ID when they go to the polls could still cast a provisional ballot, which is counted after they return to their clerk with their ID.If voters reject the amendment, the state will still require photo ID to vote under existing laws.

Molly Beck can be reached at molly.beck@jrn.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Assembly sends voter ID constitutional amendment to Wisconsin voters
Dear everyone,

Im writing to share the news that several extraordinary writers are joining The Atlantic. Caity Weaver is joining us as a staff writer, and Jonathan Lemire and Alex Reisner will come aboard as contributing writers.

First, Caity. As many of you undoubtedly know, because you read magazines (I hope), Caity is one of the most formidable nonfiction writers of her generation. She is creative, adventurous and riotously funny, qualities that shes demonstrated in stories over and over againwhether she is getting to know Flo, the Progressive insurance lady; on a mission to find Tom Cruise; or eating endless appetizers at TGI Fridays, Caity is indefatigable in her devotion to her stories, and she invariably follows them through to their logical (and often illogical) conclusions. (Her interests also include glitter and pennies, both pieces I strongly recommend.) Caity is joining us from The New York Times Magazine.

Next, Im happy to share the news that Jonathan Lemire is joining us as a contributing writer, focusing on the White House and national politics. Jonathan is an energetic, relentless reporter, driven by scoops but also an expert at explaining their meaning. As we continue to focus more and more on reporting-driven coverage of the incoming administration, Jonathans contributions will be invaluable. In addition to writing for us, Jonathan is a co-host of Morning Joe and was until recently Politicos White House bureau chief. Before that he did stints at the Associated Press and the New York Daily News. He is also the author of The Big Lie: Election Chaos, Political Opportunism, and the State of American Politics after 2020.

Finally, Im pleased to let you know that Alex Reisner is also becoming a contributing writer. Alex has done excellent work for us over the past two years, focusing his programming and reporting skills on the large (and largely ill-understood) world of AI training databases. Through his relentlessness, Alex revealed which pirated books were used to train some of the highest profile AI models. He also worked with us to build a searchable database so that writers could find out how their work had been used without their consent. (Alexs reporting prompted Atlantic pieces from Margaret Atwood and Stephen King.) More recently, he disclosed the inner workings of the Hollywood writing database.
Jan. 13WILKES-BARRE  Social media chat logs and videos will once again be debated whether they can be used against Hazle Township homicide suspect Reymer Gonzales.

Luzerne County Judge David W. Lupas previously permitted assistant district attorneys James L. McMonagle and Brian A. Coleman to use Snapchat and Instagram chat logs and videos against Gonzales, 19, who bragged about Rolando K. Cepeda, 18, being in a body bag during a live-stream on the social media app.

Cepeda was gunned down in front of Performance Auto Repair on West 23rd St. on April 14, 2023. He died April 15, 2023, at Lehigh Valley Hospital Cedar Crest.

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Pennsylvania State Police at Hazleton initially identified the gunman as Joca Grxmes, the alleged social media screen name of Gonzales.

Investigators uncovered the Snapchat and Instagram chat logs and live-stream video where Gonzales, using the Joca Grxmes screen name, bragged about Cepeda being in a body bag. The video was previously played before Lupas during a motions hearing in July, when Gonzales was represented by William L. Stephens Jr.

Lupas opened the door to entertain a request by Gonzales' current attorney, Thomas C. Clemens, to preclude the Snapchat and Instagram chat logs and videos. Clemens began advocating on Gonzales' behalf in September.

Clemens claims the social media chat logs, videos and cellular phone records were seized with a "defective warrant."

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Clemens is further seeking a change of venue for Gonzales' trial to another location.

During a brief status conference Monday, McMonagle and Coleman said they continue to have "open lines of communication" with Clemens as the attorneys say they are waiting for "expert reports" related to data extractions from cellular phones.

Text messages recovered from one of two Gonzales' cellular phones revealed a co-defendant in the shooting, Ismael Valdez Batista, 19, spoke to investigators about the shooting.

Valdez, of Mahanoy City, Schuylkill County, pleaded guilty to criminal attempt to commit criminal homicide for his role in the deadly shooting. The plea agreement calls for a sentence of 12 to 24 years for Valdez, who was accused of being the get-away driver.
Autonomous truck maker Aurora Innovation Inc. is suing the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration after the agency denied its request for a five-year exemption from the placement of roadside warning devices in favor of cab-mounted warning beacons (CMWBs).

The filing, submitted Friday in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, argues that the ruling is unlawful, because it is arbitrary, capricious, [and] an abuse of discretion and otherwise not in accordance with law.

This legal battle is the latest salvo in the ongoing debate between autonomous vehicle makers and the regulatory agencies that oversee them. The exemption was denied in late December. Aurora claims in the court filing that for nearly two years after receiving the companys application, the FMCSA did not ask any additional questions even after both Aurora and Waymo submitted research confirming the benefits of CMWBs.





Its all about equivalency for FMCSA

The crux of the legal issue is whether the CMWBs achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety that would be achieved absent the exemption.

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The current regulations say that if a driver of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) is stopped on the shoulder of a road for any reason other than a necessary traffic stop the driver must activate hazard warning signal flashers and place required warning devices as soon as possible but within no more than 10 minutes at specified locations behind and in front of the CMV.

There are also regulations about placement of warning devices based on factors such as light levels and whether the vehicle is obstructed from view  for example, within 500 feet of a curve or the crest of a hill. For autonomous truck makers, this poses a challenge, since no driver is available to comply with the regulations. That issue prompted the exemption request and research studies.

The two separate studies submitted, one by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute sponsored by Waymo, and the second by Aurora, looked at the responses of several thousand motorists across various lighting conditions and interstate roadway geometrics. Both studies demonstrated that CMWBs are equally or more effective in enabling road users to detect, recognize, and react to the hazard presented by a commercial motor vehicle parked on a roadway as compared to human-placed warning devices, Auroras filing states.





In laymans terms, flashing lights appeared to be just as good as the warning devices.

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But the data was not enough to sway FMCSA. The agency noted that the studies conducted by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute and Aurora involved limited participant numbers and confined testing scenarios, which may not sufficiently demonstrate the equivalency or superiority of CMWBs over traditional warning devices in diverse real-world conditions.

The denial filed in the Federal Register gave more details on the research. The Aurora study was conducted in Texas on Interstate 45 between Exits 258 and 249, and the report did not describe the weather conditions. The Waymo-sponsored Virginia Tech study was conducted on a closed-circuit test track in daylight and nighttime conditions. Vehicles encountered a stopped CMV at three locations, including on the shoulder, in the lane ahead and on the right shoulder after a curve.

The FMCSA saw another concern, adding, For example, as the Waymo study acknowledged, the unfamiliarity of the warning beacons may have contributed to motorist behavior.

Interestingly, while the applicants in that study stated that the beacons were easier to see or preferred by drivers, that was not what they preferred. The FMCSA added, The study also showed that for respondents who answered which device was better for signaling a stopped truck, 8 out of 10 selected warning triangles over beacons.

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The denial was equally scathing of the Aurora study, stating, Auroras study notes that some motorist responses may have occurred wholly outside the sensor range.

Another issue, according to the FMCSA, is that both studies fail to fully support whether the motorists behavior was causally based on seeing warning beacons or on seeing a stopped CMV. Think of it like the chicken and the egg paradox, except the chicken is 13.5 feet tall and weighs 80,000 pounds, while the egg is a lightweight, 17-inch-tall highway triangle. For the FMCSA, its paramount to know which one drivers spotted first.

Did agencies test original regulations in 1972?

For Aurora, the FMCSAs scathing assessment raises the question of whether such due diligence was required for the warning triangles in the first place.





Aurora argues that the data it provided far exceeds what FMCSA has admitted about the agencys existing requirements: FMCSA has never conducted experimental research on the impact of using the currently-mandated human-placed warning devices, and it is historically unresolved whether the use of such [driver-placed] devices improves traffic.

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Aurora added that no actual data was presented to support the safety benefit of specific human-placed warning devices when the original regulations were hatched in 1972. Moreover, placing the devices may be hazardous to the driver, it argued.

Aurora wrote: Under current regulations, when a CMV is stopped on a highway, the driver must, within 10 minutes, exit the truck, walk onto a roadway that may have traffic and other conditions, and place the required warning devices in three locations around the CMV, exposing the driver to the significant dangers presented by roadway traffic.

The petition concludes that the denial on Dec. 26 is at odds with the law and the FMCSAs own public commitment to support safety and innovation.

FMCSA launches its own study

Following its denial of an exemption for Aurora, the FMCSA initiated an experimental study to determine whether CMWBs significantly influence crash-relevant aspects of human performance around stopped CMVs.

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The FMCSA is seeking 256 drivers to collect data for the study and test the warning devices, in a controlled experiment at a closed-course, state-of-the-art driving facility that will allow the most comprehensive examination of the effects of warning devices to date.

While the FMCSA makes the rules, its the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that dictates the performance and design specifications for warning devices. This can include, in the case of a warning triangle, its reflectivity, color and luminance, among other specifications.

Further complicating the issue, involvement by the Federal Highway Administration in previous studies of automated driving systems has not added clarity, the study request states.

Past attempts by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and other researchers to answer those questions yielded generally inconclusive or inconsistent results, which possibly influenced NHTSAs past decision not to pursue conducting its own research on the topic. FMCSA (previously under FHWA) itself has never conducted experimental research on the impact of using warning devices. As the only regulatory authority which still requires CMV operators to use warning devices, the responsibility to answer these questions finally and definitively is best charged to FMCSA.

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The notice adds that the last time these questions were explored was the 1980s, adding that advanced research instruments unavailable or not in use at the time of all past research on this topic are now in common use and would permit far more sophisticated analyses of the effects of warning devices on driver behavior.

While the FMCSA conducts its own research, autonomous truck makers plan to continue testing. Aurora, which plans to launch its driverless trucks in April, says the exemption denial will not prevent it from complying with existing regulations but raises a more important question about safety and innovation for Americas roads.

The post Autonomous truckings triangle-shaped problem goes to court appeared first on FreightWaves.
Jan. 14A man fatally shot at a residence in Avoca Borough over the weekend was on state parole for a firearm conviction in 2016.

Robert Frank Solo, 67, suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his foot during a domestic dispute inside his residence in the 800 block of Main Street, Avoca, on Jan. 6, 2016, according to court records.

Police recovered a .357-caliber revolver hidden in a garbage can next to the residence after Solo shot himself in the foot, court records from 2016 say.

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Police in those 2016 court records say Solo was prohibited from owning, carrying and possessing a firearm due to a murder conviction in the State of New York.

Information about Solo's New York murder conviction could not be obtained Tuesday.

Solo pled guilty to illegal possession of a firearm and was sentenced Aug. 16, 2017, by Luzerne County Judge Joseph F. Sklarosky Jr. to four-to-eight years in state prison.

Records from the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections say Solo was released on parole on March 21, 2022.

Police in Avoca including the Pennsylvania State Police at Wilkes-Barre responded to reports of a shooting at a residence on Main Street, Avoca, at approximately 4 a.m. Saturday.

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The shooting resulted in the death of Solo, according to a news release from District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce.

An autopsy by forensic pathologist Dr. Charles Siebert revealed Solo died from multiple gunshot wounds. The manner of death was ruled a homicide by the coroner's office.

Sanguedolce stated in the news release the investigation remains active and the shooting was not random.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call the Pennsylvania State Police, Troop P, Wilkes-Barre at 570-821-4110.
Baltic Sea NATO member countries plan to discuss security in the region at a summit in Helsinki on Tuesday that comes in the wake of a number of recent acts of suspected sabotage at sea.

The main purpose of the summit is to find ways to better protect critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea and to counter the threat posed by the so-called Russian shadow fleet.

This refers to ships that Russia uses to transport oil, for example, in order to circumvent sanctions imposed as a result of its invasion of Ukraine.

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The meeting is being hosted by Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal. The leaders of NATO countries in the Baltic Sea region are also expected to take part, including Denmark, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Sweden.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is travelling from Brussels, while the European Commission is represented by Vice President Henna Virkkunen. Russia, the only Baltic Sea country outside NATO, is not involved.

The summit is the participating NATO countries' response to recent incidents in which several cables in the Baltic Sea were allegedly intentionally cut.

In two of these cases, the cables were fibre-optic cables running between Helsinki and the northern German city of Rostock.

In the most recent of these incidents, in which an electricity cable between Finland and Estonia was also damaged, the oil tanker Eagle S is suspected of having caused the damage with its anchor. The ship was flying the flag of the Cook Islands, but according to the EU it belongs to the Russian shadow fleet.
(Bloomberg) -- The European Unions new digital chief, Henna Virkkunen, suggested the repeated damage to undersea cables in the Baltic Sea couldnt be fully accidental, as leaders from the region prepare to gather for a NATO summit devoted to the topic.

Most Read from Bloomberg

It cant really be by accident if these are happening many times a year, Virkkunen, the European Commissions executive vice president for technological sovereignty, security and democracy, told Bloomberg TV in an interview taped on Monday.

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There have been three instances of suspected sabotage of underwater power lines, data cables and a gas pipeline over the past 15 months in the Baltic Sea, with ship anchors tearing the infrastructure from the seabed.

On Tuesday, officials from the EU and North Atlantic Treaty Organization gathered for a meeting with leaders from countries surrounding the Baltic Sea in Helsinki to address how we can better prevent and detect and also respond to that kind of incidents, Virkkunen added. The summit is co-hosted by Finland and Estonia.

Arriving in Helsinki, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said three violations in such a short period of time shows that this is not an accident and that there is a very high probability that those are deliberate actions of hostile countries.

Why Subsea Cables Are a Tempting Target for Saboteurs: QuickTake

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Authorities have established no motivation for the three incidents, involving ships flagged in Hong Kong, China and the Cook Islands, with anchor drag marks discovered over long distances on the bottom of the sea.

There have been accidents and we have to assume that they are part of a hybrid strategy to threaten European countries, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said. Germany will respond with increased surveillance patrols by the navy, he said.

Scholz said attacks on infrastructure cannot be ignored and are a serious threat.

Following suspected sabotage of undersea cables between Finland and Estonia, NATO is increasing its surveillance operations in the Baltic Sea region by deploying two ships in the area, Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen announced Friday. Estonia has already sent a warship to patrol another power link.

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Theres more that can be done on hybrid threats, of which the cable breaks are the latest example, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said at the European Parliament on Monday, adding that allied leaders will take further steps. We must be more resilient to such hostile actions, he said.

Finland is investigating the anchor of tanker Eagle S retrieved from the seabed as it probes aggravated criminal mischief and aggravated interference of communications in the cable breach incident that happened in late December. The vessel, sailing under the Cook Islands flag, is believed to have dragged its anchor for long distances.

Officials have identified it as a member of the so-called shadow fleet transporting Russian petroleum products.

The shadow fleet is one of the ways for Russia to continue the war in Europe, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said as she arrived at the meeting. We have to be very direct to other countries that we will not accept any kind of sabotage.

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In December, the EU adopted a 15th package of sanctions, this time targeting the shadow fleet of tankers Russia is using to get its oil to market to curb Moscows ability to circumvent existing restrictive measures.

One very efficient measure for the EU is to continue to sanction the Russian shadow fleet, Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics said, adding that the EU is lagging behind the US and UK in enacting such measures. We actually need to close the Baltic Sea for the shadow fleet, through the sanctions, through the countermeasures and international law.

--With assistance from Aaron Eglitis, Piotr Skolimowski, Gian Volpicelli, Katharina Rosskopf, Leo Laikola, Sanne Wass, Michael Nienaber and Iain Rogers.

(Updates with comments from German, Danish, Lithuanian and Latvian leaders from the fifth paragraph.)

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By Anne Kauranen, Essi Lehto and Andreas Rinke

HELSINKI (Reuters) -NATO countries will deploy frigates, patrol aircraft and naval drones in the Baltic Sea to help protect critical infrastructure and reserve the right to take action against ships suspected of posing a security threat, alliance members said on Tuesday.

The military and political alliance is taking the action, dubbed "Baltic Sentry", following a string of incidents in which power cables, telecom links and gas pipelines have been damaged in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

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Finnish police last month seized a tanker carrying Russian oil and said they suspected the vessel had damaged the Finnish-Estonian Estlink 2 power line and four telecoms cables by dragging its anchor across the seabed.

Finland's president Alexander Stubb said the damage on Dec. 25 was "definitely" linked to Russia.

"They're linked certainly in the sense that the vessel was part of the Russian shadow fleet. And we know that the cargo of it was very Russian. The link is definitely there," Stubb told Reuters, adding, however, that it was too early to draw further conclusions on the attribution.

While the region is on high alert for fear of sabotage, the Polish army denied on Tuesday a local media report that said a Russian "shadow fleet" vessel was seen circling near the Baltic Pipe gas pipeline, stating that this "did not happen".

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Finland's actions against the Eagle S tanker showed that vessels causing harm can be apprehended by law enforcement, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte told a press conference following an eight-nation meeting in Helsinki on Tuesday.

"Potential threats to our infrastructure will have consequences, including possible boarding, impounding and arrest," Rutte said.

NATO members are looking at targeting Russia's shadow fleet in the area with sanctions as part of efforts to protect undersea critical installations, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said following the meeting.

"We will continue to take action against the Russian shadow fleet, including with sanctions that have already been introduced and others that may follow, including against specific ships and shipping companies that also pose a threat to the environment," Scholz told reporters.

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Some 2,000 ships are crossing the Baltic Sea every day, making it difficult to monitor it all, Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics said.

"Let's face it, we can't ensure 100% protection, but if we are sending a bold signal then I think that such incidents are going to decrease or even to stop," Rinkevics told reporters.

Finland's President Alexander Stubb said further legal studies must be conducted to assess which measures can be taken against suspected rogue ships while preserving freedom of navigation rules.

(Reporting by Essi Lehto, Anne Kauranen and Andreas Rinke in Helsinki, and Louise Rasmussen and Stine Jacobsen in Copenhagen, editing by Terje Solsvik, William Maclean and Ros Russell)
Paying ransoms to cyber criminals will be banned under a Government crackdown that aims to deter gangs from targeting the UK.

All public bodies using state money and providers of critical infrastructure such as roads, rail, electricity and water will be banned from making ransomware payments.

Private companies and institutions hit by ransomware attacks will be required to tell law enforcement before they make any payments.

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The Government will then use powers to block them from doing so if there is a risk that terrorist groups, sanctioned criminals or hostile states such as Russia and North Korea could benefit.

Organisations that fail to tell the Government could face criminal or civil sanctions under the proposals, which will go out for consultation on Tuesday.

In an article for The Telegraph, Dan Jarvis, the security minister, said the aim was to prevent them inadvertently paying money over to banned groups in breach of sanctions regulations.

The former army commander and paratrooper said the move harked back to his own experience as a soldier, where he saw the practice of hostage-taking develop from a sporadic threat to a routine feature of conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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For the personnel in my units, and our families back home, that also required us to think through what it would mean to be taken captive, and how our government would respond. This includes the inescapable fact that under no circumstances would any ransom demands be met, he said.

We knew this, and accepted it, because of another equally inescapable fact. That any time a militia or terror group succeeded in its ransom demands, the only guaranteed outcome was that they would take even more hostages, and make even bigger demands, next time round.

He said that in his current ministerial role, this different kind of ransom threat sees the thought process of the hostage-takers follow exactly the same lines, adding that, as a result, the Governments response must do the same.

Three-quarters of businesses affected in 2021

The Home Office is also proposing to require all victims of ransomware incidents to report any attacks to the authorities to help develop comprehensive intelligence on the threat.

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The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) managed 430 cyber incidents between September 2023 and August 2024, including 13 ransomware attacks. They included a key supplier to London Hospitals and Royal Mail.

According to the crime survey for England and Wales, almost a million (952,000) computer misuse offences were committed against individuals in the two countries in the year ending June 2024,

In ransomware attacks, hackers encrypt data and demand a ransom to decrypt the information.

Previous research has suggested that as many as eight in ten British firms that fell victim to ransomware attacks paid the hackers to retrieve their information.

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JBS Foods and Colonial Pipeline are firms that have reportedly paid a ransom to get their systems working again.

Research by security firm Proofpoint found that more than three-quarters of UK businesses were affected by ransomware in 2021.

It also suggested that paying hackers is not an effective tactic, with only half of firms surveyed regaining access to data and systems after the payment, with criminals demanding more money.

By Dan Jarvis

Over the time I served in Iraq and Afghanistan, I saw the practice of hostage-taking develop from a sporadic threat to a horrifyingly routine feature of those conflicts.

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For the personnel in my units, and our families back home, that also required us to think through what it would mean to be taken captive, and how our government would respond. This includes the inescapable fact that under no circumstances would any ransom demands be met.

We knew this, and accepted it, because of another equally inescapable fact. That any time a militia or terror group succeeded in its ransom demands, the only guaranteed outcome was that they would take even more hostages, and make even bigger demands, next time round.

Now, in my current role as security minister, I have to deal every day with a different kind of ransom threat, but one where the thought process of the hostage-takers follows exactly the same lines, and, I believe, the response of government must do the same.

Right now, and relentlessly all year round, Russian affiliated cyber-crime gangs are seeking to disrupt the functioning of our countrys critical national infrastructure, from our transport and communication networks to our power stations and emergency services, and hijacking the computer systems of the UKs biggest corporations.

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This impacts both our economy and our national security, two of the key foundations upon which this Governments Plan For Change is built.

Across the world, this is a highly sophisticated, highly profitable criminal industry worth at least $1 billion, operating at the cutting edge of the technology required to circumvent modern anti-hacking software. And while the individual targets of their attacks can often appear entirely random and indiscriminate, that is never the full picture.

After all, when an individual hospital in one part of the UK suddenly has its computer system paralysed, that is not because they have done anything to offend Vladimir Putin or the crime bosses who operate under his protection; it is simply because theirs was the vulnerability that a cyber-gang was able to exploit that day, among hundreds of other facilities they have tried to infiltrate.

The only common denominator linking all these attacks  the driving force behind the entire criminal ransomware industry  is money. The attempt to find a victim willing to pay what is demanded in the often vain hope of having their systems restored, or their hacked files returned.

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Lets be clear  we are not placing blame on victims who pay today or may do so in the future. They are facing an unenviably difficult choice, and it is the criminals who are inflicting this pain on our economy and businesses.

The financial logic of the cyber-gangs dictates that the wealthier the company they are attacking, or the more critical the public service, the more likely they are to pay up. But I am absolutely determined that Britain will become the first country in the world to upend that business model.

The proposals the Home Office is publishing today would take three crucial steps.

First, we propose to institute an outright ban on all public bodies using public money and providers of critical national infrastructure from making ransomware payments, extending the current ban that applies to central government departments.

The criminal gangs will be told definitively that  however much time and money they spend trying to breach our cyber-security defences  they will get nothing in return, as a point of British law.

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Second, we propose to make it mandatory for corporations and institutions in the UK to inform law enforcement before they make any payments of their own, so we can advise them of their alternative options where appropriate, and prevent them from inadvertently paying money over to banned groups in breach of sanctions regulations.

And third, we will ask all victims of ransomware attacks to report them to the authorities, so we can expand our intelligence picture on new and emerging threats, and further our investigations against the criminal networks that we are currently working to take down.

We can be rightly proud of the role our National Crime Agency has played in recent years in helping to dismantle the Russian-affiliated cyber-crime syndicates, and the data we gather from future attacks will help them pursue the new gangs which are taking their place.

These proposals represent an entirely new direction for our country in seeking to tackle ransomware attacks, but one consistent with this Governments approach across a range of criminal threats.

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Whether it is car crime, where we want to design out the risks of motorists having their vehicles broken into or stolen, or people-smuggling across the Channel, where we are disrupting the trafficking networks and their supply chains at source, the same essential principle applies: the best defence against any organised crime is the destruction of its business model.

And that is the inescapable fact when it comes to ransomware. We will only stop these attacks when we make clear that there is no profit to be had from targeting our country, and that we will bring down the full weight of British law enforcement on anyone who tries.

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.
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)  Police are investigating a bank fraud incident in Scranton and are searching for those responsible.

The Scranton Police Department is asking for any information on the identity of the individual(s) pictured.

Scranton Police Department

Three wanted after fleeing police in stolen vehicle

The suspect(s) is wanted for questioning in a fraud investigation that happened at the Community Bank in the 1300 block of Wyoming Avenue in Scranton, investigators reported.

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Police say these acts took place over several days in December of 2024.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Scranton Police Detective J Foley at jfoley@scrantonpa.gov; Scranton Police Patrol at 570-348-4134, Scranton Police Detective Bureau at 570-348-4139 or you can leave a tip online.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Outspoken Elon Musk hater , Steve Bannon, was happy to degrade the tech moguls status in President-elect Donald Trumps inner circle Tuesday claiming that he doesnt have as much power as presumed.

While speaking to Politicos Dasha Burns at the outlets Politico Playbook: The First 100 Days event, Trumps former chief strategist claimed that while Musk may have had some influence over Cabinet picks, he doesnt have the ability to actually make decisions and inform those decisions and drive those decisions.

The War Room podcast host proceeded to list Scott Bessent winning over Howard Lutnick, Musks favorite, for Treasury secretary as an example of the Tesla CEOs dwindling power and noted that he even softened his stance on H-1B visas after suffering the wrath of a MAGA crusade.

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In December, Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency co-lead Vivek Ramaswamy lit the flames of a MAGA civil war when they voiced their support for H-1B visas, a system that allows skilled international workers to work in America., on X. A handful of MAGA loyalists, like Bannon, notably criticized the visa program in response claiming that it takes away job opportunities from Americans and that its essentially a scapegoat to pay less for labor.

After taking bullets left and right, Musk eventually softened his stance on the H-1B system and conceded that it was broken.

Were winning this round, and were winning this round pretty big, Bannon told Politico while discussing the H-1B debacle. I think well get Elon there. As soon as I can turn Elon Musk from a techno-futilist to a populist nationalist, well start making real progress.

Although Bannon told Politico that Musk deserves a place at the table for his multimillion dollar backing of Trumps campaign last year, the media exec has arguably been on a weeks-long tirade berating Musk at any opportunity, going so far as to say that he has the maturity of a child.

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He suffered a major defeat in America on H1B visas, he derided our movement as racist and retarded, and he lost, Bannon told Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera earlier this month. He has the maturity of a child. He has tried to change the conversation, after losing credibility in the United States and the fact that, frankly, people around Trump are tired of him.

I will get Elon Musk kicked out by the time hes inaugurated, he continued. He wont have a blue pass with full access to the White House. Hell be like everyone else.
Ski patrollers at Arapaho Basin voted on Sunday, Jan. 12, to form a union, joining the organized labor movement sweeping the ski industry. This move follows Park Citys contentious ski patrol strike, which lasted two and a half weeks and caused confusion and disruption at one of the busiest times of the year. Park City patrollers reached an agreement with Vail Resorts after the Mayor pleaded with the company to end the strike.

In November, Arapaho Basin ski patrollers announced they would file for union representation. On Saturday, their vote passed 30-22 in favor of unionizing under the United Mountain Workers (UMW)  formally, United Professional Ski Patrols of America  a chapter of Communication Workers of America (CWA)

We respect the decision made by Arapahoe Basin Ski Patrollers to have the Communication Workers of America (CWA) union represent them, Arapaho Basin said in a statement when GearJunkie reached out. Our focus remains on supporting our patrol team  and all of our employees  by providing competitive wages, good benefits, a safe working environment, and opportunities for professional growth.

This is the third Alterra Mountain Company ski resort where ski patrol has opted to form a union, following Solitude and Steamboat Mountains. But its part of a much broader unionization movement across the U.S. Within Vail Resorts, Breckenridge, Keystone, Crested Butte, and Park City have formed ski patrol unions in recent years, as have many individually owned mountains.

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In total, 14 patrol units, as well as Park City and Crested Butte lift maintenance units, have joined UMW. Ryan Dineen, a ski patroller at Breckenridge and organizer for UMW, told GearJunkie that UMW is now far and away the largest group of ski resort unions in the country.

Were so proud to have [Arapaho Basin] in the United Mountain Workers, Dineen told GearJunkie. Were so proud of them and so happy to invite them into our broader family of unionized ski patrols.

Arapaho Basin Ski Patrol Union: Democratizing the Workplace

Vail Resorts ski patrollers and other workers will get a wage bump, according to a recent letter by the companys CEO; (photo/Willie Maahs)

Once the Arapaho Basin Ski Patrols vote has been certified by the National Labor Relations Board, Alterra and its Arapaho Basin patrollers will meet at the bargaining table to develop a contract. Certification could take a few days, but Dineen said hes hopeful that the process will begin soon.

In voting to unionize, he said Arapaho Basin patrollers will be able to advocate for better pay and benefits at work, and are beginning the process of bringing democracy into their working life.

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But theyll also be protected and able to contribute to conversations around climate change, public land use by for-profit corporations, housing issues, and more.

Park City Ski Patrollers strike on Friday morning; (photo/Matt Chirico)

[Patrollers] can come together in consensus and agree or disagree and figure out paths forward and then use that collective voice and position to change the fundamental relationship [they] have with their workplace, Dineen said. Thats something that unions do thats so easily overlooked but pretty unique and amazing.

Dineen is entering his third season working with CMW. When Breckenridge patrollers voted to unionize in 2021, he was heavily involved in the effort. The Breckenridge patrol voted in favor of unionizing, though by an extremely tight margin (43-42). Dineen said that subsequent years have been fast-paced and exciting for CMW.

Its felt like a tidal wave at times, he said. Other times, its felt like were just waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Not a New Movement  A New Phase

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While this wave of patrol units unionizing across the country is currently swelling, it is not a new phenomenon. Aspens ski patrol was the first to unionize in 1965. Crested Buttes patrol followed suit in the late 70s, and then Breckenridge in the mid-80s.

However, at Breckenridge, patrollers reneged in 2004, decertifying as a union, and remaining un-unionized until Dineen and other patrollers in his unit chose to certify again.

As evidenced by that saga, and by Arapaho Basins 42% no votes, the unionization movement is not unanimously supported by all ski patrollers. Now, under CMW, even those who voted against it will be in a position to vote on workplace decisions and participate in negotiations with Alterra Mountain Company.

I think just its such an exciting time for ski patrollers in general and ski patrollers in Summit County, especially, Dineen said of Arapaho Basins decision to join UMW.

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The post A-Basin Patrollers Join Movement, Vote to Unionize appeared first on GearJunkie.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  The La Capitale Chapter of The Links, Incorporated will soon host its annual fundraiser to support the groups philanthropic efforts.

The Wigs, Martinis & Bowties event is scheduled for 7-10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17 at the Shaw Center for the Arts in downtown Baton Rouge. The soiree will feature live music, a complimentary drink, fine cuisine and valet services.

The group has served the needs of communities in the capital area for decades. Proceeds from this event will benefit various local organizations, including Cancer Services of Baton Rouge, Big Buddy Program, Louisiana Art & Science Museum, Southern University, and East and West Baton Rouge Parish Schools. The fundraiser also supports several community service projects, ranging from health screenings, school supply drives, HBCU scholarships and STEM programs.

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Click here for tickets.

Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge event raises money for creative programs

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BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  A Baton Rouge man was sentenced to 105 months in federal prison in connection to a 2020 drug bust.

Damond Reynard Lockett, 51, was convicted on charges of possession with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. His sentencing includes four years of supervised release and firearms forfeited.

The Department of Justice said East Baton Rouge Sheriffs Office detectives found three bags of over 100 grams of heroin and fentanyl during a search of Locketts Bayou Fountain apartment. A loaded gun was found in the closet of a bedroom.

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Officials noted that Lockett was on supervised release after being convicted of drug charges.

Baton Rouge man convicted of child sexual battery sentenced to 80 years in prison

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WASHINGTON  President-elect Donald Trumps personnel plans for his second term have consumed Washington since the November election, but the confirmation process for top administration officials is only now getting underway with a slate of high-profile Senate committee hearings beginning this week.

Starting Tuesday morning, 12 nominees will appear for potentially explosive televised hearings with senators wholl grill them on their backgrounds and vision for their jobs. Expect the process to consist of Republicans attempting to push through some of Trumps most contentious nominees amid strong objections from Democrats, who lost control of the Senate in November but who are expected to support some of Trumps picks.

The nominees slated to appear in Congress this week include former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, tapped for interior secretary; South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, for homeland security secretary; former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, for U.S. attorney general; former U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy, for transportation secretary; former National Intelligence Director John Ratcliffe, for CIA director; Sen. Marco Rubio, for secretary of state; former Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought, to lead OMB again; former White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council director Scott Turner, for housing and urban development secretary; former Rep. Lee Zeldin, to lead the Environmental Protection Agency; and investor Scott Bessent, for treasury secretary.

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On Tuesday, Senate panels will consider one of Trumps most controversial nominees  former Fox News host Pete Hegseth for defense secretary.

Hegseth has been accused of sexual misconduct and alcohol abuse, charges the former Army National Guard officer has denied. Hes also been accused of financial mismanagement as the head of a Veterans Affairs nonprofit in 2016, prompting concerns about his ability to manage the nations largest government agency.

If theres any Cabinet position that ought to have a steady and drama-free individual, it is certainly secretary of defense, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said Monday. Unfortunately, Mr. Hegseths background is deeply troubling.

Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to be defense secretary, responds to reporters on Dec. 5 at the U.S. Capitol. The former Fox News host is likely to get grilled by senators Tuesday. J. Scott Applewhite/Associated Press

Some Republican senators, including several women, have yet to announce their support for Hegseth, including military veteran Joni Ernst of Iowa, whos faced a pressure campaign on Hegseths confirmation from Trumps allies. Losing at least four GOP votes would block Hegseths nomination from going through.

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Hegseth, for his part, has promised to give up drinking if confirmed  a pledge that will likely draw scrutiny during the hearing. Hes also recanted his long-held view that women shouldnt serve in combat roles.

[He needs to] explain how someone who has spent 12 years declaring that women have no role in active-duty military and combat can completely, reasonably be trusted to run Americas military, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) said Monday.

Here are several of Trumps nominees youll see this week and how theyre likely to fare:

Sen. Marco Rubio is considered qualified to become the top U.S. diplomat at a time of major upheaval in the Middle East and Ukraine. J. Scott Applewhite/Associated Press

Marco Rubio, Secretary Of State

On the other end of the confirmation spectrum, Sen. Rubio (R-Fla.) is expected to have a relatively breezy time in front of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday.As a vice chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee and member of the Foreign Relations Committee, Rubio is considered qualified to become the top U.S. diplomat at a time of major upheaval in the Middle East and Ukraine. Rubio is seen as tough on two of the nations main economic and geopolitical rivals, Iran and China, while sharing Trumps less-unwavering support for Ukraine amid its conflict with Russia. If confirmed, Rubio would be the first Latino to serve as U.S. secretary of state.A U.S. senator since 2011 (and a formerly harsh critic of Trump during the 2016 presidential primary), Rubio may also get confirmed with a large degree of support from across the aisle. Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) has called Rubio a strong choice for secretary of state and said he looks forward to voting for his confirmation. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) has also said hell back Rubio.

Russell Vought was in charge of OMB at the end of Trumps first term. Mark Schiefelbein/Associated Press

Russell Vought, Office Of Management And Budget

Vought may not be a household name, but youre likely familiar with his work: Vought previously led the Office of Management and Budget, the position for which hes being renominated. The office is broadly in charge of implementing the presidents vision for the government across its agencies. Vought was in charge of OMB at the tail end of Trumps first term. Between then and now, Vought has worked on shaping the Republican National Committees policy platform.Vought is also a co-author of the controversial Project 2025 blueprint for a second Trump term from the conservative Heritage Foundation, which calls for a consolidation of power in the executive branch and the reclassification of rank-and-file government workers as political appointees.On Wednesday, expect members of the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee to grill Vought on Project 2025  from which Trump sought to distance himself during the 2024 election  and his plans for a second Trump White House.

Democrats are likely to raise concerns about Pam Bondis paid lobbying work on behalf of several foreign governments, as well as her commitment to the rule of law. J. Scott Applewhite/Associated Press

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Pam Bondi, Attorney General

Bondi, Trumps nominee to lead the Department of Justice as the nations top prosecutor, will appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday and Thursday. Bondi was Floridas attorney general from 2011 to 2019 and later served on the defense team for Trumps first impeachment in 2020.Democrats are likely to raise concerns about Bondis paid lobbying work on behalf of several foreign governments, as well as her commitment to the rule of law and the Justice Departments independence in light of Trumps threats to use the agency to go after his political rivals.The American people deserve an Attorney General who will protect their fundamental rights, demonstrate independence and integrity, and remain faithful to the Constitution, the country, and the rule of law above all, Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) said in a statement after meeting with Bondi.

Billionaire software entrepreneur and two-term governor Doug Burgum briefly ran against Trump for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024. Alex Brandon/Associated Press

Doug Burgum, Department Of The Interior

The former North Dakota governor, Trumps pick to oversee 500 million acres of federal land as head of the Department of the Interior, will appear before the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources on Thursday. The billionaire software entrepreneur and two-term governor briefly ran against Trump for the 2024 presidential nomination but dropped out and endorsed Trump. If confirmed, Burgum would play a key role in advancing Trumps vision for boosting fossil fuel drilling and other extraction across federal lands and dismantling environmental protections. Burgum is likely to face tough questions from Democrats about his vision for managing public land, his states support for a Utah lawsuit aimed at taking control of millions of acres of federal land, and his personal financial ties to oil billionaire and Republican megadonor Harold Hamm. Burgums confirmation hearing was initially scheduled for Tuesday but was postponed due to a delay in senators receiving the nominees required financial disclosure and ethics paperwork.

Gov. Kristi Noem would oversee immigration and border enforcement at the Department of Homeland Security, though much of the policy on those matters will come straight from the White House. Matt Rourke/Associated Press

Kristi Noem, Department Of Homeland Security

The South Dakota governor appears to be headed to a relatively easy confirmation to head the Department of Homeland Security but could face tough questions at her Wednesday hearing with the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee over how shell oversee the Federal Emergency Management Agency, considering Trumps longstanding threats to withhold emergency aid and a spate of Republicans threatening to keep disaster relief from California following devastating fires in Los Angeles County. She would oversee immigration and border enforcement at DHS, though its clear much of the policy on those matters will come out of the White House, where top Trump adviser Stephen Miller and immigration czar Tom Homan will work.Though she may not pick up any Democratic votes, theres been no sign of GOP dissent on her nomination. Noem is perhaps best known nationally for writing about shooting her dog in her memoir.

Matt Rourke/Associated Press In Congress, Lee Zeldin repeatedly voted to cut funding to the agency he is now seeking to lead.

Lee Zeldin, Environmental Protection Agency

Trumps pick to lead the EPA is a former GOP congressman from New York who mounted a surprisingly competitive campaign for governor in a deep-blue state in 2022. Zeldin, who used to represent eastern Long Island in the U.S. House, is set to appear before the Senate Committee on the Environment and Public Works on Thursday.In Congress, Zeldin repeatedly voted to cut funding to the agency he is now seeking to lead. The countrys largest environmental groups oppose his nomination, but he won the endorsement of Mandy Gunasekara, a controversial former EPA official from Trumps first term who authored a key section on the agency in the Heritage Foundations Project 2025 plan. Like Scott Pruitt, who was Trumps first EPA administrator during his first term, Zeldins personal financial dealings could draw blowback. Last week, Business Insider reported the former congressman earned $120,500 from unnamed clients for writing opinion pieces and giving speeches. Chris Wright, Department Of Energy

Wright, Trumps pick to lead the Department of Energy, is set to appear before the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resource on Wednesday. The oil and gas executive served until recently at the helm of Liberty Energy, the Denver-based fracking company he founded in 2011 at the dawn of a drilling boom that vaulted the United States into the ranks of the worlds top hydrocarbon producers.Wrights nomination has generated less controversy than Trumps other candidates to lead agencies that, under the Biden administration, formed the spear tip of U.S. efforts to transform the nations energy systems. Last year, Wright posted a video online in which he said there is no climate crisis, insisting were not in the midst of an energy transition. Citing atmospheric data in a company report he authored as Libertys chief executive last year, Wright acknowledged that climate change is significant but said that prioritizing the issue over supplying affordable, reliable energy risked inflaming what he called the more urgent crises of malnutrition, disease and air pollution.Despite its name, the Energy Department has limited purview over the U.S. oil and gas industry. Spun out from the former Atomic Energy Commission in 1977, the agency oversees the countrys nuclear arsenal and the national laboratories testing new civilian reactor designs, and it loans money to cutting-edge energy companies.

Kash Patel, Trump's pick to be FBI director, has said he'd use the government as a weapon against Trumps enemies in government and in the media. Mark Schiefelbein/Associated Press

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In The Weeks Ahead

The drama is just getting started. Other nominees facing tough confirmation battles, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., for secretary of health and human services; former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, for director of national intelligence; and former federal prosecutor Kash Patel, for FBI director, will have their hearings in the coming weeks.Those appearances will be a chance for senators, especially Democrats, to make the nominees answer for past controversies and give the party the opportunity to press Trump nominees on the president-elects legislative agenda.Democrats see the confirmation process for Trump nominees as the first foray for Senate Democrats to hold Republicans accountable and get the nominees on the record, a Senate Democratic source told HuffPost. Patel, one of the nominees most likely to face a contentious grilling, has promised to wield the government as a weapon to go after Trumps enemies in government and the media. Patel has dubiously claimed his words were taken out of context; Republican senators have told HuffPost that, based on their conversations with Patel, they dont think he would actually go after people in the manner hed previously suggested. Asked about the prospect of Patel launching a criminal investigation of former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.)  whom House Republicans recently said should be investigated by the FBI  Senate Judiciary Committee chair Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) declined to get into it. Youre speculating, Grassley told HuffPost last week. I dont want to answer speculative questions.

Related...
A view of the Maryland State House through a nearby office window. Photo by Danielle E. Gaines.

Two of the three delegates in Baltimore Countys legislative District 8 plan to compete for the state Senate seat left vacant by former state Sen. Kathy Klausmeiers appointment last week as Baltimore County executive.

Dels. Harry Bhandari (D) and Carl Jackson (D) told Maryland Matters Monday that they will ask the Baltimore County Democratic Central Committee to recommend them to Gov. Wes Moore (D) for the Senate appointment. The central committee is accepting applications for the vacancy through Jan. 22.

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Klausmeiers Senate seat is one of three current openings in the General Assembly, and three local Democratic central committees have their appointment procedures underway. The other vacancies are a Senate seat in Baltimore Citys District 41 and a House seat in Anne Arundel Countys District 30A.

The appointees will hold their seats through at least January 2027, but can seek full four-year terms in 2026. Depending on how the two currently vacant Senate seats are filled, there could be more legislative vacancies later this month.

In Baltimore Citys District 41, the deadline to apply to replace former Sen. Jill P. Carter (D) is Wednesday at 5 p.m. The eight voting members of the citys Democratic Central Committee from District 41 will meet next Tuesday evening to recommend a replacement to Carter, who resigned on Jan. 3 to become a member of the Maryland Board of Contract Appeals.

House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones (D-Baltimore County) administers the oath of office to Del. Malcolm P. Ruff (D-Baltimore City) in 2023. Photo by Bryan P. Sears.

Speculation on possible successors has focused on Democratic Dels. Malcolm Ruff and Dalya Attar and Baltimore City Councilmember Isaac Yitzy Schleifer (D). None could be immediately reached for comment Monday evening. The third delegate from District 41, Samuel I. Sandy Rosenberg (D), said Monday he is not seeking the Senate appointment and was not sure which of his colleagues might apply for the Senate seat.

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Attar was first elected in 2018, and was the top House vote-getter in the 2022 Democratic primary; Schleifer has held his council seat since 2016.

Ruff was appointed to the House by Moore in 2023, after Moore tapped then-Del. Tony Bridges (D) for a top job at the Maryland Department of Transportation. The central committee deadlocked on its recommendation between Ruff, an attorney in powerful Baltimore law firm Murphy, Falcon & Murphy, and Angela Gibson, a former delegate who had been appointed to her seat but lost a bid for a full term in the 2018 Democratic primary.

In District 8, Bhandari and Jackson are both arguing that theyre the best equipped candidate to keep the Senate seat in Democratic hands in 2026.

I strongly feel like I can defend that seat, Bhandari said, pointing to the fact that he was the top vote-getter in the district among House candidates in 2022, when he won a second term.

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Jackson is touting endorsements for the Senate appointment from American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 3, the union representing state government workers, and the Baltimore County Fraternal Order of Police.

I look forward to being a partner and a champion for all workers in Annapolis, he said.

Del. Carl Jackson (D) represents a portion of Baltimore County in the Maryland House of Delegates. Photo by Danielle E. Gaines.

Jackson ran unsuccessfully for the seat in 2018 and then was appointed to the House a year later after longtime Del. Eric Bromwell (D) resigned to take a job with the Baltimore County government.

The 8th Districts third delegate, Nick Allen (D), who was elected in 2022, pondered seeking the Senate appointment but has decided to stay put.

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With all the challenges facing our state and county, we require focus and continuity in leadership, which is why I am firmly planting my feet in District 8, as your Delegate, advocate, and neighbor, Allen said in a statement late Friday. I look forward to working closely with District 8s next Senator and I intend to run with them as a team in 2026.

District 8, which takes in several communities, including Perry Hall, White Marsh, Parkville and Rosedale, has typically been a swing district and for more than two decades sent Republicans and Democrats to Annapolis. But after the most recent round of legislative redistricting, the district has become far more secure for Democrats.

The six members of the Baltimore County Democratic Central Committee from the 8th District will forward the name of a recommended successor for Klausmeier to Moore. The date for that meeting has not been set yet.

In District 30A, candidates are applying to fill a vacancy created when then-Del. Shaneka Henson (D) was elevated earlier this month to the Senate after former Anne Arundel Sen. Sarah K. Elfreth (D) was sworn into the U.S. House of Representatives.

Del. Harry Bhandari (D-Baltimore County). Photo by Danielle E. Gaines.

Dylan Behler, a former top aide to Elfreth and a member of the central committee, was the first to announce his intention to seek the House appointment.

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I have the experience  both tangible and intangible  that will enable me to deliver to

the residents of District 30A on day one, Behler said in a statement on Sunday.

Behler, who is the legislative director at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, cited his political work for Elfreth and his time on the 2018 campaign of Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman (D) that helped flip our County from red to blue to ensure our teachers, police, and firefighters were supported.

Behler also touted his lived experience, growing up poor in Anne Arundel County and being part of the first generation of his family to attend college.

It is clear now more than ever that we need leaders who can show up and deliver for every community in District 30A and Anne Arundel County  regardless of race, ethnicity, creed, sexuality, gender, or political beliefs, he said in his statement. I am the best person to do just that.

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Annapolis Alderman Brooks Schandelmeier (D) is also planning to apply for the House vacancy. Were getting things ready, he said in an interview Monday.

Chrissy Holt, an Annapolis Democratic and progressive activist who lost the 2018 Democratic Senate primary to Elfreth, taking 41% of the vote at the time, confirmed in an email Monday evening that she is also seeking the House appointment.

The Anne Arundel County Democratic Central Committee will be taking applications for the appointment through Jan. 22. An interview date for the candidates has not yet been scheduled  though the full central committee, rather than just members from the district, will forward a recommendation to Moore.

Candidates for the District 30A vacancy have been invited to speak to the Eastport Democratic Club breakfast meeting on Jan. 24 in Annapolis.

 This story was updated late Monday night to add comment from Chrissy Holt.
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  On Monday, a judge sentenced a Wichita man to almost 25 years in prison in connection to the murder of a homeless man.

A jury convicted Abel Molina, 34, of second-degree murder for the beating death of 30-year-old Blake Barnes. The jury also convicted him of possession of meth.

Molina, along with David Chandler, attacked Barnes with a pipe near Seneca and McClean on Feb. 22, 2022. Police said all three men were homeless at the time. Chandler has been sentenced for his role in the attack. He is serving more than 17 years.

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Where to donate clothes locally to California fire victims

Judge Jeffrey Goering sentenced Molina to 297 months (24 years and 9 months) and recommended that he serve his time at Larned State Correctional Facility.

Goering also ordered 36 months post-release and restitution of $4,981.30 to the Kansas Crime Victims Compensation Board.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
New Bedford Police Chief Paul Oliveira is ordering the Morna Lounge to close its doors until further notice following a deadly shooting early Saturday morning.

In a hand-delivered letter, Morna Lounge and Grill owner Mateus Jose Barbosa was ordered to cease operations immediately in the interest of public safety.

Based upon the history of prior incidents and the recent shooting on Saturday at the premises, in the interest of public safety and to ensure that there is no retaliation stemming from Saturdays shootings you are ordered to cease operation of the Morna Lounge and Grill at the premises, Chief Oliveira wrote.

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On January 11, 27-year-old Cristiano Macedo was shot and killed at the establishment and two other women were also injured, according to police.

19-year-old Danielson Varela was arrested Sunday night in connection to the crime.

In addition to Saturdays shooting, police say the restaurant has a history of violence which raises concerns about managements ability to maintain a secure environment.

According to Chief Oliveira, there was a shooting outside the bar in July 2024 and a deadly shooting behind the business approximately a week later.

Authorities say the business has gone before the citys licensing board five times between 2021 and 2023 for violations on 13 separate nights, including a 2022 stabbing.

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The New Bedford Police Department will not tolerate environments that foster violence and disorder, Chief Oliveira said. The safety and well-being of our City is our top priority, and we will take appropriate measures to address any establishment that fails to uphold its responsibility to the public.

***              *** Police Chief Paul... Posted by City of New Bedford Police Department (Official) on Monday, January 13, 2025

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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A Belle Plaine man has been indicted on federal hate crime charges for allegedly assaulting a Black man outside a bar last year.

Minnesota U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger announced that Justin Kudla, 35, who was already facing state-level assault charges over the Feb. 3, 2024, assault, is now indicted with one count of interference with federally protected activities and one count of a hate crime.

The fight took place outside the bars on Meridian Street in Belle Plaine in the early hours of February 3.

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Charges against Kudla say he called the victim the N-word, which led to the victim confronting him. Kudla allegedly punched him in the face, knocking him unconscious.

The victim was helped to his home, with a friend checking on him the next day and finding him going in-and-out of consciousness. He was hospitalized with critical injuries that included skull fractures and a brain bleed.

The friend, an employee of Huck's Shipwreck Saloon, said she had heard Kudla call the victim the N-word.

Sherburne County Jail

The state charges filed against Kudla last year also cites a witness testimony from a woman who worked at the Red Door Bar, who said Kudla had entered the bar around 1:30 a.m. and was escorted out because he was drunk and "very loud."

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The woman claimed she'd seen Kudla verbally harass the victim three-and-a-half weeks prior, calling him an anti-gay slur and the N-word.

Kudla appeared in U.S. District Court on Tuesday with a detention hearing scheduled for Thursday. He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison if convicted.
Ben Affleck and his daughter, Violet, were recently photographed sharing an emotional embrace after the LA home evacuation amid the wildfires. The raging firestorm across Los Angeles County has forced thousands of residents out of their homes. Affleck, too, had to flee his property due to the destructive Pacific Palisades fire. The actor rushed to his ex-wife Jennifer Garners home following the evacuation. The two stars share three children  Violet, Seraphina, and Samuel.

Ben Affleck emotionally embraces daughter Violet amid raging LA fires

Page Six reported that Ben Affleck was recently photographed with his daughter, Violet. The duo were spotted sharing a touching moment after he was forced to evacuate his home due to the LA wildfires. The father-daughter shared a hug outside the actors $20 million property. Affleck also looked emotional while sharing a sweet embrace with the 19-year-old. The filmmaker wore a gray hooded jacket and paired it with sweatpants.

On the other hand, Violet was dressed in a black hoodie and dark blue jeans. She also wore a white N-95 mask to protect herself from the smoke. According to TMZ, Affleck drove to Jennifer Garners house in Brentwood after evacuating his own. At the time, the latter had not evacuated her property. Page Six noted that Affleck returned to his Pacific Palisades home on Wednesday. The property, fortunately, survived the destructive wildfires.

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As per recent reports, firefighters made some progress in containing the multiple wildfires. However, they remain in a critical stage. CNN reported that the National Weather Service has issued an expanded warning about winds. This could further fuel the ongoing blazes, or, worse, spark a new one. The Palisades Fire is 14% contained after jumping to 23,713 acres, notes the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Meanwhile, the Eaton Fire stands at 33% containment after burning 14,117 acres. On the other hand, the Hurst Fire is 97% contained after burning 799 acres.

The post Ben Affleck & Daughter Violet Share an Emotional Embrace After LA Home Evacuation appeared first on Momtastic.
Ben Affleck and his daughter, Violet, were recently photographed sharing an emotional embrace after the LA home evacuation amid the wildfires. The raging firestorm across Los Angeles County has forced thousands of residents out of their homes. Affleck, too, had to flee his property due to the destructive Pacific Palisades fire. The actor rushed to his ex-wife Jennifer Garners home following the evacuation. The two stars share three children  Violet, Seraphina, and Samuel.

Ben Affleck and daughter Violet share a sweet embrace amid LA fires

Page Six reported that Ben Affleck was recently photographed with his daughter, Violet. The duo were spotted sharing a touching moment after he was forced to evacuate his home due to the LA wildfires. The father-daughter shared a hug outside the actors $20 million property. Affleck also looked emotional while sharing a sweet embrace with the 19-year-old. The filmmaker wore a gray hooded jacket and paired it with sweatpants.

On the other hand, Violet was dressed in a black hoodie and dark blue jeans. She also wore a white N-95 mask to protect herself from the smoke. According to TMZ, Affleck drove to Jennifer Garners house in Brentwood after evacuating his own. At the time, the latter had not evacuated her property. Page Six noted that Affleck returned to his Pacific Palisades home on Wednesday. The property, fortunately, survived the destructive wildfires.

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As per recent reports, firefighters made some progress in containing the multiple wildfires. However, they remain in a critical stage. CNN reported that the National Weather Service has issued an expanded warning about winds. This could further fuel the ongoing blazes, or, worse, spark a new one. The Palisades Fire is 14% contained after jumping to 23,713 acres, notes the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Meanwhile, the Eaton Fire stands at 33% containment after burning 14,117 acres. On the other hand, the Hurst Fire is 97% contained after burning 799 acres.

Originally reported by Shriya Swami on Momtastic.

The post Ben Affleck Emotionally Hugs Daughter Violet After Evacuating LA Home appeared first on Reality Tea.
WYOMING COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)  A bench warrant has been issued for a woman accused of stealing tens of thousands of dollars worth of items from clients in two counties where she was employed as a housekeeper.

Wyoming County District Attorney Joe Peters said a bench warrant has been issued for 57-year-old Harding resident Melissa Lugar after she failed to appear in court for a hearing earlier this month.

Lugar was scheduled for a hearing on January 3. Peters said she did not show up, and a warrant was issued as per standard court operating procedure.

Melissa Lugar can be seen in the image above turning herself in to Pennsylvania State Police at Tunkhannock on theft charges back in August of 2024.

Lugar was arraigned on theft-related charges back in August after turning herself in to Pennsylvania State Police in Tunkhannock.

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28/22 News spoke to a woman after that arraignment who said Lugar stole $20,000 worth of jewelry from her.

One family set up a camera in the bedroom of their parent and allegedly recorded Lugar stealing items from the bedroom as their family member slept.

Troopers said some of those items did indeed show up at local jewelry shops and other stores where she sold the items for cash.

Lugar is accused of stealing items from victims in Luzerne and Wyoming counties.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com.
OUIDAH, Benin (Reuters) - Modeste Zinsou, manager of Benin's Python Temple, gently drapes a live snake around a visitor's neck at the country's annual voodoo festival, as spectators learn about the reptiles' sacred connection to voodoo spirituality.

Practitioners like Zinsou seek to combat negative stereotypes of voodoo, a 500-year-old religion that celebrates a rich pantheon of deities and spirits.

"Stop saying that voodoo is about dolls. Voodoo is spirituality. Voodoo is you, it's me. It's the air we breathe. It's the four elements, as we say: water, air, fire, and earth," Zinsou said.

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Every January, the festival Vodun Days draws tourists and worshippers to the small Atlantic coast town of Ouidah, offering a varied programme of ceremonies, concerts and exhibitions.

This year, visitors could marvel at the spectacle of the so-called guardians of the night - performers dressed head-to-toe in dyed straw, who whirl and dance in an elaborate ritual.

Gbogossi Tolete, a voodoo priestess from the neighbouring town of Grand Popo, said the belief system had nothing to do with witchcraft or harming others.

"Voodoo is as sweet as sugar for anyone who practices it with faith," Tolete said on the sidelines of the festival.

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A tourist from the French Caribbean island of Martinique, Nathy Anika Nsemi, said that learning about the religion had helped her reconnect with the world and the faith of her ancestors.

"Voodoo is communion with the world around us."

(Reporting by Pulcherie Adjoha, Seraphin Zounyekpe and Media Coulibaly; Writing by Anait Miridzhanian; Editing by Rosalba O'Brien)
OUIDAH, Benin (AP)  As children dance with great speed and energy in colorful robes, guided by the drumbeats and chants from dance troupes, the gods and spirits that are evident all around the arena are beckoned upon by the old and young for peace and prosperity. And on the sidelines, camera clicks from foreigners and locals follow the festivities.

Welcome to the ancient town of Ouidah, in southern Benin, a mecca of gods and spirits where the celebration of the annual Voodoo festival brings a mix of tourism and religion in a clash of cultures and the ability for ancient traditional beliefs to adapt to modern life.

The small West African nation held the annual festival last weekend, with Voodoo day marking the return to the source for all Africans and Afro-descendants, said Christian Houetchenou, the mayor of Ouidah.

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It is to come back and live their culture, art and spirituality for those who practice Voodoo, said Houetchenou.

The festival gained popularity over the years from within and outside Africa, organizers say, and attracts thousands of locals and foreigners who flock to the Atlantic coast town to experience one of the worlds oldest religions.

Officials are now hoping to explore its full tourism potential and showcase Benin's rich culture and tradition.

This is a way to show people the pomp, the beauty, and the value of Voodoo and more importantly the value and spirit of the Beninese people(and) of all African people, said Suzanne Celeste Delaunay Belleville, the Voodoo priestess, draped in beads and a white robe.

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Featuring traditional ceremonies, dance events, and rituals in the form of incantations, adulations and offerings, Voodoo  which has its own pope whose reign dates back to the 1400s  borrows heavily from the mythology and cultural displays of Yoruba people of Nigerias southwest and reflects other sides of traditional religion across Africa, including from the neighboring Togo and Ghana.

Located in different parts of Ouidah are alters and shrines where everything  from trees to wooden carvings and earthen walls  bears portraits of gods and spirits invoked day and night by devotees and their servants.

Many foreigners attend the annual festival to document memories and experience the thrill of it while others, like Jaimie Lyne, from the French Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, are drawn to it by their curiosity to find out if all theyve heard is true.

Lyne said her mothers visit to Benin in 2023 sparked her interest in Voodoo and Benin's cultural heritage. Before her trip, most of what she heard about Voodoo was that it is demonized, and archaic.

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But she saw a different reality on the ground.

One thing that Im going to take home with me to the Caribbean is that Vodun is something to be learned and understood, said Lyne, a data analyst. Its the culture of communion with the land and the elements and it is really more about how everything has an explanation in terms of all of the symptoms, all of the realities of the world and the rain and the sun.

It is for such reasons  to enable the people to showcase their culture and tell their stories  that the festival has stood the test of time, said Belleville.

Its important for us to be able to carry our message ourselves, she said. "No one can better talk about us than ourselves.

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___

Asadu reported from Abuja, Nigeria.

___

The Associated Press receives financial support for global health and development coverage in Africa from the Gates Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
The Berks County Human Trafficking Task Force arrested nine individuals last year for attempting to solicit sexual contact with minors and 20 individuals for soliciting adults for sexual contact.

Also during 2024, the task force assisted a local police department in a labor-trafficking investigation that authorities said freed two individuals from their exploiter. It also assisted two task forces in neighboring counties.

Those were among the accomplishments highlighted in 2024 Year In Review: Berks County DAs Human Trafficking Report, distributed to the local media by District Attorney John T. Adams in conjunction with National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, which was Jan. 10.

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Adams said hes very pleased with the work of the task force.

Truth be told, he said Monday, many people probably dont really understand the need for this because they may be naive to the sort of things going on around them.

The task force is made up of members of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, as well as trained advocates and community partners. The task force conducts trafficking stings, provides support for identified victims of trafficking, and conducts community outreach and education.

COURTESY OF PA COURTS INFOSHARE

More than 350 human trafficking cases were filed in Pennsylvania from 2019 through 2023. These charts visually break down the statistics, which were obtained by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts. (COURTESY OF PA COURTS INFOSHARE)

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It recognizes that trafficking is a human rights violation that not only assaults the integrity of every victim but is an affront to the residents and citizens of Berks County and the surrounding area, the report states.

The task forces mission is to aggressively investigate, identify and prosecute individuals and organizations involved in the trafficking of innocent individuals under those laws associated with sex and labor trafficking victims. It uses a holistic, victim-centered approach to proactively investigate and prosecute human trafficking crimes.

The task force conducted two stings in 2024 to identify those seeking to have sexual contact with minors and another sting to identify those soliciting adults for sexual contact.

Apart from these undercover operations, two individuals were rescued in April from a labor trafficking situation through the collaborative efforts of the task force and Bern Township police. The victims were provided safe housing and essential resources as they prepared to testify against their exploiter.

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The victim/witness advocates in the district attorneys office played a key role in addressing their immediate needs, ensuring they felt supported during this critical time.

ZOE, an organization that works to fight human trafficking by prevention, rescue and restoration, reached out for community assistance, and the response was immediate. Two local churches and a womens ministry stepped in with donations of gift cards, clothing, shoes and personal care items.

This outpouring of generosity demonstrated the power of collective action, turning a moment of crisis into a story of hope and restoration, the report stated. Together, we showed that no one fights trafficking alone.

The task force is equipped with trained advocates who can assist a victim immediately after being rescued through the collaboration with ZOE.

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In 2024, ZOE advocates interacted with six victims during task force operations in Berks, offering support and access to services.

The task force seeks to strengthen the community by preventing trafficking and emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach. This includes efforts by advocates who assist victims and by providing education to law enforcement and the community.

The task force provides emotional and legal support for victims and survivors of human trafficking through court cases, trials and Investigations.

The ZOE advocate works closely with victims to identify their unique needs and connect them to service providers, local resources and national resources for ongoing help and restoration.

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It also provides human trafficking awareness and training to churches, social workers, social service agencies, businesses, nonprofits, schools, health care workers, community groups and hotels.

Some examples of community outreach and education during the past year include:

 Provided human trafficking training to Berks County Children and Youth Services, Berks County Intermediate Unit, county agencies, homeless service providers and multiple Berks County hospital personnel (administrators, nurses, security officers etc.)

 Hosted training sessions attended by over 60 law enforcement officers/detectives and representatives from the Lancaster County and Berks County human trafficking task forces. The training provided invaluable guidance on optimizing coordination and outreach between law enforcement and advocates.

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The task force partners with North Star Initiative, whose community of supporters funded the opening of an emergency shelter in 2024 to serve survivors of trafficking with immediate needs.

The report also contained survivors stories including one from Diane, whom a ZOE advocate first met during a Berks task force sting.

Dianes story echoed the experiences of so many others trapped in sexual exploitation. She shared that she had been in the life since the age of 19, was battling addiction, and had two daughters she deeply cared about.

Over the next year, the ZOE advocate consistently reached out to Diane, offering encouragement and resources. The ZOE advocate remained a steady presence, ensuring Diane knew someone cared.

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In February, the ZOE advocate received a message that made the months of perseverance worthwhile. Diane shared incredible news  she had turned her life around. She was clean, had left exploitation behind and was working a legitimate job with a fencing company.

She explained how pivotal her recent experiences had been, reflecting that getting caught in the sting was the best thing that happened to me.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  A worker at a daycare in Tampa was arrested Monday after he was accused of abusing a child in his care.

The incident happened on December 30 at Panda Hugs Academy on Bruce B. Downs Blvd., according to the Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office.

Owner of popular Tampa nightclub indicted on federal child porn charges

Surveillance camera footage showed Denario Powell, 26, removing a 3-year-old boy from a chair and taking him to the bathroom, where witnesses said they heard loud banging noises, the toddler crying and Powell yelling, HCSO said.

Denario Powell (Hillsborough County Sheriffs Office)

The boy was found with multiple lacerations and abrasions to the face and neck. The sheriffs office said he went up to a witness, touched his neck and pointed at Powell.

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No child should ever endure harm at the hands of someone entrusted with their care and education, Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement. The actions of this individual are beyond reprehensible, and we will ensure justice is served for this child. Let this arrest send a clear message: we will not tolerate anyone who threatens the safety and well-being of the children in our community.

Powell was arrested on Monday and charged with child abuse.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
WASHINGTON (AP)  President Joe Biden notified Congress of his intent to lift the U.S. designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism, the White House announced, as part of a deal facilitated by the Catholic Church to free political prisoners on the island.

Senior U.S. administration officials, who previewed the announcement on the condition of anonymity, said many dozens" of political prisoners and others considered by the U.S. to be unjustly detained would be released by the end of the Biden administration at noon on Jan. 20.

The U.S. would also ease some economic pressure on Cuba, as well as a 2017 memorandum issued by then-President Donald Trump toughening U.S. posture toward Cuba.

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In taking these steps to bolster the ongoing dialogue between the government of Cuba and the Catholic Church, President Biden is also honoring the wisdom and counsel that has been provided to him by many world leaders, especially in Latin America, who have encouraged him to take these actions, on how best to advance the human rights of the Cuban people, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement.

The Cuban foreign ministry on Tuesday said that the government informed Pope Francis it will release 553 people who had been convicted of different crimes. It said that they will be gradually released, as the authorities analyze the legal and humanitarian ways to make it happen.

The foreign ministry didnt link the release of the prisoners to the US decision of lifting the designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, but in the spirit of the Ordinary Jubilee of the year 2025 declared by His Holiness. In a statement, the foreign minister condemned the ongoing U.S. sanctions on the country as economic warfare and acknowledged that the Biden decision could well be reversed by Trump.

The Cuban authorities didnt say who is among the 553 people who will be released.

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The determination by the outgoing one-term Democrat is likely to be reversed as early as next week after Trump, the Republican who is now president-elect, takes office and Secretary of State-designate Marco Rubio assumes the position of Americas top diplomat.

Rubio, whose family left Cuba in the 1950s before the communist revolution that brought Fidel Castro to power, has long been a proponent of sanctions on the communist island. Rubio will appear before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday for his confirmation hearing and is expected to address his Cuban roots in his testimony.

Trump has also appointed Mauricio Claver-Carone, a former White House National Security Council aide and strong supporter of sanctions against Cuba, to be his special envoy to Latin America.

The U.S. officials said the Trump transition team had been informed of the action before it was announced by the Biden White House.

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Rep. Mike Waltz, Trump's pick to serve as national security adviser, previewed a snap back to the previous U.S. policy, but signaled approval for the arrangement.

Look. anything that theyre doing right now we can do back, and no one should be under any illusion in terms of a change in Cuba policy, Waltz told Fox News on Tuesday. We dont like it, but again, if people are going free, then thats what it is for now.

In the final days of Trumps first administration, on Jan. 11, 2021, the White House reinstated the designation, which had been reversed during the period of rapprochement between Cuba and the United States during President Barack Obamas second term in office. In doing so, the Trump administration cited Cubas support for Venezuelas leader, Nicolas Maduro, and its refusal to extradite Colombian rebels to Colombia, among other issues, including its continued harboring of wanted Americans.

The move to designate Cuba by Trump was one of several foreign policy moves he made in the final days of his first term.

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About six months after Trump designated Cuba as a terror sponsor, the Biden administration levied new sanctions on island officials and the national revolutionary police after hundreds of Cubans were arrested during demonstrations in Havana and other cities to protest shortages, power outages and government policies. They were the first such protests since the 1990s.

Human rights groups and activists, including the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, have been pressing the Biden administration to lift the designation to ease the suffering of Cuban people who feel the impact of Cuba's economic isolation.

Cubas government recognized the announcement and expressed its gratitude, although it deemed it as limited.

Despite its limited scope, this is a decision that points to the right direction and is in line with the sustained and firm demand by the government and the people of Cuba, the country's foreign ministry said in a press release.

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The decision announced today by the United States, rectifies, in a very limited way, some aspects of a cruel and unjust policy," it added.

Congress and the incoming Trump administration will have the opportunity to review and potentially reverse Biden's actions, though the senior U.S. administration officials said the Biden administration had determined there was no credible evidence that Cuba was currently engaged in supporting international terrorism.

The Cuban foreign ministry said that the government is conscious that the incoming government in the U.S. could reverse the decision, but that it will remain ready to develop a respectful relation with that country, based on dialogue and non-interference in the internal affairs of both countries, despite the differences.

There was no immediate comment from Rubio or his office, but one of his Republican colleagues on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz, quickly denounced the Biden administration move.

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Todays decision is unacceptable on its merits," Cruz said in a statement. The terrorism advanced by the Cuban regime has not ceased. I will work with President Trump and my colleagues to immediately reverse and limit the damage from the decision.

Rep. Carlos Gimenez, a Florida Republican, criticized the move and predicted that Trump would quickly reverse Bidens decision.

President Biden is a pathetic coward, Gimenez posted on X. Come January 20th, there will be a NEW SHERIFF in town & President Trump alongside Secretary of State @SenMarcoRubio will not only put #Cuba BACK on the list but PULVERIZE the regime once & for all!

Biden in a national security memorandum issued Tuesday certified that Cuba hasnt provided any support for international terrorism during the last six months and had provided the administration with assurances that it wouldnt support acts of terrorism in the future.

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The move comes after the administration in May removed Cuba from the State Departments short list of countries that it deems less than fully cooperative against violent groups.

___

AP writer Andrea Rodriguez in Havana, Cuba, contributed reporting.
As he prepares to leave office next week, President Joe Biden reflected on his administration's legacy, and his answer to a question about his biggest regret should be a blaring siren for Democrats.

In a recent interview with USA Today, Biden told reporter Susan Page he was most disappointed in his administrations failure to combat the rise of misinformation.

Whether the topic was immigration, the economy or the Israel-Hamas war, misinformation created hurdles for the Biden administration over the last four years.

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Per USA Today:

His biggest disappointment, Biden said, was his failure to effectively counter misinformation, including that from Trump. He said that challenge reflects the revolution in how Americans get their news, and whom they trust to tell it. Because of the way, nature, the nature of the way information is shared now, there are no editors out there to say Thats simply not true, Biden said.

Despite his feelings on the matter, I think the Biden administration waged an unprecedented and admirable fight against mis- and disinformation, even as it ran into equally unprecedented headwinds. The Disinformation Governance Board that was meant to live within the Department of Homeland Security  and the scrapping of that board after it was undermined, ironically, by far-right disinformation  was a prime example of the administrations effort to identify the problem and craft a novel solution, without being provided the tools to fix it.

That failure, and some of the legal cases the Biden administration faced around social media content moderation, also seemed to create a chilling effect that hampered U.S. agencies fight against fake news. NBC News reported in June 2024 that some lawmakers were concerned by what seemed like law enforcement and security agencies lack of preparedness to fight disinformation. And Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra recently told The Washington Post the lawsuits limited his ability to combat misinformation.

Democrats in Congress also did themselves no favors when, in 2023, they released a Jan. 6 report that seemed to obscure social media platforms role in fomenting extremism ahead of the deadly insurrection attempt. This was a missed opportunity to show Americans the imminent dangers posed by social platforms.

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Its been promising to hear candidates for the new Democratic National Committee chair position  and in particular, Wisconsin activist Ben Wikler  talk about the need for the party to understand and grapple with the misinformation and political propaganda that is rife within the current information ecosystem. And Mark Zuckerbergs sharp MAGA turn on content moderation ought to be a wake-up call to those Democrats who have failed to take the issue more seriously.

Ultimately, Bidens assessment seems fair to me. His and the Democratic Partys failures to address misinformation adequately may prove to be the most consequential shortcoming of his presidency. But there are at least some signs the party is doing some necessary course correction.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Intentionally or not, outgoing President Joe Biden just handed incoming President Donald Trump and his Big Tech allies a powerful weapon in the fight against European tech regulation.

Just a week before the transition, the Biden administration on Monday unveiled an interim final rule (a type of emergency rule that is issued before industry can give its opinion) that will limit the flow of advanced AI chips from U.S. companies to all but 18 close U.S. allies. The move is largely designed to close loopholes in American efforts to stymie Chinese AI progress, by making it harder for Beijing to acquire cutting-edge U.S. hardware through third countries.

Some EU countries, such as Germany and France, are on the privileged top-tier list. But many, including key U.S. allies such as Poland and the Baltic states, are not, meaning they will face AI-chip import caps that can only be raised through negotiations with Washington.

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In a Monday statement, European Commission tech chief Henna Virkkunen and trade chief Maros Sefcovic said they were concerned about the measures.

We believe it is also in the U.S. economic and security interest that the EU buys advanced AI chips from the U.S. without limitations: we cooperate closely, in particular in the field of security, and represent an economic opportunity for the U.S., not a security risk, the commissioners said. We have already shared our concerns with the current U.S. administration and we are looking forward to engaging constructively with the next U.S. administration.

As with many policy issues, it is far from clear what Trump will do with Bidens latest AI-chip restrictions when he takes power next week  the rule cant be enforced for 120 days, so he has plenty of time to intervene if he wishes. But according to Matthew Eitel, chief of staff at the D.C.-based Center for European Policy Analysis, there is a lot for President-elect Trump to like in this rule.

The tiered-access system provides the U.S. leverage to demand concessions from countries seeking expanded access to U.S. AI tech  and the leverage to restrict a countrys access if they do not agree to U.S. demands, Eitel told Fortune.

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When it comes to the EU, there is every likelihood that those demands will relate to tech regulation  a major bugbear for U.S. tech leaders such as Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, who have rallied around the incoming president and expect him to fight for them on the international stage.

Rule vs regulation

EU tech laws like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) have long annoyed Silicon Valley, but two recent additions have sparked more outright confrontation: the Digital Markets Act (DMA), which imposes major antitrust obligations on the largest tech firms, and the Digital Services Act (DSA), which covers the moderation of online content. The EU also recently adopted the worlds first comprehensive AI Act, which establishes many rules around the training and deployment of AI models. (The GDPR also has a big impact on the AI sector, as it limits the personal data that can be used for training.)

One crucial aspect of the EUs newest tech laws is that they give the European Commission itself the role of enforcer. This decision was partly down to Europes experience with patchy enforcement of the GDPR by often-underfunded national privacy authorities, but it also has the effect of ensuring that the DMA, DSA and AI Act are applied by a political body that is sensitive to shifting geopolitical tides.

Metas CEO seems particularly aware of this fact. Zuckerberg, who last week weakened the Facebook and Instagram content moderation that has so irked Trump and his supporters, has openly called for the returning president to stop the EU from fining U.S. tech firms for antitrust and other violations. He told podcaster Joe Rogan on Friday that these fines were almost like a tariff on the sector. (Meta itself is currently appealing an $839 million EU antitrust fine relating to Facebook Marketplace.)

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I think it's a strategic advantage for the United States that we have a lot of the strongest companies in the world, and I think it should be part of the U.S. strategy going forward to defend that, Zuckerberg said. And it's one of the things that I'm optimistic about with President Trump.

It is possible that the European Commission is already preparing for such a clash. The Financial Times reported late Monday that the Commission was reassessing an array of live DMA investigations into Meta, Apple and Google.

Its going to be a whole new ballgame with these tech oligarchs so close to Trump and using that to pressurize us, an unnamed senior EU diplomat told the British newspaper. The Commission denied that there were any delays in finalizing the cases, especially not due to any political considerations.

Musk, who bankrolled Trumps campaign and is one of his closest allies, is in a different situation  particularly since he recently started interfering in EU politics with targeted efforts to promote the far right. The Commission has already charged his X platform with DSA violations, and Virkkunen told Bloomberg on Monday that it is now even considering expanding its investigation into Xs light-touch content moderation.

Doing more with less

It is unlikely that Biden intended to give his successor ammunition to act against EU tech regulation. Indeed, the Biden administration moved to bring the U.S. closer to the EU position in some respects, particularly regarding Big Tech antitrust.

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According to CEPAs Eitel, by introducing its last-minute AI-chip rule the Biden administration was rolling the dice that President-elect Trumps team will agree with their prescription for how the U.S. can beat China in the race to lead the world in AI.

The Biden administration made China-focused export controls a central pillar of its foreign policy since late 2022, Eitel said. It is clear the Biden administration views the [new export framework] as a legacy-defining capstone of their efforts.

Many observers, including those in the chip industry, warn that placing further restrictions on U.S. exports could ultimately drive customers in some second-tier countries into the arms of Chinas chip sector.

The new rule risks causing unintended and lasting damage to Americas economy and global competitiveness in semiconductors and AI by ceding strategic markets to our competitors, said John Neuffer, president and CEO of the Semiconductor Industry Association.

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Eitel argued that previous U.S. export controls, particularly those on advanced chipmaking equipment, made that an unlikely development at this point. Pointing to the reported impact of those restrictions on Chinese chipmaker Huawei and its contract manufacturer SMIC, Eitel said that if Huawei cannot satisfy domestic demand right now, it is hard to see them competing with Nvidia and AMD globally in the short term, and the new framework wont change the reality of Huawei and SMICs manufacturing headaches.

However, Eitel warned that the U.S. industrys fears could yet be realized, as Chinese AI startups like DeepSeek bring out models that (they claim) do not require the training horsepower that only comes with the latest U.S. chips.

In the long run, the [new rule] could tilt the dynamics of the global AI market in Chinas favor if it is not implemented properly, he said. Chinas AI industry is learning how to do more with less. If Chinese firms continue innovating high-quality AI models that do not need access to high-quality chips, there could be a future where Beijing supports their deployment of these models, alongside Chinese chips, in countries facing U.S. caps on AI hardware.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Outgoing U.S. president Joe Biden is trying to affirm his presidential legacy in the final days of his term, before Donald Trump takes office. In a speech at the State Department on Monday, Biden highlighted just how tough he's tried to be on China, and how the U.S. is stronger now compared to four years ago.

Many experts believed it was inevitable that Chinas economy would surpass ours, Biden said. According to the latest predictions on Chinas current course, they will never surpass us.

In November, a forecast from Bloomberg Economics suggested that Chinas GDP might not overtake the U.S. until the mid-2040s, and that any lead will be slim and brief. Economists cited Chinas post-COVID slowdown for the downgrade.

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In his speech, Biden listed actions his administration took against China, including taking action against alleged dumping of Chinese imports, rebuilding alliances to contain Beijing, and imposing new tariffs and export controls.

Biden, during his four years in office, broke with many of his predecessors policies, except those on China. The outgoing president kept many of Trumps tariffs in place, and then imposed even tougher restrictions on strategic sectors for Beijing.

The U.S. first imposed broad export controls on Chinas chip sector in 2022, and has tightened them several times since then. These measures aim to kneecap Chinas progress in making advanced chips used in AI applications.

Then, on Monday, the Biden administration unveiled new restrictions that would limit the export of advanced chips to all but a handful of close U.S. allies. Officials justified the move, criticized by both AI chip leader Nvidia and the Semiconductor Industry Association, as necessary to stop leading chips from secretly making their way to China.

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The rules are critical to preserving U.S. leadership in AI, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said on Monday.

Ultimately, the final rules will be left to the incoming Trump administration. Biden has left a few other China policy decisions to his successor, including the outcome of a trade investigation into Chinas production of mature chips.

In his Monday address, Biden said that hed left Trump a strong hand to play, and urged his successor to focus on AI and clean energy to stay ahead of China.

Exit interviews

Bidens farewell address shows just how hawkish Washington has become on China, across both political parties (which agree on little else).

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Last week, U.S. ambassador to Japan Rahm Emmanuel, called the U.S. the thin blue line against autocracy, lumping China, Iran and North Korea into a group he called the axis of autocrats.

Fellow diplomat Nicholas Burns, the U.S. ambassador to China, took a softer tone in his exit interview with the New York Times, yet still criticized Beijings actions as disruptive. He alleged China was aligning themselves with the most unreliable agents of disorder in the international system, namely Russia, Iran and North Korea.

On Monday, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told Bloomberg that hes pushing the incoming administration to work with Europe on a critical minerals marketplace to prevent China from choking off the supply chain.

Some outgoing officials have endorsed the use of tariffs to counter Chinese policies.

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Tariffs have their place, Raimondo said in an interview with CNN, which aired Sunday. China is subsidizing the chip industry, and thats not fair. She also suggested that Chinese electric vehicles pose a national security threat to the U.S., due to concerns that collected data might be transmitted back to Beijing.

Katherine Tai, the outgoing U.S. Trade Representative, also endorsed tariffs in an essay for Foreign Affairs, published last week. As part of a fair competition agenda, Tai wrote that the U.S. might need to deploy tariffs to guard against the anticompetitive economic policies of nonmarket autocracies such as China, and suggested these policies will help counter economic predation, especially in those sectors that define strategic competition for the future.

What happens next?

The Trump administration is likely to remain locked in a geopolitical contest with Beijing. The incoming president has already promised an additional 10% tariff on all Chinese imports, on top of existing duties. During the campaign, Trump promised to impose tariffs as high as 60%.

Trump has also nominated several China hawks to his administration, including

Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) as Secretary of State and Representative Mike Waltz as National Security Advisor.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
NEW YORK (AP)  The Biden administration on Tuesday released a roadmap for maintaining government defenses against infectious diseases, just as President-elect Donald Trump pledges to dismantle some of them.

The 16-page report recaps steps taken in the last four years against COVID-19, mpox and other diseases, including vaccination efforts and the use of wastewater and other measures to spot signs of erupting disease outbreaks. It's a public version of a roughly 300-page pandemic-prevention playbook that Biden officials say they are providing to the incoming administration.

Biden officials touted the steps they took to halt or prevent disease threats, but some public heath researchers offer a more mixed assessment of the administration's efforts. Several experts, for example, said not nearly enough has been done to make sure an expanding bird flu pandemic in animals doesnt turn into a global health catastrophe for people.

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Overwhelmingly youve heard a lot of frustration by outside experts that weve been under-reacting to what we see as really serious threat, said Jennifer Nuzzo, director of the Pandemic Center at the Brown University School of Public Health.

Public health experts worry the next administration could do less

Trump and his team plan to slash government spending, and Trump has endorsed prominent vaccine detractors for top government health posts. During the campaign last year, Trump told Time magazine that he would disband the White House office focused on pandemic preparedness, calling it "a very expensive solution to something that wont work."

Public health researchers also point to Trump's first administration, when the White House in 2018 dismantled a National Security Council pandemic unit. When COVID-19 hit two years later, the governments disjointed response prompted some experts to argue that the unit could have helped a faster and more uniform response.

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In 2020, during the pandemic, Trump officials moved to pull the U.S. out of the World Health Organization. President Joe Biden reversed the decision, but Trump's team is expected to do it again. Experts say such a move would, among other things, hurt the ability to gain information about emerging new outbreaks before they comes to U.S. shores.

Officials with the Trump transition team did not respond to emails requesting information about its pandemic planning.

Many public health experts praise Trump for  Operation Warp Speed,  which helped spur the rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines. But several also noted that decades of planning and research under previous administrations laid the groundwork for it.

What do Biden officials say they accomplished?

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COVID-19 vaccines did not start to trickle out to the public until after Biden defeated Trump in the 2020 election, and it was the Biden administration that stood up what it describes as the largest free vaccination program in U.S. history.

President Biden came to office amidst the worst public health crisis in more than a century," said Dr. Paul Friedrichs, director of the White House Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy, in a statement. "He partnered with stakeholders across the nation and turned it around, ending the pandemic and saving countless lives."

Friedrichs's office was established by Congress in 2022. He said the administration has laid the foundation for faster and more effective responses to save lives now and in the future.

What has been done to prepare for bird flu and other threats?

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The pandemic office, which released the report Tuesday, said it has taken steps to fight bird flu, which has been spreading among animal species in scores of countries in the last few years.

The virus was detected in U.S. dairy herds in March. At least 66 people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with infections, the vast majority of them dairy or poultry workers who had mild infections. But that count includes an elderly Louisiana man who died.

Among other steps, the administration is stockpiling 10 million doses of vaccine that is considered effective against the strain thats been circulating in U.S. cattle, and spent $176 million to develop mRNA vaccines that could quickly be adapted to mutations in the virus, with late stage trials "beginning shortly," the document says.

Having measures in place to quickly develop and mass produce new vaccines is crucial, said Michael Osterholm, a University of Minnesota expert on infectious diseases.

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We don't really have any understanding of what influenza virus will emerge one day to cause the next pandemic," Osterholm said. It sure isn't this (bird flu strain), or it would be causing it (a pandemic) right now.

The U.S. should maintain collaborations that train disease investigators in other countries to detect emerging infections, public health experts say.

We have to continue to invest in surveillance in areas where we think these infectious agents are likely to emerge, said Ian Lipkin, an infectious diseases researcher at New Yorks Columbia University.

I'm hoping that the Trump administration  as they are concerned about people coming across the border who may be infected with this or that or the other thing  will see the wisdom in trying to make sure that we do surveillance in areas where we think there's a large risk, he said.

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___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Science and Educational Media Group and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
U.S. President Joe Biden will be passing around $3.8 billion in the so-called Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) to his successor  Donald Trump.

On the campaign trail, Trump has repeatedly criticized the Biden administration for providing Ukraine with military assistance, including through military shipments using the PDA.

Countering Trump's rhetoric, the outgoing administration stated its desire to use the available funds to help Kyiv withstand the ongoing Russian offensive in the country's east.

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"We are determined  and it's fully my intent and the president's (Joe Biden) intent  to spend every cent that we have available from the $61 billion that was authorized by Congress in the supplemental appropriation," U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said at the end of 2024.

The Kyiv Independent explains what the Presidential Drawdown Authority is, how it was used, and why the Biden administration failed to use up the funds provided to him by Congress.

President's military shipments

On Jan. 9, the outgoing president signed into force a military aid package for Ukraine worth $500 million. The aid package was said to be the last one before a new administration takes office on Jan. 20.

The last tranche included missiles for air defense, air-to-ground munitions, armored bridging systems, as well as equipment to support Ukraine's use of F-16 fighter jets.

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The final aid package from the Biden administration was expected to be much larger, with nearly $4.3 billion in available funding open to the president's signing at the start of 2025.

U.S. President Joe Biden waves while disembarking from Air Force One upon arrival at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport in Christiansted, St. Croix, in the U.S. Virgin Islands, US on Dec. 26, 2024. (Saul Loeb / AFP via Getty Images)

Despite the ongoing attempts to frame Biden's military aid shipments as a charity, the PDA doesn't involve actual funds being spent.

The PDA allows Washington to supply Ukraine with military equipment from existing U.S. military stockpiles, considered to be surplus, which can begin arriving within days of approval.

The sums showing up in White House reports are an estimated value of the equipment provided and shipped to the recipient country.

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Read also: Europe cannot fill void left by US in Ukraines defense

Biden's broken promise

Concerns over the fact that Biden's administration won't be able to provide the promised funding arose months prior.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the crucial foreign aid package, which included around $61 billion for Ukraine, in April 2024.

The bill was first introduced in October 2023, yet was delayed for months due to political infighting in the lower chamber of the U.S. Congress.

Following Trump's election victory, the Biden administration rushed military aid shipments to Ukraine. Soon, the U.S. aid packages to Kyiv shrank.

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The Pentagon has reached the limit of weapons it can send to Ukraine monthly without affecting its own combat capability and started facing logistical problems in delivering weapons, the Wall Street Journal reported in late November, citing unnamed U.S. officials.

Pentagon spokesperson Major General Pat Ryder said in an interview with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) published on Jan. 10 that Washington has to balance its own readiness needs, as well as look at what the U.S. do to support Ukraine.

Asked again, a few days later, why the U.S. was unable to provide all the PDA authorization to Ukraine, Ryder dodged the question, adding that "the authority will get passed to the next administration and it will be their call on whether they will choose to expend  or employ that authority to expend those funds."

"It could be a simple political calculation to avoid leaving the Trump administration with a completely zero balance (in aid to Ukraine)," Vladyslav Faraponov, the head of the Kyiv-based Institute of American Studies, told the Kyiv Independent.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump attends Turning Point USA's AmericaFest at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona, US on Dec. 22, 2024. (Rebecca Noble / Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Daria Kaleniuk, co-founder of the Kyiv-based NGO Anti Corruption Action Center (ANTAC), said that Biden failed to fulfill his promise. She also blamed Ukraine's Defense Ministry for not being ready for such a scenario and not persuading the Pentagon to move forward with the promised aid.

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Kaleniuk told the Kyiv Independent that the ANTAC and other experts had warned the Defense Ministry that Washington would run out of time to spend all the money and that it lacked the necessary military hardware requested by Ukraine, primarily air defense systems and missiles.

Kaleniuk suggested that the remaining U.S. funds could have been redirected to other arms assistance programs in case of better cooperation. Kyiv could also expand the list of weapons priorities to include lower-priority equipment that might still be available in stockpiles, she added.

"By the time we realized, it was too late," Kaleniuk said.

The Kyiv Independent sent a request for comments to Ukraine's Defense Ministry but has not received a response at the time of publication.

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Read also: Despite Trumps claims, Russia didnt invade Ukraine because of NATO

Trump's $4 billion problem

The remaining PDA funds are now at Trump's disposal.

"It's really up to the incoming administration to decide what they use  what they decide to do with the remaining authority that's left," Pentagon's deputy spokesperson Sabrina Singh said on Jan. 8.

"It's really up to the incoming administration to decide what they use  what they decide to do with the remaining authority that's left."

When asked if the Biden administration is concerned about remaining funds and if there is a danger of a lag, she answered that Ukraine has "strong" bipartisan support within Congress.

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Under the Biden administration, the U.S. has committed over $66.5 billion in security assistance to Ukraine, the Pentagon said.

Washington also provides Ukraine with aid through the USAI (Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative), a Pentagon-led program that supplies arms to Ukraine through contracts with U.S. defense companies. Another program, Foreign Military Financing (FMF), enables Ukraine to purchase weapons and munitions from U.S. defense companies.

Under Biden's administration, Ukraine was provided with the long-awaited High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), Patriot air-defense systems, and Abrams battle tanks.

But protracted decision-making on the provision of much-needed weapons, such as ATACMS long-range missiles and permission to use the provided missiles against targets deep inside Russia, slowed Ukraine's ability to fight back.

Ukrainian military medics treat wounded Ukrainian soldiers at a base near Avdiivka, Donetsk Oblast, on Dec. 31, 2023. (Ozge Elif Kizil/Anadolu/Getty Images)

A resident is seen after shellings in Avdiivka, Donetsk Oblast, on Oct. 17, 2023. (Ozge Elif Kizil/Anadolu via Getty Images)

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The holdup on approving U.S. aid in 2024 led to the fall of the key eastern city of Avdiivka in Donetsk Oblast, followed by the loss of several other major towns in the region.

Faraponov suggests that Trump will use the remaining money, but not immediately. Trump's administration may utilize it as leverage or as a bargaining chip in potential negotiations.

"The decision (to provide Ukraine with more aid) will be less popular with the Republican audience, in particular, who are generally skeptical of all international aid," he said. "For the Trump administration, it is less risky in terms of reputation to transfer these remaining funds than to promote another aid package in Congress."

Kaleniuk also believes that the remaining $3.8 billion may be used for Ukraine under the Trump administration.

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"But the change of any administration implies a delay in decision-making. That is why we can get bogged down in their internal political struggle.

Read also: Will Transnistrias gas crisis lead to its collapse and reintegration into Moldova?

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The Biden administration announced on Tuesday that it will remove Cuba from the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism (SST) in exchange for the release of political prisoners jailed for protesting against the regime in July 2021.

The Trump administration placed the SST designation on Cuba in the last week of the president-elects first term, and Biden officials said they are in contact with the Trump transition team over their action.

This issue is among the issues on which theyve been in communication, a senior administration official said in a call with reporters.

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The administration, required by law, is notifying Congress of the decision, allowing lawmakers to review it, although theres little they can do to block the lifting of the designation.

Cuban officials had fought tooth and nail for removal from the SST list throughout President Bidens term, but had generally not received much buy-in from administration officials.

On Tuesday, the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement lauding the changes, but noting that the economic blockade of the island  referred to as an embargo stateside  remains in force.

Despite its limited scope, this is a decision that points to the right direction and is in line with the sustained and firm demand by the government and the people of Cuba, as well as the broad, emphatic and reiterated call by numerous governments, particularly those of Latin America and the Caribbean; Cubans residing abroad; political, religious and social organizations and numerous political figures of the United States and other countries. The government of Cuba expresses its gratitude to all of them for their contribution and sensitivity, read the ministrys statement.

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This decision puts an end to specific coercive measures which, together with many others, seriously damage the Cuban economy and have a severe impact on the population. This is, and has been, an ever-present issue in all official exchanges between Cuba and the Government of the United States.

Officials briefing reporters on Tuesday said that the U.S. constantly reviews SST designations, and, in the case of Cuba, the administration does not have information supporting it being a state sponsor of terrorism.

They added that the U.S. had received numerous diplomatic requests for the designation to be lifted. This includes from Colombia, a senior administration official said, where officials noted positive role that Cuba has made in the Colombian peace talks.

We believe these actions will be broadly well received in the region and beyond, said a second administration official, adding other countries supporting the move include Brazil, Chile, Spain and Canada, as well as the European Union.

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Administration officials also noted a critical role played by the Catholic Church.

We have been in close coordination with a range of actors, including the Catholic Church, to create an improved environment in Cuba, the official said.

Biden on Saturday also awarded Pope Francis the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nations highest civilian honor, and made him the first person to receive the added commendation of with distinction from the president.

The U.S. is lifting the SST designation and taking additional relief actions on Cuba as goodwill actions to facilitate the release of unjustly detained individuals. The administration said they understand the Catholic Church has been in dialogue with the Cuban government to undertake a set of actions that will allow for the humanitarian release of a significant number of political prisoners in Cuba and those who have been detained unjustly.

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Amnesty International estimates that Cuba has jailed 671 people for taking part in protests in July 2021.

We do anticipate that these releases will happen very soon, and we do anticipate that there will be people who are released from detention in Cuba before the end of the Biden administration on January 20, one senior administration official told reporters.

The Biden administration is taking two other actions to incentivize Cubas release of political prisoners. This includes Biden blocking U.S. nationals or other individuals to bring claims in U.S. courts over property confiscated by the Cuban Revolution, issuing a waiver for Title III of the Helms Burton Act.

Biden is also rescinding a Trump-era sanctions policy against Cuba, called National Security Presidential Memorandum 5, ending restrictions on financial transactions with certain Cuban entities.

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The principal impact of this rescission is that it will eliminate the so-called restricted list, which is the list of certain entities in Cuba that are subject to certain prohibited financial transactions, the administration official said.

Bidens last-minute removal of Cuba from the list mirrors Trumps 2021 move to designate the island a state sponsor of terrorism, with both U.S. presidents leaving behind a political hot potato for their 2020 opponent in their final days in office.

Trump left Biden with the dubious choice of either giving the appearance of siding with the Cuban communist regime, or leaving the designation and further depressing Cubas economy, a major factor behind emigration from the island.

Now Trump will have to make the opposite choice, either taking a hardline approach and dealing with potential Cuban migration or letting Bidens decision congeal.

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Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Trumps pick for secretary of State, introduced legislation in February 2023 that would prevent Cubas removal from the SST list until democratic elections are held in the country, a transition government is in power and all political prisoners are released.

Rubio will sit for a confirmation hearing with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday where he is likely to face questions from his colleagues over whether the Trump administration will maintain Bidens actions or reverse them.

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) said in a Tuesday statement that he would work to reverse Bidens decision.

Todays decision is unacceptable on its merits. The terrorism advanced by the Cuban regime has not ceased. I will work with President Trump and my colleagues to immediately reverse and limit the damage from the decision, Cruz said.

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Updated at 4:33 p.m.

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President Joe Biden has announced that a new aircraft carrier will be named after former President George W. Bush, who infamously made a premature Mission Accomplished declaration on a similar ship to tout his administrations disastrous invasion and occupation of Iraq.

Biden, who voted for the Iraq invasion and was one of its biggest cheerleaders in the United States Senate, said in a statement that Bush knows firsthand the weight of the responsibilities that come with being Commander-in-Chief.

He also said another aircraft carrier would be named after former President Bill Clinton. Both ships, he said, will begin construction in the years ahead.

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One of the most well-known moments of Bushs presidencyand arguably one of the most embarrassing moments in presidential historyhappened on an aircraft carrier.

On May 1, 2003, he staged a massive public relations stunt on the USS Abraham Lincoln, prematurely declaring major combat operations in Iraq have ended six weeks after he ordered an invasion of the country.

Surrounded by an audience of military personnel, Bush spoke in front of a White House-commissioned banner, hung from the ships main mast, that read MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.

In the battle of Iraq, the United States and our allies have prevailed, Bush said in his remarks.

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Like some of the intelligence that was used to argue in favor of the Iraq invasion, his statement would not turn out to be true.

Bushs claim that combat operations were largely over became laughable in the years that followed, as the situation in Iraq devolved into a protracted sectarian war.

The majority of military and civilian casualties suffered by the U.S. and Iraq as a result of the invasion occurred after the speech. The United States did not withdraw from the country until 2011.

The Iraq invasion was launched by a U.S.-led coalition in March 2003, after the Bush administration and U.S. intelligence agencies wrongly claimed Iraq was developing an arsenal of weapons of mass destruction and alleged false ties between Saddam Hussein and al-Qaeda.

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Mainstream American media, notably the New York Times, offered up softball coverage of the intelligence agencies' claims. The Times, and the Washington Post, were the most notable publications to later admit their reporting was slanted in favor of U.S. officials' claims.

Biden also bought the Bush administrations talking points and, as chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, offered a leading Democratic voice to its chorus of supporters. He went so far as to coordinate with the White House in organizing a round of Senate hearings that trumpeted the administrations talking points about (non-existent) Iraqi WMDs.

U.N. weapons inspectors on the ground, meanwhile, warned that U.S. officials were wrong.

The Iraq Body Count project estimates as many as 210,000 civilians died due to violence in Iraq as a result of the U.S.-led invasion.
Joe Biden has removed Cuba from a list of nations classified as supporting international terrorism, reversing a decision by predecessor Donald Trump to crack down on the communist nation.

The president notified Congress of the intent to lift the U.S. designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism on Tuesday, less than a week before Trump is due to be sworn in for his second term.

The move is part of a deal facilitated by the Catholic Church to free many dozens of political prisoners on the island, jwho were jailed for protesting against the regime in July 2021. They are scheduled to be released by the end of the Biden administration at noon on January 20.

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The United States maintains as the core objective of our policy the need for more freedom and democracy, improved respect for human rights, and increased free enterprise in Cuba, Biden said in a memo announcing his decision.

Additionally, Biden announced that he will rescind the 2017 National Security Presidential Memorandum 5 (NSPM-5) on Cuba policy to eliminate the so-called restricted list.

This will also eliminate additional regulations on engagement by U.S. persons and entities with Cuban persons and entities, beyond that which is currently prescribed in U.S. legislation, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre explained in a statement.

The president notified Congress of its intent to lift the U.S. designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism on Tuesday (AP)

Achieving these goals will require practical engagement with Cuba and the Cuban people beyond what is outlined in NSPM-5, and that takes into account recent developments in Cuba and the changing regional and global context ... Accordingly, I hereby revoke NSPM-5, the memo stated.

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In a separate memo, Biden stated that the Cuban government had provided assurances that it will not support acts of international terrorism in the future.

Cuban officials had fought hard for the countrys removal from the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism (SST) throughout Bidens term, but with little success.

Officials said on Tuesday that the government constantly reviews SST designations, and there was currently no credible evidence that Cuba was currently engaged in supporting international terrorism.

The determination is likely to be reversed as early as next week after the President-elect re-enters the Oval Office, alongside Secretary of State-designate Marco Rubio (AP)

However, the determination is likely to be reversed as early as next week after the President-elect re-enters the Oval Office, alongside Secretary of State-designate Marco Rubio.

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Rubio, whose family left Cuba in the 1950s before the communist revolution that brought Fidel Castro to power, has long been a proponent of sanctions on the communist island. He is due to appear before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday for his confirmation hearing.

Trump reinstated the designation on January 11, 2021, in the final days of his first administration, citing Cubas support for Venezuelas leader, Nicolas Maduro, and its refusal to extradite Colombian rebels to Colombia, among other issues, including its continued harboring of wanted Americans.

There was no immediate comment from the Trump transition team or from Rubio or his office following the announcement Tuesday.

Texas Senator Ted Cruz, however, called out the decision as unacceptable on its merits.

The terrorism advanced by the Cuban regime has not ceased. I will work with President Trump and my colleagues to immediately reverse and limit the damage from the decision, Cruz said in a statement.
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US President Joe Bidens administration will remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, just days before President-elect Donald Trump takes office.

US officials said the decision was part of a deal facilitated by the Catholic Church that will see Havana release scores of political prisoners. One senior Biden administration official projected that a significant number of people detained in Cuba during July 2021 human rights protests would be released as part of the agreement.

The official described the move and two other relaxations of restrictions as a gesture of good will toward Cuba, adding that the US government has no credible evidence at this time of ongoing support by Cuba to support international terrorism.

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A second senior administration official cited requests from multiple countries, including Brazil and Colombia, that Cuba be taken off the list.

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The Biden administration is also waiving Title III of the LIBERTAD Act of 1996, which will prevent individuals from bringing claims in US court regarding property expropriated by the Cuban government, and will also rescind a 2017 national security memorandum that enables sanctions on Cuban entities, officials said.

The announcement comes on the eve of the confirmation hearing for Trumps secretary of state pick Marco Rubio, a Republican senator and the son of Cuban immigrants who has long been a fierce critic of the Cuban government.

A Biden administration official acknowledged that the outgoing presidents team has been in touch with the incoming Trump administration about Cuba, among other policy matters.

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Biden is expected to notify Congress of the change on Tuesday. The Trump administration could reverse the decision by placing Cuba back on the list, however. One of the Biden officials who briefed reporters indicated that at least some of the prisoners would be released by Cuba before Trump takes office on Jan. 20.

In his first administration, Trump designated Cuba a state sponsor of terror in Jan. 2021, shortly before leaving office. At the time, the US State Department accused Cuba of repeatedly providing support for acts of international terrorism in granting safe harbor to terrorists, and cited Havanas support for Venezuelas Nicolas Maduro.
(Bloomberg) -- The White House will remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, part of a series of steps to ease US policy toward the communist country in a bid to secure the release of political prisoners.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The move, announced by senior administration officials on the condition of anonymity Tuesday, faces an uncertain future with Donald Trump returning to the White House next week.

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President Joe Biden also will eliminate some prohibitions on financial transactions with certain Cuban entities. In exchange, the US expects Cuba to release on humanitarian grounds a significant number of people arrested for protests against the government in July 2021, an understanding brokered with the help of the Roman Catholic Church, the officials said.

The officials emphasized that the US action is a unilateral gesture of goodwill, and said they anticipate some detainees being released by the Cuban government before Biden leaves office next Monday. Officials declined to say how many people they expected to be released as part of the deal, but the US does believe that the Cuban government will move quickly.

Hours later, the Cuban Foreign Ministry announced that it would gradually free 553 prisoners who were being held for diverse crimes and after a careful analysis. President Miguel Diaz-Canel stated his intention to release the prisoners in a letter to Pope Francis earlier this month, according to the ministry

The ministry said in a second statement that the releases were part of an existing amnesty program. Neither statement mentioned the US decision.

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Biden will issue a waiver under the Helms-Burton Act that will suspend the ability of individuals to bring claims in US courts regarding potentially expropriated Cuban property. And he is rescinding a presidential memorandum creating a restricted list of entitles within Cuba prohibited from some financial transactions.

Its unclear how long the easing of policy will remain in place, given that Trump has been a strong critic of the Cuban government and chosen Republican Florida Senator Marco Rubio, the son of Cuban exiles, as his secretary of State.

Earlier: Trumps Hawkish Cabinet Pick Heightens Pressure on Weakened Cuba

The Biden administration officials said that Trumps team will have the opportunity to review the decision to remove Cuba from the terrorism sponsors list.

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Mike Waltz, Trumps incoming national security advisor, hailed the release of political prisoners, whom he said should have never been held in the first place but cautioned that no one should be under any illusion in terms of a change in Cuba policy.

Waltz, in an interview with Fox News, expressed concern over the Helms-Burton Act waiver, saying its not clear how thats going to affect things in court.

We dont like it, but again, you know, people are going free, he added.

Cubas economy has floundered in recent years, with severe shortages aggravated by the coronavirus pandemic and tighter US sanctions imposed by Trump. Mass street protests broke out in July 2021 that sparked a brutal government crackdown, sparking widespread criticism for human rights violations.

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The US has a trade embargo on Cuba that was first imposed more than six decades ago after Fidel Castro seized power.

This is a decision in the right direction, although it was taken late and with limited scope, Diaz-Canel wrote on his official X account. The embargo and most of the extreme measures that were put in place in 2017 to suffocate the Cuban economy and cause shortages for our people remain in place.

Diaz-Canel said that while Cuba would continue to denounce actions targeting the country, we will not give up on developing a civilized relationship with the US that respects our sovereignty.

Governments including Brazil, Colombia and Chile as well as the European Union had urged the US to remove Cuba from the terrorism sponsors list, the administration officials said.

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Countries on the list are determined by the secretary of State to have repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism, according to the State Departments website. Because of the designation, Cuba faces restrictions on foreign aid, defense, exports and financial transactions.

--With assistance from Jim Wyss.

(Updates with statement from Cuban foreign ministry, starting in fifth paragraph.)

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President Joe Biden is removing Cuba from a U.S. government list of state sponsors of terrorism on Tuesday, according to administration officials.

That move, and a number of other conciliatory actions, are being taken in the hope of securing the release of political prisoners on the island, the officials told reporters in a briefing ahead of the announcement.

It could be a significant breakthrough in the bilateral relationship between the U.S. and Cuba, though President-elect Donald Trump may choose to reverse the decisions.

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The officials said the White House also will suspend a provision of the Helms-Burton Act which has allowed Cuban exiles living in the United States to file claims against Havana in court and seek compensation for assets expropriated following the 1959 Cuban Revolution. The administration will also eliminate a list of restricted Cuban entities barred from certain financial transactions during the first Trump administration.

The Biden administration has long wanted to see Cuba release hundreds of political prisoners in Cuban custody following mass pro-democracy protests in July 2021. The Catholic Church is leading negotiations for their release and one of the administration officials said considerable progress has been toward a deal for freeing a significant number of the dissidents. The officials provided the briefing on the condition that they not be named.

Both Havana and Washington said in 2024 the other needed to do more before further rapprochement between both countries could occur. Cuba consistently and specifically pointed to the state sponsor of terrorism designation as a major obstacle to improving relations.

In a statement, Cuba's foreign ministry said the announcement "rectifies, in a very limited way, some aspects of a cruel and unjust policy," but insisted it would continue to condemn the United States' "genocidal and illegal economic suffocation policy against Cuba." Cuba also announced that it notified the Vatican it would release prisoners.

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The Biden administration officials said that they were in contact with figures in the incoming Trump administration about the policy changes.

Since leaving office, Trump has said little about Cuba specifically, but Trump put Cuba on the state sponsor of terrorism list during his first term, and his administration restored sanctions and restrictions on travel to Cuba. Trump has also named critics of the Cuban government to key policy roles in his administration, including former Inter-American Development Bank chief Mauricio Claver-Carone to be special envoy for Latin America and Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida to be secretary of State.

Spokespeople for Trump and Rubio did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The Biden administration officials argued that there no longer exists a compelling security reason to assess that Cuba is supporting terrorism. One of the main hang-ups was Cubas harboring of 10 commanders of a Colombian guerrilla group which is still at war with the Colombian government. The matter, per the officials, was resolved after Bogota sent a diplomatic note to Washington in October urging Cubas removal from the list.

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Since July 2021, when massive pro-democracy protests broke out on the island in response to persistent blackouts and an economic slowdown, hundreds of political prisoners have languished in Cuban prisons.

The ongoing economic crisis has also triggered an unprecedented wave of migration from the island; more than half a million Cubans have entered the United States in the last two years.

The announcement comes on the eve of Rubios confirmation hearing. Rubio is the son of Cuban immigrants who built his political base in heavily-Cuban Miami.

It also comes four years to the date when the outgoing Trump administration in 2021 added Cuba to the list of state sponsors of terrorism around the same time. At the time, the incoming Biden administration accused the Trump administration of handcuffing them when it came to Cuba policy.

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Asked by reporters to acknowledge the irony that they are doing on Cuba policy exactly what they criticized the prior administration for doing, the officials emphasized the need to release political prisoners.

There is broad bipartisan support from both parties and certainly both administrations, that people in Cuba should not be unjustly detained, said one of the officials. And so the intent is really to support what has been a long-standing priority of the United States government that has remained consistent over time, even as there have been changes in presidential administrations.

But these moves are likely to upset many of the over one million Cuban exiles who live in the United States, as well as many prominent Cuban American lawmakers who support a tougher U.S. posture toward the authoritarian and communist government on the island.

Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-Fla.), who fled Cuba as a child, wrote on X shortly after reports emerged about the policy move that the next administration will not only put #Cuba BACK on the list but PULVERIZE the regime once & for all.

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A former Trump administration official, granted anonymity to speak freely about transition matters, questioned the decision to remove the designation. Colombias government may have changed its posture toward the guerrilla commanders in Cuba, but they are still being harbored there.

Have those 10 people been extradited? Is there anything that has changed? The answer is obviously not, the former official said. In order to add or remove a country there needs to be a shift in behavior. If they havent been, then theres no legitimate basis for this and I would suspect that Rubio and others will very quickly just reverse it.

Robbie Gramer contributed to this report.
President Biden on Monday argued he is leaving President-elect Trump in a strong position on the world stage, making the case for continuity in U.S. efforts to counter threats posed by Chinas global ambitions and Russias aggression.

In remarks at the State Department, Biden made the case for his foreign policy legacy, as Trump is already threatening allies and calling for Americas territorial expansion.

My administration is leaving the next administration with a very strong hand to play, Biden said. The United States is winning the worldwide competition compared to four years ago. America is stronger. Our alliances are stronger, our adversaries and competitors are weaker. We have not gone to war to make these things happen.

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Foreign policy has been a major focus of Bidens career in public service, as the longtime chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, eight years as vice president and four years as president.

Biden came into office promising to revitalize Americas alliances, which suffered under Trumps first term. And he rallied NATO allies and other democratic nations to help Ukraine resist Russias full-scale invasion almost three years ago.

But as he leaves office, Ukraine is struggling to retake any momentum against Moscows invasion, and Gaza has been devastated by a war raging since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Trump contends neither war would have started under his watch.

The United States should take full advantage of our diplomatic and geopolitical opportunities weve created, Biden said. To keep bringing countries together to deal with challenges posed by China; to make sure [Russian President Vladimir] Putins war ends in a just and lasting peace for Ukraine; to capitalize on a new moment, a more stable, integrated Middle East.

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While Republicans have grown increasingly skeptical of support for Ukraine, Trump remains a wildcard on the issue, though his promises to end the war have raised fears hell push Ukraine into costly negotiations.

Fractures between the U.S. and allies also emerged over Bidens staunch support for Israels war on Hamas, centered on the catastrophic toll on Palestinians.

Biden officials are sounding optimistic about pushing a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas over the finish line in his final week in office. It would see Hamas release dozens of hostages still alive after more than a year of captivity, surge humanitarian support for Palestinians, and ostensibly open a pathway for a permanent end to the war and new governance of the Gaza Strip.

I have learned in many years of public service to never, never, never, ever give up, Biden said, addressing the ceasefire talks.

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The Middle East is one area where there has been a surprising convergence between the Biden and Trump teams, with the president-elect demanding a hostage release before he enters office, which would also mark a landmark achievement for Biden.

Biden argued that his administration has laid the foundation for protecting Ukraines sovereignty, rallying an international coalition to provide military, economic and political support for Kyiv. But international sanctions aimed at bankrupting Russias war machine have failed to deliver as intended, and Biden urged the incoming Trump team to stand with Kyiv.

Theres more to do. We cant walk away, he said.

Among his most forceful remarks directed at the incoming Trump administration focused on keeping the research and development of artificial intelligence centered in the United States, and to take a leading role on the transition to clean energy, calling climate change the greatest existential threat to humanity.

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We must not offshore artificial intelligence, as we once did with computer chips and other critical technologies, said Biden.

The president slammed Trump allies who reject the existence or threat of climate change, saying they are dead wrong, and urging his colleagues to embrace a clean energy transition that China is trying to dominate.

They want to capture the market of the future and create new dependencies. The United States must win that contest. We will shape the global economy on the planet for decades to come, Biden said.

The president also addressed what is arguably the longest shadow on his record in office, the chaotic and deadly pullout from Afghanistan in August 2021, framing it as a difficult but necessary decision that freed up American resources to address the threats from China and Russia.

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He said China and Russia would have liked nothing more than seeing the U.S. remain bogged down in Afghanistan, and he pointed to the recent revolution in Syria as evidence of the moves success.

If you want more evidence of a seriously weakened Iran and Russia, just take a look at Syria, Biden said. President [Bashar] Assad was both countries closest ally in the Middle East. Neither could keep him in power. Quite frankly, neither really tried really hard.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
President Joe Biden signed an executive order that aims to speed up AI infrastructure projects.

It directs the DOD and DOE to lease land to the private sector for building AI data centers.

The executive order requires developers to build clean energy sources to power their data centers.

President Joe Biden has signed an executive order to accelerate the scale-up of AI infrastructure in the US to meet the massive energy and supply needs of the "cutting-edge" technology.

Biden said on Tuesday that the executive order will direct the departments of Defense and Energy to lease federal sites to the private sector for building "frontier AI infrastructure at speed and scale."

According to the White House, private sector access to federal sites for building "gigawatt-scale AI data centers" will be determined by "competitive solicitations" for proposals.

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Private companies leasing the land would be required to cover the cost of building and operating the sites, including the build-out of clean energy sources for powering data centers.

Biden, who is serving his final days in office, said the US cannot take its lead in AI for granted. The technology is set to have "profound implications for national security and enormous potential to improve Americans' lives if harnessed responsibly," Biden said.

"That is why today, I am signing an historic Executive Order to accelerate the speed at which we build the next generation of AI infrastructure here in America, in a way that enhances economic competitiveness, national security, AI safety, and clean energy," Biden said.

The move from Biden comes at a critical time for the AI sector.

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Industry leaders say progress for leading AI companies  which have invested billions of dollars in the technology  depends on an extraordinary build-out of infrastructure.

Expensive data centers and clean energy supplies are needed to train, host, and run new models sustainably, while chip plants that supply vital computing power are being demanded closer to home after years of reliance on chipmaking facilities overseen in the East by the likes of Taiwan's TSMC.

In September, OpenAI boss Sam Altman wrote in a blog that "if we don't build enough infrastructure, AI will be a very limited resource that wars get fought over, and that becomes mostly a tool for rich people."

Biden addressed the need for the US to become self-sufficient, noting in his statement that "we will not let America be out-built when it comes to the technology that will define our future."

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The executive order will likely be a boost for private sector companies that have shown increasing interest in AI infrastructure development over the past few years.

In September, Microsoft and BlackRock announced the creation of a $30 billion megafund designed to drive "significant infrastructure investment" and "enhance American competitiveness in AI." The fund's total investment potential is $100 billion, they said.

SoftBank boss Masayoshi Son, whose company is betting big on AI, also committed in December to investing $100 billion in AI infrastructure in the US over the next four years after meeting President-elect Donald Trump.

Read the original article on Business Insider
The White House announced a plan to lift the designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism, sending the incoming Trump administration another curveball just days before President Joe Biden leaves office.

The Government of Cuba has not provided any support for international terrorism during the preceding 6-month period, the White House said in a certification of the decision. The Government of Cuba has provided assurances that it will not support acts of international terrorism in the future.

As Biden notified Congress of the move on Tuesday, Cuba was expected to release a number of political prisoners on humanitarian grounds after talks with the Catholic Church, according to senior administration officials .

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Trump made a similar last-minute switch in 2021 , reversing the Obama administrations removal of Cuba from the state sponsor of terrorism list shortly before he stepped down in January.

However, as soon as next week, the 47th president may have an opportunity to undo his predecessors Cuba calls all over again.

Trumps pick for top diplomat is Florida Senator Marco Rubio , whose family fled Cuba before the communist revolution in the 1950s.

Though Cuban-American, Rubio is known for his hardline stances in foreign policy and has long supported sanctions on the communist state.

Rubios confirmation hearing as Secretary of State is scheduled for Wednesday.
Outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden's team delivered a message to Russian President Vladimir Putin to put an end to Russian intelligence's suspected plans to smuggle incendiary devices onto U.S.-bound cargo planes, The New York Times reported on Jan. 14, citing unnamed sources.

Moscow has been suspected of being behind incidents in July 2024 that saw several parcels sent by individuals catch fire in warehouses in Germany and the U.K. The fires could have resulted in plane crashes if they had happened during the flight.

The U.S. media wrote that these operations were intended as preparations for similar plots targeting the U.S. and Canada, which reportedly alarmed White House officials.

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U.S. intelligence obtained conversations in August 2024 between Russian secret service officers discussing details of the plan. The White House, uncertain whether the Russian leader knew about the plan, warned Putin through back-channel communication to stop the operation, the outlet wrote.

At least five high-ranking Russian officials, including foreign intelligence chief Sergey Naryshkin, FSB head Alexander Bortnikov, and presidential advisor Yuriy Ushakov, were contacted to ensure Putin received the Biden administrations warning.

The article does not reveal the details or nature of this warning.

Russia has long engaged in a variety of disruptive behavior toward Europe, also using its cyber capabilities to target civilian infrastructure. Moscow is responsible for 80% of all the foreign influence operations in Europe, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said at a conference in Prague in October 2024.

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Read also: Russia suspected of plot to smuggle flammable parcels onto US-bound planes, media reports

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The dome of the Montana Capitol, with the statue of Mike and Maureen Mansfield in the lower center (By Darrell Ehrlick of the Daily Montanan).

A bill to streamline the way state agencies respond to public records requests will more effectively administer the right to know, protected in the state Constitution, said the sponsor.

But a couple of opponents said it raises concerns about costs, and, therefore, accessibility to records.

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House Bill 100, sponsored by Rep. Bill Mercer, R-Billings, is a progression of a couple of other bills from 2023, Mercer told a House committee on Friday.

Mercer said one bill addressing public records in 2023 focused only on cabinet level agencies, and HB 100 would cover other parts of state government. He said it would ensure requests are fulfilled in a timely fashion and standardize the process along with costs.

Generally, Mercer said, HB 100 will follow the lessons learned from the previous bills, Senate Bill 232, sponsored by Sen. Janet Ellis, D-Helena, and House Bill 580, which Mercer sponsored.

Those bills helped shed light on the way requests are handled, he said. For instance, how many requests do agencies receive? How much time does it take to fulfill them?

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HB 100 was born out of that implementation, he said. It was requested by the Department of Administration and is supported by the Governors Office.

Mercer said lawmakers will hear a concern the bill will unduly burden access to public information. He said he doesnt want to create a process that is onerous, but research and providing records to the public takes resources.

On the other hand, there is no question that there is a cost associated with the work that the various departments have to do, Mercer said.

One amendment will impose a cap to do the research at $25 an hour, and Mercer said he views it as a friendly amendment to address some worries of opponents.

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Jim Strauss, representing the Montana Newspaper Association and the Montana Freedom of Information Hotline, said members appreciate the bills attempt to bring consistency to responses to records requests  and Mercers willingness to hear them.

The Montana Freedom of Information Hotline helps people with records requests, and a decade or more ago, the majority of calls it received were from members of the media, said Strauss, a former newspaper publisher.

Now, its helping members of the public more frequently than journalists, he said.

But members of the public are being quoted varying costs, from several hundred dollars to as high as $2,000, which he said has a chilling effect on their ability to access the records.

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Many members of the public give up at that point and just end up frustrated, Strauss said.

Its the duty of state agencies to ensure the publics right to know is served, he said, but if the cost is too expensive, the right to know is not served.

Ronda Wiggers, with the Montana Broadcasters Association, said her organization will oppose the bill until its amended to cap the hourly rate at $25 for research.

However, she said she supports the effort by the Department of Administration and Governors Office to ensure people dont get different treatment by different agencies when it comes to records requests.

Thats very encouraging and highly appreciated, Wiggers said.

The committee did not take action on the bill Friday, and an online bill tracker said it had not done so Monday either.
(Photo by Getty Images)

A while back, Rep. Katie Zolnikov went to a new gastropub in Billings and ordered a glass of wine with notes of straw and apple.

Those notes? They fell flat.

I really wish I would have just had the option for a splash, said Zolnikov, R-Billings.

Tuesday in the House Business and Labor committee, Zolnikov presented House Bill 123, which would allow customers at places like wine bars to self-serve using an electronic device that measures amounts  from splashes to glasses.

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The bill almost made it through a previous session, but it died on a 25-25 vote in the Senate, she said, and Zolnikov believes thats because people got the wrong idea about the term self-serve.

Its like, either the Wild West, or its like, the year 3000 and theres just robots and theres no human interaction, Zolnikov said of the misconceptions.

Neither is true, she said, and shes picking up the baton from where the sponsor last time left off  Rep. Ed Buttrey, R-Great Falls, and, incidentally, chairman of the committee.

The bill still requires servers to ensure people arent drinking too much, she said. It allows establishments approved by the Department of Revenue to offer customers a card or device loaded with a predetermined volume of beer or wine.

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Zolnikov explained how it might work, out and about.

For example, if customers want to try different styles of wine at a wine bar, she said, an employee does an ID check and gives a customer an electronic card or device set with amounts.

Customers can view a wall of wine selections, swipe the card at the style of wine they want, and punch in the amount they want to order, she said.

It is like going to a gas station and looking at the slushy machine, Zolnikov said.

She said servers can still bring food and water to the tables.

No one opposed the bill in committee, and proponents said it makes good sense for labor and for hospitality.

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We check out ourselves at the grocery store. A lot of people like that, said Brad Griffin, with the Montana Retail Association and Montana Restaurant Association.

(Griffin said he also represents other groups, including tire dealers, and Buttrey suggested he might be representing the spare tire association in this case.)

Griffin said he believes the bill is the future of hospitality and would help reduce overpours too, the biggest source of lost revenue.

Machines pour the exact same amount every time, he said.

Rep. Ron Marshall, R-Hamilton, said I love the concept, and he believes it would help businesses.

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I think this would be a huge benefit, would it not, to compensate for labor? Marshall asked.

Griffin agreed.

Rep. Bob Carter, D-Missoula, said Montana already has a problem with overindulgence, and he wondered how the bill would affect it.

Would you say this helps contribute to the overindulgence  or the opposite?

John Iverson, with the Montana Tavern Association, said he believes it will help control it. Who knows which customer drank most of the pitcher now?

The committee didnt take action on the bill Tuesday, and Zolnikov said already, people have been pouring their own beers out of pitchers anyway. She said the bill clarifies they arent doing anything illegal too.

Technically, thats self-serve, Zolnikov said.
KENTUCKY (FOX 56)  The Kentucky General Assembly commenced the 2025 Regular Session on Jan. 7, putting a fresh batch of policies on the table.

House Bill 67 was introduced in the House on day one, and it aims to raise the minimum wage in the Commonwealth.

Read more of the latest news in politics

According to the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet, the minimum wage was set at $7.25 per hour on July 1, 2009. Kentucky hasnt seen the minimum wage raised in 16 years.

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The bill, sponsored by Rep. Daniel Grossberg (D), would incrementally raise the minimum wage over four years. If the bill were to pass, the minimum wage would see an immediate increase to $9.50 on the effective date of House Bill 67.

Hardworking Kentuckians are struggling to make ends meet and deserve to make a decent living. For most of us, the cost of living has long outpaced wages, Rep. Grossberg told FOX 56.

Heres a look at how the minimum wage could change in Kentucky with the passage of House Bill 67:

Beginning on the effective date of House Bill 67  $9.50

July 1, 2026  $11

July 1, 2027  $12.50

July 1, 2028  $14

July 1, 2029  $15

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

For employees who receive tips of more than $30 regularly, House Bill 67 would require such employees to be paid no less than $5 hourly. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the minimum cash wage for tipped employees is currently $2.13.

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Its time to set things right for those who havent gotten a raise since 2009. My bill would raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour for 343,000 of our friends and neighbors, Rep. Grossberg said.

House Bill 67s progress can be tracked here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
Idaho state Sen. Brandon Shippy, R-New Plymouth, takes his seat on the Senate floor before legislative action begins on Jan. 7, 2025, at the State Capitol Building in Boise. (Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun)

The fee to obtain a four-year drivers license for seniors age 63 and older would go down by $5 if a new bill introduced Tuesday afternoon in the Idaho Legislature is passed into law.

The Senate Transportation Committee voted unanimously Tuesday to introduce the new bill, which would decrease the fee for seniors to obtain a drivers license from $35 to $30.

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Sen. Brandon Shippy, R-New Plymouth, said he sponsored the bill after a constituent told him that seniors pay a higher rate for drivers licenses than the general adult population. Shippy told the committee that seniors 63 and older are required to renew their drivers license every four years, while adults from ages 21 to 62 have the option to renew every eight years.

The issue is that the cost of an eight-year driver is $60, but it would cost seniors $70 over eight years to renew a four-year drivers license twice for $35.

They feel like they are disproportionately forced to pay a higher price, and so theyve asked me to run this on their behalf, Shippy said. Thats really who Im fighting for and even bringing this (for).

Introducing the bill clears the way to return to the Senate Transportation Committee for a full public hearing.

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Shippys new bill will be assigned a bill number and posted publicly on the Idaho Legislatures website after it is read across the desk on the floor of the Idaho Senate, likely on Wednesday.

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Two different strains of bird flu have been cropping up across the country, posing a threat to livestock and possibly raising prices at the grocery store.

So far, only one case has been reported in Vermont, and none have been reported in the North Country.

According to the CDC, HPAI A is affecting dairy cattle and has shown up in sixteen states across the nation.

The avian strain of H5N1, affecting birds, has hit just over one hundred flocks across the country.

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There have been no reports of either strain in New York. But local farmers are still concerned and taking precautions to protect their animals.

Mary Bushey has a small flock of 15 chickens at her farm in Beekmantown.

At the moment it is not a big concern because there hasnt been a lot of reports of bird flu in this particular area, she said. But it is something that you think about and something that you worry about because we have a lot of sparrows that get into the chicken coop and those sparrows can carry the bird flu.

Meanwhile, the chickens at Giroux Poultry, in Chazy are kept indoors and have no interaction with wild birds. But the threat could come from the people working there.

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You dont want your people tracking in (contaminates) working with the flocks, said Greg Giroux. You have to be careful that when people go in they have clean shoes and clean clothes. We have boot baths. We disinfect all vehicles that come on the farm. We try and keep the hen houses themselves relatively safe zones where theyre clean and isolated.

If a single bird in a flock contracts the flu, the entire flock must be de-populated or killed.

Giroux said if a bird tests positive, the government comes in and stops the spread by de-populating the entire facility or farm.

Giroux Poultry has been lucky, so far. Poultry farmers in other parts of the country have not been quite so lucky.

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Giroux said that this year the industry has de-populated about 40 million, which is about 15 percent of the nations total flock.

That is most likely a main cause for the increase in egg prices across the nation. When the supply is constricted, egg prices generally go up. Some stores are currently selling eggs for more than $5.00 per dozen.

For small backyard bird owners, security measures are a bit simpler and more limited.

You have to keep an eye on the birds to make sure theyre still healthy and theres no problems with them, said Bushey.

The CDC said bird flu infections among humans, although possible, are rare, and would likely be a result of prolonged contact with an infected bird, and without proper PPE such as masks, gloves and eye protection.

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A retired police officer headed to Florida for his honeymoon was falsely accused of human trafficking by a traveler who spotted the ex-cop, who is Black, with his new wife, who is white, and believed he was witnessing a crime in progress, according to a bombshell federal lawsuit obtained by The Independent.

In September 2022, newlyweds Anthony Williams and Katsiaryna Shasholka were aboard American Airlines flight 2408, from their hometown of Phoenix, Arizona, to Miami, when a fellow passenger became suspicious and reported the mixed-race couple to the cabin crew, the complaint states.

The passenger claimed Williams, 63, was transporting Shasholka, 34, against her will, an obvious example of racial profiling and abject discrimination, it says.

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He had no reason to believe Shasholka was in any danger, the complaint goes on, which includes a selfie the happy couple took during the flight of themselves smiling and enjoying themselves. Nevertheless, crewmembers took the passenger at his word and  without doing any of their own due diligence  told law enforcement that Williams was trafficking his own wife, according to the complaint.

Upon landing, our clients were falsely imprisoned by American Airlines employees who escorted them off of the plane [and] were made to wait, confused and embarrassed, as the other passengers deplaned and walked by them, the complaint goes on.

In a bombshell lawsuit, Anthony Williams and Katsiaryna Shasholka accuse American Airlines of racial profiling (AFP via Getty Images)

Williams and Shasholka were then questioned by officers with the Miami-Dade Police Department, leaving the two humiliated, the complaint contends, which says the entire interaction was captured on camera.

The experience has since caused the two mental pain and suffering, sleeplessness, paranoia, panic attacks, fear, anxiety, [and] embarrassment, the complaint states.

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In a phone interview on Tuesday, Williams told The Independent that he contacted American the next day and was told to file a complaint online, but has never heard back since. He said the episode continues to affect both him and Shasholka, who recently had a panic attack while the two were flying to Dubai.

There was nothing in our interactions the entire flight that would be indicative of somebody who was being held against their will, Williams said. We were just two people having a good time.

Attorney Jasmine Rand , a noted civil rights crusader who has represented the families of Trayvon Martin , an unarmed Black teen who was shot dead in 2012 by an overeager neighborhood watch captain, and George Floyd , an unarmed Black man strangled to death in 2020 by Minneapolis police, filed the suit on behalf of Williams and Shasholka.

My client is a retired police officer, Rand told The Independent. He spent his life fighting crime, and now to be accused of a crime so heinous as trafficking his own wife is unfathomable. He is committed to fighting for justice for himself and for others that have suffered racial discrimination at the hands of American Airlines.

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An American Airlines spokesperson said in an email, American strives to provide a positive experience to everyone who travels with us. We are reviewing the allegations of the complaint.

The happy couple were headed to Miami for their honeymoon when everything went sideways, according to their complaint (Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

The carrier has a pattern and practice of profiling racial minorities, according to the complaint.

It goes on to lay out details of three specific instances in which American allegedly mistreated Black passengers in recent years.

In September 2023, professional guitarist David Ryan Harris, who has played with John Mayer, Dave Matthews, and Mariah Carey, was accused of trafficking his own children on a flight from Atlanta to Los Angeles, according to the complaint. Upon deplaning, Harris and his sons, Truman and Hendrix, were intercepted at the top of the jetway by an American Airlines employee and four police officers who had been notified by a flight attendant that called ahead with some sort of concern that his biracial children were not his children, because they were unresponsive during an interaction with her, the complaint states.

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American later expressed regret for what had happened , saying in a statement, Our flight attendant in question wanted to make sure that you were aware that they sincerely offer a heartfelt apology to you and your family for their actions, and the results that their actions generated.

In January 2024, three Black men who did not know one another and were not seated together were kicked off American flight 832 from Phoenix to New York City after a white flight attendant complained about offensive body odor, according to a lawsuit the trio subsequently filed . Five other Black passengers were also removed from the aircraft, the mens complaint alleged. The case was later settled in a confidential agreement; American told The Independent at the time that it was committed to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment to all customers.

Upon landing, Williams and Shasholka were questioned by officers with the Miami-Dade PD, leaving the pair humiliated, their complaint states (Getty Images)

The following month, Pamela Hill-Veal, a retired Black circuit court judge, was seated in first-class aboard an American flight from Chicago to Phoenix but prohibited by a flight attendant from using the first-class lavatory. Instead, the 70-year-old Hill-Veal was instructed to use the restroom at the back of the aircraft, Williams and Shasholkas complaint states. Shortly before landing, Hill-Veal used the first-class restroom anyway, after which the same flight attendant threatened her with arrest. After landing, Hill-Veal was escorted off the plane and met by police, who declined to arrest her, according to the complaint.

In a statement, American responded, We strive to ensure that every customer has a positive travel experience, and we take all claims of discrimination very seriously.

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American Airlines and its employees had a duty to protect [Williams and Shasholka] from false accusations of criminal misconduct and/or of misconduct that could lead passengers to being removed from the aircraft, threatened with arrest, subjected to racial profiling, harassment, discrimination, false imprisonment, and intentional infliction of emotional distress, as dictated by federal law, their complaint argues.

Rand said on Tuesday that American Airlines had no excuse for falsely accusing my client of human trafficking of his own wife, and it is yet another case of clear racial discrimination.

Acts of racial discrimination are widespread throughout American Airlines indicating a clear failure to train its employees and to hold them accountable when they engage in discriminatory misconduct, she told The Independent.

The couple is demanding compensatory and punitive damages, to be determined in court, plus attorneys fees.

American has 21 days from January 9, the date Williams and Shasholkas lawsuit was filed, to respond to the allegations.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  Austins Blanton Museum of Art welcomed a record-breaking number of visitors in 2024, contrasting a struggle that nearly half of all museums in the country are facing.

According to a release from the Blanton Museum of Art at The University of Texas at Austin, the museum welcomed 260,899 visitors during the 2024 calendar year. That number exceeds numbers seen prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, something many other museums across the country are struggling to bounce back from.

A recent survey by the American Alliance of Museums indicated that half of U.S. museums reported attendance levels below pre-pandemic figures. The Blantons attendance last year exceeded previous highs, per the release.

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The Blanton said the record-breaking attendance followed a period of significant growth and transformation for the museum, which included renovation of the grounds  almost 200,000 square feet of redesigned public outdoor space with new architectural features designed by award-winning firm Snhetta, large-scale artworks, the Moody Patio and the Butler Sound Gallery.

Past coverage | Blanton Museum to celebrate new grounds, hours and programs this spring

Over the last decade, initiatives like the opening of Austin by Ellsworth Kelly, our groundbreaking exhibitions and education programs, and most recently, the redesign of our grounds by the internationally acclaimed firm Snhetta, have played a key role in establishing us as one of the most highly attended and prestigious university art museums in the country, said Director Simone Wicha. As the primary art museum for both UT Austin and the greater Austin community, welcoming and engaging a wide audience is central to our mission. The grounds reinforced this by expanding the museum experience outdoors with the Moody Patio and Butler Sound Gallery. Were thrilled to see such a positive response from Austinites, the University community and visitors from across the country and world.

A view of the metallic canopy outside the Blanton Museum of Art in Austin on March 30, 2024. (Courtesy Steve Snyder) New grounds at Blanton Museum of Art (KXAN photo/Jake Sykes) Ellsworth Kellys Austin exhibit at the Blanton Museum (KXAN Photo/Alyssa Goard) Ellsworth Kellys Austin exhibit at the Blanton Museum_ The Blanton Museum of Art announced Friday a grand opening celebration this May, to commemorate the facilitys new grounds and programs. (Courtesy: Blanton Museum of Art)

The Blanton also noted that it has worked to expand its programs to keep up with the city of Austins rapid growth, saying it has seen a significant increase in tourist visitation. In 2024, tourists accounted for more than 50% of paid attendance, the majority visiting on weekends, according to the museum.

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The Blanton Museum offers free access to its grounds, which includes the Moody Patio, Butler Sound Gallery, and several notable art installations, plus free admission to its galleries and Ellsworth Kellys Austin (the temple for light) on Tuesdays.

The Blanton Museum also saw its largest-ever attendance on an Austin Museum Day this year, with more than 7,500 visitors for the citywide free museum admission day.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin, who are departing the office, explained in a joint column for The New York Times the risks of withdrawing military aid to Ukraine and a premature ceasefire..

Source: NYT, as reported by European Pravda

Details: In the article, Austin and Blinken list the levers that should be used, including by the future US administration, to put an end to Vladimir Putin's war and achieve permanent peace, allowing Ukrainians to deter further Russian aggression and protect their country..

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Blinken and Austin emphasised that Putin maintains his imperial ambitions, so potentially cutting aid to Ukraine and forcing a premature ceasefire would simply "allow Mr. Putin to rest, refit and eventually reattack".

Quote: "This would be peace through surrender, which would be no peace at all," Blinken and Austin said.

They stressed that in such a scenario, Ukraine would be crushed under Putin's boot, Europe would be under the shadow of a tyrant seeking to rebuild the collapsed Moscow empire, and American allies in other countries could face new risks of aggression from other autocrats.

In addition, according to Blinken and Austin, the United States will have to spend more resources and take greater risks "to defend not only against an emboldened Russian leader but also against other autocrats and agents of chaos bent on tearing down the system of rules, rights and responsibilities that has made generations of Americans more secure and more prosperous."

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Quote: "Pursuing a policy of peace through strength is vital to Ukraines survival and Americas security. The United States and its allies and partners must continue to stand by Ukraine and strengthen its hand for the negotiations that will someday bring Mr. Putins war of aggression to an end," Blinken and Austin said.

Background:

The day before, US President Joe Biden, summing up his administration's foreign policy, mentioned Russia's war against Ukraine and reiterated that Moscow had not achieved its "strategic goals".

Earlier, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that the current US leadership is making sure that it gives the incoming Trump administration the strongest possible hand to play around the world.

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Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday said normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia is ready to go, but requires following through on ending the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip and a commitment to a pathway to a Palestinian state.

Blinken, speaking at the Atlantic Council, said negotiations to achieve a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas could happen in the next few hours or next few days, a first, critical step in the plan the Biden administration has laid out to capitalize on major power balances shifting in the Middle East.

We stand here today with a historic window of opportunity still open, Blinken said.

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The Trump administration failed in its first term to secure ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia under the banner of their Abraham Accords, which marked a major shift in Israels integration into the region with ties established with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

The Biden administration has said it was on the brink of achieving Israeli-Saudi ties under the Abraham Accords, but that was frozen with Hamass Oct. 7 terrorist attack and Israels subsequent war against Hamas.

Opposition to a Palestinian state grew among the Israeli population traumatized from Hamass attack, even at the expense of Saudi normalization. And the death toll and humanitarian crisis wrought on the Palestinians amid Israels war hardened, even more, attitudes in Arab and Gulf countries that a Palestinian state is necessary.

The need to end the war in Gaza and for a credible road to Palestinian statehood is all the more urgent for Riyadh, Blinken said.

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Israelis will have to decide if actually realizing a foundational dream, being integrated into the region whether that is worth also the decisions necessary to finally resolve their relationship with the Palestinians, as well as ending the conflict in Gaza, he said. Thats a decision that only they can make.

Blinken said the Biden administration is handing off to President-elect Trump a detailed post-conflict plan for Gaza that would include Israel fully withdrawing from the territory, preventing Hamas from filling back in, and providing for Gazas governance, security and reconstruction.

The plan would require a reformed Palestinian Authority (PA) alongside international partners to establish and help run an interim administration with responsibility for banking, water, energy, health and civil coordination with Israel. The international community would provide funding, technical support and oversight, Blinken said.

The interim administration would include Palestinians from Gaza and representatives from the PA but would hand over complete responsibility to a fully reformed PA as soon as its feasible.

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A senior United Nations official would work in close cooperation with administrators while overseeing international stabilization and recovery efforts, the secretary continued. An interim security mission would be made up of members of partner nation security forces and vetted Palestinian personnel.

We would stand up a new initiative to train, to equip, to vet a PA-led security force for Gaza to focus and gradually take over for the interim security mission. These arrangements would be enshrined in a UN Security Council Resolution, Blinken said.

The secretary said that partner nations have said they would participate in an interim security force, but if, and only if, it is agreed that Gaza and the West Bank are reunified under a reformed PA as part of a pathway to an independent Palestinian state.

And therein lies the rub, Blinken continued. Reaching agreement will require all parties to summon the political will to make hard decisions, to make hard compromises.

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Blinken said the Biden administration has set up an agreement with Saudi Arabia on a U.S.-Saudi component of normalization with Israel, to include establishing Saudi Arabia as a treaty ally of the U.S.; a defense cooperation agreement; an energy agreement that includes civil nuclear cooperation, and an economic agreement to bolster bilateral trade and investment for both sides.

The prospect of normalization between Israel and Saudi Arabia represents the best opportunity to achieve the long sought goal of Israels greater integration in the region, and is also the best incentive to get the parties to make tough decisions necessary to fully realize the aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians and cut the Gordian knot that has held back progress up to this point, Blinken said.

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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, senior national political reporter Sahil Kapur explains how the confirmation hearings for Donald Trumps Cabinet picks, which get underway tomorrow, will serve as an early loyalty test for Senate Republicans. Plus, senior national politics reporter Matt Dixon dives into how Ron DeSantis is preparing Florida for Trumps looming immigration crackdown.

 Deputy politics editor Adam Wollner

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Blizzard of confirmation hearings to provide an early Trump test for Senate Republicans

By Sahil Kapur

During the kickoff of a bonanza of confirmation hearings Tuesday to fill President-elect Donald Trumps Cabinet, the focus will largely be on a select group of nominees who face choppy waters.

But the new Republican-led Senate will also be in the spotlight for an early glimpse at how they will handle Trumps wishes in his second term.

With each nominee requiring 50 votes for confirmation, they will only have a three-vote margin for GOP defections before requiring Democratic votes.

The hearings will test whether the scuttling of Matt Gaetzs short-lived bid to be attorney general was a one-off rejection or a signal that Senate Republicans will flex their advice-and-consent muscle. Trump and his allies have since piled pressure onto senators to back his remaining picks. Will they come into the hearings asking tough questions and be open to voting no if theyre unsatisfied? Or will they come in with the intention of getting to yes, even if it means steering clear of the tough questions and setting aside their concerns?

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Some have made clear that they will defer to Trump on his selections. Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso, R-Wyo., said Sunday on CBS Face the Nation that he will support every one of these nominees.

Then there are those like Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, who has well-documented skepticism toward Pete Hegseth, Trumps embattled pick to lead the Defense Department. She isnt alone, but Ernst faces re-election in 2026 and risks a primary challenger if she stands in Trumps way.

With Tulsi Gabbard, whom Trump chose to be director of national intelligence, concerns persist on both sides of the aisle due to her past dealings with former Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. Theres little indication that she has assuaged them. As part of her damage control, Gabbard recently reversed her position on Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, endorsing the controversial spying power.

And the long history of vaccine skepticism and support for abortion rights has created issues in both parties for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as he seeks to become health and human services secretary.

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With roughly a dozen hearings scheduled this week ahead of Trumps inauguration next Monday, the Senate is bracing for a little bit of a train wreck in the coming days, Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, said.

Some of Trumps choices, most notably secretary of state pick Marco Rubio, currently a senator from Florida, will likely sail through with plenty of Democratic votes.

But for the more controversial selections, Republican senators will need to decide how much they want to risk rocking the boat with Trump as he looks to get his new administration up and running.

Read more on the start of the confirmation hearings 

Trumps backyard begins prep for his immigration crackdown

President-elect Donald Trump hasnt yet outlined all the specifics of how his day-one executive orders will clear the way for the mass deportation of undocumented immigrants that was a core part of his campaign.

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But Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says he got a briefing  and hes mobilizing his state to get in line with the incoming administrations goals.

On Monday, DeSantis called his state Legislature into a special session starting Jan. 27 to, in part, pass a sweeping immigration bill that will aim to align with executive orders Trump is expected to sign shortly after he takes office Jan. 20, Matt Dixon reports from Tallahassee. DeSantis said he has personally spoken to the president-elect about the policy ideas.

We will tailor what we are doing to mirror what their policies are going to be, DeSantis told reporters. While he didnt delve into too many specifics on what hes heard from the incoming administration, the Florida governor did say that he anticipates that Trump is likely to expand the so-called 287(g) program.

Thats the program that allows U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to delegate to local officials the authority to perform some functions generally reserved for federal immigration officials.

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Under the current program, state and local governments can opt in to the program, but DeSantis hopes that Floridas Republican-dominated Legislature will use his special session to make the program mandatory. Any final decision on language would come after Trump issues his executive orders.

We are going to say sheriffs and municipalities are going to be part of 287(g), he said.

While some of Trumps big policy goals will require new legislation and that process is expected to take some time, theres a lot of room for his new administration to take unilateral action on immigration. This is part of the first wave of immigration actions it is planning, which could include high-profile workplace raids, according to NBC News reporting.





 Todays top stories

 A new approach: Across business, media and the Democratic Party, leaders who once shunned or battled Trump are now seeking to bolster their ties or extend olive branches ahead of his second term. Read more 

 Jack Smith report update: Federal Judge Aileen Cannon denied a request to extend an injunction banning the Justice Department from releasing a volume of a report former special counsel Jack Smith issued on Trump's efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss. Smith resigned from the DOJ over the weekend. Read more 

 Ceasefire hopes: A ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas is on the brink of coming to fruition, President Joe Biden said Monday. Read more 

 California wildfires: California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom joined Meet the Press over the weekend, where he said the wildfires in his state could be one of the worst natural disasters in the countrys history and pushed back on Trumps criticisms. Meanwhile, Trumps team is discussing a possible trip to Los Angeles. Read more 

 Student loan relief: Biden announced his administration had approved student loan relief for more than 150,000 borrowers, bringing the total number who have had their student debt canceled to over 5 million. Read more 

 Pardon? Vice President-elect JD Vance told Fox News Sunday that protesters who committed violence during the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot should not be pardoned. Read more 

 In the states: State lawmakers around the country are proposing bills that would ban or restrict the use of cellphones in public schools. Read more 

Thats all From the Politics Desk for now. Todays newsletter was compiled by Adam Wollner, Scott Bland and Bridget Bowman.

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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
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The federal government is asking for public comments on a plan to withdraw about 1,805 acres from possible mining activity along U.S. 95 just northwest of the Las Vegas valley.

The land, about five miles from the Kyle Canyon turnoff on the way to Indian Springs, holds cultural significance to the Las Vegas Tribe of Paiute Indians of the Las Vegas Indian Colony, according to a Monday news release from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

Tribal lands in the area already present a barrier to continued residential development up U.S. 95, but the public land in question is beyond that, to the east of the highway.

The land is bordered on the north and east by Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument.

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The action today, published in the Federal Register, stops new mining claims in the area for two years as the proposal is studied. If approved, the land would be set aside for 20 years.

Public comment on the proposal opened today (Jan. 14) and will close on April 14.

Ash Meadows, Amargosa Valley get federal reprieve as mining exploration stops

The withdrawal would set aside the lands from appropriation under the public land laws, including location and entry under the United States mining laws but not from disposal of mineral materials or leasing under the mineral and geothermal leasing laws, for 20 years, subject to valid existing rights, according to a BLM news release.

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All comments, including the name and address of respondents, will be available for public review and can be delivered to BLM Las Vegas Field Office, 4701 N. Torrey Pines Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89130.

A public meeting is not currently scheduled, but the BLM could determine that a meeting is warranted based on the public comments it receives.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
Jan. 14Niagara Falls

ARREST: A Falls woman was arrested and charged with more than 10 vehicle and traffic law violations and a felony and misdemeanor after police said she led them on a slow-speed chase throughout the city at 2:27 a.m. Friday. Shavonna M. Jordan, 37, 3326 Church St., was charged with second-degree criminal mischief, third-degree fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle, impeding traffic, failure to yield the right of way to an emergency vehicle, moving from lane unsafely, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, unsafe backing, wrong way on a one-way road, driving in the center lane, improper passing, first-degree operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs, reckless driving, and violating a traffic control device. Officers said Jordan twice ran into police patrol vehicles as they attempted to stop her and had to be forcibly taken into custody when she was stopped.

ARREST: A Falls woman was arrested after police said she led them on a slow-speed chase through the South End that ended in a vehicle crash at 11:20 a.m. Sunday. Diane Marie Rodriguez, 35, 1048 Centre Ave., was charged with failure to yield the right of way to an emergency vehicle, moving from lane unsafely, second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, no vehicle registration, no vehicle insurance and no driver's license.

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ARREST: A Grand Island man was arrested by Falls police, after he fought with officers who were assisting a Niagara County Sheriff's deputy in the 1500 block of Military Road at 6:41 p.m. Friday. The 44-year-old man was charged with resisting arrest. Officers said they were taking him into custody on a shoplifting charge, at the request of the deputy, when the suspect began to fight with them.

ARREST: A Falls man was arrested after police said he fought with them as they investigated a report of a "man with a knife" in the 8700 block of Niagara Falls Boulevard at 2:20 a.m. Sunday. The 42-year-old man was charged with resisting arrest and second-degree obstructing governmental administration.

ARREST: A Cheektowaga woman was arrested after a shoplifting incident at a store in the 7400 block of Niagara Falls Boulevard at 6 p.m. Friday. The 22-year-old woman was charged with petit larceny. She is accused of taking more than $536 in merchandise without paying for the items.
A new endeavor is on the horizon for Jeff Bezos and Blue Origin: The maiden launch of his company's New Glenn rocket.

From concept to potential launch, it's been years in the making.

If the launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida, is successful, Blue Origin's 320-foot-tall New Glenn rocket will be certified to carry Department of Defense missions.

Cape Canaveral is an hour east of the Orlando theme parks. Depending on cloud cover, weather and visibility, people from Orlando, Daytona Beach to Cocoa Beach and Vero Beach might see a nice streak in the sky  given the proximity to NASA's Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The Space Coast of Florida includes 72 miles of coast, from Mims and Titusville to Melbourne and Grant-Valkaria.

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If you're not near Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral or surrounding areas from Florida's Space Coast, you can still see Blue Origins New Glenn rocket launch liftoff  virtually. Heres how to watch.

What is New Glenn?

In September 2015, Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos, joined by then-Florida Gov. Rick Scott, announced plans to build and launch New Glenn rockets on the Space Coast of Florida. The massive rocket successfully completed a hot-fire test in December 2024 and was set to launch in January 2025.

The company's YouTube bio sums it up: "We are building a road to space for the benefit of Earth, humanitys blue origin. Our team is focused on radically reducing the cost of access to space and harnessing its vast resources while mobilizing future generations to realize this mission. Blue Origin builds reusable rocket engines, launch vehicles, in-space systems, and lunar landers."

When will Jeff Bezos Blue Origin New Glenn rocket launch?

When it does happen, the launch will occur from Space Launch Complex-36, which will make for a spectacular sight from Brevard County's beaches. It's the only launchpad where people on the beach can watch the rocket from ignition to its climb into space.

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As of Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, the next attempt to launch New Glenn from Cape Canaveral is at 1 a.m. EDT Thursday, Jan. 16, according to FLORIDA TODAY's rocket launch calendar for January 2025. There will be a three-hour launch window.

Bookmark this link: Is there a launch today? Upcoming SpaceX, Blue Origin, NASA rocket launch schedule in Florida

Launching from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 36, the multi-stage New Glenn rocket is named for John Glenn. Blue Origin aims to land its New Glenn's first-stage booster on this first flight  on a seafaring platform named Jacklyn in honor of Jeff Bezos' mother.

Currently led by CEO Dave Limp, Blue Origin has already successfully launched and landed its single-stage New Shepard rocket multiple times in Texas. Named for Alan Shepard, that rocket has carried payloads and paying passengers on short suborbital rides to space.

How big is Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket? What does New Glenn look like compared to SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets?

Sept. 12, 2016: A graphic compares Blue Origin's New Glenn rockets to other rockets flying today or in development, and at far right, to the Saturn V that powered NASA's Apollo moon program.

A photo gallery attached to this story shows New Glenn from concept renderings dating back to 2016 to its attempted launches in January 2025.

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Blue Origin's 320-foot-tall New Glenn rocket seeks to perform a fully operational mission. A graphic above compares New Glenn to the Saturn V and United Launch Alliance's powerful Delta IV Heavy rocket.

Can a rocket launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Center or Cape Canaveral, Florida, be seen outside of Florida? Weather permitting and depending on cloud cover, yes. For example, readers have submitted photos or posted on social platforms pictures of Falcon Heavy, which is made up of three Falcon 9 rocket first stages, visible from Myrtle Beach.

Will it rain in Melbourne, Cocoa Beach or Cape Canaveral, Florida, today? Will weather cancel a rocket launch?

Shown is the National Weather Service-Melbourne radar, which shows conditions in real-time for the Space Coast and other parts of Florida.

How to watch Blue Origins New Glenn rocket launch from Florida online

During Blue Origins New Glenn rocket launch attempt, tune in to floridatoday.com/space for USA TODAY Network's Space Team live coverage and updates on the New Glenn launch, starting about two hours before liftoff. You can download the free app for iPhone or Android or type floridatoday.com/space into your browser.

Where to watch Blue Origin New Glenn rocket launch live

In Florida, we can best see this historic moment in person if you're anywhere on the Space Coast (Brevard County) or certain spots in the First Coast or Fun Coast (Volusia County) or the Treasure Coast (Indian River County, St. Lucie County and Martin County). Pro tip: If you do watch it in person, get to your viewing destination early and prepare to stay later after the launch because of heavy traffic.

How to watch Blue Origins New Glenn rocket launch from your phone, iPad or tablet with FLORIDA TODAY Space Team coverage

When and where: Full coverage of Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket launch, including a live webcast with live tweets and updates, kicks off about two hours before the launch window opens, at floridatoday.com/space (you can type this on your browser on your phone). The interactive livestream will feature in-depth coverage. Ask our FLORIDA TODAY space team reporters Rick Neale and Brooke Edwards questions and strike up a conversation. You also can watch coverage via the FLORIDA TODAY app, which is available in the App Store or Google Play. FLORIDA TODAY is part of the USA TODAY Network.

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How to watch Blue Origins New Glenn launch on TV, how to watch New Glenn rocket launch on YouTube

If you have streaming services on your flatscreen, computer, tablet or phone, you can watch Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket launch lift off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. This will require the FLORIDA TODAY app (see above) and the option to "mirror" from your phone to the TV, or the YouTube app to watch the Blue Origin live broadcast (when it is available on Blue Origin's YouTube channel).

From your TV apps, select the YouTube app, search for Blue Origin's channel and click on the New Glenn mission.

Get Blue Origin New Glenn rocket launch updates on X or Twitter (and whom to follow!)

The New Glenn-1 launch may be visible to those throughout the regions below, weather permitting. Heres when and where to look to the skies! pic.twitter.com/du8wehNiRE  Blue Origin (@blueorigin) January 11, 2025

Follow along with FLORIDA TODAY experts on Twitter: Space Team at @SpaceTeam, Rick Neale at @rickneale1, Brooke Edwards at @brookeofstars with amazing visuals from Craig Bailey at @cbphoto1. We'll link back to our live coverage at @Florida_Today and at floridatoday.com. For more updates or background about Blue Origins New Glenn launch from X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter and owned by SpaceX founder Elon Musk, follow @jeffbezos or @blueorigin. Launch coverage will be available on X via FLORIDA TODAY and Blue Origin.

How to watch Blue Origin New Glenn rocket launch live on Facebook

Blue Origin shares its broadcast link for New Glenn rocket launch livestreams on its Facebook page at facebook.com/blueorigin.

Can you watch Blue Origin New Glenn rocket launch from Florida on TikTok?

TikTok, the popular video-sharing social media platform, has no Blue Origin New Glenn rocket launch broadcast scheduled. However, there will likely be TikTok videos about the launch  from the Space Coast of Florida and beyond as this is a historic event.

Can you watch Blue Origin New Glenn rocket launch on Instagram?

Blue Origin has an official Instagram account (@blueorigin), but there is no announcement online whether the space agency will host an Instagram livestream. Likely, Blue Origin and/or billionaire Jeff Bezos will post about New Glenn on those social media network profiles. Instagram users may post Instagram Reels, posts or an Instagram Story about the Blue Origin New Glenn rocket launch if they're viewing it live from the Space Coast of Florida or just outside of Brevard County.

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For those wondering, NASA has an official Instagram account (@nasa) as well as an official account for NASA's Kennedy Space Center (@nasakennedy), but there is no mention of Blue Origin's launch being broadcast from the space agency's platforms.

FLORIDA TODAY will have coverage of the Blue Origin New Glenn maiden rocket launch on Instagram via @Florida_Today and veteran award-winning photojournalist Craig Bailey at @crbphoto1.

Sangalang is a lead digital producer for USA TODAY Network-Florida. Follow her on Twitter or Instagram at @byjensangalang. Support local journalism. Consider subscribing to a Florida newspaper.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: New Glenn launch live in Florida: How to watch on Twitter, YouTube
As fires continue to devastate Los Angeles County, a president will soon be inaugurated who has promised to withhold federal help from states like California if Democratic lawmakers there dont sing to his tune. Donald Trump threatened to withhold federal disaster relief from the state just months ago, and he recently repeated that threat.

Theres plenty of reason to believe Trump means it, too, considering he reportedly delayed or withheld disaster aid to blue states and Puerto Rico during his first term as president.

Republican lawmakers like Rep. Warren Davidson (R-Ohio) have also raised the idea in light of the California wildfires, while House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said on Monday that he believes federal aid should be conditional. It appears to us that state and local leaders were derelict in their duty in many respects. So thats something that has to be factored in, Johnson said, echoing the larger right-wing response to the fires, which has been to blame Democrats.

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Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) chimed in later on Monday. They dont deserve anything, to be honest with you, he said of the prospect of outside aid coming into California, citing inner-city woke policies.

The wildfires in California have burned roughly 40,000 acres of land  or about 62 square miles  which is nearly three times the size of Manhattan. The Santa Ana winds are expected to pick up and increase the risk of fires spreading further. If Trump were to deny a state like California federal aid during such a disaster, the consequences could be enormous.

It would be unprecedented. The longstanding protocol among presidential administrations has been to leave any kind of electoral politics behind when it comes to any disaster declarations, says Jesse Keenan, an associate professor and director of the Center on Climate Change and Urbanism at Tulane University. The impacts would be devastating.

In response to the Los Angeles fires, President Joe Biden on Jan. 8 approved a Major Disaster declaration that directed government funds to support the regions recovery and help pay for the cost of fighting the fires. The administration also deployed large air tankers and federal firefighting helicopters operated by the U.S. Forest Service to help fight the fires.

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There are different faces to federal involvement in disasters, says Daniel Farber, a law professor at the University of California, Berkeley. Theres somebody thats available beforehand to try to reduce risks of various kinds, theres the immediate disaster response where you see the guys with the FEMA jackets on the ground, and then theres this longer term rebuilding process, which can take years, and theres federal aid for reconstruction.

Beyond helping deal with the disaster initially, the most significant role of the federal government is to help the affected region recover. Keenan says that means helping to pay for debris removal and the repair of critical infrastructure. When necessary, it may also pay to upgrade infrastructure to help prepare for future threats.

These are very large upfront costs, Keenan says. The federal government, when they deploy this money for debris removal and for individual assistance and all of that money that floods in after a disaster, it really does a lot to stabilize the local economy. Without it  if you remove those federal dollars  you see a real delay in the return of what we call normal, stabilized economic outputs.

Without that money, Keenan says, it would take these communities a lot longer to recover from a disaster. That might mean another disaster could strike while the recovery from the last one is still ongoing. Federal resources allow a community to recover as quickly as possible and hopefully prepare for the next disaster before it happens.

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You could see damage to the community for years or decades if the federal government sort of boycotted the disaster relief, Farber adds.

Knowing that the Trump administration may be considering withholding federal aid from blue states in the future, governors and other leaders in these states may want to consider how to prepare for such an occasion. There are some things these lawmakers could do if help is denied, but they will never fully replace the impact of the federal government intervening.

There is a compact between the states to help each other called EMAC, Farber says. Thats been used quite a number of times. Thats a possibility, to make preparations and think about what other states you might want to call on and what you would ask them to do.

Keenan says he might recommend that blue states start to get financially prepared for disasters in ways they havent necessarily needed to in the past. That could involve putting money aside for future disasters and creating lines of credit for municipalities that could be affected.

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I would try to create budget line items where I start putting money away  where I have contingency funds, as well as opening pools for lines of credit for local governments, Keenan says. Its not just the cash. Its also creating credit facilities, which may mean lending pools, that local governments could borrow against for short-term credit needs.

Farber says that if the federal government decides to deny aid for purely political reasons, states may want to be prepared to sue the government and see how that plays out in the courts.

If the president just said no without an explanation, then it would be really hard to sue, Farber says. If the president said it was because you voted against him, then theres a chance of it succeeding in court.

The federal government is typically expected to step in and help a community when it faces a natural disaster, the idea being that were all in this together, and we should help each other in times of need, regardless of political affiliation. The Biden administration sent federal help to red states that had been ravaged by hurricanes last year, even while Trump tried to claim he was withholding it for political reasons.

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In moments like this, its time to put politics aside, Biden said during a visit to Georgia following Hurricane Helene. Its not one state versus another  its the United States.

Its clear Trump doesnt see it that way. The president-elect is transactional, and he is spiteful, so states may not be able to consistently rely on federal help going forward. However, Trump may find himself in a political bind if he starts threatening to withhold aid due to how the electoral map looks in this country.

Disproportionately in this country, disaster declarations are made in red counties, Keenan says. You can pick on Nevada or California or Virginia or wherever, but its not going to be so easy politically, he adds, noting that Trump could wind up hurting his own supporters by using disaster relief to carry out his political vendettas.

Perhaps, for this reason, he may be hesitant to do so. That being said, Trump has not always been known to let logic get in the way of his actions.

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Dalyce Curry, the 95-year-old actor who appeared in iconic films like The Blues Brothers and The 10 Commandments, has died in the Los Angeles wildfires.

The Eaton Fire has ripped through parts of Pasadena and nearby Altadena, where Curry's longtime home stood before becoming engulfed in flames. Her granddaughter Dalyce Kelley, who worked as a part-time caregiver for the former actress, realized something was wrong when she received a text alert that the power had gone out at her grandmother's house just hours after the fire broke out.

When Kelley rushed to the area to check on her grandmother, she was told she was too late. "'I'm sorry, your grandmother's property is gone. It totally burned down,'" an officer told her at a barricade, according to KABC.

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Kelley was eventually escorted by a member of the national guard to her grandmother's home. The family discovered her remains at the site.

"It was total devastation," Kelley said. "Everything was gone except her blue Cadillac."

Related: 'Eerie' Footage Taken From Plane Window Shows Raging Los Angeles Wildfires

Curry was a part of Old Black Hollywood in the 1950s. She appeared as an extra in movies like The 10 Commandments, The Blues Brothers, and Lady Sings the Blues. Although she was 95 years old, her family says she still had a lust for life up until the very end.

"She was very active," granddaughter Loree Beamer-Wilkinson said. "You would not think she was 95."

Related: Former Child Actor Killed in L.A. Wildfires

Local authorities continue to battle the ongoing Eaton Fire before more structuresand liveslike Curry's are lost.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  A defendant facing sex charges appeared in Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas Tuesday morning for his arraignment.

Read next: Bond set for man accused of rape in Mahoning County

Alexander Exline, of Boardman, was secretly indicted earlier this month on rape and other charges.

He appeared in court Tuesday after turning himself in to U.S. Marshals.

His bond was set at $50,000, and his trial is set for late March.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio (WJW)  Body camera video and 911 calls, released to the FOX 8 I-Team, are shedding new light on a double shooting that killed a 74-year-old grandmother and injured an 18-year-old man on Jan. 4 in Cleveland Heights.

Detectives have arrested a 16-year-old male on charges of murder and aggravated robbery.

They have also issued arrest warrants for 23-year-old Amin Walker Jr.

Unclaimed stimulus payments to hit accounts soon: IRS

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Walker also facing charges of murder and aggravated robbery.

Walker was convicted in 2019 of felonious assault in connection with the shooting of a priest in Cleveland. He was sentenced to six years in prison and was released in 2023. He is currently on parole in that case.

According to 911 calls made moments after the shooting, one man told police he was inside a room of the house when he heard the shooting. He said he did not know who fired the shots or why. Another called said two young girls were also in the basement of the home. They were not injured.

Body camera video obtained by the FOX 8 I-Team shows that once police arrived, the 18-year-old man went outside the home showing officers that he was shot in the leg. He was taken to the hospital.

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To know her was to love her: Bay Village college student dies after being hit by train

The grandmother, Edith Moore, died shortly after the shooting.

Police are not giving a motive for the shooting or saying if the suspects knew the victims.

Police are asking anyone who knows Walkers whereabouts to please call Cleveland Heights police detectives at (216) 291-3883.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
A former Northeastern University employee who lied to the FBI about a package blowing up in his arms at the Boston campus has been sentenced to just over a year in prison for the hoax.

Jason Duhaime, 47, from San Antonio, Texas, was convicted on the federal charges in June of intentionally conveying false and misleading information related to an explosive device and two counts of making materially false statements to a federal law enforcement agent. He was sentenced Monday.

Bomb hoaxes are not a harmless act, they inflict fear, divert resources and put both first responders and the public at real risk as they race to the scene, United States Attorney Joshua Levy said in a statement. One phone call may land you in jail.

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Duhaime worked as the universitys new technology manager and director of the Immersive Media Lab. In September 2022, he called the university police to say hed collected several packages from a mail area, including two Pelican hard plastic cases, and that when he opened one of the cases, it exploded and sharp objects flew out and injured his arms.

Duhaimes 911 call sparked a major response from law enforcement, who evacuated the area and called in the bomb squad.

He showed police a letter he told them hed found inside the case, which claimed the lab was trying to get people to live inside a virtual reality world and was secretly working with Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and the U.S. government.

In the case you got today we could have planted explosives but not this time!!! the note read, court documents show. Take notice!!! You have 2 months to take operations down or else!!!!!

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But Duhaimes story quickly unraveled, according to the FBI. They didnt find anything in the cases and noted the letter appeared to be in pristine condition. The FBI said Duhaime had superficial injuries to his arms, but no damage to his shirt sleeves. And when agents searched Duhaimes computer, they found a copy of the letter in a backup folder that hed written a few hours before calling 911.

Prosecutors, in their sentence memorandum, had requested Duhaime get a year and a day in jail for actions they called enormously disruptive and wasteful.

The defendant didnt just orchestrate a hoax: he perpetuated it by lying to investigators during multiple interviews, Levy wrote. Even worse, the last of these interviews was prompted by the defendant himself, when he unexpectedly summoned investigators to his hotel room in order to talk further. Rather than come clean, the defendant lied for a third time about the incident, even naming specific individuals who he thought might have a motive to harm the lab.

Duhaimes attorney argued that his client should be given time served, noting he had no criminal record, had struggling to find work and has repeatedly been hospitalized for spinal problems.

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Today, Mr. Duhaime is a convicted felon and, in many respects, a ruined man. His employment at Northeastern University was terminated after the incident, his public defender, Scott Lauer wrote. His life savings were depleted through the hiring of predecessor counsel. The notoriety of his case made it difficult for him to find employment and took a toll on his mental health; it also estranged him from family members and friends.

Northeastern, a private university, has more than 18,000 undergraduate students and 22,000 graduate students

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  A man accused of sex crimes appeared Tuesday morning for his arraignment in Mahoning County Court of Common Pleas.

Read next: Bullet and bloody snow left after bar fight

Bond is set at $75,000 for Michael Cornwell, 32, who is charged with rape and gross sexual imposition.

He entered not guilty pleas and remains in the county jail.

His trial is set for later this month.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. (WTNH)  Travelers moving through Bradley International Airport should now see signage providing important information about human trafficking, as part of the airports new campaign.

On Tuesday, leaders shared the strategies theyve adopted to help fight what they say is one of the fastest-growing criminal industries in the world. Traffickers often use air travel to transport their victims.

Love 146 educates for Human Trafficking Awareness Day

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Bradley International Airport is committed to educating our colleagues and passengers about this concerning issue, Connecticut Airport Authority Executive Director Kevin A. Dillon, A.A.E. said in a statement. We are joining airports across the nation in calling attention to human trafficking so we can raise awareness and ensure victims get the help they need.

The airport decided to launch a public awareness campaign, in partnership with Connecticuts Trafficking in Persons Council and Love146, a non-profit anti-child trafficking organization.

The campaign includes signage in the main terminal and the restrooms. They said the restrooms make an ideal location for signage as its one of the few times the victim may be separated from the traffickers.

Avelo Airlines starts flying from Bradley International Airport

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Love146 Chief Programs and Strategy Officer Erin Williamson said people often think human trafficking isnt a Connecticut problem. However, her organization has helped almost 1,000 people in its local Survivor Care program.

Since 2007, the National Human Trafficking Hotline received more than 2,000 reports of human trafficking in Connecticut through phone, text, and online submissions. In those submissions were more than 600 cases of human trafficking involving nearly 1,300 victims, according to airport officials.

Too often, victims of human trafficking go unnoticed- even when the crime is unfolding in our midst. Those being harmed need to be seen and supported. More understanding of human trafficking is critical, and steps like this are an important part of making that happen, Williamson said.

Bradley International Airport adds signage bringing awareness to human trafficking. Bradley International Airport adds signage bringing awareness to human trafficking. Bradley International Airport adds signage bringing awareness to human trafficking.

Airport officials shared the following information:

Signs that could indicate someone is a possible victim of human trafficking:

Traveler is unable to provide details about their travel, such as destination or flight information

Traveler has someone speaking for them

Adult traveler is not carrying their own identification documents

Traveler does not have any luggage

Traveler shows signs of physical abuse

Traveler exhibits fear, anxiety, tension, nervousness and/or avoids eye contact.

If you believe you have information on a human trafficking situation, or you may be a victim of human trafficking, contact:

Anonymously report suspected human trafficking to the Homeland Security Investigations Tip Line at 1-866-347-2423 or visit ice.gov/tips

Get help from the National Human Trafficking Hotline by calling 1-888-373-7888 or texting HELP or INFO to 233733 (BeFree)

If someone is in immediate physical danger, call 911

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
A Braintree man has been arrested for sex trafficking in Boston, police said Tuesday.

Sacharis Gathers, 20, is charged with trafficking for sexual servitude, deriving support from prostitution, possession of Class B (crack cocaine) and an outstanding straight warrant for violations of auto laws, police said. He is expected to be arraigned in South Boston District Court on Tuesday.

On Monday, members of the Boston Police Human Trafficking Unit working with the Massachusetts State Police High-Risk Victims Unit were investigating sexual exploitation of victims in the areas of Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard.

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Detectives saw an online advertisement for a victim that they were aware was sexually exploited and a victim of violent assaults, police said. Detectives called the phone number and made arrangements for a meetup.

At about 8:18 p.m., detectives saw a motor vehicle park at 69 Boston St. Detectives saw that the front seat passenger was the known victim. The victim got out of the vehicle and entered the location.

Detectives then arrested Gathers and placed him into handcuffs, police said.

Police also seized a plastic bag of crack cocaine and a glass jar containing two more plastic bags of crack cocaine.

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This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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Briar Cliff University announced two new scholarship programs for students. (Photo courtesy of Briar Cliff University)

Briar Cliff University in Sioux City will offer full or partial tuition coverage for certain students through new scholarship programs.

The private university announced Monday in a news release that it has launched two new scholarships aimed at Pell-eligible and Catholic students  The Iowa Commitment and the Catholic Connection Scholarship.

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At Briar Cliff, our mission extends beyond education; we cultivate a sense of purpose and faith that empowers students to lead meaningful lives, said Matthew Draud, president of Briar Cliff University, in the release. These scholarships embody our commitment to creating opportunities that transform lives and strengthen communities.

Students who qualify for maximum federal aid through the Pell Grant program and meet Briar Cliffs admissions requirements will have their tuition and mandatory undergraduate fee covered through The Iowa Commitment, according to the release. The scholarship will renew for students who remain at the university full-time, stay in good academic standing and maintain their Pell Grant eligibility.

The Catholic Connection Scholarship provides a 60% tuition discount to students who identify as Catholic, according to the release. Students can receive the discount for up to four years as long as they keep a minimum 2.0 grade-point average.

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According to the release, The Catholic Connection Scholarships goal of supporting Catholic students aligns with the Universitys mission to nurture academic excellence and spiritual growth rooted in Catholic faith and Franciscan values.

Both scholarships reinforce the colleges unwavering commitment to fostering educational opportunities and building a supportive environment for students, according to the release, by lowering barriers and investing in students futures.

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The only constitutionally mandated event on Inauguration Day is for the president-elect to take the oath of office. But on the first Inauguration Day, in 1789, George Washington did something else.

He gave a speech.

Every president since has followed his example and delivered an inaugural address as part of the national celebration.

This button from George Washingtons first inauguration visually unified the states of the Union. National Museum of American History

These addresses are more than just a series of individual speeches. Rhetoric scholars Karlyn Kohrs Campbell and Kathleen Hall Jamieson argue that each inaugural address is not simply marking one stage in the ritual of political transition. Each is also part of a genre that has characteristics which, at some level, are expected and understood by speakers and audiences. There have been 59 inaugural addresses, starting with Washington, and while they may have differed in style and even specific subjects, virtually all feature these characteristics, which range from calls to unify the country to setting forth political principles.

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The political history collections at the National Museum of American History, where I am a curator specializing in the history of presidential campaigns and campaign rhetoric, include several objects that illustrate these characteristics.

Exploring the genre of inaugural addresses through quotations and objects from the past can help listeners better understand the opening speech of a new administration, the first act in a job that began with the taking of the oath.

This commemorative pitcher features a quote: We are all Republicans.all Federalists, from Thomas Jeffersons first inaugural address. National Museum of American History

(Re)Unification of the audience

Inaugurations serve as the transition point between the competition of a campaign and the needs of an administration beginning to govern. For the audience to properly fulfill their role as witnesses to this investiture of power, they must be unified and reconstituted as we the people.

In the words of political scientist Lee Sigelman, these speeches are literally brimming with verbal tokens of unity.

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There are references to our founders, our nation and the future we face. In 1957, Dwight Eisenhower spoke of the purposes to which we, as a people, are pledged, and Benjamin Harrison called his 1889 inaugural moment a mutual covenant between himself and the people. George W. Bush in 2001 united his listeners, saying, Americans are generous and strong and decent, not because we believe in ourselves but because we hold beliefs beyond ourselves.

Thomas Jeffersons first inaugural in 1801 may have been the most explicit: We have called by different names brethren of the same principle. We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists.

Reaffirmation of national values

New presidents must also establish their qualifications for the office by demonstrating they understand and will preserve the shared values that are key to what Bill Clinton in 1993 called the very idea of America.

A button commemorating the 2009 inauguration of Barack Obama. National Museum of American History

These traditional values are expressed in words such as freedom, liberty, democracy and courage. In 1981, Ronald Reagan reminded the audience, Freedom and the dignity of the individual have been more available and assured here than in any other place on Earth. Jimmy Carter in 1977 summarized these values into "our belief in an undiminished, ever-expanding American dream.

Setting forth political principles

A silk copy of William Henry Harrisons 1841 inaugural address, the longest in history at more than 8,400 words. National Museum of American History

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Unlike many other presidential addresses, most notably the State of the Union, the inaugural does not advocate specific legislation but rather articulates more general philosophies that will guide a new administration. When policies are offered, they are less a call for action than a demonstration of a presidents commitment to the democratic system.

In 1845, James Polk promoted his plain and frugal economic plans because he said a national debt is incompatible with the ends for which our republican Government was instituted. Herbert Hoover said that the policies he listed in his 1929 address would be tested against the ideals and aspirations of America.

Even William Howard Taft, whose 1909 inaugural was among the most policy specific, framed his ideas with respect to the proper role of the federal government in what it can and ought to accomplish for its people.

Enacting the presidential role

This novelty item celebrating William McKinleys second inauguration in 1901 highlighted the political principles he had promoted in his first inaugural address and term. National Museum of American History

Candidates give speeches that are, for obvious reasons, partisan and self-promoting. But when the campaign ends and governing begins, presidents must demonstrate an understanding of their role within the broader system.

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In his first inaugural in 1933, Franklin Roosevelt moved out of campaign mode and acknowledged the constraints on his leadership of frankness and vigor. He pledged to rely on his constitutional duty to work with Congress.

Rhetoric scholars Campbell and Jamieson add that these speeches must also enact the public, symbolic role of president of all the people by revealing traits such as humility and reliance on a higher power. A typical example is found in the conclusion of Warren Hardings 1921 address: I accept my part with single-mindedness of purpose and humility of spirit, and implore the favor and guidance of God in His Heaven. With these I am unafraid, and confidently face the future.

The official program for Franklin Roosevelts 1933 inauguration. National Museum of American History

Fulfilling ceremonial expectations

Because of the celebration that surrounds them, inaugural addresses are expected to reflect stylized, ceremonial speaking. Such speeches strive to reach beyond the immediate situation to evoke timeless themes using memorable phrases.

In 1961, John Kennedy challenged Americans across the decades to Ask not what your country can do for you  ask what you can do for your country. The phrases mystic chords of memory and better angels of our nature, among the most memorable words in presidential rhetoric, have been applied to countless situations since Abraham Lincoln first uttered them in 1861.

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Not all inaugural addresses achieve greatness. Some have been quite forgettable. But each of them has tried to fulfill these expectations, helping to sustain what Franklin Roosevelt in his second inaugural called our covenant with ourselves.

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: Claire Jerry, Smithsonian Institution

Read more:



Claire Jerry does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Brightline will revive its South Florida commuter program, which it killed in 2024, thanks to a $33.8 million grant from the Biden administration, the private passenger rail company has said.

Brightline plans to restart the program in March but has yet to reveal prices or how long the it would last. The company's statement issued Friday, Jan. 10 indicates the service could be temporary. Brightline will spend its Federal Railroad Administration grant buying new passenger cars, which give it more available seats to sell to South Florida commuters.

"Well roll out details over the next few weeks," Brightline spokesman Ben Porritt said Monday. The company's statement described its offering as a "bridge or interim plan before Brightline and local counties are able to establish commuter lines in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties."

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More: Delray officials demand answers, transparency from fire truck crash with Brightline train

Brightline South Florida deal that ended in June 2024 was $10 a ride

Brightline used to offer a package of 40 trips to and from any station in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties for $399 a month, effectively a $10-per-trip deal. Brightline ended that June 1. It raised South Florida prices to $350 for 10 trips, more than triple the price per ride, to dissuade tri-county riders and make room for Orlando passengers, the company has said.

Trains to and from its Orlando International Airport station are usually sold out, Brightline has said. That stop opened in September 2023.

Brightline trains will have seven cars each, the Federal Railroad Administration has said, up from the current five. Brightline will receive the money over the next two years.

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Chris Persaud covers transportation for The Palm Beach Post. Send news tips and ideas to cpersaud@pbpost.com.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Brightline train reviving South Florida commuter pass killed in 2024
LONDON (AP)  The Princess of Wales said Tuesday that her cancer is in remission after she spent the day supporting other cancer patients at the hospital where she received treatment.

In a statement on social media, she offered her thanks to everyone who helped her and her husband, Prince William, as they navigated the ups and downs of treatment and recovery. Earlier, the princess, usually known simply as Kate, hugged patients at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London and described her own treatment as exceptional.

It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focused on recovery, the princess, 43, wrote in a note signed with her initial, C. As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal.

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Remission is good news, but it doesnt necessarily mean cancer has been cured. It could mean that treatment has knocked out all the cancer that can be measured. Thats called complete remission. Or it could mean that treatment has eliminated at least half the cancer. Thats called a partial remission.

The American Cancer Society says reduction in the tumors size must last at least a month for it to be considered in remission.

Tuesdays announcement marked the first official update on her condition since September, when Kate said she had completed chemotherapy. The princess still hasnt revealed what type of cancer she was treated for.

During her solo engagement at the Royal Marsden, a world-leading cancer center known for its pioneering research, Kate thanked the medical team for their support and spoke with other patients receiving chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

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The princess hugged Tina Adumou, who wept as she told Kate that her 19-year-old daughter is in the intensive care unit. Putting an arm around her, Kate offered sympathy and told Adumou that her daughter was in the best possible place.

Im sorry, I wish there was more I could do to help, Kate said. I wanted to come and show my support for the amazing work thats going on here, and for those who are going through treatment and having such a hard time.

But then she offered encouragement.

There is light at the end of that tunnel, she said. Very nice to meet you and best of luck. You are in the best of hands.

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The princess also shared her experiences with Katherine Field, 45. Gesturing to her arm and chest, she discussed the port mechanism through which drugs were flowed.

I got so attached to it, Kate said, joking that she had been almost reluctant to have hers removed when told she no longer needed it.

The princesss office at Kensington Palace stressed that even though her cancer is in remission she would continue her gradual return to public-facing engagements. The palace described the visit as reflecting her own personal cancer journey.

Tuesdays announcement was a welcome sign of goods news for the royal family, which was buffeted by health concerns last year. The medical odyssey began last January when royal officials announced that King Charles III would receive treatment for an enlarged prostate and Kate would undergo abdominal surgery.

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In February, Buckingham Palace announced that Charles was receiving treatment for an undisclosed type of cancer. Six weeks later, Kate said she, too, was undergoing treatment for cancer, quieting the relentless speculation about her condition that had circulated on social media since her surgery.

The strain on the royal family was severe. With two of the most visible royals out sick  and Prince William taking time off to support his wife  the other members of the house of Windsor had to take care of the never-ending whirl of public appearances that the British public demands.

But Charles, 76, and Kate slowly returned to duty after receiving treatment.

The princess announced in September she had completed chemotherapy, appearing alongside her husband and children in a video in which she expressed relief at the turn of events.

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Life as you know it can change in an instant, and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown, she said in the video, which was shot in a woodland near the familys summer home in Norfolk.

Though she stepped away from most public duties during her treatment, Kate made a handful of appearances last year, including at the kings birthday parade in June, known as Trooping the Colour, and later at the mens final at Wimbledon in July, where she received a standing ovation.

To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey  I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand, Kate said.

The hospital visit comes just days before the 1st anniversary of Kates admittance to the London Clinic for major abdominal surgery on Jan. 16, 2024. She recuperated for two weeks in the hospital, and was at home recuperating when she was told she needed to begin chemotherapy.

William described 2024 as brutal and probably the hardest year of his life.

-

AP Medical Writer Carla K. Johnson contributed to this report.
BROCKTON, Mass. (WWLP)  A Brockton man was sentenced to prison after lying that his U.S. passport had been lost when it was actually confiscated after he allegedly shot and killed two individuals in Cabo Verde.

Johnny Barros Brandao, 42, was convicted of one count of passport fraud in October 2024.

New York man sentenced for trafficking cocaine from Puerto Rico to Massachusetts

In 2014, Brandao allegedly killed an individual in Cabo Verde, shooting them in the head with a .45 caliber revolver and dumping their body on the side of the road next to a waste dump. Brandao also allegedly stole 1,500,000 in Cape Verdean currency from the victim.

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In 2021, Brandao allegedly shot and killed another person with a 9mm caliber firearm, throwing the body off a bank in the same location as his previous victim in Cabo Verde. Brandao was arrested in Cabo Verde on these charges and was released subject to supervision after a period of pretrial detention in December 2022.

The Cabo Verde court ordered Brandao not to depart the country and confiscated his Cabo Verdean national ID card and his U.S. and Cabo Verde passports.

However, Brandao later applied for a replacement U.S. passport at the U.S. Embassy in Dakar, Senegal, claiming he lost his passport while out to dinner. Upon investigation, Brandaos claims were found to be false.

Brandao will serve five years in prison, followed by two years of supervised release.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
A language barrier might have played a part in the shooting of a knife-wielding Bronx tenant who was gunned down by cops outside his apartment after confronting a suspected burglar, officials said Monday

The wounded tenant is a Mexican immigrant who speaks no English, police said, and may not have understood cops commands to put down the knife he carried outside to confront a man he said was trying to dislodge the air conditioning unit from his window on E. 148th St. near Courtlandt Ave. in Mott Haven.

It was the shooting victim who called 911 before dashing to the hallway and through a door leading to an alley over which the air conditioner hangs.

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Separate videos show the victim in the alley, and one cop opening fire when he returns to the hallway. The shooting video shows the officer squeezing the trigger at a person off camera.

Police said a butcher knife was recovered from the scene.

When he called, he spoke Spanish, said Rohan Griffith, commanding officer of NYPDs force investigation unit.

Griffith said officials need to determine if the officers and the tenant understood each other.

Neighbor Juan Rivera, 78, said cops responded quickly.

I was walking my dog and so many cops came into the building, Rivera said. The detectives told me someone tried to steal the guys air conditioner [and] he went after the guy with a knife. They told him to drop the knife.

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Police said it was unclear if the man in the alley was trying to actually steal the appliance or remove it to get into the apartment.

The shooting happened within seconds.

Bang, bang. Two shots, Rivera said. When they brought him out he was bleeding. I dont think the shooting is totally right.  They didnt waste any time shooting him.

Neighbor David Bermudez, 25, said he also heard two shots.

The lady cop shot him, Bermudez said. The guy was laid out. He was bleeding. I saw a lot of blood. I was scared and confused. The cops were telling me you have to leave, you cant stay here. The Bronx is getting worse and worse everyday.

Griffith said police are still searching for the would-be thief.
SIOUX FALLS SD (KELO) A Brookings man is behind bars facing arson charges in connection with two separate fires.

Prioritizing ice safety on Bitter Lake

Authorities say 70-year-old Peter Luze set the fires between January 4th  11th causing damage to a senior living home.

Police say he started dry leaves on fire that had collected against the building. He faces two counts of arson and one count of intentional damage to property.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
Four Brooklyn yeshivas filed a federal civil rights complaint on Monday against New York saying tougher review practices that found major deficiencies in the education provided at some ultra-religious schools discriminate against Jews.

In a 20-page filing, Bobover Yeshiva Bnei Zion, Oholei Torah, United Talmudical Academy, and Yeshiva Mesivta Arugas Habosem said reviewers refused to credit instruction from Jewish Studies and interfered in their hiring, among other objections to the process.

Taken together, these discriminatory practices would strip the Yeshivas of their essential Jewish character, wrote Avi Schick, an attorney for the yeshivas at Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP. If they cant devote sufficient time to Jewish Studies with instruction in their original language  then they are no longer Jewish schools.

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The Office of Civil Rights should exercise its oversight over these New York agencies that receive billions of dollars in federal funds annually by thoroughly investigating their discriminatory practices and remediating their discriminatory conduct.

The civil rights complaint, filed a week before President-elect Trump is set to take office, takes aim at a process in state education regulations adopted in 2022, which may put religious and other private schools through a review of basic subjects, such as reading and math, to ensure they are at least substantially equivalent to those offered at public schools.

The U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights could not confirm receipt of the complaint late Monday.

A rep for the New York State Education Department said it could not comment in the suit itself but pushed back against its core claims.

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We disagree with the allegations, which constitute a challenge to State law, said J.P. OHare, a spokesman. We note that counsel for these complainants has previously unsuccessfully challenged the Board of Regents substantial equivalency regulations in court.

Schick said the yeshivas are not challenging the state regulations themselves, but the alleged use of the reviews to impose its secular views on these Jewish schools. Private schools that are approved by an independent accreditor or have their students pass state-approved standardized tests are exempt from the review process.

Trump campaigned on parental rights to make decisions about their childrens education and a crackdown on allegations of antisemitism in schools.

In a statement released after the filing, Jewish advocates for yeshiva reform accused the four schools taking their action to a forum more likely to provide a favorable judgment, while a lawsuit is pending in New Yorks highest court. The group, Young Advocates for Fair Education, has long accused some yeshivas of failing to prepare its graduates to fully participate in life outside of the Hasidic community if they so choose.

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Todays federal civil rights complaint filed against the New York State and City Education Departments is nothing more than a desperate and cynical attempt at court shopping, said Adina Mermelstein Konikoff, executive director of Young Advocates for Fair Education.

The grievances outlined in this complaint have already been dismissed repeatedly in state court, and this latest maneuver reeks of bad faith.

Lets be clear: this is not about protecting civil rights  its about shielding institutions from accountability while tens of thousands of children are denied a basic education, she continued. Teaching English, math, science, and social studies does not contradict Jewish values; it complements them.
Jan. 14A 32-year-old man is behind bars after allegedly threatening his brother with a knife at their Kalispell area home earlier this month.

Erick Navarijo faces one count of felony assault with a weapon in Flathead County District Court following his Jan. 2 arrest at a home on Tamarack Way. Authorities set his bail at $40,000, but he is being held in the county jail at the request of the Department of Homeland Security.

The victim, Navarijo's brother, told Flathead County Sheriff's Office deputies that the fight broke out during a night of drinking, according to court documents. He said he had recently invited his brother to Montana to work construction with him.

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The pair began arguing about their job and Navarijo allegedly fetched a kitchen knife. His brother told deputies that he thought Navarijo was preparing to stab him and wrestled the weapon away, court documents said.

Deputies seized the knife and arrested Navarijo at the scene.

Navarijo is expected to appear before Judge Heidi Ulbricht on Jan. 22 for his arraignment.

Assault with a weapon is punishable by up to 20 years in Montana State Prison and a $50,000 fine.

News Editor Derrick Perkins can be reached at 758-4430 or dperkins@dailyinterlake.com.
Two brothers have been arrested in connection with the murder of a man found dead in an Abington backyard this past December.

Suzito Lopes, 43, of Quincy, was arrested at a home in Brockton Monday night and Antonio Lopes, 37, of Taunton, turned himself into Abington police Tuesday morning, the Norfolk County District Attorneys office announced Tuesday. The two brothers will face charges in connection with the death of 43-year-old Anthony Leverone.

Leverone was found unresponsive in his backyard at 563 Plymouth Street on Friday, Dec. 27, 2024, after a well-being check was called in earlier by his family.

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Leverone was pronounced dead at the scene and Abington police and Massachusetts State Police detectives began a homicide investigation.

Investigators later obtained an arrest warrant for the two brothers after probable cause was developed.

Both men will be arraigned in Brockton District Court on Tuesday.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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SOMERSET, Pa.  A review of Brush Creek Bridge in Somerset County showed that deterioration within the support structure made it no longer safe for its six-ton load rating, the Somerset County commissioners said.

At this point, it has to remain closed until further notice ... so our engineers can figure out what needs done to repair it  if it can be repaired, Commissioner Irv Kimmel Jr. said.

The bridge, which carries traffic over Brush Creek along Schoolhouse Road in Northampton Township in the southeastern part of the county, was closed in December.

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Its not yet clear how long the bridge will be out of order, Kimmel said. The countys engineers from The EADS Group are looking into the issue.

Kimmel said the bridge closure was ordered after a routine inspection showed that structural conditions near a support flange had worsened significantly.

He said the fortunate situation is that all but one of the homes along the corridor are located at an end of Schoolhouse Road that is close to two state roads and ways around the closure.

Its basically a shortcut road, he said.

The county has dozens of bridges to maintain, most of which have been in existence for generations.

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Somerset County is contributing toward $2.4 million in already planned bridge repair projects in 2025, most of which are state-funded. That includes work on the Lower Humbert Covered Bridge, a historic 19th-century structure near Confluence.

But Brush Creek Bridge is one of several that have been closed unexpectedly due to structural issues in the past year.

Kimmel said that bridge issues dont develop overnight  and that the bridge was rated in better shape than some other county bridges during its previous inspection before the current board of commissioners took office.

The issue were seeing is a lack of long-term maintenance. These arent problems that started over the past year or two, he said, adding that the countys bridges have fallen further into disrepair over many years.

Its definitely frustrating, he said.
By Akbar Novruz



The third Kyrgyz citizen injured in the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) plane near Aktau has been discharged from the National Hospital, according to the Kyrgyz Health Ministry.

The Embraer 190 aircraft, operating flight J2-8243 from Baku to Grozny, crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, on December 25, 2024. The tragic incident resulted in 38 fatalities and 29 injuries.

Three Kyrgyz nationals were among those injured. They were transported back to Kyrgyzstan on December 30 for continued medical treatment. On January 8, the Ministry of Health confirmed that the last injured Kyrgyz citizen had been discharged from the hospital, following the earlier release of the other two patients.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the crash occurred due to physical and technical external interference in the airspace over Grozny, Russia. Authorities continue to investigate the causes of this devastating accident.
Celinda Levno, a Phoenix-based flight attendant who died during a layover in Denver appears to have been one of the victims killed in a stabbing spree, according to a labor union spokesperson.

Levno, 71, died between Saturday night and Sunday morning from a "senseless tragedy," the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA) said. Spokesperson for the union, Paul Hartshorn Jr., confirmed to The Arizona Republic on Tuesday morning that Levno was killed, adding in an email, "I do believe a suspect is in custody."

She was a veteran flight attendant, serving with America West, which later merged with American Airlines, for over three decades.

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"We stand in support with Celinda's family, friends, and our colleagues in Phoenix Inflight as they process this senseless tragedy," a statement from AFPA read.

The Denver Police Department announced Monday it had arrested 24-year-old Elijah Caudill on suspicion of being involved in four stabbings  two of which were fatal. Police added the stabbings appeared to be random, and the potential motive remained under investigation.

Crime and sentencings: Arizona business owner faces prison after using COVID-19 loans on home, travel

Three of the stabbings occurred Saturday, with the fourth stabbing occurring Sunday. A woman was killed in one of the stabbings Saturday, Denver police confirmed.

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Denver police searched the area of 16th and Wynkoop streets, where they found Caudill with a knife matching the suspect's description and arrested him shortly thereafter. They found the fourth stabbing victim, a man, in the area as well and took him to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The surviving stabbing victims were both men, one who suffered serious injuries and another who had injuries that were not life-threatening.

Celinda Levno, 71, was an avid lover of horses. The Phoenix-based flight attendant died between Jan. 11, 2025, and Jan. 12, 2025, in Denver during a layover.

Caudill is being held in jail on two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted first-degree murder.

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston spoke at a news briefing Monday, offering his condolences to the victims and their families but stressed that the stabbings were an "isolated, exceedingly rare incident."

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Johnston did not name Caudill during the briefing but described him as a white male born in Colorado with a criminal history who was last released from jail in November 2024.

"We know that there's work to do," Johnston said. "We also know that downtown Denver is getting more vibrant and more safe every day."

Johnston said Denver police would increase its presence in the downtown area in the weeks and months ahead.

Denver police refused to identify Levno as a victim of the stabbing, saying it was against policy to identify victims of violent crimes, and directed further inquiries to the Denver Office of the Medical Examiner.

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The Medical Examiner's Office told The Arizona Republic on Monday afternoon that it hoped to release the name within 24 hours.

Celinda Levno, 71, was an avid lover of horses. The Phoenix-based flight attendant died between Jan. 11, 2025, and Jan. 12, 2025, in Denver during a layover.

Josephine Dale, a close friend of Levno, set up a GoFundMe page in her honor to raise money for funeral expenses.

On the fundraising page, Dale stated Levno was "brutally attacked and stabbed" in a random attack. After being rushed to the hospital and into surgery, Levno died Sunday morning, Dale said.

To her friends and family, Levno was known as a kind woman, an incredible musician and a true animal lover.

"Everything she did was for everyone else," wrote Dale in a statement to The Arizona Republic on Sunday. "She will now be with us every stride, and her love for horses will be carried on through all of us."

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American Airlines also released a statement Sunday lamenting Levnos death but did not speak further on the nature surrounding it.

We are heartbroken and mourning the tragic loss of our colleague who was the victim of a senseless crime last night, the airline said. Our thoughts and support are with her family, loved ones and colleagues, and we are doing all we can to assist law enforcement in its investigation.

The Republic reporters Lauren De Young, Alexandra Hardle and Jose R. Gonzalez contributed to this story.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Friends, APFA confirm stabbing death of Phoenix-based flight attendant
WARREN, Ohio (WKBN)  Police are investigating a report of shots fired during a bar fight in Warren.

Read next: Feds charge Warren man with selling drug out of home

Officers were called about 1:54 a.m. Sunday to a bar in the 4700 block of E. Market Street after reports that someone shot at another person in the parking lot.

When police arrived, they talked with witnesses who said that two men go into a fight in the parking lot and one was punched in the face but left before police got there.

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When officers checked the parking lot, they found blood droplets in the snow and one spent .380 shell casing along with one live round.

The casing and bullet were taken as evidence.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Burnsville police officers and firefighters filled a federal courtroom Tuesday as a woman pleaded guilty to illegally purchasing the firearms used to fatally shoot three of their co-workers last February. The victims families were also there.

Ashley Anne Dyrdahl, 36, admitted to two of the 11 charges against her. Prosecutors said she bought the firearms used by her boyfriend in the killings of officers Matthew Ruge and Paul Elmstrand and firefighter/paramedic Adam Finseth, and to injure Burnsville police Sgt. Adam Medlicott.

The sentencing guidelines call for a prison term of 2 years to three years and one month, followed by one to three years of supervised release, Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Calhoun-Lopez said in court. It will be up to U.S. District Judge Jerry Blackwell to decide her sentence after a pre-sentence investigation is completed, and hes not bound by the sentencing guidelines.

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Blackwell said what Dyrdahl did went beyond purchasing firearms and, while she may have not intended the tragic consequences, her actions played a role.

Dyrdahls attorney, Manny Atwal, said shed normally wait to make a comment in court until sentencing, but Dyrdahl told her it was important that she convey: She knows that she cannot say sorry or express her remorse enough to the people in the courtroom, and family and friends of the victims who couldnt be there. Dyrdahl is hoping that her acceptance of responsibility for her actions brings even a small amount of relief, Atwal said.

After Tuesdays hearing at the federal courthouse in downtown St. Paul, Burnsville Fire Chief BJ Jungmann said it was difficult to hear Dyrdahls admission because it brought them back to that tragic day, but he said he appreciated that she took responsibility for her portion of it.

The hard part is we cant get back what we really want, we cant get back our three colleagues that are important to us and the families, he said.

Five guns in five months

Dyrdahl was the longtime live-in girlfriend of Shannon Gooden, 38. Authorities say he used two AR-15 style firearms on Feb. 18 to fatally ambush the officers and firefighter.

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Two Burnsville officers were dispatched about 1:50 a.m. to an in-progress domestic disturbance at the house on 33rd Avenue off Burnsville Parkway. Dyrdahl rented the home and Gooden lived there, along with their children.

A memo from the Dakota County Attorneys Office said Gooden was suspected of sexually abusing a child, that Dyrdahl told police he had weapons, that Gooden assured officers he was unarmed, and that police called in many resources and were negotiating with him before Gooden ambushed them. There were seven children in the house with Gooden at the time of the shootings.

Gooden shot more than 100 rifle rounds at law enforcement and first responders, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has said.

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Because Gooden pleaded guilty to second-degree assault in 2008, he had a lifetime ban on possessing firearms, according to a previous filing from the Dakota County Attorneys Office. The county attorneys office opposed Goodens petition to the court in 2020 to restore his firearms rights and a judge did not restore them.

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An investigation found that Dyrdahl went to two gun stores at Goodens direction and purchased or picked up five firearms in a five-month span, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office of Minnesota.

Gooden died by suicide after shooting the first responders.

The U.S. Attorneys Office charged Dyrdahl in March with one count of conspiracy, five counts of straw purchasing and five counts of making false statements during the purchase of a firearm. She initially pleaded not guilty, before indicating in a November court filing that she intended to change her plea.

Shell do a PSA

Judge Blackwell asked Dyrdahl a series of procedural questions Tuesday before accepting her guilty plea. She told him shed completed high school and taken some college courses online. She said shed been sober for two years and currently takes a prescription medication for anxiety.

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Dyrdahl pleaded guilty to straw purchasing a Franklin Armory FAI-15 firearm lower receiver at the Modern Sportsman on Jan. 5, 2024, and a Palmetto State Armory PA-15 lower receiver on Jan. 25 at the Burnsville Pistol & Rifle Range.

Calhoun-Lopez asked Dyrdahl if it was true that Gooden used those two firearms to ambush police officers and a firefighter/paramedic who responded to a call for help at his home.

With her voice quavering, Dyrdahl said, Yes.

To Calhoun-Lopezs questions, she said shed bought five firearms between September 2023 and January 2024 at Goodens direction, with the intent of transferring them to him to use and possess, while knowing he was legally prohibited from possessing firearms. As part of the plea deal, the remaining nine charges will be dismissed at sentencing, Calhoun-Lopez said.

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Dyrdahl suggested that she do a public service announcement about the dangers and consequences of straw purchasing, which will be part of her supervised release, according to her attorney, Atwal, and Calhoun-Lopez. Dyrdahls idea for the PSA wasnt for her plea deal, but so this doesnt happen again, Atwal said.

The maximum federal sentence for straw purchasing is 15 years in prison for each charge, but because Dyrdahl doesnt have a previous history of felony criminal activity, the sentencing guidelines call for a shorter sentence.

Burnsville Police Chief Tanya Schwartz said they were grateful to the U.S. Attorneys Office for prosecuting Dyrdahl.

Theyre working within those (sentencing) guidelines, and those might not always feel like the right guidelines for us, especially losing  our partners, she said.

Shook the bedrock

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Wounded Sgt. Medlicott was in the courtroom, as were the widows of Elmstrand and Finseth, the mother of Ruge, and other family members. There was a lot of support here for the families and a lot of strength by the families to be here and to see every step of this through, Schwartz said.

Jungmann said theyre fortunate to have such a supportive community.

But I think the impact goes beyond what I can fathom, he said. I think it shook the bedrock in the community.

And really across the state of Minnesota, added Schwartz, who stood next to Jungmann.  Nothing like this has ever happened in our state.
The 2025 Calibash concert has been rescheduled amid the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles.

Originally scheduled to take place Saturday (Jan. 18) at Crypto.com Arena, the event  presented by SBS Los Angeles, Mega 96.3FM and 97.9FM La Raza  will now take place Friday, March 7. Confirmed artists include Maluma, Wisin, Xavi, Manuel Turizo, Emilia, Kapo and Alex Sensation.

More from Billboard

The devastation our Los Angeles community has suffered resonates deeply with all of us at Mega 96.3FM, the radio station expressed in an Instagram post on Tuesday (Jan. 14). This decision has not been easy, but we recognize the need to focus on the well-being of our community during these difficult times. Stay safe.

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Organizers will also make donations to L.A. wildfire relief. In the past week, the city has suffered 24 deaths, nearly 100,000 people under evacuation orders, and more than 12,000 structures destroyed.

In addition to our immediate community relief efforts, SBS will be utilizing a percentage of the proceeds from Calibash to further assist and support those affected by the devastation, an official press release stated. We are committed to making a positive impact and helping rebuild the lives of our neighbors in need.

All purchased tickets for the Jan. 18 date will be honored for the new date on March 7.

For health alerts, evacuation updates and additional shelter information as the wildfire battle continues, go to L.A. Countys emergency website here. Musicians and music industry professionals who are affected can get details about assistance here.

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Sign up for Billboard's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
(NewsNation)  Democratic lawmakers in California authorized $50 million in state funds to beef up the states defenses against incoming Republican President Donald Trumps policies.

NewsNation partner The Hill reported state Senate Budget Committee Chair Scott Wiener (D) announced Monday hes amending legislation to provide $25 million to support legal aid services for California residents at risk of deportation.

One of Trumps campaign promises during the 2024 election was the mass deportation of undocumented immigrants.

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The bill came out of a special legislative session that started last month in which lawmakers attempted to Trump-proof the state.

Another $25 million, The Hill wrote, was set aside by Democratic state Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel for the California Department of Justice. That way, the state has the legal funds to fight back against the federal government.

Newsom concerned Trump will try to withhold California fire aid

California faces two massive challenges, Wiener said in a statement Monday, according to The Hill. The first, he said, is the spate of wildfires currently scorching thousands of acres in the Los Angeles area.

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The second challenge, Wiener said, is an incoming federal administration that has vowed to make it harder for Los Angeles to recover, by withholding disaster relief and deporting immigrant Angelenos who have been impacted by the fires and who are actively helping their neighbors.

NewsNation reached out to Newsoms office and Democratic Party leaders for comment.

Republican legislators in California criticized the move by their Democratic counterparts. They argue the special session should be focused on wildfire relief.

Newsom ultimately did add a budget line item for $2.5 billion in wildlife relief, in addition to the initial $50 million.

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Republican Assemblyman James Gallagher said on Facebook hes glad to see Newsom prioritizing relief for those affected by the fires.

What Project 2025 says about the first 180 days of a presidency

I certainly hope he doesnt play politics with this money by tying it to his slush fund for government lawyers and left-wing groups to fight President Trump, Gallagher wrote. This is a time for all of us to come together and take care of our fellow Californians who have lost everything.

On X, Wiener wrote lawmakers dont have to choose between helping LA recover from wildfires and protecting CA from Trump.

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Indeed, we must do both, he wrote.

The bill still needs to go to the Assembly before making it to the governors desk.

NewsNation partner The Hill contributed to this report.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
By Nathan Layne, Helen Coster and Alexandra Ulmer

(Reuters) - For California Governor Gavin Newsom and other Democratic leaders in the left-leaning state, the still-raging wildfires could have been a chance to showcase their competence and unity with the White House in dealing with a natural disaster.

Instead, questions about the state's preparedness and response to the massive fires have rendered party leaders vulnerable to escalating attacks from the right, in a possible prelude to the politicization of disaster response under president-elect Donald Trump.

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Newsom and Los Angeles mayor Karen Bass have tried to deflect criticism of their leadership, stressing the unprecedented scale of wildfires that have leveled whole neighborhoods and killed at least 24 people in less than one week.

But with Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk using their reach on social media to attack both leaders, the crisis has evolved into a political battle with lines drawn broadly along two competing visions for America: the environmentally-conscious and regulatory-heavy ethos of the left versus a right skeptical of government expertise and progressive ideas.

Roger Salazar, a Sacramento-based Democratic strategist, said he believes Trump will continue to use California as a political foil once he takes office on Jan. 20, as a way to advance the Republican agenda of regulatory and tax cuts.

"They want less regulation," said Salazar, who was appointed by Newsom in 2020 to an unpaid position chairing a state recreational commission, but who is not involved in the disaster response. "The easiest way to do that is to demonize those on the other side."

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The political fallout comes with potentially grave consequences for the most populous state. House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson, a Trump ally, said on Monday that Congress should place conditions on aid for California, saying local officials had mismanaged the response.

Trump, who derogatorily refers to the governor as "Newscum," plans to tour the destruction next week, a source familiar with the matter said, following President Joe Biden's trip to Los Angeles last week, where he promised significant federal aid.

In an interview on NBC News' "Meet the Press" over the weekend, Newsom criticized Trump and his allies for deploying what he described as mis- and disinformation covering a range of topics from water and forest management to programs protecting fish.

Several have claimed - without providing any evidence - that Los Angeles officials were more focused on ensuring race and gender diversity in the ranks than fighting fires.

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"DEI means people will DIE," Musk wrote on his social media platform X, referring to diversity, equity and inclusion programs. The post has received 38 million views.

Presidents and other political leaders traditionally waited until after a disaster had subsided to air criticisms. Trump broke that precedent during the COVID-19 pandemic in his first term, when he fought openly with governors.

"His federalism is: if you're nice to me, then I will be nice to you," said Timothy Kneeland, a professor at Nazareth University in Rochester, New York, who has authored a book on the politics of natural disasters.

Kneeland said it was counterproductive for Newsom and Bass to have to counter Trump's broadsides when "all the government resources should be focused on putting these fires out, rescuing people and attempting to help them recover."

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Zach Seidl, a spokesperson for Bass, said the mayor was "laser focused" on keeping Angelenos safe and protecting property.

"She has secured the federal, state and local resources we need to continue fighting these fires and is moving forward on an all-of-the-above plan for recovery."

Representatives for Newsom, Trump and Musk did not immediately respond to emailed requests for comment.

NEWSOM AS FOIL

Many political analysts expected Newsom to use the run-up to Trump's inauguration and the early days of his presidency as a period to establish himself as a standard bearer for his party. He's been forced to play defense instead.

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"Newsom should be living in Los Angeles right now and be very focused on this disaster," said Jon Fleischman, former executive director of the California Republican Party. "Is that going to keep him from really engaging with Trump and setting himself up to be the 2028 alternative? Probably. But on the other hand, adversity creates opportunity."

Newsom has acknowledged some things went wrong.

He has called for an independent investigation into the local water supply, for instance, after some fire hydrants ran dry on Wednesday, especially in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood.

Officials have said that ahead of the windstorm, the city had filled all available tanks, including in Palisades. Municipal water systems were working effectively, officials said, but were not designed for tackling wildfires. Palisades quickly exhausted its three water tanks.

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Trump has used his Truth Social platform to portray the water shortages and widespread destruction as evidence of "gross incompetence and mismanagement of the Biden/Newscum Duo."

Bass, who was on an official trip to Ghana when the fires broke out on Tuesday, has come under similar criticism from Trump. When asked about her travels at a news conference last week, Bass declined to directly answer.

Trump also falsely claimed that Newsom prioritized preservation of small endangered fish called smelt over public safety. In the "Meet the Press" interview, Newsom called any connection between the fish and the fire "inexcusable because it's inaccurate."

The ongoing clash over the fires reflects a broader effort by Trump and his allies to paint Newsom - and Democratic leaders elsewhere - as part of the rich establishment that is out of step with large swaths of the American public.

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It's how Musk himself framed a decision in June to move the headquarters for both SpaceX and X from California to Texas, pointing to a law California passed that barred school districts from mandating that parents be informed of a child's gender identification.

Berkeley political scientist Henry Brady said attacking California made political sense for conservatives.

"Watch Fox News," he said. "California is the boogeyman. California has cities out of control. California is doing all these crazy things with climate change. We are the people who have sanctuary cities and the place where people are woke beyond belief."

He added: Punishing California is something that is, from their perspective, a positive good."

(Reporting by Nathan Layne and Helen Coster in New York; Alexandra Ulmer in San Francisco; editing by Paul Thomasch and Lincoln Feast.)
California officials have denied claims spread by right-wing influencers on social media that Oregon fire trucks were turned away because of emissions regulations. In fact, they say, the trucks were briefly stopped for routine safety checks before they traveled to the site of the Los Angeles fires.

Cal Fire debunked that claim that has widely circulated on social media, stating that "no vehicles from out of state have been turned around or refused service." The agency said any vehicles or resources that come in from out of state are subject to inspections to make sure they're ready for use, but this is not emissions testing.

The office of the Oregon State Fire Marshal also addressed the rumors, saying all Oregon teams deployed to Southern California began working their shifts last Friday as planned. The OSFM said the safety checks helped ensure that their equipment, which "does not regularly travel hundreds of miles at a time," was safe for their firefighters to use.

Wildland firefighters in a hotshot crew from near Klamath, Oregon, search the ruins of houses destroyed by the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, on Jan. 10, 2025. / Credit: David McNew / Getty Images

Gov. Gavin Newsom's office also refuted the claims, noting that vehicles undergo a "15 minute safety and equipment inspection" to ensure there are no issues. He added that by the time the false claims started spreading, "the Oregon firefighting teams were already in the Los Angeles area battling the blazes."

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Firefighting teams from eight states, Canada and Mexico have joined California crews and National Guard troops in the fight against the deadly fires, which have scorched more than 60 square miles over the past week.

State officials and the Federal Emergency Management Agency have been actively trying to counter false rumors and misinformation about the fires.

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New crisis holding up Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal final approvals, Netanyahu says
FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  Governor Gavin Newsom agreed to add the Southern California wildfires to a special session of the legislature.

This comes after Republicans in Sacramento called for that special session to deal solely with the wildfires and not focus on the incoming Trump administration.

Governor Newsom reached a deal that adds $25 million to a special session aimed at Trump-proofing California. One local assemblyman said thats not what Californians are asking for.

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Republicans are standing together calling for action, immediate action, on recovery to ensure that these communities recover from this disaster, Assemblyman Republican leader James Gallagher said.

California Republicans are calling for Governor Newsom to hold a special session to tackle wildfires.

We should not be distracted by a special session to pay more government lawyers to sue Donald Trump, Gallagher said.

Republicans say this special session would increase funding for wildfire prevention, enhance criminal penalties for arsonists and stabilize the insurance market to name a few. Central Valley representative David Tangipa was at the press conference in Sacramento.

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There are more areas that are under risk of more wildfires If its going to happen in January and its happening in L.A., it will happen in the high Sierras, Assemblyman for District 8 David Tangipa said.

Tangipa called out Governor Newsom for approving an additional $25 million bill to be included in the special session: one for battling the Trump administration and one for immigration resources.

This $50 million should be designated to what Californians are really thinking about today. And I dont think that theyre thinking about some person in D.C. right now, Tangipa said.

However, worries about president-elect Trump threatening to withhold federal aid to battle fires are real.

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He did it to California back before I was even governor in 2018 until he found out folks in Orange County voted for him and then he decided to give the money. So hes been at this for years and years and years, Newsom said.

State Senate Budget Committee Chair Scott Wiener announced the additional $25 million, saying California faces two massive challenges, one being an incoming federal administration that has vowed to make it harder for Los Angeles to recover, by withholding disaster relief and deporting immigrant Angelenos who have been impacted by the fires and who are actively helping their neighbors.

We asked Tangipa about Trump threatening to withhold funds from California.

If we feel like were going to lose out on federal funds, then that probably means that California is doing something that, one, the federal government that is elected doesnt coincide or at least agree with. And so when were looking at it that way, its not Californias way or not, Tangipa said.

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Tangipa said these fires are a non-partisan issue and that he hopes California lawmakers can come together to help Los Angeles.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS47 and KSEE24 | News from YourCentralValley.com.
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP)  Wildfires in Los Angeles continue to burn with no end in sight.

At least 24 people have died as a result of the fires, with countless buildings destroyed. These fires are tearing through heavily populated areas and weather conditions are expected to keep these fires burning through this week.

Multiple crews put out garage fire in Ludlow, one left without a home

The California Department of Forestry and Fire estimates that nearly 40,000 acres have burned in and around the Los Angeles area, which is ten times what Massachusetts experienced during its most recent fire season. Chief Fire Warden Dave Celino explained how these fires intensified so quickly.

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This time LA unfortunately was right in the bullseye, Celino said. And it received 80 to 100 mile an hour wind gusts, and that really drove the fire behavior for this period of time.

The National Weather Service issued a red flag warning through 6:00 p.m. on Friday for areas in Los Angeles and Ventura County, with wind gusts potentially reaching the 60s during the next two days.

To support relief efforts, visit the home page of wwlp.com or use the QR code to make a donation.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
For the record:

9:33 a.m. Jan. 15, 2025: An earlier version of this article said Rep. Luz Rivas represents the area burned in the Eaton fire. Her district includes the Hurst fire area, not the Eaton fire.



With President-elect Donald Trump about to take office, federal aid to fire-ravaged Los Angeles has already become entangled in a partisan political fight in Washington.

The disastrous wildfires are some of the most destructive and expensive in American history, underscoring the need for sustained funding for continued recovery efforts. But House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) indicated Tuesday that Congress could be setting up a potentially long political battle for continued relief funding, based on California's liberal leadership during the disaster.

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"If [California Gov.] Gavin Newsom and local leaders made decisions that made this disaster exponentially worse  which it appears there were  should there be some consequence of that?" Johnson said to reporters Tuesday. "Why should people in other states and other governors and other mayors  who manage their water resources and they manage their forests so much better  why should they have to take care and compensate for bad decisions in California? I'm not saying we're going to leave anybody out. We're going to take care of our responsibilities, but we may need to think carefully about safeguards."

Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who was overseas when the Palisades fire broke out, have faced criticism over their leadership during the wildfires. Los Angeles City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said last week that Bass had failed her department.

California Democrats  especially those representing the areas decimated by the wildfires  bashed Johnson for politicizing the disaster.

"Speaker Johnson has not visited California," said freshman Rep. Luz Rivas (D-North Hollywood), who represents the area affected by the Hurst fire. "Once you see it, youll know that we need to send aid immediately. Theres people who have lost everything in parts of Los Angeles that will take long to recover."

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Read more: With her city in flames, L.A. Mayor Karen Bass' political future hangs in the balance

With less than a week until Trump is sworn in, and Republicans leading both the House and Senate, the impact on the state's recovery efforts of the long-running Trump-California feud is already coming into harsh light. Liberal California has long served as a punching bag for conservative leaders, especially during Trump's 2024 presidential campaign. Soon after the election, Newsom called a special session of the state Legislature to "Trump-proof" the state, shoring up coffers for California's Department of Justice ahead of anticipated legislation against the federal government. He has since asked the Legislature to approve $2.5 billion in wildfire aid for Los Angeles.

The trend continued in recent days, as Trump has publicly skewered California's leadership for their handling of the disastrous wildfires, posting on Truth Social on Tuesday morning, "RELEASE THE WATER, NEWSOM. WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU? DJT." Trump repeated a dubious claim that he had offered Newsom a deal when he was president years ago, to funnel water from the north  possibly from Canada  to fill California's reservoirs.

Several Los Angeles leaders invited Trump to survey the damage in the region, and he has indicated he will visit next week.

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Politico reported Monday that Republican leaders who met with Trump over the weekend at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida discussed tying future wildfire funding to the deeply political battle of raising the debt ceiling. Johnson toyed with the idea in a news conference Tuesday, telling reporters there was discussion about it among House members.

"How can we be good fiscal stewards of the publics treasure, and fulfill the responsibilities of the federal government?" Johnson said. "Its a delicate balance."

Trump and Johnson have said they hope to increase the debt ceiling, to pay for other legislative goals. With a thin majority in the House, Johnson cannot afford to lose many Republican votes  and Republicans traditionally balk at increasing federal spending, instead urging fiscal restraint. Johnson will likely need to win over House Democrats to secure the increase. But "we will not support conditions to disaster assistance," House Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar (D-Redlands) said Tuesday.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) told CNN on Monday : "No doubt there will be, I'm sure, a discussion about how to respond and what role each level of government ought to play in that process."

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Read more: Debate over clean up in fire zone as Edison faces new scrutiny

"It is, I think, wrong to tie the debt limit to California relief," Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks), who represents the Westside district devastated by the Palisades fire, said in an interview Monday. "You usually dont say, well Ill help someone whos drowning but only if I get a million-dollar check and a free Dodgers ticket. So Im not at all happy with any linkage."

Sherman added that he'd be happy to rid Congress of the debt ceiling forever, but he recognizes it could be a potentially crucial tool of leverage when securing future funding with a Republican-led Congress. Rep. Ted Lieu (D-Torrance), vice chair of the House Democratic caucus, called Johnson's suggestion to tie disaster relief to "unrelated concepts" such as the debt ceiling "outrageous."

"We should not be leveraging the pain and suffering of fellow Americans," Lieu said. "When Mother Nature strikes, she doesn't care about party affiliation. At the end of the day, we are all Americans."

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California has continued funding for a time through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. President Biden has pledged 100% of federal backing for disaster assistance for the next six months, and California's leaders have made a show of thanking the president for his cooperation. But federal officials, including Biden, have stopped short of assuring that federal funding would continue once Trump enters office Monday.

The most Biden could say is he hopes the aid will continue. His promise for six months of funding could become empty once Trump starts his new term. When asked by a reporter if California would get the help it needs under the next administration, Biden responded, "Im not in a position to answer that question. I pray to God they will," adding that he hoped Trump officials would recognize that the Biden administration has "some significant experience in this."

"I do expect the national administration is going to find lots of ways that they will create problems for California," said Henry Brady, a professor of politics and public policy at UC Berkeley. "They need a boogeyman, we are a wonderful boogeyman. ... And they're going to use us as one."

While FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell assured that federal law allowed Biden to make the funding commitments he did, she would not confirm that a future administration wouldnt stop the funding.

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Anybody can make a determination on if they want to do something or not, but this was done according to the statute, and I would think that the statute would say that this is the direction that needs to happen and that it shouldn't be rolled back, she said in a news conference Friday.

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.
TORONTO (Reuters) - Canadian Innovation Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne on Tuesday said he would not run in the race to replace Justin Trudeau as leader of the ruling Liberal Party.

Champagne, seen as a leading contender, told the Toronto branch of the Canada Club that he would spend the rest of the government's term focusing on his ministerial responsibilities.

"It was probably one of the most difficult decisions of my life but I think it's the right one at the right time," he said.

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Trudeau said earlier this month he was stepping down and would stay in office until the party named a new leader, a decision that is due on March 9. Champagne is the fifth major cabinet minister to announce he will not take part in the race.

Polls show that the Liberals, who first came to power in November 2015, are set to lose the next election. The vote, which has to be held by Oct. 20, looks set to take place in May.

(Reporting by Divya Rajagopal, writing by David Ljunggren; editing by Barbara Lewis)
By David Ljunggren and Ryan Patrick Jones

(Reuters) -Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, facing disagreements over how Canada should respond to threatened U.S. tariffs, will hold a cabinet retreat next week focused on defending Canadian interests, his office said on Tuesday.

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has promised to impose a 25% tariff on imports from Canada, which economists say would trigger a deep recession. Canada sends 75% of all exported goods and services to the United States.

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"Cabinet will protect and defend Canadian interests, strengthen Canada's relationship with the U.S., and make unequivocally clear the mutually beneficial trade and security relationship the two countries share," Trudeau's office said.

Trudeau, who will step down as prime minister in early March, is promising countermeasures if Trump carries out his threat and wants a united response from the federal government and 10 provinces.

But splits are emerging and some provinces are unhappy with what they see as a lack of leadership from Ottawa.

"The federal government ... need to get their act together," Ontario Premier Doug Ford said. Ontario, the most populous province and Canada's industrial heartland, could lose up to 500,000 jobs if tariffs are imposed, he said.

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The premiers are due to meet Trudeau in Ottawa on Wednesday to discuss the potential tariff response.

"We can't have a divided Canada. We have to make sure we all stick together," Ford told reporters.

On Sunday, Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said Canada was not ruling out curbing energy exports to the U.S.

But Danielle Smith, premier of oil-producing Alberta, predicted there would be a national unity crisis if Ottawa tried to shut off crude exports.

"We won't stand for that," Smith said on Monday after meeting Trump in Florida. "I cant predict what Albertans would do."

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The Jan. 20-21 cabinet meeting will coincide with Monday's inauguration of Trump, who is unhappy at what he says is lax security on the joint border. He has also mused about making Canada the 51st state.

Canada responded by unveiling a C$1.3-billion ($909 million) border-security plan, with an emphasis on surveillance, intelligence and technology.

(Reporting by Ryan Patrick Jones and David Ljunggren; Editing by Doina Chiacu, Paul Simao and Rod Nickel)
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  Its only the start of the year, and contention is already brewing concerning the Arkansas Supreme Court.

Capitol View host Roby Brock met with Bowen School of Law Dean Emeritus John DiPippa to unpack the controversy and talk about the upcoming state legislative session

Roby then talks with Washington, D.C., political consultant Brad Howard about the big developments for four Arkansas members of Congress.

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Capitol View airs on Sundays at 8:30 a.m.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
Rep. Karla Lems, R-Canton, speaks to hundreds of rally attendees in Pierre on Jan. 13, 2025, during an event highlighting opposition to a carbon dioxide pipeline. (Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight)

PIERRE, S.D.  Standing before a crowd of hundreds of carbon dioxide pipeline opponents Monday at the South Dakota Capitol, a lawmaker announced her bill to ban the use of eminent domain for carbon pipeline projects.

Rep. Karla Lems, R-Canton, introduced the bill to attendees as a building block toward protecting property rights.

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This bill will bring legislative certainty, and constitutional certainty, to the people of South Dakota, Lems told the crowd.

The rally  held a day before Gov. Kristi Noems State of the State address will kick off the 2025 legislative session  brought together landowners, property rights advocates and other critics of carbon pipeline development.

Speakers voiced frustration over Iowa-based Summit Carbon Solutions potential use of eminent domain to acquire land for its proposed pipeline. The $9 billion project would capture some of the carbon dioxide emitted by 57 ethanol plants in five states, including eastern South Dakota, and transport it to an underground storage area in North Dakota. The project would capitalize on federal tax credits intended to incentivize the prevention of heat-trapping carbon emissions into the atmosphere.

Some landowners on the Summit route have refused to sign agreements, known as easements, granting access to their land. The company may seek to use eminent domain, which is a legal process to force land access in exchange for fair compensation determined by a court. The power has typically been used for projects such as electrical power lines, oil pipelines and water pipelines.

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Lems said her legislation will be introduced Tuesday and would specifically target carbon pipelines.

Incoming Sen. Mark Lapka, R-Leola, will carry the bill in the state Senate, while Lems will carry the bill in the House of Representatives. Both own land that would be crossed by the pipeline.

Some other legislators had already pre-filed their own bill to ban eminent domain for carbon pipelines prior to Monday. That bill was not discussed at the rally.

Rally speakers noted that in August, the South Dakota Supreme Court ruled that Summit had not yet proven its status as a common carrier, a designation necessary to exercise eminent domain. The court remanded the case to a lower court for further proceedings, leaving Summits eminent domain eligibility unsettled.

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The bill comes after years of contentious debate over carbon pipeline development. Lawmakers previously considered similar bills, but they faced resistance and failed, with opponents claiming such restrictions could stifle economic development and hurt South Dakotas ethanol industry and the corn farmers who depend on it.

Pipeline supporters have defended the use of eminent domain, asserting the project serves the public good by increasing ethanol demand and addressing climate change.

This year, legislation banning eminent domain may receive more support. Eleven Republican legislators lost their reelection campaigns last year after supporting pipeline legislation that did not include an eminent domain ban. Republican legislators have also replaced their leadership team with lawmakers like Lems  set to serve as House speaker pro tempore  who are critical of Summits project.

Summit is seeking a permit from South Dakotas Public Utilities Commission. The commission will host a series of public input meetings Wednesday through Friday in eastern South Dakota cities near the pipeline route.

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The project already has a storage permit in North Dakota and route permits in North Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota, while Nebraska has no state permitting process for carbon pipelines. The project also faces litigation from opponents in multiple states.

South Dakota Searchlight is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. South Dakota Searchlight maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Seth Tupper for questions: info@southdakotasearchlight.com.
(WBOY)  Rapper Cardi B called for an investigation into Federal Correctional Complex (FCC) Hazelton in Preston County, West Virginia over the weekend, claiming that her friend was being mistreated there.

The rapper said on her Instagram page, which has more than 164 million followers, that her friend Star Brim, legally named Yonette Respass, has been denied access to her mail and heat in her room while serving a sentence at Hazeltons secure female facility. The Instagram Stories post, which has since expired, also alleged that Respass has been ignored by prison leadership and her case manager.

Cardi B also suggested that Respass was mistreated because of their friendship.

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THEY ALL KNOW SHES CONNECTED TO ME AND I FEEL THEY DOING THAT TO BE SPITEFUL, the post said.

Nursing staff members charged in death of nonverbal patient at Preston County hospital

12 News reached out to the Federal Bureau of Prisons about the claims and received the following response:

The heat and power at the Federal Correctional Complex (FCC) Hazelton is fully operational with no disruptions in service. All living quarters are heated and have maintained targeted temperatures in accordance with Program Statement 4200.12, Facilities Operations Manual here: https://www.bop.gov/policy/progstat/4200.12.pdf Temperature Set Points during Seasons. Temperature set points will be targeted to 76 degrees Fahrenheit in the cooling season and 68 degrees Fahrenheit in the heating season. All spaces will be maintained as close to the targeted set point as possible. However, due to issues such as the age of the cooling and heating systems and the inability to control temperatures in individual spaces, occupants may experience a range of temperatures in their space that is a few degrees on either side of the targeted set point. Additionally, all incarcerated individuals at Hazelton have access to telephones and electronic messaging, in-person visiting, and are also able to communicate with loved ones via the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). USPS mail is delivered every day except weekends and federal holidays. It is important to note that inclement weather conditions may affect the delivery of mail to FCC Hazelton, just as it may affect the delivery of mail in the local community. Lastly, the Federal Bureau of Prisons has an Administrative Remedy Program for incarcerated individuals to seek formal review and redress of almost any concern they have regarding their incarceration. See Program Statement 1330.18, Administrative Remedy Program https://www.bop.gov/policy/progstat/1330_018.pdf for more information. Federal Bureau of Prisons Office of Public Affairs

USP Hazelton is a medium security federal correctional institution with around 1,500 male inmates and a secure female facility with around 500 inmates, and this is far from the first time that citizens and loved ones of inmates have expressed concern about the conditions there.

12 News has received countless tips about the conditions at Hazelton, and in 2023, a whistleblower sent a letter to Bureau of Prisons and West Virginia officials, alleging that abuse, escapes and other misconduct were being covered up at the federal prison.

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Last year, a bill establishing an inspections regime for the Bureau of Prisons, called the Federal Prison Oversight Act, became law with sponsorship from West Virginias two U.S. senators at the time: Shelley Moore Capito and Joe Manchin.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 the devastating Los Angeles fires stretch into their second week, a small army of firefighters has descended on the area, along with eight C-130 aircraft activated by U.S. Northern Command.

36-year-old Mitch Hoke pilots one of those C-130s for the Wyoming Air National Guard and has been in the LA area since Saturday, on alert for any new fire activity that may spring up.

The self-described airplane nerd agreed to chat with HuffPost about what goes into a drop.

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The number of drops a plane can make varies greatly from fire to fire and day to day, as winds shift and fire conditions change. Hoke once worked on a fire in Oregon that required him to fly almost an hour before he could reach the blaze. He said the Los Angeles fires are much closer to an air tanker base, so round-trip flights could take 20 to 30 minutes.

Hokes C-130  a model nicknamed Hercules for its impressive strength and size  has been equipped with a Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System, or MAFFS. On the ground, a small army of people preps the plane for another run, loading it with 3,000 gallons of the hot-pink fire retardant known as Phos-Chek. (The color is intentional  you want to make sure you can see where it lands.)

Iron oxide in the suppressant gives it its distinct red color. Other key ingredients are water and ammonium phosphate. The retardant decreases fire intensity, and slows the advance of the fire, according to the U.S. Forest Service, even after the water has evaporated.

Air drops of Phos-Chek are meant to buy time for firefighters on the ground, so crews with firefighting axes known as Pulaskis or bulldozers can get in and physically cut back vegetation to contain the fire.

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The problem down here with the winds is they couldnt get crews into those places, he said, or the fires are moving so fast it would jump over those lines.

A C-130 fighting a fire in Northern California earlier this year. San Francisco Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers via Getty Images

In the air, a crew of six keeps the plane operating smoothly.

There are two pilots, a flight engineer, a navigator and two loadmasters on each C-130. The flight engineer takes care of the planes fuel systems, electrical systems, all that stuff, Hoke said.

Navigators play a critical safety role listening to all the radio traffic from other planes in the area and thinking about terrain and exit strategies after the drop. Loadmasters, meanwhile, are responsible for the cargo in the back  in this case, the fire suppressant.

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Theyre arming it. Theyre there so if anything goes wrong, they can fix it. They have an emergency dump trigger so they can dump it if anything goes wrong with the airplane, Hoke said.

And then comes the drop itself.

There are strict rules for aircraft operating in and around a fire to make sure everyones flying in a predictable manner. Pilots first get clearance from a lead plane that stays with the fire most of the day and coordinates attacks, communicating with crews on the ground and making other tactical decisions.

The lead plane will typically fly through the area first, signaling where the Hercules should drop the retardant with a puff of smoke and instructions on the radio, like, Drop it at this bend in the road, or follow this ridgeline, Hoke said.

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Hoke and company maneuver their 140,000 pound aircraft over the fire, traveling at 130 knots (roughly 150 mph) and flying at least 150 feet above the ground. Then, they discharge the planes full 28,000-pound load of slurry out through a tube near the left rear of the aircraft, all of it gone in under five seconds.

Its challenging because youre trying to correct for the winds all the time as well as how your flight path is going to change, Hoke said. It can be extremely challenging to put it in exactly the right spot.

A C-130 aircraft drops retardant in Northern California in 2020. Justin Sullivan via Getty Images

After the drop, Hokes crew will get feedback on their accuracy from the lead plane, which peels off to watch the drop. The lead planes crew say things like good start, but it drifted this way so next time drop it 50 yards to the left, Hoke said. Its a team effort with that lead airplane to put it in the right spot.

In addition to the hazards of flying low over variable terrain, the fire poses its own dangers. A raging inferno can have updrafts so powerful they blow sticks and other debris up into the air. Worst case, that can knock out an engine. And smoke can physically obscure pilots ability to see.

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This is by far the most dangerous thing that we do, Hoke said. He said hes been deployed to the Middle East and Africa, including Afghanistan, but had to rack up 800 hours of flight time in the C-130 to even apply for the firefighting program.

People flying drones in restricted airspace is also a huge concern, particularly in LA, where paparazzi have been hungry for shots of destroyed celebrity homes. One such drone collided with a firefighting plane last week, damaging its wing. All firefighting aircraft were grounded for half an hour while officials cleared the area.

If we hit a drone and it got sucked into an engine, it would be an extremely dangerous situation, said Hoke. To be that heavy [with a full load] in high winds, with lots of downdrafts, you really want all your engines working.

Flying a drone amid firefighting efforts is a federal crime punishable by up to 12 months in prison and a fine of up to $75,000.

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Dangers aside, Hoke said he really enjoys the work. He hopes people realize how much coordination goes into the effort and that its not just firefighters going out there and winging it.

Its the coolest flying you can do in an airplane, he said, reflecting on his favorite parts of the job. Theres also definitely a sense of pride in playing a small part in protecting peoples homes. Everybody who does this takes a lot of pride in the work.

Related...
(Bloomberg) -- The race to succeed Justin Trudeau as Canadas prime minister is increasingly looking like a two-way battle between former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland and ex-central banker Mark Carney.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The field further narrowed on Tuesday after Christy Clark, the former premier of British Columbia, announced she would not be entering the Liberal Party leadership contest, in part due to her lack of fluency in French. Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne also bowed out of the race.

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Liberals will decide on a new leader by March 9, which gives the winner of the contest about two weeks before Parliament returns. They can call an election immediately themselves, or else the government is expected to fall on a non-confidence vote soon afterwards, triggering one regardless.

Many other senior cabinet ministers who were expected to be contenders have already ruled themselves out, including Dominic LeBlanc, Melanie Joly, Anita Anand and Steven MacKinnon.

There are others who are said to be weighing bids, including government House Leader Karina Gould and Energy Minister Jonathan Wilkinson.

But with an entry deadline of Jan. 23 approaching, all signs are pointing to a race defined by Freeland, Trudeaus former deputy who quit in devastating fashion last month, and Carney, the former governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England.

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Multiple polls, including one by Nanos Research Group for CTV News, have suggested Freeland and Carney are the top choices of Canadians to lead the Liberals.

There may also be some long-shot candidacies, such as from Liberal lawmakers Chandra Arya and Jaime Battiste, as well as businessman Frank Baylis, but to get on the ballot they face a steep challenge in raising the C$350,000 ($244,000) entry fee on short notice.

Trump Looms Large

Over the coming days, Freeland and Carney are both expected to formally announce their leadership campaigns.

Freeland will announce hers before Donald Trumps inauguration on Jan. 20, said a person familiar with her plans. She will frame herself as the best leader for countering Trumps threat of economy-wide 25% tariffs on Canada, given her experience leading the governments trade negotiations during Trumps first term.

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In particular, Freeland will commit to dollar-for-dollar retaliation if Trump imposes any tariffs, said the person. Freelands policy proposal may not only take the form of tariffs, the person added, but potentially other forms of retaliation in order to effectively match the value of Trumps actions.

Carney is expected to launch his campaign later this week, with the Hill Times newspaper reporting it will come in the Alberta capital of Edmonton, where he grew up.

His entry sets up a potentially awkward race against Freeland. In December, Trudeau tried to recruit Carney to replace her as finance minister, which led to her stinging resignation. Carney  who is also godfather to Freelands son  didnt take the role.

The former central banker all but confirmed his leadership plans in an interview on The Daily Show on Monday night, describing himself as an outsider to Trudeaus government but someone who has deep experience handling crises and has a plan to deal with the challenges in the here and now.

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Carney currently holds a portfolio of private sector and nonprofit roles including as chairman of Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. and of Bloomberg Inc.

Pierre Poilievres Conservative Party  currently leading in the polls  has pushed back on Carneys self-portrayal as an outsider, saying he supported Trudeaus national carbon tax in the past and took up a post as an economic adviser to the Liberal Party in September.

He praised the punishing Trudeau carbon tax, even calling it a model for the world in his book, Melissa Lantsman, the Conservatives deputy leader, said in an emailed statement.

Quebec Candidates

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Champagnes decision to stay out may mean the Liberal Party wont have a high-profile candidate from the French-speaking province of Quebec in the leadership contest.

Thats unusual. Its a big risk for the Liberals if their candidate is not perfectly fluent in French, as the party must win a large number of Quebec seats to have a chance at forming the government after the next election.

No Liberal leader from outside of Quebec has won a general election in Canada since 1965. Freeland represents a district in Toronto; like Carney, she grew up in western Canada.

The Bloc Quebecois, a party that represents Quebecs interests in Ottawa and promotes the provinces independence, is poised to make gains if the Liberals see their vote share drop, according to public opinion polls.

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Joly and Champagne are still likely to play a role in shaping the race, given that they are influential francophone ministers who represent Quebec districts.

What I want to see, and Ive been pretty vocal about that, is a leader that will be able to communicate with Canadians with both official languages, Champagne told reporters in Toronto. And I intend to play a role to make sure that the interest of Quebec will be duly considered in this leadership race.

--With assistance from Thomas Seal and Monique Mulima.

(Updates with additional information on the Liberal leadership race and the industry ministers comments, beginning in the 18th paragraph.)

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The schedule and tickets for Inauguration Day are out, along with an announcement Carrie Underwood would be performing.

President-elect Donald Trump will be sworn in Monday, Jan. 20, as the 47th president of the United States.

Before he is sworn in, JD Vance take the oath of office as vice president.

Here's what to know about performers, the schedule of events and how to watch if you can't be there in person.

When is Inauguration Day 2025 and when does Trump take office?

The inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump will take place on Monday, Jan. 20.

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This coincides with Martin Luther King Jr. Day, making it a national holiday.

The same thing happened for Trump's first inauguration in 2017.

Carrie Underwood, to perform during Trump's inauguration

Carrie Underwood will sing "America the Beautiful" during Trump's inauguration next week, a Presidential Inaugural Committee spokesperson confirmed Monday to USA TODAY.

She will be accompanied by the Armed Forces Chorus and the United States Naval Academy Glee Club.

"I love our country and am honored to have been asked to sing at the Inauguration and to be a small part of this historic event," Underwood said in a statement to USA TODAY. "I am humbled to answer the call at a time when we must all come together in the spirit of unity and looking to the future."

Village People accept invitation to participate in inaugural activities

The Village People announced on Facebook they had accepted an invitation from Trump's campaign to participate in inaugural activities, including at least one event with Trump.

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"We know this wont make some of you happy to hear however we believe that music is to be performed without regard to politics.

"Our song Y.M.C.A. is a global anthem that hopefully helps bring the country together after a tumultuous and divided campaign where our preferred candidate lost.

"Therefore, we believe it's now time to bring the country together with music which is why VILLAGE PEOPLE will be performing at various events as part of the 2025 Inauguration of Donald J. Trump," the group posted.

Inauguration Day 2025 schedule

Here's the schedule of events posted by the Trump Vance Inaugural Committee, National Park Service and the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.

Jan. 18

The President's Reception and Fireworks

Cabinet Reception and Vice President's Dinner

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The day usually begins with a procession to the Capitol. The outgoing president usually accompanies the president-elect in the procession, according to JCCIC.

Jan. 19

Arlington National Cemetery Ceremony: Laying wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

On the day before his inauguration, Trump will host a Make America Great Again Victory Rally." It's scheduled to begin at 3 p.m. EST at the Capital One Arena. Two free tickets per person are available on a first-come, first-served basis and you must confirm a text message to be registered. The signup form is here.

Candlelight Dinner: Trump will deliver remarks.

Jan. 20

Jan. 21

Tickets for inaugural ceremonies given to members of Congress

The Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies announced Monday, Jan. 13, 220,000 tickets were released to members of Congress Monday, Jan. 13.

Each member of Congress is responsible for distributing the tickets to constituents. Tickets cannot be mailed and must be picked up in person from your local senator or representative in Washington, D.C. Be sure to have a valid ID that matches the original ticket request, the JCCIC said.

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The tickets are color-coded with "multiple security features to protect against counterfeiting. Every person attending the Inaugural Ceremonies on Capitol Grounds is required to have a ticket, including children," the JCCIC said.

Hoping to get a ticket? Check with your local senator or representative to check on availability and when tickets can be picked up.

Security requirements in place for those attending inauguration

Ticket holders should plan on arriving early. Security gates open at 5 a.m. Entry points are determined by the color of your ticket.

To protect the safety and well-being of attendees, many items will not be permitted on the Capitol grounds. Among the items not allowed are:

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Both aerosol and non-aerosol sprays

Alcohol

All bags, backpacks, roller bags, suitcases exceeding size restrictions (12"x12"x5")

Beverages

Camera cases

Laptops/tablets/iPads

Liquids of any kind (except for medicines)

Noisemakers

Seat cushions

Strollers

Umbrellas

A complete list can be found here

Theme for 2025 presidential inauguration

The theme of the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies is Our Enduring Democracy: A Constitutional Promise, according to the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.

The theme "recognizes the Founders commitment to future generations of Americans to preserve the continuity and stability of our democratic system of government."

How many inaugural guests will be present on the platform when Trump is sworn in?

The Presidential Inaugural Platform will hold nearly 1,400 inaugural guests, according to the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.

Among those on the platform will be:

members of the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives

Supreme Court justices

former presidents

the President and vice president and their families

How did people get tickets to attend the inauguration?

Tickets for the Inaugural Ceremonies had to be requested through members of the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives for the 119th Congress.

Can't be there in person? How to watch or stream Trump's inauguration

The major broadcast networks will all air the inauguration live, including ABC, CBS, CNN, CSPAN, Fox News, MSNBC, NBC, and PBS.

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You also can stream events of the day on:

Flags will be at half-staff on Inauguration Day. Trump not happy about it

At this time, American flags on federal buildings will be at half-staff during Trump's inauguration ceremony on Jan. 20. The flags were ordered lowered, as is customary, to honor the memory of President Jimmy Carter, who died Dec. 29.

 'Nobody wants to see this:' Trump posts about flags being at half-staff during his inauguration

"Nobody wants to see that," Trump posted on social media.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbot ordered American flags in the Lone Star State to be raised to full-staff on Inauguration Day.

As of Tuesday morning, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis hasn't issued a similar order.

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U.S. Rep. Cory Mills, Florida District 7, sent a letter Jan. 10 to congressional leaders in both chambers, urging them to exercise their authority and raise the U.S. flags at the Capitol to full-staff on the morning of Trump's inauguration.

"The U.S. flags over the nations Capitol should be raised to full-staff during the inauguration ceremony on the morning of January 20, 2025, to honor the occasion," Mills said.

"This momentous event celebrates the choice of the American people, symbolizes the strength of our democracy, and marks the peaceful transfer of power. It is the responsibility of leadership to ensure that the U.S. flags reflect the significance of this day and the inauguration of President Donald J. Trump."

What is the JCCIC, Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies?

The JCCIC is responsible for the planning and execution of the Inaugural Ceremonies of the president-elect and vice president-elect of the United States at the Capitol.

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The first inauguration planned by the JCCIC was in 1901 for President William McKinley.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Inauguration Day schedule includes Carrie Underwood, Village People
Jan. 13KILLEEN  The Carlson Law Firm has announced the opening of applications for its annual Carlson Cares Scholarships. This program is designed to uplift and support the next generation of leaders by awarding two Texas high school seniors $2,500 each toward their educational goals.

Texas high school seniors graduating during the 2024-2025 school year and planning to attend a Texas university or college for the 2025-2026 academic year are encouraged to apply.

Students can submit their application at carlsonattorneys.com/scholarship. Entries must include:

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 An online application form

 Proof of enrollment in a Texas college or university

 An unofficial transcript

 A 300-500 word essay or 2-3 minute video answering the prompt: How have you demonstrated compassion and care in your life, and how will you carry these values forward?

Letters of recommendation are encouraged but optional.

Applications are open through April 17. Winners will be notified by email on April 22, with announcements also shared on The Carlson Law Firm's social media and in local news outlets. Scholarship funds will be sent directly to the winners' schools to cover tuition and education-related expenses.

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"This scholarship celebrates compassion and care," Lisa Griffin, Chief Operating Officer at The Carlson Law Firm, said in a news release. "These are values we will be critical to guide tomorrow's leaders. We are proud to support students who exemplify these qualities."

For more details and to apply, visit carlsonattorneys.com/scholarship.
The first family took a break from rafting Idaho's Salmon River and hung out on the shore. Rosalynn (left) and Amy Carter helped set up the chow, while Jimmy Carter played Frisbee on the banks. (Courtesy of the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library)

This column was first published on Rocky Barkers Letters from the West blog on Dec. 30, 2024.

The most significant land conservation act in American history started on a raft trip down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River.

President Jimmy Carter and his family rafted down the Salmon River in August 1978. (Courtesy of the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library)

Jimmy Carter, who died Dec. 29, 2024, at the age of 100, protected more than 100 million acres of Alaska public lands as national parks and preserves, national wildlife refuges, designated wilderness areas, and wild and scenic rivers. The 1980 Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act passed because Carter boldly used presidential power to make it happen.

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The wilderness and national park legislation had been on environmentalists agenda since the 1960s, after the passage of the Wilderness Act . Several attempts were made to push it through, but each was stopped by the powerful Alaska congressional delegation.

Carter invited newly reelected Idaho Gov. Cecil Andrus to Plains, Georgia, in 1976 to interview for Interior secretary. Andrus invited Carter, an avid angler, to raft down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho with their wives. Carter accepted, then picked Andrus to lead Interior.

Carter joined Andrus in Boise and flew into Indian Creek by helicopter in late August of 1978. Legendary outfitter Norm Guth guided them and their wives, Rosalynn and Carol, for four days through the heart of Idaho wilderness. Sitting around the campfire, Andrus told Carter he had the power to preserve the Alaska lands using the Antiquities Act, said the late Chris Carlson, Andruss longtime aide in his book,  Eye on the Caribou .

President Jimmy Carter tosses around a Frisbee while taking a break from rafting the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho. (Courtesy of the Jimmy Carter Presidential Libary)

Can I do that? Carter asked, according to Andrus.

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You have the authority sir, Andrus responded.

Lets do it, Carter said.

After Congress reached a deadlock on legislation that would protect the Alaska lands, Carter acted. He declared 56 million acres as a national monument. He set aside another 36 million acres he could add later.

Carter had forced the Alaska congressional delegations hand. They returned to the table and passed the bill with 106 million acres of protected lands. The law almost doubled the sizes of the national park and wildlife refuge systems and tripled the size of the National Wilderness Preservation System.

Jimmy Carter was, with Theodore Roosevelt, one of the two most committed conservationists ever to occupy the Oval Office, said Andrus, who died in 2017.

President Jimmy Carters float trip down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in 1978. From left to right are Cliff Blake, Middle Fork District Ranger; Mike Schulte, Kayak Patrol; Al Carroway, Law Enforcement; President Jimmy Carter; Ted Anderson, River Ranger; Judy Clapp, Kayak Patrol. (Courtesy of the Salmon-Challis National Forest)

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Jan. 13CARTHAGE, Mo.  A former Carthage City Council member could return to the council on Tuesday under circumstances similar to his first appointment six years ago.

In January 2019, Raymond West was appointed by now-impeached Mayor Dan Rife to fill the seat of a Ward 2 council member who resigned several weeks earlier.

West was the only person who filed for the one-year remaining on that term in the April 2019 election.

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Six years later, West is again the only person to file for a full two-year term on the council in the April election.

The seat has been vacant since last April's election when council member David Armstrong resigned the same day winners of the April 2024 election were seated.

Mayor Alan Snow had said in November that he would not make any appointments to the council until a ruling was made on Rife's application for a writ of prohibition to prevent the council from removing him from office. Rife was impeached in October.

On Monday, Snow said he thinks this appointment is justified at this time.

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"I feel the filings for election to council were closed (on Dec. 31, 2024), and Ray was the only one to file for the Ward 2 seat," Snow said in a telephone interview Monday. "If we add him to the board now, it will allow for someone to miss a council meeting and we will still have a quorum so we can still have a meeting."

The Carthage City Council has been divided since the April 2024 election, with some members supporting removing city leadership, including Rife, former City Administrator Greg Dagnan and former City Attorney Nate Dally.

Dally resigned in early May. Dagnan, whom the council had voted to fire April 9, 2024  the first day five new council members took office  was removed at the end of May when Rife's attorney told Rife he didn't have the authority to block the council from firing him.

Another council member resigned in September 2024, bringing the council to eight.

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Rife was impeached on four of five counts by a 6-2 vote, which Snow ruled to be enough votes to impeach despite Rife's objections that the council needed seven votes to impeach. Rife argued that the council needed a two-thirds vote of 10, the number of all seats on the council. As presiding officer over the impeachment, Snow ruled that a two-thirds vote of eight, or the number of council members then on the council, was sufficient.

That argument is now a key issue in both of Rife's appeals, but no rulings have come from judges on either Rife's petition for a writ of prohibition filed Oct. 30, 2024, or his petition for judicial review filed on Nov. 28, 2024.

Another was removed by a vote of Ward 5 residents in November 2024, and Snow was sworn in as mayor Oct. 30, 2024, after Rife's controversial impeachment hearing Oct. 29, 2024. That left only six council members on the 10-member council.

Councilman Chris Taylor said he doesn't think Snow has the votes to appoint anyone to the council because six votes are needed to make an appointment and he's not sure yet how he'll vote. Snow has said in the past that he believes only a majority of the six-member council now in office, or four, is sufficient for the appointment.
When Donald Trump first threw out the idea of buying Greenland during his first term in 2019, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called it an absurd discussion and it seemed as though few disagreed with her. Now Trump is about to resume power and appears to be serious about acquiring the North Atlantic territory.

The idea is not absurdinterest in a U.S. acquisition of Greenland dates to the 1860s, and President Harry Truman made a secret bid to acquire it in 1946. In addition to being rich in natural resources, the location of the autonomous Danish territory gives it strategic importance as a buffer against Russia and China as the Arctic ice melts and opens up new shipping routes. Plus the U.S. already maintains a military base therenow dedicated to the Space Force.

But theres another option, one that would better serve the interests of both the U.S. and Greenland: Greenlandic independence.

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An independent Greenland is not a new idea. In 1953, in the aftermath of Icelandic independence from Denmark, Greenland was legally declared no longer a colony of Denmark. Greenlanders were granted Danish citizenship and gained representation in the Folketing, the Danish parliament. Since 1979, Greenland has had home rule, with its own regional parliament responsible for managing most of its internal affairs.

But not its external affairs, and that has created tension between Denmark and its territory. Denmark joined the European Union (at that time known as the European Communities) in 1973, chiefly to safeguard agricultural exports to the United Kingdom, which had also joined the EU that year. This decision caused an uproar in Greenland, as it gave fishermen from all over the EU the right to fish in Greenlandic waters, endangering Greenlands own fishing industry. For as long as Greenland has been populated, fishing has been a cornerstone of its economy, culture, and society. Greenlandic voters opted to leave the union in a referendum held in 1982.

Danish and Greenlandic interests have only continued to diverge. Today 26 of the 31 seats in the Inatsisartut (Greenlands parliament) are held by parties that support independence from Denmark. Authorities in Copenhagen have long been resigned to the eventuality of Greenlands independence, insisting only that Greenland must hold a referendum before they agree.

In light of Trumps demands for annexation, Greenland Prime Minister Mute Egede has called for such a referendum this year. There are many reasons Trump and the United States should stop talking about annexation and instead support such a referendum.

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An independent Greenland would open access to natural resources, including rare earth minerals, worth trillions of dollars. One of the main arguments against Greenlandic independence is the countrys economic dependency on Denmark. Half of Greenlands annual government funding consists of a $500 million grant from the government in Copenhagen, which an independent Greenland would have to replace.

Thats barely pocket change for the United States, which could easily agree to cover the shortfall for a certain number of years as part of an overarching trade deal that would permanently block China from accessing Greenlands resources.

While there is some limited mining already happening, Greenland has been reluctant to allow more over concerns that the revenues would redound mostly to Denmark, or that the Danes could dictate the terms of deals in ways unfavorable to Greenland. Mining also has an environmental impact, and many Greenlanders are skeptical that Denmark would safeguard the islands interests and ensure proper clean-up and maintenance of mining sites. As an independent state, Greenland could set its own standards and policies.

Greenland also has between 17.5 billion and 52 billion barrels of oil, worth between $1 trillion and $4 trillion at current prices. In 2021, Greenland banned oil exploration, citing among its reasons that the world is shifting away from oil and that it did not want to become dependent on a non-renewable resource. These are fair concerns. Yet, an independent Greenland free to reinvest oil revenue where it saw fit would almost certainly rethink this decision. Greenlands economy is criminally underdeveloped, with fishing still its main export, and its infrastructure so poor that many cities are still accessible only by boat or plane. Allowing exploration while investing proceeds in infrastructure would create an overabundance of high-skilled jobs.

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In addition to oil, Greenland is home to an estimated 148 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. With revenues from its natural resources unlocked, not only would Greenland no longer have a fiscal deficitit may not even have to levy an income tax.

Greenlands independence from Denmarkwithout becoming a U.S. territorywould be the right move for other reasons. As long as Greenland depends on the EU for trade, it is in practice subject to most of its regulations, including the increasingly strict environmental regulationslike a ban on seal products that caused a 90 percent collapse in sealing exports and greatly harmed the Inuit community. As an independent country, Greenland could properly integrate into the North American economy.

Some may question whether Greenland, with a population of only 56,000, could be too small to be a viable independent state. However, several European states are that same size or smaller: Liechtenstein, Monaco, Andorra, and San Marino all have populations below 100,000. All are prosperous and have functioned for hundreds of years. Greenland has already had home rule for more than 40 years, proving it is capable of (mostly) governing itself despite its limited population and geographic isolation.

The one area Greenland absolutely cannot handle on its own is defense. Greenland is huge, strategically important, and has a vast coastline that its tiny population could never feasibly guard on its own. Given the important role the Arctic plays for national security, and the fact that the U.S. already has a base on Greenland, it would make sense for the U.S. to bundle some type of defense agreement and trade agreement with Greenland that may or may not involve the country becoming a member of NATO.

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By promoting independence rather than annexation, the United States would avoid the headache ensuring fair representation for Greenlanders. Granting statehood, and with it two senators and three electoral votes, to a territory with only 56,000 people would create political backlash in the United States (especially once Republicans realized those two senators would likely be Democrats). But it is extremely unlikely that Greenland would agree to join the United States as a territory rather than a state.

Independence would also be a face-saving move for Denmark. No government wants the humiliation of handing over territory to another country, especially against the wishes of the population in that territory. But granting a binding referendum on independence and abiding by the outcome would be in line with what the Danish government has always said, namely that it would allow Greenland to become independent if this was the expressed will of the people.

Of course, the United States could in theory take Greenland by force. This, however, would mean the end of NATO and the rules-based international world order as we know it.

But by promoting independence, Donald Trump and the U.S. would receive a great deal of goodwill as Greenlandic nationalists would credit them with nudging Denmark to finally put the issue to a ballot. This could prove invaluable in future negotiations about trade and natural resource exploration. After all, Greenland is actively working to diversify its economy and expand its service sector anyway. Trump once jokingly promised that he would not build a Trump Tower in Greenlands capital of Nuukbut in the end, Greenlanders might not object.

Read more at The Dispatch

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTVO)  The Illinois State Treasurers Office announced that nearly $299 million in missing money was returned to state residents in 2024 through the I-CASH program.

Putting money back in peoples pockets helps families and our states economy. This money belongs with its rightful owners, said Treasurer Michael Frerichs. We have made it easier to file a claim in many cases and streamlined the system with the help of state lawmakers.

The state said that 331,032 claims were processed in the last year, with an average claim amount of $902.

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Last year, the Enhanced Money Match program automatically crossmatched date collected by the state with the unclaimed property database and returned almost $13.2 milliion to 140,000 residents.

I-CASH is a State of Illinois program that keeps track of unpaid life insurance benefits, forgotten bank accounts and unused rebate cards.

If you think you have wages or other unclaimed property owed to you, click here.

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JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV)  A roundtable discussion, hosted by the Mississippi Black Caucus for Local Elected Officials, focused on the issue of blight and disinvestment in Mississippi communities.

Eyesores in neighborhoods across the state have caused issues for residents and business owners.

Felicia McClinton, who lives in West Jackson, said she values her home and takes pride in where she stays. She said something needs to be done about dilapidated properties in her neighborhood.

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Blight. Its when those abandoned houses turn into drug homes. Thats what blighted. You have a new flow of people coming in as people get moved out. We had a new flow of people coming into our neighborhood whose values were not the same is ours as we were growing up, she said.

Greater Belhaven Foundation hosts Legislative Breakfast

Programs, such as Neighborhood First and Revitalize Mississippi, have allowed people to purchase properties from the city and state to help alleviate blight.

Dilapidated properties are not just a Jackson issue.

We look at a city, like Vicksburg, we have our issues with housing, and today were learning from different people across the state of Mississippi who dont have a solid of the issues, said Vicksburg Alderman TJ Mayfield, Ward 1.

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Jackson Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba spoke briefly about the topic during a news conference on Monday.

Some of the limitations on dilapidated structures is the way that the law is currently structured. It creates a lot of loopholes. It creates a lot of red tape. That makes it difficult, the mayor said.

Several speakers discussed strategies, such as effective leadership, and provided educational information to those in attendance.

Leaders are asking the Mississippi Legislature to provide more funding for programs designed to fight blight across the state.

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Specially trained Border Patrol agents and a Customs and Border Protection helicopter crew took part in a weekend mission to rescue a missing hiker in Guadalupe Mountains National Park.

Missing hiker found in Guadalupe Mountains National Park

On Sunday, Jan. 12, a CBP Air and Marine Operations AS350 helicopter crew from the Alpine, Texas air detachment worked with a U.S. Border Patrol BORSTAR team from El Paso on a search-and-rescue for a lost hiker in the Guadalupe Mountains. The AMO Alpine Air Unit AS350 crew was able to find the lost hiker at about 9:30 a.m. on Sunday.

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A Texas Department of Public Safety helicopter and U.S. park rangers also helped in the search for the hiker.

Photos courtesy of CBP

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Due to extreme winter weather conditions, the AS350 crew dropped off an AMO agent in an area below where the hiker was found to hike up to the missing hikers location and conduct an initial assessment, CBP said in a news release.

BORSTAR (Search, Trauma and Rescue) agents hiked two hours on the mountain to get to the rescue location and provide advanced medical care for the patient who was experiencing hypothermia symptoms, CBP said.

This included changing the hikers wet clothes for dry clothing. Agents also provided food and water and started a fire to warm him up until he could be transported further down the mountain via helicopter.

An initial helicopter evacuation was delayed due to poor weather and visibility. The patient was then transported by ambulance to a local hospital for evaluation and treatment.

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The conditions were extremely cold with temperatures in upper 20s Fahrenheit. The snowfall was significant and our BORSTAR agents made a significant physical effort to help rescue the hiker, said Ricardo Cardiel, acting special operations supervisor, Special Operations Detachment, El Paso Sector. BORSTAR agents are trained to conduct field trauma medicine in extreme conditions. This is the type of rescue our agents are trained to conduct.

U.S. Border Patrol agents on the ground and Air and Marine Operations crews cooperate daily as they conduct their border security and humanitarian rescue missions, CBP said.

I am very proud of our AMO crew and the U.S. Border Patrol BORSTAR team for their efforts in this rescue during very challenging winter conditions. Our agents training, preparation and conditioning really made a difference during this rescue, said Efren Gonzalez, El Paso AMO air branch director.

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CBS News is bringing back a veteran producer to help fight allegations of bias amid a lawsuit with Donald Trump that could complicate its corporate owners multi-billion dollar sale.

Susan Zirinsky, who inspired the virtuous TV producer character Jane Craig played by Holly Hunter in the 1987 movie Broadcast News, will rejoin as interim executive editor to monitor the stations news output.

(L-R) Albert Brooks, William Hurt and Holly Hunter in the 1987 comedy film Broadcast News. / Bonnie Schiffman Photography / Getty Images

Zirinskys comeback comes after several controversial incidents by the network involving Trump and its own coverage of the war in the Middle East.

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While there is no way to cover such sensitive issues without provoking some degree of criticism, we have a responsibility to address those concerns, wrote George Cheeks, co-CEO of CBS parent company Paramount Global, in a memo to CBS News staffers sent on Monday, Variety reports.

This includes feedback regarding perceived bias in some CBS News coverage, he wrote.

The first priority for Zirinsky may be to look closely at the networks 60 Minutes program, which is the subject of a lawsuit filed by Trump in November seeking $10 billion from the broadcaster.

Trumps lawsuit alleges that an interview with Kamala Harris on Oct. 6 misled voters in the 2024 election campaign and that CBS News edited clips to boost Harris, which the broadcaster denies.

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Zirinskys return takes place in the context of Paramount Globals proposed $8 billion sale to Mission: Impossible movie producer Skydance Media.

Considering how vocal Trump has been about the output of media owners, its not a stretch to imagine that ongoing court action with the incoming president could affect how regulators look at the proposed deal which is expected to close in the spring.

CBS News coverage of the Middle East will also be an important area of focus for Zirinsky following a tense CBS Mornings interview with author Ta-Nehisi Coates conducted by co-anchor Tony Dokoupil, also in October.

CBS Mornings Co-Host Tony Dokoupil. / CBS Photo Archive / CBS via Getty Images

Dokoupils grilling of Coateswhere he asked whether the authors work would not be out of place in the backpack of an extremistled to CBS News executives telling staff that the interview did not meet its standards.

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That led to pushback from advocacy group the Anti-Defamation League and from CBS parent company Paramount Globals controlling shareholder Shari Redstone, who said, I frankly think Tony did a great job with that interview.

Zirinsky has some experience dealing with difficult situations at the network.

During her tenure as president of CBS News between 2019 and 2021, the news division was under pressure in the aftermath of claims of harassment made against CBS This Morning co-anchor Charlie Rose and former 60 Minutes producer Jeff Fager.
Jan. 13Diligent police work and scientific breakthroughs were credited Monday for the arrest of a 60-year-old Centerville man accused of killing his girlfriend nearly 25 years ago in Kettering.

Jonathan "Eric" Link was indicted Monday on two counts of murder, Montgomery County Prosecutor Mat Heck Jr. announced during a media briefing.

Link reported to the Kettering Police Department on July 30, 2001, that his girlfriend, 29-year-old Shannon Noel Anderson, had not been seen since July 28, 2001, and that her 1997 Oldsmobile Silhouette also was missing from their shared home in the 4500 block of Far Hills Avenue in Kettering, just south of David Road. Anderson's former sister-in-law also reported her missing, on Aug. 2, 2001, Kettering police said.

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What started as a missing persons case evolved into a homicide investigation a little more than two weeks later. A decomposed body with "severe trauma" was discovered Aug. 16, 2001, in rural Ross County in south central Ohio, about an hour and a half from Dayton. It was later identified as Anderson through DNA testing. A few months later, on Oct. 23, 2001, Atlanta police found Anderson's minivan abandoned in their airport parking lot, Heck said.

Anderson was the mother of two daughters, then ages 7 and 9, and she was estranged from her husband. Her cause of death was ruled multiple blunt force trauma to the head, according to the prosecutor's office.

"Although extensive investigative efforts were made at the time of the murder, including evidence collection and witness interviews, the case went unsolved," a release issued Tuesday from Kettering police stated.

Link was the prime suspect in Anderson's death, detective Greg Stout of the Kettering Police Department confirmed.

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In 2002, a Montgomery County grand jury found there was not sufficient evidence for an indictment.

"Homicide cases are never closed investigations," said Lynda Dodd, deputy chief of the criminal division of the Montgomery County Prosecutor's Office. "They always remain open, and this case right here is an excellent example of that."

Dayton attorney Dennis Lieberman is representing Link, who he said works for an insurance company, has been married since 2008 and is the father of a couple children.

"He has had a stable life ever since this young lady passed away," Lieberman said. "He certainly did know her but is not involved in her death."

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Lieberman said he is not able to comment specifically about the case because he has not yet received discovery as to why authorities believe his client is responsible.

The investigation was a collaboration of the Kettering Police Department and the Tactical Crime Suppression Unit  made up of officers from Centerville, Germantown, Kettering, Miamisburg, Moraine, Oakwood, Springboro and West Carrollton  plus the Montgomery County Prosecutor's Office, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Ross County Sheriff's Office and U.S. Secret Service.

"This has been reviewed regularly by the Kettering Police Department ever since it happened," Stout said.

Most recently, Dodd said, the TCSU and Kettering police "have done an enormous amount of follow-up work, and that follow-up work has been fruitful and has led us to the point where now the Montgomery County grand jury has said there is sufficient evidence to indict for two counts of murder."

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Investigators uncovered additional witnesses and completed further interviews. And new digital forensic evidence testing was done that was not available two decades ago.

"Justice delayed is not justice denied," Dodd said.

Link was booked late Monday morning into the Montgomery County Jail. Heck said prosecutors will be asking for a $5 million bond when he is arraigned Thursday morning.

Lieberman said Link will be pleading not guilty.
NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  After heavy snowfall comes the potential of seeing more potholes.

This is something people in North Little Rock said they hate dealing with, like Becky Ragsdale whos been living in Argenta for 18 years.

Ive had to replace my tires, Ragsdale said.

North Little Rock mechanic provides tips on preparing car for winter weather

Becky Ragsdale said potholes can sometimes be unavoidable and so is the need for new tires.

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I had two that kept going flat from the pothole, or several potholes Ragsdale said.

She said shes had to replace four tires in the last two years and is hoping that things will be different.

Meanwhile North Little Rock mayor Terry Hartwick said the aftermath is something he was prepared for.

Every time it gets cold, that water goes through crack and after that the ice swells and busts the crack open and thats what causes potholes, Hartwick said.

Potholes continue to be a nuisance for drivers in central Arkansas

Hartwick said he knew it would be a problem and has a plan in action.

Ive got a Patrick Lane. They thought I was talking about a machine; no, Im talking about a person that oversees our city that takes care of the salting, the cleaning and the potholes Hartwick said.

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And thanks to mayor Hartwicks proactiveness, people like Ragsdale are a bit relieved.

That makes me feel great. Im really happy to hear that because it really needs to be addressed because it causes damage and who can afford that right now? Ragsdale said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  Multiple central Arkansas school districts are preparing to resume classes after last weeks winter storm.

Little Rock School District officials shared a message with parents saying that classes will resume on Tuesday.

North Little Rock warming center to remain open until Wednesday

Thank you for your patience & understanding as we worked to prioritize the safety and well-being of our students, staff, & community, LRSD officials said. Your support is appreciated. See you tomorrow!

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The North Little Rock School District will also be opening campuses back up at normal times on Tuesday. The full letter from NLRSDs superintendent can be found on the schools website.

Pulaski County Special School District schools and offices will also be open on Tuesday, district officials said.

Our transportation crews have been out scouting roads and clearing school parking lots throughout the day. In coordination with neighboring districts, we believe the roads will be safe to drive nearly all routes tomorrow, PCSSD officials said.

Arkansans cleaning up after heavy snowfall

Visit our Closings page to see which Arkansas schools will still be closed on Tuesday.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
Wisconsinites eager to wait out 90-minute lines for a Culver's meal on Jan. 6 helped the company generate $165,000 to benefit families impacted by the Abundant Life Christian School shooting.

Just one day of a percentage of sales across 80 Culver's stores has nearly doubled the total funds raised by the United Way of Dane County. A spokesperson told the Journal Sentinel last week that, since the United Way of Dane County issued its Emergency and Recovery Fund following the deadly shooting Dec. 16, it has raised a total of $245,740 through 1,517 donors.

The 80 participating Culver's stores donated anywhere from 10% to 25% of sales Jan. 6, part of the company's "Make Meals Matter" campaign.

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"Were so thankful to every guest who joined us to support their neighbors at Abundant Life Christian School and to each team member who helped serve them, Culvers co-founder Craig Culver said. "We're passionate about making delicious food, but really, we're in the people business  so when our communities need a place to gather to rally around their neighbors in need, we're extremely proud to welcome them."

The Abundant Life shooting left three dead Dec. 16, including the shooter, a 15-year-old freshman. Madison police identified the shooting victims as Erin West, a substitute teacher coordinator at Abundant Life, and Rubi Patricia Vergara, a freshman student at Abundant Life.

The shooting also wounded six others, leaving two in critical condition. Madison police have not identified any of the six non-fatal victims. On Dec. 31, UW Health announced the hospital had upgraded the two most seriously injured victims from critical to fair condition. On Tuesday, the hospital announced the two survivors' conditioned had upgraded yet again from fair condition to "good." Each sustained multiple gunshot wounds.

For Finn Baker, an assistant general manager at the Culver's of Northport in Madison, who worked nearly 12 hours that day despite his 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. shift, the support was like nothing he had ever seen before. The last time Baker had seen a fundraising effort at his store that came close to Jan. 6's fundraising event took place in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

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The support Wisconsinites showed Jan. 6 culminated in a "nonstop day" for staff, Baker said.

For Shannon Skinner-Roy, an assistant general manager at the Culver's on Mineral Point Road in Madison, the only other day in his mind that resonates on the same scale of Jan. 6's fundraiser happened when the company released the "Curderburger," a burger packed with a patty-sized cheese curd, as an April Fool's Day joke.

There's yet one more opportunity to eat for a cause, this time in the form of noodle-slurping. On Jan. 23, select Dane County-based Noodles & Company locations will come together to support the Abundant Life community. Between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., 25% of all sales will be donated at the following locations:

Sun Prairie Noodles & Company located at 2812 Prairie Lakes Dr., Sun Prairie

Eastside Noodles & Company located at 4280 E. Towne Blvd, Madison

Monona Noodles & Company located at 6520 Monona Dr. at Pier 37, Monona

Fitchburg Noodles & Company located at 2981 Triverton Pike Dr. on McKee Road, Fitchburg

Westside Noodles & Company located at 7050 Mineral Point Road, Madison

To donate independently to the United Way fund, visit unitedwaydanecounty.org or text Help4ALCS to 40403.

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Natalie Eilbert covers mental health issues for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. She welcomes story tips and feedback. You can reach her at neilbert@gannett.com or view her X (Twitter) profile at @natalie_eilbert.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Chance to eat Culver's for Abundant Life school proves profitable
This article was updated to reflect the correct title of Delia Garza.

A Travis County judge dismissed a misdemeanor charge against Richard Heyman, a former University of Texas lecturer who was arrested after police accused him of interfering with public duties during an April 29 pro-Palestinian protest on campus.

Judge Carlos Barrera on Monday dismissed the Class B misdemeanor charge, which can be punishable with up to 180 days in jail or a $2,000 fine, granting Heyman's attorney's November motion, because prosecutors did not secure an indictment within the legal time frame of 180 days, KUT first reported.

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Travis County Attorney Delia Garza previously dismissed all criminal trespassing charges for demonstrators arrested during April 24 and April 29 pro-Palestinian protests at UT  more than 130 total  due to lack of evidence and likelihood of succeeding. Heyman's is the latest criminal charge to be dropped related to the protests, during which demonstrators were demanding that UT divest from weapon's manufacturers contributing to Israel's bombardment on Gaza in its effort to root out Hamas after the Palestinian militant group attacked the Jewish state on Oct. 7, 2023. Many other protests had also broken out on college campuses across the country to rally against the Israel-Hamas war.

Department of Public Safety troopers arrested Heyman outside his house for the misdemeanor charge nine days after the protest, and UT notified Heyman that he was nonrenewed via email a day after he was arrested, the American-Statesman first reported.

UT declined to comment on Heyman's dropped charge because the DPS rather than the UT campus police made the arrest. At a May 20 Faculty Council meeting, however, President Jay Hartzell denied that Heyman lost his job due to the arrest, stating there was a "pattern of behavior" that led to the nonrenewal. He had worked for the university for nearly 18 years in the Department of Geography and the Environment, according to his resume.

"Let me be clear: the decision to not renew the lecturer is not related to any protest activity in which he may have participated or his subsequent arrest," Hartzell said in May. "Earlier in April, this individual engaged in unprofessional and erratic behavior at a public event hosted by a student organization and unfortunately this was not the only instance of such behavior."

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Heyman was accused of grabbing and pulling a DPS trooper's bike, breaking the $62 bike bell and yelling expletives, according to the officer's perception of events as stated in the probable cause arrest affidavit. Heyman's lawyer, Gerry Morris, said officers mischaracterized the lecturer's actions, adding that Heyman grabbed the bike to avoid falling on the ground after an officer pushed him, and the lecturer yelled in line with his constitutional speech rights.

Morris previously told the Statesman that Heyman was not part of an impromptu encampment erected during the April 29 protest but instead was a bystander watching the demonstrators and criticizing the police response. He added that video, which he did not share with the Statesman at the time, shows that the troopers became "irritated" as Heyman was "expressing his displeasure" with how police were breaking up the protest and they then "shoved him."

In an interview Monday, Morris declined to comment on the nature of Heyman's termination and said the judge's motion speaks for itself.

The county attorney's office and the DPS did not respond to Statesman requests for comment Monday.

Statesman reporter Skye Seipp contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Former UT lecturer had charge dropped after pro-Palestinian protest
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Nestor Oved Rocha-Aguayo, 24, has officially been charged with aggravated murder after his girlfriend, Talia Lee Benward, was found dead in a remote area of Tooele County earlier this month.

Benward, 31, was found on early Saturday morning, Jan. 4, two days after being reported missing by her family. Detectives quickly identified Rocha-Aguayo as the primary suspect and tracked him down to a bus headed for Mexico. Authorities were able to stop the bus and safely take Rocha-Aguayo into custody on Sunday, Jan. 5.

The Salt Lake County District Attorneys Office officially filed charges on Tuesday, Jan 14, accusing Rocha-Aguayo of first-degree felony aggravated murder, first-degree felony aggravated kidnapping, three counts of first-degree felony obstruction of justice, and third-degree felony abuse or desecration of a human body.

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This is a case that has shocked our community, said Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill. We hope the family and loved ones of the victim can get the support they need to help them through this incredibly difficult time.

Timeline of Talia Benwards murder

According to court documents, investigators learned the two had been dating and had several domestic violence incidents. Police also learned that Rocha-Aguayo had been deported on Christmas Eve but quickly returned to Utah.

Investigators said the two planned to meet at a gas station near 9000 South and 5600 West on Jan. 1. Surveillance footage from the gas station reportedly shows Rocha-Aguayo and Benward arguing but then leaving together in a white car. The two then reportedly went shopping and to a local park before going to Tooele County.

On Jan. 2, 2025, Benwards ex-boyfriend contacted the Unified Police Department saying she had borrowed his white Volkswagon Jetta but had not returned it, according to court documents. Benwards father called Unified Police later in the day saying she had been missing for over a day and the family could not get in touch with her. Her ex-boyfriend then contacted police again saying he found threatening Instagram messages between Benward and Rocha-Aguayo and asked for his car to be listed as missing.

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Authorities were able to locate the ex-boyfriends car at a location they say is associated with Rocha-Aguayo the same day. According to court documents, the car was found with blood throughout, a missing floor mat, and a strong smell of gasoline in the trunk.

Based on the evidence, law enforcement started a search in a remote area of Tooele County where they found a burn pit with part of the missing floor mat from the Jetta. A cadaver dog was called out and Benwards body was located. An autopsy from the medical examiners office concluded Benward had died of asphyxiation and blunt force trauma, according to court documents.

Rocha-Aguayo then allegedly began to flee the state and possibly head to Mexico. Authorities were able to intercept the bus in Beaver, Utah, where after he allegedly tried to flee authorities, Rocha-Aguayo was safely taken into custody.

He has since been ordered to be held without bail, pending a pretrial hearing. As of Tuesday, Jan. 14, an initial court date has not been set.

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Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD)  The Charleston County School Board discussed raising teacher salaries on Monday night as they met for the first time in the new year.

Last year, the district passed an $8,000 raise for the 2024-25 school year, making Charleston County one of the highest-paying school districts in the state with a starting salary for teachers of around $56,000.

Ive been teaching for 32 years in the district, and never have we seen increases like this, dedication like this- from the board, from the superintendent, so we would just like to continue to see it keep pace with housing in the area, with cost of living in the area, said Jody Stallings, with the Charleston Teacher Alliance.

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Now teachers with 0 to 5 years of experience will see their salary increase to $64,782 and teachers with over five years of experience will see around a $4,000 salary increase.

We know when our teachers are focused on teaching and learning and not how theyll pay their bills or about how theyll prepare dinner, or going to a second job, we know the children in the classroom get the most from focused teachers who are energized around the working elevating outcomes, said Superintendent Anita Huggins.

Board members said they could increase salaries without cutting funds across any program. This proposed salary raise will make Charleston teachers salaries competitive with those of teachers in areas such as Atlanta and Charlotte.

We are already the highest paying in the state, but it will position us in the southeastern region to lead in the region. It will not only make us more competitive but allow us to select the very best and retain them, said Leah Whatley, a CCSD board member.

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In recent years, Charleston County has seen a decline in the number of young people entering the teaching profession. With higher salaries, the goal is to have more teachers come to Charleston County and stay.

Its really important for young people to know its a feasible career option. It used to be a common understanding teachers werent paid what they deserve but I can see its starting to turn. I can see in my own school it has grown, and these students are very interested in being part of one of the best professions out there. I think if students see that its something they can afford to live and work and be part of their communities they will definitely pursue it, said Patrick Martin, a teacher with CCSD.

The Charleston County School Board is also considering expanding employee daycare for FY 2026.

The pay increase was proposed Monday night and will be voted on later this year.

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Katherine Graff moved into a newly built home in Morganton, North Carolina in May 2023. In less than two years, her brand-new home has already cost her $40,000 for structural repairs.

And based on recent engineering inspections, she believes it could cost her up to $300,000 despite having an inspection done.

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Im never gonna get my money back from this house. All my retirement, everything. I mean, this is your biggest investment of ones lifetime and its gone, Graff shared with WCNC Charlotte reporters.

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Within a month of moving in, Graff says she noticed carpenter ants coming through significant gaps in her homes siding. When she went into the homes crawl space, she noticed even more issues with the foundation and structure of the home, including large gaps and misaligned pillars.

Complaints to the builder and government agencies went nowhere

According to statements to WCNC Charlotte, Graff has experience in building. Shes worked in brand new buildings, including schools and hospitals, pulling wire, a term often used to refer to the work electricians do to pull wire through walls when running electricity.

This experience may have provided Graff with more insight into construction issues  but it didnt do much to help her resolve the issue. Graff says she reached out to builder Timothy Truitt of CMTT Properties and Belmont Builders and was met with resistance.

He pretty much said, Nope, and sent me a letter from his lawyer telling him not to contact him anymore, Graff shared with WCNC Charlotte. The WCNC Charlotte team reached out to Truitt and is waiting for a response.

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Graff then filed a complaint with the North Carolina Licensing Board of General Contractors, which has since opened an investigation into the builder. However, the review is still pending. She then contacted Burke County officials for assistance but found their response unhelpful.

I honestly kind of got pushed under the table by the county, Graff shared. [A county official] really didnt do anything. He didnt say much. He was kind of like, Well, well talk to the builder, and thats really all Ive heard from the county. Ive tried to contact the county. Ive asked them if they could change their processes and procedures to prevent this from happening. And I havent gotten any response really from the county.

Then Graff discovered something even more troubling  the builder might not have had a valid license when he started building. According to Graff, county inspection sheets indicated that construction on her home began in September 2022, yet state records revealed the builders license would not have been valid at that time.

He didnt have a valid license at the time when he applied for the building permit, Graff said. The county didnt even do a license search until 30 days later.

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How to protect yourself from similar struggles

WCNC Charlotte reached out to Brian Epley, the Burke County Manager, for comments. He responded, in part: Ultimately, any build project is a contract between the homeowner and builder. Our role is to ensure code compliance according to North Carolina and Burke County standards. Our county staff thoroughly investigated this property and turned over our findings to the NC License General Contracting Board for further investigation involving the builder... at this time, we are unaware of any findings or results from the boards review.

To protect yourself from a similar situation, its important to take proactive steps before committing to a new home purchase or building project. Here are several tips to help protect your investment.

Verify the builder's credentials : Before hiring a builder, always verify they are correctly licensed and insured. In Graffs case, the builder may not have been licensed at the time of the build, which is a significant red flag. In many states, you can verify a builders licensing status by searching contractor registration  or with your local construction licensing board.

Hire a reputable inspector : While Graff did hire an inspector, she didnt discover the structural issues until later. This may indicate the inspector did not do a thorough job or was inexperienced. Make sure the inspector is licensed and reputable and that the inspection includes a comprehensive look at the foundation, plumbing, electrical systems, and other structural elements.

Dont hesitate to report issues: If you suspect a contractor is operating without the proper license, or if youre facing structural issues with your home, report it to local authorities and your states contractor licensing board. This can prompt an investigation, but be prepared for the process to take time. The more complaints they receive, the better chance you have of action being taken.

If all else fails, be prepared to take legal action. Filing a civil case may force the builder or the builder's insurance company to pay for updates and repairs for structural issues.

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Currently, Graff is urging county officials to improve their processes and prioritize citizens over builders.

Please guys, get your act together," Graff shared. You guys can do better for us as citizens. Theres no reason to protect an elite few builders when you got thousands of citizens here that need you guys to protect them.

What to read next

This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Charlotte city leaders are moving forward with plans to connect South End and Uptown through the rail trail.

Council members gave the go-ahead for the Interstate 277 pedestrian bridge project Monday night.

Its a project years in the making and finally, people on the rail trail could start to see progress.

Those who live and work between South End and Uptown said theyll certainly make use of the pedestrian bridge.

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I was actually pretty excited about it, said Adis Delic, who lives in South End and commutes to Uptown for work.

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That excitement is shared by many people who use the rail trail for exercise, commuting, and recreation.

I walk this area all the time and thats something I could most definitely use, said Vernon Crawford, who lives in South End.

The plan is to build a 280-foot-long pedestrian bridge from the CATS Brooklyn Village station in South End to Uptown.

Just making Charlotte more pedestrian friendly because it gets really busy around here, but I think it would be a super good thing for our city, said Alexis Parker, who works in South End.

Itll include a 16-foot wide-lane lane for cyclists and walkers.

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Charlotte

I think itll be pretty helpful, especially now, said Delic. You see people on bikes, you see the scooters, you see all the people taking their dogs out. Theres a lot of different reasons people use the rail trail.

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People who get to work on foot say this will be more convenient.

The way I walk to work is kind of like I have to cut over a couple of blocks and stuff and this seems like a lot more of a direct path, so pretty excited about that, said Delic.

They believe itll also be good for businesses in the area.

I think itll most definitely benefit the people in this area, said Crawford. The bars, bar crawling, grocery shopping, just like the basics, going to get something to eat, hanging out.

The project has a $16.3 million price tag, and the money for it will come from various city, county and state funds.

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Beyond the ease for travelers, many are expecting the bridge to be a landmark in the Queen City.

I think its just also awesome, said Delic. Something very nice, very pretty and I think it really adds to the aesthetic and like vibe of Charlotte as well.

A company called Blythe Construction will complete the work if North Carolina Department of Transportation leaders give the final approval.

The bridge is expected to open in 2028.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Eric Sondermann is a Colorado-based independent political commentator. He writes regularly for ColoradoPolitics and the Gazette newspapers. Reach him at EWS@EricSondermann.com; follow him at @EricSondermann
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)  Chatham Countys long-awaited 911 and emergency operations center is facing another round of delays  and rising costs.

The building is expected to be able to operate off-grid for up to 72 hours and will be located near the Savannah-Hilton Head Airport on 624 Gulf Stream Road.

A meeting in downtown Savannah this week shed light on why this crucial project has been stuck in neutral. After breaking ground on the site in May 2024 where the facility will be built, there is still no contractor for the project.

Groundbreaking of the facility with officials seven months ago.

Plans for the Chatham Countys Multi-Agency Public Safety Center are moving forward, but not without challenges.

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While officials say the delays aim to confirm competition and save costs, some taxpayers are growing frustrated. The facility is in high demand, as the current emergency center cannot withstand hurricanes beyond Category 3, according to 2017 assessments.

So far, the county has 10 bidders, and requests for proposals.

Previous bids were rejected, with some contractors failing to meet business goals or violating policies.

The delay has allowed the county to address over 200 questions raised about the facilitys advanced technology and storm-resilient features, which can prevent mistakes from being made on the site in the future and likely save money on the project.

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The 200 questions  Actually, looking at the plans and specs and really asking the questions. Does this fit with that? Does this go here? Is this the right size? So, were able to go in there and actually finalize those plans, said Dennis Jones, Chathams Emergency Management Agency director. Hopefully, the changes will be minimal.

The last construction estimates on building the facility was $89 million, with a timeline of two to three years. And that two-to-three-year period is once a contractor is selected. The facility will also cover nearly 83,000 square feet.

This facility is probably one of the more complicated facilities that youre going to see in Chatham County, especially in technology. Its quite a bit more technologically advanced than even the courthouse that youre building now, said Jones to the Chatham County commissioners when discussing the progress of the site.

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In a response to questions about the delay, the county released this shared statement: The change order approved at Fridays commission meeting was for additional design work. Were still in the design phase. Once the new design goes back out for bidding, well get bids for construction through the request for proposal process.

This past Friday, commissioners voted on a $71,140 contract amendment with the Florida-based design firm overseeing the project. Its the sixth change order since 2018, bringing the total design contract cost to $4.5 million  more than double its original budget. Once the architecture and design are finalized, the county will choose a general contractor.

Drawings of Chatham Countys Multi-Agency Public Safety Center

The facility will be able to withstand Category 5 hurricanes and EF4 tornadoes, providing shelter for up to 450 emergency employees during disasters. Commissioners point out that the extra planning will now save taxpayers millions by avoiding costly changes during construction.

This is a survivable structure, one of if not the most survivable structure in all of Chatham County is what we are building here, said Jones. It will have double backups and, in some cases, triple backups so that we can live completely off the grid.

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Chatham County told WSAV that they have no timeline on when a contractor will be chosen; it could be a week or months.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
(Bloomberg) -- Chicagos leaders decided against taking a proposal to scale back its sanctuary city ordinance to vote, as the city braces for a second Donald Trump presidency.

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Two aldermen unsuccessfully pushed for a vote on Wednesday on a proposed amendment to Chicagos welcoming city ordinance that would allow local law enforcement to work with federal immigration authorities when dealing with individuals arrested for or convicted of certain crimes. The current rules prevent its police from arresting individuals based on immigration status.

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The city council declined to take up the amendment on a 39-11 vote. The measure was widely opposed, with critics saying it would violate Illinois law and create an environment where undocumented migrants feel unsafe in seeking help from police.

The proposal is fraught with due process issues and seems to have unintended consequences of racial profiling, with its references to loitering, and retraumatizing survivors of human trafficking who were forced into prostitution, a spokesperson for Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul said in a statement on Tuesday.

The dismissal of the proposal comes less than a week before President-elect Trump takes office. Chicago has long drawn criticism from Trump, who has decried the city citing crime.

Trump has pledged to deport millions who are living in the US without permission. His administration is expected to issue executive orders around immigration, including plans to deprive sanctuary cities of federal resources if they dont comply, setting up for a clash with the third-largest US city. A loss of federal funds would be an unwelcome hit to the city thats already financially strained.

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Trumps border czar Tom Homan has specifically called out Chicago, where leaders, including Mayor Brandon Johnson have reiterated protection for immigrants. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has also voiced support for those communities, but has noted he doesnt want individuals who commit crimes coming to his state.

Pritzker had already warned that the measure was unlikely to take off in the council.

Collateral Damage

The amendment, which Alderman Raymond Lopez first filed in September 2023, would outline that Chicago can work with federal agents specifically related to individuals who have been arrested or convicted for gang, drug, prostitution and sex crimes, according to Lopez, who is a vocal opponent of the mayor. The proposal would help avoid the collateral damage for law-abiding individuals that can occur if federal agents are searching communities, he said.

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What this amendment does is differentiate between those undocumented who are choosing to commit crimes versus those who are following the laws and trying to pursue the American Dream while waiting for a path forward, Lopez said in an interview earlier this week. You cannot lump the good and the bad together.

On Friday, the Johnson administration reaffirmed its commitment to the welcoming city ordinance.

The mayor and his corporation counsel are communicating with city department heads about guidelines to ensure Chicago remains a welcoming city for all of its residents, according to the Jan. 10 statement.

Theres plenty of opposition to Lopezs proposal, which had been stuck in the city councils rules committee for more than a year.

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Lopezs proposed amendment threatens to raise costs and liabilities for the city as well as potentially lead to violations of the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable searches and seizures by the government, if ICE detainers are used, said Alderman Carlos Ramirez-Rosa.

When you have local law enforcement work as federal immigration officers you end up creating a chilling effect where people are less likely to pick up the phone and call 911 in an emergency or they are less likely to work with a police officer when they are investigating a crime, said Ramirez-Rosa, an ally of the mayor.

Congressman Chuy Garcia, who served in Mayor Harold Washingtons administration when he signed the nations first executive order in 1985 to establish Chicago as sanctuary city, said he opposes efforts to weaken the protections.

We must oppose these attacks that will lead to enhanced racial profiling, separation of families, and the violation of civil rights of both immigrants and US citizens, Garcia said in an emailed statement.

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--With assistance from Isis Almeida.

(Updates starting in first paragraph with city council dismissal.)

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EL PASO, Texas (Border Report)  A Mexican judge says theres enough evidence to hold a Chihuahua state police officer for trial on homicide charges in connection with the Jan. 5 shooting death of an El Paso resident in Juarez.

The judge ordered Arturo Ivan V.S., a member of the state police State Investigations Unit (AEI), to remain behind bars for the next two months as prosecutors and the accused mans defense prepare for trial.

The ruling was based in part on an autopsy report that shows Julian Alfredo Rodriguez, 19, died from a gunshot wound to the head, the Chihuahua Attorney Generals Office said on Monday.

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Juarez police officer charged with killing US citizen

The bullet presumably came from the officers AR-15 rifle, which a widely disseminated security camera video shows he fired at an approaching blue Ford Mustang as he stood in the middle of a street monitoring traffic as a colleague served an arrest warrant inside a nearby home in the Melchor Ocampo neighborhood of Juarez.

Family seeks justice for American killed in Juarez by Mexican officer

The 34-year-old officer alleges self-defense. He has told authorities he thought the driver of the Mustang meant to run him over.

Visit the BorderReport.com homepage for the latest exclusive stories and breaking news about issues along the U.S.-Mexico border

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Rodriguez, 19, an El Paso resident who worked at a restaurant, a nursing home and did landscaping on the side, was visiting his parents in Juarez accompanied by his brother. The morning of the shooting, the brothers and a friend were on their way to procure food for a family meal, according to relatives.

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Jen Fisher can do only so much to keep her son safe from the types of infections that children can encounter at school. The rest, she said, is up to other students and parents in their hometown of Franklin, Tennessee.

Fishers son Raleigh, 12, lives with a congenital heart condition, which has left him with a weakened immune system. For his protection, Raleigh has received all the recommended vaccines for a child his age. But even with his vaccinations, a virus that might only sideline another child could sicken him and land him in the emergency room, Fisher said.

We want everyone to be vaccinated so that illnesses like measles and things that have basically been eradicated dont come back, Fisher said. Those can certainly have a very adverse effect on Raleigh.

Jen Fishers son Raleigh lives with a congenital heart condition, which has left him with a weakened immune system.

For much of Raleighs life, Fisher could take comfort in the high childhood vaccination rate in Tennessee  a public health bright spot in a conservative state with poor health outcomes and one of the shortest life expectancies in the nation.

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Mississippi and West Virginia, two similarly conservative states with poor health outcomes and short life expectancies, also have some of the highest vaccination rates for kindergartners in the nation  a seeming contradiction that stems from the fact that childhood vaccination requirements dont always align with states other characteristics, said James Colgrove, a Columbia University professor who studies factors that influence public health.

The kinds of policies that states have dont map neatly on to red versus blue or one region or another, Colgrove said.

Advocates, doctors, public health officials, and researchers worry such public health bright spots in some states are fading: Many states have recently reported an increase in people opting out of vaccines for their kids as Americans views shift.

During the 2023-24 school year, the percentage of kindergartners exempted from one or more vaccinations rose to 3.3%, the highest ever reported, with increases in 40 states and Washington, D.C., according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. Tennessee and Mississippi were among those with increases. Nearly all exemptions nationally were for nonmedical reasons.

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Vaccine proponents worry anti-vaccine messaging could accelerate a growing health freedom movement that has been pushed by leaders in states such as Florida. Momentum against vaccines is likely to continue to grow with the election of Donald Trump as president and his proposed nomination of anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.

Vaccine proponents worry anti-vaccine messaging could accelerate a growing health freedom movement.

Pediatricians in states with high exemption rates, such as Florida and Georgia, say theyre concerned by what they see  declining immunization levels for kindergartners, which could lead to a resurgence in vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles. The Florida Department of Health reported nonmedical exemption rates as high as 50% for children in some areas.

The religious exemption is huge, said Dr. Brandon Chatani, a pediatric infectious disease doctor in Orlando, Florida. That has allowed for an easy way for these kids to enter schools without vaccines.

In many states, its easier to get a religious exemption than a medical one, which often requires signoff from a doctor.

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Over the past decade, California, Connecticut, Maine, and New York have removed religious and philosophical exemptions from school vaccination requirements. West Virginia has not had them.

Idaho, Alaska, and Utah had the highest exemption rates for the 2023-24 school year, according to the CDC. Those states allow parents or legal guardians to exempt their children for religious reasons by submitting a notarized form or a signed statement.

Florida and Georgia, with some of the lowest reported minimum vaccination rates for kindergartners, allow parents to exempt their children by submitting a form with the childs school or day care.

Both states have reported declines in uptake of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine, which is one of the most common childhood shots. In Georgia, MMR coverage for kindergartners dropped to 88.4% in the 2023-24 school year from 93.1% in 2019-20, according to the CDC. Florida dropped to 88.1% from 93.5% during the same period.

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Dr. Andi Shane, a pediatric infectious disease specialist in Atlanta, traces Georgias declining rates to families who lack access to a pediatrician. State policies on exemptions are also key, she said.

Theres lots of data to support the fact that when personal belief exemptions are not permitted, that vaccination rates are higher, she said.

In December, Georgia public health officials put out an advisory saying the state had recorded significantly more whooping cough cases than in the prior year. According to CDC data, Georgia reported 280 cases in 2024 compared with 96 the year before.

Until 2023, Mississippi was one of the few states that allowed parents to opt out of vaccinating their kids only for medical reasons  and only with the approval of a doctor. That gave it among the highest vaccination rates in the nation as of the 2023-24 school year.

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Its one of the few things Mississippi has done well, said Dr. Anita Henderson, a pediatrician who has practiced in the southern part of the state for nearly 30 years. In terms of health, she said, childhood vaccination rates were the states one shining star.

But that changed in April 2023 when a federal judge ordered state officials to start allowing religious exemptions. The ruling has emboldened many families, Henderson said.

We are seeing more and more skepticism, more and more vaccine hesitancy, and a lack of confidence because of this ruling, she said.

State officials have granted more than 5,000 religious exemptions since the court order allowing them, according to the state health department. Dr. Daniel Edney, the state health officer, said most of the requests have come from more affluent residents in pockets of the state.

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Most people listen to the expert opinions of their pediatricians and family medicine doctors to stay on the vaccine schedule, because its what is best to protect their children, he said.

West Virginias vaccine law  which doesnt allow nonmedical exemptions  also could soon change, said Dr. Matthew Christiansen, that states health officer until he resigned in December.

A bill that would have broadened exemptions made it through the legislature last year but was vetoed by outgoing Republican Gov. Jim Justice. The incoming governor, Republican Pat Morrisey, has been a vocal critic of vaccine mandates.

People asserting their personal freedoms to decline vaccines for their kids can ultimately curtail the ability of others to live full lives, Christiansen said. Kids getting measles and mumps and polio and being paralyzed for their whole life is an impediment on personal freedom and autonomy for those kids, he said.

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Since the Covid pandemic, anti-vaccine sentiment has been growing in Tennessee. One organization, Stand for Health Freedom, drafted a letter for constituents to send to their state lawmakers calling for the resignation of the medical director of Tennessees Vaccine-Preventable Diseases and Immunization Program. The group said she demonstrated a lack of respect for the informed consent rights of the people.

They feel emboldened by the idea that this presidential administration seems to feel very strongly that a lot of these issues should be taken back to the states, said Emily Delikat, director of Tennessee Families for Vaccines, a pro-vaccine group.

Ultimately, like many effective public health interventions, vaccines are a victim of their own success, said Henderson, the Mississippi pediatrician. Most people havent seen outbreaks of measles or polio, so they forget how dangerous the diseases are, she said.

It may unfortunately take a resurgence of those diseases to raise awareness to the fact that these are dangerous, these are deadly, these are preventable, she said. I hope it doesnt come to that.

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KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF  the independent source for health policy research, polling, and journalism.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
EAST HANOVER TOWNSHIP, Pa. (WHTM)  Two Chilean nationals were arrested in Dauphin County and referred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Pennsylvania State Police say on January 12, Troopers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle with a California registration for violations on I-81N in East Hanover Township.

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Troopers searched the vehicle and said they found marijuana and Xanax inside. The two occupants of the vehicle also allegedly provided fictitious identifying information to law enforcement.

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The two suspects, Rangel Ignacio Meza-Aleksov and Diego Antonio Calderon-Leiva, were both discovered to be from Chile and were taken to the Dauphin County Booking Center for arraignment.

The Department of Homeland Securitys ICE office in York County was notified and immigration detainers were placed on both men.

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Chinas leadership did not welcome the fall of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad late last year. Despite never having intervened militarily in Syria, as did Russia and Iran, China supported the Assad regime diplomatically and symbolically. Usually under the banner of defending Syrias sovereignty, Beijing joined Moscow in using its veto at the United Nations Security Council 10 times to protect Assads government from Western-backed resolutions during the 13 years of the Syrian civil war. China also hosted Assad in Hangzhou in September 2023 as part of a visit that helped shore up his image as a leader who had escaped international isolation.

As a result, in todays post-Assad Syria, China faces complicated dilemmas. But depending on how developments unfold and how the West ultimately approaches the new powers that be in Damascus, Beijing and the interim Syrian government led by the rebel group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, or HTS, might successfully establish some form of partnership rooted in pragmatism and realpolitik thinking.

China and the Syrian Civil War

When the Arab Uprisings reached Syria in 2011, China opposed regime change in Damascus. This was not necessarily due to any love for the Assad regime per se, but more about Chinese conceptions of authoritarian stability and opposition to Western-backed revolutions purportedly in the name of democracy and human rights.

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Chinese officials were suspicious of the Wests potential to gain from Assads ouster and worried about color revolutions in general. Cases of Western military intervention in Iraq and Libya, in particular, have informed Beijings view that such U.S.-led campaigns are messy and destabilizing, and often create problems as bad or worse than the targeted autocratic regimes they replaced. Additionally, Beijing was fearful of the potential for the winds of political change in the Arab world to reach China, at a time when an average of 500 anti-corruption demonstrations a day were taking place there.

Yet talk about China supporting Syria economically during the civil war was frequently exaggerated. Although Beijing and Damascus established a strategic partnership during Assads 2023 visit to Hangzhouwhich itself came 21 months after Syria joined Chinas Belt and Road Initiative, or BRIbilateral economic ties did not grow enough to come anywhere close to counterbalancing the harmful impact of the Wests stringent sanctions against Syria and the Assad regime. Despite the Syrian governments hopes that China would invest heavily in the countrys reconstruction after the regime had gained what seemed like a decisive victory over the rebels in 2016-2017, Syrias investment environment was too unstable for even the historically risk-tolerant Chinese. Given that bilateral trade stood at $541 million in 2022down from $2 billion in 2011Syria has clearly not been an attractive market to Chinese firms for many years. Nonetheless, China is a top source of imports for Syria, behind only Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, with the main Chinese exports to Syria being fabric, iron and tires.

The Xinjiang Factor

Throughout the Syrian civil war, Uyghurs from western Chinas Xinjiang province traveled to Syria to join the ranks of the jihadist groups fighting the Assad regime. Estimates of how many they numbered vary from a few hundred to 5,000. One media outlet in Dubai put the figure as high as 20,000. The possibility of these violent extremists returning to China has terrified officials in Beijing, which was one more reason why China backed Assad in the conflict. While China has long used the threat of Uyghur militancy as a smokescreen for its oppression of Uyghurs in Xinjiang, those fears are not necessarily unfounded with regard to Syria. As one Uyghur militant declared in 2017, We didnt care how the fighting went or who Assad was. We just wanted to learn how to use the weapons and then go back to China.

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As Beijing saw it, the fall of Assad always had the potential to create security dilemmas in relation to this issue of radicalized and battle-hardened Uyghurs. China may now perceive those threats as closer to materializing, epitomized by one masked Uyghur militant who, in a video that circulated on the day of Assads fall, declared, We will chase the Chinese infidels away.

As a result, Beijing is gravely concerned about the militant Uyghurs who remain in post-Assad Syria today, some of them in high-ranking positions. Of particular concern is the Turkestan Islamic Party, or TIP, an al-Qaida-affiliated jihadist organization long allied with HTS. Listed by the U.N. as a terrorist entity, TIP, which mainly comprises Uyghurs and Uzbeks, seeks to form an Islamist state in western Chinaincluding Xinjiangand parts of Central Asia. Established in Pakistan in 1997, TIP moved its fighters to Idlib during the Syrian civil war, after Beijing intensified its pressure on authorities in Pakistan and Afghanistan to go after the group. Designated by the U.S. as a terrorist organization until 2020, TIP took part in the HTS-led rebel advance that toppled Assads regime late last year. Even if TIP fighters are not able to return to China directly from Syria, their ability to travel to countries that border China alarms policymakers in Beijing.

In response to reports that the new authorities in Damascus are appointing TIP fighters to high-ranking roles within the reconstituted Syrian army, Chinese officials are making clear that the HTS-led government must fulfil its counterterrorism obligations and to prevent any terrorist forces from using Syrian territory to threaten the security of other countries. Establishing a healthy relationship with China will likely require HTS to strike a balance between showing gratitude to TIP fighters and assuaging Beijings security concerns. Ahmed al-Sharaathe HTS chief and de facto Syrian leader formerly known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Jolanihas previously expressed solidarity with the Uyghurs and their plight of persecution under Chinese rule, while also stating that their struggle against China is not ours.

Keeping Doors Open

Beijing will likely approach the overall situation carefully, refraining from impulsive decisions vis-a-vis the New Syria while possibly trying to use Chinas leverage to incentivize the post-Assad government in Damascus to avoid tolerating Uyghur militant groups on Syrian soil. In practice, this could entail China using its veto power at the U.N. Security Council to defend Damascus from any possible action that Western governments might seek to take against HTS down the road, while offering to make major investments in Syrias war-ravaged economy.

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Not wanting post-Assad Syria to be a haven for international terrorist organizations that have their sights on China, officials in Beijing will probably find ways to make the most of the situation and try to work with whatever government emerges in Damascus. Although Syrias role in the BRI never took off under Assad, China will maintain a long-term perspective on Damascus and see its future relationship with Syria in the context of this ambitious infrastructure development project in the years and decades to come, rather than focus exclusively on short-term prospects. Doing so will require pragmatic engagement with Syrias new leadership.

Politically, China will seek to take advantage of any potential Western missteps in post-Assad Syria. Compared to the current refusal by the U.S. and European Union to de-list the HTS as a terrorist group while leaving in place their heaviest sanctions on Syria, Chinas non-interference doctrine may appeal to the new Syrian government. With al-Sharaa proving himself to be above all else a pragmatist, the HTS leadership understands the importance of securing partnerships with both regional powers and permanent Security Council members in order to obtain greater legitimacy on the international stage, which is important to the twin challenges of state-building and reconstruction of Syrias economy.

If Western governments refuse to grant such legitimacy to Syrias Islamist rebels-turned-rulers, Beijing will likely seize on opportunities to leverage tensions between Damascus and the West in ways that serve Chinas own interests. Under such circumstances, HTS-ruled Syria might maintain Damascus Look East policy from the Assad era, to Chinas advantage.

Giorgio Cafiero is the CEO and founder of Gulf State Analytics, a Washington-based geopolitical risk consultancy that focuses on the Middle East, and an adjunct assistant professor at Georgetown University. Follow him on Twitter @GiorgioCafiero.

More Syria Coverage:

How the Assad regime turned Syrias brutal prison system into an extortion racket.

The enormous challenges facing Syrias transitional government.

Why European policymakers needs to reexamine their assumptions about Syrian society in the post-Assad era.

What the fall of the Assad regime means for the external actors in the country.

How the rebel offensive that ousted Assad has global connections.

Why the HTS-led offensive was hiding in plain sight.

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Read all of our Syria coverage here.

The post China Will Approach Post-Assad Syria With Caution appeared first on World Politics Review.
Chinese officials are reportedly discussing the possibility of Elon Musk buying out the American operations of TikTok, as the social network faces an impending ban in the U.S., according to Bloomberg.

The Chinese government prefers that the app remain in the hands of parent company ByteDance, but has reportedly discussed the potential of a Musk acquisition as part of its broader contingency planning for working with the incoming Trump administration.

A potential sale to Musk would put the billionaire in an unprecedented position, owning X, one of the worlds largest social media networks, and the U.S. operations of another, all while serving as a top adviser to Donald Trump.

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Such a deal could raise concerns about monopoly ownership of social media platforms. Musks possible partnership with China would likely also fail to allay security concerns about TikTok if Chinese officials would continue to have access to U.S. user data through Musk.

ByteDance downplayed the report.

We cant be expected to comment on pure fiction, the company told CNBC.

The Independent has contacted X for comment.

Trump is hoping to forestall TikTok ban, which takes effect on January 19, a day before he takes office (AFP/Getty)

In April, the U.S. Congress passed a bipartisan bill to ban TikTok in the U.S. unless it finds a new owner.

Federal officials have argued the site is a national-security threat of immense depth and scale because of alleged links with China, and resulting concerns over the sanctity of U.S. user data.

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TikTok and ByteDance have argued these concerns are unfounded. They are currently challenging the TikTok ban at the Supreme Court.

On Friday, the justices appeared skeptical of the companys First Amendment arguments.

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.

The law is only targeted at this foreign corporation, which doesnt have First Amendment rights, Justice Elena Kagan added.

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Donald Trump has sought to delay the ban, which will take effect on January 19, the day before he takes office. The president-elect, as his lawyer put it in a brief, is hoping to resolve the fate of TikTok through political means once he takes office.

Trump tried to ban TikTok in 2020 via executive order, then campaigned in 2024 that he would save the app.

For all of those who want to save TikTok in America, vote Trump, Trump said during the campaign. The other side is closing it up. But Im now a big star on TikTok ... Were not doing anything with TikTok, but the other side is going to close it up.

Observers have argued the impending ban would devastate the sprawling creator economy that depends on the platform.

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A TikTok ban would be absolutely catastrophic for the creators and the small businesses who rely on it, Jess Maddox, an assistant professor at the University of Alabama told CNN. Ive spent my career talking to creators and influencers, they are resilient, theyll pivot, but it will be a struggle in the meantime and take a hit to them financially.

Ahead of a potential ban, creators have also taken to using another popular app, Lemon8, with similar features, which is owned by ByteDance.
Wil Armstrong is an entrepreneur and investor in Denver, chairman of the Board of Trustees at Colorado Christian University, and son of the late Senator Bill Armstrong (R-CO, 1979-1990).
(Reuters) -Chinese officials are in preliminary talks about a potential option to sell TikTok's operations in the United States to billionaire Elon Musk, should the short-video app be unable to avoid an impending ban, Bloomberg News reported on Monday.

Beijing officials prefer that TikTok remains under the control of parent Bytedance, the report said, citing sources.

TikTok's U.S. operations could either be sold through a competitive process or an arrangement by the government, the report said, suggesting that the future of the app is no longer solely in ByteDance's control.

China's government has a "golden share" in ByteDance, which several members of Congress have said gives the government power over Tiktok.

Under one scenario, Musk's social media platform X would take control of TikTok U.S. and run the business together, the report said. Officials have yet to reach a consensus about how to proceed, according to Bloomberg News.

"We can't be expected to comment on pure fiction," a TikTok spokesperson said, responding to the report.

It remains unclear how much ByteDance is aware of the discussions, or of Musk and TikTok's involvement, and there is no information on whether ByteDance, TikTok and Musk have engaged in any talks regarding a possible deal.

TikTok has previously said that the government's stake "has no bearing on ByteDance's global operations outside of China, including TikTok."

Elon Musk, X, and China's Cyberspace and Ministry of Commerce did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Last week, the Supreme Court seemed inclined to uphold a law that would force a sale or ban TikTok in the U.S by Jan. 19, over national security concerns about China.

(Reporting by Gnaneshwar Rajan and Chandni Shah in Bengaluru; Additional reporting by Gursimran Kaur; Editing by Alan Barona and Sherry Jacob-Phillips)
The News

Beijing is reportedly mulling the sale of TikToks US operations to Elon Musk ahead of a Sunday deadline for the apps owner to sell it to an American company or face a ban in the country.

According to Bloomberg and The Wall Street Journal, the proposal is part of a broader discussion among Chinese officials over Beijings stance toward Donald Trump: Establishing closer ties to Musk  a Trump ally who already has a relationship with China as a result of his EV company, Tesla  is among the strategies being considered. ByteDance, which owns TikTok, maintained that its US operation is not for sale, and described the reports of a potential deal with Musk as pure fiction.

A chart showing TikToks users by region

SIGNALS

TikTok is a casualty of US-China tech tensions

Sources: East Asia Forum, Georgetown Journal of International Affairs

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The national security and ideological concerns behind the decision to force a sale or ban TikTok obscure the apps role as both a catalyst and a metaphor for the tech rivalry between the US and China, analysts wrote for East Asia Forum, an Australian think tank. A US ban could send a warning to other Chinese companies operating in the country, and deepen the tech divide between the two nations, they wrote. A potential ban could carry hidden risks, however, a Center for Strategic International Studies researcher warned: Ideological concerns among some US lawmakers risks echoing Chinas Great Firewall censorship policy, which, in turn, risk disrupting global commerce and information flows.

Beijing leaning toward letting deadline pass: Reports

Sources: The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post

Chinese officials have apparently decided that it may be better to let the ban take effect  rather than force a sale  so that negotiations can continue following Donald Trumps inauguration, The Wall Street Journal reported. Any decisions as to the apps future that involve Beijing officials, meanwhile, could raise further debate about whether TikTok is a tool [of the Chinese government] a China foreign policy expert told the Journal. Trump  who once proposed a TikTok ban himself  has since said he wants the app to remain in the US, although its unclear how he might try to reverse the sale-or-ban law.

Would Musk buy TikTok?

Sources: Bloomberg, BBC

As a staunch ally of Donald Trump, Elon Musk could prove pivotal to TikToks survival: He has disavowed the US ban, and has a history of doing business in China through his EV company, Tesla. The worlds richest man may be constrained by budget, however: Musk is still paying off his Twitter purchase, and TikTok would present an estimated further expense of between $40-$50 billion, Bloomberg noted. Another consideration for Musk is the fact that US TikTokers are already migrating to other apps, including Chinese rival Xiaohongshu, which on Monday was the most downloaded app on Apples US App Store, the BBC reported. Combining TikToks US operations with Musks X platform could boost the latters ad sales, however, and its vast library of content would help bolster his AI ambitions.
MANILA, Philippines (AP)  A Philippine security official said Tuesday that China is pushing us to the wall with growing aggression in the disputed South China Sea and warned that all options are on the table for Manila's response, including new international lawsuits.

A large Chinese coast guard ship patrolled hotly disputed Scarborough Shoal in recent days and then sailed toward the northwestern coast of the Philippines on Tuesday, coming as close as 77 nautical miles (143 kilometers), Philippine officials said in a news conference.

"The presence of the monster ship in Filipino waters  77 nautical miles from our shoreline, is unacceptable and, therefore, it should be withdrawn immediately by the Chinese government, Jonathan Malaya, assistant director-general of the National Security Council, said at the news conference alongside senior military and coast guard officials.

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Youre pushing us to the wall, Malaya said of China. We do not and will not dignify these scare tactics by backing down. We do not waver or cower in the face of intimidation. On the contrary, it strengthens our resolve because we know we are in the right.

A Chinese official said in Beijing that his country's sovereignty in the South China Sea is well established and its coast guard patrols are lawful and justified.

We once again urge the Philippines to immediately stop all infringement, provocation and malicious hype, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a daily briefing when asked about Malaya's comments.

The Chinese government has repeatedly accused the Philippines and other rival claimant states including Vietnam and Malaysia of encroaching on what it says are undisputed Chinese territorial waters.

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Two Philippine coast guard ships, backed by a small surveillance aircraft, repeatedly ordered the 165-meter (541-foot) Chinese coast guard ship to withdraw from the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, a 200-nautical mile (370-kilometer) stretch of water, Philippine coast guard Commodore Jay Tarriela said.

What were doing there is, hour-by-hour and day-to-day, (we're) challenging the illegal presence of the Chinese coast guard for the international community to know that were not going to allow China to normalize the illegal deployment," Tarriela said.

Under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who took office in mid-2022, the Philippines has aggressively defended its territorial interests in the South China Sea, a key global trading route. That has brought Philippine forces into frequent confrontations with Chinas coast guard, navy and suspected militia boats and sparked fears that a bigger armed conflict could draw in the United States, the Philippines longtime treaty ally and Chinas regional rival.

The lopsided conflict has forced the Philippines to seek security arrangements with other Asian and Western countries, including Japan, with which it signed a key agreement last July which would allow their forces to hold joint combat training. The pact, which must be ratified by lawmakers of both countries before it takes effect, was the first such agreement to be forged by Japan in Asia.

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China surrounded Scarborough Shoal with its coast guard and other ships after a tense territorial standoff with the Philippines in 2012. The Philippines responded by bringing its disputes with China to international arbitration in 2013 and largely won three years later when an arbitration panel in The Hague invalidated Chinas expansive claims in the busy sea passage under the 1982 United Convention on the Law of the Sea.

China has rejected the 2016 arbitration ruling and continues to openly defy it.

Will this lead to another case? Malaya said. All options are on the table because the closer the monster ship is in Philippine waters, the more it makes tensions high and the more that the Philippine government contemplates things it was not contemplating before.

China has warned the Philippines from pursuing another legal case in an international forum after the arbitration, preferring bilateral negotiations, which give Beijing an advantage because of its size and clout, a senior Philippine official has said on condition of anonymity because of a lack of authority to discuss such sensitive issues publicly.

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The two countries have also been discussing their territorial conflicts under a bilateral consultation mechanism to avoid an escalation of the disputes. The next round of talks will be hosted by China, the official said.

___

Associated Press writer Ken Moritsugu in Beijing contributed to this report.
Visa-free travel to China more than doubled last year from 2023, the latest data shows, with Beijing pledging to further ease its rules for foreign tourists.

This comes after more than a year of travel policy easing, including short-term visa-free transit and unilateral visa-free entry schemes for dozens of countries.

A total of 20.1 million foreign travellers gained visa-free entry in 2024, surging by 112.3 per cent from the previous year, according to National Immigration Administration (NIA) figures released on Tuesday.

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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.

"Over the past year ... the number of foreigners coming to China has increased significantly," NIA spokeswoman Lu Ning said.

The NIA data was released a day after the State Council, China's cabinet, outlined further efforts to "optimise" inbound travel policies. The move is part of an 18-point package to boost consumption as the country struggles to grow its post-Covid economy.

"[We will] expand the scope of unilateral visa exemptions in an orderly manner and appropriately extend the duration of visa-free stays," the State Council said in a checklist released on Monday.

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Of 610 million inbound and outbound trips made during 2024, about 65 million involved overseas visitors, an increase of nearly 83 per cent, according to the NIA data.

However, the numbers have yet to reach the pre-pandemic levels in 2019, when the total was 670 million trips, with foreigners accounting for close to 98 million.

Lu said the NIA would continue to "release the dividends of the visa-free policy" and further facilitate foreign travel and exchanges.

China reopened its borders to international visitors in January 2023, after three years of pandemic restrictions. Later that year, it began relaxing entry procedures and granting visa waivers to a growing list of countries.

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China is seeking to draw more foreign tourists and investors to help energise post-Covid economic growth, as well as mend a global image dented by harsh zero-Covid controls and anti-espionage efforts that have also targeted foreign nationals.

Visa-free entry has been extended to 38 countries so far, in addition to the full mutual visa exemption policies agreed with 26 nations, according to the NIA.

Observers have argued that unilateral opening measures, including visa-free incentives, could play a critical role in helping China to weather the potential challenges posed by the incoming US administration, with Donald Trump due to become president for the second time next week.

The principle of "who is more open than whom" would be key to gaining leverage in the US-China rivalry, leading political scientist and Beijing policy adviser Zheng Yongnian warned in November.

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President Xi Jinping has called for the building of a strong tourism industry and an increase people-to-people exchanges, including with the United States.

Under China's latest move to attract foreign visitors and investment, the nationals of 54 countries are eligible for 10-day visa-free transit as of December 17.

The new policy is an upgrade of the three- to six-day visa-free stays granted to the same set of nations since November 2023.

Passport holders from countries including the United States, Australia and Japan can now stay up to 240 hours in certain areas of mainland China when transiting via one of its 60 international ports.

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The number of foreign visitors using visa-free transits has grown by 29.5 per cent month on month since the extension, according to the NIA.

Total visa-free transits for the whole of 2024 also more than doubled, growing by 113.5 per cent from the previous year.

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.
HONG KONG (Reuters) - The average temperature in China's coastal waters rose for a second consecutive year in 2024 to a record 21.50 degrees Celsius (70.7 degrees Fahrenheit), authorities said, in a year that was the world's hottest since records began.

China describes itself as one of the world's most climate-vulnerable countries, and is coming under increasing pressure to adapt to rapidly changing weather patterns and sea levels that are rising faster than the global average.

The country faced a slew of extreme weather events last year, from the violent passage of Super Typhoon Yagi across southern Hainan in September to the strongest storm to strike Shanghai since 1949.

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The average annual sea surface temperature increased 0.15 C over 2023 and 1.16 C over what it called a normal year average from 1981 to 2010, China's National Marine Environmental Forecasting centre said on its official Wechat account on Jan. 10.

Ocean warming will lead to "frequent extreme weather and climate events", the centre said, warning of the potential threat to livelihoods.

"Ocean warming contributes to one-third of global sea level rise, and coastal and low-lying areas face increasingly serious risks related to sea level rise, such as land erosion," it said.

The centre said it would "closely monitor" global sea temperatures in 2025.

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Global temperatures in 2024 exceeded 1.5 C above the pre-industrial era for the first time, bringing the world closer to breaching the pledge governments made under the 2015 Paris climate agreement, scientists said on Friday.

(Reporting by Farah Master and the Beijing newsroom; Editing by Kate Mayberry)
MANILA (Reuters) -The Philippines accused China on Tuesday of intimidating its fishermen at a disputed South China Sea shoal, and normalising an "illegal presence", after Beijing sent its largest coast guard vessel into Manila's maritime zone.

The move comes against the backdrop of rising tension between the Philippines, a U.S. treaty ally, and Beijing during the past two years, stemming from their overlapping claims in the busy waterway of the South China Sea.

The Philippines has protested this month against the entry of Chinese vessels in its 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ), including the 165-m (541-ft) -long ship 5901, last spotted 77 nautical miles off the western province of Zambales.

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Jonathan Malaya, a spokesperson for the Philippines' National Security Council, reiterated a call for Beijing to withdraw from Manila's waters the "monster ship" he said was deployed to intimidate its fishermen around Scarborough Shoal.

"We were surprised about the increasing aggression being showed by the People's Republic of China in deploying the monster ship," Malaya told a press conference.

"It is an escalation and provocative," Malaya added, calling the presence of the vessel "illegal" and "unacceptable".

"It is also a clear attempt to intimidate our fishermen and deprive them of their legitimate livelihood."

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China's embassy in Manila said the shoal, which it calls "Huangyan Dao", is China's territory, and its actions are in "full accordance with the law".

"It is fully justified," the embassy said in a statement.

Since China seized the Scarborough Shoal in 2012 after a standoff with the Philippines, its coast guard ships have maintained a constant presence to patrol the area.

But China's recent actions have become more concerning because its coast guard vessels moved closer to the Philippine coast, Malaya added.

The Philippine coast guard said it had sent two of its largest vessels to drive away the ship whose presence, its spokesperson said, aimed to normalise China's "illegal deployment" of coast guard vessels in Manila's EEZ.

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China's expansive claims in the South China Sea, a strategic shipping conduit for about $3 trillion of annual commerce, overlap with the EEZs of Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam.

In 2016, an international tribunal ruled China's claims to large swathes of the disputed waterway had no basis, a decision Beijing rejects.

(Reporting by Mikhail Flores and Karen Lema; Editing by John Mair and Clarence Fernandez)
CHICAGO  A Chinese telecommunications company pleaded guilty in federal court in Chicago on Monday to conspiring to steal technology from Illinois-based Motorola Solutions, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorneys Office Northern District of Illinois.

According to the release, Hytera Communications Corp. LTD. pleaded guilty to a federal charge of conspiracy to steal trade secrets and may be fined up to $60 million under the terms of a plea agreement, which can be read in full HERE.

READ: Special counsels final report in Trump Jan. 6 case

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The court must also order Hytera to make full restitution to Motorola, the release states, in an amount to be determined by the court at sentencing. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for Nov. 6, 2025, before U.S. District Judge John J. Tharp Jr.

Motorola Solutions has its corporate headquarters in the West Loop, at 500 West Monroe Street.

According to the plea agreement, Hytera knowingly conspired to steal at least one trade secret from Motorola, through the acts of individuals seeking to benefit Hytera. In 2008, according to the release, the individuals agreed to take documents and source code related to Motorolas digital mobile radio technology, then they used some of that information to develop Hytera products.

Alleged luxury car thief arrested with bevy of fraud tools, guns and drugs in suburbs

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Some of those products were later sold in Illinois, the plea agreement states.

Hytera admitted in the plea agreement that the individuals knew and/or reasonably believed that some of the information they agreed to steal was reasonably protected and kept secret by Motorola and that taking at least one trade secret could potentially hurt Motorola.

Hyteras admission of guilt in federal court validates the extensive evidence that it is a bad actor and felon, and we remain firmly resolute to holding Hytera accountable for its egregious illegal conduct, Greg Brown, chairman and CEO of Motorola Solutions, said in a press release issued by the company on Tuesday. I appreciate the Department of Justice for its diligence in pursuing this matter. This case is critical validation that our government is fully committed to prosecuting criminals who steal from American companies.

We will continue to vigorously defend our valuable intellectual property and trade secrets for the benefit of our company, our customers and our shareholders.

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Motorola said in its release that in 2021, the U.S. Department of Justice filed felony charges against Hytera and seven of its employees, including former executive Gee Siong Kok.

The federal grand jury indictment included 21 counts of federal criminal trade secret violation, Motorola says, including engaging in a decade-long criminal conspiracy to steal and use Motorolas trade secrets and proprietary information.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

Kok pled guilty in 2023 and is awaiting sentencing, while the other six Hytera employees are currently at-large, according to Motorolas release.

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That release also states that Hyteras guilty plea on Monday does not resolve Motorolas ongoing civil litigation against Hytera. Motorola says it will continue to pursue collection of the more than $471 million judgment already awarded to it in its trade secret and copyright infringement litigation against Hytera in the United States, as well as injunctive and other relief to address Hyteras misconduct.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
A recent study found that children are like adults when it comes to helping others  they underestimate the positive impact of their service.

Imagine what kids on both sides of the giving might receive this year when 1 million children under age 11 join service projects organized by the childrens arm of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The church operates a volunteer-run Primary organization for children ages 3 to 11 in each of its 31,500 congregations worldwide. The General Primary Presidency at the faiths Salt Lake City headquarters issued a letter last week inviting the Primary organization in each congregation, known as a ward or branch, to participate in a service project in 2025.

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We hope this worldwide effort will help children realize they are an important part of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and can contribute in meaningful ways, said Primary President Susan H. Porter and her counselors, Sister Amy A. Wright and Sister Tracy Y. Browning. As the children serve, they will grow in their love for the Savior and feel joy as they share his love with others.

Teaching kids how much service matters

Researchers conducted an experiment at a museum in Chicago that asked children who chose to give away a pencil to predict how happy the other child would be. The results were published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology in 2023.

It was clear that kids consistently underestimated the positive impact of these prosocial acts, Stony Brook University professor Margaret Echelbarger said in a news release. Children, like adults, didnt fully anticipate just how happy their recipient would be, and thats an important barrier to consider when encouraging kindness.

That possible barrier to engaging in service is a misunderstanding of the impact, she said.

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We tend to think, Oh, its no big deal, but on the other side, people often think, Wow, someone really cared enough to do something kind for me, she said.

Primary children in the Zingwangwa Branch in Blantyre, Malawi, help bring materials to the site of a new bridge as part of a branch service project on July 2, 2022. | Credit: Elder Prince Sibanda

The children who received pencils were much happier than the givers predicted.

What we found, both with adults and now with children, is that these small acts of generosity really make a bigger difference than people expect, Echelbarger.

Primary and Pennies by the Inch

The Primary organization of the Church of Jesus Christ, founded in 1878, has been connecting childrens giving to children in need for over 100 years.

The Primarys first president, Sarah Louise Louie B. Felt, conceived the idea of providing a room for children at a local hospital. The Primary immediately engaged Primary children in fundraising efforts to cover the costs of operating convalescing rooms, according to church history.

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The church opened Primary Childrens Hospital in 1922. For a century, Primary children have engaged in efforts known as the Penny Parade, Birthday Pennies and Pennies by the Inch.

Primary Children's Hospital

That combined effort represents the oldest grassroots fundraiser in the nation, according to Intermountain Health, which took over Primary Childrens Hospital in 1975.

Continuing a legacy of children serving others

The Primary General Presidency wants the 2025 service projects to continue the legacy of service by children.

We are excited to see how children throughout the world make a difference in their communities and share the joy the gospel brings, the three-member stated.

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They recommended that the adult volunteer leaders in each ward involve children in organizing the service project and invite friends family and ward members to join them.

You can ask children for help brainstorming ideas, seek feedback on what kind of service would feel meaningful to them and involve them as much as possible in the planning process and at the activity, the Presidency stated in a Q&A document. Help them feel ownership in this opportunity to serve as the Savior would.

Any act of service makes a difference, they said, asking even local Primaries with one or two children to participate. Another option is for a stake  a grouping of congregations  to organize projects. Local Primaries also could collaborate with local non-profit organizations.

Leaders also suggested that the churchs service app and website, JustServe.org, can be a valuable resource for sharing volunteer opportunities.
Jimmy Sengenberger is an investigative journalist, public speaker, and longtime local talk-radio host. Reach Jimmy online at Jimmysengenberger.com or on X (formerly Twitter) @SengCenter.
Cincinnati Public Schools closed four out of five school days last week because of snow and dangerously cold weather. Other districts in the region canceled school days, too, on what was supposed to be the first week back after winter break.

Does that mean students and staff will have to make up school days at the end of the school year? Not necessarily.

More: 'Learning is done best in the classrooms.' So why do districts close for the cold?

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In 2014, Ohio changed the amount of time kids must spend in school from days to hours, eliminating the need for makeup days.

Most districts schedule more hours in a school year than they need, in case of emergency school closures including snow and cold days. But if a school closes enough that they fall below the required instructional hours, they must extend the school year.

At Oak Hills, the three snow days from last week amount to about 18 lost hours. Princeton canceled three days, too, but the district's spokesperson said the district "has scheduled well above the minimum number of hours, so we will not need to extend the school year or make up hours."

If more cold days start adding up, though, some schools might need to add extra school days at the end of the school year. Others, like Milford and Reading, said they might consider remote learning days during cold weather instead of canceling school.

How does it work?

Under state law, districts are required to have at least 1,001 hours for grades seven through 12 and 910 hours for the lower grades, including all-day kindergarten. Half-day kindergarteners must be in school at least 455 hours each school year.

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Schools can schedule more hours above the minimum number required each day to accommodate snow days or other times when school is unexpectedly canceled, according to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW). Hours missed above the required minimum do not have to be made up.

Columbus City Schools, for example, schedules 1,051 hours for grades seven through 12.

According to the ODEW, here are two examples of how it could work:

High School 'A:'

The schedule for High School A is to be open for instruction for 1,001 hours, the minimum required not factoring excess hours.

During the winter, bad weather forces the school to close for 32 hours.

High School A is required to make up the 32 hours of missed instruction.

High School 'B:'

The schedule for High School B is to be open for instruction for 1,040 hours. This gives the school 39 excess hours, which are hours above the minimum.

During the winter, bad weather forces the school to close for 32 hours.

High School B is not required to make up the 32 hours of missed instruction. It still has seven excess hours remaining for the year.

Can schools use virtual days or 'blizzard bags' to make up hours?

If a district falls below the minimum hours of instructions, one way to make up the hours missed below the minimum required is a plan that requires students to access and complete classroom lessons online, according to the ODEW.

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School districts need to adopt a plan to make up hours in that school year when it is necessary to close school before the school year starts, according to the ODEW. The plan should explain how the school will make up the missed hours  for at least the equivalent of three scheduled days that they would fall behind.

Districts and schools may use online day plans, otherwise known as blizzard bags, when it is necessary to close the school because of:

Hazardous weather conditions.

Disease epidemic.

Law enforcement emergencies.

Inoperability of school buses or other equipment necessary to the school's operation.

Damage to a school building.

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Here are Ohio's rules for when schools need to make up snow days
[Watch in the player above: Winter weather heat safety tips]

CINCINNATI, Ohio (WJW)  A Cincinnati man said he used a blowtorch to thaw out his icy steps and accidentally set his house on fire.

Cincinnati firefighters were dispatched just after 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 12, to the home in the 600 block of Hawthorne Avenue, according to a report provided to FOX 8 News.

SEE IT: Cedar Point in repose atop frozen Lake Erie

The man told firefighters he had accidentally set the siding on fire.

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The fire then spread up the side of the house and onto the houses structure.

Firefighters contained the spread on all three floors while searching for victims inside. No one was injured.

How cold does it have to be to cancel school?

The damage is estimated to be more than $98,000.

The Cincinnati Fire Department would like to remind everyone to use caution when using heating appliances, reads a 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 Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
In this aerial view, Flood waters inundate a neighborhood after Hurricane Milton came ashore on October 10, 2024, in Punta Gorda. The storm made landfall as a Category 3 hurricane in the Siesta Key area of Florida, causing damage and flooding throughout Central Florida. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

The states insurer of last resort has paid about $823 million in claims related to the 2024 hurricane season, Citizens Property Insurance CEO Tim Cerio told state senators on Tuesday.

Tim Cerio, President, CEO and Executive Director of Citizens Property Insurance Corp., via: Citizens.

Still, 11% of claims filed after hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton made landfall are still open and 44% were closed without customers receiving any payments, according to data Cerio presented to the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee.

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Of the 34,645 claims closed without payment, Cerio said Citizens denied 10,655 and closed the rest for various reasons, including that people mistakenly filed with the wrong company.

As the state-created insurer of last resort, and not-for-profit insurer of last resort, we really have no financial incentive to not pay claims, zero, Cerio said.

While nearly half of the people who opened claims after Milton received payment from Citizens, the payout rates for Debby and Helene claims were much lower (24% and 28%, respectively) because the damage was mostly caused by floods. Citizens customers with personal residential policies are required to buy separate flood insurance.

Additionally, Citizens plans to shed nearly 300,000 policies in 2025, continuing its efforts to reduce the number of people who depend on it. The continued depopulation efforts would take the corporation down to fewer than 800,000 policies, Cerio said. However, the rate of Citizens policies assumed by other companies in 2025 is projected to be lower than the 477,821 it sent to the private market in 2024.

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Depopulation means customers cant stay with Citizens if another company offers a renewal premium up to 20% higher than the states homeowners insurance. The corporation began emphasizing this practice to quell the ballooning of policies, which reached a recent peak of 1.4 million in October 2023.

Tax breaks

Florida state Sen. Blaise Ingoglia. (Photo credit: Florida Senate)

Cerio stressed the importance of home hardening efforts to reduce damage from hurricanes and storms. Republican Sen. Blaise Ingoglia, who chairs the committee, said he wants sales and property tax breaks for people making improvements to their homes and doesnt believe the state should profit from those efforts.

Lets say you have a 1,300 square-foot level built in 1970 thats five blocks from the coast. Lets incentivize the belt for them to build to todays code, todays elevation, and give them a 20-year tax break, Ingolia said.

Freeze their property taxes for 20 years. Those are the types of conversations that Im bringing to the Senate president, Im bringing to the governor, to see if we can implement that new policy. Because if you think about it long term, if we have more resiliency on the coast 20 years from now, we may have hurricanes hit with dramatically reduced amount of damage.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  Over the next couple of months, the city of Austin will collect public input on proposed changes to short-term rental (STR) regulations.

As you may recall, this overhaul is needed because recent court decisions have made the cornerstone elements of the Citys STR regulations unenforceable, the citys Development Services Department (DSD) wrote in a memo Friday.

Court rules Austin short-term rental ordinance unconstitutional

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That includes a 2023 lawsuit a Houston couple filed over Austins ordinance prohibiting people from operating a STR without living at the property, which the couple said unfairly prevented them from listing their Austin home, KXAN previously reported. A judge sided with the couple saying the ordinance was unconstitutional.

What are the proposed changes?

There are several short-term rental ordinances city staff are putting before the public and city council. The city defines a STR as somewhere that is rented out for periods of less than 30 consecutive days.

City of Austin to tackle short-term rental regulations early next year

Those proposed changes include:

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Shuffling STRs from their current place in the Land Development Code (LDC) to an accepted accessory use in all zoning districts, which essentially allows the city to clean up its LDC and shuffle short-term rental regulations into business code

The citys business code would be updated to make it so that to operate a STR on a property that has three or fewer units, the license holder must be an individual  and if that individual wants to operate more than one STR in Austin, they need to have the rentals spaced apart from one another by at least 1,000 feet

The changes would require platforms to collect the same tax hotels do, called Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT)

One of the elements of the ordinance is that the platforms will require hosts to provide the license number in the advertisement, and will de-list properties that are not licensed upon request from the city, said Daniel Word, the assistant director of Austins Development Services Department.

The city said existing STRs will be allowed to continue under the new rules as long as the properties are not a nuisance and ownership remains the same. That only covers STRs that are currently permitted with the city. There are roughly 2,200 of those right now, Word said.

You can read more about those proposed changes here.

KXAN has reached out to several major short-term rental companies to understand their perspective on the proposed changes. VRBO told KXAN the following:

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Vrbo, part of the Expedia Group family, supports balanced short-term rental laws, and we are reviewing the new changes proposed by the City of Austin. We are proud to be part of the Austin community and remain committed to vacation rental policies that balance community needs with the benefits of a healthy, diverse tourism economy. -Expedia Group spokesperson

How can you share your feedback?

You will get another purple slip in the mail from the city notifying you of the proposed changes. The city said those notices will go to more than 725,000 Austin residents.

The city is hosting several public hearings on this, the schedule is as follows:

Tuesday, February 4 at 1 p.m. (Joint Planning Commission and City Council meeting)

Tuesday, February 11 at 6 p.m. (Planning Commission meeting)

Thursday, February 27 at 10 a.m. (City Council meeting)

The city is also hosting information sessions this month, the schedule for those is as follows:

Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. via Zoom

Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Montopolis Recreation and Community Center

Thursday, Jan. 23 at 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the citys Permitting and Development Center

Monday, Jan. 27 at 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Austin Central Library

You can RSVP for those information sessions and learn more on the citys public input page here.

Were certainly looking to find out from the community how this proposal might impact them, in terms of, if theyre a short-term rental operator, does this make the process easier to comply with the additional enforcement tools well have in place? Word said. Were hoping that those that have been impacted negatively by short-term rentals will see an improvement in complianceand also interested in hearing from both the short-term rental platforms and related businesses as to whether this will simplify their process in helping us achieve compliance.

Preservation bonus changes

On your purple slip, you will also see proposed changes tied to the citys HOME Part 1 initiative  specifically, the preservation bonus. In late 2023, Austin City Council approved the first iteration of the HOME initiative, which in-part allowed up to three units to be built on a single-family lot.

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It also created whats called a preservation bonus in an attempt to slow the demolition of existing homes.

What are we getting? We pulled the data from 264 HOME initiative applications

Specifically, these provisions allow a property owner to exclude the square footage of the existing home from the floor-to-area (FAR) calculations (i.e. how a property owner calculates the sites maximum square footage limits) in exchange for preserving an existing structure. Currently, the two new units are limited to the greater of .55 or 3,200 square feetthe Resolution requested a code amendment to allow two new units to achieve the greater of 0.65 or 4,350 square feet, the memo says.

Those proposed changes will be discussed starting in April.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  City Year is gearing up to host events for its Equality Summit in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

City Year will kick off events with its Day of Service from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, at McDermott Elementary School.

Local organizations to hold events in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day

The organization is also inviting the public to join AmeriCorps members and community members to paint a mural and other projects at the elementary school at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18.

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On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, City Year will host the Equity Summit from noon to 4:30 p.m. at Henderson Middle School. The event will include presentations and panels, professional conversations and more.

Twenty years in, City Year is unwavering in our commitment to ensuring all Central Arkansas students have the opportunity to achieve their full potential, City Years senior vice president and executive director Jennifer Cobb said. This Equity Summit is yet another example of how when we join forces, we can help bridge gaps and build brighter futures for the next generation.

As MLK holiday nears, Bernice King urges people to really focus on his teachings

City Years executive vice president Steven Spaloss will be the summits keynote.

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Registration for City Years Day of Service and the Equity Summit 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 KARK.
Jan. 14Middletown is going to recognize Vice President-elect JD Vance with street entrance signs at seven locations following Monday's inauguration of the Middletown native and President-elect Donald Trump.

Vance was born in Middletown in 1984 and attended Middletown schools until he graduated in 2003 with an honors diploma.

The signs will read "Hometown of J.D. Vance, 50th Vice President of the United States of America."

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The plan is to install the signs at several locations unless there are mitigating circumstances, such as sight distance issues or conflicts with utilities.

The proposed sign locations are:  Central Avenue eastbound at Carmody (approaching downtown from the river)  Ohio 4 southbound at Germantown Road (by the airport)  Ohio 73 eastbound at the city limits (coming from Franklin)  Ohio 122 westbound near Bob Evans  Ohio 4 northbound at the south city limits near Lafayette Avenue  South Main Street northbound at the city limits  Cincinnati-Dayton Road northbound at the south city limits (coming from Monroe)

Shortly after the November election, controversy brewed after some community members addressed council on what they thought was a lack of recognition of Vance's accomplishment, including his mother Beverly Aikins.

Aikins, who lives in Middletown, attended a December meeting and asked council to "acknowledge that this is his hometown and put up some signs."

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"I am just here because I am JD Vance's mother and as you know he is our new vice president-elect and he thinks of Middletown as his home. I still live here and his sister still lives in Middletown. He's got two nieces who live here and I just think it would be nice if we could acknowledge that this is his hometown and put up some signs," Aikins said. "He graduated from Middletown High School, he comes back here frequently to visit me and take me to dinner, and I humbly request that."

This came after local Pastor Lamar Ferrell blasted council for not doing enough to recognize the vice president-elect, who also wrote a best-selling book about growing up in the steel town.

Politics aside, said Councilman Steve West II at the December meeting, "What we are saying is the fact that the city won't even recognize that a Middletonian has been elected as vice president that is a problem. I would say the same thing if it were an independent or a Democrat. We should be proud."

At the guidance of council, staff started planning signs for entrances to the city. Acting City Manager Ashley Combs said, "we are ready to put them up after the inauguration."

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After graduating from high school, Vance joined the United States Marines Corps and served as a public affairs marine in Iraq. He then attended Ohio State University, graduating in 2009. He graduated from Yale Law School in 2013.

Vance rose to national prominence in 2016 with the publication of his best-selling memoir "Hillbilly Elegy," which was adapted into a Netflix film in 2020.

He was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2022.
This article is reported in collaboration with Mirror Indy.

The company behind the downtown CityWay development has finally paid off its approximately $69 million in remaining debt to the city of Indianapolis.

The loan was paid in full on Aug. 5, a city spokesperson said last month.

The payment followed reporting last spring from Mirror Indy and IndyStar that revealed how an affiliate of Indianapolis-based Buckingham Cos. had missed deadlines in 2021 and 2023 to obtain private financing and repay the city. Meanwhile, Buckingham founder and CEO Brad Chambers loaned himself $10.5 million for his largely self-financed 2024 run for governor.

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A Buckingham spokesperson labeled the project a success, regardless of how it was financed.

The CityWay project has been transformative and continues to have a positive impact on the community, an unnamed spokesperson said in a Jan. 10 emailed statement. The loan has been satisfied, ensuring bondholders received the full return on their investment, successfully fulfilling the project's vision and structure.

Brad Chambers delivers his opening remarks as Republican gubernatorial candidates gather, Monday, March 11, 2024, at The Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel, Ind., to debate one another.

In a statement last year explaining the missed deadlines, a company spokesperson cited widespread and detrimental financial impacts of the pandemic on commercial real estate.

The CityWay development opened in 2013 and transformed what was once a parking lot near Eli Lilly and Co. into a bustling neighborhood in a key area of downtown.

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The first phase included luxury apartments and the high-end Alexander hotel. CityWay continued expanding, adding restaurants, a CVS Pharmacy and the Irsay Family YMCA.

Chambers company, which had been approached by Eli Lilly and was not required to bid on the project, owed money to the city because of an agreement struck with former Republican Mayor Greg Ballards administration in 2011 on the heels of the Great Recession.

That agreement was labeled by local government finance experts as unusually generous.

Typically, city-backed bonds cover public infrastructure for a project. But in the CityWay agreement, the city financed almost the entire project  issuing nearly $100 million in bonds and then loaning the $86 million in proceeds to Chambers company to build the first phase of CityWay.

A look Tuesday, April 16, 2024, around the CityWay area of downtown Indianapolis. The Indianapolis City County Council approved the financing for the CityWay project in February 2011. The project, completed by Buckingham Companies, broke ground in August the same year.

Chambers company also received tens of millions of dollars in state and local taxes to help make debt payments.

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The agreement set a 10-year deadline for Chambers company to obtain private financing. When the company failed to meet it in 2021, Democrat Mayor Joe Hogsetts administration and the City-County Council extended the deadline to 2023. The company failed to meet that deadline, too, though it continued making all monthly debt payments.

Some local community leaders and advocates said they were frustrated by what happened.

We cant do things that will help citizens. Its always a fight, the Rev. David W. Greene, who advocates for civil rights and addressing homelessness, said last spring. But obviously in this situation, were able to do it for Brad Chambers, no questions asked. And hes got beaucoup dollars.

Chambers, who also served as secretary of commerce under Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb before resigning to run for governor last year, did not respond to requests for comment through spokespeople, aside from the statements from his company. Chambers lost to Gov. Mike Braun in the May Republican primary.

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With the loan repaid, the Hogsett administration gained more flexibility to borrow money for other priorities.

Less than two weeks after the loan's repayment, Hogsett announced how he would use the city's new debt capacity to issue a bond.

While introducing the citys budget at a City-County Council meeting, Hogsett said the city would fund several infrastructure improvements downtown, including the transformation of Georgia Street into a pedestrian-friendly area.

Thanks to a $50 million downtown TIF bond, introduced alongside this budget tonight, we can keep using our borrowing power to make substantial changes to our downtown, Hogsett said during the Aug. 12 meeting, while at the same time reserving our budget dollars for neighborhood improvements.

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Hogsett, through a spokesperson, declined to comment for this article and referred to his August comments.

Contact IndyStar government and politics editor Kaitlin Lange at Kaitlin.Lange@indystar.com or follow her on X @Kaitlin_Lange. Mirror Indy deputy managing editor Ryan Martin is available at 317-500-4897 or ryan.martin@mirrorindy.org. Follow him on X, LinkedIn and Instagram.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: CityWay developers past-due loan to Indy is finally paid off
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY)  Winter season is also plowing season in places like Clarksburg, and residents have begun to show concern over the lack of properly treated sidewalks. But whos even responsible for clearing them?

When 12 News spoke with residents and officials, there seemed to be some confusion on who the responsibility of plowing sidewalks falls to given all of the different places sidewalks run in front of. Regardless, residents are concerned for their safety when walking is the main mode of transportation.

I mean, this is ridiculous, it really is, said Lucinda Swiger, care provider for Anthony Anderson, a senior citizen and resident of Clarksburg who is blind and has found it difficult to go on his regular walks to the senior center even one week after Winter Storm Blair blew through West Virginia.

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Anderson said the snow and ice pose a bigger hazard to his walks, adding to what he described as already existing sidewalk conditions that have caused him to fall in the past.

Cause Ive walked downbeen out walking three times since the snow, and it makes it harder to find the cane when you fall Anderson said.

And it makes it very difficult to hold your balance, Swiger added.

Well that, and its hard to get back up again, Anderson said.

Anderson said in just one walk this week, he almost fell three times due to winter sidewalk conditions.

I would just like to see them do better, keeping the sidewalks clean for our senior citizens like that, depend on the senior center to have interactions with other people, and thats mainly why Kris goes out, Swiger said.

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When will West Virginia sunsets be after 6 pm?

12 News also spoke to Clarksburgs Project Director Jason Lane on the process of clearing sidewalks as its written in the Clarksburg City Code.

With the way our codes are written, we issue a notice of violation that essentially gives the owner five days to comply, and if they dont comply within that five days, then we send public works out to remove the snow and essentially charge the homeowner or property owner the fees for the public works department, Lane said.

According to Lane, there has only been one concern regarding snow and ice removal submitted to the citys concern page in the last several days. The status of that concern was not provided.

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In places like the bridge on West Pike Street that goes over Elk Creek, the responsibility does not fall under businesses, homeowners or even the City of Clarksburg, but actually the West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH). 12 News reached out to the WVDOH for comment but has not heard back as of this articles publication.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
MONTCLAIR, N.J. (PIX11)  Classes will resume at Montclair Public Schools in New Jersey on Tuesday after a teacher was arrested and accused of making terroristic threats on social media.

The district closed on Monday after school officials were made aware of the threat. The Montclair Police Department said it teamed up with school officials, Essex County prosecutors and the FBI to track down 45-year-old Amir Doctry, a teacher on administrative leave accused of making the threat.

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Doctry allegedly threatened a staff member of Northeast Elementary School in a video posted to YouTube. The videos caption read, Joe must die school shooting Montclair.

The video is being reviewed as part of the investigation into the threat, according to authorities. Police patrols were also increased at Montclair schools, out of an abundance of caution.

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Doctry was found at a Philadelphia home around 8 a.m. on Monday and arrested without incident, police said. Hes facing charges including terroristic threats.

Police also encourage parents, staff and students to remain vigilant and report suspicious behavior.

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Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
CLAY CENTER (KSNT)  A local health center is sharing its excitement this month as it moves closer to completing renovation work at its facilities in Clay Center.

Bryce Dolan with Clay County Medical Center (CCMC) said in a press release on Jan. 14 that his organization is sharing updates this week on its ongoing construction project. This project is meant to expand and improve its facilities for local residents.

The CCMC is busy building the new Clay Center Family Physicians (CCFP) with exterior framing underway and workers now shifting toward establishing the structural framework as part of the expansion efforts. Crews are set to begin installing exterior sheathing in the coming days with additional preparations being made for the roof installation.

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We are thrilled to see our vision for these facility upgrades coming to life, said Austin Gillard, CEO of Clay County Medical Center. These projects not only allow us to better serve our patients today but also ensure were equipped to meet the evolving needs of our community for years to come. We appreciate the communitys continued support and patience during this exciting period of growth.

What were the first 10 bills introduced in the Kansas Legislature in 2025?

Dolan said significant progress is also being made on improving accessibility at the emergency departments entrance. Workers have laid the foundations for a new ADA-compliant ramp with future efforts focusing on completing sidewalks to enhance the accessibility of the facility to visitors and patients.

The CCMC can be found at 617 Liberty Street in Clay Center. You can learn more about it by heading to the CCMCs website.

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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.
Jan. 13There's a strip of blue tape stuck on the inside of the door to Old Grouch's Military Surplus. Behind the tape, a brown line of grime discolors the door's paint. Along with buckling wooden floors, a missing drop ceiling, and a pile of inventory still to be sorted and cleaned, it's an ever-present reminder of the September day the Pigeon River jumped its banks and flooded the Clyde business.

"I'm thinking of shellacking the door so you can always see where the water was," Tim Glance, the store's owner, said with a laugh. "Just preserve a little bit of history."

History is a big deal to Glance. It has to be when you operate a military surplus store, especially one that runs in the family. Glance's father, Buddy, was the original "Old Grouch," a nickname given to a quiet child by his mother.

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"He would give you the shirt off his back, but he was so quiet, everybody thought he was grumpy," Glance said. "But he wasn't."

Buddy Glance started Old Grouch's Military Surplus in Clyde 35 years ago, after running it out of flea markets for a decade-and-a-half. Tim took the reins after his father passed, 14 years ago.

Tim Glance has inherited his father's understated affability, and he's taken the damage to his shop in stride.

"Luckily for me, most of my inventory was designed to get wet and muddy," he said.

That doesn't mean the process of reopening the Main Street business was easy. The wood floors of Glance's shop hadn't seen a drop of water in nearly a century, narrowly missing the destruction of the 2004 floods, and they thirstily soaked up the Pigeon when it burst through the door. Once the water receded and the ancient wood dried out, Glance was able to replace a few boards and get the warped floor into some semblance of walkability. But don't expect to roll a marble on the thing and have it go in a straight line.

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A stroke of luck

Like many Haywood County businesses, flood insurance was out of reach for Glance. The insurance company is going to fix his roof, but he's on the hook for everything else. Luckily, the age of his building ended up being helpful when it came to surviving Helene. Most of the 100-year-old building's wiring and outlets were above the water line. Repairs to the electrical system were relatively easy, and Glance passed all his safety inspections before reopening in November.

His was the first business on Main Street to reopen, given that others had to rewire, he said.

As for the items he sells to make a living  well, that was a bit trickier.

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"I live in Waynesville, and by about 7 that morning, I tried to leave and get here to check on things, but it was already flooded into Waynesville. I couldn't get out." Glance said.

The business owner had to wait until late Friday afternoon to scope the damage. Prior to the storm, he'd sandbagged around his property, basing his efforts on major floods from the last 100 years. He was ready for about two feet of water. His preparations weren't enough for what Helene had on deck.

A cacophony of sodden wool sweaters, mud-spattered jackets, and grime-caked camping supplies greeted him. His storage building, which sits lower than the business itself, got socked with six or seven feet of water.

It was clear that cleaning the inventory was going to be the major job. The business model of a military surplus store is to buy cheap and sell slowly over years and years. To replace everything in his store, Glance said, could cost well over $100,000. At least some of it had to be saved.

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Community to the rescue

What happened next still brings a little shine to Glance's eyes, even months later. Friends, family, old customers, and total strangers started showing up to help.

"What do you need? What can we do?" they asked, and Glance promptly loaded them up with handfuls of muddy clothing and gear to clean and dry in their homes.

"I couldn't have done any of this without them," Glance said. "It was unusual for me. I'm usually the one helping. One day, we had a roofer working next to a dentist out here in the street, helping me wash stuff so we could reopen."

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Glance did his part for Helene relief as well, offering food and supplies for anyone who needed it. In the chaotic days immediately after Helene, Glance's plumbing still worked, and he ran a hose out his door and into the street, offering water to all comers.

"I had a lot of people, even from Asheville, coming over and filling their water containers," he said.

As for the fate of Old Grouch's Military Surplus, it seems destined to hang on a while longer, even as similar stores across the nation close up shop for a variety of reasons.

"We're a bit of a dying breed, surplus in general," Glance noted. But business has been good.

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"People have seen the value of local stuff," Glance speculated, putting himself in his customers' shoes. "Let's support these local businesses, because they are the only ones that are here once everything's been cut off."

So what did it mean to Glance to reopen his water-stained door to customers?

"It's everything to me," he said.
CNNs Alexander Marquardt took the stand in a Florida defamation trial Monday, defending his 2021 report that a security consultant sought exorbitant fees in what amounted to a black market to evacuate Afghans during the chaotic U.S. withdrawal in 2001.

The consultant, Zachary Young, then sued the network for defamation, claiming his reputation was destroyed and he lost work because of it. The network has defended the report as an accurate account of what was happening, as Afghans were in desperate efforts to find a way out as the Taliban returned to power.

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During Marquardts daylong testimony, Youngs attorney, Devin Freedman, tried to establish that the correspondent and the network had animus against Young and targeted him specifically. To collect punitive damages in the case, Young must show that the network acted with actual malice.

Multiple times, Freedman showed Marquardt text messages with another CNN employee from November 1, 2021, 10 days before the story ran, in which the CNN correspondent wrote that we gonna nail this Zachary Young mfer.

Freedman noted that at the time the message was written, no one at the network had actually communicated with Young.

I had seen other communications, Marquardt said.

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You had not communicated with Zachary Young as of this date, Freedman responded.

Not until 10 days later, Marquardt said.

You nonetheless decided he was a motherfer.

Marquardt replied, From what I had seen in his communications with a lot of people . I could tell that there were some unsavory traits, shall we say. He was telling a woman he didnt know that she was spiteful. He told her to f-off. He told someone else that had a person they were trying to get out of the country to run for the border and see how far they get. I knew he had a shifting story on his actual role with the CIA. I saw that he was cutting people off as soon as he found out that they couldnt afford to pay the money.

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The attorney pressed Marquardt on the comment that he would nail Young.

Thats shorthand for highlighting, exposing what he was doing, his activities and what others like him were doing, Marquardt replied.

Have you heard an expression nail him to the cross? Freedman asked. You were going to nail him to the cross?

No, I didnt say that.  At the end of the day, our report said nothing about him doing anything illegal, Marquardt said. It didnt say anything beyond what we had learned about him and what he himself had told us. Eventually we did talk to him, and we used his own words in our report. Everything that was in the report was completely factual.

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The segment from Marquardt was aired on CNN on November 11, 2021, and re-aired three times. Links to the segments also were posted on social media, and a digital article was posted on November 13.

In one instance, Youngs image appeared on screen with the chyron, Afghans trying to flee Taliban face black markets, exorbitant fees, no guarantee of safety or success.

The term black market will be a crucial question for the jury. In an earlier decision, Judge William Henry ruled that the jury would have to decide if the segments references to a black market meant illegal or criminal.

On the stand, Marquardt repeatedly defended the report as well as the use of the term black market, even though it appeared in a chyron and not the actual story.

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He said that as the story was being prepared for air, there was an email suggesting that the term black market go through the triad, the CNN term for its internal fact-checking review. But he said that the term accurately described the chaotic situation at the time, when many Afghans were left with few options to get out of the country.

In response to a question from the jury, Marquardt also defended singling out Young in the report, even though it wasnt just [Young] who was exploiting Afghans. It was others who were exploiting the situation, and I believe that he was attempting to exploit Afghans. Of course, I didnt see all the conversations that he had with other people. I believe that he was attempting to exploit the situation, take advantage of their desperation, to get the amounts of money that he was asking for.

Given that the story was just three minutes long, Marquardt said, Young was the best example to illustrate what was going on in Afghanistan at the time when it came to getting people out.

Young had testified that he never took money from Afghans, but was attempting to line up corporations and nonprofits to pay for the evacuations.

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Marquardt told the jury that they didnt find any evidence that Young had taken money from Afghans themselves. But he also said that Young would be evasive when asked about the five-figure sums he was charging, and the network never got an answer as to whether they were to pay for costs or were to maximize his profit.

The story was about the high prices they were facing, that they were being asked to pay, Marquardt said. That is completely accurate, and that is what went into the story.

He added, There were plenty of people doing this out of the goodness of their hearts, not putting the pressure on people to find the money to save their own lives and to save the lives of their children. But Mr. Young was doing that.

He also said that the story did not talk about Young profiting off these desperate Afghans, though he now know he did.

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Freedman tried to compare Young work of getting Afghans out for payment to Marquardts job in reporting on a war zone, suggesting that the CNN correspondent was a hypocrite.

So the only difference between you and my client is that he saved lives and you did not, correct? Freedman asked.

No, thats incorrect, Marquardt said.

After the story aired and Youngs attorneys issued legal threats, CNN issued an apology. In a segment on The Lead with Jake Tapper on March 25, 2022, the anchor told viewers that the use of the term black market in the story was in error. The story included reporting on Zachary Young, a private operator who had been contacted by family members of Afghans trying to flee the country. We didnt mean to suggest that Mr. Young participated in the black market. We regret the error and to Mr. Young, we apologize.

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Marquardt said that he didnt think the network had to issue an apology, but he wasnt consulted on the language used.

I think that CNN had reasons for issuing that apology, he said. I was fine that they did it. But I dont think it was for a correction for the reporting I had done.

The trial is taking place in Panama City, FL, a deep red portion of the state that voted overwhelmingly for Donald Trump. At the outset of Marquardts testimony, Freedman parroted one of Trumps catch phrases about the network.

Youve heard CNN called fake news before, have you not? Freedman asked Marquardt.

Ive heard that said, Marquardt replied.

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Do you agree with that characterization?

No, Marquardt said.

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BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  CNN Chief National Security Correspondent Alex Marquardt is the architect of the story that landed his network in a Bay County courtroom.

Nemex Enterprises President Zachary Young claimed the story implied he was exploiting desperate Afghans trying to leave the country after the Biden administration withdrew U.S. troops in 2021.

Consider sharing your time as a Big Brother or Big Sister

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Marquardt took the stand Monday, testifying his story was not a personal attack against Young.

I wasnt going after him. I never was going after him, Marquardt said.

Marquardt said he and his colleagues thoroughly researched different evacuation models as well as Youngs role as a security consultant.

Everything that youve been showing for the past few minutes is just evidence of all the research that I was doing into this market and into Mr. Youngs role in this market. I think it demonstrates how thorough we were being in trying to understand everything that was going on, Marquardt said.

Marquardt admitted Young didnt act criminally or illegally, and he never took money directly from Afghans.

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Nowhere in there did we talk about him illegally profiting, we didnt talk about a scam, we didnt talk about a fraud, we didnt talk about extortion. These were all things that I was looking into. I didnt find them, and then I didnt report them, Marquardt said.

Paint the Town Red with Sacred Heart Bays Gala

The CNN correspondent continued to deny targeting Young, but Youngs attorney presented messages between Marquardt and CNN colleagues that suggest otherwise.

Just one hour after you find out that CNN has greenlit your Afghan money post, you tell Phillips, We gonna nail this Zachary Young motherf***er, dont you?, Attorney Devin Freedman asked Marquardt. I see that, yes, Marquardt responded. And he responds with, Going to hold you to that one, cowboy, correct? Freedman asked. Yes, correct, Marquardt said.

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Young is seeking monetary compensation for loss of business income and emotional distress.

Testimony will pick back up Tuesday morning.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to mypanhandle.com.
CANONSBURG, Pa. (WBOY)  CONSOL Energy and Arch Resources, which operated several mines in West Virginia, officially merged on Tuesday and then released a statement on the underground fire in Barbour County.

The two companies first announced their plans to merge into a new company called Core Natural Resources back in August, but the change became official Tuesday morning, according to a press release. With the merger, Core assumed control of the Leer Mine in Taylor County and the Leer South Mine in Barbour County.

On Monday, an underground fire broke out at the Leer South Mine. Despite the fire, the merge went through as planned. No injuries were reported, and according to another release from Core Tuesday, damage to mining equipment and materials has been limited.

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The Leer South mine near Philippi, West Virginia experienced a combustion-related event on January 13th, the release said. All mine personnel have been safely evacuated from the mine and no injuries have been sustained. The Mine Safety and Health Administration and the appropriate state regulatory agencies have been notified of the event and are on hand. The Leer South team is working closely with federal and state officials to assess the situation. The company does not believe that the event has resulted in any material damage to the longwall or other mining equipment.

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As of Tuesday afternoon, West Virginia officials have not provided any update on the status of the fire to 12 News.

After the merge, Core now operates mines in West Virginia, Colorado, Wyoming and Pennsylvania.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  San Elijo Hills, a community in San Marcos, is under a Red Flag Warning and could face power outages this week as SDG&E works to reduce the risk of wildfires with Public Safety Power Shutoffs.

Its an area that knows the threat of a fire well.

On May 14, 2014, the Cocos Fire ripped through parts of San Marcos and Escondido, causing thousands of residents in San Elijo Hills to evacuate.

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I saw all that smoke and I was like wow, whats going on,' Larry Kopp said. He evacuated with his wife and two young boys, one of them just about one-month-old at the time. We go out our front door and we see black smoke.

Red Flag Warning issued for San Diego County amid more Santa Ana winds; thousands could have power shut off

The Cocos Fire turned out to have been started by a 13-year-old girl in her Escondido backyard. The fire burned 40 structures, nearly 2,000 acres, injured three people and evacuated thousands.

While residents remember the concern of the fire, they also remember the difficulty of getting out of their tight-knight community.

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We literally sat in traffic for two hours, Kopp said. You only have two ways out, you either go to the west or the east.

Kopp said the evacuations in San Elijo Hills in 2014 were similar to the videos seen from the Palisades fire, as residents were stuck in traffic.

San Diego back in drought conditions amid Red Flag Warning, more Santa Ana winds

In Los Angeles, residents were seen ditching their cars and running to safety.

While Kopp said residents in San Elijo Hills didnt have to leave their cars, he said they took an access road out of their street. But, the gate to the access road was locked, until a neighbor had a bolt cutter, which let them out and shaved off about half a mile toward one of the only two ways out of the neighborhood.

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With a one-month-old in the car, it took the Kopp family two hours to get out of San Elijo Hills and to safety toward the coast.

Kopp doesnt believe the situation would be any better if the same thing were to happen today.

I think it would be worse, Kopp said. We havent added any more roads, weve just added more houses.

While the amount of damage from the Cocos fire pales in comparison to the Los Angeles wildfires, its a reminder for residents to prepare.

Parts of San Elijo Hills are also under SDG&Es Public Safety Power Shut Off warning. Winds started to pick up in the area Monday evening.

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Electrical tower eyed as possible cause of deadly Eaton Fire in Los Angeles area: reports

San Elijo Hills is surrounded by hills, and views of the ocean and San Diego County, but with the hilly landscape comes the concern of wildfires. Its not only a concern for residents, but was also seemingly a concern for homeowners insurers.

Many San Elijo Hills residents have expressed their frustration in the past, as theyve had a more difficult time obtaining homeowner insurance because of the landscape they live in.

Harmony Grove in Escondido was hard hit during the Cocos Fire in 2014.

Residents there are planning to hold a press conference Tuesday afternoon to show the media their same concerns, of not having enough exit routes in the event of a fire. Residents said their concerns are also sparked as developers are planning to build more homes in the area burned by the Cocos Fire.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
Video: 6 arrested across the Miami Valley in federal drug bust.

COLDWATER, Ohio (WDTN)  A man was arrested Monday after drugs and related paraphernalia were found at his residence.

According to the Mercer County Sheriffs Office, a search warrant was filed by deputies with help from the Mercer County Prosecutors Office.

On Monday afternoon, following the approval of the warrant, deputies with the sheriffs office and officers with the Coldwater Police Department searched a residence on the 500 block of West Plum Street.

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After their search of the residence, drugs believed to be LSD, ecstasy and methamphetamines were found. The man was arrested and the drugs and paraphernalia were collected as evidence.

Courtesy of the Mercer County Sheriffs Office.

Courtesy of the Mercer County Sheriffs Office.

The man, 55, is being held on potential charge of felony possession of drugs. The Mercer County Prosecutors Office will review the case for any further charges.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
COLFAX, Iowa  Colfax-Mingo Community School District is teaming up with the new nonprofit Colfax Economic Development Corporation to open a childcare center.

Tim Salmon, the Superintendent of the school district, worked with the Iowa Womens Foundation to create the Colfax Economic Development Corporation (CEDCO) which applied for and received a $1.7 million grant from the state to build the childcare center.

Ballard boys shooting for a state title

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However, to receive the grant money, CEDCO must raise a matching amount of money from the community.

So the way that the grants are set up is the state will kick in half the money, but the state wont provide their half of the money until we raise them out locally, Salmon said.

Based on the grant construction is set to begin this summer which means CEDCO needs to raise matching funds sooner rather than later.

So were on a really tight timeframe right now. So we have to, we have to have the funds raised by this spring, Salmon said.

The planned childcare center will be built on the Colfax-Mingo Elementary School campus and have the capacity for 100 children. It will also include two preschool rooms and support after-school wrap-around care for elementary students.

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To make a tax-deductible donation to the childcare center project or to learn more visit CEDCOs website.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.
Wolf 2306-OR shortly after release in Grand County, Colorado, on Dec. 19, 2023. (Courtesy of CPW)

Colorado Parks and Wildlife staff have started capturing a second round of gray wolves to be released in Colorado in the coming weeks.

The state can capture up to 15 wolves from British Columbia, Canada. They will then be distributed in Garfield, Eagle or Pitkin counties. Capture operations started on Friday and can last for up to two weeks.

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A news release from CPW said adding more wolves to the existing population in Colorado will increase the likelihood of pairing, breeding and pack formation. When established packs start to defend territories, CPW will be able to better monitor the wolves patterns and better collaborate with livestock producers.

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We remain committed to working with all parties as we continue to implement the law as passed by the voters, CPW 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.

The states wolf reintroduction program fulfills a voter-approved 2020 ballot initiative to reintroduce the animals in Colorado in the name of restoring ecological balance. The measure, Proposition 114, was passed by a narrow 51% to 49% margin, and though it includes provisions to compensate livestock producers for animals the wolves kill, it has been bitterly opposed by Colorados ranching industry.

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Wolves captured in British Columbia will be examined and provided treatment for possible diseases, and each will wear a collar CPW can use to track the animals. The wolves will come from an area of British Columbia where there is no livestock, so none have repeatedly attacked livestock.

CPW will disclose the sex, weight and approximate age of all the wolves relocated to Colorado.

In a joint statement, Colorado Republican U.S. Reps. Lauren Boebert of Windsor, Jeff Crank of Colorado Springs, Gabe Evans of Fort Lupton and Jeff Hurd of Grand Junction sought answers from the U.S. Department of Interior on why the Bureau of Land Management has yet to update Resource Management Plans to address the impact wolves have on agriculture, tribes, sportsmen and oil and gas producers in Colorado. They said Colorado agricultural producers lost $580,000 in the first year of wolf reintroduction.

After years of slighting or outright ignoring Colorado farmers and ranchers with politically appointed anti-agricultural activists and meat-free days, bureaucrats in Colorado have rushed through the importation of Canadian gray wolves and have set them loose in our state despite numerous protests and questions about the legality of this dysfunctional and chaotic approach, the lawmakers said.

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Boebert introduced a bill in Congress last year that would remove gray wolves from the endangered species list.

Colorado state Sen. Dylan Roberts, a Frisco Democrat, said in a post on X that the second round of wolf reintroduction must go better than the first release.

Should problems arise or commitments fail to be honored, we will exercise our power as a co-equal branch to protect our constituents, amplify valid concerns, and ensure that coexistence is equitable, Roberts said in the post.

Last week, the CPW Commission denied a petition from livestock advocates that sought to suspend further introductions until additional wolf-livestock conflict minimization efforts could be fleshed out. That includes a range rider program, where riders contracted by CPW and the state agriculture department will receive specialized training in deterrence and conflict mitigation techniques and will be deployed as needed throughout the summer and fall months when the potential for conflicts is highest.

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CPW has continued its professional implementation of the Colorado wolf restoration plan. The additional wolves will help to both ensure the success of the effort and protect the investments already made, Rocky Mountain Wolf Project board member Gary Skiba said in a statement. With the support of Colorados voters and the CPW Commission, the future is bright for Colorados wolves.

The state introduced an initial round of 10 wolves in Grand and Summit Counties in 2023. The reintroduction plan calls for annual winter releases of 10 to 15 wolves per year in the programs first three to five years, with an initial target of a stable population of at least 50 animals within the state.

Seventeen cattle and nine sheep were confirmed to have been killed by wolves in and around Grand County following last years reintroductions, according to CPW data.

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COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)  The Columbus Police Department is asking for the publics help with finding a missing juvenile.

Police say Rashod Barrett, 17, was last seen on Jan. 8 at about 7 p.m. in the 500 block of Avis Court. He was wearing black pants, a black GAP sweatshirt and white Jordan shoes.

Barrett stands at 6-foot and weighs 160lbs.

Anyone with information is asked to call 9-1-1, the CPD Special Victims Unit at 706-225-3449, or lead investigator Cpl. J. Copeland at 706-225-4343.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
Whether it came from Will Rogers or Tony Soprano, the old tip to buy land, Gods not making any more of it is good real estate advice, but its hardly an iron law. First of all, God does make more land from time to time . And so do humans . This raises a second famous piece of advice, also of unclear authorship. When it comes to real estate only three things matter: location, location and location.

Which brings us to Greenland.

Donald Trump wants to acquire it. Nay, he says we need to acquire it. The last time he was president, he floated the idea and was roundly mocked for it. But not by me, and I am hardly adverse to mocking Trump when the moment calls for it. For myriad reasons, it would be in our interest for the United States to annex, lease, absorb or otherwise acquire the giant island. The most important of these reasons is, of course, location.

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Read more: Opinion: The 'deep state' and 'the swamp' are both favorite Trump targets. Here's the difference

Thats why Ive long thought acquiring Greenland  peacefully!  was a good idea. (Indeed, last year, I despaired of the  Greenland effect   the phenomenon whereby Trumps embrace of a good idea makes it less popular). But my opinion doesnt count for much.

James Stavridis, the former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, and hardly a MAGA toady, agrees with Trump. He writes that the Mexico-sized island is a vital element of the Greenland-Iceland-UK gap that guards the northern approaches to the Atlantic Ocean from Russian naval forces.

Its also believed Greenland has huge deposits of crucial rare-earth minerals , essential to all manner of high-tech industries, industries China is trying to control or dominate, in part by establishing a near monopoly on such resources.

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Long before anyone appreciated the importance of this stuff, the Truman administration recognized the value of Greenland and tried to persuade the Danes  who administer the quasi-independent nation  to part with it. The Danes politely said no. But the issue was mostly resolved a few years later when Denmark became a founding member of the NATO alliance. They agreed to work with us on using it to bolster Western defenses.

Read more: Column: Trump wants to grab control of Greenland, Canada and the Panama Canal. He's already bungled it

Trump claims thats not good enough. In a recent press conference, he refused to rule out the use of force to take Greenland (and the Panama Canal).

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, the president-elect insists.

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The best defense  really the only defense  of Trumps rhetoric is that its a negotiating tactic: Start with an outlandish ask, and then find a compromise that would have been impossible without it.

The problem with turd-polishing Trumps rhetoric in this instance is that Denmark and Greenland are already generously cooperating with the U.S. on national security issues. We literally have a vital military installation in Greenland already.

So, what could the compromise be? Some special leasing deal for mining? OK, maybe. But, surely, theres a better way to pursue that with a longtime ally than threatening military force.

Acquiring Greenland is a serious idea, but pursuing it in an unserious way is worse than not pursuing it at all.

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If Trump went full-Putin and invaded Greenland, or even seriously threatened to by deploying ships to intimidate Denmark, it would likely spell the end of NATO. The supposed rationale for controlling Greenland is to deter Russia and protect the freedom of the world. But Vladimir Putin would see the implosion of NATO as a small price for the transformation of Greenland into an arctic Puerto Rico (by the way, Trump once floated the idea of trading Puerto Rico for Greenland).

Even more annoying: Trump and his sycophants have spent the better part of the last decade insisting that the GOP was kidnapped by  neocon  warmongers and imperialists hell-bent on  provoking  foreign wars for abstract goals like freedom.

Say what you will about the calumnies and blood libel against neocons, none of them floated the idea of provoking a foreign war with democratic allies.

But when Trump threatens exactly that, well, thats just so cool apparently.

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The people who insist that Trumpian nationalism is a Very Serious Idea invariably find themselves having to bend their Very Serious Arguments to the fact that Trump doesnt care about arguments and ideas. Hes just a real estate guy who likes putting his name on stuff.

@JonahDispatch

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Jan. 13Finding a commercial kitchen in which to produce their wares can be a significant challenge for any New Mexico entrepreneur trying to launch a food business, as only nine such facilities exist across the state, according to the New Mexico Farmers' Marketing Association. Typically, demand far exceeds availability.

That's one of the factors that could drive interest in a new food incubator program being initiated by The Kitchen Table Santa Fe and the city of Santa Fe, an initiative spotlighted in today's New Mexican business section.

Organizers of the program are seeking applicants for the first class, with participants receiving a variety of benefits  including valuable access to the commercial kitchen at The Kitchen Table, where they will be able to prepare their foods for market. Hilary Kilpatric, the cofounder and chief financial officer of The Kitchen Table, calls the new program a "game changer" and encourages anyone who needs help getting their condiments, jams or prepared foods product beyond the conceptual stage to apply. Full details are included in the story.

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In other business news, you can also learn how a coalition of local arts groups is developing an ambitious plan to create a new visual arts center on the former midtown campus of the Santa Fe University of Art and Design, as The New Mexican's Carina Julig reported on Jan. 12. Coalition officials hope to present the City Council with a development agreement by spring.

And if you're an artist or arts administrator who lives in Santa Fe County and wants to have a greater say in how arts policy is shaped  including how funding is directed  you're encouraged to apply for a spot on the county's new Arts, Culture and Creative Economy Council. There are 11 spots available  two for each commission district and one at-large seat. But time is running short for anyone interested in serving  the application deadline is 5 p.m. today. You can find all the details in The New Mexican's Jan. 9 story.
The governing parties of China and Japan held their first dialogue in over six years on Tuesday, agreeing to step up exchanges and promote strategic and mutually beneficial ties.

At the dialogue in Beijing between China's ruling Communist Party and politicians from Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition partner Komeito, the two sides said they would maintain close communication "regardless of the situation of China-Japan relations".

"[Both sides will] step up exchanges between political parties, dignitaries and young politicians, enhance mutual understanding and trust, and strengthen the political foundation for the improvement and development of China-Japan relations," the Communist Party's International Department said in a statement.

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There have been signs of thawing China-Japan relations since Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba came to power in October. The two countries have attempted to mend ties as geopolitical uncertainty grows, and especially as Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House next week.

Liu Jianchao, head of the International Department, which serves as the Communist Party's diplomatic arm, said the ruling parties of the two countries should strengthen dialogue and communication and take concrete action to promote the sound and stable development of China-Japan relations.

Li Shulei, head of the Publicity Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party, said on Monday that China was willing to work with Japan to foster a more favourable public perception of the two nations among each other's citizens.

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The Japanese delegation, led by LDP secretary general Hiroshi Moriyama and his Komeito counterpart Makoto Nishida, arrived in the Chinese capital on Monday for a three-day visit.

"The Chinese Communist Party is willing to work with the ruling coalition of Japan to ... strengthen political dialogue, promote people-to-people exchanges and create a healthy and rational public opinion environment for China-Japan relations," Li said, according to Chinese state news agency Xinhua.

The Japanese lawmakers also held talks with Wang Huning, the Communist Party's No 4 official, on Tuesday, according to China's foreign ministry.

Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya visited Beijing last month. During his visit, the two sides revived a cultural exchange dialogue, and Japan agreed to relax visa requirements for Chinese visitors. The two countries also agreed to step up exchanges between media outlets and think tanks to help improve public opinion about each other.

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Before the delegation of lawmakers left for China, Ishiba met Moriyama and Nishida and expressed his hope for "continuing exchanges between Japan and China at various levels".

During the meeting, Ishiba reiterated his desire to visit China soon.

Wang, the Chinese foreign minister, is understood to be planning a trip to Japan in February.

A poll released last month indicated that Japanese and Chinese public sentiment towards each other was very low, with nearly 90 per cent of those surveyed expressing a negative view of their neighbouring country.

The fatal stabbing of a Japanese boy in Shenzhen in southern China in September contributed to the worsening public sentiment. The tragedy happened less than three months after a Chinese woman was killed while defending a Japanese mother and child during a knife attack in the eastern city of Suzhou.

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These incidents have heightened security fears among Japanese living in China and fuelled anti-Chinese sentiment within Japan.

During the Tuesday dialogue, the two sides exchanged views on Japan's release of waste water from the Fukushima nuclear plant and China's imports of Japanese fishery products. They agreed to step up communication to "appropriately address their respective concerns", according to the International Department.

Beijing imposed import restrictions on Japanese seafood in 2023 after Japan began releasing treated radioactive water from Fukushima into the sea.

In September, Japan agreed to an international monitoring framework allowing other parties, including China, to engage in independent sampling and monitoring activities, while Beijing said it would "gradually restore" imports of some Japanese aquatic products.

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The two Asian powers are also deepening their defence exchanges.

A group of senior Japan Self-Defence Forces personnel made a nine-day visit to China late last year for exchanges with the People's Liberation Army.

China's defence ministry said on Monday that a delegation from the PLA's Eastern Theatre Command would visit Japan later this month and meet leaders of the Japanese Ministry of Defence and the Joint Staff of the Self-Defence Forces.

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.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  On Monday, the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board heard a case by Jerome Ersland in his plea to get out of prison early. Hes convicted of murdering a teenager back in 2009 after two teens tried to rob his pharmacy.

Mondays hearing is not the first time Ersland has tried to get commutation.

Oklahoma pharmacist convicted of murder moved to different prison

I was before this board in 2018 requesting the same relief Im requesting today. We lost by 3-2 vote, said Kendall Sykes, Erslands attorney.

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His attorney appeared before the board in hopes of sharing a case that would allow Ersland to be released earlier than expected.

Mr. Ersland has regretted and been brokenhearted by his actions that day. I have seen it, and if given an opportunity to be released, he would not let this board down, said Sykes.



Ersland is currently serving a life sentence in prison.

Back in 2009, he shot and killed a teenager when that teen and an accomplice tried to rob Erslands pharmacy.

Commutation denied, life sentence upheld for pharmacist charged with teens murder

Surveillance video showed Ersland shooting the teen, then leaving the store to chase after the other suspect.

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He then came back in to the store and shot the teen five more times.

In the latest commutation application, Ersland said he wants to spend time with family before he dies.

I will die in prison as I am 72 years oldand not eligible for parole until Im 100. I would like to see my other two children before I die. I will never commit any other crime. Id move back to my hometown and spend time with family and friends. Written statement on Jerome Erslands Commutation Application

On Monday, the Pardon and Parole Board couldnt agree on moving forward with the commutation request.

Former pharmacist serving life in prison for murder granted commutation hearing

I dont know that hes served enough, sorry that might not be the answer you wanna hear but I dont know that forever is the answer either, said Sean Malloy, a Pardon and Parole Board Member.

In the end, the boards votes denied commutation for Jerome Ersland.

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The vote means as of now Ersland wont be eligible for parole until 2049.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
MORONI, Comoros (AP)  Comoros' ruling party has won 28 out of 33 seats in Parliament, according to election results announced on Tuesday.

That means the Convention for the Renewal of the Comoros party of President Azali Assoumani retained its majority in the Indian Ocean archipelago.

The results were announced by the electoral commission and must be confirmed by the Supreme Court.

Sunday's election was boycotted by some opposition parties, who have previously accused the ruling CRC of electoral fraud.

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Comoros is an archipelago of three islands off the east coast of Africa near Madagascar. It has been beset by a series of military coups since gaining independence from France in 1975, with Assoumani, a former military officer, first seizing power in 1999 by overthrowing the president.

Assoumani, 66, stepped down from the presidency in 2006 after one term but returned and won another election in 2016. He has been president since, winning three successive elections. He pushed through constitutional changes in 2018 that allowed him to sidestep term limits and avoid a previous political agreement that saw the presidency rotated between Comoros islands.
ALLENDALE, Mich. (WOOD)  A federal civil rights complaint filed this week against Grand Valley State University alleges some of the schools scholarships discriminate on the basis of race.

The Equal Protection Project filed the complaint with the U.S. Department of Education after it received a tip about the schools practices. The EPP alleges GVSU is violating Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

The Johnny Burton Memorial Scholarship is only open to African Americans, said William Jacobson, founder of the EPP. You could not have a more clear racial standard. There is the Steelcase scholarship, which is only open to persons of color. There are other scholarships that require you to be minority and define minority as essentially non-white.

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Students facing homelessness find help at GVSU

The 11 scholarships highlighted in the complaint all have eligibility requirements that have to deal with a students race or minority classification.

While Jacobson said many institutions like GVSU are trying to do right after decades of discrimination, the EPP doesnt believe further discrimination or racial profiling rectifies history.

There are problems in society. There have been in the past. Nobody is denying that. But the answer to those problems is not to amplify discrimination and not to amplify racism, he said. That does not prevent you from taking an individuals experience with race or experience with racism into account. But you cannot engage in negative stereotypes and you cannot say just because someone has a certain skin color that they are presumed to need the extra help. They are presumed to not be on a level playing field. You need to judge each student on their own and thats what we hope will happen.

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Marchers: GVSU needs more resources for Black students

A spokesperson for GVSU told News 8 it has not received the complaint from the Department of Educations Office of Civil Rights as of Monday at 4 p.m.

GVSU is committed to full compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations, the spokesperson said.

The EPP has filed about 50 similar complaints against universities and colleges nationwide since it was found in early 2023. Jacobson said about half of those higher education institutions have taken corrective action to satisfy the Department of Education.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
The medical condition of the two students critically injured during the December shooting at Abundant Life Christian School has been upgraded from fair to good condition, according to the Madison hospital where they are receiving care.

"The two patients receiving care at American Family Childrens Hospital for injuries sustained in the Abundant Life Christian School shooting are improving and are now considered to be in good condition," said the Tuesday statement from UW Health. "At this time, we do not plan to provide additional condition updates on these patients out of respect for their request for privacy."

The shooting Dec. 16 left three dead, including the shooter, a 15-year-old freshman named Natalie L. Rupnow, who went by Samantha, and wounded six others.

Media gather outside Abundant Life Christian School on Dec. 17 in Madison after Natalie Rupnow, 15, shot and killed a student and teacher and wounded six other people Dec. 16 at the school.

Madison police have not identified any of the six non-fatal victims. However, the Journal Sentinel reported the first names of the two victims on Dec. 30 who had been in critical condition since the shooting occurred: Samy and River. The update in their condition is the latest since the hospital reported both students were in fair rather than critical condition at the end of December.

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Samy's first name was reported only after his church community received permission from his family to partially identify him publicly, and Rivers first name was published after it was confirmed with his father, who granted an interview via text message to the Journal Sentinel.

Killed in the shooting were 42-year-old Erin West, a substitute teacher coordinator, and freshman Rubi Patricia Vergara, 14.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Health conditions improving for two Madison school shooting victims
The confirmation hearing for President-elect Trumps pick for the next the secretary of Veterans Affairs, former Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.), has been delayed by a week until Jan. 21.

Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), the chair of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, said in a statement on Monday that Collins had submitted all of his paperwork in a timely manner and has been transparent and forthcoming with the committee but that the FBI has not yet completed its background check on him.

In accordance with long-standing practice, the committee should have an opportunity to review Congressman Collins FBI file before the confirmation hearing, Moran said in the statement. I expect the FBI to complete its review quickly so that the committee can move forward with its role of evaluating the Presidents nominee.

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Trump announced Collins, a chaplain in the Air Force Reserve, as his pick in November, stating he would be a great advocate for our Active Duty Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Families to ensure they have the support they need.

Doug is a Veteran himself, who currently serves our Nation as a Chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve Command, and fought for our Country in the Iraq War, Trump said at the time.

Collins has been one of Trumps biggest defenders in the House. A lawyer by trade and a member of Congress from 2013 to 2021, Collins has served as legal counsel for Trump, particularly on the MAGA movements false claims that the 2020 election was stolen in Georgia.

He has served in the Air Force Reserve since 2002 and was deployed to Iraq in 2008 as part of the 94th Air Wing at Dobbins Air Reserve Base in Marietta, Ga.

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As Senate confirmation hearings get underway on Capitol Hill this week, the hearing for former Georgia Congressman Doug Collins will be delayed for at least a week.

Sen. Jerry Moran who is the chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs announced Monday that Collins' hearing is now tentatively set for Jan. 21 because of a delay in Collins FBI background check.

Collins has submitted all his paperwork in a timely manner and has been transparent and forthcoming with the committee, Moran said in a statement. At this time, the FBI has not completed its customary background check of Congressman Collins. In accordance with long-standing practice, the committee should have an opportunity to review Congressman Collins FBI file before the confirmation hearing. I expect the FBI to complete its review quickly so that the committee can move forward with its role of evaluating the Presidents nominee.

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Collins was elected to the Georgia State House in 2007 and served three two-year terms. He was a floor leader for Gov. Nathan Deal, a fellow northeast Georgian, for one of those terms, helping to broker a budget cut that kept Georgias lottery-funded HOPE Scholarship program going at a time when leaders feared it would go bankrupt and not be able to pay promised college tuition for all beneficiaries.

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Collins won a seat in Congress in 2012 representing northeast Georgias 9th Congressional District, one of the most Republican districts in the country. The former incumbent, Tom Graves, was drawn into a new northwest Georgia district when the state added a 14th congressional seat because of population growth.

Despite his right-wing positions, Collins faced serious primary challenges in 2016 from other Republicans who claimed he wasnt conservative enough. While in Congress, Collins rose to vice chair of the House Republican Conference, the fifth-highest post in GOP leadership.

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Collins acquired a national reputation while defending Trump as the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee during the investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller into whether Russia improperly influenced Trumps 2016 election victory.

Collins wrote a book about Trumps first impeachment over allegations that he improperly withheld military aid from Ukraine in order to push Ukraine into announcing an investigation into Joe Biden, who went on to beat Trump in 2020. That book, The Clock and the Calendar, argued that Democrats were impeaching Trump to get revenge for him beating Hillary Clinton in 2016 and to prevent him from being reelected in 2020.

From the very moment that the majority party in this House won, the inevitability that we would be here today was only a matter of what date they would schedule it. Nothing else, Collins said on the House floor in 2019 when representatives were debating before voting to impeach Trump.

Collins is also a chaplain in the U.S. Air Force Reserve Command.

Doug is a Veteran himself, who currently serves our Nation as a Chaplain in the United States Air Force Reserve Command, and fought for our Country in the Iraq War, the president-elect wrote when announcing his choice for VA Secretary. Doug will be a great advocate for our Active Duty Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Families to ensure they have the support they need.
U.S. Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan at an election eve campaign event on Nov. 07, 2022, in Manchester. Hassan was campaigning for reelection against Republican Senate candidate Don Bolduc. (Photo by Scott Eisen/Getty Images)

Congress is poised to pass a bad immigration bill  the Laken Riley Act  and the four members of New Hampshires all-Democratic federal delegation are either already on board or have one foot in the boat. A week ago, when I wrote about how important it was for Democrats to resist the pull of hollow victories, this is just the kind of bill I was thinking about.

Based on the name of the legislation, it might seem like a yes vote would be a no-brainer. The murder of Laken Riley isnt just a tragedy; it is a nightmare made real. In February 2024, the Augusta University nursing student went out for a jog and was murdered in what the police in Georgia later called a crime of opportunity. The killer was a 26-year-old Venezuelan man who had entered the country illegally, and had previously been arrested for shoplifting. He is now serving a life sentence.

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The immigration bill that bears Rileys name will make sure other migrants are punished for that crime, too.

As reported by States Newsrooms Ariana Figueroa, the Laken Riley Act would expand mandatory detention requirements for immigrants  including some with legal status  charged with petty crimes like shoplifting. Its important to note that she writes charged rather than convicted.

In that same story, Figueroa quotes Maria Teresa Kumar, the president and CEO of the civic engagement group Voto Latino, who highlights the bills principle flaws: Such measures not only undermine due process but also disproportionately target migrants who are already fleeing violence and instability in search of safety.

The bill is named what it is for a reason: Politically, it is very difficult to oppose legislation, even bad legislation, that derives its name from a tragedy. To vote against x piece of legislation, its supporters will say, is a slap in the face to the victim and/or the victims family. Its a simplistic argument but carries political costs.

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If we lived in a more thoughtful society, we could debate each bill on its merits alone but that is not the world we live in. In America, fear and insecurity are often the main drivers of policy.

Furthermore, anyone who opposes charged bills like this one typically faces the same mic-drop question: What if Laken Riley was your daughter (or sister, or mother)? As intended, the question is the most painful of exercises, but the right answer rests in the concept of justice: If it was my daughter, or sister, or mother, I would want the guilty punished and the innocent protected.

The Laken Riley Act sets out to accomplish the first but also creates new, and innocent, victims.

With the far right now in control of the federal government, the months and years ahead will offer Democrats a very limited menu of responses to a range of misguided, cruel, and classist legislation: They can choose either capitulation or standing up for whats right, political cost be damned. There are a lot of labels that could be attached to support for this bill, but fighting the good fight is not one of them.

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While New Hampshires two U.S. representatives, Chris Pappas in the 1st District and Maggie Goodlander in the 2nd, have already voted for the Laken Riley Act, Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Maggie Hassan have so far voiced support only for considering the bill. But each has made a point of saying they would like to find a bipartisan path forward.

Making it easier to remove undocumented immigrants who commit crimes from our country is a basic first step that Congress can take, but we cannot stop here, Hassan said, neglecting to acknowledge in her statement that as it stands the Laken Riley Act would sweep up many with legal status (including those who have been charged but not convicted with petty crimes).

In her statement, Shaheen said, I voted in favor of considering this bill because I strongly support efforts to improve our immigration enforcement and protect public safety.

Few would disagree that our entire immigration system is in dire need of improvement, but this bill sacrifices much more in justice, not to mention humanity, than it gains in public safety.

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As Ive followed this debate, Ive thought quite a bit about Arline Geronimus. Shes a professor of public health at the University of Michigan, who in 2023 published a book called, Weathering: The Extraordinary Stress of Ordinary Life in an Unjust Society.

Broadly speaking, her book explores how systemic injustice  such as the kind expanded by the Laken Riley Act  undermines public health and life expectancy, especially for Black people, immigrants, and the poor.

Weathering, she writes, is about hopeful, hardworking, responsible, skilled, and resilient people dying from the physical toll of constant stress on their bodies, paying with their health because they live in a rigged, degrading, and exploitative system.

The supporters of the more punitive immigration measures  like mass deportations  will say, Well, these hopeful, hardworking, responsible, skilled, and resilient people are not the people we are targeting. But, as much as anything, bills like the Laken Riley Act are about profiling  linking immigrants at large, especially from South America, Central America, and Mexico, to the murder of an American college student. That is how the innocent are weathered.

There are a lot of reform steps our nation needs to take on immigration. Guilty until proven innocent isnt one of them.
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA)  Even though Central Illinois is Jaclyn Friedlanders home now, Southern California will always have a special place in her heart. She lived near San Fernando Valley for much of her adult life. Living thousands of miles away doesnt make it any easier when the ciLiving host sees devasting scenes unfolding out west.

Many of her friends are evacuating, experiencing power outages and working through boil orders.

I have friends whose siblings and sons and daughters are first responders, Friedlander explained. Friends who are reporters who are doing active fire coverage. I have friends whove lost their entire homes. Completely lost everything.

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How to help those affected by the California wildfires

But, Friedlander is stayed connected with them through social media. Some people share stories of devastation, while others are make posts to help the community.

I have a friend whos helping rescue horses and larger animals that are stuck in fire zones, she said.

Efforts like that bring her a sense of comfort 2,000 miles away in Central Illinois.

Its really nice to see when something like this happens, everyone stepping up together, Friedlander said.

She is also relying on an app called Watch Duty. It keeps track of fires and evacuation zones, sends push alerts about each wildfire, and also shows how much certain flames have been contained over time.

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USC in limbo with California fires still burning

Itll be growing, growing, growing, then itll stop for a while, she described. Which is a little bit of a relief, but even this morning watching the Palisades Fire get closer and closer to the Valley, its just really scary.

You can also download Watch Duty. It keeps track of fires in other states, not just California. During Friedlanders time out west, she said she knew one person where wildfires directly impacted them. Other than that, it was always more about adjusting to dealing with heavy smoke and bad air quality.

If you want to support Southern California, visit this link for various groups collecting donations.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
Prominent "anti-woke" author and speaker Jordan Peterson has quietly canceled his upcoming event at the Xcel Energy Center.

Peterson's "An Evening to Transform Your Life" event in St. Paul on Jan. 27 is one of six dates currently listed as canceled on the Ticketmaster website. However, the conservative speaker has not offered details as to why events have been canceled.

Representatives for Peterson did not respond to a request for comment.

Jordan PetersonGage Skidmore/Flickr

The event, which had tickets ranging from $61 to more than $600, only showed a few hundred tickets sold prior to the cancelation and had the 200 level blocked from sale, reports the Pioneer Press' Ross Raihala.

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Other dates on the formerly 45-date tour, including a Jan. 26 appearance at Duluth's DECC Symphony Hall, remain on the schedule.

The former professor rose to prominence within conservative circles in the late 2010s with stands against political correctness, gender inclusivity, and climate change, among other topics.

Peterson spent time with President-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago over the weekend, alongside Shark Tank's Kevin O'Leary, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, and Sylvester Stallone, per the Calgary Herald.

Related: Capital chaos: House GOP elect Speaker despite SoS declaring 'no quorum' after DFL no-show
Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon waits to be called before the session begins on the first day of the 94th legislative session at the Minnesota State Capitol Building in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer.

The unprecedented start of the legislative session went on with the usual pomp and formality of years prior. As if the Democratic half of the chamber werent empty, and the rules on how to proceed not the source of vehement dispute.

Secretary of State Steve Simon, as the statutorily mandated presiding officer, shook House GOP leader Lisa Demuths hand on his way to the rostrum at the front of the ornate chamber. He gaveled three times to start the session. A chaplain said a prayer calling for unity. The members said the Pledge of Allegiance. Rep. Peggy Scott, R-Andover, called the roll, pausing on each Democrats name to allow for silence to note their absence. And the members present took the oath of office.

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Then, Simon called the roll again and, as he informed Republican leaders in the days leading up to the session, declared that 67 members were not enough to fulfill a quorum. He said the House may not conduct any further business, declared the body adjourned with a bang of the gavel, and took a seat to the left of the rostrum.

Democrats boycott had worked, at least for the moment. They prevented Republicans from using their temporary, 1-seat advantage  sure to end after a Jan. 28 special election in a heavily DFL district  to elect a GOP speaker of the House.

The problem became evident moments later: Who would enforce Simons ruling?

Republican Rep. Harry Niska, ready on the microphone, quickly moved to overturn Simons ruling  interjecting as Simon closed the session. Niska called the oldest member present  Rep. Paul Anderson  to serve as presiding officer.

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After learning how to turn on the microphone from the rostrum, Anderson took the role again and declared a quorum present.

House Republicans then nominated and voted unanimously for Rep. Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring, to serve as House speaker, to applause.

House Republicans elected Rep. Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring, speaker of the House, although Democrats, who boycotted the first day of session, will surely challenge the vote. Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer.

Simon, sitting on the House floor, sat with his head down while Republicans continued to preside over the body.

Democrats boycotted the session over fears that Republicans would install Demuth as speaker while refusing to seat one of their members, Rep. Brad Tabke, DFL-Shakopee. His election was sharply contested by Republicans because election workers discarded 20 ballots before counting them. Tabke beat Republican challenger by Aaron Paul by just 14 votes, raising the prospect that those lost ballots could have swung the election in his favor.

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Just hours earlier on Tuesday, a state district court judge ruled that Tabke won reelection and denied Republicans request for a special election. District Court Judge Tracy Perzel found that the missing ballots, if counted, would not have changed the election outcome.

But the judges ruling is advisory only: The House and Senate each ultimately have authority to seat their own members, so a GOP-led House could ignore the judge. Its a fact Demuth cited in her response to the judges decision.

Demuth criticized the judges ruling in a statement, saying she downplayed the inconsistencies and lack of absolute certainty that the correct set of voters were identified.

The actions House Republicans took after Simon gaveled it adjourned are sure to be disputed in the coming days, and could end up before the state Supreme Court, dragging a separate branch of government into legislative affairs.

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What Republicans are doing on the House floor right now is an unlawful sham with no legal authority, the House DFL Caucus said in a statement, while Republicans took control of the chamber. Secretary of State Steve Simon adjourned session after finding there was not a 68-member quorum required to conduct House business. Everything that has happened after Secretary Simon adjourned todays session is a sham.

During her eight-minute speech accepting the speakership, Demuth said Minnesotans were counting on them to end the political theater.

They expect safer communities. They expect strong schools. Minnesotans deserve and expect economic opportunities and a government that works efficiently and effectively. They expect us to listen and to collaborate and to deliver, she said.

The contentious start to session comes after two years of unified government, with Democrats passing a sweeping progressive agenda over Republican objections. Now, Republicans and Democrats have just a handful of months to resolve their power struggle and pass a $60 billion or more state budget for the next two years.

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The budget needs to be agreed to by the Legislature and signed by Walz by June 30. Otherwise, state government shuts down.

The power struggle between House Democrats and Republicans began when voters elected 67 Democrats and 67 Republicans to the House.

Republicans were subsequently gifted a one-seat advantage when a judge ruled that one elected Democrat  Curtis Johnson  was ineligible to hold office because he didnt live in the district he intended to represent.

In the Senate, bipartisan comity and tears over a dead colleague

Meanwhile, partisan collegiality filled the Senate as the members filed into the chamber. DFL leader Erin Murphy embraced Sen. Jim Abeler, R-Anoka, for several seconds before taking her seat. Sen. Ann Johnson Stewart, DFL-Minnetonka, smiled and shook hands as she made her return to the Senate three years after leaving office due to redistricting.

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The room quickly turned solemn when Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan banged the gavel to begin the session, recognizing the empty chair in the back of the room that had once belonged to Sen. Kari Dziedzic, DFL-Minneapolis, who died last month of cancer.

With a power-sharing agreement already negotiated by party leadership, the Senate moved quickly through the ritual motions. The body unanimously elected Sen. Jeremy Miller, R-Winona, and Sen. Bobby Joe Champion, DFL-Minneapolis, as co-presiding officers, and approved a resolution outlining how the tied Senate would proceed until a special election is held in Dziedzics former district.

Senators celebrated their bipartisan collaboration, at times seeming to draw direct contrasts with their House colleagues.

I think were going to take this opportunity to turn what could be a struggle, into something where we really come together and build bridges in politics that people havent seen for quite some time, GOP leader Sen. Mark Johnson said.

After approving the power sharing agreement, senators gave speeches and readings to celebrate Dziedzics life as her family watched from the gallery, drawing tears from senators and observers.
By Phil Stewart, Idrees Ali and Patricia Zengerle

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President-elect Donald Trump's pick to lead the Pentagon, Pete Hegseth, endured fierce Democratic grilling over everything from his inexperience, alleged drinking and his past opposition to women in combat to emerge largely unscathed among Republicans at his confirmation hearing on Tuesday.

Hegseth, a former Fox News host and decorated veteran, is one of the most controversial figures ever nominated to be Secretary of Defense and any vote to confirm him is expected to be very close.

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But he weathered the four-hour hearing without making any major gaffe that might have alienated Republicans and even won critical backing from Republican Senator Joni Ernst, who holds sway in her party.

Several other committee Republicans, to laughter from a friendly audience packed with supporters wearing Hegseth hats, praised the 44-year-old, who has slammed diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in the military, and, in his latest book, questioned whether the top U.S. general has the job because he's Black.

Asked if he would fire the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General C.Q. Brown, if he takes over the military, a possibility first reported by Reuters, Hegseth declined to rule it out, saying he would be carrying out a broad review.

"Every single senior officer will be reviewed based on meritocracy, standards, lethality and commitment to lawful orders they will be given," Hegseth said.

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Hegseth had strongly opposed women in combat roles but walked back that stance during the hearing.

"Mr. Hegseth, I do not believe that you are qualified to meet the overwhelming demands of this job," said Senator Jack Reed, ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

A number of episodes have sparked concern, including a 2017 sexual assault allegation against Hegseth that did not result in charges and which he denies. He has also been accused of excessive drinking and financial mismanagement at veterans' organizations. Hegseth has vowed to abstain from alcohol if confirmed and said he made financial errors but denied wrongdoing.

Democratic Senator Kirsten Gillibrand slammed Hegseth's past remarks about women, saying he would have to fundamentally change how he sees women who constitute 18% of the U.S. military.

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"We have hundreds - HUNDREDS - of women who serve in the infantry, lethal members of our military ... But you degrade them," Gillibrand said in a heated exchange.

"Please explain these types of statements because they're brutal, and they're mean."

Despite strong support from Trump's Republicans, Hegseth's confirmation will likely be by a narrow margin, compared with the 93-2 vote for President Joe Biden's defense secretary, Lloyd Austin, and 98-1 for Jim Mattis, Trump's first nominee for the position.

After the hearing, Ernst, who pundits speculated could vote against Hegseth and perhaps convince others to do the same, said she supported Hegseth.

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"Our next commander in chief selected Pete Hegseth to serve in this role, and after our conversations, hearing from Iowans, and doing my job as a United States Senator, I will support President Trumps pick for Secretary of Defense," Ernst said in a statement.

As Hegseth walked into the packed hearing room, he was greeted with cheers and a standing ovation, with chants of "USA, USA, USA" and a shout of "Get 'em, Petey."

Senator Roger Wicker, the Republican who leads the committee, endorsed Hegseth, calling him "unconventional," and adding, "Regarding his personal conduct, Mr. Hegseth has admitted to falling short, as we all do from time to time."

Republican senators, including Markwayne Mullin and Tim Sheehy, strongly backed Hegseth. Mullin dismissed concerns about him, particularly his personal life, as political theater.

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"It's all for show," Mullin said.

ACCOUNTABILITY IS COMING

Hegseth's opening remarks, praising Trump, were repeatedly interrupted by protesters. He vowed to restore a "warrior culture" to the U.S. military and said accountability was coming for those who fall short.

"Everyone from the top, from the most senior general to the most lowly private, (we) will ensure that they're treated fairly," Hegseth said.

When asked about remarks opposing women in combat, Hegseth cited the need to eliminate quotas for frontline roles. Gillibrand fired back that no such quotas exist.

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During the hearing he told Ernst, herself a veteran, that he would support women in combat "given the standards remain high, and we will have a review to ensure the standards have not been eroded."

Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth, a veteran who lost both legs during combat in Iraq, chided Hegseth over gaps in his knowledge of foreign policy and lack of management experience.

"You say you care about keeping our armed forces strong ... then let's not lower the standards for you. You sir, are a no-go at this station," Duckworth said.

In a 2021 incident first reported by Reuters, Hegseth was branded an "insider threat" by a fellow member of the Army National Guard over his tattoos. Hegseth noted the incident during the hearing, which led him to be pulled from Guard duty in Washington during Biden's inauguration.

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In recent weeks, Trump's party has coalesced around his pick.

Still, the slim Republican Senate majority means that Hegseth can lose support from no more than three senators to be confirmed, if Democrats and independents unite against him.

Cabinet nominees almost never lose Senate votes. The last nominee who was defeated was former Senator John Tower, a nominee to be Secretary of Defense, in 1989. Tower was investigated over claims of drunkenness and inappropriate behavior with women.

If confirmed, Hegseth could make good on Trump's promises to rid the military of generals he accuses of pursuing progressive diversity policies.

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The next secretary of defense faces huge challenges, including active conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza and the expansion of China's military, which received only glancing attention during a hearing focused far more on culture war issues.

The committee is expected to vote on Hegseth's nomination as soon as Monday, the day of Trump's inauguration, paving the way for his consideration by the full Senate.

(This story has been refiled to say 'Democrats' instead of 'Democrat' in the headline)

(Reporting by Phil Stewart, Idrees Ali and Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Don Durfee, Nick Zieminski and Lisa Shumaker)
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT)  The Huntsville Police Department says a sex offender was arrested for the rape of two children and sodomy Tuesday morning.

According to HPD, 61-year-old James Allen Tate Jr. was arrested for two counts of second-degree rape and one count of sodomy.

Download the WHNT News 19 App to stay updated on the go.

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On May 4, 2024, officers responded to the 5000 block of Lori Circle regarding an abuse case involving a child. According to the report, Tate, who was in a relationship with the mother, coerced the child into engaging in sexual intercourse.

Police said Tate fled the home before their arrival.

An investigator from HPDs Special Victims Unit was assigned to the case. During the evidence review, police discovered that Tate had also coerced a second child in the same household into sexual intercourse and other sexual acts.

HPD said Tates location was found through a tip received from Crime Stoppers.

Tate is being held at the Madison County Jail under a $57,000 bond.

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According to the Alabama Sex Offender Registry, Tate was convicted in 2006 in Madison County for second-degree rape of a 16-year-old girl and was placed on the sex offender list.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
Two Massachusetts police departments are mourning the untimely death of a veteran police officer who passed away over the weekend.

Officer Richard Reddick, a K9 officer with the Charlton Police Department since 2023 and a 21-year veteran of the Southbridge Police Department, died on Sunday night, the departments announced Tuesday in separate social media posts.

It is with incredible sadness and regret that we announce the untimely passing of Police Officer Richard Reddick, Charlton police wrote in a Facebook post. Please keep him, his family, and those close to him in your thoughts and prayers.

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Reddick began his career in law enforcement as a full-time officer in Southbridge in January 2022 and later became a K9 officer in 2004.

Reddick worked alongside K9s Chase, Mika, and Pablo over two decades before transferring to the Charlton Police Department in March 2023.

Rich protected the residents of our community for more than 21 years and served the law enforcement profession for more than 23 total years, Southbridge police wrote in a Facebook post. Rich will be missed by his friends and colleagues and anyone who ever had the privilege of working with him at our department would tell you he was a cops cop, which is a compliment in our profession.

Southbridge police said Reddick also volunteered countless hours doing K9 demonstrations at schools for the children in the community.

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Rich made many sacrifices that all police officers make when we get into this profession by working nights, holidays, weekends, etc., and having to spend time away from your family, Southbridge police added. His impact will be felt at our department for years to come and he will forever be missed.

Services for Reddick will be announced at a later date.

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Elon Musk appears to have some sway over US president-elect Donald Trump, but top Chinese scholars are doubtful about how much influence the tech billionaire will have on the incoming administration's China policy.

Musk's business ties with China and his close relationship with some senior Chinese officials led to early suggestions that he could be a "bridge" between the rival powers when Trump returns to the White House on January 20.

Wang Jisi, founding president of Peking University's Institute of International and Strategic Studies, speaking at the Tsinghua University event on Sunday. Photo: Handout alt=Wang Jisi, founding president of Peking University's Institute of International and Strategic Studies, speaking at the Tsinghua University event on Sunday. Photo: Handout>

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Musk was among the first businessmen from the US to visit after the pandemic and invested heavily in China during its economic downturn. His company Tesla makes half of its electric vehicles in China, which also accounts for one-third of the company's sales.

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.

While some have suggested that Musk could have a positive impact on the US-China relationship, Wang Jisi, an influential academic and former adviser to the Chinese foreign ministry, said that his own American interactions indicated otherwise.

Speaking at the event on Sunday, Wang said Musk "has a lot of cooperation with China, knows the Chinese people, and has come to China many times".

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"Of course, I hope this is a good thing. After all, he is a businessman, a very skilled businessman, who has crossed over into politics. We cannot equate one person's attitude towards China with the entire US policy," he said at the event on US-China relations organised by Tsinghua University's Institute of International Relations.

Wang, who is founding president of Peking University's Institute of International and Strategic Studies, did not elaborate on his US interactions about Musk, who has been tapped by Trump to co-lead a drive to cut US government spending.

He also noted that Musk had a "competitive relationship" with China, giving the example that Tesla was competing in some ways with Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers.

"Does he intend to invest in Tesla in China for a long time or will he leave after reaping some benefits? What I've heard is that the situation is still quite complicated. So I don't think we can pin our hopes for Sino-US relations on one person," Wang said.

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At the same event, Zhang Yuyan, director of the Institute of World Economics and Politics at the China Academy of Social Sciences, was also unconvinced that any one individual could have a significant impact on Washington's policies.

Zhang cited the case of Henry Stimson, the US official credited with dissuading then-president Harry Truman from dropping an atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Kyoto in World War II.

Some historians have suggested that Stimson's reasons were personal, as he had visited Kyoto several times, but in any case, it was Hiroshima and Nagasaki that the US eventually bombed.

"I think that is very interesting ... Did [Stimson] have any influence on [American] policy?" Zhang said.

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"He did have an influence, but it was only in deciding which city to bomb and which not to bomb. He could not decide whether to drop atomic bombs on Japan, so his influence was marginal.

"Once some major policies, strategies and guidelines are determined, it is very difficult for an individual to change a country's foreign policy."

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.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  Temperatures this week will be in the teens with overnight lows near zero, and that may seem warm compared to next week, as it is becoming increasingly likely that we will see polar air shoot down into the Miami Valley.

This is a result of a phenomenon known as the polar vortex.

STORM TEAM 2: Another arctic blast this week

The polar vortex is just a spinning of the earths atmosphere higher up in the higher latitudes, the polar regions, and at about 20 miles off of the surface, John Franks, NWS Wilmington meteorologist, said.



That air usually doesnt interact with the weather at the surface, constrained by a strong polar jet stream. But occasionally that jet can weaken, and the cold air can sink south into the United States.



The jet stream goes from west to east, and a strong polar vortex is going to come in here and disrupt that, said Franks. So itll slow down the jet stream. And if its strong enough, it could possibly change that direction higher up in the atmosphere.



How does that cold air well above the ground reach the surface? When there are disturbances in the polar vortex, mixing of the stratosphere and troposphere can get that air closer to the surface.



Polar vortex is changing things around in the upper atmosphere. And what we need to do is the upper air with the polar vortex needs to get down to the surface. Now, that doesnt always happen when you have a strong polar vortex, but generally that is the case, said Franks.



There is no cause for panic with this potential cold air outbreak, as long as you wear the proper amount of clothes and stay warm.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
There has been a new update in Janel Grants lawsuit against Vince McMahon.

In January 2024, Janel Grant filed a lawsuit against WWE, Vince McMahon, and John Laurinaitis, alleging that she was the victim of physical and emotional abuse, sexual assault, and trafficking at WWE. McMahon denied the allegations, but he has been under investigation regarding the allegations. A six-month stay on the lawsuit recently expired.

In an update, attorneys for Janel Grant filed another motion in which they requested a status conference about the lawsuit before the United States District of Connecticut earlier today. Grants attorneys stated that they were writing, to inform the Court of the new status quo and request its guidance on how best to move this litigation forward following the SECs announcement that Vince McMahon had settled the charges against him.

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Grants motion highlights how the United States government advised her attorneys that it did not seek an extension of the aforementioned stay. The motion stated that the SECs announcement was material development that is highly relevant to this matter. Grants attorneys state that they need more time to assess the developments regarding the SECs announcement and the findings it contained as they continue to work on an amended complaint. (H/t Mike Johnson of PWInsider)

Furthermore, the filing notes that Grants attorneys were withdrawing the potential schedule that they proposed due to the amended complaint.

Grants attorneys also noted they were withdrawing the potential schedule they had proposed for the case as the Amended Complaint would negate it.

Janel Grants Attorney Issues Statement

Ann Callis, an attorney for Janel Grant, then shared a statement regarding the motion.

Attorney for Janel Grant, Ann Callis, made a statement regarding Grant's renewed motion for status conference today in federal court in her suit against Vince McMahon, WWE and John Laurinaitis. https://t.co/0dcDAdut8k pic.twitter.com/blueNL7mrb  B. J. Bethel (@BJBethelTweets) January 13, 2025

Vince McMahons reps also shared a statement; Jessica T. Rosenberg, attorney for Vince McMahon, said that there was no indictment from the McMahon criminal investigation. (H/t N.J. Bethel)

Vince McMahon's reps sent a statement from his attorney Jessica Rosenberg in response to Janel Grant's filing today. Rosenberg said there was no indictment from the McMahon criminal investigation. pic.twitter.com/MMsrl2bSh0  B. J. Bethel (@BJBethelTweets) January 14, 2025

RELATED: Janel Grants Attorney Issues Statement On Vince McMahon Settling SEC Charges

The post Counsel For Janel Grant Files Motion For Status Conference With District Court appeared first on Wrestlezone.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The El Paso County Commissioners Court approved three proposals to help address the issue of high-speed pursuits in El Paso County by Texas Department of Public Safety troopers during their meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 13.

The action came after hearing a study conducted by the El Paso County Attorneys

Office that was presented to the Commissioners Court last week, the County Attorneys Office said.

The study found that DPSs vehicle pursuits are an ongoing, pressing danger to the El Paso Community, the County Attorneys Office said.

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These are the three proposals approved by the Commissioners Court, according to the County Attorneys Office.

Continue working with the El Paso State Legislative Delegation to propose legislation

to modify DPSs vehicle pursuit policy or otherwise bring transparency and

accountability for vehicle pursuits. El Paso County will be sending legislators a letter

formalizing the request and sharing any further data and resources on this issue. Add the issue of high-speed pursuits to the Countys Legislative Agenda Values

document so that Commissioners Court can take any actions on bills that address the

issue. Reach out to the City of El Paso to share data about the high-speed chases and request

support from the City Council to address this problem.

Under Operation Lone Star (OLS)  a state program with the goal of eliminating undocumented migration in Texas  El Paso County experienced a dramatic 625% increase in DPS vehicle pursuits from 2022 to 2023, the County Attorneys Office said.

Even though the number of migrants encountered by immigration authorities at the U.S./Mexico dropped precipitously in 2024, the number of DPS vehicle pursuits in 2024 occurred at the same inordinate rate as in 2023, the County Attorneys Office said.

The safety of our community, including bystanders and law enforcement officers, is our top

priority, El Paso County Attorney Christina Sanchez said. We support law enforcements

efforts to keep our community safe and understand that in some situations pursuits are necessary; however, we are calling on a change to DPSs vehicle pursuit policy, to include common-sense solutions and easy to implement policies in order to enforce the law without needlessly putting lives at risk.



We are not asking DPS troopers to turn a blind eye to crime, Sanchez added. We are simply

asking them to follow best practices and avoid engaging in high-speed chases when the risk to the public and their officers is too great.



The study cited several alternatives to high-speed pursuits, including:

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Obtaining the fleeing vehicles license plate number for later apprehension.

Employing technology like helicopters or drones to track the vehicle from a safe

distance.

Implementing strategic roadblocks or other measures to slow or contain the vehicle

without resorting to dangerous tactics.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Demonstrators gather on the steps on the Michigan Hall of Justice on Jan. 14, 2025, for a press conference following a hearing challenging a permit for Enbridge's controversial Line 5 tunnel project. | Kyle Davidson

Attorneys representing Native American tribes and environmental organizations brought their case Tuesday before a three-judge panel in the Michigan Court of Appeals to challenge a 2023 permit from the Michigan Public Service Commission  one of three needed for Enbridge to proceed with its controversial Line 5 tunnel project.

Enbridges Line 5 is a 645-mile pipeline stretching from Northwest Wisconsin through Michigan into Sarnia, Ontario, carrying 540,000 barrels of light crude oil, light synthetic crude and natural gas liquids daily through the Straits of Mackinac connecting Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.

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Environmentalists, tribal nations and state officials have offered strong opposition to the 70-year-old pipeline, warning that if Line 5 ruptures, the impacts would be catastrophic.

These concerns have only intensified with Enbridge identifying gaps in Line 5s protective coating in 2014 and an anchor strike in 2018 that dented the pipeline in three places.

Proposed as a solution to these concerns, Enbridges Line 5 tunnel project would move the dual pipelines in the Straits into a concrete-lined tunnel embedded beneath the lakebed. The project must receive permits from the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE), the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC)  which regulates the natural gas and electricity industries in Michigan  and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The MPSC approved its permit for the tunnel project in December 2023, with Chair Dan Scripps saying the concrete lined tunnel embedded in the bedrock below the lake represented the best option to mitigate the danger the pipelines currently present upon reviewing potential alternatives to Line 5.

Adam Ratchenski responds to arguments from Enbridge to maintain a permit for the companys controversial Line 5 tunnel project on Jan. 14, 2025. | Kyle Davidson

The decision was appealed by the Bay Mills Indian Community, Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, and Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi, alongside several environmental organizations.

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This is the case that the appeal court heard Tuesday in Lansing.

Representing the tribal appellants, Adam Ratchenski, a senior associate attorney at the environmental group Earthjustice, detailed the threat the Line 5 tunnel project would pose to natural, cultural and economic resources within the Straits. He argued the MPSC had erred by blocking parties intervening in the case from submitting evidence tied to two key questions: the publics need for the petroleum products transported through Line 5 and the scope of projects environmental impacts, including the risk of pollution from oil spills.

In response, Ratchenski said his clients were requesting the court overturn the Public Service Commissions decision, and instruct the commission to allow intervening parties to submit evidence on the public need for the pipelines products and the likelihood of an oil spill.

Similarly, Mark Granzotto, the attorney representing the Environmental Law and Policy Center and the Michigan Climate Action Network, argued the commission had disregarded testimony regarding the projects impacts on climate change and greenhouse gas emissions submitted by his clients.

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Carrie La Seur, legal director for the Great Lakes advocacy group For Love of Water (FLOW), also argued that the commission had not considered alternatives to the pipeline outside of the Straits of Mackinac, failing to meet the requirements of the Michigan Environmental Protection Act.

On remand, La Seur asked for the opportunity for parties to present evidence supporting additional alternatives, such as rerouting the pipeline outside the straits, or utilizing unused capacity in Enbridges other pipelines, or that a no-action response was unlikely to result in the pipelines continued operation.



However, Enbridge attorney John Bursch  a former Michigan solicitor general who has represented a number of conservative causes and Assistant Attorney General Daniel Sonneveldt, who represented the MPSC, argued that if the MPSC denied Enbridges permit to proceed with the tunnel project, the pipeline would continue operating under the current status quo.

I do believe my client does believe the only issue for the choice before the commission of this matter was to either approve the application or deny the application or deny the application. The effect of the denial of the application is that the existing seabed pipeline would continue to operate across the Straits of Mackinac. It would continue to run the product through that pipeline and the risk of the spill still remains and exists there, Sonneveldt said.

There was no option before the commission that would result in the ceasing of the operation of the pipeline. Thats important, I think, because I hear the arguments raised by the appellants, and I think a lot of them seem to either rely on this assumption that theres a path forward, in this case, to shut down this pipeline, or that there was other options available to the commission, Sonneveldt said.

John Bursch representing Enbridge, argues before the Michigan Court of Appeals on Jan. 14, 2025. | Kyle Davidson

Bursch also argued the pipelines opponents were using the companys effort to replace four miles of the pipeline as an avenue to attack the entire pipeline, and that the evidence raised by the pipelines opponents was outside of the scope of what the MPSC needed to consider.

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When considering public need for the project, the commission is limited to the four-mile section of the pipeline set to be replaced through the tunnel project, Bursch said, later arguing that the commission had examined evidence for alternatives to the tunnel and concluded they were worse than the status quo.

While Bursch acknowledged other efforts to shut down the pipeline, including Michigan Attorney Nessels case, which is set to resume in state court later this month, he argued these efforts are not what was before the court on Tuesday.

You just have a very simple job, and thats to ask whether the MPSC erred in saying that the replacement project had a public need and resulted in an improvement of the environment rather than an impairment of it, Bursch said.

During a press conference following the hearing, La Seur said the attorneys on the case believe a no-action response would instead trigger a consideration of the impact of Line 5, not just in the Straits, but for the whole length of the pipeline, pointing to previous Line 5 spills outside of the straits and from other Enbridge-operated pipelines.

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Ratchenski argued that Enbridge had presented a false choice to the court and the commission, pointing to Nessels case and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmers decision to terminate Enbridges easement to operate the pipeline within the Straits.

Theyre currently trespassing on state owned bottom lands. And its just not reasonable to conclude that the feds or the lifespan of these pipelines or other agencies will just allow them to sit in the straits forever and ever, Ratchenski said.

Additionally, the tunnel project would be a massive undertaking, carrying additional uncertainties and risks for pollution, Ratchenski said.

In addition to the MPSC permit, Enbridge must also secure another permit from EGLE, after agreeing not to act on a 2021 permit set to expire on Feb. 25, 2026. In its next permit application, Enbridge must incorporate the results of the results of the new wetlands surveys that were not available when EGLE considered the companys first application.

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Enbridge must also obtain a permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which extended the timeline for its environmental review of the project in 2023, with the agency expected to issue its draft environmental impact statement this spring.

Carrie La Seur, Legal Director of For Love of Water speaks at a press conference after arguing an appeal against a permit for Enbridges controversial Line 5 Tunnel Project on Jan. 14, 2025. | Kyle Davidson

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In 2023, parliament blocked moves that would have allowed Gerry Adams and other IRA sympathisers to claim compensation for wrongful arrest. The former Sinn Fein leader had been interned in the early 1970s under special powers at the start of the Troubles but the authorities had failed to follow the precise rules.

Instead of the warrant being signed by a junior minister it should have been endorsed by the Secretary of State. On this basis, in 2020 the Supreme Court quashed Mr Adamss conviction for trying to escape from prison since he should have not been incarcerated in the first place.

This may have been a technical breach of the small print in the statute but we are dancing on the head of a pin here. Governments for 40 years had always taken the view that the custody orders were not rendered invalid simply because they had been made by a junior minister.

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In 2023, the High Court in Belfast ruled that Mr Adams was wrongly denied compensation so an amendment was passed in the House of Lords to the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) specifically to prohibit civil proceedings and payments for miscarriages of justice based on custody orders made by junior ministers.

That should have been the end of the matter but the Government has now decided the High Courts judgment should have been accepted. It is using powers under the Human Rights Act 1998 to make a Remedial Order overturning the barrier to compensation put in place by the last parliament.

A Policy Exchange paper signed by 16 eminent peers, has called this inexplicable but it isnt if you factor every decision through a legalistic human rights prism rather than focus on what is sensible and just. This is a serious weakness in Sir Keir Starmer, a human rights lawyer by training and instinct.

Hundreds of former terrorists and sympathisers could potentially qualify for compensation unless this unconstitutional measure is dropped. The idea that a man described in the House of Lords as the godfather of terrorism could be compensated by the British taxpayer for what amounts to a legal technicality beggars belief.

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Sir Keir has been accused of having a political tin ear. If he proceeds with this extraordinary move he will show himself to be completely out of touch.

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.
Craig Melvin is the-co-anchor of NBC News TODAY, a co-host of the 3rd hour of TODAY and a host of Dateline NBC. His breaking news coverage and reporting appears across all NBC News and MSNBC platforms.

Melvin has covered a wide range of news events, including several Republican and Democratic national conventions. His coverage of politics has included notable interviews with former President Bill Clinton, former Vice President Joe Biden, Ambassador Nikki Haley, and secretaries of state John Kerry, Mike Pompeo and Condoleezza Rice.

Melvin has also covered tragic mass shootings across the country, including Dallas and Orlando, Florida, in 2016; Charleston, South Carolina, in 2015; the Navy Yard in Washington, D.C., in 2013; and Sandy Hook Elementary School in 2012. Melvin reported extensively on police-involved shootings and subsequent protests in Baltimore in 2015 and Ferguson, Missouri, in 2014.

In addition, he covered the 2016 death of Muhammad Ali, the 2016 EgyptAir MS804 crash, two Olympic Games and six Super Bowls  most recently, the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang and the 2019 Super Bowl in Atlanta.

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Prior to joining NBC News and MSNBC in July 2011, Melvin was a weekend anchor for WRC, NBCs owned-and-operated station in Washington, D.C. Before that, Melvin earned acclaim as an evening news anchor at WIS in Columbia, South Carolina, where he was named best anchor by the South Carolina Broadcasters Association and awarded two Emmy Awards.

Melvin is a graduate of Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where he serves on the board of trustees. He is an active member in several charities, including the Colorectal Cancer Alliance and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Melvin resides in Connecticut with his wife, award-winning sportscaster Lindsay Czarniak, as well as son Delano and daughter Sybil.

Melvin is on Twitter at @craigmelvin.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) Crews are battling an early morning restaurant fire in Cumberland County.

According to officials from Hampden Township, over 40 firefighters responded to a fire that broke out at Josies German Restaurant on the 5200 block of East Trindle Road in Hampden Township before 3 a.m. this morning.

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Crews were able to contain the damage to the first floor of the building.

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Officials said the inside of the first floor of the restaurant experienced the majority of the damage in the blaze. The second floor of the business was reportedly a residence, but officials say it was unoccupied at the time of the fire.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this time, but the Pennsylvania fire marshal has been called to the scene.

No injuries have been reported at this time.

This is a developing story. Stay with abc27 News 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 ABC27.
FRANKLIN COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)  Emergency crews, including some from Maryland, are battling a two-alarm house fire in Franklin County Monday night, where at least one person was injured.

Leitersburg Volunteer Fire Company posted on Facebook that the house fire broke out along the 100 block of Ridge Avenue.

A video sent to abc27 shows firefighters working together to extinguish a burning home.

There is at least one person who was burned in the fire and is being taken to the hospital for treatment, the post states. The Red Cross says two people were assisted.

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Details about the fire are currently limited.

This is a developing story. Stay with abc27 News 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 ABC27.
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL)  The Wichita Falls Area Crime Stoppers could help solve a firearm theft at the start of the new year.

Wichita Falls man arrested for allegedly stealing car, evading arrest

Police say a black AR pistol, Del-Ton 5.56 Caliber, along with three magazines, were reported stolen from the victims SUV.

They say the victim bought the pistol on Jan. 1 and left it in their unlocked SUV, likely parked in the 2800 block of Baltimore Road. The victim discovered the gun missing just three days later, on Jan. 4 and is not sure of the exact time the firearm was taken.

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If you know anything about this or any other felony crime, youre asked to call Crime Stoppers at (940) 322-9888 or submit an online tip. You never have to give your name; if your information leads to an arrest, you can earn a cash reward.

This is a developing story. Stick with Texomas Homepage for updates as more information becomes available. All individuals charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com.
FAYETTEVILLE, WV (WVNS)  Crime Stoppers of West Virginia is asking for the publics help in solving a vandalism case on the Long Point Trail in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.

Greenbrier County Sheriffs Office issues statement on former deputys guilty plea for sexual abuse

According to a post on the Crime Stoppers of West Virginia Facebook, trees and rock faces on the Long Point Trail in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve were sprayed with graffiti between late December 20, 2024 and the morning of December 21, 2024.

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**Warning: Some of the below photos may include language that users may deem disturbing.

Photo Courtesy: Crime Stoppers of West Virginia Facebook page Photo Courtesy: Crime Stoppers of West Virginia Facebook page Photo Courtesy: Crime Stoppers of West Virginia Facebook page

Anyone with information about the vandalism could be eligible for up to a $500 reward leading to the arrest of those responsible, and they can contact contact Crime Stoppers of West Virginia anonymously at (304) 255-7867 or go to the Crime Stoppers of West Virginia 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 WVNS.
Two cruise lines are offering flexible cancellation fees to travelers affected by the Los Angeles wildfires, which continue to burn a week after they broke out.

For its part, Norwegian Cruise Line said it would waive cancellation fees for anyone impacted by the fires and offer a 100 percent future cruise credit for the months of January and February. The company said it doesnt have any ships currently sailing out of Los Angeles.

Our hearts and thoughts are with all of those impacted by the wildfires affecting the greater Los Angeles region. While we currently do not have any ships sailing from the region, it is affecting many of our guests that call the area home, the cruise line wrote in a statement posted to its website. During this time, we will be waiving any cancelation fees for guests who have been impacted by this devastation and are currently booked to sail with us during the months of January and February. They will receive a 100% future cruise credit of the fare paid, so they can reschedule their voyage to a later date when they are ready.

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Norwegian said it has also donated $50,000 to the American Red Cross.

We remain committed to the well-being of the communities affected during this very difficult time and to supporting their recovery, the company added.

Similarly, Princess Cruises has offered travelers in evacuation areas or whose homes have been significantly damaged the option to cancel cruises departing through Jan. 30 for a 100 percent future cruise credit. The company will also refund extras like shore excursions, USA Today reported.

While the Los Angeles World Cruise Center and Los Angeles International Airport remain fully operational and unaffected by the fires, we are keenly aware of the hardships faced by many in our community, the cruise line told the outlet.

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A representative for Princess Cruises did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Travel + Leisure.

The Los Angeles wildfires first broke out last week and continue to rage, burning tens of thousands of acres so far. The two largest fires are the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire, which are 17 percent and 35 percent contained, respectively.

Several other companies in the travel industry have also stepped up to help displaced residents, including offering discounted rides on Amtrak, offering free or discounted hotel rates, and helping homeowners donate stays to victims of the fires.

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
A man was arrested over the weekend and accused of lying to state police when he said a driver pointed a gun at him during a road rage incident on Interstate 84 last year.

Gerard Carbonaro, 61, was arrested Saturday on charges of reckless driving, improper passing, second-degree reckless endangerment and false statement, according to Connecticut State Police.

The charges stem from an incident reported to troopers on I-84 in Middlebury on March 7, 2024, when state police were dispatched to a commuter lot at Exit 17 on the report of a road rage incident involving a firearm.

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Carbonaro told troopers he was driving east in the left lane on I-84 around 11:45 a.m. when he tried passing a flat bed tractor-trailer, according to the warrant affidavit supporting his arrest. As he did, Carbonaro told troopers, the driver of a Chevy Silverado pickup truck cut in front of him and missed hitting him by about three feet, the warrant affidavit said.

After both motorists passed the tractor-trailer, Carbonaro claimed that the other driver moved over to the center lane and pulled alongside him, at which point he made a crude gesture, according to the warrant affidavit. Carbonaro alleged that he gave him the stink eye and continued to pass him until the other driver came barreling by him going more than 90 mph, the warrant affidavit said.

Carbonaro told police the pickup driver then swerved in front of him and slammed on his brakes like he wanted to be struck, state police wrote. He alleged that the other driver then pulled alongside him again and pointed a handgun at him.

Carbonaro told troopers he followed the vehicle off of Exit 17 so he could get his vehicle and license plate information.

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Troopers used the information to find the owner of the vehicle and went to his residence to investigate. The man admitted that he was involved in a road rage incident, though he said the other driver was the aggressor.

According to the warrant affidavit, the man said he was in the left lane and was about to pass a large truck when he saw a driver in a white SUV come up very quickly behind and to the right of him. He said the SUV driver cut in front of him, only missing him by about five feet before he could pass the large truck and slammed on his brakes.

The man told troopers he assumed the other driver did not want to get stuck behind the tractor-trailer. He also admitted that once the two drivers were alongside each other he made a crude gesture, though he denied pointing a handgun at him and told police he did not have any weapons registered to him, the warrant affidavit said.

State police said they found that the man had a dashboard camera mounted to the windshield of his pickup. He said he did not know how to use it but allowed state police to take the SD card. Troopers found video of the incident and said it corroborated the pickup truck drivers account of what happened and not the version Carbonaro described, according to the warrant affidavit.

Troopers later obtained a warrant for Carbonaros arrest. He is free on a $10,000 bond and is scheduled to be arraigned on Jan. 21 in Waterbury Superior Court.
PRAGUE (AP)  The Czech Republic has boosted its energy security by completing a project to finish the countrys dependence on oil delivery from Russia, the government said on Tuesday.

The Czech Republic previously received about half of its oil, or 4 million metric tons, through the Druhzba pipeline from Russia.

Prime Minister Petr Fiala said the Russian imports were no longer necessary because the country is "able to get all its oil supplies from the West.

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The Czechs have invested over 1.5 billion Czech koruna or crowns ($61 million) to double the capacity of the Italian TAL pipeline to 8million metric tons a year. A branch of the pipeline, which continues as IKL through Germany, serves the Czech Republic, or Czechia. That amount of oil imported will fully cover the countrys need.

Finance Minister Zbynek Stanjura said the Orlen Unipetrol refiner does not plan to import any Russian oil any more, starting in the second half of the year.

The Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary are the only remaining European Union member states still receiving oil from Russia. The other 24 EU countries stopped buying Russian oil as part of EU sanctions following Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

The Czech Republic already stopped importing Russia gas earlier this year.
TYLER, Texas (KETK)  Two men planning the kidnapping, rape and murder of a Texas woman have been arrested, Smith County records revealed.

In the fall of 2022, the woman said she broke up with Dustin Adlai Yates, and blocked him on her phone and email. However, Yates would allegedly keep trying to contact her by using different phone numbers.

Search underway after Tyler jewelry store smash-and-grab

Mugshot of Dustin Adlai Yates, courtesy of the Smith County Jail.

By 2023, the woman filed a case of family violence with the Houston Police Department and a detective called Yates in October of that same year to warn him not to contact his ex-girlfriend again.

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A year later, the woman contacted the Smith County Sheriffs Office after Yates started emailing her again on Oct. 31, 2024. She said she didnt read all nine threads of emails he sent but he did mention one of her addresses.

Then on Dec. 1, 2024 at 12:30 a.m., Yates allegedly started messaging her with a 903 area code phone number and told her that her expiration date was soon, she had a predictable schedule and daily driving routes.

Later that day, she received a picture of a friends house where she used to stay, according to an affidavit, from a 703 area code phone number. She reported speaking with her friend and that the friend said she got the same picture, from the same phone number.

The woman sent screenshots of messages from Yates from Dec. 1, 2024 to detectives:

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Id be vigilant if I were you

You were a busy girl in 22

I wonder what your expiration date is, and I think its soon

You have a very predictable schedule and daily driving routes

Based on that information, an arrest warrant was issued for Yates on the charge of stalking. Yates was arrested for the stalking charge on Dec. 27, 2024 and then interviewed at the Smith County Jail.

Yates also agreed to speak with the Houston detective the woman originally spoke with.

Houston County officials searching for suspect near U.S. Highway 287

He reportedly admitted to running several background checks on her through multiple websites and that he learned where she was working in Tyler. Yates continued by admitting that he had used different texting applications to disguise his messages to his ex-girlfriend. He eventually told detectives he did not take pictures.

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Dustin stated he wanted [the victim] to be scared and looking over her shoulder, the affidavit stated. Dustin stated, without being asked or the topic being brought up, that he had no intention to kill [the victim], and if he wanted to, he would have killed her months ago.

A search warrant was obtained for Yates cellphone, which showed he had been in contact with Brad Michael McKinney by text, email and in person.

Mugshot of Brad Michael McKinney, courtesy of the Smith County Jail.

[McKinney] agreed to help Yates stalk and gather information on [the woman] for Yates for a monetary return, the affidavit said. Yates got a large information dump about the woman from a private investigator. Yates forwarded [the victim]s vehicle and address information to McKinney so he could help him locate the woman.

Yates reportedly told McKinney he would pay $650 for his wisdom and guidance, to which McKinney responded help in any way I can.

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Yates would allegedly talk with McKinney about wanting to find his ex-girlfriend and kill her. Their arrest affidavits said they would talk about McKinneys experience as a sniper, what kind of bullets would hurt the most, where to shoot her and potentially posing as a UPS delivery guy or a pizza delivery guy and then going to addresses associated with Yates ex-girlfriend.

Woman arrested in connection to $400,000 Lego theft ring

McKinney allegedly took a picture of a Tyler home Yates associated with his ex on Dec. 1, 2024. The affidavits said that he also tried to find the womans car at her workplace but couldnt because of traffic.

Yates is said to have told McKinney he wanted to take his own life and McKinney reportedly told him to take out some filthy people in our country and go down swinging buddy.

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McKinney was contacted by the Smith County Sheriffs Office detective at his Kilgore home. He admitted to taking money from Yates to gather information on Yates ex-girlfriend but tried to downplay his involvement.

The detective went through Yatess conversation with McKinney on Jan. 8. The detective flagged 741 text messages which discussed the stalking and the planned kidnapping, rape and murder of Yatess ex-girlfriend.

The messages also revealed that McKinney was paid around $1,300 for gathering the information and that they discussed a payment of $15,000 to film the planned kidnapping, rape and murder of Yatess ex-girlfriend, arrest documents said.

On Jan. 9, McKinney spoke with the Smith County Sheriffs Office and said that Yates told him about several plans to kill his ex-girlfriend. McKinney reportedly said he take Yates seriously and that he was only helping with the stalking to get paid.

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McKinney was arrested by the Smith County Sheriffs Office for murder, stalking and two warrants from Harrison and Gregg counties. Yates was charged with murder on Friday after he was arrested for stalking on Dec. 18, 2024.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.
Daimler Truck North America has resumed selling new trucks with internal combustion engines in Oregon.

The state and Daimler said Monday that the two sides had discussed the misunderstanding that led Daimler to stop sales in Oregon. At issue was the calculation of credits and deficits for determining Daimlers compliance with the Oregon version of the Advanced Clean Trucks rule, modeled after Californias precedent-setting program.

Daimler Truck North America is resuming acceptance of all orders for new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles intended for registration in Oregon, a spokeswoman said in an email to FreightWaves. Acceptance of ICE orders was paused due to a misunderstanding in how zero-emission vehicles (ZEV) credits would be recognized in the states implementation of the Advanced Clean Truck rule (ACT).

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While the pause lasted only a few weeks  it began Dec. 20  it could also be an indicator of what is likely to be a new battleground over calculating OEM compliance under the state-by-state versions of the ACT. Several states have committed to following the basic parameters of the ACT, with some variations.

Rachel Sakata, Oregons transportation strategies manager for the Department of Environmental Quality, also used the word miscommunication to describe the basis of the sales pause. We thought we clarified that miscommunication with them at the end of the year, but they had questions, she said in an interview with FreightWaves. So we met with them last week to clarify everything, and we were able to move forward.

The credit and deficit system is key when an OEM sells a vehicle into a state.

The sale of an ICE vehicle generates deficits under the ACT. The sale of a near-ZEV vehicle, like one powered by natural gas, generates credits. The sale of a full-ZEV vehicle generates even more credits. But the specifics are more complicated than that.

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This situation underscores the necessity for feasible, obtainable, and clearly defined regulations, enabling companies to align their business practices accordingly, the Daimler spokeswoman said. Commercial vehicles are vital to Oregons economy, and DTNA values the ability to support our customers, the fleets of this nation, and the states economy.

One part of credit generation in Oregon has been strong

Oregon began enforcing its version of the ACT this year, Sakata said. Credits that have been generated earlier with the sales of ZEV and near-ZEV trucks  but not Class 8 tractors  should cover OEM compliance for 2025, she said. Those are known as early action credits.

But Sakata added that credits generated through nontractor ZEVs and near-ZEVs cant be used to cover compliance for Class 8 tractors, which is a separate regulation. Generation of credits from selling ZEV or near-ZEV tractors can be used for nontractor trucks, like box trucks, she said. But it doesnt work in reverse.

Sakata said the state has not calculated the number of credits generated in 2024 in Oregon. But she added that based on current reported sales, theres not a lot of (ZEV) tractor sales happening.

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Credits generated by an OEM in one state cannot be used in another state at present, Sakata said. But that sort of transfer is in discussion among the states that have chosen to follow the ACT standards, she said, adding that she and her counterparts in other states generally speak at least every other week.

The Oregon ACT is in the first year of a three-year launch that doesnt come with heavy enforcement. We wouldnt necessarily be able to enforce anything until after the three-year period because we need to see where the manufacturers are with regards to their credits and deficits overall, Sakata said.

Other states that have agreed to follow Californias lead are Colorado, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island and Washington. While they may be following the standards of the Golden State, their commitment  which isnt new  recently set off a series of back-and-forth missives about the impact of that compliance.

More articles by John Kingston

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EPA taking comments on California waiver for Advanced Clean Fleets rule

EPA OKs Californias tighter diesel NOx rule; can waiver survive under Trump?

Supreme Court wont review Ohio case, boosting Californias emissions rules

The post Daimler Truck NA resumes Oregon sales after dispute over Advanced Clean Trucks rule appeared first on FreightWaves.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  A company is being sued by the state of Ohio and the Ohio Department of Transportation regarding the site of underground mines.

According to a complaint filed in Ottawa County Common Pleas Court, ODOT is seeking to retrieve around $16,770,000 from United States Gypsum Company. The complaint alleges that ODOT spent that amount of taxpayer dollars to stabilize the abandoned mine voids under S.R. 2 in northern Ohio to avoid a collapse of the roadway.

Photo/Ohio AG Dave Yost

Photo/Ohio AG Dave Yost

In 1968, USG allegedly sold property to ODOT to create S.R. 2 above the mines. Allegedly, the deal had USG to provide the integrity of the mines to provide safety to motorists above.

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Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost claims USG backed out of its commitment through a quit claim deed in 1977, but reportedly didnt tell ODOT of that change. The company also allegedly reversed its monitoring offer of the highway.

USG continued to engage in discussions with ODOT regarding potential earth movement along the route resulting from sinkhole development, but by the early 2000s  again without notifying ODOT  the company filed paperwork to legally cease its offer to monitor the highway, said Yost.

Yost said the state is holding USG accountable for the cost.

U.S. Gypsums failure to uphold their responsibility has put Ohios taxpayers in a multimillion-dollar hole, Yost said. Were holding them accountable for the money it took to fill it and keep State Route 2 from crumbling.

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ODOT reportedly placed grout into the gypsum tunnels after concerns of a potential collapse.

The state transportation organization is asking for a jury trial.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 view of flames at the mountain as seen from Topanga Canyon near Pacific Palisades in Los Angeles on Jan. 9, 2025. A fast-moving wildfire has forced 180,000 people to evacuate, with officials warning that worsening winds could further escalate the blaze. Credit - AnadoluGetty Images

There are a lot of variables at play in the catastrophic wildfires currently clawing through southern California: dry vegetation, lack of rain, dense housing development, errant sparks potentially from cigarette butts or campfires or power lines or even arsonists. And then of course theres gravity. Of all of the factors involved, there may be nothing as basic or as powerful as the tendency of an object with mass to roll or slide or plunge downward under the pull of the Earth below it.

In the case of the wildfires, the massive object is airspecifically cold air, swirling and flowing 1,200 meters (4,260 ft.) high in Californias Sierra Nevada and White mountains, and the Klamath Basin in southern Oregon and northern Californiaa whirling of atmospheric dervishes that creates the signature Santa Ana winds. The warmer, less compacted air down at sea level is no match for the colder, denser air in the high elevations and whats at the top comes crashing down. Fire absolutely loves it when that happens.

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We call those downslope winds, says Alexander Gershunov, a research meteorologist at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego. They act as water does in an obstructed streamthey pull up against topography, and as they rush over the crests and through the gaps in the topography, they accelerate down the lee slopes and form something of a waterfallor an airfall of downslope winds.

It is those atmospheric gushers that did as much as anything else to fan the flames that have so far killed dozens, displaced tens of thousands and destroyed thousands of structures across the Los Angeles area. Last week, isolated gusts, especially in the Santa Monica Mountains, reached 100 mph. The weekend saw some easing back, but Wed. Jan. 15 and Thurs. Jan. 16 are expected to see winds back up to 65 mph. Category One hurricanes, by comparison, start out at 74 mph.

Blindsided as Los Angeles has been, some of this was entirely foreseeable. On the whole, Gershunov says, the Los Angeles area absorbs five batterings by Santa Ana winds every December and four or five every January. Most of that turbulence is stirred by seasonal changes in pressure gradients and the jet stream sitting over the Great Basin and the Four Corners region that cause the high, dense air to spill its banks.

Thats not to say those are the only two months that the Santa Anas can do their damage. Wind events occur in October as well and that is typically the end of the fire season, which usually begins in June or July, since the gusts arrive before the first winter rains do. The problem in late 2024 and early 2025: theres been winter wind but no winter rainthe latest start to the wet season in 150 yearsand theres none in the forecast; thats bad news given the likely resurgence of the Santa Anas at the same time the land continues to burn.

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We are beginning to experience another Santa Ana wind event now, and there'll be another one early next week, and we may have two to three Santa Ana winds before we get the first rains, says Gershunov. That's what happened in 2017 and 2018, when the Thomas fire burned through most of December and the smoldering remains were put out by an atmospheric river Pacific storm that occurred on Jan. 9, 2018. But [the fire] was extreme enough over Montecito, in Santa Barbara County, that it caused debris flows from the fire scar that killed 22 people.

Containing wildfiresnever mind extinguishing themin parched and windy conditions can be monstrously difficult. Dry vegetation is rocket fuel for blazes and wind both feeds the flames and spreads the embers. The winds are like pointing an air blower at a fireplace, says Gershunov, except its not contained and its on a much larger scale.

Whats more, while the ability of weather forecasters to predict a resurgence of the Santa Ana winds as theyre doing this week inspires some confidence that Los Angelenos can plan for whats coming, the fortune telling is reliable only until it isnt. Surface featurestrees, hills, mountains, buildingsare agents of chaos, causing all manner of unpredictable turbulence when the winds touch down. And higher in the atmosphere things can be even screwierand on a larger scale.

Last week the jet stream did this tremendous loop and retrograde up in the upper troposphere and was blowing in the opposite direction from what it normally does, says Gershunov. It was pointed right into the L.A. basin.

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Humidityor, specifically, the lack of itis another problem. Hot, arid winds blowing in from the Sierra Nevadas, White Mountains, and Klamath Basin strip whatever moisture there might be in the Los Angeles air, and that further dries out leaves and underbrush and other fuel. Single digits in terms of relative humidity are a prescription for uncontrollable wildfires if the fuels are dry, says Gershunov. What less humid wind there is often blows in from the ocean, which unhandily pushes fires that might actually be rolling down to extinguish themselves in the water back up hill.

If theres even a faint bright spot in the current disaster, its that the Santa Anas have been gusting in clear blue skies, meaning no lightning to act as an additional ignition source. But even so, regardless of the cause, once a fire is lit in a tinder box environment like a windy Los Angeles, the business of extinguishing it takes a massive expenditure of public effort and treasureall in the face of a massive loss of life and property. The current crisis will end, though for now no one can say when.

Correction, January 15, 2025

The original version of this story misstated the institution with which the Scripps Institution of Oceanography is affiliated. It is the University of California San Diego, not the University of San Francisco.

Write to Jeffrey Kluger at jeffrey.kluger@time.com.
KARE 11 reporter Danny Spewak on Tuesday announced he's taking over the station's coverage of the Minnesota State Capitol.

Spewak steps into the politics beat formerly held by John Croman, who retired in November after 27 years at the station.

"The 2025 legislative session begins today and I'm excited to be taking on a new role covering the Minnesota State Capitol for @Kare11," Spewak wrote. "Quite a year to start!"

The 2025 legislative session begins today and Im excited to be taking on a new role covering the Minnesota State Capitol for @kare11. Quite a year to start! pic.twitter.com/IFY4oe4I4I  Danny Spewak (@DannySpewak) January 14, 2025

Spewak, who joined KARE 11 in 2018, graduated from the University of Missouri with degrees in broadcast journalism and political science.

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His first day as the NBC affiliate's political lead proved an eventful one, with DFL House members failing to show in order to deny the House GOP a quorum, only for the GOP to proceed anyway in what DFLers have called a "sham" hearing.
HINTON, Iowa (KCAU)  Members of the Hinton Community School District may have had their personal information accessed after a data breach of the software the school uses.

According to the Hinton Community School District website, district officials were informed on Jan. 7 of a data breach of a third-party platform the district uses. PowerSchool, the platform in question, learned of unauthorized access to its Student Information System (SIS) on Dec. 28. Multiple school districts across the country, including Hinton CSD, were affected by the breach.

In Nebraska, the Wakefield Community School District said Friday that district members; data may have also been impacted by the PowerSchool data breach.

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Information on the PowerSchool SIS that may have been accessed includes personally identifiable information of students, staff, and families. Hinton CSD Superintendent Ken Slater said that students dates of birth, addresses, medical alerts, and more sensitive information may have been accessed. For staff, their usernames, passwords, and phone numbers may have been accessed.

UPDATE: Terri McCauleys family thankful for possible answers more than 40 years after murder

PowerSchool told the school district that there was no evidence of misuse or public dissemination of the breached data and that PowerSchool utilized a professional advisor to delete the data without it being spread or copied.

On the PowerSchool website, the company said its not experiencing, nor does it expect to experience, any operational disruption and continues to provide services as normal to our customers.

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To help those impacted, PowerSchool is offering credit monitoring for adults and identity protection for minors. The company is also working to improve its security measures to prevent future breaches.

Members of Hinton CSD who use PowerSchool are asked to take precautions to protect their information. They recommend the following steps.

Change Passwords: If you have a PowerSchool account, update your password to a strong, unique one. We would recommend that you change your password if you use this for additional personal accounts.

Monitor Accounts: Regularly review accounts for suspicious activity.

Beware of Phishing: Be cautious of unsolicited emails or messages related to a PowerSchool or Hinton CSD. Do not click on unknown links or provide personal information.

Update Contact Information: Ensure your contact details in PowerSchool are accurate to receive timely updates

Submarine USS IOWA to be commissioned in April

The school district said that in the coming weeks, it will provide specific instructions for those eligible for credit monitoring and identity protection services.

Anyone with questions is asked to contact Hinton IT Director Ben Hertenstein through email or phone.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
A data center in Haymarket, Virginia. (Photo by Hugh Kenny)

A bipartisan coalition of Virginia lawmakers on Tuesday presented a series of bills aimed at addressing the rapid expansion of data centers, which have become a cornerstone of the states economy but have raised concerns about energy use, environmental impact and equitable cost distribution.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin highlighted the industrys importance during his State of the Commonwealth address Monday, noting that data centers alone support 74,000 jobs, bring in $9.1 billion in Virginia GDP, and generate billions in local revenue. He called for Virginia to remain the data center capital of the world while ensuring state support for the industry.

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However, lawmakers from both parties have emphasized the need for oversight to ensure the industrys growth is managed responsibly.

During a news conference at the state Capitol in Richmond, Sen. Russet Perry, D-Loudoun, who is spearheading the legislative push, said the states approach to the IT hubs has, to a great extent, been unregulated.

The data center industry has largely grown unchecked, Perry said. Today, we are here to present a framework for responsible growth, one that provides Virginias people resources, and our economy protection.

Sen. Russet Perry, D-Loudoun, at a news conference about data center legislation in Richmond on Jan. 14, 2025. (Photo by Markus Schmidt/Virginia Mercury)

The legislative package follows a Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) report highlighting the strain data centers place on Virginias infrastructure and resources, including increased energy demands, environmental risks and questions about whether the industrys benefits are equitably distributed.

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The commission made several recommendations, including requiring data centers to report energy and water use, setting emissions standards for backup generators and ensuring non-data center customers do not subsidize data center energy costs.

A pillar of the legislative package that lawmakers unveiled Tuesday is House Bill 2101 and its companion measure Senate Bill 960, which directs the State Corporation Commission (SCC) to investigate whether non-data center customers are subsidizing data center energy costs. If subsidies are found, the SCC would establish new rules to address the imbalance by Jan. 1, 2026.

Perry, who sponsored the Senate proposal, highlighted the strain data centers place on the energy system, warning that residential energy bills could rise by as much as $37 per month by 2040 due to costly infrastructure expansions.

Del. Michael Webert, R-Fauquier, sponsor of the House bill, also noted growing concerns in his district over the energy demands of data centers.

Del. Michael Webert, R-Fauquier. (Photo by Markus Schmidt/Virginia Mercury)

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Comprehensive action from the General Assembly in the form of recognizing data centers as a unique customer class and assigning their share of cost seems like a fair thing to do, he said.

HB 2035, sponsored by Del. Shelly Simonds, D-Newport News, and former Del. Kannan Srinivasan, D-Loudoun, would require data centers to report quarterly on water and energy use to the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) starting in May 2026. The DEQ would create a public website by July 2026 to share this information statewide.

Facility owners would notify the DEQ 60 days before major operational changes, with funding provided through fees on operators. A stakeholder workgroup would recommend additional data to include, holding public meetings with 60-day comment periods.

Increasingly over the last year, Ive had constituents ask how much energy these data centers are really using, Simonds said. Thats really the crux of what were trying to do here.

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Del. Josh Thomas, D-Prince William, sponsored HB 1601 that would require site assessments before approving new data centers in Virginia. Localities would mandate sound studies to examine noise impacts on nearby homes and schools and could mandate reviews of effects on water, farmland, parks, historic sites, or forests.

Thomas also introduced HB 2027 that would direct high-energy facilities with electricity demands over 25 megawatts to secure a certificate of operation from the State Corporation Commission (SCC) if they are not operational by July 1, 2026.

Under this proposal, the SCC would only approve facilities that meet criteria such as minimal impact on utility rates and reliability, alignment with the Commonwealth Clean Energy Policy, and public interest standards. The SCC must also evaluate grid capacity and whether the facility would unfairly burden other utility customers.

If we do not pass HB 2027, we could have rolling blackouts and a dire energy situation, Thomas warned, citing concerns raised in the JLARC report.

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The bill also requires the SCC to set criteria for certificates and ensure transparency through public notice and hearings. Proponents say the measure will help balance growing energy demands while protecting ratepayers and maintaining grid reliability.

Del. Rip Sullivan, D-Fairfax, introduced HB 2578 to tie Virginias sales and use tax exemption for data centers to stricter clean energy and efficiency standards.

By 2030, data centers would need to source part of their power from renewable energy and invest in energy efficiency. Sullivan emphasized the importance of making data centers more energy efficient, calling them top priorities for reducing energy use and waste.

Backup generators must also meet stricter emissions standards by 2027 under the legislation. Sullivan noted that data center generators, often as large as shipping containers, pose environmental concerns for nearby residents, who experience pollution and odors.

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Their kids are breathing this stuff, he said.

The bill also directs state agencies to study alternatives to diesel backup power and explore ways to reuse waste heat from data centers, with findings due in late 2025.

Perry delivered a sharp closing message at Tuesdays news conference, declaring the status quo unsustainable.

Virginia, however, is in the unique position to set a national example by adapting responsible policies that balance economic opportunity with resource stewardship and fairness, she said.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)  Its a situation no parent wishes for their child to ever be in: diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.

We werent sure if she would live to see Christmas of 2021, said Mike Bolton.

A few years ago, Boltons daughter, Abbey, was diagnosed with Aplastic anemia. A rare and serious condition where a persons bone marrow fails to produce enough blood cells. For Abbey, that meant relying on the kindness of others as she underwent 16 blood and 48 platelet transfusions to stay alive.

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Its something I dont think people realize, said Abbey. It is something that truly makes or breaks a patient.

Where to donate for MEDICs annual Roll Up Your Sleeve week

Thats when her father stepped in.

She needed platelets and so I came to donate platelets and I was going to come one time to show her support, Bolton told 6 News. Then I realized, there werent that many people who donated platelets, so I continued to come.

As a matter of fact, not only does Bolton continue to donate, the now-retired UPS employee has gone from delivering packages to delivering a life-saving message for MEDIC; the importance of platelet donation.

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Mike has been amazing. Weve had so many new donors because of him, said Kristy Altman with MEDIC. He makes the process less scary for people, and then when you put that personal story to something it is really hard to tell him no.

What I want people to understand is that they are one phone call away from that need, added Bolton. Ive been to hospitals, Ive been to churches, Ive been to civic groups. Ill speak to anybody. You give me a platform Ill go speak to and tell them the need for platelets and what it means to peoples lives.

South Knoxville teen thankful for blood donors after receiving life-saving transfusions

Simply put, platelets are small colorless cell fragments in our blood that form clots that stop or prevent bleeding. In Abbeys case, getting the platelets she needed meant a week-to-week struggle of not knowing.

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From the time that platelets leave a donors arm, you have a five-day clock. And that is processing and sanitation and going through all the things they need to check. Then there is someone like me sitting on the other end of that waiting and hoping that weve got what we need, said Abbey.

A feeling Bolton hopes to keep other families from experiencing.

If someone had not given before Abbey needed what she needed, we feel like she would have died over that first weekend without the supply being there. I would never want a family to be in that position that they have to wonder if my loved one is going to live because they dont have platelets.

Warrants reveal new details in South Knoxville officer-involved shooting

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A message Bolton said he was meant to deliver.

I love doing it. Im passionate about it. Its the humor of God that I believe because three years ago I didnt know what a platelet was and now I go around and try to get people to give their platelets.

If you would like to learn more about blood and platelet donation, go to https://medicblood.org/. To find a donation location for Roll Up Your Sleeve Week, 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 WATE 6 On Your Side.
By Marwa Rashad

LONDON (Reuters) -Donald Trump will mark his return to the global stage with a virtual World Economic Forum appearance in Davos next week, as world leaders await details of the incoming U.S. President's policies and his pledge to end the war in Ukraine.

Trump is due to return to the White House on Jan. 20, with his inauguration for a second term as U.S. President coinciding with the start of the 55th annual WEF meeting of political and business leaders in the Swiss mountain resort.

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Meanwhile, another key player in any attempt to bring peace to Ukraine, the country's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, will make a special address and take questions, the WEF meeting organisers said on Tuesday.

Among the other global leaders due to attend the meeting, which will include 60 heads of state and government, are European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and China's vice premier Ding Xuexiang, WEF President and CEO Borge Brende said during a press conference.

Brende said Trump, who has twice previously attended Davos, will join "digitally" on Jan. 23, without giving further details. He said it would be a "very special moment" to learn about the new Trump administration's policy priorities.

"There is a lot of interest to decipher and to understand the policies of the new administration, so it will be an interesting week," Brende said.

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Topics on the Davos agenda range from mounting global geopolitical and economic uncertainty to trade tensions, climate goals and how AI can help make lives better.

Business leaders have become more optimistic about the economy given Trump's pledges to reduce regulation, potentially cut taxes and ease restrictions on activities including mergers and acquisitions, Rich Lesser, global chair of Boston Consulting Group, told Reuters ahead of the meeting.

Lesser said, however, that underlying optimism is being offset by concerns about tariffs, deportations, a widening budget deficit and the U.S. relationship with China.

MIDDLE EAST

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This year's meeting in Davos is taking place against "the most complicated geopolitical backdrop in generations," Brende said, adding that the forum will have a strong focus on Middle East geopolitics, including high-level diplomatic talks.

Delegates will discuss developments in Syria and the humanitarian crises in Gaza and Yemen alongside other topics.

Participants will include Qatar's Prime Minister, the Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister, Syria's foreign minister, the U.N. special envoy on Syria, the Iranian Vice President, Israel's President and the Palestinian Prime Minister.

"There will be a hard work at the situation in Syria, the terrible humanitarian situation in Gaza ... the potential escalation of the conflict in the Middle East. We were very close to it between Israel and Iran, and I don't think we're out of the woods yet," Brende said.

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CLIMATE

The WEF will this week release an analysis looking at companies that account for two-thirds of global market capitalisation, which will show that only about 10% are taking meaningful and tangible action on the climate and nature agenda.

Business and political leaders gathering in Davos from Jan. 20 to Jan. 24 are also due to discuss how to ensure energy remains affordable, secure and green and the challenges preventing acceleration of efforts towards energy transition.

"Were in a really challenging moment for climate, where countries are asking if other nations are doing their share," said Boston Consulting Group's Lesser.

(Reporting by Marwa Rashad in London and Lananh Nguyen in New York; Editing by Alexander Smith)
PASCAGOULA, Miss. (WKRG)  Testimony wrapped up Monday afternoon in the second trial of a Mississippi murder case.

Michael Holder is accused of killing Logan Wainwright in January 2023. Originally in Greene County where the murder took place, his first trial ended up being a mistrial because of how well-known he was over there, so hes being tried in Jackson County.

Mobile police investigating after 1 shot on St. Stephens Road

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In opening statements, prosecutors argued Holder broke into his ex-wifes house and waited for her and Wainwright to arrive. When they came back, prosecutors said that Holder ambushed Wainwright and Holders ex-wife, and fired multiple shots.

His ex-wife was able to escape from the gunfire, but Wainwright was trying to get in his car, and Holder shot Wainwright multiple times with an AK-47.

They argued that Holder was jealous that Wainwright and his ex-wife were dating.

Something about Mike Holder, I think youll learn during this trial that he doesnt take the word no well, Jackson County prosecutor William Barrett said. He doesnt like it. He likes to get what he wants. And he wouldnt take no for an answer that day, either.

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Florida man accused of threatening to kill child, using sleeping pills to rape Baldwin County woman

On the first day of testimony, the state called Shay Wilkerson with the Greene County Sheriffs Office as their first witness.

Wilkerson was the first on the scene when police were called after neighbors heard gunshots.

The state showed body camera video of Wilkerson entering the home, and the state argued there was evidence of a break in and Holder rummaging through the house.

Prosecutors showed Wainwrights car with several bullet holes in it and Holder on the ground suffering from a gunshot wound to the head.

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Jackson Academy stabbing suspects bond set at $115,000

Prosecutors argued Holder shot Wainwright to death and then tried to kill himself.

Holders defense argued that Wainwright was involved in a love triangle, and Holder and Wainwright had a shootout, and Holder was trying to defend himself from him.

The evidence is gonna show that he brought guns to leave with her because she had told him that she was scared of the victim, Holders defense attorney, David Futch, said.

Testimony is set to continue Tuesday at 9 a.m. at the Jackson County courthouse.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes)  Days John Henry Moncrief, lovingly known as Jazz, passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday, January 4, 2025.

Jazz was born on March 21, 1948, in Youngstown, Ohio, to the union of Alberta, affectionately called Madea, Hurst Moncrief and John Moncrief, Sr.

Find obituaries from your high school

Jazzs life was a testament reflecting love, resilience, and service. A 1968 graduate of North High School, Jazz went on to serve his country with valor in the United States Marines, completing two tours of duty in Vietnam.

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His dedication to his nation was matched by his unparalleled love for his family and the joy he found in lifes simple pleasuresplaying pool, dancing, and cherishing time spent with loved ones.

The General Motors retiree enjoyed a longstanding reputation of always being well-dressed and groomed. He obtained the moniker Jazz because of his ever- so- cool temperament, engaging personality and uncompromised swag.

Jazz is survived by his son, Jermaine (Tara) Moncrief; stepchildren, Corinthia Crump, Shaquanda Crump, Devon (Stephanie) Finley, Cottrell Atwood, and Vince Atwood, whom he loved as a daughter; brother Richard (Vernell) Moncrief; sisters Molly Peavy and Luberta Tubbs. Jazz is also fondly remembered by his former wives, yet forever friends Dolly Williams- Perdue and Annie Moncrief, who are also the mothers of his sons.

His legacy will continue to radiate love, warmth and energy through his cherished grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, along with an abundance of family and friends whom he treasured.

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As Jazz crossed the celestial sands into eternity, he was embraced by his parents, Alberta and John Moncrief; sons, Nathaniel Moncrief and Timothy Moncrief; his beloved life partner, Carolyn Crump; sister, Mary McCall and brothers, Nathaniel Moncrief, John Moncrief, Jr., Tom Moncrief, and Leon Moncrief, all who escorted him to the ancestral table to be seated among the elders.

Jazzs memory will be honored by family and friends with services, including military honors on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Jaylex Center, 2210 Glenwood Avenue, Youngstown. There will be a public viewing at 10:00 a.m. and the celebration of life services will follow at 11:00 a.m., where Rev. Lewis W. Macklin II will be the celebrant.

Though Jazz is no longer with us in the flesh, his spirit will forever guide and inspire those he leaves behind. His life was a beacon of love, strength, and resilience, and his legacy will endure in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him. We are grateful for a life well lived; a legacy cherished by all who knew him. His wisdom, kindness, and love will live in our hearts forever.

At this time of intimate need and personal loss, the beloved family of Days Jazz John Henry Moncrief elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort & Care, along with Transitional After-Care Arrangements to the J. E. Washington Funeral Services, 2234 Glenwood Ave., Youngstown OH 330.782.8500

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Steve Bannon had some thoughts on what the next four years have in store for Donald Trump as he returns to the White House.

In a wide-ranging interview with POLITICOs White House bureau chief Dasha Burns on Tuesday, the former Trump strategist and War Room podcast host taunted Elon Musk, predicted a much tighter ship at the White House and spoke about what his upcoming fraud trial might mean for his impact in Trump world. Here are our top takeaways.

On shock and awe of Trump 2.0

The shock and awe strategy of Trumps first administration? Thats so 2017, Bannon said.

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Because Trumps team is coming in more prepared, with a deep bench of Trump loyalists and groups like Project 2025 that have spent the last several years developing policy, Bannon said the new administration will be better positioned to hit the ground running. He predicted the early days of Trumps second term will be even more intense, from quick Cabinet confirmations to a slew of thought-out executive actions and legislation  a departure from the rapid, scattershot policymaking that marked his first term.



I tell people, shock and awe was a 17 concept. Days of thunder, I think are gonna be the concepts starting next Monday, Bannon said. And I think these days of thunder starting next week are going to be incredibly, incredibly intense.

But he said hes also expecting the new White House to look much different than the contentious, in-the-open fighting that was a hallmark of Trumps first administration. He credited incoming Chief of Staff Susie Wiles for her savvy leadership style, calling her fantastic and a safe pair of hands.

As for some of the strongest personalities from Trumps first White House  Corey Lewandowski, David Bossie, Jason Miller, Boris Epshteyn and himself  theyre going to be on the outside.

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And I think all of those people are gonna be very strong voices on the outside and whatever vertical theyre in, Bannon said. I would look for President Trump to have a lot of support both inside the White House with a much more smoothly running operation and also outside with allies who now have kind of their, as you call them perches of their own  that can support the president in the policies that hes eventually going to want to drive.

On Trumps relationship with GOP leadership

Its no secret that Bannon isnt a fan of House Speaker Mike Johnson, but he acknowledged that Trump trusts both Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, which he said is important as Republicans try to legislate with a slim trifecta of power.

But he said it will be an intense period for the party, adding that the discussion over the best reconciliation strategy for forging ahead with Trumps legislative agenda is the most important fight right now  one that will set the tone for the next four years.

President Trumps very comfortable with both people, and I think thats very important because this is gonna be like going into combat, right? This is gonna be so  in the moment its gonna be so intense and decisions are going to have to be made. You have to trust the judgment of those people, Bannon said, adding that he has different opinions. President Trump makes the ultimate decisions.



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One place the intra-party fight will play out is over tax policy. Bannon reiterated his push for increasing taxes on the wealthy and corporations, as well as cuts in federal spending. As for where hed be looking for some of those cuts? Defense spending.

On Trumps first executive orders

Bannon said he knows border czar Tom Homan and Trump deputy chief of policy, Stephen Miller, are preparing a number of actions to crack down on the border and illegal immigration. But Bannon said he would also like to see Trump push it further and called for a temporary moratorium on all immigration into the country, while the new administration sorts through policy solutions.

He also said hed like to see the creation of an External Revenue Service, as a way to collect tariffs and other forms of revenue from foreign sources. Maybe Trump was watching because not long after, he declared on Truth Social that he would do just that.

On Elon Musk

Bannon, when asked if tech billionaire Elon Musk is too close to the president-elect, threw a jab: Whats shocking to me is he doesnt have much power.

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Bannon pointed to Scott Bessent winning out over Musks favorite, Howard Lutnick, for Treasury secretary. He also noted that in the fight over H-1B visas  which are designed to allow companies to bring skilled workers to the U.S. and favored by Musk  the Tesla CEO has already budged by acknowledging that the program needs reform. Bannon said Tuesday that MAGA loyalists will ultimately win Musk over even closer to their position  that the program should be done away with entirely.

Were winning this round, and were winning this round pretty big, Bannon said, referring to the H-1B fight. I think well get Elon there. As soon as I can turn Elon Musk from a techno-feudalist to a populist nationalist, well start making real progress.

As Trumps big-tent GOP returns to power, Bannon and Musk have served as a prime example of the infighting already underway  and the challenges it will pose to the incoming president. It also serves as an early reminder that the incoming president has competing interests to balance as he governs.

President Trump is good, particularly about people arguing ideas, and the best idea and the best policy wins, Bannon said. So going forward, its gonna be quite intense.

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But even as the former Trump strategist claims that Musk has limited influence, Bannon acknowledged that Musk had backed Trump's campaign with hundreds of millions of dollars, and he deserves a place at the table.

On Bannons looming fraud trial

The longtime Trump ally was released in October from a four-month stint in federal prison for defying a subpoena in the congressional investigation into the U.S. Capitol attack. He faces additional criminal charges in New York state court, where hes accused of defrauding donors who gave money to build a wall along the southern border. He pleaded not guilty to money laundering, fraud and other charges, with his trial set to begin Feb. 25.

He claimed that it wont slow him down at all, adding that hes simply not afraid.

I came out of prison this time with more power, more impact, more focus than I had going in. So Im not afraid of prison. Im not afraid of any charges they put up. Im not afraid of any kangaroo court, he said. So well take care of the situation in New York. Another political persecution, but well get through that. It wont impact me whatsoever.

Ali Bianco contributed to this report.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  The 68-year-old inmate who died in a local hospital early last Friday apparently died of natural causes, according to autopsy results from the San Diego County Medical Examiners Office, authorities said in a news release Monday.

Donell Duckett was in the custody of the San Diego County Sheriffs Office, the department said. He was in his cell at the San Diego Central Jail when he started showing signs of medical distress around 1:09 a.m. Friday, according to SDSO.

PREVIOUS: Inmate, 68, dies after showing signs of medical distress in his cell: SDSO

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Medical personnel, deputies and a doctor evaluated his condition and decided he would need to be taken to the hospital. Despite life-saving measures, Duckett was pronounced dead at the hospital at 4:02 a.m., authorities said.

Duckett, who identified as homeless, had been in custody since July 8 and was facing charges related to transportation, sales and possession of controlled substances, according to SDSO.

The autopsy conducted by the Medical Examiners Office on Jan. 11 identified the cause of death as cardiovascular disease, cerebral disease, hypertensive conditions, end-stage renal disease and atherosclerosis, SDSO said.

We extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Ducketts family and are committed to keeping them informed throughout the investigation process, the department said in its release.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
Jan. 14 (UPI) -- Documents newly declassified by MI5, Britain's internal intelligence agency, show the late Queen Elizabeth II was not informed for almost 10 years that a member of her staff had spied for the then-Soviet Union.

The secret files record how the country's security services only told her about the infamous Cambridge Five member and art historian, Anthony Blunt, who was employed as the monarch's surveyor of official pictures, in 1973 long after he had admitted being a Soviet double agent back in 1964.

The then-Conservative government of Edward Heath only instructed the queen's private security to break the news to her because it was feared Blunt might not have long to live amid fears of a public scandal if the facts regarding his confession and the plea deal under which he was granted immunity from prosecution came out after his death.

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Michael Hanley, who was head of MI5, said at the time that the queen's aide, Martin Charteris, reported that she took the news in stride and did not seem shocked.

"She remembered that he [Blunt] had been under suspicion way back in the aftermath of the Burgess/Maclean [two other members of the Cambridge Five] case. Obviously, somebody mentioned something to her in the early 1950s, perhaps quite soon after the succession" in 1952.

Hanley had pushed for the queen to be notified months earlier but with Blunt's retirement imminent after 28 years in the job, Charteris, who believed she knew nothing, was of the view that doing so would only add to her worries unnecessarily.

However, Charteris reported that the queen was "not at all keen on Blunt and saw him rarely."

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MI5 was secretive about the case in the extreme, with the record showing Charteris' predecessor also knew and earlier files passed to the National Archive indicating Alec Douglas-Hume, prime minister in 1964, did not find out until Margaret Thatcher outed Blunt in 1979 and stripped him of all his titles.

Blunt was recruited by MI5 during World War II but the secret services became suspicious of him after Guy Burgess and Donald Maclean, whom he had been close friends with since their days at Cambridge University in the 1930s, defected to Russia in 1951.

He was interrogated 11 times but denied spying until Kim Philby, the group's so-called "Third Man," defected in 1963 and American Michael Straight, a former Cambridge alumni and speechwriter for Franklin Roosevelt, with a background check looming, told the FBI that Blunt had recruited him as a Russian agent.

The new files, containing Blunt's subsequent confession in full for the first time, reveal that as well as his wartime activities, he told his MI5 interrogator contact with the Russian Intelligence Service continued after World War II ended in 1945.

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He admitted meeting a Russian agent who tried to persuade him to also defect and that he was afraid his handler would use violence to force him to comply.

The tranche of documents, which are not covered by Freedom of Information laws and released at MI5's discretion subject to redactions, also reveal Philby confessing to MI6 officer and friend Nicholas Elliott that he had no regrets about working for Soviet Russia and would do it over again.

An exhibition featuring the declassified files is due to open at The National Archives in Kew in west London in the spring.
The 14th Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Regiment of the Air Force of Ukraine has confirmed that they have struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Engels again. As a result of the attack, tanks containing fuel for Tu-160 bombers are on fire.

Source: 14th Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Regiment of the Air Force of Ukraine on Telegram

Quote: "Overnight [on 13-14 January], the operators of the 14th Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Regiment, in cooperation with other units of the defence forces, re-attacked the infrastructure of the Engels-2 military airbase, where Tu-95MS and Tu-160 aircraft of the 22nd Guards Heavy Bomber Aviation Division are based.

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As a result of the damage, tanks containing scarce aviation fuel for Tu-160 bombers, which Russia uses to terrorise the civilian population of Ukraine, have caught fire at the Kombinat Kristal oil storage facility."

             .   Telegram- Astra pic.twitter.com/EfRxIx9q2R     (@ukrpravda_news) January 14, 2025

Details: The 14th Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Regiment noted that "a several-day complex operation to reduce the capabilities of enemy strategic aviation has been completed".

Quote: "We are doing everything possible to ensure that Engels fire brigades, which have just extinguished the flames after the previous strike, are not left without work in the face of the increasingly difficult economic situation in Russia."

Background:

On the night of 13-14 January, Russian authorities reported a massive drone attack on a number of Russian oblasts, with local Telegram channels posting videos of large-scale fires at a refinery and a factory. It was noted that 12 oblasts of the Russian Federation were attacked in total and there were claims that air defences had shot down more than a hundred drones.

On the night of 7-8 January, Ukraine's defence forces struck the Kombinat Kristal oil storage facility in the city of Engels in Russia's Saratov Oblast. The Russian military launches strategic aircraft from this airbase for missile strikes on the territory of Ukraine.

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CONWAY, S.C. (WBTW)  The defense continued testimony Tuesday on Day 4 of a trial for a woman charged with murder in a 2022 shooting at Nacho Hippo in North Myrtle Beach.

Lafredia Todd allegedly shot and killed Quentin Johnson at the restaurant on July 28, 2022. She claimed the shooting was self-defense, but after a three-day stand your ground hearing that ended on Wednesday the judge hearing the case in Horry County Circuit Court denied her immunity.

The prosecution rested its case on Monday.

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Testimony began with four witnesses on Thursday after the jury was chosen and resumed on Friday after the judge ruled on a Jackson-Denno motion filed by Todds defense team. Jury members and the media were not allowed in the courtroom to hear the motion, which is a legal tool used to determine whether a defendants confession was obtained voluntarily and whether it should be admissible as evidence during a trial.

Two witnesses took the stand on Friday before it was shortened due to wintry weather.

The trial resumed at 9:30 a.m. on Monday. Jason Snyder was the first witness prosecutors brought to the stand. Snyder was a detention center officer at the North Myrtle Beach Police Department in July 2022.

The second witness to take the stand Monday was Nathan Howitt, who has worked for North Myrtle Beach police for about 18 years. He specializes in cell phone forensics.

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Prosecutors showed the courtroom the information Howitt extracted from Todds phone. That information showed that Todds brother answered a phone call from her at 10:15 p.m. the night of the incident.

The information also showed text messages exchanged between Todd and her brother from the day of the incident, including Todd asking him if he knew anyone who could get her a gun. Her brother said he didnt know but that he could check the hood.

Howitt said he did not see any messages from Todd to her brother telling him she was afraid the night of the shooting. He also said he did not see a 9-1-1 call on the phone he extracted.

The first witness the defense called to the stand on Tuesday was Colt Varner, a bartender at Nacho Hippo who was working the night of the shooting and had some interaction with police that night.

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Varner said he heard bickering back and forth in a walkway in the restaurant. He said the argument was between Johnson and Todd and that he heard Johnson more than heard Todd.

Varner said Johnson was yelling loudly but he couldnt hear what he was saying. He told police that night that when Johnson was yelling at Todd, he saw Todd walk away from Johnson. Their argument lasted about 30 minutes.

When Varner was cross-examined, he said he heard more than one gunshot the night of the shooting. He said the first shot sounded like it came from the parking lot and about 15 minutes later, he heard the shot that hurt Johnson.

Varner said he didnt see that Johnson had two guns in his pockets until he saw the police take the guns out of his pockets when he was hot. He said during Johnson and Todds argument, he did not see Johnson put his hands on Todd or point a gun at her.

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Tuesdays second witness was Mark Holt, the general manager at Nacho Hippo. Holt said he told a police detective that the Nacho Hippo kitchen was a male-dominated area.

Holt said he told the detective that Todd would sometimes yell at her coworkers about job-related things and that he talked to Todd about how she spoke to her coworkers. He testified that he never heard Todd make gun-related threats at work.

When Holt was cross-examined, he said Todd never came to him to voice concerns about Johnson. He also said he never saw Johnson with a gun.

As defense testimony continued Tuesday afternoon, North Myrtle police employee Eric Kalkbrenner testified virtually that he took two guns out of Johnsons front pocket after he was shot but that neither was loaded. He said Todds gun was fully loaded and that two bullets of the five bullets had been fired.

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He also said that in surveillance videos from the night of the shooting, which were played in the courtroom by prosecutors, he could not see Johnsons guns but Todds was visible. He added that there was nothing unlawful about Johnson having the guns.

Kalkbrenner also testified that he noticed that Johnson had been shot in the back of the head when he found Johnson on the ground after the shooting.

The next witness, Christopher Harding, an assistant manager at Nacho Hippo, said he talked to a detective after the shooting and asked to have his name left off of the police report because he was afraid because he had heard that other people had experienced violence after the shooting.

He testified that he heard someones house was shot at after the shooting and that someone was run off the road. However, he didnt know the details about either incident.

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Harding added that if Todd had been scared she didnt alert the restaurants management. He also testified that he was upset because other employees didnt tell management that Johnson told co-workers he had a gun.

Harding also testified that even though Johnson made gun-related threats at work and brought two guns to the restaurant on the day of the shooting he couldnt have hurt Todd because the guns werent loaded. He also testified that Johnson never pointed a gun at Todd.

In other afternoon testimony on Tuesday, defense attorneys and a witness went back and forth about whether Todd was a good employee. The witness was asked if he was worried that Todd might take his job, and he said no. In fact, he said she was welcome to have it.

The witness also talked about breaking up fights between Todd and Johnson. Asked if he would feel threatened by something saying they would shoot him, he said it would depend on the context of the situation.

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The witness said he considered Johnson a good employee and was surprised by Johnsons threats to pistol whip Todd. Asked if he was scared about possible retaliation, he said he was nervous.

During cross-examination by prosecutors, the witness said Todd could be nice but that she also could be mean at times. He said he saw Johnson argue only with Todd he saw Todd argue with multiple people,, and that he had heard of Todd throwing plates and other items.

The witness also testified that he did not see or hear Johnson threaten anyone and that no one approached him about Johnson having a gun. He added that he also never saw Todd frightened or scared.

Court wrapped up shortly before 5 p.m. on Tuesday. The jury will return Wednesday at 9:15 a.m. and could run a little later than 5 p.m.

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* * *

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.

* * *

Skylar Musick is a multimedia journalist at News13. Skylar is originally from Long Island, New York. She joined the News13 team in June 2024 after graduating from Villanova University in May 2024. Follow Skylar on X, formerly Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, and read more of her work here.

* * *

Dennis Bright is the Digital Executive Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on, Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
Pete Hegseth vowed to restore warrior ethos to the military Tuesday even as President-elect Donald Trumps controversial Defense Secretary nominee faced tough grilling from Democrats at a Senate confirmation hearing.

Trumps pick to lead the Pentagon said he would unleash the worlds most powerful fighting force that he says has been hollowed out by woke policies, diversity initiatives and mismanagement, claims Democratic lawmakers strongly dispute.

The primary charge President Trump gave me was to bring the warrior culture back to the Department of Defense, Hegseth said in an opening statement. He, like me, wants a Pentagon laser focused on lethality, meritocracy, war fighting, accountability and readiness.

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Hegseth claims he is uniquely qualified to lead the 3 million-strong U.S. military even though he lacks anything close to the traditional supervisory experience typical of a nominee for the post.

Its time to give someone with dust on his boots a chance, Hegseth said. My only special interest is the war fighter.

Hegseth mostly kept his cool as he was quizzed about his checkered personal history and lack of leadership experience. There appeared to be no bombshell disclosures that would derail his nomination on the first day of a weeklong confirmation process.

However, he also brings a jarring record of past statements and actions, including allegations of sexual assault and excessive drinking. He has vowed not to drink alcohol if he is confirmed to lead the Pentagon although he declined to commit to resign the post if caught drinking.

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Hegseth dismissed the assault allegations, including one that led him to pay a settlement to a woman who accused him of rape, as second and third-hand rumors spread by liberal enemies.

That was a false claim and I was completely cleared, Hegseth said of the 2017 incident that allegedly occurred at a veterans event in Monterey, California.

Trump strongly backed his Pentagon pick, saying Hegseth has my complete and total support in a morning post on his social media site.

Hegseth, a former Fox News host with scant management experience in the military or in the private sector, is considered among the most endangered of Trumps Cabinet choices. With only a narrow GOP majority, Hegseth likely needs the backing of almost all Republican senators.

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One of the biggest threats to Hegseths confirmation comes from his outspokenly derisive views about women in military combat roles, minorities and woke generals.

He was asked to answer for his comments that women should straight up not be in combat roles in the military, a view he sought to soften following recent meetings with senators.

You will have to change how you see women to do this job well, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York, told Hegseth.

The totality of your own writings and alleged conduct would disqualify any service member from holding any leadership position in the military, much less being confirmed as the Secretary of Defense, said Sen. Jack Reed, D-Rhode Island.

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Hegseth insisted that he reveres all service members, including women in the ranks and minorities. He framed his criticism of women in combat and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policies, or DEI, as a way of defending high standards for various roles in the military.

He claimed he spoke for all members of the military, including officers and enlisted, Black and white, young and old, men and women, all Americans.

All warriors, this hearing is for you, he said.

Two former female combat veterans, Republican Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa and Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, are among the lawmakers who questioned him at the Armed Services Committee.

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Ernst is considered a pivotal vote if Hegseth is to win confirmation, and she sounded supportive of him during her questioning.

Duckworth, who was seriously wounded in combat, lashed out at Hegseth as an unqualified beneficiary of Trump cronyism.

The American people need a SecDef who is ready to lead on day one. You are not that person, she said.

Hegseths experience in the Army National Guard is widely viewed as an asset for the job and he peppered his answers with references to serving on the ground in combat. carrying heavy backpacks and grieving for fallen comrades.
FORT PAYNE, Ala. (WHNT)  In December, Sheriff Nick Welden said 18 people were arrested on drug-related charges in DeKalb County.

On Wednesday, Dec. 4, Welden said DeKalb County deputies stopped a car on County Road 47 and Highway 35. The department said deputies found the driver to be in possession of marijuana, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

According to the sheriffs office, 26-year-old Patricia Hope Galloway was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

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DeKalb County Narcotics Agents stopped a car on Friday, Dec. 6 on Highway 75. Agents reportedly found the driver to be in possession of methamphetamine. 57-year-old John Mark Hodge was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

That same day, the sheriffs office said a K-9 Deputy stopped a vehicle at the Mapco in Collinsville with the K-9 alerting on the vehicle. During a search of the vehicle, methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were found.

57-year-old Larry Shane Freeman and 51-year-old Matthew Ryan Daugherty Sr. were charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

(Photo: DeKalb County Sheriffs Office)

Again on Dec. 6, Welden said deputies met up with Sardis Police Department deputies to pick up 56-year-old Kelly Renee Edmonson who had outstanding warrants with DCSO. After Edmonson arrived at the jail, corrections officers found her to be in possession of methamphetamine.

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Edmonson was charged with second-degree promoting prison contraband, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and two warrants for failure to appear.

On Wednesday, Dec. 11, DeKalb County Deputies stopped a vehicle at Highway 40 and Andrew Lee Drive and reportedly found the driver to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. The sheriffs office said 34-year-old Joshua Heath Jones was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

Welden said deputies stopped a vehicle on U.S. Highway 11 on Friday, Dec. 13. Once deputies made contact with the driver, 55-year-old Charles Edward McKinney was found to be in possession of six grams of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

McKinney was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

(Photo: DeKalb County Sheriffs Office)

On Monday, Dec. 16, officers with the Collinsville Police Department tried to stop a vehicle that turned onto County Road 6 in Collinsville. DCSO said the vehicle did not stop and police pursued the driver and the vehicle crashed a short time later.

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Following the vehicle crash, DCSO said 29-year-old Ivan Nicolas Avila led deputies into a foot chase before being arrested. Avila was then found to be in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

DCSO said Avila was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, attempting to elude, resisting arrest, three warrants for failure to appear and six bond revocations.

On Thursday, Dec. 19, officers with the Collinsville Police Department stopped a vehicle on County Road 51. 31-year-old Alex Daiv Walter was identified as the driver and was found to have a warrant for his arrest with another department.

During a search of the vehicle, DCSO said methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia were found. Walter was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

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Also on Dec. 19, officers with the Ider Police Department and Dekalb County Deputies responded to the Family Dollar on Highway 117 in relation to a shoplifter. Deputies made contact with 52-year-old Douglas Wade Biddle and found him to be in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

DCSO said Biddle was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

On Friday, Dec. 20, Narcotics Agents with DCSO stopped a vehicle on Highway 53 near Walmart for a switched tag. During a search of the vehicle, agents found methamphetamine, marijuana and an alprazolam pill.

33-year-old Joshua Michael Jennings was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and hold for agency. 37-year-old Amber Leanne Bailey was also charged with second-degree possession of marijuana, unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

(Photo: DeKalb County Sheriffs Office)

DCSO said on Saturday, Dec. 21, deputies stopped a vehicle near AL Highway 75 and County Road 227 and found methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle. Krystle Nicole Croft, 39, was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, three counts of violation of release and two warrants for failure to appear.

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Christopher Wayne Tarvin, 32, was also arrested and charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana.

(Photo: DeKalb County Sheriffs Office)

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On Monday, Dec. 23, officers with the Henagar Police Department stopped a vehicle and found the driver had put methamphetamine in a drink in an attempt to hide it. 32-year-old Eddy Dewayne Underwood was charged with unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, trafficking in any illegal drug, tampering with physical evidence and eight warrants for failure to appear.

(Photo: DeKalb County Sheriffs Office)

Welden said on Sunday, Dec. 29, deputies were dispatched to a home on County Road 263 in Fort Payne for trespassing. When deputies arrived, the owner was trying to keep 44-year-old Anthony Wayne Bishop out of the home.

During the initial arrest for trespassing, Bishop was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. He was charged with first-degree criminal trespass, unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

(Photo: DeKalb County Sheriffs Office)

Finally, on Tuesday, Dec. 31, officers with the Henagar Police Department were conducting a safety checkpoint at Bellview and County Road 134. DCSO said when 48-year-old Wesley Jacob Read and 29-year-old Trina Dianne McBryar approached the checkpoint, an officer reportedly noticed Read was trying to hide something under him.

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During a search of the vehicle, methamphetamine, marijuana and prescription pills were found. Read was charged with unlawful possession with intent to distribute, illegal possession of prescription drugs and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

McBryar was charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, second-degree unlawful possession of marijuana and one warrant for failure to appear.

Welden said the sheriffs office worked with Narcotics Agents, Criminal Investigations and Corrections Officers, Collinsville Police Department, Ider Police Department and Henagar Police Department for the listed arrests.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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The Lockheed C-130 Hercules is a legend in the world of military airlift. It is only the fifth aircraft (after the English Electric Canberra, Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, Tupolev Tu-95 Bear, and Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker) to reach 50 years of continuous service with its original primary customer, the U.S. Air Force in the case of the C-130. Entering Air Force service in 1956, the Hercules continues to serve as the U.S. militarys primary tactical airlifter. The versatile platform has even been converted for use as an aerial firefighter, gunship, and meteorological aircraft. Over 40 variants of the C-130 have been produced and operated across the world. One notable operator was Delta Airlines.

Cargo is loaded onto a Delta L-100 (Delta Flight Museum)

Delta, along with United and American, is one of Americas big three airlines. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, it is the nations oldest operating airline, having been founded in 1925. Today, Delta flies an expansive fleet of aircraft, from the Airbus A220 to the Boeing 767, to move passengers and freight. For seven years, Delta also operated the commercial version of the C-130, the Lockheed L-100 Hercules.

A C-46 Commando in Delta livery (Delta Flight Museum)

On August 18, 1966, Delta took delivery of its first L-100. The first scheduled service, both for Delta and the L-100 as a commercial freighter, took place the next month on September 15. Delta acquired the L-100 to increase its dedicated freight capability; the Hercules provided a larger payload and greater speed than the airlines Curtiss C-46, also originally a military transport. The airline purchased a total of three L-100s and operated another five on a very short-term lease.

(Delta Flight Museum)

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Based in Atlanta, Delta utilized the Hercules to provide the first single-carrier cargo service between the aerospace industries in California and the American Southeast. For freight customers, Deltas L-100 provided next-day delivery coast-to-coast, an express alternative to trucking. Delta even marketed its L-100 as the one aircraft that combines the best features of a plane and a truck, built specifically to carry cargo. In addition to its large cargo capacity, the L-100s roll-on/roll-off cargo design made freight operations quicker and more efficient.

The L-100 offered greater speed, range, and capacity than other freighters at the time (Delta Flight Museum)

After two years of service, Delta returned its L-100-10 airplanes to Lockheed for an 8.3-foot fuselage stretch. This longer Hercules was designated the L-100-20 and Delta was the first airline to operate the type. Lockheed leased L-100s to Delta while its purchased planes were being modified. During its time with Delta, the Hercules flew cargo down to Miami, up to New York, across the country to Oakland, and destinations in between.

(Delta Flight Museum)

However, the introduction of larger commercial airliners like the Douglas DC-10 and Boeing 747, with greater speed and increased underfloor cargo capacity, made a dedicated freight service unnecessary for Delta. The airline flew its last Hercules flight on September 1, 1973, and retired the L-100.
Democratic senators skewered Pete Hegseth over his views on women in the military, warning that he would have to change if he is confirmed as defense secretary.

President-elect Donald Trumps nominee to lead the Pentagon was grilled by the Senates Committee on Armed Services on Tuesday and was challenged over his denigrating comments about women in the military by members Kirsten Gillibrand of New York and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire.

Hegseth has previously said that women should not serve in combat roles, they have made fighting more complicated, and that women cannot physically meet the same standards as men.

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You will have to change how you see women to do this job well, and I dont know if you are capable, Gillibrand, who has been an outspoken voice for ending sexual assault in the military, told Hegseth in a fiery exchange.

Hegseth attempted to defend previous comments he made about women in combat (EPA)

I have many concerns about your record and particularly your public statements because they are so hurtful to the men and women who are currently serving in the U.S. military. Harmful to morale, harmful to good order and discipline, Gillibrand said.

The senator blasted Hegseth for a previous comment he made about mothers serving in the military.

Dads push us to take risks, Hegseth said in his book The War on Warriors. Moms put the training wheels on our bikes. We need moms. But not in the military, especially in combat units, he wrote.

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Whats wrong with a mom? Gillibrand asked. I mean, youre basically saying women after they have children cant ever serve in the military in a combat role. Its a silly thing to say. Its a silly thing to say beneath the position that you are aspiring to.

Gillibrand echoed criticism made by fellow Democrats on the committee that she was equally as distressed that Hegseth would not meet with her before the hearing.

The former Fox News host earlier received a grilling from committee member Shaheen, who called out Hegseth for changing his views on women in the military after he was named as Trumps pick for defense secretary.

Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Jeanne Shaheen challenged Hegseth over his views on women in the military (AP)

Why should women in our military believe that they would have a fair shot and an equal opportunity to rise through the ranks if, on the one hand, you say that women are not competent, they make our military less effective, and on the other hand, you say, Oh no, now that Ive been nominated to be the secretary of defense, Ive changed my view on women in the military? Shaheen asked.

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I would say I would be honored to have the opportunity to serve alongside you, shoulder to shoulder, men and women, black, white, all backgrounds with a shared purpose, Hegseth replied. Our differences are not what define us.

Shaheen retorted: I appreciate your eleventh-hour conversion.

Senator Elizabeth Warren, who ahead of todays hearing wrote to Hegseth with more than 100 questions she had for him, shared Shaheens concern. Warren referred to a recent comment Hegseth made on a podcast where he said the nations military should not have women in combat roles.

What extraordinary event happened in that 32-day period that made you change the core values you had expressed for the preceding 12 years?

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Ive heard of death bed conversions. But this is the first time Ive heard of a nomination conversion, Warren added.

Hegseth also attempted to put up a fight with Senator Maisie Hirono, who asked him about the sexual assault allegation from 2017, which he denies.

The 44-year-old said he was falsely accused in October 2017 and completely cleared.

I dont think completely cleared is accurate, Hirono replied.
WASHINGTON  At least four Democratic political committees suspect their former campaign treasurer is behind the misappropriation of hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign funds, according to federal records reviewed by Rolling Stone.

The committees  including those led by Virginias two U.S. senators, Tim Kaine and Mark Warner  have alerted law enforcement officials and federal regulators and continue to internally investigate the matter, they acknowledge.

The alleged misappropriations of funds are the latest in a string of high-profile thefts and unauthorized financial transactions that have recently walloped federal political committees of all partisan stripes, collectively costing them millions of dollars.

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Kaines campaign committee, Kaine for Virginia, said it fired treasurer Katherine Buchanan, who it suspected of keeping incorrect records. It does not know the extent of Ms. Buchanans apparent misappropriations, the committee told Federal Election Commission (FEC) officials in a letter dated June 6.

Kaines committee said Buchanan sent it $18,607 on May 24 and another $137,967 on June 4 in what the committee believes to be an attempted repayment of misappropriated funds, it wrote the FEC.

Whether these payments fully reimburse the committee for all misappropriated funds is still under review, Kaines campaign committee wrote, noting it has reported the situation to the Internal Revenue Service and law enforcement.

Federal authorities contacted Kaines campaign about Buchanan in April, and the campaign immediately removed the individuals access to all campaign accounts, notified the FEC and the Alexandria (Va.) Police Department, and hired a new compliance firm, Kaine spokesperson Janine Kritschgau told Rolling Stone.

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Phone and email messages left for Buchanan were not returned.

The Forward Together PAC  a leadership political action committee led by Warner  similarly informed the FEC in July that it suspects Buchanan misappropriated funds. Forward Together PAC likewise fired Buchanan and also does not yet know the full amount of funds that were misappropriated, it told FEC officials on July 15.

Federal authorities also alerted Warners office to the allegations in April, and Warners committee moved immediately to remove Ms. Buchanans access to the accounts in question, Rachel Cohen, a Warner spokesperson, said in an email. The committee is currently conducting an audit, has implemented corrective measures, put in place a new compliance firm, and is working with the FEC on this issue.

Center Aisle PAC, a leadership PAC led by former Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D-Fla.), told the FEC in a letter dated Oct. 20 that Buchanan apparently engaged in a practice of misappropriating committee funds and submitting incorrect reports.

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FEC records indicate that Buchanan sent a repayment of misappropriated funds to Center Aisle PAC on Sept. 20. Buchanan also sent $4,930 to Center Aisle PAC on Sept. 27 for a return of funds misappropriated from DANG PAC, a now-defunct political committee affiliated with Murphys Center Aisle PAC.

Center Aisle PACs current treasurer, Lauren Decot Lee, who did not return messages, told the FEC that Buchanan has repaid some of the misappropriated funds to the committee, but that it, too, does not know the full extent of Ms. Buchanans apparent misappropriations. A Jan. 12 letter back from the FEC asked Center Aisle PAC for further clarifying information.

The bipartisan FEC, which has civil law enforcement jurisdiction over campaign finance matters, declined to comment. Spokesperson Myles Martin tells Rolling Stone the FEC would not be able to provide any information regarding matters that have the potential to come before the commission, nor may we comment on the activities or filings of specific committees.

Nevertheless, Kaine for Virginia is in communication with the commission on this matter, and the commission is aware that the committees review of this matter is ongoing, Kaines committee wrote to the FEC in October. Kaine has served in the U.S. Senate since 2013 and was Democrats vice presidential nominee in 2016.

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IRS spokesperson Eric Smith declined to comment on Buchanan, as did the FBI, which said in a statement it could neither confirm nor deny the existence of any investigation. The Washington, D.C., Metropolitan Police Department said it had not been contacted about Buchanan. The Alexandria Police Department did not respond to messages.

Buchanan has been on federal regulators radar before, albeit in less dramatic fashion: In 2021, the FEC fined the campaign committee of Rep. Don Beyer (D-Va.) and Buchanan, then its treasurer, $3,101 for failing to properly disclose campaign contributions.

In all, Buchanan has worked for several dozen Democratic political committees over the past decade, with many based in Virginia, according to FEC records.

The allegations against Buchanan are reminiscent of the financial scandal involving Kinde Durkee, a Democratic political committee treasurer who was sentenced in 2012 to eight years in prison and $10.5 million in restitution. Durkee pleaded guilty to five counts of mail fraud after stealing millions of dollars in campaign funds from various Democratic clients, including $4.5 million from the campaign account of then-Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.).

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Thieves, cheats, and fraudsters have bilked dozens of other notable political committees out of big money in recent years.

Among them: Hackers jacked the Wisconsin Republican Party of more than $2.3 million in 2020, and President Joe Bidens 2020 presidential campaign lost $71,000, Business Insider reported.

Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) fell victim to a fraudulent invoice scheme that in 2022 cost his campaign committee $690,000, Raw Story reported.

In 2023, a check thief swiped more than $10,000 from New York Democrat and then-Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumers re-election committee.

Reps. Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.), Troy Nehls (R-Texas), Neal Dunn (R-Fla.), Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.), Russell Fry (R-S.C.), and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) have all lost campaign money.

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So, too, did the committees of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), and former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii), a 2020 presidential candidate who President-elect Donald Trump recently nominated as his director of national intelligence.

The Lincoln Project, an anti-Trump super PAC, got hit for $35,000 last year. Even the 2020 presidential campaign of Kanye West, now Ye, fell victim to repeated theft incidents.

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The News

Democrats are gaming out what will happen if their efforts to amend the Laken Riley Act fall short  will enough of them push the bill over the final filibuster?

Im generally supportive of it, Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., told Semafor, as the Senate voted 82-10 to advance the bill on Monday. I dont necessarily think all of those votes will be there if there arent amendments.

Indeed, some Democrats said they wont support the bill absent more changes, which could include exempting Dreamers and requiring undocumented immigrants to be convicted of crimes, not just accused of them, before they can be detained.

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One Democrat who would vote no without changes, Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin, said Democrats have the leverage to negotiate for amendments.

Lead Republican sponsor Sen. Katie Britt said of potential alterations: I havent seen anything in writing... Certainly wish I had something by now.
Democrats are anticipating a heated hearing as they prepare to grill President-elect Donald Trumps pick for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, during Tuesdays confirmation hearing.

Several members of the panel were also frustrated that they had not been given access to the FBIs background check on Hegseth, an unusual break from previous hearings for Cabinet-level officials.

Democratic lawmakers on the Senate Armed Services Committee huddled for a strategy session with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) on the eve of the hearing Monday, emerging from the meeting asserting they plan to thoroughly question the former Fox News personality and Army veteran on allegations of sexual and financial misconduct and alcohol abuse. Hegseth has vehemently denied wrongdoing.

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There are a lot of very, very troubling questions about the Hegseth nomination, Schumer said ahead of the meeting, noting that Democrats plan to question him on just about all of these troubling aspects. Hes a nominee that comes with a lot of baggage.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)who recently sent a 33-page letter laying out more than 70 questions for Hegsethraised concerns over how thorough the FBI report is, noting that it breaks precedent for only the chair and ranking member to have access to the findings.

We should all be able to see the report, and draw our own conclusions about how incomplete it is, she told reporters following the meeting. And even in the modest amount it covers, how much damage it does to Mr. Hegseth.

Freshman Sen. Elissa Slotkin, a Democrat from Michigan, also called for access to the FBI report, stating: Its important if youre going to put someone in charge of a 3-million-person organization, that we have full transparency on anything the FBI collected.

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You know, youve got to have someone with character and competence, and so, yeah, its going to be heated, I think, she said.

Ranking Member Jack Reed (D-RI) said the report raises significant questions, but asserted the panel will be objective in its questioning of Hegseth.

Were very well, I hope, prepared to be as balanced and objective as possible and to get the chances to hear on his ability to be secretary of defense, which includes competence running agencies of that narrative character, and also constitutional fidelity, Reed added.

Republicans have largely rallied behind Hegseth, who has met with most of his GOP skeptics in the weeks since he was tapped to potentially fill the role. And grassroots efforts ramped up to place pressure on hesitant Republican lawmakers, with money pouring into states like Iowa to turn the heat up on Sen. Joni Ernst after she voiced concerns about his record.

Each senator on the committee will be allotted seven minutes to grill Hegseth during the hearing, which is scheduled to start at 10 a.m. Tuesday.
The slow-motion surrender of some Democrats to President-elect Donald Trump on the Laken Riley Act was already looking pretty grim last week, when 48 House Democrats joined Republicans in supporting it. Now, as the Senate considers the billwhich would mandate the federal detention of undocumented immigrants accused of minor crimes, raising flagrant due-process issuesthis capitulation may be about to get even worse.

To be clear, theres still a way for Democrats to salvage something from this mess. But there is little reason for confidence that they will.

Senator Dick Durbin, Democrat of Illinois, has filed an amendment to the bill that would exempt many Dreamers brought here illegally as children from the detention mandate. Colorado Senator Michael Bennet has offered an amendment that exempts all undocumented immigrants who are currently 16 years old and under from detention. Other amendments are forthcoming.

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The question, however, is this: If Republicans do not allow votes on these amendmentsor if the amendments are defeatedwill the Democratic caucus band together to filibuster the bill in the end? Or will enough Democrats vote to move it forward, ensuring its final passage even with some of its very worst features in it?

The answer should be a no-brainer for Democrats. The government already has the authority to detain undocumented immigrants. The problem is that the Laken Riley Act requires the Department of Homeland Security to detain such people when they are merely accused of nonviolent crimes like burglary, theft, and shopliftingbefore they are found guilty or innocentand even if the agency believes enforcement resources would be better targeted at serious criminals. Detention would put these immigrants on the path to deportation.

On top of this, those provisions also apply to some categories of immigrants who have lawful permission to stay despite having entered illegally. As law professor Ilya Somin puts it: These policies are unjust, and likely to impede genuine crime-fighting efforts more than they help them.

The bill has another awful provision that would authorize Republican state attorneys general to bring bad-faith lawsuits in front of handpicked judges who would empower them to try to impose far-right restrictions on a range of federal immigration policies. That raises serious constitutional issues.

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Democrats are set to introduce amendments designed to strip out that provision as well, the sources tell me. A number of other amendments are also expected, but as of now, its unclear whether Republicans will allow any of them to get votes.

The rub is in what happens next. If Republicans dont allow votes on these amendmentsor if they do and they fail, as appears likely in a chamber with 53 Republicans and 47 Democratswhat will Democrats do then?

One likely outcome is that enough of them support the bill later to enable it to get 60 votes to end debate, paving the way for it to pass. Most Democratic senators voted to start debate on the bill last week. As Semafor reports, some of those Senate Democrats probably will not support the final bill without changes to its worst features. But John Fetterman, Ruben Gallego, Mark Kelly, and a few others have given their blessing to the bill in its current form, and most indications are that at least seven Democratsand probably many morewill back it unamended, allowing it to become law.

That would squander an opportunity to demonstrate that as a caucus, Democrats will use their limited power to stop Trumps very worst immigration designs from becoming reality. Democrats can theoretically tell Republicans that they will not allow the final bill to pass unless its worst features are removed.

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Thats the strength of the Senateleveraging the power we have even in the minority to improve legislation before us, Senator Alex Padilla of California told me in a statement. If we cant secure the necessary changes, we must stand united and be prepared to reject the bill.

Yes, and if they dont band together, even that limited power dissipates. As one Democratic aide told me, this only works if 41 of them are willing to oppose final passage. Its a real test for the Democratic caucus, this aide said, adding that if this doesnt go well, Trump and Republicans will take note: Theyll just run the table on immigration if the signal is that were not willing to fight.

In this environment, this is a challenging test for Democrats. What happened to Laken Riley, a Georgia nursing student who was murdered by Jose Ibarra, an undocumented immigrant whod committed minor crimes, is horrific, and no lawmaker wants to face the ads that will be unleashed by a no vote. But as The Washington Posts Catherine Rampell details, its not clear that these provisions would have made any difference in Ibarras case, which is already extraordinarily unusual to begin with. This story, as awful as it is, should not be the basis for major, consequential policy changes.

Beyond this, even Democrats inclined to support the mandatory detention piecethe provision supposedly designed to prevent more horrors like that onecan still draw a hard line against applying it to Dreamers and immigrant minors. They can back the bills underlying goal while insisting that, on principle, they cannot support applying it to people who were brought here through no fault of their own as childrenor are kids right nowand have been only accused of very minor transgressions, not convicted for them. Democrats could also seek amendments requiring conviction for minor crimes as well.

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If Democrats band together behind these positions, then it will force Republicans to defend those absurdities, rather than letting them off the hook for them. Why would the party throw away that opportunity?

One doubts that Democrats will hold the line here, unfortunately. And so, Id like to renew my challenge to those who argue that in response to Trumps win, Democrats must move to the right on enforcement. While versions of this analysis have some truth to them, its proponents should come clean on what theyre really demanding: Is this the outcome they want? Do they really believe that winning arguments on this issue is so hopeless that the party doesnt dare unite behind the principle that Dreamers and immigrant kids do not deserve mandatory federal detention and potential deportation for minor crimes that they havent even been convicted of committing?

This article has been updated to note that the amendments were filed.
DENVER (KDVR)  Denver City Council voted 8-5 on Monday night to approve a new ordinance to remove a cap on the amount of needle exchanges in the city limits and change where they can be located.

Since 1997, only three needle exchanges have been allowed in the city. Now if the mayor gives the final approval, there could be an unlimited amount in the areas zoned for medical offices, something people in public comment took issue with.

Johnsons Corner, known as an I-25 landmark, closes after decades in business

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The biggest concern with people speaking before city council on Monday was that the ordinance removes a buffer between schools and needle exchanges. Previously, they had to be 1,000 feet away.

Im wondering if you could honestly say you know what wouldve helped me learn and develop? A needle exchange with a congregation of illicit drug users next to my school, said one speaker.

Another person said the city council had an important decision to make.

Who is it for? Harm reduction or who? You can only choose one. The moms and the dads and the kids or the violent homeless junkies. These two groups cannot coexist, they said.

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City council member Sarah Parady, who voted yes, said these locations wont have an impact on surrounding areas. She has previously said that the three current needle exchanges were not enough to serve the community.

Isolated, exceedingly rare: Denver police, mayor address 16th Street Mall stabbing spree that killed 2, injured 2

These are highly, highly regulated entities, which is part of why if you visit them and you interact with them, they run such clean operations, said Parady.

While Diana Romero Campbell, who voted no, sided with parents in public comment that further discussions of locations were necessary.

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Thats where my issue is, of where are we placing future sites within child care and elementary, middle and high schools, said Campbell.

Mayor Mike Johnston now has five days to either sign or veto the ordinance.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
DENVER (KDVR)  A Denver man was sentenced for selling firearms on Facebook, the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Colorado announced Monday.

Leonel Castillo, 34, was sentenced to serve 30 months (two and a half years) in the Department of Corrections after he pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in a business of dealing firearms without a federal firearms license. The sales were reportedly made between September 2022 and May 2023.

15-year-old arrested in deadly shooting in Aurora neighborhood near Gaylord resort

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According to the plea agreement, Castillo had a business that used Facebook to raffle items, including firearms. Prosecutors said Castillo purchased the weapons from federal firearms licensees or third-party private sellers.

Then, he would hold interactive raffles on Facebook where participants paid for the chance to win the weapons. Prosecutors said Castillo then had the federal firearms licensees transfer the firearms to the raffle winners, sometimes through straw transfers.

Prosecutors said Castillo is a felon and the status prohibited him from possessing firearms throughout the time he ran the business.

Criminals who deal firearms illegally cant escape consequences by using social media as their marketplace, said United States Attorney Matt Kirsch in a release. I am grateful that our partners at the ATF were able to investigate this unusual scheme and that our office was able to bring this person to justice.

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While there's a perception that former President Donald Trump deported more people than President Joe Biden, the data shows otherwise.

In Trump's first term, from January 2017 through December 2020, there were 1.39 million deportations, according to Department of Homeland Security data analyzed by the Migration Policy Institute.

Under Biden, from January 2021 through August 2024 (the latest month for which data is available), there were more than 1.4 million deportations, with four more months left to be counted. Experts with the institute say about 188,000 more deportations will take place during the remainder of Biden's term, about 47,000 per month. Last month, Immigration and Customs Enforcement released a report that said the agency deported more than 271,000 people for fiscal year 2024, which ended September 30. That's the highest one-year total since 2014 under former President Barack Obama.

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The number of deportations under Obama  2.9 million in his first term and 1.9 million in his second term  was larger in both of his terms than under Trump or Biden. And under former President George W. Bush, there were even more deportations: 5.3 million in his first term from fiscal years 2001 through 2004 and just over 5 million in his second term from 2005 through 2008.

While deportations increased overall under Biden, certain types did decrease. The word "deportations" refers to what DHS calls removals, returns and expulsions. Returns and expulsions, which generally deal with people who recently crossed at the southern border, increased under Biden, but the number of removals, which refers to people more settled in the country, decreased under Biden.

Border Patrol apprehensions and ICE arrests in Michigan decline

Federal data reviewed by the Free Press shows that apprehensions by Customs and Border Protection agents in metro Detroit  who patrol a 70-mile area in Michigan along the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair  substantially decreased under Biden.

Under Trump, there were 3,000 apprehensions by Border Patrol during his first two years in office compared to only 157 apprehensions during Biden's first two fiscal years, 2021 and 2022, the last year for which metro Detroit data is available. The number of ICE arrests in metro Detroit also decreased, but by a smaller percentage, from 7,013 ICE arrests in southeastern Michigan during Trump's first two years, down to 5,591 ICE arrests during Biden's first two years in office.

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More: Michigan immigrants anxiously await Donald Trump's second term

Immigrants ask for help

Some immigrant advocates in Michigan have expressed concern that Democratic politicians are less likely now to speak up for immigrant rights than they were during Trump's first term.

Last Tuesday, two Democrats in Michigan  U.S. Reps. Hillary Scholten, D-Grand Rapids, and Kristen McDonald Rivet, D-Bay City  voted along with Republicans to pass a GOP bill targeting some immigrants charged with nonviolent crimes for deportation. The bill would also empower state officials and judges to potentially block immigration from certain nations, activists said. When Trump was president, Scholten was an attorney working for immigrant rights. Michigan's two U.S. senators, Gary Peters and Elissa Slotkin, both Democrats, said last week they intend to vote for the Laken Riley Act. And last month, some key Democratic state legislative leaders and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer did not say publicly whether they supported legislation that would have helped immigrants obtain driver's licenses. Advocates said the licenses are especially needed now since traffic stops by police sometimes lead to deportations.

Since Trump was elected, the Democratic governors of states such as Colorado, New Jersey and Massachusetts have spoken publicly about defending immigrants from any crackdown under Trump, but Whitmer has not.

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Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said in November after the election that "the fear is hes talking about going after law-abiding Coloradans who mightve lived here for 20, 30 years, who are working as construction workers or in ag or in the hospitality industry," reported Colorado Public Radio. "And obviously it would devastate our economy and our society if someone were to come in and forcibly take our neighbors away from us.

Sergio Martinez, an immigrant in Detroit who was allowed to stay in the U.S. on a program created by Obama for the children of immigrants without legal status, said that he and others intend to mobilize regardless of whether politicians help them.

Martinez campaigned for Democrats last year, but feels let down by them on immigration issues. He said that Democratic leaders in Michigan had promised immigrant advocates they would pass the driver's license bill in December.

"I'm just ... aggravated with people who have let me down," Martinez said. "The Democrats were the ones that let this happen by letting the tone shift. ... Democrats didn't push back."

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A spokeswoman for Whitmer did not comment on what her position was about the concerns of immigrants in coming months.

Gema Lowe, an immigrant from Mexico in Grand Rapids, said that deportations go on regardless of who's in power.

"The ICE activities hasn't changed" that much under Biden, Lowe said, noting that many in Michigan have been detained over the past four years. "To us, it's two sides of the same coin."

Contact Niraj Warikoo:nwarikoo@freepress.com or X @nwarikoo

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Deportations increased, ICE arrests in Detroit decreased under Biden
GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA)  Deputies arrested man allegedly connected to the fatal shooting of a Greenville man.

According to the Greenville County Sheriffs Office, McKenzie Clarence Boykin was arrested January 10 in Gwinnett County, Georgia for the killing of Timmy Moore.

On January 9, officials received a call regarding a gunshot victim at a home on Neely Street.

Deputies located Moore at the scene. The 65-year-old man had been shot at least once.

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Moore later died at the scene.

Investigators said Moore and Boykin knew one another, but the motive behind the shooting is unclear.

Boykin, 48, is charged with murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.

Deputies said Boykin is at Gwinnett County Jail for an unrelated charge of failure to appear.

Officials said Boykins extradition date has not yet been determined.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  A 19-year-old man faces a first-degree rape charge after he sexually assaulted a woman in the Town of Victor, deputies announced Monday.

According to the Ontario County Sheriffs Office, Walker A. Esklidsen raped the woman on Jan. 8 in Victor. He was arraigned and taken to jail in lieu of bail.

Mug shot of Walker A. Esklidsen courtesy of the Ontario County Sheriffs Office.

Rochester home with kids inside shot into

Esklidsen is expected back in court at a later date to answer to the charge. An exact date was not provided.

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LOUDON COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE)  The Loudon County Sheriffs Office has suspended a search for a wanted suspect in the town of Philadelphia.

A sheriffs office spokesperson said Tuesday afternoon that deputies were searching for Thomas Fortune in the area of Pond Creek Road and McCrary Street. He is wanted on charges including felony evading arrest. K-9s were used to assist in the search.

Warrants reveal new details in South Knoxville officer-involved shooting

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Around 4 p.m., the search was suspended. Investigators believe that he was able to leave the area and may have been picked up in a vehicle.

There is not believed to be an active threat to the public at this time. The spokesperson said that a law enforcement presence will remain in downtown Philadelphia as the investigation continues.

As a precaution, Philadelphia Elementary School was placed on lockdown.

This is a developing story. Download the WATE 6 News app or sign up for our email alerts for updates.

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OCONEE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA)  Deputies are asking for the publics help in the search for a Seneca man missing since New Years Eve.

The Oconee County Sheriffs Office said 22-year-old George Tony Webb, Jr. was reported missing on Sunday after family members said he was last seen at his residence in the Sitton Mill Road area on December 31.

George Tony Webb, Jr., 22, was last seen on Dec. 31 in Seneca

According to reports, deputies checked several locations Webb has been known to frequent, including the Bountyland Community, the Friendship Community, the Utica Mill Hill area, near Seneca, and the Davis Hill Road area near Walhalla and West Union.

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Webb is described as having red hair, hazel eyes and a tattoo under his left eye. Reports state he is 5-feet, 6-inches tall and weighs 150 pounds.

Webb was last seen wearing white Nike shoes, a Carhartt jacket and black sweatpants.

If you have any information on the whereabouts of Webb, call 911 immediately. You can also contact CrimeStoppers at 1-844-71-CRIME or online at www.71crime.com.

The Missing Persons Unit has been notified and Webb has been added to the National Crimes Information Center database as a missing person.

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DES MOINES, IOWA  The Des Moines City Council is taking a plan under consideration that could result in the city building a village of temporary homes on the east side of town. The project would be paid for with federal money.

Roger Riley has more on what the city is considering.

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DES MOINES, Iowa  Late in 2024 the City of Des Moines ordered all homeless camps to be removed. Now the City Council is weighing an option for temporary housing for homeless.

Theres quite a few communities whove done this, said Malcolm Hankins, Assistant City Manager. Again, these are temporary solutions. These are not permanent structure so theyre intended to serve a temporary capacity and so their communities.

Hankins said the idea is to transition people to more permanent housing, not to stay in the houses long term.

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The homes are called Pallet Homes. They are built by a company in Everett, Washington. They have been used in cities around the country.

The city has made a very clear that our interest is in providing housing for those who are most need, said Hankins, This is one of those opportunities to do so so were continuing to look at every opportunity we can.

The Des Moines City Council on Monday night voted unanimously to approve an application for federal funding to get the homeless village started.

City Manager Scott Sanders pointed out that the City will be seeking a partner to help make the project a reality. He added that due to Des Moines budget condition, they are not able to fund the city without some help.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.
The new Republican leaders of the Florida Legislature are telling Gov. Ron DeSantis no.

Hours after the Republican governor called state lawmakers back to Tallahassee for a special session on four big-ticket issues, House Speaker Daniel Perez and Senate President Ben Albritton issued a rare joint statement saying the governors call was premature.

They said it would be up to those elected to the Legislature  not DeSantis  to decide what legislation would be considered, foreshadowing a less compliant tone between legislative leaders and a Republican governor who in recent years has gotten most of what he wanted when he wanted it.

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As the peoples elected representatives, the Legislature, not the Governor, will decide when and what legislation we consider, they said.

DeSantis call for a special session for the week of Jan. 27 was to address immigration, condo reforms, hurricane relief and changes to the citizen-led initiative process. Albritton and Perez said they had already told the governor those issues would be addressed during the regular special session, which starts March 4, and remained steadfast on their timeline.

Perez and Albritton also took issue with the governors last-minute call to address sweeping issues with no specifics  a trend that has become a signature of DeSantis when calling special sessions in the past, including the push to strip Disney from its self-governing status.

While the governor discussed fragments of ideas for a special session he plans to start in just fourteen days, he did not release any actual bill language or even meaningful details for legislators or our constituents to consider, they wrote.

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Perez and Albritton also said it would be completely irresponsible to get out ahead of any announcements President Trump will make, especially when uninformed or ill-timed action by the state could get in the way.

DeSantis did not directly respond to the GOP leaders joint-statement, but an hour after it was issued, he made his call for a special session official and doubled down on his support for it on social media. His office then sent statements from First Lady Casey DeSantis and DeSantis chief of staff, James Uthmeier that talked about how much this special session is needed.

@realDonaldTrump takes charge on January 20th and Florida leaders must immediately convene to carry out his mandate to combat illegal immigration. @GovRonDeSantis has called for a Jan 27th special session  there is no time to waste, Uthmeier said on X.

State Rep. Alex Andrade, R-Pensacola, said it was fair for GOP leaders to point out the lack of specifics.

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My take is that no policy and no language has been shared to be considered, and legislative leadership doesnt sign on to bills that dont exist, Andrade said.

In the Legislature, some of DeSantis allies were quick to show their support for the governor, putting them at odds with their chambers leadership.

Respectfully, I disagree, Sen. Blaise Ingoglia, R-Spring Hills, said in response to the joint statement. The sooner we tackle these issues, the better. Florida should always lead from the front, especially on illegal immigration issues.

Sen. Jay Collins, R-Tampa, said he also disagreed with Perez and Albritton.

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President Trump has received a mandate from the American people, Florida should lead from the front on these critical matters as we always do! Collins said.

But Democrats were pleased to see some tension.

Senate Minority Leader Jason Pizzo, of Miami, said the joint statement showed what an autonomous branch of government looks like.
Jan. 13 (UPI) -- Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is convening state lawmakers for a special session to impose additional duties on local officials and secure funding to facilitate President-elect Donald Trump's promised immigration crackdown -- a move that is not sitting well with state-level Republican leadership.

DeSantis announced the special session, to be held the first week of the Trump administration, during a press conference Monday in which he told lawmakers that Florida needs to be prepared for "a sea change in policies, particularly with respect to border and illegal immigration."

President-elect Trump was elected with a mandate to stop illegal immigration and deport illegal aliens already in our country. State and local officials in Florida will actively facilitate the Trump Administration's policies against illegal immigration, and to do that we need to... pic.twitter.com/PHvNYvjAH6 Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) January 13, 2025

Trump, who is to be inaugurated as the 47th president on Jan. 20, is reportedly planning around 100 executive orders for Day One of his administration, some of which are to address immigration. Axios, which was the first to report on the executive orders, had stated the plans were previewed for Senate Republicans during a meeting last week.

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Florida's Republican governor has been among President Joe Biden's staunchest critics, and has frequently railed against his immigration policies, going so far as to charter flights to send migrants to Democrat-led cities.

"State and local officials in Florida must help the Trump administration enforce our nation's immigration laws and we are going to need in order to do that effectively, we are going to need legislation to impose additional duties on local officials and provide funding for those local officials," he said in announcing the special session to be held the week of Jan. 27. The Florida Legislature is scheduled to convene in March.

"We need to act and we need to act quickly."

DeSantis said funding -- "not a lot of funding" -- will be needed for detention, relocation and transportation infrastructure as well as for local law enforcement support. He also stated that local officials "neglecting their duties" in regards to enforcing the new immigration laws will be suspended.

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"There also needs to be measures to hold people accountable who are violating our anti-sanctuary policies, and then Florida needs to make sure that we don't have any lingering incentives for people to come into our state illegally," he added.

In response to the announcement, Senate President Ben Albritton and House Speaker Daniel Perez, both Republicans, came out against the special session in a strong letter that called DeSantis' move as "premature."

The pair said they support Trump's stance on immigration and the southern border, but "It is completely irresponsible to get out ahead of any announcements President Trump will make, especially when uninformed or ill-timed state action could potentially impair or impede the success of President Trump's forthcoming effort to end illegal immigration, close our borders and protect the sovereignty of our nation."

"When we receive specific guidance that may necessitate our state's legislative action to complement President Trump's efforts, we stand ready to act at the appropriate time," they said.

The Republican leaders continued that while DeSantis may unilaterally call a special session, "the people's elected representatives, the Legislature, not the governor, will decide when and what legislation we consider."
Following other Southern state governors, Gov. Ron DeSantis Tuesday announced that U.S. and state flags across the state  now at half-staff in honor of the late President Jimmy Carter  will fly at full-staff when President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated next Monday.

"Inauguration day is an important tradition of our Republic where Americans come together to celebrate the peaceful transition of power between presidents," the Republican governor said in a memo that he posted on his X social media account. "It represents a season of new hope and limitless potential for America's future.

"In light of the importance of this day, and on this patriotic occasion, I hereby order all flags to be raised to full-staff at the Florida Capitol and across all state buildings, installations, and grounds for the inauguration of the 47th President of the United States, Donald J. Trump," he added.

Flags in Florida will fly at full-staff for inauguration day. pic.twitter.com/9GHvBTYRwO  Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) January 14, 2025

When is Inauguration Day? When will Trump take office?

Inauguration Day is Jan. 20 and Donald Trump will be sworn in after Vice President-elect JD Vance at noon EDT.

Why are flags at half staff?

DeSantis had previously followed a proclamation from President Joe Biden that flags should be flown at half-staff across the country for 30 days from the day of Carter's death on Dec. 29. The governor also directed flags to half-staff in Florida to honor the late Gov. Buddy MacKay, though that lasts only through this Wednesday.

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But on Jan. 3, Trump complained on his Truth Social account that "because of the death of President Jimmy Carter, the Flag may, for the first time ever during an Inauguration of a future President, be at half mast. Nobody wants to see this, and no American can be happy about it. Lets see how it plays out. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"

U.S. President Donald Trump talks with Republican Florida governor candidate Ron DeSantis during a Make America Great Again Rally at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, Florida, U.S., July 31, 2018.

Flags to be raised at US Capitol on Inauguration Day

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson already has suspended Carter's 30-day mourning period to allow flags at the U.S. Capitol to fly at full staff at Trump's inauguration next week.

DeSantis' decision comes one day after Gov. Kay Ivey of Alabama and Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas, both Republicans, announced they would order flags to full-staff for Inauguration Day.

As DeSantis explained in his memo, "On this unique occasion, where we simultaneously celebrate the service of an incoming president and commend the service of a former president, our nation's flag will be prominently displayed at full-staff to honor the tradition of our founding fathers and the sacrifices made by those who have served to ensure the torch of liberty continues to burn strong.

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"The following day, on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, all flags at state buildings, installations, and grounds across the State of Florida will once again be lowered to half-staff to honor President Carter's service per the ongoing Presidential Proclamation issued December 29, 2024."

This story contains previously published material. Jim Rosica is a member of the USA TODAY Network-Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at jrosica@tallahassee.com. Follow him on X: @JimRosicaFL.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Flags at half staff in Florida will be raised for inauguration
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  Gov. Ron DeSantis is calling lawmakers to Tallahassee for a special session.

He said it would help the Trump administration enforce immigration policy. However, some members of the governors party dont support the move.

In addition to immigration, the session will address condo regulations and hurricane relief.

Weve got to get ahead of it, DeSantis said. Weve got to make sure that were there as a will partner with the Trump administration.

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President-elect Donald Trump takes office just one week ahead of the special session. Senate and House leadership call the governors move premature.

In response to DeSantis move, Senate President Ben Albritton and House Speaker Daniel Perez released the following statement: As you know, this Legislature will address illegal immigration, condominiums, petition initiatives and hurricane recovery this Session, which starts in 50 days. Calling a special session at this time is premature.



In particular, when it comes to immigration we are strong supporters of President Trump and stand ready to follow his lead. At this time, we are not aware of any specific guidance provided to the states about actions state legislatures can take to support forthcoming federal action. It is

completely irresponsible to get out ahead of any announcements President Trump will make, especially when uninformed or ill-timed state action could potentially impair or impede the success of President Trumps forthcoming efforts to end illegal immigration, close our borders,

and protect the sovereignty of our nation.



We look forward to President Trumps inauguration next week and have every confidence he will take swift action to end the flow of illegal immigrants across our borders. President Trump campaigned heavily on this issue. The American people clearly support his leadership. As do we. When we receive specific guidance that may necessitate our states legislative action to

complement President Trumps efforts, we stand ready to act at the appropriate time.



While the Governor discussed fragments of ideas for a special session he plans to start in just fourteen days, he did not release any actual bill language or even meaningful details for legislators and our constituents to consider.



With regard to the additional issues outlined by the Governor this morning, the fact is there are ample funds accessible and available to pay for the States ongoing disaster response efforts and additional funds do not have to wait until July 1. Condominium safety and ballot initiatives proposing constitutional amendments are complex subjects and should be considered during the

regular session, not a truncated special session.



Floridas Constitution compels our attendance at a special session unilaterally called by the Governor. However, the power to convene a special session also resides with the presiding officers. As the peoples elected representatives, the Legislature, not the Governor, will decide when and what legislation we consider.

There is already legislation filed in Florida that would repeal in-state tuition for immigrant students. Rep. Fentrice Driskell pointed out that previously proposed immigration legislation has disrupted Floridas labor force.

Weve already seen the consequences of harsh immigration legislation, Driskell said. So, I would hope that we would learn from that lesson, that the Republicans would learn from that less and perhaps avoid any unintended consequences and rethink whatever it is that Governor DeSantis is proposing.

Just seems like an opportunity for him to get some headlines.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Gov. Brian Kemp speaks at the Georgia Chamber of Commerce's Eggs and Issues event in Atlanta early in the 2025 legislative session. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder

Republican Gov. Brian Kemp says he will soon unveil a robust legislative package calling for new limits on lawsuits in Georgia and signaled that he is gearing up for a fight.

Tort reform will be my top legislative priority for this upcoming session, Kemp said at the Georgia Chamber of Commerces annual Eggs and Issues event Tuesday. And I look forward to sharing more about those plans in the coming weeks. But I need your help. Every local or regional chamber in this room has a critical role to play this session to make sure we finally get tort reform done.

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Im asking you to engage earlier and harder than you ever have, he added.

The governor pointed to the results of a review done last year as part of a Kemp-backed data-collection effort designed to lay the groundwork for changes. A report, written and released in November by Kemp ally and elected Insurance Commissioner John King, blamed several factors for contributing to the rising cost of insurance across the board, including what the report called inflated medical costs and third-party litigation funding.

Representatives of the influential Georgia Chamber of Commerce have also highlighted four areas where they argue Georgia is an outlier in the region: premises protection, damages reform, limits on attorney fees and trial bifurcation, which refers to splitting a case into separate phases for trial.

Chris Clark, president and CEO of the chamber, said curbing premises liability is a top concern for the groups members.

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It shouldnt be legal for two bad guys to come on your property, hurt each other, and then youre to blame and you get sued for it, Clark told reporters. I think we hear that consistently from the medical community as well as small businesses all over the state.

Clark said Tuesday that the chamber will be lockstep with the governors plans.

Our justice system should not be about jackpots. It should be about justice, and we just want whats fair and balanced, he said.

Clark conceded that any legislative changes pursued this year may not bring down prices but said they could help stabilize the market and boost competition.

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But proponents of the yet-to-be-unveiled proposals will be up against Georgias civil trial attorneys  some of who serve in the Legislature  and others who are wary of changes that limit access to justice for aggrieved Georgians.

Its hard for me right now to put together how we are the best state in the country for 11 years to do business. So tort hadnt exactly destroyed business in Georgia, state Rep. Al Williams, a Midway Democrat, told reporters Tuesday.

Were crying wolf, and I hadnt seen the wolf yet, he said.

Williams said he is skeptical of how many so-called nuclear verdicts there really are and said he is concerned about the impact new lawsuit limits could have on plaintiffs rights.

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Who can determine what my arm is worth, what my life is worth, what my children are worth? I like a jury of my peers, Williams said. Lets protect the plaintiffs rights too. Many of them dont have a voice at the table. I will be there to help in any way I can to make sure that we maintain a good business environment, which we can do without sacrificing the rights of the victims.

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WARREN COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN)  Tennessee lawmakers return to Capitol Hill on Tuesday and banning cell phones in public schools is expected to be a topic this session.

The Warren County school district is helping lead the way with its own policy. School board members decided to start the school year by having campuses go device-free because of issues with students being distracted when theyre supposed to be learning.

Tennessee General Assembly 2025: Legislative priorities for state lawmakers

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This is not a punishment. This is not a we dont trust you. This is not a you got to do away with all those electronic devices. Were not going back to the Stone Age, said Warren County Schools Director Dr. Grant Swallows. Its really about giving kids an environment to where they can focus, to where they can just be students.

According to Dr. Swallows, after a spike in discipline rates when they first implemented the policy, theyre now beginning to see an impact with reduced stress on teachers and students.

PREVIOUS | Less distraction, more connection: TN school district drafts new policy to keep students off phones

We had a custodian that said I used to get run into in the hallways three or four times a week because a kid was on their phone, recalled Swallows. She said, You know what, Ive been run into once this year, and it was because a kid was reading a book. And she said, they can run into me anytime if theyre reading a book in the hallways.'

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In fact, the district has been called to testify on Capitol Hill as Tennessee leaders consider a ban for all school districts.

My message to the legislature would be, give the systems the flexibility to fit what they need for their school district. But the tenants that weve kind of followed is this a total electronic device prohibition, and it needs to be bell to bell, detailed Swallows. Were not allowing it in the hallways. Were not allowing it at lunch, because again, if youre like me, as soon as you pick up that phone, your brain goes to that and then youre gone.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

The districts goal was to bring in the Yonder pouches at the beginning of the school year, but they were delayed due to a backlog of orders.

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However, the district said they have since received them and are continuing to roll them out.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(WTAJ)  Amazon alerted the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry about 432 sorting center employees. However, the employees are not being laid off or fired. Heres whats happening.

Amazon recently filed a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notice with the Department of Labor about their facility in Imperial, Allegheny County  just outside of Pittsburgh.

What looks like layoffs though, are far from. Because of Pennsylvania law, the notice was filed out of an abundance of caution, Amazon spokesperson Steve Kelly told WTAJ.

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In reality, the sorting center in Imperial is undergoing renovations and construction, resulting in a temporary shutdown. However, those full-time non-seasonal employees will all have the ability to work at other locations. Amazon said there are seven other facilities in the Pittsburgh area including fulfillment centers, sorting centers, and delivery centers.

PA Game Commission announces statewide art contest, $5,000 prize

Were always evaluating our network to make sure it fits our business needs and to improve the experience for our employees, customers, partners, and drivers, Kelly said. As part of that effort, we occasionally enhance existing facilities  which is what we plan to do at this facility near Pittsburgh this Spring. All impacted permanent employees at this facility are being offered opportunities to transfer to other facilities nearby, as well as support if they choose not to stay with Amazon.

The WARN notice filed, which was provided to WTAJ by Amazon, makes it clear to the PA Department of Labor that there are no layoffs nor is this a closure of the facility.

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Kelly went on to say that Amazon will assist any employee who doesnt wish to temporarily transfer to find employment and theyll help seasonal employees who wish to stay to find possible positions in other areas.

All employees who want to return to the Imperial sorting center can do so when the renovations are complete, the notice reads.

Stay up to date with the latest news in the palm of your hand. Click here to download the WTAJ app for Apple and Android devices.

Of the 423 workers at the Imperial sorting facility, 159 are seasonal, whose assignments are soon ending, the WARN letter shows.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com.
A Supreme Court decision regarding whether the popular social media application TikTok is getting banned in America is still pending. On Jan. 10, the Supreme Court began to hear arguments regarding whether a law requiring TikTok to be sold or face a ban in the U.S. violates the First Amendment.

According to The Hill, the nine Supreme Court justices were not moved by TikTok's arguments of why the app shouldn't be banned.

During the two hours of oral arguments, Chief Justice John Brown said TikTok's issue isn't a First Amendment problem but an issue of national security.

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"Congress doesnt care about whats on TikTok, Chief Justice Roberts said. 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. So, its not a direct burden on the expression at all."

If TikTok is banned, here is what app users should know.

What is the TikTok problem?

Last April, President Joe Biden signed a law that banned Chinese-owned apps unless they were sold within a year. ByteDance, the parent company that owns TikTok, said it will not sell its app.

Lawmakers enacted the ban due to concerns about ByteDance's connections to China, specifically, the fear that they may share American user data with the Chinese government.

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A federal appeals court in Washington, DC, unanimously upheld the U.S. ban on TikTok last month. The court ruled that the government has a national security interest in regulating the social media platform.

TikTok filed an emergency application for an injunction. The Supreme Court has decided to listen to the dispute.

What is TikTok?

TikTok is a popular social media platform that allows users to create, share, and discover short-form videos, usually set to music or audio clips.

Launched by ByteDance in 2016, it has quickly gained global popularity, especially among younger audiences. Users can make videos ranging from 15 seconds to 10 minutes long, featuring everything from dance routines and lip-syncing to comedy sketches, educational content, and more.

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TikTok's algorithm helps personalize the content feed, making it highly engaging and addictive.

What is being argued in the Supreme Court regarding TikTok?

TikTok wants the high court to overturn an appeals courts ruling that the laws infringement of the free speech rights of the millions of Americans who use TikTok is justified because of national security concerns.

The U.S. government's primary argument focuses on the extent to which the Chinese company should be permitted to influence the American public and be prevented from spying.

ByteDance is arguing that TikTok users should be allowed to post without limitation. This year, the Supreme Court has heard other arguments regarding private companies that moderate social media platforms and free speech.

When is the TikTok ban deadline?

TikTok has until Jan. 19 to divest from its China-based parent company, one day before President-elect Donald Trump takes office.

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Unless ByteDance sells the hugely popular platform by the deadline to an American buyer, it will be banned from app stores and web hosting companies in the U.S.

When will the Supreme Court make a decision on the case?

While the Supreme Court typically requires months to issue rulings, this particular case is anticipated to conclude much sooner, with decisions expected in the coming days, as reported by the Associated Press.

What will happen to TikTok if banned?

It is anticipated that the U.S. government will mandate app store operators, such as Google and Apple, to remove TikTok from their platforms. This would prevent new users from downloading the app.

While current TikTok users in the U.S. could continue using the app on their devices, they would be unable to receive updates through the app stores. This means the company wouldnt be able to address bugs or security vulnerabilities, potentially rendering the app increasingly difficult  if not impossible  to use over time.

The thing about the TikTok ban is it basically means if you have the app, you can still use it until the software stops working and needs to be updated/you get a new device that doesnt have the app on it.



You just wont be able to download it nor update it since its getting  bria celest (@55mmbae) December 18, 2024

Is there a way around the ban?

Users could use a virtual private network (VPN) to continue using the app. A VPN is an application that users can download to conceal their location data, making it seem as if they are accessing the internet from a different country, but it's unclear how well that will work.

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However, ByteDance could still sell the platform to a non-Chinese owner, which would restore access for American users.

What are alternatives to TikTok?

Much like X, formally Twitter, users going to Bluesky, TikTok users have discussed using Lemon8 as a substitute.

ByteDance introduced Lemon8 to Japan in 2020, before it was available to the U.S. in 2023. However, since it's owned by ByteDance, there's a possibility it will also be banned.

me watching yall say lemon8 is the next tiktok knowings its owned by them and will be banned too pic.twitter.com/DmmSm6nsUJ  dorothea  (@enchantedbyers) January 10, 2025

The social media app has similarities to TikTok, including a scrollable For You page and video posts.

Other alternatives that TikTok users could use are U.S.-made apps like Triller, Likee, and Huddles. However, it could take some time for those apps to attract new users.

TikTok is going away Jan 19th but Lemon8 is the replacement for TikTok, made by the creators of TikTok. Just get that. pic.twitter.com/jp547YCVkf  Sunshine  (@JustShaina_) January 10, 2025

What did President-elect Donald Trump say about TikTok?

President-elect Trump has said he wants to save TikTok, and he has hinted that he is willing to use his power to keep the app open once he is in office. Trump even filed a brief to the court to see if the ban could be paused.

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According to legal experts, Trump could respond to the TikTok ban by instructing his Justice Department not to enforce it, allowing companies like Apple and Google to keep the app on their stores without facing the severe financial penalties imposed by the law.

But he was against it before he was for it.

Trump issued the first TikTok ban by executive order in 2020. His ban, which also gave ByteDance a deadline to sell to a U.S. company, coincidentally came a month after TikTokkers gleefully trolled him by organizing a campaign through the app to sign up for seats at his rallies, causing Trump to brag about the number of RSVPs received, and then not showing up.

While ByteDance was in negotiations to sell to Microsoft and Oracle, the company filed a request for a preliminary injunction to prevent the app from being banned and got it, so Trump's ban never went into effect.

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Biden later revoked the order and ordered the Secretary of Commerce to investigate the app. In 2022, Biden signed a bill prohibiting the app on government devices.

-USA TODAY Network correspondent Maureen Groppe contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Did the SCOTUS ban TikTok. Here are 4 alternative apps to switch to
Texans who didn't receive a stimulus check from the Recovery Rebate Credit in 2021 could get a surprise deposit.

The Internal Revenue Service has announced that it will begin issuing payments later this month to one million taxpayers who missed claiming them when filing their 2021 tax returns.

The IRS said the decision came about after reviewing internal data which showed eligible taxpayers who filed a return did not claim the credit. The Recovery Rebate Credit is a "refundable credit for individuals who did not receive one or more Economic Impact Payments (EIP), also known as stimulus payments," according to the IRS.

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"Looking at our internal data, we realized that one million taxpayers overlooked claiming this complex credit when they were actually eligible," IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel said in a news release. "To minimize headaches and get this money to eligible taxpayers, were making these payments automatic, meaning these people will not be required to go through the extensive process of filing an amended return to receive it."

How can you receive a stimulus check, and how do you know if you're eligible? Here's what to know.

What do I need to do to receive a stimulus check?

According to the IRS, eligible taxpayers do not need to do anything to receive the stimulus payments, which went out automatically in December and should arrive by late January this year.

Taxpayers will receive the payments either by direct deposit or paper check, the IRS said. The payment will be direct deposited into the bank account provided on the eligible person's 2023 tax return or sent to the address of record.

How do I know if I'm eligible for the stimulus payment?

Eligible taxpayers will receive a separate letter notifying them of the incoming stimulus payment.

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In addition to the notification letters, taxpayers can also look back at their 2021 tax returns and see if they left the Recover Rebate Credit field blank or filled it out as $0. The IRS states that those receiving the payment are "taxpayers for whom IRS data indicates qualification for the credit."

How much money will I get?

Stimulus payments will vary, but the maximum amount an eligible taxpayer could receive is $1,400, according to the IRS.

The total estimated amount being dispersed nationwide is $2.4 billion, the revenue service said.

What if I didn't file a 2021 tax return?

Those who did not file a 2021 tax return could still be eligible to receive the stimulus check if they file their 2021 return and claim the Recovery Rebate Credit by April 15, 2025, the IRS said.

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"Eligible taxpayers who did not file must file a tax return to claim a Recovery Rebate Credit, even if their income from a job, business or other source was minimal or non-existent," according to the IRS.

 USA TODAY contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: IRS sending stimulus checks. How much are you eligible for?
Wilson Criscione and Melanie Henshaw

InvestigateWest

Ever since the Washington State Patrol began keeping a database on all its traffic stops, one troubling point has stood out: Troopers search the cars of Native American drivers much more often than drivers who are white.

It was clear when Washington State University researchers studied the data in 2003, in 2005 and in 2007. It was clear in 2019, when InvestigateWest found that the search rate for Native Americans was five times higher than for whites. And it was clear when WSU researchers followed up one more time in 2021, at the request of the state Legislature, and found similar results.

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Advocates have called for change. Lawmakers have pressed for answers. And the state patrol has acknowledged its a problem.

But traffic stop data from 2018-2023 reveals that none of it has reduced the gap between Native American search rates and that of other groups, according to a new InvestigateWest analysis. Troopers continue to search Native Americans at a rate five times higher than whites. In fact, the disparity has increased since 2020.

There were signs that the disparities have been reduced for other minority groups, however. Black and Hispanic drivers have also been searched at higher rates than whites for decades, a trend that researchers have found across the country, but the gap has shrunk slightly in Washington since 2020. Fewer national studies have specifically looked at search rates of Native Americans compared with other groups.

Chris Loftis, spokesperson for the Washington State Patrol, said the agency doesnt dispute the analysis, but he said the agency does not believe that intentional or systemic bias is the culprit. He said its a challenge we must continue to address.

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The disparity is there. We recognize it. And we continuously try to figure it out, why is it there, and why has it been there for so many years? Loftis said.

Academic researchers stress that search rates alone dont prove systemic racial bias within a department. Still, the disparity with Native Americans in Washington is glaring, said Hans Gaebler, a Harvard Ph.D candidate whose research focuses on statistical analysis of policing bias. He called the Native American search rate a concerning statistic.

The five times difference in search rates is quite large, Gaebler said.

The persistent disparities have fueled reform efforts in Washington. The Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians, a nonprofit organization representing 57 Northwest tribal governments, issued a series of resolutions Oct. 3, calling on the Washington State Supreme Court to address the disproportionate rate of searches of Native Americans.

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Ahead of the states legislative session, police accountability groups are crafting a bill that would reduce searches on traffic stops for non-safety reasons. Those groups say InvestigateWests analysis has added urgency to the issue.

The minimal improvement in these disparities over time suggests that WSPs efforts to address these issues lack either the necessary commitment, resources or accountability measures, said Nickeia Hunter, vice president of the Washington Coalition for Police Accountability.

Rep. Roger Goodman, D-Kirkland, said the higher search rates for Native Americans are an example of structural racism. Photo courtesy of Washington House Democrats via InvestigateWest

Rep. Roger Goodman, chair of the House Public Safety Committee in the state Legislature, said its encouraging that the patrol is looking inward to improve without being defensive or obstructionist, but hes concerned about the lack of improvement.

I think this is just the way this is. Its called structural racism, the Kirkland Democrat said.

Identifying bias

To conduct the analysis, InvestigateWest sorted through a database of nearly 6 million traffic stops by the state patrol over six years. For each stop, troopers logged information that included the drivers race (as perceived by the trooper), the alleged violation, enforcement actions and details about searches.

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InvestigateWest isolated more than 7,000 stops that resulted in high-discretion searches. Those include consent searches  think of a trooper asking if they can take a look inside the vehicle  along with pat-downs and K9 searches. These searches are relatively rare, occurring on less than 1 percent of all stops in the last six years, but that rate is commonly used by those who study police bias, including Stanford University researchers who have gathered similar data across the country as part of their Open Policing Project.

A second test of the outcomes from those searches  a metric called the hit rate  offers a more complete picture, said Gaebler, who has also worked on the Open Policing Project. His research has shown that you need to look at both hit rates and search rates when studying discrimination. If a group is searched more often but officers find illegal drugs or weapons less often, that can indicate bias.

In 2019, the tests taken together painted a troubling picture. Black, Hispanic and Native Americans were not only searched more often, but each group was less likely to have contraband found during searches when compared to white people.

More recently, that remains the case for Black and Hispanic drivers.

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But for Native Americans, while the search rate increased, so did the rate of troopers finding contraband. Though it should be noted that with only 174 high-discretion searches overall for Native Americans from 2018-23, that rate is more likely to swing up or down.

Jack Glaser, a psychologist and professor at the University of California, Berkeley, who studies stereotypes and discrimination, said there is no evidence that added training on implicit bias has any effect on actual performance in the field. Photo courtesy of UC Berkeley via InvestigateWest

Jack Glaser, a social psychologist and professor at the University of California, Berkeley, said the higher hit rate for Native Americans can make it more difficult to draw statistical conclusions about bias. But he noted that the search rate disparity is much higher in proportion to the hit rate. From 2018-23, Native Americans were 415% more likely to be searched, but only 16% more likely to have contraband found.

Im still troubled by the higher search rate of Natives. I do think that the hit rates dont justify such a disparity, Glaser said.

Its an issue worth exploring, said Loftis with the state patrol, but he stresses that disproportionalities are not on their own evidence of systemic bias. The contention that there was no agency-wide bias was bolstered in 2021 by a WSU study requested by the Legislature. That study also found higher search rates and lower hit rates for Black, Hispanic and Native American drivers, only slightly reduced when taking into account other factors like gender, traffic violations and time of day.

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The study stopped short of concluding that the disparities indicated bias. Instead, it called for the patrol to further examine the data to better understand disproportionalities.

But it was the headline attached to the studys news release that validated the state patrols stance: No systematic agency bias.

We hold strongly to WSUs findings  no intentional or systemic bias is evident in our traffic stop operations, Loftis said in response to InvestigateWests more recent analysis.

The data itself may not capture outside factors influencing search decisions. If drivers have contraband out in the open and a trooper wants to conduct a search, that may have nothing to do with race.

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Christina Sanders, one of the researchers who conducted the WSU study, reviewed the findings of InvestigateWests most recent analysis. She echoed the conclusions of her previous study, which called for more research and better data, saying the differences between Native Americans and white drivers should still be explored, and she stressed that academic researchers would want to again control for other variables to ensure that the context across all searches is the same.

Gaebler said the takeaway from the decades of data on search rates is not that theres no discrimination.

Hit rates have been lower for Native Americans in the past, and theres a lot of uncertainty in the new data, he said. So the fact that the search rate is so much higher is still suggestive of there being a different standard for being a Native American.

Consequences

Lawyers and advocates who work with Indigenous people say the search figures are upsetting, but not surprising  a lack of trust in police is a long-standing issue in Indigenous communities, which face disproportionate violence at the hands of police, as research has shown.

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Steve Graham, a criminal defense attorney, said the data matches what hes heard from his clients. The presence of surveillance technology popping up on arterial roadways connecting Native American nations to adjacent towns like Omak, Brewster and Yakima can contribute to an ongoing perception of criminalization due to race.

The Omak Police Department, for example, announced last year that it had bought automated license plate readers to help handle what it said was increased call volume. But those cameras were placed on a route that leads to the Confederated Tribes of Colville Reservation on the other side of the Okanogan River  a placement that has not gone unnoticed, Graham said.

Legislators and others have been pushing to reduce racial disparities in WSP searches and seizures for more than 20 years. Photo courtesy of Washington State Patrol via InvestigateWest

I can tell you that my clients in the Native American community feel more targeted than ever, Graham said. It did seem like there was some attention on the police interactions with other ethnic minorities in the last few years, but it didnt seem to have really improved with the Native community.

Consent searches, one of the three types of discretionary searches reviewed in InvestigateWests analysis, have power dynamics at play  where civilians who are asked if they can be searched by police may be unsure of their rights or ability to refuse, according to legal experts.

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Because of the positional power, its very difficult to say no. Im a lawyer, I know my rights, and its still difficult for me to say no, said Enoka Herat, outgoing policing and immigration policy director of ACLU Washington.

Consent searches made up about half of all discretionary searches of Native Americans from 2018-2023, but it was those searches that yielded almost all instances of contraband being found. For all races, troopers were more likely to find contraband during a consent search than not.

Many of the discretionary searches by the state patrol occurred when the driver was not found to have endangered traffic safety. The most common criminal offense in Washington, driving while suspended in the third degree, occurs most frequently when a person has a traffic ticket and fails to pay it or appear in court to challenge it, according to the ACLU. Civil rights groups like the ACLU have pushed for years to have that charge overturned as a criminal offense, arguing that it disproportionately affects people of color and the poor while doing little to improve road safety.

An InvestigateWest analysis of citation rates appears to back up that argument. There were just over 300,000 stops from 2018-2023 in which troopers logged a violation for driving with a suspended license, expired registration tabs or other non-traffic violations. Most ended with a warning or nothing at all. But Native Americans were most likely to receive a citation for such offenses, with 4.3% of all stops resulting in one. Hispanic and Black people each had citation rates of 3%, slightly higher than the rate for white people. A December report by the Prison Policy Initiative also found that Black people across the country face a disproportionate chance of searches and enforcement actions by police.

Citations for such low-level offenses can cause a disproportionate burden for drivers who are poor, defense attorneys say. If drivers fail to appear for a court date on the misdemeanor charge, it can set off an escalation of further charges and fees that can become insurmountable.

Byron Moore, a criminal defense attorney in Okanogan County, refers to this cycle as driving while poor.

Drivers can fear theyll face additional charges for merely refusing to consent to a search, even if thats not the case, and officers are not required to inform people of their right to refuse.

I have heard from clients that theyre in a position where they cant say no, Moore said.

A legal fix?

The ACLU and groups like the Washington Coalition for Police Accountability are seeking legislative fixes to address the disparities.

They are working on a new traffic safety law, called Traffic Safety for All, that would remove Washington law enforcements ability to pull motorists over solely for non-safety related traffic violations, like driving with expired registration tags or a broken taillight. They say that would free up more resources for law enforcement to pull over drivers that are under the influence, distracted or reckless, which they argue pose the greatest risk to public safety. Reform advocates also point to instances in which traffic stops of minority drivers for non-safety related violations have escalated to violence, sometimes even fatal  contributing to ongoing distrust of law enforcement.

Some states and jurisdictions have moved to limit discretionary searches. Virginia decriminalized minor equipment violations, like broken taillights, as primary reasons for a traffic stop.

During discretionary searches, officers have no probable cause basis or warrant to search a person  the officer is deciding to do so based on their analysis of the situation, which critics say leaves open the possibility of bias, sometimes unconscious or implicit.

Glaser, the social psychologist who has been studying implicit bias in policing since the 1990s and authored a paper on implicit bias and discretionary searches for the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in March 2024, said more training on implicit bias is unlikely to help.

We dont have any evidence that any of the existing trainings on implicit bias in any industry, but specifically in policing, have any effect on actual performance on the field, Glaser said.

While such training may be well-intentioned, it wont change deep-seated mental associations that troopers may have with ethnic groups, he said. Out in the field, troopers look for suspicious behavior, and because of the nature of implicit bias, theyre not going to be able to recognize that the suspicion theyre experiencing could be a racial stereotype. Implicit bias training should focus on the command staff, who set incentives for officers and direct them where to focus their attention and resources, and who can more effectively implement the training, Glaser said.

Policymakers and agency leaders should instead look for other ways to reduce disparities, Glaser said, and eliminating consent searches would be top of the list.

Dan Bodah, a senior program associate in the Vera Institutes Redefining Public Safety initiative, had that in mind when he helped craft the Traffic Safety For All act.

This is a way of isolating where those high-discretionary environments are, where those biases and racial disparities arise. In doing so, we identify those areas to help prevent future disparities from occurring. Bodah said.

Last year, a similar bill failed to get much support in the Legislature. Goodman, D-Kirkland, said that was partly because the language felt too restrictive for police. Any bill that emphasizes what police arent allowed to do is a difficult sell to lawmakers, he said.

There was concern about restricting police discretion  acknowledging that the discretion results in disparate treatment. But its sort of this balance between public safety and social equity, Goodman said.

The Traffic Safety For All measure would call for more data collection from agencies other than the Washington State Patrol. Goodman said no matter what happens with the bill, hed like to see more research into the racial disparities.

Hunter said that to meaningfully address the root causes of the disproportionate searches, WSP should adopt strict policies limiting discretionary searches, implement bias training and evaluations, have independent oversight of search practices, increase community engagement, and incentivize equitable policing.

Any research of this nature needs to be more comprehensive and deliberate, Goodman said. I would assume that every police agency would, if analyzed, show similar disparities.

Calls for change

In response to the criticism of racial disparities in searches five years ago, Loftis said the state patrol has made efforts to improve culture and training, and to recruit more diverse troopers.

Today, the makeup of the state patrol is slightly more diverse, with 81% of commissioned officers being white, compared with 86% in 2020. The patrol is doing more targeted recruiting in areas where we are historically underrepresented, Lofits said. And in 2022, the state patrol removed its staff psychologist after reporting by the Seattle Times found that an exam he administered disproportionately rejected candidates of color.

Advocates for Indigenous peoples, however, say theres much more to do in order to establish a lasting trust.

WSPs acknowledgment of the problem without tangible, measurable change highlights a gap between words and action, Hunter said. Sustained disparities harm marginalized communities and diminish public confidence in law enforcement. By committing to transparency, accountability and community-driven reform, WSP can begin to rebuild trust and address these systemic inequities.

In its 2024 resolution titled Rectifying the Dehumanization of Indigenous People in State Legal Systems, the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians calls on the Washington State Supreme Court to issue a proclamation urging representatives of the legal and judicial systems to address the dehumanization of Indigenous peoples in those systems.

The patrol is aware it has work to do to build trust with Indigenous communities. And although the agency has touted its tribal liaison program created in 2019, with two positions meant to improve relationships between the agency and the tribe, both tribal liaisons have left the patrol in recent months, sending the agency on an extensive search for a replacement. Loftis said they left the agency for higher-paying jobs elsewhere.

Emily Main, hired to replace one of those departures, said she recently was introduced to members of the Confederated Tribes and Bands of Yakama Nation in a public meeting.

A tribal member asked me, straight up, Were you coerced into taking this job? Main recalled.

Loftis said the question was revelatory to him, showing how deep the distrust of law enforcement goes.

We have a long way to go, Loftis said.

Paul Kiefer contributed reporting for this story.

This project, the first in a series of ongoing stories addressing racial disparities in the criminal justice system, was completed with support from the Microsoft Justice Reform Initiative.

InvestigateWest (investigatewest.org) is an independent news nonprofit dedicated to investigative journalism in the Pacific Northwest. Reach news and investigations editor Wilson Criscione at wilson@investigatewest.org. Reach reporter Melanie Henshaw at Melanie@investigatewest.org.
The unnamed woman who sued Diplo in June on allegations of revenge porn has dropped her lawsuit against the DJ and producer, two weeks after a California judge ruled shed have to reveal her identity in order to move forward.

Attorneys for Jane Doe  who has alleged that Diplo sent sexually explicit photos of her to third parties  filed a notice of dismissal on Monday, Jan. 13, according to documents obtained by PEOPLE. It remains unclear if she plans to file again, and her attorneys did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment.

The dismissal came two weeks after Judge Monica Ramirez Almadani denied Does motion to continue pursuing her case against Diplo, 46, anonymously. Though shed argued the pseudonym was to shield herself from retaliation, Almadani said Does case didnt meet the clear-cut, high-risk situations requirement needed to stay anonymous.

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"The court appreciates that plaintiff's allegations in her complaint are sensitive and of a highly personal nature and that she may face some public scrutiny," Judge Almadani wrote on Dec. 31, according to documents obtained by PEOPLE. "However, absent a demonstrated need for anonymity, there is a prevailing public interest in open judicial proceedings."

ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Diplo performs during the 2023 Governors Ball Music Festival at Flushing Meadows Corona Park in New York City, on June 9, 2023. Diplo performs during the 2023 Governors Ball Music Festival at Flushing Meadows Corona Park in New York City, on June 9, 2023.

In a statement shared with Billboard, Does attorneys called the imbalance of power in the case startling.

In the digital age, being compelled to disclose one's name in such proceedings risks permanently linking a survivor to their trauma, they said.

Reps for Diplo did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for comment.

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Related: Diplo Accused of Revenge Porn in New Lawsuit by Woman Who He Allegedly Had 'Intimate' Relationship with for 7 Years

In her complaint, Doe claimed she had an intimate relationship with Diplo  whose real name is Thomas Welsey Pentz  from 2016 to 2023, and that he recorded himself having sex with her on multiple occasions without her consent. She alleged he then disclosed and/or distributed the images and videos to third parties through text messaging and Snapchat.

The complaint said that while Doe gave the star permission to record them having sex on some occasions, she never gave him permission to distribute those images and videos to third parties and reiterated that he was not to record them without her explicit consent.

She claims to have been contacted by a third party for the first time in November 2023, and found that they allegedly were in possession of intimate material of her and Diplo having sex. Doe was allegedly told that the unnamed party received the explicit photos and videos, which depicted her "genitals, buttocks, and face," on Oct. 14, 2018.

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Diplo attends Vogue World: Paris at Place Vendome on June 23, 2024 in Paris, France. Diplo attends Vogue World: Paris at Place Vendome on June 23, 2024 in Paris, France.

Related: Diplo Reveals He's on LSD While Appearing Live on CNN During NYE Special: 'It's Like a Light Trip'

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She filed a police report shortly after, and within days the NYPD issued a warrant for Defendant Diplos arrest for dissemination of intimate images and/or videos of Doe, per the filing.

The NYPD wouldn't confirm if there was an active warrant for Diplo, but acknowledged there was an active investigation.

There is a criminal complaint on file for unlawful dissemination for a suspect with the name of Thomas Pentz which is currently being investigated by NYPD detectives, a Deputy Commissioner, Public Information (DCPI) spokesperson told PEOPLE in a statement in June.

The star was previously sued in August 2023 by Shelly Auguste, who reportedly accused him of distributing nude photographs of her without her consent, among other things  and who he had sued for stalking, trespassing and more. Earlier this month, the two reached a resolution in principle that let them avoid a trial, Rolling Stone reported.

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In July 2021, Diplo was sued by a woman who claimed he wouldnt let her leave the room at an afterparty in Las Vegas until she performed oral sex on him. He denied the incident and the woman dropped the lawsuit the following week, according to Rolling Stone.



Read the original article on People
THE BRONX, N.Y. (PIX11)  Dozens of families affected by the devastating fire on Wallace Avenue in Allerton, Bronx, are struggling to find long-term housing solutions as their temporary accommodations are set to expire.

The American Red Cross of Greater New York has registered 102 families since the fire, providing them with emergency lodging until January 21st.

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The Disciples of Galilee were on hand Monday distributing clothes and essential items to the displaced residents. Max Acosta, President of The Disciples of Galilee, stated, Right now, Im providing them with clothes and everything until the city allows them in. I understand that this has to be structurally sound for them to be allowed in to get their belongings.

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City officials have kept residents from re-entering the building, citing water and structural damage. This has left many, like Cynthia Quintana, facing an uncertain future. Quintana, one of the displaced residents, shared her heartbreaking experience: My apartment was one of the first to blow up. I watched my belongings disappear within three minutes. Im devastated. I feel a little lost.

The fire, which started on the top floor of the six-story building, quickly spread, leaving many residents with nothing but the clothes on their backs. For Quintana, the loss was particularly painful as she had recently lost her husband. I had everything there, all my memories, everything, she said.

Doreen Howe, CEO of the American Red Cross of Greater New York, explained, When we first started registering the families, we told them that they would be placed in lodging until the 21st while the city figured out the next steps. Some displaced families have met with caseworkers to help them get back on their feet and find permanent housing.

Bronx building had heat complaint days before massive fire

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However, as the January 21st deadline approaches, many residents are left wondering about their future. Quintana expressed her concern, saying, After the 21st, to be honest with you, I dont know where Im gonna end up. Another resident, Barbara Grullar, voiced her apprehension about potential shelter arrangements: When I went over there, they were talking about from here you are going to go to a shelter, youre going to be sharing your bathroom and your kitchen, and I said no, were not going to a shelter.

Despite the uncertainty, Quintana remains hopeful, stating, Im just praying every day that I find a place to live.

The Red Cross is urging those who have been displaced to register with them for assistance. For more information call The American Red Cross at 877-RED-CROSS, option #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 PIX11.
CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  National Democratic leaders are calling the ongoing legal challenge in a race for a North Carolina Supreme Court seat, an assault on voting rights.

DNC Chair Jaime Harrison spoke with reporters Monday afternoon, as North Carolinas GOP and Republican Jefferson Griffin prepare their arguments for why tens of thousands of ballots should be thrown out. Griffin has lost multiple recounts to incumbent, Democratic Justice Allison Riggs.

Griffin and the GOP allege that the ballots they have identified contain irregularities when it comes to registration, allegations that were dismissed by Harrison.

PREVIOUS: Challenge of NC Supreme Court seat results may be uphill fight

They cant stand the fact that they were rejected by North Carolina voters. Fair and square. They become more and more desperate as the weeks have dragged on, said Harrison.

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North Carolinas Supreme Court, which holds a conservative majority, delayed certification of the election last week, wanting to first hear arguments from the parties in the case. But now the case is also in federal court. The State Board of Elections is asking appellate judges if the case should have ever been allowed to go before the state justices. Democrats, who side with the Board of Elections, worry if Griffin wins out, elections nationwide could see unnecessary challenges.

This playbook is not new to our state, but it is one that Republicans will take and make a national playbook if theyre able to succeed here, said North Carolina Chair Anderson Clayton.

A spokesperson for the North Carolina GOP told Queen City News that Griffin and the party are simply fighting for election integrity, and that their only pursuit is to rectify documented problems with voter registration.

READ MORE | Republican candidate for the North Carolina Supreme Court suffers legal setbacks in close race

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Democrats are trying to short-circuit the rule of law in order to preserve an electoral outcome. We are simply fighting for election integrity with issues we have documented conflict with state law and are not disputed by the State Board of Elections. Judge Griffin and the NCGOP are fighting to count every legal vote in this important election. NC Republican Party Spokesperson

It is unclear how a federal ruling would impact a state ruling. As it stands now, both cases seem to move at the same pace and are set to hear arguments or receive last filings in about two weeks.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
MADISON, Wis. (WFRV)  Officials with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources announced on Tuesday that they will be hosting five career fairs throughout the state in the early stages of 2025.

Wisconsin Legislature to put photo ID requirement on ballot for voter approval

According to a release from the DNR, those who attend the career fairs will have opportunities to ask questions, explore the natural resources field, and learn how to apply for new jobs online as they become available.

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People of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to attend the career fairs being held at the following dates, times, and locations:

Eau Claire on Saturday, January 18, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Oshkosh on Friday, January 24, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Milwaukee on Saturday, January 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Fitchburg on Saturday, January 25, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Woodruff on Wednesday, February 5, from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Officials say the DNR employs a large, diverse workforce throughout our state, and it typically has job opportunities in natural resources, environmental sciences, engineering, law enforcement, business, customer service, information technology, and administrative support, with a variety of full-time and limited-term employment positions.

REPORT: Packers long-time quarterbacks coach retiring

For more information about the upcoming career fairs click here. To view current DNR job openings click here.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court chambers. (Henry Redman/Wisconsin Examiner)

In February 2018 Melissa Hubbard underwent surgery to remove part of her colon. What she didnt know until afterward was that her ovaries were removed as well.

Removing Hubbards ovaries had been recommended to Hubbards surgeon by her gynecologist to treat another painful condition that Hubbard was dealing with. But while the gynecologist had previously discussed the ovary surgery with her, Hubbard wasnt ready to go forward with that procedure. She was unaware that the gynecologist had suggested it to the surgeon who was operating on her colon.

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On Tuesday, the Wisconsin Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in a lawsuit that Hubbard has filed against the gynecologist, Dr. Carol Neuman. The lawsuit argues that Neumans recommendation to the surgeon without Hubbards knowledge was an act of medical negligence.

The lawsuit Hubbard filed against Neuman hasnt gone to trial yet. The Ob/Gyn doctor, through her attorneys, argues that the lawsuit should be dismissed for failing to state a claim.

The lawsuit  and the doctors argument to throw it out  revolve around Wisconsins law that requires informed consent from patients for medical treatment.

Neumans lawyers argue that the doctor had no legal responsibility for Hubbards surgery under that law and no duty to tell Hubbard about what was merely Neumans recommendation to the surgeon, since Neuman didnt perform the surgery herself.

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A Rock County circuit judge disagreed with the doctors lawyers and rejected the summary judgment motion. The 4th District Wisconsin Court of Appeals upheld the circuit courts refusal to dismiss the case. Now Neumans lawyers have asked the state Supreme Court to reverse those decisions.

Writing for a three-judge District 4 appeals court panel in March 2024, Judge Chris Taylor found that the duty to inform a patient about the availability of reasonable alternative medical modes of treatment and about the benefits and risks of these treatments applies to any physician who treats a patient, regardless of whether that physician actually performs the disclosed treatment options.

According to the appeals courts summary of the case, in 2018 Hubbard was in Neumans care for treatment of endometriosis  a condition in which the same sort of tissue that lines the inside of the uterus also grows outside the uterus. Endometriosis can cause pain as well as infertility, according to the Mayo Clinic.

In a medical note quoted in the original lawsuit, Neuman wrote that she told Hubbard she should consider having at least her left uterus tube and ovary removed, or both tubes and ovaries.

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Those procedures would leave Hubbard unable to conceive a child, but Neuman wrote in her clinical note, I believe her endometriosis is so severe she may need reproductive specialists to help her. She does not want to see them because her insurance does not cover this option.

Hubbard did not agree to the removal of her reproductive organs, according to the lawsuit.

Neuman also referred Hubbard to a surgeon for a separate procedure: the removal of part of her colon due to a concern about cancer, according to Hubbards lawyer, Guy Fish of Milton.

Before the colon surgery, the doctor made a recommendation to the surgeon that he could remove Hubbards ovaries at the same time.

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Hubbard, prior to her surgery on February 13, 2018, at no time advised Neuman that she opted to have an ovary or ovaries be surgically removed during the operation, however, according to Hubbards lawsuit.

Neuman and the surgeon, Dr. Michael McGauley, engaged in pre-surgery discussions and planning  without including or briefing Hubbard, the lawsuit states. At one point in their discussions, the plan was for Neuman to remove Hubbards tubes, ovaries and uterus, with McGauley performing the colon surgery in the same procedure.

Hubbard was not informed of those conversations, the lawsuit states. On the day that the surgery took place, McGauley performed the colon surgery and also removed Hubbards ovaries himself.

Had Hubbard been apprised of Neumans pre-surgery recommendations to McGauley . . . Hubbard would have immediately cancelled the scheduled surgery for February 13, 2018 in order to consider all her options, the lawsuit states.

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Defending the motion to dismiss the case, Neumans lawyers have argued that a doctors recommendation to another doctor shouldnt be subject to the states informed consent law.

A recommendation is not an order or a prescription, wrote Neumans legal team, from the Corneille Law Group in Madison, in a Supreme Court brief. The lawyers argued that not disclosing to Hubbard the recommendation Neuman made to the surgeon should not be treated as a violation of the states informed consent law.

Treating physicians who discuss the patients care must be able to freely exchange their thoughts, opinions, advice and counsel without concern that they may each be liable for failing to disclose the content of those communications to the patient, the brief for Neuman argues.

The brief asks the Supreme Court to send the case back to the Rock County circuit court with an order to dismiss the lawsuit.

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But Hubbards lawyer argues that its in the interest of patients to encourage disclosure, including of communications among doctors.

Doesnt a treating physician more fully fulfill his/her duty by disclosing more pertinent medical information to the patient? Fish asked in a brief to the high court.

The lower court also rejected the assertion that holding the gynecologist responsible for providing informed consent for her recommendation to the surgeon would squelch doctors from freely consulting one another.

In making their ruling, the appeals court judges focused on whether the state law would not apply to Neuman even assuming all of the factual allegations in the lawsuit were true.

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The effect of Neumans recommendation  the loss of Hubbards ovaries without her knowledge ahead of time  was instrumental enough to consider Neuman a treating physician, even though she didnt perform the surgery, the lower court judges wrote.

In making the recommendation to the surgeon, they wrote, Neuman arguably had a responsibility to disclose to the patient the risks of the procedure, the probabilities of success and any alternative treatments that might be available.

In short, they ruled, Neuman failed to make the case for dismissing the case outright.

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Amid the charred ruins of a neighborhood devastated by the Palisades fire, a moment of pure joy shone through the haze. An emotional video captures the heartfelt reunion of an owner and his beloved dog, Oreo, who he feared had been lost to the wildfire that claimed his home.

Dog and owner reunite in touching video amid raging LA blaze

The BEST news! Fire victim Casey Colvin, whose home burned down in the Palisades Fire, just found and reunited with his dog, Oreo, who spent 5 nights surviving amidst the rubble  @NBCNewspic.twitter.com/rAuJJk3pfa  Liz Kreutz (@LizKreutzNews) January 12, 2025

Los Angeles resident Casey Colvin felt a wave of relief and emotion when he reunited with his dog, Oreo, five days after the devastating Palisades fire separated them. In a now-viral video, Colvin spots Oreo through a neighbors gate and rushes to scoop him up, exclaiming through tears, Oh, honey! Oh my God, youre alive! Youre alive! as he holds the dog tightly.

The ordeal began when Colvin was at work and received evacuation orders due to the rapidly spreading fire. Caught in hours of gridlock traffic, he frantically worried about Oreo and another dog, Tika Tika Tika. Colvin recalled to NBC Los Angeles how he had rescued both dogs from the streets, and he felt desperate to save them from harm once more.

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Although a firefighter managed to rescue Tika Tika Tika, Oreo fled into the neighborhood, leaving Colvin in distress. Even as his home lay in ashes, Colvins determination to find Oreo didnt waver. He posted flyers online and used an AirTag placed on Oreos collar to track his whereabouts. His perseverance finally paid off when he received reports of Oreo being seen in the area, including a sighting of the dog sleeping in the rubble of a neighbors home.

Accompanied by a professional dog trapper, Colvin returned to the charred remains of his neighborhood. There, among the debris and ashes, he finally found Oreo. The reunion was an uplifting moment in a week of devastation, as Colvin carefully guided the frightened pup out of hiding and down the driveway to safety.

As of Monday morning, the Palisades and Eaton fires continue to rage, with at least 24 fatalities and nearly 200,000 people displaced, reported CNN. The fires have consumed over 40,000 acres and destroyed as many as 10,000 structures.

The post Dog Runs to Owner in Tear-Jerking LA Fire Video appeared first on DogTime.
LOS ANGELES, C.A. (WROC)  As News 8 continues to follow the devastating wildfires in California, News 8s Natalie Kucko spoke with a Webster native who called Los Angeles home for the last decade or so.

Frank Regelski missed the wildfires by a matter of days, as he made a career change and decided to pursue other opportunities in Georgia.

Regelski moved Southeast one week before the wildfires broke out. He says he is actively in touch with his friends still in California, who are working to pick up the pieces.

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As Regelski describes, the devastation left behind is beyond comprehension.

Ill never forget leaving the Los Angeles area, kind of looking in the rearview mirror, and having a moment to myself. And now to think just a short week or so later, all of those things I cherished are on fire, or burning, or not there at all anymore, said Regelski.

Regelski says when he left California, he never imagined what would follow.

Its almost like a survivors guilt type of thing. One day, youre seeing all your friends in L.A. post the same typical stories online. Then, the next day, youre seeing them just scared and afraid and not knowing what to do next. Knowing that if I had waited just a little longer, I wouldve had to have been dealing with these things. But, on top of it, being able to lend a hand to friends who might have been in a worse area, or not being able to volunteer.

As the California area continues to process whats unfolding and the uncertainty of what lies ahead, Regelski speaks to the reputation of Los Angeles he came to know and admire while living there.

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L.A. has a reputation, and a lot of it is true, but one thing I think that gets lost is people there are hard workers. Theyre dreamers. Theyre grinders. I know that momentum will carry them through. That sounds good and well thousands of miles away when youre not dealing with it. But, I know that just every separate neighborhood has been leaning on each other. People are flying in or driving in to help lend a hand. Theres dozens of donation centers and food drives. I think the community is doing everything it possibly can outside of fighting the fires, said Regelski.

Western New Yorks chapter of the American Red Cross has deployed two volunteers to California so far.

A spokesperson for the Red Cross says the best way to contribute is by donating. More resources to do so 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 RochesterFirst.
Special counsel Jack Smith's final report lays out in no uncertain terms federal prosecutors' position that Donald Trump -- who is set to be inaugurated president in less than a week -- would have been convicted on multiple felonies for his alleged efforts to unlawfully overturn the results of the 2020 election, had voters not decided to send him back to the White House in the 2024 election.

That was one of the primary conclusions included in Smith's final report on his election interference investigation, which the Justice Department released early Tuesday morning after a federal judge, late Monday night, cleared the way for the report's release.

The report lays out the probe that resulted in Trump being charged in 2023 with four felony counts of undertaking a "criminal scheme" to overturn the results of the 2020 election in an effort to subvert democracy and remain in power. Trump pleaded not guilty to all charges.

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MORE: Special counsel Jack Smith personally denounces Trump's conduct, calls his accusations 'laughable'

The case, as well as Smith's classified documents case against Trump, was dropped following Trump's reelection in November due to a longstanding Justice Department policy prohibiting the prosecution of a sitting president.

"The Department's view that the Constitution prohibits the continued indictment and prosecution of a President is categorical and does not turn on the gravity of the crimes charged, the strength of the Government's proof, or the merits of the prosecution, which the Office stands fully behind," the report said. "Indeed, but for Mr. Trump's election and imminent return to the Presidency, the Office assessed that the admissible evidence was sufficient to obtain and sustain a conviction at trial."

After conducting interviews with 250 witnesses voluntarily, calling 55 people to testify before the grand jury, executing dozens of subpoenas and search warrants, and sifting through a terabyte of publicly accessible data, Smith's team concluded they could convince a jury beyond a reasonable doubt that Trump committed multiple federal crimes when he attempted to overturn the election, the report said.

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"The throughline of all of Mr. Trump's criminal efforts was deceit -- knowingly false claims of election fraud -- and the evidence shows that Mr. Trump used these lies as a weapon to defeat a federal government function foundational to the United States' democratic process," the report said.

PHOTO: Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event, April 2, 2024, in Grand Rapids, Mich. (Paul Sancya/AP)

For the first time, the report shed light on the internal deliberations of the prosecutors who sought to prove that Trump "engaged in an unprecedented criminal effort" while navigating the uncharted legal territory of charging a former president.

While prosecutors considered charging Trump with violating the Insurrection Act, Smith wrote that he opted against the approach because of the "litigation risk that would be presented by employing this long-dormant statute." According to the report, prosecutors worried that Trump's actions did not amount to an insurrection because he was already in power -- rather than challenging a sitting government -- when the riot took place. Smith also noted that his office did not obtain "direct evidence" of Trump's "intent to cause the full scope of the violence that occurred on January 6."

Smith also noted that the case against Trump presented unique challenges, including Trump's "ability and willingness" to use social media to target witnesses, courts, and prosecutors with "threats and harassment." Like any other case involving a conspiracy, prosecutors also expressed concerns about convincing witnesses to cooperate while the defendant still exerted influence and command over his alleged co-conspirators.

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"That dynamic was amplified in this case given Mr. Trump's political and financial status, and the prospect of his future election to the presidency," the report said.

Despite those concerns, Smith's report laid out how prosecutors planned to rebut Trump's expected arguments to secure a conviction, laying out a play-by-play for how a trial would have proceeded had Trump lost the election.

If the former president argued that he acted in good faith when he claimed there was election fraud, prosecutors would present "strong proof" that Trump himself knew his claims of fraud were false. The report noted that Trump repeatedly noted in private how he lost the election, including berating Vice President Mike Pence for being "too honest" to challenge the results, telling his family "you still have to fight like hell" even if he lost the election, and remarking to a staffer, "Can you believe I lost to this f'ing guy?" after seeing Biden on television.

MORE: Judge denies Trump's last-ditch effort to block midnight release of Jack Smith's final report

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"This was not a case in which Mr. Trump merely misstated a fact or two in a handful of isolated instances. On a repeated basis, he and co-conspirators used specific and knowingly false claims of election fraud," the report said.

If Trump argued he was following the advice of his lawyers, prosecutors planned to present evidence showing that his lawyers were acting as accomplices to the crime, preventing Trump from legally being able to employ the argument.

And if Trump argued that he was just using his First Amendment right when he challenged the election, prosecutors planned to highlight that Trump employed his statements to commit other crimes, including using false statements to defeat a government function, obstruct an official proceeding, and injure the right to vote.

"The Office was cognizant of Mr. Trump's free speech rights during the investigation and would not have brought a prosecution if the evidence indicated he had engaged in mere political exaggeration or rough-and-tumble politics," the report said. "The conduct of Mr. Trump and co-conspirators, however, went well beyond speaking their minds or contesting the election results through our legal system."

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In the report, Smith also detailed multiple interviews with various so-called "fake electors" who he said sought to cast votes for Trump -- and admitted they would not have done so "had they known the true extent of co-conspirators' plans."

Smith told how investigators obtained Signal messages where "Co-Conspirator 4" -- previously identified by ABC News as former DOJ official Jeffrey Clark -- sent a message to Rep. Scott Perry saying he had received a highly classified briefing on foreign interference in the 2020 election that "yielded nothing" to support allegations of a stolen election.

"Bottom line is there is nothing helpful to P," Clark's message said, according to the report.

The report cites the handwritten notes of former Vice President Mike Pence that the special counsel obtained, about which Smith wrote, "In repeated conversations, day after day, Mr. Trump pressed Mr. Pence to use his ministerial position as President of the Senate to change the election outcome, often by citing false claims of election fraud as justification; he even falsely told Mr. Pence that the 'Justice Department [was] finding major infractions.'"

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Regarding the House select committee's investigation into the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, the report said that probe only "comprised a small part of the Office's investigative record, and any facts on which the Office relied to make a prosecution decision were developed or verified through independent interviews and other investigative steps."

Volume One of Smith's final report was released to the public early Tuesday after U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, following a weeklong court battle, ruled Monday that the Justice Department could release it.

Trump's former co-defendants in his classified documents case, longtime aide Walt Nauta and staffer Carlos De Oliveira, had sought to block the release of both the classified documents volume and the Jan. 6 volume, but Cannon -- who last year dismissed the classified documents case -- allowed the public release of the Jan. 6 volume after determining that its contents have no bearing on the evidence or charges related Nauta and De Oliveira in their ongoing case.

MORE: Senate Democrats urge Garland to preserve evidence from Trump investigations

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After conferring with Smith, Garland determined that he would not publicly release Volume Two pertaining to the classified documents investigation because Nauta and De Oliveira's cases were technically still on appeal.

In the classified documents case, Trump pleaded not guilty in 2023 to 40 criminal counts related to his handling of classified materials after leaving the White House, after prosecutors said he repeatedly refused to return hundreds of documents containing classified information. The former president, along with Nauta and De Oliveira, pleaded not guilty in a superseding indictment to allegedly attempting to delete surveillance footage at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate.

Smith resigned as special prosecutor on Friday after wrapping up the cases and submitting his report to Garland.

Jack Smith, in final report, says voters saved Trump from being convicted in Jan. 6 case originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
The Justice Department delivered part of special counsel Jack Smiths report to Congress early Tuesday morning, explaining his charging decisions related to the probe into now-President-elect Donald Trumps alleged efforts to subvert the 2020 election leading up to and during the attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

The report was originally intended to include information about Smiths prosecution of Trump for his alleged illegal retention of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago, his Florida resort. But because the case is still active against two of Trumps co-defendants, Attorney General Merrick Garland agreed to keep those details under wraps for now. That case is likely to unravel entirely once Trump takes office, so it is highly unlikely that the public will ever see that information.

Smith explicitly says he believes the department had enough evidence to obtain and sustain a conviction were Trump to stand trial.

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The 137-page documentwas first obtained by The New York Times.

The Departments view that the Constitution prohibits the continued indictment and prosecution of a President is categorical and does not turn on the gravity of the crimes charged, the strength of the Governments proof, or the merits of the prosecution, which the Office stands fully behind, the document reads. Indeed, but for Mr. Trumps election and imminent return to the Presidency, the Office assessed that the admissible evidence was sufficient to obtain and sustain a conviction at trial.

Trump was indicted in August 2023 on four felony charges connected to Jan. 6: conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding, and conspiracy against rights. The latter charge was for allegations of intimidating voters as well as state and election officials.

Trump spent months filing motions to dismiss the election subversion case, invoking everything from vindictive prosecution to total immunity, but was eventually scheduled to go to trial in March 2024. He eventually raised the question of whether presidents were entitled to immunity from prosecution to the Supreme Court, leaving the case in a lurch for weeks until justices ruled, 6-3, that presidents are immune from prosecution for official acts and entitled to presumptive immunity for unofficial acts.

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Smith revised and narrowed the original indictment to reflect the Supreme Courts interpretation of immunity rules. His revised indictment would have forced Trump to defend certain conduct, including his speech from the Ellipse in Washington on Jan. 6 and his calls pressuring election officials to find votes for him, as official activity instead of campaign activity.

But Trumps victory over Vice President Kamala Harris in November sealed the cases fate: It was dismissed without prejudice, meaning it could be brought again at a later date. Since Justice Department guidance recommends that sitting presidents cannot be sentenced, however, Smith backed off.

In the report, Smith defended the investigation from its inception, writing that Trumps unprecedented efforts to unlawfully retain power after he lost the 2020 election compelled prosecutors to act.

Indeed, Mr. Trumps cases represented ones in which the offense [was] the most flagrant, the public harm the greatest, and the proof most certain, Smith wrote, quoting a passage from the 1940 text The Federal Prosecutor by Robert Jackson, once the chief U.S. prosecutor at the Nuremberg trials for Nazis.

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Without regard for politics, or the possible personal or professional consequences of a prosecution for me or any member of his office, Smith said, investigators had one north star.

It was to follow the facts and law wherever they led, the now-former special counsel wrote. Nothing more and nothing less.

Smith, once the leader of the Justice Departments public integrity division, said his office stands fully behind the decision to charge Trump because to have done otherwise on the facts developed during our work would have been to shirk my duties as a prosecutor and a public servant. After nearly 30 years of public service, that is a choice I could not abide.

The report is divided into several sections, with much of it reiterating allegations Smith laid out in the revised indictment last August, but the final report also contains explanations for why prosecutors opted against charging Trump with other crimes, including crimes under the Insurrection Act.

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In U.S. history, there is little legal precedent available to help prosecutors interpret that law. To charge Trump, they would need to first define that what unfolded at the Capitol was unequivocally an insurrection against the authority of the U.S. and its laws. Then, they would need to prove that Trump incited the insurrection, assisted it or provided comfort to insurrectionists.

While courts have found that Jan. 6 was an insurrection and even described it as such, Smith said, prosecutors understood there was a keen litigation risk that would be presented by employing this long dormant statute.

Insurrections are defined generally as an uprising against a civil or political authority or established government. Other definitions, including legal definitions, acknowledge that it can also be a rout, riot or offense connected with mob violence, the report notes.

Courts have also observed that insurrections typically involve overthrowing a sitting government, rather than maintaining power.

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Observing this, prosecutors said, they saw another challenge to proving beyond a reasonable doubt that Mr. Trumps conduct on January 6 qualified as an insurrection given that he was sitting president at that time.

As they pored over litigation involving insurrectionary acts in years past to draw the comparison to Trump, Smith said, prosecutors could not find a single case in which a criminal defendant was charged with insurrection for acting within the government to maintain power, as opposed to overthrowing it or thwarting it from the outside.

If Smith would have charged Trump with violating the Insurrection Act, it would have been a first, which further weighed against charging it, given the available charges, even if there were reasonable arguments that might apply.

No matter how strong the proof that he incited or gave aid and comfort to those who attacked the Capitol, Smith wrote, the path to charging him under the statute was too fraught with uncertainty.

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A reasonable case could have been made by applying incitement standards, too, especially given the evidence that Trump knew the violence at the Capitol was foreseeable and that he caused it, Smith wrote. Trump understood the riot would benefit his plan to thwart the certification of the 2020 election, the report said, and he could use any disruption to leverage his position.

But the Office did not develop direct evidence  such as an explicit admission or communication with co-conspirators of Mr. Trumps subjective intent to cause the full scope of the violence that occurred on Jan. 6, Smith wrote.

The charges that were eventually applied were the best fit because they did not introduce untested legal theories and could be defended concretely before a jury.

The report also goes into detail about some of the hurdles prosecutors faced once the indictment was made.

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Trumps ability and willingness to use his influence and following on social media to target witnesses, courts and department employees forced the special counsels office to engage in time-consuming litigation to protect witnesses from threats and harassment, Smith wrote.

That intimidation and harassment was nothing new, however.

In fact, Smith wrote, it only emphasized some of what prosecutors had alleged: Trump regularly fell back on intimidation tactics that posed real world consequences in his bid to control the narrative.

Recall, Smith wrote in his final report, just 24 hours after Trump was arraigned in the Jan. 6 case, he lashed out on social media, writing: IF YOU GO AFTER ME, IM COMING AFTER YOU!

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The very next day, one of his supporters, Texas resident Abigail Jo Shry, called the chambers of the judge overseeing the case, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan  a Black woman  and called her a racial slur before vowing that if Trump didnt win the presidency in 2024, we are coming to kill you.

So tread lightly, bitch. You will be targeted personally, publicly, your family, all of it, Shry said in a voicemail.

Shry pleaded guilty to making a threat over interstate communications and will be sentenced in March. Similarly, Tiffani Gish, another Texas resident, was sentenced to just over three years in prison for threatening U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, the jurist overseeing Trumps classified documents case.

Trumps commentary prompted a narrow gag order in the case, and with Trumps ensuing appeals, proceedings were slowed down significantly.

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Regular battles over Trumps invocation of executive privilege over witness testimony and records added to delays. While investigators interviewed nearly 300 people and compiled a terabyte of records, Smiths report notes, Trumps repeated assertion of executive privilege caused major delays to the special counsels office receiving important records and evidence, including testimony from senior White House staff and Executive Branch officials about topics such as Mr. Trumps knowledge that he had lost the election and the pressure campaign Mr. Trump waged against the Vice President [Mike Pence] to convince him to reject legitimate elector slates at the Jan. 6 certification proceeding.

In his failed to bid to stop the publication of the report, Trump argued the findings were nothing more than a political hit job meant to upset the transition of power.

On Tuesday morning, Trump took to his perch on his social media platform, Truth Social, and dubbed Smith a lamebrain prosecutor who was unable to get his case tried before the Election, which I won in a landslide.

Over 140 police officers were injured and several people died in the wake of the Jan. 6 riot. At least 123 people have been charged with using a deadly or dangerous weapon. Trump has vowed to pardon rioters, frequently calling them hostages and patriots.

Experts have warned that blanket pardons for Jan. 6 would set a dangerous new precedent and potentially spark a resurgence of white supremacist violence.

In an interview with USA Today after the election, Joan Donovan, the founder of the nonprofit group the Critical Internet Studies Institute, warned indiscriminate pardons signaled something very dangerous, not just for America but also for what could eventually turn into a civil war.

I think that if Trump does pardon some of the more serious vigilantes from Jan. 6, that sends a clear message  that he is building a private army, Donovan said.

Related...
The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against several large landlords for participating in alleged "algorithmic pricing schemes" that ultimately harm renters, with the Minnesota Attorney General's Office among those who have joined the suit.

Filed on Jan. 7, the amended complaint in the DOJ's antitrust lawsuit against property management software platform RealPage names six of the nation's largest landlords:

Greystar Real Estate LLC

Blackstone's LivCor LLC

Camden Property Trust

Cushman & Wakefield and Pinnacle Property Management Services LLC

Willow Bridge Property Company LLC

Cortland Management LLC

Of the six landlords, five of them have properties in Minnesota: Greystar, LivCor, Cushman & Wakefield and Pinnacle Management Services, Willow Bridge Property Company, and Cortland Management.

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The lawsuit alleges all six "participated in an unlawful scheme to decrease competition among landlords in apartment pricing, harming millions of American renters." These landlords operate more than 1.3 million units in 43 states and the District of Columbia, according to the DOJ.

The landlords are accused of a scheme to set their rents using each other's competitively sensitive information through common pricing algorithms. They also are alleged to coordinate through a variety of means, including:

Directly communicating with competitors' senior managers about rents, occupancy, and other competitively sensitive topics: The suit uses an example of Greystar supplying Camden with information not only about renewal rates, but also "its approach to pricing for the upcoming quarter and competitively sensitive information about occupancy." Additionally, Camden and LivCor also allegedly communicated for months about their pricing strategies, including plans for certain price increases.

Regularly conducting "call arounds": During these discussions, also referred to as "market surveys," property managers called or emailed competitors to share and sometimes discuss sensitive information about rents, occupancy, pricing, strategies and discounts.

Participating in "user groups" hosted by RealPage : Landlords discussed via user groups how to modify the software's pricing methodology, as well as their own pricing strategies. The U.S. Attorney's Office says in one example, LivCor and Willow Bridge executives participated in a user group discussion of plans for renewal increases, concessions and acceptance rates of RealPage rent recommendations.

Sharing information with competitors about parameters in RealPage's software: At the request of Willow Bridge's director of revenue management, Greystar's director of revenue management supplied its standard auto-accept parameters for RealPage's software, including the daily and weekly limits and the days of the week for which Greystar used "auto-accept."

The DOJ has also proposed a consent decree that, if approved by the court, would resolve its claims against Cortland, a landlord that manages over 80,000 rental units in 13 states, including Minneapolis's Cortland Mill District.

Along with Minnesota, other states involved as plaintiffs in the case include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee and Washington.

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While Americans across the country struggled to afford housing, the landlords named in todays lawsuit shared sensitive information about rental prices and used algorithms to coordinate to keep the price of rent high, acting Assistant Attorney General Doha Mekki of the Justice Departments Antitrust Division said on Jan. 7.

Todays action against RealPage and six major landlords seeks to end their practice of putting profits over people and make housing more affordable for millions of people across the country.

Bring Me The News reached out to the Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison's office for comment but haven't heard back.
The Justice Department's final report about the election subversion case against Donald Trump was released on Tuesday, Jan. 14, revealing new details about how the 45th president allegedly tried clinging to power after losing reelection in 2020.

The report  which was compiled by special counsel Jack Smith  claims that the Justice Department had enough evidence to convict Trump of election interference and would have moved forward with prosecuting him if he had not won the 2024 election.

Indeed, but for Mr. Trumps election and imminent return to the Presidency, the Office assessed that the admissible evidence was sufficient to obtain and sustain a conviction at trial," the report stated.

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The more than 137-page report claimed that Trump "resorted to a series of criminal efforts to retain power" after he had lost the 2020 election to Joe Biden. This included "attempts to induce state officials to ignore" vote counts and to "force" his vice president at the time, Mike Pence, and other justice department officials to "act in contravention of their oaths" and "advance" Trump's "personal interests."

Related: Donald Trump Said 2 Chilling Words on Jan. 6 When Aide Told Him Mike Pence Was in Danger: Newly Revealed Evidence

Graeme Sloan/Bloomberg via Getty Capitol police are overtaken by pro-Trump rioters on Jan. 6, 2021

The report also claimed that Trump worked with others to "overturn the election results and perpetuate himself in office" and even inspired his supporters to "commit acts of physical violence" on Jan. 6, 2021, in order "to obstruct the congressional certification of the presidential election and then leverage rioters' violence to further delay it."

In the report, Smith alleged that Trump perpetuated "false" claims that "dead, non-resident, non-citizen, or otherwise ineligible voters" had cast ballots against him and that voting machines changed people's votes against him, despite high ranking officials in his administration telling him directly "that there was no evidence to support his claims."

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Related: Rudy Giuliani Now Admits He Made False Statements About Georgia Poll Workers After 2020 Election

Smith said that he stood "fully" behind his decision to prosecute Trump in the report, adding, to have done otherwise on the facts developed during our work would have been to shirk my duties as a prosecutor and a public servant.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Trump fired back after the release of the report on his social media platform Truth Social, writing, "Jack is a lamebrain prosecutor who was unable to get his case tried before the Election, which I won in a landslide."



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Related: Georgia Prosecutors Have Messages Linking Donald Trumps Legal Team to a 2020 Election Breach: Report

MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Former special counsel Jack Smith filed his final reports before resigning from the Justice Department on Friday, Jan. 10 Former special counsel Jack Smith filed his final reports before resigning from the Justice Department on Friday, Jan. 10

As special counsel, Smith was tasked with overseeing exhaustive federal investigations into Trump, which resulted in two separate criminal cases. The first was related to Trump's attempts to overturn the 2020 election results  including his actions leading up to the deadly Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot  and the second case addressed his handling of classified White House documents that were retrieved from Mar-a-Lago.

Related: Every Crime Donald Trump Was Charged With, Explained

Trump was indicted in both cases in 2023, but a series of delay tactics prevented him from going on trial before the 2024 presidential election. After Trump was elected president in November, Smith dropped the cases against him entirely. He then resigned from the Justice Department on Friday, Jan. 10, to avoid being fired by Trump after Inauguration Day.

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Though Trump ultimately evaded his federal criminal charges, outgoing Attorney General Merrick Garland recently asserted that the public has a right to know what was in Smith's report about Trump.

In the name of transparency, Garland has been on a mission to release all special counsel reports that were filed during his tenure. He did make one exception, agreeing to withhold the details about Trump's classified documents investigation for now, since his co-defendants in that case are still facing trial.



Read the original article on People
Donald Trump would have been convicted of illegally attempting to overturn the 2020 election result, were it not for his presidential victory last year, special counsel Jack Smith has concluded.

The 45th president inspired his supporters to commit acts of physical violence on January 6 2021 when they stormed the US Capitol by knowingly spread a false narrative about election fraud in the 2020 race, Smith determined in the final report on his investigation published in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

In response, Trump hit out at Smith in a 1am Truth Social rant, branding him deranged and a lamebrain prosecutor.

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Donald Trump resorted to criminal measures to overturn the 2020 election result, Jack Smiths report says (Reuters)

But for Mr Trumps election and imminent return to the presidency, the office assessed that the admissible evidence was sufficient to obtain and sustain a conviction at trial, the 130-page report concludes. When it became clear that Mr Trump had lost the election and that lawful means of challenging the election results had failed, he resorted to a series of criminal efforts to retain power.

Those included, according to the special counsel, attempts to induce state officials to ignore true vote counts; to manufacture fraudulent slates of presidential electors in seven states that he had lost; to force Justice Department officials and his own vice president, Michael R Pence, to act in contravention of their oaths and to instead advance Mr Trumps personal interests.

Former special prosecutor Jack Smith resigned on Friday ahead of Trumps return to the Oval Office (AP)

Smith reveals the intensity of Trumps pressure campaign against then-vice president Pence, alleging that he told his running mate that hundreds of thousands of people would hate his guts and think him stupid if he did not comply with his plans. He angrily rebuked Pence for being too honest, the report adds.

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Trump, who takes office as Americas 47th president on January 20, has not been exonerated for his unprecedented criminal effort to subvert the 2020 vote, the report flatly states.

In response, the president-elect took to his Truth Social platform to blast Smith as deranged in two separate messages.

Trump accused the former special prosecutor of only publishing the report because he could not bring a successful prosecution.

Trump supporters stormed the Capitol building on January 6 (Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

He said the document in question was based on information that the Unselect Committee of Political Hacks and Thugs ILLEGALLY DESTROYED AND DELETED.

Referring to the bipartisan House select committee led by Representative Bennie Thompson that investigated efforts to subvert the 2020 result, Trump alleges the panel destroyed evidence because it showed how totally innocent he was, but provided no information to support the claim.

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Jack is a lamebrain prosecutor who was unable to get his case tried before the Election, which I won in a landslide, he added.

In a subsequent message, Trump insisted again that the Unselect Committee illegally destroyed and deleted all of the evidence, once more providing no basis for his contention.

Earlier this month, House Speaker Mike Johnson announced that there would be a formal probe into the House committee in question, which prominently featured Republicans Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger among its members  a gesture widely seen as an act of retaliation on the incoming presidents behalf.

House Speaker Mike Johnson is set to launch an investigation into the investigation (Getty Images)

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Smith, who resigned from the Justice Department on Friday, took action to drop his case against Trump in the aftermath of the latters November election win over Kamala Harris because of the long-standing protocol by the department not to bring charges against a sitting president.

But the special counsel steps aside with a report that makes clear his belief that Trump spread claims that were demonstrably and, in many cases, obviously false in the hope of seizing back the presidency four years ago.

Trump knew that there was no outcome-determinative fraud in the 2020 election, that many of the specific claims that he made were untrue, and that he had lost the election, his report adds.

In a letter accompanying its release, Smith also moved to defend his own integrity and that of his team.

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I can assure you that neither l nor the prosecutors on my team would have tolerated or taken part in any action by our office for partisan political purposes, he wrote. My office had one north star: to follow the facts and law wherever they led. Nothing more and nothing less.

He branded Trumps accusations of corruption against him and his team laughable.

A second volume of Smiths report addresses separate charges against Trump over his handling of classified documents after he left the White House following the curtailment of his first term.

That volume was not released because charges against two of Trumps co-defendants, Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira, are still pending, even though charges were dropped against the president-elect himself.

Trumps team of lawyers scrambled shortly before Smiths election interference report was released to attempt again to block it, but failed.
DOTHAN, Ala. (WDHN)  Dothan City Schools are upgrading all remaining vestibules at district school buildings.

These vestibules will help the weapons detection systems already in place at city campuses.

The Carver School for Mathematics, Science and Technology, Girard Elementary, Kelly Springs Elementary, Highlands Elementary, Hidden Lake Primary, Heard Elementary, and Morris Slingluff are the remaining schools to receive the security enhancements.

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This comes through the Partnership Alliance for Safer Schools, which provides best practice recommendations for school environment security and school safety.

Courtesy of Dothan City Schools Courtesy of Dothan City Schools Courtesy of Dothan City Schools

The Partnership Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS) recognizes the value of controlled access in our schools, said DCS School Safety Coordinator, Steve Parrish. Secure vestibules are an important part of this benchmark. The project is one of the top recommendations from our threat assessment completed in 2021. They create a layer of security that is almost as important as having an SRO at each school.

Last year, DCS approved the move to add the vestibules to six district schools.

Bid advertisement is set to begin this month, with open bids expected no later than March. The city expects the vestibules to be installed over the summer break.

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The secure vestibule projects across the district are expected to be completed by the start of the 2025-2026 school year.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDHN - wdhn.com.
More than 50 new United States citizens are celebrating following their naturalization ceremony at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park on Tuesday morning.

Channel 2s Brittany Kleinpeter was at the special ceremony that happened just a day before Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.s birthday, an American Civil Rights leader who worked to make America a more fair, tolerant, and equal nation.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Bangladesh native Nayal Trydhar was among those who participated in Tuesdays ceremony. Alongside his brother and father, the family became U.S. citizens together.

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I cant even tell you in words how we feel now. Its very exciting and were very thrilled, Trydhar explained just moments after taking his oath.

Trydhar said he and his family came to America in 2017, but now live in Norcross alongside over 35 other family members.

Were really happy and glad that the U.S. government gave us the opportunity to become a U.S. citizen and especially to take the Oath in this room, he added.

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The father-son trio were joined by others from 27 different countries including Bangladesh, Burma, Cambodia, Canada, China, Colombia, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Guinea, India, Iran, Jamaica, Liberia, Lithuania, Mexico, Nicaragua, Philippines, South Korea, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay and Vietnam.

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While Tuesdays ceremony was held at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park, leaders say they are also held at public parks, schools, and libraries.

The frequencies of ceremonies depends on the number of successful applicants and the number of venues available.

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Dr. Chanel L. Fort has been named the new dean of Academic Programs and Services at Gadsden State Community College, taking over from Dr. Farrah Hayes, who has been appointed director of the Challenger Learning Center. Fort brings more than 20 years of experience in leadership and program development to her new role.

We look forward to the positive impact Dr. Fort will make in shaping the future of our academic programs and furthering Gadsden States mission of student success and community development, said Gadsden State President Dr. Kathy Murphy in a news release.

Fort holds a bachelors degree in health sciences and health services administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, a masters degree in human services and healthcare administration from Capella University, and a doctoral degree in education, global leadership and change from Pepperdine University, which she completed in July.

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Before joining Gadsden State, Fort served as the director of outcomes assessment at Jefferson State Community College, overseeing the college-wide assessment and accreditation process for all four campuses. She also founded and served as CEO and learning strategist at Fortified Learning Solutions from 2016 to 2021.

Additionally, Fort has held roles as adjunct instructor at Jefferson State, corporate dean of health sciences at Education Corporation of America and program director at Virginia College. She has also worked as a grants officer for the Alabama Department of Public Health and in several positions with Walgreens, including district pharmacy training coordinator.

Fort has earned recognition for her contributions to education and community engagement. She was named to Birmingham Business Journals People on the Move list in 2021 and was honored as an Education Design Lab designer in residence in 2022. As part of this role, she was one of 12 leaders reimagining the role of higher education in addressing racial and economic opportunity gaps.

Fort also received the UNCF Change Agent Award for Academic Improvement and Transformation for securing $1.1 million in funding for institutional transformation at a local historically Black college and university.

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In her new role as dean, Fort will oversee all academic instructional programs and services, including program development, library sciences, online instruction, and international programs. She will also manage the Alabama Language Institute and lead strategic planning for academic programs.

I accepted the position at Gadsden State because the institution exudes excellence in education practice, operations, people power, and leadership, Fort said in a news release. Accepting the position at Gadsden State also allows me to share my wisdom in educational leadership and steer the vision of academics, which is my career passion.

Forts extensive background in academic leadership, programmatic accreditation, and community partnerships positions her to make significant contributions at Gadsden State.

My career has kept me at the forefront of educational practice, policy change, and academic improvement, she said. My work in education and workforce development extends beyond the two- and four-year college systems and into city government, national accrediting organizations, and national nongovernment organizations. Collectively, these experiences will catapult my work as the dean of Academic Programs and Services.

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Forts immediate priorities as dean include conducting program reviews, assessing faculty qualifications and evaluating the library catalog to address any gaps. She also plans to explore the colleges community-based initiatives and its international program.

My first steps will be to conduct program reviews and evaluate the outcomes for better understanding of existing program sustainability and changing needs, she said. I will assess faculty qualifications to ensure that all courses are taught by qualified faculty members, and I will review the library catalog of sources and close any gaps in database access, missing and expiring contracts and sources quality and library use.

Fort is committed to building relationships and fostering collaboration within the Gadsden State community.

I plan to meet with the faculty, staff, and students through focus groups to gather insights on professional development interests and morale and student perspectives on academic support systems, she said. Additionally, I intend to establish meaningful relationships and inculcate leadership as a circle of support.

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Fort is excited to join Gadsden States administration and expressed her admiration for the colleges professionalism and reputation.

Gadsden State is one of the most professional colleges Ive been associated with, she said. The professionalism has been spot-on from the interview to onboarding. It is the level of quality in educational excellence that I most appreciate. Gadsden State is also a community staple with a tremendous reputation. I have friends whove graduated from Gadsden State, and all speak highly of the College. For this reason, Im an immediate fan and grateful to be a Cardinal.
By Saurabh Sharma

PRAYAGRAJ, India (Reuters) -Naked Hindu ascetics smeared in holy ash charged into the waters of sacred rivers in India on Tuesday, part of a large crowd of 35 million devotees who took the holy dip on the second day of the Maha Kumbh Mela, or Great Pitcher Festival, seeking absolution from their sins.

The "royal bath" of the ascetics is a key part of the event, held every 12 years in the northern city of Prayagraj, because Hindus believe it confers salvation from the cycle of birth and death, in addition to the absolution of sins.

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Thousands of devotees watched the ascetics take a dip in freezing waters, dreadlocks flying and clad only in holy beads, though some carried tridents, spears, or maces, after a procession to the water accompanied by chants and the beat of drums.

"The crowd today was fantastic," said ascetic Rakesh Kumar after his holy dip at the confluence of the rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati. "We need people to follow our faith and participate in festivals like this."

On Tuesday, 35 million people "earned the holy benefit" of taking a dip, Uttar Pradesh State Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said, thanking authorities for their efforts to maintain law and order.

Nearly 15 million people, more than double the 6 million population of the city, had taken a ritual dip on Monday, when the six-week festival, expected to attract more than 400 million people, began.

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The Kumbh originates in a Hindu belief that four drops of the nectar of immortality fell to earth, one in Prayagraj, during a battle between the god Vishnu, known as the Preserver, and demons over a golden pitcher holding the elixir.

Every 12 years, the festival is described as "maha" or great, as the timing is considered to render it more auspicious, drawing bigger crowds.

More than 150,000 tents have been set up across 4,000 hectares (9,900 acres), or the size of 7,500 football fields, to accommodate visitors, and nearly as many toilets.

About 50,000 security officers are also on guard to ensure the event, touted to be the world's largest gathering of humanity, goes off smoothly.

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In the past, the gathering has been visible from space, with India's space agency releasing photographs of it in 2019.

The budget for this year's festival is an estimated $800 million and analysts estimate it will boost economic growth by $30 billion to $35 billion.

(Additional reporting by Tanvi Mehta in New Delhi; Writing by Sakshi Dayal; Editing by YP Rajesh, Clarence Fernandez and Hugh Lawson)
Los Angeles-area residents who already face warnings about their tap water could be without it for some time, experts told NBC News, owing to concerns about the damage done to local infrastructure and the chemicals released by wildfires.

At least two water departments have told residents not to drink their tap water because of concerns about potential contamination from the ongoing wildfires. And the possibility of chemicals and pathogens entering the water system has raised concerns about potential risks to human health, though it may take a while for tests to determine the scope of the problem, particularly since the fires are still active.

On Friday, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power instructed people in the Pacific Palisades and adjacent communities to use bottled water for cooking, drinking, brushing teeth and washing dishes. The advisory warns that fire-related contaminants such as benzene  a chemical with the potential to cause cancer  may have entered the water system.

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The Pasadena Water and Power Department also told many residents last week to switch to bottled water until further notice, citing concerns that debris may have entered the system. The Eaton Fire in the area damaged several reservoirs and pump stations, the department said, which could affect water quality.

Theres definitely some level of contamination in these damaged systems. How much nobody knows, said Jackson Webster, an assistant professor of civil engineering at California State University in Chico.

Until its known what level of contamination is occurring in the system, it should just be assumed that theyre highly contaminated based on previous observations, he added. Thats why theyre issuing these no drink notices.

Webster said its common to see drinking water contamination after wildfires in urban areas  he pointed to the 2023 fires in Maui, Hawaii, the 2018 Camp Fire in Paradise, California, and the 2017 Tubbs Fire in Santa Rosa, California.

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One telltale sign that drinking water has been contaminated, he said, is if a water system loses pressure. Excessive demand on the system  usually from residents running hoses and sprinklers while firefighters pull water from hydrants  causes water pressure to drop and contaminants to get sucked in like a vacuum.

The Los Angeles water department reported last week that water pressure dropped in Pacific Palisades after the system sustained four times its usual demand.

The loss of pressure is concerning, and it should trigger some careful analysis of the water, said Fernando Rosario-Ortiz, a professor of environmental engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder.

The Pasadena water department said Sunday that it had begun testing in key areas to determine when the water is safe to drink.

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Environmental engineers arent particularly concerned that the red fire retardant being dropped out of planes might wind up in peoples taps, since it largely consists of water and fertilizer. However, a study last year found that that type of retardant contains heavy metals.

You might be upsetting the ecosystem, but you wouldnt necessarily worry about it from a human health standpoint, Young said.

A bigger concern is the ash from household materials. The Los Angeles-area fires have destroyed more than 12,300 structures. As the properties burned, materials such as carpeting, furniture and rubber tires were also incinerated. Fires can also melt the plastic pipes or water meters on peoples properties.

Those processes release gaseous chemicals known as volatile organic compounds, which may leach into the water system, where theyre often hard to eliminate. People exposed to the chemicals may experience nausea, difficulty breathing or eye irritation in the short term. Exposure over time has been associated with certain cancers, birth defects and cognitive impairment.

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Two chemicals in particular, benzene and vinyl chloride, pose some of the greatest health risks, since they are known carcinogens.

Boiling water doesnt destroy them, so the Los Angeles water department got rid of an earlier boil water advisory that aimed to protect residents from bacteria, viruses or parasites.

Thomas Young, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of California, Davis, said its common to test water for the most hazardous chemicals like benzene first, then use that as an overall indicator of whether drinking water is safe to consume.

When we design cleanup for these kinds of things, we focus on the compound of the most intense health concern. We feel like if weve addressed that, then the other ones are generally going to come along and be fine, because theyre much less potent, he said.

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The testing process could take weeks, months or more, depending on how much contamination is present. Catherine Carpenter, a research data analyst at Tracking California  a program that collects and analyzes water quality data  said testing of peoples homes in Paradise showed ongoing contamination long after the Camp Fire abated.

It was almost a year after, but we were still finding high levels of benzene in the tap water, she said.

If contamination levels are low, its possible to remove the hazard by flushing out water pipes, said Andrew Whelton, a professor of environmental and ecological engineering at Purdue University. But high levels of contamination may require replacing the pipes altogether, he added.

Whelton said its possible that neighborhoods where homes didnt burn down could still have contamination in their water supplies  though its too soon to know yet.

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The highest likelihood of where you find contamination in the water distribution system is around destroyed buildings, he said. But when firefighters are fighting a fire ... sometimes they can suck contaminated water and drag it across the system.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
The man convicted of causing a deadly school bus crash in Clark County in 2023 is now requesting a new trial.

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In court documents obtained by News Center 7, Hermanio Joseph asked the court to reverse his decision and remand for a new trial in an impartial venue.

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Joseph was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and vehicular homicide in May 2024. He was sentenced to nine to 13.5 years in prison that same month.

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Joseph is now arguing that he didnt get a fair trial and that it should have been moved out of Clark County.

His lawyers argue that the court abused its discretion and created structural error when it denied Josephs motion for a change of venue. They claim his rights to due process and to a fair trial by an impartial jury were violated.

His legal team also argues that Joseph was denied his right to effective assistance of counsel.

As News Center 7 previously reported, Joseph was on trial after he crashed a van into a Northwestern Local Schools bus on the first day of school in August 2023. 11-year-old Aiden Clark was on the bus and died in the crash. Dozens of other students were hurt in the crash.

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Joseph did not have an Ohio drivers license, nor one from any other U.S. state at the time of the crash.

News Center 7 will follow this and provide updates on any developments.

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SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (WCMH)  A man convicted of vehicular manslaughter and involuntary manslaughter has filed an appeal in Clark County.

According to court records, the man convicted of causing a deadly school bus crash in Clark County has filed an appeal.

Grove City mayor to veto special use permit for marijuana dispensary

Last May, Hermanio Joseph was driving a minivan in Lawrenceville, Ohio that veered left of center on State Route 41. The minivan hit a school bus and killed 11-year-old Aiden Clark. More than 20 others were hospitalized.

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Joseph, who did not have a valid U.S. drivers license at the time of the crash, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and vehicular homicide. Because Joseph did not have a valid U.S. license, charges were upgraded to felonies rather than misdemeanors.

He was sentenced to between nine and 13 years in prison. Now his lawyers are asking the court for an appeal, claiming his right to a fair trial was violated because he was denied a change of venue.

Cyclist dead after south Columbus crash

His legal team argues that a Clark County jury, where the deadly crash happened, was not impartial. They also argue that he was denied effective counsel because his previous lawyers did not renew the motion or include supporting evidence to change the venue.

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The new legal team is asking the court to reverse his conviction and commit to a new trial and an impartial location.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
TOOELE, Utah (ABC4)  A driver is in the hospital after crashing into a semi-truck carrying construction materials in Tooele on Monday afternoon.

According to Sgt. Shawn Sagers with the Tooele Police Department, a passenger car was traveling southbound on SR-36 between 2200 and 2400 North. The semi-truck was traveling northbound.

Man arrested after high-speed chase, told police he was having fun

Sagers told ABC4.com that the car passed over the cement divider between the northbound and southbound lanes and drove into oncoming traffic, where it crashed with the semi-truck.

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The driver of the car was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the semi-truck reported minor injuries but was not taken to the hospital.

No further information is available at this time.

Sorina Trauntvein 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 ABC4 Utah.
RANCHO SAN DIEGO, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI)  A driver was killed in a head-on crash Sunday in the Rancho San Diego area.

The collision occurred around 12:10 a.m. on Willow Glen Drive at West Village Drive, Officer Jasmine Lopez with California Highway Patrol said in a news release Monday.

Man armed with knife shot by officers

A 30-year-old man was driving a 2004 Ford Focus northbound on Willow Glen Drive when for reasons unknown the driver veered towards the left, crossed over the solid, double-yellow lines and crashed head-on into a 2013 Subaru Outback driven by a 25-year-old woman, according to authorities.

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The man, of San Diego, was pronounced dead at the scene, while the woman, of Imperial Beach, was taken to a hospital with major injuries.

It is unknown whether alcohol or drugs were factors in the crash.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
Editor's Note: This is a developing story and is being updated.

A drone attack overnight on Jan. 14 caused damage to an industrial facility in the city of Engels, located in Russia's Saratov region. Local authorities have not disclosed further details about the targeted site.

Engels lies around 600 kilometers (370 miles) from the front lines in Ukraine.

The Kyiv Independent could not immediately verify information.

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Roman Busargin, governor of the Saratov region, confirmed via his official Telegram channel that the attack had impacted an industrial enterprise in Engels, but did not specify which facility was affected.

Several explosions were heard in the area, according to local reports from Russian Telegram channels.

Mikhail Isayev, the acting head of Engels district, said that schools in the city would switch to remote learning due to the ongoing threat of further drone strikes.

The airports in the cities of Kazan, Kaluga, Saratov, and Tambov have suspended flights following Ukrainian drone attack.

Read also: Drones target Russias Tula region, local media says

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
LONDON (Reuters) - Drone deliveries of drugs and weapons into British prisons have become a national security threat, the country's chief prisons inspector warned on Tuesday, calling for urgent action to tackle thriving illegal activity inside jails.

At Manchester Prison in northern England, inmates were burning holes into windows to receive drone deliveries of large payloads with the potential to cause serious disruption or escape, Chief Inspector of Prisons Charlie Taylor said in a report.

Drone activity around British prisons has become increasingly common in recent years despite restricted fly zones around prisons being introduced a year ago.

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Jails also face an overcrowding crisis and a record prison population in Britain, which has western Europe's highest incarceration rate.

Taylor's warnings follow inspections in September and October of two of Britain's most violent prisons - Manchester and Long Lartin in central England.

Both had "thriving" illicit economies of drugs, mobile phones and weapons, while basic security measures such as protective netting and CCTV had fallen into disrepair, Taylor said.

"It is highly alarming that the police and prison service have, in effect ceded the airspace above two high-security prisons to organised crime gangs," he said.

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"The safety of staff, prisoners and ultimately that of the public, is seriously compromised by the failure to tackle what has become a threat to national security."

Taylor described conditions at the two prisons as "grim", noting widespread dirt, damp and litter, and a chronic rodent infestation at Manchester, where prisoners were also using torn-up foam from mattresses to keep warm and 39% had tested positive for drugs.

At Long Lartin, inmates without in-cell toilets used buckets in their cells and threw bags of excrement out of the windows, which were often not cleared up, the chief inspector said. About half of the prisoners there said in a survey it was easy to get drugs and liquor.

Britain's Ministry of Justice said new netting and a CCTV system were being installed at Manchester.

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"We are gripping the situation by investing in prison maintenance and security, working with the police and others to tackle serious organised crime, and building more prison places to lock up dangerous criminals," a spokesperson said.

(Reporting by Sachin Ravikumar; Editing by Kate Holton)
Drone-flying drug gangs have seized control of prison airspace in a move that threatens national security, a watchdog has warned.

Charlie Taylor, the chief inspector of prisons, said the service had in effect ceded the airspace to two high-security category A jails, allowing organised crime gangs to deliver drugs, phones and weapons to inmates who included organised crime bosses and terrorists.

He said HMP Long Lartin, in Worcestershire, and HMP Manchester had thriving illicit economies of drugs, mobile phones and weapons because basic security measures such as protective netting and CCTV had been allowed to fall into disrepair.

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At Manchester, almost four in 10 (39 per cent) of prisoners had tested positive in mandatory drug tests. Half of inmates at Long Lartin, one of Britains top security jails, told inspectors it was easy to get drugs and alcohol. Some 27.2 per cent had tested positive for drugs.

Long Lartin has housed some of Britains most notorious prisoners, including hate preachers Abu Qatada and Abu Hamza. Among those currently being there are Jordan McSweeney, the murderer of law graduate Zara Aleena, and serial killer Steve Wright, jailed for life for the murder of five women in Ipswich in 2016.

A police photo of a drone that was transporting a bag containing drugs in the direction of HMP Pentonville in London and was subsequently seized by officers - Metropolitan Police/PA

Mr Taylor said violence and self-harm at both jails had increased, in part driven by drugs and the accompanying debt prisoners found themselves in.

There had been six self-inflicted deaths at Manchester since 2021, with a seventh taking place a few weeks after the inspectors visit.

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At Long Lartin, violence had increased by about 50 per cent since the last inspection in 2022. It was higher than at other category A jails, with more than 200 assaults on staff or prisoners in the last year. Forty per cent of prisoners said they felt unsafe.

It is highly alarming that the police and prison service have, in effect, ceded the airspace above two high-security prisons to organised crime gangs which are able to deliver contraband to jails holding extremely dangerous prisoners including some who have been designated as high-risk category A, he said.

The safety of staff, prisoners and ultimately that of the public, is seriously compromised by the failure to tackle what has become a threat to national security.

The prison service, the police and other security services must urgently confront organised gang activity and reduce the supply of drugs and other illicit items which so clearly undermine every aspect of prison life.

Charlie Taylor said violence and self harm had increased inside the prisons in part due to the rise of drug use and associated debt - Andrew Crowley

The scale of the problem at HMP Manchester, previously known as Strangeways, included inmates burning holes in windows to receive drone deliveries which prompted Mr Taylor to last year tell the Justice Secretary to put the prison into emergency measures.

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The latest warning comes after Mr Taylor likened high-security jail HMP Garth in Lancashire to an airport because there were so many drones flying in drugs.

A report from Independent Monitoring Boards (IMB)  made up of volunteers tasked by ministers with scrutinising conditions in custody  into crumbling jails in England and Wales said delays in fixing broken prison windows were making it easier for drones to be used to deliver drugs and weapons.

In December, MPs heard contraband was being taken into HMP Parc in South Wales in childrens nappies, while there were industrial specification drone drops being organised by organised crime gangs.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
A drone attack targeted Russia's Kazanorgsintez plant in Kazan, Tatarstan Republic, during an overnight attack on Jan. 14, with drone wreckage causing a fire, several local Telegram channels claimed.

The Telegram channel Vechernaya Kazan wrote that the strike hit a liquified gas storage area, setting gas tanks on fire. Russian authorities confirmed that a fire broke out in the city as a result of the drone strike but claimed that it resulted in no significant damage.

"I went to the scene of a fire that occurred as a result of the drone attack. Emergency services quickly arrived at the scene to extinguish the fire. I heard reports that there were no casualties or serious damage," Tatarstan Republic head Rustam Minnikhanov wrote on his Telegram channel.

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0:00

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1

Ukrainian authorities have not yet said they were behind the attacks.

The fire occurred about 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) from the Ukrainian border. The Kyiv Independent could not immediately verify what caused the fire at the plant.

Videos posted across different channels show a big fire at an industrial site. According to eyewitnesses, drones were heard flying over the village of Osinovo, and then an explosion was heard near the plant. Local authorities have not disclosed further details about the targeted site.

Russia reported a large-scale Ukrainian drone attack across multiple regions overnight, with an industrial facility also purportedly set on fire in Saratov Oblast.

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Kazanorgsintezs plant produces pyrolysis, polyethylene, and polycarbonate.

Ukraine has been targeting Russian plants critical for its war efforts against Ukraine, prioritizing factories related to the oil and chemical industry on its target list.

Read also: Drone attack damages industrial facility in Russias Saratov region

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Russian authorities have reported a massive drone attack on several Russian oblasts on the night of 13-14 January, with local Telegram channels sharing videos of large-scale fires at an oil refinery and a factory. Twelve oblasts in the Russian Federation were attacked in total and it is claimed that air defences shot down more than 100 UAVs.

Source: Russian Telegram channels; Saratov Oblast Governor Roman Busargin; Head of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov; Tula Oblast Governor Dmitry Milyaev; Orel Oblast Governor Andrei Klychkov; Bryansk Oblast Governor Aleksandr Bogomaz

Details: In particular, a drone attack caused damage to an industrial facility in the city of Engels in Russias Saratov Oblast.

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This information was confirmed by Saratov Oblast Governor Roman Busargin, though he did not specify which facility had been affected.

Quote from Busargin: "There is damage to an industrial facility in Engels as a result of the UAV attack. Emergency and operational services are working intensively."

Busargin had previously referred to an "industrial facility" in relation to an oil depot struck by drones on 8 January.

      .   Telegram- Astra pic.twitter.com/xM4S5FYdTW     (@ukrpravda_news) January 14, 2025

Mikhail Isayev, acting head of the Engels district, announced that schools would conduct classes remotely due to the threat of further drone attacks.

"Administrations of institutions have been instructed to promptly deliver all the information to the parents," Isayev said.

             .   Telegram- Astra pic.twitter.com/EfRxIx9q2R     (@ukrpravda_news) January 14, 2025

Update: Later, Busargin reported that the city of Saratov had also come under a massive drone attack.

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Quote: "The attack caused damage to two industrial facilities in Saratov and Engels. Emergency services are working at all affected sites," the regional governor stated.

Russian social media channels suggest that the Saratov oil refinery, part of the Rosneft group, was likely hit.

Residents shared videos of a massive fire, with a voice in the background saying: "The Saratov oil refinery is burning after a drone attack on 14 January 2025."

        .   , , ,   ,      .    Telegram- pic.twitter.com/r3in0I8PYc     (@ukrpravda_news) January 14, 2025

Russian Telegram channels reported that drones had also attacked Kazan. Citing local residents, they mentioned a large fire near the Kazanorgsintez plant. The strike reportedly targeted not the plant itself but a liquefied gas storage facility.

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Kazanorgsintez, according to its website, is one of Russia's leading chemical industry businesses, producing polymers, ethylene copolymers, polycarbonates, ethanolamines and other products.

Later, Rustam Minnikhanov, Head of the Republic of Tatarstan, confirmed the attack.

Quote from Minnikhanov: "I visited the scene of the fire caused by the drone attack. Emergency services promptly arrived at the scene to extinguish the blaze."

He claimed that "there are no casualties or significant damage".

      .        " ".   Telegram- Astra pic.twitter.com/Cmf21B9SFz     (@ukrpravda_news) January 14, 2025

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Tula Oblast Governor Dmitry Milyaev also reported a large-scale drone attack.

Quote from Milyaev: "Tula Oblast came under a large-scale attack by Ukrainian drones last night. Air defence systems of the Russian Defence Ministry are responding. Early reports indicate that the aerial targets have been intercepted. There are no casualties and information on damages is being gathered."

Andrei Klychkov, Governor of Oryol Oblast, also reported drone attacks in his area. He claimed that 17 drones had been intercepted and insisted there was "no damage or destruction".

Bryansk Oblast experienced a heavy assault as well. Governor Aleksandr Bogomaz initially reported an attack on an industrial facility but later edited his post to remove that detail. He claimed that air defence systems had "destroyed all targets".

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The Russian Federal Air Transport Agency announced the closure of airports in the Russian cities of Penza, Ulyanovsk, Kazan and Saratov.

In addition, the airports in Kaluga (Grabtsevo) and Tambov (Donskoye) were temporarily closed. However, as of the morning, restrictions on aircraft arrivals and departures have been lifted.

Russian Telegram channels report that a total of 12 regions in Russia were hit by the attacks, with air defence systems reportedly downing over a hundred drones.

Background: On the night of 7-8 January, Ukraine's defence forces struck the Kombinat Kristal oil storage facility in the city of Engels in Russia's Saratov Oblast.

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Two people are now in the race for governor, but more are expected and they could toss their hat in the ring soon.

On Monday, Attorney General Gentner Drummond formally announced his plan to run for governor in 2026 during a news conference in Pawhuska. Drummond's announcement followed that of Choctaw resident Leisa Mitchell Haynes, who announced her bid for office in July

Whoever is eventually elected governor will succeed Gov. Kevin Stitt, who is entering his final two years in office. During his last campaign, Stitt spent more than $1.9 million of his own funds for his reelection. Stitt spent more than $5 million of his own funds for his first successful campaign for governor.

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Here is a look at known and possible candidates for governor and their campaign finance situation, if known:

Gentner Drummond

According to Drummond's most recent Ethics Commission filing, Oklahoma's new gubernatorial candidate reported $517,171 on hand, in his 2024 third quarter campaign finance report for attorney general.

Records show that Drummond, as of Monday, Jan. 13, has raised a total of $4,370,633.17 for his attorney general campaign.

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Drummond's law career spans almost 30 years, including private practice and assistant district attorney in Pawnee and Osage counties. Drummond is a seventh-generation Oklahoman, and hes been married to his wife, Wendy, since 2010 with a blended family of six kids and seven grandchildren. Drummond has operated his 23,000-acre family ranch and has built businesses including a chain of cellphone stores and a bank.

Leisa Mitchell Haynes

Leisa Mitchell Haynes

Haynes, the first candidate to officially announce her bid for governor, has reported raising $4,150.88, so far for her campaign.

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Haynes, who announced her bid for office in July, holds a master's degree in public administration from University of Central Oklahoma and a bachelors degree in communications from East Central University. Haynes worked for the Oklahoma Department of Commerce as the assistant state director from 1989 to 2001, according to her LinkedIn, and shes also owned a small business, Gas-n-Snak in Choctaw, with eight employees, according to her webpage.

She also has worked as a city manager in Mangum and Tuttle and in New Mexico, according to the McCurtain Gazette. Haynes has been married for 30 years and has three children.

Ryan Walters

Walters, the state schools superintendent, has a total of $106,951 on hand, according to his latest campaign filing. That same report shows Walters spent more than $757,743 for the third quarter 2024.

Walters was a social studies teacher for eight years in McAlester, where he taught Advanced Placement courses in history and government. He served as Stitts secretary of education, overseeing multiple state education agencies. Walters and his wife, Katie, have four children.

Charles McCall

Former Speaker of the House Charles McCall during the House and Senate organizational day of the 90th Legislature, Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025.

The former House speaker could be another candidate. A Republican from Atoka and the states longest serving speaker, McCall served 12 years in the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

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According to the latest ethics filings, McCall had $124,586 on hand, in his last third quarter campaign finance report. McCall has worked as a community banker and in the private sector as CEO and Board Chairman of fourth-generation family bank, AmeriState Bank in Atoka. He and his wife, Stephanie, have two sons.

Matt Pinnell

Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell

The lieutenant governor also could throw his hat in the ring for the governor's election. Pinnell has $971,252 on hand, according to his third quarter campaign finance report. Pinnell runs a small business with his wife. They have been married 22 years and has four children.

Mike Mazzei

Mazzei served 12 years in the Senate and served as chairman of the Senate Finance Committee for 10 years and has been touted as a candidate for governor. Mazzei, however, has not filed to run. He is the founder and CEO of Trinity Strategic Wealth. He and his wife have five children.

Chip Keating

Keating, son of former Republican Gov. Frank Keating, also has been said to be a candidate for governor. Keating served as Stitts secretary of public safety and oversaw several state agencies related to public safety. He resigned from his post in 2021. No ethics filings were available for Keating.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: See confirmed, potential candidates for Oklahoma governor
Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) on Monday said President-elect Trumps nominee for Defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, is vulnerable to blackmail from U.S. foreign adversaries and reiterated her stance that he is not qualified to run the Pentagon.

It would sow confusion because our leaders in the military would not know to what they could talk to the secretary of defense about, Duckworth, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said during her Monday appearance on MSNBCs Reid Out.

And by the way, for our allies, I would be reluctant to share information with the United States military, our leadership information that would keep us safe and keep our troops safe because they didnt know this man is compromised, she added.

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Remember, the point of the background check is to make sure the person you put forward cant be compromised, cant be blackmailed, cant be bribed, Duckworth said. These are all types of things that background check is supposed to be providing information to me, the senator who is going to be part of the advice and consent.

Hegseth, the former Fox News host, is slated to testify at his Tuesday Senate confirmation hearing.

His nomination drew heavy criticism from Democrats in late 2024, especially after various media reports detailing sexual assault allegations against the veteran and alleged mismanagement of funds while working at Concerned Veterans for America (CVA). He has denied the assault allegation and characterized the claims of mismanagement and unprofessional conduct while at the advocacy group as smears.

Lately, his nomination seems to have picked up some steam.

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Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), a key vote on the panel who has spoken out against sexual abuse in the military, has signaled support for the Trump nominee.

Hegseth has completed his FBI background check, but the report has only been seen by Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and ranking Democrat Sen. Jack Reed (R.I.).

Duckworth, a former Army helicopter pilot, has been critical of Hegseths nomination, claiming he is unqualified and does not possess the management experience to head the Pentagon.

So I cant even make up my mind whether or not this man personally is vulnerable to being blackmailed, Duckworth said on Monday. What if the next woman comes forward while hes secretary of defense and say, Im going to come forward? And I have the receipts on you and that sexual assault and I have tape and video, whatever that is. What if Russia comes forward and says that. Now we have a secretary of defense who can be bribed or who can be blackmailed by a foreign power.

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Lara Trump reacted to the devastating Los Angeles wildfires on Fox News Monday with political attacks and climate denialism, infuriating critics on social media.

These people cannot help themselves, President-elect Donald Trumps daughter-in-law said of Democrats. You just referenced how no one wants to take any blame for anything in California. Instead, they are blaming climate change.

I would really love for someone out there to explain to me how climate change is the reason that the reservoirs were dry, that there was no water in the fire hydrants, she added.

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As she spoke, Fox News displayed a chyron that read, Liberal jurisdictions double down on climate alarmism.

Californias reservoirs were not dry, though firefighters did encounter issues with water supply to hydrants due to high demand. The catastrophic wildfires, driven by intense winds and tinder-dry conditions, erupted after a critically dry period  Los Angeles recorded just 0.8 mm of rain from July 1 to January. As California suffered through one of its hottest summers on record, vegetation that had proliferated during an intensely wet spell dried out to create an abundance of kindling.

Wintertime fires in Southern California require a lot of extreme climate and weather events to occur at once, Park Williams, a climate scientist at the University of California, told The New York Times.

Lara Trump: I would really love for someone out there to explain to me how climate change is the reason that the reservoirs were dry pic.twitter.com/jVfgjRSB8R  Acyn (@Acyn) January 14, 2025

Scientists say the unprecedented winter fires demonstrate how extreme climate swings, or whiplash conditions, are intensifying to increase the likelihood of fires and other disasters.

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And according to some experts, even the most well-resourced fire agencies would have struggled immensely to control the infernos under this perfect storm of conditions.

That didnt stop President-elect Donald Trump and other Republicans from political finger-pointing as firefighters were still working to contain the blazes and people were escaping their homes.

State and local officials have faced questions about their preparedness for the fires and the hydrants that ran dry as local systems were pushed to extremes.

One reservoir in the Pacific Palisades area, which was devastated by the fires, was offline at the time for repairs, also raising questions. Experts have said it would have helped if it had been active, but given the unprecedented demand, the issues would likely still have persisted.

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This is a really complex, complicated and emergent issue that just hasnt been on the radar for mostly anyone, and so I just dont think that there is individual blame to go around at all, Faith Kearns, director of research communications at Arizona State Universitys Arizona Water Initiative, told NBC News of the water management issue.

Those were exceptional fire conditions that were seeing in LA, drought, climate change and then these high winds.

Lara Trumps reductive and misleading take on the disaster frustrated critics.

How dumb can you be? posted prominent political scientist Norman Ornstein.

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See some of the reactions below.

How dumb can you be? https://t.co/DKYOpEnRtM  Norman Ornstein (@NormOrnstein) January 14, 2025

They don't look dry to me...I guess you just say what your audience wants to hear! pic.twitter.com/sJxrsOH9AB  michaelvolk (@michaelvolk) January 14, 2025

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it's hot and dry in SoCal... and getting worse pic.twitter.com/NdzBJUrW7c   (@Diablohole) January 14, 2025

These are the people who want to scrap the Department of Education.   Nick Gold  (@DeclassifyUAP) January 14, 2025

I dont think she remembered the winds were up to 100mph.

Full reservoirs cant stop that.  Living In A Van Down By The River (@d_goodspeed) January 14, 2025

Very strong chance the Trumps will be the final nail in the coffin for stopping climate change. They cant see, even after L.A., that even the rich are reliant on a healthy planet too. @LaraLeeTrump@EricTrump@IvankaTrump@DonaldJTrumpJr@realDonaldTrumphttps://t.co/y3YFDzrCPehttps://t.co/ZME2M8TP9ppic.twitter.com/iRzFQ56ksB  Matthew Todd  (@MrMatthewTodd) January 14, 2025

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These idiots are fucking exhausting. https://t.co/tnPEXXL1Ab  Liberal Lisa in Oklahoma (@lisa_liberal) January 14, 2025

Shes not this dumb, yall.



She just knows YOU are. https://t.co/3fbZjjD17H  Texas Steph (@stephtu0123) January 14, 2025

Related...
AUSTIN (Nexstar)  Rep. Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, was voted as next Texas House Speaker after a runoff on Tuesday as the 89th legislative session kicked off Tuesday.

Burrows shared a message of unity in his acceptance speech after a month of facing pressure from his own party to step down from the race.

Recent days have tested our bonds, yet theyve also proven that this institution is greater than any one individual or faction, Burrows said to his House colleagues on the dais. He went on to say members will need to work together to pass property tax cuts, public education funding, and water infrastructure fixes.

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I commit to you today, every member, every member, will have a voice, Burrows said to his colleagues.

Republicans who supported State Rep. David Cook, R  Mansfield, for the speakership sounded off following the vote. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, who had been vocal in the weeks leading up to the vote that House Republicans vote for Cook because he was the House Republican Caucus nominee, said in a statement, I am proud of the Republicans who stood together and voted for Rep. Cook, the House Republican Caucus nominee. Republican voters expected the new speaker to be elected by Republicans, not Democrats.

State Rep. Ana-Maria Rodriguez Ramos, D  Richardson, State Rep. David Cook, R  Mansfield, and State Rep. Dustin Burrows, R  Lubbock, were all nominated for the position by their colleagues.

Several members spoke to the chamber in favor of all three nominees. Each nominee is allowed to have three speeches each in favor of them before the entire chamber takes a vote. Nominees will need 76 votes to secure the vote.

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After the first ballot, none of the candidates had enough votes to win. So members voted again with only the top two candidates, Cook and Burrows, on the ballot.

The chamber continued to vote until one nominee got 76 votes. Burrows got 85 votes clearing the 76-vote threshold to become the speaker.

The House of Representatives was busting at the seams Tuesday afternoon as all 150 lawmakers and their families crowded in for the ceremonial swearing-in of the 89th legislative session. The gallery was filled with hundreds of Texans who had made their way to Austin from across the state. They wore red shirts that said No Democrat Chairs. Its a reference to a view far-right Republicans hold in the House.

The Texans were there to speak with Republicans who had not come out to support Cook in the speakership vote. Their intention was to get them to vote for Cook. We are declaring today that we are going to make sure this stays a red state, Nancy Sharpe, a voter from Frisco, said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP)  On Dutch Openness Day, this years release of secret documents from state archives suddenly left Peter Baas with fundamental questions about his fathers stature as a World War II resistance fighter.

While many were cleaning up the mess from New Years Eve fireworks on Jan. 1, hundreds of thousands of others in the Netherlands looked for their relatives in a new database containing the names of some 425,000 people investigated for collaboration with the Nazis from 1940-45.

Some looked out of curiosity, others out of concern.

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A controversial topic

One of those names was Ludolf Baas, a resistance fighter who taped microfilm of Nazi atrocities to his body and smuggled it over enemy lines. When I saw my fathers name, I was shocked, Peter Baas told The Associated Press. He wondered if his fathers legacy was a lie and needed to find out if one of society's ugliest stigmas would also stick to him.

The publication of the list of names has caused great social unrest, the NIOD Institute for War, Holocaust and Genocide Studies, said in a statement Friday. The research organization, founded days after the Netherlands was liberated, has called for the government to intervene.

Nazi collaboration is a controversial topic in the Netherlands and much of Europe and is often shrouded in family mystery and stifled under a cloak of silence. Initially, the Netherlands was long seen as a welcoming safe haven for persecuted groups. Many Jewish families, like that of famed diarist Anne Frank, fled Germany in the 1930s for the relative safety of their Dutch neighbors.

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That changed when the Dutch surrendered to the Germans in 1940. Only 27% of the Dutch Jewish population survived the war, significantly less than the survival rate in France and Belgium and collaboration made persecution easier.

Eight decades after the war ended, many still worry about what that legacy means.

You see the bullying even now, Holocaust historian Aline Pennewaard says. She described social media posts denouncing Dutch politicians as Nazis because they shared a surname with someone on the list.

Privacy concerns

Plans to fully open the archives would have provided answers but Baas, who lives in France, found out he would not be able to easily obtain detailed information about his father's case.

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Originally, the National Archive wanted to make much more than just the names of suspects public. The organization had been working to digitize and publish all 30 million pages of materials, from secret police records to witness statements, on a newly created website.

Just before Christmas though, after a formal warning from the Dutch privacy watchdog that releasing the records would violate EU privacy rules, Dutch education minister Eppo Bruins intervened. Now, only the names and corresponding file numbers are immediately available.

To see his fathers dossier and understand why and how he was investigated, Baas would have to request to make an appointment with the archive and travel to The Hague, a 650-kilometer (404-mile) drive, to read his father's file.

This is a very complicated way to get your family history, Baas said.

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Despite such complications, the Dutch are lining up.

The interest has been incredible, Werner Zonderop, who works at the archive, told AP. Slots for the reading room are booked until the end of February. Every day, new appointment times open at midnight and fill up within minutes.

They should throw it open

Documentary filmmaker Marieke van der Winden knows what it is like to confront the dark truth about family history. Her 2022 film The Great Silence showcases how taboo the subject of collaboration is for many.

Van der Winden found out at her mothers funeral that her grandfather had worked with the Germans. After doing her own research, she discovered her grandparents, great-grandparents and several other family members had collaborated. It was a family affair, she told the AP.

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The 58-year-old says it is important for later generations to understand what happened and supports putting the entire archive online. They should throw it open, van der Winden said.

Even many relatives of known collaborators have backed the publication of the archive.

It is high time we discuss this with each other with openness and without reproaching relatives. We are part of this society, and the silence in our lives has had great and mainly bad consequences, Jeroen Saris, the chairperson of the Recognition Working Group, said last year. His organization represents the family members of those who supported the Nazis during the war.

Deeply concerned about his fathers history, Baas managed to get a friend in the Netherlands to go and look up his fathers records, describing the cumbersome approach as completely bizarre."

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According to the records, when his father was 19, he joined an organization that later merged with the Dutch Nazi party and he was investigated over that membership.

A bad choice of a 19-year-old that was completely reversed by becoming an active member of the resistance, Baas said.
The Duval County School Board is continuing the work to ensure security at all of its school campuses remains a priority.

There was a special school board meeting on Tuesday. It is called a shade meeting, and it was closed to the public but allowed under Florida law.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

I am really pleased with the districts and the superintendents response, said Melody Bolduc, a Duval County School Board member. I cant discuss any of the contents because its a shade meeting it would put security in jeopardy.

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This meeting happened just weeks after Action News Jax reported recent incidents at one local school which have raised security concerns.

Just last month, gang violence at Mandarin High School ended with two students arrested and another with a concussion.

Read: Its a problem in schools: Gang-related fight breaks out at Mandarin High School  Action News Jax

One of the suspects is an Ed White High School student who managed to get onto the Mandarin campus using another students ID card.

And Action News Jax learned about a second case of violence which involved an Atlantic Coast student who was able to get on a bus to Mandarin High.

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It happened at mandarin; it can happen at any of our high schools and any of our schools really, said Bolduc. As a parent, I am pleased with how hard the district is working, to make sure that all of our children are safe.

Read: JHA approves contract with soon-to-be first woman as full-time CEO

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EAGLE MOUNTAIN, Utah (ABC4)  An Eagle Mountain teacher who is under investigation for the alleged sexual abuse of two students has reportedly left the country, according to the Utah County Sheriffs Office.

The Utah County Sheriffs office stated in a press release that on Dec. 15, 2024, authorities were contacted about suspect Ricardo Prins, a 39-year-old male from Eagle Mountain, and his possible unlawful sexual relation with two underage females.

Prins was charged in the Fourth District Court with 30 felony counts, including rape, forcible sodomy, and forcible sex abuse.

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Provo gynecologist now facing 13 additional felony charges

According to the release, Prins was a teacher at Rockwell Charter High School in Eagle Mountain at the time, and it was alleged he used his position to influence his victims.

Police said Prins allegedly sexually abused two teen girls on several occasions starting in September, including in his classroom and in his car where he would take them to a remote location, charging documents stated.

Court documents said Prins reportedly told the teenage victims that he could hack their phones and that he used to work for the government of Brazil and had murdered 2,000 people.

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During their investigation, police stated that detectives found evidence to support the following charges against Prins: 42 counts of criminal sexual misconduct with the juveniles, one incident of aggravated assault, and one incident of obstruction of justice.

At the beginning of their investigation, police learned that Prins had allegedly left the U.S. and gone to his home country of Brazil on Dec. 16, 2024, after being placed on leave on Dec. 15, 2024, according to court documents.

On Dec. 18, police went to Prins home and spoke to his wife, who confirmed to officials that he was in Brazil, but said she did not know when he was returning, documents said.

On Dec. 19, Prins offered to talk with officers remotely and told police he was unaware of any investigation, but was in Brazil because his mother was dying.

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Documents said Prins told police he would be returning to Utah on Jan. 5, 2025, but informed them on Jan. 3 that he would not be able to return as planned due to visa issues. He had not contacted police since then, as of Jan. 14.

The release said that while detectives were waiting for Prins to return to the U.S. and were working with Federal Law Enforcement partners, they learned that his travel documents had expired earlier in 2024 and he would not be able to legally return.

Rockwell Charter High School sent an email to parents on Jan. 14 saying, Mr. Prins is not employed at Rockwell Charter School anymore and this is an active police investigation, so information is limited.

Sgt. Ray Ormond, the public information officer with the Utah County Sheriffs Office, said its important for parents to have open communication with their children about whats appropriate and not appropriate when it comes to relationships and interactions with others, including teachers.

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Have that open dialogue back and forth so that if there is questionable behavior, your children can come to you as a parent and say Hey mom or dad, this is going on, I dont feel comfortable with this,  Is this appropriate? Is this inappropriate?' he said.

If your children discuss any possible inappropriate behavior, Ormond said to contact the authorities.

The Utah County Sheriffs Office is asking if there are any other victims of Prins, to contact Central Dispatch at (801) 798-5600 and ask to speak with a UCSO Deputy.

The sheriffs office said the case has been sent to the Utah County Attorneys Office for an arrest warrant for Prins and that aspects of the case are still under investigation.

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Matthew Drachman and Sorina Trauntvein contributed to this report.

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By Joe Cash and Ryan Woo

BEIJING (Reuters) - At least two Tibetan Buddhism monastic centres were severely damaged in Tibet with an unknown number of monks and nuns hurt, according to the few state media reports on the damage to religious sites since last week's powerful earthquake.

The magnitude 6.8 quake reduced to rubble roofs and walls at a monastery and a nunnery about 15 km (nine miles) east of the epicentre in Tingri county, China Tibet Online reported on Sunday.

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Buddhist monasteries and nunneries are key to Tibet's cultural identity. Families send at least one male child to a monastery for studies, while monks are a source of blessings and council in communities.

Authorities have yet to reveal how many monasteries and nunneries were damaged though they were quick to tally more than 3,600 collapsed houses. It was also unclear if the clergy were among the 126 people who died in a headcount that has not changed since the day of the Jan. 7 quake.

The violent shaking trapped several of Dzongbu Temple's nuns, who were later pulled out from underneath the collapsed structure, China Tibet Online said. Rescuers later moved them to makeshift facilities outside a less-damaged monastery.

The nearby Sengar Chode Monastery, founded in 1541, is home to a number of relics, which have since been moved into the custody of county officials, Global Times reported.

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As of Tuesday morning, 3,614 aftershocks have been logged, including two tremors of magnitude 4.9 and 5.0 near the Jan. 7 epicentre.

Local officials found "no obvious damage" to the region's most significant structures including Tashilhunpo Monastery - the traditional seat of Tibetan Buddhism's second-ranking Panchen Lama - Shalu Monastery and Pelkor Chode, Tibet Daily reported.

Sakya Monastery, the seat of the Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism, suffered "only minor damage."

The State Council Information Office (SCIO), which handles media queries on behalf of the central government, did not immediately respond to a request for information.

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China's information censorship poses challenges in verifying casualty reports, Penpa Tsering, leader of the Central Tibetan Administration in India, said on Sunday.

He also said the needs and rights of Tibetans should be taken into account.

The comments provoked an angry response from the Chinese foreign ministry on Monday, which accused it of harbouring a "political agenda".

In recent past, Tibetan monasteries in China had witnessed scenes of resistance to Chinese rule, with monks setting themselves on fire and demanding the return of the Dalai Lama.

During the 1966-1976 Cultural Revolution, almost all of Tibet's religious structures were destroyed.

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Many have since been rebuilt and repopulated, though under strict supervision. The ruling Communist Party demands absolute patriotism from monks and nuns, who are required to denounce the Dalai Lama.

There are more than 1,700 Tibetan Buddhist sites with 46,000 monks and nuns practising in Tibet, and the freedom of religious belief in Tibet is fully protected, according to a 2021 SCIO white paper.

(Reporting by Joe Cash and Ryan Woo; Editing by Michael Perry)
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  The City of Springfield has received a grant that will go towards its East Springfield Library Branch Expansion Project.

New overflow shelter in Springfield opens during emergency weather events

The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners awarded the $100,000 grant to help enhance the neighborhood learning center at 21 Osborne Terrace. Springfield also has committed $150,000 as a match.

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The city plans to hire an Architect for the project and receive a construction grant once the design is approved. The Planning and Design Phase will be completed by next spring, and construction is set to begin by 2027.

Our East Springfield Library branch has been providing successful and popular library services for our community since 1932. The East Springfield Library Branch plays an important role as a community center for educational and cultural programs, as well as a social gathering for our students and the community. It is a hub for free access to information and technology, social and civic engagement and personal enrichment and lifelong learning. With this grant support from the MBLC, we are looking forward to enhancing this neighborhood learning center so that it can serve our community for another 100 years, stated Mayor Sarno.

We deeply appreciate this support from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, the Healey-Driscoll Administration, and our state legislators toward our neighborhood library branches which are an integral part of our community. I am proud of the fact that while other communities have consolidated their local library branches, my administration has worked hard with our local stakeholders and partnerships to not only renovate our neighborhood library branches, but to build new and expand them as well, continued Sarno.

I commend and thank Director Molly Fogarty and the Springfield City Library team on a successful MBLC grant application to help fund a renovation and expansion of our beloved East Springfield Branch Library. Our dedicated team, including HHS Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris, current PBRM Director Tom Ashe and retired PBRM Director Patrick Sullivan, the Capital Assets and Construction team of Peter Garvey and My-Ron Hatchett, and our dedicated Library team of Director Molly Fogarty and Board Chair Stephen Cary, have worked closely with the MBLC to support our grant application to help fund this important project. He continued, I also want to thank Council President Attorney Michael Fenton, members of the East Springfield Neighborhood Council (ESNC) and ESNC President Kathy Brown for their many years of ongoing support and advocacy on behalf of this integral neighborhood and community resource, our East Springfield neighborhood library branch.

Springfield City Library Director Molly Fogarty states, We are all thrilled to know that we will be able to renovate, upgrade, improve and expand on the available space and facilities and provide 21st Century services and programs for the residents of East Springfield and for the City of Springfield. The East Springfield Branch Library has been providing library services to the residents of East Springfield since it opened in 1932 and continues to play an important role for neighborhood residents. This project will bring significant improvements to a much needed and used library that will serve as both a community center/anchor and information hub for thousands of people. This project will ensure that East Springfield residents are provided with equal access to technology, collections and programs and services. Our application wouldnt have been successful without the support and collaboration of so many Library and City employees, elected and appointed officials, and neighborhood residents and business people. Thank you for all your support.

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City Council President/ City Councilor for Ward 2 / Attorney Michael Fenton states This is huge news for our little library and the East Springfield Neighborhood. This library has been a place to read, learn, work, and congregate for generations. I spent many days there as a young child and its a real joy for me to see it continue to have a positive impact on our residents (both young and old). Expanding and improving this library will have a real impact on East Springfield, our residents, and all those who visit this treasured space. Id like to thank all of the stakeholders who have worked so hard to make this grant award possible. Our neighborhood has been working on this project for over a decade and it would not have been possible without the support and tenacious efforts of the Mayor, the Springfield Library system, the East Springfield Neighborhood Council, and all of the neighbors who supported us, encouraged us, and kept us on the path towards this renovation along the way.

Chair of the Springfield Library Commission Stephen N. Cary states, The East Springfield Library reminds me of the childrens storybook tale The Little Engine That Could. Its smaller size has never reflected its magnanimous spirit, the high volume of patron visits, and the activity generated by the incredible programs its staff and neighborhood partners host at 21 Osborne Terrace. The Springfield Library Commission is extremely grateful to the MBLC for the approval of this grant. Fifteen years ago, Springfield needed to work with the MBLC for waivers of certification due to low hours of operation. Applause also goes to Mayor Sarnos Administration for increasing funding for hours of operation. The Mayors support has elevated the Springfield City Library system to excel and achieve awards of grants such as this one today from the MBLC.

Cary continued, Im not surprised the dynamic duo of Director Fogarty and Assistant Director Jean Canosa-Albano were successful securing this funding. The Library Commission thanks them for meeting, likely exceeding, the demands of this challenging grant cycle. Molly and Jeans efforts, supported by the professional staff of the Springfield City Library system deserve to be celebrated. Springfield is lucky to have this Dream Team resulting in the expansion and renovation of this unique building. The gem at 21 Osborne Terrace enjoys a shining future indeed.

East Springfield Neighborhood Council President Kathleen Brown stated, The announcement of this funding for the design, renovation and construction of an addition to this East Springfield branch Library is remarkable news. Its a great way to start 2025. This has been the dream that weve been working towards for so many years. Its great to know that the East Springfield Library will have what it needs to provide great library resources for many years to come. Thank you to everyone who moved this project to this approval stage, especially Mayor Sarno for his vision and leadership, and commitment to supporting our libraries. Now let the next step begin!

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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DES MOINES, Iowa  An early-morning fire destroyed a home in the Easter Lake Area neighborhood on Tuesday.

Fire crews were dispatched to 2556 Easter Lake Drive just before 2:00 a.m., according to Lt. Gene Emery of the Des Moines Fire Department. When crews arrived there was heavy flame coming from the structure and part of the roof was already collapsing.

Des Moines city leaders take next step towards building a homeless village

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Firefighters attacked the blaze from a defensive position and didnt enter the structure. The extreme cold did pose challenges for crews. Lt. Emery said the weather, Makes things miserable. He said fire crews were rotated in and out because of the temperatures, to make sure they had a chance to warm up from the frigid cold.

The home at 2556 Easter Lake Drive was destroyed by fire in the early morning hours of January 14, 2025.

The homeowner and his dog, the only residents of the home, were not home at the time of the fire. Lt. Emery said the homeowner had left about an hour to 90 minutes before the fire was reported.

Crews were able to get the fire under control and they left the scene around 4:00 a.m. The fire did rekindle around 7:00 a.m. and firefighters were sent back out to extinguish the flames and put water on hot spots.

No injuries to firefighters were reported and the home is considered a total loss.

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Less than a week ago, Fernando Villaluna lost nearly everything.

The 72-year-old was startled awake about 3:30 a.m. Wednesday by his landlord banging on his door. An adjacent home on West Las Flores Drive was engulfed by the Eaton fire.

He grabbed a small bag with his essential documents and left his Altadena rental cottage, driving his Toyota Corolla south down Fair Oaks Avenue as both sides of the roadway were licked by flames.

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Read more: Crews improve containment on Palisades, Eaton fires; some residents allowed to return

He arrived at his daughters house in Westchester early that morning.

I mean, for a couple of days I was in shock, said Villaluna, who retired from a career in information technology. I didn't realize I was in shock, but nothing would register in my mind. You know, until Thursday, it started dawning that, Oh, my God, I lost everything. Then Friday it was really like, Gee, how am I gonna start over? Where am I gonna go? How am I gonna do this?'"

His first step in rebuilding was to stop by the Westchester YMCA, which was offering donated items to fire victims. Last weekend, he picked up pants, shirts, underwear, shoes and slippers.

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Read more: How to help those affected by fires raging across Los Angeles County

It was overwhelming, Villaluna said, tearing up. The woman who helped me was wonderful. See, all my life Im giving, and now I'm receiving.

On Monday, Villaluna was wearing those donated garments at the YMCA, where he spent the entire day directing traffic and helping unload small items. He said he wanted to give back and say thanks to the volunteers who helped him.

Read more: Where you can volunteer to help those affected by L.A.'s fires

Id rather be here because it gets my mind out of my misery," he said.

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I've been through hardship. I've been through tough times," Villaluna said. "But I'm just tired of fighting. And this happens, well, gonna have to do it again.

"You did it before, you know, do it again.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
By Liz Lee

BEIJING (Reuters) - The annual travel rush for China's Lunar New Year celebrations officially began on Tuesday, with many taking a mental break from their worries about the future to reunite with family or take a holiday.

The peak travel season in the world's second-largest economy kicked off with a train departing from Beijing minutes after midnight, taking early bird travellers from the capital to Hefei in eastern Anhui province.

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Most people aim to be with family for the traditional reunion dinner on the eve of the New Year, which falls on Jan. 29 this year.

The 40-day travel season will continue until Feb. 22, during which authorities estimate a record 9 billion domestic trips will be made. The forecast matches 2024's estimate, although only 8.4 billion trips were actually made during last year's festivities.

Railway passenger volume is expected to exceed 510 million passengers, while more than 90 million passengers are expected to fly. However, the number of journeys by private vehicle is expected to reach 7.2 billion trips, or about 80% of the total domestic passenger flow, national television broadcaster CCTV said.

Most of China's 1.4 billion population will be celebrating this year's Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, at a time when the economy is struggling to sustain a durable recovery hamstrung by weak domestic demand and a prolonged property market crisis.

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Some travellers said they would not allow the state of the economy to take the shine off the upcoming celebrations.

"Although the economy has slowed down, I think the country as a whole is taking into consideration (the economic situation) and us, as ordinary people, are living well (day to day)," said Wang Zhixu, a 55-year-old who works in property management services, and was at the station in Beijing.

"Peace within our country brings us the most happiness."

Air passengers who purchased multiple destination tickets for the festive period rose 50% compared to last year, and hotel bookings in some counties have increased, CCTV said.

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Beijing, Guangzhou, Harbin, Dali and Fuzhou were popular destinations for holidaymakers making the most of the eight-day public holiday.

But for young people looking for work, the outlook is different.

Shi Zhenyue, 22, en route to Harbin for a holiday with friends before travelling on to Wuxi in eastern Jiangsu province to celebrate the New Year with family, hoped for an improvement in the economy so she could join the workforce.

"If the economy does get better (in the new year), I will have a better chance of finding a job, and I won't have to go back to study for a master's or doctoral degree. And if the economy improves, my father's bonus (from work) won't be halved. Everything else is fine," Shi said.

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Youth unemployment hit 18.8% last August, the highest since the authorities changed the way they calculated the figures in December 2023. Although joblessness data has shown some improvement in recent months, millions of college graduates have been pushed into accepting low-paying work or even subsisting on their parents' pensions.

Many have also abandoned the stresses of big cities for a simpler life away from the hustle.

For 33-year-old He who lives in northeastern Liaoning province with her fiance, the slower pace of life is a comfort.

"Because we are not in a very big city like everyone else, we may not have too much pressure," said the small business owner who only gave her surname.

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"We had also stayed in the big city for a period of time after graduation, and then we chose to go back to our home town where we feel is friendlier, and also happier," she said.

(Reporting by Liz Lee, Josh Arslan and Nicoco Chan; Editing by Kate Mayberry)
Concerned by a rise in anti-Semitism and hate, 17-year-old Adam Mendelsohn raised money so his Orlando high school campus could host a Holocaust exhibit, one that replicated the cattle cars that transported Jewish people to concentration camps during the World War II.

Its just a new way to learn, said the Edgewater High School senior. Kids are much more involved and feel like theyre a part of the experience instead of just reading words on a textbook.

More than 1,000 students and community members last week toured the car, which will be visiting other high schools and Rollins College this week.

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Adam, the president of his schools Jewish Student Union, raised more than $30,000 to bring the exhibit to his school. It includes a replica cattle car as well as Holocaust artifacts, such as striped pajamas prisoners had to wear, and Nazi propaganda items.

Adam said he was blown away by the public reception for his event, noting some people left the cattle car in tears.

Rabbi Daniel Nabatian, who works with Jewish students in Orange County public schools, said the exhibit helps visitors see the consequences of hate. He said there was a rise in anti-Semitism on college campuses following the Hamas attacks on Israel in 2023 and the subsequent war in Gaza.

Its important for people to understand, very much so right now, what hate and intolerance can really lead to, he said.

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Adam worked with the nonprofit organization Hate Ends Now, which operates the exhibit and aims to combat all forms of hate through education. The groups website says it wants to encourage people to reflect on the depths of evil while inspiring thoughtful conversations about genocide and indifference as they participate in The Cattle Car exhibit.

The rise in anti-Semitism worries Adam, particularly what hes seen on social media. Some posts hes seen would fit into Nazi-Germany era rhetoric about Jewish people, he said.

Its scary, Adam said.

He worked with his father, who he said helps fundraise for cancer research, to raise the $30,000 through donations from the Ginsburg Family Foundation and the Dr. Phillips charities.

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School board member Stephanie Vanos attended the exhibit Thursday, which was set up near Edgewaters front door.

Vanos, whose district includes the high school, said she was impressed with Adams initiative to bring the cattle car exhibit to his school. She said it was a moving experience, and applauded the hands-on approach to Holocaust education.

Real learning and real critical thinking doesnt come from learning how to take a test, Vanos said. It comes from immersing yourself in experiences that are important and relevant to you and then sharing that with other people.

Stephen Poynor, the director of education at the Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida in Maitland, also attended the exhibit. He, too, commended the teenager for his initiative and said such exhibits, done with sensitivity and comprehensive context, can help students learn more about the Holocaust.
Investing.com-- Edison International's (NYSE:EIX) California unit was slapped with a slew of lawsuits blaming the firm for igniting one of the states worst wildfires, which devastated the Los Angeles county over the past week.

A group of homeowners, business owners and others facing property damage filed several suits against Edison in the Los Angeles Superior Court on Monday, alleging that Southern California Edison power lines had triggered the blaze due to a lack of maintenance.

Authorities are still investigating the cause of the blaze, which came amid low humidity, a lack of rain and dry weather conditions across California.

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Edison CEO Pedro Pizarro said in a Bloomberg interview that the firm had not yet been served with any lawsuits, and had not detected any issues with its transmission lines near the start of the blaze.

The LA fires have killed at least two dozen people since last week, with another two dozen being reported as missing. The fires destroyed countless homes and private property.

The consumer lawsuits represent another major headwind for Edison, whose shares slumped 28% so far in January amid speculation that the companys infrastructure caused some of the wildfires.

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President-elect Donald Trump takes office next week, and his border czar, Tom Homan, has made it clear that Chicago tops his list for deportations.

With a clear target on our backs, does the City Council have an opportunity to mitigate the fallout?

Aldermen Raymond Lopez and Silvana Tabares have been working for months to update Chicagos welcoming-city rules to let officials here work with federal law enforcement when an undocumented immigrant commits a violent crime. The proposal, introduced in 2023, has languished in committee without a hearing. Now, Lopez, 15th, and Tabares, 23rd, have used a parliamentary maneuver to get their plan on the agenda for the Jan. 15 City Council meeting.

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All of those advocates who are saying this is wrong are playing a game of political chicken that puts undocumented immigrants everywhere at risk, Lopez told the Chicago Tribune Editorial Board.

Mayor Brandon Johnson reaffirmed Chicagos existing welcoming-city ordinance in a Jan. 10 press release. Under the current law, strengthened by former Mayor Lori Lightfoot in 2021, Chicago police and other local law enforcement officials are barred from cooperating with federal agents, such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in all cases when they arrest a person who is undocumented.

The argument Lopez and Tabares are making  that undocumented immigrants who otherwise are law-abiding, productive residents of our city can be better protected from the coming federal crackdown if local law enforcement helps the feds identify the truly bad apples  is worth consideration. But we think acting now, before Trump even has been inaugurated, is premature.

In recent days, Homan has worked to temper the expectations of congressional Republicans that deportation efforts will start fast. In particular, he says he doesnt have enough money to do much more in the early stages than target those still in the country whove been ordered to leave. This page  and indeed many Democrats  consistently have supported that position.

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Let Homan get his team in place. By all means, city officials, including the mayor, ought to meet with Homan and other federal immigration-enforcement officials and understand their plans for Chicago in particular. Immigration, we have consistently pointed out, is a federal responsibility. Yet more chaos will result if local officials forget this truth.

Weve long maintained support for providing a pathway to citizenship for so-called Dreamers, those brought to this country as small children and whove lived here for years, and we believe such immigrants could be an integral part of our citys future. Tabares and Lopez fear that failing to get on board, at least up to a point, with the new administrations aims leaves Chicagos entire population of undocumented immigrants vulnerable to becoming collateral damage in the crackdown.

But the language the two have proposed could use some tightening. Their proposal specifies a number of criminal categories, including gang-related activities, drug-related crimes and sex crimes, in which local law enforcement could cooperate with ICE. The specific language, though, includes some offenses such as loitering that in and of themselves arent exactly violent crimes. Theres a lot of room for interpretation for local law enforcement that could defeat Lopez and Tabares purposes in some cases.

Aldermanic critics oppose Lopez and Tabares proposal as unnecessary; that stance, too, is premature. A position of total defiance of the new administrations immigration positions is counterproductive. We need more talking, more sharing of perspectives, rather than saber-rattling. That goes for hard-liners on both the left and right.

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But lets be clear. If people who are in this country illegally are committing violent crimes, theres no reason to allow them to stay here. Reports of undocumented immigrants accused of violent crimes are increasing, with a report last month of a 24-year-old Venezuelan migrant shooting and killing fellow migrant Peter Sangronis, described by crime news site CWBChicago as a hard working, respectful, family oriented and loving father who came to America looking for the American dream.

The city has a vested interest in protecting that dream, which cannot be fully realized if people arent held accountable for making our city unsafe.

Chicagos undocumented community is suffering from uncertainty as it awaits action from the incoming Trump administration. Updating Chicagos policies to target violent criminals, and not law-abiding undocumented residents, could well make sense and shouldnt be dismissed out of hand, even if now is not quite the right time to act. City policymakers, from the mayor to the City Council, should be sending the message that Chicago wants to be welcoming, but not at the cost of our collective security.

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.
Donald Trump has endlessly complained about the Department of Justice abusing its wide-reaching powers to make improper political attacks on him. But it was the DOJ under Trump himself that did exactly that to the Democratic governors of New York and New Jersey in late October 2020, violating department policy. So says the DOJs own independent inspector general.

And next week the DOJ will be back under Trump again. This time, his appointees must stay out of politics, whether to help or hinder anyone for partisan reasons. We realize that might be a naive hope.

In his report, IG Michael Horowitz concluded that in the final weeks of the 2020 campaign three senior unnamed Trump DOJ officials intentionally plotted to use official proceedings against how Andrew Cuomo in New York and Phil Murphy in New Jersey handled COVID in nursing homes in direct violation of the rules of the DOJ.

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As the incriminating text message showed, one plotter wrote to another that this will be our last play on them before election, but its a big one. Them being Cuomo and Murphy. What the Trump officials did was to break clear DOJ rules about keeping secret info secret and tell the press in an effort to score points against the Democrats.

The New York Post and the Wall Street Journal were told about the probes, even before the two states were informed of the investigations. The Post and the Journal then reported the news of the DOJ inquiry, which was news indeed, but telling the press at that preliminary stage  and right before a national election  was against long-standing policy against politicization of the government.

Isnt that what Trump gripes about?

In August of 2020, the department announced publicly it was looking at COVID nursing home deaths in those two states, along with Michigan and Pennsylvania (which also had Democratic governors) even though there were states with similar situations regarding COVID nursing home deaths in states with GOP governors that were not being reviewed.

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The political focus was then amped up in October, as the IG uncovered in reviewing emails, telephone call logs, instant messages, text messages, and calendar entries.

The IGs summary report says: The OIG investigation found that three then Senior DOJ Officials violated DOJs Confidentiality and Media Contacts Policy by leaking to select reporters, days before an election, non-public DOJ investigative information regarding ongoing DOJ investigative matters, resulting in the publication of two news articles that included the non-public DOJ investigative information. The OIG investigation also found that one of these three then Senior DOJ Officials violated the Confidentiality and Media Contacts Policy and DOJs Social Media Policy by reposting through a DOJ social media account links to the news articles.

Last Friday, during his sentencing in his Manhattan Stormy Daniels hush money felony conviction, Trump used his time before the judge to repeat his rant: this has been a weaponization of government. They call it lawfare. Never happened to any extent like this, but never happened in our country before. And Id just like to explain that I was treated very, very unfairly.

Actually, he was treated correctly. But it was his own men at DOJ who engaged in weaponization of government.

___
Edmonds police have released new video footage from a shooting that left a teenager in critical condition.

They tell us they want the publics help identifying the five suspects seen in the video.

Edmonds PD say they believe those suspects are all in their late teens or early twenties and at least three of them are men.

This morning, police have a message for those five people. Officers say they are working around the clock to find out who is responsible  and those people will be arrested.

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Investigators say the shooting happened around 2:30 a.m. on Thursday near Arnies restaurant and the ferry terminal.

They tell us an 18-year-old man and his sister were at the pier when the group approached them, started a verbal fight, and then at least one suspect started shooting.

The man was shot multiple times and is still in critical condition. Edmonds Police Commander Josh McClure said they are hoping to talk to the victim soon.

We are hoping to do that today, detectives are waiting for the call to have some form of communication with the victim, McClure said.

The sister told investigators she didnt know who the group was  police say this could be the result of gang violence.

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Fisherman Eddie Miguel says he spends a lot of early mornings on the pier. He was there searching for squid around 4 a.m. Tuesday.

He said he wasnt at the pier when the shooting happened but says he isnt surprised someone got hurt.

Being here in Edmonds, you rarely get this, but Ive seen a lot of younger teens come around here, they get rowdy sometimes in the parking lots, Miguel said.

He tells us he sometimes fishes alone and is always careful.

You have to be aware of your surroundings and have buddies with you too, Miguel said.

Edmonds police say they have a deal for any of those five suspects who turn themselves in.

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We know there are people out there who know who were involved, McClure said. You mightve been involved and not done anything, you were just there when it happened. We want to consider you a witness, not a suspect. If you know something, we want you to come forward.

You can call the Edmonds Police Department with any information at (425) 407-3999 or report it anonymously at https://crimestoppers.com/submit-a-tip/.








A new legislative session at the Georgia State Capitol means the return of the Eggs and Issues breakfast.

The Georgia Chamber hosts the breakfast each January. Over 2,500 Georgians attend each year, including Gov. Brian Kemp, other elected state and local officials and Georgia business leaders.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

During the breakfast, leaders will discuss what economic policies that will be up for debate during the session.

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The 2024 Eggs & Issues Breakfast last year focused on Georgias surplus and cutting taxes, healthcare and transportation.

The breakfast will be held on Tuesday morning.

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CHARLES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  The Maryland State Fire Marshal said the 94-year-old woman who died in the house fire in Hughesville has been identified.

The woman was identified as Dora Lee Douglas. Her cause of death was due to thermal burn injuries and smoke inhalation, according to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

On Jan. 9 at around 3 p.m., the Charles County Sheriffs Office and EMS responded to Douglas home on Driftwood Place to check on her after a friend reported not being able to get in contact with her after a few days.

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PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Elderly woman found dead after fire in Charles County

When first responders arrived, they found her dead with burn injuries.

The cause of the fire and where it started is still under investigation.

Investigators said its possible that Douglas accidentally lit her clothes on fire by touching the kitchen stove.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LOS ANGELES (KTLA)  An electrical tower in Eaton Canyon is being investigated as the possible origin of the deadly fire that shares its name.

According to the Los Angeles Times, investigators from CalFire are looking at an electrical transmission tower where the first flames from the Eaton Fire were reportedly spotted.

Video and images from four residents and obtained by The Times appeared to show that before the Eaton fire exploded  the first flames of the fire burned behind Pasadena homes, at the base of a nearby electrical tower, the Times reports.

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Several of those witnesses have been interviewed by law enforcement, the newspaper added.

Crews make major progress in battle against Palisades, Eaton fires

A person whose home was destroyed in the Eaton blaze claims in a lawsuit, filed Monday, that the equipment owned by Southern California Edison  which also owns the tower in question  sparked the fire, The Associated Press reports.

The company has said it does not believe its equipment sparked the blaze and did not respond to the APs request for comment. It did, however, acknowledge that fire agencies are investigating whether its equipment might have started a separate, smaller LA-area fire.

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A Jan. 9 incident report from SCE reported no electrical or operational anomalies at the site until more than an hour after the Eaton Fire had already begun to rage.

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 incident report reads.

The Eaton Fire has burned hundreds of acres near Altadena on Jan. 7, 2025. (Alert California)

It will likely take months before investigators are able to definitively state the cause of the Eaton Fire, which has scorched more than 14,000 acres and claimed at least 11 lives.

Investigators have been making regular trips up the mountain to the site of the electrical tower, which has been closed off to the media, as well as firefighters and the utility itself.

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Nobody is allowed up there besides investigators, CalFire investigator Wayne Howerton told the LA Times. Its currently an investigation into the start of the Eaton fire.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
An Elgin man has been found guilty of sexually assaulting and abusing a girl under the age of 13.

Jacob R. Gutierrez, 35, of the 200 block of Douglas Avenue, was convicted of four counts of predatory criminal sexual assault and two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse by Judge John Barsanti following a bench trial, according to a Kane County States Attorneys Office news release said.

The situation was revealed after the victim notified an adult, who in turn contacted the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, the release said.

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Gutierrez faces a possible prison term of six to 60 years for each count of predatory criminal sexual assault and three to 14 years for aggravated criminal sexual abuse. Per state law, he also must register as a sex offender for the rest of his life, the release said.

Gutierrezs next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 28. He is being held in the Kane County jail.

This victim rightfully placed her trust in an adult to help her stop her abuse, Assistant States Attorney Stacey Wittman said in a statement. This child continued to put her trust in adults throughout this process and bravely testified against her abuser in court.
Elizabeth Warren did not hold back while grilling President-elect Donald Trumps nominee for secretary of defense, former Fox News host Pete Hegseth on Tuesday. As part of the embattled Republican nominees confirmation hearing, the senator from Massachusetts accused Hegseth of refusing to meet with her over his track record with women in the military and assured him well just have to do it here and dive in.

So if youre confirmed as Secretary of Defense, you will oversee our military, including about a quarter of a million women who currently serve on active duty, Warren began. And I have serious concerns that your behavior toward women disqualifies you from serving in this role.

About two minutes into her remarks, Warren targeted the main point of her argument: statements that Hegseth has publicly made that disparage women from serving in the military dating back to 2013 all the way to just weeks before Trump nominated him to defense secretary.

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I want to be clear here: For 12 years, you were quite open about your views, and your views were consistently the same. Women are inferior. Soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen and guardians  and incase anyone missed the point, and these are your words from 10 weeks ago: Women absolutely straight-up should not be permitted to serve in combat, Warren railed. And I notice on each of these quotes, those are said without qualification. Its not by how much you can lift, or how fast you can run. They dont belong in combat, period. Or your words, straight-up.

And then on Nov. 9, just 32 days after your last public comments saying that women absolutely should not be in combat, you declared that some of our greatest warriors are women, and you support having them serve in combat, Warren continued. She asked him pointblank: What extraordinary event happened in that month window that made him change his mind?

Hegseth, who has answered to such framing of his track record before, argued that the issue of women in the military has always been about standards  but to Warrens point, he had not previously expressed it as such. It was a straight-up declaration that women did not belong in active duty.

What I see is that there is a 32-day period in which you suddenly have another description about your views about women in the military, and I just want to know what changed in the 32 days that the song you sang is not the song you come in here today to sing, Warren said, before pointing to where shed been leading all along: Trumps nomination.

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Ive heard of deathbed conversions, but this is the first time Ive heard of a nomination conversion, the senator quipped. And I hope you understand that many women serving in the military right now might think that if you can convert so rapidly your long-held and aggressively pursued views in just 32 days, that 32 days after you get confirmed, maybe youll just reverse those views and go back to the old guy who said straight-up, women do not belong in combat.

Watch the full clip of Warrens time with Hegseth in the video below, via Fox News.

The post Elizabeth Warren Slams Pete Hegseth for Refusing to Meet With Her About His Record on Women | Video appeared first on TheWrap.
TikTok has denied reports claiming Chinese officials are discussing a potential sale to Elon Musk if the platform is forced to shut down in the U.S.

TikTok has rejected reports claiming Chinese officials have discussed letting Elon Musk buy the platform if it fails to fight off a looming U.S. ban, calling the reports "pure fiction."

The companys remarks came in response to reports from Bloomberg and The Wall Street Journal that said Beijing was considering allowing Musk to invest in or take control of TikToks U.S. assets.

Bloomberg reported that Chinese officials had discussed one scenario in which X would control TikTok's U.S. operations, allowing the businesses to be run together.

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The report said it was unclear if Musk, TikTok, and ByteDance had discussed a possible deal.

A representative for TikTok denied the claims in a statement provided to Fortune, saying: We cant be expected to comment on pure fiction."

The reports linking Musk to the video-sharing platform come just days before TikTok's parent company, China-based ByteDance, faces a deadline to sell off U.S. assets or shut down operations in the country.

TikTok has been contesting the deadline, and Chinese officials have said they would prefer the video-sharing platform to remain under ByteDance's ownership.

TikTok's legal battle

The divest-or-ban deadline set for January 19 results from a years-long battle over TikTok's future in the U.S.

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Initial efforts to force a sale of the platform's U.S. operations began in 2020, with then-President Trump citing national security concerns.

The platform has faced continued scrutiny from the Biden administration, which banned the app from federal devices in February 2023.

In April 2024, President Biden signed a bipartisan law forcing TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, to sell its U.S. operations or shut down in the country.

In December, the law was upheld by the federal appeals court after TikTok sued the U.S. federal government to challenge the ruling.

ByteDance has continually said it wont consider selling off its U.S. operations, arguing that the law forcing it to do so is unconstitutional and violates free speech laws.

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On Friday, the company argued its case against the divest-or-ban law before the Supreme Court with TikTok's attorney, Noel Francisco, warning the platform would "go dark" in the U.S. this month if the Supreme Court didn't extend the deadline.

The Supreme Court has yet to issue a ruling, however, a majority of justices have signaled that they are likely to uphold the law.

What is Trump's stance on TikTok ban?

President-elect Trump has also weighed in on the ban, saying he wants to find a way for TikTok to continue operating in the U.S.

Despite initially supporting the ban, in a legal brief filed in December, Trump's lawyers said he opposes banning the video-sharing platform and seeks the ability to resolve the issues at hand through political means once he takes office.

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The president-elect also met with TikTok CEO Shou Chew at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, in December.

The meeting was one of several Trump meetings with business officials and foreign leaders as he assembled his administration.

He has reportedly met with other leading tech figures at Mar-a-Lago, including Amazon cofounder Jeff Bezos and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg.

Representatives for X and Musk did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
American billionaire Elon Musk, who will lead the Department of Government Efficiency in the new administration of US President-elect Donald Trump, is being allocated offices within the White House complex close to the next US president.

Source: The New York Times with reference to two informed sources, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The sources say the premises planned for Musk will be located in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, adjacent to the White House.

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The New York Times noted that this location will grant Musk significant access to Trump once he assumes office later this month.

The sources also stated that Musk has discussed with transition officials the level of his access to the West Wing, but this matter remains unresolved.

In addition, it is unclear whether Musk's partner, former Republican presidential candidate and pro-Russian entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, will also have office space in the Eisenhower building.

Previously: On 13 November, Donald Trump announced that Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy would lead the new Department of Government Efficiency, which, despite its name, is not a government agency.

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In recent weeks, Musk has shifted his focus from US politics to European affairs, targeting leaders of Germany and the United Kingdom with personal insults and publicly supporting far-right movements in key European countries.

On 13 January, reports emerged that former Trumps Chief Strategist Steve Bannon had vowed to do everything possible to block Musk from joining the future White House administration.

Background:

Recently, Musk insulted Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in a post on X (Twitter) after Trudeau ruled out Canada becoming part of the United States, which has been a recurring theme in President-elect Donald Trumps remarks lately.

Also, Musk wrote on X (Twitter), "Steinmeier is an anti-democratic tyrant". This post came in response to criticism of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier by influencer Naomi Seibt, who is linked to the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). Musk has publicly urged voters to support German far-right parties and even wrote an opinion column in their favour for Welt am Sonntag.

Musk, along with an advisor to US President-elect Donald Trump, criticised the US calls for Ukraine to allow conscription from the age of 18, which had been earlier reported by the Associated Press (AP) news agency.

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PRATTSBURGH, N.Y. (WETM)  A Prattsburgh man was arrested after allegedly abandoning a dog inside a home.

Chad C. Alfano, 35, was arrested on Jan. 13 after a two-week-long animal cruelty investigation. The investigation started on Dec. 28 when someone called the New York State Police to report that a dog was abandoned at a house on Thornapple Hill Road in the Town of Prattsburgh.

Emaciated horse, dead pig found in trailer, Chemung couple charged

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Police say troopers found a dog that looked emaciated and like it wasnt being taken care of abandoned inside a home. The Steuben County Dog Control Officer was called to the scene and removed the dog from the property.

Further investigating by authorities found that Alfano was the dogs owner. Alfano was charged with torturing or injuring animals/failure to provide sustenance (a class A misdemeanor).

After he was processed, Alfano was released with an appearance ticket for the Prattsburgh Town Court. He is scheduled to appear on Feb. 12.

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In the musical "Emilia Perez" (the big winner in the Jan. 5 Golden Globes Awards), a North American attorney (played by the American actor Zoe Saldana) asks a Mexican drug lord (played by the Spanish actor Karla Sofia Gascon) what can he do for him?

The drug lord warns her, in Spanish, that to listen is to accept. The attorney repeats the phrase in a later conversation with an Israeli surgeon, played by the Ukrainian actor Mark Ivanir.

The multicultural "Emilia Perez" crosses national and linguistic boundaries. The screenplay is in Spanish and much of the action takes place in Mexico City, but the movie is a French production.

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It was filmed outside Paris, its director and writer is French (Jacques Audiard), and its based on a French novel by Boris Razon ("Ecoute"). The debut was in the Cannes Film Festival two years ago, where Saldana, Gascon, Gomez, and the Mexican actor, Adriana Paz, together received the best actress award.

Attacks on Selena Gomez's Spanish became 'indefensible'

Notwithstanding its success, the movie was recently the object of controversy.

The Mexican actor Eugenio Derbez criticized Gomezs Spanish calling it indefensible. His comment was roundly criticized in the U.S., where the speech and Spanish of Latinos and Hispanics is a sensitive issue. The criticism was so widespread that Derbez had to retract himself, and even had to say that his own comments were indefensible.

Its worth putting Derbezs comment in the context of the movies tagline: To listen is to accept.

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Its a reminder that no language is pure or purely authentic. Listening to someone is also to establish a profound relationship with them. Its to trust them, to believe in them. Understanding depends on that least common denominator: on having faith in the speech of the other.

Opinion: I am a Latino yet not an immigrant, but my family story helped me understand their journey

When Puerto Ricans want someone to come closer in every sense of the word we say, oyeme, echate paca, or listen, closer.

I learned that correcting my students was akin to silencing them

In my Spanish classes at Vandy, every Latino, Hispanic, and American Student has their own spoken language or speech. Early on in my career, I learned that teaching Spanish was not about correcting this way of speaking, because every time I tried, I ended up silencing my students. I killed any possibility of dialogue or conversation.

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Instead, I learned to have a relationship with them by listening, by accepting their speech. In this way, our relationship became part and parcel of the development and growth of our class, but also of the Spanish language, more generally.

Opinion: Demi Moore accepted her 'popcorn actress' status. Then she did more.

To truly listen to Selena Gomez  who doesnt put an accent on her last name, as required by the grammars of the Royal Spanish Academy  is to enter into a relationship not only with her, but also with the emerging Hispanic and Latino community of the US.

To say that her speech is indefensible is to kill the possibility of dialogue and growth.

Benigno Trigo

Our speech is the breathing sign of a living language. To listen is, indeed, to accept, in the deepest sense of the word.

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Benigno Trigo is the Gertrude Conaway Vanderbilt Chair in the Humanities, Spanish and Portuguese College of Arts and Science at Vanderbilt University.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Selena Gomez's Spanish in 'Emilia Perez' opened a dialogue | Opinion
By Nate Raymond

BOSTON (Reuters) - U.S. prosecutors argued on Tuesday that an engineer could flee to Iran if he was granted bail while awaiting trial on charges related to a deadly drone attack on a U.S. military base in Jordan carried out last year by Iran-backed militants.

Federal prosecutors in Boston had three weeks ago told a judge they were open to allowing Mahdi Sadeghi to be released on bond while he awaited trial on charges that he engaged in a scheme to violate U.S. export control and sanctions laws.

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But prosecutors moved for Sadeghi's continued detention after the Italian government on Sunday released his co-defendant, Iranian businessman Mohammad Abedini, and allowed him to return to Iran.

That occurred after Iran last week released an Italian journalist, Cecilia Sala, who was detained in Tehran three days after the men's arrests.

Prosecutor Christina Clark cited the events in Italy to argue Iran could take steps to help Sadeghi flee if he was released, something she said he might want to do given the potentially long term of incarceration he faces.

"What the defendant did was, to put it mildly, not only a violation of the law but an affront to the national security of the United States," she said during a court hearing.

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Defense lawyer Jessica Thrall countered that prosecutors were engaging in "conjecture" to argue her client would want to leave the United States, as his wife and children live in the U.S.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Donald Cabell said he would rule at a later date on whether to allow Sadeghi's release.

Prosecutors allege that Abedini headed an Iranian firm whose primary client was Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and that made the navigation system used in its military drone program.

Prosecutors say that system was used in an unmanned drone that struck a U.S. outpost in Jordan called Tower 22 in January 2024. The attack killed three U.S. service members and injured 47 others.

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Prosecutors said Sadeghi, a dual U.S.-Iranian citizen, while working at the semiconductor company Analog Devices in Massachusetts, helped Abedini secure technology that was transferred to Iran.

Prosecutors said the technology Abedini obtained included the same type of electronic components used in the drone navigation system.

Sadeghi has pleaded not guilty. Iran has denied involvement in last year's attack and had dismissed accusations that it imprisoned Sala to pressure Italy into releasing Abedini.

(Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston; Editing by Rod Nickel)
The Port of New Orleans announced Monday that it was awarded $1 million from the Environmental Protection Agency for its Louisiana International Terminal (LIT) Sustainability Management Plan (SMP).

The $1.8 billion LIT will be located along the Mississippi River on 400 acres in Violet, St. Bernard Parish. Thats 17 miles downstream from the Crescent City Connection bridge, whose air draft limits the size of container ships calling New Orleans. The new port is designed to accommodate New Panamax ships of 14,000 twenty-foot equivalent units, the largest to transit the Panama Canal, with initial capacity of 180,000 to 280,000 TEUs, and eventual buildout handling volume of 2 million TEUs.

The project is expected to grow the ports import and export business and open up intermodal and container-on-barge services. The plan envisions a reach up the Mississippi to 14,500 miles of inland waterways in 31 states, potentially connecting more than 30 hubs including Dallas, Chicago, Memphis, Tennessee, and Canada.

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The Louisiana International Terminal represents economic growth and a commitment to environmental stewardship and workforce development that will benefit Violet, St. Bernard Parish and the entire state, said Rep. Troy A. Carter Sr., of Louisianas 2nd Congressional District, in a release.





The projects SMP will follow the Envision framework developed by the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure, to achieve sustainable, resilient and equitable infrastructure. This includes significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and provides targets to reach carbon-neutral goals, as well as reduced water and energy usage.

The LITs green development plan also synchs with a movement within the maritime shipping industry toward sustainable development and operations that includes decarbonization, alternative fuels and shoreside power.

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The EPA grant includes funds for three community-based organizations to help equitably provide workforce development and educational opportunities for the Violet and St. Bernard Parish communities that will relate to LITs future careers and sustainability.

The LIT is currently the largest public economic development project in Louisiana. It is expected to generate 32,000 new jobs nationwide by 2050, including more than 18,000 in Louisiana and over 4,300 in St. Bernard Parish, as well as more than $1 billion in new state and local tax revenue.





Port NOLA is committed to engaging the local community and protecting quality of life for Violet and St. Bernard Parish, as well as delivering a transformational project that will provide opportunities and economic prosperity for all Louisianians, said Port NOLA President and Chief Executive Beth Branch, in the release.

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The project is a partnership among Port NOLA, marine terminal operators Ports America of New Jersey and Geneva-based Mediterranean Shipping Co.s development arm, Terminal Investment Ltd. The partners have committed a combined $800 million toward the project.

The state in 2024 committed $230.5 million to Port NOLA infrastructure projects including the LIT, following $300 million in federal Department of Transportation funding, which the port said was the largest federal investment in a new container terminal in the history of the DOT.

The federal permitting process for LIT is underway; construction is expected to begin in 2025.

Find more articles by Stuart Chirls here.

Related coverage:

AAR sees uncertainty for US railroads in 2025





At TRB: Costly issues weigh on port efficiency

At TRB: The good rail jobs no one knows about

The post EPA awards $1 million to New Orleans container port project appeared first on FreightWaves.
Ukraine's immediate focus is on adequately equipping its military, rather than further reducing the draft age, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Jan. 14, according to Interfax-Ukraine.

"When we talk about increasing the number of our people (in the military), we must first address the issue of adequately equipping our brigades. Our partners have all these requests," Zelensky said.

Zelensky noted that Ukraine fields over 100 brigades, all requiring sustained staffing and consistent resupply of equipment to maintain their combat effectiveness.

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The remarks follow reports that U.S. lawmakers and NATO allies are urging Ukraine to lower its draft age from 25 to 18 to address manpower shortages. U.S. President Joe Biden's administration has reportedly advocated for the move as part of broader efforts to address Ukraine's personnel needs at the full-scale war with Russia stretches into its third year.

However, Kyiv has resisted the proposal, citing concerns over equipment shortages and the economic impact of drafting younger workers.

Under martial law, men aged 18 to 60 are prohibited from leaving Ukraine, but only those aged 25 and older are eligible for the draft.

The Ukrainian government lowered the draft age from 27 to 25 in April 2024, adding 50,000 troops to its forces. While the measure bolstered numbers, it fell short of meeting the militarys full requirements.

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Read also: As US pushes Ukraine to lower conscription age, why wont Kyiv draft younger men?

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(WJET/WFXP)  An Erie man was sentenced to over ten years in prison for the distribution and attempted distribution of child sexual abuse material.

On Monday, January 13, United States District Judge Susan Baxter imposed a sentence of 12 years in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release and a restitution charge of $48,000 to 44-year-old Erie resident Michael Paul Ambrose.

Erie woman arrested for allegedly shooting into east Erie home

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Ambrose was convicted of distributing and attempting to distribute material depicting the sexual exploitation of minors.

According to information presented to the court, Ambrose distributed and attempted to distribute images of minors engaging in sexual activity around November 2022.

Crawford County man charged for allegedly shooting dog five times

U.S. Attorney Olshan would like to thank the FBI, Erie Police Department and Erie County Detectives Beauru for conducting the investigation that led to Ambroses prosecution.

This case was part of Project Safe Childhood.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.
ESCAMBIA COUNTY, Fla. (WKRG)  Escambia County officials shared that some offices are scheduled to close for Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 20.

Mobile police investigating alleged Winn-Dixie robbery

According to county officials, the following offices will be closed for MLK Jr. Day:

Escambia County Board of County Commissioners (all departments)

West Florida Public Libraries (all locations)

Escambia County Property Appraiser

Escambia County Tax Collector

Escambia County Department of Animal Welfare

Escambia County Extension Office

Waste Services Administration

Escambia County Area Transit Administration and Customer Service (regular service for ECAT buses is scheduled to resume on Tuesday, Jan. 21)

Escambia County Clerk and Comptroller

Officials said the Perdido Landfill will remain open during regular hours on the holiday.

Mobile gas station robbery under investigation: MPD

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For more information and county updates, visit the Escambia County website.

Those who live elsewhere in Northwest Florida can see Santa Rosa County office closures.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Estonia energy company Fermi Energia has begun the site selection process for that country's first nuclear power plant, more than a decade after government officials initially approved construction of a reactor. Fermi Energia on Jan. 14 announced the company has submitted an application to the Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications to begin the state spatial planning process for a 600-MW nuclear power plant. The power station, which would feature two GE Hitachi BWRX-300 small modular reactors (SMRs), is part of the European country's plan to develop more energy infrastructure. "A state spatial plan is essential for identifying the optimal nuclear power plant location that aligns with both technical requirements and community interests," said Fermi Energia CEO Kalev Kallemets. "While initiating this planning process doesn't guarantee construction, it establishes the foundation for future decision-making. Recent trends in electricity consumption underscore Estonia's need for reliable, controllable energy capacity to ensure system stability and maintain competitive electricity prices in the coming decades."

Energy Development Plan

Estonia's government approved an energy development plan in 2009, and officials in 2011 said they wanted a nuclear power plant operating by 2023. The government in 2020 created the Nuclear Energy Program Implementing Organization, NEPIO, a group responsible for assessing the prospects for nuclear power and providing the framework of a nuclear power program by the end of 2023. [caption id="attachment_227777" align="alignnone" width="640"]

This is an artist's rendering of a proposed 600-MW nuclear power plant that would be built by Fermi Energia in Estonia. Construction of the project is expected to be completed no later than 2035. Source: Fermi Energia[/caption] Much of the country's current power generation comes from burning oil shale and fuel oils. The country is home to the Narva Power Plants, part of a power generation complex in and near Narva, which is near the Russian border. The complex includes the world's two largest oil shale-fired thermal power plants, Eesti Power Plant (Eesti Elektrijaam) and Balti Power Plant (Balti Elektrijaam). Fermi Energia on Tuesday said the company has conducted information sessions in at least 15 communities over the past six year to determine the best site for a nuclear power facility. The company said the authorities in the towns of Viru-Nigula and Luganuse "have formally agreed to participate in the spatial planning process, with decisions made on September 28, 2023, and March 28, 2024, respectively." [caption id="attachment_227778" align="alignnone" width="640"]

GE Hitachi Energy's 300-MW BWRX small modular reactor features an innovative and simplified configuration, resulting in less concrete and steel needed for construction. The company has said it can be used for power generation for industrial applications, including hydrogen production, desalination, and district heating. Source: GE Hitachi[/caption] Officials said the nuclear power project would have three phases. Site pre-selection will begin this year, continuing to 2027, and include a "comprehensive evaluation of potential locations," focusing "on areas near Kunda in Viru-Nigula County and Aa village in Luganuse County," and considering "population density and environmental preservation." Fermi Energia hopes to confirm a site sometime between 2027 and 2029, and submit an application to obtain necessary construction permits in 2029. The current timeline calls for construction to begin in 2031, with the first reactor operational by in the second half of 2035. The two GE Hitachi BWRX-300 SMRs would be "designed to meet Estonia's minimum base load electricity requirements," according to Fermi Energia. The company said the nuclear power generation capacity would support the country's existing and planned renewable energy resources. Darrell Proctor is a senior editor for POWER.
The next military aid package from Estonia will be delivered to Ukraine during the first half of this year.

Source: Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, as reported by European Pravda, citing Interfax-Ukraine

Details: Speaking at a joint press conference with his Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha in Kyiv on Tuesday, 14 January, Tsahkna recalled Estonias commitment to providing Ukraine with annual military support equivalent to 0.25% of its GDP.

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"The next package will arrive in the first half of this year," the Estonian minister stated.

He stressed that per capita, Estonia has provided one of the strongest levels of both military and humanitarian support for Ukraine.

Tsahkna also emphasised the importance of supporting Ukrainians to ensure Ukraine maintains a strong position.

Quote: "A just and lasting peace can only be achieved based on a strong position."

Background:

In November, the Estonian government approved Defence Minister Hanno Pevkurs proposal to send a new military aid package to Ukraine.

Earlier, Estonia noted that its stockpiles of weapons and ammunition available for transfer to Ukraine were almost depleted.

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(Bloomberg) -- The European Union needs to discuss the option of raising joint debt to finance the heavy spending required to bolster its defenses against Russia, the blocs top diplomat Kaja Kallas said.

Most Read from Bloomberg

We have a clear crisis now that requires more spending in defense, Kallas said in an interview Tuesday with Bloomberg Televisions Oliver Crook. Its wiser and cheaper for everybody to also raise capital together.

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With President-elect Donald Trump returning to the White House next week, the EU is trying to find ways to ramp up its defense spending to rearm the continent while also putting pressure on Russia to join possible peace talks over Ukraine.

We have to put the political, economic pressure on Russia. We have a lot of economic might on our side, said Kallas, whos high representative for foreign affairs and security policy as well as vice-president of the European Commission.

One of the tools at the EUs disposal is a cap on the price of Russian oil and Kallas argued that Ukraines allies should work toward lowering the cap to squeeze a key source of Kremlin revenue.

Im really pushing for this to be lowered because it has a clear effect, Kallas said. Russia is struggling because their national fund is depleted and they dont get the same revenues that they did from oil and gas. But there is still room that we can use. Definitely countries need to discuss that.

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Group of Seven nations are exploring ways to toughen the price cap, Bloomberg reported last month. Options under consideration range from a full ban on handling Russian crude to lowering the price threshold from the current $60 to about $40.

A 16th EU sanctions package is in preparation, however, and officials are aiming to finalize it before the third anniversary of Russias full-scale invasion in February. A group of 10 EU nations is pushing to toughen sanctions against Russia by introducing further restrictions on natural gas and bolstering the enforcement of a price cap on oil, Bloomberg previously reported.

The EU, Kallas said, is constantly working on new sanctions packages.

Its unclear how the incoming Trump administration will handle the war. With planners on Trumps team floating several ideas, there is no blueprint for Ukraine that can be enacted after the Jan. 20 inauguration, European and Ukrainian officials said.

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A ceasefire needs to be wanted on both sides, Kallas said. Putin hasnt had any wish for any kind of peace. He just wants to conquer Ukraine. Previous ceasefires we have had, Russia didnt keep them, they just used the ceasefire to regroup rearm and come back stronger.

The commission is due to publish detailed plans for beefing up its defenses in March. To discuss this topic, the president of the European Council, Antonio Costa, invited the leaders of the member states plus the UKs Keir Starmer and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to a defense-themed retreat on Feb. 3 in a castle in Belgium.

Substantial additional defense investments are required in order to replenish stocks, upgrade our defense readiness for a broad spectrum of threats, Costa wrote in his invitation letter to leaders.

The EU needs to find hundreds of billions of euros to beef up its defenses over the next decade and former European Central Bank President Mario Draghi called more common bonds issuance to help achieve that in a report last year.

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The calls for more European defense spending have been coming from Washington as well. Donald Trump, who had already pushed Europe to spend more on defense within NATO during his first mandate, recently said that members of the alliance should increase their defense budgets to 5% of GDP.

In an interview, Rheinmetall AG CEO Armin Papperger said Europes defense industry must consolidate to meet production needs in the coming years.

The pressure Trump is creating at the moment is good for Europe, Papperger said Tuesday on Bloomberg Television. He said Rheinmetall plans to engage very early with the incoming US administration, although Trumps call for defense spending to reach 5% would be a stretch.

If we first of all get to 3% it would be great because over the last 25 years, the Europeans did not invest enough money in security, he said.

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The current NATO guideline is for members to spend at least 2% of their economic output on defense. The alliance has been discussing a higher spending target, without giving specific numbers or a timeline.

(Updates with comment from Rheinmetall CEO in last three paragraphs)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  A Bakersfield restaurant is helping raise funding for the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation in an all-day event happening Tuesday, Jan. 14.

Eureka! says to mention the fundraiser at any of its California restaurants, including Bakersfield, and it 15% of its sales will go towards the foundation.

Kern County businesses, nonprofits pitch in to assist Los Angeles fire victims

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The company stated,Now, more than ever, we are proud to be an LA-based company. Donated funds will benefit the LAFD in their heroic fight to protect the beautiful city many of our family, friends and team members call home.

The restaurant in Bakersfield is located on Stockdale Highway at the Shops at River Walk.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 News.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius was in Kiev for talks with the Ukrainian government on Tuesday and vowed to keep up support ahead of possible ceasefire negotiations.

Upon arrival, Pistorius said that he wanted to discuss further aid and get an idea of the military situation.

His trip comes less than a week before Donald Trump returns to the White House, casting doubt about future US military assistance for Ukraine as the full-blown Russian invasion nears it fourth year.

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Pistorius said that he wanted to "send a clear signal once again, one week before President Trump takes office, that we in Europe and our NATO partners stand by Ukraine, especially now in this particularly tense situation."

"It is a signal that Germany, as the largest NATO country in Europe, is standing by Ukraine," Pistorius told dpa in Kiev.

Pistorius had discussed European aid to Ukraine with his counterparts from Poland, France, Italy and Britain in Warsaw on Monday.

Continued close cooperation between Ukraine, the US and European allies is necessary to successfully defend against the ongoing Russian invasion, Pistorius said.

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Support from allies would give Kiev a real chance of "reaching reasonable negotiations at some point during the year," Pistorius said.

Ukraine's armed forces "are fighting with enormous courage. And, thank God, the material supplies are not stopping either," he added.

Ahead of Trump's inauguration in the US on January 20, it is unclear how US support for Ukraine will continue.

Trump has repeatedly held out the prospect of talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine quickly, but Ukraine's European allies are not fully aware of Trump's proposals - at least as far as is publicly known.

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The danger of Ukraine being defeated is "not significantly greater than it was a year ago," Pistorius said. "The decisive difference is that Putin is of course trying to make up as much ground as possible before January 20 in the possible expectation of ceasefire negotiations being forced upon him."

There are fears in Ukraine that Trump could drastically reduce US aid, leaving Kiev in a very difficult position to continue the fight.

Pistorius also stressed that the looming German elections in six weeks' time would not change the fact that "a large European country is fighting for its survival, for its freedom."

On Monday in Warsaw, Pistorius said that Germany is eager to help spearhead efforts to strengthen Ukraine's domestic arms industry together with the four major European partners.

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"If the money is there, if the arms production capacity is there, then Ukraine itself will be the fastest to supply its own troops with material and weapons," Pistorius said while in the Polish capital.
Kyiv's European partners are growing optimistic that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump will not pressure Ukraine into accepting a painful peace deal, Bloomberg reported on Jan. 14, citing undisclosed European officials.

Following closed-door talks with Trump's team, the officials see a rising chance that the new U.S. leadership will seek to help Ukraine negotiate from the position of strength, the outlet wrote.

Trump, returning to the White House on Jan. 20, initially caused concern among the pro-Kyiv coalition by his declared sympathies for Russian President Vladimir Putin and criticism of the Biden administration's military support for Ukraine.

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The president-elect has reportedly proved more flexible on the matter than expected. His team is particularly receptive to arguments about Russia's victory emboldening China and dealing the U.S. a humiliation similar to the Taliban's victory in Afghanistan in 2021, according to Bloomberg's sources.

Trump has pledged to bring a swift end to the war but provided few details on how he plans to achieve this. A pitch leaked from his team  freezing the front lines, postponing Ukraine's NATO accession by 20 years, and deploying European peacekeepers on the ground  has already been rejected by Russia.

There were other signals that Trump does not intend to cut the support for Ukraine completely as part of his plan to resolve the war. Speaking to the Time magazine, the president-elect said he would not "abandon" the besieged country, though criticizing the Biden administration for permitting long-range strikes on Russian soil.

According to the Financial Times, Trump told the Europan allies he plans to continue supporting Ukraine while asking them to raise their defense spending levels to 5% of GDP. This echoes Trump's earlier appeals to Europe to take up greater responsibility both for Ukraine's defense and for their own security.

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Read also: Ukraines new Kursk push brings minor gains, raising concerns over limited resources

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Marta Kos, European Commissioner for Enlargement, believes that the first and thirty-first chapters in the negotiations on Ukraine's EU membership could be opened in 2025.

Source: Kos on Tuesday in Brussels at a meeting of the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, as reported by European Pravda with reference to Interfax-Ukraine

Details: Kos noted that when she spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, he asked to open all chapters of the negotiation process this year, saying that "we want it and we will do it".

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"When I heard this the second time, I said that it's not just about opening them, but mostly about closing. Ukraine is doing well with reforms, but they need to be sustainable reforms. We support them.

Therefore, speaking about what can be done with them [Ukraine  ed.], its possible that this year we will open the first cluster of pillars and even the thirty-first, which is about foreign policy. That is, if they do what they promised and if we have a successful procedure in the [European] Council," Kos said.

Kos explained that by "successful procedure in the Council" she means the member states unanimous support for each decision required in the negotiation process.

"The Council must adopt these decisions unanimously. For example, today we need three unanimous decisions for just Ukraine and Moldova alone.

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This week, we will submit a screening report to the Council. This is the first unanimous decision. Then, we have to submit the controls. We need a unanimous decision again, and then we need the opinion of the commission  which also has to be unanimous," she said.

Kos stressed that the accession process is not only a matter of her work or the work of the European Commission, it is also largely the member states choices and decisions.

Background:

On 17 December, Zelenskyy said that Ukraine aims to open at least two chapters in the EU accession negotiations in 2025, with the maximum goal being all clusters.

The president noted that this requires the active work of the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian parliament) "without pre-election discussions".

Olha Stefanishyna, Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration, said that Ukraine, Poland and Denmark had drawn up a plan to open accession negotiations.

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The European Union has been a key donor to Ukraine's budget, providing US$50 billion since the start of the full-scale invasion.

Source: Denys Shmyhal, Prime Minister of Ukraine, on Telegram

Quote: "Over the 35 months of full-scale war, we have secured more than US$50 billion for the state budget from the EU and European countries," the statement says.

This year, Ukraine received its first 3 billion from European partners, which will be backed by revenue from frozen Russian assets, Shmyhal said.

Background:

Ukraine has received 3 billion from the EU under the ERA initiative, marking the first tranche of funds backed by revenue from frozen Russian assets.

The US has also sent US$1 billion, secured in the same way.

Additionally, Japan will provide US$3 billion to Ukraine, supported by frozen Russian assets.

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The Eva Longoria Foundation with support of the Courage and Civility Award on Monday pledged $1 million to support California wildfire relief efforts.

Former HUD Secretary Julian Castro announced the pledge on social media today, saying the funds will support both Castros Latino Community Foundations Wildfire Relief Fund and the California Community Foundations Wildfire Recovery Fund.

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Both groups are partnering with front-line, grass-roots organizations that are deep in these communities and understand their needs.

Three wildfires are currently burning in Los Angeles Country  the Palisades, Eaton and Hurst fires  after starting almost a week ago. The death toll is 24 to date, with more than 38,000 acres burned and more than 3,100 structures destroyed, most in the Palisades and in Altadena where the Eaton fire started.

In March 2024, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos gave $50 million apiece from his Bezos Courage and Civility Award to Longoria and retired Navy admiral and former University of Texas System chancellor Bill McRaven. The annual prize is given to people who make significant contributions to society.

Longoria will discuss the donation further Tuesday when she co-hosts NBCs Jenna & Friends, before heading back to L.A. to volunteer with Global Empowerment Mission and visit World Central Kitchens Eaton Fire operations.

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HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry announced there have been nearly 20 recipients of the Forward Together Grant Fund for 2025.

Officials say the Forward Together Grant Fund, announced on June 3, 2024, was a $500,000 grant fund created by Mayor Terry in an effort to direct American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) interest dollars to support nonprofits that focus on strengthening neighborhoods and providing pathways out of poverty. Recipient organizations meet this objective by serving Evansville in the following areas:

Affordable housing

Mental health and addiction

Food assistance

Neighborhood revitalization

Job training

Youth development

Internet access

Childcare access

Resource navigation assistance

Services for those experiencing homelessness

Nonprofit ministry president accused of theft requests bond reduction

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Evansville officials say eligibility requirements included registered 501(c)(3) status with a Board of Directors, continuously registered for at least the three years immediately preceding application and direct service to underprivileged or disadvantaged Evansville residents. Applicants could apply for up to $35,000 to fund qualifying programs.

Officials say the city received 79 applications totaling more than $2.5 million in requests for the $500,000 fund. Ultimately, 18 organizations were awarded the grant funds, sourced from the limited interest on ARPA funds from which the Forward Together Grant Fund was created.

We know that there are countless not-for-profits in this community doing great work, who can always use help to do just that little bit more, Mayor Terry said. We were fortunate to have the opportunity, through the Forward Together grant program, to offer that help to organizations who are working to revitalize our neighborhoods and to provide pathways out of poverty for our residents. Im excited to see the work that comes from these grant awards, and hope to have the opportunity to continue this program in the future; based on the number of quality applications we received, there is tremendous need in our community for programs like this.

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Grants were awarded to the following organizations:

Ark Crisis Childrens Center  $35,000 Ark Crisis Childrens Center is receiving funding to sustain its vital Child Care program, which provides free, temporary childcare for children aged 1 to 6 during family crises.

Aurora Housing Our Homeless  $35,000 Funding through the Forward Together grant will ensure that the community has a strong, viable team dedicated to meeting those experiencing homelessness where they are and helping build solutions to improve their lives through housing, income and supportive service wrap-around care.

Building Blocks  $35,000 Building Blocks, in partnership with the Haitian Center of Evansville, will use Forward Together funding to improve Kindergarten readiness for local Haitian Creole families.

Carver Community Organization  $15,000 Funding will expand after-school and out-of-school opportunities for students ages 9 through 12. The program will offer hands-on learning experiences, focusing on STEAM to engage youth in real-world problem solving and skill-building.

Dream Center  $25,000 Funding will strengthen Dream Centers affordable housing initiatives in the Jacobsville

neighborhood.

Echo Community Health Care  $35,000 This funding will help subsidize essential support staff and interpreter services, ensuring that patients, especially those seeking prenatal and pediatric care, receive the support they need.

Echo Housing Corporation  $30,000 Funding will support Echos eight homeless service programs, which serve hundreds of men, women, children and veterans in the community.

Easterseals Rehabilitation Center  $30,000 Funding will be used to expand the predoctoral internship program in clinical psychology, allowing it to serve more local children and families. The program provides specialized psychological testing and counseling to hundreds of children, regardless of their families financial means or insurance status.

Evansville Christian Life Center  $35,000 Funds will enhance key programs such as the GAIN Initiative and Family Care Services, which support individuals and families in getting out of poverty and achieving long-term stability.

Habitat for Humanity of Evansville  $35,000 Habitat has committed to build 20 homes in the Tepe Park and Jacobsville neighborhoods of Evansville by November 2025. The project will contribute to the Mayors goal of adding 350 affordable housing units by May 2025.

Joshua Academy  $15,000 Forward Together funds will be used to launch a new High Ability Program to help close the achievement gap in Vanderburgh County, where disparities in academic performance exist between black and white students.

Lampion Center  $35,000 Funding will be used to provide critical mental health counseling for the most vulnerable and economically challenged individuals in the community. With many facing severe stressors and life traumas, the funding will enable therapists to offer the support needed to help children, adults and families heal and move forward.

Little Lambs of Evansville  $20,000 The funding will help stock the Little Lambs Store with crucial items like diapers, car seats and baby gear, which caregivers often struggle to afford. It will also expand the car seat inspection service by hiring an additional Certified Passenger Safety Technician to meet growing demand.

Missing Pieces Community Development Corp  $25,000 Forward Together Funding will be used to support fare-free transportation services, which connect individuals to essential resources across counties and states.

Ozanam Family Shelter  $20,000 Support staffing payroll and administrative operations, ensuring that their team can continue providing essential services to families in need.

Patchwork Central  $25,000 Funding will support a variety of essential services for individuals in need, particularly those experiencing homelessness and living in low-income households.

The Arc of Evansville  $25,000 Funding will support the DiscoverU Summer Program, an inclusive initiative that serves children, teens and young adults with disabilities or from low-income families, ages 10 to 22.

University of Evansvilles Emily M. Young Assessments Center  $25,000 The clinic offers psychotherapy, assessment services and medical oversight for individuals ages 5 and up, targeting conditions like ADHD, anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder.



Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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).
US Attorney General Merrick Garland has released Jack Smiths final report into his investigation into Donald Trumps efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. The outgoing Justice Department special counsels findings do not make for flattering reading for the president-elect.

Smith curtailed his probe into the 45th presidents alleged election interference plot in November after Trump beat Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 vote to secure a return to the White House. Justice Department protocol forbids it from investigating a sitting president, ending Smiths hope of securing a conviction against Trump and ultimately prompting his resignation last Friday.

But the special counsel leaves office with a report that makes clear his feelings about the former and future presidents efforts to mislead the American public about his defeat to Joe Biden four years ago.

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When it became clear that Mr Trump had lost the election and that lawful means of challenging the election results had failed, he resorted to a series of criminal efforts to retain power, Smith writes in the 174-page filing.

Those efforts included, he argues, attempts to induce state officials to ignore true vote counts; to manufacture fraudulent slates of presidential electors in seven states that he had lost; to force Justice Department officials and his own vice president, Michael R Pence, to act in contravention of their oaths and to instead advance Mr Trumps personal interests.

Here are the key findings from a report the president-elect moved quickly to attempt to discredit as fake on social media.

Voters saved Trump from conviction

Americans who voted to re-elect Trump effectively kept him out of prison (AFP/Getty)

Having laid out the evidence against the president-elect in exhaustive detail, much of which has been previously established, the special counsel states flatly that only Trumps victory over Harris in Novembers presidential vote could have saved him from being convicted for attempting to subvert the 2020 election.

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But for Mr Trumps election and imminent return to the presidency, the office assessed that the admissible evidence was sufficient to obtain and sustain a conviction at trial, Smith writes.

Until Mr Trump obstructed it, this democratic process had operated in a peaceful and orderly manner for more than 130 years, he adds elsewhere  alluding to Congresss certification of the Electoral College results, a process established under the Electoral Count Act of 1887  underlining the historical gravity of the actions he accuses Trump of engaging in.

Smith says it was his duty to investigate the former presidents conduct, adding he stands by his decision fully and that prosecutors cannot control outcomes and must simply commit to doing their jobs the right way for the right reasons.

The extent of Trumps pressure campaign against Pence

Trump attempted to weaponize Mike Pences role in certifying the election results (AFP/Getty)

The special counsel frequently cites Mike Pences own words from his memoir So Help Me God as he outlines the intensity of Trumps pressure campaign against his own vice president. Trump sought to persuade him to weaponize his ceremonial role in certifying the election results in Congress, the event underway on Capitol Hill on January 6 2021 when the attempted insurrection broke out.

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Smith alleges that, at one stage in the run-up to that occasion, Trump told his erstwhile running mate that hundreds of thousands of people would hate his guts and think him stupid if he did not comply with the plot to reject legitimate results from the states, also angrily rebuking Pence for being too honest.

The special counsel also focuses on Trumps efforts to exert public pressure on his deputy on social media and at a rally in Georgia, which ultimately led to chants of Hang Mike Pence! breaking out among the rioters in Washington DC and the erection of a gallows for the purpose.

Trump and Pence have been estranged ever since parting ways with the conclusion of the formers first term but unexpectedly shook hands at Jimmy Carters funeral in DC last week.

Smith details crucial deception at heart of fraudulent electors plot

The special counsel describes the plan to organize the people who would have served as Mr Trumps electors, had he won the popular vote, in seven states that Mr Trump had lost. The Republican billionaire wanted supporters in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin to sign and send to Washington false certifications claiming to be the legitimate electors.

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He writes that the scheme quickly transformed into a corrupt strategy to obstruct the certification proceeding and overturn the valid election results and involved electors in the targeted states being sent instructions on how best to mimic the manner in which the state required valid electors to gather and vote.

Smith continues: For the most part, the co-conspirators deceived Mr Trumps elector nominees in the targeted states by falsely claiming that their electoral votes would be used only if ongoing litigation were resolved in Mr Trumps favor.

This deception was crucial to the conspiracy, as many who participated as fraudulent electors would not have done so had they known the true extent of the co-conspirators plans.

Not all of Mr Trumps elector nominees were persuaded, forcing the co-conspirators to recruit substitutes in some of the targeted states.

Probe into co-conspirators continued after Trump charged

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 (Pool/AFP/Getty)

After Trump was originally indicted in 2023 on four counts, including conspiracy to defraud the United States and obstruction of an official proceeding, Smiths team continued to investigate the former presidents co-conspirators with a view to further charges.

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His office found evidence that one subject of its investigations, who is not named in the report, may have committed unrelated crimes and that investigation was passed on to a US attorneys office.

Talks had been underway about issuing further indictments against those involved, Smith reveals, until the investigation into Trump had to be dropped.

Because the office reached no final conclusions and did not seek indictments against anyone other than Mr Trump  the head of the criminal conspiracies and their intended beneficiary  this report does not elaborate further on the investigation and preliminary assessment of uncharged individuals, he concludes.

Smith says he tried to avoid influencing 2024 election

The special counsel is at pains to point out that he and his team stuck closely to Justice Department guidelines about carrying out investigations into public officials during an election year, a rebuttal to Trumps repeated claims that it was Smiths work that amounted to the real election interference.

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Throughout its work, the office was focused entirely on its mandate to uphold the law, and nothing more, Smiths report states. The career prosecutors in the office conducted its investigation and prosecution in a manner that complied fully with the departments policies regarding election year sensitivities.

Collectively, prosecutors in the office had many years of experience providing training, advice, and guidance to prosecutors and law enforcement agents throughout the department on how to comply with the departments election-related policies.
Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), who chaired the now-defunct House select committee tasked with investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection, and has been targeted by President-elect Donald Trump over his work on the panel, on Monday said he has discussed a potential pardon with the White House.

In an interview with the outlet Punchbowl News, Thompson said hed spoken to the White House counsels office about the possibility in December, but clarified that he hasnt discussed the issue with outgoing President Joe Biden.

A lot of people have said if this guy [Trump] said hes going to do things, believe him, Thompson said. If the president offered a pardon based on the work of the committee, Bennie Thompson would accept it.

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Thompson previously told CNN that he would be open to receiving a pardon but noted that the decision to issue one is ultimately up to Biden.

In an interview with USA Today earlier this month, Biden said that he is considering preemptive pardons for people that Trump has threatened to take action against.

Trump has argued that jail time should be given to lawmakers who sat on the Jan. 6 committee, including Thompson and former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), who was the vice chair of the panel.

Cheney did something thats inexcusable, along with Thompson and the people on the un-select committee of political thugs and, you know, creeps, Trump told NBCs Meet the Press in comments aired last month. Honestly, they should go to jail.

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Thompson told Punchbowl News that he anticipates Trump will target him and others after he takes office next week.

I believe Donald Trump when he says hes going to inflict retribution on this, Thompson said. I believe when he says my name and Liz Cheney and the others. I believe him.

HuffPost has reached out to Thompsons office for comment.

Trump has long attacked the work of the Jan. 6 committee, which detailed his efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. The panel referred four criminal charges against Trump to the Department of Justice in December 2022.

Though Trump was eventually indicted over the 2020 election scheme, DOJ special counsel Jack Smith moved to dismiss the case following Trumps victory in last years presidential vote. Smith submitted a final report detailing his findings in that investigation, as well as in a case involving Trumps alleged mishandling of classified documents, to Attorney General Merrick Garland and has since resigned from his role.

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The first volume of Smiths report, pertaining to Trumps election subversion case, was made public early Tuesday. Smith said the department had enough evidence to obtain and sustain a conviction were Trump to stand trial.

On his Truth Social platform, Trump criticized Smith over the document, while also lambasting the Jan. 6 panel.

Thompson was among the recipients of the Presidential Citizens Medal this month, including for his work on the committee.

Read Thompsons full interview at Punchbowl News.

Brandi Buchman contributed to this report.

Related...
A former Walt Disney World employee has pleaded guilty to federal charges after hacking the resorts menus, according to a complaint filed in Florida federal court.

Michael Scheurer pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft and knowingly transmitting a program, information, code, and command and intentionally causing damage without authorization to a protected computer. Scheurer hacked into the menus of various Disney World restaurants, changing the prices, removing allergy information from food items, and adding profanities. Disney estimates that the damages exceeded $150,000.

Scheurer, who produced and distributed all of the company's menus, was terminated from his position on June 13, 2024, over misconduct. His departure was contentiousand not considered to be amicable, the complaint read, calling Sheurer a threat actor. It went on to say that his menu changes threatened public health and safety."

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"Namely, the threat actor manipulated the allergen information on menus by adding information to some allergen notifications that indicated certain menu items were safe for individuals with peanut allergies, when in fact they could be deadly to those with peanut allergies," the complaint explained.

For the program transmission charge, Scheurer is facing up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $250,000. Hes also being fined a $100 special assessment for knowingly transmitting a malicious code or program and causing intentional damage to a protected computer without authorization. The aggravated identity theft charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison along with a $250,000 fine, up to a year of supervised release, and another $100 special assessment fee.
A now-former elementary school teacher who has admitted trading videos depicting the sexual abuse of children the same age as children in his classroom was allowed to withdraw his guilty plea Tuesday.

Hamilton County Common Pleas Judge Jennifer Branch granted a request by 62-year-old Amit Netanels attorney to withdraw his plea to three counts of pandering sexually oriented materials involving minors.

Netanel  who taught for about eight years at Rockwern Academy, a private Jewish school in Sycamore Township  initially pleaded guilty in September 2024. It was during a sentencing the next month that his attorney, Richard Goldberg, realized that he had advised Netanel to plead to a higher-level felony than he could have.

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I gave Mr. Netanel bad advice, Golberg told Branch Tuesday. It was a mistake on my part.

Netanel pleaded guilty to a subsection of the state's pandering law that is a higher-level felony crime and includes a presumed prison sentence. But a subsection that is a lower-level felony crime  and does not include a presumed prison sentence  uses similar language, according to Goldberg.

There was extended discussion during Tuesdays hearing about the definition of the words exchange and disseminate.

Netanel was charged with four counts of possessing and four counts of disseminating sexually abusive videos. One video showed a man sexually assaulting a girl approximately between the ages of 4 and 6 and causing her to choke.

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Assistant Prosecutor Chris Lipps said Netanel pleaded guilty to three counts involving disseminating the videos, in exchange for the remaining five counts being dismissed.

Lipps said Netanel used the messaging app Kik to share the videos with others as well as to discuss apparent fantasies about sexually abusing children.

But Goldberg argued that he intended for Netanel to admit to an exchange of videos, which would be a lesser crime.

The lower-level subsection of the law says that no person shall knowingly solicit, receive, purchase, exchange, possess or control such sexually abusive material. The higher-level subsection says no person shall "sell, distribute, transport (or) disseminate" it.

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Goldberg argued that Netanel was not involved in dissemination when he traded videos with other Kik users. He said the trading was an exchange.

Branch is expected to set a trial date on Jan. 21.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Ex-Rockwern teacher withdraws plea in sex abuse videos case
The former home of the late Dennis Wilson, member of the Beach Boys and once a friend of the Manson family, is still standing after its brush with L.A.s Pacific Palisades fire.

14400 Sunset Blvd., where in the late 1960s Wilson would regularly host cult leader Charles Manson and many of his female followers, was photographed seemingly unscathed by the wildfires that have torn across Southern California, prompting the evacuation of over 180,000 people.

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Drummer Wilson was reportedly fascinated by Manson and his followers as the two struck up a friendship in 1968. Many women, all of them members of the Manson family, were housed at the residence that summer and cost the star around $100,000 (equivalent to $900,000 in 2025).

In late 1968, Wilson told the Record Mirror magazine: When I met [Manson] I found he had great musical ideas. Were writing together now. Hes dumb, in some ways, but I accept his approach and have [learned] from him.

The Palisades home, once Dennis Wilsons, pictured from the fire damage site.

He told reporters at the time that he had been living with 17 women. When asked if he was supporting them, Wilson replied: No, if anything, theyre supporting me. I had all the rich status symbols  Rolls-Royce, Ferrari, home after home. Then I woke up, gave away 50 to 60 percent of my money. Now I live in one small room, with one candle, and Im happy, finding myself.

It was reportedly at Wilsons house parties where Manson, who died in 2017 at age 83, was able to meet Hollywood celebrities. In the summer of 1968, Manson recorded several tracks at Brian Wilsons home studio, though the recordings remain unreleased to the public. The Beach Boys recorded one of Mansons songs Cease to Exist (retitled Never Learn Not to Love) and released it as the B-side of their single Bluebirds over the Mountain in December 1968. Manson himself did not contribute to the recording.

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Growing fearful of Manson, Wilson distanced himself from the family and moved out of the house around the same time. Following the 1969 murders of pregnant actress Sharon Tate, Jay Sebring, Abigail Folger and Wojciech Frykowski, Wilson was reportedly threatened by the group and agreed to give Manson money. He did not testify against him when the latter was charged with numerous counts of murder and conspiracy to commit murder.

In the 1978 biography The Beach Boys and the California Myth, Wilson acknowledged his relationship with Manson and said, I know why [he] did what he did. Someday, Ill tell the world. Ill write a book and explain why he did it. In 1983, Wilson drowned at Marina Del Rey.

Wildfires, fueled by the Santa Ana winds, initially broke out last Tuesday in the Palisades, before spreading to parts of Malibu and Santa Monica overnight. As of press time, the fires have killed at least 24 people. The Palisades Fire is now 17 percent contained, while the Eaton Fire is 35 percent contained amid warnings that the weather will be particularly dangerous on Tuesday.

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CHICAGO  Former Speaker of the Illinois House Michael Madigan faced his toughest test since deciding to take the stand in his public corruption trial.

On Monday, prosecutors finally got their chance to cross-examine the 82-year-old who is charged with bribery, racketeering, wire fraud, official misconduct and other crimes.

PREVIOUS: In return to stand, Madigan answers questions about longtime ally Michael McClain

You werent working full-time when you were Speaker, were you, sir? federal prosecutors asked Madigan.

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At the start of cross-examination, federal prosecutors were on the offensive, criticizing Michael Madigan, who famously split his time between his busy and highly successful private law firm and his job as the Illinois Speaker of the House.

You took an oath to tell the truth, didnt you, sir? prosecutors asked Madigan.

Assistant US Attorney Amarjeet Bhachu laid the groundwork Monday at Chicagos Federal Courthouse, playing an FBI wiretap for jurors that captured a 2018 conversation between co-defendants Madigan and Michael McClain about Dennis Gannon, the president of the Chicago Federation of Labor from 2002-2010.

Gannon is not accused of any wrongdoing.

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2018 wiretapped phone call between Madigan and McClain:

Madigan  How did Gannon get involved? Madigan asks McClain.

McClain  Yeah, remember we got him on that contract maybe five years ago, whenever it was. For a buck-fifty ($150,00) a year.

After a pause, the courtroom hears Madigans laughter.

Madigan (laughter) Some of those guys made out like bandits.

Prosecutors are seeking to establish an alleged pattern of political corruption. Madigan and McClain are accused of securing no-work or little-work contracts for political loyalists.

You used the word guys in plural? Isnt that right, sir? prosecutors asked Madigan.

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Yes, Madigan replied.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

Madigan took the stand for close to three hours, albeit with breaks included. McClain previously declined to take the stand in his defense. While court is adjourned for the day, the trial should last until the end of January.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
AUSTIN, TX (FOX 44)  Hundreds of Texans converged upon the Texas State Capitol building for the first day of the 89th Legislature. There was plenty of excitement outside of the Capitol building before the gavel fell to officially start everything.

FOX 44 News caught up with people who traveled hundreds of miles to support their parties, see the official swearing in of new legislators, and to make their voices heard to our states lawmakers.

One of them was Bee Moorhead, the Executive Director of Texas Impact, who she says is Texass oldest and largest inter-faith network. Moorhead told us she has high hopes for the upcoming session.

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We had people in our state who dont have access to key services, broadband, utilities, transportation, Moorhead said. And, we know that legislators know that its important to invest in infrastructure. We hope that they will do that. And thats just the beginning of things here at the state capitol in Austin for whats going on outside the Capitol and inside the Capitol.

SEE ALSO: Texas House of Representatives Kicks Off 89th Legislative Session with Public Support

The Legislatures regular season can last up to 140 days. The only state constitutional requirement is for lawmakers to pass a balanced budget, which spends no more than what is estimated to be available. The Texas State Comptroller projected $194.6 billion will be available in general revenue to fund state business over the 2026-027 biennium.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
BEIJING/HONG KONG (Reuters) -China is set to slash pay for staff at its top three financial regulators, including the central bank, by about half, as part of a regulatory revamp unveiled in 2023 to bring their salaries in line with other civil servants, sources said.

Starting from this month, staff at the People's Bank of China (PBOC), National Financial Regulatory Administration (NFRA) and China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) will see total income slashed by about half, said four sources.

The sources, who have knowledge of the matter, declined to be identified due to the sensitivity of the matter.

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The hefty pay cuts would come against the backdrop of China's current focus on boosting consumption, including spending by millions of civil servants, as part of its efforts to maintain a stable growth rate in 2025.

The cuts would also mark a shift in the remuneration policy for staff at the financial regulatory bodies and would come two years after a regulatory revamp that was aimed at consolidating powers and oversight at the top of the government.

The State Council Information Office, which handles media queries on behalf of the Chinese government, and the regulators did not immediately reply to Reuters request for comment.

None of the three regulators disclose their exact official headcount.

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The NFRA, a beefed-up version of the then banking and insurance industry regulator, was established as part of the overhaul and the agency oversees all financial sector aspects, excluding the securities industry.

The revamp also saw the NFRA and the CSRC both sitting directly under the State Council or cabinet. The PBOC has been under the State Council since 1997, but its staff wages were brought in line with the other two regulators in recent years.

As a result of the revamp, it was expected by some experts that the staff income at the financial regulators would be cut to match the salaries of civil servants at other government bodies such as the Ministry of Finance and the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC).

Prior to the revamp, both the then banking regulator and the securities watchdog were categorized as public institutions, and their staff remuneration system allowed them to benefit from more competitive pay scales compared to other civil servants.

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BOOSTING CONSUMPTION

The pay cuts at the regulators would bridge the gap within state agencies - a CSRC department head, for example, earns 300,000-400,000 yuan ($40,925-$54,570) a year, almost double what civil servants at other state institutions get, said one of the sources.

While all department heads at the three financial regulators will see their pay slashed by about half, officials below their rank will see a 40% cut, said the second source.

Some more senior officials at the director level and above will face a 60% pay reduction, the source added.

The hefty pay cuts at the regulatory bodies, however, comes at a particularly tricky time for China, which has been looking to boost consumption to revive a slowing economy, and contrasts with some recent government measures.

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Millions of government workers across China were given surprise wage increases earlier this month, people affected by the move told Reuters, with average monthly wages rising by about 500 yuan ($70).

The last time China publicly announced a nationwide increase in pay for civil servants was in 2015, when the government raised pay for local officials by more than 30% as part of an effort to combat corruption and lift consumers' spending power.

Also, earlier this month, a senior party official in the megacity of Chongqing in southwestern China asked party cadres to take the lead in consumption.

A record 3.4 million people flocked to the civil service exam last year, lured by the prospect of lifetime job security and perks including subsidised housing and social insurance, a major attraction for graduates disillusioned by the paucity of private sector job opportunities.

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Over the last couple of years, however, some local governments have struggled to pay wages to civil servants due to their worsening financial health. Other civil servants survive on as little as 4,000 yuan ($550) a month while supporting families and paying off loans.

($1 = 7.3307 Chinese yuan renminbi)

(Reporting by Reuters Beijing newsroom and Julie Zhu in Hong Kong; Editing by Sumeet Chatterjee and Kim Coghill)
As more companies adopt artificial intelligence technology, the amount of energy it consumes is often overlooked, and the problem is starting to reach homes across the United States.

What's happening?

As Bloomberg explained in late December, AI data centers around the country are consuming huge amounts of power from the grid and thereby disrupting the normal flow of electricity in the homes of millions of Americans. An analysis determined that over three-quarters of the homes with distorted power readings across the country are within 50 miles of major data center activity.

Bloomberg explained that the term for distorted power supplies is "bad harmonics," which can "force home electronics to run hot, or even cause the motors in refrigerators and air conditioners to rattle." The outlet described bad harmonics as "an issue that can add up to billions of dollars in total damage."

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Thomas Coleman, CEO of consultant Structure Energy Solutions and a longtime expert on grid reliability, told Bloomberg that harmonics, along with power-quality issues more broadly, "is another element in these perfect storm scenarios we are not monitoring and addressing quickly and efficiently enough."

Why is this important?

The AI boom means the issue of disrupted electricity quality is not exclusive to the United States, as power grids around the world are starting to buckle with new data centers sprouting up more frequently.

Bloomberg wrote: "The digital economy is sucking up so much power that demand is now straining available supplies of electricity in many parts of the world, leading to concerns over price increases and even widespread outages. And that's only projected to worsen as more data centers are built."

A recent report from Goldman Sachs predicted that around $1 trillion will be spent worldwide on data centers and other AI-related expenditures over the coming years. As power grids continue to be challenged by extreme weather conditions that have only worsened due to rising global temperatures, this increase in demand will further strain power systems globally.

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"The data center is a very large load. Take your house and increase that by 10,000. That is the difference between your house and a data center," Hasala Dharmawardena, a senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers who also works at the North American Electric Reliability Corp, told Bloomberg.

What's being done about this?

Aman Joshi, chief commercial officer of Bloom Energy Corp., told Bloomberg there needs to be "an urgency" to better understand the impact of the continued construction of data facilities that support AI.

Do you think our power grid needs to be upgraded?

Click your choice to see results and speak your mind

"No grid is designed to be able to handle that kind of load fluctuation not only for one data center but for multiple data centers at the same time," Joshi said.

Still, there's optimism that the grid could see some relief soon, as Bloomberg noted that "some solutions are already in the works."

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Carrie Bentley, CEO of Gridwell Consulting, told Bloomberg that the ongoing examination of the effect of harmonics on the residential level makes it easier to understand the risks of continued electricity flow disruption due to the weakening grid.

"If you know it exists, it is easy to fix," Bentley said. "So if this is a problem, it is a nice problem."

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.
Not quite six years ago, wildfire expert Jack Cohen, who lives in Missoula, in the US state of Montana, 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.

The recent outbreak of wildfires raging in the region has left him with a deep sadness.

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From his home outside Phoenix, fire historian Stephen Pyne sees history unfolding in the destruction in Los Angeles.

"It may be the fire equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane," said Pyne, a professor emeritus at Arizona State University.

With a rising death toll and thousands of structures destroyed or damaged and thousands of residents under evacuation order, the siege has the potential of being the costliest wildfire disaster in American history, according to University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) climate scientist Daniel Swain.

Respected by fire agencies across the country, Cohen and Pyne have found their straight-talk admonitions often disregarded or dismissed.

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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.

"I'm 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 Los Angeles Times newspaper in 2017 when wildfires ravaged Northern California and again during the most recent 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.

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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.

Yet the fire disasters that we're seeing today are less wildland fires than urban fires, Cohen said. Shifting this understanding could lead to more effective prevention strategies.

There have been several major fires in the region, but the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades district and the Eaton Fire in Altadena, near Pasedena, are the most severe.

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"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."

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.

"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.

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"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.

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"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.

"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."

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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 US 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.

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 they've come back. "It's like watching polio return," he said. "It's happening repeatedly."

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In 2016, devastating fires swept through Gatlinburg, Tennessee; in 2021, they ravaged the towns of Superior and Louisville, Colorado; and just two years ago, Lahaina, Hawaii, faced a similar tragedy.

"It's 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 the current 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.

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"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.

Popular wisdom, Pyne said, holds that "fire is something that happens once in a while. It's seasonal. It's nothing we really have to invest in systematically. It's just an emergency that we need to be prepared for and then respond to."

"I think we're beyond that," he said.

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.

"We don't have to solve climate change in order to solve our community wildfire risk problem," he said.

Be realistic

The most uncomfortable truth of the recent wildfire tragedy has been how quickly firefighting efforts were overwhelmed and outmatched by the extreme fire conditions, Cohen said.

LA 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. It's 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 it's unrealistic.

The National Fire Prevention Association a national non-profit 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 programme 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 favourable 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."

Fire crests the hills behind Pacific Palisades while a firefighting aircarft drops water in Los Angeles, as the Palisades fires rage across the area. Daniel A. Anderson/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Fire crests the hills behind Pacific Palisades in Los Angeles, as the Palisades fires rage through the area. Daniel A. Anderson/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
Daily Show host Jon Stewart on Monday called out the growing number of Republican lawmakers who are threatening to block emergency aid to California unless they receive political concessions in return.

Stewart rolled multiple clips of GOP figures saying they want strings attached to any federal aid for the Los Angeles area, which has been ravaged by a series of devastating fires.

They dont deserve anything, to be honest with you, unless they show us theyre going to make some changes, Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) told Newsmax in one clip.

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What the fuck is wrong with you? Stewart fired back, then railed against Tuberville:

Really, senator from Alabama? The state near the bottom in math, reading and test scores? Next time you get hit by a fucking hurricane, why dont we have a little parent-teacher conference to see that if you got your scores up you would get the money. Or actually, lets not do it because youll get the money anyway because were not fucking psychos. That is psychotic. Theres something wrong with you.

Stewart noted that some of the very same GOP lawmakers demanding conditions on aid to California had no problem asking for cash when their own states faced natural disasters.

Then, he took a closer look at Republicans complaints  and systemically dismantled their talking points one by one in the Monday night Daily Show monologue:

Related...
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it is investigating a recent near-midair collision of flights that were approaching Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

A Delta Air Lines flight, as well as a United Airlines flight landed safely following a loss of required separation while both en route to the Phoenix airport, according to a Saturday statement from the FAA. The statement said the crews for the flights got onboard alerts about their aircraft being close and that corrective instructions aimed at the crews came from air traffic control.

The agency is investigating the incident, which occurred around 11 a.m. local time over the weekend.

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In their own statement, United said as one of their flights was preparing to land at Phoenix on Saturday, its pilots received an automated flight deck warning to change their altitude.

The pilots acted immediately and landed safely, United added. Were working with the FAA on its investigation.

A spokesperson for Delta said in a statement to The Hill that with nothing being more important than safety, Delta flight crews extensively train to handle uncommon scenarios such as this and followed the resolution advisory as directed.

Last Wednesday, a different United flight was clipped by another jet while taxiing at Chicago OHare International Airport, the FAA said at the time.

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According to an emailed statement from an FAA spokesperson to The Hill from last week, an American Airlines Boeing 737-800 jet struck the tail of a United Airlines 787 jet while taxiing last Wednesday on separate taxiways at Chicago OHare International Airport at about 10:00 a.m. CST.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Jan. 13For Washington Community Schools some old challenges will be the focus for the school board in 2025.

Washington Community Schools Board President Scott Arthur says one of the biggest focuses has to be improving and expanding the school facilities.

"We have some big plans. We are in the middle of this bond issuance and once everything is completed on that, we can start more detailed into the plans to make things better. I think we can improve our space issues, but we won't be able to solve them all," said Arthur. "We will do our best to effectively use every penny we have to improve things for our students."

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With the bonds for a construction project at the high school and junior high 20 years ago coming off of the tax rolls, school officials are looking to put a new $25-million bond in place to expand the primary school.

"Our goal is to add 10 classrooms, basically another grade level, at the old Griffith. It also includes some renovations to the building to get it ready for the long-term," said Arthur. "We don't want to add on some classrooms and then have a building that needs major work."

Even as Washington's enrollment continues to grow, school officials say they feel like they are positioned well for this year's changes and challenges.

"The new diplomas, I think we are positioned very well for that at the high school thanks to what we have been doing with our college and careers program. We are looking forward to how that works," said Arthur.

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The school board president says one of the big question marks this year has to do with what will come out of the legislature.

"I don't know if I am looking forward to what the legislature has to bring for education. I don't know whether to be nervous. We will wind up taking what we are given," he said. "The budget year is always filled with hold your breath moments."

Arthur says the bottom line for Washington in 2025 will be continuing the groundwork that has already been laid to bring the facilities up to date.

"I am pleased with the way the school system is moving forward. We spent a lot of time last year working on that community facilities committee. We got the public into our buildings so that they could see the needs and our challenges," he said. "These facilities are about giving our students and teachers what they need to succeed."
ALBANY, New York  Besieged by low approval ratings and unyielding attacks from rivals, Gov. Kathy Hochul will try to reclaim ground on losing issues for Democrats nationally as she delivers her fourth State of the State address Tuesday.

Hochul will focus on combating crime and the cost of living when she gives her speech at a performing arts venue across the street from the Capitol. Her proposals, which shes been putting forth in recent days, mark an embrace of the issues that President-elect Donald Trump capitalized on as he defeated a ticket Hochul actively stumped for and overperformed in the Empire State.

The moderate Democratic governor wants to expand free school lunch and provide more tax credits, rebates and financial help for child care. Hochuls proposal to prevent private equity from buying homes has been embraced by influential left-leaning state lawmakers. On the matter of crime  another issue Republicans have effectively seized on across the country  Hochul will discuss her goal of improving mass transit safety by expanding forced hospitalizations of people with severe mental illness. That plan has won qualified support from previously skeptical Democrats.



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Despite the popular measures shes backing, allies of the governor say she has struggled to communicate her successes to voters in capricious Albany as the political terrain becomes increasingly rocky ahead of her 2026 reelection. She faces a potential primary challenge from Rep. Ritchie Torres and a likely general election rival in Rep. Mike Lawler. So the stakes are high when she gives her speech on Tuesday: She not only has to show shes viable at home but shes seeking to inoculate herself against the Democratic Partys national ills.

She hasnt really taken victory laps about all these things, Erie County Democratic Chair Jeremy Zellner said. This message hasnt gone out to voters. When she has a campaign going, I think youll start to see those numbers head in a different direction.

A prominent surrogate for President Joe Biden before he dropped out of the White House race last year, Hochul has so far failed to gain traction with restive New York voters  half of whom believe the state is heading in the wrong direction and would prefer to elect someone else. A Siena College poll of New York voters in December found Hochuls 39 percent favorability rating in a statistical tie with Trump.

She doesnt go out and attack and doesnt aggressively bully people, said Michael Mulgrew, the president of the powerful United Federation of Teachers. Does that work for someone in the political sphere where there is the public drama that goes with being an elected official? She feels that isnt effective. I think thats to her detriment.

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Mulgrew believes Hochul has concentrated on smart issues and said her push to boost aid to New York schools has been admirable. But the governor, who first took office in 2021 following the resignation of Andrew Cuomo, has struggled to sell her victories.

Shes been able to deliver a lot of different things, but the political aspects of communication is something her and her team need to work on, he said. Her focus on making New York affordable is the right place to be.



Yet the moderate Hochul, who has rolled out voter friendly measures in the lead up to Tuesday's agenda-setting speech, continues to give likely rivals an opening. Privately some party leaders wonder whether Hochul will still seek reelection if her poor poll numbers continue, according to two Democratic officials granted anonymity in order to speak frankly.

Hochul, a personable and cheerful politician who relishes retail politicking, has less than two years to persuade voters she is the right choice to lead the state at a time when Trumps return to the White House could reshape the country and blue state policies. Her instincts bend toward collaboration, be it with Trump or Mayor Eric Adams, an ally who is fighting a five-count felony corruption indictment.

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My nature is to work with whomever is sitting in office  whether its the president of the United States, other governors or mayors, she told reporters recently. Ill continue on that path.

But the perception of political weakness reflected back in her poll numbers has energized political opponents.

Lawler, who has made little secret of his desire to run for governor, has knocked Hochul over a controversial congestion pricing toll plan for Manhattan. Torres, who emerged as an ardent supporter of Israel, is weighing a primary challenge and has critiqued the governors shaky leadership of the state. Torres on Monday ripped into Hochul over drug addiction in the Bronx and blamed her for an open air drug market in the South Bronx.

Confounding matters for Hochul has been her hand-picked lieutenant governor, Antonio Delgado, dropping clear hints he is open to running for governor next year. Hochul insisted late last year she has a good relationship with him.

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Hochuls political team recently challenged Lawler for a full repeal of the $10,000 cap on state and local tax deductions  a provision that has hurt high-tax states like New York. The governors campaign has also seized on Torres past support for left-leaning issues like defunding police departments.

Her allies contend Hochul is in a deceptively better position to win reelection than polls reflect. Some of these advantages were not available during her first campaign in 2022, when Republican Rep. Lee Zeldin came within 6 points of unseating her. She is a formidable fundraiser whose campaign coffers are expected to be flush.



Hochul assembled a bulwark of support among the partys local leaders after a campaign season filled with personal appearances at fundraisers for county-level Democratic committees. Statewide, the New York Democratic Committee built an army of volunteers and paid staffers this year. The party has also collected reams of voter data and contact information for volunteers and Democrats flipped three battleground House seats.

The success in the House races handed the governor a measure of vindication after prominent Democrats like former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi who criticized Democrats for a poor showing in 2022. And while the coordinating effort was meant to boost down-ballot House and state legislative candidates, party leaders expect the recently retooled machine will pivot to aid Hochul in 2026 while also highlighting to voters her policy accomplishments.

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During her time in the governors mansion, Hochul has steered record aid to schools, scaled back a controversial cashless bail law and devoted resources to combatting retail theft. This year she will pursue an expansion of making school lunches free for more students. She also supports banning students from possessing cellphones during classroom hours.

And Hochul has continued to press for ways to alleviate the high cost of housing by discouraging private equity and hedge fund firms from buying single-family homes. The proposal has put her at odds with the powerful Real Estate Board of New York, but given the governor a boost with influential left-leaning lawmakers.

Im certainly not going to object to good public policy also being good politics, said state Sen. Liz Krueger, who represents voter-rich Manhattan and chairs the powerful Finance Committee.

Republicans eager to recapture the governors office for the first time since George Pataki left in 2006 believe voters have become exhausted with a generation of Democratic domination. And while the party is shut out of power statewide and continues to significantly lag in enrollment, there are signs the GOP could make gains in New York.



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After Zeldins competitive run in 2022, Trump received 45 percent of the vote in New York against Vice President Kamala Harris. Republicans expect voters, regardless of party affiliation, have become increasingly upset with headline-grabbing crime, a migrant crisis and the high cost of living in New York. They plan to leverage those issues going into 2026.

The pendulum has been shifting to the right over the last few years, Zeldin, Trumps pick to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, told POLITICO last year. And there hasnt been any sign of the movement to the right stopping.

Republicans acknowledge success statewide will be tough. The election will be a midterm for the new Trump administration, and two years worth of policies could embolden Democratic voters to turnout for the governor.

The midterm will always be difficult, Republican New York City Council Member Joe Borelli said. We need to make sure we have the right gubernatorial candidate.
FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now)  The Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) said a man was arrested after he burglarized a business in Mantua on Monday morning.

Just before 7:15 a.m., FCPD officers responded to the 9400 block of Mathy Drive after receiving reports of a commercial burglary.

Virginia lawmakers to reintroduce controversial bill that could bring casino to Fairfax County

The victim said the business was burglarized on Jan. 12 and provided security camera footage of the incident. A description of the suspect was obtained for the investigation.

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Then at around 2:48 p.m., officers responded to the 7200 block of Little River Turnpike in Annandale for reports of a larceny.

The report stated that a man came into the business, took things and left without paying.

Officers found that man outside the business and took him into custody.

He was identified as 32-year-old Matthew Fisch.

Traffic to be significantly impacted near Tysons, around Dulles Airport as crews install bridge girders over I-495

FCPD said officers recognized him as the suspect who was involved in the burglary that took place on Jan. 12.

Fisch was charged with burglary and petit larceny. He is being held at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center without bond.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
Police are searching for two men who pretended to be Amazon delivery drivers, attacked a man, and nearly killed him.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

According to the police report, two men dressed like Amazon workers in Savannah, Georgia walked up to a home on Saturday morning carrying a package and knocked on the door.

George Dick Hardison, 66, opened the door, and the men forced their way inside, our sister station WSB-TV reported.

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The police report states that the men demanded money before beating Hardison with a sledgehammer. The two men made off with just $80.

Footage shows the men leaving the home with the same package they walked up with. In the video, you can hear Hardison shouting for help, according to WSB-TV.

Hardison was rushed to the hospital where he got 14 stitches in his head.

Amazon shared a statement with CBS-affiliate WTOC that confirmed the men were not making a scheduled delivery:

Based off our internal investigation, we can confirm that these individuals were not making a scheduled delivery for Amazon. We monitor the Internet regularly for unauthorized Amazon apparel and demand that those items be removed when and where we can. People who make deliveries on behalf of Amazon do not routinely knock on doors nor ask customers to sign for packages unless already prearranged.

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As he recovers, Hardisons coworkers at OConnells Pub in Savannah have started a GoFundMe campaign that has raised over $8,700.

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Some flights are abruptly delayed due to falling debris from Elon Musks Space Xrockets that are re-entering the earth, Qantas said.

For weeks, the airline has been forced to postpone flights  for up to six hours  on the Sydney-Johannesburg route due to last-minute changes in both the timing and location of the re-entry of Space X rockets, Reuters reported.

Musk, the worlds richest person, is the founder of Space X.

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Over the past few weeks weve had to delay several flights between Johannesburg and Sydney due to advice received from the U.S. Government regarding the re-entry of SpaceX rockets over an extensive area of the Southern Indian Ocean, Ben Holland, the head of the airlines operations center, told the outlet.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifts off from Kennedy Space Center with a payload of Starlink satellites in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Debris from rockets is delaying flights across the globe, according to a report (REUTERS)

While we try to make any changes to our schedule in advance, the timing of recent launches have moved around at late notice which has meant weve had to delay some flights just prior to departure. Our teams notify customers of changes to their flight as soon as we know it will be impacted, Holland continued.

The airline said it was in contact with Space X to see if the company can refine the areas and time windows for the rocket re-entries to minimize future disruption, Holland said.

Flights on South African Airways have also been impacted, The Guardian reported.

The Independent has reached out to Qantas, South African Airways and Space X for more information.

Space X launched 134 rockets in its Falcon family in 2024.
Relatives of some of the victims murdered by a serial killer known as Jack the Ripper have backed a call for the investigation to be reopened after new evidence emerged.

Jack the Ripper, whose identity has never been confirmed, was linked to 11 murders between 1888 and 1892 in east London. The moniker came from a letter written by someone claiming to be the killer that was sent to the local press at the time, according to U.K. newspaper The Times.

Per the outlet, police linked a single killer to five female victims. All five of the women were prostitutes and they were all mutilated, except for one, according to the BBC.

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According to The Times and CBS News, evidence has since emerged suggesting that Catherine Eddowes, one of the five women, was killed by Aaron Kosminski, a Polish barber, who was a suspect in the original investigation but was never arrested.

The Times reports that in 2007, researcher Russell Edwards bought a shawl that was believed to have been found on Eddowes body at the murder scene in 1888, and Kosminskis DNA was later found on it.

Hulton Archive/Getty Mitre Square in London where Catherine Eddowes' body was found Mitre Square in London where Catherine Eddowes' body was found

Per CBS News, Edwards sought the help of Doctor Jari Louhelainen, a senior lecturer at Liverpool John Moores University, who isolated small segments of DNA from blood stains on the shawl.

The DNA was matched with the DNA of Karen Miller, the great-great-great-granddaughter of Eddowes, while DNA from semen stains on the shawl were also matched with a descendant of Kosminski, leading Edwards to claim that Kosminski was the killer in 2014.

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Related: Who Was Rodney Alcala? Inside the Serial Killers Crimes and Cameo on a Popular Show

"On the testing, the first result showed a 99.2% match. Since the DNA has two complementary strands, we went on and tested the other DNA strand, which gave a perfect 100% match," Louhelainen told U.K. newspaper the Liverpool Echo.

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.

Edwards, who is the author of the book Naming Jack the Ripper, has now hired a legal team to push for an inquest into the murders, per The Times.

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Related: 'My Ex the Serial Killer': A Woman Left Her Abusive Husband. Then She Learned Disturbing Extent of What He'd Done (Exclusive)

According to the outlet, Edwards call has received support from Miller, 53, along with descendants of the four other female victims.

The name Jack the Ripper has become sensationalized; it has gone down in history as this famous character, Miller said, per the outlet.

What about the real name of the person who did this? Having the real person legally named in a court which can consider all the evidence would be a form of justice for the victims, Miller continued, adding, We have got the proof, now we need this inquest to legally name the killer. It would mean a lot to me, to my family, to a lot of people to finally have this crime solved.



Read the original article on People
DELAND, Fla. (WFLA)  A young Florida boy died Monday after being attacked by a pair of dogs, the Volusia County Sheriffs Office said.

The attack was reported just before 5 p.m. on Jan. 13 in the area of Arabesque Drive and Airport Road, north of DeLand, according to authorities.

Florida grandmothers trial starts after grandchild dies in her care

Deputies said witnesses called 911 and began CPR on the 8-year-old boy, but he was not able to survive his injuries.

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Once at the scene, deputies chased the loose dogs down the road. One of the dogs was described as a Pitbull and the other, a mixed breed.

Animal control later captured and confiscated the dogs. As of Monday, officials said both dogs were being held in quarantine.

A joint investigation was underway Monday to determine the circumstances of the attack, the sheriffs office said. No further details were immediately available.

I dont know what anyone can say to ease the immense pain this family is feeling tonight, Chitwood said Monday night. This is a tragedy beyond comprehension, especially for those of us who are parents and grandparents. I can only ask our community to say a prayer of strength for this family and keep them in your hearts as they face their worst nightmare.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Gypsy Barrientos, girlfriend of slain Parole Agent Davis Martinez, stands with his mother, Blanca Garcia-Martinez, at a vigil honoring him Monday. Martinez was killed while on duty in May 2024. (Photo by Bryan P. Sears/Maryland Matters)

The family and loved ones of slain Parole Agent Davis Martinez called on Maryland lawmakers Monday to boost protections for state employees against violence on the job, saying Martinez should not have died in vain.

This is absolutely the most painful thing that I have ever had to experience  and as much as I wish that I was alone, I know that Im not, said Gypsy Barrientos, Martinezs girlfriend, who spoke on behalf of his family at a vigil honoring him Monday evening.

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Law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, teachers, state highway workers, social workers, parole agents and more. These are public service jobs that expose our loved ones to unknown threats every day, she said.

Her comments came at a memorial for Martinez that also served as a rally, with members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Maryland Council 3 and other labor unions gathered on Lawyers Mall in front of the State House.

About 100 people turned out on a chilly January night to sing, mourn and light candles in Martinezs honor  and to push for passage of the Davis Martinez Public Employee Safety and Health Act. It calls for the appointment of an assistant commissioner of Labor and Industry specifically to oversee the safety of public employees, and to specify that workplace protections extend to workers while they are in the field, among other measures.

Union members gathered Monday at Lawyers Mall in honor of Parole Agent Davis Martinez, who was killed while on duty in May 2024. (Photo by Danielle J. Brown/Maryland Matters)

Martinez was in the field when he became the first Maryland parole agent killed in the line of duty. He was conducting a routine visit on the morning of May 31, 2024, in Silver Spring when he was brutally slain.

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Martinez had gone to the home of Emanuel Edward Sewell, who was out on parole after serving 21 years of a 40-year sentence for sex assaults and burglary. Martinezs supervisors did not check on him until well into the evening, after coworkers expressed concern for his well-being.

Police found Martinez dead at Sewells house with multiple stab wounds. Sewell, who was arrested a day later in West Virginia, has been charged first-degree murder for the death of Martinez.

The Davis Martinez Public Employee Safety and Health Act aims to provide better oversight of state workplaces while expanding employee protections and safety measures out to field work, among other measures.

We are essentially setting up an entirely new unit  to specifically focus on the health and wellbeing and safety of public employees in their workplace, said Del. Jared Solomon (D-Montgomery) Monday afternoon, before the vigil. He is the sponsor of the House version of the Martinez bill, HB 176, which has a companion bill in the Senate, SB 26, sponsored by Sen. Benjamin F. Kramer (D-Montgomery).

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Solomon said one of the key provisions of the legislation is that it expands workplace inspections to include inspection of the places where our public employees are actually doing their jobs. Which in the instance of Agent Martinez, is not just his office in Silver Spring, it is the places in which he has to do his actual job.

Itd be the same thing as, unfortunately, the passing of the sanitation workers in Baltimore City, he said. Their workplace is not just the depot where they need their trucks. It is the streets of Baltimore where they do their jobs.

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Solomon was referring to two Baltimore City Department of Public Works employees, Ronald Silver II and Timothy Cartwell, who died in separate incidents while on the job last year.

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The legislation would require the state to develop plans and programs to protect public workers against workplace violence, which the bill defines as a violent act or the threat of violence that occurs in at a place of employment, excluding situations of self-defense or the defense of another.

The legislation would also create a unit within the Maryland Division of Labor and Industry to oversee the safety and health conditions for public employees and create new regulations to further protect state workers. The Public Employees Safety and Health unit would conduct regular and unscheduled workplace inspections to ensure that state employees have safe work environments.

AFSCME Maryland Council 3 President Patrick Moran said that while the legislation is named after Martinez, the workplace protections are meant to help all state workplaces be safer, not just those of parole agents.

It has a much broader focus, Moran said. You have social workers that go out to homes all the time  settings around mental health issues, a number of situations.

I think people realize the importance of this  the lack of guidelines and procedures, Moran said. Theyre just not in place, and so we need to address that.
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  Terri McCauley had two kids when she was killed in Sioux City in 1983. Now, after all these years, her family finally has some hope for closure.

After 41 years of silence, the family is happy and thankful that an arrest for the murder of my aunt Terri has taken place, her nephew Josh Taylor said.

Sioux City Public Museum to host Lunar New Year celebration

Taylor has spent much of his life advocating for his aunts murder to be solved. Hes also been an advocate in other cases of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.

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Terri could have been a very successful Native American woman in our community, Taylor said. That, unfortunately, was stolen from her.

Trisha Rivers with the Great Plains Action Society says this couldnt have been done without the help of county attorney James Loomis.

James Loomis has done an excellent job, she said. He gave us his word, he followed through, and were just more than grateful for that because thats not, in many cases like this, thats not what we see, especially coming from the native community.

During this long cold case, Taylor said, the family did start to lose hope.

After 41 years, you definitely start to lose hope, Taylor said. And I think more recently with how the community has responded to some of the local advocacy groups, you know, coming together and providing a platform for cases like this.

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Sioux City Public Museum holding discussion on historical impact of Black women

Taylor said he wants other families in similar situations to take heart from this development.

I hope this brings hope to those families that hey, one day, you know, their loved one will get an answer as well.

Terri McCauleys family expressed gratitude to the National Organization for Women, the Red Sky Nation, and many other groups for their support and advocacy for the case.

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BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB)  The issue of homelessness is a growing problem, not only across the country but also here in Buffalo. A local agency wants to add another emergency shelter, but not everyone is in favor.

Family Promise of Western New York, which has been around for years, wants to build that new shelter. It currently offers a small emergency shelter for homeless families on the citys East Side. Family Promise of WNY is one of just two emergency homeless shelters in Erie County.

Now the organization is proposing to build an emergency shelter on East Ferry Street near Jefferson Avenue. It would cost nearly $7 million. It would be a shelter with 20,000 square feet and would provide 40 additional beds along with a fenced-in playground.

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That proposed emergency shelter was discussed Monday by the Buffalo Planning Board. The Buffalo Planning Board has approved the proposal, which will go to the Zoning Board of Appeals for the next step in the approval process.

Weve been around for over 25 years. Were a New York state certified program, and what we do is take families who have fallen on hard times and who have lost housing, stabilize them and get them home back in our community, said Luanne Firestone, executive director of Family Promise of WNY.

But some residents are concerned about the possibility of quality of life issues in the community and a potential increase in traffic and noise, among other issues.

Homelessness in the United States is a growing crisis. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, the number of people from 2019-23 who entered emergency shelter for the first time increased more than 23 percent. In the proposed new shelter, Family Promise said it would provide up to eight families, or up to 40 people at a time, with shelter.

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Over the weekend, Family Promise held an open house in an effort to calm fears in the community about the proposed shelter.

Latest Local News

Jeff Preval is an award-winning anchor and reporter who joined the News 4 team in December 2021. See more of his work here.

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South Korean telecoms provider SK Telecom (SKT) has launched an on-demand AI cloud service called SKT GPUaaS at its AI Data Center (AIDC) in Seoul.

SKT says it has been preparing to launch its cloud service as part of its dedicated AIDC business by investing in Lambda, a global GPU cloud company, to secure stable GPU supplies and expertise.

SKT GPUaaS enables businesses to choose the number and duration of GPUs depending on the scale or purpose of AI services, and can configure customised packages, such as standalone servers, firewalls and dedicated lines.

"Prices are flexibly determined depending on the contract period, the number of GPUs, and the form of prepaid billing," SKT said in its announcement to the market.

"By utilising the AI Cloud Manager launched last October, GPU resources can be managed more efficiently.

"The AI Cloud Manager is a solution that manages numerous GPU resources as if they were a single computer to maximise GPU performance and support reducing the learning time required for AI development."

The newly launched SKT GPUaaS launched is based on NVIDIA H100 Tensor Core GPUs, and SKT plans to introduce one of the latest GPUs, NVIDIA H200 Tensor Core, in the first quarter of 2025.

By introducing the H200 in South Korea, SKT says it plans to create an environment where domestic companies can develop AI technology and services more quickly, and also to boost the expansion of GPUaaS customers.

The introduction of GPUaaS marks the first instance of our AI Data Center business actively reaching out to customers, said Kim Myong-gook, head of SK Telecoms GPUaaS business.

"This is a crucial step in positioning SK Telecom as a major force in the AI infrastructure arena.

Our goal is to boost our clients' competitiveness by leveraging our GPU as a platform for their AI services.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  The family of a Portland hiker and his dog who were shot and killed while camping in a remote part of Washington in 2022 has settled a wrongful death lawsuit against the alleged gunman and his father.

Aron Christensen and his puppy were found dead in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest on Aug. 18, 2022.

Eric Stearns attorney tries 3rd time to disqualify judge

Ethan Asbach, who was 19 at the time of the incident, told Lewis County deputies he shot Aron and his puppy, Buzzo, mistaking Aron for a wild animal. The gun was given to Ethan illegally by his father, Michael Asbach.

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Still, authorities never pressed charges, citing a lack of evidence.

Additionally, the lawsuit claims a Lewis County deputy disregarded orders to not move the body and exposed evidence to cross-contamination.

The Christensen family filed a $3 million lawsuit against the Asbachs, but the terms of the settlement havent been made public.

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WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  A family in West Springfield is looking for their missing 7-month-old puppy, Remi.

He was last seen on January 3 wearing a red collar with white bones, and is not microchipped.

West Springfield police seeking help locating missing 16-year-old

We really miss him, hes really special to us said Liz Blaser of West Springfield.

Remi was last seen in the Cooks Park playground area.

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He went missing from our backyard in West Springfield and he was on his leash, Blaser said. He was playing in the backyard on his leash, and thats when he got spooked and took off.

The Blaser family said they gathered enough donations from the community to hire Hawkeye Aerial Systems, who used their drones to try and find Remi. Theyre also working with Missing Mutts Search & Rescue, along with Missing Dogs of Massachusetts.

Remis family said that if someone may have taken him in thinking he was a stray to please return him, and that no questions will be asked. West Springfield Police are also speaking out.

Check your property, look under the deck, look behind the shed, look in the bushes. Remi could be trapped or stuck with the leash, said Sergeant Joe LaFrance of the West Springfield Police Department.

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If you find Remi or have any information about where he might be, please call the West Springfield Police Department at (413) 263-3210. You can also contact Remis owner Liz Blaser at (413) 364-0223.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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Pine trees tower over either side of Highway 28, a Tahoe area wildfire evacuation route. Photo by Pamela Mahoney Tsigdinos/Nevada Current)

On Monday, Jan. 6, Washoe County planners held the first of two barely noticed workshops to discuss proposed, far-reaching changes to the Washoe Tahoe Area Plan (TAP). These changes didnt come from Tahoe community members. They originated with a Portland-based consulting firm tapped by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) with help from developers prioritizing their bottom lines, not public safety. Together, they advanced a high-density urban infill model best suited to large cities.

The public heard about TRPAs proposal from a confusing patchwork of meetings and presentations in 2023 that were met with widespread public concerns and disapproval and one lawsuit. More than a year has passed since TRPA approved its controversial land use amendments.

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Tahoe-facing counties, however, share land use, construction permitting, and building plan decision-making power. TRPAs proposed high-density developments, with inadequate parking and no income caps, prove these units are not really aimed at Tahoes workforce. The unpopular land use proposals went dark in 2024 as county executives representing Tahoe districts faced an election year dog fight and TRPA was preoccupied with a deadline to unlock federal funding.

Wildfire threats increasing

In September 2024 the Davis fire made Northern Nevada residents acutely aware of Washoe Zephyr wind dangers. With recorded gusts of up to 70 miles per hour embers spread and torched nearly 6,000 acres, some nine square miles. In a matter of days, 14 houses and 22 outbuildings burned. The Davis fire came perilously close to the Tahoe basin. Courageous firefighters from northern and southern Nevada and reinforcements from as far away as Alaska and Florida and many states in between comprised a unified command with cooperating agencies. They worked heroically to contain the raging inferno. It could have been far worse. Each year wildfire fighting demands increase. Theres a finite supply of incident management teams.

With January barely underway multiple fires are savagely tearing through southern California residential communities forcing hundreds of thousands to flee their homes. A stunned resident told an NBC News journalist: its not like we live in cabins surrounded by pine forests.

But many northern Nevadans do live in pine forests. We understand we must be vigilant and prepared amid challenging mountainous topography with limited infrastructure and limited access to evacuation routes. On the southernmost tip of Washoe County and the western edge of Douglas County lies Lake Tahoe. First developed well more than a half-century ago, land use planners and civic leaders then had little of todays ecological or meteorological knowledge.

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Tahoe communities are nestled in whats now recognized as wildland-urban interface (WUI) areas. Much of the year, those living in Washoe Tahoe and Douglas Countys South Shore Area and our California Tahoe neighbors to the west face added competition for narrow roadways once used by hundreds. Then thousands. And now millions wooed by Lake Tahoe tourism and short-term rental company promotions. Most visitors are unfamiliar with wildfires unpredictable behavior or evacuation protocols.

Tahoe also lies in a well-known seismically active, ecologically fragile wildfire double hazard zone. Knowing this  and witnessing recent horrific fire destruction and loss of life  its dumbfounding to think Tahoe-facing counties are now being asked to blindly agree to ill-conceived, poorly analyzed land use changes.

Its twisted that amid historic wildfires, TRPA has stepped up its pressure campaign on counties to allow 65-foot structures surrounded by wildfire fuel in Tahoe. Its clear these high-density developments will further strain infrastructure and fire-fighting capacity. Just look to the densely populated communities to our south, which saw fire hydrants run dry, and panicked people abandon their vehicles preventing fire crews from getting resources where needed.

Counties bear the costs

Lets remember it is not the TRPA nor the agencys development consultants and tourism business partners who bear the high costs of firefighting, emergency planning and evacuation, and infrastructure. Those are borne by the counties and people who live in them. Thats why county land use ordinances should reflect the realities of building in high-risk areas. County leadership must take the time to do environmental and infrastructure analysis, update and provide more in-depth emergency and evacuation planning to encompass larger structures and populations and ensure widespread public involvement. Counties have standing and should use it, not just roll over and blindly follow TRPA. The bi-state agency has erred more than a few times before.

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Take its short-sighted 2004 TRPA governing board decision approving short-term rentals (STRs) as a permitted residential use. This led to the conversion of thousands of condos and houses, once available as long-term rentals for locals, to become STRs for tourists. This drastically reduced local housing options throughout the Tahoe basin. Washoe County, which today allows unlimited STRs, could unlock existing housing without putting a shovel in the ground by instituting a cap on STRs, and/or require that STRs belong to primary not secondary homeowners.

Residents and local business owners know well that affordable and workforce housing is sorely needed. Thats why Washoes Tahoe Area Plan, last updated in 2021, followed years of careful deliberations and community input to encourage development of more affordable housing. Washoes TAP mandated that single-family dwellings shall only be allowed in the commercial regulatory zone when they are part of a mixed-use development or when they are affordable housing units.

Sadly, the Washoe Board of County Commissioners made a hasty decision in January 2023 that torpedoed its own affordable housing goals. The board voted to advance to TRPA an Area Plan amendment to allow luxury condominiums in an area originally limited to mixed-use affordable housing and commercial.

These units, starting at $2.85 million, are not affordable to a first responder, schoolteacher, health care or service worker. Worse, the developers amendment encompassed all Special Area 1 and didnt define how much of the mixed-use project must be commercial space. The county and the developer team erroneously claimed this significant TAP amendment would not produce environmental or traffic impacts.

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Theres no more important land use question for wildfire prone areas today than how many people can these areas safely accommodate and evacuate. How many more Paradise, Lahaina or Pacific Palisades disasters are needed as proof?

The human and dollar costs of rushed or poor policymaking are immeasurable. 2025 provides an opportunity for Washoe, Douglas and Californias Tahoe counties to reevaluate the best use of housing and the impact and scope of proposed new buildings in the Tahoe basin, and to reconsider land use policies that fail to prioritize public safety. They should not rubber stamp TRPAs ill-conceived amendments.
Signaling hope in the battle against opioids, Central Florida saw a nearly 7% drop in deadly drug overdoses between 2021 and 2023, part of a trend of declines seen throughout the U.S. after the frightening surges of the preceding decade.

Data presented by the local Project Opioid on Monday shows the decline in overdose deaths in Central Florida in that period  which the nonprofit calculated using data from Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties  outpaced those seen in Florida and nationwide, which saw decreases of 5.9% and 1.5%, respectively. The drops followed a record-breaking death count of more than 8,200 people statewide in 2021.

Of the three Central Florida counties considered by Project Opioid, Osceola was the only one to see an upward trend in overdose deaths since 2021, with a staggering 20.2% increase by 2023. Orange saw a 6.6% decrease in overdose deaths over that period, while Lake County, which was not included in Project Opioids calculation, saw a nearly 15% decrease, according to data from the federal Centers for Disease Control. Other CDC data suggest the trend accelerated in 2024.

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Seminole had the steepest drop from 2021-2023 with 27.2% fewer deadly overdoses in the same period, credited in part to a years long emphasis by Sheriff Dennis Lemma on diverting substance users to get treatment while aggressively policing dealers. The strategy continues to show promise, said Andrae Bailey, founder of Project Opioid, who also credited the use of the life-saving opioid treatment naloxone, commonly known by the brand name Narcan.

Were getting naloxone out in ways we havent before, Bailey said. The nonprofit in 2024 reported distributing over 100,000 doses of naloxone while conducting scores of overdose reversal trainings across Central Florida. Seminole Countys death rate, Bailey added, could have potentially been double what it was, but naloxone is out in the community and its working.

Lemma said his deputies used naloxone in 99 instances last year, in which the county saw 427 overdoses but just 66 deaths, a 42% drop from 2023. However, he warned, there is more to be done.

We are incredibly pleased with these numbers, Lemma said. We have embraced Project Opioid from the beginning and used the fundamental cornerstones of this philosophy to implement them properly in Seminole County. But the hard work lies ahead of us.

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Before the recent decline, skyrocketing overdose deaths were being driven by the use of fentanyl, a dangerous synthetic drug often added to other drugs, and other opioids. While they continue making up the cause of most deadly overdoses, their use appears to be receding, according to the CDC, which documented steepening declines into 2024.

Reported deaths between July 2023 and July 2024 indicate a 19.3% drop in overdose deaths nationally, the CDC found. All but three states have reported fewer deaths in the same time period, with Florida coming just below the national average with a 18.9% drop while West Virginia reported the largest decline in the country, with nearly 50% fewer deadly overdoses.

I dont want people to hear about the reductions and just take a victory lap and think our work is done, Lemma said. What weve seen here in Central Florida and across the state of Florida, is a shifting paradigm when it comes to substance use disorder.

________
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  A new report says mental health disorders among veterans are up 40% in 4 years.

A local hospital on the front lines of that battle is the Veterans Administration Hospital in Fayetteville.

Since the death of her son Bo, the founder of the nonprofit Bos Blessings saw the pain in the eyes of her late son.

A Mothers Mission: Honoring her fallen son by helping heroes

His struggles were minute by minute, not day by day, but minute by minute. I can speak from a mothers perspective. When my son came home from the Iraq war, what a changed and wounded person he was, said Jannie Layne, Founder of Bos Blessings.

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Before he lost his life in a traffic accident, Layne saw the struggles, but Bo did get the help he needed. He struggled himself, but he sought counseling. And, sought the help that he knew he needed, said Layne.

Layne says that Bo could lean on friends and other veterans who had fought the same battles he was facing, said Layne. It takes one to know one. Bo had the support of his family, his church and his combat vets. People who knew and had served where he had, it was a different connection. They came together as a family. And that was the best thing that happened to him as far as having a network of support.

Counselors at the VA see a host of signs pointing to mental health, and many call the 988 crisis hotline. There is increased isolation, increased drug or alcohol use, thoughts of hopelessness or something. A lot of times, I hear folks say that they felt really stuck, said Rhames.

So, if youre feeling this way and nervous to get help, Bos mom says to think about her son and how he received counseling with the support of his community.

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You dont need to know all of the right answers or every right step. You know the crisis line is there to support you. You just need to know basically the next right number, said Rhames.

The VA shared that if your loved one is struggling, you have to find a way to have that conversation with them. Even if its on their terms.

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OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  The FBI is asking for public assistance in identifying victims in an ongoing federal child porn investigation following the arrest of a Holdenville agriculture teacher in December.

Former Holdenville High School teacher Cody Richison was arrested on December 4, 2024, on charges of receipt and distribution of child pornography and possession of child pornography in Indian Country.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: It was a shock Holdenville superintendent says FBI never told district teacher was being investigated for child pornography

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According to court documents, 34-year-old Richison, who was an agriculture teacher and FFA advisor with extensive access to children, had allegedly received about 100 photos and video of children being sexually abused beginning around January 2020.

The FBI says the child victims were both boys and girls of various ages as young as infants, and has reason to believe there are additional victims that have not been identified yet.

The bureau asks any potential victims or anyone with information related to the case to email RichisonCase@fbi.gov or report it at tips.fbi.gov.

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LOS ANGELES (KTLA)  The FBI is searching for the operator whose hobby drone hit a Super Scooper airplane battling the Palisades Fire last week, damaging and taking a vital piece of firefighting equipment out of the sky.

The collision happened Thursday morning near Malibu in airspace that was restricted in order to provide firefighting aircraft clear space to provide critical water and flame retardant drops on the raging wildfire.

The CL-415 Super Scooper was providing aid to California firefighters after arriving in L.A. from Canada.

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The collision with the drone left the aircraft with a 3-by-6-inch hole in its left wing. It was able to land safely, but the damage took the plane out of service at a time when it couldve provided critical support to crews on the ground.

FBI images show the damage done to a Canadian Super Scooper plane that was hit by a drone while battling the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles on Jan. 9, 2025.

A Super Scooper is capable of collecting over 1,500 gallons of water from the ocean to be dropped on an active fire.

With hurricane-force winds whipping the area throughout the week and limiting the flight opportunities for firefighting aircraft, each water drop was considered a precious commodity in the wildfire fight.

Lawsuits allege SoCal Edison equipment sparked Eaton Fire

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The Federal Aviation Administration said that it would be investigating the incident, which happened in violation of a temporary flight restriction. On Monday, the FBI said it was joining the investigation and urged anyone with information to come forward.

Remnants of a civilian drone that hit a Canadian Super Scooper battling the Palisades Fire on Jan. 9, 2025. (FBI)

Federal investigators have recovered parts of the drone which were heavily damaged, the FBI said.

The FAA said flying a drone near wildfires can be catastrophic and can even result in the loss of life.

When people fly drones near wildfires, fire response agencies often ground their aircraft to avoid the potential for a midair collision, said the FAA. 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.

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The Palisades Fire has continued to grow since the Super Scooper was grounded, now estimated to have burned more than 23,700 acres and resulted in at least eight civilian deaths.

The FBI created an online form for people to submit information, leads or any photos or video of the incident in hopes of locating the pilot.

Flying a civilian drone in the middle of firefighting activity can result in federal charges and up to one year in prison, and a $75,000 fine, FAA officials said.

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The FBI says terrorist Shamsud-Din Jabbar recorded himself in a mirror wearing Meta glasses during a trip to New Orleans in October 2024. Investigators said it was the first of two trips he made to the city before he sped down Bourbon Street in a pickup truck early Jan. 1, 2025, killing 14 people and injured 37 others. (Image from FBI-provided video)

NEW ORLEANS  The man who drove a rented pickup truck into a Bourbon Street crowd in the early hours of New Years Day looked into how to access balconies along the corridor, according to an update Tuesday from the FBI.

The agency has also revised the number of people injured in terrorist Shadsud-Din Jabbars attack, increasing the number to from 37 to 57, along with 14 people killed. Police fatally shot Jabbar, a 42-year-old IT worker and Army veteran from Texas, after he crashed his truck after travelling three blocks.

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The FBI reported two Bourbon Street businesses sustained damages in the attack, and 63 people have been identified as witnesses.

Through examining Jabbars online searches, the FBI said he also sought information on recent shootings in New Orleans. In the hours before he sped down Bourbon Street, he also looked into information about the vehicle used in a Dec. 22 terror attack in Germany that killed five people and hurt 200, investigators said.

The FBI has also learned more about Jabbars religious background. He became a more devout Muslim in 2022 and began isolating himself around that time. Starting last spring, he adopted extremist views, according to agents.

Jabbar placed an Islamic State flag on a pole attached to the trailer hitch of the pickup he used on Bourbon Street, though the FBI has yet to establish firm links between him and the jihadist group.

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Investigators have also determined Jabbar took a train Nov. 10 from Houston to New Orleans and returned to Houston that same night. While in New Orleans, he found an apartment to rent on Orleans Street, one of the cross streets with Bourbon, but days later rescinded a lease application for the property.

The FBI previously released video footage that shows Jabbar in New Orleans on Oct. 31. Jabbar recorded some of it while riding a bike through the French Quarter.

Other travels the FBI has said its reviewing are Jabbars trips to Egypt and Canada in 2023.

Federal authorities have already connected explosive materials found at Jabbars trailer home in Houston with components found in his truck, at a rental home he used in New Orleans and two homemade bombs he placed further down Bourbon Street before his attacks.

A detonating device was also found in the cab of Jabbars truck, which the FBI said would have set off the bombs.

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Global program aims to train and certify one million students and business professionals in high-growth and emerging markets by 2029 on Snowflake AI Data Cloud, arming them with the knowledge and resources to pursue and expand careers in the tech industry

Snowflake (NYSE: SNOW), the AI Data Cloud company, today announced the launch of its One Million Minds + One Platform program with the goal of training and certifying more than 100,000 users on the Snowflake AI Data Cloud by 2027 at no cost for learners, and upskilling one million people on data and AI by 2029. Fueled by Snowflakes $20 million investment, the One Million Minds + One Platform program will provide Snowflake-delivered training and certification courses to students and workers in high growth and emerging markets around the world. By delivering curriculum resources for workers and educators, as well as credits to use the Snowflake platform, Snowflake is unlocking AI upskilling for the next generation of business and technology users, empowering them to expand their skill sets to gain a competitive edge.

According to a 2024 Gallup poll, 22 percent of workers express concern that their jobs will become obsolete as a result of technology advancements like generative AI. The same study found that 72 percent of Fortune 500 CHROs foresee AI replacing some jobs within their organisation in the next three years. In order to remain competitive in todays rapidly evolving and highly competitive job market, workers must build and expand their skill set with the latest technologies to set themselves apart and deliver valuable expertise to the startups and enterprises of the future.

To succeed in this digital age, every employee must be equipped with the skills that enable them to contribute in a data and AI-centric world, said Sridhar Ramaswamy, CEO of Snowflake. This requires that AI must not only be accessible for users at every skill level, but that users also have knowledge of how these applications work across the data lifecycle, as well as how to best engage with them. Through our investment, Snowflake is giving academic institutions and workers in regions around the world the tools and training to build successful careers as the technologists and founders of tomorrow.

One Million Minds + One Platform seeks to address the needs of students and workers looking to both build, as well as expand their skill sets and become certified on the Snowflake AI Data Cloud platform. The program has two primary focuses:

Snowflake for Academia

To empower the next generation of AI, data, and application professionals, Snowflake is providing students with free access to Snowflake software, training materials, as well as industry leading data curriculum and training for educators. Today, the Snowflake for Academia program provides educators with enablement courses to get them certified on Snowflake and ready to teach in the classroom. Once certified, they receive teaching curriculum materials ranging from foundational courses to advanced self-paced tutorials, which include Academia Lab access for the entirety of the semester at no cost.

The role of academia is to expose students to the various kinds of people, tools, and technologies theyll encounter in the real world, said Nate Crawford, Software Engineering & Data Science Faculty, University of St. Thomas. Through the no-cost Snowflake for Academia program curriculum, as well as the free Snowflake credits, weve been able to deliver a robust course that provides essential skills to those soon to enter what is a rapidly changing work landscape. Exposure to these technologies at this stage plants the seed for future leaders and supports the development of the skillsets employers are looking for in candidates.

Within the next year, Snowflake intends to more than double the total enrollment of educators and academic institutions around the world who teach, train, and ultimately certify students on the Snowflake platform.

Snowflake Training for High Growth and Emerging Markets

Snowflake will deliver new Snowflake Platform Trainings designed for individuals with limited experience using Snowflake and looking to accelerate their knowledge with the AI Data Cloud to workers and students across ASEAN, Canada, Germany, India, Korea, LATAM, Saudi Arabia, and more. Delivered by a Snowflake-certified instructor, the Snowflake Platform Training program is a step-by-step live and free introductory course to give users the hands-on experience and confidence to get started with their organisations data transformation journey.

Snowflake-certified instructors will take program enlistees through the AI Data Cloud architecture, including data warehousing, data lakes, data engineering, AI/ML, data applications, and data sharing. Once completed, students can achieve certification by successfully completing the SnowPro Platform Associate Certification, available starting February 2025, to validate their newly acquired skills, including how to:

Setup and navigate the Snowflake user interface and Snowflake Notebooks

Create database, stages, and use compute resources

Load and leverage structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data

Understand Snowflake roles, and data access management

Understand and manage the Snowflake Account structure

Call the Snowflake Cortex LLM functions

The One Million Minds + One Platform program is only one part of Snowflakes broader education and upskilling strategy. Snowflake University offers instructor-led, on-demand, self-directed courses that have helped hundreds of thousands of data professionals accelerate their data initiatives, whether theyre just getting started or driving advanced data projects.

Learn More:

Academic institutions and educators interested in teaching Snowflake in their classrooms can request access to training here.

Register for Snowflake University to get started on the learning journey here.

Stay on top of the latest news and announcements from Snowflake on LinkedIn and Twitter / X.

About Snowflake

Snowflake makes enterprise AI easy, efficient and trusted. More than 10,000 companies around the globe, including hundreds of the worlds largest, use Snowflakes AI Data Cloud to share data, build applications, and power their business with AI. The era of enterprise AI is here. Learn more at snowflake.com (NYSE: SNOW).
An Amazon employee from India working in Seattle on an H-1B visa received an ominous email about a month ago from a law firm used by the company. Immigrant workers should "strongly consider" rescheduling any travel that would return them to the U.S. on or after January 20, the date of Donald Trump's presidential inauguration, the note said.

The fear is that Trump, once in office, will quickly act on his promise to upend U.S. immigration laws. Any changes could create "unpredictability" at ports of entry and maroon workers outside the country or cause significant delays in their return.

The Amazon employee, who requested anonymity to avoid jeopardizing his H-1B status within the company's cloud computing division, took the warning to stay in the U.S. seriously. He jettisoned plans for a late-January trip to Cancun, to trade Seattle gloom for some sunshine, in favor of a domestic destination. "We decided on Hawaii," he said.

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Amazon is among many companies that have warned foreign workers to return from any international travel before Trump takes his oath of office. For some workers, that means delaying or cancelling vacations and trips to see family overseas, leaving many anxious and uncertain about their futures.

Shortly after taking office in his first term, Trump issued an executive order blocking the immigration of people born in seven predominantly Muslim countries. The decision created immediate chaos at airports and led to visas for up to 60,000 people being provisionally revoked.

This time around, immigration is again in Trump's crosshairs and those of his supporters. For example, one of the temporary worker visa programs, the H-1B, designed for skilled workers, came under fire in recent weeks as Trump supporters debated whether tech companies exploit the program to prioritize lower-paid foreign employees over hiring Americans.

Although Trump recently voiced support for such programs, he has also promised mass deportations. Well aware of Trump's unpredictability, many companies are deciding to play it safe.

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A current employee of U.S. Bank who is from India on an H-1B visa, also told Fortune he had received a similar letter as Amazon's from an immigration law firm engaged by the company. The letter, he said, included advice to return to the U.S. before January 20 and recommended reaching out to the law firm if immigration officers called him.

As with all anonymous sources in this article, Fortune knows the worker's identity.

Another tech employee at a different company showed Fortune a similar memo sent last month to one of his friends who also works in tech. The memo, which had the company name redacted, "highly recommended" that employees who have international travel planned return to the U.S. "before the new U.S. governments administration takes office, out of an abundance of caution" except for urgent situations or emergencies related to health or business matters.

The letter, provided under the condition of anonymity because it was a confidential document, also recommended that employees delay unnecessary travel during the Trump administration's first few months. The letter said we do not want to cause any undue alarm," but considering the possibility of a travel ban, "it would be prudent to allow for a bit of time for the new administration to take office and to let the dust settle.

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Other foreign tech workers who went to U.S. universities have received warnings from their alma maters. A letter from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst recommended that its international communityincluding all international students, scholars, and faculty and staff whose immigration status is sponsored by the schoolto "strongly consider returning to the United States prior to the presidential inauguration day" if they are traveling internationally.

The university's letter acknowledged that its warning isn't based on any current U.S. government policy or recommendation. But it continued by saying that "given a new presidential administration can enact new policies on their first day in office (January 20), and based on previous experience with travel bans that were enacted in the first Trump Administration in 2016, the Office of Global Affairs is making this advisory out of an abundance of caution to hopefully prevent any possible travel disruption to members of our international community."

Poonam Gupta, a New York-based immigration lawyer who advises Big Tech employees, says the travel advice in the letters obtained by Fortune align with what she has been advising her clients since the presidential election results were announced in November. We anticipate a few executive orders to be issued on January 20 and while they may not be directed (we hope) towards the work visas, there is always impact across the board, she wrote in an email.

And it is not just Big Tech companies, but also small employers, that are advising foreign individuals to complete all travels before January 20, said Natalia Polukhtin, an immigration attorney in Scottsdale, Ariz. She's advised corporate clients about how to warn potentially impacted employees. "We anticipate rapid shifts in U.S. policies that may result in the denial of entry at the border," Polukhtin told Fortune in an email. "With something similar to the 'Muslim ban' enacted through the executive order during the prior Trump's Administration, it is very feasible that citizens of 'undesirable' countries may be locked out of the U.S. even with perfectly valid travel documents."

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The warnings from companies reviewed by Fortune made no distinction between temporary work visas, such as H-1Bs, or green cards, for permanent residents. The email Amazon sent to impacted employees had a subject line saying "Holiday Travel Guidelines for Foreign Nationals" and opened with an explanation saying "you are receiving this message as our team has previously provided you with immigration support."

The subject appears to be a sensitive one for companies: Amazon did not respond to a request for comment, nor did Google. Meanwhile, Nvidia and Microsoft declined to comment.

Not all companies are sending travel guidance to workers who are foreign nationals. Sourav Bhattacharyya, an Indian national who works for a large Pittsburgh-based technology consulting firm under an H-1B visa, said that he needs to travel to Europe in March as part of a required course to complete his executive MBA. When he asked his company's immigration legal team about any concerns about the trip, he was told there is no official travel advisory. Still, Bhattacharyya is worried.

Who knows if President Trump tries to impose a travel ban or ask the Department of Homeland security to increase scrutiny at the POEs [Ports of Entry] across the country? While returning back to the U.S., we might end up facing needless hassle, he said.

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Sathyaraj Radhakrishnan, another Indian national who works in AI and analytics for consulting firm Cognizant on an H-1B visa, also said he had not received a travel advisory from his employer. But he's taking his precautions anyway.

His father had surgery last week in India, but because of the possibility of Trump's signing new executive orders on immigration, he said he is "avoiding travel for at least a month." Although India was not one of the countries affected by the 2017 ban, "I would rather have things settle down before I make concrete plans," Radhakrishnan added.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Construction workers in an undated 2020 photo, working on the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project. The project aims to pipe clean water to the eastern Navajo Nation, the Jicarilla Apache Nation and the City of Gallup from the San Juan river. (Courtesy of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation)

A project to bring drinking water to Gallup, the Navajo Nation and the Jicarilla Apache Nation received a lifeline of $120 million in federal funding for the next year, but more approvals are needed from U.S. Congress to continue construction in future years.

The Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project will divert water from the San Juan River to bolster water supplies for about 250,000 in three communities who rely on a rapidly depleting and poor-quality aquifer.

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The project has been under construction for more than a decade. It was anticipated to be completed in 2024, but the deadline was extended to 2029 after the parties decided to look at further storage and energy generation.

The U.S. Department of the Interior confirmed it allocated $120 million for the next year for the project, in a letter Sunday.

The water project upholds the federal governments responsibility to financially assist tribal nations and protect treaty obligations, said Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-N.M.) in a written statement. She sponsored five settlements to end litigation and support water projects with tribal nations last year.

Federal officials had spent up to the maximum amount allocated by Congress earlier last year and faced a shortfall on the Navajo-Gallup water supply project, without further required approval.

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In December, U.S. lawmakers passed the continuing resolution, which allows the government to operate until mid-March. The temporary spending bill included a line allowing the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to spend up to $1.6 billion on Northwestern New Mexico water projects, nearly double from the previous $870 million cap.

We worked hard to raise the funding ceiling for the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project in the contentious end of year funding fight because we knew this $120 million would get us a step closer to delivering clean, reliable water to communities on the Navajo Nation, Jicarilla Apache Nation, and across northwestern New Mexico, Ledger Fernandez said, adding that she would fight for continued funding for infrastructure projects.

A proposed settlement sponsored by Leger Fernandez last year requested $725 million to finish the project, putting the total bill to $2.1 billion.

The six settlements with tribal communities over New Mexico water rights proceeded through a crucial committee hearing, but were not passed this congressional session.

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Navajo Nation President Buu Nygrens office did not respond to an email requesting comment before deadline.

Nygren has appeared before U.S. lawmakers multiple times emphasizing the importance of the project, and celebrated the additional funding in stopgap spending bill in a December social media post.

Securing funding for the Navajo-Gallup project has been a top priority for us, Nygren wrote. We needed to extend its timeline to ensure this water project serves our communities without interruption.

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A picture of firearms for sale at Casos Gun-A-Rama, which has been open since 1967. (Photo by Aristide Economopoulos for States Newsroom).

Calling their own decision absurd, a three-judge panel on the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals said Montanas more comprehensive laws protecting victims of domestic violence create a federal loophole that has allowed a man convicted of domestic violence and connected to one of the states highest-profile missing-persons cases to own a handgun.

The case originated from a decision by a Montana federal judge in which Michael B. DeFrance was convicted of possessing a gun after having been convicted of domestic violence. The case has also piqued public interest because DeFrance was the last person to have seen Jermain Charlo alive more than six years ago. Charlo, a member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribes, has been missing since she was last seen in Missoula on June 16, 2018.

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DeFrance pleaded guilty to assaulting Charlo, his girlfriend at the time, in 2013, which resulted in a misdemeanor. In 2018, after Charlos disappearance, DeFrance was was found to have three firearms and was charged. It is those charges that have been overturned.

In their decision, the judges said that because Montanas state laws include threats of violence  not just acts of violence  committed against a domestic partner or family member, the Ninth Circuits judicial hands were tied: The mismatch between the details of state and federal laws creates a loophole.

State law differs slightly from federal law, and DeFrances conviction in the state doesnt closely enough parallel domestic law on the federal books, so therefore his Second Amendment rights to possess a handgun cannot be stripped from him.

The judges also said the case means some other domestic abusers convicted of misdemeanors in Montana wont be subject to the federal prohibition on firearms possession, even though they dont think its what Congress intended.

Montanas stronger laws

The case the Ninth Circuit heard homed in on the differences between Montana law and federal law. Because appellate courts are forced to use a concept called the categorical approach when comparing the laws, the differences mean the laws dont match closely enough to trigger the revocation of DeFrances right to own a gun.

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A professor of constitutional law at the University of Montanas law school said this reliance on the categorical approach often leads to results in which the same crime in a different state would lead to a different conclusion, or the absurd result that appellate judges note in the DeFrance decision.

All states have laws on the books prohibiting violence, especially domestic violence, often defined as an attack against a person who lives with another, for example, a partner or family member. Montana law has even broader protections for victims of domestic violence.

Montana law goes one step further and allows that just threats of violence made toward another person could be sufficient for an alleged perpetrator to be prosecuted for domestic violence.

Ironically, the result in this case would be different if Montanas laws were less protective of domestic violence victims, the opinion states.

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Because Montanas law includes a wider variety of crimes to fit under the definition of domestic violence, the court concluded that it was not equivalent to federal law, and therefore could not be applied to DeFrance.

University of Montana Law School professor Constance Van Kley said its unlikely that a Montana prosecutor would take a case to court with just verbal threats, and no threats of physical violence, but because state law opens that possibility, theres a mismatch.

Neither DeFrance nor the government could point to a single case in which Montana applied (the domestic violence statute) in the absence of the use of physical force, the decision said.

The U.S. Supreme Court has said that federal courts, in determining a crime of violence, must employ the categorical approach. Unlike other appellate court reviews, which consider the specifics of the case and the facts, the categorical approach says that courts must only consider whether minimum elements for conviction in a particular state match the federal definition. Since Montana allows for just threats of violence, without actual physical acts of violence, that minimum falls below the federal threshold. Therefore, the Montana statute doesnt meet the federal minimum, under the application of the categorical approach, and so DeFrances right to possess a firearm must not be taken away.

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Practically speaking, Van Kley said this means that a person committing an identical crime in a different state that has fewer protections for victims of domestic violence could be found guilty of possessing a handgun, but DeFrance, in Montana, could still own a firearm in Montana.

Its also why the three different judges who sat on the case at the Ninth all seemed to disagree with their own unanimous conclusion.

The categorical approach has been criticized because it hamstrings appellate judges to look only at the law, not any of the circumstances of the case. An article by John Elwood of the Supreme Court blog said, The defendants actual conduct is irrelevant.

The three-judge panel said at the outset of its 25-page opinion that it was bound to ignore the details of Frances conviction.

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It seems to me that Congress never remotely intended the counter-intuitive results that the categorical approach has engendered, said one of the three appellate judges, Jed S. Rakoff. Although the Supreme Court has thus far declined the opportunity to reconsider whether Congress really intended the categorical approach, I join the growing number of lower-court judges and Supreme Court justices who have called into question the propriety of this approach.

Supporters of the approach argue that the categorical approach is helpful in certain cases where implicit bias against marginalized groups occur, for example in sentencing where a person convicted of a similar crime is sentenced to a different punishment.

In an example of the judges feeling backed into the corner by the law and the categorical application, Judge Morgan B. Christen said: There is little doubt that when Congress enacted (firearm and domestic violence law), it intended to keep firearms out of the hands of misdemeanor domestic abusers. Yet after todays decision, misdemeanor domestic abusers convicted under (Montana law) will not be subject to the federal prohibition on possession of firearms. This cannot be what Congress intended, but I conclude that it is the result dictated by faithful application of controlling precedent.

The case was decided by a federal district court Judge Rakoff, appointed by President Bill Clinton; and appellate judges Jennifer Sung, appointed by President Joe Biden, and Christen who was appointed by President Barack Obama.

DeFrance gun case
Last Friday, the same day President-elect Donald Trump was sentenced in his New York criminal case, the head prosecutor over two of his federal cases resigned. Special counsel Jack Smith resigned from the Justice Department after spending the last two years in legal battles against Trump in the classified documents and election subversion cases  the cases never made it to trial.

Smiths departure from office was unsurprising  even expected  following Trumps 2024 presidential election win. However, with Trump entering the White House in a week, Smiths cases ultimately became otiose, or of no value, since the Department of Justice has long held that a sitting president is protected from legal prosecution.

Trump had previously said he would fire Smith within two seconds of entering office. He posted on Truth Social after Smith resigned that the attorney was a disgrace to his kin and country, adding that Smith and his prosecution team were sent packing after spending over $100,000,000, destroying the lives of many people and families, who will never be the same again. Deranged Jack accomplished nothing, except to show what complete losers my political opponents are!!!

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Despite leaving his post, Smith is still trying to have the last word.

Judge grants green light on Smiths final report

On Monday, the federal judge presiding over the classified documents case in Florida allowed the Justice Department to release part of Smiths final report. According to court filings, the report is a detailed review of the decisions Smith made in his two indictments against Trump.

Last July, Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed the classified documents case where Trump was accused of holding confidential documents at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, citing the unconstitutionality of the United States Attorney Generals appointment of Smith as Special Counsel. Last week, she also put an emergency stay on the reports publication after Trumps co-defendants requested it in the classified documents case due to their ongoing legal cases.

However, in a filing on Monday, Cannon said part one of the final report that discusses the election subversion case can be released, but that Volume II should not be released to the public because it concerns the continuing legal rights of Defendants Nauta and De Oliveira in this criminal proceeding; but nevertheless seeks permission to make a limited release of Volume II to specified members of Congress, citing generalized congressional interest.

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Volume I of the report apparently delves into Smiths election subversion case against Trump that accused the former president of attempting to overturn the results of his loss in the 2020 presidential election.

Following the Supreme Courts ruling last summer granting U.S. presidents immunity over official acts they make while in office, Smiths election subversion case lost traction.

In a separate post on social media, Trump responded to the release of Smiths final report being greenlit:

Why would Deranged Jack Smith be allowed to issue a report on a complete and total Witch Hunt against me, strictly for political purposes, when he was thrown off the case and ultimately dismissed by the DOJ. ... He has already filled thousands of rejected statements and documents against me, which were a joke, and the public just voted for me, in a landslide, to be their President!

Judge Cannon scheduled an emergency hearing with both parties for Jan. 17 at 2 p.m. ET to discuss the issues surrounding volume II of the final report.
(Photo by Morsa Images/Getty Images)

Public option health insurance plans, offered at lower costs than the plans available through the Silver State Health Insurance Exchange, will be available to Nevadans seeking coverage for 2026, Senate Majority Leader Nicole Cannizzaro announced Monday.

The federal government approved Nevadas waiver to provide public option health plans, with premiums at least 15% lower than plans from the state exchange during the next five years.

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Starting next year, Nevadas new public option plans will increase affordability in the individual health insurance market, bring record federal health care investments to the state, and increase the number of covered Nevadans, Cannizzaro said in a news release. The senate majority leader sponsored legislation in 2021 allowing the state to pursue the federal waiver.

Nevada will be the third state to enroll individuals in a state-offered public option, following Washington and Colorado.

Health insurance enrollment, as a result of the public option, is projected to increase by 600 in 2026, 1,800 in 2027 as well as 2028, 1,900 in 2029, and 2,000 in 2030, according to the states waiver application.

The federal approval, Cannizzaro said, will allow Nevada to recoup an estimated $300 million to $500 million in federal funds that will be directly spent on lowering premiums and improving the quality of health care in Nevada.

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The waiver is not projected to increase the federal deficit because it projects lower individual market premiums, and thus a net decrease in federal spending on premium tax credits in 2026, and market-wide premium reductions during the five-year waiver period, the federal government wrote in its approval of the waiver.

The public option plans, known as Battle Born State Plans (BBSPs), will be available to individuals who purchase their own insurance. The new plans must be available at Nevada Health Link no later than Jan. 1, 2026.

The state changed the name of the program on their website because they didnt want to admit they were implementing a public option, but the plans that will become available next year will be exactly as envisioned by the law when passed in 2021, including hitting the laws required premium reduction targets, said Cannizzaros spokesman, Greg Lademann via email.

The BBSPs, according to the Department of Health and Human Services website, must, mirror other health plans sold on Nevada Health Link, with the same benefits and cost-sharing requirements. Unlike existing plans, they must satisfy premium reduction targets.

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Under the waiver, the State has projected average net premium rates in the individual market will be lower than without the waiver by 0.2% in plan year (PY) 2026, 3.1% in PY 2027, 4.1% in PY 2028, 5.7% in PY 2029, and 5.9% in PY 2030 due to the States reinsurance program and BBSP premium reduction targets, says the letter from federal authorities.

The state projects net federal savings of $31 million in 2026, and $322 million in savings during the five-year period due to premium reductions for BBSPs and the implementation of a reinsurance program, says the waiver approval letter. The savings will be passed through to the state to be used to implement the plan.

Nevadas public option will ultimately control health care costs by reducing premiums in the health insurance marketplace and generating federal savings on premium tax credits, the states waiver request said.

A market stabilization program will help offset the risks borne by the insurance markets that participate in the plan. It includes a reinsurance program for carriers in the individual market. A second component, given sufficient funding, according to the states application, provides quality incentive payments to reward high-performing insurers that offer BBSPs and meet certain quality metrics or indicators tied to state priorities for the market. And third, if there is sufficient funding to fully finance a reinsurance and quality incentive program, the state intends to provide incentives to health professionals who are willing to live and work for four years in an area with a shortage.

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Gov. Joe Lombardo did not respond to requests for comment on what portion of the federal funding would be used for market stabilization efforts. Lombardo called the public option bullshit on the campaign trail, and called for its repeal during his 2023 State of the State Address.

The Lombardo administration is choosing to use some of the federal money for reinsurance (or

market stabilization), which would not have been our first choice for how to use it, but should also help bring down costs in the overall individual market by assisting insurers with the cost of covering people with some of the most expensive claims, Lademann said via email. At the end of the day, the state is using its purchasing power to help drive down the cost to consumers, which is exactly what we always wanted.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  An indictment unsealed Tuesday in federal court accuses a Warren man of selling drugs from a Montgomery Avenue NW home.

Read next: Local bar owners file $5M lawsuit for train derailment damages

Reuben Redd, 46, faces two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and using and maintaining a drug premises.

The indictment was issued Dec. 19 in the U.S. Northern District Court of Ohio and unsealed after Redd was arrested.

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Redd is accused of having fentanyl and cocaine on July 3 and using a house between May and July 3 on Montgomery Avenue NW to sell drugs.

Arraignment information has not been set yet.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
When police officers arrested Stephen Leedy on a winding Georgia road near the Blue Ridge mountains last month, he appeared bewildered by their accusations.

Officers served a warrant on federal charges that Leedy, 59, had coerced minors into producing child sexual abuse material.

The St. Petersburg palliative care doctor told them it must be a case of mistaken identity and gave up his smartphone passcode without a fuss.

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Weeks later, federal prosecutors filed a motion to keep Leedy in custody while he awaits trial. They cited evidence indicating he was a danger to the public: Prosecutors say Leedy preyed upon 10 children, and one 13-year-old girl in Pasco County died after he directed her to hang herself.

Her death was ruled an accident, a Pasco County Sheriffs Office spokesperson said in an emailed statement to the Tampa Bay Times.

Leedy had communicated with the girl via Discord, a messaging and video chat app, according to autopsy records obtained by the Times. He concealed his identity through an anonymous username and never showed his face on camera, prosecutors said.

Leedy faces life in prison if convicted, although no murder charges have been filed in connection with the girls death.

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He is being held in federal custody in Atlanta on three counts of production of child sexual abuse material and two counts of coercing or enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity.

Heres what to know about Leedys charges, the messaging platform used and how parents can protect their children online.

A girl died, but no murder charge is filed

Prosecutors tend to file charges that best fit the evidence they have at hand. And finding Leedy criminally liable for the Pasco girls death would be more difficult than it might seem, according to legal experts.

If prosecutors goal is to put Leedy away for life, they would likely find better odds with the child pornography charges than by trying to pin a murder on him, said Todd Foster, a former federal prosecutor and FBI agent.

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It sounds like they have a lot of very, very strong evidence on the pornography side. So if they just prove the pornography case, it may be easier for them than to try to prove a murder case in state court, he said.

Leedy faces multiple life sentences on the sexual abuse material charges. Because federal charges typically carry a higher minimum mandatory sentence than state charges, Foster said Leedy could get a longer sentence than what he would be exposed to in a state court.

Apart from a sentence which would expose the accused to the death penalty, the exposure he is facing is the roof, Foster said.

The accidental nature of the girls death also impedes prosecutors' ability to charge Leedy in her death, according to Stephen Romine, a Pinellas defense attorney.

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If they determined, Well, she did hang herself, but she didnt intend to hang herself,' I would not expect him to be charged with a murder, Romine said.

It means Leedy is unlikely to be charged under Floridas assisting self-murder law, a manslaughter charge that applies to cases where a person encouraged another to kill themselves.

Theres going to be a number of problems with charging the other person that told them what to do, Romine said. That being said, it doesnt mean there are not legal ramifications available  they just may not be criminal," he said.

A civil lawyer might argue on behalf of the family that Leedy was negligent or acted recklessly by providing the girl instructions to restrict her own breathing.

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This person was a child. Certainly, they wouldnt expect a child to know how to do that type of thing, Romine said.

Prosecutors said Leedy communicated with the girl online, instructing her to self-mutilate from afar, which makes it difficult to charge him with child abuse or other violent crimes, Romine said.

Sexual victimization experts say predators who can keep activities solely online have an easier time hiding their crimes. On a platform like Discord, anonymity is made easy.

What is Discord?

Discord is a voice, video, and text chat app, according to a parent guide published by the platform.

Users communicate through virtual spaces called servers, which allow messages, images and files to be shared. The platform is popular among millennials, Generation Z and Generation Alpha.

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Influencers and streamers often use the platform to foster engagement with their content and create a place for their audience to gather online and to socialize.

Its unclear how Leedy used the platform, but Tiff Jenson, a sociology and criminology researcher at the University of Florida, says his alleged behavior reflects someone skilled at grooming victims online.

The thing that was most disturbing about the case was the fact that theres multiple victims, she said. This offender clearly knows what theyre doing. They know how to identify vulnerable victims.

Prosecutors said Leedy used the username maximumuncle#9112 in Discord messages with victims. He also maintained a black screen to conceal his identity.

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Jenson said predators may hide behind a screen to put their victims at ease. Children coerced into sexual exploitation often feel guilt or shame and may find it easier to confide in a stranger, she added.

That anonymity also protects the abuser, she said.

The more high-ranking the person is in society, the more likely they are to conceal their identity because they have a lot to lose if they get caught, Jenson said.

But digital forensics in criminal investigations are adept at unearthing the online trail between predators and their victims, she said.

Our internet fingerprint is a lot bigger than we think it is, Jenson said. We think were so sneaky at hiding our virtual selves, and were not.

What do parents need to know?

Jenson said its largely up to parents to protect their children online.

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By monitoring their digital footprint or restricting which apps a child is allowed to use, parents can keep closer tabs on what their kids are up to. Jenson named a few red flags that might prompt a parent to search their childs phone or room.

If you see changes in behaviors where theyre becoming more private, theyre not open to talking as much. They seem to have a lot of anxiety and concern with you having their phone, or they have trouble getting away from their phone, she said.

A childs cellphone is a privilege, not a right, Jenson said. Because predators often engage with children after dark, taking away a childs phone before bed is a good precaution, she added.

Sometimes parents respect their childs privacy so much that they let them privately destroy themselves, Jenson said. That really needs to stop.

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How to get help

If you are the victim of a sexual assault, call 911. Rape crisis centers are legally and ethically required to protect confidentiality.

Hillsborough County: If you need support, assistance or an exam, contact the Crisis Center of Tampa Bays 24/7 Sexual Assault Services by calling 211 or visiting crisiscenter.com.

Pasco County: For help and support, contact Sunrise of Pasco County at 1-888-668-7273 or 352-521-3120, or go online to sunrisepasco.org.

Pinellas County: If you need support, assistance or an exam, call the Suncoast Center at 727-530-7273 or go online to suncoastcenter.org.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  A married couple has been sentenced to years in prison for an identity-snatching fraud scheme that federal attorneys say scammed nearly 40 victims out of over $3 million.

Gregory Hite, 39, was sentenced to 12 years and 6 months in prison and his wife, Bridget Bureau, 39, was sentenced to 4 years and 3 months behind bars. Both must pay $1,952,186 to their victims, according to the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan.

West Michigan business owners charged in $2.5M fraud scheme

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The couple was charged in Dec. 2023 and pleaded guilty to conspiring with each other to commit wire fraud as well as using other peoples identities to fraudulently get loans for their former West Michigan businesses, which went by Hites RV, Alpine Trailer Sales, Great Lakes Recreational, Great Lakes Trailer, GLR Transport and Great Lakes Trailer Manufacturing.

The fraud happened between 2016 and 2020, when Hite and Bureau stole their family members and employees social security numbers and drivers licenses, using their good credit to get loans, according to prosecutors. The victims had no idea their names were attached to the loans, investigators said.

Over those four years, the pair secured at least 55 fraudulent loans and credit advances worth $5,443,982, federal attorneys said. They made false statements on loan documents, used other peoples identities and pretended to be them on the phone.

The pair was found out when they ran out of money and lenders came looking for repayment from the identity theft victims, attorneys said.

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 News 8s Byron Tollefson 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 WOODTV.com.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico will not visit Kyiv to discuss the halting of Russian gas transit through Ukraine, Tibor Gaspar, deputy-speaker of the Slovak Parliament told Russian state-controlled news agency TASS on Jan. 14 during a visit in Moscow.

A day earlier, Fico had proposed in an open letter a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Slovakia to discuss the gas transit issue.

In a response posted on social media, Zelensky agreed to the meeting but insisted Fico "come to Kyiv on Friday."

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Yesterday, Prime Minister Fico published an open letter for Zelensky and invited him for talks. Zelensky replied that it was necessary to come to Kyiv on Friday. It's not possible. I think it will not happen, Gaspar said.

The development is the latest in an escalating conflict between Ukraine and Slovakia over Kyiv's decision to stop Russian gas transit.

While the EU has made efforts to reduce dependency on Russian fossil fuels following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, many countries, including Slovakia and Hungary, remain reliant on Russian gas.

Fico estimated Slovakia's alleged losses from stopping Russian gas supplies via Ukraine at 500 million euros ($510 million) per year.

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Fico has threatened to cut off electricity supplies to Ukraine amid increasing blackouts due to Russian attacks targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure, and also threatened to limit aid to Ukrainian refugees in Slovakia.

Zelensky previously said that Ukraine had offered Slovakia assistance for the adaptation period, but "Fico arrogantly refused."

Read also: Ukraines new Kursk push brings minor gains, raising concerns over limited resources

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
(Photo courtesy of Live Japan)

Winter has come to Japan, and so has a new line-up of exciting time-limited products! Every year, Japan greets winter with a selection of warm, seasonally flavored beverages like yuzu tea and hot chocolate, perfect for grabbing from a convenience store, vending machine, or supermarket for a day out and about.

This year, however, I (Johanna, English editor at LIVE JAPAN) have been collecting a couple of quite quirky drinks, all released at the beginning of the 2024/2025 winter season. Whether you are curious about trying out one yourself or just want to know what kind of crazy business were on about today - lets go through them together!

Beer for Kids? Kodomo no Nomimono (Not the Real Thing!)

Kodomo no Nomimono (Photo courtesy of Live Japan)

Kodomo No Nomimono (meaning Childrens Drink) can be found on shelves in supermarkets around the country come holiday season. This is not a new product for this season; it has been around for a couple of years, delighting children and stirring interesting conversations in households around Japan. A non-alcoholic beverage, Kodomo No Nomimono is a beer designed so kids can join in on celebrations without feeling left out when the grownups start pouring alcohol.

The bottle is designed similarly to your typical beer bottle, and pouring the drink in a glass has a similar effect to the real deal, with a beautiful white foam forming at the top. Perfect for toasts at year-end gatherings or family parties. Can adults enjoy it, too?

Kodomo no Nomimono (Photo courtesy of Live Japan)

It says on the back of the bottle to properly cool down the beverage, pour it into a glass, and join the cheer! Kanpai!

Kodomo no Nomimono (Photo courtesy of Live Japan)

Looks real enough to me! The similarities to real beer stop there, however, as this is a completely non-alcoholic drink. In fact, its a lightly carbonated apple-flavored soda! I found it quite pleasant, as apple happens to be one of my personal favorite flavors in beverages. However, the best part of the experience has to be the pouring of the drink into a glass. It looked so real! I dont particularly enjoy the flavor of beer, so while I might not be the age target, I have to say I would consider grabbing one of these again as the holidays come around!

As much surprise and confusion I felt when I first found this drink in a supermarket, Im convinced it invites some interesting conversations among families as they gather to celebrate the end of the year.

Price: Varies by store, around 100 yen

Sold at: Various supermarkets, Don Quijote and more

Love It or Hate It?! Nomu Mayo (Drinkable Mayo)

Nomu Mayo (Photo courtesy of Live Japan)

Now, here is a recent talk of the town! Drinkable mayonnaise, a bold creation that turns a staple condiment into a beverage. Japanese mayonnaise is loved internationally as well as by locals and can be found mixed in with - or topped on - some of the most iconic dishes in the country. This time, however, company Toyobeverage has released a, you heard it right, drinkable mayonnaise! To make things clear, this drink does not contain any mayonnaise, despite its strong appeal. This is rather a mayonnaise-inspired drink, aiming to resemble the flavor of the real thing.

On their official website, the developer states that they created a mayonnaise-flavored drink that maintains the delicate balance of mayonnaises unique tanginess, saltiness, and umami. They continue, explaining that their focus was on how closely we could replicate the taste of mayonnaise, ensuring it would be appreciated even by devoted mayonnaise enthusiasts.

Furthermore, regarding the package design, they state that since this is a test release, weve kept the design simple by stripping away elaborate elements. Even with its simplicity, we believe the illustrations and product name are enough to convey whats inside. If this is a test release, we might have to keep our eyes open for further updates or developments!

Nomu Mayo (Photo courtesy of Live Japan)

Alright, straight to taste testing! This drink comes in a sealed cup with a straw, and you are not able to see the color while drinking. Pouring it into a glass, it doesnt have that yellowish tint that Japanese mayonnaise tends to have, but rather a darkish cream-white color. Well, since its technically supposed to be had without opening the cup, they might not have focused all too much on getting the color right!

I have to admit my heart was beating ever so slightly the moments before I went in for the first sip. I bet youve never thought of drinking mayonnaise, however much you like it. I know I havent! Well, my nerves could not stop my curiosity, I had a sip. Verdict? Yeah, it did indeed taste like mayonnaise, a slightly sour, silky, liquid mayonnaise! Feel tempted? This drink comes across as a novelty rather than a source of refreshment and has been all over social media, even weeks after its release. If you are a mayonnaise lover or seeking a daring new challenge on your travels in Japan, look no further than your closest Lawson convenience store!

Price: 198 yen (tax incl.)

Sold at: Lawson

A Collaboration of Sweetness and Refreshment! Fresh Cream Cheescake  Calpis

Fresh Cream Cheescake  Calpis (Photo courtesy of Live Japan)

Calpis lovers assemble! If you didnt know, Calpis is a milky drink made by lactic acid fermentation, widely popular both in the country and internationally. Calpis regularly releases time-limited flavors such as grape, muscat, and melon. This winter, Calpis has collaborated with a fresh cream specialty store, releasing their second product together after seeing success with the 2023 release Hokkaido Fresh Cream & Calpis. This winters release is inspired by the collaborators popular dessert, Ultimate Fresh Cream Cheesecake, combining the creamy richness of cheesecake with the sweet and tangy taste of Calpis.

The packaging similarly has a collaboration design, including images of cheesecake, the collaborators iconic cow logo, and both brands signature colors.

Fresh Cream Cheescake  Calpis (Photo courtesy of Live Japan)

So, how well does a delicious drink pair with a delicious dessert? Rather well, if you ask me! If you are not familiar with the flavor of Calpis, you might get slightly confused while trying to figure out which flavor belongs to which collaborator. But as a professed Calpis-junkie, I definitely could pick up on the different flavors mixed together. The sweetness of the cream naturally took away some of the freshness of a standard Calpis drink and provided instead a nice sugary kick similar to a milk tea. I must say that I tasted the cream more than the cheesecake, had I not known what flavors were mixed, I might have guessed cream alone.

This would be a nice drink to keep in your bag and sip on throughout your day exploring the streets of Japan this winter!

Price: 205 yen (tax incl.)

Sold at: Various convenience stores and supermarkets

Enjoy Dessert in a Bottle! Kocha Kaden Drinkable Milk Tea Pudding

Kocha Kaden Drinkable Milk Tea Pudding (Photo courtesy of Live Japan)

Whoa, now here is a hefty drink dessert! Kocha Kaden Nomu Milk Tea Purin is a dessert beverage from Coca-Cola Japans Kocha Kaden series, which you might know from their Royal Milk Tea or other fruit-flavored teas. This product was released on December 3, 2024, a winter-perfect drink that combines milk tea and pudding in a fabulous way! While the packaging shows a bin of pudding being scooped with a spoon, this drink comes with a thick straw that you poke through the plastic film cover to enjoy the drink wherever you are.

A heartwarming treat for dessert lovers!

As I am familiar with the brands Royal Milk Tea, I thought I had an idea of what to expect flavor-wise. I was all the more curious about the texture, wondering if this would end up just being a thicker, creamier version of the classic milk tea. Well, after trying it out, I was left with only a few words. Fantastic. Delicious. Creamy. Rich. Drinkable pudding! What a genius way to combine two delicious products!

The texture is very similar to your typical chocolate pudding, slightly softer for easier consumption with a straw. The flavor is, as expected, very similar to their Royal Milk Tea, a comforting sugar kick! These components go perfectly hand in hand. If you see someone frantically scanning the beverage corner of a convenience store somewhere south of Tokyo, it might be me out to get seconds!

Price: 288 yen (tax incl.)

Sold at: Family Mart

Can You Guess The Secret Ingredient? Lipton Secret Milk Tea Party: Mysterious Sweets Flavor

Lipton Secret Milk Tea Party: Mysterious Sweets Flavor (Photo courtesy of Live Japan)

The last drink on todays agenda is somewhat of a mystery. Morinaga Milk has released Lipton Secret Milk Tea Party: Mysterious Sweets Flavor starting December 10, 2024. This is a milk tea infused with the flavor of a popular dessert, which seems to be a common theme for time-limited products this winter. The trick is they have not yet officially revealed the flavor (as of writing this article), leaving consumers guessing away!

Funnily, to coincide with the launch, a campaign called Guess the Mysterious Sweets Flavor is running on X (formerly Twitter) from December 10 to December 25, where participants can guess the flavor by quoting the campaign post with a hashtag and submitting their predictions. On December 26, the correct answer will be revealed on Morinagas website. Among the correct guesses, five winners will be chosen by lottery to receive a set of Lipton-branded goods. What a fun way to promote a product!

Lipton Secret Milk Tea Party: Mysterious Sweets Flavor (Photo courtesy of Live Japan)

Going into the taste testing of this, I must say my confidence was high. I had a great plan: to quickly pinpoint the flavor but then keep the answer to myself, leaving you readers on a cliffhanger! However, I ended up as confused as Im sure many other consumers must be. Apart from the obvious milk tea flavor, there is SOMETHING there. Something sweet... In my confusion, I asked a trusted acquaintance for their take on it, and they were left just as wondering as I was.

A quick look at the Japanese side of X lets me know that others are feeling as lost as we are, with comments like Its sweet, I recognize the flavor, but I cant pinpoint it, urgh! while others are taking straight guesses. Strawberry milk, condensed milk, and almond jelly are some of the recurring comments that pop up while scrolling through the feed.

I will have to come back with an update after the official reveal has been made. Until then, lets keep guessing!

Price: 194 yen (tax incl.)

Sold at: Various convenience stores and supermarkets (not sold in Okinawa)

If you are visiting Japan this winter and want to enjoy something out of the ordinary, consider heading out to find one or all of these quirky time-limited items!

* All prices include tax

* This article is written in December 2024, covering time-limited products.

Via Live Japan
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has declined President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's invitation to visit Kyiv for discussions on gas transit.

Source: TASS, a Kremlin-aligned Russian news outlet, citing Slovak Parliament Deputy Speaker Tibor Gaspar, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Gaspar, currently on a multi-day trip to Russia with Slovak National Party leader Andrej Danko, stated that Prime Minister Robert Fico will not visit Kyiv.

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Quote: "Yesterday, Prime Minister Fico published an open letter to Zelenskyy, inviting him to negotiations. Zelenskyy responded, proposing a meeting in Kyiv on Friday. That is not possible. I dont think it will happen," Gaspar said.

Background:

On 13 January, Fico sent an open letter to Zelenskyy, inviting the Ukrainian president to a meeting to resolve issues surrounding gas transit. He stressed that he had "no intention of escalating tensions further" and wanted to focus entirely on resolving the situation caused by the suspension of gas transit.

In response, Zelenskyy suggested that Fico come to Kyiv for the discussions.



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Jan. 13SANTA FE  Former New Mexico state Rep. Eliseo Alcon, a Milan Democrat who served eight terms in the state House before stepping down in November, died Monday after a battle with liver cancer.

He was 74.

His son, David Alcon, said his father had been receiving home hospice care and was surrounded by family members when he died Monday morning.

"He was a fighter," said the younger Alcon, saying his father fought hard for labor rights, acequias, land grants and Native American sovereignty.

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Eliseo Alcon served in recent years as chairman of the House Labor, Veterans' and Military Affairs Committee. He previously was chairman of a different House panel, the House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee.

A former municipal and magistrate judge in Cibola County, Alcon was known at the Roundhouse for his folksy demeanor and outspoken nature.

He caused a stir in 2011 with his comments that then-Gov. Susana Martinez lacked compassion and would "kick you in the kidneys" if you were lying outside the state Capitol.

Alcon was also a combat medic during the Vietnam War and was awarded a Bronze Star for his valor.

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He occasionally referenced his combat experiences at the Legislature, including during a 2021 debate on whether firearms should be barred from the Roundhouse.

"I have a fear of guns because I know what guns can do to a human body," Alcon said at the time.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said Monday that Alcon improved the lives of veterans, workers and families during his legislative tenure.

"Rep. Alcon served our state with honor, distinction and longstanding dedication to his constituents in western New Mexico," Lujan Grisham said in a statement.

New Mexico House Democrats also released a statement lamenting Alcon's death, describing him as a "tireless champion" for veterans and his House District 6 constituents.

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"We deeply appreciated the warmth, kindness, good humor and dedication he brought to the Roundhouse," House Democrats said in their statement.

Alcon stepped down from the Legislature in late November due to health issues, just weeks after winning reelection to a new two-year term.

County commissioners in the two counties encompassed by the district  McKinley and Cibola  have nominated former Rep. Harry Garcia, a Grants Democrat, for the vacant seat.

But Lujan Grisham has expressed concern about Garcia's residency status, since he changed his voter registration to an address within the district after Alcon stepped down. The governor is awaiting an opinion from Attorney General Raul Torrez's office before making an appointment decision, a spokesman said.

Funeral services for Alcon were still being finalized Monday, his son said.
We may be three thousand miles away from the White House but there is no distance great enough when it comes to threats to public education here at home.

There is nothing partisan about wanting students to receive a public school education centered on core subjects like math, reading and science and that also provides life skills that prepare them for life after graduation. From the kitchen table to the classroom to our state capitol, all of us have a stake in student success, no matter what boxes we check when we vote.

A sense of shared urgency for the future of Washingtons kids is the driving catalyst for me in my work at the Washington State Charter Schools Association (WA Charters). Let there be no confusion about what WA Charters stands for and who influences our advocacy. If you are a person who believes in the promise of public education, its you. If you are a teacher who knows all too well the challenges of meeting the vast diversity of student needs, its you. If you are a public official who prioritizes supporting public school families, its you. If you are a parent trying to find the right fit for your student in a public school, then rest assured that with every action we take, its you.

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As a new administration settles in the White House, there will be anxiety about how new policies will affect public school students. There are some in our state who support proposals that would provide public funding for private schools through vouchers and/or tax-credit scholarships.

Not us.

At WA Charters, we stand with public schools and will fight attempts to undermine them. During last years election, the blueprint laid out in the so-called Project 2025 included taking resources away from public schools. The only projects that WA Charters supports are those that seek to expand access to public education, invest in public schools and teachers, give parents new options for tuition-free, non-sectarian public schools, and that prepare Washingtons students for the diversity of the world and its people.

In Washington state, charter public schools are free, are open to everyone, and are non-sectarian public schools operated by nonprofit organizations. Washingtons charter public schools serve students under a system of oversight that is widely acknowledged as one of the strictest in the nation.

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Washingtons charter public schools each have a local board of directors, are authorized by and evaluated annually by the states Charter School Commission or a local school district and are also accountable to the State Auditor and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). The Commission itself is comprised of qualified individuals who are appointed by elected officials from both sides of the aisle, from the State Superintendents office, and from the State Board of Education.

Charter public schools  by law  are public schools, never private, never religious, never exclusive, and always tuition-free. Washingtons charter public school teachers must meet the same state certification requirements as all other public schools and must abide by the same state laws regarding open meetings, public disclosure and expenditure of taxpayer dollars.

The primary distinction between Washingtons charter public schools and its traditional public schools is that in exchange for additional layers of oversight, charter public schools can customize individual learning opportunities for the students they serve.

As we enter the uncertainty caused by a new federal administration, it is important to clarify confusion about what WA Charters does, and for whom. Alongside public education allies that include the League of Education Voters, Stand for Children WA, the Southeast Seattle Education Coalition and the Black Education Strategies Roundtable, WA Charters is committed to bipartisan solutions to equitable funding for all public school students, including charter public school students, and to ensuring that every Washington family has access to public schools that provide the best fit for their child.

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As traditional public schools close statewide, families have fewer public options than ever. We cannot afford to be misled by misinformation that undermines public education by creating doubt about those of us who are fighting for all public school students.

The solutions we seek on behalf of kids will originate from within our states communities. We are lost if we fall victim to the interests of a faraway elite few. Here at home, we stand with all those fighting for a public education that benefits all Washingtons students, and their future, and for you.

Chris Korsmo proudly serves as the executive director of the Washington Charter Schools Association, a non-profit organization that advocates on behalf of charter public schools and their students. Korsmo has worked and volunteered as a public education advocate in our state for nearly 18 years.
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Va. (WJHL)  The final round of relief funding for Washington County, Virginia small business owners impacted by Hurricane Helene has opened.

Washington County, Virginia announced on Tuesday that small business owners impacted by Hurricane Helene have until Jan. 31 at 5 p.m. to apply for funds.

Crews respond to house fire in Marion, Virginia

As of Tuesday, the Small Business Relief Fund has provided $504,611.26 in financial assistance to 73 businesses in Washington County, Virginia, according to the county.

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Small business owners who were awarded funds in previous rounds can re-apply.

To apply or for more information, click here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
PLAINS, Ga. (WRBL)  Over the last two weeks, resources from across the state and nation flowed into Sumter County for the state funeral of former President Jimmy Carter.

Fire departments from Valdosta and Lowndes County made the two-hour drive to Plains to assist for more than a week.

There was a reason these South Georgia fire departments were helping Sumter Fire and Rescue.

Back in late September when Hurricane Helene took aim on Georgia, Americus was spared when it turned east. But Valdosta got hammered. Sumter Fire and Rescue Chief Jerry Harmon sent some of his firefighters to Lowndes County in the aftermath of the storm.

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Last week, the Valdosta departments returned the favor.

A healthy relationship between several South Georgia fire departments was forged during the devastation of South Georgia by Hurricanes Francine and Helene. Sumter County Fire and Rescue Chief Jerry Harmon tells WRBL the details.

We formed a bond with a Valdosta Fire Department, Lowndes County Fire Department. Theyve been hit with multiple tornadoes, said Harmon. Flood, a hurricane, and they needed help. We sent crews down there around the clock to assist them.

And the first to respond were the two departments in Lowndes County. It made sense, as they helped out in 2023 when former First Lady Rosalynn Carter died.

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Here is what Valdosta Fire Chief Brian Boutwell said about the relationship between his department and the folks in Sumter County.

When youre facing a disaster like we did, the tragic event in our community means so much to me to see these folks, said Boutwell. Its a relief to be sitting in a command in a Mercy Operations center and see these familiar faces come in to assist. So, its a blessing for us to be able to come back and hopefully contribute.

Contribute they did. Last Thursday, the Valdosta Fire Department had an ambulance stationed at Maranatha Baptist Church, where Carters service was held.

Hed be very proud of the relationship that we have together. I mean, he was all about that, said Harmon. You know, building houses for habitat, giving back to the community. Thats what he was all about. Thats what he believed.

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Mutual aid agreements between public safety agencies are not rare. But those agreements usually consist of neighboring counties and municipalities.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
Nearly two dozen people were displaced following a fire on Monday at an apartment complex in Hartford where two people were rescued from the building and taken to the hospital.

Fire crews responded to a multi-unit apartment building at 277 Wethersfield Ave. at 9:23 p.m. on the report of a fire and found a blaze on the first floor, according to the Hartford Fire Department.

Firefighters quickly put out the flames and evacuated the residents, fire officials said.

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One woman was brought out through the stairs and another had to be rescued using a ladder truck that reached the third floor, officials said. Both women were treated at the scene and later taken to an area hospital for possible smoke inhalation.

No other injuries were reported.

The fire departments Special Services Unit worked with the American Red Cross to help the seven families that were displaced following the fire. This included 21 adults and two children.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
As wildfires continue to scorch homes across Los Angeles County, thousands of residents are left to sift through the remains and answer a key question: what now?

A chance to rebuild, to start anew could be possible. Homeowners and renters who do not have insurance, or whose insurance policies dont cover basic needs, may be eligible to receive assistance through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Federal funding to aid fire victims within the county was made possible through President Biden's approval of the Major Disaster Declaration last week. The agency is offering to help break down the application process and screen fraudulent activity.

How does FEMA work?

FEMA coordinates with state, local, tribal and territorial governments to assist individuals and businesses during natural disaster events.

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The agency provides grants for temporary housing and home repairs, and low-cost loans to uninsured property losses, according to a White House news release. Some forms of assistance include disaster relief, food, housing, insurance, living assistance, loans and mental health counseling.

FEMAs website allows individuals to search for specific aid through filter options.

Read more: L.A. wildfire resource guide: How to stay safe, what to do and how to help

What are the financial housing assistance options?

The Individuals and Households Program (IHP) provides qualifying residents with financial help with disaster-caused housing needs, according to FEMA . Options for financial housing assistance include:



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Rental assistance  help to rent short-term housing.

Lodging expense reimbursement  reimbursement for emergency stays at short-term lodging.

Home repair assistance  funding to repair access routes to your home  like driveways, roads or bridges.

Home replacement assistance  money to replace the primary home you own and live in.

How to apply for assistance?

To apply for aid, visit Disasterassistance.gov and click "apply now." The website will ask for your zip code or state, county and city. Once you input that information, options of disasters will appear. Click the option that applies to you and select next.

The next pages will ask questions about your needs to determine possible assistance with home repairs, temporary housing or property damage to appliances, furniture, and vehicles. Individuals may qualify for help with child care, medical, lodging, moving, and funeral expenses.

Individuals who experienced a business loss, property damage and economic loss, may qualify for assistance via the U.S. Small Business Administration , or other agencies listed on FEMAs website.

Read more: What to know about temporary housing, rents, price gouging during firestorm

After applying for assistance, what are the next steps?

Once you apply for assistance, the request is placed under review. An inspection may be required to verify disaster-related damages to your home and personal property.

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Inspections can only be conducted when the homeowner, co-applicant or renter is present. Other people can be designated to meet the FEMA inspector, but you must provide the agency with a written copy of this designation. If the home cannot be accessed, individuals may meet the inspector in a neutral location.

Prior to an inspection, FEMA suggests individuals do the following:



File an insurance claim if insured

If safe, begin to clean up the home

Take photos of damages

Make a list of losses

Keep receipts to verify expenses caused by the fire

FEMA staff and inspectors may call several times over the course of a few days from an unknown or restricted phone number. During a call with an inspector, note down:



The inspectors name

Date of call

Date and time of inspection

Inspectors phone number

To verify the legitimacy of an inspector, you can call FEMAs Helpline at 1-800-621-3362 between 7 and 11 a.m. with questions about your inspector or any documentation they requested. If FEMA can't contact you to verify your property damages, your application will stop moving forward.

What to know about the inspection process

Once an inspection is scheduled, applicants must have the following information ready:



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Photo identification

One proof of ownership or occupancy

List of household occupants living in the home at the time of disaster

A list of all disaster-caused damage to property

Insurance policy and any additional documents requested by the inspector

Documents to prove ownership or occupancy can be uploaded with your application online. For individuals who cannot provide required documents, FEMA may accept a written self-declarative statement as a last resort. The statement must include:



The address of the disaster-damaged residence

Length of time you lived in the disaster-damaged home, as your primary residence, prior to the presidential disaster declaration

Your or your co-applicants name and signature

Written statement prompts can be found on FEMAs website .

Read more: How to protect yourself from the smoke caused by L.A. wildfires

Beware of scams, possible GoFundMe fraud

Applicants must beware of possible fraudulent activity during this disaster. Legitimate FEMA inspectors will always wear an official government badge to identify themselves. You may ask the person to show their identification.

Inspectors will never:



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Climb roofs

Enter crawl spaces

Ask for money, banking information

Ask for your nine-digit registration number  which is included in their records

The inspection process is free.

To avoid fraudulent building contractors, FEMA recommends that you use licensed or verified local contractors who will detail the job done with guarantees in writing. The agency recommends not paying more than half the costs of repairs up front.

Potential con artists may attempt to apply for FEMA assistance using your name, home address and Social Security number. If you suspect someone is using your identity to apply for FEMA assistance, you should notify the inspector, or call the FEMA Hotline.

You can report a possible FEMA fraud by emailing StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov or calling 866-223-0814.

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Individuals affected by the fires who may have received donations via a GoFundMe page could possibly be disqualified for FEMA assistance . FEMA is not allowed to duplicate benefits received from other sources, the agency said.

For example, if you receive donations to clean up storm damage to your home, FEMA may not be able to also grant you financial assistance for home clean up, the agency said on its website. We encourage all survivors to apply for assistance regardless so we can review your specific case.

Individuals may also be susceptible to GoFundMe scams . The online fundraising company recommends donors and recipients look for the following:



Verify the website is securely encrypted  look for a gray lock icon

Be cautious of suspicious emails and texts  donation will not be received this way

Dont share personal information  avoid including your address, phone number or banking information in the fundraising description

Confirm beneficiary email addresses

GoFundMe allows individuals to report a fundraiser , submit a beneficiary request if you are owed money, or submit a donor claim if you wish to retract your donation.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  After attempting to plead their cases, three former Baton Rouge police officers who were fired last year for alleged abuse in 2020 were unable to have cases dismissed against them. All three were fired last year for alleged abuse in 2020.

The three former BRPD officers lost their first chance to appeal their cases by a 4-1 vote after the Municipal Fire & Police Civil Service Board held a hearing Monday.

Police Chief Thomas Morse originally fired Lt. Troy Lawrence, Cpl. Todd Thomas and Cpl. Douglas Chutz in September of last year in connection to allegations of abusing a man in police custody and getting rid of the evidence back in 2020.

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A fourth officer, Martele Jackson, resigned but also faces criminal charges.

Lawyers for Thomas, Lawrence and Chutz spoke on their behalf, saying the initial investigation was wrong. Attorney Kyle Kershaw, a representative for one of the officers, says the way they handled the investigation violated their rights.

Sentencing for two Louisiana brothers found guilty in money laundering scheme pushed to February

BRPD investigated the matter when Murphy Paul was chief of police. The Officers Bill of Rights is a Louisiana law that upholds fair and concise investigations for police. Kershaw says the law was violated and the investigation exceeds the time limit.

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That includes recording any interrogations of any law enforcement personnel. That includes when you receive the complaint, youre supposed to start within 14 days, Kershaw said.

Kershaw explains Paul failed to document the original citizens complaint after it was made.

Contrary to Baton Rouge policy, Baton Rouge Police Department policy that Ive submitted in my exhibits to Paul failed to document this complaint in any form or fashion, Kershaw said.

After more discussion, it was moved to allow another hearing on Feb. 24. All officers have pleaded not guilty and await trial.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News.
(KTLA)  Crews have worked non-stop for nearly a week straight now in their battle with the deadly Eaton Fire, which was 33% contained at 14,117 acres as of Monday night.

When the fire first broke out on the night of Jan. 7, thousands of people were forced to evacuate in a rush as the flames, some as tall as 100 feet, ripped through the Altadena region. Firefighters rapidly put up a heroic effort to save as many lives, homes and land as they could.

Although thousands of homes have since been lost, one neighborhood is largely intact thanks to the fighting efforts of a group of U.S. Forest Service firefighters based in the Angeles National Forest.

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That same U.S. Forest Service team on Monday provided an inside look at how they managed to save homes they were defending that first night near Kinclair Drive in Pasadena.

In the footage provided by the crew, the intimidating blaze was both seen and heard  but it did not seem to phase the brave firefighters as they adamantly organized their attack.

Jonathan, careful, we cant run out of water, shouted a firefighter, giving orders to his crew over the loud raging of the massive flames merely feet away.

When we first arrived on scene, we were faced with walls of flames 50 to 100 feet, wind gusts in excess of 50 miles an hour, said Robert Robledo, a U.S. Forest Service captain. Ive been fighting fire for 21 years and this is probably the worst Ive ever seen the wind gusts, the ember casts and flame impingement on structures.

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Members of this U.S. Forest Service wildfire unit were first on scene and worked tirelessly for the next 36 hours straight before taking a brief rest, and then attacking flames on another front on Mount Wilson.

Were coming to a chaotic scene and were trying to bring calmness to everything, team member Eduardo Cerna told KTLAs Chris Wolfe. As were coming in, were noticing that a lot of people are rushing out.

As the firefight continues amid fears of strong winds rebuilding  these crews are determined to keep moving forward.

Our main goal is to try to make sure public safety, life and property are good, and then that way we can safely do our job without having to worry about life, and then we can save as many homes as possible, said Cerna.

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An electrical transmission tower in Eaton Canyon is under investigation as the possible cause of the deadly fire that bears its name.

The L.A. County Sheriffs Department announced the repopulation of communities impacted by the Eaton Fire effective as of 3 p.m. on Monday.

The areas are still under evacuation warnings include:

inside the unincorporated L.A. County area of the Kinneloa Mesa Community

South of Heights Road to New York Drive and East of Outpost Lane to Sierra Madre Villa Avenue

Places still closed to residents include the remaining areas of the unincorporated community of Altadena.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
JURUPA VALLEY, Calif. (KTLA)  Firefighters contained yet another wildfire near the Santa Ana River in Riverside County Monday night that prompted evacuation warnings for nearby homes.

Crews with the Riverside Fire Department reportedly responded to the one-acre Jurupa Fire in the area of the Santa Ana River bottom, west of Van Buren Boulevard just before 5 p.m., according to Watch Duty.

The brush fire was well established in the riverbed, spreading at a moderate rate by the time firefighters were able to access the flames.

A brush fire is seen in Jurupa on the evening of Jan. 13, 2025. (Sky5) A brush fire is seen in Jurupa on the evening of Jan. 13, 2025. (Sky5) A brush fire is seen in Jurupa on the evening of Jan. 13, 2025. (Sky5) A fire is seen in Jurupa on the evening of Jan. 13, 2025. (Citizen.com) A fire is seen in Jurupa on the evening of Jan. 13, 2025. (Citizen.com) A fire is seen in Jurupa on the evening of Jan. 13, 2025. (Citizen.com) A fire is seen in Jurupa on the evening of Jan. 13, 2025. (Citizen.com) A brush fire is seen in Jurupa on the evening of Jan. 13, 2025. (Sky5)

Evacuation warnings were issued for residents north of Jurupa Avenue, east of Crest Avenue and west of Van Burn Boulevard. Authorities also encouraged residents who might need extra time to evacuate to leave immediately.

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According to reporting from Gil Leyvas in Sky5, structure protection crews worked to protect nearby homes, while hand crews were seen attempting to contain the brusher with fire breaks before bulldozers entered the area to further mitigate the spread of flames.

Forward progress of the brush fire was reportedly stopped at around 6:30 p.m., though a difficult-to-reach area north of the river that was not threatening structures remained active.

This brush fire comes as officials with the National Weather Service announced a particularly dangerous situation with the return of strong Santa Ana winds in the 5 Freeway corridor in northern L.A. County and in the San Fernando Valley Tuesday morning through Wednesday.

In a 7 p.m. update, fire officials said Cal Fire and RFD were able to hold the vegetation fire to 2 acres and that drift smoke will continue to be present in the adjacent region, so residents should avoid the involved areas.

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A woman says firefighters helped her find her missing wedding ring amid the rubble of her home that burned down during the Los Angeles wildfires.

Victoria DeSantis lived in Altadena for 18 years before her home burned down in the Eaton Fire, according to NBC affiliate KNBC-TV.

DeSantis said she had taken off all of her rings the day of the fire because it was so dry, and lotion made her jewelry slip off. She left them by the front door, hoping to grab them on the way out.

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But when it came time to flee, DeSantis left her rings behind. She told Good Morning America that getting her daughter and dog to safety was her top priority during the early morning evacuation.

Later, she realized she had left the rings behind. DeSantis said her husband consoled her, saying, Don't worry about it. We'll get you another one.

Related: Widow Finds Wedding Rings While Searching Through Rubble After Home Burns Down in L.A. Fires

Eventually, DeSantis and her family were able to return to where their home once stood. There, she spotted her engagement ring, which had melted in the fire, according to GMA.

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But DeSantis still had one more ring left to find. She asked firefighters to help track it down, KNBC-TV reported. Then, they found it.

Theyre just like hands and knees digging through the ash, she recalled, and one of the guys says, 'I found a ring, but its not gold, and I said, Oh my God, thats my wedding band. 

She added, I could not for the life of me believe that this little tiny thing was found amongst ashes and debris."

Related: 12 Survivors Share Harrowing Stories from Inside L.A.'s Historic Inferno: 'This Was Like Armageddon' (Exclusive)

The ring was found underneath pieces of her homes roof, ceiling, furniture and walls, DeSantis told GMA.

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She posed for a photo with the firefighters who helped her find the ring, one of the only things she saved from the fire.

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It made my heart happy, just for a moment, knowing I've lost everything, DeSantis explained. I left with two pairs of jeans and two sweaters and everything, all of my childhood memories, all of my children's childhood memories, everything is gone.

She added, There's not one thing saved, but I have my ring."

Click here to learn more about how to help the victims of the L.A. fires.



Read the original article on People
The South Korean Constitutional Court on Tuesday was supposed to begin the impeachment trial of suspended president Yoon Suk Yeol, who caused a furore by issuing a short-lived martial law decree last month.

But the top court adjourned the session after meeting for just four minutes and postponed the trial's official start because Yoon failed to show up, the country's Yonhap news agency reported.

The trial is now scheduled to formally kick off on Thursday. If Yoon does not appear again, it will continue without him.

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Yoon's lawyers said he did not attend Tuesday's session due to security concerns. He has been out of sight at his Seoul residence, a large compound protected by high walls and guarded by dozens of presidential security service employees.

By staying holed up he has so far successfully defended himself against several arrest attempts by South Korea's anti-corruption agency.

The agency is investigating Yoon for abuse of power and sedition, in a process separate from the impeachment proceedings at the Constitutional Court.

According to South Korean media reports, the agency's investigators are planning another arrest attempt this week.

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In mid-December, lawmakers impeached and suspended Yoon from office after he briefly declared martial law in the wake of a budget dispute with the opposition.

But the justices at the Constitutional Court are the final arbiters as to whether the impeached leader is removed from office or reinstated to the position.
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  Tonight, January 13th, marks the first full moon of the year. Also called the Wolf Moon, it will reach the full phase at 4:27 PM CST Monday evening, with moonrise at 4:42 PM CST, according to NASA.

Why is exactly is it called the Wolf Moon though? According to NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration), the name comes from Native American culture and tradition, which associate the January full moon with the howls of wolf packs outside their villages amid the cold and deep snows of winter.

In European culture, the January full moon is also referred to as the: Ice Moon, Old Moon or Moon after Yule.

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This full moon also marks the last day in the 8-day Hindu holiday, Shakambari Navratri that celebrates the goddess Shakambhari and the Thiruvathira/Thiruvathirai/Arudhra Darisanam festival, also celebrated by Hindus, in Kerala, India and Tamil Nadu, India.

In addition, it marks Duruthu Poya for Buddhists in Sri Lanka, as well as, the middle of Tevet in the Hebrew calendar, the seventh month of the Islamic calendar, Rajab, and the middle of the final month of the Chinese Year of the Rabbit, per NASA.

But the Wolf moon isnt the only thing youll be able to see in the night sky. Youll be able to see the planet, Mars. And youll be able to catch a glimpse of the lunar occultation of the planet, in which the moon passes in front of Mars.

Wheres the snow? Heres how this winter compares to last year

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Weather-permitting, you may be able to see Mars disappear around 8:03 PM Monday evening in Siouxland and reappear just over an hour later, at 9:06 PM CST. More information on this can be found here.

Venus will also be visible, 29 above the southern horizon. You may also be able to catch a glimpse of Saturn and Jupiter as well. The star Pollux can be seen above the moon and Mars also. Check out what else you might be able to see tonight here.

NASA says the moon will appear full through around Wednesday morning.

If you miss this full moon, dont worry, heres a look at the rest of the full moons this year. Full moon dates with asterisks indicate supermoons.

The forecast for Siouxland looks bitter cold tonight with a mix of clouds and clearer conditions as lows fall into the single digits with wind chills between 10-20 below zero.

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And for the latest weather any time in Siouxland, visit the KCAU 9 weather page.

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PetroVietnam Power (PV Power), a subsidiary of state-owned PetroVietnam, said it has started initial operation of the first of two 812-MW LNG-fired units at its Nhon Trach power plant, located in Dong Nai province, near Ho Chi Minh City in southern Vietnam. The project is part of the first power plant in Vietnam to be built specifically to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG). The start of Unit 3 at Nhon Trach, announced by PetroVietnamalso known as Vietnam Oil And Gas Groupon Jan. 11, will be followed by the start-up of Unit 4 over the next year. PetroVietnam in October of last year secured more than $520 million in financing for development of the two units, which the company said will represent an investment of almost $1.4 billion. Nhon Trach 3, which officials said is about 95% complete, is expected to enter full commercial operation later this year. Vietnamese officials said some gas-fired power plants in Vietnam, including Phu My 3, Phu My 2.1, and Phu My 4, used LNG as fuel for brief periods in the past year.

Power Purchase Agreement

PV Power in October of last year signed a power purchase agreement with a subsidiary of state utility Vietnam Electricity, known as EVN, for the output of the Nhon Trach 3 and Nhon Trach 4 power plants. PV Power and PV Gas, another arm of PetroVietnam, are currently negotiating a gas sales agreement for long-term gas supply for the LNG-fired power plants. [caption id="attachment_227796" align="alignnone" width="640"]

Members of the operations staff of Unit 3 at the Nhon Trach power plant in Vietnam celebrate the facilitys "first fire" during a ceremony on Jan. 11, 2025. Source: PV Power[/caption] International banks Citi and ING led the financing for the project. PetroVietnam Corp. CFO Nguyen Duy Giang said, We appreciate Citi and INGs support and partnership over the past few years to secure the $521.5 million loan towards the Nhon Trach 3 and 4 power plants. Nhon Trach 3 and 4 ... are key national projects and will help meet the growing demand for power in the country. The projects will open a new chapter in the formation and development of the LNG project chain in Vietnam. Citi has been working with PV Power to support this initiative since 2020 and jointly provided a $300 million short-term loan, said Pham Huu Hai, Citi Vietnams corporate banking head and Citi Hanois branch director said. This project is a driving force to promote economic development and will reduce the power shortage in the countrys commercial hub in South Vietnam. The new units will use equipment from GE Vernova. GE Vernovas Financial Services played a crucial role in securing the competitive ECA financing for PV Power and the Nhon Trach 3 and 4 power plants, illustrating our commitment to supporting Vietnams energy security, said Marco Appolloni, SVP, GE Vernovas Financial Services business.

Another LNG-Fired Project Planned

A second LNG-fired facility in Vietnam is in the planning stage. Thai Binh LNG Power, a joint venture among Japans Tokyo Gas, Kyuden International Corp., and Vietnams Truong Thanh Vietnam Group, has said that its $2 billion LNG Thai Binh power plant project in Vietnams Thai Binh province should complete its feasibility study by the middle of this year, with construction set to begin by year-end. Commercial operation of the Thai Binh station is expected by 2030. Government data shows that gas-fired generation accounts for just less than 10% of Vietnams installed power generation capacity. Coal-fired power plants account for about 30% of the country's electricity production. Vietnamese officials have said that the country plans to build at least 15 LNG-fired power plants by 2035 with combined generation capacity of more than 22 GW. Officials said the LNG-fueled facilities would account for about 15% of the country's total power generation mix. PetroVietnam, in addition to the new unit at Nhon Trach, manages and operates four gas-fired power plants, two coal-fired power plants, and two hydropower plants with a total installed capacity of 5,405 MW, according to the company. PetroVietnam said its units account for as much as 12% of the country's electricity output. Vietnam's longest-operating LNG terminal is located at Thi Vai. It has a capacity of 1 million metric tons per year. A second import facility, the Hai Linh Co. Ltd.'s Cai Mep LNG terminal, also is located in the southeast province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau. That terminal, which received its export-import operating license in August of last year, has capacity to move 3 million metric tons annually. Darrell Proctor is a senior editor for POWER.
A Florida woman is accused of leaving her 5-year-old son alone in a park as a form of punishment, according to several reports.

WPLG, CBS News Miami, and WSVN report that the Miami Beach woman, Alize Angel Rodriguez, is facing charges of child neglect without great bodily harm, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of cannabis.

Rodriguez, 20, reportedly left her 5-year-old son at the park because he was misbehaving, according to the outlets, citing police.

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WSVN reported that witnesses told police they watched the child play alone in the park for about 20 minutes before calling the authorities, who arrived at the park and later found Rodriguez walking down a nearby street. Police then searched Rodriguezs purse, which police allege she threw into a bush, per WPLG, and found Xanax pills and loose marijuana.

Rodriguez denied being under the influence of drugs, according to WPLG, although police reportedly alleged that a witness said the mother appeared incoherent.

CBS News Miami reports that Rodriguez was taken into custody at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. Inmate records reviewed by PEOPLE show the mother is no longer in custody.

Rodriguezs 5-year-old son was transported back to the Miami Beach Police Station, according to the outlet, where his grandmother later arrived to pick him up.

Read the original article on People
Florida Attorney General Ashley plans to host law enforcement training to address antisemitism on college campuses throughout the state.

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This training comes after a 94% increase in hate crimes against Jewish Floridians from 2022 to 2023 according to the latest Hate Crimes in Florida Report.

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In partnership with the Combat Antisemitism Movement, Attorney General Moody also announces an upcoming training designed to educate law enforcement and investigators about hate crimes and antisemitism on college and university campuses.

The training is tailored to educate individuals from federal and state agencies, detectives, police officers, sheriffs deputies, university police, and other public safety officers.

While law enforcement continues to vigilantly protect Jewish Floridians, we are seeing an increase in reported antisemitic hate crimes, said Attorney General Moody. That is why we are hosting a training to help combat antisemitism on college campuses.

The training will be held at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton on April 30, 2025.

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For more information, contact Gabe Groisman, Senior Advisor of the Combat Antisemitism Movement, at gg@groisman.llc

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MYAKKA CITY, Fla. (WFLA)  The search is on for a beloved rescue horse named Cloud.

The mare mysteriously vanished from Florida Beach Horses barn in Myakka City late last week.

Polk man faces manslaughter charge, says he had to shoot my friend: police

The owners discovered she was missing during feeding time first thing Friday morning.

She is not one to leave the herd, lead guide Ashley Robertson said. We have had her for about 12 years now. We rescued her from an overbreeding facility where she was used and abused.

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Robertson said the entire property is fenced with barbed wire. After a search of the perimeter, they found no fences were down or damaged, and there was no evidence of her breaking loose or getting out.

We dont suspect that she left on her own, Robertson said. If she did leave on her own, and she was out there grazing, she would have come back by now. She knows where her food is at and where her family is at. We suspect that she has been stolen, just kind of in the middle of the night.

Courtesy: Florida Beach Horses

The folks with Florida Beach Horses fear Cloud may have been stolen for horse meat. We have seen similar cases in the area in the past.

Robertson it is also possible she was stolen for breeding or to be sold in an auction. However, theyre staying optimistic that with tips from the community, Cloud will return home.

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Cloud was one of the lead mares with Florida Beach Horses, and over the years, shes become beloved by guests who sign up for the unique horseback riding experience in Palma Sola Bay.

When she gets in the water, she makes her guests so happy, Robertson said. When she gets relaxed enough, shell put her whole head on your shoulder and cuddle you. It is a really awesome experience, and a lot of our guests who ride her, they really feel that too.

To the Florida Beach Horse family, Cloud is a part of the family and theyre devastated not knowing where she could be.

The Manatee County Sheriffs Office is investigating her disappearance and canvassing the area for any possible video evidence. At this time, the sheriffs office says there is no evidence of a crime.

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Sadly, Cloud was recently injured in a deadly T-Bone crash involving the horse trailer back in November. She was still receiving medication and veterinary care when she disappeared. Robertson said she was in no shape to be loaded onto a trailer.

Florida Beach Horses is offering a $10,000 reward for information that helps find Cloud. Theyre also asking the public to share Clouds story and photos through social media.

For situations like this, it is such a great platform to have when you need some extra help outside of your state and county, said the lead guide.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
DELAND, Fla. (AP)  An 8-year-old boy in central Florida died after he was attacked by two dogs near the entrance of a subdivision, authorities said.

The boy was attacked by the loose dogs Monday evening near Deland, Florida, located halfway between Orlando and Daytona Beach, the Volusia County Sheriff's Office said in a statement.

Nearby residents administered CPR to the boy and called 911, but they were unable to save him, the sheriff's office said.

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The dogs were captured and were being held by the county's Animal Services agency. Authorities said one was a pit bull and the other a mixed breed.

Officials said they are still investigating the circumstances of the attack.

I dont know what anyone can say to ease the immense pain this family is feeling tonight, Sheriff Mike Chitwood said. This is a tragedy beyond comprehension, especially for those of us who are parents and grandparents."
An 8-year-old boy is dead after he was attacked by a pair of dogs Monday. The attack occurred just before 5 p.m. off CR 15A, north of Deland, according to a Volusia Sheriffs Office Facebook post.

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Witnesses called 911 and began CPR on the victim, but he was not able to survive his injuries, the post states. Deputies who responded to the scene were able to chase the dogs down. Police described one of the animals as a pit bull and the other as a mixed breed.

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Volusia County Animal Services also responded to the scene, captured both animals, and are holding them in quarantine, according to the sheriffs office.

A joint investigation is underway to determine the circumstances of the attack and the sheriff will be giving a briefing Tuesday following the preliminary results of that investigation, the Facebook post states.

I dont know what anyone can say to ease the immense pain this family is feeling tonight, Sheriff Mike Chitwood said in a statement Monday. This is a tragedy beyond comprehension, especially for those of us who are parents and grandparents.

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I can only ask our community to say a prayer of strength for this family and keep them in your hearts as they face their worst nightmare, the sheriffs statement reads.

Read: What we know: Former leaders of Duval Teachers Union indicted

Read: Jacksonville Police operation ends with several arrests for soliciting prostitution

Read: Jacksonville man accused of possessing videos showing the sexual abuse of children, animals

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Bowen Kou came to the United States from China in 2009 to attend Michigan State University, eager to learn and ready to work.

As a 19-year-old, Kou started a business buying and selling used books to other students.

Three years later, according to the Spartan Newsroom student newspaper, he was famous among Chinese MSU students because hed bought a grocery store in East Lansing, the universitys home town. He told the student paper hed saved enough from the book business that his parents agreed to provide the balance needed to buy purchase the store.

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That store, which initially had three employees, eventually expanded to a chain with nine locations in seven states, and Fresh International Market now employs more than 500 people, Kou said.

I really just wanted to seize the opportunity at the time. I didnt know where the business was going, but I just had hope that it would succeed, he said. My hard work paid off but, at that time, I just wanted to have my own business.

Nearly fifteen years later, Kou is living his American dream in Central Florida. A foray into state politics last year ended in frustration, but a separate business venture is also booming, as he and his wife prepare to open the latest in a series of bakeries at Orlandos planned new H Mart, the first local outlet for the high-end Korean grocery chain.

Kou, who now lives in Horizon West, still runs the Asian food grocery stores. He and his wife, Hong, are also franchise owners of Paris Baguette stores, which sell cakes, pastries and other baked goods. They own stores in west Orange County, North Carolina and Texas, and the Orlando one is to open later this year.

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In 2024, Kou ran for the Florida Senate as a Republican, hoping his business success and message about protecting the American dream would resonate with voters, he said.

Kou paid most of the bill for his first run for public office. His businesses generate $50 million in revenue annually, he said at the time, which allowed him to invest $1.2 million into his own campaign.

His run for office did not go well. During the GOP primary, his party sent out attack ads accusing him of accepting contributions from Chinese donors and wrongly profiting off the backs of foreign workers.

Kou was handily defeated by fellow Republican Keith Truenow in the August primary, in a district that included a slice of west Orange County and Lake County.

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Since then, he and Hong said theyve been questioned bout their American citizenship and have worried about a negative impact on their business.

That false advertising accused them of being members of the Chinese Community Party or Chinese spies, Hong Kou said. That has had the biggest impact on our business because weve had customers come in ask if were a part of the CCP or if were owned by China.

Kou had thought his business success and conservative views would be a good fit in the state Legislature and his district.

I want to be here and protect the American dream, especially after I grew my business and learned to understand people working in the entry level, he said. That was the intent I had in coming out to run for state Senate.

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In June, Kou sued the Florida Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee, which paid for the attack ads, alleging one sent to thousands of mailboxes was defamatory. That lawsuit is pending.

Though Bowen Kou has no plans to run for office again, never say never is their view, Hong Kou said.

Bowen Kou, a father of three, still has some extended family in China but said the United States is his home and where his loyalties lie now.

My family is American, my businesses are in America and I have plans to stay in America because I dont want to go anywhere else, he added.

For now, both the Kous are focused on their newest business  the Paris Baguette store that will open on Colonial Drive next to the citys first H Mart, the largest Asian supermarket chain in the United States.

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H Mart and Paris Baguette both have South Korean origins and, Hong Kou said, many H Mart locations have a connected Paris Baguette store. Thats what the Kous are planning for the new H Mart complex at 7501 W. Colonial Drive. No opening date has been set.

Its a big deal for H Mart to come to Orlando, she said. Were so grateful we can be part of the new location, and were really looking forward to it.

The Kous bakery in Horizon West has plenty of fans.

The store features a massive glass case full of cake slices, croissant, donuts and tarts, black-and-white tile floors and woven rattan chairs, all designed to give the impression of a Paris cafe.

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Maria Scandlen stopped by with her husband and appreciated the variety of baked goods.

I like the different choices they have, she said. Because, for me, theres a lot of things that I havent really seen before, and I like the fact that they have savory and sweet items.

Orlando resident Chloe Laine used to live within walking distance of the store and said Paris Baguette, with its indoor and outdoor seating, was a regular hangout.

I think it makes it feel like a vacation while youre at home, she said. On my days off, I used to walk over from my apartment just to grab a bite to eat and sit outside.

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Hong Kou, also an immigrant from China, said running multiple businesses can be stressful but the couple also appreciate that they have the life we wanted to achieve, and they credit the United States for that.

I dont think theres any country you can go to but America that can give people those types of opportunities to have a good life, she said.

_____
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA)  Governor Ron DeSantis set a date for a special session ahead of the 2025 legislative session. The governor urged state lawmakers to tackle the condo crisis, hurricane relief and reforming the amendment process, with a primary focus on illegal immigration.

State leaders at the capitol, however, have raised concerns and questioned the governors timing, calling it premature as President-elect Donald Trump takes office in just one week.

DeSantiss call for special session premature, Senate President, House Speaker say

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Weve got to get ahead of it, DeSantis said. Weve got to make sure that were there as a willing partner with the Trump administration.

Desantis has ordered lawmakers to return to the state capitol by Jan. 27. While condo fees are on the agenda, so is another hot-button issue: Trumps crackdown on illegal immigration.



If it is the federal governments responsibility and this is an important national policy, I dont see any way that the states and localities should be allowed to throw a wrench into that, DeSantis said. You need to be there; you need to be facilitated.

Republicans like State Senator Randy Fine have already filed legislation related to immigration for the regular session, looking to repeal in-state tuition for immigrant students in the state.

Showing support for the governors call for a special session, State Senator Jay Collins (R-Tampa) and State Senator Blaise Ingoglia (R-Spring Hill) took to X to share their thoughts, saying the move is both time sensitive and pressing.

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Democrats, however, question the timing of the governors response.



Just seems like an opportunity for him to get some headlines, said State House Minority Leader Fentrice Driskell (D-Tampa).

Leader Driskell reminds Floridians of Senate Bill 1718, an immigration bill that  according to Driskell  caused an uproar, disrupting the labor force.



Weve already seen the consequences of harsh immigration legislation, Driskell said. So, I would hope that we would learn from that lesson, that the Republicans would learn from that lesson and perhaps avoid any unintended consequences and rethink whatever it is that Governor DeSantis is proposing.

Senate and House leadership at the capitol also spoke out in response to the news, calling this move premature.

In a joint statement, Senate President Ben Albritton and House Speaker Daniel Perez shared, As you know, this Legislature will address illegal immigration, condominiums, petition initiatives and hurricane recovery this Session, which starts in 50 days. Calling a special session at this time is premature.

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While both leaders claim to be strong supporters of President Trump when it comes to immigration. At this time, they say they are not aware of any specific guidance provided to the states about actions state legislatures can take to support forthcoming federal action.

Floridas Constitution compels our attendance at a special session unilaterally called by the Governor. However, the power to convene a special session also resides with the presiding officers. As the peoples elected representatives, the Legislature, not the Governor, will decide when and what legislation we consider, Albritton and Perez wrote.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez on Tuesday endorsed state Sen. Joe Gruters for Chief Financial Officer, adding more backing to the Sarasota Republicans campaign, which has already been endorsed by President-elect Donald Trump.

I stand shoulder-to-shoulder with President Trump by offering my full support for Sen. Gruters as Floridas next CFO, Perez, R-Miami, said in a statement.

Gruters is a former Republican Party of Florida chair who has a longstanding connection to Trump, dating back to his days running the Sarasota County GOP.

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Whether as chairman of the Republican Party of Florida or helping President Trump secure a landslide victory across the Sunshine State, Joe knows what it takes to get the job done, Perez added. There is no question that President Trumps choice is Floridas choice to lead our state forward.

The CFO oversees payments to vendors, heads the Department of Financial Services, and is the State Fire Marshal. The duties include oversight of the Office of Insurance Regulation, giving the position a prominent role in managing the property insurance market, which has seen large rate increases in recent years.

Since filing to run for the CFO spot in the 2026 cycle in July, Gruters has raised $440,000, and with Trumps backing would be a formidable opponent for any GOP opponent.

Rep. Daniel Perez becomes speaker of the Florida House during an organization session held by the Florida legislature, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024.

But the CFO seat will soon be open: incumbent Jimmy Patronis, also a Republican, will resign March 31 to run for an open U.S. House seat.

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Gruters has had a contentious relationship with Gov. Ron DeSantis, who will name Patronis successor until the 2026 election. The two clashed when Gruters was RPOF chair and DeSantis at one point reportedly tried to cut Gruters salary.

When DeSantis ran for president in 2024, Gruters endorsed Trump. Gruters also backed Amendment 3 last year, which would have legalized recreational marijuana, and criticized DeSantis for using taxpayer funds to pay for public service announcements bashing the ballot measure.

Perezs endorsement comes the day after he and Florida Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, rebuffed DeSantis call for a special session later this month to address illegal immigration, hurricane relief, providing relief to condo owners and protecting the ballot petition process from fraud.

Perez and Albritton, in a joint memo, said a special session would be premature and completely irresponsible before Trump was sworn into office and had issued a series of executive orders on immigration.

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But DeSantis has said Florida needs to act swiftly to take advantage of new flexibility states will be granted by Trump to enforce immigration laws.

Gray Rohrer is a reporter with the USA TODAY Network-Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at grohrer@gannett.com. Follow him on X: @GrayRohrer.

This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: FL House speaker follows Trump endorsement of Gruters for state CFO
For the generations of people that grew up watching shuttle launches on television or even in person, theres little that's more magical than the thought of going to space. When the shuttle program ended in 2011, with it went the career astronaut, or so we thought at the time. But theyve found a new home and purpose at the Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island, Florida.

What makes the visitor complex unique isnt just witnessing the massive craft that took these men and women to space or seeing the flight suits up close. Its that, on any given day, you can meet them and hear their stories firsthand.

Among them is Winston Scott, a veteran astronaut who traveled aboard the Endeavor and Columbia where he spent time living and working in space, and even participating in three space walks. He's one of approximately 40 retired astronauts paid to share stories from their time in space through daily programming over the course of several days. Scott now serves as the resident astronaut.

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Typically, when an astronaut leaves active duty  that is, you're no longer actively flying with NASA  other opportunities open up to you, Scott told Travel + Leisure. I was approached by the resident astronaut at that time to do appearances at the Space Center. This was just a little over 20 years ago.

Since then, Scott and his colleagues have participated in countless programs offered daily. The Astronaut Encounter program gives the astronauts a chance to present about their experiences and sign autographs. The center also welcomes astronauts from Canada, Brazil, and beyond to share.

The astronaut will give a presentation about his or her experiences in space and then entertain questions and answers from the audience [of] several hundred people, Scott added.

Related: 13 Things Tourists Should Know Before Traveling to Space, According to Astronauts

PETE BARRETT/The Capsule/Courtesy of Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Former NASA astronaut Winston Scott during his presentation at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Former NASA astronaut Winston Scott during his presentation at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Chat With an Astronaut is a similar setup, but comes with a meal for an added fee in a more intimate setting.

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The participants get a chance to ask that person questions and get feedback. We limit it to 30 or 35 people, so it's really very intimate. If the group gets small enough, the astronaut will come out and sit at the table with you, Scott shared.

Travelers come from all over the world to learn about the American space program.

Not only do we have visitors from 50 states in the union, but we also have a lot of international business. We get a lot of people from the U.K., people from Asia  Japan, China  from all over.

The center continues to host launches, including 85 in 2024, plus new areas are opening so theres never been a better time to meet the astronauts.

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We're getting ready to start a program called the Gantry at Launch Complex 39. Complex 39 is a historical complex that Apollo astronauts launched from, Scott said. Its also the closest viewing site to the Cape Canaveral Space Force Stations launchpads.

The astronaut programming is not only a way to share more information on the sciences, but it also preserves the stories of these rare individuals who have been to space at a time when space travel is becoming more of an option to the public, thanks to SpaceX and Virgin Galactic.

The group [of astronauts] is somewhat exclusive, and we take that very seriously. Astronauts who participate in this program universally do so out of a sense of wanting to share the experience with others, Scott said. We want to inspire  not just the next generation of young people, but we want to inspire people of all ages out in public to support the space program, to be excited about the space program.

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure
Florida Senate President Ben Albritton speaking to reporters on Nov. 19, 2024. (Photo by Mitch Perry/Florida Phoenix)

Hours after Gov. Ron DeSantis called on the Florida Legislature to gather at the end of this month in a special legislative session to address immigration as well as issues regarding condominiums, hurricane relief, and petition initiatives, the leaders of the House and Senate say that would be premature and they wont cooperate.

Floridas Constitution compels our attendance at a special session unilaterally called by the Governor, write Senate President Ben Albritton and House Speaker Daniel Perez in a letter issued shortly after 5 p.m. on Monday.

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However, the power to convene a special session also resides with the presiding officers. As the peoples elected representatives, the Legislature, not the Governor, will decide when and what legislation we consider.

DeSantis originally asked Albritton and Perez to call for a special legislative session on illegal immigration last week in Tampa, but the two leaders never formally responded. Some lawmakers told the Phoenix last week that they didnt see any reason for a special session with the 60-day regular session less than two months away.

In their letter, Albritton and Perez say that when it comes to immigration  the driving force that DeSantis said is the reason that the Legislature must convene earlier than their March 4 starting date  we are strong supporters of President Trump and stand ready to follow his lead.

But they add that they are not aware of any specific guidance provided to the states about actions state legislatures can take to support forthcoming federal action.

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It is completely irresponsible to get out ahead of any announcements President Trump will make, especially when uninformed or ill-timed state action could potentially impair or impede the success of President Trumps forthcoming efforts to end illegal immigration, close our borders, and protect the sovereignty of our nation, Albritton and Perez write.

In fact, the two leaders told reporters in November that immigration policy comes from the federal government, not the states, and backed away from any legislation to address the incoming Trump administrations promise for mass deportations.

Fragments of ideas

Albritton and Perez also noted on Monday that while DeSantis had discussed fragments of ideas for a special session to take place on Jan. 27, he did not release any actual bill language or even meaningful details for legislators and our constituents to consider.

Regarding the three other issues that DeSantis wants lawmakers to address, Albritton and Perez see no reason those issues cant be addressed during the regular session.

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With regard to the additional issues outlined by the Governor this morning, the fact is there are ample funds accessible and available to pay for the States ongoing disaster response efforts and additional funds do not have to wait until July 1, when the next fiscal year state budget will take effect, they write.

Condominium safety and ballot initiatives proposing constitutional amendments are complex subjects and should be considered during the regular session, not a truncated special session.

Update: Despite the legislative leaders comments, DeSantis is determined that the Legislature convene for a special session. The governor posted a response on X approximately an hour-and-a-half later after Albritton and Perez letter was sent out, complete with a proclamation calling for the Legislature to convene at 9 a.m. on Monday, January 27.

President-elect Trump was elected with a mandate to stop illegal immigration and deport illegal aliens already in our country, he said in a statement.

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State and local officials in Florida will actively facilitate the Trump Administrations policies against illegal immigration, and to do that we need to immediately set aside and approve the necessary funding and resources now. As part of the special session I called for January 27, the week after President Trump is sworn in, I am calling on the legislature to appropriate funding for detention, relocation, transportation infrastructure, local law enforcement support, and everything else needed for Florida to carry out this mission.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Suffice it to say, Rebecca Bryant Williams was appalled when a guy named Edward Jones won a seat on the Forsyth County Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors in November.

Jones had taken, shall we say, a rather unorthodox approach to campaigning.

He told a reporter that he was a former rapper, that hed been shot 37 times, that hed been in a coma for eight years and that he decided to run to tell the world about God.

He neglected to mention, however, that hed been convicted in New Jersey in connection with the sexual assault in 2001 of a 15-year-old or that hed listed a Davie County address with the state sex offender registry.

Oh, and the man Jones defeated, Lei Zhang, has years of relevant, verifiable experience. One would think that working with the Yadkin Riverkeeper and the Piedmont Environmental Alliance were better qualifications than landing on the sex offender registry or claiming to have been shot three dozen times.

And yet, 63 percent of the nearly 93,000 people who voted in that election chose Jones.

People just dont care anymore, Williams said. They just shrug and move on.

Failure to disclose

Rather than doing the same thing, however, she decided to act by peppering state and local officials with on-point questions about election law.

General Statute 163-106 in particular, which makes it a Class I felony for a candidate not to disclose any prior felony convictions.

Its their responsibility to make sure a candidacy is valid, Williams said. They did not do that.

Two months have passed since Jones won his election. Hes been sworn in and attended the only meeting of the soil and water conservation board held to date.

Its  unique, said district supervisor Toby Bost while choosing his words carefully. (Edwards) came to the December meeting and was as engaged as anyone. He was all ears and eager to participate.

Thats swell  who doesnt like a redemption story?  but if what Williams has learned so far holds up, Jones will keep the seat until (or unless) prosecutors choose to act.

This particular subset of election law is tricky; a large loophole regarding enforcement appears to be a point of contention.

State election board officials say theres nothing they can do since the election results have been certified, and local election officials point to state laws to say basically the same thing.

You would need to contact the Forsyth Soil and Water Conservation Commission regarding this matter, wrote a PR specialist with the state elections board in an email to Williams. Since the candidate is already serving in this office, this is not an election-related matter.

N.C. G.S. 139-7 outlines that the (state) Soil and Water Conservation Commission has authority over the soil and water conservation office.

Yes and no.

George Teague, a past chairman of the state soil and water commission, said the commission can only remove Jones if he stops showing up for meetings or is found to have committed some wrongdoing in carrying out his duties.

An official protest and a formal complaint have been filed, said Tim Tsuji, the Forsyth County elections director, and some sort of investigation is underway.

But what, if anything, will be done with the information is as clear as mud.

Thats for the state Board of Elections, Tsuji said. At the end of the day, its all in the hands of the state board.

Um, what?

It turns out that the state board of elections does in fact have an investigations unit, Tsuji said.

If state investigators ever find that Edwards failed to file the felony disclosure form, they will refer it to the local prosecutors to decide whether to file charges. Its a similar type of process to the way police work with the district attorney, Tsuji said.

Unambiguous law

As quoted in a Municipal Candidates Guide provided to those who run for office, the law is unambiguous.

The Notice of Candidacy form provided by the State Board of Elections includes a statement that asks the following question: Have you ever been convicted of a felony? it reads.

Candidates who answer yes to this question must provide the name of the offense, date of conviction, date of restoration of citizenship rights, and the county and state of conviction. It is a Class I felony for an individual to knowingly provide untrue information in response to this question.

Heres the rub, though. While the law is crystal clear, enforcement of it is not.

Its incumbent on individuals themselves, Tsuji said. We are required to ask Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If they say yes, then we give them the document. If its No, never convicted they check that box on the form.

(Jones) indicated that he had not. The way the law is written, there is nothing that states for us to do any additional background check.

In other words, candidates  politicians  operate under the honor system.

If you want the rules to change, you need to take that up with the General Assembly, Tsuji said. We just administer the elections and do so in an impartial manner.

As for the requirement that a soil and water district supervisor actually reside in the county in which he (or she) is elected, thats easy enough to dodge. Edward Jones, per state voter records, listed an address on East 24th Street in October 2023.

The voter registration database says (Jones) lives in Winston-Salem, Tsuji said. At the time he was. Still is, according to the database.

Which runs contrary to information in the N.C. Sex Offender Registry. There, Jones is listed as living near Mocksville.

Asked about that discrepancy by reporters who found him at the Davie address, Jones grew defensive.

I dont know why you are harassing me, Jones said.

So like it or not, in this particular case it appears theres little to protect voters from their own ignorance, sloth or, lets face it, racism and xenophobia.

Im convinced that a considerable number of the 93,000 voters who cast ballots in the soil and water conservation district supervisors race did so because one candidate had an American name and Lei Zhang  the other, far more qualified candidate  did not.

One very determined voter named Rebecca Bryant Williams thinks so, too.

I did research (on) the candidates. I found Mr. Zhangs information on Ballotpedia, so I voted for him, Williams said.

If I cant find any information, I just dont vote, Williams said.
POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) A West Palm Beach man was arrested in Polk County after traveling to meet a minor to engage in sexual activity, the Polk County Sheriffs Office announced.

Emerick Priddy, 22, was arrested on Saturday, Jan. 11 after he groomed a 14-year-old girl online, PCSO said.

According to PCSO, deputies spotted Priddys Honda Civic parked in a parking lot around 3 a.m. Saturday and found Priddy in the backseat with the victim, both in various stages of undress.

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Priddy told deputies he was 17 years old, but deputies ran his drivers license and found out he was 22 years old.

During an investigation, it was revealed that Priddy met the victim on Snapchat, and convinced the victim to sneak out of her home to meet him, deputies said.

According to PCSO, he told the victim he was 17 years old when they met on Snapchat. The victim told Priddy that she was 14 years old and he replied, Its prolly a one time thing and I aint worried.

Emerick Priddy picked the wrong county to come to and sexually batter a child. Hes now facing five felonies and hopefully will be registered as a sexual offender for the rest of his life, Sheriff Grady Judd said.

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Priddy drove from his home in West Palm Beach to the victims home in Polk County, where she snuck out of her home and got into Priddys vehicle.

According to PCSO, Priddy drove to the park where they engaged in sexual activity.

Priddy was booked into the Polk County Jail and charged with:

Traveling to meet a minor for sex

Lewd Battery

Transmission of material harmful to a minor

Interference with child custody

Use of a two-way communication device in a felony

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
The Florida Supreme Court building. (Photo by Michael Moline/Florida Phoenix)

The Florida Supreme Court has agreed to consider the appeal of one of 20 people arrested as part of a voter fraud crackdown initiated by state authorities working for Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Terry Hubbard, a convicted felon, was arrested for registering and voting in 2020 even though he was ineligible to vote because of a sex offense from 1989. DeSantis held a press conference in August 2022 in which he touted voter fraud arrests that his newly created election crimes office had worked on.

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A Broward County judge tossed the charges after concluding that the statewide prosecutor lacked authority to charge Hubbard at the time. The Fourth District Court of Appeal disagreed and ruled that a 2023 change pushed by DeSantis to expand the statewide prosecutors jurisdiction applied to the case.

The high court on Monday said it would accept jurisdiction in the case even though attorneys working for Attorney General Ashley Moody argued there was no reason to consider it and to let the appeals court ruling stand.

Florida voters in 2018 approved a constitutional amendment that restored voting rights for many felons, but it did not apply to those convicted of murder and sexual offenses. Beneficiaries also need to have satisfied all court-ordered fines, fees, and restitution.
DENVER (KDVR)  Flu season is here and the number of hospitalizations from respiratory illnesses has nearly doubled since late December.

We took a big jump after Dec. 21, and its still going up, said Dr. Ned Calonge, chief medical officer at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

Sick season is in full force. What the latest CDC figures show nationwide

According to the last update from CDPHE on Jan. 4, there were 278 influenza hospitalizations in the state. Thats up from 246 the week before and 140 on Dec. 21.

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Its severe enough to bring people into the hospital, Dr. Calonge said.

While this seems to be a typical season so far, it is important to raise awareness. There are two A strains circulating in the state right now.

Meredith Vanley was diagnosed with influenza A in December.

It was terrible, I had a pretty high fever, Vanley said. My body ached terribly. I was coughing.

The Evergreen resident said she was later diagnosed with walking pneumonia as well and missed two weeks of work.

Im still recovering from that, she said.

MAP: Emergency room visits for respiratory illnesses are high in Colorado

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Calonge said that when someone tests positive, they should stay home, hydrate, take fever-reducing medications and ask their provider about Tamiflu.

That can shorten the duration of flu symptoms by about a couple of days, but you need to start Tamiflu early, he said.

To protect yourself, Calonge says to wash your hands regularly, take normal precautions and remember its not too late to get the flu vaccine.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Jon Ford of Terre Haute, former Republican state senator from the 38th District, has been named by incoming Gov. Mike Braun to be the director of Indianas Office of Energy Development.

Ford had been running Reliable Energy  a trade association formed in 2020 to advocate for Indianas coal industry and other energy producers.

He was formerly with Thrive West Central. As of October 2024, hes been a board member and the chairman of the Wabash Valley Regional Development Authority. He was named to the Indiana State University Board of Trustees in June 2024.

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Ford resigned his Indiana Senate seat in October 2024 to take the job at Reliable Energy. GOP precinct committee members chose Greg Goode of Terre Haute to fill Fords Senate term, which runs through 2026.

Also recently, Braun named state Rep. Alan Morrison, R-Brazil, to lead the Indiana Department of Conservation. Morrison had just won re-election, so his House District 42 seat will be filled in a caucus of committee members at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 14 in Rockville.

Other appointments recently announced by Braun, who was sworn in on Monday, include:

 Stacy Hughes, executive director of the Education Employment Relations Board

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 Jake Speer, Indiana State Librarian

 Clint Woods, commissioner of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management. Woods is a former deputy EPA air chief who moved to academia.

 Terry Seitz, executive director of White River State Park.

 Matt Brown, director of the Indiana State Personnel Department.

 Joe Hoage, executive director of the Indiana Gaming Commission.

Some agency leaders will remain in their current roles for now, the Braun team has said. Each agencys performance and the work of current leaders will be assessed to determine if those individuals remaining in their roles will be a good fit for the administration.

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A few key agencies that dont have leaders include the Department of Workforce Development and the Department of Revenue.

Braun also has unveiled a new cabinet organization as part of his administration, including the appointment of Molly Craft as the deputy chief of staff for communications in the Office of the Governor.
CHICAGO  Tuesday opened with a brief burst of morning snow across the area with more than 2 inches in some areas.

Snow and clouds quickly moved out, paving the way for a sunny but frigid afternoon. The official high of 16 degrees was 15 degrees below normal and colder than the average 19 degree low temperature this time of year.

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The chill was also accompanied by gusty westerly winds which made it feel much colder.

The arctic chill was prevalent across many locations in the Midwest with highs well below typical early January norms.

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Reason behind the chill? Upper-level steering winds are blowing in straight out of Canada where a deep snow cover persists. This does not allow the cold air to modify as it pushes south.

Brief warm-up Friday? Upper-level steering winds will flatten out or briefly go zonal (west to east) allowing milder, Pacific-origin air to ride into Chicago.

This will result in a one-day January thaw with highs in the low 40s.

WGN Weather Center

Maps & Interactive Radar

Extended 7-Day Forecast

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
FAIRMONT, W.Va. (WBOY)  A former Bridgeport High School teacher who admitted to having a sexual relationship with one of her students was sentenced for her crimes on Monday but did not receive jail time.

Courtney Rankin pleaded guilty back in October, admitting to having intercourse with her 17-year-old student at her apartment in White Hall when she was 33.

During her sentencing on Monday, letters from 14 character witnesses in support of Rankin were presented, and her doctor, mother and former coworker testified on her behalf. Rankin also gave a statement, saying that she accepted responsibility and was remorseful.

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Judge Patrick Wilson sentenced Rankin to 1-5 years of home confinementif it can be arranged at her home in Pennsylvaniaand must pay a $1,000 fine. Rankin will also be required to perform 20 hours of community service per week for the duration of her sentence and will be required to register as a sex offender for life. She will have 10 years of supervised probation after she has been released.

Cardi B calls for investigation at federal prison in West Virginia

Pre-sentence investigation found that Rankin is not likely to reoffend and is not a danger to society and brought her situation of being a victim of domestic violence and having diagnosed PTSD into account.

However, the victims mother gave a tearful prepared statement, asking for the maximum sentence and saying in part, To you Courtney, how dare you?

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com.
Author and former CNN and CNBC anchor Nicole Lapin, who gave birth to a daughter just weeks ago, shared that she she lost her home amid the Los Angeles wildfires, but that she and her family are safe.

In the last month, my whole life has been turned upside down, the New York Times bestselling author said in a video on Instagram, which was shared after her home in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood was destroyed.

Lapin  who gave birth to a baby girl just three weeks ago  is one of more than 150,000 throughout Los Angeles forced to evacuate their homes because of the blazes, which have left at least 24 dead with dozens more still missing.

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The finance journalist, 40, was taking care of her newborn when she went to the roof, "saw flames and just left," according to an emotional clip posted to Instagram.

Related: What's Making L.A. Fires So Bad, Did the City Run Out of Water and Was the Fire Department's Budget Cut? What We Know

As she fled her home, Lapin "left with literally nothing," including no wallet, no ID, no passport, no pictures. But, as she looked down at her daughter in the video, she acknowledged that they ultimately escaped with the "most valuable and most priceless" thing of all: family.

In the caption of her post, Lapin  who said that her "brand new" studio is also likely gone or "inoperable"  went on to share how thankful she has been for the "outpouring of help and support weve gotten."

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"I am endlessly and eternally thankful, its made all the difference in what is otherwise pure horror. The only priceless things in my life my daughter, my family, our health we have, and for that I am truly blessed," she added.

Nicole Lapin/Instagram

Related: 10 People Charged with Burglary, Arson During L.A. Wildfires After Emmy Award and Over $200,000 Worth of Goods Stolen

Lapin went on to say that she has not yet returned to the ruins of her home and that her family is currently staying in temporary housing.

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.

Despite the devastation, Lapin said, I know that Im luckier than so many. ... The friends and the community  I didnt even realize how deep it was. We didnt realize.

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For the first time, I have no words, she concluded.

Related: High School Football Coach Loses Sister in L.A. Fires, Wonders Why She Didn't Evacuate

Lapin  who hosts the biweekly podcast Money Rehab with Nicole Lapin  ended her post with a promise to her followers that she will use her platform to ask questions of companies and get all of our questions answered as information about the fires is uncovered in the coming weeks.

I know that I am lucky  and I am going to pay that forward by sharing all the resources that help me through this process of putting the pieces back together, wrote Lapin in her caption. If you lost your home in the fire too, let me know what questions you have, and Ill work on finding answers for us.

Click here to learn more about how to help the victims of the L.A. fires.



Read the original article on People
Delphis Mayor Kamron Yates announced last week that Chief Nate LaMar resigned from the Delphi Police Department on Thursday, although a reason was not given.

LaMars resignation came a week after a Carroll County Circuit Court filing called LaMars testimony under oath dishonest and misleading and alleged the former chief subverted protections by the U.S. and Indiana constitutions to execute a warrantless search.

According to the court documents, LaMar pulled over a man named Michael Mazzerle on Jan. 3, 2024 and told him he was being pulled over because the license plate light on his Ford pickup truck was blue instead of white.

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By the end of the encounter, Mazzerle had been arrested for a level 2 felony charge of dealing methamphetamine and a level 4 felony charge of possession of methamphetamine. The Circuit Court ruling, carried out by Judge Troy M. Hawkins, dropped those charges.

Mazzerle had been in custody since his arrest. A year later, on Jan. 3, Judge Hawkins ordered his release.

The traffic stop

According to court documents, Mazzerle pulled into a gas station parking lot when LaMar conducted the traffic stop.

He handed LaMar a government ID card, but wasnt able to provide him proof of insurance. The truck was registered to his mother.

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LaMar asked about a locked cylindrical container under the center console. He inspected it and, after Mazzerle said the key for it had been lost, gave it back to the driver. The former Chief noted a key hanging from the keychain still in the ignition looked like it would fit.

According to court documents, LaMars body cam footage recorded him telling another officer that he approached the passenger side of Mazzerles vehicle because of his looks and behavior.

The former Chief returned to his squad car and ran Mazzerles driving record and criminal history, where he found priors for syringe, theft of a firearm, marijuana, paraphernalia  dealing in meth, according to the court filings account of audio picked up from LaMars body camera footage. He told another officer to pull him (Mazzerle) out and hang out with him, according to the document.

The document then points out LaMar told another officer he called for a K9 officer and that he said I can take the vehicle, but Ill give him a chance. He began to speak with another officer about the locked container before silencing the body cameras audio.

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Roughly five minutes later, according to the filing, LaMars audio was back on as he asked Mazzerle if he had any luck contacting his mother. The driver said he had, and that the truck was insured with State Farm, but he didnt have the insurance card.

Mazzerle asked whether he should reach out to his mother again, according to the document, and LaMar said that he didnt want to bother her  instead, he instructed Mazzerle to call somebody to pick him up and printed ticket information for three traffic infractions.

He also told Mazzerle, according to the document, that he was lucky he wasnt going in handcuffs. LaMar would still take the truck, though.

Mazzerle asked if a friend could pick up the truck from the public parking lot, according to the court filing, but never received an answer. Instead, the document states the former chief told him you tried the three left turns and that didnt work.

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When Mazzerle went to wait inside the gas station for his ride, the court filing states, LaMar immediately looked for and located the container, its key in the center console and 6.7 grams of meth inside of it. He ordered officers to arrest Mazzerle.

LaMars body camera footage allegedly recorded the former chief stating we will take it whatever way we can and some meth on inventory night.

The trial

During trial, Sgt. Spencer Kingery, a K9 Deputy with the Carroll County Sheriffs Office, testified his K9 partner is certified to detect narcotics including marijuana, methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine.

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When he was directed by LaMar to assist in a free air sniff, according to the filing, his K9 partner didnt make any indication that narcotics were in Mazzerles vehicle.

Also called to testify was Delphi Police Officer Jensen Reef, who obtained a warrant to search through Mazzerles phone. He testified that he found evidence that implicated Mazzerle was engaged in illegal pharmaceutical enterprise, according to the court filing.

LaMar testified that the Delphi City Police Department has a policy allowing vehicles to be impounded. The vehicles are inventoried when theyre impounded. A copy of the policy, according to the court filing, provided little guidance as to policy, but simply that an officer may impound vehicles.

LaMar also testified that he chooses to impound almost every time, according to the filing, that he believes its in the best public interest to remove unlicensed or uninsured drivers from the roads, and that he decided to tow Mazzerles vehicle based on his community caretaking function and not on the suspicion of contraband.

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He also said, according to the filing, that he didnt have a hunch there were drugs inside the container.

In his decision, Judge Hawkins wrote that Chief LaMar left the court firmly convinced that his inventory search was nothing more than a pretext to search the vehicle.

He also pointed to LaMars body camera audio, stating that the former chiefs denial of a hunch that he would find drugs in Mazzerles car was an untruthful and false statement.

Lamar, when asked, said he knew he didnt have enough to get a warrant to search the vehicle, yet proceeded to subvert that requirement by searching the vehicle under the guise of an inventory search , the filing states.

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Judge Hawkins also wrote the States argument that LaMars policy to tow vehicles almost every time was unreasonable.

Towing every vehicle where the driver has committed an infraction  even if insurance cannot be proven at the roadside  is not reasonable nor is it consistent with objective standards of sound policing, the filing states.

Finding the impoundment unreasonable and improper, the judge ruled the inventory search was unreasonable and therefore inadmissible. The felony charges related to the meth found in the vehicle were dropped.

Mazzerle kept the three traffic infractions, which include a $1 fine for an Improper Tail or Plate light, a $1 fine for No Valid Drivers License and a $5,000 fine with $2,500 suspended for Operating without Financial Responsibility. The court also assessed costs of $189.50.

A copy of Chief LaMars body camera footage was requested by the Pharos-Tribune but was unavailable by Friday afternoon.
A ceasefire deal could be close between Hamas and Israel.

ABC News is reporting a possible breakthrough after a diplomatic blitz this weekend.

Channel 2s Candace McCowan heard from former hostages and family members who are in Atlanta on Monday.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The families of the hostages knew this would be a key week in the possible negotiations and what they hope is the release of their loved ones.

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While they waited for news, they continued their work of making sure the stories of their loved ones werent forgotten.

Aviva Siegel was held hostage by Hamas for 51 days after the October 7 attacks.

Her husband Keith is still being held hostage.

It was the worst thing. The worst thing any human being could go through, she said. They tortured Keith and they tortured the girls that I was with. That was one of the things that was just too hard for me to handle because I saw the fear in their face.

Theyre memories that she tries to push to the side, but feels are important to share.

She is one of several who spoke on a panel at the International Lion of Judah conference in downtown Atlanta on Monday.

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Yarden Gonens little sister Roni is still being held captive.

Were always hopeful you know. I have a necklace on my neck written in Hebrew. It means hope, she said.

Even as they speak to the crowd, they know this is a pivotal week.

With just days left before the changing of presidential administrations in the US, they knew these days would be vital in the fight to see their loved ones released.

And if you dont get them out now, it might be too late. So we need to get them out, Siegel said. A deal needs to be on the table all the time and they need to get out.

Theyre focus on what they hope will soon be a reunion.

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We have to. We have no other choice. We have to for them, for her, for my little sister, Gonen said.

I do know that Keith is alive and that he is doing everything he can to stay alive, Siegel said.

They say they will continue to share their loved ones stories and make sure that people hear directly from family members about what has happened.

TRENDING STORIES:

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TOPEKA (KSNT)  Days after his sentencing in tribal court, a former chairman of the Kansas Kickapoo Tribe appeared in federal court on charges involving allegations of domestic abuse and child sex crimes.

Lester Randall, 49, made his first appearance Monday at the U.S. District Court in Topeka. He pleaded not guilty in two separate cases.

Federal prosecutors indicted Randall in July 2024 on four counts of assault. According to court records, he is accused of physically striking and strangling his wife. The alleged incidents are reported to have occurred between September 2023 and April 2024.

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Sheriffs office rescues 4 dogs left on Kansas Turnpike

In December of 2024, prosecutors indicted Randall on three counts of sexual exploitation of a minor: production of child pornography, two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor: receipt of child pornography, and one count of enticement for prostitution. The alleged incidents are reported to have occurred between February 2020 and June 2022.

Prosecutors have requested both trials be held in Topeka. Randall is scheduled back court on Tuesday, Jan. 21 for a detention hearing. He remains in custody while awaiting trial.

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.

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The view from the car of former State Sen. Abbie Cornetts car when the family returned home Thursday to a suburb of Los Angeles. (Courtesy of Abbie Cornett)

LINCOLN  Suitcases are packed. The cat carrier is by the front door. And the family of former State Sen. Abbie Cornett is ready to flee again, if necessary, the horrific fires torching neighborhoods near their home in Los Angeles County.

The family, who has lived in the L.A. suburb of Monrovia for 11 years, fled once already  a week ago when wildfires blew out of containment, powered by up to 100 mph winds and extreme drought conditions. As of midday Tuesday, more than 12,000 structures and been destroyed or damaged, 24 people had died, and an area comparable in size to half of Omaha was blackened.

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It was like a hurricane with fire and without rain, said Cornett via cell phone. Its really rough in places. It looks like a nuclear holocaust.

Strewn with debris

Roads were strewn with ash and debris, sort of like the aftermath of a midwestern tornado, she said. One of the familys cars suffered two flat tires as they fled, forcing them to leave it behind.

Ultimately, though, the Eaton Canyon fire, the one closest to their home, burned away from their residence.

Former State Sen. Abbie Cornett. (Nebraska Unicameral Information Office)

On Monday, Cornett was cleaning up the ash that coated the inside of their home, gathering up clothing and toys to donate to relief efforts and hoping the latest forecasts of a resumption of Santa Ana winds, with gusts up to 70 mph, dont exacerbate the spread of the four active fires in the L.A. area.

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Were on pins and needles, she said.

While their home was spared, others  including some former Nebraskans she knows  werent so lucky, losing homes and a lifetime of possessions. Along major streets, there are people standing in line for food and water and donation centers everywhere, Cornett said, plus calls for people to temporarily house pets displaced by the fires.

So many people need so much help out here, she said. It is not a red or blue issue. It just isnt. This is a humanitarian issue.

Cornett added that many of the fire victims lacked insurance because several companies have stopped offering coverage in California  due to the spate of recent calamities  and homeowners couldnt afford the high-cost of the remaining policies.

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Knock on wood, we came out really lucky. There are too many people out here who didnt, she said.

They returned to their home on Thursday and power was restored on Friday, said Cornett, who represented the Bellevue area in the Nebraska Legislature from 2005 to 2013.

Humor in sadness

The former senator, now a writer for a health magazine and the host of a podcast, hasnt lost her sense of humor. On Saturday, her family hosted some neighbors whose electricity was still out. They watched the film, Backdraft, and sipped on a red wine called Inferno.

If you cant laugh at it, youre just going to curl up and cry, Cornett said.

A view of the fire in California from former State Sen. Abbie Cornetts vehicle. (Courtesy of Abbie Cornett)

Ironically, she said, the Los Angeles fires broke out on the same week, 17 years earlier, when their familys home in Bellevue burned while she was serving.

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Cornett said she is soon to compile work on a second masters degree, this one in health care administration, and wants to continue to live in the area to follow the movie and television careers of their twin daughters, Victoria and Madison. The twins use their mothers middle name, Abbott, as their last name for their film work. A third daughter, Cameron, is planning to attend college this spring.

But she admitted that she told her husband were moving to Palm Springs amid the fury of the fires.

I dont think anyone who lives in California doesnt have a love-hate relationship with it, Cornett said.

Insurance is insane, traffic is insane, they have fire season  its not a season in Nebraska, its an element  and homelessness is horrible, she said. But it has its charms. And for the twins, its where they work.
A former Northeastern University technology manager will serve time in federal prison for staging a bomb hoax and then making false statements to federal law enforcement, the U.S. Attorney said Tuesday.

Jason Duhaime, 47, formerly of Massachusetts and San Antonio, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge William Young to one year and one day in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release, Acting U.S. Attorney Josh Levy said in a statement.

Bomb hoaxes are not a harmless act, they inflict fear, divert resources and put both first responders and the public at real risk as they race to the scene, said Levy. This sentence should send a clear message to everyone who engages in bomb threats and swatting incidents that you will be held accountable and that one phone call may land you in jail.

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In June, Duhaime was convicted of intentionally conveying false and misleading information related to an explosive device and two counts of making materially false statements to a federal law enforcement agent.

He was arrested and charged by criminal complaint on Oct. 2, 2022, and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury on Oct. 27, 2022.

Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Boston, echoed Levys words.

Jason Duhaime apparently thought he could get away with staging a hoax explosion and lying to us about it, but this sentencing proves how wrong he was, Cohen said.

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Hoax explosive devices and fictious letters threatening violence cause real-world damage. It drains law enforcement resources, diverts us from responding to an actual crisis, puts innocent people at risk, and instills unnecessary fear in the community, Cohen said.

As of September 2022, Duhaime worked as the new technology manager and director of the Immersive Media Lab at Northeastern University.

At approximately 7 p.m. on Sept. 13, 2022, Duhaime called Northeastern Police and reported that he was injured by sharp objects expelled from a plastic case he opened inside the lab that evening, Levy said.

Specifically, Duhaime told an emergency police dispatcher that he and a Northeastern student who was working in the Lab that evening had collected several packagesincluding two plastic Pelican casesfrom a mail area and brought them into the Lab, prosecutors said.

Duhaime said that when he opened one of the cases inside a storage closet, very sharp objects flew out of the case and under his shirt sleeves, causing injuries to his arms. Prosecutors said Duhaime also reported that the case contained an anonymous violent note threatening to destroy the lab and stating: In the case you got today we could have planted explosives but not this time!!! Take notice!!! You have two months to take operations down or else!!!!! WE ARE WATCHING YOU.

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Duhaimes report and concern about a second, unopened Pelican case triggered a significant law enforcement response that included the Boston Police Departments bomb squad, multiple federal and state law enforcement agencies, and the evacuation of a portion of Northeasterns campus, prosecutors said.

FBI Bostons Joint Terrorism Task Force takes all threats to life seriously and so should anyone thinking about making one. We will investigate, identify you, and ensure youre held accountable for your actions, Cohen said.

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.

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Search dogs that were trained and certified in Southern California have been mobilized in their own backyard, combing through the devastation left behind by the wildfires raging in Los Angeles County.

Five teams that were trained by the Search Dog Foundation in Ventura County are searching the rubble of homes and businesses destroyed by the Palisades Fire in coastal L.A. and the Eaton Fire in the San Gabriel Valley.

The highly trained dogs and their human handlers are bringing their expertise to the Los Angeles area, searching for living survivors as well as human remains detection.

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Teams that have been deployed include:

Jon Munguia & Clifford of the Los Angeles County Fire Department

Josh Davis & Bosco and Garreth Miller & Reva of California Task Force 3  Urban Search and Rescue in the Bay Area

Patrick Easton & Linus and Eric Lieuwen & Ridge of California Task Force 7  Urban Search and Rescue in Sacramento

The Search Dog Foundation, based in Santa Paula, trains search-and-rescue dogs to locate victims in disaster areas. Many of the dogs in the program, including some deployed in L.A., were rescued from shelters after being surrendered for having too much energy  a trait that makes them ideal recruits for search and rescue.

Search dog Ridge and his human handler, Eric Lieuwen, search rubble in a training exercise at Search Dog Foundation in Santa Paula on July 30, 2024. (Search Dog Foundation) Search dog Ridge and his human handler, Eric Lieuwen, search rubble in a training exercise at Search Dog Foundation in Santa Paula on July 30, 2024. (Search Dog Foundation)

The organization trains and certifies teams that are then deployed to fire departments nationwide free of charge.

How to help those impacted by the L.A. wildfires

Search Dog Foundation-trained teams have recently been deployed in the American Southeast following Hurricane Helene, and traveled to Turkey in 2023 to search the rubble left from a 7.8 earthquake that killed tens of thousands.

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Many of these incredible dogs have truly gone from rescued shelter dog to rescuer, now on the front lines helping with rescue and recovery efforts in the wake of these devastating fires, a spokesperson for the organization said.

Currently, there are 94 teams stationed across nine states and Baja California, Mexico.

For more information about the teams trained and certified by Search Dog Foundation, 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 KTLA.
ST. LOUIS  A former St. Louis officer who went to prison for the fatal shooting of his colleague officer in 2019 was paroled last October.

Nathaniel Hendren was sentenced in February 2020 to seven years after shooting and killing fellow SLMPD officer Katlyn Alix at his south St. Louis duplex.

According to court records, Hendren and Alix were reportedly playing with a revolver with one bullet in the chamber when Hendren shot Alix in the chest in January 2019. Hendren was on duty at the time, while Alix was off duty.

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Hendren turned himself in following the incident and was charged with involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action.

After serving less than four years of his prison sentence, Hendren was released on parole on Oct. 23, 2024, according to the Missouri Department of Corrections. They said he was eligible for parole after three years.

Alixs mother, Aimee Chadwick, told a judge at the 2020 sentencing, (Hendren) knew better. He knew what he was doing.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
FORT SMITH, Ark (KNWA/KFTA)  Fort Smith Public Schools integrated an AI-powered gun detection software through ZeroEyes for the 2024-25 school year which aims to aid in the prevention of gun-related violence.

Allan Marshall is the chief of communication and engagement for the school district and said the school board approved the purchase of the software in February 2024.

The software was successfully integrated into the districts existing security cameras before the start of August 2024, said Marshall.

Inspiration for ZeroEyes

ZeroEyes founding group originally served in the military and SEAL teams, according to co-founder and COO Rob Huberty, with one of the members having a technology background.

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The teams inspiration for the software followed the Parkland, Fla., shooting in 2018.

We watched the shooting. What we saw there was the shooter was in front of the camera with a gun before he ever pulled the trigger, said the co-founder.

After watching the footage, Huberty said the group started asking questions with one member, even going to his childs school and talking to resource officers.

You know, all the people who were in charge of it, its like Whose watching this? And they said, We have hundreds of cameras. we have one person, no ones watching this,' Huberty recalled.

And with that, Huberty said they felt like they should create a company that does this with one sole person.

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We look for guns, said the co-founder.

How it works

According to Huberty, ZeroEyes takes existing camera footage and looks at it frame by frame, analyzing whether there is a gun in the image, but cameras need to be in place to allow a gateway for the software to work.

The AI has been trained to identify this with the companys strategic data gathered which is similar to video game capturing.

We go around in front of cameras with guns in different locations and record ourselves. Thats how we teach our AI model, said Huberty.

According to the co-founder, if the AI thinks something is a gun, it sends an alert to the companys monitoring centers in Philadelphia and Hawaii which are staffed with military veterans. From there, they can assess the difference between a false alarm and a real threat.

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Huberty says ZeroEyes is comprised of over 200 people with 75% being veterans.

In the situation that the AI has determined something is a gun and we verify that it is, we dispatch that to local resource officers to onsite security as well as the 911 call center, said the co-founder.

Part of the information being dispatched, according to Huberty, is an image of the person with a box around a gun the person is wielding and a map location.

So that way, you can be at the right place at the right time with the right equipment and hopefully prevent any violence from occurring, said Huberty.

Because of the second line of verification, ZeroEyes can assess if the person who has the gun is somebody who should, like law enforcement, which wouldnt raise flags.

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Fort Smith awarded $24.9M from US Department of Transportation for greenway initiative

Addressing AI privacy concerns

No matter what, we actually cannot view the feed itself, said Huberty.

ZeroEyes operators can only see the frame needed to determine if something is a gun.

According to Huberty, the company is Safety Act certified and is in compliance ISO 27001, which ensures the data ZeroEyes gets its used for what it says its used for.

He says the company is entirely through the United States and went through a process with the Department of Homeland Security to ensure ZeroEyes is doing everything right.

Were trying to improve our product and do the things that make people feel safe. We dont sell any data. The only thing that we do with the data is improve our model, said Huberty.

Community response

As a mother of a Fort Smith middle schooler, Alexis Durham Brown said she is a big believer in the phrase it takes a village to raise a child. She said she accepts that AI might be a part of that village.

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We are very scared about sending our kids to school right now and adding just a layer of protection makes me feel better It makes me feel heard. It makes me feel comfortable, and it makes my kids feel safe, said Brown.

She said her one concern is what it cannot detect.

The one thing it doesnt show or catch easily is smaller concealed guns, which raises a red flag for me. But, that puts us back right where we are. And so, any small layer of protection gets us further to where we want to be versus where we are right now, she said.

The Fort Smith mother said she feels thankful for the schools focus on student safety and feels it is important for schools to hear from parents about this.

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The schools seem to have our kids more than we do and things like safety and security, that helps toward a happy, healthy kid, which we all want, said Brown.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
NEW MEXICO (KRQE)  The Department of Cultural Affairs is overseeing an investment in capital infrastructure improvement for the Fort Stanton Historical Site. A press release states this is the largest investment since President Franklin D. Roosevelts New Deal.

Story continues below

Over $7.5 million from the American Rescue Plan Act and the New Mexico State Legislature infrastructure improvement funds has been invested since July 2020. In-progress and completed projects include extensive rehabilitation of the Nurses Quarters, Laundress Quarters, Hospital, and seven other buildings, a new roof on the Visitors Center, fire mitigation for the site, and upgrades to the drinking water and wastewater systems.

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The release states in 2025, another $500,000 will be invested to repair fire station doors, add bear-proof garbage cans, preserve additional buildings, and improve site interpretation.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LOS ANGELES (KTLA)  Local animal shelters are calling on the community to help provide temporary and permanent homes for pets displaced by the wildfires sweeping through Southern California.

LA Animal Services and Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control are offering fee-waived adoptions and urging residents to foster pets to ease overcrowding in shelters.

The fires have left countless pets separated from their families or in need of immediate shelter, officials said. By fostering, adopting, or helping to reunite lost pets with their families, we can provide some relief to the many animals who are affected by these fires, said Annette Ramirez, interim general manager of LA Animal Services.

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Former shelter dogs on the front lines of L.A. wildfire search efforts

To encourage participation, all adoption fees for dogs, cats, puppies and kittens will be waived through January. Nonprofit organizations Petco Love and Annenberg PetSpace are sponsoring these no-cost adoptions.

How to help:

Foster a pet: With shelters nearing capacity, fostering a pet provides temporary relief and a safe space until animals can be reunited with their owners or adopted, officials said. Starting Wednesday, additional volunteers will be on hand at LA Animal Services shelters from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to assist potential foster families.

Adopt a pet: Adoption not only provides an animal with a forever home, it also clears out critical kennel space for displaced pets. Those interested in adoption can visit LA Animal Services or Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control websites to view available pets.

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Continuing coverage of Palisades and Eaton fires

Reunite lost pets: Residents who have lost or found pets are encouraged to use Petco Love Lost, a free national database using photo-matching technology to reconnect pets with their owners. Owners can upload images of their missing pet to increase chances of a successful reunion. Lost pet listings are also available on the city and county websites.

Shelter leaders are confident Angelenos will step up during this critical time. We know Los Angeles is a compassionate city, and we are counting on our residents to help us in this critical moment, Ramirez said.

Both L.A. city and county shelters operate seven days a week, with specific hours listed online.

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Additional information about fostering, adoption or other ways to help, including donating for for wildfire relief efforts, can be found online.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Jeanine Pirro raged against California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday, blaming his feckless leadership for making the historic Los Angeles wildfires worse.

You know, I never realized that I lived in a Third-World country, that I lived in a country where this kind of thing would happen in the United States and we wouldnt be able to at least fight back as well as we should have been able to fight back, the Fox News host said on Mondays The Five.

Pirro previously referred to the U.S. as a Third-World country after President-elect Donald Trump was found guilty on 34 felony counts in his hush money case in May 2024.

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Watch Mondays segment via Fox News below:

She added that the fires, which were fueled by unusually fierce Santa Ana winds that posed an almost insurmountable challenge to combat, were a predicted disaster.

Pirro added, Ive never been more convinced that Gavin Newsom is nothing more than an empty suit.

Responding to Newsoms comment that Trump hasnt returned his calls to discuss the ongoing wildfire emergency, Pirro said, Hes looking to place blame on everybody else. Hes looking to criticize Donald Trump.

She suggested that President Joe Biden tour the area instead  but Biden was actually in Los Angeles when the first and most devastating fire broke out in the Pacific Palisades. He had to cancel plans to announce two new national monuments in the state. Last week, Biden approved Newsoms declaring a state emergency.

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Pirro also blamed environmentalists who wouldnt let Trump move water from Northern California to Southern California in 2019 because they were worried about the smelts.

She seemed to be referring to the water restoration declaration Trump wrote about on Truth Social on Jan 8., which he said Newsom refused to sign. 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.

Newsoms press team, meanwhile, responded on X to say, There is no such document as the water restoration declaration  that is pure fiction.

The California governor has raised concerns that Trump might withhold federal funds from the state for political reasons. He did it to California back before I was even governor, in 2018, until he found out folks in Orange County voted for him and he decided to give them money, Newsom said in an interview with NBC News that aired Sunday, citing comments by former Trump advisor Mark Harvey.

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Back in 2018, Trumps suggestion to fight wildfires was to rake the forests, as, he said, they do in Finland. The forestry director of the Finnish Forest Association, Heikki Savolainen, told the BBC at the time, Those statements were very interesting. I see raking only in my own yard. It belongs to yards and parks.

The post Fox News Jeanine Pirro Accuses Newsom of Wildfire Mismanagement: Never Realized I Lived in a 3rd-World Country | Video appeared first on TheWrap.
A Fox News reporter dispatched to Greenlands capital city found that most of the residents it spoke to were not so keen on Donald Trump.

The network aired a live report Tuesday afternoon from Nuuk, where its London-based correspondent Alex Hogan made the revelation while standing outside in the frigid weather.

Hogan tracked down one MAGA superfanwho has also made his rounds in interviews with Danish mediawho showed off his Trump merch like a t-shirt and pins. That man, Jrgen Boassen, called Greenland the front door to America and said it needs protecting from China and Russia.

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Other residents of the Danish territory did not share his sentiment, it seems.

Most other Greenlanders we spoke with quickly bashed Trumps comments, calling them offensive, Hogan reported.

The network then aired snippets of interviews with Greenlanders, which included one saying he wanted to stick with the Danish government and another saying he would prefer to be with Denmark.

If the people of Greenland want to be part of America, which I hope they do, they would be most welcome!   https://t.co/lgzbVDpYOG  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) January 7, 2025

How Greenlands 56,000 residents feel about joining the U.S. has been all the rage in conservative circles to start 2025. Trump has stated the U.S. needs to annex the island, which is three times the size of Texas, for military and economic purposes.

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Donald Trump Jr. traveled to Nuuk for a day trip with the right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk earlier this month to scout out the city and meet with residents. They left the territory with scores of photos where they posed with Greenlanders donning the signature red MAGA hat.

It emerged shortly after the trip that most of the MAGA support in Nuuk had been staged, a Greenlandic politician alleged.

Nuuk, Greenlands capital city, has a population of just 20,000 people. / Hada Ajosenpaa / Finnish Meteorological Institute

Pipaluk Lynge, from Greenlands largest party and chair of the parliamentary foreign and security policy committee, told Politico that the younger Trump had pulled off a stunt. Local reports said most of the red MAGA hats included in photos were handed out by the Trump traveling party, and Denmarks national radio station, DR, reported that some of those included in photos were homeless.

No journalists were allowed to interview him, said Lynge, referring to Don Jr. It was all staged to make it seem like wethe Greenlandic peoplewere MAGA and love to be a part of the USA.

Donald Trump Jr. smiles with Greenlanders on his day trip there. / Donald Trump Jr./X / Getty

The president-elect raved about his sons trip on Truth Social, going as far as sharing a video of a Greenlander who praised him. That man, Timmy Zeeb, is a convicted smuggler who was sentenced to four years in prison after a 2019 drug bust, DR reported.

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These apparent public support setbacks have not stopped Trump from flirting with a Greenland acquisition. When asked last week if he would rule out using military force to take the territory from the longtime U.S. ally Denmark (and the Panama Canal from Panama), he refused.

No, I cant assure you on either of those two, Trump responded. But I can say this, we need them for economic security.
Jan. 13Fraction Farms, a nonprofit rooted in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley, is reshaping the way communities think about food access, education and sustainability. Born from a teacher's desire to combat food insecurity in her classroom, this organization has grown into a vital force for good, providing fresh, locally grown produce to organizations across New Mexico.

A mission sparked by compassion

The seeds of Fraction Farms were planted nearly a decade ago when co-founder Amanda Zich, a high school teacher, noticed a troubling trend in her classroom. Many of her students were struggling because they lacked access to nutritious food. This inspired Zich to create an in-class "dollar," affectionately called Z-Bucks, where students could earn rewards for participation and good behavior. With these Z-Bucks, they could purchase food, hygiene products and other essentials, ensuring they had the support they needed without shame or stigma.

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This grassroots effort evolved over the years into a larger mission. Together with her husband, Nate, and a team of dedicated volunteers, Zich expanded her vision beyond the classroom to address food insecurity on a broader scale. The result? Fraction Farms  a nonprofit dedicated to growing and distributing fresh produce to those in need.

Farming with purpose

Fraction Farms embodies its name by initially transforming small plots of leased land into productive sources for farming. Over time, the organization has grown exponentially, acquiring a three-acre farm in Corrales under a conservation easement. This ensures the land remains dedicated to agriculture, safeguarding it from future development.

The farm operates with a focus on regenerative practices, growing everything from leafy greens in the spring to tomatoes and peppers in the summer and squash in the fall. Volunteers cultivate thousands of plants each year, including staples like onions, potatoes and kale, all while adhering to organic principles. Though not formally certified organic, the farm avoids harmful chemicals, using biodegradable mulch and cover cropping to restore soil health.

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In 2024 alone, Fraction Farms donated over 22,000 pounds of food to organizations like Cuidando Los Ninos, Joy Junction and St. Felix Pantry. They also provide fresh produce to school food pantries, ensuring children and families have access to nutritious meals.

Fraction Farms isn't just about growing food  it's about growing knowledge. The nonprofit also offers educational programs for schools, teaching children where their food comes from and why sustainable practices matter. Zich has developed a curriculum spanning pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, focusing on nutrition, agriculture and healthy eating habits. Field trips to the farm also allow students to witness firsthand the journey from seed to table.

A vision for the future

Looking ahead, Fraction Farms aims to deepen its impact by addressing systemic challenges in food distribution. With many schools now providing free meals to students, the nonprofit is exploring ways to supply locally grown produce to school cafeterias year-round. This effort not only supports student health but also strengthens the local economy by reducing reliance on imported foods.

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Fraction Farms continues to operate as a 100% volunteer-driven organization, funded primarily through grants and private donations. Its founders remain committed to their mission: growing food, fostering education and empowering communities to thrive.

For more information on Fraction Farms or to learn how to become a volunteer, visit https://fractionfarms.org/.
New French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou is considering changing the voting system for the National Assembly, he said in his first government statement on Tuesday.

The 73-year-old has long been a proponent of introducing proportional representation in France.

The country currently uses a first-past-the-post system, usually with two rounds of voting, which means only the votes for the winner in each constituency count towards the allocation of seats.

Candidates from small parties often do not even make it to the second round of voting and many in France complain that parliament is not very representative.
New French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou plans to deliver his government statement on Tuesday afternoon, one month after his appointment.

The centrist politician is expected to address the National Assembly at 3 pm (1400 GMT). The main topics of his speech have not been announced in advance.

For Bayrou, this first government statement is about the very political survival of his Cabinet. His centre-right government does not have an absolute majority in the lower house.

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The left-wing France Unbowed (LFI) party has already announced that it intends to call for a vote of no confidence after the government statement.

In December, France's left-wing camp and the right-wing nationalists led by Marine Le Pen brought down the previous government of Michel Barnier with such a vote.

Bayrou hopes for toleration of his government from the Socialists and possibly the Greens. His government urgently needs to establish a budget for this year. In view of excessive new debt, it will also have to implement some unpopular austerity measures.
PARIS (AP)  Frances new prime minister Francois Bayrou announced Tuesday the renegotiation of a contested plan raising the retirement age from 62 to 64, in a crucial move to seek more stability for his minority government.

In his first address to lawmakers at the National Assembly, Bayrou said: Im choosing to put this subject back on the agenda, with the social partners.

Bayrou vowed to seek a new path of reform, without any totems or taboos, not even the retirement age, as long as the financing for the changes is guaranteed.

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President Emmanuel Macrons plan to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64 unleashed months of mass protests from January to June 2023 that damaged his leadership.

Bayrou also outlined other top priorities, including key budget decisions, one month after he was appointed by President Emmanuel Macron.

What is Bayrou proposing?

Bayrou urgently needs to pass a budget bill for 2025. Following the collapse of the previous government, an emergency law has been approved to enable the state to levy taxes from Jan. 1, pay basic expenses and avoid a shutdown.

But only a proper budget would help reduce Frances deficit and allow key expenses such as defense measures needed amid the war in Ukraine.

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Bayrou also stressed the need for France and the European Union to remain strong in the face of recent Donald Trump's recent comments.

The president-elect of the United States himself, unprecedentedly, articulates threats to annex sovereign territories: Greenland, the Panama Canal and even Canada, he regretted.

Financial markets, ratings agencies and the European Commission are pushing France to comply with EU rules limiting debt and keep Frances borrowing costs from spiraling. That would threaten the prosperity of eurozone countries.

France's deficit is estimated to reach 6% of its gross domestic product in 2024. Bayrou on Tuesday said the government was aiming for a deficit of 5.4% this year, with the goal to reduce it to 3% in line with EU rules by 2029.

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Major spending cuts will be proposed, he said, without providing concrete details.

Why are pension reform talks key?

The pension reform, which was enacted into law in April 2023 despite mass protests, has gradually been implemented.

The Socialists urged Bayrou to announce a suspension of the reform with the aim of backtracking on the age of 64 and introducing specific measures for those who have long careers and certain professions considered to be hard work.

Bayrou on Tuesday stopped short of announcing such move, yet his proposal to renegotiate the measure appears as a hand stretched out towards the left.

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The new prime minister wants to secure a nonaggression pact with the Socialists so that they wouldnt support any future move to topple the new government.

He suggested the age of 64, which was the most criticized change, could possibly be decreased depending on the outcome of the negotiations.

We cannot deteriorate the financial balance of the pension system, Bayrou insisted.

On the other side of the political spectrum, the conservatives have warned against any suspension of the pension changes.

If we were to repeal the pension reform, the cost would be 3.4 billion euros ($3,47 billion) in 2025 and almost 16 billion ($16.3 billion) in 2032, the president of the Senate Gerard Larcher, a conservative, said.

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Bayrou said a so-called conclave with representatives from workers unions and employers organizations would be aimed at negotiating for three months with a strict deadline for a potential deal. If they were to agree on pension changes, the proposals would be introduced into law.

Otherwise, Macrons initial plans would apply, he said.

Can the government be toppled again?

Bayrous Cabinet relies on a fragile deal between Macrons centrist allies and conservatives of The Republicans party who even together have no parliamentary majority.

The previous government was in place for only three months before being brought down by opposition lawmakers from both the left and the far right amid a budget dispute.

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This time, the Socialists said they were open to talks with Bayrou while staying in the opposition.

The head of the Socialist group at the National Assembly, Boris Vallaud, said his party accepts the offer to reopen negotiations on pension changes. Yet he already warned the goal was still to withdraw the reform and therefore maintain the retirement age to 62.

Meanwhile, the possibility of another no-confidence vote is still looming.

The hard-left France Unbowed party refused to enter into talks with the government and announced it would file a no-confidence motion.

The sooner youre gone, the better, Mathilde Panot, head of the hard-left France Unbowed group of lawmakers, told Bayrou.

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A vote later this week would have little chance of succeeding as the far right appears unwilling to support such move in the immediate term.

Yet the question could be raised again during the future budget debate at parliament, with more uncertainty on the result.

Does the far right still have leverage?

Far-right leader Marine Le Pen  Macrons fiercest rival  was instrumental in ousting the previous government.

Bayrou consulted her when forming the new government, and Le Pen remains a powerful force. Her National Rally party has the largest single group in the National Assembly, France's powerful lower house of parliament.

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In recent days, Bayrou's government sought to sideline Le Pen by negotiating instead with the Socialists, the Greens and the Communists on budget issues.

National Rally lawmaker Jean-Philippe Tanguy said the red lines remained the same. The party said it would oppose any budget that would raise the cost of medication, provide more health care for migrants staying illegally in the country and impose new taxes on businesses.

We tell the French : hold on, we're arriving," Tanguy said.

But Le Pen faces her own headaches in the months to come  a March court ruling over alleged illegal party financing could see her barred from running for office.
Frank Reddick, a former Tampa City Councilman who is remembered as a softspoken but fierce advocate for his constituents, has died.

Reddick, 69, who died Dec. 23, was the president and CEO of the Sickle Cell Disease Association of Florida and a former teacher. He served on the University of South Floridas Black Community Advisory Committee in the late 1980s, spoke at City Council meetings and ran unsuccessfully for the board in 1995 on the platform that race relations in the city needed to be improved.

Reddick, who later was appointed to the central and eastern Tampa District 5 seat in 2006, was elected to the City Council in 2011, where he served until 2019, including as chairperson.

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City Council chairperson Guido Maniscalco said he first met Reddick as he was making his own run for office in 2011.

I was new to politics and new to campaigning, Maniscalco said. I was inspired by how he talked about neighborhoods and community, how he connected. He was very honest and he was very soft spoken but he was also tough.

Maniscalco lost that election but was elected to the City Council later 2015, serving while Reddick was chairperson.

He didnt have to raise his voice but when he spoke people listened, he said.

Bishop Michelle Patty, of Trinity and Faith Ministries, was a close friend of Reddick and said his handprints can be seen all over the city.

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Patty credits him with getting crosswalk lights on Hillsborough Avenue, supporting the opening of,a Walmart in Central Tampa, pushing to rename Fortune Taylor Bridge and restoring Cuscaden Park. He also organized movers for those asked to leave the Tampa Park Plaza apartments, she said, adding that Reddick was driven to serve his community.

Henry Shake Washington, a Hillsborough County School Board member, called Reddick a warrior for Tampa.

Hes the type of person that loves people, Washington said. He was going to do what he thinks is best for people, no matter what other people thought.

That often led to him butting heads with city officials.

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Community activist Michelle Williams said Reddick wasnt afraid to question developers or challenge mayors.

Reddick stood on the principles of justice and equality and he wasnt afraid to push back, she said.

Reddick and Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn disagreed on a number of issues, but Buckhorn said even when they disagreed he respected the sincerity of Reddick.

Frank Reddick cared very deeply about East Tampa, he said. He was a relentless advocate for his district.

Reddick was born and raised in Tampa and graduated from King High School. He received a bachelors degree in political science from Paine College in Augusta, Georgia, and was a member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity.

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Patty, the bishop, said she believed Reddicks West Tampa childhood in an era just after integration began drove much of his spirit.

Seeing that we didnt have the same things that other people had, that Blacks were still slighted  we still had obstacles, she said. He wanted to make changes because, you know, equal rights. And there were a lot of injustices that he witnessed coming up through the West Tampa area.

Mostly, Patty said, shed miss her good friend, whom she described as a good listener and compassionate gentle giant and said she would remember as fighting like an Energizer bunny until he couldnt any longer.

He was the only man that could call my home at 11,12, 1 in the morning or whatever and talk to me for two or three hours, she said. And my husband didnt have a problem with it.

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Because we knew if Councilman Reddick was calling, there was something bothering him or something he wanted to bring by me that was impacting the community.

Maniscalco said he continues to remember how Reddick would always ask if neighborhood residents had been consulted when a new project was before the council.

He was good for the community and good for Tampa, he said. We need more public servants like him.

Reddick is survived by his sister, Rogina Hannon.
The 100 Black Men of Jacksonville, Inc. is hosting its 22nd Annual Infinite Scholars College Fair on Jan. 18.

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On Jan. 8, Charles Person, an original Freedom Rider, died at his home in Fayetteville, Ga., at age 82.

A leader in the Civil Right Movement, Person had visited Anniston several times and came to appreciate the city where the infamous Bus Burning took place.

In 1961, Person was one of the 13 Freedom riders whose bus was scheduled to come through Anniston en route to Birmingham. They expected to have trouble in Birmingham, but members of the Ku Klux Klan opposed the passage and violence ensued.

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Superintendent of the Freedom Riders National Monument and the national monument in Birmingham, Rolando Herts, commented on Persons life:

On behalf of the Freedom Riders National Monument, a unit of the National Park Service, we honor the life and legacy of Freedom Rider Charles Person. In life, he was an exemplar of American heroism, civic engagement, and servant leadership.

Leading up to and after the Freedom Riders journey, including beatings in Anniston, Montgomery and Birmingham, Person and his fellow riders stood by their non-violence stance and their desire for equal treatment on Americas transportation systems. At places where the riders were not beaten, they were denied access to amenities during their travels and threatened along the way.

Throughout the remainder of his life, Person worked to ensure that the Freedom Riders challenges and sacrifices led to change by bringing attention to the segregation in the South on the nations transportation systems. The riders applied pressure on the federal government to enforce the laws of equality that had been ignored in the South. President John F. Kennedy proposed the Civil Rights Act of 1963, which provided protection for blacks to vote and to stop segregation in public schools and modes of transportation.

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The Freedom Riders National Monument was dedicated on May 13, 2017, in downtown Anniston, on the day before the 56th anniversary of the incident. Person attended the dedication event, along with Freedom Rider Hank Thomas and several entities in Calhoun County that worked together to mark the establishment of the monument. Four years prior to the event, on Jan. 12, 2017 then-President Barack Obama established the Freedom Riders National Monument composed of the bus depot on Gurnee Avenue and the site of the bus burning on Alabama 202.

Persons memoir, Buses Are a Coming, is a story of his experiences and later efforts. His impact was felt in Anniston as many residents and officials assisted in preserving the site of the bus burning on Gurnee Avenue and creating a reminder that change was needed. Also, the book is a memorial to the Freedom Riders.

Person co-founded the Freedom Riders Training Academy with Pete Conroy, which is located across the street from the bus station memorial. The academy teaches the importance of civic engagement, the principles of nonviolent resistance, civic engagement, and the need to protect constitutional rights for others.

Charles Persons legacy will be preserved by the many stories that we will continue to tell at the National Monument working with the Anniston community, Hertz said. Mr. Persons story and the stories of all Civil Rights foot soldiers must be told to educate and inspire future generations.

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Leading up to the creation of the academy, Conroy remembers adventures he shared with Person as they petitioned the White House and others in Washington, D.C., to create the memorial. Also, Conroy remembers an arch in the attitude toward Anniston that Person experienced.

When the 40th anniversary of the bus burning came around, Conroy said, he chose not to come to Anniston. At the 50th, he was hesitant but got off the tour bus and was uncomfortable because of what had happened. However, he said he had met nice people here. At the 60th, he had become enamored by Anniston so much so that he and his wife, Jo Etta, considered moving here. From distrusting to loving.

Conroy said, adding that the establishment of the national monument is quite an achievement for he and his friend:

He and I both got into good trouble for having sent a letter to the Department of the Interior scolding them for not having done more sooner to preserve the two sites. It had leaks, pigeons living in the awnings, and there was vandalism on [Highway] 202. We in the local community thought it was horrible, and Person helped us kick-start progress to what we are seeing now.
LAKEVILLE, Mass. (WPRI)  Freetown Lakeville Regional School District Superintendent Alan Strauss resigned last week, citing the public mistreatment he claims he faced at the hands of district leaders following his cancer diagnosis.

Strauss, who was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia nearly a year after being named superintendent, accused two school committee members of making defamatory statements about his health.

While the vast majority of people in the district community  have been incredibly compassionate and understanding about my health challenges, Ive discovered that this level of care is not universal, Strauss explained prior to stepping down at last weeks school committee meeting.

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Strauss claimed the school committee members, as well as certain elected and appointed town officials, demanded proof of his illness and requested to review how he used his sick time and medical leave.

He also accused them of suggesting he wasnt really sick since he hadnt lost his hair, as well as requesting the school committee get a second opinion on his health.

These actions and other actions by these individuals have created a toxic environment that has

compromised my ability to prioritize my health, Strauss said. The stress imposed by the actions of these individual officials has hindered the effectiveness of my treatments and therapies.

Strauss noted that, while he missed work days and used his medical leave, he never neglected his responsibilities to the district.

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My commitment to the students and staff of our district is so great that I have frequently worked from a treatment chair at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Strauss said. In leaving the district, I am choosing to live and fight. I have arrived at this moment and I am choosing my family, my health and my need to work in an environment that allows me to lead with the joy and passion that I have always done throughout my career.

Strauss asked the public to respect his privacy going forward.

Please remember that kindness always wins, joy is essential, people matter most, and how we treat others is the clearest indicator of who we are, he said. Our students and staff deserve nothing less than being treated with dignity, respect and kindness, even when we disagree.

The school committee thanked Strauss for his service and leadership in a public statement following his resignation.

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Your hard work and dedication have clearly moved the district forward and for that we are forever grateful, the statement said. This committee wishes you all the best as it relates to your health, happiness and success in future endeavors.

The school committee explained that it has reached an agreement with Strauss to settle his claims and allow him to part ways on terms that are fair and acceptable.

We are aware this agreement will likely be scrutinized by the community, the statement continued. We want to be very clear to the school community that this outcome is not about Strauss performance. This is a mutual decision made in the best interest of the parties.

The school committee also acknowledged that two members did not participate in the discussions surrounding Strauss contract. Its unclear if those were the same two members he said made disparaging comments about his health, but the school committee stressed that their decision not to participate was made on their own accord.

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In a letter to the district, the school committee promised to try to fill the superintendent position as soon as possible.

In the meantime, Director of Curriculum and Assessment Teri Fleming, Director of Finance and Operations John Higgins and Director of Student Services Kelly Steele will split the superintendents responsibilities.

This committee has no doubt the Freetown Lakeville School District will continue to thrive as we

navigate a change in leadership, the statement concluded.

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(Bloomberg) -- French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou appears to have bought himself at least a few months in power by offering to renegotiate a contested 2023 pension law, securing the tacit backing of enough lawmakers to adopt an urgently needed budget.

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The premier said labor and business unions will be tasked with negotiating changes that could include halting the planned increase in the minimum retirement age to 64 from 62.

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Any potential modifications must not worsen the financial balance of the vast public system, Bayrou added, noting that the current plan will remain in place should three months of talks fail.

Bayrous olive branch on pension reform appeased some Socialists who said they would be open to negotiations with labor unions, effectively granting his government the time needed to pass the budget.

We trust in social dialogue, and no one should be ashamed to go back to meeting our social partners, said Socialist lawmaker Boris Vallaud after the speech.

The concessions offered by Bayrou confirm his effort to strike a deal with moderates in the leftist New Popular Front alliance in the National Assembly that would ensure their abstention in no-confidence votes. Similar attempts by Michel Barnier to reach an understanding with Marine Le Pens far right backfired.

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The first emergency is to respond to the question of pensions that is dominating public debate, Bayrou said in a policy speech at the National Assembly. We can look for a path for new reform, with no totems and no taboos.

Lawmakers from the hard-left France Unbowed proposed a no-confidence motion after the prime minister spoke at the National Assembly.

That censure vote, which will be held Thursday, has little chance of passing as National Rally vice-president Sebastien Chenu said far-right lawmakers would not back the left on this occasion. But there will likely be more of the ballots in coming weeks and months, making it crucial for Bayrou to keep the Socialists in his corner.

Socialist leader Olivier Faure said late Tuesday that his party still needed guarantees on what would happen at the end of the three-month negotiating period and that it couldnt accept an automatic return to the current law.

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Sophie Binet, the head of the leftist CGT union said on RTL radio on Wednesday that Bayrous stance on maintaining the current pension law if there isnt an agreement via negotiations has put employers in a powerful position since they dont want changes. The prime minister has to clarify this situation, she said, adding that the CGT hasnt yet decided whether to participate in the discussions.

Bayrou was appointed last month after his predecessor, Barnier, was toppled when opposition parties from the left  including the Socialists  and the far-right joined forces in a no-confidence vote over the 2025 budget. France is currently operating under an emergency budget law to avoid a governmental shutdown.

During the nearly 90-minute speech, Bayrou also gave more details on how he plans to adopt a 2025 budget to urgently rein in gaping deficits. The previous fiscal plan was rejected with the collapse Barniers government when he tried to push 60 billion ($61.2 billion) in tax increases and spending cuts through parliament to bring the deficit down to 5% of economic output from around 6.1% in 2024.

Bayrou set out a less ambitious target of a gap at 5.4% this year, based on significant savings. But the new French premier said businesses should not face exponential tax increases, and pledged a notable increase in healthcare spending.

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The premier also confirmed the government is working on a levy to counter tax optimization by the richest individuals.

He reduced the economic growth forecast for this year to 0.9% from 1.1% as activity is faltering amid the prolonged uncertainty.

Frances 10-year yield premium over Germany, a widely watched measure of risk, was around 82 basis points late Tuesday, below the recent peak of about 90 basis points.

Still, the spread remains elevated above 80 basis points, roughly twice where it was before Macron called snap elections last year as investors demand higher compensation to hold French bonds.

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Bayrous economic proposals will test the leniency of the European Union in the application of new fiscal rules that are designed to bring deficits back below the limit of 3% of economic output. Part of the European Commissions assessment of compliance is based on a countrys efforts to undertake structural overhauls of its economy, including by changes to pension systems.

The new approach to the budget and economic policy will also be closely watched by investors, who have dumped French assets amid the political instability and fiscal uncertainty of recent months.

We must pull ourselves together and adopt without delay the budgets for the state and the social security system, Bayrou said. We are all paying a high price for this budgetary uncertainty: businesses, investors, families, taxpayers and borrowers.

Bayrous tacit truce with Socialists provides reassurance that France will likely have a budget. But if the budget efforts are judged too meager, doubts will persist among investors over whether rising public debt can be curtailed.

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Potential changes to the pension system are a significant part of the calculation. According to the government, the cost of abolishing reforms including Macrons increase of the minimum retirement age to 64 from 62 could be around 3 billion next year and almost 15 billion in 2030.

Bloomberg Economics estimates that halting the reform could create a 1.2% hit to GDP by 2050 and lift the debt ratio by almost 15 percentage points.

The 2023 pension law sparked mass nationwide protests, and left Macron and his party deeply unpopular with French voters, overshadowing his second five-year term. Macrons centrist party was subsequently hit by heavy losses in last summers European elections as well as the legislative vote.

But undoing the reform would mark an emblematic reversal of a centerpiece of Macrons pro-business legacy that he says is vital to boosting employment and halting the build-up of deficits in Frances vast social security system.

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Bayrou is also walking a political tightrope with concessions because pleasing the center-left could come at the cost of support from a small group of center-right lawmakers who have refused tax increases or the suspension of the application of Macrons pension reform.

While Bayrous government may have survived its first test in parliament, the tentative backing of the Socialists may not last if the three months of talks do not deliver the changes the party demands.

Our goal remains the repeal of the reform that set the pension age at 64, and we cannot be satisfied if there is no agreement, Vallaud said.

--With assistance from Tara Patel.

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(Adds comments from CGT labor union in 11th paragraph)

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(Bloomberg) -- Frances Prime Minister Francois Bayrou will deliver a crucial policy speech to lawmakers on Tuesday in his fight to stay in power and secure a plan to urgently repair the countrys creaking public finances.

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Bayrou was appointed last month after his predecessor, Michel Barnier, was toppled when opposition parties from the left and the far-right joined forces in a no-confidence vote over the 2025 budget.

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To avoid falling at the same hurdle, the new premier and his minority government must convince more lawmakers to abstain in repeats of such ballots.

Bayrou helms a fragile coalition of centrist and conservative members of parliament without a parliamentary majority, and any compromise with opposition parties is likely to come with big-ticket strings attached.

His government has turned to moderates in the leftist New Popular Front alliance in the National Assembly to cut a deal that would ensure their abstention in confidence votes. Similar attempts by Barnier to reach an understanding with Marine Le Pens far right backfired.

On Tuesday morning, the head of the Socialists Olivier Faure, said his party may be nearing an agreement with Bayrou in which it would support the government in exchange for the suspension of a contentious reform of the pension system.

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The far-left France Unbowed has already pledged to propose a no-confidence motion after the prime minister speaks at the National Assembly at 3 p.m. local time.

Heres what to watch:

Budget Balancing Act

France is currently without a full annual budget and reliant on emergency legislation to avoid a state shutdown. The previous 2025 fiscal plan was rejected with the collapse Barniers government when he tried to push 60 billion ($61.2 billion) in tax increases and spending cuts through parliament to bring the deficit down to 5% of economic output from around 6.1% in 2024.

Investors will be closely assessing Bayrous choices after months of dumping French assets on concerns over widening deficits and political instability.

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The new finance minister, Eric Lombard, is targeting a slightly smaller adjustment based on 50 billion of savings to get to somewhere between 5% and 5.5%.

But the margin of maneuver is limited on several fronts. The government cant make sweeping changes as it plans to reprise Barniers financial bills that are still at the senate. There are also constitutional restrictions on creating tax laws that would apply retroactively.

Lombard has said the budget must also find a better balance to preserve economic growth, which is already showing signs of faltering amid the prolonged uncertainty. Yet an effort that makes little difference to public finances risks contravening European Union rules and sparking a negative market reaction that would further push up sovereign borrowing costs.

Both Frances central bank and the state auditor, the Cour des Comptes, have warned Lombard that to remain credible, the deficit must be as close to 5% as possible and clearly below 5.5%.

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We are going through a serious public finances crisis, Pierre Moscovici, the head of the Cour des Comptes said last week. Its a very worrying situation and we must now get back control over the debt trajectory.

Pension Conundrum

In order to not vote Bayrou out of office over the budget, Socialists from the moderate wing of the leftist New Popular Front are demanding a suspension of Macrons flagship pension reform that gradually raises the minimum retirement age to 64 from 62.

Bayrou has already promised negotiations with labor unions and political parties this year to revisit the parameters of the 2023 overhaul but said the law would remain in place during the talks.

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The 2023 pension reform, which sparked mass protests, has left Macron and his party deeply unpopular with French voters and overshadowed his second five-year term. But undoing it would mark an emblematic reversal of a centerpiece of Macrons pro-business legacy that he says is vital to boosting employment and halting the build-up of deficits in Frances vast social security system.

Suspending the implementation of the law would also make the 2025 budget calculations even trickier. According to labor minister Astrid Panosyan-Bouvet, canceling past pension reforms as opposition parties demand would cost around an additional 3 billion next year and almost 15 billion in 2030.

Its not as if money is growing on trees, she said Monday on Radio J. We have to be careful.

Bayrou is also walking a budget tightrope with pension concessions because pleasing the center-left could come at the cost of support from a small group of center-right lawmakers. Laurent Wauquiez, the leader of the conservative party in the National Assembly, said in an interview with Le Parisien on Monday that he would not support a suspension that amounts to jumping into the abyss without a parachute.

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Immigration

Bayrou must also consider demands from right-wing politicians  including from Le Pen and his own interior minister Bruno Retailleau  for stricter rules to curb immigration.

Shortly after taking office, the prime minister ruled out a new immigration bill for early 2025 as planned by the previous government, but said other tools could be used to make changes.

The left is likely to oppose any toughening of rules and has slammed the duo of Retailleau and right-leaning justice minister Gerald Darmanin in Bayrous government, with Faure initially calling the new cabinet a provocation.

If he loses the tacit support among Socialists, Bayrou may yet have to court Le Pens abstention in no-confidence votes, as Barnier tried. For now, the far right party has not committed either way.

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There is a lot more to be written before we can find a reason for reassurance in this budget, National Rally vice-president, Sebastien Chenu said on Friday after talks at the finance ministry.

--With assistance from Ania Nussbaum.

(Updates with Socialist Olivier Faures comments in the sixth paragraph)

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COURTESY PHOTO Jeffrey Fiala COURTESY PHOTO Jeffrey Fiala A GoFundMe page dedicated to supporting the wife and family of a 25-year-old killed in the line of duty last week had raised more than $58, 000 by Monday afternoon.

Firefighter Jeffrey Fiala died on the night of Jan. 6 while responding to a 7 :42 p.m. 911 call for a building fire at 1645 Young St. in the Pawaa-McCully area.

The Honolulu Fire Department and the U.S. Department of Justices Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives are investigating the partial roof collapse, which also sent four other firefighters and a civilian to the hospital.

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By Monday afternoon the $50, 000 fundraising goal was exceeded, and donations totaled $58, 067. A memorial service for Fiala is planned for Jan. 25.

Fiala is survived by wife Fiona, parents Michael and Kristine, and other family members and friends. Fiala graduated from Radford High School in 2017 and from the University of Hawaii in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

He was a beloved husband, son, brother, and friend, who had a love for fishing, photography, and nature,  read a message on the fundraising page set up by Fiala family friend Pete Chiu.

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Jeff met the love of his life, Fiona, on freshman move-in day at the University of Hawai i at Manoa.

After many years of dating, Jeff and Fiona celebrated their marriage on their sixth anniversary in 2023,  read a message on the page. Jeff was a loving and supportive husband to Fiona. Jeff joined the Honolulu Fire Department in July 2023 and went into the field in March of last year. In the approximately 18 months as a firefighter, Jeff touched many lives and made a difference at the station with his enthusiasm for service. He always had a smile on his face, was always laughing, and brought a positive attitude every single day.

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The funds will help alleviate Fiona from unforeseen financial burdens  and allow her to focus on grieving and healing.

ATF agents with its National Response Team are still on Oahu working with firefighters on the ongoing investigation into the Jan. 6 fire.

The ATFs National Response team also includes certified fire investigators, engineers, chemists as well as other experts who investigate major fires and explosions. The same unit did the cause and origin investigation of the Aug. 8, 2023, Lahaina fire, which killed 102 people and left thousands without a home.

Once we leave the island we will finalize our origin and cause report and present that to (the ) Honolulu Fire Department,  Jason R. Chudy, public information officer for the ATFs Seattle Field Division, told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

Depending on the size of the scene and scope of the investigation, it could be weeks or months before findings are made public.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (WAVY)  President Biden announced Monday that the next two future Gerald R. Ford-class nuclear-powered aircraft carriers would be named after former presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

When I personally delivered the news to Bill and George, they were deeply humbled, Biden said. Each knows firsthand the weight of the responsibilities that come with being Commander-in-Chief. And both know well our duty to support the families and loved ones who wait and worry for the safe return of their servicemember.

Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III said the Department of Defense is honored by the Navys naming of the two Ford-class aircraft carriers  the future USS William J. Clinton (CVN 82) and the future USS George W. Bush (CVN 83).

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The Department of Defense is honored by the Navys naming of two future Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carriers as the future USS William J. Clinton (CVN 82) and the future USS George W. Bush (CVN 83), as announced today by President Biden. Aircraft carriers are the centerpiece of Americas naval forces, and they ensure that the United States can project power and deliver combat capability anytime, anywhere in defense of our democracy. These two future carriers are named after historically significant Commanders in Chief who served our country with determination and dedication: President Bill Clinton and President George W. Bush. The future USS William J. Clinton and the future USS George W. Bush will serve as lasting tributes to each leaders legacy in service of the United States. Like their namesakes, these two future carriers, and the crews who sail them, will work to safeguard our national security, remind us of our history, and inspire others to serve our great republic.  Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III

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Pete Hegseth, nominated by Donald Trump as the US Secretary of Defense, stated that the upcoming administration understands the nature of the full-scale war in Ukraine and supports its swift resolution.

Source: Hegseth's remarks during Senate hearings on Tuesday, 14 January, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Senator Angus King questioned Hegseth about his stance on Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, noting that it was absent from his brief opening statement.

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In response, the Pentagon nominee said the matter is a political decision at the level of the US president-elect, who "has made it very clear that he would like to see an end to this conflict".

Quote: "We know who the aggressor is. We know who the good guy is. Wed like to see it [the resolution  ed.] as advantageous for the Ukrainians as possible. But that war needs to come to an end."

More details: The nomination of Hegseth, a veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars and Fox News host, has been overshadowed by scandals including alleged abuse of alcohol and harassment.

Despite the controversies, Trump has reaffirmed his support for Hegseth.

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Background: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin, who are departing the office, explained in a joint column for The New York Times the risks of withdrawing military aid to Ukraine and a premature ceasefire.

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The G7 ambassadors have called on the Prime Minister of Ukraine to ensure the work of the Supervisory Board of NNEGC Energoatom as soon as possible.

Source: EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarina Mathernova in response to a written request from Interfax-Ukraine

Quote: "As G7 ambassadors, in December 2024, we sent a letter to Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal calling on him to complete the signing of contracts as soon as possible and to start the work of the new supervisory board. Having a full-fledged board will be important for discussing new significant investments," Mathernova said.

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She noted that Ukraine voluntarily agreed to bring Energoatom's supervisory board in line with OECD recommendations, but since the election of the new board in June 2024, contracts with independent members have not yet been signed and the board has not been functioning.

Background:

On 21 June 2024, Ukraines Cabinet of Ministers approved Timothy John Stone, Michael E. Kirst and Jarek Neverowicz as independent members of the Energoatom Supervisory Board, as well as Tymofii Mylovanov and Vitalii Petruk as representatives of the state.

Since then, the Supervisory Board has not been fully operational.

In December, First Deputy Minister of Economy Oleksii Soboliev said that the government expects the independent members of the supervisory board, whose first meeting has been open since 17 July, to provide a position on contracts and readiness to continue their work.

In early January 2025, Ukrainian MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak (Holos faction) proposed to involve international partners in discussing the disruption of the functioning of the supervisory board of NNEGC Energoatom.

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Accused rapist and sex trafficker Andrew Tate has been released from house arrest after a Romanian court decision on Tuesday.

The news garnered words of support from Matt Gaetz, who Donald Trump previously nominated to be attorney general.

Tate has been under house arrest since August following a criminal investigation into him, his brother Tristan and four other suspects.

Tate and the others face accusations of human trafficking, trafficking of minors, sexual intercourse with a minor, money laundering, and forming an organized criminal group, charges which they all deny.

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The court replaced the strict house arrest order on Tate with a lesser judicial control measure until the outcome of a criminal investigation, according to a spokesperson.

This ruling marks a decisive step forward, granting [Tate] the freedom to travel throughout Romania, his representative said.

Under the new order, Tate must not leave Romania, has to regularly check in with police and cannot speak with witnesses in the case.

Tate and his brother will be extradited to the U.K. after the trial, regardless of the result.

The house arrest order is part of a second criminal investigation into Tate and the group after the first case failed in December and was sent back to prosecutors.

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Gaetz, who withdrew his name from consideration for the attorney general role amid allegations of sexual misconduct and revelations that he had been investigated for potential sex trafficking, said the charges against Tate always seemed very suspect, in a post on X.

Tate thanked Gaetz in his own X post.

Matrix attack, he wrote, a reference to the 2000 movie of the same name, adding, I think you know a thing or two about that. But in the end, we win, he wrote to Gaetz, followed by a heart symbol.
Jan. 14Due to a water main break that caused a pressure loss below 20 psi, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality has required the City of Gainesville/PWN 0490001 public water system to notify all customers in the affected areas to boil their water prior to consumption.

This includes washing hands or face, brushing teeth and drinking. Children, seniors and persons with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to harmful bacteria, and all customers should follow the following directions.  To ensure destruction of all harmful bacteria and other microbes, water for drinking, cooking, and ice making should be boiled and cooled prior to use for drinking water or human consumption purposes.  The water should be brought to a vigorous rolling boil and then boiled for two minutes. In lieu of boiling, individuals may purchase bottled water or obtain water from some other suitable source for drinking water or human consumption purposes.

When it is no longer necessary to boil the water, the public water system officials will notify affected customers that the water is safe for drinking water or human consumption purposes.

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Please share this information with all the other people who drink this water, especially those who may not have received this notice directly (for example, people in apartments, nursing homes, schools, and businesses). You can do this by posting this notice in a public place or distributing copies by hand or mail.

For questions, contact City of Gainesville Public Works at 940-668-4540.
Police in Galesburg arrested a man wanted in Denver for homicide, according to a news release from the Galesburg Police Department.

London Boyle (Galesburg Police Department)

Galesburg Police learned on Monday, January 13 at about 4:16 p.m. that London Boyle, 23, had an arrest warrant for homicide out of Denver and was in the 1800 block of Grand Avenue. Officers found Boyle at that address and arrested him for the homicide warrant from Denver.

Boyle was wanted on suspicion of first-degree murder for a deadly shooting that took place on November 5 in Denver. The Galesburg Police Department is assisting the Denver Colorado Police Department with the investigation.

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HORNELL, N.Y. (WETM)  A Galeton man was arrested in Hornell on Friday on multiple charges in connection to a 2020 Potter County murder.

Varley William Fuller, 65, was arrested by officers from the Hornell Police Department on Jan. 10. According to the Pennsylvania State Police, the Potter County District Attorney filed charges against Fuller earlier that day.

Fuller was charged with first-degree criminal conspiracy to commit murder, first-degree murder, second-degree murder, third-degree murder, kidnapping, and tampering with physical evidence.

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Man indicted, allegedly choked, punched Elmira woman

These charges stem from the March 2020 murder of 19-year-old Joshua Ramos. Felicia Kay Cary, 38; Krysten Lauren Crosby, 25; and Kyle Michael Nathan Moore, 31, all of Galeton, have all been convicted and sentenced to decades in prison for their involvement in the crime.

According to the Pennsylvania State Police, the group assaulted Ramos at Carys home on March 29, 2020, and then took him to a wooded area in Harrison Township. Ramoss remains were found on July 5, 2020, after troopers got information about the murder and conducted an investigation.

After his arrest, Fuller waived extradition proceedings. Fuller was taken to the Potter County Prison on Jan. 13, and hes being held without bail due to the nature of his alleged crimes.

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President-elect Trumps inaugural parade is set to feature a garbage truck from an earlier stunt in Green Bay, Wis., a spokesperson with the president-elects inaugural committee confirmed to The Hill on Monday.

While in Wisconsin in late October, the president-elect entered a garbage truck themed to his campaign, trying to draw attention to comments from President Biden in which he seemingly called Trump supporters garbage.

How do you like my garbage truck? This truck is in honor of Kamala and Joe Biden, Trump said at the time from the trucks passenger seat, which featured a Trump campaign sticker and flag.

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Bidens seeming comparison of supporters of the president-elect to garbage earlier that week drew heavy criticism from the right only a week before the election, in which Vice President Harris lost against Trump. Harris later distanced herself from Bidens comments, saying she is strongly against any criticism of people based on who they vote for.

I believe that the work I do is about representing all the people, whether they support me or not, Harris said at the time. And as president of the United States, I will be a president for all Americans whether you vote for me or not.

Late last month, Biden said he would attend Trumps upcoming inauguration on Jan. 20.

Of course I am. The only president I avoided the inauguration of is the guy about to be inaugurated, Biden said when asked about attending the event.

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The Hill has reached out to the White House, Harriss office and the company reportedly behind the garbage truck, Loadmaster, for comment.

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Special counsel Jack Smith and his team believed they could have secured a conviction against Donald Trump over his attempt to subvert the 2020 election, according to a report released early Tuesday that details the president-elects criminal efforts to retain power.

The more than 130-page report spells out in extensive  if largely already known  detail how Trump tried to overturn the 2020 election. Smiths team states in no uncertain terms that they believed Trump criminally attempted to subvert the will of the people and overturn the election results.

As set forth in the original and superseding indictments, when it became clear that Mr. Trump had lost the election and that lawful means of challenging the election results had failed, he resorted to a series of criminal efforts to retain power, the report states.

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The transmission of Smiths January 6 findings came after the president-elect and his allies were unable to stop the department from releasing it. The report was submitted to Congress and released early Tuesday by Attorney General Merrick Garland after a court hold blocking its release expired at midnight.

Trump and his allies court maneuverings did, however, slow the reports release as the clock ticks toward Trumps January 20 inauguration, as well as upend the departments plans to release volume two, which covers the classified documents investigation. The attorney general has decided not to publicly release that second volume of the report after the special counsel recommended against its publication.

Volume one of Smiths report marks the special counsels final official word on his investigation into January 6, 2021, and the actions by Trump and his associates before then to interfere with the peaceful transfer of power.

It contains a factual recitation of Trumps attempts to overturn the 2020 election, including his pressure on state officials, the fraudulent electors plan, his pressure on the Vice President Mike Pence, and a section on how Trumps supporters attacked the US Capitol on January 6. In effect, it mirrors the landmark federal election subversion indictment that Smith brought against Trump in 2023, retooled in 2024 after the Supreme Courts immunity ruling, and ultimately withdrew after Trumps victory in the November election.

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Until Mr. Trump obstructed it, this democratic process had operated in a peaceful and orderly manner for more than 130 years, Smith wrote, referring to Congress certification of the Electoral College results, under the Electoral Count Act of 1887.

When it came to his duty as special counsel and the work of investigating and prosecuting Trump, Smith wrote that his office had one north star, to follow the facts and law wherever they led. Nothing more and nothing less.

Of the failed prosecution of Trump, Smith said that prosecutors cannot control outcomes and can only do their jobs the right way for the right reasons.

The final decision to prosecute the former president, he said, was his alone. It is a decision I stand behind fully, Smith wrote. To have done otherwise on the facts developed during our work would have been to shirk my duties as a prosecutor and a public servant.

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Smith concluded that while the Justice Department interprets the Constitution as not allowing the prosecution of a sitting president, his office assessed that the admissible evidence was sufficient to obtain and sustain a conviction at trial.

Trump, for his part, slammed the special counsels report as fake findings in overnight posts on his Truth Social network. Jack is a lamebrain prosecutor who was unable to get his case tried before the Election, which I won in a landslide, the president-elect wrote in part. THE VOTERS HAVE SPOKEN!!!

Trump was not exonerated, Smith says

Smith brought four charges against Trump in the 2020 election probe. But the case suffered setbacks culminating in the Supreme Courts presidential immunity ruling last summer that set a very high bar for prosecuting a former president for his conduct in office. The special counsel dropped the case against Trump altogether after voters in November decided to return him to the White House.

In a private letter to Garland on January 7, made public as part of the report, Smith condemned Trumps claim of complete exoneration as false and said his office stands fully behind the merits of the criminal cases that he filed.

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Smith had been responding to a prior letter from Trumps lawyers, in which they claimed he was fully exonerated because Smith withdrew both criminal cases after the election.

Mr. Trumps letter claims that dismissal of his criminal cases signifies Mr. Trumps complete exoneration. That is false, Smith wrote to Garland.

Smith continued: The (Justice) Departments view that the Constitution prohibits Mr. Trumps indictment and prosecution while he is in office is categorical and does not turn on the gravity of the crimes charged, the strength of the Governments proof, or the merits of the prosecution  all of which the Office stands fully behind.

The special counsels office weighed bringing an insurrection charge against Trump but decided against doing so, with the scant case law for such a prosecution a major factor in that decision.

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While courts have been describing the US Capitol assault as an insurrection, the special counsels office was aware of the litigation risk that would be presented by employing this long-dormant statute.

Of particular concern was that the special counsel couldnt find a past case of prosecuting someone inciting, assisting, or giving aid or comfort to rebellion or insurrection. Instead, the rare, previous prosecutions dealt with someone who directly engaged in an insurrection, according to the report.

Smith said of the evidence against Trump: However strong the proof that he incited or gave aid and comfort to those who attacked the Capitol, application of those theories of liability would also have been a first.

Smiths office also looked at other possible charges, according to the report. The prosecutors opted against a charge alleging conspiracy to impede or injure an officer of the United States because of insufficient proof that the co-conspirators specifically agreed to threaten force or intimidation against federal officers.

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A charge under the Anti-Riot Act was considered but not brought, Smith said, pointing to how that statute has been winnowed down by courts.

Trump was ultimately charged with four counts, including conspiracy to defraud the United States and obstruction of an official proceeding.

Trump repeatedly used knowingly false claims of election fraud, Smith says

The report details how the special counsel and his team considered possible defenses that Trump might raise in court over his conduct around January 6, before they presented the indictment to a grand jury.

Those arguments included that Trump might claim he acted in good faith when he sought to stop the transfer of presidential power because he genuinely believed that outcome-determinative fraud had undermined the elections integrity and caused him to lose.

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Instead, the special counsel wrote, Trump knowingly worked to deceive others  an effort that was pervasive throughout the charged conspiracies.

This was not a case in which Mr. Trump merely misstated a fact or two in a handful of isolated instances, Smith wrote. On a repeated basis, he and co-conspirators used specific and knowingly false claims of election fraud in his calls and meetings with state officials, in an effort to induce them to overturn the results of the election in their states.

Smith also wrote that any argument Trump was merely following the advice of his attorneys wouldnt hold up because the attorneys were involved in the alleged criminal conduct and Trump was not relying on them for advice but rather as people who could provide legal cover for his efforts.

Addressing the potential argument that Trump was exercising his rights to free speech, Smith wrote that because Trump used knowingly false statements regarding specific facts to commit the crimes chargedthey were not protected by the First Amendment.

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Following his indictment in the case, Trumps targeting of witnesses through posts on social media presented a significant challenge, Smith wrote.

Trump was ultimately placed under a gag order after extensive court filings from Smith detailing his posts and comments on individuals involved in the case, including the judge overseeing the case.

Mr. Trumps resort to intimidation and harassment during the investigation was not new, as demonstrated by his actions during the charged conspiracies, Smith wrote.

Smith called the effort of using social media to publicly attack and seek to influence people, including state and federal officials, judges and election workers, a fundamental component of his conduct underlying the charges in the Election Case.

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After Mr. Trump publicly assailed these individuals, threats and harassment from his followers inevitably followed, Smith wrote, adding that the same pattern transpired after Mr. Trumps indictment.

Smith defends unprecedented prosecution

The special counsel said his office would not have prosecuted Trump if he was merely exercising his free speech rights by engaging in exaggeration or rough-and-tumble politics.

The prosecutor also described Trumps alleged conduct as going beyond challenging the election results in court.

The conduct of Mr. Trump and co-conspirators, however, went well beyond speaking their minds or contesting the election results though our legal system, Smith said in his report. Instead, Mr. Trump targeted a key federal government function  the process by which the United States collects, counts, and certifies the results of the presidential election  and sought to obstruct or defeat it through fraud and deceit.

Over the course of more than 20 pages, Smith laid out why he believed the unprecedented prosecution was justified, while arguing there was no alternative to a federal criminal prosecution for holding Trump accountable.

Not only was there considerable federal interest in protecting the integrity of the United States electoral process that weighed in favor of proceeding, Smith said in explaining his decision to bring charges, there was federal interest defending from future harm the United States exceptional tradition of peaceful transitions of presidential power.

He pointed to other interests that he said justified the prosecution, including protecting election officials from violence, counting every citizens vote and the evenhanded administration of law.

To date, more than 1,500 people have been criminally charged for their roles in the January 6 attack on the United States Capitol, Smith said, speaking to the need for an evenhanded administration of the law. With that in mind, Mr. Trumps relative culpability weighed heavily in favor of charging him, as the individual most responsible for what occurred at the Capitol on January 6.

At the time of his indictment, Smith noted, the Georgia election subversion case against Trump had not been brought, and once it had, it did not fully address Trumps election-related conduct. Moreover, even if the impeachment proceeding against Trump had resulted in a conviction by the Senate, that would not have been sufficient to address the federal interest, Smith said.

Smith continued investigating unindicted co-conspirators after charging Trump

As part of the 2020 election subversion probe, federal investigators interviewed more than 250 witnesses and brought more than 55 people to testify before a grand jury, according to the report. That includes interviews conducted during Smiths tenure and before the probe became a special counsel investigation in late 2023.

Investigators also examined voluminous records, including emails, text messages, encrypted messages and other documents, which they obtained in some cases through search warrants and subpoenas. They reviewed more than one terabyte of data from public sources, including social media platforms.

After charging Trump, the special counsels office had continued to investigate the unindicted co-conspirators, Smith said in his report.

The office found evidence that one subject of the investigation, who was not named, may have committed unrelated crimes, and that investigation was referred to a US attorneys office, according to the report.

In the federal election probe, the special counsel ultimately did not bring additional indictments, even as the prosecutors had made a preliminary determination that charges against certain co-conspirators could be justified.

This Report should not be read to allege that any particular person other than Mr. Trump committed a crime, nor should it be read to exonerate any particular person, the report said.

Before dropping the case against Trump, the office had begun a discussion over whether potential charges against additional co-conspirators would be brought in Trumps case or in a separate case.

Because the Office reached no final conclusions and did not seek indictments against anyone other than Mr. Trump  the head of the criminal conspiracies and their intended beneficiary  this Report does not elaborate further on the investigation and preliminary assessment of uncharged individuals, Smith said.

Smith says he tried to avoid influencing 2024 election

The special counsel team, Smith said, went out of its way not to interfere with the 2024 election by abiding by longstanding Justice Department policies for how to handle investigations during an election year.

The note marks an implicit rebuttal to Trumps oft-repeated claim that the probe itself, the indictment and the potential trial were all part of an election interference effort by liberal prosecutors who were trying to defeat his campaign.

Throughout its work, the Office was focused entirely on its mandate to uphold the law, and nothing more, the report said. The career prosecutors in the Office conducted its investigation and prosecution in a manner that complied fully with the Departments policies regarding election year sensitivities.

The report said Smiths team consulted regularly with the Public Integrity Section within the Justice Department, which oversees cases involving public officials, including on details like when to propose trial dates that wouldnt interfere with the election.

Collectively, prosecutors in the Office had many years of experience providing training, advice, and guidance to prosecutors and law enforcement agents throughout the Department on how to comply with the Departments election-related policies, the report said.

Trumps lawyers pushed false and unfounded claims to attack probe, Smith says

An appendix of the report contains a series of previously undisclosed, combative letters sent by Smiths team and Trumps lawyers as they wrangled in recent days over the public release of the report.

Trumps lawyers sent a letter to Garland on January 6, demanding that Smith terminate all efforts towards the preparation and release of his report.

They claimed that Smith was trying to perpetuate false and discredited accusations against Trump by releasing the report, and they called him an out-of-control private citizen unconstitutionally posing as a prosecutor, citing US District Judge Aileen Cannons ruling that Smiths appointment as special counsel was unlawful.

Smith penned his own letter to Garland on January 7, rebutting the Trump letter. Smiths response accuses Trumps lawyers, including his nominee for deputy attorney general Todd Blanche, of making a variety of false, misleading, or otherwise unfounded claims.

The special counsel also pointed out that Trumps letter fails to identify any specific factual objections to the draft report that they reviewed in the past several weeks, ahead of its public release.

Mr. Trump recycles his baseless allegation that the Offices work constituted a partisan attack, a claim flatly rejected by the only court to have ruled on it, Smith wrote in the letter to Garland, referring to an August 2024 ruling from federal Judge Tanya Chutkan in Washington, DC, in the election subversion case.

A hearing on volume two of Smiths report is set for later this week in Florida.

Garland does not intend to release that portion of the report publicly, but he had planned to allow a very small group of lawmakers to view it behind closed doors. Cannon, however, extended an order that prevents him from sharing that volume to anyone outside of the department.

This story has been updated with additional details.

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After more than 15 months of war that has left Gaza in ruins, killed tens of thousands of people and made most of the enclave's population homeless, Palestinians were this week craving an end to fighting. But many had no idea what the future holds.

Like many Palestinians in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, Muad Zakariy al-Kahlout was anxiously awaiting news of whether a ceasefire deal that would bring an end to more than a year of deadly fighting in the enclave would be confirmed.

I used to have many plans for the day after the war, al-Kahlout, a translator, told NBC News at the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. But now, I really dont know what to do.

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"I don't know what the day after they stop this war, how the day will look like," al-Kahlout told NBC News' crew on the ground in Gaza on Monday shortly after President Joe Biden said negotiators were on the brink of a truce.

A Palestinian child is comforted as he mourns the loss of relatives killed in an Israeli airstrike in Deir el-Balah, central Gaza, on Tuesday.

Biden, who will leave office next week, said that his administration was "working urgently" to solidify a deal that would bring an end to the deadly fighting in Gaza and see the release of hostages held by Hamas. Israeli's military offensive in Gaza, launched after Hamas Oct. 7 terrorist attack which Israeli officials say killed 1,200 people, has now dragged on for more than 15 months and killed more than 46,500 in the enclave, according to local health authorities.

Officials told NBC News that negotiators made significant progress in recent days as they attempt to negotiate a truce. Both the Biden administration and the incoming Trump administration's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff have been credited with advancing talks that had been deadlocked for more than a year.

For many in Gaza, including thousands of Palestinians killed and hostages who have died in Hamas' captivity, any ceasefire deal now will come too late. "We have lost too many," al-Kahlout said. "Its really important to stop this bloodshed."

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Several countries have launched a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, accusing it of committing genocide in Gaza. Both Israeli and U.S. officials have vehemently denied the charge.

Under the current ceasefire proposal, the first hostages held by Hamas would be released 48 hours after a ceasefire is announced and in place, U.S. officials have told NBC News. Meanwhile, Israeli troops would withdraw from populated areas of Gaza to the Israeli border, with desperately needed aid also expected to flow into Gaza.

Even if the fighting ends, though, the toll of the war will be felt in the enclave for years to come. Much of Gaza's infrastructure has been destroyed and, while tens of thousands have been killed there, thousands more have suffered life-altering injuries.

Hassan Sharif surrounded by rubble in Nuseirat on Monday.

Speaking with NBC News' crew on the ground in Nuseirat, surrounded by rubble, Hassan Sharif said he was unlikely to have much to return to once the war ends, having been displaced from Rafah, "which is now nothing but a collection of massive destruction." "I have nothing to do but stay optimistic about the current negotiation round for the ceasefire," said Sharif, who said that he was studying at the University of Palestine before the war and had hoped to become a clinical pharmacist.

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"The first thing that I'm going to do when the war ends is to start to look for my life again," he said. "To replan my future."

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)  If Hurricane Helene majorly damaged or destroyed your home, the State of Georgia may be able to temporarily house you with a new program.

The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) announced on Tuesday that they are launching Housing Emergency Assistance and Recovery Through Sheltering (HEARTS) program.

GEMA said that the temporary shelter program will be available for residents, located in one of the counties declared for FEMAs assistance programs, if their residences were majorly damaged, destroyed, or deemed not habitable.

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Georgia residents who cant relocate to rental homes or apartments will be placed in hotels or motels. You have to apply to FEMA for Individual Assistance to be considered from the program.

To be eligible for the program, GEMA said that must:

Be registered with FEMA

Be seeking shelter in their eligible county

Have a home that is majorly damaged, destroyed, or not habitable

Agree to the program terms

For more information, please call the HEARTS Georgia Program Contact Center at 833-575-4411.

Individuals may also email GEMA/HSs Community Recovery Department at community.recovery@gema.ga.gov for more details.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
ATLANTA (AP)  For three years, Jamariel Hobbs was confined to Georgia, unable to travel freely or move where he wanted to. At the beginning, a probation officer showed up at random times of night to test him for drugs.

The soft-spoken Hobbs, now 29, was among almost 176,000 Georgia residents on probation, the largest per capita population in the United States. Then he got lucky. Because of a new law, the court slashed what was supposed to be nine years of probation to three.

He was free.

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Probation feels like a leash, he said. I have my future back.

People are often put on probation for low-level crimes such as drug possession or nonviolent theft. Georgia refuses to cap sentences the way many other jurisdictions do.

The practice of long sentences persisted for years despite research suggesting that the likelihood of people reoffending drops after three years on probation. In short, longer probation may do little to improve public safety.

Youre talking about folks who have often been through a lot of trauma and feel like they are constantly walking around with a weight on their shoulders, a cloud over their head, where the smallest little thing could completely derail all the work theyve put in, said Wade Askew of the Georgia Justice Project.

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People on probation also have to pay fees to help offset the cost of monitoring them, a particular burden for low-income people.

Previous attempts to free people from probation stalled

Under state law, a lot more people like Hobbs could have been free. In 2017, Georgia lawmakers passed a bipartisan bill designed to reduce the number of people on probation by letting some off early. According to a study by the Urban Institute, the measure could have translated into roughly one-third of the men and women on felony probation being offered sentences with the opportunity for time off their probation after three years at most, providing they stayed out of trouble.

Instead, just 213 sentences that included the possibility of an early end to probation actually finished ahead of schedule, according to Georgias Department of Community Supervision.

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The Legislatures directive fell short for multiple reasons. Judges often failed to include possible early termination dates for probation when they should have and they turned down the Department of Community Supervisions requests to end probation early.

In 2021, the Legislature passed a second law outlining stricter guidelines to make the process more automatic.

To qualify for their freedom, people who are convicted of a felony for the first time have to pay off any restitution they owe and avoid being arrested for anything more serious than a routine traffic violation. They also have to have avoided their probation being revoked anytime within the previous two years. Judges or prosecutors can request a hearing if they oppose a case.

And people who have been on probation for at least three years can seek an early end if they meet the criteria, even if they were originally sentenced to a longer period.

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Judges and lawyers say theyre seeing progress

Observers  including judges and lawyers  say the new law seems to be more effective than the original.

By last January, Georgias probationary population had fallen about 8% from 190,475 in 2021, according to the Department of Community Supervision, echoing nationwide trends.

The department said it could not readily provide the number of people released from probation under the criteria set out in 2021. What is known, is that at least 26,523 sentences have ended early since the bill passed, though many of those terminations could have been granted for other reasons.

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It has been a very successful, very big first step, Askew said.

Some defense lawyers and advocates across the state say they still see eligible people on probation struggle to get probation officers to act. Others say they encounter judges and prosecutors less friendly to the changes.

If you want to get something done, youve really got to hound them, said Devin Rafus, an Atlanta defense lawyer.

Jamariel Hobbs had a friendly judge.

One man finds the exit

The Emory University graduates life seemed to be on track after he earned his degree in Japanese in 2019. He landed a sales job peddling auto parts across the South. Then, the pandemic took a toll on Hobbs mental health. After intervening in a family argument in 2020, he was charged with aggravated assault, according to Hobbs and the indictment against him.

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He spent months couch surfing after his friends bailed him out of jail. He lost his job and his company car. In December 2021, he was sentenced to a year of incarceration and nine on probation, but was able to avoid jail time by enrolling in Georgias Accountability Court Program for people with mental health and substance abuse problems. It was there that he was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and prescribed medication for it.

He now works for a biopharmaceutical company and recently began serving as a peer outreach coordinator for people recovering from substance abuse or mental health issues.

Hobbs said his probation officers didnt make it clear to him that his sentence included the possibility of early release from probation. So it felt surreal when he got a letter from Judge Layla Zon in December and was off probation days later.

Now he hopes to move to North Carolina, where the cost of living is more affordable and he dreams of starting an organization to help people with health and wellness.

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Im sitting here probation-free, Hobbs said, pausing to smile. Its a blessing.

Judge Zon agreed.

Its really one of the better things that I get to do as a judge, to reward that person for what theyve accomplished and for doing what weve asked them to do, she said.

__

Kramon is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow Kramon on X: @charlottekramon.
By Libby George

VIENNA (Reuters) - Georgia is aiming for a new programme with the International Monetary Fund and hopes to meet with the lender in February, the country's deputy finance minister told Reuters.

The three-year $289 million Stand-By Arrangement (SBA), agreed June 2022, has been on hold since June 2023 after a push to amend legislation to change the management structure at the central bank raised questions over its independence. SBAs provide short-term financial assistance to countries facing balance of payments problems.

"We definitely want to go back on track...most probably a new programme because the current one is on its final turn," said Deputy Minister of Finance Ekaterine Guntsadze.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Invisso Central & Eastern European Forum, Guntsadze said talks during a staff visit by the Fund to the country or a virtual mission could "kick-start" the next stage of their relationship.

An IMF programme could reassure investors in Georgia - a country of 3.7 million people, which until 1991 was ruled from Moscow as part of the Soviet Union and which stands at a crossroads in its international relations.

Its international bonds have been on a roller coaster this year, coming under pressure when the ruling Georgian Dream party won an October election, which sparked widespread protests.

Opponents of Georgian Dream say it wants to steer the Caucasus nation away from Europe and back into Russia's orbit. But the government says it wants to protect the country from subversive foreign influence and from being dragged into war with Russia like Ukraine.

The European Union has frozen Georgia's membership application because of concerns about its democratic decline.

Guntsadze said she was optimistic the country would be able to agree another programme with the IMF thanks to Georgia outperforming on a macro-fiscal level and enjoying the stability and consolidation the IMF requires.

However, there were still some structural issues that must be worked out with the Fund and the government is keen to find "some clear path" to address any of the lender's political concerns as well, she added.

(Reporting By Libby George, writing by Karin Strohecker, editing by Sharon Singleton)
Attorney Fani Willis speaks from a witness stand in front of Fulton County Superior Judge Scott McAfee during a hearing in the case of State of Georgia v. Donald John Trump at the Fulton County Courthouse on February 15, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. Judge Scott McAfee is hearing testimony as to whether DA Fani Willis and Special Prosecutor Nathan Wade should be disqualified from the case for allegedly lying about a personal relationship. Alyssa Pointer-Pool/Getty Images

Georgia Senate Republicans voted Monday to reinstate the Special Committee on Investigations, which spent last year investigating the alleged misconduct of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis.

Georgia state senators voted along party lines Monday to continue investigating Willis regarding her handling of the 2020 election interference case against Republican President-elect Donald Trump and a number of his allies. Republican and Democratic senators continued to argue Monday on whether to reopen an investigation designed by the GOP to hold the Fulton County top prosecutor accountable or to continue a probe that Democrats label as a political stunt.

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Sen. Greg Dolezal sponsored the resolution reauthorizing a special committee tasked with not establishing similar standards for prosecutors across the state and holding prosecutors deemed as rogue accountable.

The Cumming Republican said he anticipates the new committee will reissue a subpoena demanding Willis testimony once the case is resolved in court. Last month, a Fulton County Superior Court judge ordered Willis to respond this week to the committees subpoena requesting a trove of documents and her testimony.

Cumming Republican Sen. Greg Dolezal speaks to the media Monday about sponsoring a resolution to reinstate a Senate Special Committee on Investigations probing alleged misconduct of Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. Georgia Recorder/Stanley Dunlap

Before (Willis) was fighting our subpoena, she was breaking open records laws, Dolezal said Monday. Before she was breaking open records laws, she was visiting the White House.

Dolezal said the committee is designed to restore confidence in Georgias criminal justice system instead of just targeting a lone district attorney.

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The other interesting thing is that when you read the courts ruling, it speaks to the reality that she had to be removed from the case to restore faith in the justice system in the state, he said. I would think thats a bipartisan issue that Democrats and Republicans would have equal interest in is restoring confidence in the criminal justice.

Willis is appealing to the Georgia Supreme Court a December ruling from the Georgia Court of Appeals that disqualified Willis and her office from the case. The case is left limping along and at risk of losing Trump as its top target. Trumps attorneys continue to argue that an incoming president cannot be prosecuted for performing official role in office.

Trump is scheduled to be sworn in on Monday for the start of his second term in the White House after losing his re-election bid in 2020 to Democratic President Joe Biden. Trump and 18 of his allies were indicted in August 2023 on conspiracy charges for allegedly trying to illegally overturn Georgias 2020 election results. Four of the people charged took a negotiated plea deal.

Sen. Josh McLaurin, an attorney and Sandy Springs Democrat, acknowledged some missteps by the prosecution, but said a Senate committee shouldnt investigate the actions of one district attorney in order to change state law. Republicans introduced the resolution on Monday, the first day of the 2025 legislative session.

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This is a fixation on the past, McLaurin said. But worse than that is a fixation on the past that is driven primarily by the obsessions of one man who is going to be president in one week. We have now spent years in this chamber, catering to, bending to and accommodating the narcissistic preferences of one man.

Senate Minority Leader Harold Jones said Democratic lawmakers might decide not to participate in a panel he characterized as a waste of time. Jones, a Democrat from Augusta, served last year on the investigative committee, which dissolved at the start of 2025.

Jones said the panel spent too much time focused on the Fulton County prosecution of Trump and procurement issues. Rather than focusing on relevant issues, such as health care and child care, Jones said his Republican counterparts are spending more time discussing a topic that shouldnt be the concern of state government.

Fulton County voters voted overwhelmingly in November to return Willis to lead the District Attorneys office.

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Senators still need to decide which nine lawmakers will serve on the new bipartisan committee.

Quite frankly, theres nothing else that committee is going to learn, Jones said. Its going to be a complete waste of time again. As I said, during my 10 years that Ive been here, Ive never sat in a committee saying that Ive said has wasted my time.

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Georgia State University researchers are looking at factors that cause people to remain unhoused, especially in more rural parts of the United States.

Rather than looking solely at economic factors, a new study looked beyond money to behaviors and habits that can contribute to what they call rural homelessness.

The study found that nearly 54% of those reporting being unhoused had struggled with opioid use disorder and injection drugs.

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Rural houselessness is very much an issue in the United States, and there are unique challenges that come with it, such as lack of awareness and a lack of resources, School of Public Health Assistant Professor April Ballard, who co-leads GSUs Center on Health and Homelessness, said. When you add the opioid epidemic on top of it, it really exacerbates the problem.

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More specifically, Ballard said the financial factors that accompany opioid use disorder can make housing instability and being unhoused harsher and more uncertain, while also feeding the cycle by perpetuating drug use as a coping mechanism.

The study examined how being unhoused and drug use have shifted over the past decades in the United States.

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According to the GSU study, understanding the relationship between drug use, drug-related harms and rural houselessness is not keeping pace with similar information in urban areas, such as big cities.

To learn more, GSU researchers surveyed 3,000 people to look at links between drugs and shelter. 53.7% of those surveyed told researchers theyd experienced being unhoused.

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The United States (US) is currently experiencing multiple drug-related epidemics that disproportionately impact people who experience houselessness, the study says. People who use drugs (PWUD) and experience houselessness have overdose mortality rates that are up to 30 times higher than the US general population. Houselessness has also been associated with multiple HIV outbreaks in recent years.

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The study found that use of drugs, which is made more widespread by various drug-related epidemics, is strongly tied to the onset and persistence of houselessness. Likewise, experiencing houselessness adds to higher rates of drug use. That issue is now becoming more common in areas outside of large urban population centers.

These two US crises  houselessness and drug-related epidemics  are now colliding in rural areas of the US, the study authors found. While both houselessness and drug-related harms have historically been concentrated in cities, both have gradually expanded to rural regions across the US over the last two decades, and now disproportionately affect these communities.

Ballard and her fellow researchers said in the studys results that the increasing availability of narcotics and prescription opioids have played a major role in the spread of drug-related epidemics, to rural areas. These epidemics include infections of HIV, hepatitis C and more.

The rural houselessness is also driven by economic disparities in rural areas, like insufficient public housing, among others.

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In addition to the studys examination of links between the opioid epidemic, including use of fentanyl, and being unhoused, the research said counts of how many Americans are homeless may be inaccurate.

The Rural Opioid Initiative surveyed people about their experiences with homelessness over the past six months, while Point in Time Counts mandated by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development quantify the number of people experiencing homelessness on a single night in January, according to GSU. Despite this methodological difference, Ballard said her studys findings suggest that Point in Time Counts significantly underestimate homeless populations in rural areas.

In Georgia, the most recent Point in Time Count showed 12,290 people reported experiencing homelessness in 2024, a HUD document shows. For the Atlanta area, the citys Point in Time Count from January 2024 reported 2,867 people in 243 neighborhoods in Atlanta were unhoused, an increase from the year before.

That count is split between those in transitional housing, those unsheltered and those in need of emergency shelter. Between those demographics, 64% of the unhoused were sheltered, while 36% were unsheltered, according to the report by Parters for Home.

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The report found more than 770,000 people were experiencing homelessness on a single night in January 2024, an 18% increase from 2023. This report reflects data collected a year ago and likely does not represent current circumstances, given changed policies and conditions, HUD said in a statement.

The next count of unhoused individuals will be Jan. 22, just over a week away.

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ATLANTA (AP)  Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has prioritized limiting lawsuit verdicts but the plans he outlined before business leaders Tuesday were all about investing in infrastructure and education.

The Republican governor told the Georgia Chamber of Commerce his reform plans arent quite ready yet, and a spokesperson said details would be released before the end of the month.

Were just dotting the Is and crossing the ts, spokesperson Garrison Douglas said Tuesday. This is a massive undertaking.

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Instead, the governor used his speech for the chamber to propose ways to use the states $11 billion in surplus cash.

Kemp said he wanted to spend another $1 billion on infrastructure, after the state chipped in an extra $1.5 billion last year. The governor also said he would push a bill to improve how Georgia guides students to college or career training, linking high school learning to college and measuring career trainings effectiveness.

Kemp promised the chamber in 2023 that he would limit lawsuits and large jury verdicts, an effort many call tort reform. Supporters say Georgia has a permissive legal system that lets people unfairly sue businesses, medical practitioners and property owners for damages, driving away insurance companies and raising insurance rates.

Normally, Kemp might have rolled out his plan in the first few days of the session, which began this week, but the politics of limiting lawsuits cuts across normal party lines. Opposition comes from Democrats and Republican trial lawyers. Kemp signed a law in 2024 to gather data on lawsuit costs as he considered an array of approaches to reform.

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This is not a partisan issue, Kemp said Tuesday. No matter your party, your district, your zip code, or your background, this issue impacts us all.

Several Republican leaders, including House Speaker Jon Burns of Newington, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and Senate Majority Leader Steve Gooch of Dahlonega, have said they would make lawsuit reform a top priority in their chambers.

Opponents to lawsuit reform say changes would limit the rights of Georgians to seek compensation for wrongdoing on the part of businesses, doctors and others. They also say there is no evidence that the states legal landscape is causing higher insurance rates.

__

Kramon is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow Kramon on X: @charlottekramon.
Draft legislation has been prepared that will allow the German military to shoot down suspicious aerial drones following reports of drone sightings over military installations, dpa learned on Tuesday.

The Cabinet is to consider the new law, which will permit "armed force against unmanned aerial vehicles," during its regular Wednesday meeting.

Previous legislation allowed the military to repulse aerial vehicles, force them to land, threaten the use of armed force or to fire warning shots.

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The new measure is being justified by the fact that illegal drones have been sighted with increasing frequency over critical infrastructure and military bases.

The draft law, which has yet to be passed by parliament, will allow drones to be shot down only where human life or the security of a "critical facility" is threatened.

There have been recent reports of drones overflying the Ramstein Air Base operated by the United States Air Force near Kaiserslautern in south-western Germany and over terrain used by Ukrainian troops being trained in Germany.

In November, a drone flew around a British aircraft carrier visiting Hamburg.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has arrived in Kiev for talks with the Ukrainian government, in a visit which had not been previously announced for security reasons.

Upon arrival, Pistorius told dpa that during the visit he wanted to discuss further aid and get an idea of the military situation. Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius arrived in Kyiv on an unannounced visit on the morning of 14 January.

Source: European Pravda with reference to German media outlet DW

Quote from Pistorius: "It is important for me to show with this trip that we continue to actively support Ukraine. This is a signal that Germany, as the largest NATO country in Europe, stands by Ukraine. Not alone, but together with the Group of Five and many other allies."

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Details: Pistorius said he would like to discuss further military support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression with the Ukrainian government.

Background:

The day before, Pistorius held talks in Warsaw with his counterparts from Poland, France, Italy and the United Kingdom on further assistance to Kyiv. He said that Germany, along with four major European partners, intends to step up efforts to strengthen Ukraine's defence industry.

Meanwhile, Pistorius has said that the first new RCH 155 wheeled howitzer was being delivered to Ukraine to strengthen its artillery. The first six of these systems will initially remain in Germany and be used for training Ukrainian soldiers.

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German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has announced that Germany is currently working on various measures inspired by the Danish model to provide direct support to Ukraine's defence sector.

Source: Pistorius at a press conference in Kyiv, in response to a question from European Pravda

Details: Asked whether Germany plans to join the Danish model, Pistorius replied that the country is working on several measures similar to the Danish model.

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He said Germany is also working on developing joint ventures to enhance the Ukrainian government's ability to procure weapons for its domestic industry using funding from Western countries.

More details: Pistorius emphasised that joint ventures would be "a very, very effective solution for increasing cooperation".

Background:

In November 2023, the German government authorised the establishment of its first joint defence enterprise with Ukraine.

The Danish model originated from a memorandum signed by Ukraine and Denmark in June 2024. Denmark was the first country to approve the procurement of weapons and equipment from Ukrainian manufacturers.

For 2025, Norway and Denmark have already allocated hundreds of millions of euros for further purchases from Ukraines defence industry under the Danish model.

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German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius was in Kiev for talks with the Ukrainian government on Tuesday, in a visit which had not been previously announced for security reasons.

Upon arrival, Pistorius said that he wanted to discuss further aid and get an idea of the military situation.

"It is important to me to show with this trip that we continue to actively support Ukraine," Pistorius told dpa in Kiev. "It is a signal that Germany, as the largest NATO country in Europe, is standing by Ukraine."

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His trip comes less than a week before Donald Trump returns to the White House, casting doubt about future US military assistance for Ukraine as the full-blown Russian invasion nears it fourth year.

Pistorius had discussed European aid to Ukraine with his counterparts from Poland, France, Italy and Britain in Warsaw on Monday evening.

With the threat of US support wavering under Trump, Berlin is eager to help spearhead efforts to strengthen Ukraine's domestic arms industry together with the four major European partners, the German defence minister said in the Polish capital.

"If the money is there, if the arms production capacity is there, then Ukraine itself will be the fastest to supply its own troops with material and weapons," said Pistorius in Poland.
The German government has prepared everything necessary to provide Ukraine with additional military assistance worth 3 billion, but discussions are still ongoing. The funds are not yet available because the country's new budget has not been approved.

Source: German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on 14 January, European Pravda reports, citing Ukrinform

Quote from Pistorius: "Regarding the aid package worth 3 billion, we have prepared everything we need, but we are still in the process of negotiations within the government because there is still the issue of funds that are not yet available because the budget has not been approved. This is just a fiscal problem in the government. We are working on it and I remain optimistic that we will find a solution."

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Details: The minister stressed that some of Germany's democratic parties have demonstrated a willingness to take steps in this direction.

He also assured that regardless of which government leads the country after the 23 February elections, German support for Ukraine will remain "reliable, unwavering, committed and energetic".

Background:

Earlier, Spiegel reported that there was a dispute within the German government over an additional assistance package for Ukraine worth about 3 billion.

Pistorius subsequently denied the report that Scholz was allegedly blocking an additional 3 billion package of military aid to Ukraine.

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German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius arrived in Kyiv on Jan. 14 to discuss further military Ukraine as it resists Russian aggression, Deutsche Welle reported.

"It is important for me to show with this trip that we continue to actively support Ukraine. This is a signal that Germany, as the largest NATO country in Europe, stands by Ukraine's side," Pistorius was quoted as saying by German dpa news agency in Kyiv.

According to Deutsche Welle, the German defense minister held talks in Warsaw on Jan. 13 with his counterparts from Poland, France, Italy, and the U.K. on further aid to Kyiv.

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(Ukraine is) not alone, but together with five countries and many other allies," he said.

Under German Chancellor Olaf Scholz's leadership, Germany has become Ukraine's second-largest military donor after the U.S. The chancellor has nevertheless often been criticized for his cautious approach to some key issues, such as his refusal to provide Taurus long-range cruise missiles to Ukraine.

Berlin's policy may soon shift as Germany heads toward snap elections on Feb. 23, with the center-right opposition alliance CDU/CSU currently leading the polls and threatening to oust Scholz.

Germany allocated around 8 billion euros in military aid to Ukraine in 2024. The federal budget for 2025 contains only half of that, with Berlin hoping that the G7 loan can cover additional assistance.

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This comes at a critical moment for Ukraine as Russia holds the upper hand on the battlefield, and Donald Trump's imminent return to the White House may lead to a decreased U.S. involvement in the war.

Read also: Fico invited Zelensky to Slovakia to discuss gas transit via Ukraine; Zelensky responds

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Jan. 14 (UPI) -- German defense minister Boris Pistorius arrived in Kyiv on Tuesday on an unannounced visit in a show of support for Ukraine amid rising uncertainty with growing divisions in Europe and a second Trump presidency just days away.

Pistorius was scheduled to hold talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov on additional military assistance to help Ukraine resist Russian aggression.

"It is important for me to show with this trip that we continue to actively support Ukraine. This is a signal that Germany, as the largest NATO country in Europe, stands by Ukraine's side.

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"Not alone, but together with five countries and many other allies," said Pistorius as he stepped off a train from a Group of Five meeting Monday in Warsaw, Poland, on extending more military support to Ukraine with the defense ministers of Poland, France, Italy and Britain's armed forces minister.

"If there is money, if there is capacity to produce weapons, then Ukraine itself will be able to supply its troops with materials and weapons faster than anyone else," Pistorius told the group which was launched in November in response to Donald Trump's re-election amid fears he might curtail or end U.S. military aid to Ukraine.

In a joint statement, the group pledged open-ended backing for Ukraine by "fostering defense industrial cooperation."

"We reiterate our unwavering support to Ukraine in its right of self-defense in order to counter Russia's aggression and in achieving a just and lasting peace, in line with the international law, for as long as it takes," the statement read.

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The group said strong European defense industry and supply chains would be crucial to deterring Russia and called on their individual industrial sectors to work with Ukraine's defense industry to build synergies and boost standards and production through industrial information exchange and joint ventures, either directly or by providing financial support.

With just seven days until President-elect Donald Trump was due to re-enter the White House, they stressed the importance of collective Western unity and security amid a worsening of the international situation.

"We reiterate the utmost importance of the transatlantic bond. Given the deteriorated security environment, we consider it to be of paramount importance to focus on our collective efforts to keep the [NATO] Alliance and Member States safe. We will achieve this through a stronger collective defense, in line with the NATO Concept for Deterrence and Defense of the Euro-Atlantic Area while maintaining NATO's commitment to a 360 degree approach," the group said.

Pistorius announced Monday the delivery of the first of six RCH 155 eight-wheeled howitzers to reinforce Ukrainian artillery, with a pledge to supply 54 of the vehicles in total.

However, Germany has halved funding allocated for military assistance for Ukraine in fiscal 2025 to around $4.38 billion and a snap election is due next month that could very well see Chancellor Olaf Scholz' pro-Ukraine Social Democratic coalition ousted.
Gov. Jim Pillen and a group of Republican lawmakers unveiled a set of proposed policies Monday that seek to shield Nebraska's children from the harmful effects that social media can have on adolescents.

At Pillen's request, lawmakers will put forward four bills this year meant to curb youths' access to social media and the potential harms they could be subject to online, including one proposal that would bar Nebraskans younger than 18 from joining social media apps without parental consent.

The other proposals backed by the governor and attorney general include bills that would require Nebraska schools to bar students from using cellphones, require social media companies to build protections for children into their platforms and outlaw the creation or possession of computer-generated "deep fake" child sex abuse images.

In a news conference outlining the legislation Monday at the Capitol, Pillen cast the proposals as an extension of the state's "absolute responsibility to prevent exposure to our children to the things that are not age appropriate," likening the restrictions to laws that prevent children from using tobacco and alcohol.

"We do those things because we want to protect our children, and we know that children do not have the development yet to make the best decisions that they can regret and have irreparable harm," the governor said.

Lawmakers on Monday formally introduced two of the four bills outlined at Pillen's news conference, while the others are still being finalized by bill drafters, lawmakers said.

Sen. Tonya Storer of Whitman, who is expected to introduce the proposal later this week to bar Nebraskans younger than 18 from joining social media apps without parental consent, outlined the bill at Monday's news conference, where she said "the debate about social media's impact on children is, quite frankly, over."

"And the evidence is clear," the freshman senator said. "We see an ongoing rise in mental health, anxiety, depression, more self-harm and more suicidal ideation. If we fail to act, then we're failing an entire generation."

Storer's proposal would require all social media companies doing business in Nebraska to provide "reasonable age verification" for all users, according to a draft of the bill she allowed the Journal Star to review. The companies would need to obtain "express parental consent" from the guardians of any minors seeking to create a social media account in Nebraska.

The proposal would allow social media companies to be subject to civil penalties for failing to uphold the law, which would cost the companies $2,500 per violation, Storer said.

Sen. Rita Sanders of Bellevue introduced a proposal (LB140) that would require every school board in the state to adopt a policy that would bar students from using cellphones "while on school property or attending a school function."

The bill, which would require school boards to adopt phone bans prior to the 2025-2026 school year, calls for exceptions to the policies, including when students may need to use their phones for emergencies, health care reasons, when authorized by a teacher or other staff member, or when a student's special individualized education program requires phone usage.

Sen. Brian Hardin of Gering put forward a bill (LB172) that would outlaw computer-generated child sex abuse images in a move that Hardin said "catches the law up with the technology."

The proposal targets the use of artificial intelligence and other internet programs to create sexually explicit images "indistinguishable from a real child." The bill would make violating the updated law a class III felony for defendants 18 and younger and a class 1D felony for those 19 and older.

And Sen. Carolyn Bosn of Lincoln, a former prosecutor who chairs the Legislature's Judiciary Committee, will introduce a bill that broadly seeks to require social media companies to design their platforms with children in mind.

A draft of the bill, which hasn't yet been introduced, indicates the legislation would require the companies to design their platforms to safeguard against compulsive usage, psychological harm, emotional distress, privacy intrusions and identity theft.

The draft legislation also calls for companies to allow users to personalize the content suggested to them by social media algorithms and would bar the companies from facilitating targeted ads to minors. The draft proposal also would require the companies to allow parents to manage the privacy settings and screen-time limits on their child's account.

"This bill is directed towards the design of those social media applications and not the content that is placed on them," Bosn said at Monday's news conference, emphasizing that the legislation would allow parents to regain control over their child's private information "without undermining the First Amendment."

The set of policies proposed for Nebraska comes as social media companies are under increased scrutiny for the negative impacts the platforms are having on teens.

The U.S. surgeon general in June called on Congress to require warning labels on social media platforms, citing their effects on young peoples lives, similar to those that appear on cigarette boxes. The last federal law aimed at protecting children online was enacted in 1998.

Pillen acknowledged at Monday's news conference that opponents of the measures may cast them as "infringing and so forth."

Free-speech advocates have argued that broad bans of children from social media don't satisfy a heightened level of judicial review known as strict scrutiny.

Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers, who appears at Monday's news conference alongside Pillen and the group of lawmakers, said all four proposals are "absolutely" enforceable and that court rulings on similar policies nationwide have "generally ... reinforced our conclusion that the state can enforce these things."

Hilgers, who last year sued the social media giant TikTok and accused the company of "intentionally designing" an "addictive and harmful" platform, pointed again to the company Monday as he made the case for the set of proposals.

"What these social media companies are doing are absolutely horrendous. They are going to kids, and they are going to parents, and they are saying that 'our sites are safe,'" Hilgers said, before calling out TikTok by name. "And they know, and we know, that it's absolutely false."
(Bloomberg) -- Germanys conservative front-runner Friedrich Merz cast doubt on the steel industrys green transition, sparking a fierce debate before snap elections next month.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The steel industry has relied largely on the same production techniques using coking coal for more than a century and accounts for more global carbon emissions than shipping and aviation combined. To address that pollution, steelmakers are looking to use hydrogen to produce so-called green steel in electric-powered furnaces.

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That shift has offered a ray of hope to Germanys largest producer Thyssenkrupp AG, which is being forced to slash its workforce and shutter two blast furnaces by the end of the decade. While the company was promised 2 billion ($2.1 billion) in state subsidies to invest in new direct reduction furnaces, its since halted its flagship low carbon steel project amid funding uncertainties.

I personally dont believe that the rapid switch to hydrogen-powered steelworks will be successful, Merz, head of the CDU/CSU alliance, said Monday evening at a campaign event in Bochum, a city in the nations industrial rustbelt. Where will the hydrogen come from? Merz asked in response to a question from Tekin Nasikkol, chairman of the group works council at Thyssenkrupp.

The company has been waiting for further funding to help bridge the future pricing gap between conventional steel and that made with hydrogen. The clean industry push  to which the outgoing Economy Minister Robert Habeck had pledged 23 billion  was one of the policies halted when the government collapsed in November.

Thyssenkrupp said it remains committed to climate-neutral steel production, but noted delays in the development of infrastructure for reliable hydrogen supply.

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Politicians in Germany and Europe must ensure the timely ramp-up of the hydrogen infrastructure and the framework conditions for a competitive hydrogen supply in the long term in order to secure a competitive steel industry in Europe, the company said.

Merz highlighted the costs of green steel using hydrogen. His CDU/CSU bloc is unwilling to spend more money in subsidies.

If we do it with hydrogen, a ton of steel will still be at least 300 more expensive than the way it has been produced conventionally up to now, Merz said. Where is the money supposed to come from?

Merzs intervention comes at a time when Europes biggest economy is looking for a way to reach its climate goals, while remaining competitive.

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Habeck criticized Merzs comments at a Green parliamentary party meeting in Berlin. They are a slap in the face of the workers, because they can only be interpreted as meaning that the steel industry in Germany is coming to an end, he said. All the major economies, the USA, China, have set out to decarbonize steel.

--With assistance from Kamil Kowalcze and Arne Delfs.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party sent "deportation tickets" for "illegal immigrants" to mailboxes around the city of Karlsruhe, a local AfD official confirmed to dpa on Tuesday.

Police in the western city have launched an investigation into the campaign stunt on suspicion of incitement to hatred.

The AfD election mailers were designed to look like airline tickets, with the departure date listed as February 23, the same day as Germany's upcoming general election.

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The itinerary is listed as "From: Germany - To: Safe country of origin."

A spokesman for the AfD's regional party organization confirmed to dpa that the flyers were distributed as part of the election campaign by the AfD's local district-level group in Karlsruhe.

Activists from the left-wing The Left party alleged that the AfD had placed the "deportation tickets" in the letterboxes of people with non-German ethnic heritage.

The AfD regional party spokesman, on the other hand, stated that the "deportation ticket"-themed campaign flyers were aimed at all eligible voters and that a large number were still being distributed in Karlsruhe.

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There was talk of around 30,000 copies of the flyers.

The AfD spokesman said that local party activists behind the flyer would also be sharing the print template for the "deportation ticket" flyers to other AfD party groups for use elsewhere in Germany.

It was initially unclear how many mailboxes the controversial flyer actually ended up in. However, photos of the flyers posted to social media platforms drew heated reactions online.
German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has assured Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of Germany's continued support after the upcoming parliamentary elections on February 23.

Regardless of the government constellation, Germany's support will remain "reliable, steadfast and committed and vigorous," Pistorius said during a visit to Kiev on Tuesday.

Germany's elections would not change the fact that "a large European country is fighting for its survival, for its freedom," the minister said.

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He said he hoped that Germany would find a way to provide an additional 3 billion ($3.1 billion) to Ukraine. Negotiations on the aid are ongoing as Germany is currently without a fixed budget for 2025 after the collapse of the three-way government coalition.

"This is just a fiscal problem of the government we have to solve. And we are working on that," he said, adding that he is optimistic that a solution will be found.

Zelensky once again thanked Germany for the military aid it has provided so far, in particular the air-defence systems. He said Germany's contributions amount to about 16% of the total aid Ukraine has received.

Ukraine's allies preparing for Trump

Pistorius' trip comes less than a week before Donald Trump returns to the White House on January 20, casting doubt about future US military assistance for Ukraine as the full-blown Russian invasion nears it fourth year.

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There are fears in Ukraine that Trump could drastically reduce US aid, leaving Kiev in a very difficult position to continue the fight.

Pistorius said that he wanted to "send a clear signal once again, one week before president Trump takes office, that we in Europe and our NATO partners stand by Ukraine, especially now in this particularly tense situation."

"It is a signal that Germany, as the largest NATO country in Europe, is standing by Ukraine," Pistorius told dpa in Kiev.

Pistorius had discussed European aid to Ukraine with his counterparts from Poland, France, Italy and Britain in Warsaw on Monday.

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Continued close cooperation between Ukraine, the US and European allies is necessary to successfully defend against the ongoing Russian invasion, Pistorius said.

Support from allies would give Kiev a real chance of "reaching reasonable negotiations at some point during the year," Pistorius said.

Ukraine's armed forces "are fighting with enormous courage. And, thank God, the material supplies are not stopping either," he added.

Trump has repeatedly held out the prospect of talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine quickly, but Ukraine's European allies are not fully aware of Trump's proposals - at least as far as is publicly known.

Germany wants to support Ukraine's arms industry

On Monday in Warsaw, Pistorius said that Germany is eager to help spearhead efforts to strengthen Ukraine's domestic arms industry together with the four major European partners.

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"If the money is there, if the arms production capacity is there, then Ukraine itself will be the fastest to supply its own troops with material and weapons," Pistorius said while in the Polish capital.

Ukrainian war fatigue

The danger of Ukraine being defeated is "not significantly greater than it was a year ago," Pistorius said. "The decisive difference is that Putin is of course trying to make up as much ground as possible before January 20 in the possible expectation of ceasefire negotiations being forced upon him."

Reports in Kiev indicate that Russia conquered almost 3,600 square kilometres of Ukrainian territory last year.

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Ukraine reportedly suffered its greatest territorial losses of 610 square kilometres in November, when Russia captured around 20 square kilometres per day.

Kiev's territorial losses have increased significantly following its own summer offensive and the conquests in the western Russian region of Kursk.

At the same time, the number of Ukrainian deserters is rising rapidly. According to statistics from the Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office, over 22,000 cases of desertion were registered in 2024, almost three times as many as in 2023.

There were also more than 62,000 cases of unauthorized absence from the troops, almost four times as many as in the previous year.

The office has recorded almost 120,000 cases of desertion in total since the beginning of the war, but observers assume that the actual number is even higher.
Authorities conducted raids across the western German state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) on Tuesday as part of a corruption investigation over costly renovations to the NRW State Chancellery, a police spokesman confirmed to dpa.

Police executed more than 40 search warrants, and dpa has learned that properties belonging to the state-owned construction company BLB were among those raided by authorities.

Damages from suspected corruption could run into the millions of dollars, according to public prosecutors and NRW's State Criminal Police (LKA).

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According to the public prosecutor's office in the western German city of Wuppertal, which is leading the investigation, more than 100 investigators were deployed on Tuesday in the raids.

The investigation involves suspicions of bribery and corruption as well as possible illegal agreements restricting competition.

Dpa has learned that one of the cases concerns the refurbishment of lighting in the State Chancellery in Dusseldorf, which has been undergoing modernization for years.

Irregularities and inflated invoices are said to have occurred in services provided by external companies, sources said.

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BLB staff and employees of an architectural firm are also alleged to have been involved in the suspected corruption.

The state-owned construction and real estate company is managing the refurbishment of the government building.

Five people have been identified as leading suspects in the case, although initially no arrests or arrest warrants have been issued.

According to the investigators, there is no suspicion against employees at the NRW State Chancellery.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is to answer questions in the inquiry committee of the regional parliament of the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern regarding the proceedings surrounding the Climate Protection Foundation MV.

The opposition parties the conservative Christian Democrats (CDU), the Greens, and pro-business Free Democrats (FDP), said on Monday they have successfully pushed through a corresponding motion for evidence with the "necessary qualified minority."

This means Scholz must be summoned before the special committee, even if the majority of the state's ruling coalition, which includes Scholz's Social Democratic Party (SPD), is against it.

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Previously, former chancellor Gerhard Schroder, ex-foreign minister Sigmar Gabriel, and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Premier Manuela Schwesig - all of the SPD - were named as witnesses. The dates for the questioning have not yet been set.

It was stated that Scholz should be questioned to provide clarity on the cooperation between the then federal government made up of the SPD and the CDU with its Bavarian sister party the Christian Social Union (CSU) and the state government during the establishment of the Climate Foundation.

This foundation was established to circumvent international sanctions on the entities involved in the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. At the time, Scholz was the federal finance minister under chancellor Angela Merkel of the CDU.

The foundation was established at the beginning of 2021 to enable the completion of the Baltic Sea pipeline, which was achieved.

The special committee initiated by the opposition is to clarify, among other things, the extent of the influence of Russian financiers on the then SPD/CDU state government during the foundation's establishment.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is to answer questions in the inquiry committee of the regional parliament of the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern regarding the proceedings surrounding the Climate Protection Foundation MV.

The opposition parties the conservative Christian Democrats (CDU), the Greens, and pro-business Free Democrats (FDP), said on Monday they have successfully pushed through a corresponding motion for evidence with the "necessary qualified minority."

This means Scholz must be summoned before the special committee, even if the majority of the state's ruling coalition, which includes Scholz's Social Democratic Party (SPD), is against it.

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Previously, former chancellor Gerhard Schroder, ex-foreign minister Sigmar Gabriel, and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Premier Manuela Schwesig - all of the SPD - were named as witnesses. The dates for the questioning have not yet been set.

It was stated that Scholz should be questioned to provide clarity on the cooperation between the then federal government made up of the SPD and the CDU with its Bavarian sister party the Christian Social Union (CSU) and the state government during the establishment of the Climate Foundation.

This foundation was established to circumvent international sanctions on the entities involved in the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. At the time, Scholz was the federal finance minister under chancellor Angela Merkel of the CDU.

The foundation was established at the beginning of 2021 to enable the completion of the Baltic Sea pipeline, which was achieved.

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The special committee initiated by the opposition is to clarify, among other things, the extent of the influence of Russian financiers on the then SPD/CDU state government during the foundation's establishment.

Nord Stream 2, a subsidiary of the Russian state-owned company Gazprom, was the largest donor to the Climate Protection Foundation MV with 20 million ($20.43 million). Additionally, multiple times this sum was channelled through the economic part of the foundation into the pipeline construction.

Contrary to earlier efforts by the state parliament and government to dissolve the foundation in response to the Russian war against Ukraine, it continues to exist. However, the state, as the founder of the foundation, intends to completely withdraw from it.
The German government is still discussing a proposed 3 billion euros ($3.09 billion) aid package for Ukraine, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said on Jan. 14, according to Ukrinform.

Pistorius, who made an unannounced visit to Kyiv, met with Ukrainian officials to discuss defense industry cooperation, including boosting joint ventures and direct procurement of Ukrainian defense production with European funds.

"We have prepared everything we need, but we are still in the process of negotiations within the government because there is still the issue of funds that are not yet available because there is still no budget," Pistorius said.

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Pistorius assured that Germanys support for Ukraine would remain "reliable, unwavering, committed, and energetic" regardless of the outcome of Germanys Feb. 23 elections.

On Jan. 9, Der Spiegel reported that German Chancellor Olaf Scholz blocked an additional military aid package, allegedly arguing that the 4 billion euros ($4.1 billion) already allocated for 2025, along with funds from a $50 billion G7 loan financed by frozen Russian assets, should suffice. Pistorius denied the report, stating that no final decision on the funding had been made.

Germany, under Scholzs leadership, has become Ukraines second-largest military donor after the U.S., though Scholz has faced criticism for his cautious stance on key issues, including his refusal to supply Taurus long-range cruise missiles to Ukraine.

Read also: Russian troops overrun Kurakhove, approach Pokrovsk east, south, and southwest

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The German government updated its list of military aid provided to Ukraine on Tuesday, 14 January, confirming the delivery of thousands of artillery shells and drones.

Source: European Pravda

Details: Since late December, Germany has supplied Ukraine with 20 mine-resistant and ambush-protected vehicles, 14,000 155-mm artillery shells, 19,000 122-mm shells and ammunition for Leopard 1 tanks.

Additionally, Ukraine received 600 HF-1 combat drones, 50 VECTOR reconnaissance drones, 46 RQ-35 HEIDRUN and 43 SONGBIRD reconnaissance drones.

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Other equipment and supplies delivered include 11,000 120-mm mortar shells, tourniquets, field glasses and wool blankets.

The list also announces upcoming deliveries of 5 Marder infantry fighting vehicles, 9 RCT-30 Boxer wheeled infantry fighting vehicles, 277 mine-resistant and ambush-protected vehicles, and 18 RCH 155 self-propelled artillery systems.

The first of the 54 howitzers ordered by Ukraine was personally handed over by German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius.

Background:

Earlier, Spiegel reported tensions within the German government over an additional weapons package for Ukraine valued at approximately 3 billion.

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Germany will deploy the promised Patriot air defenses around the Polish airport of Rzeszow by the end of January, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said during his visit to Warsaw on Jan. 13.

Monitoring group German Aid to Ukraine wrote earlier that two MIM-104 Patriot fire units and a total of 200 Bundeswehr soldiers will be deployed to Poland for an estimated six months to protect Polish airspace.

Pistorius called Rzeszow a key logistics hub for Ukraine and said he would personally ensure that the U.S.-made air defenses begin operating by the end of the month.

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The Rzeszow-Jasionka airport is located less than 100 kilometers (62 miles) from the Ukrainian border and transports a significant percentage of Western materiel bound for the front lines in Ukraine. It is also a main stopover point for foreign leadership traveling to Kyiv on official visits.

Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said that the airport is also a key conduit for humanitarian support heading to Ukraine, adding that more than 90% of all allied aid flows through it.

Currently, a NASAMS air defense system protects the airport, which is manned by Norwegian soldiers.

Read also: German defense minister arrives in Kyiv to discuss Ukraine aid

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz again voiced his support on Tuesday for a hostage deal between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, amid reports of progress toward an agreement.

The monstrous crimes committed by Hamas on October 7, 2023, is still very much on everyone's mind, Scholz said in a statement, referring to unprecedented attacks against Israel that prompted the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip.

About 250 people were kidnapped from Israel during the October 7 attacks and taken back to the Gaza as hostages. Many have been released, and others killed, but some are believed to still be alive in captivity in Gaza.

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"We understand how painful any agreement with the terrorist organization Hamas is for Israel. Nevertheless, the lives of the hostages must now have top priority," Scholz said.

"I also say this because there are many German nationals among the hostages," Scholz said. "The agreement offers the chance of a ceasefire to finally alleviate the suffering in Gaza."

After many months of agonizing negotiations, an agreement now appears to be within reach, Scholz said. The agreement offers the chance of a ceasefire to finally alleviate the suffering in the Gaza Strip.
Gerry Adams is in line for taxpayer-funded compensation because of Sir Keir Starmers human rights plans, senior peers have warned.

The former Sinn Fein president is set to benefit from a decision by the Government to repeal Troubles legislation.

The current law blocks his claim for compensation over his detention in prison in the 1970s for suspected involvement in terrorism.

But Sir Keirs plans will reverse two sections of the 2023 Northern Ireland Troubles Act which denied Mr Adams and up to 400 other IRA suspects also detained in the 1970s the right to claim compensation.

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The move has been agreed because a Northern Irish high court ruled that the legislation was incompatible with human rights laws.

Hilary Benn, the Northern Ireland Secretary, said that the decision to repeal the law underlined the Governments absolute commitment to the Human Rights Act.

The move has been branded unacceptable by IRA bombing victims.

Gerry Adams, right, and other pall bearers carry the coffin of Ted Howell, a former strategist and negotiator for Sinn Fein - Liam McBurney/PA

In a report published on Tuesday night by the think tank Policy Exchange, 16 leading peers including Lord West, the former Labour security minister, and Lord MacDonald, a former director of public prosecutions, urged Labour to reconsider its decision.

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The peers  who also include Lord Butler, the former Cabinet secretary, and Lord Bew, the former chairman of the committee on standards in public life  warned that it would not aid the cause of reconciliation in Northern Ireland to leave open the possibility of meritless litigation.

Lord Hope, a former deputy president of the Supreme Court and one of the UKs most experienced judges, said the Government was acting in a wholly inappropriate way and cautioned Parliament against surrendering its sovereign authority.

Suzanne Dodd, whose police officer father Stephen was killed in the IRA Harrods store bombing in 1983, said: Considering the IRA victims have not received any compensation, how could Gerry Adams get compensation? My father was killed 41 years ago and it is highly unacceptable to hear that.

Mr Adams, who has consistently denied being a member of the IRA, was detained in the Maze prison along with hundreds of others suspected of involvement in terrorism amid spiralling violence in the early 1970s.

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In 2020, the Supreme Court quashed Mr Adamss 1975 conviction for attempting to escape, on the grounds that he was not lawfully detained because his custody order had been signed by a minister other than the secretary of state.

This opened the door for Mr Adams and others to claim compensation.

An amendment to the Northern Ireland Troubles Act was introduced by the Tories to block this. The former government argued that the Supreme Court was wrong in its claim that Mr Adams had been illegally detained.

Ministers said at the time that the ruling overturned a fundamental convention of UK government, known as the Carltona principle, whereby officials can exercise powers on behalf of a secretary of state.

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Sections 46 and 47 of the Northern Ireland Troubles Act reversed the Supreme Court decision, preventing any compensation being paid out to Mr Adams and between 300 and 400 others. The move was backed by Labour in opposition.

The 16 peers said: Parliament was unusually united in reasoning that the Supreme Courts judgment was mistaken and that it needed to be reversed in order to restore the long-established understanding of the Carltona principle.

However, Patrick Fitzsimmons, another Maze attempted escapee, successfully challenged the legislation in the Northern Ireland high court, arguing that it was a breach of his human rights.

Gerry Adams, left, and Martin McGuinness at the funeral of Patrick Kelly, the IRA commander, in East Tyrone in 1987 - Paul Faith/PA

When Labour took power in July, the party abandoned any attempt to appeal the decision and moved to repeal the relevant sections of the Northern Ireland Troubles Act.

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It is not known if Lord Hermer, the Attorney General, was involved in the decision. Lord Hermer represented Mr Adams in a damages claim in 2023. It was brought against the former Sinn Fein president by three victims of Provisional IRA bomb attacks at the Old Bailey, London Docklands and Arndale Centre in Manchester.

Law change inexplicable and unjustifiable

In the Policy Exchange report, Richard Ekins, a professor of law at the University of Oxford, and Sir Stephen Laws, the former first Parliamentary counsel, said Parliament should refuse to support the cavalier dismissal of sections 46 and 47 of the Act.

Prof Ekins said: The Governments decision to change the law is inexplicable and unjustifiable.

It will reopen the door to a wave of meritless litigation in relation to events of over 50 years ago, which may result in hundreds of people who were lawfully detained then for suspected involvement in terrorism now being paid compensation.

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This is an unjust and wasteful use of public money. It also needlessly puts the lawfulness of a whole host of ordinary government acts in doubt, which is contrary to the rule of law.

Gerry Adams meets the Prince of Wales, now the King, in 2015 during the monarchs visit to Galway - Brian Lawless/PA

Lord Wolfson, the shadow attorney general, said: Parliament must now ask hard questions about why the Government is determined to override Parliaments recent, unanimous decision to vindicate the Carltona principle and to block Gerry Adams from being paid public money.

The Governments defence of its decision to abandon a winnable appeal  that this signals its absolute commitment to the Human Rights Act  makes no sense and warrants the sharp criticism that this paper ably provides.

The Northern Ireland Troubles Act, also known as the Legacy Act, offers conditional immunity to suspects in Troubles-era crimes. It would also have ended the prosecution of soldiers for their actions in Northern Ireland and introduced a ban on inquests and civil actions related to the Troubles.

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In its manifesto Labour committed to repealing the Act.

A Government spokesman said: The last Governments approach to legacy was almost universally opposed in Northern Ireland.

During the Legacy Acts passage through parliament that Government belatedly agreed to an amendment on the custody orders, despite the original ruling having been made all the way back in 2020. Last year, that amendment was ruled by the Northern Ireland Courts to be unlawful and therefore it needs to be repealed.

It should not be forgotten that the Legacy Act also included a scheme that allowed for immunity from prosecution, including for those who committed the most appalling terrorist crimes. We are also repealing these unlawful provisions - and will be bringing forward new primary legislation to address the full range of legacy issues.

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We must never forget that the vast majority of deaths and injuries during the Troubles were caused by acts of terrorism.

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The Getty Villa, located in the Pacific Palisades, will remain closed until further notice. While the grounds were damaged by the fire, the collection's art has remained safe.

The Getty Center and Getty Villa remain safe from the Palisades Fire, and we continue to monitor the situation closely, Katherine E. Fleming, the president/CEO of the J. Paul Getty Trust, said in a statement. We remain acutely aware of our affected staff, our Getty neighbors, and the whole Los Angeles region, and extend our heartfelt sympathy and hope for everyones safety.

SAM GHAZI - Getty Images

MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images - Getty Images

According to the New York Times, the architect of the Getty Villa, Richard Meier, built fire resistance into the billion-dollar complex, including thick travertine stone covering the outside walls, the crushed rock on the roofs and even the plants chosen for the brush-cleared grounds. In 2019, they said, The safest place for the artwork to be is right here in the Getty Center.

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The Palisades fire, which is still burning, already ranks among one of the most destructive fires in California history, per CNN. It has burned over 23,700 acres, and is just 17% contained. In total, the Southern California wildfires have killed at least 24 people, and the death toll is expected to continue to rise.

One firefighter, Erin Alexander, said the fires were like I've never seen.

We put one fire out and another right down the way starting again. You have these houses that catch fire, that send off embers that catch other houses on fire. And we didnt have enough water to put the fires out and it was... You know there is only so much you can do. She added, Sometimes fast moving fires even. If a house catches on fire, we can get in there and put it out at some point and then they have something to get home to. But this fire burns so hot and so fast that it burned everything to ground and they have absolutely nothing to go back to.

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The Gig Harbor City Council will soon have to fill another vacancy.

Council member Brenda Lykins announced her resignation, effective Wednesday, during Mondays meeting. The announcement follows the recent appointment of Reid Ekberg to fill Mary Barbers council seat after she was appointed to become mayor in November.

It has been my honor and privilege to serve the residents of the city, and my privilege to work alongside my honorable fellow council members and talented city staff, Lykins wrote in an emailed statement Monday evening. I have learned so much in the role and I am deeply grateful for the opportunities I have had to contribute to the success of the city over the last several years.

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Lykins and her family are moving outside of city limits for personal reasons, according to her announcement at the meeting and her statement. According to Washington state law, city council members must be registered voters in the city theyre elected to serve and a resident of that city for at least one year prior to their election. The same goes for council members appointed to fill a vacancy, according to Gig Harbor City Council guidelines.

Gig Harbor City Council member Brenda Lykins was elected in 2021 to serve until Dec. 31, 2025. She announced her resignation effective Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025.

The nurse practitioner, elected in 2021 to serve from Jan. 1, 2022 to Dec. 31, 2025, wrote in her city website bio that she and her family chose to make Gig Harbor home because they fell in love with the small town feel. Priorities she included in her vision for the city included supporting preservation of the historic downtown area and its maritime character, ensuring responsible growth and development, protecting park spaces and listening to the citizens of Gig Harbor and their desires, according to her bio.

According to The News Tribune, Lykins was concerned about development and traffic when she was elected. She got into politics after observing a much-anticipated shopping center get delayed because of a lawsuit related to traffic impact fees, The News Tribune reported.

Lykins was selected on Jan. 22, 2024 to serve as mayor pro tempore, the designated council member who takes on the duties of the mayor in his or her absence for a maximum of six months, according to the Revised Code of Washington. She stepped into that role for one week between former Gig Harbor Mayor Tracie Markleys resignation for family reasons and Mayor Barbers appointment Nov. 25, 2024.

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City Council guidelines dictate that staff recruit applicants to fill a council vacancy at the earliest opportunity. The process involves distributing public notice of a call for applicants over a two-week period, and interviewing finalists.

Council members Reid Ekberg and Jeni Woock, along with Mayor Barber, thanked Lykins for her service at the meeting Monday.

We will miss you, and together we have done amazing things, Mayor Barber said to Lykins at the meeting.

The News Tribune reached out to Lykins via phone and email to ask for additional comments about her time on council but did not immediately hear back.
GIRARDVILLE  The boroughs St. Patricks Day Parade appears to have been called off for the second consecutive year.

The parade, scheduled for March 22, will likely be canceled after a recent conversation with the parade committee, according to borough officials.

Mayor Michael Zangari said the committee verbally informed the borough that the parade will not be happening this year.

According to Zangari, council President Charles Marquadt reached out to committee Chairman Joseph Wayne on Jan. 3 to request that the committee discuss the parade at the boroughs upcoming work session.

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However, the committee told Marquadt over the phone that there will not be a 2025 parade, according to the mayor.

As of Monday, the committee has not provided any further information on its decision and has not responded to a request for a written letter of confirmation, Zangari said.

The borough council did not vote to have (the parade) or not to have it, Zangari said, but based on a general understanding of the amount of work it takes to put on the event  its not going to happen.

The parades website does not have an update on the parades status, aside from a note that preparations for the 2025 Girardville Saint Patricks Day Parade are now pending.

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This years parade theme, Honoring Our Nurses, set an inclement weather date for March 29.

Last year, unforeseen circumstances caused the cancellation of the 2024 St. Patricks Day Parade. A St. Patricks Day block party was being planned in its place, but that was also canceled as the committee was unable to arrange for enough food trucks.

After a two-year hiatus during the pandemic, Girardvilles St. Patricks Day parade returned for the 17th year in 2022.

In 2023, the five-division parade was dedicated to first responders following the deaths of two New Tripoli firefighters who were battling a blaze in West Penn Twp. in December 2022.

Wayne could not be reached for comment for this story.
GLYNN COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV)  The Glynn County Police Department (GCPD) has arrested two individuals following a high-speed chase involving a stolen car.

On January 14, the GCPD Patrol Division located a 2025 Hyundai Genesis that had been reported stolen from the airport in Charlotte. Officers proceeded to make contact with the occupants of the vehicle at the Circle K on Millenium Boulevard.

After making contact, the vehicle fled onto Interstate 95 southbound and into Camden County where the pursuit ended peacefully and without incident near the 22-mile marker.

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Both occupants were taken into custody and interviewed at GCPD headquarters. Christian King-Thorpe now faces multiple charges related to the stolen vehicle and traffic charges related to the vehicle pursuit. The passenger was released and not charged,

This investigation is ongoing and any person with information on this case is encouraged to contact the Glynn County Police Department Non-Emergency at (912) 554-3645 or anonymously via Silent Witness at (912) 264-1333.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR)  Here in the Commonwealth, thousands of miles from the wildfires ravaging Southern California, one non-profit is working to spread hope to those on the West Coast.

Gods Pit Crew is doing its part to support those in California by sending over 1,000 of its blessing buckets this week. Put together by the teams volunteers, the blessing buckets are packed with critical supplies like bottled water, food, hygiene items, and cleaning supplies. Each bucket is also given a personalized note of encouragement as well

Our mission is to deliver hope, healing, and restoration to hurting people during times of disaster. And that doesnt necessarily have to be our back door. Weve been to California before. Were happy to go back again. We actually have one of our staff members flying out doing an assessment later this week. And you know, our calling is to go out and make a difference in these communities, said Brandon Nuckles, the COO of Gods Pit Crew.

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Johnson backs conditions on California fire aid

In the meantime, another team with Gods Pit Crew is returning to western North Carolina, where the recent winter storms have affected the recovery efforts. The group says there are still many people whose lives are still not back to normal.

Were geared to go out there and continue to make a difference doing our long-term restoration, which is, restoring homes where we can, continuing to clear and demo lots, help with dangerous tree removal, and getting peoples homes dry. All of these things are still needed, even though its been months after Helene hit, said Nuckles.

If you would like to sponsor one of those buckets, which is $35, or support any other of the relief efforts by Gods Pit Crew, you can visit its website, here.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv.
BENGALURU (Reuters) - India's space tech startup Pixxel launched three of its six hyperspectral imaging satellites aboard a SpaceX rocket from California on Tuesday.

The satellites were launched at 1915 GMT, just after midnight in India, from the Vandenberg Space Force Base, a live telecast from SpaceX showed. The launch marks a milestone for the country's growing private space sector and for Google-backed Pixxel, a five-year-old startup.

The satellites aim to use hyperspectral imaging, a technology that captures highly detailed data across hundreds of light bands to serve industries such as agriculture, mining, environmental monitoring and defence.

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Such technology can help deliver insights into improving crop yields in India's agrarian economy, track resources, monitor oil spills and geographic boundaries in much better details than current technology allows.

The remaining three satellites are expected to be deployed in the second quarter of the year.

The SpaceX rocket is also carrying a satellite from another Indian space company, Diganatara.

"By 2029, the (satellite imagery) market is projected to reach $19 billion. Hyperspectral imaging, which is new, could realistically capture $500 million to $1 billion of this," Pixxel's founder and Chief Executive Awais Ahmed told Reuters earlier on Monday.

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The startup plans to add 18 more spacecraft to the six it has already developed, Ahmed said, adding that Pixxel has signed up around 65 clients, including Rio Tinto, British Petroleum, and India's Ministry of Agriculture, with some already paying for data from its demo satellites.

The U.S. is a major leader in satellite launches, due to private companies such as SpaceX and government contracts, while India, despite its established spacefaring capabilities, holds only a 2% share of the global commercial space market.

(Reporting by Nivedita Bhattacharjee and Angela Christy in Bengaluru; Editing by Mohammed Safi Shamsi)
Google is being investigated for allegedly harvesting data from news websites to fuel its artificial intelligence system.

The technology giants search engine and advertising practices are to be examined by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in an investigation of potentially exploitative conduct against internet users and publishers.

The regulator is to review Googles impact on advertisers and rival search engines, considering whether the company is using its dominant position to suffocate competitors or boost its own products unfairly.

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The watchdog added that it would explore whether news publishers deserved to be paid for the use of their content by Google in its search or AI products.

The CMA will consider imposing restrictions on how Google, which accounts for almost 90pc of UK search traffic, gathers data from news websites to power its AI products.

The areas being investigated include its new AI Overviews search tool  which compiles data from multiple news sources and summarises it at the top of its search results to answer user queries  and its Gemini chatbot.

Publishers have warned these tools risk steering traffic away from their websites.

Ensure fair terms

The investigation is the first under the UKs new digital markets competition rules, which came into effect on Jan 1, providing the regulator with greater powers to investigate and fine companies deemed to have strategic market status.

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The initial investigation will seek to establish whether Google has this level of market power and whether anything needs to be done to curtail its alleged dominance. Under its new powers, the CMA can fine companies up to 10pc of their turnover for ignoring its rulings, or demand companies be broken up.

The watchdog said it would explore Googles use of publisher content without fair terms and conditions and whether it needed to order Google to ensure fair terms, including payment terms, for the use of publisher content in its search results or AI Overviews.

The CMA said it could consider limiting Googles use of data it harvests from the web for the training and fine tuning of AI models.

It said publishers currently had no realistic option but to allow Google to crawl their website, and that Google could use this data to give it an advantage over competing AI developers.

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The watchdog also said it could give publishers more control over how their data is used by Googles AI.

Google has previously said publishers have tools allowing them to opt-out from AI training. The regulator will consult on any proposed remedies and a final decision is expected in October.

Sir Keir promises to unleash AI

The investigation comes despite Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, preparing to meet the heads of multiple City regulators on Thursday to strip back red tape to encourage growth.

On Monday, Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, also hailed the potential of AI technology, which he promised to unleash and mainline into the veins of Britain. He added the technology industry needs a government that is on their side.

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A Google spokesman said: People across the UK trust Google Search to help them find what they need. Google Search supports millions of UK businesses to grow by reaching customers in innovative ways. The CMAs announcement today recognises that: Search is vital for economic growth.

Oliver Bethell, competition director at Google, warned that overly prescriptive digital competition rules would end up stifling choice and opportunity for consumers and businesses.

The competition watchdogs investigation comes even as the White House prepares to push back on what is seen in Washington as overreach by European regulators on issues such as free expression online. Mark Zuckerberg, the Facebook chief executive, said European laws were making it difficult to build anything there.

The EU has its own technology regime, the Digital Services Act and Digital Markets Act, under which it has launched a series of investigations against American big tech companies.

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In the US, the Department of Justice has called for a break-up of Google, carving out its Chrome web browser after a judge found Google had operated an illegal monopoly. A judge will decide on the penalties in April, although Google is expected to appeal.

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LONDON (AP)  Britain's competition watchdog flexed new digital market powers on Monday for the first time with an investigation into Google's search and search ad businesses.

Under beefed-up rules that took effect this month designed to protect consumers and businesses from unfair practices by Big Tech companies, the Competition and Markets Authority said it would determine whether Google should be given strategic market status that would require imposing changes to the company's behavior. The investigation adds to global scrutiny that the U.S. tech giant is facing.

The Competition and Markets Authority said it will examine whether Google is using its position in the market to stifle innovation and block rivals. The regulator said it will look in particular at Google's role in shaping the development of new artificial services and interfaces such as answer engines," in ways that limit the competitive constraint they impose on Google Search.

AI-powered chatbots have become increasingly popular with internet users looking for information online. Google last year retooled its search engine so that it now frequently favors responses crafted by artificial intelligence over website links.

Google said in a statement that it "will continue to engage constructively with the CMA to ensure that new rules benefit all types of websites, and still allow people in the U.K. to benefit from helpful and cutting-edge services.

AI's potential to transform online search services means fair competition is important, said Sarah Cardell, the U.K. regulator's chief executive.

Its our job to ensure people get the full benefit of choice and innovation in search services and get a fair deal  for example in how their data is collected and stored, Cardell said in a statement. And for businesses, whether you are a rival search engine, an advertiser or a news organisation, we want to ensure there is a level playing field for all businesses, large and small, to succeed.

The CMA will also look into concerns about "exploitative conduct" by Google, including its practice of collecting vast amounts of consumer data without informed consent, and its use of content by website publishers  which could range from major media outlets to startups focusing on narrow subjects  without paying them fairly.

It will also investigate whether Google is giving preference to its own services, such as specialized search shopping or travel services.

The U.K. investigation is the latest salvo in an onslaught of regulatory pressure that Google is facing on both sides of the Atlantic.
Assemblyman John DiMaio expressed concern about Gov. Phil Murphy's next budget proposal while speaking to reporters Tuesday about Murphy's state of the state address. (Hal Brown for New Jersey Monitor)

New Jersey Republican leaders reacted to Gov. Phil Murphys state of the state address Tuesday with dismay, arguing the governor and their Democratic counterparts need to increase focus on affordability.

Murphys wide-ranging, roughly hourlong speech touched on the states cost of living when the governor touted hikes to the minimum wage and property tax relief. But the top officials in the minority party said Democrats need to do more.

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Why dont we just start lowering costs for government? We need to get back to a situation where the state takes a holistic look at the budget and says, What do we need to do, what would we like to do, and what can we no longer afford to do? Sen. Tony Bucco (R-Morris), his chambers minority leader, told reporters following the governors address.

New Jerseys present budget, which runs through June, calls for the state to spend more than it takes in through taxes and other sources of revenue. Built-in cost increases and expiring one-shot revenue sources are set to expand that structural deficit from $2.1 billion to more than $3.8 billion in the budget year that begins on July 1.

Republicans have pointed to sharp growth in annual spending over Murphys tenure that took the states annual spending from $34.7 billion in Gov. Chris Christies final year to $56.6 billion, a 61% increase.

Much of those increases can be attributed to increases in state school aid and pension funding, which have added a combined $8.2 billion in annual spending. Tax relief programs like the $3.5 billion Anchor program and the still-nascent Stay NJ have also boosted spending.

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Still, Republicans urged Murphy to cut back as he enters the final year of his tenure. Murphy leaves office in January 2026.

Look out. In six weeks, well hear from the governor about his budget proposal: A massive budget shortfall, underperforming revenue, a depleted surplus, or higher taxes and the Stay New Jersey nightmare, said Assemblyman John DiMaio (R-Warren), his chambers minority leader.

Murphy addressed some of the Republicans complaints during his address, saying the budget is higher under him than it was under Christie because thats what happens when you finally pay your bills.

Passing the buck was Trentons favorite game for far too long. Let me be clear: those days are over. And we are not going back, Murphy said.

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Though dissatisfied with Murphys affordability agenda, Republican leaders were more willing to entertain other proposals. Murphys speech called for lawmakers to support zoning reforms that would speed the construction of new housing by cutting red tape and easing outdated restrictions, though few details about the proposal are known.

Despite broad concerns with a recent affordable housing law signed by Murphy, Bucco suggested members of his caucus could support a proposal to reform zoning rules in the state.

I think the devil will be in the details, said Bucco. If theyre just going to impose zoning requirements, then no, I dont see that. If theres sound planning thats put into it and it makes sense, then well see.

The governor raised some other policies supported or championed by members of the minority.

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Murphy said he backs a policy to bar the use of cellphones in classrooms. The Senate on Tuesday unanimously passed legislation that would require the Department of Education to develop a policy on cellphones and social media in schools (the bill awaits a vote in the Assembly). And he backed a proposal from Sen. Joe Pennacchio (R-Morris) and Assemblywoman Aura Dunn (R-Morris) to retool the states farmland assessment property tax break to prevent tax avoidance.

Republican leaders said they want more bipartisan efforts akin to a recent bill package that raised penalties for some car thefts and burglaries in some circumstances, among other things.

We developed bipartisan legislation that has had an impact. The governor talked about it. Thats what people want. Thats where we need to go, not these progressive policies, Bucco said.

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Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin on Tuesday turned the tables on Democrats, who grilled Pete Hegseth over cheating and alcohol abuse allegations during the defense secretary nominees confirmation hearing.

How many senators have showed up drunk to vote at night? Mullin demanded after Democrat Sen. Tim Kaines fiery line of questioning. Have any of you guys asked them to step down and resign from their jobs? And dont tell me you havent seen it, because I know you have.

Mullin also took aim at Sen. Elizabeth Warren for grilling the former Fox News host on whether he would take a job in the defense industry after leading the Pentagon, accusing her of hypocrisy for backing Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

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We had to vote on a waiver because he [Austin] stepped off the board of Raytheon. But I guess thats okay, because thats a Democrat Secretary of Defense, Mullin said.

The Oklahoma Republican went on to slam lawmakers for inquiring about whether infidelity in Hegseths marriages could be disqualifying for the Cabinet position, arguing that multiple politicians divorced spouses under similar circumstances.

How many senators do you know have got a divorce before cheating on their wives? Did you ask them to step down? No, but its for show, Mullin said. You guys make sure you make a big show and point out the hypocrisy, because a mans made a mistake, and you want to sit there and say that hes not qualified.

While some Republican lawmakers expressed reservations about voting for Hegseth shortly after his nomination, the party has largely rallied around Trumps pick. No Democrats are expected to vote for Hegseth on the floor, with lawmakers slamming his past comments that women shouldnt serve in combat.

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Democrats have also expressed frustration over being blocked from accessing Hegseths FBI background file.

Top Republicans have signaled they believe Hegseth will have the support needed to be confirmed in a floor vote.
Republicans seem to be trying their hardest to make placing conditions on relief to victims of devastating natural disasters seem like a normal or reasonable thing to doby the end of the week, probably everyone will be on board.

As large swaths of Los Angeles County burned over the past week, and 24 people lost their lives, Republicans have been quick to play the blame game and use the disaster relief as an opportunity to play politics. One by one, theyve fallen in line with their eerily identical, half-baked pitches to reform Californias liberal politics, without ever making clear exactly what politics had to do with the wildfires in the first place.

During an interview Monday on Newsmaxs Chris Salcedo Show, Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville was asked why people whod lost their homes, belongings, and businesses deserved help from Congress.

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Senator, why should other states be bailing out California for choosing the wrong people to run their state? asked Salcedo.

We shouldnt be, Tuberville replied. They got 40 million people in that state, and they voted these imbeciles into office, and they continue to do it.

As Tuberville explained, he didnt blame all Californians. Just the liberal ones living in cities.

And its just a very small part of em in that state thats doing it. If you go to California, you run into a lotta Republicans. A lotta good people. And I hate it for them, Tuberville explained. But they are just overwhelmed by these inner city, uh, woke policies, with the people that vote for em.

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And ityou know, I dont mind sending em some money, but unless they show that theyre gonna change their ways, and theyre gonna get back to building dams and storing water, and doing the maintenance with the brush, and the treeseverything that everybody else does with the country, and they refuse to do itthey dont deserve anything, Tuberville said.

The Alabama Republican could barely explain what kind of policies he was criticizingand thats because he doesnt even know. Hes just playing a game of telephone with every other Republican lawmaker and conservative pundit: Theres just no way for the actual ideas to make their way to the end. The important part is that the message sounds the same. House Speaker Mike Johnson took his turn on the horn just hours before Tuberville.

And, for what its worth, Republicans criticism about woke policies didnt hold very much water to begin with. Nearly every reservoir in California is holding an amount of water that is at its historical average, or higher, despite the fact that it has been a particularly dry winter, Rolling Stone reported.

Donald Trump has claimed that California Governor Gavin Newsom refused to sign the water restoration declaration (there is obviously no such thing), and blamed the states efforts to preserve rivers and wetlands. Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Water District, which feeds into the Los Angeles Aqueduct, has the most water stored in its system in the history of the agency, according to Mark Gold, the water scarcity director for the Natural Resources Defense Council and a board member of the MWD.

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Those on the ground, namely the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, have said that it was the immense size, speed, and geographical location of the fires that caused the Pacific Palisades to run out of water, not some gross liberal mismanagement. But that wont stop Republicans from singing their tune.

One can scarcely imagine if Democrats had tried to pull this schtick when Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina, home to a density of Republican votersbut this is the future of the Republican Party under Trump.
Gov. Greg Abbott threatened Texas A&M University President Mark Welsh IIIs job over claims the university broke the states ban on diversity, equity and inclusion programs.

The threat came after conservative activist Christopher Rufo shared a university email inviting some staffers and PhD students to attend a conference that limited participation to people who are Black, Hispanic or Native American.

On Monday, someone asked Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton on social media whether they were going to tolerate the behavior.

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Hell, no, Abbott replied hours later on X, formerly known as Twitter. Its against Texas law and violates the U.S. Constitution. It will be fixed immediately or the president will soon be gone.

The A&M email said the university systems general counsel had confirmed that the conference complied with the states DEI ban.

Senate Bill 17, which took effect last year, prohibits public universities not only from having DEI offices, but from compelling any person to provide a DEI statement or undergo DEI training and giving preferential treatment on the basis of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin.

On Tuesday, Welsh released a statement that the university will continue to honor both the letter and intent of the law.

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Texas A&M does not support any organization, conference, process or activity that excludes people based on race, creed, gender, age or any other discriminating factor, the statement said.

Rufo is a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute, a conservative think tank. He is known for calling out public universities on social media for indoctrinating students with DEI programs and policies. The email he shared on Monday was sent by Michael C. Withers, associate dean for research and scholarship professor at Mays Business School, who invited A&M faculty and PhD students to participate in an annual conference put together by The PhD Project, an organization that seeks to increase diversity in classrooms and corporations.

Withers wrote that the university typically sends three people to the conference, scheduled this year for March 20-21 in Chicago, and that lawyers for the university had found participating was permissible under SB 17s recruitment exemptions. According to the law, the ban does not apply to instruction, research, the activity of a student organization, guest speakers or performers, data collection and student recruitment.

Texas A&M University and eight other public universities in Texas that previously participated in The PhD Projects conference  Texas Tech University, University of Houston, University of North Texas, University of Texas at Austin, University of Texas at Dallas, University of Texas at El Paso, University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley and University of Texas at San Antonio  say theyre no longer sending anyone to it. The UT System said it did not receive a directive from the governor to withdraw from the conference, but recommended its institutions to do so.

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Abbotts office did not immediately respond to a call and email asking why he thought A&M had violated the states DEI ban and the Constitution and whether hed be instructing the other universities not to attend.

Welsh became president of the flagship university in December 2023 after his predecessor, Kathy Banks, resigned from the position amid a hiring scandal. The university had watered down a job offer to Kathleen McElroy, a black journalism professor, after its board of regents raised concerns she had a liberal bias.

Welsh, the former dean of the universitys Bush School of Government, told journalists in November that hes been trying to rebuild the trust that was lost over the incident with faculty.

In an email to the Mays Business School on Monday evening, Welsh said administrators had followed the proper process for reviewing and approving attendance at such events, but wrote I dont believe we fully considered the spirit of our state law in making the initial decision to participate.

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This particular conferences limitations on the acceptable race of attendees is not in line with the intent of SB 17, and, as a result, we will not be sending anyone to participate in this conference, he wrote.

He continued, Texas A&M faculty and staff attend hundreds, if not thousands, of conferences and other events during the course of each academic year. We need to be sure that attendance at those events is aligned with the very clear guidance weve been given by our governing bodies.

University presidents nationwide have been dealing in the past few years with increased political pressures on top of the COVID-19 pandemic, a projected decline in college-bound students and budget deficits. In a recent survey of university presidents across the country, more than half said they plan to step down in the next five years. Last week, University of Texas at Austin President Jay Hartzell announced he will step down to lead Southern Methodist University, a smaller private university in Dallas.

Since the states DEI ban was passed, Texas public universities have been criticized by state officials for not doing enough to comply with the law and by faculty and students who say school officials are over-enforcing it. Failure to comply could mean less state funding for public universities.

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The Texas A&M University System had nine DEI offices and sought to comply with the DEI ban even before it officially became law. Nineteen employees at these offices were reassigned while eight left the system, Chancellor John Sharp testified before the Senate Subcommittee on Higher Education last year.

During that hearing, state Sen. Brandon Creighton, R-Conroe, noted that Welsh had said he did not support Senate Bill 17 and he felt like it was the wrong direction.

How are we with President Welsh based on his comments that are widely published? Creighton asked Sharp.

Sharp said he missed those comments, but all our presidents, we meet with them on a regular basis to talk about this and every single one of them are following the directions I give them.

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Lawmakers are expected to take another look at the ban  and possibly consider expanding it  during this years legislative session, which started Tuesday.

The Texas Tribune partners with Open Campus on higher education coverage.

Disclosure: Texas A&M University has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here.
Gov. Hochul wants to make community college free for adults pursuing degrees in sought-after fields, she announced Tuesday during her State of the State address.

The proposal, which would extend only to students ages 25 to 55, covers the costs of tuition and fees for certain associates degree programs at the State University of New York and the City University of New York  such as nursing, education, technology and engineering.

Her plan comes as New York is projected to face a shortage of almost 40,000 nurses by 2030, according to SUNY estimates. New York Citys public school system also needs to hire an estimated 17,000 more teachers to comply with the states class-size law over the next few years.

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Now, were going even bolder, Hochul said during her speech. Were going to make community college completely free for students age 25 to 55. Completely free. Everything. Books, transportation.

These are real savings for New Yorkers pursuing careers and puts money back in their pockets while helping us fill these critical jobs in these essential industries.

The free community college plan is modeled after a similar program in Massachusetts, which started with students ages 25 or older but recently expanded to those of any age.

There are more than 200,000 community college students across New Yorks public university systems. About 28% at SUNY and 23% at CUNY are 25 or older, according to university enrollment data.

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The governors office did not explain why younger students were excluded this year, but pointed to millions of eligible New Yorkers working without a college degree or credential, who could see their incomes significantly boosted by entering an in-demand industry.

The move could also benefit New Yorks community colleges, after the sector faced significant enrollment declines during the pandemic that have started to rebound only in recent years.

When Massachusetts put their similar initiative in place, they saw a quite significant increase in enrollment with their community colleges, SUNY Chancellor John King said during an interview with the Daily News after the speech. There are a lot of folks who want to take advantage of these opportunities.

As part of the proposal, the state would also up its funding for career services and infrastructure, according to her State of the State policy book.

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CUNY estimated $21 of returns on each dollar invested in the free community college proposal, including future earnings and tax revenue. Its price tag will be included in the governors budget plan next week and negotiated with state lawmakers.

In a statement, the CUNY faculty and staff union welcomed the proposal and renewed its call for CUNY to be free to all students, part of a broader campaign known as a New Deal for CUNY.

We are grateful for her recognition of the essential role of free tuition, said James Davis, president of the Professional Staff Congress. We will continue to work alongside our allies for a New Deal for CUNY to expand this significant win.

King, the SUNY chancellor, likewise threw his support behind the idea of free community college in New York.

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While King served as secretary of education for former President Barack Obama, together they proposed a national free community college tuition model nearly a decade ago. If passed, New York would join a growing list of states including not only Massachusetts, but also Michigan and Tennessee that have implemented similar models.

I personally would love to see that, King said. We unfortunately werent able to persuade Congress, but youve seen states take up the mantle.
NEW YORK CITY (PIX11)  Police should patrol every New York City subway train during the overnight hours, Gov. Kathy Hochul proposed during her State of the State address Tuesday.

The state will help pay for two police officers on every subway train from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. for the next six months, Hochul said. The increased patrols could go into effect as early as next week, according to a spokesperson for the governors office.

Hochuls tax cut proposal: What it means for New Yorkers

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We have to stop the chaos, Hochul said.

Hochul said she will work with the city to implement the temporary overnight patrols.

In March, Hochul announced the National Guard would patrol the New York City Subway system, and in December, added 250 more National Guard members.

Earlier this month the city announced police officers would be deployed to the 50 subway stations where most crimes occur, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch announced.

Major crime in the transit system decreased for a second straight year in 2024, down 5.4% compared to 2023, according to Tisch. But some high-profile crimes have caught the citys attention in recent months, including a woman being burned to death on a Brooklyn subway in late December.

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In her State of the State address, Hochul also announced a new tax cut plan to reduce taxes for over 8.3 million New Yorkers. The program will affect joint filers making under $323,000 per year, she said.

Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter who has covered New York City since 2023 after reporting in Los Angeles for years. She joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
NEW YORK (PIX11)  During her State of the State address, Gov. Kathy Hochul proposed free tuition for older college students, more police on New York Citys subways overnight and tax relief for New Yorkers.

Hochul on Tuesday announced the new proposals for 2025 at the states 57th annual address in Albany.

More News: Politics

Among her priorities for the new year is adding police patrols to every New York City subway train overnight between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. for the next six months. Its a program the state will help pay for, Hochul said.

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This is the game plan: More police where theyre needed, Hochul said.

Additionally, Hochul announced a plan to cut taxes for joint filers earning up to $323,000. The proposal would affect 8.3 million New Yorkers, Hochul said.

The tax cut I propose today and will fight for in the coming months will deliver the lowest tax rates in seven decades and save hardworking taxpayers $1 billion, Hochul said.

Hochul also proposed free SUNY and CUNY tuition for New Yorkers between the ages of 25 and 55 pursuing careers in healthcare, education and advanced manufacturing.

Three years ago when I took office, our state was in crisis and we took decisive action to right the ship. And despite the many challenges that remain, we still see that the sun is shining, Hochul said.

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Last week, Mayor Eric Adams delivered the State of the City address for New York City, announcing new investments in education, housing, and development for young families.

Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter who has covered New York City since 2023 after reporting in Los Angeles for years. She joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Gov. Brian Kemp and the legislature approved a series of one-time security grants to Georgia schools but after the Apalachee High School mass shooting, they plan to approve another $50 million in one-time money.

Four months after the tragic shootings in Barrow County, Kemp stood in the State Capitol on Monday to announce he plans to ask for another $50 million in one-time security grants to every Georgia school.

That $50 million, if approved, would mean a total of $159 million will get allocated in security grants.

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The governors office says that translates into nearly $69,000 per school for every public school in Georgia.

All these investments were planned with the goal of making our schools even safer, strengthening mental health support for our students, teachers and faculty, Kemp said.

TRENDING STORIES:

Meanwhile, Georgia schools were also on the minds of several Republican senators.

Forsyth County state Sen. Greg Dolezal dropped Senate Bill No. 1 which would ban transgender males from competing against biological females and vice versa.

It would establish clearly in Georgia law that males are not allowed to compete in female sports, Dolezal said.

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Stone Mountain Democratic Sen. Kim Jackson condemned the new bill as another waste of time when there are more urgent legislative issues.

Once again, we find the majority party wasting our time attacking vulnerable youth when we could be doing really important work, Jackson said.

The senate also extended the special investigative committee looking into Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and her prosecution of Donald Trump.
Gov. Gavin Newsom signed another executive order on Tuesday, this one aimed at quickly helping Los Angeles area schools, children and families affected by the devastating SoCal wildfires.

The executive order will assist displaced students in the Los Angeles region and bolster schools affected by the firestorm, the governors office said.

We are using the full force of the state government to respond to the Los Angeles firestorms and ensure recovery for the thousands of residents who have been impacted by this unimaginable loss, including school-aged children, Newsom stated. The executive order will help bring back some sense of normalcy for our youth by eliminating barriers to getting them back learning in school.

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Newsoms latest executive order will:

Suspend state rules to allow displaced students to attend school outside of their district

Make it easier for schools damaged or destroyed in the fires to use temporary facilities

Help schools avoid penalties for not meeting minimum school year requirements

Direct state agencies to work with damaged or destroyed schools to develop a plan for serving displaced students and rebuilding

In a statement, California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond said that state education officials have the backs of affected students and are working with local schools.

Smoke rises from the charred remains of a structure at the Pasadena Waldorf School campus, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, in Altadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

Our impacted school communities are facing unimaginable and devastating circumstances, Thurmonds statement read. We must provide students with access to the best possible educational experiences [and] we will ensure that our school communities get the resources and flexibility needed to recover, rebuild and continue providing quality educational opportunities for every student.

Nothing but ashes: Couple heartbroken after Eaton Fire destroys home on their 62nd wedding anniversary

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Newsom has recently signed other executive orders that suspend permitting and support ongoing firefighting efforts for the L.A. area fires.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also issued an executive order that coordinated the clearing of debris and streamlined the process for rebuilding impacted areas across the city.

The Eliot Arts Magnet School in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, US, on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025. (Photographer: Kyle Grillot/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

At the federal level, President Joe Biden announced $770 one-time payments for victims of the wildfires. He also previously stated that the federal government would pay for 100% of fire response costs.

Local and state officials have also asked President-elect Donald Trump to visit the area to tour the damage.

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State Sen. Rita Sanders of Bellevue speaks at a news conference Monday during which Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen, Attorney General Mike Hilgers and lawmakers took aim at social media and school-hours cell phone use by Nebraska youths. Jan. 13, 2025. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)

LINCOLN  Nebraskans under age 18 would need parental permission before opening a social media account under new legislation to be considered this year by state lawmakers.

The measure, to be introduced by State Sen. Tanya Storer of Whitman, was among four proposals promoted Monday by Gov. Jim Pillen and Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers at a news conference announcing legislation aimed at protecting our kids from online abuse and addictive phone apps and online services.

State Sen. Tanya Storer of Whitman, flanked by Gov. Jim Pillen and State Attorney General Mike Hilgers. Other state lawmakers attended the news conference, including State Sen. Christy Armendariz of Omaha, shown in the background. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)

Just as a parent must consent for a child to get their ears pierced, (consent) should also be required for access to platforms that collect personal data and expose children to potential harm, Storer said during the event at the Governors Office that drew nine state senators.

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Social media poses inherent risk, and parents deserve the tools to make informed decisions about their childrens online safety, said the newly elected lawmaker.

Storer and others at the event said state government needs to play a more active role in a minors access to online technology  as, they said, social media opens the door to bullying, sexual predators and a rise in mental health problems, including unhealthy obsessions with body flaws and higher risks of suicidal thoughts.

Under the Parental Rights in Social Media Act, which has yet to be formally introduced, social media companies would be required to verify age and get parental consent for a minor to create a social media account, Storer said.

Companies that do not follow the law would face civil violations, including a $2,500 fine per offense.

Not the real world

The bill, Storer said, was modeled after a Florida law that took effect this year, though it is less restrictive. Under the Florida law, social media sites are required to delete existing accounts for youths under age 14 within 90 days or face fines of up to $50,000.

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Minors who are 14 and 15 years old can be on social media if they have parental consent. (The Florida attorney general is not enforcing the law pending a judges ruling on a request for a preliminary injunction.)

Just as a parent must consent for a child to get their ears pierced, (consent) should also be required for access to platforms that collect personal data and expose children to potential harm.

 State Sen. Tanya Storer of Whitman

Storer said the Nebraska proposal, as drafted, would not be retroactive and would not call for existing accounts to be deleted. As currently designed, she said, parental consent would be necessary for any social media accounts after the law takes effect.

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This isnt a ban, Storer said. Its simply giving parents the control to monitor.

ACLU Nebraska, a nonprofit civil rights watchdog, said it had not yet seen the bills language and therefore could not fully react. But spokesman Sam Petto said he anticipates that the ACLU would have concerns regarding free speech rights.

For his part, Pillen said online technology is not the real world and needs regulation that Nebraska should have had two years ago.

Hilgers noted that he has four children. He said todays pressures on kids, especially girls, from the digital and online world are unlike any other time in history.

Other legislation

Other legislative proposals announced during the news conference included:

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LB 140, by State Sen. Rita Sanders of Bellevue, would require all school boards of a public school district to develop and establish a policy restricting student use of cellphones while in school, on school property or attending a school function.

Some districts, including Bellevue Public Schools, already have adopted restrictive guidelines, Sanders said. She noted that her proposal leaves local control for districts to craft guidelines for an approach that fits with needs of their area  be it rural, suburban or urban.

A cell phone screen is shown. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images).

Sanders said her motive is to support the academic growth of students by creating a learning environment free of distractions.

We know how distracting our cell phones can be, she said. We know that the phone usage has been found to correlate with lower test scores.

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The proposal allows school districts to lay out exceptions for emergencies or special circumstances, including when cell phones are authorized by a teacher or necessary for health reasons.

Petto said he doesnt foresee ACLU Nebraska opposing that bill, and is pleased to see that Sanders considered exceptions for students with special needs and disabilities and also that it does not focus on looking at the content on a cell phone.

If adopted, the law would take effect prior to the next school year.

While Pillen encouraged no phones bell to bell, he also went as far as to recommend what he admitted can not be enforced: a no phones in bed rule for youths.

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We obviously cant legislate it, Pillen said of the bed rule. But, he added, Seriously, grandparents, parents, if youre allowing your child to take a phone to bed youre absolutely hampering that child  thats pure science out there.

State Sen. Brian Hardin of Gering. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

LB 172, introduced by State Sen. Brian Hardin of Gering and supported by Pillen and Hilgers, would outlaw computer-generated child pornography.

Currently, Hardin said, state law does not clearly define or prohibit the creation of sexually exploitative material made by artificial intelligence or through the digital manipulation of a youths picture or video.

Violation of the Child Pornography Prevention Act would be a felony offense. Hardin said it provides tools for law enforcement officials to investigate and stop such actions.

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State Sen. Carolyn Bosn of Lincoln said she plans to introduce the Age-Appropriate Online Design Code Act targeting social media companies at the design stage.

State Sen. Carolyn Bosn of Lincoln. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

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This bill says algorithms shouldnt track children, Bosn said of the bill. Since the bill has not been formally introduced, the ACLU said it could not fully size up its potential impact.

According to Bosn, the legislation puts the best interests of children over company profits and would give parents the ability to have control over the childs private information through accessible and easy to use tools without undermining the First Amendment.

Officials said the bill requires social media and other online services to design features that prevent: compulsive use of their product; severe psychological harm such as anxiety and depression; identity theft and privacy violations.

It requires social media companies to provide parents the ability to manage their childs privacy and account settings and to restrict the hours of use of these services.

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Hilgers said he considers all the measures enforceable.

Some of the biggest threats to children originate online, through cell phones, social media and child sexual abuse material, he said.

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Gov. Josh Stein talks outside a trailer

Gov. Josh Stein (right) inspects a trailer on a recent visit to western North Carolina. (Photo courtesy of the governor's office.)

In many important areas, North Carolinas new governor, Josh Stein, is wisely following in the footprints of his predecessor, Roy Cooper.

In critical areas like public education, environmental protection, and reproductive freedom, Cooper was a champion of just and common sense policies.

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One area, however, in which the new administration can make needed improvements is in the delivery of aid to people impacted by natural disasters.

NCORR  the states office of Recovery and Resiliency  has long been plagued by big bureaucratic problems that created absurd delays and quality control foul-ups in repairing and rebuilding the homes of Hurricane Florence and Matthew survivors.

And by all indications, Stein is determined not to let this happen again. Hes made Hurricane Helene recovery his top priority and named a new, high-powered team to oversee it.

The bottom line: Not all of the responsibility here lies with the governors office; the legislature needs to dramatically up its game too. But for now, Gov. Steins new hurricane recovery effort has gotten off to a very promising start.

For NC Newsline, Im Rob Schofield.
A person takes water offered by the Salem Soup Squad in Marion Park in Salem on Sept. 21, 2024 as part of an effort to help low income residents and the homeless. . (Laura Tesler/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

The focus of the next two years in Oregon politics is likely to follow the contours of one of the biggest issues in the state: homelessness.

How it plays out is likely to be shaped not by large policies or spending strokes but by details that from a state level may look almost microscopic. In the coming months, that is where the important answers may be found.

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The stakes are both social and political. Oregon voters have not unseated an incumbent governor since 1978, but Gov. Tina Kotek has reason for concern. Winner by a modest plurality in 2022, she has polled poorly since, and in two months earlier this year Morning Consult marked her as the least popular governor in the country.

She now enters the second half of her term on the argument that she would be effective in delivering action on one of the states key problems. Homelessness and housing probably have been Koteks key issues, and these concerns also are top of mind for many Oregonians. The problem, which Oregonians have for a decade listed as a major issue for the state, remains large. Nearly 23,000 people in Oregon remain unhoused, according to last years federal point-in-time count. Koteks initiatives have revolved around expanding housing stock, a subject she has tackled long before she became governor. In 2019 as House speaker, she backed House Bill 2001 to require that higher housing density be allowed in what had been single-family zones, in Oregons larger urban areas.

As governor, she has pushed for major state spending of hundreds of millions of dollars, including $880 million in state bonding, to increase housing stock by about 36,000 homes annually. Affordability, however, is another question  meaning that its impact on homelessness is unclear as is the impact the new homes will have on homelessness.

She also is proposing $217.9 million to increase shelter beds, plus another $188.2 million to help rehouse people, as well as $173.2 million to help avert evictions from rentals or other properties. These are not small amounts, and they reflect a seriousness of intent, but how well they will ease homelessness is uncertain.

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In many places, including in downtown Portland but also in other cities, homelessness is less visible now than it was half a decade ago. But that doesnt mean its gone away; in many cases its just been relocated.

Part of the problem has been that homelessness seems like an amorphous blob, hard to define, enumerate, even accurately describe. That seeming inability to get a handle on it leads to frustration, and in turn to a political problem. If you dont fully understand, and in some depth, what the problem consists of, youll have a hard time solving it.

Whats been missing is fine-grained information about the individuals who are unhoused: their circumstances, why they have no housing, what particular obstacles they face and what it would take to get them settled. All have individual stories. Because the unhoused population is so varied, the answers can come only case by case.

That data may be coming, and maybe just in time to provide the basis for the Oregon Legislature to more precisely target money and other resources.

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Take a look at Built for Zero, a national effort to end homelessness that focuses on veterans and on the chronically homeless.

Close to 100 communities nationally  and six around Oregon  have joined Built for Zero and started developing detailed information about individual people who are homeless and posting statistical and geographic information online to help the community better understand the problem and what is needed to solve it.

Lane County and the cities of Eugene and Springfield joined a Built for Zero effort in 2019. They began developing information about individuals in various sectors, completing a count for veterans and for chronically homeless single adults in September 2021. Over three years, they found the number of homeless people in the Eugene area is much larger than the point-in-time studies indicate. But they also obtained specific, detailed information about that population which has made outreach from governments and others more effective.

Portland, Gresham and Multnomah County joined a similar effort in December 2021, and Multnomah officials said that after two years of intensive research, data from it will be ready for use early this year.

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That data is likely to provide the kind of information that will allow for surgical, rather than broad-brush, use of government and other funding to help move toward solving the problem. How the Legislature reacts to what is being learned now on the local level may say a lot about how Oregon deals with homelessness. And even about Koteks rationale for reelection two years from now.

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MADISON - Gov. Tony Evers is creating a new statewide office aimed at curbing gun violence in the wake of a deadly school shooting in the state's capital city.

Evers said Tuesday in a Capitol press conference he would be devoting $10 million for the new state office within the state Department of Administration that will distribute grants funded by federal pandemic aid to local school districts, city and county officials, firearm dealers and nonprofit groups in efforts to address gun violence.

The Democratic governor said the executive action would accompany a "sweeping" package of proposals in his 2025-27 state budget plan that he will unveil next month. He called on Republican lawmakers who control the state Legislature to pass the measures after years of rejecting similar ones.

Gov. Tony Evers announces the creation of a statewide office of violence prevention at a press conference in the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison.

"Violence is a statewide problem with statewide consequences for people and families across our state," Evers said at a Capitol news conference.

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But the office will likely be short-lived after Republican legislative leaders signaled they would not support including funding to keep the office open beyond the next two years.

"I think what we need to do is to increase funding for our police and public safety services, not create a whole bunch of touchy feely bureaucrats," Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said Tuesday at a press conference in the state Capitol.

"Let me get this straight, Milwaukees Office of Violence Prevention was so ineffective at preventingviolence that they fired the director and renamed the office. But now, Governor Evers wants to replicate that failure at the state level?" Republican Sen. Van Wanggaard, a retired law enforcement officer, said in a statement. This isnt hard. You dont need to grow government to prevent violence. If Governor Evers is serious about ending violence and crime, he should support law enforcement and give them the tools and resources they need."

The states best-known local Office of Violence Prevention  now known as the Office of Community Wellness and Safety  is in Milwaukee.

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The office was the birthplace of celebrated programs like its violence interruption team but came under criticism in recent years as officials demanded more evidence of effectiveness, especially during years when homicides soared.

Milwaukee created an Office of Violence Prevention in 2008. Housed within the Milwaukee Health Department, the offices overarching mission was treating violence as a public health issue, but in the early years, it focused primarily on gun policy.

The office shifted its focus in 2016 when then-Mayor Tom Barrett hired Reggie Moore, a longtime youth advocate in Milwaukee, to lead it.

Moore launched the Blueprint for Peace, the city's first comprehensive plan to lower violence created with input from more than 1,000 Milwaukee residents. The Blueprint called for a focus on 10 priority neighborhoods with high rates of simple assaults, aggravated nonfatal shootings and homicides.

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During Moores tenure, the city also created 414LIFE violence interruption team that worked to stop retaliatory gun violence. Moore left the office in 2021 to take on a similar role at the Medical College of Wisconsin, which now houses the 414LIFE program.

City-wide homicides and nonfatal shootings decreased in 2017 and continued to do so through 2019, before spiking in 2020  a trend experienced by other cities nationwide in the pandemic  and continuing to rise through the end of 2022. Homicides have declined since then.

Moore's successor, Arnitta Holliman, brought in historic funding for the office through state and federal grants. But with the offices growing profile and budget came increasing scrutiny. Aldermen pushed to see evidence and evaluations of effectiveness. Leaders provided data on events and outreach but often countered that prevention, by its nature, is hard to measure.

The office's leadership shifted again in 2022 when Mayor Cavalier Johnson fired Holliman after months of tensions and breakdowns in communication between Holliman and Johnson's administration.

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Johnson picked a former political rival, longtime alderman Ashanti Hamilton, to replace Holliman. The office also was renamed the Office of Community Wellness and Safety and moved from the Health Department to the Department of Administration. Hamilton recently announced hes leaving the office. Johnson has not released a timetable for picking a replacement.

Evers said he would consider vetoing the entire state budget if Republican legislative leaders do not include a proposal to fund the new statewide office going forward, a measure he will include in his state budget proposal.

"There's probably a whole bunch of things ... that might be one of them," Evers said about whether he would use the office funding as a red line.

According to the governor's office, applicants could be awarded funds through the office for multi-agency law enforcement investigations, gun intelligence tools to combat crime, suicide prevention education, threat assessment training, promoting and administering safe gun storage, and domestic violence prevention programs, among other purposes.

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The Dec. 16 shooting at Abundant Life School in Madison left three dead. Madison police identified the shooting victims as Erin West, a substitute teacher coordinator, and Rubi Patricia Vergara, a freshman student. Also killed was the shooter, a 15-year-old freshman named Natalie L. Rupnow, who went by Samantha. Six others were wounded.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

Molly Beck and Ashely Luthern can be reached at molly.beck@jrn.com and aluthern@jrn.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Evers creates anti-violence office in wake of Madison school shooting
Nigeria's maritime agency has reported yet another oil spill has occurred in Nigeria's delta region after a pipeline ruptured at the Shell loading terminal in December.

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency indicated the spill reached the shoreline and began working with the Shell Petroleum Development Company to assess the damage for cleanup and other further action.

What's happening?

This is not the first instance of Shell spilling oil in Nigeria.

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Shell began shipping oil from Nigeria in 1958. While there is no concrete data on how many oil spills have occurred in Nigeria, researchers believe "an estimated 13 million barrels (1.5 million tons) of crude oil have been spilled since 1958 from over 7,000 oil spill incidents."

Shell has indicated its interest in selling the land it was using to source oil in Nigeria. Local environmental activists are demanding accountability, and local residents want their land and water cleaned up before a sale happens.

"It would be unconscionable for Shell to pack up its onshore operations in Nigeria without cleaning up its mess and paying compensation," said Steve Bilko, a lawyer for some of the oil victims, per Climate Home News.

Why are these oil spills concerning?

Oil spills can be extremely hazardous to human health and even impact generations. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, oil spills contaminate surface water, groundwater, ambient air, and crops. They cause carcinogens and radioactive materials to bioaccumulate in the local food supply, contributing to a 24% increase in childhood malnutrition.

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Spills can also cause a 45% increase in radiation present in the environment. This poses a dangerous risk of exposure to carcinogens, which can cause infertility and cancer. Life expectancy in the Niger Delta is 41 years, roughly 20 years lower than the Nigerian national average.

"We bought the land in 2023; we have not harvested anything from the farmland; both the profit, our interest, everything is gone," said Timipre Bridget, a farmer in the community, according to the Associated Press. "No way to survive with our children again."

What's being done about these oil spills?

The AP reported that United Nations officials are extremely concerned with the handling of oil damage cleanup in Nigeria, dubbing it a "total failure." They alleged corruption in the cleanup efforts and reportedly pulled out of collaborating with them in 2023.

The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency works to ensure oil companies are complying with government regulations and acts as a liaison to local and state communities. NOSDRA monitors oil spills and their cleanups and gathers data reported by citizens about the spills.

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Local activists and human rights organizations have been working to hold companies such as Shell accountable for polluting Nigerian land and water.

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BOSTON, Mass. (WWLP)  As the migrant crisis intensifies in Massachusetts, Governor Maura Healey is calling for a closer lookand potential overhaulof the right-to-shelter law.

The right-to-shelter law passed over 40 years ago, and was written to guarantee housing for families with children and pregnant women, but has been altered over the last year as increasing numbers of migrants have come to the state seeking housing assistance.

Massachusetts leaders react to changes you may see soon after Trump inauguration

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At a press conference on Friday, the governor told reports the laws current function does not align with its original intention.

It was written to protect and take care of poor women and children. It didnt imagine a broken immigration system and waves and waves of people, Healey said.

This is coming after the arrest of a shelter resident in Revere who allegedly possessed 1 million dollars of fentanyl and a loaded AR-15. The arrest raised questions about the safety of these shelters and prompted the Healey administration to conduct an inspection of all emergency housing sites.

Governor Healey said she ordered background checks on all shelter residents this spring but recently learned that this order was not fully followed.

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Thats absolutely unacceptable. Ive ordered CORI checks to be done on all shelter residents across all sites, Healey said.

Additionally, a former Boston Police Commissioner will lead an independent review of the shelter system, and the governor says his findings will be made available to the public. The first batch of bills for this session are due later this week.

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.
In his annual state of the state speech, Gov. Phil Murphy said he wants to require full-day kindergarten in all districts, implement same-day voter registration, and ease local zoning laws. (Hal Brown for New Jersey Monitor)

Gov. Phil Murphy laid out an ambitious agenda for his final year in office during his annual state of the state address Tuesday, telling lawmakers he wants them to ban cellphones from K-12 classrooms, revamp zoning and permitting laws to boost housing construction, and implement same-day voter registration statewide.

Murphy said he also intends to require all public school districts to provide full-day kindergarten, overhaul the states 10 most dangerous intersections, and allow New Jerseyans to obtain mobile drivers licenses, among other proposals mentioned in the hourlong speech he gave to a chamber filled with legislators, local officials, former governors, and more at the Statehouse in Trenton.

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Murphy, a Democrat who will leave office in January 2026 after serving two terms as governor, stressed repeatedly that his administration is not done yet. He is barred from seeking a third consecutive term in November.

Over the next year, we are going to fight to ensure that every New Jerseyan has a fair shot at a brighter future, he said. With the help of everyone in this chamber, we are going to leave our children a state that is better than we found it.

Murphy spent a considerable portion of his speech focused on economic issues, saying that delivering economic security and opportunity to every New Jerseyan has been his top priority since he first became governor in 2018.

To all of our neighbors in New Jersey who feel as if though they have been forgotten, I give you my word: we are going to spend every minute we have left fighting for you and for your economic future, he said.

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He also addressed the incoming Trump administration, calling it the elephant that is not in the room. Murphy repeated his goal of working with President-elect Donald Trump  who takes office Monday  when our priorities align.

But just as importantly, I will never back down from defending our New Jersey values  if and when they are tested, Murphy said.

On abortion, the governor pledged to secure New Jerseys reputation as a safe haven for reproductive freedom. He said the state will begin stockpiling a supply of mifepristone, a pill used to end pregnancies, and he urged lawmakers to pass a law barring out-of-pocket costs for abortion procedures.

Murphy made no mention of immigration during the speech.

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Its unclear how much sway the term-limited governor will have over lawmakers as they consider his proposals. At least one of them, same-day voter registration, has received a chilly reception from Senate President Nicholas Scutari (D-Union), who has the power to keep the plan from receiving a vote in the Senate.

Asked after the speech about what Murphy wants the Legislature to advance, Scutari said, Well take it one issue at a time.

The state of the state is solid. I mean, thats reflected in  the credit ratings that weve received over the seven years. Thats obviously a good sign because prior to that, our credit ratings were getting downgraded year after year, he said.

Though Murphys speech included a to-do list for his final year in office, he also focused on what he calls his administrations successes. He touted that he has made full payments to the states pension system, doled out more than $14 billion in property tax relief through Anchor and other tax-relief programs, and raised the minimum wage to $15.49 an hour. He noted that critics of the minimum wage hikes warned that it would harm the very workers it sought to help.

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Thats what happens when you rebuild New Jerseys economy from the bottom-up rather than the top-down. A stronger working class always leads to a stronger economy for all of us, he said. But of course, helping our neighbors earn a livable wage is merely a starting point.

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Gov. Phil Murphy speaks to reporters on Dec. 9, 2024, at the Princeton Public Library. (Dana DiFilippo | New Jersey Monitor)

New Jersey officials would return potentially hundreds fewer parole violators to prison and cap how long they could be held under changes Gov. Phil Murphy will announce in his annual state of the state address Tuesday.

Murphy will urge lawmakers to pass legislation that would reduce how many people get hauled back to prison for technical parole violations, which is when someone violates the conditions of their parole rather than commits a new crime. Between 1,100 and 1,200 parolees are in state custody on any given day for technical parole violations.

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Right now, roughly 10% of our states entire prison population consists of people who are being held behind bars for committing a technical parole violation, like missing a scheduled meeting or forgetting to report a move to a new town, Murphy is expected to say in his speech Tuesday afternoon at the Statehouse in Trenton. Nobody should lose their freedom because of a technicality.

The state Parole Board decides who is granted parole, under what conditions, and when, as well as whether to charge someone with a parole violation that will land them back in prison. Murphy included $1 million in the current state budget  which runs through June  for a consultant to examine how those decisions get made, although that work hasnt yet started.

But state law gives the board little discretion on the duration of reincarceration. That leaves many parole violators in prison for months or even years for technical violations like missing curfew, not checking in with their parole officer, and using or possessing alcohol or drugs  even though research shows such reimprisonment has little public safety benefit.

Criminal justice reformers have long called for changes in this area, saying New Jersey officials could close an entire prison if they quit reincarcerating technical parole violators.

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The plan Murphy has in mind is laid out in legislation that Assemblywoman Shanique Speight (D-Essex) plans to introduce in coming weeks.

The bill would set new limits on whether a technical parole violation would result in reincarceration, and for how long. Parolees essentially would get a free pass for their first two technical violations, with escalating penalties starting with their third technical violation  seven days in jail for the third violation, 15 days for the fourth, and 30 days for the fifth and each subsequent technical violation.

Such changes would serve as a deterrent  but by punishing violators with shorter stays in county jails, the reincarceration would be less disruptive than a lengthy state stay to a parole violators employment, housing, family, and other rehabilitation efforts, administration officials said.

For people already in prison for violating parole, the bill would lower the threshold for release and tie the parole boards decision-making to public safety.

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Under current law, the board can keep parolees in prison if they find by a preponderance of the evidence that the person has failed to cooperate in his or her own rehabilitation or that there is a reasonable expectation that the inmate will violate the conditions of parole if released. Speights bill instead would require the parole board to find a substantial likelihood that the person would commit a new crime, the standard that was state law from 1979 to 1997.

The legislation also would expand compliance credits, under which parolees can shorten parole terms through good behavior. This change would reduce both how many people are on parole, as well as how long theyre supervised.

Assemblywoman Shanique Speight (Hal Brown for New Jersey Monitor)

Now, the parole board can take one day off the back end of a persons supervision term for every six days of compliance. Speights bill would increase that compliance credit ratio to 1-for-1. It also would expand eligibility to people serving mandatory terms of parole supervision and those sentenced under the No Early Release Act.

Such changes are intended to incentivize good behavior, reduce parole officers caseloads, and reinforce the idea that parole should be reserved for people still at risk for criminal behavior, administration officials said.

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The legislation also would increase the standard for parole violators pre-hearing detention, a change meant to address the parole boards months-long delays in its hearing schedule that leave some parolees languishing behind bars long before board members even determine whether theyre guilty of a violation.

And it would create other intermediary sanctions beyond incarceration, establish a mechanism for parole officers to withhold compliance credits as an intermediary sanction in some cases, and define due process rights related to the new violation system.

Murphys team didnt have firm projections on how many people would benefit from the governors plan. But its likely to be hundreds or more, given that more than 16,000 people now are under parole supervision in New Jersey, and the parole board reincarcerates 80% of parolees who violate parole.

That could save the state a bundle because it costs more than 10 times as much  $74,750 a year, on average  to incarcerate someone than to monitor them as parolees in the community, which costs about $6,351 per parolee a year, state budget documents show. The 1,100 to 1,200 people now behind bars for technical parole violations cost the state $82 million to $90 million a year  or $225,000 to almost $250,000 every day.

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Other states  including Republican strongholds like Louisiana and South Carolina  have already embraced such strategies to make parole fairer.

By enacting these reforms, we can uphold our responsibility to restore trust in our criminal justice system and our system of government, more broadly, Murphy is expected to say in his speech Tuesday.

The state public defenders office has urged state policymakers to fix injustices in how the state handles technical parole violations in reports issued in 2021 and last February. State Public Defender Jennifer Sellitti applauded the proposed changes Tuesday.

Incarcerating people on technical parole violations does nothing for public safety. In fact, it does just the opposite by costing taxpayers millions of dollars, increasing the burden on our Department of Corrections, and diverting valuable resources from people who need them the most, Sellitti said. We fully support the recommendations proposed by Governor Murphy and look forward to working toward this long overdue systemic reform.

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Nicole Swiderski, a parole board spokeswoman, said the board is committed to effectively implementing any amendments enacted by the Legislature and approved by the Governor.

The proposed parole changes come as New Jersey lawmakers continue working to reduce the states prison population. The number of people New Jersey holds in state prisons, juvenile lockups, and halfway houses has fallen 55% in the past two decades, from almost 29,000 in 2000 to about 13,000 this year, the result of marijuana decriminalization, bail reform, pandemic prison releases, and a shift to community-based restorative justice programs.

They also come just a month after Murphy launched a new clemency initiative, in which he pardoned 33 people and commuted the sentences of three women  the first time he exercised his clemency powers in his seven years in office.

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Doctors are now vastly outnumbered by other staff in GP practices and hospitals, a new report has revealed.

The Nuffield Trust think tank said a big shift in the NHS workforce over the past decade meant there are now almost three times as many healthcare professionals without medical degrees working in general practice as there are family doctors.

It comes amid a backlash by doctors organisations about Government plans to drastically expand the number of physician associates (PAs) working in the health service to 10,000, despite their lack of medical training.

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The Telegraph has revealed how PAs have been working beyond their scope by prescribing medication, ordering X-rays and filling in on doctors rotas despite having no medical degree, with patients dying in the worst cases.

Last week, The Telegraph revealed how the regulator for both doctors and PAs, the General Medical Council, had tried to water down Royal Colleges plans to set out how PAs could work safely in the health service on the grounds it was too burdensome and might undermine their employability.

Analysis of NHS workforce data by the Nuffield Trust found that in Sept 2015 there were a similar number of doctors as other clinical staff working in general practice, with 28,600 GPs to 30,400 other staff.

By 2022 the number of doctors had fallen to 26,900, while the number of other professionals had almost doubled to 57,200  and this trend has only continued since.

A&E crisis

In Englands hospitals, where record numbers of patients are facing 12-hour waits in A&E and at least a dozen have declared critical incidents because of pressure on services, doctors and nurses account for just two in five of total staff.

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This is a much lower proportion than in the rest of the UK as well as other Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries, the analysis said, such as in Italy and Austria where doctors and nurses account for 63 per cent and 72 per cent of hospital staff respectively.

The report, commissioned by NHS Employers, said the scale of change in the NHS has at times been dramatic.

Researchers also found the number of nurses per doctor in hospital had fallen from 4.3 in the year 2000 to 2.8 in 2024.

Dr Billy Palmer, senior policy fellow at Nuffield Trust, said: Introducing new and different staff roles to work alongside doctors and nurses has been a well-worn path for the NHS for decades.

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But in recent years there has been a particularly dramatic shift in the size and shape of the NHS workforce, and future plans to expand staff numbers rest heavily on new and emerging roles.

The report said that the NHS in England appears to have taken skill-mix changes further than most countries, with hospitals in particular having one of the broader professional mixes.

It said comparisons with other countries should be treated with caution, but found England employs more clinical support staff  relative to the number of doctors and nurses  than Wales and Scotland, and is recruiting more advanced roles in nursing compared with Wales and Northern Ireland.

Additional demands on doctors

Under current workforce plans there could be 14 times more nursing associates by 2036-37, with about six times the number of PAs and anaesthesia associates.

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Some challenges highlighted by the report include a lack of capacity in education and training, and issues with supervision because of the high workloads of clinical staff.

It said the expansion of the workforce is placing additional demands on senior doctors to educate and supervise.

Some staff can react to the introduction of such roles with challenge and resistance, which can stem from concerns about the safety and quality of care, a lack of understanding, fears of replacement, and competition for the same limited education and supervision opportunities, the report added.

While physician associates and anaesthesia associates are now regulated by the General Medical Council, the report said this belated introduction has been a barrier to their implementation by placing more pressure on staff and employers.

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Dr Palmer added: This report shows that there are big challenges to overcome in bringing on any new role  ensuring existing staff have time to supervise them, having clarity on the scope of the new role, having the right checks and balances in place if things go wrong, to name a few.

These challenges can be overcome with careful planning, time and attention at all levels in the health system.

But the NHS must take heed of the well-established lessons from history. The Governments review of physician and anaesthesia associates, and its wider refresh of the long-term workforce plan, provide an important opportunity to set out some clarity over the transition and avoid further repeating the mistakes of the past.

Caroline Waterfield, director of development and employment at NHS Employers, said: Over recent years there have been many changes to roles and the composition of teams delivering patient care.

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Change has been evolutionary over several decades, rather than a recent phenomenon, and we expect to see this evolution continue. It is therefore critical to understand what has worked well, what has not been implemented well, and why.

NHS workforce fit for the future

As the NHS develops a 10-year plan and revises the workforce plan to support it, it is critical that the findings from this work are central to the current design work and any future implementation plan.

A spokesman for NHS England said: Our staff are the heart of the NHS, and it is vital that we develop a workforce which has the confidence of the public and healthcare professionals.

We will continue to provide support, guidance and training as we work to establish and integrate new roles into multi-disciplinary teams to improve patient care  and are working closely with the Government to create an NHS workforce fit for the future as part of the 10-year plan for health.

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MILAN, N.M. (KRQE)  A person from Milan, New Mexico is now wanted after police said the suspect posted online threats targeting officers and their children. An arrest warrant has been issued for Kristjan Salazar who said officers with the Grants Police Department reset Salazars phone while Salazar was at the Cibola General Hospital Friday night and claimed they lost important pictures.

Man accused of shooting at family sledding in Tennessee: authorities

Salazar posted on Facebook several times on Saturday about getting back at them including threatening to shoot their children. The police department said no officers interacted with Salazar. While searching Salazars home, they found a list with four officers names on it. Anyone with information is asked to call Grants police.

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(Photo by Hyemin Lee)

In South Korea, Seollal () is the first day of the Lunar New Year. This is the biggest family gathering holiday on the Peninsula, and is celebrated over three days.In 2025, Seollal falls on Jan. 29 and the Seollal holidays are from Jan. 28-30.

The Lunar New Year dates back to Koreas ancient times and is a holiday where families conduct traditional customs such as ancestral rites, enjoy new years food and share wishes of good fortune for the coming year.

Every year I spend Seollal with family members from my dads side at my grandmothers house on a small farm. We are a large family with 30 members, so Seollal is always a busy time full of fun and great food.

Learning about Seollal will give you a glimpse of Korean tradition and culture. Each Korean family may have slightly different version of celebrating Seollal, but my large Lee family keeps with tradition. So, Id like to show you how Koreans celebrate Seollal by sharing my familys way!

THE DAY BEFORE

The day before Seollal, all of my family members gather at my grandmothers place by noon. The first thing the female members do is head to a local bathhouse to take a long bath with our grandmother. In Korea, we have a saying  clean your body and mind before ancestral rites.

In the meantime, my uncles do the grocery shopping, cleaning, and setting up the supplies for the ceremony. When we return from the baths, my mom and aunts start cooking ritual offerings and other festive food. It takes hard work and dedication all day long. Luckily, my aunts are close to each other, so they get along while cooking, but sometimes this part of celebrating Seollal can be a burden for Korean women.

One of my aunts cooks jeon (fritter and pancake) for ancestral rites the day before Seollal. (Photo by Hyemin Lee)

After my uncles and aunts finish all the preparation for the Seollal ceremony, we have a BBQ party and enjoy Korean alcoholic drinks to celebrate the coming together of family. The younger generation  me, my siblings and our cousins  are good friends and love hanging out altogether. We usually play with animals on the farm and explore the countryside until late at night.

THE DAY OF SEOLLAL

Ancestral rites (Jesa )

On the morning of Seollal, all family members prepare ancestral rites and start the ceremony. This is the most important part of Seollal because its the way to remind us where we are from and show respect and gratitude toward our ancestors.

During the ceremony, Koreans pray to our ancestors to bring us good fortune in the new year. The first son takes an important role to lead the whole family, including serving parents and ancestors properly. In my family, my oldest uncle always leads the ceremony as the master of the rites, and my dad and our uncles assist him.

Ancestral ritual foods include rice cake soup, beef soup, marinated pork, baked fish, chicken, fritters, pancakes, seasoned vegetables, fruit, traditional desserts and alcoholic drinks. All the offerings are set on the ritual table and all the doors in the house are open to welcome the spirits arrival. My oldest uncle lights incense, an invitation to ancestors from heaven, then kneeling, he bows deeply toward the table twice. The family members participating in the ceremony follow his lead.

My brother bows twice toward the ritual table during the ancestral rites on Seollal. (Photo by Hyemin Lee)

To serve the ancestors the food and drinks, a spoon is put in the rice, chopsticks are placed on the food and glasses are filled with premium makgeolli (rice wine) or Soju. My uncles and dad say: We prepare all the food you like, so please enjoy it, as if theyre talking to our ancestors. Koreans believe when we sincerely serve our ancestors, they will bring us good fortune.

After the ceremony and huge feast, all the male members of my family head to the mountain where our ancestors are buried and meet other Lee families there. They conduct the same ceremony in front of the ancestral grave mounds to serve food and drinks to our ancestors.

My dad and uncles greet one of our ancestors before cleaning snow on the grave mounds on the mountain. (Photo by Hyemin Lee)

Holiday food

After the ceremony at the house, its time to enjoy a breakfast feast! My aunts set the table with the ritual food, rice cake soup (tteokguk), galbi-jjim and japchae. Galbi-jjim and japchae are Korean festive food for holidays, birthdays or serving special guests. So, the Seollal breakfast table is full of delicious, special and amazing Korean dishes! With everyone sitting around the same table, no one can eat until the oldest person or a person in the highest position (usually the oldest male) takes the first bite. In my family, my grandmother has the honor. Once she takes a bite, the rest of the family and I can finally dig into all the delicious food weve been craving!

My grandmother enjoys a gukbap (soup) after bathing. (Photo by Hyemin Lee) Left: Japchae. Right: Galbijjim. (Photos courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

New Years bow (Sebae )

Sebae is the most exciting part of Seollal for children because they receive cash gifts while bowing to adults! As Koreans bow to the ancestors, we also bow to our elderly family members. But the bow must be only once because bowing twice means greeting dead people. When young people bow, they say a New Years greeting, Saehae bok mani badeuseyo. And senior members return the sentiment with a blessing and cash gift! It is standard to give between 20,000 won and 100,000 won for Sebae, and the surprising part is it doesnt matter how old you are. My cousin is in his 40s and still receives cash gifts from our uncles and aunts!

This is not only among family members. For instance, when Koreans visit our senior neighbors, teachers or someone older and in a higher position than us during the New Years season to offer greetings and gifts, the seniors offer well wishes and cash gifts. So, if you bow once offer New Years greetings to the Korean seniors you know or parents of your Korean friends, there is a good chance you may receive some won!

My aunts and uncles bow to each other to wish good fortune in the new year for Sebae. (Photo by Hyemin Lee)

Games

As a big family, we play a lot of different games together, including New Years games like Yut Nori and Yeon Nalligi.

Yut Nori is a traditional board game with four sticks called Yut.

Yeon Nalligi is a kite flying game. When the kite reaches as high as possible into the sky, the string should be cut to release the kite as its believed to blow away any misfortune of the upcoming year.

Flying a kite. (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

During the New Years season, you will see many Koreans enjoying Yeon Nalligi at the Han River area and cultural heritages sites such as Suwon Fortress. Theres nothing like seeing traditional kites dotting the clear blue sky.

During Seollal, my grandmothers house turns into a special place to enjoy a lot of fun winter activities. My favorite one is playing in the snow and riding a cardboard box down snow-covered hills.

My sister sleds down the snowy hill in my grandmothers backyard. (Photo by Hyemin Lee)

My grandmother loved giving her grandchildren cash gifts on Seollal, so she kept selling vegetables from her farm until she was 90 years old to earn money. Though she passed away a few years ago, well still have her with us when we show our respect and gratitude during this years Seollal ceremony.

Cash gifts (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization)

Nowadays, many customs and traditions are gradually disappearing. A lot of modern Korean families dont celebrate Seollal in the traditional way anymore. Keeping tradition can be a burden sometimes, but I believe it helps keep our family strong, makes us proud of our roots and reminds us how important family is.

*This story is based on my family tradition when my grandmother was alive.

WHERE YOU CAN GO

Seollal is a unique and special holiday where you can experience some of Koreas most important traditions. One of the most fun places to visit during Seollal is Korean Folk Village. You can try a variety of the traditional games and customs there.

Hours: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. daily

Fees: 16,500 won - 35,000 won (Discount available through Naver or when visiting in the month of your birthday. Proof of ID required.)

Website

KOREAN LESSON
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  Greece Police Department is working to identify additional victims after a former Michaels employee was arrested and charged with identity theft in Greece.

According to police, the investigation began after receiving a report from store representatives at Michaels inside Greece Ridge Mall suspecting former employee Michelle Fiorino, age 44, of stealing credit cards left behind by customers in 2024.

Mugshot of 44-year-old Michelle Fiorino, a Hamlin resident, courtesy of Greece Police Department.

Through the investigation, Greece Police said officers learned that Fiorino used these credit cards to purchase around $8,000 in merchandise and gift cards.

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Fiorino was charged with Identity Theft (1st and 2nd) and Grand Larceny (3rd and 4th).

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Greece Police Department at (585) 865-9200, call the GPD tip line at (585) 581-4016, or email tips to GPDTips@greeceNY.gov.

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Jason Oppenheim, reality star and founder of real-estate company The Oppenheim Group, says his clients are being charged above market rates during the Los Angeles wildfires.

A portion of greedy landlords are reportedly profiteering from the deadly blazes sweeping through Los Angeles.

Jason Oppenheim, who leads the Oppenheim Group featured on Netflix's hit show 'Selling Sunset,' says his clients searching for new homes are being charged an above-market premium because of the fires.

"It's frustrating, especially because it's really hard work trying to find people houses," he told Fortune. "And these people are already dealing with enough. They've been displaced, their kids schools have been burnt down, and now they're being asked to shell out above market rents."

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Not only is this morally abhorrent, Oppenheim points out price gouging in the wake of a natural disaster is also illegal.

Speaking to the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg on Sunday, Oppenheim explained: "We're having landlords taking advantage of the situation. I had a client, we sent him to a house that was asking $13,000 a month. He offered $20,000 a month and he offered to pay six months up front. The landlord said: 'No, I want $23,000 a month.'

"There are price gouging laws in California that are just being ignored right now. This isn't the time to be taking advantage of situations, and it's also illegal to take advantage of a natural disaster."

Under California State law, it is illegal to hike prices by more than 10% during a declared state of emergency.

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At the time of writing, four significant blazes are still burning, including the Palisades Fire, which has engulfed almost 24,000 acres of homes, businesses, and community buildings.

The fires are believed to have caused 23 deaths, per the California Fire Department.

Private forecaster AccuWeather has also reevaluated its damage estimate because of the infernos to between $135 billion and $150 billion.

Individuals looking to cash in during such a period of devastation have been given blunt warnings by law enforcement.

California's attorney general, Rob Bonta, said at a press conference over the weekend: "Price gouging ... is illegal. You cannot do it. It is a crime, punishable by up to a year in jail and $10,000 fines.

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"To anyone who would go out and take advantage of this tragedy for their greedy gain, who would further victimize people who have potentially lost everything, who would look at this situation and see dollar signsI have a message for you: You will be held accountable. My office will be engaged to hold you accountable."

"We'll rebuild better with stronger foundations than ever before"

Oppenheim is known for selling homes for tens of millions of dollars and enjoying the finest parts of the City of Angelsa far cry from the devastation now engulfing more than 40,000 acres of the Californian tundra.

But as the city and its residents continue to feel the devastation of the ongoing wildfires, Oppenheim told Fortune that any agent with his brokerage will forego their commission for clients displaced by the fires. He said the firm is also encouraging other clients who have available, unused properties to put them on the market to increase the overall supply.

"Nobody should be profiting," Oppenheim said. "If anything, people should be giving to those in need right now."

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Oppenheim added that the destruction took him by surprise.

"I can't even put words to it," Oppenheim told the BBC. "I never could have imagined that this would have happened here, and maybe that's naivety on my part.

"Communities like Altadenavery hardworking class areasthese people really lost not just their homes but their belongings, their clothes ... It's emotional for everyone, I think everyone just has tears in their eyes all day longnot literally from the smokebut because it's emotional to see people struggling like this."

Oppenheim, reportedly worth $50 million, said the resilience of the American people will push LA to rebuild and do so better.

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"We are so resilientand I mean this city, but the American resilience is unmatched, in my opinion," he said.

"We'll rebuild, and we'll rebuild better with stronger foundations than ever before ... at the same time I hope that we can learn difficult and important lessons about our priorities."

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
DENVER (KDVR)  JBS USA Food Co. and the U.S. Department of Labor announced Monday that the meat packing processor and slaughterhouse will provide $4 million to assist those impacted by illegal child labor practices in America.

JBS USA Food Co. is headquartered in Greeley with nine U.S. beef facilities and five U.S. pork processing facilities. The company employs over 37,000 people. Since 2022, the U.S. Labor Department said it has investigated third-party contractors who provided sanitation services in meat packing plants, as well as service providers of poultry-catching operations in the U.S.

How much do low-income workers make in Denver?

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As a result of the investigations, the U.S. Department of Labor discovered that JBSs third-party service providers had employed children in dangerous jobs and overnight at company facilities in Colorado, Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska. JBS will fund $4 million toward preventing illegal child labor and supporting victims of child labor while prioritizing efforts in Guntersville, Alabama; Ottumwa, Iowa; Worthington, Minnesota; Grand Island, Nebraska and Greeley

Host companies like JBS have enormous leverage to help prevent child labor in their supply chains and even more broadly in the industry, said Solicitor of Labor Seema Nanda in Mondays announcement. With this agreement, JBS USA Food Co. is taking significant steps to ensure children are not put in harms way at its facilities or by its contractors.

Through the agreement, JBS has committed to holding certain portions of its supply chain, third-party contractors and service providers accountable for illegal child labor. The company is also creating an advertising campaign to raise awareness of unlawful child labor practices, per the agreement.

Under this agreement, JBS USA Food Co. has adopted creative and forward-thinking compliance measures to combat illegal child labor, said Wage and Hour Administrator Jessica Looman in the Department of Labors announcement. JBS has taken responsibility for children performing dangerous work at its facilities by proposing concrete and enforceable solutions to address those issues, setting the standard as a market leader in preventing illegal youth employment.

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JBS is also required under the agreement to:

Sponsor or host a symposium on preventing illegal child labor aimed at industry leaders, nonprofits and more

Hire a child labor compliance specialist to review policies, develop training materials and conduct surprise audits

Maintain a toll-free ethics hotline for anonymous reporting

Incorporate a zero-tolerance policy for contract agreements with third-party sanitation firms or poultry-catching service providers

Notify the U.S. Labor Department when child labor violations result in contract terminations

Conduct community outreach and education about child labor prohibitions at meat-packing establishments

Require nationwide training to prevent illegal child labor for all third-party sanitation employers at JBS facilities and for all JBS employees at meat-packing establishments

Anyone under the age of 18 is barred from operating power-driven meat-processing machines, cleaning such equipment, including hand washing of disassembled machine parts, and according to the U.S. Department of Labor, most jobs at meat and poultry slaughtering facilities bar workers under 18 years old.

Zumper data: These nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Denver

In September 2024, FOX31 spoke to Haitian migrants working at the Greeley meat packing plant. The workers partnered with UFCW Local 7 in asking for a federal investigation after they reported horrible working conditions. The workers, who were not minors, told FOX31 that they were under a lot of pressure from management to keep working through injuries and alleged they were living in rooms with seven or eight other people.

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LEWISBURG, WV (WVNS)  The Greenbrier County Sheriffs Office has provided more details into the previous employment and their handling of a former deputy who entered a guilty plea for sexual abuse.

According to the Greenbrier County Sheriffs Office, in 2023, the West Virginia State Police and WV Department of Health and Human Resources opened an investigation into former deputy Christopher Wilson Bennett in relation to allegations of sexual assault and abuse. Bennett was immediately placed on administrative leave after learning of the allegations and subsequent investigation.

Former Greenbrier County Sheriffs deputy pleads guilty to sexual abuse

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A separate internal investigation was also launched by the Greenbrier County Sheriffs Office. It was also decided to include other agencies from outside of Greenbrier County to uphold the integrity of the investigation and legal process that followed.

The release included a statement from the Sheriffs Office saying how much the community was impacted and that they are completely open to full transparency with those they serve.

This case has profoundly impacted our community, and we are committed to transparency, accountability, and justiceBennetts actions violate the principles of integrity, trust, and service that this office hold at its highest values. Greenbrier County Sheriffs Office

A longer section, expressing sympathies for an unnamed victim was also included.

The actions of Christopher W. Bennett are reprehensible and do not reflect the values of the Greenbrier County Sheriffs Office or the dedicated deputies who serve this community with honor and professionalism every day. We will not tolerate that behavior in Greenbrier County. Our Thoughts remain with the victim and their family, and we extend our deepest sympathies during this difficult time. The safety and well-being of our citizens are our utmost priority, and we remain committed to ensuring accountability at all levels Greenbrier County Sheriffs Office

The release also stated that the Greenbrier County Sheriffs Office was carrying out a complete review of all of their internal policies and procedures to make sure something like this does not happen again.

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The Sheriffs Office also thanked the West Virginia State Police and WV Department of Health and Human Resources for their work in the investigation.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.
(Bloomberg) -- Greenlands prime minister said he will seek a closer relationship with the US, highlighting the Arctic islands push for independence amid renewed interest from Donald Trump.

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We have started a dialog and seek opportunities for cooperation with Trump, Mute B. Egede said at a press briefing in Nuuk on Monday, according to local broadcaster KNR.

We have the doors open in relation to mining, he said. This will also be the case in the coming years. We have to trade with the US.

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His comments come after President-elect Trump last week reiterated his ambition to take control of Greenland, a self-ruling territory of Denmark with 57,000 people. The island holds large reserves of gold, diamonds, uranium and rare earth metals used in electronic devices. Its also expected to be a key part of global shipping routes in the coming decades.

US House Republicans on Monday unveiled a bill that would allow Trump to start negotiations with Denmark to secure the acquisition of Greenland by the United States. Representative Andy Ogles, a Tennessee Republican, is the main sponsor of the two-page Make Greenland Great Again Act. A Panama Canal reacquisition bill has also been introduced, and has 16 sponsors so far.

Thousands of bills are introduced in the US congress every year; the vast majority of them never make it though the legislative process. Meanwhile, both Egede and Denmarks Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen have repeatedly stressed that Greenland is not for sale, and that its up to the Greenlandic people to decide their future.

Egede in recent weeks has stepped up his rhetoric on loosening ties with Denmark and has indicated a referendum on independence could be coming in the next election period. Greenland is due to hold a general election no later than April, where independence and Greenlands future ties are likely to be in focus.

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A potential secession would have to be approved by the Danish parliament, but Denmarks ruling coalition has said itll respect any decision from Nuuk.

The Danish government has also welcomed Trumps interest in Greenland. Speaking ahead of a NATO summit in Helsinki on Tuesday, Frederiksen reiterated that Denmark would like to work closer with the US in the region.

We have already a very close, a very deep cooperation when it comes to the Arctic region and the defense of Greenland and the whole region, Frederiksen said. And we would like to deepen that corporation.

The renewed focus on Greenland has given the territory more leverage in its relationship with Denmark, putting the worlds largest island in an unexpected position of power.

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The situation now is that other countries have started to listen to us in Greenland, Egede said at Mondays press conference.

The Greenlandic prime minister will hold a meeting with the self-rules party leaders on Tuesday to discuss the situation, according to local media Sermitsiaq.

--With assistance from Billy House.

(Updates to add comments from Danish prime minister from ninth paragraph)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP)  Greensboro police officials addressed the recent violence in Greensboro at a community meeting on Monday night.

We were coming into the end of the year, struggling with our own loss  Now, two weeks into the year, we have six homicides in the city of Greensboro, Greensboro Police Chief John Thompson said.

Thompson held the first of several community meetings at the Barber Park Event Center on Monday night. The meeting was scheduled after the community and elected officials expressed concern about four homicides early in the year. By the first two weeks, the number of homicides went up to six. Two city council members also attended in addition to the city manager.

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The venue was filled to capacity, and the chief fielded dozens of questions about violent crime. Last year, there were 43 homicides compared to more than 70 in 2023.

One homicide is way too many, Thompson said.

Thompson says the police are always looking for what leads people to cross paths with gun violence. He said arrests have been made in two of the cases and gave insight into a thread four others shared.

I can tell you four had some kind of narcotics nexus connected to them. When I say that I am not saying it was a drug deal. We know four of our victims had a history of narcotics, so thats one area we are looking at, Thompson said.

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A very, very, very small percentage of people in our community are committing the majority of violent crimes, he said.

He went on to explain that five percent of people committing crimes are responsible for 80 percent of violent crimes, so the department is working diligently to find those people and hold them accountable.

The community members who spoke asked about when to call 911, gangs, anonymous reporting, surveillance and more.

Thompson patiently answered them all. He said this kind of community partnership will make a difference. He thanked the packed room for attending.

I want to say as I look around this room, Thank you. I could have easily been speaking to a group of three to four people, but as I look around, the room is full, and that gives me hope, he said.

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Another thing he spoke at length about was domestic violence after seeing a spike last year. He said as a community, people cant keep turning a blind eye because calling the police can save a life.

He also encouraged using Crimestoppers to make anonymous crime tips. No tipper has been exposed in the 40 years of the program.

The schedule for the rest of the meetings in Greensboro is listed below:

Thursday, Jan. 16

Brown Recreation Center at 6:30 p.m. on 302 E. Vandalia Rd.

Tuesday, Jan. 21

Presbyterian Church of the Cross at 6:30 p.m. on 1810 Phillips Avenue

Tuesday, Jan. 28

Guilford Park Presbyterian Church at 6:30 p.m. on 2100 Fernwood Drive

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP.
GREENVILLE, N.C. (WNCT)  Greenville ENC Alliance released its 2024 economic performance report to highlight trends and data that provides economic insight.

The goal is to share important data with the community, businesses and leaders and how it compares to national and state trends. ENC Alliance reported steady economic growth in Greenville and Pitt County as households are earning more and deposits and wealth are accumulating.

We want to provide some information about where were showing up across different platforms and different ranking systems like us at USA Today, showing up as number three in the state North Carolina in community to move to and things that its kind of bright spot from a public, you know, perception component average, CEO of Greenville ENC Alliance Josh Lewis said. Yeah that was another one, is yeah, I was looking at it it was like uh, another positive area.

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The report also emphasized Greenvilles national strength in population increase, job creation and growth from manufacturing, life sciences, healthcare and education.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT.
Jan. 13LIMA  Groamy's CDs and Tapes was hit by a fire early Sunday morning, causing an estimated $200,000 in damage.

Lima Fire Department was dispatched to the store at 1206 W. Robb Ave., Lima, at 4:47 a.m. Sunday.

According to LFD investigator and inspector Shawn Allgire, the department had the fire under control approximately 30 minutes after they arrived. The total estimated losses are $75,000 for the building and nearly $125,000 for contents inside. The report is not finalized, and investigations are still ongoing, according to the LFD.

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Owner Gene "Groamy" Frueh explained the uphill battle could've been worse.

"It's not a total loss," he said. "People keep saying that, but it's not a total loss."

He is encouraging the public to follow the store's Facebook page for upcoming information as he learns it.

Frueh is hopeful to re-open soon, aiming for Record Store Day on April 12.

"Wouldn't that be a great time for a grand re-opening?" he asked. "We'll have bands play here, we have parking lot art fair, it's a celebration of record stores."

To help with recovery, damage, and rebuilding, a GoFundMe has been created at bit.ly/427WMkR. As of 11 a.m. Monday morning, nearly half of the $13,000 goal had been raised.

The shop has served the Lima community since 1992.

Reach Cade Higgins at 567-242-0351

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The women's ready-to-wear federation in France criticized former French ministers for joining forces with a notorious fast-fashion giant.

The federation questioned the ministers' affiliation with Shein because of the fashion brand's harmful social and environmental impacts.

What's happening?

As Women's Wear Daily reported, La Federation Francaise du Pret a Porter Feminin is skeptical about Shein's strategic approach to social responsibility.

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Shein recently established an external board and corporate responsibility committees to advise its leadership. Public figures in France, including a former minister of the interior/deputy and another former minister, were among Shein's selected advisors.

In a statement, the federation wrote, "This initiative, claimed as a step toward a more sustainable model, raises strong questions and deep indignation."

The affiliation between the brand and former leaders follows the passing of a bill that threatens fast fashion companies with penalties to offset their environmental impacts.

Why are fast-fashion political connections important?

The federation strongly opposes former political leaders supporting Shein and says that the brand threatens the economy, jobs, and the environment.

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It stated, "This alignment demonstrates a clear attempt at greenwashing by this company, which is flooding the market with poor quality clothing and lobbying aimed at curbing ongoing legislative efforts."

Fast fashion brands contribute to the massive overconsumption problem in our society and release a disturbing amount of pollution while generating excessive waste into our environment.

What should the government do about the fast fashion industry?

Click your choice to see results and speak your mind

Meanwhile, fast fashion greenwashing has become a significant issue worldwide.

Partnerships between fast-fashion companies and people with political influence have the potential to influence legislation and help these brands become even larger and more profitable. By aligning themselves with influential leaders, fast-fashion companies can continue to grow, generating more waste and pollution while promoting unsustainable shopping habits.

What's being done about the impacts of fast fashion?

The federation has pushed political figures to answer questions about how they could work with Shein while being aware of its disastrous economic model. It stated that "a firm and collective response is necessary."

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Fortunately, governments, regulatory authorities, and advocacy groups are cracking down on corporate greenwashing. Fashion brands finally realize that they will be held accountable for their claims and that deceiving shoppers with false information is bad for the public and business.

"We cannot let the interests of companies like Shein trample the efforts of an entire industry to adopt responsible practices," said Yann Rivoallan, president of the federation. "These shameful partnerships between politicians and a destructive giant must not influence our common future."

As a consumer, it's crucial to be able to spot greenwashing campaigns when a company is falsely claiming sustainability. Warning signs include a lack of official sustainability certifications on products and making lofty goals without providing a roadmap for achieving them.

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.
GROVE CITY, Ohio (WCMH)  A special use permit approved by Grove City Council that allows a marijuana dispensary to open and operate in the city could be put on pause by the mayor.

The council voted 4-2 on Jan. 6 to approve a special use permit for a marijuana dispensary to move forward at 1947 Stringtown Rd. through the Ohio Cannabis Company. This comes after the citys planning commission recommended that council deny the application, stating the site was too prominent for that type of use.

Following the council meeting, Mayor Richard Ike Stage said he is planning to veto the legislation. Stage said he does not agree with making an exception and said he is signing the veto action on Monday. Stage did mention council could appeal the veto, needing at least five council members to override the measure.

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Heres what Ohios Parents Bill of Rights will require

Before passing the special use permit, council discussed the dispensary location and the citys distance requirement for marijuana retailers, which was passed in August 2024, being at least 500 feet away from residential buildings, as well as churches, schools or parks. Two multi-family residential developments are fewer than 500 feet from the proposed site, according to the application submitted to the citys planning commission.

(Courtesy: Grove City Planning Commission)

It is very important we live up to the expectation that we set, council president Christine Houk said. I will look first always to our public safety division, our law director, our administration and they put that legislation in front of us and the seven members of council got it where we thought it was good for Grove City and, for me, its important that we stick with that.

Representative for the Ohio Cannabis Company Brian Wingfield addressed council, showing his support for the dispensary, saying the business would bring opportunities to the area and residents.

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This industry is highly regulated and we always adhere to state and local requirements, Wingfield said. Our presence will create new jobs and foster local employment opportunities, additionally tax revenue from the adult-use cannabis sales will serve to benefit the community.

Council will hold their next meeting on Jan. 21 at 7 p.m., where Stage said they can vote to override his veto.

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In 2024, direct democracy won battles in San Luis Obispo County. Atascadero voters decided to continue to elect their city treasurer. In Morro Bay, voters said no to a battery storage facility near the waterfront.

But nowhere in the county were citizens more active than in Grover Beach, where thousands fought for direct democracy.

They repealed water rate hikes through Measure G-24, a nonpartisan citizen ballot initiative, and they stopped a flawed water project, Central Coast Blue.

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They won a lawsuit when city officials illegally blocked their recall efforts and went on to recall one council member (only 17% of local recalls succeed).

After the city blocked their recall efforts for three months, they went to court, where a SLO County Superior Court judge determined the city violated election law and commanded the city clerk to release the petitions. Come January, the court will likely demand that the city pay the citizens legal bills, an amount that could total up to $200,000 to cover the city and citizens legal expenses.

In 2026, voters will get to decide if they would prefer to elect their city clerk, who is the elections official, rather than having one appointed by the city manager. This happened because over 1,000 Grover voters worked to put this citizens initiative on the ballot.

They are not done yet. A group of citizens created a ballot initiative asking their community if they would prefer to elect their city attorney rather than have the attorney appointed by the council. They have until June 2025 to gather those 1,000 signatures.

How it started

It all began back in September 2023, when Grover Beach water consumers received letters from the city saying water bills would quadruple by 2028 to finance the Central Coast Blue water reclamation project. Just a year earlier they had been reassured by the city manager, Mathew Bronson, that 2021 increases would fully fund the project.

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The letter was the first notice in the Proposition 218 process, whereby rates go up unless at least 50% plus one of the water customers oppose it in writing  a process referred to as a protest vote.

In a city that is 45% rentals and has large number of industrial and commercial water customers, that was a nearly impossible task. Several citizens banded together to send a template for a protest letter to all 5,000 water customers, including those with out-of-town addresses.

The city then realized it hadnt mailed out-of-town customers the notice of the rate increase, and the City Council voted to start the process over. Water customers were told that protest votes sent before the city do-over would not count. Then the City Council directed that they would count.

Despite the odds, 2,000 households sent protest letters in time for the Proposition 218 hearing on Dec. 11, 2023. Three (male) hydrologists and a civil engineer spoke at the meeting, advising the council that the project was flawed and should be dropped. At least one speaker told the council they would be recalled if they voted for the increase. The council did not heed their warnings and approved the water rate increase.

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The citizens, who had by then banded together as a non-partisan political action committee, called themselves Grover H2O. They were responsible for investigating and advocating against the Central Coast Blue project, which is not and was not a viable solution to increase Grovers water supply. (It is questionable whether Grover really has a water problem  the Local Coastal Program states that Grover has sufficient water for its build-out population of around 15,000, but they do want to increase and broaden their options for additional water.)

Women singled out for ridicule

Without this groups tireless commitment to the truth, the Grover Beach and Arroyo Grande city councils would have not pulled out of the project. Grover Beach taxpayers would be stuck with large water bills, torn-up streets, ugly pumping stations, neighborhoods disrupted by large drilling cranes and a project that would provide very little water at exorbitant prices.

Yet rather than reporting on these unprecedented, grassroots success stories of the little city that could, the local press disparages the group and calls its members names.

Although many of the protests have been raised by men, only the women in the movement are being singled out by the press. They have been ridiculed, denigrated and dismissed by misogynistic writers in the local papers.

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In a bizarre twist, while Grover H2O has stuck to the issues and embraced a year-long, nonpartisan campaign to save their community thousands of dollars, the press and fans of the City Council call Grover H2O leaders liars and hateful.

If you are going to attach labels to the women in the movement who have researched, walked, authored and petitioned, I say they are heroes, champions, leaders or advocates. People usually say, You cant beat City Call!

Maybe its time to give credit where credit is due. My New Years wish and hope for 2025 is that democracy will thrive and City Hall will listen and say You cant beat the people!

Cheryl Storton is an Arroyo Grande resident and the past president of the South County Democratic Club.
A growing number of states are considering legislation to ban or restrict cellphones in schools, part of an effort to remove classroom distractions for students as concerns rise about their mental health.

Lawmakers in Alabama, Maryland and New Hampshire last week announced bills to restrict cellphone use during school hours as state legislatures convene around the country in the new year. They join legislators in 11 other states who have introduced bills targeting restrictions as of December, according to the health policy research group KFF.

Screens are negatively impacting our learning environments, drawing students attention away from their classes, and becoming a barrier for teachers to do their jobs. No more, New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte, a Republican, said in her inaugural address last week, announcing her support for such legislation.

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In addition to Alabama, New Hampshire and Maryland, other states education departments have advised or piloted restrictions, too. Alabamas proposed legislation suggests fining students for violating the policy.

If those states were to enact the new legislation, they would join eight others  California, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Ohio, South Carolina and Virginia  that have banned or restricted cellphones in public schools statewide.

The new wave of legislation comes as a growing body of research suggests that teens are using their phones to aggressively consume social media, which studies find is linked to anxiety, depression, body dissatisfaction and eating disorders.

A 2023 Gallup study found that 51% of American teenagers were using social media at least four hours a day.

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Lawmakers in some states have gone even further, proposing bans on social media for children under 16, as Australia did last year. Indiana lawmakers are considering a similar bill, while Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Miss., in 2023 proposed federal legislation to create a legal age to be allowed on social media; it died in committee.

Proponents of the restrictions on cellphone use in schools  some of which enjoy bipartisan support  say theyll help students focus on their coursework, and not the group chat, during class.

But some parents say access to cellphones is a public safety issue.

Jeara Underwood, a 45-year-old single mom, said she'd pull her four kids out of Colorado public schools if they can't use their cellphones.

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While there isn't a statewide policy in Colorado, some districts have restricted cellphone use. Her children arent supposed to have phones at school, but keep them in their bags.

If something were to happen in the school, my child should be able to have their cellphone to be able to call for help, to be able to call me, Underwood said.

Mary Alvord, a psychologist who works with teens as a clinician and with the American Psychological Association on crafting healthy technology-use recommendations, said broad bans create new disciplinary issues and ignore the omnipresence of technology  like students' access to laptops in the classroom.

Teaching teens to have a healthy relationship with technology and social media is the goal, she argued, not simply keeping them off a mobile device until the school bell rings.

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Its just like banning books. Youre missing out on a lot of good literature if you dont actually teach media literacy, she said. If you legislative something, it takes a long time to change the legislation, and this whole area of technology moves faster than the legislators.

And while such bans may reduce bullying and help students focus on staying off their phones during class, Alvord said its more important and useful for teens learn how to use their phones responsibly.

I do think there need to be some boundaries, she said. But legal restrictions take it to another level.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Silicon Valley is apparently all in on Donald Trumps forthcoming presidency.

Worlds-richest-man Elon Musk, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, and Amazon chief Jeff Bezos are slated to attend the forty-seventh presidents inauguration next week, according to NBC News. The tech trio will be seated alongside elected officials and Trumps Cabinet selections.

The industry leadersand their respective companieshave opportunistically caved to the incoming presidents politics since he won in November, in an apparent bid to curry favor with the executive.

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Trumps second term could prove to be a new leaf for the tech industry, which faced heightened scrutiny under President Joe Bidens administration. Meta, Google, Amazon, and several other tech giants have faced blowback from antitrust regulators critical of the industrys biggest monopolies over the last four years. The government also sought to tighten regulations on a bubbling AI industry.

Rapid developments in tech are already proving to be a major strain on the nations infrastructure: In August, taxpayers in Texas paid Riot Platforms $31 million not to mine bitcoin in an effort to stave off rolling blackouts and spare the states electric grid.

The tech industrys support has helped Trump best his 2017 inaugural fundraising records, raising more than $170 million ahead of next weeks presidential celebration. A coalition of top tech heads, including Zuckerberg, Bezos, Apples Tim Cook, Googles Sundar Pichai, and OpenAIs Sam Altman, all pledged $1 million to Trumps inauguration fund.

Meanwhile, Musk has further ingratiated himself into Trumps sphere, effectively bankrolling the 78-year-olds pathway back to the White House with a $250 million donation. That earned Musk nearly unfettered access to Trump, as well as a not-yet-real position co-chairing the not-yet-authorized Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE.

But the sudden ingratiation hasnt come without issue in Trumpworld: Over the weekend, Trumps former chief White House strategist Steve Bannon lambasted Musk as a truly evil guy whom he planned to force out of the MAGA leaders sphere by Inauguration Day.
Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trumps pick to lead the Pentagon, will face a Senate panel Tuesday for his confirmation hearing as he is expected to be questioned over allegations ranging from sexual assault to excessive drinking in the workplace.

Hegseth has denied all accusations and made several trips to Capitol Hill to shore up support since he was announced as Trumps pick in November, including meeting with senators as recently as last week. But its unclear as of Tuesday whether the veteran and former Fox News host has managed to convince the Senate Armed Services Committee so that his nomination can be referred to the full chamber for a vote.

In his opening statement obtained by CNN, Hegseth is expected to tell the committee that he wishes to restore a warrior culture to the Defense Department. The remarks do not address questions about Hegseths personal life.

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It is true that I dont have a similar biography to Defense Secretaries of the last 30 years, Hegseth is expected to say. But, as President Trump also told me, weve repeatedly placed people atop the Pentagon with supposedly the right credentials whether they are retired generals, academics, or defense contractor executivesand where has it gotten us? He believes, and I humbly agree, that its time to give someone with dust on his boots the helm.

Trump has defended his pick amid the allegations and in December said he remained confident that Hegseth will be confirmed. However, CNN has reported the Trump transition team has compiled a list of potential alternatives should Hegseth falter.

Heres what to know about Hegseth and his confirmation hearing.

Who is Hegseth?

Hegseth is a decorated combat veteran who was deployed in Guantanamo Bay in Cuba, Iraq and Afghanistan. He has earned two Bronze Star Medals for his service in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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He went on to lead two veteran advocacy nonprofits, Vets for Freedom and Concerned Veterans for America, and joined Fox News as a contributor in 2014, eventually becoming a co-host of the weekend Fox & Friends show.

Trump considered Hegseth for a Cabinet position during his first term, including Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and though he was ultimately passed over, Hegseth remained in Trumps orbit. He acted as an informal adviser to Trump for a number of years while he was in and out of office, Trump advisers told CNN.

As a Fox News host, Hegseth made $4.6 million, according to his financial disclosure, which covered the past two years. He left the role in November amid his announcement as Trumps pick for defense secretary.

Hegseth also reported making approximately $1 million on speaking fees across dozens of engagements in 2023 and 2024, many of which were at conservative or Christian organizations. However, for one of those payments, a spokesman for the American Legislative Exchange Council, where Hegseth reported being paid $150,000 for a speech in February 2023, said Hegseth only received $15,000 for the event  although he did not know where the error had been made. A transition official confirmed Hegseth was paid $15,000 for the engagement. The official said $150,000 was listed in error, and they are working on making a correction.

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According to the financial disclosure, Hegseth held stock in several major defense contractors as well, including Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and Honeywell. The value of the assets was relatively small, listed between $1,001 and $15,000 for each of the companies. Hegseth also held between $15,001 and $50,000 of Bitcoin.

CNN has reported that as Hegseths public profile grew, he faced deepening private turmoil. His second wife, Samantha, filed for divorce in 2017, shortly after Fox executive producer Jennifer Rauchet  with whom he had been having an affair  gave birth to their baby. During divorce proceedings, a court-appointed parenting consultant chastised Hegseth in one letter for his conduct around his sons, writing that he had shown hostile and degrading communication toward Samantha. Hegseth stated in a court filing that he thought the court-appointed consultants letter was heavy handed, though he committed to learning from his mistakes. His attorney said that the proceedings were typical for divorce cases, noting that Hegseth has a great relationship with his kids and adding that this is why people get divorced  because they fight.

Hegseths treatment of women was criticized by his own mother, who wrote in a 2018 letter obtained by The New York Times in late November that that there are many women whom he has abused in some way and encouraged him to get some help. Shortly after, Penelope Hegseth went on Fox News to retract the letter and defend her son, and she told the Times that she wrote the email in anger, with emotion. Pete Hegseths mother said that she had immediately apologized in a separate email, and she said her own characterization of his treatment of women in the email has never been true.

Sexual assault allegation

Hegseth was accused by a woman of sexually assaulting her in October 2017 following a speaking engagement at a conference held by a Republican womens group in Monterey, California.

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According to a police report obtained by CNN, the woman told police that Hegseth physically blocked her from leaving a hotel room, took her phone and then sexually assaulted her even though she remembered saying no a lot. Hegseth told police that their encounter was consensual and that he had repeatedly made sure the woman was comfortable with what was going on between the two of them.

Hegseth was not charged with a crime in connection with the allegation. In response to the reporting of the police report, his lawyer Tim Parlatore told CNN that the police found the allegations to be false, which is why no charges were filed, although the report does not say that police found the allegations to be false.

Hegseth continues to deny any wrongdoing and maintains that the encounter was consensual.

Years later, he paid the woman as part of a settlement agreement that included a confidentiality clause. Hegseths lawyer said that he settled because he was worried it was during the Me Too movement and he didnt want to lose his job at Fox News if the accusation became public.

Concerns over workplace behavior

Hegseth has also been accused of mismanaging funds at Vets for Freedom, including inappropriate expenses such as parties one former associate of the group described as trysts, according to The New Yorker.

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During a later leadership stint at Concerned Veterans for America, former employees sent a letter to the nonprofits senior management with a slew of allegations related to excessive drinking and treatment of female staff, the magazine further reported. The magazine did not name the employees and CNN has not independently reviewed the report.

Among the allegations were that Hegseth had to be restrained from joining the dancers on stage at a Louisiana strip club where he had brought his team.

The complaint also alleged Hegseths management team sexually pursued employees and divided the organizations female staffers into two groups  party girls and not party girls. He has also been accused of ignoring a female employees allegation that another member of Hegseths staff attempted to sexually assault her.

The magazine also alleges that it obtained a letter that alleged Hegseth, in a separate incident, passed out in the back of a party bus and then urinated in front of a hotel where the organizations team was staying.

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Responding to the New Yorkers reporting, a Hegseth adviser said in a statement to CNN, Were not going to comment on outlandish claims laundered through the New Yorker by a petty and jealous disgruntled former associate of Mr. Hegseths.

One longtime Fox News producer told CNN years before Hegseth became Trumps pick that his drinking habit was an open secret on the set of Fox & Friends and that he had more than once noticed beer cans in the trash inside Hegseths office.

Hegseth has previously acknowledged that he was drinking heavily as he transitioned from military to civilian life, but he denies having a drinking problem and has vowed to quit drinking all together if hes confirmed.

History of controversial comments and policy suggestions

Hegseth has on several occasions slammed the policies of the very department he could soon lead.

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He has criticized efforts to allow women into combat roles, accusing the military of lowering standards to allow women into those jobs.

Hegseth said on a podcast last year that he took issue specifically with women in physical, labor-intensive type jobs, such as those with the Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, Army Special Forces, Marine Forces Special Operations and jobs such as those in infantry, armor and artillery units.

On the same podcast, Hegseth also criticized the militarys diversity programs, saying, Woke sh*t has got to go.

In his 2024 book The War on Warriors and in subsequent media promotions last year, he condemned policies allowing gay people to serve openly in the US military, calling them part of a Marxist agenda to prioritize social justice over combat readiness.

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During the widespread protests following George Floyds death in 2020, Hegseth supported ordering active-duty troops to put down riots. And like Trump, Hegseth has also praised waterboarding as an effective tactic.

Hegseth also urged Trump to be tougher on some issues, such as pushing the then-president to take further action against Iran after the president ordered a drone strike in January 2020 that killed Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani.

Hegseth also spread baseless conspiracy theories about the US Capitol attack on January 6, 2021, claiming the initial break-in was a false flag operation carried out by leftist groups disguised as Trump supporters.

Hegseth has remained defiant

As he continues to deny the mounting allegations, Hegseth has attempted to convince members of the key Senate Armed Services Committee and has vowed to fight like hell to win confirmation.

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Hegseth met with Republican lawmakers on Capitol Hill last week and sought to address any last-minute concerns ahead of Tuesdays hearing.

During similar meetings with senators last month, a senior transition official told CNN that Hegseth faced blunt questions from members and nearly every meeting included a discussion about the role of women in combat following reports of him supporting a ban on women from combat roles.

In conversations with senators, Hegseth chose not to lean into controversial policies he has supported and instead conveyed that his aim is to make this military lethal again, the official said.

Parlatore told CNN early last month that Hegseths name was submitted for an FBI background check, and subsequently shared that the confidentiality agreement with his accuser and the complaint from former employees at Concerned Veterans for America were submitted to the Senate Armed Services Committee.

What the Senate committee has signaled

The Senate Armed Services Committee, chaired by GOP Sen. Roger Wicker, will question Hegseth during a confirmation hearing before voting on whether to advance his nomination for a full vote in the Senate.

Wicker and Ranking Member Jack Reed, a Democrat, were briefed Friday night on the FBIs background check of Hegseth, sources told CNN. Per the committees practices, other members of the committee will not receive a briefing.

Hegseth will need to limit defections in the chamber to three GOP senators assuming all Democrats vote against him. A group of Democrats in the committee has argued that the allegations against Hegseth should disqualify him from leading the Pentagon.

Committee member Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts  who sent a 33-page letter to Hegseth outlining more than 70 questions that she and other Democrats have for him  argued that Hegseth is not qualified.

We need someone who will be sober, who is someone who has gained the respect and trust of the troops, and someone who has demonstrated that he can actually manage an organization  not just 40 people, which has been his experience  but that hes really ready to take on an organization of 3.5 million people, Warren told CNN last week.

Meanwhile, key Republicans on the panel have signaled openness to backing Hegseth.

Among the Republican members of the committee who were initially hesitant to back him was Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, a survivor of sexual assault who has advocated for women in the military and is seen as a key potential swing vote.

After conversations with Hegseth last month  one of which Ernst described as thoughtful and policy-focused  the senator said the defense pick is very supportive of women in the military, despite his previous comments. However, while she said she will support Pete through this process, she would not comment on whether she feels confident with Hegseths denials over the sexual assault allegation.

Trump has continued to back Hegseth, which sets up a challenge for any GOP senator who might go up against him. With Trumps picks to face confirmation hearings soon, GOP senators are being careful to pick their battles and cautious of how they approach the president-elects selections.

This story has been updated with additional reporting on Hegseths payment for a February 2023 speech at the American Legislative Exchange Council.

CNNs Casey Tolan, Curt Devine, Rob Kuznia, Brian Stelter, Scott Glover, Kyung Lah, Andrew Kaczynski, Em Steck, Winter Hawk and Oren Liebermann contributed to this report.

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CHICAGO  A brand new gunshot detection program could soon be underway in Chicago if Mayor Brandon Johnson gives it the greenlight.

The new pilot is coming from Alarm.com, a company out of Washington, D.C., and theyre offering it to one specific Chicago neighborhood free of charge for six months. What happens after that six months is up in the air.

Ald. Ray Lopez (15th Ward) held a press conference Monday in Back of the Yards showcasing a new gunshot detection program he hopes will soon be operating within a half square mile of his ward.

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This city used to be known for thinking big things. Well, this is the next generation of big things, Lopez said. We are targeting the main areas within Back of the Yards that have the most consistent gun violence based on the public data readily available.

ShotSpotter plays key role in shooting investigation in Elmwood Park

As previously mentioned, Alarm.coms pilot program would come free of cost to the city, but only for six months. Once that six months is up, its unclear how the costs would stack up, with the company saying they dont bid on RFI processes.

Chicago is still trying to find a replacement for ShotSpotter, a gunshot detection system that cost about $9 million a year. Johnson claimed ShotSpotter was overpriced and unreliable and the city did away with it last year.

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We are aware that there are RFIs, RFPs and every other RFQ out there in the moment. By the time the city gets through the legalese necessary to pick what comes next, installation wont happen until the fall, Lopez said.

Some alders fear the RFI is a case of going through the motions, with one requirement being a ShotSpotter replacement must cover the entire 235 square miles of the city, which some said isnt plausible as sensor capability is lowered downtown due to skyscrapers.

The technology being offered here, however, is different from ShotSpotter as its a two-step process.

How ShotSpotter impacted a Chicago murder case

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A loud bang like that of a gunshot, or the sound of a blank being fired, wont be enough on its own to set off a sensor, as the sound must be accompanied by infrared detection of a muzzle flare.

When a legitimate gunshot is noted, human intervention isnt needed. For example, the technology can automatically deploy drones. The data is then sent immediately to the Chicago Police Department and the Office of Emergency Management Communications.

Critics, however, said any contract the city enters into should be independently tested.

Jose Manuel Almanza, a community organizer and member of the Stop ShotSpotter Coalition, said technology like this could potentially lead to people being wrongfully put in jail, saying even free can come at a cost.

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Let [the Office of the Inspector General] test it out and prove to the City of Chicago that its worth our taxpayers, and Im willing to bet they will not do that because its not, Almanza said. In those six months, that could happen to anyone else. Whats going to happen to those individuals that get wrongfully imprisoned because of a false positive or something related to this? And to me, thats just not worth it.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

A spokesperson with Alarm.com said its device was independently tested and has a 99.9% accuracy rate and less than one false alert per 5 million hours of use. The company also publishes the accuracy rate of its sensor and the false positive rate on its website.

WGN has reached out to both the mayors office and CPD Supt. Larry Snellings office for comment, but has not yet heard back.

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HONOLULU (KHON2)  The Polynesian Voyaging Society (PVS) is inviting the public to join in a series of special events to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Hokulea, Hawaiis iconic voyaging canoe.

Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You

The celebrations will honor Hokuleas journey from its historic launch to its inspiring role in cultural renewal and environmental advocacy across the Pacific.

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The festivities will begin on Saturday, March 8, 2025, with the 16th Annual Kualoa/Hakipuu Canoe Festival at Kualoa Regional Park from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

This free, family-friendly event will commemorate Hokuleas first launch at the site where the canoe was assembled, blessed, and set into the ocean in 1975.

The following day, Sunday, March 9, the Hokulea 50th Birthday Gala will take place from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Hawaii Convention Center. This fundraiser will celebrate Hokuleas incredible legacy and raise funds to support PVSs mission of preserving voyaging traditions and protecting the oceans.

Wahiawa town hall scheduled to discuss proposed landfill

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On Monday, March 10, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., the public can enjoy dockside canoe tours of Hokulea at the Hawaii Convention Center. Visitors will have the chance to step aboard the canoe and hear from young crew members and navigators training for the Moananuiakea Voyage.

The celebration will wrap up on Friday, March 14, with a special after-hours event at Bishop Museum from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The museum will feature exhibits and programming highlighting the history of traditional Polynesian voyaging and Hokuleas enduring legacy.

Hokulea, launched on March 8, 1975, has been a symbol of cultural revival, environmental advocacy, and a deeper connection to the earth and ocean.

Join the Polynesian Voyaging Society in honoring the past 50 years of this historic canoe and looking ahead to the future.

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Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news

For more information and event updates, visit hokulea.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 KHON2.
With special counsel Jack Smiths final report on 2020 election subversion now public, legal experts say that the case against President-elect Donald Trump was strong enough that it likely would have resulted in a conviction and that he was only saved from a federal conviction by delays in the legal process.

In his report, Smith wrote that, but for Mr. Trump's election and imminent return to the Presidency, the Office assessed that the admissible evidence was sufficient to obtain and sustain a conviction at trial.

Ty Cobb, a former White House attorney during the Trump administration, agrees. Yes, he would have been convicted," Cobb told Salon. "He had no defenses.

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He wouldnt have had any witnesses to contest any of the evidence most of which is heavily documented, on tape or public information. There were no facts he could have credibly countered, Cobb said. Everything alleged in the indictment was easily provable. And as the report makes clear virtually every assertion by the government had layers of corroboration. A conviction was certain.

Barbara McQuade, a former U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, also thinks that Smith brought a strong case, while cautioning that a conviction was not guaranteed.

As laid out by Jack Smith in his report, the evidence here seems very strong, but, of course, a defendant would have an opportunity to cross-examine every witness and present his own defense, McQuade said. With a defendant as powerful as Donald Trump, that is no small thing.

Unfortunately, a trial was never to be, Smith thwarted by "the Supreme Court decision on immunity as well as its delay in reaching it," McQuade noted. Now we will never know. However, this report is important to document what happened. History will note that the evidence against Trump, prosecutors efforts to hold a former president accountable, and the Supreme Courts intervention."

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But not all agree that the Supreme Courts timeline in deciding the immunity case, which entailed months of treading water as the justices waited to issue a decision, was the decisive factor in preventing the case from going to trial.

Cobb pointed to former House Speaker, Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and her refusing to share interview memos and transcripts of depositions of witnesses with the DOJ until after the hearings, which were delayed for months by Pelosi to get a pre-election show trial before the 2022 midterms."

The Justice Department lost up to 8 months because of Pelosi and the committee as they couldnt proceed without that information without harming the potential credibility of the witnesses at a trial, according to Cobb.

Michael Morely, a law professor at Florida State University, said one of the more interesting aspects of Smith's report is what alleged crimes he declined to pursue. "For me, one of the most interesting things about the report was the explanation for why the special counsel chose not to support certain charges," he told Salon.

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That's a reference to a section of the report where Smith notes that he declined to bring certain charges, such as those under the Insurrection Act, a Civil War-era statute that bars those who incite insurrection against the United States from holding federal office. Smith noted that he and his office was "aware of the litigation risk that would be presented by employing this long-dormant statute."

Morely said that this showed a level of caution in Smith's handling of the case. "You want to apply clear, well settled, generally accepted, right line rules," he noted, noting that any conviction would also have faced an appeal.

In any sort of appeal the government would have to run the table for a conviction to be upheld, Morely said. President Trump would only have to point to one misapplication or one problem in order to get the conviction overturned.

Bennett Gershman, a law professor at Pace University, told Salon that, while one should generally be cautious of speculating about how jurors might decide a case, "a federal jury would have before it overwhelming evidence of Trumps attempt to stage an American coup detat and would very likely, I would say almost certainly, convict him."

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"Examining the evidence as detailed in Smiths final report," Gershman continued, "a jury would hear highly credible testimony from dozens of numerous state officials in swing states  all Republican officials with no motive to lie against Trump  describing Trumps threats, intimidation, and bluster to ignore the popular vote and submit fraudulent slates of electors for him; threats to force Justice Department officials to open sham investigations of electoral fraud; threats and pressure on Mike Pence to overturn the election results; incitement of a mob to attack the capitol to prevent Congress from declaring Biden the winner; and targeting witnesses with threats and intimidation not to testify."

Trump, Gershman said, was ultimately spared by voters' decision to return him to the White House.

"Historians will look with astonishment at this extraordinary moment in American history where the rule of law broke down, and a would-be dictator and con man was able to save himself from prison by convincing enough people that he was their savior," he said.
Halle Berry is doing her part to support the displaced families in the ongoing LA fires. A few days after the actor revealed donating her entire closet to help out the fire victims, she provided an update on how the process was shaping up. In a new video, Berry addressed how families affected by the disaster could get clothes and toys from the temporary fire relief donation center.

Halle Berry shares video update about what she is doing to help LA residents during a difficult time

On Monday, Halle Berry took to Instagram to share a video update about how she is helping LA residents amid the destructive wildfires. Along with a +COOP employee and designer Todd Nickey of Nickey Kehoe, the actor urged displaced families to come to the temporary donation center set up by +COOP and get essential items, including clothes, toys, and more.

The trio revealed that the center had everything one might need for women, men, and kids. They intended to make lives a little easier for families who have lost almost everything due to the LA fires. Berry further encouraged people affected by the fires to send someone to collect if they couldnt visit in person. The team revealed that they could either reach out to the companies associated with the donation or send Berry a DM to ensure they get all they need.

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They also partnered with Uber to deliver items at home. While recounting the unimaginable tragedy, Berry expressed hope in coming together as a community. According to the actor, the initiative is put in place to ensure displaced families have the resources they need during this unprecedented time.

Last week, Halle Berry revealed that she packed her entire closet to donate clothes and other essential items to the center. In collaboration with fellow actor Sharon Stone, the star offered her help while giving her fans a glimpse of the communitys generous donations amid the brutal LA fires.

The post Heres How Halle Berry Is Helping Families Impacted by Horrific LA Fire appeared first on Mandatory.
Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip have claimed the lives of 61 people and injured more than 280 over the past 24 hours, the Hamas-controlled health authority in the region reported.

The authority does not distinguish between combat and civilian casualties, and the information is not independently verifiable.

According to the authority, more than 46,000 people have been killed and more than 110,000 have been injured since the attacks on Israel mounted by Hamas from the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) maintains it does all it can to avoid civilian casualties. Israeli troops have recently been killed in repeated incidents in the region, particularly in the north.
25 million pounds. Thats how much ice was used to build the popular Ice Castles attraction in New Hampshires White Mountains. Located outside the charming town of Woodstock, the (literal) winter wonderland is celebrating its 12th year in operation. Colder than normal weather over the past month allowed the exhibit to open early last Friday, which, according to Ice Castles CEO Kyle Standifird, was one of the earliest dates in the exhibits history.

icecastle3.jpg

The ice features are created by growing and then harvesting thousands of icicles. Staff then blast them with sprinklers to enlarge them. In addition to the White Mountains location, there are Ice Castles in Utah, Minnesota and two locations in Colorado.

On opening day, at least one proposal occurred at the Ice Castles. Jessica Sullivan, of Fairhaven, Massachusetts, said yes after her boyfriend (now fiancee) Brian Jacques got down on one knee on the ice. Its a beautiful place, Jacques told the Associated Press. I definitely thought, this is the time and place to do it.

What To Do If You Go

Towers, ice slides, tunnels and caverns are all part of the fun at Ice Castles. And for those who prefer a less active experience, there are ice sculptures to see, paths to walk and even an ice bar called the Polar Pub.

How To Get There

New Hampshire Ice Castles is located in North Woodstock, in a place where GPS may not work, so its recommended that you write down these directions. The company also notes that ice features are weather dependent, meaning some features may not be available at some times, so make sure you check the forecast before you go!
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY)  Virginia Beach court documents detail a meet up for sex that was arranged by a Hampton police officer and ended with his car being stolen by the prostitute he hired. Hampton Police said the officer has since been terminated from the department, but it could not comment on why.

Jron Harry was a Hampton police officer when court documents said he met 20-year-old Alexus Dream Copeland on an app. The documents stated that he told police he hired Dream for sex Dec. 30.

Alexus Dream Copeland

Those documents detail a meet up at an apartment in Virginia Beach off Lynnhaven Road.

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Harry told police he sent $100 in Apple Pay transactions to Dream for sex. Court documents said they laid in bed before Harry said they agreed to shower together.

Harry said Dream never joined him in the shower. Instead, he got out to realize his phone, keys, wallet, and car (with his police credentials inside) were gone.

He called Virginia Beach police using a neighbors phone and explained what happened. Court documents show they were able to track down his vehicle in Norfolk with two people inside  Dream and a man she told police was her baby daddy.

Dream told police the Hampton officer had agreed to let her use his car. Court documents indicate that she admitted Harry did not give her permission, though, to use any cards from his wallet, which documents say she did.

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Despite her version of events, Alexus Dream Copeland was arrested and faces several charges:

Grand larceny auto theft

Grand larceny of greater than or equal to $1,000 not taken directly from another person

Credit card fraud of less than $1,000 in six-month period

Prostitution

Obtain credit card number  larceny

Grand larceny  stealing motor vehicle

JRon Harry, who court documents state that he admitted to police he hired Dream for sex, is not facing any charges out of Virginia Beach as of Jan. 13. His employment with the Hampton Police Division was terminated Jan. 7. As Harry is not facing any charges, a mugshot is not available.

Virginia Beach Police said their investigation is still ongoing. Copeland is back in court for a preliminary hearing March 28.

Stay with WAVY.com for more local news, weather and traffic.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Wanda Tucker  a descendant of the first Africans brought from Angola to English-speaking North America  returned to her ancestors homeland with President Joe Biden in a history-making trip last month.

In December, Biden traveled to Angola to meet with President Joao Lourenco of Angola to discuss trade, investment, infrastructure, and a deepening collaboration between the two nations. Biden also used the trip to acknowledge the past horrors of slavery. Bidens trip marked the first visit by a sitting U.S. president to the Republic of Angola and the first visit of a U.S. president to sub-Saharan Africa since 2015.

Thanks to Rep. Bobby Scotts lobbying, Tucker was part of Bidens delegation on the trip. Tuckers ancestors, Anthony and Isabella, were kidnapped in Angola more than 400 years ago. In 1619, they arrived in Virginia at Point Comfort, now known as Fort Monroe. In 1624, they gave birth to William Tucker, who was recorded as the first Black child born in the Virginia colonies.

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Tucker recalled her experiences on the trip during a Monday roundtable discussion held at Fort Monroe. She said the journey with the Biden delegation included a visit to the anthropology museum, a walk down the slave route that tells the stories about the slave trade that happened in Angola, a public forum with the delegation and Angolans, and a speech from Biden.

Tucker said being on the soil of her ancestors with the president of the United States, who acknowledged the atrocities that happened, felt like a crucial step in ensuring that her familys stories are not erased.

For me, the ancestors are saying, Finally, were being remembered, Tucker said. Finally, our stories are being told. Finally the world is going to know the truth of who we were and who we are.

The discussion also highlighted ongoing efforts to tell the story of the first enslaved Africans brought to English North America and their ties to Angola. The Fort Monroe Authority is currently developing an African Landing Memorial slated to be located near the states marker designating the first enslaved Africans arrival.

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If youre going to tell the story of the landing of the first enslaved Africans, it needs to start in Angola, said Francoise Bonnell, Fort Monroes director of museums, education, and interpretation, who has contributed to the project. It needs to start in Africa.

The discussion also highlighted how, last year, Hampton entered into a sister cities relationship with Malanje, a city of 455,000 in the northwestern part of Angola. Tucker said this partnership links Hampton to where her ancestors were kidnapped. The partnership also allows cultural and educational exchanges, business opportunities, and historical knowledge. Tucker said many people may think the enslaved Angolans were poor, helpless, defenseless people who needed to be taught a trade, and she says that is not accurate.

Dont believe some of those negative images that we grew up with that portrays a very primitive culture that had not evolved, she said. Theres deep, rich history about Africa and African culture, the skills of those who were enslaved, who really were kidnapped and brought to America. They were enslaved, not because they were ignorant, but because they were knowledgeable; because they were skillful, because they were intelligent, and they had conquered so much in their civilization.

Wandas brother Vincent Tucker, who also traveled to Angola last month, said the sister cities partnership helps people learn about their history and culture.

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Were still here. 405 years [later], were still here. We learn from them. We learn how to survive from them, Vincent Tucker said. And its wonderful when we go there, they are still thriving with not only their current resources and their strong government. They are moving forward, and so are we.

Josh Janney, joshua.janney@virginiamedia.com
(AP) - If you want to hang out or use the restroom at Starbucks, youre going to have to buy something.

Starbucks on Monday said it was reversing a policy that invited everyone into its stores. A new code of conduct  which will be posted in all company-owned North American stores  also bans discrimination or harassment, consumption of outside alcohol, smoking, vaping, drug use and panhandling.

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Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson said the new rules are designed to help prioritize paying customers. Anderson said most other retailers already have similar rules.

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We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable in our stores, Anderson said. By setting clear expectations for behavior and use of our spaces, we can create a better environment for everyone.

The code of conduct warns that violators will be asked to leave, and says the store may call law enforcement, if necessary. Starbucks said employees would receive training on enforcing the new policy.

Read: Stood up for the rule of law: Special counsels report on Trump investigation released  Action News Jax

The new rules reverse an open-door policy put in place in 2018, after two Black men were arrested at a Philadelphia Starbucks where they had gone for a business meeting. The individual store had a policy of asking non-paying customers to leave, and the men hadnt bought anything. But the arrest, which was caught on video, was a major embarrassment for the company.

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At the time, Starbucks Chairman Howard Schultz said he didnt want people to feel less than if they were refused access.

We dont want to become a public bathroom, but were going to make the right decision a hundred percent of the time and give people the key, Schultz said.

Read: Florida boy mauled to death by dogs  Action News Jax

Since then, though, employees and customers have struggled with unruly and even dangerous behavior in stores. In 2022, Starbucks closed 16 stores around the country  including six in Los Angeles and six in its hometown of Seattle  for repeated safety issues, including drug use and other disruptive behaviors that threatened staff.

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The new rule comes as part of a push by Starbucks new chairman and CEO, Brian Niccol, to reinvigorate the chains sagging sales. Niccol has said that he wants Starbucks to recapture the community coffeehouse feeling it used to have, before long drive-thru lines, mobile order backups and other issues made visits more of a chore.

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Starbucks' customers have to wake up and smell the coffee!

On Monday, Jan. 13, the worlds largest coffeehouse chain announced that they are implementing a new step in their Back to Starbucks strategy with the hopes of making their cafes more welcoming  to paying customers, that is.

A purchase will have to be made and a new code of conduct followed, to be able to use the cafes toilets or sit and have a chat as of Jan. 27.

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We want to ensure our spaces are prioritized for use by our customers, a statement issued by Starbucks read.

Our Coffeehouse Code of Conduct is something most retailers have and is designed to provide clarity that our spaces  including our cafes, patios and restrooms  are for use by customers and partners," the statement continued.

Gabby Jones/Bloomberg via Getty Starbucks barista, stock image Starbucks barista, stock image

Related: Starbucks to Start Handwriting Customers' Names on Drink Orders Again, Needs to Find 200,000 Sharpies, CEO Says

The code of conduct is displayed in our stores to remind customers of the role they play in creating a community coffeehouse that is inviting and welcoming," it concluded.

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Starbucks Code of Conduct bans alcohol bought outside from being consumed in their cafes across North America, while smoking and vaping are also off-limits.

The company also hopes to banish harassment, panhandling and discrimination.

Starbucks baristas have been instructed to ask anyone refusing to follow the new rules to leave and call the police if necessary.

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

According to company communications viewed by the Wall Street Journal, free water will also be only given to customers and those accompanying them.

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We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable in our stores, spokesperson Jaci Anderson said per AP News. By setting clear expectations for behavior and use of our spaces, we can create a better environment for everyone.

Back in 2018, Starbucks introduced an open-door policy after a video went viral of two men being arrested at a Philadelphia location. The manager called the police on the pair when they decided to have a business meeting without having made a purchase.

Victor J. Blue/Bloomberg via Getty Starbucks customers, stock image Starbucks customers, stock image

Related: Starbucks Barista Tearfully Reveals Customer's Life-Changing Surprise: 'Something I Will Never Forget' (Exclusive)

However, in the years since the coffeehouse became open to all, customers have complained about long waits for the bathroom and unruly behavior.

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Starbucks closed 16 stores across the country due to safety concerns including threats to staff and drug use in 2022.

Brian Niccol  who was previously the head of Chipotle  has been trying to turn around falling sales since he joined Starbucks as CEO last August.

As I embark upon this journey, I am energized by the tremendous potential to drive growth and further enhance the Starbucks experience for our customers and partners while staying true to our mission and values, Niccol said in a statement at the time.

And Niccol previously promised to pause price increases for the remainder of the fiscal year.

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"The approach we've taken right now is we're going to hit the pause button on any pricing for this fiscal year," Niccol shared on Good Morning America on Dec. 5. "I still think there's an opportunity for us to simplify the pricing architecture right now  I don't love the fact that in our app right now, while you're doing this customization, it doesn't inform you what has happened to the price, so I want to get more transparent with the pricing."

Read the original article on People
TikTok faces a possible ban in the U.S. as soon as Sunday if a law that could require the social media app's Chinese owner, ByteDance, to part ways with the platform takes effect as scheduled on Jan. 19.

The Supreme Court on upheld a law, the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, would make it illegal for app stores from Google or Apple, as well as web-hosting services, to distribute or service TikTok.

The Biden administration and lawmakers say TikTok poses a threat to U.S. national security, warning that the Chinese government can use the app to collect information and otherwise snoop on American users of the app. For its part, TikTok has steadfastly denied that it funnels information to Beijing.

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On Tuesday, Bloomberg reported that Elon Musk could buy TikTok's U.S. operations, effectively allowing the app to evade a ban. Wedbush technology analyst Dan Ives said that he doesn't expect ByteDance to ever sell TikTok with its algorithm, which is widely considered to be the platform's most valuable feature.

Musk did not immediately respond to CBS MoneyWatch's request for comment.

Asked for comment on the possibility of a sale of its U.S. operations to Musk, a spokesperson for TikTok told CBS MoneyWatch, "We can't be expected to comment on pure fiction."

Could I use TikTok after the ban?

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TikTok has said it could go dark in the U.S. on Jan. 19. But it remains unclear if President-elect Donald Trump, who had urged the Supreme Court to pause implementation of the law, will intervene and seek a solution once he takes office.

If the law goes into force on Jan. 19, people in the U.S. who have not already downloaded the TikTok app would no longer be able to access it. It will no longer be available for download in app stores, including Apple's and Google's.

For TikTok users who already have the short-form video app on their devices, it remains to be seen what will happen to the app. In one scenario, it will go dark, and users will receive a notice indicating that it's not functional or available to them.

"They will get a notice that says, 'This service is not available in your country. That's most likely what will happen based on what we've seen in other countries that have banned certain platforms," Timothy Edgar, a professor of cybersecurity at Brown University, told CBS MoneyWatch. "This generation may be in for a very rude awakening if the law goes into effect and they find a major social media platform that they came to rely on as creators, or just users, is suddenly not available."

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While such an action would be unprecedented in the U.S., that's been the experience of users of banned apps in other countries, added Edgar, who thinks this is most likely outcome in the U.S.

Other cybersecurity experts say TikTok might not become inaccessible overnight, but rather that the user experience in the U.S. will degrade over time.

"If you already have TikTok on your phone you can still use it, but over time you will not receive any updates, so the app will become obsolete," said Qi Liao, a professor of computer and network security at Central Michigan University, told CBS MoneyWatch. "Various issues could arise because TikTok may introduce new features or security patches, and the app in the U.S. will have a sluggish performance as well as security issues. So eventually TikTok users will probably stop using the vulnerable version."

Could I access TikTok through a VPN?

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Edgar notes that the new law doesn't target users, meaning that even if the ban takes effect it wouldn't be illegal for people to have TikTok on their phones or to try to access the platform.

Indeed, U.S.-based users would likely be able to work around the ban by using a virtual private network to access TikTok. VPNs offer privacy and can make U.S.-based computers appear to internet service providers to be based outside of the country.

Eva Galperin, director of cybersecurity at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a nonprofit focused on digital rights, told CBS MoneyWatch that U.S. TikTok users would likely be able to circumvent the ban via VPN, though that approach does carry risks.

"Presumably, it would work just fine," she said, while warning that "a lot of free VPNs make money by selling user data."

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Galperin added that some providers of free VPN services have been known to install malware on users' devices. "So I would advise people to be very careful about the VPN they choose," she said.

Meanwhile, Edgar cautioned that more sophisticated VPNs require time, money and effort to set up.

"It's not something Americans are used to doing because we haven't experienced our government filtering the internet," he said.

What are some TikTok alternatives?

Users looking for a TikTok replacement app do have alternatives, such as YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels.

"Short-form video content is something people want and they'll continue to find ways to get it," Edgar said.

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Another substitute is Lemon8, a social media app owned by ByteDance that launched in 2020, although experts note it could be subject to the same law that threatens to ban TikTok in the U.S.

RedNote, a Shanghai-based Chinese language social media app also bears many similarities to TikTok. Called "Xiaohongshu" in China, meaning "little red book" in Mandarin, it's available for download in app stores in the U.S., and is currently the top social app in Apple's store.

NIL money in college athletics creating "have-not" sports

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YouTuber MrBeast has accused Reddits r/YouTube community of censoring his post about helping people with prosthetic legs. For the unversed, MrBeast recently uploaded a video titled I Helped 2,000 People Walk Again, wherein the streamer helps people get prosthetic legs. After the videos premiere, the YouTuber also posted on X (formerly Twitter), expressing his frustration with the healthcare system. While the X post garnered positive reviews, MrBeast was unhappy to see his post removed from Reddit.

Heres what happened to MrBeast and r/YouTube

MrBeast is not too happy with Reddits r/YouTube community. The social media influencers recent YouTube video where he pays for 2000 peoples prosthetic legs received immediate attention, clocking over 30 million views within two days of release. A post about Mr. Beasts video was also on Reddits r/YouTube community. But moderators removed the post, which made Mr. Beast seemingly upset.

While replying to a comment on X, the YouTuber said, Such a shame that the mods on r/youtube will do anything to censor Mrbeast unless its negative about me, then its magically fine.

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In an earlier post, the streamer discussed his intentions regarding making the video. He wrote, Just uploaded a video where we helped 2,000 amputees walk again. Many live in America, and it feels so disgusting that in a country with this much wealth, a f***en YouTuber is their only option to get a prosthetic leg. We need to fix this.

Meanwhile, Mr. Beasts recent video depicted the difficulties many ordinary citizens face while trying to access prosthetic legs. Stephanie, one of the people featured in the video, shared she has not been able to walk in 15 years since she lost her leg.

At the end of the video, MrBeast directly referred to the condition of the healthcare insurance system. The 26-year-old YouTube star said, The fact that some of these people had insurance but were denied, some of these people had insurance but didnt have the right coverage, it doesnt sit well with me.

This was not the first time MrBeast helped those who needed prosthetic legs. The popular YouTuber shared a similar video in 2023 in which he helped 2000 people get new prosthetic limbs.

Originally reported by Arpita Adhya on ComingSoon.

The post What Happened to MrBeast & r/YouTube? Controversy Explained appeared first on Mandatory.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  The 114th Tennessee General Assembly gaveled in for the first days of the legislative session on Tuesday, but lawmakers wont get to discussing pieces of legislation just yet.

First, the 132 state lawmakers have to perform a series of procedural steps outlined in the state constitution and state law in order to officially convene.

According to the Tennessee Constitution, state lawmakers meet for 90 session days over the course of a two-year period for each general assembly. The 90 days are split evenly between the two years, meaning there are officially 45 session days each year.

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Read the latest from the TN State Capitol Newsroom

According to Nashville Sen. Charlane Oliver, the first day of the session is something akin to the first day of school. Everybody comes together at the Tennessee Capitol to officially start the new session, the state senator said in a constituent newsletter.

Lawmakers officially gaveled in at noon, and newly-elected lawmakers took their oaths of office. According to Oliver, newly-elected lawmakers take oaths to the U.S. and Tennessee constitutions during their swearing-in ceremonies.

According to Legislative Librarian Eddie Weeks, there are 12 new members of the general assembly: three state senators and nine state representatives.

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Once the new lawmakers are sworn in and officially begin their tenure, each chamber of the legislature must elect new Speakers. The Speaker of the Senate also serves as the Lieutenant Governor of the state, according to Oliver.

Tennessee General Assembly 2025: Legislative priorities for state lawmakers

After each chamber selects its new speakers, they will each vote on a set of rules. The rules will establish the parliamentary procedure for how the lawmakers will conduct business during the session. The state legislature follows Masons Manual of Legislative Procedure for all parliamentary procedures, according to Oliver.

Masons rules govern how lawmakers conduct official business, including how they introduce motions, cast votes, speak on the floor of each chamber, the conduct of each lawmaker, and the timing of filing bills and amendments of bills. Additionally, each chamber can add other limitations to its own rules if it receives a majority vote on them.

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Once the first days business is concluded, the lawmakers enter into an organizational session, according to Oliver.

The state constitution dictates state lawmakers meet for organizational purposes to start the session. During this time, lawmakers cannot pass legislation on a third and final reading as is required by law. This organization time cannot last more than 15 consecutive calendar days, according to the constitution.

Some things on the agenda during the organizational session include a joint convention on Wednesday, Jan. 15, at 9:30 a.m. During this convention, all 132 lawmakers will meet in the House chambers to elect constitutional officers.

These officers include the secretary of state, comptroller of the treasury, and state treasurer. Oliver said this is merely a formality, as all the current officers are expected to be reelected.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

The next item on the organizational agenda happens on Thursday, Jan. 16, according to Oliver. At this time, lawmakers will attend an ethics training program. All lawmakers receive training on compliance laws to make sure no one does anything illegal or unethical.

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Other official and unofficial things happen during this time, according to Oliver. Lawmakers will receive their committee assignments from their respective speakers and begin filing more bills prior to the legislative filing deadline, offices may be rearranged in the Cordell Hull State Office building, and new members will receive their parking spots and name plates.

After Jan. 16, the Senate will recess for one week, according to Oliver.

Even if you dont care about politics, this is where decisions are made about things that affect all of usschools, hospitals, roads, and even how much stuff costs, the senator said in her newsletter.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(Bloomberg) -- Harvard University has hired a lobbying firm linked to key advisers to President-elect Donald Trump as the Ivy League school faces scrutiny over its $53 billion endowment, free speech on campus and antisemitism.

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The school tapped Ballard Partners this month for government relations and advocacy services, according to a federal lobbying disclosure form.

Susie Wiles, who co-chaired Trumps successful presidential campaign and will serve as White House chief of staff, was a partner at Ballard previously. Trumps nominee for US attorney general, Pam Bondi, also became a partner at the lobbying firm after leaving her job as Florida attorney general.

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Harvard has faced criticism from lawmakers, alumni and donors for more than a year over the way it handled antisemitism and student protests after the Hamas attack on Israel and the Jewish states retaliatory bombing in Gaza.

Conservative activist Christopher Rufo, who played a role in ousting Harvards first Black president, Claudine Gay, has said the incoming Trump administration should make Harvard a primary target in its bid to reshape higher education. He called for threatening federal funding if the university doesnt scrap diversity and equity programs.

Harvard, the oldest and richest US college, received almost $700 million in federal funding in the last academic year.

Ballard on its website lists dozens of other notable clients, including Amazon, Google, the University of Florida and the New York Yankees. Harvards decision to hire the firm was reported earlier by the Washington Free Beacon.

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The university remains active in Washington in support of higher education and research and works with a wide range of partners, including peer institutions, associations, other advocacy groups, and consultants, Harvard said in a statement.

(Updates with federal funding in the sixth paragraph.)

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NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)  A New Haven gang member who admitted to murdering someone from a rival gang was sentenced to more than 20 years in federal prison Tuesday, according to Vanessa Roberts Avery, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut.

Quaymar Suggs, 20, of New Haven was sentenced to 250 months of imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release.

Serial fraudster from New Haven sentenced to 41 months for identity fraud charges

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Averys office said Suggs admitted to shooting and killing an 18-year-old associate of a rival gang on May 19, 2021.

He also admitted to joining other Exit 8 gang members in breaking into a state troopers car and stealing the troopers duty bag.

Suggs pleaded guilty in July to conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity. That activity also included acts of violence, narcotics trafficking, and gun sales, according to Averys office.

New Haven Exit 8 gang member sentenced to 7 years for role in 2018 shooting

Averys office said law enforcements investigation has revealed Suggs and other members of the Exit 8 gang committed at least three murders and 16 attempted murders.

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Suggs has been detained since March of 2023.

The Exit 8 gang is named after the area of Connecticut accessed by exiting Interstate 91 at Exit 8 in New Haven. Averys office said younger gang members have also been identifying themselves with the word Honcho.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Fires are continuing to burn in Southern California, with further weather-related threats expected to increase as another Santa Ana wind event picks up this week.

While the end to the fire danger is not yet in sight, the hazards that will remain in its wake will be severe, especially due to the urban nature of many of the burn zones, experts told ABC News.

The fires burning in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties are occurring on the urban-wildland interface -- areas where wildland landscapes meet with urban dwellings, Costas Synolakis, a professor of civil engineering at the University of Southern California who has studied how urban fires exacerbate post-fire related hazards, told ABC News. The further away from wildland, the less chance of ignition, which is why heavy winds were able to spark house-to-house spread quickly.

PHOTO: A firefighter battles the Palisades Fire in Mandeville Canyon, Jan. 11, 2025, in Los Angeles. (Jae C. Hong/AP)

But these wildfires are so severe that they have penetrated into more urban areas, Scott Stephens, professor of fire science at the University of California, Berkeley, told ABC News.

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The fires will have unprecedented environmental impacts, Synolakis said.

MORE: This is the worst fire the Pacific Palisades has ever seen, experts say

Landslides will be of great concern once the fires subside

Once the fires are out, landslides from burn scars will be a big concern when rain returns to Southern California and could be an issue for years to come. Post-fire debris flows are particularly hazardous because they can occur with little warning, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Post-wildfire landslides can exert great loads on objects in their paths, strip vegetation, block drainage ways, damage structures and endanger human life, according to the USGS. Additionally, wildfires could destabilize pre-existing, deep-seated landslides over long periods. Flows generated over longer periods could be accompanied by root decay and loss of soil strength, according to the USGS.

PHOTO: Homes along Pacific Coast Highway are seen burn out from the Palisades Fire, Jan. 12, 2025, in Malibu, Calif. (Mark J. Terrill/AP)

Landslides already historically occur in California. But conditions are currently extreme enough to warrant concern for increased threat, Edith de Guzman, a water equity and adaptation policy cooperative extension specialist at the University of California, Los Angeles, told ABC News

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The wildfires are incinerating the shrub cover, so when a rain event does occur, the precipitation hits a ground surface that could be bare minerals and unable to soak it up, Stephens said.

"You're going to get flows of soil, rock and debris," Stephens said.

PHOTO: Gas company employees work near the charred remains of beachfront properties destroyed in the Palisades Fire in Malibu, Calif., Jan. 12, 2025. (Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images)

In Los Angeles, debris basins designed to catch some of the materials sliding down the mountain to lessen the threat of landslide hazards have been built in Mount Wilson and near Eaton Canyon.

The landslide danger will be especially dangerous in the Pacific Palisades, the neighborhood nestled in the lower hills of the Santa Monica mountain range on the Westside of Los Angeles that was decimated by the Palisades fire, because there is no debris basin there, Synolakis said.

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"Palisades is going to be an area that people need to be on the watchout for landslides because the valley walls are steep," Synolakis said.

PHOTO: The Palisades Fire leaves total devastation in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Jan. 13, 2025. (John Locher/AP)

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The houses that did survive the wildfire in the Palisades could also be in great danger of a severe rainstorm undercutting the foundation, Synolakis added.

Homes near creeks and steep hills could also contribute a lot of debris to landslides, Stephens said.

An average of 25 to 50 people are killed by landslides each year in the U.S., according to the USGS.

MORE: Why the California wildfires were nearly impossible to contain

Long-term pollution could impact the region, experts say

An even bigger concern than potential landslides is the environmental impact of the fires, Synolakis said. In the near future, these burned-out communities will be filled with cleanup crews dressed in hazmat suits, Hugh Safford, a research fire ecologist at the University of California, Davis, told ABC News.

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Since the fires are burning down manmade structures, the materials used to construct homes and cars are depositing toxins into the air and ground as they combust, the experts said.

"This is going into the local creek systems and in the local soils," Safford said, adding that many of the homes built before the 1980s likely are filled with asbestos.

PHOTO: Burned properties following the Palisades Fire at the Pacific Palisades neighborhood in Los Angeles, Jan. 13, 2025. (Mike Blake/Reuters)

Debris from the scorched homes near Malibu's Big Rock will end up in the ocean as well -- by wind and sea -- due to the proximity to the coastline, Synolakis said.

In Altadena, homes that were destroyed near the San Gabriel Valley Groundwater Basin could contribute pollutants to the water system, De Guzman said.

PHOTO: A home destroyed by the Eaton Fire stands in front of a home that survived in Altadena. Calif., Jan. 13, 2025. (Noah Berger/AP)

Researchers are already monitoring soil to see what kinds of heavy metals and other toxins have seeped in during the combustion process. It won't be long before the toxins end up in the ocean through the watershed, Synolakis said.

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The environmental impact of a series of wildfires this big is yet to be seen, Synolakis said. And the cleanup process will be long and arduous, Safford said.

MORE: This is how climate change contributed to the California wildfires

Fire danger expected to persist

On Monday afternoon, winds will begin to pick up in the mountains and higher elevations gusting 20 to 30 mph, locally 50 mph.

There is very little rain relief for the fires in sight for the Los Angeles area in the near future, forecasts show.

While there is a 20% chance for a sprinkle on Saturday, that precipitation is expected to occur closer to San Diego.

Dry conditions are expected in the long term as well. Last week, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration declared that La Nina conditions are expected to persist through April 2025, with Southern Californian expected to be very close to drier than normal.

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But even low rainfall amounts could trigger dangerous flash flooding that can unfold very quickly, as recent wildfire burn scar areas are especially prone to flooding, mudslides and landslides. In some instances, burned soil can be as water repellant as pavement, according to the National Weather Service. The susceptibility to flash flood within the burned area is greatest during the first two years following the fire.

The general rule of thumb is that half an inch of rainfall in less than an hour is sufficient to cause flash flooding in a burn area.

Ideally, several light to moderate rainfall events in the region would be best to significantly diminish the current wildfire danger and gradually soak the ground.

ABC News' Daniel Amarante and Daniel Peck contributed to this report.

What hazards will remain in Southern California after the wildfires subside? originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
This story was originally published on MyNorthwest.com

A healthcare company was ordered to pay the state of Washington more than $1 million, according to a news release from the Washington State Attorney Generals (AG) Office on Monday.

The AGs Office stated a Medicaid Fraud Control Division investigation revealed Lincare Inc., which provides oxygen tanks to patients, overbilled its patients. Therefore, the company was ordered to pay out $1.15 million.

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This will reimburse the states Medicaid program for Lincares fraudulent overbilling of leased oxygen equipment, the AGs Office said.

According to the news release, Lincare is headquartered in Florida and provides in-home respiratory devices to patients throughout the U.S. It also offers services such as renting and servicing oxygen equipment to patients with respiratory conditions who rely on the equipment to breathe. The company keeps a billing office in Spokane Valley to manage Pacific Northwest operations.

The Washington budget mystery: How big is the states deficit really?

The AGs Office noted Medicaid provides oxygen equipment on a five-year contract and, under Washington law, Medicaid pays rental fees on oxygen equipment for three years. Providers like Lincare can continue to bill for maintenance and supplies for an additional two years, but may no longer charge rental fees. The AGs Office said after that, the device is eligible for replacement.

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Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson asserted between January 2017 and March 2023, Lincare knowingly billed rental fees beyond the allowed three years more than 15,000 times. In some instances, Ferguson said Lincare continued to bill Medicaid rental fees for six years, twice the legal limit.

The Attorney Generals Office Medicaid Fraud Control Division estimates Lincare overbilled Medicaid for 565 Washington patients by more than half a million dollars, the news release stated.

However, this isnt the first time Lincare has owed the state money. In 2023, the company entered into a $29 million resolution with U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington Vanessa Waldref. The Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Washington called it the largest-ever healthcare fraud settlement in Eastern Washington.

Waldref announced Lincare agreed to pay $29 million and perform extensive corrective actions to resolve allegations that it fraudulently overbilled Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans for oxygen equipment, as stated in a news release.

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Local crime: Edmonds Police searching for 5 suspects involved in waterfront shooting

According to the AGs Office, the 2023 resolution required the company to significantly change its billing practices and, at its own expense, hire independent experts to review its work. Shortly after Waldrefs resolution, the Medicaid Fraud Control Divisions investigation began.

The news release stated as part of the legal agreement, Lincare will have to comply with Washingtons oxygen leasing laws and will also ensure it has internal controls to prevent further violations.

Julia Dallas is a content editor at MyNorthwest. You can read her stories here. Follow Julia on X and email her here.




SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  In Massachusetts, everyone is required to have health insurance, or you could face a tax penalty.

Governor Healey looks to revisit right-to-shelter law

The Massachusetts Health Care Reform Law requires residents over the age of 18 in the state need to have health insurance coverage for the entire year. While more than 98% of Massachusetts residents are already covered by insurance, those who arent now have nine days before the deadline.

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If they fail to comply, a penalty will be charged through their tax returns. Those penalties add up for each month someone doesnt comply, but there is a grace period that allows lapses in coverage of three or fewer consecutive months.

The requirements of this law state that, whether or not you file a Massachusetts personal income tax return, anyone 18 years old or over must get and maintain creditable health insurance as long as it is considered affordable.

If you are a child or dependent on an insurance plan, you can stay on that plan through your 26th birthday, or two years after losing dependent status, according to federal tax rules.

The deadline of January 23rd is the deadline for open enrollment if you want to look into a new insurance plan or change or make tweaks to the plan you currently have.

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The Massachusetts Health Connector plan is the countrys longest-running state-based marketplace and now features a Connector Care plan. This plan lowers premiums and copays and eliminates deductibles for eligible policyholders.

However, this two-year pilot program does have an income limit, of $75,300 for individuals and $156,000 for a family of four. Health Connector serves those who just moved to the state, work in the gig economy, or do not qualify for another type of insurance program.

Health Connectors navigators help Massachusetts residents select an insurance plan that is right for them, free of charge and at over 50 locations across the state.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Sex assault allegations? Blame left-wing media.

Issues with drinking? Those are anonymous smears.

No women in combat? Thats not what I said.

Pete Hegseth used a pattern of denials, memory holes and attacking the left-wing media at his Tuesday confirmation hearing for Pentagon chief as he sought to counter controversial issues in his past. And that strategy may work for him  along with Donald Trumps other troubled nominees.

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The president-elects Defense secretary pick brushed off questions he didnt want to answer about everything from the possibility of Trump issuing illegal orders to alleged financial mismanagement in his previous management jobs. He said mainstream news outlets were the reason that allegations of sexual assault and reports of excessive drinking came to light. And he carefully reversed himself on previous comments disapproving of women in combat and gay people in the military.

All anonymous, all false, Hegseth told the Senate Armed Services Committee when Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) asked about his past drinking and alleged inappropriate behavior toward women.

This was the first in a spate of upcoming confirmation hearings for Trumps controversial nominees, which include Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Health and Human Services chief and Kash Patel for head of the FBI. But Tuesday may have given them a playbook for success.

Democrats came to the hearing with plenty of ammunition drawn from Hegseths own writings and remarks, as well as accusations from former colleagues over alleged financial mismanagement and a cash settlement paid out to a woman who accused Hegseth of sexual assault in a hotel in 2017.



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Its not clear that it mattered. Democrats need at least one Republican to sink Hegseths confirmation and GOP committee members appeared united in their support.

Hegseth  who occasionally spoke over Democratic senators  rejected the accusations and pleaded ignorance about any nondisclosure agreement with the woman who said he assaulted her. Instead, he put the blame on the news media.

Our left-wing media in America today, sadly, doesnt care about the truth, he said. All they were out to do was to destroy me because Im a change agent and a threat to them. Despite the attacks, I stand committed to the truth and our warfighters.

The Fox News host and Army veteran claimed he did not know if he had nondisclosure agreements with his two ex-wives. He refused to answer Sen. Tammy Duckworths question about whether he had ever conducted a financial audit of the veterans organizations he once ran, given his insistence that the Pentagon undergo a deep-dive audit.

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You say you had issues in your past but its clear to me you're not being honest with us or the American people, Kelly said.

He maintained his cool, even as lawmakers rattled off details of his extramarital affairs.

Hegseth and his lawyer have said the 2017 encounter in the hotel was consensual, but he refused to make that claim under questioning by Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.).

I was falsely charged, fully investigated and completely cleared, he said.



Other times he appeared almost contrite. He repeatedly said hes a changed man. I have failed at things in my life," he said, and I am redeemed by my Lord and savior, Jesus Christ.

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Republicans quickly came to Hegseths defense. Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), a close Trump ally, flipped the attack on Democrats and accused them of hypocrisy.

How many senators have shown up drunk to vote at night? Mullin asked. Have any of you guys asked them to step down and resign from their job? And then how many senators do you know [who] have gotten a divorce for cheating on their wives? Did you ask them to step down? No.

Democrats hit hardest on Hegseth's past criticism about women serving in the military.

You have to change how you see women to do this job well, and I dont know that you can, said Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.).

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While Hegseth has rejected the idea of females serving in combat roles in past books and interviews, on Tuesday he offered a carefully worded about-face.



The expected nominee said he supports women serving in the military but wants to ensure the standards are not lowered for women recruits. Writing a book is different than being secretary of Defense, he said.

But the strategy wasnt completely airtight. Democrats landed a few punches as the hearing dragged into its third hour.

Kaine tore into Hegseth for the 2017 incident in which the former TV host was accused of sexually assaulting a woman while he was still married to his second wife and his now current wife had just given birth. Hegseth said he was falsely accused and cleared of the investigation.

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Can you so casually cheat on a second wife and cheat on the mother of a child who had been born two months before, and you tell us you were completely cleared? Kaine said.

Hegseth replied, I sit here before you, an open book.

Kaine shot back: With multiple nondisclosure and confidentiality agreements tying the hands of many people who would like to comment to us.


Will Hegseth get through? Pete Hegseth, current Fox News anchor and possible future defense secretary in the Trump administration, will face senators in his confirmation hearing later today.

"Hegseth is a decorated combat veteran who was deployed in Guantanamo Bay in Cuba, Iraq and Afghanistan," reports CNN. "He has earned two Bronze Star Medals for his service in Iraq and Afghanistan." Since 2014, he's worked for Fox.

Hegseth has come under plenty of scrutiny for his string of divorces, salacious details of his personal life, and even a sexual assault allegation. These things, and his general inexperiencethat might give one pause as to whether he can lead an $800 billion department and 3 million employeesmight tank his confirmation.

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As for the purported assault: "Hegseth was accused by a woman of sexually assaulting her in October 2017 following a speaking engagement at a conference held by a Republican women's group in Monterey, California," reports CNN. "According to a police report obtained by CNN, the woman told police that Hegseth physically blocked her from leaving a hotel room, took her phone and then sexually assaulted her even though she 'remembered saying "no" a lot.' Hegseth told police that their encounter was consensual and that he had repeatedly made sure the woman 'was comfortable with what was going on between the two of them.'" Hegseth was never charged with any crime, and during the #MeToo years, he paid the woman some settlement money for her to keep quiet about this, ostensibly fearing the allegations would tank his career.

He's been married and divorced several times, conceiving a child with a Fox producer while still married. (Affairs also reportedly led to his first divorce, as well as his second.) His mother, during the proceedings for his second divorce, wrote an email to him later made public by the press, including sentences such as "I have no respect for any man that belittles, lies, cheats, sleeps around and uses women for his own power and ego. You are that man (and have been for years) and as your mother, it pains me and embarrasses me to say that, but it is the sad, sad truth." She later disavowed this, noting that she'd scribbled down such words in a moment of rage.

As for his actual views, they're basically what you'd expect from a Donald Trump pick. Hegseth has called the United Nations "a fully globalist organization that aggressively advances an anti-American, anti-Israel, and anti-freedom agenda. Here's one set of rules for the United States and Israel, another for everyone else."

"Nato is not an alliance; it's a defense arrangement for Europe, paid for and underwritten by the United States," he wrote in his 2020 book, American Crusade. "Europe has already allowed itself to be invaded. It chose not to rebuild its militaries, happily suckling off the teat of America's willingness to actually fight and win wars." (More excerpts from The Guardian.)

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Some senators, like Iowa Republican Joni Ernst, have telegraphed their skepticism of Hegseth from a character standpoint. Others are concerned that he's "never made national-security policy, served in a senior military role, worked in defense acquisition, or led an organization larger than a nonprofit advocacy group," as Defense One puts it. At the same time, some of the media-class condemnation of Hegseth is a bit overheated and sensationalist, with one Politico headline reading "Pete Hegseth's Crusade to Turn the Military into a Christian Weapon," a reference to American Crusade. (The Politico piece goes on to speak critically of the church Hegseth is a member of, the religious beliefs he professes, and the lead pastor there, Doug Wilson.)

For what it's worth, I don't think the issue is that Hegseth would turn the military into a "Christian weapon"; I think it's that this is a department with a massive budget and a huge number of personnel. Someone with a bit more experience at leading such an organization (orslashing such organizations) would be a better pick than this neocon-turned-MAGA TV news commentator who's been spending an awful lot of time on the front lines of the culture war.

Scenes from New York: Brad Lander, the mayoral candidate currently serving as city comptroller, appears to be crafting an entire campaign around taking threats to public safety seriously and ending homelessness. He wants to expand subway outreach teams, get homeless people out of the train cars and into social services that could help them, and utilize a "housing first" model. "The plan would cost about $100 million in the first year, and roughly $30 million per year thereafter, with about half going toward renovating vacant single-occupancy apartments that would provide an array of on-site services," reports The New York Times. My question for him is: Where is the existing $4 billion we spend on homeless services going? Why do we need to shell out an additional $100 million to see real progress on this issue? And will a "housing first" approach actually serve to get people clean, in cases of drug addiction, or sufficiently treated, in cases of mental illness?

QUICK HITS

Please subscribe to Just Asking Questions! This week's episode will be with The Unspeakable's Meghan Daum, who just lost her house in the Altadena fire.

What will happen to the many, many Los Angeles residents whose wealth was tied up in their now-destroyed homes? The Wall Street Journal reports.

Now that Donald Trump is about to be back in office, MSNBC's Rachel Maddow is going from airing her show once a week todaily! Just what we needed. What would we do without her!

"The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission must now thoroughly 'explain itself' for refusing to grant Coinbase's formal request that the agency write regulations for how the industry should assess whether crypto assets are securities or not, according to a circuit-court ruling on Monday," reports CoinDesk. "A three-judge panel for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, in a legal rebuke of the securities regulator, partially sided with Coinbase's effort to get the agency to offer legal clarity by writing crypto regulations."

This is probably a good thing:

NEW: Marc Andreessen has been recruiting and interviewing people for positions across the Trump administration, including posts at DOD and intell agencies. It's a sign of the immense influence VCs are having on the transition, as they advance a "Little Tech" agenda. w/  Cat Zakrzewski (@Cat_Zakrzewski) January 13, 2025

Once again for the people in the back: Prices convey useful information about how much supply is available. When you crack down on so-called "price gouging," you make it harder for people to receive that information. Price controls are bad!

We're launching a new, simple intake system to report price gouging  call @MyLA311 to report illegally hiked rents and prices. We have no tolerance for it.  Mayor Karen Bass (@MayorOfLA) January 13, 2025

First Mark Zuckerberg, now Paul Graham.The tide is turning.

it's amusing to see tech people stealing valor and denouncing wokeness now that it's trendy. paul graham is an interesting example since he didn't shy away from DEI at YC and is pretty woke himself - evidenced by his antipathy towards israel for instance.  nic carter (@nic__carter) January 13, 2025

As I was saying

This is the same as when people get pissed off about rich people sending their kids to private school, when in reality such people *paid twice*once via their tax dollars for their local public schools, and second via their own dollars for school tuition for their kids. https://t.co/LcZisOwz5R  Liz Wolfe (@LizWolfeReason) January 13, 2025

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The post Hegseth Faces the Senate appeared first on Reason.com.
Pete Hegseth, President Donald Trumps pick for secretary of defense, faced more than three hours of questioning under oath Tuesday in a hearing that included many contentious exchanges with Democrats on everything from whether women should serve in combat to allegations of sexual misconduct against him. Each member of the Senate Armed Service Committee had about seven minutes to question the nominee.

As Ive said to many of you in private meetings, when President Trump chose me for this position, the primary charge he gave me was to bring the warrior culture back to the Department of Defense, Hegseth said in his opening statement. He, like me, wants a Pentagon laser-focused on lethality, meritocracy, war fighting, accountability and readiness.

Some of the most contentious moments of the hearing were when women senators confronted Hegseth about his past comments stating that women should not serve in combat roles. Many quoted directly from Hegseths own book and from podcast appearances he made as recently as November before he was nominated for the position.

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Many Democratic senators also sharply criticized the fact they asked for but did not receive meetings with Hegseth prior to his hearing. Hegseth met with only one Democrat on the committee, ranking member Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island, and with Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, who is not a member of the committee. Some Democrats also decried the fact they only received one round of questions for Hegseth, described a lack of transparency from Hegseth on his past leadership of two veterans nonprofits and were not provided access to the Federal Bureau of Investigations background report on Hegseth. Only Sens. Roger Wicker of Mississippi, the committee chairman and a Republican, and Jack Reed of Rhode Island, the top-ranking Democrat in the committee, were able to review the report, which Reed argued was insufficient.

You say youve had personal issues in your past. Yet, when asked about those very issues, you blame an anonymous smear campaign, even when many of these claims are not anonymous, said Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona. Which is it? Have you overcome personal issues or are you the target of a smear campaign? It cant be both. Its clear to me youre not being honest with us or the American people because you know the truth would disqualify you from getting the job.

Throughout the hearing, Hegseth denied allegations of financial mismanagement, excessive drinking and sexual misconduct, blaming a left-wing media in America that doesnt care about the truth and only wants to destroy me. He claimed anonymous sources were spreading false allegations and denied ever disparaging women in the military, despite having quotes from his own book read back to him. Hegseth took an unapologetic tone, though he admitted he is not a perfect person who has converted to become a better man due to the influence of his wife and his Christian faith.

Most of the women questioning Hegseth were Democrats: The Democratic side of the Armed Services Committee is about evenly split between men and women, while only two of the 14 members on the Republican side are women.

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Here are some of the Democratic senators questions and Hegseths responses, edited for clarity and length:

Women in combat

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire: Youve made a number of surprising statements about women serving in the military. As recently as November 7 of 2024 on the Shawn Ryan Show, you said, Im straight up saying that we should not have women in combat roles. It hasnt made us more effective. Mr. Hegseth, do you know what percentage of our military is comprised of women? Its almost 18 percent, and in fact a DoD demographic report indicated that there are more women serving now and there are fewer separations, so they make up a critical part of our military  wouldnt you agree?

Hegseth: Yes, maam. Women in our military, as Ive said publicly, have and continue to make amazing contributions across all aspects of our battlefield.

Shaheen: Well you also write in your book The War on Warriors in the chapter The Deadly Obsession with Women Warriors that not only are women comparatively less effective than men in combat roles, but they are more likely to be objectified by the enemy and their own nation in the moral realms of war. Mr. Hegseth, should we take it to believe that you believe that the two women on this committee [Sens. Joni Ernst and Tammy Duckworth] who have served honorably and with distinction made our military less effective and less capable?

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Hegseth: I would like to clarify when Im talking about that issue, its not about the capabilities of men and women. Its about standards. And this committee has talked a lot about standards  standards that we unfortunately over time have seen eroded in certain duty positions, certain schools, certain places, which affects readiness. Which is what I care about the most: readiness on the battlefield.

Shaheen: Why should women in our military believe that they would have a fair shot and an equal opportunity to rise through the ranks if on the one hand, you say that women are not competent, they make our military less effective. And on the other hand, you say, Oh no, now that Ive been nominated to be secretary of defense, Ive changed my view on women in the military. What do you have to say to the almost 400,000 women who are serving today about your position on whether they should be capable to rise through the highest ranks of our military?

Hegseth: I would say Id be honored to have the opportunity to serve alongside you, shoulder to shoulder, men and women, Black, White, all backgrounds with a shared purpose. Our differences are not what define us. Our unity and our shared purpose is what define us, and you will be treated fairly.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand questions Pete Hegseth during his confirmation hearing on January 14, 2025. (Aaron Schwartz/Sipa USA/AP)

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York: You will have to change how you see women if you are to do this job well, and I dont know if you are capable of that. So I want to press on these issues that my colleague Jeanne Shaheen brought up because she said it so well. Youve denigrated active-duty service members. We have hundreds of women who are currently in the infantry  lethal members of our military serving in the infantry. But you degrade them. You say we need moms, but not in the military  especially in combat units. Specifically, as secretary, would you take any action to reinstitute the Combat Arms Exclusion for Female Servicemembers, knowing full well you have hundreds of women doing that job right now? And the standards, these are the requirements today for people serving in the infantry, men and women, they are gender neutral and they are very difficult to meet. They have not been reduced in any way and our combat units, our infantry is lethal. So please explain these statements because theyre brutal, and theyre mean. And they disrespect men and women who are willing to die for this country.

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Hegseth: I have never disparaged women serving in the military. I respect every single female service member that has put on the uniform, past and present. My critiques, Senator, recently and in the past, and from personal experience, have been instances where Ive seen standards lowered.

Gillibrand: Give me one example.

Hegseth: Commanders meet quotas to have a certain number of female infantry officers or infantry enlisted. And that disparages those women who are incredibly capable of meeting that standard.

Gillibrand: Commanders do not have to meet quotas for women in the infantry. That does not exist. And your statements are creating the impression that these exist. They do not. We want the most lethal force, but Im telling you, having been here for 15 years listening to testimony about men and women in combat and the type of operations that were successful in Afghanistan and Iraq. Women were essential for many of those units. When Ranger units went in to find where the terrorists were hiding in Afghanistan or in Iraq, if they had a woman in the unit, they could go in, talk to the women in a village, say where are the terrorists hiding, where are the weapons hiding, and get crucial information to make sure that we can win that battle. So just you cannot denigrate women in general, and your statements do that.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren questions Pete Hegseth during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Capitol Hill on January 14, 2025 in Washington, D.C. (ALLISON ROBBERT/AFP/Getty Images)

Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts: What I see is theres a 32-day period in which you suddenly have a different description of your views on women in the military. And I just want to know  what changed that the song you sang is not the song you come in here today to sing?

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Hegseth: Senator, the concerns I have and the concerns many have had, especially in ground combat units, is that in pursuit of certain percentages or quotas, standards have been changed and that makes combat more difficult for everybody involved.

Warren: Let me make a suggestion of what changed in those 32 days  you got a nomination from President Trump. Now Ive heard of deathbed conversions, but this is the first time Ive heard of a nomination conversion.

LGBTQ+ service members

Gillibrand: You have also denigrated members of the LGBTQ community. Did you know that when Dont Ask, Dont Tell [a policy barring service members from being openly LGBTQ+] was in place, we lost so many crucial personnel  over a thousand  in mission-critical areas. We lost 10 percent of all of our foreign language speakers because of a political policy. You said in your statement you dont want politics in the DoD. Everything youve said in these public statements is politics: I dont want women; I dont want moms. And whats wrong with a mom, by the way? Once you have babies, you therefore are no longer able to be lethal? I mean youre basically saying women after they have children cant ever serve in the military in a combat role. Its a silly thing to say. Its a silly thing to say  beneath the position that you are aspiring to. To denigrate LGBTQ service members is a mistake. If you are a sharp shooter, youre lethal regardless of what your gender identity is, regardless of who you love.

Hegseth: As the president has stated, I dont disagree with the overturn of Dont Ask, Dont Tell.

Abortion access in the military

Sen. Mazie Hirono of Hawaii: Current DoD policy allows service members and eligible dependents to be reimbursed for travel associated with non-covered reproductive health care, including abortions. Will you maintain this common sense policy?

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Hegseth: Ive always been personally pro-life. I know President Trump has as well, and we will review all policies. Our standard is whatever the president wants on this particular issue. I dont believe the federal government should be funding travel for abortion.

Military sexual assault crisis

Republican Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa: A priority of mine has been combatting sexual assault in the military and making sure that all of our service members are treated with dignity and respect. This has been so important. Senator Gillibrand and I have worked on this, and we were able to get changes made to the Uniform Code of Military Justice to make sure that we have improvements on how we address the tragic and life-altering issues of rape, sexual assault. It will demand time and attention from the Pentagon under your watch if you are confirmed. So as secretary of defense, will you appoint a senior-level official dedicated to sexual assault prevention and response.

Hegseth: Senator, as we have discussed, yes I will.

Responding to allegations of sexual misconduct

Hegseth paid a confidential settlement to a woman who accused him of sexually assaulting her at a Republican womens conference in Monterey, California, in October 2017. She reported the matter to police, but no charges were ever filed against Hegseth. He and his representatives have maintained that the encounter, which took place while he was still legally married to his second wife, was consensual.

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Hegseth has also been accused in a whistleblower report of presiding over a toxic work environment for women at Concerned Veterans for America, a nonprofit he led from 2013 to 2016. He has denied wrongdoing.

Hirono: Since you became a legal adult, have you ever made unwanted requests for sexual favors or committed any verbal or physical harassment or assault of a sexual nature?

Hegseth: No, Senator.

Hirono: Have you ever faced discipline or entered into a settlement relating to this kind of conduct?

Hegseth: Senator, I was falsely accused in October of 2017. It was fully investigated, and I was completely cleared.

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Hirono: I dont think completely cleared is accurate, but the fact is that your own lawyer said that you entered into an NDA [non-disclosure agreement], paid a person who accused you of raping her a sum of money to make sure that she did not file a complaint.

Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia: Youve admitted that youve had sex with that woman at that hotel in October 2017. You said it was consensual, isnt that correct? Youve admitted that it was consensual, and you were still married and you just had a child by another woman. How do you explain your judgment?

Hegseth: Again, completely false charges against me. They were fully investigated and I was completely cleared.

Kaine: You have admitted you had sex while you were married to wife two after you just had fathered a child by wife three. Youve admitted that. Now, if it had been a sexual assault, that would be disqualifying to be secretary of defense, wouldnt it?

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Hegseth: It was a false claim then, its a false claim now.

Kaine: If it had been a sexual assault, that would be disqualifying to be secretary of defense, wouldnt it?

Hegseth: That was a false claim. Youre talking about a hypothetical.

Kaine: So you cant tell me whether someone who has committed sexual assault is disqualified from being secretary of defense?

Hegseth: In my instance, and Im talking about my instance only, it was a false claim.

Kaine: But you acknowledge that you cheated on your wife and you cheated on a woman by whom you had just fathered a child? You have admitted that.

Hegseth: I will allow your words to speak for themselves.

Addressing allegations of alcohol abuse and mismanagement

Hirono: I have read multiple reports of you regularly being drunk at work, including by people who worked with you at Fox News. Do you know that being drunk at work is prohibited for service members under the UCMJ?

Hegseth: Senator, those are multiple false, anonymous reports peddled by NBC News that run directly contradictory to the dozens of men and women at Fox News Channel who I work with who came on the record and said that theyd never seen that.

Hirono: You recently promised some of my Republican colleagues that you will stop drinking if confirmed, correct?

Hegseth: Absolutely.

Hirono: Will you resign as secretary of defense if you drink on the job, which is a 24/7 position?

Hegseth: Ive made this commitment on behalf of the men and women Im serving because its the most important deployment of my life.

The post Hegseth grilled on misconduct allegations and women in combat in contentious confirmation hearing appeared first on The 19th.

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Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Illinois, speaks during a news conference outside of the U.S. Capitol Building on June 12, 2024 in Washington, DC. Credit - Anna MoneymakerGetty Images

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Pete Hegseths nomination to lead the Pentagon is, at the moment, the most endangered of President-elect Donald Trumps Cabinet choices. Hegseths hearing with the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesdayamong the first of the incoming Administrationcould offer some clarity on whether the former Fox News host is still on track to lead the nations largest employer.

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Central to that debate is likely to be Sen. Tammy Duckworth, an Illinois Democrat on the committee who happens to be disabled combat veteran who lost both of her legs when a rocket-propelled grenade hit the Army Black Hawk helicopter she was piloting in Iraq. Duckworth is among the first women to have flown combat missions. Hegseth says women have no place in combat operations. Im straight up just saying we should not have women in combat roles. It hasnt made us more effective. Hasnt made us more lethal. Has made fighting more complicated, Hegseth said in November before he was nominated. That position is among a host of past comments that have come to dog Hegseth's nomination to be Defense Secretaryalong with a raft of allegations about alcohol, women, and mismanagement.

He's not qualified for the job, Duckworth told TIME Monday evening ahead of Hegseths confirmation hearing. She points to not only his background, but his positions on issues like women in the military. We could not go to war and keep America safe if we were to keep our female service members out of combat or areas of combat, she says.

Below are excerpts from our conversation that have been edited for length and clarity.

TIME: Based on what you know at this hour, is Mr. Hegseth qualified?

Duckworth: Based on what I know so far, no. I was not afforded the opportunity to meet with him in person, either.

I understand there was a scheduling conflict there.

Oh, no, there's no scheduling conflict. I have the receipts. I have an email dated Dec. 18 where his team gives me the date of the week of Jan. 19. He was never planning on meeting with the Democrats prior to this. And we've made ourselves more than available. So whatever they're telling you is a fib.

I went back through your voting record from the first Trump term. You have not been an automatic rejector of his Cabinet. Why is this nomination different?

He's not qualified for the job. The largest organization that this man has led, best I can tell, was a 40-person platoonif that was a fully manned-up platoon. The largest budget that I can tell that he has managed was somewhere around $16 or $18 million. And even that was in financial distress while he was in charge of it. We're talking about a 3 million personnel organization, military and civilian, and a budget this year of $825 billion. The manager of the local Applebee's has managed more people than Mr. Hegseth has. And I would no more want that person in charge of the Pentagon than I would Mr. Hegseth.

You've served in combat as a woman. Can you explain what a Secretary Hegseth would mean for folks like yourself?

It's not just about me as a woman serving. It's the fact that he's not qualified for the job. The military, what I love about it is that it's a pure meritocracy. Can you do the job? Can you meet the standards? If you can't fly the helicopter, you don't get to be a helicopter pilot. Yet here's a guy who can't meet the standards and is asking for special dispensation to do a job that he's not qualified to do. And so what does that say to the women who've earned their position? What does it say to the team leader, the company commander, or the brigade commander who has earned that position, to look and see there's a guy there who's a weekend talk show host who has no experience, and now he gets to do the job? It undermines the meritocracy and the very foundation on which the military trains and executes its mission.

You're a retired member of the military now. You're on the Senate Armed Services Committee. You've seen the effects of DEI programs that Mr. Hegseth has made one of the cornerstones of his candidacy here. Do they hurt national security in the way he says?

Not at all. Diversity is one of the greatest strengths of our military. You could just look at things like The Lionesses, right? The Marine Corps's women who formed units after it was found out that they could better get information on enemy actions from Afghan women villagers because they would talk to them. When we were in Iraq, especially in the early days of the war, we were attaching women who were supply clerks or medics to infantry units as they're going to kick down doors looking for insurgents, because then the women were there and they could actually frisk the local women who could not be examined by our male counterparts. Having people within the ranks from all different perspectives and backgrounds with language abilities makes our military more diverse and stronger and more able to defend America.

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I wish Mr. Hegseth would focus on our adversaries and the needs of the military and less on being a culture warrior. This seems to be all that he's talking about when we don't have enough battleships and the Chinese are building more and more submarines to rival our submarine force. He's worried about renaming a military base for the worst generals in the Confederate war. It's, like, where are you focused, buddy?

Those are tangible experiences of women in combat or combat-adjacent roles who actually made the United States safer. Why would there be a downside to that?

The nature of modern warfare and the nature of the United States military is one that we could not go to war and keep America safe if we were to keep our female service members out of combat or areas of combat. In Iraq, over 50% of the casualties that we took in Operation Iraqi Freedom happened not when we were kicking down doors. It actually happened during convoy operations. Women have been driving vehicles in the military since the first World War. So if we were to take all of the females out of those convoy operations, they would never have happened. This is not like the Civil War, the Revolutionary War where we have a forward line of troops someplace and everybody stands behind it, and you can keep the women back 30 miles or 50 miles. That's not how war works today.

He is completely out of touch with the realities of modern warfare and our military. So what does he want to do? Keep the women from being deployed completely? So that's 20% of the force that can't deploy. Does that mean that the men have to deploy more often? It's going to make our military unable to execute the mission.

Is there any way you get to yes on him?

Maybe he has hidden talents I don't know about. Maybe he's run a major multinational corporation. Maybe he actually has negotiated a major diplomatic agreement with a foreign military. Maybe he just is being very, very, shy and not telling us about it.

Can Democrats stop this, though?

I don't know. Unfortunately, if you'd asked me this a month ago, I would've said there are certainly Republican members who care enough about the military and the ability to secure our nation and provide for national security who would step up. But unfortunately, the ones who did speak up with anything other than enthusiastic support from Mr. Hegseth immediately came under extremely volatile attack from everybody from President Trump down to his MAGA base. I know [Sen.] Joni Ernst [of Iowa] certainly faced an onslaught of attacks. My understanding is that many of these attacks were very threatening to her physical security. I don't know what my Republican colleagues are going to do, whether they're going to choose to put country over self, or MAGA over country.

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Write to Philip Elliott at philip.elliott@time.com.
Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's embattled pick for defense secretary, faced senators on Tuesday for a contentious confirmation hearing.

Hegseth was grilled by members of the Armed Services Committee on allegations of misconduct and sexual impropriety he's denied -- as well as his position on military policy issues, including women in combat and diversity goals.





Latest Developments





Jan 14, 2:44 PM

Hearing wraps after 4.5 hours

The Armed Services Committee gaveled out at 1:45 p.m., after hours of questions posed to Hegseth.



The hearing largely centered on allegations of sexual assault and misconduct, excessive drinking and financial mismanagement that Hegseth's faced. Hegseth has denied those accusations, bemoaning them as a "coordinated smear campaign."

PHOTO: Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's choice to be Defense secretary, departs his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee after testifying in Washington, Jan. 14, 2025. (Ben Curtis/AP)

Senators also debated Hegseth's qualifications and whether he is experienced enough to lead an agency as large as the Department of Defense.



Relatively little time was spent discussing foreign policy or Trump's military objectives in a second term.





Jan 14, 1:49 PM

Hegseth pressed on if he would carry out a potentially illegal order

Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan asked Hegseth multiple times if he would push back should he ever be asked to carry out an illegal order as defense secretary.



"I reject the premise that President Trump is going to be giving illegal order," Hegseth said.





Jan 14, 1:51 PM

Mark Kelly grills Hegseth on allegations of public intoxication

Sen. Mark Kelly brought up specific allegations of public intoxication made against Hegseth during his time at a veterans nonprofit.



The Arizona Democrat and veteran asked Hegseth to respond "true or false" to the allegations, which included having to be carried out from functions drunk.



Hegseth responded repeatedly only by calling them "anonymous smears."

PHOTO: Sen. Mark Kelly questions Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Defense Secretary, during Hegseth's confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Capitol Hill, an. 14, 2025, in Washington. (Allison Robbert/AFP via Getty Images)

Kelly concluded his time by accusing Hegseth of misleading the committee and the country about his self-proclaimed personal challenges.



"Its hard to square this circle, Kelly said. Which is it? Have you overcome personal issues or are you the target of a smear campaign? It cant be both. Its clear to me that youre not being honest with us or the American people because you know the truth would be disqualifying for the job."





Jan 14, 1:24 PM

Republican Schmitt argues Americans are 'tired of woke ideology'

Sen. Eric Schmitt, a Missouri Republican, argued Americans are "tired of woke ideology" as he questioned Hegseth on DEI programs and other military policy initiatives.



Schmitt also had a message for Democrats: "If you haven't picked up on that, you missed the plot, because that's what Nov. 5 partially was about."



Schmitt praised Hegseth as a "disrupter" of the ilk that Americans who voted for Trump want in Washington.

PHOTO: Sen. Eric Schmitt questions Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Defense Secretary, testifies during Hegseth's confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, January 14, 2025, in Washington. (Allison Robbert/AFP via Getty Images)





Jan 14, 1:07 PM

Tammy Duckworth, an Iraq war veteran, displays copy of Soldier's Creed

Illinois Democrat Tammy Duckworth, a former helicopter pilot who lost both of her legs when her aircraft was hit with a rocket-propelled grenade, also criticized Hegseth as unqualified for the job.



As she spoke, she displayed a copy of the U.S. Army Soldier's Creed behind her and recited some of it out loud.

PHOTO: Sen. Tammy Duckworth speaks as Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to be secretary of defense, testifies before a Senate Committee on Armed Services confirmation hearing in Washington, Jan. 14, 2025. (Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters)

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"Every single day that I woke up and fought my way back because I wanted to go back and serve next to my buddies who saved my life, this same copy, these words, I repeated over and over and over again," she said.



"Mr. Hegseth, our troops follow these words every single day and they man up and they pack their rucksacks and they go to war and they deserve a leader who can lead them," Duckworth added.





Jan 14, 1:01 PM

Mullin blasts Democrats over alleged 'hypocrisy'

Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., took aim at Senate Democrats, claiming hypocrisy over their attacks on Hegseth.



"You guys aren't any more qualified to be the senator than I'm qualified to be," he said.



Mullin took shots, even asking, "How many senators have showed up drunk to vote at night? How many senators do you know have got a divorce before cheating on their wives? Did you ask them to step down?"

PHOTO: Sen. Markwayne Mullin questions Pete Hegseth, US President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Defense Secretary, during Hegseth's confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Capitol Hill, Jan. 14, 2025, in Washington. (Allison Robbert/AFP via Getty Images)

"You guys make sure you make a big show and point out the hypocrisy because a man's made a mistake and you want to sit there and say that he's not qualified," said Mullin, who claimed his wife had to forgive him "more than once."





Jan 14, 1:25 PM

Democrat Gary Peters says he's not 'convinced' Hegseth can manage Pentagon

Michigan Democrat Gary Peters called out Hegseth's lack of management experience as a potential problem for an agency the size of the Pentagon.



"You have not convinced me that you are able to take on this tremendous responsibility with this complex organization with little or no management experience," Peters said.

PHOTO: Sen. Gary Peters speaks during the Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing for Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's choice to be Defense secretary, at the Capitol in Washington, Jan. 14, 2025. (Ben Curtis/AP)

After his remarks, Republican chairman Roger Wicker briefly chimed in.



"You've managed more people than the average United States senator," Wicker told Hegseth. The remark prompted some laughter among attendees.





Jan 14, 12:39 PM

Several Democrats say Hegseth ignored requests for meetings

Several Democratic senators have said Hegseth did not respond to their requests for one-on-one meetings ahead of Tuesday's hearings.



Hegseth spent a notable amount of time on Capitol Hill since his nomination as he looked to shore up support amid the allegations of misconduct.



"I was ready," Sen. Gary Peters, a Michigan Democrat, told Hegseth as he asked him if he was "afraid" to meet with some of his colleagues.





Jan 14, 12:37 PM

Tuberville praises Hegseth

Sen. Tommy Tuberville spent most of his questioning praising Hegseth.



The Alabama Republican and former Auburn University football coach made an analogy to football to the confirmation process.



"I came from a team sport where you were the people, the players actually won the games. And that's what's going to happen here. You're not going to win the game now. You're going to set the precedent," he said.



Tuberville continued the Republican questioning about the "woke" military and Hegseth again committed to focusing on leadership that focused on military values.





Jan 14, 12:22 PM

'I've dedicated my life to the warfighters,' Hegseth says on what drives him

Florida Republican Sen. Rick Scott asked Hegseth why he wanted the job and what drives him.



Hegseth took a few seconds to collect his thoughts and responded that he loved his country and was "dedicated my life to the warfighters."



"People that really know me know where my heart's at. It's with the guys in this audience who've had my back, and I've had theirs," he said.

Click here to read the rest of the blog.
The Senate battle to confirm President-elect Trumps Cabinet picks will begin in earnest on Tuesday, as his controversial pick to lead the Pentagon, former Fox News host Pete Hegseth, meets the Senate Armed Services Committee.

Trump himself will take the oath of office on Jan. 20, and hes hoping to have some of his team confirmed and in place that day.

Hegseth initially was to be accompanied by former Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.), who is nominated to serve as secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and former North Dakota Gov. Doug Bergum, Trumps nominee to serve as secretary of the Interior Department.

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But both of those hearings have been postponed.

Heres what you need to know about Tuesdays initial confirmation hearing.

Pete Hegseth

Hegseth has long been seen as one of the biggest potential confirmation fights of Trumps Cabinet picks.

That partly reflects the importance of the Pentagon, which employs roughly 27,000 people, making it one of the largest and most complex federal departments.

Hegseth has faced questions about his qualifications to lead such an agency.

Hes a veteran who completed tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and served as an infantry captain in the Army National Guard, earning two Bronze Stars. He served as a co-host of Fox & Friends Weekend on Fox News for about seven years before leaving after Trump announced his nomination in November.

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But hes never led an apparatus anywhere near the size of the Pentagon.

He has also faced other controversies, many of which are likely to come up during the Senate Armed Service Committee hearing.

A 2017 police report in which a woman accused Hegseth of sexual assault surfaced soon after his nomination. Hegseth denies the allegations and has said the encounter was consensual.

But the accusations received even more attention following a New York Times report that Hegseths mother sent him an email in 2018 accusing him of routinely mistreating women for years and using women for his own power and ego.

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His mother said in response to the report that she later apologized for sending the email, that what she said wasnt true and that it was sent in anger, with emotion as Hegseth and his wife were going through a divorce.

Hegseth also received widespread pushback for comments he made in November in which he called men more capable than women in the armed forces and said women should not serve in combat roles.

He later changed course following meetings with Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), a veteran and an influential vote on the Senate Armed Services Committee, calling women who serve some of our greatest warriors.

Hegseth has also faced accusations of excessive drinking, which reportedly worried colleagues of his at Fox and was a factor in his stepping down from two nonprofit advocacy groups. He also reportedly left those organizations as a result of mismanagement of funds and sexual impropriety.

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Several GOP senators have said Hegseth promised them to stop drinking if confirmed as Defense secretary.

Despite all of that controversy, Hegseths prospects for confirmation have been on an upswing for weeks.

After the Times story was published, there were reports that Trump was considering replacing Hegseth with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R).

Hegseth survived those rumors, and a number of GOP senators have expressed their support as Trump told him to keep on fighting.

If all Democrats oppose his nomination, Hegseth could afford three GOP defections and still survive.

Doug Collins

Collins, a close ally of Trump during his first term in office, was supposed to have his initial confirmation hearing on Tuesday but it was postponed late Monday.

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Collins served on the then-presidents impeachment defense team in early 2020 when Trump was accused of withholding aid from Ukraine in exchange for political favors.

Representing Georgias 9th Congressional District from 2013 to 2021, Collins served as vice chair of the House Republican Conference from 2017 to 2019 and ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee from 2019 to 2020.

Trump noted Collinss time in the military in his announcement of the nomination. Collins served as a Navy chaplain for two years in the 1990s and later joined the Air Force Reserve in 2002, being deployed to Iraq in 2008.

We must take care of our brave men and women in uniform, and Doug will be a great advocate for our Active Duty Servicemembers, Veterans, and Military Families to ensure they have the support they need, Trump said.

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Collins was an unsuccessful candidate in a special election for Georgias Senate in 2020 and has more recently served as a legal counsel to Trump, particularly advising on the false claims that the 2020 election was stolen in Georgia because of illegitimate ballots.

Doug Burgum

The former North Dakota governor and GOP presidential candidate was supposed to have his initial hearing to become secretary of the Department of the Interior on Tuesday, but it has been pushed until Thursday.

The decision is not without some controversy.

Burgums hearing was set to be held before the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on Tuesday at 10 a.m., but the panels top Democrat said Republicans scheduled it without the minoritys consent.

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Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) said last week that hes objecting to the hearing being scheduled because he hasnt yet received key information from Burgum for the nomination, including a disclosure form, evidence of an FBI background check and approval from the Interior Departments ethics office.

Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), the chair of the committee, said Burgum sent his paperwork to the Office of Government Ethics (OGE) and accused Democrats of trying to delay the hearing. Lee, in announcing the postponement on Monday, said OGE had not completed its review, criticizing a bureaucratic delay.

Coming later this week

Wednesday

9 a.m., South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, nominee for secretary of Homeland Security, appears before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.



9:30 a.m., former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi (R), nominee for attorney general, appears before the Senate Judiciary Committee.



10 a.m., Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), nominee for secretary of State, appears before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.



10 a.m., former National Intelligence Director John Ratcliffe, nominee for CIA director, appears before the Senate Intelligence Committee.



10 a.m., former Rep. Sean Duffy (R-Wis.), nominee for Transportation secretary, appears before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.



1 p.m., former Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought, nominee for OMB director, appears before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Thursday

10 a.m., former Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.), nominee for Environmental Protection Agency administrator, appears before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.



10 a.m., Scott Turner, nominee for secretary of Housing and Urban Development, appears before the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs.



10:15 a.m., former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi (R), nominee for attorney general, appears before the Senate Judiciary Committee.



10:30 a.m., Scott Bessent, nominee for Treasury secretary, appears before the Senate Finance Committee.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Pete Hegseth said he will support the continuation of women serving in combat roles if he is approved to become Defense secretary, responding to a question from Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) during his confirmation hearing Tuesday .

Roughly two hours into the lengthy meeting with members, Ernst asked Hegseth if he would back the ongoing ability for women to serve in combat as part of their military service.

Yes, women will have access to ground combat roles  given the standards remain high. And well have a review to ensure the standards have not been eroded in any one of these cases, Hegseth told Ernst, who noted that the pair discussed this issue intensely during their multiple private meetings ahead of Tuesday.

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Thatll be part of  one of the first things we do at the Pentagon is reviewing that in a gender-neutral way, Hegseth continued. The standards of readiness and meritocracy is front and center, but absolutely. It would be the privilege of a lifetime, if confirmed, to be the secretary of Defense for all men and women in uniform who fight so heroically. They have so many other options. They decide to put their right hand up for our country, and it would be an honor to have the chance to lead them.

Hegseth had said in early November before he was tapped for the role that the military should not have women in combat roles.

It hasnt made us more effective. Hasnt made us more lethal. Has made fighting more complicated, he said on a podcast Nov. 7. Hasnt made us more lethal. Has made fighting more complicated.

The Fox News anchor also told Ernst he plans to appoint a senior level official dedicated to sexual assault prevention and response, at her urging. The Iowa Republican has been a leading advocate for highlighting the prevalence of sexual assault in the military.

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Yes I will, he said.

Hegseth is among President-elect Trumps most controversial choices to join his Cabinet. He was questioned multiple times prior to his back-and-forth with Ernst by Democrats who were critical of his past remarks about women serving in combat roles.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
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?
When duty called, both of us considered it an honor to answer. In different wars, under different commanders in chief and secretaries of defense, each of us packed our bags, laced up our boots and deployed to the Middle East  flying combat missions over Iraq because we believed in our country and, crucially, because we believed in the military and civilian leaders who asked us to sacrifice.

At any point in time, many of the 1.3 million active-duty U.S. service members stationed across the world are taking enormous risks in service to our nation. They may be flying a training mission over Texas. They may be flying a combat mission against ISIS. They may be standing watch on the border with North Korea. For each of them, there is a spouse, a kid, parents, brothers and sisters who pray for their safety.

Everyone who has worn the flag on their uniform knows the risks and sacrifices made by our troops and their loved ones. Its a system that depends on discipline, training and trust. Trust in the people beside you in the cockpit. Trust in your commanding officer. And trust all the way up the organizational chart, including in the secretary of defense.

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The defense secretary is one of the biggest jobs in the world: an indispensable civilian check at the top of our military apparatus. This week, the Senate Armed Services Committee on which we serve will hold a confirmation hearing for President-elect Donald Trumps nominee to fill the position, Pete Hegseth.

Our responsibility is to make sure that the person who gets this job has the experience and judgment required to walk into a room of anyone from cadets to foreign military leaders and earn their respect and trust. It has to be someone who can manage the bureaucracy  not have it manage them. It must be someone who not only has real ideas about how to use our resources to best counter threats we face around the world, but who can also work quickly and effectively to put those ideas into practice. It must be someone capable of managing any kind of budget, let alone one of more than $800 billion; who can plan and execute the kind of complex multidomain missions that keep our country safe; and who has proven themselves both able and worthy of leading our service members who ask for so little in exchange for risking so much.

From everything we know, its extremely unclear if Mr. Hegseth is that person.

One quick glance at his resume and concerns over his lack of experience and qualifications become obvious.

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Mr. Hegseth likes to talk about how the U.S. military is the ultimate meritocracy. We agree. So lets talk about his merits for this job: While we respect his service in the Army Reserve and National Guard, he did not rise to a command position where he would learn the management, joint forces operations, logistics and other skills relevant to the role hes up for now. He never commanded a task force or a detachment  nothing near the scale or scope of the 3 million people who make up the DOD.

These military experiences arent requirements for the job, but his civilian leadership experience is not just limited, it is also fraught with evidence that he is not an effective or trusted leader. He financially mismanaged two veterans political organizations, with his staff alleging that he misused funds, was frequently drunk in front of them and fostered an environment where sexual harassment was an issue. He spent the last seven years as a Fox News host, where his alcohol consumption was also a concern among his co-workers. We would not tolerate this kind of reckless behavior from recruits  there is absolutely zero reason we should tolerate it from the man who is supposed to be their leader.

Mr. Hegseth will have the chance to answer for all of this at his confirmation hearing, along with the opportunity to share what, if any, views he has on the critical programs and decisions that will be awaiting the next person to have this job. As of right now, the only defense policies he has made clear are his beliefs that our militarys diversity is a weakness, not a strength, and that women should not serve in combat. These positions arent just wrong, theyre dangerous, and they leave us doubting whether Mr. Hegseth understands what makes our military the most lethal fighting force in the world. It would simply not be possible to go to war without the 225,000 female service members in our ranks. And frankly, Mr. Hegseth, these women have proven themselves capable of handling the jobs theyve earned, while you still have much work to do.

The reality is that the world is too dangerous of a place, and our service members lives too precious, to lower the bar. Those in uniform today deserve a strategic, experienced, well-qualified leader who they know will have their backs  and who has what it takes to prepare and equip them to win whatever fight they face.

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This week, Mr. Hegseth has an opportunity to show us and the American people if he meets that basic standard.

Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., is a retired U.S. Navy captain who served in Operation Desert Storm. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., is a retired U.S. Army National Guard lieutenant colonel who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Jan. 13LIMA  Willie Heggins III wants to see a revival on the north side of Lima.

The executive director of Heir Force Community School, which is renovating the former Ohio Department of Job & Family Services building on the corner of North Main Street and Grand Avenue, wants the school's presence to inspire economic development in the surrounding neighborhood.

"This is an opportunity for us to work together," Heggins told members of the Lima Rotary Club on Monday.

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Heir Force is renovating the property at 799 N. Main St. to accommodate future enrollment growth at the school, which Heggins said is needed to generate new revenue for the school.

Founded in 2001 by Cornerstone Harvest Church, Heir Force transitioned from a charter school to a community school in 2012. The school is publicly funded but operates independently of the public schools.

The school's 250 students, who range from kindergarten through eighth grade, are expected to move from their temporary location on Elizabeth Street to the renovated North Main Street building before the start of the 2025-26 school year.

Heir Force purchased two other North Main Street lots, where it intends to construct a playground and outdoor exercise area, which will be accessible to students and the public alike if Heggins's vision for the neighborhood becomes reality.

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Heggins told the Rotary Club of his dream to see redevelopment on the north side of Main Street, rather than just downtown.

"I'm acutely aware of $30 million worth of investments that are taking place just south of Main Street," Heggins said as he presented a slideslow of what he hoped North Main Street will look like in several years.

The slides depicted mixed-use apartments, parking lots and a busier renovated Rich Oil gas station, alongside images of the new Heir Force Community School and playground.

Heggins said additional development would result in higher property values and tax revenue for the city, in addition to aiding the city's efforts to make housing more affordable.

"Let the school be an anchor for helping to revitalize the economic makeup on the north end of town," Heggins said.

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Whether its snowshoeing or hiking, biking or ice fishing, Minnesota state parks are a too-often forgotten haven in the state.

Four times each year, Minnesota state parks and state recreation areas make it even easier to access the state's restorative landscapes, offering free entry to anyone who needs to find solace or fun in open spaces.

Minneopa State ParkDoug Kerr, Flickr

The first free day of 2025 is approaching. Here's when state parks will open their proverbial doors to everyone.

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Monday, Jan. 20

Saturday, April 26

Saturday, June 14

Friday, Nov. 28

Free entry means that parks will not require a vehicle permit. However, fee-free days do not remove costs associated with activities like tours, camping, or equipment rentals.

More ways to get into Minnesota state parks for free

Fee-free days aren't the only way to get into state parks on the house. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) partners with public libraries across the state to make parks accessible year-round.

Many libraries, including those in Hennepin and Ramsey counties, allow patrons to check out a seven-day state park pass once a year, offering yet another way to get out into Minnesota's wilderness.

The DNR has a complete list of participating libraries on its site.

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"Our goal in offering this program is to provide a way for Minnesotans living in low-income communities across the state to visit state parks without the financial barrier of an entry fee," the DNR says.

Standard one-day passes for state parks are $7, and an annual pass costs $35. Additionally, state trails and state water trails are free every day of the year.

Related: World's largest ice maze opens with Guinness World Record certification
Some men in the "incel" (involuntary celibate) community want the state to intervene in their dating lives. These sexually frustrated men believe that society is biased against them, so they should be given a "government-issued girlfriend." Incels have attracted attention from the authoritiesjust not in the way they would like.

This week, the California Specialized Training Institute is advertising a training session for police across the state who want to learn more about domestic terrorism. Alongside anarchism, radical environmentalism, white supremacy, and the sovereign citizen movement, the flyer lists "involuntary celibate extremism" as one of the threats. It went viral after independent journalist Ken Klippenstein shared it on social media.

For several years now, U.S. authorities have treated incel-related mass shootings as a serious security risk. The phenomenon of incel counterterrorism is an interesting window into how the U.S. government makes sense of newfangled threats and how far its surveillance reach goes.

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The training session this week is hosted by the Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center, one of the many "fusion centers" created by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to share intelligence between local and federal law enforcement. Although the fusion center has not yet responded to a California Public Records Act request for course materialsthe law gives it 10 days to do soother leaked documents hint at what the class might teach.

In 2020, hackers released millions of fusion center documents in an incident known as BlueLeaks. Some of these documents include federal intelligence bulletins and educational materials on the incel menace.

The Colorado Information Analysis Center's 2019 slideshow on "violent extremism," like the Orange County class on terrorism, lists incels alongside white supremacists, black separatists, anarchists, sovereign citizens, environmentalists, and anti-abortionists. It defines incel ideology as the belief "that women cannot be trusted and are not entirely human, but robot-like androids who only crave sex with attractive men. They believe they are ugly and no amount of self-improvement will attract women. They want access to women's bodies without their input."

As possible ways to deal with incels, the slideshow suggests "intervention" by their "online community," "authorities," and "acquaintances." The next slide cites the case of a Utah man who was sentenced to prison for posting on Facebook that he was "planning on shooting up a public place" and "killing as many girls as I see."

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Law enforcement puts a lot of energyperhaps more than the public realizesinto tracking down violent online fantasies. In August 2019, the Portland Police Bureau's Criminal Intelligence Unit put out a bulletin seeking information on a Reddit user who wrote (and then deleted), "People ask 'are you ok' - but never 'Are you planning to commit mass murder at the Black Lives Matter march in downtown Portland, OR on August 18, 2019 ot 19:00 local time with an Ruger-556 AR-15 style rifle and ammunition purchased from Northeast Arms in Salem, OR?'"

The bulletin says that the user is "believed to be 13 years old, going into the 8th grade," includes his alleged photo, and reports that he has "has posted content consistent with the incel movement."

In May 2020, the Northern California Regional Intelligence Center uploaded a memo from Verizon about a Yahoo Answers user who posted that he felt "like bringing a gun to school" because he is "white and racially bullied on a daily basis" and called an "incel loser." The memo includes the user's name, date of birth, email address, and I.P. address, which placed him somewhere in Canada.

Verizon did not respond to a request for comment.

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The first known act of real-life incel violence was the Isla Vista massacre of May 2014, when a man named Elliot Rodger posted a YouTube video complaining about his virginity, then committed a series of murders around a local college campus. Copycat attackers, who all named Rodger as their hero, shot up an Oregon community college in October 2015, ran over Toronto shoppers in April 2018, and shot up a Tallahassee yoga studio in November 2018.

But judging by the volume of bulletins on BlueLeaks, law enforcement interest in incels really picked up after May 2019, when the FBI issued an intelligence bulletin stating that "violent Incel rhetoric, expressed online in Incel community forums, likely is partially responsible for some individual Incels' escalation from grievance to violent, physical, and revengeful acts." The bulletin cites Reddit posts and memes about "Stacys and Chads" along with examples of real-life incel attacks.

In June 2019, the U.S. military made personnel sit through a briefing on incel threats, which included images of those same memes.

A few months later, the U.S. Secret Service issued a public report on mass shooters, stating that many "attackers' beliefs were multifaceted and touched on a range of issues, including white supremacy, anti-Semitism, conspiracy theories, sovereign citizens, animal rights, and the 'incel' movement."

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FBI Director Christopher Wray later described this phenomenon as attackers picking from a "salad bar of ideologies" in testimony to Congress.

And in September 2019, the FBI issued an infamous intelligence bulletin warning that the new Joker movie had inspired "online threats" from the incel community and "a subset community known as Clowncel." Fusion centers in Fort Worth, Texas; Austin, Texas; and central Florida all distributed up their own bulletins on the potential for Joker-related violence.

Parts of the FBI bulletin were leaked to the press, as was an internal U.S. Army warning, feeding into a moral panic about the Joker movie. Fortunately, none of the predicted violence materialized in real life. A 2023 study by two professors at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln concluded that feminist backlash to the plot of the movie, sensational media coverage, and government warnings all fed into each other.

A few weeks after the Joker premier passed without incident, the Southeast Florida Fusion Center revived the "clowncel" menace for its pre-Halloween situational awareness bulletin. "In previous years, there have been various clown-related threats and hoaxes, known as 'clowning,'" the bulletin warns. "Recently, there has been an increase of clown-related online threats made by the involuntary celibate (Incel) community and a subset community known as 'Clowncels.'"

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To round off the hodgepodge of unrelated dangers, the bulletin also mentions the threat of Islamic State group car rammings and drug-laced Halloween candy. It cites a 2018 report about an Ohio child who had meth poisoning after trick-or-treatingthe police later arrested his parents, concluding that the drug did not come from Halloween candyand a 2019 article about Florida preteens who accidentally ate marijuana edibles at school.

The fusion center is an incredibly powerful system for disseminating information to law enforcement. When a bulletin goes out, police across America jump to attention. But all that information is not always put together in a coherent way.

A Senate report in 2012 concluded that fusion centers had "forwarded 'intelligence' of uneven qualityoftentimes shoddy, rarely timely, sometimes endangering citizens' civil liberties and Privacy Act protections, occasionally taken from already-published public sources, and more often than not unrelated to terrorism."

The post Here's How Police Are Being Trained To Deal With Incels appeared first on Reason.com.
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. (WSAV)  Two million cubic yards of beach sand will be dumped along five areas of the Hilton Head Island shoreline, and the goal is to protect and maintain the beach for visitors and wildlife.

This project will be the most expensive one yet, said Shawn Colin, Hilton Head Islands assistant town manager. Were estimating in excess of $40 million to execute this beach renourishment program.

Town officials said every eight to 10 years, they take on a beach renourishment project. It replaces sand lost to natural erosion.

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The last project, completed in 2016, cost a little over $20 million.

https://www.wsav.com/crime-safety/pooler-pd-responds-to-shooting-on-triple-b-trail/

We are currently waiting for permits from the U.S Army Corps of Engineers and the state of South Carolina, Colin told News 3.

The town uses money from beach preservation fees, a portion of accommodation tax dollars. Colin said if the town didnt invest in beach renourishment projects, residents and visitors could see catastrophic effects.

There were areas that had to be supported with large boulders, a rock revetment, because the erosion would then impact some properties and structures were in threat of significant damage, Colin explained. I think youd see some areas where the environment and those areas over time could be very significant and catastrophic.

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Five areas will be impacted, including South Beach, Central Island, The Heel, Fish Haul Creek and Pine Island.

This project will be carried out in four phases, with the first set of pumps going in around the beginning of summer.

The town has 14 miles of beach, Colin said. Not all of the beach will be renourished. About 1,000 feet of beach will be impacted at any one time.

The town said project construction is expected to last approximately six months.

Town council and town councils over time have understood the importance of the beach as a resource and the environment that the beach and dune systems provide to help draw people here to help with our economy, said Colin.

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Construction is expected to start in June. Town officials encourage the public to subscribe to their beach renourishment updates to plan summer activities.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Senator Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, was the first senator to question Pete Hegseth about the sexual assault allegation against the defense secretary pick. Hirono also spoke to Hegseth about his past comments on women in the military and President-elect Trump's aspirations for Greenland.
Overdose deaths are down in Central Florida. Last year in Seminole County, those deaths fell by a historic 42%.

When you see a 42% reduction in deaths in Seminole County in one year, its really a 42% reduction in fentanyl deaths, Andrae Bailey, the Founder and President of Project Opioid, said.

Theyre dying from this illicit fentanyl thats coming from Mexico and winding up on every street corner in Central Florida.

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Read: Tragedy beyond comprehension: Boy, 8, dies after dog attack near DeLand, sheriff says

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2023, there was a 7.3% decline in overdose deaths across Central Florida. Thats down from a high of 732 in 2021 to 682 in 2023.

Bailey said the progress is made possible in part by funding, advocacy, awareness, and leadership.

Sheriff Dennis Lemma and the team in Seminole County have found strategies that work by both helping those who struggle with drugs and enforcing the law on drug dealers and bad actors who are killing our kids, Bailey said.

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Read: Orange County School Board to discuss Guardian Program

While the numbers are encouraging, he is warning against complacency.

Every percentage point is lives lost, every dollar spent can go to impact a family, we need to do more, Bailey said. We need to take the playbook we see here in Central Florida and make sure were saving as many lives as possible.

Read: It hits fast: Highly contagious stomach bug cases are surging in Central Florida

Last year, Project Opioid distributed more than 100,000 units of naloxone, which is an opioid reversal drug. With that drug, Seminole County sheriffs deputies saved nearly 100 lives.

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I think you need compassion and common sense, Bailey said. Were seeing that in Central Florida and thats why were seeing that historic drop in deaths.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.




The major Hollywood studios are pledging millions of dollars to support rescue workers and aid organizations providing disaster relief to those impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires.

Amazon, Comcast and Netflix each said on Monday they were donating $10 million, while Disney had announced a $15 million donation on Friday.

LA trade publications Variety and The Hollywood Reporter said that Warner Bros Discovery has also promised $15 million, and Sony, the Japanese conglomerate with a major presence in the city, $5 million.

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The money will go to a variety of organizations, from the California fire department to the Red Cross.

Amazon has also offered to lend company-owned drones to the first responders, as well as donate food, cots and hygiene items, the company said in a statement.

Most of the companies also announced that they would provide financial and logistical support to employees who lost their homes in the fires.
(NewsNation)  As wildfires continue to burn across the Los Angeles area, thousands of people are expected to start the lengthy insurance claims process to recoup their losses.

AccuWeather has raised its initial estimate, now pegging the total damage and economic loss between $250 billion and $275 billion. That would make the Los Angeles-area wildfires among the most expensive natural disasters in recent U.S. history.

Assessments are ongoing, but the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection estimates more than 12,000 structures may have been damaged or destroyed in the Palisades and Eaton fires.

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A wildfire property claim can take months, sometimes years, to resolve, so those with insurance should start by filing a claim as soon as possible.

LA-area wildfires: At least 24 have died as winds strengthen again

We highly recommend people get in touch with their insurance company right away. Dont put that off. Get your claim in, said Janet Ruiz, strategic communications director at the Insurance Information Institute, an industry trade group.

These days, many insurers have mobile apps where you can file a claim; otherwise, you can call your agent directly. Be sure to compile as much documentation as you can to get the maximum payout.

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Take notes on every conversation you have with your insurance company, Ruiz said. Its a very disturbing time and its hard to remember all the details.

Coverage limits and specifics vary depending on your insurance policy, but heres what homeowners should do  and not do  after a wildfire.

A brush fire burns near homes in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles on Jan. 7. (Photo by DAVID SWANSON/AFP via Getty Images)

Do: Get a copy of your homeowners insurance policy

Make sure you read and understand your insurance policy. If you dont have a copy, ask your insurance provider. The law requires your insurance company to provide this free of charge within 30 days of your request.

When it comes to wildfires, there are three main coverage areas to pay attention to:

Coverage for the structure of your home: A standard homeowners policy covers destruction and damage caused by fire. That means your insurance company will pay to rebuild or repair your home, including smoke damage.

Coverage for personal belongings: Items like furniture and clothes are covered if they are destroyed by fire. Insurance also covers stolen items in the event of looting, which has been reported in the LA area. Most companies provide personal property coverage that falls between 50% and 70% of the amount of insurance on the structure of a home, according to the Insurance Information Institute.

Coverage for additional living expenses (ALE): If your home is uninhabitable, your insurance will typically pay for the costs of living away from home  expenses like hotel bills, restaurant meals and other necessary costs. You have at least 24 months to collect ALE after a declared catastrophe, even if your policy says otherwise, according to the California Department of Insurance. ALE coverage is usually around 20% to 30% of your dwelling coverage, according to Bankrate. So if your home is insured for $200,000, your ALE coverage would be between $40,000 and $60,000.



Your insurance may also cover damage to fencing, outbuildings and landscaping, so its important to understand your specific policy.

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In California, property insurers must immediately pay out a minimum of one-third of the estimated value of a policyholders personal belongings and a minimum of four months worth of rent for the local area in which they live.

Los Angeles wildfire survivors describe hellscape they left behind

Do: Document everything

Gather as much information as you can to support your claim. Once its safe to do so, take detailed photographs of all the damaged areas, including close-ups and wide shots.

Create a detailed inventory of everything that was in your home. Write down item descriptions such as the brand, model, color and size. Start compiling receipts and warranties if you have them. It can also be helpful to go through old pictures and videos to show what you had in your house.

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The more information you have, the faster your claim can be settled.

A home inventory is a good idea for anyone, especially if you live in a disaster-prone area.

Open all the cupboards, open all the closet doors. Go through your garage, Ruiz said. These are all the things that people really have a hard time itemizing after a loss.

A 2023 Insurance Information Institute survey found that fewer than half of homeowners (47%) had prepared personal inventories to document their losses.

Those who have been forced to relocate should track all of their expenses, such as hotel and food costs.

Its also important to document all conversations related to your claim. The California Department of Insurance recommends starting a claim diary and keeping a detailed record of calls with your insurance company, contractors and anyone else connected to your claim.

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Write down who you talked to, when you talked to them, any agreements that were made and a general summary of the conversation.

A fire burns homes on the Pacific Coast Highway amid a powerful windstorm on Jan. 8 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Apu Gomes/Getty Images)

Dont: Throw away damaged items prematurely

It can be tempting to clear out the damage as quickly as possible, but you should hold off until the insurer says its OK.

An adjuster, who is professionally trained to assess the damage, will visit the property and determine how much the company should pay. Dont throw out any damaged items or make permanent repairs until the site is inspected.

Once you get the go-ahead to remove debris and make temporary repairs, Ruiz said its best to use a licensed contractor to avoid getting ripped off.

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Theres scam artists out there who we see preying on people taking their money, not doing the work, she said. Dont use unlicensed contractors for any of the work.

You can call the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) at 1-800-321-2752 to check if a contractors license is valid or visit the website at cslb.ca.gov for more information.

Other tips to avoid being scammed when hiring a contractor, according to the California Insurance Department:

Be especially suspicious of door-to-door salespeople who make unrealistically low estimates, refuse to leave a contract overnight, or try to sell their services by playing on your emotions.

Never sign a contract with blank spaces that have not been filled in.

Pay by check instead of cash, so you can retain your cashed check as a receipt.

Hire local licensed contractors when possible, as it is easier to deal with a local contractor if problems develop.

Dont: Be afraid to seek out help

Dealing with an insurance claim can feel daunting. Policies are notoriously complicated, often full of legal jargon and technical terms that mean nothing to the average person.

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Ruiz said people tend to have a better experience when they work with their insurance company, instead of treating the process like a fight.

Ask a lot of questions: What are my limits? How do I go through this process? What do I do next? she said.

Ruiz added: Dont think of it as a battle. Think of it as a negotiation.

Los Angeles County residents who have been impacted by recent wildfires can also attend free workshops next week to help them navigate the process.

Experts from the Department of Insurance will be available for one-on-one consultations to address specific concerns. You can schedule an appointment by calling the California Department of Insurance Hotline at 1-800-927-4357. Walk-ins will be helped on a first-come, first-served basis.

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The schedule for next weeks workshops:

Santa Monica:

Saturday, Jan. 18, 10 a.m.  5 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 19, 10 a.m.  1 p.m.

Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center East Wing

1310 11th St. in Santa Monica

Pasadena:

Saturday, Jan. 25, 10 a.m.  5 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 26, 10 a.m.  1 p.m.

Pasadena City College

1570 E. Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena

Find more tips for wildfire claimants in California here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
Jan. 13The Crossville Housing Authority and Homeless Advocacy of Rural Tennessee are asking the public to help count the number of people experiencing homelessness.

The point in time count, which takes place on the night of Jan. 28, collects data on people living in vehicles, tents, abandoned buildings, shelters, the street and other places not meant for human habitation.

The count takes place across the country and is mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

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Vivian Walker, homeless programs advocate serving HART, explained the count can provide information for local officials and non-profits concerned about homeless individuals. On a state and federal level, the data is considered when budgets are set for social services like food stamps, federally funded health care programs and WIC.

"Since the point in time count is a collaborative event, it has the potential of bringing the community together to see their own situation up close. Hopefully, that could bring about a collaborative solution that is specific to a county," Walker said via email.

Homeless Service Case Manager Cindy Turner has been captain of the Cumberland County point in time count for several years. She said volunteer teams will often go on foot to areas where homeless people are known to stay.

"We go to places like under bridges or parking lots where sometimes people will stay. Just places like that that are known to have people who are unhoused," Turner said.

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Once volunteers find homeless people, they ask questions from HUD's survey, such as their age, race and gender. This year, organizations such as the Bread of Life, Cumberland Fellowship Storehouse and the health department are getting involved in the count. School liaisons will also be participating.

Members of the public who have information on homeless individuals can help with the count by emailing Turner at cshp@crossvillehousing.org or calling 931-484-2990. They can either ask for a copy of the survey or provide information on where the homeless individual will be the night of Jan. 28. Per HUD's standard, all counted individuals must be given the survey.

There are several cases where it may be confusing if someone should be counted as homeless for the purposes of the point in time count. Someone living in a motel should only be counted if a church or nonprofit pays for the room. If someone is living in a camper or shed, they should only be counted if they have no way to access electricity or water.

Walker said those paying to keep themselves in a motel or couch surfing are in a homeless crisis, but HUD reserves point in time counts for those in the greatest crisis.

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"The biggest factor in homelessness is affordable housing. It's been a problem for many years but since 2020, it's just crazy, nothing we've ever heard of as far as availability and affordability," Turner said.

The 2022 point in time count reported 382 homeless people in the Upper Cumberland, which consists of 18 counties. Of the 382 homeless people, 150 lived in an emergency shelter, 226 were unsheltered, and six were in transitional housing. Transitional housing is typically halfway houses for the formerly incarcerated or sober living facilities.

The study also shed light on the circumstances of those experiencing homelessness in the Upper Cumberland region: 106 had a substance use disorder, 49 were victims of domestic violence and 19 were veterans.

In 2024, Cumberland County had 73 homeless people. Of those people, 34 were living in an emergency shelter, three lived in transitional housing and 36 were completely unsheltered. Putnam County had 116 homeless people, with 87 staying in emergency shelters, 9 staying in transitional housing and 20 people being completely unsheltered.

According to HUD, 8,280 people were homeless across Tennessee in 2024.
A Davenport couple and a Des Moines attorney have prepared a Scott County lawsuit against the City of Davenport, saying their home was improperly inspected  if it was inspected at all  and that accusing the city of negligent hiring and supervision and reckless disregard for the safety of others, according to the suit.

Uhls lawsuit against the City of Davenport. (OurQuadCities.com)

Through a series of texts, Jonathan Uhl told Our Quad Cities News on Monday that the suit will be filed soon or already has been filed. Plaintiffs are Jonathan Uhl, Justine Uhl, and children.

A City of Davenport spokesperson told Our Quad Cities News on Monday that the city has a copy of the lawsuit and is reviewing it. Our Quad Cities News reached out to Alison F. Kanne, who is listed in the suit as the attorney for the plaintiffs, and had not received a response as of 7:30 p.m. Monday.

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Uhl is a realty specialist for the Department of Defense, and his wife is a medical doctor employed by a branch of the Department of Defense, the lawsuit says.

For years, Uhl has been a vocal critic of the City of Davenport, in particular, its Public Works Department, and even more specifically, its building permit processes, according to the suit. Jonathan Uhl says his criticisms of the city and his demands that the city perform its duties have been met with silence, stonewalling, and outright misinformation.

After the 2023 collapse of an apartment building in downtown Davenport, the Citys stonewalling and refusal to answer questions about its permitting process only worsened, he says in the suit.

Jonathan Uhl says he has evidence of maliciousness and criminal conduct, including but not limited to the falsification of and destruction of public records, which falls out of the immunity protections that the City has under the Iowa Municipal Tort Claims Act.

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In 2017, the Uhls hired Hong Lee, HL Construction, C&L Plaza, Granite and More, and QC Rooter to construct their new home on Lorton Avenue in Davenport.

It was new-build construction that included an attached accessory dwelling unit that the Uhls intended to rent out for additional income.

After the home was constructed, the Uhls say they experienced problems with the residence, Including but not limited to electrical issues which resulted in the home catching fire and two emergency responses from the fire department, as well as sewer gas leaks that caused various health issues for the family, including irritated eyes, sore throat, dry cough, nausea and headaches. Additionally, the family dogs developed an increasing number of unusual lumps, according to the suit.

Radon levels in the home are extremely high, the suit says.

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The Uhls say a city inspector failed to inspect the home in an appropriate manner, if he inspected it at all.

(The inspectors) inspection was allegedly limited to inspection of the framing and the final building inspection; however, (the inspector) also performed an electrical inspection, without appropriate licensure, and upon information and belief, was reprimanded by the City of Davenports electrical inspector, who stated that the (home) should not have passed electrical inspection.

The electrical work in the basement of Plaintiffs home was, upon information and belief, never inspected by a licensed electrician, despite the Citys publicly documented representations to the contrary. The basement is also the source of the electrical fire and smoke that has resulted in the fire department coming to (the house) twice, the suit says.

In the suit, the Uhls say the inspector performed inspections for the city between February and August 2018, when he did not have an active license to perform inspections. They claim he inspected about 375 homes in Davenport during that time and did not have an active license to perform inspections.

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They claim the inspector said under oath that he would tell contractors to sign his name on inspection reports without having viewed the property, including but not limited to the Lorton address. He has also previously admitted under oath to forging other inspectors names to inspection reports, the suit says.

The Uhls say the city is allowing other unlicensed individuals to perform inspections of properties and issue relevant permits.

The builder of the plaintiffs home told them that he had the inspector in his back pocket and was not concerned about the result of any inspections to the property. The builder said the inspector owed the builder money, and that the builder did not have to get permits and inspections like everyone else, according to suit.

The Uhls believe that the builder of Plaintiffs home bribed (the inspector) to approve the work the builder had installed.

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At a certain point, the city began to refuse to communicate with Jonathan Uhl unless it was through a Public Records Act request, and the then-acting attorney for the City placed a communication protocol upon Mr. Uhl and stated in an email that City employees were not to interact with Mr. Uhl unless through a public records request.

The City further demonstrated actual malice or a reckless disregard for Mr. Uhls rights by knowingly not inspecting Mr. Uhls property prior to signing off on various permits and inspections by allowing unlicensed inspectors to perform inspections, and by allowing one of its employees to be bribed or put in a position where a builder had undue influence over that employee, resulting in an inaccurate, paid for inspection, the suit claims.

In the suit, the Uhls accuse the city of issuing public records which were false, and destroying public records which were true.

The Uhls ask for an amount that will fully compensate them for damages and demand a jury trial.

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Jonathan Uhl, in a Facebook post, says the decision to file the suit was not made lightly. However, it has become painfully clear that the citys actions, or rather its inactions, have caused harm to my family and to many of you.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.
HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  A new oversight committee focused on the security of Horry Countys schools is imminent as district leaders continue to invest millions of dollars looking for ways to keep their campuses safe.

Ever since the incident at Myrtle Beach Middle (School), its been up front and forward, board chairman David Cox said Monday ahead of announcing his plans to create the panel as soon as Feb. 1.

District 7 board member Janet Graham said she worried about possible dangers that could come with creating such a committee.

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In setting up a safety and security committee, that it have the opposite effect, that theres somebody out there looking for a crack and we give it to them, she said.

Last March, the districts board of education unanimously voted to install weapon detection systems in all 56 schools. Their approval came a month after police detained a student at Myrtle Beach Middle School who brought a gun onto the grounds.

A string of bomb threats also disrupted operations at Carolina Forest High School over the spring.

Over the summer, district officials rolled out a new clear backpack policy as part of an enhanced safety and security initiative.

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Clear totes, purses and plastic bags, and clear backpacks with mesh side pockets or a front pocket mesh organizer, colored straps, corner leather reinforcements and small logos will be acceptable, according to the districts new policy.

We have $15 million weve allocated (on safety and security), plus another $4 million for servers and other technology to run it, so I think its just a significant monetary expense that we to provide more scrutiny over, board member Neil James said Monday of the proposed new committee.

Gov. Henry McMaster on Monday reiterated his support for safer schools statewide, including in his proposed 2025-26 budget an additional $21 million to a school resource officer grant program that to date has put one in 1,106 of South Carolinas 1,284 public schools  or 86% of them.

Cox tapped board member Pamela Dawson to head up the new committee. She said officials vow to be as transparent as possible while honoring confidentiality around programming and personal data.

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We would not to replace the experience that we have within our own staff, but we do need to have an accountability and review role, she said.

Horry County Schools board is expected to formally approve the committees creation on Jan. 27.

Later in the meeting, the board voted to apply for the child early reading and development education program, or CERDEP, aimed at helping pre-school kids.

The state program expanded to all districts in 2023 and as of 2024, the state education oversight committee says Horry County was one of four not participating.

Thats because the district has had its own early literacy program for four-year-olds since 1985. Currently, almost 1,200 kids are enrolled in it.

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But the board says enrolling in the state program could save the district anywhere from $900 thousand to $2 million.

So, this year, like I said, were still going to benefit all the students as we have done in the past, Wendy Hodges, district 4 board member said. But its going to save the district money and the taxpayers money, which makes everyone happy.

News13s Adrianna Lawrence will have more at 11 p.m.

* * *

Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here.

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* * *

Adrianna Lawrence is a multimedia journalist at News13. Adrianna is originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia, and joined the News13 team in June 2023 after graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University in May 2023. Keep up with Adrianna on Instagram, Facebook, and X, formerly Twitter. You can also read more of her work, here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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2024 was a grim milestone in the history of our planet. Not only was it the hottest year in recorded human history, for the first time Earths average global temperature reached 1.5 C above pre-industrial levels. While it may seem like an arbitrary number, scientists who spoke with Salon agree: This is a warning sign for humanity that will be reflected in more disasters like hurricanes and wildfires.

The 1.5 threshold was established in 2015 during the Paris Climate Accords, with almost 200 nations agreeing to phase out fossil fuels and thereby keep the planets warming below 1.5 C above levels prior to the industrial revolution. Beginning in the 18th century, that period of rapid technological progress was marked by a surge in burning fossil fuels.

The scientific consensus is that climate change is the result of these industrial activities. Dr. Juan Declet-Barreto, a senior social scientist at the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), told Salon that he and his colleagues perceive the warming as a long-term trend and that extreme weather events like the ongoing Los Angeles wildfires will only get worse if policymakers continue to be derelict in their responsibility to address the climate crisis.

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The fossil fuel industry has a leading role in creating this hell that is causing death, destruction and misery all over the planet  and at home as we can tragically see unfold in front of us in Southern California, Declet-Barreto explained.

Some scientists reacted to the news by saying it merely confirmed their darkest suspicions about our planets trajectory. Dr. Kyla Bennett, director of senior policy at the activist group Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, told Salon that she and most other scientists paying attention expected humanity to blow past the 1.5 goal. Many people want to believe they can continue their carbon-intensive lifestyles without consequences, from vacationing using airplanes and eating meat and dairy to generally engaging in mass consumption.

It is a myth perpetuated by the very corporations profiting from these purchases, Bennett said. Renewable energy is not a silver bullet; not only are they themselves environmentally destructive, but they will only result in more energy consumption. Indeed, in 2023, CO2 [carbon dioxide] emissions reached a new record high of 37.4 billion tonnes, despite the explosion of solar and wind.

Bennett argues that climate change is not the underlying problem, but rather a symptom of ecological overreach.

NASA scientist @ClimateHuman : 'THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING These disasters will get much much worse

It's going to be a nightmare that we can barely imagine impacts to our food system heat waves that kill millions of people in a matter of a few days' #LosAngelesFire pic.twitter.com/fivpNNrsRT  Matthew Todd  (@MrMatthewTodd) January 12, 2025

We live on a planet with finite resources, and there are too many of us using too much, Bennett said. We are trying to solve the wrong problem: we have a resource consumption problem, not a fossil fuel problem. And I fear we, as a species, will never be ready to admit that and deal with it head on.

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Dr. Michael E. Mann, a professor of Earth and Environmental Science at the University of Pennsylvania, identifies the problem squarely as one of excessive fossil fuel use, albeit exacerbated by natural phenomena like El Nino.

The wildfires out west and the devastating floods back east this past fall are a reminder of the damaging and deadly impacts climate change is already having, Mann said. It will all get worse if we continue to extract and burn fossil fuels.

Prof. Joeri Rogelj, director of research at the Grantham Institute  Climate Change and Environment, Imperial College London, explained in a statement that the 1.5 degree threshold was established to limit human suffering. The news here therefore is not merely one involving scientific statistics; global warming has serious real-world consequences.

A single year with temperatures 1.5 C above preindustrial levels does not mean weve reached 1.5 C of global warming, Rogelj said. However, it does mean were getting dangerously close.

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He added, The Paris Agreement sets limits to global warming not out of convenience but out of the necessity to limit harm to and suffering of people. Even if we surpass 1.5 C in the long term, these reasons dont change. Every fraction of a degree  whether 1.4, 1.5 or 1.6C  brings more harm to people and ecosystems, underscoring the continued need for ambitious emissions cuts.

The Los Angeles wildfires are the latest example of this crisis, with experts agreeing that climate change exacerbated the fires by first flooding the area, allowing tons of plants to spring up followed by unnaturally warm and dry conditions that created perfect fuel when the Santa Ana winds hit. As climate change worsens, weather will swing between extremes like an out of control pendulum. Even though Californias wildfire season typically runs from May through November, experts say the region is now experiencing a mid-January series of wildfires amidst the unusual and unnatural changes to the regional environment.

Want more health and science stories in your inbox? Subscribe to Salon's weekly newsletter Lab Notes.

Some people are grasping for excuses as to why the fires are happening, playing the blame game, Bennett said. The blame lies squarely at the feet of fossil fuel companies and corporations pushing consumption of stuff. But for climate change, the fires in LA would not be what they are.

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As a member of the Union of Concerned Scientists, Declet-Barreto said there is a lot of disinformation and misinformation being put out there by the fossil fuel industry. It is imperative for the public and policymakers to pay attention to the climate science that has unequivocally established that fossil fuel extraction and burning is the driving force behind the climate crisis.

In reference to passing the Paris threshold, on Monday the activist group Just Stop Oil painted on Charles Darwins grave in Westminster Abbey 1.5 is dead. Just Stop Oil explained in a statement that we have passed the 1.5 degree threshold that was supposed to keep us safe. Millions are being displaced, California is on fire and we have lost three quarters of all wildlife since the 1970s.

What's really going on, Just Stop Oil co-founder Roger Hallam told Salon in October is the extraction of resources by the global elites, and the global elites are involved in a universal suicide project for humankind. We don't need to talk about the climate, we don't need to talk about change. What we need to talk about is power and criminality and evil. What we're talking about is a death project, and that's what we should call it.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  Houchin Community Blood Bank is doing their part to help keep hospitals in the Los Angeles area with the proper levels of blood during the ongoing wildfires.

Starting Jan. 13, Houchin Community Blood Bank is accepting blood, platelets and plasma donations of all blood types to keep supply at proper levels in the Los Angeles area during the raging fires. Houchin says they have received an urgent request from several hospitals regarding a significant need of blood products.

How did the wildfires in Los Angeles start?

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The critical demand for blood products in the Los Angeles area is expected to last well into next week.

Making sure we have blood for patients in Kern County is always our number one priority. But saving lives, regardless of where they are, is an equally important mission when we have the means to do so, said Shane Hubbard, Marketing & Communications Manager at Houchin.

If you would like to help, visit their website to schedule an appointment.

Retro T-shirts will be handed out to donors at the Bolthouse location from Jan. 13  18, while supplies last.

Never miss a story: Make KGET.com your homepage

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Officials say donors must be at least 16-years-old, at least 110 pounds and be in good health. A photo ID is necessary for your appointment.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 News.
Show Caption1 of 6

Half the Minnesota House chamber stands empty as DFL lawmakers made good on their threats to not show up for the opening session at the State Capitol in St. Paul on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. Republicans moved ahead Tuesday and elected D.Rep. Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring, top left, as House speaker after DFL Secretary of State Steve Simon moved to adjourn the House after he ruled it lacked a quorum. (John Autey / Pioneer Press)

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After failing to reach a power-sharing agreement with Democratic-Farmer-Labor lawmakers, Minnesota House Republicans moved Tuesday to elect their own House speaker without the other party present.

Calling the move an unlawful sham, DFLers didnt show up at the Capitol for the first day of the 2025 session.

DFLers argue the House couldnt move forward with business unless there were 68 members present  a majority of the total 134 seats  while Republicans say they just needed the most members  67 of 133 current sitting members.

Operating on that interpretation, they elected their caucus leader, Rep. Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring, soon after DFL Secretary of State Steve Simon had moved to adjourn the House which he ruled lacked a quorum. Republicans in turn described that ruling as a sham.

What happens next in the House?

Republicans moving forward without the DFL puts the state in uncharted legal territory, and the matter likely will end up before the Minnesota Supreme Court. Simon, a DFLer, said he will file a petition to challenge Republican actions.

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Also to be resolved  GOP leaders are considering preventing a Shakopee DFL House lawmaker from being seated after they lost an election challenge over his victory, something Democrats say is an abuse of power.

And, a special election to fill a Roseville House seat is currently the target of a legal challenge by the state GOP who argue over the timing of the special election  to take place Jan. 28  set by Gov. Tim Walz.

Shakopee legislative race decision

Earlier Tuesday, a Shakopee judge ruled that Democratic Rep. Brad Tabke is eligible to take seat 54A in the House despite 20 missing ballots in that race. Tabke, DFL-Shakopee, issued a statement calling on Demuth to respect the judges decision.

In a statement on the Shakopee ruling, Demuth said a vote to deny Tabke his seat remains on the table as the Minnesota Constitution says: Each house shall be the judge of the election returns and eligibility of its own members.

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Melissa Hortman, the DFL leader, signaled her caucus will continue to deny the House GOP a quorum.

A question of what makes a quorum

Last years election delivered a tied House with 67 Republicans and 67 Democrats, but after a DFLer got disqualified over residency issues, Republicans ended up with a one-seat majority for the time being.

DFLers say their absence denies the House the quorum of 68 members needed to conduct business, per their interpretation of the state Constitution. However, that interpretation is disputed by Republicans. They say a majority means a majority of elected members, not total seats in the House. And others, including the House Clerks Office, have said a majority of 133 is enough to take votes.

DFLers had most of their members sworn in on Sunday at a closed ceremony, meaning they didnt have to show up on the first day. Typically members swear in at noon on the first day of session, something noted in the state Constitution, and Republicans decried the move as illegitimate.

Senate power-sharing

Meanwhile, the state Senate operated more smoothly on its opening day Tuesday.

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DFL and Republican caucuses in the Senate, which is temporarily tied 33-33 following the death of Sen. Kari Dziedzic in late December, have reached a power-sharing agreement.

Under the agreement, they elected Sen. Bobby Joe Champion, DFL-Minneapolis and Sen. Jeremy Miller, R-Winona, as Co-Presiding Officers. They also split Senate committee seats between the parties and appointed co-chairs.

Democrats are expected to reclaim a majority in the Senate in a few weeks. A primary election in the DFL-dominated district occurred on Tuesday and the special election is on Jan. 28.

The makeup of the Senate also could be affected by the outcome and timing of the felony burglary trial of Sen. Nicole Mitchell, a Woodbury DFLer accused of breaking into her stepmothers Detroit Lakes home last April.

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  A home on Youngstowns South Side is not livable after an early morning fire.

It happened at this home on West Chalmers Avenue near Oak Hill Avenue around 4:30 a.m.

Fire officials say two people had to be rescued from the home but were not injured.

The fire started on the second floor of the home.

WKBN

When we got here, two occupants were asleep on the first floor. We woke them. One of them was able to get out themselves. One of them is wheelchair bound, which we assisted them out, said Youngstown Fire Batallion Chief Chad Manchester.

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Manchester added that firefighters were able to put out the fire pretty quickly as it was confined to the bedroom.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The Red Cross was called to assist the family.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
House Speaker Todd Huston, R-Fishers, introduces his caucus' priorities on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. (Leslie Bonilla Muniz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston wants the nearly three-dozen Illinois counties that have voted to secede to consider redder pastures.

We think instead of seceding and creating a 51st state, they should just join us, Huston said, while introducing his priority legislation, House Bill 1008.

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We match their priorities, their interests and were excited about having that conversation this year, the Republican from Fishers told reporters. And to all of our neighbors to the west, we hear your frustrations and then invite you to join us in a low-cost, low-tax Indiana.

Hustons caucus introduced seven other pieces of priority legislation, focusing on a balanced budget, school deregulation, high health care costs, energy supply boosts, criminal justice funding and housing infrastructure help.

Keeping a tight budget, slashing school regulations

In House Bill 1001, the caucus hopes to pass an honestly balanced biennial budget, according to a news release. Thats despite worsening financial winds.

Revenue is projected to grow  but by less than in recent years  in the first year of the budget, and be flat in the second year. Expenses like Medicaid could quickly eat that up.

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I know its a difficult time in terms of revenue, but we will find those priorities and well fund those and then go forward from there, said Rep. Jeff Thompson, R-Lizton. He chairs the Houses powerful, budget-building Ways and Means Committee.

The legislation wasnt posted online as of Tuesday evening.

Rep. Bob Behning, R-Indianapolis, stands as his caucus introduces its priorities on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. (Leslie Bonilla Muniz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

House Republicans also hope to streamline the states K-12 education system through House Bill 1002.

Rep. Bob Behning, R-Indianapolis, said the proposal  a behemoth, 138-page omnibus education bill  intends to eliminate regulations for schools and more towards professionalizing education, as opposed to using the industrial model, where you regulate everything.

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The measure includes dozens of repeal provisions, loosening or eliminating some existing requirements related to teacher training, professional development, school programming, administrative duties, and school boards, among other changes.

Portions of the bill additionally delete expired education provisions, like outdated curricular requirements and grant funds that no longer exist.

Multiple sections related to charters would additionally reduce reporting and operation requirements for the non-traditional public schools.

The goal is to provide more flexibility to schools, as well as to continue to look at trying to reduce the regulatory burdens that schools face every day, as well as some of the reporting requirements, Behning said Tuesday.

Taking on health care costs, boosting energy

The caucus is planning a two-pronged offensive on Indianas expensive health care industry.

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House Bill 1003 is intended to improve transparency and predictability in pricing and billing, according to the release. The sprawling legislation would also give Hoosier patients increased access to their health information and more control over their treatment options.

Author Rep. Brad Barrett, R-Richmond, said itll touch both hospitals and insurers in ways that ensure those savings actually get passed to the patient.

Rep. Brad Barrett, R-Richmond, introduces his priority bill on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. (Leslie Bonilla Muniz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

The chamber has made multiple efforts  or incremental change in Barretts words  to reduce such costs in previous years, notably with the creation of the All Payers Claims Database. However, the price transparency tool isnt widely used and varies depending on the Hoosier and their insurance options.

Theres no simple solution in this arena, Barrett told reporters. 1003 has a lot of moving pieces and the thing I can tell you is, Stay tuned.

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House Bill 1004 houses another look at health care, this one putting nonprofit hospitals in the hot seat.

When you look closer at the numbers, you see some of our highest-cost hospitals that are driving this issue are large, not-for-profit hospitals, Rep. Martin Carbaugh, R-Fort Wayne, said. In 1004, were going to look at how we can better hold accountable those hospitals to save Hoosiers real dollars on health care.

Carbaugh said hospital prices would be compared to Medicare charges, a measure that has been subject to intense scrutiny in previous years.

The caucus turned its attention to energy in House Bill 1007.

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The wide-ranging draft creates a tax credit for manufacturers of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) and lets public utilities ask for permission to spend money on SMRs and recover their costs before getting certificates of public convenience and necessity.

The legislation also establishes procedures for utilities requesting regulator approval of projects serving big customers, expedited resource generation plans for meeting major customer load growth, and so on. It sets standards for big customers financial assurances and for cost recovery mechanisms.

It additionally provides an avenue for lawmakers to get tough with utilities that plan to close or convert coal plants  though its provisions would apply to any type of generating resource of at least 100 megawatts. It would require utilities to give regulators information on their plans. If regulators dont think a utility can provide reliable service, they can investigate  then either approve or block the utilitys plan.

Housing, public safety and secession

Homebuilder and Rep. Doug Miller, R-Elkhart, hopes to chip away at Indianas housing shortage through his House Bill 1005.

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He led the charge with the creation of the Residential Housing Infrastructure Assistance Program in 2023. The nascent revolving loan fund lends money for housing-related infrastructure projects, then will reinvest the proceeds in its next loans.

Millers legislation would dump $25 million more into the fund.

It would also give funding priority to communities that enact at least eight of 16 listed pro-density land use policies. They include establishing density bonuses, eliminating or reducing off-street parking requirements, letting manufactured homes into areas zoned for single family houses, and more. The bill also has provisions on building inspectors.

Through House Bill 1006, Rep. Chris Jeter hopes to help out local prosecutors  but crack down on those he sees as not doing their jobs.

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His legislation establishes a body to increase the number of qualified special prosecutors available for appointment and creates a fund for it.

It also creates a prosecutor review board that would examine prosecutors who categorically refuse to prosecute criminal laws. If the board labels a prosecutor as noncompliant, the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council must withhold certain funding.

Lawmakers have cited prosecutors around the country not enforcing shoplifting laws below a certain dollar amount, but also Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears, a Democrat whos said his office wont criminally prosecute possession of one ounce or less of marijuana, and wont waste one resource prosecuting women or medical professionals involved in abortion cases.

But, the General Assembly has repeatedly tried and failed to pass such a provision into law.

Indiana House Republicans authoring priority bills listen as theyre introduced at a news conference on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. (Leslie Bonilla Muniz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

Hustons bill, meanwhile, establishes the Indiana-Illinois Boundary Adjustment Commission. The group would have five appointed Hoosier lawmakers and five appointees from Illinois.

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After naming Indianas members, newly inaugurated Gov. Mike Braun would have to notify Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker that hes appointed members. The group would hold its first meeting within two months of Prtizker picking members to represent Illinois.

Swapping states, however, is unlikely.

Illinois would lose federal funding and Republicans would see their bicameral superminorities further shrink, among other potential Prairie State quibbles. But Illinois would need to approve the move, alongside Indiana. Then, itd head to the U.S. Congress for approval.

Asked if his proposal was serious, Huston noted that 33 Illinois counties have voted to secede from that state  with seven of those votes occurring in the November general election.

Look, its serious, because these people have already decided, he said.

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Jan. 14 (UPI) -- U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson granted President-elect Trump's request to suspend a 30-day mourning period for former President Jimmy Carter in order to fly flags at full staff during the inauguration.

Johnson's decision to raise flags during an official mourning period for a former president joins with a similar recent move by Texas to also raise flags there. Both decisions were made by Republican leaders and fly in the face of longstanding U.S. tradition.

On Tuesday, Johnson announced the flags at the Capitol on Jan. 20 will fly at full staff to "celebrate our country coming together behind the inauguration of our 47th President," the Louisiana Republican wrote in a statement later in the morning.

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"The flags will be lowered back to half staff the following day to continue honoring President Jimmy Carter," he said.

The ex-president was laid to rest last week at his home in Plains, Ga., after a 3-day state funeral in Washington attended by every living U.S. president, vice president and first lady, except former first lady Michelle Obama.

It arrived less than a week before Trump's second inaugural and days after Trump raised the flags to full-staff at his Florida estate in open defiance to Biden and Gov. Ron DeSantis of the historic protocol to keep at half-staff following the death of an American president -- a move of respect which one day also will be afforded to Trump.

Last month, President Joe Biden ordered flags be lowered to half staff for 30 days per tradition after Carter, the 39th president, who died last month at 100.

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Trump claimed Democrats were "giddy" over the idea of flags being lowered for the swearing-in ceremony.

Tuesday's announcement follows a similar decision by Texas Gov. Gregg Abbott, a conservative Republican and fellow Trump ally, who ordered all flags raised to full-staff at the state's Capitol in Austin and all state buildings on Jan. 20.

On Monday, Abbott's office cited a federal statute that says a U.S. flag should be displayed "especially on ... Inauguration Day" as his reason to break the federal proclamation.
Re-elected Arkansas senators take their oath of office on the Senate floor on Monday, January 13, 2025, the first day of the 95th General Assembly. (Mary Hennigan/Arkansas Advocate)

Arkansas 95th General Assembly began Monday afternoon with the swearing-in of new and returning lawmakers, including new House Speaker Brian Evans, R-Cabot.

Evans overwhelmingly won the chambers vote for the speakership in May 2024 and was elected to a fourth House term in November. He took the oath of office as speaker after he and his colleagues all took the oath as state representatives, led by Supreme Court Associate Justice Shawn Womack.

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Twenty-six years ago, as a 26-year-old freshman representative, I stood right over there and took this same oath, said Womack, who served in the Legislature from 1999 to 2009.

He added that it was an honor to administer the oath; Supreme Court Chief Justice Karen Baker swore in the Senate.

In a nearly 15-minute speech on the House floor marking the start of his speakership, Evans said sacrifice over self should be one of lawmakers primary goals.

I ask you to join me in  a service where we wont be seeking a headline, a service where we praise those who make a sacrifice on our behalf and the benefit of the constituents, Evans said.

Arkansas Supreme Court Justice Shawn Womack swears in Rep. Brian Evans, R-Cabot, as the new House Speaker on Monday, January 13, 2025. (Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate)

Republicans have a supermajority in both chambers, with 81 House seats to Democrats 19 and 29 Senate seats to Democrats six.

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On Monday, returning Senate President Pro Tempore Bart Hester, a Republican from Cave Springs, welcomed his fellow veteran lawmakers and one new senator with a reflective and forward-looking speech.

Hester noted Arkansas $3 billion budget surplus, recent efforts to lower income taxes, the states strong support of the Second Amendment and commitment to education and election integrity. He also highlighted past policies that prioritized public safety, from an overhaul of the prison system with the Protect Act to faster turn-around times on DNA testing kits for sexual assault.

Over the 95th General Assembly, weve still got plenty of work to do, Hester said. Leaders like [Sens.] Josh Bryant and Missy Irvin will push Arkansas to be a national leader in protecting victims of human trafficking, while sending a stiff message to the traffickers that were going to find you and were going to deliver the harshest penalties in the country.

Bryant is the lead sponsor of a bill that proposes to offer a free lifetime hunting and fishing license to commercial truck drivers who provide certain information related to human trafficking.

State of the State

Lawmakers from both the House of Representatives and the Senate will convene together Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. to hear from Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders as she delivers the State of the State address.

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Hester said he hasnt discussed the speech with the governor, but he expects Tuesday to be consistent with previous addresses.

Senate President Pro Tempore Bart Hester, R-Cave Springs

(John Sykes/Arkansas Advocate)

If shes anything, she is consistent, Hester said. I think she will talk about accountability with people that are receiving taxpayers dollars, if thats through Medicaid or education. She wants results and accountability. Shes always got a few surprises in there; I dont want to know, because I dont want to be the person ruining the surprise.

During a press conference, Evans said he expects Sanders to mention in her speech that Arkansas has restructured its tax system over the past few years, most recently in June 2024. He also said maternal health and higher education should feature in the address.

She has been very clear that she intends to be the education governor and Arkansas is the education state, so with the paramount work that we did in the 94th [General Assembly] with the LEARNS Act addressing education in K-12, I think now that work is going to shift into higher education, said Evans, who chaired the House Education Committee from 2023 to 2024 and spent 10 years on the Cabot school board before being elected to the House.

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Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Jonesboro, will chair the Senate Education Committee. He is sponsoring a bill to eliminate required minority recruitment and retention plans and reports from public school districts and higher education institutions.

Education and public safety were the main themes of Sanders 2024 State of the State. Sanders has named higher education policy as a priority for the 2025 session but has not shared details.

Members of the Arkansas House of Representatives stand for the National Anthem during the start of the 95th General Assembly on Monday, January 13, 2025. (Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate)

The House

The LEARNS Act was Sanders signature legislation during the 2023 regular legislative session. The wide-ranging law changed many aspects of the public education system, including raising teachers minimum annual salary to $50,000, creating a school voucher program, requiring literacy screenings for third-graders and repealing the Teacher Fair Dismissal Act.

Rep. Keith Brooks, R-Little Rock, co-sponsored the LEARNS Act and is the new chairman of the House Education Committee. His priorities as chairman include a clear student focus on the continued implementation of LEARNS, he said in an interview.

House leadership

In the House, the speaker is elected by a majority of the 100 members to conduct the business of the chamber in an orderly fashion, certify all measures that pass the House and assign committee leadership positions.

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Rep. Brian Evans, R-Cabot, won 91 votes from his colleagues last year to succeed Rep. Matthew Shepherd, R-El Dorado, who was speaker for three legislative terms, or six years. Evans was first elected to the House in 2018.

The House has a speaker pro tempore, a Latin term meaning for the time being, to oversee the chamber when the speaker is unavailable. Four members are on standby as assistant speakers pro tempore.

The speaker is fourth in the line of succession if the governor is unable to serve, behind the lieutenant governor and the Senate president pro tempore.

Freshman Democratic Rep. Jessie McGruder of Marion has a background in education and will serve on the House Education Committee. He said the Legislature should reinstate the Teacher Fair Dismissal Act, which a Democrat-led bill has already proposed.

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Ive got to figure out how to learn as much as I can as quick as I can up here so I can get something done, McGruder said in an interview.

Evans said he also expects maternal health care to be a focus of both Sanders speech and the legislative session at large. Maternal health has become a bipartisan concern for elected officials due to Arkansas consistently high rates of maternal and infant mortality.

Democrats, led by House Minority Leader Andrew Collins of Little Rock, have introduced a wide range of bills that would repeal some Republican-led 2023 laws. The partys priorities are maternal health, education, mental health and helping the public participate in democracy.

Sanders and Republicans priorities include a plan to build a 3,000-bed prison on 815 acres the state purchased in Franklin County, where community members have expressed frustration about the plan. The Legislature has set aside $330 million for the prison project, with another $75 million in reserves.

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I think were going to see that project move forward, but I dont think it will come without some great debate in committee as we continue to work on the funding for that, Evans said.

He added that while the Legislature values transparency with the public, it is incumbent on Arkansans to do their part to engage with the lawmaking process.

Their first contact with [their representatives] should not be in a moment of crisis, Evans said. There should be some relationship-building, and that just helps the whole process of communication.

Evans chose Rep. Carlton Wing, R-North Little Rock, as speaker pro tempore. In an interview, Wing called the appointment an incredible honor and agreed with Evans that the Legislature owes transparency to the public.

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In this day and age, its very easy for a lot of folks to have concerns about this self-government concept that we have, so we want to bring the government to the people and give them confidence that their representatives truly have their best interests at heart, Wing said.

Rep. Johnny Rye, R-Trumann, (left) joins his colleagues in congratulating Rep. Carlton Wing, R-North Little Rock, (seated) on his new role as speaker pro tempore on Monday, January 13, 2025. (Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate)

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The Houses four assistant speakers pro tempore are Reps. Dwight Tosh, R-Jonesboro; Kendra Moore, R-Lincoln; Les Warren, R-Hot Springs; and Fred Allen, D-Little Rock.

Rep. Howard Beaty, R-Crossett, is the House Majority Leader. Rep. Stetson Painter, R-Mountain Home, is the majority whip, while Rep. Denise Garner, D-Fayetteville, is the minority whip.

The whip leaders are primarily responsible for counting heads and rounding up members for votes. They will occasionally stand in for the majority or minority leaders when they are absent.

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Senate leadership

Lieutenant Governor Leslie Rutledge leads the state Senate as its president. Rutledge, a former Arkansas attorney general, was elected to her current role in 2022. Her term ends in 2026.

The lieutenant governor presides over the Senate and votes in the case of a tie. The position is also first in the order of succession if the governor is impeached, removed from office, dies or is otherwise unable to complete the offices duties, according to the Arkansas Constitution.

Sen. Bart Hester, a Republican from Cave Springs, serves as the Senate president pro tempore, a Latin term meaning for the time being.

Elected to the role by his fellow lawmakers, Hester makes appointments to legislative task forces, committees and commissions. The president pro tempore also has the authority to convene the Senate between legislative sessions.

The 95th General Assembly marks Hesters second legislative session as the president pro tempore. He is one of a few leaders in state history to serve in this capacity in consecutive Legislatures. Hester was first elected to the Senate in 2012.

The Senate president pro tempore is third in the order of succession if the governor is unable to serve.

The Senate

After the Senate adjourned, Hester said his statewide priorities include finding consistent funding for water and sewer infrastructure projects and working on establishing incentives for affordable housing.

I think we get there by supply and demand, Hester said of affordable housing. The more supply, prices will come down. Thats an economic fact. We just have to create a bigger supply of all housing.

When asked where the biggest debates may occur this session, Hester named higher education and the budget. Sanders proposed fiscal year 2026 budget totals $6.49 billion and raises spending by 2.89%.

At the end of the day, theres a lot of people going to be asking questions  wanting funding, increased funding, Hester said. I dont know of any hot button issues that are coming up.

Sen. Greg Leding, a Democrat, said afterward that he was especially interested in the sessions imminent higher education bills. Fayetteville, which Leding represents, houses Arkansas largest state-funded institution, the University of Arkansas.

Leding is also the Senates minority leader.

As for the Democratic caucus, were going to do what weve always done: Work to make Arkansas fairer and brighter for all Arkansans, protect public education, strengthen public education [and] strengthen access to health care, he said.

Operating with a minority means Democrats cant pass bills on their own.

We know were going to work together, as Democrats we know we have to, but we also want to work across the aisle, Leding said. Same with Gov. Sanders, where there are things that we can support, well absolutely do so. But well also be sure to call out things that we dont think are good for Arkansans.

Leding said though he anticipates higher education and public safety to be the biggest issues lawmakers discuss this legislative session, it always seems like theres at least one giant surprise that catches the Legislature off guard while were down here, and who knows what that might be.

While the numbers of the party ratio didnt change in the Senate, one new face joined the crowd. Former Rep. Jamie Scott, D-North Little Rock, will represent District 12, which was previously held by Sen. Linda Chesterfield.

Scott served three terms in the House from 2019 to 2023. She is the youngest African-American woman to be elected to either body.

Im excited to continue to build upon the success of Sen. Chesterfield and my mentor, [former Sen.] Joyce Elliott, Scott said in an interview after the Senate adjourned Monday. Im proud of the work that I accomplished [in the House] fighting for youth, whether it was in the juvenile detention centers or foster or homeless students.

Now 42, Scott said she plans to continue to be a staunch, fearless advocate.

I know that Im prepared to do this work, Scott said. I have a heart for the people, and Im always someone who is willing to work with people who dont agree with me.  Ill be praying a lot. I pray a lot anyway. Im excited for the opportunity to represent people up here at the state Capitol, especially people who feel like they dont have a voice, the most vulnerable populations.

Newly elected Sen. Jamie Scott, D-North Little Rock, receives a welcoming applause from her fellow lawmakers on the Senate floor on Monday, January 13, 2025, the first day of the 95th General Assembly. (Mary Hennigan/Arkansas Advocate)

Hester said that while he may disagree with Scott on a lot of policy, he thinks Arkansans are electing representatives who work well with each other, which he said is good for the state.

It was so interesting today  our galleries were all full of her people, Hester said. We know that shes a dynamic personality. People really like her. If youve been around her much, you have to enjoy spending time with her.

Leding said he was thrilled to have Scott on board and he looks forward to the months ahead.

Sen. Blake Johnson, R-Corning, was named majority leader. Sen. Breanne Davis, R-Russellville, is the majority whip, and Sen. Fredrick Love, D-Mabelvale, is the minority whip.

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Deputy Editor Antoinette Grajeda contributed to this report.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  There is an ever growing need for teachers, not only in KELOLAND, but across the nation.

Max Schuelke has known he wanted to be a teacher since he was a freshman in high school.

Future SF population growth could be up, not out

My moms a teacher, so she was definitely a huge inspiration for me, Milbank Senior, Max Schuelke said.

Monday Schuelke joined nearly 200 students from across South Dakota for the Educators Rising Learning Expo.

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In the state of South Dakota, we have chapters all across and different districts, and its a group of students who is looking to go into education anywhere from 7th grade all the way up to 12th grade, Educators Rising Board of Directors, Jamie Juhl said.

Students started off by hearing from South Dakotas teacher of the year. Then they got the chance to experience a variety of classrooms and different hands-on activities to give them an idea of what the profession entails.

Im heading to a breakout room that specifically focuses on math and education techniques for education, specifically elementary education in teaching math to young students. So Im excited for that. But there are various breakout rooms, so students can really pick and choose what theyre interested in and want to learn more on, Schuelke said.

Getting them the experience to see what its like to be a teacher really starts to build up that foundation and that love for what it is and why that theyre going to go into teaching, Juhl said.

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The University of Sioux Falls is hosting the event in hopes of inspiring the next generation of educators.

My grandchildren that are now in school, will spend more time with their teacher in many cases than theyll spend with their own parents, their own family. And to that end, we need the very best, the very brightest, the most ethically grounded people with integrity to fill these positions, President, USF, Brett Bradfield said.

Over 180 students registered for the event from 24 different schools around the state.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
WASHINGTON CITY, Utah (ABC4)  Human remains were found near a hiking trail in southern Utah on Sunday, Jan. 12, according to officials with the Washington City Police Department.

On Jan. 12, a hiker said they discovered what appeared to be human remains near the Elephant Arch hiking area and Bone Wash Trail. Officials with Washington City police and the Washington County Sheriffs Office responded to the scene and confirmed the presence of human remains.

According to a Monday press release from police, the remains were in various states of decomposition, indicating they had been there for an extended period of time.

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Man arrested after high-speed chase, told police he was having fun

The remains were identified as male, and his family was notified. Police said the identity of the deceased individual is not being released out of respect for his family.

We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased, the Washington City Police Department said.

The remains were taken to the Medical Examiners office for further investigation to determine the cause of death. Police said foul play is not suspected at this point in the investigation.

We also express our sincere gratitude to the various agencies that have assisted in this investigation, police said.

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Police said the case will remain active until the findings from the Medical Examiners office and other reports are complete.

There is no further information 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 ABC4 Utah.
Jan. 14Expand

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Department of Transportation and Public Facilities bridge design engineers Benjamin Landes, left, and Nicholas Murray inspect a pedestrian bridge on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025 over the Seward Highway in South Anchorage. The roof of the structure became detached from the decking during a windstorm early Sunday morning, and the engineers were making sure that the remaining structure was safe to leave intact over the busy highway. (Loren Holmes / ADN)

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A ferocious storm that pounded Southcentral Alaska with high winds and rain Sunday has left hundreds of customers still without power as utility crews grapple with unusually extensive damage.

Anchorage schools closed Monday due to what district officials described as weather-related issues related to power outages as well as slick parking lots and building maintenance needs. Schools reopened Tuesday.

In Mat-Su, Susitna Valley schools will remain closed for a second day Tuesday due to icy conditions, school district officials said.

Municipal officials on Monday evening opened the Spenard Recreation Center as a temporary location for people still without power "from Sunday's extreme weather event" to get warm and access power.

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It wasn't immediately clear Tuesday morning how many people made use of the temporary shelter. The shelter, which provided hot drinks and snacks, was operated in partnership with the American Red Cross of Alaska and the Salvation Army, according to the municipal manager.

On Sunday, a powerful low-pressure system brought gusts of more than 100 mph reported in a few locations and hurricane-force winds even at some lower elevations around the Anchorage Bowl. A ridgeline weather station in Turnagain Pass recorded a peak reading of 129 mph, according to an update Monday from municipal officials.

Rain and melting snow from record warmth  the National Weather Service registered a new high of 44 for the date on Sunday  left water pooled in lower-lying areas and saturated the ground. Flooding was reported in parts of Mat-Su.

Power outages began Sunday morning and persisted through the night, with thousands without electricity by midday Monday as crews scrambled to address widespread issues that extended, for some, into Tuesday.

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High winds prompted 13 planes to divert from Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport to Fairbanks on Sunday, according to airport spokesman Erik Peterson. Two were Alaska Airlines flights, one was operated by Delta Airlines, nine were cargo planes, and one was a military aircraft, Peterson said.

Along with a pedestrian bridge that partly collapsed onto the Seward Highway Sunday morning, minor to moderate damage was reported around the city.

Snapped trees and blown-down fence sections were visible along Northern Lights Boulevard and Muldoon Road. Siding and pieces of roof were sheared off several homes in the Rangeview Mobile Home Park off Muldoon.

Municipal officials said Monday they were monitoring conditions in mobile home parks in East Anchorage, given the strength of gusts there Sunday.

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"We have had concerns raised about trailer courts where some of the structures were damaged by the wind," Municipal Manager Becky Windt Pearson said in an interview Monday.

Windt Pearson said her office has not received any reports of injuries or extraordinary damage to private property and no municipal structures suffered major damage. Municipal offices were operating as usual.

Officials at the Anchorage Fire Department said they responded to more than 200 individual calls on Sunday, including reports of trees down or wind damage with at least one fire engine or other apparatus. The department fielded nearly 500 total incidents called into the department's dispatch center, nearly twice as many as normal.

"We also had two structure fires yesterday and they were not related to the wind, however the wind contributed," Assistant Chief Alex Boyd said on Monday.

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At least three planes flipped over at Merrill Field, which recorded wind gusts as high as 66 mph on Sunday, according to airport manager Earl Malpass.

Concerns for the safety of people staying in homeless camps led the municipality to stand up a new emergency warming facility on Sunday.

The facility was filled to capacity Sunday night into Monday, according to Windt Pearson. The warming center, located on East Fourth Avenue, will also extend its hours Monday and Tuesday and open at 4 p.m.

The municipality was also waiving adult entrance fees Tuesday at the Spenard center as well as the Fairview Recreation Center. Both centers offer phone charging stations as well as areas for children to play inside.

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[Part of pedestrian bridge collapses onto Seward Highway in South Anchorage]

The combination of high wind and soaked ground led to "significant damage" to power equipment on the ground, extending the time it's taking to restore electricity, said Julie Hasquet, spokesperson for Chugach Electric Association.

"It isn't just a matter of the crews show up and there's a tree on the line ... it's all the way to the ground," Hasquet said. "There's broken poles, there's broken cross arms, there's broken wires."

Crews responding to outages found not only multiple trees on some lines but objects like trampolines blown out of nearby yards, she said.

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Chugach officials are recommending that residents without power Monday should be prepared to be out of power until Tuesday, or go stay with friends or in other accommodations if possible.

"Because we can't tell you when the power is going to be back," Hasquet said.

Chugach crews, as well as contractors, are prioritizing the largest outages, though one crew has been assigned to address smaller areas that have been without power the longest, she said.

Chugach Electric, with about 91,000 members, reported a peak of 17,500 without power at the height of the outage. By early Tuesday, that number was at about 1,00 members.

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Matanuska Electric Association was reporting just under 150 members without power, mostly in Eagle River.

Anchorage schools are on track to reopen Tuesday and resume normal programming for the rest of the week, according to a message the Anchorage School District sent families on Monday afternoon.

The Richardson Highway to and from Valdez reopened Monday afternoon between miles 19 and 46 after closing due to inclement weather conditions, avalanche hazard, and continuing avalanche mitigation operations, according to the site. The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities reported that between Jan. 10 and 13 Thompson Pass received 108 inches of snow, or 9 feet.

In Anchorage, municipal officials said they are offering free disposal of woody debris at city wood lots starting Tuesday through the end of the month.

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The low-pressure system that brought the wind and warmth moved off to the north Monday, according to the weather service.

There was a slight chance of snow for Anchorage and the Matanuska Valley on Monday evening, with little accumulation expected. Temperatures are expected to drop enough that any precipitation for the next few days in Southcentral will be in the form of snow.
WASHINGTON  The Justice Department released a final report Monday from the special counsel who charged Hunter Biden with gun and tax crimes before his father, President Joe Biden, pardoned him.

Special counsel David Weiss said in the report that the president could not "rewrite history," suggesting that Biden's criticism of the case against his last surviving son when he announced his pardon decision had maligned "the public servants at the Department of Justice based solely on false accusations."

Biden described the prosecution of his son as a miscarriage of justice in the official White House statement announcing the pardon, which prosecutors working for Weiss disputed in a later court filing.

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"Politicians who attack the decisions of career prosecutors as politically motivated when they disagree with the outcome of a case undermine the publics confidence in our criminal justice system," Weiss wrote. "The Presidents statements unfairly impugn the integrity not only of Department of Justice personnel, but all of the public servants making these difficult decisions in good faith."

Biden pardoned his son early last month, not long before Hunter Biden was expected to be sentenced in connection with his conviction for violating a statute rarely used by federal prosecutors, which makes it unlawful for drug users to possess weapons. Biden had repeatedly said during the 2024 campaign, including after he dropped out of the race over the summer, that he would not pardon his son.

In a statement provided to NBC News, Hunter Bidens attorney Abbe Lowell said that Weiss' report "conveniently omits his proposal to resolve this investigation in 2023 with a pair of misdemeanors and a diverted gun charge recommended by career prosecutors."

Lowell also said Weiss had not explained why prosecutors "pursued wild  and debunked  conspiracies" that extended the investigation.

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"What is clear from this report is that the investigation into Hunter Biden is a cautionary tale of the abuse of prosecutorial power," Lowell added.

Weiss, who had bipartisan support when he was named U.S. attorney in Delaware during President Donald Trump's first term, stayed on at the Justice Department at the beginning of the Biden administration. Attorney General Merrick Garland appointed him as a special counsel in 2023.

The Justice Department is also expected to issue a report on Jack Smith's special counsel investigation into Trump's efforts to stay in power after he lost the 2020 presidential election.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
MESA COUNTY, Colo. (KREX)  U.S. Rep. Jeff Hurd, Third Congressional District, joined his colleagues Monday in criticizing the Colorado Parks and Wildlife for importing Canadian gray wolves into the state over this past weekend.

Hurd, who along with U.S. Reps. Lauren Boebert, Jeff Crank and Gabe Evans, said in a joint statement:

After years of slighting or outright ignoring Colorado farmers and ranchers with politically appointed anti-agricultural activists and meat-free days, bureaucrats in Colorado have rushed through the importation of Canadian gray wolves and have set them loose in our state despite numerous protests and questions about the legality of this dysfunctional and chaotic approach.

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We are demanding answers from the Department of Interior on why agencies like the Bureau of Land Management have failed to provide any evidence of statutorily required updates to Resource Management Plans to address the importation of wolves and how they will impact our agricultural producers, our sovereign Indian tribes, sportsmen and our oil and gas producers across the state. With wolf numbers surging across the country, we stand united in support of legislation like H.R. 130 to delist the gray wolf from the Endangered Species Act and we urge the incoming Trump Administration to take immediate action by stopping further importation of these foreign predators into the United States.

Colorados agricultural producers have lost $580,000 in just one year from wolves already introduced. We should be working with our farmers and ranchers who tirelessly labor to feed us, instead of hastily rushing foreign predators into our state and bloating even further a terribly mismanaged wolf program.

Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) arrives at the House Chamber for the final vote series in September 2024. Bobert was one of several lawmakers who criticized the reports of CPW importing gray wolves to the state over the weekend.

CPW announced Saturday it began gray wolf capture and transport operations in British Colombia to reintroduce up to 15 wolves into the state. CPW said adding the animals to the current population in the state will increase the likelihood of breeding and pack formation.

We are excited to be working with B.C. to bring together our combined experience and expertise while ensuring the safety of animals and staff, CPW Wolf Conservation Program Manager Eric Odell said in a press release. This new source population of gray wolves will provide additional genetic diversity to Colorados wolf population.

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Colorado Parks and Wildlife is still considering releasing the wolves on the Western Slope in Garfield, Eagle and/or Pitkin counties.

We remain committed to working with all parties as we continue to implement the law as passed by the voters, CPW Director Jeff Davis said in the release. 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.

As part of the Colorado Wolf Restoration and Management Plan, CPW is to release 10 to 15 gray wolves on the Western Slope per year for three to five years.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife releases a gray wolf on Dec. 18, 2023, as part of the voter mandate to reintroduce the animals to the state (Colorado Parks and Wildlife)

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com.
NEW IBERIA, La. (KLFY)  A New Iberia family lost everything over the weekend, when a fire destroyed the home of Albert Ledet. He said his family will have to start completely over.

Ledet said he was asleep in his recliner Saturday night, when his son woke him up as flames consumed the home.

Ledet says they immediately got out of the house. However, his wife, who has several disabilities, was unable to get out on her own, and had to be rescued through a side window.

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We went to the side to help me for my wife up through the window, we had to knock out the air conditioner, Ledet said.

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Ledet, a military veteran who says hes not easily afraid, was scared in that moment. Not only for himself but also his wife.

Getting my wife out, fear and my wife were the only things I could think of, he said.

Pastor Donald Wright of Star Pilgrim Baptist Church sasaid when he got to their home, Ledet was standing in front crying and told him we lost everything, but thank God we got my wife out.

Wright says hes in awe of the high spirits Ledet shows after losing everything. The day after the fire Ledet, who serves as an usher at the church, showed up still wanting to serve.

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State Fire Marshals Office receives grant to increase smoke alarm inventory

Wright said he and the congregation have funded the Ledets stay at a hotel until they find sufficient housing or somewhere to permanently live.

Looking at whats left of the outside of his house, Ledet said he he feels blessed because he was able to get his family out and that possessions can be replaced, but lives cannot.

Although Ledets church is assisting with a temporary place to stay, they are still in need of essential items. Anyone intersted helping out the Ledets can reach out to Star Pilgrim Baptist Church at (337) 364-7419.

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THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP)  The International Criminal Courts chief prosecutor has told judges that Israeli objections to the investigation into the 13-month war in Gaza should be rejected.

Karim Khan submitted his formal response late Monday to an appeal by Israel over The Hague-based courts jurisdiction after judges issued arrest warrants last year for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defense minister and Hamas military chief, accusing them of crimes against humanity in connection with the war in Gaza.

The embattled Israeli leader, who is also facing corruption charges in his homeland, called the arrest warrant  a black day in the history of nations  and vowed to fight the allegations.

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Individuals cannot contest an arrest warrant directly, but the state of Israel can object to the entire investigation. Israel argued in a December filing that it could look into allegations against its leaders on its own and that continuing to investigate Israelis was a violation of state sovereignty.

The ICC was established in 2002 as the permanent court of last resort to prosecute individuals responsible for the worlds most heinous atrocities  war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and the crime of aggression.

The courts 125 member states include Palestine, Ukraine, Canada and every country in the European Union, but dozens of countries dont accept the courts jurisdiction, including Israel, the United States, Russia and China.

In Khans combined 55-page response, he says the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC, allowed it to prosecute crimes that take place in the territory of member states, regardless of where the perpetrators hail from.

The judges are expected to render a decision in the coming months.
Jan. 13Idaho Gov. Brad Little stopped in Hayden Monday to tout his funding proposals for the 2026 budget first unveiled in his State of the State address last week.

Little's "Keeping Promises" plan prioritizes education, transportation infrastructure, wildfire mitigation and tax relief.

"As always, education's been my top priority," Little said in a meeting with local media at Stancraft Jet Center at the Coeur d'Alene Airport. Little spoke in Lewiston later Monday.

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The governor's proposal includes $50 million in new funding for rural school facilities and other initiatives, $83 million for teacher pay and $28 million for teacher health insurance.

The additional pay and benefits are "really important up here in this part of the state where our school districts compete with Washington," Little said.

The rural schools funding will help balance out $1.5 billion Idaho invested last year in public school facilities. With the way the distribution formula worked, Little said smaller districts didn't get much benefit. The additional $50 million will help those districts without taking from larger ones.

When it comes to districts that have had difficulty passing bonds and levies, Little said the extra funding he proposes will help those districts take some pressure off their budgets, especially if they need a new building. Then it is up to school board trustees and superintendents to make their case to the public about how urgent other funding is, he said.

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Besides the funding for public schools, Little also proposed $50 million to subsidize private schools. He said one option would be to use the money to create tax credits for families whose children attend private schools. A vetting process would review qualifying schools.

"We want it to be fair, responsible, transparent, accountable  and those conversations are taking place every day with our legislative partners," Little said.

For public safety, Little said he wants $85,000 for a prosecutor to focus on drug trafficking in North Idaho along Interstate 90 and U.S. Highway 95. The prosecutor would be based in Coeur d'Alene, similar to special drug prosecutors based in the Treasure Valley and eastern Idaho.

Other major proposals are $100 million in tax relief, $100 million for fire management and $50 for transportation infrastructure. The transportation investment would go toward the Transportation Expansion and Congestion Mitigation program and would allow the state to bond for an additional $800 million for big projects.

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Little said he met with President-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago last week to discuss cutting regulatory red tape, particularly around forest management and infrastructure projects.

"Idaho was DOGE before DOGE was cool," Little said, repeating a line from his State of the State address that referred to the Trump administration's proposed Department of Government Efficiency, which aims to slash government spending. Little said that Trump's new administration is prepared to hit the ground running.

"I'm excited about my partnership with the new administration and all the things we're going to get done," Little said.

Little is scheduled to return to North Idaho Feb. 4 to deliver a keynote at a luncheon with the Coeur d'Alene Regional Chamber at the Coeur d'Alene Resort.

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.
For the first time since 2019, Illinois regulators have approved new medical conditions to qualify for medical cannabis, all centered around womens health.

Endometriosis, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids and female orgasmic disorder were approved by the Illinois Department of Public Health, at the recommendation of the Medical Cannabis Advisory Board.

While other treatments may be effective at shrinking fibroids and cysts, which marijuana will not do, medical cannabis may relieve pain associated with those conditions, said board co-chair Dr. Leslie Mendoza Temple

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She was pleased to see state regulators approve the conditions, after a nearly six-year drought without new approvals despite prior board recommendations.

The state has approved 56 conditions for medical cannabis, including cancer, chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, osteoarthritis and terminal illness.

The list allow doctors to recommend cannabis for their patients with those conditions. Getting a medical cannabis card requires a doctors approval and a $50 annual fee; it allows patients to buy cannabis from state-licensed stores without paying recreational pot taxes that can reach as high as 45%.

Some customers may consider medical approval moot since adults 21 and over may legally buy recreational or adult use marijuana from any licensed dispensary.

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But the distinction still matters, Mendoza Temple said, and not just for saving money. It also allows each patient or caregiver to buy up to 2.5 ounces at a time, rather than one ounce for recreational use, and to grow up to five plants at home.

She said she wished the board had more authority over other aspects of medical cannabis, such as allowing drive-through sales, or expanding medical sales to more than 220 dispensaries statewide, rather than just the 55 approved medical cannabis stores. Regulators said they are working on legislation to expand patient access to any dispensary in the state.

Among the new conditions, endometriosis is a condition in which tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, which can result in severe pain, scarring and infertility. Female orgasmic disorder is a condition where a woman has difficulty reaching orgasm, which may have a variety of causes. Data suggest cannabis can be helpful for both conditions, the health department reported.

Medical cannabis has been shown to offer an effective means of relief from a variety of debilitating medical conditions and symptoms, said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra IDPH reviews petitions carefully using expert opinion and the most up-to-date evidence to make decisions that best serve Illinois residents.

There were about 138,000 active medical cannabis patients in Illinois at the end of 2024.

____
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTVO)  Under a new bill being considered by the Illinois General Assembly, senior citizens would have to take a mandatory driving test at age 87 instead of the current age of 79.

The Road Safety & Fairness Act, drafted by Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias and sponsored by Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) and Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Bellville), would also allow for new procedures for relatives to report unsafe drivers.

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, in 2023 the crash rate for drivers 75 and older was lower than every age range of drivers between 16 and 74.

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As Secretary of State, my top priority is ensuring that Illinois roads are safe, Giannoulias said. Seniors are among the safest drivers of any age category. This measure will align Illinois senior driving standards with the rest of the nation while increasing safeguards so that Illinois maintains its status as one of the strictest states when it comes to driver safety and license renewals.

The bill, if it becomes law, would require drivers at 79 and 80 to take a vision test to renew their drivers license, and drivers between 81 and 86 would still be required to renew their license every two years.

Drivers aged 87 and older will be required to renew their licenses annually, with a vision and driving test.



AARP Illinois has heard for years from our members about how the driving test requirement disproportionately affects older drivers and perpetuates false narratives about their driving abilities, said AARP Illinois State Director Philippe Largent. The research clearly shows that older drivers are the safest drivers on our roadways, and we believe that singling them out to take an extra test is a type of age discrimination and has to end.

The law would also establish a method so family members can report unsafe drivers, which would trigger a medical reevaluation and retesting.



According to the Secretary of States Office, Illinois has been the only state in the nation that requires senior drivers to have their behind-the-wheel skills tested on a regular basis. The last two states that mandated driving tests for seniors did away with them in 2011 (New Hampshire) and 2005 (Indiana).





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An Indiana General Assembly bill filed by one of the state's most powerful lawmakers would set up a commission to "embrace" neighboring counties in Illinois that want to secede and join the Hoosier state.

House Bill 1008, which was unveiled on Tuesday by House Speaker Todd Huston, R-Fishers, would create a so-called "Indiana-Illinois Boundary Adjustment Commission," with the goal of embracing Illinois counties "that want to join low-tax, low-cost Indiana."

The House Republicans included the bill on a list of their top priorities for the 2025 session, which specifically noted that dozens of counties in Illinois have voted since 2020 "to secede from their high-tax state."

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The actual language of the bill is unclear as it hasn't been posted yet, but Huston said Tuesday that Indiana would seek to follow the "constitutional process for redrawing state boundaries."

"To all of our neighbors in the West, we hear your frustrations and invite you to join us in low-cost, low-tax Indiana," Huston said.

The bill isn't meant to "stir up trouble with Illinois," Huston said, calling it a "serious" proposal.

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The move follows seven Illinois counties voting to explore secession in the November election.

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Iroquois, Calhoun, Clinton, Green, Jersey, Madison and Perry counties - all rural counties in Illinois - voted affirmatively in November to the question of whether the counties should explore "the possibility of separating from Cook County to form a new state and to seek admission to the Union as such."

Overall, the counties that have voted to secede from Illinois are rural counties cloistered in the Southern and Central areas of Illinois. Many sit along the Indiana border or close to it, though not all.

"Instead of seceding and being a 51st state, they should just join us," Huston said.

He said it would require Illinois lawmakers to pass a similar resolution. It's unclear what the political appetite for that would be.

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"We've always said we're a welcoming state," Huston said. "We look forward to the opportunity to welcome people to Indiana."

However, Illinois officials, including state Attorney General Kwame Raoul, previously raised skepticism about the idea of Illinois counties seceding, according to reporting from NBC5 Chicago.

"It is my opinion that non-home-rule counties ... do not have the authority to secede from the state of Illinois and join another state," Raoul wrote in 2023.

House Republicans' other priorities

The largest task that originates in the House is the drafting of the state budget. House Ways and Means chair, Rep. Jeff Thompson of Lizton, was mum on details, except to say it'll be balanced.

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"It's a difficult time in terms of revenue, but we will find those priorities and fund those, and go from there," Thompson said.

Rep. Bob Behning, R-Indianapolis, the education committee chair, said he's hopeful universal school choice will cross the finish line. The House is letting the Senate take the lead on the two main budgetary issues  Medicaid and property taxes  and therefore plans to address them in the second half of session, Huston said.

Here are the House's other priority bills:

House Bill 1002: This is a major deregulation bill for K-12 schools. Behning envisions this as the first of a three-year effort to reduce up to 60,000 words of Indiana law dealing with schools  regulations that could be seen as superfluous, like "may" provisions and state-mandated training or reporting that Behning believes should better be left to local districts.

House Bill 1003: Rep. Brad Barrett, R-Richmond, filed this bill to add transparency to health care bills and prices as well as patients' health information and treatment options.

House Bill 1004: Rep. Martin Carbaugh, R-Fort Wayne, wants to hold nonprofit hospitals accountable for their prices and ensure they are actually following the spirit of their nonprofit status.

House Bill 1005: From Rep. Doug Miller, R-Elkhart, this bill would expand a Residential Housing Infrastructure Assistance Program created in 2023.

House Bill 1006: By Rep. Chris Jeter, R-Fishers, this bill would create a fund to reimburse counties for up to 50% of the cost of their deputy prosecutors' salaries.

House Bill 1007: Rep. Ed Soliday, R-Valparaiso, is interested in growing Indiana's energy capacity through small nuclear reactors.

Contact IndyStar state government and politics reporter Kayla Dwyer at kdwyer@indystar.com or follow her on X @kayla_dwyer17.

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Contact IndyStar senior government accountability reporter Hayleigh Colombo at hcolombo@indystar.com or follow her on X @hayleighcolombo.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana lawmakers want Illinois counties to be able to join Indiana
CHICAGO  To enact his progressive agenda, Mayor Brandon Johnson is looking to Springfield for an assist, but powerful Speaker of the Illinois House Emanuel Chris Welch warns that money is tight.

The mayor of Chicago and mayors all across this state will have to come to us with realistic expectations. They can expect to hear us say no from time to time, the Democrat told WGN during a Monday sit-down interview. Were entering into this budget season with a $3.1 billion projected deficit, thats billion with a B.

Last week, Gov. JB Pritzker slammed Johnson and his team for not developing good relationships in Springfield. Welch calls Johnson a very good friend whom hed like to help if the mayor would get specific about what he wants.

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I need to know what his wish list is. Whats his ask? Let me help you deliver what we can. What is that? I dont know. But lets have that conversation, Welch said.

Mayor Johnson says his relationships in Springfield transcend politics

To help Johnson and close the budget hole, Welch is not ready to endorse raising the state income tax.

People dont want us talking about taxes right now, he said.

Also last week, Welch got into a dust-up with Pritzker. Welch decided not to bring to the floor a Pritzker-backed bill that would regulate increasingly common hemp products, including banning the sale of synthetic THC gummies to children. The governor thought he had 60 House Democratic votes for the measure.

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It wasnt even close, the speaker said. The governor gave us a roll call. He knew beforehand that we were going to verify that roll call, and that roll call wasnt even close.

The governor told reporters that during a private House Democratic caucus, officials from his administration were verbally abused by Democratic lawmakers, and he blames Welch for not intervening.

Listen, the governor wasnt present in our caucus meeting, and it got a little emotional, Welch said when asked why members of the governors team left the meeting in tears. I did talk to those members immediately after caucus, and its my understand they reached out to those staffers immediately after I talked to them. Caucus, it gets emotional sometimes.

Welch said tensions ran high due to lingering bad feelings about the lack of minority ownership in the legal cannabis system.

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Theres a perception that the social equity program was not done correctly in the cannabis space. And here we have an industry where there are a lot of Black and brown owners currently in existence, and the legislation thats currently proposed would literally put those people out of business right now, and it would turn it over to the cannabis people, he said.

Regarding transit, Welch added that reform is needed before Springfield provides Chicagos regional operators with a lifeline. On the budget deficit, Welch said the state should look for efficiencies before it considers raising the income tax.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTVO)  Illinois lawmakers have introduced a bill that would decriminalize prostitution and create a sex workers bill of rights.

State Sen. Celina Villanueva (D-12th Dist.) and State Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) introduced the legislation on Monday, backed by Reyna Ortiz, a former prostitute, Equality Illinois board member, and chair of the Sex Worker Advisory Group (SWAG)

For 20 years, I worked as a sex worker here in the city of Chicago, Ortiz said at a news conference MondayAnd for over 20 years, I lived under the fear and threat of violence. By passing this legislation, we will make Illinois a safer place for everyone, especially the most vulnerable in our communities.

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The bill would remove criminal penalties for adults engaged in consensual paid sex, and remove arrest and conviction records for prostitutes.

It would also create a sex workers bill of rights.

Its really just making sure that when were making these exchanges, that were not so worried about the policing of our bodies, and also, you know, getting your door kicked in when youre engaging in sex work, Ortiz said. People dont really understand that it really is just two adults coming to an agreement. Its transactional.

Advocates for the legislation said it would allow sex workers to report crimes without fear of consequences.

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The threat of arrest and prosecution keeps sex workers unsafe and in the shadows, and this threat must be eliminated, said Brian Johnson, the CEO of Equality Illinois. This law is essential now more than ever.

Equality Illinois describes itself as the states oldest and largest advocacy group for LGBTQ residents. The group quoted Human Rights Campaign statistics that say LGBTQ prostitutes are disproportionately victims of homicide.

In May of 2024, when Equality Illinois first urged lawmakers to consider decriminalizing sex work, Rep. John Cabello (R-Rockford) pushed back, telling the Center Square, Its the drugs, the lifestyle and the pimps [that makes prostitution dangerous]. It has nothing to do with the law on the books. If thats the case, then why arent there other people getting beat up for all of the other laws that are on the books? It means as though certain people in this state want to make it where we dont have any penalty for anything you do wrong.

Guzzardi also backed a measure that was passed by the Illinois General Assembly last week, that would replace references to the word prostitute with person engaged in the sex trade in state statutes. It has headed to Gov. JB Pritzkers desk to be signed into law.

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David Smith, of the Illinois Family Institute, responded, saying, Lets not sanitize it. What are we talking about here, legalizing brothels throughout the city of Chicago, throughout the state of Illinois? Is that what our Main Streets are going to look like: the weed shop next to the brothel next to the mini casino? This is the new wave of Illinois?

The only state in which prostitution is legal in the United States is Nevada.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports.
STERLING, Ill. (WTVO)  A Walmart store in Sterling, Illinois was evacuated Monday while police investigated a suspicious vehicle parked nearby for a potential bomb.

According to the Sterling Police Department, around 1:20 p.m., authorities were warned that a vehicle parked near the rear of the business, at 4115 East Lincolnway, could contain an incendiary device.

Authorities said the registered owner of the vehicle had made similar threats regarding such a device and had been arrested in California prior.

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A portion of the Walmart was closed off and evacuated while Sterling Police, the Quad City Illinois-Iowa Bomb Squad, Rock Island County Sheriffs Office, and ATF agents sent two bomb-detecting canines and bomb squad personnel in to investigate.

Police said no evidence of explosive devices were found.

The store was reopened at 5 p.m.

Police said the incident 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 MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports.
METROPOLIS, Ill. (WTVO)  A southern Illinois woman, who allegedly was in possession of methamphetamine during her arrest for trespassing, reportedly asked for officers to give her back the drug when she was released pre-trial.

According to the Metropolis Police Department, officers were called to the 1000 block of Ferry on Thursday, January 2nd for a trespassing complaint.

The caller told police that Amber Gilberet, 36, had entered the residence and had previously trespassed. She was arrested on the charge of criminal trespass, and while police were searching her, they discovered the drug.

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Authorities then charged her with possession of methamphetamine.

She was processed at the county jail and released with a notice to appear at a future court date.

Upon leaving the police department, she asked for her Meth back, police said, which was denied.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Two weeks after Raven Edgar began living in an interim housing shelter on Skid Row, she ended up back on the streets.

Last week, as the wildfires broke out and scorched thousands of acres across L.A., the Weingart Center on Skid Row took in about 19 unhoused people who had been impacted by the fires, according to Jericho Kilpatrick, a spokesperson for the organization. Around 3 a.m., Edgar woke up to a voice over the loudspeaker system.

Read more: Crews improve containment on Palisades, Eaton fires; some residents allowed to return

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"Fire warning," the voice said. "Please evacuate the building."

Edgar said she went outside but didn't see any firetrucks. She asked other residents if they knew what was going on, but they didn't have answers. Kilpatrick didn't have details on where the unhoused people were evacuated from. Facing overcrowding at the shelter and afraid that a fire might break out, Edgar decided to go back on the streets.

Arnie Panaligan, a member of the Church of Music in San Diego, unloads supplies at the Sidewalk Project center. (Carlin Stiehl / For The Times)

"I'm on the ninth floor," she said. "I'm not about to wait for a fire to start to see how I can get out of the building. I feel safer on the streets. I don't want to burn alive."

Edgar stayed on the streets for a few days until Friday, when she met Jessenia Garcia, a 45-year-old board member for the Sidewalk Project, a nonprofit on Skid Row offering services for homeless people.

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Garcia persuaded Edgar to come with her to stay at the Sidewalk Project's drop-off center on Skid Row, which was also serving as a makeshift shelter during the wildfires.

"She saved me for tonight, probably for the rest of my life," Edgar said.

People already battling homelessness have had their lives uprooted during what are shaping up to be the most destructive wildfires in L.A. history, facing displacement and potential health issues from the wildfire smoke.

"What's really disturbing is that we've noticed our marginalized communities are getting further marginalized in this process," said Soma Snakeoil, co-founder and executive director of the Sidewalk Project. "There are only a few groups focusing on the needs of unhoused people."

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When Hollywood was being evacuated, for instance, Snakeoil and other volunteers went around the neighborhood and learned that nobody had told those living on the streets about the evacuation order or the serious implications the wildfire smoke had for their health.

After the Sunset fire sparked in the Hollywood Hills, mandatory evacuation orders were issued for people between Laurel Canyon Boulevard and the 101 Freeway, from Mulholland Drive on the north to Hollywood Boulevard on the south. The evacuation was sent to people's phones and announced online but didn't reach those living on the streets.

"Nobody came for them," she said. "No one had told them anything."

Raven Edgar is a resident at the Sidewalk Project's drop-off center on Skid Row, which is also serving as a makeshift shelter during the wildfires. (Summer Lin / Los Angeles Times)

Snakeoil said that she and a team of about 50 volunteers and 19 staff members are operating a 24/7 drop-off and distribution center on Skid Row. They're handing out pamphlets with information about the fires, along with masks, disposable oxygen canisters, food and other supplies. The center was also operating as a makeshift shelter with about 30 cots.

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Union Station, another organization offering homeless services, had to evacuate three housing facilities due to the wildfires: the Family Center in Pasadena, which offers interim family housing; Heritage Square South in Pasadena, which offers supportive housing for low-income seniors; and Mirador Apartments in Altadena, which provides permanent housing for seniors. Mirador Apartments also caught fire and sustained damage.

Among the three facilities, nearly 160 people were displaced and had to be transferred to the Pasadena Convention Center, according to Tian Martinez, associate director for marketing and communications at Union Station's Pasadena center.

"This was their home and to be displaced and evacuated during this time is heartbreaking," Martinez said. "You find stability, and to have that taken away from you can be extremely triggering."

Martinez said that the wildfires had halted the process for those in interim housing who were on the path to find permanent housing, because organizations still don't know the extent of the damage to their facilities and what permanent housing solutions will be left.

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Homeless organizations will also have to contend with how to address the huge influx of people who have been made newly unhoused by the wildfires and don't yet know how to navigate the system.

"This is going to be a long-haul process," Martinez said. "It's gonna take a couple years to get things back to quasi-normalcy."

Volunteers help unload supplies at the Sidewalk Project center, serving as a makeshift shelter in Skid Row for unhoused populations during the wildfires. (Carlin Stiehl / For The Times)

Katie Hill, chief executive of Union Station Homeless Services, is concerned about what will happen to people who were already down on their luck before the fires, including her organization's existing clients.

"People who were previously homeless are basically not going to be able to find rental housing now because a lot of people who lost homes have a lot more means," she said. They "are going to have to leave the area."

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Jim, a homeless man who said he was evacuated last week and declined to provide his last name, was smoking a cigarette near the Pasadena Convention Center on Sunday afternoon. Inside, men were sleeping on cots under thin white blankets with the American Red Cross insignia.

He said he was worried about the availability of housing after the fires.

Its going to be hard to find a spot to live, he said. Its a tough time out here.

Joe O'Neill, also a Sidewalk Project board member, said some people's tents were blown away by the fierce winds. The reduced air quality during the wildfires couldalso worsen the drug overdose rate for the unhoused community.

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A drug overdose starves the brain of oxygen, causing damage or death. O'Neill said wildfire smoke could exacerbate an overdose by diminishing lung capacity.

Cesar Peralta, a member of the Church of Music in San Diego, unloads supplies at the Sidewalk Project center. (Carlin Stiehl / For The Times)

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"We're worried an overdose could happen faster or be more severe," he said.

Three years ago, Edgar became homeless and was living in her car, then began living in a tent on Venice Beach.

She then turned to methamphetamines and other drugs as a way to cope.

Two weeks ago, she was approached by members of the CIRCLE program, which is aimed at addressing calls for service involving homeless people. She agreed to go to the Weingart Center on Skid Row for a place to stay.

Edgar plans on living at the Sidewalk Project's facility as long as she can. She said being displaced from yet another housing situation has made her lose hope.

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"It's making me want to give up," she added.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
KOCHI, India (Reuters) - Police in India's southern state of Kerala have arrested 44 men accused of raping an 18-year-old girl over a period of five years, a police official said on Tuesday, in a case that has shocked the coastal tourist resort.

The victim, an athlete who belongs to the so-called lower caste community known as Dalits, told police in a statement that she was sexually abused by 62 people over a period of five years.

Police have identified 58 of those men, some of whom are minors and arrested 44 over the last two days, officials said.

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"We have identified the remaining 14 and they would be arrested soon," the Deputy Superintendent of Police in the Pathanamthitta district where the crimes took place, PS Nandakumar, told Reuters.

The case came to light after the girl narrated the gang rape to a volunteer during a gender awareness programme. Nandkumar, who heads the investigation, said details of how the crimes were committed were still being investigated.

In her statement to the police, the victim said abuse began when she was 13 after her neighbour allegedly raped her.

Local media reported that four of the accused were minors.

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Under Indian law, accused in rape cases that involve lower castes do not immediately get bail. Reuters was not able to reach any of the accused for a comment.

There were more than 31,000 reported rapes in 2022 in India, the latest year for which data is available, and conviction rates are notoriously low.

The rape and murder of a trainee doctor in the eastern city of Kolkata caused outrage across the country last year, with protests and street marches calling for action against the accused.

(Reporting by Jose Devasia in Kochi, writing by Shilpa Jamkhandikar, editing by Angus MacSwan)
Indiana lawmakers are considering a bill that would restrict how minnows are collected from the state's waterways. (Getty Images)

An Indiana bill up for debate intends to crack down on what some Hoosiers called destructive fishing practices that wreak havoc on minnow populations in the states rivers and streams.

Current law permits minnows to be caught with nets for the purpose of bait fishing.

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Senate Bill 121, authored by Sen. Spencer Deery, R-West Lafayette, would allow anglers to collect the small freshwater fish, but only a quantity that can be used with a fishing pole as bait. Anything that youre not using that day would have to go back in water, Deery said. The measure advanced 7-1 with bipartisan support from the Senate Natural Resources Committee on Monday and now heads to the full chamber.

The impetus for the bill, Deery said, is a number of individuals  of a culture where it is appropriate to fish minnows not for sport, but just for consumption purposes. The senator did not cite a specific ethnic group in his remarks, but one witness referred to overfishing in Indiana waterways by immigrants from Myanmar.

Sen. Spencer Deery, R-West Lafayette (Photo courtesy Indiana Senate Republicans)

Some of our laws protecting our rivers, and particularly the aquatic life in those rivers and streams, were written at a time when it was, frankly, inconceivable that individuals may want to go put out a net, catch everything they can, and then consume everything that they can  not for fishing with line and pole purposes, Deery told the committee. The bill is intended to make it a little easier for our conservation officers to enforce current laws, but also to update our laws.

The measure additionally includes a special protection for Sugar Creek, a roughly 93-mile stream that flows southwest from Tipton County and into the Wabash River. The current draft of the bill stipulates that no minnows could be collected from Sugar Creek under any circumstances  not even for bait fishing. Anglers could still buy minnows from a dealer and fish with them in the waterway, however.

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Deery called it an area where these abusive practices have been particularly acute.

Chad Miller, a Sugar Creek fishing guide, said net fishing for minnows has caused large amounts of fish and other marine life in the west-central Indiana waterway to be killed.

That creek is my life. Its being destroyed  systematically destroyed.  That creek has got to be able to be healed. Its out of control, Miller said. He pointed to droves of dead minnows hes witnessed along the creek shores, as well as other dead species, like logperches, darters and walleyes.

The bottom of the ecosystem has to be there for all those other species to thrive, Miller continued. This killing, its reckless  not sustainable in the least.

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Provisions in the bill would put a statewide ban on using dip nets, cast nets, traps and seine fishing for collecting minnows beyond what can be used by anglers for baitfish purposes. An angler collecting minnows is also required to possesses a pole and line needed to fish. Only an amount of minnows that can be reasonably used before the end of the day would be permitted. Any unused minnows would have to be returned to the same waterway from which the minnows were caught, according to the bill.

That creek is my life. It's being destroyed  systematically destroyed.  That creek has got to be able to be healed. It's out of control.

 Chad Miller, Sugar Creek fishing guide

Prohibitions would not apply to licensed scientists or bait dealers.

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Chris Smith, DNRs deputy director, noted that state law already prohibits sport fish from being taken by net. Even so, he asked lawmakers to tighten enforcement language in the bill, and urged caution when adopting rules for different bodies of water.

People can get on a body of water that theyre used to being on, and then they make the trip over to Sugar Creek. So theyre theyre used to collecting bait, using it, putting it back, and then all of a sudden, youre in a scenario where that isnt allowed, Smith said. Having different rules for different areas is always a tricky bag.

Smith said, too, that clarification is needed to address whether both living and dead minnows should be dumped back into the water if not used.

If theyre dead, then I can see us getting called out for a fish kill if somebodys dumped a pretty good substantial amount of dead minnows, he said.

Combating disease in Indiana deer

Also up for consideration is Senate Bill 32, authored by Sen. Sue Glick, R-LaGrange, requiring Indianas Board of Animal Health to establish a pilot program to combat chronic wasting disease in deer.

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Chronic wasting disease, also known as CWD, is a deadly neurological disease that affects white-tailed deer.

In August, DNR confirmed the states first positive case of CWD in northern Indianas LaGrange County. The positive case was and is adjacent to a region in Michigan where the disease has previously been detected.

DNR has since defined LaGrange, Steuben, Noble and DeKalb counties as a CWD Positive Area, where special regulatory actions are being taken to reduce spread of the disease.

Although CWD positive deer have only been detected in LaGrange County, state officials said expanded monitoring  and prohibiting white-tailed deer from being moved from those four counties  benefits containment efforts.

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The pilot program outlined in Glicks proposal intends to enhance the genetic durability of Indianas white-tailed deer population by requiring DNA samples of free-range deer to be collected and tested, and creating a captive breeding program for deer that are found to be genetically resistant to CWD.

A proposed amendment to the bill further establishes $500 annual permits that allow individuals to purchase white-tailed deer bred from the pilot program during certain times of year.

Glick held the bill from a vote on Monday, though, saying further changes to the bill might be needed to address concerns about how and when deer from the program should be released into the wild.

Helping locals combat invasive species

Senate Bill 211, also authored by Glick, separately seeks to allow dollars from the states Clean Water Indiana Fund to be used by local soil and water conservation districts for invasive plant species management.

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The most recent state budget earmarked $6 million for fiscal years 2024 and 2025 for the clean water fund, which is administered by the Indiana State Department of Agricultures Division of Soil Conservation. On top of those appropriations, the fund receives about $2.5 million annually from the Cigarette Tax Fund, according to legislative fiscal documents.

Glick said its often the small streams that go into lakes and rivers where non-native plants and vegetation cause the most damage. She said the bill would make available additional aid for combatting and eradicating invasive species.

The bill unanimously passed out of the committee, sending it to the full Senate.

This story has been updated to clarify provisions in Senate Bill 121.

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JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesia plans to issue a regulation to set a minimum age for users of social media, a move aimed at protecting children, its communications minister has said.

The plans follows Australia's decision to ban children under 16 from accessing social media, with fines for tech giants from Instagram and Facebook owner Meta to TikTok if they failed to prevent children accessing their platforms.

Minister Meutya Hafid did not say what the minimum age would be in Indonesia. Her remarks, made late on Monday, came after Meutya discussed the plan with President Prabowo Subianto.

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"We discussed how to protect children in digital space," she said in a video uploaded on the YouTube channel of the president's office.

"The president said to carry on with this plan. He is very supportive on how this kind of child protection will be done in our digital space," she said.

Internet penetration in Indonesia, a country of about 280 million people, reached 79.5% last year, according to a survey of 8,700 people by the Indonesia internet service providers' association.

The survey showed 48% of children under 12 had access to the internet, with some respondents of that age group using Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. The survey showed internet penetration was 87% among "Gen Z" users, or those age 12 to 27.

(Reporting by Ananda Teresia and Fransiska Nangoy; Editing by Martin Petty)
Lu Hayoz, owner of the Peppermill Cafe in Grand Rapids speaks alongside service workers in support of legislation to preserve tipped wage and limit the expansion of paid sick leave in Michigan being presented to the Michigan House Select Committee on Protecting Michigan Employees and Small Businesses on Jan. 14, 2025. (Photo: Anna Liz Nichols)

Theres a misconception that Michiganders cant make a career out of waiting tables or working in family-owned businesses, according to the restaurant workers and other service industry professionals who offered testimony Tuesday to a legislative panel.

The newly formed Michigan House Select Committee on Protecting Michigan Employees and Small Businesses was filled with workers from across the state who offered their support to bills to undo a mandate to phase out the tipped wage credit and set requirements for paid sick leave that are set to take effect Feb. 21.

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This is the first issue the GOP-led House is tackling this session with HB 4001 and HB 4002 being considered by the new subcommittee  before most standing committees have been established.

Republicans led a boycott in the House at the end of last session, citing inaction from Democrats  who controlled the chamber at the time  in taking up reforms to tipped wage credit and sick leave. That resulted in the House being unable to vote on the last bills in the session, as there werent enough members present.

The state Supreme Court issued a decision last summer upholding a long-disputed 2018 law that increased the paid sick leave companies have to offer workers and upped the minimum wage while phasing out the tipped wage credit.

But the court didnt consider that plenty of people make their livelihood off of tips, Lu Hayoz, owner of the Peppermill Cafe in Grand Rapids told legislators.

Rep. Karen Whitsett at the Michigan House Select Committee on Protecting Michigan Employees and Small Businesses hearing on Jan. 14, 2025 | Anna Liz Nichols

Right now, the sub-minimum wage pay that is allowed to tipped workers is set to be dismantled in favor of increasing all minimum wage to $15 by 2028.

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The main message from restaurant workers who lent their voice to support legislation watering down the impending mandates is that they make more money with tips than they could ever make earning minimum wage. Business owners and servers like Hayoz told lawmakers Tuesday that without the tipped wage credit, restaurants will have to increase prices and theyll have trouble hiring staff when people around Michigan stop tipping due to increased menu prices.

Being a server has allowed me to pay for a college education, buy new cars, buy homes, support my family, and rescue many dogs in need. This is the life I have chosen for myself, Hayoz said. Now, with the tip credit being eliminated, my livelihood is at risk. I dont know how I will continue to keep my lifestyle up that I have created for myself all these years, Ive never had to worry about things like paying my bills, putting food on the table, taking care of my special needs dogs, paying for my outrageous health insurance, among many other expenses that just come along with living your life.

And theres nothing minimum about the job restaurant servers do, Stacy Seals, representing TEAM Schostak Family Restaurants, told lawmakers.TEAM Schostak Team Family Restaurants is owned by former Michigan Republican Party Chair Bobby Schostak.

Seals recalled for the committee how when she was a server at Applebees there was a group of veterans that would meet up at whatever location shed work at because she sees her role in service as an opportunity to connect with customers on a personal level.

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Its not a minimum job, what we do. I know a lot of people look at us as this service, but we create an environmentWere making sure that you get everything that you need when you come in for a birthday, a funeral, something with your family. We make those moments. Were hosting that creating that atmosphere, Seals said.

Tipped wages would remain at 38% of minimum wage under the HB 4001 and the path to a $15 minimum wage would be bumped back by one year to 2029. Small businesses would be spared from some of the impending sick leave requirements under HB 4002 if the business has less than 50 employees.

Ryan Sebolt of the AFL-CIO testifies against changes to sick leave and minimum wage laws on Jan. 14, 2025 | Anna Liz Nichols

As the state Supreme Courts decision stands, businesses with over 10 employees will have to offer workers up to 72 hours of earned paid sick leave annually and small businesses with less than 10 workers would have to offer up to 40 hours of paid sick leave annually and 32 hours of unpaid sick leave.

But the legislation represents a pay cut for Michigan workers and a rollback of benefits that would help families in Michigan who may need to take time off when they or family members are sick, said AFL-CIO Director of Government Affairs Ryan Sebolt.

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It also needs to be made clear that phasing out the tipped wage does not end tipping  I prefer to be one of the people who tips close to 30%, Sebolt said.

With the expectation that businesses will raise menu prices to be able to pay workers more for minimum wage and hire additional staff to offset increased sick leave, Sebolt said the Houses proposed changes continue to demand that consumers, not business owners, foot the bill to offer liveable wages for workers.

Committee Chair Rep. Bill G. Schuette (R-Midland) told the media after the meeting there will be more testimony Thursday on the bills. He added the committee is communicating with the Democratic-led Senate, which also has bills curbing the same policies, to come up with the best bills to pass out of committee.

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Families who have sued Alex Jones over his false claims about the Sandy Hook massacre have resolved their disputes on how to divide the bankrupt conspiracy theorists assets, clearing the way for a sale of Jones Infowars platform, attorneys said at a Monday court hearing.

Joshua Wolfshohl, an attorney for the bankruptcy trustee in charge of selling Jones assets, told US Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez in Houston that the agreement would help get the bankruptcy back on track and clear the way for a new auction of Infowars.

Courts in Connecticut and Texas, where some of the families filed their lawsuits, have ruled Jones defamed the families by making repeated false claims that the 2012 school shooting, which killed 20 students and six staff members in Newton, Conn., was staged as part of a government plot to take guns away from Americans.

Courts in Connecticut and Texas, where some of the families filed their lawsuits, have ruled Alex Jones defamed the families by making repeated false claims that the 2012 school shooting was staged. AP

But the families had disagreed over how to pursue Jones assets after he declared bankruptcy in 2022, with the Texas-based families preferring to take more cash from Jones, while the Connecticut-based families prioritized the shutdown of Jones Infowars company.

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The disagreement helped scuttle a previous auction of Jones Infowars company, after the court-appointed bankruptcy trustee decided to sell Infowars to the parody news site the Onion for $1.75 million with the Connecticut families backing.

Lopez, who is overseeing the bankruptcy, later blocked that sale, saying that the trustee left money on the table by quickly accepting the Onions bid without conducting a more robust auction.

Under the new agreement between the Sandy Hook families, the Texas families will be paid $4 million, with $1 million being paid within seven days of court approval, according to court documents. After that, the Texas families will receive 25% of future payments made to the Sandy Hook families, with the Connecticut families taking 75%.

The Texas families also agreed to limit their participation in the rest of Jones bankruptcy case, and to support the Connecticut families when necessary.

Families had disagreed over how to pursue Jones assets after Jones declared bankruptcy in 2022. Parent of a Sandy Hook victim grieving during a trial in Connecticut in 2022, above.. VIA REUTERS

Avi Moshenberg, an attorney for the Texas families, said at a Monday court hearing in Houston, Texas, that the Texas and Connecticut families are now 100% aligned.

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The settlement with the Texas families is a milestone event and puts the families back on the same side, said Kyle Kimpler, an attorney for the Connecticut families.

The families previous split reflected the relative size of the judgments awarded to them, which gave the Connecticut families much more leverage over Jones bankruptcy.

Courts in Connecticut awarded $1.3 billion to the Connecticut families, by far the largest claim in Jones bankruptcy. Courts in Texas, meanwhile, awarded $50 million to two Texas parents, while several other Texas plaintiffs were still waiting for trials when Jones bankruptcy stopped their lawsuits from proceeding.

The judge overseeing the bankruptcy blocked a sales of Infowars to the Onion. AP

A lawyer for Jones said he would discuss the families agreement with Jones. Lopez has set a hearing for next week to consider approving the deal.

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After the previous sale to the Onion was blocked in court, the bankruptcy trustee received a new bid from First United American Companies  a company affiliated with one of Jones supplement selling businesses  for more than double the companys previous $3.75 million offer.

The trustee expects to receive a new bid from the Onion as well, and he will evaluate both offers before seeking court approval for a new auction, Wolfshohl said.
SCRANTON  Progress comes at a cost for businesses in one part of the city where ongoing infrastructure projects cause traffic disruptions.

Pennsylvania American Water has had a large sewer-stormwater tank project underway in the parking lot of the Green Ridge Plaza during the past year, and which is expected to get completed later this year.

Jim Warren, the owner of Izzys Pizzeria in the Green Ridge Plaza, said his family opened the pizzeria Feb. 14. About a week later, the water company fenced off a large section of the plaza parking lot under the tank project.

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Its definitely had an impact on our business and all of the businesses in the plaza, so I wanted to find out whats going on with that project. When do we see it coming to an end? Warren asked Scranton City Council at its meeting Jan. 7, according to an Electric City Television simulcast and video of the meeting posted on YouTube.

Council members said they would inquire about the timeline for that project.

In a phone interview Monday, Warren said the PAW project cut off a large section of the rear of the plaza parking lot that used to serve as a traffic lane for patrons. The project also has reduced parking in certain areas of the lot and generally made interior traffic tighter.

Crews work on the installation of a sewer tank at Green Ridge Plaza in Scranton on Monday. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO)

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Water company spokeswoman Susan Turcmanovich said Monday via email that the tank project is still moving forward as planned and should be completed later this year. The new 780,000-gallon storage tank and infrastructure will reduce combined sewer overflows of stormwater and wastewater into the Lackawanna River during times of heavy rain.

The tank is complete in place but there is still some programming and maintenance related items to be installed along with (site) restoration. Once everything is final, portions of the Green Ridge Plaza lot and Gardner Avenue will be paved, Turcmanovich said.

The project cost estimate rose from $12.5 million to $15 million, with the increase coming from conditions at the job site. Those included additional work and shoring due to soil conditions, relocating utility lines and road conditions needing additional overlay, she said.

The tank project is part of the Scranton Wastewater Long Term Control plan  a 25-year program of nearly 60 combined sewer overflow improvement projects to control and significantly reduce the amount of wastewater discharged into the Lackawanna River and its tributaries. PAW inherited the Long Term Control Plan from the Scranton Sewer Authority at the end of 2016, when PAW bought the SSA sewer system serving Scranton and Dunmore.

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Warren said he fully supports the tank project for its environmental benefits. He also realizes no one intends to harm neighboring businesses. But his fledgling pizzeria just happens to be on the front line of the tank project.

Its also near another project involving a necessary infrastructure upgrade where Scrantons past meets the present.

Last month, the state Department of Transportation started a project to replace the Green Ridge Street Bridge. PennDOT on Dec. 4 announced it started an extended closure and detour of part of Nay Aug Avenue in Scranton for reconstruction as part of a project to replace the nearby 1946 Green Ridge Street Bridge. The detour of Nay Aug Avenue using Green Ridge and East Market streets and North Main Avenue is expected to last around two years. The project calls for construction of a temporary bridge next to the original bridge by spring of 2025, and then demolition of the original bridge and construction of a permanent bridge in the same spot.

Heavy equipment operates in the area of a sewer tank installation at Green Ridge Plaza and work on the Green Ridge Street bridge project. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO)

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Warren also told the council Jan. 7 that the bridge project is also starting to greatly impact the businesses down there. People are, really, theyre just going elsewhere.

In the phone interview Monday, Warren said hes not sure the pizzeria will survive.

Ill be honest, I dont think were going to make it, Warren said. If we can make it over this hump, well be fine.

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Crews work on the installation of a sewer tank at Green Ridge Plaza in Scranton on Monday. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO)

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Crews work on the installation of a sewer tank at Green Ridge Plaza in Scranton on Monday. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO)

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Traffic moves along Green Ridge Street as construction continues on the Green Ridge Street Bridge project Monday afternoon. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO)

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Heavy equipment operates in the area of a sewer tank installation at Green Ridge Plaza and work on the Green Ridge Street bridge project. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO)

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Traffic moves along Green Ridge Street toward Main Avenue as construction continues on the Green Ridge Street Bridge project. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO)

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Traffic moves along Green Ridge Street toward Main Avenue as construction continues on the Green Ridge Street Bridge project. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO)

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Crews work on the installation of a sewer tank at Green Ridge Plaza in Scranton on Monday. (CHAD SEBRING/STAFF PHOTO)

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National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan discusses negotiations between Israel and Hamas, stating that we are potentially very close to a hostage deal between the two groups. Sullivan also shares his thoughts on recent reporting by the Associated Press the Trump transition team has begun vetting the voting history of civil servants.
In Kharkiv, Ukraines second city, an elementary school that was the scene of a vicious fight in the first week of the invasion is sealed off now, empty but for the bodies of dead Russian soldiers still inside.

The city, in the far Northeast, is under daily bombardment.

However, amid the ruined buildings and damaged lives, the city lives on: children are taught in underground schools and the national theatre performs in a specially-designed bomb-proof basement.

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The Telegraph visited the city to better understand how people live their lives under the threat of being overrun by Russian forces.

Further north  just 15 miles from the Russian border  the village of Tsyrkuny sits in a restricted zone to which The Telegraph was only given access by embedding with Ukrainian special operations forces.

Humanitarian aid is organised from a building that used to be a childrens theatre. The lights are still up, but theres now a missile embedded in what was once the stage.

Outside, the war grinds on.

The people in this part of Ukraine do what they can to carry on living, even as death lies all around them.

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Gov. Jay Inslee reacting to his official portrait which was unveiled on Jan. 14. (Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero / Washington State Standard)

In his official portrait, Gov. Jay Inslee stands tall in front of a vast blue sky. In his hand is an official State of Washington folder, and on his lapel is a red apple pin.

In the background is a snowy Mount Rainier  a meaningful part of the painting that Inslee said looks toward the future and highlights his work fighting climate change.

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It is my firm belief that because of the work were doing here in Washington state, in 100 years from now, well continue to have those glaciers and snow, Inslee said.

Inslee unveiled the portrait, which was done by Seattle-based artist Grace Athena Flott, on Tuesday shortly after his final State of the State address. He was joined by family, friends, fellow lawmakers and colleagues.

The image of the mountain, the feeling of the sky, I cannot be more impressed, said Inslee, who also saw the painting in person for the first time on Tuesday.

He thanked Flott for capturing the dream that we gave you.

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Inslee and his wife Trudi selected Flott after a competitive search for portrait painters conducted by the Washington State Arts Commission.

Gov. Jay Inslee with artist Grace Athena Flott. (Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero / Washington State Standard)

Originally from Spokane, Flott now lives in Seattle and works as a painter and arts educator. After a major fire-related injury, she shifted her work to focus on painting people with burn injuries, according to the governors office. She also teaches workshops for burn survivors to create art and instructs classes at local art schools.

At the unveiling, Flott said Inslee struck her as someone who deeply valued the perspectives of others.

Its that spirit of collaboration, openness to new ideas, your spirit of service and your dedication to environmentalism that I put into this work, Flott said. This portrait is not just a simple likeness, but a sense of the inner world and that drive that has carried the governor forward through decades of his career.

The portrait will hang in the governors office at the Capitol alongside paintings of past governors. Inslees term ends Wednesday at noon when Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson is officially sworn in.
It has been said that foreign policy is the ultimate proving ground for political competence. It demands clarity, decisiveness, and above all, an unshakable commitment to the national interest. Some of our countrys greatest statesmen have served as Foreign Secretary: Lord Palmerston, who put Britain on the map as a global power in the 19th century; Bevin, who was instrumental in the creation of NATO and Eden  before Suez  who shaped the Allied war strategy in the 20th.

But for the 21st century and by these standards, our great Mastermind, David Lammys tenure as Foreign Secretary has been nothing short of a disaster  a flailing performance defined by capitulation, naivety and a dangerous disregard for Britains long-term strategic interests. His mishandling of the Chagos Islands negotiations represents one of the most feeble diplomatic surrenders in modern times. The Lammy doctrine appears to favour appeasement over robust defence of the national interest; surrender over hard-nosed pragmatism. Hes beginning to look more and more like a pound-shop Lord Halifax.

Lammys decision to cede the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, while agreeing to pay Mauritius 9 billion over 99 years (some of which would be front-loaded) to lease them back can only be described as a humiliating relinquishment of one of Britains most strategically vital territories. Or, irresponsible, as former First Sea Lord, Admiral Lord West of Spithead, put it. Or perhaps, a monumental waste of taxpayer cash just as we teeter on the brink of a financial crisis. As neither the Chagossians nor the new Mauritian government seem to be impressed by Lammys efforts, it could also be fittingly depicted as an absolute shambles. This has gone belly up, leaving the Government begging the Mauritians for a deal before President Trump arrives at the White House next week.

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These islands are not a mere colonial relic to be discarded in a fit of post-imperial guilt; they are a keystone of Western defence in the Indian Ocean, home to the Diego Garcia military air base, jointly operated with the United States. This base plays a crucial role in countering Chinese influence whose growing naval presence threatens the balance of power in the region. Strategic defence notwithstanding, Lammys willingness to give away sovereignty rests on the dubious premise of a 2019 advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice. Never mind that this opinion is non-binding and ignores the fact that Britain legally purchased the Chagos Islands in 1965, after governing since 1814. By treating this ruling as gospel, Lammy has prioritised virtue signalling and the lefty lawyer brigade, setting a precedent that weakens the UKs territorial claims elsewhere and invites future challenges from adversaries.

The fallout from this decision goes beyond the shores of the Indian Ocean. By jeopardising Diego Garcia, Lammy has personally undermined the UKs special relationship with the United States. Washington has long viewed the base as indispensable to its Indo-Pacific strategy. Lammys actions send a clear message to our most important ally: Britain can no longer be trusted to uphold shared security interests.

In contrast, the United States has shown remarkable clarity in defending its own interests. Under Donald Trump, for instance, there was no hesitation in asserting American sovereignty or leveraging power to secure advantageous deals. Whether it was his renegotiation of NAFTA to secure preferential terms with Mexico and Canada, confronting China on trade or his high stakes diplomacy with North Korea, Trump understood that negotiation is about strength, not supplication  a lesson that Labour appears fundamentally incapable of learning.

Ironically, the only hope of salvaging Britains sovereignty in this debacle may lie in the hands of Donald Trump. Trumps transactional, America-first approach to foreign policy offers a stark contrast to Lammys fecklessness. Judging by what the incoming American Secretary of State, Marco Rubio has said about the deal, it is clear that the Trump administration views the Chagos Islands as too important to lose and will hopefully intervene to prevent their handover. Lets hope that this deal is rejected by the Mauritians and that President Trump finally kills it off for good, never to be heard of again.

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David Lammys tenure as Foreign Secretary has been marked by a catastrophic lack of strategic vision. Instead of defending Britains sovereignty, he has chosen to kowtow to international opinion. Instead of strengthening alliances, he has weakened them. This is not diplomacy; it is weakness dressed up as moral righteousness.

History teaches us that appeasement does not buy peace; it only emboldens those who would challenge our position. Successful diplomacy begins with knowing what you are willing to defend at all costs. If Britain is to reclaim its place as a serious global player, it must abandon the Lammy doctrine of capitulation, rediscover its strength and ditch one of the worst deals in the history of our foreign policy.

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Many historians say U.S. President Ronald Reagan helped defeat the former Soviet Union and end the Cold War. Reagans efforts included giving support to rebel groups fighting the Soviets in Afghanistan in the 1980s.

U.S. support for Afghan rebels began earlier under the administration of President Jimmy Carter. Carter ordered secret nonlethal aid to rebel groups six months before the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. The Soviet Union invaded in December of 1979.

Carter worked on cooperation with the Soviet Union by seeking approval of the SALT II (Strategic Arms Limitation Talks) agreement on nuclear weapons. At the same time, his policies and statements pushed against Soviet goals.

David Gibbs is a history professor at the University of Arizona. Gibbs said, I think peoples image of Carter as a deeply religious man, a deeply moral man, is very much influenced by the activities hes done after he left office. [But] he definitelyhad a side that was very willing to use force, including nuclear weapons.

US aid to rebels

A communist takeover in Afghanistan in April 1978 brought down the government of President Mohammad Daoud Khan.

In the summer of 1979, Carter signed a secret order known as a presidential finding that permitted the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to give nonlethal aid to rebels. The rebels were fighting Afghanistans Soviet-supported communist government.

Carters order stayed secret until the 1990s. It became known after several Carter administration officials, including former national security adviser Zbigniew Brzezinski, communicated its existence.

The Afghan Trap

Some historians have called Carters plan to aid rebel groups the Afghan Trap.

They said the trap aimed to force the Soviets into a long war similar to Americas fight in Vietnam during the 1960s and early 1970s.

In 1998, Brzezinski denied to the French magazine Le Nouvel Observateur that the Carter administration had a plan to get the Soviets into a long war in Afghanistan. However, he also called such a program an excellent idea.

Other explanations of U.S. aid

Conor Tobin is an historian at the University College Dublin in Ireland who has studied the Afghan Trap idea. He said most experts do not believe the aid was part of a plan to make the Soviets fight. Tobin said there is not enough evidence to support the Afghan Trap idea.

Tobin also said the Carter administration decided to first wait to see how the situation in Afghanistan would develop after the 1978 government overthrow. But that policy ended with the kidnapping and killing of U.S. Ambassador Adolph Dubs in February of the next year.

Brzezinski then ordered a new plan for Afghanistan. Tobin said Brzezinski asked an administration official to consider the question: Should we help any insurgents?

Tobin said U.S. government officials thought military aid to rebels would cause a strong Soviet reaction. This judgment led the Carter administration to give nonlethal aid instead.

The decision-making process demonstrated caution, rather than an effort to induce an invasion, Tobin wrote.

Tobin wrote in an article, The Myth of the Afghan Trap, about the concerns of U.S. officials. He said, instead of trying to push the Soviets into a fight, Brzezinski worried the Soviets would slowly expand their power in Afghanistan.

The objectives in mid-1979 were essentially to do something, anything, to counter the Soviet advance in Afghanistan, Tobin said.

The Carter Doctrine

In 1979, another development raised concerns

in Washington. Even if Carter did not want armed conflict in Afghanistan, he took a strong position against Soviet efforts to control the Persian Gulf. That body of water lies between Saudi Arabia and Iran, two major oil producers.

During a speech to the U.S. Congress in 1980, Carter warned that the U.S. was prepared to use any means necessary to prevent a Soviet takeover of the Persian Gulf area.

On December 28, 1979, the day after the Soviets invaded Afghanistan, Carter gave permission to supply weapons and training for the rebels.

Carter lost the 1980 election to Reagan who mostly continued Carters Afghan policy for several years before greatly increasing the secret aid program. The aid reached several hundred million dollars a year, and the Soviet military left Afghanistan in defeat in 1989.

Jimmy Carter died at the age of 100 on December 29, 2024.

Im Andrew Smith. And Im Caty Weaver.

Masood Farivar wrote this story for VOA News. Andrew Smith adapted it for VOA Learning English.

__________________________________________

Words in This Story

nonlethal adj. related to things that are not weapons with the ability to cause death

insurgent n. a person in rebellion against civil power or a government

caution n. concern or care when faced with a risky situation

induce v. to influence a person or group to act or to believe something

objective n. a goal or an aim

counter v. to act against a force, movement or person
PARIS (AP)  Interpol said Tuesday a major operation targeting illegal gold mining in West Africa has resulted in 200 arrests and the seizure of harmful chemicals, explosives and drugs.

The operation spanned Burkina Faso, Gambia, Guinea and Senegal, exposing extensive networks behind the illicit practice, which causes widespread environmental damage and poses serious health risks.

Highlighting the grim toll on miners, authorities uncovered large quantities of painkillers used to counter the harsh effects of toxic chemicals employed in gold extraction. Substances like mercury and cyanide, commonly used in small-scale mining, pose severe risks, with prolonged exposure leading to irreversible health damage.

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Interpol, the France-based global policing agency with 195 member countries, coordinated the operation from July to October 2024 in cooperation with the U.K. Home Office.

This operation shows the strength of international cooperation in combating these threats, the agency's secretary general, Valdecy Urquiza, said in a statement.

In South Africa, a separate rescue operation was underway at the Buffelsfontein Gold Mine near Stilfontein, where hundreds of miners working illegally have been trapped for months in an abandoned shaft. At least 24 bodies and 34 survivors have been recovered since Friday, with more than 500 believed to remain underground in dire conditions, according to civic organizations.

Illegal mining is common in South Africa, where companies abandon unprofitable mines, leaving informal miners to extract leftover deposits illegally.

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The West African police action, known as Operation Sanu, also marked a first for tackling illegal sand mining in Gambia. Raids in the Kombo and south coastal belt regions resulted in seven arrests and the seizure of mining equipment and sand-loaded trucks, Interpol said.

Sand mining has become a growing threat, devastating local ecosystems and livelihoods.
The Port Orange Police Department said they have completed the investigation for the fatal accident that happened at Sugar Mill Elementary School in May of 2024.

In May of 2024, a student was struck by a car outside of Sugar Mill Elementary, according to officials with Volusia County Schools.

The police said the student died as a result to the car crash.

The child was struck near the entrance to the school by a vehicle that was exiting after dropping off another student, according to police.

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Read: Deputies: Video shows Marion County principal allegedly abusing student

POPD said the child was a girl who attended Sugar Mill Elementary School.

Police said first responders started lifesaving measures and the girl was transported to Daytona Halifax Medical Center, but did not survive.

Investigators said after reviewing the available evidence that the cars driver, Pamela J. Schulz, 70, of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, had not been operating her vehicle in a wanton or reckless manner.

Read: Marion County elementary teacher accused of inappropriately touching student

The Port Orange Police Department said speed was determined not to be a factor in the crash.

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POPD said the driver was cited for failing to exercise due care toward a pedestrian in a crosswalk under the Florida State statute.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
ANDERSON, S.C. (WSPA)  The Anderson County Coroners Officer reported that one woman died after a group boat sank near Sadlers Creek State Park.

According to the coroners office, around 9:40 a.m. on Saturday, a group of four were rescued from the water by first responders.

The Anderson County Sheriffs Office said the individuals were out on the lake for a private striped bass fishing tournament. As the boat began to sink, the occupants called to the tournaments staff for help, who contacted first responders.

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The tournament director, Thomas Richardson said the tournaments take place between December and May. He explained they use a catch a release method and the striped bass would not survive in warmer months.

Richardson said organizers were cautious and knew inclement weather was expected, but felt they made the right decision to host the tournament. Organizers let each boater decide for themselves whether they wanted to attend.

We plan these things a year in advance so obviously theres a lot that goes into this and weve been to Anderson in worse conditions, Richardson said. We even encouraged any angler who did not feel safe because they knew they were on their own capabilities and vehicles and boats to stay home.

Richardson reported that out of 75 teams, 60 groups showed up Saturday morning.

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Richardsons family was on the boat that sank. he said the boat had been passed down in the family for generations.

Officials said the group was pulled from the water by another boat associated with the tournament. EMS provided medical treatment at the scene.

While three of the individuals were reported to be okay on scene, one was rushed to a hospital where she died.

The victim was identified as 25-year-old Kimberely Gomillion of Aiken. According to the coroner, the cause of death was drowning, and was ruled accidental.

Don McCown, the chief deputy coroner said only one occupant was wearing a life jacket at the time of the accident.

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McCown said with the size of Lake Hartwell, even experienced boaters must practice caution at all times.

You just never know the circumstances, thats why were strong advocates for everybody to wear their personal flotation devices, especially in the water, McCown said.

McCown said the accident was a rare one.

Weve only had one person that Im aware has died thats been involved in these tournaments, he said. Theyre very well prepared. Theyre very well monitored in this one here. Its just the boat took on so much water so fast.

Officials said the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is continuing the investigation.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes)  Ion John Basescu passed away on Sunday, January 12. He was 74.

Ion was born in Prigor, Romania on September 4, 1950. Sadly, Ion lost both of his parents by the time he was eight. He was then raised by his Grandmother Anuta. Ion experienced many hardships as a child, but learned strength, resourcefulness, and perseverance.

Find obituaries from your high school

Ion saw great success in his professional life in Romania serving as professor at a trade college, as well as Mayor of his village. He was well respected in his community for his kindness, generosity, and wisdom.

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Once in the United States, he utilized his artisan skills to create extraordinary furniture. In his spare time, Ion was an avid reader with a love of history. He could often be found in his woodworking shop creating furniture, toys for his grandchildren, or anything his wife may need around the house.

Ion met the love of his life, Maria (Bota) Badescu in 1977 marrying her the next year. During their 46-year marriage, they welcomed two daughters, Diana and Maria. In search of a better life for their girls, Ion and Maria made the hard decision to leave Romania and move to America. They arrived on March 11, 2000. Life in America was challenging at first, but Ion worked hard and sacrificed for his family. He purchased a home, put both of his daughters through college and got to see them start families of their own

Ions faith was an important aspect of his life. He was a member of Holy Trinity Romanian Orthodox Church in Youngstown.

Preceding him in death are his parents, Pavel and Solomia Badescu and grandmother, Anuta.

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Left behind to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Maria of Youngstown, Ohio; daughters, Diana (Mike) Davis of Canfield, Ohio and Maria (Anthony) Boulos of Canfield, Ohio; brother-in-law, Todor Bota of Youngstown, Ohio and sister, Maria Badescu of Prigor, Romania. His grandchildren, James and Sofia, held a special place in his heart.

Calling hours will be held at Vaschak-Kirila Funeral Home in Cornersburg from 4:00  6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 with funeral services being held at Holy Trinity Romanian Orthodox Church on Thursday, January 16, 2025 at 10:30 a.m.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ion Badescu, please visit our floral store.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
The Aase Haugen Home in Decorah. (Photo via Google Earth)

Several state-licensed care facilities have been cited recently for resident abuse, injuries or neglect, with one home cited for a residents death due to dehydration.

In the case involving a death, the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing cited the Aase Haugen Home in Decorah for failing to provide residents with the required nursing services.

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According to state inspectors, the home failed to promptly identify an acute change in a male residents condition and then failed to intervene and provide the necessary care.

The inspectors allege that in mid-October 2024, the man showed signs of increased blood pressure, an elevated pulse and a fever, and then become largely unresponsive without the staff completing an assessment of his condition.

On Oct. 22, the man was seen by a psychiatric provider via video conferencing. The provider noticed the man was was slumped over and not responding to her questions, inspectors later reported, and so she immediately halted the consultation and told the nurse at the Aase Haugen Home the man appeared to be in urgent need of a medical evaluation.

The resident was rushed to a hospital emergency room where the emergency room staff allegedly wrote in their reports the man appeared to be suffering from sepsis, which can be a life-threatening infection, and that the man was profoundly dehydrated and verbally nonresponsive. The man was admitted to the hospital with what the staff described as a seven-liter water deficit.

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He died on Nov. 7, 2024, with the immediate cause of death listed as dehydration due to, or as a consequence of, sepsis.

DIAL proposed a state fine of $9,750 but held that fine in suspension so that federal regulators could determine whether a federal penalty is warranted.

In February 2024, the Aase Haugen Home was fined $7,000 by the state after a resident fell to the floor, striking her head and breaking her hip, while being helped to the bathroom by a worker. The resident was taken to a hospital and died four weeks later.

Five months later, in July 2024, the home was cited again for safety violations after a resident fell from a mechanical lift at the home, resulting in physical injuries, intense pain and a gradual loss of consciousness. The state proposed a fine of $4,500, which was tripled to $13,500 due to the repeat nature of the safety violation, and then held in suspension.

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Federal records indicate the last time the federal government fined Aase Haugen home was in July 2023 when a civil penalty of $59,839 was imposed. That fine was tied to a citation for failure to intervene when a resident showed signs of high blood sugar and then died en route to a hospital.

Some of the other Iowa care facilities recently cited include:

Aspire, Perry  This nursing home was fined $500 for failing to ensure that background checks were completed on workers before they had contact with residents. According to inspectors, a nurse aide whose state certification was suspended due to findings of abuse was allowed to work three shifts in the home as a CNA. In addition, the same worker was allowed to work one shift as a certified medication aide although there was no indication she had ever been certified as a medication aide.

The situation was uncovered when a state inspector observed the worker fumbling through medications and needing assistance finding certain drugs. The worker allegedly told the inspector she had not been trained and was simply given the keys to the medication cart and left to figure it out on her own. When asked where she had received her medication aide certification, the worker allegedly told the inspector, I didnt get it around here.

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The homes director of nursing allegedly told inspectors that the day the aide worked, the medication cart had been horrible in that she appeared to have never administered medications before. The director of nursing also indicated the staffing agency used by the home was responsible for performing staff background checks and Aspire had to trust they were doing the job because the home didnt have time to do it.

Inspectors then determined the homes director of nursing had also started working for Aspire without a full background check. The staff allegedly told inspectors the administrator had put the director of nursing to work in the home while advising her to stay away from residents until a background check could be completed.

Woodward Resource Center, Woodward  This state-run facility for disabled individuals was fined $500 for failure to report suspected resident abuse. According to state inspectors, video surveillance in the home shows that on the afternoon of Oct. 20, 2024, a resident was seated in a living room recliner, rocking back and forth, when a residential treatment worker crossed the room and tried to push the recliner forward. The worker then gave the back of the recliner a hard shove to the ground (and the resident) somersaulted out backwards, inspectors reported. Two workers witnessed the incident but allegedly failed to report it.

One Vision-Pine House, Fort Dodge This care facility was fined $500 for failing to report suspected abuse. The fine was then tripled to $1,500 due the repeat nature of the violation. According to inspectors, the home failed to report in a timely fashion a large, unexplained bruise on a 62-year-old man with severe intellectual disabilities.

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Colonial Manor, Perry  This nursing home was fined $2,750 after the assistant director of nursing admitted attempting to cover up the fact that a male resident had fallen and broken his hip. The assistant director of nursing admitted allegedly told inspectors that Colonial Manors new owners had recently discontinued the use of alarms that alert workers to a residents fall, and the mans family had been unhappy with the change, telling her theyd be waiting for a phone call to inform them the man had sustained a broken hip and that would be the end of him.

The assistant director of nursing allegedly stated that due to that conversation, she panicked and was petrified when, days later, the man fell and sustained a broken hip. She said she helped the man off the floor but performed no range-of-motion tests and didnt check his vital signs or perform any further assessments. She later admitted what she had done, inspectors reported, but also told management she regretted confessing, saying, Am I going to get fired?  I should not have told you guys and kept my mouth shut. She was fired a few days later, according to state inspectors.
DES MOINES, Iowa  Iowa lawmakers journeyed to the statehouse at the beginning of a new year to start the states 91st General Assembly. It is the first time that both Iowa Republicans and Democrats have been back since the state GOP took even greater control of both chambers, now boasting super majorities in both.

Iowa Republican leadership have discussed property taxes, cost of living and sales tax changes as as their areas of focus in the session ahead.

This session we will be looking for additional ways to lower costs for Iowans. We will be exploring options to eliminate sales tax on everyday items for families and lower the costs of childcare, energy and expand affordable housing, said Speaker of the Iowa House Pat Grassley (R) District 57, from New Hartford. Grassley also teased a new proposal from the state to use federal funds for a substitute food program to Summer electronic benefits.

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Some of these policy conversations may or may not be bipartisan, House Republicans wont need a single House Democrat vote to pass simple bills out of the chamber, and the same goes with Senate Republicans.

While Iowa Democratic leadership has discussed opportunities for bipartisan work, the partys leader pointed to a cost of living issue, like Speaker Grassley did in his speech.

We have a choice, how are we going to spend these 110 days? Can we work together to make life better for all Iowans? Or will the session be spent playing politics? Too many families are feeling the pinch of rising health care, childcare costs, stagnant wages and a growing fear of more layoffs around the state. The Reynolds economy has made Iowa second to last in growth, so we need to think more broadly, said House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfsrt (D) District 32, from Windsor Heights.

Over in the Iowa Senate, a new leader of the minority party was sworn in on Monday.

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As we look back on the work this chamber has done in the past eight years, can we really say its been done with all Iowans in mind? Considering each and every one as our neighbor, said Iowa Senate Minority Leader Janice Weiner (D) District 45, from Ames.

Where the Senate Republican caucus feels confident coming off of Novembers elections to bring more policy changes in the state.

Last November, Iowans made a choice. They chose common sense. Since taking the majority in the 2016 election, Senate Republicans have led on common sense issues, and Iowans have taken notice, said Senate President Amy Sinclair (R) District 12, from Allerton.

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds gives her Condition of the State speech at 6 p.m. on Tuesday in the Iowa House chamber. This speech sets the tone for the pace and the direction of legislative sessions in the past.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.
The News

European powers resumed talks with Iran over its nuclear program, which is under renewed focus as Donald Trump returns to power.

The discreet discussions in Geneva involving the UK, France, and Germany were the second in less than two months: The meeting followed European criticism that Iran is growing its stockpile of highly enriched uranium to unprecedented levels  as well as a report in The Times that Tehran is leaning on Russia to bolster its nuclear program.

But experts said a weakened Iran could be open to nuclear talks under Trump, who has reportedly considered preemptive airstrikes to contain Tehran. There is a narrow window where the regime will be eager to negotiate and Trump will have momentum, one expert said.
The Iranian presidency seems to be a cursed position. Of the eight men who have held it before the current president, five eventually found themselves politically marginalized after their term finished. Two others fell to violent deaths in office (a bomb attack in 1981, a helicopter crash in 2024). The only exception is Ali Khamenei, who went on to become the supreme leader.

Hassan Rouhani, Irans centrist president from 2013 to 2021, could be poised to break the spell and stage a political comeback.

The prospect seemed far-fetched until recently. Pressed on one side by hard-liners and on the other by opponents of the Islamic Republic, the regimes centrists and reformists had become political nonentities. In the last years of his rule, Rouhani was among the most hated men in Iran. His landmark achievement, the 2015 nuclear deal with the Obama administration and five other powerful countries, was destroyed when President Donald Trump withdrew from the deal in 2018. Irans security forces, which are not controlled by the president, killed hundreds of protesters in 2017 and 2019 while he looked on. He was followed as president by the hard-line Ebrahim Raisi, picked in 2021 in an uncompetitive election. With Khameneis backing, the hard-liners went on to capture most of the available instruments of power in Tehran. Last January, Rouhani was even denied a run for the seat he had held since 2000 in the Assembly of Experts, a body tasked with appointing the supreme leader.

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But the events of 2024 shifted the balance of power in the Middle Eastand inside Iran. Israels battering of Hamas and Hezbollah greatly weakened Irans so-called Axis of Resistance. The fall of the Assad regime in Syria last month was the final nail in the axiss coffin. Khameneis foreign policy now lies in ruins. Last year, for the first time in their history, Iran and Israel exchanged missile and drone attacks on each others territory. Following Raisis death in a helicopter crash in May, Khamenei allowed a reformist, Masoud Pezeshkian, to run for and win the presidencya significant concession, as reformists have been effectively sidelined, if not barred, from national politics for nearly two decades. Now Rouhanis star foreign minister, Javad Zarif, is back as Pezeshkians vice president for strategic affairs. Both Rouhani and Zarif campaigned for Pezeshkian and have found themselves on the winning team.

[Read: RIP, the Axis of Resistance]

Having brought international isolation, domestic repression, and economic ruin to the country, hard-liners find themselves red-faced. Although the almost 86-year-old Khamenei is still fully in charge, he has lost much respect, not only among the people but also among the elites, and the battle to succeed him is already under way. Recently, Khamenei has signaled his possible openness to abiding by the anti-money-laundering conditions set by the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force. If Iran is to have any hope of solving its economic problems, it has no other choice: The country is currently one of only three (the other two are North Korea and Myanmar) on the FATFs blacklist. But the issue has long been a touchy one for hard-liners, who see cooperating with the FATF as capitulation to the West and fear that it will force Iran to curtail its support for terror groups.

An emboldened Rouhani is back in the spotlight, giving speeches and defending his time in office. In the past few months, he has repeatedly complained that his administration could have engaged Trump directly but was stopped from doing so. (This is an implied dig at Khamenei who, in 2019, publicly rejected a message that thenJapanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe brought to Tehran from Trump.) Rouhani has called for constructive interaction with the world, which is regime-speak for negotiations with the United States in the interest of sanctions relief. None of Irans problems can be solved without addressing sanctions, he recently said. He has also called for listening to the will of the majority of people and freer elections. These statements have made him the target of renewed attacks by hard-liners, such as Saeed Jalili, who lost the election to Pezeshkian last year.

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What may look like factional bickering is significant in this case. Rouhani speaks for part of the Iranian establishment that rejects Khameneis saber-rattling against the U.S. and Israel on pragmatic grounds. He is in many ways the political heir to Ayatollah Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, a once-powerful former president who eventually ran afoul of Khamenei and died in 2017. Rafsanjani and Rouhani are often compared to the late Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping. They sought to transform Iran from an ideologically anti-Western state to a technocratic one, with a pragmatic, even West-facing, foreign policy. During his presidency, Rouhani made state visits to France and Italy and was accused of neglecting Irans ties with China and Venezuela. His cabinet included many American-educated technocrats, and his administration tried to purchase American-made Boeing planes.

[Read: The collapse of the Khamenei doctrine]

Irans centrists are less interested than the reformists in democratization, and more focused on fostering economic development and good governance. This emphasis allows them to extend a broad umbrella. Rouhanis agenda of pragmatic developmentalism is shared to varying degrees not just by reformists, but by many powerful conservatives, including the Larijani brothers (a wealthy clerical clan that includes several former top officials), former Speaker of Parliament Ali Akbar Nateq Nuri, former Interior Minister Mostafa Pourmohammadi, and even the current speaker of parliament, Mohammad-Bagher Qalibaf (who was for years a top commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps).

Irans current weakness and desperation offer Rouhani and his allies an opportunity to wrest back power. Doing so could put them in a favorable spot for that inevitable moment when Khamenei dies, and the next supreme leader must be chosen. Rouhani has some qualities that will serve him well in this internal power struggle. Unlike the soft-spoken reformist clerics, such as former President Mohammad Khatami, he is a wily player who spent decades in top security positions before becoming president. (Khatami had been Irans chief librarian and culture minister; Rouhani was the national security adviser.) During his two-term presidency, Rouhani confronted rival power centers, such as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, without fear. His experience negotiating with the West goes back well before the Obama era. In early 2000s, he led Irans first nuclear negotiating team, earning the moniker the diplomatic sheikh. In the mid-1980s, Rouhani led the negotiation team that met with President Ronald Reagans national security adviser, Robert McFarlane, in the arms-for-hostages deal known in the U.S. as Iran-Contra. In 1986, Rouhani even met with a top Israeli security official, Amiram Nir (who was posing as an American), to ask for help in countering Iranian hard-liners.

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But does Rouhani have any reasonable chance of returning to power? As always, Tehran is full of discordant voices. According to one conservative former official who spoke with me on the phone from Tehran, Rouhani is a major candidate for succeeding Khamenei as supreme leader. The official asked to be anonymous, given that we have been ordered not to discuss the succession. A high-ranking cleric and a former reformist MP cited the same gag order, but observed that Rouhanis fortunes were rising; they declined to predict whether he could become supreme leader.

Mohammad Taqi Fazel Meybodi, a reformist cleric, is not so hopeful. I dont believe folks like Rouhani can do much, he told me by phone from his house in Qom. They dont hold power, and hard-liners oppose them. These hard-liners continue to oppose the U.S. and have an ideological worldview. They control the parliament and many other bodies.

Fatemeh Haghighatjoo, a former reformist MP who is now an activist based in Boston, believes that the regime will seek a deal with the U.S. regardless of who is in power. There have long been two views in the regime, she told me: a developmentalist one and one that wants to export the Islamic Revolution. But the project of the latter now remains defeated. Iran has no way but to go back to development. Even in what many consider a worst-case scenarioif Mojtaba Khamenei, the leaders son known for his ties to the security establishment, succeeds his fatherhe, too, will be forced to adopt the developmentalist line, Haghighatjooo says.

[Read: Iranian dissidents dont want war with Israelbut they cant stop it]

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Haghighatjoo is even hopeful that the new Trump administration, with its willingness to break with past norms, will provide an opportunity for normalization between Iran and the U.S. Such an approach would give strength to the developmentalists, especially now that the Axis is weakened, she said.

Khamenei continues to resist such notions. In a defiant speech on January 8, he lambasted the U.S. as an imperialist power and pledged that Iran would continue to back the resistance in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, and Yemen. He criticized those who want us to negotiate with the U.S.  and have their embassy in Iran.

But Iran is in dire straits, and the supreme leader can ignore the facts for only so long. In many ways, he resembles his predecessor, Ayatollah Khomeini, the revolutionary leader who, in 1988, likened his acceptance of a cease-fire with Iraq to drinking a chalice of poison. Having promised for years that Iran would continue to fight until it overthrew Saddam Hussein, Khomeinis volte-face came out of desperationand at the urging of Rafsanjani and Rouhani (a young Zarif, then a diplomat at Irans UN mission, helped write Irans letter to the UN Security Council, officially accepting the cease-fire).

Many analysts now loudly wonder whether Khamenei, too, will drink his chalice of poison. He might have no other choice. The old ayatollahs project has evidently run agroundand Irans pragmatists have fresh wind in their sails.

Article originally published at The Atlantic
Assistive technology involves special equipment and computer software that is meant to help people with disabilities.

The latest assistive technology is being powered by artificial intelligence (AI), which might help many students who have difficulties with speaking, reading, writing, and working with language. Although many schools are struggling with how and where to use AI, some are welcoming AI applications for students with disabilities.

The U.S. Education Department requires schools to provide assistive technology to students with disabilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, a U.S. federal law.

The Education Department has told school officials they must consider whether students need tools like text-to-speech and alternative communication devices. New rules from the Department of Justice also require schools and other government organizations to make apps and online content available to people with disabilities.

Concerns about assistive technology

However, there is concern about how to make sure that students using assistive technology are still learning.

Students can use AI to organize thoughts into an outline, summarize complex reading material, or even translate the works of William Shakespeare into todays English. A computer can read materials aloud for students who have vision and reading problems. More and more, those voices produced by machine sound closer to human voices.

Alexis Reid is an educational therapist in the Boston area who works with students with learning disabilities. Reid said, "I'm seeing that a lot of students are kind of exploring on their own, almost feeling like they've found a cheat code in a video game."

But Reid said it is far from cheating: "We're meeting students where they are."

Ben Snyder is a 14-year-old freshman from Larchmont, New York, who was recently told he has a learning disability. He has been increasingly using AI to help with homework. He sometimes uses AI to explain math problems.

He likes a program called Question AI. One day, he asked the program to help him write an outline for a book report. He finished the work in 15 minutes. Usually, it would have taken him an hour and a half to create the same outline. But he said he would not use AI to write the report. "That's just cheating," Ben said.

Paul Sanft is director of a Minnesota-based center where families can use assistive technology tools and borrow devices. He knows some people will use the technology to do the work they should be doing by themselves. That's always going to happen," Sanft said. "But I don't think that's the biggest concern with people with disabilities, who are just trying to do something that they couldn't do before."

The U.S. National Science Foundation is providing financial support for AI research and development. One group receiving support is called the National AI Institute for Exceptional Education and is linked to the University of Buffalo in New York state. It is developing tools to help children with speech and language disabilities.

Venu Govindaraju is the director of the institute. He said speech-to-text technology is not as good at understanding children's voices, particularly if there is a speech problem. He said AI technology is not good at understanding childrens handwriting either.

The case of Makenzie Gilkison

Makenzie Gilkison had trouble spelling words. The 14-year-old from near Indianapolis, Indiana, has a condition called dyslexia. It makes reading difficult. "I just assumed I was stupid," she said, thinking of her early grade school years.

Last year, Gilkison was named to the National Junior Honor Society, an organization that supports leadership and academic success among middle school students. She said she improved her school performance by using a special AI-powered chatbot, a word prediction program and other tools that read for her.

"I would have just probably given up if I didn't have them," she said.

In September, Makenzie's school system started using chatbots to help special education students in high school. She said teachers sometimes struggled to provide students with the help they needed. The students were happy when they heard about the program. Until recently, students needed to wait for someone to help them, unable to move ahead on their own.

"Now we don't need to wait anymore," she said.

I'm Mario Ritter, Jr.

And Im Jill Robbins.

Heather Hollingsworth reported this story for the Associated Press. Jill Robbins adapted it for Learning English.

______________________________________________

Words in This Story

application  n. a computer program that does a series of linked tasks

content  n. materials such as writing, sound and video

summarize  v. to make a shorter version of a piece of writing that includes important points

translate  v. to change a piece of writing from one language into another

therapist n. a person who treats others using methods that do not include drugs or medical operations

cheat code n. a series of commands that can change the way a computer game operates

dyslexia  n. a condition in the brain that makes it hard for a person to read, write, and spell

assume  v. to think that something is true or probably true without knowing that it is true

alternative  adj. not usual or traditional

chatbot n. a computer program designed to produce writing or speech that is similar to that of a human

What do you think of this story? Write to us in the Comments Section
By Padraic Halpin

DUBLIN (Reuters) -Ireland's two dominant centre-right political parties are close to finalising a coalition deal with independent lawmakers to return to power for another five-year term, two lawmakers said on Tuesday.

Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, who were the largest members of the outgoing coalition, have been in talks since they fell just one seat short in a Nov. 29 election of the 87 needed to govern.

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Some Irish media reported that a deal had been done between the two parties and independent lawmakers. But senior Fine Gael lawmaker Peter Burke told RTE radio that talks had not yet concluded, though a programme for government "should be published within the next 24 hours".

One of the seven independents, Barry Heneghan, told Reuters that they had each finished talks with the two larger parties and would meet on Wednesday to decide whether to back a draft policy programme the sides have worked on.

"We have to meet as a regional group to go through everything with a fine tooth comb and see if we're happy to put our names behind that," Heneghan said.

The parties are hoping to sign off on the deal before next week's inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, conscious that his pledges to slash corporate tax and impose tariffs pose a potentially major threat to Ireland's foreign multinational-focused economy.

(Reporting by Padraic Halpin and Conor Humphries; Editing by Hugh Lawson and Gareth Jones)
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)  Isle of Hope United Methodist Church will be holding auditions for their newest performance in February.

Eyes Upon the Cross is set to be a fresh and powerful portrayal of the crucifixion story exploring the raw emotions and conflicting perspectives of those who experienced the life and death of Christ, the church said.

Open Auditions will be held at Isle of Hope United Methodist Church located at 412 Parkersburg Rd in the Ministry Center on Feb. 10 and Feb. 11 from 6-9 p.m.

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Rehearsals are set for Mondays and Tuesday starting on Feb. 17.

The performance will take plan on Sunday, April 13 at 5 p.m.

If you are interested in auditioning, call Director Andrea Verdis at 912-210-9908.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
DENVER (KDVR)  The man suspected of stabbing four people and killing two along the 16th Street Mall over the weekend appeared before a judge Monday morning, and Denvers mayor and police chief addressed the stabbing spree jointly.

Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas said on Monday that officers were at the 16th Street Mall on Sunday night when they saw a man running and carrying a knife. Shortly after 8 p.m. Sunday, officers arrested 24-year-old Elijah Caudill near 16th Street and Wynkoop Street, accusing him of committing three stabbings on Saturday between 5-6 p.m.

Flight attendant identified as 1 victim in Denver 16th Street stabbing

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Shortly thereafter, the officers learned of the deadly stabbing on Sunday night. The victim, a man, was found at 16th and Wynkoop Street and was pronounced dead at a hospital.

Caudill is being held for investigation of one count of first-degree murder, one count of first-degree murder of an at-risk elder and two counts of attempted first-degree murder. The charges have not been filed in court yet, and no bond has been handed down.

Mayor: Random acts of violence uncommon in Denver

On Monday evening, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston and Thomas held a press conference to address what they called an isolated, exceedingly rare event, emphasizing the suspect is in police custody. Thomas said Caudill was captured Sunday night carrying a large, butcher-style knife.

I think we have not seen random acts of violence like this in our city center in as long as we can remember, Johnston said. That means we are both heartbroken for the folks who are suffering, and we are deeply committed to the public knowing that this individual has been detained, is in custody. We will pursue all possible charges against him, and these random acts of violence are not typical.

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Johnston listed statistics regarding crime rates in Denver and said the citys homicide rate dropped 23% in 2024, which is the largest drop in about a decade. There was also a 55% decline in drug offenses and a decrease in shootings.

Denver is getting more vibrant and more safe every day, Johnston said. This was a tragic catastrophic event in our city, and theyre hard to get through. Its also important for people to know just how rare they are.

FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox

The Downtown Denver Partnership also released a statement regarding the stabbings in the city center.

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We are horrified by the events that took place, and our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all of those who have been impacted, the group said in its statement. A safe environment is of the highest importance to all of us at the Downtown Denver Partnership, and we  together with our partners at DPD and the City  remain wholly focused on the safety of our center city. We do not tolerate violence of any kind downtown, and as a community, we must continue to unite against all crime.

Police chief details timeline of 16th Street Mall stabbings

On Monday, Thomas explained how the weekend events played out, including the timeline.

He said Denver police first learned of a stabbing at 16th Street Mall near California Street on Saturday at about 5:17 p.m., where an American Airlines flight attendant, identified as Celinda Levno, died from stab wounds to her throat after she was taken to a hospital.

The agency then responded to a stabbing at about 5:54 p.m. near 16th and Lawrence Street. The victim, a man, suffered serious injuries and was in critical but stable condition Sunday night. He was unable to give an interview to the police due to his injuries.

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Police then learned of a prior stabbing that occurred at about 5:12 p.m. The victim, another man, was slashed in the face and took himself to the hospital nearly an hour later.

Timeline: 16th Street Mall construction expected to finish in 2025

Thomas did not discuss any motive for the suspect in the Monday press conference. He said Denver police are providing additional resources to the 16th Street Mall for the foreseeable future.

Thomas did discuss Caudills criminal history, noting he was born in Colorado and has spent a large portion of his life in the Denver metro area. Thomas said the first time law enforcement engaged with Caudill was in 2016, and the first time Denver police engaged with Caudill was in 2018. He also served time in the Department of Corrections and was most recently released from police custody in November after assaulting a worker at a detox facility.

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Thomas also addressed whether Caudill was released on a personal recognizance bond, saying he was not aware of that and said Caudill had served 11 months before his release.

Thomas issued a grim statement Sunday, warning citizens to remain vigilant while downtown.

Theres someone out there who is indiscriminately stabbing people and causing significant harm, Thomas said Sunday. These individuals were by themselves, so I would say that if youre going to be in the downtown area, or really anywhere in the city, I think that its best that you be with somebody, and if you have to be alone, be vigilant and make sure youre paying attention to your surroundings.

He addressed that statement on Monday.

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Be aware of your surroundings, I think thats always a good practice, but I think that this is a safe place to be, he said during the press conference on the 16th Street Mall.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
A draft deal for a ceasefire in Gaza and hostage release has been agreed to in principle and, if all goes well, will be finalized by Israel and Hamas this week, Arab, U.S. and Israeli officials told CBS News.

If final details are approved, and the Israeli government also votes to approve it shortly thereafter, implementation of the deal could begin this weekend, U.S. and regional sources said. That means President Biden's long-sought ceasefire deal could come together in the final days of his presidency, and incoming President-elect Donald Trump would oversee its implementation.

Sources tell CBS News that the parties have begun drafting public statements of success and hopes are high on all sides.

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Getting to a ceasefire and hostage release deal

In Doha, the talks have been underway for the past few weeks and were continuing Tuesday.

Mr. Biden's top Mideast adviser, Brett McGurk, has been in the region for the better part of a month working to close the deal, coordinating on a regular basis with Steve Witkoff, who has been tapped by Trump to be special Middle East envoy.

Witkoff was in Israel over the weekend for meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Qatari prime minister is set to meet Tuesday with Mossad Director David Barnea to help finalize the details of the agreement.

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While the Biden administration has been drafting a detailed plan for the so-called "Day After" the Israeli withdrawal in Gaza, its implementation and enforcement would be left to the Trump administration. Privately, U.S. officials acknowledge this plan for governance is aspirational, and it would be up to the Trump team to help shape the future of Palestinian Gaza and pressure the Netanyahu government and Hamas to adhere to later phases of the deal.

"I think the pressure is building for Hamas to come to yes, and I think Israel also has achieved a huge amount of its military objectives in Gaza, and therefore, they are in a position to be able to say 'yes,'" U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters.

Sullivan said Israel and Hamas had been close to a deal before, and things had fallen through, but on Monday there was a "general sense that this is moving in the right direction."

"The question is now, can we all collectively seize the moment and make this happen?" Sullivan said.

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"We are in advanced stages of negotiations," an Israeli political source told CBS News, saying a deal could be agreed in hours or days. "There is progress in all components of the agreement formula."

What would the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal look like?

On Sunday, President Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the phone about the ongoing negotiations. The White House said the two leaders discussed the deal based on the arrangement outlined by Mr. Biden last year.

The deal presented to Israel and Hamas appears similar to that arrangement, according to a copy of the deal from mediator sources seen by CBS News and a senior Israeli official.

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The deal consists of three phases, according to the copy viewed by CBS News, each one to be negotiated as things progress.

During the first phase, which would take place over a 42 days ceasefire period, Hamas would release 33 women and children hostages, as well as hostages over 50 years old. For each woman or child hostage returned to Israel, Israel would release 30 Palestinian women and children from its prisons. Hamas would release all hostages over 50 years of age, and Israel would release 30 Palestinian prisoners aged 50 or older.

On the first day of that ceasefire, Hamas would release 3 hostages, according to the document viewed by CBS News. On the seventh day, Hamas would release 4 hostages. Thereafter, Hamas would release 3 hostages taken from Israel every seven days, starting with the living and then moving on to return the bodies of those who have died.

During the exchange of hostages and prisoners, there would be a complete ceasefire in Gaza to allow aid to enter, the draft viewed by CBS News said. International aid groups and the United Nations would resume operation in Gaza, and reconstruction of its infrastructure, like water, electricity and sewage systems, would begin. There would also be negotiations over the next phase of the deal.

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The second phase of the deal would involve the release of all the Israeli male hostages and the withdrawal of the IDF from Gaza, according to the document viewed by CBS News.

The third phase, which would be partially negotiated during earlier phases, would include the exchange of bodies of deceased hostages and prisoners, the beginning of the reconstruction of Gaza, and the opening of its borders.

Despite the intense mediation by the United States, Qatar and Egypt, the talks have repeatedly stalled over issues including the details of the hostage and prisoner exchanges, the withdrawal of Israeli forces and whether the ceasefire would be permanent.

Hamas and other groups in Gaza are still holding captive around 100 hostages kidnapped during the Oct. 7 2023 attack. Militants killed around 1,200 people in that attack and abducted 250.

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Over 46,000 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed by Israel in its response to the Oct. 7 attack, according to the Hamas-run ministry of health, and the majority of Gaza's 2.3 people have been displaced. Humanitarian groups have struggled to deliver aid and experts have warned of famine.

Marwan Al-Ghoul, Michal Ben-Gal and Mais Al-Bayaa contributed to this report.

Close call between passenger jets over Phoenix airport

Jeffries reacts to the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, hostage release deal

Breaking down the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, hostage release deal
The Israeli government is hoping for a rapid conclusion to indirect negotiations with Hamas on the release of hostages in the Gaza Strip and the freeing of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, a government spokesman said.

"We are really hoping that we will soon be able to announce good news," he said. "We are close, but not yet at the conclusion."

He pointed to important progress over recent weeks, and over the past days in particular, with Hamas showing greater seriousness than previously. The talks in Doha were in a "critical time window," he said.

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The spokesman said conditions had changed in Israel's favour since the killing of Hamas leader Yehya al-Sinwar on October 16 in the Gaza Strip, along with the weakening of the Iranian axis in the region.

The population of the Gaza Strip was also generating pressure for an end to the war, the spokesman said, pointing to "optimal conditions for a deal" given the changes in the Middle East.
Jan. 13 (UPI) -- An initial 42-day cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas, being negotiated in Doha, is "on the brink" and could be finalized in the next 24 hours with the release of 33 hostages currently being held in Gaza, according to senior officials.

The emerging cease-fire deal, the first of a three-phase plan, would release initially those hostages considered humanitarian, including women, children, those who are ill and men over 55, negotiators said, according to CNN, ABC News and The Jerusalem Post.

"On the war between Israel and Hamas, we're on the brink of a proposal that I laid out in detail months ago finally coming to fruition," President Joe Biden said Monday during a farewell speech at the State Department.

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Officials said Hamas could release at least two of the seven American citizens still being held, including Sagui Dekel-Chen, 36, and Keith Siegel, 65.

While Hamas has not released the condition of the hostages, the Israeli government believes 34 are dead and that most of the 33 remaining hostages are alive. The bodies of the deceased hostages also could be released, according to officials.

Israelis hold posters calling for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza by Hamas to end the war, outside the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament, in Jerusalem, on Monday. U.S. officials say Israel and Hamas are close to a cease-fire-hostage deal where 33 hostages are slated to be released. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI

Once the first phase is finalized, negotiations for the second phase and the release of the remaining hostages would begin 16 days later.

"I have learned over many years of public service to never, never, never, ever give up," Biden said. "So, I spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu yesterday."

Israelis wear white at a silent protest of Shift101, calling for a hostage release and cease-fire deal to be signed between Israel and Hamas, near Israeli Prime Minister's residence in Jerusalem on Monday. U.S. officials say Israel and Hamas are close to a cease-fire-hostage deal where 33 hostages are slated to be released in Phase 1 of the agreement. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI

The White House has been working to secure a cease-fire and hostage release before President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration next week.

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Trump has warned Hamas repeatedly that "all hell will break out in the Middle East" if the hostages are not released by the time he takes office on Jan. 20.

A woman walks past banners of Israeli hostages held in Gaza by Hamas,in Jerusalem on Monday. U.S. officials say Israel and Hamas are close to a cease-fire-hostage deal where 33 hostages are slated to be released in Phase 1 of the agreement. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI

Members of the incoming Trump administration also are participating in the mediation process for a cease-fire as they will ultimately be in charge of making sure any deal is carried out.

"Can we get it done before the 20th? It is possible but I certainly can't make any predictions that we will," White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told CNN's State of the Nation on Sunday.

"There is a possibility that this comes together; there is also a possibility, as has happened so many times before, that Hamas, in particular, remains intransigent," he said.

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It is "in the American national security interest, regardless of party, regardless of outgoing or incoming administration to get this deal done as fast as possible," Sullivan added.

The latest proposals for the first phase, if agreed to, call for Israeli forces to maintain a presence along the Philadelphi Corridor, which is a strip of land along the Egypt-Gaza border. Israel would also maintain a buffer zone along its border inside Gaza.

Hamas' terrorists attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, leaving 1,200 Israelis dead and 251 taken hostage. Fewer than 100 remain in Hamas captivity. Israel's ongoing war against Hamas in Gaza has killed more than 46,000 Palestinians and wounded more than 109,000 others.

"They've been through hell. So many innocent people have been killed, and so many communities have been destroyed," Biden said Monday.

"The Palestinian people deserve peace and the right to determine their own futures. Israel deserves peace and real security," Biden added. "And the hostages and their families deserve to be reunited. And so, we're working urgently to close this deal."
By Rami Amichay

TEL AVIV (Reuters) - The ceasefire deal that is close to being agreed in Gaza has left families of the 98 hostages still held in the enclave facing a mix of hope, apprehension, and, in some cases, anger as negotiators make a final push to seal an agreement.

The draft proposal shared with Israel and Hamas by Qatari mediators would see 33 children, women and older men, as well as sick and wounded hostages released during the first phase of an extended ceasefire. Israel believes most of these hostages on the list are alive but has not had confirmation from Hamas.

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In exchange, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners would be released and, if all goes well, negotiators will begin talking about freeing the remaining civilian men and soldiers as well as the bodies of dead hostages as part of a package of measures to end the 15-month war.

"We can't miss this moment, this is the last moment, we can save them," said Hadas Calderon, whose husband Ofer and children Sahar and Erez were abducted along with around 250 others when Hamas-led gunmen stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing 1,200 soldiers and civilians in the worst attack on Israel in its history.

Israel's campaign in Gaza has lasted more than a year since then, killing more than 46,000 Palestinian fighters and civilians and devastating the narrow coastal enclave but only a handful of hostages have escaped or been freed by the military.

Sahar and Erez were both released in the first hostage-for-prisoner exchange in November 2023 and Ofer, 54, is among those who could be released in the first phase of the new deal.

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The last time his children saw him, after 52 days in captivity, he was "in a very bad condition," Hadas said.

"I know he's suffering," she said. "I dream about that. I feel it in my body. I feel he's suffering. I feel it every moment. I feel guilty for any drink I take, or shower or food because I know they don't have it."

Protesters have rallied every week in Tel Aviv to call on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to agree a deal to bring the hostages home, and a deal has never seemed closer.

But after repeated disappointments, few are willing to celebrate until their loved ones are back. For others, the deal is a cruel deception that will leave their husbands, sons and brothers trapped in Gaza while negotiators begin another round of talks with their Hamas captors.

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'DOESN'T DESERVE TO ROT IN GAZA'

"The prime minister should bring a deal that includes all the hostages, including my son, a U.S. citizen and a hero of Israel," said Ruby Chen, whose soldier son Itay was killed in Hamas' attack and whose body is being held in Gaza.

"He saved many people, he doesn't deserve to rot in Gaza," Chen said outside Netanyahu's office in Jerusalem, where she joined protesters urging the prime minister to hold out for a comprehensive deal.

Earlier, protesters in the Knesset harangued Defence Minister Israel Katz, who was taking part in a committee meeting, demanding that all the hostages be brought home.

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"You are marketing a selection deal here as a humanitarian deal," said representatives of Inbar Hayman, who was killed in Gaza, using the highly emotive word that evokes images of the Nazi Holocaust, when concentration camp inmates were chosen for forced labour or the gas chambers.

"What absolute victory is the prime minister talking about when we are unable to bury our daughter? Is there a greater humiliation for the state?"

Netanyahu met representatives of some of the hostage families on Tuesday but left many fearful about the prospects of release for those left behind.

"I went into the meeting hoping to find out that we're talking about a deal for all the hostages, and I came out very worried that we're not talking about a deal for all of them," said Gil Dickmann, whose cousin Carmel Gat survived 11 months in Hamas captivity before being killed in a tunnel in Gaza.

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"We didn't understand, why don't you start the negotiations on the second stage now and get it over with?" he said. "We call upon President Trump and all other leaders of the world to make sure it doesn't stop after the first stage, that all the hostages are coming out."

(Additional reporting by Maayan Lubell, Steven Scheer, Emily Rose, writing by James Mackenzie; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli far-right police minister Itamar Ben-Gvir threatened on Tuesday to quit Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government if he agrees to a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal being negotiated at talks in Qatar.

Ben-Gvir, whose departure would not bring down Netanyahu's government, urged Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to join him in a last-ditch attempt to prevent a ceasefire deal, which he described as a dangerous capitulation to Hamas.

"This move is our only chance to prevent (the deal's) execution, and prevent Israel's surrender to Hamas, after more than a year of bloody war, in which more than 400 IDF (Israel Defence Forces) soldiers fell in the Gaza Strip, and to ensure that their deaths are not in vain," Ben-Gvir said on X.

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Smotrich said on Monday that he objects to the deal but did not threaten to bolt Netanyahu's coalition. A majority of ministers are expected to back the phased ceasefire deal, which details a halt to fighting and the release of hostages.

Ben-Gvir echoed remarks by Smotrich, who said on Monday Israel should keep up its military campaign in Gaza until the complete surrender of Palestinian militant group Hamas, whose Oct. 7 2023 attack caused the war.

About 1,200 people were killed in Hamas' 2023 assault on Israel and more than 250 others were taken hostage, 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 most its population displaced.

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The United States, Qatar and Egypt have been mediating a ceasefire deal and agreements could be imminent, officials have said.

Some hostage families oppose the deal because they fear that the phased deal taking shape will see only some of the remaining 98 hostages freed and others left behind.

Successive surveys have shown broad support among the Israeli public for such a deal.

(Reporting by Maayan Lubell, Editing by Timothy Heritage)
Far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir threatened on Tuesday to resign from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government in the event of a deal with the Hamas Islamist movement on hostages being held in the Gaza Strip.

In a post on X, Ben-Gvir called on right-wing Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to join him in opposing "the terrible deal being set up."

Netanyahu needed to be informed decisively "that we will leave the government if the deal is concluded," Ben-Gvir demanded.

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But he added that in the event of his resignation, he would not seek to topple the government. Israel has in the past had minority governments.

Netanyahu's government has 68 seats in the 120-seat Israeli parliament, the Knesset. If the groups led by Ben-Gvir and Smotrich were to leave, he would no longer hold a majority.

Yair Lapid, leader of the opposition in parliament and a former prime minister, said on Monday that he would be prepared to offer Netanyahu a "safety net" to get a hostage deal with Hamas over the line.

Ben-Gvir expressed criticism of reported plans to withdraw Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip and release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel in exchange for the release of 33 hostages in an initial phase, terming a deal of this kind a "capitulation."

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He called instead for a complete cut-off of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, including fuel, electricity and water, with the aim of the "total subjugation" of Hamas.

Outgoing US President Joe Biden expressed cautious optimism on Monday, saying a ceasefire appeared to be "on the brink" of "finally coming to fruition."
A growing number of Israeli soldiers have threatened to stop fighting against Hamas in Gaza unless their government secures a ceasefire.

Some 200 troops signed a letter claiming that the 15-month conflict crossed ethical lines and saying they would refuse to fight unless a truce was signed.

Seven soldiers who have already laid down their arms told the Associated Press that Palestinians were being indiscriminately killed and houses destroyed, despite no threat being present.

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Vilk, one of the officers in the armoured corps, said that he would no longer serve after claiming he was instructed to shoot any unauthorised person in an Israeli-controlled buffer zone in Gaza.

A final round of ceasefire talks are expected to begin on Tuesday in Qatar - Itai Ron/Reuters

Yuval Green, 27, another officer, said that he abandoned his post in January 2024 after seeing soldiers desecrate homes and steal Gazans belongings as souvenirs over a two-month period in the enclave.

While their movement is relatively small, the soldiers said it was the tip of the iceberg and that many others wanted to come forward.

The rare act of defiance against the Israeli military, which requires its troops to steer clear of politics, comes as a ceasefire and hostage release deal appears imminent following months of stalled negotiations.

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A final round of truce talks aimed at finalising the last details of the proposal are expected to start on Tuesday in Qatar, a source briefed on the negotiations told AFP.

Qatars prime minister, the leaders of Israels intelligence agencies and the Middle East envoys for the incoming and outgoing US administrations are expected to attend the talks, the source said.

Donald Trump, who will be sworn in as US president on Jan 20, said on Monday evening that a ceasefire will probably be secured by the end of the week.

I understand theres been a handshake and theyre getting it finished and maybe by the end of the week, but it has to take place, he told Newsmax.

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Hours earlier, Joe Biden made his last foreign policy speech in office and said that Israel and Hamas were on the brink of signing the proposal that he laid out in detail months ago.

The Telegraph understands that Israel is willing to withdraw its troops from Gaza after all hostages have been released in two separate stages under the deal.

The Israel Defense Forces were contacted for comment.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
CAIRO (Reuters) - An Israeli airstrike on Gaza's Deir al-Balah killed at least 10 Palestinians and wounded others, medics told Reuters on Tuesday.

In a separate strike on a house in Rafah, five people including a woman were killed, and four others were injured, medics said.

(Reporting by Nidal Al-Mughrabi; Editing by Chris Reese)
ROME (Reuters) - Italy's government on Tuesday unveiled a draft law to regulate online reviews of hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions, in a bid to stop fake or paid reviewers.

The law, which needs parliamentary approval to come into force, introduces a number of hurdles for would-be reviewers, including having to provide verifiable ID as well as proof that they visited the place they want to pass judgement on.

Reviews will have to be posted within two weeks of the visit in question and can be removed if they are untrue or, in any case, two years after they were posted. The bill did not explain who would decide if a critique was false.

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The proposed law, which can be amended in parliament, will also outlaw reviews that are paid-for or sponsored via incentives - an underhand practice that is fairly commonplace.

"Today marks an important step for the protection of our businesses," said Tourism Minister Daniela Santanche.

Fake reviews are already illegal, but policing violations is difficult. The bill suggests giving the task of checking on reviews and handing out eventual fines to Italy's antitrust watchdog.

The draft regulations were welcomed by some industry lobbies, although there were concerns over privacy and fears that the ban on anonymous reviews might drastically reduce the number of online comments about hotels and restaurants.

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"Fake reviews are a problem for fair competition between companies because they can have a big impact on sales, and are also a problem for consumers who can be misled," Michele Carrus, chairman of consumer association Federconsumatori, told Reuters.

"The problem needed to be addressed. It's difficult to do it the right way, but I'm confident we can achieve that during the parliamentary debate," he added.

(Reporting by Claudia Cristoferi; Editing by Crispian Balmer)
This is Totally Normal Quote of the Day, a feature highlighting a statement from the news that exemplifies just how extremely normal everything has become.

Its the worlds loneliest position, the enormity of the decisions youre making on a daily basis, how transactional everyone is with you. So its a very lonely perch. Ivanka Trump, daughter of Donald Trump, on the seriousness of being president

Funny stuff here, in an interview Ivanka Trump did with a podcast affiliated with a lifestyle brand called Skinny Confidential (problematic?) to discuss how she views the presidency and why she is allegedly staying out of politics during her fathers second term:

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Its the worlds loneliest position, the enormity of the decisions youre making on a daily basis, how transactional everyone is with you, she added. So its a very lonely perch. She made it clear she will have no formal role in the second Trump administration. I went through years of craziness, she said of her first tenure in the White House.

That write-up is via the Daily Mail. More:

I hate politics, she confessed. She noted that she loves policy and pointed with pride to her work on the child tax credit during her time in the White House. Ivanka got the tax credit doubled as it went through the legislative process. But, she said, she couldnt stand the darkness of the political world.

Ivanka Trumps role in her fathers first White House was a job called First Daughter and Advisor to the President. (Must have been tough to beat out all the other applicants.) She led something called the Office of Economic Initiatives and Entrepreneurship, which was created by the Trump administration and appears to no longer be active. Relatedly, she took a series of trips abroad to promote womens empowerment, including one to Dubai during which she praised Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates for their work helping women become free to succeed. Last year, Saudi Arabian authorities reportedly sentenced a woman to 11 years in prison (after they allegedly broke her leg) for crimes that included posting pictures of herself at the mall.

In February 2019, Trump also launched something called the Womens Global Development and Prosperity Initiative; per a Washington Post column published in late 2020, the so-called W-GDP program was administered with the help of the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). A subsequent General Accountability Office report, citing inadequate recordkeeping, could not determine whether USAID had allocated related funding in a way that benefited women. Per the Post, efforts to make the W-GDP initiative permanent ended in December 2020 after Ivanka failed in an effort to circumvent negotiations with Democratic New Hampshire Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, a previous supporter of the effort.

So, a bit of My job here is done/But you didnt do anything going on, as far as Ivankas time in public service.

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On the subject of the presidency itself, and the burdensome toll its responsibilities take on statesmen like her father, our position is: LOL. Recall that during his first tenure, the White House stopped sending around Donald Trumps daily schedule because so much of it consisted of undefined executive time, a term which his staff used as shorthand for the hours Mr. Trump spends watching television and responding on Twitter to the coverage. In 2018, a Fox News segment about surveillance startled Trump so much that he tweeted an attack on a bill his administration actually supported, an incident that took place just two days after he had accidentally announced his support for an immigration bill his administration opposed. At one point during the high-stakes early days of the COVID crisis, Trump held a 45-minute meeting with the actor Dean Cain because Cain was starring in a right-wing play about Trumps enemies at the FBI.

In any case, should you be interested, Ivanka Trumps 110-minute appearance on the Skinny Confidential Him & Her podcast has been dividedevidently by some sort of generative-A.I. summary nightmare toolinto 35 chapters with names like Navigating Confidence and Motivation Amid Expectations, Navigating Personal Growth and Public Service, Exploring Amino Acids and Workout Supplements, Achievements in Public Service and Personal Growth, Navigating Ethics and Transitioning from Business to Government, Navigating Public Service Challenges, and Passion for Skincare and Sun Protection. And with that it might be time for us to navigate an entire bottle of whiskey in one sitting, ha ha, goodbye!
Hours after four more women accused Neil Gaiman of sexual misconduct, J.K. Rowling compared him Harvey Weinstein.

The Harry Potter writer took to her social media accounts shortly after the New York Magazine story detailed stories of four more women explaining encounters with Gaiman that included murky consent and issues with control. In her social media post, Rowling compared Gaiman to Weinstein  who is in prison for rape after being at the center of the #MeToo movement.

The literary crowd that had a hell of a lot to say about Harvey Weinstein before he was convicted has been strangely muted in its response to multiple accusations against Neil Gaiman from young women whod never met, yet  as with Weinstein  tell remarkably similar stories, Rowling wrote.

The literary crowd that had a hell of a lot to say about Harvey Weinstein before he was convicted has been strangely muted in its response to multiple accusations against Neil Gaiman from young women who'd never met, yet  as with Weinstein  tell remarkably similar stories.  J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) January 13, 2025

The initial accusations came from five women who were featured in a podcast titled Master: The Allegations Against Neil Gaiman. The latest four women featured in the New York Magazine story detailed similarly harrowing stories of the author crossing boundaries and implementing his control over them for sex. Two of the women previously worked for Gaiman while the other pair were fans of the writer.

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One of those fans  Katherine Kendall, who met Gaiman when she was 22  was later paid $60,000 by the author for therapy. Another explained feeling financially dependent toward the American Gods scribe because she lived on his property and previously served as a caretaker. She said sex began to feel transactional for her staying.

With nine accusations stacked up against him, Gaimans various Hollywood dealings have taken a hit. Prime Video had once been prepping a third season for their adaptation of Good Omens but downgraded it to a 90-minute finale. Disney has also paused its work on an adaptation of The Graveyard Book.

Representatives for Gaiman did not respond to TheWraps request for comment Monday. However, one is quoted in the New York Magazine article saying the allegations are false, not to mention deplorable.

The post J.K. Rowling Compares Neil Gaiman to Harvey Weinstein Amid New Sexual Misconduct Allegations appeared first on TheWrap.
The Justice Department has released special counsel Jack Smiths final report on President-elect Donald Trumps election interference case, about the federal investigation into Trumps efforts to overturn the 2020 election results.

In his 170-page report, Smith, who has been relentlessly criticized by Trump and his allies, forcefully defended his decision to bring charges, writing: To all who know me well, the claim from Mr. Trump that my decisions as a prosecutor were influenced or directed by the Biden administration or other political actors is, in a word, laughable.

Smith also wrote that he believes Trump would have been convicted for his alleged crimes in the case if not for his election in November.

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Indeed, but for Mr. Trumps election and imminent return to the Presidency, the Office assessed that the admissible evidence was sufficient to obtain and sustain a conviction at trial, Smith stated.

Trump was indicted in August 2023  and then again in 2024  on four felony counts for his attempts to reverse his loss in the 2020 election. He pleaded not guilty. Smith moved to dismiss the case in November after Trump won the election, in accordance with a long-standing Justice Department policy against prosecuting a sitting president.

Trumps attorneys fought hard to prevent the release of Smiths report, which is split into two volumes, one on Trumps election interference case in D.C. and another on his classified documents case in Florida. The Justice Department said it does not intend to make public the portion of the report related to the classified documents case while it remains pending against Trumps former co-defendants.

Earlier this week, U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, a Trump appointee who dismissed his classified documents case in July, temporarily blocked the reports publication. The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled on Thursday that the Justice Department can release the report but upheld Cannons three-day delay to allow for further appeals. The DOJ subsequently told her that it is appealing the order that imposed the delay.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Special counsel Jack Smiths just-released report provides fresh insights into his bid to hold Donald Trump responsible for his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

Smith insisted he amassed enough evidence to win a conviction if the case had made it to trial, and he laid out a comprehensive compendium of the facts he might have presented to a jury. At the same time, his report struck a defensive tone, as he sought to explain why the case never made it that far.

The public report is also incomplete. Its second volume, which pertains to Smiths investigation of the classified documents found at Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate after he left office in 2021, remains secret.

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Attorney General Merrick Garland does not intend to publicly release that portion of the report, though he wants to share it with select lawmakers. U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon has blocked any dissemination of it outside the Justice Department. And once Trump is inaugurated next week and assumes control of the department, it will be easy for him to forestall any formal release of Smiths final assessment of the documents case.



Still, the 137-page write-up on the election case is a final accounting of how Trump sought to derail the transfer of power four years ago, how investigators built and litigated an unprecedented conspiracy prosecution against a former president, and how that prosecution fizzled when Trump won back the White House.

Here are POLITICOs top takeaways from the historic document.

Smith comes to Garlands defense

A common sentiment on the left is that Garland was too deferential to Trump after Joe Biden took office and failed to unleash the full might of the department on the former president for nearly two years. The delay, critics say, made it much more difficult for Smith  once he was appointed in November 2022  to bring Trump to trial before the 2024 election.

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But Smiths report emphasized that the Justice Department was aggressively investigating leads related to Trump long before the special counsels tenure began. Litigation tactics by Trump and his allies, Smith argued, were the key factors that slowed the process to a crawl.

For example, Twitter, newly purchased by Elon Musk, delayed Smiths effort to access Trumps account data for weeks despite a court order that ultimately resulted in the company being held in contempt and fined $350,000.

It took Smith more than a year to obtain text messages between Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.) and Trump DOJ official Jeffrey Clark. And the department spent months fighting to access communications of John Eastman, a lawyer who helped devise Trumps last-ditch efforts to remain in power.

The most protracted battles of all stemmed from Trump's broad invocation of executive privilege to try to prevent witnesses from providing evidence, Smith wrote. It took months of secretive legal proceedings to secure testimony from Trump White House aides such as Mark Meadows, Dan Scavino and Pat Cipollone. Former Vice President Mike Pence also resisted testifying until a court ordered him to reveal some  but not all  details about his interactions with Trump. Smith noted that judges broadly rejected Trumps privilege claims, with one holding that he was engaged in an obvious effort to delay the investigation.

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Smith also drew attention to what may have been his biggest foil: the Supreme Court. He pointed out that the justices rebuffed his effort to put Trumps presidential immunity claims on a similar timetable to the one the court adopted five decades earlier in litigation over Watergate and President Richard Nixons tapes.

And Smith argued that the Supreme Courts resolution of Trumps immunity assertion essentially guaranteed another round of litigation that would have been all but certain to return to the justices if Trump had not won the election and the prosecution had continued.

Smiths path not taken: An insurrection charge

Much of Smiths report amounts to a justification of the special counsels charging decisions  his reasons for bringing four felony counts against the former president. Smith also explained publicly for the first time his decision not to charge Trump with one of the gravest potential crimes in DOJs arsenal: inciting insurrection.

The bottom line, Smith said, was legal uncertainty about the federal insurrection statute. The law had not been used in 100 years. It may not have applied to a situation in which a sitting president sought to illegally retain power rather than an outside force seeking to depose a lawful administration. And, in a notable concession to Trump, Smith acknowledged the evidence didnt show that Trump intended to cause the full scope of violence that occurred on Jan. 6, 2021.

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The evidence established that the violence was foreseeable to Mr. Trump, that he caused it, that it was beneficial to his plan to interfere with the certification, and that when it occurred, he made a conscious choice not to stop it and instead to leverage it for more delay, Smith concluded. But federal investigators, he said, did not develop direct evidence  such as an explicit admission or communication with co-conspirators  of Mr. Trump's subjective intent to cause the full scope of the violence.

A few tantalizing tidbits of evidence

Much of the evidence that Smith recounted has already appeared in prior court filings or was unearthed by the congressional investigation into Jan. 6. But there were a few striking new details in Smiths report:

A Signal exchange between Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.) and Trump DOJ official Jeff Clark in which Clark indicated a classified review of potential voter fraud evidence found nothing helpful to P  shorthand for President Trump.



Details of interviews with Trumps fake electors in which some described concerns about being duped into a plan intended to overthrow the government.



An analysis that found Trump was watching Fox News on Jan. 6 when the broadcast aired an interview with a supporter marching to the Capitol who berated Pence for refusing Trumps pressure to overturn the election. Moments later, Smith noted, Trump tweeted an attack on Pence, fueling the anger of the mob just as Pence was being evacuated to safety.

Will the public get to see the primary documents?

Smiths report described the trove of evidence he assembled in narrative form. But the fate of the trove itself could be even more significant than his ultimate conclusions.

The House Jan. 6 select committee similarly mounted a two-year investigation and produced a voluminous final report. But it was the committees enormous cache of witness transcripts and primary source documents  drawn from Trumps files in the National Archives, emails obtained through subpoenas and evidence produced during court battles  that has proved more enduring.

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Smith reached into areas the select committee could not, getting grand jury testimony from Pence, Meadows and other top aides, including some returning to the White House next week. Those transcripts remain sealed, but there are several legal efforts underway to bring them into public view.

The Justice Department is due to respond to two of those efforts this week, a potential window into whether prosecutors may deem the public interest in the underlying materials of greater value than their continued secrecy, particularly now that the criminal case has been dropped.
Early this morning, the Department of Justice released the report of Special Counsel Jack Smith on his investigation of Donald Trumps attempt to overturn the result of the 2020 presidential election. The saga of the U.S. criminal-justice systems effort to hold the coup instigator accountable is thus closed. No prosecution will take place. Compared with the present outcome, it would have been better if President Joe Biden had pardoned Trump for the January 6 coup attempt.

A pardon would at least have upheld the theory that violent election overthrows are wrong and illegal. A pardon would have said: The U.S. government can hold violent actors to account. It just chooses not to do so in this case.

Instead, the special counsels report delivers a confession of the helplessness of the U.S. government. Smith asserts that there was sufficient evidence to convict Trump of serious crimesand then declares the constitutional system powerless to act: The criminal is now the president-elect; therefore, his crime cannot be punished.

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The report suggests that if the law had moved faster, Trump would be a convict today, not the president-elect. But the law did not move fast. Why not? Whose fault was that? Fingers will point, but finger-pointing does not matter. What matters is the outcome and the message.

Trump swore to uphold the Constitution in January 2017. He violated that oath in January 2021. Now, in January 2025, he will swear it again. The ritual survives. Its meaning has been lost.

In 2022, a prominent conservative intellectual proclaimed that the United States had entered a post-Constitutional moment:

Our constitutional institutions, understandings, and practices have all been transformed, over decades, away from the words on the paper into a new arrangementa new regime if you willthat pays only lip service to the old Constitution.

That conservative was Russell Vought, one of the co-authors of the Heritage Foundations Project 2025 policy plan, and now President-Elect Trumps choice to be director of the Office of Management and Budget, which controls and coordinates all actions by the executive branch. The post-constitutional moment that Trump supporters once condemned has now become their opportunity. They have transgressed the most fundamental rule of a constitutional regime, the prohibition against political violenceand instead of suffering consequences, they have survived, profited, and returned to power.

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If anything, the transgression has made them more powerful than they otherwise would have been. Bob Woodward gives an account in his 2018 book, Fear, that Gary Cohn, Trumps chief White House economic adviser, thwarted Trumps intent to withdraw from NAFTA and the U.S.South Korea trade agreement by snatching the notification letters off the presidents desk. The story suggests something important about the difficulty Trump had imposing his will during his first term. But for his upcoming second term, Trump has made defending his actions in 2021 a test of loyalty. Last month, The New York Times interviewed people involved in recruiting for senior roles in the Trump Defense Department or intelligence agencies; several of them had been quizzed about whether Joe Biden won the 2020 election and whether Trump did anything wrong in his challenge to the election on January 6. The clear implication was that to answer anything but No and No would have been disqualifying. There will be no more Gary Cohns, only J. D. Vances who will deny the previous election and defend Trumps actions to overturn it.

That is what a post-constitutional moment looks like.

Before Trump, American law was quite hazy on the legal immunity of the president. In 1982, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a president could not be sued for his official acts. In 1997, the Court ruled that a president could be sued for personal acts unrelated to his office. Both of these rulings applied only to civil cases, not to criminal ones.

For nearly 250 years after the adoption of the U.S. Constitution, the question of the presidents rights under criminal law did not arise. Trumps proclivity for wrongdoing forced the question on the country: Was a president of the United States subject to criminal law or not? Last year, the Supreme Court delivered a mess of an answer, the main holding of which seemed to be: Heres a complex, multipart, and highly subjective set of questions to answer first. Please re-litigate each and every one of them while we wait to see whether Trump wins or loses the 2024 election.

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Now comes the Smith report with its simpler answer: If a former president wins reelection, he has immunity for even the worst possible crimes committed during his first term in office.

The incentives contained in this outcome are clear, if perverse. And they are deeply sinister to the future of democracy in the United States.

Article originally published at The Atlantic
WASHINGTON  President-elect Donald Trump "inspired his supporters to commit acts of physical violence" on Jan. 6 and knowingly spread an objectively false narrative about election fraud in the 2020 election, special counsel Jack Smith said in a report defending his investigation made public early Tuesday.

The 170-page report summarized Smith's investigation into Trump's efforts to maintain power after he lost the 2020 election to Joe Biden, which culminated in the deadly Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Smith's office conducted interviews with more than 250 individuals in connection with the investigation and federal grand jurors heard testimony from more than 55 witnesses as part of the probe.

Smith has been the subject of unending criticism by Trump, whose allies have suggested the special counsel should now face criminal charges, and Smith used the report to deliver a full-throated defense of his decision to bring charges.

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"To all who know me well, the claim from Mr. Trump that my decisions as a prosecutor were influenced or directed by the Biden administration or other political actors is, in a word, laughable," Smith wrote.

If it wasn't for Trump's election in November that prevented the prosecution from moving forward, the case would have ended in the president-elect's conviction, Smith wrote.

Indeed, but for Mr. Trumps election and imminent return to the Presidency, the Office assessed that the admissible evidence was sufficient to obtain and sustain a conviction at trial," Smith's report stated.

Trump criticized the report on his website Truth Social, complaining that it was released at 1 a.m. and repeating false claims about the House committee that investigated Jan. 6.

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"Jack is a lamebrain prosecutor who was unable to get his case tried before the Election," Trump wrote.

The report brings to an end a chapter in American history in which a former president was indicted on federal charges for the first time, only to go on and be re-elected and who, in a few days, will return to power. Trump fought to keep the report secret, but his last-minute requests to prohibit the release were refused.

Smiths report said that Trumps actions, resulting in the interruption of Americas record of peaceful transfers of power, were without historical comparison and that Trumps political and financial status as well as the prospect of his future election to the presidency made the investigation more challenging.

Trumps ability and willingness to use his influence and following on social media to target witnesses, courts, and Department employees was a significant challenge for the office, causing the special counsel to engage in time-consuming litigation to protect witnesses from threats and harassment, the report said.

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Smith pointed to Trump's continued praise of Jan. 6 rioters as further evidence that the president-elect had intended to incite the attack.

"He has called them patriots and hostages, reminisced about January 6 as a beautiful day, and championed the January 6 Choir, a group of January 6 defendants who, because of their dangerousness, are detained at the District of Columbia jail," Smith wrote.

The report says that Trump spread voter fraud claims that were "demonstrably and, in many cases, obviously false" and that Smith's office determined that "Trump knew that there was no outcome-determinative fraud in the 2020 election, that many of the specific claims that he made were untrue, and that he had lost the election."

Smith pointed to testimony that Trump privately admitted to losing, including telling an aide after watching Biden speak, "can you believe I lost to this fing guy?

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Smith, who resigned Friday, also wrote a second volume focused on separate charges brought against Trump over his handling of classified documents, but that part of the report was not released because charges against two of Trump's co-defendants are still pending.

Smith's report stated that prosecutors would have been able to show that Trump decided before the election that he would allege fraud whether it occurred or not, and that after he lost he "adhered to that plan  repeating false claims that he knew to be untrue."

Trump, who was separately convicted of 34 felonies in connection with hush money payments to an adult film star during his 2016 campaign, had denied wrongdoing in connection with the effort to overturn the 2020 election. A federal grand jury indicted Trump on four felony charges  conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding and conspiracy against rights  related to Jan. 6 and the efforts leading up to it. Under long-standing Justice Department policy that prevents a sitting president from being prosecuted, the charges were dropped upon Trump's victory in November.

Smith wrote in his report that his office also considered charging Trump under the Insurrection Act, but ultimately concluded that it would be difficult to prove given the complicated legal definitions of insurrection and whether incitement had occurred.

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Smith also provided little details about the six unindicted co-conspirators who were included in the original indictment. While the alleged co-conspirators are identifiable based on publicly available information, Smith did not name them. He wrote that the report should not be seen as exonerating them. He did, however, reveal that while continuing to investigate co-conspirators, the special counsel referred to a U.S. attorney's office that "an investigative subject may have committed unrelated crimes."

While Trump has never publicly conceded that he knew he lost the 2020 election, a federal grand jury said the false claims he spread were "unsupported, objectively unreasonable, and ever-changing."

The delay strategy that Trump's legal team used ultimately allowed him to avoid trial before American voters elected him again last year and resulted in a Supreme Court decision on presidential immunity that will grant him wider latitude when he returns to office.

The report was released as Trump says he is preparing to pardon an untold number of Jan. 6 defendants. More than 1,580 defendants have been charged and more than 1,270 have been convicted on charges ranging from unlawful parading to seditious conspiracy. More than 700 defendants have either already completed their sentences or were never sentenced to any period of incarceration in the first place. Asked whether he could pardon rioters who committed violence against police officers, Trump did not rule it out.

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Among those seeking pardons is former Proud Boys chairman Enrique Tarrio, who was found guilty of seditious conspiracy in 2023 and sentenced to 22 years in federal prison, the longest sentence given to any Jan. 6 defendant. Vice President-elect JD Vance said over the weekend that those who committed violence should "obviously" not be pardoned. The mother of one Jan. 6 rioter who was shot and killed during the attack said she received a call last week from Trump, who told Jan. 6 defendants to "keep their chins up."

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
JACKSONVILLE, Ark.  Police in Jacksonville are investigating a Monday afternoon shooting that left two people injured.

Jacksonville police said officers responded to a shooting call in the 100 block of Finch Road at 4:47 p.m.

Authorities said two victims have been taken to the hospital and are currently stable.

No suspect information has been released at this time.

A spokesperson with the Jacksonville Police Department said the investigation into the shooting is ongoing.

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This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KARK.
Jamie Lee Curtis has confirmed that her LA home is safe after conflicting reports surfaced amid the wildfires. The firestorms across Los Angeles County have caused major destruction and reduced several residents homes to rubble. Amid the catastrophe, celebrities have taken to social media to share updates, while several others also reported heartbreaking losses. Meanwhile, Curtis has penned a post to confirm the safety of her property.

Jamie Lee Curtis confirms safety of her LA Home in new update

Jamie Lee Curtis wrote a note in an Instagram post to confirm that her LA property remained safe from the wildfires in the region. The actor noted she is aware there are conflicting reports that she lost her home. However, Curtis revealed that she did not. The actor wrote, Obviously, it was touch and go and brave neighbors who refused to evacuate. She continued to thank the LAFD who managed to save their canyon and home.

Curtis further penned, The concentric circles of grief and loss are going to touch all who live in our beloved City of Angels and the surrounding areas that were devastated by the fires. The film producer also revealed that the first half of their donations have gone out to the LAFD Foundation, World Central Kitchen, Red Cross Los Angeles Region, LA Regional Food Bank, and California Community Foundation.

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Before ending the post, she thanked the firefighters for their hard work. Besides using the platform to share information about sources of support, Curtis, along with her family, has made a $1 million donation towards fire relief efforts.

The star recently appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and expressed her heartbreak over the awful situation in Southern California. Curtis also noted that she was obviously going to go home first thing the next day to be with her family and try to help her friends. The actor also urged people to do what they can to offer support amid the catastrophe.

The post Jamie Lee Curtis Confirms Her LA Home Is Safe After Conflicting Reports appeared first on Mandatory.
Jamie Lee Curtis has confirmed that her LA home is safe after conflicting reports surfaced amid the wildfires. The firestorms across Los Angeles County have caused major destruction and reduced several residents homes to rubble. Amid the catastrophe, celebrities have taken to social media to share updates, while several others also reported heartbreaking losses. Meanwhile, Curtis has penned a post to confirm the safety of her property.

Jamie Lee Curtis confirms LA home is safe in new update amid LA fires

Jamie Lee Curtis wrote a note in an Instagram post to confirm that her LA property remained safe from the wildfires in the region. The actor noted she is aware there are conflicting reports that she lost her home. However, Curtis revealed that she did not. The actor wrote, Obviously, it was touch and go and brave neighbors who refused to evacuate. She continued to thank the LAFD who managed to save their canyon and home.

Curtis further penned, The concentric circles of grief and loss are going to touch all who live in our beloved City of Angels and the surrounding areas that were devastated by the fires. The film producer also revealed that the first half of their donations have gone out to the LAFD Foundation, World Central Kitchen, Red Cross Los Angeles Region, LA Regional Food Bank, and California Community Foundation.

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Before ending the post, she thanked the firefighters for their hard work. Besides using the platform to share information about sources of support, Curtis, along with her family, has made a $1 million donation towards fire relief efforts.

The star recently appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and expressed her heartbreak over the awful situation in Southern California. Curtis also noted that she was obviously going to go home first thing the next day to be with her family and try to help her friends. The actor also urged people to do what they can to offer support amid the catastrophe.

Originally reported by Shriya Swami on Mandatory.

The post Jamie Lee Curtis Reveals LA Home Is Safe After Encountering Conflicting Reports appeared first on Reality Tea.
The Heuvelton Presbyterian Church will be hosting a community dinner on Thursday, January 16.

The meal will be at the church on 63 Lisbon Street at 4:30 p.m. and is free to the public.

Donations are accepted, but not required.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
AUSTINTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes)  Janet R. Jan Hewlett, 82, passed away peacefully in her sleep, Friday morning, January 10, 2025, in the comfort of her home.

Janet was born September 6, 1942, in Youngstown, a daughter of the late William and Ruth Zahniser Hellmann.

Find obituaries from your high school

She was raised in Girard and was a proud graduate of Girard High School.

Jan worked as a billing clerk with the Mahoning County Building Trades while simultaneously dedicating herself to raising and caring for her family. After her retirement, she found fulfillment in serving as a caregiver with Home Instead, continuing her lifelong commitment to helping others.

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A member of Zion Lutheran Church, Jan previously worshipped and was active in Redeemer Lutheran Church. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life and guided her in all she did.

Jan will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who poured her love and energy into her family. She was especially proud of her grandchildren and cherished the time she spent with them. Whether enjoying family gatherings, caring for her beloved cats, or tending to her yard, Jan found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She treasured her vacations to the Outer Banks and looked forward to her monthly girls nights with dear friends.

Jan is survived by her husband of 62 years, Thomas K. Hewlett, whom she married June 9, 1962; her two daughters, Wendy Kitchen of Youngstown and Tammy Ellis of Austintown; four grandchildren, Rachael (Jordan) Blum, Alyse Kitchen (Ricardo Murillo), Jeffrey (Kelsey) Ellis and Joshua Ellis; four great-grandchildren, Sawyer, Hudson, Wyatt and Levi; her sister, Marilyn (Donald) Malto of Fowler; as well as many extended family members and countless friends.

Jans warmth, kindness, and love for life will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

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Family and friends may call from 4:00  6:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at Kinnick Funeral Home 477 N. Meridian Road, Youngstown where a memorial service will take place at 6:00 p.m.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.

A television tribute will air Wednesday, January 15 at the following approximate times: 7:10 a.m. on FOX, 12:22 p.m. on WKBN, 5:08 p.m. on MyYTV and 7:27 p.m. on WYTV. 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.
Jay Leno is among the Angelenos pitching in to help those fighting the wildfires in Los Angeles.

Were cooking for the [firefighting] crew, the former Tonight Show host told CNNs Anderson Cooper last night. Weve got some BBQ going because, theyre all getting boxed lunches.

More from Deadline

Leno said the idea was to offer fire crews and support staff some hot food.

Of course, this being Jay Leno, he brought his own fire truck.

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I drove a 1941 fire truck, he told Cooper. Its kinda funWe got it loaded up.

"It's unbelievable": Broadcasting legend Jay Leno talks to Anderson about the devastation from the fires around Los Angeles and says "we'll get through it." pic.twitter.com/sroohuPeKP  Anderson Cooper 360 (@AC360) January 14, 2025

Leno was serving meals to first responders at the Rose Bowl on Monday night, and said hed be making the rounds to other spots, as well.

LAFD Public Information Officer Erik Scott posted video of Leno serving up hot meals and wrote, Were grateful for his kindness & the support from our community during this challenging time.

Amid the #PalisadesFire, actor @jayleno stopped by to serve meals to #firefighters coming off the line. Were grateful for his kindness & the support from our community during this challenging time. #LAFD #CommunitySupport pic.twitter.com/A5BQUgseN5  Erik Scott (@PIOErikScott) January 14, 2025

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The Los Angeles community stepped up to aid victims of the devastating fires, and Jeannie Mai and her daughter Monaco also actively participated in the relief efforts. Mai was among several other personalities to do her part as thousands fled the wildfires that sparked on January 7.

In a video, she documented her and Monacos experience volunteering at the Dream Center charity organization where they helped and donated essentials to families affected by the LA wildfires. Besides her charming commentary, the clip showed the toddler picking up packs of toilet paper rolls and handing them to those in need.

Jeannie Mai and her daughter Monaco volunteer to help families affected by LA fires

Jeannie Mai and her daughter Monaco are pitching into the LA fire relief efforts by showing up in a time of need to help their community. As the horrific wildfires continue to ravage the homes and businesses of residents, Mai and her adorable girl volunteered at the Dream Center charity organization, which is currently aiding families impacted by the blaze. The TV personality then posted a video on Instagram, sharing details about their experience and urging others to donate or drop off essentials directly at the location.

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Mai, who believes every contribution, no matter the size matters, took her daughter to the donation center and aided those already helping out. In the video, the mother-daughter duo appeared to be handing out essentials such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, toilet paper, wipes, and diapers to the families who fell victim to the fires. The two took viewers through their heartwarming experiences and encounters with the most incredible people.

Apart from Jeannie Mai and Monaco, Angelina Jolie and her son Knox also helped LA fire victims by offering close ones refuge in her home. Jolie and Knox were recently spotted buying bottles of packaged drinking water and other necessary items in Los Feliz, California. The actor claimed that she is currently aiding people close to her by having them at her house.

The post How Jeannie Mai & Her Daughter Monaco Supported LA Fire Relief Efforts appeared first on Momtastic.
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO)  Jefferson Parish is turning 200 years old and the bicentennial birthday celebrations are set to start with a kick-off to Carnival season.

To mark the beginning of Mardi Gras, on Tuesday, Feb. 11, performers such as The Jay Walkers Second Line band will hold a special presentation recognizing 2025s carnival captains, kings, queens and grand marshals.

7 Brew to open new location in Chalmette

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We are excited about kicking off our 2025 Carnival Season on our Bicentennial birthday, and we are encouraging the entire community to join us as we recognize our rich 200-year history and celebrate all Jefferson Parish has to offer, said Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng.

A total of 12 parades will roll in Jefferson Parish including:

Metairie

Krewe of Little Rascals  Saturday, Feb. 16. 12 p.m.

Family Gras & Krewe of Excaliber  Friday, Feb 21. 7 p.m.

Magical Krewe of Mad Hatters  Saturday, Feb. 22. 5 p.m.

Krewe of Atlas  Sunday, Feb. 23. 4 p.m.

West Bank

Krewe of Music  Monday, Feb. 24. 6 p.m.

Krewe of Nandi  Wednesday, Feb. 26. 6 p.m.

Krewe of Symphony  Thursday, Feb. 27. 6:30 p.m.

Krewe of Athena  Sunday, March 2. 5:30 p.m.

Krewe of Centurions  Monday, March 3. 6 p.m.

Krewe of Argus  Tuesday, March 4. Starting at 11 a.m. with Krewe of Elks Jeffersonians to follow.

Just as Mardi Gras celebrates the spirit of unity and revelry, the Bicentennial reminds us to honor our history, marking both the joy of the present and the legacy of the past. Together, they create a vibrant tapestry of culture, tradition, and the unbreakable bond of our Jefferson Parish community, said Sheng.

Michael Jackson gave this necklace to a movie star, now its for sale in NOLA

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The celebration will happen at Lakeside Shopping Center at 3301 Veterans Memorial Boulevard from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Sheng adds that the bicentennial year will include a variety of community events, local initiatives and new projects that instill a sense of pride for Jefferson Parish.

Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGNO.
Jeffrey Grob, a former Chicago auxiliary bishop who grew up in Cross Plains, Wisconsin, is the 12th archbishop to lead Catholics in southeast Wisconsin.

He is being installed as Milwaukee archbishop Tuesday at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist.

Here are his predecessors:

Jerome Listecki (2010-2024)

Led the archdiocese through arguably the most contentious of the U.S. Catholic Church bankruptcy filings, ending in 2015 in a $21 million settlement to victims of abuse. Supporters credit him with moving the local church through a dark period and providing much needed stability.

Oversaw an increase in seminarians and growing enrollment in Catholic schools.

New York Cardinal Timothy Dolan (right) laughs during his introduction while sitting with Milwaukee Archbishop Jerome Listecki before addressing before a full crowd on September 5, 2013, at the Milwaukee Theatre in Milwaukee, Wis.

Timothy Dolan (2002-2009)

Known for humor, joviality and warmth. Has become one of the most prominent American Catholic prelates.

Haunted by sex abuse scandal throughout tenure, often accused of not doing enough.

Now cardinal of New York, generally known for conservative views combined with disarming and engaging style.

Rembert Weakland (1977-2002)

Left a divisive legacy  to some, an elitist who modernized the cathedral to a fault, covered up clergy abuse, paid hush money to a partner, and snubbed his nose at church hierarchy; to others, a brilliant liturgist and reformer who reached out to Catholics on the margins and inspired a generation of priests.

Among the leaders who routinely moved pedophile priests from one parish or school to the next, shielding them from criminal charges.

Was referred to as the most liberal bishop in America. Became possibly the first American bishop to come out as gay, in 2009.

Archbishop Rembert Weakland and William Cousins, shown in 1980.

More: Former Milwaukee Archbishop Rembert Weakland dies at 95, leaves complex legacy

William Cousins (1959-1977)

Credited with having a steady hand during tumultuous period that included Second Vatican Council and unrest associated with the 1960s in the U.S.

Supported open housing and civil rights goals, though uneasy with some tactics for achieving those goals.

Revealed later to have systematically covered up child sex abuse by clergy, severely tainting his legacy.

Albert Meyer (1953-1958)

Enacted the greatest building activity in archdiocesan history, according to the Milwaukee archdiocese website. Seventeen new parishes were established and five missions were elevated to parish status as 100,000 Catholics joined the archdiocese.

Became archbishop of Chicago in 1958 but died seven years later after a brain tumor surgery.

Moses Kiley (1940-1953)

Restored the cathedral and St. Francis Seminary, and oversaw the archdiocese during a general rise in Catholic devotionalism, which involves rituals or practices in addition to Mass such as Eucharistic adoration, wearing scapulars or venerating saints.

Led archdiocese as 250,000 local Catholics joined the U.S. military during World War II.

Samuel Stritch (1930-1940)

Became first American-born Milwaukee archbishop.

Delayed repairs to St. John the Evangelist Cathedral and St. Francis Seminary because he thought it inappropriate during the Depression.

Founded the Catholic Youth Organization, which became of staple in the lives of young Catholics for decades.

Sebastian Messmer (1903-1930)

Resisted division along national lines, encouraged English education and supported every parish having at least one English sermon on Sundays  a key step toward modernization in those days, according to the archdiocesan website.

Opposed Prohibition, supported ministry to African-Americans and Mexican-Americans at a time when it was unusual, but opposed womens suffrage.

Oversaw the establishment of Mount Mary College (now University) and the growth of Marquette from a college to a university.

Frederick Katzer (1890-1903)

Born in Austria, immigrated to the U.S. at age 20.

Promoted growth of ethnic parishes, and supported German factions of the clergy and hierarchy, putting him at odds with Catholic bishops who supported the Americanization of Catholics.

Oversaw major growth in number of priests, churches, schools and Catholics.

Michael Heiss (1881-1890)

German-born, erected Old St. Marys Church, the oldest archdiocesan church still standing  and still active  in the city.

Stabilized finances of archdiocese and legal status of parishes, according to the archdiocesan website.

Encouraged women to join religious orders.

John Henni (1843-1881)

Served as Milwaukee's first bishop until 1875, then named archbishop.

Founded St. Francis Seminary, and instrumental in founding Marquette College (now University).

Grew Catholic population in Milwaukee, especially German Catholics, as a native of Switzerland.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Who were the 11 leaders of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee before Grob?
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23:37 Mrs Steve Jobs takes spiritual initiation at Kumbh Philanthropist Laurene Powell Jobs, the wife of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, has received spiritual initiation from her guru Swami Kailashanand Giri, the seer's aide said here on Wednesday.Powell, who has spent three days at a camp at the Maha Kumbh, has been given the spiritual name 'Kamala' by... Read more >

23:35 TMC's Abhishek backs AAP in Delhi polls Senior Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee on Wednesday endorsed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the upcoming Delhi assembly elections, emphasising the need for regional parties to unite and strengthen the fight against the Bharatiya Janata Party.Banerjee, the national general secretary of... Read more >

22:48 'Ditched', woman goes on dharna outside lover's house A 22-year-old woman staged a dharna in front of her lover's locked residence in Odisha's Jajpur district on Wednesday, demanding that he marry her as he allegedly promised before beginning a physical relationship with her. The woman also lodged a complaint with the police accusing her... Read more >

22:44 Deal done: Hamas agrees to release Israeli hostages Israel and Hamas agreed to a deal to halt fighting in Gaza and exchange Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, Reuters reported, quoting an official briefed on the deal.Soon after this update from Reuters, United States President-elect Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, 'WE HAVE A DEAL FOR... Read more >

22:34 Here's who is on BJP's star campaigners list for Delhi polls Prime Minister Narendra Modi The BJP Wednesday named its 40 star campaigners for the Delhi Assembly polls, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh, as well as its seven chief ministers, including Yogi Adityanath.The list also includes Purvanchali leaders, including Bhojpuri stars... Read more >

22:21 Bangladesh may drop 'secular' from Constitution The Constitution Reform Commission on Wednesday submitted its report to interim government chief Muhammad Yunus, proposing the replacement of the state principles of secularism, socialism and nationalism.The commission set up by the Yunus administration, after the ouster of Sheikh Hasina as prime... Read more >

22:04 Police sets up SIT to probe 14 mysterious deaths in Rajouri The police here have constituted a special investigation team to probe the mysterious death of 14 people, including 11 children, belonging to three families in a remote village in Rajouri district, officials said on Wednesday. Amid growing concern over the mysterious deaths in the Badhaal... Read more >

21:34 'Runs like a doe': Bidhuri targets Atishi again Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Ramesh Bidhuri on Wednesday again targeted Delhi chief minister and his rival from Kalkaji seat Atishi, saying she was running around like a 'hirni' (doe) in the streets of the constituency ahead of assembly polls after doing little for the people for... Read more >

21:03 Here's who is on BJP's star campaigners list for Delhi polls Prime Minister Narendra Modi The BJP Wednesday named its 40 star campaigners for the Delhi Assembly polls, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh, as well as its seven chief ministers, including Yogi Adityanath.The list also includes Purvanchali leaders, including Bhojpuri stars... Read more >

20:46 GRAP 4 curbs invoked in Delhi-NCR as air quality dips The Centre's panel on Delhi-NCR's air quality on Wednesday invoked curbs under stage 4 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) amid a sharp dip in air quality due to unfavourable meteorological conditions, according to an official order.Calm winds, low temperatures and foggy conditions allowed... Read more >

20:11 Rupee extends gains, settles at 86.40 against US dollar The rupee extended its recovery for the second straight session and settled with a gain of 13 paise at 86.40 (provisional) against the US dollar on Wednesday, tracking favourable cues from domestic equity markets and softening crude oil prices.The American currency index also descended from a... Read more >

19:56 Set up panel to explore phasing out diesel, petrol vehicles: Bombay HC The Bombay high court has directed the Maharashtra government to form a panel to explore the feasibility of phasing out diesel and petrol vehicles, saying automobiles choking Mumbai's roads are a major contributor to Mumbai's worsening air quality.A division bench of Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya... Read more >

19:33 Delhi sees 180 cases for model code violations in one week The Delhi police has registered 180 cases of alleged violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) from January 7 to January 14 in the national capital ahead of assembly polls, an official said on Wednesday.To maintain law and order, preventive actions have led to the arrest of 7,454 individuals... Read more >

19:15 Karnataka defers tabling of caste census report Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said the tabling of the caste census report before the state cabinet has been deferred by a week.The Karnataka Socio-Economic and Education Survey report, commonly known as the 'Karnataka caste census', was originally scheduled to be presented in... Read more >

19:01 Deadlock continues as 111 farmers sit on fast-unto-death Slamming the Centre for adopting an 'indifferent' attitude towards their demands, a group of 111 farmers began a fast-unto-death on Wednesday in solidarity with their leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal whose indefinite strike entered day 51.The protesting farmers have expressed concern over Dallewal's... Read more >

18:48 Vande Bharat sleeper train on trial run A new prototype of a Vande Bharat sleeper coach train underwent trial with a top speed of 130 kmph between Ahmedabad and Mumbai Central on Wednesday, Western Railway officials said.A senior WR official said that as a part of the ongoing trials, the 16-coach trainset with swanky interiors reached... Read more >

18:31 Days before polls, AAP replaces 2 candidates With just weeks to go for the Delhi assembly polls, Aam Aadmi Party on Wednesday changed its candidates for Hari Nagar and Narela constituencies.The party replaced the outgoing Hari Nagar MLA Rajkumari Dhillon, who was fielded again by the party from the seat, with Surinder Setia.Dinesh... Read more >

18:28 BSE Sensex: Top gainers today From the Sensex blue-chip pack, Zomato jumped over 4 per cent.NTPC, Power Grid, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Maruti, Tech Mahindra, Larsen & Toubro, Reliance Industries and Adani Ports were the other big gainers. Mahindra & Mahindra, Bajaj Finserv, Bajaj Finance, Axis Bank and Tata Motors... Read more >

18:27 Sensex climbs over 200 points Benchmark index Sensex ticked higher for the second straight session on Wednesday, buoyed by buying in bellwether stock Reliance Industries, Zomato and Kotak Bank amid a largely firm trend in global markets. However, elevated crude oil prices in the international markets and buying by... Read more >

18:14 Walmik Karad sent in 7-day custody of SIT A special court for MCOC Act in Maharashtra's Beed city on Wednesday remanded Walmik Karad, an associate of Nationalist Congress Party minister Dhananjay Munde, in seven-day police custody in connection with the murder of Massajog sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh.The Special Investigation Team of... Read more >

18:00 Train hits rock placed on Bareilly-Pilibhit railway tracks Representational image In an alleged attempt to derail a passenger train, a large rock was placed on the tracks on the Bareilly-Pilibhit line near Bijauria railway station, officials said on Wednesday. The rock broke into two pieces after being struck by the engine of train no. 75302, which was going from Tanakpur... Read more >

17:35 PhD scholar 'harassed' outside IIT Madras A woman research scholar of IIT Madras was allegedly 'harassed' outside the campus by a worker and male students accompanying her and the general public handed over him to the police, the premium institute said in Chennai on Wednesday.The scholar was allegedly 'harassed' on January 14 evening at... Read more >

17:13 OMG! Is Donald Trump selling kheer in Pakistan? As the world gears up for US President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20, social media is abuzz over reports 'another Donald Trump' in Pakistan.This Trump, a food vendor who locals claim looks strikingly similar to Donald Trump, sells kheer (pudding) on a road in Sahiwal in... Read more >

16:56 Govt employees allowed to travel via Tejas, Vande Bharat trains under LTC The Centre has allowed its employees to travel via Tejas, Vande Bharat and Humsafar trains under Leave Travel Concession (LTC), according to an official order. The move comes after the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) received a number of references... Read more >

16:45 Man experiences 'rebirth' just before being taken to hospital mortuary A man, believed by his family to be dead and taken to a hospital for further procedures, made a miraculous recovery just minutes before being transferred to the mortuary in this north Kerala district.Pavithran, a 67-year-old from Pachapoika in nearby Koothuparamba, shocked everyone by coming back... Read more >

16:44 God will save me: Kejriwal on 'Khalistan threat' Amid intelligence reports that a pro-Khalistan group is plotting an attack against AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal, the former Delhi chief minister said on Wednesday that 'God will save him' and he is destined to live as long as his 'lifeline' allows.Addressing reporters after filing his nomination... Read more >

16:12 Torres scam: HC shocked over police lethargy The Bombay High Court on Wednesday took Mumbai Police to task for its lethargy in the investigation of the Torres investment scam, and ordered protection for a chartered accountant who claims to be the whistleblower in the case. A division bench of Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Neela... Read more >

16:08 Spotted: John McEnroe at Aus Open Melbourne reader Nandini came across Johnny Mac (in pic) getting set for a live cross outside her city's Rod Laver Arena during Aus Open this week. Tennis great John McEnroe was distinctively recognisable by admiring spectators and then left alone once he was done. And yes, she says, he is... Read more >

15:52 Bison strays into Ponda city in Goa Representational image. Pic: Rajesh Karkera/Rediff.com The ongoing expansion work on a highway in Goa has disturbed the natural corridor of the bison population, causing them to venture into urban areas in the coastal state, a forest official said on Wednesday.The forest department staff on Tuesday night drove a female bison into a forest after it... Read more >

15:40 Akhilesh backs AAP over Cong for Delhi elections Asserting that the INDIA bloc is intact, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday said he is supporting the Aam Aadmi Party over the Congress in Delhi because it is stronger and the common aim is to defeat the BJP. Strengthening the hands of regional parties wherever they are... Read more >

15:23 MP well collapse: 3 trapped labourers die Three labourers, trapped under the debris after a well collapsed in Madhya Pradesh's Chhindwara district, have died, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said on Wednesday. The under-construction well caved in at Khunajhir Khurd village in the district on Tuesday evening following which the three... Read more >

14:45 10 Ways To Ace The Bikini Look It's still winter but a girl can always dream of sunny days and golden beaches, can't she?Sukanya Verma helps you plan your summer in advance and ace that bikini look with a little inspiration from Bollywood's swimwear queens in this web story. Read more >

14:44 Meta apologises for Zuckerberg's 2024 poll remark Meta India on Wednesday apologised for CEO Mark Zuckerberg's remarks during a podcast that the incumbent government in India lost power in the 2024 elections, and termed it an inadvertent error. Taking to X, Meta India's Vice President Shivnath Thukral wrote: Dear Honourable Minister... Read more >

14:31 India needs to be in Trump's 'A' team There is no question that New Delhi urgently needs to build bridges with Trump, whose imprimatur on global politics can be decisive, which will also overlap a transformative phase in the world order, writes M K Bhadrakumar Read more >

14:25 Govt disbands CRPF's Parliament security unit, merges it with VIP unit A special unit of the CRPF that was withdrawn from the security of Parliament last year has been finally disbanded and merged with the VIP security wing of the force that has been recently provided a new battalion comprising over 1,000 personnel, official sources said on Wednesday. ... Read more >

14:20 Sharp kite string claims college student's life in MP Representative image A 20-year-old college student died after his throat was slit by kite string during Makar Sankranti celebrations in Indore city, police said on Wednesday. Himanshu Solanki was riding a motorcycle when a piece of kite string slashed his throat on a flyover in Footi Kothi area on Tuesday... Read more >

14:19 Woman research scholar 'harassed' outside IIT Madras Representational image A woman research scholar of IIT Madras was 'reportedly harassed' outside the campus by a worker and male students accompanying her and the general public handed over him to the police, the premium institute said on Wednesday. The scholar was 'reportedly harassed' on January 14 evening at a... Read more >

14:07 Rahul's 'war against Indian state' remark sparks row Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's remarks that we are now fighting the BJP, the RSS and the Indian state itself triggered a row on Wednesday with the BJP alleging that his statement was straight out of George Soros' playbook. Addressing party leaders after the inauguration of the Congress' new... Read more >

13:52 SC seeks response of Centre, ECI over amendments to election rules The Supreme Court on Wednesday sought responses from the Centre and the poll panel on a plea by Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh challenging recent amendments to the 1961 Conduct of Election Rules which restricts public access to CCTV and other election-related... Read more >

13:47 SC stays arrest of ex-IAS trainee Puja Khedkar The Supreme Court on Wednesday protected former IAS probationer Puja Khedkar, accused of cheating and wrongly availing OBC and disability quota benefits in the civil services examination, from arrest till February 14. A bench of Justices B V Nagarathna and Satish Chandra Sharma issued notice... Read more >

13:37 25-year-old climbs 900 steps, dies while coming down Representational image. Pic: Mayur Sanap/Rediff.com A 25-year-old man died while coming down the steps of Mahalakshmi temple at Talasari in Maharashtra's Palghar district. Milan Dombre, a local resident, was returning after climbing 900 steps to the temple and having a `darshan' of the goddess on Tuesday when he suddenly collapsed, his... Read more >

13:05 Modi meets MLAs from Maharashtra ruling alliance Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday met MLAs of the ruling Mahayuti alliance in Maharashtra over lunch in Mumbai. The luncheon meeting was held at the INS Angre auditorium, a state government official said. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and... Read more >

12:49 Every day somebody was taken to hospital: Gerard Butler on '300' shoot Scottish star Gerard Butler says the cast and crew of Zack Snyder's epic film 300 had to toil hard for the movie that became a humongous success after it released in 2006. In an interview with People magazine, the actor revealed that a lot of actors sustained injuries during the... Read more >

12:35 Nonsense: Rahul on RSS chief's 'true Independence' remark Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday hit out at RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat saying that his remark that India got true independence after the Ram temple consecration amounts to treason and is an insult to every Indian. Speaking at the inauguration of the new Congress headquarters in New... Read more >

12:14 Fully ready, capable to deal with any situation: Army chief Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi on Wednesday said the situation along the northern border is sensitive but stable, while asserting that his force is fully ready and capable to deal with any situation. In his address at the 77th Army Day celebrations in Pune, he also said ceasefire is... Read more >

12:00 Mankind Pharma hit with Rs 2-cr GST penalty Pic: Courtesy, Pixabay Mankind Pharma Ltd on Wednesday said it has been imposed a GST related penalty of over Rs 2 crore by tax authority in Kolkata over alleged mismatch in figures for the period of FY18 to FY22. The company has received an order on January 14, 2025 from Office of the Commissioner of Kolkata... Read more >

11:42 Modi commissions 3 naval warships in Mumbai Indian Navy warships INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vaghsheer were commissioned at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday.The commissioning of the three frontline naval combatants will strengthen the country's efforts towards being a global... Read more >

11:26 Why Are PSB Chiefs At Finance Ministry Today? Harsh Kumar/Business StandardM Nagaraju, secretary, Department of Financial Services, will chair a meeting today, January 15, with the CEOs and MDs of public sector banks.The meeting aims to review the progress of various financial inclusion schemes and discuss future funding requirements in... Read more >

10:58 Sonia inaugurates Congress's new HQ, Indira Bhavan Congress Parliamentary Party chief Sonia Gandhi inaugurated the party's new headquarters located at 9A, Kotla Road in New Delhi on Wednesday, marking a key moment in the history of the grand old party which has operated from the 24, Akbar Road premises for the last 47 years.Congress president... Read more >

10:29 Delhi riot accused Tahir Hussain gets parole to file nomination The Delhi high court on Tuesday denied interim bail to former Aam Aadmi Party councillor Tahir Hussain, who is in jail over his onvolvement in 2020 riots in North East Delhi. However, the Court has granted custody parole to Tahir Hussain to allow him to file his nomination papers... Read more >

10:05 DGCA Warns Akasa Air For Deepak Patel/Business StandardThe Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a warning letter to Akasa Air for violating regulations regarding the transportation of dangerous goods, including lithium batteries.On December 12, the regulator conducted an annual surveillance inspection... Read more >

10:02 Smriti Irani, Shekhar Kapur join PM Museum's new team The government has reconstituted the Prime Ministers Museum and Library (PMML) Society with former Union minister Smriti Irani and noted filmmaker Shekhar Kapur finding a place in it. According to an official order issued by the Ministry of Culture, former Principal Secretary to Prime... Read more >

09:57 Over 100 flights delayed as dense fog covers Delhi More than 100 flights were delayed at the Delhi airport on Wednesday morning due to dense fog resulting in low visibility. An official said no flight diversions or cancellations have been reported so far. Low visibility and fog over Delhi may lead to some delays. We're keeping a... Read more >

09:26 UAE launches region's 'most advanced satellite' The UAE's Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre has announced the successful launch of MBZ-SAT, the region's most advanced satellite. MBZ-SAT was launched on Tuesday from the Space Launch Complex 4E at the Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, US, aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket. The... Read more >

09:12 ED gets MHA approval to prosecute Kejriwal The Union Home Ministry has granted sanction to the Enforcement Directorate to prosecute former Delhi chief minister and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal in the excise policy linked money laundering case, officials said. The federal agency has filed a chargesheet against the... Read more >

09:01 Out on interim bail, Asaram returns to Jodhpur ashram Granted interim relief in a 2013 rape case, self-styled godman Asaram returned to his ashram in Jodhpur's Pal village, police said on Wednesday.He had been admitted in an Ayurveda hospital of the city for the past few days on parole and left for his ashram late on Tuesday, a police officer... Read more >

08:46 Adani Group Mcap Up Rs 1.04 Trn Sundar Sethuraman/Business StandardAdani group shares registered a sharp rally on Tuesday amid positive business updates from its group company, Adani Energy Solutions, and the overall recovery in the equity markets. The total market capitalisation of the group companies rose by Rs 1.04... Read more >

08:42 Who is Laurene 'Kamala' Powell Jobs? American billionaire Laurene Powell Jobs, 61, is grabbing headlines for her visit to Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Know more about the widow of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, in this web story. Read more >

08:21 Impeached South Korean President Yoon arrested South Korea's impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol was arrested on Wednsday over insurrection accusations related to his brief declaration of martial law on December 3, investigators said.He is the first sitting president in South Korea's history to be arrested.According to reports, the suspended... Read more >
Jeffrey Grob officially becomes Milwaukee's 12th archbishop on Tuesday at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist with a carefully arranged installation that will be filled with tradition and symbolism.

Once a Dane County farm boy, Grob, 63, holds two doctorate degrees and spent much of his adult life in leadership in the Chicago archdiocese. He will introduce himself Tuesday to local civic and religious leaders and, more broadly, to Milwaukee's roughly 500,000 faithful.

More: As Jeffrey Grob becomes archbishop, who are the 11 Archdiocese of Milwaukee leaders before him?

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When he was announced as Pope Francis' pick for Milwaukee archbishop in November, Grob said he wants to listen and engage with people at a grassroots level, and pledged to "roll up (his) sleeves and work."

Jeffrey Grob, Milwaukee's incoming archbishop, addressed local seminarians in November after it was announced he would take over leadership of the archdiocese.

He takes over the 10-county archdiocese from Jerome Listecki, who led local Catholics through the clergy sex abuse bankruptcy and into relative stability over the last 14 years. But Grob will face a number of challenges in his tenure, especially how to deal with an ever-shrinking church and deep divisions over social and cultural issues.

How can someone watch the installation?

The event is not open to the general public because of limited seating in the cathedral. Those who are attending will have tickets to get in.

However, the public can watch the installation via livestream at https://tinyurl.com/mwr2ydfj. The livestream of the installation begins at 1:30 p.m.

Where did Grob spend his childhood?

Grob was born in 1961 and grew up milking Brown Swiss cows on a dairy farm in Cross Plains, just west of Madison.

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He went to St. Francis Xavier Grade School in Cross Plains, and Holy Name High School Seminary in Madison.

His family's farm is now a Christmas tree farm, the Catholic Herald reported.

Who is in Grob's family?

Grob grew up as the only child in a home with his parents and paternal grandparents. His maternal grandmother ran a tavern in town.

His father, Gerald, died in a plane crash while on a fishing trip three years after Grob was ordained. His mother, Bonnie Grob, has lived with him for almost 20 years, according to the Catholic Herald. She moved in after she was diagnosed with cancer, and she has survived the disease returning three times.

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Today Grob has four exotic birds as pets, including an African Gray parrot who mimics voices. As a kid he cared for wild animals on the farm, including several quail and an orphaned raccoon who would eat Tombstone pizzas the family cooked for it.

Jeffrey Grob, left, speaks to reporters at a news conference in November as then-archbishop Jerome Listecki looks on.

Where did Grob study?

Grob studied at several universities. He received his bachelors degree in religious studies from Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio, and his masters in divinity from University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, Illinois.

He has two doctorates: one in canon law from St. Paul University in Ottawa, Ontario, and one in philosophy from University of Ottawa in Ottawa, Ontario.

His canon law doctoral dissertation was on the revision of the Rite of Exorcism, which he acknowledged in an interview is a "sensationalistic topic" that draws interest.

What did Grob do before arriving in Milwaukee?

Grob was ordained to the priesthood in 1992 in Chicago, at age 31.

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He was a pastor at a parish in Winnetka, Illinois, in the 1990s and at another in Elmwood Park, Illinois, from 2008 to 2013.

He has also held a number of leadership positions in the Chicago archdiocese, including assistant to the chancellor, associate vicar for canonical services, court of appeals judge and chancellor.

He was appointed an auxiliary bishop of Chicago on Sept. 11, 2020, and ordained two months later. He was the archbishop's liaison to lay ecclesial movements and new communities, which include Hispanic and Polish groups and other volunteer or mission-oriented associations.

In his four years as auxiliary bishop, he was been the vicar  or leader  of churches in Lake County and portions of northern Cook County. That territory includes Des Plaines, Elk Grove Village, Lake Forest, Mount Prospect, Mundelein, Schaumburg and Waukegan.

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Sophie Carson is a general assignment reporter who reports on religion and faith, immigrants and refugees and more. Contact her at scarson@gannett.com or 920-323-5758.

This story was updated to add a video.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Who is Milwaukee's incoming archbishop? How to watch his installation.
New Jersey is joining a handful of states in stockpiling the abortion drug mifepristone as the country heads into President-elect Donald Trumps second term.

Gov. Phil Murphy (D) and his administration are gathering a six-month supply of mifepristone to ensure future abortion access as Republican attacks against the drug loom large, Murphys team told HuffPost exclusively. The governor plans to announce his administrations stockpiling efforts, as well as a renewed push to eliminate out-of-pocket costs for abortion care, in his State of the State speech Tuesday afternoon in Trenton.

My Administration is committed to strengthening reproductive freedoms to ensure New Jersey remains a safe haven for patients and providers, in light of the anti-choice policies supported by the Trump Administration and the current majorities in Congress, Murphy said in an emailed statement to HuffPost.

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Stockpiling mifepristone will protect access to this vital health care, and eliminating out-of-pocket costs for abortion procedures will continue our work to make reproductive health care affordable, Murphy continued. These efforts build upon the protections and services we have invested in over the past seven years.

The New Jersey Department of Health has already started working with abortion providers throughout the state to stockpile mifepristone. The move is part of a $50 million investment into reproductive health care services included in the states 2025 budget. In addition to mifepristone, the funds will go toward hiring more reproductive health care workers and upgrading and expanding the states family planning facilities.

New Jersey joins a handful of states, including Oregon, California and Maryland, that have stockpiled mifepristone in the wake of Republican threats to abortion pills. Medication abortion, or the combination of mifepristone and misoprostol, has been under attack since Roe v. Wade fell in 2022.

Although Trump has claimed he will keep abortion pills accessible when he returns to the White House, he has boasted repeatedly about his role in repealing federal abortion protections, which allowed nearly 20 states to enact abortion bans. As part of Project 2025, Trump allies described how they hoped the president-elect would restrict abortion care, including plans to revoke the Food and Drug Administrations approval of mifepristone and criminalize the mailing of abortion pills using the Comstock Act, a law passed eight years after the end of the Civil War.

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Murphy also plans to call on New Jersey lawmakers to pass one of two bills currently working their way through the state Senate and Assembly that would cut out-of-pocket costs for abortion care. New Jersey covers abortion services under the state-regulated insurance plans, but out-of-pocket costs can still add up for patients. The governor pressed the legislature to pass similar bills last year and failed, but deputy press secretary Stella Porter told HuffPost the administration is more optimistic that the bills will get traction this year.

We consider ourselves a safe haven for abortion care, Porter said. So lets bring that up to speed by just easing this one thing that can really be a barrier for a lot of women, which is that cost that ends up on their shoulders.

Under Murphys administration, New Jersey has expanded protections for reproductive health care. Murphy signed the Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act into law months ahead of the Supreme Court decision that repealed Roe. The law codified the right to reproductive autonomy, including abortion and contraception, into the state constitution  something several states tried to do only after Roe fell.
New Jersey prosecutors have charged a 43-year-old bank manager with stealing nearly $70,000 following an investigation that began in March.

The investigation revealed that Amira T. White, a bank manager, stole $54,648 from cash boxes located at the bank and maintained by her, the Bergen County prosecutors office announced on Friday. Additionally, White withdrew approximately $15,000 from a customers account and diverted those funds to her own cash box balance in order to conceal the ongoing theft.

White surrendered to authorities last week and was charged with two counts of theft by deception, prosecutors said.

The name and location of the bank where White worked was not disclosed, nor was the name of the customer whose account was ripped off to cover Whites alleged crimes.
TRENTON, N.J. (AP)  New Jersey is going to build up a supply of medication used in abortions, Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy announced Tuesday during his state of the state address as he both pledged to work with President-elect Donald Trump and warned that the state is ready to push back against the incoming administration.

Murphy is one of a handful of Democratic governors who criticized Trump on the campaign trail yet now say they are open to cooperation. But Murphy said he will not back down in the face of anti-choice policies supported by the Republican majorities in Congress. He said the state will stockpile mifepristone so every woman can access this crucial form of reproductive care.

I will never back away from partnering with the Trump Administration where our priorities align, Murphy said during his address before a joint meeting of the Democrat-led Legislature. But just as importantly, I will never back down from defending our New Jersey values  if and when they are tested.

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New Jersey joins other Democrat-led states, including Massachusetts and California, in stockpiling mifepristone, one of two drugs used in combination to end pregnancies.

During an interview with NBC News last month, Trump said he doesnt plan to restrict medication abortion, but he also seemed to leave the door open, saying things change. Abortion rights groups are particularly concerned that Trumps choice for attorney general, Pam Bondi, may revive the Comstock Act, an anti-vice law passed by Congress in 1873 that, among other things, bans the mailing of medication or instruments used in abortion.

Tuesdays speech was Murphys second-to-last, and he emphasized his reluctance to become a lame-duck governor in the final stretch of his second term. Among the other proposals he unveiled, Murphy said he would direct schools to ban cellphones in grades K-12.

Our children are inundated with screens, he said. And they are making it incredibly difficult for our kids, not only to learn, but to retain the substance of what they learn.

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Republicans, who are in the minority, panned the speech, saying the governor is on the verge of overspending the state's means

These progressive policies you heard about today are choking our families, said Republican Senate leader Anthony Bucco. If we don't get this affordability crisis under control, we're gonna be in real trouble.

Murphy is entering the final 12 months of his second term, coinciding with the dawn of a second Trump administration, just as the beginning of his governorship overlapped with Trumps first term.

Murphy has defined himself as progressive and ran for reelection that way. But his 2021 victory was far narrower than many expected, and his partys losses in the Legislature saw the Democrats refocus on affordability issues like property tax relief.

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During this final chapter of our journey, our absolute top priority  as it has been since Day One  is delivering economic security and opportunity to every New Jerseyan, Murphy said.

Now Murphys legacy  which includes a lengthy list of legislation thanks to the Democrat-led Legislature like tightening gun laws, legalizing recreational marijuana, taxing the wealthy and boosting education funding  is set against the backdrop of a pitched Democratic primary.

Term-limited from seeking another four years in office, Murphy will be turning the reins of the party over to the eventual winner of a six-person field running for governor in this years contest. New Jersey and Virginia are the only two states regularly scheduled with gubernatorial races this year.

Murphys vision for the state also coincides with a Democratic Party angling for a way forward and a vote-getting national message after last years loss to Trump and the GOP victories, narrow as they are, in Congress.

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The speech, analogous to the presidential state of the union address but at the state level, amounts to a blueprint for how the governor wants the year to unfold.

Legislation he sought last year to bar debt collectors from divulging patients medical debts to consumer credit reporting agencies, for instance, was enacted. He also succeeded in getting legislation overhauling how affordable housing requirements are managed in the state.

But the speech can also underscore how limited the governors power can be. Last year, he called for legislation to permit 16-year-olds to vote in school board elections. The measure hasnt advanced in the Legislature, though he reiterated his call for the bill on Tuesday. He also called for an artificial intelligence moonshot. So far, a task force the governor established has issued a report calling for the state to embrace generative AI.

The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously preserved access in June to mifepristone, which is used in nearly two-thirds of abortions. The case before the court threatened to cut back access to the drug, including in states where abortion is legal. Abortion is banned at all stages of pregnancy in 14 states, and after about six weeks of pregnancy in three others, often before women realize they are pregnant.
JESSAMINE COUNTY, Ky. (FOX 56)  To get students back to class while keeping them safe, Jessamine County Schools announced an alternate transportation plan for Tuesday.

On Monday, the district said on Facebook that several roads were still unsafe for school buses and created alternate locations for students to take.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

The district said students in these areas will need to meet their buses at alternate locations.

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Gayheart Lane, Beverly Lane, and Langford Pass will meet at the corner of Little Hickman & Gayheart

Watts Mill & the Sugar Creek side of Brumfield Lane will meet at the corner of Watts Mill & Sulphur Well

The Little Hickman side of Brumfield Lane will meet at the corner of Little Hickman & Brumfield Lane

McGee Lane will meet at the corner of Leatherwood & McGee

Vineyard Road will meet at the corner of Vineyard & Danville Road Loop 1

Marble Creek Lane will meet at the corner of Marble Creek & Logana

Young Drive, Cool Breeze, Pine Grove, and Lee Dean will meet the bus at the connection of Ashgrove & their road

Camp Daniel Boone will meet at the store on Newman Road

The district said buses are unable to travel on Lock 8 or Spurlock Road, and we will not be able to provide transportation to students on those roads.

Central Kentucky schools announce closures, NTI days for Tuesday

Families concerned about or unable to get their students to school are asked to reach out to their school attendance clerk.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
For many of us, the death and funeral of Jimmy Carter unleashed a flood of memories, from the time he quoted Bob Dylan during his first presidential run to his post-presidency work with Habitat for Humanity. Me, I was hurtled back to a more jarring recollection of his time in office: that day when Carter decreed that I, and many of my friends, suddenly had to sign up for the military draft, becoming the first group of scared-crapless guys to have to do so after Vietnam.

Anyone born since the Sixties tends to associate the draft with that war and that decade, but its easy to forget that it was reinstated in the Eighties, by Carter, and that a mandatory sign-up remains in effect: If youre over 18 and a man, youre probably on file whether you know it or not.

A system for enlisting civilians into military duty dates back to the Civil War, but it wasnt until World War I when the Selective Service System was set up and millions of men were called up to serve then and, later, during World War II and Vietnam. The draft was never less popular than it was during Vietnam, thanks to a sketchy conflict and call-ups that reached 382,000 men a year at its peak year, 1966. Several hundred thousand evaded it altogether, and draft card burnings occurred nationwide. The system was finally abolished in 1973, with registration ending in 1975.

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But a mere four years later, it was back, when a measure to revive it gained traction with the House Military Personnel Subcommittee. That same year, 1979, the Soviet Union pushed into next-door Afghanistan to reinforce that countrys faltering communist government. Soon after, Carter, still dealing with all those Americans held hostage in Iran, declared that the sign-up procedure, if not actual conscription, had to be revitalized. And without much warning or preparation, many of us were told we had to march down to our local post offices, fill out a form and, possibly, be sent off to war.

I had just started college, which meant I was technically exempt from being forced into a branch of the military until I was no longer in school. I was safe for a while, but the idea that my friends and I had to pass along our names and addresses to the government for a possible future sign-up was, to say the least, unnerving. By then, footage of American troops in Vietnam, slogging through rice paddies and often under fire, had been seared into our brains. Fictional footage too: Apocalypse Now had been released the year before. With the draft renewal news, the thought that my friends and I could be next in line, albeit in a different country, jolted me in ways I had never been shaken before. The thought of protecting the country where I lived was one thing. But someone was about to hand me a gun? For a war that didnt exist, at least not yet? And with the Soviet Union? None of it seemed to make any sense, especially to an immature brain.

I lost sleep. I talked with my friends, who were equally baffled and confused: Didnt this requirement, this fear and dread, end with Vietnam? I debated whether to sign up or not. I met with two employees of my colleges student activities center, who listened patiently and told me they couldnt tell me not to register but to consider my options, which included declaring myself a conscientious objector and volunteering to work at a religious organization to prove it. (An older cousin had done just that, so that prospect wasnt outside the realm of possibility.) They also suggested I stop by a draft resistance meeting at a Methodist church in downtown New York, and one evening I sat and listened as speaker after speaker passionately decried war and advocated peace. I took home a few pamphlets, but I still didnt know what to do next. The hallowed romanticism of the Sixties vanished immediately. I realized how cushy my middle-class life was and how it could be upended just like that, just like it had been for so many before me, including my dad.

Matters werent any less stressful at home. When I expressed anger at the thought of registering, my dad, who had served in World War II and was generally not a confrontational guy, stormed out the house, saying he was going out for a drive to a store for something or other. When he returned, he scolded me for talking back to him as my mom watched silently, her head bowed. The tension blew over pretty quickly, but it was the first and perhaps only time I can recall that my dad raising his voice like that. Later, my mother tried to console me by saying that, given my speedy typing skills, perhaps I could be an office clerk if I were shipped overseas.

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In the family Pontiac, my father drove me to fulfill my legal sign-up obligation, and I still remember the day I walked into a quiet post office in New Jersey, asked for the draft registration card, scribbled down my personal contact information and birth date, signed it, and huffily handed it over to a clerk. (These were the early days of computers, but I didnt own one yet.) The task was both benign and utterly terrifying. Afterward, I wrote a letter to the Selective Service telling them I was registering under protest, whatever that was worth. A few months later, Ronald Reagan was in the White House, and given his anti-Soviet hard line, the idea that we could go to war against that country edged a little closer to reality. Although hed pledged not to revive the draft during his campaign, Reagan signaled he actually was in favor of it once he was in office.

Although I reluctantly filled out my paperwork, many didnt; by 1982, just over half a million men had failed to register. To make an example of some of them, the Selective Service singled out a slew of them, and at least one draft resister was taken to court. The prosecutor for that case argued for jail time, but in the end, the presiding judge opted for probation and community service. (The prosecutor, by the way: Robert Mueller.)

Of course, none of this ordeal compares to that of those who actually were called up and had to do their time, and Im thankful I never experienced what those 2 million men drafted during Vietnam had to endure (and Im grateful to them and all other enlisted personnel for their service). Meanwhile, Proclamation 4771, the law Carter signed back in 1980, remains in effect. Most men between 18 and 25 still have to register (starting a month after turning 18), and those who dont can technically be punished with up to five years in jail, a fine of up to $250,000, and possible felony charges. Past exemptions are gone: You can no longer get a pass if youre married or are in college (although, in the latter case, youre at least allowed to finish your semester). Women are still excluded, for reasons that are unclear and still debated, but trans people  those born male and have changed their gender to female, in the words of the Selective Service  are required to sign up.

Even if you think you never registered, think again: In most states, if you filled out any drivers registration paperwork, you were likely automatically registered for service. This past summer, the House passed a bill making sign-up automatic (its awaiting debate in the Senate).

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So far, no one has been called up: The draft never returned after the Afghanistan invasion, and the Selective Service insists there are no plans to resume it. For it to be resurrected  for those under consideration to be called to report for physicals and possibly active duty  Congress would have to pass a law reinstating the draft, and whomever is president would then have to sign it.

Last year, inaccurate info on TikTok, prompted by that House bill, freaked out an entirely new generation of young men who thought they were about to be drafted in light of the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. In December, the Selective Service System announced it had fired an employee who reposted a post on X reading, For all you stupid fucks out there that still believe military service will be voluntary. Remember Germany 1936. (MAGA nation went ballistic, claiming it was further proof of a deep state plot against Donald Trump.)

Even with all that draft misinformation in the ether, I sympathized with those fears and paranoia and didnt begrudge them anyone the type of dread theyd never faced before. I mourn for Carter, a good man who put country first, but not for the moment when he made many of us grow up a lot faster than we imagined.

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A visibly emotional Jimmy Kimmel kicked off his first show back after the Los Angeles wildfires shut down Jimmy Kimmel Live! with a heartfelt celebration of the citys people and the firefighters battling the blazes.

As you know, it has been a very scary, very stressful, very strange week here in L.A., where we work, where we live, where our kids go to school, Kimmel said as he began his Monday monologue.

The ABC host then noted that the shows studio had to be evacuated on Wednesday, and how many people working on the show had to leave our homes in a hurry. Some of our co-workers lost their homes Its been terrible. Everyone who lives in this city knows someone, most of us, multiple people, families, friends, colleagues, neighbors, whose houses burned down.

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And the truth is, we dont even know if its over, Kimmel lamented. We had 100 mile per hour winds fueling this nightmare. As of tonight, the winds are back. I think I speak for all of us when I say it has been a sickening, shocking, awful experience.

But, Kimmel said, In a lot of ways, a beautiful experience because once again, we see our fellow men and women coming together to support each other.

As proof, he noted the volunteers who went out to help people, including people whod lost their own homes who went to help other people in the same situation.

He contrasted that to the vile and irresponsible and stupid things our alleged future president and his gaggle of scumbags chose to say during our darkest and most terrifying hour, referring to the lies and misinformation about the fire, threats to withhold aid from the region to punish it politically and the bigoted insults aimed at firefighters.

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The fact that they chose to attack our firefighters, who apparently arent white enough to be out there, risking their lives on our behalf is  its disgusting. But its not surprising, Kimmel added. Instead, I want to focus on thanking those men and women, because thats all we should be doing right now. And we should never stop thanking them.

Kimmel then focused on some of the heroism displayed by firefighters over the week, and celebrated the outpouring of support from firefighters from other states and even Canada and Mexico.

We are very grateful to them. And to our police, our National Guard, our rescue workers, doctors, the nurses, EMTs, the pilots working 12-hour shifts, thank God for all of you, Kimmel said, at which point he also encouraged viewers to support LAFD.org with donations.

And I also want to thank our local news reporters, who reminded us how important local television and radio and newspapers are, he added.

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Theres a lot more, including some moving chats with people who are helping out. Watch the whole monologue, above.

The post Jimmy Kimmel Celebrates Los Angeles, Thanks Firefighters in First Show Since Evacuation | Video appeared first on TheWrap.
Jimmy Kimmel was visibly emotional in his monologue Monday as he reacted to the devastating wildfires throughout Los Angeles county.

Its been a very scary, very stressful, very strange week here in L.A., said Kimmel, tearing up. Where we work, where we live, where our kids go to school.

He showed a clip of the fires near the El Capitan Theatre, where Jimmy Kimmel Live! is filmed.

That is how close this fire was to our theater here. Many of us had to leave our homes in a hurry. Some of our co-workers lost their homes.

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Thats Hollywood, Kimmel said, his voice breaking. Its been terrible. Its been terrible.

Tonight, I dont want to get into all the vile and irresponsible and stupid things our alleged future president and his gaggle of scumbags chose to say during our darkest and most terrifying hour, Kimmel said, referring to Donald Trump and many GOP figures' attacks on California throughout the ongoing tragedy.

He continued, The fact that they chose to attack our firefighters, who apparently arent white enough to be out there risking their lives on our behalf, is disgusting but its not surprising. Instead, I want to focus on thanking those men and women.

Kimmel thanked all the firefighters who came in from out of state to help put out the fires, as well as our police, our National Guard, our rescue workers, the doctors, the nurses, EMTs, the pilots working 12-hour shifts. Thank God for all of you.

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The monologue was Kimmels first one since the show canceled its Wednesday and Thursday tapings last week due to the fires.

On the shows YouTube page, the video of Kimmels monologue was accompanied by a link to the World Central Kitchen nonprofit organization. Kimmel spoke to two of their volunteers in the segment, and encouraged viewers to donate to them.

Kimmel shared his own experience with the fires over the past week, saying, We had 19 people living with us and four dogs. It was unlike anything I have ever experienced. Its so strange to look around your house and just have to decide what you want to take.

Kimmel also spoke over video to Police Academy star Steve Gutenberg, who was still assisting the L.A. fire department.

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Kimmel thanked Gutenberg for his efforts and jokingly asked him, Steve, do you feel like your pretend training in Police Academy helped to prepare you for this eventuality?" Gutenberg laughed and said he didnt think so.

Kimmel finished the monologue by showing some more clips of L.A. residents helping and praising their community throughout the past week.

Kimmel prefaced it by saying, You know, over most of the last week, weve seen some very upsetting images. But weve also seen countless examples of courage and compassion from our neighbors under literal fire.

Kimmel noted about Los Angeles, Its known as the City of Angels for a reason.
Jimmy Kimmel was emotional as he returned to his late-night show for the first time amid the devastating L.A. wildfires.

Kimmel, 57, started his monologue on Monday, Jan. 13 by recapping the "very scary, very stressful, very strange week" the people of Los Angeles have experienced since the fires began on Jan. 7. His voice broke with emotion as he said the devastating blaze has infiltrated "where we work, where we live, where our kids go to school."

The host and his team had to evacuate the studio where they film the nightly show in the El Capitan Theatre on Jan. 8, he said, as footage of the fire that got close to Hollywood played.

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Related: Celebrities Who Have Lost Homes in the Los Angeles Fires, and What They've Said

Many of us had to leave our homes in a hurry. Some of our co-workers lost their homes. Its been terrible," he continued, choking up again as more footage of the fires played.

"Everyone who lives in this city knows someone  most of us, multiple people  families, friends, colleagues, neighbors  whose houses burned down. And the truth is, we dont even know if its over, because we had 100 mile per hour winds fueling this nightmare. As of tonight, the winds are back," he said.

"But it has also been, in a lot of ways, a beautiful experience because once again, we see our fellow men and women coming together to support each other," he went on. "People who lost their own homes were out volunteering in parking lots, helping others who lost theirs."



Kimmel called the last week of life in L.A. a "sickening, shocking, awful experience" for everyone, but then shifted gears to focus on the heroism displayed by so many first responders amid the devastation.

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"I want to focus on thanking those men and women  because thats all we should be doing right now. And we should never stop thanking them. Our firefighters from L.A. were the first on the scene without hesitation. They were out there, putting out the fires as best they could. And then we had firefighters from other states coming in," he said.

He then gave a shoutout to "our police, our National Guard, our rescue workers, doctors, the nurses, EMTs, the pilots working 12-hour shifts," as he said, "Thank God for all of you."



Mario Tama/Getty A firefighting helicopter drops water as the Sunset Fire burns in the Hollywood Hills on Jan. 8, 2025 A firefighting helicopter drops water as the Sunset Fire burns in the Hollywood Hills on Jan. 8, 2025

Related: How to Help Victims of the Los Angeles Wildfires

As the fires began raging last week, production on several shows was paused in L.A., including Jimmy Kimmel Live! as well as various scripted ABC shows like Grey's Anatomy and Doctor Odyssey.

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Similar precautions were taken on the CBS Studios lot, as production was paused on NCIS, NCIS: Origins, The Neighborhood and Poppas House. However, production resumed on Monday, Jan. 13 on closed sound stages.

The 2025 Critics Choice Awards were also postponed due to the fires. The show, hosted by Chelsea Handler, was originally slated to take place at Santa Monica's Barker Hangar on Jan. 12 but will now happen on Sunday, Jan. 26.

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.

Jimmy Kimmel Live! airs weeknights on ABC. Check local listings.



Click here to learn more about how to help the victims of the L.A. fires.



Read the original article on People
The foot-and-mouth crisis that began almost 11 months ago will officially end at midnight, the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has said.

There have been no outbreaks for more than three months  the last recorded case of the fatal and infectious disease was in Cumbria.

Also, tests on sheep flocks in Northumberland, where the disease was initially traced, have proved negative.

Farmers have said the decision by Defra gives them new hope for the industrys future.

But it will be several weeks before restrictions on livestock farmers can be lifted, and international clearance for the export trade in animals and animal products will take longer.

Currently, only limited exports are allowed within the European Union.

Rural Affairs minister Lord Whitty said: It will be some time, probably months, before our international partners restore our trading status in the European Union and beyond as a fully foot-and-mouth free state.

Nevertheless, the National Farmers Union says the end of the crisis removes a long, dark shadow from the countryside where more than 2,000 cases of foot-and-mouth have been recorded.

Since the first signs of the disease were discovered on 19 February 2001 at an abattoir in Essex, more than four million animals have been slaughtered  the majority of them sheep.

So huge was the cull, the army had to be called in to organise the burning of animals on mass pyres and their burial in mass graves.

Courtesy BBC News

In context

The UK regained its international status as a foot-and-mouth free country, opening the way for the full resumption of exports, in January 2002  sooner than expected.

Official figures from Defra show that six-and-a-half million animals were slaughtered.

It is estimated that the foot-and-mouth crisis cost the UK up to 8bn  the farming industrys financial loss was put at more than 900m.

More than 1.3bn has been given out to farmers as compensation.

In summer 2002, four reports were published into the outbreak.

The Lessons To Be Learned report criticised the government for failing to prepare for such an outbreak, and acting too slowly in their response after the first few cases were diagnosed.

Also, there had not been enough vaccines available for the millions of animals affected and the army should have been brought in sooner to deal with the crisis.

A report by the National Audit Office said warnings of a shortage of vets to deal with such an outbreak went unheeded.
Jimmy Kimmel delivered an emotional monologue during the Jan. 13 episode of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" about the "nightmare" situation of the Southern California fires.

"As you know, it has been a very scary, very stressful, very strange week here in LA, where we work, where we live, where our kids go to school," Kimmel said, getting choked up. "We are back at our studio, which we had to evacuate on Wednesday."

LA fires live update

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Video footage then showed a fire close to the El Capitan Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard, where the talk show is filmed.

PHOTO: Jimmy Kimmel on Jan. 13, 2025 episode of 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' (ABC)

"Many of us had to leave our homes in a hurry. Some of our co-workers lost their homes," Kimmel said. "It's been terrible. It's been terrible. Everyone who lives in the city knows someone, most of us multiple people -- families, friends, colleagues, neighbors -- whose houses burned down. And the truth is, we don't even know if it's over."

Kimmel continued, "I think I speak for all of us when I say it has been a sickening, shocking, awful experience. But it has also been, in a lot of ways, a beautiful experience, because once again, we see our fellow men and women coming together to support each other. People who lost their own homes were out volunteering in parking lots helping others who lost theirs."

The host then went on to thank all of the LA firefighters who were "the first on the scene."

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Hollywood stars share devastation from California fires

"Without hesitation, they were out there putting out the fires as best they could," he said, also shouting out firefighters from other states -- and countries -- for lending a helping hand in the face of the tragedy.

PHOTO: Firefighters work the scene as an apartment building burns during the Eaton fire in the Altadena area of Los Angeles county, Calif., on Jan. 8, 2025. (Josh Edelson/AFP via Getty Images)

"To our police, our National Guard, our rescue workers, the doctors, the nurses, EMTs, the pilots working 12 hour shifts, thank God for all of you," Kimmel added. "I also want to thank our local news reporters who reminded us how important local television and radio and newspapers are."

In his monologue, Kimmel was also critical of some remarks President-elect Donald Trump has made in the wake of the fires, saying he had spread "vile and irresponsible and stupid things  during our darkest and most terrifying hour."

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The Southern California fires began on Jan. 7 and have ravaged thousands of acres throughout the Los Angeles area.

At least 24 people have died, more than a dozen others remain unaccounted for, and tens of thousands of people have been forced to evacuate amid multiple wildfires, which have been fueled by severe drought conditions and strong winds.

Jimmy Kimmel shares emotional monologue on LA fires: 'It's been terrible' originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com
The secretary of homeland security is the newest permanent member of the presidents Cabinet, overseeing the sprawling agencies and missions of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and an annual budget exceeding US$62.2 billion.

Overall, the department  and the secretary who leads it  is charged with protecting the nation from all hazards. The department must respond to natural disasters, screen millions of aviation passengers a day, protect the president and other senior national leaders, fight domestic and international hackers, protect dams, power plants and other critical systems across the country, ensure border security and enforce immigration laws.

It is a massive bureaucracy with many critical national security functions. For example, devastating wildfires burning in and around Los Angeles in recent weeks have brought to the forefront the departments role in coordinating disaster response and relief across federal, state and local governments, as well as with the private sector. At the same time, the Secret Service is leading the effort to ensure the security of the presidential inauguration, and cyberattacks continue to target U.S. infrastructure and government agencies.

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The departments history is relatively short. Immediately following the terror attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, then-President George W. Bush and other leaders realized that a potential contributing reason for the 9/11 tragedy was lack of a unified structure for various agencies with related security responsibilities. Bush established the White House Office of Homeland Security to coordinate the U.S. governments response to, and mitigation of, terrorist threats facing the United States.

The office was headed by former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge, who went on to become the first secretary of homeland security when Congress formally established the department by law in 2002. For transparency, I served as a White House-based adviser to Ridge during that process as a special assistant to the president.

A massive reorganization

When the department was created, a wide range of federal agencies was moved into the newly formed department from across the government. Some came from other Cabinet departments, including the Secret Service from the Treasury Department, as well as the Coast Guard and the then-new Transportation Security Administration from the Department of Transportation.

Also, elements from several different departments were rearranged to form groups within the new department. For instance, Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Border Patrol consolidated elements from the Treasury, Justice and Agriculture departments, among others.

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Other formerly standalone agencies, like the Federal Emergency Management Agency, were brought into the new department.

And new agencies were created under its umbrella, including what became the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, as well as elements that focus on science, technology and intelligence-gathering and analysis.

From the beginning, and continuing to the present, the departments leaders faced significant challenges merging all those agencies  there were 22 being joined together. The details and process of melding all those agencies workplace cultures, personnel policies, missions and budget allocations are significant. For instance, some were military or quasi-military in nature, and others were entirely civilian organizations.

Members of a Federal Emergency Management Agency search and rescue team work during the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in October 2024 in North Carolina. Mario Tama/Getty Images

Oversight complexity

But internal department challenges are just some of the vast responsibilities any secretary of homeland security faces.

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In terms of congressional oversight, most Cabinet departments primarily report to a specific so-called authorizing committee of jurisdiction in the House of Representatives and in the Senate, in addition to the appropriations committees. But not the Department of Homeland Security, because it involved so much consolidation from existing entities across government.

There are homeland security committees in the Senate and the House of Representatives that were created to oversee the Department of Homeland Security. However, other committees were not made to cede their jurisdiction over the various agencies pulled into the department.

For instance, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee still retains primary legislative jurisdiction over FEMA and the Coast Guard. This means the department and its components must respond to requests for briefings, witness testimony, information and legislative drafting assistance from many committees and subcommittees in the House and Senate. Most federal agencies receive relatively cohesive, singular congressional oversight. By contrast, the Department of Homeland Security must answer to disparate oversight authorities that often inhibit reform and accountability.

In fact, despite the specific recommendation of the 9/11 Commission Report and urging from former department leaders, different elements of the Department of Homeland Security report to as many as 90 congressional committees and subcommittees.

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Even within the executive branch, other departments sometimes view the Department of Homeland Security as the new kid on the block, both within the Intelligence Community and among other law enforcement and security-related agencies. This rivalry sometimes limits effective coordination across the government. Its also a problem internationally because most allied and partner nations have more consolidated national security services. These difficulties hurt workers morale and threaten national security by continuing the lack of coordination the department was meant to prevent.

The Secret Service protects the president and other key national leaders. AP Photo/Susan Walsh

National political discourse

The secretary of homeland security is often a target for hot-button issues in Congress, the media and the public. That can complicate other work across the department.

For instance, immigration and border security policy has been a persistent and controversial issue in the United States. There are several border security agencies in the department. Coordinating all of their work is a challenge, but being a political target can make it harder for the secretary to simultaneously engage in the less politically sensitive missions of agencies like the Coast Guard, FEMA and the Secret Service.

The potential for political controversy also affects personnel within the agencies. Employees sometimes resent being affiliated with the larger department because of its sprawling, competing and sometimes politically charged activities. Many longtime personnel want to return to their original departments, while some within component agencies want to be set free of the department to operate more independently. This drags on morale, hurts retention and harms recruiting efforts for new personnel.

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Despite these difficulties, the secretary of homeland security remains a critically important role within the presidents Cabinet, and the office will continue evolving as the department matures and threats to the nations security evolve.

The focus on counterterrorism that immediately followed 9/11 evolved into countering violent Islamist extremism around 2014 to reduce the likelihood that Americans might go overseas to fight with the Islamic State group or other terrorist organizations. And the increasing cybersecurity threats of today  whether from other countries like China or nonstate entities like international ransomware gangs  require rapid and continuous adaptation. The incoming administration will undoubtedly look to bolster border security enforcement at the southern border.

This story is part of a series of profiles of Cabinet and high-level administration positions.

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: Frank J. Cilluffo, Auburn University

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The McCrary Institute for Cyber & Critical Infrastructure Security receives funding from various federal and state agencies, including the US Department of Agriculture, the US Department of Energy, the US Secret Service, and the State of Alabama. I currently serve on the advisory boards of the Global and National Security Institute at the University of South Florida, Cyber Florida, 1Kosmos, and Security Scorecard.
For what is likely to be his final interview before the end of his presidency, Joe Biden will meet in the Oval Office with MSNBCs Lawrence ODonnell this week.

The interview will air on Thursdays episode of The Last Word at 10:00 p.m. ET, MSNBC announced on Monday.

Biden will discuss his legacy as he prepares to leave The White House following the inauguration of President-elect Trump, his five decades of public service, and economic and legislative accomplishments that will endure after his presidency, the network said in a statement.

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No word if the special will cover other topics, such as his son Hunter Bidens legal troubles that bedeviled Bidens presidency or his continued insistence that he would have won the 2024 election.

The special will come four days before Donald Trump cements one of Bidens greatest failures as president  the inability or refusal to hold Trump accountable for his failed 2021 coup attempt  by being sworn into office for a second term.

The news also follows the announcement that network star Rachel Maddow will be returning to a five-nights-a-week schedule for the first 100 days of Trumps presidency, a special run of The Rachel Maddow Show with episodes called Trumpland: The First 100 Days.

The series will begin with Maddow leading MSNBCs live coverage of the presidential inauguration on Jan. 20 starting at 10 a.m. ET. Shell be joined by ODonnell, Alex Wagner, Nicolle Wallace, Joy Reid, Ari Melber, Chris Hayes, Stephanie Ruhle and Jen Psaki.

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Its understandable that MSNBC would ratchet up its biggest star for what will likely be a consequential  and harrowing  three months. Particularly given the viewer exodus that followed the outcome of the 2024 election.

That said, the network has consistently pointed out that such viewership drops on partisan programming are common after elections. For instance, Fox News saw a similar drop after the 2020 election. And MSNBC says its seen a 25% jump in primetime viewership since Jan. 7.

Well see if those viewers tune in for Bidens last hurrah, or skip what is likely to dredge up some trauma from last year.

The post Joe Biden to Give Final Interview as President to MSNBCs Lawrence ODonnell appeared first on TheWrap.
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  A student of Shreveports Providence Academy became one of the first African Americans to serve as a clerk in the Railway Mail Service and may have been an early follower of Marcus Garvey in early 1900s Mississippi.

Furrh once had a post office, as is evident in the United States Offical Postal Guide for the 1896. It was located in Caddo Parish.

John Milton Smith was born in Furrh, Louisiana, on Oct. 28, 1872.

The Blanchard Furrh Road in Caddo Parish still passes through what remains of the village, which had a post office during its heyday.

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Johns parents, William and Ida Smith, did the best they could with limited financial resources, sending John to attend Providence Academy in nearby Shreveport.

Providence Academy: One of Shreveports first Black educational institutions

In August of 1891, John converted to Christianity and was baptized by Bishop L. W. Canfield at the Republican Baptist Church.

After completing his studies at Providence Academy, John attended Bishop College and passed the necessary examinations to become a teacher.

This image of John Milton Smith was published in William Hicks History of Louisiana Negro Baptists from 1804 to 1914.

He married Crenzia Patsy Hicks on Mar. 13, 1898.

John Milton Smiths career

Smith passed his Civil Service Examination and began working for the Railway Mail Service on June 2, 1903 where he became the Clerk in Charge.

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The Railway Mail Service was a system of train lines that revolutionized communications in the United States by carrying mail across the nation. Railway Mail Service clerks grabbed mailbags from passing trains. The work was dangerous.

When Smith began working for the Railway Mail Service in 1903 and became the Clerk in Charge, he was ahead of the times.

History shows that Smith would have likely experienced the effects of racism when he was a clerk with the Railway Mail Service in Meridian, Mississippi. When steel railroad mail cars began replacing the older, wooden cars, and the job became less dangerous, the Union of Railways Mail Clerks (The Railway Mail Association) became segregated.

Smith resigned from the position in 1912, and the next year, African Americans founded a separate union for African American mail workers, the National Alliance of Postal Employees.

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There was an unspoken gentlemans agreement during the early 1930s. The whites would work inside (as clerks) blacks work work outside (as carriers) But when times got tough they disregarded that agreement, and the whites were working inside and outside, stated Willenhem Castilla of Jackson, Mississippi, in Philip F. Rubios book Theres Always Work At The Post Office: African American Postal Workers and the Fight for Jobs, Justice, and Equality.

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Castilla also said that African American postal workers in Mississippi were the backbone of the NAACP, in part because the local (postal officials) couldnt fire them so easily.

Clipping from The Meridian Press, Mar. 20, 1903, describes what working at the Railway Mail Service might have been like for John Smith when he began his duties a few months later.

In the 1930s through the 1960s, Mississippis NAACP leadership often came from African American postal workers.

John Milton Smith worked for the Railway Mail Service for nine years before resigning. He then returned to farming and played an active role in raising his eight children.

He was active in El Bethel Baptist Church and their Sunday school in Meridian, Mississippi.

Interestingly enough, William Hicks wrote about John Milton Smith in his book History of Louisiana Negro Baptists from 1804 to 1914. William Hicks was the pastor of El Bethel Baptist Church in Meridian, Mississippi, and likely would have known Smith through El Bethel.

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Hicks was not only the pastor of El Bethel Baptist Churchhe was also an author. Hicks wrote Bible Thoughts with Questions and Answersa book that dealt with Christian philosophy and theology beginning with the early days of the faith. It was published by the National Baptist Publishing Board in 1908, before Hicks became the pastor of El Bethel Baptist in Meridian, Mississippi. At the time, Hicks was the pastor of two churches simultaneously: Palestine Baptist Church in Gabsland and Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church in Arcadia.

What is a sermonwhat is the meaning of the term sermon? The Latins give it to us from their word sermo, accusative of which is sermonem, which means discourse, a speech, writing, wrote Hicks in Bible Thoughts with Questions and Answers. Hicks writing in the book may give us a glimpse into the preaching style he used behind the pulpit at El Bethel Baptist Church.

In May of 1913, the year after John Milton Smith quit working for the postal service in Meridian, Rev. William Hicks received his Doctor of Divinity degree from Selma University.

Shreveport man born in 1869 established schools, led churches, worked with Booker T Washington

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In 1914, Hicks wrote that John Milton Smith supervised a division of the Negro Boys Improvement Association at El Bethel Baptist Church in Meridian.

Scattered evidence also suggests that a surprising number of black Mississippians early in the period of the third stage joined chapters of the separatist Universal Negro Improvement Association,  wrote Neil R. McMillin in Dark Journey: Black Mississippians in the Age of Jim Crow. Although the history of the UNIA in the South has not been written, it seems clear that the charismatic Marcus Garveys appeal was not limited to northern inner cities as historians once believed. In Bolivar County alone, there were perhaps eleven different Garvey cells and researchers have recently documented the existence of UNIA chapters in at least thirteen other MIssissippi counties. Membership figures are crude estimates at best, but at one time or another during the 1920s and early 1930s Mississippi may have been home to some 500 dues-paying Garveyites.

Article about Marcus Garvey that appeared in The Shreveport Journal, Oct. 1, 1919.

Garvey founded the Universal Negro Improvement Association in 1914. In 1919, an article about Garvey and his mission appeared in The Shreveport Journal.

The history of Garveyism in the Deep South has not been thoroughly researched yet. But in 1938, Garvey wrote a letter to Senator Theodore G. Bilbo, the Mississippi politician and vocal segregationist.

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We write relative to your special work in the United States in the effort of presenting a motion to Congress calculated to interest the United States Government, in the efforts to repatriate as many negroes of the country as may be disposed to be repatriated to Africa In keeping with the feeling of the Association, we, at our Convention, have decided on passing a resolution that would give our concrete evidence of our support It is hoped that this resolution will be regarded as a sincere effort of our Association to stand behind your motion, which has been made, and which also you intend to bring up in the 1939 Congress.

Yes, thats right. Garvey worked with a Mississippi segregationist.

Fact is indeed stranger than fiction.

The Negro Boys and Girls Improvement Association was still going at El Bethel Baptist Church in Meridian, Mississippi, in 1933, as is evidenced by this clipping from The Echo, Sept. 1, 1933.

Princes family lived in Cotton Valley, Louisiana for generations; heres their story

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An article in The Echo, a newspaper in 1933 Meridian, Mississippi, documents a picnic for the Girls and Boys Improvement Association at El Bethel Baptist Church.

By the 1960s, many Meridians were active participants in the civil rights movement. James Earl Chaney, one of the three civil rights workers who were murdered in Philadelphia, Mississippi, on June 21, 1964, was from Meridian.

Meridian, Mississippi now has a civil rights trail.

Sources:

History of Louisiana Negro Baptists from 1804 to 1914 by William Hicks, published by the National Baptist Publishing Board in Nashville, Tenn., 1915.

The Meridian Press, Mar. 20, 1903.

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Dark Journey: Black Mississippians in the Age of Him Crow, by Neil R. McMillen, University of Illinois Press, 1990.

Theres Always Work at the Post Office by Philip F. Rubio, The University of North Carolina Press, 2010.

The Marcus Garvey and Universal Negro Improvement Association Papers, edited by Robert A. Hill, Vol. VIII, Nov. 1927-1940, printed by the University of California Press, 1990.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Jon Stewart on 'The Daily Show.' - Credit: Courtesy of Comedy Central

Jon Stewart addressed the ongoing fires in Los Angeles, as well as the varied responses to the disaster, on a new episode of The Daily Show. The late-night host specifically took aim at Republicans, who have called for strings to be attached to the relief funds.

Stewart first highlighted the incredible moments of human compassion and kindness that have occurred since the fires broke out last week, praising people for looking after their neighbors and charitable contributions. He also paid tribute to the tireless efforts of firefighters and rescue workers, some of whom have come from Canada and Mexico. Damn your open borders, Biden, Stewart quipped.

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Not all responses have been so positive, however, including those from President-elect Donald Trump and many Republicans. The problem now is Republicans appear to watch to attach their I told you sos as a condition of funding Californias disaster relief, Stewart explained before playing a montage of clips of politicians calling for the states leaders to be held accountable before given money. The montage ended with Tommy Tuberville saying California doesnt deserve anything.

What the fuck is wrong with you? Really, senator from Alabama? Stewart responded. The state with the bottom in math, reading, and test scores? Next time you get hit by a fucking hurricane, why dont we have a little parent-teacher conference to see if you got your scores up, you would get the money  or actually, lets not do it cause youll get the money anyway cause were not fucking psychos. That is psychotic. Theres something wrong with you.

He added that there are numerous Republicans who took the complete opposite view when it was their state on the line. Red states are always the tragic victims of circumstance outside of their control, and Democrats always vote for their aid, he said. Whereas blue state disasters are a function of their flawed morality and policy, and if we help blue state survivors, well, what message will that send? What lesson will they learn?

Elsewhere in the episode, Stewart addressed the misinformation related to the Palisades fire and Eaton fire, which has spread rapidly online over the past week. He highlighted Alex Jones conspiracy theory claim that the blazes were plot to bring about the collapse of the United States, which Elon Musk apparently believed to be true.

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Unfortunately, a lot of the information thats out there is not correct, and because of poor forest management, that information just jumps, igniting into larger and larger nonsense infernos, that coincidentally seem to reinforce whatever grudge any of these folks have against California, especially their ideology, Stewart said.

The host concluded his monologue with a satirical ad for a GoFundMe-like service called GoFuckYou, a crowdfunding site available in all blue states and any cities where the mayor is Black or gay. The joke ad billed the service as the Number One source for politicians to dangle money over your head while delivering a monologue about why they hate your politics.

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Jon Stewart says President-elect Trump is showing his penchant for casual cruelty by sharing a meme depicting the Hollywood sign in flames amid the wildfires in California.

Trump shared a meme on Truth Social of fires raging behind the Hollywood sign, which was Photoshopped to read, Trump was right,' Stewart said as he hosted Mondays The Daily Show.

Appropriate. Thank you, Mr. President, Stewart deadpanned.

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Id almost forgotten your penchant for casual cruelty and dick foolery, the Comedy Central host said.

Flames  nice touch on the graphics, Stewart said, pointing to Trumps social media post.

The image shared by Trump on Sunday came as wildfires continued to burn across the Los Angeles area. The fires have killed at least 24 people since they began last week, according to officials in California.

Stewart also hit at Trump for what he called merchandise-selling opportunity, after the president-elect was seen in a recent photo sporting a hat with Trump was right about everything printed on it.

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Surely you wont be content with just trolling those in dire need, Stewart said of Trump. Surely you also see this as a merch-pportunity.

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Jose "Cha Cha" Jimenez, a prominent Puerto Rican civil rights leader and founder of the Young Lords Organization, has died.

He was 76.

Jimenez died Friday morning, according to his sister Daisy Rodriguez, who first announced it in a Facebook post.

In 1968, Jimenez founded the Young Lords Organization at Lincoln Park, one of Chicago's most impoverished neighborhoods. He transformed what was once a Puerto Rican street gang into a political group and community-based organization modeled on and inspired by the Black Panther Party, according to the Library of Congress.

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The Young Lords advocated for health care access, education, affordable housing and employment. It also spearheaded community programs that provided free medical clinics and free breakfast for children, helping standardize the current federal childrens nutrition program.

The organization ran a monthly newspaper to promote these community services and advance its causes. It also led efforts to create cultural centers to preserve and celebrate the history and heritage of all Puerto Ricans.

While the group was predominantly Puerto Rican, the Young Lords considered itself a multiethnic organization inclusive of Black, Latino, women and LGBTQ members. It also self-identified as revolutionist nationalists who rallied for Puerto Ricos independence.

The Young Lords also fought against police brutality, U.S. imperialism and militarism.

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Jimenez was born in Puerto Rico on Aug. 8, 1948  the same month as Black Panthers leader Fred Hampton, who was killed at age 21 in a Chicago police raid.

Fred Hampton, left, then-chairman of the Black Panthers, at a news conference with the Young Lords in Chicago in 1969. Seated to his left: Pablo "Yoruba" Guzman, Jose "Cha Cha" Jimenez and Mike Klonsky.

According to Young Lords member Felipe Luciano, Jimenez's friendship with Hampton planted the seed for a much wider alliance among Black, Latino, whites and other members of communities working for civil rights.

He was the one who got Cha Cha to move away from gang warfare to organization, Luciano told NBC News in 2021. From then on, they became long, fast friends. Cha Cha talks about it with love and admiration often."

"The rest is history, Luciano said.

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Under Jimenez's leadership, the Young Lords eventually expanded to New York City and, in 1969, the organization joined the Rainbow Coalition  a then little-known movement that brought together Puerto Rican radicals and Confederate flag-waving white Southerners to help tackle poverty and discrimination under the leadership of the Black Panther Party.

At the time, the union shocked some allies and scared police and the FBI, who feared the coalition would upend the social order.

Filmmaker Ray Santisteban, who made a documentary about origins of the Rainbow Coalition and the political groups that joined in, said Jimenez was critical to making the film possible.

In mourning Jimenez's death, Santisteban wrote on Facebook, "From the time I first met him in 1992 until the last time I saw him, he was solely focused on working to uplift and empower the Puerto Rican community and all poor people in the world."

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Jimenez's family relocated from Puerto Rico to the United States when he was an infant and he lived most of his life in Chicago.

In addition to his work with the Young Lords, Jimenez was the first Latino to announce a run for alderman in Chicago in 1974, "opposing Mayor Richard J. Daleys gentrification plans, reshaping the citys political landscape and asserting Puerto Rican and Latino political power," according to his obituary.

The Young Lords held a campaign rally that attracted more than 1,500 people, according to the Library of Congress.

Nearly a decade later, Jimenez helped form the first Latino coalition for Harold Washingtons historic mayoral campaign in 1983. As a precinct captain, Jimenez mobilized voters help to elect Chicagos first Black mayor.

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In 1995, Jimenez and other Young Lords members partnered with DePaul Universitys Center for Latino Research to create the Lincoln Park Project designed to archive and document the organization's history.

A public funeral service for Jimenez will take place Thursday evening in Chicago, his family said in a statement on social media.

"As the founding leader and chairman of the Young Lords Organization in Chicago, Cha Cha became one of the most pivotal figures in the civil rights and liberation movements," the family statement reads. "He leaves behind a profound legacy of revolutionary spirit, a vision for Puerto Rican self-determination, and a commitment to justice for the People."

Jimenez's body will be cremated Friday, and "his final resting place will be with our mom in Puerto Rico," Rodriguez said.

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He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugenia Rodriguez Flores and Antonio Jimenez Rodriguez, according to his obituary.

Jimenez is survived by his children Jacqueline Jimenez, Sonia Jimenez, Melisa Jimenez, Alejandro Jimenez and Jodette Lozano, as well as by his sisters Jenny and Mirna Jimenez and Rodriguez.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
MSNBCs Joy Reid went in on conservative pundits for spreading falsehoods about the root of the Los Angeles wildfires and local authorities response.

Fox News anchor Jesse Watters who Reid blasted as Rupert Murdochs puppetsaid California cant get enough water to fight the raging wildfires because of a stupid fish, appearing to echo Donald Trump s baseless claim that the states efforts to conserve the endangered Delta smelt led to a water shortage.

Watters and conservative political commentator Megyn Kelly also blasted L.A. fire chief Kristin Crowley for supposedly prioritizing DEI initiatives over filling fire hydrants. Actor James Woods similarly claimed Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass didnt fill the reservoir.

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Oh, the arrogance of the colonizers spirit, Reid said on a Monday episode of The ReidOut. God forbid they acknowledge that whatever the initial cause of the fires, they were exacerbated by climate change, which has led to rising temperatures, longer fire seasons, and heightened drought conditions.

Experts have pointed out that regional water reservoirs in Southern California are at historical highs, and that the citys aging infrastructure isnt designed to handle blazes as big and as ubiquitous as those that have spread through Los Angeles.

But the worst part, other than the fires themselves, has been the lies, Reid said. Though if there is one thing the billionaire right is, they are consistent. They want California, Americas biggest state economy. Because if they can take California and retrofit it with their ugly right-wing policies  Then the fight for permanent control of America is basically over.
A Henry County teacher and JROTC instructor who disappeared after a student accused him of sexual assault is now in custody.

Henry County jail records show Rodney Freeman was booked just before 10 a.m. on Tuesday. Henry County Police said Freeman turned himself in.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Channel 2 Action News first reported on the accusations against Freeman in December.

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The case initially started as a missing person report that Freemans family filed for him. Channel 2s Tyisha Fernandes began digging into the story and learned that police were investigating Freeman for sexually assaulting a student at Union Grove High School.

Police say a 17-year-old girl accused Freemen of trying to have sex with her. The girls father went to police.

Police said they tried talking to Freeman, but he lawyered up and then disappeared. The Henry County School District placed him on administrative leave.

No other details on Freemans arrest have been released at this time. Freeman faces a charge of sexual assault by persons with supervisory/disciplinary authority.

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Jan. 13A state judge ruled Monday against the state attorney general's request to place Western New Mexico University President Joe Shepard's $1.9 million severance payment into a trust to prevent him from spending it.

Sixth Judicial District Court Judge Jarod Hofacket made the decision after hearing arguments made virtually in court between Shepard's attorney, John C. Anderson, and NMDOJ attorney Rose Bryan, who argued on behalf of AG Raul Torrez. Shepard was in attendance, but did not comment.

Bryan argued that Shepard, who will step down as president on Wednesday amid a string of state ethics investigations, should not be able to hold onto his severance payment, processed on Jan. 2, at least until the investigations are complete. She said the university's Board of Regents failed in its fiduciary duties in the way it awarded the payment.

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Anderson argued in court that Shepard does not have a fiduciary duty to the public when negotiating a contract. In a court filing prior to the hearing, he said Shepard's payment was not processed while the university was closed, nor did the president expedite it or pressure anyone to do so.

Bryan responded in court on Monday by telling Hofacket that if he did not take action against the board's decision, he would be sending a signal to other public officials that if they "don't answer the phone" they can simply deposit funds into their bank account and buy "a couple year's relief." Bryan was referencing the NMDOJ's request for documents related to Shepard's contract during the campus winter break.

But Hofacket ruled on Monday he did not have the authority to establish a trust.

The hearing originally came in response to Torrez's emergency motion for a temporary restraining order, filed Jan. 6. Torrez requested the payment, approved by the then-five-member board on Dec. 20, be withheld from Shepard until a special audit requested by WNMU is complete and the report becomes available.

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But on Jan. 8, Torrez announced a supplemental motion asking the payment be placed into a trust after learning the day before that it had been processed to Shepard on Jan. 2, once the university came back from winter break. Torrez said his office is investigating who processed the payment.

But in a court filing prior to the hearing, Anderson said since Jones acts as treasurer in addition to his board member duties, his signature was required with Kelly Riddle, WNMU vice president for business affairs, in order for the payment to be processed.

At the request of the governor, Jones tendered his resignation on Jan. 2, but later rescinded it after speaking with Shepard, who told him it would be difficult for the university to make payroll if he stepped down, Anderson said in his filing. Shepard also told Jones about the severance payment, but the student board member never felt he was being pressured by the president, the filing said.

Shepard's severance payment was calculated by Riddle at the request of the university's personnel committee, comprised of then-board members Daniel Lopez, a former cabinet secretary, and Dal Moelenberg, a private attorney, Anderson said in his filing. Shepard asked Riddle that the university process the payment on Jan. 2 for tax purposes, as opposed to Dec. 20, when it first could have been made available, the filing said.

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Anderson said in a statement following the hearing that he is gratified by Hofacket's decision.

"We look forward to fully presenting the facts as this case moves forward and demonstrating that the negotiations between Dr. Shepard and the Regents were conducted fairly and legally," Anderson said.

NMDOJ spokesperson Lauren Rodriguez said in a statement following the hearing that the judge's decision was disappointing, but the agency respects the decision and is encouraged that Hofacket acknowledged the case could be resolved.

"We will not stop fighting to rectify this unjust payment to Dr. Shepard and will continue to work toward ensuring there is accountability over New Mexico taxpayer dollars through legislation," Rodriguez said.

Another hearing in the case has not yet been scheduled.
Starting next Monday, Jan. 20, the Catering Industry Smart Upgrade Pilot Program will open for applications, designed to provide subsidies for catering businesses.This initiative aims to support the citys catering enterprises in acquiring smart or automated equipment.

The program is designed to facilitate upgrades and transformations that will help reduce operating costs while enhancing operational efficiency and competitiveness within the industry.

Spearheaded by the Economic and Technology Development Bureau (DSEDT), with the United Association of Food and Beverage Mechanics of Macau, the primary goal of the Catering Industry Smart Upgrade Pilot Program is to encourage traditional catering businesses to adopt automation technologies, which are expected to reduce operational costs and improve efficiency.

The initiative will provide funding for the acquisition of intelligent and automated equipment, including cooking, cleaning, and preparation tools. This financial backing aims to facilitate the transition of up to 50 eligible catering outlets.

The program has a budget of MOP 4.8 million, of which MOP 3.5 million will be used to fund the upgrade of the equipment for the restaurants, while the remaining amount will cover administrative and other expenses.

We hope to encourage Macaus traditional small and medium-sized catering enterprises to upgrade and transform, realize operational automation, reduce operating costs, and improve operational efficiency and competitiveness to consolidate Macaus image as a gastronomic capital, said Mak Seng Hin, manager of the program.

The program will fund 80% of the costs associated with purchasing equipment, including installation and first-year warranty services, with a cap of MOP50,000 for each outlet and MOP100,000 for central kitchens. Eligible participants can submit applications for up to three catering outlets and one central kitchen under the same taxpayer number, provided they meet specific criteria.

To qualify, applicants must own an existing or planned catering outlet and hold an industrial license for food processing if they operate a central kitchen. Additionally, their establishments must be registered for tax purposes and employ no more than 100 personnel.

This catering store can be open or planned to open, Mak explained. If it is already open, it will need a restaurant license issued by the Macao Government Tourism Office, or a fourth or fifth group of catering establishment licenses issued by the Municipal Affairs Bureau. If it is planned to open, there will be detailed documents, including an L1 opening declaration, a lease, and a declaration stating that you will open.

The application window is set to open on January 20 and will remain open until February 14. Interested parties are encouraged to submit their applications online, detailing their business operations and the equipment they wish to acquire. Documentation required includes business tax records, valid catering licenses, and photos of the premises.

Once the application is submitted, a lottery will determine which businesses will receive funding.

The Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Center will execute the plan, supported by the Bank of China (Macau) Co., Ltd., and sponsored by the Industrial and Commercial Development Fund. Victoria Chan
CARTHAGE, Mo.  Greene County Judge Ronald Carrier issued his ruling Monday in one of two civil cases filed by Carthages impeached mayor Dan Rife.

Carrier denied Rifes request to be reinstated as mayor, citing Rifes lack of proof that city business was not being conducted in his absence.

Rife filed a petition for a writ of prohibition and a writ of mandamus. In his request Rife asked the judge to stop the Carthage City Council from removing him as mayor  the writ of prohibition; and to reinstate him as mayor, the writ of mandamus.

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In his decision, Carrier said that three days prior to the hearing, the city clerk and the interim city manager both testified that there was a quorum and the council had just passed a few ordinances, paid bills, and held a successful city council meeting.

The judge also cited the second case Rifes attorney filed in Cole County Court, asking for judicial review of his impeachment and the process by which the council removed him. Carrier said that case was the proper way to go about appealing the impeachment.

The Cole County case is still pending and no date for hearing the case has been set. Rifes attorney notified the Court that he was having technical difficulty in uploading documents. He requested an extension to give him time to work with the online court filing system to resolve the issues.

How we got here

This tense power struggle within Carthage city government first emerged in mid-2023, when Rife fired all board members of the city-owned Carthage Water and Electric Plant because they failed to comply with his request for financial details.

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The City Council immediately reinstated the members of the board, drawing a battle line that pitted Former City Administrator Greg Dagnan, Mayor Dan Rife and Former City Attorney Nate Dally against the council and backers of the CWEP board.

That was followed by criminal charges of embezzlement against former Parks & Recreation Director Mark Peterson, after Dagnan found money missing when preparing the city budget. After a forensic audit, Peterson is facing felony charges of money laundering and stealing.

Backers of CWEPs board, dotted with powerful people, including some elected officials, formed a political action committee, Carthage Citizens United, to promote candidates for the City Council who would fire Dagnan and impeach Rife.

That slate of Jana Schramm, Dustin Edge, Tom Barlow, and Derek Peterson  son of the accused former Parks & Recreation director  was elected in April 2023 and immediately fired Dagnan and started the impeachment of Rife, who had blocked the firing. The city attorney, the administrative assistant, the fire chief and a few other city employees resigned.

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Dagnan has sued the council for wrongful termination and slander, and Rife, sued to stop his impeachment. All of this has led to legal missteps, illegally closed meetings and rebuke by the state attorney generals office. Dustin Edge resigned from the council, and Tiffany Cossey was recalled in November.

The city also received a letter from its insurer warning that coverage could be lost or diminished because terminations by the council were not following employment law.

| The Latest From Carthage City Council:

(Story Date: April 1, 2024  April 30, 2024)

(Story Date: May 1, 2024  May 31, 2024)

(Story Date: June 1, 2024  June 30, 2024)

(Story Date: July 1, 2024  August 31, 2024)

(Story Date: September 1, 2024  October 31, 2024)

(Story Date: November 1, 2024  Present)

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The Burleigh County Courthouse is pictured on Thayer Avenue in Bismarck on March 13, 2024. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

A judge is limiting the scope of a lawsuit challenging North Dakotas ban on gender-affirming care for minors after concluding three families dont have standing to participate as plaintiffs.

Luis Casas, a North Dakota pediatric endocrinologist, will be the sole remaining plaintiff in the case, South Central Judicial District Judge Jackson Lofgren said during a pretrial conference Tuesday.

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Lofgren found that Casas has standing to represent himself in the lawsuit as well as the interests of his current and future patients.

The law, signed by former Gov. Doug Burgum in 2023, makes it a crime for medical professionals to provide gender-affirming care to anyone under age 18. It includes an exemption for minors who had been receiving treatment before the ban took effect.

Casas and three North Dakota families with transgender children sued the state over the law in September 2023. In their complaint, the group argued the ban violates health care freedoms and discriminates against children with gender dysphoria by denying them treatment available to kids with other medical conditions. The plaintiffs also claimed that the law is unconstitutionally vague and leaves medical providers vulnerable to prosecution because it does not sufficiently explain when its exemptions apply.

Lofgren concluded that the families cannot be plaintiffs in the case because their children all received gender-affirming care before the ban took effect, and therefore fall under the laws health care exemption.

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The judge also found that the plaintiff cannot challenge the part of the law banning gender-affirming surgery for minors, since such procedures are not approved under the current standard of care in North Dakota.

Lofgren said he will limit what constitutional arguments may be considered at trial, as well.

The trial will focus on plaintiffs claims that the laws restrictions on gender-affirming treatments like puberty blockers and hormone therapy violate equal protection, personal autonomy and self-determination rights under the state constitution, he said.

Lofgren said he is dismissing the plaintiffs arguments that the law infringes on their right to due process and is too vague.

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The plaintiffs have argued that even minors who previously received gender affirming care can no longer access treatment in the state, since medical providers are not confident about what kind of care they can legally provide.

This in spite of a June order from Lofgren clarifying that under that the children of the three families that brought the lawsuit qualify for the exemption.

Lofgren said an order outlining his latest findings will be published sometime Tuesday.

The lawsuit is scheduled for an eight-day bench trial  meaning there will be no jury  beginning Jan. 27 in Bismarck.

The three families will still be allowed to testify as witnesses.

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The gender-affirming care ban passed North Dakotas Republican-dominated Legislature with more than two-thirds approval in each chamber.

The law makes it a class A misdemeanor to administer gender-affirming treatments like puberty blockers or hormone therapy to a minor. Anyone found guilty of doing so could face up to 360 days in jail, fines of up to $3,000 or both. Medical professionals also fear a violation of the ban could jeopardize their medical licenses, according to records filed in court.

The law also makes it a class B felony to perform transition-related surgery on a minor. Anyone convicted of doing so could face up to 10 years in prison, a maximum $20,000 fine or both. Experts have testified in the case that medical professionals do not perform such surgeries on minors in North Dakota.

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A federal district judge issued a harsh rebuke and tossed out the testimony of a Stanford misinformation expert who submitted a court document, under penalty of perjury, containing misinformation in a Minnesota election law case.

Jeff Hancock, who specializes in research on how people use deception with technology, was retained by the office of Attorney General Keith Ellison to submit expert testimony defending Minnesotas new law banning election deepfakes, which was signed in 2023 and updated the following year.

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After Hancock filed written testimony last November, attorneys for plaintiffs Rep. Mary Franson, R-Alexandria, and YouTuber Christopher Kohls noticed that the document contained several citations to academic articles that do not exist.

The plaintiffs moved to have the testimony thrown out, and Hancock subsequently filed a document admitting he used a version of ChatGPT to draft the testimony, which included the non-existent citations, known among AI researchers as AI hallucinations. The Attorney Generals Office argued Hancock should be allowed to file an amended declaration containing correct, non-hallucinated citations.

But in a ruling dated Jan. 10, U.S. District Judge Laura Provinzino strongly disagreed.

Hancocks citation of fake sources shatters his credibility with this Court, Provinzino wrote. While acknowledging that artificial intelligence software may have valid uses in legal settings, she concluded that when attorneys and experts abdicate their independent judgment and critical thinking skills in favor of ready-made, AI-generated answers, the quality of our legal profession and the Courts decisional process suffer.

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The judge makes repeated note of the fact that Hancock submitted his original document under penalty of perjury. Signing a declaration under penalty of perjury is not a mere formality, she wrote, but is rather an acknowledgement of the gravity of the undertaking and a mechanism for ensuring truthtelling and reliability as well as trust.

That trust was broken here, she added. Given that the Hancock Declarations errors undermine its competence and credibility, the Court will exclude consideration of Professor Hancocks expert testimony in deciding Plaintiffs preliminary-injunction motion.

Provinzino also reminded the Attorney Generals Office they have a responsibility to validate the truth and legal reasonableness of the papers filed, and suggested that in the future they should ask witnesses whether or not they used AI to produce any of their material.

Hancock is billing the Attorney Generals office $600 an hour for his services, according to a copy of the contract obtained by the Reformer under a Data Practices Act request, with billing capped at $49,000.

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The Attorney Generals Office did not provide information on how much had been paid out under that contract so far, or whether the office knew in advance that Hancock would be using AI to draft his declaration.

Professor Hancock, a credentialed expert on the dangers of AI and misinformation, has fallen victim to the siren call of relying too heavily on AI  in a case that revolves around the dangers of AI, no less, Provinzino wrote. The irony.
NEW YORK  Rudy Giuliani was dealt another setback Tuesday ahead of his looming trial over whether he needs to turn over his Florida condo and World Series rings to the Georgia election workers he defamed when the judge refused to allow two last-minute witnesses to testify.

Judge Lewis Liman called the addition of witnesses Monsignor Alan Placa and Thomas Goodman, a Giuliani spokesman, a thinly-veiled attempt to re-litigate my decision not to adjourn this trial.

The Thursday bench trial will cover whether the Florida condo is Giulianis legal homestead, meaning hed be homeless if its seized, and his continued ownership of three Yankees World Series rings from his time as mayor. He claims he has gifted the rings to his son, Andrew Giuliani.

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The rings are locked away in Andrew Giulianis apartment bedroom closet, it came out at Tuesdays hearing in Manhattan Federal Court. Giuliani did not attend the hearing.

Giuliani added Placa, a longtime friend and Catholic priest accused of child sexual abuse, to the witness list on Dec. 17, and Goodman on Dec. 23. Though both were deposed, neither produced a single discovery document to the election workers attorneys, Liman ruled Monday.

A third witness, Maria Ryan, is allowed to testify, since she produced an e-mail document and testified in her deposition that she didnt have any others because she routinely deletes documents, Liman ruled.

Liman held Giuliani in civil contempt last week and granted civil sanctions, finding he withheld evidence from Ruby Freeman and Wandrea Shaye Moss, whom he was found liable for defaming in December 2023. Hes ordered to pay the defamed mother and daughter around $148 million.

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At a pre-trial hearing Tuesday, Giuliani lawyer Joseph Cammarata asked Liman to reconsider his decision, calling the two witnesses critical to the former New York City mayors defense, and said of Placas credibility, He answers to a higher power than this court.  He answers to God, your Honor.

That drew a sharp response from the judge, who pointed out that every witness in court must be treated equally, regardless of faith, political affiliation or gender.

Thats so fundamental to our system of of justice, Liman said. Thats the way Im going to judge your client. Thats the way Im going to judge the plaintiffs. Everybody comes here equally.

Cammarata also tried to argue that the election workers lawyers could have asked for a continuance, telling the judge, the American people, the defendant, they want to know why this trial cant go beyond Jan. 20.

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Thats the day of Donald Trumps inauguration.

Liman countered, Sir, dont argue to me about the American people, adding that he intends to follow the law.

Giuliani, who is Donald Trumps former lawyer, filed for bankruptcy after he was hit with the nine-figure judgment in December, automatically freezing all civil matters against him, but the matter was thrown out when he failed to be forthcoming about his finances.

The collection efforts by Freeman and Moss are among a long list of civil actions Giuliani faces. Hes been stripped of his ability to practice law, and faces criminal charges in Georgia and Arizona related to his alleged efforts to overthrow the results of the 2020 election.
GREER, S.C. (WSPA)  A high-profile trial for the man accused of killing a woman in Greer has been postponed.

Its a part of an ongoing issue that the Clerk of Court said is becoming more prevalent in Greenville County. There were not enough suitable jurors to qualify for the trial, ultimately forcing the court to reconvene at a later date.

Zachary Hughes is at the center of the now-postponed murder trial, accused of stabbing Christina Parcell more than 30 times at her home on Canebrake Drive in Greer in October 2021.

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Its a case the Greenville County Sheriffs Office called, in previous reports, unique and complicated.

Hughes is an Upstate pianist who reportedly had ties to The Julliard School, one of the most prestigious performing arts institutions in the world. He was on the docket to face a jury on Monday, January 13.

In the years following Parcells death, investigators unveiled several other cases naming others who also had ties to Parcell.

Exactly one week after her death, Parcells fiance, Bradley Post, was arrested. According to the sheriffs office, Post was charged with multiple counts of exploitation of a minor and criminal sexual conduct. There are still unanswered questions surrounding Parcells involvement.

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In November 2021, Greenville County Sheriff Hobart Lewis held a press conference announcing the arrest of Zachary Hughes. Investigators said they had physical evidence and reason to believe Hughes was responsible.

In September 2023, charges were tacked onto Parcells ex-husband, John Mello. Hes named in a pending 1st Degree Harassment and a Criminal Conspiracy case. That same day, Hughes was hit with the same charges.

The sheriffs office has yet to release a motive or the connection between Hughes and Parcell, nor spoke about Mellos relationship with Hughes.

Hughes has maintained his innocence since his arrest, according to his attorney.

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Of note, Both Mello and Parcell shared a daughter who was 10-years-old at the time of her mothers death, according to filings. Court records show there was a long fought custody battle between the two over their daughter.

Ultimately, Parcells fiance, Bradley Post, nor her ex-husband, John Mello, were ever charged with Parcells murder.

Zachary Hughes trial was anticipated to last for two weeks, possibly longer.

I cant do my job unless jurors show up, said 13th Circuit Solicitor, Walt Wilkins.

The murder case will now have to wait a bit longer after Wilkins said they were unable to qualify enough jurors.

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It is unusual, except for the fact that post-COVID we have had a difficult time with getting jurors to show up for jury service, said Wilkins.

The hope was to select 12 jurors and four alternates Monday, but the solicitor said an insufficient amount of people showed up for jury duty. After they ruled out conflicts for those who did appear, the court was unable to put together a complete panel.

Of the 161 juror summonses issued, only 59 people reported for jury duty, according to the Greenville County Clerk of Courts Office. 93 people failed to appear.

Unfortunately, its becoming common, said Jay Gresham, Greenville County Clerk of Court.

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In an interview with 7NEWS, Gresham said this is not the first time the issue has come to light in the county.

The Clerk of Courts Office emphasized the impact of the juror shortage, citing disruptions, wasted taxpayer resources, and additional strain on a judicial circuit still working to address the case backlog caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

When we have this breakdown, we have this delay in victims not seeing justice, attorneys, and far-reaching effects to our community as a whole thats not seeing justice, said Gresham.

While justice will have to wait a few weeks longer for those connected to the death of Christina Parcell, county leaders hope this will stress the importance of fulfilling your civic duty.

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This is how we resolve criminal cases in South Carolina and without a jury, we cant do it, said Wilkins.

Theres an old saying- justice delayed is justice denied, said Gresham. When people dont show up for jury duty, that is exactly what its doing. Its causing victims to not see justice.

Officials from the Clerk of Courts Office said they hope to reschedule the trial for sometime in February.

Were working with the judge and with the Clerk of Court to reschedule this case in the next 45 days and have enough jurors that can come in and serve, said Wilkins.

If you are summoned for jury duty, you will always receive a formal notice from the Clerk of Courts Office, according to officials. There will be no phone calls or solicitation of money.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  The Hendersonville Police Department continues to investigate a homicide that happened on Sunday.

Its just not something that happens on this block, resident Candace Lewis, who lives across the street from where the shooting happened, said. We never see police on this block.

Hendersonville authorities suspect 18-year-old Amani Jordan from Nashville shot and killed a 16-year-old boy, also from Nashville, on Vulco Street.

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PREVIOUS: Teen dead following shooting in Hendersonville, police searching for suspect

Jordan is wanted for second-degree homicide. According to Nashville court documents, Jordan was previously found guilty of vandalism and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

On Sunday, detectives could be seen searching inside the home after the shooting.

Just over the ridge, we have empty woods  so theres a lot of places to hide out, Lewis added. As a single female, I was very nervous yesterday until the police informed us that they thought the assailant had left the neighborhood in a car.

Lewis told News 2 she usually sees children playing with toys outside the home where the shooting happened. Janice Murrell, who has lived in the neighborhood for 21 years, said shes never experienced anything like this before.

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Metro police identify victim in first murder of 2025

What really bothered me at the time was finding out he [the victim] was 16 years old and I knew that people came in from Nashville and other areas around us, but I think thats what really bothered me the most was that the person was 16 years old, Murrell said.

Law enforcement added they have no record of any criminal activity occurring at the house before yesterday.

Anyone with information on Jordans location or this case is asked to call the Hendersonville Police Department at 615-822-1111 or the Hendersonville Crime Stoppers at 615-594-4113.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
LOS ANGELES  Karen Bass may have been born and raised in Los Angeles, but her fire-ravaged hometown has become newly hostile territory.

Never in her decades-long political career has the Los Angeles mayor been the subject of such intense public scrutiny, from her anxious and grieving constituents all the way up to the incoming president.

Bass has been buffeted by public relations crises since returning from her disastrously timed trip to Africa: escalating tensions with the fire chief over the departments funding, an online petition calling for her recall and revelations of an empty reservoir and over-burdened hydrants potentially hampering the response to the deadly Pacific Palisades fire.

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Nationally, theres just a pile-on, said Rob Quan, an organizer with Unrig LA, a City Hall watchdog group. If you look at her replies [on social media] now, she could be posting a video of her literally running into a burning building and taking a child out of there, and people would still be replying resign!

Her woes are amplified by detractors with super-sized megaphones, including the owner of the Los Angeles Times, who called the papers 2022 endorsement of Bass a mistake on Monday. And Bass has been pummeled on social media, including by X owner Elon Musk, who has blasted out searing  and often half-baked or outright false assertions  about her leadership.

But Bass has also been hampered by instincts she honed as a deal-making legislator and coalition-building community activist. Never someone to actively seek the spotlight, her unflashy demeanor now comes off as uninspiring for people seeking a leader projecting command.

Heres what LA actually needs right now: someone to stand up in the middle of the Pacific Palisades or the middle of Sylmar or the middle of Hollywood every day and say, This is our community, and we will rebuild, said one Democratic consultant in the city who was granted anonymity to speak about the sensitive political dynamic.

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I want her to show some emotion, that shes tapping into the fear and anxiety that so many people feel, and not reflect this soft brand of optimism that shes been known for, the consultant added.

Bass public persona during the crisis has been mostly limited to appearances at briefings with other local officials, she did tour Palisades damage upon returning from Africa and planned to appear at a disaster recovery center on Tuesday. She has declined one-on-one interviews and stuck largely to talking points, standing in stark contrast to Gov. Gavin Newsom, the other California executive currently in the hot seat. Newsom, a well-worn target for conservatives who has navigated a number of scandals, has launched a freewheeling media offensive, while his better-resourced communications team has set up a rapid-response operation to combat online rumors.

Zach Seidl, a spokesperson for Bass, said the mayors greatest concern right now is protecting the lives of Angelenos during these raging firestorms, as well as standing up a rebuilding effort the likes of which have never been seen.

While its too soon to say if her standing among Angelenos has been permanently damaged, her political detractors clearly smell weakness.

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Billionaire developer Rick Caruso, a moderate Democrat and former Republican that ran against her in 2022, has kept up the pressure after blasting her initial response to the Palisades fire, releasing a slickly edited video of his neighborhoods devastation and launching a donation drive for the fire department seeded with his own $5 million contribution. City controller Kenneth Mejia, a longtime Bass critic on budgetary matters and former Green Party member, has continued to highlight the dearth of resources to the fire department. Both are seen as potential opponents for Bass as she faces reelection in 2026.

The mayor has gone from someone who is roundly supported to someone who the New York Times is writing about as weak, the consultant said. It's kind of shocking how fast this happened.

Bass has weathered governing crises before. As Assembly speaker in 2009 during the states harrowing fiscal shortfall, she helped craft a budget of tax hikes and spending cuts so politically painful that she and fellow legislative leaders received a JFK Profile in Courage award for having the backbone to see it through.

But leading a beleaguered, terrified city is a whole new challenge. Since Jan. 7, at least 24 people have died and thousands of structures have been destroyed in multiple blazes, including the deadly Eaton fire located outside the citys borders. From the moment Bass returned from her trip to Ghana for the inauguration of its president  a full day after the Palisades fire started in the canyons above Los Angeles coastline  the hits just kept on coming.

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There was an instantly-viral ambush interview with a Sky News reporter on the jetbridge of her return flight, where the mayor stood stone-faced and silent as she was pelted with questions on whether she owed the citys residents an apology for her absence.

Then came the brouhaha over the budget, which quickly dove deep into the weeds of the citys fiscal complexities. While the signed budget did have a dip in dollars to the fire department, other money was approved separately for raises and equipment purchases, resulting in a net increase. (Complicating matters further, Mejia, the controller, has said the money for salaries has not yet been transferred to the department.)

The back-and-forth misses a broader point: The fire department went through deep cuts during the Great Recession and hasnt been made whole since.

The department is woefully, frighteningly underfunded, and it has been for a long time, said Mike Bonin, a former city council member who is active in progressive politics. The lefts complaints that police funding is crowding out other vital spending needs such as the fire department is a valid criticism, he said  not of one particular person [but] the system over a couple of decades.

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But the budget debate culminated in an extraordinary public rift with city fire Chief Kristin Crowley, who said in multiple television interviews the city had failed her department. That led to a closed-door meeting Friday evening between the mayor and chief and a false news report Crowley had been fired, exacerbating a sense of chaos in the citys leadership.

Bass and Crowley put up a united front the next day, both stating they were focused on saving lives and property. Any differences they may have, Bass said, will be worked out in private.

The citys water system, including a nearby reservoir that was closed for repairs and hydrants that ran dry during peak usage, prompted Newsom to call an independent investigation.

Since the first day, when hurricane force winds propelled embers for miles and kept crucial firefighting aircraft grounded, firefighters have been remarkably successful in halting additional damage  despite new fires cropping up throughout the week.

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All of those could have been massive conflagrations had they expanded, and they didnt, said Doug Herman, a Democratic strategist who works with Bass.

With a new round of potentially dangerous winds threatening the region starting Tuesday, theres been little time to savor those successes.

In the meantime, Bass has gotten poor reviews on the performative part of her job. One New York Times writer, a Los Angeles resident, calledfor an action-hero type to project control of the frightening situation. But thats never been Bass style.

Instead, shes presented herself as a genial team-player, even managing to win over some Republican colleagues.

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I kind of feel for her, because I don't really like watching her suffer in a situation like that, said California GOP Rep. Doug LaMalfa, who served with her in both Sacramento and Washington. But you also have to be accountable for the decisions you make and the people you appoint.

Confronted with pointed criticism or calls for her resignation, Bass has stuck to her line about focusing on the current crisis  a message even allies concede can be read as defensive or evasive.

When the fires are out, we will do a deep-dive, we will look at what worked, we will look at what didnt work and we will let you know, she said in an emblematic exchange. Until then, my focus is on the tv screens behind you that are showing devastation that has continued. [I] answered it in the morning, answered it now, wont answer it again.

Compounding the political damage is the fact that the fire has roared through some of the citys most affluent neighborhoods, a constituency Bass had painstakingly courted. The top ZIP code to donate to Bass 2022 mayoral campaign, the Brentwood neighborhood of 90049, has been under mandatory evacuation orders for days. The Pacific Palisades neighborhoods that saw the worst of the devastation also ranked among her top 10 areas of financial support.

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Quan, the local politics watchdog, said Bass went out of her way during the first two years of her mayorship to cater to the caricature of the wealthy westside lib mega-donor, seeking to assuage their concerns about crime, homelessness and fears about increased development.

And the one time they actually needed her, a bunch of their houses burned down, he said. This is in part why I think this rattled her from the start, because this could not have happened in a worse place for her.

It also could not have happened at a worse time online. Social media, particularly Musks X, has been torqued to elevate conspiracy theories and outrage clickbait, even as Musk himself was being debunked by a firefighter when he claimed they did not have enough water.

When you have the wealthiest man in the world who has bought his own propaganda machine actively deploying it and unleashing it in your direction with targeted misinformation and then amplifying [it] ... that's a hard thing for anyone to step in front of, said Los Angeles Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, a Democratic ally of Bass.

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A facet of the social media deluge has fixated on Bass as a Black woman, pointing to her race and gender as a commentary on DEI.

She's used to dealing with these kinds of things  she's had to fight these fights all her life, said Herman, the Democratic strategist. What I don't think she expected is that it would be so ugly and prevalent in the middle of a natural disaster. I don't think anybody could predict that.

There have been some small efforts among Bass supporters to rally to her defense. Yvette Nicole Brown of the NBC sitcom Community and Kym Whitley, an actress and stand-up comic, praised the mayors spine of steel to TMZ and declared they were angry on her behalf for the pushback shes faced. Assemblymember Tina McKinnor, a Los Angeles Democrat, posted a #BassStandsWithUs message online.

But others in her camp are looking ahead to the recovery phase of this catastrophe, including issuing an executive order to expedite rebuilding. That, they say, will be the better judge of how Bass legacy will ultimately be forged by these fires.

Elected officials don't have magical powers that will stop a natural disaster from happening, said Michael Trujillo, a Democratic consultant who has vigorously defended Bass online. Their magical powers come after  in the rebuild, in the clean-up.

Meredith Lee Hill contributed to this report.
The Eaton Fire devastated the unincorporated Los Angeles suburb of Altadena, reducing homes to rubble and scattering families. As of press time, the fire had burned over 14,000 acres. In Altadena, a historically Black community, it has killed at least 17 people and destroyed thousands of structures  homes, churches, businesses, schools.

During the civil rights movement, Altadena was one of the few places offering home loans to Black people. As a result, the number of Black residents in the town went from 4 percent, when President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Fair Housing Act of 1968, to 27 percent in 1970. Before the fires, the Black homeownership rate in the area was at 81.5 percent, nearly double the national rate, according to the Associated Press.

Its affordability and diversity made it a haven for artists and activists, including the late science fiction writer Octavia Butler. Altadena is still a working-class and multicultural community; 58 percent of residents are people of color. Rebuilding homes, many of which were fully paid off and passed down through generations, will be much more difficult for Altadena residents than those in surrounding affluent neighborhoods.

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The 19th spoke to women from the community who were trying to come to terms with their losses. Their stories reflect the personal toll the disaster has taken, but also the ways in which the community has come together to support them amid an unfolding tragedy.

I just really want my home back

Anniah Baynes, an 18-year-old high school senior, lost her childhood home in the Eaton Canyon Fire in Altadena, California. (Zaydee Sanchez for The 19th)

The fire destroyed the home Anniah Baynes, an 18-year-old high school senior, shared with her grandmother, aunt and three younger siblings.

Now staying with her mother just blocks from where she lived, Baynes has struggled in the aftermath of the fire. I feel traumatized, she said. I want to be somewhere far away from the smell of the smoke, where I cant see the mountains on fire.

At a donation center at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California, on January 10, 2024, people sort through clothes donated to those affected by the Eaton Fire. (Zaydee Sanchez for The 19th)

A week before the fire, Baynes proudly showed her classmates her hair, which she had done herself over the holiday break.

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Now, returning to school feels impossible. As the eldest of seven, she has taken on the responsibility of staying strong for her siblings. I try not to cry in front of my younger siblings. I want to show them Im strong and that were going to be OK, she said.

Anniah Baness younger siblings look out for Banes as she sorts through donations at Santa Anita Park, in Arcadia, California, on January 10, 2024. (Zaydee Sanchez for The 19th)

Despite the challenges, Baynes finds comfort in the support shes received from friends and family. Her friends created a GoFundMe page to help the family recover, and relatives in the area have stepped in to offer assistance. And yet, she yearns what she lost. All the support that I am getting is great, Baynes said. I love it and appreciate it, but I just really want my home back.

I keep coming back, wanting to see it one last time

Carolina Ramirez-Sanchez stands in the rubble of her home of 21 years in Altadena. (Zaydee Sanchez for The 19th)

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Carolina Ramirez-Sanchez stands in the rubble of her home of 21 years, a house her immigrant parents worked tirelessly to purchase so their children could grow up with stability.

The 34-year-old lived there with her parents, husband, two daughters, three siblings and two dogs. We never wanted to leave our parents, she said. My father would always say to me, I help you, and one day you will help me.

What is left of Carolina Ramirez-Sanchezs home after the Eaton Fire swept through her neighborhood in Altadena, California. (Zaydee Sanchez for The 19th)

Now, her fathers words resonate more than ever. As the caregiver for her 63-year-old parents, Sanchez has faced the heartbreak of seeing her family of nine split up to live with relatives and friends while figuring out next steps. Her father has returned to see the ruins of their home, but her mother cannot bring herself to face it.

I feel numb at this point, Sanchez said. I keep coming back, wanting to see it one last time. I just want my bed, my books, the comfort of my home.

Fruit trees and plants were a big part of Sanchezs home. (Zaydee Sanchez for The 19th)

Before the fire, Sanchez was attending nursing school. Now all of her medical books are gone, and her education is now on hold. Her husband, who ran his own handyman business, has been unable to work after losing his van and tools in the fire. Her daughters, still processing the loss, ask for the Christmas presents they just received that are now destroyed.

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Sanchez has applied for FEMA assistance and her daughter set up a GoFundMe for the family. But there are some things that cant be easily replaced. A big part of what made the house a home was the tangerine tree in the front yard, where Sanchez and her siblings would pick fruit. Charred tangerines still hang from its branches.

What is important is that we, as a family, are OK

Delva Gibson lost her home of nearly 52 years in the Eaton Fire, the only home shes known since emigrating from Brazil. (Zaydee Sanchez for The 19th)

As a group of supporters prayed for the family, Delva Gibson, 82, held her husband tightly. The Gibsons lost their home of nearly 52 years in the fire.

It was the only home she has known since immigrating from Brazil.

Married for over 50 years, she and her husband raised their two sons in the house. The couple is currently staying with their son in San Bernardino.

Delva Gibson holds her husband tightly as a group of supporters pray for the couple after they lost their home to the Eaton Fire. (Zaydee Sanchez for The 19th)

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The loss is profound, but Gibson is finding clarity amidst the tragedy. Its a new beginning for us this year, she said. The material things are not important. What is important is that we, as a family, are OK.

Its like a bomb went off

Rose Hayes tears up as she recounts losing her home of 20 years. (Zaydee Sanchez for The 19th)

Rose Hayes sits at the Habit Burger & Grill in Hastings Ranch, reflecting on the destruction of her Altadena home of 20 years.

The house belonged to her husbands family for over five decades, passed down through generations. Its history is part of the broader story of Black homeownership in Altadena, which was seen as a haven during the Great Migration, when Black Americans moved from the South to find safety and jobs in other parts of the country.

Its a tight-knit Black community thats been here for a long time, Hayes said. Everybody knows everybody, she said. We look out for each other.

Left: The front yard tree, which Rose Hayes lovingly calls her Christmas tree, has turned completely black from the fire. Right: Rose Hayes holds two of her favorite necklaces, among the few belongings she has left after losing her home. (Zaydee Sanchez for The 19th)

Now the future is uncertain for the 66-year-old, who also lives with her granddaughter. Her family is staying at an Airbnb for nine days for free, and then they have a week paid for by their rental insurance at a hotel. After that, they are unsure of where they will go. Like many others in Altadena, Hayess family is leaning on community support to begin rebuilding their lives.

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Everyone keeps telling me to have hope, but I dont feel it. I cant see it, she said. I loved opening the door of my home and seeing the mountains. Now its like a bomb went off.

The post I just really want my home back appeared first on The 19th.

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A top progressive group has a plan to forge a way forward after Democrats brutal election cycle: a renewed push to primary members of its own party.

Justice Democrats, the organization that rose to prominence for its association with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), is launching a formal candidate recruitment effort on Tuesday. After spending the 2024 cycle chiefly focused on defending members of The Squad who were facing challenges funded in large part by the pro-Israel AIPAC, the group is turning its attention back toward ousting incumbents who are insufficiently liberal.

"There is something wrong with this party as a whole right now," said Usamah Andrabi, a spokesperson for the group, "and it's time to clean up shop in this Democratic Party."

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The 2024 election showed that the party establishment didn't learn its lessons, he said. And Democratic members coming into this Congress should be on notice: "Their primary starts now.

Despite our opposition, part of the appeal Donald Trump has with many voters is a willingness to challenge a status quo that isn't working for them, he said. Voters want to see a Democratic Party that is serious about taking on the wealthy elite and getting big money out of politics, not parade around billionaires as campaign surrogates.

Justice Democrats arent yet naming any specific districts but plan to recruit in deep-blue seats that either have a Democratic incumbent or are open, not ones that are vulnerable to a GOP takeover. Likely targets include first-term Reps. George Latimer (D-N.Y.) and Wesley Bell (D-Mo.), who ousted Jamaal Bowman and Cori Bush, respectively, in primaries last year with the help of tens of millions of dollars of outside money.

The group said its goal is to purge the party of members who dont align with the working-class voters and build a more appealing Democratic Party.

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I certainly think competition is good, said Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) who primaried then-Rep Tom Lantos in 2003 when he voted for the Iraq War. If members of Congress are going to cast votes that are detrimental to American interests, of course they should be challenged.

The sheer avalanche of spending from pro-Israel groups left progressives in the wilderness at the close of the last primary season.

This aggressive posture from Justice Democrats underscores the broader debate over what the resistance should look like in the second Trump era. Plenty of Democrats believe that the best way forward is to remain united against Republicans. Others have leaned into ways they can work with the GOP to advance Democratic legislative goals.

A spirited focus on pruning more moderate members of the House Democratic caucus will irk many in the party.

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If the so-called Justice Democrats are serious about this effort, they should start in New Yorks 8th congressional district," said Justin Chermol, a spokesperson for House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, referencing the Democratic leader's home district.

Yet some of the biggest proponents of intra-party warfare have softened their stances toward it. POLITICO reported Ocasio-Cortez, who won her seat by ousting a member of Democratic leadership, has privately signaled that she may not back challengers to incumbents in the future.

This story first appeared in the Morning Score newsletter. Want to receive this newsletter every weekday? Subscribe to POLITICO Pro. Youll also receive daily policy news and other intelligence you need to act on the days biggest stories.
Millions of Hindu devotees, mystics and holy men and women from all across India flocked to the northern city of Prayagraj yesterday to kickstart the Maha Kumbh festival, which is being touted as the worlds largest religious gathering.

Over about the next six weeks, Hindu pilgrims will gather at the confluence of three sacred rivers  the Ganges, the Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati  where they will take part in elaborate rituals, hoping to begin a journey to achieve Hindu philosophys ultimate goal: the release from the cycle of rebirth.

A religious gathering at the confluence of three sacred rivers

Hindus venerate rivers, and none more so than the Ganges and the Yamuna. The faithful believe that a dip in their waters will cleanse them of their past sins and end their process of reincarnation, particularly on auspicious days. The most propitious of these days occur in cycles of 12 years during a festival called the Maha Kumbh Mela, or pitcher festival.

The festival is a series of ritual baths by Hindu sadhus, or holy men, and other pilgrims at the confluence of three sacred rivers that dates to at least medieval times. Hindus believe that the mythical Saraswati river once flowed from the Himalayas through Prayagraj, meeting there with the Ganges and the Yamuna.

Bathing takes place every day, but on the most auspicious dates, naked, ash-smeared monks charge toward the holy rivers at dawn. Many pilgrims stay for the entire festival, observing austerity, giving alms and bathing at sunrise every day.

We feel peaceful here and attain salvation from the cycles of life and death, said Bhagwat Prasad Tiwari, a pilgrim.

The festival has its roots in a Hindu tradition that says the god Vishnu wrested a golden pitcher containing the nectar of immortality from demons. Hindus believe that a few drops fell in the cities of Prayagraj, Nasik, Ujjain and Haridwar  the four places where the Kumbh festival has been held for centuries.

The Kumbh rotates among these four pilgrimage sites about every three years on a date prescribed by astrology. This years festival is the biggest and grandest of them all. A smaller version of the festival, called Ardh Kumbh, or Half Kumbh, was organized in 2019, when 240 million visitors were recorded, with about 50 million taking a ritual bath on the busiest day.

Maha Kumb is the worldis largest such gathering

At least 400 million people  more than the population of the United States  are expected in Prayagraj over the next 45 days, according to officials. That is around 200 times the 2 million pilgrims that arrived in the Muslim holy cities of Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj pilgrimage last year.

The festival is a big test for Indian authorities to showcase the Hindu religion, tourism and crowd management.

A vast ground along the banks of the rivers has been converted into a sprawling tent city equipped with more 3,000 kitchens and 150,000 restrooms. Divided into 25 sections and spreading over 40 square kilometers (15 square miles), the tent city also has housing, roads, electricity and water, communication towers and 11 hospitals. Murals depicting stories from Hindu scriptures are painted on the city walls.

Indian Railways has also introduced more than 90 special trains that will make nearly 3,300 trips during the festival to transport devotees, beside regular trains.

About 50,000 security personnel  a 50% increase from 2019  are also stationed in the city to maintain law and order and crowd management. More than 2,500 cameras, some powered by AI, will send crowd movement and density information to four central control rooms, where officials can quickly deploy personnel to avoid stampedes.

The festival will boost Modiis support base

Indias past leaders have capitalized on the festival to strengthen their relationship with the countrys Hindus, who make up nearly 80% of Indias more than 1.4 billion people. But under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the festival has become an integral part of its advocacy of Hindu nationalism. For Modi and his party, Indian civilization is inseparable from Hinduism, although critics say the partys philosophy is rooted in Hindu supremacy.

The Uttar Pradesh state, headed by Adityanath  a powerful Hindu monk and a popular hard-line Hindu politician in Modis party  has allocated more than $765 million for this years event. It has also used the festival to boost his and the prime ministers image, with giant billboards and posters all over the city showing them both, alongside slogans touting their government welfare policies.

The festival is expected to boost the ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Partys past record of promoting Hindu cultural symbols for its support base. But recent Kumbh gatherings have also been caught in controversies.

Modis government changed the citys Mughal-era name from Allahabad to Prayagraj as part of its Muslim-to-Hindu name-changing effort nationwide ahead of the 2019 festival and the national election that his party won. In 2021, his government refused to call off the festival in Haridwar despite a surge in coronavirus cases, fearing a backlash from religious leaders in the Hindu-majority country. SHEIKH SAALIQ, PRAYAGRAJ, MDT/AP
Sen. Jim Justice (R-W.Va.) was officially sworn into his seat Tuesday, putting Republicans closer to having their full 53-member majority.

Justice was sworn in by Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), the chambers pro tempore and was joined by Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.).

He delayed his swearing in until West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrissey (R) officially took over as his successor in Charleston.

If the ex-governor had been sworn in on Jan. 3 alongside his fellow first-term members, that would have triggered a stretch that would have seen four governors in a 10-day span  something he was keen to avoid.

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Republicans again have 52 senators in the conference. The Senate GOP lost a member Friday when Vice President-elect Vance officially resigned from the upper chamber ahead of next weeks inauguration.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) is expected to name Vances replacement in the coming days, which would bring the GOP conference to its full 53-member majority.

Justice is replacing former Sen. Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.), who retired ahead of what would have been a difficult reelection race in the deep red state, after overwhelmingly winning his race in November.

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Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) clashed sharply with secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth over his infidelity and reports of public drunkenness and drunkenness on the job, repeatedly pressing Hegseth on his character and judgment.

Kaine focused on Hegseths sexual encounter with a woman at a Republican womens event in Monterey, Calif., in 2017, which Hegseth tried to dismiss as a false charge, though he has previously admitted to what he called a consensual sexual encounter.

At that time, you were still married to your second wife, correct? Kaine asked. And you had just fathered a child by a woman who would later become your third wife, correct?

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Senator, I was falsely charged, fully investigated and completely cleared, Hegseth asserted.

So you think you were completely cleared because you committed no crime. Thats your definition of cleared? You had just fathered a child two months before by a woman who was not your wife. I am shocked that you would stand here and say youre completely cleared and you so casually cheat on a second wife and cheat on the mother of a child who had been born two months before, and you tell us you were completely cleared.

How is that a complete clear? Kaine demanded.

Hegseth pushed back by naming his child and calling her a child of God.

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And you cheated on the mother of that child less than two months after that daughter was born, didnt you? Kaine asked.

Youve admitted that you had sex at that hotel in October of 2017. You said it was consensual, isnt that correct? he asked, referring to the police report that was filed in Monterrey County at the time.

You have admitted that you had sex while you were married to wife two after you had just fathered a child by wife three, youve admitted that, Kaine said.

The Virginia senator then asked Hegseth if he had committed a sexual assault and whether that would be disqualifying to serving as secretary of Defense.

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That was a false claim, talking about a hypothetical, Hegseth responded.

Kaine then asked Hegseth if he had taken oaths in his marriages to remain faithful, just as he would pledge to uphold and defend the Constitution, if confirmed to lead the Pentagon.

Hegseth acknowledged, I have failed in things in my life and thankfully Im redeemed by my lord and savior Jesus Christ.

Kaine pressed harder, asking if the nominee had ever committed an act of physical violence against a spouse.

Absolutely not, Hegseth said.

Then Kaine asked if Hegseth agreed that if someone had used violence against a spouse, it would disqualify that person from serving as secretary of Defense.

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Senator, youre talking about a hypothetical, Hegseth said.

I dont think its a hypothetical. Violence against spouses occurs every day and if you as a leader are not capable of saying that physical violence against a spouse should be a disqualifying fact for being secretary [of Defense] of the most powerful nation in the world, youre demonstrating an astonishing lack of judgment, Kaine declared.

Next, Kaine moved to the allegations of drunkenness against Hegseth, and made the surprising assertion that Democratic senators have seen the names of people making those claims, even though they are not known publicly.

Theyre not anonymous, Kaine insisted when Hegseth tried to dismiss the allegations as all anonymous false claims.

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One of your colleagues said that you got drunk at an event at a bar and chanted, Kill all Muslims. Another colleague, not anonymous, we have this, said you took co-workers to a strip club, you were drunk, you tried to dance with strippers, you had to be held off the stage, Kaine said.

One of your employees in that event filed a sexual harassment charge as a result of it, he said. Isnt that the kind of behavior, if true, would be disqualifying to be secretary of Defense?

Again, Hegseth claimed: Anonymous false charges.

You claim that this was all anonymous. We have seen records with names attached to all of these including the name of your own mother, so dont make this into some kind of anonymous press thing. We have seen multiple names of colleagues consistently throughout your career that have talked about your abusive actions, Kaine said, wrapping up his remarks as Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) interjected to point out that he had run out of question time.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Jan. 13No, this isn't a game of Clue, but Kalispell City Council on Monday will be talking lead pipes and dingey rooms.

Council, which meets at 7 p.m. in City Hall, 201 First Ave. E., is expected to look at fire code amendments to address unsecure, unsafe properties and weigh funding options to replace lead service lines in the city at its Jan. 13 meeting.

City Manager Doug Russell drafted an amendment to the municipality's fire code that would address blighted, unsecured properties, particularly the former Outlaw Inn.

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Condemning a property isn't permissible if it isn't in violation of a city ordinance, but the amendment would target structures deemed unsafe due to fire hazards, illegal or improper occupancy, inadequate maintenance and being unsecured against unauthorized entry.

The city fire code currently gives property owners 60 days to respond to a violation, but the amendment would shorten it to 10.

Per the drafted amendment, if the property owner fails to comply after 10 days of receiving the notice of violation, a fire code official can abate the unsafe property "either by repair, rehabilitation, demolition, or other approved corrective action."

Russell suggested amending the code in November following an article published by the Daily Inter Lake highlighting the shuttered Outlaw Inn, which neighbors say has become an eyesore and poses a safety risk to the teenagers who explore the unsecured building.

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The 9-acre property, a former extended stay hotel in South Kalispell, was bought by Oregon-based real estate enterprise, Fortify Holdings, in 2022 with a goal to convert it into 250 multi-family studio units.

Fortify has a history of buying up dilapidated buildings and converting them into apartments in the Pacific Northwest. But the company has also bumped up against nuisance laws in the city of Kennewick, Washington. The municipality declared one of Fortify's projects a public nuisance after the building was left vacant and unsecure.

FOLLOWING A federal mandate, Kalispell is required to identify and replace all lead and galvanized pipes in its drinking water system by 2037.

Council will once again toil over two funding options to replace the pipes. One option would see the city use a mix of federal and local tax dollars to cover the replacement effort while the other would pass the cost to individual homeowners.

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To date, out of the roughly 10,000 lines inventoried, 43 are lead, 57 are galvanized, and 483 service lines are still listed as unknown, according to data provided by Public Works Director Susie Turner.

Turner urged all homeowners who received a letter about their service line being listed as "unknown" to contact Public Works at 406-758-7720.

Council first weighed options for funding the pipe replacement effort in September. Turner said at the time that the city could tap into $2.5 million from the State Revolving Fund, from which the city would immediately receive 60% loan forgiveness. It would still need to pay off the remaining 40% of the debt with interest.

The other option, which was more favorable to some councilors, involves charging the homeowner in need of a replacement through a deferred payment plan. While the city would cover the upfront cost of replacing the service line, the homeowner would repay it over five to eight years, with the payments tacked onto their household's water bill.

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Turner previously told Council that the cost of replacement could range from $5,000 to $17,000.

Councilors Chad Graham, Sid Daoud and Sam Nunnally in September worried that using city funds would pull money from future projects and potentially increase rates down the line.

Turner has said that the while the project could result in a delay to potential future projects, it would not increase water rates.

Councilor Ryan Hunter has supported the loan option. In September he called the existence of lead pipes a longstanding emergency and expressed concern over putting the replacement cost onto low-income households.

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Lead is a toxic metal that can be harmful to human health even at low exposure levels, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. In children, low levels of exposure have been linked to damage to the central and peripheral nervous system, learning disabilities and function of blood cells. In adults, lead exposure can cause increased blood pressure, decreased kidney function and reproductive problems.

Service line maintenance is the customer's responsibility, according to city rules and regulations. A resolution would need to be adopted to allow the city to replace the service lines.

If a customer refuses to replace the line, the city must continually notify the homeowner until the line is replaced.

Reporter Jack Underhill can be reached at 758-4407 and junerhill@dailyinterlake.com.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  The Genesis School in east Kansas City said its going to lose its charter at the end of the school year.

This is the second time in the last few years that the school lost its charter.

Before the last school year, starting in the summer of 2023, a judge ruled that the Missouri Board of Educations vote to revoke Genesis Schools charter was unlawful and arbitrary.

This time, the schools contract with the Missouri Public Charter School Commissions is ending and commissioners have voted to end the sponsorship.

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Jingle! hires bankruptcy attorney, workers still not paid

Kevin Foster is the executive director of Genesis School. He said hes having a hard time understanding the decision after listening to the hearing on Monday.

Its not right that just because somebody thinks they can, that youre going to eliminate their choice of school, Foster said. It is indisputable that our growth numbers are some of the highest in the state. Kids come here and they learn at a rate faster than comparatively they would learn at other schools.

According to the Genesis School, they rank first in growth among 20 charter schools in Kansas City. They say they are second in improvement, 10th in overall academic performance, and their full annual performance report ranks ninth. Those numbers make the decision difficult for Foster.

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Its really just frustrating to know or not to have a better understanding of what would good enough look like, Foster said to FOX4.

The Missouri Charter Public School Commission said the school failed to meet the goals set in their contract. While the commission says they met growth goals in 2023 and 2024, they say their proficiency in English language arts and math for both years partially meets, doesnt meet or falls far below those goals. They continue to explain that the average proficiency rate from 2010-2024 was 13.6% for ELA and 13.4% for math, describing it as persistently poor performance.

The commission also said the Genesis Schools proposed plan is insufficient to produce dramatically different outcomes.

Foster said that the explanation he was given from the commissioners on Monday wasnt satisfactory.

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I think one of the most frustrating things is just for a fair system, he said. Somebody should be able to describe for me specifically what it is about our school, what it is about or the way were operating that they dont that they find objectionable to the point that were going to eliminate it as a choice for the parents who send their kids to school every day.

The school will either have to find a new sponsor for the next school year, or MCPSC will work with Genesis to close the school effective June 30, 2025.

Weve asked for and continue to ask for feedback that actually would help us improve and help us serve our students better, Foster said. But dont close us. Ultimately, its about children and if you cant explain why youre closing us, that doesnt start with because kids would be better served if then were in the wrong line of work. And were not doing what we should be doing as educators. And that is looking out for the best interests of the kids.

Foster said the rest of the school year will not be affected by the decision.

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Genesis School released a statement Monday saying:

We are deeply disappointed that the Missouri Public Charter School Commissioners voted to end their sponsorship of Genesis School, effective at the conclusion of this school year. Over the last ten months, our organization successfully completed the Commissions rigorous renewal process, including representing our case at public hearing in December where not a single Commissioner or staff member lodged any objections to the school continuing to operate.

For the second time in three years, Commissioners were determined to eliminate a successful charter school choice from Kansas Citys east side. After observing the Commissions public meeting, we still dont know why the Commissioners voted to eliminate Genesis as a public-school choice for our parents. The decision was arbitrary.

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Our school and families deserve a fair and transparent process that is grounded in facts, timely, and objective. Genesis achieved tremendous growth in student achievement this year and continued a trend of programmatic improvement. We only sought an opportunity to work with the Commission to continue that improvement in the coming years. The data that supports Genesis renewal is clear, indisputable and available on our website. Regardless of todays Commissions decision, Genesis remains dedicated to exploring all options available in order to continue to serve the academic and social needs of the Genesis school 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 FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Police are investigating after a man was found dead inside a car in a southeast Kansas City neighborhood, the Kansas City Police Department said.

According to KCPD, just before 12:15 a.m., officers were patrolling the area of East 30th Street and Indiana Avenue, located a few blocks north of Linwood Boulevard, when they saw a car stopped in the road and facing oncoming traffic.

Kansas City fire department responds to overnight apartment fire

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Officers then decided to check the car and see if any people were inside. They reported that as they approached the car, a man was found unresponsive and suffering from a gunshot wound.

Emergency personnel were called to the scene and declared the man dead, KCPD reported. The man was identified as Larry Curtis, a 57-year-old black man.

Police are investigating this case as a homicide and are working to determine what led up to the shooting. KCPD said there are currently no suspects in custody.

If you or anyone you know has information regarding the deadly shooting, KCPD asks that you call Homicide Detectives directly at (816) 234-5043 or the TIPS Hotline anonymously at (816) 474-8477.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Kansas City police say a man is in custody following a shooting that turned into a multi-hour standoff Tuesday morning.

According to the Kansas City Police Department, at about 10:15 a.m., officers were dispatched to the area of East 26th Street and Montgall Avenue on reports of a shooting.

Police investigating after man found shot in car in Kansas City

However, after arriving at the scene, the shooting call was turned into a standoff after the suspect barricaded himself inside a home.

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KCPD reported that there was a victim involved in the shooting and that they were taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries.

KCPD reports around 2:30 p.m. the suspect was taken into custody without incident.

The investigation into the shooting remains active and ongoing, according to police.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned at FOX4 News for the latest updates and details.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  Parts of Kansas are still recovering from record-breaking snowfall. Now that counties and crews are caught up, they are reviewing what worked and what they need to improve.

One of the hardest challenges is the amount of snow and how quickly it came down. Last Sunday alone, Saline County had over 13 inches of snowfall, and Sedgwick County had about nine inches between Sunday and Thursday. Both are on their way to returning to normal while preparing for the rest of the winter.

From Sedgwick to Saline County and the roads in between, the snow is melting, and the highways are clear.

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Reloading and cleaning up our equipment and getting ready, making sure its ready for the next storm, said Ashley Perez with the North Central Kansas Department of Transportation.

On the other side of the storm, hundreds of hours of overtime and thousands of pounds of salt are now used.

We ended up at the very end on Friday, at two of our yards, we are completely out of our salt, sand mix and have used about half of our brine mixture, said Lynn Packer, the Sedgwick County Public Works director.

Storm Track 3 Forecast: Gradually warming before a drastic weekend cooldown

Response teams faced issues they had never experienced before.

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We got 13 inches of snowfall in a 24-hour period, which is unprecedented for us. I think they said thats the most weve had in 63 years in a 24-hour period, said Melissa McCoy, a Saline County public information officer

Once Thursday hit, Thursday night with the second storm coming in, we had all of our trucks out the next day, said Packer.

Obstacles are now being treated as learning opportunities.

We started operations at 9 a.m. on Saturday, this past Saturday  looking back on it, potentially maybe an hour earlier might have been nice, said Packer.

Making sure that we are always ready, pretreating as necessary as we are able to. Making sure we have guys on the ground ready to go as needed, said Perez.

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This is Kansas, and we have weather here, said McCoy.

Restocking, resting up and getting ready for the next one.

This is already the snowiest January since 2007 for Sedgwick County, and Saline County hasnt seen 24-hour snowfall numbers like this in over 60 years.

Saline County Emergency Management also said drivers learned from the storm and should plan emergency kits to last for 72 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 KSN-TV.
Legendary Emporia Gazette editor William Allen White stands watch in the Kansas Statehouse through this one-ton limestone statue. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

Of the four white limestone statues of notable Kansans that stand in the Statehouse rotunda, half are journalists.

One is Topeka publisher and politician Arthur Capper. The other is legendary Emporia newspaperman William Allen White.

The presence of these towering icons inside the Statehouse sends a powerful message: Journalists will hold legislators to account. We are watching what they do and telling our readers, viewers and listeners about it. These statues serve as an implicit rebuke to Republican Speaker Dan Hawkins petty decision to bar the news media from the House floor.

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If those statues of White and Capper could come alive today, they would step off their pedestals, head into Hawkins office and raise holy hell.

What do you mean by banning the press? the one-ton monoliths would thunder at the speaker. How could you treat the peoples eyes and ears in the Statehouse with such contempt?

I wont speculate about how Hawkins might respond if confronted by two sentient limestone figures.

In the real world, however, defenders of the ban cited legislators need for an open and accessible workspace. Hawkins spokeswoman cited issues with congestion in a call with Kansas Reflector editor Sherman Smith.

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To which I respond: hogwash.

Journalists have had access to the House floor for more than a century. In past decades, many more reporters worked at the Statehouse than today. This supposed congestion never presented any problem before, so the chance that it suddenly became one seems vanishingly slight to me. I know many of the skilled men and women who make up the Statehouse press corps. They are more than willing to give lawmakers all the space they need.

When the ban was announced in an email to journalists, no explanation was offered. Only after Smiths story was published did he receive the courtesy of a nonsensical explanation. Indeed, his story about the ban  citing repeated and vituperative lies from Hawkins about Kansas news media  offers abundant evidence that the move was motivated by animus.

One might also recall the speaker didnt even bring a resolution condemning the unconstitutional raid on the Marion County Record newspaper to a vote.

Senate spokesman Mike Pirner explains to Statehouse reporters John Hanna and Martin Hawver they cant sit at the table for reporters on the Senate floor during the 2022 session. (Tim Carpenter/Kansas Reflector)

The same was true three years ago, when Senate President Ty Masterson barred reporters from his chambers floor. At the time it was explained that this was because so many people wanted to cover the Legislature. Such a justification not only defies plausibility, but sails past it to hitherto unacknowledged vistas of bunkum.

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Others might protest that the news media no longer simply reports the news as it is, but instead pushes a political agenda. This is untrue, and such critics ignore history.

White ran for governor on an anti-Ku Klux Klan platform. Capper ran for governor and won, then served 30 years in the U.S. Senate. These men spoke loudly in heated political discussions of the day. We too easily forget that the press in White and Cappers time was far more partisan, far more biased, far more intent on specific policy outcomes, then the press of 2025.

What these men would tell us today is, I believe, precisely what I am telling you through this column. The news media exists to serve the public. We exist to serve 3 million Kansans. They cant drive to Topeka on a whim or watch hour after hour of streamed YouTube videos.

Regardless of what Hawkins told Smith, journalists do not put ourselves above everyday Kansans. We cover the Statehouse because we serve them.

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His contempt for us is contempt for them.

Neither White nor Capper will be stepping down from his pedestal anytime soon. They have headed off to the great newsroom in the sky, where deadlines can be pushed back infinitely. However, their words and their deeds and their actions endure. We know that White and Capper stood for responsive and open government. They stood for exact principles that Hawkins, and Masterson before him, have tried to smother.

You say that freedom of utterance is not for time of stress, and I reply with the sad truth that only in time of stress is freedom of utterance in danger, White wrote in one of his best-known editorials, To an Anxious Friend. No one questions it in calm days, because it is not needed. And the reverse is true also; only when free utterance is suppressed is it needed, and when it is needed, it is most vital to justice.

Hawkins and Masterson have spurned the news media and the First Amendment. In so doing, they have spurned the history and heritage of Kansas.

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You cannot claim to honor these men in your very rotunda while spitting on those who fulfill their noble mission today.

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.
Gov. Laura Kelly speaks with John Nave, executive vice president of Kansas AFL-CIO, before a labor rally on Jan. 14, 2025, at the Statehouse. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

TOPEKA  Gov. Laura Kelly praised labor unions for contributing to unprecedented economic growth in Kansas and touted her administrations economic development gains in a speech at an annual labor rally Tuesday at the Statehouse.

The rally, billed as Solidarity Day, packed the first floor rotunda with representatives from a range of unions. Labor leaders encouraged workers to talk to lawmakers about policies that include prevailing wage requirements, private school vouchers and tax relief.

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The Democratic governor touted her administrations ability to secure economic development projects with good-paying jobs, including Panasonics vehicle battery plant in De Soto. She said her administration developed a comprehensive economic development plan to prepare the state for long-term success with investments in workforce development and infrastructure.

Ive often said that my goal as your governor is to make Kansas the best place to live and raise a family, Kelly said. Together, were building a foundation for that to be a reality for all working Kansans.

She talked about investments made in transportation and the state pension fund, and the modernization of an unemployment computer system that was last updated the day Elvis died.

And she signed a comprehensive overhaul of worker compensation laws, which includes increased benefits for injured workers beginning July 2027.

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These measures are not just policies, Kelly said. They are a recognition of your value and a promise to prioritize your well-being.

She urged lawmakers in the upcoming session to embrace tax policies that support long-term fiscal responsibility rather than short-sighted cuts that jeopardize essential services. She also said lawmakers must resist attempts to privatize public services or erode the rights of working Kansans.

As your governor, I will continue to stand with you and to protect and advance the rights of working Kansans, Kelly said.
Kate Middleton is opening up about the long-term side effects of her cancer treatment.

On Tuesday, Jan. 14, the Princess of Wales spoke with staff during a surprise visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in London  which is where she was treated following her cancer diagnosis in 2024  and revealed more about her experience as a patient.

You think treatment's finished, crack on with that  daily tasks, but that's still like a real challenge, Kate, 43, told staff, according to the Daily Mail. And talking the words totally disappear understanding that as a patient, yes there are side effects around treatment, but actually there are more long-term side effects.

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Kate also said that the continuity" of holistic care "is so important, on good days and bad days," reported the Daily Mail.

I feel like it's sometimes for the loved ones around us. They need support just as much as I did as the patient, she added.

Related: Kate Middleton Is Serene in New Birthday Photo as Prince William Says, 'We Love You'

Chris Jackson/Getty Kate Middleton meets staff and patients at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London on Jan. 14, 2025 Kate Middleton meets staff and patients at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London on Jan. 14, 2025

Related: Many of Kate Middletons Christmas Day Conversations Were About Cancer: You Get a Camaraderie with Other Cancer Victims

During her visit, Kate thanked staff at the hospital for their care and support and also met current patients going through treatment, including Katherine Field.

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A Kensington Palace spokesman said, "The Princess wanted to make the journey to both show her gratitude to the incredible team, but also highlight the world-leading care and treatment the Marsden provides."

Kate announced her cancer diagnosis in a personal video message in March 2024 and admitted that it had taken time to tell her three children  Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6  the news. That September, the Princess confirmed she had completed her chemotherapy treatment after an "incredibly tough" nine months.

In the video sharing the news, Kate called her cancer journey "complex, scary and unpredictable," and added that "my path to healing and full recovery is long."

On Tuesday, Ruth Bosworth, whose husband Richard was having treatment at the Royal Marsden Hospital, told Kate she had managed the children so well, according to the Daily Mail. Kate, whose specific type of cancer has not been revealed, reportedly responded with a smile and said, Oh, that's kind.

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Related: Kate Middleton 'Is Looking After Herself' as She Marks 43rd Birthday, Family Friend Says (Exclusive)

Chris Jackson/Getty Kate Middleton speaks with Peter Burton at the Royal Marsden Hospital Kate Middleton speaks with Peter Burton at the Royal Marsden Hospital

Related: Kate Middleton 'Is Looking After Herself' as She Marks 43rd Birthday, Family Friend Says (Exclusive)

She also told a patient, per the outlet, The resilience you need to get through, first of all, a small taster of what you've gone through ... It's to keep coming back  to be as positive as you are. The treatments are really so different and so varied, it impacts families differently.

Following the Princess visit, Kensington Palace announced that she and husband Prince William had become patrons of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust.

Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

Dame Cally Palmer, Chief Executive of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, said she was delighted at the news.

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"We are incredibly fortunate to receive Royal Patronage  it is inspiring for staff and patients and enables us to shine a light on the outstanding work our staff deliver every day for patients and their families," Palmer said in a release from Kensington Palace.



Kate's diagnosis came two months after she underwent "planned abdominal surgery" in January.

Read the original article on People
A 68-year-old man from Russia was arrested while attempting to smuggle five kilograms of heroin from Macau to Hong Kong, the Judiciary Police (PJ) revealed yesterday during a special press conference.

According to the PJ, the man, acting as a drug mule, arrived in Macau on January 9 on a flight from Thailand, carrying the drugs concealed in his luggage. He reportedly planned to deliver them to an unknown individual in Hong Kong.

Authorities stated that they had been tracking the mans movements since his arrival. After landing in Macau, he checked into a hotel in the Central District and remained there without leaving or meeting anyone in person until January 12, when he headed to the Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal.

It was at this location that officers intercepted him.

Upon searching his luggage, police discovered five kilograms of heroin hidden in coffee and biscuit packages.

The drugs have an estimated street value of approximately MOP7 million.

During questioning, the man confessed to being hired by an unidentified individual to transport the drugs from Thailand to Hong Kong via Macau. He revealed that he was offered USD 500 to complete the task.

The suspect has been transferred to the Public Prosecutions Office for further investigation and is facing charges of drug trafficking.
Kate Middleton and Prince William have made a poignant joint decision.

The Prince and Princess of Wales are pairing up to serve as patrons of the hospital where Kate, 43, received cancer treatment for much of 2024.

Kensington Palace announced Tues., Jan. 14, that Kate and William have become joint patrons of the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust.

William, 42, has had a close relationship with the Royal Marsden Hospital in London for many years, as he was named president in 2007  a role that had been previously held by his late mother, Princess Diana.

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Princess Kate visited the hospital on Tuesday as the patronage was announced.

The surprise outing was to "show her gratitude to the incredible team" at the medical center, a spokesman for Kensington Palace said. It marked Kate's first solo engagement since 2023 and a rare one in public following her diagnosis.

Related: Kate Middleton Surprises Cancer Patients at the Same Hospital Where She Was Treated Last Year in Rare Public Outing

Chris Jackson/Getty Princess Kate shares a hug with Rebecca Mendelhson at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London on Jan. 14 Princess Kate shares a hug with Rebecca Mendelhson at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London on Jan. 14

Dame Cally Palmer, chief executive of the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, said of Kate's visit, We were honored to welcome Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales to the Royal Marsden in Chelsea this morning, and are delighted that Her Royal Highness is now joining His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales in becoming Joint Patrons of our specialist cancer center.

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"We are incredibly fortunate to receive Royal Patronage  it is inspiring for staff and patients and enables us to shine a light on the outstanding work our staff deliver every day for patients and their families," Palmer continued in a statement.

Chris Jackson/Getty Princess Kate pats a therapy dog named Scout during her visit to the Royal Marsden in London on Jan. 14 Princess Kate pats a therapy dog named Scout during her visit to the Royal Marsden in London on Jan. 14

Opened in 1851, the Royal Marsden is the world's first clinic to have dedicated itself to cancer diagnosis. It is now a world-leading center with multiple locations in London.

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Kate is still managing her gradual return to public life following the ending of her chemotherapy treatment, which she announced in an intimate family video in September 2024.

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She had revealed her cancer diagnosis in a personal video message in March 2024, calling the news a "huge shock." The type of cancer has never been revealed.

The princess started her cancer treatment in February 2024  a little over a month after she had undergone major abdominal surgery.

Prince William's last public visit to the hospital was in June 2023, when he opened the facility's Oak Cancer Centre in Sutton.

Read the original article on People
Kate Middleton has surprised cancer patients at the same hospital where she was treated last year.

On Tuesday, Jan. 14, the Princess of Wales, 43, made a rare public outing at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London. During her visit, Kate thanked staff at the hospital for their care and support following her cancer diagnosis last year, as well as meeting those currently going through treatment.

The Princess not only made the visit to show her gratitude to staff, but to also highlight the care the hospital provides. Photos showed Kate speaking with patients undergoing chemotherapy, as well as sharing a hug with another individual she met.

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"The treatments are really so different and so varied, it impacts families differently," the Princess said during her visit, per the BBC.

"I was just saying, coming in the front entrance here, having made so many quiet, private visits, actually it's quite nice," she added of her experience returning to the hospital after completing her treatment.

A Kensington Palace spokesman said, "The Princess wanted to make the journey to both show her gratitude to the incredible team, but also highlight the world leading care and treatment the Marsden provides."

CHRIS JACKSON/POOL/AFP via Getty Kate Middleton speaks with Rebecca Mendelhson at the hospital Kate Middleton speaks with Rebecca Mendelhson at the hospital

Related: A Complete Timeline of Kate Middleton's Abdominal Surgery and Cancer Diagnosis

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Shortly after her visit, Kensington Palace announced that Kate and her husband Prince William have become joint patrons of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust.

Dame Cally Palmer, Chief Executive of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, said of Kate's visit, We were honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales to The Royal Marsden in Chelsea this morning, and are delighted that Her Royal Highness is now joining His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales in becoming Joint Patrons of our specialist cancer centre.

Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

Chris Jackson/Getty Kate Middleton hugs Rebecca Mendelhson during a visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in London where she was also treated for cancer Kate Middleton hugs Rebecca Mendelhson during a visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in London where she was also treated for cancer

Related: Many of Kate Middletons Christmas Day Conversations Were About Cancer: You Get a Camaraderie with Other Cancer Victims

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"We are incredibly fortunate to receive Royal Patronage  it is inspiring for staff and patients and enables us to shine a light on the outstanding work our staff deliver every day for patients and their families," Palmer continued. "The Royal Marsden opened its doors in 1851 as the worlds first hospital dedicated to cancer diagnosis, treatment, research and education. Today, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is a world-leading cancer centre operating across three sites in Chelsea, Sutton and Cavendish Square in central London."

Chris Jackson/Getty Kate Middleton meets patients at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London where she was also treated for cancer Kate Middleton meets patients at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London where she was also treated for cancer

Back in September, Kate announced that she was done with chemotherapy after a challenging nine months of treatment. The Princess said completing her treatment was a "relief" after an "incredibly tough" time and said her "focus" was on "doing what I can to stay cancer free."

She revealed her cancer diagnosis in a personal video message in March 2024 and called the news a "huge shock." The type of cancer was not revealed.

The announcement followed Kate undergoing "planned abdominal surgery" two months earlier in January 2024.

Read the original article on People
Kate Middleton is thanking those who have helped her and husband Prince William during her cancer journey.

She said in a social media post, My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything.

We couldnt have asked for more.

She made the statement as she revealed she was in remission from the cancer that she had been treated for since February 2024. In September, she said that she had completed her chemotherapy treatment.

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On Jan. 14, she visited the Royal Marsden Hospital in London and later announced she has become joint patron, with William, of the body that runs it.

In that role, Princess Kate said she is going to dedicate herself to helping others going through the same challenges as she and her family faced. In my new role as Joint Patron of The Royal Marsden, my hope is, that by supporting groundbreaking research and clinical excellence, as well as promoting patient and family wellbeing, we might save many more lives, and transform the experience of all those impacted by cancer, she wrote.



Chris Jackson/Getty Princess Kate talks with Katherine Field during her visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in Chelsea, London on Jan. 14, 2025 Princess Kate talks with Katherine Field during her visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in Chelsea, London on Jan. 14, 2025

Signing the social media post C to signify it was a personal note from her, Princess Kate said she is in remission from the cancer, which has never been disclosed and is focused on recovery. Her treatment, she said, has been exceptional.



Related: Kate Middleton Opens Up About Her Private Cancer Journey: 'You Need Loads of Water and Sunlight'

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As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal, Kate added. I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.

Kate was initially admitted to hospital for planned abdominal surgery in January 2024. But in March, she revealed her cancer diagnosis in a personal video message. During her unannounced visit on Jan. 14, Kate spoke candidly about the challenges she and her family have faced. You think treatment's finished, crack on with that  daily tasks, but that's still like a real challenge, Kate, 43, told staff, according to the Daily Mail. And talking the words totally disappear understanding that as a patient, yes there are side effects around treatment, but actually there are more long-term side effects.

Kate also said that the continuity" of holistic care "is so important, on good days and bad days," reported the Daily Mail.



Chris Jackson/Getty Princess Kate talks to Rebecca Mendelhson during her visit to The Royal Marsden Hospital on Jan. 14, 2025 Princess Kate talks to Rebecca Mendelhson during her visit to The Royal Marsden Hospital on Jan. 14, 2025

I feel like it's sometimes for the loved ones around us. They need support just as much as I did as the patient, she added.

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"The treatments are really so different and so varied, it impacts families differently," the Princess said during her visit, the BBC reported

"I was just saying, coming in the front entrance here, having made so many quiet, private visits, actually it's quite nice," she added of her experience returning to the hospital after completing her treatment.

A Kensington Palace spokesman said of her outing: "The Princess wanted to make the journey to both show her gratitude to the incredible team, but also highlight the world leading care and treatment the Marsden provides."

Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

Princess Kate turned 43 on Jan. 9, and Prince William celebrated his wife with an emotional tribute on social media.

CHRIS JACKSON/POOL/AFP via Getty The Princess of Wales leaves the Royal Marsden Hospital, Chelsea, London on Jan. 14, 2025 The Princess of Wales leaves the Royal Marsden Hospital, Chelsea, London on Jan. 14, 2025

"To the most incredible wife and mother. The strength youve shown over the last year has been remarkable," the Prince of Wales wrote below a new portrait of Princess Kate. "George, Charlotte, Louis and I are so proud of you. Happy Birthday, Catherine. We love you. W"

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Kate's Jan. 14 outing is the latest step on the path of her gradual return to royal duties, and a family friend tells PEOPLE that the royal is wisely prioritizing her health now."She is looking after herself and is wise to do so. She will know when she wakes up if she is well enough or not [to do something]," a family friend says.

Read the original article on People
Kate, the Princess of Wales, made a poignant return Tuesday to the same hospital where she received treatment after being diagnosed last year with cancer.

Kate met with patients who are currently undergoing treatment for cancer at The Royal Marsden, the London hospital where she received her treatment after announcing her diagnosis publicly last March, according to Kensington Palace.

While meeting with patients, Kate spoke about her own treatment, telling one person undergoing chemotherapy, "It's really tough. It's such a shock."

PHOTO: Britain's Catherine, Princess of Wales shakes hands with with Peter Burton during a visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in west London on Jan. 14, 2025. (Chris Jackson/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

"Everyone said to me please keep a positive mindset, it makes such a difference," Kate said, according to the U.K. Press Association, adding details of what helped her during treatment. "I really felt like I needed to get the sun. You need loads of water and loads of sunlight."

PHOTO: Catherine, Princess of Wales talks with Richard Bosworth (C) during a visit to The Royal Marsden Hospital on Jan. 14, 2025 in London. (Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

Kate, the wife of Prince William and mother of three young children, has not shared exact details of her cancer diagnosis or treatment, beyond saying that she underwent chemotherapy. She said in a video message in September that she had completed chemotherapy and was focused on staying "cancer free."

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Prince William and Kate's 3 kids: What to know about George, Charlotte and Louis

While leaving the hospital Tuesday, an emotional Kate told a woman why she wanted to pay a return visit.

PHOTO: Catherine, Princess of Wales talks with Katherine Field during a visit to The Royal Marsden Hospital on Jan. 14, 2025 in London. (Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

"I wanted to come and show my support for the amazing work that's going on here and for those who are going through treatment and having such a hard time," the princess told the woman, adding, "There is light at the end of that tunnel, very nice to meet you and best of luck. You are in the best of hands."

PHOTO: Catherine, Princess of Wales listens to staff members as she visits The Royal Marsden Hospital on Jan. 14, 2025 in London. (Chris Jackson/Pool via Reuters)

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A palace spokesperson echoed that Kate wanted to thank the hospital for their work with her visit, telling ABC News in a statement, "The princess wanted to make the journey to both show her gratitude to the incredible team, but also highlight the world leading care and treatment the Marsden provides."

Kate's hospital visit marked the first public engagement of the new year for the princess, who celebrated her 43rd birthday on Jan. 9.

Kate Middleton celebrates 43rd birthday after cancer diagnosis

On her birthday, William shared a message to Kate on social media, alongside a newly-released photo of the princess.

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"To the most incredible wife and mother. The strength youve shown over the last year has been remarkable. George, Charlotte, Louis and I are so proud of you. Happy Birthday, Catherine. We love you," William wrote.

To the most incredible wife and mother. The strength youve shown over the last year has been remarkable. George, Charlotte, Louis and I are so proud of you. Happy Birthday, Catherine. We love you. W pic.twitter.com/VIW5v2aKlu  The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) January 9, 2025

William signed the post with his initial, "W," indicating he wrote the message himself. The photo of Kate included alongside William's message was taken by photographer Matt Porteous over the summer in Windsor, according to Kensington Palace.

Kate Middleton visits patients at same hospital where she received treatment originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com
After battling cancer most of last year, Kate Middleton says she's now in remission.

Catherine, Princess of Wales, who confirmed last March that she had cancer after months of speculation about her health and well-being, said Tuesday that she is focused on recovery.

"It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain [focused] on recovery," she said in a statement posted on social media. "As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal. I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. Thank you to everyone for your continued support."

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Catherine, Princess of Wales, and husband Prince William, who is first in line to the British throne, on Tuesday were named joint patrons of the Royal Marsden  the cancer hospital where Catherine received treatment last year. Since 2007, William has been president of the Royal Marsden, a position that was held previously by his mother, the late Princess Diana.

Read more: Kate Middleton has completed cancer treatment, will return to light public duties

"I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you to The Royal Marsden for looking after me so well during the past year," Catherine said in her statement. "My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything. We couldnt have asked for more. The care and advice we have received throughout my time as a patient has been exceptional."

In her new role, the 43-year-old princess said she hopes to save more lives and transform the experience of all those affected by cancer by supporting groundbreaking research and clinical excellence, as well as promoting patient and family well-being.

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Catherine's health issues and the royal missteps that followed became a global topic of discussion early last year when Kensington Palace announced that she had to take a break from royal duties after having "major abdominal surgery in January. Rampant speculation ran amok about the princess retreat from the public eye, fueling months of broad concern about her condition and whereabouts.

In March, she made the cancer announcement in a poignant video message that came in the wake of reports that her medical records at the London Clinic were allegedly breached by hospital staffers. She began treatment in late February and announced in September that she had completed it, confirming that she would soon return to light public duties.

Read more: Don't blame the public for failing Kate Middleton. Blame the palace

The announcement of Catherine's patronage was made Tuesday during her visit to the Royal Marsden's hospital in Chelsea. There, the mother of three met with patients being treated with chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

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We were honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales to The Royal Marsden in Chelsea this morning, and are delighted that Her Royal Highness is now joining His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales in becoming Joint Patrons of our specialist cancer centre," said Cally Palmer, chief executive of the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust.

Palmer said William has been "a wonderful supporter of our work for nearly two decades" and that his and Catherine's royal patronage is inspiring for staff and patients and "enables us to shine a light on the outstanding work our staff deliver every day for patients and their families."

During her Tuesday visit, Catherine disclosed some of the side effects she experienced after her cancer treatment, including speech issues and brain fog.

You think treatment's finished, crack on with that  daily tasks, but that's still like a real challenge, she told hospital staff, according to the Daily Mail. And talking  the words totally disappear  understanding that as a patient, yes, there are side effects around treatment, but actually there are more long-term side effects."

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.
KANSAS CITY, Kan.  A Kansas City, Kansas neighborhood has temporarily lost its fire station, but not its fire protection.

FOX4 received concerns that a fire station closed in the Muncie area, south of I-70, in KCK, with no public warning.

A building nearly 70 years old, houses Kansas Citys Fire Station No. 20.

Weve relocated the fire trucks essentially in the same community, Fire Chief Dennis Rubin shared with FOX4. We would expect a fire truck and/or ambulance to arrive within 4-6 minutes and I think thats remarkably incredible time.

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Station 20 usually has a pumper (fire truck), with three firefighters.

Services coming from Station No. 20 have temporarily stopped because the building is in need of some repair work, according to Rubin.

We have some issues that we are addressing inside the station that caused us to make those changes. The fire truck has been relocated to Midtown, which is on State Avenue and the ambulance has been assigned to the Fairfax area, Rubin shared.

Rubin said the same fire services you expect for residents in the area will continue, but trucks may be coming from a different direction and from nearby stations.

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Station No. 20, is one of 18 fire stations throughout KCK, and temporarily closed without any public warning. Rubin said hes hoping to evaluate the building and assess its needs for potential repairs.

Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes, Brittany welcome third child

There are conditions that sometimes cause us to have to relocate fire stations, so to either get permission/approval or to do some kind of notification becomes nearly impossible, Rubin said.

Rubin said signage letting visitors to the Station No. 20 know, its temporarily closed, will be put up sometime Monday afternoon or evening. Its to also let people there know to dial 911, if in need of emergency services.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Kansas City police reports a missing 70-year-old woman last seen on Monday afternoon has been located safe.

Loistine Lois Hatch was reported missing after she was last seen in the area of Barry Road and Granby Ave. in Kansas City, Missouri, leaving her assisted living facility.

See the latest headlines in Kansas City and across Kansas, Missouri

She was seen wearing a purple shirt, unknown color coat and blue jeans. Hatch is 5 feet 1 inches tall, 140 pounds with black hair and brown eyes.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
The Keller school board will meet at 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, to discuss a proposal to split the district in two.

The meeting will include a chance for the public to express their opinions on the matter, as well as hear the boards remarks on the proposal, but no action will be taken on Thursday. It will be held at the districts Education Center, 350 Keller Parkway, Keller.

The Tarrant County Commissioners Court appears set to discuss the matter in a closed meeting two days before the Keller school board meeting. The agenda for the Jan. 14 commissioners court session states commissioners will get legal advice on the statutes in the Texas Education Code on detaching part of a district.

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A spokesperson for County Judge Tim OHare declined to comment on the matter.

Until we fully understand what the countys role would be in the process, any comment from this office would be premature, she said.

The proposal sparked debate last week after Fort Worth council member Charles Lauersdorf confirmed he had heard about it from a school board member. Mayor Mattie Parker said in a statement that she learned of the proposed split in a city meeting on Jan. 8.

The school board member told Lauersdorf that the board did not want to make its plans known in an attempt to avoid a public outcry. But once members of the nonprofit advocacy group Keller ISD Families for Public Education caught wind of it, outcry ensued.

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The majority, though not all, of comments on the organizations Facebook post about the proposal were from people who expressed opposition to the split and the lack of transparency in the process so far.

The board was originally set to hold a special meeting on Jan. 16, according to a scheduled live stream on the districts YouTube page that has since been taken down.

On the evening of Jan. 9, school board President Charles Randklev announced in a social media post that the matter would be discussed in a special executive meeting on Jan. 16. The post did not say if the meeting would include a portion open to the public.

Lawyers specializing in the Texas Open Meetings Act told the Star-Telegram on Jan. 10 that the board must bookend the executive session with open sessions and allow the public to give input on the matter.

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The Open Meetings Act requires a governing body to disclose the topic that will be discussed during a closed meeting if the issue represents a special public interest.

The agenda for this weeks meeting notifies the public that the board will seek legal counsel on the split during executive session.

In addition to citing the statute in the Open Meetings Act that excepts the discussion from an open meeting, the agenda lists the topic board members will discuss with their lawyer: Consultation with attorney on district boundaries and process of creation of district by detachment under Chapter 13 of the Texas Education Code and discussion on trustee duties and responsibilities pursuant to Chapter 11 of the Texas Education Code.

Parents of Keller ISD students who have expressed opposition to the proposed split said they believe the board will attempt to bypass a public referendum on the proposal by passing a resolution to initiate the detachment process.

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The Education Code states that the process can be initiated by either a school board resolution or a petition signed by at least 10% of registered voters in the district. The subsequent statute then requires a public election if the county commissioners court accepts a petition. The statute does not mention a resolution.

The parents have said they suspect the board to try and use this as a loophole, arguing that the code only explicitly requires a vote in the case of a petition, but education lawyers have told the Star-Telegram that the statutes must be harmonized with each other to interpret the election requirement in either case.

The news sparked a parody account for the new district, which concerned parents believe is to be called Alliance ISD. A shop on the e-commerce site Etsy has also started selling T-shirts, hoodies and mugs emblazoned with the spoof logo.

The Star-Telegram contacted the seller through the Etsy website, but did not receive a response.

Harrison Mantas contributed to this report.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  Firefighters and charitable organizations from across the West  including Southern California  came to the aid of Kern County last summer when the Borel Fire devastated portions of the western Sierra.

Well, Kern County is returning the favor.

Not just by sending in fire crews  more than 200 firefighters from Kern County and City of Bakersfield  but also with monetary, logistical and tangible donations from local nonprofits, businesses, and individuals  an impressive showing by any measure.

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CityServe, a national, faith-based, nonprofit based in Bakersfield, is coordinating with churches throughout the Southland to distribute goods. CityServe headquarters took in a shipment from Tulare County on Monday and the supplies were scheduled to go to L.A. Tuesday.

There are some churches there that are serving them (in the fire zone) so we come alongside them (to help), said Crissy Cochrane, CityServe communications director. Were able to resource them with emergency relief supplies  water, food, diapers, dog food, cat food, clothing. Anything you can think of to help them, as theyre trying to get back on their feet.

The Red Cross was doing the same thing on a much larger scale.

Were providing them with meals, health services, spiritual support and emotional support, said Hector Vazquez, executive director of Red Crosss Kern County-Eastern Sierra chapter.

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Even local bars and restaurants were working together.

Highland Cafe and OHennings, two Oildale saloons, were coordinating with the club 1933.

Power restored to more than 4,300 in SW, NW Bakersfield

Ashley and Oscar Ramirez stopped by the Highland Cafe on Monday morning with a hatchback full of water and other drinks, donated to the cause on behalf of OHennings.

I mean, its all about community, said Ashley Ramirez. If we were down bad like they are right now, we would hope somebody would do the same for us. These people are losing everything.

Highland Cafe manager Nicole Cody was in contact with a friend who lives in Arizona, who made a digital contribution.

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I have a friend who sent over some Apply Pay money and I went and collected some donations for her, Cody said.

The Red Cross, Salvation Army and United Way are among those encouraging monetary contributions, but many people like the feel of more tangible donations, such as food, water and clothingthats what 4-H, Saltys Barbecue and many others have done.

Will the support still be there in three months, when many of these fire victims are still struggling? That remains to be seen  but thus far, the support from Kern County and the Central Valley has been remarkable.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 News.
Indias prime minister marked yesterday the opening of a tunnel in the northeast of disputed Kashmir that will grant all-year accessibility to a town that is isolated by heavy snow each winter.

The $932 million project includes a second tunnel and a series of bridges and high mountain roads that will link Kashmir with Ladakh, a cold desert region nestled between India, Pakistan and China that has faced territorial disputes for decades.

Amid high security, Narendra Modi visited the resort town of Sonamarg where he inaugurated the 6.5-kilometer tunnel. The town denotes the end of the conifer-clad mountains of the Kashmir Valley before Ladakh begins across the rocky Zojila mountain pass. The tunnel, named Z-Morh, will now grant it accessibility for the first time all year round.

The second tunnel, about 14 kilometers long, will bypass the challenging Zojila pass and connect Sonamarg with Ladakh and is expected to be completed in 2026.

Sonamarg and Ladakh have been plagued with severe snowfalls that close the mountain passes due to massive snowfalls, forcing them to remain cut off from neighboring towns for nearly six months every year.

Authorities on Monday deployed police and soldiers in the area and established multiple checkpoints at key intersections as an enhanced security measure for the prime ministers visit. Troops also stationed sharpshooters at several points and carried out drone surveillance to ensure constant vigilance.

Modi later at a public meeting, attended by hundreds of people, said the ambitious project would improve road connectivity and boost tourism in the region. The meeting also was attended by some of Modis Cabinet ministers and Kashmirs chief minister Omar Abdullah.

Experts say the tunnel project is important to the military, which will gain significantly improved capabilities to operate in Ladakh while also providing civilians with freedom of movement year-round between the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh.

In October, gunmen fatally shot at least seven people working on the tunnel project and injured at least five others. Police blamed insurgents fighting for decades against Indian rule in the region.

In 2019, New Delhi stripped Kashmirs special status as a semi-autonomous region with a separate constitution and inherited protections on land and jobs. The federal government also downgraded and divided the former state into two centrally governed union territories, Ladakh and Jammu-Kashmir, the first time in the history of India that a regions statehood was downgraded to a federally administered territory.

India and Pakistan each administer a part of Kashmir, but both claim the territory in its entirety. Militants in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir have been fighting New Delhis rule since 1989. Many Muslim Kashmiris support the rebels goal of uniting the territory, either under Pakistani rule or as an independent country.

India insists the Kashmir militancy is Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. Pakistan denies the charge, and many Kashmiris consider it a legitimate freedom struggle. Tens of thousands of civilians, rebels and government forces have been killed in the conflict. MDT/AP
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  Utility companies serving homes and businesses in Kern County have notified customers that their power may be shut off to prevent wildfires.

Pacific Gas & Electric has already shut off power to customers in southern Kern County in Lebec and Fort Tejon because of strong winds and dry conditions in the area. According to PG&E, power was shut off Sunday night at around 11:15 p.m. Power is estimated to be restored by Thursday at 6 p.m., according to its outage site.

If you are a customer of PG&E, you can check outage statuses at this link.

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PG&E also shut off power in a small portion east of Bakersfield and north of Highway 58 to five customers.

Breezy conditions to pick up in Kern Countys mountain and desert communities

Southern California Edison said the communities of Pine Mountain Club, Frazier Park, Bear Valley Springs, Keene, Golden Hills, Stallion Springs, Tehachapi, Mountain Meadows, Mountain Mesa, South Lake and Squirrel Mountain Valley under PSPS consideration. SCEs site says fire risk conditions are expected in those areas through Jan. 15.

If you are a customer of Southern California Edison, you can see maps and check outage statuses at this link.

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Here are some steps to prepare before a possible outage:

Plan for any medical needs, especially if you have any medications that require refrigeration or medical devices that need power.

Build or restock your emergency supply kit  with enough to support your entire family for at least a week.

Make a safety preparedness plan for your family and share this plan with someone outside your household.

Know how to manually open your garage door and how to turn off the water and gas to your home.

The shutoffs and warnings come as windy conditions return to eastern Kern County in the desert and mountain areas. Desert areas could see 50 mph wind gusts, 17 Chief Forecaster Kevin Charette 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 KGET 17 News.
A Key Peninsula fire station had to close for about 24 hours last week because the department did not have the money to pay the necessary overtime costs required to staff it. Department leaders say temporary closures could happen more frequently.

The department closed the Longbranch station Friday morning and reopened it Saturday morning. The nearest station is more than four miles away from the Longbranch location.

Assistant Fire Chief, Chris Beswick, told KIRO 7 that too many people had called out sick or been on leave. While the department had enough people to fill those spots, they would have had to pay overtime they couldnt afford.

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The closure comes after voters rejected the renewal of a levy that helped pay for staffing costs earlier this year.

Because that levy was rejected, the department has had to make budget cuts. Beswick said it puts the department in a new reality.

Weve done some projections, and were estimating that well probably have to close that that station once, possibly twice per month on average, he said.

The Longbranch station was chosen as the site of the closure because it has the lowest call volume, Beswick said.

Still, response times are affected when the station is closed.

The response times for the nearest engine or Medic Unit have probably close to doubled when that when that station closes, Beswick said. In the event that we have a large incident, help is a long ways away.

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In August, voters rejected the renewal of a property tax levy that helped fund the department. The request was not for a new tax levy, simply to continue an existing levy the department was required to renew every four years.

The levy had been generating around $800,000 each year for the department for staffing, facilities and maintenance.

Everybody hates paying taxes, but when you dial 911, youre going to hate it worse when nobody shows up, said resident Darren Hammond, who voted for the levy.

Im not going to vote for you to waste my money, said resident J.R. Euwing, who voted against it. Every government agency is sticking their hand in my pocket. Why would I keep giving you money?

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This summer, after ballots were counted, Key Peninsulas fire chief told KIRO 7 cuts might be unavoidable.

Beswick said the department has not had to make any cuts to positions at this time, but has had to reduce minimum staffing levels to reduce overtime costs.

The department did send two firefighters down to California to assist with the fight against wildfires. Beswick said that did not contribute to the closure because overtime costs required to fill their spots were reimbursed.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  A 19-year-old man is facing a charge of murder after allegedly stabbing and killing his stepfather this past Sunday morning, Jan. 12 in West El Paso, according to court documents obtained by KTSM.

Police: Man arrested, charged with murder in West Side stabbing

Court documents say Raymundo Morales, 19, is facing the charge after killing his stepfather Angel Martin Herrera, 40.

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Court documents say police were dispatched just before 3:30 a.m. that Sunday to a home located along the 5800 block of Beaumont Place in reference to a verbal argument.

Officers then left the scene after ensuring that no one was hurt and that only a verbal dispute had taken place. However, officers returned to the home at about 4 a.m., this time in reference to a call about a stabbing.

Upon arrival, officers located Herrera who was lying unresponsive within the home with a stab wound to his neck. A knife was found nearby, according to court documents. He was then transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Court documents say that Morales mother told the initial responding officer that she had stabbed Herrera. However, witnesses who met with detectives said that Morales was the one who stabbed Herrera.

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Morales mother then recanted her initial statement and admitted that it was her son who stabbed Herrera, according to court documents.

Detectives later learned that there was a family gathering involving alcohol that night where Morales, Morales mother, Herrera, and two other witnesses were present.

Court documents say that during the gathering, Morales became angry with one of the witnesses and assaulted her by striking her in the face and pulling her face towards his chest.

The witness who was allegedly assaulted told police that she had been choked by Morales, according to court documents.

This led to Herrera confronting Morales verbally. Morales then brandished a knife in his right hand and stabbed Herrera on the left side of his neck, according to court documents.

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Morales was placed into custody, read his Miranda rights, and voluntarily told police a different version of what happened that night, saying that he became angry with his stepfather for pushing his mother and that he used a kitchen knife to stab Herrera in the neck.

Morales also told police that his mother tried to take the blame for him, but Morales did not let her. Morales also stated I killed my stepdad to police, according to court documents.

Witnesses, however, told police that they did not see Herrera, the victim, assault anyone that night, according to court documents.

Morales was booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility with a $650,000 bond.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
Kim Kardashian is advocating for higher wages for the hundreds of incarcerated firefighters currently battling multiple wildfires that have flared up around Los Angeles.

In a lengthy multipost statement on her Instagram Story, the reality TV star and advocate for criminal justice reform thanked those risking their lives to battle the blazes while pushing California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) to change laws that cap pay for incarcerated firefighters.

I have spent the last week watching my city burning, Kardashians posts began. And have seen and spoken to many firefighters who are up all night long using every ounce of their strength to save our community.

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Among those on the front lines are the more than 900 incarcerated people getting paid sub-minimum wage while facing deadly conditions to save people and property across Southern California.

According to the California education news outlet EdSource, that number includes 29 youth who are part of a disaster relief training program first piloted by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation in 2023.

Kim Kardashian took to her IG story last night calling for incarcerated firefighters to receive better pay as they help fight the ongoing Los Angeles wildfires. pic.twitter.com/LvOpsBo8rD  Complex (@Complex) January 12, 2025

Shedding light on the dire situation, Kardashian continued, On all 5 fires in Los Angeles, there are hundreds of incarcerated firefighters, risking their lives to save us.

They are on the Palisades fire and Eaton fire in Pasadena working 24 hour shifts, she wrote. They get paid almost nothing, risk their lives, some have died, to prove to the community that they have changed and are now first responders. I see them as heroes.

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Pay for incarcerated firefighters is capped at $10.24 per day, according to Californias Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Though Cal Fire supplements those wages by $1 an hour during emergencies, those at the bottom of the pay scale can earn less than $27 for a 24-hour shift.

In her post, Kardashian urged Newsom to do what no Governor has done in 4 decades, and raise the incarcerated firefighter pay to a rate that honors a human being risking their life to save our lives and homes.

Historically, as much as 30% of Californias firefighting forces came from the incarcerated population. According to a June 2024 report from the Los Angeles Times, those numbers have dipped post-pandemic.

California is one of at least a dozen states to deploy incarcerated people to fight fires when there are not enough professionals to contend with the emergencies.

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Though the jobs can yield higher wages than other prison work and come with the possibility of reduced sentences, California is allowed to pay so little through a state provision that permits forced labor as a punishment for crime.

Voters had a chance to remove the so-called slavery exemption from Californias constitution last November, but the ballot initiative was rejected.

Related...
Three hostages were released from Hamas captivity in Gaza and dozens of Palestinian prisoners freed by Israel on Sunday, as a highly anticipated ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect.

The agreement delivers the first reprieve for the people of Gaza in more than a year and only the second since the Israeli bombardment began. The military offensive launched by Israel in response to Hamas October 7 attacks has killed nearly 47,000 Palestinians and injured 110,750 more, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza.

The deal will see the release of dozens of Israeli hostages in exchange for almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and will allow for a significant uptick in aid to enter the enclave, where residents have long faced dire humanitarian conditions.

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Heres what we know.

What happened on Sunday?

The ceasefire was due to begin at 8:30 a.m. local time in Gaza (1:30 a.m. ET) on Sunday, but was delayed for nearly three hours after Israel said Hamas had not delivered the names of the first three hostages to be released. Hamas blamed a technical hold up. The truce eventually began at 11:15 a.m. (4:15 a.m. ET).

Israels military continued to pound northern and central Gaza during the delay. At least 19 Palestinians were killed and 36 others were wounded in strikes Sunday morning, according to Gazas Civil Defense. Israels military said it had struck terror targets.

Later Sunday, three female Israeli hostages were released from Hamas captivity. Romi Gonen, 24; Doron Steinbrecher, 31; and Emily Damari, a 28-year-old British-Israeli citizen, are now back in Israel.

(From left to right) Romi Gonen, Emily Damari and Doron Steinbrecher were released by Hamas on Sunday. - Hostages and Missing Families Form/Facebook

The International Committee for the Red Cross (ICRC) told the Israeli government that all three are in good health, an Israeli official told CNN.

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The freed hostages mothers traveled to Reim, southern Israel to welcome their daughters home, Israels military said. The three women were transferred to the Sheba Medical Center in Tel Aviv, and will receive further treatment.

Emily is finally home, Damaris mother said in a statement. A photo shows Damari smiling and holding up her bandaged hand to the camera.

Large crowds gathered at the Al-Saraya Junction in Gaza City to watch as the three women were handed by Hamas to the Red Cross. Dozens of masked militants from Hamas Al Qassam Brigades and the Palestinian Islamic Jihads Al-Quds Brigades were present.

Meanwhile, Israelis had gathered in the so-called Hostages Square in Tel Aviv  the site of countless demonstrations over the past 15 months that have called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to do more to secure the hostages release.

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We can breathe a little more again, after months of waiting, said Mai, who had joined the gathering. And we are going to be here until the very last one comes back.

In exchange, Israel freed 90 Palestinian prisoners on Sunday. Among them are 69 women and nine minors, the youngest of whom is 15.

Buses carrying the freed Palestinians out of Ofer Prison in the occupied West Bank were met by huge crowds, cheering and waving flags, with video showing jubilant scenes and emotional reunions as they hugged their families. Earlier, Israeli drones dropped tear gas canisters to disperse crowds near the prison, injuring at least seven people, the Palestine Red Crescent said.

The respite from violence means that many Palestinians displaced in Gaza during Israels war are returning home. One Gazan told CNN the moment was bittersweet. Many houses have been reduced to rubble.

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The Israeli military has withdrawn from several locations in southern and northern Gaza, an Israeli military official told CNN.

Scores of displaced Palestinians walk along a road in the Saftawi area of Jabalya on Sunday. - Omar Al-Qattaa/AFP via Getty Images

How will phase one of the deal work?

The first phase will last for six weeks and will see the staggered release of 33 Israeli hostages.

Hamas and its allies still hold 91 people taken from Israel on October 7, 2023. At least 34 of them are dead, according to the Israeli government, but the true number is expected to be higher. Hamas holds an additional three hostages who have been captive since 2014.

Israels government press office on Sunday confirmed the names of the 33 captives due for release, 31 of whom were kidnapped on October 7. The two others have been held since 2014 and 2015. Among those due for release are the two youngest hostages held by Hamas  Kfir and Ariel Bibas who, if alive, would be 2 and 5 years old, respectively.

Photographs of some of those taken hostage by Hamas are seen on October 18, 2023 in Tel Aviv, Israel. - Leon Neal/Getty Images

In return, Israel is expected to release almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. The Israeli government has approved the release of 737 Palestinian prisoners and detainees as well as 1,167 Gaza residents it is holding who were not involved in the October 7 attacks.

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The Gaza-based Prisoners Media Office, however, said that Israel will release 1,737 prisoners, including 120 women and children. Nearly 300 Palestinians serving life sentences will also be among those released, according to their office.

It is unclear why the two sides issued different figures. CNN has asked both to clarify.

During the first 42-day phase, Israel is due to withdraw from population centers but will retain a presence along Gazas borders and on a road dividing the territory.

What does it mean for aid?

The agreement allows for a dramatic uptick in humanitarian relief to enter Gaza.

The number of aid trucks entering the enclave will increase to 600 per day, a significant improvement from the 614 truckloads of aid that entered Gaza in the first two weeks of January, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

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After waiting for days at the border, trucks surged into the enclave on Sunday. UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher said at least 630 trucks with humanitarian aid entered Gaza on Sunday, with at least 300 of them going to the north. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees said that it had 4,000 aid trucks ready to go.

The World Food Programme (WFP) confirmed Sunday that its first aid trucks had started to cross into Gaza. It said that the trucks entered via the Kerem Shalom and Zikim crossings.

Aid trucks wait near the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip on Sunday. - Mohamed Abd El Ghany/Reuters

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The UN has warned the increased aid allotment would be only a start in addressing the catastrophic humanitarian crisis in the enclave. The World Health Organization said Gazas health challenges ahead are immense, as residents of the war-torn enclave face rising disease and malnutrition.

Israeli strikes have laid waste to large swathes of Gaza and human rights groups have described unspeakable living conditions.

Israels military campaign has pulverized neighborhoods, damaged health infrastructure and depleted food, water and fuel supplies. In December, Human Rights Watch (HRW) accused Israel of acts of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza by deliberately depriving them of adequate water supplies.

How does the rest of the deal work?

Negotiations to reach the second and third phases of a ceasefire agreement  which is intended to end the war  would begin on the 16th day of the implementation of the deal, according to an Israeli official.

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Israel has not committed to ending the war, but has said it will take part in negotiations to progress the ceasefire to its next phases. Mediators in Cairo, including Egypt, Qatar and the United States, will monitor the implementation of the deal.

Although the ceasefire is not guaranteed to last beyond the first phase, the Israeli official told CNN that Israel is eager to bring all our hostages back home.

Families and supporters of Israeli hostages demonstrate in support of the ceasefire-hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas on Saturday. - Ronen Zvulun/Reuters

The deal has caused a political storm in Israel. On Sunday, three far-right Israeli ministers from the Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party resigned from Netanyahus government in opposition to the ceasefire  National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu, and Minister of the Negev, Galilee and National Resilience Yitzhak Wasserlauf.

Another far-right minister of Netanyahus coalition, Bezalel Smotrich, opposes the deal but has not resigned. Smotrich, who serves as minister of finance, threatened to resign if Israel does not return to war after the first phase of the truce ends.

What happens next in the war?

With the second and third phases uncertain, there are no guarantees that Israel will not resume its bombardment of Gaza.

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Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar told CNN that Israel hadnt achieved its goal of defeating Hamas, saying the group was still in power in Gaza.

He stressed that the agreed ceasefire is temporary and it is not automatic to move from one phase to the other phase.

In a speech on Saturday, Netanyahu said both outgoing US President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump have agreed to support Israels decision to return to war if Hamas does not abide by the deal.

CNNs Nadeen Ebrahim, Mick Krever, Jeremy Diamond, Eve Brennan, Ibrahim Dahman, Antoinette Radford, Dana Karni, Becky Anderson, Helen Regan and Hira Humayun contributed to this report.

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MORAINE, Ohio (WDTN)  At least three rifles are missing after a robbery took place at

All New Dixie Coin and Jewelry on Sunday, Jan. 12 at 7:01 a.m.

The shops owner is looking for information on the suspect and posted security camera footage to the stores Facebook page. The suspect is a male who was wearing a ski mask, hoodie, gloves and a backpack, he is shown looking around and swinging a flashlight.

Parents spot kids in 7-Eleven robbery footage, turn them in to police

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On the phone with us here at WDTN the owner said he is still trying to assess the full damage and loss of merchandise. He also asked for the community near Dixie / 741 to share any doorbell footage of the man if possible.

The Moraine Police Department is investigating the robbery and is asking the public to call (937) 535-1166 if they have any information.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
Ahead of a possible TikTok ban, users are flocking to RedNote.

Known in China as Xiaohongshu (Mandarin for little red book), RedNote is the most downloaded free app on the Apple App Store on Monday, Jan. 13  six days before TikToks ban in the United States could go into effect.



RedNote features a mix of short-form videos and uses elements similar to Pinterest, offering viewers a mix of video and live-streaming features, Newsweek reported.

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The app, founded in 2013, also allows users to share lifestyle content and product reviews, according to the outlet.

Related: TikTok Just Got Closer to Being Banned. Here's What It Means for You

Newcomers to RedNote call themselves TikTok refugees and also refer to the app as the Chinese version of Instagram, according to Wired.

RedNote surged in popularity during the COVID pandemic, especially among women, who make up 79% of its 300 million monthly users, The New York Post reports.

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.

On Friday, Jan. 10, the Supreme Court heard arguments on whether or not to step in and temporarily pause the measure given what TikTok claims is a violation of free speech for its tens of millions of American users.

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According to ABC News, CNN and The New York Times, a majority of the justices appeared inclined to rule against TikTok and dont seem to feel the law creates an unconstitutional block on speech since TikTok can simply be sold by its Chinese owners.

The Times reported that a ruling is expected imminently, given the Sunday, Jan. 19 deadline.

Related: Lifestyle Influencer Makes Over $50K Off TikTok. What Will Happen to TikTok Creators If the App Gets Banned (Exclusive)

As creators look for other options, at least one TikToker shared in a post that he was ready to embrace a new language.

Look, I might not have a job in the next week, but we about to learn Mandarin baby! user allieusyaps said.



Read the original article on People
YELLOW SPRINGS, Ohio (WDTN)  One person is in custody, accused of killing someone in Yellow Springs over the weekend.

Authorities say a homicide investigation is underway in the 1200 block of Livermore Street, where a welfare check led to a tragic discovery, sparking the search for the person responsible.

Coroner reveals more about pair found dead on Russet Avenue in November

Yellow Springs police reportedly got the call around 11:30 p.m. Friday night. When officers arrived, they found one person shot and killed inside the home.

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Investigators quickly identified a suspect and arrested them shortly after.

According to a social media post from Yellow Springs, villagers were assured there was no threat to the community after the arrest was made Friday night.



But people in the community remain uneasy, after what they call a surprising act of violence.

People feel unsafe, said Vick Mickunas, Yellow Springs resident. Suddenly, its a quiet little town and we dont have this kind of crime. Its just shocking.

Ohio BCI is handling the investigation. They declined to provided further information since the case is still active.

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2 NEWS reached out to the Greene County Prosecutors Office about possible charges for the suspect, but we have not received a response yet.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
ARAB, Ala (WHNT)  The City of Arab gathered Monday to honor one of their own with a funeral service that has been more than 70 years in the making.

The family is going to finally get some closure after all thisall this time, Rhonda Tidmore said.

Morgan County Schools employee hit by vehicle driven by student

Cpl. Waymon Slaten enlisted in the U.S. Army at just 18. He was stationed in South Korea in the 1950s and killed in action, but his body was not identified.

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Seven decades later, his remains finally returned home to Arab.

There was some moist eyes, I must say.. not only for myself, but the others that were there, Tidmore said.

Corporal Slatens first cousin- Rhonda Tidmore tells me she had done nearly 25 years worth of research, trying to find his body. So, today meant closure.

Family increases reward to $5K for info on missing Huntsville realtor

Like many who attended the service, Jack Anderson did not know Slaten, but he tells me he couldnt help driving up from Hoover to pay his respects.

Men and women who have supported this country all their lives and, you know, losing their life we just thank God for them, and I thank God for Jack. Hes been a close friend of mine for 30-something years, said a friend who attended the funeral with Anderson.

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Being a Korean War vet himself, Anderson said it very well could have been him they were honoring.

I was really lucky, and I know it was the Lord that saved me for that.. it really was.

Because no matter how much time passes, those who made the ultimate sacrifice are always worth remembering.

This is one that didnt make it back, and theres a lot of others that didnt make it back, but God bless them all, because if it wasnt for them, we wouldnt be standing here right now.

If you would like to pay your respects, you can find Cpl. Slatens headstone at the Gilliam Baptist Church Cemetery in Arab.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
Several new Secretaries from the sixth term of government have shared their ambitions and goals for the term that started just a few weeks ago.

Four Secretaries, Andre Cheong (Administration and Justice), Tai Kin Ip (Economy and Finance), O Lam (Social Affairs and Culture), and Raymond Tam (Transport and Public Works), have shared some thoughts and main lines about their roles in different statements from their respective offices.

Cheong promises reforms in administration

Taking as a background the recent speeches from President Xi Jinping and the director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, Xia Baolong, Cheong stated that the Administration and Justice Department will study and absorb the spirit of these speeches with great care, actively act and fulfill its responsibilities, and make every effort to promote the relevant work.

In response to President Xis call to promote reforms in public administration to elevate the governments efficiency and respond promptly to the populations ambitions, Cheong said that the government would create a leadership mechanism to promote public administration reform.

He added that he will move forward in fostering public administration reform, optimizing the organizational structure, innovating governance concepts, perfecting governance methods, strengthening macro-coordination, and improving the management system for public service workers, focusing on raising governance efficiency.

The same official, the number two of the government after the Chief Executive, is also said to promote continuous improvements, such as the legal system and the mechanisms for defending state security and, on the other hand, by strengthening coordination in the legal field.

He also stressed that, while maintaining Macaus original legal traditions, it will absorb the most recent results of the reform of the laws of the European continent, taking into account the reality of Macau, and perfect the regulatory system of the Macau Special Administrative Region (MSAR) with an emphasis on optimizing the business environment, among other vital areas, as well as improving the legislative coordination mechanism between the Government and the Legislative Assembly.

Tai aligned with diversification efforts

Remarking on Xis call to promote diversified economic development and create a platform for opening up to the outside world while maintaining social harmony and stability, the Secretary for Economy and Finance said that such guidance is fundamental to promoting actions that will boost Macaus development.

Tai added that a task force from his secretariat would pursue its duties diligently, persisting in the balance between development and social security, in favor of taking the initiative in terms of identifying changes, responding to changes, and seeking changes, raising the effectiveness of economic governance based on an open mindset, pushing forward the development of appropriate diversification of the economy, and making efforts not to disappoint the Central government.

The same official also said he would make the best efforts to align with the national development strategies, enrich the elements and functions of the Sino-Lusophone platform, take more proactive actions in participating in the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area, foster results in the development of the In-Depth Cooperation Zone, redouble efforts in promoting the development of appropriate diversification of the MSAR, and make more significant contributions to serving the motherland within the framework of the national development framework.

Concurrently, Tai also promised to launch various economic development projects to improve peoples well-being, continuously improve the business environment, and support the development and upgrading of SMEs so that more residents and businesses can share in the fruits of economic growth.

O Lam emphasizes importance of fostering youth success

In her turn, the new Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture highlighted that the speeches helped clarify the many tasks and duties she would have to perform.

O Lam noted that besides all the efforts to maintain the stability and harmony of the social environment in Macau and continue to promote the MSAR as a platform for the internationalization of China and the promotion of Chinese and Eastern culture to Western countries through exchanges, two main tasks interlink.

These tasks relate to integrating education, learning, and the development of sciences and technology as the main strategies for promoting the success of the younger generations.

She explained that these efforts are also linked to the training of highly qualified staff, which can help the MSAR achieve its goals and improve the State Key Laboratories.

Based on the scientific research power of the State Key Laboratories, the development of education and scientific research will be promoted, spreading the deep integration of the chain of industries, qualified staff, and innovation to make Macau a place of gathering qualified staff in the world and introduce them to the countrys needs, thus creating an outstanding hub at the international level, O Lam said.

She also stressed that Macau will fulfill its role and do its best to strengthen the countrys strategy in the areas of education, science and technology, as well as in the development of qualified staff.

Concerning the work to be explicitly developed with youth, O Lam said that it will focus on the physical and mental health and development needs of young people in Macau, listen more to their voices, and increase the channels of positive interaction between young people and the government to formulate more practical and popular youth policies.

Efforts also encourage the new generation to participate in constructing the Guangdong-Macau In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin.

This zone promotes the deep integration of Hengqin and Macau and the integration of young people into the countrys development so that they can understand the value of their lives in the wider world.

Tam to focus on infrastructure interconnection

Following a significant focus on the construction of new infrastructure in Macau in the past five years and the contracting of others that will extend for at least three to four more years, the new Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Raymond Tam, said that his primary focus will be interconnecting all these new infrastructures so that people in Macau can take the best advantage of them.

Tams major tasks include interconnecting infrastructures, fostering a more convenient and efficient flow of cross-border elements, and jointly boosting the high-quality development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macau In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin.

Additionally, Tam pledged to establish a patriotic and efficient team, focusing on optimizing services and facilities for the populations well-being and strengthening interdepartmental cooperation to build a better Macau with concrete actions.
MOSCOW (Reuters) - The Kremlin said on Tuesday that Russia values its close relations with Armenia and that the United States, which is set to sign a strategic partnership agreement with Armenia, had never played a stabilising role in the region.

An ex-Soviet republic, Armenia has traditionally served as a key ally of Russia but in recent years the country has forged closer ties with the West.

"The United States, of course, is trying in every possible way to pull new countries into its wake," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters during a daily briefing.

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Washington, he added, "has never played a particularly stabilising role in the South Caucasus - one could even say the opposite".

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken are set to sign a strategic partnership agreement in Washington later on Tuesday. The State Department and the Armenian ministry did not release further details.

Washington and Yerevan hold annual joint military drills in Armenia and the countries have signed several trade and investment agreements. The U.S. also hosts a sizable Armenian diaspora.

Armenia's parliament last week backed a bill to launch the country's bid to join the European Union, although a rapid accession is unlikely.

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Yerevan's relations with Moscow meanwhile have soured over what Armenia casts as Russia's failure to defend it from neighbouring rival Azerbaijan, including during a brief war in 2023.

Though Armenia remains a treaty ally of Russia, it has said repeatedly that it does not support Moscow's war in Ukraine and has sent humanitarian aid to Kyiv.

Peskov told reporters that Armenia had a sovereign right to develop ties with any country, but said Russia values its relations with Armenia and "intends to develop them further".

(Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Lucy Papachristou; Editing by Mark Trevelyan and Angus MacSwan)
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  The Krewe of Harambee celebrates 25 years the same way they have since their inception with a party and a purpose.

The krewe has long donated to organizations that support the African American community and others as well. They provide scholarships, support the Sickle Cell foundation, help schools and support families in crisis. These are just some of the charitable causes they support.

Something Good with Lynn Vance: A year in review

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Harambee Queen 2025 Markey Pierre said, People love to say that we party a lot and we do, we party but we party with a purpose and this year our 25th anniversary celebration and our theme is Harambee presents a Silver Millennium a celebration of black culture and were just excited about the work that we do in our community and how we give back to our community.

They have some big events coming up including the MLK Parade on February 17th at 1 p.m. in downtown Shreveport and their Grand Ball which will be held at the Shreveport convention center starting at 6 p.m.

If you want more information about the krewe or to help them support their mission contact Cynthia Pearson at kreweof harambee@gmail.com or Shanerika Flemings at shanerikaflemings@gmail.com

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
Tuesdays Top Stories

Tuesdays Five Facts

[1] Otero County sheriffs deputy facing murder charge after fatally shooting teen  An Otero county Sheriffs Deputy has been charged with first degree murder for shooting and killing a teen. Body cam footage shows deputy Jacob Diaz-Austin spotting 17-year-old Elijah Hadley walking along U.S. Highway 70 on June 25, 2024. After being given a command to stop, video shows Hadley stop then toss a BB gun to the side as the deputy fires four times. After more commands Hadley rolls over and the deputy opens fire again.

[2] Judge denies bid to block WNMU president from $1.9M severance payout  Western New Mexico University President Joseph Shepard resigned last month after stepping down due to allegations of improper spending. Regents guaranteed him a severance, which has already been paid out. Attorney General Raul Torrez recently announced an investigation into the regents actions and whether they violated their duty to the university by negotiating that deal. A judge ruled there is not enough information to justify blocking the Shepard from using the funds, but left the option open if the state presents further evidence.

[3] Bitterly cold start before milder & drier weather  Air temperatures for nearly all are below freezing with light winds making it feel a little bit colder, but eventually, temperatures will slowly rise ahead with drier air in the short term. Snow flurries will remain in the far-Northern Mountains will some drizzle in Southeast New Mexico overnight, but otherwise skies will mostly clear out from clouds. An eventual warming trend with drier westerly winds will return later this week before our next wintry pattern this weekend.

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[4] Familys 68-year-old Albuquerque relative missing for six days  A New Mexico veteran and former New Mexico State Police Officer is still missing and his family is asking for help from the community. 68-year-old New Mexico native Richard Hoak lives in the South Valley. The Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office say he was last seen on Atrisco near Central last Tuesday. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact BCSO.

[5] We want to do right by this brand: New owners of Marble Brewery speak out  Late last year, word spread on social media and within the beer industry that Marbles future was on the rocks. Now the new owners, Bert Boyce and Jarret Babincsak, formerly with Santa Fe Brewing Company, are in their second week on the job. While the pair says there are some things to change and equipment to upgrade, theres also a lot to keep. The duo says they are committed to keeping the community at the heart of Marble.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  Kentucky State Police have released the name of a suspect that was shot by Owensboro Police responding to a 911 call last month.

According to a release from KSP, officers were dispatched to a residence on Orchard Street on December 21, 2024, following a 911 call. At the home, police found Marcello C. Johnson Jr., 21, of Owensboro, holding a knife and refusing to leave the home and reportedly making threats to the homeowner and her children.

Authorities say officers issued several verbal commands to drop the knife, forcing Owensboro Police officers Michael Cory Johnson and Sergeant Anthony Williams to fire their weapons at Johnson. After the shooting, Johnson was transported to a hospital for treatment for his injuries.

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Johnson was booked into the Daviess County Detention Center and charged with assault, unlawful imprisonment and resisting arrest.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
Happy Tuesday, and welcome to another edition of Rent Free.

This week's newsletter takes an extended look at the Los Angelesarea fires and the alleged link between bad zoning, land use, insurance, and environmental review policies and the damage done by the fires themselves.

The Los Angeles Fires and the Overblown Role of Public Policy

California, of course, has many bad public policies. You can't swing a dead cat without hitting a bad California policy. Swinging the cat probably violates a couple of them.

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With the outbreak of deadly fires in the Los Angeles area, a number of journalists and wonks are drawing links between many of these bad policies and the unprecedented destruction resulting from the blaze.

State and federal environmental review laws add years of delay to needed controlled burns and fuels reduction activity on public lands. California's zoning laws have pushed more people into the urban periphery where they're more exposed to wildfire risk. California's suppression of home insurance premiums has done the same by masking the cost of living in wildfire-prone areas.

These criticisms are all leveled at bad policies this newsletter has repeatedly covered.

In some contexts, those policies do make the damage done by wildfires worse. They'll certainly complicate Los Angeles' recovery efforts.

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But the connection between bad land use, insurance, and environmental regulations and the damage done by the current Los Angeles fires to people and property is more tenuous.

On closer inspection, this appears to be a severe natural disaster with natural causes. Bad public policy has played only a marginal role.

Reviewing the Role of Environmental Review

The hilly shrubland where the Palisades and Eaton fires started, and are still burning, are a mesh of federal, state, and locally owned parks, nature preserves, and undeveloped open space.

A lot of commentary has naturally focused on how federal and state environmental review laws prevent state and federal agencies from doing fuels reduction activity that would reduce wildfire risk on these lands.

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The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and its state-level equivalent, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), both require agencies to produce book-length reports before performing controlled burns or mechanically thinning vegetation.

Producing those book reports takes years. Environmental lawsuits alleging insufficiently long book reports can add additional years to the process.

According to research by the Property and Environment Research Center (PERC), NEPA reviews for mechanical thinning (where flammable vegetation is cleared away) can take over five years. Reviews of prescribed burns can take over seven. Litigation can add another year or two to the process.

This lengthy environmental review process makes good forest management much more difficult. There's not a lot of evidence that it's contributed to the severity of the Los Angeles fires.

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That's because the chaparral and shrubcovered hillsides currently burning are not areas where controlled burns would typically be done, says Luca Carmignani, an assistant professor and wildfire researcher at San Diego State University*.

"Controlled burns" in those environments are hard to control. Period.

Fires in shrubland areas "tend to be high-intensity fires where the entire plant burns. It's a little less controllable than fire on the ground of a forest floor. That tends to be much, much lower intensity," he tells Reason. "Controlled burns are done in some cases, but it's mostly for areas covered by grass or areas not really applicable to Los Angeles."

Mechanical thinning is a more useful fuels reduction method in the Los Angeles areas, says Carmignani. It's also an area where a lot of mechanical thinning already happens.

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The Santa Monica Mountains, where the Palisades fire is still burning, has been the site of a lot of mechanical thinning activity. Journalist Kevin Drum notes that fuel reduction activity happened on over half a million acres in California last year.

More likely could have been done without NEPA and CEQA in the way.

Even so, there's also only so much fuels reduction can do to reduce wildfire risk in the conditions that led to Los Angeles' current fires: exceptionally strong seasonal Santa Ana winds that reached hurricane levels of intensity.

"If you have strong winds, embers fly away miles ahead of the fire," says Carmignani. Clearing a few hundred yards here or there can provide firefighters with areas to operate. But it isn't going to stop the fire from spreading to new areas when winds are that high.

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If the four-lane Pacific Coast Highway wasn't enough of a fire break to prevent beachside Malibu homes from burning down, one wonders what would be.

The WUI Has To Go Somewhere

Numerous articles argue that California's land use regulations have thwarted urban infill development in favor of suburban sprawl in the fire-prone wildland-urban interface (WUI). The low-density, wood-frame, single-family housing built in the WUI is the type of housing most at risk of burning down.

This narrative isn't wrong. But its relevance to the destructiveness of the Los Angeles fires is tenuous.

As City Journal's James Meigs writes (in an article otherwise critical of California's restrictions on infill development), "L.A.'s damaged and threatened neighborhoods are an outlier in this dynamic [of infill restrictions encouraging suburban sprawl]. Some were developed as much as a century ago, long before economic factors lured other Californians into WUI regions."

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The population of Altadena, where the Eaton Fire has destroyed thousands of homes and claimed over a dozen lives, has been flat since 1970, for instance.

Indeed, a notable feature of these fires is just how urban they are. Local governments in solidly urban communities like Santa Monica and Pasadena have issued evacuation orders for parts of their cities.

Pacific Palisades, the other community most heavily affected by the fires, also doesn't neatly fit the story of infill restrictions begetting fire-prone suburban sprawl.

The reason that people live in Pacific Palisades is more easily attributable to pull factors of the area's beautiful hills and ocean views than the push factor of urban Los Angeles' restrictions on multifamily development.

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If an apartment in the city is what the residents of Pacific Palisades preferred, odds are they could afford iteven with the artificial scarcity created by zoning.

One reason that urban infill development is more resilient to wildfire risks is that it is urban: A concrete apartment building that covers an entire lot is less of a burn risk than a wooden single-family home surrounded by yards.

Another reason is that it's infill: There are a lot of structures between it and natural, wildfire-prone areas. But the wildland-urban interface is going to be somewhere.

"If you have any city, you're going to have a border with some amount of wildland. In California, just about any kind of undeveloped land is going to have some particular wildfire risk," says Judge Glock, research director at the Manhattan Institute. "You cannot prevent wildfire by not developing."

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It's true that single-family homes with large yards are more at risk of burning down. Zoning mandates low-density development in areas currently being threatened by fire.

Even in a world without zoning and density restrictions, one would also assume that areas on the urban periphery (wherever it lies) are going to be of lower densities as well.

Suppressed Premiums, Enhanced Fire Risk?

Even single-family homes on large lots can be hardened against fire risk. Ideally, insurance companies who write policies in wildfire-prone areas would incentivize homeowners to adopt some of these hardening features.

California's insurance regulations, as Reason covered yesterday, limit insurers' ability to accurately price wildfire risk into policy premiums while also forcing them to renew policies in wildfire-prone areas.

These regulations have created a financial crisis in California's property insurance market and are the driving force behind the state's largest insurers' efforts to scale back the business they do in the state.

Did these same insurance regulations result in more building in Los Angeles' wildfire-prone area and thus more homes being devoured by wildfire?

The answer is "maybe," says Ray Lehman, a senior fellow at the International Center for Law and Economics. He says fire risk doesn't increase linearly with the amount of development that's built in fire-prone areas.

Building a little bit of housing in a wildfire-prone area increases risk because that small amount of housing is next to a lot of combustible nature. But building a lot of housing reduces fire risk because that combustible nature is consumed by less flammable development.

There's a point where the marginal additional home goes from increasing an area's fire risk to reducing it.

Conceivably, California's artificially reduced premiums increased development in wildfire-prone areas, says Lehman. Whether that increased development increased or decreased wildfire risk is harder to say.

That calculation is also complicated by the fact that "there will always be very wealthy people who like to live on very large properties on cliffsides in the woods," says Lehman.

As mentioned, some of the areas most devastated by the Los Angelesarea fires have been very wealthy areas in Pacific Palisades, Malibu, and the Hollywood Hills.

Absent insurance subsidies, it's likely there'd still be a lot of rich people willing to pay very high insurance premiums to live in large homes in semirural seclusion.

Properly priced insurance would certainly help incentivize more fire-safe building techniques and retrofits. But it wouldn't stop homes being built in high fire-risk areas.

Marginal Effects

The above post might well read like a long list of "well, actually"s, particularly given that California's zoning, environmental review, and insurance laws are all deeply flawed and in need of much reform.

A number of these policies will certainly make it more difficult for California to recover from the still-burning wildfires ravaging the Los Angeles area.

The state's ruinous insurance regulations had already left many homeowners without coverage and pushed the industry as a whole into crisis mode before the most recent conflagrations. The estimated $150 billion in damages caused by the Palisades and Eaton fires only adds to this regulatory-created disaster.

California's land use regulations made building housing an unnecessarily expensive and lengthy process before the fires. The burden of those regulations will become only more apparent as tens of thousands of homes and businesses need to be rebuilt.

But one shouldn't overpromise the results of reform. A California with more rational, liberal zoning laws and more accurately priced insurance is still going to experience wildfires.

Those wildfires will still destroy homes and tragically continue to claim lives. Better policy can mitigate the damage and reduce risk. But those risks can never be erased so long as we live on a planet that occasionally wants to kill us.

Quick Links

Speaking of burdensome California regulations, Gov. Gavin Newsom has issued an emergency order that waives property owners' need to comply with CEQA and coastal zone regulations when rebuilding, provided those rebuilds aren't much bigger than whatever structure was destroyed in the fire.

Some state legislators are praising Newson's executive order while calling for wider, permanent permitting reform in the wake of the fires.

CEQA and other permitting regimes, once envisioned as protections for our environment, have morphed into obstacles for meeting our housing and climate goals. This is a perfect opportunity for us to exercise broader permitting reform in the face of our new climate reality.  Buffy Wicks (@BuffyWicks) January 12, 2025

The destruction wrought by the Los Angeles fires is providing a teachable moment in supply and demand. The destruction of so many homes is boosting demand for the remaining units, the Los Angeles Times reports. Local and state rent control laws are keeping a lid on the natural price hikes that would result, with the consequence that individual units are attracting dozens, and occasionally hundreds, of applications.

Over at CityLab, Kriston Capps covers some of the fire-resistant building techniques that helped save some Los Angelesarea homes from destruction.

It's not just homes and businesses being destroyed by the fires. Los Angelesarea churches and other houses of worship have also been destroyed or damaged by the blaze.

*CORRECTION: The original version of this article misidentified Carmignani's employer.

The post The L.A. Fires Are a Natural Disaster, Not a Policy Disaster appeared first on Reason.com.
EXCLUSIVE: Dallas Raines wasnt born in the City of Angels, but few Angelenos exemplify Southern California like the Georgia-bred ABC7 News chief meteorologist, a perspective that is especially true in times of extreme weather like the hurricane-force winds and raging wildfires that have cut a seemingly unprecedented destructive swath through the region this past week.

This is one of the most beautiful places in the world, but these winds and fires are things that we are going to have to deal with forever, the 40-year resident of L.A. said bluntly Monday, as he prepared to go on-air for the West Coast flagship of Disney-owned ABC.

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Since winds began gusting last week, Los Angeles County has seen fires scorch tens of thousands of acres, decimate thousands of homes and other buildings, and forced hundreds of thousands to be evacuated. More than two dozen people are dead, that we know of so far. The fire that roared up Hollywoods Runyon Canyon on Jan. 8 was put out fairly quickly, and the Kenneth Fire in the San Fernando Valley is contained. However, flames are still blazing and residents are still under mandatory evacuations at the Palisades Fire, the Eaton Fire and the Hurst Fire.

And, with another red-flag warning in effect, more looks likely to come  and soon.

The National Weather Service has issued a Particularly Dangerous Situation warning across most of the county, with winds that could reach up to 70 mph anticipated from 4 a.m. Jan. 14 until noon Wednesday. While the LAFD and other first responders are dug in to fight whatever fires may flare up, turbulence could make it impossible for choppers and Super Soakers to take to the air to douse the flames.

Amid all that, Raines spoke with Deadline about what the past week has wrought. The AP Award-winning weatherman with one of the most distinctive names in all of TV also looks at what could be coming, where to get your information from and what can be done to help cut down SoCals never-ending cycle of such fires.

DEADLINE: The past week has been gut-wrenching for our town, like all the worst parts of the Bible at once. But in all that, local TV and you guys on ABC 7 have been essential in keeping people informed, from the wind movement, the fires, the devastations and the efforts to combat the destruction. So, my question is, what has the past week been like for you?

DALLAS RAINES: Just doing my job, Dominic.

DEADLINE: More than ever sir 

RAINES: Well, thank you, but you know, anything that we can do on this end, from a meteorological perspective, we just want to try every day to give our viewers and all of Southern California an opportunity to kind of know whats coming.

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And thats the real key  is try. And, can we forecast well enough in advance without scaring people.

DEADLINE: How do you mean?

RAINES: I remember when we were working on this about eight days before the event itself, and I was talking to some friends of mine at National Weather Service. I was saying, you know what, this looks really bad as far as damage. Now, we all just hope and pray that a fire is not ignited during these types of winds and wind events, but at least, I think we did a really solid job of getting the information that what, more than likely, was going to happen. That it was going to be an excessive Santa Ana wind event. These curve out once every 10 years or so, give or take a few years, and even though Southern Californians are used to Santa Ana wind events, one of this magnitude can still be shocking.

L.A. firefighters stand guard at a home on Mandeville Canyon Road in the Palisades Fire Jan. 11

DEADLINE: With that, were you surprised about what happened starting on January 7, with the Palisades Fire starting?

RAINES: To be honest, I really wasnt surprised about what happened.

DEADLINE: Why?

RAINES: Because I knew that if a fire was ignited, that the winds would be blowing so hard that helicopters cant fly. And when you look at the whole event, and firefighters are working very hard to try to control things the best that they can. But the reality of it is in an excessive Santa Ana wind, Dominic, if a fire is started out of one of these canyons where all of these homes are downwind, southwest of the wind event, its almost impossible to stop it. It really is.

DEADLINE: But the ferocity of it, Dallas, old timers, seasoned Angelenos say theyve never seen anything like this 

RAINES: Well, I didnt grow up here, but I was looking back, and you guys can look this up too, at the great firestorm of Malibu in 1978. It kind of goes back a ways, but it was so close to what we had this time. I was looking at some of the pictures of some of the old fire trucks that had burned, and I was looking at some of those hillsides, and also what I saw was that the population was half of what it is now, in terms of homes.

DEADLINE: Density certainly has proven an issue. Another issue weve seen this year, like we did late last year with the Franklin fires, is misinformation and disinformation, Now, Im not going to go over that chapter and verse 

RAINES: I know what you mean 

DEADLINE: But I did want to get your take on the proliferation of bad intel, and how you think people can get the right information that they can act on?

RAINES: Well, I think that you need to listen to a credible source. Thats number one. Now I do realize in my long career in broadcasting where weve come from, if you wanted weather information, you used to get it on ABC, CBS, NBC, that was pretty much it, and then CNN, where I did the first weather. Nowadays, there are people out there on the internet that have all kinds of information. You have people forecasting. Now, what their credentials are, we never know, nor their experiences. The fact is that that information is out there, and people need to be pretty careful about what theyre listening to. Make sure that the information that theyre getting is correct and coming from a credible source.

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In todays world, you see all kind of things flying around and, a lot of them, theyre just not real, credible sources. So, I think thats a concern.

Police take security measures on the streets of Los Angeles County during the Eaton Fire in Altadena

DEADLINE: You know, a concern I see, and I would never want to understate the tragic losses this past week  how we all know someone, several people who have lost everything, some who have died, and the amazing work of the LAFD and other first responders. But it is also true that these fires are not new to Southern California. With varying degrees, they happen several times a year and have for decades 

RAINES: Yes. This is one of the most beautiful places in the world, but these winds and fires are things that we are going to have to deal with forever.

When I first arrived in Southern California, I was really shocked at two things. That every year the Santa Ana winds come, a fire is ignited. It burns up peoples homes, and we start over again. And there are two things that I have always felt, and Ive shared that with many, many people, close friends and people in the news business. There are two things that I think  now this is arduous, so its not something we just say, oh, well just do this, and it ends it. It doesnt. But I think if they could do two things, could mitigate this, or ameliorate it to the point where you could really drop it down.

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DEADLINE: What would those two things be?

RAINES: One, during red-flag warnings, the major canyon passes are shut down and only to people who live there are allowed in.

Now I know, people say thats inconvenient. It is. Itll be a slight inconvenience.

But if you think about our city right now, our beautiful city, this could help, if you close down just during red-flags, which are usually last a couple of days, 48 hours at the most. Close down the main canyons. You cant close down everything, but you can close down the main roads.

I live near Angeles Crest, and to show you how bad it is, is by Sunday, there were motorcycles going up Angeles Crest. Dangerous. So, close down the major canyons, and then get individuals working with their communities.

DEADLINE: How so?

RAINES: A lot of times, you could get people who are retired folks, who are just willing to give the time for the community, for their neighborhood. Have them do a community watch.

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This is just my opinion, but if you see someone strange in your neighborhood at 10 oclock in the morning, and you may not know all your neighbors, but notify the fire department or the Sheriff. They can just come up and say, hey, its red-flag warning you cant be up here. Look, nobody loves hiking more than I do. I go to the canyons all the time, but Im willing to sacrifice for our community to, you know, walk on the beach or do something else other than hiking the canyons during red-flags. Its that simple.

DEADLINE: So, where do we go from here, once we get past these next few days?

RAINES: Well, the population will continue to increase, for one. I predict too that they will completely rebuild Pacific Palisades.

DEADLINE: Totally?

RAINES: Why not? Its the most beautiful area in the world, and people want to live and enjoy that. But we have to know these winds are going to happen for as long as in our short lifetimes and beyond. So, these two things I think would happen would really help.

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Youd be surprised. I think youd see a major drop in these types of outbreaks. It wouldnt completely eliminate them, but I think youd see a tremendous drop in these fires. I really do.

DEADLINE: Well, that would be good.

RAINES: Yes.

Best of Deadline

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The Palisades Fire that has been burning for a week in Los Angeles County is only 14 percent contained as of Tuesday, and high winds in the forecast could make matters worse. Officials are already expecting the blaze to rank among the costliest wildfires in U.S. history. And while human health and safety remain the top concerns, state fisheries managers are also warning that the fire could devastate the last known steelhead run in the Santa Monica mountains.

Topanga Creek, which flows into the Pacific Ocean between Malibu and Los Angeles, contains the only remaining spawning habitat for steelhead trout in the Southern California mountain range. The small coastal creek has also been completely scorched over the last week, according to the Los Angles Times.

While the streams of the Santa Monicas were historically rich in Pacific salmon and steelhead, a host of dams built during the 20th century cut off access to most of these river systems. Topanga is now the only creek in the area where rainbow trout can freely swim to the ocean and back. As such, its one of the last strongholds for Southern California steelhead trout, a unique and increasingly rare subspecies of steelhead that was listed as endangered in 2024.

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One of our biggest concerns  is losing that last population of fish, California Department of Fish and Wildlife environmental scientist supervisor Kyle Evans told the Times, referring to the steelhead trout that inhabit Topanga Creek.

Its not necessarily the flames but their aftermath that has fisheries experts concerned, as the charred river canyon will now be extra-prone to landslides. One heavy rain could easily push all that dirt, debris, and charred silt into Topanga Creek. The resulting debris flow would then suffocate nearly every fish in its path.

This exact scenario has played out in recent years on other Western trout streams, including Colorados Cache la Poudre River, where fisheries managers recorded an 80 percent decline in trout populations in the aftermath of the 2020 Cameron Peak Fire. During a survey that was conducted downstream of a hard-hit area a little more than one year after the burn, biologists found a nearly 20-mile stretch of the Poudre that was devoid of trout.

Read Next: I Turned My Antelope Hunters Away. Wyoming Wildfires Have Been Devastating. Theyre Also an Opportunity to Fix Fencing for Wildlife

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Due to these very real concerns, Evans said CDFW is already looking at a potential rescue plan, where biologists would hike into Topanga Creek to pull the trout out and then transport them with coolers and trucks to a holding facility. Theoretically, these fish would be returned to the creek after the first big rains pass through and flush most of the silt and charred debris out of the system.

The mouth of Topanga Creek in Malibu, photographed in 2008. It feeds into the ocean during rainy season, but after the fires, experts are concerned landslides and ash will kill the streams steelhead. Photo by Mel Melcon for the L.A. Times, via Getty Image

CDFW did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the proposed steelhead rescue. The Los Angeles Times, however, reports that similar rescue plans are being considered for trout streams in the nearby San Gabriel Mountains, where the Eaton Fire is burning.
Los Angeless rich and famous are facing growing criticism for using private firefighters and personal fire hydrants to protect their homes against the deadly wildfires.

Elites in the city, which has been burning for six days, have spent tens of thousands preparing for such an event, spraying their homes in fire-retardant gels, building water storage facilities and keeping for-hire fire professionals on speed dial.

Companies who dispatch private firefighter crews told The Telegraph that the full packages to defend homes against wildfires cost at least $25,000 (20,500) upwards  with an undisclosed top-tier fee for home visits during an emergency.

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A two-person crew with a small vehicle can cost $3,000 a day, while a larger crew of 20 firefighters in four fire trucks can go up to $10,000 a day.

Our house is standing... everything around us is gone

Rick Caruso, a billionaire developer and 2022 Los Angeles mayoral candidate, was seen using private fire crews to protect his shopping complex, known as the Palisades Village, from the fast-spreading blaze last week.

According to the New York Times, while fire hydrants ran dry on Wednesday, private water trucks arrived to save Mr Carusos properties.

Our property is standing, Mr Caruso, who has previously been commissioner for the citys Department of Water and Power, later told reporters. Everything around us is gone. It is like a war zone, he said.

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Footage later showed how his expensive shops were left perfectly intact, almost the only structures in the area untouched by the flames.

WATCH



Rick Caruso, the businessman who ran against Karen Bass for mayor, used private firefighters and water tankers to save the Palisades Village Mall from disaster.



Via @BreitbartNews pic.twitter.com/hzeEZ8io3c  Open Source Intel (@Osint613) January 12, 2025

On Sunday, the LA Times reported that Mr Caruso had also called in firefighters from five different private firefighting outfits to surround his private home in Brentwood as the blaze moved nearer.

Critics called his actions totally dystopian, while others called for an investigation to see if he used any public resources to protect his businesses.

A plane drops fire retardant during the Eaton Fire near Altadena, California - Benjamin Fanjoy

An aerial view of fire trucks, utility, and other vehicles parked along Pacific Coast Highway near homes destroyed in the Palisades Fire - Mario Tama

Adam Leber, an LA talent manager, has also come under heat for using private firefighters to save his 6,000 sq ft home in the Hollywood Hills.

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My family and I are unbelievably lucky to be in the position that were in, given what everyone else is going through, Mr Leber, whose clients include Miley Cyrus and Lil Nas X, told the San Francisco Chronicle. He said the crew held off the flames until government firefighters arrived.

A one-stop fire fighting shop

Those dispatched to his house came from All Risk Shield, a Californian company that offers private wildfire prevention.

Its founder, Joe Torres, told The Telegraph that he had been inundated with calls from people desperate for his services and said his team had managed to save houses where others burned.

But their work starts long before the fire is lit. Mr Torres, who is also an active California firefighter, said: We assess properties, identify risk, what could be done, fit gutter guards, sprinkler systems, long-term fire retardants Were like a one-stop shop for folks.

Private firefighters guard this Hollywood Hills house from #SunsetFire. They've set up sprinklers to cascade water from the second story eaves. They will guard all night. pic.twitter.com/Wj9fIocM1y  Matthias Gafni (@mgafni) January 9, 2025

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Cost-wise, the packages start at $25,000 and go up from there. But he insists that his services are for everyone  not the ultra-high net worth individuals, not just the celebrities, but average homeowners too.

There is also a growing number of homes that have in recent years invested in their own personal fire hydrants, which can cost from $65,000 to $150,000 to install.

The hydrants are usually connected to private tanks but can also be hooked up to the municipal water systems. LA real estate agents say they have become a major selling point in high-end homes.

However, Mr Torres said his company does not mess around with those. Instead, his companys systems are set up to use water from the homeowners pools or spas.

The charred remains of a home destroyed by the Palisades Fire - AGUSTIN PAULLIER

The fire-ravaged Pacific Palisades Bowl Mobile Estates - AGUSTIN PAULLIER

Its most premium service, which he said it does not advertise and only uses in a handful of cases, involves sending out retired firefighters to private homes.

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At Mr Lebers property, for example, they carried out a pump and go visit, Mr Torres said, which involved prepping the property by getting the pool pumps out and sprinkler systems running.

The crew were also seen rigging up the sprinklers so a waterfall of water fell over the front exterior of the home.

Buying your way out of disaster

The conspicuous presence of private fire crews during the ongoing fires has drawn sharp anger from those who say it allows only the rich to buy their way out of a disaster, heightening class divides.

But it also highlights the booming business of private firefighting that first gained widespread attention in 2018 when Kim Kardashian and Kanye West revealed they had hired a crew to save their $60 million mansion in the Hidden Hills during a wildfire.

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At the time, the couple faced criticism for using their wealth to buy what should be a public service. Kardashian, however, claimed her private crew had also saved her neighbours houses.

On Jan 7, as the fire in the affluent neighbourhood of the Pacific Palisades first broke out, Keith Wasserman, a real estate executive, faced similar backlash for offering to pay any amount for private firefighters to defend his mansion.

In a now-deleted post on X, he wrote: Does anyone have access to private firefighters to protect our home in Pacific Palisades? Need to act fast here. All neighbours houses burning. Will pay any amount. Thank you.

The epitome of nerve and tone deaf! someone replied. Another questioned why he would ask firefighters to risk their lives to save a home he most certainly has insured.

Fireproofing versus battling flames

Private firefighters arent new, theyve been relied on for decades in the US, contracted by states or the federal government during big wildfire events. What is new is that contractors are hiring out their services directly to homeowners.

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State and government firefighters warn that they risk getting in the way, causing damage or even accelerating a fire because the private crews are focused on saving a particular property rather than protecting entire communities.

However, the majority of private crews work for insurance companies, rather than wealthy homeowners, and most focus on fireproofing rather than actually battling flames.

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David Torgerson is the founder and executive chairman of Wildfire Defense Systems, which contracts with a majority of the top 10 insurance carriers to protect clients in high-risk fire areas.

He told The Telegraph that insurance-contracted fireproofing and firefighters are a win-win across the equation  the cost is usually borne by the insurance provider as it helps them avoid big payouts.

Mr Torgersons company is the third largest wildfire response operation after the federal government and the state of California.

Currently, in Los Angeles, he said they have personnel on every street, at every fire accompanied by fire trucks and armed with fire retardants, fire-blocking gels, trimers, blowers and water tanks.

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Our mission is not to do the job of the public firefighters, he said, but to focus on reducing economic loss. He refers to it as a wildlife science job.

But they can only help those who have that kind of insurance. They are often powerless to enter another property, even if it burns next to one they are saving.

LA becoming uninsurable

However, Mr Torgerson said the big story should not be about how individual properties are saved from fires, but whether LA, as a city, is becoming uninsurable.

The damage from the ongoing fires is expected to surpass $250 billion and in recent years insurance companies have cut back on coverage in California due to wildfire risk.

What we need to do is create neighbourhoods that can survive wildfires passing through, Mr Torgerson said. To make sure that once a fire enters the city, it doesnt burn down like a house of cards.

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When disaster strikes, unfortunately, so do scammers. And the Los Angeles wildfires are no exception.

Yesterday, Kim Kardashian warned her followers about fraudsters pretending to be her and presenting fake wildfire relief fundraisers in order to collect their cash. Victims whove lost their homes have also reported fake crowdfunding campaigns using their photos and information to scam would-be donors.

Scams tend to proliferate during disasters because they create a perfect combination of vulnerability and urgency, said Lisa Plaggemier, the National Cybersecurity Alliances executive director. Scammers exploit the chaos and heightened emotions to trick victims into rash decisions.

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She added that opportunistic cybercriminals seek to capitalize on peoples distress during difficult times  as well as the generosity of those witnessing the distress.

Scams prey on the publics innate want to help out when they see someone else in need, and disasters trigger a sense of urgency that makes helpers less cautious than they would be normally, said Mary James, a Los Angeles native and contributor to the digital security and online privacy resource All About Cookies.

Whos behind these sickening scams? Just like fraud, the reality is that cybercriminals can come in many forms and operate through a wide spectrum of sources.

It could be local individuals who are taking advantage of the situation, or it could be transnational organized crime syndicates, said Ally Armeson, executive director of programs at the Cybercrime Support Network. Also, its important to remember these scams will range from simple to highly sophisticated.

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To help people avoid falling victim to scams amid the devastation of the wildfires, HuffPost asked security experts to break down the most common disaster-related scams, how to spot them and what steps you can take to protect yourself.

What sorts of scams are popping up right now?

Many of the scams right now are for donations toward California wildfire victims or first responder agencies, James explained. Typically, someone will reach out with a link in an email, text message or social media post and ask the public for donations. It may even look like a legitimate organization.

She emphasized that anyone can create a fake website that spoofs a real charity, buy a list of emails or phone numbers on the dark web and push out their scam link. Inexperienced cybercriminals can even purchase phishing toolkits and templates to easily facilitate their fraud.

Scammers may send messages claiming to be from FEMA, [the] Red Cross or local government asking for personal information or donations, Armeson noted. Or scammers will create fake charities by designing convincing websites or social media accounts posing as disaster relief organizations looking for donations.

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In addition to phishing emails and imposter scams, you might also come across fake rental listings for displaced residents or fake crowdfunding campaigns on real platforms.

Scammers may steal pictures or information from legitimate crowdfunding campaigns, which can make it difficult to research and confirm which campaign is legitimate, Armeson said.

Wildfire victims should be on the lookout for fraudsters pretending to be contractors, insurance adjusters or government officials offering assistance on the ground.

Scammers might offer fake services, such as debris removal or home repairs, taking payment upfront and then disappearing without completing the work, explained Brittany Allen, a trust and safety architect at Sift. Fraudsters also will not hesitate to use mans best friend as their bait. In one scam, they post pictures of animals to social media with false information about them being injured in the LA fires and requiring emergency surgery, complete with a donation link.

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In even more disturbing cases, a scammer might contact someone with a missing pet and pose as a trusted authority with urgent news about their animal, she added. Then, they demand the owner send a large sum of money to cover the veterinary care, threatening that if they dont, their pet will be immediately euthanized.

The public should also be wary of identity and insurance scams targeted at the victims of the fires as well as any potential attempt to steal the deed to land thats been affected, James added.

Ana Ashby, front, and her daughters Antonia and Judi, right, take in the destruction of their neighbor's home from the Pacific Palisades Fire. Christina House via Getty Images

What are the biggest signs of a scam?

The signs of a scam include unsolicited communications that demand immediate action, poor grammar and spelling in emails or messages, caller IDs that mimic legitimate entities but are slightly altered, and high-pressure tactics urging you to act quickly without time to think or consult others, Plaggemier noted.

If you didnt initiate the contact, proceed with caution. Can you verify that youre speaking to the person or organization they claim to be?

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A public figure like the governor of California or a celebrity is likely not emailing or texting individuals, especially if theyve never signed up for information from that person, James noted.

Its normal to want to do a little investigating before you send any personal information or money.

If the individual you are speaking with is pushy or aggressive in their solicitation, be cautious, Armeson advised. They may also discourage you from doing your research or asking questions. No legitimate organization will rush you to donate or discourage verification.

Pay attention to the requested payment method, as scammers tend to prefer less secure modes so that it is more difficult to recover lost funds.

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If youre asked to donate using a gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency, thats a red flag, Armeson said. Legitimate charities will give you the option to pay by credit card or check.

Armeson similarly noted that government agencies and aid organizations will not ask disaster victims for payments upfront in exchange for help.

If as a victim, youre asked to pay upfront for disaster relief services or in order to expedite relief, thats a red flag, she said. Another is if you are asked to provide personal information such as your Social Security number or bank account number. No legitimate charity will ask for this information.

Look out for the visual clues to a scam, like poor grammar or spelling, or a suspicious email address or URLs.

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If someone clicks the link from a text or email and sees a donation page pop up for a charity like the California Fire Foundation, it should then be cross-referenced to an internet search for the same organization, James said. If the link doesnt redirect to that exact site with the exact spelling, its a scam.

Look for the closed padlock symbol next to the URL in your browser to indicate the websites security.

The URL should be prefaced by https:// rather than http://, James noted. The s means its secure.

How can disaster victims protect themselves from scammers?

With so many potential tip-offs for fraud, the best way to protect yourself from scammers as a disaster victim is to proceed with caution and take time to verify the validity of any organizations or individuals you encounter. Resources like the California Office of the Attorney Generals charities page, the Better Business Bureau and other institutions official websites can aid your research.

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Only seek assistance from trusted, well established sources, Armeson advised. Ask any aid workers, contractors or government representatives you come in contact with for identification like a badge with photo and organization details. Look to make sure they have some sort of uniform or branded clothing, vehicles, or paperwork like licenses, permits, certifications.

If someone claims to be from a well-known agency or nonprofit like the American Red Cross, she recommended confirming that persons identity by calling the organizations official phone number or conferring with emergency management officers or local police on the ground.

Avoid giving out information on phone calls you did not initiate, James advised. If the person on the other end of the line threatens you with the loss of funds or property, hang up, look up the contact information for the agency that the person claimed to be from, and contact them through verified channels on their website. Its better to double check and cross reference than be the victim of a scam after being the victim of a disaster.

Operate with a healthy dose of skepticism. Dont share banking or personal information or make payments through non-secure methods. Consider whether identity theft protection makes sense for you.

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Disaster victims can protect themselves by checking for signs of phishing, such as suspicious email addresses or links, Allen noted.

Keep in mind that phishing scams have also gotten more sophisticated.

These messages can seem legitimate and quite convincing now that many scammers have access to generative AI tools, Armeson said. Remember, just because a message is free of spelling and grammar errors does not mean its legitimate.

She also urged disaster victims to be aware of their emotional states.

Know when to take a pause and wait to make a decision, Armeson advised. We tend to think well be able to see a scam coming, and many times, when things are going well and were not going through a terrible trauma, or were not distracted or stressed, we can see a scam for what it is.

But in times of difficulty like the aftermath of a disaster, people understandably feel emotional and stressed  not an ideal state for spotting a scam.

If you have friends or family that can help you, please reach out to them first for assistance if possible, Armeson said. They can at least be a trusted network that can help you research and decide where to go for help. And sometimes our friends and family can see a scam when we cant because they arent caught up in the manipulation tactics scammers use. Dont be embarrassed to ask for a second opinion.

Two people inspect the rubble of a home destroyed in the Eaton wildfire in Altadena, California. Anadolu via Getty Images

What steps can people or businesses wanting to aid with disaster relief take to protect themselves?

People and businesses looking to aid with disaster relief can protect themselves by conducting thorough research on the organizations they plan to support, Allen noted. They can check the legitimacy of charitable organizations by looking at Charity Watch and Charity Navigator.

As with disaster victims, she advised conducting research to verify any unsolicited communications or donation requests. Ensure youre donating to reputable organizations.

You can also type the organizations name in any online search engine along with the words reviews or scams and see if anyone has reviewed or complained about the charity, Armeson said. Please dont let your desire to help cause you to make a quick decision.

You can safely donate to a lesser-known organization if you have a familiarity or personal relationship with it.

For instance, Saint Sophias Greek Orthodox Church in Koreatown is an evacuation center, so Orthodox Christian churches across the country are holding fundraisers to send resources to St. Sophias, James explained. The church leaders and priests are able to personally connect with St. Sophias leaders and know its a legitimate place to send assistance.

If you want to donate to a crowdfunding effort, she noted that its best to seek out verified campaigns on official platforms like GoFundMe, which offers fraud protection.

Avoid sending money directly to individuals unless their claims can be verified, Plaggemier said, adding that keeping detailed records of all donations and transactions and using secure and traceable methods of payment is essential.

Again, credit cards and services like PayPal offer scam protection  unlike gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency. And above all, Remember to trust your intuition, James said.

If a donation request looks vague or doesnt feel right, its OK to say no and find a different organization, James said, adding that disaster efforts last long after the immediate danger has passed. While most scams are opportunistic, wanting to capitalize on the immediacy of the issue, long-term scams can also surface days, months, or even years after the disaster.

Thats why continued diligence is essential. Keep up with the latest fraud cases and approaches.

For those of us who are unaffected by the disaster, take a minute to educate your loved ones about not just disaster relief scams, but all scams, Armeson advised. We do not teach our children scam awareness and internet safety as much as we should. This is a great moment to point out a specific scam type and show them the red flags to watch out for.

Try to warn peers, parents and grandparents about common fraud tactics and how to recognize them as well.

As Armeson noted, A two- to three-minute conversation can stop a loved one from getting affected by a scam in the future.

Related...
U.S. and Arab mediators made significant progress overnight toward brokering a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war and the release of scores of hostages held in the Gaza Strip, but a deal hasnt been reached yet, officials said yesterday.

Three officials acknowledged that progress has been made and said the coming days would be critical for ending more than 15 months of fighting that has destabilized the Middle East. They spoke on condition of anonymity because they werent authorized to discuss the talks.

One of the three officials and a Hamas official said that there were still a number of hurdles to clear. On several occasions over the past year, U.S. officials have said that they were on the verge of reaching a deal, only to have the talks stall.

One person familiar with the talks said there had been a breakthrough overnight and that there was a proposed deal on the table. Israeli and Hamas negotiators will now take it back to their leaders for final approval, the person said.

The person said that mediators from the Gulf country of Qatar had put renewed pressure on Hamas to accept the agreement, while U.S. President-elect Donald Trumps envoy, Steve Witkoff, was pressing the Israelis. Witkoff recently joined the negotiations and has been in the region in recent days.

The person said that the mediators had handed off the draft deal to each side and that the next 24 hours would be pivotal.

An Egyptian official said that there had been good progress overnight, but that it would likely take a few more days, and that the sides were aiming for a deal before Trumps inauguration on Jan. 20. A third official said that the talks were in a good place, but hadnt been wrapped up. That official also assessed that a deal was possible before the inauguration.

A Hamas official, however, said that a number of contentious issues still need to be resolved, including an Israeli commitment to ending the war and details about the withdrawal of Israeli troops and the hostage-prisoner exchange. The official wasnt authorized to brief media and spoke anonymously.

The Egyptian official confirmed that those issues were still being discussed.

Months of negotiations have repeatedly stalled

The Biden administration, along with Egypt and Qatar, has spent more than a year trying to broker an agreement to end the deadliest war ever fought between Israelis and Palestinians and secure the release of scores of hostages captured in Hamas attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, which triggered the conflict.

But the sides have been divided over the details of the planned exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, as well as the nature of the ceasefire itself. Hamas has said that it wont release the remaining captives without an end to the war, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue the campaign until total victory over the militant group.

Under discussion now is a phased ceasefire. Netanyahu has repeatedly signaled that he is committed only to the first phase, a partial hostage release in exchange for a weekslong halt in fighting. The possibility of a lasting ceasefire and other issues would be negotiated after the first phase begins. Hamas has demanded a full withdrawal and complete end to the war, and is hoping that this first phase will lead to that outcome.

A deal could weaken Netanyahus coalition, which includes two far-right factions that have threatened to leave the government if Israel makes too many concessions. Members of the opposition have promised to give Netanyahu the support that he needs to approve a hostage release, but the hardliners anger could be a source of instability down the road.

Netanyahu is hoping that the prospect of a Trump administration  which includes allies of the West Bank settler movement  will persuade his partners to remain in the government.

U.S. President Joe Biden, who hopes to wrap up a deal before leaving office next week, spoke with Netanyahu about the talks on Sunday.

The head of Israels Mossad foreign intelligence agency, David Barnea, and Bidens top Middle East adviser, Brett McGurk, were both in the Qatari capital, Doha. Barneas presence meant high-level Israeli officials who would need to sign off on any agreement are once again involved in the talks.

McGurk has been working on final details of a text to be presented to both sides, Bidens national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, told CNNs State of the Union. But he said that he would not predict whether a deal can be reached by Jan. 20.

We are very, very close, he said. Yet being very close still means were far, because until you actually get across the finish line, were not there. VICTORIA EASTWOOD, SAMY MAGDY & JOSEF FEDERMAN, CAIRO, MDT/AP
(NewsNation)  Los Angeles firefighters have braved a near-unstoppable force in recent days as they attempted to save homes and cities from burning to the ground.

Some of the Los Angeles Fire Department were on the front lines Tuesday into Wednesday for 48 hours straight.

NewsNation spoke to firefighters who worked for 72 hours before having a break; such was the ferocity of fires moving in hurricane-like winds.

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Despite the vast devastation in several areas of LA, now and again, you will see an intact house, what firefighters call a save.

CA firefighters face impersonators, staffing shortages, low pay

It was just so much fire, so much heat, so many embers, and the wind was so strong that it was just overwhelming, Capt. Brent Waterwoth of the Fountain Valley Fire Department told Newsnation.

Even if we would pull up and see a house start to catch [fire], we would put a bunch of water on it, and then it would just go [up in flames], and the one next to it would go, and the one next to it would go. It was like an impossible mission, really, he added.

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Capt. Cameron Hutzler of the Newport Beach Fire Department told NewsNation he wants the people of the Palisades to know they tried everything we can to save their homes.

It really does break our hearts when were looking at these properties that only have a brick chimney thats still standing, and we see just everything is burning and smoking, and we know that theres so many memories, and it really breaks our hearts, he added.

At least 24 people have died as a result of the fires, with winds expected to pick up Monday and Tuesday after a comparative reprieve over the 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 NewsNation.
Originally appeared on E! Online

Hilary Duff is lending a hand to Mandy Moore and her family.

After the This Is Us stars Altadena home burned down in the devastating Los Angeles fires, shealong with her husband Taylor Goldsmith and kids August Gus Harrison, 3, Oscar Ozzie" Bennet, 2, and Louise Everett, 3 monthsfound refuge in Hilary and her husband Matthew Komas home.

Our dear friends @matthewkoma and @hilaryduff thought it [was] wise to set up a gofundme for us to help with everything moving forward, Taylors brother Griffin Goldsmithwho is expecting a baby boy in just a few weeks with wife Kit Goldsmithwrote in a Jan. 13 Instagram post. Not to mention they are currently housing my brothers family.

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Theyve taken care of my entire family from the moment this began, he gushed. I will never be able to thank them adequately. This is the kindest act any human could do for another. They are the most beautiful, selfless people weve ever known.

More from E! Online

And while Griffin expressed, there arent words to describe how I feel, the Walk to Remember actress struggled to process her own emotions following the tragic loss of their community.

I love you, Altadena, she wrote in the caption of a Jan. 8 Instagram post showing footage of local buildings on fire. Grateful for my family and pets getting out last night before it was too late (and endless gratitude to friends for taking us in and bringing us clothes and blankets).

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Honestly, Im in shock and feeling numb for all so many have lost, including my family, she explained. My childrens school is gone. Our favorite restaurants, leveled. So many friends and loved ones have lost everything too.

But with friends to help her through this difficult time, the 40-year-old spread a message of hope and positivity as the community looks toward the future.

Our community is broken but we will be here to rebuild together, Mandy noted. Sending love to all affected and on the front lines trying to get this under control.

And for the Tangled star, part of looking toward the future involved doing what she could to help her familywhich included sharing a fundraiser to help Griffin and Kit get back on their feet ahead of welcoming their first baby. But when critics began to question whether or not she was providing them financial support herself, she did not hesitate to clap back.

(Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Baby2Baby)

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, Mandy wrote in her Jan. 9 Instagram post. 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.

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Kindly F OFF, she added, no one is forcing you to do anything.

For more celebrities that have shared their experience with the Los Angeles fires, 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.

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Joshua Jackson

The Dawson's Creek alum confirmed on Jan. 12 that he had lost his home to the L.A. fires. First and most importantly, all the people closest to me affected by the fire are ok," Joshua told Deadline in statement. "My daughter, my family, my neighbors all made it out safely. Sadly my beautiful home did not survive the fires. But today, I feel incredibly lucky to be surrounded by the people I love.





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.





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.

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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 a Jan. 9 appearance on Elizabeth Vargas Report, 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.





Miles Teller & Keleigh Teller

The Top Gun Maverick stars wife 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, Keleigh 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.

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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."





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.

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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."





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."





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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."





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."

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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."





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."



For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
(NewsNation)  Officials are warning landlords in the Los Angeles area against price gouging, which is prohibited in California during a state of emergency.

Nikko Santo Pietro, Los Angeles real estate agent and son of Wheel of Fortunes Vanna White, said the supply of housing is so limited and that he can only imagine what the fires will continue to do for prices across Los Angeles County.

Santo Pietro said price gouging has previously been defined as raising prices by 10% over the preemergency price.

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However, hes awaiting guidance from the Department of Real Estate to clarify what is allowed and what isnt allowed. For now, the exact definition of price gouging is in a gray area.

We are seeing landlords and agents charging astronomical numbers for rent, Santo Pietro said during an appearance on Elizabeth Vargas Reports. Its inhumane. Its not right, morally. Its illegal.

Biden to convene top officials on LA wildfires response

At least 24 people have died in the Los Angeles area wildfires that have been blazing since last week.

LA County Sheriff Robert Luna said Monday there are 23 active missing persons cases in the county. Seventeen are in the Eaton Fire area, and six are in the Malibu area. All of those reported missing in the county are adults, Luna said. Los Angeles police said they are also working to look for six people unaccounted for in the city.

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As the sheriffs department continues grid-searching the Altadena area, Luna said at a press conference that they are running across the remains of individual community members.

That is not easy work, very sad to report, and I believe that work is not only going to continue, but I believe well continue to find remains, 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 NewsNation.
(NewsNation)  Los Angeles County residents displaced by the deadly wildfires are now contending with another obstacle in trying to find a new place to live: Rising rental prices that, in some cases, are illegal.

Price gouging on rental properties and other necessities such as food and other household items has drawn the attention of the California Attorney Generals Office, which told the media outlet LAist that the state bans price gouging.

Under state law, price gouging occurs when the normal price of an item or service rises by more than 10%. But, the attorney general says that existing laws banning price-gouging havent kept some landlords from spiking their rentral price asks.

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School funding a guarantee amid LA closures: State superintendent

But in the wake of the wildfires that have displaced tens of thousands of local residents, rental prices around the region have jumped considerably. The New York Times reported that a recent review of rental properties showed increases ranging from 15% to 64%. One listing for a Bel Air home was listed at $29,500 per month, which was previously listed at $15,900.

Los Angeles real estate agent Nikko Santo Pietro told NewsNation on Monday, says that the wildfires have brought out the best and worst of people. The latter includes some landlords charging astronomical rents.

Its inhumane, its not right morally, he said.

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The realtor said the matter is currently a gray area as real estate professionals await word from the Department of Real Estate and from Bondas office.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta told the outlet that anyone noticing price gouging should immediately report it to his offices website.

If prices look really out of whack  if they look like theyve increased from what youre used to  report it to us, Bonta told the website. Well take it from there. Well evaluate it. Well hold folks accountable and enforce if necessary.

Other officials have spoken out to landlords who have spiked the price of their properties.

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This is absolutely unacceptable and illegal to do in the face of this horrible tragedy, State Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin said at a news conference Sunday, according to NBC News.

In California, a database of areas designated as being hit by disasters is available and includes a designation stating that price gouging is illegal in these areas. Among the affected areas are communities ravaged by the wildfires in which at least 26,000 people have applied for disaster relief funds. President Joe Biden announced on Monday that victims of the wildfires will receive a one-time payment of $770 to purchase basic necessities after being displaced.

But the jump in rental costs around Los Angeles County is not exclusive to the wildfires, National Housing Law Project attorney Natalie Maxwell told USA Today.

Maxwell said that her office sees people taking advantage of disasters as a way of an opportunity to make additional money.

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Firefighters deploy as strong winds threaten more LA neighborhoods

We see that over and over, Maxwell said.

USA Today reported that California Penal Code 396 specifically prohibits landlords from evicting tenants to offer the property up at a higher price to someone else. The law is also the statute that defines price gouging as anything that is more than 10% higher than the normal price. The law went into effect when California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency and covers a range of goods and services.

Yet, with so many people seeking shelter in the wake of the wildfires, The New York Times reports some people wont allow the price of moving in from doing so.

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There will be a desperation on the part of folks who will need housing, and an opportunity for property owners to take advantage of that, Rachel Bogardus Drew, senior research director at Enterprise Community Partners, an affordable-housing nonprofit, told The New York Times.

However, landlords who are found guilty of price-gouging face up to a year in jail and fines, Bonta told the BBC.

This is California law [and] its in place to protect those suffering from a tragedy, Bonta 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 NewsNation.
South Koreas spy agency told lawmakers yesterday that two North Korean soldiers who were captured by Ukrainian forces while fighting alongside Russian forces in Russias Kursk border region havent expressed a desire to seek asylum in South Korea.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said hes willing to hand over the soldiers to North Korea if the countrys authoritarian leader, Kim Jong Un, arranges for an exchange with Ukrainian prisoners of war in Russia. Zelenskyy said one of the North Korean soldiers wishes to stay in Ukraine while the other wants to return to his country, which was consistent with interview videos released by his government. If Kim Jong Un even remembers these citizens of his and is capable of organizing an exchange for our warriors being held in Russia, we are ready to transfer such soldiers. Undoubtedly there will be more POWs from North Korea, Zelenskyy said in an address late Sunday. He said in a separate posting on the social media platform X that there may be other options for North Korean prisoners who dont wish to go back.

In a closed-door briefing at South Koreas National Assembly, the National Intelligence Service confirmed its participation in the questioning of the North Korean soldiers by Ukrainian authorities. The agency said the soldiers havent expressed a request to resettle in South Korea, according to two lawmakers who attended the meeting.

The agency said it was willing to discuss the matter with Ukrainian authorities if the soldiers eventually do ask to go to South Korea. About 34,000 North Koreans have defected to capitalist rival South Korea to avoid economic hardship and political suppression at home, mostly since the late 1990s.

Koo Byoungsam, spokesperson of South Koreas Unification Ministry, which handles inter-Korean affairs, said facilitating the asylum of the North Korean soldiers would require legal reviews, including on international law, and consultations with related nations.

Theres nothing we can say at the current stage, Koo said.

Seouls spy agency believes that about 300 North Korean soldiers have died and another 2,700 have been injured while fighting against Ukrainian forces, in what represents North Koreas first involvement in large-scale conflict since the 1950-53 Korean War.

The agency assessed that the North Koreans are struggling to adapt to drones and other elements of modern warfare. They are further disadvantaged by the crude tactics of their Russian commanders, who have thrown them in assault campaigns without providing rear-fire support, according to Lee Seong Kweun, a lawmaker who attended the agencys briefing.

The agency said memos found on dead North Korean soldiers indicated that they had been ordered to commit suicide before being captured, according to Lee. The agency said one North Korean soldier, facing the threat of being captured by Ukrainian forces, shouted General Kim Jong Un and tried to detonate a hand grenade before he was shot and killed.

Zelenskyy confirmed the capture of the North Korean soldiers on Saturday, 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 World War II. KIM TONG-HYUNG, SEOUL, MDT/AP
Workers pick apples at an orchard in Adams County in August 2024. Pennsylvania's fruit industry is among a number of agricultural businesses that could be affected by the Trump administration's pledge to crack down on immigration. (Commonwealth Media Services)

Pennsylvania is home to an estimated 155,000 undocumented migrants, according to the American Immigration Council. And around 30,000 of them may work in the states agricultural sector, according to estimates from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

With the states agriculture industry already facing a workforce shortage, President-elect Donald Trumps promise to begin a mass deportation program at the start of his term next week could exacerbate the problem.

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Lerae Kroon, a supervising attorney at the Pennsylvania Farmworker Project, said that a mass deportation program like Trump has pitched would cause chaos and pain for everyone in the community.

Many undocumented workers live with and support multi-generational and mixed status families, who will be in economic distress, Kroon said. The labor shortage will only get worse as folks are swept up in raids  and even documented workers may decide that the risk is not worth it and leave agricultural jobs.

According to Kroon, increased hostility towards immigration is already being felt in Pennsylvania.

We have heard from clients and community partners who are scared, Kroon said. Anti-immigrant rhetoric is already driving folks further into the shadows, and we expect that will continue.

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Pennsylvania elected officials are urging the incoming Trump administration to proceed with caution, ensuring that any changes to the immigration system ensure that seasonal workers are able to enter the country legally.

Gov. Josh Shapiro addresses reporters at the Pa. Farm Show on Jan. 8, 2025 (Ian Karbal/ Capital-Star)

Lets see what the president-elect actually decides to do

Speaking to a crowd at the Pennsylvania Farm Show last week, Gov. Josh Shapiro called filling workforce shortages in the states agriculture sector critically important.

Shapiro said his administration has made investments in agricultural education and apprenticeship programs to bring younger people into the workforce. He also said its important to ensure that immigrant and seasonal workers, who make up a large share of the agricultural workforce, are able to work in the country legally.

Though Shapiro didnt mention Trump by name, the president-elect has repeatedly promised to enact the largest mass deportation program in American history, which hes said will begin on his first day in office in less than a week. Trump has also floated ending birthright citizenship and potentially deporting entire families with mixed immigration status.

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We also need a thoughtful, responsible immigration reform at the federal level that prioritizes the needs of our ag industry, Shapiro said. I hope our federal partners will be able to come together to accomplish that.

Asked during a news conference after his speech how he would support agricultural workers and business owners if Trump takes a more extreme approach to his deportation plans, Shapiro was noncommittal.

Lets see what the president-elect actually decides to do here  hes said a lot of different things, Shapiro said. Our administration will be prepared.

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has estimated that nearly half of Pennsylvanias crop farm workers, roughly 30,000 people, may be undocumented immigrants, according to 2017 census numbers. The American Immigration Council, an immigration advocacy group, estimates that immigrants, both documented and undocumented, make up around 9.7% of the states total workforce, according to 2022 data, and that a large share work in the agricultural sector generally.

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According to Bailey Fisher, the federal affairs specialist at the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, some Pennsylvania industries that rely heavily on migrant labor include dairy, mushroom, fruit and Christmas tree farms.

The jobs that foreign-born farm workers fill are specialized, technical and grueling, said Kroon, speaking to why migrant workers are so prominent in the agricultural sector. They are also historically low-paying. As labor shortages in agriculture continue to grow, the work still has to be done and some undocumented workers are willing to do it.

Trump has said at times that he would focus his early deportation efforts on criminals. He also told NBCs Meet The Press after winning election that he would be open to deporting all undocumented immigrants in the country over the course of his next term.

A devastating impact

Shapiros response to Trumps statements are similar to other remarks hes made since Trumps election in November. Other Democratic governors have taken a more hard-line stance, saying they will try to block deportation efforts or instruct law enforcement in their states not to cooperate with federal agents.

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As governor, Shapiro could take a leading role in shaping the states response to any deportation plans enacted by Trump. And he has some history of pushing back on Trumps immigration policies. When he was Pennsylvanias attorney general, Shapiro joined a multistate lawsuit to stop Trumps family separation policy that saw young children taken from their parents. He also pushed back on Trumps attempts to ban Muslims traveling to the United States and his first administrations policies that made it more difficult for immigrants living in the U.S. to change their immigration status.

Pennsylvania state House Rep. Jose Giral (D-Philadelphia), vice chair of the Pennsylvania Legislative Latino Caucus and a member of the House Labor and Industry Committee, called for more measured immigration reform.

President-Elect Trumps mass deportation plan would have a devastating impact on our agriculture industry  our largest industry generating tens of billions of dollars in revenue and economic activity every year  and losing these workers would send everyones grocery bill skyrocketing, Giral told the Capital-Star in a statement. The federal government should focus on immigration reform instead of targeting hardworking and essential farm workers.

But some Democrats, like Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman, have shown more willingness to work with Republicans on immigration reform. Fetterman recently signed on as a cosponsor of the GOP-led Laken Riley Act, named for a young Georgia woman whose murder by an undocumented immigrant who had previously been arrested for shoplifting and endangering a child became a rallying cry for the Trump campaigns immigration proposals. The vote in Pennsylvanias House delegation was bipartisan. Democratic Reps. Brendan Boyle and Chris Deluzio voted for the bill along with all Republicans from the state. The Senate has yet to take a final vote on the bill.

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The bill would require Immigrations and Customs Enforcement agents to detain undocumented immigrants who are charged with theft-related crimes like burglary and shoplifting, regardless of whether theyre convicted. It would also give state attorneys general greater power to sue the federal government for harm to their citizens caused by undocumented immigrants.

Recent polling shows that support for deporting undocumented immigrants has grown among the American public.

U.S. Sen Dave McCormick (R-PA) toured the Pennsylvania Farm Show on Jan. 11, 2025. (John Cole/Capital-Star)

Pennsylvanias recently-elected Sen. Dave McCormick (R-Pa.) also addressed immigration at the Farm Show on Saturday, saying that immigration reform should follow efforts to increase border security and slow immigration.

Job one has to be closing the border, but Im hopeful that as we get a little further into the presidents term, well also be able to return to legal immigration reform, McCormick said.

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Speaking specifically to the needs of Pennsylvania farmers, McCormick said, in this community in particular, there are needs for H-2A and other reforms that allow us to have legal agricultural workers, McCormick told the Capital-Star. And these are jobs that are not replacing American workers. These are jobs that are left unfilled unless we have legal immigration reform

Were already struggling to get enough workers

As it stands, the H-2A visa program, which allows U.S. employers to bring in foreign workers to fill temporary agriculture jobs, may not be able to bring in enough people to make up for the loss of undocumented workers if Trump enacts a broad deportation program.

The H-2A program, in its current capacity, I dont know if it could handle that, said Fisher, the federal affairs specialist at the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau. Were already struggling to get enough workers through the program.

Fisher said the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau isnt taking a stance in debates over immigration, but is talking with the incoming Trump administration to convey the seriousness of the worker shortage and seasonal migrant workers roles in filling it.

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The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau is advocating to let visa holders work for a full year, as opposed to just six months, and to make it easier for farmers to apply for the program.

Fisher also said that getting enough workers isnt the only issue with the program. Employers relying on it have to fill out a hefty amount of paperwork, sometimes requiring them to hire specialized consultants. And with strict housing standards and transportation requirements, hiring seasonal workers can become expensive.

We of course want to make sure employees feel safe and healthy, Fisher said. But we also want to have some practicality to it.

But ultimately, Fisher said, reform may be difficult.

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The H-2A program is such a beast, Fisher said.

And theres another issue. We understand immigration is related to ag labor with the H-2A visa program, but whenever you bring up immigration it turns into this politicized topic and you can never get anything done.

Fisher said shes begun to hear concerns from business owners in the Pennsylvania agricultural sector about the potential impacts of a deportation program. But, like Shapiro, shes telling them, wait and see what happens. Right now a lot of this can be just rumors.

Capital-Star reporter John Cole contributed.
Editors note: This story has been updated to clarify that William Halls employment was terminated, but he was not fired.

LAKE CITY, S.C. (WBTW)  Lake City Administrator William Halls contract was terminated Friday morning, a spokesperson told News13.

Hall has served as the citys administrator since March 2022. The city council in January 2024 voted 4-2 with one abstention to renew his employment for two years.

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Hall joined Lake Citys finance department in 2008 and was named director of finance in 2017, the citys website said. In March 2021 he was named the chief financial officer and interim city administrator.

Hall was also named in a September lawsuit filed by former police chief and deputy administrator Jody Cooper. Mayor Yamekia Robinson was also named in the lawsuit.

The spokesperson said Robinson, Brandon Carter, the executive finance director, and City Clerk Marshann Terwilliger will take on administrative duties in Halls place.

No additional information was immediately available. Count on News13 for updates.

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* * *

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.
Nothing about the Laken Riley Act, the anti-immigration law that passed the House last week and is now being taken up in the Senate, would have prevented the murder of the young Georgia nursing student for whom it was named. But the appropriation of her death by anti-immigration hard-liners felt inevitable: As soon as law enforcement said last February that an undocumented immigrant was their suspect, Republicans seized on the storyone of many right-wing attempts to link the Biden administration with migrant crime, stoke moral panic, and propel Trump to the White House. Now Republicans have found a startling number of Democrats to support their crackdown: The Laken Riley Act is on track to become one of the first bills Trump will sign into law.

The bill, originally introduced shortly after Rileys murder in 2024, aims to do two things: First, it creates a new mandate for the detention of immigrantsprimarily but not only undocumented immigrantsfor merely being arrested for a number of low-level theft-related offenses. And second, it affords sweeping new powers to state attorneys general to potentially override federal immigration policy, allowing them to sue agencies forin their eyesfailing to detain immigrants, or to even sue the State Department for allowing visas from a given country if that country refuses to reaccept citizens that Immigration and Customs Enforcement deports.

None of this would have saved Laken Riley. The man convicted of Rileys murder, Jose Ibarra, entered the United States in 2022, along with his wife and young son, at the southern border, where he was detained by ICE. Ibarra was released while his asylum claim was processedsomething which is very common, and which can take a long time, as there are hundreds of thousands of people awaiting asylum decisions. He reportedly had two encounters with law enforcement while his case proceeded: In New York, he was arrested for driving a scooter without a license, along with having a child passenger riding without a helmet. He was later issued a citation for shoplifting about $200 worth of food and clothing from a Georgia Walmart, according to police in Athens-Clarke County; they also said citation and release is standard practice in such cases. As Steve Kennedy pointed out earlier this week at TNR, The Laken Riley Act does require federal authorities to detain arrested immigrants if they are not being held by local police, but it has no requirements for the police themselves, so there is nothing in this proposed law that would have compelled them to detain Ibarra. (Of course, if police were to be compelled to detain individuals like Ibarra who would otherwise be released due to the prior charges being low-level criminal offenses, they would be holding them based on their status as an immigrant, alone.)

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So what would this bill accomplish? First of all, because of the discrepancy between mandate and funding, it may immediately overload the federal immigration detention system. ICE says they lack the capacity to lock up everyone this bill now designates as a mandatory ICE detainee. According to Axios, ICE officials told Congress their budget is for 42,000 beds, and they say they have 39,000 people in immigration detention now; they told Democratic Senator Dick Durbins office that they identified nearly 67,000 people they would be required to detain if the bill passed. ICE officials also reportedly told Congress they would need $3.2 million for detention centers and officers in order to enforce the Laken Riley Act. As it stands, the act contains no additional funding.

The bills vast expansion of mandatory detention, the way it casts suspicion on immigrants, all this is fuel for xenophobic harassment and threats in the name of public safety and Laken Riley. The concern, of course, on the ground is that this could be used by unscrupulous employers or abusive husbands and spouses to threaten people, Aaron Reichlin-Melnick, a senior fellow at the American Immigration Council, told me: threatening to report them for a theft, and in the hopes that they would then be arrested and then ICE would be required to prioritize taking that person into custody. And then that person would be ineligible for release on immigration bond. They would likely be eligible for bail and release, as far as the underlying criminal charge is concerned, but practically speaking, they would be denied that right. They could even be deported before that case made it to court, another due process violation. While this bill has been widely reported as targeting undocumented immigrants, Reichlin-Melnick underscored that in some narrow circumstances, some people with visas or permanent resident status could also fall under the scope of the bill.

This is already a problem for undocumented immigrants in the criminal legal systemwhere these theoretically two separate parts of the legal system intersect. As Silky Shah, executive director of Detention Watch Network, explained when we spoke last week, there are multiple points where ICE can pull an undocumented person moving through the criminal legal system into immigration detention and deportation proceedings instead. At every single stage, whether its the initial interaction, the booking processespecially the booking process is a place where a lot of people get caught upbut also when theyre in the jail, sometimes theyre interacting with an ICE agent, and once they go to trial, they might be referred to a U.S. attorney for prosecution. This bill, she said, its really expanding the possibility of that happening. Its expanding something that is already happening. Under the Laken Riley Act, Shah explained, the detention and deportation process could all start at the first point of contact with law enforcement. What this bill does is say, actually, were not even going to go through the process of this person actually being convicted of said crime. Were going to say that as soon as somebodys charged, were going to go ahead and put them into deportation  and also, were requiring it. All this is largely absent from the public debate on the bill, which emerged from anti-immigrant rhetoric divorced from the reality of the criminal legal system.

The second part of the bill has itself almost entirely been subsumed in the limited debate over due process and mandatory detention. Reichlin-Melnick explained that while the mandatory detention provision essentially overrides immigration officers and judges discretion about who to detain or release, theres far more than that in the bill. It also gives power to state attorneys general to dictate immigration enforcement, if that state or its residents experience harm.

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What does that look like? Reichlin-Melnick imagined this scenario: Texas has a number of sheriffs who are very, very, pro-deportation, including some who have sued the Biden administration in the past, challenging immigration policy, alleging that they are not detaining enough people. If one of those sheriffs sees that officers have arrested some people who may be undocumented on misdemeanor shoplifting offenses but ICE hasnt come to pick those people up, that sheriff then phones his good friend Ken Paxtonthe Texas attorney generaland says, Ken, I have all these people here. We detained them. They were arrested for shoplifting. You know, theyre in our jail right now, awaiting a bail hearing, and ICE isnt here, and ICE should be here to pick up. Under this Laken Riley Act, it could see a very good argument that Ken Paxton could then go to federal court, sue ICE, and say, ICE, you are violating the requirements of this law, and you have to come pick these people up. Or say ICE did pick them up, and an immigration judge released them, as judges currently have the discretion to do (but would not under the Laken Riley Act). A state attorney general could potentially sue the Department of Justice, said Reichlin-Melnick. Is the failure to detain someone who is undocumented and accused of stealing a pack of gum harming a state? Thats the argument. Harm in the bill is defined broadly, which will help those suits make it past the inevitable, reasonable challenges to their standing. And there could be lots of these lawsuits, particularly from attorneys general who have already filed federal lawsuits challenging immigration policies, like Paxton. This could create chaos in the courts, giving a state attorney general a legal cudgel to try to get the kind of immigration enforcement they want.

Reichlin-Melnick said that the Laken Riley Act would also allow state attorneys general to file federal lawsuits against the U.S. secretary of state, in an attempt to force the State Department to deny visas to citizens from so-called recalcitrant countries who refuse to accept their own citizens when deported by the United States. The thinking apparently goes: If, say, Venezuela denies deportations from the U.S., then the State Department ought to ban all Venezuelans from entering the U.S., and if the State Department doesnt ban them by denying those visas, then any state attorney general can try to overrule its decision by suing it.

Given all this, you could well conclude that the Laken Riley Act appears poorly constructedmore a public statement than a piece of policy. It has at least one immigration attorney begging senators to sit down and take the time to read it. Then again, from another angle, the bill appears to be serving precisely the function its right-wing backers intended: to sell the public on the idea that immigrants are endangering Americans and that any response is justified.

All of this just lends itself to this idea that immigration is a public safety issue, which its just not, Shah told me. Its a lie thats constantly told to us. The act is a key component of Trumps plan premised on such lies: to carry out, on day one, the largest mass deportation operation in the history of the United States. Making federal policy that says anybody whos charged with a crime and doesnt have any right to due process could be detained and then eventually deported is really disturbing, said Shah. That just opens up so much more space for them to do what Trumps been promising. Passing a law like this, she added, it signals to people that its OK to target these individuals.

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While the bill seizes on misconstrued details of Laken Rileys murder, its rooted in a recent wave of anti-immigrant scapegoating in the U.S., fueling the idea that every criminal immigrant should be deported and that any immigrant can be a criminal. Its a tragedy, Shah said. Its trying to do the thing that all moral panics do, which is, Lets just apply this very specific instance to a broad set of people and then just balloon the system even more in order for all these politicians to gain political legitimacywhich of course includes Democrats now, unfortunately. Republicans pitched the law as a way to blame Democrats for Rileys murder; Democrats may not accept that, but they are capitulating nonetheless.

In helping advance this law, Democrats are giving credence too to some of the most xenophobic rhetoric of the past few years. Alabama Republican Senator Katie Britt, who proposed the Laken Riley Act shortly after Riley was murdered, used her response to President Bidens State of the Union address a few weeks later to blame Biden for the death. This could have been my daughter. This could have been yours, said Britt. Trump joined in the your daughter rhetoric at a campaign event soon after Georgia. I will fight like no one has ever fought before to ensure that what happened to this American daughter, this incredible American, that this never happens to any other daughter or anyone else ever again, Trump said. He pledged to protect suburban housewives, who dont want illegal immigrants coming into this country.

Trump has already surrounded himself with staff eager to take these policies even further: In an interview with NBC News last week, Trumps border czar Homan said he is considering a hotline for American citizens to report undocumented immigrants. He added that when undocumented immigrants suspected of a crime are arrested, if other undocumented people are with themsuch as family membersthey should also be arrested. Seated before a section of border wall, wearing what appeared to be a thin-blue-line flag lapel pin, Homan called the results of mass deportations more important to this country than anythingI dont put a price on Laken Rileys life. Homan, who was Trumps acting ICE director from 2017 to 2019, spent months during the Trump campaign calling for mass deportations. He is considering conscripting anyone who wants to join him in kicking off mass deportations by reporting people so that immigration enforcement agents, including any law enforcement officers deputized as immigration enforcement, can arrest them and put them into deportation proceedings. He says he is doing this because the life of Laken Riley was priceless.

Rhetorically, the story of Laken Riley has primed people to accept the arrest and indefinite detention of any immigrant suspected of being undocumented and/or having committed a crime. It has done so by activating a script deep in the American story: the protection of white womens innocence, at all costs. Throughout our history, Americans have crossed their own imagined moral line to allow what appears to be unconstitutional arbitrary detention, as long as it is done to immigrants, noted Andrea Pitzer, author of One Long Night: A Global History of Concentration Camps, in an essay this December. As Trumps second Inauguration Day approaches, many Americans are thinking about what sorts of moral lines the new administration may try to cross, and what it will mean for ordinary people to attempt to hold them back. Democrats entertaining this destructive bill are also demonstrating what little they will do to help hold that line. They are saying they dont even know what side of that line they are on.
Lara Trump used a Fox News interview Thursday night to criticize people blaming the deadly wildfires ripping across California on climate change.

The president-elects daughter-in-law, who formerly co-chaired the Republican National Committee, dished out several hot takes during the segment on Hannity. Host Sean Hannity brought her on the air after he angrily dismissed a tweet from Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) calling the Los Angeles fires a preview of coming atrocities.

A view of flames at the mountain as seen from Topanga Canyon near Pacific Palisades in Topanga, Los Angeles, California on January 9, 2025. / Anadolu / Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images

Hannity also flipped out at a Fox News Digital report claiming that New York officials are considering introducing emission standards for commerical charbroilers.

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Now they want to stop charbroil burgers and wood-fired pizza ovens in New York, Hannity said, introducing Trump. They want you to get rid of gas stoves, refrigerators, new air conditioners, no drilling, no fracking. And well be bankrupt in no time. What did they not learn about this election? Are they that tone-deaf?

Trump, who is married to Eric Trump, replied by adding another complaint to Hannitys laundry list of grievances. This is the kind of stuff that drove people away from the Democratic Party. People just want to be able to wash their clothes, and only wash their clothes one time, Sean, she said.

They want their washing machine to work, their dishwasher to work. And my gosh, grilling over an open flame is just about as old as mankind, Trump continued. This is the way that people have been cooking food forever, and now they want to go after that, too. I can guarantee you people in New York City are more concerned with being pushed in front of a subway car or stabbed than they are about chargrilled burgers.

Then-Vice-president of the Republican National Committee Lara Trump speaks during the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) Argentina 2024. / Tomas Cuesta / Tomas Cuesta/Getty Images

Trump then turned her attention to the wildfires in Los Angeles, claiming that no one wants to take any blame for anything out in California.

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Instead, theyre blaming climate change, she said. I would really love for someone out there to explain to me how climate change is the reason that the reservoirs were dry, that theres no water in the fire hydrants.

Trump continued with a thinly veiled dig at California Governor Gavin Newsom, the new Donald Trump and Elon Musk punching bag, as well as L.A. mayor Karen Bass.

Was it the fact that climate change got rid of $17 million of the Los Angeles Fire Departments budget? she said. Is that what happened out there? Or was it climate change that didnt manage the forestry properly? These are things that are basics.

She was referencing cuts to the LAFD 2025 budget of over $17 million which, though Mayor Bass has claimed that no reductions were made that would have impacted the response to the ongoing disaster.

Donald Trump with daughter-in-law Lara Trump. / Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images

Finishing off her rant, Trump claimed that people blame her father-in-law when in doubt.

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Until we get back to basics and people can just do the things that make them happy and life worth living, then they need to actually start to focus on those that this stuff is absolute insanity and to blame Donald Trump for itthat one is very rich, Sean, she said. This man hasnt been in office for four years, but when in doubt, blame Donald Trump. Thats what they [do], blame him.

Multiple studies have shown that climate change has increased the length of the wildfire season, the frequency of wildfires, and the burned area, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The Las Cruces City Council held a special meeting Monday, Jan. 13 and ratified the selection of Ikani Taumoepeau as its city manager after the state of New Mexico said the City had violated the states open meeting law during the hiring process last year.

The City of Las Cruces was given two options by the New Mexico Department of Justice to resolve issues involving the hiring of its new city manager and open meeting violations that happened during the process.

UPDATE: Las Cruces to discuss city manager hiring next week

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They could hold a public meeting, go over everything they did in a closed session and revote on the selection, or they could start the process from scratch.

The City decided to do the former which was done during Mondays special meeting.

In December 2024, the New Mexico Department of Justice said the City violated open meeting laws during the city manager hiring process and ruled the hiring invalid. Among the violations, the City did not decide on the scope of the city manager search in an open meeting, used a closed session to narrow the candidate field to three people without discussion in public and took final action on hiring a city manager in a closed meeting outside of a public session.

The NMDOJ called the last violation the most egregious.

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During Mondays meeting, each city councilor summarized and capsulated their individual recollections of closed session meetings held in 2024 when deciding the city managers selection process and the procedure they used that led to the hiring of Taumoepeau, the City said.

Councilors ultimately voted to ratify, or approve, the 2024 city manager selection process and reaffirmed its vote to hire Taumoepeau as city manager.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
By Dawn Chmielewski

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The J. Paul Getty Museum's priceless collection of artwork, which includes paintings by Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Monet and Degas, once again found itself in the path of destruction as the Palisades fire spread.

As fire officials issued evacuation orders for the Brentwood neighborhood on Friday night, the museum's collection remained safely inside the Getty Center's fortress of travertine stone, fire-protected steel and reinforced concrete.

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"It would be extremely foolish to try and remove artwork," said Katherine E. Fleming, president and chief executive of the J. Paul Getty Trust, noting how quickly fires spread, with little notice.

"It's complicated enough moving really, really valuable artworks around under the best of circumstances. The last thing we would try to do is move them out en masse, on the eve of an event of this sort."

The Palisades fire has burned over 23,000 acres (93 square km) from the sea to the mountains, damaged or destroyed some 5,000 structures since it began a week ago and was just 17 percent contained as of Tuesday morning. It is responsible for eight confirmed deaths.

The center, which opened in 1997, was designed to withstand wildfires. Everything from the construction materials to the landscaping was built with fire safety in mind.

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It safely withstood one test, in October 2019, when a brush fire started along Interstate 405 near the Getty Center's access road, and burned 745 acres (3 square km), earning the name the Getty Fire.

The 12-building Getty Center complex sits high above the access road, at a safe distance from the Santa Monica Mountains' flammable chaparral. The art galleries are located about 200 meters (655 feet) away from the arrival plaza, with its expansive barrier of travertine marble imported from Italy.

"This was chosen for the construction of the site, not simply because it's beautiful and Italian, but also because it is highly fire-resistant as a construction material," said Fleming.

As soon as fire officials issue a "red flag" warning, signaling conditions of low humidity and high winds that are ripe for a dangerous conflagration, Fleming said the Getty Center grounds crew begins irrigating its grounds, so the soil is wet and provides a buffer against a fire.

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A million-gallon (3.8-million liter) water storage tank on the site supplies the sprinkler system, and provides a resource for emergency fire suppression.

The Getty's "minimalist" landscape design, with sparse vegetation, reflects concern about wildfires.

"A lot of the plants that we have in immediate proximity to the buildings are either things that will burn out super swiftly," said Fleming, "Or are plants that retain a lot of water themselves, like Acacias, which hold water and actually can help you fight the fire if you have them close to your buildings."

STEEL, STONE AND TAPE

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The walls are built of reinforced concrete or fire-protected steel, and the buildings are designed with automatic fire doors designed to seal off an area and prevent a fire from spreading, according to an article published after the Getty Fire in 2019.

Roofs are covered with stone aggregate, which is fire-resistant.

"We have taken such care to make sure that the galleries themselves are actually pretty much the safest place for a work of art to be in the middle of a fire," said Fleming.

The museum's collection includes more than 400 European paintings produced before 1900, and reflects Getty's affinity for Italian Renaissance and 17th-century Dutch and Flemish paintings, according to its website.

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The collection was expanded, after J. Paul Getty's death in 1976, to include examples of early Italian and Dutch works, French impressionists and the examples of the Spanish and German schools. It also has one of the largest photo collections in the world.

Among its best-known works are Vincent van Gogh's Irises, Rembrandt's An Old Man in Military Costume and Claude Monet's Wheatstacks, Snow Effect, Morning.

On a tour of the Getty Center grounds, Fleming pointed to the orange tape sealing all of the doors -- to prevent even the tiniest ember from entering the museum.

The center's carbon-filtered air conditioning system is designed to increase pressure inside the building, to keep out smoke and ash. Dampers, or tiny valves on the air conditioning system, are closed to recirculate air and keep out outside particles, Fleming said.

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Fire extinguishers stand ready inside the museum's entrance hall, to be used to quickly snuff out a fire detected on the grounds.

The Getty is so safety-obsessed, Fleming said that the staff knew exactly how to respond as the Pacific Palisades fire threatened the Getty Villa, a re-creation of a Roman villa on the Malibu coast. The sister museum was not damaged in the blaze.

"Within fewer than 10 minutes of the fire breaking out, we had changed the air handling system so that no smoke would get into the galleries," said Fleming.

"We had shut off the dampers. We started sealing off the galleries over there, and very rapidly determined what the core group of staff was that was going to remain on site overnight."

(Reporting by Dawn Chmielewski in Los Angeles; Editing by Mary Milliken and Sandra Maler)
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  As the California wildfires continue to rage, hundreds of thousands of people have lost homes, not to mention their pets who are struggling as many have been displaced and or abandoned.

Many Paws Volunteer Transport has grown to help people nationwide.

We have over 13,000 drivers across the nation who volunteer their time and their vehicles to drive pets from rescue organizations and shelters, said Alison Espie, who works with Many Paws Volunteer Transport. The locally based organization is taking donations at Desert Doggies Grooming & Daycare in the southwest Las Vegas valley.

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Manda Baker, Desert Doggies owner and a prominent animal activist in Las Vegas, said shes amazed at the outpouring of support from the community.

As the California wildfires continue to rage, hundreds of thousands of people have lost homes and are in despair, not to mention their pets who are struggling as many have been displaced and or abandoned. (KLAS)

I wanted to help in some way since I couldnt go to California and get the animals because I have nowhere to put them here, so I might as well open up the space and let people bring their donations here, she said.

Many Paws Volunteer Transport will drive a load of supplies to California, where the non-profit group Operation Blankets of Love will distribute the items.

I called and talked with the founder, Brad, myself and told him Im collecting and wanted to make sure their organization was legit, Baker added.

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Founders Brad and Eileen Smulson said they were thankful to the community for stepping in. Their storage facility is located in Granada Hills, California, where the Hurst Fire continues to rage.

My phone doesnt stop ringing and weve never really seen that before even with all the fires and earthquakes weve had in California, Brad Smulson shared with 8 News Now.

As for the pet supplies needed, anything helps at this point.

Dog bedding, litter, crates, food, and comfort items, along with grooming and medical supplies, are a must right now, Eileen Smulson shared.

Those interested in donating can call ahead at 702-778-0411. Many Paws Volunteer Transport is accepting supplies at certain times and days at Desert Doggies Grooming & Daycare, located at 8544 Blue Diamond Rd Suite #145.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
Confirmation hearings for Donald Trumps cabinet picks begin this week, starting with Trumps choice for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth. The hearing was held Tuesday with senators questioning whether the former combat veteran and TV news show host is fit to lead the U.S. military.

Here's the latest:

Im not a perfect person, Hegseth said during the hearing

During the confirmation hearing, Hegseth did not directly address the allegations of sexual misconduct and aggressively pushed back on Democrats who asked questions about it, calling it a coordinated smear campaign.

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Im not a perfect person but redemption is real, Hegseth said.

In 2017, a woman told police Hegseth sexually assaulted her, according to a detailed investigative report recently made public. Hegseth has denied any wrongdoing and told police at the time that the encounter at a Republican womens event in California was consensual. He was not charged, but paid the woman a confidential settlement to head off a potential lawsuit.

Asked by Hawaii Sen. Mazie Hirono, a Democrat, if he had entered into a settlement, Hegseth replied that he was falsely accused. He has said repeatedly that he was completely cleared.

 Read more takeaways from the confirmation hearing

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Equal standards for female troops

Hegseth made overtures to women and Black troops, an attempt to blunt some of the criticism of his previous comments that women should straight up not serve in combat and his suggestions that some Black troops may not be qualified.

It would be the privilege of a lifetime, if confirmed, to be the secretary of defense for all men and women in uniform, Hegseth said.

At the same time, he implied that the Pentagon had lowered standards for women to fight without giving examples of those standards. The standards need to be the same and they need to be high, Hegseth said, adding that where those standards have been eroded to meet diversity quotas, that should be under review.

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He was also questioned about the issue by Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst, an Iraq veteran and a survivor of sexual assault. Hegseth reiterated an earlier promise to Ernst that he will to hire a senior official to prioritize those cases in the military.

During the hearing, Hegseth was also asked about proposed warrior boards

In a line of questioning with Democrat Elissa Slotkin before the hearing adjourned, Hegseth would not say whether Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. CQ Brown would be exempt from the warrior boards he seeks to institute to review and possibly fire senior officers he determines are unqualified.

Every single senior officer will be reviewed, Hegseth said.

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The Senate confirmation hearing for Pete Hegseth has adjourned

Hegseth turned to his wife and closely hugged her after the hearing ended. He was embraced by other allies, incoming Trump officials and family who surrounded him in the hearing room after proceedings ended.

A new poll looks at how Americans feel about not having government experience

As questions are raised about Hegseths experience, a new AP-NORC poll finds that a lack of government experience isnt a positive for many Americans.

About half of Americans say its a very or somewhat bad thing for the president to rely on people without any background in government for advice about government policy, and only about one-quarter say its a very or somewhat good thing. About one-quarter are neutral, calling it neither good nor bad.

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Republican Sen. Eric Schmitt criticized race essentialism in the military

In a Senate committee hearing filled with discussion over the militarys policies around diversity and whether merit was properly being focused, Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., lambasted so-called DEI initiatives in the armed services, which he called race essentialism.

And he said the November election showed Americans were rejecting such diversity and inclusion efforts in the institutions across American life.

You have to tear out DEI and CRT initiatives root and branch from institutions Hegseth said, to which Schmitt replied 100 percent.

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Recruitment and retention of troops is top of mind for senators throughout Hegseths hearing

Sen. Jackie Rosen pressed Hegseth on whether hed support veterans receiving certain benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs after their service, some provisions of which Hegseth had previously critiqued. Should he be confirmed, Hegseth would lead the Defense Department, which does not manage the Department of Veterans Affairs.

They commit suicide because they hit the brick wall of the bureaucracy of the VA, Hegseth told the Nevada Democrat.

Your answers to these, they are too broad, Rosen replied when he did not answer the question.

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Republican Sen. Tommy Tuberville told Hegseth he was concerned that diversity initiatives had kept some people, especially young men, from the armed services.

I had a young man that forever he wanted to go to West Point. I got him a nomination. I got him accepted and he turned it down. He says, Coach, Im not getting involved with that mess, Tuberville said.

Republican Sen. MarkWayne Mullin defended Hegseth on the question of standards

The question of whether Hegseths nomination would be a lowering of standards brought an aggressive response from Oklahoma Republican Sen. MarkWayne Mullin.

I Googled it, Mullin said. In general the U.S. Secretary of Defense position is filled by a civilian. And thats it.

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Mullin then went around the room challenging the other senators about how many of them have consumed or seen others consume alcohol during evening votes or gotten a divorce for cheating.

Did you ask them to step down? Mullin said. No, because its for show.

Some senators said confirming Hegseth would mean lowering standards for the position

Multiple senators noted that while Hegseth has railed on allegations that standards have been lowered for women in combat, they said Hegseths nomination would mark a lowering of standards for the position of Secretary of Defense.

Michigan Democrat Gary Peters asked Hegseth what was the highest number of people hed managed in his military or civilian positions. The highest number was about several hundred when Hegseth was a company commander.

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Do you think that the way to raise the minimum standards of the people who serve us is to lower the standards of the Secretary of Defense? Peters asked.

Illinois Democrat Tammy Duckworth also asked that, saying how can we ask these soldiers to train and perform as the absolute highest standards when you are asking us to lower the standards to make you secretary of defense?

Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth questioned Hegseth on his knowledge of geopolitics

And she questioned Hegseths experience in global affairs and whether he had ever conducted an audit of his non-profits in a manner similar to the audit he intends to carry out at the Pentagon.

Hegseth said his leadership of the charities had been mischaracterized but did not answer Duckworths question. Flanked by a portrait of the Soldiers Creed by which all army service members are expected to live, Duckworth told Hegseth troops cannot be led by someone who is not competent, directing her critique at President-elect Donald Trumps pick.

A comment from Sen. Roger Wicker drew applause

The packed audience broke out into brief applause after the committee chairman, Sen. Roger Wicker told Hegseth it seems to me that youve supervised far more people than the average United States senator.

The Mississippi Republicans comments came after Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., inquired why senators should support him despite him not ever leading an organization of comparable size to the military.

An exchange between Hegseth and Sen. Elizabeth Warren drew laughter from the audience

Warren, a Democrat, asked Hegseth whether hed commit to not serving in the defense industry for ten years after his service should he become defense secretary. Hegseth said he had not given the issue any thought.

You are quite sure every general who serves should not go directly into the defense industry for 10 years but youre not willing to make that same pledge? Warren asked.

Im not a general, senator, Hegseth replied.

Both Hegseth and Warren have said generals and other high-ranking officials should not be allowed to work for private defense contractors for at least a decade after their service in the armed forces.

The militarys prioritization of weeding out extremism was misplaced, Hegseth says

He cited a report that around 100 people were identified as extremists in the military, a number he considered small and said were mostly gang related.

Things like focusing on extremism, senator, have created a climate inside our military that feel political when it has hasnt ever been political, Hegseth said.

Those are the types of things that are going to change, he promised. He added that Trumps broader strategy and personality would help ease recruitment challenges the military has faced in recent years.

Theres no better recruiter for our military, in my mind, than President Donald Trump, Hegseth said.

He promised the administration would be getting anything that isnt related to meritocracy out of the military, multiple times claiming lawmakers and higher level military officials have been injecting DEI that divides the armed services. He argued that the Pentagon should instead focus on how capable you are of doing your job.

Hegseth was questioned about his tattoos

North Dakota Republican Sen. Kevin Cramer asked about Hegseths tattoos, which have come under question for their association and use by White Nationalist groups.

However Cramer did not focus on the Deus Vult tattoo that got Hegseth flagged as a potential insider threat. Instead Cramer focused on the Jerusalem Cross  which was not flagged and was not the reason Hegseth was pulled from duty.

Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan defended Hegseth

And the Alaska senator called it a ridiculous narrative that the military has a serious problem with extremism or is systemically racist.

Sullivan called the Biden administrations declarations early in the administration that they would prioritize curbing extremism a shameful smear of the armed services. The Biden administration focused on curbing white nationalist recruitment of service members and veterans.

Hegseth added in an exchange that the military is one of the least racist institutions in our country to which Sullivan replied it is one of the greatest civil rights organizations in the United States. The federal government integrated the military years before the Civil Rights Act.

Hegseth had a less combative exchange with Republican Sen. Joni Ernst

Iowa Republican Sen. Joni Ernst, a military veteran and sexual assault survivor, ended up being far less combative in her exchange with Hegseth.

Ernst was cordial with Hegseth and focused primarily on the Department of Defense passing a financial audit.

Ernst is one of the three critical votes Hegseth cannot afford to lose in his confirmation.

Democratic Sen. Mazie Hirono engaged in a tense exchange with Hegseth

It was over news reports that he had drank on the job while employed at Fox News and elsewhere.

Hirono directly asked Hegseth if he would commit to not drinking while in service, which she called a 24/7 job, and after a tense back and forth she concluded he would not.

Hirono also asked him whether hed follow orders from Donald Trump to invade Greenland, which is controlled by NATO-ally Denmark, occupy the Panama Canal or shoot protestors of the incoming administration in the leg. Hegseth cited the election and a need for strategic ambiguity as reasons he could not answer the questions. Hirono concluded that he would follow such commands.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal inquired into the tax returns of two veterans support non-profits

The Democratic senator noted that Hegseth had been pushed out of one non-profit due to dissatisfaction from donors, to which Hegseth replied that he spent the interceding time obtaining a degree from the Harvard Kennedy School.

At one organization Hegseth led from 2011 to 2016, Blumenthal noted that during several years of his management the organization had deep debts including credit card transaction debts of about 75,000. That isnt the kind of fiscal management we want at the Department of Defense.

Blumenthal told Hegseth he would support him for a communications job but not to lead the Defense Department.

I would support you as a spokesperson to the Pentagon, Blumenthal said. I dont dispute your communication skills.

Hegseth has made accusations that standards have been lowered to allow women in combat

And he continued to tout those claims even as senior female lawmakers whove served on the committee for years, including Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, asked him for one specific example of standards being changed for women.

Hegseth did not provide one, instead deferring to interviews hed conducted for his book War on Warriors, that it was what he was told by troops.

A senior defense official said the standards for military service have not been lowered, and that the standards are based on each field and based on ability, not gender.

Sens. Jeanne Shaheen and Kirsten Gillibrand hammered Hegseth over his views on women in combat

Shaheen noted that Hegseth has said publicly: Im straight up just saying we should not have women in combat roles. But has since then said more generally he supports women in the military.

Which is it? Shaheen demanded, adding, I appreciate your 11th hour conversion.

She submitted for the record a chapter of his book that outlines his opposition to women in combat. She also asked whether that meant he did not think the two female senators who served in the military are less capable.

Gillibrand told Hegseth his quotes about women are terrible and harmful to morale.

You will have to change how you see women to do this job, she said.

Hegseth faces a Senate committee that includes several women

As Pete Hegseths stance on the role of women in the military comes under questioning by both Democratic and Republican senators, he faces a committee with several women combat and foreign policy leaders.

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, whos a ranking member of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, has been an advocate for women in the military and womens rights globally. Sens. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., and Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, are both combat veterans who sit on the committee.

Freshman Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., served in the intelligence community. And a narrow majority of the Senate Armed Services Committee are women, including a majority of its Democratic members.

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen asked multiple questions about Hegseths stances on women in the military

Just after her questions, committee chair Sen. Roger Wicker motioned to introduce five testimonials from women who had served in the military in support of Hegseths nomination.

Hegseth was combative in the face of questions from Democrat Ranking Member Reed

Hegseth often talked past Reeds questions and refused to defer to the senior member as he tried to get his questions answered.

In one particular exchange, Hegseth scoffed as Reed asked him to explain what a JAG Off was  responding to Reed that I dont think I need to because troops knew what it was. Only after further pressure from Reed did Hegseth say it was a military lawyer who put their own priorities in front of the warfighters.

Would Hegseth be the first defense secretary whos been on the font lines in combat?

The argument that Hegseth would be the first door-kicker or service member to serve on the front lines in combat to become defense secretary has continued to evolve and become far more specific.

An array of previous secretaries have had combat service, dodging bombs and leading troops into the fight, including current Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin who led the invasion into Iraq.

On Tuesday, the assertion was whittled down to Hegseth being the first to have served as a junior officer on the front lines, not in the headquarters, on the front lines in the War on Terror.

Its not clear how junior an officer they had to be.

Lt. Col. Jim Mattis fought in the Gulf War  he later retired as a four-star general and was Trumps first defense secretary. And Trumps final acting Pentagon chief, Chris Miller, served multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan as an Army special forces officer. He later retired as a colonel.

Chuck Hagel was a first: the first former enlisted soldier to become defense secretary, and he served as a sergeant on the front lines in Vietnam.

Sen. Reed pressed Hegseth on his opposition to diversity initiatives in the military

Ranking member Sen. Jack Reed, Democrat, noted that the military was a forerunner in American society on racial integration efforts and other inclusive standards.

Hegseth said that it was precisely right the military was a forerunner in courageous racial integration in ways no other institutions were willing to do but argued that modern diversity and inclusion policies divide current troops and didnt prioritize meritocracy.

Reed replied that Hegseths statements were a political view that he repeated in harsher terms without mentioning meritocracy in past statements.

Reed said Hegseths intention was to politicize the military in favor of your particular position and would harm the professionalism of the United States military.

Sen. Wicker denies request to release FBI report to the full committee

While Reed and Wicker were maintaining a bipartisan tone, Wicker denied Reeds requests to release the FBI report to the fuller committee and denied a request to allow members a second round of questioning.

Ranking member Jack Reed called the FBI investigation insufficient

There are still FBI obligations to talk to people. They have not had access to the forensic audit of Hegseths time at the head of a veterans advocacy group where he is facing questions of financial mismanagement, the Democrat said.

Hegseth criticizes the accusations made against him

Hegseth called the accusations of drinking and womanizing he would face from left wing media on second and third hand accounts a coordinated smear campaign orchestrated in the media against us. Hegseth said the attacks were about Trump, not him.

He did not specifically address any of the accusations and did not tell Chairman Wicker that he did not drink or womanize.

Several more protestors jumped out from the audience

Wearing camouflage fatigues, the protestors stood on their chairs and began condemning Hegseth throughout his opening remarks. Each was swiftly dragged out from the hearing by Capitol Police.

One woman jumped up and yelled that her veteran father had committed suicide after his service and youre sending money to bomb babies...every veteran in here needs to speak up she screamed as she was ushered out of the room. Another yelled that Hegseth supported murdering babies...thats the real recruiting crisis he screamed as three officers carried him by his arms and legs out.

Several other people were approached by police and directed out of the room without any clear coercion.

More from Hegseths opening remarks

Hegseth in his opening remarks Tuesday said officers and enlisted, Black and white, young and old, men and women, all Americans, all warriors -- this hearing is for you. Thank you for figuratively, and literally, having my back. I pledge to do the same for you. All of you.

Hegseth struck a far different tone in his opening remarks than he did in his books

Comments in his books included inflammatory passages questioning the capabilities of Black troops -- like a passage in War on Warriors that we can assume that 17 percent of all Black officers in the Air Force are promoted simply because of how they look, and questioning the value of women serving in combat.

As Hegseth spoke, a protester calling him a misogynist was removed from the hearing.

Michael Waltz and Norm Coleman both left Hegseths side after delivering their remarks

Hegseth then began delivering his opening remarks thanking Coleman and Waltz for their mentorship and powerful words respectively.

Outgoing Republican Florida Rep. Mike Waltz praises Hegseth

Outgoing Republican Florida Rep. Mike Waltz, whos leaving Congress for a position as Trumps National Security Advisor, pushed that Hegseths military service as a junior officer on the front lines was what the Pentagon needed at this time.

The status quo is unacceptable. It is not working, Waltz said.

Whos sitting with Hegseth?

Pete Hegseth is seated between two close allies whove helped advocate for his nomination on Capitol Hill. On Hegseths left sits Norm Coleman, former Republican U.S. Senator from Minnesota, and to his right sits Rep. Michael Waltz, a GOP congressman from Florida who Donald Trump has tapped to serve as his national security advisor.

A former senator asks to give Hegseth a chance despite his past indiscretions

Hegseth has struggled and overcome great personal challenges. Please dont focus on the cynical notion that people cant change, said Norm Coleman, a former Republican U.S. Senator from Minnesota.

In the audience during the hearing

Throughout the audience for Pete Hegseths Senate confirmation hearing are cadres of men wearing clothing expressing support for veterans or service in the military.

Several wore clothing affixed with military badges or patches. Some wore clothing denoting they were veterans, like one man wearing a Marine Veteran baseball cap. Others were more partisan in nature. Nearly a dozen men seated in the audience wore baseball caps that included the phrase For Hegseth brightly emblazoned in red. At least one man wore a black and gold Make America Great Again ball cap.

The ranking Democrat on the Senate Armed Services said Hegseth isnt qualified for the job

We must acknowledge the concerning public reports against you, said Sen. Jack Reed of Rhode Island. Indeed, the totality of your own writings and alleged conduct would disqualify any servicemember from holding any leadership position in the military, much less being confirmed as the Secretary of Defense.

He said he respects Hegseths military service, but said the nominees public comments against women in combat and diversity in the military and other issues are extremely alarming. Reed also said hes concerned about Hegseths management of two veterans organizations and questioned how he could run the much larger Defense Department.

Sen. Wicker says Hegseth stands out because of his lack of Washington experience

Washington doesnt build men like Pete. Combat builds men like Pete, Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Sen. Roger Wicker said.

An unconventional nomination as a boon, chairman contends

Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Sen. Roger Wicker called Hegseths nomination to lead the Defense Department unconventional but equated the choice as fitting for President-elect Donald Trump.

Admittedly, this nomination is unconventional. The nominee is unconventional, Wicker said.

Hegseth, Wicker said, was an unorthodox political figure just like that New York developer who rode down the escalator, in 2015.

Hearing begins for Defense nominee Pete Hegseth as senators launch round of public vetting for Trumps Cabinet picks

Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trumps pick to run the Department of Defense, entered the Senate hearing room alongside his entourage.

During Senate hearing, Hegseth will make overtures to female and Black troops

Pete Hegseth, Trumps pick to be defense secretary, will make overtures to female and Black troops in his confirmation hearing Tuesday after questioning the capabilities of both groups.

In prepared remarks obtained by The Associated Press, Hegseth says to officers and enlisted, Black and white, young and old, men and women, all Americans, all warriors -- this hearing is for you. Thank you for figuratively, and literally, having my back. I pledge to do the same for you. All of you.

That strikes a far different tone than he did in his published books, which include inflammatory passages questioning the capabilities of Black troops -- like a passage in War on Warriors that we can assume that 17 percent of all Black officers in the Air Force are promoted simply because of how they look, and questioning the value of women serving in combat.

Hegseth to say he would be a change agent if confirmed

President-elect Donald Trumps pick for defense secretary will tell senators he would be a change agent at the Pentagon if hes confirmed.

Pete Hegseth will face questioning from the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday as Democrats have questioned whether the former combat veteran and TV news show host is fit to lead the U.S. military. In his prepared remarks obtained by The Associated Press, Hegseth says its true that I dont have a similar biography to Defense Secretaries of the last 30 years but where has it gotten us?

Hegseth said Trump believes, and I humbly agree, that its time to give someone with dust on his boots the helm.

Expect Hegseth to be grilled over his derogatory statements about women

Hegseth will have to answer for his derogatory comments about women in military service as two former female combat veterans, GOP Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa and Democrat Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, are among those grilling him from the dais.

He can try to walk back his comments on women in combat all he wants, but we know what he thinks, right? said Duckworth, an Iraq War veteran, who lost her legs and partial use of her right arm when the Blackhawk helicopter she was piloting in the Army National Guard was shot down.

Duckworth said she plans to ask Hegseth about his logistical experience, how many people he's commanded and about his diplomatic skills. Many senators have not yet met with Hegseth, and they have not been given access to his FBI background check.

Hes the most unqualified person to ever be nominated for Secretary of Defense, Duckworth said.

How military groups have reacted to Hegseths nomination

Hegseth has the support of some veterans groups that say his past indiscretions are not as important as getting in the job someone who will focus on improving military readiness to fight.

Four defense officials pointed to Hegseths acknowledged problems and said senior officers have expressed unease about having him at the helm because the defense secretary often sits in judgment of generals and admirals accused of bad behavior  including infidelity and refusal to obey orders.

Service members expect those holding them accountable to set an example and meet equally high standards, said the officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to relay private discussions.

Character is everything in an institution, said former Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, who served in the Obama administration and was a longtime Republican senator. You cant minimize how important character is in leadership.

Hegseth could lead troops whod face getting fired for actions hes done in the past

If Pete Hegseth were still in uniform, his extramarital affairs and a decision to flatly ignore a combat commanders directive would not just be drawing the attention of senators  they could have run afoul of military law.

That's raising questions among current and former defense leaders and veterans about whether he would be able to enforce discipline in the ranks if confirmed as President-elect Donald Trumps defense secretary. Hegseth would oversee more than 2 million troops who could be disciplined or kicked out of the service for the same behavior he has acknowledged or been accused of in the past.

Hegseth, a 44-year-old Army National Guard veteran and former Fox News Channel weekend host, has acknowledged having multiple extramarital affairs  which occurred while he was in the military, according to divorce records  and has said he told his troops to ignore commands about when to fire on potential enemies. Both violate the Uniform Code of Military Justice and can get troops court-martialed and dishonorably discharged.

Hes also facing questions over his past drinking  which, had it occurred in uniform, also could have led to disciplinary action.

 Read more about Hegseths past behavior

Todays Cabinet hearings

9:30 a.m.: Pete Hegseth, Department of Defense The former Fox & Friends weekend host and Army National Guard combat veteran goes before the Senate Armed Services Committee after weeks of meetings during which some senators have questioned his fitness for the role amid allegations of excessive drinking and sexual misconduct. The Pentagon chiefs authority over the U.S. military is second only to that of the presidents.

 Read the weeks full schedule

___

An earlier version of this report stated that Doug Burgum would testify Tuesday. His testimony has been rescheduled to later this week.
CHICAGO  The hotly anticipated cross-examination of ex-House Speaker Michael Madigan kicked off Monday with a sledgehammer of a wiretap: Audio of a 2018 phone call in which Madigan and his co-defendant Michael McClain chuckle about how some ComEd contractors made out like bandits, as Madigan put it, for doing very little work.

Thats you laughing, sir, isnt it? Assistant U.S. Attorney Amarjeet Bhachu asked Madigan after playing the audio of the phone call.

Madigan confirmed that yes, it was.

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The tape has the potential to be highly damaging to Madigans case, and his attorneys fought hard to keep it away from jurors. Prosecutors were only allowed to use it after Madigan, who in a surprise move last week took the stand in his own defense, testified that he was angry and surprised to learn that some of the men he had referred to ComEd had allegedly done little or no real work.

That gave prosecutors a chance to play the tape, on which Madigan said some of these guys have made out like bandits.

Oh my god, for very little work, too, McClain responds. Very little work.

Madigan and McClain started the conversation talking about a specific ComEd contractor, Dennis Gannon, who is not part of the indictment. But Bhachu had Madigan confirm from the stand that on the bandits tape they were apparently talking about more than one person.

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You used the term guys in the plural in that conversation, dont you sir? Bhachu asked, opening the door for jurors to potentially infer they were talking about some of the ComEd subcontractors at issue in the case.

Bhachu asked short and pointed questions about the tape, carefully declining Madigan an opening to potentially explain himself. The tape will surely come up again on re-direct examination, when Madigans attorney will question him once again.

Madigans cross-examination drew high interest at the Dirksen U.S. Courthouse, where U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakeys courtroom swelled to capacity as well as a separate overflow courtroom seven floors above.

Dressed in a gray suit and purple tie, Madigan appeared much less relaxed than he did last week when he fielded questions from his attorney. At times, he and Bhachu sparred over his definition of what several years meant.

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Later, Bhachu stopped Madigan and admonished him to please answer the question posed, and said if he didnt understand the question hed try to rephrase it.

Is that fair? Bhachu said.

Madigan shot back, I hope so.

Jurors also heard, in Madigans own words, the mechanics by which the old patronage system operated: People would come into the 13th Ward looking for work, and Madigan, as ward committeeman, would tell them well get you a job, but youre going to work for the Democratic Party.

Jurors saw him give that explanation in video clips from a 2009 interview Madigan gave as part of a University of Illinois-Chicago oral history project on former mayor Richard J. Daley.

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Prosecutors want to draw a straight line from the old patronage system to Madigan and McClain's alleged scheme to reward political allies with cushy ComEd subcontracts.

But on questioning about his UIC interview, Madigan carefully avoided characterizing the old patronage system as an explicit exchange of a job for political work  sensitive, surely, to the fact that the bribery charges allege such an exchange regarding the subcontracts.

I viewed my (ward committeeman) job as finding people to work on behalf of Democratic candidates, and a lot of these people did it in the expectation theyd get a job or a promotion, Madigan said on the stand Monday.

Bhachu spent much of the first hour of his cross focusing on Madigan associates who were awarded lucrative consulting contracts with ComEd and how it could be that Madigan knew that they werent doing any work.

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He focused particularly on former 13th Ward Ald. Frank Olivo, who was Madigans neighbor for years, has children who referred to Madigan as uncle, and was even on a short list of invitees to Madigans 2018 birthday party.

Bhachu also asked about another ComEd subcontractor, Ray Nice, one of Madigans loyal precinct captains who was being paid tens of thousands of dollars by ComEd through a consulting company owned by Jay Doherty, the then-head of the City Club of Chicago.

While Nice was getting paid by Doherty, he was still a 13th Ward precinct captain?

Yes he was, Madigan said.

You didnt have any idea that your precinct captain wasnt doing a lick of work for ComEd? Is that your testimony? Bhachu asked.

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Madigan responded, Yes it is.

Madigan, 82, has been on the witness stand since Tuesday and so far has faced mostly sympathetic questioning from his own attorney, taking the jury through his strict upbringing and rise to power, while emphatically and repeatedly denying he ever abused his public office for private gain.

Before the questioning began, U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey heard arguments on just how wide-ranging the governments questioning can be, including several areas of inquiry that had been previously barred by the judge as irrelevant or too prejudicial for the jury.

Among them: Madigans allegedly fractured relationship with former McPier boss Juan Ochoa, whom Madigan later recommended for a cushy seat on ComEds board of directors.

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Madigan testified Wednesday that he mended fences with Ochoa at some point after Ochoa fired a former Madigan staffer at then-Gov. Rod Blagojevichs request. But Assistant U.S. Attorney Amarjeet Bhachu said that was far from the full story.

That lends emphasis to this idea that Mr. Madigan avoids confrontation, is conciliatory, Bhachu argued in court Wednesday after the jury had gone home for the day. In fact, Madigan retaliated by blocking debt-restructuring legislation that McPier badly needed, Bhachu said.

Bhachu said he also wants to ask Madigan whether he knew that Jeffrey Rush, one of the people whom he wanted to help with a job, had been convicted of three felonies and that three women had been the subject of that misconduct.

Rush, the son of longtime U.S. Congressman Bobby Rush, had worked for the Illinois Department of Corrections but got in trouble for having a sexual relationship with a parolee.

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Collins objected, saying, I dont see how asking a bunch of questions that dirty up Mr. Rush in an attempt to dirty up Mr. Madigan are relevant.

Madigan, a Southwest Side Democrat, and his longtime confidant, Michael McClain, 77, of downstate Quincy, are charged in a 23-count indictment alleging that Madigans vaunted state and political operations were run like a criminal enterprise to amass and increase his power and enrich himself and his associates.

In addition to alleging bribery schemes involving ComEd and AT&T Illinois, the indictment accuses Madigan of pressuring developers to hire the speakers law firm and trying to win business by secretly supporting legislation to transfer state-owned land in Chinatown to the city so developers could build a high-rise.

Both Madigan and McClain have denied wrongdoing.

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Approximately 62% of lawmakers in the Rhode Island General Assembly are calling on Gov. Dan McKee to declare a state of emergency this winter for the homeless population. (Getty image)

Nearly 50 state lawmakers called on Gov. Dan McKee to declare homelessness a public health emergency before the weekend began. Their ranks swelled Monday as Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio, Majority Leader Valarie J. Lawson, and Majority Whip David P. Tikoian and 21 other senators signed on to the cause.

Your leadership is needed now to protect and save the lives of Rhode Islanders across our state, including our working class neighbors, our children, and our veterans, the Senate leaders wrote in a statement to the governor.

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The three Senate leaders emphasized the importance of immediate action to save lives of people who are otherwise exposed to outdoor winter cold temperatures, calling on McKee to address the states housing crisis using the resources the General Assembly provides to the executive branch.

Declaring a state of emergency would empower the governor to work across and through state agencies to mobilize resources, streamline solutions, and provide immediate relief to the growing number of individuals and families experiencing homelessness, they wrote.

The governor has resisted the calls.

Common misconception is that an emergency declaration would make more federal funding available for the situation and it would not, McKee said during a State House press conference on Friday, Jan. 10.

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McKees administration has faced scrutiny from advocates for homeless people over a lack of emergency shelters as a polar vortex hit the state over the last week. Senators suggested the governor allow temporary exemptions to the fire code and encouraged the governor to post a 24-hour fire detail at Echo Village until the fire suppression system is operational there.

Gaps in the states fire and building codes and delayed supply shipments have stalled the opening of ECHO Village, a community of 45 pallet shelter cabins off Victor Street near Route 146 in Providence, until later this winter, said the states newest Housing Secretary Deborah Goddard. Fire suppression units for the cabins were delivered in late December and installation was ongoing as of last week.

While a declaration could get some of the red tape out of the way, McKee said waiving fire safety regulations could lead to a similar tragedy that led to the deaths of 100 people at the Station Nightclub in West Warwick in 2003.

Unfortunately, Rhode Islanders know all too well that worst-case scenario for neglecting fire regulations, McKee said at Fridays press conference.

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Senate leaders also urged the governor to work with the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority to provide unhoused people free transit to shelters where beds are available.

An excavator digs up gravel at ECHO Village, a community of 45 pallet shelter cabins to house homeless people off Victor Street in Providence on Dec. 4, 2024. Opening ECHO Village has been repeatedly stalled due to red tape and supply chain delays. (Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current)

Nudge from House speaker

On Friday, 46 legislators from both chambers of the General Assembly signed a petition urging McKee to reconsider his position.

Your leadership is needed now to protect and save the lives of Rhode Islanders across our state, including our working class neighbors, our children, and our veterans, they said in their statement to the governor Friday.

In the past year, 54 Rhode Islanders have died because they resided outside in the elements. More have lost their lives because of diseases or illnesses they got as a result of their being homeless. It is our duty as Rhode Islander lawmakers to ensure every single Rhode Islander, no matter if they have a physical permanent address or they are our neighbors residing outside, have elected officials at every level of government willing to prioritize legislation and actions to protect them, the legislators continued.

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House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi did not sign the petition, but has also encouraged McKee to at least consider an emergency declaration.

People are outside suffering in very cold temperatures, he said in a statement Monday. If a state of emergency helps streamline the process or makes additional resources available, I support it wholeheartedly.

The Providence City Council has also joined the charge, approving a non-binding resolution on Jan. 8 calling on the governor to issue the declaration to prevent, intervene, and support the recovery of those experiencing homelessness.

We need immediate investment to increase the availability of life-saving short-term solutions, and we need to come together at every level of government to address decades-long systemic failures, City Council President Rachel Miller said in a statement after the resolution passed. Further inaction will cost lives.

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In addition to their call for an emergency declaration, Senate leaders have asked Housing and Municipal Government Chairman Jacob Bissaillon, a Providence Democrat, and Government Oversight Committee Chairman Mark McKenney, a Warwick Democrat, to schedule a joint hearing to review the states plan to address homelessness on Tuesday, Jan. 21.

The agenda includes reviewing the Rhode Island Department of Housings preparedness and response to homelessness, its proposed reorganization, and the latest progress with ECHO Village.

The Black Lives Matter Rhode Island Political Action Committee will also call on McKee to declare homelessness a public health emergency at an event billed as The Peoples State of the State on Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the State Rotunda. The event takes place an hour before McKees State of the State address.

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MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP)  University professors and students in Alabama filed a lawsuit Tuesday challenging a new state law that bans diversity, equity and inclusion programs at universities and put limits on how race and gender can be discussed in the college classroom.

The complaint asserts the new law violates the First Amendment by placing viewpoint-based restrictions on educators speech and classroom lessons. Plaintiffs also argue the law is intentionally discriminatory against Black students because it targets concepts related to race and racism, limits programs that benefit Black students and eliminates campus spaces dedicated to student organizations that support Black students.

The NAACP Legal Defense Fund and the American Civil Liberties Union of Alabama filed the lawsuit on behalf of the Alabama State Conference of the NAACP and professors and students at the University of Alabama and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The lawsuit asks a federal judge to declare the law unconstitutional and block the state from enforcing it.

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The Alabama Legislatures censorship of important discussions about race and gender inequalities and its attack on so-called DEI programs are an affront to the constitutional rights of Alabama faculty and students, Antonio L. Ingram II, Legal Defense Fund senior counsel, said in a statement about the lawsuit. The harms are particularly salient for Black, LGBTQ+, and other faculty and students of color, whose histories and lived experiences have been dismissed, devalued, and undermined on their campuses.

The Alabama measure, which took effect Oct. 1, is part of a wave of proposals from Republican lawmakers across the country taking aim at DEI programs on college campuses. Republicans say the programs deepen divisions and promote a particular political viewpoint. Opponents of the measure say it is a rollback of hard-won advances and programs that welcome underrepresented student populations. The lawsuit names Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey and university trustees as defendants.

The governor stands behind this legislation and its intent, Ivey spokesperson Gina Maiola wrote in a text message to The Associated Press.

The Alabama law prohibits universities, K-12 school systems and state agencies from sponsoring DEI programs, defined as classes, training, programs and events where attendance is based on a persons race, sex, gender identity, ethnicity, national origin or sexual orientation. The bill also prohibits classes and training that advocate for eight divisive concepts" including that a person should feel guilt because of their race or that fault, blame or bias should be assigned to people based on race, religion, gender or national origin.

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The lawsuit lists a litany of impacts on students and professors. A social work professor said she was threatened with being fired unless she canceled a class project in which students had decided to analyze the potential negative impacts of the new state law. A political science professor said university officials told her that her course on poverty could violate the law because of its perceived focus on learning about systematic racism, according to the lawsuit.

Universities shuttered or rebranded their DEI offices in the wake of the law.

Lynn L. Cole, a spokesperson for the University of Alabama system, said it did not have a comment on the lawsuit.

In Florida, a similar lawsuit filed several years ago challenged the state's Stop WOKE" act. A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction in 2022 blocking a portion of the law that restricted certain race-based conversations and analysis in colleges.

The case is on appeal, and in July the judge overturned a portion of the law related to private businesses.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  A lawsuit claims someone got away with half a million dollars by selling a Nashville property they did not own. Its a scam making the rounds across the country, according to federal officials.

Fraudulent property owners looking to sell get in contact with real estate agents or title companies, which is how the scam begins. That fraudulent property owner has the correct information  including Social Security and drivers license numbers  to come across as legitimate.

Age-verification law for pornographic websites allowed to go into effect

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In some cases, the fraudulent owners will ask for an all-cash sale seek a quick closing. These deals can be done within weeks without the real homeowners ever knowing.

For scammers, its seasonal. This scam was around in 2021 and now its resurfacing again in 2024 and then now into 2025, said Lorneth Peters, vice president of marketing and engagement for the Better Business Bureau serving Middle Tennessee and Southern Kentucky.

A lawsuit filed last week showed the scam has Middle Tennessee. The lawsuit said in Nov. 2024, alleged scammers claimed to own properties on Wharf Avenue in Nashville. They allegedly wrote up a false contract with the title company that had previously worked with the real property owners multiple times.

The alleged scammers reportedly told the company they wanted a remote sale because they were out of town. The home sale closed and over $516,000 was wired to the fraudulent homeowners through a bank. The real owners had no idea until they got a property tax refund check and started asking questions. The title company has sued the bank.

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When it comes to home sale scams, Peters said there are steps you can take to make sure this doesnt happen to you, like choosing to complete business solely in-person.

Judge finds Nashvilles transit plan valid and legal

Its much more difficult for someone to get access to your information if they are protected correctly, Peters said. If youre working with a business or title company, for instance, let them know, If someones calling saying they are me, reach out to me, call me, send me an email, [say] this is the only email you should be using, the only phone number you should be using, just to make sure youre protecting yourself.

News 2 reached out to the real property owner for comment, but as of publication, there has been no response. A spokesperson for the title offered no comment on the lawsuit as of publication.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
By Alexander Tanas

CHISINAU (Reuters) -The leader of Moldova's breakaway region of Transdniestria has travelled to Moscow for talks to resolve an energy crisis following the suspension of Russian gas deliveries, Transdniestria's news agency reported on Tuesday.

Transdniestria has suffered widespread power cuts since Jan. 1 when Russia's Gazprom suspended gas exports to the region, citing an unpaid Moldovan debt of $709 million that Chisinau does not recognise as valid.

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Moscow blames the suspension of gas supplies on Moldova and Ukraine, which refused to extend a five-year gas transit deal that expired on Dec. 31 on the grounds that the proceeds help fund Russia's invasion.

Moldova says Moscow could use an alternative route to continue supplying Transdniestria, which was receiving gas via Ukraine.

Transdniestria's separatist leader Vadim Krasnoselsky held talks to overcome the energy crisis, his press secretary Denis Podgorny was quoted as saying by Novosti Pridnestrovya agency.

He gave no details, and Russian authorities made no comment.

SANDU SAYS MOSCOW DECIDES FOR SEPARATISTS

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Moldova's pro-Western President Maia Sandu said she was aware of the visit, adding: "We want the people in the Transdniestrian region... to have electricity, heat, and water as soon as possible."

"Tiraspol's refusal to accept help from Moldova is not its (refusal) but the Kremlin's," Sandu said, reiterating Chisinau's view that Transdniestria acts only on Moscow's orders. Tiraspol is the separatist region's capital.

Moldovan political analyst Vitalie Andrievschi told Reuters that Krasnoselsky's talks in Moscow could simply produce the same position that a resumption of Russian gas supplies depended on Moldova paying arrears.

"Or Russia could consider Transdniestria's position and say it will start shipments at this or that date through the Balkan corridor (Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania), without Moldova paying off the arrears," he said.

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Moldovan officials say they have offered Transdniestria help with buying gas on external markets and securing coal supplies from Ukraine. The separatist authorities say Chisinau has made no real proposals.

Sandu said she believed the energy crisis had been artificially stoked, arguing that Russia had alternative routes to continue supplying contracted natural gas. Russia's only goal is to destabilise the situation in Moldova, she added.

Sandu, who won a second presidential term in a closely fought election late last year, aims to take Moldova into the European Union.

Moldova's foreign ministry, meanwhile, denounced as "unacceptable interference" comments by a senior Kremlin aide, Nikolai Patrushev, who blamed Chisinau authorities for the energy crisis and said they should "acknowledge their mistakes".

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"I cannot rule out that Chisinau's aggressive anti-Russian policy will lead to Moldova either being made part of another country or ceasing to exist," Patrushev told the daily Kosomolskaya Pravda.

He said the same fate could also befall Ukraine, citing the long-held Russian position that Kyiv's policies were guided by what Moscow calls "neo-Nazi" principles.

(Reporting by Alexander Tanas, writing by Yuliia Dysa and Ron PopeskiEditing by Gareth Jones and Deepa Babington)
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP)  House Democrats boycotted the opening day of Minnesotas 2025 legislative session Tuesday in an effort to stop Republicans from exploiting a temporary one-seat majority to remove one of their members. But GOP representatives forged ahead anyway and named their leader as speaker in a move that Democrats vowed to challenge in court.

There was applause as Democratic Secretary of State Steve Simon entered the chamber to convene the proceedings in accordance with state law. But the Democratic side of the House chamber was empty and only Republicans replied present as a clerk took the roll.

Simon announced they had not reached the 68 members needed for a quorum, declared the chamber adjourned and left.

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But Republicans stayed in their seats, saying that with 67 members present they had a quorum. They then voted to elect their top member, former Minority Leader Lisa Demuth, of Cold Spring, as speaker, a move that Democrats immediately denounced as an unlawful sham with no legal authority.

The key sticking point is whether Republicans will make good on a threat to refuse to seat incumbent Democratic Rep. Brad Tabke, of Shakopee, who won reelection by 14 votes even after local elections officials said 20 ballots were accidentally destroyed without being counted. A judge earlier Tuesday declared that Tabke was the legal winner and rejected a GOP effort to force a special election in the swing district that they potentially could have won.

The House came out of the November election tied 67-67, and top leaders from both parties started to work out a power-sharing agreement that presumed a tie. But a different judge late last month declared that a newly elected Democrat in another, heavily Democratic district, didnt really live there.

That gave the GOP a 67-66 majority until a special election can take place there in two weeks. Republicans then declared their intent to take full advantage until the tie is restored and threatened to refuse to seat Tabke even if they lost the court case.

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The top House Democrat, former Speaker Melissa Hortman, of Brooklyn Park, said at a news conference in Tabke's district in Shakopee that Republicans would not commit in final negotiations to letting Tabke keep his seat.

Hortman said she had proposed letting Demuth become speaker for the full session but otherwise revert to an earlier power-sharing agreement, assuming that the special election restores the tie. But she said Demuth would not rule out taking action to move against Tabke at some point.

Demuth vowed in an acceptance speech to work tirelessly to foster a culture of respect and civility in the House, but she didnt directly mention the boycott.

We owe it to the people that we represent to debate passionately, but we also owe them the respect of agreeing that sometimes we do disagree, she said. So lets focus on what unites us.

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Republicans then adjourned until Wednesday. The No. 2 Republican leader, Rep. Harry Niska, of Ramsey, told reporters afterward that Simon, as a member of the executive branch, is barred by the constitutional separation of powers from controlling the work of the House.

But House Democrats said the GOP actions were illegal and that Demuth is not speaker. Simon said in a statement that he intends to ask the Minnesota Supreme Court to rule that the GOP moves were not legitimate.

I anticipate that the courts will provide clarity, both on that issue and on the understanding that the person who holds the Secretary of States office is the presiding officer until a Speaker is legally elected  an event which has not yet occurred, Simon said.

It's unclear how long the courts might take to resolve the dispute.

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This is the first time the Minnesota Legislature has faced such a boycott, but similar stalling tactics have been used elsewhere.

Democrats in neighboring Wisconsin went into hiding in 2011 in a standoff with majority Republicans over union rights for public employees. Oregon Republicans staged multiple walkouts in recent years, including a record six-week walkout in 2023 over bills on abortion, gender-affirming care and gun rights. The top Democrat in the Michigan House last month ordered absent members back and barred the doors after a Democrat joined Republicans in skipping out.

The high-stakes poker in the Minnesota House contrasts with the calm that prevailed Tuesday in the state Senate, which is tied 33-33 pending a Jan. 28 special election to fill the seat of a deceased senator. That's expected to restore the Democrats' 34-33 majority. Senate leaders quietly reached a power-sharing deal that includes co-presiding officers from both parties.

The polarization in the House raises interesting and unresolved legal questions, said David Schultz, professor of political science at Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota.

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"We are in uncharted legal territory, Schultz said, because language in the states constitution and laws is ambiguous and there arent any definitive answers.

Its also not clear whether the states courts can intervene to resolve the infighting of the legislative branch of government, Schultz said, or whether Republicans would have to abide by a judicial opinion if they did so.

Its starting off intensely ugly, Schultz said, and its not going to bode well for the rest of the session.

___

Associated Press reporter Hannah Fingerhut contributed to this story from Des Moines, Iowa.
A New Mexico State Police officer looks out at the crowd of protesters gathered outside of the Student Union Building at UNM in 2022. State Police are overseen by the New Mexico Department of Public Safety. (Photo by Gino Gutierrez for Source NM)

The first CEO of the office charged with investigating police misconduct in New Mexico says officials at the New Mexico Department of Public Safety last week took away his vehicle, and intend to take away his computer and office space.

Joshua Calder, appointed in June 2024 as CEO of the Law Enforcement Certification Board, detailed a Jan. 6 meeting with DPS Cabinet Secretary Jason Bowie in an email to the full board, a copy of which Source obtained.

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Calder confirmed the emails veracity in a phone interview today, while declining to comment further ahead of a special meeting he has requested.

During the meeting, Calder wrote, he was told of several changes that affect his role and authority.

DPS has asserted control over the LECB budget and its property, resulting in the withdrawal of my take-home vehicle, he wrote. DPS has stated that they will also be reclaiming other items provided to me, including my work computer and cell phone  As of today, I will no longer have access to any equipment purchased by DPS.

According to Calder, the meeting was attended by Bowie, a DPS attorney, Law Enforcement Academy Director Sonya Chavez and New Mexico State Police Chief Troy Weisler.

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DPS spokesman Herman Lovato, in written responses to Sources inquiry, underscored that the department has not seen a copy of Calders email, but denied the allegations.

DPS has not been provided a copy of the email where Mr. Calder expressed these concerns, Lovato wrote. It is important to clarify that DPS has not taken any equipment or office space from Mr. Calder. He continues to occupy his original office space, utilize a department cell phone, computer, and email. The department did take a vehicle assigned to Mr. Calder because DPS is not able to legally register or insure a vehicle for a non-DPS employee. He is an employee of the LECB.

Regarding the budget, Lovato noted via email that legislative language (HB2) allocated the LECB budget to the Statewide Law Enforcement Services (SLES) at the Department of Public Safety.

In his letter, Calder wrote that during the meeting, he expressed his interpretation of the need for separation between the Department of Public Safety and the Office of the LECB.

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For instance, he provided a hypothetical scenario in which the State Police chief could be accused of misconduct and LECB staff would need to investigate, which would obviously create a conflict of interest, the letter noted.

According to Calders letter, Bowie responded by saying if such a situation occurred, DPS would not interfere with the investigation, a sentiment Calder called inaccurate but also unrealistic in his letter.

Lovato also confirmed in his written statement that both the LECB and its CEO are administratively attached to DPS. This means that DPS provides administrative support to the LECB, such as operational resources and infrastructure, while the LECB maintains its independence in carrying out its statutory duties.

Calder then noted in his letter that the discussion on Jan. 6 reminded him of when he first started in the position and he was called into the Cabinet Secretarys office regarding the matter of Chief Medina from Albuquerque.

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In a phone interview, Calder said he was referring to the misconduct complaint filed against Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina by City Councilor Louie Sanchez in August 2024 for the chiefs actions at a crash that February.

LECB still has not processed the complaint as of today, Calder said.

When he was interviewed for and accepted the CEO job last year, Calder wrote that he was told that a take-home vehicle, an office, and equipment were part of the role.

Calder wrote that Chavez acknowledged the importance of providing him with an office and needed equipment due to the nature of our mutual work.

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DPS stated they would allow me an office at their location, but only so long as it suits them, Calder wrote.

Office space has been and continues to be available for the LECBs operations and Mr. Calder, spokesperson Lovato wrote to Source. Mr. Calder has access to the necessary facilities and support to fulfill his responsibilities as the executive director of the LECB.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE

Board to hold special meeting this month

In June 2023, a new law split the seven-member New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy Board into the Law Enforcement Standards and Training Council, and the Law Enforcement Certification Board.

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A year later, the Law Enforcement Certification Board voted unanimously to appoint Calder as its first-ever CEO, according to its meeting minutes. As the CEO, I remain the only direct employee of the Board, Calder wrote on Jan. 6.

The new law that created the two boards states that the Law Enforcement Certification Board is administratively attached to the Department of Public Safety. Existing law says this means the LECB must exercise its functions independently of the department and without approval or control of DPS.

Calder wrote that the issue has risen to the level of a special board meeting, during which he believes they may need to explore a writ of mandamus, which is a court order requiring a government entity or official to carry out its duties under the law.

Calder said he would need one to create clarification about that administrative attachment between the two, and the responsibilities of each agency in that administrative attachment.

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Calder said he and the boards members will hold a special meeting about the issue, tentatively scheduled for 1 p.m. on Jan. 22 at the Santa Fe County Sheriffs Office.

Reached by phone on Monday, Board Member Julie Ball confirmed the special meeting but said she could not comment until afterwards.

Calder previously worked as an officer for the police departments in Carlsbad, Farmington and Bloomfield. He wrote in the email that the Department of Public Safety intended to revoke my law enforcement commission today.

I had already anticipated this outcome, he wrote. He was also told before he was hired that holding a police license wasnt a job requirement, so in mid-December he returned his sidearm and accessories to the academy, he wrote.

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Lovato said the allegation is false.

DPS has not been provided a copy of the January 6, 2025, email, Lovato reiterated. DPS categorically denies that there have been any discussions or actions taken to revoke Mr. Calders law enforcement certification or terminate him. It is correct that he is not currently cross-commissioned by the New Mexico State Police (NMSP). This does not impact his ability to fulfill his duties with the LECB.

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Jan. 14 (UPI) -- BEIRUT, Lebanon, January 14 (UPI) -- Lebanon's Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam on Tuesday called for "unity and cooperation" to save, reform and reconstruct Lebanon, saying he is extending his hands to "all," in specific reference to Iran-backed Hezbollah, which was angered by his nomination to lead the new government.

Now that he has officially been designated by newly elected President Joseph Aoun, Salam said, it is time "to say enough" and "start a new chapter rooted in justice, security, progress and opportunities" for Lebanon.

He was referring to the Lebanese "sufferings" resulting from the recent Israeli "barbaric aggression" on their country and the worst financial and economic crisis they have faced in 2019 and which led to their impoverishment.

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Salam, the current president of the International Court of Justice who was nominated on Monday by the majority of the 128-member parliament to form the new government, emphasized that the "most important challenge" facing Lebanon was to confront the outcome of the 14-month Israel-Hezbollah war.

The war, which broke out in October 2023 in support of Gaza and ended last November 27 with a U.S.-brokered cease-fire agreement, killed or wounded more than 20,000 in Lebanon and destroyed large parts of Hezbollah's strongholds in Beirut's southern suburbs, as well as southern and eastern regions.

Salam pledged to rebuild the war-ravaged areas, saying "reconstruction is not just a promise but a commitment."

He, thus, stressed the need to fully implement U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, all articles related to the cease-fire accord and "impose the full withdrawal of the enemy to the last inch of our occupied territories."

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"There is no security or stability for our country without that," he said, noting that it also requires extending state authority over all its territories through its own forces at a time the issue of disarming Hezbollah remains a main challenge.

Under the 60-day cease-fire deal, Hezbollah should withdraw to south of the Litani River and would not be allowed to rebuild its infrastructure. On its part, Israel was to gradually pull out from occupied parts in southern Lebanon, paving the way for the Lebanese Army and security forces to deploy and take control of the border area. The withdrawal process should be completed by January 27.

The once powerful Hezbollah suffered heavy blows during its war with Israel. The ouster of its main regional ally, Syrian President Bashar Assad, on December 8 further weakened the militant group.

On Monday, Hezbollah was greatly dismayed by Salam's nomination, saying it was meant to "exclude" the group and "tarnish" the consensus that emerged with the election of President Aoun last week.

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Hezbollah and the Amal movement voted for Aoun reportedly as part of a deal under which the incumbent Prime Minister Najib Mikati, whom they support, was to be named again as prime minister.

Salam dismissed his intention to exclude any party and, rather, supports "national partnership," saying, "this is my sincere call, and both my hands are extended to all" to save, reform and construct the country.

It was not yet clear whether Hezbollah and the Amal movement led by House Speaker Nabih Berri, both with wide representation of the Shiite community, would be willing to join Salam's new cabinet.

Lebanon has a unique power-sharing system to secure representation of the country's different communities. Under this system, the president, who is also the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, should be a Christian Maronite, the prime minister should be a Sunni Muslim and the house speaker should be a Shiite Muslim.

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President Aoun assured the Shiite community, saying "not only the Shiites are threatened but all of Lebanon" and "if one of us is broken, all of Lebanon is broken".

"We have many big opportunities that we need to exploit hand by hand," Aoun said during a meeting Tuesday with a delegation from the Supreme Islamic Shiite Council.

Salam, on his part, promised to rebuild a "capable and just state" and "a modern and productive economy," to achieve justice for the 220 victims of the 2020 Beirut port explosion and to provide justice to bank depositors who lost their savings during the 2019 financial collapse because of decades of corruption and mismanagement by the ruling elite.

"Enough of lost opportunities," said Salam, who is to start his consultations to form a new cabinet as quickly as possible.
AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Nawaf Salam, who has been designated as the new Prime Minister of Lebanon, has resigned as a member of the International Court of Justice, said the ICJ on Tuesday.

Salam's term as head of the ICJ had been due to end in early February 2027.

Earlier this week, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun summoned Salam to designate him prime minister after most lawmakers had nominated him, dealing a big blow to Hezbollah, which accused opponents of seeking to exclude it.

(Reporting by Benoit Van Overstraeten; Editing by Sudip Kar-Gupta)
A star-spangled Bible in which Donald Trumps endorsement reversed a once-doomed business venture is now commemorating the president-elects inauguration with a special edition.

2025 is destined to be an amazing year with Donald J. Trump returning to office and bringing faith back to the forefront of America, said a video posted by country musician Lee Greenwood advertising a special inauguration edition of the God Bless the USA Bible. Christianity has been experiencing a recent surge now more than ever and every home needs to have a Bible readily available.

The God Bless the USA Bible special edition commemorating President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025.

This new Inauguration Day edition is the latest boost for a controversial text that at one point was considered a dud but has since received notoriety following praise among Trumps allies and comedians satirical criticism. Though its unknown whether Trump will use it in his swearing in ceremony on Monday, the God Bless the USA Bible is likely destined for continued business success.

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From the business side of things, its done very well and its doing very well, Hugh Kirkpatrick, president of Elite Source Pro, a Nashville-area company that oversees manufacturing for the God Bless the USA Bible, said in an interview.

The God Bless the USA Bible contains copies of the U.S. Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution and handwritten lyrics to Greenwoods hit song from which the Bible derives its name. The special inauguration edition also includes a label on the front cover that says: Donald J. Trump 47th President of the United States of America Inauguration Day Edition January 20, 2025. It costs $69.99  $10 more than the original edition.

Greenwood, based in Nashville and a close ally to Trump, was the inspiration behind the text and a public champion for its publishing, and he partnered with Elite Source Pro to help produce it.

Trump officially endorsed the Bible in March 2024, lifting its uncertain prospects following an earlier battle over publishers. HarperCollins Christian Publishing and subsidiary group Zondervan announced in 2021 it was no longer planning to publish Greenwoods Bible as it initially planned to, a consequence of pushback that the text was a symbol of a far-right religious movement commonly known as Christian nationalism. Eventually, Elite Source Pro found a new publisher and produced the text with a different biblical translation from its originally proposed version.

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It was meant as a unifier. We never imagined it would cause chaos or turmoil, Kirkpatrick said. It wasnt for a political endeavor; it was more of a religious history document. Then it became political.

But since Trumps endorsement, discourse about the politics of the God Bless the USA Bible has only intensified.

If youre thinking who would be so nakedly crass to be associated with a $60 Lee Greenwood-Bible? you already know the answer to that, comedian John Oliver quipped in an October segment. Host of the popular Last Week Tonight With Jon Oliver show, Oliver made fun of a video featuring Trump endorsing the God Bless the USA Bible in which Trump called the Bible is his favorite book.

Sure, that is your favorite book, Oliver said, referring to a January 2020 photo op when Trump held a Bible after police removed protesters from Lafayette Square in Washington, D.C. That is why the last time you were seen with a Bible, you held it like a model on Deal or No Deal showing off the briefcase number. Then, like you were about to kill a mosquito with it.

In 2020, then-U.S. President Donald Trump held up a Bible during a photo opportunity in front of St. John's Episcopal Church in the midst of ongoing protests over racial inequality in the wake of the death of George Floyd while in Minneapolis police custody, outside the White House in Washington, U.S., June 1, 2020. REUTERS/Tom Brenner

Also, Trump has personally benefitted from endorsing the God Bless the USA Bible, reportedly receiving $300,000 in royalty payments, according to financial disclosures included in court filings.

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In October, Oklahoma Watch reported the God Bless the USA Bible precisely fit the criteria and budget for a state Department of Education proposal to put Bibles in classrooms. Since then, Kirkpatrick said Elite Source Pro has received additional requests from private schools and home schools. In November, the state abruptly ended its search for a Bible vendor.

The backstory: Lee Greenwood's 'God Bless the USA Bible' finds new printer after HarperCollins Christian passes

Liam Adams covers religion for The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at ladams@tennessean.com or on social media @liamsadams.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Trump Bible gets 'Inauguration Edition,' Lee Greenwood announces
PIERRE, S.D. (KELO)  The biggest crop of new faces in more than a decade will raise their right hands to be sworn in as lawmakers on Tuesday when the South Dakota Legislature begins its 2025 regular session.

Representatives and senators will gather in their respective chambers at noon CT for their oaths. Then, at 1 p.m. CT, Governor Kristi Noem will deliver her seventh, and possibly, last State of the State address to a joint gathering of lawmakers in the House chamber.

READ: Gov. Noems 2025 State of the State

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Afterward, the Republican governor is scheduled to head to Washington, D.C., for a U.S. Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday morning. U.S. President-elect Trump has nominated Noem to be his homeland security secretary in the incoming administration.

Her office hasnt announced yet when her resignation as governor will take effect. Lieutenant Governor Larry Rhoden would become governor for the final year-plus. Rhoden would then name a lieutenant governor, who would be subject to confirmation by the South Dakota Senate.

Noems speech on Tuesday could provide some of the succession details and serve as a goodbye to state office. She has never lost in two runs for the Legislature, four elections for the U.S. House and two races for governor.

Both of South Dakotas legislative chambers will have new leadership teams this year. Republican Jon Hansen has been chosen by his caucus to be the new House speaker, while Republican Chris Karr has been selected by his caucus to the new Senate president pro tempore.

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The new House majority leader is Republican Scott Odenbach, with Republican Marty Overweg as House majority assistant leader.

The new Senate majority leader is Republican Jim Mehlhaff. The Senate majority assistant leader is Republican Carl Perry.

The new Senate minority leader is Democrat Liz Larson, while the new House minority leader is Democrat Erin Healy.

There will be at least 32 new members in the 105-seat Legislature, with nine former legislators making comebacks as well. Thats the most first-timers since 2013, when there were 33.

It isnt yet known who will be appointed by the governor to replace Republican Herman Otten. The 12-year lawmaker announced on Friday that he wouldnt take the House seat he had won in November. Noems office announced on Monday that nominations needed to be received by January 24.

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Assuming that the governor names a Republican as the replacement, the House will be split 64-6 in favor of Republicans.

Republicans also will continue holding control of the Senate, where they will outnumber Democrats 32-3.

The main run of the 2025 session is scheduled to wrap up Thursday, March 13. The final day is set for March 31 to consider any vetoes or other unfinished businesses.

As of mid-afternoon Monday, 117 pieces of legislation, known as bills, had been pre-filed. More will come in the next few weeks. The final day for an individual lawmaker to introduce a bill is February 5.

Spending discussions are likely to dominate the session. Last month Noem recommended a budget that was tight on revenue and would make a variety of cuts to existing programs, while raising licensing fees for many professions and calling for another state voucher program to help pay for K-12 students to attend alternative education.

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On Wednesday, lawmakers gather at 10 a.m. CT in the House chamber for the annual State of the Judiciary message and return at 1 p.m. CT for the annual State of the Tribes message.

First-year lawmakers include:

Bobbi Andera

Jeff Bathke

Heather Baxter

Greg Blanc

John Carley

Josephine Garcia

Tamara Grove

Jim Halverson

Joy Hohn

John Hughes

Amber Hulse

Jana Hunt

Travis Ismay

Dylan Jordan

Terri Jorgenson

Tony Kayser

Mark Lapka

Logan Manhart

Erik Muckey

Lauren Nelson

Kaley Nolz

Christopher Reder

Kathy Rice

Matt Roby

Kent Roe

Tesa Schwans

Nicole Uhre-Balk

Kevin Van Deipen

Glen Vilhauer

Curt Voight

Mykala Voita and

Tim Walburg.

Lawmakers making comebacks after a break include:

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Tim Goodwin, who last served in 2022.

Spencer Gosch, who last served in 2022.

Lana Greenfield, who last served in 2022.

Leslie Heinemann, who last served in 2018.

Taffy Howard, who last served in 2022.

Sam Marty, who last served in 2022.

Paul Miskimins, who last served in 2022.

Jamie Smith, who last served in 2022.

Keri Weems, who last served in 2008.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
The leaders of the Republican-dominated Florida Legislature pushed back later Monday against Gov. Ron DeSantis' call earlier in the day for a special session on illegal immigration and other issues, saying it was "completely irresponsible" and that the governor offered no "meaningful details."

"Calling a special session at this time is premature," House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, and Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, said in a joint memo released shortly after 5 o'clock. DeSantis made his announcement to reporters at the state Capitol but didn't share anything in writing until Monday evening when he released the special session proclamation.

Speaker of the Florida House Representatives Daniel Perez listens during a meeting of the Florida Presidential Electors Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024.

From earlier Monday: Gov. Ron DeSantis calls special legislative session to deal with illegal immigration, more

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The two leaders made clear they were strong supporters of President-elect Donald Trump, who has called for a crackdown on illegal immigration, even proposing to declare a national emergency, and promised mass deportations of those unlawfully in the country.

But, they wrote, "we are not aware of any specific guidance provided to the states about actions state legislatures can take to support forthcoming federal action. It is completely irresponsible to get out ahead of any announcements President Trump will make, especially when uninformed or ill-timed state action could potentially impair or impede the success of (his) forthcoming efforts to end illegal immigration, close our borders, and protect the sovereignty of our nation."

DeSantis called for the special session to begin Jan. 27; the 2025 regular legislative session starts in Tallahassee on March 4.

The 2-page statement is a notably defiant turn from recent years, especially after their immediate predecessors  former Speaker Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast, and past Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples  largely acceded to DeSantis' demands, even changing state law to make sure he could run for president under Florida's 'resign to run' law. That run later fizzled out.

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"When we receive specific guidance that may necessitate our states legislative action to complement President Trumps efforts, we stand ready to act at the appropriate time," Perez and Albritton said in their memo. "While the Governor discussed fragments of ideas for a special session he plans to start in just fourteen days, he did not release any actual bill language or even meaningful details for legislators and our constituents to consider."

Senate President Ben Albritton is sworn in as Senate President during an organization session held by the Florida legislature Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024.

Meanwhile, legislative Democrats cheered the response on social media: Senate Democratic Leader Jason Pizzo posted the memo and wrote, "Heres what an autonomous branch of government looks like." And state Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, posted: "Nice when there are those rare bipartisan moments where we can all agree that Governor DeSantis is wrong."

On the other hand, DeSantis ally and state Sen. Blaise Ingoglia, a Spring Hill Republican, defended the governor, saying the "state-wide issues outlined by @GovRonDeSantis are pressing and time sensitive. The sooner we tackle these issues, the better. Florida should always lead from the front, especially on illegal immigration issues."

A request for comment on the memo was pending with the governor's office Monday evening.

Gov. Ron DeSantis holds a press conference at the Capitol announcing that he is calling a special legislative session to begin Jan. 27 to address illegal immigration Monday, Jan. 13, 2025.

DeSantis also said other topics in the special session would include "ballot initiative integrity, disaster relief, and condominium regulations."

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To that, the leaders responded, "... the fact is there are ample funds accessible and available to pay for the states ongoing disaster response efforts and additional funds do not have to wait until July 1. Condominium safety and ballot initiatives proposing constitutional amendments are complex subjects and should be considered during the regular session, not a truncated special session."

In Florida, a special legislative session may be called by the governor under the state constitution, and legislative leadership also can call one under state law. Both require a written proclamation.

"Floridas Constitution compels our attendance at a special session unilaterally called by the Governor," Perez and Albritton wrote. "However, the power to convene a special session also resides with the presiding officers. As the peoples elected representatives, the Legislature, not the Governor, will decide when and what legislation we consider."

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President-elect Trump was elected with a mandate to stop illegal immigration and deport illegal aliens already in our country.



State and local officials in Florida will actively facilitate the Trump Administrations policies against illegal immigration, and to do that we need to pic.twitter.com/PHvNYvjAH6  Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) January 13, 2025

Jim Rosica is a member of the USA TODAY Network-Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at jrosica@tallahassee.com. Follow him on X: @JimRosicaFL.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: DeSantis rebuked by top Florida GOP lawmakers on special session call
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCT)  A Lenoir County couple was charged with eight counts of arson and fraud charges Monday, Jan. 13. 2025.

N.C. Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey announced the arrests of Monteze Rodriguez and Jalesia Nelson.

Both were charged with second-degree arson, felony conspiracy, insurance fraud and obtaining property by false pretense.

Special Agents with the Department of Insurances Criminal Investigation Division said the couples house burned down and they claimed they didnt know the cause of the fire.

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Rodriguez and Nelson received a check for $57,638.38 for the loss.

The fire happened on Aug. 8, 2024 and both were arrested by Kinston Police Department on Jan 6, 2025.

Both were released from jail on $100,000 bonds.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
To the editor: After receiving an evacuation notice and leaving my home behind, many friends asked what I took with me on such short notice. It's actually surprising how little you need.

I suggest having a small "go bag" that you can easily grab and throw in your car. Pack that bag with your IDs, birth certificates, passports, credit cards and cash, along with travel-sized toiletries, underwear, one change of clothes, coats, pajamas, flashlights and pet food. If you have little ones, include a favorite stuffed animal and a book or tablet.

I have also been asked, "What can I do? How can I help?" My answer: Send cash.

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If you personally know someone told to evacuate, they'll need it. Some people may need it for a hotel room or takeout; those who can return home will need to restock groceries. I think food and clothing donations are OK, but providing cash is the best option. People will get exactly what they want and need, rather than taking items that make them feel like anything will do.

Regarding communication, it was wonderful to receive so many messages of concern. But it was also overwhelming, especially when people wanted updates. In this situation, it is a miracle for evacuees to put one foot in front of the other.

My advice is to designate one person to whom you provide updates. That person can take on the responsibility of reaching out to your friends and family, while you can spend most of your time wrapping your head around what just happened.

Sharon Griffin, Pasadena

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..

To the editor: I have a friend who lost her house, her neighborhood, everything she owned except her car. To my great relief, she was able to return my calls Sunday morning. She and her teenage daughter were waiting in a long line of cars at the Santa Anita racetrack to receive donations of clothing.

I am moved by the poignant irony of that scene.

Thirty years ago, my husband and I lived in San Gabriel. A neighbor of Japanese ancestry told me that her mother, who also lived nearby, had never been to the Santa Anita mall because she couldnt stomach the site of the adjacent racetrack where she and many other Japanese Americans were incarcerated, in horse stalls, until they were transported to faraway camps.

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The Santa Anita racetrack has hosted the best and worst of human impulses. Given the renewed demand for detention camps coming from some in Washington, I hope the forces of compassion and generosity at Santa Anita today will prevail.

Nan Hutcheon, Danville, Calif.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
To the editor: For 17 years, I was the principal at Palisades Elementary Charter School. It was exceptional due to the hard-working staff and the amazing, responsive community that was such an integral component of our team. I guess I thought that Palisades Elementary Charter School and the Pacific Palisades community would be there forever, but life throws us many curves and challenges. ("Palisades, Pasadena schools suffer major damage amid closures; UCLA moves classes online," Jan. 8)

Even though Ive spent many hours in front of my television, I simply cannot believe it's all gone. That beautiful school that was built in the 1920s is gone. In one of the short video clips that was sent to me, you can hear a father point out to his young son as they drove by that his classroom was gone.

The Times published a photo that stunned me but gave me hope. In the middle of the rubble stood a large play structure that was installed during my tenure at the school. It appeared to be untouched by the fire.

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To me it represented hope  that one day the Los Angeles Unified School District will rebuild on the land, that children will once again learn in the classrooms, and that the community members will return to rebuild their special little village.

Terri Arnold, Redondo Beach

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
In the remote Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, a rare fungus grows inside dead caterpillars. In traditional Chinese medicine, this parasitic fungus is prized for its purported medicinal effects. Known as Ophiocordyceps sinensis  colloquially, caterpillar fungus or Himalayan gold  it can fetch astronomical prices on the herbal medicine market: up to US$63,000 per pound.

Ophiocordyceps sinensis fungus is a parasite that targets the caterpillar that is the larva of the ghost moth. The process begins in late summer to early fall, when fungal spores infect the caterpillars. Over time, fungal filaments called mycelia slowly spread out and consume the caterpillars from within, turning them into hardened, mummified shells by winter. When spring arrives, the fungus enters its final stage: A grasslike fruiting body sprouts from the preserved caterpillars head and pushes up through the soil.

A woman displays the fungus for sale at a market. The fungus sprouts from the caterpillars head. Kevin Frayer/Getty Images News via Getty Images

While many traditional Chinese/herbal medicine consumers are drawn to the fungus for its supposed health benefits, my interest lies in a darker side of its harvest: the deadly relationship between caterpillar fungus collection and lightning strikes. As a meteorologist, I study lightning and its impacts around the world. A few factors come together to make the situation on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau so dangerous.

Boundary and topography (elevation depicted by color) of Qinghai and Sichuan provinces (top), including the Yushu, Hainan and Garze Tibetan autonomous prefectures (bottom) of the QinghaiTibetan Plateau, where most lightning-strike deaths and injuries occurred.  2024 American Meteorological Society (AMS). From Zhang and Holle in Weather, Climate, and Society.

A deadly harvest

People hunt for this fungus during late spring and summer, exactly when lightning strikes are most common in these mountains. Villagers often spend weeks scouring the rugged mountains for this precious resource, sometimes up to 16,400 feet (5 kilometers) above sea level. Thats an altitude of more than 3 miles.

A collector plucks a caterpillar from the ground. The parasitic fungus has sprouted from the caterpillars head. Jigme Dorje/Xinhua News Agency via Getty Images

At these heights, the weather can change in an instant, and theres nowhere safe to hide from storms. While this area doesnt get as many lightning strikes as some parts of Asia, its still dangerous enough to be a serious threat during these crucial harvesting months.

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Tragically, caterpillar fungus hunting has led to at least 31 lightning-related deaths and another 58 lightning-related injuries in the past decade, according to the yearbooks of Chinese meteorological hazards () and government websites, including the China Meteorological Administration and the National Disaster Reduction Center of China.

In May 2022, seven villagers from China, including a young child, were killed by lightning while harvesting the fungus. The following year, three people from Nepal were injured by lightning when collecting the fungus and had to be rescued by helicopter after spending days stranded in the mountains.

In our recent study, my colleague Ronald Holle and I found that the population-weighted lightning fatality rates in the fungus-collection hotspots of Yushu and Garze counties, located in the Sichuan Province of China, are staggering  10 to 20 times higher than the already elevated rates in China overall. These numbers are on par with some of the most lightning-prone regions of Africa, where there is little lightning-safe infrastructure or safety education.

A young boy walks outside a temporary camp set up by caterpillar fungus harvesters. Kevin Frayer/Getty Images News via Getty Images

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But lightning isnt the only threat these villagers face in the mountains. They could encounter hail, heavy rains, strong winds and other severe weather. The complex terrain makes weather patterns highly dramatic and unpredictable. Making things even worse, cellphone signals and other communication options are limited or nonexistent, leaving villagers cut off from weather hazard alerts.

They could also face threats from wild animals and risky mountain slopes. In one tragic case, a collector was struck by lightning and fell to his death on steep terrain. Medical care is rarely available. When accidents occur, it may be days before help arrives.

Why take the risk?

It all comes down to the high-risk, high-reward nature of caterpillar fungus collection.

For local villagers, the potential rewards of harvesting caterpillar fungus are significant. With limited income opportunities in this remote region, many see the fungus trade as their best hope for survival. They face a tough choice: risk their lives or sink into poverty.

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Improving lightning safety education and infrastructure are important but far from easy. Any real change would take a lot of investment.

While the local government does organize some lightning safety education, these mountain communities are isolated and the information is often outdated. And theres simply no practical way to install adequate lightning protection across the vast, rugged terrain where the fungus is collected.

Earnings from the short collection season can be critical for people in the region. Kevin Frayer/Getty Images News via Getty Images

A fragile pursuit

The environment is suffering, too. With so many people hunting for the fungus, theyre damaging the delicate mountain soil, cutting down trees for firewood and leaving trash at their camps.

Years of overharvesting have forced collectors to spend more time in the mountains to find enough fungus, increasing their exposure to lightning and the funguss decline. Scientists warn that if this aggressive harvesting continues, the fungus might disappear completely in the next few decades.

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There might be some hope. Researchers are exploring ways to cultivate the fungus as a possible substitute for the wildly harvested variety. Meanwhile, governments in China, India, Nepal and Bhutan have implemented regulations to protect the sustainability of caterpillar fungus.

But any solution will need to address the underlying economic and educational inequities in this remote region, opening up new opportunities for these communities to make a living so they dont need to risk their lives chasing Himalayan gold.

Daile Zhang does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Jan. 13LIMA  A Lima man was sentenced to two years of probation Monday after pleading guilty in November to a third-degree felony theft charge for illegally cashing his father's Social Security checks and depositing them in his own account.

Joseph Vaske, 34, will also have to pay $147,481.01 to his father's estate. He has no felony record.

"I didn't mean to do anything against the law," Vaske said before sentencing.

The indictment said the thefts occurred between Sept. 9, 2016, and Aug. 2, 2019.

Reach Charlotte Caldwell at 567-242-0451.

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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE)  Its not a resource anyone hopes to need, but for newborns who have a parent experiencing a crisis, Safe Haven Baby Boxes can be lifesaving.

Safe Haven Baby Boxes allow parents to safely and anonymously drop of their unharmed newborns under Tennessees Safe Haven law. Although the law allows mothers to drop off their newborns at multiple types of designated facilities, the boxes give mothers an additional chance to get away from the location without being seen and know that their child will be attended to quickly.

Warrants reveal new details in South Knoxville officer-involved shooting

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On Thursday, January 16, the City of Loudon blessed its new baby box, bringing the total of Safe Haven Baby Boxes in the region to 10. Heres where each of East Tennessees Safe Haven Baby Boxes are located:

Knoxville

Knoxville Fire Department Station #17: 4804 Western Avenue, Knoxville TN

Rural Metro Fire Halls Station 30: 7401 Lena Lane, Knoxville

Clinton

Clinton Fire Station: 264 Highway Drive, Clinton

Rocky Top

Rocky Top Fire Department: 104 Lawson Street, Rocky Top

Oak Ridge

Oak Ridge Fire Department Station 3: 333 Tuskeegee Drive, Oak Ridge

Loudon

Opening January 16, 2025  City of Loudon Fire Department: 100 Cedar Street, Loudon

Kingston

Kingston Fire Station #1: 125 W. Cumberland Street, Kingston

Chattanooga

Chattanooga Station #6: 4510 Bonny Oaks Drive, Chattanooga

Erwin

Unicoi County EMS Station #1: 630 Oneega Drive, Erwin

Elizabethton

Carter County EMS: 105 Iodent Way, Elizabethton

With the addition of the new baby box in Loudon, there are 17 Safe Haven Baby Boxes in Tennessee. Knoxville became the home to the first baby box in the state in February 2023, and since then, at least one newborn has been surrendered in one of East Tennessees baby boxes. While several have been added since 2023, Oak Ridges baby box was opened in honor of Baby Wyatt, a newborn whose body was found along the banks of Melton Hill Lake in 2020.

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Using any Safe Haven Baby Box can be done quickly, and Safe Haven ensures that there are no cameras, allowing parents to surrender their newborn without being seen. To use a box, the parent goes to a location where a Safe Haven Baby Box is, opens the secure door, places the baby inside, and closes the door. Once a baby is placed inside and the door is closed, a silent alarm is sounded and a first responder retrieves the infant, usually within two minutes, according to Safe Haven.

Age-verification law for pornographic websites allowed to go into effect

In addition to baby boxes, Safe Haven also provides confidential, anonymous 24-hour hotline with resources to parents in crisis, both by calling or texting 1-866-99BABY1. For those who opt to surrender their newborns, Safe Haven also allows parents to provide a confidential medical history to ensure the newborn receives the best possible care.

The State of Tennessee also partners with The Secret Safe Place for Newborns of Tennessee, which offers a confidential help line available by calling 1-866-669-SAFE.

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Tennessee state law allows parents to surrender unharmed newborns within 14 days of their birth without fear of prosecution. Safe Haven Baby Boxes are one place where newborns can be surrendered, but hospitals, birthing centers, health departments, outpatient walk-in clinics, fire stations, emergency medical service facilities and police stations are also locations where a newborn can be surrendered. The Secret Safe Place for Newborns of Tennessee, does note that staff must be present when newborns are surrendered, adding that fire stations and police stations are both available 24/7.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.
The sabotage of Baltic Sea cables may be linked to the planned synchronization of the Baltic states' electricity grid with Western Europe, according to the Lithuanian government.

Energy Minister Tsygimantas Vaiciunas suggested on Lithuanian radio on Tuesday that one aim of those repeatedly damaging power lines over recent months could be to jeopardize the disconnection from the Russian power grid planned for February.

Vaiciunas emphasized that the incidents would not impact the change.

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"We are implementing these plans. We are ready and we are also preparing for possible threats," he said.

He believes attempts to sabotage critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea are part of a larger plot, inferring that the perpetrators are working on behalf of Russia.

"We are in the midst of a hybrid war and such infrastructures are damaged for a specific reason. It has a very clear purpose," he stated.

Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia, all EU and NATO nations which used to be part of the Russian-led Soviet Union, have ceased electricity imports from Russia following Moscow's attack on Ukraine.

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However, they have remained part of a common power grid with Russia and Belarus, which is now considered a security risk in Vilnius, Tallinn and Riga.

Sweden's Minister for Civil Defence Carl-Oskar Bohlin reported over the weekend that an anchor scuff mark had been discovered near the NordBalt cable between Lithuania and Sweden. Lithuania now plans to protect this important power line with the help of its navy.
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT)  Legislators from across North Alabama were in the Rocket City Tuesday afternoon to speak about the upcoming legislative session.

The Alabama Legislative Update, hosted by the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber, took place at the Jackson Center. Senators and representatives from the Tennessee Valley spoke to the areas business community at the update.

The legislators who spoke at the event included:

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Rep. Nathaniel Ledbetter, Speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives

Sen. Arthur Orr, Senate Finance & Taxation Education Committee Chair

Sen. Steve Livingston, Senate Majority Leader

Rep. Anthony Daniels, Alabama House Minority Leader

Rep. Rex Reynolds, House Ways and Means Committee Chair

These legislators are expected to discuss what they expect to achieve during the 2025 legislative session, which begins on February 4.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  The Livingston County Sheriffs Office has released a video from a car chase that ended with officers performing life-saving aid.

The Livingston County Sheriffs Office reports that a deputy was on patrol on Pickney Rd. near Coon Lake in Marion Township when he saw a black 2024 Chevy Impala on Sunday, Jan. 12 at approximability 12:52 p.m.

The Impala driver, a 39-year-old man from Hamburg Township, was wanted for felony warrants.

(Livingston County Sheriffs Office) (Livingston County Sheriffs Office) (Livingston County Sheriffs Office) (Livingston County Sheriffs Office)

The deputy waited for a backup unit and attempted to pull the car over. The driver ran, resulting in a chase. A deputy used a P.I.T. maneuver to stop the car, sending it into a tree and landing in a ditch.

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Deputies approached the car and found the man with self-inflicted knife wounds to his neck. They removed the driver from the car and began performing life-saving measures.

Livingston County EMS took the driver to U of M Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  A resolution in Livingston County is asking sheriffs deputies to keep track of illegal immigrants, but other counties in Mid-Michigan dont agreeand they are making that known.

The resolution from Livingston County requires deputies to track immigration status as part of the standard questions they ask people during police interviews. However, two of its neighboring counties are publicly deciding to go the opposite direction.

Livingston County says the policy will help them gather the data they need to fight crime, but officials in Ingham and Washtenaw counties say rules like these are bad for Michigan. Immigration advocates are worried it could lead to discrimination.

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In Washtenaw County, board members voted unanimously to directly oppose the new rules in Livingston County, calling it a politically driven effort to promote scapegoating and division.

Meanwhile, in Ingham County, commissioners voted on a resolution of their own that reaffirmed the countys protection of migrants and opposed any efforts that painted them as criminals.

Immigration rights advocates say the Livingston County resolution could hurt migrants and cause problems for the deputies trying to carry it out.

A lot of the ways officers make those attempts at asking immigration status end up being based on racial profiling, says Christine Sauve, policy manager for the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center. And so that is not just a threat to the individuals, but its also again a liability for the officers and the municipality. Theyre going to be afraid to communicate and come forward with that, local law enforcement agency. So it overall really degrades public safety.

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These same advocates are reminding people that they dont need to answer questions about citizenship unless they are at an airport or border checkpoint.

For now, though, the Livingston County Sheriffs Office and county officials are standing by their policy, saying that it will make the county a safer place to live compared to Ingham and Washtenaw counties, and that is what they are focused on.

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BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  Livonia High School was placed on lockdown Tuesday morning after a student was stabbed.

According to a release from the Pointe Coupee Parish School Board, a student was stabbed in the arm by another student around 8 a.m. School resource officers apprehended the student accused of the stabbing.

The student injured was taken to a hospital and is in stable condition.

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All students were dismissed from school after the lockdown.

On Tuesday afternoon, the school board implemented new safety policies, effective immediately.

Students are prohibited from bringing cell phones, earbuds and bookbags on the schools campus. Students must also only use school-issued laptops for assignments.

A new arrival procedure is in place to conduct the flow of entry. School buses will unload one at a time. Teachers who operate buses will have priority to unload buses first. The release states that the checkpoint procedure will remain the same.

BRPD: Plaquemine woman arrested after argument leads to stabbing

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  The fate of TikTok is currently in the hands of the Supreme Court as the Justices consider the legality of a law that would ban the platform if its China-based owner, ByteDance, doesnt sell off its U.S. operation by January 19th. The viral video app has 170 million American users, many of whom use it for marketing their business or selling products.

You may not guess it from the outside of a body repair shop in Sioux Falls, but the work that goes on inside has caught the attention of thousands of people on TikTok.

$1.3 million donation for Sioux Falls trail expansion

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One of the main videos that went viral at first was an accidental posting, Jack Bucknell, owner of Sioux Falls Dent Repair, said. Like a video that was in the process of being edited and I accidentally hit the post button and just left it. Then it got over a million-plus views.

Jack Bucknell, owner of Sioux Falls Dent Repair, says hes seen the impact social media can have on small businesses.

Ive had guys bring motorcycle tanks from Colorado. Ive had people from Minnesota  two, three, four hours away, Bucknell said. I just did two cars earlier this year that were from Watertown.

He says personally he doesnt want to see TikTok get banned but for his business, hell find a way to pivot.

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Switch gears to another platform and pursue that more, Bucknell said.

As the clock ticks on TikTok, Bucknell says hell likely focus more on Facebook and YouTube, but he has these marketing tips for other small businesses no matter the platform.

Showcasing what you do, maybe what sets you apart from other industries or other businesses for that matter is all really important. And also showcasing your face, Bucknell said.

President-elect Donald Trump has said he opposes banning TikTok and has asked the Supreme Court to delay their decision.

According to a September 2024 report published by Oxford Economics in collaboration with Tik Tok, eight thousand businesses in South Dakota actively use Tik Tok and 46 percent of small to mid-sized businesses say the app is critical to them.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
GIRARD, Ohio (WKBN)  A Girard company has been given some prestigious honors over the past several months for its workplace environment and its CEO.

In early October, Girards AIM Transportation Solutions announced that it had been placed on Newsweeks list of the top 100 most loved workplaces for the second year in a row.

Then in mid-November, the website Most Loved Workplaces.com announced that AIM CEO Tom Fleming, 73, had been named a Most Loved CEO.

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The results were based on confidential surveys from employees.

The fact that our employees consider me one of the most loved is a really humbling and gratifying experience, Fleming said.

AIMs headquarters is on Trumbull Avenue in Girard. The company employs 1,100 people and leases trucks to major companies.

The companys history dates back 120 years, becoming prominent during the heyday of steel. In 1906 in Youngstown, Tom Flemings grandfather J.V. McNicholas founded McNicholas Transportation which was a steel hauler. He hauled items from the train station with a horse and buggy.

After the demise of the steel industry, Fleming bought the company in 1982 and changed the focus to leasing trucks. Today, AIM has 11,000 of them on the road.

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We provide the truck and all the maintenance on it to typically companies that need trucks but arent a trucking company, Fleming said.

Fleming says if someone has enjoyed a Coors Light or Miller Lite lately, it was delivered on one of AIMs Trucks. They also deliver the drinks and snacks for American, United, and British Air flights.

People may not notice AIM trucks traveling down the road but they would notice some of the products they are carrying, Fleming said.

The key to running a successful company, according to Fleming, is keeping in touch with the employees.

I told people you could either call me, email me and I will give you an answer. May not be the answer you like but you wont not have an answer at some point, he said.

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His management style is to be visible and available.

My goal was to always be visible and available and I do simple things and I require or ask some of our other senior managers to do the same things  simple things like where I park at the office requires me to walk through our shop and walk through our office, he said.

While Tom Fleming remains CEO of AIM Transportation Solutions, his son Scott is now the president of the company and handles most of the day-to-day operations.

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JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL)  Area legislators are determined and local county leaders are hopeful that Tennessees pending legislative session will produce some significant financial help for local governments that have spent millions of dollars on disaster recovery efforts.

I believe that the state will step up, Washington County Mayor Joe Grandy told News Channel 11 Monday as the regions legislative delegation entered its first set of Nashville meetings ahead of the opening gavel later this week.

7 Northeast Tenn. county mayors sign letter supporting Gov. Lees school voucher program

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Freshman State Rep. Renea Jones (R-Unicoi), who represents extremely hard-hit Unicoi County and a portion of equally devastated Carter County, agrees with Grandy. She spoke to a number of legislators from outside the region during first-termer training last week.

Everyone there was saying, you know, were on board with you. We want to do what you all need in Northeast Tennessee to get you all back on track,' Jones said. So I think that at the end of the day, were all Tennesseans and I think that well see the General Assembly step up.

What form that takes remains to be seen, as does whether any of the fixes might require a special session so legislators can take necessary action before the 2026 fiscal year begins July 1.

From debris removal and road repair to emergency response and utility repair and replacement, counties like Johnson, Carter, Unicoi, Washington, Greene and Cocke have seen their budgets stretched beyond thin, Grandy said. Hes sure leaders would like to see some of the help come in the form of grants.

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Were waiting to see, Grandy said. The governor has really been focused on trying to help cash flow some of these projects because thats really the issue. Whether the local government needs to go out and borrow the money and they backstop it or whatever the needs are, probably every local government is going to need to have some infusion of revenue.

Gov. Bill Lees HEAL loan program was a big help in the early days following the disaster, Grandy said. Counties could get funds for debris removal and water and sewer recovery, interest free for up to 10 years. Washington County borrowed $3 million to help Jonesborough quickly repair its water system.

They really kicked it hard and they had water back to the customers over there across the river for days after the storm, but it costs money to do that, Grandy said.

Grandy said Unicoi and Johnson counties have been hit by not just recovery expenses, but also major employment losses. Unicoi Countys industrial park remains closed, and the county posted the states highest unemployment rate in November. Johnson Countys Parkdale Mills announced last month it wouldnt reopen.

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Weve got some cash reserves, and that may not be the case with all the other counties, Grandy said. Unicoi and Johnson, its not just that there isnt cash on hand, but that the source of revenue is likely to change over the next few years.

I can see the hopelessness that they feel

Even though the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is likely to cover 75% of many disaster recovery efforts, and the state chips in another 12.5%, the gap adds up to enough to inflict heavy stress on the rural counties.

You can see it in their faces, Jones said of her interactions with county leaders. Every time I look at them, I can see the the hopelessness that they feel right now, knowing that their counties are facing the financial and the physical damage that they have, so theyre concerned about where the money is going to come from.

She said her top priorities for her native Unicoi County in terms of state help are debris removal and aid to get the industrial park back operational. Replacing Hampton High School is a major priority in Carter County.

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Grandy said material and equipment arent the only part stress points on the expense side of county ledgers.

In 90 days we had well over $1,000,000 in unbudgeted salary expense, he said. So the highway department, sheriffs and all the other officers that are involved in trying to put this mess back together.

Grandy said FEMA and TEMA officials have met with county mayors in person every other week and via Zoom in the alternating weeks.

We walk through whats going on, whats happened this week, what are the most urgent needs and so forth, he said. They have really been on the ground. Theyve seen it, they walked it. They know what were dealing with. And so in terms of what theyre doing, we really couldnt ask for any more.

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But now Washington County has roughly $40 million in high-level recovery projects such as roads and bridges still ahead. Grandy said he hopes the dedication shown so far by Washington Countys representatives, Rebecca Alexander and Tim Hicks along with Sen. Rusty Crowe can translate into the maximum amount of aid.

He said all the regions lawmakers met with county mayors a week ago at the First Tennessee Development District offices to review their needs.

The needs are different and the amounts are different. They would very patiently listen to all of that information and they are fully prepared when they get down there to explain to the rest of the state what were facing.

Jones says the situation is stark  but the states role is fairly straightforward.

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Just really trying to make sure that our county doesnt go bankrupt. Its a big expense, and no one asked for this. We need to make sure that as a state we do everything we can to help our counties get back on their feet.

If enough levers can be pulled without legislators having to pass bills that impact the current budget year, Jones is fine with that.

If we need a special session to get it done, then I want to get it done. If we dont need a special session to get it done, then lets get it done. At the end of the day, we just need to get it done.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS (KNWA/KFTA)  TikToks popularity could be its downfall.

The popular app is a hub for viral trends across the world and is facing a possible ban on January 19 if the app doesnt break ties with its China-based parent company BYTEDANCE. Critics say there are national security concerns that the social media platform gives the Chinese government too much influence in the U.S.

Sarah Saragusa (@reallifesarah918) is a Northwest Arkansas creator who shares content highlighting real-life experiences of living in NWA with her over 55,000 followers.

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TikTok: What do polls say Americans think of it?

Saragusa says while she has made money from TikTok, shes worried about losing the community shes built through the app.

TikTok gives the everyday person you know a voice to share what theyre thinking or share creative ideas to share whats going on in their community and I think if TikTok is taken away that will be taken, she said.

According to the Associated Press TikTok has roughly 170 million U.S. users. TikTok and its parent company met with the Supreme Court last week. There has been interest in buying the platform from an investor. Shark Tank star Kevin OLeary says he is partnering with billionaire Frank McCourt to buy the platform but says they will need the help of President-Elect Trump to complete the purchase.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24.
Local universities joined together on Tuesday morning to take a strong stand against hate on college campuses.

Law enforcement, students and staff met at Carnegie Mellon University for a combatting antisemitism training hosted by Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala.

Organizers say they want to help people understand how to identify antisemitism and do something to stop the threats

Its alarming, you know, we see the spike in anti-semitism and we definitely need to address it and hopefully educate, said Deputy District Attorney Ilan Zur. I think thats the most important thing is to educate people as to what this is and how to stop it.

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This training follows several recent incidents on or near Pitts campus, including a man who says he was attacked by a group who saw him wearing a Star of David necklace.

Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)  A local nonprofit organization dedicated to racial justice and empowering women will hold five days of events as a tribute to the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. beginning this week.

Young Womens Christian Association (YWCA) organizers say the 2025 theme for the tribute is Until Justice Just Is, which reflects the shared commitment to justice.

The social events will offer community workshops and performances and encourage thoughtful discussions around the 2025 theme.

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Keynote event speakers include Trevor Saunders and Adam Shoemaker.

Saunders is a Johns Island native who holds degrees from Tuskegee University and the University of North Alabama. He is currently the Vice President and General Manager of David J. Joseph, a Nucor Company, and serves on the board of Tuskegee Universitys business school.

Shoemaker is currently the rector of St. Stephens Episcopal Church in downtown Charleston and has served as co-president of the Charleston Area Justice Ministry, president of the Standing Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina, and co-chair of the Diocese of South Carolinas Racial Justice and Reconciliation Commission.

Below is list of the tribute events. For further tribute information, click here.

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MLK Breakfast

Thursday, January 16, 2025 | 7:00 AM  9:00 AM

Gaillard Auditorium

95 Calhoun St, Charleston, SC 29401



IOP VIP Reception

Friday day, January 17, 2025 | 6:00 PM  9:00 PM

Sweetgrass Inn at Wild Dunes, top floor

5757 Palm Blvd, IOP



Youth Open Mic Night

Saturday, January 18, 2025 | 6:00 PM  8:00 PM

Open to the Public

Fox Music House

4248 Dorchester Rd, North Charleston, SC 29405



Ecumenical Reception

Sunday, January 19, 2025 | 3:00 PM  3:45 PM

Charity Missionary Baptist Church

1544 E Montague Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405



Ecumenical Service

Sunday, January 19, 2025 | 4:00 PM

Charity Missionary Baptist Church

1544 E Montague Ave, North Charleston, SC 29405



MLK Day Parade

Monday, January 20, 2025 | Parade begins at 9:00 AM

The parade route will run from Burke High School, 244 President St, Charleston, SC 29403

to Mother Emanuel AME Church on Calhoun Street.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.
The pleas of community members have been heard, as London police officers will soon wear body cameras again.

Following the Dec. 23 LPD officer-involved shooting of Douglas Harless, there has been widespread concern regarding the lack of body cam use by city police. Now, London Mayor Randall Weddle has made the call for LPD to reinstate use of the cameras.

LPD has not used body cams in nearly two years, having temporarily suspended their use in March 2023.

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We did not have enough body cameras. We didnt even have the storage for them, and they couldnt even hardly do the redactions that were required by the courts, Weddle stated. Theres a lot of facts to that, to why the chief wound up doing that directive at that time.

According to Weddle, the cameras also became obsolete due to the company which provided them going out of business.

At the time, Chuck Johnson was serving as Chief of London City Police. Jerry Hollon took over last August upon Johnsons retirement.

Mayor Weddle said the city had not yet made the addition in hopes that they would gather enough funding to update all technology through a grant. However, in light of recent events, Weddle decided to move forward with the process now.

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They were not just completely done away with, Weddle stated. We knew it was going to cost $400,000 to 500,000 to do this.

Motorola will be the company supplying the body cams. Kentucky State Police also use the companys cameras.

Weddle stated that, when the city previously looked into purchasing body cams, no company had permitted them to make the payments in increments. He explained that it would not have been possible for the city to pay for the cameras in full.

However, Motorola recently agreed to allow the city to break up payments by $80,000 over five years so that taxpayers are less jarred by the shift.

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We just had gotten a release of money not long ago here from the feds in some of our federal cases and that is where that money is going to be pulled from to pay the initial cost, Weddle stated.

The installation of cameras in vehicles will be a separate cost.

Weddle reiterated that he, as well as London Police officers, are not against body cameras. They were never against them. They absolutely have nothing to hide, he said.

Though the decision was made outside of a London City Council meeting, some council members also expressed their support of body cam use.

Council Member Justin Young shared that the council had not been directly informed of the decision by Weddle. Young made the comment, We shouldve been using them the whole time.

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Council Member Kip Jervis also gave comment, stating, It is my understanding that we are going to reinstate body cameras on our officers, according to a Facebook post from the mayor.

It is my feeling that body cameras protect not only the public but the officer as well, Jervis went on to say.

In the weeks after this tragic incident, investing in police body cameras is not just a step forward, its necessary, Council Member Anthony Ortega contributed. These tools provide accountability and a clearer understanding of critical moments. This ensures both our officers and community are protected.

An effective date for the reinstatement of body cameras at LPD remained unknown at press time.
Congratulations, Marco Rubio! Youll soon be secretary of State.

Condolences, too. Youre not likely to last long in the job.

Unlike many of President-elect Donald Trumps nominees, Rubio is a shoo-in for Senate confirmation, having already nabbed some Democratic support. U.S. diplomats and foreign officials, too, view the GOP senator from Florida as a knowledgeable, not-insane, well-behaved person with whom they can engage.

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Rubios committee hearing is set for Wednesday and hes expected to be one of the first Trump nominees to take up his post.

But hell be lucky to last a year at Foggy Bottom. Rubio already is being undermined  through push-back from Trumps MAGA base, the naming of other Trump appointees with overlapping portfolios as well as the essentially weak nature of the position hes inheriting. In my conversations with about a dozen current and former U.S. and foreign officials, even people who want him to succeed said they thought he might last two years max. Others said less than a year.

A Rubio departure could mean fewer restraints on Trumps already unorthodox foreign policy, further rattling Americas global allies. To last beyond the estimates above, Rubio may need to put up with a lot of abuse and take a backseat on some high-profile issues.

Rubio will be fairly hamstrung and will feel sidelined and frustrated, one foreign diplomat predicted to me, having been granted anonymity, like others, to be candid about the sensitive internal politics of the Trump team. If he is surly or complains, the humiliation will escalate and then he will be fired. If he sucks it up, takes the humiliation and smiles through gritted teeth, he will survive until someone else whispers in Trumps ear and angles for his job.

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How tough is it for the would-be chief diplomat? The minute Trumps choice of Rubio leaked, hardline MAGA types rushed to say it wasnt a done deal, underscoring the suspicions many in Trumps base have toward Rubio, whom they see as too hawkish and interventionist.

Rubios space has shrunk further since. The president-elect has named a raft of special envoys whose jobs seem to overlap with State Department posts  setting up competition that could dwarf that of previous administrations. Some may set up shop in the White House, meaning theyll have more direct access to Trump. One is Richard Grenell, who is beloved by the MAGA crowd but deeply alarms traditional U.S. diplomats. Grenell has long wanted to be secretary of State and some predict hell eventually replace Rubio; for now, hes settling for presidential envoy for special missions, a job that can mean just about anything. Trump also selected Tammy Bruce as the State Departments spokesperson; shes previously trashed Rubio.



Rubio has to handle these other aides carefully. It wont be easy. Do you think Marco is going to tell Ric Grenell when he can go see the president? Of course not, one former Trump administration official mused.

There are other realities that work against Rubio. He and Trump were bitter rivals who exchanged memorable insults in the 2016 presidential race. While they long ago made up and Rubio has since aligned himself more with Trumps views, the odds are high that the two will differ on policy. For example, Rubio has a long history of support for human rights causes; Trump is less interested.

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Theres plenty to do in the foreign policy space, even if there are special envoys roaming around. Rubio is especially passionate about issues in Latin America and the Indo-Pacific (read: China). But Trump is the uber-envoy, and he tends to carve his own path in foreign policy. It will be fascinating to watch Rubio dance around questions this week about whether the United States should invade Greenland and Panama.

I asked Rubios aides for comment on these and other challenges Rubio will face. Dan Holler, a spokesperson, offered this: President Trump has an ambitious foreign policy agenda that will put Americans first and correct the failures of the past four years. No one dedicated to carrying out the presidents historic mandate has time for silly games or gossip.

Despite the exalted status the title secretary of State carries, running the State Department can be more a weakness than a strength in any administration.

Trump and his acolytes view the departments thousands of career diplomats as key figures resisting his agenda  globalists who dont believe in America First. (Trump once called it the Deep State Department.) So initiatives that originate from the Foreign Service are unlikely to be prioritized.

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One former Biden administration official hypothesized that Trump is fine with putting Rubio in Foggy Bottom  for now  because he doesnt see any role for the State Department in making foreign policy.

If Rubio comes across as too protective of U.S. diplomats, that could damage his standing at the White House and the broader MAGA establishment. But if he treats his staff badly, that will sink morale in the building he runs, leading to annoying management challenges.

The former Trump administration official said Rubio must find a way to treat State Department employees with respect while making it clear that they work for the White House, not the other way around. That means the department will have to suck it up if many more jobs than normal are given to political appointees instead of career diplomats.

He can be their advocate, but he cant be captured by them, the former official said.

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The departments influence has been eroding for decades, often because the leaner, faster White House-based National Security Council and the better-funded Pentagon tend to shove it aside. Under Biden, for example, Secretary of State Antony Blinken himself has been looped in on decisions related to fighting in the Middle East, but his departments bureau that deals with that region has largely been frozen out, multiple current and former U.S. diplomats have told me and my colleagues.



How Rubio projects strength as Americas chief diplomat could depend on his relationship with GOP Rep. Mike Waltz, a fellow Floridian Trump has chosen to serve as his national security adviser in the White House.

Im told the pair get along. Waltz and Rubio have a Venn diagram thats almost a circle, a Trump transition official familiar with both men said.

Thats nice. Ill check again in a few months.

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Whether Rubio has his eye on the presidency could also affect how long he sticks around at State.

If he wants the Oval Office, the odds are higher that he will leave before Trumps four years are up. Secretaries of State generally avoid dabbling in U.S. politics  the idea is that the countrys top diplomat needs to represent all Americans. Rubio will, then, need time to reenter the political fray and build a campaign.

But if hes determined to last all four years, the best strategy may be to take the punches from his internal rivals, suffer through whatever insults Trump lobs at him, stick to the lanes that are open, and simply let the State Department fade into irrelevance.

To be successful, you have to have no ego working for Donald Trump, the former Trump official said. You have to be willing to subordinate a lot of the traditional prerogatives that these jobs come with.

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Its a strange formula, isnt it? To succeed, you must diminish yourself.

And it still may not work.

Trumps first secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, shunned publicity and put up with a lot of indignities from the president. The former ExxonMobil chiefs case wasnt helped by reports that hed called Trump a fucking moron or those about his poor management decisions. But publicly he praised Trump, took the lumps and soldiered on.

Some diplomats set up a betting pool on how long hed last. Their over/under was a year. Tillerson lasted a month and a half longer than that before Trump dumped him.

I suspect Rubio will outlast Tillerson. After that, his odds get much worse.
By Kalea Hall and Nora Eckert

DETROIT (Reuters) -Chuck Browning, who has been a prominent leader in the United Auto Workers union and negotiated its deals with Ford Motor, is retiring, according to three sources familiar with the matter.

Browning announced his retirement on Tuesday at a meeting of local union leaders in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He is leading negotiations between the union and Volkswagen at a plant there, which last year became the first foreign-owned auto factory in the U.S. South to organize.

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He is one of the most prominent officials behind UAW President Shawn Fain, and helped secure a record deal with Ford Motor during the labor groups six-week strike in late 2023. Automakers General Motors and Stellantis followed suit, agreeing to 25% base wage increases and cost-of-living adjustments.

Browning is expected to retire after finalizing the Volkswagen contract, leaving his post ahead of the next union presidential election, which is slated for 2026.

Chuck Browning is not only one of the greatest bargainers in the labor movement, but one of our most powerful, generous and capable leaders. Our union is immeasurably stronger thanks to his decades of service to our members, Fain said in a statement. Browning didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

Browning has been on the union's international staff since 2000. He was elected by the UAWs International Executive Board as vice president in 2021, and was sworn in for a second term in 2023 through the union's first direct election, in which Fain was selected as president.

(Reporting by Kalea Hall and Nora Eckert in Detroit; Editing by Nia Williams and Lisa Shumaker)


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At the end of 2024, there was major news in the art world: talks between for the British Museum and the government of Greece over the Parthenon Marbles had reportedly reached advanced stages. If such a deal were to take place, it would be monumental for the status of repatriated artwork.

Could it spark a new wave of repatriated works? Has the pace of restitution increased in recent years, or is there just a bigger spotlight on the works that have been returned?

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I dont think repatriation is necessarily happening more now, but there is heightened interest in looking through museum collections to see what is there and how these things got there, Sally Yerkovich, adjunct professor of Museum Anthropology at Columbia University and author of A Practical Guide to Museum Ethics, told the Observer last year.

Here's our five main questions about repatriation and restitution in 2025.

What will be the impact of the new process for claims regarding Nazi-looted art?

Pictures from History - Getty Images

Last year marked the 25th anniversary of the Washington Conference Principles on returning Nazi-looted art, and at a ceremony marking the anniversary, the U.S. State Department and the World Jewish Restitution Organization released a new Best Practices that numerous countries have signed on to. These best practices more precisely define what is considered Nazi-looted art, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken said at the ceremony. They identify solutions when provenance research is lacking. They remedy processes that favor current possessors over rightful owners. They urge countries to bolster their restitution efforts.

In the U.S., there has been renewed discussion on the lack of a special panel for Nazi-looted art. With the growing international consensus demonstrated by the Best Practices [for the Washington Conference Principles on Nazi-Confiscated Art], an increasing number of claims in the U.S., and rising public interest, now is the moment for establishment of a commission or similar mechanism at the Federal or State level that will not simply apply restrictive law, but rather find historical justice for victims of Holocaust-era looting, Gideon Taylor, president of the World Jewish Restitution Organization and the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, said in a statement.

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In January 2025, Germanys government launched a new tribunal to adjudicate claims over Nazi-looted art. We are making the restitution of Nazi-looted art easier, particularly by introducing unilateral access to arbitration, Claudia Roth, Germanys culture minister, said in a statement. We are also creating more legal security and a more binding system.

But the new system isn't without critiquesa group of lawyers, historians and heirs of Jewish collectors said it was a slap in the face to victims and only made the process worse. Germany, which includes Bavaria, promised to improve the German advisory commission on looted art, Michael Hulton, the heir to Jewish art collector Alfred Flechtheim said. Actually, they did quite the opposite, by shutting them down and by proposing arbitration instead which may never see daylight, at least not in the foreseeable future.

Will debates over ownership of the Benin Bronzes prevent them from being returned to Nigeria?

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The Benin Bronzeslinked to a British raid on Benin City in 1897will likely continue to be a focus of repatriation efforts in 2025. In October 2021, Jesus College, part of the University of Cambridge, became the first institution to return a Benin Bronze to Nigeria, and other institutions have since followed suit. Back in 2022, the Smithsonian Institution voted to repatriate 29 of its 39 Benin bronzes to Nigeria, but this past summer, the University of Iowa Stanley Museum of Art repatriated two Benin Bronzes at the Benin Palace in Nigeria. They became the first U.S. institution to do so.

Mati Diop's documentary film Dahomey, which premiered last year, tracks the return of 26 royal treasures from the Kingdom of Dahomey (now Benin) to France. It is the the Senegalese entry for Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards, and it made the shortlist. (To be determined if it will be nominated for an Oscar.)

However, the question remains of who receives the Bronzes, however, and if they will go on display. In Nigeria, there's a split between who they should return to: The royal palace or the Nigerian federal body, the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM)? In 2023, Nigerian president Muhammadu Buhari, as he left office, declared the Oba (king) of Benin is the rightful ownera controversial statement.

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As Noah Anthony Enahoro writes in New Lines Magazine, It appears unfair that Nigeria should have to justify why it is ready to be the home for objects that rightfully, and legally, belong within its borders. But the chances of any more bronzes being returned appear to be slim as long as there are strong political disagreements between the Benin royal family, the NCMM and Nigerias federal institutions. Nigeria is closer than ever to maximizing the opportunities presented by the Benin Bronzes and becoming a pioneer for other formerly colonized states engaged in the battle for repatriation. The question now is whether it will dedicate time to addressing political and cultural differences that appear to be hindering the Benin Bronzes from coming home.

Will there be increased efforts to comply with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA)?

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It's not just artwork, either. The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), which was passed in 1990, requires Federal agencies and institutions that receive Federal funds (including museums, universities, state agencies, and local governments) to repatriate or transfer Native American human remains and other cultural items to the appropriate parties.

A ProPublica investigation in January 2023 found that many Native American remains are still held in colleges and universities around the country. That kickstarted the repatriation, as did a grants announced by the National Park Service to support complying with NAGPRA.

A few months ago, in October 2024, Oregon State University, in collaboration with the nine federally recognized Native nations in Oregon, opened what is believed to be the first facility dedicated to the repatriation of ancestral remains. To my knowledge, it hasn't been done by any other educational institution in the United States, which hopefully will set precedents for the other institutions to do the right thing, Wilson Wewa, a tribal leader and elder from the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, said. For decades, if not over a century, many universities and museums have treated the remains of our ancestors as artifacts, as the unclaimed or unknown people, and by doing so, showing a big disrespect to our tribes.

Will New York continue to be the epicenter of restitution claims in the U.S.?

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In the U.S., under D.A. Alvin Bragg, the Manhattan District Attorney office's Antiquities Trafficking Unit has recovered almost 2,100 antiquities stolen from 39 countries and valued at $250 million. Since its creation, the ATU has recovered almost 5,800 antiquities valued at almost $460 million and has returned more than 5,250 of them so far to 29 countries. These coming months will likely see even more art repatriated via the Manhattan D.A.'s office.

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But in October, the Art Institute of Chicago pushed back against the mandate after the unit tried to seize Russian War Prisoner by Egon Schiele, saying Manhattan D.A. lacks jurisdiction.

This is an unprecedented, extraordinary, and we submit both legally and factually baseless effort by the Manhattan D.A.s Office to overextend New York criminal law and to insert itself into a civil property dispute over a work that has been lawfully owned and possessed in another state for decades, Edward B. Diskant, a lawyer for the institute, argued in New York Supreme Court.

ATU prosecutor Matthew Bogdanos responded, What theyre really arguing for is a return to the good old days, to the halcyon days of a collectors paradise, in which nobody, nobody, nobody was investigating possession of stolen antiquitiesTheyre asking this court to set back the clock 50 years ago, theyre saying disband this problematic antiquities trafficking unit.

The case is expected to be reconvened this month. As the New York Times notes, The stakes are evident in the crowd of experts, investigators, invested heirs and art lawyers who have been drawn to witness the proceedings in a Manhattan criminal courtroom. Though museums and collectors sometimes return artifacts on their own initiative or in response to court claims, the district attorneys unit, aided at times by federal investigators, has evolved into the leading U.S. agent for the restitution of stolen artworks.

Will the Pantheon Marbles return to Greece?

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Last but not least: Could the Parthenon Marbles (also known as the Elgin Marbles) be returned to Greece in some sort of partnership between the Greek government and the British Museum? It's not out of the realm of possibility.

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In December, a spokesperson for the British Museum said, Discussions with Greece about a Parthenon partnership are ongoing and constructive. We believe that this kind of long-term partnership would strike the right balance between sharing our greatest objects with audiences around the world, and maintaining the integrity of the incredible collection we hold at the museum.

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UPDATE 2 p.m.:

Two new fires fueled by onrushing Santa Ana winds have broken out in Riverside County, prompting emergency evacuations. Riverside Fire Department Division Chief Michael Staley said the Scout Fire had burned two acres by 1 p.m. with the potential to spread to five. The evacuation area included Riverside Community Hospital and the fire was not contained.

Further inland and to the south, the Stone Fire began in Hemet around noon and was contained an hour later, local fire officials said.

UPDATE 12 p.m.:

Mayor Karen Bass on Monday announced an executive order to speed up rebuilding efforts in Los Angeles. Executive Order 1 aims to streamline city permitting processes by requiring agencies to complete project reviews within 30 days, among other changes like waived zoning hearings. It does come with some conditions: Applications must be complete, and property owners cannot increase the size of their home or business by more than 10%.

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Bass also said she was tackling bureaucracy that was holding back as much as 1,200 rental units in the city.

Weve got to get past this red tape, Bass said at a Tuesday news conference. It hurts people.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA  Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Gov. Gavin Newsom tour the downtown business district of Pacific Palisades. (Photo by Eric Thayer/Getty Images)

PREVIOUSLY TUESDAY:

Another pitched battle between a fully mobilized, multi-agency firefighting force and the historic blazes that have devastated Los Angeles was on the brink of crescendo late Tuesday morning, as fierce winds were poised to thrash the area anew with gusts up to 70 mph following a period of relative calm.

The Santa Ana winds that sparked the monstrous fires one week ago had relented over the past few days, giving crews a chance to gain a foothold on containment that eluded them during the historic bluster. That tranquil state continued into Tuesday morning, with nothing more than single-digit mph breezes flowing over Southern California. But things were about to shift dramatically.

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The worst winds are predicted today for late afternoon and into Wednesday, LAFD chief Anthony Marrone said in a Tuesday morning press conference. The Los Angeles area is prepared. The continued winds with low humidity  will keep the area critical.

The National Weather Service issued a particularly dangerous situation warning for Los Angeles and Ventura Counties for Tuesday and Wednesday. That designation is held for only the most extreme conditions; destructive fires erupted during each of the previous three such warnings this season, including the Mountain (Ventura County) and Franklin (Malibu) fires, as well as the Palisades and Eaton fires.

As of Tuesday morning, the Palisades Fire was 17% contained, up from 14% on Monday. It had burned 23,713 acres and 5,300 homes, businesses and landmarks. The Eaton Fire was 35% contained, up from 33%. Officials estimate more than 7,000 structures have been destroyed.

A smaller brush fire came up overnight Monday in Ventura County, where firefighters battled the 56-acre Auto fire. Firefighters said they were making progress but still reported 0% containment.

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Officials say 24 people are confirmed dead, with another 34 reported missing.

More to come 

The post Los Angeles Firefighters Dig In for Critical Battle as 70 MPH Winds Kick Up, New Blaze in Riverside appeared first on TheWrap.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is joining Gov. Gavin Newsom in dismissing red tape and regulations in an effort to expedite the rebuild for those who lost their homes and businesses in the citys wildfires.

In an executive order issued on Monday night, Bass coordinated the clearing of debris and streamlined the process for rebuilding impacted areas across the city.

Were not in the clear yet: Los Angeles facing extreme fire danger as high winds return

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This unprecedented natural disaster warrants an unprecedented response that will expedite the rebuilding of homes, businesses and communities, Bass said. This order is the first step in clearing away red tape and bureaucracy to organize around urgency, common sense and compassion. We will do everything we can to get Angelenos back home.

The order mandates the following:

A streamlining for the debris clearing process at impacted areas, and mitigation of rainy weather risks

The expedition of typically tedious regulatory processes, like permitting, CEQA discretionary reviews, and other reviews

The expedition of approvals for 1,400 housing units to be made available across the city

The requirement for all city departments to provide a list of additional relief needed from the state and federal governments, as well as needed funding, within one week

The order is similar to one issued by Newsom over the weekend. That order also waived CEQA reviews as home and business orders seek to quickly rebuild their structures.

The streamlining of such processes has been a priority for city and state officials since the start of the wildfire crisis last week.

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(NewsNation)  Officials are warning landlords in the Los Angeles area against price gouging, which is prohibited in California during a state of emergency.

Nikko Santo Pietro, Los Angeles real estate agent and son of Wheel of Fortunes Vanna White, said the supply of housing is so limited and that he can only imagine what the fires will continue to do to prices across Los Angeles County.

California law prohibits raising the cost of goods and services over 10%, a statute that also includes temporary housing. In some cases, such as a dwelling that was not rented or advertised for rent before the disaster, the cap is much higher  160% of the fair market value.

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We are seeing landlords and agents charging astronomical numbers for rent, Santo Pietro said during an appearance on Elizabeth Vargas Reports. Its inhumane. Its not right, morally. Its illegal.

Santo Pietro says hes awaiting guidance from the Department of Real Estate on specific details and said his legal team is awaiting detailed guidance on the law so he can advise tenant and landlord clients.

Biden to convene top officials on LA wildfires response

At least 24 people have died in the Los Angeles area wildfires that have been blazing since last week.

LA County Sheriff Robert Luna said Monday there are 23 active missing persons cases in the county. Seventeen are in the Eaton Fire area, and six are in the Malibu area. All of those reported missing in the county are adults, Luna said. Los Angeles police said they are also working to look for six people unaccounted for in the city.

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As the sheriffs department continues grid-searching the Altadena area, Luna said at a press conference that they are running across the remains of individual community members.

That is not easy work, very sad to report, and I believe that work is not only going to continue, but I believe well continue to find remains, he said.

On Monday Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said theyre starting to see criminals emerge.

Nearly three dozen people have been arrested for looting since the fires began last week.

Hochman added that price gouging has been happening with hotels and short-term rentals and medical supplies. Scammers are also contacting people for fake GoFundMe efforts, though he said the official organization has done a good job of putting protections against this in place and recommended making such donations through that site.

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The criminals have decided that this is an opportunity and Im here to tell you this is not an opportunity. You will be arrested, Hochman said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
(KRON)  As of this afternoon, tens of thousands of people are under evacuation orders because of the fires in Southern California. KRON4 has been talking with residents today who are still unable to get back to their homes.

People have made their way to the Bay Area because of the bad air quality in Los Angeles  others thankful to still have their homes standing and one couple whose family home was destroyed.

Electrical tower eyed as possible cause of deadly Eaton Fire in Los Angeles area: reports

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Over the weekend, some people who had to be evacuated from their neighborhoods in Southern California were given the green light to go back to their homes.

However, many have been advised to stay away from areas like the Palisades and Altadena because there are still active fires nearly a week after the first blaze started.

One of those families is Talford Thompsons parents, who evacuated their Altadena home around 2 a.m. Wednesday.

Maybe a block and a half and saw flames and wasnt expecting to and I quickly turned around and by the time I got back to the home they were already packing up, Thompson said.

Photo of Talford Thompsons familys destroyed home.

The Eaton Fire turned their home into this. Everyone in the family got out safely but have been staying at a hotel while they wait to be allowed back into the neighborhood.

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Most of us havent been able to return to our properties, especially those who were located further north in the foothills, theres a lot of uncertainty a lot of fear, Thompson said. Not just the immediate safety, but what their life is going to look like after this.

Thompson has chosen to stay with his family during mandatory evacuations, but others like Dylan Henley chose to leave  flying to San Francisco to stay with his godmother while the fires rage on.

The Runyon Canyon Fire and that was just a mile away from me and you could see it kind of pouring down the mountain, Henley said.

Air quality is extremely poor in Los Angeles, and Henley is waiting for conditions to improve because of a lung condition. Getting the grim updates through the news and social media of what his friends, neighbors and co-workers are going through.

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Elon Musk donates Cybertrucks to provide LA community with power, Internet amidst wildfire devastation

You see the images and videos on television or online or social media, but nothing can quate capture the essence of how much is gone, Henley said.

California issued a moratorium Friday on insurance companies to prevent them from canceling or not renewing policies in wildfire-impacted areas.

Thompson has been staying with his parents to try to help them with filing insurance claims but says the process has been extremely difficult with long wait times and a lot of unknowns.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help the Thompson family.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
As wildfires continue to burn across Los Angeles counties, a solicitation on social media for firefighters ignited fury. It also put a spotlight on a lesser-known labor force that's working hard to extinguish the blaze: private firefighting crews.

In a since-deleted post on social media platform X, real estate investor Keith Wasserman queried his network for connections to "private firefighters to protect our home in Pacific Palisades."

"Need to act fast here. All neighbors houses burning. Will pay any amount," he added.

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City and county fire departments have been stretched thin, as they continue to battle the wind-fueled fires across Los Angeles that as of Monday have scorched more than 60 square miles of land, killing at least 24 people and displacing tens of thousands. Municipal resources, like fire hydrants, have run dry in some areas.

Those who can afford to do so are reaching out to private firefighting crews in hopes of saving their homes from the furious wildfires.

All Risk Shield, a California company providing professional wildfire protection services to homeowners throughout the state, told CBS MoneyWatch that it has responded to more than 120 calls to residences in Los Angeles counties that are at risk from the wildfires.

"And just like municipal firefighters, we didn't have enough resources to answer everyone's call," company spokesperson Jose Torres told CBS MoneyWatch. "But we have had some saves," he added, referring to homes the company has spared from destruction.

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How much do private firefighters cost?

Some of the company's firefighters also work for county fire departments. Others are retired from active duty, according to the company, which offers different levels of protective services ranging in price from $2,500 to $14,000.

Clients called on All Risk Shield before the fires reached their properties to try and protect their homes from encroaching flames.

"We deployed our teams to these high-risk properties we knew the fire was going to possibly reach, and we were on the ground before the fire even made it to that area," Torres said. That included fighting fires from homeowners' properties, using residents' resources like pools, spas, rainwater tanks and water tanks to extinguish flames, in addition to the company's own fire retardants. Torres noted that the company never relies on municipal resources, like fire hydrants, to serve private clients.

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He added that the company operates completely independently from Los Angeles County Fire Department, but that "indirectly, we are helping each other."

"Our teams have been working alongside municipal firefighters in this event," he said.

The National Wildfire Suppression Association (NWSA), which represents private firefighter services, said that contractors often join forces with local, state and federal firefighting efforts. Contracts with private home and land owners account for a small share of business for these types of companies; the bulk of contracts comes from providing supplemental personnel and equipment to local, state and federal firefighting efforts, according to the NWSA.

Fire prevention and mitigation contractors also do work for insurance companies performing tasks to reduce fire risks, such as clearing undergrowth, trimming or removing trees near homes, and applying fire retardants. A growing segment of the industry, this work typically occurs during the off-season and not in response to active fires.

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An "all hands on deck" situation

The association, which represents 369 private firefighting companies across the country, confirmed that its members have directed personnel and other resources toward containing the Los Angeles wildfires. Combined, its member organizations can pool up to 11,000 professionally trained wildland firefighters.

"The size and scale of these fires and the devastation left in their wake require an all-hands-on-deck approach to suppression, restoration and future prevention, including state, federal and private resources," the NWSA said in a statement to CBS MoneyWatch.

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Ryanair has sued a disruptive passenger for everything from lost drinks sales to excess fuel as part of a vendetta against air rage incidents at the airline.

The budget airline said last week it planned to sue a passenger for 15,350 after a flight from Dublin to Lanzarote was forced to divert to Porto in April due to a disruptive passenger, who was arrested upon landing.

It proved to be an extensive, and expensive, holdover in Portugal for Ryanair, with 160 passengers and six crew forced to stay overnight in Porto before boarding a flight the next morning.

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For the disruptive passenger, that disruption could prove to be the biggest hangover in history.

On Monday, Ryanair provided an extensive breakdown of the costs it incurred from the diversion last April, which it was now seeking to recoup from the passenger.

Included in the airlines costs was a sizeable 7,000 bill to provide its 166 passengers and crew with overnight accommodation, and a 2,500 charge linked to Porto Airports landing and handling fees.

The airline also threw in a 750 charge for lost airline sales on the flight and 800 for excess fuel, among other costs.

Costs Charge Excess fuel 800 Passenger and crew overnight accommodation 7,000 Porto Airport landing/handling fees 2,500 Loss of inflight sales 750 Replacement crew costs 1,800 Portuguese legal fees (to date) 2,500 Total 15,350

Ryanair's new line in the sand

None of these costs would have been incurred if this disruptive passenger had not forced a diversion to Porto in order to protect the safety of the aircraft, 160 passengers and 6 crew members on board, said a Ryanair spokesperson.

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The airline said that the Portuguese prosecution ordered its case to be transferred to Ryanairs home of Ireland.

The lawsuit against one of its passengers marks a new line in the sand in Ryanairs battle with rowdy passengers. The groups CEO, Michael OLeary, has lamented a rise in air rage on his flights, which he said occurred at a rate of once per week through the busy Summer travel season.

OLeary detailed steps his airline had taken to reduce incidents of disruption, including banning passengers from boarding flights with clear water bottles. However, he suggested increased drug use was exacerbating drunken behavior.

In its press release, the airline extended what was initially a U.K.-specific plea to introduce a two-drink limit in pubs to a Europe-wide call to action.

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Airlines, like Ryanair, already restrict and limit the sale of alcohol on board our aircraft, particularly in disruptive passenger cases. However, during flight delays, passengers are consuming excess alcohol at airports without any limit on purchase or consumption

OLeary ran into opposition when he first proposed an alcohol limit in U.K. airports in August last year, most notably from Wetherspoons CEO Sir Tim Martin. Martin argued OLeary should stop serving discounted double Irish whiskeys on Ryanair flights before lecturing pub landlords on their own serving behavior. OLeary hit back, saying he was happy to introduce his own in-flight drink limit if pubs followed suit.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD)  California is fighting deadly wildfires that started a week ago this January. Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain explains the challenges firefighters face in their fight against fires.

California is battling one of the worst fire seasons in recent years, with homes, farmland and lives at risk. Strain pointed out that the Golden States water infrastructure isnt equipped to handle fires on such a large scale.

Louisiana experienced wildfires in 2023 that left thousands of acres burned. Strain recalls burning embers carried into the atmosphere and dropping miles away to ignite secondary fires.

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Firefighters deploy as strong winds threaten more LA neighborhoods

He said Californias fight against fires in multiple city blocks simultaneously presents a challenge, adding that there isnt enough pumping capacity.

Strain noted the importance of air support for firefighting efforts. Louisiana has worked with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to restrict airspace during major fires, ensuring firefighting aircraft can operate safely.

In our case, we saw individuals flying drones, which forced firefighting aircraft to leave the area. Restricting airspace is essential to avoid these disruptions, Strain said.

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For landowners, particularly those managing timberland, prevention is critical. Strain said proactive measures such as prescribed burns, maintaining fire lines and exercising caution during dry and windy conditions are important.

Watch out for scams when donating to California wildfire victims

In California, its abnormally dry with drought and high winds. If we have similar conditions in Louisiana, I work with the state fire marshals office and local governments to enforce burn bans. During a burn ban, you dont light that match, Strain said.

Strain said Louisiana will continue to monitor the situation in California and offer support as needed.

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As California faces these devastating wildfires, Louisianas experience and lessons learned from past disasters may provide valuable strategies for mitigating the damage and protecting communities.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News.
The wildfires raging across California have captured national attention, with Louisiana stepping up to share its expertise and support. Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says the state knows all too well the devastation caused by natural disasters and is offering guidance to aid in Californias fight against the flames.
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO)  On Tuesday, Jan. 14, Louisiana is remembering Reggie Hunter, a victim of the Jan. 1 attack on Bourbon Street.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry declared a period of mourning ordering that all flags over state buildings be flown at half-staff.

Louisiana remembers Nikyra Dedeaux

Hunter leaves behind two sons Landon, 11 years old, and Christian, 18 months old.

(Courtesy: Shirell Jackson via ABC) Reggie Hunter

In a Sunday news conference, Landry said Hunters cousin Travis told him to know Reggie, was to love him and who was always in a good mood.

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Louisiana Remembers Hubert Gauthreaux

Louisiana State Superintendent Cade Brumley also asked school systems to consider a moment of silence at 9 a.m. during the period of mourning.

The New Orleans Police Department and the Archdiocese of New Orleans will ring the bells of St. Louis Cathedral every day through Jan. 23, between 12:30 p.m. and 1 p.m. to honor and remember the lives lost and those affected by the terror attack.

Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGNO.
PARIS  As Los Angeles continues to battle multiple wildfires, the sixth edition of the LVMH Watch Week is changing locations, WWD has learned.

The event was originally slated to take place from Jan. 21 to 24 in the ritzy Bel Air neighborhood, which was affected by forced evacuations orders on Sunday due to the advances of the Palisades fire. Authorities fear that dangerously high winds forecast for this week could fuel flames further.

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Instead, nine houses owned by LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton will be showcasing their latest timekeeping designs in New York City for U.S.-based press and retailers on the fairs initially planned dates, with details still currently under wraps.

Further presentations for press, retailers and clients will also be held in Paris at the end of January.

The event will mark the participation of Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton and LEpee 1839 for the first time, who join the roster alongside Bulgari, Daniel Roth, Gerald Genta, Hublot, Tag Heuer and Zenith.

First launched in Dubai in 2020, the traveling watchmaking showcase has previously traveled to Singapore and was held in Miami last year.

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In reporting third-quarter results, LVMH said organic sales of watches and jewelry were down 4 percent, but did not worsen. The French luxury groups full-year results will be published on Jan. 28.

In November, the U.S. emerged as a rare bright spot, according to figures published by the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry.

Exports to the country grew 4.7 percent in November while all other major markets shrunk, continuing a downturn that is beginning to erode the industrys gains of the past two years.

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President Volodymyr Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron discussed the situation on the front line and the possibility of sending peacekeeping troops to Ukraine in a phone call on Jan. 13.

The idea of deploying a peacekeeping force on the ground in Ukraine has gained traction in recent months as European nations prepare to play a greater role in Kyiv's defense once U.S. President-elect Donald Trump takes office on Jan. 20.

"(W)e discussed the French initiative to deploy military contingents in Ukraine," Zelensky said following the call.

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"We considered practical steps for its implementation, possible expansion, and involvement of other countries in this process."

Macron has put forth the idea of sending troops to Ukraine in some capacity since February 2024. With

Zelensky and Macron previously discussed the possibility of a peacekeeping force in a meeting on Dec. 18. In their trilateral meeting with Trump in Paris on Dec. 7, Trump reportedly said he wants European troops to monitor a potential ceasefire in Ukraine.

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer also plans to visit Ukraine in the coming weeks to discuss the potential deployment of an international peacekeeping force, Bloomberg reported on Jan. 10.

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Zelensky and Macron agreed to meet in the near future to further discuss plans to achieve security guarantees, including the possible deployment of peacekeepers.

The two leaders also discussed the situation in Kursk Oblast, amid a renewed offensive by Ukrainian forces in the region. Zelensky highlighted Ukraine's current air defense priorities and ongoing need for high-precision long-range weapons.

Read also: UK PM Starmer plans Ukraine visit to discuss peacekeeping mission, Bloomberg reports

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Two of America's largest department stores announced plans in the past week to shutter locations across the country. The result for consumers: Some communities will be losing both Kohl's and Macy's stores soon.

Kohl's and Macy's said in their respective Jan. 9 releases that they singled out underperforming stores. For Denver-area residents that means three fewer department stores: two Macy's and one Kohl's store. In California, San Diego and Sacramento will lose a store from each chain.

Kohl's says it plans to close 27 of its more than 1,150 locations by April. The 66 locations Macy's announced are among the 150 it's closing as part of its "Bold New Chapter" initiative "designed to return the company to sustainable, profitable sales growth."

States with the most combined Macy's and Kohl's closings

Texas claims the fourth-highest number of Macy's and Kohl's closures in the U.S.

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Unable to view our graphics? Click here to see them.

Where are Kohl's and Macy's stores closing? See map

USA TODAY combined Kohl's and Macy's announced closings to map out where communities will be losing the department stores. Below are the nearly 100 locations.

Which Kohl's and Macy's stores are closing in Texas? See list

The Kohl's stores listed below are expected to close by April 2025. Macy's says the majority of its closures will happen during the same period.

Kohl's, a Wisconsin-based retailer, operates about 1,150 stores nationwide, including 89 in the Lone Star State, according to its website. New York-based Macy's currently operates 479 stores, including 37 in Texas.

Texas is losing six Macy's stores and one Kohl's location:

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Macy's  Fairview: 201 Stacy Rd

Macy's  Flower Mound: 6101 Long Prairie Rd Ste 500

Macy's  Fort Worth: 1751 River Run #101

Macy's  Houston: 100 Almeda Mall

Kohl's  North Dallas: 18224 Preston Rd.

Macy's  Plano: 6209 W Park Blvd

Macy's  Southlake: 321 State St

 USA TODAY contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: MAP: Macy's, Kohl's stores to close. See list of Texas stores closing
Donald Trump had high hopes for his first defense secretary eight years ago, but the relationship between the then-president and James Mattis, a retired four-star Marine general, soured quickly. The more Mattis emphasized responsible decision-making and the importance of international alliances, the more Trump dismissed his Pentagon chief as sort of a Democrat.

In December 2018, not quite two years into his tenure, Mattis wrote a rather brutal resignation letter, calling into question Trumps judgment, values and respect for American allies. In the process, the retired general became the first modern defense secretary to resign in protest.

The relationship between his successor and Trump was actually worse. In fact, Mark Esper, the Republicans second defense secretary, ultimately took the extraordinary step of warning the American people that he considered Trump to be unfit for office, a national security threat, and a threat to democracy.

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By all appearances, there were a variety of reasons why Esper came to hold the president-elect in such contempt, but there was one incident in particular of special significance.

Wall Street Journal reporter Michael Bender wrote a 2021 book that alleged that during social justice protests a year earlier, the then-president raised the specter of shooting American activists in the legs. A year later, Espers own book reached the public, and he confirmed the story, alleging that during one of the protests, Trump asked his Pentagon chief, Cant you just shoot them? Just shoot them in the legs or something? He later told CBS News' "60 Minutes" that the then-president was suggesting that thats what we should do, that we should bring in the troops and shoot the protesters.

In other words, according to Trumps own handpicked defense secretary, the then-president was interested in having armed government personnel open fire on American civilians on American streets.

With Trump's second term set to begin next week, the relevance of Espers story continues. Indeed, as Trump prepares to nominate former Fox News host Pete Hegseth to lead the Department of Defense, its hard not to wonder how hed respond if the incoming president asked him the same question he asked Esper nearly five years ago.

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The good news is, this question came up during Hegseths confirmation hearing on Tuesday. The bad news is, his answer fell far short. My MSNBC colleague Hayes Brown noted what happened when Democratic Sen. Mazie Hirono of Hawaii asked the prospective nominee whether hed comply with such an order.

Hegseth waffled some about how he was there with a National Guard unit that day and saw 50 Secret Service agents injured before Hirono cut him off. That sounds to me like you will comply, you will shoot protesters in the leg, she declared before moving on.

As Hayes noted, it wouldve been easy for Hegseth to say, No, I will not order American forces to fire on unarmed American civilians. But he didnt.

The line of questioning did not lend itself to wiggle room. Would you carry out an order to shoot protesters in the legs as directed to Secretary Esper? the Hawaii Democrat asked.

I saw 50 Secret Service agents get injured by rioters trying to jump over the fence, Hegseth said, set a church on fire and destroy a statue. Chaos.

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It led Hirono to conclude, That sounds to me that you will comply with such an order.

Later, during the same Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan asked whether he would decline to carry out an illegal order. He rejected the very idea that Trump would ever give an illegal order, effectively refusing to answer the underlying question.

As the hearing wrapped up, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said on the chamber floor, Unfortunately for Mr. Hegseth, his testimony thus far has failed to address the disturbing questions that plague his nomination. The New York Democrat quickly added, It appears Mr. Hegseths strategy is to follow the five Ds of dodgeball: dodge, duck, dip, dive, and dodge! (Schumer was, of course, borrowing a line from the 2004 movie Dodgeball.)

Alas, some Hegseths dodges were more unsettling than others.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Todays edition of quick hits.

* The latest from California: Officials said there is significant fire weather ahead of us as high winds are expected to fuel through Wednesday. The wind-fed wildfires have killed at least 24 people and swept through 40,000 acres in the greater Los Angeles area.

* Something to keep in mind the next time the president-elect targets our neighbors: [Canada] is sending air tankers and dozens of its own battle-tested wildland firefighters to Los Angeles, its government said. Air tankers can deliver thousands of gallons of fire retardant or water to wildland firefighters on the ground. ... Mexico quickly followed, dispatching a crew of firefighters early Saturday to help the huge deployment already underway.

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* This White House really does take student loan debt relief seriously: President Joe Biden announced Monday that his administration had approved student loan relief for more than 150,000 borrowers, bringing the total number who have had their student debt cancelled under the Biden administration to over 5 million, he said in a White House release.

* At the border: Illegal crossings along the U.S.-Mexico border have slowed significantly as President Biden prepares to leave office and as President-elect Donald J. Trump, who promised to crack down on immigration, is days away from retaking power. ... Though overall crossings ticked up slightly in December, the daily averages were the lowest since summer 2020, according to a senior U.S. Customs and Border Protection official who spoke on the condition of anonymity and was not authorized to speak publicly.

* Theres a scary chart that accompanies this report: After years of holding steady, American vaccination rates against once-common childhood diseases have been dropping. Nationwide, the rate of kindergartners with complete records for the measles vaccine declined from around 95 percent before the pandemic to under 93 percent last year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Immunization rates against polio, whooping cough and chickenpox fell similarly.

* This is a story worth watching: The Biden administration will hold off enforcing a requirement laid out in an executive order this month that Nippon Steel abandon its $14.9 billion bid for U.S. Steel, the companies said on Saturday.

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* The results of an overdue investigation: The Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921, in which a prosperous Black neighborhood in Oklahoma was destroyed and up to 300 people were killed, was not committed by an uncontrolled mob but was the result of a coordinated, military-style attack by white citizens, the Justice Department said in a report released Friday.

* Ill be eager to see who, if anyone, pushes back against this effort: 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 [Democratic Rep. Brittany Pettersen of Colorado] 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.

See you tomorrow.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
This is an adapted excerpt from the Jan. 13 episode of "The Rachel Maddow Show."

It would be hard to run a presidential transition that could be worse than the last one. That transition included the outgoing president, Donald Trump, encouraging his followers to march on the Capitol to try to keep him in power.

The last inauguration had to have thousands of National Guard troops on hand to protect the proceedings from the threat of more violence from Trumps followers. The outgoing president also didnt even bother to show up for his successors swearing-in.

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To be blunt, the last transition was the worst presidential transition in the history of the country  by a mile. Given how disastrously Trump performed during the last transition, you may have assumed this one would be better. But it looks like its going to be close.

During this transition, the president-elect has continued to sell his self-branded watches, sneakers and Bibles  including the new Inauguration Day edition. Hes also selling boots, commemorative coins and guitars.

Over the last few weeks, Trump has made unprovoked threats to seize territory from three countries  which is inexplicable to most Americans but very exciting to the dictators of both Russia and China, who have been seizing territory from other countries (or planning to), and now  whether or not Trump follows through on these weird threats  have Trumps words to throw back at us.

This is the presidential transition when the president-elect officially became a 34-times convicted felon 10 days before he was sworn in, and then named another convicted felon, one of his relatives, to be ambassador to France. He also picked his sons ex-girlfriend to be ambassador to Greece and reportedly lobbied for his other sons wife to be made a U.S. senator  until that collapsed.

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He picked his son-in-laws friend to be his special envoy for hostage affairs. The same son-in-law then announced that his firm received another $1.5 billion from government-controlled funds in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, on top of the billions he already got from Saudi Arabia.

This is the transition when the president-elect appears to have just randomly picked people off the TV for almost every imaginable senior government job. He chose a syndicated daytime TV doctor to run Medicare. Hes picked Fox News contributors or hosts or their relatives for roles like secretary of transportation, national security adviser, FDA commissioner, counterterrorism director, ambassador to Israel, surgeon general, ambassador to the Dominican Republic, border czar, Ukraine envoy and defense secretary.

This is a shambolic, ridiculously bad transition. It is not going well. And now, with less than one week until Trumps inauguration, were entering the part of this very poorly run transition where the confirmation hearings start falling apart.

On Tuesday, the Senate was supposed to hold a hearing for Trumps nominee to run Veterans Affairs, Doug Collins. Most people couldnt pick Collins out of a line-up, but as a nominee to run the VA, he is a bit of a walking scandal. The only thing hes really known for when it comes to the VA is his desire to get rid of it and privatize veterans health care.

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But on Monday, Senate leaders announced they had to delay Collins confirmation hearing because the FBI hasnt finished the paperwork and background checks necessary to start his hearings.

Tuesday was also supposed to be the confirmation hearing for Trumps interior secretary nominee, Doug Burgum. You might remember him as the obscure Republican presidential candidate who seemingly paid his way into the debates. There was a provision in the Republican primary debate rules where you had to get a certain number of people to donate to your campaign in order for you to get onto the stage. Burgum did not have a sufficient number of donors so he paid people to donate to him, offering some of those who donated $1 to his campaign a $20 gift card. Thats how he got into the Republican presidential debates, and now Trump wants him to run the Interior Department. But well have to wait to hear from Burgum since his hearing was also postponed due to paperwork delays.

As was the hearing for Trumps pick to be director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard. Amid reports of yet more trouble getting the paperwork together, Gabbards confirmation hearing has still not been scheduled. And this might be one to watch to see if it ever gets scheduled at all. The Trump team has already had to pull two of their nominations, for attorney general and the head of the Drug Enforcement Administration, and we should watch for this one, too, given whats emerged in public reporting on Gabbard, including how poorly shes allegedly done in her meetings with senators. Theres also the conspicuous silence from Capitol Hill in terms of whether theres sufficient support for her even to make it through committee.

This is their level of performance even before they have responsibility for governing. We will watch what they do and not just what they say, from now, and for the first hundred days, and for the duration.

But what they are saying and what they are doing thus far is utterly shambolic. And none of us should be afraid to say so.

Allison Detzel contributed.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Late in the afternoon o n Aug. 1, 2023, then-special counsel Jack Smith secured a federal criminal indictment against Donald Trump stemming from the Republicans alleged election interference efforts following his 2020 defeat. It was a four-count indictment that charged Trump with conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of and attempt to obstruct an official proceeding, and conspiracy against rights.

Almost immediately, GOP congressional leaders responded to the indictment by effectively saying they didnt care.

Their reactions come to mind anew now that the prosecutors final report on the case is available to the public. NBC News report summarized:

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President-elect Donald Trump inspired his supporters to commit acts of physical violence on Jan. 6 and knowingly spread an objectively false narrative about election fraud in the 2020 election, special counsel Jack Smith said in a report defending his investigation made public early Tuesday. The 170-page report summarized Smiths investigation into Trumps efforts to maintain power after he lost the 2020 election to Joe Biden, which culminated in the deadly Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Its fair to say that Smiths final report does not break dramatic new ground, though its a devastating summary of a thorough investigation and compelling evidence of a president who, as the former special counsel alleged, resorted to a series of criminal efforts to retain power.

Over the course of the document, the prosecutor pushed back against baseless allegations of partisan interference, fleshed out the details of the president-elects alleged crimes, highlighted Trumps demonstrably and, in many cases, obviously false claims, and argued that the special counsels office was likely to prevail at trial.

[B]ut for Mr. Trumps election and imminent return to the Presidency, the Office assessed that the admissible evidence was sufficient to obtain and sustain a conviction at trial, Smiths report added.

Though the president-elect had plenty of time to prepare a carefully worded response to the findings, he did not spend that time well: The best Trump could muster was some clumsily worded middle-of-the-night social media posts filled with obvious lies and falsehoods.

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Well learn soon enough how  and just as importantly, whether  Republicans on Capitol Hill respond to Smiths findings, but hanging overhead is a more foundational question: Is there any chance that GOP lawmakers will actually read the document?

Given the recent track record, its difficult to be optimistic. As regular readers might recall, Republican officials didnt read Trumps criminal indictments. Or the Mueller report. Or the Durham report. Or the Senate Intelligence Committees findings on the Russia scandal. Or the Justice Department inspector generals report on the investigation into the Russia scandal.

During Trumps Ukraine scandal, which led to his first impeachment, a variety of GOP officials conceded they hadnt read documents that were directly relevant to the investigation. Also during the Trump era, many Republicans didnt read their own health care plan  and soon after they also didnt read their own tax plan.

During the Obama era, Republicans railed against the international nuclear agreement with Iran, even as some in the party conceded they hadnt read the policy they were condemning. (The Washington Posts Dana Milbank noted at the time, This is legislating by reflex  a mass knee-jerk by the Republican majority in Congress. Those who howled read the bill during the health-care debate couldnt be bothered to read the nuclear agreement before sounding off.)

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About a year ago, when a bipartisan agreement came together on border and immigration policies, a variety of GOP lawmakers condemned the bill while conceding they hadnt read it.

With this in mind, what are the odds that congressional Republicans will take the time to examine the Smith report?

This post updates our related earlier coverage.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Jacob Soboroff, NBC News national correspondent, talks with Rachel Maddow about the sheer size of the task of recovery and rebuilding in the wake of the devastation from the Pacific Palisades and adjacent fires, suggesting federal oversight may be necessary, but also noting that Donald Trump's disposition toward California is not particularly encouraging.
Todays installment of campaign-related news items from across the country.

* Virginia is one of two states that will hold gubernatorial elections this year, and with 42 weeks remaining, voters in the commonwealth should expect a close contest: The latest Mason-Dixon poll found former Democratic Rep. Abigail Spanberger narrowly leading her likely Republican rival, Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, 47% to 44%. (Click the link for additional information on the surveys methodology and margin of error.)

* Americans for Prosperity, a political operation founded by the Koch Brothers, is reportedly investing $20 million into a public relations campaign in support of Republican tax breaks. According to a Fox News report, AFP's ad blitz will target all 50 states.

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* On a related note, The New York Times reported that a coalition of conservative groups has launched a campaign to pressure Republican senators to confirm Pete Hegseth as the next secretary of defense. Some of the efforts, the report added, are being coordinated with Donald Trumps senior advisers.

* In Oklahoma, state Attorney General Gentner Drummond this week became the first leading Republican to launch a 2026 gubernatorial campaign. Incumbent GOP governor, Kevin Stitt, is prohibited by term limits from seeking a third term.

* Former Rep. Beto ORourke apparently isnt done exploring political opportunities: The former congressman is reportedly interested in chairing the Texas Democratic Party. In recent years, ORourke has run unsuccessful gubernatorial, presidential and U.S. Senate campaigns.

* And former first lady Michelle Obama confirmed to the Associated Press that she will not attend Trumps second inaugural, though Barack Obama will be in attendance. Her statement did not include an explanation.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Conservative pundit Ben Shapiro has called out his MAGA brethren over their support of accused sex trafficker Andrew Tate.

Discussing a controversy that he considers indicative of a broader problem that the right currently has with the influencer class, Shapiro recapped how, during an appearance on the right-wing podcast The Benny Show, Donald Trumps attorney Alina Habba gushed to Tate about what a fan she was and glowingly compared him to her boss.

The fact that Tate has been arrested and charged in Romaniaand faces separate allegations in the U.K.on suspicion of rape, human trafficking, and forming and organizing a crime group to sexually exploit women didnt temper her praise.

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The 38-year-old British-American former kickboxer and reality TV star had been under house arrest in Romania since August, until a court ruled Tuesday that he could move freely around the country while the criminal investigation plays out, Reuters reported.

But whether or not Tate is ultimately convicted of his allege violent crimes, by his own admission he is a sexual predator, Shapiro argued Sunday on his eponymous show.

He played clips of Tate describing his strategy for meeting girls, getting them to like him, and then making them fall in love with him so they would work on webcams for him.

The Right Should DUMP Andrew Tate pic.twitter.com/oRdHNFs7l9  The Ben Shapiro Show (@BenShapiroShow) January 13, 2025

Women need a man to do OnlyFans, Tate says in one clip. Its the same reason a woman needs a man to do anything, cause theyre incompetent and theyre very, very lazy. And theyre stupid. In another he says, When youre pimping like me, its a full-time job.

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Comments like these had previously gotten Tate banned from most social media platforms, until he was reinstated on X, formerly Twitter, after it was taken over by Trump mega donor and adviser Elon Musk.

Shapiro called Tate an evil con artist.

Even if you just believe the stuff he has said about himself, what he says is evil, Shapiro said. He is a self-professed pimp and pornographer. He made his money grooming women for the sex industry.

Conservative pundit Ben Shapiro speaks at CPAC Argentina in December. / Tomas Cuesta/Getty Images

The irony of course is that the American right has gone on a moral crusade against British grooming gangs in recent weeks. Musk in particular has accused the governing Labour Party of failing to carry out a local inquest into the gangseven as it was focused on implementing new policies based on the findings of a national inquiry.

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Despite the supposed outrage, last week Musk seemed to suggest that Tate running for prime minister be good for Britain (even though thats not how the political system actually works).

Now all the people on the right who are very upset, correctly, about grooming gangs in Britain are going to have to explain why theyre OK with his grooming gang, Shapiro said. I guess if youre Andrew Tate, then if you confess to doing things like this on tape, morally its somehow OK because youre anti-woke or something.

Tates legal team has claimed he was just creating a character to make money.

He shuttered his webcam business in 2022 and now makes money off his massive online following, including through an online education platform called Hustlers University that critics say is basically a pyramid scheme.

Now hes trying to play himself of as a politician, Shapiro said. Hes not. Hes an influencer, hes an online troll.
As a first-generation Indian-American and a physician, Ive been blessed to call Indiana home. My parents came to this country with little more than determination and hope, eventually settling in Anderson. They believed in the promise of America  a place where hard work, opportunity and community could lead to a better life. That belief shaped my life and is a testament to what makes this country and our state truly special.

The phrase Make America Great Again stirs strong feelings. For some, its a rallying cry for traditional values; for others, it evokes division. But what if we set aside the rhetoric and focused on its deeper meaning: the desire to see our communities thrive, to build a future filled with opportunity, and to ensure no one is left behind? At its core, this aspiration for greatness is something we can all embrace  regardless of politics.

The spirit of innovation and grit in Indiana

Indiana has always been a place where ingenuity and resilience shine. Consider Eli Lilly, who founded one of the worlds largest pharmaceutical companies in Indianapolis in 1876. His legacy of life-saving medicines and innovation has made Indiana a global leader in health care.

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Or take Madam C.J. Walker, a trailblazing entrepreneur who built her haircare empire in Indiana, becoming one of the first self-made female millionaires in America. Her story of grit and determination is a proud part of our states history, showing how success is achievable no matter where you come from.

And who can forget Purdue University, the Cradle of Astronauts, which has produced legends like Neil Armstrong? Hoosiers have literally reached for the stars, proving that bold dreams and hard work can take us anywhere.

These examples remind us that greatness isnt about nostalgia  its about moving forward, solving problems and creating opportunities for all. This spirit of innovation and grit is alive in every Hoosier, from farmers feeding the nation to small business owners strengthening our communities. Its what makes Indiana a beacon of potential.

The challenges we must confront together

But as we look to build on this legacy, we cannot ignore the challenges that hold too many Hoosiers back. For example:

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Workforce development : While Indianas manufacturing and healthcare industries thrive, we face a growing skills gap. Preparing our workforce for the future requires robust investments in education, technical training, and apprenticeship programs.

Health care disparities : In rural areas, too many Hoosiers lack access to quality healthcare. Indianas maternal mortality rate, for instance, is among the highest in the nation  an unacceptable statistic that demands urgent action.

Economic inequities: Though Indiana boasts a low cost of living, persistent economic disparities in underserved communities limit opportunities for many families.

These challenges arent insurmountable. Addressing them is part of the greatness we aspire to  and it requires collaboration, innovation, and compassion.

A shared vision for the future

As Hoosiers, we share more than just geography  we share values. We want good schools for our children, safe communities for our families, and opportunities to build meaningful lives. These desires transcend political divides. And when we come together, we can achieve remarkable things.

Think of how our communities rallied during the pandemic, supporting local businesses and neighbors in need. Or how our agricultural heritage has not only sustained Indiana but helped feed the world. We are stronger when we lean on each other, not pull apart.

Greatness isnt about slogans  its about action. If Eli Lilly taught us the value of innovation, lets invest in the next generation of problem solvers through world-class education and job training programs. If Madam C.J. Walker showed us the power of entrepreneurship, lets ensure that small business owners in underserved areas have the resources they need to succeed. If Purdue astronauts proved that the skys the limit, lets set bold goals to tackle Indianas biggest challenges.

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The greatness we strive for must be rooted in fairness and opportunity. Its not enough to aim for innovation or economic growth; we must ensure those benefits reach every Hoosier, whether theyre from Indianapolis, Anderson, Evansville, Fort Wayne or the smallest farming community. When we work together to lift each other up, we all win.

Uniting for Indianas future

At its core, greatness is about solving problems, lifting others up, and creating opportunities for all. As Hoosiers, we have the power to shape the future of our state and our country. That means:

Investing in innovation : Strengthen industries like health care, manufacturing and agriculture while preparing the workforce to thrive in them.

Strengthening schools : Expand access to quality education, especially in underserved rural areas, to ensure every child has the tools for success.

Addressing inequities: Tackle health care disparities and economic barriers so that every Hoosier has a fair shot at opportunity.

The phrase Make America Great Again doesnt have to divide us. Lets reframe it as a challenge to rise to our potential  a call to make Indiana and America a better place for everyone, regardless of background or beliefs. Together, we can continue the legacy of greatness that has always defined our state.

Because at the end of the day, greatness isnt partisan  its Hoosier.

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Dr. Raja Ramaswamy is a first-generation Indian American, an Indianapolis-based physician and the author of "You Are the New Prescription."

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: How Indiana can adopt MAGA spirit to move forward | Opinion
The MAGA fight to dissolve the Education Department is on.

North Carolina Representative David Rouzer introduced legislation in the House on Monday to eradicate the agency. H.R. 369, titled To provide for the elimination of the Department of Education, and for other purposes, was subsequently referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Ridding the country of its national education system will follow through on one of Donald Trumps boldest and most Project 2025inspired campaign promises. Other components of Trumps agenda are quietly dependent on generating extra cashflow that the elimination of the Department of Education could (barely) muster. A major plan is extending Trumps 2017 tax plan, which overwhelmingly benefits corporations and could add as much as $15 trillion to the national deficit.

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Republicans in favor of the extension have mused over several potential cuts to help offset that massive expenditure, including nixing the Department of Education. That would save some $200 billion from the deficitwhile simultaneously dismantling the nations education system, which already is drowning under the pressure of historically low teacher salaries and scant resources, particularly in low-income regions. The federal government provides 13.6 percent of funding for public K-12 education across the nation.

Trump himself has said that his Department of Education plan involves handing the reins and lofty responsibilities of public school administration over to parents, who famously have all the time in the world to oversee educational curricula while simultaneously working jobs and raising their children.

During a rally in Milwaukee in October, the MAGA leader promised that his vision for the nations educational system would involve very limited oversight from any government, including the states.

I figure well have like one person plus a secretary, the soon-to-be forty-seventh president said at the time. Youll have a secretary to a secretary. Well have one person plus a secretary, and all the person has to do is, Are you teaching English? Are you teaching arithmetic? What are you doing? Reading, writing, and arithmetic. And are you not teaching woke?

He also openly admitted that the plan would, unfortunately, be to the detriment of a great swath of statesparticularly poorer ones in the middle of the country.
Jan. 14The Maine State Chamber of Commerce and Bath Iron Works have filed a lawsuit against the Mills administration challenging how the state is implementing its new paid family and medical leave program.

The lawsuit filed focuses on the fact that a 1% payroll tax  which is split evenly between employer and employee  took effect this month while companies that offering private leave programs will not be able to opt out until after April 1.

The lawsuit was filed in Kennebec County Superior Court in Augusta on Monday and lists the Department of Labor and Labor Commissioner Laura Fortman as defendants.

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The gap in time is harmful to companies  such as BIW and others  that will be paying into the state's program for several months even though they offer an equivalent benefit to their workers that will ultimately qualify them to apply for an exemption from the tax.

"The rule is silent on how long the (Department of Labor) can take to review the application, and it does not establish any deadline by which DOL must take action on an application," according to the lawsuit. "The rule thus allows an indefinite period of time to process an employer's application for exemption from premiums..."

The rule does not allow for refunds for employers who are later granted an exemption from paying into the program. For BIW, that represents a $620,000 payment into the system that will not be refundable if the Department of Labor were to quickly approve BIW's exemption request, according to the suit.

An earlier draft version of the rules would have required employers to pay into the program for the first 16 months without being permitted to opt out. But after complaints by the chamber and others, the state shortened the time period to the first quarter of 2025. In order to give time for the fund to build up, employers and employees are paying into the paid family leave program in 2025, while benefits will begin to be paid out to eligible workers starting in May 2026.

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The law was originally approved in 2023, and the Maine legislature gave the Mills administration until December 2024 to devise the rules for the program. The rules were revised in 2024 to make them more business-friendly, but the chamber still objected to certain provisions.

The fund created with the payroll tax revenue would be used to pay up to 90% of regular wages for up to 12 weeks for workers who are ill or need to take care of newborns or other family members, among other reasons. Employers with fewer than 15 workers are exempt from paying into the program, but workers at small businesses still will pay a 0.5% payroll tax and will be eligible for benefits.

This story will be updated.

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HONOLULU (KHON2)  The Honolulu Prosecutor charged 47-year-old Arsenio Vargas with two counts of Assault in the Second Degree for allegedly assaulting two EMS workers on New Years Eve.

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The two EMTs were treating Vargas when he allegedly became agitated, kicking and punching the EMTs.

Our first responders have a difficult job protecting and caring for those in our community who are harmed or ill, said Prosecutor Steve Alm. Our emergency service providers treat some of the worst injuries and they provide outstanding care when we need it.

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Assaulting an EMS provider while they are performing their duties is a Class C Felony, which carries a punishment of up to five years in prison.

Alm stated that protecting those who protect the community is paramount.

We must take care of those who are entrusted with caring of our community and we will do our best to prosecute this case successfully, he said.

Vargas is being held at the Oahu Community Correctional Center in lieu of $11,000 bail.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
HENDERSON, Nev. (KLAS)  The man accused of hitting a Henderson police sergeant with a stolen car, resulting in a shooting Monday, was supposed to be on house arrest but failed to appear in court months ago, the 8 News Now Investigators have learned.

Johnathan Gaston, 43, faces charges of attempted murder of a police officer, battery with a deadly weapon and other charges, records said.

On Monday, Henderson police received a report of a stolen Jeep near Lake Mead Parkway and Boulder Highway, documents said. A Henderson police sergeant in the area located the car in front of a restaurant and parked his patrol car in front of the stolen vehicle.

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As a second officer arrived in the area, the driver of the Jeep suddenly accelerated his vehicle toward [the sergeant] who was standing near the drivers side door of his patrol vehicle, documents said. The sergeant then fired five rounds at the driver.

The driver then drove off, hit a street sign and crashed into two parked cars nearby, documents said. Other officers then detained him, identifying him as Gaston. Paramedics brought Gaston to a hospital where he was treated for a gunshot wound to his arm.

The sergeant was treated for a head injury and received 11 staples, police said.

At the time of Mondays incident, Gaston was on house arrest on burglary and gun charges following his September 2024 arrest in Las Vegas, records said. Records show Pro Temp Judge Judge Lauren Diefenbach set Gastons bail at $23,000 during an initial hearing on Sept. 24. A second pro temp judge later raised the amount to $25,000 with the stipulation Gaston wear an ankle monitor should he post bail.

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Las Vegas Justice Court Judge Ann Zimmerman later ordered a house arrest review and Gaston posted bail in October. By Oct. 14, Gaston had absconded from house arrest and later failed to appear for a subsequent court hearing. Zimmerman then ordered his arrest through a bench warrant. The warrant remained active as of Tuesday.

Details about what led up to Gastons arrest in September were not immediately available. It was also not clear Tuesday what happened to Gastons ankle monitor after he failed to appear in court.

Gaston was scheduled to appear in Henderson Justice Court on Wednesday. A hearing was not scheduled in his Las Vegas case. He remained jailed at the Henderson Detention Center as of Tuesday ahead of his court hearing.

Court records spell Gastons name as Johnathan and Jonathan.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
One of the men accused of supplying Iran with materials used in a deadly drone attack at a US military was arrested in Italy but released back to Iran over the weekend.

Mohammad Abedininajafabadi and Mahdi Mohammad Sadeghi were arrested in December for their role in an Iranian drone strike on Tower 22, a base in Jordan that killed three United service members and injured over 40 others in January 2024.

FBI Boston: Two men, including Natick local, supplied Iran with deadly drone strike materials

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The two men were arrested after FBI specialists who analyzed the drone traced its navigation system to an Iranian company operated by one of the defendants, who relied on parts and technology funneled into the country by his alleged co-conspirator, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors allege that Abedininajafabadi, who was also called Adedini in court documents, has deep connections to the Iranian government. They say his Tehran-based company manufactures navigation systems for the military drone program of Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard and that he conspired with Sadeghi to circumvent American export control laws, including through the creation of a front company in Switzerland, and procure sensitive technology into Iran.

The U.S. Department of Justice is disappointed with the decision to revoke the provisional arrest of Mohammad Abedininajafabadi, which has resulted in Abedininajafabadis return to Iran. Abedininajafabadi remains charged in the District of Massachusetts with scheming to procure sensitive U.S. technology for use in Irans lethal drone attack program and with providing material support to Irans Revolutionary Guard Corps terrorist activities  activities that resulted in the deaths of three U.S. servicemembers in January 2024, the Department of Justice said in a statement to Boston 25 News.

Sadeghi, a naturalized U.S. citizen who was arrested at his home in Natick last month, was due back in court Tuesday.

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U.S. officials blamed the drone attack on the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iran-backed militias that includes Kataib Hezbollah.

Three Georgia soldiers  Sgt. William Jerome Rivers of Carrollton, Sgt. Breonna Moffett of Savannah and Sgt. Kennedy Sanders of Waycross  were killed in the Jan. 28 drone attack on a U.S. outpost in northeastern Jordan called Tower 22.

FILE - This combination of photos provided by Shawn Sanders, left, and the U.S. Army, center and right, show from left to right, Sgt. Kennedy Sanders, Staff Sgt. William Jerome Rivers and Sgt. Breonna Alexsondria Moffett. The three U.S. Army Reserve soldiers from Georgia, all of whom received posthumous promotions in rank, were killed by a drone strike on Jan. 28, 2024, on their base in Jordan near the Syrian border. The first funeral service was scheduled Tuesday morning, Feb. 13, for Rivers at a Baptist church in Carrollton, west of Atlanta. (Shawn Sanders and U.S. Army via AP, File)

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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(FOX40.COM)  The man who sold the gun used to shoot two children at a Butte County school was arrested earlier this month, the Butte County Sheriffs Office said.

On December 4, 2024, Glenn Litton, 56, shot two kindergarten students at Seventh Day Adventist School near Oroville, critically injuring them, before fatally shooting himself.

Video Above: Butte County hosts vigil for school shooting victims

The sheriffs office said Litton was a convicted felon and was legally barred from owning a firearm.

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The sheriffs office said Litton used a Glock 19 ghost gun, the term used to describe guns that lack serial numbers and can be assembled by individuals using gun parts from different firearms.

Homicidal violence not ruled out in Sacramento mothers death, coroner says

Detectives with the sheriffs office, working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, determined Litton bought the gun from Phoenix, Arizona resident Jesse Kitagawa Jr., 45, on April 10, 2024. The sheriffs office said Kitagawa sold Litton the gun for $300 at an Arizona motel.

According to the sheriffs office, Kitagawa, who was also a felon barred from owning a firearm, purchased the gun on April 8, 2024, from a 77-year-old resident of Buckeye, Arizona.

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The sheriffs office said it does not believe the Buckeye, Arizona resident violated Arizona law when he sold the gun to Kitagawa because Kitagawa has a drivers license issued by the state of Arizona and assured Lyons that he could lawfully possess firearms.

The sheriffs office said the 77-year-old man had legally purchased the gun from the widow of its original owner, also in April.

5-year-old Elias Wolford, one of the two boys injured in the shooting, may not regain the use of his legs, his family said.

The other victim, 6-year-old Roman Mendez, has also had to undergo surgeries and other treatment as a result of the shooting.

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UPDATE: More details released on East Village shooting involving SDPD officers

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  Authorities on Monday evening are investigating a deadly shooting involving officers inside an apartment building in the East Village neighborhood.

The incident occurred around 7 p.m. at the Broadway Towers in the 1100 block of E Street, the San Diego County Sherriffs Department confirmed to FOX 5/KUSI.

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San Diego police officers responded to a report of a suicidal man. While escorting six people out of the apartment building, the 26-year-old man armed with a knife confronted the officers, Lt. Mike Krugh with SDSO said. Thats when two officers shot the suspect.

Red Flag Warning issued for San Diego County amid more Santa Ana winds; thousands could have power shut off

The suspect was taken to a hospital where he died from his injuries.

No officers were hurt in the shooting.

The area is under investigation at this time.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  The Springfield Police Department has arrested a suspect in connection with multiple armed robberies.

On January 11th around 1:00 p.m., officers got a call about an armed robbery at a business on Walnut Street. The suspect, who has since been identified as 31-year-old Willie Duke, allegedly robbed the business clerk with a firearm and escaped with cash.

Home surveillance camera captures Springfield car break-ins

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At around 1:30 p.m., the same suspect was alleged to have robbed a convenience store on St. James Avenue, also armed. At 2:00 p.m., Duke allegedly robbed another business on the 600 block of State Street armed with a firearm and getting away with cash.

At 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, Duke was arrested by the Springfield Police Department. Detectives worked alongside the Springfield Police Real-Time Analysis Center to gather evidence and locate the suspect and their vehicle. At approximately 7:15 a.m., the suspects vehicle was reported to be in the Six Corners area.

Springfield police said the vehicle was found parked at a gas station at the 200 block of Hancock Street, and officers conducted a traffic stop. Duke exited the vehicle and attempted to run away, but officers took him into custody on the 100 block of Ashley Street.

Duke is charged with three counts of armed and masked robbery with a firearm and failure to stop for police.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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A Texas man is behind bars after police say he allegedly sent threatening and sexually violent messages to Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark.

According to ESPN, 55-year-old Michael Lewis of Denton, Texas was arrested Jan. 12 at a hotel in Indianapolis on a felony stalking charge after he allegedly sent various lewd messages and threats to the number-one draft pick via social media. Court documents chronicled his alleged messages to the WNBA star on X from Dec. 16 through Jan. 2.

"Been driving around your house three times a day," Lewis messaged Clark, court records said. "But don't call the law just yet, the public is allowed to drive by [Fever arena] Gainbridge [Fieldhouse]... a.k.a. Caitlin's Fieldhouse."

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"I'm getting tickets. I'm sitting behind the bench," another message read. Others, court documents say, were more sexually explicit in nature.

Related: Caitlin Clark Responds to Backlash Over Flagrant Foul Controversy

Clark previously told police that she feared for her safety and never responded to any of Lewis' messages or posts. The FBI tracked down Lewis' messages to a hotel in downtown Indianapolis, where local police conducted a welfare check on the man and told officers he was in "an imaginary relationship" with Clark. Police reportedly told him to "not post things like he has been posting... because his posts can be perceived as threatening," per court docs.

His messages to Clark didn't stop even after the police paid him a visit. "They said I was sending threatening texts... But the only thought on my mind was... CAITLIIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNN," a message read.

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Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears commended Clark for coming to the authorities for help. "It takes a lot of courage for women to come forward in these cases, which is why many don't," he said. "In doing so, the victim is setting an example for all women who deserve to live and work in Indy without the threat of sexual violence."

Lewis could face up to six years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. (WBOY)  A man is facing charges after officers with the Bridgeport Police Department say he tried to direct interstate traffic using an illegally owned gun.

According to a criminal complaint, on Jan. 12, officers responded to Interstate 79 South near the Meadowbrook Mall for a vehicle accident where one of the vehicles caught fire.

Aaron Misner

When officers arrived on the scene, they said they noticed a man, later identified as Aaron Misner, standing in the middle lane and waving traffic with what they initially believed was a flashlight, but later noticed it was a firearm.

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Man charged with human trafficking after allegedly keeping Florida woman in building on his property in Gilmer County

Officers said that Misner was waving the firearm around dangerously, pointing the muzzle toward the cars in traffic to direct them around the vehicle fire. Officers then were notified of Misners criminal history and noted that he had a felony charge in South Carolina, prohibiting him from having a firearm.

Misner has been charged with wanton endangerment and being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. As of Monday evening, he is no longer in the West Virginia Division of Corrections system.

A 12 News reporter captured the scene of the wreck Sunday night which you can see below. No injuries were reported.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com.
OAK HILL, WV (WVNS)  A Fayette County man was arrested for warrants in part of Fayette County.

According to a press release, Johnny Ray Kincaid, of Oak Hill, was arrested for Prohibited Person with a Firearm and Brandishing.

Formal Charleston physician sentenced for federal opioid crime

Members of the Oak Hill Police Department responded to reports of a domestic situation in part of Fayette County at around 11:42 a.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2025. Once members of law enforcement arrived at the scene, they talked with the victim who reportedly stated that Kincaid aimed a gun at his stomach after an argument.

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Kincaid allegedly ran from the area and returned to his house, where members of the Oak Hill Police Department tried to contact him, however they knew Kincaid was at the house due to him talking through the door to his girlfriend, Kelly Kees.

Kees gave the officers permission to enter the house, and Kincaid hid in the attic where members of law enforcement could not follow.

Beckley man sentenced for federal gun crime

The press release stated that the officers discovered that Kincaid was a convicted felon who could not have a gun in his possession. An arrest warrant was issued for Kincaids arrest for Prohibited Person with a Firearm and Brandishing by the Fayette County Magistrate Court.

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The West Virginia State Police SRT Team helped the Oak Hill Police Department carry out the warrant, and Kincaid was arrested without difficulties. According to the press release, all people are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The investigation remains ongoing, and any information can be reported to the Oak Hill Police Department.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.
A Pittsburgh man accused of raping a 93-year-old woman last year plans to plead not guilty.

Ronny Houghs hearing Tuesday was postponed. His attorney says they got the results of his mental evaluation too late to review.

Hough was deemed legally competent for a hearing.

Hough is accused of following the elderly woman home after she saw a play in Downtown Pittsburgh. Police say he followed her onto a PRT bus then broke into her Troy Hill home and beat and raped her.

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Hough is a registered sex offender from another incident. Six years ago, he assaulted a child under the age of 13.

Hell be back in court at the end of January.

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A man accused of pushing down a FedEx driver and stealing their package has entered his plea.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Miguel Bodre, 20, from Queens, New York, pleaded guilty to one count of robbery (use of force), according to Montgomery County Common Plea Court documents.

As News Center 7 previously reported, On Oct. 31, 2024, Montgomery County deputies responded to reports of a robbery in progress on Ashel Court in Washington Twp.

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When they got to the scene, a FedEx driver said they had been approached and forcibly robbed of a package, according to the Montgomery County Sheriffs Office.

Bodre was identified as the man who allegedly pushed the driver and grabbed the package, which contained an Apple iPad Pro.

He tried to get away from the scene in a getaway car driven by Luis Emilio Paula-Jimenez, 22, of Bronx, New York.

Paula-Jimenezs trial is set for Jan. 27.

Bodre is due next in court on Jan. 21.

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Jan. 14A South Side man is facing charges for reportedly leaving the scene of an accident on the city's North Hill.

New Castle police filed the charges Monday against Julius Tavian Tipper, 20, of West Terrace Avenue, in connection with the Dec. 24 collision at the intersection of East Moody Avenue and Logan Street.

According to a criminal complaint, one of the drivers, Sandra Bara, told police she was traveling in a Toyota Camry west on East Moody Avenue with a passenger in the front seat. As she approached the intersection of Logan Street, a black Mercury Mountaineer going northbound went through the stop sign without stopping and she collided with it in the middle of the intersection.

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A woman at the scene who told police she was driving the Mercury later admitted she was not the driver of the Mercury, and that Tipper was driving. She said she lied because Tipper, who was driving, was her boyfriend, he did not have a license and was on probation. She told police Tipper then left the scene.

Bara's car was towed.

Tipper is charged with accidents involving damage to the attended vehicle, driving while his license is suspended, careless driving and a stop sign violation. He will be sent a summons to appear in court.

Suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty or adjudicated in court.

dwachter@ncnewsonline.com
A man has been fined 2,400 ($2,471) for throwing faeces and a stone at Germany's Constitutional Court.

According to a spokeswoman, the Karlsruhe District Court on Tuesday sentenced the 48-year-old man, who pleaded guilty, to 80 daily rates of 30 each for property damage in an expedited procedure, which means the defendant did not have a criminal record.

The spokeswoman noted that the verdict was final.

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The incident only took place on Monday afternoon. "While still talking to the federal police officers, the defendant took out a plastic bag holding a stone and suddenly threw it against the glass of the entrance to the Federal Constitutional Court," the court said, adding that the rock was wrapped in plastic containing faeces.

The impact bent a sun blind and scratched the safety glass, it said.

"The defendant has recently appeared several times with similar offences, including a similar recent attack on the Federal Chancellery," the court said.

He is said to have been noticed at the Interior Ministry in Berlin on Friday, and at the Chancellery on Sunday.

The man has reportedly also admitted these acts and said he wanted to attract attention to a constitutional complaint he had filed.
YORK COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) A man was found dead in a smoke-filled York County residence on Tuesday morning.

The coroner responded to an apparent structure fire on Guildford Lane in Manchester Township.

According to Northern York Regional Police, a man in his 70s was found dead in a recliner by his caregiver on Jan. 14. Police said an oil furnace malfunctioned, filling the home with smoke and soot.

Police added that the mans death appeared to be accidental and was likely caused by carbon monoxide poisoning, but an official cause of death has not yet been ruled.

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Lt. Gregg Anderson of Northern York Regional Police said, Typically, oil furnaces should be serviced on a yearly basis. Theres more service and upkeep required for an oil furnace than for a propane furnace.

The York County Coroners office says the cause of death is pending a toxicology report.

This is a developing story. Stay with abc27 News as more information becomes available

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A jury returned not guilty verdicts in a case where a man was standing trial in a 2023 deadly stabbing at a Kansas City homeless camp.

A jury found Tracy McKee, 60, of Kansas City, not guilty of four charges during a trial that started last week in Jackson County Circuit Court. The verdict was filed on Monday.

Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes, Brittany welcome third child

The original charges were one count of second-degree murder, one count of first-degree assault, and two counts of armed criminal action.

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According to court records, just after 1 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 25, Kansas City police officers responded to a homeless encampment on East First Street, where they found the 59-year-old victim, James Perry, with slashes to his arms, legs and head.

He was declared dead by emergency responders. Two days prior, emergency personnel had responded to the same location and provided treatment to Mckee, who was experiencing hallucinations and an injury.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A man who voted twice in the 2020 election  once in Nevada and again in Arizona  will serve probation, a judge ruled last week.

In September, Mark White took a plea deal on a charge of attempting to vote more than once in the same election, records said. On Jan. 8, Clark County District Court Judge Jennifer Schwartz sentenced White to probation for 18 months, records said. Should White violate the terms of his probation, he would go to prison.

In October 2020, White voted early at a Las Vegas voting location. A week later, he voted again in Kingman, Arizona, documents said.

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Last month, the Nevada Secretary of States Office released a document indicating it was investigating 180 double-vote attempts from the 2024 general election. Nevadas election systems prevent a voter from casting a second vote since each voter is given a unique identifier and can only vote once.

The office cautioned that not all double-vote attempts are criminal. A double vote can also occur if two people in the same household become confused about using one mail-in ballot or if a voter accidentally votes in one state, moves, and then votes in another.

A new voter registration and management system helped find real-time discrepancies in potential double votes, the department said.

As I have repeatedly and consistently said, we will prosecute any credible allegations of voter fraud that are uncovered, Democratic Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford said in a statement. Voter fraud undercuts trust in our institutions and is a direct attack on our system of democracy.

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Nevada runs some of the most secure elections in the country, and that means investigating any potential instances of fraud, Democratic Nevada Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar said in a statement. Im grateful to the law enforcement officers in the Secretary of States office for all of their effort on elections cases, and to the Attorney Generals Office for showing what happens when you try to undermine our democracy.

There was no indication of widespread voter fraud in the 2020, 2022 or 2024 elections.

As the 8 News Now Investigators first reported, a Las Vegas man who voted twice in the 2020 election with his deceased wifes ballot was able to withdraw his plea on a felony charge and instead pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor as part of a plea deal where he avoided jail time and had to pay a $2,000 fine.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
POTTSVILLE A 32-year-old city man is in Schuylkill County Prison, charged with criminal attempted homicide after a shooting Monday morning.

The victim, who was shot in the buttocks during the incident at approximately 12:52 a.m., was flown via Medivac to Lehigh Valley Hospital Cedar Crest-Allentown.

Police arrested Keron Diwilliam Shockley after a brief foot chase near Phoenix Fire Company on East Norwegian Street. Police were responding to a call of shots fired.

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Patrolman Michael Hrebik went to the 300 block of East Norwegian Street and spoke with a man at the 7-Eleven convenience store who said he saw an altercation involving three men. Police went to the area near the fire company and found Jacob Mason, 27, according to reports.

According to charging documents, Mason told police he was involved in an altercation with one man who had been at the 7-Eleven.

Eight spent shell casings were recovered in the 300 block of East Norwegian St.

A H-Point 10mm gun was found in a trash can in the 500 block of East Norwegian Street, which had the same caliber of bullets as the ones recovered earlier.

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A resident told police they saw a man wearing a gray beanie and a puffy jacket run east on East Market Street. Police apprehended Shockley on Snyder Street, finding his jacket nearby. A review of store footage showed Shockley with attire matching what he was arrested in, according to police reports.

Magisterial District Judge James Reiley arraigned Shockley and denied bail because of the attempted homicide charge, court records show.

Shockley also is charged with felonies of possession of a firearm when prohibited, aggravated assault and carrying firearms without a license. The misdemeanor charges against Shockley include recklessly endangering another person, simple assault, possession of a weapon, tampering with and fabricating physical evidence, loitering and prowling at night and disorderly conduct engaging in fighting.

A preliminary hearing is set for 9:15 a.m. Jan. 27 in Reileys courtroom.
Jan. 13A Cumberland County man has been indicted by the grand jury on a single count of arson in connection with a fire that destroyed a Crossville bar and grill last year.

Brandon Chance Jones, 26, whose last known address is listed as on Casto Pugh Rd., was arrested on a pickup indictment following an investigation by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Crossville Police and Fire and Rescue departments and the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms department.

He was indicted by a special session of the Cumberland County Grand Jury on Jan. 6 and was arrested the following day and placed under $75,000 bond.

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He posted bond Jan. 11 and is to appear in Criminal Court Jan. 14 for arraignment.

According to the indictment, Jones is accused of setting fire to Bootleggers Bar and Grill located on Hwy, 70 E. about two blocks off Main St. in Crossville.

Witnesses listed on the indictment include TBI special agents, TBI crime lab personnel, ATF agents, CPD detectives and officers around two dozen private citizens.

A total of 69 potential witnesses are listed on the indictment.

According to a TBI press release issued Jan. 9, the fire was reported at the local night spot in the early morning hours of March 2, 2024.

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CFD responded and reported heavy fire damage from the roof area and heavy interior smoke damage.

The bar has remained closed since the fire.

On March 4, investigators determined the origin and cause of the fire, which a press release said was intentionally set. The identified a suspect in the case which led to the sealed indictment.

The press release concludes, "The charges and allegations reference are merely accusations of criminal conduct and not evidence. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted through due process of the law."

Michael Moser may be reached at mmoser@crossville-chronicle.com
Jan. 13A man was indicted in the death of a 34-year-old who was shot in an SUV that later crashed into a house in Dayton.

A grand jury indicted 42-year-old Angelo Jamille Champion, of Dayton, on two counts each of murder and felonious assault and one count of having weapons while under disability, according to Montgomery County Common Pleas Court records.

He is scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday.

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Champion is accused of shooting and killing Djuan Hill on Nov. 23 in Dayton. Hill died the following morning at Miami Valley Hospital, according to Montgomery County Coroner Dr. Kent Harshbarger.

Around 7:30 a.m. on Nov. 23, Dayton police responded to the 4600 block of Forsythe Avenue on a report of a shooting.

Before officers arrived on scene, a 911 caller reported an SUV crashed into her house in the 1900 block of Arlene Avenue, and that a man in the back seat had been shot, according to Dayton Municipal Court documents.

Investigators determined Champion was at a party on Forsythe Avenue when he reportedly got into an argument with Hill.

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Hill got into a Chevrolet Traverse with a friend and Champion walked over to the SUV and pointed a gun at the door where Hill was sitting and fired one time, according to municipal court documents.

The friend drove away with Hill still inside the SUV before crashing into a Hyundai and then hitting a house on Arlene Avenue.

The driver was taken to a local hospital with minor injuries from a collision. The Hyundai driver was not injured.

Champion was arrested on Jan. 2 following a standoff on Wisconsin Boulevard in Dayton.
A man who thought he lost everything in the California wildfires experienced a fluffy little miracle.

On Sunday, Casey Colvin expressed unbridled joy when he was reunited with his dog, Oreo, who went missing during the Pacific Palisades evacuation. After five days of searching, the pooch was discovered surviving among the rubble of a neighbors burned home.

In an emotional video posted on social media by NBC correspondent Liz Kreutz, Colvin can be seen calling to Oreo through the gate of his neighbors home. As the little pup trots toward him and ducks under the gate, Colvin immediately scoops the pooch into his arms and screams, Oh, honey, youre alive!

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Colvin then runs into the street  with one fist in the air and the other cradling Oreo  to repeatedly yell Woo! as he spins in circles in elation. He then returns to the gate and leans on it, seemingly about to cry when he spins around and looks at the camera.

Wheres NBC? Colvin wailed at the camera. Where are you, Liz? Thank you! Oh, honey, thank you!

He then runs toward the camera to give Kreutz a huge hug.

A cadaver dog with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department sniffs through the rubble of beachfront properties on Sunday that had been destroyed in the Palisades fire. FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images

Colvins gratitude is understandable considering the role Kreutz played in reuniting him with Oreo.

Colvin was at work when Pacific Palisades was ordered to evacuate amid the blaze Tuesday, according to KNBC-TV in Los Angeles. Once he learned of the evacuation orders, Colvin spent five hours in traffic trying to get home to save his rescue dogs. But once he was close to his home, he discovered that he was not allowed to enter his property. A firefighter noticed how distressed Colvin was and offered to go inside his home to try to retrieve his pets. The firefighter was able to rescue one of Colvins dogs, named Tika Tika Tika, but Oreo was missing. An hour later, Colvins home burned down.

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While Colvin was trying to rescue his dogs, he met Kreutz, who was reporting on the fire in his neighborhood. Kreutz decided to help Colvin in his search for Oreo and posted about the missing pooch on social media. Thanks to her help, someone was able to track down Oreo and lead Colvin to his little fur baby on Sunday.

Related...
Jan. 14A New York man accused of robbing a FedEx in Washington Twp. before trying to flee with a getaway driver has pleaded guilty.

Miguel Antonio Bodre, 20, entered a guilty plea to one count of robbery in Montgomery County Common Pleas Court on Thursday. A theft charge was dismissed, according to court records.

Bodre is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 21.

On Halloween Bodre reportedly pushed a FedEx delivery driver on Ashel Court and grabbed a package. He tried to flee in a getaway car, but deputies were able to intercept him and a second man, according to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office.

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Bodre and his co-defendant, 23-year-old Luis Emilio Paula-Jimenez, were both taken into custody.

Paula-Jimenez, also of New York, is facing one count each of complicity to commit robbery and complicity to commit theft, according to court records. His trial is scheduled for Jan. 27.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  A man was sentenced to more than four decades in prison for the murder of 22-year-old Diamonte Green in 2021, according to the United States Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia (USADC).

On Jan. 8, the attorneys office announced that 45-year-old Bernard Matthews, of Washington, D.C. was sentenced to 45 years in prison for first-degree murder while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and other charges.

Elderly woman identified after being found dead with burn injuries in Charles County home

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According to the evidence presented at trial, on Feb. 16, 2021, just before 4 p.m., Matthews walked several blocks in D.C. and located Green, who was reportedly threatening his son on Instagram.

Officials said Matthews shot Green eight times inside the entryway of an apartment building in the 300 block of 33rd Street, SE killing him.

Green was from District Heights, Maryland.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
YAZOO COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV)  A Yazoo County jury found a man guilty of second-degree murder following a three-day trial.

Prosecutors said Dexter White was found guilty on December 19, 2024, for the shooting death of Correy Thomas.

Man arrested for fatal shooting on New Years Eve in Crystal Springs

The incident occurred on August 1, 2017, in Vaughan. Prosecutors said White shot Thomas after they were both attempting to rob an unidentified victim.

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White was sentenced to 40 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) on January 9, 2025.

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OAK HILL, WV (WVNS)  A Fayette County man was sentenced for a federal drug crime.

According to a press release, 66-year-old Jeff Allen Adkins, of Fayetteville, was sentenced on Monday, January 13, 2025 to 12 years and eight months in prison, followed by three years of parole, for possession with intent to distribute quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl.

Former Greenbrier County Sheriffs deputy pleads guilty to sexual abuse

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The press release stated that according to statements made in court, members of law enforcement pulled over a car on May 8, 2022. When officers searched the car, they found around 109 grams of methamphetamine and around 113 grams of fentanyl.

Adkins, who was a passenger in the car, revealed that the controlled substances were in his possession and that he planned to distribute them.

Adkins prior criminal history includes previous convictions for hit and run, breaking and entering, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, grand larceny, carrying a concealed weapon, and possession of a controlled substance.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Will Thompson, who thanked the Oak Hill Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) for their work on the investigation.

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(FOX40.COM)  A man was sentenced to 50 years to life in prison for a string of bank robberies in the Sacramento area, the Sacramento County District Attorneys Office said.

According to the DAs office, on August 5, 2019, the man entered a bank on Kiefer Boulevard in Sacramento County and passed a bank teller a note demanding money.

The man then requested the note back from the teller, the DAs office said. The teller gave the man $2389 and he left.

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Stockton nurse under investigation for illegal opiate sales

On August 28 and 29, 2019, the man unsuccessfully attempted to rob four more banks, sometimes again handing over a note to a teller before demanding it back.

At least once during these attempts, a teller, at the instruction of their boss, did not hand the note back.

The Sacramento Sheriffs Office was able to get a fingerprint from the note which led them to the man, who had been on parole for a 2015 bank robbery in Alameda County at the time of the Sacramento-area robberies.

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  A Sioux Falls man is headed to prison for raping two girls.

A judge has sentenced 35-year-old Diego Alonzo-Alonzo to 60 years behind bars.

SFPD: Bank scam costs victims thousands

The crimes occurred over several years until one of the girls told her teacher who alerted police.

A Minnehaha County jury convicted Alonzo-Alonzo of 8 counts of first-degree rape last September.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
MADISON COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV)  A 27-year-old man pled guilty to two counts of filming a child under the age of 16 without permission in Madison County.

Madison and Rankin Counties District Attorney Bubba Bramlett said Satoshi Maehata was sentenced to 20 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC). Maehata will have to register as a sex offender when he is released.

Man arrested for fatal shooting on New Years Eve in Crystal Springs

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Madison and Ridgeland police received several complaints involving a man at Liberty Park and the Renaissance offering snacks to young girls in exchange for hugs.

Investigators with the Madison Police Department began doing surveillance at Liberty Park and located Maehata. They said he consented to a search of his car where agents found a small camera disguised as a pen, along with candy and snacks.

Satoshi Maehata (Courtesy: Madison Co. District Attorneys Office)

Police said Maehata admitted to having inappropriate videos that he took of underage girls on his computer. Officers performed a forensic examination of the computer and located multiple clips that appeared to show footage of females taken from under their skirts at both Liberty Park and Renaissance.

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NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY)  49-year-old Johnny Ratcliff was sentenced on Jan. 7 to serve 21 months in jail after shoplifting for multiple ABC stores in 2023.

Over the course of several months, Ratcliff stole liquor from three Norfolk ABC store locations, one on Tidewater, E. Little Creek Road and International Boulevard. Ratcliff stored the bottles in a backpack before leaving. Ratcliff sometimes stole from the same store within short periods of time.

His shoplifting was caught on video by employees and he was identified in January 2024 with numerous counts of misdemeanor shoplifting.

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In Virginia, prosecutors dont receive state funding to assign prosecutors to misdemeanor cases. However, Commonwealths Attorney Ramin Fatehi assigned a prosecutor to this case of serial shoplifting, due to a rise of ABC store thefts.

On Jan. 7, Ratcliff entered an agreement to plead guilty to three counts of misdemeanor shoplifting to serve 21 months in jail with another 15 months suspended. His sentencing also came with the conditions that he be of uniform good behavior and be banned from Virginia ABC stores for one year following his release. Judge Tasha D. Scott accepted his plea agreement, found him guilty, and sentenced him per the agreement.

Mr. Ratcliff was one of a handful of people who were responsible for a significant share of the ABC store larcenies in Norfolk over the last two years, said Commonwealths Attorney Ramin Fatehi. That is why, even though the State has never funded prosecutors to staff misdemeanor cases, I allocated resources I did not have to staff these cases. By being smart on crime, we have been able to make a difference in ABC larcenies without repeating the mistakes of the 1990s. More broadly, however, it is totally unjust that our state government provides zero dollars to local prosecutors anywhere to be involved in misdemeanors. That is why I have worked with a bipartisan group of prosecutors to advocate for the Virginia Access to Justice Act in the General Assembly this session so that every victim and every accused can have the fairest trial possible.

Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.

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BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH)  A man from the Rochester-area was convicted of robbing an Uber driver during an incident that occurred at a local drug and alcohol treatment center last year.

Broome County District Attorney Paul Battisti announced that on January 7, Jeffrey Lane, 35, was sentenced as a second violent felony offender to 5 years in New York State Prison followed by 5 years of post-release supervision for Robbery in the Second Degree.

Man accused of stealing Uber, fleeing from police

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On March 10, 2024, Broome County Sheriffs Deputies responded to a reported vehicle theft at Helio Health on Glenwood Road in the Town of Dickinson. According to police reports at the time of the incident, Lane was in the parking lot of the treatment center awaiting EMS arrival when he became impatient and called for a taxi. At around the same time, an Uber driver arrived at the scene and dropped off a rider. Lane punched the Uber driver in the face before dragging him out of his red Honda Civic. Lane then fled the scene in the stolen vehicle, initiating a pursuit before being apprehended.

Lanes violent actions on March 10 were not only a blatant disregard for the safety and well-being of others, but also a disturbing escalation of criminal behavior. He will now face the prison sentence he rightfully deserves for committing such a heinous crime, said Battisti.

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A man was sentenced to three years in jail for stealing gift cards from Pittsburgh-area Wal-Mart stores and surrounding counties, then altering those cards to receive payouts, Attorney General Michelle Henry announced Tuesday.

Zhixiang Chen, a 20-year-old Chinese national who is in the United States illegally, pleaded guilty on Friday in Lawrence County to corrupt organizations and organized retail crime.

The judge ordered Chen to forfeit $16,143 and equipment used to commit the crimes and pay a $25,000 fine, Henry said. He has also been banned from Wal-Mart stores and is facing potential deportation action.

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This defendant not only committed high-dollar thefts from retail stores, he also victimized consumers who bought the gift cards he had returned to store shelves after altering them for his own profit. After the gift cards were loaded with value by unsuspecting purchasers, the defendant would drain the balances leaving them with worthless cards, Attorney General Henry said. This conviction and prison sentence show our commitment to combating organized retail theft crimes that harm businesses and consumers.

Surveillance footage showed that Chen stole many Apple gift cards from at least six Wal-Mart stores in western Pennsylvania. He then altered the cards to redirect the funds to himself before putting them back on store shelves. Customers who then purchased the altered cards would have the balance drained.

Henry said it is believed that Chen and his associates profited hundreds of thousands of dollars through the scheme.

In May 2024, Chen was caught trying to leave a Wal-Mart with 126 gift cards hidden inside his jacket. Authorities later found nearly 4,000 more Apple gift cards, potentially worth nearly $1 million, in his car, along with cash and equipment used to alter the cards.

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Frazer Township Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations-Pittsburgh assisted the Office of Attorney General in the investigation.

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A teen who was shot by another student at Timberview High School in 2021 was killed in another shooting Monday evening at an Arlington apartment complex, according to Arlington police.

The Tarrant County Medical Examiners Office identified Zacchaeus Selby-Mukum, 19, as the man who died in the shooting on Monday, Jan. 13.

Arlington police said the motive for Mondays shooting is under investigation, but detectives have not found any evidence to suggest that the homicide is connected to the 2021 school shooting.

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No arrests have been made.

Arlington police responded to the shooting about 5:50 p.m. in the 2400 block of Laurelwood Drive, west of Texas 360.. When officers arrived on scene, they found Selby-Mukum lying in the parking lot with an apparent gunshot wound.

Police said Selby-Mukum was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Selby-Mukum lived at the apartment complex where he was shot, according to the medical examiners records.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  A 31-year-old man was killed early Sunday morning, Jan. 12 in Northeast El Paso when he was rear-ended at a red light, traveled into the intersection and was hit by a second vehicle, El Paso Police said.

1 person dead after 3-vehicle crash in Northeast El Paso

Police said Cody Lewis Vaughn, 31, was killed at 7 a.m. Sunday when he was involved in a three-vehicle crash at Gateway North and Sean Haggerty.

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Vaughn was stopped at the red light on Gateway North, when a pickup truck driven by Juan Manuel Padilla Rivas rear-ended Vaughn, police said.

The collision caused both vehicles to travel into the intersection where Vaughn was hit by another vehicle. Vaughn died at the scene, police said.

Police said Rivas failure to control his speed is the main contributing factor in the crash. They did not say if he would be facing charges.

The investigation continues.

This is the third traffic fatality so far this year in El Paso, compared to three at the same time last year.

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  The man killed when a large tower light pole fell on his vehicle along I-229 on Thursday has been identified.

The South Dakota Department of Public Safety says a contractor working on a tower light pole near exit 9 when the pole began to lean and fell across the northbound lanes of I-229. The tower pole struck a passing vehicle driven by 60-year-old Frederick Lee VanHorn.

2nd arrest made in Friday group beating

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VanHorn, of Sioux Falls, sustained fatal injuries.

The South Dakota Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash.

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  A man suffered life-threatening injuries in a Birmingham shooting Monday afternoon.

According to Sgt. LaQuitta Wade with the Birmingham Police Department, a verbal argument happened between the man and the suspect around 1:50 p.m. at 1744 Pearson Ave. SW. Wade stated the suspect shot the victim and fled the scene.

Video showing celebratory New Years gunfire leads to arrest in Pleasant Grove

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Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service personnel took the victim to UAB Hospital. The suspect is not in custody.

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The Chinese spy convicted of trying to steal trade secrets from Evendale-based GE Aviation and other companies was sent to his home country in an international prisoner swap, according to media reports.

Yanjun Xu, 42, was granted clemency by President Joe Biden on November 22 in an order that barred him from ever coming to the United States again. On that day, two other Chinese nationals were granted clemency as well.

On Nov. 27, the White House announced a prisoner swap: three Chinese nationals in exchange for Mark Swidan, Kai Li and John Leung.

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Swidan, 49, was detained in 2012 and later convicted on drug-related charges. Li, 70, was convicted of espionage charges, Leung, 79, was accused of spying. U.S. officials said in each case the charges were baseless.

Reuters and other news outlets reported that the clemency actions were connected to the prisoner swap.

Xu was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2022 in federal court in Cincinnati. Federal prosecutors said he was a spy for the Ministry of State Security, Chinas intelligence agency, and had managerial responsibilities that included coordinating "sophisticated and significant intelligence operations."

Yanjun Xu

Beginning in late-2013, according to prosecutors, Xu worked with other intelligence officers to obtain trade secrets from aviation companies. He would assess and recruit assets, prosecutors said, "namely ethnic Chinese insiders at Western aviation firms."

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Xu and another accused spy were arrested in Belgium in 2018, after trying to meet with an engineer for GE Aviation who Xu was trying to recruit. That year, Xu became the first Ministry of State Security official to be extradited to the U.S. to stand trial.

In 2021, Xu was convicted by a jury in federal court of conspiring to commit economic espionage and stealing trade secrets.

The espionage was part of a Chinese government policy to steal trade secrets from aviation companies, prosecutors said, and develop technology at American expense. China wanted to build its own jet engine modeled after GE Aviations, according to prosecutors.

When FBI agents and Belgian authorities arrested Xu and the other accused spy, the two had multiple cellphones, photos of the GE Aviation engineer and his family and thousands of dollars in U.S. currency wrapped in brown envelopes, prosecutors said. Xu also had been using an alias.

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Prosecutors said Xu identified experts who worked for the companies and recruited them to travel to China, often initially under the guise that they were traveling to give a presentation at a university. Xu and others with Chinese intelligence hacked or copied computers in hotel rooms while the experts were taken to dinner by ministry officials, court documents state.

Attorney: Xu 'was serving his country'

Xu's attorney, Jeanne Cors, said in documents filed in advance of the sentencing that Xu was acting at the direction of his country.

"When he was extradited from Belgium to stand trial" in the U.S., Cors said, "he was then, and remains now, a dedicated citizen of China who . was serving his country."

Officials have said that the technology Xu was trying to steal from GE Aviation was civilian, not military. He was seeking information on composite materials used in GE's fan blades and fan blade encasements.

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Kors said the U.S. and China "are at war, economically." She argued that Xu should not be punished because China, itself, can't be.

This story was updated to add a video.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Man who tried to steal GE Aviation secrets sent home to China in prisoner swap
AMERICUS, Ga. (WRBL)  An Americus man is wanted in connection to an aggravated assault on Monday.

According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, Joseph Quantez Quan Sales, 31, has arrest warrants out for two counts of aggravated assault.

The warrants stem back to about 2 a.m. Monday when Americus police responded to a house at Oak Avenue. A man was found with multiple gunshot wounds and was taken to a local hospital.

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Anyone with information is asked to call the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Americus at 229-931-2439 or the Americus Police Department at 229-937-9011.

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SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  Earlier this month, agents assigned to U.S. Border Patrols San Diego Sector arrested a man wanted by the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) for sexual abuse of a minor, authorities announced in a news release Monday.

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the man was arrested on Friday, Jan. 3, north of the U.S.-Mexico border near Dulzura.

Texas, Arizona arming Mexican drug cartels

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Agents stopped a suspicious SUV on State Route 94 and discovered that two passengers were in the U.S. illegally, CBP said.

After further processing at a nearby Border Patrol station, records showed that the driver of the SUV, a 44-year-old citizen of Spain, was wanted by Interpol and had overstayed his visa, according to authorities.

A 44-year-old citizen of Spain who was wanted by Interpol was arrested by Border Patrol agents. (Customs and Border Protection)

He was the subject of an Interpol Red Notice, which requests law enforcement worldwide to provisionally arrest a person based on a warrant or court order issued by authorities in the requesting country.

U.S. Marshals and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were also seeking out the man in recent months, authorities said.

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The driver and the two migrants were processed for removal, while the vehicle was seized by CBP. Interpol has been notified of the arrest, according to CBP.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
A Chinese social media app called RedNote is one of the biggest winners as a TikTok ban looms.

It's so popular in the US that Chinese users have started a hashtag to welcome Americans.

Amid the cultural exchange, Chinese users are asking Americans for help with English homework.

A Chinese social media platform has grown so popular in the US that it's this week's most downloaded iPhone app  and it's become the site of a sudden East-meets-West cultural exchange.

RedNote, known as Xiaohongshu in China, hit the top spot on Apple's US App Store's ranking this week as a divest-or-ban law threatened to shut off American access to TikTok.

The app, commonly referred to as China's version of Instagram, has been flooded with posts from Chinese users greeting the influx of US newcomers.

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One post titled "American please help me" went viral on Monday and received over 10,000 comments after its poster, from Zhejiang, requested help with their English homework.

Other popular posts also featured users, who listed their location as the US, offering their assistance with Chinese users' homework.

"Ask me any questions! I can help with your English homework, or answer questions about America (Texas). Thank you for welcoming us TikTok refugees," one post said. Several commenters uploaded photos of English-language worksheets in response.

The surge of American users on Chinese apps has led to the rise of the hashtag #TikTokRefugee on Xiaohongshu, with dozens of Chinese creators posting guides on how to use the platform. The hashtag itself has been viewed over 64 million times, according to data seen by Business Insider.

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"If you see a video that's downright awesome, just comment 6 or 66 or 666," a user with a cowboy hat called Big Tooth Chinese Redneck said in one viral video, referencing a Chinese internet slang term.

The sudden interest in Chinese social media platforms comes as TikTok continues to challenge the divest-or-ban law that the Senate passed in April. According to the law, TikTok will have to stop operating in the US on Sunday if its Chinese owner, ByteDance, doesn't sell the app.

The law was passed amid widespread security concerns that the Chinese government could access user data if ByteDance continued to own the platform. TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew told The Wall Street Journal in 2023 that such concerns were unfounded since the company would work with Oracle to store user data in the US.

TikTok argued its case in the Supreme Court on Friday, saying it would "go dark" in January if the court didn't extend its divestment deadline. The court is expected to rule on the company's fate this week.

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There's a lot on the line for TikTok  it lost a challenge to the law in December when it brought the case before a panel of three judges from the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

That month, President-elect Donald Trump asked the Supreme Court to pause the law until after his inauguration. Trump is set to take office on Monday.

That's a reversal of Trump's policy position on the company. Trump pushed for a TikTok ban in 2020, when he was still president. But last month, the president-elect told reporters that he had a "warm spot" in his heart for TikTok.

Still, the platform's troubles have brought unexpected benefits to platforms such as Xiaohongshu and Lemon8, which both surged to the top two spots on Apple's App Store rankings. Lemon8 is also owned by ByteDance.

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Meagan Loyst, the founder of the investor collective Gen Z VCs, told BI on Monday that users were flocking to these platforms to protest the government's planned TikTok ban.

"It really is just retaliation towards the government in the simplest way but in a way that feels very native to Gen Z," Loyst said.



Representatives for TikTok and Xiaohongshu did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Read the original article on Business Insider
A church fight is Ruffalo-ing feathers at City Hall.

Marvel actor Mark Ruffalo smashed his Hulk-sized star power into the corridors of New York Citys government offices Monday for a secret closed-door meeting.

Ruffalo and fellow actor Fisher Stevens held a covert confab with First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer as part of a long-running, celebrity-backed fight to stop the demolition of West-Park Presbyterian Church, a 19th-century church on the Upper West Side, sources confirmed to The Post.

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The architecture aficionado thespians made a brief in Room 9, the City Hall press room, where they posed in front of Post and New York Daily News front pages featuring big headlines made since Mayor Eric Adams took office.

Mark Ruffalo and Fisher Stevens pose for a photo in City Halls press room Monday. Courtesy of Gale Brewer's office

Holy st, is that Short Circuits Fisher Stevens? gasped one reporter, referring to the 1986 comedy in which the white actor regretfully donned brownface to play an Indian character.

Im starstruck, another said as Ruffalo toured the building.

Besides reporters rumblings, the Ruffalo visit otherwise drew very little hullabaloo inside City Hall itself.

The closed-door meeting with Torres-Springer covered a heated dispute between preservationists and developers over the fate of West-Park Presbyterian Church, said City Hall officials and Councilwoman Gale Brewer (D-Manhattan), who also attended the summit.

West-Park Presbyterian Church is at the center of a preservation fight. TNS

As the West 86th Street churchs congregation dwindled to a mere dozen faithful, they sought to sell the historic structure to a developer to avoid a $50 million restoration bill.

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To do so, they submitted a hardship application  which they eventually withdrew  to strip its landmark status and clear the way for demolition.

The move prompted a lawsuit and a fight by a local nonprofit  supported by a laundry list of stars, including Ruffalo, Stevens, Matt Damon, Amy Schumer and Matt Dillon  to raise funds to preserve the site.

Fisher Stevens and Mark Ruffalo are just two celebrities who have joined the cause to save the church. FilmMagic

Brewer, who helped landmark the building, disputed that it is beyond repair.

The building is not falling apart, she said. I was there two nights ago. Beautiful, not falling apart. It does need money for the roof, which we have, and then we can take the scaffolding off.

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We could use some help with the Presbyterian, thats why we were here today.

The Center at West Parks executive director Debby Hirshman told The Post theyre committed to preserving the building.

We have reflected that this landmark building is safe and economically viable to support itself and its maintenance, she said.

[It] is an anchor to upper Manhattan.

City Hall spokeswoman Liz Garcia confirmed to The Post that the celebs met with only Torres-Springer, adding that officials are working with both parties to find a solution.

He was so nice, we werent expecting an Avenger to come into the office, Garcia said about Ruffalo.
When Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced his companys shameful decision to end fact-checking on its Facebook and Instagram platforms last Tuesday, he defended his decision in a five-minute video, claiming that it represented a return to the companys founding values. In truth, Metas bottom line and Zuckerbergs well-known tendency to accommodate himself to the prevailing political winds are the only values his decision serves.

It will be cheered by authoritarians everywhere and be especially welcome at MAGA headquarters in Mar-a-Lago. An aide to President-elect Trump made that clear when they proclaimed that Zuckerberg is now speaking Trump's love language. Not coincidentally, the new Meta policy followed quickly on the heels of Zuckerbergs powwow with the president-elect the day before he announced the end of fact-checking.

That would be bad enough, but Zuckerbergs announcement, clothed as it was in his entirely muddled musings about free speech, was an attempt to gaslight the public while opening the spigots for those who want to use social media to drown the modern world in a cesspool of mis- and disinformation. We need to see through his free-speech blather.

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As the great student of totalitarianism Hannah Arendt explained, freedom and democracy depend on being able to tell the difference between facts and falsehoods. Zuckerberg has made it clear that Facebook and Instagram will no longer offer help in that endeavor. In doing so, he chose sides in the ongoing political struggle to chart Americas political future.

Early in his speech, Zuckerberg revealed his preferred side when he made the entirely false but very Trumpian claim that Governments and legacy media have pushed to censor more and more. He added the complaint that After Trump first got elected in 2016, the legacy media wrote nonstop about how misinformation was a threat to democracy. He said that Meta tried in good faith to address those concerns without becoming the arbiters of truth. But, as Zuckerberg put it, The fact-checkers have just been too politically biased and have destroyed more trust than they've created, especially in the US.

And if that werent enough to signal Zuckerbergs obeisance to MAGA world, he also announced that Meta would be relocating trust and safety and content moderation teams from California to Texas. The move, Zuckerberg assured his listeners, will help remove the concern that biased employees are overly censoring content I think that will help us build trust to do this work in places where there is less concern about the bias of our teams..

Yes, thats Texas, which is not generally known as a bastion of freedom or the place where bias goes to die.

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Despite his almost laughable claim about the Lonestar State, Zuckerberg conceded that his policy changes would mean we're going to catch less bad stuff. He made clear his willingness to pay that price in the name of giving people a voice and restoring free expression.

Thats gaslighting 101.

The Facebook and Instagram changes include simplifying content policies by removing certain restrictions on topics like immigration and gender, and Changing enforcement approach for policy violationsto focus only on illegal and high-severity violations. The community asked to see less politics, but it feels like we're in a new era now, and we're starting to get feedback that people want to see this content again.

According to materials obtained by The Intercept, the content users will now be free to post on Facebook and Instagram, includes derogatory remarks about races, nationalities, ethnic groups, sexual orientations, and gender identities,

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That is one reason why the new era Zuckerberg is promising feels like an older era when freedom meant the absence of regulation and a let the buyer beware approach in economics and politics. That was great for the powerful and not so much for the rest of us.

Without naming him, Zuckerberg promised to imitate what Elon Musk had done on X by introducing a more comprehensive community notes system. The Washington Post explains that that system involves shifting the onus of containing falsehoods on some of the worlds largest social networks to ordinary users who will do the work without pay or training. On X, the Post reports, any user can request to join Community Notes. Once accepted, they can suggest a note on any post they argue is incorrect or needs more context. Notes that receive enough backing from contributors with different perspectives are displayed publicly.

Such an approach asks us to believe that in the online world, an effective marketplace of ideas ensures that good ideas will drive out bad ones and that truth triumphs over falsehood. The metaphor of a marketplace of ideas is routinely trotted out by people like Zuckerberg to defend abdicating responsibility for doing what they can to ensure that freedom and democracy thrive.

We know neither works well if speakers with millions of online followers spew false information while those who would try to correct them have few. In addition, the marketplace of ideas cant work well in the online world where individuals are  in their own echo chambers  such that counterspeech may be of limited effect.

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Moreover, Furman University Professor P.L. Thomas gets it right when he says, Technology has created a sort of bastardized marketplace of ideas on social media sites, (where) any and everything as if all information has the same value or credibility. In that world, Thomas argues, people only trust their evidence and languish in a perversely post-modern Frankenstein world of no facts matterunless they are mine.

In this new world, Thomas says, Posting it makes it so. And once posted, as the 18th-century theologian Thomas Francklin warned, Falsehood will fly, as it were, on the wings of the wind, and carry its tales to every corner of the earth; whilst truth lags behind; her steps, though sure, are slow and solemn, and she has neither vigour nor activity enough to pursue and overtake her enemy

Because of that, fact-checking is more important than it has ever been. Done right, it doesnt prevent anyone from expressing an opinion. It just stops them from backing up their opinions with false information.

Of course, fact-checking is neither a cure-all for social media problems nor an unproblematic good. It has a complex and not entirely unproblematic history.

Want a daily wrap-up of all the news and commentary Salon has to offer? Subscribe to our morning newsletter, Crash Course.

Publications like The New Yorker started fact-checking in 1927 following the publication of an egregiously inaccurate profile of the poet Edna St. Vincent Millay. It quickly became a way to exploit cheap female labor at a time when there were few opportunities for women.

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Henry Luce once called Times fact-checkers a modern female priesthood.

Beyond its problematic social history, even A perfectly checked article can still be fundamentally wrong about its assumptions or conclusions. In addition, fact-checking can create an environment where the accumulation of verifiable minutiae can become an end unto itself.

Finally, a 2020 study of the psychology of fact-checking found that any individual fact checkers personal or political biases can influence what they confirm as genuine, and what they even deem worthy of checking in the first place.

In the end, however, none of that sealed the fate of Metas fact-checking enterprise. It was sealed when fact-checking in the mainstream press entered the political world, with publications like the Washington Post investing a lot of time and energy to keep a running total of lies told by President Trump. Thats why Zuckerberg could be confident that ending fact-checking on Facebook and Instagram would be welcomed in Trumps world.

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Trump confirmed that at a news conference the same day Zuckerberg made his announcement. Trump  who in the past has derided Zuckerberg, threatening the CEO with prison, The Washington Post said, praised the move, saying, I think theyve come a long way.

When asked whether he thought Zuckerberg was changing policy in response to Trumps past threats, the president-elect replied, Probably.

Welcome, Mark Zuckerberg, to Donald Trumps America. In that America, all of us must remember Arendts wisdom: Freedom of opinion is a farce unless factual information is guaranteed and the facts themselves are not in dispute. None of Zuckerbergs gaslighting can hide that truth.
A whos-who of tech bigwigs are headed to Washington, D.C., with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos set to join X and Tesla boss Elon Musk at Donald Trumps inauguration on Monday, according to media reports.

Zuckerberg and Bezos attendance should not come as a total surprise, considering both of their companies donated $1 million to the president-elects inauguration fund. Musk, meanwhile, spent at least $140 million to help Trump win the 2024 election, and has since been named the co-head of Trumps upcoming Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

NBC was the first outlet to report the news. The tech execs will have a prominent spot at the ceremony, NBC reported, according to an official involved in planning the event.

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A few other major execs have also contributed to Trumps inauguration fund in recent weeks; OpenAI CEO Sam Altman personally donated $1 million, as did Apple CEO Tim Cook. (Altman is expected to attend Mondays ceremony, Bloomberg reported on Jan.10.) And last week, Google pitched in its own $1 million to fund the inauguration.

Zuckerbergs attendance comes after Meta ended its third-party fact checking operation last week. The 40-year-old said the move was about restoring free expression on Facebook and Instagram, where he said the fact checkers had made too many mistakes in recent years. Meta will be rolling out a new feature similar to Xs Community Notes, Zuckerberg said.

On Friday, Zuckerberg compared the fact checking operation to George Orwells dystopian novel, 1984, while appearing on the Joe Rogan podcast. He added the Biden Administration basically pushed the company to censor certain topics, including what the government felt was COVID-19 misinformation.

And in other Meta news, the company announced it was ending its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs on Friday.

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The Zuckerberg-Trump relationship appears to be on better ground heading into Trumps second term.

Notably, Facebook slapped warning labels on several posts made by Trump during his first term, and in January 2021, Trump was indefinitely banned from Facebook and Instagram. At the time, Zuckerberg said the risks of keeping Trump on those platforms were simply too great. Trump has since been reinstated by Meta.

Many of Zuckerbergs critics have said the recent changes have been made to suck up to president-elect Trump. Meta is facing an antitrust lawsuit from the Federal Trade Commission over its 2012 purchase of Instagram and its 2014 purchase of WhatsApp; the trial is set for April 14. Getting on Trumps good side, Zuckerbergs critics have said, would not hurt Meta heading into April.

The post Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos to Attend Trump Inauguration appeared first on TheWrap.
More changes are sweeping through Facebook and its parent company, Meta, in the wake of Mark Zuckerbergs continued alliance with Donald Trump.

On the heels of the announcement to remove the social media platforms fact-checking system comes word of other implemented changes, both major and minor, that appear to align with a more conservative view as we inch nearer to Inauguration Day.

Meta Quietly Removes LGBTQ+ Messenger Themes After Mark Zuckerbergs Announcement

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Users of Facebooks Messenger feature awoke on Monday to discover the quiet removal of several special themes celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.

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Color schemes designed for the transgender and non-binary communities, first implemented in 2021, were reportedly made unavailable for usage without prior notice given by the social media app.

Per Pink News, the schemes were built around hues associated with the pride flags of each community - light blue, pink, and white for the transgender flag and yellow, white, purple, and black for the non-binary flag.

The move comes less than a week after Zuckerberg announced in a video that Meta would no longer moderate divisive issues, such as gender identity, sexual identity, and immigration.

Meta Guideline Revisions Loosen Protections For Women And The LGBTQ+ Community

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Concurrently, revised notes in Metas guidelines following Mark Zuckerbergs announcement state, in no uncertain terms, that social media users will be allowed to refer to those in the LGBTQ+ community as mentally ill simply due to being LGBTQ+.

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We do allow allegations of mental illness or abnormality when based on gender or sexual orientation, it partially reads, given political and religious discourse about transgenderism and homosexuality and common non-serious usage of words like weird.

Rules noting that terms such as freak or abnormal have also been omitted from the updated guidelines, along with punishments given to users who claim that there is no such thing as gay or transgender people on the site.

Other content filters for negative terms relating to women were also said to have been removed from Metas guidelines.

Meta insiders note that the shift in rules has caused total chaos in Metas roster, with several employees reportedly taking sick leave due to being mentally ill and LBGTQ+.

Mark Zuckerberg Wants To Promote Free Speech On Facebook Via Community Notes

In his announcement to Meta and Facebook on January 7, Zuckerberg alleged, among other things, that fact-checking had become too politically biased over the years.

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After Trump first got elected in 2016, the legacy media wrote non-stop about how misinformation was a threat to democracy, he specified. We tried in good faith to address those concerns without becoming the arbiters of truth, but the fact-checkers have been too politically biased and have destroyed more trust than they created.

Hoping to return to Metas roots, Zuckerberg aimed to drop fact-checkers from Facebook in favor of community notes, similar to the practice employed by Tesla CEO Elon Musk  a staunch Trump ally  on X (fka Twitter).

[Community notes have helped to] empower their community to decide when posts are potentially misleading, Zuckerberg said of X, adding that bringing the practice to Meta would assist in [getting] rid of a bunch of restrictions on topics like immigration and gender, which are out of touch with mainstream discourse.

Zuckerberg Allegedly Told Trump Of New Meta Guidelines, But Not Meta Employees

BREAKING: Zuckerberg met with Trump 24 hours before Metas censorship shift and reportedly challenged Sen. Mullin to "get in the cage and fight." "Mark met with Trump the day before he made the announcement. He reached out to me and wanted to get in the cage and fight." pic.twitter.com/hzniRKMpO4  Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) January 9, 2025

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A Meta oversight board member went on record to claim that Zuckerberg failed to share his guideline revision plans with Meta employees  but kept Trump in the loop the entire time.

Michael McConnell, a law professor at Stanford, appeared on NPRs All Things Considered last Friday, and listeners that no one on the board was aware of the troubling changes coming to the company.

This actually came as a surprise to us. We did not know that they were going to be revising that standard, McConnell said.

Inversely, Sen. Markwayne Mullin told political commentator Benny Johnson last week that Zuckerberg met with Trump at least 24 hours before announcing the revisions to inform him directly.

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Mark met with President Trump the day before he announced that [and] spoke about that [with Trump], he noted, adding that Mark had been down to see the president several times already.

Zuckerberg Also Rolls Back DEI Programs, Leading To Meta Being Potentially Unsafe

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GLAAD CEO and President Sarah Kate Ellis noted in a press release that Zuckerbergs new guidelines for Meta came a week after the termination of its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs.

As such, Ellis sees a bleak future for both users and employees of Meta and its services.

The companys litany of dangerous actions is unprecedented. In one week, they have dismantled an entire history of brand-safety best practices, consumer trust, and most importantly, user safety, Ellis wrote. These changes will harm users and make Metas platforms unsafe for everyone. Meta is now an anti-LGBTQ company."
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  A lawmaker is proposing two laws involving marriage. One incentivizes it, the other, he says, will curb the states divorce rate, which ranks fifth in the country.

However, opponents say this is an example of the state overstepping its bounds.

One proposal requires couples to attend marriage counseling before they can file for divorce.

The other gives a tax credit to married couples with kids, as long as it is their biological child.

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Whats very hard about these bills is that theyre very clearly trying to set up what is a good marriage versus a less appropriate marriage,' Shannon Fleck, Oklahoma Faith Network Director, said.

Oklahoma is considered one of the worst states when it comes to tying the knot. Nearly one out of every 100 marriages ends in divorce.

Marriage, I think, has been degraded so much that its now one of the flimsiest and most trivial contracts that exist, Sen. Dusty Deevers (R-Elgin) said. Its one of the very few legal contracts, that Im aware of, that you can actually break at any time for any reason.

For this reason, Deevers is filing two bills.

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Norman community, city leaders discuss recent bill aimed at eliminating homeless outreach by cities

The Covenant Marriage Act allows people to opt into a marriage that is more along the lines of what marriage is supposed to be, which is til death do us part,' Deevers said.

Senate Bill 228, known as the Covenant Marriage Act, would require couples to sign a declaration of intent upon marriage.

It also makes it harder to get a divorce. Any struggle during the marriage would require counseling.

The only way a divorce would be granted is if a spouse can prove abandonment of at least a year, or abuse, or adultery.

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Opponents of the bill, like Reverend Shannon Fleck, who holds a doctorate in ministry, believe this is an example of the state overstepping its bounds.

Couples make choices in their relationship, Fleck said. They journey through life together, and life is hard. The choices we make with our partner, our spouse, our family, our siblings, our friends are ours to make. The state doesnt have a stake in marriage except for the legality pieces.

Then theres Senate Bill 328, the Promote Child Thriving Act. Deevers says the goal is to keep a two-parent household intact for the childs sake.

Where there is a marriage thats intact, and a mother and a father in the home, the children thrive in their mental health, their emotional health, their physical health, Deevers said.

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Proposed bill aims to help more Ok students qualify for free, reduced-price lunches

The bill also includes an incentive:

$500 for each child under 18 living in the home of a mother and father while theyre still married;

$1,000 for each child under 18 living in the home of a mother and father who said I do before having children.

I think the language used in this bill thats providing a tax credit, it keeps on saying a natural marriage, a natural marriage, we know what they mean by that, Fleck said.

This means if there is a step parent, same sex couple, a child was adopted, or any case where a kid is not the biological child of the married couple, you are not eligible.

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It is creating bills that set up what is good versus what is not good, Fleck said. They do that with intention because, inevitably, they will be the ones who get to decide who gets benefits, who gets legality, who gets money, and who gets resources.

When asked specifically about this, Deevers said, Id have to look into it further.

Fleck says this answer is worrisome for her for what may come.

I think people in Oklahoma need to be mindful of bills like this because Christian nationalism does this, Fleck said.

The Covenant Marriage Act nearly became law back in 2013 when then Senator Josh Brecheen wrote a similar bill, but it did not pass.

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Currently, three states have this distinct kind of marriage.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Photo via Getty Images/Bloomberg; photo-illustration by Them

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With Donald Trump's inauguration days away, many queer couples are concerned about same-sex marriage rights and what, exactly, a second term could mean for their families.

Marriage equality has been the law of the land since 2015, when the Supreme ruled on Obergefell v. Hodges and officially granted same-sex marriage rights nationwide. In recent years, however, the Supreme Court has issued a string of conservative rulings, including the 2018 decision in Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, which upheld a business owners right to deny a wedding cake to a same-sex couple. Most recently in 2022, the court struck down federal abortion rights in the Dobbs v. Jackson ruling. In his Dobbs opinion, Justice Clarence Thomas called on the court to reconsider the Obergefell ruling and the basis for marriage equality.

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The Dobbs opinion  as well as Trumps anti-LGBTQ+ track record and many incoming political appointments  has raised questions about the staying power of marriage equality.

I do not think this is an active emergency, says Camilla Taylor, Deputy Legal Director for Litigation at Lambda Legal. I wouldnt suggest people go and get married if this was not already in your plans. I do think we need to be alert. Its not an exaggeration to say that the rights of queer people generally, and same-sex couples among them, are under threat.

The most important thing to understand is that neither Trump nor Congress can revoke marriage equality  that change could only come from the Supreme Court itself, according to Chris Stoll, Senior Staff Attorney at the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR). Its not really up to the Trump administration because we have a decision from the Supreme Court from 2015 that says the federal constitution requires all states and the federal government to allow same-sex couples to marry, Stoll says.

In short, its not time to panic. But it is a good idea, regardless of your relationship status, to get your legal and financial documents in order. Below, learn more about the history of marriage equality and what added protections you may need.

What is the history of marriage equality in the U.S.?

Same-sex marriage has been legal nationwide for nearly 10 years. In 2015, the Supreme Court made a landmark ruling in the case of Obergefell v. Hodges, and granted same-sex couples the right to marry in all 50 states.

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Before this, national marriage rights were largely blocked by the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Signed into law by former President Bill Clinton in 1996, DOMA defined marriage as the union of one man and one woman, and as a result, excluded same-sex unions from federal recognition.

However, a handful of states began legalizing marriages and civil unions throughout the early and mid-2000s. Massachusetts became the first state to legalize same-sex marriage in 2003, with a handful of other states, such as Connecticut and Iowa, following suit. Over time, organizers, lawmakers, a few critical court cases and rapidly changing public opinion made way for the Obergefell ruling.

What protections does same-sex marriage currently have?

In 2022, President Joe Biden signed the Respect for Marriage Act (RFMA) into law, which formally repealed DOMA and shored up marriage protections for LGBTQ+ people and interracial couples and their children.

The RFMA was a response to the Supreme Courts ruling on Dobbs v. Jackson, which overturned the 1973 Roe decision and struck down federal abortion rights. Although marriage equality and abortion rights may not seem connected, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas used his Dobbs opinion to question the legal basis of the Obergefell ruling. Currently, there are two Supreme Court Justices, including Thomas, who have signaled a desire to overturn marriage equality.

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However, there are currently no Supreme Court cases pending that could overturn gay marriage rights. If the Supreme Court did one day overturn Obergefell, the RFMA does not have the legal muscle to require states to issue same-sex marriage licenses. In other words, marriage equality law would more or less revert back into the hands of each state. But according to Stoll, the RFMA would still protect already-married couples and require all states, even those where same-sex marriage is banned, to recognize a marriage performed legally in other states.

Bear in mind an overturn is a pretty big if. I havent seen any indication yet that [an overturn] is a realistic fear, says Stoll. And if there were a court case, Stoll adds, it would go through a lengthy court process and there would be many, many months to prepare.

What are the legal and financial protections marriage equality provides?

Marriage provides hundreds of legal and financial benefits from tax breaks and health insurance access, to retirement advantages, adoption, and immigration rights. And, over time, these benefits add up. Back in 2009, The New York Times estimated that without marriage equality, a hypothetical same-sex couple with two kids would incur anywhere from $41,196 to $467,562 in extra costs over their lifetime.

These benefits alone make the case for same-sex marriage to remain legal. But for many, marriage isnt just a practical calculation  its a deeply personal rite of passage tied to culture, family, and tradition.

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Freedom to marry has brought our movement forward, says Stoll. In society at large, within our extended families, everyone understands what marriage is and the commitment that it means and it means that these two individuals should be regarded as a unit, as a family.

What has Trump said about marriage equality?

President-elect Trumps stance on marriage equality is contradictory at best.

On the campaign trail in 2016, Trump said he would consider appointing Supreme Court justices who would overturn the Obergefell case for same-sex marriage, per NBC News. Then, shortly after, Trump indicated his tolerance for same-sex marriage and his belief that the courts ruling on marriage equality was settled. In his second bid for re-election, marriage equality wasnt a big ticket issue for Trump. Instead, Trump and other Republican candidates centered anti-trans rhetoric and misinformation.

Its also important to consider how Project 2025 may factor into Trumps presidency. Part manual and part manifesto, Project 2025 is a document meant to help the incoming presidency shape the United States into a far-right, Christian nation by slashing civil rights and overhauling federal policy. It was created by the conservative think tank Heritage Foundation and a number of former Trump cabinet secretaries to the project.

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We know that Project 2025 calls for ending the freedom to marry for same-sex couples, just as it calls for ending no-fault divorce, says Taylor. Though Trump has publicly distanced himself from Project 2025, its important to consider the wider political context of his incoming presidency  and who may be staffing a Trump White House.

Is there anything same-sex couples should do right now?

First, take a deep breath. Both Stoll and Taylor agree theres no reason to rush to the altar or spring a proposal on a partner. Remember  there is no case on marriage equality currently headed to the Supreme Court and, if there ever is a case, you will have time to prepare for the ruling. However, this is a time to stay alert, plan appropriately, and get your documents in order.

Its a good idea to use documents where you can to make up for any gaps in rights and benefits and to make sure you have the strongest legal protection for your relationship, says Stoll.

LGBTQ\+ Couples Are Rushing to Get Married as Trump's Inauguration Looms

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While legal experts say that marriage equality is likely safe for now, for many LGBTQ\+ Americans  particularly in the South  nothing feels certain.

The exact documents you may need depend on your situation, but Stoll recommends you consider a will to ensure your estate is handled properly, as well as medical directives that can guide your medical treatment and give loved ones decision-making power. For parents, Taylor recommends securing co-custody agreements and second-parent adoptions when possible.

The cost to obtain legal documents will vary, but its likely you will need to budget at least a few hundred dollars. A basic will, for example, can range from a couple hundred to a couple thousand dollars. Second-parent adoption, meanwhile, can cost up to $3,000. (There are several grants available to offset adoption costs for LGBTQ+ families.)

To help get you started, Lambda Legal also offers a free help desk that can provide information and recommend attorneys in your area.

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Were going to have to fight very hard to protect the most marginalized members of our community from attack, says Taylor. And were preparing to do just that . . . we dont want anyone to feel lonely, isolated or hopeless. Were here and we want you to reach out.

Get the best of whats queer. Sign up for Thems weekly newsletter here.

Originally Appeared on them.
MARTA announced Tuesday that they will hold their first job fair of the year on Thursday, where hopeful rail operators, bus operators or journeyman bus technicians can see how they fare in the application process.

According to the agency, MARTA is offering new employees sign-on bonuses and pay starting at $20 per hour, depending on which position you apply for.

The job fair will be held at MARTA headquarters across fro the Lindbergh Center rail station on Piedmont Road in Atlanta from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

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The agency said theyre offering the sign-on bonus to CDL bus operators and journeyman bus technicians.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

TRENDING STORIES:

MARTA is hiring for both full-time and part-time operators on their buses and rails, while journeyman bus technicians can be as young as 18.

To qualify as as bus or rail operator, MARTA said you:

Must be 21 years of age or older

Must have high school diploma or equivalent

Must have current Class C (regular) license

Must pass physical exam and ability test, and drug/alcohol screening

To qualify as a journeyman bus technician, you:

Must be 18 years of age or older

Must have high school diploma or equivalent

Must have current Class C (regular) license

Must have completed auto, transit bus, diesel, or maintenance programs, or have three or more years of comparable work experience

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BALTIMORE  As Maryland lawmakers grapple with a nearly $3 billion budget deficit, a group of Republican Maryland delegates are pushing back on the states Democratic-controlled Legislature and a financial crisis they see as the majority partys making.

On Tuesday, they launched the Maryland Freedom Caucus to advance conservative policies and take action in a state they think needs saving.

Maryland is the 13th state to join the State Freedom Caucus Network, a conservative national organization that aims to build on the work of the House Freedom Caucus in Congress.

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Maryland was one of the 13 original colonies, and Ill tell you the truth, we need to get back to the values, the principles and the ideas that set that revolution in motion in the first place, said Del. Matt Morgan, a Republican representing St. Marys County who will chair the caucus.

Del. Kathy Szeliga, a Baltimore County Republican, will serve as vice chair. Other Republican members include Del. Ryan Nawrocki and Del. Robin Grammer, both of whom represent Baltimore County, as well as Anne Arundel County Del. Brian Chisholm, Calvert County Del. Mark Fisher and Harford County Del. Lauren Arikan.

Morgan said the group affiliated themselves with the broader network because they believe the state is worth saving.

I think they can help us do our jobs better, help us represent our citizens, he said. We believe theres been a void in conservative leadership in this state for quite some time, and were going to fill that void now.

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Though Morgan acknowledged Maryland as a blue state, it did shift more toward president-elect Donald Trump in the 2024 election, he said. Just over 1 million Maryland voters, or 34%, cast their ballots for Trump, compared to 1.9 million, or 62%, who voted for current Vice President Kamala Harris.

That is a lot of families who voted for him, thats a lot of families and taxpayers voting for that agenda, he said. I think their agenda and their values and principles deserve to be heard.

Joining the broader freedom caucus network also will give Marylands Republican legislators resources to tap into across the country, Nawrocki said. Bills the Maryland caucus plans to bring forward, for instance, are pieces of model legislation that have already been passed in other states, he added.

U.S. Rep. Andy Harris, Marylands lone Republican in Congress who chairs the House Freedom Caucus, said it was about time Maryland had a group aiming to restore fiscal responsibility in the state.

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Gov. Wes Moore, a Democrat, is expected to release his fiscal 2026 budget Wednesday morning. In an op-ed published in The Baltimore Sun Tuesday morning, the governor wrote that he would ask Marylanders who have done exceptionally well financially to contribute more to make targeted investments in economic growth.

Thats what Democrats do: They raise taxes, and it will be no exception tomorrow, Harris said of Moores op-ed. You need a group that pushes back  In this country, those who elected President Trump [as] president believe the time of taking money from citizens to expand the scope and size of government has to come to an end.

Morgan said the caucus plans to release its agenda over the next week. Priorities will include public safety, immigration, energy affordability and independence, among others.

This isnt a red agenda, blue agenda  this is an American agenda that is based on promise, and were going to continue to push Maryland be safer, freer and more prosperous, he said.

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Ukraine carried out one of its largest drone attacks against Russia in this war, striking energy production facilities, weapons storage sites, and other military targets in about a dozen regions across the country, according to Ukrainian officials, Ukrainian and Russian media, and high-profile milblogger Telegram channels. The attacks reportedly involved more than 200 drones, including Ukraines new Peklo missile drone. Russian sources claim that Ukraine also used U.S.-made Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) and UK-made Storm Shadow air-launched cruise missiles in a combined, widespread attack.

Videos emerging on social media showed flames erupting in the aftermath of the strikes.

An absolutely devastating night for Russia as 7 regions are attacked by a variety of Ukraine's missiles, drones and American made ATACAMS.



Oil and gas facilities, arms production and storage, factories, military targets. pic.twitter.com/QybNCa4moU  Jay in Kyiv (@JayinKyiv) January 14, 2025

Ukrainian forces delivered a "fiery" night to several key Russian targets, as confirmed by Kyiv Post sources:



The following were hit:



 Aleksin Chemical Plant (Tula region): A major fire was reported after Ukrainian drones struck the facility.



 Ammunition depots (FAB, KAB, https://t.co/MSWuTaHfYipic.twitter.com/NRn6taxM6w  KyivPost (@KyivPost) January 14, 2025

On the night of January 14, the Defense Forces of Ukraine carried out the most massive strike on military objects of the occupiers at a distance of 200 (about 124 miles) to 1100 km (about 684 miles) in the depth of the Russian Federation, the Ukrainian Armed Forces General Staff claimed in a Facebook post. Targets in Bryansk, Saratovsk, Tulsk regions and the Republic of Tatarstan were hit. The oil storage base Kombinat Crystal in Engels Saratov region was successfully attacked again, where a fire, which lasted 5 days after the previous attack, has just been extinguished.

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On January 14, Ukraine's Defense Forces carried out the largest attack on russian military facilities, targeting locations 200 to 1,100 km deep inside russia.@GeneralStaffUA reports on the aftermath of this operation. The targets were hit in the Bryansk, Saratov, and Tula pic.twitter.com/N4Wdzmpn8R  Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) January 14, 2025

During the night attack by the Ukrainians, more than 200 UAVs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces were used, including the PD-2, Bober, Lyuty, UJ-22, and five ATACMS, the Russian Alex Parker Returns Telegram channel claimed. Attacked: Bryansk, Tula, Saratov, Samara, Oryol, Kursk, Belgorod, Bryansk, Volgograd, Voronezh regions, as well as Kazan and Krasnodar Krai. Attacks were recorded on an oil depot and two industrial enterprises in Saratov and Engels.

The Russian Defense Ministry (MoD) acknowledged only an attack on Bryansk by six U.S.-made ATACMS operational-tactical missiles, six UK-made Storm Shadow air-launched cruise missiles, and 31 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles from the territory of Ukraine.

The Russian MoD claimed that all the weapons were shot down and there were no casualties or damage, as is fairly customary.

The longest-range claimed attack on Tuesday took place in the city of Kazan, located in Russias Tatarstan region, almost 700 miles east of the border, according to Russian media and Telegram channels.

Ukrainian drones struck a Russian fuel and chemical facility in Kazan, nearly 700 miles from the border. (Google Earth)

In Kazan, a base of liquefied gases is on fire after a drone attack, the independent Russian Astra media outlet wrote on Telegram.

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A gas tanker at the SG depot near the Orgsintez plant in Kazan also caught fire, the Russian Alex Parker Returns Telegram channel reported.

Drones attacked the Orgsintez chemical plant in Tatarstan, the Russian Operation Z Telegram channel wrote. A tanker with liquefied gas caught fire not far from it.

Ukrainian Lt. Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Central Directorate of the National Security and Defense Council, said the Orsintez facility produces far more than fuel.

The plant, which was damaged, is a strategic facility that is of direct importance for the Russian military-industrial complex, Kovalenko claimed on Telegram. The enterprise specializes in the production of materials used in the creation of military equipment, weapons and components. Polyamides, synthetic rubber and other chemical compounds of the plant are used in the production of armored vehicles, tires for tanks and armored personnel carriers, as well as plastics for weapons and equipment. It also produces components for explosives used in the production of ammunition.

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Videos from the scene show flames shooting into the air from behind a line of either fuel or chemical tanks at the facility.

Another video showed a different view of that attack.

For the second time in less than a week, Ukrainian officials said its drones struck a fuel depot for the Engels Air Base. There is also a claim that a weapons storage facility on the base itself was hit. The facilities are located about 300 miles east of Ukraine.

Tonight, operators of the 14th Separate UAV Regiment of the Ukrainian Air Force, in cooperation with other components of the Defense Forces, once again struck the infrastructure of the Engels-2 military airfield, where Tu-95MS Bear-H and Tu-160M Blackjack bombers of the 22nd Heavy Bomber Air Division are based, the unit claimed on Telegram. As a result of the attack on the territory of the Crystal oil depot, tanks with rare aviation fuel for Tu-160 bombers, which Russia uses to terrorize the civilian population of Ukraine, were once again set on fire.

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The multi-day complex operation to reduce the enemys strategic aviation capabilities has been completed, the regiment stated. We are doing everything possible to ensure that the Engels fire brigades, who have just extinguished the flames after the previous strike, are not left without work in the increasingly difficult economic situation in Russia.

The attack also targeted ammunition depots storing glide bombs and cruise missiles at Engels, according to the Kyiv Post, citing a source in Ukraines Security Service (SBU).

The regional governor, as well as several Russian Telegram channels, acknowledged the attacks.

Today Saratov and Engels were subjected to a massive UAV attack, Roman Busargin wrote on Telegram. Air defense systems eliminated a large number of targets. As a result of the attack, there is damage at two industrial enterprises in Saratov and Engels. Emergency services are working at all points.

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The attacks were carried out by Ukraines new Peklo missile drone and propeller-driven Beaver long-range drones, according to the Ukrainian Liga news outlet.

As we previously reported, the fuel depot was struck by Ukrainian drones on Jan. 8, the resulting flames lasting for about five days. The aircraft at the base, about five miles away, have been targeted repeatedly in the past, causing the Russians to beef up their air defenses, use silhouette decoys, and even place tires on the planes there to protect them from attack by confusing image-matching missile seekers.

Several videos emerged on social media showing different views of the attack on the Engels fuel depot.

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With less than a week to go in the Biden administration, which has provided nearly $70 billion in security assistance to Ukraine, the future of U.S. support for Kyiv under the incoming Trump administration remains in question. Regardless of any help from allies, however, Ukraine continues to grow its ability to conduct deep strikes into Russia using its own weapons.

Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com
WASHINGTON (WWLP)  Senator Ed Markey announced plans to introduce a bill that would extend the deadline for the TikTok ban.

Supreme Court seems likely to uphold a federal law that could force TikTok to shut down on Jan. 19

According to a news release from his office, the Extend the TikTok Deadline Act would give the apps parent company, ByteDance, an extra 270 days to find a buyer. Markey argues that the TikTok ban is not based on evidence and directly conflicts with the First Amendment, undermining the rights of over 170 million Americans who use the platform.

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Supporters of the ban say Chinese-owned ByteDance could be accessing Americans personal information.

POLL: Do you support the U.S. government banning TikTok?

WATCH: Senator Markeys Floor Remarks

As the January 19th deadline approaches, TikTok creators and users across the nation are understandably alarmed. They are uncertain about the future of the platform, their accounts, and the vibrant online communities they have cultivated. These communities cannot be replicated on another app. A ban would dismantle a one-of-a-kind informational and cultural ecosystem, silencing millions in the process. The stakes here are high. Thats why I will soon introduce the Extend the TikTok Deadline Act to extend the deadline by which ByteDance must sell TikTok or face a ban by an additional 270 days. Let me be clear: TikTok has its problems. Like every social media platform, TikTok poses a serious risk to the privacy and mental health of our young people. I will continue to hold TikTok accountable for such behavior. But a TikTok ban would impose serious consequences on millions of Americans who depend on the app for social connections and their economic livelihood. We cannot allow that to happen. Senator Ed Markey

Markey, along with Sen. Ran Paul (R-Ky.) and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), submitted an amicus brief last month urging the Supreme Court to not uphold the ban. They argued the ban is not backed up by evidence and violates the First Amendment.

Local lawmakers also weighing in, saying that the bottom line is that this app threatens national security. State Senator John Velis told 22News, TikTok is a threat to our national securitywe have heard it from our FBI director, we have heard it from the national security folkswhose job it is to keep Americans safe.

Westfield State Senator Velis has raised concerns over data security and the app, he told 22News that he welcomes the extension if it eventually results in TikTok being sold, My entire staff is on TikTok, people are on TikTok, I fully understand that. But its a threat to national security as far as I am concerned, this lawmaker, thats end of story.

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In the meantime, the January 19th deadline continues to loom, prompting social media users to turn to alternative platforms, including another Chinese-owned app called RedNote, where U.S. downloads are skyrocketing.

Political Consultant Evan Garber adds, This could be another reason why Markey supports this extension and thats because this is another app owned by a Chinese company that we know even less aboutand the big concern is data protection and free speech. I think that will be the big one to watch is what alternatives come up during this.

If the ban were to happen this Sunday, new downloads of TikTok would no longer be possible.

Existing users could still access the app, but will not be able to update it.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
Donald Trumps defense secretary nominee, Pete Hegseth, refused to answer a series of important questions during his confirmation hearing Tuesday.

I have read multiple reports of your regularly being drunk at work, including by people who worked with you at Fox News, Senator Mazie Hirono asked Hegseth. Do you know that being drunk at work is prohibited for service members under the UCMJ (Uniform Code of Military Justice)?

Senator, those are multiple false reports peddled by NBC News

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Im not hearing the answer to my question, Hirono said while Hegseth tried to speak over her.

You recently promised some of my Republican colleagues that you stopped drinking, and wont drink if confirmed, correct? she continued. Hegseth confirmed it to be absolutely true.

Will you resign as secretary of defense if you drink on the job, which is a 24/7 position? Hirono followed up.

Hegseth started to answer the question indirectly, prompting Hirono to repeat the question. Hegseth again deflected. Im not hearing an answer to my question, so I will move on, Hirono said again calmly.

Hegseth has been accused by former co-workers of being drunk on the job, even reportedly once yelling, Kill all Muslims while inebriated at a work event.

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Hirono then moved on to questions about using police and the military against protesters.

In 2020, then-President Trump directed former Secretary of Defense Mark Esper to shoot protesters in the legs in downtown D.C., an order Secretary Esper refused to comply with. Would you carry out such an order from President Trump? asked Hirono, referring to the Black Lives Matter protests that summer.

I was in the National Guard unit that was in Lafayette Square during those events

Hirono interrupted, asking her question again: Would you carry out an order to shoot protesters in the legs, as directed to Secretary Esper? Hegseth continued talking while she talked.

You know what, that sounds to me that you will comply with such an order; you will shoot protesters in the leg, Hirono replied. Moving on!
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued an executive order Monday that seeks to expedite rebuilding efforts after fires leveled thousands of homes and businesses in the city last week, mostly within Pacific Palisades.

Executive Order 1 requires city departments to complete project reviews within 30 days from when a complete application is submitted and waives discretionary hearings under zoning rules, among other efforts.

The order applies as long as property owners do not increase the size of their homes and businesses by more than 10%.

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This unprecedented natural disaster warrants an unprecedented response that will expedite the rebuilding of homes, businesses and communities, Bass said in a statement. This order clears away red tape and bureaucracy to organize around urgency, common sense and compassion. We will do everything we can to get Angelenos back home.

Read more: What happened on Monday, Jan. 13 during the Eaton, Palisades firestorms in Southern California

Bass' move comes one day after Gov. Gavin Newsom, via his own executive order, waived regulations under state environmental laws in an effort to speed up rebuilding in the Palisades, as well as Altadena and other areas outside the city. Bass had praised Newsom's decision and had signaled last week that a similar effort was coming from the city.

Analysts have pointed to lengthy and bureaucratic building permitting processes as a major roadblock to homebuilding in Los Angeles that they say needed streamlining long before the fires.

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While Bass and Newsom's efforts aim to make it easier to build, the thicket of regulatory hurdles that normally affect construction, especially in the Palisades and other coastal areas, mean that details of the government's response  such as the number of available staff to process permits, or even exemptions from permits  will determine its efficacy.

Bass' order also establishes task forces for debris removal, mudslide mitigation and to help multifamily development nearing completion receive temporary occupancy approval to make more units available on the market.

Azeen Khanmalek, executive director of Abundant Housing LA, called Bass' order a positive development in the rebuilding process. But given the scale of the crisis, he called for Los Angeles to do more to fast-track new housing developments across the city  regardless of location and whether it's a rebuild.

"We were already in a housing crunch before and now there are thousands of new households and families looking for places to live," Khanmalek 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.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Two seniors are getting some help to keep a roof over their heads thanks to people who stepped up to help after WREG highlighted their situation last month.

Cathy Jackson and Cleo Dalton had trees come crashing down, tearing their roofs to shreds at their homes. Theyd been living with the damage for years.

It messed up the ceiling, the roof, Jackson said. First of all, it messed up all the roofing of the house.

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They say help that is supposed to be there for senior citizens, wasnt there for them.



Told me I didnt qualify because the amount of things that needed to be done in my home was more than their budget would allow, Dalton said. And so I was denied. I had been waiting over four years.

ORIGINAL STORY: Elderly residents seeking help after trees damage their homes

WREGs story caught the attention of Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris.

Were going to try to get on it. So thanks for running that story. And its a terrible condition that the woman is in, Harris said. I think a lot of people find themselves in this situation. I think, you know, the story really pointed out an important problem, and I think we will be able to find a solution.

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He got the homeowners information from us and started his staff working to find help.

Well try to work with our our housing department to see if we can figure out a solution for her, or well work in partnership with Habitat for Humanity, Harris said.

Habitat for Humanity regularly provides aid to seniors who have roof issues. But they say problems like these are too numerous to count in our area, and the need far exceeds the funds.



We generally will spend $15,000 to $18,000 per intervention, said Dwayne Spencer, Habitat for Humanity President and CEO. And sometimes, as the story that you just did reveals, we do find that folks homes are much further into disrepair than we can actually serve.

After our story, Habitat revisted the two homeowners applications for assistance, and still found the cost of the repairs far exceeded what their funds were allowed to do per household.



Ill tell you the families were serving live on less than $1,500 a month. So they cant do this with a loan, Spencer said.

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Potholes open up on Memphis streets after snow

But they hope these situations open up the conversation about the need for more funding and more community support.

We may have enough funding to serve 100 seniors, but we may get 800 to 900 calls each time we open up the phone lines, Spencer said. When we see that a repair is really going to cost $30,000 to $40,000, you know it hurts to have to walk away, but we work within the confines of the funding that we have. And so thats a real, significant need for us is funding that a larger pool of funding as well as dollars, where we can spend more per unit.

He continued, We can only do the work if the community or government or foundations are willing to provide the funding for us to do it. And so, while our goal is to do 250 minimum per year, we know that theres more needed in the community.

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And parts of the community are listening.



After our story, a local church stepped up to provide the residents with a few thousand dollars  not enough for completely new roofs, but definitely enough to help some seniors in need, hopefully with more help to come.

I dont know if government or Shelby County can solve every single problem out there. I know we can try, Harris said.



Habitat for Humanit says last year, they did 253 critical repairs at homes of older adults. Their new funding window opens Jan. 16.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
An anti-affirmative action group has sued McDonalds over a scholarship program for Hispanic and Latino students a week after the company said it was ending some of its corporate diversity, equity and inclusion practices.

The lawsuit, which alleges the scholarship program unlawfully discriminates against students of other races and ethnicities, was filed in federal court in Tennessee by the American Alliance for Equal Rights, a group helmed by anti-affirmative action activist Edward Blum. Blum is the founder of Students for Fair Admissions, the group that brought an affirmative action case against Harvard University that led to the Supreme Court striking down affirmative action in college admissions in 2023.

The complaint against McDonalds, which is based in Chicago, alleges the decades-old HACER scholarship program, which the fast food giant says has awarded $33 million in college scholarships to Hispanic and Latino students to date, violates federal law because students who are not Hispanic or Latino are not eligible to apply.

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Also named in the lawsuit is Nashville-based International Scholarship and Tuition Services Inc., which administers the scholarship program for McDonalds.

In a statement, McDonalds said it was in the process of reviewing the complaint.

However, McDonalds announced its evolution on our inclusion work last week, and part of that process will be reviewing programs, in partnership with our franchisees as applicable, to ensure these programs align with our vision moving forward, the company said.

Last week, the company said it would no longer use specific diversity goals for senior leadership roles and that it planned to retire some other diversity practices.

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In announcing the changes, the company cited a shifting legal landscape following the 2023 college admissions case. McDonalds position and our commitment to inclusion is steadfast, the company said last week.

The fast-food giant is not the only one to roll back diversity, equity and inclusion practices citing the 2023 decision and in the face of ongoing conservative activism against corporate DEI policies.

Last week, Facebook and Instagram parent company Meta said it would nix its diversity, equity and inclusion program also citing the 2023 decision. Walmart and John Deere have also pulled back on some corporate DEI initiatives.

In a statement, Blum accused McDonalds of not going far enough in saying it would sunset some of its corporate diversity practices.

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It is astonishing that after what McDonalds describes as a comprehensive civil rights audit of its programs and policies, the Hispanic-only HACER scholarship was not flagged for likely being a violation of our nations civil rights laws, Blum said.

Reached by phone, Jeff Martinez of the McDonalds Hispanic Owner-Operators Association said the group did not have a comment on the lawsuit.

_____
McDonald's announced that it is closing some of its newly-opened CosMc's spinoff locations just a year after launching its first.

In a press statement released on Thursday, McDonald's announced that it will close three of its seven locations opened since December 2023. However, this isn't necessarily a sign that the small-format side business is going under: Although at least two Texas locations appear to be closing, two new ones will also be built in the Lone Star State.

Some CosMc's stores were built from the ground up to be just that, while a few other locations were actually larger. Former McDonald's locations were repurposed for the experiment. According to the company, the concept works much better in the smaller spaces originally built to accommodate the more limited beverage-and-snack lineup.

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"Since opening CosMcs, we have had the benefit of testing out different location sizes and setups  from revamping larger restaurant spaces to building smaller prototype locations that focus more on the drive-thru and digital experience," McDonald's said in the statement. "We learned that the smaller format stores allow us to test new, unique circumstances that are reflective of our customer base."

Here's what we know about the closing locations and the future of CosMc's.

More restaurant closures: Denny's closing 150 restaurants, including 50 by the end of 2024

What is CosMc's?

CosMc's is a new spinoff restaurant idea from McDonald's. McDonald's CEO and president Christopher Kempczinski described it as "a small format concept with all the DNA of McDonalds but its own unique personality."

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The theme leans into the space-based, futurism-of-the-past aesthetic associated with a mascot named CosMc, who appeared in ads in the late '80s and early '90s.

The menu features teas and lemonades, coffees, slushies, frappes and signature fruit energy-style drinks called "Galactic Boosts." Some highlights include a Turmeric Spiced Latte, S'mores Cold Brew, Churro Frappe and Sour Cherry Energy Burst.

The food menu is a little more limited but equally unique, featuring a Spicy Queso Sandwich, a Creamy Avocado Tomatillo Sandwich, Pretzel Bites, Savory Hash Brown Bites, a snack box and stuffed pastry bites called McPops. There are also cookies, sundaes, McFlurries, ice cream and three traditional McMuffin options.

In its first month of operation, the Bolingbrook, Illinois location reported that CosMc's doubled the number of total visits and tripled the number of visitors per square foot compared to an average McDonald's.

How many CosMc's are currently open? See map of Texas locations

Since Dec. 7, 2023, CosMc's opened one location in Illinois and six in Texas. The inaugural location is in Bolingbrook, Illinois, and the rest are spread across the Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington and San Antonio areas of Texas.

Which CosMc's locations are closing?

CosMc's did not explicitly disclose which locations were set to close and did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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Comparing the CosMc's "locations" page from previous weeks to now, however, shows that the two Texas stores were removed from the "locations" list:

Watauga: 7304 Denton Hwy

Arlington: 300 East Abram St Ste 150

Another Texas location, at 861 W Stacy Road in Allen, is still listed as "coming soon."

When and where will the new CosMc's locations open?

McDonald's has yet to release the exact location and opening information. The company said it will open two new smaller format stores in Texas in 2025.

CosMc's recap: Favorite customer products from the menu so far

Here's a look at the CosMc menu items at the new McDonald's restaurant concept opening in Bolingbrook, Ill. sometime this week.

After a year of operations, CosMc's has been able to suss out their most popular and best-selling items. According to the statement, these include:

Favorite drinks:

Island Pick Me Up Punch

Churro Cold Brew Frappe

Sour Energy Burst

Favorite bites:

Savory Hashbrown Bites

McPops

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Click here to see CosMc's full menu.

 USA TODAY contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: McDonald's closing 3 CosMc's locations, but more are coming to Texas
Jan. 13Two southeast Oklahoma lawmakers are applauding a company's decision to cancel their plans for a proposed windfarm in McIntosh County.

"We have been informed today by TransAlta of their decision to cancel the Canadian Valley project," Reps. Tim Turner, R-Kinta, and Neil Hays, R-Checotah said in a joint statement last week.'

The two state representatives said they expressed their gratitude to the citizens of House District 15 and 13 and surrounding areas for their active engagement on the issue.

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"Your support has been invaluable as we worked diligently with all parties involved to address concerns and evaluate the potential impact this project could have had on our community," the two representatives said. ""Also, thank you to House Speaker Kyle Hilbert and House leadership for standing with us in through this process to assure that we are not affected by Biden's green energy projects. This was truly a team effort."

According to the joint statements, the two lawmakers were notified by TransAlta that plans for the Canadian River wind farm project in McIntosh County were halted.

The representatives said a meeting was held in December with TransAlta in which "they made it clear there was no pathway for the project to gain community support" and that the lawmakers were prepared to introduce legislation to change feasibility study requirements to prevent the project from moving forward in their House districts.

Both Turner and Hays said the issue went beyond the aesthetics of wind turbines and instead "represents their interests in protecting their communities, which overwhelmingly do not support the turbines" and listed potential effects on water resources, infrastructure, public safety, wildlife and tourism as being among the biggest concerns.

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"While there are a lot of people to thank and many reasons to be excited about TransAlta canceling their wind project in McIntosh County, the main thing that excites me is the people from across the State of Oklahoma who have stood up to make their voices heard," Hays said. "When We The People take a stand, when we fight to redress grievances with our government and refuse to remain silent, then great things happen. This is what excites me most about TransAlta's announcement and to my constituents, it was an honor to stand with you as always."

Hilbert, R-Bristow, said he applauded the efforts of Hays and Turner for their advocacy for the constituents and their concerns for the project.

"This announcement today will undoubtedly bring great relief to Oklahomans around Lake Eufaula," Hilbert said.
Ill make you famous.  Those are the words 27-year-old Keegan Baker screamed to police before exiting a home surrounded by law enforcement, and opening fire on them.

He didnt leave us any other options when he came outside and of course, training kicked in just like it was supposed to and just like they tell you its going to do, and thank God it was a good solution for everyone, said Captain Kirk Reese, commanding officer of Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) Troop E.

Erie woman arrested for allegedly shooting into east Erie home

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Baker had been holed up inside a home he broke into on East Gore Road, even starting a fire inside. And after negotiations failed, window glass on the west side of the home shattered.

When I arrived on scene and it was moments before this whole incident started to occur. We were all just posted up around the perimeter of the residence, said Kylene Cotton, a PSP trooper.

Officers involved said they expected this to be another routine standoff situation, but when a weapon was fired, it became much more.

Without warning, a shirtless Baker exited, firing rounds at patrol cars.

Police fired back from behind nearby cover, hitting Baker several times in the abdomen and lower body.

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Those returning fire were from PSP, Captain Kirk Reese and trooper Kylene Cotton. And from Millcreek police, patrolman Eli Peyronel and Sergeant Jeff Keller.

You never quite know how an incident is going to unravel as far as it sounding like a lot of incidents we respond to on a regular basis. Obviously, it turned out different than a majority of them do. The biggest takeaway for me from it was just the teamwork of it. Every officer that was there that day did their job, said Peyronel.

For their actions that day, the four officers were recently awarded Medals of Valor by the Northwestern Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association.

Take Back the Site Vigil planned for October 2024 homicide victim

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Its a very humbling experience to get an award like that and were both extremely honored as well as the Millcreek officers, said Cotton.

For officers, this puts into perspective the importance of readiness and shows the significance of training.

You cant really put a monetary value on life. . . Whether its law enforcement life or civilian lives its incidents like that that are good examples as to why training is important and why law enforcement needs to continue to do training, Peyronel.

In September of 2024, Baker was sentenced to 15 to 30 years behind bars after pleading guilty to attempted criminal homicide and attempted murder on law enforcement among other charges.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.
State laws boosting Medicaid payments to hospitals are working well, a legislative committee was recently told. (Getty Images)

Kentuckys Hospital Rate Improvement Program has not only helped to keep hospitals open, but has also improved patient outcomes, according to the leader of the Kentucky Hospital Association.

Nancy Galvagni, president and CEO of the association, told the Jan. 9 House Health Services Committee that without the program, Kentuckys hospitals would be operating at a negative 6% margin, which would result in less access to treatment and services for the people of Kentucky.

Kentucky Hospital Association President Nancy Galvagni and KHA Vice President of Policy and Government Affairs Jim Musser gave an overview of the success of the Kentucky Hospital Rate Improvement Program at the Jan. 9 House Health Services Committee. (Photo by Melissa Patrick)

HRIP has been absolutely transformational for health care in Kentucky. . . . When I meet with hospital CEOs, both large and small, they tell me they dont know where theyd be without the HRIP program, and some of them tell me theyd probably be closed, she said.

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The Hospital Rate Improvement Program (HRIP) allows Kentucky hospitals to get more money from Medicaid, basing payment on the average commercial rate instead of the current Medicaid rate, which is often lower. This legislation was passed under two bills  the first in 2021 addressed higher rates for inpatient care and the second, passed in 2023, addressed higher payments for outpatient care, which is the one that is most beneficial to rural hospitals.

This is very, very crucial because our base Medicaid payments are well below the actual cost of what it is costing the hospitals to care for Medicaid patients, Galvagni said. So this is bringing those payments up to 95% of the average commercial rate.

Another plus is that the additional $2.2 billion in funding provided by the HRIP program annually to Kentuckys hospitals comes at no cost to the state because hospitals provide the state match through a provider tax. (Medicaid is jointly funded by federal and state governments with the federal government bearing most of the cost  roughly 80% in Kentucky. The federal government matches every $1 that Kentucky puts into Medicaid with about $2.50.)

HRIP is also a value-based program, which means hospitals have to meet certain quality improvement criteria to receive a portion of the payments.

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So perhaps unsurprisingly, with the addition of the resources that HRIP gives our hospitals to work on quality, quality has measurably improved in a number of areas, Galvagni said. Our hospitals have been investing these funds in training, implementing new processes and undertaking additional measures to improve health outcomes for our patients.

Galvagni spent time going over the many improvements that have resulted from the program, including increases in staff and staff training, reduced Medicaid readmissions, increased sepsis screenings, decreased infection rates, reduced opioid prescribing, increased mental health and substance use screenings and increased screenings for things that impact health, such as transportation and food insecurity.

Galvagni said Kentucky is leading the way with this program and its quality results, and that other states are following the states lead.

Were proud of the quality improvements of our members, she said, and excited about the potential for further transformation of health care in Kentucky.
As deadly wildfires continue to burn in the greater Los Angeles area, California residents Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are continuing to support those who have been impacted.

The Archewell Foundation has donated to the Altadena Girls Fire Recovery Fund, T&C can confirm. The organization posted on Instagram yesterday: A special thanks to The Archewell Foundation for your support!

Altadena Girls was launched by 14-year-old Avery Colvert to support her community. The mission of the Altadena Girls Fire Recovery is simple yet profound: to help young girls regain their sense of self and confidence, the account notes. Avery, witnessing the profound impact on her friends and schoolmates, has embarked on this mission to provide essentials that are crucial for them to feel like themselves again.

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Those running the page added, We are focusing on gathering clothes, personal items, beauty and hair care products  the everyday items that allow these teenagers to thrive and carry on amidst challenging circumstances. By contributing, you help us fund the necessary items that bring smiles back to our teenagers faces and a sense of normalcy back to their lives. More importantly, you are helping us build towards long-term support. (You can donate here.)

The donation comes after the news that the Duchess of Sussex had postponed the launch of her Netflix show, With Love, Meghan to focus on the needs of those impacted by the wildfires in my home state of California. The series will now debut in March.

Prince Harry and Meghan have opened their Montecito home to loved ones affected by the fire. In addition, they have made donations through their Archewell Foundation to relief efforts, and have donated clothing, childrens items, and other essential supplies to those affected by the fires. The Sussexes also directed people to support organizations including the World Central Kitchen, CAL FIRE, LA Fire Department Foundation, Animal Wellness Foundation, Compton Cowboys, and Baby2baby.

MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images - Getty Images

MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images - Getty Images

On Friday, Harry and Meghan volunteered with the World Central Kitchen in Pasadena. 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, Pasadena mayor Victor Gordo told local news. Its very important.

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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.

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Conservative commentator Megyn Kelly ripped into the Los Angeles Fire Department in an unhinged rant on Tuesday, calling for the firing of obese lesbian firefighters.

I believe I speak for all females in Los Angeles when I say we want a strong man to rescue us, Kelly said on her podcast, The Megyn Kelly Show

As the wildfires in the L.A. area continue to devastate the city, the fire department has struggled to contain the blazes due to a lack of resources and water.

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Conservative critics have pointed to the fire departments leadership team, particularly Fire Chief Kristin Crowley, who is openly gay, Deputy Chief Kristine Larson and training commander Jaime Brown, as the culprits for LAFDs issues.

These are overweight, out-of-shape women. The last thing I want to see if Im in a burning building is a) a woman, and b) an obese woman, Kelly said. Who takes comfort in Im going to die, but its in the presence of an obese lesbian? This is ridiculous.

"These are overweight, out-of-shape, women. The last thing I want to see if I'm in a burning building is a) a woman, and b) an obese woman. Who takes comfort in 'I'm going to die, but it's in the presence of an obese lesbian'? This is ridiculous." - @MegynKelly



FULL show: pic.twitter.com/RkT61d1i6s  The Megyn Kelly Show (@MegynKellyShow) January 14, 2025

Though Crowley, Larson and Brown are the only women on the LAFDs 14-person leadership team, theyve become symbolic to critics who believe the department is focusing more on diversity than fire fighting.

Kelly played a series of clips of Crowley and Larson, who is also the head of Equity and Human Resources Bureau, talking about initiatives to increase diversity within the fire department.

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They should all be fired, Kelly continued. Any time you spent, fire chief, worrying about this, making sure you had the staff for DEI and amassed the staff for that, while youre short firefighters, you should be fired.

On Friday, Crowley blasted Mayor Karen Bass for budget cuts to the fire department.

My message is the fire department needs to be properly funded, Crowley said in an interview with a local outlet. Its not.

The wildfires have already burned through over 30,000 acres of land and killed at least 24 people.
Conservative commentator Megyn Kelly was seated near the front of a U.S. Senate hearing room Tuesday as former Fox News host Pete Hegseth was grilled by lawmakers.

Kelly was seen in the second row of the hearing room as Hegseth, President-elect Trumps pick to be secretary of Defense, took questions from senators about his views on military strategy and allegations of misconduct.

Guess whos in DC for the Pete Hegseth confirmation hearing? Kelly wrote in a social media post captioning a photo of her and attorney Abigail Finan. Should be an exciting day!

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Kelly has been one of Hegseths most vocal supporters in conservative media since his nomination, which has been thrown into doubt as he faces a slew of allegations about his drinking, financial mismanagement and treatment of women.

A former Fox host herself, Kelly hosted Hegseth for a wide-ranging interview on her SiriusXM radio show and podcast just days after the allegations against him were first publicized.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 crucial week for President-elect Trump gets underway in earnest on Tuesday, when his nominees for key posts start going before the Senate committees that will begin to determine their fates.

Beyond the specifics of each hearing, however, the process overall will be a litmus test for the incoming Trump administration. It will shine a light on the president-elects fondness for media celebrities and heterodox figures  and it will also be a test of just how firmly he holds the GOP in his grip.

Much of the attention will focus on Pete Hegseth, Trumps nominee to lead the Pentagon.

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Former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum (R) had originally been scheduled the same day to sit for his hearing as he seeks confirmation to lead the Department of the Interior. But even the comparatively low-wattage Burgum drew pushback from Democrats, who complained about incomplete paperwork. Burgums hearing has been pushed back to Thursday.

Among the other Trump nominees who will face Senate panels this week are South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem (R) to lead the Department of Homeland Security; former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi (R) to lead the Justice Department; Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) to become secretary of State; former Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe to lead the CIA; and billionaire investor Scott Bessent to become Treasury secretary.

Heres when Trump nominees will appear for confirmation hearings

Two of the most controversial Trump nominees  Robert F. Kennedy Jr., to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, and former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (Hawaii), to become director of national intelligence  have not yet had hearings scheduled. Those two could face among the toughest questioning of all.

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Trump lost one high-profile nominee when former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) withdrew his name from consideration to be attorney general. Gaetz had been dogged by allegations of lurid behavior, though he emphatically denies wrongdoing.

The broader point of the Gaetz debacle was that it left Trump with little leeway for the rest of his picks. At the time, it fueled speculation that the wheels might come off other nominees  notably Hegseth, an erstwhile Fox News personality who was revealed to have paid a settlement to a woman who claimed he had sexually assaulted her. Hegseth, through his lawyer, denies any assault and says he paid the settlement to protect his television career.

Hegseth had two other potential strikes against him  accusations of poor management of smaller organizations with which he had been involved, and tales of inappropriately heavy drinking. At one stage, there were even media reports that Trump was considering jettisoning Hegseth as his Pentagon pick in favor of the president-elects old primary rival, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R).

But Hegseth weathered that storm. In the process, the overall push to confirm Trumps nominees also seemed to stabilize.

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One key development, in relation to Hegseth, has been the encouraging signs being transmitted by Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), who sits on the Senate Armed Services Committee. Ernst had been perceived as one of the most potentially skeptical Republican voices on Hegseth, in part because she has worked extensively on the issue of sexual assault in the military.

However, Ernst and Hegseth have met on at least two occasions since his nomination was announced. After the second conversation, on Dec. 9, Ernst released a statement noting that the nominee had committed to completing a full audit of the Pentagon and selecting a senior official who will uphold the roles and value of our servicemen and women  and who will prioritize and strengthen my work to prevent sexual assault within the ranks.

Ernst added that she would support Pete through this process  a statement that fell short of an outright commitment to vote for him, but was important nonetheless.

Hegseth has also modulated his views on the topic of women serving in combat roles. In November, he said on a podcast that he was straight up just saying we should not have women in combat roles. It hasnt made us more effective.

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But amid concerns that those comments could weigh down his hopes of confirmation, Hegseth told conservative commentator Megyn Kelly the following month that if we have the right standard and women meet that standard, roger. Lets go.

Hegseth is not the only controversial Trump nominee to apparently tailor his views to assist chances of confirmation.

Gabbard has recently executed a sharp U-turn on a controversial law: Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). The provision allows considerable latitude for U.S. intelligence agencies to conduct warrantless collection of the electronic communications of people who are outside the U.S. and are not American citizens.

The progressive left and libertarian right have significant problems with the measure, arguing in part that it is far too easy for Americans to get swept up in its powers. Gabbard had voted against the reauthorization of FISA in 2020, in part because of those kinds of concerns.

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However, on Friday, Gabbard told ABC News in a statement that her prior concerns about FISA were based on insufficient protections for civil liberties but that now she would uphold Americans Fourth Amendment rights while maintaining vital national security tools like Section 702 to ensure the safety and freedom of the Americans.

That shift alone seems to have warmed up some Republican senators who had previously sounded lukewarm about Gabbard.

There has always been a question about how eager GOP senators are to defy Trump.

The upper chamber has been slightly more hospitable terrain for Trump skeptics within the party than the House. But there is hardly a rush from anyone in the GOP to buck the wishes of a newly elected president who  love him or hate him  mounted an astounding political comeback to win Novembers election fairly comfortably.

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There could still be turbulent waters ahead, of course. And Democrats will do all they can to embarrass Trumps nominees at the hearings.

But the odds remain in favor of the confirmation of the vast majority of his picks.

The Memo is a reported column by Niall Stanage.

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Lone male travellers should be allowed to sit next to unaccompanied children on passenger planes, a discrimination tribunal has ruled.

The decision comes after a man was asked to swap seats with a woman by the cabin crew of a flight travelling from Oslo to Paris in October 2022.

They told him he could not be seated next to two children travelling alone, with the policy being enforced by Air France to prevent any possibility of predatory behaviour.

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But the man, Dominique Sellier, filed a complaint with Norways anti-discrimination tribunal, which ruled that the airlines policy was discriminatory.

Mr Sellier told Frances AFP news agency on Tuesday: It was not a very nice situation. The passengers around me were looking at me, they were waiting for me to change seats so we could take off.

Maybe some of it was me projecting, but I interpreted some of the looks like This guy is shady.

According to the tribunals ruling late last year, a copy of which was obtained by AFP, Air Frances policy stipulates that if a flight is fully booked, a woman should preferably be seated next to unaccompanied minors.

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In proceedings, a lawyer for Air France argued that the crew was merely following company policy, which was based on the argument that men account for 97.93 per cent of all suspected sex crimes.

How can we accept this?

According to the summary of proceedings, the airline argued that the Norwegian tribunal had no authority in the matter, as the incident occurred on a plane which was not registered in Norway.

It also argued that the different treatment for men and women was justified by the need to protect unaccompanied minors from the risk of trafficking and other forms of violence and aggression.

Mr Sellier said Air France generalisation about men went too far, adding: How can we accept this kind of suspicion because we belong to the male gender?

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While he won his case before the Norwegian tribunal, which was made up of three legal experts, Mr Sellier said he had received no damages nor an apology from Air France.

During the flight, I just got a glass of champagne in a paper cup.

Contacted by AFP, Air Frances lawyer said he had no comment.

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The Shapiro Administration is announcing tens of millions of dollars to support statewide projects aiming to strengthen communities.

That investment is $34.3 million statewide and some of that money is coming right here to Erie County to help out the Mercy Center for Women.

Medals of Valor awarded to four local police officers after Erie standoff turns violent

A statewide announcement of $34.3 million is being announced by the Shapiro Administration in state tax credits through the Neighborhood Assistance Program.

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This is being done in an effort to strengthen communities and the quality of life across the commonwealth.

Strong communities make a high quality of life for our citizens we laid out an economic development and community development strategy last year which was very clear every place in Pennsylvania matters we need strong communities to succeed and to grow, said Rick Siger, secretary of the PA Department of Community and Economic Development.

A local non-profit who Siger said continues to benefit from the program is a recipient of some of those funds.

Doctors notice uptick in norovirus cases in Erie  Heres what you should know

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The Mercy Center as you heard has been the recipient since 2017 of $1.6 million in this program, Siger said.

Its really a terrific example of public-private non-profit coming together to drive progress here in communities and in particular the work that this organization does to improve womens lives here in Erie is really just tremendous, he continued.

Of the $34.3 million, the executive director of the Mercy Center for Women said $50,000 will go towards the non-profit.

This will help us again to build out our campus and welcome at least eighty families to our community, said Jennie Hagerty, executive director of the Mercy Center for Women.

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Hagerty said funds will also go towards the complete renovation of the Holy Rosary Rectory which will house numerous women in the program.

It will again be community living, one-year transitional living we will be doing prison re-entry for women that are looking at that second chance and they will be blessed with the services here at the anchor community center just to rebuild their lives on their next journey, she went on to say.

Far out! New Peace Love & Little Donuts location opens in Erie

Hagerty said those renovations began Monday and housing is expected to be available between August and September of this year.

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The end of fact-checking at Meta is raising fresh concerns its platforms will become a hotbed of disinformation as the network hands over the policing of content to users.

The move, coupled with the loosening of some hate speech rules, was slammed by some tech policy experts as a 180-degree shift for Meta that could undo nearly a decade of efforts to prevent disinformation from spreading on its platforms  Facebook, Instagram and Threads.

While Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg framed the decision as a return to the companys roots in an embrace of free speech, some observers worry todays political and digital climate leaves too much room for false information to spread online.

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You get rid of the fact-checkers and people that are sort of policing the content  that [could] be a turbo-charged engine for disinformation, Ari Lightman, a digital media professor at Carnegie Mellon University, told The Hill.

Disinformation is very sensational in terms of its orientation. Its designed to draw people in, its designed to be confrontational, he said.

The fact-checking program was created in 2016 amid mounting scrutiny after it was revealed Russia attempted to use Facebook to influence the U.S. election that year. In the years that followed, the platform repeatedly boosted the program, with more than 80 independent fact-checkers.

The social media giant launched various other disinformation initiatives, ranging from the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to spot COVID-19 and vaccine disinformation to suspending the account of President-elect Trump for his remarks around the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection.

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The fact-checkers, however, did not monitor or judge the speech of elected officials on its platforms.

Now, Zuckerberg appears to be changing his tune on Trump, a longtime critic of social media companies for what he believes is censorship of his views.

Four years ago this week, Facebook banned Donald Trump for inciting a violent insurrection that resulted in the deaths of 5 people and disrupted our democracy, Nicole Gill, the co-founder and executive director of tech advocacy group Accountable Tech said of the announcement last week.

Now, Zuckerberg is reopening the floodgates to the exact same surge of hate, disinformation, and conspiracy theories that caused January 6th  and that continue to spur real-world violence, she added.

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The fact-checking system will be replaced by user-generated community notes, reminiscent of the feature used on Elon Musks X platform. Under this approach, Meta platforms will now rely on users to send in notes or corrections to posts that are potentially false, misleading or need more context.

Joel Kaplan, Metas new global policy chief, said the community notes system work[s] on X and gives users the power to decide the context other users should be seeing.

Musk, for his part, has faced criticism for Xs reliance on community notes. Some tech advocacy groups have accused the platform of becoming a hub for disinformation and bias toward certain views.

Some of these same groups are concerned Meta will face the same fate.

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While acknowledging crowdsourced fact-checking can be a good tool, Alex Mahadevan, the director of Poynters digital media program, MediaWise, cautioned it only works as part of larger, robust trust and safety programs, which often still include third-party fact-checkers.

The thing that troubles me the most is that Meta seems to be looking to Xs community notes, which, in my opinion, because it is essentially the stand-alone trust and safety measure checking this information on X, is a complete failure, he told The Hill. It does not take a rocket scientist to tell you that anyones X feed right now is full of a lot more misinformation than it was four years ago.

Mahadevan, who has analyzed Xs community notes for three years, found several of the proposed and public community notes often contain false information themselves and emphasized the feature is still in an experimental phase.

A crowdsourced fact-checking solution is only as effective as the platform, owners and developers behind it, he said in a Poynter opinion piece. And it appears Meta is more interested in more speech than it is in tackling misinformation.

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These concerns were further fueled by Metas changes to its policies on divisive issues like immigration and gender and its loosening of hate speech and abuse rules. This included the dropping of LGBTQ protections from the community standards.

We do allow allegations of mental illness or abnormality when based on gender or sexual orientation, given political and religious discourse about transgenderism and homosexuality, Meta added to its community standards.

Suppression of these conversations made the rules too restrictive and too prone to over-enforcement, Zuckerberg said, adding users want to see more political content, contrary to their previous findings.

Gill pushed back on this argument, telling The Hill there is nothing more inherently more free about having more speech.

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That doesnt make it any more free. What its doing is offering people the opportunity to seek out information that supports their existing point of view and validates it, whether its based on truth or not, she said.

In turn, some observers are concerned certain groups or people could be discouraged from using or posting on the platform.

Research also shows that having productive political conversations requires people to feel like they are in a space where they are able to share their views, Sarah Shugars, an assistant communications professor at Rutgers University, said. So, if people are questioning somebodys right to exist, that does not create a space where people are able to speak freely.

The personalized approach toward political content signals another drastic tone shift for Meta, which actively tried to distance its platforms from political content, especially following the Capitol insurrection.

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Less than 12 months ago, Instagram and Threads announced the platforms would stop recommending political content unless users manually changed their settings. And a few months before that, Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri said Instagrams Threads  a conversation-based app  would not do anything to encourage politics and hard news on the platform.

Yet last week, Mosseri announced Threads will now add political content to its recommendations page as part of the broader changes.

He acknowledged the move goes against his previous comments but said it is clear people want this content and it proved impractical to draw a red line around what is and is not political content.

Last weeks dramatic week for Meta was capped off with an internal move to slash the companys diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) team and roll back several related programs.

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At the helm of these decisions is Zuckerberg, whose personal shift appears to be aligning with his leadership of the company.

Zuckerberg, like his company, mostly stayed out of politics in recent years even as Trump hammered him and Meta for banning him after the Capitol insurrection. He declined to endorse a candidate in the 2024 presidential race, though applauded Trumps reaction to the assassination attempt on his life last summer in Pennsylvania.

While out of the political spotlight, Zuckerberg physically transformed, trading out his typical jeans and hoodie outfit for designer shirts, gold chains and jiu-jitsu training.

The transformation also featured a newfound confidence with which the tech billionaire became more willing to publicly speak on topics related to the government and politics.

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He began hinting at frustrations in August, when he told the House Judiciary Committee he regrets not being more outspoken about government pressure to remove content related to COVID-19.

Zuckerberg said Biden administration officials repeatedly pressured Meta to censor content in 2021, and he vowed to push back should something similar happen again.

He echoed those comments last week on an episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, claiming Biden administration officials would scream and curse at his employees when they disagreed with the governments takedown requests for pandemic-related content.

While he was not publicly involved with the 2024 election, he was one of the many tech executives to meet with Trump following his reelection, and he had his company shell out $1 million for the president-elects inaugural fund.

These moves, combined with leadership and DEI changes, were quickly lambasted by Democrats and other tech observers as capitulations to Trump just weeks before he is back in the Oval Office.

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Metinvest, Ukraine's largest steel producer, has suspended operations at the Pokrovsk coking coal mine in Donetsk Oblast due to worsening security conditions and power outages, the company announced on Jan. 14.

Located 10 kilometers (6 miles) west of Pokrovsk, the mine is one of Eastern Europes largest and Ukraines sole producer of coking coal, a key component in steelmakingUkraine's second-largest export after agriculture.

The mine remains under Ukrainian control, and Metinvest is evacuating employees and their families.

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"The suspension of operations is a necessary step to preserve lives during these challenging times. We believe in Ukraine's victory and are prepared to resume operations and rebuild Pokrovsk after the Russian invasion is repelled," said Metinvest CEO Yuriy Ryzhenkov.

To sustain steel production at its plants in Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia oblasts, Metinvest has developed a contingency plan. This includes sourcing coking coal from the U.S.-based United Coal Company, utilizing existing reserves, and securing additional supplies from third-party vendors.

Pokrovsk, a crucial logistics hub for Ukrainian forces, has been the focus of fierce fighting as Russia intensifies its offensive in Donetsk Oblast.

Steel exports generated nearly $2 billion in the first eight months of 2024, with production projected to reach 7.5 million metric tons by year-end. Plans to increase output to over 10 million tons in 2025 are now threatened, as the loss of Pokrovsk could slash annual production to 2-3 million tons, according to Reuters.

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Read also: Russian troops overrun Kurakhove, approach Pokrovsk east, south, and southwest

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  The Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) released the identity of a victim in what the agency called the first murder of 2025.

CRIME TRACKER | Read the latest crime-related reports from across Middle Tennessee

An investigation is still ongoing into the death of 42-year-old Steven Hymes. Authorities said Hymes was found near the riverbank underneath the sidewalk and road of Gay Street and 1st Avenue on Jan. 8.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Two unhoused men reported the discovery of Hymes body to an ambassador who works with the Nashville Downtown Partnership. Hymes reportedly suffered blunt force trauma to the head.

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By Laura Gottesdiener and Diego Ore

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - In late November, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump sent shockwaves through global trade by threatening 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada, effectively ripping up a regional trade agreement, if the two countries didn't do more to curb migration and the flow of drugs.

It was a big test for Mexico's new President Claudia Sheinbaum, the country's first female leader who had taken office just eight weeks earlier. Analysts thought the scientist-turned-politician might be too rigid and reserved to navigate the volatile U.S. leader with the relative aplomb of her predecessor Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

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Now, as Trump prepares to take office, Sheinbaum has publicly sparred with the incoming U.S. president, but also shown concrete results that could help show Mexico is serious about cooperating on migration, security and China.

It is hard to know if that will be enough, or if the threat of tariffs on Trump's first day in power is wholly realistic, but experts and former diplomats say Sheinbaum has made a solid start.

"It's a very pragmatic and proactive approach by Sheinbaum and her team," said Gema Kloppe-Santamaria, a global fellow of the Wilson Center's Mexico Institute.

Trump has repeatedly accused the Mexican government of not doing enough to stop migrants and drugs from entering the U.S. and has threatened sweeping tariffs to force more action. He has also railed against Chinese plants setting up shop in Mexico.

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But since taking office, Sheinbaum has intensified an already historic crackdown against migrants traveling toward the U.S. border by detaining an unprecedented 475,000 migrants between October and December and has left open the possibility that Mexico might be willing to accept non-Mexicans deported from the United States.

Her government has also seized a record 1,100 kilograms of illicit fentanyl, and unveiled new tariffs against some Asian goods and confiscated counterfeit Chinese products in several Mexican cities.

"She's sending this message that she is a strong political leader," said Kloppe-Santamaria, pointing to recent polling that shows Sheinbaum has increased her popularity to a staggering 80% approval rating after her first 100 days in office.

"Trump without a doubt comes with a lot of power and legitimacy, but she does as well," Kloppe-Santamaria added.

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Reuters spoke to seven economic analysts, former Mexican diplomats, and academic experts in Mexican politics. Most praised Sheinbaum's strategy for engaging with Trump.

"This commitment that Mexico has shown to fully align its interests with those of the U.S. is what makes us more confident that President Claudia Sheinbaum and President-elect Donald Trump will pull through the initial threats and uncertainty," said Rodolfo Ramos, an analyst at Banco Bradesco.

MEXICO HAS MUCH TO LOSE

The incoming U.S. leader is known for being unpredictable, but Sheinbaum has also maintained an element of surprise, said Jorge Guajardo, a former Mexican ambassador to China. While she's suggested Mexico could retaliate with its own tariffs, she's refrained from tipping her hand.

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"She's been very smart and strategic," he said. "She wants to keep her powder dry."

Mexico is one of the countries with the most to lose in a second Trump presidency, said former Mexican ambassador to the United States Arturo Sarukhan.

The U.S. is far and away Mexico's largest trading partner, and the Republican leader's threatened tariffs could send shockwaves through Mexico's economy. He has also vowed mass deportations that could strain Mexico's job market and spark humanitarian and security challenges in a country already grappling with violence, internal displacement, and sluggish economic growth.

Then there's Trump's threats of unilateral U.S. military action against drug cartels inside Mexico, which "is basically an act of war," Sarukhan said.

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Sarukhan warned that U.S.-Mexico relations could be more volatile than in decades and that Mexico City needed to be prepared for Trump's second administration to be even more difficult for Mexico than the first.

But Sheinbaum appears to have a well-prepared playbook. The steps her government has taken might be sufficient, for now.

"I think these measures are enough to establish a floor for the negotiations and keep Trump from imposing tariffs on day one," said Matias Gomez, an analyst at consulting firm Eurasia Group.

"However, this threat will act as a sword of Damocles throughout 2025 as a latent risk that will allow Trump to pressure Sheinbaum on multiple fronts."

(Reporting by Diego Ore in Mexico City and Laura Gottesdiener in Monterrey, Editing by Stephen Eisenhammer and Alistair Bell)
At least 40 farmers have been killed in Nigerias north-eastern Borno state in a weekend attack by suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP militants, according to government sources.

The Borno state governor Babagana Umara Zulum has said jihadists affiliated with the Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) groups were suspected of being behind the attacks on farmers in the Dumba region. Zulum also called on the military to thoroughly investigate the incident and to track and deal decisively with the perpetrators. Nigeria-based Boko Haram jihadist group launched its insurgency in 2009, opposing Western education and seeking to impose a radical interpretation of Islamic law. ISWAP is a Sunni Islamic extremist group with a sphere of operations that encompass the countrys north-eastern region and the southern Lake Chad Basin.

State information commissioner Usman Tar said the groups rounded up dozens of farmers in Dumba on the shores of Lake Chad and executed them on Sunday (12 January). The farmers strayed off the safe area demarcated by the Nigerian military for farming and fishing in the region that is a sanctuary for fighters from both jihadist groups and is dotted with landmines and prone to nocturnal attacks, the commissioner said. The governor therefore urged residents to remain within designated safe zones that have been cleared of both militants and explosives by the military. The conflict has become Africas longest-running militant struggle that has led to approximately 35,000 civilians killed and over 2 million displaced, according to the United Nations.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  The New Mexico Gas Company has awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars to volunteer first responders as part of its Helping Heroes program.

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The company says it awarded $228,000 worth of grants to eight organizations. Those include Elephant Butte Fire Department, Mesilla Valley Search and Rescue, Carson Volunteer Fire Department, Las Palomas Fire, Pinos Altos Fire, Latir Volunteer Fire, La Cienga Fire and Rescue and Cochiti Fire Department.

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Funding will be used to purchase safety equipment and support professional training, safety education, recruitment and behavioral health efforts. NM Gas launched Helping Heroes late last year, saying according to state data close to 60% of fire departments in the state are volunteer-based. Applications for 2025 funding are now open.

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SANTA FE, N.M. (KRQE)  Firmly in the minority, Republicans are facing another uphill battle with their agenda heading into a new legislative session; but with 60 days of lawmaking starting next week, GOP lawmakers are hopeful some of their priorities can earn Democratic support.

I think that all of us realize that these are issues that we need to deal with, and were ready to work with whoever is willing to jump on board with us, look at the solutions that weve put forward for the past few years and get this over the finish line up to the Governors Office, said Rep. Alan Martinez, (R-Rio Rancho) House Minority Whip.

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Thats the attitude Republicans say theyll bring to the Roundhouse next week for a new 60-day session. Our legislative priorities are offering real solutions in a common sense approach to the issues that every New Mexican is facing, said Rep. Rebecca Dow, (R-Socorro).

Thats why we have a four-step plan moving forward to bring to the Roundhouse and for New Mexicans, says Rep. Gail Armstrong, (R-Magdalena) House Minority Floor Leader.

The GOPs plan is to prioritize the economy, education, public safety, and healthcare. Re-joining the house, Dow said the states budget surplus makes room for tax reform: beginning with the elimination of income tax. We have the money to give that to citizens, lets do itAnd, reforming the gross receipts tax so that we can be competitive with other states in manufacturing and innovation and growing our economy.

Theyre also pushing for more choice in education, and say theyll team up with Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman on juvenile crime. These kids are getting younger and younger and committing serious adult crimes, Martinez said. Other crime policy initiatives mentioned included dealing with fentanyl, securing the southern border, and bail reform.

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House Republicans also want to address medical malpractice laws: We do not have a doctor problem, we have an insurance problem, Armstrong said. Additionally, when it comes to CYFD, Republican lawmakers say they want an outside entity policing the agency.

Knowing theyre in the minority, Republicans say their goal this session is to get something done: Were excited that the Democrats have finally decided to join us to help find solutions to crime. Re-branding some of our bills, thats okay. We dont care how it gets passed or who passes it, lets get whats right done for the state of New Mexico, Armstrong said.

Democratic party leaders outlined their top priorities in a news conference last week, putting public safety, economic, and education bills at the top along with reforming the New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department. The session starts next Tuesday.

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SILVER CITY, N.M. (KRQE)  After stepping down due to allegations of improper spending, the president of Western New Mexico University said there is no need for a judge to stop him from spending his nearly $2 million severance payout.

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The hearing on Monday comes after the New Mexico Attorney General requested a temporary restraining order until legal issues are resolved, preventing the WNMU president from spending that money just yet.

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Western New Mexico University President Joseph Shepard resigned last month following an investigation into his spending on travel and furniture for his residence. Regents guaranteed him a severance of $2 million, which has already been paid out.

Regents also gave him a new contract as a full-time faculty professor with WNMUs business school. The attorney general announced an investigation into the regents actions, and whether they violated their duty to the university by negotiating that deal.

Attorney General Raul Torrez wants to keep Shepard from accessing the payout funds until its determined whether it rightfully belongs to him.

Theres simply too many outstanding questions about how this deal was negotiated, who was involved, and frankly how that decision was made, said Torrez in a January 6 interview with KRQE.

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Shepards attorneys responded to the attorney general on Monday, arguing the court has no right to deprive Shepard of money thats legally in his possession and that the state offered no evidence Shepard wouldnt be able to return the money if necessary.

The state argued since Shepard is accused of misusing funds, keeping him from spending this money is a step to safeguard public funds.

In a hearing Monday, the judge ruled there is not enough information to justify blocking the president from using the funds but left the option open if the state presents further evidence.

The attorney generals office sent KRQE this statement: Todays decision by the court to not immediately grant our motion for a constructive trust that would safeguard Dr. Shepards $1.9 million payout is disappointing, however we respect the Courts decision and are encouraged that the Court acknowledged the potential for future resolution. We will not stop fighting to rectify this unjust payment to Dr. Shepard and will continue to work toward ensuring there is accountability over New Mexico taxpayer dollars through legislation.

Shepards last day as president of WNMU is Tuesday.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  The State of New Mexico is receiving more than $172 million in federal funding to support road and railway improvement projects across the state.

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The U.S. Department of Transportation is investing in multiple projects. Those projects include $61.8 million to create a four-lane roadway connection between U.S. Route 70 and I-10 in Las Cruces. The Rio Metro Regional Transit District will receive $22.4 million to build a new operations and maintenance facility for the Rail Runner. The NMDOT is set to receive a total of $81 million for two projects. Remaining funding will support other construction projects in McKinley County, Cibola County, Clovis, the Mescalero Apache Reservation and the Pueblo of Taos.

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(Bloomberg) -- Mexicos Claudia Sheinbaum said she has not received an invite to Donald Trumps inauguration, insisting that that it is not a problem even as tariff threats from the incoming US president strain their relationship.

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Esteban Moctezuma, Mexicos ambassador to the US, will attend the Jan. 20 ceremony in her place, Sheinbaum said at her Tuesday news conference, adding that it is no problem.

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Relations between Trump and Sheinbaum, who took office in October, are off to a rocky start after he pledged to impose tariffs of up to 25% on Mexico if it doesnt help stem the flow of drugs and migrants into the US.

A spokesperson for Trump didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

Sheinbaum spoke with Trump about Mexicos progress on migration and drug trafficking during a November phone call, and said she is confident that the two countries will maintain a good relationship. But even while pledging to collaborate, Sheinbaum has taken steps to show she wont bend to pressure from her northern neighbor.

Last week, she needled Trump over his assertion that he would attempt to rename the Gulf of Mexico, saying that part of the US should be rechristened as America Mexicana. Sheinbaum also vowed her country would not be subordinated during a speech on Sunday.

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Trumps relationships and personal political affinities appear to be shaping the guest list for next weeks ceremony, in Latin America and beyond. Libertarian Argentina President Javier Milei is planning to travel to Washington for the ceremony, and right-wing former Brazil leader Jair Bolsonaro has said that he received an invite. Both are close allies of Trump.

Sheinbaum also downplayed the lack of an invitation earlier this month, saying that US presidents do not always invite other heads of state to the ceremony.

--With assistance from Maya Averbuch and Hadriana Lowenkron.

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Jan. 13As more firefighters arrived to battle the blazes in Southern California  including a strike team from New Mexico  rumors have spread about some firefighters being turned away.

Rumors circulated on social media and some news outlets that Oregon's firefighters were turned away or delayed, and fire equipment had to pass emissions tests, but Oregon State Fire Marshal spokesperson Kassie Keller told the Journal that "none of that is true."

"No engine was turned away," the Oregon State Fire Marshal's office said in a Facebook post Sunday. "They all (completed) the safety check, and all 15 strike teams arrived in Southern California on Thursday and began their 24-hour shift early Friday morning."

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The New Mexico Strike Team's five engines went through a 20-30-minute inspection after arriving in Southern California on Friday morning, Santa Fe Fire Department Wildland Superintendent Nathan Miller said on the phone.

"The inspections are part of the check-in process for departments deployed through the mutual aid agreement to ensure they have the right equipment and (they're) all in working condition," New Mexico Department of Homeland Security spokesperson Danielle Silva said in an email.

The strike teams have been helping battle blazes that have destroyed hundreds of properties and killed at least 24 people, according to the Associated Press.

Four fires have consumed more than 62 square miles, an area larger than San Francisco. As of Monday morning, the Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire, which accounted for 59 of the 62 square miles, were 11% and 27% contained, respectively, the AP reported.

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Miller, who helped fight the Calf Canyon/Hermits Peak and South Fork fires, said "he was not personally surprised by the amount of damage" he has seen in the Pacific Palisades where he and the rest of the strike team are working.

"Unfortunately, these types of fires are becoming more common," he said.

The team has been tasked with monitoring structures and mop up duties, which includes looking for hot spots. A hot spot is any thing or location that may have some heat that could cause a fire to become active again, Miller said.

"They are important because if we don't extinguish hot spots near the line they will pose a threat to our containment lines and again cause a fire to become active," he said.

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The winds were calm Sunday, which helped, but Miller said he was preparing for an increase in winds starting Monday afternoon that could produce gusts of up to 70 mph, according to the National Weather Service.

"It's a wind-driven fire and no matter how many personnel you may have on the incident, no matter how (many) aircraft you have available to fight that fire at the time, there's not a lot we can do other than monitor property and lives to the best of our abilities," he said.
More than 100 secret MI5 files have been declassified for the first time, shedding light on the lives of five of Britains most infamous KGB spies. New information is revealed about the confessions of Kim Philby and Anthony Blunt, two British MI5 agents who spied for the Soviet Union.

Along with Guy Burgess, Donald Maclean and John Cairncross, the group came to be known as the Cambridge Five, with all of them being former Cambridge University students who passed information to the KGB from the 1930s until at least the 1950s.

A photo of Anthony Blunt inside one of the many files MI5 has made available to the National Archives (James Manning/PA Wire)

The documents from MI5 have been made public by the National Archives. They detail the investigations into the group that plagued Britains secret service for decades. Their story has shocked and inspired people in the UK and beyond for years  and now more of the secrets are laid bare.

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Dramatic confessions, daring near-getaways and never-before-seen suspects are all part of the bundle, which dates back to MI5s early years before the First World War.

Here are the five biggest takeaways from the MI5 files:

Agents feared film star Dirk Bogarde was a KGB target

Bogarde was warned by MI5 that he could be the target of an entrapment attempt by the KGB over rumours about his sexuality.

The documents show that the actor was clearly disturbed after learning that his name was on a list of six practising British homosexuals which was passed to the Russians.

Bogarde, who died in 1999, never came out publicly as gay, although he maintained a long-term relationship with his manager, Anthony Forwood.

The KGB was said to have targeted the film star Dirk Bogarde due to his sexuality (PA Archive)

Having made his name in the popular Doctor series of comedies in the 1950s, he subsequently appeared in a number of pioneering films with gay themes, most notably Death in Venice.

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After he was interviewed in the south of France, MI5 concluded that he was a retiring, serious man who was unlikely to fall victim to any kind of KGB sting operation.

Queen Elizabeth was kept in the dark over Palace spy

Queen Elizabeth remained unaware of the full scale of the extent of spying undertaken by one of her senior courtiers, the papers reveal.

In 1964, Anthony Blunt, the surveyor of the Queens pictures and distinguished art historian, finally confessed he had been a Soviet agent since the 1930s, having been recruited when he was a young don at Cambridge.

As a senior MI5 officer during the Second World War, Blunt had passed vast quantities of secret intelligence to his KGB handlers. However, he was allowed to maintain his position at the heart of the British establishment amid fears of a major scandal if he was sacked and the truth became public.

Queen Elizabeth II with Anthony Blunt (PA Archive)

When the Queen was finally told the full story in the 1970s, she was reportedly unflappable  taking it all very calmly and without surprise  according to the declassified files.

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The decision to ensure she was properly informed came amid growing concern in Whitehall that the truth would inevitably come out when Blunt  who had been seriously ill with cancer  died. Journalists had been looking into the story, and would no longer be constrained by concerns over libel upon his death.

Blunt was finally unmasked by prime minister Margaret Thatcher in a Commons statement in 1979. He died in 1983 aged 75 having been stripped of his knighthood.

Palace spy feared violence from his KGB controller

Blunt also feared that his KGB handler would turn violent when he refused to join his fellow spies Guy Burgess and Donald Maclean and flee to Russia, according to the files.

Amid fears of arrest and that their spy ring was about to be broken up, Blunts handler told him to pack his bags and leave the next morning for Paris and from there make his way to Moscow.

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However Blunt, a wartime MI5 officer who had become a surveyor of the Kings pictures, regarded the plan as absolutely insane and refused to obey.

After his confession, he would recall his interaction with his KGB controller in London, Yuri Modin, who was codenamed Peter.

I remember being faintly surprised at his not being more violent, Blunt said. I mean, he couldnt obviously force me to go, but I was rather surprised at his not being more violent.

Enigma Kim Philby baffled MI5 agents

Soviet spy Kim Philby was an enigma to a top MI5 interrogator, who admitted he could not determine whether the double agent was telling the truth or not.

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Jim Skardon, a former Metropolitan Police Special Branch detective, was renowned within MI5 after obtaining a confession from Klaus Fuchs, who betrayed the secret of the US-British Manhattan Project to build the worlds first atomic bomb to the Russians.

British double agent Kim Philby was difficult to read (PA Archive)

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However, the newly released files show that Skardon was less sure when coming against Philby, who would later be exposed as a spy. At the conclusion of their interviews he admitted he found Philby to be more of an enigma than ever.

For all practical purposes, his reactions to the things that I thought would worry him most did not have anything like the effect I anticipated, said Skardon.

He really does maintain calm in the most extraordinary way, and possibly this is due to complete innocence.

The interrogator concluded that a conclusion on the case would likely have to await the discovery of new evidence.

Philby said he would do it all again after confession

When he did finally confess, Philby expressed no regret over his years spent as a Russian agent.

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The new files capture the dramatic moment in January 1963 when he owned up to his treachery after being confronted by his oldest friend and fellow MI6 officer Nicholas Elliott.

I have had this particular moment in mind for 28 years almost, that conclusive proof would come out, Philby said. The choice actually is between suicide and prosecution. This is not in any sense blackmail, but a statement of the alternatives before me.

But while Philby admitted that he had been working for the Soviets since the 1930s, his confession was littered with lies and evasions  including a false claim that he had broken off contacts with the KGB in 1946 after the Second World War. In fact, he had never stopped working for the Russians.

Meeting for a second time, Philby told Elliott: I really did feel a tremendous loyalty to MI6, I was treated very, very well in it and I made some really marvellous friends there. But the over-ruling inspiration was the other side.

He also claimed that his change of heart had been due to the advent of Clement Attlees Labour government, which had brought in many of the things he believed in, and that confessing had been a tremendous relief.


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Donald Trump will be sworn into office for the second time on January 20, after defeating Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential electionbut Michelle Obama will not be there to mark the moment.

A spokesperson for the Obama family confirmed to People ahead of the day that the former first lady would skip the ceremony, which falls on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

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The announcement did not give a reason for Obamas absence. It came after she missed Jimmy Carters state funeralwhere she would have been seated next to Trump. CNN reported at the time that Obama had a scheduling conflict and was still in Hawaii on an extended holiday vacation when the funeral took place.

CHARLY TRIBALLEAU - Getty Images

Barack and Michelle Obama were among the many politicians who fiercely supported Harris in her race against Trump, and Michelle gave an impassioned speech championing Harris at the Democratic National Convention.

Something wonderfully magical is in the air, isnt it? she said after receiving a long standing ovation from the DNC crowd. You know, were feeling it here in this arena, but its spreading all across this country. We love a familiar feeling thats been buried too deep for far too long. You know what Im talking about. Its the contagious power of hope.

Mrs. Obama also gave a hard critique of Trump, addressing his criminal background, questionable business dealings, and all-around values. Whos gonna tell him that the job hes currently seeking might just be one of those Black jobs? she asked, ironically appropriating a line from Trumps June 2024 debate against President Joe Biden, to thunderous applause.

Pool - Getty Images

Barack Obama and Biden will likely be present at Trumps ceremony, as it is common for former presidents to attend each presidential inauguration.

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Former First Lady Michelle Obama will not attend Donald Trumps inauguration next week, although former President Barack Obama will be there along with his living predecessors.

Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies. Former First Lady Michelle Obama will not attend the upcoming inauguration, the office of the former president and first lady said in a statement. No explanation was given.

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Michelle Obama also did not attend the state funeral last week of Jimmy Carter. Her husband did attend, and cameras captured him and Trump sharing laughter at certain moments.

Bill and Hillary Clinton also will attend the swearing in ceremony, as will George and Laura Bush, the Associated Press reported.

President Joe Biden said that he will attend the inauguration, even though Trump skipped his swearing in ceremony in 2021. Trump made false claims that the 2020 presidential election was rigged against him, leading to an attack on the Capitol on January 6.

Michelle Obama campaigned for Kamala Harris in the final weeks before the election, and was a signature speaker at the Democratic National Convention.

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In a statement after last years election, Barack Obama said, This is obviously not the outcome we had hoped for, given our profound disagreements with the Republican ticket on a whole host of issues. But living in a democracy is about recognizing that our point of view wont always win out, and being willing to accept the peaceful transfer of power.

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Tensions in Malis mining sector have further escalated when Malis government has started enforcing a provisional order to remove gold stock from Barrick Golds Loulo-Gounkoto mine complex, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Mali has begun seizing gold at the Loulo-Gounkoto site using helicopters, with the Canadian miner warning in a note to its Malian staff that it may have to suspend operations at the complex. The operation  part of the Malian governments policy of tightening control and increasing its share of profits from resource extraction  was launched at the weekend, with reportedly about four metric tons of gold valued at approximately $245 million having been confiscated by Monday January 13. Barrick Gold owns an 80% stake in both Loulo and Gounkoto while the remaining 20% is held by Mali.

Tensions in Malis mining sector have gradually escalated, with the junta-led authorities taking drastic measures, including detaining senior executives from the company and issuing an arrest warrant for Barrick CEO Mark Bristow. Last week, the worlds second-biggest gold miner by volume announced that it may be forced to suspend operations in the west African country if restrictions on gold shipments were not lifted within a week.

Barrick is now banned from exporting gold from Loulo-Gounkotos stock on site, which further disrupts normal operations. Industry insiders warn that the standoff in Mali, coupled with threats by Burkina Fasos Government to withdraw mining permits from some foreign companies, could deter future investments in West Africa.
Former first lady Michelle Obama will not attend the inauguration ceremony of President-elect Donald Trump, marking the second time this month that she will be absent from a recent gathering of former U.S. leaders and their spouses. Former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton have said they would attend, along with former first ladies Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton, who was also Secretary of State.

Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies. Former first lady Michelle Obama will not attend the upcoming inauguration, said a statement from the Office of Barack and Michelle Obama.

Michelle Obama was also absent from last week's funeral service for former President Jimmy Carter, where her husband and Trump were seated next to each other and appeared to enjoy each other's company despite their political animosity. The public feud between the two presidents began in 2011, when Trump questioned Obama's U.S. citizenship and claimed that he was actually born in Kenya.

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The former first lady recalled in her 2018 memoir how she was shocked and offended by the so-called "birther" campaign, and along with her husband campaigned against Trump in the 2016, 2020 and 2024 presidential elections. In the latest election, Michelle Obama warned that women's lives would be at risk under a second Trump presidency.

No explanation was given for her absence at either the Carter funeral or Trump's inauguration.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP)  Former first lady Michelle Obama will skip the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, the second time in two weeks that she is not attending a gathering of former U.S. leaders and their spouses, but former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton will be there.

Laura Bush and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will join their husbands for the Jan. 20 swearing-in ceremony at the Capitol, representatives said.

Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies. Former first lady Michelle Obama will not attend the upcoming inauguration, said a statement from the Office of Barack and Michelle Obama that was shared with The Associated Press.

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No explanation was given for why Michelle Obama was skipping Trump's inauguration. She also did not attend former President Jimmy Carter's state funeral in Washington last week. Former Presidents Trump, Obama, Bush and Clinton and their spouses attended  except for her.

Bill Clinton will attend Trump's swearing-in ceremony, a person familiar with the former presidents schedule confirmed for the AP. Hillary Clinton will also attend, a spokesperson said.

The Office of George W. Bush said he and former first lady Laura Bush are also attending.

Michelle Obama was the only spouse absent at last week's funeral service at Washington National Cathedral, where her husband and Trump were seated next to each other and chatted and laughed like old friends despite the history of political animosity between the Democratic former president and the returning Republican.

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The former first lady campaigned against Trump during his 2016, 2020 and 2024 presidential campaigns. In her 2018 memoir, she described her shock upon learning that Trump would succeed her husband, and she denounced Trump's birther campaign, which questioned Barack Obama's citizenship.

Michelle Obama campaigned last fall for Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, delivering an emotional speech in Michigan in which she challenged men to vote for the vice president and argued that women's lives would be at risk if Trump returned to the White House.

All three former presidents and their wives attended Trump's first inauguration in 2017, including Hillary Clinton, after she lost the 2016 presidential election to Trump. Carter also attended.
Former first lady Michelle Obama will not be attending President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration next week.

Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies. Former first lady Michelle Obama will not attend the upcoming inauguration, the Obamas office said in a statement.

No reason was given for her absence.

Michelle Obama also did not attend the funeral service last week for former President Jimmy Carter. Barack Obama, George W. and Laura Bush and Bill and Hillary Clinton attended, as did President Joe Biden and Jill Biden and Trump and Melania Trump.

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The Bushes plan to attend the inauguration, the former president's office said. Both Clintons will attend the inauguration, according to their respective representatives, Angel Urena and Nick Merrill.

An aide in Michelle Obama's office said her last public events were campaigning alongside Vice President Kamala Harris in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on Oct. 26, and a get-out-the-vote rally for her in Norristown, Pennsylvania, on Nov. 2. She also sat for an interview on Jennifer Hudson's show on Dec. 17.

Michelle Obama at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Aug. 20.

Michelle Obama has attended every inauguration since her husband's in 2009, including Trump's inauguration when he succeeded Obama in 2017. It was not an experience she enjoyed, she acknowledged on her "The Light Podcast" in 2023.

"[T]here was no diversity, there was no color on that stage. There was no reflection of the broader sense of America. Many people took pictures of me, and theyre like, you werent in a good mood. No, I was not," she said.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Former First Lady Michelle Obama will skip the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump, the second time in two weeks that she is not attending a gathering of former U.S. leaders and their spouses.

Former Presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and George W Bush will be there.

Laura Bush and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will join their husbands for the January 20 swearing-in ceremony at the Capitol, representatives said.

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Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies. Former first lady Michelle Obama will not attend the upcoming inauguration, said a statement from the Office of Barack and Michelle Obama.

No explanation was given for why Michelle Obama was skipping Trumps inauguration. She was the only spouse of a former president absent from Jimmy Carters funeral last week at Washington National Cathedral, due to an extended stay in Hawaii. Her husband and Trump, who was joined by Melania, were seated next to each other in her absence, and chatted and laughed like old friends despite their history of political animosity.

Former presidents Bush and Clinton and their spouses attended the ceremony.

Trump admitted that he was surprised at how friendly his conversation with Obama looked.

Michelle Obama at Donald Trumps first inauguration, which she said was the opposite of what we represented (Getty Images)

It did look very friendly, I must say. I didnt realize how friendly it looked. I saw it on your wonderful network just a little while ago before I came in, Trump told a reporter. And I said, Boy, they look like two people who like each other.

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We probably do [like each other], Trump added, according to The Daily Beast. We have a little different philosophies, right? But we probably do, I dont know. We just got along. But I got along with just about everybody.

We met backstage, as you know, before we went on, the president-elect said. I thought it was a beautiful service. But we all got along very well, which is good.

All three former presidents and their wives attended Trumps first inauguration in 2017, including Hillary Clinton, after she lost the 2016 presidential election to Trump. Carter also attended.

Trump famously didnt attend the 2021 inauguration of President Joe Biden following the January 6 Capitol riot and his attempt to overturn the 2020 election results.

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Michelle Obama has attended every inauguration since 2009, including Trumps first inauguration in 2017.

In 2023, she spoke on her showThe Light Postcast about what it was like to sit in the audience as Trump was sworn in as president.

To sit on that stage and watch the opposite of what we represented on display, there was no diversity, there was no color on that stage, she said.

There was no reflection of the broader sense of America. Many people took pictures of me and theyre like, you werent in a good mood. No, I was not, she added.

Obama went on to say that she cried for half an hour following the ceremony because thats how much we were holding it together for eight years without really being able to show it all.

Additional reporting by AP
Former first lady Michelle Obama is skipping President-elect Trumps inauguration next week, after raising eyebrows by not attending former President Jimmy Carters funeral in Washington, D.C., last week.

In a statement, the Obama family said former President Obama would attend the inauguration.

Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies. Former First Lady Michelle Obama will not attend the upcoming inauguration, the Office of Barack and Michelle Obama said in a statement.

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Former President Obama sat next to Trump at the Carter funeral last week, and they shared a cozy conversation, with Obama laughing and smiling at something Trump said ahead of the services held at the National Cathedral.

Former President George W. Bush at one point walked by Obama and gave him a belly tap but did not appear to acknowledge Trump. That moment went viral and led to speculation about Trumps standing among the exclusive club of living past presidents.

Bush and former first lady Laura Bush, who both attended the funeral, confirmed they would be attending Trumps inauguration on Jan. 20.

Michelle Obamas absence was notable given her tough past criticism of Trump, who succeeded her husband in office.

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She has written of her anger with Trump, who for years pushed a conspiracy theory that Barack Obama was not born in the U.S. and thus was ineligible for the presidency.

For years, Donald Trump did everything in his power to try to make people fear us. See, his limited, narrow view of the world made him feel threatened by the existence of two hardworking, highly educated, successful people who happen to be Black, Michelle Obama said during her speech last summer at the Democratic National Convention.

Her absence at Carters funeral was notable because of the presence of other living presidents and first ladies.

The Obamas said the former first lady was absent from the Carter ceremony due to a scheduling conflict.

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Former First Lady Michelle Obama is not in attendance at President Carters National Funeral Service, a spokesperson said in a statement to The Hill.

Mrs. Obama sends her thoughts and prayers to the Carter family, and everyone who loved and learned from the remarkable former President, the statement said.

CNN reported that the 60-year-old Obama was on an extended holiday vacation in Hawaii.

Story updated at 5:52 p.m. EDT

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Former first lady Michelle Obama will not attend President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on Monday, her office confirmed to ABC News.

"Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies. Former First Lady Michelle Obama will not attend the upcoming inauguration," the Office of Barack and Michelle Obama said in a statement.

This is the second presidential event in two weeks that the former first lady will have missed. She was noticeably absent from former President Jimmy Carter's funeral on Thursday, Jan. 9, at Washington National Cathedral, where she would have been assigned to sit next to Trump.

PHOTO: Former President Barack Obama, U.S. President George W. Bush, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, U.S. and President Bill Clinton attend the State Funeral for former President Jimmy Carter in Washington, Jan. 9, 2025. (Brendan Mcdermid/Reuters)

MORE: Johnson says flags will be raised for Trumps inauguration

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Michelle Obama's planned absence was first reported by the Associated Press.

Michelle Obama has attended every inauguration since 2009, including Trump's first swearing-in ceremony in 2017.

PHOTO: In this Jan. 20, 2017, file photo, President Donald Trump and former president Barack Obama stand on the steps of the US Capitol with First Lady Melania Trump and Michelle Obama, in Washington, D.C. (Rob Carr, Pool via AFP via Getty Images, FILE)

PHOTO: In this Jan. 20, 2017, file photo, President-elect Donald J. Trump greets First Lady Michelle Obama on the West Front of the US Capitol before he was sworn in as the 45th President of the United States, in Washington, D.C. (Tom Williams/AP, FILE)

Former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton will attend the inauguration, as will former first ladies Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton. They all also attended Carter's funeral service.

Michelle Obama to skip Trump inauguration originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Michelle Obama wont be in attendance when Donald Trump is inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States.

In a statement released to the AP, the Obamas clarify that while the former First Lady wont be present, her husband, 44th US President Barack Obama, will be there to represent the family.

Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies. Former first lady Michelle Obama will not attend the upcoming inauguration, reads a statement from the Office of Barack and Michelle Obama.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA  DECEMBER 02: Former First Lady Michelle Obama speaks onstage during the Michelle Obama: The Light We Carry Tour at The Fox Theatre on December 02, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Derek White/Getty Images for ABA)

Former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton will also be in attendance, with their wives, Laura Bush and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, joining them for the swearing-in ceremony.

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This will be the second presidential event Mrs. Obama has skipped as of late, as the author was also unable to attend the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter at the Washington National Cathedral. The day of mourning found husband Barack and Donald Trump sharing an occasional laugh, which caught the attention of both the left and the right. Trump later addressed the friendly exchange, telling NBC News, I didnt realize how friendly we appeared. I said, Boy, they look like two people that like each other. And we probably do. We have a little different philosophies, right? But we probably do. I dont know. We just got along. But I got along with just about everybody.

Michelle Obama has previously campaigned against Trump on behalf of Democratic candidates, in addition to calling him out for his birther campaign against her husband, which questioned Baracks citizenship. She did, however, attend Trumps 2017 inauguration ahead of his first term in office.

TOPSHOT  L-R: First Lady Melania Trump, President Donald Trump,former President Barack Obama, Michelle Obama at the US Capitol after inauguration ceremonies at the in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2017. (Photo by JIM WATSON / AFP) (Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP via Getty Images)

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A 12-year-old boy went joyriding about 90 miles across Michigan before being stopped by police on Sunday, officials say.

The boys dad called police at about 2:35 a.m. Sunday to report that his son took his 2000 Chevrolet Blazer, according to a news release from the Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office. His location and destination weren't known.

Officials in that county couldn't find the boy and contacted other counties in the state, according to the release.

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Clare County Sheriff's deputies were told to be on the lookout about 4:15 a.m., Clare County Sheriffs Lt. Aaron Miller said. A deputy then stopped the boy about 15 minutes later in Grant Township.

Deputies found a 12-gauge shotgun in the backseat along with a small amount of marijuana, Miller said. Miller said the gun had not been used for any purpose during the joyride.

The preteen pointed to some unhappiness at home, Miller said. He was held at the Clare County Sheriffs Office until his parents could pick him up.

Its disheartening that a person so young would be engaged in this activity, said Miller.

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Police are seeking charges for using a motor vehicle without authority but without intent to steal, operating a vehicle without a license, carrying a concealed weapon, and being a minor in possession of marijuana.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 12-year-old Michigan boy took SUV on 90-mile joyride, police say
Michigan state Senate Majority Whip Mallory McMorrow (D), a rising star in the party who spoke at the Democratic National Convention last year, is endorsing Wisconsin state party chair Ben Wikler to helm the Democratic National Committee.

Watching what Ben has built in Wisconsin shows he knows that we must build up the organizing infrastructure everywhere to unrig our states from unchallenged GOP control, McMorrow said in a statement shared through Wiklers team and first shared with The Hill.

But more than that, he understands that it doesnt matter how much we raise or how many doors we knock if people dont want to hear from us before the door opens, she continued. Ben has made the rest of the country perk up and pay attention to Wisconsin  hell, he made a Wisconsin State Supreme Court race national news by breaking down, in plain language, how important the race was and why people should care about it.

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McMorrow grabbed the national spotlight after a 2022 viral speech in which she addressed a GOP colleagues fundraising email that accused her of grooming and sexualizing kindergartners.

McMorrow spoke on the first day of the Democrats convention last year and was even floated as a potential DNC chair candidate before she decided to forgo a run.

Wikler in his own statement said it means the world to have her endorsement.

Her commitment to moving the Democratic Party forward is a model for us all: to listen to everyone and anyone who feels like their country is not fighting for them, to communicate powerful messages everywhere, and to help Democrats use the language that people use in their real lives, he said.

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Wikler is among eight candidates running for DNC chair. Other candidates include Minnesota state party chair Ken Martin, whos received more than 100 DNC committee member endorsements; former Maryland Gov. Martin OMalley (D), who has over 60 endorsements from members; New York state Sen. James Skoufis; and former presidential hopeful Marianne Williamson, among others.

The DNC chair election is Feb. 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 The Hill.
Michigan Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt (R) launched his gubernatorial bid Tuesday, becoming the first Republican to jump into the race ahead of the 2026 midterms.

Michiganders deserve so much better than what theyre getting from these Democrats up in Lansing, Nesbitt said in an announcement video. What weve seen is higher taxes, more spending, more debt, and less jobs.

In the video, Nesbitt detailed his familys history of farming in Lawton, located in the southwest region of the state.

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Additionally, Nesbitt called for an end to the states electric vehicle mandates, greater investment in manufacturing, and a ban on sanctuary cities.

Nesbitt joins Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, who is running as an independent in the race. Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) is term-limited and cannot seek a third term in 2026. A number of other Republicans have been floated as potential candidates including former gubernatorial nominee Tudor Dixon, Rep. John James (R-Mich.), former Michigan state House Speaker Tom Leonard, and former presidential candidate Perry Johnson.

A number of Democrats have also been floated for the position, including Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II, and state Sen. Mallory McMorrow.

Democrats saw statewide victories up and down the ballot in 2022, but President-elect Trump flipped the state in 2024.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Mozambican opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, who returned from a self-imposed exile last week, has called for three days of protests. His appeal came just hours before the southern African country swore in its new parliament on Monday January 13.

Mondlane, whose return from exile on November 7 sparked bloody clashes between his supporters and police in the capital Maputo, has called for three days of protests this week over the results of the highly disputed elections. In a Facebook post at the weekend, the opposition leader urged a national strike only hours before the new parliament was sworn in on Monday, with Frelimos Daniel Chapo due to be inaugurated as president on Wednesday January 15. These three days are important to decide what future the people want, Mondlane said in his post, appealing to his supporters to declare a national strike paralyze activities during these three days.

Mondlane insists he was robbed of victory in the elections, in which the ruling Frelimo party secured victory to extend its half a century grip on power. In December, Mozambiques highest court confirmed the parliamentary seat allocation based on their performances during the elections, giving Frelimo party 171 seats, while the smaller opposition Podemos party won 43. Let us demonstrate against the inauguration of those who betrayed the will of the people on Monday and against those who stole the will of the people on Wednesday, Mondlane said while Chapo called for calm and unity after months of deadly unrest. Mondlane also earlier vowed to inaugurate himself as the countrys president in a separate ceremony held on January 15, the same day Chapo will be taking the oath of office.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said the flags at the U.S. Capitol will be raised to their full height on Jan. 20 in honor of President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration, a move that also may be contrary to the code governing Old Glorys display following the death of Jimmy Carter.

On January 20th, the flags at the Capitol will fly at full-staff to celebrate our country coming together behind the inauguration of our 47th President, Donald Trump, Johnson announced Tuesday.

The flags will be lowered back to half-staff the following day to continue honoring President Jimmy Carter, he added.

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Carter, the 39th president, died Dec. 29, sparking a bipartisan outpouring of public remembrances for his time in office as well as his philanthropic efforts. His body lay in state at the Capitol for two days in the Rotunda before a funeral at the Washington National Cathedral Thursday.

On the day of Carters death, President Joe Biden issued a proclamation ordering all U.S. flags at public buildings and at U.S. facilities abroad be lowered to half-staff for 30 days as an expression of public sorrow.

Johnsons move will almost undoubtedly be welcomed by Trump, who has made no secret of his annoyance at the pleasure he said Democrats were deriving from knowing flags would be at half-staff during his inauguration.

The Democrats are all giddy about our magnificent American Flag potentially being at half mast during my Inauguration. They think its so great, and are so happy about it because, in actuality, they dont love our Country, they only think about themselves, he wrote in a social media post Jan. 3.

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Nobody wants to see this, and no American can be happy about it.

He also hinted, 11 days before Johnsons announcement, that flags may not still be at half-staff when he is sworn in. Lets see how it plays out, he wrote.

Johnson is beginning the 119th Congress with an extremely thin GOP majority  219 Republican seats versus 215 Democratic ones  and has lately been vocally supportive of Trump. The president-elect helped clear a path for Johnson to keep the speakers gavel by endorsing him, and Johnson has often publicly approved of Trumps Cabinet picks and backed up his public statements on social media.

The Capitol would not be the only locale where flags would be at full height on Jan. 20. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican and supporter of Trump, announced Monday flags at the state capitol and public buildings would be full-staff, saying While we honor the service of a former President, we must also celebrate the service of an incoming President and the bright future ahead for the United States of America.

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However, raising the flag before the end of the 30-day half-staff period for Carter may violate the U.S. flag code, the section of federal law laying out customs and procedures for flying the stars and stripes.

The flag shall be flown at half-staff 30 days from the death of the President or a former President; 10 days from the day of death of the Vice President, the Chief Justice or a retired Chief Justice of the United States, or the Speaker of the House of Representatives; from the day of death until interment of an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, a Secretary of an executive or military department, a former Vice President, or the Governor of a State, territory, or possession; and on the day of death and the following day for a Member of Congress, according to the code.

Abbott, in his statement announcing his decision to raise the flag, said he relied on another section of the law  a shorter, weaker provision that says only that the flag should be displayed every day and lists various holidays and public observances, like presidential inaugurations, where it should especially be displayed.

Related...
MILFORD  Milford Food Bank, a resource in the fight against hunger in Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan, has announced the launch of its $1 million capital campaign to fund the construction of a 12,000-square-foot storage facility.

This new facility will not only provide expanded storage but will also house office space and an upgraded food packaging room to help the Food Bank significantly increase its capacity to serve those in need, organizers said.

Groundbreaking for the new building is scheduled for later this year, marking a transformative step forward in the organizations mission.

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Milford Food Bank has a long-standing history of sharing the love of Christ by providing food to individuals and families facing food insecurity. With the new facility, the organization will be able to more than double its food output, ultimately helping to feed hundreds of thousands more individuals in the Michiana region each month.

The expanded space will also allow for more efficient food packaging and distribution, improved logistics, and a greater ability to support their hundreds of regional food partners.

We are at a critical point in our growth, and with the continued support of the public and our incredible food partners, we can reach even more people who are struggling with food insecurity. This new facility will allow us to dramatically expand our capacity and extend our reach to more partner organizations, all while staying true to our mission of sharing the love of Christ and serving those in need, said Angie Deak, development manager of Milford Food Bank.

Milford Food Banks services currently extend across Kosciusko and Elkhart County, and 22 other counties in Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan, reaching over 125,000 people each month. By partnering with food pantries, recovery homes, churches, backpack programs and community kitchens, Milford Food Bank distributes over 350,000 pounds of food each month.

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The capital campaign to raise $1 million will be supported by individuals, businesses and organizations committed to ending hunger in the region. Milford Food Bank is offering several sponsorship levels, each with special recognition in the new building, including naming rights for various areas of the facility and tickets to its Night of Faith fundraiser on March 28. They want to ensure that donors are honored for their generosity in helping to build a stronger, healthier community for all.

We are reaching out to individuals, local businesses, and our partner organizations to ask for their support in this campaign, Deak said. With donations big and small, we can build a facility that will not only serve our immediate needs of today but also position us to continue serving Michiana for decades to come.

The new facility will be a beacon of hope for the tens of thousands of families and individuals struggling with hunger across the region. Milford Food Bank is committed to continuing its mission of being the hands and feet of Jesus, providing food, compassion, and love to those facing food insecurity, the organization said.

More information: www.milfordfoodbank.org/ newbuilding or angie @milfordfoodbank.org.
The News

Donald Trump won a majority of voters without college degrees last November in part by promising a presidency that would bring economic relief to our citizens.

Now comes the hard part.

Trumps arrival in office comes at a tipping point for a Republican Party hes reshaped in his image. Hes outlined a number of populist economic goals, vowing to get rid of taxes on tips and overtime pay while weighing a significant expansion of the child tax credit and new tariffs that he sees as a boon to US manufacturing. His populist allies have gone further: Steve Bannon told Semafor last month that it was time to taxes on the wealthy and corporations.

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But Trump is now avidly pursuing new corporate partners and investments that line up with a fiercely pro-business  and conventional  Republican agenda, hosting tech industry chiefs at Mar-a-Lago as he forges a close alliance with Elon Musk and rolls out a $100 billion SoftBank investment. The contrast between Trumps pro-working class talk and his pro-business actions has some of his own supporters asking whether any of his more populist ideas will end up becoming real administration policies.

The choice between those visions is the million-dollar question, and in my opinion the top story, one person in Trumps orbit told Semafor. Because, to answer anything else, weve got to know the answer to that.

On Capitol Hill, generations of Republicans have seen a vote for any tax increases as politically perilous. A few of them are still open to taking the risk as they craft a bill extending Trumps first-term tax cuts.

Were legitimately looking at, should we adjust the corporate rate from, say, 21% to 23%, Rep. Clay Higgins, R-La., told Semafor.

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But most GOP lawmakers sound like Rep. Andrew Clyde, R-Ga., who said simply: No, no, no. Negative. I dont believe in raising taxes.

One of Clydes fellow conservatives, Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., said hes never supported raising taxes on anybody and would have to look closely at any bid to raise the corporate rate.

Burchett also aired a sentiment thats somewhat common among Hill Republicans: Simply making good on their bigger promises as a party, as opposed to any specific populist agenda, will be enough to keep working-class voters in their corner.

If the Republicans will just keep their word  reduce the size of government, fix the wall, reduce our spending, do all those things we said we were going to, decentralize government, close down some of these worthless departments and make some cuts at the Pentagon  I think, if we just do all those things, I think well be okay, Burchett said.

Know More

Early tension is already high between self-styled America-First populists and more tech-friendly conservatives, key camps of Trumps base that are broadly led within the MAGA ranks by Bannon and Musk, respectively.

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The first schism came at the end of last month over H-1B visas for highly skilled workers. More immigration-skeptical opponents like Bannon and right-wing agitator Laura Loomer argued that wealthy tech magnates like Musk support the visas because they can bring in foreign workers who cost less, while H-1B backers like Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy touted the benefits to the US from admitting immigrants with higher education.

After that Bannon-Musk clash, Trump said hes a big believer in H-1B visas  a switch from his stance in 2016. That didnt settle things down; more recently, Bannon told an Italian newspaper he would fight to limit the evil Musks access to the Trump White House.

Beyond the duos personal animus, however, are other opportunities for the broader party to embrace or downplay Bannons call for a more working class-friendly GOP.

One of those chances comes in the form of Trumps campaign plan to abolish taxes on tips, which some Republican lawmakers seem open to embracing so long as guardrails are installed to ensure lower-income taxpayers see a benefit.

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You have to define what is a tipped worker, or else well have all of these hotshot lawyers taking tips instead of retainers, Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-N.Y., told Semafor.

Other Republicans see a successful extension of Trumps 2017 tax cuts, which lowered rates for individuals as well as corporations, as a potential boost to working-class taxpayers thats bigger than any of Trumps specific pre-election rhetoric.

Rep. Buddy Carter, R-Ga., noted that The average Georgia family makes $75,000 a year. If we do not [extend] the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, theyre going to have an increase of $1,500 a year.

Asked about higher taxes on the wealthy, Carter said: I dont think thats a good idea, but, you know, perhaps in some kind of context, it might be.

The View From Sen. Josh Hawley

Both Republicans and Democrats in Congress have championed extending the child tax credit, which the Trump tax cuts hiked in 2017 and outgoing President Joe Biden later extended. During the 2024 campaign, the parties jostled again to court working-class voters by touting the credit; at the time, Vice President-elect JD Vance said hed like to raise it to $5,000.

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For Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo.  whos found common ground with progressive Elizabeth Warren on plans to rein in the pharmaceutical industry and curb bank CEO pay  a bigger child credit is his partys best chance to help the working class.

Raising taxes on the wealthy would be pretty hard to get into a party-line tax bill, Hawley told Semafor, and his support for that idea would depend on what it is.

What Im more interested in is getting very significant tax relief for working people and working families with the child tax credit, right? he added. And Ive said to my colleagues, like, Im open to other ideas, if theyve got other better ideas about how to deliver real tax relief to people who are not paying a bunch of income taxes.

Kadia and Shelbys View

Most tax proposals Republicans are considering will be expensive, and (as is typical) its going to be hard to get any bill through Congress. Its even tougher to see the party passing one that violates its unofficial code against raising taxes, even on the wealthy and corporations.

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Which, in turn, will put the onus on Democrats to brand the future GOP tax plan as unfriendly to the working class.

But beyond specific tax clashes, the H-1B visa battle shows that the larger divide between anti-elite populists like Bannon and the Musk wing of the party could end up defining Trumps second term.
A hazardous weather advisory is in effect for the Milwaukee area, with wind chills dipping as low as -10 degrees Tuesday morning, according to the National Weather Service.

The freezing cold is forecast to linger throughout the night into Wednesday morning. In temperatures between 13 and 31 degrees, the American Red Cross recommends taking indoor breaks every half hour, and in wind chills below 13 degrees, staying indoors to minimize frostbite risk.

For those without shelter, the Milwaukee Coalition on Housing and Homelessness operates seven warming centers across the city. Here's what to know about them:

The shoreline of Lake Michigan on a frigid cold day at Atwater Park in Shorewood, December 13, 2024.

When do the warming centers open?

The overnight warming centers operate from from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily

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Priority placement takes place from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. daily for individuals verified to be sleeping outdoors by a street outreach team. At 8 p.m., most of the centers open to the general public  though availability varies between centers, so check the list below for more details.

Where are the warming shelters?

Here's where you can find the warming centers in Milwaukee. Note that some centers are only open to certain groups, such as single men or single women.

Guest House of Milwaukee , at 1216 N. 13th St. Open to single men.

Unity Lutheran Church , at 1025 E. Oklahoma Ave. Open to singles and families.

Tippecanoe Church , at 125 W. Saveland Ave. Does not accept walk-ins.

Repairers of the Breach , at 1335 W. Vliet St. Open to singles.

Milwaukee Rescue Mission Joy House , at 830 N. 19th St. Open to single woman and families.

Milwaukee Rescue Mission Safe Harbor , at 830 N. 19th St. Open to single men after 10 p.m.

St. Benedict the Moor Parish, at 930 W. State St. Open to singles.

More information on cold weather safety

You can visit the City of Milwaukees website for more information on cold weather safety and warming shelter information. You can also visit 211s website for more information on warming centers in the greater Milwaukee area. For information on overnight shelter locations, call 211.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee overnight warming centers: hours, time, availability
A 17-year-old Milwaukee boy has been criminally charged after prosecutors say he negligently handled a gun near his friend and fired off a round, killing the 18-year-old Texas man.

The shooting took place Jan. 9 in the 6000 block of West Carmen Avenue. Prosecutors charged Jaden E. Jenkins-Delane, 17, Tuesday in connection with the death of Christopher Carter Jr.

Carter had been staying at Jenkins-Delane's Milwaukee residence when the shooting occurred, according to a criminal complaint. Carter was the first shooting death in Milwaukee in 2025.

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Jenkins-Delane told investigators he was cleaning a round from a handgun when it went off, striking Carter in the pelvis. Jenkins-Delane and his mother drove Carter to the hospital and along the way, Carter threw the gun out the car window, Jenkins-Delane said to authorities. Carter stated that Jenkins-Delane shot him by mistake and "something was janky with the gun," the mother said to investigators.

Carter was driven to St. Joseph's Hospital, but later transported to Froedtert Hospital, where he died. His family couldn't immediately be reached for comment Tuesday.

Jenkins-Delane is not legally allowed to posses a firearm. He was charged with homicide by negligent handing of a gun and possession of a dangerous weapon by someone under 18. He made his initial appearance in court Tuesday where bail was set at $7,000.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee teen charged with negligent homicide in death of Texas man
A military airstrike targeting armed groups in the conflict-ridden northwest region of Nigeria has mistakenly killed at least 20 civilians in the Maradun and Zurmi communities in Zamfara State. The casualties were members of community security outfits.

The airstrike, the third such misfire in just over a year, was carried out by the Nigerian Air Force, which was targeting rebel groups in the area. Sulaiman Bala Idris, a spokesman for the State governor, confirmed on Sunday January 12 that members of the Civilian Joint Task Force and local vigilantes were mistakenly identified as fleeing bandits during the operation in Tungar Kara.

While the exact number of casualties has not been confirmed by officials or the Air Force, local resident Salisu Maradun reported that 20 bodies had been counted, and 10 others were receiving treatment for injuries. Despite the civilian deaths, the Zamfara State government described the airstrike as a success, claiming it had effectively targeted bandits as part of a renewed military offensive.

The Government pledged continued support to improve intelligence sharing, logistics, and community engagement. Since 2017, Nigerian airstrikes aimed at combating extremist violence have resulted in the deaths of approximately 400 civilians, according to SBM Intelligence.

The military has faced criticism for its lack of transparency in investigating such incidents. In December 2023, over 80 civilians were mistakenly killed during a religious gathering in Kaduna State. Although the military announced in May 2024 that two personnel would face Court martial, no findings have been released from the investigation.
Minnesotas Democratic state representatives walked out Tuesday, failing to show up for the first day of the legislative session to deny the state House a quorum amid a fight over how to manage a chamber that's set to be equally divided.

After Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon, who control's the chamber's gavel between sessions, adjourned the state House and said there was no quorum, state House Republicans nonetheless moved to convene a legally questionable session in a half-empty chamber and elect a new speaker.

The 67 Republican members present voted unanimously to elect state Rep. Lisa Demuth as speaker, though the designation is set to be challenged in court.

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State Rep. Melissa Hortman, Democrats' speaker-designate, condemned the proceedings before they even began, saying she expected a "kangaroo court" and a "sham" proceeding, noting Democrats would go to court to try and block them from conducting business.

"We have to accept election results even when we don't like them. And Republicans want to do this kind of crazy revisionist version where they just throw out election results if they don't like them, and we can't let them trample over our democracy in that way," Hortman said ahead of the session.

Voters elected 67 Democrats and 67 Republicans to the state House in November, and lawmakers began to craft a power-sharing agreement for the tied chamber, which requires a quorum of 68 to conduct business. But after a residency challenge knocked one Democrat out of office  forcing a special election for Jan. 28  and an incident of tossed absentee ballots called into question anothers victory, Republicans said they planned to take control of the body.

"It is no longer a tie  someone broke the law. The court ruled that he could not take office. I think my Democrat colleagues are frustrated with that reality," Demuth said in an interview on Monday night.

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By failing to show up, Democrats are keeping Republicans from electing a state House speaker and appointing committee heads without all their expected members present. The Democratic caucus plans to stay away from the Capitol until after the special election in late January, when another Democrat is expected to be elected giving them more power in the House.

At noon, we will have a total body membership of 133 members that are eligible to take the oath of office, 68 is usually a quorum, but under these circumstances, the way that we are looking at it is members that are eligible to take the oath of office is 133 so that would give us a 67-member quorum, Demuth said.

Simon, the secretary of state, made it clear he disagreed.

If there are not 68 members present, I have no authority to take any further action and will adjourn, Simon said in a letter to leadership last week. He promptly adjourned the session after taking the roll call and finding just 67 members on Tuesday.

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The walkout comes after negotiations between the parties, which ran late Monday and into Tuesday morning, failed. Democrats argue that the open seat set for a special election is in a safe Democratic seat, maintaining the legislative tie, while Republicans insist nothing is set in stone.

National Democrats have responded in kind, with the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee announcing a $100,000 investment into the party caucus to support them broadly and the candidate, David Gottfried, who is running in a seat a Democratic candidate won in November by 30 points.

Then there are the issues surrounding state Rep. Brad Tabke, whose win in November was called into question when election officials discovered theyd accidentally thrown out 21 absentee ballots without counting them.

Tabke won by 14 votes in initial tallies. After investigating the thrown-out ballots, a state court upheld Tabkes win on Tuesday, citing testimony from enough voters whose ballots had been thrown out who said under oath theyd voted for Tabke.

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But Minnesota law dictates that the state House of Representatives determines Tabkes eligibility, meaning a Republican majority could force another election for the seat.

In a statement Tuesday, Hortman said Democrats have no other recourse than to deny a quorum until the special election restores the 67-67 balance.

Democrats are united in our will to fight Republican efforts to kick Representative Brad Tabke out of the Minnesota House. We cannot allow Republicans to engage in this unprecedented abuse of power, and will use every tool at our disposal to block it, she said.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Abbie Stockard was crowned the new Miss America on January 5.

The 22-year-old Auburn University student told BI how she prepared for the competition.

Stockard studied a binder with 150 political and current event topics daily for months.

Before competing at Miss America 2025, Abbie Stockard wanted to make sure she was prepared for the interview round.

So, the 22-year-old Auburn University student prepared a binder with 150 political and current event topics, which she studied every day for months.

The hard work paid off on January 5, when Stockard became the fourth Miss Alabama to win Miss America in the organization's 104-year history.

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In a recent interview with Business Insider, Stockard revealed how she prepared for the competition and why she thinks it's important that Miss America can speak on global issues.

Abbie Stockard has been crowned Miss America 2025. Courtesy of Miss America

The Miss America pageant features rounds in evening wear, fitness, talent, and interviews. The latter includes an eight-minute private interview with judges during the preliminary competition and an onstage question during the finals.

"They can ask you literally anything, so you have to be prepared for it," Stockard said.

In addition to doing two to three mock interviews a week, Stockard said she went through her binder of 150 topics every day.

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"I would be like, 'OK, I'm going to cover topics one through 20 today, and I'm going to look at statistics and formulate some talking points,'" Stockard recalled. "I looked at it like I was studying for a test. That's the nursing student in me."

"That's what took up the most of my time," she added. "Making sure I was prepared but also keeping up with current news stories and making sure I could formulate an opinion if asked about them."

During her private interview, Stockard said she was asked what age she thought it was appropriate for a child to have a cellphone or social media, as well as how she would define diversity. During the onstage final on January 5, contestants also discussed censorship, national debt, housing, and immigration.

While questions regarding hot-button issues and current events remain a staple of Miss America, they have disappeared from the Miss USA pageant. Their absence is no accident.

Stockard is the fourth Miss Alabama to win the Miss America competition. Courtesy of Miss America

When Laylah Rose took over as owner and CEO of the troubled organization in September 2023, she decided that interview questions involving politics, religion, or sex were off-limits. She told BI at the time that she wanted to highlight the contestants "as individuals, and I really want them to shine within themselves and who they are."

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Amid a July 2024 investigation into the Miss USA Organization, multiple past contestants told BI they were shocked by the change and said it diminished the purpose of the pageant.

"Most women get into pageantry because they feel like there's a voice that's missing," said Miss Utah 2020 Rachel Slawson, the first bisexual woman to compete at Miss USA. "Taking that away from women is just really watering them down, and very disappointing when you spend so many years working to have a platform and have your voice heard."

"It removes any individuality to the titleholder so they can be used for anyone and anything," Miss Montana 2020 Merissa Underwood told BI. "It feels akin to the beginning, when Miss USA was literally just about selling swimsuits."

As the new Miss America, Stockard said she believes it's important that she can "speak out on the timely issues of my generation today."

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"It doesn't necessarily mean speaking out about my political opinions, but simply using my platform to encourage civic engagement and encourage people to vote, volunteer, and stay informed because I think that is necessary for the future of our democracy," Stockard told BI.

"We have a lot of political and social issues ruling the news today," she added. "I want the world to know that Miss America is a light, she's a role model, she's an inspiration, and she can engage with people regardless of their age, their background, or their political beliefs."

Read the original article on Business Insider
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV)  A recently drafted bill in the Mississippi Legislature could land those who help a minor get an abortion without parental consent in prison for the rest of their lives.

Representative Mark Tulloss (R-District 79) Safeguarding Teens from Out-of-State (abortion) Procedures (STOP) Act would contribute to Mississippis already strict abortion laws. The bill creates a felony offense for helping a minor get an abortion or abortion-inducing drug without parental consent.

This encompasses providing lodging, shelter, transportation or money provided for said abortion. It also includes moving a minor within, into, out of or through Mississippi for the procedure. One found guilty will be in jail anywhere between 20 years to life, receive a fine between $50,000 and $500,000 or both.

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New Mexico is a go-to state for women seeking abortions. A new court ruling helps it stay that way

Except under limited circumstances, abortions are illegal in Mississippi. The bill seeks to expand Mississippis jurisdiction beyond its borders to punish one for actions done legally in another state. Based on the language of the bill, people who are not even residents of Mississippi may be punished for going through Mississippi to seek an abortion that is not legal in their home state.

An affirmative defense to prosecution under the STOP Act is that a parent or guardian of the minor consented to their harbor or transport for an abortion. According to the bill, it is not an affirmative defense to prosecution that the person or entity performing the abortion or providing the abortion medication is located outside of Mississippi.

Mississippi House Bill 148 may potentially infringe on rights protected by the U.S. Constitution. Anticipating legal challenges to the STOP Act, Tullos wrote that each provision of the bill is severable. Simply put, if one part of the STOP Act is deemed unconstitutional, other portions of the law are still valid.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV.
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV)  Following a major U.S. Supreme Court Decision on homelessness, as well as visible changes around the capital city, some wonder about the scope of Mississippis laws.

In 2024, Mississippi had the lowest rate of homelessness per capita nationally. Still, the state implemented various policies to combat the problem. Over the last few years, state agencies built fences under various portions of I-55 in Jackson to deter homeless encampments. Last year, the Jackson City Council approved funding for the construction of 60 tiny homes for the homeless in the heart of the capital city.

In 2024, the nations high court ruled that outdoor sleeping bans in public places do not amount to cruel and unusual punishment toward homeless Americans. Though it arguably influenced a recent bill proposed in the Mississippi legislature, state laws and initiatives related to homelessness already exist. Below is an overview.

Mississippi Interagency Council on Homelessness

The council created in 2013 continuously develops and implements a plan to reduce homelessness. It includes a strong focus on the needs of homeless children, youth, families, individuals and veterans. Most of the councils members are appointed by Mississippis governor.

Tax credit program

Taxpayers may earn a tax credit by donating to eligible transitional home organizations. The organizations must target homeless persons under 25 years old, homeless families or unwed pregnant women who are either homeless or referred to an eligible transition home. The tax credit is available to individual taxpayers and various business entities.

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Caucus works to fight blight in Mississippi communities

Local housing authorities

If local governing bodies find that unsanitary or unsafe housing exists and that there is a shortage of safe, sanitary and affordable dwellings for low-income families, they may vote to create a housing authority for its residents. A petition signed by at least twenty-five local residents can also be enough for a local government to create a housing authority under Mississippi law.

Conclusion

Mississippi lawmakers may craft multiple pieces of legislation related to homelessness in the 2025 legislative session. One such already bill drafted by Representative Jerry R. Turner (R.-District 18) is likely influenced by the landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling last year.

Mississippi House Bill 297 prohibits people from sitting, lying or sleeping, as well as storing, using, maintaining or placing personal items on public property or certain statutorily defined places. These places include public or private schools, community colleges, universities, daycares, residential facilities, public parks and libraries.

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At the discretion of the prosecutor, a violation of Turners proposed law may be charged as a misdemeanor. It is punishable by a maximum fine of $5,000 and/or a maximum of six months in jail.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV.
JACKSON COUNTY, Mo.  A man faces a new criminal charge after authorities discovered several images of child pornography on his phone while he was incarcerated in Missouri.

The Jackson County Prosecuting Attorneys Office has charged Zachary Quick, 29, of Mission, Kansas, with one count of possession of child pornography.

According to a probable cause statement obtained by FOX 2, law enforcement officials were notified on Nov. 17 that Quick was possibly in possession of child pornography, two days after he was initially arrested for an unrelated matter.

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While Quick was incarcerated, an individual known to him briefly accessed his phone. During that time, the individual allegedly discovered images of inappropriate material, then reported that to police, according to the probable cause statement.

Authorities later completed a digital extraction of the phone, which revaled at least 10 images classified as child poronography, per the probable cause statement.

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According to online Missouri court records, a warrant was prepared on Jan. 10 in connection with the charge, and Quick has been ordered to avoid contact with anyone under the age of 18.

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Quick has a preliminary hearing over the charge set for Feb. 13.

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Michelle Smith, director of the Missouri Justice Coalitions, speaks during a Jan. 3, 2024, memorial service for the 364 Missourians who died in state custody in 2021, 2022 and 2023. Deaths in the Department of Corrections hit a new high of 139 in 2024 (Rudi Keller/Missouri Independent).

Deaths in Missouri prisons hit a new high in 2024.

The preliminary total, 139, is two more than the 137 recorded by the Department of Corrections in each of the previous two years and represents the fourth year in the past five where deaths behind bars have averaged 10 or more a month.

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There were four executions in 2024. The other 135 fatalities in 2024 among people who were serving less than a death sentence were due to disease, overdose, violence or suicide.

It takes about 100 days on average for county medical examiners to complete and distribute autopsy reports, so at this point we dont know all the causes of death for 2024, but we do know that most were from natural causes, Karen Pojmann, department spokeswoman, wrote in an email to The Independent.

Deaths in Missouri prisons have increased in number despite a drop in the number of people incarcerated.

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From 2020 to 2024, the department averaged 128 deaths per year while holding an average of 23,690 people. Over the previous five years, deaths among people in state custody averaged 95 per year, while the average population in that period was 31,561.

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Department data shows 89% of deaths in custody over the past 20 years are due to disease, or natural, causes, Pojmann wrote. The remainder are due to homicide, suicide, and accidents, a category that includes overdoses.

There have been a few headline-grabbing deaths in Missouris prisons. In the case with perhaps the most attention, the warden of the Jefferson City Corrections Center was removed in June following an investigation into the December 2023 death of Othel Moore. A little more than a week later, criminal charges were filed in Cole County against corrections officers accused of second degree murder and assault in the death of Moore.

Moore, 38, was pepper-sprayed in the face multiple times, had his face improperly covered by a hood that blocked his nose and mouth and was left unattended in a cell.

Doris Ann Scott and Oriel Moore, Othel Moores mother and sister, have filed a federal lawsuit against the department, its health contractor Centurion and several corrections officers and medical personnel.

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Advocates for people in prison and their families say deaths are unacceptably high and question whether the department is being held accountable for the increase in mortality.

For 13 months, Trevor Foley has been acting director of the corrections department. He has been designated to take the job permanently, subject to state Senate confirmation, by Gov.-elect Mike Kehoe.

Foley has already shown a greater willingness to communicate than his predecessor, said Lori Curry, of Missouri Prison Reform, who has sources among current and former staff and inmates. Curry tracks deaths among people in custody by name, location, date and cause of death.

Trevor Foley has a lot of work ahead of him, and we definitely need more accountability and transparency, Curry said.

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Pojmann, the department spokesperson, said the raw numbers of prison deaths are being taken out of context, often implying cause for alarm.

The narrative, she added, that Missouri prison death rates are disproportionately high and/or are rising at a rate thats disproportionate to the population  or the narrative that most in-custody deaths are caused by neglect or violence  is simply false and is not backed up by data.

Causes of deaths

Entrance sign at the South Central Correctional Center in Licking (Department of Corrections photo).

The advocates who track prisoner deaths have been raising alarms about health care and drug use behind bars.

Prisoner health care is a common complaint, Curry said.

Missouri contracts with Centurion Health, which was owned by St. Louis-based Centene Corp. when it won the contract in 2021 but which has since been sold to private investors.

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We have heard overwhelmingly from people that live in the prisons and the people that are supposed to be able to take care of them that theyre not able to do that, Curry said. The people are not receiving treatment for basic things all the way up to severe things.

When a coroner lists a death as resulting from natural causes, it doesnt necessarily mean the person received adequate care for the condition that resulted in their death, former Texas County Coroner Marie Lasater told The Independent.

Lasater handled cause-of-death determinations for people who died in custody at the South Central Correctional Center in Licking. In 2024, she said 19 men held there died  the second-highest total among the 19 adult prisons.

Theres been a couple that were in diabetic ketoacidosis, which is a natural death, but its because they werent being monitored or receiving medication that they need, Lasater said.

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A coroner must choose between natural, suicide, homicide, accident or undetermined for the death certificate filed with the state Bureau of Vital Records, Lasater said. Some states have an additional category, she said, known as medical misadventures, which covers unexpected death for any reason from a treatable medical condition.

So that limits us, Lasater said.

An increasing portion of deaths in custody is drug overdose, often from the powerful opioid fentanyl. Lasater included notations in her 2023 annual report that seven of the eight fentanyl overdose deaths in Texas County were at South Central Correctional Center and eight of the 18 deaths that year in the facility were due to overdose.

The number would be much higher, she said, without the use of naloxone, also known as Narcan.

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There are several deaths daily, and the corrections officers resuscitate a lot of people every day, Lasater said.

The department has taken several actions to block the flow of contraband. It installed body scanners, requires all personal correspondence be conducted digitally and is working to move legal mail to digital platforms only to reduce the chances for contraband entering the prison.

Families and friends cannot mail books or other goods directly to people who are incarcerated.

The warden and a top supervisor at the South Central Correctional Center were removed amid reports that an investigation showed contraband was entering the prison through a poorly screened gate.

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From everything that we hear from people that live inside prisons and work in prisons, its easier to get drugs in prison than it is outside, and it should not be that way, Curry said.

Missouris 19 adult prisons  17 for men and two for women  held 24,133 people on Friday. Over the course of a year, Pojmann wrote, 35,000 people are incarcerated, with constant arrival of new inmates and departure of those who have died, been paroled or completed their sentence.

The slight increase of about 1% in 2024 reflected a slight increase in the average daily census in the system, she said.

The death rate among people incarcerated for all or part of 2023 was 3.89 per thousand, while the general rate among the state population was 10.7 per thousand, Pojmann said.

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People in prison, however, are not susceptible to many accidental causes of death, such as the automobile accidents that killed almost 1,000 people in 2024.

While the incarcerated population may not be perfectly analogous to the state population as a whole, the comparison does provide some relevant context, particularly for people who assume that all in-custody deaths are suspect or are preventable, Pojmann wrote.

Health issues among prisoners are increasing as the population trends older, Pojmann wrote. The average age for people in a state prison is 41.7 years, compared to the state average age of 38.8. The share of the prison population over 50 has increased to 25% from 18.7% in the past 10 years, she wrote.

More than half have at least one chronic health condition.

Missouris prison population is older and sicker than it was 10 years ago, Pojmann wrote.

The death rate among people in the custody of the corrections department is similar to the national average and lower than five of eight surrounding states, Pojmann wrote.

The largest number of deaths in a single prison in 2024 was 23 in the Eastern Reception and Diagnostic Center, a prison that includes an initial intake facility that houses about 2,350 people.

The second largest was 19 at the South Central Correctional Center in Licking, which has a population of 1,600, followed by 16 deaths at the Jefferson City Correctional Center, which holds about 1,700.

There were no inmate deaths at the Boonville Correctional Center, which houses 828, the Ozark Correctional Center in Webster County, where 663 are held, or at the Womens Eastern Reception and Diagnostic Center in Audrain County, which had 773 women in custody.

Only three of the deaths occurred at the other prison housing women, the Chillicothe Correctional Center, which has a population of 1,256.

Informing families

Last year, Willa Hynes won a $60,000 Sunshine Law judgment against the department for withholding records related to the death of her son, Jahi Hynes, who took his own life on April 4, 2021, in his cell at the Southeast Missouri Correctional Center in Charleston.

Hynes has also filed a wrongful death suit against the department and Corizon Health, the prison medical contractor at the time of his death.

Brandon Pace died April 7, 2023, at the Tipton Correctional Center (Photo submitted).

Another case in the courts is the federal lawsuit filed by Tammy Reed, the mother of Brandon Pace, who died April 7, 2023, at the Tipton Correctional Center. The 11 counts in the lawsuit seek damages for wrongful death, civil rights violations and Missouri Sunshine Law violations for refusing to turn over any of the records, including video recordings, of the events prior to Paces death.

According to the lawsuit, when Pace refused to give up what corrections officers believed to be methamphetamine, they put him in a holding cell and ordered him to strip for a search. When he refused, the officers called the Correctional Emergency Response Team.

Members of that team sprayed Pace with an excessive dose of pepper spray while Mr. Paces hands were restrained behind his back and his legs shackled, the lawsuit states.

Videos record almost all activity in Missouri prisons but a common complaint in the lawsuits is the department refuses requests from family members for the records. The attorneys for Othel Moores family in October released the recording of his final moments of life obtained through their efforts in the lawsuit.

Dena Notz, who worked as a corrections officer in South Central Correctional Center during 2022, is an advocate with Collectively Changing Corrections. They have a special focus on the prison at Licking.

Lasater, she said, used her expertise as a registered nurse and trained forensic scientist to obtain answers for the families of men who died in the prison.

Shes gone through a lot to try to be as transparent as possible with the families and with the news and everything, Notz said.

Lasater made monthly social media posts summarizing her offices work that included causes of death for cases from the prison. The men sent to her were patients, and the family members deserve to know all the information she can provide, Lasater said.

I feel terrible for the families, Lasater said. They can get no information out of the prison about what happened. They get false information, and have a hard time getting the personal belongings back.

I dont have any restrictions, she added. I give the families what information I have.

Because of the lengthy time it takes to get autopsy results, Lasater collected blood samples for toxicology analysis. That information is included in her reports, she said.

The administration at South Central did not like her insistence on receiving full medical reports and video of the inmate at the time of their death and then reporting what she found, Lasater said.

Ive been blocked, blockaded, insulted and threatened for trying to do my job, Lasater said.

Every coroner serving a county where there is a prison should push to get information for families, she said.

Theres no reason to hold it back, Lasater said. Theres no such thing as HIPAA in a death investigation. Its open.

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Minnesotas Legislative session could be off to a bumpy start Tuesday as a Democratic-Farmer-Labor and Republicans continued to fight late Monday over a power-sharing agreement in a narrowly divided House.

Last years election delivered a tied House, but after a DFLer got disqualified over residency issues, Republicans currently have a one-seat majority. Theyll likely try to use their temporary advantage to elect Lisa Demuth as speaker and act as a majority  something Democrats are trying to stop from happening by threatening not to show up for the vote.

We know that a tie is likely coming in two weeks, said one-time House DFL Majority leader Rep. Jamie Long, DFL-Minneapolis, noting a special election scheduled for Jan. 28 is expected to yield a DFL win and restore a 67-67 tie. Yet, this morning, we heard from Lisa Demuth that she said that wont matter  shes going to be speaker for two years and exercise power as if they were in charge for two years.

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If DFLers make good on their no-show threat itll deny the House quorum of 68 members needed to conduct business, per their interpretation of the state Constitution. In response, Republicans on Monday threatened to file recall petitions against members who dont show up to the House chamber for quorum calls.

For those who refuse to fulfill their basic duty we stand ready to begin the constitutional process of recall, said Minnesota Republican Party Chair Alex Pechash. We are committed to holding every legislator accountable. If you dont show up for the job you shouldnt keep it.

What constitutes a majority?

Secretary of State Steve Simon, a DFLer, said he would adjourn the House if there arent enough votes for speaker  also 68 in his view  meaning the House may not conduct any business on the first day.

Right now Republicans have 67 seats to DFLers 66, and Democrats argue 133 members isnt enough to move forward with business in the House like voting on bills or electing a speaker. The House has 134 seats, and under their interpretation of the Constitution that means bills need 68 votes  a majority of members.

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However, its disputed as to whether thats the case. Republicans have advanced their own interpretation that a majority means a majority of elected members, not seats. And others, including the House Clerks Office, have said a majority of 133 is enough to take votes.

DFLers had most of their members sworn in on Sunday, meaning they wont have to show up on the first day if needed. Typically members swear in at noon on the first day of session, something noted in the state Constitution, and Republicans decried the move as illegitimate.

DFL House Speaker Designate Melissa Hortman said she hoped Republicans might accept a deal where theyd temporarily assume the majority on Tuesday and revert to a previously negotiated power-sharing agreement if the 67-67 tie returns.

No agreement had been reached as of late Monday.

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Minnesota has to pass a two year state budget by June 30 or risk a government shutdown.

Election disputes

House Republicans also are pushing to preserve the organizational majority they currently claim.

Theyve suggested they might not seat a DFL member who won by just a handful of votes in a Shakopee-area House race. Republicans challenged the election of DFL Rep. Brad Tabke late last year, and a decision in the case is pending.

If Tabke is not seated, there would have to be a new election in a district he won by a tiny margin. DFLers have said such a move would be an abuse of power by Republicans.

The state GOP also filed a lawsuit to delay a special election called for Jan. 28 by Gov. Tim Walz to fill a Roseville-area House seat after the withdrawal of DFL Rep.-elect Curtis Johnson in December over his disputed residency.

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While the DFL says it is likely to win that special election, a delay could give Republicans more time to work with their provisional majority.

Senate power-sharing

Expect less drama in the Senate.

DFL and Republican caucuses in the Senate, which is temporarily tied 33-33 following the death of Sen. Kari Dziedzic in late December, have reached a power-sharing agreement.

Under the agreement announced by leaders Sunday, each party will appoint a co-presiding officer for the Senate. Committee seats will be split between the parties and have co-chairs.

Under these terms, we can begin the work of 2025, avoid gridlock, and uphold the best of this institution, said DFL Caucus leader Erin Murphy, a senator from St. Paul.

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GOP Senate leader Mark Johnson, a senator from East Grand Forks, said the agreement would build trust and respect.

Democrats are expected to reclaim a majority in the Senate in a few weeks. A primary election in the DFL-dominated district is set for Tuesday, the first day of session, and the special election is on Jan. 28.

The makeup of the Senate also could be affected by the outcome and timing of the felony burglary trial of Sen. Nicole Mitchell, a Woodbury DFLer accused of breaking into her stepmothers Detroit Lakes home last April.

Shes declined to resign and her fellow DFLers have not gotten on board with removing her from office, saying she needs to face trial before they make a decision. Her trial was initially scheduled for later this month, but her attorneys have asked a judge to push the trial until after the session.

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MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG)  Mobile Police Department officers arrested a construction company employee after he allegedly broke into two vehicles and stole one of them from the business.

Mobile police investigating shooting at U.S. Coast Guard office

30-year-old Cody Brian Keith was arrested and charged with two counts of unlawful breaking and entering and first-degree theft of property.

According to an MPD news release, officers were called to Wiregrass Construction on Wolf Ridge Road for a report of a vehicle broken into and a vehicle theft.

INCIDENT LOCATION:

Officers said when they arrived, they found an employee of the business, now identified as Keith, had broken into the two vehicles and stolen the other from the property.

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Mobile gas station robbery under investigation: MPD

Keith was arrested and taken to Metro Jail.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG)  Mobile police are investigating a shooting near Montlimar Drive, News 5 has learned.

Mobile police investigating after 1 shot on St. Stephens Road

According to a Mobile Police Department news release, officers responded to the U.S. Coast Guard office at 1110 Montlimar Drive on Jan. 13 about a bullet hole in the window.

INCIDENT LOCATION:

Police said the shooting could have happened between Friday, Jan. 10, and Monday, Jan. 13.

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Day 1 testimony of trial for Greene County man accused of killing Mount Vernon native

The MPD release said the building was not occupied at the time of the shooting.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
Indian prime minister Narendra Modi on Monday inaugurated a strategic tunnel in Kashmir which will grant accessibility to the isolated parts of the region all year round for the first time.

Mr Modi opened the Z-Morh (turn) tunnel  a 6.5km road in the resort town of Sonmarg in Jammu and Kashmir.

The town denotes the end of the conifer-clad mountains of the Kashmir Valley before Ladakh begins across the rocky Zojila mountain pass. The tunnel will now grant it accessibility for the first time all year round.

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The second tunnel, about 14km (9miles) long, will bypass the challenging Zojila pass and connect Sonamarg with Ladakh and is expected to be completed in 2026.

The $932m project includes a second tunnel and a series of bridges and high mountain roads that will link Kashmir with Ladakh, a cold desert region nestled between India, Pakistan and China that has faced territorial disputes for decades.

Mr Modi later at a public meeting, attended by hundreds of people in freezing weather, said the ambitious project would improve road connectivity and boost tourism in the region.

Experts say the tunnel project is important to the military, which will gain significantly improved capabilities to operate in Ladakh while also providing civilians with freedom of movement year-round between the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh.

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The Indian Army on Monday said it has not reduced the number of troops on its Himalayan frontier with China for the winter deployment, said Chief of Army staff (COAS), General Upendra Dwivedi, despite a significant breakthrough in bitter border standoff between the two nuclear powers.

Addressing the Indian Armys annual press conference in Delhi on Monday, Mr Dwivedi said the "situation is sensitive but stable" along the Line of Actual Control, the de facto border between the countries.

Traffic moves past a banner in Srinagar, welcoming the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders to inaugurate a strategic tunnel project that connects Kashmir with Ladakh, Monday, 13 Jan 2025 (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Relations between the two neighbours, which share a 3,488km border, hit a new low in July 2020 after at least 20 Indian army personnel and four Chinese soldiers were killed in a deadly clash in the Galwan Valley in Ladakh. It was the first time in 45 years that a clash on the border had led to fatalities.

The clash quickly escalated into a standoff, with both sides stationing thousands of military personnel backed by artillery, tanks and fighter jets along the border. The two sides subsequently reported sporadic incidents of fighting between the two armies as high level talks were started between the two militaries to disengage and deescalate.

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New Delhi and Beijing reached a deal in October last year to resolve the four-year military stand-off and a few days later they pulled back troops from the disputed border.

During winter deployment, the number of troops come down. So therefore, at least in the winter strategy, we are not looking forward to any reduction of troops, Gen Dwivedi told reporters in New Delhi.

An Indian paramilitary soldier patrols near an electronic display in Srinagar, welcoming the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate a strategic tunnel project that connects Kashmir with Ladakh, 13 Jan 2025 (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

"When it comes to the summer strategy, well take a review based on that time, how many negotiations and meetings have taken place," he said.

During the period of negotiations, the Indian and Chinese pulled back some forces from the Pangong Tso Lake and the Galwan Valley but the situation remained tense in the strategic areas such as Depsang and Demchok in Eastern Ladakh where the talks appeared to hit a deadlock.

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He confirmed that the situation in Depsang and Demchok in Eastern Ladakh  the last two friction points  has been resolved and patrolling of troops have begun as before.

He said all the commanders have been authorised to handle the trivial matters with respect to patrolling and grazing at the ground level so that these issues can be resolved at the military level itself.

Own deployment along LAC is balanced and robust. We are well poised to deal with any situation. A focus capability development for northern borders enabled infusion of niche technology into a war-fighting system, he said.

The army chief said 80 per cent of militants in the Jammu and Kashmir region are of Pakistan origin while 60 per cent of those eliminated by the Indian army in 2023 were Pakistanis.

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The situation (in Jammu and Kashmir) is firmly under control. On the Line of Control, the ceasefire which has been effective since February 2021 is holding on. However, terror infrastructure remains intact, Gen Dwivedi said.

India and Pakistan each control a part of Kashmir but both claim the territory in its entirety. The Indian military has long blamed Pakistan for sponsoring terrorism in the Indian controlled part of Kashmir where militants have been fighting against New Delhis rule since 1989.

Pakistan denies the charge, and blames India for human rights violations in the region.

Additional reporting by agencies.
China, UK pledge to build open world economy: Chinese FM spokesperson

Xinhua) 09:10, January 14, 2025

BEIJING, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- China and the United Kingdom pledged to build an open world economy during their latest round of economic and financial dialogue, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said on Monday.

The 11th China-UK Economic and Financial Dialogue was co-chaired by Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and British Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves in Beijing on Saturday.

"The two sides reached 69 win-win outcomes," spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a regular news briefing when asked about the dialogue.

The two sides expressed their common willingness to uphold multilateralism and economic globalization, and their commitment to upholding the rules-based multilateral trading system with the World Trade Organization at its core, and to building an open world economy, Guo said.

The two sides believe that China-UK cooperation is conducive to the development of both countries, agreeing to work together to maintain secure, stable and smooth global production and supply chains and oppose decoupling, and to reduce barriers to two-way investment and promote a non-discriminatory and open business environment, Guo said.

He said the two sides reached consensus on industry, agriculture and energy cooperation.

They also stressed that finance is a highlight of China-UK cooperation, and expressed their willingness to strengthen cooperation on financial policies and financial regulation, and to achieve practical outcomes on the two-way opening and connectivity of financial markets, Guo added.

The outcomes of the dialogue, reflecting the breadth and depth of China-UK economic and financial cooperation, is beneficial to the two countries and the world, Guo said, adding that China is ready to work with the UK to deliver the outcomes.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
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:

Epidemic curves for suspected cases eligible for study enrollment (A) and all suspected cases regardless of eligibility (B), colored by hepatitis E case status. Credit: The Lancet Infectious Diseases (2025). DOI: 10.1016/S1473-3099(24)00657-1

Hepatitis E, a potentially serious viral liver disease, is transmitted through contaminated water. The risk is particularly high in populations with limited access to safe water and sanitation. In South Sudan, outbreaks have regularly ravaged camps for internally displaced persons and their host populations.

Although a vaccine has been available since 2011, its 3-dose regimen makes it difficult to administer in such a context. A team from Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), MSF Epicenter, Johns Hopkins University (JHU), the South Sudanese Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization (WHO), the University of Geneva (UNIGE) and the Geneva University Hospitals (HUG) conducted clinical and lab studies after a vaccination campaign to assess its effectiveness in protecting individuals and helping to control the epidemic.

Their results showed that the vaccine was effective with just the first two doses. These results are published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases.

Hepatitis E is a viral infection that is particularly dangerous for pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses, with a mortality rate of up to 10%50%. "Symptoms of hepatitis E are similar to other diseases that cause acute jaundice, making it difficult to detect. While we don't have precise estimates of the global burden, some have put it at around 50,000 deaths a year," explains Andrew Azman, epidemiologist at the UNIGE-HUG Center for Emerging Viral Diseases, MSF and JHU, who led this research.

"The Bentiu camp in South Sudan, home to more than 100,000 people who have been displaced due to civil war, is a regular victim of hepatitis E and other waterborne disease outbreaks, likely due to the poor sanitation conditions and frequent flooding."

The Hecolin vaccine, developed in China and licensed in some countries since 2011, has been recommended as a potential tool in outbreaks by the WHO. However, until this use in an outbreak, it had only been used in the context of controlled clinical trials and travel medicine in China.

"That's why it was essential to study the vaccine's effectiveness on other populations and in regions where the type of virus circulating is different from China, as well as the logistical feasibility of such a campaign," adds Isabella Eckerle, Professor at the Faculty of Medicine and Director of the UNIGE-HUG Center for Emerging Viral Diseases.

"In particular, it was important to understand its effectiveness after just two doses, whereas it is usually administered in three doses six months apart."

An original research partnership

The Center for Emerging Viral Diseases, a specialist center run jointly by the HUG and the UNIGE Faculty of Medicine, provided scientific support to the MSF field teams in charge of the clinical aspect of the study.

"The vaccination campaign targeted individuals aged 16 years and took place in three rounds, in March, April and October 2022," explains Iza Ciglenecki, Operational research coordinator at MSF Switzerland. "Our study then compared the vaccination status of 201 patients testing positive for hepatitis E between May and December 2022 with that of others in their neighborhood presenting no symptoms.

"Despite fewer hepatitis E cases than expected after vaccination, our study revealed that two doses of vaccine was effective, an excellent result given the particular context of a camp for displaced people."

The samples were then sent to the laboratories of the Center for Emerging Viral Diseases to determine the biological characteristics of the virus and immune responses. "These laboratory data, which were challenging to carry out on site, not only demonstrated the protection induced by the vaccine, but also enabled us to better understand transmission and the performance of diagnostic tests, which can help us design better outbreak responses in the future," emphasizes Eckerle.

"This project represents a rewarding synergy between MSF's operational expertise and our own in translational research and diagnostic excellence."

A global stockpile created by the WHO

The study therefore confirms the protection provided by two doses of this vaccine, even during an epidemic, and the reduction in the incidence of the disease. "Our results combined with others helped lead to the recent approval by WHO's International Coordinating Group (ICG) on Vaccine Provision of a stockpile of hepatitis E vaccines for emergencies.

"This stockpile has the potential to save many lives and we're looking forward to seeing it in action. These results have also already contributed to the WHO recommendations on the use of a two-dose schedule," concludes Azman.

More information: Robin C Nesbitt et al, The effectiveness of two doses of recombinant hepatitis E vaccine in response to an outbreak in Bentiu, South Sudan: a casecontrol and bias indicator study, The Lancet Infectious Diseases (2025). DOI: 10.1016/S1473-3099(24)00657-1. www.thelancet.com/journals/lan  (24)00657-1/fulltext Journal information: Lancet Infectious Diseases
Moeller High School presented Jason Niehaus as the school's third president on Tuesday, a role he will begin Feb. 3.

Niehaus will join Moeller with experience in healthcare leadership working for Trilogy Health Services in Kentucky and TriHealth in Cincinnati. In a release, the school points to Niehaus's skills in organizational management, strategic planning and fostering mission-driven cultures as necessary in guiding Moeller to its next chapter.

Jasons combination of professional expertise, personal integrity, and deep connection to the Moeller family made him the ideal choice to lead our school, said Bill Oeters, Moellers board chair and 1976 graduate. We are excited to see his vision and leadership take Moeller to new heights while staying rooted in our Marianist values.

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As a 1993 Moeller graduate, he's familiar with the school's legacy and mission.

Returning to Moeller is deeply personal for me. This school helped to shape my values, my character, and my faith. I am humbled and honored to lead this extraordinary community, and I look forward to building on its rich tradition and continuing the momentum that has been building over the last decade, he said.

We are thrilled to announce that Jason Niehaus, a proud Moeller alumnus from the Class of 1993, is Moellers next president. Jason's deep-rooted commitment to Catholic education and the Moeller community as well as his extensive leadership experience make him the ideal choice. pic.twitter.com/b39hGQk8fE  Moeller High School (@MoellerHS) January 14, 2025

Niehaus earned a master's degree in business from the University of Notre Dame - Mendoza College of Business in 2008. He has a bachelor's degree in health care administration from Mount St. Joseph University, where he volunteered as chairman of the board from 2017-2019.

He issued the following statement on LinkedIn:

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"Sometimes, Gods call comes in the most unexpected ways. For me, it started with a job posting for a President role that seemed to follow me everywhere. Every time I saw it, I wondered if it was more than coincidencea subtle nudge from God. Still, I was uncertain. Was this truly His direction, or simply my own ambition?

"Seeking clarity, I visited my fathers grave, a place of solace and reflection. There, I poured out my thoughts, sharing my doubts about the signs and my uncertainty about pursuing the role. I told him  and, in truth, I told God  that I would only pursue it if someone reached out to me directly. It was my way of placing the decision firmly in Gods hands, trusting Him to make the path clear.

"The following Wednesday, I received a call from a board member. My name, they said, had been raised as a candidate of interest for the role. In that moment, the message was undeniable: the door had been opened for me. I realized then that the key to following Gods call is to recognize the moment, embrace the possibility, and trust Him to guide the outcome.

"We never know when God will call us to serve Him, but the key is to remain open and available when He does. His timing may be unexpected, and His signs may seem small at first, but when we trust Him, He will guide us to the places where we are needed most.

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"Having answered Gods call and being selected to serve in the capacity of President of Moeller High School, I will work tirelessly to fulfill the mission and leave an imprint on the lives of those we serve with every encounter. It is a privilege to step into this role, and I am committed to ensuring that our work honors the values and purpose that brought us here.

"Glad to be here, happy to serve."

Carl Kremer served as the interim president since former president James Marshall Hyzdu resigned April 3, 2024.

Hyzdu, 45, was arrested outside a Nashville bar in March 2024. He was charged with criminal trespass, public intoxication and disorderly conduct, all of which are misdemeanors. He was placed on leave from his job and resigned. Prosecutors dropped the criminal charges April 24.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati Archbishop Moeller names Jason Niehaus next president
A New Jersey mother of four whose nail salon co-workers grew worried when she failed to show up for work was found dead in a Pennsylvania dumpster.

On Sat., Jan. 11, the body of Lucrecia Jadan Sumba, 39, of Elizabeth, N.J., was found in a dumpster on the 200 block of S. 3rd St. in Coopersburg, Pa., the Lehigh County Coroners Office and Forensics Center said in a statement.

An autopsy revealed that Sumba died of sharp force injuries. The manner of death was ruled a homicide.

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On Tuesday, Jan. 14, the Union County Prosecutor's Office announced that Rolando Corte, 42, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with Sumba's death. The Union County Prosecutor's Office confirmed to PEOPLE that Corte was Sumba's husband.

Born in Ecuador, Sumba leaves behind four children: Leonel Corte Jadan, 21, , Christian Corte Jadan, 19, Danny Corte Jadan, 18, and Eidan Corte Jadan, 5, according to a GoFundMe set up to help defray funeral costs and to help her children.

Sumba worked at Princess Nails in Elizabeth, according to the GoFundMe.

Sumba had the day off on Wed., Jan. 8, and as usual, woke up and took Danny and Eidan to school, the GoFundMe says.

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On Thursday, Jan. 9, when she failed to show up for work, her boss and co-workers started wondering where she was, the GoFundMe says. Its very unusual for her not to show up to work or call to inform if she was not able to go to work, it says.

Her boss and her co-workers called her many times, left voicemails and finally went to her house looking for her, according to the GoFundMe.

On Jan. 9, her boss and son reported her missing to police in Elizabeth.

On Friday, Jan. 10, Elizabeth police came to her home and began a search, according to the GoFundMe.

Police officers notified the family that the house was a crime scene, and they were not allowed to stay there until investigations were over, it says. Her children, her family and close friends along with her boss and co-workers were very confused and not understanding what was happening."

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

In a statement obtained by PEOPLE, Lehigh County District Attorney Gavin Holihan said, This investigation is being conducted by an out-of-state agency. There is no risk to the public."

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According to the GoFundMe, Sumba came to the U.S. in 2021 and worked as a housecleaner and babysitter before working at the nail salon. She was working toward earning a GED.

Corte is being held at the Union County Jail. He is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday, Jan. 16. It is unclear whether he has retained an attorney who can speak on his behalf.

A very hardworking woman, raising her children with love and sacrifices, Lucrecia Elizabeth decided to come to the United States looking for a better future for her family, states the GoFundMe.



Read the original article on People
MONTCLAIR, N.J. (PIX11)  A Montclair, New Jersey, teacher is in custody in connection with a threat that closed schools Monday.

Montclair Public Schools sent an email to parents at 5 a.m. Monday, notifying them that school would be closed for the day because of a security concern.

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Montclair police later issued a press release, clarifying the threat. According to police, the threat was made via social media and directed at a specific Northeast Elementary School staff member. The Essex County Prosecutors Office and FBI worked with Montclair police overnight Sunday to determine the source of the threat.

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The suspect was identified as 45-year-old Amir Doctry, a Northeast Elementary School teacher currently out on administrative leave. He was arrested without incident at 8 a.m. Monday at a home in Philadelphia. He is being charged with terroristic threats and additional charges are pending.

In a YouTube video posted on Sunday, Doctry claimed he would be the next superintendent of Montclair Public Schools. The videos caption contains the words, Joe must die school shooting Montclair.

Montclair parents are relieved the district decided to play it safe and cancel class Monday.

Its unsettling for sure, said Erin Johnson, a mother. It seems like maybe the teacher was having a hard time and just spiraled maybe.

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Well, its horrifying, said Abby Walsh, a mother. You dont really know whats going on exactly but you trust the process and you trust the system and you know that theyre doing everything they can to keep our kids safe.

Northeast fifth grader Quincy Meskill described Doctrys teaching style as unique and interesting but said Doctry has not been in class the last few days.

I actually thought he was pretty cool, said Meskill. He would come in in the morning playing Tupac and stuff.

In addition to canceling classes Monday, Montclair police increased police patrols outside schools out of an abundance of caution.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
MORAGA, Calif. (KRON)  As the fire continues to burn in Los Angeles, fire crews in the East Bay are taking steps to reduce the risk a wildfire might bring to the area.

Firefighters with the Moraga-Orinda Fire District are taking advantage of an unusually dry January to burn piles of trimmings cut down last spring from oak trees that dot the hillside behind St. Marys College.

Los Angeles residents escape to Bay Area amidst wildfires

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Dennis Rein with the Moraga Orinda Fire Protection District says prescribed burns like these are going on year-round, weather permitting, in hopes of creating a fire break or moat around the communities of Moraga, Orinda and Lafayette.

Theres a community up in Bollinger Canyon that would be at risk from a fire that started here on a west or north wind day, that could blow embers back up into the canyon, where we really couldnt get to them easily, Rein said.

Fire behavior in the wildland is really has three influencing factors: fuel, weather, and topography, Rein continued. We cant do anything about the topography. The weathers got a mind of its own, as were seeing about whats going on down south. So the only thing that we can really control is the fuels, and so what were trying to do is reduce those fuels before we get a weather event or a fire starts at the toe of a steep slope and creates a wildfire.

But clearing brush or other fuels is not just the work of firefighters.

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The fire district reminds people that keeping properties fire safe is also the responsibility of homeowners  should weather conditions allow clearing brush is something to be attended to year-round.

Thats something Moraga homeowner Steve Hoyt is well aware of.

I grew up in Southern California, Hoyt said. I used to work in Pacific Palisades, and I lived in the Pasadena area, so I know exactly their terrain, and there are some striking similarities here.

Hoyt leads the Campolindo Firewise neighborhood, a group of 400 homes where residents encourage each other to reduce fire risk around their homes.

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Elon Musk donates Cybertrucks to provide LA community with power, Internet amidst wildfire devastation

Residents have been trained by the fire department to do home assessments, Hoyt said. Typically, this time of year we dont get any requests for home assessments, weve had eight. This week, since the LA disaster and I think people do realize that what happened there could happen here.

Hoyt says with residents working hand in hand with the fire district the hope is to reduce the risk should a fire break out in the area.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
A rescue mission is underway for hundreds of illegal miners believed to be trapped in a disused shaft in South Africa, according to reports

More than 100 people are believed to have died from starvation or dehydration, the Associated Press claimed

Over 500 people are still thought to be underground, per the news agency, amid the stand-off with authorities that's been going on since last year

A rescue mission is underway for hundreds of illegal miners thought to have been trapped for months in an abandoned shaft in South Africa, according to reports.

More than 100 people are believed to have died from starvation or dehydration, with at least 24 bodies and 34 survivors being brought out of the Buffelsfontein Gold Mine in the town of Stilfontein since Friday, Jan. 10, per the Associated Press.

Mzukisi Jam, regional chairperson of the South African National Civics Organization, said, We are happy that this (rescue) operation is happening, even though we believe that if it was done earlier, we wouldnt even have one dead person. This follows confirmation that six bodies and eight survivors had been recovered on Tuesday, Jan. 14, according to the news agency.

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Over 500 miners are thought to still be underground, the AP reported.

CHRISTIAN VELCICH/AFP via Getty A rescue operation is underway as hundreds are thought to be trapped in a disused mine in South Africa A rescue operation is underway as hundreds are thought to be trapped in a disused mine in South Africa

Related: 3 Believed Dead as Rescue Workers Race to Save 9 Men Trapped in Flooded Coal Mine: Reports

The Mining Affected Communities United in Action (MACUA)  which is a National Movement representing and advancing the rights and interests of mine-affected communities across South Africa  claimed that "more than 100 have died" in a Facebook post on Sunday, Jan. 12.

The MACUA took authorities to court in December "to force them to allow food, water and medicine to be sent down to the miners," according to the AP.

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Magnificent Mndebele, head of communication and media at the nonprofit organization, agreed with Jam's comments in an email to PEOPLE.

Mndebele insisted that had the South African Police Service (SAPS) acted earlier to retrieve people, "no one would have died," claiming the miners "had been trapped," and not "deliberately refusing to come out."

Mndebele added that MACUA estimates "the number of trapped [people] underground is somewhat between 400 to 900 miners," and thanked the professional rescue service for being "incredibly helpful."

AP Photo/Denis Farrell Authorities are pictured on Nov. 15, 2024 near the South Africa mine where hundreds are trapped Authorities are pictured on Nov. 15, 2024 near the South Africa mine where hundreds are trapped

The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) shared a video on Facebook showing the rescue operations in progress at the mine site.

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Per the AP, relatives said some miners had been underground since July.

Zinzi Tom, the sister of a missing miner, said, The last time I spoke to my brother was in July, when he told us that he is going underground, per the news agency.

We had not heard anything from him, but yesterday one of the miners who surfaced said he saw him about two weeks ago. Apparently he is very sick and he is struggling to survive, Tom added.

AP Photo/Themba Hadebe Rescuers help a man who was trapped in the disused mine in South Africa Rescuers help a man who was trapped in the disused mine in South Africa

According to the BBC, authorities blocked food and water supplies to the miners last year after they reportedly entered the shaft without permission.

The DMRE told the outlet that the recovery included "lowering down a cage" to hoist up "once loaded with people." The MACUA shared photos of the cage to Facebook on Monday, Jan. 13.

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Police have said miners were afraid of being arrested after coming out of the shaft, per the AP. Some have been arrested since November, but the exact number has not been confirmed, the news agency stated.

On Nov. 18, 2024, a message from the country's President Cyril Ramaphosa on The Presidency Republic of South Africa website stated that "the stand-off at Stilfontein must be resolved peacefully and safely."

AFP via Getty Aerial view of where miners access Stilfontein on Nov. 17, 2024 Aerial view of where miners access Stilfontein on Nov. 17, 2024

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"Illegal mining is a form of criminality that has caused a great deal of anger and anguish in communities," the post said, adding, "For over a month now, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other Government agencies has been working to resolve a situation of several hundred illegal miners refusing to surface from an abandoned gold mine."

"The police will carry out their duties and responsibilities to bring the illegal miners to the surface safely. They will do all they can to reduce the risk of harm to the miners and to our law enforcement officials," the post went on, stating that "more than 1,000 miners have surfaced and been arrested."

Never miss a story  sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Per the AP, the mine where the people are trapped is 1.5 miles deep and "has multiple shafts, many levels and is a maze of tunnels." It would take miners days to "make a dangerous trek to another shaft," the outlet stated.



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DMRE and a spokesperson for the country's President, Cyril Ramaphosa, didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE.

PEOPLE also attempted to reach out to the Minister of Police, Edward Senzo Mchunu, via email, but his inbox was unable to accept more messages.



Read the original article on People
More than 400 people will be displaced from their current roles Amazon upgrades a local warehouse.

An Amazon spokesperson tells Channel 11 that the company is spending $20 million to upgrade its Findlay Township sorting center over the next six to eight months. The work focuses on installing new package sorting equipment that should reduce customer costs and support faster delivery. It should be wrapped up before the 2025 holiday season.

Due to this construction, Amazon says 432 workers will be displaced starting on March 12. The 237 permanent employees will be able to transfer to another facility  there are eight in total in and around Pittsburgh. If those employees choose not to stay with Amazon, the company will help with job assistance and is offering a severance package.

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Amazon says its working with the remaining 156 seasonal employees to find them other jobs within the company.

All employees are welcome back once construction is complete.

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A coalition of hundreds of scientists and medical professionals urged the Senate to reject Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s nomination to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, saying his fringe beliefs could be dangerous to the U.S. and the rest of the world.

The letter, released Monday by a group calling itself Defend Public Health, includes more than 700 signatories from many universities, including public health schools at Yale and Harvard. The coalition argues that Kennedy is unqualified to lead the nations health agencies, which include the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration.

He has little to no relevant administrative, policy or health experience or expertise that would prepare him to oversee the work of critical public health agencies, the letter reads. The nations health department must be led by someone who respects and believes in science  robust basic research, pandemic preparedness and evidence-based approaches to all conditions that threaten Americans lives and well-being and are designed to protect us from cradle to grave.

The authors point directly to Kennedys long history of spreading unfounded conspiracy theories about vaccines among his other fringe views on water fluoridation and foods like raw milk.

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His nomination, they continue, is unfathomable even for President-elect Donald Trump, saying the man could undo years of progress developing vaccines under his first administration during the COVID-19 pandemic.

His unfounded, fringe beliefs could significantly undermine public health practices across the country and around the world, the letter reads.

Kennedy has spent weeks meeting with lawmakers in Washington, D.C., to assuage fears about his past remarks. However, his confirmation is not certain, given the slim Republican majority in the Senate.

The New York Times notes that another large group of Kennedy allies in the medical field released their own letter in support of his nomination last month, saying his leadership would restore our nations health and renew trust in our public health institutions.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  An artificial intelligence gun detection software that connects to schools security cameras and is monitored by military veterans is growing in popularity across the state.

ZeroEyes, founded in 2018, uses AI to detect brandished firearms within view of any camera that is equipped with its software. If a suspected firearm is detected, the footage is forwarded to the companys operation center, which is staffed by retired military and law enforcement personnel.

Three Ohio cities significantly drop in Zillows 2025 most competitive markets list

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Once the center confirms there is an active threat, the company notifies the appropriate school employees, security personnel and first responders. This process can happen in as fast as three to five seconds and is intended to reduce response times by law enforcement.

(Photo Courtesy/ZeroEyes) (Photo Courtesy/ZeroEyes) (Photo Courtesy/ZeroEyes)

While ZeroEyes has several education clients in Ohio, some districts are not comfortable with revealing their security measures, a spokesperson with the company said. However, since 2023, three districts and one career center in the state have publicly joined the hundreds of other education institutions across the country that use the software. The service is emerging as another weapons detection option that does not involve students walking through a scanner.

Evolv, a company that offers walkthrough detectors that aim to identify both concealed and brandished weapons, is one of the most popular weapon detection systems in American schools. Evolvs detectors use sensors and AI to detect guns and knives, distinguishing weapons from everyday items such as keys, according to its website.

Founded in 2013, Evolv is used at eight major school systems in Ohio, according to a spokesperson. This includes Columbus City Schools, which implemented the security system for $3 million in February 2023.

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The truth about coyotes in central Ohio

However, in late November, the Federal Trade Commission filed legal action against Evolv. The lawsuit alleged the company has misled the public about its detectors abilities and that the scanners have failed to detect weapons in schools while flagging harmless personal items.

Although Evolv disagreed with the allegations and denied any wrongdoing, it shortly agreed to a settlement and several recommendations from the FTC, including allowing certain customers to cancel their contracts, which are often multiyear deals.

Columbus City Schools declined to comment on the lawsuit specifically but said Evolv has been instrumental in providing an added layer of safety at schools across the district.

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Since our implementation [in] February 2023, it has reduced the number of guns collected or attempting to be brought into our high schools by students and visitors as this was the No. 1 concern, a spokesperson with the district said. To date, we do not have any record of any guns that have been brought into our high schools or detected after processing through the Evolv systems.

ZeroEyes does have its limits, as it cannot recognize concealed weapons out of the cameras sight, and focuses exclusively on firearms. The American Civil Liberties Union has also addressed concerns about the software, specifically that it may incentivize the installation of surveillance cameras everywhere. The nonprofit also said false positives are unavoidable and may result in tragic or fatal confrontations with police.

Sources: DeWine likely to name Vance replacement soon

The company addresses privacy concerns on its website, stating its AI is trained to only detect guns and is incapable of facial recognition, voice recording or other invasive measures. It also claims human verification helps reduce false alarms.

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Among the districts that have been public with their use of the system is northeast Ohios Berkshire district, which ZeroEyes announced as a customer in September 2023, and Cardinal district, which the company announced as a customer in December. ZeroEyes also revealed on Monday that Kenston Local School District, also in northeast Ohio, is now using the software.

The Tri-County Career Center, which sits between Logan and Athens, implemented the software over the summer before the 2024-2025 school year. Superintendent Connie Altier said the school was the first to do so in the southern half of the state. Altier said she discovered the technology when the company put on a presentation about their services at a nearby school during the spring.

It was one of those things that I was like, now that I know this is out there, I cant not have it because I need to keep my staff and students safe, Altier said.

The software was installed in the schools existing security cameras, and three staff members are set to receive alerts through phone calls and texts on detected threats, including notifications about fake guns, according to Altier. She said the company works with schools and considers their budget.

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[Price] was one of the things that they dont ask that we share because they want to work with every school district to see what they can do and make sure that they can put this in as many places as they can, Altier said.

Three Ohio cities significantly drop in Zillows 2025 most competitive markets list

ZeroEyes website states it offers custom pricing based on how many cameras the costumer wants the software installed on, the length of the service agreement and other factors. The company does claim it is generally cheaper than metal detectors and other concealed weapon censors.

Its very easy to use and the people at ZeroEyes have been excellent on training, theyre very thorough with everything, Altier said. I would suggest people to look into it because in our day and age, you dont know whats going to happen.

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So far, Altier said the software has not detected any weapons at the school. The AI detection software has not thwarted an active shooter to date, but it has resulted in thousands of fake and real gun detections in schools, according to Eastern Michigan 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV.
Tuesday and Wednesday are set to be the coldest days this week, and more snow has already started to drop across parts of central Indiana. According to the National Weather Service for Indianapolis, light snow accumulations will likely cause minor travel impacts this morning and afternoon.

Snow is expected to continue until 10 a.m. across central Indiana.

Be prepared for slow travel and minor impacts due to slick spots on roads and reduced visibility at times.

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Indianapolis is expected to see half an inch or less of snow.

The snow is coming right before a night of bitter cold with lows of 0 to -5 over most of central Indiana. Those same freezing numbers are expected early Wednesday with wind chills making the temperature feel as low as -15.

NWS Indianapolis encourages people to wear multiple layers if outside and to bring pets inside to ensure they have a warm shelter.

Indianapolis weather: When could snow melt? NWS says more on the way. The latest forecast

Indianapolis weather updates

This satellite image from this morning (1/13) shows the extensive snow cover across Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and northern Kentucky. Northwestern Illinois and southern Wisconsin have little or no snow cover. #inwx pic.twitter.com/Jr6IStwkFb  NWS Indianapolis (@NWSIndianapolis) January 13, 2025

x.com

Temperatures over the next week will go from very cold to warmer than normal then down right frigid. The warm up at the end of this week should allow for mostly rain rather than snow for the first time in a while. Additional light snow possible tomorrow and again Sunday. #INwx pic.twitter.com/IpEZm9HH53  NWS Indianapolis (@NWSIndianapolis) January 14, 2025

This week's weather forecast

 Tuesday, Jan. 14: Snow showers will hit early in the morning with peeks of sunshine happening later in the day. The high will be 22 degrees with winds going 10 to 20 mph. There's a 60% chance of snow with accumulations reaching less than one inch. Night time will be mostly clear with a low of two degrees.

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 Wednesday, Jan. 15: We'll see mainly sunny skies with a high of 22 degrees. By the evening, the low will be 14 degrees with partly cloudy skies.

 Thursday, Jan. 16: It will be mainly cloudy with a high of 37 degrees. By the evening, there will be fewer clouds with the low being near 25 degrees.

 Friday, Jan. 17: We will see intervals of clouds and sunshine, but there's a slight chance of a rain shower. The high will be 46 degrees, and by the evening, the low will be 36 degrees. There's a 70% chance for rain and by night it will be cloudy with occasional light rain.

Check out these other weather-related articles

How much snow has fallen in Indianapolis this winter?

Indianapolis has recorded 15.7 inches of snow so far this winter, according to the NWS, the bulk of which came in a major snowstorm Jan. 5-6. Another 3.5 inches fell Friday and early Saturday.

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The highest snowfall total across the state is along the Ohio River in southeastern Indiana, where 22.4 inches have fallen, according to the NWS. In South Bend, where lake effect snow boosts average snowfall to 64.5 inches, only 14.8 inches have fallen so far this winter.

The NWS said Indianapolis temperatures had reached 32 degrees for the first time in 222 hours Sunday. That's more than nine days below freezing.

But forecasters also warned another potent winter storm could bring more snow next weekend and subzero temperatures early this week.

Jade Jackson is a Public Safety Reporter for the Indianapolis Star. You can email her at Jade.Jackson@IndyStar.com and follow her on X, formally Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: More snow is here again. Here's how Tuesday morning and afternoon looks
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

More than three-quarters of older adults with dementia may be unaware of their diagnosis, a University of Michigan study finds. That number is even higherup to 85%among Mexican Americans, who make up the largest share of the U.S. Hispanic and Latino population.

Fewer than 7% of all study participants, who live in Nueces County, Texas and were classified as having probable dementia based on a cognitive assessment, did not have a primary care provider.

Results of the study are published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.

"Dementia diagnosis unawareness is a public health issue that must be addressed," said senior author Lewis Morgenstern, M.D., professor of neurology, neurosurgery and emergency medicine at University of Michigan Medical School and professor of epidemiology at the U-M School of Public Health.

"The diagnosis of dementia provides the opportunity to seek out treatment and home care services to help both patients and caregivers. If the diagnosis is not given, or the understanding of the diagnosis is unclear, it is a missed opportunity."

Investigators found no link between access to primary care and awareness of dementia diagnosis. In other words, they weren't in the dark about their diagnosis for lack of communication with their doctor.

In fact, researchers suspect that the nature of patient-physician relationships is a central reason for the awareness gap.

"The physician may not be diagnosing the patient or may be withholding the diagnosis of dementia," said first author Josh Martins-Caulfield, a graduate of the U-M School of Public Health and medical student at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

"In practice, physicians often hesitate to diagnose dementia, citing reasons such as insufficient time with individual patients to conduct the screening process or not having dementia-specific training. The discomfort of providing the diagnosis may also lead them to wait for patients or family members to raise concerns about memory issues rather than initiating discussions proactively."

Several studies have found that the majority of older adults in the U.S. with probable dementia go either undiagnosed or are unaware of a diagnosis. One 2018 report revealed that Hispanic and Latino adults were more likely to be undiagnosed.

"Cultural competence is crucial in treating all patients, especially when dealing with a heavily stigmatized disease," Morgenstern said.

Despite the lack of dementia awareness found in the study, having a formal diagnosis did not reduce a caregiver's perceived burden.

This could be, researchers suggest, because the diagnosis forces caregivers to quickly confront the increased responsibilities that come with the diagnosis of dementia in a loved one, including decision making and managing daily care.

"Caregiving can be immensely taxing, particularly when balancing one's own family responsibilities and personal life," said Darin B. Zahuranec, M.D., M.S., co-author and a professor of neurology at U-M Medical School.

"Effective care necessitates accurate diagnosis combined with comprehensive emotional support and guidance for caregivers to access essential resources."

More information: Dementia diagnosis unawareness and caregiver burden in a multi-ethnic cohort, Journal of General Internal Medicine (2025). DOI: 10.1007/s11606-024-09333-1 Journal information: Journal of General Internal Medicine
A day after being sworn in as West Virginia's 37th governor, Gov. Patrick Morrisey signed 10 executive orders, including one to allow religious exemptions for vaccinations. (West Virginia Office of the Gov. Patrick Morrisey | Courtesy photo)

On his second day in office, Gov. Patrick Morrisey issued a stack of executive orders that offer religious exemptions to school vaccinations, eliminate any diversity initiatives in state government and more.

The 10 executive orders also dealt with defining gender and getting to work on eliminating government waste. Morrisey, a Republican, expects a state budget deficit by next year.

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I think its really important that we demonstrate that we have a team in place thats going to be aggressive, proactive and were going to begin this transformational process to put West Virginia first and be that shining state in the mountains, he said, addressing reporters at the state Capitol on Tuesday.

Morrisey said he will direct state health officials to offer a religious exemption to the states school-age immunization requirements. West Virginia has been one of only a handful of states that didnt offer a religious exemption to school-age immunizations; as a result of its strict vaccine policies, more than 95% of children entering school are fully vaccinated.

Last year, former Gov. Jim Justice vetoed a narrow vaccination exemption bill, citing the concerns of medical professionals about crippling childhood immunity in a state with poor health outcomes for kids.

Morrisey said that the exemption will be implemented through the Equal Protection for Religion Act, a bill signed by Justice in 2023.

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I think most West Virginians care very deeply that our citizens have religious beliefs, and we also know that the First Amendment to our Constitution has specific clauses calling for free association, Morrisey said, adding that a requested religious exemption would have to meet definition of the Equal Protection measure.

He expects legislation in the upcoming legislative session will further clarify the vaccination exemption.

I think that legislation clarifying this is important, because when the Equal Protection for Religious Act was passed, it didnt amend specific laws. So, the vaccine laws stand alone, Morrisey said.

Del. Evan Worrell, R-Cabell

Del. Evan Worrell, new chair of the House Committee on Health, commended Morrisey for the executive order.

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This order reflects our shared commitment to protecting individual rights while fostering trust in our health care system, said Worrell, R-Cabell. Vaccines have played a critical role in safeguarding public health, but I believe that health decisions should remain a matter of personal choice, made in consultation with medical professionals. It is vital that we balance public health goals with the principles of freedom and transparency.

Sen. Laura Wakim Chapman, R-Ohio

Newly-appointed Senate Health Committee Chair Laura Wakim Chapman said she was pleased to see Morrisey taking a proactive approach on the issue.

The Legislature has wanted some religious protections for this issue for years, and Im excited to see that this is a priority for Gov. Morrisey, said Chapman, R-Ohio.

She said there will be other bills introduced this session that would offer additional exemptions to childhood vaccination requirements.

DEI: Diversity initiatives squashed, Democrats push back

Morrisey also issued an executive order terminating Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives in state government or entities receiving state funding. President-elect Donald Trump, backed by Morrisey, banned DEI initiatives in the federal government in 2020; President Joe Biden reversed course and asked agencies to develop DEI plans.

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DEI initiatives are happening within state government, Morrisey said, though he did not name specific agencies.

We are expressly sending a letter to all of our cabinet officials and agency heads and indicating that there should be a review of any potential DEI that may exist within state government, he said.

Morrisey called for a review of any recruiting or retention policies that may give an inappropriate preferences for race, sex and more.

Those have been used and manipulated in the past, Morrisey said. Were also going to ensure  that were not spending money for dollars that flow from hard-earned taxpayer dollars for DEI purposes, he added.

W.Va. House Minority Leader Del. Sean Hornbuckle, D-Cabell

Some House Democrats pushed back on the plan, including Minority Leader Sean Hornbuckle. He said Morrisey was creating a DEI boogeyman that doesnt exist.

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First and foremost we want to work with Gov. Morrisey on initiatives to push West Virginia forward but his recent executive orders gives us grave concern he is taking us backward and isnt thinking about all West Virginians, he said, adding that hed like to instead see Morrisey focus on the states nearly-bottom ranking in public education.

Del. Shawn Fluharty, D-Ohio

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Del. Shawn Fluharty, D-Ohio, said the states ongoing poor outcomes happened while Morrisey was part of the supermajoritys rule in West Virginia.

Yet, for the past 10 years we rank 50th in job growth rate, 49th in personal income, 49th in workforce participation and dead last in infrastructure, he said. Today he announced he would rather bring back polio before bringing back jobs. Its clear he keeps repeating the term woke to distract the fact that he and the supermajority have been asleep at the wheel for a decade.

Morrisey will grapple with budget issues left by Justice

Other executive orders dealt with setting school choice as an administration priority and working with Congress to designate fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction.

Additionally, Morrisey said hell launch an economic backyard brawl, which will launch a campaign-talking point in which the governor wants to examine how the states tax regulations, workforce rules, licensing and more match up with neighboring states.

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Im a big believer that if we can have freer, more dynamic policies compared to our neighbors, were going to succeed, he said.

Morrisey will review outdated executive orders and past, present and projected spending decisions as he prepares a budget for lawmakers to review. The legislative session begins Feb. 12.

He has proposed another state income tax cut, but it is not yet paid for, according to Morrisey. His administration will review a number of recent economic announcements under Justice, and nonfinalized contracts could be eliminated as he seeks to save money.

Remember, theres been a lot of spending in the last few months, so were going to be analyzing that to the rocket ship ride, he said, referencing Justices promised-rocket ship ride during his time as governor that would improve West Virginia.

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He plans to share more information about his proposed budget Thursday at the Capitol.

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Moscow accused Washington of playing a destabilizing role in the Southern Caucasus on Tuesday as Armenia and the United States prepared to sign a strategic partnership agreement.

"The US has never played a particularly stabilizing role in the Southern Caucasus, rather the reverse," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said in Moscow. He accused the US of attempting to shift further countries to its agenda.

At the same time, Peskov emphasized that Armenia had the right to diversify its relations and said that Moscow continued to be interested in good relations with the former Soviet republic.

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The strategy document to be signed late on Tuesday includes US assistance for economic and military reforms, while Yerevan pledges to pursue further democratization of its institutions.

The US is assuring Armenia of support in maintaining its sovereignty and the inviolability of its borders. The latter is significant for Yerevan given its continuing conflict with neighbouring Azerbaijan over territorial issues.

Armenia's relations with Russia, which has long been seen as Armenia's protector in the region, have cooled since pro-Western Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan took office in May 2018.

Yerevan has recently distanced itself from the Moscow-dominated Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) military alliance, of which Armenia is a founding member. Russia continues to maintain a military base in Armenia.
Jonathan is a 192-year-old giant tortoise and thought to be the worlds oldest living animal. In nearly two centuries, he has seen it all. Little wonder that he didnt stop munching the lawn of Plantation House on the remote British island of St Helena as the electric Subaru Solterra pulled up at the Governors residence. Why would he? Jonathan was 54 when the automobile was invented; nothing new to see here then.

Except that Jonathan is wrong. The arrival of an electric Subaru Solterra on an island 1,200 miles from south-west Africa is a moment in history. It is a signal that this faraway South Atlantic legacy of the British Empire is on course to become the first British territory to switch entirely to sustainable power and electric transport.

Jeremy Hart was inundated with offers to buy the Subaru Solterra that was on test from keen St Helenians

The government of St Helena, Subaru and the Norwegian electric vehicle charging company Easee have been collaborating to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and chargers on an island most famous as the final exile of Napoleon.

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According to Subaru and Easee, the trial is about showing reliability and robustness of EV technology at a time of stagnating electric vehicle sales. Were really excited to be invited to be part of this project. To be honest, if you can operate an electric vehicle in this type of environment then you really can anywhere, claims Lorraine Bishton, the managing director of Subaru UK.

Reliance on diesel

For the local government, one in every seven pounds of the 34 million handed out by Westminster each year to run the island goes up in black diesel smoke as its consumed by a battery of generators. They desperately need to lean on Mother Nature to power the volcanic outcrop with renewable energy. With plentiful wind and sun, that is possible.

We spend about 5 million a year bringing diesel in. But its not just the cost to buy the diesel. Its the cost to transport the diesel to the island and then transfer it into our storage, says Mark Brooks, the islands Minister responsible for the Treasury and Economic Development, as we chat within the fortified walls of the government buildings.

So, were looking to transition to more renewable energy production, Brooks continues. We want to get up to 80 per cent from renewable energy. The next step is to roll out the infrastructure so that we are using electric vehicles more and more on the island.

First charger installed

On a hot tropical day in late November, the first step towards Brookss goal was made. An Easee charger was installed near the tiny but fearsome looking HM Prison, Jamestown (current population: 20) and connected to the St Helena grid for the first time  in that moment making it the most remote public EV charger in the world. St Helenas nearest neighbouring public charger is in Namibia, almost 2,000 miles away.

The first EV charging point was installed on St Helena in November 2024...

... and more are expected to be installed on the island in future

A pair of electricians from the island installed the fast-charging three-phase unit, but like Subaru, which sent its car from the UK without technical back-up, Easees technical team advised from a distance of 4,000 miles.

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We dont believe location should be a barrier to EV transition at all. I think its going to be a real life test bed for us because our electricians are so far away, the charger is so far away, said Adam Rodgers, country manager for Easee UK and Ireland. It allows us to stress-test our systems. Were very confident it will be a real-life test bed and make sure the next generation of chargers that we produce work almost anywhere.

The EV early adopters

Until this moment, the three privately owned EVs on St Helena have had to charge using a three-pin domestic plug via extension leads from the socket. Tara Wortley, a 40-year-old businesswoman, green technology adopter and mother of two, owns a Smart car she calls Peggy. She uses it to drive approximately 50 miles a day between her familys eight shops on St Helena.

Compared to running the electric car for 17p a day, that would have cost me around seven to eight pounds using one of our company vehicles that is powered by diesel, Wortley explains, sitting by her solar-powered cottage clinging to a lush hillside on the part of the island where coffee for Harrods is grown.

She and another early adopter of EVs, Derek Pedley, report few issues running electric cars so far from a main dealer. They believe the government needs to kickstart the electric revolution by bringing in low-cost used EVs at a price islanders can afford. In spite of a one-off 200 import fee and zero tax, the limiting factor to bringing in EVs is income; the average wage on the island is just under 9,000.

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The experience that I have had running an electric car on the island has been nothing but positive, says Pedley. It has been very reliable. Repairs have been basically brakes and tyres, which are standard on any vehicle.

Used cars predominate

Most drivers on St Helena own used cars imported from the UK or South Africa. My guide, Aaron Legg, says Ford Fiestas and Transits have been popular as the local mechanics became familiar with them. Land Rovers, from an early Series One to the Governors Discovery Sport (with silver crown number plate) are plentiful. Rarer are classics such as a 1960s Ford Cortina, a Rover SD1 and even a 1970s Rolls-Royce.

The fanciest cars spotted include a lime green BMW M4 and an older Porsche Cayenne. There is also a cult following for Subarus, with almost a dozen Impreza WRXs and assorted Foresters.

There is a cult following for Subaru in St Helena

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In five days of using the Solterra on St Helena, I had three offers to buy it. It was not mine to sell, but with four-wheel drive it is perfect on the tight lanes drizzled over the 2,600ft-high volcanic island like Tarmac icing. On a dirt road by the islands wind farm, it revealed its lineage to Subarus rally past.

The wind farm and a solar array generate between 10 and 25 per cent of the islands power, limited only by the need to keep the diesel generators running at a minimum tickover to prevent clogging up. The local utility company is asking people to use more electricity to help stabilise the grid. Its crazy, says Wortley.

The islands geography is ideal for wind and solar power

The answer is to install a battery array and more solar panels and use the diesel generators only for back-up. With the perfect climate for minimal home power use (it is never too hot or cold to require heating or air conditioning) and a population of only 4,000, there are few places more suited to going fully green.

We could have diesel generation only in terms of resilience, in case something goes wrong with the renewables, but it is entirely possible that we can run an entire island from renewable energy, states Brooks.

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Tara Wortley and her generation of young saints, as St Helenians call themselves, are ready to embrace a green future. Having only had mobile phones for a decade and internet for a few years, the benefits of technology to remote island living is tangible.

Convincing the sceptics

Theres still a little bit of scepticism, I think, about whether or not renewables and electric vehicles are part of saints future, she says. But weve had electric vehicles arrive on the island now and they do work. For a lot of people who havent necessarily owned an EV before, or been off the island to see how the electric vehicle market has taken off, this trial will help to convince them that there is space here to replace the diesel and petrol-reliant vehicles.

In 2025, the number of EVs on St Helena will treble. British expat businessman Derek Pedley is importing a small fleet of electric Minis, complete with the islands flag painted on the roof.

Were looking to bring in four in the first quarter to trial, to see if there is going to be the demand. Weve looked at putting in electric points close to town and also up at the airport, for passengers to be able to collect the vehicle upon landing. And whats it going to take for more sites, or even all sites, to go electric? I think the transition is about to begin.

Jeremy Hart meets Jonathan the tortoise, the worlds oldest land animal

That means the trial charging point installed between the prison and the museum has a long-term future and will be a catalyst, not a museum piece. The Subaru has to return to the UK after the trial, despite the multiple offers to buy it and live out its life on St Helena. Rather like Napoleon and Jonathan.

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See more about the St Helena EV trial at Subarus YouTube page.

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Frank Smiley, a longtime writer and producer for Conan OBrien, lost his home to the Palisades fire Tuesday.

Now, like thousands of victims of the devastating Los Angeles County fires, he is navigating the complexities of collecting from his insurance provider while fielding conflicting advice from friends, securing temporary lodging for his family and contemplating whether to rebuild.

Smiley was working across town on Larchmont Boulevard when the fire broke out and was unable to return to the 1940s cottage where he lived with his wife and their two sons before it burned down.

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With just the clothes he was wearing, he moved in with his brother in Santa Monica but relocated to a hotel in Marina del Rey after his brother had to evacuate the next day.

He has already signed a lease for a two-bedroom duplex in Marina del Rey, which he learned about from one of his Palisades neighbors. Several displaced families from their tight-knit street are temporarily moving into the same complex, he said.

We're sticking together, he said. "It's going to be great to support each other.

Smiley declined to say how much hes paying in monthly rent for the duplex, but said the price seemed fair.

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I don't know what it was the day before the fire, he said. But everybody I was speaking to said, 'Grab it at that price. It doesn't seem like it's exorbitant. I cant wait  I have to get this apartment because I have to try to bring normalcy back to my family as soon as I can.

Read more: One family's harrowing escape from the Palisades fire: 'We gotta go'

Although Smiley has his short-term lodging figured out, the insurance process is completely daunting," he said. His home, which he bought in 2011, was insured by Mercury Insurance and he already has started his claim.

The idea of meeting with contractors, rebuilding, getting together with the insurance adjuster, he said. I'm looking up at a mountain to climb.

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Smiley said he is torn about whether to hire an independent public adjuster to help him with his claim. Public adjusters work on a clients behalf and can navigate the complexities of an insurance policy and the negotiations process, typically charging a fee that is a percentage of the eventual claim settlement.

A really good friend of mine referred this guy to me, and he seems really nice, but then a business manager is saying, You don't need that, dont waste your money, Smiley said.

Read more: If you lost your home or business in the wildfires, here's what to do next

So you're hearing all these different sides of it. You don't know whether to go at it alone, or hire an adjuster  but you don't know if they're legit or if they're just taking your money, he continued. That's the thing that's perplexing, that's driving me insane. I don't know which way to turn, you know? It's a new world for me. You never think you're going to be in this situation, and now you're in it.

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The family will be in Marina del Rey for at least the next six months. Whether to rebuild in the Palisades is "up in the air," Smiley said.

We're on the fence. It's just hard to wrap our head around it. It's too early," he said. "I'm continuing on with my life. Im safe and my family's safe, and that's 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.
Jan. 13The Mower County Sheriff's Office is investigating a theft from an ATM machine early Saturday morning in LeRoy.

According to a press release from Mower County Sheriff Steve Sandvik Monday afternoon, deputies were dispatched to an ATM at the First State Bank in LeRoy at around 3:20 a.m. on Saturday morning.

The report of the theft also reportedly involved a silver full-sized pick-up.

Deputies responding to the alarm observed a vehicle matching the description traveling west on Mower County Road 6 and attempted to stop the vehicle.

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According to Monday's release, the truck continued on in order to try and evade deputies. The vehicle turned onto a gravel road and pursuing deputies lost sight of the vehicle briefly, only to locate it a half mile down the road after having rolled. One male was observed fleeing the crashed vehicle, but was unable to be located following an extensive search.

However, a male matching the description of the suspect was located and detained in Mitchell County, Iowa by Mitchell County Sheriff's Office deputies as a subject of interest.

Sandvik said that the investigation is ongoing and anybody with information regarding the case are encouraged to call the Mower County Sheriff's Office at 1-507-437-9400.
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has released new details after three police officers were injured and a man was killed during a shooting Monday morning.

In an update on Tuesday, D.C. police identified the man as 45-year-old Derrick Williams of Northeast.

According to MPD, the incident began just after 4:30 a.m. on Jan. 13, when officers were called to the i5 Union Market apartment building in the 300 block of Florida Avenue for a man armed with a gun.

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Traffic to be significantly impacted near Tysons, around Dulles Airport as crews install bridge girders over I-495

Once on the scene, police officers made contact with Williams who ran into the elevator. Several officers were called to the apartment building to help locate him.

Police said moments later, Williams returned to the lobby where he encountered D.C. officers and a struggle began.

Thats when he began shooting at officers, according to MPD.



D.C. police officers returned fire, hitting Williams. He died at the scene.

Crime scene tape blocked off Florida Avenue Northeast after three Washington, D.C. police officers were injured and a man was killed during a shooting on Jan. 13. (Hayley Milon/DC News Now)

MPD said three police officers were injured during the incident and were taken to the hospital. Since the shooting, two officers have been released, however, the third officer remained hospitalized, as of Tuesday, Jan. 14.

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As the investigation continued, authorities obtained a gun from the scene.

Authorities recovered a gun from the scene after police were involved in a shooting with a man at an apartment building in Northeast D.C. on Jan. 13. (Photo Courtesy: MPD)

Metro Inauguration service, station closures, train, bus schedules

Per the MPDs policy, all three officers involved in the shooting were placed on administrative leave.

On Monday, DC News Now obtained a letter from the management team at i5 Union Market that confirmed Williams lived in the apartment building.

Neighbors told DC News Now that they are frustrated by crime in the area and some are considering moving.

The case remains under investigation by the Criminal Investigations Division. The shooting is also under investigation by the Internal Affairs Bureaus Force Investigations Team.

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MPD said the United States Attorneys Office will complete an independent review of the facts and evidence in this case.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
With a looming split from NBCUniversal, MSNBC will get a new president.

Rashida Jones told staffers at the cable channel Tuesday morning that she will exit the company after four years leading MSNBC, adding that she came to the decision over the holidays.

More from The Hollywood Reporter

Im really excited about what weve done. Im excited about whats next. Im excited about what you guys are going to do next, Jones told staff on an editorial call Tuesday. Im excited to watch it from afar, but Im really excited that this is the right time for me, so, I wanted to share that with you guys directly. You know how I also feel about telling you guys news as it comes in real time, but I wanted you guys to hear that from me directly.

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Mark Lazarus, who will be CEO of SpinCo once Comcast separates its cable TV channel business from the rest of NBCUniversal, said in a memo of his own Tuesday that Rebecca Kutler will step in as interim president of MSNBC, effective immediately.

Rashida has expertly navigated MSNBC through a years-long, unrelenting and unprecedented news cycle, all while driving the network to record viewership and making investments in nonlinear businesses, Lazarus wrote. MSNBC is well-positioned for the future, and I am grateful that she will continue to support us during this transition.

Since joining MSNBC in 2022, Rebecca has been a catalyst for growth across our digital, social, and audio platforms, resulting in across-the-board record audience engagement, he added of Kutler, who was most recently senior vp content strategy for MSNBC. She is a highly respected industry veteran with decades of experience in executive producing, news programming, and business development. With Rebeccas track record of driving the development and expansion of several of the networks marquee programs, its no surprise she was recently promoted to oversee all of dayside.

On an editorial call with staff Tuesday, Lazarus also cleared up a big unanswered question about MSNBCs future, according to an attendee of the meeting: He said that once Comcast spins off MSNBC, it will retain its name.

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When Lazarus first met with top MSNBC talent last year following the deal announcement, he said he was unsure if it would do so.

I know there was some discussion with the MSNBC name, so you can take that off of your worry list on things, he said Tuesday.

A veteran NBC News and MSNBC executive, Jones took over the channel in early 2021 at a pivot point, succeeding its longtime president Phil Griffin (Griffin currently runs MSNBC star Rachel Maddows production company). She pushed MSNBC to diversify its business beyond TV programming during her tenure, including a substantial investment into podcasts, documentary films and more recently into live events.

It was during her run that Maddow scaled back from hosting five nights per week to one in order to build more digital extensions for the brand (on Monday, MSNBC announced that Maddow would return  temporarily  to five nights per week). The channel also solidified its linear ratings lead over CNN, though a post-election viewership drought set in after Trumps re-election.

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Kutler, meanwhile, was intimately involved in the development of those new business lines for MSNBC, as well as new programming like The Weekend and Jen Psakis show.

The memos from Jones and Lazarus are below.

Team,

After four incredible years at the helm of MSNBC and 11 years at NBCU, I have made the decision to pursue new opportunities.

I shared this decision with Mark, who has been incredibly supportive and has asked me to stay on for the next few months to help guide the network during this transitional period.

I came to this decision over the holidays while reflecting on our remarkable journey and the many successes weve achieved together as a team. This has been the most rewarding chapter of my professional career and I am immensely proud of what we have accomplished, which has been made possible only by you.

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This team is the best in the business, and I will miss being in the trenches (and control rooms!) with you. The people here at MSNBC are what make this place truly special, and our shared mission is what has always united us: to keep our viewers, readers and listeners well-informed, provide critical context, ask tough questions, speak hard truths, say the quiet part out loud, and always adhere to the facts, without fear or favor.

I am forever grateful for the shared experiences, the many mentors and mentees from over the years, coffee-fueled late nights and early mornings, and the lessons learned along the way.

Most importantly, I am more confident than ever that MSNBC is well-positioned for the future.

Rashida Jones

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All,

As Rashida announced this morning, she has made the decision to step down as president of MSNBC after an extraordinary tenure leading the network.

I first met Rashida in 2018, and since then, I have been impressed by her business successes, exceptional producing skills and sharp editorial instincts.

Rashida has expertly navigated MSNBC through a years-long, unrelenting and unprecedented news cycle, all while driving the network to record viewership and making investments in nonlinear businesses. MSNBC is well-positioned for the future, and I am grateful that she will continue to support us during this transition.

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Effective immediately, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Rebecca Kutler as the interim president of MSNBC, reporting directly to me. Rebecca is the ideal leader to guide us through this moment, and I look forward to collaborating with her as we shape our collective future together.

Since joining MSNBC in 2022, Rebecca has been a catalyst for growth across our digital, social, and audio platforms, resulting in across-the-board record audience engagement. She is a highly respected industry veteran with decades of experience in executive producing, news programming, and business development. With Rebeccas track record of driving the development and expansion of several of the networks marquee programs, its no surprise she was recently promoted to oversee all of dayside.

Please join me in expressing our gratitude to Rashida for her invaluable contributions to MSNBC and in congratulating Rebecca on her well-deserved appointment.

Mark Lazarus

Best of The Hollywood Reporter

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Jan. 13Felicia Vaught has been named director of communications and Abby Morris director of marketing at Missouri Southern State University.

Felicia Vaught

Vaught graduated magna cum laude from MSSU in 2019 with a bachelor's degree in mass communications and is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration degree.

She has 15 years' experience in the communications and relations industry, including broadcast journalism, digital media, advertising and osteopathic medicine. She began her career at KSNF-TV and KODE-TV, where she held roles in the newsroom and sales department for more than a decade. Most recently, she worked in medical education at Kansas City University as the digital and social media program manager, supporting the Kansas City and Joplin campuses.

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"MSSU's mission profoundly shaped my personal and professional growth," she said in a statement. "Returning as the director of communications feels like coming full circle and offers me an opportunity to give back to the institution that played a pivotal role in my journey."

Abby Morris

Morris earned a bachelor's degree in business communications from Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas, and a master's degree in digital marketing and analytics from St. Edward's University in 2021, graduating magna cum laude. She has worked in communications throughout her career, beginning in higher education in 2016 at Cowley College in Arkansas City, Kansas, where she transitioned into the role of director of marketing for several years.

Morris is also a graduate of the National Council of Marketing and Communications Leadership Institute and was a member of the council during her time in the community college sector.

She said, "From the first time I stepped on the MSSU campus, I felt a part of this amazing community. Today's college students face unique challenges, and that same sense of belonging plays such a crucial role in their success. My focus is to align the marketing strategies while reiterating to students that they have a whole community supporting them at MSSU."
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  President-elect Trump will take the oath of office next week, and when he does hes expected to sign dozens of executive orders on border security and immigration. That could mean big changes for international students from more than 100 countries who are currently taking classes at Michigan State University.

The incoming administration has talked about restarting travel bans and putting new restrictions on student visas, and international students are anxious to find out what the future holds.

You need to kind of say like, OK. Whats gonna be like the expected? says Archan Tulpule, an international student from Mumbai, India and president of the Indian Students Association at MSU. Whats probably gonna happen and whats gonna be like the worst case? You know, like, if really everything kind of goes against me, like, what am I gonna do?

Archan Tulpule, an international student from Mumbai, India and president of the Indian Students Association at MSU. (WLNS)

Immigration officials for the new administration have said they will be limiting student visas to four years, and other top Republicans have talked about taking away visas for students who take part in protests on campus.

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However, the biggest problem for current students has been a renewed debate over work visas, which has made companies more hesitant than ever to hire international graduates.

Students say they are now questioning whether or not they are going to have a future in America.

Obviously, like if youve come all the way to the United States to study from your home country you wanna at least try to get like a job, get some experience here, says Tulpule. To kind of just get straight to the point, most of the international students, they kind of have like a Plan B figured out back home. Theyre like, if this doesnt work out, Ill go back home, probably like work for like XYZ company, you know, figure out what to do from there.'

Recently, there has been some infighting between Republicans over the subject of work visas. Some argue that visas are vital to the economy, and others say they lead to American job loss.

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However, most agree that it is going to be a lot harder for people from other countries to learn and work in the United States.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
Jan. 13OREGON  A Stillman Valley man accused of killing his ex-wife in 2016 and then setting her home on fire has filed a motion seeking to move his jury trial out of Ogle County.

Duane Meyer, 42, of Stillman Valley, through his attorney, Christopher DeRango of Rockford, filed the motion to move the trial out of Ogle County on Friday, Jan. 10, just three weeks before Meyer's jury trial that was scheduled to start Feb. 3 and was expected to take the entire month.

Meyer is charged with four counts of first-degree murder, two counts of aggravated arson and one count of concealment of a homicidal death in connection with an Oct. 19, 2016, Byron house fire in which Meyer's ex-wife, Margaret "Maggie" (Rosko) Meyer, 31, was found dead.

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The couple's 3-year-old son, Amos Meyer, who also was home at the time of the fire, was later pronounced dead at a Rockford hospital.

Meyer has pleaded not guilty to all of the charges.

DeRango told Ogle County Judge John "Ben" Roe on Friday, Jan. 10, that he did not receive the results from the change of venue survey he commissioned until Jan. 8. He said he forwarded the survey to the Ogle County State's Attorney's Office within hours of receiving it.

At a December hearing, DeRango said the company conducting the survey had to "adjust their methods" because of Ogle County's smaller population size.

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On Friday afternoon, in the scheduled pretrial hearing, DeRango presented the results of the survey to Roe after filing a change of venue motion with the circuit clerk's office earlier in the day.

A change of venue motion typically asks the judge to move the trial to a different location. Those motions usually cite reasons that the filing party believes would prevent a fair trial in the county in which the case was filed. Pretrial publicity often is listed as a reason for a change of venue motion. A change of venue survey is one of the tools that can be used by attorneys before filing a motion for a change of venue.

In his "change of place of trial," DeRango argues that because of "heavy" media coverage of Meyer's numerous pretrial hearings since 2016, Meyer "cannot obtain a fair trial in Ogle County, Illinois."

DeRango argues the "opinion survey" that was commissioned by Meyer questioned Ogle County residents from December 2024 through January 2025. In that survey, DeRango says 34% of respondents recalled the fire and 59% had preformed an opinion regarding the defendant's guilt.

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He did not say how many people responded to the survey.

DeRango said respondents were shown two news articles from the "period near in time to the date of the fire" and then asked about their opinions. "After a review of those articles, the percentage skyrocketed to 73 percent of respondents having an opinion about the defendant's guilt," the motion states. "The dramatic change in the number of respondents who now had an opinion about the defendant's guilt is critical, given the extent of pretrial publicity in this matter thus far."

The motion also argues that media coverage has been "pervasive and highly prejudicial" and that Google searches for Duane Meyer Byron directs users to groups that are "actively seeking to publicize this matter and encourage followers to believe Meyer is guilty."

"The Facebook page 'Justice for Maggie and Amos' regularly posts content about this matter to 591 followers, including a desire for Meyer to be 'held accountable to [sic] his heinous crimes,'" the motion states.

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"This coverage of Meyer is starkly in contrast to the coverage of his ex-wife and son," the motion says. "A Foundation established in their memory makes press releases and hosts annual events to raise money, $43,000 before its last known event, to benefit local libraries, scholarships, and community classroom grants. This is not just about the news coverage. The court must also consider the perhaps hundreds or thousands of people who attend these events, donate funds, or have become beneficiaries.

"While there is no doubt this is laudable and the victims' lives are worth celebrating, the juxtaposition against Meyer being paraded in handcuffs and called a monster creates an undeniable prejudice."

The motion concludes that "there exists in Ogle County such prejudice against the defendant on the part of the inhabitants that he cannot receive a fair trial in Ogle County."

DeRango also filed a motion to continue the trial, citing his change of venue motion and "new...critical" evidentiary material that had not been disclosed to the defense.

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Ogle County State's Attorney Michael Rock did not object to the continuance and asked for 3-4 weeks to reply to the change of venue motion. Roe set the hearing to argue that motion for 3 p.m. Feb 27.

Maggie Meyer was a teacher at the Chana Education Center at the time of her death. She filed for divorce in 2014, and court records show the divorce was finalized in September 2016.

Prosecutors have argued that their evidence will show Duane Meyer planned to end Maggie's life.

In previous hearings, DeRango and prosecutors have said both numerous cellphone records and data will be part of the evidence presented.

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DeRango has argued that text messages sent by Duane Meyer before the deaths were only part of a "contentious" divorce and not indicative of anything nefarious.

Roe remanded Duane Meyer back to the Ogle County Jail, where he has been held since his arrest Oct. 9, 2019.
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:

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How much money does the public sector invest in the development of medicines? The Austrian Institute for Health Technology Assessment (AIHTA) aims to shed light on this issue and uses antibiotics as an example. Without public subsidies and grants, there are no new products.

"It is not only the pharmaceutical industry that is an innovator, but also the public sector." With these words, Priv. Doz. Dr. Claudia Wild, Managing Director of the AIHTA, sums up what the EU will require of the industry in future: companies that want public health care systems to purchase their products must disclose how much public funding was involved in the entire development process.

From the basics of research to market access. By the end of 2025, the AIHTA wants to provide health insurers and health authorities in the member states with a manual for price negotiations with the industry. In this country, this could be of specific use to regional hospitals and social insurance organizations.

"It is intended to provide guidance for self-help," explains Wild. In detail, it is about how to request data from manufacturers or how to research it yourself. Initial experience of incorporating such information into price negotiations has already been gained in Italy and France.

The first part has now been completed by the AIHTA, commissioned by the EU using antibiotics as an example, and has also been tested for practicability.

A related study appears in Health Policy.

Wild said, "We want to provide support when it comes to finding out where public funds have flowed along the value chaindirectly or indirectly." This includes basic research, for example, which is largely funded by the public sector almost everywhere.

University spinouts, which are later taken over by industry, or location and economic development programs for production facilities are also to be quantifiedas is the infrastructure in hospitals that are used for large clinical trials by industry. All 126 antimicrobial drugs under development, discontinued and authorized in the last 10 years were examined.

Antibiotics as an example of market failure

When it comes to important medications like antibiotics, the results that have now been presented make people pay close attention. They show that new products for the fight against resistance are developed almost exclusively with public funds.

The background to this is that the interests of the industry are different, as the market fails for new preparations: They are only used in emergencies and are only effective against one pathogen. From the companies' point of view, this means that there is little potential for profit. The public sector has therefore stepped in to help with development.

Since 2014, 27 new antimicrobial agents have been authorized, 17 of which were developed by large pharmaceutical companies, but tenand therefore more than a thirdby SMEs. There are 17 compounds in Phase III, five of which were developed by large companies and 11 by SMEs.

The pattern is always the samefor all drug groups, says Wild: "Practically all basic research is carried out by the public sector."

Each university then has a technology transfer office for knowledge transferto support patents and find industrial partners. These usually only come on board in the clinical phases, when it is largely clear that a development can no longer fail. The risk cited by the industry, which results in high asking prices during negotiations, is therefore often borne by the public sector, which in turn works with venture capital.

Wild notes, "The public sector also bears a risk. It just doesn't talk about it as often as companies do."

An in-depth investigation into the antibiotic drug Venatorx, for example, revealed public investments totaling around US $655 million, which clearly dwarfs private investment funds at $45 million.

Transparent database is missing

However, the way in which public funds are used is very broad and often difficult to grasp. There is no reporting on what exactly happens with the money and what objectives are associated with it. In the public debate, this fundamental role of the public sector, the financial commitment and the risk that is assumed are completely lost.

"We all live in the myth that the pharmaceutical companies alone are the innovators and that the prices are the result of the high risk. This is wrong," says Wild, summarizing the latest AIHTA findings.

And she puts her finger in an open wound: While the EU explains what it does with the money and a corresponding database is available, there are currently no such transparent processes at national level.

In Austria, as in the other member states, a transparent, structured processing of the data is needed to shed light on the darkness.

More information: Claudia Wild et al, Public contributions to R&D of medical innovations: A framework for analysis, Health Policy (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2024.105235

Provided by Austrian Institute for Health Technology Assessment GmbH
Superstruct Entertainment has announced the acquisition of the live online music broadcast platform Boiler Room from its current owner, Dice.

Boiler Rooms ticketing process will continue to be spearheaded by Dice, although financial terms and details on the structure of the deal were not immediately disclosed.

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Boiler Room founder Blaise Bellville said in a statement, As we turn 15 and enter our next stage of growth, were excited to be partnering with Superstruct for this chapter. We feel in good company with their roster of brands, they offer us new opportunities to grow, whilst understanding the importance of staying true to the authenticity that, at its core, is what makes Boiler Room special.

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+ Deezer has partnered with royalty collective Sacem to apply an artist centric payment system for publishing rights on Deezer in France.

At Deezer, we continuously innovate for the benefit of the music ecosystem, and we are thrilled to partner with Sacem to introduce the worlds first update to the remuneration model for publishing in the streaming era, said Alexis Lanternier, CEO of Deezer. Our model ensures that a higher share of what subscribers pay goes to the artists they love, while also counteracting fraudulent streaming behavior. Through this partnership, we are pleased to offer these key benefits to songwriters, composers, and publishers represented by Sacem.

+ Motown Gospel has signed William Murphy to an exclusive distribution deal.

We are thrilled to welcome William Murphy to the Motown Gospel family, said Walter Thomas, vice president, artist development. His ministry and music have touched countless lives, and we are honored to partner with him to share his message.

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Murphy has been nominated for three Grammys in the best gospel album category and boasts hits including Praise Is What I Do and Everlasting God.

+ New York-based writers Tatiana Tenreyro and Michael Tedder have launched a new music publication titled ANTICS. Their first September issue featured indie rock band This Is Lorelei on the cover, while their second touted Pom Pom Squad.

The talent that Tatiana has assembled has been awe-inspiring, said Tedder in an email. Our designer Frank J. Mondragon has nailed a look that is halfway between classic Raygun and an 80s zine, an inspired choice. Beverly Bryan expertly helped guide the ship for our first two issues, and we were fortunate to have the legendary Suzy Exposito guest edit on the first issue.

Contributors include Rachel Brodsky, Erica Campbell, Eli Enis, Stefanie Fernandez, Grace Robins-Somerville, Zach Schonfeld, Gary Suarez and more. The magazine is available online and in select bookstores across New York.

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+ The Dennis Bono Show has announced its 25th anniversary celebration for Feb. 6.

Created and hosted by Bono, the weekly radio show is produced in front of a live audience from Michael Gaughans South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa. Guests have included Paul Anka, Frankie Avalon, Charo, Chicago, Tony Curtis, Robert Goulet, Shecky Greene, Steve Lawrence, Jerry Lewis, Rich Little, Deana Martin, Wayne Newton, Debbie Reynolds and Mickey Rooney, to name a few.

The Dennis Bono Show airs Sundays in Las Vegas on KXNT 840 AM at 3 p.m. and KJUL 104.7 FM at 9 p.m. To be part of the live studio audience of any recording of The Dennis Bono Show, including the 25th anniversary edition on Feb. 6, guests can call the South Point Hotel and Casino box office.

Monday, Jan. 13

Metallicas All Within My Hands foundation is granting $500,000 to Los Angeles fire relief efforts carried out by the California Community Foundations Wildfire Recovery Fund and the Pasadena Community Foundations Eaton Canyon Fire Relief and Recovery Fund.

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The Los Angeles wildfires area have caused widespread destruction in communities across the city since Jan. 7. Despite containment progress over the weekend, officials warn residents to stay vigilant as the Santa Ana winds are expected to return.

The California Community Foundation (CCF) utilizes partnerships with community-based organizations and government agencies while using data from CalFire and the CDCs Social Vulnerability Index to prioritize underserved communities. It also aids in rebuilding essential infrastructure like emergency communication systems and offers financial disaster assistance, labor law education, and immigration services to low-wage workers and immigrant families.

The Pasadena Community Foundation (PCF) has established the Eaton Canyon Fire Relief and Recovery Fund. The fund will support immediate needs and critical long-term recovery efforts after the fires are extinguished and the community embarks upon the task of rebuilding.

+ Sonos Inc.s Patrick Spence is leaving the company after eight years as chief executive officer.

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The audio technology company has tapped Tom Conrad, a board member and former executive at Snap Inc. and Pandora, as interim CEO effective Monday. According to a report from Bloomberg, Sonos has confirmed Spences exit is unrelated to companys first-quarter financial results, which will be announced in February.

+ Youssef Chellak has been named general manager of Warner Music Belgium (WMG), effective immediately.

Chellak will be based in WMGs Brussels office and report to Niels Walboomers, president of recorded music and publishing at WMG Benelux. He will focus on building Warner Music Belgiums domestic roster, developing innovative collaborations with business partners, and further growing the most culturally curious team in the local music industry.

Chellak said, Im very excited to join the Warner Music team, which thrives on a culture of entrepreneurship. Our music-first approach, powered by the latest digital tools, will enable us to support Belgian artists and build innovative and sustainable business partnerships. Im committed to doing all I can to help develop the thriving music scene we have here in Belgium.

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Walboomers added, Were delighted to welcome Youssef to Warner Music Benelux. His proven track record, culturally curious approach, and inspiring vision for the local music industry make him the ideal executive to lead our Belgian team. Im confident that hell create an inspiring environment where local artists, emerging as the voices of their generation, can collaborate, excel and reach their full creative potential.

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The imminent release of up to 34 hostages from Gaza is a time of both immense relief and aching sadness.

Overwhelming relief for the hostages who have made it out alive. Hope for those who may still be released with breath in their bodies. Profound, gut-punch sadness and pain for the dozens of kidnapped Jewish men, women and children who died in captivity.

It is also a moment to remind ourselves of the evil and depravity of Hamas and what it is that Israel has been fighting.

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During their genocidal killing spree on October 7 Hamas seized babies, the disabled, the elderly and Holocaust survivors as hostages. The terrorists paraded bleeding young Jewish women through celebratory crowds in Gaza, they allowed mobs to attack injured captives.

All of this was just the beginning.

A report released last month revealed what followed for these innocent people. Compiled from the testimonies of hostages who were released in a hostage deal and those rescued by Israeli forces the report details how they were tortured, starved and sexually abused.

The suffering endured was utterly depraved and I must warn you that what follows is deeply disturbing. I share it because it is important for us all to understand what kind of enemy Israel has been facing and why it is so important that Hamas is destroyed.

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According to the report, two children were forced by their captors to perform sexual acts on one another. They were sexually assaulted and their genitalia whipped. In another case, children were deliberately branded with a heated object by their captors.

Injured prisoners were tortured. Women were sexually assaulted at gunpoint. Hostages were kept bound and in conditions of near total darkness. They were deliberately starved, denied medical treatment and forced to witness the murder of their fellow hostages.

We also know that as Israel fought back Hamas showed that they do not care for the lives of the Palestinian people they claimed to be fighting for either. This is why the terrorists hid themselves and their weapons in hospitals, schools and UN facilities. It is why Hamas built a multi-billion dollar network of tunnels stretching for miles beneath Gaza but did not use them to shelter Palestinian civilians from Israeli bombing.

Indeed, Hamas see the deaths of Palestinians as a form of depraved tactical success. The formula has a horrific logic to it. Hamas terrorists hide in civilian infrastructure, the Israelis are forced to fight their war against the terrorists in civilian buildings, innocent Palestinians are killed in the urban warfare and Israel is blamed for all of it.

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Yet with a deep perversity, the focus of the worlds wrath has been on Israels response to a mass terrorist attack rather than on those who started the war with acts of utmost barbarity, tortured and abused dozens of hostages and endangered the lives of the people of Gaza, all to satisfy their genocidal mania.

It has been remarkable how little attention has been paid by global citizens to the central and cold-blooded role Hamas has played in the war that has engulfed Gaza.

I have not seen any protests on the streets of London demanding the end of Hamass control of the Gaza strip. There has been no social media outpouring to condemn a group of violent Islamists who not only want to destroy their regional neighbour but oppress Palestinian women and anyone who happens to be gay. And beyond the Jewish community there has been little concern for the plight of the hostages.

I hope and pray that the surviving hostages find some peace now and over time begin to recover. I also ask you to never forget who started this war. Never forget what the terrorists did to their captives. Never forget the evil of Hamas.

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Twenty-five years in power and Vladimir Putin has left Russia in a worse state, not better. He has sacrificed hundreds of thousands of his citizens on the altar of his own ego. He has abandoned the rule of law, persecuted his opponents, invaded countries and directed a sub-threshold war against the West.

The result, not surprisingly, is that Russia is a lesser, poorer and weaker country than when Putin first took office. It is a country that now has to go on bended knee to the ruler of North Korea for fresh cannon fodder.

It is also a country  though Putin wont admit it  which has become a client state of China. How the mighty have fallen.

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As one current leader of a former Russian ally said to me recently: Putin is just a gangster with a gas station.

When Putin made the foolish decision to illegally invade Ukraine, everyone was at pains inside our government  especially in the Foreign Office  to repeat the mantras, this is not the Russian people, it is just a small clique in the Kremlin, and we dont do regime change.

Well, the past three years have shown that this criminal and fascist regime goes way beyond a few bitter old KGB men. It turns out that the Russians not only support the invasion, but they support the use of torture, mass murder, assassinations and cyberattacks.

As with Adolf Hitlers Germany, Russias actions are only possible because of widespread support among its citizens. One of the features of the Soviet Union was the hundreds of Russian dissidents who bravely spoke out or campaigned from exile. This time around, the numbers who do so are in single figures. Most Russians abroad in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Cyprus or the capitals of Europe believe Putin is correct (while shielding their own sons from being drafted to Ukraine).

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So what is to be done with this gangster state? Well, I believe that just like other gangsters, Russia belongs behind bars: prison bars of its own making. At the moment, despite sanctions, Russia acts as if nothing has happened. Our Western capitals and private schools are still full of wealthy Putin supporters. Russia operates a shadow fleet of ships that enables it to export oil, cut cables and smuggle goods. Famous British brands are still being sold in Moscow  brands that we ought to consider taking action against.

So in 2025, we should make sure the West starts building the prison walls high. We should patch the holes and lock the doors. We should also use our collective diplomacy to pressure such places as Cyprus, the UAE and Switzerland to clamp down on the playgrounds of the Russian elite.

Just as we remove criminals from society, we should do the same to Russia. The irony of such actions is that it will completely counter the fake Russian narrative that Nato is poised to invade. Lets face it  no one ever wants to break into a prison.

When Putin is revealed to have no real friends, the Godfather will look weak and, as in any other organised crime family, his days will be numbered.

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There will be those who say that Putin is going nowhere. No doubt such experts have missed the collapse of Assad, the attempted coup in South Korea and the Taliban victory.

If the past few years have taught us anything it is that all our societies are more fragile than we believe and that dictators can fall.

Winston Churchill once said, Dictators ride to and fro upon tigers which they dare not dismount. And the tigers are getting hungry. The Russian widows and mothers will be getting hungry soon

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.
HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  A 37-year-old Myrtle Beach man was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Monday after he pleaded guilty to drug charges in Horry County Circuit Court, the 15th Circuit Solicitors Office said.

Webster Arnel Thomas pleaded guilty Monday to trafficking 28 grams or more of crack cocaine and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, both second offenses, the solicitors office said.

Because the cocaine trafficking charge is considered serious and violent, the solicitors office said Thomas will not be eligible for parole. He was sentenced by Judge S.B. Doby.

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The trafficking charge stems from a traffic stop in August 2022 in which Thomas tried to flee from Horry County police at high speeds but hit a curb and crashed into a ditch, the solicitors office said. Authorities found 33 grams of crack cocaine next to the crashed vehicle.

The possession charge is the result of a December 2022 traffic stop in which Myrtle Beach police recovered crack cocaine and a large amount of cash, the solicitors office said.

* * *

Dennis Bright is the Digital Executive Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on, Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
Some Dunkin stores around the country have run out of its signature item.

The AP reported on Jan. 10 that customers in Nebraska, New Mexico, Arizona and elsewhere have visited their local Dunkin only to find empty doughnut cases and posted signs explaining the shortage.

Inside a Dunkin' restaurant shows a very limited selection of doughnuts on Jan. 10, in Tempe, Arizona.

Due to a donut manufacturing error, we currently do not have your favorite donuts at this time, reads a sign posted on the door of a Dunkin shop in West Omaha, Nebraska. We apologize for this inconvenience. Please enjoy our munchkins in the meantime!

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Similar signs appeared at Arizona stores, also encouraging visitors to opt for Munchkins, the chains doughnut-hole treats, for the time being.

A sign on the door of a Dunkin' restaurant in West Omaha, Nebraska on Friday, Jan. 10.

Employees in the Albuquerque, New Mexico area confirmed the doughnut deficiency to the AP, and some said that delivery trucks had been arriving without the treats onboard.

On Jan. 9, a user posted on Reddit that there were no doughnuts at the Dunkin they visited that day, but didnt mention the shops location.

A sign on the door of a Dunkin' Donuts restaurant on Jan. 10, in Tempe, Arizona.

Ben Affleck absolutely shaking, crying, throwing up, joked one commenter, although AP noted that it found no shortage in Boston, Massachusetts  Afflecks hometown.

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Jack DAmato, a spokesperson for Inspire Brands, told AP that there was an issue with doughnuts from a single supplier that impacted stores in Nebraska and other states, but he didnt name them.

Bryce Bares, who owns Dunkin franchises in Nebraska, told the Omaha World-Herald that some Dunkin stores received shipments from suppliers that were not up to standard, telling the outlet, We refuse to serve our guests subpar donuts.

Signs on the doors of a Dunkin' on Jan. 10, in Tempe, Arizona.

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DAmato said Dunkin is still investigating the full extent of the issue, although he estimated about 4% of Dunkins more than 9,500 U.S. stores were affected.

In a statement to TODAY.com, DAmato says, Only 2 percent of Dunkin locations are currently still impacted, and were actively working to restock those locations.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
A cogitively-impaired North Carolina woman vanished after getting into an strange car  and now police are looking for her killer.

Just before 10 p.m. on Sat. Jan. 4, Heather Williams, 25, was seen on her familys Ring camera leaving her home on Berkshire Road in Fayetteville, the Fayetteville Police Department said in a statement.

She was seen getting into a light-colored sedan with a sunroof - a car her family says they dont recognize.

Fayetteville Police Department The car Heather Williams was last seen getting into on Jan. 4, 2025. The car Heather Williams was last seen getting into on Jan. 4, 2025.

Williams was considered to be endangered because she suffered from cognitive impairment with limited speech, the police department said.

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Six days later, on Friday, Jan. 10, police said that they had found her body in a wooded area near Newark Ave. and State Ave. Now, her family is desperately seeking answers as to what happened to her.

"That Sunday, you know, when I woke up, she wasn't at the house," Williams sister Mary told local station ABC 11. "And, you know, we tried calling her phone. We couldn't get up with her. It was going straight to voicemail. And like, at that point, we knew something was wrong."

An accident in 2015 left Williams cognitively impaired, local station WRAL reports.

Over the years, she's worked really hard, you know, just having a normal life and do normal things that 25-year-olds do, but she was loving and she loved her family and she loved Jesus, Mary Williams told WRAL.

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As a result of her impairment, family worried about who she met out in the world  and online.

Fayetteville Police Department Heather Williams Heather Williams

Williams family believes she had previously met whoever picked her up online.

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.

"She was just so trusting and naive to what the dangers were out there," Mary Williams said, ABC 11 reports.

Fayetteville Police Department Heather Williams Heather Williams

Her family reported her missing when she failed to return home after they saw her getting into the car.

"Her being out there at night time alone, it was a dangerous situation for her to begin with," Mary Williams told local station WRAL.

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The family was devastated to learn she had been found dead.

"She just loved life, you know, was fearless and loved to be with family," Mary Williams said, ABC 11 reports. "And she had a love for God that never wavered."

The family is asking the public to come forward with any information they may have about what happened to Heather.

"I just ask that people out there, if they hear anything or if they see anything, you know, somebody knows something, somebody's talked to somebody, somebody has, you know, they slip up along the way," Mary Williams told WRAL. "So somebody's got to know something. and you know, I just pray that whoever does know anything comes forward and that we're able to get justice for Heather."

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Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Detective E. Alrafai at 910-723-0327. To remain anonymous, please contact Crime Stoppers at 910-483-8477 or fay-nccrimestoppers.org.



Read the original article on People
PRAYAGRAJ, India (AP)  Tens of thousands of naked Hindu ascetics and millions of pilgrims took dips in freezing water at the confluence of sacred rivers in northern India on Tuesday, in the first of a series of major baths in the Maha Kumbh festival, the largest religious congregation on Earth.

Holding tridents, swords, spears and small two-headed drums, ash-smeared Hindu holy men marched and rode chariots at sunrise toward the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati rivers in the northern city of Prayagraj. The men  with matted dreadlocks and crowns of marigolds  chanted religious slogans praising Hindu deity Lord Shiva on the way to the bathing site in a large procession with singing, drumming and blowing of horns.

Millions of Hindu pilgrims followed them into the confluence.

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The Maha Kumbh festival  held every 12 years  started Monday, with more than 15 million pilgrims bathing in the holy rivers, according to officials. Over about the next six weeks, the festival is expected to draw more than 400 million people, many of whom will take part in elaborate rituals.

Hindus believe that bathing at the confluence will cleanse them of their sins and release them from the cycle of rebirth.

Among the bathers was Venkatesh Ramaling, a tech specialist from southern Pune city.

It is amazing to see how people are just diving in such cold water. People have such strong faith here, and looking at them I feel inspired, Ramaling said. After taking the bath, I feel really good and full of positivity."

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The festival has its roots in a Hindu tradition that says the god Vishnu wrested a golden pitcher containing the nectar of immortality from demons. Hindus believe that a few drops fell in the cities of Prayagraj, Nasik, Ujjain and Haridwar  the four places where the Kumbh festival has been held for centuries.

The Kumbh rotates among the four pilgrimage sites about every three years on a date determined by the cosmic alignment of the sun, moon and Jupiter.

This years festival is the biggest and grandest of them all.

Authorities have built a sprawling tented city on the riverbanks to accommodate the holy men, pilgrims and tourists visiting the festival. The government has provided more than $765 million for the event, hoping to impress Indias largely Hindu population and draw visitors from around the world.

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It is some culmination, some distillation of so much spiritual pursuit, so it is fascinating to see everyone with one purpose," said Stephen Barker, a New York-based artist who was at the festival.

The tent city is equipped with 3,000 kitchens and 150,000 toilets. About 50,000 security personnel are also stationed in the city to maintain law and order and crowd management.

On Tuesday, millions thronged to the riverbanks, with some carrying clothes, blankets and food on their heads and others lugging wheeled bags. Entire families and groups of people from faraway villages marched in huge lines as security personnel blared warnings to avoid stampedes that have marred the festival in the past.

Rajnish Diwedi, a senior police official who oversees security at the festival, said at least 2,700 cameras, some powered by AI, are being used to send crowd movement and density information to four central control rooms, where officials can quickly deploy personnel. Police are also using automated systems to avoid stampedes, he said.

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Groups of Hindu ascetics have set up sprawling camps at the site, with tens of thousands of pilgrims visiting them to hear religious discourses and attend prayers. These ascetics  called Naga Sadhus  are part of religious orders that were once mercenary armies who generally revere Hinduisms Lord Shiva.

Sri Digambar Ishwargiri, a Naga Sadhu who traveled from western Junagadh city, about 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) from Prayagraj, said a dip in the holy waters is a step toward attaining salvation. He sat cross-legged beside a small wood fire and a ceremonial trident inside a tent as devotees visited him for blessings.

This is the holy place for salvation, Ishwargiri said, adding that ascetics like him are soldiers of the Hindu religion.

"We safeguard our faith, he said.

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Bathing takes place every day at the site, but on the most auspicious dates, Hindu ascetics charge toward the holy rivers at dawn.

Many pilgrims also stay for the entire festival, observing austerity, giving alms and bathing at sunrise every day. The river baths, prayer, meditation and yoga sessions and other religious rituals are organized by Hindu ascetics and supported with public funds.

___

Associated Press video journalists Shonal Ganguly and Rishi Lekhi contributed to this report.

___

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
Members of the Idaho House State Affairs Committee listen to proceedings at the Jan. 7, 2025, meeting of the committee at the Idaho Statehouse in Boise. From left to right are, Reps. Joe Palmer, R-Meridian; Jaron Crane, R-Nampa; and Clint Hostetler, R-Twin Falls. (Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun)

Rep. Jaron Crane, R-Nampa, introduced a bill on Tuesday to the Idaho House State Affairs Committee that replicates a 2023 Texas law creating a new crime called illegal entry.

According to the bill, a person who is an alien commits an offense if the person enters or attempts to enter this state directly from a foreign national at any location other than a lawful port of entry.

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The bill would allow local law enforcement officers to check the documentation status of individuals.

This will allow law enforcement to go ahead and take fingerprints, do mug shots, and do all of the things that we would do to document the person, Crane said.

The first instance of being discovered as unauthorized by law enforcement would result in a misdemeanor charge, and a second occurrence would lead to a felony charge and deportation, according to the bill.

The bill is a replica of a controversial Texas law  Senate Bill 4  that Texas lawmakers approved in 2023. However, the Texas law is not currently being enforced. Legal challenges from the U.S. Department of Justice and immigration advocacy organizations have repeatedly prevented its enforcement, the Texas Tribune reported.

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Crane said the only difference is that the Idaho bill includes a severability clause, which means that if a portion of the law is found unconstitutional, the rest of the law can still stand and be enforced. The bill also declares an existing emergency, so it would take effect immediately after receiving a signature from the governor.

Idaho state Rep. Todd Achilles (right) talks with Rep. Brooke Green, both D-Boise, prior to the Jan. 7, 2025, meeting of the House State Affairs Committee. (Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun)

Last year, Crane introduced the same bill. The bill passed the House floor, but the legislative session ended before it could reach the Senate floor.

Rep. Todd Achilles, D-Boise, said the bill clearly violates the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which grants the federal government authority to establish laws that supersede state laws, including those related to immigration.

Achilles said he also is concerned about the civil immunity clause in the bill, which he said weakens accountability for law enforcement. Additionally, he said he was concerned about the bills fiscal note. It proposes a $250,000 appropriation along with a $1 million general fund allocation, raising concerns about the potential costs associated with training, jail operations and court proceedings.

The committee voted to move the bill forward, clearing the way for a full hearing at a later date.

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Some students will see their four day weekends extended by one more day after additional Middle Tennessee schools announced Tuesday closures due to icy conditions.

Any melting that occurred after Friday's winter storm could freeze over again Monday into Tuesday as temperatures are expected to drop into the teens, according to the National Weather Service in Nashville.

Wilson County announced a closure for Tuesday Monday ahead of Tuesday as several rural roads remain hazardous in the eastern part of the county, officials said.

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Here is a list of schools either closing or on a two-hour delay:

Wilson County: Closed

Humphreys County: Closed

Maury County: Two-hour delayed start.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Middle Tennessee closing due to hazardous rural roads
A former Nassau County Sheriffs Office Correction Deputy was arrested Tuesday, accused of abusing a 4-year-old autistic child.

According to the Sheriffs Office, the investigation into Mason Codi Moore began Wednesday when Wolfson Childrens Hospital reported that it suspect a child patient had been abused. The director of the Child Protection Team said significant bruising was found on the nonverbal child that didnt match up with Moores explanation of the injuries.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

Following an investigation and interviews with Moore, Deputies determined that the force Moore allegedly used against the child was unlawful.

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As law enforcement officers, were held to the highest standards of conduct, and we take any allegations of abuse extremely seriously, especially when they involve our most vulnerable citizens, said Sheriff Bill Leeper. The evidence in this case clearly showed that a serious crime was committed against a defenseless child.

ead: Florida boy mauled to death by dogs

Moore, who had been employed by the Sheriffs Office for one year, was fired from his position and arrested. Hes charged with child abuse without great bodily harm - a third degree felony.

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Under President Joe Biden, enrollment in Medicaid hit a record high and the uninsured rate reached a record low.

Donald Trump's return to the White Housealong with a GOP-controlled Senate and House of Representativesis expected to change that.

Republicans in Washington say they plan to use funding cuts and regulatory changes to dramatically shrink Medicaid, the nearly $900-billion-a-year government health insurance program that, along with the related Children's Health Insurance Program, serves about 79 million mostly low-income or disabled Americans.

The proposals include rolling back the Affordable Care Act's expansion of Medicaid, which over the last 11 years added about 20 million low-income adults to its rolls. Trump has said he wants to drastically cut government spending, which may be necessary for Republicans to extend 2017 tax cuts that expire at the end of this year.

Trump made little mention of Medicaid during the 2024 campaign. The first Trump administration approved work requirements in several states, though only Arkansas implemented theirs before a federal judge said it violated the law. The first Trump administration also sought to block grant funding to states.

House Budget Committee Chair Jodey Arrington (R-Texas) told KFF Health News that Medicaid and other federal entitlement programs need major changes to help cut the federal debt. "Without them, we will watch this country sadly enter into fiscal collapse."

Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), a member of the Budget Committee, said Congress needs to explore cutting federal spending on Medicaid.

"You need wholesale reform on the health care front, which can include undoing a lot of the damage being done by the ACA and Obamacare," Roy said. "Frankly, we could end up providing better service if we do it the right way."

Advocates for poor people fear GOP funding cuts will leave more Americans without insurance, making it harder for them to get care.

"Medicaid is an obvious target for huge cuts," said Joan Alker, executive director of Georgetown University's Center for Children and Families. "An existential fight about Medicaid's future likely lies ahead."

Medicaid, which turns 60 in July, is nearing the end of a disruptive period, after COVID pandemic-era coverage protections expired in 2023 and all enrollees had to prove they still qualified. More than 25 million people lost coverage over the 18 months after the "unwinding" began, though it has not notably increased the number of people without insurance, according to the latest census data.

The unwinding's disruptions could pale in comparison to what happens in the next four years, said Matt Salo, former executive director and founder of the National Association of Medicaid Directors. "What we are going to see is an even bigger seismic shift in who Medicaid covers and how it operates," he said.

But Salo said any efforts to shrink the program will face pushback.

"A lot of powerful entitiesstate governments, managed-care organizations, long-term care providers, and everyone under the sun who wants to do well by doing goodwants to see Medicaid work efficiently and be adequately funded," he said. "And they will be highly motivated to push back on something they see as draconian cuts, because it could affect their business model."

The GOP is looking at several tactics to reduce the size of Medicaid

Shifting to block grants. Switching to annual block grants could lower federal funding for states to operate the program while giving states more discretion over how to spend the money. Currently, the government matches a certain percentage of state spending each year with no cap. Republican presidents since Ronald Reagan have sought to block-grant Medicaid with no success.

Arrington said he favors ending the open-ended federal funding to states and replacing it with a set annual amount based on how many people each state has in the program.

Cutting ACA Medicaid funding. The ACA provided financing to cover, through Medicaid, Americans with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level, or $20,783 for an individual last year. The federal government pays 90% of the cost for adults covered through the law's Medicaid expansion, which 40 states and Washington, D.C., have adopted.

The GOP may try to lower that funding to the same match rate the feds pay states for everyone else in the program, which averages about 60%. "We should absolutely note that we are subsidizing the healthy, able-bodied Medicaid expansion population at a higher rate than we do the poorest and sickest among us, which was the original intent of the program," Arrington said. "That's not right."

Lowering federal matching funds. Since Medicaid began, the federal match rate has been based on the relative wealth of a state's population, with poorer states receiving a higher rate and no state receiving less than a 50% match. Ten states get the base rateall but two are Democratic-run states, including New York and California. The GOP may seek to cut the base rate to 40% or less.

Adding work requirements. During the first Trump term, federal courts ruled that Medicaid law doesn't allow coverage to be conditioned on enrollees' working or seeking jobs. But the GOP may try again.

"If we can get strict work requirements on able-bodied adults, that can be a huge cost savings by itself," Rep. Tom McClintock (R-Calif.) told KFF Health News. Because most Medicaid enrollees already work, go to school, or serve as caregivers, critics say such a requirement would simply add red tape to obtaining coverage, with little impact on employment.

Placing enrollment hurdles. About 10 states offer some populations what's called continuous eligibility, whereby people stay enrolled for years without having to renew their coverage. That policy's been shown to prevent enrollees from falling out of the program for short periods because of hardships or paperwork problems, which can lead to surprise medical bills and debt.

The Trump administration could seek to repeal waivers that allow states to grant multiyear continuous eligibility, which would require people in those states to reapply for coverage annually.

If the GOP's plans to shrink Medicaid are realized, Democrats and health experts say, low-income people forced to buy private insurance would face challenges paying monthly premiums and the large copayments and deductibles common to commercial plans that typically don't exist in Medicaid.

The Paragon Health Institute, a leading conservative think tank run by former Trump adviser Brian Blase, has issued reports saying the billions in extra money states took to expand Medicaid under the ACA has been a boon to private insurers that manage the program and relatively wealthier people it says shouldn't be enrolled.

Josh Archambault, a senior fellow with the conservative Cicero Institute, said he hopes the Trump administration holds states accountable for overpaying providers and enrolling people in Medicaid who are not eligible. Conservatives have cited CMS reports saying states improperly pay Medicaid providers billions of dollars a year, though the federal government notes that is mostly due to lack of documentation.

He said the GOP will look to scale back Medicaid to its "traditional" populations of children, pregnant women, and people with disabilities. "We need to rebalance the program that most people think is underperforming," he said.

Most Americans, including large majorities of both Republicans and Democrats, view the program favorably, according to polls.

2025 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  The oldest and largest black religious convention in the country, National Baptist Convention, started its mid-winter meeting Monday at the 16th Street Baptist Church.

Thousands of church leaders from across the country are expected to attend the weeklong convention.

PowerSchool data breach affects Alabama districts

A.B. Sutton Jr, Pastor of Livingstones Temple in Birmingham, said hes happy to welcome other members to the Magic City using the convention as an opportunity to learn and grow his own congregation.

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I see venues like this as opportunities to be inspired, to be encouraged, said Sutton This is an opportunity for churches to learn from other churches, models and methods of not just communicating the gospel but strengthen their teams.

For the first night of the convention, attendees introduced the new National Baptist Church President: Reverend Dr. Boise Kimber of First Calvary Baptist Church in Connecticut and Alabama native.

At Mondays gathering, Dr. Kimber spoke about his vision for the future of the National Baptist Convention setting out plans to grow and revitalize.

According to the chairman of late-night services for the National Baptist Convention, Dr. Johnnie Green, that includes continuing to spread the gospel and advocate for the community by addressing racism and injustice everywhere.

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Over 21,000 churches are a part of the National Baptist Convention, which includes nearly 8 million members.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.
Stewart Huntington and Paris Wise

ICT



Firefighting crews from at least five tribal nations are on the ground in Los Angeles, helping battle the most destructive fires in Southern California history and lending support for area residents impacted by the unprecedented wildfires.



A beefed-up firefighting force was staged around Los Angeles Tuesday, Jan. 14, with anxious residents prepared for more fire danger as winds began to build, a week after two massive infernos destroyed thousands of homes and killed at least 24 people.



Among the tribal nations sending fire crews are two California-based tribes  the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians and the Yurok Tribe  and the Klamath Tribes in Oregon, the Navajo Nation and Montanas Blackfeet Nation. Other tribes are offering personal support, and the Pechanga Tribe is contributing $500,000 to help fire victims in conjunction with the Los Angeles Rams Foundation.



As a fire department, our job is just to go out there and protect lives, said Rod Mendes, a Karuk tribal citizen who is the Yurok Tribes fire chief. We want to make sure that we can do the best job we can possibly do down there for those folks that are impacted by this disaster and want them to know that our hearts are with them. We pray for them and we'll do the best job we can on their behalf.



Mendes said he is also looking out for the safety of his crew and urging them to be careful.



The environment itself is very hazardous, he said. The smoke that's being generated from burned structures  is very dangerous.



Keith Alexander, the San Manuel Fire Department chief, has sent six crew members to fight both the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire, saying this is a career-defining moment for firefighters. He said the dry, off-shore Santa Ana winds annually cause problems for wildland firefighters, but this year is different.



The thing that really makes this uncommon is just the amount of devastation and the amount of fires raging out of control all at the same time within a relatively close proximity of each other, he said. Anybody that's on any of these fires hasn't seen anything like this in their career  We're not out of the woods yet.

Related: Resources for Native peoples in the Los Angeles wildfires

The San Manuel tribal council issued a statement about the decision to send help to the Los Angeles fires.

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Our hearts go out to our neighbors as they face the overwhelming challenges of the devastating SoCal wildfires in Los Angeles County, according to the statement. In response to mutual aid requests, our dedicated San Manuel Fire Department is at the Palisades fire in Los Angeles and the Eaton fire in Altadena, supporting those bravely battling the flames. In this difficult time, we stand united with all courageous first responders, fully committed to helping safeguard homes, loved ones, and the spirit of community.

Dry winds gusted early Tuesday to 40 mph in coastal and valley areas and 50 miles per hour in the mountains, said meteorologist Todd Hall of the National Weather Service. Gusts up to 65 mph were forecast to continue through midday Wednesday.



The weather service issued a rare warning that the winds combined with severely dry conditions created a particularly dangerous situation, indicating that any new fire could explode in size. Hall said the conditions could lead to extreme fire behavior that could spread embers 2 to 3 miles ahead of flames or even cause fire tornadoes.



But the danger is not solely the result of weather conditions, said local tribal leaders.



Matthew Teutimez, a biologist with the Kizh Nation, or Gabrieleno Band of Mission Indians, a state-recognized tribe in the Los Angeles Basin, said the catastrophe was decades in the making.



The wildfires right now are an example of how our lands have been kind of left to create a fuel capacity, he said. And so now we're seeing the effects of allowing the lands to have a bunch of  flash fuels or non-native vegetation that was never part of our landscape of the past, but now is everywhere.



And now is the fuel that causes these huge crown fires, these extraordinarily catastrophic fires that are occurring.

Firefighting equipment from the San Manuel band of Mission Indians sits ready before being deployed to fight the Los Angeles wildfires. (Photo courtesy of San Manuel Band of Mission Indians)

The tribes chairman, Andrew Salas, agreed.



What you're seeing here is a sign, he said. There is a disconnection between the Creator and humanity here on Earth.



Salas spoke with ICT last week he was on his way to visit with community members affected by the fires.



We think it's within our duty, he said. It's who we are, you know, as a people, as Indigenous people. We've been brought up in the community in a time of community. And this is when the community needs everybody the most.



On Monday, planes doused homes and hillsides with a bright pink fire-retardant compound, while crews and fire engines were placed near particularly vulnerable spots with dry brush. Dozens of additional water trucks rolled in to replenish supplies after hydrants ran dry last week when the two largest fires erupted.



Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and other officials  who have faced criticism over their initial response to the fires  expressed confidence Monday that the region was ready to face the new threat with scores of additional firefighters brought in from around the U.S., as well as Canada and Mexico.



Were absolutely better prepared, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said, when asked what will be different from a week ago when hurricane-force winds propelled multiple fires across the parched, brush-filled region that has seen almost no rain in more than eight months.



Although winds were not expected to reach hurricane-force like last week, they could ground firefighting aircraft, Marrone said, warning if winds reach 70 mph, its going to be very difficult to contain that fire.



More than a dozen wildfires have broken out in Southern California since Jan. 1, mostly in the greater Los Angeles area. In less than a week, four fires around the nations second-biggest city have scorched more than 62 square miles, roughly three times the size of Manhattan.



The latest outbreak started Monday night in a dry riverbed in an agricultural area of Oxnard, about 55 miles northwest of Los Angeles, and tore through tall brush before firefighters stopped its progress, the Ventura County Fire Department said.



A large part of southern California around Los Angeles is under an extreme fire danger warning through Wednesday, including densely populated Thousand Oaks, Northridge and Simi Valley.



Fire officials advised residents in high-risk areas to leave home  and not wait for formal evacuation orders  if they sense danger.



Thats exactly what Tim Kang of La Crescenta did last Wednesday. Feeling sick from the smoky air and fearful of nearby fires spreading, Kang and his brothers packed up and stayed away from their neighborhood.



Everything just felt like, Oh man, the worlds ending, said Kang, who's staying with his girlfriend in Pasadena.



The Eaton Fire near Pasadena is roughly one-third contained, while the largest blaze in Pacific Palisades on the coast is far less contained.



In addition to fighting fires, tribes are offering other support as well.



The Pechanga Tribe in Southern California announced Jan. 11 it will be contributing $500,000.00 to help victims impacted by the Palisades and Eaton fires. The tribe is joining with the Rams Foundation to contribute $250,000 to help the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and the World Central Kitchen.



The tribe will also contribute another $250,000 to the Red Cross.



From ancient times to now, Southern California has always been and will always be our home," said Mark Macarro, Pechanga tribal chairman. "The loss and devastation that continues to take its toll on our region from these catastrophic fires is heartbreaking. Our reservation has been impacted by fires in the past, and we know the importance of coming together to lift up people in need."



Dylan Goodwill, a Dine, Lakota and Dakota resident of Los Angeles whose home had so far escaped the blaze, said community members are also helping others with smaller needs as well.



We have such a really tight knit community here, especially the Native community, Goodwill said. Its been very supportive of each other. We're asking each other if you need places to store things, too  or even if you need to stay.



This story contains material from The Associated Press.

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BRUSSELS (AP)  NATO is launching a new mission to protect undersea cables in the Baltic Sea region after a string of incidents that have heightened fears of Russian sabotage and spying in the strategic region, the alliance's leader said on Tuesday.

Secretary-General Mark Rutte said that the mission dubbed Baltic Sentry would include frigates, maritime patrol aircraft and a fleet of naval drones to provide "enhanced surveillance and deterrence.

Across the alliance, we have seen elements of a campaign to destabilize our societies through cyberattacks, assassination attempts and sabotage, including possible sabotage of undersea cables in the Baltic Sea, Rutte told reporters after a meeting in Helsinki with the leaders of Allied Baltic nations.

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Announcing the new operation, Rutte noted that more than 95% of internet traffic is secured via undersea cables, and 1.3 million kilometers (808,000 miles) of cables guarantee an estimated $10 trillion worth of financial transactions every day.

Even as Rutte was meeting in Helsinki with the leaders of the Baltic nations, there were reports on the Polish state broadcaster TVP World that a ship belonging to Russia's shadow fleet was seen circling a natural gas pipeline that runs from Norway to Poland. But Poland's military said later that the described incident did not take place.

The shadow fleet is made up of hundreds of aging tankers of uncertain ownership and safety practices that are dodging sanctions and keeping the oil revenue flowing to Moscow, and is a cause of concern for European countries.

Rutte said NATOs adversaries must know that the alliance will not accept attacks on its critical infrastructure, underlining that we will do everything in our power to make sure that we fight back, that we are able to see what is happening and then take the next steps to make sure that that doesnt happen again.

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The meeting included leaders from Finland, Germany, Poland, Denmark, Sweden, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia.

In a statement, the Baltic Sea allies warned that we reserve our rights, in accordance with international law, to take action against any suspected vessels that circumvent sanctions and threaten our security, infrastructure and the environment.

They said that Russias use of the so-called shadow fleet poses a particular threat to the maritime and environmental security. They said that beyond threatening undersea infrastructure, this reprehensible practice also significantly supports funding of Russias illegal war of aggression against Ukraine.

In response, the leaders pledged to to begin deploying innovative solutions, developing new technologies for surveillance and tracking of suspicious vessels and undersea monitoring.

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They also vowed to explore new legal ways to combat the challenge, step up information sharing, and said that their effort would include enhanced partnerships with the private sector, in particular infrastructure operators and cutting-edge technology companies.

A number of incidents have added to security fears. On Dec. 26 Finnish police and border guards boarded a vessel, the Eagle S, linked to neighboring Russia as they investigated whether it damaged a Baltic Sea power cable and several data cables.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz said in separate remarks to reporters in Helsinki that Germany will participate in the Baltic Sentry mission. Asked whether that means Germany will contribute ships or surveillance planes and whether he made a specific offer, he replied: We will participate with everything we have in the way of naval capabilities; that will vary, as far as the concrete possibilities of deployment are concerned.

Sweden also announced Sunday that it plans to contribute up to three warships to increase the alliances presence in the Baltic Sea guarding against sabotage of underwater infrastructure.

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Pressed for more details about what the operation might involve, Rutte declined to provide ship numbers, saying that the figure could vary week to week, and we dont want to make the enemy any wiser than he or she is already.

We will make use of the full range of possibilities we as an alliance have, Rutte said.



Gera reported from Warsaw, Poland. Geir Moulson in Berlin contributed reporting.
Jan. 14 (UPI) -- NATO announced on Tuesday that it will beef up its patrol of the Baltic Sea in the light of past infrastructure damage to cables on the sea floor.

The so-called Baltic Sentry program by the Allied Command Operations will be responsible for deterring future attempts by state and non-state actors to damage the undersea cable and other infrastructure in the sea.

The latest damage came on Dec. 25 when an undersea cable connecting Estonia and Finland was severed. In November, a 135-mile Internet link between Lithuania and Sweden's Gotland Island was damaged along with another line connecting Finland and Germany.

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Baltic Sentry will involve a range of assets, including frigates and maritime patrol craft, said NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte after a meeting Tuesday with Baltic Sea allies.

"By working together with all allies, we will do what it takes to ensure the safety and security not only of our critical infrastructure but of all that we hold dear," Rutte said in a statement. "Ship captains must understand that potential threats to our infrastructure will have consequences, including possible boarding, impounding and arrests."

U.S. Army Gen. Christopher Cavoli, the Supreme Allied Commander Europe, said the Baltic Sentry should act as a deterrent to any future aggressions against NATO allies.

"It is indicative of the alliance's ability to rapidly respond to such destabilization and shows the strength of our unity in the face of any challenge," Cavoli said in a statement.

NATO said the Baltic Sentry would enhance the patrols the alliance was already conducting in the Baltic Sea with warships, submarines, and aircraft and under surveillance technology to monitor the waters throughout the region.
NATO should raise its current 2% of GDP defense spending goal, or the allies can begin taking "Russian language courses or move to New Zealand," Secretary General Mark Rutte jokingly told the European Parliament on Jan. 13.

Voices calling for higher defense spending across NATO grew louder after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

"Everything I'm seeing at this moment is not nearly enough, and if we don't do it (raise the spending targets) we are safe now but not in four or five years. So if you don't do it, get out your Russian language courses or go to New Zealand," Rutte said.

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"Or decide now to spend more, and that's exactly the debate we have to finalize over the next three or four months, to stay safe in this part of the world."

Read also: NATO wont endorse Trumps 5% spending target, but ready for increase, Reuters reports

The secretary general did not specify a new target number during his address.

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 the outlet's sources, the alliances members would first increase their spending to 2.5% of GDP before reaching 3% by the start of the next decade.

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Incoming U.S. President Donald Trump called for an even more radical increase, up to 5% of GDP.

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 in 2024.

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. Kyiv will spend 26% of its GDP on defense spending in 2025.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
MILAN  Following a series of sabotage incidents against underwater infrastructure, NATO has launched a maritime patrol mission in the Baltic Sea that will include frigates, naval drones, submarines and surveillance aircraft in a show of force against a shadowy fleet of vessels suspected of doing Moscows bidding.

The operation, dubbed Baltic Sentry, will dispatch national contributions as well as joint assets to the strategically located body of water. The alliances Commander Task Force Baltic, created last year and based in Rostock, Germany, will be responsible for coordinating allied ships in the area, a statement issued by all eight Baltic Sea states and NATOs Secretary General said.

NATO members bordering the sea are Finland, Estonia, Denmark, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Sweden.

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Aside from Sweden, where officials announced the countrys navy would provide up to three warships and its ASC 890 surveillance aircraft, other Baltic Sentry members have yet to articulate individual contributions.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the number of hulls in the water might differ from week to week. The involved nations do not wish to make the enemy any wise than he or she is already, he said during a press conference in Helsinki on Jan 14.

Rutte and Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal praised the Finnish approach used for detaining and investigating the Eagle S oil tanker, suspected of ripping undersea cables last month, suggesting the tactic could serve as a model in prosecuting future sabotage incidents.

[While] it is up to each member state, we as partners are looking up to the Finns  next time if we have a threat or sabotage attempt towards critical infrastructure, probably the Finnish attitude should be the benchmark, Michal told reporters after being asked about the Nordic countrys assertive detainment procedures.

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Finnish President Alexander Stubb said a step-by-step report would be provided to allies about the methodology used on Dec. 25, when authorities took custody of the vessel.

The official detailed the six-step procedure, which involved close cooperation between the Finnish military, customs officials, police and coast guard.

First the private company reports what has happened, after that the authorities suss out the possible ships in that position when the cable was cut. Once that happens, you identify the ship, you contact it, stop it, and ask it to move into your territorial waters so you can board it, Stubb said.

He added that the damage would have been far worse than four cables cut if the Eagle S had continued its activities for another 12 minutes.
NATO announced a new mission on Tuesday to better protect critical undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea, like energy and communication cables, with significantly more ships, aircraft and drones.

"Today I can announce that NATO is launching Baltic Sentry," said NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said at a press conference at the end of a summit of alliance members that surround the Baltic Sea.

"This military activity is part of our ongoing effort to enhance maritime presence and monitoring of key areas for our alliance," Rutte said in Helsinki.

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The secretary general also named an initiative to utilise new technologies as part of the efforts. This includes a small fleet of naval drones to ensure improved surveillance and deterrence.

With the gathering in the Finnish capital, the participating NATO countries Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Sweden are reacting to several incidents in which infrastructure in the Baltic Sea was allegedly deliberately damaged.

In the latest incident, the oil tanker Eagle S is suspected of having intentionally damaged a power line and several communication cables by dragging its anchor on the seabed. Finnish authorities have seized the ship.
NATO announced a new mission on Tuesday to better protect critical underwater infrastructure in the Baltic Sea with significantly more ships, aircraft and drones, as concerns about Russian aggression in the region grow.

"Today I can announce that NATO is launching Baltic Sentry," said NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the summit of alliance members that surround the Baltic Sea.

"This military activity is part of our ongoing effort to enhance maritime presence and monitoring of key areas for our alliance," Rutte said in Helsinki.

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The secretary general also named an initiative to utilize new technologies as part of the efforts. This includes a small fleet of naval drones to ensure improved surveillance of key energy and communication cables that stretch across the sea.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who attended the meeting, said Germany will join the new mission.

Germany was prepared to assume responsibility "with its own resources" in view of the threat, he said.

"Of course, this means that we will also ensure security in the Baltic Sea with German ships," he added.

The two newest NATO members, Finland and Sweden, previously announced that they will be participating with ships. Estonia already has a naval vessel patrolling the Gulf of Finland.

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With the new mission, the eight NATO countries on the Baltic Sea - Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Sweden - are seeking to deter deliberate acts of damage to infrastructure in the sea.

Scholz called the incidents a "very serious matter."

In the latest of a spate of incidents, the oil tanker Eagle S is suspected of having intentionally damaged a power line and several communication cables by dragging its anchor on the seabed.

Finnish authorities have seized the vessel.

The EU says the tanker belongs to the Russian "shadow fleet."

This refers to tankers and other cargo ships, often ageing vessels in poor condition and with opaque ownership structures, that Moscow uses to export oil and other commodities despite sanctions imposed as a result of its invasion of Ukraine.

China, North Korea and Iran are also accused of wanting to weaken European countries with so-called hybrid attacks which aim to inflict harm on another country without waging open warfare. These acts are often difficult or impossible to attribute to a specific initiator.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has stressed in his conversation with European Parliament members that he believes defence spending at a level of 2% is insufficient to ensure the safety of allies in the next four to five years.

Source: Rutte during a European Parliament committee meeting on Monday, 13 January, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Rutte noted that he is deeply concerned about the security situation in Europe. "We are not at war, but we are not at peace either," he stated.

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Rutte stressed that allies must urgently invest more in defence and defence production, improve process efficiency and strengthen the resilience of their societies and critical infrastructure in order to protect their people and way of life.

He welcomed the fact that many countries had reached the 2% defence spending target in 2024 but pointed out that this is now insufficient.

Quote: "To stay safe in the years to come, allies will need to spend considerably more than 2% [...] Spending more on defence means spending less on other priorities. But it can make a big difference for our future."

"The 2%... Everything I'm seeing at this moment is not nearly enough, and if we don't do it, we are safe now, but not in four or five years. So if you don't do it, get out your Russian language courses or go to New Zealand."

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Background:

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that allies should consider defence spending above 2% of GDP, regardless of "the Trump factor", citing future security challenges that demand higher investment.

US President-elect Trump has confirmed that he considers it necessary for NATO members to spend 5% of their GDP on defence.

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NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has stressed the importance of maintaining and continuing support for Ukraine to give it a chance to begin potential talks with Moscow from a position of strength.

Source: Rutte during a European Parliament committee meeting on Monday, 13 January, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Rutte stressed that the future of European and global security depends on the outcome of the war in Ukraine.

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Quote: "We all want this war to end, but above all, we want a peace to last. [...] Peace will not last if Putin gets his way in Ukraine, because then he will press ahead."

More details: Rutte noted that if, as a result of an agreement, Russia and its allies feel stronger, such a peace will not be long-lasting, leading to global instability.

"Peace can only last if Ukraine comes to the table from a position of strength. For this, it needs our continued help, more weapons and faster."

"Let's hope that we will get to the point as soon as possible that we have the luxury of discussing the ongoing security guarantees for Ukraine, because that would mean that we have started into talks and that we have moved to the next phase. At this moment, clearly, Ukraine is not there because they cannot, at this moment, negotiate from a position of strength. We have to do more to make sure by changing the trajectory of the conflict," Rutte said.

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He also highlighted the need to increase defence spending among allies to above 2% and joked that if this is not done, we might have to "get out your Russian language courses".

Background:

A few days ago, US President-elect Donald Trump said he was already working on organising a meeting with Putin.

In response to a question about his strategy for ending the war, Trump stated that there is only one strategy and it "depends on Putin".

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Navy officials on Tuesday began to open up about the lessons they are learning from the months of sustained combat in the Red Sea against Houthi forces in Yemen, including how the service shot down its own jet last month.

The four top leaders of the Navy's ship and aviation communities told a large crowd of mostly other military officers at a conference in Arlington, Virginia, that one of their key takeaways has been a push for accountability, transparency and rapid learning. However, the public remarks didn't reveal much about tactics or the danger ships face.

Vice Adm. Daniel Cheever, the service's top aviation official, told reporters that the push for rapid learning meant that Navy officials have already done "a big debrief, basically, to make sure we know what happened and why" in the friendly fire incident involving the USS Gettysburg and a Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet.

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Read Next: Hegseth Grilled About Women in Combat, Officer Purge in Confirmation Hearing

"There are multiple different investigations to make sure we learn. ... Those investigations don't stop us at the tactical level from learning everything and training and changing our training to make sure that never happens again," Cheever added.

The conflict has been ongoing since October 2023 when the destroyer USS Carney first repelled a Houthi barrage of missiles and drones. Since then, Navy ships in the area have been engaged in a steady stream of strikes against the Houthis as well as defensive measures against missiles and drones, and at least seven have been awarded the prestigious Combat Action Ribbon.

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Speaking more broadly, the admirals on the panel stressed that the Navy's surface warfare community, the group of sailors who man and sail the service's ships, has begun to embrace the idea of reviewing training and real world data, or "the tape," to learn and improve.

"I see this cultural shift of 'embracing the tape' and aligning to our aviation community as the single most important thing we've done as a community in the last 20 years," Rear Adm. Joseph Cahill, the head of Naval Surface Force Atlantic, told the conference.

The officials said that this rapid turnaround of data from units deployed to the Red Sea to the ships getting ready to deploy is critical because the threats and tactics are constantly changing and evolving.

Cheever noted that a Navy helicopter, an MH-60R Sea Hawk, recently shot down a drone in a likely first for the platform.

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Very early in the Red Sea conflict, a Navy destroyer also managed to shoot down some combination of drones or missiles with its 5-inch deck gun -- another unorthodox tactic.

The Navy's commander of surface forces, Vice Adm. Brendan McLane, told the conference that tactics instructors are now able to get data from forward-deployed ships within hours or days.

"The learning that we do together continues at the speed of every engagement, and every event is another opportunity for us to assess, learn and improve together as a force of complete transparency," McLane said.

However, that transparency seems to be limited to just inside the Navy.

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The sea service has been very tight-lipped publicly about what its ships are actually doing, firing, or being threatened with while deployed to the Red Sea. While some Navy officials have cited the need for operational security as the reason for the silence, that secrecy has often continued long after the ships in question have returned home.

Ships in the area have faced serious danger, including one incident in which a missile came within a mile of a U.S. destroyer before being shot down by a last-line-of-defense gun system.

Meanwhile, the result of studying the conflict, according to the admirals, is not only a faster ability to develop tactics to counter new threats, but future strike groups that will be deployed to the area are able to do their workup training on the most recent scenarios and updated information.

"Right now, the Nimitz strike group and the Ford strike group are preparing to go and are being trained with everything that [Cahill] talked about -- they're all being trained to the fight," Cheever said.

"The fight will change -- the learning has to adapt," Cheever added.

Related: Danger for Sailors Grows as Houthi Missile Gets Within 1 Mile of Destroyer USS Gravely
TOPEKA (KSNT)  Topekas City Council will have two resolutions to consider Tuesday night involving new budget requests for a local hotel.

27 News looked over agenda documents for the Jan. 14 Topeka City Council meeting which includes two resolutions involving the Hotel Topeka. City councilmembers will consider these two proposals which, if approved, would add almost $175,000 onto the cost of repairing the building.

City Manager Robert Perez introduced both resolutions with the first having a price tag of more than $142,000 while the second resolution amounts to just over $32,000. The $142,000 is slated to go towards site repairs and improvements at the hotel while the $32,000 would go towards a service elevator.

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Local man robbed at gunpoint, Shawnee County deputies arrest two

Funding sources include General Funds-Hotel Non-Departmental Expense for the service elevator request and Operating funds or General Obligation bonds for the site repairs and improvements, according to agenda documents.

City leaders have made similar funding approvals to help keep the hotel running or to make necessary repairs since they made the decision to purchase the building in 2023. City councilmembers approved $500,000 to help operate the building in February 2024 and a little more than $72,000 in December 2024.

The Hotel Topeka was described as a distressed asset in 2024, with costs nearing $10 million in October 2024 after the approval of an additional $201,000 for the structure. Topeka leaders were informed late last year the hotel would see a nearly $900,000 net operating loss in 2025.

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How do you get one of the new distinctive Kansas license plates?

27 News recently obtained documents showing the multiple different offers and bids put down for the hotel after the City of Topeka purchased it. Learn more about these offers by clicking here.

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
NEENAH, Wis. (WFRV)  Friends have set up a GoFundMe to assist a Neenah native and her partner who lost everything in the southern California wildfires.

Melissa Heinz said it had always been her dream to live in southern California. She said she made it happen about 20 years ago when she moved west. After living out there for a while, she moved into a beautiful apartment in Altadena with her partner Karla and their dog Pablo.

Really making it our home and we loved the community and everything about it, she told Local 5 News in an interview on Monday evening.

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Heinz said she was going on a pre-planned vacation to the Fox Valley to visit her folks the day the fire began. She said authorities had said that itd be windy while she was gone, but that she had no way of knowing that a devastating wildfire would ravage her community.

Wisconsin Red Cross workers among those helping fire victims in California

You know I kind of have my last video of my dog barking at the wind because the trees were going crazy that was the moment I left my apartment. I never thought itd be the last time I saw it, she said. And it (a devastating wildfire in her community) never seemed like a realistic thing, it always seemed so far away like its never going to hit the city.

She said as she was making her way through the airports on her journey to the Fox Cities, she said she began receiving texts and calls that a wildfire was beginning to spread through her community.

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I had gotten a text when I landed in Chicago at the airport one of my friends had told me that the Altadena post office had burned down which is a block away from my place and the treeline went right to my apartment, she said.

Later on her way to the Fox Cities, she received even worse news.

By the time I landed in Appleton I got a phone call that we had lost everything, whatever was in my luggage was all I owned, she said. When she called me I think it was just shock, she was crying on the phone at the time and I think I was in complete utter shock.

Heinz showed Local 5 News pictures of charred vehicles in her neighborhood and a before and after picture of her driveway and apartment.

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It is not just the tangible items that we lost that is heartbreaking, I was in love with that town, I was in love with that apartment, said Heinz.

Her friends have set up a GoFundMe to help support her during this difficult time. For those interested in donating, please click here. The goal for the fundraiser is $60,000 and according to the GoFundMe page it will help them with immediate essentials like clothing, food, and temporary housing, as well as helping them replace essential belongings and secure a stable living situation.

Heinz is still in the Fox Cities but said she and Karla want to find another apartment in southern California to rebuild their lives. She said although its devastating shes eternally thankful that Karla and their dog werent hurt.

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She said the support from her friends and family mean everything to her.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
By Andrew Mills, Nidal al-Mughrabi and Maayan Lubell

DOHA/CAIRO/JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Negotiators were trying to clinch agreement on Tuesday on the final details of a ceasefire in Gaza after marathon talks in Qatar, with mediators and the warring sides both saying a deal was closer than ever.

However, after more than eight hours of talks, a senior Hamas official told Reuters late on Tuesday that the Palestinian group was still waiting for Israel to submit maps showing how its forces would withdraw from Gaza.

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"(Hamas) hasn't delivered its response yet (to the ceasefire plan) because the occupation (Israel) has not submitted the maps that will show the areas to which its forces will withdraw," said the official, who asked not to be named due to the sensitivity of the issue.

He added the maps included Israeli withdrawals from the Netzarim area in the middle of the Gaza Strip, to allow the return of the displaced people to their homes, Jabalia in the north of the tiny territory, the Philadelphi road along the southern border with Egypt, and Rafah, also near that border.

Qatar's foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari earlier told a news conference that talks on the final details were underway after both sides were presented with a text.

U.S. President Joe Biden, whose administration has been taking part alongside an envoy of president-elect Donald Trump, said a deal was close.

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Hamas said the talks had reached the final steps and that it hoped this round of negotiations would lead to a deal after mediation by Qatar, Egypt and the United States.

An Israeli official said talks had reached a critical phase although some details needed to be hammered out: "We are close, we are not there yet."

Militant group Islamic Jihad, which is separate from Hamas and also holds hostages in Gaza, said it was sending a senior delegation that would arrive in Doha on Tuesday night to take part in final arrangements for a ceasefire deal.

"The deal ... would free the hostages, halt the fighting, provide security to Israel and allow us to significantly surge humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians who suffered terribly in this war that Hamas started," Biden said on Monday.

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If successful, the phased ceasefire - capping over a year of start-and-stop talks - could halt fighting that decimated Gaza, killed tens of thousands of Palestinians, made most of the enclave's population homeless and is still killing dozens a day.

That in turn could ease tensions across the wider Middle East, where the war has fuelled conflict in the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Iraq, and raised fears of all-out war between Israel and Iran.

Israel would recover around 100 remaining hostages and bodies from among those captured in the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas that precipitated the war. In return it would free Palestinian detainees.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who gave a speech in Washington outlining a vision for governing the Palestinian territories after the war, said it was up to Hamas to accept a deal that was already set for implementation.

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'LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL'

Families of hostages in Israel were on edge.

Meirav Leshem Gonen, whose 24-year-old daughter Romi was shot and seized by gunmen at a music festival, told Radio 103 the family had been picturing her return for months as "the light at the end of the tunnel".

"We have to keep our feet on the ground. But on the other hand our heads are in the clouds."

An Israeli official said the deal's first stage would see the release of 33 hostages, including children, women including some female soldiers, men above 50, and the wounded and sick. Israel would gradually and partially withdraw some forces.

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A Palestinian source said Israel would free 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in the first phase over 60 days.

Families of hostages unlikely to be in the first group remained anxious. As Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu briefed relatives of some hostages, others protested outside his office.

"The prime minister should bring a deal that includes all the hostages, including my son," said Ruby Chen, whose soldier son, Itay, was killed in Hamas' Oct. 7 attack, his body since held in Gaza. "He saved many people, he doesn't deserve to rot in Gaza."

Israel launched its assault in Gaza after Hamas-led fighters stormed across its borders on Oct. 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

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Since then, Israeli forces have killed more than 46,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to Palestinian health officials.

Only one ceasefire has been held so far, lasting for a single week in November 2023, during which around half of the hostages, including most women, children and foreign labourers, were freed in return for Palestinian detainees.

Both sides have been committed in principle for months to the prospect of a ceasefire accompanied by a swap of remaining hostages for detainees. But previous talks foundered over the steps that would follow, with Hamas rejecting any deal that stopped short of bringing a permanent end to the war, while Israel said it would not end the war until Hamas is dismantled.

Trump's Jan. 20 inauguration is now widely seen as a de facto deadline for a ceasefire agreement. Trump has said there would be "hell to pay" unless hostages held by Hamas are freed before he takes office, while Biden has also called for a final push for a deal before he leaves.

(Reporting by Andrew Mills in Doha, Nidal Al Mughrabi in Cairo and Maayan Lubell in Jerusalem; additional reporting by Menna Alaa El Din in Cairo; Writing by Michael Georgy and Peter Graff; Editing by Michael Perry, Gareth Jones)
Fantasy author and TV-show executive producer Neil Gaiman vehemently denies sexual assault allegations made against him in a recent magazine story and podcast.

In Tortoise Medias Master: The Allegations Against Neil Gaiman podcast, released in early July, Gaiman was accused by a 23-year-old woman of sexually assaulting her within hours of their first meeting at his New Zealand residence, where she worked as nanny to his child. (Gaiman has said that only consensual digital penetration occurred during their three-week relationship.) A second accuser says she was 18 when she met Gaiman at a book signing, then began a relationship with him at age 20, during which she submitted to rough and painful sex that she neither wanted nor enjoyed. (Gaiman denied any unlawful behavior.)

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A story New York Magazine published Monday offered more detail on the accusations made against Gaiman; of the eight women New York spoke with, four had taken part in the Tortoise podcast. A throughline in the accusers stories was that Gaiman allegedly made them engage in BDSM and rough sex without their consent.

Gaiman had not commented on the allegations directly until posting to his blog Tuesday.

Over the past many months, I have watched the stories circulating the internet about me with horror and dismay. Ive stayed quiet until now, both out of respect for the people who were sharing their stories and out of a desire not to draw even more attention to a lot of misinformation, he wrote. Ive always tried to be a private person, and felt increasingly that social media was the wrong place to talk about important personal matters. Ive now reached the point where I feel that I should say something.

He said that the New York piece includes moments I half-recognise and moments I dont, descriptions of things that happened sitting beside things that emphatically did not happen and added Im far from a perfect person, but I have never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone. Ever.

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Gaiman discussed how he reviewed the messages cited in the stories and how he recalls the relationships in question as seeming positive and happy on both sides. He also noted that I could have and should have done so much better. I was emotionally unavailable while being sexually available, self-focused and not as thoughtful as I could or should have been. I was obviously careless with peoples hearts and feelings, and thats something that I really, deeply regret. It was selfish of me. I was caught up in my own story and I ignored other peoples.

However, he wrote, as I reflect on my past  and as I re-review everything that actually happened as opposed to what is being alleged  I dont accept there was any abuse. To repeat, I have never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone.

Some of the horrible stories now being told simply never happened, while others have been so distorted from what actually took place that they bear no relationship to reality. I am prepared to take responsibility for any missteps I made. Im not willing to turn my back on the truth, and I cant accept being described as someone I am not, and cannot and will not admit to doing things I didnt do.

Gaiman is an executive producer on Season 2 of Netflixs The Sandman, though he was conspicuously absent from a preview video for the new season. The third and final season of his Prime Video series Good Omens will consist of just one, 90-minute episode; though Gaiman contributed to the episodes writing, he will not work on the production. Prime Videos adaptation of his Anansi Boys also remains in the works.

Read Gaimans full statement below:

Over the past many months, I have watched the stories circulating the internet about me with horror and dismay. Ive stayed quiet until now, both out of respect for the people who were sharing their stories and out of a desire not to draw even more attention to a lot of misinformation. Ive always tried to be a private person, and felt increasingly that social media was the wrong place to talk about important personal matters. Ive now reached the point where I feel that I should say something.

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As I read through this latest collection of accounts, there are moments I half-recognise and moments I dont, descriptions of things that happened sitting beside things that emphatically did not happen. Im far from a perfect person, but I have never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone. Ever.

I went back to read the messages I exchanged with the women around and following the occasions that have subsequently been reported as being abusive. These messages read now as they did when I received them  of two people enjoying entirely consensual sexual relationships and wanting to see one another again. At the time I was in those relationships, they seemed positive and happy on both sides.

And I also realise, looking through them, years later, that I could have and should have done so much better. I was emotionally unavailable while being sexually available, self-focused and not as thoughtful as I could or should have been. I was obviously careless with peoples hearts and feelings, and thats something that I really, deeply regret. It was selfish of me. I was caught up in my own story and I ignored other peoples.

Ive spent some months now taking a long, hard look at who I have been and how I have made people feel.

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Like most of us, Im learning, and Im trying to do the work needed, and I know that thats not an overnight process. I hope that with the help of good people, Ill continue to grow. I understand that not everyone will believe me or even care what I say but Ill be doing the work anyway, for myself, my family and the people I love. I will be doing my very best to deserve their trust, as well as the trust of my readers.

At the same time, as I reflect on my past  and as I re-review everything that actually happened as opposed to what is being alleged  I dont accept there was any abuse. To repeat, I have never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone.

Some of the horrible stories now being told simply never happened, while others have been so distorted from what actually took place that they bear no relationship to reality. I am prepared to take responsibility for any missteps I made. Im not willing to turn my back on the truth, and I cant accept being described as someone I am not, and cannot and will not admit to doing things I didnt do.

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New allegations of sexual misconduct and assault have surfaced against Neil Gaiman, the best-selling fantasy author whose books Good Omens, American Gods and The Sandman have become TV series.

On Monday, New York Magazine published a cover story titled, There Is No Safe Word, with writer Lila Shapiros piece detailing new claims against Gaiman based on interviews with eight women. This follows the July 2024 release of the Tortoise Media podcast Master, which reported earlier graphic accusations by five women against the celebrated genre writer. (Four of those women were among those who spoke for the New York Magazine piece.)

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One of the claims comes from Scarlett Pavlovich, a former babysitter for Gaiman and his ex-wife Amanda Palmer, who described being sexually assaulted in February 2022 by Gaiman in New Zealand in a backyard bathtub.

She also alleged Gaiman assaulted her under the blankets on a hotel room bed while his son played with an iPad in the same room. (Gaimans reps denied this claim, calling them false, not to mention, deplorable, to New York Magazine.)

A police report accusing Gaiman of a sexual assault was made in January 2023, but the investigation was eventually dropped.

Another sexual misconduct claim detailed in the New York Magazine feature comes from Brenda (a pseudonym), who recalled meeting Gaiman in the 1990s at a book signing. A few years later, she and Gaiman had a sexual encounter at a horror convention.

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He seemed to have a script, Brenda recounted. He wanted me to call him master immediately It was like hed gone into this ritual that had nothing to do with me.

Upcoming Gaiman book-to-screen adaptations include The Sandman season two at Netflix, the Amazon miniseries Anansi Boys, and the concluding 90-minute episode of Good Omens, also at Amazon. The Hollywood Reporter has reached out to Netflix and Amazon for comment on the status of those projects, and also has reached out Gaiman for direct comment on the magazine cover story allegations.

Gaiman has also written screenplays for Neverwhere and Mirrormask, penned an episode of Doctor Who, co-wrote Beowulf with Robert Zemeckis and produced the film Stardust.

Gaiman, via his representatives, told the New York Magazine he and the women had engaged in consensual encounters. And on Tuesday, the day after the article published, he wrote a response on his personal blog.

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As I read through this latest collection of accounts, there are moments I half-recognise and moments I dont, descriptions of things that happened sitting beside things that emphatically did not happen. Im far from a perfect person, but I have never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone. Ever, Gaiman wrote. I went back to read the messages I exchanged with the women around and following the occasions that have subsequently been reported as being abusive. These messages read now as they did when I received them  of two people enjoying entirely consensual sexual relationships and wanting to see one another again. At the time I was in those relationships, they seemed positive and happy on both sides.

Added the author: And I also realise, looking through them, years later, that I could have and should have done so much better. I was emotionally unavailable while being sexually available, self-focused and not as thoughtful as I could or should have been.

Jan. 14, 1:32 p.m. Updated with excerpts from Gaimans blog post.

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LONDON, Ky. (FOX 56)  Its been three weeks since 63-year-old Douglas Harless was killed in an officer-involved shooting.

Since then, questions have been raised, including why the London Police Department did away with body cameras and whether they are coming back.

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The body cams; we had a little over 27 officers that had it out of 30, not every officer had it. The storage that they use to store this and do redactions was outdated, and then the company wound up closing down, said Mayor Randall Weddle.

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He said the aging equipment, storage, and cost were why the department stopped using them.

There are counties and cities that have way less means than us that manage to figure out how to afford to wear bodycams, one resident said at a previous council meeting.

But Wedell said since hes taken office, its been an ongoing process to get them back.

I have been working with the council now for over a year on getting this project done. Back in prior council meetings, youll see there was a subcommittee created for this. So inside of that package, we were going to get the new body cameras, said Weddle.

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He said due to the recent shooting, the project has been expedited.

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We were never against it, and its not that we didnt want our police not having it, and the police department doesnt care to have it. These guys, I think, feel more protected by having it themselves. But it was just that the overall funding was an issue, especially when we have to update everything within that department, Weddle said. But with recent events, we must give transparency to the public, and that department is held accountable. I felt like this was one way.

The body camera system is a 5-year, $500,000 contract. Theyre using the departments forfeiture funds, which are pools of money from assets sized due to criminal involvement.

Wedell says he understands everyones frustrations but is asking for patience as the Kentucky State Police investigation remains ongoing.

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Were frustrated sometimes that we cant say anything because we want to. This is an open investigation. I ask for the community to have patience as soon as this investigation is done; if anything wrong is found, there will be accountability, added Wedell.

Read more of the latest Kentucky news

He said hes confident in KSPs abilities, and depending on the findings of the investigation, changes will be made.

When this is over, something I told the PD, for full transparency, I want to step-by-step play laid out to the community of what transpired from the beginning to the end, said Wedell. Every detail, every phone call that was made because we are doing an administrative investigation as well, and if there are things that we need to do better, lets improve that. Lets ensure that if there is something we need to fix, it gets fixed. But to identify those things, I need to wait on KSP, but we will hold people accountable.

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Chef Richard Cranmer knows its time to say goodbye to Giovanna.

ALSO READ: Wegmans buys land for first Charlotte store

That modern Italian restaurants lease and assets have been listed for $550,000 by Scott Lee with National Restaurant Properties. Giovanna is located at 531 Dewitt Lane in lower South End.

Cranmer told the Charlotte Business Journal he invested roughly $2 million into that 3,600-square-foot space  a sister concept to his popular Zinicola in Ballantyne. Giovanna opened last May.

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He says the restaurant has yet to break even. But more importantly, its been a strain on his family.

Read the rest of the story on CBJs website here.

(WATCH BELOW: Uptown nonprofit restaurant closes abruptly)




(Thanasis/Getty Images)

Some Washington state lawmakers want the fashion industry to be less clothes-minded about sharing information on their environmental and labor practices.

Rep. Sharlett Mena, D-Tacoma, introduced House Bill 1107 on the first day of this years session, which began Monday. The legislation intends to hold fashion giants with gross income over $100 million more accountable for how their products harm the environment.

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Fashion is a huge part of culture and style, Mena said. But the stories of our clothes and shoes begin way before they reach our closets and long after weve thrown them out or donated them.

Retailers and other business interests are pushing back, saying the proposed regulations would drive up costs and that the issues involved are better left to the federal government.

While you might be getting a bang for your buck purchasing cheap clothing, sometimes called fast fashion, it comes with an environmental price tag. Most fast-produced, low-quality garments lead to excess waste, and increased air and water pollution.

According to the United Nations, a single pair of jeans requires around 2 pounds of cotton, and producing that material requires about 7,500 to 10,000 liters of water  roughly a decades worth of drinking water for one person.

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A version of the fashion bill made its debut in 2022 but didnt get a hearing. In 2023 and 2024 it received committee hearings but failed to move forward.

The previous bill required companies to share information on labor practices and how their products affected the environment, set goals for improvement, implement them, and report back to the states Department of Ecology.

This year, the legislation is sporting a new look.

It would require manufacturers to collect information about chemicals found in clothing, marketing terms related to the environment or sustainability, disposal practices for unsold clothing, and initiatives to reduce pollution.

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Companies would report this information to the state. The idea is that it would help the Department of Ecology develop policy options for fashion producers to trim their environmental footprint down a few sizes.

If a company doesnt provide the information, the department could issue penalties for noncompliance. Money from penalties would go toward addressing environmental problems in underserved communities.

Department of Ecology is neutral on the bill. Funding for it was not proposed in outgoing Gov. Jay Inslees budget. The agency has suggested involving more departments in the program and only requiring Ecology to collect information about companies environmental and labor practices.

Ecology has little to no expertise in this particular area, said Kimberly Goetz, who testified on behalf of the department. She added that dealing with multinational corporations in the fashion industry would further complicate the agencys work.

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Business groups say the bills compliance costs would be passed to consumers and they raise concerns about retailers getting penalized for not sharing information about clothes they dont manufacture or supply chains they dont control.

Crystal Leatherman of the Washington Retail Association said the legislation could end up limiting what clothing products are available in the state.

We believe assigning a state agency to oversee global supply chains is fundamentally impractical, she said.

But supporters argue that the bills requirements are manageable and that the information businesses would have to share is already covered in reports that companies like Nike produce.

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Due to the lack of transparency and regulation in the fashion industry, we currently do not have access to the information needed to properly mitigate this wasteful practice, said Kathryn Horvath from WashPIRG, a public health nonprofit.

As the 105-day session unfolds, lawmakers will have to decide whether Washington is ready to try on the bill or if the legislation is best left tucked away in the closet for now.
A New Hampshire man is facing charges after police say he was caught driving more than 50 mph over the speed limit early Tuesday morning.

Daniel Demers, 55, of Pelham, is slated to be arraigned in Salem District Court later this month on charges of aggravated driving under the influence, driving under the influence, and reckless operation, according to the Pelham Police Department.

An officer monitoring traffic on Bridge Street just before 12:30 a.m. spotted a Ford F-150 pickup truck speed past his location at 101 mph in a 50 mph zone, police said.

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The officer was able to safely stop the vehicle and identify the driver as Demers, the department said in a statement. Upon further investigation, it was determined that the driver was impaired.

Demers is due in court on the morning of Jan. 27, 2025.

An investigation is ongoing.

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A New Jersey police officer has been suspended over allegations that he repeatedly sexually assaulted a 17-year-old girl, oftentimes approaching her while on duty and offering her alcohol.

Justin Skelly, an officer in Middletown since 2023, is facing charges including sexual assault of a victim 16- to 17-years-old by a supervisor and endangering-sexual conduct with a child by a non-caretaker, the local Patch reported. Hes accused of meeting up with the unidentified teen victim numerous times between Aug. 12 and Dec. 7 2024, the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office said.

On those occasions, Skelly provided her with alcohol and engaged in sexual intercourse with her, according to an affidavit cited by NJ Advance Media.

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Skelly also engaged in communications of a sexual nature with the 17-year-old female, it continues. During this same time frame, Officer Skelly would often frequent areas where the victim was known to congregate with friends, while he was on duty and would communicate with the victim while on duty and from his police vehicle.

Skelly has since been suspended without pay, Paul Bailey, a spokesperson for the Middletown police, told NJ Advance Media on Tuesday. No further information was provided.

Skelly previously worked as a dispatcher and police officer in Rumson from 2020 to 2023 and he served in Sea Girt starting in 2022, according to his Facebook page.

If convicted on the sexual assault charge, Skelly faces a maximum sentence of 10 years behind bars. The second charge, meanwhile, carries a punishment of up to five years in prison.
Liz Truss has accused the Bank of England of being captured by leftist ideology after it advertised jobs that do not require any financial experience.

A recruitment advert posted by the Bank online reads: No finance background? No problem. Discover exciting opportunities at our Leeds office today.

It invited candidates to explore diverse roles.

Ms Truss, who has been a fierce critic of the Bank since leaving office, took to X to slam the post on Monday.

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See how the Bank of England has been captured by leftist ideology. DEI [Diversity, Equity and Inclusion] is more important than knowing anything about the economy, she wrote.

See how @bankofengland has been captured by leftist ideology.



DEI more important than knowing anything about the economy. https://t.co/VAtUGl9spE  Liz Truss (@trussliz) January 13, 2025

The 330-year-old Bank employs 4,000 people, with its office in Leeds acting as one of its 12 regional agencies across the UK.

Governor Andrew Bailey has pledged to do more to tackle the institutions lack of diversity. A spokesman for the Bank told The Telegraph there are many roles at the Bank of England that dont require prior experience in finance or economics.

Targets published on its website state that by the end of February 2028, it aims for at least 40pc of its senior managers to be female, up from just under 35pc in 2023, according to the Banks latest annual report.

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It also aims to ensure between 18pc and 20pc of its senior managers are Black, Asian or from another minority ethnic group by the same date, and that 10pc of hires on its graduate scheme are Black and mixed-race.

In 2021, the Bank published an internal review that highlighted a number of failings in its approach to hiring and promoting people from ethnic minorities. The research was commissioned following the killing of George Floyd in the United States.

It read: The history of efforts to foster a more ethnically diverse and inclusive Bank predates the events of May 2020 and the murder of George Floyd. But while there have been efforts to improve, results have not matched expectations and progress has not been fast enough.

Ms Truss has had a fractious relationship with the Bank since her disastrous 2022 mini-Budget spelled the end of her short stint in Number 10.

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In August, Ms Truss called for an investigation into the Bank after a report by its own analysts found that a crash in the markets during her tenure as prime minister was largely caused by risky practices in the pensions industry.

She has also sent a cease and desist letter to Sir Keir Starmer demanding he stops claiming she crashed the economy, after the Labour prime minister repeatedly blamed her for Britains economic woes.

A Bank of England spokesman told The Telegraph: It is important that the Banks workforce reflects our society and as an employer we need to attract and retain talented staff.

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U.S. Rep. Warren Davidson says California lawmakers should have to make policy changes to get federal disaster aid from Congress  a stance critics say hurts victims of the deadly Los Angeles fires.

The Ohio Republican, who represents the state's 8th Congressional District, joined other Republicans in criticizing California's mostly Democratic lawmakers' handling of the fires on Fox News.

"People are losing their home insurance for fire because of policies that the state government is doing," he said Friday. "If they (California lawmakers) want the money, then there should be consequences where they have to change their policies."

U.S. Rep. Warren Davidson has represented Ohio's 8th Congressional District since 2016.

California lawmakers are taking steps to address the state's home insurance crisis. The state's department of insurance announced new regulations last month requiring insurers to increase coverage in high-risk areas. Insurance companies will also be able to pass along reinsurance costs to customers, which California previously didn't allow, which the state hopes will persuade companies to take on new customers in high-risk areas.

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Davidson also said California needs to better manage its water and forests. A water reservoir in the Pacific Palisades, a scorched Los Angeles community, was out of commission when fires first struck, and some fire hydrants dried up.

"California wants the money without changing the policies that are making the problem bad or worse, and I don't see how Republicans could possibly support that," Davidson said. "We support the people that are plagued by disaster, but we have to put pressure on the California government to change course here."

Reasonable?

1. Manage water, so you have water for people and firefighters.

2. Manage forests, so dead fuel is removed rather than retained for future fires.

3. Let insurance markets function, so homeowners aren't left without fire coverage. https://t.co/oefl2SYfSC  Warren Davidson  (@WarrenDavidson) January 10, 2025

In contrast, Davidson praised Republican-led Florida for its hurricane preparedness. Florida has received more FEMA direct relief funds than any other state since 2015, Axios reported using data from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace's Disaster Dollar Database

"When it comes to congressional funding, the idea that we're gonna have an open checkbook no matter how bad your policies are is crazy," Davidson said. "Florida is prone to hurricanes, so they do lots of things to mitigate the risk of hurricanes. California is prone to fires and they do things that make the fires worse instead of responding to make them more resilient."

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Some Democrats have instead pointed to climate change as the reason for the fires' deadly destruction. Democratic Rep. Greg Landsman, who represents Ohio's 1st Congressional District, shared a statement about relief efforts.

"The fires have been devastating for folks  and whether its Florida, North Carolina, or California, we all help when Americans are in trouble," he told The Enquirer on Monday.

Davidson's comments on Fox News got some backlash from Democrats and X users over the weekend, with critics saying federal aid with strings attached would hurt victims. The congressman responded to the criticism on X, saying he supports providing aid and pressuring California lawmakers to change policy.

"I support disaster aid for people in California impacted by the fires, and I support addressing the policy failures that exacerbated the crisis," he wrote.

Whoever wrote this headline should listen to my interview



I support disaster aid for people in California impacted by the fires, and I support addressing the policy failures that exacerbated the crisis. pic.twitter.com/Nsx5mEVvyp  Rep. Warren Davidson (@Rep_Davidson) January 12, 2025

The Enquirer's request for comment from Davidson was not returned Monday. Ohio's 8th Congressional District, which Davidson has represented since 2016, includes the western suburbs outside the city of Cincinnati, as well as Butler, Preble and Darke counties.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Ohio congressman: No federal aid for LA fires without policy change
According to a viral Threads post, the Panama Canal is doubling its transit fees on U.S. military vessels in response to Donald Trump. BREAKING: Panama Doubles Fees For U.S. Warships Transiting Canal, the post reads. It goes on to quote Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino: In our country, we have an a-hole tax that kicks in automatically whenever anyone with orange skin threatens us  When they sincerely apologize, the rate goes back to normal. The post has also appeared on sites like X and Facebook.

The claim is false. The Panama Canal is not raising rates on U.S. military ships, and the quote included in the post is fake.

In a December 21 post on Truth Social, Donald Trump accused Panama of charging exorbitant prices for U.S. military vessels and commercial ships passing through the Panama Canal and threatened to put the canal back into American control. The fees being charged by Panama are ridiculous, especially knowing the extraordinary generosity that has been bestowed to Panama by the U.S. This complete rip-off of our Country will immediately stop, he wrote. If the principles, both moral and legal, of this magnanimous gesture of giving are not followed, then we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to us, in full, and without question, he continued in a follow-up post. To the Officials of Panama, please be guided accordingly!

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The following day, Mulino issued a public response to Trumps threat. As President, I want to express that every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent area belong to PANAMA, and will continue to be. The sovereignty and independence of our country are not negotiable, he said. Nowhere in the statement, however, does Mulino threaten to raise rates on U.S. ships or refer to an a-hole tax.

The rates charged on ships passing through the Panama Canal are based on the type of ship making the trip and its size. According to the Wall Street Journal, tolls range from around $300,000 to $1 million per crossing and priority slots can be purchased via auction by ships with time-sensitive cargo. The Panama Canal is required to remain neutral and U.S. military vessels are not subject to higher rates than other vessels, however, American military ships are given priority access to the canal when available.

If you have a claim you would like to see us fact check, please send us an email at factcheck@thedispatch.com. If you would like to suggest a correction to this piece or any other Dispatch article, please email corrections@thedispatch.com.

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During defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseths confirmation hearing on Tuesday, Republican lawmakers were so focused on three specific letters  DEI  that they forgot to correctly spell the word "military" on one of their visual aids.

An AP photographer snapped a photo of a board sitting just behind Republican Senator Eric Schmitt and Republican Senator Ted Budd with the title "DEI in our Miltary."

That's right, "Miltary," not "Military."

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The oversight was likely just a lack of quality control on the part of a senatorial staffer and hardly the most important issue of the hearing, which saw Democrats and Republicans in a tense back and forth over Hegseth's qualifications, values, and the various allegations surrounding his behavior.

During the hearing, Schmitt complained about DEI initiatives in the military, which he called "race essentialism,"  essentially arguing that the military was more concerned about a member's race than their aptitude for service.

Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., left, speaks as Sen. Ted Budd, R-N.C., right, listens at the Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing for Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trumps choice to be Defense secretary, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025 (AP)

DEI is not about giving everybody opportunity, Schmitt said. It is rooted in cultural Marxism, the idea that gets the room, any room with oppressor versus oppressed. Its race essentialism, and it is poison.

Hegseth agreed with Schmitt's take.

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You have to tear out DEI and CRT initiatives root and branch from institutions, Hegseth said. Then you have to put in Army, Navy, and Air Force secretaries and others, civilian positions, at the helm who are committed to the same priorities that the president of the United States is, and if confirmed, the secretary of defense will be. Send a clear message that this is not a time for equity.

CRT  Critical Race Theory  is an academic lens used for examining society, and isn't typically something that would be implemented in military education.

Schmitt agreed nonetheless, saying he backed Hegseth's opinion" 100 percent."

The Independent has requested comment from Schmitt's office.

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Democrats pointed out that Hegseth had previously complained about the military allegedly lowering its standards to accommodate women, and argued that by confirming him to Secretary of Defense they would essentially be lowering the bar for the position.

Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's choice to be Defense secretary, appears before the Senate Armed Services Committee for his confirmation hearing, at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025 (AP)

Do you think that the way to raise the minimum standards of the people who serve us is to lower the standards of the Secretary of Defense? Senator Gary Peters asked Hegseth after asking Hegseth what the highest number of people he'd ever managed was.

Hegseth said the highest number of people he'd ever been in charge of was a few hundred while he served as a company commander in the military. As Secretary of State, he would oversee the more than 2.86 million active duty military members, and his decisions could affect not only every American but people across the globe.

During the hearing, he also complained about an initiative undertaken by the Biden administration to root out extremism in the military.

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Things like focusing on extremism, senator, have created a climate inside our military that feels political when it hasnt ever been political, Hegseth said. Those are the types of things that are going to change."

He cited a report that found around 100 military members were identified as extremists and said he considered that a small number.

In addition to Hegseth's views on the military, the nominee was also grilled on his personal values and behavior.

Hegseth has previously claimed that one of his tattoos  a Jerusalem Cross  on his chest, prevented him from being included involved in security arrangements for Joe Bidens inauguration in 2021 (Pete Hegseth/ Instagram)

Republican Senator Kevin Cramer asked Hegseth about one of his tattoos  a Jerusalem Cross, a symbol associated with the Kingdom of Jerusalem during the Crusades  but did not ask Hegseth about his Deus Vult tattoo, which got him flagged as an "insider threat" due to its potential connection to white nationalist groups while he was serving in the National Guard, according to the Associated Press. Deus Vult  Latin for "God wills it"  is also often associated with both the Crusades and white nationalists.

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Hegseth has previously written off questions about his tattoos as unfair targeting of Christians.

Senator Jack Reed called Hegseth's qualifications into question, citing his alleged conduct issues.

Mr. Hegseth, I do not believe that you are qualified to meet the overwhelming demands of this job, he said, adding, Indeed, the totality of your own writings and alleged conduct would disqualify any servicemember from holding any leadership position in the military, much less being confirmed as the Secretary of Defense.

Hegseth insisted that the allegations of his drunkenness at work and of a sexual assault were false, anonymous reports and that he'd been cleared of wrongdoing.

I have failed in things in my life, and thankfully Im redeemed by my lord and savior Jesus," Hegseth said.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  Nominations for the District 6 House seat vacated by newly elected Herman Otten will now be accepted, Gov. Kristi Noem said in a news release on Monday.

Nominations should include the candidates name, current physical address, resume, cover letter, and letters of recommendation. All nomination materials must be submitted by Jan. 24.

Those wishing to be considered for the vacancy in the House of Representatives, or to offer nominations, should email ryan.brunner@state.sd.us.

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Legislature opens 2025 work with Noems parting words

Otten, who will be state Senator until Tuesday, announced on Friday he would not accept the House seat because of personal and family reasons. He had won the election in District 6 in 2024.

Family is far more important than the Legislature, Otten said to KELOLAND News on Friday.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  A motion for bond reduction has been issued for the president of a nonprofit ministry who was arrested and charged with 30 counts of theft on Monday.

An attorney representing Dallas Majewski entered the motion on Tuesday, stating that Majewski has no prior record and he has cooperated with the investigation and maintains his innocence. The motion also claims Majewski knew about the investigation for several months and made no attempt to flee.

Evansville Police say board members of Disciples of Christ Ministries USA reported suspicious activity from Majewski, such as wearing fancy suits, Rolex watches and driving a brand-new Corvette. Police say an investigation revealed that Majewski stole at least $576,963 from January 2020 to July 2024.

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Despite the motion to lower his bond saying Majewski had no prior record, police say he previously went by the name Mark, and he had a record for traffic offenses, DUI, disorderly conduct and check fraud in both Illinois and Florida.

Majewskis bond was set at $100,000, but the bond reduction request asks that the bond be lowered to $1,000.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
NORMAL, Ill. (WMBD)  The Normal Fire Department is letting people know just how massive the Los Angeles fires have been over the last two days.

A Facebook post the fire department posted this weekend went viral. The post explains that just the Palisades fire would cover more than double the area of the entire town of Normal.

Electrical tower eyed as possible cause of deadly Eaton Fire in Los Angeles area: reports

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Matt Swaney, the public information officer with the Normal Fire Department, said he hopes the post clears up misinformation about the fires.

Theres a lack of education on how a lot of things work, Swaney said. And so people will try to make connections to make it make sense because you just cant wrap your head around something like this. Its important for people when theyre hearing information from a disaster area to know that that information is coming as fast as possible. But it has to be verified because people can get hurt, people can get killed if theyre given misinformation or wrong information

Information on how you can donate to those impacted by the fires is available here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com.
NORMAN, Okla. (KFOR)  A controversial bill that was filed last week has become a big talking point online. It would make it illegal for every city except Oklahoma City and Tulsa to provide shelters or outreach for homeless citizens, and they would have to end any existing programs.

I feel this bill is very divisive and I want to say that homelessness is a nonpartisan issue, Ward 4 Norman City Councilwoman Helen Grant said.

Grant is referring to Senate Bill 484 in that statement. As written by newly-elected Senator Lisa Standridge (R-Norman), the bill would make it illegal for any city with a population less than 300,000 to provide shelters or outreach for the homeless and would also require them to immediately end any existing programs. Only OKC and Tulsa would have more than that number, so if passed, they would be the only two cities in the state excluded from it.

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We all need to do our part to help address this holistically as a community, Grant said.

According to Grant, the City of Norman uses a building to serve as a temporary emergency shelter right now with a long-term plan to have a shelter that is always open through their home based study and action plan. She said city spending on helping homelessness is less than one percent of their budget at about $68,000 per month.

To put that in perspective, we spend $200,000 on the animal welfare shelter, Grant said.

However, she feels its necessary.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Oklahoma aims to ban all but two cities from providing homeless shelters, homeless outreach

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Because there are not enough services and funding to go around, Grant said.

If they are receiving funds to help with nonprofits who are trying to help our community, thats important, said Angela Jimenez-Calhoun, founder of the nonprofit Beacon Project, an organization that helps teenagers in a multitude of ways to prevent homelessness and hunger among that population.

Jimenez-Calhoun and their organization has received grants from the city on just a couple of occasions. While she said the community is a huge help and other organizations at churches or otherwise do great work, all help is appreciated.

We all work together to try to resolve all these issues and to help people, she said. So, its a little frustrating when that is being questioned or jeopardized.

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Standridge took to the airwaves recently on a radio show on Freedom 96.9. Discussion of the bill in this story starts at about the 36:40 mark.

At one point during the show, she claimed Norman is becoming San Francisco and she believes theres a vagrants problem. She argued that people dont always want the help and churches and nonprofits should be the main source of that help. A quote from that radio interview reads as follows, its like giving a bird a bread crumb. Turn around youve got a whole flock behind you.

This affects everyone and we should be coming together to find evidence based solutions to address this nationwide problem, Grant said.

KFOR reached out to Standridges office by phone and email through her profile on the OK Senate website. We have not heard back.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
Two 80-ton snowbirds that are wintering off Florida made appearances off the Treasure Coast over the weekend.

The North Atlantic right whale pair was seen by boaters, beach-goers and high-rise residents from Vero Beach to Stuart on Saturday, Jan. 11, and Sunday, Jan. 12, according to witnesses, social media posts and Julie Albert, director of right whale sightings for Blue World Research Institute.

Koala and Curlew are unrelated and possibly pregnant females that have become traveling companions, which is unusual for right whales, a species that typically prefers to travel alone, Albert said.

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"In my 26 years of doing this, I have never seen a mother and calf travel with another whale," Albert said. "It will be interesting to see if one or both give birth and still be together."

 Amazing video of humpback whale: Breaching off of Palm Beach County's coast

North Atlantic right whales Curlew and Koala swim south to the warmer waters off of Stuart on Sunday. Drones are prohibited from flying over right whales, and the public must stay 500 yards away from the whales. NMFS Research Permit 26562.

This time of year, pregnant females typically leave the North's colder waters for the South's warmer waters so their calves don't die from hypothermia, Albert said. They typically give birth off Florida, Georgia and South Carolina.

Mothers nurse their calves for about a year because it takes that long for them to learn to forage for food on their own, Albert said. They are baleen whales and filter feeders that feed on zooplankton.

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They have been slowly swimming south along the Eastern Seaboard since first being spotted off South Carolina on Nov. 24, Albert said.

Endangered Species Act

North Atlantic right whales Curlew and Koala have been documented traveling together since at least Nov. 24 while swimming off of South Carolina. The pair was last spotted on Sunday off of Stuart. NMFS Research Permit 26562.

North Atlantic right whales are among the most endangered whales in the world and deaths are outpacing births.

They have been experiencing an Unusual Mortality Event since 2017, which has affected over 20% of the population  and research shows only one-third of deaths are documented.

Of the 370 whales left, there are only 70 reproductive females, and a below-average number of calves being born in recent years, according to NOAA. If human activity doesn't change, the right whale population may not be large enough to continue to reproduce by 2035, Albert said.

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Vessel strikes and fishing-gear entanglements are the top two human-influenced causes of death, Albert said. Increasing ocean noise levels are also a concern because it may interfere with their communications and increase their stress levels, according to NOAA.

Federal fishery agencies notify the military and shipping industry about traveling right whales' locations, and there is technology to prevent entanglements, but it's not mandatory for commercial fishers to use, Albert said.

North Atlantic right whales Curlew and Koala were seen off Flagler Beach on Jan. 5, 2025.

"They are resistant," Albert said. "The population can rebound. It's going to take everybody."

Endangered Species Act protections prohibit people from flying droves over them and getting physically closer than 500 yards from them.

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"We don't want people to stress them out or harass them and cause any change in their behavior, especially if they may be pregnant," Albert said. "We want to make sure no one is bothering them. We don't want boats near them."

People are encouraged to report right whale sightings to the Blue World Research Institute's hotline at 888-979-4253.

North Atlantic right whales

By the early 1890s, commercial whalers had hunted the whales to the brink of extinction for their oil and baleen. They called them the "right" whales to hunt because they were slow and floated when they were killed.

With hunting banned in 1935, whaling is no longer a threat, but they have not recovered to pre-whaling numbers.

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They have stocky black bodies, no dorsal fins, and a V-shaped blow spout. Their tails are broad, deeply notched, and all black with a smooth trailing edge. Their bellies may be all black or have irregularly shaped white patches. Pectoral flippers are relatively short, broad, and paddle-shaped.

Calves are about 14 feet at birth and adults can grow to lengths of 52 feet.

Cottontail: Entangled right whale off Sebastian later found dead off South Carolina

Right whale season: Best places to see one off the shore

Their heads have knobby white patches of rough skin, called callosities, which appear white because of whale lice covering their otherwise black skin. Each right whale has a unique pattern of callosities that scientists use to identify individual whales, which is an invaluable tool in tracking population size and health.

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Curlew and Koala were so named because there are markings on their body that look like a curlew bird and a koala.

They were seen off Flagler Beach on Jan. 5 and Melbourne on Jan. 10, before being seen off Vero Beach on Jan. 11 and Jensen Beach and Stuart on Jan. 12.

(This story was updated to change or add a photo or video.)

Tim O'Hara is TCPalm's environment reporter. Contact him at tim.ohara@tcpalm.com.

More whales spotted in Florida: Amazing video of humpback whale breaching off of Palm Beach County's coast

Jupiter resident Mike Lee was plying the azure waters off the coast of Palm Beach County looking for bait last month when he found something so much bigger.

A humpback whale cruised incognito alongside his vessel until its slick black body shot out of the ocean like a rocket before belly flopping in a spectacular breach in waters so close to the shore you can see fuzzy outlines of beachgoers and umbrellas in the photo Lee took.

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Read full story here: Amazing video of humpback whale breaching off of Palm Beach County's coast

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Right whales Curlew and Koala seen off Florida may be pregnant females
TARBORO, N.C. (WNCT)  A man was arrested after numerous complaints from people in Edgecombe County regarding animal cruelty.

Law enforcement officers responded to a home on Raccoon Branch Road to check on the welfare of several animals.

Officers found the reports to be valid and seized five dogs and five cats from the home and arrested Jaboris Rogers.

The exact charges for Rogers are unknown at this time.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT.
WARSAW, N.C. (WNCT)  A Wilmington man and woman have been charged in connection to child abduction case that spanned multiple counties.

Larnell Simpson, 45, and Victoria Corey, 25, were arrested in Duplin County and are being jailed without bond at the New Hanover County Detention Center.

They both face charges of first degree kidnapping and felony child abuse. A judge ordered custody of the child be transferred to the Department of Social Services due to concerns raised by medical professionals and DSS.

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Instead of complying, law enforcement said Simpson and Corey left with the child. They were arrested on Interstate 40 in Duplin County by officers with the Warsaw Police Department.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT.
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  A medical clinic in north-central Kansas can now serve Medicare and Medicaid patients, according to U.S. Senator Roger Marshall.

Republic County Hospital manages Belleville Medical Clinic. In March, the hospital converted it into a Rural Health Clinic and contacted Marshalls office for help getting approval from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Following an inquiry by Marshalls office, CMS approved the paperwork. This allows the clinic to process claims and receive CMS payments.

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Sedgwick County Zoo video shows elephant baby kicking its mother

The Belleville Medical Clinic plays a critical role in delivering health care services to the Belleville community, Marshall said in a news release. Our office is proud to have helped the clinic clear the final hurdles to continue offering care to patients utilizing Medicare and Medicaid. As a physician who ran a rural hospital, I understand the challenges these clinics and hospitals face. Ensuring access to care for our communities is my top priority, our team is grateful to have helped fight for the continuation of health care access in Republic County.

For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news by downloading our mobile app and signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track 3 Weather app by clicking here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)  A North Charleston restaurant owner is one of three chefs chosen to showcase South Carolinas culinary scene on the national stage this year.

Shuai Wang, the owner and chef of Jackrabbit Filly and King BBQ, was named a 2025 Chef Ambassador during a ceremony at the South Carolina Statehouse on Monday. The other chefs chosen were Greenville chef Jeanne Koenigsberg and Conway restaurant owner and executive chef Darren Smith.

Chef ambassadors represent South Carolina at food festivals and other events, sharing the states rich culinary traditions and agricultural heritage by using produce, meats, dairy, and seafood from local farms to prepare dishes.

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Food is an important part of our states history, culture, and economy, and its where two of our largest industries  tourism and agriculture  overlap and excel, said Gov. Henry McMaster. Our world-class culinary talent is highlighted and celebrated through the Chef Ambassador program, showcasing the best of South Carolina chefs, farmers, and locally grown products.

Mondays announcement comes during South Carolina Restaurant Week, an 11-day celebration of local cuisine in which hundreds of restaurants offer special menus and select deals.

Charleston restaurants participating in South Carolina Restaurant Week

South Carolina has spent decades building up its reputation as a culinary hotspot, drawing millions of travelers each year and generating billions for the economy. The restaurant industry was expected to contribute nearly $22 billion in sales to the states economy in 2024, according to a report from the National Restaurant Association.

Chef Shuai Wang (Provided)

Wang and his wife opened their Short Grain food truck in 2015, serving up non-traditional Japanese fare. At the time, it was named one of Americas Top 50 Best New Restaurants by Bon Appetit Magazine and earned Wang a James Beard Award nomination for Rising Star Chef.

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Flash forward to 2025 and the couple now has two restaurants beloved by the community: Jackrabbit Filly, which describes itself as a family-style Heritage Driven New Chinese American Restaurant, and Kings BBQ, which offers Chinatown Barbecue made with Southern Smoke.

Wang said in a statement that his restaurants still use ingredients from many of the same farmers as when the truck first opened, and he is eager to highlight that sense of community through the program.

This opportunity is a great way for me to showcase just how easy it is to support your local farmers and fishermen, and that any cuisine is able to utilize what is locally grown seasonally, he said. Im looking forward to all the fun events that I get to be a part of this year, representing Charleston and South Carolina.

The chef ambassador program is currently in its 11th year.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.
The truce village of Panmunjom inside the demilitarized zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas
By Hyonhee Shin

SEOUL (Reuters) -North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles off its east coast on Tuesday, South Korea's military said, marking Pyongyang's latest show of force just days ahead of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's return to office.

The missiles travelled about 250 km (155 miles) after lifting off at around 09:30 am (0030 GMT) from Kanggye, Jagang Province, near the country's border with China, Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said.

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"We strongly condemn the launch as a clear provocation that seriously threatens the peace and stability of the Korean peninsula," the JCS said, warning the North against "misjudging" the situation and vowing to "overwhelmingly respond" to any additional provocations.

South Korea's Acting President Choi Sang-mok also condemned the launch as a violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions and said Seoul would sternly respond to North Korea's provocations.

Seoul's presidential office said its national security council held a meeting to review the situation and pledged an airtight posture.

The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command condemned the test, urging Pyongyang to refrain from further unlawful and destabilising acts.

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Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said he was aware of the missile test, and Tokyo was taking all possible measures to respond through close cooperation with Washington and Seoul, including real-time sharing of missile warning data.

The launch came about a week after the North fired what it claimed was a new intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile, which was its first missile test since Nov. 5.

The latest missile firing also occurred during a visit to Seoul by Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya.

South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and Iwaya condemned the North's nuclear and missile development on Monday and pledged to boost security ties following talks in Seoul.

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U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, while visiting Seoul last week, also called for further strengthening of bilateral and trilateral cooperation involving Tokyo to better counter Pyongyang's growing military threats.

Tuesday's launch occurred days before the inauguration of Trump, who held unprecedented summits with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his first term and has touted their personal rapport.

South Korean lawmakers, after being briefed by the National Intelligence Service, said on Monday that Pyongyang's recent weapons tests were partly aimed at "showing off its U.S. deterrent assets and drawing Trump's attention" after vowing "the toughest anti-U.S. counteraction" at a key year-end policy meeting last month.

(Reporting by Hyonhee Shin; Additional reporting by Jihoon Lee in Seoul, Mariko Katsumura in Tokyo and Kanjyik Ghosh in Bengaluru; Editing by Ed Davies, Raju Gopalakrishnan and Michael Perry)
North Korea launched "several short-range ballistic missiles," that landed in the Sea of Japan Tuesday morning local time, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said.

The missiles "flew approximately 250 km," the officials said.

"North Korea's missile launch is a clear provocative act that seriously threatens the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula, and we strongly condemn it," the officials added.

PHOTO: People watch a TV broadcasting a news report on North Korea firing multiple short-range missiles, in Seoul, South Korea, Jan. 14, 2025. (Kim Hong-ji/Reuters)

Tuesday's test launches marked the second missile test of the year, following the Jan. 6 launch of an intermediate-range ballistic missile, a test that coincided with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to South Korea.

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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said at the time that the "performance of our latest hypersonic intermediate-range missile system is globally significant and cannot be ignored," according to state media.

MORE: North Korea tests ballistic missile as Blinken visits South Korea

Yoshimasa Hayashi, Japanese cabinet secretary, said during a press conference on Tuesday that Japan, the United States and South Korea are "working closely together, including sharing missile alert data in real time, to ensure a thorough response."

PHOTO: People watch a television screen showing a news broadcast with file footage of a North Korean missile test, at a train station in Seoul on Jan. 14, 2025. (Jung Yeon-je/AFP via Getty Images)

"I will refrain from making a definitive assessment at this point, but no missiles have been confirmed to have landed in our territory or exclusive economic zone, and no damage has been reported," he said.

ABC News' Ellie Kaufman contributed to this report.

North Korea tests 'several' missiles, South Korean military says originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
By Ju-min Park and John Geddie

SEOUL (Reuters) - After a battle in Russia's snowy western region of Kursk this week, Ukrainian special forces scoured the bodies of more than a dozen slain North Korean enemy soldiers.

Among them, they found one still alive. But as they approached, he detonated a grenade, blowing himself up, according to a description of the fighting posted on social media by Ukraine's Special Operations Forces on Monday.

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The forces said their soldiers escaped the blast uninjured. Reuters could not verify the incident.

But it is among mounting evidence from the battlefield, intelligence reports and testimonies of defectors that some North Korean soldiers are resorting to extreme measures as they support Russia's three-year war with Ukraine.

"Self-detonation and suicides: that's the reality about North Korea," said Kim, a 32-year-old former North Korean soldier who defected to the South in 2022, requesting he only be identified by his surname due to fears of reprisals against his family left in the North.

"These soldiers who left home for a fight there have been brainwashed and are truly ready to sacrifice themselves for Kim Jong Un," he added, referring to the reclusive North Korean leader.

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Kim, introduced to Reuters by Seoul-based human rights group NK Imprisonment Victims' Family Association, said he had worked for North Korea's military in Russia for about seven years up until 2021 on construction projects to earn foreign currency for the regime.

Ukrainian and Western assessments say Pyongyang has deployed some 11,000 soldiers to support Moscow's forces in Russia's western Kursk region, which Ukraine seized in a surprise incursion last year. More than 3,000 have been killed or injured, according to Kyiv.

North Korea's mission to the United Nations in Geneva did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Moscow and Pyongyang initially dismissed reports about the North's troop deployment as "fake news". But Russian president Vladimir Putin in October did not deny that North Korean soldiers were currently in Russia and a North Korean official said any such deployment would be lawful.

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Ukraine this week released videos of what it said were two captured North Korean soldiers. One of the soldiers expressed a desire to stay in Ukraine, and the other to return to North Korea, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said.

"ONE LAST BULLET"

North Korea's deployment to Russia is its first major involvement in a war since the 1950-53 Korean War. North Korea reportedly sent a much smaller contingent to the Vietnam War and to the civil conflict in Syria.

The United States has warned the experience in Russia will make North Korea "more capable of waging war against its neighbours".

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North Korea's leader Kim has previously hailed his army as "the strongest in the world", according to state media. Propaganda videos released by the regime in 2023 showed bare-chested soldiers running across snowy fields, jumping into frozen lakes and punching blocks of ice for winter training.

But a South Korean lawmaker briefed by the country's spy agency on Monday said that the numbers of North Korean soldiers wounded and killed on the battlefield suggests they are unprepared for modern warfare, such as drone attacks, and may be being used as "cannon fodder" by Russia.

More worryingly there are signs these troops have been instructed to commit suicide, he said.

"Recently, it has been confirmed that a North Korean soldier was in danger of being captured by the Ukrainian military, so he shouted for General Kim Jong Un and pulled out a grenade to try to blow himself up, but was killed," Lee Seong-kweun, who sits on the South Korean parliament's intelligence committee, said.

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Memos carried by slain North Korean soldiers also show that North Korean authorities emphasized self-destruction and suicide before capture, he added.

When asked about further details of the cases he referred to, he declined to elaborate saying it was information from Ukraine shared with South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS). NIS did not answer calls seeking comment on Tuesday.

Suicides by soldiers or spies not only show loyalty to the Kim Jong Un regime but are also a way to protect their families left at home, Yang Uk, a defence analyst at the Asan Institute of Policy Studies said.

Ukraine's Zelenskiy said on Sunday Kyiv is ready to hand over captured North Korean soldiers to their leader Kim Jong Un if he can facilitate their exchange for Ukrainians held captive in Russia.

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For some North Korean soldiers, however, being captured and sent back to Pyongyang would be seen as a fate worse than death, said Kim, the North Korean defector and former soldier.

"Becoming a prisoner of war means treason. Being captured means you are a traitor. Leave one last bullet, that's what we are talking about in the military," he said.

(Reporting by John Geddie and Ju-min Park in Seoul; Editing by Saad Sayeed)
BOSWELL, Pa.  Bids for a long-awaited North Star School District consolidation project will be advertised in a matter of months, and construction should begin this year, Superintendent Louis Lepley said.

The school board for years has discussed merging the districts middle school into the elementary school for reasons such as aging infrastructure at the middle school building and the benefits of a centrally located campus.

The COVID-19 pandemic pushed back the timeline. But the district is now back on track and ready to move forward, Lepley said.

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We want to be true to the community and our tax base, Lepley said. I honestly believe weve checked all the boxes to get to that point.

District leaders explored several options and ultimately chose one that will see the middle school building in Kantner closed and sold; fifth and sixth grades moved to the elementary school in Boswell with additions and renovations; and seventh and eighth grades moved to the high school in Boswell.

The districts administrative office building in Boswell, which is similar to a modular home, will also be sold and moved off school grounds.

One main driver of the decision is a decline in the student population. Lepley said North Stars enrollment has been cut nearly in half in the past 20 years. The district had about 1,000 students as of the 2023-24 school year, according to the state Department of Education.

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Preliminary estimates project the cost to be $17.4 million, with the first phase including renovations and an addition to the elementary school building.

Project plans

The project will include a new gymnasium that will meet PIAA regulations for junior high games, a new cafeteria to accommodate more students, and more classrooms at the elementary school.

According to district plans, a two-story wing will be constructed at the end of the existing class area to house eight classrooms and support space for fifth- and sixth-grade students. There will be 16,750 square feet of space renovated at the elementary school, and 31,000 square feet will be added.

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The cafeteria will be relocated to the existing multipurpose room, and the stage will remain, with two storage rooms to be removed and reconstructed in the addition.

A new kitchen facility will be built next to the new cafeteria, and the districts administrative offices will be moved to the existing cafeteria.

A science, engineering, technology and mathematics classroom will be relocated to the former kitchen space. The new gym will be built next to the existing library at the lower floor level, and a new parking lot will be added.

Other areas of the elementary school will not be touched, but are planned to be renovated in a separate future project that will address infrastructure improvements.

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We have a good footprint, business manager Kimberly Russian said.

She said North Star has already taken out its first bond of $9.9 million in 2024, and expects to take out another $6.84 million bond around March or April to complete the financing of the project, in combination with available funds.

The general obligation bonds were determined to be the best option for covering the costs because North Star doesnt have enough cash on hand to pay the entire amount. Russian said its possible the district wont need the full second bond, but thats still being examined.

Over the past five years, the North Star school board has approved moderate tax increases to get to a rate of 37.4 mills to pay for the work.

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Lepley said he doesnt foresee any future tax hikes for some time because the district has reached the threshold it needed for this construction.

No faculty or staff will be furloughed during the transition, Lepley said.

Moving forward

The consolidation project is bittersweet for people such as Lepley who attended the middle school.

That building is near and dear to us, he said.

However, he is confident in the project and the districts path forward.

I think moving forward for the district, its the right move, Lepley said. I think it will be very beneficial for our goals and vision just for moving the district forward educationally.

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North Star High School was built in 1952 and last renovated in 2007. The middle school building was built in 1955, was last renovated in 2000 and has recently had significant infrastructure issues involving the roof, boilers and utilities. The elementary school was built in 1965 and last renovated in 2003.

Lepley said he expects significant savings for the district due to the closing of two buildings, including on maintenance, utility and transportation expenses. He also expects student interactions to improve the overall school culture, and the central location of all grades in Boswell to be a benefit.

Two state-mandated meetings regarding the project were held in December. Lepley said there was a small number of people in attendance and little feedback from the community.
PENSACOLA, Fla. (WKRG)  A Milton, Florida, army veteran was sentenced to prison time for committing benefit fraud, according to the United States Department of Justice.

Man found guilty of stealing utility trailer: Baldwin County DA

Northern District of Florida United States Attorney Jason R. Coody announced the 33-month sentence on Monday for 44-year-old Kevin Paul McMains, who pleaded guilty to one count of theft of government money and two counts of making false statements to a federal agency.

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Our service members, and their families, make incredible sacrifices to defend our country and are deserving of our deepest respect and the disability benefits intended for our injured patriots, Coody said. Consequently, the defendants fabrication of documents and false claims of service-connected injuries, to include his assertion he was awarded a Purple Heart, is not only criminal, but repugnant.

We remain committed to vigorously investigate and prosecute those who defraud government disability programs, stealing benefits earned by our veterans.

Court documents show McMains received over $779,000 in government disability benefits for about 14 years. He did so by providing false information to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The USDOJ release said McMains submitted fraudulent documentation and made false statements to medical professionals by claiming post-traumatic stress made him unable to work, do normal daily activities and care for himself, but he knew that was untrue.

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Monroeville man sentenced for dogfighting after 22 dogs euthanized: DOJ

The release also said McMains falsely claimed he was awarded a Purple Heart as proof of his injuries while serving. This qualified him to receive Social Security disability benefits and Medicare coverage, which he otherwise would not have been entitled.

This sentence sends a clear message that veterans who defraud VA by exaggerating their disabilities will be held accountable, the VA Office of Inspector Generals Northwest Field Office Special Agent in Charge Dimitriana Nikolov. VAs programs and services are established to justly compensate deserving veterans and the VA OIG is committed to investigating those who would exploit these programs.

According to the USDOJ, McMains was also ordered to pay restitution of $378,380.82 to the VA, $357,847.80 to the SSA and $43,451.56 to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. His prison sentence will be followed by two years of supervised release.

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Individuals who fraudulently obtain Medicare benefits that they are not entitled to divert taxpayer funds meant to pay for essential health services for legitimate enrollees, including the elderly and disabled, Special Agent in Charge Steven J. Ryan at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) said. Working closely with our law enforcement partners, HHS-OIG remains committed to thoroughly investigating health care fraudsters to hold them accountable for their actions and to send a warning to those considering such fraudulent schemes.

View a Lunar Occultation of Mars Monday Evening

A joint investigation by the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of the Inspector General, Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General led to McMains sentencing.

Former Assistant United States Attorney J. Ryan Love and Assistant United States Attorney Alicia Forbes prosecuted the case.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
Jan. 13FINDLAY  The Northwest Ohio Woodland Association will discuss dying oak trees among other forestry topics beginning at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 1, at the ODNR District 2 Headquarters, 952 Lima Avenue, Findlay.

Max Schrimpf, service forester, and Tyler Morlock, consulting forester, will discuss what they are seeing with oak trees.

Coffee will be served at 9 a.m., the meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m., and a potluck lunch will begin at 11:30 a.m.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a side dish. Sloppy Joes, water and coffee will be provided.To RSVP, email glenborder@att.net, or call 567-938-7358.

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Jan. 13PARIS  Norway and Paris Police departments have made an arrest in the spate of recent car burglaries after a joint investigation, according to both departments' Facebook posts Jan. 10.

Vehicles were burglarized at night, according to Norway Police Chief Jeff Campbell who listed electronics, money and purses as having been taken.

The burglary saga began in December, according to Paris police Lt. Justin Cummings. Cummings said that Paris has had 14 reported car burglaries mostly in the heart of Paris although High Street, was heavily hit.

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As in Norway the burglaries were in unlocked vehicles and anything let in the vehicles was fair game. Cummings expressed frustration Monday, saying he was tired of Paris citizens being the victims of crime.

The two departments collaborated on an arrest Friday on Main Street in South Paris, and David Anderson, 38, was charged with Theft Class C, burglary of a motor vehicle Class D, refusal to submit to arrest Class D, and assault on an officer Class C.

However, this is an ongoing active investigation according to both departments and anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact either Cummings or Norway police. Paris added "as a reminder to those we serve, please lock your vehicles and remove valuables, even during the day."

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This 'n That

Do you have room in your heart?
One Altadena couple is heartbroken and still processing the loss of their beloved home in the Eaton Fire, which happened to occur on their 62nd wedding anniversary.

Herman and Juanita Landry are two of the many thousands who lost everything in the fire, which has claimed the lives of 16 people, destroyed over 7,000 structures and burned more than 14,000 acres since erupting last week.

The couple spoke with KTLA on Tuesday morning after firefighters escorted them through the remains of their neighborhood on Monday.

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Im heartbroken, its heartbreaking, Juanita said.

It was like being in a war zone, Herman added. Nothing but ashesit seemed like some of the trees did not burn, but all of the home was flat. The things that you see in the movies, thats what it was like.

FEMA opening disaster recovery centers in Los Angeles area

The pair were celebrating their 62nd anniversary on the day they had to flee from their home with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

It made [the fire] even worse, Juanita said. We had plans to do something better than that, of coursea celebration.

Herman and Juanita Landry speak to KTLA on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025.

Herman, a retired police officer, and Juanita, who used to work for the Los Angeles Dodgers, have been staying at a hotel since the blaze destroyed their residence and all of their precious possessions.

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Firefighters offer behind-the-scene look at heroic battle with Eaton Fire

They know the situation is temporary, but like the many others affected by the wildfire, they are faced with the challenge of finding a new home.

Right now, were shopping for a place to stay; some place to rent out, and well go from there, Herman said through tears. We dont have exactly a place we want to rent, but were still looking.

Herman and Juanita Landry visit the remains of their home. (Family photo) Herman and Juanita Landry visit the remains of their home. (Family photo) The home of Herman and Juanita Landry before it burned down in the Eaton Fire. (Family photo) Herman and Juanita Landry on their wedding day. The couples Altadena home burned down on their 62nd anniversary. (Family photo) Herman and Juanita Landry as seen in a family photo.

Speaking on the lawsuits alleging that SoCal Edison equipment sparked the Eaton Fire, Herman, who has attended a community meeting for affected residents, said he doesnt have any facts one way or the other and while the community meeting went well, he is taking his time figuring out what to do next.

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It replays in my head like a bad nightmare: High school coach loses sister to Eaton Fire

I am looking and analyzing whether I will take [the lawsuits] into consideration or not, he told KTLA 5s Annie Rose Ramos. Theres always a way of improving whatever the situation is, and this particular situation, I dont really know, because I dont have that much experience in firefighting.

A video posted by their granddaughter telling the story of her grandparents tragic experience has gone viral, and a GoFundMe has been set up to help the couple recover from the fire. A link to donate 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 KTLA.
COVERT TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD)  The Nuclear Regulatory Commission will hold a meeting Tuesday to discuss plans for reopening the Palisades nuclear plant. However, it is expected to be more contentious than usual.

An environmental coalition, including Beyond Nuclear, Dont Waste Michigan, and Michigan Safe Energy Future, opposes the plants restart. The group has raised concerns about safety lapses, particularly with broken tubes in the steam generators. According to the Detroit News, these tubes are critical for creating steam, distilling it into water, and preventing nuclear material from escaping into the environment.

The coalitions expert, Arnie Gundersen, a chief engineer from the nonprofit Fairewinds Energy Education, argues that the steam generator tubes must be replaced before the plant restarts, questioning Holtecs safety management.

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In September, the NRC issued a statement noting that preliminary inspection data revealed a significant number of steam generator tubes needing further analysis and repair.

Further data analysis is in progress with additional tube inspections, testing, and repairs to be completed over the next few months, the NRC said.

The NRC meeting, scheduled for 1 p.m. Tuesday, will address these concerns and Holtecs response. The hybrid meeting will be available virtually, though attendees must register in advance.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
A New York man has been sentenced to nearly four years in prison for a drug-trafficking scheme that involved the shipping of cocaine from Puerto Rico to multiple addresses in Massachusetts and Rhode Island via the U.S. Postal Service, federal prosecutors announced Tuesday.

Felix Baez Munoz, 35, pleaded guilty in September 2024 to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.

According to prosecutors, Baez Munoz was a drug and money courier for an organization that used the postal service to ship dozens of parcels containing kilograms of cocaine that were allegedly sold to communities in parts of New England.

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The drug organization hid the cocaine inside innocuous consumer goods, such as air fryers before mailing it to addresses in Eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island, the Massachusetts U.S. Attorneys Office said in a news release.

Federal agents began investigating the alleged drug trafficking organization in early 2020.

From February of that year until May 2021, the organization transported between 10 and 20 kilograms (approximately 22 to 44 pounds) of cocaine from the Dominican Republic to Puerto Rico, and eventually to Massachusetts via the U.S. Mail, prosecutors said.

Baez Munoz was stopped by federal agents in May 2020 when traveling from Massachusetts to New York. After searching his bag, investigators recovered nearly $390,000 of suspected drug proceeds.

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In May 2021, he was one of nine individuals charged with drug offenses in the wide-ranging drug trafficking conspiracy. He pleaded guilty in September 2024.

On Monday, U.S. District Court Chief Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV sentenced Baez Munoz to 46 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release.

Patrick Joseph, identified as the manager of the criminal organization, pleaded guilty in March 2024 and was later sentenced to more than 11 years in prison.
Oklahoma oil and gas tycoon Harold Hamm is hosting an exclusive inauguration watch party for those looking to celebrate President-elect Donald Trump's anticipated energy policies, according to documents reviewed by The New York Times.

The Continental Resources founder and CEO and his guest list will mark the occasion on the roof of the historic Hay-Adams Hotel, a block from the White House. Inauguration Day "will be a moment of triumph for Mr. Hamm, who poured more than $4.3 million into political action committees supporting Mr. Trump," the Times reported.

"The vision of energy independence is one strongly embraced by Donald Trump," Hamm said in a statement to The Oklahoman. "Were optimistic, as are many Americans, that we have an incoming president who understands the importance of the energy sector and we look forward to celebrating at this historic event. We truly believe President Trump will make America great again."

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Hamm was one of several oil and gas executives who significantly helped with the finances of Trump's campaign, and the Times reported his party is for those seeking access to the Trump administration.

At the very least, partygoers will have access to Hamm who has the "ear of the president," Tyson Slocum, who directs the energy program at watchdog group Public Citizen, told the Times.

Start your day smart: Sign up for The Oklahoman's Daily Briefing newsletter.

Harold Hamm, of Continental Resources, speaks during the 2016 Republican National Convention at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland.

Who is invited to Harold Hamm's inauguration watch party?

While The New York Times article does not reveal a full guest list, the outlet reviewed an invitation to Doug Burgum, Trump's pick for Secretary of the Interior. Burgum's term as North Dakota governor ended last month, and he is also Trump's choice to run a government-wide energy council.

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"Enjoy a remarkable experience to commemorate this momentous occasion with panoramic views of the White House and a vibrant atmosphere of celebration," read a typed note from Hamm to Burgum accompanying the invitation, which was obtained by research group Fieldnotes through a public records request. "This will be a memorable gathering of friends, supporters, and special guests. We look forward to celebrating this pivotal moment with you!"

Though Burgum was invited to Hamm's party, the Times reported he will participate in "formal inauguration proceedings."

Sponsors of the event include:

Domestic Producers Energy Alliance, a lobbying group founded by Hamm to fight climate change policies

Unleash Energy, a conservative group made up of many of Trump's advisers

Liberty Energy, a gas services company founded by Chris Wright, Trump's pick to lead the Energy Department

Summit Agriculture Group, of which Hamm is an investor

Devon Energy, an Oklahoma oil company known for fighting climate regulations

What are Trump's expected oil and gas policies?

As indicated by the upcoming watch party, the fossil fuel industry has lauded Trump's election victory, largely thanks to his promises of oil-and-gas-friendly energy policies.

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Trump has promised to eliminate Biden's pollution limits from automobile tailpipes, power plant smokestacks and oil and gas wells. He also promised to increase already record-level American liquefied natural gas exports, allow drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and waive environmental regulations for companies that invest at least $1 billion in the U.S.

The Times reported that Trump asked oil and gas executives to raise $1 billion for his reelection bid, and during a private dinner said they would save far more than that in avoided taxes and legal feeds from repealed environmental regulations, according to several anonymous sources.

"As we witness the inauguration of President Trump, we are reminded once again of the vital role energy plays in securing Americas future, our national security, and continuing energy independence and economic prosperity," Hamm said.

(This story was updated to meet our standards and add new information.)

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma billionaire Harold Hamm to host 'exclusive' inauguration party
An Upstate New York woman has died and three Connecticut teenagers were injured in a head-on crash in New Fairfield, Conn. Monday night, state police said.

According to state troopers, a 2024 Hyundai Palisade traveling northbound on Ball Pond Road crashed with a 2017 Jeep Compass driving southbound on the same road around 9:30 p.m.

The two vehicles crashed in a head-on type collision just north of the Harvest Road intersection for an unknown reason, police said.

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The intersection is about a mile east of the New York state line.

The driver of the Jeep, later identified as 62-year-old Diane Staab of Mahopac, N.Y., was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the Hyundai, a 17-year-old male, and his two passengers, a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old, all from the Town of New Fairfield, were transported to Danbury Hospital.

Their injuries are believed to be non-life threatening, according to police.

The crash remains under investigation, officials said. Both vehicles were towed from the scene.

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact Trooper Brunsden at the New Fairfield Resident State Troopers Office by calling (203) 312-5701.
NORTH MASSAPEQUA, N.Y. (PIX11)  A New York City man was allegedly on drugs and driving unsafely before a crash that killed his sister and another woman Sunday night, according to police and witnesses.

The crash happened on the eastbound Southern State Parkway around Exit 30 in North Massapequa on Long Island around 11 p.m., according to the New York State Police.

More Local News

Jaden Dsouza, 19, was allegedly speeding in and out of lanes before he lost control of the car and crashed into a tree on the shoulder of the road, according to the New York State Police.

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Several witnesses stopped and explained that the vehicle was traveling at excessive speed and also changing lanes unsafely, said New York State Police Capt. Vincent Augeri.

The rear-seat passengers in the vehicle  21-year-old Hailey Dsouza and 23-year-old Crystal Alba-Figueroa  were both killed in the crash, police said.

NYC doorbell cam video shows cops shoot at man whod called 911

Upon the troopers arrival, they found the vehicle pinned up against a tree. From the damage, it was obvious that the vehicle was traveling at an excessive speed. The troopers came upon a pretty horrific scene given the damage and the two deceased, Augeri said.

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Jaden Dsouza and a 23-year-old front-seat passenger were both hospitalized in serious condition, authorities said.

Jaden Dsouza, of College Point, Queens, has been charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, second-degree manslaughter, first-degree vehicular manslaughter, second-degree assault, and aggravated vehicular homicide, according to the New York State Police.

We do suspect that he was under the influence or that marijuana played a role in this vehicle collision, Augeri said.

Finn Hoogensen is a digital journalist who has covered local news for more than six years. He has been with PIX11 News since 2022. See more of his work here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
NEW YORK (PIX11)  Mayor Eric Adams had a wide-ranging press conference Monday discussing everything from closing down migrant shelters, to subway safety, to his tough reelection battle.

The mayor is closing dozens of shelters, eliminating roughly 10,000 shelter beds in the next few months, but is also opening one big shelter on Bruckner Boulevard in the Bronx. It will hold 2,200 single adult men.

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Large mens migrant shelters, especially the soon-to-be-closed Randalls Island tent encampment, are the type of shelter where theres been violence. PIX11 News pressed the mayor about why do this now with the effort winding down.

Its indoors, not outdoors, Adams explained, saying there are key differences between the new facility and Randalls. We want to move away from that, and well continue to decrease the [migrant] population based on policies we put in place.

Adams went on to defend the safety record of Randalls despite issues that resulted in at least two NYPD sweeps and said he would keep the Bronx neighborhood safe with the opening of the new shelter.

Separately the mayor went on to express optimism about Gov. Kathy Hochuls State of the State address planned for Tuesday. He said the governor and leaders in the state legislature that he is speaking with are interesting in changing state law to make it easier to involuntarily commit the mentally ill  and in changing discovery laws to counter the repeat offender problem.

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The mayor was also peppered with questions about his political future, specifically about a poll that shows former Gov. Andrew Cuomo would do very well in a Democratic primary for mayor against him later this year.

The Hart Research Poll found Cuomo way out ahead with 32% of the first votes. The poll also showed he would easily win a ranked choice Democratic Primary. Adams was way down at 6% in the same poll.

Adams was clearly prepared for the question and brought with him an old poll that showed Andrew Yang with a big early lead in the race for mayor four years ago.

And you know what, we dont say Mayor Yang, we say Mayor Adams, the mayor boasted. So polls dont make mayors, people do.

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Cuomo has yet to declare for mayor, but there are signs he may be preparing to join the already crowded field.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
NEW YORK  New York Mayor Eric Adams said Monday he doesnt focus on polls in response to a new survey that found former Gov. Andrew Cuomo holding a 20-plus point lead over Adams  even though the former governor hasnt even entered the mayoral race.

Amid a slew of challengers, Cuomos potential entry into the race has become a topic of speculation. In the past few months, hes switched his voter registration address to Manhattan, has spoken with a potential campaign manager and has been floating early February as a target date for a potential announcement, according to a source familiar with the matter.

Speaking Monday during his weekly City Hall briefing, Adams compared the new numbers on Cuomo to the early edge held by Andrew Yang in 2021, calling it deja vu and pulling out a printout of a 2021 headline that read Andrew Yang opens up huge lead in race to be next New York City mayor.

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No one is going to outwork me, Adams said. I am so committed authentically to New Yorkers. They connect with me. I went through some difficult hurdles. Its amazing Im still in it with the number of things I had to go through, but Im still here.

Yang, an early leader in the race to replace former Mayor Bill de Blasio, was ultimately the first candidate to concede and later finished fourth.

The new poll, commissioned by Progressives for Democracy in America, found Cuomo came in first in the ranked-choice-style poll at 32%, and Adams at 6%. It follows polling that has shown Adams likely facing an uphill battle to reelection: A December poll found Adams job approval rating is at an all-time low of 28% and an October survey revealed more than two-thirds of New Yorkers thought Adams should resign.

Cuomo, who resigned as governor amid a sexual harassment scandal in 2021, has for months been floated as a possible mayoral challenger to Adams.

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In the poll, Scott Stringer landed second at 10%, with Brad Lander at 8%, state Sen. Jessica Ramos at 7% and state Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani at 6%. State Sen. Zellnor Myrie came in at 1%  with another 18% selecting unsure.

The poll was first reported by Politico and conducted on 800 voters between Dec. 16 and Dec. 22.

We just wanted to know who might be competitive against Cuomo given obvious name recognition, Alan Minsky, executive director of the group, said on why it commissioned the poll with Hart Research Associates.

_____

(Daily News staff writer Chris Sommerfeldt contributed to this story.)

_____
Brooklyn state Sen. Zellnor Myries mayoral campaign has raised enough money from enough donors to unlock more than $2.3 million in public matching funds this week, according to a memo from his team.

Myrie, whos among more than a half dozen candidates running against Mayor Adams in Junes Democratic primary, has pulled in a total of $647,449 from more than 3,300 individual donors since launching his campaign in May 2024, the memo says.

The memo, provided to reporters by Myries campaign ahead of Wednesdays public fundraising disclosure deadline, says that $301,981 of his total haul came from more than 1,500 New York City residents, surpassing the thresholds required to become eligible for matching funds.

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As a result, Myries memo says hes expecting to receive some $2.35 million in matching funds from the Campaign Finance Board once it processes his Wednesday filing.

New Yorkers from across all five boroughs are coming together to support Zellnor because they are ready for fresh, new leadership in City Hall, said Myrie spokeswoman Monica Klein. With more than 3,300 donors behind him, Zellnor is building the momentum needed to power his campaign and rebuild our city.

Myries matching funds movement gives him a boost as the June 24 Democratic mayoral primary looms just six months away.

Still, Myrie, who has made combatting the citys housing crisis a key focus of his mayoral campaign, saw his fundraising slow in recent months.

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In the most recent period, spanning between Oct. 8 and this past Saturday, Myrie drew $183,489 in donations, his campaign said. Thats significantly less than the $326,415 he raised between his mid-May campaign launch and the July 11 periodic filing deadline.

By comparison, independent mayoral candidate Jim Walden received $629,736 in private donations in the most recent reporting window alone, as first reported by the Daily News on Monday.

A Myrie adviser sought to downplay his drop in donations, saying his campaign focused in the most recent stretch on surpassing the matching fund thresholds.

Prior to this week, only former City Comptroller Scott Stringers mayoral campaign had become eligible for matching funds, drawing down some $2 million in the crucial public money on Dec. 16. Several other mayoral candidates, including Comptroller Brad Lander, say they have since also met the thresholds required to become eligible for matching funds this week.

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Though Adams had met the donation thresholds, the Campaign Finance Board denied him matching funds last month over concerns about his federal corruption indictment, which alleges he took illegal straw donations and bribes, mostly from Turkish government operatives, in exchange for political favors.

Adams, who has pleaded not guilty, could appeal the boards denial, but hadnt done so in time for this weeks deadline. Adams, who sat on $3.1 million in private funds as of the end of the last reporting period, has said he will run for reelection even if he doesnt get any matching funds.
NEW YORK  Brooklyn state Sen. Zellnor Myries mayoral campaign has raised enough money from enough donors to unlock more than $2.3 million in public matching funds this week, according to a memo from his team.

Myrie, whos among more than a half dozen candidates running against Mayor Eric Adams in Junes Democratic primary, has pulled in a total of $647,449 from more than 3,300 individual donors since launching his campaign in May 2024, the memo says.

The memo, provided to reporters by Myries campaign ahead of Wednesdays public fundraising disclosure deadline, says that $301,981 of his total haul came from more than 1,500 New York City residents, surpassing the thresholds required to become eligible for matching funds.

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As a result, Myries memo says hes expecting to receive some $2.35 million in matching funds from the Campaign Finance Board on Wednesday.

New Yorkers from across all five boroughs are coming together to support Zellnor because they are ready for fresh, new leadership in City Hall, said Myrie spokeswoman Monica Klein. With more than 3,300 donors behind him, Zellnor is building the momentum needed to power his campaign and rebuild our city.

Myries matching funds movement gives him a boost as the June 24 Democratic mayoral primary looms just six months away.

Still, Myrie, who has made combatting the citys housing crisis a key focus of his mayoral campaign, saw his fundraising slow in recent months.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In the most recent period, spanning between Oct. 8 and this past Saturday, Myrie drew $183,489 in donations, his campaign said. Thats significantly less than the $326,415 he raised between his mid-May campaign launch and the July 11 periodic filing deadline.

By comparison, independent mayoral candidate Jim Walden received $629,736 in private donations in the most recent reporting window alone, as first reported by the Daily News on Monday.

A Myrie adviser sought to downplay his drop in donations, saying his campaign focused in the most recent stretch on surpassing the matching fund thresholds.

Prior to this week, only former City Comptroller Scott Stringers mayoral campaign had become eligible for matching funds, drawing down some $2 million in the crucial public money on Dec. 16. Several other mayoral candidates, including Comptroller Brad Lander, say they have since also met the thresholds required to receive matching funds this week.

Advertisement Advertisement

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Though Adams had met the donation thresholds, the Campaign Finance Board denied him matching funds last month over concerns about his federal corruption indictment, which alleges he took illegal straw donations and bribes, mostly from Turkish government operatives, in exchange for political favors.

Adams, who has pleaded not guilty, could appeal the boards denial, but hadnt done so in time for this weeks payout. Adams, who sat on $3.1 million in private funds as of the end of the last reporting period, has said he will run for reelection even if he doesnt get any matching funds.
NEW YORK (PIX11)  If youre looking to score a deal on an apartment in New York City, a new StreetEasy study has highlighted the neighborhoods with the highest rental concessions.

Over 22% of available rentals in New York City offered at least a month of free rent in December, according to StreetEasy. The last time landlords offered that high of a percentage on concessions was in July 2021, the study said.

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These are New York City neighborhoods that offered the best deals on apartments in December:

Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn Mott Haven, the Bronx Jamaica, Queens Midtown South, Manhattan Battery Park City, Manhattan Long Island City, Queens Downtown Brooklyn, Brooklyn DUMBO, Brooklyn Financial District, Manhattan Greenpoint, Brooklyn

Jamaica has the cheapest median rent of those neighborhoods at $2,475 a month. The majority of the neighborhoods that offered deals on rent had higher percentages of newly constructed buildings, according to StreetEasy.

Overall, the number of available apartments to rent in New York City was 26,898 in December, the study said. Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx continue to have increasing rental availability, while Manhattans sharply declined last month, according to StreetEasy.

To read the StreetEasy study, click here.

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Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
NYPD Officer Hieu Trans downward spiral into depression and heavy drinking began long before he inexplicably shot and paralyzed a young businessman last May during a random traffic encounter on a road in South Jersey, according to sources and court records reviewed by the News.

Tran, 27, now sits accused in a cell in the Camden County, N.J. jail, while the victim of the shooting, Kishan Patel, 31, undergoes day after day of grueling rehab at a special hospital 1,500 miles away in Houston in an effort to restore basic functions.

On June 17, Tran gave a six-hour interview to New Jersey psychiatrist Michael Wiltsey in which he disclosed his NYPD superiors were aware of his problems both at the 28th Precinct in Harlem and after he was transferred into a pressure-packed role managing social media for the departments press office, according to a court transcript and sources.

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But they did not take his firearms, or sideline him to get treatment.

At the height of the student protests over the war in Gaza last April, Tran was part of the NYPDs social media team and often working double and triple tours, including a 31-hour stretch, without a day off and medicating with alcohol, sources familiar with the report said.

My boss needs me. He picked me out. I dont want to let him down, Tran told relatives, according to the sources.

He described his role to Wiltsey as social media assistant to the press offices Deputy Commissioner, who at the time was Tarik Sheppard, also his former commander at the 28th Precinct, the sources said.

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At the time, Sheppard, and other police brass were using social media to aggressively defend the NYPDs tactics at those protests, including posting controversial hype videos of operations at Columbia University and City College.

But Trans drinking had become problematic even before he became a cop in 2021 as his mother died of cancer, sources familiar with Trans conversation with Wiltsey said. It got worse as he worked at the Harlem precinct under Sheppard and worse still after he was transferred to the press office in September, 2023.

At several points, according to the sources, Tran turned to an unidentified captain, who merely offered kindly advice. Dont cope with booze or drugs, the captain told Tran. Promise me you will lay off the booze.

His commanding officer, New York PD, recognized he had an alcoholic abuse problem, told him to get treatment for it, hasnt done it, said New Jersey Judge Michael Taylor, citing Wiltseys report, at his June 25 detention hearing.

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The disclosures raise questions over whether it was enough to merely counsel Tran. NYPD commanders have the power in such instances to remove an officers firearms and direct them to be assessed for possible inpatient treatment, said three current and former chiefs consulted by The News.

They know about his problems and hes not suspended or required to surrender his firearms, said Joseph Marrone, the Patels lawyer in a negligence lawsuit against the city. But its not just about this officer. This is an extension of a toxic culture in the department of cops who arent properly trained and arent properly reprimanded.

A grueling vigil

Meanwhile, Kishan Patels parents hold a daily vigil for their son at Tirr Memorial Hospital in Houston. Manjina and Himanshu Patel walk each morning from their rented room to his bedside and stay with him through 12-hour days.

It is so mentally tiring. Every day we are working through this with him, Manjina, 67, said. Its heartbreaking. We wash his face. We make sure he doesnt vomit. And every day, we ask ourselves why did this happen.

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Kishan was engaged and minutes from home May 17 in South Jerseys Voorhees Township when Tran, who was off-duty, pulled up alongside his pickup truck and opened fire with his service weapon.

A 9-mm bullet entered behind Kishans right ear at the junction of his brain and spine and rendered him a quadraplegic. Tran then ran a red light and fled home to Yonkers.

Eight months later, Kishan cant yet speak or feed himself, his family says. He will require skilled nursing care for the rest of his life. In just eight months, his medical bills have already topped $1 million.

A good day is measured in tiny moments, his mom says, and just as often there are setbacks.

Advertisement Advertisement

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He has minimal non-verbal communication, said brother-in-law Daniel Gaughan, 34. Its just day-to-day. Its going to be a long haul.

At the time he was shot, Kishan was running the two liquor stores his parents own in Camden and Williamstown, N.J. But where his business talent really shined was what he did with their third business  a pool supply company he had taken online and where he had rapidly increased sales.

Bob Almond, 68, a successful entrepreneur and family friend, said he helped mentor Kishan.

I saw such potential in this young man, he was like a sponge, Almond, retired and living in Florida, told The News. He would have multiplied his parents success by 10 fold at minimum.

Advertisement Advertisement

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That responsibility has now fallen on Kishans sister Krishna, 30.

Our mom and dad were getting ready to retire, and Kishan was handling the businesses, Krishna said. This man should never have had a gun in the first place.

Despair, decline

Tran became a cop in February 2021, inspired, he said, by watching police officers tend to his mother when she was robbed, the sources said. When his moms cancer diagnosis grew dire, Tran managed the sadness with alcohol, the sources said. She died in 2020.

At the Harlem precinct, he drank heavily after work to ease the stress from the deaths, assaults and blood he witnessed on the job, the sources said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I should have sought therapy .. the load was too much to bear, Tran told Wiltsey, the sources said. I was crying, breaking down at work.

Trans problems followed him when he was transferred to DCPI and the stress accelerated in his social media role. A long day often ended at a bar in Times Square.

The next thing I know, Im at the bar drinking, but also managing my boss schedule and his social media, he told Wiltsey, the sources said.

Two retired cops formerly assigned to DCPI told The News it was unusual for an officer with less than three years on the job to make it to that high profile unit, much less be given such a pressure-packed role.

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In April, as the protests dominated national news, Tran had another setback  he and his partner broke up. He was devastated, the sources said. Tran took some time off, but kept drinking after he returned.

One drink became I would wake up the next day and didnt know how I got home, he told Wiltsey, the sources said.

Sometimes, after such a bender, he would obsessively check his car and search the internet for car crashes, the sources said.

Trans relatives noticed his downward spiral, the sources said. At one point, he posted a photo of his feet on a ledge near the ocean.

On the day of the shooting, Tran went to a wedding in Sicklerville, N.J. 100 miles from the city and drank heavily, he told Wiltsey, according to the sources. He claimed he later woke up in bed, with no memory of the shooting.

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Prosecutors said Tran went to work as if nothing happened and made sure to refill the magazine of his pistol to replace the bullets he had fired. He also followed news reports of the incident, the sources said.

Over the next three weeks, detectives in Jersey examined surveillance video and cell data to trace Trans white Lexus to a gas station where he used his credit card to buy gas. He was arrested June 6, records show.

An NYPD spokesman did not reply to emails from The News. Sheppard, who was replaced as spokesman in November by new commissioner Jessica Tisch, also did not reply to a request for comment.

Nicholas Paolucci, a Law Department spokesman, declined comment on the pending case.

Tran remains on suspension from the NYPD while his case is pending. He is now represented by prominent New Jersey lawyer Robin Lord, who touts on her website that a prosecutor once told her to Go f yourself.

Mr. Trans defense will be well known in due time. The case is not what it seems, Lord told The News Saturday, declining further comment.

Wiltsey concluded Tran was suffering from acute depression, a serious drinking problem and post-traumatic stress, according to statements in the detention hearing..

It seems that he was a powder keg or a time bomb waiting to go off, said prosecutor Peter Gallagher at the detention hearing, a transcript shows.

As the criminal case proceeds in Camden County, the Patels have a hearing Tuesday in their lawsuit in Manhattan federal court.
NEW YORK  NYPD Officer Hieu Trans downward spiral into depression and heavy drinking began long before he inexplicably shot and paralyzed a young businessman last May during a random traffic encounter on a road in South Jersey, according to sources and court records reviewed by the News.

Tran, 27, now sits accused in a cell in the Camden County, N.J. jail, while the victim of the shooting, Kishan Patel, 31, undergoes day after day of grueling rehab at a special hospital 1,500 miles away in Houston in an effort to restore basic functions.

On June 17, Tran gave a six-hour interview to New Jersey psychiatrist Michael Wiltsey in which he disclosed his NYPD superiors were aware of his problems both at the 28th Precinct in Harlem and after he was transferred into a pressure-packed role managing social media for the departments press office, according to a court transcript and sources.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

But they did not take his firearms, or sideline him to get treatment.

At the height of the student protests over the war in Gaza last April, Tran was part of the NYPDs social media team and often working double and triple tours, including a 31-hour stretch, without a day off and medicating with alcohol, sources familiar with the report said.

My boss needs me. He picked me out. I dont want to let him down, Tran told relatives, according to the sources.

He described his role to Wiltsey as social media assistant to the press offices Deputy Commissioner, who at the time was Tarik Sheppard, also his former commander at the 28th Precinct, the sources said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

At the time, Sheppard, and other police brass were using social media to aggressively defend the NYPDs tactics at those protests, including posting controversial hype videos of operations at Columbia University and City College.

But Trans drinking had become problematic even before he became a cop in 2021 as his mother died of cancer, sources familiar with Trans conversation with Wiltsey said. It got worse as he worked at the Harlem precinct under Sheppard and worse still after he was transferred to the press office in September, 2023.

At several points, according to the sources, Tran turned to an unidentified captain, who merely offered kindly advice. Dont cope with booze or drugs, the captain told Tran. Promise me you will lay off the booze.

His commanding officer, New York PD, recognized he had an alcoholic abuse problem, told him to get treatment for it, hasnt done it, said New Jersey Judge Michael Taylor, citing Wiltseys report, at his June 25 detention hearing.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

The disclosures raise questions over whether it was enough to merely counsel Tran. NYPD commanders have the power in such instances to remove an officers firearms and direct them to be assessed for possible inpatient treatment, said three current and former chiefs consulted by The News.

They know about his problems and hes not suspended or required to surrender his firearms, said Joseph Marrone, the Patels lawyer in a negligence lawsuit against the city. But its not just about this officer. This is an extension of a toxic culture in the department of cops who arent properly trained and arent properly reprimanded.

A grueling vigil

Meanwhile, Kishan Patels parents hold a daily vigil for their son at Tirr Memorial Hospital in Houston. Manjina and Himanshu Patel walk each morning from their rented room to his bedside and stay with him through 12-hour days.

It is so mentally tiring. Every day we are working through this with him, Manjina, 67, said. Its heartbreaking. We wash his face. We make sure he doesnt vomit. And every day, we ask ourselves why did this happen.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Kishan was engaged and minutes from home May 17 in South Jerseys Voorhees Township when Tran, who was off-duty, pulled up alongside his pickup truck and opened fire with his service weapon.

A 9-mm bullet entered behind Kishans right ear at the junction of his brain and spine and rendered him a quadraplegic. Tran then ran a red light and fled home to Yonkers.

Eight months later, Kishan cant yet speak or feed himself, his family says. He will require skilled nursing care for the rest of his life. In just eight months, his medical bills have already topped $1 million.

A good day is measured in tiny moments, his mom says, and just as often there are setbacks.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

He has minimal non-verbal communication, said brother-in-law Daniel Gaughan, 34. Its just day-to-day. Its going to be a long haul.

At the time he was shot, Kishan was running the two liquor stores his parents own in Camden and Williamstown, N.J. But where his business talent really shined was what he did with their third business  a pool supply company he had taken online and where he had rapidly increased sales.

Bob Almond, 68, a successful entrepreneur and family friend, said he helped mentor Kishan.

I saw such potential in this young man, he was like a sponge, Almond, retired and living in Florida, told The News. He would have multiplied his parents success by 10 fold at minimum.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

That responsibility has now fallen on Kishans sister Krishna, 30.

Our mom and dad were getting ready to retire, and Kishan was handling the businesses, Krishna said. This man should never have had a gun in the first place.

Despair, decline

Tran became a cop in February 2021, inspired, he said, by watching police officers tend to his mother when she was robbed, the sources said. When his moms cancer diagnosis grew dire, Tran managed the sadness with alcohol, the sources said. She died in 2020.

At the Harlem precinct, he drank heavily after work to ease the stress from the deaths, assaults and blood he witnessed on the job, the sources said.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

I should have sought therapy .. the load was too much to bear, Tran told Wiltsey, the sources said. I was crying, breaking down at work.

Trans problems followed him when he was transferred to DCPI and the stress accelerated in his social media role. A long day often ended at a bar in Times Square.

The next thing I know, Im at the bar drinking, but also managing my boss schedule and his social media, he told Wiltsey, the sources said.

Two retired cops formerly assigned to DCPI told The News it was unusual for an officer with less than three years on the job to make it to that high profile unit, much less be given such a pressure-packed role.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In April, as the protests dominated national news, Tran had another setback  he and his partner broke up. He was devastated, the sources said. Tran took some time off, but kept drinking after he returned.

One drink became I would wake up the next day and didnt know how I got home, he told Wiltsey, the sources said.

Sometimes, after such a bender, he would obsessively check his car and search the internet for car crashes, the sources said.

Trans relatives noticed his downward spiral, the sources said. At one point, he posted a photo of his feet on a ledge near the ocean.

On the day of the shooting, Tran went to a wedding in Sicklerville, N.J. 100 miles from the city and drank heavily, he told Wiltsey, according to the sources. He claimed he later woke up in bed, with no memory of the shooting.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Prosecutors said Tran went to work as if nothing happened and made sure to refill the magazine of his pistol to replace the bullets he had fired. He also followed news reports of the incident, the sources said.

Over the next three weeks, detectives in Jersey examined surveillance video and cell data to trace Trans white Lexus to a gas station where he used his credit card to buy gas. He was arrested June 6, records show.

An NYPD spokesman did not reply to emails from The News. Sheppard, who was replaced as spokesman in November by new commissioner Jessica Tisch, also did not reply to a request for comment.

Nicholas Paolucci, a Law Department spokesman, declined comment on the pending case.

Tran remains on suspension from the NYPD while his case is pending. He is now represented by prominent New Jersey lawyer Robin Lord, who touts on her website that a prosecutor once told her to Go f yourself.

Mr. Trans defense will be well known in due time. The case is not what it seems, Lord told The News Saturday, declining further comment.

Wiltsey concluded Tran was suffering from acute depression, a serious drinking problem and post-traumatic stress, according to statements in the detention hearing..

It seems that he was a powder keg or a time bomb waiting to go off, said prosecutor Peter Gallagher at the detention hearing, a transcript shows.

As the criminal case proceeds in Camden County, the Patels have a hearing Tuesday in their lawsuit in Manhattan federal court.
Shark Tank investor Kevin OLeary said in a new interview conversations and other activities at President-elect Trumps Florida resort Mar-a-Lago are covered by an off-the-record social media policy.

So much activity has happened there, OLeary, who vocally backed Trump during the 2024 presidential election, said during his Monday appearance on Fox Newss Jesse Waters Primetime.

I have been part of it, many others as well, its off-the-record social media policy. Which is fantastic because its not on the presidential record. If you really want to find out what he is thinking, you really have to go there  gotta meet with him, and a lot of the people you are talking about now going through this confirmation process  thats where theyve been for the last eight weeks, OLeary said.

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So its been a unique form of transitional government I would say and everybody has a good idea of what is on the agenda.

OLeary, alongside Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, met with the president-elect over the past weekend. During the meeting, OLeary and Smith discussed tariffs, pipelines and why a strong Canada-U.S. partnership matters now more than ever, according to his post on Instagram.

I told Trump straight: the Trudeau policies have been a disaster, but Canada isnt done. Alberta has massive potential, and Danielle is leading the charge to bring capital back, OLeary wrote in the Monday post.

In late November last year, Trump threatened to slap a 25 percent on Canadian goods coming into the U.S. if Ottawa did not fortify border security and crack down on fentanyl coming into America.

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Whats been really interesting about this transition over the last eight weeks is that Mar-a-Lago location has become Davos 2025, OLeary said on Monday, referring to the Swiss city where the World Economic Forum is held. You dont have to go to Switzerland anymore.

Trump has also suggested the U.S. and Canada merge, an idea the businessman said last week was very interesting.

And so, within that idea, theres some very interesting concepts, OLeary said on NewsNations show The Hill.. One of them would be the economic union, cause  Canadians dont wanna give up their sovereignty but  what he said was, Lets get more powerful, cause economic success is power in todays world.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(NewsNation)  Trumps calls to buy Greenland are about one thing, according to Bill OReilly, lithium. He says the Trump administration wants to reduce its dependence on China.

Lithium is the No. 1 product (China mines), OReilly said on On Balance. Under the permafrost, in Greenland, is a lot of lithium. Thats what this is about.

LA area wildfires: At least 24 have died, strong winds expected

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OReillys comments come as Trump has shown a renewed interest in annexing Greenland over the last few weeks.

The United States is not going to invade Greenland.  Well have an advantage over China. Thats what its about, OReilly said. Theyre not going to let us do anything. That will be part of the deal to protect our investment.

What presence does the US have in Greenland now?

The U.S. military maintains a permanent presence at the Pituffik air base in Greenlands northwest.

A 1951 agreement between the United States and Denmark established the United States right to construct military bases in Greenland and move forces freely on its territory as long as Denmark and Greenland are notified.

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Historically, Denmark has accommodated the U.S. military in Greenland because Copenhagen does not have the capability to defend the vast island itself, and because of U.S. security guarantees to Denmark through the NATO alliance, said Kristian Soeby Kristensen, senior researcher at Copenhagen Universitys Centre for Military Studies.

What is Greenlands current status?

Greenland has been controlled by Denmark for centuries, previously as a colony and now as a semi-sovereign territory under the Danish realm. It is subject to the Danish constitution, meaning any change to its legal status would require a constitutional amendment.

In 2009, the island was granted broad self-governing autonomy, including the right to declare independence from Denmark through a referendum.

One poll finds majority of Greenland respondents support joining US

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Prime Minister Mute Egede, who has stepped up a push for independence, has repeatedly said the island is not for sale and that it is up to its people to decide their future.

Decades ago, the U.S. under then-President Harry Truman sought to buy the island as a strategic asset during the Cold War for $100 million in gold, but Copenhagen declined to sell.

Trump offered to buy it during his first term in 2019 but both Greenland and Denmark rejected the proposal.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Can old crocodiles learn new tricks?

The wild saltwater crocs in Borneo, Indonesia, have attracted attention with their eye-catching behavior. According to The Associated Press, Instagram user @lukman_arisma captured footage of one of the massive reptiles making unusual movements in the water.

In the footage, the crocodile is partially submerged in the water, with several feet sticking above the surface. The reptile wiggles its feet back and forth sporadically. The AP reported that locals believe the crocodiles exhibiting this odd behavior are attempting to mimic the movements of a drowning human.

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The news agency added that some who have seen crocodiles acting this way think the wild animals are trying to lure people into the water so they can attack them. Crocodile experts are unconvinced and have shot down rumors that the saltwater crocodiles are up to anything malicious.

ViralBear Crocodile filmed moving feet above the water's surface Crocodile filmed moving feet above the water's surface

Related: Crocodile Living in Isolation for 16 Years at Zoo Experienced Virgin Birth, Scientists Say

Brandon Sideleau, a human and crocodile conflict researcher at Charles Darwin University, told Yahoo that this behavior is not new and that the crocodile in the alarming video is likely just enjoying a meal.

"I think it's probably got some prey items in its mouth because I've seen it on some of the rivers here where saltwater crocodiles will kind of spin around underwater; you'll see their hands up in the air when they've got food in their jaws," Sideleau said.

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"It definitely wouldn't be trying to lure people in because there'd be no way for it to actually learn that," 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.

Gregory Erickson, a professor in the biological science department at Florida State University, echoed Sideleau's thoughts, telling Newsweek, "I do not believe this crocodile was trying to lure humans into the water. Such behavior would be unprecedented. These animals are inherently stealthy and don't need to resort to such extremes to access prey."

Regardless, experts stress that saltwater crocodiles are dangerous wild animals that should be given safety and respect. According to the BBC, there have been over 1,000 crocodile attacks in Indonesia over the past decade, including at least 450 deaths.



Read the original article on People
An off-duty Lauderhill Police officer shot and killed two dogs in Tamarac on Monday afternoon, the Broward Sheriffs Office said.

Deputies were called to the Extended Stay America hotel in the 3800 block of West Commercial Boulevard about noon.

The officers own dogs had been attacked by the other two, the Sheriffs Office said. The two attacking dogs were dead when deputies arrived.

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The Sheriffs Office did not provide additional information.

Lauderhill Police spokespersons did not return an email Monday afternoon seeking further information.

This is a developing story, so check back for updates. Click here to have breaking news alerts sent directly to your inbox.
TOCCOA, GA (WSPA)  Officers with the Toccoa Police Department are searching for a missing teenager last seen over a week ago.

The police department said 16-year-old Michael Martin was last seen leaving a residence on North Oak Street in Toccoa around 7 p.m. on January 4.

Martin was last seen wearing a black hoodie with an ingles logo on it and white shoes. He is described as standing 5-feet, 7-inches and weighing 140 pounds.

Michael Martin, 16, was last seen on Jan. 4 in Toccoa

Michael Martin, 16, was last seen on Jan. 4 in Toccoa

Michael Martin, 16, was last seen on Jan. 4 in Toccoa

If you see Martin or know of his whereabouts, contact Captain Sims with the Toccoa Police Department at 706-282-3236 or call 911. You can also email Captain Sims at dsims@cityoftoccoa.com

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BUCKS COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)  Fifty years ago, a 17-year-old girl was murdered in a parking lot outside a Pennsylvania mall and officials said Monday they are continuing to investigate, urging the public that any tips in the case would be helpful.

Patricia Patty Bartlett was stabbed to death on Jan. 13, 1975, in the east parking lot of the Oxford Valley Mall, located along 2300 E. Lincoln Highway, near the former Gimbles store, the Bucks County District Attorneys Office said in a news release.

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Middletown Township Police Department is continuing its investigation into Bartletts death, District Attorney Jennifer Schorn said in a statement.

Patty suffered a heinous death at the hands of an unknown violent predator, Schorn said. Although the case went unsolved, Middletown Township Police have never forgotten about Pattys murder. Throughout the decades that followed they have continually pursued every lead. Additionally, they reexamined the evidence as there were developments in forensic science. Detectives with my office are working hand in glove with Middletown to pool resources to continue in this endeavor. 

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Police found Bartlett suffering from stab wounds in the parking lot around 5:30 p.m., and she was hurried to the hospital where she died.

Bartlett, who was an avid photographer, was at the mall to buy film to capture an upcoming snowstorm, the DAs Office said. Bartlett was a senior at Pennsbury High School, and she worked about a year as a waitress at the former CoCos Restaurant on Lincoln Highway.

Photo of Patty Bartlett provided by District Attorneys Office Photo of Patty Bartlett provided by District Attorneys Office

Our hearts go out to Pattys family, Schorn said. We hope they know we will continue to pursue every investigative lead in Pattys case.

Anyone who has information regarding the murder is asked to contact Bucks County Detectives at 215-348-6354 or the Middletown Township Police Department at 215-750-3870. Officials urge that no matter what information, important, unimportant, or if you think investigators have heard it before, to come forward.

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Quick action by wildlife officers in Bangladesh saved nearly 1,000 endangered turtles from an abandoned warehouse, marking the largest turtle rescue in the country's history, reported Good Good Good.

The Wildlife Crime Control Unit discovered three protected species during its December operation: the Indian roofed turtle, brown roofed turtle, and yellow pond turtle. Together, the rescued animals weighed about 1,763 pounds.

"All the rescued turtles were alive," said Wildlife Crime Control Unit inspector Asim Mallik, who led the operation. His team acted on an anonymous tip from local residents, arriving just in time to prevent the turtles from being smuggled across the border.

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These freshwater reptiles keep waterways healthy by feeding on dead fish and controlling algae growth. They spread seeds from plants and trees while moving through their habitat, supporting the ecosystem.

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The rescue highlights growing efforts to protect these valuable species, which face threats from illegal trading. In Bangladesh and India, some capture the turtles for food or medicine or sell them as lucky charms.

"Local residents and traders informed us that an illegal syndicate had been operating this business under the guise of fish trading for a long time," Mallik told the Business Standard newspaper, per Good Good Good. His team is working to bring those responsible to justice under Bangladesh's Wildlife Conservation and Security Act.

The Forest Department is caring for the turtles and planning their release back into natural water bodies. The scale of this rescue brings welcome attention to these animals and their role in keeping our waters clean.

"This is the largest seizure of turtles ever recorded in Bangladesh," Mallik said, recognizing the dedication of Forest Department officials who made the rescue possible.

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This successful mission demonstrates how community tips and quick action can help protect the animals that keep our ecosystems thriving. When we save turtles, we save the waterways that sustain wildlife and people.

Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Ohio House Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) gives comments following State of the State Address, January 31, 2023, in the Warren G. Harding Briefing Room at the Statehouse in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Graham Stokes for Ohio Capital Journal. Republish photo only with original story.)

Next week, the country will have a new president, and a group of Ohio lawmakers have one big ask before Joe Biden leaves The White House. In a letter, the Ohio House Democratic Caucus is urging the president to formally publish the Equal Rights Amendment as the 28th amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

They argue since Virginia became the 38th state to ratify the amendment in 2020, all thats left is the ministerial procedure of directing the National Archivist to add the ERA to the Constitution.

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It may not be that simple.

Deadlines, opinions & statements

When the Equal Rights Amendment was approved by Congress in the 1970s, lawmakers included a seven-year deadline in its resolving clause. Thirty-five states quickly ratified the proposal, but then it stalled. Lawmakers extended the deadline, but it came and went without any additional state ratifications.

Supporters of the ERA are quick to note that court precedent is murky when it comes to the validity of those lawmaker-imposed deadlines. Article V of the U.S. Constitution makes no mention of them. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld the deadline for the 18th Amendment (Prohibition), but the circumstances of that case are bit different than the ERA.

States ratified Prohibition well before the deadline, but then, challengers argued the entire amendment should be thrown out because Congress had no authority to set a timeframe. In a law review article, University of Florida law professor Danaya Wright explained the court rejected that argument. Why invalidate a law that cleared all the necessary hurdles simply because of an irrelevant deadline?

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But she warned against applying the reasoning in that case to the Equal Rights Amendment.

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It is one thing to hold that an ineffective technicality will not void an otherwise proper law, Wright wrote. It is another to hold that technicality to be effective to thwart the will of a supermajority of the people.

Wright argued the question will likely wind up back in the courts, and there are four possible outcomes. First, Congress has complete authority to impose a cut off, and the ERA would have to go back to square one. Second, Congress can require deadlines but it can also alter those deadlines  leaving the door open to legislation rescinding Congress prior expiration date. Third, deadlines are legally valid, but only if theyre in the actual text of the amendment. Fourth, deadlines in general are invalid.

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During the first Trump administration the Department of Justices Office of Legal Counsel staked out the first of those possibilities. In a 2020 memo Assistant Attorney General Steven Engel argued, we conclude that Congress had the constitutional authority to impose a deadline on the ratification of the ERA and, because that deadline has expired, the ERA Resolution is no longer pending before the States.

Two years later, Bidens Office of Legal Counsel took a somewhat different tack  arguing nothing in that earlier memo precludes Congress from acting to adjust the ratification timeline.

As a co-equal branch of government, Assistant Attorney General Christopher Schroeder wrote, Congress is entitled to take a different view on these complex and unsettled questions. Throughout our history, Congress has deliberated on its own interpretation of the Article V process numerous times and taken actions on that basis.

On the strength of those memos, National Archivist Colleen Shogan and her deputy Willam Bosanko have insisted they cannot legally certify the Equal Rights Amendment.

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Extending or removing the deadline requires new action by Congress or the courts, they wrote late last year. Court decisions at both the district and circuit levels have affirmed that the ratification deadlines established by Congress for the ERA are valid. Therefore, the Archivist of the United States cannot legally publish the Equal Rights Amendment.

In his own statements in 2024, 2023, 2022, and 2021 President Biden has reiterated support for the Equal Rights Amendment since I first ran for the Senate as a 29-year-old. But he puts the onus for action on Congress.

I urge the Congress to recognize the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, he said last August, and affirm the fundamental truth that all Americans should have equal rights and protections under the law.

One phone call

Thats not good enough for New Yorks Democratic U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand. She has been perhaps the loudest voice insisting Biden can get the ERA implemented immediately by simply picking up the phone and directing the archivist to publish it.

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She insists the archivist got it wrong and by refusing to certify the ERA, she is wrongfully inserting herself into a clear constitutional process, despite the fact that her role is purely ministerial.

Gillibrand noted several legal experts and the American Bar Association believe the amendment has cleared the necessary requirements for inclusion in the U.S. Constitution.

In their letter to Biden, Ohios House Democratic Caucus point to the persistent wage gap between men and women as well as Ohios recent reproductive rights amendment. Since passage, they argue, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has been in court traying to chip away at those rights.

(He) cites the lack of a basis in both the Ohio and the U.S. Constitutions for many aspects of our reproductive rights, because the Ohio and U.S. Constitutions do not have an Equal Rights Amendment, they wrote.

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The need for a constitutional safeguard, they added, that elevates and normalizes equality of the sexes, could not be greater at this moment.

Follow Ohio Capital Journal Reporter Nick Evans on X or on Bluesky.

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Ohio Republican Party Chairman Alex Triantafilou declared that Ohio is no longer a swing state during a special event held in Fremont by the Sandusky County Republican Party.

Triantafilou attributed Republican successes in the last election to continued party unity, from the Ohio Statehouse to the U.S. Congress and the presidency.

He also spoke at length about Issue 1, the gerrymandering issue.

What else did we do? We got on a bus. I dont think we came to Fremont. We should have come to Fremont. We got on the bus and we turned this thing around," Triantafilou said. "When I say we, it was all of us. Not just me, Alex. Not just the state central committee, but the entire family of the Republican Party."

Ohio Republican Party Chairman Alex Triantafilou spoke to the Sandusky County Republican Party.

He was surprised in the final week when he saw polling.

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Wow, I saw we got some momentum on this thing and realized we might actually pull this out, Triantafilou said.

He explained the campaign strategy.

A lot of people were saying, Were confused! Were confused by Issue 1. Did you all hear that? Confusion means we dont know, so we did our job, Triantafilou said. Confusing Ohioans was not such a bad strategy.

He said that for Inauguration Day, the party will be leading a group of 1,200 Ohioans to Washington, D.C.

Our big focus for going into 2025 will be on disengagers. Disengagers are people who do not vote on midterm elections. They are people who just turned out for President Trump. We saw the same thing, frankly, for people who voted for Barack Obama, Triantafilou said.

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He also spoke about the Ohio Supreme Court.

Judge Brad Smith introduced himself at a Sandusky County Republican Party special event on Wednesday, featuring the Ohio Republican Party Chairman

Weve got to finish the job with the (Supreme) Court, which is 6-1, Triantafilou said. Were going to go for that seventh Supreme Court seat.

Justice Jennifer Brunner is now the only Democrat on the Ohio Supreme Court.

He also pointed out that he does not know who will be appointed to replace J.D. Vances Senate seat.

The Wednesday night event was heavily attended despite heavy snows by more than 50 party faithful from across the region, including Ottawa, Seneca and Huron Counties.

Triantafilou closed out by answering a few questions and expanded on his gerrymandering comments.

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He briefly outlined the history of anti-gerrymandering efforts in the courts, followed by Republican wins in Columbus that led to multiple years with super-majorities.

We have the power. Ohioans have entrusted us to draw lines consistent with a state that Donald Trump won by 11 percentage points. So, I hope that we redistrict in a way that is consistent with what Ohioans told us, and that this is a Republican state, Triantafilou said.

Ben Decker, vice chairman of the county Republican Party, and son Joel Decker, 12, sat with Judge Brad Smith. Sandusky County Republican Party held a special event on Wednesday featuring the Ohio Republican Party chairman and local officials.

Ben Decker, vice chairman of the Sandusky County Republican Party, asked about Donald Trump and Issue 1 outperforming pollster predictions.

That was great for Republicans, Decker said. ButHow do we get back to being able to anticipate and do a little bit better polling?

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Triantafilou said, I dont have a great answer for how to improve it.

He did note that, due to technological changes, the pollsters have had to change their methods, but Trump employed Republican pollster Tony Fabrizio and won.

rlapointe@gannett.com

419-332-2674

This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Ohio GOP Chair brags of 'confusing Ohioans' during election
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine gets off a school bus as part of the first Ohio School Bus Safety Working Group meeting at the Ohio Department of Public Safety Atrium on Sept. 11, 2023. (Photo by Megan Henry, Ohio Capital Journal).

It didnt take long. The new legislative session began in Columbus with Republican chieftains in the state throwing the future of public education in Ohio under the school bus.

First it was the billion-dollar voucher king, Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman, to hedge his bets on giving Ohios 611 school districts what they need to provide a quality education to the 1.7 million students they serve.

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Then it was Huffmans patsy in the executive branch, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, who added his two cents worth of wishy-washy about how a leaner state budget ahead means somethings gotta give  like fully funding the education system used by the vast majority of Ohio families and their children. Sometimes these are very, very difficult, difficult choices, said the gutless wonder. What leadership.

Educating future generations of Ohioans with high-quality public schools is your job, governor. Its the No. 1 responsibility of the state to ensure a thorough and efficient system of funding for public schools. Says so right in the Ohio Constitution. It also says, no religious or other sect, or sects, shall ever have any exclusive right to, control of, any part of the school funds of this state. But DeWine and his puppet master in the Ohio House ignored that part years ago when the state began diverting hundreds of millions of education funds to private and mostly religious schools.

Clearly, the politicians calling the shots in state government have no regard for the state constitution. Adhering to the rule of law is optional when political power is absolute. Huffman, who thumbed his nose at the Ohio Constitution on fair redistricting (to pull off even more egregious gerrymandering in legislative and congressional districts) is doing the same thing on adequately funding public education.

Hes looking to cut revenue to public schools while spending a ton of tax dollars on private school vouchers  with aspirations to fund more private school facilities to increase demand for those vouchers. Call it the Great GOP Phase-out of Public Education. Last week, Huffman dropped a calculated bombshell to prepare Ohios public-school districts for another financial hit from the state.

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The Lima Republican said the state couldnt afford to fully fund public schools or finally fix a school funding formula ruled unconstitutional nearly three decades ago. The Ohio Supreme Courts 1997 ruling said the states failure to provide and distribute sufficient resources for public education and its over-reliance on local property taxes to cover that shortcoming violated the law.

Yet Ohio lawmakers never remedied the problem. School districts had to keep going back to voters just to maintain and operate local schools. Homeowners carried the weight of school funding, not the state. They were/are understandably tapped out on school levies, especially as changes in property evaluations jack up tax bills.

But in 2021, after years of collaboration between former Republican Ohio House Speaker Bob Cupp, former Democratic state Rep. John Patterson and scores of public education stakeholders, Ohio came close to meeting its constitutional obligation of ensuring a thorough and efficient system of funding for public schools. What we really wanted to do was figure out what it really costs to educate a student and then what a district can really do to support its fair share, and then the state would compensate with the rest, said Patterson.

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The Cupp-Patterson spending formula, known as the Fair School Funding Plan, was enacted as part of the 2021-23 state budget. The new system weighed a districts expenses to come up with the base per-pupil funding amount  instead of a blanket amount of state funding for all schools  and changed the way the local communitys share was measured depending on property tax value and the income of local residents.

That was a big deal and a significant step forward to address the long-running inequities of an unconstitutional school funding system that had failed generations of K-12 students. The quality of their education often depended on where they lived. Wealthy school districts in Ohio had every advantage over high poverty districts that struggled to pay for even basics in the classroom.

The Fair School Funding Plan initiated a level of fairness and reliability in state support that past spending programs lacked. Complete state funding of the FSFP (around $2 billion altogether) was to be phased in over a six-year period through two-year budget cycles. The goal was to continue expanding state funding for districts in successive biennial state budgets until the Fair School Funding Plan was fully funded.

The last installation, or third phase, was to be paid in full in the upcoming 2026-2027 operating budget. But that expectation hit a wall when Huffman nixed increased spending to public schools as unsustainable.

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His excuses for not making good on fully funding Cupp-Patterson  less state revenue to work with, less federal pandemic relief money, more scrutiny needed for school money already allocate  dont apply to his expansive voucher outlays to religious schools that reached $966.2 million for the 2023-2024 school year. Enough to fully fund Fair School Funding Plan.

But Huffman is laying the ground to shave more off the FSFP and showing his utter indifference to the acute financial challenges facing countless districts. Tough luck for the nearly 90% of Ohio students who attend public schools with slashed opportunities. It didnt take long.

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  Timing could be at issue in a $5 million wrongful death lawsuit against the city of Youngstown that has made its way to the Ohio Supreme Court.

Oral arguments are scheduled between the city of Youngtown and the estate of a man who was killed in a motorcycle accident in the city when a tree fell on him.

The issue surrounds the April 2019 death of Thomas Morar. Morar was riding his motorcycle on Early Road on June 17, 2017, when a tree fell on him. He died two years later.

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A wrongful death lawsuit was filed on June 14, 2019, by Morars executor Cheryl Durig, against the city claiming that the city owns the tree and property in which it was rooted.

As the case has gone through the courts, the city filed an appeal in April 2024 to the Ohio Supreme Court after the Mahoning County Court of Appeals and the Seventh Appellate District ruled against the city in December 2023 and February 2024 on its claim of political subdivision immunity, which is basically legal protection for municipalities in lawsuits. According to court documents, the city claims the lower courts rulings were inconsistent.

It is especially critical for the Court to clarify the issues involved in this case given that they center on the defense of political subdivision immunity and will have profound impact on not only municipalities and other governmental entities statewide, but also Ohio citizens and taxpayers, the Citys attorneys wrote in their appeal.

The lower courts said that the city should have raised that defense earlier, but the city said it filed within the allowable timeframe, 45 days for the Feb. 29, 2024 ruling and within 10 days of the December 18, 2023 ruling. In that case, the 10th day fell on a Sunday.

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Oral arguments are set for May.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
Members of Fair Districts Ohio gather in front of the Rhodes State Office Tower before an Ohio Redistricting Commission meeting in September 2023. (Photo by Susan Tebben, Ohio Capital Journal.)

A redraw of Ohios U.S. Congressional district map will happen this year under the same politician-controlled process as before, after voters rejected anti-gerrymandering reform in November, but with plenty of insight from the past, voting rights advocates say.

The congressional map Ohio has been using for the last four years are up for a redraw due to a lack of bipartisan support when the map was passed by the legislature in 2022. Ohios redistricting laws require them to be redrawn after four years without the support of both parties. If the map gets bipartisan support, they last for 10 years.

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The map currently being used is the second version, which was rewritten after the first map, passed in 2021, was struck down as unconstitutionally gerrymandered by the Ohio Supreme Court.

The second map was ruled unconstitutionally partisan as well, but it was never rewritten, as legislative leaders balked at the idea that the state supreme court held the power to compel such action. The map passed in 2022 stood as the map used in the last election.

The congressional map was just part of a years-long redistricting process that was fraught with contention, lawsuits in both federal and state courts, and such harsh public scrutiny that a ballot initiative was brought to try to change the process and remove the elected officials from the Ohio Redistricting Commission all together.

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Despite the fact that the ballot measure that was Issue 1 on Novembers general election ballot went down in defeat, advocates who supported the measure and plan to speak up every step of the way as congressional redistricting moves forward, say voters still sent a message about what they want to see from district map-drawing.

The one thing that has kept people going, whether they voted yes, or whether they voted no, everybody was opposed to gerrymandering, said Catherine Turcer, executive director of Common Cause Ohio.

The fact that Ohioans are more knowledgeable and more focused on the impacts of redistricting and gerrymandering indicates significant headway in the fight for accountability in the state, Turcer said. Also, constitutional or not, with the congressional map now having been in place for years, legislators and the Ohio Redistricting Commission will get to hear real perspective from residents in the districts.

One of the benefits of the remap is that voters have been using these districts and will have some thoughts about whether they made sense or whether they divided things too much, Turcer said.

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Until the legislatures end-of-September deadline, advocacy groups will be preparing the public for the process, as well as talking with legislators to try and start the process off well.

The constitution requires a transparent process that robustly engages Ohio voters, and so we encourage the General Assembly to start this process immediately so that Ohioans have ample opportunities to give their input, said Jen Miller, executive director of the League of Women Voters of Ohio.

The GOP-created congressional districts approved by the Ohio Redistricting Commission on March 2, 2022.

In the meantime, groups are also watching the process as it pertains to local regions as well. The LWV made their thoughts known during the Cleveland City Councils recent redraw of wards, which was passed quickly just after the new year and without a committee hearing on the most recent version of the maps.

In a letter to the council from League of Women Voters of Greater Cleveland co-presidents Nadia Zaiem and Lisa Cech, the group expressed their disappointment in the way the process went considering the council had previously passed a resolution in support of Novembers Issue 1 ballot initiative.

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However, we have not seen that same commitment to fairness, transparency and public engagement during this process, Zaiem and Cech wrote. Instead, you have followed a similar playbook to that of the Ohio Redistricting Commission  All of this is exactly why the league has fought for decades to remove politicians from the map-making process, regardless of who is engaging in gerrymandering and whether the motivation is partisan advantage or incumbent advantage.

Its hard to know how the process will go this time around, though its easy to be skeptical that the process will go just as it did before, with missed deadlines and last-minute map-approval, especially with the legislature also facing a deadline to pass the states biennial operating budget. But advocates are still hopeful Ohioans will get their voices out there.

Its like starting the whole process again, Turcer said. And that means good public hearings, it means good opportunities for the citizens of Ohio to draw maps and present them to legislators.

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(WKBN)  Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced round three recipients of the Campus Safety Grant Program Monday.

In round three of the program, 28 Ohio colleges and universities will receive a total of $7.5 million in funding for safety projects, including Youngstown State University locally.

The recipients are:

Bowling Green State University  $500,000.00

Central Ohio Technical College  $236,000.00

Central State University  $299,840.00

Cincinnati State Technical & Community College  $216,000.00

Clark State College  $439,052.69

Cleveland State University  $321,500.00

Columbus State Community College  $233,160.00

Edison State Community College  $130,000.00

Hocking College  $197,308.00

Kent State University  $500,000.00

Lakeland Community College  $197,741.00

Lorain County Community College $236,611.00

Marion Technical College  $118,000.00

Miami University  $103,539.00

North Central State College  $75,000.00

Northwest State Community College  $459,000.00

Ohio State University  $257,000.00

Ohio University  $196,665.00

Rhodes State College  $145,000.00

Shawnee State University  $449,852.69

Southern State Community College  $427,693.12

Stark State College  $59,607.00

Terra State Community College  $133,500.00

University of Akron  $500,000

University of Cincinnati  $250,000.00

University of Toledo  $225,000.00

Wright State University  $500,000.00

Youngstown State University  $92,930.00

The funding will go to security equipment enhancements such as security cameras, fencing, lighting, door locks, portable surveillance trailers, radios and drones, according to a news release.

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To be chosen for the grants, colleges must take assessments to identify areas needing safety enhancements.

The program began in 2021 under House Bill 2 of the 135th General Assembly. About $17.5 million in funding has now been awarded through the Ohio School Safety Centers Campus Safety Grant Program.

Previous grants were awarded in August 2021 and November 2022.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
SHALIMAR, Fla. (WKRG)  The Okaloosa County Sheriffs Office has made combating child sex crimes one of its top priorities, using tips, advanced technology, and undercover operations to target predators and protect children.

Shalimar church friar arrested on child pornography charges

Sheriff Eric Aden described the multi-faceted approach the department is taking.

We get tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and we investigate those thoroughly, Aden said. Weve also got proactive operations like undercover stings and our Internet Crimes Against Children investigators working every day.

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The Sheriffs Office has also enlisted the help of Tera, a K-9 trained to detect hidden electronic devices.

What was overlooked as a key in a basket on a dresser, the dog alerted on that, Aden said. Further investigation determined that was actually a thumb drive storing information.

Recent arrests highlight the departments efforts.

One case involved Shalimar pastor Frank Gough, who was arrested on Jan. 9 on 30 counts of possession of child pornography. The investigation began after a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children led law enforcement to Goughs home.

Day 1 testimony of trial for Greene County man accused of killing Mount Vernon native

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Aden described the discovery during the search.

There were extensive files of child pornography, including a video of a young girl who appeared to be between three and five years old, Aden said.

The Sheriffs Office also pointed to other efforts like Operation Safe Summer, an undercover operation targeting child predators that resulted in multiple arrests.

Rue the day when we come for you because were going to continue to put every effort, every opportunity we can to try and stop this behavior, Aden said.

In response to Goughs arrest, the Gulf Atlantic Diocese released a statement calling the allegations shocking and heartbreaking.

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The news that Fr. Frank Gough, Rector of Resurrection Anglican Church, Shalimar, was arrested for allegedly possessing child sexual abuse material, is both shocking and heartbreaking, the diocese said.

The diocese stated it would cooperate fully with law enforcement and has initiated its own investigation.

We will endeavor to be as transparent as possible throughout this process, and we commend the victims of abuse, the people of Resurrection Shalimar, the Gough family, and the broader community to your prayers, the diocese added.

Aden urged parents to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

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1 arrested in Bay Minette gunfire near area business

All I want to do is protect our citizens and their children. Aden 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 WKRG News 5.
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  The City of Oklahoma City announced it has concluded a nationwide search and selected Mankinta Holloway as Oklahoma Citys Municipal Court Administrator beginning March 7.

Mankinta Holloway as Oklahoma Citys Municipal Court Administrator beginning March 7, Image courtesy City of OKC

City Manager Craig Freeman says Holloway has worked as the Court Administrator for the City of Birmingham, Alabama, since 2013.

Holloway has led the operations section of the municipal court system in Birmingham for the past 12 years, City Manager Craig Freeman said. During that time, he successfully transitioned Birmingham courts to a paperless system and launched a virtual court. He is compassionate,

innovative and understands the day-to-day operations of managing a municipal court.

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According to city leaders, Holloway replaces LaShawn Thompson, who has served in the position since 2022. Thompson is set to continue as Assistant City Manager.

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond announces run for governor

The City says Holloway will provide support to Judicial Services and oversee approximately 63 employees in five divisions:

Court Administration and Facility Operations

Community Outreach, Compliance and Enforcement Services

Court Services

Probation Services

Financial Services

Embarking on this journey together, we have the ability to embrace new beginnings because of the work that has already been done, Holloway said. This is our opportunity to build the next steps of justice within the OKC community by using one of the greatest superpowers we possess: SERVICE.

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Holloway holds a bachelors degree in criminal justice from Jacksonville State University in Alabama.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Death row inmate Byron James Shepard died Tuesday, almost eight years after he fatally shot a Tecumseh police officer during a traffic stop.

Shepard, 43, was at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester. The Department of Corrections confirmed he was pronounced dead Tuesday morning at a local hospital.

In a highly publicized case, Shepard shot officer Justin Terney twice on March 26, 2017, after giving a false name to the officer and then fleeing through a tree line into a field. At the time, Shepard, of Okemah, was facing arrest on a concealing stolen property charge.

The victim was 22. "I'm fixing to pass out, man," he told another officer as he lay bleeding, according to testimony at a trial. "Stay with me, brother," the officer replied.

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Shepard had been a passenger in a car that was pulled over about 11:30 at night because of a defective tag light. The officer had tried to stop him with a Taser as he ran. Both ended up on the ground after a shoot-out.

Terney died the next day at a hospital. Shepard was treated for shots to his arm, hand, chest and groin.

"I'm sorry," Shepard said, according to testimony. "Fellas, I hope you believe that."

A jury in Pottawatomie County District Court in 2020 found him guilty of first-degree murder and chose death as punishment. Shepard, a longtime methamphetamine user, claimed on appeal he had been shooting at random.

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His latest appeal was just starting in Oklahoma City federal court. His attorneys notified the court of his death Tuesday morning.

Shepard already had lost twice at the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals and once at the U.S. Supreme Court.

The inspector general at the Corrections Department is investigating the death "per standard procedure," Kay Thompson, the chief of public relations, told The Oklahoman in an email.

"As no physical injury or trauma was observed, the medical examiners office will determine the official cause of death," she wrote.

The number of inmates under a death sentence in Oklahoma is now down to 30 men and one woman.

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Facing execution next is confessed killer Wendell Grissom. He and Shepard were cellmates.

Grissom, 56, is set to be executed on March 20 at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma death row inmate Byron James Shepard dies
Oklahoma County Jail CEO gives final report on facility after announcing resignation

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Outgoing Oklahoma County Jail CEO Brandi Garner made her first appearance since announcing she will be leaving her position in February. She presented a final report of last years operations at Mondays Jail Trust meeting, and told News 4 her departure had nothing to do with the continuous controversy at the jail.

Truly what I said in my (resignation) letter, Ive got to focus on my family, said Garner.

Garner told Trust members the jail has been booking an average of a little more than 52 people per day. She detailed how the detention center had reduced the number of opioids that were illegally entering the building, renovations that were made to cell pods, and the hiring of a full-time pest control operator.

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She said that hire has reduced the amount of complaints from bed bugs.

Garner also said she would recommend allowing family visits to inmates, which was something the jail stopped doing five years ago.

Were going to start with a pilot program for mothers and children, said Garner. I already have the blueprint for that.

She told Trust members the jail currently had 330 full-time employees. She said that resignations have declined but terminations have gone up.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Oklahoma County Detention Center CEO announces resignation

Recently fired employees spoke during Mondays meeting.

I was wrongfully and unjustly terminated, said Tony Towery, the former COO of the jail. To this day I still dont know the true basis for the terminations.

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During Mondays public comment portion of the meeting, citizens asked for members of the Trust to step down and dissolve the committee.



This is a sinking ship, said Mark Faulk. Its an absolute train wreck.

Garner told KFOR that the past two years at the position have been stressful given the overwhelming criticism of the facilities conditions.



Honestly it is a very challenging job. I think that Ive laid a solid foundation to work from, said Garner, when asked who would be the right person for her replacement.

The Trust will call a special meeting in the coming weeks to decide who will fill the CEO position and when they will take over.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Federal guidelines typically require flags to be lowered to half-staff for 30 days upon the death of a former president, but some states like Oklahoma have already moved past the mourning period for President Jimmy Carter, who died Dec. 29.

The state of Texas made news when Gov. Greg Abbott ordered that all flags on state property would be fully raised for the Jan. 20 inauguration of President Donald Trump. U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson also ordered flags at the Capitol to remain fully raised during Trump's inauguration, then be lowered again the following day.

In Oklahoma, though, flags have already been fully raised for about a week.

Why aren't Oklahoma flags at half-staff?

After Carter died, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt ordered that flags on state property remain at half-staff until Jan. 9, the day of Carter's memorial ceremony.

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There appears to be no state law directing the governor on how to observe this type of memorial. The president's order that flags be flown at half-staff for 30 days only applies to flags on public buildings and grounds, all military posts. Naval vessels are required to fly their flag at half-mast.

After Bush Sr. died, Oklahoma flags were lowered flags for 30 days

Oklahoma's governor has issued flag-related executive orders for the deaths of politicians, celebrities, notable Oklahoma public figures and some state employees. Most of the time, the observance lasts for one day.

Gov. Mary Fallin matched federal guidelines when she ordered flags to be lowered for 30 days after former President George H.W. Bush died in 2018.

Stitt's first executive order upon Carter's death acknowledged the former president's service to the nation and his humanitarian work after his presidency but only ordered flags lowered for one day. Then on Jan. 2, Stitt amended his order to require flags to be lowered until Carter's memorial service one week later.

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Notable occurrences include:

President George H.W. Bush (2018, during the term of Gov. Mary Fallin): 30 days

Sen. James M. Inhofe (2024): 1 day

9/11 Anniversaries: 1 day

OKC Bombing Anniversaries: 1 day

Mass shootings in Lewiston, Maine (2023): 5 days

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Why aren't Oklahoma flags at half-staff? Here's what federal law says
An Oklahoma state senator has introduced a bill for consideration in the upcoming legislative session that would cut in half the current annual bag limit for antlered deer from two to one.

State Sen. Grant Green, R-Wellston, elected to his first term in 2022, introduced the bill and then did not respond to media requests for information about his rationale for changing the law.

A spokesman for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation said the agency's goal was to provide as many hunting opportunities for state residents as possible as long as there was no negative impact on the deer population.

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What do you think? Should you be limited to one deer? Please take our survey and and leave a comment with your name and city or county where you live.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Should Oklahoma reduce its deer hunting bag limit? Vote in poll
Migrants wait throughout the night on May 10, 2023, in a dust storm between the Rio Grande and the border wall, hoping they will be processed by immigration authorities. Oklahoma's state superintendent filed a lawsuit Tuesday against three federal agencies that oversee immigration enforcement. (Photo by Corrie Boudreaux/For Source NM)

OKLAHOMA CITY  State Superintendent Ryan Walters has sued three federal agencies responsible for immigration enforcement, accusing President Joe Bidens administration of imposing a financial burden on Oklahoma schools through a repeated failure to secure the nations southern border.

Walters and the Oklahoma State Department of Education filed the lawsuit in Oklahoma City federal court on Tuesday. They asked a judge to order the federal government to reimburse the state for the cost of educating immigrant children, though the lawsuit doesnt demand a specific dollar amount. Public schools are legally obligated to educate all students who enroll, regardless of immigration status.

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In an Oct. 30 letter to Vice President Kamala Harris, Walters demanded federal officials pay Oklahoma $474.9 million to offset an alleged cost burden of undocumented immigration on the states education system, citing an estimate from an anti-immigration organization.

State Superintendent Ryan Walters, pictured Oct. 29, filed a lawsuit Tuesday seeking reimbursement from the federal government for Oklahomas costs of educating immigrant students. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)

Walters lawsuit names the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and two agencies under its umbrella, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, as defendants along with the Biden administration officials at the head of each agency.

The Biden administration has less than a week until President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated Monday. Trump has promised mass deportations of undocumented immigrants and stricter policies at the U.S.-Mexico border.

While President Biden has neglected his responsibility to protect our borders for four years, hardworking Oklahomans are forced to cover the costs of his dereliction of duty, Walters said in a statement. This lawsuit is about accountability and ensuring that our children receive the quality education they deserve, free from the federal governments failures, even from a failed, outgoing administration.

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Last month, Walters drew controversy when he suggested a new rule to require Oklahoma schools to ask students for proof of U.S. citizenship or legal immigration status. Undocumented students still would be allowed to attend public schools, but districts would have to report to the state Department of Education the number of these children they enroll.

The U.S. Department of Education does not allow public schools to ask for students immigration status, deeming it unnecessary and a risk of having a discouraging effect on childrens enrollment. A similar law Alabama enacted in 2011 was overturned through a federal lawsuit.

The Oklahoma Legislature or Gov. Kevin Stitt would have to approve of Walters rule before it could take effect. Advocates within Oklahoma Citys Latino community warned the proposal could frighten immigrant families away from enrolling their children in school.

Members of the public can submit written comment on the proposed rule until 5 p.m. Friday. Individuals can comment on the rule in person during a public hearing at 11 a.m. Friday at the state Education Departments headquarters in Oklahoma City.

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In a declaration filed Tuesday in federal court, Walters said he sued the Biden administration because the cost of undocumented border crossings will persist for years to come. Immigrant children who already reside in Oklahoma will need to be educated throughout school age, he wrote.

His lawsuit claims Oklahoma should be reimbursed for current and future costs to hire more bilingual school personnel, administer language assessments and afford other expenses that would increase as schools enroll more children, such as nutrition and transportation.

The federal government already provides funds per student to public schools to support children learning English as a second language.

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Oklahomans offered program to clear outstanding warrants

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Oklahoma residents with outstanding warrants can get a clean slate through the Municipal Courts penalty reduction program.

Those who qualify should have warrants issued for unpaid municipal tickets for Class A offenses dated on or before December 31, 2022.

Police respond to shooting in SE Oklahoma City

OKC Municipal Court cites the following example:

A speeding ticket in warrant status typically costs up to $613 dollars, including $420 dollars in fines, costs, and fees, plus a $193 dollar failure-to-appear charge. Through the program, the total cost can be reduced to $155.

This program is perfect for people ready to pay their municipal tickets and start the year off on the right foot, Court Administrator/Assistant City Manager LaShawn Thompson said. You will never be jailed if you voluntarily come in to address any warrant issued in Oklahoma City Municipal Court.

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To pay a ticket or request a hearing contact 405-297-3898 on weekdays from 8:00 a.m.  5:00 p.m. For more information vist okc.gov/court.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
A colossal ice core sample drilled in Antarctica may contain the oldest, unbroken timeline of Earth's climate, stretching back more than a million years.

Laid horizontally, the entire ice core's 2,800-meter (9,186-foot) length could extend across San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge, and then some.

Each meter-long segment contains up to 13,000 years of deep, compressed history, including bubbles of ancient air. Together, the evidence provides a baseline for our current climate crisis, and it could reveal more about past extreme climate change events that threatened human survival.

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"We have a strong indication that the uppermost 2,480 meters contain a climate record that goes back to 1.2 million years," says Julien Westhoff, chief scientist on the ground for the European Project for Ice Coring in Antarctica (EPICA).

Further analysis needs to be done, but there's a chance that the deepest parts of the drilling could contain ice that dates back to the pre-Quaternary period, more than 2.5 million years ago.

A segment of the ice core. ( PNRA/IPEV

The oldest ice uncovered in Antarctica so far dates back 2.7 million years, but Earth's movements pushed this ice into a shallower patch of frozen material, so it doesn't provide a continuous climate chronicle; it's more of a snapshot.

Previously, the EPICA record for the oldest vertical ice core covered the last 740,000 years or so, and it was obtained in 2004.

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Ice cores are precious to scientists, because they trap particles, water isotopes, and bubbles of atmospheric gases, like carbon dioxide and methane. This allows researchers to reconstruct climates and environments in our planet's history.

The new drilling from East Antarctica covers a period of time when Earth's cycles of glaciation inexplicably lengthened, sometime between 900,000 and 1.2 million years ago.

Some scientists suspect nearly 99 percent of early humans in Africa may have died out during this period of extreme cold swings, although that hypothesis remains contentious and is mostly based on modern genetic data.

The fresh ice core from Antarctica could reveal more details about Earth's climate shifts during this time. It will probably also confirm just how far off track anthropogenic emissions have taken our planet's natural cycles of glaciation.

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"This transition remains a scientific mystery, particularly regarding the role of greenhouse gases and ice sheet dynamics," Carlo Barbante, director of EPICA, told CNN.

"This data helps us understand the intricate relationship between greenhouse gases and global temperature over hundreds of thousands of years and now down to 1.2 million year(s) and hopefully beyond."

The extraction site of the recent drilling is called Little Dome C, in East Antarctica, and it was chosen because radar surveys revealed the presence of extremely thick ice here, layered like a cake, with a bottom that had not yet melted away.

At 3,200 meters above sea level  high on Antarctica's central plateau  summer temperatures on Little Dome C sit around -35 C (-31 F) and often there are high wind speeds to contend with as well.

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Researchers at EPICA, including scientists from the British Antarctic Survey, had their work cut out for them. It took about 20 days just to deliver all their infrastructure and cargo to the site from a nearby research station.

Storage of the ice cores. ( PNRA/IPEV

When drilling finally got underway, an isotopic analysis system was able to read out glacial and interglacial cycles almost in real time, as each bit of the ice core was extracted from the ground. That's why scientists at EPICA are making such big claims, so early in their analysis.

Today, the Antarctic ice sheet holds 90 percent of our planet's ice. A drilling like this one, straight from its belly, could reveal just how Earth's southernmost continent came to hog most of its freshwater.

Climate scientist Richard Alley, who was not involved in the recent drilling effort, told the Associated Press that EPICA's ice core was "truly, truly, amazingly fantastic."

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"They will learn wonderful things," Alley predicted.

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TOPEKA (KSNT)  People looking to get their hands on one of the new distinctive license plates in Kansas can do so, but may encounter some hiccups along the way.

27 News reached out to Shawnee County Treasurer Larry Mah for more information on how people can find one of the eight new distinctive license plates. He said each of the new plates are technically available, but exact delivery dates for each wont be known until someone places an order down for one.

After the first plate is ordered and printed, subsequent plates generally deliver within two weeks, Mah said. Until that first plate is processed we are in the dark.

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Public hearing set for removal of Kansas high school graduation requirement

Mah told 27 News no one has ordered any of the plates yet. He ran a test for one of the new license plates on Monday, Jan. 13 and found the process to order it worked. However, he explained that people looking to get one of the new plates will only be able to get ones with random numbers as the personalized options are currently unavailable.

People are encouraged to reach out to their local county treasurers office to try ordering one of the new plates. Each plate, such as the new Kansas City Chiefs plate, will have a specialty royalty plate fee along with a royalty fee.

The Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR) keeps a list on its website of the different license plate and vanity options people can order. As of Jan. 13, this list does not include the most recently approved distinctive license plate designs.

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Kansas has $600 million in unclaimed property. Are you owed any?

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly signed off on Senate Bill 359 in 2024 allowing for the production of multiple new distinctive license plates. The new plates were to be made available to the public on or after Jan. 1, 2025. These new designs include the following:

Kansas City Chiefs

Sporting Kansas City

Sedgwick County Zoo

Kansas City Royals

Kansas City Current

Topeka Zoo

Support the Troops

First City of Kansas

Kansans could already choose from a multitude of different distinctive license plates depending on their preferences. Options to choose from include recognition of military service, higher education, Kansas wildlife and other niche interest plates.

To learn more about how to get one of the new distinctive license plates in Shawnee County, you can reach out to the treasurers office by calling 785-251-6483 or by clicking here. Otherwise, reach out to your own local county treasurer for more information on how to acquire one of the new plates.

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One in 1.8 million odds lottery prize won in Kansas

For more Kansas 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.
The driver of a pickup truck died Monday after a two-vehicle crash in Cass Twp.

Schuylkill County Coroner David Moylan IIII said a Postmortem CAT scan is scheduled for the victim Tuesday at the Schuylkill County Forensic Center, New Philadelphia.

The name of the driver was unavailable pending notification of next-of- kin, Moylan said.

An employee of the Schuylkill County Communications Center said the crash, in the area of 1041 Sunbury Road, also known as Rt. 901, was called in at 3:09 p.m.

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Deputy Coroner Albert Barnes was on the scene of the crash at 3:55 p.m.

Scanner reports said the two-vehicle, head-on incident resulted in heavy entrapment for the pickup truck and the single occupant inside, the driver, was nonresponsive.

State police at Frackville was on scene but provided few details other than to say a release would be issued.

The driver of work truck near the scene said his vehicle was damaged but he was OK.

Fire Departments from Minersville and Cass Twp. were among those on the scene.

Damage seen to a work truck involved in a two-vehicle crash at 3:15 p.m. Monday in the 1000 block of Sunbury Road, also known as Rt. 901. MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
Tuesday, 1/14/25, 6:49 p.m.

SUN PRAIRIE, Wis. (WFRV)  Officials provided an update regarding the missing 27-year-old woman in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin.

Ingrid Isamar Valverde-Ponce was last seen on January 11.

According to the Sun Prairie Police Department, a body was located by a Dane County Deputy around 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday in a farmers field near Portage Road and State Highway 19.

The body matches the description of Valverde-Ponce, though officials are still waiting to confirm the identity.

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The release added that the Dane County Medical Examiners Office will confirm the identity of the body when available.

No more details were provided.

One in Wisconsin arrested for providing false info on missing 27-year-old, police still investigating disappearance

Tuesday, 1/14/25, 1:10 p.m.

SUN PRAIRIE, Wis. (WFRV)  Wisconsin police are still actively investigating the disappearance of a 27-year-old woman, according to a release.

In a release from the Sun Prairie Police Department, officials said that one person was arrested during the investigation of 27-year-old Ingrid Isamar Valverde-Ponce, who was last seen on January 11 leaving in a dark SUV.

Emerson College Poll: Biden approval drops heavily from beginning to end of term, Trumps favorability high

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The driver reported dropping Valverde-Ponce off near the 100 block of North Street between 6:15 and 6:30 p.m. She was reportedly walking towards her home but hasnt been seen since.

Gerson Blas Noe was arrested for providing false information during the ongoing investigation. Blas Noe was the last person known to be with Valverde-Ponce and is being currently held at the Dane County Jail while being a person of interest in the case.

Police searching for missing UP woman

Valverde-Ponce was described as 5 feet tall at 190 pounds with long black hair usually in a ponytail. She was last seen in a black short-sleeve shirt with a cartoon character and black leggings with brown boots.

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The Sun Prairie Police Department is continuing to search for Valverde-Ponce and anybody with relevant information is asked to contact officials.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
OPELIKA, Ala. (WRBL)  A Lee County grand jury has indicted James Douglas McConnell, 63, of Opelika, on multiple charges of sexual abuse stemming from crimes allegedly committed more than 40 years ago. The case, investigated by the Lee County Sheriffs Office, alleges acts of sexual contact by forcible compulsion and repeated abuse of the victim over an 11-year time frame beginning in the early 80s.

The six-count indictment, issued during the December 2024 term, includes three counts of first-degree sodomy, one count of sexual abuse of a child under 12, two counts of first-degree sexual abuse.

According to court documents, McConnell allegedly began abusing the victim in 1983 when the child was under the age of 12 when McConnell was in his 20s. The indictment alleges the abuse continued until 1994. Alabama laws allow for the prosecution of sexual crimes against minors without a statute of limitations, enabling authorities to address allegations regardless of how much time has passed. WRBL has reached out to the Lee County District Attorneys Office and investigators for additional information.

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Its rare for a grand jury to return an indictment in a child sex abuse case from more than 40 years ago. This speaks volumes about the unwavering dedication of our investigators in giving victims a voice. I deeply admire the courage of the victim, who found the strength to come forward as an adult, said Sheriff Jay Jones.

McConnell is being held without bond at the Lee County Detention Facility pending an Aniahs Law hearing. His arraignment is scheduled for March 2025. McConnell is represented by attorney Jason Jackson. WRBL has reached out to Jackson for a comment.

Meanwhile, authorities are urging anyone with additional information or knowledge of other alleged victims to contact law enforcement.

WRBL News 3 will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as more information becomes available.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
DeepState analytical project reports that the operational situation in Toretsk, Donetsk Oblast, is deteriorating. The Russians are gradually seizing control of the city, and intense fighting occurs in the central and northern districts.

Source: DeepState

Quote: "In general, the situation in the city is extremely disappointing; the enemy is gradually infiltrating and taking control of the city. Particularly, there is active fighting in the central part of the city, which is characterised by the presence of high-rise buildings, and unfortunately, literally all of them have fallen under the control of the enemy."

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Details: At the same time, significant movements of Russian infantry have been recorded between the spoil tips in the northern part of the city and on its western outskirts. These areas, built up with residential buildings, have become a place of shelter and consolidation for Russian forces seeking further advancement.

Quote: "There will be no surprise if the northern part of the city comes under full enemy control soon, as the endless use of infantry, which is difficult to find among the buildings, is evident."

Details: DeepState says that FPV drones and dropping of explosives from Mavic drones are inflicting the most damage on the Russians. Analysts emphasise the importance of Ukrainian society's support for the armed forces in providing drones for further operations.

Quote: "Fighting continues in the Zabalka neighbourhood, which is almost entirely occupied by the Russians. Attempts to assault towards Shcherbynivka and Leonidivka continue, but the units holding the defence in this area of responsibility turn all enemy attempts to waste."

Background:

Fierce fighting continued in Toretsk, Donetsk Oblast, where the line of contact had divided the city in two. The Russians were using scorched earth tactics to destroy the city's infrastructure and the positions of the Ukrainian military.

The Militarnyi news outlet predicted that the Russians would continue their efforts to complete the takeover of Kurakhove, Toretsk and Chasiv Yar; advance towards the administrative border of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast with the prospect of starting hostilities in the oblast, and increase their control over the territory of Donetsk Oblast on all fronts.

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The Trump administrations focus on reducing the size of the federal bureaucracy is a worthwhile effort. But its current plans for broad, indiscriminate cuts risk undermining critical government functions.

A more prudent approach would involve targeted reductions that address wasteful spending while bolstering high-value programs essential to national security, public health and economic stability.

Certain programs within the federal government are undeniably wasteful and merit reevaluation. A prominent example is NASAs continued reliance on the Space Launch System for the Artemis moon landing program. That system, conceived in 2011, has already cost taxpayers $11.8 billion in development expenses, and each launch is projected to cost roughly $2 billion.

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In comparison, Elon Musks Starship, which aims to achieve full reusability, offers a starkly more economical alternative. Although recent Starship launches have cost an estimated $100 million each, Musk anticipates reducing this to as little as $10 million per launch. The stark contrast in costs highlights the inefficiency of relying on the Space Launch System when more cost-effective private-sector solutions are available. Transitioning to Starship or similar systems could save billions of dollars and exemplifies precisely the kind of efficiencies the Trump administration should prioritize.

Yet some areas of federal government activity actually demand increased funding to fulfill their missions effectively and, perhaps counterintuitively, to save money.

One such area is the fight against the opioid epidemic  specifically, the trafficking of synthetic opioids like fentanyl, which President-elect Donald Trump has strongly endorsed. Fentanyl, which is up to 50 times stronger than heroin, has fueled an alarming rise in overdose deaths in the U.S. To combat this crisis, the Treasury Department created a Counter-Fentanyl Strike Force, pooling resources from the Office of Foreign Assets Control and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. This task force aims to disrupt the financial networks that sustain fentanyl production and trafficking, and has recently frozen assets and dismantled key financial hubs linked to cartel operations.

Reducing funding or personnel for such an initiative would undermine its capacity to combat one of the nations most pressing public health threats.

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Medicare fraud, a major concern for Trump, is another critical area requiring greater investment to snuff out. Fraudulent schemes illustrate the vulnerability of federal programs to exploitation. For example, Lincare, a major provider of home oxygen equipment, faced lawsuits over claims it defrauded Medicare by improperly billing for services and products. In one settlement, the company agreed to pay $26 million to resolve allegations of fraudulent practices, highlighting systemic vulnerabilities in Medicares oversight mechanisms.

Without sufficient auditors and compliance officers, the federal government cannot adequately detect and deter such fraud. Thus, investing in oversight could save taxpayers billions annually and protect Medicares solvency for future generations.

The IRS is another example of this. During his first term, Trump proposed $362 million in additional IRS enforcement funding, arguing that effective tax collection yields far more revenue than it costs. Evidence supports this view. A recent analysis showed that enhanced IRS funding during the Biden administration boosted tax enforcement, improving collections from tax evaders and expanding taxpayer services. For every dollar spent on enforcement, the IRS collected at least $5 in additional revenue.

Furthermore, the increased resources allowed the IRS to modernize outdated systems, making it easier for taxpayers to access services and reducing processing times for returns. Cutting IRS resources, in contrast, would widen the tax gap, benefiting those who cheat the system at the expense of law-abiding Americans.

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Despite these clear examples of programs that deliver a strong return on investment, the new administrations primary tool for rationalizing the government  the Department of Government Efficiency or DOGE, headed by Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy  seems dead-set on across-the-board reductions. As part of this, universal return-to-office mandates are intended to induce federal employees to quit.

These mandates, whose goal will be to reduce federal workforce numbers, carry unintended consequences. Skilled professionals, particularly those in information technology and cybersecurity roles, are among the first to leave federal service when flexible work options are rescinded. This attrition poses significant risks to national security, especially as cyber threats from adversaries such as China, Russia, North Korea and Iran grow more sophisticated.

Federal agencies have repeatedly warned that maintaining a robust cybersecurity posture requires retaining top talent, which often hinges on offering competitive work conditions, including remote flexibility.

Indiscriminate cuts to federal agencies risk crippling essential services. The IRS, for instance, could lose its ability to enforce tax laws effectively, leading to billions in uncollected revenue. Public health programs combating fentanyl trafficking and Medicare fraud could falter without adequate staffing and funding. These reductions would not only hurt the governments ability to protect Americans but could also increase the financial burden on taxpayers by widening the tax deficit and forcing costly interventions in the future.

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A more effective strategy would focus on targeted reforms that align with Trumps stated goals of fiscal responsibility and national strength. One option would be to implement zero-based budgeting  a method where each federal program must justify its funding from scratch rather than relying on historical appropriations.

This approach forces agencies to demonstrate the value of their expenditures and prioritize high-performing programs. Another solution is to use advanced data analytics to identify inefficiencies and fraud within federal operations. Tools such as artificial intelligence can sift through vast datasets to uncover patterns of waste or abuse, enabling more precise interventions.

In contrast, indiscriminate cuts and (even worse) hostility toward government workers are ultimately counterproductive. They risk increasing tax burdens, weakening national security, and undermining critical public services.

Instead, the Trump administration should pursue a disciplined strategy that eliminates waste while strengthening programs essential to the nations health, safety, and economic competitiveness. This approach not only ensures fiscal responsibility but also aligns with the administrations broader vision of a leaner, more effective federal government.

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By focusing on targeted reforms, the Trump administration can achieve meaningful reductions in bureaucracy while preserving and enhancing the governments ability to serve the American people. That is what government efficiency looks like.

Gleb Tsipursky, Ph.D., serves as the CEO of the hybrid work consultancy Disaster Avoidance Experts and authored the best-seller Returning to the Office and Leading Hybrid and Remote Teams.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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 I see former critics of Donald Trumps most egregious transgressions lining up to kiss his ring at Mar-a-Lago or participating in his transition plans, one word keeps floating into my mind: Rhinoceros.

Its the title of a play by Eugene Ionesco that opened in Paris in January 1960 and has been performed all over the world ever since. Rhinoceros is a classic of the theater of the absurd, a genre in which vaudeville farce and tragedy meet and mingle.

Set in a small unnamed town in France, the play tells the story of a rhinoceros that comes roaring through the town square, stirring up clouds of dust. The residents astonishment (Oh, a rhinoceros, they all repeat) soon turns into curiosity (was it an Asian rhino or an African one, with one horn or two?), and then into outrage when the rhino runs over a kitten.

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But the next day, more animals show up and it becomes clear that the towns own citizens are turning into rhinoceroses. Many people are horrified, but few remain that way; before long, all have undergone the transformation except one holdout: a very ordinary man named Berenger, who keeps exclaiming that being human is better than being a rhinoceros. A coworker tells him theres no point in getting upset over a few cases of rhinoceritis, We must keep an open mind, he says, and anyway, its probably just temporary. After that, the coworker leaves to join the crowd of trumpeting beasts on the street.

This play comes to mind when I see former critics now making nice with Trump  like the tech billionaires reportedly helping him recruit loyalists to work in his administration. The play itself is an allegory, and in fact some early critics faulted the author for having written a didactic work, despite all the absurd shenanigans in it that make audiences laugh out loud.

Ionesco, for his part, claimed that performing the play only for laughs would be a betrayal, because it was not just a farce but also a tragedy. In a preface to the French version, he explained that he first got the idea when he read an account by the philosopher and essayist Denis de Rougement about his experience of witnessing a rally in Germany on the cusp of World War II in 1938.

When he saw the crowds delirium at the sight of their leader, Rougement wrote, he was almost tempted to follow suit, as if electrified by the current. But something in him resisted, which was not on the order of reasoned argument. Rather, it was a revulsion of his whole being, an absolute refusal.

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Thats the kind of refusal that Ionescos unlikely hero Berenger brings to rhinoceritis. For a moment near the end, when he alone is still a human, he expresses regret at being incapable of metamorphosing like the others, but then finds himself again: Im the last man left, and Im staying that way until the end. Im not capitulating!

Ionesco wrote that his play was against every form of totalitarianism, which must be resisted not merely rationally but with ones whole being. He knew whereof he spoke.

Ionescos mother was French, his father Romanian. Educated in Romania, where he had many intellectual friends, he spent two years on a postdoc in Paris in the late 1930s. When he returned to Bucharest in 1940, he was horrified to discover that some of his good friends, including well-known philosophers, had become sympathizers if not outright members of the fascist Iron Guard movement.

In his journal that year, he characterized the fascist sympathizers as rhinoceroses. In 1942, he moved to Paris for good.

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Today, when some powerful people are rushing to get into the good graces of Donald Trump before he even reenters the White House, they are engaging in a form of preemptive appeasement, another name for which could be early-onset rhinoceritis. New York Times columnist Paul Krugman has described the crony capitalism that is likely to be the norm once the founder and still owner of the Trump Organization returns to power.

One can assume that the preemptive appeasers now making their moves are doing so for the rewards they anticipate as a result  or, perhaps even worse, theyre trying to head off his threatened retributions. The most successful bullies are those who can provoke fear and propitiation merely by their words, before any action on their part.

It seems hardly believable that even people with enormous personal and institutional resources cannot muster enough courage to wait to see what Trump actually does before courting his favor, let alone wait and then act to oppose him. Those of us who lack their resources can only hope that the Berengers of this country, the ordinary people who cant let go of the idea that being human is better than being a brute, will continue to refuse the seductions of the herd.

Susan Rubin Suleiman is professor emerita of French and Comparative Literature at Harvard University. Her books include Crises of Memory and the Second World War and Istvan Szabo, Filmmaker of Existential Choices.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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In November, the 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) launched to all students and families. While far from perfect, the FAFSA will enable over 16 million students to secure more than $100 billion in federal aid, helping make higher education accessible for millions of lower-income and first-generation Americans.

The challenges with last years launch have been well-documented. In fact, I took a six-month leave from my post as president of the College Board to join the U.S. Department of Education in fixing the FAFSA. After months of hard work, we are confident this year will be much better. We arrived at this point by adhering to a few best practices for technology development, whether for the government or the private sector.

Related

The 2025-26 FAFSA Is Open. Heres What You Need to Know

The development and launch of a new FAFSA for the 2024-25 admissions cycle faced unique challenges. In todays world, policy complexity produces software complexity. In turn, software complexity produces increased expenses, delays, and errors.

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In December 2020, Congress passed the FAFSA Simplification Act  well-intended, bipartisan legislation that aimed to shorten the form, increase accuracy by importing tax data from the Internal Revenue Service, and, ultimately, expand eligibility for Pell Grants.

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This Act required brand-new software composed of multiple components that are themselves integrated to a dozen other systems, many housed in other agencies. While the Department of Education is full of devoted public servants with tremendous knowledge about financial aid and a passion for helping people go to college, they had limited experience building modern, complex software applications. In addition, due to the nature of government contracting, the Department ended up working with four separate vendors to build the new FAFSA.

Given all of these challenges, the problems encountered during the 2024-25 launch should not have been a surprise. But that is little comfort to students and families who had a difficult experience last year.

Related In a Disastrous Year, States That Mandate FAFSA Completion Fared a Bit Better

So why is this year better? In preparing for the 2025-26 launch, our work was guided by five key principles, all of which can be applied to any government endeavor:

Focus on what is most important. A common mistake in software is trying to do too much. Failing to make tough choices leads to missed deadlines, poor code quality and user frustration. We focused on two things: 1) fixing any bugs that prevented students from submitting the form; and 2) delivering a stable application on a defined timeline for students, families, and institutions of higher education. This required us to make tough choices, such as deferring some new features, which allowed us to launch well ahead of last years schedule. Use data to identify critical user issues. Data is a powerful tool to zero in on challenges that affect large numbers of users. For example, a question in the 2024-25 FAFSA about a direct unsubsidized loan was originally worded in a way that unintentionally caused too many students  over 5%  to forgo Pell Grants and subsidized federal loans. After seeing the data and working with users, that question was redesigned, and the number of students misinterpreting it declined precipitously. Invest heavily in testing. Comprehensive testing is the most important aspect of any complex software project. We developed multiple new testing tools and methodologies, marrying data science and automated testing, that enabled us to verify the accuracy of the data we send to colleges, universities, and state agencies. We collaborated with the IRS to double-check the tax data that we receive. Most importantly, we conducted seven weeks of beta testing with more than 70 organizations  college access nonprofits, high schools and school districts, colleges and universities  before expanding testing to all interested students earlier this week. Over 67,000 students submitted real FAFSA forms during this testing period, and we traveled to many universities to sit with financial aid professionals as they independently verified the data we sent them. Embrace transparency. Because of the uncertainties and delays surrounding the 2024-25 FAFSA, key external stakeholders felt unprepared to support students. A chorus of advisors from the wider community told us that we needed to be more open about the work underway this year, both strides and setbacks, in order to build back this trust. We invested time and effort in building more channels and frequency for communication, including a new website at fafsa.gov/beta where we regularly updated statistics, provided updates on bug fixes, and shared stories from the field. Harness the power of the broader community. The success of the FAFSA depends not just on the government but also on a large ecosystem of organizations that play a vital role in supporting students and families. In part because of the breakdown of trust, the community was often out of sync and at times at-odds. By intentionally engaging these stakeholders, we were able to strengthen the partnerships needed to deliver a successful launch for families, including a critical testing period.

Ahead of the launch in November, we knew that the large majority of students can complete the FAFSA quickly: Over 90 percent of this years applicants reported that they completed it in a reasonable amount of time. Ultimately, for many people, the promise of FAFSA simplification  a simpler form that provides more aid  has been or will be realized.

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There is more work to be done in the years ahead. There will be families who may struggle with the FAFSA; there are usability issues we have not had time to fix yet. For example, the ability for a student to invite their parent to the form needs to be simplified. The team is aware of these problems and will now turn its attention to making further improvements that will benefit everyone, especially those from underrepresented communities.

Building good software is hard; building good software under the unique constraints of the federal government is harder. But delivering a simpler FAFSA that serves students, families and institutions is a strong first step  and continuing to apply these lessons will build on that success.
Over the past several weeks, President-elect Donald Trump has repeatedly demanded that Denmark sell Greenland to the United States. In the abstract, purchasing Greenland would be extremely beneficial to America. Greenland has immense natural resources and is one of only eight countries that have territory within the Arctic Circle, which in turn has inherent economic and strategic value.

Territorial expansion via financial acquisition is nothing new for the United States. The Louisiana Purchase of 1803, the Gadsen Purchase of 1854 and the Alaska Purchase of 1867 all yielded benefits vastly greater than the purchase price. If the United State bought Greenland, the resulting economic and strategic advantage would be similar to those acquisitions.

There is a significant problem with this scenario  Greenland is not for sale, and it is not Denmarks to sell.

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For over a thousand years, Greenland has been an occupied territory, first of Norway, then of the political union of Denmark-Norway, and of Denmark since 1814. Recently, however, the people of Greenland have asserted their autonomy, including the right of political self-determination. In a 1979 referendum, more than 70% of Greenlanders voted in favor of greater independence, which resulted in establishment of the Parliament of Greenland. In 2009, the Danish Parliament ratified the Greenland Self-Government Act, which states:

The people of Greenland (are) a people pursuant to international law with the right of self-determination.

Accordingly, Denmark recognizes Greenlands right to self-determination, and Denmark has no more authority to sell Greenland to the United States without the consent of Greenlanders than does the United States to sell Puerto Rico to Mexico without the consent of Puerto Ricans. This is consistent with the principles of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence; the Founding Fathers asserted that the right of political self-determination enumerated in those documents originated in natural law, granted to all mankind by the Creator. This applies to Greenlanders in 2025 just as it did to American colonists in 1776.

Beyond demanding that Denmark sell Greenland, Trump recently refused to rule out the U.S. military forcibly annexing Greenland. Trumps apologists like to say he should be taken seriously, but not literally. That is a luxury belief in which smaller nations such as Denmark and Greenland cannot afford to indulge. When the president-elect of the United States threatens an ally with military force, it must take his intent seriously and literally.

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This is not a real estate transaction or hostile corporate takeover. Greenland is not a former factory site that can be bought and redeveloped into an office building, or farmland that can be turned into a housing subdivision. Greenland is an autonomous territory with ambitions of independence that has no intention of being the subject of a forced and unnecessary political merger. Americas emergent interests in Greenland  natural resource extraction, new shipping lanes, expansion of our existing military presence at Pituffik Space Base  can all be realized within the context of the existing cooperative and mutually respectful relationship we have with Denmark and Greenland.

Demanding that Denmark agree to sell Greenland is not an appropriate or effective way to treat an ally and partner nation. Denmark was a founding member of NATO in 1949 and was one of the first NATO member states to join the American-led invasions in Afghanistan in 2001 and Iraq in 2003. Reasonable people can disagree with the decision to invade Afghanistan and Iraq, but there is no dispute regarding the premise of Danish participation in these two operations  they were there solely at the request of the United States. Today  as they have for the past several decades  Danish sailors and ships participate in the U.S. Navy-led Combined Maritime Coalition operations in the Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea and Red Sea, ensuring freedom of navigation and commerce. They do so solely because we asked them to.

The modern world is growing more interconnected and dangerous, not less so. The most effective strategy for America is to engage with our allies in partnerships based on common interests, not demand that they sell us autonomous territories. Denmark has treated America with dignity, respect and loyalty. We should respond in kind.
Donald Trumps prospects for the Nobel Peace Prize and Mt. Rushmore-scale greatness took two self-inflicted hits last week  one on the use of force to achieve U.S. objectives and the other on the origins of the war in Ukraine.

First, Trump repeated an ambition from his first term, that the U.S. should acquire Greenland from Denmark. Given its strategic location near the Arctic Ocean where Russia and China also have intentions, and its abundance of mineral resources vital for Americas economic and military security, making Greenland a part of the U.S. as a state or a possession is a worthy goal, akin to the Louisiana Purchase from France and the acquisition of Alaska from Russia.

However, those vast expansions of American territory were accomplished through traditional state-to-state real estate transactions. Although property purchases are in Trumps business bailiwick, he has threatened to use his presidential powers to take the island by force from a loyal NATO ally, without regard for the wishes of the people of Greenland, who want complete independence from Denmark.

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Trump has also focused his attention on the Panama Canal, which was built by the U.S. under President Teddy Roosevelt and transferred to Panama by President Jimmy Carter. As with Greenland, there are considerable economic and security factors that make return of the canal to U.S. control strategically desirable. Not least is Chinas growing role since 2017, when the Panamanian government switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China.

Asked whether he would rule out using force to acquire Greenland and/or Panama, Trump responded, No. I cant assure you on either of those two. Im not going to commit to that. It might be that youll have to do something.

If Trump adheres in office to a policy that contemplates the use of force to achieve his strategic objectives, he will be emulating the approach of the worlds strongmen he has long admired. Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping know how to take what they want and are willing to use force to get it. They will obviously savor Trumps legitimizing their methods, practiced by dictators and aggressors for centuries, that might makes right.

Even if Trumps imperialistic-sounding rhetoric is merely a ploy to gain leverage in an eventual negotiating process, it already runs afoul of Article One of the United Nations Charter: All members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force. Putin seemed to think threatening Ukraine would cause it to capitulate. Xi, invoking his 2005 Anti-Secession Law, warns Taiwan and the U.S. that China will use non-peaceful means to take Taiwan if peaceful methods fail.

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Trump is effectively telling Greenland and Panama that he is imposing his own China-style anti-independence law. Instead of brandishing American military might against friends and allies in violation of international law, Trump would be well advised to warn aggressive powers that America will act in accordance with the U.N. and the customary international law principle of collective self-defense.

China is already poised to act militarily against Taiwan when it judges the opportunity is right  that is, when the U.S. is least likely to come to Taiwans defense. And Trumps position on Ukraine will affect the fate of Europe, with major implications for U.S. credibility (and, thus, for global security generally). It will be watched not only in Moscow but in Beijing, Pyongyang and Teheran.

But Trump can only get Ukraine right if he correctly understands how and why it got into its current predicament  that is, why Putin decided to invade it, first in 2014 and then in 2022.

Trump continues to make statements about the origins of the conflict that do not reflect the historical record. He told journalists last week: A big part of the problem was Russia, for many many years, long before Putin, said, You could never have NATO involved in Ukraine, No, like thats been written in stone. Somewhere along the line, [President] Biden said, No they should be allowed to join NATO. Well, then Russia has someone right on their doorstep. I could understand their feelings about that.

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Trumps account omits some key facts.

After the end of the Cold War and the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the U.S. and Europe persuaded Ukraine to give up Soviet-era nuclear weapons in exchange for a strong security commitment from Washington, Moscow and London. In 2008, the U.S. convinced NATO to state its willingness eventually to welcome Georgia and Ukraine as members. Later that year, Russia invaded Georgia and the Bush administration and Europe did nothing.

Six years later, after Barack Obama promised Putin he would be more flexible after his 2012 reelection, Russia seized Eastern Ukraine and Crimea. Neither the Obama administration nor the first Trump administration did anything to persuade Putin to reverse his illegal land grabs. The U.N. Charters prohibition against the threat or use of force means that war is the responsibility of the aggressor, not the victim as Trumps comments would suggest.

Xi is the other major power conducting his expansionism under the pretense of restoring his countrys lost honor. Chinese Communist leaders have successfully used that ploy in a half dozen places in Asia without resistance from the international community. Its ally and protectorate in North Korea also tried it in 1950 when it invaded South Korea but was stopped by a U.S.-led U.N. coalition. Allowed to remain in power (unlike the aggressor regimes that waged World War II against Western civilization), it has continued to threaten South Korea, Japan and even the U.S. Now it has sent at least 12,000 troops and huge amounts of military assistance to support Putins aggression against Ukraine.

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History will reward Trump for halting the downward spiral in international relations, but it can only be done with strength and clear vision, not by following the lead of dictators. Trump may understand that Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery but the rest of that quote is,  that mediocrity can pay to greatness.

Joseph Bosco served as China country director for the secretary of Defense from 2005 to 2006 and as Asia-Pacific director of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief from 2009 to 2010. He is a nonresident fellow at the Institute for Corean-American Studies, a member of the advisory board of the Global Taiwan Institute and member of the advisory board of The Vandenberg Coalition.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Much of the opposition to former Fox News host Pete Hegseth, whom President-elect Donald Trump has nominated to serve as defense secretary, has centered on allegations that he has abused women and alcohol. Hegseth has denied mistreating women, and he denied a womans allegation that he sexually assaulted her in a California hotel room in 2017 and he was never charged in the case. He reached a confidential settlement with his accuser last year. Though he has denied reports that he had a drinking problem that his co-workers noticed, he has promised that he is not going to have a drink at all if he is confirmed as defense secretary.

Hegseth should not be confirmed as defense secretary. He would be a poor choice even if every allegation that he harmed women and abused alcohol were proved false. The Senate Armed Services Committee will consider his nomination Tuesday, and if the senators who will exercise their advise and consent authority think deeply about their responsibilities, they will realize he is far from qualified for this role  and that putting him in charge could pose a threat to our national security.

Even a cursory review of Hegseths background reveals he has little knowledge or experience of complex national security issues. Previous secretaries led large, complex organizations, held high-level civilian positions in the Pentagon or strategic military commands, or were politicians  House members or senators with committee assignments that dealt with national security.

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Besides his role as a television host, Trumps nominee has led only two relatively small conservative nonprofit organizations: Concerned Veterans of America and the Veterans for Freedom. Both have been characterized in various reports as suffering from mismanagement, financial irresponsibility and possible self-dealing. Hegseth says that the stories about how he managed those organizations are not true and that they were made up to tank his nomination.

The secretary of defense, the principal defense policy adviser to the president and a key member of the National Security Council, oversees 2 million uniformed service members, more than 700,000 civilian employees, an annual budget of $850 billion and major intelligence-gathering efforts. On any given day the Army has about 170,000 troops deployed, the Navy has 100 ships at sea, and the Air Force will conduct thousands of sorties. The defense secretary is responsible for all of that.

Some senators have lauded Hegseths service as a lieutenant and platoon leader in Iraq and Afghanistan, but his combat experience as a junior officer  while laudable  has little to do with serving as defense secretary.

The Pentagon chief must also make critical decisions about military strategy, personnel and budgetary issues that require long-term analysis of defense investments that will affect Americas current and future military force for decades. Consider the fact that the Air Forces ongoing program to deploy the B-21 bomber began in 2011, its first flight was in 2023, and it still has not entered operational service.

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While the secretarys role has increasingly focused on military preparedness and operations, it also includes a large diplomatic role. The defense secretary has primary responsibility for our nations relations with foreign defense ministries. They work to establish and maintain alliances, secure support for American bases abroad, coordinate military aid, oversee weapons sales and more. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, for example, made over a dozen trips to Asia to strengthen the U.S. relationships with South Korea, Japan and Australia. He also chaired the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, whose membership grew from only NATO countries to over 50 states.

The president-elect appears unconcerned about Hegseths background or lack of experience. Hegseth came to Trumps attention when he publicly advocated for the pardons of three service members who were convicted of war crimes. One was Army Lt. Clint Lorance, who ordered his platoon to fire on three unarmed Afghans and falsified reports about their deaths. Members of Lorances platoon reported the incident and testified against him at his court-martial. And yet Trump, ignoring opposition from then- Defense Secretary Mark Esper, the Joint Chiefs of Staff and numerous retired senior military officers, endorsed Hegseths recommendation.

Trump is also attracted to Hegseth as a culture warrior who believes the so-called woke military is the nations most pressing national security problem.

Despite the above list of responsibilities a defense secretary has, Trump is looking for two things from his pick. First, he wants a defense secretary who demonstrates loyalty  if not fealty. He will have to have an unquestioning defense secretary if he wants to use the military to round up and deport millions of immigrants or conduct military operations against Panama or Greenland.

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Second, Trump wants a defense secretary who will fulfill his desire for revenge against civilian and military leaders in the Pentagon. The president-elect is convinced these people frustrated his policies during his first term and were not sufficiently loyal to him. He aims to fire senior military officers and replace them with loyalists. This could destroy American civil-military relations as we know them  a foundational element of our democracy.

The nomination process is also a test. Trump most likely believes Hegseths confirmation underscores his absolute control over his party and Senate Republicans. He intends for this confirmation process to illustrate his power.

The next defense secretary must deal with at least two major wars  in Ukraine and in Gaza  and growing threats posed by China, North Korea and Iran. That leader will have to answer critical questions about the rising defense budget (which still has not been approved for the current fiscal year), ongoing nuclear modernization efforts that involve hundreds of billions of dollars and diplomatic questions that could affect whether the United States and Russia renew a nuclear arms race.

There are also crucial emerging questions  growing threats in cyberspace, the expanding role of space, climate change as a contributor to global instability and the impact of artificial intelligence.

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In this complex and dangerous environment, it is hard to imagine how Hegseth, with his limited qualifications and his lack of experience, can perform the primary task of being the presidents principal policy adviser on all aspects of national security. Today the United States faces greater international challenges than at any other time since before World War II. During a major international crisis, the president must consult with and be able to trust the competence, honesty and wisdom of his principal advisers. Having an unqualified total loyalist as defense secretary is a recipe for disaster.

Many argue that presidents should have Cabinets of their choosing. But the Founding Fathers feared factionalism, or appointments made because of some common impulse of passion or interest, that are adverse to the rights of citizens or the national interest. That is why they conferred upon the Senate full and equal power to limit presidential authority for positions that require their holders to swear an oath to the Constitution  and not to a political leader.

Now is not the time for a loyalty appointment. Senate Republicans have to decide whether confirming Hegseth and pleasing Trump is more important than their responsibilities under the Constitution and to the nation. I pray they value keeping the country safe more than giving the incoming president a political victory.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Jan. 13Q: Can you introduce yourself and provide some background on your career?

A: My name is Dale Dekker. I'm an architect and planner. I grew up in Albuquerque, attending Zia Elementary, Jefferson Junior High, and Highland High School. After earning my architecture degree from Texas Tech, I returned to Albuquerque in 1978. I partnered with my father, Art Dekker, to form Dekker and Associates in 1980. Over the years, our firm evolved into Dekker Perich Sabatini, growing from a small team to over 200 employees with offices in Albuquerque, El Paso and Phoenix. We focus on a variety of projects, including public and private developments, K-12 schools, health care and more.

Q: What is the circular economy, and why are you passionate about it?

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A: The circular economy goes beyond sustainability by aiming to reduce waste and maximize material reuse. Unlike the traditional linear economy  where raw materials are turned into products and eventually discarded  the circular economy focuses on repurposing materials at the end of their life cycle. This approach is vital for a future where natural resources are increasingly scarce. For example, solar panels, wind turbine blades and lithium batteries can all be recycled or repurposed instead of ending up in landfills.

Q: What response did you receive from your June 9 Albuquerque Journal op-ed about the circular economy?

A: The response was incredible, with people reaching out from around the world, including the U.K. and Ireland. Locally, I connected with a former Albuquerque Academy graduate now leading circular economy initiatives for a global sustainable consulting firm. We've since begun brainstorming ways to position New Mexico as a global leader in the circular economy.

Q: Why is New Mexico uniquely suited to lead in the circular economy?

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A: New Mexico's strengths include its research universities and national labs, which foster innovation. Our state is well-positioned to solve local challenges  like managing the lifecycle of green energy components  and have a national impact. By investing in emerging technologies and combining business and engineering expertise, New Mexico can become a hub for circular economy practices.

Q: What other topics are you passionate about addressing in New Mexico?

A: I'm focused on:

1. Economic opportunity: Reframing economic development to lift all residents, especially given New Mexico's high poverty rate and low labor force participation.

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2. Education: Aligning public education with 21st-century skills and integrating technology to prepare students for careers in a rapidly evolving world.

3. Diversifying the economy: Reducing dependency on federal and oil revenues by fostering growth in private-sector industries like aerospace, bioscience, quantum computing, cybersecurity and intelligent manufacturing.

Q: What are your thoughts on improving education in New Mexico?

A: Education needs a major shift to align with future economic opportunities. This means integrating technology into classrooms, redesigning curricula to teach 21st-century skills, and preparing students for careers in AI, engineering and other advanced fields. Investing in public education and higher education, particularly engineering programs, is key.

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Q: What challenges do you see for New Mexico's economy, and how can they be addressed?

A: Diversifying our economy is critical. We must build a robust private sector by examining our tax structure, reducing unnecessary regulations, and making strategic investments in sectors like aerospace, bioscience, and intelligent manufacturing. These efforts will create a thriving environment for talent and business growth.

Q: Are there any specific legislative initiatives you're watching in the upcoming session?

A: I'm closely watching discussions about strategic investments. I'd prioritize funding for higher education, particularly in engineering, to drive economic growth. Industries like aerospace, cybersecurity, and bioscience have great potential if supported by education and innovation friendly policies. Also, our state needs to invest in site readiness. Without sites that have sufficient infrastructure, water, sewer, roads and power, it will be difficult for our state to attract companies to locate their operations to New Mexico.

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Jay Newton-Small is the editor-in-chief of the Albuquerque Journal.

Editor's note: This is the first of a series introducing readers to our new Community Council members. These are excerpts from a longer podcast interview. Please visit YouTube, Spotify or Apple podcasts to listen in.
There are two likely results from the disastrous wildfires burning in the Los Angeles area. First, thousands of Californians who lost their homes will respond to the tragedy by moving from the worst-managed state in the country to a red state with its lower taxes and cost of living and more political sanity and accountability. Second, those who remain will begin the effort to oust some of the incompetent elected leaders and vote in more responsible people.

Either way, theres a good chance that a red state is in many (perhaps most?) Californians future.

The California exodus has already been going on for years. A poll conducted by Emerson College and released last October found, About 56% of respondents said they have considered leaving California due to the high cost of living.

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A KTLA news story added that California has the highest median single-family home price in the U.S., and California drivers pay more for gasoline than those in other states.

That helps explain why 690,000 Californians moved to other states between 2022 and 2023, whereas only 422,000 people moved from other states to California, for a net outflow of approximately 270,000. Texas was the top choice for relocating Californians, but many other (mostly red) states also saw an influx of Californians, including Idaho, Utah, and Florida.

Many Californians who might have considered leaving have perhaps refrained because they would have to sell houses they may have lived in for years or leave schools, churches or synagogues they were attached to. Still others would miss friends and family who live locally.

The wildfires may be overriding those concerns for many Los Angeles-area residents. Their homes, and the homes of some of their friends and family, are gone. Local schools and houses of worship are in rubble. Perhaps even the place where they used to work has gone up in smoke.

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Thousands in the Los Angeles area have a newfound freedom to move, because, as the song put it, they have nothing left to lose.

Meanwhile, to no ones surprise, the blame-shifting among local politicians has already begun. Neither California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) nor Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass (D) will accept any responsibility for the tragedy.

Newsom, echoed by most of the media, has long blamed climate change for Californias wildfires, even though state and local government mismanagement of powerlines and forests may have started or greatly exacerbated many of the fires. Someone should ask Newsom, given his hyper-awareness of climate change over the years, why California is so ill-prepared to respond to climate-related natural disasters.

Ironically, all the carbon emissions that Newsom has been trying to avoid with green policies are being canceled out by his lack of preparedness.

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Bass will also be looking for scapegoats. She reportedly fired the fire department chief, Kristin Crowley, for suggesting the city had failed the department by cutting some $17 million from the departments budget. But later statements from the mayors office said Crowley wasnt fired, and they have been seen together at news conferences.

Newsoms efforts to limit the flow of melting snowpack into reservoirs have not helped Los Angeless water-shortage problems, but merely reversing them would probably not have been enough to prevent this. Then again, there were other things the governor didnt do but should have, including building more reservoirs and improving the citys decades-old water system. He should also start transferring less money to green energy projects and more to improvements in state and city infrastructure.

Californians who leave the state cant do much about Newsoms and Basss future, but those who stay can. According to the New York Post, more than 86,000 Angelenos have signed on to a petition to oust her for gross mismanagement. That may be just the beginning, given that Californians have already ousted many inept progressive elected officials by recalling them or by voting them out. Previous attempts to recall Newsom have failed, but voters may be having second thoughts.

Although most of the replacement politicians have been Democrats, usually claiming a moderate brand, that may change, given the devastation of the recent wildfires and the governments incompetent response. Especially if the Los Angeles and Hollywood elites get involved.

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At some point, Californians may begin remembering the glory days, when people around the country admired the state for its competent political leadership, strong economy, thriving cultural scene and mild weather.

The state might be able to return to those glory days, but only if voters hold their leadership accountable  starting with Bass and Newsom.

Merrill Matthews is a public policy and political analyst and the co-author of On the Edge: America Faces the Entitlements Cliff.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
On Friday, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg appeared on the Joe Rogan podcast, which is becoming a landing spot for reactionary tech billionaires to air their conservative beliefs largely unchallenged. In the three-hour interview, Zuckerberg defended his decision to deregulate fact-checking and hate speech management on his platforms, while repeatedly expressing frustration over how he had been treated by the media and politicians.

Really, when you think about it, the U.S. government should be defending its companies, Zuckerberg said. Not be the tip of the spear attacking its companies.

In an essay for the Financial Times that same day, Zuckerberg's mentor Peter Thiel was far harsher. Thiel defined the Biden administration as an interregnum between two Trump terms, one that stopped the public from hearing indecent facts about Covid, while Biden used the levers of power to attack crypto and other tech industry priorities. This raised the billionaires suspicions that something conspiratorial was going on.

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Darker questions still emerge in these dusky final weeks, Thiel wrote, pointing to venture capitalist Marc Andreessens claim during a recent appearance on Rogans podcast that the outgoing administration debanked crypto entrepreneurs.

As these right-wing industrialists become more strident in their views, one explanation they have given for their shift is that lawmakers, especially Democrats, have gone after the tech industry. In fact, as I write in my forthcoming book "Owned: How Tech Billionaires on the Right Bought the Loudest Voices on the Left," Silicon Valley conservatives are becoming radicalized by their grievances and using that as an ideological tipping point to be more open about their pre-existing politics.

On their face, complaints like those from Zuckerberg and Thiel are obviously self-serving and based in personal resentment. Both men, by griping about how theyve been treated by the public and objecting to government regulation of their companies and investments, are showing their hand.

Its true that Democrats have sharpened their rhetoric against the industry over the last decade. The party has certainly made political hay out of chasing down tech industry involvement in the outcome of the 2016 election. But that incendiary language hasnt translated into more than occasional hearings, and the investigations had few actionable findings.

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Nevertheless, for the first time in decades, Democrats and Silicon Valley were on opposite sides of the political spectrum. And Republicans, whose attacks on the tech industry have been limited to vague concerns about free speech, quickly turned to celebrating men like Thiel and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

But that partisan divide is a smoke screen. The one thing that tech can count on, regardless of which party is in power, is the spigot of government cash continuing to flow. A wealth-generating torrent of state spending has made many of these men into billionaires, and led to their outsized power in determining the countrys political future. And alongside that wealth is a growing dissatisfaction with how theyre treated  not as it applies to their material success, but that theyre facing criticism at all.

In this modern media and political environment, though, billionaire whining is directing how the country works. Zuckerberg and other tech titans are invested in shaping political media to their own ends to further their ideology, all while ensuring they have influence over the national security states allocation of resources.

Through the Trump and Biden administrations, Silicon Valley continued to reap the benefits of government largesse. The military relies on contracts with a number of large tech companies like Jeff Bezoss Amazon Web Services and Musks SpaceX and Starlink. The interconnectedness of the industry and federal defense means that, in reality, its quite difficult for lawmakers to hold tech companies accountable.

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The carte blanche enjoyed by tech leaders was perhaps most apparent last year, after an assassination attempt on Trump, when Musk posted, And no one is even trying to assassinate Biden/Kamala. In a rational world, this would have at least raised questions about his security clearance; other than the Secret Service saying it was aware of the post and a scolding news release from the White House, Musk escaped consequence.

Now, with Trumps inauguration days away and a resurgent right in control of Washington, Silicon Valley tech titans are poised to exercise even more power and influence over the institutions that have made them fabulously wealthy. Unsatisfied with bipartisan funding and support, theyve taken their minor personal complaints with how the public speaks to them today and turned it into a pretext for what Andreessen gleefully described to Rogan as a profound political realignment in the industry.

For the time being, tech leaders will have sympathetic ears in the White House and Congress. The question is whether they overplay their hand  and if Democrats, once back in power, will do anything differently after the sectors far-right turn.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Imagine waking up one day and finding out that the platform youve spent years building your career on is just gone. Poof! Thats whats at stake for millions of TikTok creators and small businesses as the Supreme Court heard emergency oral arguments in the case against the rabidly popular app.

TikTok isnt just some time-wasting social media app. Its a cultural force, a creative outlet and, for many, a career. If the court sides against TikTok, we all need to realize that its not just the app disappearing  its an entire ecosystem of entrepreneurship and innovation thats being wiped out.

TikTok has served as a launchpad for small businesses, independent creators and everyday entrepreneurs. These influencers earn their living through TikTok. Theyre building brands, marketing products and connecting directly with their audiences in ways weve never seen before. If TikTok disappears, so does this entire tranche of startup culture.

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Think about it: how many small businesses have gone viral and found success because of one well-placed TikTok? How many creators have turned their passions into full-time careers? For many marginalized groups, TikTok has leveled the playing field, offering opportunities that traditional industries often keep out of reach. Losing TikTok would hit these communities hardest, and the ripple effects would be devastating.

Of course, TikTok isnt just about money  its about connection. The app has reshaped how we consume and create media, giving rise to trends, movements and entirely new genres of content. Its algorithm doesnt just reward the biggest creators; it helps ordinary people go viral. Thats why its become such a cultural phenomenon. Its where artists launch their careers, activists rally support and small businesses find their customers. If we let TikTok get banned, were not just losing an app. Were losing a space where creativity and community thrive. Its a platform where people feel seen, heard and inspired  and thats not something you can replace with another app.

The governments main argument against TikTok is that its parent company, ByteDance, could share user data with the Chinese government. Sure, national security is important, but wheres the proof? Despite years of investigations, theres still no clear evidence that TikTok has done anything shady with user data. Its all just speculation.

Meanwhile, TikTok has gone out of its way to address these concerns. Theyve launched Project Texas, a multibillion-dollar plan to store U.S. user data on American servers with oversight from Oracle. Theyve also opened their doors to audits and reviews to prove theyre playing by the rules. If TikToks making this kind of effort, why arent other tech giants like Facebook or Google being held to the same standard? After all, theyre collecting just as much  if not more  of our personal information.

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Lets get real: Banning TikTok isnt just about national security. Its fundamentally and foundationally about control.

As was evident in Fridays detailed arguments to the court by Attorney Noel Francisco, who represents TikTok, TikTok has given millions of people a platform to share their voices, build communities, and even make a living. Pulling the plug on that isnt just inconvenient; its a form of censorship and a burden on free speech. And once the government starts banning platforms, where does it, in a purely practical sense, stop?

If TikTok goes, whats next? Instagram? YouTube? The internet as we know it? The First Amendment isnt just about what we say  its about where and how we say it. TikTok has become a digital town square where anyone can speak up, whether theyre sharing a funny video, breaking down complex topics, or calling out injustice. Silencing that platform sets a dangerous precedent for free speech in the digital age. Hence, as Francisco argued, The real target of a TikTok ban is speech itself.

Lets talk about the elephant in the room. If the government is so concerned about data privacy, why hasnt it passed new and comprehensive laws to protect us? The U.S. is way behind other countries when it comes to regulating how companies collect and use personal information. Targeting TikTok doesnt solve the real problem  its just a distraction. As Justice Amy Coney Barrett seemed to believe given her questioning on the nature TikToks technology itself, what we need is legislation that holds all tech companies accountable, whether theyre based in China, Silicon Valley or anywhere else.

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TikTok isnt the villain here. Its a symptom of a much larger issue: the lack of clear, enforceable rules for data privacy and security. Instead of banning the app, the government should focus on fixing the system.

This case is about more than TikTok. Its about what kind of digital future we want. Do we want one where fear and politics dictate which platforms were allowed to use? Or do we want a future that values creativity, entrepreneurship and freedom of expression? If TikTok goes, millions of creators lose their livelihoods. Small businesses lose a vital tool. And we all lose a little bit of what makes the internet so special. The Supreme Court has a chance to stand up for these values and send a message that America is still a place where innovation and free expression can thrive.

In an ideal world, the Supreme Court wont let fear or censorship win  and thats what I actually believe will happen, in at least the short term. Given that the go dark date for TikTok is literally in the final moments of the Biden presidency, I believe the Supreme Court will grant temporary injunctive relief to have this all decided in more final form once Donald Trump again becomes president.

Aron Solomon is the chief strategy officer for Amplify. He has taught entrepreneurship at McGill University and the University of Pennsylvania.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
ELKHART  Organizers in the city are preparing for a series of events leading up to and including Martin Luther King Day on Monday.

The first event will be a 40 Under 40 Rising Stars of Elkhart County awards ceremony hosted by the Elkhart Chapter of Indiana Black Expo. It will take place at 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, at Hotel Elkhart, 500 S Main St. Tickets are available at Eventbrite.

It kind of represents what Martin Luther King stands for, said Robert Taylor, president of the Elkhart Chapter. What we tried to do is highlight African Americans in Elkhart County who are under 40 and who are making a difference in business, community service, a variety of things. They just make an impact  people who are going to make Elkhart County a better place.

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Breakfast and march

The citys traditional Martin Luther King Day breakfast will start at 8 a.m. Monday, Jan. 20, at the Elkhart Public Library, 300 S. 2nd St. The breakfast will include a live community choir that will include people from various local churches who will sing praise songs, Taylor said.

The breakfast will be followed by the MLK march at 9 a.m. starting at Elkhart Civic Plaza, 400 S. Main St. The march will go from the Civic Plaza to Community Missionary Baptist Church, 228 Chapman Ave.

We have a prayer before we start our march, said Arvis Dawson, city council president. Then well march to Community Baptist Church, where our guest speaker will be Dana Freeman who is a former Tolson kid, former Elkhart resident, graduate, homegrown girl whos working for the federal government now. We like to have our speaker speak to our youth and we like to gear our program towards the youth to give them some inspiration about what this day is about.

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The annual MLK program will take place following the march at 10 a.m. at Community Missionary Baptist Church. Lunch will be held at the church following the program. Adults will eat lunch upstairs and youngsters will eat lunch in the basement of the church.

Taylor and Dawson said weekend events are to celebrate and push forward Martin Luther King Jr.s vision, while also coming together as a community.

Its about the dream, Dawson said of the significance of Martin Luther King Day. Its all about the dream and keeping the dream alive. Also, helping our young people understand the struggles that Dr. King went through, and others, get to where we are now, to get this country where it is now. Its for them to understand that its not just a day off, but a day of service.

MLK Day collaboration

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Also on Monday, the Tolson Center for Community Excellence and Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary (AMBS) will co-host Art for a Change! A Celebration of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The event is from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Tolson Center, 1320 Benham Ave., Elkhart.

Participants at the event, which is free and open to the public, will be invited to explore the role of art in transforming society in the past, present and future.

Art was a big part of the U.S. Civil Rights Movement, said Nekeisha Alayna Alexis, MA, AMBS Intercultural Competence and Undoing Racism coordinator and one of the organizers of the event. Poets, writers, musicians, actors, storytellers, visual artists and other creators used art to uplift, inspire and spark imagination as they struggled against the brutality of racism and asserted the dignity and humanity of African Americans in the face of great violence and oppression. Rev. Dr. King also had a special way of using metaphor and wordplay to convey the terrible realities facing his people and his vision for freedom and a new world to come.

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The event will feature a screening of the 80-minute documentary What Happened at Benham West: African American Stories of Community, Displacement and Hope, which was coordinated by AMBS. The documentary and an accompanying forthcoming book are part of a history project that has collected elders stories of Elkharts predominantly African American Benham West neighborhood and documented the process of the citys eventual clearing of the neighborhood.

The Benham West documentary is leading to tangible and massive change that is in progress for the neighborhood around the Tolson Center, Alexis said. Its very significant to be able to screen the documentary in this historic space, as well as for Tolson to showcase its programs and how they are making an impact in their community.

The Tolson Choir and Tolson Dance Team will be performing as part of a program that will begin at 3 p.m. According to Breanna Allen, EdD, Executive Director of the Tolson Center and an organizer of the event, the youth choir was the first program to be offered by the center.

Under the direction of David and Erica Gary, the choir is filled with youth with a passion for singing and music, she said, adding, The Tolson Dance Club has been a hit since its beginning, with 20 youth girls participating regularly. You can see performances from the dance club throughout the year at the center.

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The event also will include two sessions for youth to create art related to what they dream for their community.

The dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. continues to live on, especially through the impact of the Tolson Center for Community Excellence, Allen said. We are grateful to partner with AMBS to bring this amazing program to the community, celebrating MLKs dream and showcasing art for change. We encourage the community to join us in celebrating the legacy of MLK.

Participants at the event will have the opportunity to view a photography presentation by Daryck Barnett, who is a grandson of Golden Barnett, a photographer and former resident of the Benham West neighborhood whose photos are featured in the Benham West book.

Daryck Barnett is honoring us by sharing his grandfathers photos of Benham West from the 1950s, said Jamie Pitts, PhD, AMBS Professor of Anabaptist Studies and an organizer of the event. These photos not only show forgotten aspects of the neighborhood but also reveal a local photographic artist at work. They offer a testimony to the communitys historic and ongoing creativity.

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The schedule on Monday:

1:30 to 3 p.m. Screening of the 80-minute documentary What Happened at Benham West: African American Stories of Community, Displacement and Hope

1:30 and 2:30 p.m. Youth art sessions; photography presentation by Daryck Barnett;

3 p.m. Art for a Change program, including performances by the Tolson Choir and Tolson Dance Team

More information: ambs.edu/mlk
Editors note: This story is available as a result of a content partnership between WFTV and the Orlando Business Journal.

Orlando International Airport wants to provide service to South Korea for the first time, which would give the airport its first direct connection to Asia.

The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority and Osceola County signed a partnership agreement with Incheon International Airport that lays the groundwork for direct service between Orlando and Incheon, South Korea.

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Read: Starbucks closes door on open door policy

The respective parties are working to finalize details of the flight, including the airline and when service will start.

Click here to read the full story on the Orlando Business Journals website.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.




The man who is suspected of committing the New Years Day vehicle-ramming attack in New Orleans searched online for information about the Christmas market car-ramming attack in Germany, just hours before carrying out his own attack on Bourbon Street, according to the FBI.

In a report released Tuesday, the FBI said a search of Shamsud-Din Jabbar's "electronics" showed that he "conducted many online searches" related to the New Orleans attack "as late as mid-November," including "how to access a balcony on Bourbon Street" and information about Mardi Gras, which occurs in March.

PHOTO: In a photo taken on Nov. 10, 2024 Shamsud-Din Jabbar is seen on Bourbon Street while in town looking at an apartment on Orleans Street in the French Quarter, months before he carried out the deadly New Years Day. (FBI)

"Just hours before the attack on Bourbon Street, he also searched for information about the car that rammed into innocent victims in a Christmas market in Germany just ten days before," the FBI report said.

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On Dec. 21, 2024, a man drove into a crowded German Christmas market, killing five and injuring 200, according to German authorities.

MORE: New Orleans officials were warned in 2019 that Bourbon Street was vulnerable to car-ramming attack

In the early hours of New Years Day, Jabbar, whom the FBI previously said had recorded videos "proclaiming his support for ISIS" and mentioning he had joined the terrorist group earlier in the year, drove a rented truck down Bourbon Street, killing 14 and injuring 57. He died in a shootout with police while he was reaching to detonate coolers filled with explosives, according to investigators.

"A total of 136 victims have been identified, including two businesses that suffered damages," the FBI's report said, updating the official number of victims.

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The FBI report also provided more detail about Jabbar's visits to the city prior to the attack.

PHOTO: Law enforcement officers from multiple agencies work the scene on Bourbon Street after a person allegedly drove into the crowd in the early morning hours of New Year's Day on Jan. 1, 2025 in New Orleans. (Michael Democker/Getty Images, FILE)

"On November 10, 2024, Jabbar took a train from Houston, Texas to New Orleans and returned to Texas that evening on a bus," the report said. "While in the city, Jabbar looked at an apartment for rent on Orleans Street. Just days after his travel he applied to rent the apartment but later told the landlord he changed his mind."

MORE: New Orleans police say they didn't anticipate a vehicular attack would thwart their security measures

Jabbar at the time lived in Houston, Texas. The FBI on Tuesday also released an image they said is of Jabbar in New Orleans on Nov. 10.

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"Thanks to the overwhelming response from the public, the FBI is closer to getting answers for those families who lost loved ones and the other victims of the New Years Day attack," the FBI report said.

New Orleans attack suspect searched for Germany truck-ramming incident hours before carrying out attack: FBI originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Jan. 13An Otero County Sheriff's Office deputy has been charged in the shooting death of a boy outside Mescalero in June.

Jacob Diaz-Austin, 28, of Las Cruces is being charged with an open count of murder by the 2nd Judicial District Attorney's Office in the June 2024 fatal shooting of Elijah Hadley, 17, Bernalillo County DA's Office spokesperson Nancy Laflin said Monday.

Diaz-Austin's attorney could not be reached for comment, but Hadley's family issued a statement through their attorneys  The Spence Law Firm NM LLC and Dodd Law Office, LLC  saying the DA's decision to charge "is a step toward justice."

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"Elijah was a son, brother, uncle, nephew, friend, student, artist, and a good person," according to the statement. Some of the shots came after Hadley was lying on the ground, unarmed and bleeding, the statement points out. "We demand accountability, and we will not stop until justice is done," the statement reads.

The Otero County Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond to a request regarding Diaz-Austin's employment status. It is unclear if he is still employed by the sheriff's office.

"Last July, prosecutors with the 12th Judicial District conflicted out this case and asked our office to accept it and determine whether prosecution was appropriate," Laflin said.

At about 10:45 p.m. June 25, Diaz-Austin responded to a call of a welfare check on a teen walking in the median on U.S. Highway 70 near mile marker 240 outside Mescalero.

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When Diaz-Austin arrived, he approached Hadley, a member of the Mescalero Apache tribe, who "presented what appeared to be a firearm" at the deputy, a June 27 New Mexico State Police social media post states. Diaz-Austin then fired at least 19 shots at Hadley, who was pronounced dead at the scene, the Journal previously reported.

"Agents later learned the object that Hadley presented at the deputy was an air soft gun," according to police.

"Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman and Chief Deputy District Attorney Natalie Lyon spoke to the Hadley family this afternoon and informed them of the decision to charge Deputy Diaz(-Austin)," Laflin said Monday.

Bregman and Lyon will prosecute the case. Laflin said the DA's Office would not comment further.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The Bernalillo County District Attorneys Office has submitted first-degree murder charges against Otero County Sheriffs Deputy Jacob Diaz in the death last summer of 17-year-old Elijah Hadley, the office confirmed on Monday, Jan. 13.

The charges are being submitted after a thorough review of the evidence, the Bernalillo County DAs Office said.

Elijah Hadley with his brother and niece. Photo courtesy of Hadley family

On June 25 last year, Hadley was involved in an officer-involved shooting when he was walking along U.S. Highway 70 near the Mescalero Apache Reservation. Diaz responded on a welfare check call when he opened fire, killing Hadley, the brief news release said.

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Teen holding airsoft gun dead in officer-involved shooting

The New Mexico State Police said that Hadley had allegedly pointed an airsoft gun at the deputy when he was shot and killed, according to the initial reports sent out to media last summer.

Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman and Chief Deputy District Attorney Natalie Lyon spoke to the Hadley family this afternoon and informed them of the decision to charge Deputy Diaz. District Attorney Bregman and Chief Deputy Lyon will be prosecuting this case, read the short statement.

NM continues to investigate fatal shooting of teen in Otero County

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Last July, prosecutors with the 12th Judicial District in Alamogordo conflicted out this case and asked the Bernalillo County DAs Office to accept it and determine whether prosecution was appropriate, according to the Bernalillo County DAs Office.

The family of Elijah Hadley issued the following statement:

The family of 17-year-old Elijah Hadley hopes the District Attorneys decision to charge

Otero County Sheriffs Deputy Jacob Diaz-Austin with First Degree Murder is a step towards justice. Elijah was a son, brother, uncle, nephew, friend, student, artist, and a good

person. The deputy shot Elijah 20 times  at least 15 of those shots came as he laid on the

ground, bleeding, unarmed, and screaming in pain. We demand accountability, and we will

not stop until justice is done.

The Otero County Sheriffs Office says the shooting involving Deputy Diaz and Hadley was reviewed, including three independent reviews. Diaz was cleared to return to full duty status as a patrol deputy on Sept. 16, about 2 1/2 months after the shooting, the Otero County Sheriffs Office said.

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This week, the Otero County Sheriffs Office said it learned of the first-degree murder charge filed against Diaz without advance notice by the Bernalillo County DAs Office.

Deputy Diaz has been placed on administrative leave status, pending conclusion of the judicial process, the Otero County Sheriffs Office said in a statement.

OCSO affirms its commitment to the rule of law and allowing the criminal justice system to do its work. OCSO further acknowledges that this incident has been traumatic and divisive for the community and is committed to ensuring the judicial process is followed according to law, the statement added in part.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
OTERO COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE) An Otero County Sheriffs Office deputy is now facing a first-degree murder charge after fatally shooting a Mescalero Apache teenager last summer. Body camera video showed the deputy shooting 17-year-old Elijah Hadley less than thirty seconds after seeing him along the side of the road.

Story continues below

Video showed the moments Otero County Sheriffs Deputy Jacob Diaz-Austin spotted 17-year-old Elijah Hadley walking along US Highway 70, East of Tularosa, on June 25, 2024.

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Diaz-Austin: Stop right there bro. Stop. Stop, stop right there.

Video showed Hadley stopping and lifting his hand to cover his eyes as the deputy asked if hes alright.

Diaz-Austin: What are you doing? Let me see your other hand bro, let me see your other hand dog.

Hadley tossed a gun to the side as the deputy fired four times, hitting Hadley.

Diaz-Austin: Shots fired, shots fired.

Hadley: Its a BB gun! Its just a BB gun.

It was later determined that the weapon was a BB gun.

Hadley goes on to scream hes dying, as Deputy Diaz-Austin runs around to the passenger side to grab the first aid kit.

Diaz-Austin: Im not hit, subject down.

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You can hear Diaz-Austin yell to Hadley not to move or reach for the gun or hell get shot again. Hadley continues to yell its a BB gun and rolls onto his stomach.

The deputy then opened fire again and seconds later, fired four more shots.

Diaz-Austin: I cant render aid, Im 10-4, I cant render aid hes still moving and the guns underneath him.

Diaz-Austin then asked dispatch if he should render aid. He was told to stand by.

Dispatch: Do you know where he was shot?

Diaz-Austin: In the face, in the chest, his arm, and I believe in the back of the head like the top of his head area.

Monday afternoon, the Bernalillo County District Attorneys office charged the deputy with first-degree murder.

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The family told KRQE News 13 in a statement:

The family of 17-year-old Elijah Hadley hopes the District Attorneys decision to charge

Otero County Sheriffs Deputy Jacob Diaz-Austin with First Degree Murder is a step towards justice. Elijah was a son, brother, uncle, nephew, friend, student, artist, and a good

person. The deputy shot Elijah 20 timesat least 15 of those shots came as he laid on the

ground, bleeding, unarmed, and screaming in pain. We demand accountability, and we will

not stop until justice is 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 KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
A coalition of more than 120 tribal leaders has called on President Biden to grant clemency to Leonard Peltier, an enrolled citizen of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians who has spent 49 years in federal prison.

The letter, released Monday by NDN Collective, includes signatures from current and former tribal chairpersons, presidents of national tribal organizations, and other prominent Native American leaders across Indian Country.

Peltier, now 80 years old, is currently held at the maximum-security United States Penitentiary Coleman outside Orlando, Florida. He is the longest-incarcerated Native American political prisoner in U.S. history and among the oldest people in federal custody.

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In their appeal to President Biden, the tribal leaders highlighted concerns about Peltier's conviction. "For the majority of his life, Leonard Peltier has been serving a sentence based on a conviction that would not hold up in court today and for a crime that the government has admitted it could not prove," the letter states.

The signatories include Frank Star Comes Out, president of the Oglala Sioux Tribe; Mark Macarro, president of the National Congress of American Indians and tribal chair of the Pechanga Band of Indians; and Buu Nygren, president of the Navajo Nation.

The tribal leaders acknowledged Biden's previous support for Indian Country while urging action on Peltier's case. "Our standing in the world as a champion of freedom, justice, and human rights cannot be maintained in a system that allows Leonard Peltier to die in prison," they wrote.

Before his incarceration, Peltier survived years in the federally funded boarding school system. According to the letter, his trial was marked by constitutional violations and prosecutorial misconduct  issues that members of the prosecuting office have since acknowledged, leading them to support his release.

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About the Author: "Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at editor@nativenewsonline.net. "

Contact: news@nativenewsonline.net
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT)  Over 13,000 students have applied to receive tax credits through the CHOOSE Act to help fund their education.

It provides up to $7,000 for students to spend on textbooks, tuition, and other educational needs. Republicans and Democrats disagree on how this program is benefitting schools.

We choose, using the word choose, we choose to be here everyday and we choose to work hard for our children. And they show up, and theyre ready to learn too. So, Im very blessed to be part of a school thats got that type of culture and history behind it, said Laura Jockisch, principal at Rock Quarry Elementary School. The school was just selected as one of the top performing schools this past year.

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Rep. Susan DuBose (R-Hoover) said the CHOOSE Act allows every student a chance to become a top performer.

Thats our responsibility as legislators, said DuBose. To figure out how to best educate our kids to prepare them for the future with the most efficient use of our taxpayer dollars.

Rep. DuBose said the growing number of applicants show theres a need for the program. She said it gives students freedom to choose a learning environment tailored to them.

Maybe they have dyslexia, or autism. Maybe theyre anxious, she explained. Maybe theyve been bullied. Theres plenty of reasons why a child may need a different environment other than a public school.

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T-Town Cafe closes after 13 years in Tuscaloosa

But, Rep. Patrick Sellers (D-Birmingham) said the program could be leaving schools behind in some areas of the state.

Mobile County, Huntsville, Madison County, where you have urbanized areas and you have multiplicity schools, its probably not gonna see as great of impact as those in rural Alabama that have few public schools, he said.

Sellers says schools, public or private, can only do so much.

There has to be a high level of parental participation with every child in every single school. And so, we have to be truthful with ourselves. And parents have to do better, said Sellers.

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State superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey said he doesnt know what impact school choice will have on public schools.

Really havent had any conversations with the Department of Revenue about this in several months, said Dr. Mackey at last weeks Board of Education meeting. And, no conversations from any local school systems or independent schools. You know, thats a revenue issue.

Applications for the CHOOSE Act are open for every student until April 7th of this year. Rep. DuBose said about 16,000 students will be able to apply, but she hopes to put more money towards the program in this years legislative session.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.
By Eduardo Baptista, Katie Paul and Krystal Hu

(Reuters) - New users have piled in to Chinese social media app RedNote just days before a proposed U.S. ban on the popular social media app TikTok, as the lesser-known company rushes to capitalize on the sudden influx while walking a delicate line of moderating English-language content, sources told Reuters.

In a live chat dubbed TikTok Refugees on RedNote on Monday, more than 50,000 American and Chinese users joined the room.

Veteran Chinese users, with some sense of bewilderment, welcomed their American counterparts and swapped notes with them on topics like food and youth unemployment.

Occasionally, however, the Americans veered into riskier territory.

Is it ok to ask about how laws are different in China versus Hong Kong? one American user asked.

We prefer not to talk about that here, a Chinese user responded.

Such impromptu cultural exchanges were taking place all across RedNote, known in China as Xiaohongshu, as the app surged to the top of U.S. download rankings this week. Its popularity was driven by American social media users casting about for an alternative to ByteDance-owned TikTok days ahead of its looming ban.

In only two days, more than 700,000 new users joined Xiaohongshu, a person close to the company told Reuters. Xiaohongshu did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

U.S. downloads of RedNote were up more than 200% year-over-year this week, and 194% from the week prior, according to estimates from app data research firm Sensor Tower.

The second most-popular free app on Apple's App Store list on Tuesday, Lemon8, another social media app owned by ByteDance, experienced a similar surge last month, with downloads jumping by 190% in December to about 3.4 million.

The influx appeared to catch RedNote by surprise, with two sources familiar with the company telling Reuters they were scrambling to find ways to moderate English-language content and build English-Chinese translation tools.

RedNote maintains only one version of its app, rather than splitting it into overseas and domestic apps - a rarity among Chinese social apps that are subject to domestic moderation rules.

Still, the company is keen to mine the sudden rush of attention, as executives see it as a potential path to achieve global popularity similar to TikTok's.

RedNote, a venture capital-backed startup with a most recent valuation of $17 billion, allows users to curate photos, videos and text documenting their lives. It has been viewed as a possible IPO candidate in China.

In recent years, it has become a de facto search engine for its 300 million-plus users looking for travel tips, anti-aging creams and restaurant recommendations.
OWENSBORO, Ky. (FOX 56)  A 21-year-old man was charged after allegedly holding his sister and her children captive at her home in December, which ended in him being shot by Owensboro officers.

Lexington man allegedly hid in trash can, tased after passing out behind the wheel

In a Kentucky State Police (KSP) news release on Tuesday, investigators said Owensboro police were dispatched on Dec. 21 to the 500 block of Orchard Street in response to a 911 call. Court documents noted that the call was just after 3:20 a.m. and dispatch personnel could hear a woman screaming on the other end of the line.

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When officers arrived, state police said they found Marcello Johnson Jr., 21, inside the kitchen of his sisters home holding a knife and threatening her and her two children, preventing them from leaving. Arrest records said they saw him stab his sister in the back with the knife while she held the kids.

KSP said officers gave several verbal commands for Johnson to drop the knife before they shot him. He was taken to Owensboro Health for treatment.

Read more of the latest Kentucky news

When talking with officers, court documents noted that Johnsons sister said he had been threatening to stab her since 2 a.m. At one point, he allegedly acted like he was going to stab her before hitting her with the handle of a knife instead. Officers said they saw injuries on her right leg and back and that she struggled to stand and walk.

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Johnson also reportedly held the three inside a room where they werent allowed to get out, even when officers were at the home, according to a uniform citation.

He was later released from Owensboro Health and charged with fourth-degree assaultdomestic violence, menacing, and first-degree unlawful imprisonment, according to KSP.

Marcello Johnson, 21, was lodged in the Daviess County Detention Center on Jan. 1. (Daviess County Detention Center)

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Johnson was lodged in the Daviess County Detention Center.

KSP said the investigation is ongoing.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
U.S. Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA), speaks to reporters at the U.S. Capitol on March 6, 2024, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

President-elect Donald Trump has announced his cabinet selections over the past two months, although the process formally begins today with the first set of Senate hearings for his nominees to lead the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Defense, and Interior.

U.S. Sens. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) and Dave McCormick (R-Pa.) are on opposite sides of the aisle, but arent entirely falling in line or opposing Trumps selections.

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Fetterman, a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, told the Capital-Star at the Pennsylvania Farm Show on Jan. 4 that he absolutely expects to vote for Trumps nominee to lead the Department of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins.

Ive met with her, Fetterman said. Obviously shes going to have some different views on some things, but overall, she has a strong background, and I really learned a lot more about her.

Fetterman added that he cant imagine that there would be explosive hearings on Rollins confirmation and said he hopes to work with her on crafting the next farm bill.

So I look forward to working with her, and weve expressed that were going to find plenty [of] things to work together on that and deliver for Pennsylvania and the farmers, Fetterman said.

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Fetterman also serves on other committees that will hear from Trumps nominees: Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, and Special Committee on Aging.

McCormick, who was sworn in earlier this month after defeating longtime incumbent U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.), serves on the following committees: Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, Energy and Natural Resources, Foreign Relations, Special Committee on Aging, and Joint Economic Committee.

Speaking to reporters at the Pennsylvania Farm Show on Saturday, which was his first public appearance in the state since becoming senator, McCormick said hes already met with several of Trumps cabinet nominees, but is focused on the selections that will come in front of his committees.

Im on the Energy Committee, so the energy secretary, the interior secretary. Im on the Banking Committee, so those economic people will come through me, and Im on the Foreign Relations Committee, McCormick said, adding he also planned to meet with U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Trumps selection for secretary of state.

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My impressions are that President Trump promised disruption, and hes nominating a number of people that will be disruptive in the best sense of the word, McCormick told the Capital-Star. We want change. Thats what the American people told us. Thats what Pennsylvania told us.

So, I want to help him in any way I can to make sure his nominees and he gets the team he needs, he added. But, Im also a senator with responsibility to advise and consent, so I take that seriously. Im going to meet with each person. Im going to do my responsible due diligence, but Im hopeful that were going to be able to put in place and optimistic well be able to put in place a great team for the president.

When asked by the Capital-Star if he had any reservations about any of Trumps selections, he reiterated that hes meeting with each one as I go, and that hes going to form my judgments as I have the opportunity to meet with them.

Fetterman, who recently became the first Democrat to meet with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, has met with several of Trumps nominees, while many of the other Democrats have not.

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I dont know why it would be controversial to meet with the nominees, some I can vote for, like the incoming secretary of agriculture, or Marco Rubio or Representative Stefanik, Fetterman told reporters on Jan. 4. And theres others, perhaps, that I will not, but whoever I vote, its going to be an informed choice. And I see that as doing my job.

I dont see that as controversial, Fetterman added. I dont judge people who they choose to meet. But I hope no one would do the same.

Republicans hold a multiple seat majority in the U.S. Senate, so it would likely take all of the Democrats and multiple Republicans to vote in opposition for some of his nominees to not be confirmed.
PESHAWAR, Pakistan (AP)  Pakistani security forces killed eight militants in two raids targeting militant hideouts in restive northwest Pakistan bordering Afghanistan, the military said Tuesday.

The raids were conducted Monday in the Tank and Tirah Valley districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, it said in a statement.

The military described the dead militants as Khwarij, a phrase the government uses for Pakistani Taliban. It gave no further details.

Pakistani Taliban, known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan or TTP, are allies of the Afghan Taliban but are a separate group. They have stepped up their assaults in the region since the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in 2021. The TTP are outlawed in Pakistan and have been emboldened since the Afghan Taliban came into power.
Rain might bring relief from wildfires searing Los Angeles County but could spell disaster for the only known population of Southern California steelhead trout in the Santa Monica Mountains.

The destructive Palisades fire appears to have scorched the entirety of the state and federally endangered trout's accessible habitat in Topanga Creek , a small coastal mountain stream that drains into the Pacific Ocean. But experts say the secondary effects of the fire are what pose the biggest existential threat.

A heavy storm following a blaze can sweep massive amounts of sediment and charred material from the denuded hillsides into the water they inhabit  a death trap for creatures that cant flee. Like fish.

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"One of our biggest concerns is  losing that last population of fish," said Kyle Evans, an environmental program manager for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The state agency is already considering a potential rescue plan. But even if the fish survive, experts say the increased frequency of wildfires in the region has lasting negative effects on aquatic life. And some believe the health of the fish is a mirror for that of our society.

Vulnerable populations of rainbow trout are also threatened by the Eaton fire burning in the San Gabriel Mountains north of Los Angeles.

Steelhead trout are the same species as rainbow trout , Oncorhynchus mykiss, but unlike their freshwater-dwelling relatives, steelheads spend much of their lives feeding in the ocean and return to their natal streams to spawn.

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Tens of thousands of the silvery fish once returned to Southern California streams every year, to the delight of anglers. They swam most streams of the Santa Monicas, which stretch from the Hollywood Hills to Point Mugu in Ventura County.

Historic photos show fishermen in the Malibu estuary and elsewhere pulling up stringers full of the hefty fish that can grow up to 2 feet, according to Russell Marlow, South Coast senior project manager for California Trout, a conservation group.

Then dams were erected in the region starting in the 1940s, and "that's when we began to see a pretty precipitous decline in the population," Marlow said.

A 2012 federal recovery plan reported that fewer than 500 adult Southern California steelhead return annually to natal waters located between southern San Luis Obispo County and the U.S.-Mexico border. Its likely the figure is much lower today.

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The distinct Southern California population was added to the California endangered species list last year.

With the population so depressed, "every fish counts," Marlow said. He called the Topanga Creek population, which is well-monitored, extremely important. The creek is home to 400 to 500 rainbows, which have the potential to venture into the ocean, according to wildlife officials.

Read more: Steelhead trout, once thriving in Southern California, are declared endangered

The steelhead of the Santa Monicas have endured numerous trials. In 2018, the Woolsey fire torched miles and miles of the mountains, but not Topanga Creek  a refuge for the fish.

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"Topanga is really the only place that they were left," said Evans, who oversees fisheries programs for the state wildlife agencys South Coast region. Spared by wildfires, they barely hung on during the drought, he added.

The Palisades fire sparked last week, devastating the West L.A. neighborhood of Pacific Palisades and rampaging through the Santa Monicas.

As soon as its safe, Evans said, personnel will trek into the mountains, where the trout live, and determine if they can take any preventive action. That might entail moving the fish to a facility for a few months, to let the "first flush of terrible water kind of get out and then put them back."

If its a go, he said biologists will probably load the trout into buckets or coolers and take them to the closest road. Then theyll probably be transferred to a truck outfitted with a large tank, aerator and chiller.

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"The main things that are going to kill and stress these fish out are either low amounts of oxygen in the water or rapid changes in temperature," he said.

Although the fish are of immediate concern, experts acknowledge there will be lasting impacts to the ecosystem.

Lee Kats, a biology professor at Pepperdine University who has studied animals in the Santa Monicas for 35 years, said the streams are poised for immense siltation, which "radically changes" the habitat for frogs, salamanders and other freshwater dwellers. Its a group of animals already struggling worldwide.

Besides the trout, the Santa Monicas are home to imperiled western pond turtles and California red-legged frogs.

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With fires in the region now occurring every five to eight years  instead of the historic 15 to 20 years  the impacts are compounded, Kats said.

"As you get increased fire frequency, the streams begin to fill up with silt, and there's not enough time between fires for those streams to be scoured out and return that habitat to what these animals were used to for thousands of years prior," Kats said.

Kats said theres also insufficient time for native plants to spring back, allowing invasive species to crop up. He said his botanist colleagues have noticed a transition in the vegetation, which in turn affects animals.

Read more: Rescued trout are 'trapped' in Upper Arroyo Seco. New study advocates removing barriers

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Where the Eaton fire is burning, wildlife officials said they are particularly concerned about fish inhabiting Santa Anita Creek, which flows through a canyon of the same name to the east of Mt. Wilson, and the Arroyo Seco, which cuts through the foothills communities of La Canada Flintridge and Altadena.

The fish of the San Gabriels are no stranger to flames. The trout population in the Arroyo Seco, which snakes past the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, was nearly wiped out by the 2009 Station fire , according to a report from last year. Then state biologists moved in 469 rainbows rescued from the San Gabriel River watershed, which biologists feared would perish in the aftermath of the Bobcat fire of 2020 .

Following last year's Bridge fire, which scorched habitat in the East Fork of the San Gabriel River, 503 rainbows  in addition to Santa Ana speckled dace, Santa Ana sucker and arroyo chub  were relocated to nearby streams, Evans said. It was a preemptive move in case debris flows choked the waterway.

But those rainbow trout  identifiable by iridescent colors running down their sides  are blocked from journeying to the ocean and back by man-made barriers. Since they cant smolt and become steelhead, they do not have state or federal protections.

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Marlow, of CalTrout, described the species as one of the best indicators of our overall watershed health, which he said is intertwined with the resilience of our human communities.

"You can connect the the viability of this fish and its continued existence to how we're doing as as a society in Southern California," he said.



This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Paris Hilton is continuing to help her local community amid the ongoing deadly Los Angeles wildfires.

After the Palisades and Eaton Fires broke out on Tuesday, Jan. 7, Hilton revealed the next day that she and her family watched her Malibu home burn down on live TV. On Jan. 10, she shared footage of the property after it was destroyed in an Instagram video.

Two days after revealing the destruction of her home, she headed to Pasadena to aid the impacted community. On Monday, Jan. 13, the Simple Life star, 43, posted to X, assisting the Pasadena Humane Society with animals who were found after the wildfires.

I spent yesterday volunteering at the @PasadenaHumane Society, spending time with animals found after the wildfires This beautiful cat was found without a collar in #Altadena and has been in the shelter for the last four days  Please share with anyone you know from the pic.twitter.com/IQJVgVRv8x  Paris Hilton (@ParisHilton) January 13, 2025

She revealed there was one cat without a collar in Altadena, Calif., which was heavily impacted by the Eaton Fire. Hilton explained that the cat has been in the shelter for the last four days .

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Adding, Please share with anyone you know from the Altadena area so we can reconnect this baby with his owner! His animal ID is A519218.

Hilton added that her nonprofit, 11:11 Media Impact, has contributed to support the shelters efforts, and they are "still raising funds to help displaced families and pets. Noting, Every donation makes a difference in providing emergency relief, housing, and supplies. If youre able to donate or volunteer, the Pasadena Humane Society is an incredible charity to support! .

Marc Duron/11:11 Media Paris Hilton on Jan. 12, 2025 in Los Angeles, CA. Paris Hilton on Jan. 12, 2025 in Los Angeles, CA.

Related: L.A. Fires Live: 24 Dead and at Least 23 Missing, Officials Say, as High Wind Event Threatens Region

Hilton also posted on Instagram that she "had the privilege of volunteering to support the inspiring impact work" at Baby2Baby and the Hilton in Montebello, Calif., and the Pasadena Humane Society. The Instagram carousel included several images of her and her husband, Carter Reum, with those impacted at different locations.

Marc Duron/11:11 Media Paris Hilton on Jan. 12, 2025 in Los Angeles, CA. Paris Hilton on Jan. 12, 2025 in Los Angeles, CA.

She also revealed she is fostering a dog named Zuzu, "whose family unfortunately had to surrender her after their home was destroyed in the wildfires." Hilton said, "Fostering is such an important way to help when youre able toif you can, please consider giving a temporary or permanent home to animals in need ."

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The mother of two said the team "picked up essential items and gifts for the displaced families" who are staying at the Hilton in Montebello. "My heart goes out to them and being able to bring comfort and a smile to their faces is something I will never forget ," she wrote.



Marc Duron/11:11 Media Paris Hilton on Jan. 12, 2025 in Los Angeles, CA. Paris Hilton on Jan. 12, 2025 in Los Angeles, CA.

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On Friday, Jan. 10, Hilton posted an Instagram announcing that she is working with 11:11 Media Impact to launch an emergency fund to "support displaced families with young children," she wrote.

That day, Hilton said she would start with a personal contribution of $100,000 and noted that she would match any additional dollars raised up to $100,000. In her Monday, Jan. 13 Instagram post, she announced they had already raised over $600,000 in 3 days. They aim to reach $1 million "to provide cash assistance, housing, and essentials to those affected."

Marc Duron/11:11 Media Paris Hilton and Co-CEO Baby2Baby Kelly Sawyer on Jan. 12, 2025 in Los Angeles, CA. Paris Hilton and Co-CEO Baby2Baby Kelly Sawyer on Jan. 12, 2025 in Los Angeles, CA.

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.

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.

Since the fires erupted, 24 have died, at least 16 are missing, and 180,000 people across L.A. and Ventura counties have evacuated from their homes.

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Additionally, several L.A. residents have been rescuing animals and assisting shelters as the fires continue and animals remain displaced. More than 80 pets boarded emergency rescue flights out of L.A. this week. The Pasadena Humane revealed on Jan. 8 that the shelter has taken in over 300 displaced pets.

Related: Calif. Man Uses Horse Trailer to Save Over 90 Animals in the Path of L.A.'s 'Ghastly' Fires (Exclusive)

Marc Duron/11:11 Media Paris Hilton on Jan. 12, 2025 in Los Angeles, CA. Paris Hilton on Jan. 12, 2025 in Los Angeles, CA.

Additionally, good samaritans, firefighters and Hollywood figures have rescued dogs from the rubble and horses from the flames.



The rescue efforts follow the two deadly fires, Eaton and Palisades, ravaging L.A. As of Monday, Jan. 10, the Palisades fire burned over 23,700 acres, and it is 14% contained, according to Cal Fire. The other major fire, the Eaton Fire, burned approximately 14,117 acres and is now 33% contained. Over 12,300 structures have been destroyed in the two major fires.

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Click here to learn more about how to help the victims of the L.A. fires.

Read the original article on People
No injuries or damage were reported after police learned about a possible threat in Sterling, according to a news release from Sterling Police.

According to a press release, about 1:30 p.m. Monday, Sterling Police received a report of a possible incendiary or explosive device in a vehicle at Walmart, 4115 E. Lincolnway Sterling. Officers found a vehicle parked in the stores parking lot near the rear of the business.

Based on information police received, a portion of Walmart was closed off and evacuated. Sterling Police contacted the Quad City Illinois-Iowa Bomb Squad, Rock Island County Sheriffs Office and ATF for assistance. Two searches by bomb-detecting canines and bomb squad crews yielded no incendiary, explosive or dangerous devices in the vehicle, the release says.

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About 5 p.m. Monday, officers cleared the area, and Walmart managers were advised they could reopen the closed area.

The incident 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 WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.
Remarks by Germany's conservative opposition leader Friedrich Merz casting doubt on the viability of climate-friendly "green" steel have stirred controversy ahead of the country's upcoming election.

Merz shared his scepticism about the energy transition in Germany's steel industry in a speech on Monday evening in the industrial western German city of Bochum to labour groups aligned with his centre-right Christian Democrats (CDU).

"I personally do not believe that the rapid switch to hydrogen-powered steelworks will be successful. Where will the hydrogen come from? We don't have it. And if we do it with hydrogen, then a ton of steel will still be at least 300 [$307] more expensive than if it is produced conventionally," Merz said.

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Merz's party currently holds a clear lead in the polls, and he is widely viewed as the frontrunner to replace Olaf Scholz of the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) as chancellor following the election on February 23.

A senior labour leader at the powerful IG Metall industrial trade union, which has a major presence at the country's steel firms, rejected Merz's comments.

"Anyone who does not believe in green steel is promoting the end of the steel industry in Germany - with fatal consequences far beyond the industry itself," said Jurgen Kerner, the trade union's second chairman. "We would lose tens of thousands of jobs and become dangerously dependent particularly on China for one of the most important raw materials."

Kerner said that Germany's steel industry must find a way to produce in a climate-friendly way in the future.

The Green Party's top candidate in the election, Robert Habeck, also shot back on Tuesday in defence of the push to transition the steel industry to run on hydrogen produced using renewable electricity, an effort Habeck has helped champion from his current post as economy minister.
Remarks by Germany's conservative opposition leader Friedrich Merz casting doubt on the viability of climate-friendly "green" steel have stirred controversy ahead of the country's upcoming election.

Merz shared his scepticism about the energy transition in Germany's steel industry in a speech on Monday evening in the industrial western German city of Bochum to labour groups aligned with his centre-right Christian Democrats (CDU).

"I personally do not believe that the rapid switch to hydrogen-powered steelworks will be successful. Where will the hydrogen come from? We don't have it. And if we do it with hydrogen, then a ton of steel will still be at least 300 [$307] more expensive than if it is produced conventionally," Merz said.

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Merz's party currently holds a clear lead in the polls, and he is widely viewed as the frontrunner to replace Olaf Scholz of the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) as chancellor following the election on February 23.

A senior labour leader at the powerful IG Metall industrial trade union, which has a major presence at the country's steel firms, rejected Merz's comments.

"Anyone who does not believe in green steel is promoting the end of the steel industry in Germany - with fatal consequences far beyond the industry itself," said Jurgen Kerner, the trade union's second chairman.

"We would lose tens of thousands of jobs and become dangerously dependent particularly on China for one of the most important raw materials."

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Kerner said that Germany's steel industry must find a way to produce in a climate-friendly way in the future.

The Green Party's top candidate in the election, Robert Habeck, also shot back on Tuesday in defence of the push to transition the steel industry to run on hydrogen produced using renewable electricity, an effort Habeck has helped champion from his current post as economy minister.

Habeck called Merz's statement "a slap in the face for all employees, because it can only be understood to mean that German steel production is coming to an end."

Habeck predicted that there will no longer be a market for conventionally produced steel, which typically uses coal in the production process, by the 2030s.

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"All major economies, the United States, China, have set out to decarbonize steel," Habeck said, adding that no one should believe that steel produced with coal power still has a chance on the global market.

"That would mean that steel production in Germany would disappear," yet Germany must remain an industrialized country, the Green politician said.

SPD also slam Merz comments

Anke Rehlinger, a Social Democrat and the state premier of the western German state of Saarland, long a centre of steel production, also attacked Merz over his comments, accusing him of putting the axe to Germany's remaining steel industry.

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"Anyone who wants to turn back now will destroy billions & tens of thousands of jobs," she wrote.

Scholz, while attending a NATO gathering in Helsinki, said his government has laid the groundwork for building a hydrogen energy network.

"Green" hydrogen is produced from renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power, and Germany's climate plans call for the energy system to play a key role in some sectors in the future that cannot be fully electrified.

The steel industry is expected to require large quantities of hydrogen to shift away from coal.

The steel industry is one of the country's largest CO2 emitters, and the German government is funding the industry's conversion with billions of dollars in subsidies.

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But German steel industry leaders have expressed concerns about possible delays in building out the required hydrogen production and distribution networks.

Kerner, the IG Metall trade union official, said German and EU government officials need to show flexibility as the industry shifts energy sources. Operating new steel plants on natural gas could already achieve an 80% reduction in emissions, he said.

"Green hydrogen can then be used as soon as it is available at an affordable price," he said
Starting on January 20, congressional Democrats must be ready to fight Republicans with hammer and tongs.

In late December, a budget battle offered a template for Democrats to act with some partisan spine. Democrats saw the way that partisan unity can cause immense problems for President-elect Trump. After the dynamic duo of Trump and Elon Musk attempted to subvert the bipartisan budget deal that would keep the federal government afloat until March, House Democrats refused to agree to Trumps alternative, which included a temporary extension of the debt ceiling (conveniently set to expire when his term ended). Even as some Democrats nervously spoke about making concessions to avoid political and financial disaster, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries stood firm. Chants of Hell no! were heard from the room where they caucused. By the end of the next day, GOP Speaker Mike Johnson pushed forward a version of the original legislation, without Trumps support, opening the first major rift within the GOP. With Trump starting his second term, and Republicans feeling that Trumpism has been legitimated, this is not the time to focus on illusory bipartisanship and conciliatory centrism.

Instead, Democrats need to embrace the power of partisan polarization. Over the next two years, the party will have one shot to block the radical retrenchment of core government policies, the erosion of cherished American values, and the aggressive exercise of presidential power. They will need to use all the procedural and financial weapons available to keep their own members in line and to reward those who stand firm in their opposition, all the while communicating a compelling message through new media to win back voters before 2026.

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Ironically, Democrats can look to Republicans for some guidance. Through the first two decades of the twenty-first century, the GOP has never struggled with acknowledging the reality of our 50-50 nation and the virtues of partisanship. During the presidencies of Barack Obama and Donald Trump, most Republican leaders focused on maintaining a united front against Obama and then in favor of Trump. Refusing to yield on key issues, Congress wielded procedures and rules to attack their opponents. Rather than running away from Tea Party and MAGA activists, the GOP worked with them to build a formidable partisan infrastructure that had deep roots in the electorate.

Democrats certainly dont want to replicate the destructive, hyperpartisan style that has characterized the GOP. As a party that is committed to the continued role of government in American life and the imperative of governance, Democrats must rightly insist on maintaining guardrails that contain their own fiercest instincts. They dont want to become a second party willing to send the nation into financial default simply to score partisan points; nor do they want to undermine the integrity of democratic institutions in the short-term pursuit of power.

But in the space between bipartisanship and hyperpartisanship, there is a wide-ranging world of responsible partisanship within which congressional Democrats can operate, as became clear in the recent struggle over government funding.

What are some of the partisan strategies Democrats can deploy in the year ahead?

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Most important will be for congressional Democrats to remain disciplined. Voting the party line and remaining on the same page will be essential if the House and Senate caucuses want to act as a coherent bloc, as they did with this battle over the continuing resolution, thereby forcing narrow Republican majorities to take the difficult positions that Trump will push on them. Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer need to make clear that any member who decides to go rogue will lose support from the party. Jeffries and Schumer must work closely with the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee to leverage the purse strings as rewards for loyalty.

Given the stakes of the battle ahead, they must make clear to all Democrats that any serious dissension will come at a high cost. Democrats should work in unison to force issues onto the floor, such as proposals for additional federal investment in deindustrialized areas, to push Republicans into uncomfortable positions that will reveal the limitations of their populist agenda.

Priorities and timing will be essential. As Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel told Ezra Klein of The New York Times, Youre going to have to look at the whole field  what puts them in the weakest position vis-a-vis the American people? Each battle that Democrats take on, starting with nominations and moving on to legislation, must be evaluated with the broader perspective of trying to strengthen Democrats for the midterms. The party must concentrate its firepower on the fights where the odds for victory are highest and where the anticipated political payoff will be greatest. Other issues should be let go for the time being.

Sometimes that will mean supporting bipartisan bills. Trying to deflate the immigration issue that caused so many electoral problems in November, Senate Democrats recently kicked off the year by working with the GOP on the most controversial of all issues: immigration restriction. When the Senate voted on a procedural vote that moved forward the Laken Riley Act, which clamps down on undocumented immigration, 31 Democrats supported the measure. But decisions like these have to be weighed carefully with long-term partisan gains in mind, keeping front and center the goal of regaining power to step on the brakes of the Trumpian train. Some will see this as a misguided act in a moment of panic, which will produce bad policy results and do little to ameliorate the political attacks from the GOP. When Democrats choose bipartisanship, there needs to be a good strategic rationale for doing so and it should be a means to an end, not an end in itself.

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Confirmation hearings, legislative deliberations, and investigations will all create visible moments when Democrats can use their platform. Democrats must treat these as must-see broadcasts, using them to confront opposing views and frame debates in favorable ways. Most important will be to throw a spotlight on how extreme many Republican policy positions are while simultaneously exposing evidence of corruption and the abuse of power.

Democrats must also use legitimate procedural tools. While the Senate filibuster is not something that Democrats should champion over the long term, as critics have rightly noted, as long as the procedure remains on the books, Senate Democrats should use the 60-vote supermajority requirement to make progress difficult for the GOP.

Finally, Democrats need to develop a coherent counternarrative to combat Trumps immigration-fueled explanation of why Americans are struggling. They cant count on voters to find them as they spread their message. As they learned in the final weeks of the presidential campaign, the party needs to make up considerable lost ground by getting on outlets such as podcasting, nonprofit local news, and X-alternative social media.

Fortunately, there are precedents to show how responsible partisanship can be highly effective. Following the 2004 election, many Democrats felt deflated after the controversial President George W. Bush won reelection despite the revelation that Iraq had not possessed weapons of mass destruction and that the administration had no plan for what to do once Saddam Hussein fell from power. Even revelations that the military had engaged in torture were not enough to dissuade many Americans from voting for the presidents reelectionas well as a Republican Congress. We begin the new Congress with a sense of purpose and optimism, boasted the Republican chairman of the House Rules Committee David Dreier. Its been a long time since Republicans have had this much power in Washington.

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Though despondent, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid did not give up. The stakes were too high. When Bush attempted to use his political capital to push legislation that would privatize Social Security, Democrats rallied. Rather than act from a position of fear, the party stood firm, refusing to engage in negotiations and publicly calling Bushs proposal immoral, unacceptable, and unsustainable. The plan never moved forward. When Bush grossly mishandled the response to Hurricane Katrina in August 2005, Pelosi and Reid refused to participate in Republican efforts to whitewash the failure and fought to increase support to residents of Louisiana and Mississippi so that they could begin the recovery. Democrats stayed away from contentious issues that would aggravate internal divisions or turn public attention away from the GOP.

Democrats focused on bread-and-butter concerns. They called for more federal money to go to education while proposing health care reforms to lower costs and increase access. While President Bush talked about being tough against terrorism, Democrats pushed for money that would go to first responders who were suffering physically as a result of their work after 9/11. In contrast to President Bushs supply-side economic agenda, Democrats demanded a higher federal minimum wage. Since Pelosi kept her party united, Republicans struggled with holding their own factions together since they could not afford to lose any votes.

Democrats also zeroed in on corruption. They seized on the scandals around Majority Whip Tom DeLay and the investigations into lobbyist Jack Abramoff and Congressman Mark Foley to build an argument that the GOP was fundamentally corrupt.

Responsible partisanship paid off. In 2006without threatening to throw the nation into default or spreading disinformation about the legitimacy of the democratic processDemocrats regained control of Congress, carving out the path that would result in Barack Obamas historic election in 2008.

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The 2026 midterm elections will be the first test to see if congressional Democrats can effectively wield partisanship to their benefit.

Now is the time for Democrats to turn to responsible partisanship to reclaim political power from Republican majorities and prevent the entrenchment of a rightward agenda that will be difficult to undo.
DHAKA (Reuters) - Bangladesh's interim government should hold general elections by August in the "greater interest of the country," the party of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia said on Tuesday, citing growing political and economic instability.

The interim government led by Nobel Peace laureate Muhammad Yunus has ruled the South Asian nation since August, when mass protests forced its then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign and flee to neighbouring India.

Yunus has said elections might be possible by the end of 2025, but only following electoral reforms.

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There was no reason to delay elections any further, however, said Khaleda's Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), one of the main political parties, besides Hasina's Awami League.

"BNP wants elections in the middle of this year," its secretary general, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, told a press conference. "The longer the elections are delayed, the deeper the political and economic crisis will become."

The BNP is among the opposition parties pushing for earlier elections. The poll would be feasible in July or August, Alamgir added, if the Election Reform Commission submitted its report in time.

"Reform is an ongoing process," he added. "It will continue."

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Hasina and her Awami League party face legal challenges, including trials for mass killings, graft, and other charges, and many of its top leaders are in hiding.

Rushing through these trials without thorough scrutiny could undermine their legitimacy, Alamgir added.

"If trials are done in a hurry, it will be questionable," he said in reply to a question.

Hasina's son, Sajeeb Wazed, has said in the past he was happy for elections to be held by early 2026, as suggested by the army chief, which would make for a period of 18 months since the interim government took over.

(Reporting by Dhaka bureau, Editing by Shilpa Jamkhandikar and Clarence Fernandez)
TYLER, Texas (KETK)  The New Summerfield Police Department (NSPD) responded to a high-speed chase on Tuesday morning in Cherokee County that left a Pennsylvania man injured.

Id be vigilant if I were you: 2 men arrested in Smith County for conspiracy to murder, affidavit says

According to NSPD, the high speed chase occurred at around 7 a.m. on Highway 79 west of Highway 110 in the direction of Jacksonville. Chief Fred Butler attempted to initiate a traffic stop after noticing an SUV going well over the speed limit.

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Police said the driver has been identified as a man from Pittsburgh, Pa.

The driver fled from Butler at a dangerous speed before he crashed his vehicle in route to Jacksonville. The suspect was taken to a local hospital for his injuries and once released, the suspect will be booked into the Cherokee County Jail.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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(WKBN)  Several Pennsylvania state departments and agencies are coming together to raise awareness on gun safety.

Officials say firearm-related injuries and fatalities are a public health crisis, especially for youth. According to a press release Monday, about 1,600 Pennsylvanians die from gunshot wounds each year, with 3,000 more injured.

Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogensaid says the unintentional discharge of weapons and suicide accounts for almost a third of youth firearm deaths and safely storing guns can make a big difference.

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We are taking measures, such as providing free gunlocks to Pennsylvania families, to help prevent tragic and avoidable injuries and deaths from unsecured firearms, Dr. Bogensaid said.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health and state police pledged to provide over 3,500 free gun locks since October 2024.

Capt. Rob Brown encouraged Pennsylvanians to pick up the free gun locks at a local state police station.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
CHESTER COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)  A Pennsylvania woman has been charged for allegedly stealing money from a non-profit organization that was meant for families impacted by COVID-related evictions, as well as funds meant for a disabled student.

The Chester County District Attorneys Office says Patricia Ginter of Thorndale was charged for allegedly defrauding the non-profit organization, which was not named by the office, of money designated for eviction relief.

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This Week in Pennsylvania

The Emergency Rental Assistance Program funds were allegedly obtained by Ginter when she omitted over $60,000 in household income in an application for funds in 2023. The DAs Office says Ginter would not have been eligible for eviction relief funds had she provided her full information.

The DAs Office says Ginter also allegedly stole $15,000 in Social Security disability funds from a special needs student. She was charged in May 2023 and a trial is scheduled for next month.

Ginter is currently free on bail after being arrested in connection to the COVID funds on Tuesday. She is facing charges including theft by deception and tampering with public records.

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Chester County detectives are investigating both cases. If you believe you have information that could be relevant to this matter, contact Chester County Detectives at 610-344-6866.

This is a developing story. Stay with abc27 News as more information becomes available

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
PENSACOLA, Fla. (WKRG)  Rising housing costs in Northwest Florida are impacting everyone including military service members.

Theres a need for housing in Pensacola just like elsewhere in the nation so of course thats going to translate to our military service members who are stationed here, City of Pensacola Economic Development Director Erica Grancagnolo said.

Florida man accused of threatening to kill child, using sleeping pills to rape Baldwin County woman

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With $608,200 awarded to the City of Pensacola from Florida Commerce through the Defense Infrastructure Grant Program, theyre hoping to make a difference.

The city will look to identify property near NAS Pensacola and develop it for affordable housing for active duty military members and their families.

Our goal is to create not just attainable housing but desirable attainable housing close to the downtown area with all of the amenities that military families will want to enjoy, Grancagnolo said.

With a large number of military members already retiring in the area, the city hopes to help continue that trend.

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Funeral planned for Mobile County WWII veteran

We hope that by providing this opportunity for the military service members and their families to experience our vibrant downtown, Grancagnolo said. Thats just one more reason for them to put down permanent roots in Pensacola, and we welcome them with open arms.

The funding comes with a 30% match requirement from the city.

The project is slated to begin in July.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Before we get into anything else, we should make this clear: This is not a foolproof, scientific way to suss out foreign policy developments in advance. If you want to know what happens in Ukraine or the Middle East before the papers do, you have to do it the old fashioned way and plant a bug in the Pentagon. (Please don't actually do this.) But for what it's worth, there is a reported phenomenon that happens just before major events take place on the global stage: The pizza places near the Pentagon get really, really busy.

The idea is that when employees of the Department of Defense are faced with a sudden development that requires work late into the night, they order something quick and easy to munch on while paying attention to something more important. (This is the same principle behind Election Night Pizza.) There are a multitude of fast food restaurants in the Pentagon complex, but no pizza places. So, when a breaking development happens, such as the missile strike Israel launched at Iran in 2024, Papa John's and other pizza chain restaurants close by get much busier than usual.

Read more: The Surprising Way Costco Slices Up Its Pizza To Uniform Perfection

The Phenomenon Was Reported On As Early As The '90s

An image of the Pentagon taken from the sky. - Glowimages/Getty Images

Although this is, once again, unscientific and may not signify much, it's also worth noting that this theory is not something the internet just made up. Back in 1991, right after Operation Desert Storm kicked off, multiple news outlets interviewed Frank Meeks, a man who ran a number of Domino's locations in the D.C. area. He attested that the busiest day on record for the CIA vis-a-vis pizza deliveries was August 1, 1990 -- when Saddam Hussein was gearing up to invade Kuwait. (The CIA isn't headquartered in the Pentagon, but the same principle applies.) The phenomenon also occurred before the invasion of Panama in 1989. It seems that pepperoni, one of America's favorite pizza toppings, has had a front row seat to foreign policy developments for decades.

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Now, what does this mean? Not very much, all things considered. Spiking pizza orders are by no means a crystal ball in which you can foresee the future and making decisions based off them is not something we would advise. That being said, this theory is a fascinating look at the way large institutions affect the businesses that surround them.

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.
In a speech last August, Kathleen Hicks listed the two most common questions about Replicator, her two-year pledge to buy thousands of drones and help the U.S. military compete with China.

When we launched Replicator, a common refrain I heard was: Can it work? These days Im more likely to hear: Will it stick? said Hicks, the deputy secretary of defense.

That second question soon wont be hers to answer.

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Since she first unveiled Replicator a year and a half ago, its nearly become a trademark. Hicks has sat in all of the Pentagons major meetings on it. Shes read every story published about the program, prepared in files from her staff. And shes called its success a referendum on her leadership.

Senior Pentagon officials interviewed for this story said the program is on schedule largely through her effort. Now, as Hicks leaves office, the question is whether it can survive without her.

Republicans and Democrats have applauded the idea behind Replicator. To compete with China, they argue, the Pentagon needs cutting-edge weapons much faster. Hence, aides in Congress and executives at drone firms said they expect it to endure  albeit with changes.

And after 16 months, many officials working on the program outside the Pentagon say the biggest change it needs is size. Hicks made the bet to start Replicator, no small feat in a risk-averse bureaucracy, they acknowledged. But without more funding and more weapons on order, it wont reach its true promise: a military nimble enough for the future of war.

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I would like to think that years from now, we would look back and say, Yes, this began with the Biden administration, said Chris Brose, an executive at the drone and software firm Anduril. However, the real scale that this got to was delivered by his successors.

Magnitude

By early 2023, the problem was clear.

The year before, Russia had started a war with Ukraine dominated by trench warfare, artillery and increasingly drones. Both sides were building them in huge numbers to target, spy and attack at once, known in the military as swarms.

But these werent American drones. Instead, Ukraines soldiers were mostly buying and then tweaking their weapons from DJI, a Chinese company controlling 90% of the consumer market. U.S. firms werent only behind on building the weapons; their equipment wasnt even needed.

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We know we have a problem on the production side: that DJI has just taken off with the international market. We needed to build out  we still do need to build out  that American industry, Hicks said in an interview.

The deputy is close to the ultimate Pentagon insider. She took her first job in the building at the age of 23. And her habits reflect its culture of productivity. Hicks regularly schedules her day in 15-minute slots, she reads books on better managing her time and she returns hundreds of pages of reading to her staff each week marked with detailed notes.

So as the problem emerged, Hicks thought about how the Pentagon, internally, could solve it. American companies were indeed making high-tech drones. But the supply was small  in large part because the Pentagon was a picky customer. The period between signing a contract and actually getting equipment to troops often lasts more than 10 years.

The issue wasnt just for Ukraine.

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Hicks had entered office saying her top challenge was China, a country so large it could outpace Americas ability to build almost anything.

It was the magnitude of all of the things, said Mike Horowitz, a former top Pentagon policy official involved in Replicator, who listed out Chinas ability to build a range of weapons: ships, submarines, drones, missiles. Theyre doing all of them simultaneously.

Over the course of 2023, Hicks had been visiting Indo-Pacific Command, which oversees U.S. forces across the region, to watch troops experiment and exercise with new technology. She saw the need for more weapons that could punch above their weight. And she decided that if the Pentagon wasnt buying enough of these already, she would make it.

In August that year, she took to the stage at a conference in downtown Washington and pledged two things. The Pentagon would field thousands of affordable drones within two years. And it would learn how to buy such weapons faster along the way.

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Hicks called the two-part program Replicator, named after a tool from Star Trek that can form matter from thin air.

WD-40

At first, other people in the Pentagon and Congress  largely unaware that the program was coming  had different names for it. Some called it confusing. Others worried it was a flash in the pan. Overall, the consensus at first was that Replicator was a good idea but that people couldnt tell whether it was more than that.

We had a candid conversation before the announcement, said a senior defense official involved in the effort with Hicks, granted anonymity to talk freely. I said were probably gonna get our asses kicked for eight to nine months in the press. Are you ready?

Part of the skepticism came from how little Hicks team shared about the program after launching it. Because she didnt want the idea choked by bureaucratic thorns, the deputy announced it without a full plan to discuss it publicly. Even more, her staff wasnt entirely sure how it would work.

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My Italian family uses WD-40 for literally everything.  its like you have a cut [use] WD-40. So when we zoomed out, there were all these great innovation gears [inside the Pentagon] but some of them were a little squeaky, the official said.

Replicator was meant to make these all click into place.

Atop the effort was the Defense Innovation Unit, tasked with bringing high-tech weapons into the military. Along with Hicks staff, it surveyed the different parts of the Pentagon from the Army to the Air Force, asking what drones would matter most for a fight with China and what they could buy the fastest.

At the same time, the team was working with military leaders in the Pacific and Congress, which later agreed to free up half a billion dollars for the effort (the same number made it into the next defense budget, which Congress has yet to pass).

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In the year since, the Pentagon has announced several systems selected for the program: mostly underwater vehicles, small flying drones and loitering munitions meant to explode on impact. This last group will make up the bulk of the program, a congressional aide said. Of the 2,500 to 3,000 systems the Pentagon plans to deliver, over half will be the Switchblade 600, a kamikaze drone.

Hicks argued these results helped change the narrative.

Replicator really depended on having that reputational advantage internally to make it happen. Now the Hill and the press  that reputational advantage probably needed to prove out another year. I think weve done that by just putting our heads down, she said.

Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen H. Hicks observes a Defense Innovation Unit site walkthrough in Mountain View, California, Dec. 12, 2023. (DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Alexander Kubitza)

Dress rehearsal

In a meeting last fall, another Pentagon official working on the program remembers getting goosebumps. Military leaders in the room were planning a Replicator dress rehearsal for early 2025  a drill meant to prove how the weapons could all work together.

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There was this moment where we all realized how real this is, said the official. It had gone from an idea to a table of the nations top officers.

Since Hicks announced the program, its earned real staying power. Officials across Washington cite it as an example of how to jolt Americas slow bureaucracy. And military leaders in the Pacific have been happy to have someone advocating for their priorities.

Last fall, the Pentagon announced a second version of the program, this time focused on protecting American bases from incoming drones  a problem on display across the Middle East since Israels war began in Gaza.

But the drill this year is also a sign of the issues Replicator has yet to address. For one, the military is still deciding where to station the drones, which so far have been relatively short-range and would struggle to enter a fight. The answer is likely to put them on ships, said Adm. Sam Papapro, the head of Indo-Pacific Command, at an event last November.

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Military leaders are trying to make sure the drones can resist jamming  a huge problem in Ukraine  and how to make the weapons operate in synchrony. Theyre also trying to decide how to sustain the weapons, since these drones are meant to be attritable, the Pentagons version of a plastic fork and knife compared to silverware.

Were now going from just buying the system to actually using it in an operationally relevant environment and assessing changes we need to make, said Bryan Clark, a former Navy officer and analyst at the Hudson Institute, where he follows the program closely.

A solvable problem

These tests wont address the largest critique often leveled at Replicator: that it didnt wasnt big enough. China has huge stores of weapons, beyond what Horowitz listed earlier, and theyre growing. Thousands of relatively small drones wont tip the military scales.

The PRC has got 2,100 fighters, theyve got three aircraft carriers, they have a battle force of 200 destroyers. Well, Roger, weve got a couple of drones, Paparo said in November, using the common abbreviation for the Peoples Republic of China.

Hicks staffers bristle at this critique. Replicator, they argue, was never meant to be the Pentagons only insurance program for a war with China. It was meant to teach the Pentagon a new way of doing business. Even more, it wasnt like there were billions of extra dollars lying around for the program. Starting Replicator at its current scale was hard enough given how much the Pentagon bureaucracy can resist change.

What Replicator did was juice the system and show that this is a solvable problem, Horowitz said.

Indeed, Hicks and other top Pentagon officials say this effort is only one part in a much larger engine designed to get the military more advanced weapons.

In an interview last month, the head of Pentagon research and engineering explained the point by pulling out a complicated flow chart, illustrating how the Defense Department brings a new weapon on board.

Theres the entire ecosystem. This is how we fit together. It isnt [that] only one piece of the puzzle is important and the rest is irrelevant, said Heidi Shyu, tracing the Replicator section of the chart with her finger.

Even critics accepted this argument: They couldnt blame Replicator for not being something it was never meant to be. But Brose, the executive at Anduril, also said that the programs scope should factor into its legacy. If the U.S. needed a true crash program to help defend Taiwan, or other parts of the Pacific, then Replicator may have missed the moment, even if its on track to meet its goals.

Still, that doesnt mean they dont want it to stick around. The Pentagon, at least, expects it to.

Initiatives change names all the time, the first official said.

Courtney Albon contributed to this story.
Perfectly legal if sanctuary cities dont help with mass deportations, law scholar says

SAN DIEGO (Border Report)  More than 240 political leaders in so-called sanctuary municipalities received letters last month threatening them with legal prosecution and up to 20 years in prison if they hinder mass deportations.

The letters were sent out by a group called American First Legal, a firm started by Stephen Miller, Donalds Trumps next deputy chief of staff for policy.

America First puts sanctuary jurisdictions on notice

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In California, state Attorney General Rob Bonta got one, as well as the mayor of Los Angeles and the citys chief of police.

San Diegos former Board of Supervisors Chair Nora Vargas also received one.

Many others including the mayors in big cities like Chicago, Washington D.C., and New York got one, as did small-town mayors like Las Cruces Eric Enriquez.

AFL-Sanctuary-City-LettersDownload

In short, the letters issue threats saying, your jurisdictions sanctuary policies could expose you and your subordinates to criminal liability for conspiracy to commit a federal offense and conspiracy to impede a federal officer.

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To improve border security, asylum processes, US must take these steps, group says

Those who received the letters are told they could face up to 20 years imprisonment.

The threat of criminal prosecution is really not realistic, said Robert Shapiro, dean of the University of San Diegos School of Law.

Maquiladora sites to help Mexican border town shelter deported migrants

Border Report asked Shapiro to review the letters from a legal and independent perspective.

Robert Shapiro is the Dean at the University of Diegos Law School. (Salvador Rivera, Border Report)

That letter that was sent out threatens criminal prosecution and things like that, I suppose if state and local officials were actively obstructing what federal officials were doing, there could be those kinds of legal sanctions, said Shapiro. In general, when California or other states or other cities talk about being sanctuary jurisdictions, they dont mean theyre actually going to blockade what federal officials are doing, what they mean is theyre not going to assist.

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According to Shapiro, not helping or not wanting to help, is not a crime.

US knowingly killing migrants, county official says

Theyre not going to give information to federal authorities, theyre not going to enforce the federal law themselves and in general thats perfectly legal.

Shapiro expects very little, if any prosecutions at all.

This really is just a replay of what went on during the first Trump administration, there were no criminal prosecutions of state local officials in that administration and assuming state and local officials do what they did at that time, there wont be any criminal prosecutions this time either.

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Rising US-Mexico tension a game of optics, analyst says

Border Report reached out to several recipients of the letters seeking comment.

Only Bonta, Californias Attorney General responded.

In a statement, his spokesperson called the letters a scare tactic plain and simple.

While we are unable to comment on the specifics of the letter, we want to be clear: SB 54 was upheld by the courts during the first Trump administration, and it prevents the use of state and local resources for federal immigration enforcement with certain narrow exceptions. SB 54 does nothing, however, to block federal agencies from conducting immigration enforcement themselves. California will continue to comply with all applicable state and federal laws, and we expect all local law enforcement agencies to do the same.

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President-elect Trump has said mass deportations are necessary as a way to make the United States a safer country.

Visit the BorderReport.com homepage for the latest exclusive stories and breaking news about issues along the U.S.-Mexico border

Many migrant advocates, including the American Civil Liberties Union, say mass deportations will decimate American communities by targeting immigrants who are already contributing members of society while leading to countless family separations.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
WASHINGTON, N.C. (WNCT)  UPDATE: The person shot and killed in an officer-involved shooting in Beaufort County Jan. 9, 2025 has now been identified as 19-year-old Alec Edward Shaw.

According to the press release, deputies seen Shaw carrying a rifle and gave verbal commands to drop the weapon. Shaw refused to comply with the deputies and started firing at law enforcement. He then fled behind a building on HWY 33 West.

Beaufort County Sheriffs deputies and NC State highway Patrol formed a perimeter and continued verbal commands to Shaw, ordering him to drop his weapon. Shaw fired again from behind the building forcing a member from the Beaufort County Sheriffs Office to return fire. The deputy fired and fatally wounded Shaw.

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EMS was staged nearby and arrived moments after law enforcement secured the scene. Shaw was transported to ECU Health Beaufort where life saving measures were unsuccessful.

State Bureau of Investigation looking into officer-involved shooting in Beaufort County

It happened on N.C. Highway 33 in Chocowinity. The SBI is still investigating and the deputy is on administrative leave pending the conclusion of the investigation.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT.
LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)  A Hempfield School District Student was struck by an Amtrak train near Lancaster County on Sunday, Jan. 12.

According to a statement from Amtrak, at 12:30 p.m., Amtrak train 663, traveling from New York to Harrisburg, struck a person trespassing on the track near Lancaster, Pennsylvania. No passengers or crew members on the train were injured.

A spokesperson from the Hempfield School District said the incident involved a student and that they are unable to provide additional details at this time.

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They added that Amtrak is the lead agency investigating the incident.

Amtrak said they are working with the East Hempfield Township Police to investigate the incident. However, East Hempfield Police said they are not investigating the incident.

The condition of the person hit by the train is unclear, at this time.

This is a developing story. Stay with abc27 News 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 ABC27.
When Donald Trump delivers his second inaugural address on Jan. 20, he will be continuing a tradition started in 1789 by George Washington. A lot has changed since the first president gave his speech to about 100 dignitaries in an office in Federal Hall in New York City.

James Monroe gave the first outdoor inaugural address in 1817. Ronald Reagan was the first to give the address from its current location on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol. Washingtons reluctant remarks to a handful of people has become a long weekend of parties and balls, limos and rented tuxedos.

The inaugural address, like the State of the Union speech, is a tradition rather than a legal requirement. The oath of office makes someone president; the speech makes them presidential. As such, it falls into a category of address that Aristotle called epideictic. Such speeches are ceremonial, like wedding toasts or eulogies. As the rhetorical scholars Karlyn Kohrs Campbell and Kathleen Hall Jamieson wrote in Presidents Creating the Presidency, inaugural addresses link past and future in present contemplation, affirm or praise the shared principles that will guide the incoming administration, ask the audience to gaze upon traditional values

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In his 1801 inaugural address, Thomas Jefferson declared, But every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle. We have called by different names brethren of the same principle. We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists.

John Adams, who Jefferson defeated, was so bitter he lost that he skipped the inauguration.

In his first inaugural address, Abraham Lincoln called on the better angels of our nature, and in his second famously encouraged, With malice toward none, with charity for all  let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nations wounds ... .

John F. Kennedy told Americans to ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.

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Not all speeches are as grand.

In 1841, President William Henry Harrison delivered an 8,500 word speech in lousy weather. He died of pneumonia a month later. Eight years ago, Donald Trump talked about American carnage.

Four years ago, Joe Biden called on Americans to celebrate  the cause of democracy. Like Adams, Trump opted to skip the speech given by the person who defeated him.

All of these speeches  the grand, the droning and the in between  spoke to a vision of what America is and could be.

Drawing on Aristotles definition of epideictic rhetoric, inaugural addresses are, or should be, ceremonial speeches by American presidents in praise of American ideals. To my mind, the speech puts the American experience of self-government in light of higher truths and through reference to a shared heritage of beliefs, stories, ideas, symbols and events.

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Thats how John Carlson, the director of the Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict at Arizona State University, defines civil religion.

Popularized by Robert Bellah in 1967, civil religion is a way of conceiving who we are, where we came from and how we should behave next. Our civil religion is a way for a relatively young, very large country with more than 340 million people from every corner of the world, people who came here for a range of reasons or who were brought here against their will, to find common purpose. Civil religion puts our challenges in a context bigger than any one person or event.

Scholars often point to two strains of civil religion: humble and prophetic on one hand, and imperialistic on the other. A prophetic civil religion, to paraphrase Lincoln, prays not that God is on our side, but that we are on his. This humble civil religion keeps us working toward the more perfect union promised in the preamble to the U.S. Constitution, a sacred document in the civil religious tradition.

An imperialistic civil religion, on the other hand, says that, as America, we are right because we are America. America is its own premise and conclusion. Such a view runs counter to Americas founding ideals, even if it reflects much of Americas historical reality.

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Next Monday, Trump will stand on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol and share his American vision. In that epideictic moment, he can praise American ideals of hard work, humility, honor and respect. He can affirm that our union is always working toward becoming more perfect, as our founders did. Or he can declare that by definition America is always right and always righteous. He can choose pride over humility and proclaim that our path is just, no matter what path that is, because every path that America walks is just.

As someone who has spent a lifetime working in politics and who now teaches politics to the nations next generation of leaders, I hope he chooses the former. I hope that he reminds Americans that our nation is always in the making, and that in the words of the great American poet Langston Hughes, America never has been yet  And yet must be.

Im skeptical, but as an American I am always optimistic.
LIMA (Reuters) -Rescue workers in northern Peru were searching for trapped miners at a small gold mine on Monday , after the mine was allegedly attacked by suspected illegal miners, a local mayor said.

Segundo Armas, mayor of the Pataz district in the region of La Libertad, said that as many as 17 miners could be trapped at the small remote mine which collapsed after it was attacked on Sunday by "possibly rival miners."

The mayor was unable to confirm how many workers had been able to escape.

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"The area is difficult to access and we are trying to confirm the number of those trapped," Armas said, adding that cellular service does not reach the mine.

La Libertad is one of the regions with the highest gold production in Peru, and according to official reports at least 40% of the supply comes from artisanal or informal miners.

(Reporting by Marco Aquino; Writing by Brendan O'Boyle; Editing by Aida Pelaez-Fernandez)
The Queen City Cat Lounge has got it going on with new, first-of-its-kind events for the Burlington area. Here are a couple of them for you, and one that you have to hurry to sign up for. Dont wait!

The first installment of Cat Yoga was so popular at the Queen City Cat Lounge that they are hosting a second installment Wednesday, January 15th at 6 PM. You must hurry up and reserve your spot for this de-stressing and fun experience. Spots are limited and are filling up fast.

The only way the wildly popular, classic game of Dungeons and Dragons could get any better is if it were played alongside cats. Thats exactly whats being added to the fun over at the Queen City Cat Lounge about a week from now. Sign ups are ongoing for this event which is slated for a 6 PM kickoff on Tuesday, January 21st.

If youre interested in signing up for any of these events and/or youre looking to visit the lounge for the first time, feel free to check out the Queen City Cat Lounge website for all that they have to offer. Last but not least, if you want to submit an idea or event for our Pet Community Calendar, that information can be found below. Thanks in advance for sending your suggestions our way!

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44.
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has revealed a plot to remove him from office ahead of the 2027 elections.

Speaking on Kameme FM on Monday, January 13, 2025, the governor claimed that a group of MCAs from Trans Nzoia had initiated the scheme and had already started holding meetings in Eldoret city.

Natembeya attributed his current political challenges to his firm stance on several key issues, which has resulted in clashes with government-loyal officials. He further stated that those behind the plot were aiming to limit his influence in the region as the 2027 General Elections approach.

Despite these efforts to remove him, Natembeya expressed his determination to confront those pushing for his ouster through democratic means. Some meetings are being held, where you find that a few ward representatives are part of meetings in Eldoret with other leaders, planning to remove me from leadership, Natembeya explained.

He continued, That is like political competition because there are people who see me as a threat, so they want to remove me before 2027. But Kenya is a democratic country, and correcting the government is not a crime.

Natembeya made it clear that the impeachment plot would not silence him. He argued that even if the ouster attempt succeeded, he would still have a larger platform to address the issues affecting the people of Trans Nzoia and the country.

He emphasized that the position of governor was not a matter of life and death for him. His primary focus, he said, was to highlight the nations challenges and work toward finding solutions.

I am surprised, if you remove me from the governors seat, how will you stop me from addressing issues in the future? Its not that I want to be powerful, I am focused on the peoples issues, he noted.

Natembeya further pointed out that he didnt need to remain in office to advocate for the peoples needs. Its not necessary for me to be governor to speak on behalf of the people If they do that, I think they will have actually given me an even bigger platform to speak on these matters, he explained.

The governors defiance in the face of growing political opposition signals his determination to continue addressing the concerns of the people, even if it means doing so outside the governors office. His comments underscore the ongoing political dynamics as the 2027 elections draw nearer.
WASHINGTON  Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) on Tuesday pressed Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trumps defense secretary nominee, on whether he believes it should be disqualifying to be defense secretary if someone has committed sexual assault  challenging Hegseths claims that hed been completely cleared of any wrongdoing amid the allegations hes faced of sexual assault and infidelity.

Kaine grilled Hegseth about the October 2017 incident in Monterrey, California, involving a woman who accused Hegseth of sexually assaulting her and preventing her from leaving his hotel room. Hegseth has said the encounter was consensual and that he was never charged with a crime. Details are murky, though, as he entered into a nondisclosure agreement with the woman in 2020.

During Tuesdays high-stakes hearing, Kaine noted Hegseth was still married to his then-second wife at the time of the alleged sexual assault and had just fathered a child by a woman who would later become his third wife.

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I was falsely charged, Hegseth said. Fully investigated and completely cleared.

So you think you were completely cleared because you committed no crime? Thats your definition of completely cleared? the Virginia senator replied. You had just fathered a child two months before by a woman that was not your wife. I am shocked that you would stand here and say youre completely cleared. Can you so casually cheat on a second wife and cheat on the mother of a child that had been born two months before?

As Hegseth began talking about being redeemed by my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Kaine noted the defense secretary nominee had admitted to that infidelity before bringing up the sexual assault allegations against him.

Now, if it had been a sexual assault, that would be disqualifying to be secretary of defense, wouldnt it? Kaine asked.

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Hegseth did not answer the question directly, instead couching his response in regard to the allegations against him specifically. Its a false claim then and a false claim now, he replied. Kaine repeated his question, but Hegseth again called it a false claim and a hypothetical. The senator still didnt let up.

So you cant tell me whether someone who has committed a sexual assault is disqualified from being secretary of defense? Kaine said.

Senator, I know in my instance, and Im talking about my instance only, it was a false claim, Hegseth said sternly.

Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) grilled defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth during his confirmation hearing. AP

The Virginia Democrat later asked Hegseth if he had nondisclosure agreements in connection with his first two divorces and whether he would agree to release his former wives from those agreements to speak openly about their marriages to him. Hegseth said he wasnt aware of such agreements, but Kaine suggested he had something to hide.

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Did you ever engage in any acts of physical violence against any of your wives? Kaine said.

Senator, absolutely not, Hegseth replied.

But you would agree with me that if someone had committed physical violence against a spouse, that would be disqualifying to serve as secretary of defense, correct? Kaine said.

Senator, absolutely not have I ever done that, Hegseth said, calling the question a hypothetical.

Kaine went on to bring up allegations about Hegseth showing up drunk at work when he worked at a nonprofit veteran organization and at Fox News. (Trumps transition team has previously called these allegations completely unfounded and false.)

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You would agree with me, right, that if that was the case, that would be disqualifying for somebody to be secretary of defense? Kaine asked.

Senator, those are all anonymous, false claims, Hegseth said before Kaine interjected.

Theyre not anonymous, Kaine said. One of your colleagues said that you got drunk at an event at a bar and chanted, Kill all Muslims. Not anonymous, we have this.

Isnt that the kind of behavior that, if true, would be disqualifying for somebody to be secretary of defense? the senator added.

Senator, anonymous, false charges, Hegseth said flatly.

Theyre not anonymous, Kaine replied before wrapping up his remarks.
President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is set to face the Senate today for his confirmation hearing.

Hegseth has been scrutinized since Trump announced the veteran and former Fox News media pundit as his pick for the head of the Department of Defense. Hegseth's nomination has made a stir on Capitol Hill due to numerous allegations about his personal and professional life, according to reports from the Wall Street Journal. Hegseth has been accused of sexual assault, and a whistleblower report alleged the combat veteran had been forced out of non-profit groups for personal misconduct, mismanagement of funds, and intoxication on the job, USA TODAY reported.

All of this is expected to come front and center as Hegseth faces tough questions from Senate Democrats Tuesday morning on Capitol Hill.

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Theres big issues of character that have been raised about his conduct, which has to be considered, Rhode Island's Sen. Jack Reed, the ranking Democrat on the Armed Services Committee  which will conduct Tuesday's hearing, said in an interview with USA TODAY.

Hegseth has stated that he's a changed man in recent interviews, Im a different man than I was years ago, and thats a redemption story that I think a lot of Americans appreciate."

Here's everything to know about the Senate confirmation hearing and how to watch it:

Pete Hegseth confirmation hearing: Watch from the Senate chambers

The hearing is expected to begin Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. ET/8:30 a.m. CT, according to the Armed Services Committee website, which says it will have a live video.

Who is Pete Hegseth?

Hegseth is a conservative media pundit given the nod last month for the role of Secretary of Defense under Trump. At the news of his nomination, Hegseth stepped away from his role at Fox News which he has been with since 2014.

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In a statement Trump announced Hegseth's nomination, he touted his unorthodox candidate's time in service as an Army combat veteran and his belief that Hegseth could handle one of the top positions in America's government.

"With Pete at the helm, Americas enemies are on notice  Our Military will be Great Again, and America will Never Back Down," Trump wrote in a statement Tuesday night.

Hegseth's military career included serving as an infantry officer in the Army National Guard with deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, and Guantanamo Bay. Hegseth also served as CEO of Concerned Veterans for America.

Hegseth and his family also call Middle Tennessee home.

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They moved to Sumner County, just outside of Nashville, approximately two years ago and, in 2023, Hegseth hosted the 5th annual Fox Nation Patriot Awards at the Grand Ole Opry House.

Pete Hegseth's ties to Doug Wilson and conservative evangelicalism

Hegseth's nomination may have caused a stir in Washington, D.C., but for his theologically conservative, hard-right church coalition, it is seen as providence.

The embroiled nominee is a member of Pilgrim Hill Reformed Fellowship outside Nashville, which is associated with a denomination called the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches (CREC) and mobilized by firebrand Idaho pastor Doug Wilson. These CREC-aligned churches cater more to the conservative evangelical Christians who usually lean toward a more combative and openly rightwing temperament.

They sure wouldnt mind having some more influence and having a figure who shares their ideology in such an elevated position of power, Matthew Taylor, a religious extremism expert at the Institute for Islamic-Christian-Jewish Studies, a nonprofit research center in Baltimore, said in an interview. It both advances their agenda and gives them a toe hold within this broader Trump landscape.

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And the group has slowly made a name for itself under the Christian nationalism movement.

With his nomination, Hegseth offers an in to the Trump camp for the collation which allows it, bolstered Wilson's ideology of the male-led household, to continue to push the group's aspirations to create a theocratic state in which traditionalist Christian men lead the military and other essential government institutions.

Even with Hegseth's numerous controversies, Pilgrim Hill founding pastor Brooks Potteiger and pastoral intern Joshua Haymes have been among his most enthusiastic supporters.

Replacing degenerates with God fearing Christian men, Haymes said in a Nov. 13 social media post about Hegseths nomination. Trumps White House will be staffed by (at least some) faithful, God-fearing Christians who will be advising president Trump and wielding political power.

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Liam Adams with The Tennessean contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Confirmation hearing livestream: Watch Pete Hegseth face the Senate
Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trumps pick for Defense secretary, appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committee for his confirmation hearing on Tuesday, and responded for several hours to tough questions from lawmakers on his fitness for the position.

In his opening remarks, Hegseth said he wants to restore the Warrior Ethos to the Pentagon, rebuild the U.S. military and create deterrence against foreign adversaries, adding that reputational deterrence no longer works. He also reaffirmed his commitment to Trumps America First agenda.

Unlike the current administration, politics should play no part in military matters. We are not Republicans or Democrats  we are American warriors, he said.

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Hegseth acknowledged his experience doesnt match that of defense secretaries of the past few decades, but he argued that the right credentials didnt help the agency, and he could be the needed agent of change.

Senators, especially Democratic members, grilled Hegseth over his record, his tattoo, his views on women in the military as well as the allegations of sexual assault against him.

Hegseths tattoo

Hegseth has a chest tattoo of a Latin phrase that says, Deus Vult, or God wills it. According to The Washington Post, the tattoo dates back to a Christian battle cry during the First Crusade in the Middle Ages. In 2021, Hegseth was barred from attending Trumps inauguration after he was flagged for his tattoo.

During a back-and-forth with Sen. Kevin Cramer, R-N.D., Hegseth defended the tattoo as a Christian symbol. I was identified as an extremist by my own unit for a Christian tattoo, he said. He has other religious tattoos, including a large Jerusalem cross.

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As the Deseret News previously reported, he has a cross with a sword inside, which is a reference to Matthew 10:34: Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.

Women in the military

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., began her line of questioning by expressing concerns about Hegseths qualifications and for not meeting with her nor answering the approximately 100 questions she sent him in a letter. Warren directly quoted Hegseth from his many media appearances and his book. In one appearance on Fox News in 2013, Hegseth said women dont measure up to men in the military, and that women shouldnt be allowed to serve in combat roles because it forces the military to lower the bar.

Warren noted that in the past, Hegseth failed to bring up qualifications while talking about women in the military. She accused him of flip flopping on his views after being nominated for Trumps cabinet.

And then on Nov. 9th, 2024, just 32 days after your last public comment saying that women absolutely should not be in combat, you declared that, quote, some of our greatest warriors are women and you support having them serve in combat. Now that is a very, very big about-face in a very, very short period of time, Warren said.

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Hegseth maintained that his main concern is the lowering of standards.

Sexual assault allegations

Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., questioned Hegseths character, including his extramarital affair that resulted in a child. In another situation, a woman claimed Hegseth sexually assaulted her, although no criminal charges were filed. Hegseth dismissed the claims, saying they come from anonymous sources and are false claims.

Dont make this into some anonymous press thing, Kaine responded. We have seen records with names attached to all of these, including the name of your own mother.

Penelope Hegseth, the nominees mother, sent her son a personal email when he was in the midst of a divorce, which she told Fox News she then apologized to him for. The email was obtained and published by The New York Times.

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Kaine argued that the slew of allegations against Hegseth should disqualify him from the position.

Alcohol abuse allegations

Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, noted that Hegseth promised to stop drinking before asking him whether he would resign if found drinking on the job, which is a 24/7 position.

Hegseth said, Ive made this commitment on behalf of the men and women I am serving. He repeated his statement two other times.

His views on Israel

While delivering his opening remarks, Hegseth faced an interruption from a protester who called him a Christian Zionist. Later, Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., gave Hegseth a chance to respond to the protester.

I support Israel destroying and killing every last member of Hamas, Hegseth said.
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  President-elect Donald Trumps controversial pick to lead the Department of Defense is on Capitol Hill to take questions from senators.

Senators plan to ask questions about Pete Hegseths past behavior and whether hes fit to lead the more than two million American servicemembers.

Some senators have warned Tuesdays hearing will be combative.

He will be rippedhe will be demeaned, said Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.).

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Hegseth will need 51 Senate votes to be confirmed, but he faces allegations he mismanaged a veterans organization funds and drank excessively.

Hegseth has denied the claims and promised not to drink any alcohol if confirmed.

These are serious allegations for such an important job, said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).

Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) has questioned Hegseths comments saying women shouldnt serve in combat roles.

He walked those comments back after his nomination.

Duckworth, a veteran, lost her legs in Iraq.

Hes just simply not qualified to manage at that level, said Duckworth.

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A 2017 police report details allegations of sexual assault which Hegseth also denies. He wasnt charged with a crime.

The matter was fully investigated, and I was completely cleared, said Hegseth in November.

Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville rallied a group of veterans who support Hegseth.

Pete is somebody that believes in this country, said Tuberville.

Tuberville has criticized the military under Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, calling it woke.

Supporters say Hegseth will take politics out of the Department of Defense.

We dont need a woke military, said Tuberville. Republicans have 53 seats in the Senate. Hegseth can only lose three Republicans to be confirmed.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Pete Hegseth came under fire from Senators of both parties weighing his nomination to lead the Defense Department over his past comments about women serving in the military, putting the first of Donald Trumps Cabinet picks to face a hearing on the defensive.

Hegseth has faced a series of controversies in recent weeks, including alleged womanizing, sexual misconduct, inappropriate drinking, and claims of financial mismanagement. During a contentious hearing on Tuesday, he clarified his past comments and told the Senate Armed Services Committee that he would work to eliminate "wokeness" within the military, vowing to restore the warrior ethos to the Pentagon.

While Hegseth tried to project confidence and clarity about his vision for the U.S. military, some of the most pointed questions came from within his own party. One skeptical Republican was Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa, whose vote on the Armed Services Committee might well decide the fate of Hegseth, a 44-year-old former Fox News host and National Guard veteran. Ernst, a former Army National Guard commander and sexual assault survivor, has expressed concerns about Hegseths leadership experience and his past comments on women in combat.

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In one exchange with Ernst, Hegseth appeared to walk back his previous stance against women serving in combat rolesa position that has already prompted backlash within and outside the military. He was pressed by Ernst and several Democratic members of the committee on those comments, which he now claims were "misconstrued.

Hegseth wrote in his 2024 book that women are meant to be life-givers and shouldnt serve in combat roles. Dads push us to take risks. Moms put the training wheels on our bikes. We need moms. But not in the military, especially not in combat units, he wrote. Currently, 18% of the military is composed of women. Asked by Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, a Democrat, if he thinks the two women on the committee who served in the militarySenators Tammy Duckworth of Illinois and Ernstmade the military less capable, Hegseth said: No, their contributions are indispensable. My comments are about having the same standards across the board.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, a Democrat on the committee, said that his comments on women were a silly thing to say and beneath the position of Secretary of Defense. You have to change how you see women to do this job well, and I dont know that you can, she said. Later, Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, a Democrat, questioned his apparent recent change of opinion on women in combat and asked how women can be certain he wont reverse his opinion again once confirmed. "I've heard of deathbed conversions, but this is the first time I've seen a nomination conversion," she said.

Read More: Pete Hegseths Role in Trumps Controversial Pardons of Men Accused of War Crimes

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Hegseth can only lose a single Republican vote on the Senate Armed Services panel if all Democrats oppose him. If he makes it for a vote in the full Senate, Hegseth can afford to lose no more than three Republican votes if all Democrats vote against him. Hegseth only met with one Democrat prior to the hearingSenator Jack Reed of Delaware, the top Democrat on the committee. Several Democrats called him out for not scheduling meetings with them.

For many on the committee, it wasnt just Hegseths views on gender and military service that raised questions. Past personal allegationsincluding sexual assault, drinking on the job, and claims by former co-workers that he mismanaged veterans organizations he ledremained key concerns. Hegseth called those allegations a coordinated smear campaign and said the media was out to destroy mebecause I'm a change agent. He previously acknowledged that he paid an undisclosed sum to a woman who had accused him of sexual assault at a Republican conference in 2017. No charges were ever filed against Hegseth in the incident. Pressed by Ernst, Hegseth said he would appoint a senior level official dedicated to sexual assault prevention in the military.

"Im not a perfect person," Hegseth said. "But redemption is real.

The hearing also saw scrutiny from Democrats over Hegseths qualifications to lead the Pentagon, particularly given his relative lack of experience managing large, bureaucratic organizations. Reed, the top Democrat on the committee who voted in favor of Trumps picks for Secretary of Defense in the President-elects first term, questioned Hegseths capacity to oversee the massive U.S. military apparatus, adding that he reviewed the allegations against Hegseth and concluded that the alleged conduct would disqualify any service member from holding any leadership position in the military. Other Democrats pointed out that his management experience pales in comparison to even mid-level civilian managers in private sector companies, let alone the head of one of the worlds largest institutions.

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Duckworth, an Iraq War combat veteran, then quizzed Hegseth on military issues. At one point, she asked Hegseth to name a country thats in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), a political and economic union of 10 states. He mentioned South Korea, Japan and Australianone of which are in ASEAN. "I suggest you do a little homework," she said.

In response to concerns about his qualifications, Hegseth highlighted his military service, his leadership in the National Guard, and his work at veterans organizations, while also stressing his role as a critic of the military establishment and advocate for reform.

Read More: Not Qualified And Out of Touch: Combat Veteran Tammy Duckworth on Why She Opposes Pete Hegseths Nomination

It is true that I don't have a similar biography to Defense Secretaries of the last 30 years, Hegseth said in his opening statement. But, as President Trump also told me, we've repeatedly placed people atop the Pentagon with supposedly the right credentialswhether they are retired generals, academics, or defense contractor executivesand where has it gotten us?

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It's time to give someone with dust on his boots the helm, he added. A change agent. Someone with no vested interest in certain companies or specific programs or approved narratives.

If confirmed, Hegseth would oversee more than 3 million military and civilian personnel around the world, the U.S. nuclear arsenal, and an annual budget of more than $800 billion. He would be expected to lead the nations military as the U.S. faces threats from Russia, China, Iran and adversaries around the world.

Some members of the public expressed their opposition to Hegseths nomination on Tuesday as well. Four people, one wearing a Vietnam veteran cap, were removed from the hearing within the first minutes of Hegseths opening statement. At least three were protesting Hegseths stance on the war in Gaza. Later, when asked by Republican Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas to address the protestors and clarify his stance on the Israel-Hamas war, Hegseth said that he supports Israel killing and destroying every last member of Hamas.

Hegseth also addressed diversity and inclusion policies, arguing they divide troops and that the military should be putting meritocracy first.

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Asked by Senator Mazie Hirono of Hawaii, a Democrat on the committee, if he will use the military to take over Greenland or the Panama Canal as Trump suggested he might use the military to do in a press conference on Jan. 7, Hegseth said he would never tip his hand in a public setting on military plans.

Its not yet clear if Hegseth will get the support of every Republican on the committeeor in the upper chamber. Some Republican senatorsincluding Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaskahave remained noncommittal on his nomination.

Write to Nik Popli at nik.popli@time.com.
Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump's pick for defense secretary, attempted to convince senators on Tuesday, Jan. 14, that he can be trusted to run the Pentagon despite his controversial past

Hegseth fought off allegations of misconduct, sexual assault and alcohol abuse  many of which resurfaced in the time since President-elect Donald Trump nominated him

Hegseth claimed the allegations were "anonymous, false charges," but Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand stated that he "will have to change how you see women to do this job well," adding, "and I don't know if you are capable of that"

Pete Hegseth faced a tense and polarized Senate on Tuesday while they interrogated his ability to become the next defense secretary.

As senators probed into a long history of accusations against him, Hegseth fought off allegations of misconduct, sexual assault and alcohol abuse  many of which resurfaced in the time since President-elect Donald Trump nominated him.

Sen. Tim Kaine, a Democrat from Virginia, brought up the allegations of sexual assault, as well as an accusation that he drunkenly chanted "kill all Muslims" at a work event and another allegation that he brought colleagues to a strip club.

Andrew Harnik/Getty Pete Hegseth Pete Hegseth

In response, Hegseth claimed the allegations were "anonymous, false charges," though Kaine was prepared with names of numerous accusers.

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"You claim that this is all anonymous  we have seen records with names attached to all of these, including your own mother," Kaine said.

He added, "So don't make this into some 'anonymous' press thing. We have seen multiple names of colleagues, consistently throughout your career, that have talked about your abusive actions."

Sen. Mark Kelly of Arizona raised similar concerns, and when Hegseth responded repeatedly with "anonymous smears," Kelly grew frustrated.

"It's clear to me that you're not being honest with us or the American people because you know the truth would disqualify you from getting the job," Kelly said.

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Related: RFK Jr. Says Heroin Made Him a Top-of-Class Student in Resurfaced Clip: 'It Worked for Me'

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York addressed another major point of contention surrounding Hegseth: his past claims that women should not be allowed to serve in the military. Gillibrand read Hegseth his own quotes, including "We need moms, but not in the military  especially in combat units."

"You will have to change how you see women to do this job well," she said, "and I don't know if you are capable of that."

However, Republican Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin came to Hegseth's defense when Democrats responded harshly to his past infidelity and on-the-job intoxication. Mullin asked Democrats if they had ever demanded that other members of the governing body resign on grounds of adultery or being drunk during votes.

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Also during the hearing, Hegseth would not confirm or deny that he would authorize military force in Denmark, a member of NATO, amid Trump's renewed interest in buying Greenland. He also failed to list any of the countries part of ASEAN  the Association of Southeast Asian Nations when asked by Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois. Hegseth often answered claims of past wrongdoing by stating he's been saved by Christianity.

Despite a harsh response from Democratic senators, Hegseth appeared to win over Republicans in the chamber. He was seen in good spirits leaving the floor, shaking hands with supporters and patting them on the back.

Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc/Getty Pete Hegseth Pete Hegseth

Related: Donald Trump's Final Cabinet Picks: Everyone He Tapped to Join His Administration

Hegseth, a former personality on Fox News' Fox & Friends and a past military officer, was nominated by Trump in November. Since then, his nomination has been characterized by resurfaced scandals and allegations against him.

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A police report about an alleged sexual assault in 2017 resurfaced, in which Hegseth was accused. Though he was never charged in connection to the incident, CNN reported that Hegseth entered into a settlement agreement with his accuser, which included a payment and confidentiality clause.

The sexual assault allegations seemingly prompted other old complaints of his behavior and conduct. His mother, Penelope Hegseth, wrote a 2018 email to her son condemning his "despicable" behavior, The New York Times reported.

"You are an abuser of women  that is the ugly truth and I have no respect for any man that belittles, lies, cheats, sleeps around, and uses women for his own power and ego," she wrote, adding, "You are that man (and have been for years) and as your mother, it pains me and embarrasses me to say that, but it is the sad, sad truth."

Penelope later told the Times that just after sending the email, she sent another to apologize for speaking to him "in anger, with emotion." In the interview, she rescinded the sentiments initially expressed in the initial email and claimed her son was "a good father, husband."

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.

Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call Pete Hegseth in 2014 Pete Hegseth in 2014

Related: Texas Orders Flags to Be Raised for Donald Trump's Inauguration Despite Jimmy Carter's Mourning Period

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On Dec. 1, two non-profit organizations where Hegseth held leadership roles shared past grievances against him. The New Yorker reported he was allegedly ousted from both due to drunkenness, financial mismanagement and fostering uncomfortable environments for women.

Amid the compounding scandal, Hegseth met with many senators in early December in an attempt to salvage his nomination, The New York Times reported. While many Republicans withheld support for the former Fox News host, Trump remained steadfast in his defense secretary pick.

Pete Hegseth is doing very well. His support is strong and deep, much more so than the Fake News would have you believe, Trump wrote on Truth Social on Dec. 6. He was a great student  Princeton/Harvard educated  with a Military state of mind. He will be a fantastic, high energy, Secretary of Defense Defense, one who leads with charisma and skill. Pete is a WINNER, and there is nothing that can be done to change that!!!



Read the original article on People
WASHINGTON  President-elect Donald Trumps pick to lead the Department of Defense said Tuesday that all the reports of his excessive drinking were false.

Pete Hegseth also said at his confirmation hearing that he wouldnt drink another drop if hes confirmed by the Senate to lead the U.S. military.

Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) first confronted Hegseth, a former Fox News host and Army veteran, about allegations he had a drinking problem.

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I have read multiple reports of your regularly being drunk at work, including by people who worked with you at Fox News, Hirono said.

Senator, those are multiple false anonymous reports peddled by NBC News that run directly contradictory to the dozens of men and women at Fox News Channel who I worked with and said they never saw that, Hegseth said.

Allegations of alcohol abuse, financial mismanagement and sexual misconduct have dogged Hegseth since Trump announced him as his choice to lead the Defense Department. Hegseth is one of several Trump nominees who are so controversial its possible they wont win votes from 50 of the 53 Republicans in the Senate, meaning Trump would have to pick someone else. Already, one of Trumps top nominees, former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), withdrew from consideration to be attorney general rather than face a doomed Senate confirmation vote.

But no Republicans have said they would definitely oppose Hegseth, and none asked any hard questions about his personal conduct on Tuesday.

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NBC News reported in December that seven former and three current Fox News employees said Hegseths drinking concerned them, with some saying he showed up to the studio hungover ahead of his early morning TV duties.

Contrary to Hegseth, it wasnt just NBC News and anonymous sources talking about his drinking  Hegseth himself has repeatedly discussed his affinity for alcohol.

The less booze thing is not working out for me, Hegseth said on a podcast in January 2024, as part of a conversation about New Years resolutions, in one example the New York Times highlighted Tuesday as part of a pattern of public comments Hegseth has made about his own partying.

Hirono noted that Hegseth recently told several Republican senators that he wouldnt drink if confirmed, a vow he also made in an interview with Megyn Kelly.

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Absolutely, Hegseth said Tuesday. I made this commitment on behalf of the men and women Im serving.

Hirono asked Hegseth if he would resign as Secretary of Defense if he wound up drinking again, but he didnt commit to doing so.

Later during the hearing, Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) also grilled Hegseth about his drinking, noting that a whistleblower report from Hegseths tenure as CEO of Concerned Veterans for America, a nonprofit group, detailed excessive drinking and even an instance of Hegseths co-workers having to physically restrain him. (The internal report was revealed by the New Yorker.)

Those are all anonymous, false claims, Hegseth said.

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Theyre not anonymous. Weve seen records with names attached, Kaine said. One of your colleagues said that you got drunk at an event at a bar and chanted Kill all Muslims. Another colleague  not anonymous, we have this  said that you took co-workers to a strip club, you were drunk, you tried to dance with strippers, you had to be held offstage.

Kaine asked if the allegation would be disqualifying if it were true.

Senator, anonymous, false charges, Hegseth said.

Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) defended Hegseth by arguing that senators, too, are sometimes drunk on the job.

How many senators have shown up drunk to vote at night? Mullin said. Weve all made mistakes.
Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trumps pick for defense secretary, revealed an embarrassing ignorance about a major geopolitical organization during his Senate confirmation hearing on Tuesday.

Hegseth, a former Fox News personality, was taking questions from Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) when she challenged him to share his knowledge about even just one member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN.

Can you name the importance of at least one of the nations in ASEAN and what type of agreement we have with at least one of those nations? she asked.

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I couldnt tell you the exact amount of nations in that, but I know we have allies in South Korea and Japan and ... with Australia, Hegseth began responding.

Duckworth cut him off to make a major correction.

None of those three countries that youve mentioned are in ASEAN, she said. I suggest you do a little homework before you prepare for these types of negotiations.

Pete Hegseth during his confirmation hearing Tuesday. Bloomberg via Getty Images

ASEANs members include Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Australia, one of the countries Hegseth mentioned, isnt even on the Asian continent.

Hegseth, whos facing allegations of sexual misconduct and excessive drinking and partying, has spent the last decade as a commentator for Fox News. In the early 2000s, he was commissioned as an infantry officer in the Army National Guard and deployed to Afghanistan, Iraq and Guantanamo Bay. Beyond that, he has no experience in defense roles.

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Duckworth wasnt the only person to focus on Hegseths minimal qualifications on Tuesday. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) told Hegseth he would support him if he were auditioning for a lesser role, such as a Pentagon spokesperson. Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), the ranking Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, was even harsher.

Mr. Hegseth, I do not believe that you are qualified to meet the overwhelming demands of this job, Reed told him.

A variety of sources, including your own writings, implicate you with disregarding laws of war, financial mismanagement, racist and sexist remarks about men and women in uniform, alcohol abuse, sexual assault, sexual harassment, and other troubling issues, he continued. I have reviewed many of these allegations, and find them extremely alarming.

Hegseth has denied all allegations against him.

Related...
WASHINGTON  Defense secretary hopeful Pete Hegseth faced intense scrutiny from Democrats in a Tuesday confirmation hearing, fielding questions about allegations of sexual assault, infidelity, showing up to work drunk and disparaging womens participation in the military.

The top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, Sen. Jack Reed (R.I.), even told Hegseth at the start of the hearing that he lacked the character and composure and competence to hold the position of secretary of defense, a scathing rebuke from one of the most mild-mannered lawmakers on Capitol Hill.

But Hegseth, who previously worked as a weekend host for Fox News, emerged from his four-hour grilling with nothing but praise from Republicans, and barring any last-minute surprises, he appears to be headed to a smooth confirmation as early as next week.

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Im encouraged, Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), the chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, told HuffPost of Hegseths performance. I think he helped himself immensely today.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) also brushed off concerns about the sexual assault allegations against him, saying he had acquitted himself extremely well and made a strong argument for why he ought to be the secretary of defense.

In still more good news for Hegseth, Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) announced her support for his confirmation after questioning him about sexual assault in the armed forces and women serving in the military. Ernst had initially appeared to have doubts about Hegseths nomination, prompting Trump supporters to hurl fierce criticism at her.

Our next commander in chief selected Pete Hegseth to serve in this role, and after our conversations, hearing from Iowans, and doing my job as a United States Senator, I will support President Trumps pick for Secretary of Defense, Ernst said in a statement after the hearing.

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Hegseth confirmed he supported maintaining women serving in combat roles  contradicting paststatements questioning their fitness for such positions  and committed to appointing an official in the Pentagon if confirmed that would focus on tackling sexual assault.

No Republican senators have come out against Hegseths nomination, and it would require at least four of them to block his confirmation on the Senate floor. But that doesnt mean hes out of the woods to become President-elect Donald Trumps leader of the Pentagon.

Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), the former GOP party leader and a defense hawk, said nothing Tuesday when asked for his take on Hegseths performance. Neither did Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), a key GOP swing vote who has been vocal about sexual violence.

Sen. John Curtis (R-Utah), meanwhile, told Politico that he is still undecided.

President-elect Donald Trump's defense secretary pick, Pete Hegseth, weathered some tough questions from Democrats during his Senate confirmation hearing. He appears on track to be confirmed, though. Andrew Harnik via Getty Images

Hegseth weathered some tough inquiries from Democrats during his hearing.

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Five female Democratic senators excoriated Hegseth over his past comments in opposition to women serving in combat roles in the military. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), an Iraq War veteran who lost her legs while serving, was especially critical of Hegseth, saying he was uniquely unqualified to lead the department.

You will have to change how you see women to do this job well, and I dont know if you are capable of that, scolded Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) in another exchange that focused on women in the military.

In another heated moment, Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) pressed Hegseth on whether he believes someone should be disqualified from being defense secretary if theyve committed sexual assault. Kaine brought up a 2017 incident in Monterey, California, involving a woman accusing Hegseth of preventing her from leaving a hotel room and sexually assaulting her in some way that included him ejaculating onto her stomach.

Hegseth has said the encounter was consensual and that he was never charged with a crime. But details are murky as he entered into a nondisclosure agreement with the woman making the allegations.

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Now, if it had been a sexual assault, that would be disqualifying to be secretary of defense, wouldnt it? Kaine asked Hegseth, who would not answer the question directly and instead addressed the allegations against him. Its a false claim then and a false claim now, Hegseth said.

They went back and forth several times. It was awkward and pointed, and Hegseth declined to answer the question each time.

Im not a perfect person, Hegseth said at one point as Kaine asked about infidelity in past relationships. I have failed in things in my life and thankfully Im redeemed by my lord and savior, Jesus Christ.

Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) told reporters later that Republicans knew the sexual assault allegations would come up in Hegseths hearing, so Kaines questioning wasnt a surprise.

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I think Mr. Hegseth responded, and now its a matter of moving forward and finding out whether or not it made anybody else think twice about whether or not they would support Mr. Hegseth, said Rounds. I dont think that it changed any minds.

Now in the minority in the Senate, Democrats cant do much to stop Hegseth from being confirmed beyond complaining loudly. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) went on the Senate floor to criticize Hegseth for avoiding questions during his hearing about all of the allegations against him.

It appears Mr. Hegseths strategy is to follow the five Ds of dodgeball: dodge, duck, dip, dive and dodge, Schumer said.

His history of excessive drinking is troubling for someone seeking to lead our military, and his reflexive defiance against the allegations regarding sexual assault undermines his credibility, he said, referencing various claims about past alcohol use that Hegseth has pushedback on, with some alleging that hed shown up drunk to work events while at Fox News.

Being secretary of defense demands discipline, character, restraint. Mr. Hegseths history shows he is deficient in all these qualities and thus far, his hearing has not changed that, Schumer said.
Donald Trump wants to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. Here in the Hudson Valley, there's an ongoing effort to rename the Donald J. Trump State Park on the Westchester-Putnam county border.

"We're going to be changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, which has a beautiful ring that covers a lot of territory, the Gulf of America," president-elect Donald J. Trump said at a Jan. 7 press conference,

"What a beautiful name. And it's appropriate. It's appropriate," he said.

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In contrast, online efforts to garner support for renaming Donald J. Trump State Park in Yorktown Heights continue.

A recent online petition hosted on Moveon.org to rename the park has garnered over 109,000 signatures. The last name to sign is dated Jan. 9. A 2021 Change.org petition has more than 225,000 signatures, with activity as recently as three weeks ago. The petition calls for the park to be renamed as Sojourner Truth Park.

From 2021: Latest effort to rename Donald J. Trump State Park falls short

Efforts to rename Donald J. Trump State Park often stall out

"Several previous proposed names have all been admirable choices but perhaps have not met the benchmark through which most public lands have been rededicated in our State, to honor individuals rather than perhaps individuals who have donated land," the Change.org petition reads. "The naming of a park should be that of a historic New Yorker who has made an outstanding contribution to the history and development of our state and one who evokes the values of patriotism, inclusiveness and equity under the law."

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Efforts to rename the park have so far failed or stalled. The latest legislation to conduct a review for re-designation of the land was introduced in 2023 by Assemblywoman Dana Levenberg (D-Westchester/Putnam) and state Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal (D-Manhattan). It is currently in committee in both the Assembly and Senate.

Has any geographic names in Lower Hudson Valley changed?

Elsewhere in the Hudson Valley, Putnam County said there has been only one instance of a name change, and that was for historic and memorial purposes, not to get rid of a name for offensive reasons, said Jennifer Cassidy, county historian.

"It was the Daily Brook in the town of Southeast. It was renamed the 'Salmons Daily Brook' after a farming family (who were also) early settlers," Cassidy said in an email.

Likewise, the Westchester County Historical Society is not aware of any changes to names of geographical features in that county that were made by the US Board on Geographic Names because the original name was deemed offensive, said Patrick Raftery, assistant director and librarian, in an email.

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Craig Long, Rockland County historian, said also in an email he and the Historical Society of Rockland County were similarly unaware of any name changes for similar reasons.

TOPSHOT - Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum speaks during her daily conference at the National Palace in Mexico City on January 8, 2025. Sheinbaum stated that the country is 'governed by the people' after US President-elect Donald Trump accused Mexico of being run by drug cartels. She also added that the United States should be called 'Mexican America', in response to Trump's proposal to rename the Gulf of Mexico the 'Gulf of America'. (Photo by ALFREDO ESTRELLA / AFP) (Photo by ALFREDO ESTRELLA/AFP via Getty Images)

Can Trump rename the Gulf of Mexico?

Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico's president, countered by showing at a news conference a 17th-century map showing Mexican and part of what is now United States territory labeled as "America Mexicana"  "Mexican America"  and joked, "We are going to call the United States 'Mexican America,' it sounds nice."

Trump  or any American  can suggest a renaming. Under federal law, the U.S. government has a process by which it formally names and renames geographic features, from rivers and lakes to mountains. Overseen by the Board on Geographic Names, it happens more than you might think, and in recent years federal officials have been changing historic place names deemed offensive, particularly to Black and Native Americans.

States are not required to use the same names as the federal government, although they usually do.

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"The BGN is responsible by law for standardizing geographic names throughout the federal government and discourages name changes unless there is a compelling reason," the board says on its website. "Further, changing an existing name merely to correct or re-establish historical usage should not be a primary reason to change a name."

A caveat to the Gulf of America name

While the United States can change the name by which the gulf is known, other countries arent required to use it. Multiple international bodies help mediate those discrepancies, including the United Nations Group of Experts on Geographical Names.

"As fundamental to the need for global standardization of geographical names, UNGEGN promotes the recording of locally-used names reflecting the languages and traditions of a country," the organization says on its website. "... Geographers, linguists, cartographers and planners are among those specialists who develop the tools, harness the technology, provide the outreach, and share the belief that accurate and consistent use of a common framework of geographical names can offer considerable benefits to the world."

Contributing: The Journal News archives, USA TODAY.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Can Gulf of Mexico be renamed? See similar efforts in Hudson Valley NY
Peter Mbae has resigned from his position as Head of Government Delivery Services, citing unresolved issues he raised with the Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei.

In a letter dated January 9, 2025, Mbae communicated his decision to step down, reflecting on the challenges that made his position untenable. He took up the role in June 2024 and had been responsible for overseeing the implementation of government programs across various ministries, departments, and agencies.

Mbaes letter highlighted his dedication to his public service career but pointed out the issues that prevented him from fulfilling his duties as intended.

Despite my passion, focus, and consistency, for reasons and issues that I have consistently brought to your attention and have not been resolved to date, it has not been possible to carry out my duties as intended and my position as Head of Government Delivery Services is no longer tenable, he wrote.

He reflected on his journey in public service, mentioning his earlier roles, including his appointment as Secretary for Investments Promotion in January 2023 by the Public Service Commission. He also served in the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry, where he led the Ministerial Delivery Unit. In October 2023, Mbae was appointed Head of Ministerial Programmes in the Ministry of Public Service, Performance, and Delivery Management.

In all these positions, I served diligently with utmost commitment and sacrifice, driven solely by the genuine desire to achieve sustainable transformation in the lives of citizens in line with the Kenya Kwanza government manifesto, Mbae noted in his letter.

He also stated that, in order to be accountable to the people of Kenya, he felt compelled to formally disengage from his position.

Since the appointment was widely circulated, I request to formally disengage from this appointment to pursue other interests. I thank you for the opportunity and trust you bestowed on me to serve in the public service he added.

Mbae confirmed to reporters that he will now return to his previous professional endeavors. I was a professional in my own right before joining government, so I will return to what I was doing before, he said.

The Government Delivery Services (GDS) is a central government body within the State Department for Performance and Delivery Management. It coordinates the implementation of national government flagship programs, monitors and evaluates their progress, and ensures the timely execution of key development projects. The GDS also tracks and reports on government priorities, provides practical solutions to projects facing challenges, and raises public awareness about government achievements.
(Bloomberg) -- The Philippines has raised alarm over a huge Chinese vessel moving closer to its western coast facing the South China Sea, underscoring fresh tensions arising shortly before US President-elect Donald Trump takes office.

Most Read from Bloomberg

China should immediately withdraw its 12,000-ton Coast Guard ship widely known as The Monster which was spotted 77 nautical miles (143 kilometers) off the Philippines shores, said Jonathan Malaya of the Southeast Asian nations security council.

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Lately, we were surprised about the increasing aggression being shown by the Peoples Republic of China in deploying the monster ship, Malaya said at a briefing Tuesday with other security officials. Its getting closer also to the Philippine coast. That is alarming.

China defended its actions on Tuesday, telling the Philippines to stop provocations and activities that may complicate the situation and disrupt regional peace.

China Coast Guards patrols and law enforcement activities in relevant waters in accordance with the law is beyond reproach, Guo Jiakun, Chinas Foreign Ministry spokesman, told a regular press briefing in Beijing on Tuesday.

Philippines Protests Illegal Moves by China Ships, Chopper

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Manila and Beijing have clashed off the disputed waters in the past months, as both nations assert their claims. The Philippines is a longtime US treaty ally that allows it to call on American help in case of an armed attack in the disputed waterway that holds huge energy potential.

China has recently bolstered its sweeping claims in the contested sea through deploying ships and holding large-scale drills, maintaining that these actions were justified. In 2016, an international tribunal said Chinas sweeping claims have no legal basis, a ruling which Beijing rejects.

Chinas latest moves may be due to the leadership change in the US, or a way to challenge the Philippines recent laws asserting its maritime rights while also normalizing its sea claim through the so-called nine-dash line, Philippine Coast Guard spokesman Jay Tarriela said at the same briefing.

--With assistance from Andreo Calonzo and Colum Murphy.

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(Updates with China foreign ministry comments in fifth paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
As the deadly January 2025 Los Angeles-area wildfires continued to burn, online users shared a rumor claiming a set of photos showed a Christian man's home with a red roof untouched by the blazes. The users' posts claimed the homeowner "was protected by God."

Numerous Facebook users shared the rumor with four different pictures. Some users shared the photos as a single screenshot. Three of the pictures showed homes with red roofs seemingly undamaged in neighborhoods decimated by flames. The fourth image displayed a man wearing a face mask.

These users' posts carried copied-and-pasted text, reading, "This is the home of a Christian in Los Angeles, California. While the houses around him were destroyed by fire, his house remained untouched. God's promise in Psalm 91:1-6 was fulfilled. You can't imagine how much he cried for joy, knowing he was protected by God. Truly, God is his refuge."

However, these posts misled users. While the man pictured wearing a face mask did say he believed God saved his home from the fires  as did at least one other L.A.-area resident  the in-question pictures of houses bore no relation to the January 2025 blazes. Further, the three photos of homes depicted two completely different houses  a detail unnoticed by users who shared and commented on the rumor.

The Facts About All Four Photos

Two of the photos depicted an oceanfront home with a red roof spared from flames during the August 2023 Maui wildfires in Hawaii. At the time, the Australian news website news.com.au reported the owner of the "miracle" home attributed the structure's survival to its heavy-gauge metal roof.

A genuine aerial image shows a red-roof house that survived the August 2023 wildfires in Lahaina, Hawaii. (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)

The third picture of a different house with a red roof (below) was fake. According to Google, an unknown user generated the image with an artificial-intelligence (AI) tool offered by the tech company  possibly the Google DeepMind text-to-image generator Imagen 3.

A user generated this picture with AI.

We credit Reddit user u/mtfdoris with confirming the above photo's inauthenticity. The user made a comment under a Reddit post about the picture, saying performing a reverse-image search with Google Images and selecting the tab "About this image" revealed the context, "Made with Google AI," as seen in the screenshot below. The first link displayed under that context showed a Threads user (archived) incorrectly claiming, "Y'all this is not n [sic] AI GENERATED PHOTO THIS IS REAL."

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A Google Images reverse-image search for the third photo revealed the words, "Made with Google AI."

The fourth image of the man wearing a face mask originated from a video interview. 7NEWS Australia published the clip on Instagram on Jan. 9, 2025. In the clip, an unidentified man who said the L.A.-area fires impacted his neighborhood told the interviewer God saved his house. "I shouldn't be crying because my entire block is burned down. But God saved my house." Then, at a loss for words, he continued, "Why are all my neighbors? Why are they? In the middle of two burnt down blocks, there's one house standing, and that's mine."

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEoCJyHObqq/

We contacted 7NEWS Australia to ask for identifying information about the man and will update this story if we receive a response.

Sources:

Halpert, Madeline. "Hawaii Wildfires: The Red Lahaina House That Survived Maui Fires." BBC News, 21 Aug. 2023, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-66575234.

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"Imagen 3." Google DeepMind, https://deepmind.google/technologies/imagen-3/.

Kazlauskas, Jasmine. "How This 'Miracle' House Survived Deadly Hawaii Fires." News.com.au, 21 Aug. 2023, https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/warnings/how-this-miracle-house-survived-deadly-hawaii-fires/news-story/e0750a0be9613ad35529c036827b6c81.

"Reverse Image Search." Google, https://sites.google.com/view/reverse-images/home.

u/mtfdoris. "Made with Google AI Tools, Actually." r/Mysteriesoftheworld via Reddit, 13 Jan. 2024, https://www.reddit.com/r/mysteriesoftheworld/comments/1i0mwu1/comment/m6zremk/.

Weber, Christopher, et al. "Southern California Faces New Wildfire Warnings as near Hurricane-Force Winds Regain Strength." The Associated Press, 14 Jan. 2025, https://apnews.com/article/los-angeles-wildfires-southern-california-2dc4d256d8681f7d035f64730982aef0.
A crew of crooks who shot two men in the head, killing one of them, while raiding an illegal Queens casino last month were actually targeting a smoke shop upstairs  and ran off with several pounds of marijuana as they made their escape, police said Tuesday.

The NYPD on Tuesday released surveillance images of the suspects wanted for the high-stakes heist.

The hooded robbers entered the back of the illegal casino on Haight St. near 41st Ave. in Flushing about 9 p.m. on Dec. 19 and pulled guns on a small crowd inside.

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They robbed the victims of their cash and cellphones, then made their way upstairs to the illegal smoke shop where they grabbed all the weed they could carry, police said.

During the hold-up at least one of the crooks opened fire, striking 37-year-old Yun Li in the head and a 42-year-old man in the face, cops said.

They fled the scene in a black Dodge Durango and a gray Nissan Pathfinder.

Medics rushed Li to New York-Presbyterian Hospital Queens, where he died the next day.

At about the same time, the older victim showed up by private means at the same hospital with a bullet wound to his cheek, cops said. He was treated and released.

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Flushing residents told the Daily News that illegal gambling halls were an open secret in the community but violence at these places was a rarity.

There are a few underground gambling  rooms around this block, said a neighborhood cabinet maker who didnt want to give his name. I think this happens a lot. Its just only this time people were shot.

As the search for the robbers continued, police released surveillance images of three of the suspects and the vehicles they sped off in. In one image, a masked crook is carrying a clear plastic casino chip holder with his victims cellphone inside.

Police are asking anyone with information regarding this heist to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP)  The FDIC Office of Inspector General issued a new scheme alert to inform consumers of a type of scheme known as pig butchering.

MassDOT warning drivers of EZDriveMA text message scheme

What is pig butchering

Pig butchering schemes are on the rise, which refers to a type of online investment fraud. How this scheme works is a victim is lured into making increasingly large deposits, that are often in cryptocurrency, to a fake investment platform. The schemers are then slaughtering the victims funds once its invested.

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This term comes from a Chinese phrase that translates to killing the pig, and essentially is the idea of fattening up a pig before its slaughtered.

How to avoid becoming a victim

Dont send money, trade, or invest with a person you have only met online

Dont speak about your financial position or investments

Dont share personal information with people or online persons whom you havent validated or dont trust

Be wary of large-interest earnings on short-term investments

Where can you report this scheme?

If you suspect you are a victim, notify your bank immediately. Contact your local police department and file a police report. You can also file a complaint on the FBIs Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

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.
Gov. Jim Pillen with, from left, State Sens. Mike Jacobson of North Platte and Barry DeKay of Niobrara talk during a news conference about legislative proposals they said would protect agriculture, water and natural resources. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)

LINCOLN  Calling it a move to protect Nebraskas ag industry, Gov. Jim Pillen on Tuesday announced his backing of three new legislative proposals  including one banning lab-grown meat from being produced in or sold in stores of the Cornhusker State.

Its important we get on the offense so that Nebraska farmers and ranchers are not undermined, the governor, flanked by two state lawmakers, said during a Capitol news conference.

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Pillen, Nebraskas first active farmer elected as governor in more than a century, called agriculture the lifeblood of the states economy. He said that while most people want the government out of our hair, he believes the state should protect consumers and defend agriculture.

Grazing in a farm field. (Lance Cheung/USDA)

Of the proposed ban on protein food grown in a petri dish, Pillen said: If somebody wants to eat that stuff, theyre welcome to it  theyre just not gonna find it in Nebraska grocery stores.

Legislative Bill 246 was introduced, at the request of the governor, by State Sen. Barry DeKay of Niobrara. Seven state senators are listed as co-sponsors.

The bill takes aim at cultivated-protein food products, defined as: a food product having one or more sensory attributes that resemble a type of tissue originating from an agricultural food animal but that, in lieu of being derived from meat processing, is derived from manufacturing cells or non-animal sources, including processes in which one or more stem cells are initially isolated from an agricultural food animal, are grown in vitro, and may be manipulated, as part of a manufacturing operation.

Aggressive push

DeKay said plant-based burgers are not a target of his bill, and he said Nebraskans still could opt to buy lab-grown meat outside the state for delivery to their home.

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Advocates of cultivated meat grown in a controlled environment cite potential benefits compared to conventional meat, including an environmental edge by using less land and water, accessibility, less contamination and no animal cruelty.

Gov. Jim Pillen, center, hosts a news conference at Oak Barn Beef in West Point announcing a crackdown on fake or lab-grown meat in Nebraska on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. Behind him are, from left: Hannah Klitz, co-owner and co-operator of the family led Oak Barn Beef; Jeanne Reigle of Madison, a livestock producer; and Director Sherry Vinton of the Nebraska Department of Agriculture. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

Pillen expects challengers: Some might say, gee whiz, that seems to be a little aggressive. He said he couldnt rely on the free market or distinct labels, saying money and advertising can sway the public in a direction thats not healthy.

He cited almond milk as an example.

There is no way. Its almond nut juice, Pillen said. Its not milk, and its a full-blown attack on the milk industry. Were going to be aggressive and not let that happen to the rest of the industries.

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Violators could be fined or prosecuted under the Nebraska Pure Food Act or Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act.

Pillen said the proposed ban follows his executive order this past summer that prohibited state agencies from procuring lab-grown or meat alternatives. His order also required entities that contract with the state to promise not to discriminate against natural products in favor of lab or cultivated meat producers.

Other changes sought

Also included in the trio of bills to protect agricultural, water and resources is a proposal, to be introduced by State Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth, to merge two Nebraska state agencies.

Combining the Department of Environment and Energy with the Department of Natural Resources would improve a focus on water and natural resource management, said Pillen, whose family owns and operates a massive hog operation based in Columbus.

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He had had no estimate of cost savings. Additionally, Pillen said, he will create a governors task force on water quality and quantity.

If people became aware of how much water they used, the governor said he is sure theyd use less of the natural resource. He said the task force also will help the state come to grips with our nitrate issues. Ag producers in the state have faced some pushback form environmentalists and residents over the levels of nitrates found in water managed by local Natural Resource Districts.

State Sen. Mike Jacobson of North Platte said he planned to introduce, at the request of the governor, legislation that would protect data of Nebraska farmers and ranchers and keep the data from being sold to large publicly traded companies.

Neither the Brandt nor Jacobson bills have been formally introduced.

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  Four suspects believed to be involved in an armed robbery in northern Massachusetts were arraigned and released on bail over the weekend, according to Rhode Island State Police.

The suspects, identified by RISP as 24-year-old Anderson Torres Cepin, 25-year-old Jason Vargas Gomez, 23-year-old Reily Liriano Elena, and 22-year-old Henry Batista Mackensy, are all New York residents who are allegedly linked to Thursdays targeted robbery of a FedEx driver in Harvard, Mass.

Providence police reports obtained by 12 News state that around 1:30 p.m. Friday, officers were alerted to a vehicle connected to the robbery speeding down a highway.

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Traffic cameras captured the car leading police on a chase that ended in a crash on I-95 South in the area of Elmwood Avenue.

One suspect remained at the crash site due to injuries, while at least three others fled toward the train tracks near Narragansett Avenue. Police quickly arrested two men after spotting them and ordering them to the ground, according to the report.

BACKGROUND: 4 suspects in custody after police chase, crash on I-95 in Providence

As police were transferring one of the suspects to Rhode Island State Police custody, another suspect was seen nearby. An officer reportedly chased the individual with a department-issued firearm and made the arrest.

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Investigators also recovered a black hooded mask and sweatpants discarded along Burrows Street.

According to Harvard police, the FedEx driver was delivering a package when a white Acura with dark-tinted windows pulled alongside his van. Two masked suspects exited the Acura, approached the driver and forcibly took the package.

Cranston Police Chief Michael Winquist confirmed the suspects were driving a white Acura with Connecticut license plates.

The suspects are scheduled to appear in Superior Court in April. 12 News is working to confirm whether additional charges are pending from other agencies.

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Law enforcement in Santa Monica has apprehended more than 40 people within evacuation zones over the past week, marking what police call "a significant increase" in arrests for these neighborhoods.



None of the arrested individuals were Santa Monica residents, and all violated local emergency orders, including city and county curfew mandates between January 7 and 12. The curfew runs from sunset to sunrise.

Related: LAFD Chief Says CA Leaders Failed Department as International Fire Union Boss Heads to LA

Among those arrested, ten face burglary charges, including one man who was caught impersonating a firefighter in the Malibu area. Police discovered two suspects carrying concealed handguns, while six others possessed burglary tools. In one notable case, a pair of suspects had opened the Watch Duty app on their phones, apparently using it to track evacuation zones.



The arrests, concentrated in the North of Montana (NOMA) and WILMONT neighborhoods, also included individuals charged with drug possession, driving violations, and parole or probation violations. Several suspects had outstanding warrants.

Related: Los Angeles is Burning: Latest Updates on the Fires in Pacific Palisades, Altadena and More

"Our dedicated team of officers did a phenomenal job saturating the evacuation areas and tamping down criminal activity," Santa Monica Police officials stated.



The Sheriff's office also reported three additional arrests linked to unauthorized drone incidents in the area.
Kenya is among the African countries with the highest costs of sending funds abroad. Thousands of Kenyans lose money every year while supporting their families back home.

So, how to send money to Kenya from the UK without unnecessary losses? Heres what you need to knowProfee.

How do you lose money on international money transfers?

While wondering how to send money to Kenya from the UK, you probably will think about traditional methods like bank transfers or cash collection points. While familiar, these options can be costly and less efficient.

The high costs stem from various factors:

Expensive international transfer fees,

Unexpected hidden charges,

Additional fees for recipients,

Poor exchange rates,

Restrictive transfer limits, and more.

Thankfully, the world is evolving, and modern solutions make transferring money to Kenya simpler and more affordable. Digital remittance services, for example, have transformed the way we handle international transfers by prioritizing transparency, speed, and cost-efficiency.

One such service is Profee, which offers a user-friendly platform for transferring money online. Whether using a bank card like Visa or MasterCard, or digital wallets like Google Pay, Apple Pay, M-pesa and Airtel, Profee provides flexibility. Plus, recipients dont need an account to receive funds, ensuring convenience on both sides.

Lets explore how services like Profee can help you save money and avoid the common pitfalls of traditional transfer methods.

Which problems does Profee solve?

Well cover the main concerns and explain which solutions Profee provides for the Kenyans.

How to reduce expenses on money transfers?

Profee makes sure that their clients transfer funds with unmatched exchange rates and no hidden fees. For transfers to Kenya, therell be no fees at all. And, as a newcomer, youll enjoy your first transfer with a promo rate. All these combined shows that remittances can be fairsupport your close ones without being charged half of the transfer.

How to send money to Kenya from the UK without extra stress?

With Profee, all you need is your phone, Internet access and a couple of minutes of your free time. The process is smooth and intuitive, so you wont have problems understanding the flow. Profee was made for the people.

How to receive money from the UK to Kenya?

On the recipient side, nothing has to be done. They dont need to download the Profee app or register.

Can I earn on international money transfers?

Once you try Profee, you can become a participant in the referral program. Share your personal link with a friend, explain how to send money to Kenya from the UK, and wait until they meet all the requirements and receive 10 EUR, while your invitee will get 5 EUR.

Connect with your family in Kenya through money transfers. Show your appreciation and care while supporting them financially with Profees fast and secure transfers.


MADRID (Reuters) - Spanish police said on Tuesday they had apprehended a gang suspected of smuggling more than 40,000 tons a year of untreated urban waste from Italy to Spain.

In a statement, police said Italian waste treatment companies, which were not named, had paid smugglers over 19 million euros ($19.5 million) since 2021 to dispose of the waste, including hazardous and toxic materials.

The waste was mainly urban rubbish generated by Italian citizens, although it was mixed with other kinds of materials.

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Fifteen people and seven companies are under investigation on suspicion of belonging to a criminal organisation, crimes against natural resources and the environment, and forgery.

"Even though the Italian companies had been contracted to manage the urban waste, they would divert its disposal to Spain in order to save costs, resulting in millions of euros in revenue at the expense of the Italian treasury," police said.

The gang set up a series of front companies, falsifying documents to make it look as though the waste had undergone treatments that were never carried out.

($1 = 0.9741 euros)

(Reporting by Emma Pinedo; editing by Charlie Devereux and Mark Heinrich)
TOPEKA (KSNT)  The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has released details about the robbery at Equity Bank Monday afternoon.

Bridget Patton with the FBI announced a suspect entered Equity Bank at approximately 4:45 p.m. Monday, Jan. 13. The suspect, a male, approached a teller, verbally demanding money and brandished a firearm. The man fled the bank in an unknown direction, with an undisclosed amount money.

The suspect was wearing a black jacket with a hood, dark colored jeans, dark colored tennis shoes and a face covering. According to Patton, there were no injuries.

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22-year-old dead after wreck in Pottawatomie Co. related to winter conditions

Rosie Nichols, spokeswoman for the City of Topeka, confirmed to 27 News just after 5 p.m. Monday, Jan. 13 that officers are actively responding to reports of a bank robbery earlier that afternoon. It reportedly happened at Equity Bank, near Southwest 29th Street and Southwest Gage Boulevard.

Sheriffs office rescues 4 dogs left on Kansas Turnpike

A Watch Commander with TPD told 27 News just after 5:40 p.m. Monday, Jan. 13 that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is leading the investigation. The Watch Commander could not give information about the suspect, or if they were armed. 27 News will provide updates as they become available.

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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.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
Authorities have identified a man who died after his car was struck by two vehicles on Interstate 95 in New Hampshire on Monday night.

Troopers responding to a report of a smoking vehicle stopped in the middle lane on the southbound side of the highway near mile marker 13 in Portsmouth shortly before 7 p.m. learned three vehicles were involved in a crash, according to New Hampshire State Police.

A preliminary investigation revealed that 62-year-old Martin Osier, of Bremen, Maine, was driving south near Exit 7 when his 2010 Toyota Camry drifted onto the left shoulder and sideswiped a cement barrier before continuing along with at least one tire partially deflated, police said.

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Osiers vehicle later stopped in the middle of the interstate about two miles from the scene of the initial crash and a 2008 Subaru Legacy rammed Osiers Toyota from behind, pushing his vehicle into an adjacent travel lane, where it was rear-ended again by a 2021 Dodge Durango, according to police.

Osier was rushed to an area hospital, where he died from his injuries. The drivers of the Subaru and Dodge were hospitalized with minor injuries.

No charges have been filed in connection with the fatal wreck.

The highway shut down for nearly four hours after the crash.

Anyone with information on the crash is urged to contact Trooper Brian Hanna at Brian.D.Hanna@DOS.NH.GOV.

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An investigation is ongoing.

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.

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  A 19-year-old man was arrested and charged with murder in the deadly stabbing of a 40-year-old man that happened early Sunday morning, Jan. 12 in West El Paso, El Paso Police said.

Police: 1 dead in stabbing in West El Paso

Raymundo Morales, 19, was charged with murder for allegedly stabbing and killing Angel Martin Herrera, 40.

EPPD said shortly before 4 a.m., officers responded to the 5800 block of Beaumont Place on a domestic violence call.

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Upon arrival, officers found Herrera had been stabbed. He was taken to a local hospital where he died from his injuries, according to EPPD.

EPPD said Morales was booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility with a $650,000 bond.

Crimes Against Persons continue the investigation. Police did not release any other details or information about the incident.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
JAMES CITY COUNTY, Va. (WAVY)  Police said a man connected to at least three shootings in the Williamsburg area was arrested Jan. 9 in a joint operation involving James City County and Williamsburg police.

Howard Fogg III (Photo  Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail)

Howard Fogg III, 18, of James City County, was arrested and charged in connection to shootings that took place between Dec. 4 and Jan. 7, police said.

Fogg III has been charged with three counts of shooting into an occupied dwelling one charge from the city of Williamsburg and two from James City County, police said.

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This operation exemplifies the power of partnership with our law enforcement partners in the Historic Triangle, said JCCPD Chief Mark Jamison in a statement. Together, our departments quickly identified and apprehended a dangerous individual. I commend the diligence and professionalism of our officers and the Williamsburg Police Department, as their detailed investigative work made this operation successful and safe for all involved.

Around 11:45 p.m. Jan. 9, JCC Polices SWAT team and the Williamsburg Police Department detective bureau carried out what was described as a high-risk search warrant on Grove Gate Lane at the Longhill Grove apartment complex, police said.

Williamsburg Police obtained the search warrant after a Jan. 7 shooting in the Highland Park neighborhood of the city, where Fogg III was identified as a suspect.

He was also linked to two shooting incidents in James City County last month  on Dec. 4 and Dec. 6, in which shots were fired into the same occupied dwelling in the 2600 block of John Tyler Highway. Both incidents were under investigation by the JCC Police criminal investigations unit.

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Fogg III was taken into custody without incident, police said, and was taken to the James City County Law Enforcement Center, where James City County and Williamsburg police investigators interviewed him.

After the interview, detectives obtained more warrants for the December shootings, and Fogg III was taken to Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail, where he is being held without bond, police said.

We would like to thank our partners with the James City County Police Department and the community members who collaborated with us to bring a quick resolution to this matter, said Williamsburg Police Chief Sean Dunn, ensuring our community remains as safe as possible.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
Police have named two teenagers wanted for questioning in connection with the murder of a 14-year-old boy stabbed to death on a London bus.

Kelyan Bokassa, an aspiring drill rapper, was attacked in front of passengers on the 472 in Woolwich, south-east London, on Jan 7.

The Metropolitan Police said officers would like to speak to Colin Chabikwa, 15, and Mosawar Zazi, 16, and are asking the public to help find them.

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Witnesses claimed the schoolboy, who was also known as Grippa, was attacked by two boys, one of whom was said to be carrying a machete.

Det Chief Insp Sarah Lee said: Firstly, my thoughts are with the family and friends of Kelyan.

Kelyan Bokassa, an aspiring drill rapper, was fatally stabbed this month - Metropolitan Police

I know his death has deeply affected many in the community and I would like to thank people in Woolwich for the support they have shown.

Officers have been undertaking increased weapons searches, reassurance patrols and house-to-house inquiries. I know these can be disruptive  however, it has been vital, and your patience is appreciated.

Our team of detectives is working around the clock to identify those responsible for Kelyans murder and appeal for your help to locate Chabikwa and Zazi.

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I would urge anybody with information about their whereabouts to contact us immediately by calling 999. If seen, we urge the public not to approach them, but to contact police as soon as possible.

On Jan 10, anonymous drill lyrics boasting about the boys death were posted online, claiming that Kelyan was sittin there stiff with the fear in his eyes.

The teenager was attacked in front of passengers on a 472 bus in Woolwich - Marcin Nowak

Caught Grippa lackin on the 472, the lyrics read. Blade in my coat, its do or die. He tried jumping off, but the doors dont slide, hah. Now hes sittin there stiff with the fear in his eyes.

There are fears the killing of Kelyan, who was briefly a pupil at St Columbas Catholic Boys School in Bexleyheath, may have been linked to his role as a drill rapper.

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Drill music has caused controversy with its violent lyrics and is often associated with gangs.

In a separate incident, a Year 12 pupil was stabbed one day earlier in Prince Imperial Way, just over a mile away.

The 18-year old was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries after being stabbed at about 4.20pm on Monday, January 6.

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 101 giving the reference 3795/07JAN25 or to remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.

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OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  Police responded to a shooting in southeast Oklahoma City late Tuesday morning.

According to Oklahoma City Police, officers responded to the area of SE 44th St. and I-35 around 11 a.m. regarding a shooting.

Officials say one person was injured and taken to a local hospital.

No more information is available as the investigation continues.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
UPDATE: Las Cruces Police said Dominic Dennison, 32, has been found and is in good condition.

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Las Cruces Police are asking for the publics help in locating a 32-year-old man who has been missing since Tuesday morning, Jan. 14.

Police say Dominic Dennison was last seen about 7 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14, when he left Three Crosses Regional Hospital. Dennison was last known to be on foot and his destination was unknown. Police say he suffers from cognitive disabilities.

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Dennison is 5-foot-10 and weighs around 210 pounds. He has brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing blue jeans, a black shirt, and possibly a Dallas Cowboys cap.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Dennison is asked to call Las Cruces Police at (575) 526-0795.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Authorities are searching for the remains of Ashley Elkins at a landfill in Michigan following her disappearance nearly two weeks ago, according to multiple reports.

On Monday, Jan. 13, law enforcement agencies visited the Pine Tree Acres Landfill in Macomb Countys Lenox Township to search for the body of Elkins, 30, who has been missing since Jan. 2, the Associated Press, Fox 2 Detroit and The Detroit News reported.

Roseville Police Chief Mitch Berlin confirmed that 40 to 50 officers were searching the area and that evidence gathered by police in the investigation led them to the location, according to the outlets.

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We traced (our evidence) from Roseville all the way here, and then worked with engineers and Waste Management surveyors to pinpoint an approximate six, seven-acre parcel where evidence would be located, said Berlin, per The Detroit News.

Berlin shared that the authorities are moving in the right direction and theyll return to the site on Tuesday, Jan. 14., the outlet reported.

David Guralnick/Detroit News via AP Various law enforcement agencies search for the body of Ashley Elkins at the Pine Tree Acres landfill, in Lenox Twp., Mich., Monday, Jan. 13 Various law enforcement agencies search for the body of Ashley Elkins at the Pine Tree Acres landfill, in Lenox Twp., Mich., Monday, Jan. 13

Related: Where Is Ashley Elkins? Missing Hairstylist Likely Met 'Violence,' as Ex Is Accused of Lying to Police

In photos published by AP and The Detroit News, a search team dressed in yellow suits is seen combing through the vast snow-covered area.

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Police from several agencies joined the search at the site including Warren, Shelby Township, Chesterfield Townships and Macomb County investigators, along with search dogs from The Ohio Department of Natural Resources, The Detroit News reported.

Hairstylist and mother of two, Elkins, was last seen leaving her Warren, Mich., home on Jan. 2, the Warren Police Department previously said in a statement.

On Jan. 8, Elkins ex-boyfriend DeAndre Howard Booker was arrested and charged with lying to police in connection to the case following a search at his home in Roseville, Lieutenant John Gajewski with the Warren police confirmed to PEOPLE.

Roseville Police Department DeAndre Booker, the former boyfriend of missing hairstylist Ashley Elkins, has been arrested DeAndre Booker, the former boyfriend of missing hairstylist Ashley Elkins, has been arrested

Police collected several items during the search including a trash dumpster and found Elkins' vehicle near Bookers residence. Information in the investigation indicated that Elkins was at Bookers house before she disappeared and that a crime of violence took place there, Gajewski claimed in the police statement.

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.

Elkins mother Monika alleged that before her daughter disappeared, Booker visited Elkins' home after scheduling a hair appointment under a fake name, per WXYZ and Click On Detroit.

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"He knocked on the front door and the side door and he left," Monika told WXYZ, "And here, it's... days later and she's gone." Gajewski declined to comment on Monika's allegation.

Maycomb County jail records state that Booker is being held without bond. He will be arraigned on Thursday, Jan. 16. The investigation is ongoing.

PEOPLE has reached out to the Roseville Police Department, which is now the primary investigative agency, for further comment at this time.



Read the original article on People
MENOMINEE, Mich. (WFRV)  Authorities in Michigans Upper Peninsula say they are attempting to find and check the welfare of a missing woman.

According to a release from the Menominee Police Department, 42-year-old Lisa Janine Pipp has gone missing after exiting a vehicle without a phone or a jacket near the lighthouse in Menominee, Michigan.

Police describe Pipp as a 52 white woman with brown eyes and brown hair who weighs an estimated 250 pounds.

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Police in Wisconsin looking to identify those involved in recent hit-and-run

She is said to have a tattoo of a cross on her chest and she is believed to have been last seen wearing a purple shirt and blue jeans.

Anyone who knows the whereabouts of this missing woman is asked to contact the Menominee Police Department or encourage Pipp to do so.

No other information is available at this time.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Nelson Havi has filed a petition with the Judiciary Service Commission (JSC), calling for the removal of all seven Supreme Court judges.

The petition, submitted on Monday, January 13, urges the JSC to recommend that President William Ruto establish a tribunal to investigate and potentially remove the judges, citing allegations of gross misconduct and misbehavior.

I swear this affidavit to support the complaint against Justices Martha Karambu Koome, Philomena Mbete Mwilu, Mohammed Khadar Ibrahim, (Dr.) Smokin C Wanjala, Njoki Ndungu, Isaac Lenaola, and William Ouko. I request that the Judicial Service Commission recommend to the President of the Republic of Kenya the formation of a tribunal to remove these judges from office, Havi stated in his affidavit.

Havis petition follows a 24-hour ultimatum he issued to six of the judges on January 12, demanding their support for CJ Koomes resignation.

The deadline I gave for CJ Martha Koome to resign is January 14, 2025. The six other Supreme Court judges can persuade her to step down, Havi wrote in his January 12 ultimatum.

If they fail to do so, all seven judges will have to go. They have until tomorrow at 9:00 am, after which I will submit a petition for their removal to the JSC, he added.

Allegations of Misconduct and Corruption at the Heart of the Petition

Havis petition criticizes CJ Koome for what he perceives as a lack of leadership and direction, contrasting her with former Chief Justice Evans Gicheru.

Unlike Honourable Justice Evans Gicheru, Honourable Justice Martha Karambu Koome has failed to provide leadership and direction for the Supreme Court of Kenya and the entire Judiciary, Havis statement read.

Havi also referenced a 2022 contempt of court ruling where he, along with his Assisting Counsel Esther Angawa and senior counsel Ahmednasir Abdullahi, were convicted.

I know that, effective March 31, 2022, the seven Supreme Court judges, led by Honourable Justice Martha Karambu Koome, decided that Ahmednasir Abdullahi SC and I would not be allowed to appear before them, and if we did, we would lose any case in which we were involved, the affidavit stated.

Havi highlighted how this decision influenced their absence from a case challenging President William Rutos election.

When the petition challenging President William Rutos election was filed, the seven judges, under Honourable Justice Martha Karambu Koomes direction, sent a message that we should not appear in the case. We complied and stayed away, he added.

This petition is the culmination of months of criticism from Havi, Ahmednasir, and other senior lawyers, who have repeatedly called for CJ Koomes resignation, citing deep-seated corruption within the judiciary.

Havis Close Relationship with One of the Judges

Despite the professional nature of the petition, Havi expressed personal difficulty due to his close relationship with one of the judges involved.

I have struggled with this matter with a heavy heart. One of the seven judges is my dear mother and client, he noted.

I understand that the Supreme Courts decisions on March 31, 2022, regarding Ahmednasir Abdullahi SC, Esther Angawa, and myself, as well as the decision on January 18, 2024, concerning Ahmednasir and all advocates in his firm, may not have originated from her. However, she failed to take the actions that Honourable Justice Evans Gicheru would have taken in her position, Havi added.

This high-stakes legal battle is expected to further intensify the already charged atmosphere within Kenyas judiciary.
WARSAW (Reuters) - The Polish army's operational command said on Tuesday an incident described in a media report about a Russian 'shadow fleet' ship circling near the Baltic Pipe gas pipeline "did not happen".

Polish state broadcaster TVP World reported earlier on Tuesday, citing a foreign ministry source, that such a ship had been seen circling around the subsea pipeline that delivers gas from Norway to Poland.

Poland's foreign ministry and the military said earlier they had no information about such an incident.

(Reporting by Anna Wlodarczak-Semczuk; Editing by Alison Williams)
(Bloomberg) -- Polands presidential race tightened five months before voters go to the polls as a liberal candidate poised to help push through Prime Minister Donald Tusks agenda lost support against a nationalist historian backed by the opposition.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski, considered the frontrunner to become Polands next head of state, slipped two points to 36%, according to a United Surveys opinion poll. Karol Nawrocki, an independent who has the support of the opposition Law & Justice party, gained less than a point for 29%, the survey showed.

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The election will determine whether Tusk will have an ally in the presidential palace. His agenda, particularly efforts to restore the independence of the judiciary, has been stymied by President Andrzej Duda, a Law & Justice ally whose term ends in August.

Polands head of state can veto legislation, appoint judges and shape foreign policy. Should neither candidate win 50% or more on May 18, the contest will move to a second round two weeks later.

Trzaskowski, a member of Tusks Civic Platform who lost a close race to Duda for the top job in 2020, said this week that hed expected the contest to tighten as Nawrocki becomes more well known.

I said that this election fight will be fierce and everything will be decided in the second round, Trzaskowski told reporters on Monday. I am absolutely convinced that in the second round the results will be very close. This of course is encouraging us to work even harder.

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Tusks ruling coalition, which has governed for just over a year after defeating the nationalist Law & Justice government in 2023, aims to secure a win in the presidential ballot to rebuild support. The governments popularity has slipped over frustration with the high cost of living and the failure to push through judicial reforms and legislation protecting womens rights.

A separate survey showed that Trzaskowskis backing among women in particular had taken a hit, with an Opinia24 poll showing support in that segment down to 32% from 46%.

Nawrocki, who had led Polands Institute for National Remembrance, has yet to present a campaign program. But hes said that he wont approve legislation liberalizing the countrys restrictive abortion law  and has echoed Law & Justices rhetoric blaming Tusks government for high food prices.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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WARSAW, Poland (AP)  A town in Poland is encouraging Elon Musk to buy its vast 13th-century castle and turn it into his European headquarters.

The mayor of Glogowek, Piotr Bujak, said Tuesday that he recently posted the invitation on Musks social media platform X and has sent letters to his companies, advocating for him to buy the castle.

No price tag has been announced, and Musk hasn't responded to the offer so far.

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Bujak told The Associated Press that he saw media reports in Europe suggesting that the U.S. tech billionaire is looking for a sizeable location, possibly a castle in Italy, as a hub for his operations on the continent.

The Glogowek castle in southwestern Poland boasts a rich history going back to the Middle Ages, briefly serving as Poland's capital in the 17th century. It has also hosted composer Ludwig van Beethoven, who wrote music there.

The castle has a very good vibe and is a perfect location for great things, Bujak told the AP.

The area has a long winemaking tradition.

We do not feel worse than Tuscany. We have a perfect climate and this is the best place on Earth, Bujak said.

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Glogowek's picturesque location is within traveling distance of European capitals Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Bratislava and Warsaw. There is room for a helicopter landing pad too.

The castle requires thorough renovation and needs a private investor, but offers vast spaces for living and business purposes. It belongs to the town.
(NEXSTAR)  In the wake of several deadly California wildfires a new poll shows how Americans are reacting to the disaster, which left at least two dozen people dead and reduced entire neighborhoods to charred rubble.

According to an Emerson College Poll of 1,000 registered voters, a majority (58%) said they thought climate change contributed to the wildfires while 42% said it did not.

Young voters are most likely to say climate change has contributed to the wildfires in California, at 74% among voters under 30, compared to 70% of those in their 30s, 61% in their 40s, 48% of those in their 50s, and increasing back to 53% of voters 70 and older, Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, said in a news release.

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Lawsuits allege SoCal Edison equipment sparked Eaton Fire

The historic wildfires were fueled by a combination of powerful Santa Ana winds, gusting at roughly 100 mph, and dry vegetation.

University of California Merced climate and fire scientist John Abatzoglou says there is a clear link between climate change and the increasingly-common conditions that led to the Los Angeles area blazes  dry fall and winter conditions, extreme wind events and plenty of dry fuel.

What about Gov. Newsoms handling of the fires?

In the wake of the Palisades Fire President-elect Trump quickly singled out Gov. Newsom and his job handling the crisis, calling the response by California politicians

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Newsom responded in an interview with NBCs Meet the Press, accusing Trump  who degradingly refers to him as Gavin Newscum  of politicizing a disaster and threatening our first responders. Californias governor and other local officials have invited Trump see the impact of the fires and to thank first responders.

Mother confronts Gov. Newsom in Pacific Palisades, demands answers

Questions about the states handling of the fires isnt just coming from Trump and his supporters, however. Newsom himself has called for an investigation after fire hydrants in wildfire zones lost water pressure when firefighters needed it most.

California congressman: Climate change has wreaked havoc on us

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Only 30% of voters polled by Emerson College approved of Newsoms handling of the wildfire response, with 42% disapproving and 28% neutral.

The Governors approval highlights sharp partisan divides in the perception of response: 61% of Republicans and 43% of independents disapprove of Governor Newsoms response to the wildfires while 49% of Democrats approve, Kimball said.

On Sunday, Newsom announced an executive order streamlining the rebuilding process for people who lost their homes.

Tuesdays fires have destroyed more than 12,000 homes, cars and other structures, according to officials.

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HARRISBURG  Last summer, Pennsylvania lawmakers passed a budget that acknowledged a roughly $4.5 billion adequacy gap to properly fund the commonwealths poorest schools, and pledged to fill it using state dollars.

They put about $500 million toward the goal in that budget. Now, as a new legislative session begins, funding advocates want to make sure officials dont drag their feet to cover the rest.

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Deborah Gordon Klehr, executive director at the Education Law Center, said a delay could have real consequences.

Thats another cohort of children missing out on access to the education they deserve, she said.

Democrats, who control the state House and governorship, support continuing to boost funding for the commonwealths poorest schools, though havent made any specific commitments yet.

Republicans, who control the state Senate, signed off on the acknowledgment of the funding gap in the most recent budget. Still, theyve been more circumspect about additional large investments, with leaders emphasizing that they need to make sure whats already been spent is helping.

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Intense conversations over school funding began in 2023, when a state court ruled that Pennsylvanias spending on public education was inequitable  so much so that it violated the state constitution. Specifically, the judge found that students in poorer districts, which dont have the resources to raise as much money through property taxes, werent serving students well enough.

That suit was brought against the state by a group of parents, administrators, and advocacy groups, including the Education Law Center.

For much of 2023 and 2024, lawmakers held hearings and negotiated on how exactly to quantify the funding shortfall.

A commission convened to study the issue eventually came up with the concept of an adequacy target  the bar at which a district can serve students at an acceptable level.

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This measure sets a baseline amount of per-student spending, then adds in additional spending based on a districts student body and factors like poverty and level of English proficiency. If a district spends less than the resulting number, it is missing its adequacy target and has an adequacy gap, the report said.

The budget lawmakers passed for the 2024-25 fiscal year acknowledged an adequacy gap that was a bit smaller than the one the commission identified, but advocates still saw it as a victory.

However, the budget didnt make concrete commitments for future funding. That makes people like Klehr nervous.

Schools need to make these long-delayed improvements to student instruction and essential services soon, and not wait 10 more years, she said. A concrete schedule for additional money would allow schools to plan, and hire the teachers they need to hire, and create the programs they need to create.

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The roughly $500 million that went toward the adequacy gap wasnt the only education spending included in last years budget. Other line items included money for special education, mental health, and physical safety in schools. All told, education-related spending went up by about $1 billion.

State Rep. Pete Schweyer (D., Lehigh), who chairs the House Education Committee, said as far as hes concerned, the process should be repeated this year.

Last years budget was, as I interpret it, year one of a multiyear increase in funding for the most at-risk school districts, he said.

If there hadnt been a broad acknowledgment that more funding would follow, Schweyer added, he would have expected school funding advocates to head right back into court.

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State Senate leaders, however, indicated theyll have some questions before signing off on more public education funding.

In a statement, state Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R., Indiana) said, The adequacy dollars invested last year must be reviewed, to understand how schools utilized those investments and determine how we can best provide future support.

The upper chamber also intends to focus on truancy prevention measures, to make sure children are attending school and embracing the offerings of their learning environments, he added.

Pittman also noted the upper chambers commitment to empowering parents when it comes to the education and well-being of their children, a likely reference to programs like the Educational Improvement Tax Credit, which provides state money to businesses that fund scholarships to private schools. The program is a GOP priority  and is also supported by a number of Democrats  and grows annually.

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Elizabeth Rementer, a spokesperson for House Democratic leaders, echoed Schweyer and indicated that her caucus plans to stay the course.

Last years budget clearly laid out the adequacy shortfall and our multiyear plan to finally fulfill our constitutional obligation to fund our schools, she wrote in an email. We look forward to the governors budget address.

Gov. Josh Shapiro, a Democrat, will lay out his vision for next years budget in early February.

BEFORE YOU GO If you learned something from this article, pay it forward and contribute to Spotlight PA at spotlightpa.org/donate. Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability journalism that gets results.

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ROME (AP)  An introspective Pope Francis has divulged some of the behind-the-scenes dynamics of the secret 2013 conclave that elected him pope and the resistance he has encountered ever since, in his autobiography being released Tuesday that also doubles down on some of his more controversial decisions as pontiff.

Hope: The Autobiography was only supposed to be published after Francis death. But at his own request, the book is hitting bookshelves now in more than 80 countries to coincide with the start of the church's Holy Year.

Its publishers say its the first autobiography ever written by a sitting pope, though Francis has collaborated with plenty of other memoir-type books before, and much of his papacy and personal backstory are already well known.

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But Hope does provide personal insights into how historys first Latin American pope interprets his childhood in Buenos Aires and how it has informed his priorities as pope. Drawn from conversations over six years with Italian journalist Carlo Musso, Hope offers Francis own sometimes unflattering assessments of decisions he made or things he regrets  at least before he became pope.

Its almost confessional at times, an 88-year-old Jesuit performing the Ignatian examination of his conscience at the end of his life to identify things he said or did that he now realizes could have been done better. Whether its the time when he insisted that a schoolmate pay to repair a bike he had broken, or knocked another schoolmate nearly unconscious, he seems deeply ashamed of his younger self and says he still doesnt believe himself worthy of the papacy.

If I consider what is the greatest gift that I desire from the Lord, and have experienced, it is the gift of shame, he writes at one point.

Curiously, two periods of Bergoglios past which have remained somewhat mysterious to outsiders are once again avoided in Hope. One concerns his stint in Cordoba, Argentina from 1990-1992. Francis has never really explained the internal Jesuit dynamics that resulted in him being exiled to work as a confessor at the Jesuit church more than a decade after he was provincial of the order in Argentina. The period is mentioned only in passing when Francis refers simply to the dark night at Cordoba.

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The other period of unknown in Bergoglios backstory concerns the time he spent in Germany doing research on the theologian Romano Guardini for a dissertation he never finished.

Also given short shrift was the impact of the clergy sexual abuse scandal, which convulsed his papacy for several years. The scandal exploded during Francis 2018 trip to Chile and the pope mentions the scandal briefly in the book. But he spends far more time recalling a more heart-warming memory from the Chile trip, when he married a pair of flight attendants on board the papal plane during the flight to Iquique.

The second half of the book, focusing on the papacy, is far less self-critical and in fact is strident in defending his sometimes controversial decisions. It is here that Francis provides further details of his emotions as the votes started going his way on the second day of balloting during the March 2013 conclave that elected him pope.

Francis reveals that he was among those cardinals receiving stopgap votes in the first rounds, when cardinals toss out votes to see which way the balloting winds are heading. He says he wasnt keeping count in the early rounds but realized that his fate was sealed once he got 69 votes on the fourth ballot, out of the 77 needed for a two-thirds majority of the 115 cardinals.

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The fifth ballot  the one that made him pope -- actually had to be done twice. An extra ballot paper got stuck to one that a cardinal had filled out, so that when the papers were counted there were 116 rather than 115. The papers were burned without having even been opened and a new fifth ballot called.

When my name was pronounced for the seventy-seventh time, there was a burst of applause, while the reading of the votes went on, he writes. I dont know exactly how many votes there were in the end, I was no longer listening, the noise covered the voice of the scrutineer.

One of the first things he did after the vote was to embrace Cardinal Angelo Scola, the archbishop of Milan who had been such a favorite going into the conclave that the Italian bishops conference had dummied up a press release announcing his election. He deserved that embrace, Francis writes.

Once in the sacristy, known as the Room of Tears, to be outfitted with the papal garb, Francis reveals that he had in his pocket his old episcopal ring which he used, suggesting that he had an intuition getting dressed in the morning that he would indeed be elected.

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The red shoes? No, I have orthopedic shoes. Im rather flat-footed, he writes of his sartorioal choices that night. Nor did he want the red velvet cape, known as a mozzetta, favored by his predecessor. They were not for me. Two days later they told me I would have to change my trousers, wear white ones. They made me laugh. I dont want to be an ice cream seller, I said. And I kept my own.

Those looking for current Vatican gossip in Hope will be somewhat disappointed, as Francis only fleetingly touches on the more controversial parts of his papacy. He is far more certain of his decisions made as pope, even doubling down on blasting traditionalist Catholic priests as rigid and mentally unstable.

This rigidity is often accompanied by elegant and costly tailoring, lace, fancy trimmings, rochets. Not a taste for tradition but clerical ostentation, he writes. These ways of dressing up sometimes conceal mental imbalance, emotional deviation, behavioral difficulties, a personal problem that may be exploited.

He writes that the reform of the Vatican bureaucracy, particularly the effort to impose international accounting and budgeting standards on its finances, have been the most difficult task of his papacy and one that generated the greatest resistance to change.

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I have been summoned to a battle," he writes.

He strongly defends his decision to authorize a sweeping trial of 10 people, including a cardinal, accused of alleged financial misconduct related to an investment in a London property. The trial resulted in several convictions, but also cost the Holy See reputational harm, given questions about whether the defendants received a fair trial and Francis own role in the saga.

The decisions that I made in that respect were not easy, I was sure there would be problems, but I also know that the truth must never be hidden and being opaque is always the worst choice, he writes.

After African bishops unanimously rejected his approval of gay blessings, Francis stands by his decision and insists that the blessing is for the people, not the relationship. Homosexuality is not a crime, he writes, repeating a statement he first made in a 2023 interview with The Associated Press.

___

Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the APs collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
One of Pope Francis lasting reforms will be his reshaping of the papacy to embrace simplicity and humility, as seen in his decisions to live in a Vatican guesthouse and carry his own briefcase onto the papal plane.

With the release of a new autobiography Tuesday, titled Hope, Francis underlines this shift with a remarkable openness about his past mistakes and wrongdoings. They include as a young man getting into a fight with a fellow student who even lost his senses after hitting his head when thrown to the ground, and insisting that he still commits errors and sins today.

For a pope, who Catholic theology holds is infallible when teaching on faith and morals, it is even more striking.

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I feel I have a reputation I do not deserve, a public esteem of which I am not worthy, writes Francis, who was recently awarded the highest civilian honor in the United States by President Joe Biden. This, beyond doubt, is my strongest sentiment.

While the memoir covers major events in the Francis papacy, including the revelation that he faced two assassination attempts during his 2021 visit to Iraq, it does not offer many new details about the scandals and controversies hes had to address during his pontificate and the significant opposition hes encountered from some church quarters.

Pope Francis, surrounded by the shells of destroyed churches, leads a prayer for the victims of war at Hosh al-Bieaa Church Square, in Mosul, Iraq, once the de-facto capital of ISIS, on March 7, 2021. - Andrew Medichini/AP

On the Catholic Churchs sexual abuse scandal, the pope says he has felt called to take responsibility for all the evil committed by certain priests. Francis explained that as he began his pontificate in 2013, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI gave him a large white box filled with documents relating to the most difficult and painful situations: cases of abuse, corruption, dark dealings, wrongdoings. The pope recalls that when he was handed the box, his predecessor said everything is in here and that now its your turn to deal with the problems.

The 88-year-old pontiff also uses the memoir to address the crises facing todays world. Describing himself as having always been politically restless, he repeatedly condemns the evils of war, while linking the rise of populism today to that of the 1930s and Hitlers Germany. (Francis was born in 1936 and recalls his grandmother standing up to Mussolinis black shirts.)

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Young people, he writes, need to know how a distorted populism is born and grows, recalling the German federal elections of 193233 and Adolf Hitler, the ex-infantryman obsessed by the defeat of World War I and about racial purity, who had promised the growth of Germany in the wake of a government that had failed.

The plight of refugees, for whom Francis has been a tireless advocate, is also personal. His paternal grandparents and father had planned to sail in 1927 on the Principessa Mafalda from Italy to Argentina, which sank with the loss of many lives, but ended up making a later crossing. It has made Francis sensitive to the dangers faced by todays migrants, and he criticizes those countries which produce weapons but then refuse and turn away the refugees who have been generated by those weapons and by those conflicts.

Pope Francis meets migrants at the Moria detention center on April 16, 2016 in Mytilene, Lesbos, Greece. - Andrea Bonetti/Greek Prime Minister's Office/Getty Images

Francis earthy humility can be traced back to his upbringing. In the memoir, the first Latin American pontiff recalls growing up in the Flores barrio in Buenos Aires, depicting a joyful, varied and close-knit community with people from different faiths but a place where he also saw the darker and more difficult side of existence, such as the prison world and prostitution.

Later, as a bishop in the Argentine capital, he ministered to prostitutes and recalls how he gave the last rites to one sex worker from his childhood neighbourhood, La Porota, saying that even now, I dont forget to pray for her on the day of her death. Francis awareness of human struggles, and his own failings, has made him insist time and again on the importance of Gods mercy. And throughout his pontificate, he has made efforts to welcome LGBTQ+ people, re-iterating in his memoir that God loves them (gay people) as they are and describing a group of transgender women who met him in the Vatican as daughters of God!

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The new autobiography underlines that Francis remains a pope who has a voice that can connect with people beyond the institution of the Catholic Church. The memoir was written over six years in collaboration with Carlo Musso, from Italian publisher Mondadori, and is being released in major languages in over 80 countries.

It follows the publication of another Francis memoir, Life, last year. Hope was originally due to be published after the pontiffs death but its release has been brought forward to coincide with the Catholic Churchs jubilee year.

As for the future, the pope says he has not considered resigning, even though it is a possibility, and he addresses some of his health difficulties in recent years. Francis says that he is currently in good health and has physiotherapy twice a week, but the reality is, quite simply, that I am old. He never expected to be elected pope, he says, but since that moment has revealed a determination to remain grounded.

He explains how he shunned the papal apartments in the isolated Vaticans apostolic palace for the Casa Santa Marta guesthouse because he cannot live without people around me and insists on the importance of keeping a sense of humor. That is also evident in the memoir  for instance, when the pope explains how he was told to wear white trousers, rather than black, to go under his new white papal cassock.

They made me laugh. I dont want to be an ice cream seller, I said. And I kept my own, the pope writes.

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LOS ANGELES (KTLA)  A beloved hiking spot north of Sunset Boulevard in Pacific Palisades along the Temescal Ridge trail is reportedly a point of interest for investigators looking into the origins of the costliest wildfire in the history of Los Angeles.

The area in question, near Via Las Palmas and Via La Costa in the Palisades-Highland community, is less than a mile from Piedra Morada, where the fire was reported on Jan. 7 at around 10:30 a.m.

The trail, which offers expansive views of the Pacific Ocean, is home to Skull Rock Trailhead, named for a skeletal-shaped rock along the route.

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Aerial footage of the area captured by KTLAs Sky5 on Monday showed more than a dozen investigators riding and walking the area, presumably looking for an ignition point for the Palisades Fire.

Investigators seen walking an area off the Temescal Ridge trail in Pacific Palisdes on Jan. 13, 2025. (KTLA) An area along the Temescal Ridge trail cordoned off by yellow crime scene tape seen from Sky5 on Jan. 13, 2025. (KTLA)

One area along the route, around several rock formations and near a visible burn scar, was cordoned off with yellow crime scene tape, footage showed.

Mother of former child star killed in Palisades Fire speaks on devastating loss

While the cause of the fire and its starting point remain under investigation, the general area around Skull Rock was the site of a small New Years Eve brush fire, reportedly ignited by fireworks, that burned for several hours before being extinguished by a water-dropping helicopter, the Los Angeles Times reported. (A nearby resident also told The New York Times that he observed a haze over that area  though no flames  on Jan. 7, but doubted that any brush from the New Years Eve fire could still be smoldering.)

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Because the location is frequented by the public, sources familiar with the investigation told the L.A. Times its possible the Palisades Fire started in the same spot, and added that it appears to have human origins, though the investigation is in its early stages.

Investigators are likely looking into whether the Palisades Fire could have been a rekindling of the alleged fireworks-related fire on New Years Eve as well as scorched power-line poles in the area.

Theres been no definitive determination that it is arson at this point, but we are looking at every angle, LAPD Asst. Chief Dominic Choi said, as reported by the L.A. Times.

As of Cal Fires latest update at 5:30 p.m., the Palisades Fire, which has claimed the lives of eight people and destroyed at least 10,000 structures, is 23,713 acres and 14% contained.

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More information about mandatory and voluntary evacuations can be found can be found on L.A. Countys emergency response website.

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STURBRIDGE, Mass. (WWLP)  A portion of Lake Road in Sturbridge is closed on Tuesday due to road work.

VIDEO: Manhole cover explodes in Worcester

The Sturbridge Police Department states that Lake Road will be closed at the Old Towne Way intersection during working hours and might extend into Wednesday. There will be signs posted at the closure location.

MAP: Lake Road

Drivers are being asked to use another route when traveling on Tuesday and to expect delays in the area.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KREX)  The beautiful winter week in the valley continues as temperatures continue to be below average. However, skies remain clear in the Grand Valley for the rest of the week. Partly cloudy skies in the afternoon will be the extent of any weather shifts until the weekend, where an incoming arctic outbreak across the continental United States is expected to drop temperatures significantly and possibly bring snow with it.

Light snow continues across much of the Upper Yampa River Valley and northern mountains overnight. Snow amounts look to be one to three inches from the valley up to the divide. North facing slopes from the Grand Mesa to the Elks down to the San Juans have also seen some passing showers with a half of an inch up to two inches accumulation showing up on snow stakes. Temperatures will remain on the cold side of normal again today with this no more apparent than the Gunnison Basin who will likely stay in the single digits this afternoon.

While temperatures are lower than usual, they will rise slightly in the middle of the week relative to temperatures seen so far this week, and then will dip back down for the weekend where the arctic blast will take it from there. Thursday and Friday remain dry, but then an incoming Canadian trough will bring scattered snow showers across the western slope before clearing up on Sunday.

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Overall folks, its going to be a beautiful day in the Valley! Dry conditions and clear skies means a fantastic week here.

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A recent survey reveals that half of Kenyans consider healthcare to be the most urgent issue requiring government action.

Conducted by the pan-African research group Afrobarometer in partnership with the Institute for Development Studies (IDS) at the University of Nairobi, the study highlights growing concerns about the countrys health system. The survey, which was conducted in October 2024, published its findings on January 10, 2025.

Healthcare concerns were widespread across all age groups, with the most significant worry observed among those aged 35 and above, where 53 percent to 56 percent expressed concern. These health issues are compounded by the rising cost of living, ranked as the second most pressing concern by 38 percent of respondents.

Unemployment also emerged as a critical issue, with 25 percent of respondents citing it as a major problem. However, the concern was most pronounced among younger citizens aged 18 to 35, with 28 percent to 31 percent of this demographic highlighting unemployment as their top worry.

Corruption, crime, and security also surfaced as significant obstacles to addressing these issues, with 22 percent of respondents mentioning these factors as contributing to the nations challenges.

When asked what they consider Kenyas most important problems requiring government action, respondents most frequently cite health (50 percent), followed by the increasing cost of living (38 percent) and unemployment (25 percent). More than one in five also cite education (24 percent), crime and security (22 percent) and corruption (22 percent) as top concerns. Health is of particular concern for citizens over age 35 (53 percent to 56 percent), while unemployment is of greatest concern among youth (28 percent to 31 percent).

The latest Afrobarometer survey findings indicate that most Kenyans are dissatisfied with the countrys economic direction. A majority of citizens experienced shortages of basic life necessities during the previous year, and many had to rely on family or friends for assistance to make ends meet, said the report.

In addition, the latest Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG) report shows that Kenya has seen a notable decline in security, particularly concerning violence against civilians, which dropped by 31.7 points since 2022. The countrys overall security rating fell by 8.7 points, and efforts to combat corruption decreased by 1.8 points.
Eighty years ago, the Jewish American novelist Laura Z. Hobson was contemplating her next writerly move and was seeking a little help from her friends.

Gentlemans Agreement, the story she was drafting, felt like a bold idea. Maybe too bold. In her vision for the novel, reporter Phil Green is assigned to write an article about antisemitism. He pretends to be Jewish so he can experience bigotry firsthand. Readers follow the character as he encounters the prejudice of supposedly good people and learns how to respond to the slights and jabs casually meted out even by Americans who consider themselves liberal.

It was 1944, three years after the United States joined World War II. What prompted Americans to finally fight, however, was the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, not Nazi persecution of Jews and other marginalized groups. Antisemitism in the U.S. remained rampant throughout the early and mid-1940s.

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With so many fraught feelings about Jews, and about the war in which American soldiers were risking their lives, Hobson was unsure how a novel about domestic antisemitism would be received. She might have wondered if readers would dismiss the story as a Jewish writers special pleading on behalf of her own.

Should she move forward with the novel that was bubbling up inside of her? To find her way out of her writing quandary, Hobson did something she had never done before and would never do again in her four decades of writing more than a dozen books: She consulted several friends and colleagues, mailing them her proposal for the novel and a cover letter explaining her quandary.

She did not know it at the time, but Hobson was about to write her most important book  one that would help broaden conversation about prejudice by reaching many more readers than would ever hear a rabbis sermon or read a committees report on antisemitism.

The right words

When the responses started to come in, it became clear that not all the feedback was of the helpful variety.

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Lee Wright, Hobsons editor at Simon & Schuster, seemed not to have fully grasped that writing fiction was a matter of placing oneself in the shoes of someone else. The editor advised Hobson that she was ill-suited to write from a gentiles perspective because Hobson herself was Jewish. Further, Wright cautioned, Hobson should not attempt to write from a mans perspective.

Hobsons publisher and friend, Richard Simon of Simon & Schuster, was also skeptical. He did not believe that novels were the way to fight antisemitism or bigotry. And then Simon did that worst thing an editor could do: He reminded Hobson that her last novel, The Trespassers, had been a commercial disappointment.

Hobson stewed over these replies, as evident from her autobiography and letters archived at Columbia University, which I found while researching my first book, Postwar Stories: How Books Made Judaism American. As Hobson later noted in her autobiography, her publishers less-than-enthusiastic reply sapped some of her confidence. She wasnt entirely certain that she wanted to continue with her writing.

It was one of Hobsons closest female friends, Louise Carroll Whedon, whose letter offered just the right words of encouragement. Known as Carroll to her friends, she was married to TV writer John Whedon  and the familys writing success would continue with their grandson Joss Whedon, of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and The Avengers fame.

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Familiar with the ups and downs of the writing life, as well as Hobsons insecurities, Carroll replied with the enthusiasm that Hobson needed. Let me say right away that I think the book ought to be written, Whedon assured her, and the sooner the better  not to highlight the plight of the Jew, but to examine the even more appalling plight of the non-Jew, and what the seeping poison of prejudice can mean to America.

The Americans who really needed Gentlemans Agreement, Whedon argued, werent the extreme antisemites, but the people hoping that if you just pretend it isnt there, maybe it will go away. Otherwise, she warned, that willful ignorance and passivity could destroy the country  at least the America that most people want to believe exists.

Whedon did not deny the risks. But she wasnt willing to watch her friend doubt her abilities  or her insights as a Jewish woman who had experienced antisemitism firsthand, and observed casual antisemitism from her non-Jewish friends. That Whedon was one of Hobsons non-Jewish friends made her enthusiasm for a novel about antisemitism especially valuable to Hobson.

Its a controversial subject, Babe, and therell be arguments who should do it and when and how it should be done no matter what comes of it, Whedon concluded. For me, I think youre in a singularly good spot to write it  in hot anger, sure  but in cold truth as well.

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Whedon had brought Hobson back to herself. Now, it was time to write.

Instant success

In a few years, the book stuck in Hobsons mind would become a sensation. First published as a series in Cosmopolitan magazine, Gentlemans Agreement was then printed by Simon & Schuster in 1947. It became a bestseller and later an Academy Award-winning film starring Gregory Peck.

Required reading for every thoughtful citizen in this parlous century was how The New York Times described the novel. Because of Hobsons readable style and romance, the novel received attention from a wide range of publications, from the Saturday Review of Literature to Seventeen magazine. From books like Hobsons, Americans were learning how we could be humane, as well as human, beings, Times reviewer Charles Poore wrote in a December 1947 roundup of the years top books.

Within a year of the novels publication, it was adapted into an award-winning film. Twentieth CenturyFox Film Corp via Wikimedia Commons

Gentlemans Agreement was never perceived as just a Jewish novel  mostly because readers mistakenly assumed an author named Hobson was not Jewish. Even for critics, the book broadcast a new openness toward discussing antisemitism. It was a story full of teachable moments.

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Hobsons novel was part of a wave of 1940s fiction against antisemitism. Some of these novels were written by Jewish authors who were beginning to form the nucleus of postwar American literature, such as Saul Bellow and Arthur Miller. Others were by writers who made their mark during the 1940s, but whose names have faded over the decades, such as Gwethalyn Graham and Jo Sinclair. But Hobsons was the most popular of its time.

If it werent for Whedons encouragement, though, Gentlemans Agreement might never have been finished. If every friend of a writer said just the right thing  offering the needed encouragement or tough love  it would not feel like such profound treasure to spy a pearl of encouragement. But nobody gets all the encouragement they need, and writers are no exception.

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: Rachel Gordan, University of Florida

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Rachel Gordan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
**Related Video Above: How to report a power outage.

NORTH OLMSTED, Ohio (WJW)  The power was out for multiple schools in North Olmsted Tuesday morning, the schools announced. Each handled the situation differently.

North Olmsted City Schools chose to keep kids at school as they waited out the outage, affecting Birch Elementary School (24100 Palm Drive) and Maple Elementary School (24101 Maple Ridge Road).

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Are schools closed today due to weather?

The students are safe and warm and are continuing on with their school day at this time, the district said in a statement. We are currently working with the electric company to get more information and monitor the situation. We will provide more updates as we learn more information.

St. Brendan Catholic School, however, chose to send students home for the day after their power went out as well. Parents were asked to pick up their children as soon as possible.

SEE IT: Cedar Point in repose atop frozen Lake Erie

As of 11 a.m., FirstEnergy reported that about 2,100 of its customers were without power in Cuyahoga County, where North Olmsted is located. By 11:30 a.m. that number had dwindled to about 200 customers.

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FirstEnergy released the following statement to FOX 8 Tuesday morning: We had a piece of equipment fail in that area this morning. Crews worked quickly and safely to make repairs and all customers should be back on at this point.

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WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  Kansas schools that use PowerSchool are still looking into how a cybersecurity incident may have impacted their students and employees.

Last week, Kansas school districts were notified that PowerSchool was the victim of a nationwide data breach from approximately Dec. 19 to Dec. 23. The company said the breach involved student data.

Some Kansas school districts that use PowerSchool are Andover, Buhler, Haysville, Rose Hill and Winfield.

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Why paying with credit could cost you more in Kansas

Tuesday morning, Winfield USD 465 posted an update letter to staff and families.

Since our last message, we learned that the breach has affected our districts data, Superintendent Tricia Reiser said. Our dedicated IT department has identified the data that was involved in the breach, and they are working tirelessly with PowerSchool to address the situation and stay up-to-date on all critical updates.

Reiser was thankful that the district had already set up two-step authentication and encrypted all PowerSchool passwords.

We have locked down all sensitive information to prevent further unauthorized access, she said. Unfortunately, we live in a time where we all must continually monitor our personal and professional accounts for suspicious activity.

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PowerSchool says it became aware of the breach on Dec. 28 and has been working with cybersecurity experts and law enforcement as they investigate.

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  Some school systems in Alabama were a part of a cybersecurity hack at the end of December.

Some central Alabama parents were notified Monday afternoon of the data breach in PowerSchool, the student information system software required by the states department of education.

In letters to parents, some impacted districts stated the affected data could include information like names, addresses and email addresses. It was made clear, however, social security numbers were not involved.

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They didnt have access to social security numbers because we dont collect them, said state superintendent Eric Mackey. We dont store them. Theres a caveat to that. People who work for the state have to have a social security number for the tax purposes, but its not kept in the student information system, so that was never a danger.

Mackey said PowerSchool is an international corporation that the state has used for years without issue. Mackey said the PowerSchool data breach was international and not specific to Alabama, and that theres nothing the state or local districts could have done to prevent it.

Data breaches happen, Mackey said. We have had one here. We have had them out of local school systems, hospitals, the Department of Defense. Its just part of the world we live in.

According to Mackey, PowerSchool has taken the initiative to fix the problem where the hack happened and is doubling down on security.

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Over 13,000 Alabama students apply for school choice program

They feel very safe that no information has been leaked out there to the dark web, that any information that was stolen has been deleted and is no longer in danger, so we feel good about that remediation, Mackey said.

In a letter to parents, Alabaster City Schools stated it is  involved in numerous conversations with PowerSchool representatives, ALSDE representatives, our attorneys, and other parties to determine the reach of this incident.

A letter to Hoover City Schools parents reads in part, the company has assured us that the incident is contained, and there is no evidence of ongoing unauthorized activity or operational disruptions.

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Mackey said the state is working with local superintendents and technology directors to make sure they feel good about the local situations.

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PowerSchool data breach impacts local districts

JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. (WJHL)  A worldwide cyber security breach is impacting several local school districts. PowerSchool is a cloud-based software provider that allows parents to track students grades, schedules, assignments and absences through an app.

The company states on its website that on December 28, 2024, it became aware of a potential cyber security incident involving unauthorized access to certain PowerSchool Student Information System information through one of our community-focused customer portals, PowerSource.

The Washington County, Tennessee school system is one of its customers, as is Johnson City Schools, Bristol, Tennessee Schools and Sullivan County Schools.

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Washington County Director of Schools Dr. Jerry Boyd told News Channel 11 that he became aware of the breach last week.

It was specifically targeting student informationthat has student information like directory information, academic record, their schedule and so on, Boyd explained. And then our employees that utilize PowerSchool like our teachers, not all employees, but the ones that have a reason to be in there  that data was also included.

For students in Tennessee, Social Security numbers are not attached to PowerSchool. But for teachers, more sensitive information like Social Security numbers may have been included in the breach.

The Washington County, Tennessee School District issued two statements Monday: one to parents and the other to employees. Boyd said anyone discovered to be directly impacted will be contacted individually.

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Its based on the information, the guidance that we received both from the state and from PowerSchool. But we also feel its necessary to take an additional step as we go through all of the files, and those individuals that come up as maybe have been impacted, well have direct communication with them.

In the statement from the school system, Boyd said with PowerSchools help, more information and resources including credit monitoring and identity protection services will be offered to those affected.

Bold told News Channel 11 that PowerSchool representatives say the data leak has been stopped.

PowerSchool says they have basically addressed the situation and the bad actor that committed the breach. They have indicated that the data has not gone any further. But, were going through all of our records, identifying exactly who may have been involved in that breach.

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As of now, Boyd said there are no plans to change student information vendors in Washington County Schools, as long as PowerSchool takes necessary actions concerning this breach. But if not, Boyd says they may look at other student information vendors in the future.

To read what PowerSchool has said regarding the breach, visit its website at Powerschool.com/security/sis-incident.

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The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation could soon receive 1,500 acres of its land back following passage of legislation during a Jan. 7 lame duck session of the Illinois legislature.

The state House approved SB 867, which would transfer Shabbona Lake State Park to the Prairie Band Potawatomi. The bill now heads to Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker for his signature.

The land transfer hinges on an agreement that the tribe continue to operate the property as a park, still open to the public. Final details will be established in a forthcoming land management agreement between the state and tribe.

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Prairie Band Potawatomi Chairman Joseph Zeke Rupnick said the bills passage was a meaningful step toward righting a historic old wrong. The land was originally part of the tribe's 1,280-acre reservation in northern Illinois. During Chief Shab-eh-nay's visit to family in Kansas, the land was unlawfully auctioned off, violating federal requirements for Congressional approval of tribal land sales. The tribe has sought to reclaim the land for nearly two centuries.

This moment reflects the power of collaboration and the shared desire to build a future rooted in justice and respect. Illinois has shown true courage and vision by leading the way in the Land Back movement, demonstrating that healing and reconciliation are possible, Rupnick wrote in a statement.

SB 867s passage comes after a similar bill from the Illinois House, HB 4718, died on the vine in May last year. It also follows the trust acquisition of 130 acres of land by the tribe in April 2024, marking the only such reservation land in the entire state. The tribe first purchased that acreage in 2006 and began seeking trust status soon after.

State Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) said during a speech on the House floor, ahead of the vote, that the bill was an example of looking the past square in the eye.

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Idont 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, Guzzardi said, per the Capitol News Illinois. 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 weve done wrong as a nation, to see it, to own it, and to find some way where we can make it right.

About the Author: "Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at editor@nativenewsonline.net. "

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A woman scrolling on a smartphone. An Alabama legislator wants school boards to adopt policies to restrict cell phones why in class. (Getty)

An Alabama lawmaker has filed legislation to limit the access students have to cell phones while in class.

HB 81, sponsored by Rep. Pebblin Warren, D-Tuskegee, would require each of the local school boards in Alabama to adopt a policy that requires students to place electronic devices in lockers or in a designated area within the classroom, so they do not have access to them while classes are in session.

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The legislation defines electronic devices as computers, tablets and pagers. But Warren said in an interview Friday that her bill is specifically aimed at restricting students from using cellular devices on school grounds during times of instruction.

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What I realized, going into these classes, they are playing games with each other in the classroom, they are sending text messages, they are listening to music, they are coming in with earphones in their ears, and they are sitting in class and have no idea what is going on in class, Warren said.

Other bills have been filed on the subject. HB 65, sponsored by Rep. Patrick Sellers, D-Birmingham, is similar to Warrens bill but would give local school boards the authority to set policies regarding cell phone use for the school day.

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Legislators have tried to pass bills aimed at restricting cell phone use the past, most recently during the 2023 legislative session when Rep. Randy Wood, R-Anniston tried to enact a hands free cell phone rule for drivers.

Warrens concerns regarding student use of electronic devices follows that of the Alabama Department of Education. Last year, the Alabama State Board of Education unanimously approved a resolution encouraging local school boards to regulate student use of of electronic devices on school property.

State Schools Superintendent Eric Mackey said at an Alabama State Board of Education meeting in February that the current rules relate to pagers when they were an issue, and that the resolution encourages school boards to review their policies as they relate to cell phones.

The U.S. Department of Education supports states and school boards establishing policies regarding cell phone use, citing concerns about the potential impact of cell phones and social media access on childrens mental health.

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Warrens legislation would build on last years state board policy and make it mandatory for school boards to have a cell phone policy.

Under the bill, the Alabama State Board of Education would adopt a model policy for local school boards, prohibiting students from having electronic communication devices like cell phones during classes.

Local school boards could base their policies on the state boards model.

The bill would allow exceptions to cell phone bans, such as during an emergency or when the instructor has authorized the use for educational purposes during classroom instructional time. The bill also allows students with individualized education programs to have access to electronic devices.

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Education groups said many school districts already have a policy in place or have dealt with the situation specific to the needs of their students.

It would be different from district to district, but what I would think that every district would have a policy that addresses that use of those devices within the school setting, said Ryan Hollingsworth, executive director of the School Superintendents of Alabama.

The policies from the local school boards will include an escalating punishment scale for additional violations, including fines for students for subsequent violations. But Warren said she was reconsidering the fine provision after speaking with education groups.

They said in Alabama, you cant charge fees to a student, so I said, Well, you might need to do some community service work or do something around the school, she said.

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Sally Smith, executive director of the Alabama Association of School Boards, said that a fine would be a little unique in our student code of conduct as a consequence.

In particular, we want to be careful about mandating specific penalties, she said.

Other penalties include a warning, confiscation of the electronic communication device, and parental contact, according to the bill.

Warren said the bill was inspired in part by her daughter, who is a teacher.

I saw what was happening with my daughter in her classroom, she said. When I saw that, and I started to talk to her, she started expressing her concerns about how distracting it is, the kids are really just obsessed with it. They just cant put it down.

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DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  Frigid temperatures are on the way, and its important to be prepared for whats ahead.

The extreme cold can put your health at risk, and it also has the potential to cause issues inside your home, some of which can be hidden until disaster strikes.

Could a strong polar vortex impact the Miami Valley?

Despite the icy temps arriving in Dayton soon, daily routine doesnt stop. For many, that means venturing out into the cold  something that seems mundane, but can be dangers as temperatures continue to drop.

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When temperatures drop into the single digits, being prepared can make all the difference.

The dry layers help to create layers of insulation of warm air in between and help keep us warm, said Dr. Henry Young, associate professor of emergency medicine at the Ohio State University. Its important to protect our most vulnerable parts of our body. You want to avoid moisture and getting your clothing wet.

If possible, wear water resistant clothing  melted snow that sticks to your body can significantly cool you down and lessen the efficiency of your outermost layers.

Be mindful of signs of hypothermia, like uncontrollable shivering, slurred speech and disorientation.

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What to know about preventing frostbite and hypothermia this winter

Not only does cold weather affect the body, it affects your home and your wallet too. One of the biggest threats cold weather brings is burst pipes.

As temperatures drop, unmoving water in your pipes can freeze, expanding and causing water leaks that can quickly spiral. Experts recommend letting your faucets drip in order to keep water moving.



Leave a little more than a drip, leave a little like a slow, steady stream, said Mike Kiminas, vice president of operations for Atherton Plumbing. The water bill still be a little high, but its better than having a restoration company in the house.

Make sure to keep an eye on your sewage as well. Kiminas says this aspect is often overlooked by homeowners. If you have a shallow system, make sure youre keeping an eye on any backups.



A sewer backs up, a sewer can freeze also, which can be a nightmare, said Kiminas.

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If you find yourself dealing with pipes that have burst, locate your main shutoff valve. This will often be found near your homes water heater. Once thats contained, consider calling a plumber to come fix it up.

If youre leaving the Dayton area to experience some more enjoyable weather down south, make sure to keep your homes heat up while youre out so this doesnt happen to you.

Kiminas also recommends that you keep an eye on the exterior of your home. Any opening can allow the cold to find its way in and create more of a threat to your pipes.

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WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  National security threats from the Middle East to China still loom large over the Biden administration as officials try to bring their successors in the Trump White House up to speed.

However, President Joe Biden took a victory lap Monday in his final foreign policy speech.

The United States is winning the worldwide competition, President Biden said.

With one week left in office, the president stressed his staff is still forging ahead with important negotiations, like the one to end the fighting between Israel and the terror group Hamas.

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Were pressing hard to close this, President Biden said.

Jake Sullivan has played a key role in the discussions as the presidents national security adviser.

There is a very distinct possibility that we get it across the line this week, Sullivan told Nexstars D.C. Bureau Correspondent Jessi Turnure in a one-on-one interview Monday.

Sullivan said officials from both the Biden and Trump administrations are at the negotiating table in Qatar for a ceasefire and hostage release deal.

President Biden gave us direction to work closely with the incoming team so that there were not different messages being sent, Sullivan said.

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Last week, President-elect Donald Trump sent this message to the world about the hostages still held by Hamas: If theyre not back by the time I get into office, all hell will break out in the Middle East.

Is that the unified message now that people are rallying around? Turnure asked Sullivan. Is that whats getting this done?

Look, I think from our perspective the message is that the United States of America is putting its shoulder into this on a non-partisan basis, Sullivan said. To be honest with you, from the perspective of Hamas, all hell has been raining down on them for the past 14 months.

Israels government and the families of hostages want assurances the roughly 100 who remain in captivity are still alive, but they expect as many as half to be dead.

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The families are feeling unease, said Ruby Chen, the father of deceased Hamas hostage Itay Chen.

Republicans, including U.S. Rep. Greg Murphy (R-N.C.), cut President Bidens victory lap short.

Theyre going to try to put, you know, gloss on the pig as they leave, but the American people just wont buy it, Murphy said.

The new Trump administration officially begins at noon Jan. 20.

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CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)  President Joe Biden will spend his last full day in office in Charleston, according to guidance from the White House.

Biden is expected to visit Royal Missionary Baptist Church, according to officials, before touring the International African American Museum on Sunday; however, the White House has not provided specific details about his Lowcountry visit.

The presidents most recent visit to Charleston came last January when he addressed the congregation at Mother Emanuel AME Church in downtown Charleston, where nine people were shot and killed in a June 2015 white supremacist attack. The attack brought former President Obama and at the time, Vice President Biden to Charleston for the victims funerals.

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After departing the church, Biden and his motorcade traveled to Charlestons Eastside neighborhood to greet people at Hannibals Soul Kitchen.

The Bidens have also been known to vacation on Kiawah Island over the years. The president visited Kiawah while serving as Vice President in 2009, 2013, and 2015. He and the First Lady vacationed there again in August 2022.

Biden is expected to return to Washington, D.C. for Donald Trumps inauguration on Monday.

This story is breaking and may be updated.

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Pastor Nganga has predicted that Kapsaret Member of Parliament Oscar Sudi will experience a death in his family before the end of the year due to the ongoing abductions in Kenya. The controversial preacher made this statement during a Sunday sermon at his Neno Evangelism Centre, where he condemned the governments handling of the abductions.

Nganga also targeted Sudi for his recent comments, questioning whether the MP would apply the same approach to his own family.

I have heard Sudi say that if he were in charge, he would have killed the children. Why dont you kill your mother? You are killers This year, you will see. People who are special to you will also die, the pastor declared.

The preacher further claimed that the governments statements regarding the abductions suggest it is involved in the ongoing crisis. The fact that you are speaking in such a manner means you know what is going on with these abductions, Nganga stated.

He also challenged the government to take the proper legal route and bring individuals to court rather than resorting to vigilante justice.

Why dont you take the child to court? The judge is the one to determine this case, not you. I have seen them attacking pastors, Nganga added.

The pastor didnt spare National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwah either, criticizing his remarks about Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya.

Pastor Nganga questioned why Ichungwah was inciting people against Natembeya in his home region.

You are from Kiambu and you are going to Rift Valley to incite people against Natembeya at his home. Why dont you let people from his region fight him instead? Nganga posed.
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)  Dangerously cold temperatures sweep the region! Experts warn of rising risks for hypothermia and frostbite as temperatures continue to drop throughout the week.

Dr. Cynthia Price, senior emergency medical attending at Hartford Hospital, joined Good Morning Connecticut at 9 a.m. to discuss symptoms and how to prevent frostbite.

Watch the video above and visit HartfordHealthCare.org to learn more.

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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have called for Meta to reverse course on its decision to rid its platforms of fact checkers in favor of community notes. In a statement released Monday, the royal couple said Metas decision was fueled by ego or profit, likely both.

One of the reasons Prince Harry and Meghan Markle left the United Kingdom and stepped down as senior members of the royal family in 2020 was due to the intense attention from British tabloids and the spread of misinformation about them.

Now the couple, still referred to as the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, is fighting for Meta to reverse course on ridding Facebook, Instagram, and the companys other platforms of fact checkers. Harry and Meghan currently reside in Montecito, Calif., about 90 miles away from Los Angeles, which has been ravaged by wildfires. The premiere of Markles new Netflix show, With Love, Meghan, has been delayed due to the wildfires.

It doesnt matter whether your views are left, right, or somewhere in betweenthe latest news from Meta about changes to their policies directly undermines free speech, the couple wrote in an open letter published on Monday. This should deeply concern us all.

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In a documentary called Harry & Meghan released in late 2022 on Netflix, the couple recounts intense pressures from social and traditional media.

The truth didnt matter, Markle said in the documentary. The clickbait did.

On Jan. 7, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg released a video announcing changes to content moderation across the companys platforms. Fact checkers are now replaced with community notes, similar to how content is moderated on X. Community notes are essentially fact-checks by approved community members that call out false or misleading information. The below is an example of an X post with a community note.

Oh Englishman what have you unleashed on your country. pic.twitter.com/d0X0qKPf93  Richard Hanania (@RichardHanania) January 14, 2025

Now, Harry and Meghan urge Meta to reconsider and reinstate policies to protect all users, the couples statement reads. We also call on leaders across industries to uphold their commitments to integrity and public safety in online spaces, and we applaud leaders who refuse to kowtow to bullying.

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Meta and representatives for Zuckerberg didnt immediately respond to Fortunes request for comment.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex also said Metas latest move is a sign the company is allowing either ego or profit, likely both, to guide decisions that affect billions. Meta has nearly 4 billion users across Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, WhatsApp, and Threads.

Zuckerberg, meanwhile, argues fact-checkers have made too many mistakes leading to too much censorship on the platforms.

The recent elections also feel like a cultural tipping point towards, once again, prioritizing speech, he said in the video posted Jan. 7. So were going to get back to our roots and focus on reducing mistakes, simplifying our policies, and restoring free expression on our platforms.

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Zuckerberg admitted his move toward community notes was inspired by Elon Musks move on X to do the same.

We've seen this approach work on Xwhere they empower their community to decide when posts are potentially misleading and need more context and people across a diverse range of perspectives decide what sort of context is helpful for other users to see," according to a statement by Meta.

This is one of the latest moves by Zuckerberg to follow in Musks footsteps, becoming increasingly closer to President-elect Donald Trump. Meta also donated $1 million to Trumps inauguration, and Zuckerberg visited Mar-a-Lago weeks after Trump clinched the election.

Harry and Meghan said Metas move to eliminate fact checkers is undoubtedly responding to political winds, and is so far away from [Metas] stated values and commitments to its users.

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The couple went as far to say removal of fact checkers is deeply deceptive.

Metas changes to its Hateful Content Policies do not protect free expression but instead foster an environment where abuse and hate speech silence and threaten the voices of whole communities who make up a healthy democracy, their statement reads.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were reportedly "offended" by actress Justine Bateman's harsh comments after she accused them of using the Los Angeles wildfire relief efforts for a "photo op."

The royal couple has been seen distributing food and supporting victims at an evacuation center. They even released a statement urging people to help those displaced by the wildfires.

Meghan Markle, in particular, also delayed the release of her Netflix show, "With Love, Meghan," to focus on the wildfire crisis.

Justine Bateman Calls Prince Harry And Meghan Markle 'Disaster Tourists' Over Wildfire Aid

MEGA

Harry and Meghan are reportedly displeased by actress Bateman's harsh remarks about their involvement in helping with the Los Angeles wildfires.

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Taking to X to express her disdain, Bateman accused the former working royals of being "ambulance chasers" after footage surfaced showing them in casual attire speaking with victims and volunteers.

She suggested they were only there for a "photo op," writing, "What a repulsive 'photo op' they achieved. They are 'touring the damage'? Are they politicians now? They don't live here; they are tourists. Disaster Tourists."

The Duke And Duchess Of Sussex Find The Comments 'Offensive'

MEGA

According to sources speaking to PageSix, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex found these comments deeply "offensive."

Meghan, in particular, was reportedly "heartbroken" by the criticism, especially given her strong connection to LA, having grown up in the area.

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The insider shared, "It's offensive to Meghan and Harry that anybody would think this is merely a photo opportunity. Meghan was born and raised in Los Angeles so this is, and always will be, home to her."

The source further emphasized that Meghan, 43, is "not just a tourist," adding that her "heart is completely broken for all the lives that have been lost and for those whose homes have been destroyed in these fires."

Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Volunteer In Pasadena, Supporting Wildfire Victims

MEGA

Harry and Meghan, who live in Montecito near Santa Barbara, about 90 miles from Los Angeles, were seen on Friday distributing food parcels to those impacted by the devastating wildfires at the Pasadena Convention Center, which has been converted into an evacuation center.

They were also photographed embracing Jose Andres, the founder of World Central Kitchen, an organization providing hot meals to the public and emergency responders in the aftermath of the fires.

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Footage from Fox 11 Los Angeles showed the couple in Pasadena, where they engaged with volunteers and met with the city's mayor, Victor Gordo.

Speaking to FOX LA, Mayor Gordo praised Harry and Meghan's efforts. He said, "They (Harry and Meghan) want to be as helpful as they can be, and really they just want to be supportive."

The mayor also shared that the couple had visited burned-out homes in Pasadena and Altadena, meeting with those who had lost everything.

"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 neighbors," Gordo added.

The Royal Couple Offered Financial Aid For Southern California Wildfire Recovery

MEGA

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Additionally, through their Archewell Foundation, Harry and Meghan have made significant financial contributions and remain committed to supporting ongoing recovery and rebuilding efforts.

They also plan to make additional visits in the future. On Thursday, January 9, the couple posted a statement on their official Sussex.com website expressing their concern over the wildfires that have wreaked havoc across Southern California.

"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," they wrote.

Acknowledging the state of emergency, they encouraged others to help and provided links to organizations assisting with relief efforts, including The American Red Cross.

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"Some families and people have been left with nothing. Please consider donating clothing, children's toys and clothing and other essentials," they added.

Meghan Markle Delays Netflix Show Release Amid LA Wildfire Crisis

MEGA

Bateman's public criticism followed Meghan's announcement that she was delaying the release of her new Netflix series, "With Love, Meghan," due to the ongoing wildfire crisis in Los Angeles.

Initially scheduled for release on January 15, the show will now debut on March 4.

In a statement issued on Sunday, just days before the series was set to air, the Duchess of Sussex expressed gratitude for Netflix's understanding and support.

According to People Magazine, she said, "I'm thankful to my partners at Netflix for supporting me in delaying the launch, as we focus on the needs of those impacted by the wildfires in my home state of Califonia."
The Princess of Wales has made an emotional return to the hospital where she received her chemotherapy, as she hugged cancer patients and told of the challenges of getting back to normal life after treatment.

The Princess, who was treated secretly at the Royal Marsden Hospital in Chelsea, walked through its front door for the first time in her own cancer journey, in her first solo engagement in more than a year.

Announced on Tuesday as the hospitals joint patron, alongside her husband, the Prince of Wales, the Princess thanked staff for all they have done for her and others.

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In an emotive visit, she thanked doctors and nurses for their care, support and compassion and swapped stories with patients undergoing their own treatment.

It was a surprise engagement for the Princess, which was kept under wraps by Kensington Palace and the hospital as she makes a gradual return to work.

Her first solo engagement since 2023 and a rare official outing in public was said to be incredibly poignant for her.

During the visit, which overran as the Princess talked to patients and staff, she shared some personal details during conversations about treatment.

Talking to Katherine Field, 45, who was wearing a cold cap during her chemotherapy to preserve her hair, the Princess gestured to her own arm and chest to discuss the port mechanism to deliver the medicine.

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I got so attached to it, the Princess said, joking that she had hesitated when finally told you can have it taken out now.

She is not thought to have used a cold cap herself.

The Princess remarked numerous times about the importance of positivity during treatment, saying that she had been encouraged by many people to keep up the things that bring her joy as best she can through good days and bad days.

She spoke of how the diagnosis and treatment could be harder for loved ones, and how difficult it had been to leap back into normal life after chemotherapy finished.

The Princess arrived at the hospital at 11.15am, greeted at the door by Sir Douglas Flint, the chairman of the Royal Marsden, and Prof Nicholas van As, its medical director.

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She joked that it was a novelty to enter through the front door, having made so many quiet visits in secrecy, adding that it was quite nice to see the proper reception after all that time.

Im so grateful for all the care and support Ive received here, she said.

The Princess said it was nice to visit the hospital again, having previously attended as a patient - Chris Jackson/PA Wire

She was shown around the hospital by Mairead Griffin, the chief nurse at the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust.

Her first stop was at the medical day unit, where dozens of patients were visiting for their chemotherapy and immunotherapy cycles.

Its really tough, the Princess said. Its such a shock.

Many of the conversations saw both the Princess and patients smiling and swapping information about their treatment.

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She had a particularly lively conversation with Ms Field, a breast cancer patient who was in hospital with her friend Rachael Burns for company.

Speaking of the feeling of companionship among patients, the Princess said: I had to do it privately and quietly but being on a ward like this has to be reassuring in a way?

Everyone said to me, please keep a positive mindset, it makes such a difference, the Princess said.

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She added that she had also been advised to make sure you have all your warm things [clothes] on for chemotherapy because of the side effects.

Theyve been fantastic, the Princess said of the Royal Marsden. You feel in good hands.

She asked each of the patients how their families were doing, how many rounds of treatment they were having and how they were finding it.

She was heard to say oh my goodness as she heard about details of patients diagnoses.

Of the importance of looking after oneself during and after treatment, she said: I really felt like I needed to get the sun. You need loads of water and loads of sunlight.

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When Ms Fields machinery started beeping during their conversation, signalling treatment was needed, the Princess jumped and said: I recognise that beep.

The Princess said a cancer diagnosis makes you appreciate all the small things in life that you take for granted - Chris Jackson/Getty Images

The Princess went on to have a quiet conversation with Peter Burton, 58, a myeloma patient, leaning in to listen carefully.

The body is amazing at telling us: You need to take time out, she was heard to say.

She went on to sit with Richard Bosworth, a 77-year-old myeloma patient, and his wife, Ruth, who immediately congratulated the Princess in managing her three young children amazingly well during her illness.

Oh thats kind, the Princess replied. Thank you for saying that.

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Speaking of receiving a diagnosis, the Princess told staff at the hospital: Its the uncertainty of that initial diagnosis. Its such a wealth of information. Understanding the diagnosis, its a massive amount of information to take on as a patient. Having that continuity, in the clinical setting and outside in the home setting, is so important.

Of the wider impact of treatment on patients, the Princess added: You think the treatment has finished and you can crack on and get back to normal, but thats still a real challenge.

The words totally disappear. And understanding that as a patient, yes there are side effects around treatment but actually there are more long-term side effects.

Her final official introduction was to Scout, the on-hand pets as therapy dog.

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Bending over to stroke Scout, which offered a paw, the Princess said: I bet patients absolutely love her.

Before she left, she leaned in for a tight hug with Rebecca Mendlesohn, 57, who is on a trial for secondary cancer  breast and liver  and Tina Adumou, whose 19-year-old daughter is in ICU and broke down in tears when she told the Princess about it.

Putting an arm around her, the Princess asked questions and reassured her that she was in the best possible place.

I wish I could do more, she said. It will get better. There is light at the end of the tunnel.

Best of luck, she said as she left. You are in the best hands.

The Princess meets therapy dog Scout - Chris Jackson/AFP via Getty Image

On Tuesday, the Princess was confirmed as the new joint patron of the Royal Marsden, with her husband.

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The Prince of Wales held the role of president of the Royal Marsden since 2007, a position previously held by his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.

The engagement echoes the first public job undertaken by the King since he started treatment for cancer in April 2024, when he visited the Macmillan Cancer Centre in London and was seen holding hands with patients.

The Princess is undergoing a paced return to working life, after having serious abdominal surgery a year ago that turned into a cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy.

In September, she announced that she had finished her chemotherapy but was still on the path to full recovery and health.

Kensington Palace has emphasised that her public engagements will be limited for now.

The Princess hugs cancer patient Rebecca Mendlesohn at the Royal Marsden - Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Dame Cally Palmer, the chief executive of the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, said: We were honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales to the Royal Marsden in Chelsea this morning and are delighted that Her Royal Highness is now joining His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales in becoming joint patrons of our specialist cancer centre.

We are incredibly fortunate to receive royal patronage  it is inspiring for staff and patients and enables us to shine a light on the outstanding work our staff deliver every day for patients and their families.

The Royal Marsden opened in 1851 as the worlds first hospital dedicated to cancer diagnosis, treatment, research and education.

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.
An armed California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation officer stands guard at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, formerly San Quentin State Prison. California is among the states with an independent oversight office that monitors state correctional facilities. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Rampant sexual abuse by guards at womens prisons in California. An inmate suicide that went unnoticed for 18 hours in Washington state. Multiple jail breaks in Pennsylvania.

Prisons and jails across the United States are overcrowded and understaffed, jeopardizing the safety of incarcerated people, correctional officers and surrounding communities. As state legislatures convene in the coming weeks, many lawmakers are focusing on a key criminal justice issue for prisons and jails: more oversight.

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Accountability for the nations correctional facilities is decentralized and inconsistent. While some states, counties and municipalities have independent oversight bodies, many rely on internal mechanisms or lack formal systems altogether, according to Michele Deitch, director of the Prison and Jail Innovation Lab at the University of Texas at Austin, which runs the National Resource Center for Correctional Oversight.

Policy experts predict that correctional oversight will take center stage in this years legislative sessions, driven by mounting scrutiny of worsening prison and jail conditions and the growing adoption of independent oversight bodies across the country. Adding to the momentum, President Joe Biden last year signed a law creating an independent ombudsman to investigate complaints from the Federal Bureau of Prisons 122 facilities. The law also mandates inspections of all federal facilities.

Legislators have become much more aware of what they dont know and how much of a closed system this is, Deitch said in an interview. Theyre totally reliant on the corrections officials to tell them whats going on inside the facilities, and thats not the best way for legislators to exercise oversight.

But some correctional officials argue that adding another layer of oversight wont solve their fundamental problem.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We know the root causes of our current conditions: We have too many inmates and too few correctional officers, Michael Resnick, the prisons commissioner for Philadelphia, said in October when he testified before the City Council against a measure that would create a new oversight board and office for the correctional facilities in that city. Resnick could not be reached for comment for this story.

The measure passed, but establishing the new board and office requires voter approval, which could be decided through a ballot question in May.

At least 16 states  both red and blue  considered 31 correctional oversight bills during last years legislative sessions, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. However, only Maryland and Virginia approved legislation to create ombudsman offices to monitor their state prisons.

Not all of the bills that were considered would have established independent oversight bodies; some focused on internal changes or specific accountability measures within existing structures.

Advertisement Advertisement

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In addition, advocacy groups and legislators in New Jersey, South Dakota and Wisconsin called for greater independent oversight in response to growing concerns about staff shortages, violence and deteriorating conditions in prisons.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE

At least 20 states and Washington, D.C., now have independent prison oversight bodies, according to Deitch. Elsewhere, state prisons rely on other forms of accountability.

Some state, county and city officials also want to beef up oversight of jails, which are usually operated by local law enforcement agencies or state departments of correction and hold people who are awaiting trial or sentencing, or who are serving shorter sentences.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In Washington state, for example, where an independent oversight office already monitors state prisons, a lawmaker has prefiled a bill that would establish an independent board to oversee the states 59 local jails. Last year, a similar bill stalled in the Senate.

The measure would create a seven-member board  made up of corrections officials, an attorney, health care professionals and formerly incarcerated people  that would establish standards for housing and health care in jails, investigate conditions and report their findings to the state.

If the bill is signed into law, Washington would join 28 other states with similar entities, Deitch said.

Oversight in Philadelphia

For years, Philadelphias jails have grappled with severe staffing shortages, an increasing number of deaths and multiple jail escapes, among other challenges.

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As of June 2024, nearly 900 correctional officer positions remained unfilled, representing a 45% vacancy rate, according to the latest federal court monitors report, which was released last September under a class-action settlement addressing conditions of the citys facilities.

Late last month, the Philadelphia City Council approved a resolution authorizing a ballot measure, to be presented to voters in May, asking whether the city should set up a nine-person jail oversight board and office.

Efforts to establish an independent oversight system date back at least two years. An earlier panel was criticized for its lack of transparency and effectiveness and was not fully independent from the citys prisons department, according to Sara Jacobson, who served on the board for six years before resigning in 2022.

Jacobson, who is now the executive director of the Public Defender Association of Pennsylvania, told Stateline that during her time as a member she did not receive any documentation outlining the boards duties.

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One of the reasons I left was that it appeared to me that it existed simply to say that it existed. The agenda appeared to be set by and run by the prison administration. There was almost no access for the public, Jacobson said in an interview.

Philadelphia Councilmember Isaiah Thomas, who sponsored the ballot measure legislation, is part of a working group that is focused on determining the boards potential budget and defining its investigative powers, and that includes Democratic Mayor Cherelle Parker. Thomas told Stateline that safety  for inmates, staff and visitors  is a key concern.

Under the proposed measure, at least one board member must have previously been incarcerated. People who have worked for the citys prisons department, Sheriffs Office or police department would be ineligible. The nine members would be appointed by the City Council, the mayor and the city controller.

Funding for the oversight office would come from the prisons departments budget, with a minimum of 0.0045% of spending allocated to the office. That amount would be less than $14,000 in the current fiscal year.

Advertisement Advertisement

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Resnick, the prisons commissioner, said last fall that his department doesnt need the extra eyes.

There are already several layers of oversight for the [agency], and it will not be helpful to add another and potentially create conflict and confusion, Resnick told city councilmembers during the committee hearing.

Legislative proposal in Wisconsin

In response to criticism over prison conditions in Wisconsin  including deaths, violence, prolonged lockdowns and criminal charges against a former prison warden and staff  legislators and advocates in that state also have called for the creation of an independent ombudsman to investigate concerns.

State Rep. Ryan Clancy, a Democrat, criticized the Wisconsin Department of Corrections complaint system, describing it as ineffective for addressing systemic issues. Currently, complaints are first reviewed by staff at the prison where they originate.

Advertisement Advertisement

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We really need a system there that allows folks to communicate with a third party who is not tied directly to the management of that prison, Clancy, a corrections committee member, said.

It doesnt make sense to stigmatize the people that are blowing the whistle, and that are just looking out for both their own needs and the needs of other people that theyre incarcerated with, Clancy said.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
An armed California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation officer stands guard at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, formerly San Quentin State Prison. California is among the states with an independent oversight office that monitors state correctional facilities. (Justin Sullivan | Getty Images)

Rampant sexual abuse by guards at womens prisons in California. An inmate suicide that went unnoticed for 18 hours in Washington state. Multiple jail breaks in Pennsylvania.

Prisons and jails across the United States are overcrowded and understaffed, jeopardizing the safety of incarcerated people, correctional officers and surrounding communities. As state legislatures convene in the coming weeks, many lawmakers are focusing on a key criminal justice issue for prisons and jails: more oversight.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Accountability for the nations correctional facilities is decentralized and inconsistent. While some states, counties and municipalities have independent oversight bodies, many rely on internal mechanisms or lack formal systems altogether, according to Michele Deitch, director of the Prison and Jail Innovation Lab at the University of Texas at Austin, which runs the National Resource Center for Correctional Oversight.

Policy experts predict that correctional oversight will take center stage in this years legislative sessions, driven by mounting scrutiny of worsening prison and jail conditions and the growing adoption of independent oversight bodies across the country. Adding to the momentum, President Joe Biden last year signed a law creating an independent ombudsman to investigate complaints from the Federal Bureau of Prisons 122 facilities. The law also mandates inspections of all federal facilities.

Legislators have become much more aware of what they dont know and how much of a closed system this is, Deitch said in an interview. Theyre totally reliant on the corrections officials to tell them whats going on inside the facilities, and thats not the best way for legislators to exercise oversight.

But some correctional officials argue that adding another layer of oversight wont solve their fundamental problem.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We know the root causes of our current conditions: We have too many inmates and too few correctional officers, Michael Resnick, the prisons commissioner for Philadelphia, said in October when he testified before the City Council against a measure that would create a new oversight board and office for the correctional facilities in that city. Resnick could not be reached for comment for this story.

The measure passed, but establishing the new board and office requires voter approval, which could be decided through a ballot question in May.

At least 16 states  both red and blue  considered 31 correctional oversight bills during last years legislative sessions, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. However, only Maryland and Virginia approved legislation to create ombudsman offices to monitor their state prisons.

Not all of the bills that were considered would have established independent oversight bodies; some focused on internal changes or specific accountability measures within existing structures.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In addition, advocacy groups and legislators in New Jersey, South Dakota and Wisconsin called for greater independent oversight in response to growing concerns about staff shortages, violence and deteriorating conditions in prisons.

At least 20 states and Washington, D.C., now have independent prison oversight bodies, according to Deitch. Elsewhere, state prisons rely on other forms of accountability.

Legislators have become much more aware of what they don't know.  They're totally reliant on the corrections officials to tell them what's going on inside the facilities.

 Michele Deitch, director of the Prison and Jail Innovation Lab

Some state, county and city officials also want to beef up oversight of jails, which are usually operated by local law enforcement agencies or state departments of correction and hold people who are awaiting trial or sentencing, or who are serving shorter sentences.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

In Washington state, for example, where an independent oversight office already monitors state prisons, a lawmaker has prefiled a bill that would establish an independent board to oversee the states 59 local jails. Last year, a similar bill stalled in the Senate.

The measure would create a seven-member board  made up of corrections officials, an attorney, health care professionals and formerly incarcerated people  that would establish standards for housing and health care in jails, investigate conditions and report their findings to the state.

If the bill is signed into law, Washington would join 28 other states with similar entities, Deitch said.

Oversight in Philadelphia

For years, Philadelphias jails have grappled with severe staffing shortages, an increasing number of deaths and multiple jail escapes, among other challenges.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

As of June 2024, nearly 900 correctional officer positions remained unfilled, representing a 45% vacancy rate, according to the latest federal court monitors report, which was released last September under a class-action settlement addressing conditions of the citys facilities.

Late last month, the Philadelphia City Council approved a resolution authorizing a ballot measure, to be presented to voters in May, asking whether the city should set up a nine-person jail oversight board and office.

Efforts to establish an independent oversight system date back at least two years. An earlier panel was criticized for its lack of transparency and effectiveness and was not fully independent from the citys prisons department, according to Sara Jacobson, who served on the board for six years before resigning in 2022.

Jacobson, who is now the executive director of the Public Defender Association of Pennsylvania, told Stateline that during her time as a member she did not receive any documentation outlining the boards duties.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

One of the reasons I left was that it appeared to me that it existed simply to say that it existed. The agenda appeared to be set by and run by the prison administration. There was almost no access for the public, Jacobson said in an interview.

Philadelphia Councilmember Isaiah Thomas, who sponsored the ballot measure legislation, is part of a working group that is focused on determining the boards potential budget and defining its investigative powers, and that includes Democratic Mayor Cherelle Parker. Thomas told Stateline that safety  for inmates, staff and visitors  is a key concern.

Under the proposed measure, at least one board member must have previously been incarcerated. People who have worked for the citys prisons department, Sheriffs Office or police department would be ineligible. The nine members would be appointed by the City Council, the mayor and the city controller.

Funding for the oversight office would come from the prisons departments budget, with a minimum of 0.0045% of spending allocated to the office. That amount would be less than $14,000 in the current fiscal year.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

Resnick, the prisons commissioner, said last fall that his department doesnt need the extra eyes.

There are already several layers of oversight for the [agency], and it will not be helpful to add another and potentially create conflict and confusion, Resnick told city councilmembers during the committee hearing.

Legislative proposal in Wisconsin

In response to criticism over prison conditions in Wisconsin  including deaths, violence, prolonged lockdowns and criminal charges against a former prison warden and staff  legislators and advocates in that state also have called for the creation of an independent ombudsman to investigate concerns.

State Rep. Ryan Clancy, a Democrat, criticized the Wisconsin Department of Corrections complaint system, describing it as ineffective for addressing systemic issues. Currently, complaints are first reviewed by staff at the prison where they originate.

Advertisement Advertisement

Advertisement

We really need a system there that allows folks to communicate with a third party who is not tied directly to the management of that prison, Clancy, a corrections committee member, said.

It doesnt make sense to stigmatize the people that are blowing the whistle, and that are just looking out for both their own needs and the needs of other people that theyre incarcerated with, Clancy said.

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.

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(Bloomberg) -- Geo Group Inc. is being accused by the US government of violating federal labor law by retaliating against immigrant detainees who supported work stoppages.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The private-prison company subjected workers to punishments including solitary confinement because they protested their pay and working conditions and supported labor strikes in 2022, the National Labor Relations Board alleged in a Jan. 6 complaint.

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The workers had been detained at a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility operated by Geo Group in California, according to their attorneys, where they did work including cleaning and maintenance jobs for $1 per day. The attorneys described the case as an important precedent making clear that US labor law covers immigrant detainees doing work for companies running the facilities detaining them.

Geo Group said it strongly disagrees with the NLRBs allegations, and has a zero-tolerance policy for misconduct. Participation in the Voluntary Work Program by persons detained and housed at the Center by the federal government does not make such persons employees, a company spokesperson said in an emailed statement. The decision by a non-employee to discontinue his or her participation in a voluntary work program cannot and does not constitute a labor strike.

Private prison stocks soared following Donald Trumps win in the November presidential election due to his promise to carry out the countrys biggest-ever mass detention and deportation of immigrants.

The conduct of Geo Group deprives participants in the voluntary work program of their right under federal labor law to join together to improve their working conditions if they wish to do so, NLRB General Counsel Jennifer Abruzzo said in an emailed statement. Our aim is to ensure that these work program participants, as workers like any other, can fully and freely exercise their rights.

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Abruzzo is a Joe Biden appointee who could be swiftly replaced following Trumps inauguration next week, reorienting the agencys enforcement approach.

(Updates with company comment in fourth paragraph)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
Across the Pacific Palisades, where the current Los Angeles wildfires began on Jan. 7, homes and buildings have been reduced to rubble, the once-bucolic neighborhood left ashen and desolate.

But standing tall among the wreckage -- almost entirely unscathed -- remains Palisades Village, the outdoor mall owned by Rick Caruso, billionaire real estate developer and former Republican mayoral candidate.

To protect the high-end shopping center, several private water tankers, equipped with 3,000 gallons of water in each, were brought in to fend off the encroaching blaze, ABC News has reported.

PHOTO: Water tankers at the Palisades Village shopping center in the Pacific Palisades area of Los Angeles, Jan. 12, 2025 (Ariana Drehsler/The New York Times/Redux)

"Our property is standing," Caruso told The New York Times on Wednesday. "Everything around us is gone. It is like a war zone."

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Caruso did not immediately respond to a request for comment from ABC News. On Sunday, he posted on X that he was committing $5 million to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation.

MORE: LA fires live updates: How the Palisades Village managed to survive the firestorm

Amid the devastation of the fires, in which thousands of Californians have lost their homes, private firefighting companies have provoked controversy and ire, a symbol of the gaping disparity between the lives of the city's wealthiest residents and those left struggling to rebuild.

The majority of private firefighters don't actually work to serve individual customers, experts told ABC News. In most cases, they're contracted by the government, aiding local firefighting crews, or by insurance companies, typically working to avert damage.

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But some private firefighters offer their services to individuals, a practice that has shocked and infuriated many as its existence has entered the public eye. In 2018, so-called "concierge" firefighters saved Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's Hidden Hills mansion -- along with several neighbors' homes -- during the Woolsey wildfire, according to reports at the time.

PHOTO: Trevor Pratt, a firefighter with the City of San Francisco, looks for hot spots at homes burned by the Palisades Fire, Jan. 13, 2025, in Pacific Palisades, Calif. (John Locher/AP)

MORE: Debunking 5 claims about the California wildfires

On Tuesday, real estate investor Keith Wasserman sparked widespread anger after posting to X about it.

"Does anyone have access to private firefighters to protect our home? Need to act fast here. All neighbors houses burning. Will pay any amount," he wrote in a now-deleted post.

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Wasserman's post inspired backlash, with users slamming the businessman as out of touch. He later deleted his account. Wasserman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Due to the private nature of these services, it's not yet clear how widespread the use of private firefighters has been in battling the Los Angeles fires. Prices are not openly listed, and can vary widely, likely costing several thousand a day, The New York Times reported.

"I'll be honest with you, we get a lot of calls in circumstances like this from private landowners who are interested in hiring some private resources to help mitigate fire risk," Deborah Miley, executive director of National Wildfire Suppression Association, an organization representing over 300 private firefighting companies, told ABC News.

PHOTO: A person walks amid the destruction left behind by the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Jan. 9, 2025. (Jae C. Hong/AP)

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MORE: Scam artists may take advantage of the Los Angeles wildfires, officials warn

Though most private firefighting companies focus solely on work for the government and insurance companies, some openly offer their services to individual customers. Allied Disaster Defense, which the Los Angeles Times reported had sent staff to fight the recent fires, has a page on its website advertising "private client services." The company offers to sign non-disclosure agreements for providing their services, which they recommend for "high-net worth individuals, and even celebrities."

Aside from public backlash, the employment of private firefighters during such serious wildfires can be "extremely dangerous," Cal Fire battalion chief David Acuna told ABC News.

"Where it becomes a problem is they don't fall under our chain of command. We don't know what personal protective equipment they have, and we don't have radio contact," Acuna said.

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Acuna said he has no problems with private firefighters working in advance to prevent fire damage -- but during a disaster like the one that's ongoing, they can get in the way of official firefighters doing their jobs.

"All of those people are folks that we are going to have to come in and rescue if they stay in the area too long, and that takes away from us being able to attack the fire," he said.

As the wildfires continue their brutal rampage, Acuna emphasized that local fire departments will remain on the ground working to battle the flames.

"We have a responsibility to the public -- not to a customer," he said.

Private firefighters spark controversy amid devastating LA fires originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
NEW MEXICO (KRQE)  As New Mexicans continue to face high costs looking for a place to live, a state lawmaker says its time to stop Wall Street and other companies from gobbling up the deeds to single-family homes. Democrat Senator Harold Pope has pre-filed a bill that would ban hedge funds and other firms from buying homes as investment properties.

I understand folks want to look at the market and look at investments but were at a place right now where we really got to have some protections for consumers, said (D) Senator Harold Pope.

The one-page bill quote Prohibits a hedge fund, private equity firm, corporation or other business from purchasing a single-family residential property.

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Neighborhood group expresses concern after Albuquerque housing bill passes city council

I think this is maybe one tool that we can use to just get more access to consumers, especially New Mexicans, when it comes to purchasing a home because in these instances you have private equity or hedge funds that can really just make a cash offer and consumers really cant compete with that, said Senator Pope.

Similar bills have popped up in other states like New York, where Governor Kathy Hochul is proposing a 75-day waiting period before large firms can place bids on homes fresh on the market.

Its buying homes, sometimes these homes are not even occupied, when we have people who actually need homes. Its rising the speculation of the cost because of that and in some cases, it can actually increase the rent because theres just not enough houses and things not available, said Senator Pope.

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New Mexico House GOP leaders outline priorities for upcoming session

However, the New Mexico Association of Realtors says there could be some potential unintended consequences with Senator Popes proposal. We dont want to see corporations taken out of putting seed money into developments or areas that are blighted or homes that need to be bought and so they can either be rehabbed or sold or whatever, said Rob Wigton, CEO of the New Mexico Association of Realtors.

If the bill passed, Pope says hes confident the bill wouldnt impact the big corporations often involved in home building these days. He also claims it wouldnt affect people looking to buy up rental properties. The 60-day legislative session is set to begin on January 21.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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. 14Gov. Janet Mills' proposal to raise Maine's tax on cigarettes is being met with mixed reactions as health advocates praise the plan, smokers lament the extra cost and retailers want a closer look at how it could impact sales.

At Broadway Variety in South Portland, store owner Justin West just learned of Mills' proposal to increase the excise tax on cigarettes from $2 per pack to $3 per pack on Monday.

The proposal, unveiled by the governor as part of her biennial budget plan on Friday, would also raise the taxes on other tobacco products by similar amounts.

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"It's not going to help business, I can tell you that," West said.

While he doesn't expect people to stop buying cigarettes and tobacco products, West said the additional tax could impact their overall spending.

"It's just going to take money out of their wallet," he said. "The economy is already in a tough situation, so this won't help anything. It will help the governor's budget, which is great, but for every person coming in here, it's definitely not going to help them."

HEALTH ADVOCATES PRAISE PLAN

Health advocates are lauding the measure, which will go before lawmakers as they review Mills' $11.6 billion budget proposal over the coming weeks and months.

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The American Heart Association applauded Mills' proposal last week, calling it "bold and forward-thinking" and saying it would help improve the health and well-being of Mainers, especially children. The association said tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death in Maine.

"Evidence shows that tobacco taxes improve public health, save lives and lower health care costs, creating a ripple effect of positive outcomes across the state," Allyson Perron Drag, vice president for field advocacy for the American Heart Association, said in a written statement. "We commend Gov. Mills for taking a stand for Maine's health."

The Maine Public Health Association also said the increase 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 Friday. "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."

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IS THERE A COST FOR BUSINESSES?

But some retailers are worried the proposal could drive away business, particularly near the New Hampshire border. Maine currently has the second-lowest state tax on cigarettes in New England at $2, while New Hampshire is the lowest at $1.78, according to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.

"The single biggest issue I think is that New Hampshire's tax is already lower than Maine's and this would create a wider gap between the two states," said Curtis Picard, president and CEO of the Retail Association of Maine.

He said the proposal could benefit New Hampshire at Maine's expense, but stopped short of saying the retail association would oppose it. "It's too early to say," Picard said, adding that the $80 million in revenue that the proposal is expected to bring in over two years is a "pretty hefty increase."

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Maryanne Alhamdany, co-owner of the Westbrook Market convenience store, said a lot of her customers have brought up  and derided  the proposed tax hike since its announcement.

Alhamdany said she was not particularly worried about the impact to her bottom-line, because "people are still going to smoke."

"It may encourage a few to quit, but realistically I feel like it's just putting more of a burden on the people that do (smoke) in an economy that's already really hard to live in," Alhamdany said.

Depending on the cost of gas and tolls, it may not be worth it for customers far from the border to cross for their cigarettes, she said. But for those who live near New Hampshire, crossing could mean a notable discount.

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"I feel like the state is driving people to make other choices that don't contribute (locally)," she said. "People are going to find a way. They always find a way, if they're not ready to quit smoking."

Alhamdany said it seems like the state is trying to simultaneously discourage smoking while banking on the revenue it brings in.

"It's very hypocritical," Alhamdany said. "They're just hurting themselves."

MIXED REACTION FROM SMOKERS

At Broadway Variety, West said the proposal will hurt customers' wallets, even if it's not necessarily felt by his business. "I don't think it will discourage them (from smoking)," he said. "People aren't going to say, 'It's $1 more. I'm not going to smoke anymore.' That's just money they're not going to spend on something else."

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Richard McDonough was checking out with his weekly purchase of one cigar on Monday and said he doesn't mind the tax proposal. McDonough said the cigar costs about $11.

"I'm not a heavy tobacco user," said the 72-year-old South Portland resident. "I'm OK with it."

Ray Coughlin, a longtime smoker from South Portland who had just bought a pack of Camels, said the proposal is "ridiculous." He wasn't sure if the added cost would stop him from buying them in the future. "I've been trying to quit anyway, so I don't know," he said.

In Lewiston, Ayan Tariq was working the cash register at 7 Days Market Monday and said it saddens him to think about having to raise prices "on some of the people who can least afford it."

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"We have the lowest prices in town, but will have to increase them because of this," he said.

Abe Chipman, who was lighting up a cigarette outside the market, called the proposal "a rip-off."

"They shouldn't be attacking us," the Lisbon resident said.

OTHER OPTIONS TO RAISE REVENUE?

It remains to be seen if lawmakers will support Mills' proposal, though some Republicans have already said they won't.

"Maine is already one of the highest taxed states in the country, so we don't see a need to increase any tax," House Minority Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham, R-Winter Harbor, told reporters following the unveiling of Mills' budget last week.

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James Myall, an economic policy analyst at the Maine Center for Economic Policy, said Monday that an increase to the cigarette tax wasn't the center's first suggestion for raising state revenues.

A policy memo released by the center last year suggests adding new high-income tax brackets, creating a "millionaire's tax" on income over $1 million and closing business tax loopholes, among other things, in order to raise revenues and create a more fair tax system.

Myall said it's generally true that lower-income populations have higher rates of tobacco use, so taxes on cigarettes and tobacco products tend to disproportionately impact them. But he said research has shown that such taxes have a health benefit in reducing tobacco use.

"As an organization we're mostly pleased that there has been an attempt to raise some revenue and reduce the need for cuts in the budget," Myall said. "We appreciate that. We also think there's an opening for some other solutions to raise revenue."

Press Herald Staff Writer Daniel Kool and Sun Journal Staff Photographer Russ Dillingham contributed to this report.

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On Sunday night, police recovered a gun believed to have been used in the November 9, 2024, killing of 25-year-old Abdirahim Abdullahi Ibrahim near DD Plaza in California, Eastleigh. The weapon, loaded with five bullets, was seized from a suspect who was shot and killed during a police chase.

Nairobi Police Commander Adamson Bungei confirmed that officers had tried to stop a suspicious motorcycle carrying a pillion passenger along Kagundo Road. When the rider ignored police orders and sped off, a chase ensued. The pillion passenger jumped off the motorcycle and began firing at the officers but was overpowered and killed. His gun was recovered and will be used as evidence in the ongoing murder investigation.

This development follows the arrest of 27-year-old Paul Odhiambo on November 22, 2024. DCI detectives traced him to a hideout in the Kiambiu slums, though the killer pistol was not recovered at the time.

The suspect, also known by the alias Fazul Mohamed, was captured on CCTV approaching the deceased from behind, shooting him, stealing his phone, and fleeing the scene. The victim had been talking with his girlfriend at the time but was not harmed.

Detectives are also investigating whether Odhiambo is connected to a gang involved in the murder of DCI officer David Mayaka, who was fatally shot by three men on a motorcycle in Kayole on August 23, 2023. The case is currently in court.
Members of the Oklahoma House are pictured sitting in the House chamber for their organizational day in Oklahoma City on Jan. 7. Immigration reform, including the bill proposed by Rep. Molly Jenkins, R-Coyle, to invalidate out-of-state driver's licenses for undocumented immigrants, is set to be a major issue for the Legislature this upcoming session. (Photo by Emma Murphy/Oklahoma Voice)

OKLAHOMA CITY  A bill introduced by an Oklahoma lawmaker would not recognize drivers licenses granted to undocumented immigrants by other states.

Rep. Molly Jenkins, R-Coyle, introduced House Bill 1043 which bars undocumented immigrants from driving vehicles using licenses issued in other states.

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While Oklahoma does not issue licenses to undocumented immigrants, 19 states offer this group driving privileges, including neighboring New Mexico and Colorado, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Florida passed similar legislation which went into effect in July 2023, prohibiting the use of out-of-state licenses for undocumented immigrants from five states.

A driver using these out-of-state licenses could be penalized with a citation for driving without a license.

Driving without a license is a misdemeanor in Oklahoma that carries a penalty of a fine between $50 and $300, up to 30 days of imprisonment, or both.

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Jenkins said in a statement that she has not spoken to anyone in law enforcement on the bill.

House Bill 1043 is a bill to protect the citizens of Oklahoma, she said. In the event a drivers license is issued to an undocumented immigrant by any other state, that license would not be valid in the state of Oklahoma and the undocumented immigrant would be issued a citation for driving without a license. Living in America is a privilege and only citizens should be afforded the right to operate a motor vehicle.

A spokeswoman for the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety said she had no comment on the proposed legislation.

Rep. Arturo Alonso-Sandoval, D-Oklahoma City, said many undocumented Oklahomans depend on out-of-state licenses for basic needs like driving to work or taking their kids to school.

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If were going to talk about restricting out-of-state licenses, we should focus on creating our own solution right here at home, said Alonso-Sandoval, a member of the Latino Caucus, in a statement. Oklahoma can step up and extend drivers licenses to folks who are already part of our communities and help make our state strong. These are our neighbors who work alongside us, pay their taxes, and share the same Oklahoma values of working hard and putting family first. Id get behind a bill that actually recognizes how much these families contribute by making sure everyone can drive legally and safely.

The Oklahoma State Work Permits and Visa Task Force commissioned by Gov. Kevin Stitt issued recommendations in September to bolster our workforce and create opportunities for those who are here contributing to our communities and economy.

Among the recommendations was issuing qualified migrants with Driving Privilege Cards. A spokesperson for Stitt, however, said the governor would not issue licenses to undocumented immigrants or follow the recommendations of the task force.

Research from the American Sociological Association shows that when states give drivers licenses to undocumented immigrants, it can also affect nondrivers. For example, it can improve birth outcomes for children of immigrants when parents are relieved of the stressor of driving without authorization.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  As a historic doctors and nurses strike in Oregon continues into its fifth day, Providence has rolled out a complaint accusing the union of bad faith bargaining.

On Monday, Providence Medical Group filed an unfair labor practice complaint against the Pacific Northwest Hospital Medicine Association, claiming the union unlawfully delayed bargaining by refusing to meetat reasonable times and reasonable intervals forbargaining.

Man dead after shooting at NE Portland Fred Meyer

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PMG also said the union made a regressive bargaining proposal and consistently delayed in responding to proposals and counterproposalswhile concurrently posting flyers citing intent to participate in a January strike in coordination with other Providence facility bargaining units.

This comes after nurses and doctors from Providence St. Vincent joined the picket line Friday calling for better pay, staffing and patient care. The strike marks the first time that doctors have joined the picket line.

I work nights. Personally, I see all the time patients waiting in the ER for hours, Dr. Jahnavi Chandrashekar told KOIN 6 News on Monday. Were talking about, even after its been decided that they do need to be admitted to the hospital, they still spend hours waiting in sometimes stretchers in the hallway.

Nurse Lindsey Novinger added, We have had countless shifts where we ask for nurses and we cant safely care for patients.

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A two-star Pendleton hotel is listing rooms for $10,000 during the Round-Up. Heres why

Those striking said they had no other choice but to strike after months of negotiations failed to bring the changes they wanted to see at Providence. Meanwhile, PMG claims the union is responsible for the ongoing impacts to patient care.

Providence also said they are ready to start negotiating at some hospitals, but added that the union wants to take an all or none approach by insisting they wouldnt negotiate unless all Providence facilities agreed to go back to the table for hospital RN units.

By Tuesday afternoon, Providence announced that all eight hospital ministries were ready to discuss resuming mediated negotiations with the Oregon Nurses Associations teams.

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After illegally refusing to bargain during the 10-day notice period, Providence has shifted its position on negotiations dramatically over the last few days, the Oregon Nurses Association shared in a statement. As we move back into negotiations, we call on Providence to take this process seriously, come to the table with substantive offers to address the systemic issues that impact hospitals and clinics across Oregon and reach a fair contract that prioritizes patients and frontline caregivers instead of profits.

Providence and the Union are communicating through a federal mediator, but no negotiations have been scheduled as of Tuesday morning.

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  A Providence firefighter accused of punching two police officers at a Johnston bar is no longer with the department, Target 12 has learned.

Patrick Brearley, 42, is facing charges of simple assault, obstructing an officer in execution of duty, and disorderly conduct. The charges stem from an incident at The Ave Bar and Grille in Johnston on Jan. 4.

Josh Estrella, a spokesperson for Mayor Brett Smiley, released a statement to Target 12 on Monday confirming Brearley was no longer a Providence firefighter.

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While the city does not comment on personnel matters, Smiley expects Providence firefighters to uphold the highest standards of integrity, Estrella said. As of Friday, Patrick Brearley is no longer a Providence Firefighter.

Estrella would not confirm if Brearley was terminated or chose to resign.

Target 12 reached out to the Providence Firefighters IAFF Local 799 for comment but did not immediately hear back.

Body-worn camera obtained by 12 News shows Brearleys interaction with Johnston police officers was tense.

Officers said he looked extremely intoxicated and disoriented, when they responded to the bar.

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We dont want to have to escort you out in front of everybody. Just walk out, one officer said.

Brearley refused to comply, which prompted officers to bring him to the ground. The video showed Brearleys fists were visibly clenched.

Watch your fist, man. Were trying to help you, an officer can be heard saying.

The footage showed Brearley continuing to resist and ignoring commands to leave or sit against the wall. As police tried to escort him outside, he pulled back, clenched his fist and punched an officer in front of him.

Brearley pleaded not guilty in court last Friday. He was released on $1,000 personal recognizance and is due back in court on Jan. 31.

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Alexandra Leslie (aleslie@wpri.com) is a Target 12 investigative reporter covering Providence and more for 12 News. Connect with her on Twitter and on Facebook.

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A new coalition of more than 700 public health professionals, scientists and activists signed an open letter to oppose Senate confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as health secretary, saying his fringe views and inexperience would put the country at serious risk from severe infectious diseases.

The letter from the coalition called Defend Public Health said Kennedys unfounded, fringe beliefs could significantly undermine public health practices across the country and around the world.

The signatories include faculty members from public health schools at prestigious universities like Harvard, Yale and Emory.

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The letter raised concerns about Kennedys lack of expertise in health care and his inexperience running a bureaucratic agency as sprawling as the Department of Health and Human Services. It also noted his long history of questioning vaccines.

It is unfathomable that President Trump  would now be nominating someone who is decidedly anti-vaccine and could, if confirmed, undermine not only the progress weve made in saving lives from COVID-19 but also from life-threatening infectious diseases including polio, tetanus, measles, mumps, seasonal flu and more, the letter stated.

Kennedy claims he is not anti-vaccine and is merely pushing for more transparency into their safety.

This latest anti-Kennedy push comes on top of a separate letter last week from more than 15,000 doctors, organized by the Democratic-aligned Committee to Protect Health Care, urging senators not to confirm him.

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Kennedy has been on Capitol Hill in recent weeks holding meetings with dozens of senators who will consider his nomination. While theres been no firm public opposition to Kennedy from Senate Republicans, he can afford to lose three votes if every Democrat opposes him.

Unlike other Republicans, Senate Health Committee Chairman Bill Cassidy (R-La.) did not immediately endorse Kennedy after his meeting and gave only a tepid statement on social media.

Cassidy briefly told reporters he and Kennedy spoke about every permutation of vaccines but declined to elaborate further after the nearly hourlong meeting.

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A DNR map showing the area in Otsego County the department is considering leasing out for solar development. (Courtesy: Michigan Environmental Council)

This coverage is made possible in part through a partnership between IPR and Grist, a nonprofit environmental media organization.

A plan from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to potentially lease more than 400 acres of state land in the Gaylord area for solar development has stirred up a range of responses.

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Some lawmakers have called for staff within the department to be fired, citing a lack of trust and transparency in the planning process. And the solar company that initially pitched the idea has distanced itself from the project.

The DNR released a public notice of its plans to lease the land for solar development on Tuesday, opening up three months of public comment.

Scott Whitcomb, the director of the DNRs Office of Public Lands, said the department will then decide whether to issue a request for proposals and solicit bids. He said this is part of the typical statutory process for leases or acquisitions of land over 80 acres to notify local units of government and the public.

Considering alternate uses of state land is not unusual for the department, Whitcomb said. Were the largest landowner in the state, and people come to us when there are land activities that require acreage. And so those include, but theyre not limited to, gas and oil, mineral production, sand and gravel mines, landfills.

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Whitcomb said in this case, a developer, RWE Clean Energy, reached out to DNR in May to ask about leasing state land to expand a nearby solar array in Hayes Township. (Hayes Township officials could not be reached for comment this week.)

RWE has been developing a solar array on over 1,100 acres of private land nearby, which is expected to produce about 200 megawatts of alternating current.

The department looked at around 1,200 acres of potential state forest land in the area and settled on the 420 acres, which make up just over half a square mile.

Whitcomb said there was the opportunity to develop solar on this tract of land with minimal harm to the environment. Half the land had already been harvested for timber, and he described the piney forest as very industrial in nature, with oil and gas extraction and transmission lines on the property.

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Hayes Township had previously voted in favor of RWEs solar development on private property butting up against the state land.

We thought all of those things would lend themselves to a successful project, Whitcomb said. Obviously there are a lot of concerns, so we want to pump the brakes and spend some time gathering input and assess where we are.

A spokesperson with RWE, Patricia Kakridas, said in an email that the company is no longer planning to expand onto state land.

We did not just make this decision, Kakridas wrote in the message, bolding and underlining the words did not.

We have been working with the landowners since 2019 and already have leases for the property on which the solar farm will be located, she continued. We reached out to all of the adjacent property owners during the early development process, including DNR, but decided we only needed the existing footprint.

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However, Whitcomb said the DNR only became aware that RWE was no longer interested in leasing that land over this past week.

Public response

After MLive first reported on the project, a firestorm of responses followed.

Republican lawmakers like Rep. Ken Borton (R-Gaylord), called for department staff to be fired.

Others were upset at what they call a lack of transparency from the department. Over 50 lawmakers signed a letter to the department saying such projects highlight the blatant hypocrisy within the DNR because its denied smaller lease proposals in the past, and demanding more information about other projects.

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This was just dropped on all of us, said Sen. John Damoose (R-Harbor Springs). I found out about it through the news on Friday. And these types of things are big decisions related to the overall energy policy of the entire state. Legislators should be part of this discussion.

Damooses 37th district covers parts of northern Michigan and the eastern Upper Peninsula.

While Damoose said hes not opposed to solar overall, he doesnt agree with cutting down trees to make room for solar panels. And he said lawmakers should be involved in these decisions.

Damoose is also among the lawmakers who say the states clean energy goals are unreasonable and should be scaled back.

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We cant get there in the way they want us to do it, he said.

The states Public Service Commission estimates that Michigan would need to commit up to about 209,000 additional acres for solar and wind to meet renewable energy goals, though it made no distinction between the types of land.

Meanwhile, some environmental groups have criticized the response over the states process, saying its another example of anti-solar sentiment. Emily Smith, a policy manager with the Michigan Environmental Council council who works on land and conservation issues, said while she and other staff were initially shocked, after reviewing information from the DNR, they felt more comfortable about the process.

There are legitimate concerns about deforesting land for solar and other projects, she said, but the specifics of each project need to be carefully considered.

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While these tracts of land might still have some ecological value, we were able to see that about 200 acres of the 420 is already slated to be clear cut anyway for pine for the timber industry, Smith said, adding that another section had been damaged by tornadoes.

The council has called for the DNR to conduct a climate analysis of the potential project.

Clean energy goals

The lease discussion falls amid Michigans ambitious goals to reach a 100% clean energy standard in the next 15 years, which was set into law by the Democrat-controlled state legislature in 2023.

The administration under Gov. Gretchen Whitmer directed state agencies to assess their role in meeting goals outlined in the MI Healthy Climate Plan.

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Whitcomb said for the DNR that could mean converting marginal productive state land for utility scale solar. This approach has been well-documented, most recently within the 2024 state forest management plan. The plan includes objectives to identify state forest land suitable for renewable energy, develop utility-scale renewable energy siting guidelines and issue requests for proposals for renewable energy projects.

In 2020, the DNR offered land for lease on two former northern Michigan mineral mining sites for solar development; one project fell through and the land reverted back to the state. And another solar developer outside of Mio was rejected out of concern for the endangered Kirtlands warbler.

But Whitcomb said the DNR has set the maximum amount of state land that would go toward solar development at 4,000 acres.

Weve established a self-imposed cap to let people know that this is not going to be a widespread occurrence where were leasing for the conversion of tens of thousands of acres of state land, Whitcomb said. This is going to be very limited, very strategic and very thoughtful.

Editors note: The Michigan DNR is a sponsor of WCMU, which reports on them as they do with any other organization.
BINGHAMTON, NY (WIVT/WBGH)  Members of the public voiced their opinions to Binghamton City Council about the proposed, Good Cause Eviction Law at yesterdays town hall meeting.

The law would create additional protections for tenants against unjust, retaliatory evictions, it would limit rent increases of more than 10% and would allow tenants to renew their lease if they didnt violate it or fail to pay rent.

Binghamton City Council held a public comment period yesterday.

One local landlord spoke out against Good Cause, saying, its already difficult to navigate the eviction process and remove a problem tenant.

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He says sometimes, the only way he can remove a tenant is by giving a notice and terminating the lease, but hes worried landlords wont be able to do that anymore.

I have tenants that have been terrible nuisance tenants that I cant get rid of. And their recourse, the neighbors that are being disturbed call the police. And the police tell them, call the landlord. What am I supposed to do, call the landlord and have the landlord evict them, and we cannot evict them.

Good Cause Eviction was first implemented in New York City, and has recently been passed in Rochester and Ithaca.

Some people asked city council to wait and research its impact in other communities, before passing it in Binghamton.

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Elaine is a supporter of Good Cause, and says the law is a no-brainer.

She says if a tenant isnt violating their lease, they deserve to stay there.

Supporter of Good Cause Eviction, Elaine, says, If a tenant is good about paying their rent every month, and they pay straight cash for over two years, there needs to be rights to protect those tenants. If they dont create a problem with the law, if theyre not vandalizing the place, or setting fire to it, theyre not causing trouble, they should honor that, by treating them with dignity and respect, says Elaine.

Council member Rebecca Rathmell says the law would help address Binghamtons forced displacement problem.

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She says last year alone, over 1,200 people and over 700 families with children used emergency shelters in Broome County, which is a 180% increase from 2020.

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Puerto Ricos new Republican governor is drawing attention to Venezuelan strongman Nicolas Maduros military threats against the U.S. island in the wake of President-elect Trumps calls for U.S. territorial expansion.

In a letter to Trump dated Monday, Gov. Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon said Maduros plea for Latin American troops to invade Puerto Rico is an open threat to the United States, our national security and stability in the region.

Gonzalez-Colons letter was in response to a Maduro speech on Sunday in Caracas, closing the Global International Antifascist Festival.

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As in the north they have an agenda of colonization, we have an agenda of liberation, and that agenda was written for us by Simon Bolivar, said Maduro.

The liberty of Puerto Rico is pending, and we will achieve it with Brazilian troops, added the Venezuelan, who last Friday took his third oath of office despite widespread claims that he rigged the July presidential election results.

Puerto Rican voters have overwhelmingly chosen to keep their U.S. citizenship, granted in 1917 by an act of Congress, following the U.S. takeover of the island from Spain in the 1898 Spanish-American War.

In a non-binding plebiscite in November, nearly 70 percent of participating voters in Puerto Rico chose either statehood or free association with the United States as their preferred status for the territory, both statuses which would maintain U.S. citizenship.

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And though nearly 31 percent voted for full independence, an option to maintain the current status with citizenship  a popular choice with supporters of one of the islands traditional political parties  was not included in the plebiscite.

Maduros threats, though unlikely to be followed by military action, come after Trump has made direct threats to economically or militarily coerce U.S. allies to hand over control of Greenland and the Panama Canal.

The incoming U.S. presidents talk of territorial expansion comes after years of increased threats of Chinese military action in Taiwan and the South China Sea, and after three years of a Russian war of territorial expansion in Ukraine.

Trump has also irked the United States land neighbors, Canada and Mexico, seemingly jokingly referring to Canada as the 51st state and calling to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America.

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But Maduro has so far been the only world leader to spin the saber-rattling trend into territorial threats against the United States.

Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.) a close ally of Gonzalez-Colons and a vocal opponent of authoritarian regimes in Latin America, blamed Maduros boldness on President Bidens weak policy of appeasement and issued a threat to Maduro.

 in less than a week, a new foreign policy will begin where freedom and U.S. national security interests are paramount. Friends will be treated as friends, and adversaries as adversaries, wrote Diaz-Balart on X.

Maduros days are numbered. If the dictator in Venezuela does not want to end up like other dictators Mussolini and Gaddafi, he should leave Venezuela without delay.

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British wartime leader Winston Churchill once said he was an optimist, as there was no point being anything else. The year ahead in Ukraine has given rise to wild, perhaps wilful, positivity from Kyiv and  publicly at least  in parts of NATO that the incoming Trump White House can effect meaningful, diplomatic change.

They have little choice, as the extent of American backing will decide the outcome of this war, and Trumps inner circle is far from persuaded, if not already reluctant, to continue the current, nearly-adequate level of support of the Biden administration. Yet Moscows track record of negotiation and peace over a decade of war in Ukraine should prove cause for great caution, if not cynicism.

Keith Kellogg, US President-elect Donald Trumps Ukraine envoy, has long floated the basic tenets of an optimists peace deal in a policy paper he wrote for a think-tank last April. They involve a ceasefire, Ukraine entering talks as a condition to further military aid, and a possible de-militarized zone, to ensure the current frontlines are frozen. The plan relies greatly on Moscows complicity in ending the war on terms devised by the United States, and does not resolve the main problem it assesses  that Ukraine needs more weapons than NATO can comfortably provide. Yet US allies are examining Kelloggs proposals with some seriousness, to at least, it seems, be ready and able.

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A European defense official told CNN there were active discussions about how NATO nations might deploy troops to assist with a de-militarized zone, if one became part of any peace deal, and they were requested. Western officials have often reiterated their view that Moscow remains reluctant to open a full-scale conflict with NATO itself.

Perhaps the presence of some NATO troops along Ukraines frontlines could restrain the Kremlin from trying to advance slowly - in spite of a ceasefire deal - as it has tried before. On Monday, President Volodymyr Zelensky said he has discussed the deployment of partner contingents of troops to Ukraine with his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron. Paris has recently floated the idea of French troops in Ukraine to train, but Ukrainian media went further to speculate this might refer to the germ of a NATO peacekeeping force.

On Sunday, Trumps incoming national security adviser, US Rep. Mike Waltz, commented to ABC News on the war in Ukraine: Everybody knows that this has to end somehow diplomatically. His comments were seized on by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Tuesday, who said it meant the Trump team was addressing the reality on the ground, Reuters reported.

Trump will inherit a NATO alliance of which he has expressed skepticism and where the unity of message in support of Ukraine is beginning to crumble. While Germanys Chancellor Olaf Scholz broke months of Russian President Vladimir Putins diplomatic isolation with a phone call in November, NATOs eastern-most members are acutely aware of the threat of a Kremlin emboldened by partially adhered-to ceasefires, and remain focused on Moscows enduring defeat as the best way to guarantee European security.

A billboard in Saint Petersburg, Russia, promotes army service with the slogan "The Victory will be ours." - Olga Maltseva/AFP/Getty Images

Kaja Kallas, the former Estonian prime minister and now the EUs High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, told CNN from Rome she believed Ukraine could still win with the right aid.

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The stakes for European security are extraordinarily high, she said. The scale of hybrid attacks in Europe have already surged and Ukraines defeat would cost us far more than aid.

Putin has shown a total disregard for international law and cannot be trusted. Without credible security guarantees, any ceasefire agreement is likely to fail. Russia will simply rearm and re-attack. A bad peace deal will only lead to more war, just as it did before, she added. We must learn from the past and ensure any future agreement is sustainable.

Flawed process

Russias previous pledges of peace in Ukraine have been characterized by deception, suggesting a ceasefire may be in name only. In the initial invasion of 2014, Crimea was taken by a small force of green men who overwhelmed Ukrainian bases on the peninsula while denying they were Russian military. (Putin later admitted they were).

The mercenary-led uprisings that took parts of the Donbas region in the following months were also an unconvincing fig leaf for Moscows annexation. Russia often enthusiastically pursued its military goals while talking peace, and in February 2015 completed its advance into the strategic town of Debaltseve, right in the middle of peace talks in Minsk, finally taking the town during the first days of a ceasefire.

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Those who were there, remember a flawed process. Alexander Hug, who ran the OSCE monitoring mission on the ground that oversaw the ceasefires of 2014-15, told CNN: No ceasefire is perfect. Violations are bound to occur. The key question is what the agreement foresees in terms of sanctions and remedial action. He said that if either side got away with it, you have an open invitation for more of the same.

He added, The situations then and now are not the same but that the key lessons drawn 10 years ago remain valid today.

Moscows narrative has also drastically changed over the past decade, as has its casualty rate. In 2014, Putin often pretended to have no control over the separatist uprisings, and the Russian military suffered relatively few losses for significant territorial gains. As the war edges into its fourth year, Western officials assess Russias incremental gains along the frontline add as many as 1,500 deaths and injuries a day, and the toll nears 700,000 casualties for the war, according to the UK defense ministry.

The Kremlin has also cast the war as an existential battle against all of NATO - perhaps to excuse its faltering performance. On the other hand, NATO has yet to commit troops to the conflict at all, only its less desirable equipment. This imbalance in how the conflict is perceived will warp the negotiating table. Russia simply has more at stake than NATO. And it may make it harder for Putin to accept minor concessions from Kyiv at talks, and rather seek larger gains.

Fast burn of lives

There are hopes Trumps unpredictability, and apparent desire to avoid seeing on his watch a repeat embarrassment for the US comparable to the withdrawal from Kabul, could resolve him to see Putin fail. But that would require the president-elect to reverse two key constants in his demeanor: a desire to not publicly upset the Kremlin head, and to reduce the United States involvement in foreign conflicts.

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Kyiv and other NATO members like to evoke the idea of peace through strength. But the larger risk of this year is a slow, even torturous, diplomatic process during which Putins imperfect adherence to a ceasefire, and likely continued minor territorial gains, leave Ukraines allies divided, and unable to decide what level of violation would merit the full involvement of NATO in retaliation.

As in 2014, do you go to war over Crimea, or Debaltseve? If NATO or European troops are deployed along a de-militarized zone, what level of violation, or casualties among them, would merit a NATO retaliation against another nuclear power? Would the Trump White House agree with its European allies?

And once NATOs unity and intensity of support for Kyiv begin to lapse, and European governments begin to change, it may be hard to reignite. Putin knows this, and has played to it before. But only now does he have such an apparent sympathizer in the White House as Donald Trump.

Time may not entirely be on Putins side, given the fast burn of Russian lives, financial reserves, and an economy fiercely overheating from military sign-on bonuses and death payouts. But this year, the Kremlin head will see the one constant that caused the clock to tick loudest in Moscow  the unified backing of NATO for Ukraine  morph into the slow, generous diplomacy he exploited in 2014. That, combined with Russias brutal and slow-paced tenacity on the battlefield, may be enough to edge him towards the victory he needs.

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Moldova's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has responded angrily to Kremlin adviser Nikolai Patrushev after he said Chisinau's "anti-Russian policy" could lead to Moldova either becoming part of another state or ceasing to exist entirely.

Source: European Pravda citing online Moldovan media outlet Newsmaker

Details: In an interview with Komsomolskaya Pravda, Patrushev blamed the Moldovan government for the countrys energy crisis, urging Chisinau to "stop deceiving itself and its people" and to "admit its mistakes and rectify the situation".

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Quote from Patrushev: "I do not rule out that Chisinaus aggressive anti-Russian policy will result in Moldova either becoming part of another state or ceasing to exist altogether."

Quote from Moldovas Foreign Ministry: "Such statements constitute unacceptable interference in our countrys internal affairs and are aimed at destabilising the region. The Republic of Moldova is a sovereign state that is consistently pursuing the path of democracy and European integration in line with the will of its citizens."

Background:

Moldova's Foreign Minister Mihai Popsoi recently said he would no longer be commenting on anything Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova says about his country, as her remarks have no diplomatic relevance.

Zakharova frequently comments on developments in Moldova and other European countries, accusing them of "Russophobia". Her views on Chisinau are often undiplomatic or blatantly hostile, including referring to Moldova as an "appendage of the Kyiv regime".

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President William Ruto has announced that the government will allocate Ksh. 4 billion to construct new roads and complete stalled projects in Nairobi County. The funds will be used to build new feeder roads and rehabilitate existing ones, aiming to enhance mobility across the capital city.

During a Sunday service at the United Pentecostal Church of Kenya in Dagoretti North, Ruto assured residents that the government will take over and finish all unfinished road projects left by the defunct Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS).

We will take over all stalled projects, finish them, and undertake more initiatives to make Nairobi a city we can all be proud to live in, he said.

The President reiterated his commitment to improving the living standards in Nairobi, which includes plans to clean up the Nairobi River within two years.

Nairobi cannot remain behind as other regions of Kenya make progress, and theres no way Kenya will move forward if Nairobi lags behind, Ruto emphasized.

Ruto insisted residents should expect a cleaner Nairobi River by the end of the next two years. I have asked the people of this city to give me this year and the next, and Nairobi River will be clean, he assured.

The government is finalizing a contract for the clean-up and modernization of the Nairobi River Basin, with completion expected by the end of January, he said.

On addressing Nairobis water challenges, the President revealed plans to commission the Northern Collector Tunnel, which will supply an additional 140 million liters of water to Nairobi estates. This initiative aims to alleviate the ongoing water supply issues in the capital.

In education, President Ruto announced the completion of 5,000 new school classrooms in Nairobi County. He further committed to allocating additional funding this financial year to construct even more classrooms. This initiative is part of the governments effort to improve education, especially in informal settlements.

The President also highlighted his personal involvement in education, revealing that he is building 100 classrooms in Nairobi using his own resources. These include classrooms at Nairobi, Lenana Primary, Jamhuri schools, and State House Girls.

I mean business on matters of education for the children of Nairobi City, he said, noting that increased government investment in education is already showing positive results. The Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) results released this week demonstrate that education is improving. The performance has been better this year than last year, he added.

Ruto also urged leaders to take advantage of the historical moment presented by the formation of the broad-based government, emphasizing the need to accelerate the countrys development.

We have a moment in history when God has united us in a broad-based government to drive the development of our country faster, he stated.
CRANSTON, R.I. (WPRI)  Its been more than a decade since the Roger Williams Park Mausoleum in Cranston was deemed legally abandoned and left in a state of disrepair.

The mausoleum was first built in 1917 and at one point was the final resting place of more than 500 Rhode Islanders. It was considered formally abandoned by a judge back in 2012, nine years after the former owners passed away.

Dozens of bodies were removed from the mausoleum and brought to the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery back in 2019, but the city estimates roughly 400 are still inside.

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The mausoleum has been targeted by vandals and trespassers over the years, with caskets having been ripped open and rifled through for valuables.

Neither the state nor the city have taken responsibility for the mausoleum, leaving the families of those interred in legal limbo.

RELATED: Hundreds still entombed at crumbing Cranston mausoleum

Bradford Jones believes three of his loved ones are still inside the mausoleum, including his great-grandmother.

I would love to move my great-grandmother to a more permanent spot, but being retired on a fixed income, Im not able to do that, Jones explained. It puts a burden on you because you want to treat your family right.

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The city boarded up the mausoleum in 2021 and made plans to remove the rest of the remains, but the nearly $500,000 price tag has made it difficult for them to follow through.

Brad Jones holds up a picture of his great-grandmother, who he believes in interred at the mausoleum in Cranston.

Cranston Chief of Staff Anthony Moretti had hoped the state would step in and assist the city by footing, at the very last, a portion of the bill.

I think its a state issue, he explained at the time, adding that not everyone interred in the mausoleum is from Cranston.

Nearly four years later, Moretti said the city has been unable to identify potential funding sources that would make the move possible.

The city has made it clear that it will accommodate families who wish to relocate their loved ones, but Jones told Target 12 it would still cost him roughly $5,000 per person, even with their assistance.

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Jones said he doesnt mind pitching in for the moving costs, but he believes the state should also lend a hand.

I think the state bears some responsibility, and I would like to see them assume that responsibility, Jones said.

Christine Demarco, who has lived next to the mausoleum for 21 years, has taken it upon herself to ensure that the deteriorating building ages gracefully.

Ive fought the good fight over the years, Demarco explained, noting that she pushed for the mausoleums preservation. But my relationship with the building has changed.

Demarco told Target 12 that over time, she has come to accept the buildings condition for what it is.

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We cant change what is happening to this building, she continued. So, how can we honor, with grace and dignity, what is happening to the building?

Demarco has spent countless hours cleaning the property and making it look as presentable as possible, despite its crumbling interior.

[The property] is being restored, in this odd way, into what it used to be, and Ive made my peace with that, she said.

Demarco said the city has done its job by securing the building and clearing it of invasive overgrowth. She plans on restoring the stairs leading up to the mausoleum at some point, but in order to do that, she needs the city to remove the decaying wooden ones first.

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I feel like this is my destiny, she said, referring to becoming the unofficial caretaker of the mausoleum and its neighboring cemetery.

Demarco told Target 12 she is always looking for assistance with maintaining and restoring the property.

I cant do it single-handedly, she explained. Its the volunteers and the gracious nature that pull all of this together.

Target 12 reached out to Gov. Dan McKee regarding the mausoleum, to which a spokesperson explained that the state has no legal obligation to the building.

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Qatar said on Tuesday that a Gaza ceasefire deal between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas is closer than at any time in the past.

"I can confirm that the talks are going on at the highest level here in Doha as we speak right now, Qatari Foreign Minister spokesman Majed al-Ansari al-Ansari said at a news briefing in Doha.

Al-Ansari declined to give more details on the contents of negotiations, but said all the main issues have been ironed out.

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We do believe that we [Qatar] were able, through negotiations and through our partners in Egypt and the United States, to minimise a lot of the disagreements between both parties. The talks that are ongoing now are on the final details of reaching an agreement, he said.

But Al-Ansari said the word must wait until there is a formal ceasefire announcement.

We do believe we are at a developed stage, we do believe we are at a final stage, but obviously until there is an announcement, there will be no announcement, he said.

Therefore we shouldnt be overexcited about whats happening right now," he adding while saying: "But certainly we are hopeful.

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He stressed that the war in Gaza, sparked by an unprecedented terrorst attack by Islamists Hamas on the Jewish state of Israel in October 2023, should have been over a long time ago.

The humanitarian cost of the ongoing war is unbearable and it continues to be unbearable for the people of Gaza and for the security and stability of this region, he said.

He said that drafts of an agreement had been given to both sides.
Mediator Qatar said on Tuesday that a Gaza ceasefire deal between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas is closer than at any time in the past, as the Israelis also expressed optimism over the release of hostages.

Israel's war on Gaza - sparked by an unprecedented terrorist attack by Islamists Hamas on the Jewish state in October 2023 - has led to the deaths of more than 46,000 people in the coastal strip, according to the Hamas-controlled health authority.

Negotiations between the sides in the Qatari capital Doha have rumbled on for months and Israel says plans for a ceasefire initially limited to 42 days are close to being agreed, along with 33 hostages being returned in a first wave.

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Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari was more cautious but told a news briefing in Doha: "We do believe we are at a developed stage, we do believe we are at a final stage, but obviously until there is an announcement, there will be no announcement.

"Therefore we shouldnt be overexcited about whats happening right now," he adding while saying: "But certainly we are hopeful."

Al-Ansari said all the main issues have been "ironed out" and drafts of an agreement had been given to both sides.

"We do believe that we were able, through negotiations and through our partners in Egypt and the United States, to minimize a lot of the disagreements between both parties. The talks that are ongoing now are on the final details of reaching an agreement," he said.

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He stressed that the war should have been over a long time ago, amid plans for negotiations on a second phase of a possible peace deal to begin on the 16th day of a ceasefire.

"The humanitarian cost of the ongoing war is unbearable and it continues to be unbearable for the people of Gaza and for the security and stability of this region," al-Ansari said.

Israel hoping for good news on hostages

He spoke as the Hamas-led health authority in Gaza said Israeli attacks claimed the lives of 61 people and injured more than 280 over the past 24 hours. This would mean more than 110,000 have been injured in the strip during the war alongside the over 46,000 killed.

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The October 7, 2023 Hamas atrocity led to 1,200 people being killed in southern Israel and around 250 being abducted to Gaza.

Hamas released 105 hostages, including from previous operations, during a temporary ceasefire at the end of November 2023. In return, Israel let 240 Palestinian prisoners from its jails go, but there has only been a trickle of releases from both sides since.

An Israeli government spokesman said there was now hope of a rapid conclusion to the indirect negotiations with Hamas on the release of hostages and the freeing of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

"We are really hoping that we will soon be able to announce good news," he said. "We are close, but not yet at the conclusion."

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He pointed to important progress over recent weeks and days in particular, with Hamas showing greater seriousness than previously. The talks in Doha were in a "critical time window," he said.

The spokesman said conditions had changed in Israel's favour since the killing of Hamas' leader in Gaza, Yehya al-Sinwar, on October 16, along with the weakening of the Iranian axis in the region.

The population of the Gaza Strip was also generating pressure for an end to the war, the Israeli spokesman said, pointing to "optimal conditions for a deal" given the changes in the Middle East.

The aim of the talks is to get all remaining 98 hostages back but 33 "humanitarian cases" were being looked at first, the spokesman added. These are women, children, people over 50 and injured and sick hostages. It is assumed that most of them are alive.

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In return, "hundreds of terrorists" were to be released, he said, although those seen as murderers cannot return to the West Bank. The exact number of prisoners to be released will only become clear when Hamas announces how many of the hostages are alive.

"We will not leave the Gaza Strip until all the hostages are back home," the Israeli spokesman added.

Even after a ceasefire, Israeli soldiers would remain in a buffer zone on the edge of the Gaza Strip to ensure the security of Israeli border towns, he said.

Netanyahu risks resignations

But a deal is not universally popular in Israel.

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Far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir threatened on Tuesday to resign from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government in the event of an agreement.

In a post on X, Ben-Gvir called on Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to join him in opposing "the terrible deal being set up."

Netanyahu needed to be informed decisively "that we will leave the government if the deal is concluded," Ben-Gvir demanded.

But he added he would not seek to topple the government.
LONDON  Queen Elizabeth II was not officially informed about the treachery of a senior palace courtier for nearly a decade, newly declassified documents reveal.

Anthony Blunt served as the chief art curator to the royal family, surveying the queens pictures, overseeing the paintings in the royal collection and occasionally exhibiting her private treasures to the public. He endeared himself to the queen, so much so that he was given a knighthood  despite the fact that he had lived a double life as a Soviet spy.

The files, among a trove from the intelligence agency MI5 that were released Tuesday by Britains National Archives, shed new light on the Cold War scandal at the heart of the British establishment. The saga has long captivated historians and featured in popular culture, from spy novels to Netflix's "The Crown."

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Blunt confessed in 1964 to spying for the Soviet Union as part of the notorious Cambridge Five spy ring during World War II, but the queen would only be told the full story in 1973  responding calmly and without surprise, according to the documents. His true identity was eventually exposed to the public by former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, speaking in Parliament in 1979.

The security services closely guarded Blunt's identity given his prominent position, with only a few senior officials informed, though the secret may have been known regardless. The queens private secretary, Martin Charteris, was told only that MI5 intended to interrogate Blunt due to his close ties with fellow spy Guy Burgess, who fled to the Soviet Union.

In all likelihood, the events tell us more about the inability of the state to prosecute Blunt than a concerted effort by MI5 to keep the late queen in the dark, historian Chris Smith, who authored a biography of Cambridge Five spy John Cairncross, told NBC News.

To have informed Her Majesty or anyone else for that matter would have been potentially defamatory; it would also have been deemed embarrassing to Her Majesty, Smith said.

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By the time Blunt was revealed to have been a spy, he had also become the consummate establishment figure, which was acutely embarrassing for the royal family, Smith added.

As such, concealing the information would also have allowed the palace to truthfully deny that Her Majesty had any knowledge of Blunts espionage activities, shielding her from personal embarrassment.

Queen Elizabeth II with Sir Anthony Blunt during an art exhibition in London in 1979.

Then-MI5 Director General Michael Hanley noted that by November 1972, only Charteris and his deputy, Philip Moore, knew about Blunt at the palace.

Charteris thought that the queen did not know and he saw no advantage in telling her about it now; it would only add to her worries, Hanley wrote in the documents.

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It was agreed that the queen would only be informed officially if Blunt became seriously ill, in order to avoid any negative press scrutiny, according to the documents.

Charteris finally briefed her in March 1973, when Blunt was ill.

Her reaction was nonchalant, according to the files: She took it all very calmly and without surprise: she remembered that he had been under suspicion way back in the aftermath of the Burgess/Maclean case, Charteris reported back.

Obviously somebody mentioned something to her in the early 1950s, perhaps quite soon after the succession, Hanley noted at the time.

A passage showing Queen Elizabeth II's reaction after learning about Anthony Blunt.

The files challenge the public narrative that the queen was made aware of Blunt's identity shortly after he confessed.

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Containing Blunts full confession for the first time, they reveal how MI5 agent Arthur Martin interrogated him in his flat above the Courtauld Institute, where he worked as its director from 1947 to 1974.

Blunt's right cheek was twitching a great deal when confronted, Martin wrote. Eventually, he was enticed to talk after being offered immunity from prosecution. Blunts answer was: Give me five minutes while I wrestle with my conscience, Martin wrote.

He continued: He went out of the room, got himself a drink, came back and stood at the tall window looking out on Portman Square. I gave him several minutes of silence and then appealed to him again to get it all off his chest. He came back to his chair and told his story.

Blunt continued working as an adviser for the queen for years until he retired at 65. He held a single news conference when Thatcher outed him to the House of Commons before gradually fading out of the public eye.

Blunt died at age 75 in 1983 after becoming seriously ill with cancer.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
A 19-year-old Queens driver is facing manslaughter charges for crashing into a tree off a Long Island parkway, killing his sister and a second young woman while under the influence of drugs, police said Tuesday.

Jaden Dsouza was speeding while recklessly zipping in and out of lanes on the eastbound Southern State Parkway in North Massapequa about 11 p.m. Sunday when he lost control of his black 2016 Dodge Dart, veered off the road and slammed into a tree near the shoulder, cops said.

Dsouzas older sister Haily Dsouza, 21, and friend Crystal Alba-Figueroa, 23, were both killed in the back seat, New York State Troopers said.

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Alba-Figueroa, cops said, was thrown from the car upon impact. Haily was found crushed inside the mangled vehicle.

Dsouza, of College Point, and his front-seat passenger Anthonie Marte, 23, of East Elmhurst, were rushed to a local hospital with serious injuries.

The troopers came upon a pretty horrific scene given the damage and the two deceased, New York State Police Capt. Vincent Augeri told PIX11. We do suspect that he was under the influence or that marijuana played a role in this vehicle collision.

Troopers charged Dsouza with manslaughter, aggravated vehicular homicide, vehicular manslaughter and driving while ability impaired by drugs.

His arraignment in Nassau County Criminal Court is pending while he recovers at the hospital.
The Minnesota House chamber. Photo courtesy of Minnesota House Public Information Services.

A resignation, a secret oath-taking, missing ballots, a deceased senator, special elections, a burglary trial, House members on the run.

Even for Minnesotans following closely, the dramatic runup to the divided Legislature, which is supposed to begin its annual session Tuesday, has been confusing. So were here to help with this rundown of everything happening with our messy Legislature.

Whats this about Democrats not showing up?

Heres a bit of backstory: The Minnesota House has 134 members and was set to be tied 67-67 after the November election. But one Democrat  Curtis Johnson  was ruled ineligible to hold office.

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On this one, Democrats have no one but themselves to blame. Despite the Roseville-area District 40B being home to literally thousands of qualified, civically-engaged Democrats, party activists settled on a candidate who didnt actually live in the district. Johnson claimed he was living in an apartment while searching for a family home, but a district judge ruled that he didnt meet the residency requirement, which mandates that a person live in a district for six months prior to the election. Once the judge ruled against him, he resigned.

On Jan. 28, theres going to be a special election in the district  barring a court challenge  and Democrats are expected to win that seat, which would bring them back into a tie.

In the meantime, Republicans want to elect one of their own, Rep. Lisa Demuth, R-Cold Spring, to be the speaker of the House.

They also want to prevent Rep. Brad Tabke, DFL-Shakopee, from taking his seat in the House.

Why do Republicans want to prevent Tabke from being seated?

Tabke won reelection in District 54A in the south metro by 14 votes. But 20 absentee ballots were accidentally thrown out. Republicans contested the election, there was a trial last month, and were waiting for the judge to rule.

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During the trial, six of the 20 voters whose ballots are believed to have been lost testified that they voted to reelect the Shakopee representative. If those voters ballots were the ones destroyed before being counted, that would expand Tabkes victory to 20 votes with only 14 unaccounted for ballots.

Whats taking the judge so long to rule in the case?

Good question. Shes expected to issue a ruling before the session begins.

(Update: She ruled for Tabke and said a special election isnt needed.)

Regardless: No matter what the judge says, the House (and Senate) have ultimate authority to seat their own members, so theoretically a GOP-led House could ignore the judge and refuse to seat Tabke.

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In fact, Demuth said as much last week.

Republicans would refuse to seat Tabke, which would pressure Gov. Tim Walz to call a special election in 54A. Republicans would have a real shot at that one, and if they win, theyd have a true 68-seat majority to pass bills out of the chamber for the next two years.

To prevent that, Democrats are going to boycott and deny the House a quorum. In fact, theyre so committed that they had their own swearing-in ceremony at the Minnesota History Center Sunday to avoid being at the Capitol Tuesday.

Whats a quorum?

Just as you cant play respectable beer pong with three people, a quorum is the minimum number of lawmakers needed to conduct business. Without a quorum, Republicans cant go ahead and appoint Demuth speaker or deny Tabke his seat.

What do Republicans say?

They say that a quorum is reached with a majority of the members, which is currently 133. So, they argue, their 67 should equal a quorum. Democrats say a quorum is a majority of 134, which is 68, and as long as Democrats dont show up, Republicans cant get their quorum.

Whos in charge?

No one, really. But state statute dictates that Secretary of State Steve Simon is the presiding officer on noon Tuesday. And, the presiding officer, i.e., the chair, is the one who makes decisions about the quorum and other rules.

And whats Simon say about all this?

Simon says that after consulting legal and constitutional advisers, the House needs 68 for a quorum. And without a quorum, hes powerless except to adjourn the meeting until the following day.

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So, you can see how this would go on until that special election in Roseville we mentioned, at which point its again 67-67.

Worth noting: Simon is a Democrat, but he says his ruling wont be influenced by his party.

And what do Republicans say about that?

They say theyll challenge Simons ruling. While it is proper for a presiding officer to make an initial determination of quorum, any such determination can be appealed to the body just like every decision by every presiding officer of every legislative body, Demuth and Rep. Harry Niska, R-Ramsey, said in a letter to Simon Monday. If you seek to overstep your authority, you are subject to removal and replacement by the body.

The follow-up question to that ominous bit about removal of Simon is very complex: What constitutes a body, especially if the presiding officer has determined theres no quorum?

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For instance, we asked the House Chief Clerks Office about Democrats having their own swearing-in ceremony and whether its legit, and they declined to comment. Thats because, as of now, there really is no House clerk because the clerks not been appointed by the House yet.

Whats happening over on the Senate side?

The Senate is tied 33-33 after the death of Sen. Kari Dziedzic, a Minneapolis Democrat and former majority leader. Walz has called a special election for Jan. 28, after which Democrats are expected to return to the majority.

In the meantime, everyone is being more chill about it. Republican and Democratic legislative leaders sent out a joint press release in which they highlighted the key agreements:

Each committee has joint chairs, with gavel sharing determined by the chairs.

Equal representation of DFL and GOP members on committees.

No changes to Senate rules through 2025.

But theres also another key item: Agreement is in place until there are 34 votes to end the agreement.

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So, once Democrats are back in the majority, Democrats can use all the power of the majority, which is a lot. Hopefully this bit of bipartisan comity will persist through the end of the legislative session in May.

What about that senator who police found dressed in black in her stepmothers basement?

State Sen. Nicole Mitchell, DFL-Woodbury, has a trial scheduled for later this month. She was charged with felony burglary after prosecutors say she broke into her stepmothers home. She says she was merely retrieving some belongings, but when police found her she was in the basement and dressed like a cat burglar. She wants the trial postponed until the end of the legislative session. Democrats have ostracized her and tried to force her out short of expelling her, but shes thus far refused to resign.

Republicans have promised to kick up a lot of dust if she continues to serve.

OK, so it seems like some politicians are fighting for power. What does it mean for me?

Insofar as this power struggle in the House leads to state government gridlock, it will have a big impact on you. And especially if you have kids in school, drive on state highways, go to state parks or need help taking care of someone with disabilities.

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Thats because its a budget year, and the $60+ billion state budget funds all those priorities and a bunch of other stuff that make Minnesota a decent place to live.

And theres no autopilot. The state budget needs to be agreed to by the Legislature and signed by Walz by June 30. Otherwise, state government shuts down. And thats a huge mess.

Although the divided Legislature and a darkening fiscal outlook portend an unambitious legislative session, they need to agree to something to keep the lights on, i.e, money flowing to school districts, parks, courts, etc. etc. etc.

So were here to help you pay attention, because, ultimately, if a bit circuitously, youre in charge.

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As the Santa Ana winds have calmed, a Los Angeles family with Bay State roots is adjusting to a new reality - and the loss of memories and keepsakes tying the family back to Massachusetts.

William OToole, his wife Lindsay and four-year-old daughter Leighton were able to safely escape the raging Los Angeles wildfires that have killed at least two dozen people and destroyed thousands of buildings.

But the family found out through news footage that their home would not be there when they returned.

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William, who was born and raised in Quincy, told Boston 25 News that he lost everything in the inferno, including precious keepsakes of his childhood on the South Shore.

Its childhood memories. Its school t-shirts from 8th grade. My wife had dance videos from her childhood. My daughter has art, Will emotionally described to Boston 25 News. We lost all her artwork. Its stuff like that. Its tough.

Williams

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 11: Araxy Manookian receives a hug in front of her home which was destroyed in the Eaton Fire as wildfires cause damage and loss through the LA region on January 11, 2025 in Pasadena, California. She has lived there since 1997. Multiple wildfires fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds are burning across Los Angeles County. Reportedly at least 10 people have died with over 180,000 people having been under evacuation orders. Over 9,000 structures have been damaged or burned while more than more than 25,000 acres were burning from the fires. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 11: Firefighters pull a hose up a hill as they battle the Palisades Fire on January 11, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. The Palisades fire had grown to over 22,000 acres and has destroyed thousands of homes. The fire is currently 11 percent contained. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 12: A fire fighter from Woodland Hills searches for hotspots in a burned home at Pacific Coast Highway on January 12, 2025 in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. Multiple wildfires fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds are still burning across Los Angeles County while some containment has been achieved. At least 16 people have died and over 100,000 people are still under evacuation orders. Over 12,000 structures have been destroyed in the fires. (Photo by Apu Gomes/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 12: Fire fighters from Woodland Hills searches for hotspots in a burned home at Pacific Coast Highway on January 12, 2025 in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. Multiple wildfires fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds are still burning across Los Angeles County while some containment has been achieved. At least 16 people have died and over 100,000 people are still under evacuation orders. Over 12,000 structures have been destroyed in the fires. (Photo by Apu Gomes/Getty Images)

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PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 11: A person walks past the remains of senior living facility which was destroyed in the Eaton Fire, as wildfires cause damage and loss through the LA region on January 11, 2025 in Pasadena, California. Multiple wildfires fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds are burning across Los Angeles County. Reportedly at least 10 people have died with over 180,000 people having been under evacuation orders. Over 9,000 structures have been damaged or burned while more than more than 25,000 acres were burning from the fires. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 12: A car and homes burned by the Palisades Fire are seen on January 12, 2025 in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. Multiple wildfires fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds are still burning across Los Angeles County while some containment has been achieved. At least 16 people have died and over 100,000 people are still under evacuation orders. Over 12,000 structures have been destroyed in the fires. (Photo by Apu Gomes/Getty Images)

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 11: Congregants search through the remains of Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center, which served Pasadena for over 100 years and was destroyed in the Eaton Fire, as wildfires cause damage and loss through the LA region on January 11, 2025 in Pasadena, California. Multiple wildfires fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds are burning across Los Angeles County. Reportedly at least 10 people have died with over 180,000 people having been under evacuation orders. Over 9,000 structures have been damaged or burned while more than more than 25,000 acres were burning from the fires. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 11: Congregants walk through the remains Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center, which was destroyed in the Eaton Fire, as wildfires cause damage and loss through the LA region on January 11, 2025 in Pasadena, California. Multiple wildfires fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds are burning across Los Angeles County. Reportedly at least 10 people have died with over 180,000 people having been under evacuation orders. Over 9,000 structures have been damaged or burned while more than more than 25,000 acres were burning from the fires. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

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PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 11: Congregants search through the remains of Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center, which served Pasadena for over 100 years and was destroyed in the Eaton Fire, as wildfires cause damage and loss through the LA region on January 11, 2025 in Pasadena, California. Multiple wildfires fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds are burning across Los Angeles County. Reportedly at least 10 people have died with over 180,000 people having been under evacuation orders. Over 9,000 structures have been damaged or burned while more than more than 25,000 acres were burning from the fires. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 11: Araxy Manookian stands in front of her home which was destroyed in the Eaton Fire as wildfires cause damage and loss through the LA region on January 11, 2025 in Pasadena, California. She has lived there since 1997. Multiple wildfires fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds are burning across Los Angeles County. Reportedly at least 10 people have died with over 180,000 people having been under evacuation orders. Over 9,000 structures have been damaged or burned while more than more than 25,000 acres were burning from the fires. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 12: An FBI agent investigates illegal drone activity around the Palisades Fire area on January 12, 2025 in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. Multiple wildfires fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds are still burning across Los Angeles County while some containment has been achieved. At least 16 people have died and over 100,000 people are still under evacuation orders. Over 12,000 structures have been destroyed in the fires. (Photo by Apu Gomes/Getty Images)

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 11: Congregants search through the remains of Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center, which served Pasadena for over 100 years and was destroyed in the Eaton Fire, as wildfires cause damage and loss through the LA region on January 11, 2025 in Pasadena, California. Multiple wildfires fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds are burning across Los Angeles County. Reportedly at least 10 people have died with over 180,000 people having been under evacuation orders. Over 9,000 structures have been damaged or burned while more than more than 25,000 acres were burning from the fires. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 12: Fire fighters spray water and soap to eliminate hotspots in a wooden wall next to the Getty Vllage Museum on January 12, 2025 in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. Multiple wildfires fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds are still burning across Los Angeles County while some containment has been achieved. At least 16 people have died and over 100,000 people are still under evacuation orders. Over 12,000 structures have been destroyed in the fires. (Photo by Apu Gomes/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 11 : A National Guard officer closes a street enforcing a curfew in evacuation order zones and evacuation warning zones from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM as wildfires cause damage and loss through LA region on January 11, 2025 in Santa Monica, California. Multiple wildfires fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds are burning across Los Angeles County. Reportedly at least 10 people have died with over 180,000 people having been under evacuation orders. Over 9,000 structures have been damaged or burned while more than more than 25,000 acres were burning from the fires. (Photo by Apu Gomes/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 12: A Mercedes-Benz and homes burned by the Palisades Fire on January 12, 2025 in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. Multiple wildfires fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds are still burning across Los Angeles County while some containment has been achieved. At least 16 people have died and over 100,000 people are still under evacuation orders. Over 12,000 structures have been destroyed in the fires. (Photo by Apu Gomes/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 12: An FBI agent investigates illegal drone activity around the Palisades Fire area on January 12, 2025 in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. Multiple wildfires fueled by intense Santa Ana Winds are still burning across Los Angeles County while some containment has been achieved. At least 16 people have died and over 100,000 people are still under evacuation orders. Over 12,000 structures have been destroyed in the fires. (Photo by Apu Gomes/Getty Images)

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hometown of Quincy voiced their support for the displaced family.

For the past decade, Bill and Lindsay have poured their hearts into building a business that helps children with learning difficulties gain confidence and success both in and outside the classroom. Their work has touched the lives of countless children, and they are incredibly proud of what they have built together. Born and raised in Quincy, Bills first job was delivering The Patriot Ledger and The Quincy Sun newspapers, before going on to serve as a Quincy Rec Leader, Quincy city officials said in a statement. Bills entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to helping others led him to the life he has today, a life filled with passion, purpose, and deep community connections.

You can assist the OToole family by clicking this link.

A red flag warning will remain in effect until Wednesday, The Washington Post reported.

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Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone said the crews will be ready with 70 additional water trucks being called in and fire retardant dropped on hillsides.





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.

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The Independent Man glows atop the Rhode Island State House on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. (Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current)

State budget officials made it clear: Theres no money for extras in the upcoming fiscal 2026 spending plan, so dont ask.

But that didnt stop nearly two dozen state agencies from asking for more full-time staff in their fiscal 2026 budget requests, according to a Dec. 27 analysis by the Rhode Island Senate Fiscal office.

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Combined requests for 140 new, full-time employees come with a $15.8 million price tag, including $13.9 million from state coffers - hardly the kind of belt-tightening required amid a projected $330 million deficit.

Gov. Dan McKee is slated to unveil his proposed fiscal 2026 spending plan on Thursday.

The Governors Office engages in an iterative, comprehensive review of agency submissions to balance each agencys unique needs with the overall fiscal health of the budget, Olivia DaRocha, a spokesperson for McKees office, said in an email Monday.

The new personnel requests may seem the opposite of what the McKee administration asked. But dont rule them completely out, said Sen. Lou DiPalma, a Middletown Democrat and Senate Committee on Finance chairman.

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Everything is on the table, DiPalma said in a recent interview. Each of these folks needs to come to the table and say, I need this, and heres why. It cant be I want this. Theres a big difference.

Circumstances might be favorable to add some positions. With the state still reeling from the recent cyberattack on the RIBridges platform, compromising personal information of an estimated 657,000 Rhode Islanders, the need to bolster state cybersecurity protections is top-of-mind for DiPalma.

The General Treasurers office reiterated its unfilled request for a new cybersecurity person to help protect data that falls outside the purview of the states information technology department. Eighty percent of the $119,000 salary would be covered by revenue from restricted receipts flowing into the office, with the remaining 20% coming from state general funds. Meanwhile, the Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General wants two new full-time employees working on cybersecurity, along with $400,000 of software and hardware to detect and respond to cyberattacks.

The other big muscle-mover for DiPalma: Anything thats going to help Rhode Island increase its economic growth and overall well-being.

University of Rhode Island seeks 40 new hires

McKee unveiled an ambitious goal in his 2024 State of the State address to raise per capita income by $20,000 by the end of the decade. The governors broad-brush plan centers on workforce development and higher education.

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Which could be good news for the University of Rhode Island, which put in the largest and most expensive personnel request of any state-funded group. The proposal for 40 new hires, costing $4.8 million, would be equally split between professors and academic advisors.

When asked for comment, URI spokesperson Dawn Bergantino referred back to an Oct. 1 budget memo from URI President Marc Parlange. He called for more professors to serve the universitys growing life science programs and advisors to help students succeed across programs.

Its not unusual for the states flagship university, which is also funded through tuition and grants, to receive extra money in the state budget, said Michael DiBiase, president and CEO of the Rhode Island Public Expenditure Council, and former state administration director. But usually, the extra funding is offered as a general lump sum, not for specific positions or programs.

Typically they dont want [the budget office] involved in where the money is going, DiBiase said. Perhaps they are concerned theyre not going to get any other increase.

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Theres also a strategy of overasking, DiPalma said, though he declined to say if he thought specific departments were overreaching in their requests.

AG wants to boost special victims unit, APRA team

The attorney generals office requested 13 requested new hires, which would require $1.7 million from state general funds.

The AG has always felt that we should ask for exactly what we need, Adi Goldstein, deputy attorney general, said. When we ask for positions, its because theyre really necessary.

This year, those necessities include bolstering the offices special victims unit, public protections bureau, and prosecutors focused on drunk driving cases, along with the team that reviews records requests under the states Access to Public Records Act.

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Goldstein said all 13 positions were necessary to support the offices ever-expanding scope of criminal and civil cases, including pro-active litigation that returns millions to the state in settlement money.

Weve brought in tenfold more than weve asked for over the past few years, Goldstein said.

A piece of the attorneys fees from a state settlement in the Purdue Pharma case was used to fund 15 new positions for the AGs office in the fiscal 2024 budget  the last time the office increased its personnel cap.

But Goldstein said the latest hiring proposal should be funded by state revenue just like every state office is.

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As for how Attorney General Peter Neronhas frosty relationship with McKee might affect the offices request?

We are not going to let any concerns about the AGs relationship with the governor impact what we think we need to do for this office, what is right for us to do for this office and for the state, Goldstein said.

Other state agency leaders also said they need additional staff to meet their state-mandated responsibilities, and in some cases, federal funding requirements. The Executive Office of Health and Human Services, which oversees the massive state Medicaid program, asked for 10 new positions to help meet new federal requirements imposed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Over half of the $1.4 million cost for the new positions would come from federal funding.

Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee is scheduled to release his fiscal 2026 state budget on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025. (Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current)

Vacancy woes

The Department of Housing asked for six new positions, including one to manage a new pilot program offering financial assistance to families at risk of becoming homeless. A recent cold snap renewed attention and frustration on the lack of emergency shelters, but another staffer may not be the answer, DiPalma said.

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I think right now its more of a focus on what they do with what they already have, DiPalma said.

Eighteen of the 38 positions funded in the fiscal 2025 budget are still unfilled, though the department is actively recruiting, with seven of the vacant roles posted online, Patti Doyle, a department spokesperson, said in an email on Friday.

Doyle referred back to the agencys budget memo when asked for further comment about the personnel requests.

Across the state, nearly 1,500 of the 15,778 full-time positions funded in the fiscal 2025 budget were unfilled as of Dec. 28, according to a Jan. 2. Senate Fiscal Office report.

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Faced with an nine-digit budget deficit, some of those unfilled jobs will likely get cut, said Gary Sasse, former director of administration and revenue. During Sasses tenure under former Gov. Don Carcieri in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, personnel was one of the obvious cuts made to state spending, with varying success.

When you try to cut FTEs, you dont always accrue savings the day you cut them, because there are costs involved with separation as well, Sasse said.

But personnel might seem a more palatable option than slashing the states Medicaid spending  which comprises more than a third of the annual spending plan  or local aid to municipalities and school districts.

The governor has indicated he doesnt want to increase taxes, so if you take new revenue off the table, and significant changes to entitlement spending are off the table, and you cant touch local aid, personnel sticks out, Sasse said.

Constrained budget could jeopardize Child Advocate, state OSHA program

Some state agencies warned of dire consequences if staffing levels were cut.

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The Office of the Child Advocate, for example, concluded the only way it could shave the required 7.5% from its current $1.9 million budget was to eliminate the top position: the $240,000 salary of the child advocate.

Our budget is mainly salary and benefits, Child Advocate Katelyn Medeiros wrote in her agency budget memo. We remain fiscally responsible, while considering the expanding needs of our agency. With the budget as requested, the only way to meet this constrained request is to eliminate several FTEs or eliminate our highest paid position, which is a position protected by a term. Our agency cannot sustain either.

Medeiros wrote that she hopes the constrained budget proposal would not be considered given her offices size.

DiPalma agreed.

The Office of Child Advocate is a critical function within our state, he said. We need that position filled.

Medeiros office issued a scathing report on the conditions at St. Marys Home for Children, prompting legislative oversight hearings and eventually, the closure of the residential treatment facility in North Providence in August 2024. She had been confirmed as the permanent Child Advocate in May 2024 after serving in an acting capacity for nearly two years.

Medeiros was not available for comment. Kara Foley, a spokesperson for the office, highlighted the importance of the offices work when asked to comment on the budget proposal.

While the OCA recognizes that this is a challenging fiscal year, it is important to illustrate the needs of the office and request the support necessary to further our critical work on behalf of children and youth in the state of Rhode Island, Foley wrote in an email.

Another staff reduction likely to be a nonstarter: getting rid of the four Department of Health workers who oversee the states Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) consultation program. Health Department Director Dr. Jerry Larkin included the scenario in the constrained version of his departments budget memo. Cutting the four positions would save $80,000 in state revenue, he said, but would also mean giving up more than $580,000 in federal funds that support the program. It also could put 1.3 million Rhode Island workers at risk, Larkin wrote.

Selling the Washington Monument

The state budget office in its instructions to state agencies wrote that constrained budget proposals must be reasonable and realistic.

Budget requests that propose unrealistic or unattainable savings (i.e.,selling the Washington Monument) may be returned to the agency as incomplete, the August memo states.

DiBiase said the proposed cuts to the state OSHA program or the child advocate job qualified as Washington Monument-level proposals.

Sometimes departments offer up things they know are sacred and cant be cut as a strategy, DiBiase said.

But, he added, If youre a small agency and your budget is mostly staff, youre probably going to look at positions if you have to cut 7.5%.

One exception: the Department of Corrections, where new hires might save the state money in overtime. Director Wayne Salisbury suggested in his Oct. 1 budget memo that hiring 150 new corrections officers, in addition to filling 126 vacant positions, would save nearly $9.5 million in overtime costs.

For the year that ended June 30, 2024, the department logged more than 590,000 overtime hours, according to Salisburys memo.

The Department of Corrections declined to comment further.

While McKee gets a first crack at framing the states fiscal 2026 spending plan, his vision will be reshaped by lawmakers before a final budget is passed before June 30, 2025.

House Speaker K. Joseph Shekarchi and Senate President Dominick Ruggerio in a joint statement said it was premature to comment on proposed hiring or staffing cuts.

As always the requests will be evaluated on their own merit as part of the budget review process, they said.

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A low-cost airline that has rapidly accelerated its route expansion in Connecticut is hitting the brakes, pulling the plug on three, nonstop destinations from Bradley International Airport, just two months after it began service at Connecticuts largest commercial airport.

Avelo Airlines stopped nonstop service from Bradley to Lakeland, Florida and Houston, Texas earlier this month, and the airline will be suspending service to Charlotte, NC at the end of March.

Unfortunately, these routes did not meet our expectations, Avelo spokesman James Olson said, in a statement. From the start, we have said our focus at Bradley would ne on international service since (Tweed New Haven Airport) does not have a customs and immigration capability.

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Avelo launched service from Tweed in November, 2021 and announced plans to establish operations at Bradley last summer, with the first flights departing Nov. 7.

Olson said the airline will continue to serve the three routes canceled at Bradley from Tweed. In addition, Avelo will maintain five, nonstop destinations from Bradley: Daytona Beach, Fla.; Wilmington, NC; Cancun, Mexico; Montego Bay, Jamaica; and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The Dominican Republic route will launch in February.

The Connecticut Airport Authority, which oversees operations at Bradley, did not have an immediate comment Tuesday.

Avelo and rival Breeze Airways have pursued rapid expansions to capture budget-conscious air travelers in Connecticut. Breeze established a hub at Bradley in 2021 and added Tweed in December.

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In all, Avelo will now operate 37 routes from Connecticut and, the airline says, will serve more nonstop destinations than any other airline operating in the state. In 2023, Avelo noted, it achieved the number one ranking in on-time performance, achieving the industrys lowest flight cancellation rate.

Kenneth R. Gosselin can be reached at kgosselin@courant.com.
(WHTM)  Its 1781. In Yorktown, Virginia, a British army under the command of Major General Charles Cornwallis, 1st Marquess Cornwallis, surrenders to a combined force of Americans under Major General George Washington and French troops commanded by General Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau. The Revolutionary War is over!

Surrender of Lord Cornwallis by JohnTrumbull (U.S. Capitol Rotunda) William Petty, 2nd Earl of Shelburne, by Jean Laurent Mosnier (Wikipedia) Treaty of Paris, by Benjamin West 1783. From left: John Jay, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Henry Laurens, and William Temple Franklin. The picture is unfinished because the British commissioners refused to pose. Map of the United States, 1783 (Library of Congress) First page of the Treaty of Paris (National Archives) Last Page of the Treaty of Paris (National Archives) Font view of the state house at Annapolis, Maryland Collester Smith of Annapolis, Md., shovels snow near the state capitol in Annapolis, Md., Thursday, Jan. 4, 2018, during a winter storm. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

Well, not exactly

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For there to be peace, there must be a peace treaty. Negotiations wouldnt begin until 1782, following a change of government in Britain. The new Prime Minister, Lord Shelburne, realized the United States could become a valuable trading partner and was willing to see the United States achieve independence.

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New details on historic Revolutionary War POW camp in York County

Negotiations began in Paris, in April of 1782. The American negotiators were John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, and Henry Laurens. The British negotiators were David Hartley and Richard Oswald. Negotiations went on through the summer, settling matters like the borders of the new country, fishing rights on the Grand Banks, exchange of prisoners of war, and most importantly, Britains acknowledgment that the United States was free, sovereign, and independent.

Most of the terms were settled by the end of 1782; but the actual treaty was not signed until September 3, 1983. Then the treaty was shipped to America for ratification by the Confederation Congress.

Veterans at Revolutionary battlefield dig find camaraderie

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Congress, at the time, was meeting at the Maryland State House in Annapolis, Maryland. (This is the same building thats in Annapolis today; the oldest state house in the United States. Independence Hall in Philadelphia was the Pennsylvania State House before being promoted to Cultural Icon.)

But when Congress met on December 13, 1783, to ratify the treaty, the weather was against them. The winter of 1783-1784 smacked the country with extreme cold coupled with ice and snowstorms. Only seven of the 13 states had enough representatives present to conduct business.

Ceremony in Carlisle honors those who died in the Revolutionary War and wars since then

Not until January 14 did enough delegates reach Annapolis. The vote was taken, the Treaty of Paris was ratified, the Revolutionary War was officially over, and the United States of America was truly, in the eyes of the world (or at least the European powers), an independent nation.

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To read the Treaty of Paris, 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.
The Justice Department has released special counsel David Weiss final report on his investigation into Hunter Biden.

Weiss charged President Joe Bidens son with firearm and tax crimes, and the younger Biden pleaded guilty ahead of his scheduled September trial. The outgoing president pardoned his son on Dec. 1, saying that raw politics had led to a miscarriage of justice.

Weiss forcefully pushed back on that characterization in his report, writing:

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Politicians who attack the decisions of career prosecutors as politically motivated when they disagree with the outcome of a case undermine the publics confidence in our criminal justice system. The Presidents statements unfairly impugn the integrity not only of Department of Justice personnel, but all of the public servants making these difficult decisions in good faith.

Read the special counsels full report below:

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
The Tennessean's letters reflect the views of the authors and add to public discourse. At issue today:

Editor's note: Letters to the editor reflect the views of individual readers. Scroll to the bottom to see how you can add your voice, whether you agree or disagree. We welcome diverse viewpoints.

Re: "Trump Canada insults mean I won't be coming to Tennessee for the next four years," by Chris Winters, Jan. 9.

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The Tennessean received several responses to Chris Winters' letter, but most were sent anonymously. We are publishing below ones that identified the author and their residence.

Go ahead and stay put in Canada

In case you missed it, over 70 million Americans voted for Trump to come in and clean up the Biden/Harris complete mess.

So, do you really think we care if you dont come back for four years.

We wont miss you.

Gib Gerlach, Clearwater, Florida 33767

Don't blame Canadians for staying away from MAGA

The Canadians response to Trumps rhetoric about their country is not unexpected.

It saddens me that we did this to ourselves. Many of us spent years protecting democracy from communism and anti-democratic bullies around the world. Now many Americans embrace their ideology.

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Have our citizens become so greedy and hateful against some of our own inhabitants and neighbors that we have become what we once spilled blood fighting against?

Have we lost the pride and integrity we once possessed. It pains me to see friends, neighbors, and even family members embrace this horrible MAGA lunacy.

A once great democratic republic will now be led by a convicted felon, sanctioned by the most corrupt Supreme Court in American history, along with some biased state federal judges.

Over half of America must now fight against this MAGA menace. Losing Canadian visitors is the least of our problems.

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Carlos Tirres, Nolensville 37135

Agree or disagree? Or have a view on another topic entirely? Send a letter of 250 words or fewer to letters@tennessean.com. Include your full name, city/town, ZIP and contact information for verification. Thanks for adding to the public conversation.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Canadian boycotts Tennessee over Trump. Readers react. | Opinion
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).

Straddling the Wallace Line separating the biogeographical realms of Asia and Australasia, lush Sumba is a couple of island hops east of Bali in the southern reaches of the 3,200-mile-long Indonesian archipelago. As close to Broome, Australia as it is to Jakarta, its a hilly, sparsely developed island intersected by just two main roads  yet its 15 times the size of Singapore.

Life here feels remote and detached. Thatched-roofed villages cluster around megalithic tombs and most locals continue to adhere to traditional Marapu beliefs, an Indigenous religion rooted in ancestor worship. Indigenous languages are more widely spoken here than Indonesian, and animal sacrifices still commonly mark significant events  especially the annual Pasola Festival, a mounted spear-throwing competition held in February or March.

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Edged by rugged volcanic cliffs and blonde beaches, and known for its remote surf breaks and intricately woven ikat textiles, Sumba remains refreshingly untouched by mass tourism  at least for now.

Lapopu Waterfall is one of many cascades across the island. Photograph by Sebastian Suki

The nature immersion

Leaning into the islands wild environment, longstanding luxury resort Nihi Sumba offers a wellness programme that seeks to showcase the rugged and remote environment. The resort is famous for its stable of sandalwood ponies, which have been a part of Sumba life for centuries and are still used in traditional island ceremonies. Guests can try equine therapy, experience yoga breathwork on horseback, or take the ponies for a restorative swim in the aquamarine shallows of Nihiwatu Beach, an arc of white sand punctuated by unusual rock formations.

There are plenty of other ways to combine nature and wellness at the resort, too. Water-based meditation and underwater workouts are both offered as part of the fitness programme, while a spa safari provides another opportunity to immerse yourself in the wild. Offered as a half- or full-day experience, it starts with a journey through the jungle that can be as adventurous as you like: guests can make the four-mile trip by 4WD or on mountain bike, foot or horseback.

The destination is a serene seaside location, four miles east of Nihi by road, complete with a sacred spring and infinity pool. Once settled into the clifftop spa hut with a soundtrack of crashing waves, choose treatments such as a Sumbanese head massage using Sumba 7 Detox Oil. Developed for Nihi by British pharmacognosist Dr Simon Jackson, it incorporates seven healing Wallace Line flora  a spicy-sweet smelling mix of betel nut, cinnamon, coriander seed, galangal, ginger, mangosteen skin and turmeric.

The villas at Luxury resort Nihi Sumba take inspiration from traditional thatched Sumbanese houses. Photograph by NIHI

Sandalwood ponies have important cultural significance on Sumba with their lineage dating back to the 18th century. Photograph by Joe Kelly

The stay

The sign welcoming guests to The Edge of Wildness seems apt following the cross-island airport transfer to Nihi in a 4WD. The 28 villas  all with private pools  are inspired by traditional Sumbanese houses, characterised by thatched, peaked roofs and furnished with local textiles.

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A packed schedule of activities offers the option to fill your days with traditional weaving classes, breathwork sessions or simply surfing Occys Left, the resorts legendary house break  where only 12 surfers per day are permitted to paddle  before swinging by the Boathouse Bar for happy-hour drinks and canapes as the sun sinks behind the Indian Ocean in a blaze of hibiscus hues. There are also two relaxed restaurants with sea views, serving unfussy dishes including Indonesian classics like slow-cooked beef rendang. Most ingredients are organically farmed on site and the hotel has a root-to-leaf ethos: papaya stems, for example, are cleverly used as cocktail straws.

Three more ways to connect with Sumba nature

1. Seek serenity in the surf

About three miles west of Occys Left, Pantai Beach lures surfers with its long right-hander, with more breaks to be found further north up the coast. Bring your own board or rent from Sumba Surf School at Pantai Beach. Surf conditions are ideal March to November.

2. Go chasing waterfalls

About two hours drive (around 40 miles) north west of Waingapu, the largest town in eastern Sumba, plus a 20-minute hike, is Air Terjun Tanggedu  arguably Sumbas finest waterfall, with terraces feeding into cyan pools you can paddle in. Closer to Nihi (roughly a 90-minute drive), is the lovely Lapopu Waterfall, a 10-minute walk from the access road. Rent a car or book a trip with a local tour operator such as Explore Sumba.

3. Hike it out

A network of rugged walking trails lacing Sumba weaves along rocky cliffs, through forests filled with endemic plants, and into traditional hilltop villages. To ensure you dont get lost, its best to hire a guide.

Published in January 2025 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK).



To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
State Rep. Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit) at a press conference announcing Democrats' voting rights bill package, Nov. 3, 2021, at the Ingham County Courthouse | Laina G. Stebbins

Anger among Democrats at the actions of state Rep. Karen Whitsett (D-Detroit) is nothing new, but any discussion of recalling her from office appears to be a nonstarter because of 2012 changes to state law that make it virtually impossible to remove an incumbent from office in districts where only one political party is dominant.

Whitsett has long been a thorn in the side of legislative Democrats, beginning with her vote in 2020 as the lone Democrat to vote with all Republicans in seeking to cap Gov. Gretchen Whitmers executive powers aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19, to her refusal at voting with Democrats in 2023 to pass provisions that included eliminating the mandatory 24-hour waiting period before getting an abortion and allowing Medicaid to cover the cost of an abortion. Because House Democrats only had a slim 56-54 majority, those provisions had to be left out of the legislation eventually signed by Whitmer.

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Most recently, Whitsetts refusal to attend the final days of the Houses lame duck session, when combined with Republicans walking out of the chamber, deprived Democratic leaders with a quorum and forced a frustrating end of session with several legislative priorities left unpassed.

So when Whitsett announced last week that she would not caucus with Democrats in the new House session with the GOP back in charge, it only added to calls for recalling Whitsett from office.

However, that is very much easier said than actually done, according to Democratic political consultant Mike Radtke, who is also a Sterling Heights city councilman.

Its almost impossible to recall a person of your own party just because they are automatically the candidate going forward, Radtke told the Michigan Advance. There are people interested in this, but I keep telling them its almost impossible if they wanted to try to recall Karen as she would automatically have the choice of being first on the ballot.

President Donald J. Trump listens as Michigan State Rep. Karen Whitsett talks about her recovery from the COVID-19 Coronavirus, Tuesday, April 14, 2020, in the Cabinet Room of the White House. | Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks via Flickr Public Domain

Radtke was referring to a specific piece of Michigan Election Law, MCL 168.970b, which states that Unless the incumbent declines within 10 days after the filing of a recall petition, the incumbent shall be the nominee of that political party at the recall general election 

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In other words, any attempt to run a candidate against Whitsett would have to either be as a Republican or as an independent candidate, a situation highly unlikely to be successful in Whitsetts 4th House District, which serves more than 90,000 residents in Northwest Detroit, the vast majority of whom are Democrats. In last Novembers election, for example, Whitsett didnt even have a Republican challenger and won with 98% of votes cast.

Theres zero possibility, Radtke said of the chances at pulling off a successful recall. I actually met with two activists who really wanted to start a recall campaign and they were very unfamiliar with the law and I was explaining to them that we cant get an independent, not in the city that has 80% straight-party ballot. How are you going to convince voters to vote for the Republican or an independent candidate against the one Democrat? It would require an astronomical multimedia campaign to explain why youre doing this to voters who are checked out, who are not likely to vote in a recall.

The Advance requested comment from Whitsett, but it was not returned.

The law providing incumbents with the ability to automatically appear as their partys nominee in a recall election was just one part of a series of changes instituted by the GOP-controlled Legislature in 2012 following the recall the year before of Rep. Paul Scott (R-Grand Blanc), who as chair of the House Education Committee was targeted by the Michigan Education Association for his championing of cuts in education funding and teacher tenure reform.

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According to the Michigan Secretary of State, the process to get a recall election onto the ballot requires a series of steps, intricately timed, that give recall organizers a very short window with which to collect a very high bar of signatures.

Firstly, a recall petition cannot be initiated or circulated against an official during a safe haven period at the beginning and end of the office holders term, which is six months for a state representative. Within the year that is left open for a recall, petitioners must get the language approved by the Board of State Canvassers, a decision which can then be appealed by the official in question, with up to 50 days before a decision is required.

Only at that point can recall petition sheets be circulated, with the approved language only valid for 180 days, although the signatures themselves must be collected within the 60 days prior to being submitted for validation.

Meanwhile, the number of signatures needed to initiate a recall election is 25% of the number of votes cast for all gubernatorial candidates in the last gubernatorial election in the officeholders electoral district.

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It doesnt make any sense because its a very high bar, said Radtke. That number can become so astronomical, its more people that even vote in your race.

Radtke says the 2012 changes were made with the definite intent of depriving voters the opportunity to recall elected officials if they feel they arent acting in their best interests.

This was a law written by [former Gov.] Rick Snyder and his fellow Republicans to essentially end recalls, he said, calling the situation with Whitsett a national embarrassment.

She shouldnt derive full-time money from not doing her job. If I didnt show up for the people of the city of Sterling Heights, I would be out of a job. If I miss more than two consecutive meetings without an excuse or a doctors note, I would lose my job, said Radtke.

State Rep. Karen Whitsett, D-Detroit, and House Minority Leader Matt Hall, R-Richland Twp., speak to reporters after the state House failed to reach a quorum on Dec. 19, 2024. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)

I think that the people across the state have a right to recall. Its a right given to us. And if youre in a strong partisan district, and there are a lot of strong partisan districts, you now have no access to the recall law, so youre either hoping the governor removes somebody or youve got to wait them out of office, said Radtke. I think it gives her one less incentive to do the peoples business because she knows shell never get recalled.

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With a recall essentially off the table, there has been speculation whether House Minority Leader Ranjeev Puri (D-Canton) could sanction Whitsett for her decision not to caucus with Democrats.

Puris spokesperson, Jess Travers, told the Advance they would not be commenting on the situation.

House Speaker Matt Hall (R-Richland Twp.) was asked last week if he planned to step up and help Whitsett if Puri was to pull back services such as communications from her office as a result of her decision not to caucus.

I think Leader Puri would make a big mistake if he was punishing his members. You know, Ive served as minority leader. I understand the challenges, right? But I would encourage Leader Puri to continue to support all of his Democrat members with caucus services and and I havent given any thought to how I would handle it if that didnt happen, said Hall.

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Radtke says Hall has take full advantage of the situation, much to the detriment of Whitsetts constituents, noting that Hall has no intention of passing water affordability legislation that she has supported, which would greatly benefit residents of her district, while at the same time convincing her to crash and burn House Democrats lame duck plans..

The sad thing is, I dont think Karen Whitsett, who thinks Matt Hall is the bees knees, understands that he played her like a fiddle.

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The costs of the LA wildfires are set to be as staggering as their devastating scope. More than 10,000 structures have been destroyed and the fire has burned more than 40,000 acres. The price tag for insurers is estimated to be more than $2 Billion. And the fires aren't out yet.

The disaster unfolding in Southern California is likely to be the costliest wildfire in US history. But the seeds of this crisisfor the insurance industry and homeowners alikehave been germinating for some time. Just last month, a senate budget committee staff report warned of the impact natural disasters are having on people's ability to get homeowners' insurance.

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"Unless the United States and the world rapidly transition to clean energy, climate-related extreme weather events will become both more frequent and more violent, resulting in ever-scarcer insurance and ever-higher premiums," the report cautioned. "This is predicted to cascade into plunging property values in communities where insurance becomes impossible to find or prohibitively expensivea collapse in property values with the potential to trigger a full-scale financial crisis similar to what occurred in 2008."

In other words, this isn't just a problem that the people in the path of the LA wildfires face, but one which will have far-reaching effects for the whole nation if a solution isn't found.

Why Insurance Is So Hard to Get For Natural Disasters

In November, 2023, after a series of destructive hurricane and wildfire seasons, the Senate Budget Committee began looking at the non-renewal data of homeowners' insurance in Florida, Louisiana, California, and Texas, noting that spikes in non-renewal rates are "often an early warning sign of market destabilization," and that "higher non-renewal rates are also correlated with higher premiums."

After studying data from 2018-2023, they found that the driving force behind non-renewalan insurance company notifying a homeowner that they will no longer insure their propertywas a series of natural disasters related to climate change, including "hurricanes, wildfires, severe convective storms, hail, extreme precipitation, and sea level rise."

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More than 1.9 million homeowners' insurance policies had been "non-renewed" in that five year time frame, triple the previous rate of non-renewals in some 200 counties. Any future natural disasters, the report noted, "will only exacerbate the insurance crisis that is building across the country."

As disasters related to climate change worsen, insurance companies argue that it's not sustainable for them to insure properties in vulnerable areas. When State Farm Insurance, California's largest insurer, announced that it would not renew 30,000 policies in Los Angelesincluding 1,626 in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood recently devastated by the firethe company issued a statement noting "This decision was not made lightly." It went on to say that State Farm takes seriously our responsibility to maintain adequate claims-paying capacity for our customers and to comply with applicable financial solvency laws." In other words, the insurance company found it too expensive to cover the properties most likely to be affected by wildfires and stay in business at the same time.

Mario Tama

"Sea level rise and increasingly intense hurricanes, driven by climate change, have triggered an insurance affordability and availability crisis in coastal communities," says Rhode Island Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Public Works, who was Chairman of the Budget Committee when the report was produced. "Now were seeing wildfirescoastal flooding's evil siblingdestroy lives and communities in the West. These disasters will make insurers even more cautious about insuring homes and businesses in at-risk communities. That is how the cascading failures begin: uninsurable property is unmortgageable, and unmortgageable property loses much of its value as the pool of available buyers shrinks away."

What Alternatives Do Homeowners Have If Their Policy Is Not Renewed?

Unfortunately, not many. Insurance companies are required to give homeowners a certain amount of notice before dropping their policy, and the range of time (usually between 30 and 60 days) varies by state. In that time frame you can shop around for a policy from another insurance company or go through mortgage lenders for a new mortgage. However, if you live in a high-risk zone, other insurance companies are not necessarily any more likely to insure you than your old carrier.

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If your carrier won't insure you because you live in an area that is high-risk due to the prevalence of disasters such as wildfire and flooding, most states offer what is called a FAIR plan, which stands for Fair Access to Insurance Requirements. However, these policies, which were originally set up as temporary measures, tend to be very expensive, often do not cover the entire value of the home, and may not offer coverage of other issues beyond the natural disaster the house is in zone for, in which case homeowners may need an additional policy.

Still, the FAIR plan often remains the only option for homeowners, unless they opt to "go bare," foregoing insurance altogether, gambling on whether it's more cost-effective to lose their home without coverage than to pay top dollar for an expensive and incomplete plan. A 2023 study from the Insurance Information Institute and Munich RE revealed that 12 percent of homeowners do not insure their properties. But this option may only be available to those who can buy a property outright, as most mortgage lenders require proof of insurance.

The changing landscape of homeowners insurance doesn't just affect those who live in high-risk zones, but all homeowners, as the inability to obtain insuranceand therefore a mortgagecoupled with the increase in premiums that has accompanied rising insurance costs and fewer policies is contributing is contributing to the housing crises nationwide.

"Climate change has become a major cost-of-living issue for families across the country," says Senator Whitehouse. Which, he points out, means that, along with the human toll of climate-caused natural disasters, "Climate change is no longer just an environmental problem. It is a looming economic threat."

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ST. LOUIS  Local volunteers with the American Red Cross are waiting on the phone call to head out to California to help victims of the deadly fires.

Were just waiting for more information from the California team as to what resources they do need, the types of trained individuals that will be the most helpful, Sharon Watson with American Red Cross of Missouri and Arkansas, said.

Our area sent two volunteers out to help on Friday, according to Watson.

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When we got the word that they needed the help with someone on staffing, that was around 12:30 p.m. and we had the person on the plane by 4:30 p.m. to LA. So we can do it really quickly, Watson said.

Currently, there are 350 Red Cross workers in California helping. With two of them from the St. Louis area, more are ready to go if needed.

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Generally in these large disasters we can send as many as 25 or 30 people, sometimes 50, and the numbers will even go up from that just depending on the length of the disaster because we send people for two weeks at a time, Watson added.

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Training for wildfires is different from tornadoes and hurricanes.

There is definitely a dynamic there that you have to always be on guard for the next thing and what might change, Watson said.

If you cant volunteer, there is always the option for monetary donations.

That allows the Red Cross and other reputable organizations to continue doing the work that we do, she 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 FOX 2.
CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Some much-needed help for those on the West Coast impacted by wildfires is coming from the Carolinas.

Nine disaster-trained volunteers from the American Red Cross of North Carolina are headed to California to help with relief operations from the deadly wildfires.

Gene Pavone, a volunteer for over a decade with the Wilmington Chapter, is now making his fourth trip to California for wildfire recovery.

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How can anyone sit home and just watch it? Pavone says. I couldnt do that. Thats why I got involved with the Red Cross. I wanted to help people who were in trouble, and this is one way of doing it.

The American Red Cross is already on the ground in California and is prepared to send more disaster-trained workers as needed.

Wildfires latest: Firefighters prepare for dry conditions and strong winds

The organization says its goal is to make sure no one faces these intense and fast-moving wildfires alone. Kaye Lynn Hall, a Red Cross Disaster Spiritual Chair volunteer with the Asheville chapter, stressed the importance of being present.

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I listen, I sit with them and its a pleasure to be in that suffering with them  to reach them where they are and their needs [are], said Hall. When everything is lost, and you see your entire livelihood go up. And especially for the family who have lost loved ones. When you have nothing, people go to the spiritual strength, they turn inward for the strength that the spiritual connection brings them.

If you are interested in becoming a Red Cross volunteer, visit their website for more information.

The Red Cross relies on support. To donate to the Disaster Relief team, visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Januarys National Blood Donor Month gives us the ideal opportunity to remind folks that the U.S. is facing a critical and ongoing shortage in its national blood supply.

And the extreme heat waves of last summer as well as the recent winter storms have only compounded the problem.

In August, the Red Cross sounded the alarm.

It announced that its national blood inventory plummeted more than 25% in July and cited the record-setting heat for having been a factor in the meager turnouts at more than 100 blood drives.

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The announcement came on the heels of the organization saying earlier in 2024 that they're seeing the least number of people giving blood in the last two decades and that there's been a 40% decrease in the number of people donating.

In the days following the New Year's Day terrorist attack in New Orleans, that community came together to host numerous, highly attended blood drives to help the dozens of victims who were seriously injured and still hospitalized.

Of course, while hospitals and blood banks certainly laud all those who donated in the aftermath of a tragedy that touched the nation, they also know that can't be the only time(s) when blood donation is at top of mind.

Blood drive activities impacted by the COVID pandemic

The critical downturn in donations dates back to the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

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Blood drive activities were significantly impacted, and donor participation decreased due to social distancing measures and cancellation of voluntary blood drives in response to stay-at-home orders issued by local, state, and federal governments.

And those blood drives we all remember from high school and college have also been sharply curtailed since 2020.

Before the pandemic, about 25% of donations collected by the Red Cross came from school blood drives. Since then, that percentage has been as low as 10% and currently hovers around 20%.

In 2023, Andrea Cefarelli, senior vice president of New York Blood Center Enterprises, told CNN that before thepandemic, almost every high school in the U.S. hosted one to four blood drives annually but no longer is that the norm.

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This has resulted in her organization seeing a50% decline in youth donors.

Schools have not returned to hosting blood drives the way they did pre-pandemic, she said to CNN. In the New York area alone, we used to work with 500 individual high schools. Were contacting each and every one of them, begging them to return to having student blood drives.

Need for new blood never stops

Of course, while blood supplies at the nations hospitals remain at levels lower than most institutions are comfortable with, the need for blood remains constant.

Every two seconds, someone needs a blood transfusion  and the Red Cross notes that a single blood donation has the potential to save three lives.

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In especially short supply is type O blood.

Having type O blood products readily available is vital to providing timely and lifesaving care to patients in need, said Dr. Baia Lasky, division chief medical officer for the Red Cross. In fact, for a patient suffering massive blood loss, like an individual in a car accident or a mom experiencing a severe postpartum hemorrhage, group O is the most commonly transfused blood type. For trauma patients, each minute of delay can increase the chance of death by 5%. More than a quarter of all blood products each year are used in critical care and emergency room situations  and those transfusions are only available because of the generosity of blood and platelet donors.

What the public also has to understand is that donated blood is perishable  with red blood cells having a shelf life of approximately 42 days.

As Lasky says Blood cannot be stockpiled or manufactured. Its really the blood on our shelves that we have today that saves lives today.

How to help address national blood supply shortage

If youre interested in donating blood, its a pretty simple process.

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You can find a location near you and sign up for an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

You can also volunteer as the Red Cross needs volunteers to support blood drives around the country and/or to help transport blood to hospitals.

An actual blood donation takes about 10 to 20 minutes, and the entire donation appointment lasts about 45 to 60 minutes, which includes paperwork, donation, and a 15-minute, post-donation observation period.

A person can donate blood up to six times annually  but will need to wait eight weeks in between donations in order for the body to replenish what it has lost.

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Another kind of crucial donation is that of platelets.

Platelets are tiny cells in the blood that form clots and stop bleeding. They're used when patients are bleeding or when their platelet level is critically low due to a blood disease such as leukemia.

The Red Cross says that every 15 seconds, someone needs platelets.

The platelet donation procedure is a little more involved than a regular blood donation. The primary differences are as follows:

Platelets cannot be donated at a blood drive. The procedure has to be done at a donation site.

During a platelet donation, a special centrifuge machine that extracts just platelets from the donor is used. The machine extracts the platelets and then returns the rest of the blood to the donor.

From start to finish (including paperwork and post-procedure observation), a donation of platelets takes about three hours to complete.

Because platelet donations have a quicker recovery period, people can donate platelets more often than they can blood  up to twice a month in some cases.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Red Cross alarmed on critically low blood supply in United States
(WTAJ)  The American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania is Urging residents to make a difference this year by volunteering to support their neighbors in need.

With volunteers comprising 90% of its workforce, the organization emphasizes the vital role they play in disaster response, blood donation programs, and supporting military families.

Our volunteers make up 90% of our workforce and are the beating heart and soul of the Red Cross, Jorge Martinez, CEO of the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania, said. Their support is immeasurable. Their precious gift of time builds our capacity to help people in what can be their darkest hour.

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Volunteer opportunities include responding to home fires and disasters as part of the Disaster Action Team, assisting military families during emergencies, and engaging with donors at blood drives. Transportation specialists are also needed to deliver blood to hospitals.

In 2024, more than 3,400 volunteers with the Greater Pennsylvania chapter provided aid during over 1,500 local disasters and supported more than 5,000 blood drives.

Get the latest news, weather forecasts and sports stories delivered straight to your inbox! Sign up for our newsletters.

To join this life-changing mission, visit redcross.org/volunteer.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com.
A Chinese short-form video app called Xiaohongshu is now the top free app in the Apple App Store, as social media users look to get out ahead of a potential US TikTok ban set to take effect on Sunday.

The app, known as RedNote in English, functions like a cross between Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest, and boasts over 300 million monthly active users, considerably below the user base of TikTok.

Launched in 2013, RedNote is one of the most popular apps in China.

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It is valued at over $3 billion and has raised nearly $1 billion in venture funding, according to TechCrunch.

In April, the U.S. Congress passed a bipartisan bill to ban TikTok unless it finds a new owner.

Federal officials have argued the site is a national-security threat of immense depth and scale because of alleged links with China and concerns about U.S. users data being shared unlawfully with the Communist government.

TikTok stopped working in the United States on 18 January and disappeared from app stores ahead of law requiring shutdown of platform (AFP/Getty)

TikTok stopped working in the United States late on Saturday and disappeared from Apple and Google app stores ahead of a law that takes effect on Sunday requiring the shutdown of the platform used by 170 million Americans.

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President-elect Donald Trump has said he would most likely give TikTok a 90-day reprieve from the ban after he takes office on Monday, a promise TikTok cited in a notice posted to users on the app.

A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you cant use TikTok for now. We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned, the message notified users trying to use the app late on Saturday night.

The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done, because its appropriate, Trump told NBC. If I decide to do that, Ill probably announce it on Monday.

Trump tried to ban TikTok in 2020.

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President Joe Bidens White House reiterated on Saturday that it was up to the incoming administration to take action.

We see no reason for TikTok or other companies to take actions in the next few days before the Trump administration takes office on Monday, press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement.

Users have taken to RedNote as the future of TikTok hangs in the balance.

This is my new home now, wrote a user in a RedNote post, tagged with the words tiktokrefugee and sad.

Creators have also taken to using another popular app, Lemon8, with similar features, which is owned by ByteDance.
As the potential ban on TikTok looms, its users are exploring alternatives. This week, another Chinese app called Xiaohongshu, or RedNote, is gaining attention in the app stores.

TikTok, owned by ByteDance, must sell the app by Jan. 19. Otherwise, it will be illegal to distribute it through the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Internet service providers will also be required to make the app inaccessible to U.S. Internet browsers.

TikTok is trying to fight for its livelihood.

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A Supreme Court decision regarding whether the popular social media application TikTok is getting banned in America is still pending. On Jan. 10, the Supreme Court began to hear arguments regarding whether a law requiring TikTok to be sold or face a ban in the U.S. violates the First Amendment.

However, according to legal experts, the court will most likely allow the ban to take effect based on national security.

Here is what we know about the RedNote app.

What is RedNote?

Launched in 2013, RedNote has become one of Chinas fastest-growing social platforms, with a value of over $17 billion, according to the Financial Times.

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Known as Xiaohongshu, which translates to little red book, RedNote features a layout similar to Pinterest and is often described as a Chinese version of Instagram. According to TechCrunch, the apps focus on short-term content, similar to TikTok, has helped it emerge as a viable alternative.

What are people saying about RedNote?

Here is what people are saying about RedNote on other social media platforms.

I dont even go on TikTok like EVER. But I downloaded RedNote for funsies and this was the first video I saw and like omg? Okay. Ill stay ??? https://t.co/4DUNxCZObk pic.twitter.com/I2z5Ridw39  Bek (@TreeTimeBek) January 13, 2025

American government: were banning TikTok cause its a Chinese app and you data needs to be protected.



American citizens: Fine were going over to RedNote a Chinese app based in china. pic.twitter.com/LFXPy60oe7   Roxie  (@Rox_My_Socks) January 13, 2025

On TikTok, it's mostly Americans interacting with other Americans, but on REDnote, Americans are interacting with Chinese in China. People are realizing that the Chinese are just as unserious as us.  pic.twitter.com/68SWnOh4xy  Ocean Living (@delapour) January 13, 2025

Now that a TikTok is getting banned everyones switching to RedNote pic.twitter.com/s5RLTXK1i1  AdviceFromLouis (@AdviceFromLouis) January 14, 2025

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What is the TikTok problem?

Last April, President Joe Biden signed a law that banned Chinese-owned apps unless they were sold within a year. ByteDance, the parent company that owns TikTok, said it will not sell its app.

Lawmakers enacted the ban due to concerns about ByteDance's connections to China, specifically, the fear that they may share American user data with the Chinese government.

A federal appeals court in Washington, DC, unanimously upheld the U.S. ban on TikTok last month. The court ruled that the government has a national security interest in regulating the social media platform.

TikTok filed an emergency application for an injunction. The Supreme Court is currently listening to arguments from TikTok.

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-USA TODAY Network contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: What is RedNote app? What to know as TikTok ban looms
Senator Jack Reed, D-R.I., and defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth sparred over Hegseths actions seeking pardons for military members accused of war crimes and past comments on diversity in the ranks.
No one was particularly surprised that when Keir Starmer was bowled an easy under-arm ball yesterday by the press, he failed to hit a six, or even a four.

Asked whether Rachel Reeves would be Chancellor until the end of this parliament, the Prime Minister had absolutely nothing to lose by replying with an unequivocal yes, even if, at some point in the next few years, he decided to change his mind. With the markets in turmoil and the dust not having remotely started to settle on Reeves controversial budget measures announced in October, Starmer needed to give a political answer, not an accurate one. He should have recognised the dangers in equivocation, not just for the markets but for his own government and party.

But he didnt. Because at heart, the prime minister is less a politician than a senior, well-meaning civil servant. He has good intentions galore, but very little in the way of political instinct or even an ability to think on his feet. This will cause the government more problems in the future, but for now, he needs to deal with the unnecessary damage he has done to Reevess authority.

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And so another chapter opens in the saga of Prime Ministerial relations with their Chancellors, a saga that has cost the careers of more than one Chancellor and more than one Prime Minister.

The obsession with that relationship is actually a relatively modern one. It has always mattered, of course, but it was only in the dying days of Margaret Thatchers premiership, when an argument over the appointment of the Prime Ministers economic adviser led directly to the resignation of Nigel Lawson from the Treasury, that it assumed the soap opera dimension with which we are all now familiar.

A year after Lawson resumed his seat on the back benches, Thatcher was gone, the victim of a deft one-two from Lawson and then his co-conspirator, Geoffrey Howe (another ex-Chancellor), replaced at Number 10 by another ex-Chancellor, John Major. Following the Conservatives unexpected victory at the 1992 general election, Majors relationship with his own Chancellor, Norman Lamont, came under unbearable scrutiny after the latter failed to hide his delight at Britains ignominious and humiliating ejection from the European Exchange Rate Mechanism. Lamont was soon gone too, replaced by Tory workhorse Ken Clarke, who stayed in post until the 1997 election (one of only two MPs to have served as a minister for the entirety of the Conservatives 18 years in government).

And then came the political soap opera to end all political soap operas  the TBGBs, that peculiar, bizarre, self-indulgent, embarrassing rivalry between Tony Blair and Gordon Brown that in due course forced Blair out, followed three years later by the entire government.

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Never was the medias appetite for political gossip more enthusiastically sated than it was during the first ten years of the Labour government, when the brooding, intellectual Brown and those around him nursed the Chancellors grievance over Blairs decision to stand for the party leadership in the wake of John Smiths death in 1994.

To most outside observers the grudge was a pointless one: if Brown had been more popular than Blair, he would have stood and won. He didnt stand because he knew Blair would beat him. Those inconvenient facts of life were stretched and mutated over time until they became the core of a new Labour myth: Blairs betrayal of his old friend who, for reasons never revealed, felt he had a greater right to the Labour throne than Blair.

The rivalry never actually hobbled the government (not until the autumn of 2006 when Browns supporters finally forced Blair out) but it was a constant irritation, a negative effect on every department and on the body of Labour MPs in parliament. How odd that a party that had spent so long in opposition and had fought so hard, made so many sacrifices to win an election should indulge in such a petty, self-destructive squabble that was a gift to its opponents.

When Brown finally took over in 2007, his own relationship with his Chancellor, Alistair Darling, eventually became just as unpleasant as that between Blair and Brown at the end, with Brown happily authorising briefings that his protege, Ed Balls, the education secretary, would replace Darling in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. Darling was having none of it and made it clear publicly that he would not willingly leave the Treasury. Brown capitulated, a defeat that removed much of his authority as prime minister and paved the way for his own removal from number 10 at the 2010 election.

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David Cameron and George Osborne learnt from Labours mistakes and fashioned a new, productive relationship between Numbers 10 and 11; both realised what Brown (and Blair) didnt: that their relationship would define the success of both their tenures and that of the coalition government.

Since 2016 trying to analyse the relationship between prime ministers and their Chancellors has been like trying to spear fish in murky water: the blighters move around so quickly its difficult to find your target. Suffice to say that if Theresa May had not enjoyed a good relationship with Philip Hammond, her time as PM would have been even shorter. Boris Johnson might even have survived a bit longer had his Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, not turned against him for receiving the same fixed penalty notice for breaching Covid guidelines as he himself did.

We all thought and hoped that Starmers relationship with Reeves would be stable, positive and long-term. It might still be, but Starmers fumbling of the ball yesterday makes such a prospect unnecessarily unlikely. The soap opera, it seems, has been unexpectedly renewed for another season. And when politics becomes a drama, the interests of the country become little more than a supporting character.

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SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  Take a look back on Sioux Citys musical history through an upcoming event at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center.

The presentation titled 50 Years of Big Names, Great Music, and Memorable Venues: Sioux City on the Music Circuit is a free presentation that will be presented by Russ Gifford, according to a release from the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center.

Sioux City Community School District considers added retention bonus

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The presentation will focus on Sioux Citys history as a stopping place for many of big musical names over the past 50 years, the release states. It will also highlight many of the venues, stages, and other key locations in Sioux Citys musical history.

None of this was by accident. Sioux City was not a sidebar but a key location for great performances, thanks to great locations, great promotions, and great audiences! We will meet names from yesterday that made memories for millions, from Louie Armstrong to Elvis, big bands to the Beach Boys, Sioux City enticed, entertained, and elated the stars of the stage. We will also meet the man that became a vital link in creating this circuit, and enshrined Sioux Citys place in it, the release stated.

You can join Russ Gifford and the Interpretive Center for this free event on January 26. The presentation starts at 2 p.m.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
State regulators criticized Southern California Edison for falling behind in inspecting transmission lines in areas at high risk of wildfires just months before the deadly Eaton fire, according to state documents.

Utility safety officials also said the companys visual inspections of splices in its transmission lines were sometimes failing to find dangerous problems, according to their October report. Instead, those problems were not discovered until the company inspected the lines with X-ray equipment, which is far less frequently used.

The report by the California Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety was issued less than three months before devastating wildfires broke out in Los Angeles County last week. Fire investigators say they are looking into whether the companys electrical equipment was involved in starting the Eaton fire, which has killed at least 17 people and destroyed thousands of homes and other structures.

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Read more: Dangerous winds prompt Southern California Edison to shut off power to thousands of customers. Here's where

Edison said its work to mitigate wildfires had reduced the risk of catastrophic fires by 85% to 90% compared with the risk before 2018.

As we have been doing, SCE will continue to perform inspections in its high fire risk areas more frequently than is required, the company said in a statement to The Times.

Four lawsuits were filed this week accusing Southern California Edison of sparking the Eaton fire. The company says its reviewing the lawsuits. It said earlier that its analysis showed its equipment didn't start the fire.

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Videos and photos taken by residents show what may be the first flames of the fire, burning at the base of an electrical transmission tower before racing down a canyon toward homes.

Power lines in Eaton Canyon on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025 in Pasadena. (Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times)

Fire agencies are also investigating whether the companys equipment started last week's Hurst fire near Sylmar, which led to mandatory evacuations and burned nearly 800 acres before crews got it under control. A downed powerline was discovered near one of the companys transmission towers. Edison said it doesn't know whether the damage occurred before or after the start of the fire.

Joseph Mitchell, an expert on California utilities wildfire mitigation plans, said the October report by regulators raised concerns for the 15 million people living in Edisons territory.

Mitchell said the X-ray equipment that Edison told regulators was finding problems that its other inspections missed was not in wide use and not easy to use.

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You wont be able to examine the entire transmission infrastructure with the X-rays, said Mitchell, a board member of the Mussey Grade Road Alliance, a group working to improve fire safety in the state.

In their October report, regulators questioned whether the companys repairs to its aging transmission lines were holding up over the months and years.

When a tree or wind damages or breaks an electric line, crews use splices, which are steel sleeves, to reconnect and repair the line.

If there is a problem with the splice, the transmission line could fall.

Safety regulators asked Edison for information on its inspections of the transmission splices, including the age of each splice and the cause of the problem that was found.

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The utility said in a response to regulators sent a week later that it would be difficult to gather that information.

The company said that given the high find rate of problems with the splices, it was considering forgoing the inspection and moving straight to remediation. To do that, it said, it was considering a program to replace the splices, beginning in 2026.

Executives also told regulators that in areas with high fire risk they were falling behind on the number of transmission lines they planned to inspect. They said they had reduced the planned inspections this year from 28,000 to 24,500 due to environmental and access constraints, according to the October report. Regulators said the company must improve its response to those constraints because its equipment in those areas still present[s] wildfire risk.

In its response, Edison told regulators that to compensate for the reduced number of inspections it would focus on transmission equipment most susceptible to failing and make repeated attempts where inspections were incomplete.

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The regulators report, as well as the companys wildfire mitigation plan for this year, is scheduled to be considered by the state Public Utilities Commission at a Thursday meeting. It is included on the commissions consent agenda, on which items are routinely approved without discussion.

Edison said it expected the commission to approve its new plan. Our plans have been approved every year, it said.

The company estimated that it spent more than $1.8 billion last year on work aimed at mitigating the risk of wildfires. Some of the money was used to install electric lines with a coating that greatly reduces the risk of fire. The company said last year that it had installed more than 5,600 circuit miles of coated wire in the last five years.

Michael Wara, a Stanford University energy and climate law professor who was appointed to a state commission on wildfires, said the philosophy of Californias utility regulators is one of pushing companies toward continuous improvement.

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Their position is nobody's perfect, and what we expect of you is that you get better every single year, Wara said. Theres no such thing as safe. There's safer than last year, and that's what that regulator is trying to push the utilities every year to achieve.

Several of Californias most destructive wildfires have been caused by transmission lines, rather than the smaller distribution lines like those connecting homes.

The 2018 Camp fire, which destroyed the town of Paradise and killed 85 people, was traced to a high-voltage transmission line, owned by Pacific Gas & Electric, that was nearly 100 years old.

The Kincade fire in Sonoma County in 2019 was sparked by a broken jumper cable on a PG&E transmission tower.

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Wara noted that the transmission line had been inspected not long before the Kincade fire broke out.

Robert McCullough, an electric utility consultant in Portland, Ore., said he believed the L.A. wildfires would result in major changes to how utilities inspect their equipment.

We are going to have to change our approach, he said. We have to do this much, much better.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Grand Canyon adventure travelers will have one less option for planning activities.

REI Co-op announced on Jan. 8 that it will close its Experiences business after 40 years to focus on its retail operations selling outdoor goods. REI Experiences included adventure travel, day trips and classes.

The closure also means the end of REI's Signature Camps, including one that was planned to open this spring near Grand Canyon National Park, REI spokesperson Megan Behrbaum told The Arizona Republic.

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REI purchased 20 acres of land south of the park for a Signature Camp, designed to host visitors taking REI Experiences trips.

But those trips will no longer happen and the campground will not open. Here's what we know.

Why is Phantom Ranch closing? What Grand Canyon visitors need to know

What are REI Experiences?

REI's Experiences business offered group tours and trips at national parks and natural landmarks in the U.S.

Last year they listed 14 itineraries at Grand Canyon National Park, including a two-night weekend hike that included a night at Phantom Ranch ($2,599) and a seven-night trip that started at Grand Canyon and included stops at Lake Powell, Monument Valley and Canyon de Chelly National Monument ($4,299).

Why is REI Experiences closing?

REI closed its Experiences business for financial reasons.

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It cost more money than it brought in and lost millions of dollars every year. A statement from REI CEO Eric Artz said that even in 2019, the best year of business for Experiences, it didn't turn a profit.

"Every path to profitability we explored would have required us to invest more time, effort and focus away from parts of the business that reach significantly more customers, drive more positive financial outcomes and have greater impact on our mission to get people outside," Artz said.

Bookings for REI Adventures trips after Jan. 15 are canceled, and refunds will be issued to the original form of payment.

What happens to the REI Signature Camp at Grand Canyon?

The end of REI Adventures means REI's Signature Camps will close.

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REI had Signature Camps near Bryce Canyon, Zion and Great Smoky Mountains national parks. At each camp, REI offered lodging in tents with group cooking gear, cots and sleeping pads provided.

REI bought 20 acres of land off Alta Villa Road in Valle, about 40 miles north of Williams, AZ, and 20 miles south of the Grand Canyon National Park entrance, to develop into a Signature Camp. In 2024 it applied for a conditional use permit from Coconino County to develop the site, with plans calling for 10 tents on platforms and communal amenities that included a fire pit, picnic area and restrooms.

REI planned to open the Arizona campground in April or May 2025, depending on how winter weather would affect construction, Behrbaum told The Republic last year.

Bob Short, Coconino County's principal planner, said REI built the campground, a wastewater site and roads leading to the campground, and that it looked "pretty much ready to go" before REI's decision to shutter its Experiences operations.

What will happen to the land REI owns near the Grand Canyon?

It's too early to say.

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Behrbaum said REI would provide an update to "discuss the future of the Grand Canyon property that we own" when it's ready to do so.

(This story has been updated to add new information.)

Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist whos covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republics consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at Michael.Salerno@gannett.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @salerno_phx.

Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: REI's Grand Canyon campground is canceled. Here's why
Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, announced on Tuesday that her cancer is in remission  a year after mounting intrigue into her health triggered a rare response from the royal family.

It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focused on recovery. As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal, Middleton said in a statement.

Middleton, the wife of Prince William, extended her heartfelt thanks" to all those "who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything.

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Middletons hidden battle with the disease sparked a social media frenzy last year when the public took note of her extended absence from royal events. Where is Kate Middleton? became an inescapable question for the royal family, facing two bouts of cancer from Middleton and King Charles III.

Amid mounting speculation, the Princess of Wales announced her diagnosis last March in a video released by the royals, breaking her silence and prompting a critical reckoning on the expectations of medical privacy for the future queen consort of England.

Middleton returned to royal duties in September of last year after completing chemotherapy. The Princess of Wales treatment journey inspired her to take up a post alongside her husband as Joint Patron at The Royal Marsden, a prominent hospital and cancer research facility in the UK.

My hope is, that by supporting groundbreaking research and clinical excellence, as well as promoting patient and family wellbeing, we might save many more lives, and transform the experience of all those impacted by cancer, Middleton said.
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL)  As our Remarkable Women series continues, we celebrate a hugely successful and compassionate woman who has supported this community for many years.

Kay Dillard still does just that more than five years after her passing. The trajectory of these kids lives at the YMCAs Dillard Early Learning & Youth Academy  the lives of kids like Luca  may forever be changed because of Kay Dillards impact.

Kay Dillard was an avid supporter of the Wichita Falls community, and her endowment continues to support many aspects of the community today.

We do a lot of stuff like play and build and do science projects and color and make explosions and stuff like that, said Luca, a student at the Dillard Youth Academy. Kay Dillards vision for the childcare center included state-of-the-art classrooms and indoor and outdoor physical activity spaces.

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She had a vision to make sure kids learn, grow and thrive, and were just happy the YMCA was part of that mission, said Jon Dearolf, president & CEO of the Dillard Early Learning & Youth Academy. Since we opened, weve had over a thousand kids come through these four walls; through our early learning program, after-school program and summer camp.

Remembering Remarkable Women: Charlye Ola Farris made history practicing Texas law during segregation

Kay Dillard not only had a passion for pre-k education: Aspiring businessmen and women at MSUs Dillard College of Business Administration remain direct beneficiaries of Kay Dillards vision and generosity.

Its no stretch to say that the reason the Dillard College is accredited by the highest  by the gold standard, if you will  body in business education is because of Kay Dillards generosity with the Dillard College, explained Dr. Jeff Stambaugh, dean of the business college.

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Dr. Stambaugh said last year, the college added $75,000 to its scholarships based on earnings from Kay Dillards endowment. But her support hasnt stopped there.

We sent four students to an international sales competition in Orlando, Florida, Dr. Stambaugh said, Which gives them a great opportunity to audition with companies and students frequently land jobs out of this.

Again, it was paid for by proceeds from Mrs. Dillards endowment. Her contributions have built colleges, youth education programs and hospitals.

The director of the United Regional Foundation, Noel Filer, is not only talking about and thankful for the Dillard Education Center, a medical reference library for United Regionals doctors and nurses, but also the Dillard Foundations contribution to the Bridwell Tower.

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There were several key people who came together when Bridwell Tower was just a dream, and Kay and several others came together in a big way to bring that to fruition, said Noel Filer, director of the United Regional Foundation. Theres been countless babies that have been born there, amazing surgeries just lives truly transformed in that facility.

Kay Dillard and the Dillard Family Foundation have created so much for this Wichita Falls community and the community of tomorrow, from children and education to ministry and public safety to healthcare  Kay Dillard and the Dillard Family Foundation have supported numerous causes in the Wichita Falls area over many years.

Its a legacy not built on notoriety but simply on a passion for this remarkable woman to give back to this community she loved.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com.
Lord knows it's probably not smart to hold politicians accountable to their campaign promises. But President-elect Donald Trump is no typical politician and at least one of his campaign promises was both uniquely specific and uncontroversial enough to expector demand, reallyfollow-through.

"If you vote for me, on day one, I will commute the sentence of Ross Ulbricht," proclaimed Trump last May while addressing the Libertarian National Convention. The request was on a list of 10 demands the Libertarian Party shared with Trump before he spoke. If Trump has failed to follow through on his other memorable promise from the conventionhe said he would "put a Libertarian in my cabinet"this one is still in play. It would right a small but potent wrong when it comes to the carceral state, the deep state, the drug war, and a host of related bastions of state overreach. By most accounts a model prisoner who has been behind bars for almost a dozen years, Ulbricht deserves his freedom.

As readers of this sitealong with crypto people, drug policy mavens, and others interested in the intersection of tech and social freedomsknow, Ulbricht is the founder of Silk Road, the pioneering dark web site that allowed people to buy and sell illegal drugs, mostly using bitcoin (indeed, Silk Road was arguably the first real test of bitcoin being used as a payment system on a regular basis). In a 2015 federal trial in the Southern District of New York, he was convicted of money laundering, computer hacking, and narcotics trafficking and sentenced to life in prison by Judge Katherine B. Forrest, who excoriated the former Eagle Scout for daring to step outside of the law:

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"The stated purpose [of the Silk Road] was to be beyond the law. In the world you created over time, democracy didn't exist. You were captain of the ship, the Dread Pirate Roberts," she told Ulbricht as she read the sentence, referring to his pseudonym as the Silk Road's leader. "Silk Road's birth and presence asserted that itscreator was better than the laws of this country. This is deeply troubling, terribly misguided, and very dangerous."

Ulbricht was in federal custody for over a year before his trial started. In the run-up to the proceedings, the feds frequently asserted that Ulbricht not only operated the Silk Road as a freewheeling illegal marketplace (bad enough!) but that he had engaged in various plans to kill or physically harm people who had stolen money from or threatened him. They prepared a separate indictment against him in Maryland that included "attempted witness murder" that was quickly dropped after his conviction. ThenU.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland Robert Hur (more recently known for last year's special counsel report documenting President Joe Biden's memory lapses) said, "We have dismissed the federal charges based on the same conduct pending against Mr. Ulbricht in Maryland, which allows us to direct our resources to other cases where justice has not yet been served."

As Reason's Brian Doherty wrote at the time, that's not right. A major difference between the two indictments revolved around conspiring to murder people and it's hard not to see the feds using the murder charge as a cudgel against Ulbricht as a defendant and as a potent tool in the press surrounding the case. Almost inevitably to this day, whenever I mention Ulbricht, people bring up the utterly unsubstantiated murder charges.

Technically, Ulbricht has been in prison since October 2013, when he was first captured. But there's a different way of counting the days, especially for someone who, as his official Free Ross website stresses, was convicted only of nonviolent offenses. Two federal agents, one working for the Drug Enforcement Administration and one for the Secret Service, whose job was to gather evidence in the murder-for-hire case, ended up committing crimes themselves, including extortion, money laundering, and obstruction of justice. Between the pair, they boosted about $1.5 million worth of bitcoin (as of 2015) and pleaded guilty. One was paroled in 2020 and the other in 2021. Combined, they served less time than Ulbricht has.

Will Trump actually commute Ulbricht's sentence? The most recent pronouncement I could I find is from Truth Social last October. It's an emphatic declaration by Trump: "I WILL SAVE ROSS ULBRICHT!"

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Trump's commitment to criminal justice reform is an underappreciated part of his first-term legacy. He was a major reason the FIRST STEP Act, which reduced federal prison time, got passed. Yet he didn't commute Ulbricht's sentence when he left office and he has sent consistently mixed messages regarding criminal penalties for drug offenses (early on in his 2024 campaign, he called for death sentences for "everyone who sells drugs, gets caught selling drugs").

Ulbricht's X account has been upbeat since the election ("Immense gratitude to everyone who voted for President Trump on my behalf. I trust him to honor his pledge and give me a second chance," he posted in November) but is mum on his hopes come next week. The Free Ross site, which hosts a petition calling for his release and operates the Free Ross X account, exudes similar vibes while reposting calls for clemency from the likes of former Rep. Matt Gaetz (RFla.) and Kelley Paul, the wife of Sen. Rand Paul (RKy.)

Among the many anticipated mega-dramas that may happen on next week's "day one"Trump has promised to start mass deportations, end electric car mandates, and settle the Russia-Ukraine war, among other thingsit may be easy to look past his promise to Ulbricht. But it's an easy one to keep, and a good one.

The post Reminder: Donald Trump Promised To Free Ross Ulbricht on 'Day One' appeared first on Reason.com.
Republican Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, R-Porter Township, launched a bid to succeed Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Tuesday.

"As governor, I will put Michigan first by supporting taxpayers over the woke left, empowering parents, keeping families safe, and standing with President Trump to revive our manufacturing industry and Make Michigan Great Again," Nesbitt said in a statement.

The 44-year-old Republican grew up on a farm and has a long career in Republican politics. He was first elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2010, serving three terms in the chamber. He was elected to the Michigan Senate in 2018. When Democrats flipped that chamber from Republican to Democratic control in the 2022 election for the first time in 40 years, his fellow GOP lawmakers tapped him to serve as the Senate Republican Leader.

Sen. Aric Nesbitt, R-Lawton, is the sponsor of the no-fault auto insurance bill.

As part of his announcement to run for governor, a video shared in a news release shows him driving and pointing at the home and farm where he grew up in Lawton in southwest Michigan, pushing his children on a swing set, with his wife, and firing guns outside as he narrates his promise to protect the Second Amendment. "Michiganders deserve so much better than what they're getting from these Democrats up in Lansing," he says. His attacks on Democrats include the false claim that Whitmer is giving free housing to immigrants in the U.S. illegally. According to the Office of Global Michigan, which administers Michigan's rental subsidy program for newcomers, the federal government must determine that those who receive housing help must be legally allowed in the country.

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Former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox  another Republican  said late last year that he is mulling a gubernatorial run.

Michigan Politics: Former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox mulls gubernatorial run

No major Democratic candidate has announced a gubernatorial bid. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, a longtime Democrat, opted instead to run as an independent candidate, skipping a potentially crowded and contentious primary field. Duggan's decision infuriated some Democrats and shocked many longtime political observers.

The next governor will take office in 2027 after Whitmer's term expires. To qualify for the ballot, candidates for governor must submit petitions with a certain number of voter signatures.

Contact Clara Hendrickson: chendrickson@freepress.com or 313-296-5743.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Republican Aric Nesbitt announces bid for Michigan governor
The raging wildfires in Southern California that have ruined countless homes and livelihoods have now given way to the critical question: How will Congress provide aid to the ailing state?

Under normal circumstances, this would be an easy issue. California is the largest economy in the United States. But California has long been a punching bag for Republicans and President-elect Donald Trump has long clashed with Governor Gavin Newsom. During the weekend, Trump reposted an image of the Hollywood Hills, replacing the Hollywood sign with letters saying Trump was right as the area was ablaze.

Donald Trump Jr. and Elon Musk have particularly swiped at the Los Angeles Fire Department for sending equipment to Ukraine. Ted Cruz, meanwhile, the senator from Californias mortal enemy Texas, faulted Los Angeles for cutting money for its fire department while allocating money for a transgender cafe and a social justice network on his podcast.

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Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson told CNNs Manu Raju that state and local leaders were derelict in their duty, and that I think there should be conditions on that aid.

He also said there had been internal discussion within the House Republican conference about tying aid to raising the debt limit, something that Republicans normally dislike doing.

Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso told CBSs Face the Nation that he expected there would be strings attached to any aid. It has to do with being ready the next time because this was a gross failure this time, he noted.

But in the rank-and-file of the Senate Republican Conference, there was more of a mixed opinion and a push to give California the aid it needs.

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I think we need to give them aid, Senator Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia, the new chairwoman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, told The Independent, adding she hadnt heard about conditioning aid.

Newly elected Senator Bernie Moreno of Ohio told The Independent that people of California needed aid as soon as possible, but he added a caveat.

What we don't want to do is politicize this issue right now, and what we should be doing is let's get the crisis over with, he said. But there's very, very legitimate concerns about what California has done, what they need to do to fix it.

There is, of course, a double standard If Democrats ever even considered conditioning aid to areas like western North Carolina, Florida, Georgia or Texas that have been hit by hurricanes, they would have hell to pay.

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Thom Tillis of North Carolina, by far the most endangered Republican senator, seemed to draw that same conclusion, saying he did not like it when aid to western North Carolina was held up after Hurricane Helene and Milton.

I've got to be consistent, he told The Independent. You see what my opinion was when people tried to hold up western North Carolina, I'm going to be there to support them.

Tillis brokered numerous deals with Democrats during the Biden administration and he likely could serve as a bridge between Republicans and Democrats when it comes to assisting Southern California.

Democrats for their part were apoplectic at the idea that aid would be delayed.

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The wildfires in California, that have [cost] lives and [destroyed] structures? Senator Catherine Cortez Masto of neighboring Nevada told The Independent. We should be putting them first, and they shouldnt be used as bargaining chips.

Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts, one of the most outspoken voices for the environment, voiced similar disgust.

This is a climate catastrophe caused by the oil and gas industry, he told The Independent.  California is suffering because of it, and the condition should be that we keep all of the wind and solar tax breaks on the books so we can put the preventative programs in place.

But nothing is ever that easy in Trumps Washington. The president-elect has used the moment to rehash his old quarrels with Newsom, arguing that he has not sent water down to Southern California in the name of protecting a fish called the smelt, and calling the governor Newscum.

This behavior likely will not abate but continue. And Republicans will probably have to comply or get out of the way.
Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville said that California doesnt deserve any funding for the devastating wildfires that have ravaged Los Angeles.

The Alabama senator, a staunch Donald Trump ally, said he didnt object to sending the state some money, but not unless state leaders change their ways.

Tuberville joins a growing number of Republicans who have hit out at Californias political leaders for the fires, blaming them partly on woke policies.

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The cause of the fires, which have so far claimed 25 lives, has not yet been determined.

The senator was asked by host Chris Salcedo on right-wing network Newsmax on Monday: Why should other states be bailing out California for choosing the wrong people to run their state?

We shouldnt be, Tuberville responded, before calling the states lawmakers imbeciles.

Senator Tommy Tuberville said California doesnt deserve funding for the wildfires unless its leaders change their ways (Getty Images)

They got 40 million people in that state and they vote in these imbeciles in office, and they continue to do it, he said. And its just a very small part of them in that state thats doing it. If you go to California, you run into a lot of Republicans, a lot of good people. And I hate it for them. But they are just overwhelmed by these inner city woke policies with the people that vote for them.

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Tuberville added that he approved of sending some funds to the state but its leaders need to make some changes.

I dont mind sending them some money. But unless they show that theyre going to change their ways and get back to building dams and storing water, doing the maintenance with the brush and the trees and everything that everybody else does in the country, and they refuse to do it  they dont deserve anything, to be honest with you, unless they show us theyre going to make some changes, Tuberville said.

On Monday, House Speaker Mike Johnson suggested that lawmakers might attach conditions to wildfire aid for California.

Republicans have hit out at Californias political leaders for the fires, blaming them partly on woke policies (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

I think were going to have a serious conversation about that, Johnson told reporters. Obviously there has been water resource mismanagement, forest mismanagement, mistakes, all sorts of problems, and it does come down to leadership. It appears to us that state and local leaders were derelict in their duty in many respects. Thats something that has to be factored in.

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I think there should probably be conditions on that aid, he added.

Trump has blasted California Governor Gavin Newsom almost daily since the fires broke out, and on the campaign trail, the president-elect threatened to withhold wildfire aid if the governor didnt go along with his ideas on water policy.

In response, Newsom has invited Trump to visit the affected areas and meet Californians impacted by the devastating wildfires.

The hundreds of thousands of Americans  displaced from their homes and fearful for the future  deserve to see us all working together in their best interests, not politicizing a human tragedy and spreading disinformation from the sidelines, Newsom wrote.
Roger Wicker is hardly anyones idea of a far-right bomb thrower. When he opened the Senate Armed Services Committees confirmation hearing for Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trumps nominee to lead the Department of Defense, he wore a lapel pin with the Ukrainian and U.S. flag on it.

But the white-haired Mississippian began his questioning with his Southern drawl by bringing up allegations that Hegseth had sexually assaulted a woman  but pointedly noted the claims all came from liberal media publications.

That would set the tone for the rest of the extraordinary hearing, as multiple Republicans angled to defend Hegseth against damning misconduct claims and his past comments about women serving in the military.

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The confirmation hearing comes about two months after Matt Gaetz, the firebrand former Florida congressman and Trump acolyte, rescinded his nomination to lead the Department of Justice as it became increasingly clear he lacked the necessary support.

Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., left, Committee chairman Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., center, and Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., all questioned Hegseth during his confirmation hearing on Tuesday (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

But Hegseth is different. After a few rocky weeks in late 2024  when his nomination briefly appeared doomed  Republicans, with Trump remaining squarely behind him, rallied around Hegseth, who became a sort of litmus test for loyalty to Trump.

For the last two months, conservatives put pressure on Iowa Senator Joni Ernst, a National Guard veteran and sexual assault survivor, to get behind Hegseth when it looked like she might not vote to confirm him.

And during the hearing, Ernst took a soft approach, seeming pleased by Hegseths responses when she asked him about previous comments that women shouldnt service in combat roles. She asked him directly, As secretary of defense, will you support women continuing to have the opportunity to serve in combat roles?

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Yes, women will have access to ground combat roles, given the standards remain high, he said.

Ernst was by far the biggest wild card on the Republican side of the dais. Her teeing up that question for Hegseth will likely give permission to Republicans who might have been uneasy about confirming him  like Susan Collins of Maine or Thom Tillis of North Carolina  the permission to ultimately vote yes.

Meanwhile, Kirsten Gillibrand and Jeanne Shaheen, the committees two most senior Democratic female members of the committee, excoriated Hegseth for his comments about women.

Throughout the hearing  and as he repeatedly denied misconduct claims as being nothing more than anonymous smears  Hegseth alluded to being a redeemed man in need of forgiveness for previous bad behavior. Republicans, naturally, ate it up. In perhaps one of the most bizarre moments of the hearing, Oklahomas Markwayne Mullin said that the only reason Im here and not in prison is that my wife loved me too.

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But Mullin went even further.

How many senators have showed up drunk to vote at night, he said. Dont tell me you havent seen it, because I know you have. And then how many senators have do you know have gotten a divorce for cheating on their wives? No? But its for show.

As most Republicans gave the 44-year-old former weekend television host an overwhelmingly warm reception, Democrats on the committee didnt give much reason for Hegseths critics to feel any optimism.

Sen. Kirsten GIllibrand, D-Ny., grilled Hegseth about his previous comments in the US military (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

When it came time for Rhode Island Senator Jack Reed, panels ranking member, a West Point graduate and ex-Army ranger, to question his fellow Army veteran, the 75-year-olds voice was so soft that it could hardly be heard even with the aid of a microphone. The media-savvy Hegseth easily talked over him with the practiced air of someone whod spent years making themselves heard in television crosstalk.

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Meanwhile, multiple Democrats pressed Hegseth on the same assault allegations that hed already repeatedly dismissed and denied under softer questioning from Wicker. But hardly anyone on their side of the aisle pressed the would-be defense secretary on his ardent support for multiple convicted war criminals.

On multiple occasions during Trumps first term, Hegseth used his television post to argue successfully for Trump to pardon soldiers whod been turned in by people under their command for committing atrocities and had been convicted at courts-martial  by juries of their peers after trials conducted under the Unifom Code of Military Justice  for offenses ranging from outright murder to violating the Geneva Conventions by posing with corpses of slain enemies, something American troops have been prohibited from doing for over a century.

Not one Democrat on the panel even attempted to follow up on a disturbing statement he made under questioning by Reed when he alleged that officers in the U.S. military Judge Advocate Generals corps  lawyers trained in the laws of war who are responsible for laying out rules of engagement and counseling troops on how to avoid committing war crimes  were motivated not by a sense of duty, but by a craven desire for career advancement.

That might have presented a missed opportunity for Democrats to give their GOP colleagues not on the Armed Services Committee a reason to avoid voting to confirm him. Combined with Republicans robust defense of the nominee means that Hegseth is likely in a better spot than he was going into these hearings and will likely be confirmed.

That would have been unthinkable when Trump first nominated him. But it shows how in the end, the best definition of a Republican is loyalty to Trump and Democrats have yet to penetrate that armor.
(Bloomberg) -- Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trumps pick to lead the Pentagon, appeared on course to win confirmation after a half-day Senate hearing, even after he was hit with hard questions from Democrats over alleged character flaws.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Republicans on the Senate Armed Services Committee, including its chairman, Roger Wicker of Mississippi, rallied around Hegseth, who dismissed accusations of past alcohol abuse, sexual misconduct and financial mismanagement of veterans groups that he led as anonymous smears.

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Endorsing Hegseth, whos never led a large organization, as an unconventional nominee, Wicker asked, Has the civilian leadership of the Pentagon under the administration of both parties proven up to the challenge? Often the answer has been no.

Hegseth can win Senate confirmation without Democratic votes unless four or more Republicans vote against him. A key member, Joni Ernst of Iowa, said in a statement Tuesday that she would support him despite her previous reservations over Hegseths prior opposition to women serving in combat and whether hed crack down on sexual assaults in the military.

As I serve on the Armed Services Committee, I will work with Pete to create the most lethal fighting force and hold him to his commitments of auditing the Pentagon, ensuring opportunity for women in combat while maintaining high standards and selecting a senior official to address and prevent sexual assault in the ranks, she wrote.

Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island, the top Democrat on the committee, issued a statement after the hearing saying Hegseth dodged and deferred questions about his conduct and failed to convince us that he is capable of running any organization remotely as complex as the Department of Defense. He also said the FBI vetting designed by the Trump team for Mr. Hegseth has been woefully inadequate.

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Christian Whiton, a senior State Department adviser in the Bush and Trump administrations, said after the hearing that despite lawmakers concerns, Hegseth would likely be confirmed.

I still think there are probably 20 Republican senators who are irritated that Trump has put them in a position of having to vote for someone who is unqualified or face potential wrath from him or his supporters, said Whiton, now a now a senior fellow at the Center for the National Interest.

Hegseth, a former Fox News host and military veteran, testified that he and Trump believe that its time to give someone with dust on his boots the helm after years of picking generals, academics or defense contractor executives. Hegseth, 44, spent 14 years in the National Guard and was deployed to Guantanamo Bay in Cuba, Iraq and Afghanistan.

In written answers to questions from committee members, Hegseth blamed shortages in military recruiting on what he and Trump have previously called woke policies that Hegseth said repel potential members.

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The US military needs to confront the reality and perception that it has become too focused on political issues of social justice, political correctness, critical race theory, climate change, etc., Hegseth wrote. The military is an apolitical institution that should be focused only on lethality, equality, meritocracy, and readiness. When we return to those basics, I believe young people will be attracted to that.

Democrats tore into Hegseth over allegations of past alcohol abuse and sexual assault, which Hegseth has denied, asking why they should lower standards for the top job but raise them for the rest of the military.

After aggressive questioning from Democratic Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, Hegseth rebuffed the allegations as anonymous false charges. Kaine retorted that theyre not anonymous.

Senator Markwayne Mullin, an Oklahoma Republican, sought to push back against his Democratic colleagues, asking rhetorically, How many senators have showed up drunk to vote at night? How many senators you know have gotten a divorce for cheating on their wives?

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In a hearing that was light on policy issues, Hegseth couldnt name any members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and deferred to Trump on issues like future support of Ukraine.

I suggest you do a little homework before you prepare for these types of negotiations, Senator Tammy Duckworth, an Illinois Democrat, said of international security discussions he would be engaged in his role. You, sir, are a no-go for the job, said Duckworth, who lost her legs fighting in the Iraq War.

On the other hand, Hegseth was well-enough prepared to discuss the Air Forces new Next Generation Air Dominance fighter, or NGAD, and the Navys unmanned underwater vehicle program. He said it will be a part of amplifying the impact of our Navy because the current administration has allowed our number of ships to drop below 300.

The nominee also deflected on questions about whether he would comply with hypothetical orders from Trump to invade Greenland or Panama or to shoot domestic protesters. But Hegseth said he supported Israel killing every remaining member of Hamas.

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STILFONTEIN, South Africa (AP)  Months after South African authorities initially cut off supplies to miners working illegally in an abandoned gold mine, rescuers brought dozens of bodies and emaciated survivors to the surface Tuesday with hundreds more still believed to be underground, many of them dead and others too weak to come out on their own.

At least 60 bodies and 92 survivors had been pulled from one of South Africa's deepest mines since Monday in a red cagelike device lowered thousands of feet underground, police said. Police are uncertain how many miners remain inside but said it is likely in the hundreds. Another nine bodies were brought out Friday in a community-led rescue effort, according to a group representing the miners.

The mine has been the scene of a tense standoff between police, miners and members of the local community since authorities launched an operation in November to force the miners out by cutting off food and water from the surface for a period of time. At the time, a Cabinet minister said the aim was to smoke them out and the government would not send help because they were criminals.

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But that tactic has been fiercely criticized by civic groups and the community, and the South African government is under scrutiny for the way it has dealt with the issue at the Buffelsfontein Gold Mine, where more than 100 miners are believed to have died underground of starvation or dehydration, according to the group representing them.

Authorities, who removed the ropes and pulley system miners used to enter and to lower supplies, say the survivors are able to come out but refuse to because of fear of arrest. That has been disputed by the civic groups, which won a court case to force authorities to allow food, water and medicine to be sent down to the miners. But they say the supplies arent enough and many of the miners are dying of starvation and unable to climb out because the shaft is too steep.

Residents desperately waiting for news of family members gathered at the mine Tuesday near the town of Stilfontein, southwest of Johannesburg, some holding placards criticizing authorities for their response. One sign said there had been a Sacrifice at Stilfontein while some handcuffed survivors were led away in a line by police.

The community organized its own rescue operation on Friday before the official effort by authorities began Monday. They say a proper rescue operation should have been launched months ago.

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We are happy that this operation is happening, even though we believe that if it was done earlier, we wouldnt even have one dead person, said Mzukisi Jam, the regional chairperson of the South African National Civics Organization, an umbrella for civic and rights groups.

Authorities have grappled with informal mining for years

Illegal mining is common in parts of gold-rich South Africa where companies close down mines that are no longer profitable, leaving groups of informal miners to enter them illegally in a search for leftover deposits.

Large groups of miners often go underground for months to maximize their profits, taking food, water, generators and other equipment with them, but also relying on others in their group on the surface to send down more supplies.

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Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe visited the site Tuesday and said that more than 1,500 miners who resurfaced from the Buffelsfontein mine have been arrested since authorities began a larger crackdown on illegal mining in late 2023. He said the vast majority were foreign nationals from neighboring countries.

Police have also doubled down on their assertion that the miners who are still underground aren't coming out because they are afraid of being arrested.

Activists said the only way out is for miners to make a dangerous trek to another shaft, which can take days, and crawl out there, but many are too weak or ill to climb out. The mine is 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) deep with multiple shafts, many levels and a maze of tunnels. The group representing the miners said there are numerous groups in various parts of the mine.

The last time I spoke to my brother was in July, when he told us that he is going underground," said Zinzi Tom, a sister of one of the miners who remained underground. "We had not heard anything from him, but yesterday one of the miners who surfaced said he saw him about two weeks ago. Apparently he is very sick and he is struggling to survive.

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Cellphone videos emerge from underground

The Mining Affected Communities United in Action group, which took authorities to court in December to force them to allow supplies to be sent down to the miners, released two cellphone videos that they said were from underground and showed dozens of dead bodies of miners wrapped in plastic. A spokesman for the group said a minimum of 100 miners had died.

The cellphone videos purportedly from the depths of the mine are filmed by a man who can be heard saying, This is hunger. People are dying because of hunger, as he records emaciated-looking men sitting on the damp floor of the mine. He adds: Please help us. Bring us food or take us out.

The rescue operation will go on for 10 days and authorities would then reassess, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu said. Police also said that the survivors who had been brought to the surface will be arrested and charged with illegal mining and trespassing after receiving medical attention.

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Authorities made clear their approach when South African Cabinet Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni told reporters in November that the government would not help the miners, who they consider criminals.

We are not sending help to criminals," she said. We are going to smoke them out. They will come out."

She added: "Criminals are not to be helped. Criminals are to be persecuted.

___

Imray reported from Cape Town, South Africa.

___

AP Africa news: https://apnews.com/hub/africa
The South African government has launched a rescue operation at an abandoned gold mine in the countrys North West province, where at least 109 men have died, a group representing the miners said, after local authorities cut off vital supplies in a dramatic bid to crack down on the countrys illegal mining trade.

At least 51 bodies and 106 survivors have been pulled from the Stilfontein mine, South African police said Wednesday, with many more feared trapped inside.

While estimates varied on how many men were in the mine, Meshack Mbangula, head of the Mining Affected Communities United in Action (MACUA), had earlier estimated that 500 people were trapped underground.

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Mbangula told CNN Tuesday that the men had possibly died from hunger and dehydration. Conditions in the shafts, which are several kilometers deep, are continuing to deteriorate, he said.

Video shared by Mbangula and seen by CNN shows multiple bodies wrapped in plastic in the mine, located around 97 miles (156 kilometers) southwest of Johannesburg.

The video, filmed by one of the miners last week, according to Mbangula, also shows shirtless, emaciated-looking men with protruding bones and ribs.

A man speaking in Zulu pleads to be rescued in one scene. Another man says: How many days must we live in a situation like this?

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CNN cannot independently verify the videos.

A letter written by the miners and obtained by CNN further illustrates the grim conditions the miners are facing.

Please take us out. Please assist us to come out or if not, please give us food because [there are] people who are dead. Weve got 109 people dead and we need plastic to wrap them because the smell is too much, we cant stand the smell, the miners said in the letter.

Community-led groups such as MACUA say they have led the effort to help the trapped miners for months, he said, as police cut off food and vital supplies to the men in November in an attempt to force them out and close the mine.

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The polices move  a self-described crackdown on the illegal mining industry  has drawn criticism from community groups and South Africas Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU), who in November called it vindictive, saying it could end in a tragedy.

Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe told reporters in November that food and water supplies to those underground had been halted. We are stopping and preventing food and water to go down there as a way of forcing these illegal miners to resurface because what they are doing is criminality, she said.

Miners would face arrest upon resurfacing, according to police.

In November, a South African court ordered police to halt the standoff, provide food to the trapped miners and allow rescue teams to access the mine. The nations Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) also said it was investigating the police service for halting vital supplies to the miners.

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On Sunday, facing intensifying public pressure and reports that many of the miners had already died, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy said it had begun plans to conduct a rescue operation at the abandoned shaft. The mineral resources department said the decision to deploy rescue services was made independently and not mandated by a court.

South Africa harbors up to 100,000 artisanal miners, known locally as zama zamas with most of the minerals derived from artisanal mining sold to the black market, and international illicit mineral traders, according to SAFTU.

The nation also loses more than $1 billion to illegal mining annually, with the black market trade in gold linked to violent turf wars, according to a parliamentary brief.

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This story has been updated with new information

One of metro Detroit's busiest freeway segments is about to close for eastbound drivers and stay closed until  don't hold your breath  late 2027.

It's part of a mammoth multi-year project called "Restore the Reuther." The eastbound lanes of Interstate 696, also called the Walter P. Reuther Freeway, are scheduled to close in Oakland County on March 1 between Lahser Road in Southfield and I-75 in Royal Oak.

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The following detour will be posted: Eastbound drivers who want to get past Lahser, and that will be tens of thousands of them each day, will be directed to start the detour as they approach Telegraph Road, well before they reach Lahser. Motorists on eastbound I-696 will be sent south on the Lodge Freeway to the Davison, next go east on the Davison Freeway, and finally reach I-75 and be able to head north to reconnect with eastbound I-696, said Diane Cross, spokeswoman for the Michigan Department of Transportation.

"Westbound will always be able to go west. There is no detour for westbound 696. We will shift westbound traffic on the freeway" as work proceeds on the project while allowing those drivers to keep going, Cross said. Both eastbound and westbound sides of the freeway will be reconstructed, but only the eastbound traffic will be detoured, she added. As for eastbound drives not taking the detour, they will still be able to exit at Telegraph or Lahser.

Beginning on approximately March 1, eastbound traffic on I-696 from Lahser to Dequindre will have a detour as part of the Restore the Reuther project. Westbound traffic won't be affected.

This 9.5-mile stretch of I-696 in the project was built in the 1980s and it's overdue for major work. The eight-mile stretch from Lahser to I-75 will receive a full reconstruction of the roadway in 2025-26; the 1.5-mile stretch from I-75 to Dequindre will have its roadway reconstructed in 2027, she said. At the same time, MDOT will oversee repairs or replacement of 60 bridges along the entire route, Cross said.

More: Whitmer's plan to grow Michigan economy includes new business tax credit, investment fund

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More: Weekend storm left behind snow across Michigan. Here's how much fell

In Oak Park, the big project is expected to include full-scale replacement of landscapes, playscapes, and walking paths on the three-acre plaza that covers the freeway at Church Street. Orthodox Jewish residents use the plaza for pedestrian access to their homes and synagogues.

Contact Bill Laytner: blaitner@freepress.com

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Part of eastbound I-696 to close March 1 until late 2027 in Royal Oak
The Revere City Councilor wants a sit down with Massachusetts officials about the vetting process for people coming into state-funded emergency shelters.

They voted on a motion to request that meeting at Monday nights council meeting.

This all comes after an undocumented immigrant was arrested at the Revere Quality Inn and found with an assault rifle and 10 pounds of fentanyl.

The Quality Inn off Route 1 is being used as an emergency shelter.

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After the arrest, Governor Healey ordered inspections of all emergency shelters.

Revere leaders to consider further local action after arrest of undocumented immigrant at emergency

Last Friday, she ordered criminal background checks to be conducted as well on emergency assistance applicants.

Previously outstanding warrants and sex offense searches had been done, but CORI checks had not.

Now Revere City Council members want to know more about the steps being taken by the states housing office to vet the emergency assistance applicants and learn about the safeguards needed to prevent further illegal activity.

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The publics anger is justified and I stand with them in demanding answers. It is appalling that a state-run resource funded by taxpayer dollars operating under a unique right to shelter law...was so fundamentally flawed, said Revere City Councilor Michelle Kelley.

House and Senate Republicans plan to hold a press conference at the Massachusetts State House Tuesday morning.

They say they plan to address concerns about the migrant crisis and propose legislative and administrative actions.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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When Donald Trump named Robert F. Kennedy Jr. two months ago today as his pick for secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, there was widespread speculation that two big issuesvaccines and abortioncould sink the former Democrat.

But two months later, Kennedy has managed to keep his head above water by modifying his rhetoric on vaccines and promising in meetings with Republican senators to implement whatever agenda Trump wants on abortion.

Still, Kennedys confirmation remains in doubt in a Senate that will be controlled 53-47 by Republicans once Vice President-elect J.D. Vances replacement is named. It could very well turn on his performance during confirmation hearings, where he will have to account not only for his past rhetoric but detail how he would wield power as the nations top public health official.

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Among the handful of Republicans who could vote against Kennedy, perhaps the three most likely to do so are moderates Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, plus Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, who is a polio survivor. Efforts to undermine public confidence in proven cures are not just uninformedtheyre dangerous, McConnell said in December. Anyone seeking the Senates consent to serve in the incoming administration would do well to steer clear of even the appearance of association with such efforts.

Kennedy has, of course, made a career of undermining confidence in proven vaccines, including those for polio and measles. He has said there is no vaccine that is safe and effective, and his lawyer and top adviser has asked the FDA to revoke approval of the polio vaccine. I see somebody on a hiking trail carrying a little baby and I say to him, Better not get him vaccinated, Kennedy said on a podcast in 2021.

Behind closed doors, Kennedy is reportedly singing a somewhat different tune. In December, Oklahoma GOP Sen. Markwayne Mullin said Kennedy told him: I 100% support polio vaccination. And Kennedy insists publicly he wont take away anybodys vaccines.

But Kennedy will need to get into specifics at his confirmation hearings. Yuval Levin of the American Enterprise Institute told The Dispatch that Kennedy would have the authority to basically decide, as the secretary, whats on the vaccine schedule produced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that guides parents, pediatricians, and schools on vaccine requirements and recommendations for children. Kennedy would be able to exercise this authority, Levin said, both by potentially picking members of advisory committees that make such decisions and overruling the committees if he so desired.

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He also has real power over the messaging of public health in America, Levin said, that would allow him to change the atmosphere around these issues. Since the pandemic, vaccination rates for kindergarteners for measles, polio, and whooping cough have dropped 2-3 percentage points below the federal governments target of 95 percent, and an anti-vaccine HHS secretary could help drive them even lower.

Levin noted that Kennedy could also use the bully pulpit to wield influence on issues where HHS has no formal authority, such as fluoridation of water, which is a state and local issue.

Whether these issues are enough to defeat Kennedy remains to be seen. Louisiana GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy, a doctor and the chairman of one of the committees that will hold Kennedys confirmation hearings, said last week he had a frank conversation with Kennedy during which the two men spoke about vaccines at length. When pressed for details about the conversation, Cassidy told The Dispatch in the Capitol he had nothing more to add.

While the vaccine issue could still cost Kennedy a Cabinet seat, hes faced surprisingly little opposition from the pro-life movement over his support for an expansive right to abortion.

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When Trump first announced Kennedy as his HHS pick, former Vice President Mike Pence urged Senate Republicans to reject the nomination on the grounds that Kennedy would be the the most pro-abortion Republican appointed secretary of HHS in modern history. New York Times columnist Ezra Klein made the case that Democrats could be tempted to vote for RFK on those same grounds. HHS has a lot of reach into reproductive rights, Klein tweeted. In the end, its the pro-life groups I expect will try to sink this nomination.

But over the course of the following two monthsdue to some combination of fear of Donald Trump, loyalty to him, and transactional politicspro-life groups have done little to oppose Kennedy. Some, like the Heritage Foundation, actively supported Kennedy from the beginning. Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America President Marjorie Dannenfelser expressed concerns about the nomination in November, but the group, which is the largest pro-life organization in the country, has not opposed it.

In fact, Tim Chapman, the president of Advancing American Freedom, the political group founded by Mike Pence, said he is unaware of any other pro-life groups that have publicly come out against the RFK nomination. Theres a very quiet, not spoken, but very real concern about RFK leading HHS, but what youre seeing is a pro-life movement that feels like its been losing a lot, and that that movement feels in many ways like they cant afford another loss, Chapman told The Dispatch. So to speak up about their concerns about RFK, but then get completely rolled in the confirmation process would project weakness.

Its just strange for an issue advocacy group to say they dont want to advocate for their issue because theyll get on the wrong side of a person who disagrees with them, said AEIs Levin. Then what really is the purpose of these groups? They obviously should be pressing for a pro-life HHS Secretary in a Republican administration, and theres no way around the fact that not having one would be a huge loss for them.

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Fear of getting rolled by Trump only partly explains the institutional pro-life movements acquiescence to RFK. It can also be explained by transactional politics: Kennedy has told Republican senators he would reinstate almost all of the abortion policies in place during the first Trump administrationfrom conscience protections to issues touching on taxpayer-funding of organizations that perform or promote elective abortions. Joshua Mercer of Catholic Vote told The Dispatch his group was backing RFK because hes an important part of the Trump coalition and had pledged to senators to name pro-life deputies and implement most of those pro-life policies at HHS. Weve been quite clear that there are areas in which were just going to disagree, Mercer said.

In the Capitol last week, Missouri GOP Sen. Josh Hawley told The Dispatch that the only abortion-related HHS policy from Trumps first term about which RFK was noncommittal was reinstating an FDA requirement that the abortion drug mifepristone to be prescribed in-person, a rule the Biden administration ended in 2021. On mifepristone, he said he had not gotten explicit direction from Trump, but he would do whatever Trump wanted, Hawley said. Montana Sen. Steve Daines, founder of the Senate Pro-Life Caucus, told The Dispatch he also spoke to Kennedy about the 2021 FDA abortion-pill rule, and the conversation piqued his interest. Daines said he intends to vote to confirm Kennedy.

While the highest profile issues will be submitted to the White House for a decision, there are many that wont. There are all kinds of decisions that the Cabinet secretaries deal with that really never go to the president, Tevi Troy, who served as deputy secretary of HHS under Geroge W. Bush, told The Dispatch. The HHS secretary gets to frame questions that come to the White House.

There are going to be IVF choices to make. There are going to be NIH funding decisions to make on embryo research, said AEIs Levin. There are going to be a lot of live issues here that arent just the standard [Republican/Democrat] flip-the-switch kind of issues.

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For example, current HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra issued guidance after the Dobbs decision telling hospitals that they have an obligation to perform abortions in certain emergency situations under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA). The Biden administration then sued the state of Idaho, resulting in a somewhat convoluted case that made its way to the Supreme Court. Before the high court, the federal government identified eight conditions where abortion was required under EMTALA; the state of Idaho replied that its abortion law allowed immediate treatment for all eight conditions. Unsure of whether a conflict between state and federal abortion law really existed, Justices Amy Coney Barrett, Brett Kavanaugh, and John Roberts voted to send the case back down to lower courts for review.

The simplest way to end the litigation would be to revoke Becerras guidance, but a sophisticated and sincere pro-life administration would work with states to ensure medical providers know it is possible to treat life-threatening conditions immediately without running afoul of abortion laws. HHS could coordinate with state health departments, for one thing, in a way that doesnt bind anybody, but that creates a path that is more likely to avoid these problems, said Levin. Or they could do things formally through Medicaid. In particular, they could get into real agreements with state health departments if thats what they wanted to do. But again, I think that would take a creative pro-life team, and theyre just not going to have one.

In a 53-47 GOP Senate, the big question is not only whether four Republicans will vote against Kennedy but how many Democrats he might pick up. After losing in November, some Democrats seem eager to bring RFK Democrats back into the foldnotwithstanding his opposition to vaccines and promotion of conspiracy theories. For example, Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, a Democrat, praised the RFK nomination, and Sens. Bernie Sanders and John Fetterman are reportedly open to voting to confirm RFK.

Republican senators should be much more uncomfortable about what theyre being pushed to do here than they seem to be, Levin said. He is a kind of leftist activist on the one hand, and hes not pro-life on the other hand. This should be a big issue here.  I wonder if the hearings in the process will force them to confront that, but theyre certainly trying not to. And so far, a lot of the outside groups are letting them get away with it.

Read more at The Dispatch

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The internet is full of lies, and online job boards are no exception.

Trying to find a new job has never been as easy with a vast arry of online postings. But online job boards are making the process even more painful by mixing fake job listings in with the real ones. Greenhouse, a hiring platform akin to LinkedIn, analyzed its clients job postings and hiring practices over the last year, and found that as much as one in five jobs listed are actually fake.

LinkedIn and Greenhouse reportedly combat fake jobs by tagging "real" jobs with a verification badge, according to the Wall Street Journal.

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According to its analysis, between 18 and 22 percent of jobs that were advertised during 2024 were "ghost jobs"  jobs that were advertised but either never really existed or were simply never filled, despite hopeful applicants sending resumes.

Jon Stross, Greenhouses president, told the Wall Street Journal that the situation was kind of a horror show.

The job market has become more soul-crushing than ever, he said.

A sculpture on a terrace outside the offices of LinkedIn. The popular networking site is trying to combat the number of ghost jobs (Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Companies revealed several reasons why they are posting jobs they never intend to fill. Projecting success may play some part; companies that appear to be hiring likely also appear to be growing.

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In some cases, a company may not be actively hiring for a position, but is keeping the listing up in hopes that their ideal candidate one day finds and applies to the job.

Resume Builder, an online resume and jobs platform, conducted a survey of its clients who list open positions asking if and why they post ghost jobs.

More than 60 percent of those surveyed admitted that the practice was done, in part, to "make employees believe their workload would e alleviated by new workers."

Even more than that  62 percent  said they wanted their employees to "feel replaceable."

According to Greenhouse, at least 70 percent of the companies on its platform posted at least one ghost job in the second quarter of 2024, and 15 percent of companies did so regularly. The industries that most frequently posted ghost jobs were construction, the arts, food service and legal services, according to the data.

According to Greenhouse, at least 70 percent of the companies on its platform posted at least one ghost job in the second quarter of 2024 (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

One frustrated creative, Alexander Rea, shared his experience with ghost jobs and theorized on LinkedIn that the fake listings were companies testing their bait.

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So what is the point of these applicant systems? I think its a way of interviewing roles to do research only. To find out what type of fish you can catch with a certain type of bait and then throw them back, he wrote. Sport fishing.

Another LinkedIn user, Lance Hemphill, posted about the perils hes seen with ghost posts.

I feel like its not even possible to apply on LinkedIn anymore. Almost every job is some automated post that has a fake job or leads me a secondary site that is a scam. I think LinkedIn really needs to expand their requirements for job postings, he wrote.

There's no obvious means of spotting a ghost job on a board, but there are some clues. Jobs that have been listed over and over again could be ghost jobs. Listing that have been up for months with no updates and no application deadline may not be legitimate.

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Check a job listing against a company's hiring page. If a company lists open positions on its website, check there to ensure the job you're applying for is legitimate.

It may also be helpful to contact someone at the company to ask about the position. If no one here has any information on the role, it may not be real.
(Bloomberg) -- A pair of Chinese-made social apps, Xiaohongshu and Lemon8, have taken over the top two positions on Apple Inc.s iPhone download charts in the US as users seek out alternatives to TikTok ahead of an imminent ban.

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Xiaohongshu  Chinas closest analog to Instagram  became the most downloaded free app on iOS and rose to the top 10 on Alphabet Inc.s Google Play store for the first time. Many new users labeled themselves TikTok refugees as they joined. Familiar to Chinese who use the service not just as a repository for travel and pet videos but also a live online marketplace, its rise in the US took many in the industry by surprise.

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Follow The Big Take daily podcast wherever you listen.

It reflects a willingness among TikToks 170 million-plus users to explore alternatives. ByteDance Ltd.s TikTok faces a deadline of Jan. 19 to find a US buyer in order to continue operating in the country, and the Supreme Court has signaled its unlikely to oppose the law imposing that condition.

Short of a policy reversal by President-elect Donald Trump or ByteDance selling its US service, TikTok will be in breach of the law within a week. Chinese officials are evaluating options including one that involves Elon Musk acquiring TikToks US operations, Bloomberg News reported.

Chinese stocks linked to Xiaohongshu rose on Tuesday. They included companies that design ads, a digital marketing services operator and even consumer brands known to hawk their wares on the social media platform.

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Xiaohongshu  loosely pronounced Shau Hong Shew  is considered one of the more striking successes in the Chinese internet space. While its name literally translates into Little Red Book, the company has consistently stressed it bears no relation to Mao Zedongs famous tome of quotations.

Started in 2013 in Shanghai by Miranda Qu and Charlwin Mao, the app morphed in a few years from an online shopping guide to a community of trendsetters, before venturing into e-commerce.

Along the way, Xiaohongshu attracted backing from big names such as Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., Tencent Holdings Ltd. and Temasek Holdings Pte. Like ByteDances Tiktok and Douyin, the Shanghai-based startup has today successfully amassed an army of influencers partly via cash incentives. They attract eyeballs and peddle products to millions of users, from which the app takes a cut.

The ones benefiting from traffic from the TikTok ban are still Chinese apps, GSR Ventures managing director Allen Zhu wrote on WeChat, posting a screenshot of the US App Store download chart.

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Together with Beijing-based ByteDance, Xiaohongshu is one of just a handful of major Chinese internet unicorns that have yet to make a stock market debut. The app was on track to double net profit to more than $1 billion in 2024, Bloomberg News has reported.

Its rise prompted the creation of alternatives such as Lemon8, a similarly designed rival authored by ByteDance. Lemon8 downloads across iOS and Android tripled last week, according to Sensor Tower data, and it was briefly the most-downloaded free iPhone app in the US on Monday.

Till now however, success abroad has largely eluded Xiaohongshu, or Red Note as its become known in the US. The app is more widely used by Chinese-speaking communities overseas, though it also has an English-language version.

A stream of new English-language content and users showed up on the service this week, and the #tiktokrefugee hashtag garnered more than 44 million views.

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In one popular video, a creator called on all TikTok migrants to make the move to Xiaohongshu and said she was already settling in nicely on the new app. Another used an AI translator to record a message in Mandarin to say that Americans support Chinese more than you think.

Other newcomers made jokes about how theyll miss their Chinese spy when TikTok shuts in the US, eliciting sympathetic comments from Chinese users.

--With assistance from Luz Ding.

(Updates with share action and context from the third paragraph.)

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RIVIERA BEACH  Riviera Beach is once again leaning on its "Real-Time Crime Center" to quickly address crimes in progress or ones that were recently committed.

The RTCC, a collection of security cameras, a gunshot-location system and license-plate readers, was first established in 2012. It was not staffed from 2021 to 2023 as various parts of the system were being repaired.

RTCC came back online last year, and, on New Year's Day, the system was credited with helping Riviera Beach police arrest two men on gun and probation violation charges.

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"Our Real Time Crime Center technology represents a significant step forward in modern policing," Police Chief Michael Coleman said.

"By leveraging cutting-edge tools, were able to monitor and analyze data in real time, giving our officers the critical information they need to respond swiftly and effectively to incidents. This technology doesnt just help us solve crimes more efficiently; it also enables us to identify patterns, anticipate potential criminal activity and take proactive measures to prevent it."

Real Time Crime Center helped recover stolen firearms in Palm Beach County

In a prepared statement, Riviera Beach described how the RTCC led to the arrests of two 19-year-olds who were seen with others on security cameras participating in what appeared to be a rap music video shoot outside a convenience store.

"The group appeared to be filming a rap video, while displaying several firearms," the city said in a statement. Police patrol units "immediately responded to the area."

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The city said officers searched a car parked outside the store and found three guns. Two had no serial numbers and the third was identified as having been stolen from Boynton Beach. A fourth gun was taken from one of the men, the city said.

RIVIERA NEWS: Candidates blast lawsuit challenging how they paid campaign filing fee

RIVIERA NEWS: Mayoral candidate faces felony child abuse charge after scooter incident

RIVIERA NEWS: City starts process of raising $400 million in bond money for new water plant

The investigation prompted police to get a warrant to search another car. Four more guns were found.

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"One firearm was reported stolen, while two were equipped with Glock switches, modifying the semi-automatic pistol into a selective-fire machine pistol capable of fully automatic operation," the city said. "The ATF has been notified and federal charges will be pursued upon further investigation."

Guns Riviera Beach Police said were confiscated during arrests made as a pair of men appeared to be shooting a rap music video outside of a convenience store.

One of the men has been charged with being a delinquent in possession of a firearm, and the other was charged with a probation violation for having ammunition in his possession.

Riviera Beach police don't track the number of arrests obtained through RTCC work, but said the center assists in "most" investigations in a manner similar to the one that led to the arrests of the two 19-year-olds.

"This operation underscores the vital role of Riviera Beach Police Departments Real-Time Crime Center in identifying and responding to threats in real time," the city said. "The use of monitoring technology ensured a rapid response, resulting in the confiscation of multiple illegal firearms and the apprehension of dangerous individuals."

Worth the investment: How much does the new system cost Rivera Beach?

The city said RTCC costs $758,000 per year: $198,000 per year for license-plate readers, $220,000 per year for the gunshot-location system, $225,000 for records management and dispatch, $90,000 for cameras and another $25,000 for various databases.

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Coleman said the center is worth the investment.

"Our goal is to stay ahead of crime, and the Real Time Crime Center plays a pivotal role in helping us create a safer community for everyone who lives, works and visits Riviera Beach," the chief said.

More Riviera Beach news

Wayne Washington is a journalist covering West Palm Beach, Riviera Beach and race relations for The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at wwashington@pbpost.com. Help support our work; subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Riviera Beach Real Time Crime Center helps in arrests of teens with stolen guns
Jan. 13A Roane County man is facing charges related to a June 12 traffic crash on I-40 that claimed the life of a female cyclist.

The indictment was handed down by the Cumberland County Grand Jury last week.

Daniel Lee Miller, 45, Rockwood, was indicted on charges of vehicular homicide and second offense DUI (drugs) in connection with the death of Helene McGarvey, 61, Andersonville, TN, at the time of the crash. She was a former New York resident and apparently just passing through Cumberland County at the time of the crash.

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According to reports at the time, McGarvey was driving her 2013 Harley Davidson west on I-40 near the 336 mile marker when Miller, driving a 2013 Ford F150 pickup east in the west lane, struck the motorcycle head-on. McGarvey was reported dead at the scene.

The crash was investigated by THP troopers, members of the THP Criminal Investigation Division, Critical Incident Response Team, Cumberland County Sheriff's deputies, TBI crime lab personnel and the state medical examiner's office.

The second offense DUI charge is based on previous conviction for that offense in Palm Beach County, FL., on Feb. 16, 2018.

Crossville defense attorney Randal Boston represented Miller in a bond reduction hearing held in Criminal Court in September. Judge Gary McKenzie denied Boston's motion for the $1 million bond holding Miller to be reduced.

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Miller is scheduled to appear in Criminal Court Tuesday for arraignment and setting of a deadline date for the case.

A grand jury is a panel of qualified, randomly selected citizens who review evidence and verifies that those presenting cases had probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed by a criminal suspect. It is not a finding of guilty or innocence.

Michael Moser may be reached at mmoser@crossville-chronicle.com
Jan. 13ROCHESTER  Rochester Fire Chief Eric Kerska will retire Friday, after 30 years of service.

Kerska began his career with the Rochester Fire Department in 1994 while simultaneously serving in the Army National Guard. Over the years, he worked his way up from firefighter to being appointed chief in 2018.

"Chief Eric Kerska's 30 years of dedicated service to the Rochester Fire Department have made a lasting impact on our community. His leadership, commitment and unwavering devotion to public safety have set the tone for transformation and reliability of fire and emergency response," City Administrator Alison Zelms said in a statement announcing the retirement date. "Further, his focus on teamwork and collaboration has strengthened relationships with area fire responders and across the city organization. On behalf of the entire community, we thank Chief Kerska for his decades of service and wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement."

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As chief, Kerska introduced a comprehensive mental health program that includes annual check-ups and access to resources during mental health emergencies. Additionally, he led efforts to expand eligibility for public employee retirement benefits, ensuring more members of the department have access through legislation that was signed into law during the last legislative session.

In addition to his career with the department, Kerska served in the U.S. Army and Army National Guard for 32 years, rising to the rank of colonel. During his military service, he completed three combat deployments totaling more than 36 months in a combat zone and commanded an Armored Brigade Combat Team during Operation New Dawn.

A retirement celebration is planned for Kerska from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday at Fire Station 1, located at 521 S. Broadway Ave.

Mason Pooler has been named as Chief Kerska's successor.

Pooler, who joined city staff on Jan. 6, has a long-standing career in the fire service. He began his career in 1998 with the Germantown, Wisconsin, Fire Department. He also served at the Merrill, Wisconsin, Fire Department before joining the West Allis, Wisconsin, Fire Department in 2002 where he was appointed as fire chief in 2017.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  A home on Sawyer Street in Rochester was shot into Monday night, according to police. Inside at the time was a 40-year-old woman and two boys ages 8 and 5.

According to the Rochester Police Department, officers were patrolling around Bartlett Street just before 8 p.m. when they heard gunshots. A shot spotter activation went off moments later.

Officers stated that the home on Sawyer Street was found with one bullet hole to its back side as police went to investigate. No one inside was hurt.

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1 hospitalized after getting hit by school bus driver on Hudson Avenue, police say

At this time, no arrests have been made. As the investigation continues, anyone with information is asked to call 911.

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ROCKVILLE, Md. (DC News Now)  One man is getting ready to put down the deposit on a house after winning $50,000 in a scratch-off game.

At the Maryland Lottery, it is scratch-off season and a man from Rockville is celebrating his win.

The player visited Hilltop Wine and Spirits on Race Track Road in Prince Georges County, where he purchased a MONOPOLY X200 instant ticket. While in the store, he completed the scratch-off and noticed that he matched the winning number, 11.

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IRS to send $2.4B in unclaimed stimulus payments: Who is eligible?

Under the number, was the second-tier prize of $50,000.

I was happy that I finally won. I have been playing for a long time, he told the Maryland Lottery.

The man who lives in Montgomery County and works as a maintenance worker said he plans to use the prize money to purchase a house.

I was in the process of saving for a house, but this helps with the down payment, he explained.

According to the Maryland Lottery, the MONOPOLY X200 scratch-off went on sale on Nov. 27. All four top prizes of $2 million remain unclaimed. There are still five $50,000 second-tier prizes remaining, along with others ranging from $30 to $10,000.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
UNICOI COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL)  More than 3 months after Hurricane Helene tore through the Tri-Cities region, Rocky Fork State Park in Unicoi County has reopened.

On Monday, the park announced on social media that it was fully reopened and welcoming back visitors.

While some trails and park areas still need work, our staff have worked hard to make all park areas accessible for your use, the post states.

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Outdoors Appalachia

Rocky Fork State Park has returned to its normal operating hours: open from sunrise to sunset.

Rocky Fork was one of four state parks to close after Helene led to widespread damage. Since those closures, Rocky Fork and Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park have been able to fully reopen.

Roan Mountain State Park has partially reopened, but Tennessee State Parks states online that significant closures still remain as of Monday.

David Crockett Birthplace State Park remains completely closed months after the flooding. The state park was effectively wiped out in some areas and sustained heavy damage that saw volunteers still going out to help with cleanup at the end of 2024.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
TYLER, Texas (KETK)  Two students at Tyler ISD were recognized as winners in the 2024 Hispanic Heritage Essay Contest, organized by Optimum and co-sponsored by the Univision Foundation.

The contest spans 21 states and honors students who demonstrate creativity and the connections with Hispanic culture. The recognition highlights the importance of celebrating cultural identity and the power of storytelling.

Tyler ISD principal recognized with national award

Catie Espiricueta: Grand Prize in High School Category

Espiricueta, a junior at Tyler ISDs Early College High School, was awarded the Grand Prize in the high school category for the West region. As part of her win, Espiricueta received $3,000 that she plans to use to pursue her educational goals at the University of Chicago, where she will major in sociology or political science.

Courtesy of Tyler ISD

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In her essay, Espiricueta reflected on a simple yet deeply significant dish, chile de huevo, which has been passed down through generations in her family.

This simple meal, chile de huevo, kept my moms family alive, and she carried the recipe with her from Guerrero to Tyler, she wrote. The dish represents the resilience and resourcefulness of her family and her culture, using simple ingredients to create sustenance in times of need. Now, through this meal, I can taste her home country, her struggles, and her persistence.

Ariana Jiselle M.: Runner-up in Middle School Category

In the middle school category, Ariana, a student at Caldwell Arts Academy, earned the distinction of runner-up in the West region. Out of 1,800 essays, hers stood out for its powerful message of perseverance and family strength. As a runner-up, she received an iPad for her efforts.

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Courtesy of Tyler ISD

In her essay, she focused on the invaluable lessons learned from her grandparents, who overcame great challenges to secure better opportunities for her family.

Former Tyler ISD head coach Mike Owens dies

My grandparents have shown me that if something is important enough to you, you will work hard to achieve success no matter the consequences, Ariana said. I am grateful that my grandparents impacted the world in a positive way.

Courtesy of Tyler ISD

Optimum also recognized Hubbard Middle School teacher Jordan Greer for her role in encouraging students to participate in the contest. Greer was among five educations nationwide who submitted the largest number of essays from their students in the 21-state region, demonstrating the support Tyler ISD teachers provide to students.

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ROSCOE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  Crews were battling a house fire in Roscoe on Monday afternoon.

Roscoe Volunteer Fire Department and Sweetwater Fire Department were sent to a house fire today, January 13, at the 1600 Block of West Broadway at 4:22 p.m.

Firefighters said they requested help from the Loraine Fire Department at 4:48 p.m. at the large house fire and advised them to avoid the area.

Courtesy of Josh Jones

Courtesy of Josh Jones

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Courtesy of Josh Jones

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Courtesy of Josh Jones

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At 5:08 p.m., the Snyder Fire Department was also asked to provide tanker support. The cause of the fire is still unknown, and no injuries or deaths have been reported.

No further information is available at this moment.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTAB - BigCountryHomepage.com.
ROSE HILL, Kan. (KSNW)  Rose Hill police have provided an update on the death investigation of 6-year-old Kennedy Jean Schroer that began in September.

We are nearing the end of the investigation and there is a general hope that we should be able to present our finding to the County Attorney within a months time. As has been the case, this is not a hard and fast timeframe as these things develop as they develop. At this time, we are compiling our findings, making sure we did not miss anything and ensuring we have the fullest possible view of the events surrounding this horrible event, said Rose Hill Police Chief Taylor Parlier.

She would be proud of this: Families create meaning from loss through fentanyl billboard vigil

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Police say that they will continue to provide updates when appropriate.

On the evening of Sept. 11, 2024, the Rose Hill Police Department received a call about an adult in distress at a home near Rose Hill Road and Rosewood Street. The adult barricaded themself inside the residence. The matter was resolved, and the adult was transported to an area hospital in serious but stable condition. While on the scene, officers learned of a possible past homicide.

At around 4:30 p.m. the next day, police recovered a childs body in the backyard. Evidence suggests that they had been buried for possibly a couple of years.

Police scene in Rose Hill where a childs body was discovered on Sept. 10, 2024 (KSN Photo)

The child was later identified as Schroer, born on July 14, 2014, the biological daughter of Christa Helm. Investigators believe she died in November 2020, when she would have been 6 years old.

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The last update police gave was in November when they announced that the investigation was delayed as warrants were taking longer to become available than they had hoped.

For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news by downloading our mobile app and signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track 3 Weather app by clicking here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY)  A woman returned to her roots more than 400 years after her ancestors  and alongside President Joe Biden at that.

In December, President Biden made history by become the first sitting president to visit the African country of Angola. His agenda included economic growth, humanitarian assistance and addressing the ties the country has to slavery.

Hidden History: Special report on how Fort Monroe will commemorate arrival of first enslaved Africans

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https://www.wavy.com/black-history-month/road-to-reconciliation-freedoms-fortress/

With help from Rep. Bobby Scott (VA-03), Dr. Wanda Tucker was part of that delegation.

The invitation was extended, and were delighted that Wanda Tucker and Vincent Tucker had the opportunity to tell the story, Scott said.

The story the Tuckers have to tell is well over 400 years old. In 1619, her ancestors Antoney and Isabella where kidnapped in Angola and arrived here in Virginia at Point Comfort, which is now known as Fort Monroe. Tucker talked about her ancestors beginning here in Virginia.

They gave birth to the first Black child, male child born and baptized in the English colony because its documented. But its not the only child, but the only documented child born and baptized, Tucker said.

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Website: The William Tucker 1624 Society

This Monday at Fort Monroe, Tucker and her brother Vincent shared their experience of being part of the delegation headed by the president and what happened on the shores of Angola.

To stand there and talk about the atrocities cities of the slave trade, and to acknowledge we share common people, a common history, and then to partner, to move forward, Tucker said.

She expressed her happiness, that during President Bidens historic trip, he acknowledged the past and is willing to invest in the future of Angola rather than staying in the past.

Take pride in your country of origin, she said. And theres so much to be proud of. I know that theres theres such a dark history. But the fact that youre here means your ancestors survived. And they were contributors to the building of America.

Related Links:

Biden visits Africa for first time as president

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Takeaways from Bidens Africa trip: Pardon of son Hunter overshadows official business

2019 Marked 400 Years Since Arrival of First Africans into English Colonial America by way of Point Comfort, Virginia

Dr. Wanda Tucker Shared Her Journey At Rio Salados Black History Month Celebration

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
With U.S. President Joe Biden set to leave office next week, evaluations of his foreign policy legacy are in full swing. Many of them so far have focused on Bidens pledge to uphold the international rules-based order in the face of Russias wanton violations of those rules and Chinas open efforts to rewrite them.

Some have argued that Biden failed spectacularly at this on the merits. Some, like David Ignatius, think his policies were an empirical success but a political failure that for all Bidens laudable effort left the rules-based order weaker rather than stronger. Others portrayed the rules-based order that Biden championed rhetorically as a crumbling illusion. Robert Manning and Matthew Burrows went even further, stating that, by many measures, the rules-based order (adhered to a la carte by the United States) is decomposing.

There are good arguments to be made that protecting the rules-based order was the wrong slogan for Biden or, for that matter, any administration willing to engage in such persistent hypocrisy on the world stage. Biden presided over the collapse of secular democracy and womens human rights protections in Afghanistan; NATOs failure to deter Russias invasion of Ukraine; Israels obliteration of Gaza and use of starvation warfare against an entire region and its civilian occupants; and the re-emergence of a nuclear arms race.

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But this is not an accurate indictment of the international legal order itself, which does not operate merely at the whim of the great powers. It is also held together by international institutions, global civil society and the procedural savvy and collective action of middle power states. And although unfortunately it is the nature of rules that they will be manipulated by the powerful, it is also their nature to be weapons of the weak. That has always been the case, and it remains true today.

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This is why it is a mistake to cite great power abdication from important guidelines as evidence that the rules themselves are under strain. Rules dont disappear just because they are violated, least of all by great powers. Rather they are instantiated and reinforced by the reactions of third parties to violations. Meanwhile the key rules of the international orderterritorial non-aggression among states, human rights protections within them, abdication of the worlds worst weapons and collective action to resolve global threatsremain guiding principles of global policy even if they are often honored in the breach.

For example, while some view the rules delineated in the United Nations Charter as buckling under the pressure of recent interstate conflicts, Paul Poast rightly reminds us that the U.N. Charter regime was designed to prevent great power war, not prevent great powers from going to war. With that in mind, the enduring strength of the norm of territorial non-aggression is seen not just in the wars of conquest that havent happened, but also in the language Russia and Israel have used to justify their respective wars.

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This paradoxical power of the international rules against wars of aggression is also illustrated by the reaction to U.S. President-elect Trumps recent remarks that he would not rule out the use of military force to acquire Greenland. It is not just that France, Germany, Norway and other NATO states condemned Trumps comments. It is that the attention, news coverage and madman reputation Trump attracted by threatening to flout or break the rule against territorial conquest is testament to its strength.

Moreover, as political scientists Scott Shapiro and Oona Hathway argue, the might makes right world that preceded the current international order, which realists often portray as the absence of rules, was in fact once a rules-based order of its own, but in reverse, where economic sanctions were forbidden and war was viewed less as a scourge and more as a legitimate tool of politics by other means. When Trump threatens Greenland, and Russia doubles down in Ukraine, we are seeing not a return to that old world order, so much as gamesmanship within the current one, as the world grapples with the reality of its increasing interconnection and common vulnerability.

The rules making up the rules-based order are fundamentally weapons of the weak and not as dependent on U.S. global leadership as is often believed.

Respect for the concept of human rights also remains strong worldwide, even if great powers including the U.S. have of late failed at or compromised their efforts to promote them. That is because human rights are fundamentally weapons of the weak and not as dependent on U.S. global leadership as is often believed. Many important norms, such as the norm against the targeting of civilians, were codified against Washingtons express desire in the first place, as Giovanni Mantilla documents. And since the purpose of humanitarian law is to empower war victims to make claims against conflict actors, its the integrity of norm championsnot of states per se and least of all the great powersthat matters.

It is true that Bidens support for Israels conduct in Gaza has undermined U.S. diplomats ability to criticize Russias conduct in Ukraine. But that is an example of a powerful state undermining its own reputational standing, just as Israel and Russia undermine their own standing by violating international law, rather than of it undermining the rules against civilian targeting and siege warfare. Those rules may be visibly violated in many quarters, but they are also being affirmed through the prosecution of violations at the International Criminal Court, with both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin having been indicted during the Biden years in a show of international legal force against powerful heads of state never before seen in history.

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When it comes to human rights in peacetime, it is much the same: The power of human right norms rests less on states and more on citizens, since the purpose of human rights is to empower people to make claims against states. It is true that human rights are imperiled everywhere, and in some places Bidens actions made this worse. Bidens withdrawal from Afghanistan ushered in the worst period for womens rights in that nations history, with women most recently being told not to speak to one another or look out their windows. But human rights law did not compel the U.S. to remain in Afghanistan, so the decision to pull out was not inconsistent with the rules-based order.

And the Talibans policies are examples of rule violation, not indicators that the global rules themselves are breaking down. Once again, what matters is others reaction to these violations, and that has been an out-casting strategy, both internationally and domestically: Three years of sanctions and travel bans have resulted in the Talibans near-total isolation from the international community and alienation from its own people. For example, a survey conducted within Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover showed that over half of Afghans surveyedincluding men and womenbelieved that the international sanctions should continue until an inclusive government was established and girls were back in school, despite the heavy impact of those sanctions on their own lives.

This is precisely how human rights rules are supposed to work. And while communities vary in the extent to which they can mobilize to fight for their rights, where they do mobilize, it can yield real change. In Iran last year, the government instituted a similarly repressive backlash against women with a new restrictive headscarf law in October, but this was swiftly challenged on campuses and in the streets. Days after the U.N. issued a demand in December that it be repealed, the government decided to delay the initiative, with officials citing fears of further unrest. Its implementation has just been postponed again.

In some cases, old rules seem under strain because they no longer fit the times, but as often as not they are being replaced not with a return to might makes right or by alternative superpower visions, but with even stronger global rules. Many of these efforts have been led not by great powers bent on undermining one another, but by middle powers, civil society organizations and Global South countries in pursuit of greater global solidarity in the face of great power resistance.

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For example, when it comes to nuclear security, two rule sets now sit in uneasy complementarity. One is the 1967 Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, which has remained strong enough to prevent the acquisition of these weapons by any state since 2006, even in the face of geopolitical uncertainty and resurgent nuclear brinksmanship. The other is the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, a pledge to never use, deploy, stockpile or acquire such weapons, which has been steadily attracting adherents since it was opened for signature in 2017. Although the nuclear powers are united in opposition to signing this new treaty or giving up their prized arsenals, the growing abhorrence of nuclear weapons that the treaty aims to buttress is evident in Chinas renewed efforts to promote a nuclear non-use norm. It is also evident in the growing receptiveness of large majorities in the United States to stronger nuclear safeguards; the fact that Biden has stayed the course on nuclear arms control in the face of rising nuclear threats; and evidence that not only is the Russian public opposed to nuclear use, but Putins government is actually listening.

In some issue areas, subnational actors are taking the lead on enforcing and implementing rules agreed by states. For example, when Trump pulled out of the Paris Agreement on climate change in his first term, major municipalities in the U.S. took on the role of ensuring their own compliance with the treaty themselves. As a result of global and local cooperation at net zero initiatives, Kelly Gallagher shows, the world has already begun slowing the effects of global warming to points below the nightmare scenarios envisioned in earlier forecasts.

Some issues, like global hunger, lack strong rules and norms altogether or lack political movements capable of enforcing them. But others, like the eradication of preventable global diseases, continue to benefit from the coordination and consolidation of international approaches. And where there are gaps, there are efforts to close them. For example, several loopholes in the strong enforcement mechanisms for crimes against humanity will soon be sewn up by a new treaty requiring states to prevent such crimes and work together to punish and extradite offenders.

Bidens foreign policy has been rightly criticized for espousing a rules-based order it at times did too little to uphold. But both his use of the term as a slogan and the criticism that he did so hypocritically are, in themselves, affirmations of the idea that such an order is of value and should be upheld. At the same time, rules are by their nature also talking points for the powerful to use to their advantage, and always subject to fits, starts, changes and selective application. If Bidens America was little better than any other great power in that regard, it is a testament to his choices and his political moment, not the power of the rules themselves.

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Charli Carpenter is a professor of political science and legal studies at University of Massachusetts-Amherst, specializing in human security and international law. She tweets at @charlicarpenter.

The post The Rules-Based Order Is Less Dependent on the U.S. Than Bidens Critics Think appeared first on World Politics Review.
Residents living and driving across several blocks in Pittsburghs Carrick neighborhood are fed up with a constant stream of groundwater.

The flow comes from beneath Hornaday Road, sending water down the roadway to Brownsville Road, extending over to East Agnew Avenue. With the frigid temperatures, the roads frequently and swiftly become sheets of ice.

A resident of East Agnew reached out to Channel 11 with photographs of chunky ice atop the street, stating her car became stuck on Monday morning. A water main break in the area compounded the situation, Channel 11 learned.

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Numerous residents of Hornaday, along with an employee of Citywide Garage Door on Brownsville, told Channel 11 that theyve voiced complaints about the flowing water for years.

Every year its getting worse and worse and worse, said Dave Reed.

Bob Meusser said hes faced ten inches of ice on his roadway, creating significant hazards.

The city had to come with machines to break up the ice, thats how bad it was, Meusser recalled from a past year.

This is a disgrace, said Sue Kulick, who has lived in the neighborhood for 50 years, and worries for her granddaughter when shes walking outside.

I walk her down the street and we have to jump into peoples yards because the waters been running for 10 years. In the summer, you get splashed. In the winter, youre afraid a cars gonna come up over the sidewalk and hit you, she said.

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All of the residents said that theyve contacted 311 and various other leaders for help, but the problem persists.

Channel 11 contacted both the City of Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania American Water, and were told that theyre working in coordination to resolve the issue.

A site visit is scheduled later this week to assess the situation, a spokesperson for the Mayors Office said.

Councilman Anthony Coghill, who represents the area, told Channel 11 that hes been working hard to make sure this problem gets fixed and that this will be resolved in 2025.

Coghill confirmed that the problem is the result of naturally-occurring ground water, as opposed to Penn American infrastructure.

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The agencies, he said, are planning to work in coordination to create a connection to a separate storm sewer via new infrastructure, and can do so without needing access to private property.

The work is expected for this spring/summer.

In the meantime, Coghill said DPW crews have been trying to keep the area clear and have been working to put down salt on a regular basis. They are committed to keeping the area clear of ice and are committed to keeping the area safe for pedestrians and motorists until we can finally resolve the issue this spring.

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Since 2021, state authorities have repeatedly declined to fund wildfire prevention efforts in communities devastated by the Palisades fire, according to Cal Fire records, which show the agency instead poured money into projects in far-flung rural areas.

Records reviewed by The Times show Cal Fire elected not to fund more than $3.8 million in Wildfire Prevention Grants for Santa Monica Mountains communities including Pacific Palisades and Malibu over the last four years.

Meanwhile, many other projects in areas sometimes deemed by the state to be at lower wildfire risk received most or all of the amounts they requested  and in some instances even more. The sums, often in the millions of dollars, were allocated for a range of projects and tasks, including clearing brush with goats and distributing informational mailers.

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Several of the funding decisions were announced less than half a year before the Palisades fire broke out last week and swept across more than 23,000 acres of communities in and near the Santa Monica Mountains. Cal Fire awarded $90.8 million worth of grants via the program for the last fiscal year.

Read more: L.A.-area residents out of town during fires share agony of watching homes burn from afar

A Cal Fire spokesperson said a total of $17.8 million has been granted for 33 Wildfire Prevention Projects in L.A. County since the 2020-21 fiscal year, with nearly 125 acres of land within five miles of the Palisades fire "treated" with brush removal and other fuel reduction efforts over the last four years.

Andrew Henning, Cal Fire's assistant deputy director for community wildfire assistance and fire engineering and investigations, said applications for grant funds are reviewed at the local, regional and statewide levels before a decision is made.

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Christine McMorrow, another Cal Fire spokesperson, said in an email that "the department considers the fire risk of an area, the geographic balance of projects, the areas disadvantage/low income status, and whether the project is complementary to existing fire plans or other grant projects."

Henning said the initiatives the agency chose not to fund were redundant or overpriced. But representatives of the organizations that sought the money disagreed, arguing the grants could have helped prevent homes from burning and mitigated the extent of the damage.

In August, Cal Fire declined to award nearly $3 million for seven communities in the Santa Monica Mountains, including Big Rock in eastern Malibu and Topanga Canyon, both of which have been heavily affected by the Palisades fire. The funds would have gone toward a trailblazing partnership which will help bridge the gap between professional first response agencies and local communities during major disaster events, according to state records. The goal was to create more wildfire and risk adapted communities.

Brent Woodworth, chairman and chief executive of the Los Angeles Emergency Preparedness Foundation, the nonprofit that made the grant request, said it had planned to use the money to conduct what's known as home ignition zone assessments. The detailed assessments, which the organization offers for free, identify specific steps homeowners can take to reduce the risks of a destructive fire.

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The foundation, he said, previously conducted hundreds of the surveys using about $133,000 it received via a prior round of Cal Fire grant funding.

"The value of the ignition home surveys is incredible because even in this particular case we are aware of a number of homes that not only did we survey, but the homeowners actually did the mitigation and their homes survived this fire, the Palisades fire," Woodworth said.

Read more: 'This is our house': Mom and son fought off Palisades fire with pump, hose and pool water

Henning said Cal Fire was concerned about "the high cost" of the foundation's proposal.

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Hardening homes is the single most effective tool residents and communities have to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires in urban and urban-adjacent areas such as those that have burned in the Palisades fire, said Helen Poulos, a professor of environmental and earth sciences at Wesleyan University who was not involved in the Cal Fire grant decisions.

Assessments like the type Woodworth's group offers are key, she said, because homeowners who follow the recommendations can help limit the spread of fires in more populous areas.

Its very simple. When we talk about that wildland urban interface, cutting funding means you have more risk to communities, said Poulos, who grew up in Southern California, got her bachelors degree at Pepperdine University in Malibu and has researched wildfires for decades.

Its a lot easier to maintain the status quo than to create these fire-climate-resilient communities, she added. Not doing something is a management decision.

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Some L.A.-area projects received only partial funding from Cal Fire. In August, the agency awarded about half of a more than $1.6-million grant requested by the Santa Monica Mountains Fire Safe Council for fire prevention efforts in Pacific Palisades, Malibu and other communities in the area.

Pauline Allen, executive director of the organization, said the money would have gone toward implementing wildfire resiliency plans and conducting home ignition zone assessments.

She said officials told her "the overall budget for education and prevention grants was less than anticipated," with "prevention education specifically" taking a cut.

It's now about half a year later and the organization is still waiting for the grant funds to start flowing.

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Read more: After frantic evacuations, Palisades residents desperate to access homes

"I would love for money to come faster," Allen said. "It's a very slow process."

Henning said Cal Fire declined to grant some of the funding the council requested because the initial proposal "included home hardening  which is funded by an alternate grant program."

Meanwhile, also in August, Cal Fire awarded the Shasta Valley Resource Conservation District $86,000 more than the $1.7 million it had requested to mechanically remove trees on 682 acres outside the city of Yreka. Home to fewer than 8,000 people near Mt. Shasta, the surrounding area has seen large fires in recent years.

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As part of the same grant program, the state agency in August awarded nearly $300,000 more than the $1.78 million Mariposa County  which has a population of around 20,000  requested to manage vegetation along county-maintained roadways.

Cal Fire in August also awarded $538,000  nearly $47,000 more than the Kern Fire Safe Council had asked for  for a project to grade dirt roads and perform other work in Hart Flat, a tiny rural community in Kern County.

The prior fiscal year, the state declined to provide L.A. County $1.5 million to remove insect-infested trees that become fire hazards" in vast swaths of the county, including the Santa Monica Mountains. Henning said the area where the proposed work was to be done "was determined to already be an active treatment area through another awarded grant."

That same fiscal year, Cal Fire awarded more than $527,000 to graze goats" at UC Santa Cruz "in very steep areas and to mow other areas annually.

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Cal Fire did fund at least one project in past years aimed at boosting wildfire prevention in areas that just burned in the Palisades fire, nearly $390,000 in 2021 to improve homeowner management of their defensible space" on properties near the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.

But the state has often bankrolled fire prevention efforts in lower-risk areas than Pacific Palisades.

Cal Fire announced in August it was awarding the city of Escondido nearly a quarter of a million dollars to distribute fire prevention mailers to 20,200 parcels in state-designated "High Fire Severity Zones."

That was the same month Allen's Santa Monica Mountains Fire Safe Council was awarded only about half of the more than $1.6 million it had requested to serve an area it described in its grant application as being nearly 98% within a "Very High Fire Severity Zone."

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Asked if promptly receiving the full amount could have led to fewer homes burning in the Palisades fire, Allen replied: "It's tough to say could've, would've, should've. But I think there was a lot of risk in the Santa Monica Mountains."

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
PHENIX CITY, Ala. (WRBL)  Seven years ago, Phenix City sued Russell County who stopped paying the required gasoline tax to the city.

Phenix City originally filed the lawsuit against Russell County in 2018.

In 2024, the Russell County Circuit Court held that the county is obligated to pay Phenix City gasoline tax revenue per local act 1968-859. The court further ordered that Russell County immediately resume paying the gasoline tax and ordered that a hearing be set for the money owed to Phenix City.

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However, Russell County appealed the decision to the Alabama Supreme court.

On Friday, the Alabama Supreme Court affirmed the decision made by the Russell County Circuit Court requiring the county to pay the gasoline tax.

Russell County owes an estimated $2.5 million dollars to Phenix City.

Chance Corbett, the Chairman of the Russell County Commission explains why this matter went to the Supreme Court.

Obviously, the money is county gas tax money, Corbett says. We have a lot of county roads to fix. The city receives their own gas tax.

Corbett explains, My understanding, 1967, when this law was put into place, it was because the city was struggling financially, and the county did it with the legislature to help the city. Well today the cities in much better financial shape than the county is, and because of the new gas taxes have been put in place over the years we were told that had been repealed and by our legal counsel at the time told us that we should at that point stop paying it.

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On Monday, Phenix City held a news conference to address the ruling.

Chan Gamble is the Assistant City Manager for Phenix City. He assisted in the litigation of the case.

Gamble says, When you look at Russell County, probably 80% of the population resides in Phenix City, so this decision by Russell County to withhold this money not only affected the citizens of Phenix CIty, but the Citizens of Russell County.

The Gasoline Tax is used for the maintenance and improvements for the citys roads, streets, and bridges.

Corbett says Russell County has been using the money that wasnt being paid to Phenix City on their county roads.

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Corbett says,  We have a lot of paved and dirt roads that we have to maintain. And we felt like the gas tax was forwarded to the county and should be put towards county roads. There are no more county roads inside the city, so it made sense that the county money should go back to the county roads.

Corbett says Russell County has been putting some money back in the event the ruling went against the county.

Russell County officials met Monday morning to review the ruling. He says they will have more meetings to discuss finding the funds to continue to improve roads and pay back the funds to Phenix City.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
MOSCOW (Reuters) - A strategic partnership treaty that Russia and Iran are poised to sign will govern the two countries' relations for the next two decades, the TASS state news agency reported on Tuesday, citing Iran's ambassador to Moscow.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian are due to hold talks in Russia on Jan. 17 after which the Kremlin has said they will sign a long-awaited comprehensive strategic partnership pact.

(Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Anastasia Teterevleva; Editing by Andrew Osborn)
Analysts from the DeepState project reported on the night of 13-14 January that Ukrainian troops had regained their positions in Shevchenko, a settlement in the Pokrovskyi district, Donetsk Oblast. Meanwhile, Russian troops have occupied the village of Zelene and advanced in other settlements in the region.

Source: DeepState

Details: Based on the analysts data, Ukrainian troops regained their positions in the settlement of Shevchenko in the Pokrovskyi district of Donetsk Oblast. Meanwhile, Russian troops occupied the village of Zelene, located south of Pokrovsk.

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Quote: "Russia has advanced in Toretsk, Pishchane, Yasenove, Novyi Komar and near Vozdvyzhenka, Udachne, Uspenivka, Novoyelyzavetivka, Slovianka, Neskuchne and Andriivka."

Background:

The Russian army is going around Pokrovsk from the south and approaching Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. The Russians are currently advancing towards Kotlyne and Udachne, two settlements located on the Mezhova-Pokrovsk road.

Viktor Trehubov, spokesman for the Khortytsia Operational Strategic Group, reported that the Russians, leveraging their superiority in assets and personnel, were actively advancing near Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast, aiming to capture nearby villages to partially encircle the city.

Serhii Dobriak, Head of Pokrovsk Military Administration, reported that Russian forces were intensifying their attacks on the city. Dobriak emphasised that Russian troops were less than three kilometres from Pokrovsk.

Fierce fighting continued in Toretsk, Donetsk Oblast, and the line of contact had divided the city in two. The Russians were using scorched earth tactics to try to destroy the city's infrastructure and the positions of the Ukrainian military.

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The 2nd Western Military District Court in Moscow sentenced seven Ukrainian prisoners of war who took part in the Ukrainian Armed Forces offensive in Kursk Oblast. The soldiers were sentenced to 15-16 years of imprisonment.

Source: Meduza, citing the Russian Prosecutor General's Office

Details: The court ruled that the soldiers "in violation of the sovereignty of the Russian Federation had illegally entered the territory of Korenevsky District in Kursk Oblast with the intent to carry out terrorist activities".

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Reports state that the Ukrainian soldiers were charged with conspiracy and terrorism. The court accused them of "repeatedly opening fire on Russian military personnel and civilians". Russian prosecutors also claimed that the Ukrainian defenders prevented citizens from using mobile phones, restricted their movement, and blocked evacuation efforts on Russian territory.

The court found Anatolii Voloshyn, Volodymyr Arshulyk, Serhii Karaiev, Oleksandr Doichuk, Zynovii Syherych, Andrian Kulbaba, and Oleh Vovk guilty of "committing a terrorist act as a group with prior conspiracy, resulting in severe consequences".

Background:

In June, the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don hosted a show trial of 22 Azov Brigade members who defended the city of Mariupol and Azovstal steelworks; eight of the defendants are women who reportedly worked as cooks.

In November, a court in the so-called Donetsk Peoples Republic sentenced Vitalii Matvienko, a paramedic from the 36th Separate Motorised Infantry Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, to 30 years imprisonment in a maximum-security penal colony.

Later, in February 2024, the Russian-controlled "Supreme Court of the Donetsk People's Republic" sentenced 33 Ukrainian servicemen to between 27 and 29 years in a maximum-security penal colony. The servicemen are from the 36th Marine Brigade of the Ukrainian Navy and the 17th Tank Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

In October 2024, Ukrainian human rights activist and serviceman Maksym Butkevych, who had been sentenced to 13 years in prison by a court in the so-called Luhansk People's Republic, was released from Russian captivity.

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The Basmanny Court in Moscow has sentenced in absentia Borys Dnipro Mayor Filatov to nine years in prison, accusing him of "spreading fake news" about the Russian army and "inciting hatred".

Source: Russian news outlet Mediazone, citing the Moscow Prosecutor's Office

Details: Russias Investigative Committee said the "incitement of hatred" case centres on a "post calling for the killing of Russians" that Filatov allegedly shared on Facebook and Telegram in April 2022. This appears to refer to a now-deleted post from 3 April 2022, which had been criticised by pro-Kremlin bloggers.

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In early April 2022, Ukrainian forces regained control of Bucha in Kyiv Oblast, and journalists began publishing images and videos documenting the atrocities committed by Russian forces.

Quote: "I see how hatred is consuming us all after what these savages did in Kyiv Oblast... The time has come for cold fury. We now have the full moral right to calmly, with completely clear minds, kill these monsters wherever they may be in the world," Filatov wrote at the time.

Background:

In December 2023, the Russian "court" issued a second decision on the absentee arrest of Kyrylo Budanov, the Ukrainian Defence Intelligence chief.

In autumn 2024, Russia sentenced Russian Volunteer Corps commander Denis Kapustin and four fighters to life imprisonment in absentia in the case of the invasion of Bryansk Oblast.

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The Russians bombarded the village of Kozacha Lopan in Kharkiv Oblast on the morning of 14 January, killing a civilian man.

Source: Kharkiv Oblast Prosecutors Office

Quote: "The Russians struck the settlement on 14 January at around 07:30."

Details: A man was reportedly killed in the street in the Russian attack while going to feed his dog. Information about the damage and other casualties is being confirmed.

Law enforcement officers opened criminal cases under Art. 438.2 (violations of rules of the warfare causing the death of a person) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

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Russian attacks against Ukraine killed at least two people and injured 19, including children, over the past day, regional authorities reported on Jan. 14.

Russia attacked Ukraine with 80 Shahed-type drones and various other unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) overnight, Ukraines Air Forces reported on their Telegram channel. Air defenses shot down 58 drones over 11 oblasts, while 21 dummy drones were lost in the airspace, the Air Force said.

Two people were killed and two others injured in Donetsk Oblast as a result of Russias attacks, Governor Vadym Filashkin reported on his Telegram channel.

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Nine people were injured as a result of the Russian militarys attacks on the city of Kherson and 33 other regional settlements, Kherson Oblast Governor Oleksandr Prokudin reported.

Three people were injured, including a 14-year-old girl, in a Russian attack in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Governor Serhii Lysak reported. The two adult victims were hospitalized with moderate injuries.

In Kharkiv Oblast, five people were injured in Russian attacks, including two infants, according to Governor Oleh Syniehubov.

Read also: Ukraines new Kursk push brings minor gains, raising concerns over limited resources

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(Bloomberg) -- Russias seaborne crude exports were stable ahead of the toughest sanctions yet imposed on its oil sector in response to Moscows 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Most Read from Bloomberg

But flows could be hit in the coming weeks after the US took measures on Friday against two of the countrys top exporters and about 160 oil tankers, as well as key traders, insurers and a Chinese company that facilitated the unloading of a cargo from a previously sanctioned ship.

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Traders will be scrutinizing shipments closely in the coming months given that the two firms shipped almost 30% of Russia's seaborne exports while the traders and tankers targeted have moved millions of barrels of oil. The US measures have undermined industry expectations for a large global supply surplus this year and boosted crude futures.

The impact of these latest moves will be felt particularly strongly in Russias Pacific flows. About three-quarters of ESPO cargoes shipped since the start of October were carried on vessels that have now been sanctioned, while the entire fleets of specialized shuttle tankers used by the Sakhalin 1 and Sakhalin 2 oil and gas projects have also been blacklisted.

Crude flows in the four weeks to Jan. 5  a measure that smooths out some of the volatility seen in shorter timeframes  edged up by just 10,000 barrels a day, but remained below 3 million barrels for the third straight week and close to the 16-month low seen in the previous week, according to vessel tracking data compiled by Bloomberg.

India has said that it will allow sanctioned tankers booked before Friday, when the US announced its latest measures, to discharge at its ports until March 12, the end of a US-imposed wind-down period. But the countrys state-owned refiners say the impact may be temporary, as Moscow finds workarounds. They also expect the new Trump administration to take a softer line against Moscow.

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Crude Shipments

A total of 27 tankers loaded 21.06 million barrels of Russian crude in the week to Jan. 12, vessel-tracking data and port-agent reports show. The volume was down from a revised 21.18 million barrels on 28 ships the previous week.

Daily crude flows in the seven days to Jan. 12 were little changed from the previous week, edging lower by about 20,000 barrels to 3.01 million. Lower flows from the countrys Baltic and Pacific ports were offset by an increase in shipments from the Black Sea.

A surge in shipments from the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk last week was offset by the effect of high winds, gusting to more than 40 miles an hour, at Kozmino, the main Pacific outlet for Russian crude, which hampered loading operations in the second half of the period.

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Less volatile four-week average flows were also little changed, edging in the opposite direction to average 2.96 million barrels a day, up by 10,000 from the period to Jan. 5 and breaking a three-week run of lower shipments.

Crude shipments in 2024 were about 80,000 barrels a day, or 2.5%, below the average for the whole of the previous year.

Two cargoes of Kazakhstans KEBCO crude were loaded at Ust-Luga on the Baltic Sea and one at Novorossiysk on the Black Sea during the week.

Russia terminated its export targets at the end of May, opting instead to restrict production, in line with its partners in the OPEC+ oil producers group. The countrys output target is set at 8.978 million barrels a day until the end of March, after a planned easing of some output cuts was delayed for a third time.

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Moscow has also pledged to make deeper output cuts between March and September to compensate for pumping above its OPEC+ quota last year, though this schedule could be revised.

Export Value

The Kremlins oil income was boosted by a jump in the price of Russian crude, which lifted the gross value of Moscows exports by about $35 million to $1.45 billion in the week to Jan. 12.

Export values at Baltic ports were up week-on-week by about $3.80 a barrel, while those for Black Sea loading increased by about $2.50 a barrel. The price for key Pacific grade ESPO rose by about $1.80 compared with the previous week. Delivered prices in India were up by about $2.90, all according to numbers from Argus Media.

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Four-week average income rose to about $1.37 billion a week, from $1.35 billion in the period to Jan. 5.

On this basis, the price of Russias shipments from the Baltic in the four weeks to Jan. 12 was up by about $1.40 a barrel from the period to Jan. 5, while those for Black Sea loading increased by about $1 a barrel. Prices for key Pacific grade ESPO were higher by about $1.10 a barrel.

Flows by Destination

Observed shipments to Russias Asian customers, including those showing no final destination, fell to 2.64 million barrels a day in the four weeks to Jan. 12. Thats about 21% below the average level seen during the most recent peak in April.

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About 1.08 million barrels a day of crude were loaded onto tankers heading to China. The Asian nations seaborne imports are boosted by about 800,000 barrels a day of crude delivered from Russia by pipeline, either directly, or via Kazakhstan.

Flows on ships signaling destinations in India averaged 1.32 million barrels a day, up from 1.2 million for the period to Jan. 5.

The Indian figures, in particular, are likely to rise as the discharge ports become clear for vessels that are not currently showing final destinations. Most of those heading from Russias western ports through the Suez Canal end up in the south Asian nation.

The equivalent of about 230,000 barrels a day was on vessels signaling Port Said or Suez in Egypt. Those show up as Unknown Asia until a final destination becomes apparent.

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Russias seaborne crude exports to European countries have ceased, with flows to Bulgaria halted at the end of 2023. Moscow also lost about 500,000 barrels a day of pipeline exports to Poland and Germany at the start of 2023, when those countries stopped purchases.

Turkey is now the only short-haul market for shipments from Russias western ports, with flows in the 28 days to Jan. 12 up by 60,000 barrels a day from the period to Jan. 5 to about 300,000 barrels a day.

NOTES

This story forms part of a weekly series tracking shipments of crude from Russian export terminals and the gross value of those flows. The next update will be on Tuesday, Jan. 21.

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All figures exclude cargoes identified as Kazakhstans KEBCO grade. Those are shipments made by KazTransoil JSC that transit Russia for export through Novorossiysk and Ust-Luga and are not subject to European Union sanctions or a price cap. The Kazakh barrels are blended with crude of Russian origin to create a uniform export stream. Since Russias invasion of Ukraine, Kazakhstan has rebranded its cargoes to distinguish them from those shipped by Russian companies.

Vessel-tracking data are cross-checked against port agent reports as well as flows and ship movements reported by other information providers including Kpler and Vortexa Ltd.

If you are reading this story on the Bloomberg terminal, click for a link to a PDF file of four-week average flows from Russia to key destinations.

--With assistance from Sherry Su.

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Russian forces attacked Zhytomyr Oblast on the night of 13-14 January. The wreckage of downed attack drones damaged petrol stations and cars, and one person was injured. There is also some damage in Kyiv and Cherkasy Oblasts.

Source: Vitalii Bunechko, Head of Zhytomyr Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram;

Mykola Kalashnyk, acting Head of Kyiv Oblast State Administration; Ihor Taburets, Head of Cherkasy Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

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Quote: "During an enemy drone attack last night, drone debris damaged a building, petrol pumps and cars at a petrol station in Zhytomyr district. One person sustained shrapnel wounds to a limb."

A lorry that was damaged in the attack

Photo: State Emergency Service

Details: Bunechko said that the person who sustained injuries was taken to hospital for surgery.

A lorry that was damaged in the attack



Photo: State Emergency Service

Update: The fall of wreckage from downed Russian drones also caused damage in Kyiv and Cherkasy oblasts.

Ihor Taburets reported that drone debris had damaged five windows of several commercial organisations in the Cherkasy district. Early reports indicate that there were no casualties, but the area is being inspected.

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Mykola Kalashnyk said that the roof of a house in Kyiv Oblast was damaged by the fall of wreckage from downed targets in one of the settlements. There have also been cases of downed targets falling in open areas outside settlements.

Background: Earlier, Ukraines Air Force reported that on the night of 13-14 January, the Russians attacked Ukraine with 80 Shahed-type attack drones and various types of decoy drones. Fifty-eight drones were destroyed, while another 21 disappeared from radar. Nevertheless, the Air Force noted that the downed Russian drones caused damage in Sumy, Kyiv, Zhytomyr, Kharkiv, and Cherkasy oblasts.

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Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov weighed in on upcoming German elections on Tuesday, praising the far-right Alternative for Germany party (AfD) and the insurgent populist Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW).

Lavrov praised the two political parties as defenders of German national interests. Both the AfD and BSW have expressed opposition to Germany's extensive military aid to Ukraine in the war with Moscow as well as strict EU sanctions against Russian exports.

There is "a lot of good sense" in positions and statements from both the AfD and BSW, Lavrov said in Moscow at a major press conference.

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The AfD, like Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally in France, has established itself in German politics and has growing voter support, Lavrov said. He also explicitly mentioned the name of BSW's founder and namesake, Sahra Wagenknecht, several times during the press conference.

"They want the national self-determination and identity of the Germans and French to be restored because they believe that the Brussels [EU] bureaucracy has illegally usurped a large part of it," Lavrov said.

Lavrov also emphasized that AfD politicians occasionally appear on Russian television talk shows and advocate for better relations between Moscow and Berlin.

Some AfD politicians, Lavrov said, have contended that the British and US governments have tried to prevent an alliance between Germany and Russia.

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Lavrov hosted AfD co-chairman Tino Chrupalla in Moscow in 2020.

Lavrov and other Russian officials have welcomed comments from AfD and the BSW politicians in favour of resuming Russian gas exports to Germany.

Both parties have promoted new gas deals with Russia ahead of Germany's February 23 parliamentary election. Germany quit previous agreements due to the war in Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously praised the AfD and stated that Moscow was ready to cooperate with those that advocated normal relations with Russia.

"We see no signs of neo-Nazism in the actions of the AfD," Putin said last year while hosting an economic forum in St Petersburg.
Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) counterintelligence officer Vladimir Feshchenko was found dead in a Russian Defense Ministry building in Moscow, Russian state-owned outlet RIA Novosti reported on Jan. 14.

Preliminary information suggests he was murdered, an undisclosed source told the news agency. The pro-Kremlin Telegram channel Baza also described the death as violent, citing a deep wound in Feshchenkos forehead.

The body was discovered in a building on Olkhovskaya Street, which houses the Russian Defense Ministry and the FSB Office for the Moscow Military District.

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While Baza identified Feshchenko as a Russian weightlifting champion and international master of sports, his status as an FSB officer was not indicated.

The Vchk-Ogpu Telegram channel, known for connections to Russian security forces, confirmed his affiliation with the FSB.

According to Vchk-Ogpu, Feshchenko was allegedly killed during a conflict with a friend with whom he had previously served in the Far East. The suspect, reportedly detained, has pleaded guilty to the murder.

The Kyiv Independent could not verify the claims.

The Russian Justice Ministry has designated Vchk-Ogpu as a "foreign agent," accusing the Telegram channel of spreading allegedly false information about government decisions and creating a negative image of the Russian military.

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The FSB has gained notoriety for suppressing dissent, targeting activists, independent journalists, and pro-democracy movements. President Vladimir Putin has also tasked the agency with locating Russian nationals fighting for Ukraines military or pro-Kyiv militias.

Feshchenkos death highlights mounting internal tensions within Russias security and military institutions amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Read also: For the first time, Russia labels independent media outlet as terrorist group

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Russian state media pundits have mulled the possibility of splitting Greenland with Donald Trump, as the President-elect continues to posture about acquiring the Danish territory.

Andrey Gurulyov, a member of the state Duma  the Russian assembly  said on Sunday that basically, the war in the Arctic has started and that Russia should look to strengthen its resources in the north, according to The Daily Beast.

In December, Trump floated the idea of purchasing Greenland from Denmark, calling the acquisition an "absolute necessity" for American security and freedom. Last week, when asked if he would rule out using "military or economic coercion" to obtain the foreign land, he replied, "No, I cant assure you on either of those two."

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Speaking during an appearance on Sunday Evening With Vladimir Solovyov, Gurulyov, a former deputy commander of the Southern Military District of the Russian military, said: In recent days, events have been developing very rapidly.

We should recognize that basically, the war in the Arctic has started. Weve been getting ready for this and strengthening our Arctic component.

In December, Trump floated the idea of purchasing Greenland from Denmark, calling the acquisition an absolute necessity for American security and freedom. Russian state media pundits have now mulled the idea of splitting it with him (AP)

Per The Daily Beast, he added: With Trump announcing his aspirations for Greenland, why dont we look at Greenland as well? Do we need Greenland? This is not a joke. We certainly need it.

If all else fails, we can make a deal with Trump and split Greenland in two parts.

It comes following a visit by Donald Trump Jr to Greenland, reportedly to explore his fathers interest in purchasing the island. He left quickly after it was made clear to him that Denmark was not interested (Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Ima)

In 2022, a report by the Danish Security and Intelligence Service accused Russia of forging a letter that claimed to be from Greenlands foreign minister to Republican Senator Tom Cotton in 2019.

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The letter stated: Our government is going to overcome all legal and political barriers... and to organize the referendum on independence of Greenland from Denmark as fast as possible. Cotton has since bragged about being the one to suggest buying Greenland to Trump.

"It is highly likely that the letter was fabricated and shared on the Internet by Russian influence agents, who wanted to create confusion and a possible conflict between Denmark, the USA and Greenland," the Danish intelligence report stated.

Greenlandic prime minister Mute Edege has been clear that the territory is not for sale and will not be in the future (Ritzau Scanpix/AFP via Getty Ima)

Danish officials have also been clear in expressing that Greenland is not currently for sale.

Last week, Donald Trump Jr traveled to Greenland, reportedly to explore his fathers interest in purchasing the island, but left quickly after it was made clear to him that Denmark was not interested.

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Denmarks Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said on Tuesday that Greenlands Prime Minister, Mute Edege, "has been very, very clear ... there is a lot of support among the people of Greenland that Greenland is not for sale and will not be in the future."

Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark, meaning it has its own ruling body while still being a part of the Kingdom of Denmark.
The volume of large-diameter pipes (LDP) exports from Russia fell by more than four times in 2024.

Source: The Moscow Times

Details: The Moscow Times source reported that in 2023, exports of steel pipes totalled 436,000 tonnes, while in 2024, amid "difficult geopolitical circumstances", this figure fell to below 100,000 tonnes.

In 2022-2023, European countries imposed tough sanctions on the supply of steel products from Russia in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the restrictions on exports affected 200,000 tonnes of pipe products and 700,000 tonnes of steel billets.

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The United Kingdom has also imposed restrictions on Russian imports. In March 2023, the United States placed a 70% import duty on Russian metals. Furthermore, in April 2024, the US Treasury Department prohibited imports of aluminium, copper and nickel of Russian origin. The British Treasury stated that these sanctions would affect US$40 billion in Russian metal imports.

According to the Federal Customs Service of the Russian Federation (FCS) data from 2021, Russian steelmakers supplied US$7.36 billion worth of rolled steel to Europe, or 8.5 million tonnes in physical terms, before the start of the war.

Meanwhile, Russia's production of LDPs has also fallen. Last year, it totalled 2.3 million tonnes, down 8% year-on-year, according to analysts at Metals & Mining Intelligence (MMI). In 2025, pipe production will decline to 2.1 million tonnes.

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The Russians are planning to cut off land supply routes to Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad in Donetsk Oblast to force Ukrainian troops to retreat from these cities.

Source: Institute for the Study of War (ISW)

Quote: "Russian forces likely intend to interdict Ukrainian ground lines of communications (GLOCs) into Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad in order to force Ukrainian units to withdraw from the towns in future months. The T-0405 and T-0406 roads are two of the three main east-west GLOCs supporting the Ukrainian force grouping in the Pokrovsk-Myrnohrad area."

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Details: In their report, analysts from the ISW note that Russian advances to the east and west of Pokrovsk could complicate logistics and hinder the ability of Ukrainian forces to resupply and redeploy troops.

The Russian advances east and west of Pokrovsk may significantly worsen the situation for Ukrainian forces, potentially forcing Ukrainian defenders to retreat north. This could allow Russian troops to encircle Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad. It would also enable Russian forces to advance towards the administrative border between Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts.

Analysts suggest that the Russian military command is likely aiming to avoid conducting frontal assaults on the urban areas of Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad with large infantry forces.

The ISW reports that blocking these settlements increases the likelihood of Ukrainian forces retreating, enabling the Russians to capture these settlements without engaging in heavy urban combat.

To quote the ISWs Key Takeaways on 13 January:

Russian forces recently cut the T-0405 Pokrovsk-Kostiantynivka road east of Pokrovsk and the T-0406 Pokrovsk-Mezhova road south-west of Pokrovsk as part of their efforts to encircle Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad.

Russian forces likely intend to interdict Ukrainian ground lines of communications (GLOCs) into Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad in order to force Ukrainian units to withdraw from the towns in future months.

Russia's state-owned energy corporation Gazprom acknowledged that it is considering reducing the size of its central office staff by 40 per cent, indicating that Gazprom may be concerned about the long-term effects of the war in Ukraine and the reduction in Russian gas exports to Europe on the Russian gas industry.

Russian forces recently advanced on the Kharkiv, Borova, Pokrovsk, Kurakhove and Velyka Novosilka fronts.

South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) reportedly announced that North Korean casualties in Kursk Oblast total roughly 3,000 killed and wounded.

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Russians launched intense artillery shelling as Ukraines defence forces evacuated a captured North Korean soldier from the battlefield.

Source: Radio Liberty, citing servicemen from the Special Operations Forces (SOF) involved in the operation

Details: SOF operator, known as Greek, revealed that Russian troops made every effort to prevent Ukraines Special Operations Forces evacuating a North Korean soldier from the forest.

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Quote: "They probably figured out that we were trying to take their soldier and the massive artillery shelling began. They fired very close and very accurately. They didnt want us to take him out. They even used an FPV drone, but fortunately, it missed."

Details: SOF soldiers told journalists that they had been learning Korean phrases in preparation for the potential of taking North Korean soldiers prisoner.

This was the third attempt to capture North Korean troops. The first soldier apprehended was gravely injured and died soon after his capture, while the second committed suicide. As a result, the third prisoner was immediately examined and closely supervised to ensure he did not harm himself.

Quote: "Perhaps he was in pain shock from his injury and hadnt yet grasped what was happening. We approached him very quickly. At the same time, our comrades with us controlled his every movement, keeping him in their sights to ensure the groups safety."

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More details: The captive was also given an anaesthetic injection and then handed over to the medics. The Ukrainian soldier said that he was very thirsty and hungry.

Background:

On 11 January, it was reported that Ukrainian forces had captured two North Korean soldiers in Russias Kursk Oblast.

Ukraine's Special Operations Forces (SOF) have released a video showing their operatives capturing and transporting a North Korean soldier, an event previously reported by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Another captured North Korean soldier has also been shown in a video posted by Ukraines Air Assault Forces.

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).

South Korea plans to hold consultations with Ukraine regarding the potential transfer of North Korean soldiers captured by Ukraine, should they agree to defect.

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Russian aircraft struck an infrastructure facility in the city of Sumy late in the evening of 13 January, causing damage.

Source: State Emergency Service of Ukraine (SES) on Facebook

Quote: "Reports indicate that the attack damaged administrative and warehouse buildings. The blast wave smashed windows in a two-storey residential building nearby."

The aftermath of the Russian attack

Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine

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Details: Rescue workers have examined the affected area and found no people under the rubble of the damaged premises.

The aftermath of the Russian attack

Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine

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The Russian military shelled the Nikopol district of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast with Grad multiple-launch rocket systems and heavy artillery, as well as attacked with a drone on the night of 13-14 January, injuring two adults and a child.

Source: Serhii Lysak, Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram

Quote: "(The enemy - ed.) hit Nikopol and the Marhanets hromada. Three people were injured. These are a 14-year-old girl (she will recover at home), a 61-year-old man and an 87-year-old woman (hospitalised). Their condition is moderate."

The aftermath of the Russian attack on Nikopol.

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Photo: Serhii Lysak on Telegram

Details: The attack damaged four residential buildings, two outbuildings and power transmission lines. Moreover, a fire broke out at an industrial enterprise, but it has already been extinguished.

The aftermath of the Russian attack on Nikopol

Photo: Serhii Lysak on Telegram

Lysak also said that "the infrastructure was damaged".

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Russian forces attacked Ukraine with 80 Shahed UAVs and decoy drones of various types on the night of 13-14 January. Ukrainian forces have managed to destroy 58 drones, while another 21 disappeared from radar.

Source: Ukraines Air Force on Telegram

Quote: "As of 09:00, 58 Shahed UAVs and other types of drones have been confirmed destroyed in Poltava, Sumy, Kharkiv, Cherkasy, Kyiv, Zhytomyr, Kirovohrad, Dnipropetrovsk, Mykolaiv, Odesa and Kherson oblasts... 21 enemy decoy drones disappeared from radar (with no adverse effects)."

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Details: The Air Force also noted that the downed Russian drones caused damage in Sumy, Kyiv, Zhytomyr, Kharkiv and Cherkasy oblasts.

"Houses and high-rise buildings, cars and civilian property have been damaged. Early reports indicate no casualties. Those affected are receiving help," the statement said.

The Russian drones were launched from the Russian cities of Millerovo, Orel, Kursk and Primorsk-Akhtarsk.

Aircraft, anti-aircraft missile forces, electronic warfare units and mobile fire groups from the Air Force and the rest of Ukraines defence forces were involved in repelling the attack.

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Authors: Hanna Hopko, co-founder of the International Center for Ukrainian Victory (ICUV) Andriy Mikheev, international lawyer at the International Center for Ukrainian Victory (ICUV)

Justice for Russias actions is the most effective way to defeat the enemy's imperial ambitions. This is why recognizing the aggression as genocide is a top priority for our diplomacy.

In January 2025, the 119th United States Congress reintroduced a resolution calling for the recognition of Russia's actions against Ukraine as genocide. Oksana Markarova, Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States, announced this on her Facebook page. The document states that Russia's actions during the war in Ukraine meet the criteria outlined in Article II of the UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.

The resolution includes the following points:

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condemnation of acts of genocide and other violations of international law committed by Russian troops on the territory of Ukraine;

call on the United States, in cooperation with NATO and EU allies, to take steps to support the Ukrainian government to prevent further acts of Russian genocide against the Ukrainian people;

support for tribunals and international criminal investigations to bring Russian political leaders and military personnel to justice for aggressive war, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.

The resolution should be adopted as soon as possible. There are already eight countries, that have adopted political resolutions recognising Russia's aggression against Ukraine as genocide, including the Baltic States, Poland, the Czech Republic, Republic of Ireland and Canada.

Canada's leadership of the G7 and the upcoming summit are key opportunities to prioritize this issue. Before taking on its leadership role, the current Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reassured President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Canada's strong support and solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

The G7 leaders have previously stated that they will continue to support Ukraine until the end of the war. Through the principles of justice and solidarity, we believe that Canada will make genocide recognition one of its key priorities at the next summit. Ukraine will not become a victim of forced capitulation. Russia must be held accountable for its crimes, and a united position of the international community can make the aggressor face the consequences for its actions.

There is no other war in the world today that poses such a threat to the world's future as the Russian aggression against Ukraine, supported by the countries of the Axis of Evil.

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Russia continues to deliberately destroy the Ukrainian nation, committing actual genocide. This applies not only to Putin's policy, but also to the entire Russian society, which supports or tacitly endorses the aggression.

Russia keeps using the "red lines" set by our Western partners to its advantage. Every second of this illusory restraint costs Ukraine the highest price  human lives. Since the beginning of the invasion of Ukraine in 2014, Moscovia has been seeking to destroy the Ukrainian state and the entire Ukrainian nation as a specific ethno-cultural community. Their criminal actions are an attempt to erase the value of Ukrainian existence, and undermine our national identity and historical heritage.

To date, the Prosecutor General's Office of Ukraine has opened 170,090 cases of crimes related to Russian aggression. 13,729 civilians were officially registered as killed, including 596 children. Almost 20,000 internally displaced Ukrainian children were identified, 4,057 criminal proceedings related to war crimes against children were registered. Also, 331 cases of sexual violence against both women and men were registered. Russia destroyed and damaged 158,434 residential buildings, 3,739 educational and children's institutions, 908 medical facilities, 643 cultural facilities, 204 religious facilities, and 8,233 energy and communications facilities. This is only part of the strategy of destroying and dissolving the Ukrainian people and culture for Moscow's so-called leaders. It is quite naive to expect that, having captured the whole of Ukraine, the Kremlin devil, feeling nostalgic for the "greatness" of the Soviet Union, will stop and refuse to become known in history as the one who brought the Baltic states and the countries of the former "socialist camp" back into the circle of Russian influence.

Back in September 2022, Ukrainian paramedic Yulia Payevska spoke at a hearing in the US Congress demanding to recognise the russian aggression as genocide. At that time, the ICUV team, including Olena Halushka and Alyona Getmanchuk, were also in Washington, actively supporting this initiative.

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Later in November, Andriy Sibiga addressed an appeal to the US Congress, providing legal arguments that Russia's actions constitute an act of genocide against Ukraine.

A war of annihilation, genocide  all of this is happening in the heart of Europe in the 21st century

Ukraine is once again experiencing deja vu in its tragic history: Lenin's repressions in 1921-1923, the genocide of 1932-1933 (the Holodomor) led by Stalin, and today, Putin's war that continues since 2014.

Russia is pursuing a deliberate and systematic policy of mass crimes against Ukrainians. Achieving justice and recognition of Russia's aggression may take years or even decades. However, the international legal system has already begun to act: charges of war crimes related to the illegal deportation of children have been brought against the Kremlin leader and Commissioner for children. Senior military commanders have been formally accused of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity for targeting civilian energy infrastructure.

Since 2022, efforts to establish a special tribunal for the crime of Russian aggression have been actively underway. More than 40 nations are working together on this initiative.

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Moscow's criminal actions have one main goal  to destroy the possibility of Ukrainians' existence as a specific ethnic group. The reason is quite obvious  Ukrainian identity challenges Moscows imperial ambitions, undermines its claims to Ukraines territory and population, and shatters the historical myth that Russian identity is inseparable from Ukrainian heritage.

The Ukraine Freedom Support Act became a key step in U.S. policy, clearly aiming to help Ukraine restore its sovereignty and territorial integrity. This goal is pursued through sanctions, diplomatic efforts, support for Ukrainians, and military aid.

However, we should accept the fact that real efforts to achieve this goal have been catastrophically insufficient. Russian aggression has not been stopped. The price of war for Ukraine has become extremely high. The entire country has become a war zone.

Ukraine needs more active action to stop this aggression. In particular, the creation of an air defence shield over western Ukraine. It is necessary to increase restrictions on Russian oil and gas. This also offers a great opportunity for the US to increase its exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to the European market.

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All frozen sovereign Russian assets should be confiscated and directed towards supporting Ukraine's military defense. Ukraine must receive a clear prospect of NATO membership.

A crime that destroys the future of the Ukrainian nation

The unlawful transfer of Ukrainian children to Russia is one of the worst crimes of this war. These actions include numerous violations of their rights and international law provisions relating to their civil status, education and identity.

Clearly, the actions of the Russian authorities, which are not limited to the deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia and occupied territories, preliminary comply with all the elements s of the crime of genocide, as defined in the 1948 UN Convention and the Rome Statute.

Forced adoption programmes for Ukrainian children who have been deported are key components of this crime aimed at turning them into new citizens of Russia. This is not the first time that Russia uses this policy, as it was already applied in the USSR and the Russian Empire. Since 2014, Putin started his brutal policy on children from Crimea and temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine  during the 8 years of the hybrid war before the full-scale invasion, almost a whole generation of Ukrainian children who consider themselves Russians has grown up, and some have already, unfortunately, died for the new "homeland".

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More than 20,000 children were forcibly deported to Russia and Belarus. Every day, they suffer both physical and psychological violence.

Ukrainian MP and President of the PACE Committee on Migration, Refugees Oleksii Goncharenko announced, that on 25 January 2024 The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has adopted a resolution on the situation of children in Ukraine, calling on the member states of the Council of Europe to recognize the deportation of Ukrainian children by russia as genocide.

On 17 March 2023, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Vladimir Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova for the war crimes of unlawful transfer of Ukrainian children. It was a powerful step and a real triumph for international justice. However, almost 2 years have passed, and the situation has not changed. Even without considering the fact that executing these warrants is practically impossible, there has been no expansion of new suspects, nor has there been a requalification of the charges to transform them from mere suspicions to formal accusations for the actions committed.

Possible developments of this case at the ICC and other related issues are thoroughly outlined in the study "Anniversary of the arrest warrants for Putin and Lvova-Belova for deportation of Ukrainian children: What did it bring and what happens next?" prepared by the International Center for Ukrainian Victory (ICUV) in collaboration with our partners.

Nevertheless, now that Ukraine has become an official participant in the Rome Statute, there is hope that the investigation could move forward and we believe that judgement day for Putin will come very soon.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Tuesday accused the United States of attempting to disrupt the TurkStream gas pipeline to Europe with the aid of attacks by Ukrainian drones.

The US was pushing its "Ukrainian clients" to put TurkStream out of action following what he sees as its sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines under the Baltic Sea in September 2022, Lavrov said in Moscow.

TurkStream runs from Russia's Krasnodar region east of Crimea under the Black Sea to Kykoy to the west of Istanbul.

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"I'm of the firm conviction that the US cannot tolerate competition in any area at all," Lavrov told a major press conference in Moscow to mark the start of the year.

His remarks followed a drone attack on the Russkaya compressor station in Krasnodar, some 320 kilometres from the frontline in Ukraine.

The Russian Defence Ministry reported that the drones had been shot down, but that the resulting fragments had caused damage to a building and to infrastructure. The Kremlin described the attack as terrorism against its energy infrastructure.

Both Nord Stream gas pipelines from Russia to Germany were damaged by a series of unexplained explosions in September 2022, around seven months after the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

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Referring to the damage to the pipelines, Lavrov accused German Chancellor Olaf Scholz of deliberately avoiding comment on the blasts, and "not daring to make a sound."

Russia accuses the US of being behind the blasts, which it terms a "terrorist attack."

Media reports have linked Ukrainian government agents to the sabotage. Ukraine, along with Poland, had long opposed the pipelines, as had the US. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected allegations of Ukrainian involvement.
MOSCOW (AP)  Russias top diplomat said Tuesday that Moscow is open for talks with President-elect Donald Trump and praised him for pointing to NATO's plan to embrace Ukraine as a root cause of the nearly 3-year-old conflict.

Any prospective peace talks should involve broader arrangements for security in Europe, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said at his annual news conference, while adding that Moscow is open to discussing security guarantees for Kyiv.

Lavrov specifically praised Trump's comments earlier this month in which he said that NATOs plans to open its doors to Ukraine had led to the hostilities.

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Trump said Russia had it written in stone that Ukraine's membership in NATO should never be allowed, but the Biden administration had sought to expand the military alliance to Russia's doorstep. Trump added that, "I could understand their feelings about that.

Trump's comments echoed Moscows rhetoric which has described its special military operation in Ukraine launched in February 2022 as a response to planned NATO membership for Kyiv and an effort to protect Russian speakers. Ukraine and its allies have denounced Russia's action as an unprovoked act of aggression.

NATO did exactly what it had promised not to do, and Trump said that, Lavrov said. It marked the first such candid acknowledgement not only from a U.S. but any Western leader that NATO had lied when they signed numerous documents. They were used as a cover while NATO has expanded to our borders in violation of the agreements."

The West has dismissed that assessment. Before the conflict, Russia had demanded a legal guarantee that Ukraine be denied NATO entry, knowing the alliance has never excluded potential membership for any European country but had no immediate plan to start Ukraine down that road. Russia said NATO expansion would undermine its security, but Washington and its allies argued the alliance didnt threaten Moscow

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged his Western allies to invite Kyiv to join NATO, or, at the very least, offer comprehensive security guarantees that would prevent any future Russian attacks. The alliances 32 member countries say Ukraine will join one day, but not until the fighting ends.

Trump has reaffirmed his intention to broker peace in Ukraine, declaring earlier this month that Putin wants to meet and that such a meeting is being set up. In the past, he has criticized U.S. military aid for Ukraine and even vowed to end the conflict in a single day if elected.

Lavrov emphasized that Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly declared his openness for talks with Trump, adding that Moscow looks forward to hearing Trumps view on Ukraine after he takes office.

Lavrov also praised comments by Trump's pick for national security adviser, Mike Waltz, who said Sunday it's unrealistic to expect that Ukraine could drive Russian forces from every inch of Ukrainian soil.

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The very fact that people have increasingly started to mention the realities on the ground deserves welcome, Lavrov said during his annual news conference un Moscow.

In its final days, the Biden administration is providing Kyiv with as much military support as it can, aiming to put Ukraine in the strongest position possible for any future negotiations. The U.S. also introduced new sanctions on Russia's oil industry.

Lavrov described those efforts as an attempt by the Biden administration to slam the door and leave a difficult legacy for Trump. The Democrats have a way of screwing things up for the incoming administration, he said.

He emphasized that any prospective peace talks must address Russia's security concerns and reflect a broad European security environment.

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Threats on the western flank, on our western borders, must be eliminated as one of the main reasons (of the conflict), he said. They can probably be eliminated only in the context of some broader agreements.

He added that Moscow is also open to discuss security guarantees for Kyiv, "for the country, which is now called Ukraine.

Lavrov was asked about Trump's comments in which he wouldn't rule out using force or economic pressure to make Greenland  a semiautonomous territory of Denmark  a part of the United States.

Lavrov emphasized that the people of Greenland must be asked what they want.

For a start, it's necessary to listen to the Greenlanders, Lavrov said, noting that they have the right for self-determination if they believe that their interests aren't duly represented by Denmark.
Oklahoma state schools Superintendent Ryan Walters is suing the secretary of Homeland Security and the U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement deputy director for $474 million in an attempt to "recoup illegal immigration impacts on Oklahoma schools."

In a news release Tuesday, the superintendent announced that the lawsuit, filed in Oklahoma City federal court, against Alejandro Mayorkas, secretary of Homeland Security, and Peter Flores, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deputy director, seeks compensation for the "financial and operational strain" that their border polices have placed on the state's schools.

The release states that the lawsuit highlights the Biden administration's "border mismanagement" and the "skyrocketing costs Oklahoma schools face to accommodate an influx of non-citizen students."

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas visits El Paso, Texas, on Dec. 13, 2022. Over his two-day visit, he visited with NGOs and personnel from Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Border Patrol. Mayorkas is shown at the Paso Del Norte international bridge port of entry.

Education advocacy group calls lawsuit 'divisive,' 'attention-seeking'

Walters' lawsuit isn't the first time the superintendent cited $474 million as the amount of money the state spends on expenses related to undocumented students in Oklahoma schools.

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In November, Walters sent a letter to Vice President Kamala Harris demanding she send $474.9 million to reimburse Oklahoma taxpayers for paying to educate children whose parents are undocumented.

More: As immigration debate flares, Ryan Walters asks Kamala Harris to pay Oklahoma $475 million

At that point, Walters said he requested $474.9 million from the federal government based on an analysis of how illegal immigration financially impacts Oklahoma schools. The superintendent issued guidance to public school districts in July on how to report this impact.

However, in his letter to Harris, Walters cited a different source for the $474.9 million figure: the Federation for American Immigration Reform, a group dedicated to limiting immigration.

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The organization, which has been labeled as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center because of ties to white supremacist groups, said the figure is based on estimates, including that 41,766 children of undocumented migrants attended Oklahoma schools in 2023. Many of those children are likely U.S. citizens, based on the group's analysis.

In a statement, Erica Watkins, state director of Defense of Democracy Oklahoma, called Walters' lawsuit against Mayorkas and Flores nothing more than "his usual divisive, attention-seeking, political posturing designed to distract from his own failures as state superintendent."

The nonpartisan organization is aimed at advocating for a public education system that supports and enhances our shared experiences," fighting against efforts to target local schools, libraries and other spaces for kids. The organization often is critical of Walters.

"Under his leadership, Oklahoma's schools face worsening teacher shortages, chronic underfunding and declining educational outcomes," Watkins said. "Yet, instead of doing his job and focusing on tangible solutions to help Oklahoma's children succeed, Walters is peddling xenophobic rhetoric and attacking immigrant communities."

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She called for "real leadership," not "fearmongering and white nationalist distractions."

"Defense of Democracy calls on Oklahomans to reject this hate and absurdity, and to demand real solutions to problems facing education in Oklahoma," Watkins said.

Oklahoma schools may soon have to report number of undocumented students

Walters is widely believed to be considering a run for governor, though he has not officially declared his candidacy. The lawsuit comes one day after Attorney General Gentner Drummond, who would be one of Walters' primary opponents, announced his gubernatorial bid.

Phil Bacharach, a spokesman for the attorney general's office, said Tuesday afternoon they did not know anything about the lawsuit and would not comment until they had time to review the filing.

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Coinciding with the lawsuit, Walters is attempting to use the Oklahoma State Department of Education's administrative rules to require school districts to report the number of undocumented students on their campuses.

More: Ryan Walters' proposed rules could require schools to report number of undocumented students

In December, the agency quietly published a series of proposed changes to the agency's administrative rules, including a mandate that students provide proof of citizenship upon enrollment. According to the section's language, reasons include assessing statewide and local educational needs, like language and cultural barriers, needs for English as a Second Language teachers, and tutors and funding needs.

If the proposal passes, school districts would be required to record the number of students enrolled in the district who werent able to provide such documentation due to the lack of citizenship or immigration status of the student.

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It is illegal to ask about the citizenship status of a public school student, and undocumented students are guaranteed education by the 1982 Plyler vs. Doe U.S. Supreme Court decision.

Public comment for this proposed rule, along with several others, is open until Friday.

Read the full lawsuit

If you are unable to see the lawsuit below, click here.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Ryan Walters announces lawsuit against Homeland Security, ICE leaders
Jan. 13A Falmouth man spotted his own missing sailboat cruising northbound in Casco Bay.

Mark Reardon, 33, had gotten an alert from his boat's monitoring system about 5 a.m. on Sunday, notifying him that the power had turned off and on again. After attending a church service later that morning, he stopped by Fore Points Marina in Portland to check on the boat.

He saw footprints on the snow-covered dock  but no boat.

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Reardon said he called the U.S. Coast Guard to report the disappearance and drove home to drop off his wife and son at their house in the Falmouth Flats. That's when they saw a familiar 65-foot mast in the distance, somewhere between Mackworth and Great Diamond islands.

A pair of binoculars brought their sailboat, a 53-foot Super Maramu named "Ladybug," into focus.

The Coast Guard eventually boarded the sailboat and took 43-year-old Jesse Drinkwater into custody, Portland police said. Reardon said their dinghy, used to access the sailboat when it's moored in the water, was also stolen a few days prior. Police haven't said if they believe Drinkwater is responsible for that as well.

Drinkwater now faces five charges related to the theft and the $25,000 worth of damage police said he caused, including burglary of a motor vehicle and aggravated criminal mischief. Portland police and the Coast Guard have not answered questions about how they believe Drinkwater accessed the boat.

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Reardon said most of the damage came from improper use, like not starting the engine correctly and leaving certain switches on. He said the interior of the boat looked like a home break-in, or like someone had been living there for a while, with items strewn around the cabin, damaged wood and open food. Engine coolant was leaking, the carpets were soaked and the toilet was overfilled, he said.

He said the damage does seem repairable, but he is balancing a lot with insurance. He sent a letter to the Cumberland County District Attorney's office, encouraging them to prioritize prosecution of the suspect because his family will face thousands in out-of-pocket repairs.

"Even with repairs, the emotional toll of this incident will linger for some time," Reardon wrote in the letter. "The boat, which once felt like a sanctuary, no longer feels as safe. Sleeping aboard  a treasured part of our family's time on the water  will not be peaceful for a long time. Knowing that someone intruded upon and desecrated this space weighs heavily on us."

Investigators are asking for anyone with information in the case to call them at 207-874-8575, or text the keyword PPDME and your message to 847411.

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SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  More than 120 local firefighters have been deployed to Los Angeles County to fight the fires and manage rescue efforts.

More than 60 personnel from the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department have been sent, along with more than 40 from the Chula Vista Fire Department. Firefighters from Lakeside and San Miguel Fire & Rescue have also been called to help.

24 dead as fire crews try to corral Los Angeles blazes before winds return this week

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First team went out within hours of the fires starting in Los Angeles, said Assistant Chief of SDFD Emergency Operations, Dan Eddy. We sent teams to both Los Angeles and Altadena to both those large scale fires that were going on that night.

The crews will work two week assignments before rotating out, and are managing different operations, including search and rescue.

Red Flag Warning issued for San Diego County amid more Santa Ana winds; thousands could have power shut off

Our US&R team, their whole job is to do search and rescue of all the burned down structures. Its a tough assignment, but theyre there to see if there are victims within all those houses, Chief Eddy said. Our Hazmat team is there to help, because if you think about it, Lithium-ion batteries that are in there, all the different household waste that is inside your house, we have to stop that and ensure that it doesnt get into the drains and cause a bigger problem.

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Hazmat Crews with the city are ensuring dangerous chemicals and batteries are properly disposed of during this time. Emotional support staff have also been deployed to help.

Chief Eddy says theres much to learn about whats unfolding in Los Angeles and once crews return and decompress, theyll be asked for feedback. That feedback will then be used to better improve communications and operations in San Diego.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  A San Francisco man was convicted of threatening to kill a woman with a kitchen knife inside their apartment while a 4-year-old child was also inside the home, prosecutors said.

On Monday, jurors found 30-year-old Hugo Urbano De Leon Diaz guilty of child endangerment, brandishing a deadly weapon, and making criminal threats.

District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said, I hope this verdict helps the survivor as she continues to heal from this trauma.

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On the evening of May 19, 2024, De Leon Diaz grabbed a large kitchen knife before the victim hid in a different room and called 911. While hiding, the victim heard Mr. De Leon Diaz yelling obscenities and threats while banging on the walls and doors, prosecutors wrote. A 4-year-old child witnessed the frightening incident, according to prosecutors.

Police officers arrived at the apartment and immediately took the man to jail.

A home should be a sanctuary, a place where families feel safe and secure  never a space for fear or violence, said Assistant District Attorney John Robles. This case is a clear example of why we must hold individuals accountable when they threaten that sense of safety. The San Francisco District Attorneys Office will fight relentlessly for victims and innocent children.

De Leon Diaz is currently out of custody. His sentencing is scheduled for February 28.

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If you or a loved one needs support, the San Francisco District Attorneys Office encourages you to seek help. In an emergency call 911. Below are additional resources for support:

National Domestic Violence Hotline: text START to 88788 or call 800-799-7233

WOMAN, Inc 24/7 Support Line: 877-384-3578

Cooperative Restraining Order Clinic: 415-969-6711

La Casa De Las Madres Crisis text: 415-200-3575

A Womens Place: 415-487-2140

Asian Womens Shelter 24/7 crisis line: 877-751-0880

Mission Neighborhood Resource Center: 415-869-7977

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(KRON)  Some looters in Los Angeles are using wildfire evacuation maps to find empty homes and burglarize them, police said. Police officers have been on high alert looking for looters ever since the Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire triggered thousands of residents to flee from their homes.

The Santa Monica Police Department said, between January 7 and Monday, officers stopped hundreds of people who entered Palisades Fire evacuation zones and arrested more than 40. None of the people arrested live in Santa Monica, police said.

The number of people under evacuation orders in Los Angeles County dropped to under 100,000 Monday. But officials cautioned that more evacuations could be ordered when high winds return this week.

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Police officers and members of the California National Guard are patrolling evacuated neighborhoods. Santa Monica has a city curfew in effect between sunset to sunrise. Officers can detain and arrest unauthorized subjects who enter evacuation zones at any time, the police department warned.

A home is engulfed in flames during the Eaton fire in the Altadena area on January 8, 2025. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)

SMPD wrote, Ten subjects were arrested for burglary. Six were in possession of burglary tools. The rest were arrested for other violations, including curfew, drug possession, driving violations, outstanding warrants, parole and probation violations. None of the arrestees are from Santa Monica. Our dedicated team of officers did a phenomenal job saturating the evacuation areas and tamping down criminal activity.

Los Angeles residents escape to Bay Area amidst wildfires

Santa Monica Police Chief Ramon Batista said, Over the past seven days, while the fires in Palisades tested the resilience of many  (officers) stood strong, ensuring that the city of Santa Monica remained safe and secure. I am also grateful for the collaboration with our mutual aid partners who supported us on the front lines and the National Guard for helping us secure the evacuation zones and maintain entry and exit points to the closed areas.

The Palisades Fire burns near homes amid a powerful windstorm. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Two suspected looters were arrested on January 9 in Santa Monica when officers stopped a white cargo van. A man in the van, Dominic Pacheco Magana, was using the Watch Duty app on his phone, police said. The app shows maps of active fires and evacuation zones, SMPD wrote. Officers found black ski masks and nylon gloves in the van. Officers arrested the duo for being in a mandatory evacuation area with intent to commit residential burglaries.

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Fires tearing through the Los Angeles area have killed at least 24 people and destroyed more than 12,000 structures.

Beachfront homes are devastated by the Palisades fire on PCH on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025 in Malibu. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

On Monday, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman filed charges against 10 people who allegedly committed crimes while devastating wildfires were raging.

Nine are facing felony charges in connection to residential burglaries and looting in the cities of Pacific Palisades and Altadena.

The 10th defendant, 39-year-old Jose Gerardo Escobar, was charged with arson for intentionally starting a fire in Azusa, according to the DA. Investigators said Escobar lit a large tree on fire in Pioneer Park on January 10.

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These crimes are appalling and represent a direct attack on our community during a time of unprecedented loss and vulnerability, Hochman said. If you exploit this tragedy to prey on victims of these deadly fires, we will find you and we will prosecute you.

Investigators have not determined what caused the Eaton Fire and Palisades Fire. Lightning is the most common source of fires in the U.S., according to the National Fire Protection Association, but investigators quickly ruled that out. The next two most common causes are fires that are intentionally set or caused by electricity lines.

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.

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Twenty years ago today, I watched TV coverage of a probe descending toward the surface of Titan, a moon of Saturn, while outside my home in Utah snow dusted a rocky mountain outcrop Id nicknamed Titan  both after the moon and a painting of it.

When the probe  named Huygens, for the 17th century Dutch astronomer Christiaan Huygens who discovered that world  transmitted its first pictures, the painted moonscape clashed with the real one. The artwork, from the 1940s, was shown to be utterly wrong.

Read more: Firefighters battle to protect NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Mt. Wilson

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Chesley Bonestells Saturn as Seen From Titan, appeared with other planetary scenes in Life magazine, showing what were then considered to be astronomically accurate views of the solar system for the first time. An architectural illustrator and Hollywood matte painter, Bonestell would make a career of space art. His work inspired the very scientists whose research would render many of his paintings factually obsolete.

The Titan illustration is his most famous space scene. In it, Saturn hangs over windswept snow and brown cliffs and outcroppings. The crags frame a glowing Saturn, floating huge, rings nearly edge-on, like a giants belt-buckle. Part of the planet is shadowed, blending into the cobalt-turquoise sky. The whole of it is weirdly grand.

What the Huygens probe revealed  a hazy, frigid, dusky-orange world  and what the ethereal painting promised could not be more different.

The first color view of Titan's surface, which was returned on Jan. 14, 2005, by the European Space Agency Huygens probe, following processing to add reflection spectra data. (NASA)

Released from NASAs Cassini spacecraft, the Huygens probe descended by parachute for some 2.5 hours before surviving its landing. The European Space Agency craft remains humans farthest footfall, some 750 million miles away from Earth.

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With a thick nitrogen-methane atmosphere, Titans sky is choked with organic compounds, dust and aerosols. This is a world of hydrocarbon seas and vistas of sand and icy rocks. The cold  minus-274 degrees Farenheit  is perhaps the only commonality with Bonestells view. (The real Titan may not be as romantic as Bonestells, but it is promising: In three years NASAs Dragonfly mission will send a helicopter to explore Titans habitability for life.)

Read more: Op-Ed: To the moon, again, with good reason

The Huygens-Bonestell discrepancy wasn't the first time that our visions of the solar system were upended by data. Space exploration is, after all, a form of ground-truthing.

When spacecraft first reached Mars in the 1960s, the notion of canals built by Martians had to be discarded, though later images would show clear evidence of surface water. The sci-fi jungles of Venus pictured in pulp magazines? Probes showed instead a dense atmosphere and hellish-hot surface. Our own moons mountains, long portrayed as sharp and alpine, are instead muscular and rounded.

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Yet our obsolete visions retain value.

Read more: NASA punts Mars Sample Return decision to the next administration

In 1944, Bonestells illustration offered a compelling answer to the question, Why explore space? And even now, knowing its far from accurate, the paintings faint path of light leads us between the cliffs and toward Saturn with this message: If we stay only where we are, then knowledge does too, in or near the frigid lavender of shadows.

Bonestells informed-but-imagined solar system evokes the sublime, the sense of being small then empowered in the face of the grand. The scientists who built the Huygens probe that made Titan real were, in their way, doing the same. Both endeavors are examples of the rigors of curiosity born from awe.

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This is not, as critics of space exploration suggest, a form of belittling or ignoring our terrestrial challenges. Quite the opposite. The sublime strengthens our bonds with the cosmos and all it signifies: beauty and dread, imagination and fact, the thrill of discovery and fear of the unknown. Painted or transmitted, other worlds can fire the imagination and at the same time underline the value of the one we inhabit. That mountain outcrop I still think of as Titan reminds me of the painting, the probe, space out there and the space I occupy right here on Earth.

Christopher Cokinos is the author of "Still as Bright: An Illuminating History of the Moon from Antiquity to Tomorrow." He lives in northern Utah.



If its in the news right now, the L.A. Times Opinion section covers it. Sign up for our weekly opinion newsletter.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
The 2025 class of chef ambassadors (left to right): Shuai Wang, Darren Smith, and Jeanne Koenigsberg, with Gov. Henry McMaster, Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers and Duane Parrish, director of S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism. (Shaun Chornobroff/SC Daily Gazette)

COLUMBIA  The South Carolina Chef Ambassadors program was founded 11 years ago with the idea of honoring the states cuisine as a key cog in its ability to attract tourists while also celebrating the local farmers who drive the states agriculture industry.

The 2025 ambassadors, who will work to build farm-to-table relationships as they travel across the state, hail from separate regions of South Carolina.

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The trio of designees announced Monday by Gov. Henry McMaster:

Jeanne Koenigsberg, executive chef and kitchen general manager of Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery of Greenville

Darren Smith, owner and executive chef of Rivertown Bistro, as well as Bonfire, both located in Conway, and

Shuai Wang, the chef and owner of Jackrabbit Filly, plus King BBQ, both in North Charleston.

Food is an important part of our states history, culture, and economy, and its where two of our largest industries  tourism and agriculture  overlap and excel, McMaster said in a release. Our world-class culinary talent is highlighted and celebrated through the Chef Ambassador program, showcasing the best of South Carolina chefs, farmers, and locally grown products. I congratulate the 2025 class on this tremendous culinary honor.

Tourism and agriculture are South Carolinas biggest industries, contributing tens of billions of dollars to the states economy and providing hundreds of jobs throughout the state.

According to an analysis of tourism spending in 2022, South Carolina visitors spent an estimated $6.8 billion just on food and beverages, said Duane Parrish, director of the states tourism agency.

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The chefs who have been named South Carolina chef ambassadors over the years are not all from here originally, and they all dont cook Southern cuisine, he said during a news conference at the Statehouse.

What they do share is a love of the Palmetto State, our passion for the fresh ingredients, our unlimited potential, our people and for the local communities they represent, he said.

Brandon Velie was part of the first class of chef ambassadors. When he first joined the program, it was more about spreading awareness, he said.

We were trying to get the word out about what this was, Velie said. Now people come and say, We want the chef ambassadors to be involved in this.

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Michael Sibert, a member of the 2024 class, said the last year as an ambassador involved a lot of networking and participating in food festivals. It also introduced him to new food sources. Sibert estimated he met more than 20 farmers as a chef ambassador who he now buys products from for his restaurant.

Ive been exposed to so many more farmers or people in general who make South Carolina certified products, Sibert said. I feel like its my mission to use these ingredients.

A community space

Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery has been operating since 2011, according to its website. Under Koenigsberg, Swamp Rabbit has expanded its cafe menu. She also oversees its catering business, which is in the process of growing into a production kitchen.

The business has a mission to buy, sell and cook with local food and provide a community space where people come together to celebrate meals.

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Koenigsberg said she knows little about what the next year entails, but shes eager for the challenge of being a chef ambassador while running a business.

Highlighting the work were doing, the farmers were connecting with and the network were creating in South Carolina is really exciting, Koenigsberg said.

Theyve become family

Born in Beijing and raised in the Queens borough of New York City, Wang grew up around amazing food, eventually finding a passion for it.

Wang has a resume filled with awards. In 2016, he was the winner of the Eater Young Guns and Best New Chef Awards, and his food truck Short Grain was named one of Americas 50 Best New Restaurants by Bon Appetit. The following year he was nominated for a James Beard Award for Rising Star Chef. In 2024, Wang and his wife Corrie were named Star Chef Charleston Restaurateur of the Year.

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Wang is the owner and chef at Jackrabbit Filly, a Chinese American restaurant in North Charleston, and King BBQ, a Chinese barbeque restaurant that was named one of Southern Livings Best New BBQ Joints of 2024 and Bon Appetits 20 Best New Restaurants of 2024.

People think about the South, and they have this certain expectation about cuisine, but I dont think people realize how diverse it actually is, Wang said. Ive been here for 10 years now  and the food scene has grown so much.

An honor beyond anything Ive ever dreamed of

Smith opened Rivertown Bistro 30 years ago when he was only 24. Additionally, he owns Bonfire Taqueria on the Waccamaw River.

During his time running restaurants in Conway, Smith has developed a reputation for creativity in the kitchen.

I really enjoy getting to know the local farmers in and around Conway, Smith said. I think its that drive that keeps us motivated, pleasing people and using the wonderful products that South Carolina has.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  On a rainy Monday morning, a central Ohio woman captured an unusual sight while driving to pick up her mother from John Glenn Columbus International Airport.

(Photo Courtesy/ Samantha Nelson)

Not quite sure what I saw this morning headed to the airport , Samantha Nelson wrote in the caption of her Reddit post. Headed towards long-term parking, totally caught me off guard when I saw it I tried getting a photo sooner. 

The truth about coyotes in central Ohio

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Nelson had spotted a large inflatable rat strapped to the back of a pickup truck. In an email to NBC4, she described what she witnessed.

[The inflatable rat] was coming from the cellphone lot, I couldnt read the text on the sign at all, but I saw it a couple minutes later on the other side of the airport while I was leaving, she wrote. They had it displayed over in one of the lots on the left side leaving the airport.

Nelsons post quickly gained a lot of reaction online. Many commenters identified the giant air-filled rodent as Scabby the Rat, an iconic symbol of union protests.

Scabby! You see him at picket lines everywhere , one person wrote.

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Former Statehouse candidate becomes Ohios first openly trans city councilmember

Yeah, thats the Union rat. Was everywhere in Cleveland in the 90s, another writer noted.

(Photo Courtesy/ Samantha Nelson)

The organization that takes credit for the invention of Scabby is the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150, which represents workers across Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa. The union states on its website that it first conceived the protest mascot in the late 1980s to draw attention to non-union labor practices.

In a detailed story of how the era of the inflatable rat was born, the Local 150 described each incarnation of the rat symbol. After beginning as a cartoon rat drawn on signs, Scabbys next phase was as a costume that was notoriously difficult to clean  without destroying. The final step occurred when one union member saw an inflatable gorilla at a car dealership, which gave him the idea to create a blowup rat.

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It began as a small rat that was kept on a cars rooftop luggage rack and could be stowed when not inflated, the unions website explains. An old car was painted yellow and fitted with the rat and a pump, and dubbed the Scab Tracker. The attention this drew was unmistakable, and so additional cars were fitted with this rat pack until a fleet of cars made up the Rat Patrol.

The union said the symbol was known as Mr. Rat until a naming contest was held in 1990 with Scabby the Rat as the winning entry.

Sources: DeWine likely to name Vance replacement soon

The Reddit post also garnered attention for other elements in the photo, with one Redditor noting the odd-looking scrambled text.

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Nelson said she discovered that on her phone there is, a setting that uses AI to optimize images if pressing the button quickly, which I did take this and a few others of it within quick succession, so thats likely why the text looks wonky.

In a message to NBC4, Nelson said her mother informed her that Columbus Regional Airport Authority was written on the sign.

Another comment thread pointed to the reason Scabby was at the airport, with one person stating, Interesting, is that why there were signs for an event today down at the airport??

Three Ohio cities significantly drop in Zillows 2025 most competitive markets list

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I believe the event was the official groundbreaking for the $2 billion expansion project, another offered. The building trades wanted to display Scabby during the ceremony.

A post on the Facebook page of the Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council confirmed that Scabby the Rat joined affiliated C/COBCTC members who were protesting at the John Glenn Columbus International Airport terminal groundbreaking ceremony.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
CENTRE COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ)  The State College Area School District Board of Directors announced the approved 2025-26 academic calendar.

The district calendar committee created a calendar that meets Pennsylvania Department of Education requirements, fulfills district contractual obligations and incorporates 44 necessary elements. The first student day is scheduled for Aug. 25, after the Centre County Grange Encampment and Fair ends and Penn State Classes begin.

Winter break is scheduled to run from Dec. 24 to Jan. 5, 2026. The first three snow days will be made up of staff only as they will be Act 80 days. Following those snow days, each additional one will be made up both by K-11 students and staff.

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Students will not have school or after-school activities on the following dates:

Oct. 2  Yom Kippur

Dec. 25  Christmas

March 20  Eid-al-Ftr

April 3  Good Friday

Spring break, which aligns with Penn States, is scheduled for March 9-13. Graduation is scheduled for June 5, with rain dates on June 6 and 7.

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The board also approved an Accelerated Budget Opt-Out Resolution, which certifies that the property tax rate in the 2025-26 budget will not exceed the districts Act 1 inflation index of 4%. The Act 1 of 2006 index annually sets caps, calculated individually for school districts, on property tax increases.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com.
A scheduled power outage will impact National Grid customers in two Massachusetts communities beginning Tuesday night.

The outage for parts of Lowell and Tewksbury begins Tuesday at 9 p.m. and will last until about 5 a.m. Wednesday, the Tewksbury Police Department reminded the public in a Facebook post.

This outage is necessary to make improvements to the electrical system, ensuring safe and reliable service, the post stated.

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Affected streets in Lowell and Tewksbury include:

71, 78 Armand Avenue

1579 Armand Street

435, 45 Bernier Street

326 Bristol Street

427 Canterbury Street

515, 1821, 3378 Christman Avenue

0142 Commonwealth Avenue

251 Crystal Street

0114 Delmont Avenue

22, 36, 5055, 6066, 72, 75, 84102 Elm Ave

52 Felker Avenue

0, 42, 105, 109 Felker Street

1, 3, 11, 30104 Forest Avenue

1160 Greenwood Avenue

2294 Highland Avenue

083 Jean Avenue

21 Kernwood Avenue

081 Lowell Street

1194 Rumford Street

0, 293522 Woburn Street

Police said that residents living in the affected areas should have received a written notice in the mail.

For additional information, residents are urged to contact National Grid Customer Service at 1-800-322-3223.

The work will be rescheduled if inclement weather occurs.

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The German Navy will contribute ships to defend infrastructure in the Baltic Sea amid concerns about Russia's so-called "shadow fleet" of oil tankers and recent incidents of damage to cables, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Tuesday.

Scholz, who is attending a gathering in Helsinki on Baltic Sea security, said that Germany was prepared to assume responsibility "with its own resources" in view of the growing threat.

"Of course, this means that we will also ensure security in the Baltic Sea with German ships," he said.

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The Russian "shadow fleet" refers to tankers and other cargo ships, often ageing vessels in poor condition and with opaque ownership structures, that Russia uses to export oil and other commodities despite sanctions imposed as a result of its invasion of Ukraine.

Germany's Foreign Office now counts a total of 79 ships in the "shadow fleet."

NATO intends to significantly expand its presence in the Baltic Sea, and is launching a surveillance mission. The two new NATO members, Finland and Sweden, have already announced that they will be participating with ships.

According to information obtained by dpa, the NATO mission will involve a total of around 10 naval ships. Estonia already has a naval vessel patrolling the Gulf of Finland.

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At the summit in Helsinki, the eight NATO countries on the Baltic Sea - Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Sweden - are seeking to coordinate responses to suspected deliberate acts of damage to infrastructure in the sea.

Scholz spoke of the incidents as a "very serious matter."
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  The Springfield Police Department was sent to a crash involving a school bus on Monday.

Shooting victim found on Oakland Street in Springfield

Springfield Police Spokesperson Ryan Walsh told 22News that at around 6:20 a.m. on Monday, officers were sent to a crash between a car and school bus at Plumtree Road and South Branch Parkway.

MAP: Plumtree Rd, S Branch Pwy

No injuries were reported and there were no students on the bus at the time of the crash. There is no word on what caused the crash.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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Content warning: The following article contains disturbing descriptions.

A former New Jersey school janitor is facing eight years in prison after admitting to tainting childrens utensils and cafeteria food with feces, urine and bleach.

On Monday, Jan. 13, Giovanni Impellizzeri, 27, of Vineland, pleaded guilty to second-degree official misconduct, according to a statement from Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae.

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He also pleaded guilty to third-degree possession of child sexual abuse material, Webb-McRae said in the statement.

Arrested on Oct. 31, 2023, Impellizzeri was initially charged with aggravated assault, tampering with food products and endangering the welfare of children. He was later charged with second-degree official misconduct, according to a 2023 release from the prosecutors office.

During the course of the investigation, detectives discovered that Impellizzeri was in possession of child sexual abuse material, Webb-McRae said.

On Nov. 8, 2023, he was then charged with one count of possession of and one count of distribution of child sexual abuse material, she said.

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New Jersey State Police began investigating on Oct. 30, 2023, after authorities at Elizabeth F. Moore School received anonymous tips about videos posted to a social media platform, the prosecutors office said in the 2023 release.

According to the affidavit of probable cause filed on Nov. 2, 2023, officials at the school serving students in grades 3-5 reported receiving anonymous tips about alarming posts seen on the encrypted texting app Telegram.

Impellizzeri was posting extremely disturbing videos of himself while at work, according to the affidavit.

A tipster said that while on a Telegram group thread, he saw Impellizzeri texting and posting videos of himself in what appeared to be a school setting performing sexual acts with items from the school as well as doing things that would endanger the well-being of the students at the school.

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Videos and posts the tipster saved from Telegram showed Impellizzeri wiping his private parts on various utensils and items from the school, the affidavit says.

He was seen masturbating and urinating on pillows and kitchen bowls, the affidavit says.

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One video showed him spraying bleach into a container of cucumbers that was later served to children at the school, with the intention of harming the students, according to the affidavit.

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Video showed Impellizzeri using multiple pieces of bread to wipe his [private parts] as well as spitting on the bread before putting the bread back into the container to be later served to children at the school, according to the affidavit.

Impellizzeri worked as a custodian for the Upper Deerfield Township Board of Education since 2019.

In the release in 2023, the prosecutor said the district had worked closely with the health department to ensure food preparation, utensils and surfaces were properly sanitized.

Any food products in question have been discarded, it said.

Officials collected bodily fluid specimens from the defendant to determine if there was any potential for infectious disease transmission to anyone who ate the contaminated food at the school, it said.

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Health officials concluded that any risks to anyone who came in contact with any of the food or items were minimal, NJ.com reported.

Parents were furious when they learned about what the custodian had done at the school, NJ.com reported.

During Mondays hearing, when Assistant Prosecutor Lindsey Seidel asked him if his intent of placing bodily fluids on food and objects in the school was meant to harm the children at the school, he replied yes, NJ.com reports.

He also admitted to having been in possession of videos on his cell phone depicting child sexual abuse, including explicit videos involving toddlers and infants, according to testimony, NJ.com reports.

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He is scheduled to be sentenced on March 28. His public defender did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.

If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.



Read the original article on People
CUBA CITY, Wis. (WFRV)  A Wisconsin school district faced heightened concerns Tuesday morning following reports of an alleged threat against staff and students.

According to the Cuba City School District, district officials were notified of a possible threat. The Cuba City Police Department responded immediately and assisted with the investigation.

American Legions Be the One suicide prevention campaign

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Based on their findings, authorities determined there was no credible threat to the school, staff, or students.

Safety is our top priority, and we appreciate everyones efforts to keep our students safe, the district stated in a message to parents.

Officials clarified that no specific threat of violence was identified. Rumors of a potential threat had circulated at Cuba City Middle & High School and on social media Monday night, but these were deemed unfounded.

VIDEO: Deputy rescues woman from burning vehicle after major crash in Wisconsin

On behalf of the Cuba City Administration and the Cuba City Police Department, we have identified the need to improve our communication process, read a separate statement. Moving forward, we will make every effort to notify families earlier in the investigation process. In the absence of timely information, misinformation can spread, creating unnecessary unease. We are committed to doing better in the future.

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No additional 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.
Schools across the country are preparing to attempt to shield students from the potential for heightened immigration enforcement under the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump.

School districts in Chicago, Los Angeles, Phoenix and other U.S. cities have vowed not to voluntarily assist federal immigration officials and have made plans to train staff members on how to respond to requests from Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.

Its important for districts right now  to convey to our immigrant community that schools are not immigration officials, said Viridiana Carrizales, the CEO of ImmSchools, an organization that trains schools on supporting immigrant students.

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Immigration advocates say that public schools should have clear policies for responding to requests from immigration officials.

For over 40 years, the Supreme Court has recognized that educational access is a guarantee that should be open to everybody equally, including undocumented children, said Nicholas Espiritu, a deputy legal director at the National Immigration Law Center.

Advocates: Schools should have immigration enforcement plans

The first thing that parents, teachers and school administrators should know about immigration enforcement and schools is that access to education is a student's constitutional right, Espiritu said.

That right was established by the 1982 Supreme Court decision Plyler v. Doe.

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Schools can put policies in place to ensure no killing or infringement of that right and that students and parents feel comfortable participating in school, he said.

John Mitchell, an immigrants rights attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union of Arizona, said he believed the objective for K-12 schools should be to adopt policies that curtail the amount of information provided to federal immigration and law enforcement and to curtail access to and cooperation with those authorities within the school.

School districts in Los Angeles, Chicago and Portland, Oregon, have taken action related to immigration since the November 2024 election in anticipation of Donald Trump's second term and the potential for more aggressive immigration enforcement.

Carrizales said its vital that school staff are trained on FERPA, the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, a federal law governing the privacy of student records. Under FERPA, school personnel cannot disclose a student's records to an immigration official unless the school has consent from the students parent or the official has a valid subpoena or court order.

Schools should have very clear protocols for responding to requests from immigration officials so that they dont inadvertently violate students rights, Carrizales said. Having a teacher or front office school staff not knowing this could be the difference between having a student be here or be put at risk of deportation.

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Since 2011, it has been official ICE policy not to carry out immigration raids at or near schools or other sensitive locations unless an exigent circumstance exists, such as a national security threat.

That policy was established in recognition of the potential harms," not only to the kids who might be part of families of mixed immigration status but also the entire educational environment of the school, Espiritu said. No one  wants to see government vans lined up and parents being afraid to drop off their kids.

That policy remained in place during the first Trump administration. NBC News has reported that Trump intends to rescind it during his second term.

If the policy were to be reversed, however, Carrizales said it does not dissolve the constitutional rights that our students have, or the federal protections that they have like FERPA  or the fact that our students can have the right to remain silent and not disclose or respond to any questions related to immigration status.

School districts vow not to assist with immigration enforcement

After Trump was elected in 2016, dozens of school districts across the country adopted safe zone resolutions, declaring their intent to protect students from federal immigration enforcement, according to the National Education Association.

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In anticipation of his return to the White House, school districts have begun to do so again.

The Governing Board of one elementary school district in Phoenix adopted a policy in December stating the district would not permit immigration enforcement activities on school property without a valid warrant or legal order and would not ask about or document the immigration status of students or parents. The policy also directed the district to train staff on FERPA and protocols for responding to law enforcement requests.

The Cartwright Elementary School Districts Governing Board president, Anna Lynn Abeytia, had Trumps promises of mass deportations in mind when adopting the policy. But she said it was also a response to a ballot proposition passed by Arizona voters in November that, in part, authorized state and local law enforcement to arrest and detain migrants who cross the Arizona-Mexico border without authorization. Enforcement of that aspect of the measure, however, is on hold as federal courts decide whether to allow a similar Texas law to take effect.

Abeytia said she worried about attendance and enrollment dropping in the district as a response to threats of heightened immigration enforcement activity.

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This community has a high population of undocumented and mixed-status families, she said. I think families are extremely worried. She hoped the districts policy would help maintain a safe environment for students and send a message to families that school leaders really care about the kids.

In November, the Los Angeles Unified School Districts Board of Education renewed its 2016 safe zone resolution, which prohibited district personnel from voluntarily cooperating in any immigration enforcement action. The 2024 version directed the districts superintendent to create an implementation plan for that policy. It also established plans to train staff on responding to requests from immigration personnel for access or information.

Los Angeles Unified has since been preparing to train staff and planning Know Your Rights seminars for families, according to district spokesperson Britt Vaughan.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom sent a letter to school leaders several weeks after the November election, telling them that the states schools are prohibited from requesting Social Security numbers or inquiring about students or parents immigration statuses. The states Attorney General, Rob Bonta, also issued guidance to K-12 schools related to protecting immigrant students.

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Since February 2017, Los Angeles Unified has used a reference guide for schools and district staff with detailed instructions on responding to requests from ICE agents or other federal immigration officials, Vaughan said.

During the first Trump administration, there were no direct visits from immigration officials at Los Angeles Unified's school sites, he said.

It was more common that rumors of immigration officials visiting homes within the community spread and frightened families, causing them to stay away from public places, including sending their students to school, Vaughan said. And some families withdrew their student from schools and enrolled them in our Virtual Academy.

The Board of Education for Portland Public Schools in Oregon approved a resolution in early January saying the district would not give information or assistance to ICE without a court order and would provide training to staff on how to respond to requests from ICE personnel. All requests would go to the districts superintendent and legal counsel, who would be authorized to ask for the ICE agents credentials and the legal validity of their request," the resolution said.

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The Board of Education of Chicago Public Schools, too, passed a resolution declaring that the district would not assist ICE in immigration enforcement. ICE will not be permitted access to CPS facilities or personnel except in the rare instances in which CPS is provided with a criminal warrant, the resolution said.

New York City Public Schools is set to follow suit, with plans for its governing body to vote on a resolution later this month declaring that ICE will not be granted access to schools, students or student records without a judicial warrant, which district legal counsel would review.

The resolutions passed by school districts so far have partly been an effort to assuage families fears.

We want to assure the community  that they dont have to worry about anyone coming on campus without proper legal documentation and perhaps displacing their child, said Devin Del Palacio, the author of the policy adopted by the Cartwright elementary district in Phoenix.

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Mitchell, the ACLU of Arizona attorney, said that one objective of extremely hyperbolic rhetoric" is to impart fear in immigrant communities.

Arresting and detaining and legally processing and deporting one person is immensely resource intensive, Mitchell said. And if immigrants simply choose to leave the state or the country because of a sufficiently hostile climate, then you know, the government can forgo all those associated costs.

Advocates dont want immigrant communities to do the federal governments job for them, Mitchell said.

Reach the reporter at mparrish@arizonarepublic.com.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: School districts are acting on immigration to prepare for Trump
BROOKINGS, S.D. (KELO) Governor Kristi Noem wants to set aside $4-million for education savings accounts.

Several lawmakers followed her lead and sponsored House Bill 1020 to do just that.

2nd arrest made in Friday group beating

Now school districts  including Sioux Falls and Brookings  are discussing the proposal at their school board meetings.

Brookings Superintendent Summer Schultz said the program could undermine community support systems, particularly for students facing mental health and behavioral challenges.

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I think there are individuals who look at this from a very narrow mind and potentially see how it benefits a certain individual or a certain set, Schultz said. While public schools, we look at communities as a whole. We look at the families in our communities, and we also look at the student needs and then we plan accordingly for that.

In a news release, the South Dakota Department of Education said educational savings accounts would extend a lifeline to students who lack access to schools that meet their needs.

However, Schultz worries that not all families will have access to equal education options outside the public school system.

I do worry about that, and I do worry about that misconception that as superintendents and school boards, if we were to speak out against this particular initiative, that its because we are not in good relations with private schools or our home school communities, and that just couldnt be farther from the truth, Schultz said.

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Sioux Falls Superintendent Jamie Nold also spoke with KELOLAND News about his opposition when it comes to HB 1020.

Im not in favor of vouchers especially when its going to take dollars away from, but public education is truly where we need to invest that money, Nold 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.
(NewsNation)  A few Southern California schools reopened Monday, while others remain closed and are serving as emergency supply pickup points, Californias state superintendent of public instruction, Tony Thurmond, said Monday on NewsNation Now.

Thurmond said schools will prioritize student safety during the deadly wildfires even if it means losing some instructional days.

Were going to guarantee funding for our schools because this is a tragedy, and they could not prevent it, Thurmond said. If they can make up the time, we want them to make up the time.

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LA area wildfires: At least 24 have died, strong winds expected

But we dont want a fear of losing revenue to be the reason that a school stays open in a time thats not safe, he added.

Conditions have improved for a majority of areas across the Los Angeles region and the District is confident it is safe for students and employees to return to campuses, the Los Angeles Unified School District said in a statement.

Schools remaining closed because of mandatory evacuation orders are Canyon Charter Elementary, Kenter Canyon Charter Elementary, Palisades Charter Elementary, Marquez Charter Elementary, Topanga Charter Elementary, Lanai Road Elementary and Paul Revere Middle School.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
K-12 schools across the U.S. are gearing up for potential efforts to shield their students as the incoming Trump administration sets its sights on deporting millions of people.

Administrators and teachers unions are looking to build relationships and provide resources for students and families without legal status as President-elect Trump has pledged the largest mass deportation in history, floating the end of policies barring immigration raids at schools and places of worship.

School officials and advocates are ensuring staff understand the rights to privacy that immigrant students have and how to tackle other issues that may arise such as slipping attendance as undocumented families fear the worst.

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Trumps incoming border czar has said he plans to revive family detention centers, and that halfway homes may be necessary for U.S. citizen children with non-citizen parents.

I dont know what [Trumps] true agenda is going to be until he gets in, but I can tell you this, hes scaring the living hell out of a lot of kids who are just here trying to make it, said Todd Quarnberg, principal of Utahs Herriman High School, which has had an influx of migrant students over the past few years.

Hundreds of thousands of undocumented students attend public schools across the U.S., and many more are U.S. citizens with undocumented parents who could find themselves lacking a guardian or in legal limbo if Trump follows through with his promises.

While Trump reportedly is looking to allow Immigration Custom and Enforcement (ICE) raids in schools, even if the agency enters a facility undocumented immigrants have the same protections to their information as other students.

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School administrators and staff would not be allowed to share the immigration status of any student.

Many times, schools are the first people that a student will disclose an undocumented status to, and thats because of trust, said Patrick Greene, principal at Greene Central High School in North Carolina, who has seen undocumented students ask their school for help for a license, finding a job or applying for college.

One of the first things weve trained all our staff, student counselors and teachers together on is to maintain that trust and how to be an ally and a support and just to understand the barriers of these students and their families face, he added.

Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Alberto Carvalho has also announced staff is in training to prepare for immigration officials.

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Much of Trumps plan will require local and state cooperation, which in some locations will not come easy.

ICE is unlikely to get much help from sanctuary cities or state such as California, where the governor convened a special session to anticipate incoming Trump administration moves.

I think being in California, theres enough state protections right now that we would be able to not let [ICE] onto campus to talk to students, and I feel like we feel fairly confident about that, said Mark Anderson, executive director of high schools in the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District.

When reached for comment, Karoline Leavitt, the spokesperson for Trumps transition team, said the incoming president was given a mandate by the American people to stop the invasion of illegal immigrants, secure the border, and deport dangerous criminals and terrorists that make our communities less safe. He will deliver.

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Republican states are much more likely to cooperate with Trumps immigration policies, with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) calling a special session to do just that.

But federal protections on students privacy transcend the state and ensure immigration status at school cannot be shared without a legal warrant or parent permission.

If an immigration agent comes into a school, it doesnt matter where it is, by law, under FERPA, under the protections that students have under privacy, a school district cannot disclose, voluntarily disclose students information, said Viridiana Carrizales, co-founder and CEO of ImmSchools, a group that focuses on the intersection between immigration and education.

But when immigration checks and raids tick up, so can the rates of absenteeism of undocumented students.

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Weve seen students not come to school following a deportation or even a raid in their community, so weve seen schools struggle with absenteeism and the lack of engagement and involvement from both students and families because they are afraid, Carrizales said.

The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) provides resources for schools that informs educators of the rights of immigrant students and plans schools can put in place to protect and help undocumented families.

In light of the increased anxiety + fear the group is seeing, President Randi Weingarten said on social media, AFT is updating our resources on immigration  and the AFT will fight to protect working families who love this country and want an opportunity to pursue the American dream.

Greene, the North Carolina principal, recalled years ago when a school open house happened at the same time the police set up a license check a few miles down the road.

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The perception among the Latino community was that that was done on purpose to bring them out and then get checked. And so, it took us a long time of rebuilding trust and understanding and all that to kind of earn that back, he said.

Those types of checks and other efforts the Trump administration may deploy leaves anxiety for undocumented students who fear coming home from school one day without their guardian present.

In the past, we have seen how following a raid that often happens at a workspace, usually the next day, hundreds of kids miss school because their own parents were detained, and now they dont have a parent to take care of them, said Carrizales.

Even if deportations are not specifically being targeted  or schools arent being targeted for these mass deportation, we know that regardless of where they happen, the impact is going to be felt the most in our schools, she added.

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A drop in attendance would come as chronic absenteeism has been pervasive in schools since the pandemic. The drop in attendance is accompanied by low academic scores, with research from NWEA last summer showing eighth grade students a year behind in reading and math.

Attendance ever since COVID, its just a big issue making sure, especially at the secondary level, that students are engaged and theyre attending, said Anderson.

We cant ignore the federal politics, because they play such a big role in what we do but we cant get ourselves so caught up in them that were no longer capable of providing those services to kids, he added.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
School officials across the country are taking steps to prepare for an onslaught of new deportations under Donald Trump, including the potential that the new administration breaks with longstanding policy and conducts raids at schools themselves.

Districts in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Phoenix have all vowed not to voluntarily assist federal immigration officials, and are training staff about what to do in the event of a request from Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

This community has a high population of undocumented and mixed-status families, a Phoenix-area school board president, Anna Lynn Abeytia, told The Arizona Republic. I think families are extremely worried.

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There are an estimated 400,000 undocumented students in higher education across the U.S., and roughly 733,000 school-aged children in the U.S. overall.

These students and their families could face a number of new challenges under the Trump administration, which has vowed immediately to carry out the largest mass deportations in U.S. history.

Trump officials have also suggested several specific, dramatic policy changes that will hit young people particularly hard, including ending birthright citizenship, resuming family separation, and encouraging families with mixed immigration status to self-deport.

Schools across the country are training staff and formulating policies to prepare for a wave of Trump deportations (Getty Images)

The fate of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which temporarily shields people brought to the U.S. as children illegally, is also unclear under the new administration.

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Most pressingly for educators, the Trump transition is reportedly considering rescinding a 2011 directive restricting most immigration actions at so-called sensitive locations like churches, hospitals, and schools.

Although the protected area policy remains in effect ... it may be modified, superseded, or withdrawn at any time with little notice, a recent California guidance for schools said. Because of this, and because exceptions to the policy exist, local educational agencies should have plans in place in the event that a law-enforcement officer requests information or access to a school site or a student for immigration-enforcement purposes.

Schools across the country are preparing for the worst.

We have parents who are afraid, Adam Clark, superintendent of Californias Mount Diablo Unified School District told The New York Times. We are trying to inform them of what their rights are.

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Biden officials have reportedly met with higher education leaders in recent days to train them on applicable laws, including those shielding the privacy of federal student aid applicants.

They also warn such fears will impact childrens education.
Epic events like the Southern California wildfires do not have a singular cause.

While we dont yet know the official causes of the fires, we do know that the weather and climate conditions when they started made for a perfect storm for the rapid spread of the flames.

The first problem is that Los Angeles has been very dry. The city has only seen 0.16 inches of rain since May 6, so the regions rainy season is off to an unusually dry start. This created a lot of fuel for potential fires. But a lack of rain alone didnt lead to the devastating fires we saw this week.

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MORE: What hazards will remain in Southern California after the wildfires subside?

It was the wind that spread the fires so rapidly once they were ignited. An exceptionally strong mountain wave wind event, with northerly 80 to 100 mile per hour gusts, spread the fires faster than anyone could stop them.

And we knew the weather conditions were coming. Thirty-six hours before the fires started, the National Weather Service in Los Angeles warned of "life threatening and destructive winds, extreme fire behavior and likely the strongest north winds in southern California since 2011.

That event on Dec. 1, 2011, also brought powerful and destructive wind gusts to much of Southern California, including the Los Angeles metro area.

PHOTO: Firefighters work from a deck as the Palisades Fire burns a beachfront property, on Jan. 8, 2025, in Malibu, Calif. (Etienne Laurent/AP)

Wind gusts up to 97 mph were recorded in the mountains of northwestern Los Angeles County, according to the National Weather Service. But unlike last week, no large wildfires broke out like they did in 2011. A more normal rainfall amount from October to December of that year may have helped avoid the same disaster.

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Santa Ana events typically are associated with northeast to east-northeast winds in Los Angeles County and usually result in very little wind in the San Gabriel Valley and eastern San Fernando Valley areas, which are home to many high-populated sections of the LA metro area.

The atmospheric setup during this recent event oriented winds in a more northerly to north-north easterly direction. This sent the high winds right over the regions San Gabriel Mountains in a trajectory that not only helped amplify their strength, but made the air even drier as it came rushing down the other side. This brought powerful wind gusts to areas that dont typically experience winds at such an intensity.

MORE: This is the worst fire the Pacific Palisades has ever seen, experts say

What made this a devastating Santa Ana event is that conditions higher up in the atmosphere helped to further enhance winds at the surface.

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In this case, an area of low pressure in the upper atmosphere was moving over Baja California. The cold, dense air associated with this system was positioned at a favorable north-northeast to northeast trajectory over the region. The particular setup allowed for the colder air located higher up in the atmosphere to come rushing down towards the surface and enhance the winds already blowing. This brought surges of powerful winds across the Los Angeles and Ventura County Mountains, crashing into the foothills and some coastal communities.

The wind direction and topography played a major role as well. The San Gabriel Mountains and the wind orientation interacted to produce a damaging wind event that doesn't occur often. The mountains can also make the winds more erratic because additional whirls of wind, known as wind eddies, can form as the air moves across the peaks and through the canyons.

So while both the 2011 and 2025 events brought powerful, destructive winds, one big difference is how dry it is right now in the LA area.

PHOTO: A firefighter monitors the spread of the Auto Fire in Oxnard, northwest of Los Angeles, on Jan. 13, 2025. (Etienne Laurent/AFP via Getty Images)

As far as climate change, we won't know the direct impact until climate attribution studies are done. While climate change likely amplified some of the conditions that contributed to the massive, destructive nature of the wildfires, it is just one part of a long list which also includes more direct human impacts like rapid urbanization and land management.

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But we do know that wildfires in the West have become larger, more intense and more destructive and that human-amplified climate change is one of the key reasons.

And new research explains how climate change is making hydroclimate whiplash more common. Those are rapid swings between intensely wet and dangerously dry weather.

MORE: Why the California wildfires were nearly impossible to contain

As Daniel Swain, the lead author of the research and a climate scientists with UCLA explains, "This whiplash sequence in California has increased fire risk twofold: first, by greatly increasing the growth of flammable grass and brush in the months leading up to fire season, and then by drying it out to exceptionally high levels with the extreme dryness and warmth that followed."

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Less than a year ago, Los Angeles had historic flooding and is now facing severe drought conditions. That literally adds fuel to the fire.

Finally, its important to reiterate that California has and will always be particularly vulnerable to wildfires simply due to its natural climate. The state historically experiences highly variable weather and climate conditions, typically shifting from periods of very dry to very wet weather.

Across the continental U.S., California has the most year-to-year variability between wet and dry conditions. As you move down into Southern California, that variability increases even more, according to Julie Kalansky, a climate scientist and deputy director of operations at the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes at the University of California, San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography.

ABC News chief meteorologist and chief climate correspondent Ginger Zee, ABC News meteorologist Dan Peck, ABC News Climate Units Matthew Glasser and ABC News meteorologist Dan Manzo contributed to this report.

The science behind the LA wildfires originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
It seems like it should be pretty easy to get to Mercury. The little rocky planet is so much closer to Earth than distant destinations like Jupiter, where weve successfully sent multiple spacecraft. Plus, it doesnt have a crushing atmosphere like our nearest neighbor Venus.

But, in fact, its actually really difficult to reach the innermost planet of our solar systemwhich makes it that much more impressive that the ESA and JAXAs BepiColombo mission has almost reached Mercury, recently completing its final flyby of the planet before entering orbit next year.

[ Related: Mercury stuns in incredibly detailed new images ]

Reaching Mercury is such a challenge because the gravitational pull of the Sun is very strong near Mercury, which makes it difficult for spacecraft to slow down enough to enter orbit around the planet, explains Lina Hadid, staff scientist at CNRS in France and principal investigator of one of BepiColombos instruments.

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One needs a lot of fuel with a very big rocket for launch, or one can use the help of the planets and do planetary flybys, adds Johannes Benkhoff, ESA BepiColombo Project Scientist. We needed nine flybys (one at Earth, two at Venus, and six at Mercury) to slow down our spacecraft and bring it into a good position to enter the orbit of Mercury.



Sequence of 89 images taken by the monitoring cameras on board the European-Japanese BepiColombo mission to Mercury, as the spacecraft made a close approach of Venus on August 10th, 2021. Credit: ESA/BepiColombo/MTM

Plus, the situation doesnt get any easier once youre near Mercury. Theres no atmosphere to help a spacecraft slow down like there is at Venus or Mars. And so close to the sun, a spacecraft has to withstand extreme heat and radiation.

Only two missions have reached Mercury before BepiColombo: NASAs Mariner 10 flybys in the 1970s and MESSENGER, which orbited the small world from 2011 to 2015. Mariner 10 showed us that Mercurys surface is cratered and barren, lacking any atmosphere but possessing a huge metal core. MESSENGER revealed dormant volcanoes, water ice hiding in shadowed craters, and an off-center magnetic field in the planet.

An enhanced-color image from NASAs Messenger probe. Credit: NASA / JHU Applied Physics Lab / Carnegie Inst. Washington

Theres still a lot about this curious world that scientists have yet to figure out. Why is Mercury so unusually dense? Why does it have a magnetic field, but the Moon doesnt? How does the solar wind change the planets geology?

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Bepi-Colombo aims to address these questions with thorough observations of the planets surface over two years once it enters orbit in November 2026. This will allow for in-depth mapping and long-duration studies that will provide a more complete picture of Mercurys geology, internal structure, and plasma environment, says Hadid.

The mission is actually two satellites in a trench coat masquerading as one until they reach their destination: the Mercury Planetary Orbiter (MPO) and Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter (MMO). These two spacecraft, with different orbits and perspectives, will allow us to study Mercury from multiple vantage points simultaneously, says Hadid. The satellites include multiple spectrometers and cameras to image Mercurys surface at different wavelengths of light, plus magnetometers, accelerometers, dust counters, and more to paint a full picture of the environment around the planet.

Even though the official mission doesnt start until it enters orbit next year, BepiColombo has already done some neat science on its journey. We learned a lot about the solar wind, the magnetospheric environment around Mercury and Venus, and we could test our experiments to be better prepared for the nominal mission, says Benkhoff.

This most recent and final flyby passed over Mercurys North pole, providing the team with an opportunity to spot some permanently shadowed craters and observe ions around this key part of Mercurys magnetic field. Bonus: there are some incredible images of the planet from this flyby, from the closest vantage point any spacecraft has had around Mercury.

Mercury is a surprise. Every flyby was different, adds Hadid. We are ready to make exciting observations after the orbit insertion in November 2026!
Scientists are sounding the alarm over the potential health and environmental impacts of pollution from tire particles.

What's happening?

A new study is calling attention to the unique hazards posed by tire particle pollution. According to the Independent, tire particles are now the leading source of microplastic pollution, yet researchers say they differ significantly from traditional microplastics in their composition and behaviour.

For instance, according to the study, these particles have higher specific gravities when compared to lighter thermoplastics, allowing them to behave differently in aquatic environments.

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"Our study calls for [tire particles] to be separated from traditional microplastics and recognized as a unique threat to environmental and public health," study author Henry Obanya of the University of Portsmouth's Institute of Marine Science said. "We need focused research to understand their pathways and impact."

Why is this study important?

According to the Independent, tire particles account for nearly a third of microplastic pollution, but their distinct characteristics make them potentially more dangerous to ecosystems as they enter the water and soil. The particles, which contain a mix of substances such as polyaromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals, can also enter the food chain, posing health risks to humans and wildlife. Obanya said the exact effects of these particles are still unknown.

However, Yale Environment 360 reported that a chemical called 6PPD, which is added to tires to prevent cracking and degradation, was found to be acutely toxic to four out of 11 tested fish species. The publication added that 6PPD has been detected in the urine of children, adults, and pregnant women in South China.

All the while, we are beginning to understand some of the health impacts of other microplastics, which are found all around us and even inside human organs, including uteruses and the bloodstream. For instance, one study found that our noses and lungs are "hot spots" for microplastic accumulation, potentially increasing our risk for respiratory illnesses. Microplastics have also been linked with serious complications for pregnant women and their babies.

What's being done about tire pollution?

The University of Portsmouth's study called for further research to be done on tire particles' effect on the environment.

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Meanwhile, researchers of another study that delved into the environmental impacts of tire particles are calling for comprehensive cleanup solutions to reduce the risk of pollutants.

Do you worry about air pollution in your town?

Click your choice to see results and speak your mind

"Regulations and policies can reduce emissions and negative impacts from tire particles," the paper says. The study points out that several countries and jurisdictions are already using guidance and regulatory tools to address management of tire pollutants. For instance, California has finalized a regulation that lists vehicle tires containing 6PPD under its Safer Consumer Products regulations.

As for microplastics in general, scientists are discovering new ways to clean them out of our food, water, and air. For instance, some researchers are experimenting with plant-based filtration methods and magnetic adsorbents.

Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
A team from the Norwegian Institute for Cultural Heritage Research has uncovered a long-lost secret passageway from the time of the Great Northern War.

The Galarvegen, or Galley Road, was a strip of land across which the forces of King Charles XIIs Swedish military transported twelve 30-ton ships.

Charles had the ships carried across the land in order to launch a surprise attack on the heavily fortified Fredriksten Fortress in neighboring Norway.

Earlier this month, according to Archaeology News, the Norwegian Institute for Cultural Heritage Research (NIKU) announced a remarkable discovery: they had found the famed Galarvegen route. The pathway, long hidden, was employed by Swedens King Charles XII in one of the most daring tactical actions of the entire 21 years of the Great Northern War.

Swedens young King Charles XII had only ascended to the throne a little under three years before the outbreak of the aforementioned war, which began with a three-pronged attack on Sweden by an alliance of nations that included Denmark and Russia. The ostensible reason for these attacks, and the subsequent war, was summarized by the U.S. Naval Institute thusly:

...during the 16th and 17th centuries, Sweden indeed achieved great-power status and oversaw a Northern European empire that rendered the Baltic Seaas geostrategically vital then as it is todaya virtual Swedish lake. By controlling the Baltic, Sweden had a chokehold on the fortunes of all the nations along its rim.

But what this robust coalition of attacking nations may have expected to be an easy victory turned into a protracted war, which stretched from 1700 to 1721. In a series of remarkable campaigns, the U.S. Naval Institute noted, ...Charles displayed a flare for audacious, ingenious strategy and tactics.

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Of those, perhaps the most audacious was Charles naval assault via the Galarvegenalso referred to as the Galley Road. And no, that is not a mistranslation. The Galarvegen is not a body of water, but rather a path on land.

In 1718, Charles had been trying to attack the Fredriksten Fortress at Halden, Norwaya key stronghold of the opposition at the border of Norway and Sweden. With the fjord blockaded, his enemies were prepared for a naval attack by sea, or a ground assault by land. What they could not have prepared for was a naval attack by land.

From Stromstad to Iddefjorden, Swedish forces transported twelve 30-ton warships in order to launch the surprise attack. 800 soldiers worked hard to move the galleys across 25 kilometers of tough land, noted Archaeology News. They used pulleys, hoists, blocks, horses, and greased logs to complete the operation. And the path they strode was etched into history as the Galarvegen (also sometimes spelled Galarvagen).

Unfortunately for Sweden, Charles XII wouldnt survive the year. The king was shot down on November 30, 1718, and his sister Ulrika took over before abdicating the throne to her husband Frederick in 1720. By 1721, the fighting was done, Sweden was defeated, and its monarchy severely weakened. This ushered in a period known as the Age of Liberty for the formerly autocratic country.

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According to Erich Nau, project manager for NIKUs recent georadar endeavor, ...little was known about this transport route before it was discovered in NIKUs georadar data. Indeed, so little was known that the possibility of coming across the famed passage during their test of a newly developed AutoMIRA system in Blomsholm was not even on anyones... well... radar.

This area provides a unique insight into the landscape of the past, Nau said in a press release from NIKU, ...but we didnt expect to find a hidden historical route. The survey shows clear traces of the Galarvagen road from 1718 and is clearly one of the most exciting discoveries from this survey.

They discovered remnants of logs forming parallel tracks with an outer width of approximately 8 meters and an inner width of 3.5 meters which correspond well with this historical transport route. As they studied the area further, it became even more evident that this had been where Charles XII had transported his vessels.

However, the presence of the Galarvegen along this path has presented a problem for interpreting the rest of the lands history. While the teams survey found evidence that would suggest ancient settlements and prehistoric burial mounds, the area had also been used as a field hospital by Charles forces during the time of the Great Northern War. This makes the data challenging to interpret, notes NIKU, ...as the area has been affected by many different activities over the centuries.

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Nevertheless, while the team will likely need to labor longer to identify each remnant on the land, the discovery of the famed Galarvagen is a milestone for understanding the history of the region, and commemorating one of the most daring military moves in the history of naval warfare.

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Experts from a group of well-regarded labs are taking a very close  think microscopic  look at perovskite solar cells. And the findings, detailed by Tech Xplore and Nature, provide pivotal insights into developing the promising suncatching material.

Perovskites are a family of crystal-structured minerals that can convert sunbeams into energy with high performance and low production costs, as described by the U.S. Department of Energy. But Tech Xplore explained that they are "less stable and scalable" than standard solar cells.

That's why the team of experts from the University of Cambridge, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, and Diamond Light Source are analyzing the material. Diamond, from the United Kingdom, is akin to a very large microscope. It uses electrons to create bright light that allows researchers to study nearly any material, per Tech Xplore and the Diamond website.

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The result is a microscopy tool kit created specifically for the perovskite task. It is designed to focus analysis on charge, voltage, and current losses. Chemical composition was also studied, the lab summary stated.

"Our objective was to understand this microscopic interplay to boost the performance and long-term durability of these devices," said Miguel Anaya, a senior author on the paper, per Tech Xplore.

The team looked at how perovskite cells perform and degrade during operation and considered ways to improve them. Microscale variations in composition, recombination, and charge transport were among the factors studied. The analysis builds on past examinations, according to Tech Xplore.

"In our previous works, we showed that microscopic variations in the atomic structure and chemical composition can impact the material properties of perovskite thin-films," Samuel D. Stranks, another senior author on the paper, told Tech Xplore.

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The solar cells include thin layers of other materials to help with the suncatching process. The team analyzed how those parts of the cells lose voltage and current as well.

As a result, some key findings were garnered.

"We showed that perovskite solar cells can tolerate substantial microscopic chemical variations, which is something very different to conventional solar cells like silicon," tool kit developer Cullen Chosy said, per Tech Xplore. "We also showed that they cannot tolerate variations in charge extraction. The messier the current is microscopically, the worse the solar cell performsand even more strikingly, this messiness also results in the solar cells degrading considerably more quickly over time."

Common silicon solar panels are already a great energy provider, converting more than 20% of sunbeams into electricity, as noted by the DOE. In addition to preventing heat-trapping air pollution  a human health detriment  home-based setups provide legitimate savings. A government study recently found that the majority of homeowners who install rooftop solar save around $700 a year in energy costs. That's after deducting the initial expense. What's more, tax credits remain available to help offset those costs.

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Back in the lab, the research team plans to continue working on the tool kit, with a focus on improving perovskite solar cell performance in a variety of temperatures and lighting conditions, according to Tech Xplore.

"We want to understand how these stresses affect perovskite solar cells from the atomic to module level and use this understanding to improve their viability towards commercialization," Stranks said, per Tech Xplore.

Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  A South Dakota native has returned to her California home after voluntarily evacuating.

Allyson Geditz Thompson lives in Burbank, which is between the Palisades and Eaton Fires.

SD crews ready to fight California fires

She and her family left the area last week to escape the bad air quality and get their minds off the situation.

Allyson Geditz Thompson and her family returned home Sunday.

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We didnt have any damage to our house, but it was never in harms way. And we knew that when we left, Geditz Thompson said.

Geditz Thompson says it feels great to be home, but theres also a feeling of survivors guilt.

Just knowing that so many people are suffering and sad and had their lives changed literally overnight, so Im feeling a little guilty because it couldve been us. It couldve been any of us at any given moment and it just happened not to be, Geditz Thompson said.

Geditz Thompson says people are springing into action to help each other.

L.A. is so big, and I know a lot of people think a lot of negative things about it because its a big city and we have Hollywood and celebrities, but Ive never seen anything like this. We have people joining together to help and posting things to Instagram and putting people together, Oh, I have this size of clothes. Who needs this size of clothes,' Geditz Thompson said.

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Still, concerns of more fire danger are not over as high winds are in the forecast.

Were all kind of keeping our bags packed, keeping our documents ready, not letting our guard down, Geditz Thompson said.

When KELOLAND News talked with Geditz Thompson Monday morning, she was hoping to go to a donation center Monday to help out.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Combs performs onstage at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards. - Credit: Christopher Polk/Variety/Getty Images

Sean Diddy Combs claims several videos at the center of his federal racketeering and sex trafficking indictment show fully consenting adults engaged in the sexual encounters known as Freak Offs. Combs attorneys claim the videos confirm his innocence and must be turned over to his defense for independent analysis.

In a letter to the court filed Tuesday, Combs lawyers disclosed that nine Freak Off videos were previously handed over to prosecutors by Victim-1, widely known to be Combs ex-girlfriend Casandra Cassie Ventura. They claim the videos unambiguously depict consensual sexual encounters where Victim-1 is not only consenting; she is evidently happy, dominant and completely in control.

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Any fair-minded viewer of the videos will quickly conclude that the prosecution of Mr. Combs is both sexist and puritanical, the letter obtained by Rolling Stone reads. The videos depict clearly consensual sex among willing adults in a decades-long relationship and fundamentally undermine the governments case and Victim-1s claims.

Because the videos are currently under a protective order, his attorneys claim they have only been able to review the footage in-person while monitored by law enforcement. They argue that complete, unabridged electronic copies are necessary so they can retain their own experts to exploit the videos full exculpatory value ahead of trial. They say the videos constitute the heart of Combs defense, and considering theyre not highly classified material or child pornography, Combs has a constitutional right to review their undisclosed audio portions and metadata to build a meaningful defense.

Protective orders are common in criminal cases, and we have one in this case that prevents the defense from physically possessing certain evidence, Combs lead defense attorney Marc Agnifilo explains to Rolling Stone. So, we applied to the Court to allow us to possess the video evidence so we can, for instance, enhance the audibility.

It was Venturas November 2023 lawsuit against Combs that sparked the criminal investigation behind his charges. In her complaint, Ventura alleged that Combs subjected her to extensive violence and forced her to participate in choreographed sexual encounters with male sex workers called Freak Offs. She alleged Combs would ply her with copious amounts of drugs, including ecstasy, cocaine, GHB, ketamine, marijuana, and alcohol, and that the intoxicants would help her disassociate during these horrific encounters.

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That lawsuit was settled within 24 hours, but it opened the floodgates to more than 40 subsequent lawsuits. Combs homes were raided in March, and in May, CNN obtained a harrowing hotel surveillance video showing Combs throwing, kicking, stomping, and dragging Ventura in the hallway of the InterContinental Hotel in Los Angeles. After first denying Venturas claims against him, Combs issued a video apology, admitting his behavior on that video is inexcusable.

Combs, 55, was arrested and indicted in September and has pleaded not guilty. Hes currently housed at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. His trial is set for May.

Attempts to reach Venturas lawyer were not immediately successful Tuesday. Prosecutors were expected to respond to Combs modification request in a follow-up filing of their own.

According to Combs and his team, the nine videos in question were handed over to prosecutors by Ventura. These videos unambiguously show that the person alleged in the indictment to be Victim-1 not only consented but thoroughly enjoyed herself, the letter from Combs lawyers reads. The attorneys say some of the videos are very dark and grainy with poor audio, so they need unfettered access to fully review them and possibly create trial exhibits, stills and transcripts. They said prosecutors could designate the videos as attorneys possession only, meaning the material would be maintained in a safe and secure manner by defense counsel.

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Francisco Mundaca, a former state prosecutor in New York whos following the case, says the judge is in a difficult position here, especially with the jury trial just four months out. If its true prosecutors offered to bring in a neutral expert to enhance the video for both sides, as stated in the letter, that sounds like a reasonable middle ground, he says. Either way, he expects a fight.

The defense argument is that enhancing the video will show that it was consensual  that its clear no one was intoxicated. In a grainy video, youre going to want to zoom in and look at someones pupils, their eyes, whether theyre in and out of consciousness. I would imagine a lot of their arguments will center on that, he tells Rolling Stone.

He said Combs team clearly isnt happy with the idea of having just one neutral expert. Ive had cases where Ive interviewed three experts. And experts like to view things in their own lab, in their own environment, he says. And considering prosecutors already have the video of Combs getting violent with Ventura, the defense is highly focused on telling a different story with their own video, he says.

Cassie has always shown herself to be a very credible person. They have to discredit her. And if this is the video that they believe shows that shes part of it, this is their defense. And he has a right to produce the best case possible, Mundaca says.

Best of Rolling Stone

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Former U.S. Rep Sean Duffy is Trump's pick to head the Department of Transportation, an agency whose work has never been an area of interest for him. | Official U.S. House of Representatives photo

When President-elect Donald Trump announced he would nominate Wisconsins former U.S. Rep. Sean Duffy as Secretary of Transportation, I had two reactions: Why Duffy? And why transportation?

As a reporter Ive covered Duffy since he was the Ashland district attorney running as a Tea Party candidate for Congress in 2009 and winning election in 2010. I followed him through subsequent town hall meetings and election interviews until he won his fifth term in 2018, then resigned in 2019 because of concern for his newborn daughters heart condition. Ive been around Duffy, a Republican conservative, enough to know he is an intelligent man who can hold his own in verbal sparring in Congressional debates, process questions from angry citizens at town hall meetings, and go toe-to-toe with high-profile personalities on CNN or Fox News (where he currently hosts a show).

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Duffy, a father of nine, is married to Fox & Friends weekend host Rachel Campos-Duffy. He doesnt have any of the obvious baggage some of Trumps other nominees are hauling, including Department of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth, a Fox News personality who has been accused of a history of drunkenness, disturbing behavior toward women and even sexual assault.

Thats not to say Duffy hasnt made some outrageous comments. He referred to Madison as a communist community in December 2016 when a local recount was conducted after the presidential election that Trump had won, and he responded to criticism by suggesting liberals should obtain the services of a therapy dog to calm their angst  also not well received.

Snarkiness aside, what should be a concern is that Duffys resume doesnt include experience relevant for running an organization as large as the U.S. Department of Transportation, which has with 55,000 employees, or for overseeing the nations roads, airfields, rail system and shipping ports.

It is not even trite to say that Duffy has gained just as much or more management experience being a father of nine children than he ever had running a small staff as a district attorney, congressman, K Street lobbyist or as the co-host of his Fox Business show, The Bottom Line with Dagen & Duffy.

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There is nothing in Duffys background that suggests he would be effective at managing and leading a large organization on the scale of the Department of Transportation. He is not a former high-ranking military officer or chief executive of a large corporation or non-profit who can point to his track record managing thousands of workers.

Of course, one could argue that the current Secretary of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg, didnt have enough management experience, either, prior to assuming office. However, as the former mayor of South Bend, Indiana, a city of over 100,000 with more than 1,000 employees and day-to-day demands that included many transportation-related issues, Buttigieg was placed on a much larger, higher launching pad before taking the helm at D.O.T.

Duffy has nothing close to Buttigiegs management experience going into his confirmation hearing for Secretary of Transportation.

When the Senate commences his hearing on Wednesday, there should be many questions about why Duffy believes he can head such a large department without the benefit of management experience.

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One of Duffys primary qualifications for the nomination appears to be his visibility on Fox News. Trump loves Fox and has picked other agency heads from the Fox lineup, including Hegseth.

The other reason I scratch my head over Trumps nomination of Duffy for Secretary of Transportation is that while Duffy was in Congress, he very rarely raised any concerns or even showed an interest in transportation infrastructure.

Ive poured over 90 pages of downloaded news stories, well over a dozen stories I wrote as the local reporter for the Spooner Advocate and the Sawyer County Record while covering Duffy, and I only have one account in all those years when he even mentioned a transportation issue.

In a 2012 interview, while I was a reporter for the Spooner Advocate, Duffy touted working with Minnesotas Democratic U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar on efforts to ensure the construction of the new St. Croix River bridge between Wisconsin and Minnesota at Stillwater.

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Thats it  one mention of a transportation issue.

So, it is surprising that someone who appeared to have little interest in or concern for the nations transportation systems would be nominated to head that department.

It would have been less surprising if Trump had nominated Duffy for a secretary or deputy position that addressed health insurance, banking and financial services, immigration and the border or even housing  issues Duffy repeatedly addressed while in Congress.

Even though many constituents told Duffy during town hall meetings that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) offered them their first chance to get affordable health insurance, Duffy spoke out repeatedly against the ACA. He bragged at one meeting that he had either voted to repeal or amend the ACA 50 times because he found it restricted choice for some consumers and resulted in higher costs for others.

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Duffys criticism of the ACA is that while it put more people on health insurance it didnt address the rising cost of health care. He advocated for more health care choices and open pricing so consumers could choose the lowest-cost health care available on the open market.

Although he didnt know the specifics, Duffy said he looked forward to Republican plans to replace ACA, but those plans never materialized after attempts to repeal ACA failed.

As part of the Tea Party wave of candidates who opposed the bailouts of financial institutions that started with President George W. Bush and continued under President Barack Obama, Duffy was very much against bailing out banks that were too big to fail.

To capitalize banks that made bad decisions just promotes bad behavior, he said in 2010. I think we should have stepped in and capitalized banks that behaved well and let those who performed poorly fail. I dont believe in the philosophy of too big to fail, and that is what Dave Obey (Wisconsins former Democratic 7th District Congressman) bought into. Now I think when banks make bad decisions, they are going to expect the government to step in and bail them out, he said.

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The free market, said Duffy, should be the primary agent in the economy, not the government.

I believe in free markets, he said. I believe they work on the way up, so if you take advantage of the upside of these risky investments, you also better take advantage of the downside when you lose your pants. But the government is stepping in, minimizing the downside risk, and encouraging risky behavior.

Duffy said he supported smart regulations on banks but not legislation that shut down all risk-taking.

Even after the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) issued fines of $180 million against Wells Fargo for allowing employees to open accounts that were never authorized by the clients who owned them, Duffy was critical of the organization because Duffy charged the CFPB had responded with little urgency to whistleblowers and only acted after an investigation by a Los Angeles District Attorney and coverage by the LA Times.

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Another predictable appointment for Duffy would have been as immigration czar. Duffy has advocated for more scrutiny and security at the borders and not allowing undocumented immigrants to receive government aid. But during his tenure in Congress, Duffy didnt support mass deportations now championed by Trump. Duffy even advocated for a path to citizenship for those who had been in the country for years and wanted more visas for skilled workers trained in the U.S. to help the economy.

One important local issue Duffy took on while serving in Congress was the alleged misuse of an $800,000 federal grant to the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. The tribe was part of his district. Duffy called for a forensic audit of how the tribe used a Housing and Urban Development (HUD) grant to address mold remediation in tribal housing.

Duffys attention resulted in a congressional subcommittee hearing he chaired at the reservation in July 2017 to address issues of housing for Native Americans and particularly how those HUD dollars were used.

Duffys intervention was controversial with tribal leadership, who characterized it as impinging on tribal sovereignty, but Duffy justified his actions out of concern for tribal members living in unsafe conditions.

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It would have made a lot more sense for Trump to nominate Duffy for a number of other high-level posts in his administration other than transportation, including Secretary of HUD.

It will be interesting to hear Duffy explain to the Senate nominating committee why he should be the next Secretary of Transportation without relevant management experience or a record of interest in transportation issues.

If Duffy cant make a convincing argument that he should be trusted to lead an agency of 55,000 that addresses the most critical infrastructure issues and sometimes responds to large-scale disasters then he shouldnt be approved, no matter how bright his star shines on Fox.

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As firefighters, first responders and more work hard to fight the wildfires raging across California, celebrities are getting involved with relief efforts, including actor Sean Penn and his relief organization CORE.

But during a recent interview Penn had with Anderson Cooper on CNN, the 64-year-old made a controversial comparison between the fires and another ongoing humanitarian crisis that earned backlash from people.

  SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter & get the scoop on the latest TV news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 

During the conversation between Penn and Cooper, the two men discussed the fires and how devastating they have been, leading Penn to draw a comparison to the war in Gaza.

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"Its sort of, you know, its Gaza West up there," he said. "We know that there are going to be wildfires in this area so people choose to live in this area. But for the people living in, in particular, Pacific Palisades and Altadena and so on, this is so unexpected."

View the original article to see embedded media.

Some people took issue with Penn comparing the fires with the situation in Gaza, with one sharing their opinion in the comments on Cooper's clip, saying, "What a ridiculous comparison. One is war zone due to Hamas genocidal massacre of Israeli citizens. The other is a natural disaster made worse by inept politicians."

Another person who criticized the comment wrote on X, "Turn on CNN Sean Penn: Palisades is Gaza West. Immediately Turn off CNN. WTF. Who lets these people speak?"

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"Sean Penn comparing Los Angeles wildfire to Gaza. It's awful what's happened in L.A but it's not comparable to a war zone and the atrocities seen in Gaza," someone else said about the comparison.

Throughout the rest of Penn's conversation with Cooper, he talked about how he is helping with relief efforts and his thoughts on the destruction from the fires.

"When you have the kind of winds that we had, I dont think mankind has come up with a solution to that. Mother Nature is bigger and more powerful than us. So many people that we all know and care about lost their homes," he said.

Penn and Ann Lee founded the relief organization CORE in reaction to the earthquake in Haiti in 2010, but it has gone on to provide aid during many more natural disasters and other emergencies in the years since.

Next: American Pickers' Danielle Colby Issues Urgent PSA to Fans Amid LA Wildfires
The Florida Highway Patrol is searching for the driver of a white Kia Soul with an Indiana license plate after a fatal hit-and-run crash in Lake County.

FHP said the crash occurred Monday around 6:52 p.m. in the southbound lanes of U.S. Highway 27.

According to the crash report, a tow truck was in the outside lane and on the shoulder of U.S. 27 north of Margaux Drive helping a 37-year-old Auburndale man who had exited their stopped vehicle, and was standing in the outside lane of the highway waving traffic over to the next lane as the tow truck attempted to remove his disabled vehicle from the roadway.

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The southbound Kia struck the man who was propelled into the drivers side mirror of the tow truck, according to the report.

While fleeing the scene, the Kia driver turned right onto Margaux Drive, struck a decorative rock on the center median then turned and left the scene continuing southbound on U.S. 27.

A witness provided identifying details of the car to FHP, according to the report.

First responders said the pedestrian died at the scene.

Anyone with information about the crash is asked to call FHP at 407-737-2213 or Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS.

The crash remains under investigation.
WAYMART, WAYNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)  State police are searching for a teen reported missing in Pennsylvania.

According to the Pennsylvania State Police, 15-year-old Aiden James Martzen has been reported missing after he was last seen jumping out of his bedroom window on January 12 in Waymart.

Man with nowhere to go refuses to leave prison

Police describe Martzen as 59, 140 lbs, with black hair and brown eyes.

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Anyone with information is asked to call PSP Honesdale Barracks at 570-253-7126.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com.
Jan. 13A Hillsborough County jury found a former Youth Development Center worker guilty Monday morning on charges of sexually assaulting two teenage boys while working the night shift in the 1990s.

Stanley Watson is the second former YDC worker to be found guilty on charges connected to a sweeping investigation into abuse at the former juvenile detention facility in the 1990s and 2000s.

The jury found Watson, 55, of Allenstown, guilty on three counts of aggravated felonious sexual assault. The assaults occurred between April 24, 1997, and Jan. 4, 1998, according to the indictments. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 6 and faces 10 to 20 years in prison on each count.

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Watson had been out on $15,000 bail pending the trial, but that was revoked after the verdict. He was taken away in handcuffs.

The trial lasted three days in Hillsborough County Superior Court in Manchester with the jury deliberating Friday afternoon and returning Monday before reaching the verdict.

"We are grateful for the jury's service and for the hard work of our trial team. This conviction is an important step toward justice, and we will continue our efforts on behalf of all YDC victims," Attorney General John M. Formella said in a statement.

In November, another former YDC worker, Bradley Asbury, was found guilty of aggravated felonious sexual assault (accomplice). He is set to be sentenced on Jan. 27.

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In the Watson case, prosecutors presented evidence of assaults against two different teenage boys at the time, one living in Stark House and the other in Spaulding Cottage.

"The person meant to watch over them to keep them safe was instead their predator," prosecutor Nicholas Chong Yen said during opening statements.

The then-27-year-old counselor gave the two teenagers gifts of food and granted special privileges and became to the boys "the one adult who gave them attention and appeared to care for them in a place where just living your everyday life was a struggle," Chong Yen said.

Admitted having sex

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Watson has admitted to having sex with both boys after they aged out of YDC at 17. The sex was a continuation of the sexual abuse, Chong Yen said.

Watson's defense attorney, William Korman, said the post-YDC sexual encounters were consensual.

He also claimed financial motivation on the part of the two victims, who are plaintiffs in lawsuits filed against the state seeking monetary damages.

The two victims are among more than 1,300 to file lawsuits alleging abuse at YDC over the course of decades. The first to file a lawsuit, David Meehan, went to trial last year and legal questions still linger over a $38 million jury award. Others have chosen to settle with the state.

jphelps@unionleader.com
TikTok rejected a report Monday that the Chinese government is mulling a proposal to sell the companys U.S. operations to billionaire Elon Musk to keep the app from being banned in America.

Bloomberg first reported the idea was just one option on the table as the U.S. Supreme Court weighs a law that could ban TikTok in the U.S. later this month. Congress passed bipartisan legislation last April to force the sale of the app, which is owned by the Chinese company ByteDance. Lawmakers say they are concerned users data could fall into the hands of the Chinese government, claiming the app represents a serious threat to national security.

The company has said such concerns about the app are unwarranted, and its lawyers argued before the Supreme Court recently that the law violates the First Amendment. The law established a Jan. 19 deadline for TikTok to sell the app or be banned (current users will likely still be able to access it, although with many difficulties).

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The Bloomberg report, citing people familiar with the discussions, says the Chinese government has considered a scenario in which Musks other social media company, X, would take control of the U.S. operations for TikTok and run them jointly.

Musk paid $44 billion for Twitter, now called X, in 2022. Evan Vucci/Associated Press

Its unclear if ByteDance or Musk have been involved in such planning with the Chinese government, Bloomberg added.

TikTok was quick to throw water on the idea.

We cant be expected to comment on pure fiction, a spokesperson for the company told HuffPost in a statement.

If the Supreme Court upholds the federal law, it would effectively shutter the popular apps U.S. operations. About a third of American adults use TikTok, including nearly 60% of people ages 18 to 29, according to a recent Pew Research survey.

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Bloomberg noted that even if Musk  a confidant of President-elect Donald Trump and the worlds richest man  wanted TikTok, its unclear how he would acquire it or if the U.S. would approve of such a sale. The apps U.S. operations are valued at an estimated $40 billion to $50 billion.

Musk paid $44 billion for Twitter in 2022 but still owes loans on the transaction.

In my opinion, TikTok should not be banned in the USA, even though such a ban may benefit the  platform.



Doing so would be contrary to freedom of speech and expression. It is not what America stands for.  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 19, 2024

Related...
Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trumps nominee for secretary of Defense, could not survive scrutiny of his record if placed under oath because of a past that includes public drunkenness, allegations of sexual assault and poor management decisions, Sen. Mark Kelly said.

During a testy confirmation hearing Tuesday, Kelly, D-Ariz., a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said Hegseth had not allayed his concerns that he was qualified to oversee the Pentagon and its 3 million employees.

Its clear to me that youre not being honest with us or the American people because you know the truth would disqualify you from getting the job, Kelly said near the end of his five minutes of questions.

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It typified the reception Hegseth received from Democrats, who hit him with questions on his long-held views that women should not be involved in combat duty, his marital infidelity in an organization where that is forbidden and drunkenness.

Republicans on the committee focused on his service record in the military and an agenda expected to end woke policies in the Biden administration they maintain have left troops unready.

Hegseth appeared to emerge from his confirmation hearing with united support from Republicans on the GOP-controlled panel. That included U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, who is a veteran and sexual assault survivor. Ernst has faced speculation that she could face a primary challenge next year, perhaps even from Arizona's Kari Lake, who is an Iowa native.

U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) speaks to the media before the Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing for President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Capitol Hill on Jan. 14, 2025 in Washington, D.C. Hegseth, an Army veteran and the former host of "Fox & Friends Weekend" on Fox News, will be the first of the incoming Trump administration's nominees to face questions from senators.

Kelly tried to get Hegseth, a former Fox News broadcaster, to acknowledge a legal settlement stemming from an alleged sexual assault of one of his female staffers by a male staffer whom Hegseth took to a strip club in Louisiana.

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I was not involved in that, Hegseth said. I dont know the nature of how that played out.

Kelly rattled off a string of events in which Hegseth allegedly appeared drunk with his staff.

Anonymous smears, Hegseth said repeatedly.

Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., said Democrats were being hypocritical in their condemnation of Hegseth.

How many senators have showed up drunk to vote at night? Have any of you guys asked them to step down and resign from their job? he asked rhetorically.

Hegseth was investigated but not charged with rape in a 2017 incident that he maintains involved consensual sex in his hotel room.

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Kelly, a former Navy combat pilot who has telegraphed for months his unease with Hegseth, made clear that Hegseths answers were not to his liking.

I walked into this hearing this morning concerned that you havent demonstrated adequate leadership in your civilian roles, Kelly said. Im going to leave with concerns about your transparency.

You say youve had personal issues in your past, yet when asked about those very issues, you blame an anonymous smear campaign, even when many of these claims are not anonymous. Which is it? Have you overcome personal issues, or are you the target of a smear campaign? It cant be both.

'Mind-boggling': Fox News and CNN react to nutso Pete Hegseth hearing | Opinion

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Sen. Mark Kelly sees Pete Hegseth as unfit to head Pentagon
The Laken Riley Act on Monday cleared a second procedural hurdle in the Senate as talk turns to an amendment push by Democrats in order to potentially make alterations to the bill.

Senators voted 82-10 on the motion to proceed to the legislation, allowing the chamber to begin debate.

The legislation would mandate federal detention of immigrants without legal status accused of theft, burglary and other related crimes.

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It cleared an initial hurdle on Thursday by an overwhelming 84-9 margin. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) voted alongside 32 other senators who caucus with the Democrats on Thursday.

But where the bill goes from here is unclear. Schumer said on the floor ahead of the vote that he was hopeful that Republicans would be open to Democratic amendments.

Were going to ask our Republican colleagues to allow for debate and votes on amendments. I hope my Republican colleagues will allow for it, Schumer said, calling for a robust debate and opportunities to improve this bill.

This issue is very important, Americans deserve for us to debate the issues seriously, including by considering amendments from the Democratic side, Schumer added.

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Democrats have not yet said what amendments they intend to propose, but Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) told reporters he is taking Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) at his word that amendments will be allowed.

Durbin acknowledged the concerns Democrats have in handing Republicans an out-of-the-gate win on immigration.

Thats why they introduced that bill. Its a gotcha bill, he said.

But Thune has said he wants to have amendments and try for bipartisanship. I hope he does, Durbin said.

Riley, a Georgia college student, was killed in February by a Venezuelan migrant who had previously been arrested for shoplifting prior to the attack and, subsequently, released on parole.

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At least seven Senate Democrats have indicated they would vote for the bill in its current form: Sens. John Fetterman (Pa.), Ruben Gallego (Ariz.), Mark Kelly (Ariz.), Jon Ossoff (Ga.), Gary Peters (Mich.), Jacky Rosen (Nev.) and Elissa Slotkin (Mich.).

Fetterman and Gallego co-sponsored the legislation.

But while a large number of Democrats have voted to advance the bill, Durbin was not sure whether enough would side with Republicans to get it across the finish line.

I dont know, he said. There are some Democrats supporting it, but I dont know if they have [the] 7 or 8 they need.

The Democratic support comes after the 2024 campaign, during which the party often found itself on the back foot on the issue and was pilloried repeatedly by Republicans who argued Democrats were too soft on illegal migration.

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However, a number of Democrats have expressed issues with the bill in its current form. They are specifically concerned with the power it hands to state attorneys general and the requirement of detainment following arrest instead of a conviction.

The Laken Riley Act needs to be fixed, Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) said. It does not work on paper right now. It creates more problems than it solves and it creates enormous chaos in the immigration system.

Thune said on Monday that this is an opportunity for Democrats to be on the right side of the issue.

I never put anything in the bank when it comes to dealing with Democrats, but it seems like at least  that they have concluded that they are on the wrong side of this issue, Thune told radio host Hugh Hewitt about the possibilities of winning the requisite votes from across the aisle.

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We intend to put them on the record one way or the other. And if they want to defend criminals who are in this country illegally, who are committing criminal acts against American citizens, in this case a horrific murder, thats their decision to make, he continued. But Ive got to believe there are seven Democrats out there that are going to end up voting with us and turn this into law.

Republicans will also be getting a boost in numbers on Tuesday, when Sen.-elect Jim Justice (R-W.Va.) is set to be sworn in, putting Senate Republicans on the doorstep of their 53-47 majority.

Vice President-elect JD Vances resignation from the Senate last week put the conference temporarily down one active voter. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) is expected to name Vances replacement in the coming days.

Once the full Senate GOP conference is in place, they would only need seven Democrats to side with them to pass the bill in its current form.

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The House last week passed the bill with 48 Democrats voting alongside every present Republican.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) said Monday he is planning to introduce legislation to give the Chinese parent company of TikTok more time to sell the app as the ban deadline looms less than a week away.

As the Jan. 19 deadline approaches, TikTok creators and users across the nation are understandably alarmed, Markey said in a Senate floor speech Monday. They are uncertain about the future of the platform, their accounts, and the vibrant online communities they have cultivated.

Markey, who urged President Biden last month to grant TikTok an extension to divest from parent company ByteDance, said the communities built on TikTok cannot be replicated on another platform.

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He said he will soon introduce the Extend the TikTok Deadline Act, which would give ByteDance another 270 days to sell the app.

It comes as the Supreme Court weighs TikToks challenge to the divest-or-ban law, which passed Congress with wide bipartisan majorities and was signed by President Biden in April.

The law requires TikTok to face a ban in the U.S. beginning Sunday unless it divests from ByteDance.

The Supreme Court heard oral arguments over the law last week, during which the justices expressed sympathy with the governments national security concerns about the platforms ties to China.

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At the center of the case is whether the governments national security interest outweigh the free speech concerns raised by TikTok and a group of creators that challenged the law as violating the First Amendment.

The high court has yet to issue a decision on the matter.

Markey acknowledged TikTok has its problems related to privacy and the mental health of young users and pledged to hold TikTok accountable.

But a TikTok ban would impose serious consequences on millions of Americans who depend on the app for social connections and their economic livelihood, he said. We cannot allow that to happen.

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Markey, along with Sen. Ran Paul (R-Ky.) and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), submitted an amicus brief last month urging the Supreme Court to not uphold the ban. They argued the ban is not backed up by evidence and violates the First Amendment.

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The top Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee is asking the Justice Department to retain all records relating to special counsel Jack Smith, including his final report which has been tied up in litigation.

Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) said the panel may seek to secure a copy of the report even if it is not released ahead of President-elect Trump taking office.

The Committee recognizes the current injunction against the release of Special Counsel Smiths report and related materials and reserves its right to request production of the report and relevant records at an appropriate future date, he wrote in a letter signed by many other Democratic members of the panel.

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U.S. District Court Aileen Cannon on Monday cleared the way for the release of the volume of Smiths report dealing with Trumps efforts to block the transfer of power after losing the 2020 election.

But she set additional hearings to determine whether to share the volume of the report dealing with the Mar-a-Lago documents probe with Judiciary leaders from both chambers. Attorney General Merrick Garland said he would not release the Mar-a-Lago volume publicly given the ongoing trial against Trumps two co-defendants.

Its possible Trumps co-defendants could appeal Cannons order to the Supreme Court.

If the court wishes to review the case further, it could issue an administrative stay that would block its release as Trumps inauguration swiftly approaches.

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Federal law requires much of the document preservation that lawmakers request.

We follow the law, including our legal obligations regarding the preservation of records, and we will continue to do so, DOJ said in a statement.

But Durbin relayed concerns about comments made by incoming Trump administration officials.

The President-elects intended nominee for Attorney General, Pam Bondi, has promised to weaponize the Department of Justice against those who were involved in these investigations, threatening: When Republicans take back the White House [t]he Department of Justice, the prosecutors will be prosecutedthe bad ones. The investigators will be investigated. In light of these threats, it is critical that the Department take immediate preservation steps related to these investigations and prosecutions, Durbin wrote.

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Special counsel reports are typically transmitted to lawmakers once they are submitted to the attorney general, who can also choose whether to release them to the public.

Garland has done so with every special counsel report produced under his tenure, but the Trump administration is expected to shelve the report.

Updated 5:16 p.m.

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Senate Democrats have blasted significant gaps in Pete Hegseths FBI background check after the bureau reportedly did not interview the woman who accused him of sexual assault in 2017.

As Hegseth prepares to be grilled by the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday morning in a bid to secure his position as Donald Trumps defense secretary, it has emerged that key witnesses were left out of his background check, according to reports.

In 2017, police in Monterey, California, investigated an allegation that an intoxicated Hegseth sexually assaulted a woman  named Jane Doe in the report  in a hotel room after a Republican womens conference, at one point physically blocking a door and stopping her from leaving, according to a police report. The woman signed an NDA.

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The FBI did not interview the woman, according to The Washington Post, and now Democratic senators are arguing the background check on Hegseth is inadequate.

Pete Hegseth will be grilled by the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday morning (REUTERS)

Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, who has not seen the background report, said he was told that there are significant gaps and inadequacies including the apparent failure to interview some of the potential witnesses or sources of information that are highly relevant.

Several of the witnesses were not interviewed by the FBI, even though they wanted to be, Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois told the Post on Monday, but did not specify the witnesses she was referring to.

Interviews with Hegseths ex-wives are also absent from the background check, according to NBC News.

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The FBI declined to comment when approached by The Independent.

The serious allegation of sexual assault, which Hegseth denies, accusations of financial mismanagement and misogyny, concerns about his inexperience and relationship with alcohol, are some of the issues that will likely arise for the nominee at Tuesday mornings no-holds-barred hearing in front of the committee.

Hegseth will give a punchy statement at the beginning of the hearing where he will call for the return of American warriors if he is successfully nominated to serve in Trumps cabinet.

We are not Republicans or Democrats  we are American warriors. Our standards will be high, and they will be equal, he will tell the bipartisan panel of senators in his opening statement, Axios reported.
Several GOP Senate incumbents are already staring down the threat of primary challenges next year as friction builds between the MAGA and establishment wings.

Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), who plans to run for reelection in 2026, is facing a possible primary challenger in Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a longtime ally of President-elect Trump. Meanwhile, Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), who voted to convict Trump in his 2021 impeachment, has already drawn a MAGA challenger. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), who was censured by his state party in 2023, could also face a tough fight from the right.

These vulnerable GOP senators will have to walk a tightrope in supporting some of Trumps most controversial Cabinet picks and pieces of legislation while also seeking to appeal to the broader electorates in their home states.

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The senators who are up this time around have watched the MAGA movement grow and understand that the tough votes they take today could be primary challenges tomorrow, said Republican strategist Ron Bonjean, a former top spokesperson in the Senate.

Theyve seen the political combat Trump made, and his historic sweep of a Republican Congress and White House. And senators who are on the fence of particular issues will definitely be weighing that strongly: what their backyard looks like, how strong the MAGA base is at home, Bonjean said. Its probably even stronger now.

Republicans won control of the White House and both chambers of Congress last year as much of the country shifted rightward. But congressional control will be on the table again in 2026, as a third of the upper chambers seats go up for reelection. Republicans will be on defense in 20 states, compared to 13 states for Democrats.

On the heels of Trumps win, the GOP Senate incumbents expected to be the most vulnerable next fall are those who voted to convict Trump in his 2021 impeachment trial or have signaled they might go against his second-term Cabinet picks.

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The threat of primaries, I think from Trumps perspective, is real. Its a way to keep members in line, said Brian Darling, a Republican strategist and former counsel for Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.).

Tillis, who kicked off his reelection bid in battleground North Carolina last month, is among those seen as possible obstacles to Trumps Cabinet nominees after expressing reticence about former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), Trumps now-withdrawn pick for attorney general, and Pete Hegseth, Trumps nominee for Defense secretary.

Tillis was also censured by the North Carolina GOP in 2023 over his support for policies that some said werent aligned with conservative values.

Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) is also seeking a third term in 2026 amid scrutiny over her questions about Hegseth. Last month, conservative media personality Charlie Kirk warned that Ernst shouldnt be surprised about a primary challenge if she flouts the president-elects agenda.

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I dont think not supporting a nominee is going to make or break your primary, Bonjean said. But its going to be a track record of [a] high-level no vote, high-level votes against the Trump administration.

Over in Louisiana, Cassidy hasnt officially announced hell run for a third term but has still drawn an official challenge from Louisiana Treasurer John Fleming, who argued the senators vote to convict Trump in connection with the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol failed the Pelican State.

If Cassidy also goes against some of Trumps Cabinet picks, Darling said, hes going to be begging for a competitive primary fight.

Tough primaries in already-red states like Iowa and Louisiana dont necessarily mean the GOP is at risk of losing seats, but they could signal that those seats might shift rightward.

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As Cornyn plans to try for his fifth term in the Senate, speculation is swirling about whether the Texas attorney general, Paxton, could try to oust him. Cornyn is seen as representative of the state GOPs old guard, while Paxton is seen as a leader of the states rising far-right wing.

Republicans do face more of a risk of losing a seat in Maine, where Sen. Susan Collins (R), who plans to run for her sixth term, has never faced a primary challenger but won by single digits last cycle. Vice President Harris beat Trump in Maine by 7 points in November.

This fact could give Collins more breathing room when it comes to backing Trumps Cabinet picks, said Michael Zona, a Republican strategist and former aide to Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley (R).

Otherwise, whether Trump supports a candidate is more determinative than any other factor as 2026 approaches, Zona told The Hill in a statement.

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Senators who havent been supportive of President Trump in the past, and especially over this next year, are at risk of losing renomination, Zona said. The best these senators can hope for is that he remains silent in their race. Thats a huge gamble and I wouldnt bet on those odds. For these senators, one has to imagine they are engaged behind the scenes to mend their relationship with the president.

Looming exits and potential retirements could also complicate the numbers game for the GOP next year. Some observers have their eyes on Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), 82, who has butted heads with Trump in the past and has not yet said whether hell run for another term.

JD Vance, the incoming vice president, officially resigned his Senate seat representing Ohio last week. The Buckeye States Gov. Mike DeWine (R), who reportedly met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago last month, will appoint his replacement.

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.),Trumps pick for secretary of State, will also vacate his seat if confirmed, with speculation swirling for weeks over whom Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) might choose to take that seat.

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Theres also the chance for GOP pickups.

National Republican Senatorial Committee spokesperson Joanna Rodriguez pointed to two Democrats, Sens. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.), who are up for reelection in states where Trump edged out Harris.

Our incumbents and challengers are committed to working with President Trump and his administration to restore the prosperity, security, and peace through strength Americans crave, Rodriguez said in a statement.

The Senate Republicans campaign arm has historically supported incumbents against primary challenges, and the group is expected to keep up that policy in 2026.

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Midterm elections tend to be not great for the party in power, Darling said, and ousting an incumbent senator in a primary is also no easy task.

But Trump is kind of a different leader, Darling said, in that his first-term midterms saw Republicans pick up seats in the Senate, despite losing control of the House.

Its going to be tough. Its going to be a difficult cycle. This is a great test to see if the Trump realignment is going to hold forth.

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WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  President-elect Donald Trumps pick for Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, will be in the hot seat on Tuesday.

Lawmakers will have a chance to question him during his confirmation hearing, including about allegations of sexual misconduct, excessive drinking and financial mismanagement, which Hegseth denies.

He will be ripped, but were gonna get him across the finish line, Sen. Tommy Tuberville, (R-Ala.) said.

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Sen. Tuberville says he stands with Hegseth.

Im here today to tell you, I am 110% behind Pete Hegseth, Tuberville said.

Tuberville brought over 100 veterans together in Washington, D.C. on Monday to rally behind Trumps pick to lead the Pentagon.

We dont need a general from the Pentagon, weve tried that. We need a drill sergeant, Tuberville said.

Now that Hegseths FBI background check is completed, Democrats want it to be made available to the entire committee.

Right now, it is only in the hands of the chair and ranking member.

I hope other Republicans will step forward with similar concerns, Sen. Tammy Duckworth, (D-Ill.) said.

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Sen. Duckworth questions Hegseths qualifications.

If you just look at his work experience, the largest organization that I can find that hes ever run was a platoon, Duckworth said.

13 cabinet picks will face confirmation hearings this week.

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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  A West Michigan state lawmaker is in the running to be the Republican nominee for governor.

Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt R-Porter Township, said hes getting into the race early in the hopes of building statewide name recognition.

As I start the campaign, it is going to be a Michigan first campaign. That means workers first, families first and students first. For too long Michigan government has failed and its time to change that, said Nesbitt.

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To The Point: Nesbitt on divided government in Lansing

Nesbitt is among six generations of farmers in southwest Michigan. He lives in Lawton with his wife, Trisha, and their two children.

The 44-year-old conservative lawmaker served three terms as a member of the Michigan House before becoming a state senator in 2019.

Nesbitt said it is time to put Michigan first. The senator is a supporter of President-elect Donald Trump. He said he will be seeking Trumps endorsement.

Nesbitt spoke with News 8 this week to outline the issues he will prioritize if elected, including a ban on sanctuary city policies, a renewed focus on education, and working to modernize our roads, bridges and water infrastructure.

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What we have seen out of Lansing over the last six years  Michigan families deserve so much better than what theyre getting. Theyre not getting the value they deserve. At the end of the day, its about whos going to be able to get things done. To provide the vision for the state and making sure were putting workers and families and students first, said Nesbitt.

Nesbitt joins Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan as the first candidates to announce a run for governor. Duggan has indicated he will run as an independent.

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ELDORA, Iowa  A former therapist from the Iowa State Training School for Boys in Eldora is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday morning for a sentencing hearing.

Sarah Perry

Sarah Perry was arrested in November of 2023 on charges of sexual exploitation by a counselor or therapist, sexual exploitation by a therapist within one year of service, and sexual misconduct with an offender. Investigators say she had sexual relations with minor residents at the school.

Des Moines city leaders take next step towards building a homeless village

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In July of 2024, Perry pled guilty to one count of sexual exploitation by a counselor or therapist against boys at the facility and one count of sexual misconduct with an offender.

She faces up to five years in prison and fines topping $10,000 at sentencing.

The training school is a program that provides supervision and rehabilitation programs for at-risk boys ages 12 to 18. Court records also show she also got in trouble for selling vape pens to students.

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Seoul plans to hold consultations with Kyiv regarding the transfer of captured North Korean soldiers if they request defection, Yonhap reported on Jan. 14, citing South Korean Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lee Jae-woong.

President Volodymyr Zelensky recently announced the capture of two North Korean soldiers in Russias Kursk Oblast.

"Since North Korean soldiers are our citizens under the constitution, our government plans to have talks with Ukraine if they ask to defect to South Korea," Lee said.

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The South Korean constitution defines the entire Korean peninsula as its territory and considers all residents as citizens. However, neither of the captured soldiers has expressed a willingness to be transferred to South Korea, Lee added.

Seoul remains in contact with Kyiv on matters related to the captured North Korean soldiers.

North Korean troops were deployed to Kursk Oblast last fall to support Russian forces against a Ukrainian incursion launched on Aug. 6. Ukrainian troops continue to operate in the region, leveraging their positions for potential future negotiations.

South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) estimates that North Korean casualties have reached 300 killed and 2,700 wounded, attributing the losses to inadequate training and ineffective counter-drone tactics.

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The NIS also reported that some North Korean soldiers have been forced to commit suicide to avoid capture by Ukrainian forces. White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby echoed these claims on Dec. 27, adding that captured North Korean troops fear severe retaliation against their families if they surrender.

Read also: Everything we know about the North Korean POWs captured by Ukraine

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SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  A Florida man has been sentenced to prison after traveling to Utah and planning to have sex with a minor, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Utah.

Glenn Raymond Breeden, 56, was sentenced on Monday, Jan. 13, to 120 months in prison and a lifetime of supervised release. Breeden is accused of planning to engage in sexual activity with someone he believed was a minor, the attorneys office said.

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While in Utah, Breeden communicated via cell phone with an undercover law enforcement officer who he believed was the father of a child under the age of 12, the attorneys office said.

Breeden told the father his plans to engage in sexual activity with the minor, and was waiting at a hotel in Salt Lake City to meet the minor.

Upon opening the door at a hotel in Salt Lake City to let the father and child into the hotel, Breeden was met by law enforcement and arrested, the attorneys office said.

Breeden pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement/attempted coercion and enticement in June 2024.

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The West Valley City Police Department and the FBIs Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force investigated the case. The attorneys office also said the case was part of a nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation, called Project Safe Childhood.

Judge Howard C. Nielson Jr. imposed the sentence, and Assistant United States Attorney Joey Blanch prosecuted the case.

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SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  A 58-year-old Oakland man was arrested after allegedly shooting at a Muni bus driver in San Francisco early Monday, according to the San Francisco Police Department.

Police responded at 6 a.m. to the area of Fourth and Berry streets, one block away from Oracle Park, on the report of gunshots. Arriving officers met with the bus driver at the scene, who said an unknown male shot at him before fleeing on Fourth Street.

Paramedics assessed the driver, who was not injured in the shooting.

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San Francisco police K-9 passes away after 12 years of service

A bullet went through the windshield of the bus before striking a passenger seat inside. There were as many as 20 passengers on the bus at the time of the shooting, but they did not remain at the scene to talk to responding officers, according to police.

Officers investigating the incident located the suspected gunman nearby, SFPD said. The man, identified as Adolph Patrick Greene, 58, of Oakland, was taken into custody. A firearm was recovered by the SFPD Marine Unit.

Greene faces the following charges:

Discharge of a firearm at an occupied motor vehicle

Malicious mischief

Carrying a loaded firearm by a convicted felon

Felon in possession of a firearm

Carrying a loaded firearm in a public place

Carrying a concealed firearm

Felon in possession of ammunition

Violent felon with firearm

Destroying or concealing evidence

Possession of drug paraphernalia

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact the San Francisco Police Department at 415-575-4444 or text a tip to TIP411 and begin the message with SFPD.

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A 111-MW solar power facility built on reclaimed land at a former coal mine site in Kentucky has entered commercial operation. The Martin County Solar Project (MCSP), developed, built, owned and operated by Saviona Shell Group portfolio companyis now among the largest solar farms in the state and also one of the first U.S. solar power facilities located on former coal mine land. Savion on Jan. 14 announced the start of operations of MCSP. The solar farm was built on land formerly used by the Martiki coal mine in Pilgrim, Kentucky. Savion is the sole owner of the facility, while Shell serves as the project's asset manager. The critical partnerships among the Martin County Judge Executive and Fiscal Court, local community members, educational advocates, economic and workforce development leaders, as well as the teams working on the ground were essential to helping bring this unique solar facility online, said Nick Lincon, president of Savion. Years ago, Savion saw the exceptional opportunity to develop a solar project on a former coal mine in the great state of Kentucky, which has a rich history of energy generation in this country and continues to demonstrate its commitment to powering our nation through creative solutions such as this one. Were proud to be able to bring this project into operation and grateful to everyone who made this project a reality. The 850-acre project includes more than 214,000 bifacial solar panels. It interconnects to Kentucky Powers Inez Substation, which is already located at the site. Kentucky Power is part of American Electric Power (AEP). AEP, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, serves customers in 11 states. The MSCP project in December 2021 received approval from the Martin County Fiscal Court and Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority for a $231 million industrial revenue bond, along with a $600,000 sales tax incentive through the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act. Construction began in October 2023 and was completed in December of last year. The project has a virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) with Toyota Motor North America for 100 MW of the generation from the site. Shell Energy North America has a VPPA for the other 11 MW. Respect for the planet is one of our companys core values," said Willie Overmann, carbon neutrality business manager for Toyota Motor North America. We demonstrate this value by striving to go beyond carbon neutrality with our products, services, and operations and find new ways to make a positive impact on our planet and society. This virtual power purchase agreement with Savion embodies the transparent, science-based approach we take when addressing one of the most complex challenges of our time. Savion, which develops utility-scale solar and energy storage projects in the U.S., has a portfolio of more than 43 GW of generation capacity. The company worked with Kentucky-based Edelen Renewables during the development phase of the MCSP. The project received a certificate of construction from the Kentucky State Siting Board in November 2021. Darrell Proctor is a senior editor for POWER.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna asked community members to be patient with local officials, as residents eagerly await permission to return to their homes in Southern California, where tens of thousands of acres have been decimated by wildfires in the past week.

At a press conference on Monday, Luna said officials are still searching for remains, which he said is a grim task that takes time.

We are still, for the Altadena area, we are in the third day of grid searching, Luna said. It is a very grim task, and we, unfortunately, every day were doing this, were running across the remains of individual community members.

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That is not easy work. Very sad to report. And I believe that work is not only going to continue, but I believe well continue to find remains. So please be patient with us, he added.

Luna said staff has been attending community meetings throughout the county and, he added, We are hearing our community loud and clear, and we want to get you in there as soon as possible.

People are saying, I just want to go look at my house, and I want to see whats left. We know that, but we have people literally looking for the remains of your neighbors, Luna said. Please be patient with us.

There is a lot of hazards in the area, still, he continued. The area has not been rendered safe. Please be patient with us. And then we have the potential of crime scenes, and I have, Im not saying thats what it is. Im just saying we have to think ahead because we cant go back from that. So please be patient with us.

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Luna said more than 92,000 people remain under evacuation orders and 89,000 people remain under evacuation warnings. He said these numbers are lower than they were in recent days.

The death toll from the wildfires rose to 24 this weekend, the coroners office said Sunday night.

As of Monday afternoon, the Palisades Fire was 14 percent contained, the Eaton Fire was 33 percent contained, and the Hurst Fire was 95 percent contained. Together, nearly 40,000 acres have been burned, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection incident report.

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AMHERST, Va. (WFXR)  When things dont add up, you dig a little deeper, Amherst County Sheriff Jimmy Ayers said at a Monday press conference.

Deputies made a second arrest in the murder case of Elsie Wiggington, a mother and nurse who went missing in 2023. In August 2024, her husband Frederick Wiggington was arrested for allegedly killing her and hiding her body. Sunday, his ex-wife Patricia Wiggington was also charged with Obstruction of Justice and Accessory after the fact.

Sheriff Ayers declined to delve into the details of what role Patricia Wiggington is suspected to have played in the case, but he did confirm she was living in the Pendleton Drive house where Elsie and Frederick lived when the Amherst nurses body was eventually found there last summer.

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We had a strong suspicion anyway, it just took a while to get there, he said.

Ex-wife of murder suspect charged with Accessory in Elsie Wiggington case

Elsies sister Victoria Seal attended Monday afternoons press conference.

It was a good feeling, she said. We knew it was coming. We had to trust the process but its rewarding knowing justice is going to be served.

Seal reiterated the familys long-time stance that the former Sheriff did not take the case seriously enough.

It took us a year to get the ball moving so were very thankful that the new administration, the Ayers administration, took it serious, she told reporters.

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Im not going to elaborate or say anything about previous administration, what they did or didnt do, but as soon as it came to our attention, we aggressively have been on this case, said Ayers when asked about alleged delays in the case when Elsie was first reported missing. Ayers took office a few months after her disappearance.

The case is not closed and anyone with further information is asked to reach out to the Amherst County Sheriffs Office.

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LYON COUNTY (KSNT)  Law enforcement in Lyon County are looking for permanent homes for four dogs found on the Kansas Turnpike.

Lyon County Dispatch received a call just after 1 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 13 that four dogs were found at a service center on the Kansas Turnpike. Two dogs were left in a cage by the dumpsters and two of the dogs were running loose, according to a social media post from the Lyon County Sheriffs Office.

Photo courtesy: Lyon County Sheriffs Office Photo courtesy: Lyon County Sheriffs Office Photo courtesy: Lyon County Sheriffs Office

Topekans can soon ice skate in at Stormont Vail Events Center

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Lyon County Animal Control Officer Felipe Perez told 27 News he picked up the dogs and was surprised by the discovery.

Ive been doing this a while, but it still makes me sad that people are doing this stuff, especially in this weather, Perez said.

A person from out of state tried to take the dogs to an animal shelter, but there was no room, according to the social media post.

Weve had several phone calls today since weve put this post on Facebook and it just kind of shows how great our community is that everyone wants to jump in and help us and have animals that need help, Detention Captain Zach Shafer said.

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Right now, the four dogs are being cared for by jail staff, and exercising with the emotional support dog, justice. Perez said people interested in fostering or adopting the dogs can call the Lyon County Sheriffs Office.

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.

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A sugar cane field is at the site of the proposed Greenfield Holdings grain terminal project near the Wallace community in St. John the Baptist Parish. The company walked away from its plans for a $400 million facility, citing excessive delays in obtaining permits and opponents who want preserve a burial ground for the enslaved on the site. (Greg LaRose/Louisiana Illuminator)

The Port of South Louisiana and St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff Mike Tregre are facing a lawsuit that alleges they illegally forgave millions of dollars in taxes owed for a now-defunct grain terminal project.

The Descendants Project, an advocacy organization for the progeny of Black slaves in the River Parishes, filed the suit Monday in the 40th Judicial District Court in Edgard claiming the port and the sheriff violated a section of the Louisiana Constitution that prohibits the state or any political subdivisions from loaning or donating anything of value to any person, association or corporation.

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In this case, one of the things of value was a $4 million payment in lieu of property taxes (PILOT) that Greenfield LLC, a company that planned to build a $400 million industrial grain terminal in St. John Parish, was supposed to pay to Tregres office through a complex tax agreement. However, the sheriff failed to collect the PILOT fee and eventually forgave the debt, the lawsuit claims.

An attorney for the sheriffs office did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday.

In April 2022, Greenfield struck an agreement with the port and Tregre offering to transfer ownership of a tract of land to the port and provide the sheriff an initial $4 million PILOT for the first year and then $2 million per year beginning in 2025. Additionally, the port was supposed to collect a $300,000 administrative fee from Greenfield and allow the company to lease the land. At the end of the lease, the port would then give the land back to Greenfield in exchange for $1.

This would have allowed Greenfield to avoid paying property taxes on the 248-acre site of the massive grain terminal near the small majority-Black community of Wallace, Louisiana.

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The Descendants Projects lawsuit claims Greenfield would have avoided roughly $200 million in taxes over the length of its lease. The company eventually abandoned the project without paying the fees, and the sheriff and the port eventually forgave the payments, according to the lawsuit.

Here, the monies owed by Greenfield to the Port and the Sheriff, and by extension the ad valorem tax recipients, are things of value, the lawsuit alleges. By forgiving or deferring payment of those monies without requiring anything in exchange, the Port and Sheriff are donating things of value to Greenfield.

The Port of South Louisiana denied the allegations in a brief statement Monday afternoon.

Our team is reviewing the lawsuit and we are confident that Port of South Louisiana did no wrong, and the court will rule in [the ports] favor, port executive Micah Cormier said in an email.

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The Descendants Project has been involved in litigation over different aspects of the formerly proposed grain terminal for the last two years. When news of the PILOT agreement first broke back in 2022, the Descendants Project challenged the companys building permits at the local and federal levels.

The group, cofounded by twin sisters Joy and Jo Banner, filed a federal lawsuit against St. John the Baptist Parish in November 2022, challenging a parish zoning ordinance that allowed industry to build on what was once a residential area.

The Banner sisters testified before the United Nations that year about the risk industrial expansion poses to unmarked slave burial sites in their community. Wallace, with a population of 755 and covering an area of just 6.4 square miles, is virtually surrounded by heavy industry. Just across the river is the third largest oil refinery in the nation. More petrochemical plants can be found nearby in Reserve and LaPlace.

Industry reports claimed the St. John grain terminal project would have been the largest of its kind built in the U.S. in four decades.

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Greenfield announced in August 2024 that it was abandoning the project. The company blamed local opposition and federal permitting delays for its demise.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers extended its permit approval deadline for the grain terminal project five times since the companys initial application in 2021, including the most recent delay that added another six months to the process. The Corps concerns included the proposed facilitys potential harm to historic sites along the Mississippi River.

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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  A Tampa security guard recalled the moment he was shot on the job on New Years Eve.

Very loud and very forceful, he said. It felt like getting hit by a cannonball.

Family facing their worst nightmare after 8-year-old Florida boy killed by dogs: sheriff

Porto-Carrero took to Instagram in a hospital gown to recount the moment he was shot near Curtis Hixon Park and send a message to the shooter.

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Swarms and swarms of unaccompanied minors were flying around on dirt bikes and electric scooters and things like that, he recalled.

Porto-Carrero said he was worried they were causing property damage, so he went over to investigate.

Moments later, he heard what he thought was a firework and suddenly felt a lot of pain.

Turns out it was a 9mm hollow tip that went in through my arm and lodged through my chest, he explained.

Tampa police released surveillance footage from right before the shooting.

Suspects flee Lakeland police by jumping fence, running through backyard while children play

Detectives believe there may be a connection between the suspect and members of the group seen in the video.

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We actually are working diligently on leads, Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw said. If anybody saw anything that day, which is something we put out recently, to share it with us, if theres video out there of anybody that might be involved, please share it with us.

Porto-Carrero said he never felt any anger toward the person who shot him, but he does have a message for the shooter.

Live by the gun, die by the gun bud, he said. Im not mad at you.

Life is precious, he continued. You shouldnt go around acting like that.

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The widow of a Minnesota man who died testing a stunt cart before a parade in August has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Masonic society Shriners International.

Ryan Colligan, 45, of Stewartsville, died on Aug. 10, 2024, after he crashed a new stunt cart that was to be used for the 190th Shriners fundraising parade in La Crescent, Minnesota, on behalf of Shriners Hospitals for Children.

The lawsuit alleges the nonprofit failed to provide proper safety precautions, stating Colligan "was not given the option of wearing a helmet" before he drove a motorized cart he'd never operated before.

Ryan Colligan.Hennepin County District Court filing.

Colligan was heavily involved with the organization, according to a filing submitted by his wife, Audrey, having been elected by his fellow members of the Osman Shrine as the Potentate of the Osman Shriners for 2025. A Potentate serves as an elected leader, similar to a president or CEO.

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"The Shrine family quickly found out that Ryan had a big heart and could never say no and would help whenever or wherever needed," Colligan's obituary reads.

Shortly before the parade was set to begin, Colligan was asked by representatives of Shriners to "ride a stunt cart along the parade route," which he agreed to do, the lawsuit recounts.

The cart was owned by the nonprofit and was built by a member. According to the filing, it was a new addition to the parade's vehicles, and had only been used once before at a Fourth of July parade a month earlier.

This cart caused a serious head injury to Ryan Colligan, who crashed it before a parade in August 2024. Colligan died a few hours later at a hospital.Hennepin County District Court.

After starting to venture down the parade route along North Third Street near the intersection of North Elm Street, Colligan attempted to use the brakes while going about 15 miles per hour, which "caused the cart to skid and flip," the lawsuit reads.

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Colligan hit his head on the curb and lost consciousness.

Bystanders and EMS personnel immediately provided CPR to Colligan as blood began to pool under his head, according to the lawsuit. He was taken to Gundersen Hospital in La Crosse, Wisconsin, where he was pronounced dead a few hours later.

After the incident, the Shriners banned the cart in question and implemented the use of helmets going forward for any member that used the carts.

Audrey Colligan, in the lawsuit, points out that her husband a bigger man at 6'3" and 260 pounds, throwing off the center of gravity while riding a smaller cart.

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"Defendant Shriners knew or should have known about the unreasonably dangerous conditions created by requiring large men, such as [Colligan], to ride a dangerously top-heavy stunt cart for the first time without a helmet," the lawsuit alleges.

The filing claims the Shriners are responsible for Colligan's death and are suing for $50,000 or greater in damages. Bring Me The News has reached out to Osman Shriners but haven't heard back.
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  Plans for a one-year moratorium on Sioux City car dealerships (new or used) remain up for debate.

Following a first reading approval by the council last week, the citys Planning and Zoning Commission denied the citys request for change. A second reading of the ordinance came before council members on Monday, but this time, failed to get approval on a vote of 3-2.

Sioux City council advances 2 affordable housing projects

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Council member Dan Moore cast one of the three no votes. KCAU 9 asked what had changed since last weeks unanimous support.

I just thought a moratoriums not the work, plus I read very clearly that the Planning and Zoning staff could handle both, Moore said. And the Planning and Zoning Commission also recommended denial of that moratorium.

However, after further discussion and a request for reconsideration by Mayor Bob Scott, the second reading ultimately passed 3-2. The matter is scheduled for a third and final reading on Jan. 27, nut could get delayed even further.

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SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  Sioux Citys City Manager Robert Padmore has announced that he is retiring.

Padmore made the announcement on Tuesday during a press conference at City Hall.

On behalf of the City Council and the entire community, I want to thank Bob for his more than two decades of service to our city, Mayor Bob Scott said. Bob has made a lasting positive impact on our community, and we are grateful for his dedication and leadership.

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Padmore had led the citys administrative service and fiance departments and also served as the assistant city manager before becoming the city manager in 2014.

Family hopes for closure over 41 years after Terri McCauleys death

During his time as city manager, he helped get projects such as the Seaboard Triumph Foods Expo Center, Cone Park, and the trail system expansion implemented.

I have truly enjoyed my time serving the City of Sioux City over the last 25 years, with 11 as City Manager. It has been a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated team serving our community every day, and I will continue to support the City during this transition.

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Padmores retirement will be effective starting on April 4.

A national search to find a permanent replacement will begin in the coming months. The city is currently working on finding an interim until the position can be permanently filled.

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SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  This Black History Month, the Sioux City Public Museum is holding a discussion and educational program on the impact that Black women have had in the community.

According to a release, an event called Mentors, Mothers and Movers: The Legacy of Black Women in Sioux City will be held at the museum on Saturday, Feb. 1. It is set to run from 10:30 a.m. to noon, and admission is free.

SafePlace hosts 2nd Annual Cornhole Winter Classic in Sergeant Bluff

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The event will include a film by local historian Jim Tillman followed by a panel discussion. Members of the audience will be invited to contribute to a talk on those who have made impactful strides as trailblazers, mentors, and leaders in founding and growing local organizations, the release says.

Margarite Hardnett Reinert of Briar Cliff University will serve as moderator, with Sioux Citians such as Linnea Fletcher and Treyla Lee serving on the panel.

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SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  The Sioux City Public Museum will be ringing in the Lunar New Year with a celebration.

According to a release from the museum, the event will celebrate culture, tradition, and community. The event will feature things such as a traditional lion dance performed by the Pho Mon Lion Dance youth group form the Pho Mon Temple of Sioux City, as well as stories and crafts.

Submarine USS IOWA to be commissioned in April

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The Chinese zodiac places 2025 as the year of the snake, symbolizing wisdom and adaptability. The Lunar New Year is celebrated across many countries in eastern Asia such as China, South Korea, and Vietnam.

The Lunar New Year is traditionally a 15-day festival known as the Spring Festival and marks the New Year.

The museums Lunar New Year celebration will take place on Jan. 18 beginning at 1 p.m.

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The future of Sizewell C has been thrown into doubt after EDF, the company behind the project, was told to prioritise supporting nuclear power in France.

In a rare intervention, the French state auditor warned the state-owned energy giant against backing risky new projects abroad, which include plans to build a new nuclear power station in Suffolk.

Instead, the Cour de Comptes said EDF should focus on making a success of multibillion-euro projects at home, ensuring they were profitable and built on time.

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It comes as EDF prepares to make a final investment decision on Sizewell C, which will increase its exposure in the UK given it is already building Hinkley Point C in Somerset.

However, that project has been hit by surging costs and delays, with the most recent forecasts saying it will open after 2030 and cost around 45bn.

Industry sources are also predicting Sizewell C will cost 40bn to build, double EDFs initial estimates in 2020. EDF is working alongside the Government on Sizewell C, with 4bn of taxpayer cash already spent on the project.

However, the French auditor has released a report saying EDF should not make a final investment decision on the Sizewell project before cutting its financial exposure to Hinkley.

EDF is building Hinkley Point C in Somerset, a much-delayed project with an expected 45bn cost - EDF

It highlighted that EDFs 2023 accounts revealed a 11.5bn (9.7bn) depreciation in the asset value of Hinkley, which has hindered the companys ability to start new projects in France.

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EDF is overseeing a similar nuclear project at Flamanville in France. This was originally meant to cost 3.3bn and start operating in 2012, although the price tag eventually rose to 24bn and the plant has only just started generating.

President Emmanuel Macron wants EDF to build at least six new reactors in France, although the French auditor warned that the company and its suppliers are far from ready to do so.

In response to the report, EDF said that any new projects at home or abroad would benefit from economies of scale in construction, a vast supply chain and lessons learnt from ventures in France, the UK, Finland and China.

Luc Remont, the EDF chief executive, said the Sizewell C project would generate billions of pounds for both EDF and the French nuclear supply chain.

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He said: The methods and principles developed will serve the French programme and export projects. This project will also induce significant activity for the French supply chain.

Alison Downes, of the Stop Sizewell C campaign, said: Evidence is mounting that Sizewell C will be unaffordable and late, so why does the Government continue to bankroll it when the economy is under so much pressure?

The novel financing for Sizewell means that UK households will be expected to pay in advance towards its lengthy construction, Ministers must come clean about its true cost. The continued secrecy around Sizewell C is inexcusable.

It comes as ministers seek to get more investors on board with Sizewell C, with a capital raise process currently dragging on longer than originally anticipated.

The Government owns more than 80pc of Sizewell, with the French state nuclear giant EDF owning the rest.

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Ministers had previously hoped to take a final investment decision on Sizewell C by the end of this year but it was confirmed in the Budget that it would not happen until the spring.

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero was contacted for comment.

A key issue that ministers are grappling with is the need to put the full cost of the Sizewell project on the public balance sheet, despite the Governments intention to sell a significant portion of shares in the project to outside investors.

Potential backers have included British Gas owner, Centrica, the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation, Schroders Greencoat and Amber Infrastructure Group.

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Separate plans to build a large nuclear power station in Wales, confirmed in May by the previous Conservative government, are also at risk after Ed Miliband, the Energy Secretary, told officials to review the proposed plant at Wylfa, Anglesey.

The review will reconsider the Governments target to deploy at least 24 gigawatts of nuclear capacity by 2050.

An energy department spokesperson said Sizewell C would reduce the cost of the electricity system, boost our supply of secure home-grown power and generate major investment nationwide.

They added: The project is making good progress and a final investment decision on whether to proceed will be taken in the Spending Review.

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TEXARKANA, Ark. (KTAL/KMSS)  Texarkana Colleges Aviation Technology Program lifts off, promising sky-high potential for the students and the local economy.

Local leaders gathered for a ribbon cutting on the first day of the course to tour the classroom and see what a big deal it is for the students and the city.

I think we have very limited opportunities being a smaller town, and I think this gives us the opportunity to grow not only this area, but also the opportunity to grow yourself in whatever area you want to branch out to, said Brian Briggs.

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Become an aircraft maintenance technician at this Texarkana school

He is part of the first batch of students and sees this course as a way to reach new heights.

Im interested in the space programs and things of that nature, but I definitely want to start out in just general aviation, said Briggs, I think this program will be the starting branch of all of it.

They will learn the ins and outs of maintaining planes of all sizes, from the engine to getting planes at the gates ready to take off again.

Phillip Askew is another member of the inaugural class. He has always wanted to be a pilot and sees completing the one-year the course as an obtainable step towards that goal.

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Its almost like I have one foot in the door to getting to where I want to be, Askew said, So Im very grateful for this opportunity to be able to be a part of this aviation mechanics course.

Those who worked to make this vision a reality say that this will also benefit the community as a whole.

A lot of airports seem to be pushing away maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities, and so we felt this was an opportunity for us to bring them here and then be able to create jobs and keep people in our community instead of sending them to cities like Dallas or Little Rock, said Texarkana Regional Airport Director, Paul Mehrlich.

They say the course will not only keep jobs local but also attract new jobs to the area, because there is always one thing that companies looking to come to Texarkana want to know more than anything else.

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We can say like, we got some cheap dirt. You can come, you know, live here. Texarkanas great, right? Thats fascinating, tell me about your people. And so now we can actually answer that in the affirmative that like look we have well trained, highly qualified people ready to go work for your company, said Texarkana Colleges Director of Aviation, Brandon Sanders.

The Texarkana Regional Airport and Texarkana College say they are already looking at the possibility of bringing a flight school back to the area as well.

In the meantime there is a wait list to register for the Aviation Mechanics Technology but new courses start every semester.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
Taking part in her first Senate confirmation hearing on Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., peppered former Fox News commentator and former Army National Guard officer Pete Hegseth as to whether he would reject any order given to him in violation of the law or the U.S. Constitution if he becomes secretary of the Defense Department.

"As secretary of Defense, you will be the one man standing in the breach should President (Donald) Trump give an illegal order," Slotkin, a former assistant Defense Department secretary and CIA officer, said near the end of a 4-hour-long Armed Service Committee hearing on Hegseth's nomination. "Im not saying he will. But if he does, you are going to be the guy who he calls to implement this order. Do you agree that there are some orders that can be given by the commander-in-chief that would violate the U.S. Constitution?"

Hegseth said he rejected the premise that Trump, who won the election last year and will be inaugurated next Monday, would give the military an unlawful order but eventually acknowledged that he would follow the law.

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"Everything we do will be lawful and under the Constitution," he said. But Hegseth  who was repeatedly questioned during the hearing about his qualifications to lead the nation's armed forces as well as whether he supported a role for women in combat  demurred when asked whether he would hesitate to use the U.S. military domestically, including for law enforcement purposes, if ordered by the president.

Slotkin noted that Mark Esper, who was one of the Defense Department secretaries during Trump's first term as president, believed it was a mistake to use military forces against unarmed protesters, and apologized for doing so, including outside the White House in mid-2020 during demonstrations against police violence after the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

Asking Hegseth whether he believed Esper was right to apologize or not, the nominee  who has said he was part of the National Guard deployed in the nation's capital at the time  declined to say.

Trump has discussed using active duty military to secure the U.S. borders and remove immigrants in the country illegally. Asked by Slotkin, a three-term congresswoman who was elected to succeed former U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow in November and is one of three new members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, whether he has discussed plans to use the active military inside the U.S., Hegseth again declined to say, though he argued that help was needed at the border.

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"Everything we do will be lawful and under the Constitution but I recognize that this (President Joe Biden's) administration has abdicated its responsibility. President Trump is going to restore order at the border," he said.

Earlier in the hearing, Democratic U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, Michigan's senior senator who also serves on the committee, joined his colleagues who sharply questioned whether Hegseth  who had tours in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; Iraq and Afghanistan, and who also served as an official with a couple of veterans advocacy groups  had the experience necessary to run a department with some 3 million personnel attached to it worldwide.

More: Slotkin on Trump voters, 'preachiness,' and who she calls when her dogs get out

Hegseth, who earlier in the hearing had called for enacting tougher standards for military personnel on active duty, acknowledged that the largest of those organizations he ran involved just over 100 people, as well as volunteers.

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"You talk about standards," Peters said, adding that he saw the Senate advise and consent role in helping to confirm a Defense Department secretary as akin to a board of directors hiring a chief executive officer to run a huge and complex organization. "I dont think theres a board of directors in America that would hire you as the CEO with the kind of experience you have on your resume."

More: Detroit mayoral candidate Saunteel Jenkins: 'I was on the front lines' of bankruptcy

"You talk about standards, you talk about raising standards for the men and women who serve," Peters continued. "Do you think the way to raise minimum standards of the people who serve us is to lower the standards for the secretary of Defense, that we have someone who has never managed an organization of more than 100 people?  I have real problems with that."

Hegseth noted that the organizations he ran did have success and that Trump had tagged him to be secretary to shake up and improve the Defense Department. Throughout the hearing, he rejected concerns raised by Democrats about reports that he had previously appeared at work events intoxicated, been the target of claims he sexually harassed or abused women and had financially mismanaged organizations, citing signed letters of support on his behalf and claiming the attacks were part of an organized and anonymous "smear campaign."

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Hegseth also downplayed earlier comments made in a book he wrote and elsewhere questioning the role of women in the military, saying as long as they can meet the same physical standards demanded of men, they should be allowed to serve in the same roles.

The Armed Services Committee is expected to vote on Hegseth's nomination as early as next Monday and with Republicans in the majority in the committee and the Senate as a whole, there is a strong chance he could be confirmed, though there are still questions about the final vote.

Contact Todd Spangler: tspangler@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter@tsspangler

This story was updated to change a video.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan senators hit Trump's defense nominee with questions
Andrej Danko, Deputy Speaker of Slovakia's Parliament, who led a delegation to Moscow, met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Tuesday, 14 January.

Source: Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Danko and Lavrov addressed "prospects for bilateral cooperation" and had a "engaging exchange of views on current issues on the international agenda" during their meeting.

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The Russian Foreign Ministry reported that Lavrov "explained" the causes for the "conflict" in Ukraine and, as usual, blamed the West for "arming the Kyiv regime".

Background:

On 12 January, a group of far-right Slovak MPs, led by Andrej Danko, Deputy Speaker and leader of the nationalist Slovak National Party, departed for Russia on a visit set to last several days. They intended to discuss the continuation of Russian gas deliveries after transit through Ukraine became impossible.

Announcing the trip to Russia, Danko said he would "consider it an honour" to be able to speak at the State Duma of the Russian Federation.

The Slovak MPs' trip follows a controversial visit to Moscow by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who met with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

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Slovakia's pro-Western opposition parties announced plans to initiate a vote of no confidence in Prime Minister Robert Fico's government, citing concerns over his governance and foreign policy direction, TASR news agency reported on Jan. 14.

The opposition  Progressive Slovakia, Freedom and Solidarity, the Christian Democrats, and others  criticized Fico for undermining Slovakia's pro-European stance and failing to address domestic issues such as healthcare, rising prices, and administrative inefficiencies.

Opposition leader Michal Simecka of Progressive Slovakia accused Fico of steering Slovakia toward pro-Russian policies. "Fico has left Slovakia," Simecka said, referencing the prime minister's recent travels, including a controversial visit to Moscow to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin.

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Fico's Kremlin-friendly stance has drawn widespread criticism, with accusations that he prioritizes ties with autocratic regimes over Slovakia's Western alliances.

Protests erupted in Slovakia's capital on Jan. 3, with thousands chanting pro-EU slogans and condemning Fico's policies.

The opposition has criticized Fico's domestic governance, accusing him of neglecting pressing national issues while alienating Slovakia from its Western allies. "We will not allow Fico to turn Slovakia eastward," Simecka said, as reported by Aktuality.

Efforts to convene an extraordinary parliamentary session to reaffirm Slovakia's foreign policy orientation failed due to a lack of coalition support. The opposition now plans to use the no-confidence vote as a platform to challenge Fico's policies and leadership.

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Relations between Slovakia and Ukraine have deteriorated after Kyiv allowed a pre-war Russian gas transit deal to expire on Dec. 31, 2024. In retaliation, Fico threatened to reduce aid to Ukrainian refugees and cut electricity exports to Ukraine.

Before Fico's government took power, Slovakia had been a leading supporter of Ukraine, delivering military aid and fighter jets.

Fico's administration reversed this policy, halting arms shipments and adopting rhetoric critical of the West's role in Russia's war against Ukraine.

Public dissatisfaction with Fico's policies has been growing, as demonstrated by the Bratislava protests. Demonstrators carried Slovak and EU flags, played the EU anthem, and displayed banners like "We are Europe" and "Fico, go to Moscow, leave Slovakia in peace."

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Read also: Ukraine targets Russias industrial plants, ammunition depots in massive strike overnight

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Slovak pro-Western opposition parties will soon initiate a vote of no confidence in the government of Robert Fico.

Source: European Pravda with reference to TASR

Details: Opposition MPs from the Progressive Slovakia, Freedom and Solidarity, Christian Democrats, Slovakia, For the People and Christian Union parties will initiate a vote of no confidence in Fico's government in the next few days. They announced this at a press conference on 14 January.

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The opposition said that Prime Minister Fico was failing to meet the challenges facing the government and that he was trying to call into question the country's political course.

Quote: "Robert Fico has left Slovakia. Instead of staying at home and solving the problems that concern people, he is travelling the world, bowing to dictators, enjoying luxury somewhere in Vietnam. He insults our neighbours and partners... We will not allow Fico to turn Slovakia eastwards," said Michal Simecka, leader of the Progressive Slovakia party, as quoted by Aktuality.

He added that the reason for their initiative is not only Fico's scandalous trip to Moscow and meeting with Putin.

"There are many reasons. During the 14 years that Robert Fico was in charge of the country, he caused so much damage that it would not be possible to describe it in ten hours," Simecka said.

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The opposition also criticised the coalition parties for not attending the extraordinary parliamentary session to reaffirm Slovakia's foreign policy orientation. Without them, the opposition did not have enough votes to open the meeting.

Background: Last Friday, protests against the pro-Russian policies of Prime Minister Robert Fico were held in a number of Slovak cities.

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The Providence Public School Department's facade on Westminster Street. (Alexander Castro/Rhode Island Current)

PROVIDENCE  Three of the applicants for five appointed seats on the Providence School Board recommended by Mayor Brett P. Smiley are already sitting board members.

Smiley announced his recommendations for half of the 10-member board on Tuesday afternoon. Voters in November elected the boards other five members. A total of 25 applicants sought appointments to the board.

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Smileys picks are subject to approval by the City Council.

The board formerly had nine members, all mayor-appointed until a charter change approved by city voters in 2022 restructured the composition and made half the seats elected starting with the November 2024 election. The elected and appointed seats are split up by five regions.

The three sitting members picked by Smiley are:

Melissa Hughes (Region 1), a parent of two Providence public school students, who is the school boards secretary and also chair of its Policy Committee. Her experience includes the Providence School Building Committee, the Providence Schools Parent Advisory Council and parent-teacher organizations at her childrens schools.

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Ashley (Anjel) Newmann (Region 2), a co-executive and youth program director at AS220 who teaches art, design and social justice classes in local institutions of higher ed.

Night Jean Muhingabo (Region 4), a direct care provider for seniors with disabilities at Perspectives Corporation Country, who was appointed to the Providence School Board in 2021. He has focused on health and wellness in his tenure on school board committees. Muhingabo placed third in the region 4 race in November, behind Mireya Mendoza, who won 37% of the vote, and David Talan, who scored 28% of the vote. Muhingabo won 22% of the regions voters, a little under 1,700 people in all.

Also recommended by Smiley are:

Jenny Mercado (Region 3), a certified nursing assistant at Hasbro Childrens Hospital and a Mount Pleasant High School graduate. A mother to two Providence school students, Mercado is an advocate for bilingual and newly arrived parents, helping them navigate the Providence public school system. Mercado ran for one of the elected seats in November, but was runner up to the victorious Heidi Silverio, who amassed 45% of the electorate with 2,999 votes. Mercado drew 34% of the vote in the three-candidate race.

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Steven Williamson (Region 5), a planning and programming specialist at the Rhode Island Department of Health, who has been actively involved in local nonprofits and community work.

The City Council is scheduled to receive the appointments at its Thursday meeting, but the appointments are off-docket, said council spokesperson Roxie Richner in a text message Tuesday. That means the appointments do not appear on the agenda for Thursdays meeting but will be received by the council.

Smileys picks will then be forwarded to the councils finance committee for preliminary approval. Once approved by the full council, the candidates will be sworn in by Mayor Smiley in February.

The first five appointees are going to serve staggered terms: Hughes would serve a one-year term, ending in 2026; Mercado and Muhingabo would serve two-year terms, ending in 2027; and Newmann and Williamson would serve three-year terms, ending in 2028, said Anthony Vega, the mayors press secretary.

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After these initial appointments, all future terms will be three years.

City Councilor John Goncalves took to X Tuesday to confirm his support for the appointees: Extremely excited about this incredible slate of school board members! he wrote.

The mayor previously said that the school board will elect its own president. TyRelle Stephens, an incumbent who won his regions elected seat in November with a staggering 73% of the vote, announced his candidacy Tuesday evening on X.

These recommendations are an important step in strengthening our education system and ensuring the success of every student in Providence, Smiley said in a statement. Each candidate brings valuable expertise and a strong commitment to our community. As we work toward successfully returning to local control, these leaders will be essential in advancing our educational priorities and ensuring that all students, teachers and families receive the support they need to thrive.

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Even with its new structure, the school board continues to lack powers typical of such public bodies, thanks to state control of the district by the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE). Decisions like how Providence schools budget money or hire teachers have largely been the wheelhouse of RIDE Commissioner Angelica Infante-Green since the state agency took over the struggling district in 2019.

The takeover was set to expire last year, but the Rhode Island Council on Elementary and Secondary Education in August instead refreshed state control through 2027. Infante-Green has expressed that the takeover could end sooner, if academic metrics like grades, graduation rates and standardized test scores improve  a possibility hoped for by Providence students who would like to see an end to state control.

Smiley has said the city is ready to take back control of the Providence Public School Department on July 1, the start of fiscal year 2026, and that the city may ask the General Assembly for help.

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(WKBN)  SNAP beneficiaries across the Valley are reeling as they scramble to make ends meet after faceless and nameless criminals drained their EBT accounts.

Read next: Local company named Most Loved Workplace with Most Loved CEO

The Ohio Department of Job & Family Services issued a warning in early 2024, encouraging SNAP benefit recipients to be extra cautious as more criminals target EBT cards. However, come December, Mahoning County JFS said the number of claims had more than doubled.

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JFS said the spike in thefts can be attributed in part to card skimmers, which have been found in businesses across the Valley and beyond.

Those who reported the thefts to police said their benefits have been used across the nation, including Chicago, Boston, New York and more. Last week, a New York man and his company were indicted for allegedly taking over $125,000 from Ohioans receiving SNAP benefits.

What is being done to combat EBT fraud?

State Rep. Lauren McNally (D-Youngstown) is working with foodbank leaders across the state to help find some relief. She said the holdup for refunds is due to state and federal governments disagreeing over who should foot the replacement bill over stolen benefits.

McNally said a way to help prevent these thefts is by switching to chip cards, citing a successful system in California. Out of the approximately 700,000 SNAP recipients in Ohio, McNally said at the cost of about $13 per card, it would be around $9 million for the approximately 700,000 SNAP recipients in Ohio  a cost she says the federal government would automatically refund 50% of and is well within Ohios state budget.

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Its not a big stretch to swap [the benefit cards] out and protect these people so they dont have to go for a month worrying about feeding themselves and their families, McNally said.

McNally said she will work to draft legislation that will offer a solution.

It is definitely in an affordable range for the state of Ohio, and I dont think we should be playing a game of chicken with the federal government on who should pay, McNally said. We shouldnt be toying with people. It shouldnt be a battle when people are literally starving.

How to get food if your SNAP benefits are stolen

The USDA Food and Nutrition Service announced late last month that the federal program that funded the replacement of stolen benefits has ended, but states may still be able to help. But where does that leave those without enough money to buy food or other basic necessities?

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Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley provides food for residents in Columbiana, Trumbull and Mahoning counties by working with 160 local agencies and mobile pantries  all ready to help those in need.

Michael Iberis, executive director of Second Harvest, said most of the local groups approached Second Harvest with a desire to help.

They come to us and they say, Look, we want to feed the people in our area. We want to feed the people in our community,' Iberis said. Its kind of up to them to decide what they want to do. And then we go through the requirements based on USDA requirements.

He said the pantries typically operate once or twice a month and some feeding sites operate five days a week.

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The first step for those in need is to dial 211. This organization can connect theft victims to their closest food banks while also identifying other helpful local programs.

They have the information on all of our pantries, and the addresses of our pantries, so someone calling 211 may need some assistance maybe with rent, maybe with utilities, maybe with food  Its pretty simple, Iberis said.

211 will ask the caller for their zip code and provide them with a list of nearby pantries and their hours of operation.

When someone comes to one of the food banks pantries, all they need to do is fill out a self-declaration sheet  which is required by the federal government to provide statistics to the USDA. The declaration requires basic information like a persons address and the number of people living in their home.

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Second Harvest supplies both shelf-stable and perishable items to their partnering pantries. This can include things like canned goods, frozen dinners, meat, boxes of pancake mix, bottled drinks, seasonal fruits, dairy products, and even pet food.

Theres produce: theres fruits, theres vegetables. There can be meats, there can be frozen entrees that we collect from the donors in the area, and then were able to provide those, Iberis said. Were not a grocery store, so we dont have the same products all the time.

Iberis said the food bank handles over 50,000 pounds of food per day  a feat credited largely to a team of hardworking warehouse volunteers. The volunteers spend hours each day sorting through donated products, inspecting expiration dates and containers to ensure no products are past their prime or already opened. Then they box up the necessities and help get them where they need to go.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Snap CEO Evan Spiegel penned a heartfelt note to his hometown of Los Angeles and employees following the Palisades Fire, which he revealed destroyed his fathers home  the original headquarters for Snapchat (see photo above). The social media app co-founder also pledged $5 million and counting toward wildfire relief efforts.

Dear Los Angeles, I love you, the statement began, in part a love letter to the affluent oceanside neighborhood in which he was raised. I grew up in Pacific Palisades. I covered street after street on my Razor scooter. I knew the tall, old trees by heart and had my favorites. My Mom lived on Alma Real, my Dad on Toyopa. Moms house is miraculously still there, covered in ash. Dads is gone, burned to the ground on live TV. And we were the lucky ones. Everyone is safe.

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Spiegel went on to describe the impact on his approximately 2,000-person team based in Santa Monica, saying that 150 members have been displaced (not counting their loved ones), which includes those forced out due to home loss, evacuation orders or warnings. The company is offering support, including with accommodations and travel, and has opened up its office in Santa Monica to those who need it.

Los Angeles, my heart breaks for you, and yet I love you even more, Spiegel wrote. This melting pot of creativity, innovation, and storytelling. This city of angels, who, covered in soot, are already beginning again. For each looter, thousands upon thousands are giving their time, their treasure and their prayers. For every coward, there is courage overflowing. For each finger pointed in blame, thousands of hands are hard at work to heal and bring hope.

Along with co-founder Bobby Murphy, Spiegel said the donation has been divvied up among the following organizations: After the Fire USA, American Red Cross, California Fire Foundation, CCF Wildlife Recovery Fund, Direct Relief, Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, Team Rubicon, United Way Wildlife Response Fund, Watch Duty and World Central Kitchen.

Los Angeles, we are here for the long haul, he said. For the rebuild and whatever comes after. And we are here to help. Snap, Bobby, and I have already disbursed $5 million in immediate aid and we will do more. We are feeding evacuees and first responders and offering free space. Were listening to experts on megafire recovery and learning every day what more we can do and how we can rise to the challenge. We want to collaborate and build together with you.

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As the devastating effects of the Los Angeles wildfires continue to be felt, various public figures are stepping up to help their community in its time of need. Snoop Dogg recently detailed all the ways he will and already has been contributing in the effort to get LA residents back on their feet.

The Doggfather stopped by Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Monday (January 13) and discussed the ongoing tragedy with the late-night host. The way that California is coming together and the way that the world is helping us, thats the important thing, he began after confirming he and his family are doing well. People arent looking at differences. Theyre just looking at trying to make a difference.

He then made sure to acknowledge the firefighters and first responders who are working tirelessly around the clock to contain the fires. They dont never get no credit, and they always show up and they do whats best, Snoop added. And when the job is over with, its like theyre forgotten about. But we need to give them a lot of praise right now. I give them a lot.

The Drop It Like Its Hot rapper revealed he has been working with people to help out residents who were affected by the fires. I got a lot of people thats out there on the ground thats making things happen. Im pushing buttons, making things happen, and making sure that the right people are getting the things they need, he said. He and his team are also currently collecting donations at his Inglewood store.

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A lot of time when we put these donations together, certain people dont get it. So we need to make sure that everybody who needs this gets this. So what my team does, is we go on the ground and we make sure that we make a direct connection with those people and arent missing anybody.

Additionally, he shared that he is working on financial solutions, as he received a call from a bank that wants to help out and contribute money to people that lost their homes.

It wouldnt be Snoop Dogg without his signature optimism. Earlier this week, he posted a photo of an LA sunset paired with an encouraging message. Its still such a beautiful place, Uncle Snoop wrote. LA will bounce back & be better than before.

Last weeks LA wildfires have officially been determined to be the most destructive in county history. As of Jan. 14, the blazes have have killed at least 24 people, destroyed more than 12,000 structures, and scorched more than 60 square miles, per CBS. Officials said 88,000 people in Los Angeles County were still under evacuation orders as of Tuesday morning, and curfews are in effect for the Palisades and Eaton fire zones from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.

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The weather has been ugly in Ohio during the first two weeks of the new year.

So far, January has seen a major winter storm that brought freezing temperatures and several waves of snow, and left behind up to a foot in places. And more frigid temperatures are in the forecast.

So how has 2025 been so far? Here's what data from the National Weather Service shows.

Snowfall total map from winter storm: How much snow hit Ohio during Winter Storm Blair? See the snowfall total map, 10 snowiest cities

What are the coldest temperatures on record in Cincinnati, Columbus, Akron?

The start to January 2025 hasn't set in records for cold. And the next cold snap in the forecast doesn't appear to be challenging any records, either, according to NWS data.

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Jan. 19, 1994, was a brutally cold winter day in Ohio, and is in the NWS record book as the coldest day ever in Akron (25 below zero) and Columbus (minus 22 degrees).

In Cincinnati, Jan. 19, 1994, is tied for No. 2, at 24 below, along with Jan. 17, 1977. The Queen City's coldest day was Jan. 18, 1977, when temperatures reached minus 25 degrees.

Think you're too old to shovel snow? You might be surprised at when you should quit

What's the weather forecast for Akron, Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio?

According to AccuWeather, snow is in the forecast on Tuesday in Cincinnati, with little to no accumulation. The high temperature is expected to be 25 degrees, with a low of minus 2. Wednesday's forecast calls for plenty of sun, but still cold. High of 24, low of 9. Thursday's temperature climbs to 33, with some flurries. And Friday looks warmer yet, with a high of 40.

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In Akron, the AccuWeather forecast calls for snow on Tuesday, with little to no accumulation and a high of 19 degrees. Wednesday could bring up to an inch of snow, with a high of 23. Thursday is much the samean inch of snow is possible with a high of 30. Then on Friday, the high temperature climbs to 37 degrees.

The AccuWeather forecast for Columbus calls for snow on Tuesday, with little to no accumulation, and a high of 20 degrees. Tuesday's forecast is "very cold" with clouds and sun, and a high of 22 with a low of 7 degrees. The temperature then climbs into the 30s, with 31 degrees forecast on Thursday and 39 degrees on Friday.

When do schools cancel for cold? 'Learning is done best in the classrooms.' So why do districts close for the cold?

National Weather Service data shows coldest starts to January, how 2025 compares

According to National Weather Service data through the first nine days of January, Cincinnati is having its 33rd coldest start to the year on record, with an average temperature of 24.4 degrees. Kristen Cassady, meteorologist with the NWS Wilmington office, said in an email that during that period, the Queen City had five consecutive days where the temperature didn't break 27 degrees. That is tied for the 40th-longest such streak on record (going back to 1872) and is the longest streak since 2018.

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Elsewhere in Ohio, Columbus is having its 36th coldest start to January, and Akron is having its 27th.

The coldest starts to January (through the first nine days) were in 1968 in Cincinnati (13.7 degrees average temp), 1884 in Columbus (10.3 degrees) and 2018 in Akron (12.4 degrees).

Tired of sledding? 5 things to do around Ohio to get out of the snow and warm you up

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: How cold Ohio January ranks in NWS record books
Fresh tracks in the snow was the key to helping put a wanted Georgia fugitive behind bars.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

On Sunday, at 8 a.m., deputies in Hamilton County, Tenn. received an anonymous tip about fugitive Brandon Frady at a home near the 2600 block of Banks Road.

According to officials, Frady was wanted in Catoosa County, Ga. for aggravated assault, simple battery, criminal trespass and two counts of cruelty to children.

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As deputies checked the home, authorities spotted Frady walking towards East Brainerd Road and Banks Road. When deputies arrived, Frady was gone.

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Deputies began establishing a perimeter and got help from the Collegedale Police Department.

Deputies said they followed fresh tracks left in the snow behind the Quick Mart on Brainerd Road across a creek and up a steep ridge until they spotted Frady hiding in the brush behind a fallen tree.

Frady was arrested and taken to the Hamilton County Jail and Detention Center where he was charged with evading arrest.

He will be extradited to Georgia once the new charge is settled.

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Fox News was mocked on Monday for referring to former-turned-future first lady Melania Trump by the wrong title.

Melania opens up about becoming second lady again, read a chyron that appeared on screen during Trumps interview with Fox & Friends cohost Ainsley Earhardt.

Melania Trump on Fox & Friends about her husband's first term: "I just feel that people didn't accept me maybe, they didn't understand me the way maybe they do now. And I didn't have much support." pic.twitter.com/UvXgGDMZ4a  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) January 13, 2025

But Melania Trump will become the first lady for the second time when her husband, President-elect Donald, returns to the White House next week.

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Usha Vance, the wife of Vice President-elect JD Vance, will become the second lady.

Fox News appeared to have corrected the flub in footage of the interview that it later shared on YouTube.

But the error lived on, on social media.

Fox & Friends this morning described Melania Trump as the "Second Lady" pic.twitter.com/d83y909CLx  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) January 13, 2025

During the interview, Melania Trump talked about differences in opinion with her husband, the return of her Be Best anti-bullying platform and where shell live during the second Trump administration.

Related...
Socialist Queens Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani has raked in a sizable $642,339 in the latest fundraising period, getting checks from 6,502 unique donors, his team announced Tuesday.

Eighty-four percent of the donations, many from first-time donors, came from within New York City, according to the campaign.

His campaign estimated at least $300,000 will be matched by the citys 8:1 public financing program, bringing in an additional $2.4 million.

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This is beyond our highest expectations, Mamdani said. Its not just the raw donations from the breath and diversity of the donors.

Mamdanis campaign, which has used splashy social media posts and affordability initiatives to try to draw in new voters, has been viewed by many as a longshot bid for mayor due to his far-left positioning.

During the final day of the period, which ended last Saturday, the campaign raised $81,000  which Mamdani said showed him the mayoral campaign wont burn out anytime soon.

Working class New Yorkers all across the political spectrum are tired from being fed the same policies and excuses for why their life cant get any better, the Queens lawmaker said, naming a rent freeze, free buses and universal childcare as some of his top issues.

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Mamdani launched his campaign in October and did not transfer money over from his state account. His campaign disclosed the numbers ahead of Wednesdays public fundraising disclosure deadline.

Before this latest round of disclosures, only former City Comptroller Scott Stringers campaign had become eligible for matching funds. Most other mayoral candidates had not yet met the threshold required to become eligible for matching funds this week, while Mayor Adams was denied the funds due to his ongoing federal corruption case.

State Sen. Zellnor Myrie has now raised enough money to unlock over $2.3 million in public matching funds with a total of $647,449 since his campaign launch, and Jim Walden, a lawyer, raised nearly $630,000 for his campaign in the most recent reporting period.
Military personnel who were kicked out of the US army for refusing a Covid vaccine will be reinstated with pay and rank, the man tipped to be the next secretary of defence has said.

Pete Hegseth, 44, said service members forced out over refusing the vaccines can expect an apology under Donald Trumps defence department.

It came as the former Fox News host attempted to convince members of the Senates armed services committee on Tuesday that he should be the next secretary of defence as he faced a grilling over his controversial stance on the military.

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We havent even talked about Covid and the tens of thousands of service members who were kicked out because of an experimental vaccine, Mr Hegseth said.

In President Trumps defence department, they will be apologised to, they will be reinstated with pay and rank.

Pete Hegseth leaves the Senates armed services committee hearing with his wife Jennifer Rauchet - Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters

An author of several books, Mr Hegseth has been forced to defend himself against a long record of his own public comments, including in his most recent book, The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free.

He previously claimed that women should not take up combat roles and that woke generals had left the military dangerously weak by promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.

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When questioned by senators, Mr Hegseth said he supported women joining the military but that he wanted to review military standards to make sure they are not lowered to accommodate them.

He explained the change between his previous comments and his new statements by saying that writing a book is different than being secretary of defence.

An Army veteran who rose to the rank of major and served in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan, Mr Hegseth has also faced claims he is suffering from alcohol addiction.

Mr Hegseth has denied having a drinking problem and said publicly that had vowed not to drink should he be the next secretary of state.

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He said reports about his alleged sexual impropriety, alcohol abuse and mismanagement of non-profits were based on anonymous sources and peddled by media outlets trying to destroy me.

Elsewhere, Mr Hegseth faced allegations that he sexually assaulted a woman he met at a conference in California in 2017. He has denied it. No charges were filed.

He has acknowledged paying a settlement to his accuser, contending he did so to head off a baseless lawsuit.

The matter was fully investigated and I was completely cleared, he said.

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Authorities in Washington State discovered the slain bodies of an elderly couple inside a freezer on New Years Eve, along with the bodies of their son and his girlfriend elsewhere in the home.

William Vosler, 68, and his wife 66-year-old Eileen Vosler, their son Shane Vosler, 33, and his girlfriend Sue Bin Lee, 34, were found dead in a Puyallup, Wa., home on Dec. 31, the Pierce County Sheriff's Department said at the time.

William and Eileen both died from multiple stab wounds; William also suffered blunt force trauma, according to the Pierce County Medical Examiners Office.

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Shane and Lee died from gunshot wounds to the head; Shane died by suicide, and Lees manner of death remains undetermined, per the medical examiner.

FOX 13 Seattle/Youtube William and Eilleen Vosler were killed in their Puyallup home William and Eilleen Vosler were killed in their Puyallup home

The investigation began on the morning on Dec. 31 after family members requested a welfare check because the deceased people had not been heard from for awhile, per the sheriffs office.

Responding officers initially found two bodies and, after executing a search warrant, found two other bodies. Police found two notes on a leaking kitchen freezer that read Time of Death July 24th 5:45 a.m. and Time of death July 24th 3:00 p.m., The News Tribune, The Seattle Times and KOMO News reported, citing the search warrant and police accounts.

The sheriffs department spokesperson, Deputy Carly Cappetto, told The Seattle Times that Shane is the suspect in his parents' killings but it has not been determined whether Lee played a role.

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The son and his girlfriend were living in that home for six months before any of this was discovered, she told the outlet.

In November, Lee reportedly posted online that she was considering suicide with [Shane]," the search warrant said, according to The News Tribune, MyNorthwest and KING 5.

There were three welfare check requests after Lee's online post, but responding officers said they were not legally permitted to enter the home because nothing seemed amiss from the outside, per The News Tribune, KOMO News and FOX 13.

During the Dec. 31 welfare check, two of the couples sons gained entry into the home as a deputy stood by, KING 5 and KOMO News reported, citing unspecified court documents and a search warrant, respectively.

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The investigation revealed that Shane and Lee participated in a collaborated suicide but the woman had been deceased for longer than her boyfriend, Cappetto told The Seattle Times.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

A motive for the killings of the parents has not been determined.

Were going to be closing this case because we dont have anyone to charge, said Cappetto told The Seattle Times. The medical examiners report is a key piece of evidence and matched up to what we were leaning towards.

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If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.

Read the original article on People
Randall "Randy" Miod is one of at least 24 people who died in the ongoing Los Angeles fires that have also left 23 missing

His mother, Carol Smith, tells PEOPLE that her son didn't evacuate because he felt he can contain the fire with his hose

"Everybody in Malibu knew him," she says. "I mean, he's beyond a legend there. He's almost iconic"

Carol Smith remembers the last-ever phone conversation she had with her son, Randall Randy Miod, a 55-year-old Malibu, Calif., resident, on Tuesday, Jan. 7  the day the Pacific Palisades fire broke out.

He would always call me anytime there was a fire coming, Smith, of Banning, tells PEOPLE. He was almost in tears on Tuesday when I talked to him, and he said, Mom, there's another fire in the Palisades. I can see the smoke. I said, Randy, grab your cat and go to a shelter. Don't make me worry. 

She adds, I've worried so much about him because in all the fires that he's been through, he never evacuated any of them. He always stayed. He always felt that he could hose the house down with his hose.

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Miod is one of at least 24 people who died in the ongoing L.A. fires that have also left 23 missing.

Smith adds that later, he called again and left a voicemail, reiterating their last conversation together. The last thing he said to me was, Pray for the Palisades and pray for Malibu, and I love you.  She explains, He called me at home and I wasn't here, and he left a message on my phone, the same thing that we talked about when he called me on my cellphone.. And I have that message, and I will keep it forever.



Related: 12 Survivors Share Harrowing Stories from Inside L.A.'s Historic Inferno: 'This Was Like Armageddon' (Exclusive)

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Smith says authorities found her son, who apparently died the following day, Wednesday, Jan. 8, behind his Malibu home as he was trying to protect it.

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I don't think that he ever really knew what hit him, she says. The detectives said that this kind of a fire, or any kind of a fire, just sucks the wind out of you They did the autopsy, and he had enough lung tissue left to determine that he died from smoke inhalation and thermal heat.

Miod was the only child of Smith and her ex-husband. She remembers her son as an avid surfer and skateboarder in his youth. He used to cut classes in high school to go to the beach, Smith says. I had to hide his board at one point because he was spending more time at the beach than he was spending in school.

In his 20s, Miod moved to Malibu and rented a studio apartment that was attached to the home that he later purchased and became known as the Crab Shack.

He had kind of an open door policy there, Smith tells PEOPLE about her son. He had so many friends that came and went from there, and you know, he partied a lot, and that was the lifestyle that suited him perfectly. He was the party.

Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty A firefighter battles the Palisades fire as homes burn along Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu A firefighter battles the Palisades fire as homes burn along Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu

Related: Family Desperate to Know Status of Home After L.A. Fires Scales Fences, Climbs Burning Hills to See What Remains (Exclusive)

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His mother also says that Miod was a born-again Christian, describing him as handsome, funny and smart. He went to Santa Monica City College and got a degree in photography. He did some professional photography. He was flown up to Canada by Pamela Anderson, and she bought property up there that she was considering at the time, and she wanted Randy to go up and take pictures of it.

She adds, He knew Ryan O'Neal's son, Redmond. He knew everybody, he knew all the celebrities. But to him, they were just ordinary people like him. He was not starstruck by any of that and he treated everybody the same. He was a very unpretentious guy. He was very humble. He was not materialistic in any way.

Miod was also a beloved member of the Malibu community, according to Smith, saying, He loved life, he loved people. He was like a people magnet. Everybody in Malibu knew him. I mean, he's beyond a legend there. He's almost iconic.

I just talked with a friend of his today who said that they will probably be writing songs about him. He will probably be at Dukes, that's a very famous restaurant in Malibu. They'll probably have a huge picture of him up on the wall with all the other legendary surfers in Malibu, she continues.

courtesy Chris Wizner Randall Miod Randall Miod

Related: Fire Captain and Wife Detail Battle to Save Their Own Home from the L.A. Fires: 'Memories Are All We Have Left'

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The surfer had been struggling in the last year when he lost his job, broke his finger that required surgery and had to say goodbye to his beloved pet cat who died. His home sat on the Pacific Coast Highway where other vehicles would come around the corner and hit the residence and Miods cars.

"I told him, Sell that house and move because [of] the fires [and] the cars that were always being destroyed, Smith recalls. I even told him, not too many months ago, Randy, sell that house, take the money and buy a place somewhere else where you'll be safe, because you're getting older, and that's just too much stress. But that was his life, he was not going to leave that home, because he had so many good memories there.

Smith says her son left behind a legacy that included his friends who loved him so much. He never married and he never had children, she says. He always said to me, Mom, I'm waiting for a good Christian woman... He's a kind person who loved kids. There's not one person that I know that has anything negative to say about him  nobody.

So I'm proud that he turned out in the end like the person that he did, Smith continues. I'll have some really good memories of him, starting from day one.

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Press Release

January 14, 2025 Bill seeking to expand gender-based harassment to include AI, emerging technologies okayed The Senate on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, approved a bill seeking to amend Republic Act (RA) No. 11313, otherwise known as the Safe Spaces Act, to address gender-based online sexual harassment arising from the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies. Senate Bill No. 2897 seeks to expand gender-based harassment to include AI and other emerging technologies in virtual spaces. The bill is in substitution of Senate Bill Nos. 2232 and 2810, authored by Sens. Cynthia Villar and Robinhood Padilla respectively and sponsored by Sen. Risa Hontiveros. "This bill responds to the urgent calls by our constituents, particularly young women in schools, to reform the law in order to better address their lived realities. When we made the current law (RA 11313), no one knew what AI was. Today, deep fakes are chronic. And pornography is being created with the use of these emerging technologies," Hontiveros said. The proposed legislation also seeks to expand the definition of public spaces to include streets and alleys in rural areas, fields, farms, coastal areas and multi-purpose halls. It defines grooming as a predatory conduct, act or pattern of acts of establishing a relationship of trust, or emotional connection by another with a child or someone who is believed to be a child and/or family guardian, and/or caregivers, whether in person or via electronic and other similar devices, for the purpose of perpetrating sexual abuse or exploitation. Under the measure, internet intermediaries shall immediately block access to, remove or take down the internet address, uniform resource locator (URL), websites of any content containing material constitution violations of the act within 24 hours from receipt of notice from a competent authority. They shall preserve within six (6) months or during pendency of the case, all subscriber's or registration information and traffic data in its control and possession. In case of content data, the same shall be preserved for a year, and upon notice by the competent authority, the preservation shall be extended for another six months. Any person found violating the provisions of gender-based sexual harassment in the workplace shall face imprisonment of not less than one (1) month nor more than six (6) months or a fine not less than P10,000 but not more than P100,000 or both, at the discretion of the court. "We also need to respond to the multiple cases of teacher-predators. This bill seeks to respond to this by ensuring that adults working in close proximity to children have no history of predatory behavior," Hontiveros added. Sen. Loren Legarda, co-sponsor of the bill, said the proposed amendments would breathe new strength into the Safe Spaces Act, addressing the evolving nature of harm and exploitation. She said the introduction of definition for grooming is a critical step forward. The senator said schools and training institutions should be sanctuaries of learning and growth. "Grooming is a deceptive betrayal of trust-a calculated manipulation that preys upon the innocent, especially our children. With this amendment, we draw a definition line: predators, whether lurking in physical proximity or hiding behind digital veils, will not escape the vigilance of the law," Legarda said. The Safe Spaces Act, originally enacted in 2019, aims to ensure that all spaces, both physical and virtual, are free from gender-based harassment.
A man who police say shot and killed his father has issued a plea.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

>>PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Son who police say shot, killed father formally charged

Daniel Davis Jr., 22, pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity Monday in Miami Common Pleas Court, according to court documents.

As previously reported by News Center 7, Davis Jr. and his father 54-year-old Daniel Davis Sr. were having an argument inside a detached garage on their property along West Monroe-Concord Road in Union Township when Davis Jr. shot his father.

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Davis Jr. confessed to shooting and killing his father twice, according to a previous News Center 7 report, once during a 911 call after the shooting and another time during an interview with police.

Davis Jr. was indicted on Wednesday, Jan. 8 on one count of Aggravated Murder, three counts of Murder, and two counts of Felonious Assault, according to court documents obtained by News Center 7.

Davis Jr. is being held in Miami County Jail with a $3 million bond.

The court has ordered an evaluation of Davis present mental condition, court documents indicate.

His next scheduled court appearance for Jan. 23 has been vacated pending completion of the mental evaluation.

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MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG)  Local veterans will have a new voice soon.

The South Alabama Veterans Council will install their new president next week. Many of the veteran-boosting events that happen in Mobile and Baldwin Counties are organized by the South Alabama Veterans Council. Their incoming president wants the work to remain a solid salute to present and future vets.



Retired Lt. Colonel Robert F. Barrow has spent his life either in the military or in fields that support it. He was born on a military base in Germany, grew up in the ROTC, and spent more than 20 years in the army. Then, he left the military only to teach JRROTC at LeFlore and then at the district level, from Veterans Day to Memorial Day to everything in between he says they will remain advocates for veterans while making sure they are front and center in the community.

For those events that we are involved with and sponsor that we do them well so that our community can be proud of that work and also to represent the those veterans that have done so much for our for our community and our country, particularly those of Vietnam, the ultimate or those and those wounded in combat, they deserve our nations thanks forevermore, said Barrow. Service to the country is an honor. Its a privilege. And we need that for the United States to remain free. So many of our folks today might not understand that what we enjoy and freedom here and all the assets that we have in our community that doesnt come to us by chance.



Barrow says they want to help heal the rifts created after the ouster of State Veterans Affairs Commissioner Kent Davis. Veterans Affairs and help direct veterans and support to Vets Recover to help more veterans get the mental health and addiction help they may need.

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Barrow will be installed as president a week from today at Vets Recover. That will be at 8:30 am, January 21st at 1200 Springhill Avenue.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.
In South Carolina, a state education committee is recommending four books be removed from school libraries.

ALSO: Had to be made: Rock Hill Schools says job cuts will get more money into classrooms

The books in question are The Perks of Being a Wallflower, All Boys Arent Blue, Flamer, and Push by Sapphire.

WCIV in Charleston reports the committee chair said the vote to remove the books was unanimous because they clearly violated the law.

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The chair also said the books have sexually explicit content.

These are just recommendations. The full State Board of Education will vote in early February on whether to remove them.

If the board agrees, the removal process depends on each school district.

You may remember in October, Channel 9 told you the York County Library stopped buying new books for its teen and childrens sections. Officials cited a new state law that ties library funding to what types of books can be in those sections.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: York County Library stops buying books for kids, wants clarity on new funding bill

Weve reached out to the library to see if they have purchased any books since and were waiting to hear back.

Check wsoctv.com for updates.

(WATCH BELOW: Longtime MLK Parade in limbo after city adds new $6K fee)
SOUTH JORDAN, Utah (ABC4)  If you get a call from an Officer Sterling with the South Jordan Police Department asking for money, you should hang up immediately. Authorities are saying its a scam.

The South Jordan Police Department posted the warning to their social media pages on Monday night, Jan. 13. They said they have received multiple reports recently of someone claiming to be Officer Sterling.

If you receive a call from someone claiming to be an officer and you suspect its a scam, hang up, and call us directly, Officials said.

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Calls from scammers impersonating law enforcement arent anything new but their methods have gotten far more believable. Scammers have been known to be able to spoof their numbers, forcing Caller IDs to appear to be from legitimate agencies. In October 2024, Salt Lake Police warned scammers that they had even found a way to use artificial intelligence to mimic the voice of SLCPD Chief Mike Brown.

So how can you tell if the officer reaching out to you is legitimate or a clever scammer? Thankfully, there are a few signs.

If the contact you receive is unexpected or unsolicited, hang up and call the number listed for your local law enforcement agency. They will be able to verify if the call was legitimate or an attempt at scamming you.

Law enforcement officials will never request money, gift cards, or payments through a payment app or cryptocurrency. Scammers will often try to make victims feel pressured to make payments as soon as possible to avoid jail time or legal trouble. They will also never ask for personal or private information.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
(Bloomberg) -- South Korea began a trial Tuesday to decide if President Yoon Suk Yeol will be permanently removed from office over his botched martial law declaration.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The Constitutional Courts first hearing to review whether to uphold parliaments decision to impeach Yoon or restore his presidential powers was adjourned just four minutes after it began following the leaders refusal to appear given his concerns over the risk of arrest.

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South Korean law states that if an impeached person doesnt show up, the court must set a new date for a hearing before proceeding without their participation. The next hearing is scheduled for Thursday. The trial will likely take months to conclude, with a limit of 180 days.

Moon Hyung-bae, the acting chief of the Constitutional Court, said the trial will proceed even without Yoons attendance from the next hearing.

The trials outcome has major implications for the countrys leadership and the future course of policy. If the court decides that the impeachment motion is legal and valid, Yoon will be removed from office, triggering a presidential election within 60 days.

Yoons legal representatives had said the president wouldnt appear for the first court hearing because of safety concerns. They cited the possibility that investigators might try to arrest him in a separate criminal probe while he was on his way to the court in Seoul.

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We cannot help but seriously question the fairness and neutrality of this trial, lawyer Yoon Kab-keun told reporters after the hearing. The lawyer earlier told Bloomberg News in a text message that the president would attend the court any time once safety and security issues are resolved.

South Korean investigators are trying to figure out how to arrest Yoon after their first try ended in a tense, hours-long standoff with his security team. It was the first attempt of its kind against a sitting South Korean president.

A second bid to take the president into custody could take place as early as Wednesday, South Koreas Yonhap News reported. Yoons security team said it will do its best to avoid any violent confrontation with the law enforcement authorities, but added that it will follow existing security guidelines to respond to any illegal execution of a warrant.

Hours before the trial began, protesters  both for and against the president  gathered outside the court surrounded by police buses and personnel in a heightened security. Some held banners calling for a prompt arrest of the impeached leader while others displayed signs labeling the investigators arrest attempt as illegal.

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The impeachment case is being reviewed by eight judges. Under South Koreas constitution, at least six justices must approve Yoons removal from office. Citigroup Inc. economists expect a decision by mid-March, potentially leading to a presidential election in early or mid-May.

Past cases may offer some clues on timing. In 2004, former President Roh Moo-hyun was reinstated after a two-month review. In 2017, the impeachment of ex-leader Park Geun-hye was upheld after a three-month trial. Both did not appear for their impeachment trials.

South Korea remains in deep political turmoil after Yoons martial law declaration on Dec. 3, the first such order in more than 40 years. The move plunged the country into a constitutional crisis, hurt the economic outlook and drew public outrage. He was impeached by the National Assembly on Dec. 14.

The most urgent task for South Korea right now is the arrest and ouster of Yoon Suk Yeol, said lawmaker Jung Chung-rai of the Democratic Party as he arrived at the court. Jung is representing parliament at the impeachment trial. I trust that the esteemed judges of the Constitutional Court will swiftly deliberate the case and protect South Korea.

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Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok is now serving as acting president after Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who briefly stepped in to replace Yoon, was also impeached by the opposition-controlled parliament.

Yoon has pledged to fight in court to regain his power. Whether they impeach me or investigate me, I will face them down with confidence, Yoon said previously. I will fight until the end.

--With assistance from Kevin Dharmawan and Shinhye Kang.

(Updates with statement from Yoons security team)

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South Korea plans to hold consultations with Ukraine regarding the potential transfer of North Korean soldiers captured by Ukraine, should they agree to defect.

Source: South Korean news agency Yonhap, citing Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lee Jae-wong

Quote: "Since North Korean soldiers are considered our citizens under the Constitution, [the government  ed.] plans to negotiate with Ukraine if they request defection to South Korea."

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Details: South Koreas Constitution defines the entire Korean Peninsula as its territory, effectively recognising all peninsula residents as its citizens. However, the ministry spokesperson noted that neither of the two captured soldiers has expressed intent to defect to South Korea.

Background:

On 11 January, it was reported that Ukrainian forces had captured two North Korean soldiers in Russias Kursk Oblast.

Ukraine's Special Operations Forces (SOF) have released a video showing their operatives capturing and transporting a North Korean soldier, an event previously reported by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Another captured North Korean soldier has also been shown in a video posted by Ukraines Air Assault Forces.

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).

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SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  South Korea's impeached president, Yoon Suk Yeol, was sent to a detention center near Seoul on Wednesday night, after being questioned by anti-corruption officials who took him into custody over his imposition of martial law last month.

Yoon was detained in a major law enforcement operation at the presidential compound earlier in the day. Yoon defiantly insisted that the countrys anti-corruption agency, which led the raid with police, didnt have the authority to investigate his actions, but said he complied to prevent violence.

Yoon, the countrys first sitting president to be apprehended, now faces the prospect of a lengthy prison term over potential rebellion charges.

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In a video message recorded shortly before he was escorted to the headquarters of the anti-corruption agency, Yoon lamented the rule of law has completely collapsed in this country.

Yoon had been holed up in the Hannam-dong residence in the capital, Seoul, for weeks while vowing to fight to the end the efforts to oust him. He has justified his declaration of martial law Dec. 3 as a legitimate act of governance against an anti-state opposition employing its legislative majority to thwart his agenda.

The Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials said Yoon was brought into custody about five hours after investigators arrived at the presidential compound and about three hours after they successfully entered the residence, in their second attempt to detain him over his imposition of martial law.

A series of black SUVs, some equipped with sirens, were seen leaving the presidential compound with police escorts. Yoon was later seen stepping out of a vehicle after arriving at the agencys office in the nearby city of Gwacheon.

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Hundreds of Yoons conservative supporters rallied near the anti-corruption agencys office as he underwent questioning, shouting slogans and holding signs that read: We will fight alongside President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Also on Wednesday, an unidentified man was in life-threatening condition after an apparent self-immolation near the site, according to the Gyeonggi provincial fire department.

After he was questioned for more than 10 hours, a vehicle carrying Yoon arrived at a detention center in Uiwang, near Seoul, escorted by police and presidential security vehicles.

Whats next?

Yoon could be held in custody for weeks, possibly even months or longer.

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The anti-corruption agency, which is leading a joint investigation with the police and the military over whether Yoons martial law declaration amounted to an attempted rebellion, has 48 hours to request a court order for his formal arrest.

If it fails to do so, Yoon will be released. If Yoon is formally arrested, investigators can extend his detention to 20 days before transferring the case to public prosecutors for indictment.

If prosecutors indict Yoon on rebellion and abuse of power charges, which are the allegations examined by investigators, he could possibly remain under arrest until the initial court ruling, which is typically made within six months, said Park Sung-bae, an attorney specializing in criminal law.

Under South Korean law, the leader of a rebellion can face the death penalty or life imprisonment, if convicted.

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If the first court hands down a prison sentence, the detention simply continues, Park said. If they sentence him to life imprisonment, for example, he continues serving that sentence straight through.

Yoons defense minister, police chief and several top military commanders already had been arrested over their roles in the enforcement of martial law.

The detention warrant for Yoon, issued by the Seoul Western District Court, said there were substantial reasons to suspect that he committed crimes as a ringleader of a rebellion.

The anti-corruption agency told reporters that Yoon, during several hours of questioning through Wednesday evening, exercised his right to remain silent.

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Yoons presidential powers were suspended when parliament impeached him on Dec. 14. The impeachment case now rests with the Constitutional Court, which could formally remove Yoon from office or reject the case and reinstate him.

In a separate message posted on his Facebook account after he was detained, Yoon said that martial law is not a crime, saying his declaration was necessary to raise awareness about an opposition that was exercising legislative dictatorship by blocking laws and budgets and paralyzing state affairs. He denied the rebellion accusations, describing his impeachment as fraud.

The scene at the compound

As they began the detention operation in the early morning, the anti-corruption investigators and police officers engaged in an hourslong standoff at the compounds gate with presidential security forces, but otherwise encountered no meaningful resistance.

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Police officers were seen using wire cutters to remove the barbed wire placed by the presidential security service on the perimeter of the compound to block their entry. Some police officers used ladders to climb over rows of buses blocking the compounds entrance, and then the investigators began moving up the hilly compound. The investigators and police later arrived in front of a metal gate with a gold presidential mark thats near Yoons residential building. Some officers were seen entering a security door on the side of the metal gate, joined by one of Yoons lawyers and his chief of staff, before Yoon was driven out.

The preparations and the concerns

South Koreas acting leader, Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok, issued a statement early Wednesday urging law enforcement and the presidential security service to ensure there were no physical clashes.

Following Yoons detention, Choi met with diplomats from the Group of Seven nations, including the United States, Japan, the U.K. and Germany, as well as the representative of the European Union, to reassure them that the government was functioning with stability.

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Park Chan-dae, floor leader of the liberal opposition Democratic Party, which drove the legislative campaign to impeach Yoon, said that Yoons detention was the first step toward restoring constitutional order, democracy, and realizing the rule of law.

Lawmakers from Yoons People Power Party condemned the detention as unlawful.

The National Police Agency met with field commanders in Seoul and nearby Gyeonggi province in recent days to plan their efforts to detain Yoon, and the size of those forces fueled speculation that more than 1,000 officers could be deployed. The agency and police had openly warned that presidential bodyguards obstructing the execution of the warrant could be taken into custody.

Yoons lawyers have said that the detention warrant issued by the Seoul Western District Court was invalid. They cited a law that protects locations potentially linked to military secrets from search without the consent of the person in charge  which would be Yoon. They also said that the anti-corruption agency had no legal authority to investigate rebellion allegations.

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I am truly appalled to see illegalities upon illegalities upon illegalities being carried out and procedures being forcefully conducted under an invalid warrant, Yoon said in the video.

I do not acknowledge the investigation by the Corruption Investigation Office for High-Ranking Officials. As the president, who is responsible for upholding the constitution and legal system of the Republic of Korea, my decision to comply with such illegal and invalid procedures is not an acknowledgment of them, but rather a willingness to prevent unfortunate and bloody incidents.

Yoons supporters and critics have held competing protests near the residence  one side vowing to protect him, the other calling for his imprisonment  while thousands of police officers in yellow jackets closely monitored the tense situation.

Some Yoon supporters reacted with dismay as they watched the motorcade head toward Gwacheon. A few were removed by police officers after lying down on the road in protest.

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What led to this?

Yoon declared martial law and deployed troops around the National Assembly on Dec. 3. It lasted only hours before lawmakers managed to get through the blockade and vote to lift the measure. The opposition-led assembly voted to impeach him on rebellion charges on Dec. 14.

The Constitutional Court held its first formal hearing on the impeachment case on Tuesday, but the session lasted less than five minutes, because Yoon refused to attend. The next hearing is set for Thursday.
The News

Impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yoel finally surrendered to arrest Wednesday after investigators scaled barricades at his residence in Seoul, their second attempt to bring the embattled leader into custody for his botched Dec. 4, 2024, martial law declaration.

I decided to respond to the CIOs investigation  despite it being an illegal investigation  to prevent any unnecessary bloodshed, Yoon said in a statement, referring to the Corruption Office for High-ranking Officials that is overseeing the probe.

Yoons arrest is the first of a sitting South Korean president. An earlier attempt to arrest him this month descended into a six-hour standoff with his military detail.

SIGNALS

The saga points to deepening divisions

Sources: Yonhap, The Washington Post, BBC, The Economist

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In anticipation of the second arrest attempt, thousands of Yoons supporters  including some 30 lawmakers from his ruling People Power Party, according to Yonhap  gathered outside the presidents residence, with some forming human chains to hamper access. Such scenes reflect the countrys deepening polarisation, the BBC noted, between rival political camps, the executive and judicial branches of power, and law enforcement officers armed with an arrest warrant and presidential security staff. Those political divisions will likely outlast Yoon, The Economist warned: His party has rebounded in the polls, while the opposition Democratic Party has seen its ratings decline.

That South Korea can ill-afford

Sources: Korea JoongAng Daily, Center for Strategic and International Studies, Bloomberg, Financial Times

Acting President Choi Sang-Mok  who assumed the role after his predecessor Han Duck-soo was himself impeached  vowed to stabilize financial markets, but the governments false confidence ignores how economic conditions surrounding Yoons impeachment are far less favorable than they have been, two Center for Strategic and International Studies experts argued. Growth in China, South Koreas main trading partner, is slowing, and fresh tariffs from the incoming Trump administration would hit export-dependent South Korea twice as hard as the previous US-China trade war did, Bloomberg reported. South Korean companies told the Financial Times that the recent turmoil has undermined efforts to counter US protectionism. We are like a hostage situation, one conglomerate representative said.
Jan. 13UPDATE: Mayor Jeff Gaskin said Sunday that the special meeting has been canceled.

----SOUTH POINT  A special meeting of village council will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 14 to award a contract for a new lift station for a physical rehabilitation hospital to be constructed in the village.

Mayor Jeff Gaskin said the project, which will be $900,000 in improvements, was discussed at this month's meeting of council, which took place on Tuesday and the council authorized him to sign a loan agreement.

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Gaskin said bids for the project will be opened on Monday, prior to the special meeting.

The Tuesday meeting is set for 7 p.m. and will include no other business, he said.

Also at the January meeting of council, which was an organizational meeting, Mary Cogan was chosen as mayor pro tempore for the village.

Gaskin said the council also agreed to fiscal adjustments regarding the police budget.

Tuesday's meeting took place, even as some municipalities canceled business, due to the aftermath of Winter Storm Blair, which hit the Tri-State on Sunday.

Gaskin said streets in the village were well taken care of, with crews out early, first focusing on main streets and hills.

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He noted that the village had two plows from state surplus for the work and said he had done a ride along with a plow driver, stating village officials were appreciative of the work put in by crews.

In other business, he said he has asked the fire department to start paperwork on seeking a new fire truck.

Gaskin said he estimates this will cost about $1 million for the village, which will be paid for by new funds from the fire levy passed last year.

Gaskin noted the cost of trucks have gone up and the same vehicle would have cost $30,000 30 years ago.

He said a new truck takes two years to build and that the plan is for the village to take out a 10-year loan for the purchase.

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Gaskin also said the village would start reading water meters, which were installed over the past year, next week.

The village was mandated by the Ohio Department of Environmental Protection to install them, to come into compliance with state law.

Gaskin said the last of those were installed in the past month.

He said the bill for an average household will be $60-90 per month and said this would still be a lower rate for the village water system than private companies charge in other parts of the county.
Many across Southern California and elsewhere have mobilized to help evacuees impacted by the wildfires, including one local couple who quickly transformed their home into a donation center as the Eaton Fire impacted their beloved community.

Cheyenne and Zach Davis transformed their Porter Ranch home into a makeshift donation center after seeing how the Eaton Fire impacted those around them. Family and friends, who are also from the Pasadena/Altadena area, have helped them coordinate and organize the relief effort.

These financial resources are available for Southern California wildfire victims

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Im from Altadena. I was raised in Altadena. My church is in Altadena, our schools, my family home, all of my family members and friends from Altadena have lost their homes, Cheyenne Davis told KTLA. We live in Porter Ranch, so it didnt affect us as much as it affected the world around us, and just seeing firsthand how this was affecting people, it just laid heavy on my heart.

The couple, who appear on MTVs Teen Mom: The Next Chapter and have a significant following on Instagram and Snapchat, were asked by people out of state how they can help wildfire victims.

I couldnt sleep one night and started an Amazon wish list. I think I put 100 things on it and posted it on Snapchat. I checked within five minutes, and everything on it was purchased, Cheyenne Davis said.

The list grew as more people reached out with suggestions. Cheyenne noted that at one point, there were 1,600 Amazon orders, all scheduled to be delivered to her house.

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The couple decided to host the donation center at their house after volunteering for two days and realizing how impersonal and overwhelming the experience could be for wildfire victims.

This is a very intimate and personal thing, so its hard for someone whos not used to asking for help to go to a big public center and have to sort through clothes that are on the floor. Weve been able to open our home to not only people sending things but also to people who are like, Hey, my daughters are in high school, and can we come in and shop at your house because theyre embarrassed, Cheyenne said.

The couple plans to keep the donation center running for the foreseeable future.

Heres how to help those impacted by the wildfires across Southern California

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I feel like right now, there are a lot of needs, so we are going to keep our house open to people who need things, Zach Davis said.

So far, the Davis family has been able to help people through word of mouth, but as the donations continue to grow, Cheyenne and Zach Davis will move the donations to a building in Sherman Oaks so more of the public can access it and pick up items they need.

For those in need, the pickup center will be at Star Suites, located at 15149 Ventura Blvd. in Sherman Oaks. The center will be open from noon to 5 p.m. from Wednesday, Jan. 15, until Friday, Jan. 17.

Those who want to donate items for the donation center can do so here.

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More information can be found by following Star Suites, Cheyenne, and Zach Davis on Instagram.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Two lawsuits filed Monday against Southern California Edison allege the utility failed to de-energize its power equipment and clear brush where a blaze sparked near Pasadena, one in a cascade of wildfires currently burning in the Los Angeles area, driven by strong winds.

The separate complaints were filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court on behalf of people whose homes and personal property were destroyed in the Eaton Fire. They come as investigators are continuing to determine the cause and origin of the multiple fires that began almost a week ago.

Follow live coverage here

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The Eaton Fire, which has burned through more than 14,110 acres and destroyed over 7,000 structures, remained about one-third contained, fire officials said Monday. The fire was reported at 6:18 p.m. Tuesday, when wind gusts approaching 100 mph ripped through the region.

Despite no official cause, the suits contend there is evidence pointing to Southern California Edison's inaction. The utility, however, has told state public utilities regulators that fire officials have not suggested its electric facilities played a part in the fire's ignition.

A man walks through Altadena's business district through downed power lines Wednesday.

Southern California Edison spokesperson Gabriela Ornelas told NBC News, Our hearts remain with our communities during the devasting fires in Southern California and we remain committed to supporting them through this difficult time.

SCE crews, contractors and mutual assistance partners are dedicated to safely restoring power to our customers. SCE understands that a lawsuit related to the Eaton Fire has been filed but has not yet been served with a complaint. SCE will review the complaint when it is received. The cause of the fire continues to be under investigation.

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Patrick McNicholas, one of the lawyers representing an evacuee named Michael Kreiner, said a legal team has met with more than 500 people affected by the fire, and that the suits plaintiffs are individuals and entities, including renters, living in Los Angeles County.

"We are committed to holding Southern California Edison accountable for their alleged negligence and to seeking justice for victims who have lost their homes, livelihoods and loved ones," McNicholas said in a statement.

Another suit was filed on behalf of a veteran FedEx employee named Evangeline Iglesias, who says her home in Altadena was destroyed "along with a lifetime of possessions." She is accusing Southern California Edison of negligence, premises liability and violations of the public utilities code.

The suit alleges that the utility should have known of the dangers based on forecasts of potentially catastrophic Santa Ana winds several days before they tore through Los Angeles, fanning the massive Palisades Fire, the largest of the wildfires. At least 24 people have died in the fires.

A firefighter hoses a burning apartment complex in Altadena on Wednesday.

The suit says video, photos and local accounts suggest electrical infrastructure operated by the utility set off the fire in the Eaton Canyon area.

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Despite "repeated and clear warnings," the company "failed to de-energize all of its electrical equipment in the area that day," the suit says.

In the hours preceding the first report of a fire, the complaint adds, "data shows that there were more than 300 faults" on Southern California Edison's lines in the vicinity of the fire's origins.

"Faults" refer to instances in which a power line may have come into contact with a tree limb or other debris, causing a spark.

The suit cited information from Bob Marshall, the CEO of Whisker Labs, a company that analyzes electrical grid data, which said there was a "significant spike" in faults in the hours leading up to the fires.

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Marshall told NBC News that while it's too early to know what caused these fires, his company's data shows evidence of many electrical faults in the areas near the fires, including in Eaton Canyon, likely caused by trees hitting power lines. He also said that homes and communities in immediate proximity to where the fires started remained powered.

"That means that the distribution lines that carry the power to those communities were energized throughout, so there was no full Public Safety Power Shutoff program implemented to turn off power to prevent sparking from the grid," Marshall said.

In a statement a day after the Eaton Fire began, Southern California Edison noted that through the program, power is shut off during dangerous weather conditions, specifically to prevent wildfires.

The utility said its "distribution lines immediately to the west of Eaton Canyon were de-energized well before the reported start time of the fire."

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On Sunday, the utility said it filed two electric safety incident reports with the California Public Utilities Commission related to the current wildfires, including one for the Eaton Fire and another for the Hurst Fire, which has burned almost 800 acres in Los Angeles' Sylmar neighborhood.

The reports contain preliminary information and are provided "within two to four hours after a triggering event." They are often submitted before the utility "can determine whether its electric facilities are associated with an ignition," Southern California Edison said.

Destroyed buildings in Altadena on Sunday.

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Additionally, the utility said, it had received evidence preservation notices from counsel representing insurance companies in connection with the fire.

The utility also said a preliminary analysis of electrical circuit information for its four energized transmission lines in the Eaton Canyon area showed there were no interruptions or electrical anomalies in the 12 hours prior to the fire's reported start time through more than one hour after the blaze began.

One of the suits notes that the utility's electrical equipment was responsible for the 2017 Thomas Fire and the 2018 Woolsey Fire, "both of which destroyed thousands of homes, caused billions of dollars in damage, and displaced thousands of families."

Financial analysts at Wells Fargo Securities estimated Monday that the latest Los Angeles County wildfires could amount to insured losses of about $30 billion, with about 85% involving homeowners.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
When our city went up in flames last week, everyone I know in Los Angeles was in emergency mode. Now, as a new week begins, its hard to know how to feel.

For those of us living in neighborhoods not decimated by fire, the acute threat seems to have passed, at least for the moment. The skies are blueish and a light breeze is blowing as I write this. Theres ash on the ground, but less of it in the air. Most LAUSD schools have thankfully reopened. Friends and neighbors who left town are trickling back home.

Read more: Fire victims seek answers about rebuilding, cleanup timeline

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And yet the National Weather Service warned of a particularly dangerous situation with wind gusts up to 45 to 70 mph from 4 a.m. Tuesday through 12 p.m. Wednesday for swaths of Los Angeles and Ventura counties. Additional powerful wind events are also expected throughout the week.

We are not in the clear yet and we must not let our guard down, Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said at a news conference Monday .

And so, in my house at least, the evacuation bags are still packed and waiting by the door and my phone remains in easy reach at all times. But how much longer do we have to live like this, allowing Watch Duty alerts to interrupt our sleep, poised for flight? When will we stop feeling the threat of fire hanging over our heads? Or has the threat always been there and were only now just seeing it?

The reality check is there will always be events that nature throws at us that, no matter how great our technology, we cant fight, said Costas Synolakis, professor of civil and environmental engineering at USC. We dont have to live in fear, but this should give us pause about how vulnerable we are.

A season of high risk

Fire experts say it was the deadly combination of extremely high Santa Ana winds of up to 99 mph and a city that hadn't seen significant rain in eight months that set the stage for the two most destructive fires in L.A. history: the Palisades fire and the Eaton fire. Collectively they have burned more than 37,000 acres and killed at least 24 people.

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How a fire starts, grows and spreads has a lot to do with wind and rainfall, said Amanda Stasiewicz, assistant professor of fire policy and management at the University of Oregon. We had this duality of high risk from drought making things very pro-fire growth and pro-fire proliferation plus fast-moving winds that are going to carry it quickly, make it harder to suppress and challenge firefighter safety.

Read more: How to talk to friends and family about the devastation of the wildfires

The winds may have died down for now, but the dry conditions remain unchanged, making it easy for new fires to break out from a long list of sources. If the underbelly of an overheated car comes in contact with bone-dry vegetation, that can start a fire. If someone accidentally drags a chain behind their truck, unknowingly sending sparks into the air, that too can set our hills ablaze.

As long as these drought conditions endure, having that go bag packed is not a bad idea, Stasiewicz said. If you have a wind event, the opportunity is there to have a fire get bigger, quicker  and larger fires are harder to contain.

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Her advice? Keep an eye on the weather forecast, paying special attention to wind advisories. Its a bit of keeping yourself on your toes, she said.

This ends with rain

Despite the terrifying imagery and intense warnings, keep in mind that the high wind gusts predicted for the coming week are still significantly lower than the howling Wizard of Oz-like winds that blew through the city the night our two deadly fires began.

To be clear, it looks very unlikely that well see strong north winds of anywhere near the magnitude that we did in the beginning of [last] week, said Daniel Swain, a UCLA climate scientist on a YouTube livestream on Friday.

However, he does not think L.A. is out of the woods yet when it comes to fire risk.

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Read more: Here's how to care for your eyes, sinuses and skin during a wildfire

Relatively strong Santa Ana winds have a cumulative effect on intense drying, he said. I call them atmospheric blow-dryer-like winds. The longer they blow, the dryer and more flammable the vegetation becomes.

According to Swain, the city of L.A. will not truly be able to breathe a collective sigh of relief until we see rain.

What we really need is an inch or two of rain to truly and finally end fire season in L.A., he said. Until then, any time there are dry windy conditions, we are going to see an additional risk.

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Unfortunately, there is only a slim chance of scattered showers in the forecast for the next two weeks.

"There is a chance we may continue to see fire risk into February or even March," Swain said.

Facing a new reality

Even with no rain in the forecast, Synolakis, who has studied peoples response to natural disasters like tsunamis, hurricanes and fires across the world, thinks its likely that most of us will relax our hyper-vigilant state fairly soon.

Last week the feeling in my community in Venice was eerily similar to the first few days after 9/11 when people didnt know if there were going to be more attacks elsewhere in the United States, he told me. Hearing helicopters, and seeing these giant plumes of fire increased our uncertainty. People didnt know if the fire was going to spread all the way down here.

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But as long as the fire plumes continue to clear and evacuation orders continue to be downgraded to warnings or less, he expects people who have not been directly affected by the fires to return to a semblance of normalcy.

Read more: Column: Los Angeles is a climate disaster. The fires will change nothing

If there is no new flare-up, I think by the weekend people in surrounding communities will take a deep sigh of relief, he said.

Whether that relief is warranted, however, is worth considering. The feeling of acute threat may have passed, but climate scientists have been warning us for decades that a warming world will be accompanied by more intense weather and more intense fire.

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These fires are entirely unexpected, but this is what I keep telling people about climate change, Synolakis said. You are going to have more events that are unexpected, and you are not going to be able to deal with them.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT)  United States Attorney Zachary A. Myers announced on Tuesday he has tendered his resignation to the President and the Attorney General and will conclude his service January 18.

A release highlighted Myers work combating violent crime, drug trafficking and child sexual exploitation. Under Myers leadership, the Attorneys office implemented his strategic plan focusing on maximizing the impact of the office by bringing cases against the most serious offenses and offenders, expanding the offices resources and working with law enforcement partners.

The rule of law is not self-executing, said Myers. It requires the hard work and sacrifice of public servants acting with dedication and fairness. Alongside our outstanding law enforcement partners, we sought to maximize our impact for the publics benefit and always strove to do the right thing the right way. I am so very proud of all we accomplished together and know that the office will continue to do extraordinary work on behalf of the people we serve. I am deeply grateful to the President for nominating me, and to the Attorney General, Senator Young, Former Senator Braun, and Congressman Carson for their support. Serving on behalf of the United States has been the professional honor of a lifetime.

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First Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Childress will serve as acting U.S. Attorney following Myers departure. Childress previously served as both First Assistant United States Attorney and Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana and the Central District of Illinois.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
SOUTHPORT, Fla. (WMBB)  Skyler Gustason is now in her second year teaching 3rd grade at Southport Elementary School, but if you spoke to staff around the campus you wouldnt know that.

Instead, they would describe a teacher who effortlessly connects with her students and acts like she has been teaching for decades.

She really fuels her students creativity, said Southport Elementary School Principal Todd Harless. Theyre comfortable enough to be able to speak to each other, collaborate, have a good time while theyre learning. You would never, ever believe that shes in her second year and third year overall.

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Gustason is no stranger to the school district having attended Lynn Haven Elementary and Deane Bozeman High School.

FSU Collegiate School director is building from the ground up

She attributes her passion for teaching to those who taught her.

All the teachers that I had when I was a child here in Panama City were great teachers that had always influenced me to make the difference that they did with me with other people too, added Gustason.

The administration at Southport has quickly noticed the commitment Gustason has displayed to ensuring her students achieve their goals throughout her tenure.

Thats what its all about. Just trying to make sure that the students feel good about whats going on around them because thats the only way theyre going to learn, Harless went on to say. Students want to learn more for the teachers who care the most about them.

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One of the many reasons Gustason loves teaching elementary school is that her energy always matches that of her students.

My heart is with the younger ones that are so happy that youre here every day and Im just as happy to see them as they are me, Gustason said. They love coming to school and they look forward to being here and doing all the fun things too.

Staff around the school know, Gustason will always put the school and more importantly the students first.

Shes always in their corner. Shes willing to help anybody on campus any time we have events or anything special, said Harless. Shell be there to help out, and shell be one of the first ones there and one of the last ones to leave. That makes her a Class Act.

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If there is someone who you think is a Class Act dont wait to nominate them today.

Janitors, bus drivers, and cafeteria workers are all eligible for this award.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
(Bloomberg) -- Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchezs proposal to slap a 100% tax on some foreigners house purchases is far from certain to take effect given the divisiveness of the countrys parliament.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The Socialist premiers minority coalition government is yet to send to Parliament the official proposal to increase tax on property purchases by non-European Union citizens who dont hold EU residency. Its part of a broader housing package and no timing has been announced yet.

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Attempts to pass both fiscal and housing legislation in recent months show that Sanchez is likely to struggle to win over the patchwork of parties he must rely on for backing.

Sanchezs main problem is that two of the at least eight parties he needs to negotiate with are right-leaning pro-business groups that dont always align with his policies. Notably, the Catalan secessionist group Junts led a successful charge last year against a government attempt to change the tax regime for real estate investment trusts.

The prime minister needs support from Junts, which has seven lawmakers, to pass any law and in December that Catalan party called on Sanchez to seek a confidence vote. The premier has so far said he wont do it, making it hard to agree on any new legislative proposals until a formal decision is made on that vote.

Neither Junts nor the PNV  a pro-business Basque nationalist party  have yet given any thorough analysis to the property tax proposal as they await a formal draft, according to people familiar with the matter. Both parties also have their own proposals on housing.

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Complicating matters further is the fact that control of real estate taxation lies with regional governments, not the central administration, according to a Banco de Sabadell SA report.

Its not evident that the measure is effective, as it will have to be approved by Parliament, Sabadell said in the report. The government must fit the tax with the fiscal regime which, in housing matters, is competence of the regional administrations.

Another issue is that other parts of Sanchezs package, which he says aims to help address housing shortages in the country, can also face widespread opposition from other parties that each have their own proposals. These parties range from the conservative Peoples Party, which is the largest opposition group, to Sumar, the governments junior coalition partner.

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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Monday proposed a range of measures to combat a housing crisis in the country, including a 100% tax on the purchase of homes by non-resident non-EU foreigners.

Sanchez said the measure would impose a 100% tax rate on the value of the property for non-EU citizens who do not reside in Spain when they buy a house in Spain, in order to "prioritize" housing for residents and fight the "speculative touristic use of properties."

Sanchez told an economic forum in Madrid that the "unprecedented" measure for Spain, but already in place in countries such as Canada and Denmark, was "appropriate and very necessary" when considering the current housing crisis.

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"In 2023 alone, non-EU residents bought around 27,000 houses and flats in Spain. Not to live in them, not for their relatives to live in them; they did it mainly to speculate, to make money off them," Sanchez said.

This, he added, in a context of residential shortage, cannot be "allowed," asserting that Spain's government welcomes foreign investment when it is "productive," not when it is speculative.

The prime minister also said that he would propose taxing tourist housing "as what they are, a business."

The measures were among a broader package to address Spain's housing crisis presented by Sanchez on Monday. They also included the transfer of more than 3,300 houses to a new public housing company and state support for young renters.

In recent months there have been demonstrations for affordable housing as well as protests against high rents and the impact of mass tourism across Spain.
Spain plans to impose a 100% tax on property purchased by non-European Union residents to tackle its exacerbated housing crisis.

The countrys warm climate and beaches have made it a popular travel destination and real estate investment hub among Brits and othersfactors that have pitted locals against the government in recent years.

Now, Spain wants to make it significantly more expensive to buy homes for people outside the bloc, hoping this will free up more housing for Spaniards.

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Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez proposed a raft of other measures on Monday, including a tax exemption on affordable housing for landlords and higher taxes on flats offered to tourists.

The West faces a decisive challenge: to not become a society divided into two classes, the rich landlords and the poor tenants, Sanchez said when he unveiled the plan.

According to the prime minister, in 2023, non-EU residents purchased some 27,000 homesbut these investments werent made to live in.

They did it to speculate, to make money from them, which we cannot allow in the context we live, he added.

Sanchez didnt elaborate on when the taxes would kick in if approved by the parliament or how they would be applied.

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Spain is facing an acute housing shortage. The countrys central bank predicts it needs 550,000 new homes to meet demand in the next two years. Meanwhile, house prices have soared 48% in the last 10 years, led by significant growth in new developments, urban centers, and tourist areas.

The shortage of buildable land is one of the causes of the housing shortage in Spain. Although cities have land to develop housing, the proportion of land ready to build is limited and the processes are excessively long and complex, BBVA Researchs Rafael Domenech said in a July note.

Tourism is another factorthe industry is a key driver for the countrys economy, but its also become contentious as landlords cash in on lucrative visitors over local tenants.

The friction in the housing market has resulted in protests across the country and increased anti-tourism sentiment.

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Late last year, Spanish cities Valencia and Barcelona cracked down on short-term rentals, which they believe has created social problems and limited housing supply. The country is also investigating Airbnb and Booking.com over outdated listings that inflate prices on their platforms.

For nearly two decades, each Spanish government has inherited a housing crisis at varying degrees, prompted by the 2008 property market crash coupled with the global financial crisis. The price per square foot has skyrocketed 82% in 10 years, while wages have only increased 17%.

We are facing a serious problem, with enormous social and economic implications, which requires a decisive response from society as a whole, with public institutions at the forefront, Sanchez said Monday.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
By Corina Pons and David Latona

MADRID (Reuters) - Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's opponents on Tuesday said a proposed tax on property purchases by non-European Union residents was "xenophobic" and they would not apply the levy in the regions where they govern.

"The problem is not that people want to live in Spain, the problem is that there is a lack of housing," said Luis de la Matta, director of communications of the People's Party (PP).

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"We are not going to facilitate a xenophobic measure".

Resolving a housing crisis has become one of Sanchez's most pressing challenges amid a chronic shortage of affordable homes and rising rents.

His Socialist government said on Monday it would limit the purchase of homes by non-EU residents by increasing the tax they have to pay by as much as 100% of a property's value, pointing to similar schemes in Denmark and Canada.

The tax increase would need approval from a fractured parliament and would be applied by Spain's regional governments.

The PP governs in most of the regions popular with British and Latin American buyers of second homes such as Andalusia, Valencia, the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands.

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The tax would be applied through a so-called Property Transfer Tax (ITP) and would affect as many as 26,000 second-hand properties located in large cities and coastal areas popular with tourists, a Housing Ministry source said.

Spanish real estate platform Fotocasa said the measure may discourage foreign investment but its effectiveness was questionable since only 2% of Spanish homes are purchased by non-EU residents.

Homebuyers in Spain currently pay between 6% and 13% ITP tax, depending on the region.

Housing Minister Isabel Rodriguez on Tuesday challenged the government's opponents to scupper a plan that she said would boost the supply of homes.

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"If someone wants to put a spanner in the works, they will have to answer to the people," Rodriguez told a press conference.

The Catalonia Tenants' Union said most of the foreign buyers in the region were from the EU and described the measure as "grandiloquent but irrelevant".

(Reporting by Corina Pons and David Latona; additional reporting by Emma Pinedo and Joan Faus; Writing by Charlie Devereux)
House Speaker Mike Johnson on Tuesday ordered that flags at the U.S. Capitol be raised to their full height on Inauguration Day, pausing a 30-day flag-lowering order following the death of former President Jimmy Carter.

The Republican leaders decision means that President-elect Donald Trump will not take the oath of office for his second term under a half-staff flag, a prospect that he had previously complained about.

It mirrors actions taken in recent days by some Republican governors who have announced that flags in their states would be raised on Inauguration Day to mark Trumps second term.

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Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey did so on Tuesday, noting in a social media post that U.S. flags across the state would be relowered on Jan. 21 in honor of Carter. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued a similar notice on Monday.

The 30-day flag-lowering period, set into motion with President Joe Bidens order, affects flags at federal government buildings and their grounds, as well as at U.S. embassies and other facilities abroad, including military installations and vessels. It runs through Jan. 28, which encompasses Trumps inauguration and first week in office. In line with Bidens order, governors throughout the country issued their own orders to govern flags in their respective states.

The incoming president has expressed consternation that flags would still be lowered when he takes the oath, and its possible that he could order the overall reversal of Bidens decision once hes installed as president on Jan. 20.

Democrats are all giddy about the notion that flags will be lowered on Inauguration Day, Trump wrote Jan. 3 on social media.

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Nobody wants to see this, Trump wrote. He added that no American can be happy about it. Lets see how it plays out. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!

Trump has already taken action over the flags that he can control: at his home in Florida. In the days following Carters burial, a large U.S. flag at Trumps private Mar-a-Lago club was observed flying at its full height, despite an order from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis that mirrors Bidens.

As of Tuesday, DeSantis had not made alterations to the flag order in his own state.

The U.S. flag code lays out parameters for lowering the U.S. flag to half-staff, including a 30-day period for current or former presidents to cover flags at federal government buildings and their grounds, as well as at U.S. embassies and other facilities abroad, including military installations and vessels.

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Jan. 13 (UPI) -- House Speaker Mike Johnson called for "conditions" Monday on any federal fire aid to California, as he accused state and local leaders of being "derelict in their duty" as the wildfires have killed at least 24 people.

"I think there should probably be conditions on that aid. That's my personal view," Johnson told reporters. "We'll see what the consensus is. I haven't had a chance to socialize that with any of the members over the weekend because we've all been very busy. But it'll be part of the discussion."

Johnson has repeated claims by President-elect Donald Trump that California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass mismanaged funds and water before the deadly wildfires exploded last week, killing dozens, destroying thousands of homes and businesses, and causing billions of dollars in damage.

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"Obviously, there has been water resource management, forest management mistakes, all sorts of problems, and it does come down to leadership, and it appears to us that state and local leaders were derelict in their duty, and in many respects," Johnson said. "So, that's something that has to be factored in."

Over the weekend, Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley blamed Bass for cutting $17.6 million in funding from the fire department and for failing to maintain infrastructure as 20% of the fire hydrants in the Pacific Palisades fire went dry.

"When a firefighter comes up to a hydrant, we expect there's going to be water," Crowley said. "This service delivery model is no longer sustainable."

Newsom, who has blasted misinformation and blamed climate change for the fires, has said he will order an investigation into why the fire hydrants lost water pressure and ran dry.

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Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso, R-Wyo., argued Monday "there can't be a blank check on this."

"It's heartbreaking to hear the fire chief say that they've diverted all of this money away from the fire department to be used for social programs, when they were already stretched too thin," Barrasso told CBS' Face the Nation on Sunday.

"I expect that there will be strings attached to money that is ultimately approved, and it has to do with being ready the next time, because this was a gross failure," Barrasso added.

Johnson also told reporters Monday that there has "been some discussion" about tying California wildfire aid to a debt limit increase, which is facing pushback from Democrats.

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The U.S. government is at risk of defaulting on more than a $36 trillion debt if Congress does not approve a bill lifting the debt ceiling in the next few months.

President Joe Biden has already approved a major disaster declaration for California and vowed to provide federal grants to the state.
Jan. 13 (UPI) -- Special counsel David Weiss, who spent six years investigating Hunter Biden before his father pardoned him last month, blasted President Joe Biden in his final report, which the Justice Department delivered Monday evening to Congress.

In the 280-page report, which includes hundreds of pages of public filings, Weiss defended his investigation as "impartial" and accused the president of wiping out two separate criminal convictions against Hunter Biden on gun charges and federal tax crimes, which President Biden has called a "miscarriage of justice."

"No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunter's cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son -- and that is wrong," Biden wrote in his pardon on Dec. 1.

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Biden and some Democrats accused Weiss of caving to President-elect Donald Trump's demands to indict Hunter Biden. But Republicans accused Weiss of going soft on the president's son.

Ultimately, Hunter Biden was found guilty of three felony firearm offenses in Weiss' investigations. He also pleaded guilty to federal tax crimes for failure to pay at least $1.4 million in taxes.

Biden pardoned his son after November's election and two weeks before he was scheduled to be sentenced for charges that could have carried up to 17 years in prison and millions of dollars in fines.

"Other presidents have pardoned family members, but in doing so, none have taken the occasion as an opportunity to malign the public servants at the Department of Justice based solely on false accusations," Weiss said in the report.

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"These prosecutions were the culmination of thorough, impartial investigations, not partisan politics. Eight judges across numerous courts have rejected claims that they were the result of selective or vindictive motives," Weiss added. "The president's characterizations are incorrect based on the facts in this case, and, on a more fundamental level, they are wrong."

In the report, Weiss quoted Judge Mark Scarsi, who said: "The Constitution provides the president with broad authority to grant reprieves and pardons for offenses against the United States, but nowhere does the Constitution give the president the authority to rewrite history."

Before President Biden launched his bid for the White House, federal investigators had begun looking into Hunter Biden's taxes as early as 2018. The investigation broadened into scrutiny of his overseas business dealings in China and Ukraine.

In 2023, two IRS whistleblowers testified at a House Oversight Committee hearing that they believed the federal tax investigation into Hunter Biden warranted more serious criminal charges.

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"It appeared to me, based on what I experienced, that the U.S. attorney in Delaware in our investigation was constantly hamstrung, limited and marginalized by DOJ officials as well as other U.S. attorneys," IRS Special Agent Joseph Ziegler testified on July 19.

Hunter Biden's legal team had not responded Monday evening, saying they were not given an opportunity to read Weiss' report before it was released.

Weiss revealed President Biden's pardon of his son has prevented him from pursuing other cases, saying "it would thus be inappropriate to discuss whether additional charges are warranted."
In a final rebuke to the former president he investigated and prosecuted for more than two years, special counsel Jack Smith personally denounced Donald Trump for levying "laughable" and baseless attacks on the federal prosecutors who brought two criminal cases against him.

The stark criticism of the president-elect was included in a letter, obtained by ABC News, that Smith sent Attorney General Merrick Garland last week accompanying his final report detailing his election interference investigation into the former-and-future president.

Smith, in the letter, defended his conduct as fully lawful, free of partisan influence, and vital to the aspirations of the justice system.

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MORE: DOJ provides to Congress Jack Smith's final report on his election interference case against Trump

"While we were not able to bring the cases we charged to trial, I believe the fact that our team stood up for the rule of law matters. I believe the example our team set for others to fight for justice without regard for the personal costs matters. The facts, as we uncovered them in our investigation and as set forth in my Report, matter," Smith wrote.

Trump pleaded not guilty in 2023 to 40 criminal counts related to his handling of classified materials after leaving the White House, and later that year pleaded not guilty to separate charges of undertaking a "criminal scheme" to overturn the results of the 2020 election.

Both cases were dropped following Trump's reelection in November due to a longstanding Justice Department policy prohibiting the prosecution of a sitting president.

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Smith, in his letter to Garland, said that his entire case was guided by the principle that the United States is a "government of laws, and not of men" and that no "man in this country is so high that he is above the law."

PHOTO: In this Aug. 1, 2023, file photo, Jack Smith, US special counsel, speaks during a news conference, in Washington, D.C. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images, FILE)

"As set forth in my Report, after conducting thorough investigations, I found that, with respect to both Mr. Trump's unprecedented efforts to unlawfully retain power after losing the 2020 election and his unlawful retention of classified documents after leaving office, the Principles compelled prosecution. Indeed, Mr. Trump's cases represented ones 'in which the offense [was] the most flagrant, the public harm the greatest, and the proof the most certain,'" Smith wrote.

Directly addressing Trump's repeated allegations that his prosecution has been politically motivated, Smith defended the work of his team and disputed Trump's claims that his prosecution was partisan.

"Throughout my service as Special Counsel, seeking to influence the election one way or the other, or seeking to interfere in its outcome, played no role in our work. My Office had one north star: to follow the facts and law wherever they led. Nothing more and nothing less," Smith wrote.

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Smith also reiterated that his decision to bring the Justice Department's cases against Trump was fully his own, denying Trump's allegation that the decision to bring indictments in the case was subject to political influence.

"While I relied greatly on the counsel, judgment, and advice of our team, I want it to be clear that the ultimate decision to bring charges against Mr. Trump was mine. It is a decision I stand behind fully," Smith wrote.

In the letter, Smith acknowledged that his appointment in November 2022 -- the same month Trump announced his presidential campaign -- created a "highly unusual situation" of the executive branch headed by President Joe Biden "conducting criminal investigations regarding his newly declared challenge." However, Smith emphasized that the circumstances of his role never impacted his judgement or his "committed adherence to the rule of law."

MORE: Jack Smith has resigned as special counsel, Justice Department says in court filing

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"It is equally important for me to make clear that nobody within the Department of Justice ever sought to interfere with, or improperly influence, my prosecutorial decision making," Smith wrote before directly addressing Trump's repeated claims about his integrity.

Since Smith's appointment, Trump has baselessly alleged that he was directed by political actors, attacked Smith's family, and suggested his case was "treasonous."

"And to all who know me well, the claim from Mr. Trump that my decisions as a prosecutor were influenced or directed by the Biden administration or other political actors is, in a word, laughable," Smith wrote.

Smith fiercely defended the work of his team -- who Trump had repeatedly attacked as partisan actors and "thugs" despite their histories as career prosecutors -- as "people of great decency and the highest personal integrity" who endured relentless threats to their safety and attacks on their character to do their jobs.

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"These are intensely good people who did hard things well," Smith wrote.

Days before Trump is to be inaugurated president and begin his avowed overhaul of the Department of Justice, Smith said he fully stands by his actions and described his conduct as rooted in longstanding mandate of the DOJ that "power, politics, influence, status, wealth, fear, and favor should not impede justice under the law."

"Experienced prosecutors know that you cannot control outcomes, you can only do your job the right way for the right reasons," he wrote. "I conclude our work confident that we have done so, and that we have met fully our obligations to the Department and to our country."

Special counsel Jack Smith personally denounces Trump's conduct, calls his accusations 'laughable' originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
The special prosecutor who brought criminal tax and gun-related charges against Hunter Biden used a final report on the investigation to push back against President Joe Bidens claim that his son was unfairly singled out for political reasons.

The President's characterizations are incorrect based on the facts in this case, and, on a more fundamental level, they are wrong, special counsel David Weiss wrote in his report, which Attorney General Merrick Garland released publicly Monday and delivered to Congress. These prosecutions were the culmination of thorough, impartial investigations, not partisan politics.

The 27-page report sheds little new light on the facts unearthed during the investigation into Hunter Biden. Those facts were thoroughly ventilated in federal court proceedings in Delaware and California over the past year. In the Delaware case, a jury found him guilty in June on all three felony charges he faced there related to his purchase of a handgun in 2018, when he was addicted to crack cocaine. In the California case, the presidents son pleaded guilty in September to nine federal tax charges for failing to file returns and exaggerating his business expenses.

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The president said on several occasions during the legal saga that he would not pardon his son. But on Dec. 1, the president broke that promise and granted sweeping clemency to his son, covering not only the charged cases, but any federal crimes he may have committed over more than a decade starting in 2014.

I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted, Biden said in a statement explaining the pardon and why he changed his mind. No reasonable person who looks at the facts of Hunters cases can reach any other conclusion than Hunter was singled out only because he is my son  and that is wrong.

Hunter Bidens lawyers also frequently argued in court that the charges against him were selective and vindictive. Both federal judges who handled the cases rejected the efforts by defense attorneys to have the charges dismissed on that basis and one of the judges railed publicly against the presidents claims about the treatment of his son.

Weiss is the Trump-appointed U.S. attorney for Delaware, and he began investigating Hunter Biden before Joe Biden took office in 2021. Garland allowed Weiss to continue the probe and, in 2023, he made Weiss a special counsel  a status that gave Weiss greater independence to investigate and bring charges.

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The release of Weiss report comes as Washington eagerly awaits a different special counsel report: the one produced by Jack Smith on his two criminal probes of Donald Trump. A federal judge on Monday cleared the way for the Justice Department to release one volume of Smiths two-volume report.

The most pointed passages of Weiss report are his responses to the presidents assertions that his son was the victim of a political vendetta that prosecutors at the Justice Department acquiesced in and helped advance. But Weiss does not dispute the presidents power to issue the pardon to his son, or its scope.

Other presidents have pardoned family members, but in doing so, none have taken the occasion as an opportunity to malign the public servants at the Department of Justice based solely on false accusations, Weiss wrote.

Some Republican lawmakers urged Weiss to bring more charges against Hunter Biden, asserting that he violated various laws in his dealings with and on behalf of foreign companies he worked for. Prosecutors planned to air some of those claims during his trial on the tax charges, but the guilty plea averted that.

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Weiss alluded in his report to the possibility of other charges against the presidents son, but said the scope of the pardon precluded the possibility. Due to the pardon, it would be inappropriate to discuss whether additional charges are warranted, the prosecutor wrote.

Garlands letter transmitting the report to Congress made no reference to Weiss rebuttal to the presidents assertions. A Justice Department spokesperson declined to comment on the report.


Former special counsel Jack Smith believes he had enough evidence to convict President-elect Donald Trump for his alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election, a case hed been working on for several years.

Trump responded by targeting Smith, and pointing out voters reelected him despite the cases pending against him.

Smiths report was submitted to Congress and Volume 1 was released to the public by Attorney General Merrick Garland after a court hold blocking its release expired at midnight, per CNN.

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Smiths report shares the findings of his investigation into Trump actions following the 2020 election. After Trump won the 2024 presidential election, the case against him was dismissed.

Volume 2 of the report covers the classified documents investigation, but the attorney general decided not to release it to the public after Smith recommended against its publication, per CNN.

Smith says he believes Trump would have been convicted at trial

The report, which is over 130 pages, details the evidence Smith gathered on Trumps alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election.

The report says, when it became clear that Mr. Trump had lost the election and that lawful means of challenging the election results had failed, he resorted to a series of criminal efforts to retain power.

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Smith alleges in the report that Trump worked to pressure the justice department to investigate false claims of election fraud.

According to the report, Trump told his acting attorney general in a 2020 phone call to just say the election was corrupt and leave the rest to me and the Republican congressmen.

Special counsel tried to draw a line connecting Trump to the Jan. 6 rioters

The report, based on interviews with over 250 individuals and a grand-jury testimony of 55 people, alleges that rioters who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, had been motivated and directed by Trump.

The former special counsel went on to say that he believed his office could prove Trump willfully caused his supporters to obstruct and attempt to obstruct the proceeding by summoning them to Washington, D.C.

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But, Smith said, his office did not find direct evidence  which would include explicit admission or record of communication of co-conspirators  of Trumps intent to cause the violence that occurred on Jan. 6.

Smiths office alleged Trump sought to pressure then-Vice President Mike Pence to delay the vote certification on Jan. 6, 2021, and he supported creating a false slate of electors, per CBS.

A look into violence experienced by law enforcement officers on Jan. 6

The report also dove into the violence experience by law enforcement officers who responded to the breach of the Capitol on Jan. 6.

According to Axios, there were 140 officers who were assaulted during the riot on the Capitol.

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This violence took a lasting toll. In addition to the significant physical injuries inflicted that day, 223 officers suffered unseen injuries, including depression and other forms of psychological trauma, per the report.

An emphasis on Smiths prosecutorial independence

At the beginning of the report Smith highlighted his own prosecutorial independence, pushing back against claims from Trump that the investigation was corrupt.

I want it to be clear that the ultimate decision to bring charges against Mr. Trump was mine, Smith wrote. Nobody within the Department of Justice ever sought to interfere with, or improperly influence, my prosecutorial decision making.

Trumps response to the release of the report

Soon after the report was released Trump took to Truth Social to speak out against Smiths fake findings, the president-elect wrote Jack is a lamebrain prosecutor who was unable to get his case tried before the Election, which I won in a landslide. THE VOTERS HAVE SPOKEN!!!
Jan. 14 (UPI) -- Donald Trump would have been convicted of attempting to overturn the 2020 election if not for his victory in the presidential election in November, Jack Smith, the special counsel who twice indicted the former and future president, said in his final report on the case, which was submitted to Congress early Tuesday.

Trump was charged by Smith with four felony counts in August 2023. However, amid litigation, the special counsel was forced to move to dismiss the case after Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris in November's presidential election.

In ending the election interference case, Smith cited the long-held Justice Department policy that forbids the prosecution of a sitting president.

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Following litigation over the release of the final report, the 170-page document, obtained by The New York Times and NBC News, was submitted to Congress early Tuesday, meticulously detailing the case built against Trump.

"The Department's view that the Constitution prohibits the continued indictment and prosecution of a President is categorical and does not turn on the gravity of the crimes charged, the strength of the Government's proof or the merits of the prosecution, which the Office stands fully behind," Smith wrote in the report.

"Indeed, but for Trump's election and imminent return to the Presidency, the Office assessed that the admissible evidence was sufficient to obtain and sustain a conviction at trial."

Smith was appointed special counsel in November of 2022, and brought two indictments against the former president the following summer: one concerning election interference and the other regarding Trump's retention of classified documents.

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Only one of the two volumes that make up Smith's final report was released Tuesday. The second volume, which concerns the classified documents case that was controversially dismissed this past summer, is being withheld from the public.

The report was submitted to Congress following litigation over its release, with Trump and his lawyers fighting to keep it private. On Monday, U.S District Judge Aileen Cannon, a Trump appointee who oversaw the documents case, permitted the release of Smith's report concerning the election interference case while barring the second volume for review.

Trump railed against the report on his social media platform, Truth Social, after its release early Tuesday.

"Jack is a lamebrain prosecutor who was unable to get his case before the election," he said in a statement, while incorrectly describing his election victory as a landslide. "THE VOTERS HAVE SPOKEN!!!"

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In the report, Smith defends his decision to charge Trump, whom he accuses of pursuing a criminal conspiracy to maintain his hold of the White House after losing the presidential election to Biden in 2020.

Alleged illegal actions include attempting to induce state officials to ignore legitimate vote counts, manufacturing fraudulent electors in seven states he lost, pressuring Justice Department officials and Vice President Michael Pence to violate their oaths of office to support Trump's false claims and directing an angry mob to attack the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.

"The throughline of all of Mr. Trump's criminal efforts was deceit -- knowingly false claims of election fraud -- and the evidence shows that Mr. Trump used these lies as a weapon to defeat a federal government function foundational to the United States' democratic process," Smith said.

False claims propagated by Trump included large numbers of dead and ineligible voters had cast ballots and that voting machines had changed votes for him to Biden.

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Smith said Trump's election claims -- widely referred to as The Big Lie -- "were demonstrably and, in many cases, obviously false," and that Trump knew there was no fraud in the 2020 election.

"Until Mr. Trump obstructed it, this democratic process had operated in a peaceful and orderly manner for more than 130 years," he said.

Throughout the report, Smith recounts how Trump pursued various efforts to overturn the election, despite knowing he had legitimately lost and that there was no evidence of fraud.

Smith also holds Trump responsible for the Jan. 6 insurrection, when thousands of the former president's supporters attacked Congress to prevent Biden's certification as the 46th president, resulting in five deaths and 140 police officers injured.

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"Mr. Trump's words inspired his supporters to commit acts of physical violence," Smith wrote, referring to Trump's Jan. 6 speech at the Ellipse in which he directed his supporters to march on the Capitol and "fight like hell."

"The people who took Mr. Trump at his word formed a massive crowd that broke onto restricted Capitol grounds and into the building, violently attacking law enforcement officers protecting the Capitol and those inside."

Although much detailed in the report was already publicly known through the indictments, Smith, who resigned as special counsel over the weekend, stated Trump's candidacy represented "an unprecedented challenge" for both the Justice Department the courts.

He added that his office "had no interest" in affecting the election.

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In a letter addressed to Attorney General Merrick Garland, included in the report, Smith emphasized that while he relied upon his team, the decision to bring changes against Trump was his alone.

"It is a decision I stand behind fully," he said. "To have done otherwise on the facts developed during our work would have been to shirk my duties as a prosecutor and a public servant.

"After nearly 30 years of public service, that is a choice I could not abide," he said.
In 2022, staff from Hanoi University purchased a selection of 'supergiant' isopods at a seaford market in Quy Nhon City in Vietnam, intrigued by a burgeoning market for the deep sea crustaceans as a delicacy.

Among them was a species unknown to science at the time. National University of Singapore carcinologist Peter Ng and colleagues have now formally described the novel sea bug in a new paper.

As the head of the animal's carapace resembles the iconic scifi helmet adorned by Star Wars' infamous Darth Vader, Ng and team named the giant woodlice relative Bathynomus vaderi.

The specimens measured in at around 260 to 280 millimeters in length (just under a foot)  an impressive size that is dwarfed by the largest known Bathynomus; a beast that measures around 50 centimeters. Despite being large enough to wear a collar and having a villainous appearance, deep sea isopods are harmless to humans, feeding on decaying matter like their roly-poly and pillbug land relatives.

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Weighing over a kilogram, giant isopods like B. vaderi are an example of deep-sea gigantism  a tendency for animals that dwell in the deep to grow larger than their shallow water cousins.

This evolutionary expansion may be due to the need to store food in an environment where it's scarce, or the pressure imposed by lower temperatures, as evidenced by giants that live close to Earth's glacial regions.

The six male specimens Ng and team examined were trawled from deep waters off Vietnam near the Spratly Islands and differed from previously known species such as Bathynomus jamesi, which the researchers used as a comparison in their paper.

The differences included 'tail' flaps called uropods, which unlike in B. jamesi are visible when viewed from above in B. vaderi (G and C in the images below respectively). The edges of B. vaderi's end parts are also pricklier with spiky setae between the larger spines.

This group of sea bugs are only known to have been deliberately fished for in Vietnam since 2017. They're said to taste similar to lobsters and currently fetch around US$40 per kilogram.

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"Today, some seafood markets in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and a Nang City keep up to 30 individuals in their chilled water tanks for customers to buy," the researchers explain. "The prices of these animals, however, do vary quite a bit due to supply and demand, and can cost substantially more in higher end restaurants."

It's not clear whether the Vader of Bugs features regularly on the plates of fine diners. Those seen in restaurants have so far only been identified as B. jamesi, which were apparently caught from the same area as the newly identified species.

"It is possible B. vaderi has a slightly different habitat, depth range, or distribution than B. jamesi, and what is caught depends on where individual boats trawl," Ng and team speculate, highlighting just how little we know about these remotely dwelling species.

Between trawling and the expansion of deep sea mining for minerals, oil, and gas we're creating numerous challenges for these enigmatic marine environments before even knowing the life that lives within them. This creates an urgent need to better understand these giant isopods and their sea bed neighbors to ensure they are harvested sustainably.

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This research was published in ZooKeys.

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Nominees for Cabinet positions communicate the values and intentions of an incoming administration and the way the president-elect conceives of each agency or department within the government. What does Donald Trumps choice of Pete Hegseth, whose confirmation hearing for defense secretary will take place Tuesday, tell us about Trumps ideal of military leadership and his vision for the countrys armed forces?

To begin with, like all authoritarian leaders, Trump values personal loyalty above experience and competence. Yes, Hegseth is a decorated Army National Guard veteran who served overseas in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. But his time as a Fox News host, his staunch defense of Trumps falsehoods, such as Trumps claim that he won the 2020 election, and his personal profile as a seeming rule breaker and rogue personality most likely counted more in Trumps judgment.

In a normal democratic system, Hegseth would never be considered for the post of defense secretary. He has no experience leading any large organization, let alone one as large as the Pentagon. He advocated for several former service members who were convicted on war crimes charges. He stepped down from roles at veterans organizations after accusations of financial mismanagement and inappropriate behavior arose, which Hegseth denies. And he has faced allegations of excessive drinking and sexual assault (he reached a settlement with the accuser but maintained his innocence and wasnt charged).

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The red flags arent limited to his resume. Hegseth believes women shouldnt be allowed in combat situations, a belief that female combat veterans have denounced as reactionary and insulting. It is also a counterproductive one given that the military is struggling to meet its recruiting goals, particularly among men. In 2024, according to internal service data obtained by Military.com, women accounted for a surge of enlistments  an 18% jump versus only 8% for men.

Then there is his tattoo traditionally associated with white supremacists and Christian nationalists. And he was one of a dozen National Guard members removed from a security deployment to the 2021 inauguration because, in Hegseths own words, I was deemed an extremist. This is particularly concerning for a potential defense secretary, given that the military is supposed to be a strictly nonpartisan institution and serves the country and the Constitution rather than a party or an ideology.

All of this would seem disqualifying if this Cabinet appointment were guided by democratic values of good governance and accountability. Seen from an authoritarian optic, though, things look different. If the goal is to politicize the military and weaken the military codes of duty and honor that bind it to obey the Constitution rather than become a personal tool of the commander in chief, Hegseth might just be an ideal choice.

Even before Trump started shouting about claiming Greenland, Canada and the Panama Canal for America, he indicated his desire to break with tradition by deploying the military for domestic operations. He has proposed using the military to assist with mass deportations of undocumented immigrants and involving the military in openly political actions (subjecting former Rep. Liz Cheney to a military tribunal or using the military or the National Guard against Democratic politicians, critics and protesters, whom Trump has called the enemy from within).

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Trumps choice of Hegseth vindicates the judgment of high-ranking civilian and retired military officials, like former Joint Chiefs Chairman Mark Milley, who labeled Trump a fascist to the core  an assessment seconded by Trumps former chief of staff John Kelly, who recounted that Trump complained to him that U.S. generals werent as loyal to him as Hitlers generals. (A Trump campaign spokesman denied Kellys account.)

Evidently, Trump seeks a defense secretary who shares those generals (supposed) total and unquestioning obedience. And Hegseths lack of qualifications would also most likely help create an autocrats dream: the functionary who blindly obeys the leaders orders, no matter how wrongheaded they are, and doesnt trouble the waters by giving objective and expert counsel that contrasts with the desires of the leader and his inner circle.

The position of defense secretary requires the highest level of performance in situations of great pressure. It demands a staunch commitment to serve the country and uphold the bedrock military values of competence, duty, honor and integrity. In 2025, the next defense secretary may also preside over a potential radical change in the militarys role in American society, one that could corrode the integrity of the institution if its members are required to commit acts of violence against civilians. Its no wonder, then, that to sell this authoritarian vision of the military to the American people, Trump has chosen a smooth-talking weekend host of a network that is trusted by his base.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Jan. 13OLYMPIA  Monday's start of Washington's 105-day legislative session also marked a new beginning for several Spokane-area lawmakers.

The day included much of the pomp and circumstance one would expect, with members of the House and Senate convening to elect chamber leaders, take the oath of office and begin the work that voters throughout the state sent them to Olympia to do. Over the next 104 days, lawmakers will hold committee hearings, consider legislation and, ultimately, adopt a biennial budget.

On the first day of the session, The Spokesman-Review checked in on the new lawmakers who will represent the Spokane area.

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Rep. Rob Chase, R-Liberty Lake

Chase, who previously represented the 4th Legislative District from 2021-23, noted that the session would be his first time spending an extended period in the capitol, as COVID-era restrictions largely limited lawmakers to remote work in his first term.

As he begins his second session, Chase said he's "thrilled to be back" and that he's "spent the last two years studying the issues."

As work begins, Chase sits on the state government and tribal relations committee, the education committee and the finance committees. Chase was "kind of surprised" to be selected for the education committee, though he said "there's a lot of challenges there that I think I can help with."

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"I thought a lot about it over the years, and I can see if there's changes or bills that could help education," Chase said.

As of 5:30 p.m. Monday, Chase, who previously served two terms as the Spokane County treasurer, had yet to file legislation for the current session.

Rep. David Engell, R-Colville

Engell, who represents the 7th Legislative District, previously served as deputy district director for U.S. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers. Ahead of the session, Engell was selected for the agriculture and natural resources committee, the health care and wellness committee and the housing committee.

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Engell said he planned Monday to introduce his first piece of legislation, which would demote wolves from "endangered" to "sensitive." The proposal, he said, is based on prior recommendations that were not enacted.

Engell said he also planned to introduce several pieces of legislation to build housing, and would oppose a bill that would cap rent increases to 7% annually. Soon after taking the oath of office Monday, Engell sat in on his first committee hearing as lawmakers begin to consider the rent control proposal.

Rep. Hunter Abell, R-Colville

Abell, an attorney at a Spokane-area law firm, was selected to serve on the finance committee, the rules committee, the environment and energy committee, and will serve as the assistant ranking minority member on the civil rights and judiciary committee. In an email to The Spokesman-Review, Abell outlined his areas of focus, which includes public safety.

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"We need more law enforcement officers in our state to keep our streets and communities safe," Abell said. "We need to crack down on crime and allow prosecutors to do their jobs."

Citing a desire to "protect taxpayers," Abell said "any budget shortfall should be addressed through smarter, more efficient governing, NOT tax increases."

Abell said he also wanted to focus on "protecting our agriculture, ranching, small business communities as well as our small forest owners from over burdensome regulations and ineffective and misguided environmental rules."

Rep. Natasha Hill, D-Spokane

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The attorney entered the House chambers for the opening ceremony beaming and linking arms with seasoned seatmate Timm Ormsby, D-Spokane. After her swearing-in Monday morning and the pomp and circumstance of opening ceremonies, Hill had little time to bask in her new chamber before assuming the seat on the housing committee in a packed hearing. A crowd gathered outside the full hearing room, where the committee took up a controversial "rent stabilization" bill that would cap rent annual increases for existing tenants at 7%.

During her campaign, she said she'd advocate for a bill to slow rent increases. She was not available for comment on Monday.

In addition to housing, Hill sits on committees for the capital budget and early learning and human services.

Sen. Marcus Riccelli, D-Spokane

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Though a freshman in the Senate, legislating isn't uncharted waters for Marcus Riccelli, D-Spokane, sworn in as a state senator Monday after ascending from the House, where he spent six terms representing the district that represents central Spokane.

He's eager for his positions in committees for state government, tribal affairs and elections; health and long-term care; rules; and ways and means, the latter an influential budget-writing committee.

He also was named Senate majority floor leader responsible for assigning bills to committees, helping schedule floor discussions and managing time spent debating bills on the floor.

The only Senate Democrat east of the Cascades, the role gives Spokane a seat at the table in party discussions, he wrote in a release.

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A push for Riccelli this year is his ongoing effort to establish universal free school meals across the state, as well as grappling with an estimated $12 billion budget shortfall under a Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson who will be inaugurated Wednesday.

Reporter Elena Perry contributed to this story.
LOS ANGELES (KTLA)  With the Palisades and Eaton wildfires destroying over 15,000 structures and damaging thousands more, officials say crooks are looking to take advantage. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) of Los Angeles urges residents to remain vigilant against fire chasers and fraudulent charities.

Fire chasers are scammers who target fire victims by offering fake services such as help with insurance claims, cleanup, or rebuilding, the BBB says. They often impersonate legitimate businesses or government agencies. Meanwhile, fraudulent charities take advantage of those wanting to donate to relief efforts or directly to fire victims.

The BBB Los Angeles has provided the following tips to help avoid falling victim to these scams:

For wildfire victims

Resist High-Pressure Sales Tactics

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Scammers may show up unexpectedly or call with limited time offers. Always take a business card and verify the companys information, including vehicle signage, phone number, and license number. Do not rush into decisions.

Do Your Research

Use BBB.org to find trustworthy businesses and check credentials with relevant government agencies, such as the California Contractors State License Board. Ask for references from friends or your insurance company.

Spot Imposters

Be cautious of anyone asking for money to assist with FEMA applications or other government aid. FEMA does not charge fees for processing disaster relief applications.

For those who want to help

Practice Safe Giving

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After disasters, scammers often create fake donation websites, social media campaigns, and crowdfunding pages that mimic legitimate relief efforts. They use emotional appeals to pressure people into donating quickly, sometimes impersonating well-known charities or needy individuals.

Verify Charities

Always research a charity before donating. Scammers can create convincing fake charity websites or social media pages. Verify charities through BBB Wise Giving Alliance (Give.org), Charity Navigator (charitynavigator.org), or FEMAs Volunteer and Donate page (fema.gov).

Donate Directly

Avoid unsolicited donation requests on social media or via email. Donate only through the charitys official website.

Use Credit Cards

Credit cards offer additional protection against fraud. Do not send cash or use payment apps like Venmo or CashApp for donations.

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If you fall victim to a scam, report it to BBB ScamTracker to help protect others.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (WDTN)  The City of Springfield is responding after several residents inquired about the water being shut off at a local apartment complex.

Springfield says water services were shut off at Sunset Hill Apartments on Friday, Jan. 10. According to the city, the property owners requested the shut off to address a water leak.

Could a strong polar vortex impact the Miami Valley?

But water services have not been turned back on since Friday, prompting several residents to inquire with the city about the hold up.

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City officials made contact with representatives at the apartment complex, who claim they were looking for a plumbing crew over the weekend. Repairs reportedly began on Monday.

Springfield will provide a city water truck for flushing until repairs are complete. A timeline for restoration is currently unknown.

City officials are actively working to reach a representative from Sunset Hills to obtain an update on the status of the repairs, said Springfield in a social media post.

2 NEWS is working to learn more.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
DENVER (KDVR)  A squirrel likely tripped a fuse and caused a boom near a Boulder elementary school that led to the school being placed on secure status, the Boulder County Sheriffs Office reported Tuesday afternoon.

The Boulder County Sheriffs Office was on the scene at Douglass Elementary investigating possible shots fired in the area of North 75th Street and Baseline Road.

FOX31 spoke with the sheriffs office who said there was a reported boom in the area. Deputies were searching but they said they hadnt found anything criminal.

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The sheriffs office posted on X around noon that the school was on secure status, meaning doors were locked but learning was uninterrupted. The campus was secure and students were safe, according to the sheriffs office.

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According to the Boulder Valley School District, law enforcement was searching around the building and people werent allowed to come to the school until the situation was resolved.

The sheriffs office then posted on X at 12:42 p.m. that they learned from Xcel Energy about the squirrel tripping the fuse and that the elementary school had resumed normal operations.

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Boulder Valley School District has a page dedicated to emergency alerts where parents can stay informed of the latest 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 FOX31 Denver.
EDWARDS, N.Y. (WWTI)  A 22-year-old Edwards man is facing charges after allegedly stealing a car from an automobile business and selling it.

According to New York State Police, Eagen Baker was arrested on Sunday, January 12. Baker was charged with third-degree burglary and third-degree grand larceny.

Jefferson Co. man dies in fatal snowmobile crash

Just before 10:20 a.m. December 13, State Troopers responded to Jims Auto located on New Street in the town of Edwards for a burglary complaint.

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An investigation found that Baker allegedly broke into the auto shop, stole merchandise and a vehicle from the parking lot. He allegedly stole a gray 2011 Cadillac DTS and later sold it. The vehicle was later located in a parking lot in Hammond.

Baker was arrested and transported to the state police headquarters in Gouverneur for processing. He was arraigned in the Town of Fowler Court, where he was released on his own recognizance.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
ST. LOUIS  St. Louis officials say that crime remains on a downward trend in the city, speaking Tuesday on an 11-year low in homicides, reductions in top-level FBI-reported crimes, and ongoing initiatives to work toward progress in combating crime.

The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department formally released a report on 2024 crime statistics on Tuesday, which reveals the following:

The 150 reported homicides in St. Louis in 2024 were the lowest since 2013.

Overall crime numbers (including murder, sexual assault, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, felony theft, and auto theft) in 2024 are down 15% from 2023, 31% from 2022, and 24% from 2021.

SLMPD reported a 3% increase in burglaries in 2024 compared to 2023.

SLMPD reported a 13% decrease in the number of shots fired calls in 2024 compared to 2023.

SLMPD reported a 6% drop in juvenile shooting victims in 2024 compared to 2023 and a 46% drop in 2024 compared to 2022.

As a police chief, youre only as good as the mayor that gives you the support that allows you to go out and do your job to the police department and the police chief, St. Louis Police Chief Robert Tracy said. This mayor has done that for the last two years that Ive been here, and I thank you, cause we wouldnt have progress without your leadership.

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The chief said most of the reported crimes in the city are trending downward.

Were coming out of a pandemic; were coming out of disruption to the criminal justice system, disruption to the police departments, the courts, he said.

While we have seen remarkable progress, 150 homicides in one year are still far too many, and we are committed to using every tool available to us to bring that number down much further, St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones said during Tuesdays news conference.

Chief Tracy attributed progress to a modern, data-driven approach to fighting crime, the launch of new transparency tools like crime mapping and an updated website, and efforts to strengthen recruitment and retention within the force.

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The men and women of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department are dedicated to seeing our positive progress continue into 2025, Tracy said. Jones and Tracy say working closely with the criminal justice system has also helped in addressing crime.

Still waiting for mail after St. Louis snowstorms? Heres what USPS says

We are focused on effectively prosecuting violent criminals, building trust through community engagement, and providing alternatives to incarceration where diversion is appropriate, St. Louis Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore said.

Tracy says the city is emerging from disruptions in the criminal justice system since the COVID-19 pandemic, including people leaving public safety professions. He credits progress to tools like ShotSpotter and Nivid technologies.

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Without the technology, we are not going to be able to solve as many cases, he said. We will make sure we protect peoples civil liberties, make sure we do it [fairly], and make sure we protect peoples constitutional rights. But we do need this technology.

Tracy adds that crime mapping has helped officers strategically deploy officers across six districts in identifying patterns and trends, allowing for targeted surveillance in specific areas. He says this has helped with crime reduction in north St. Louis over recent months.

Were addressing each unique situation, and were having results, not just in downtown but throughout the city, said Tracy.

Tracy says addressing gun violence remains a big priority.

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We have to work on the people carrying illegal guns or legal guns and using them illegally, he said. We have to get them held accountable so they dont hurt people.

As 2025 moves forward, there has been growing discussion about the possibility of Missouris new governor, Mike Kehoe, backing state control of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department instead of having it report to the mayors office.

When asked, Gore expressed his willingness to support the mayor and police chiefs position to maintain the current system.

Weve got things headed in the right direction, Gore said. I want to stay on that track. Im willing to work with the mayor and chief and support that position however I can.

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Working together, we know we can have an impact on reducing violent crime and all crime in the city of St. Louis.

Tracy, when asked about Kehoes new executive orders for law enforcement, said his department will review the new orders carefully.

We want to make sure were good partners, but at the same time protecting those in the community that need it the most, he said.

Some residents may question the progress, but the mayor said the stats are available to anyone through the citys crime mapping tool.

You can track our progress using the data that is fully available and in a transparent manner on the police departments website, Jones said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA)  St. Petersburg police are looking for a man who they said stole a piece of art from a gallery. The piece is valued at $21,000.

It happened in November at Duncan McClellan Gallery. Two men walked inside the gallery. One of them distracted an employee, while the other grabbed a glass sculpture from a display, then tucked it under his shirt and left.

Suspects flee Lakeland police by jumping fence, running through backyard while children play

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Jeff Schorr with Craftsman House Gallery carries some of McClellans work.

In the art community, everyones familiar with Duncans pieces, Schorr said. It kind of makes me a little more alert and on my toes around here.

Schorrs been selling artwork at his gallery for 23 years. News Channel 8 On Your Side asked him what the likelihood is of the thieves being able to resell the stolen art.

Gosh I would think it would be pretty tough. You know, unless they had a buyer in mind prior to even going in there, Schorr said. In this case, it just seems like it was something that was scoped out ahead of time.

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St. Petersburg police said they arrested the man who distracted the employee, but need the publics help finding the man who took the art.

Duncan McClellan provided the following statement:

We are deeply saddened by the recent incident, but we are fully cooperating with the authorities and taking all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of our collection. Our priority is the well-being of our employees and patrons, and we remain committed to providing a welcoming environment for all. The police have been diligent and Im confident that with the public help will be able to find the suspect.

Schorr said they help each other out in the arts community and definitely dont want this behavior to become a trend.

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If I hear of anyone selling a piece of art Id inquire about it, you know, and hey maybe its that piece, Schorr said.

If you have information on this case, you are asked to call St. Petersburg 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 WFLA.
Two of downtown St. Petersburgs busiest drags  Eighth Street and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street  are closer to becoming two-way after the city secured a federal grant last week.

Transportation leaders and advocates see plenty of benefits. Two-way streets are thought to slow the flow of traffic rushing to and from downtown, preventing crashes and pedestrian deaths. A redesign of the streets could allow wider sidewalks, bike lanes and on-street parking, bringing pedestrians to roadside businesses, said Whit Blanton, executive director of Forward Pinellas, the county transportation planning agency.

The changes could also help reconnect neighborhoods south of Tropicana Field that were blocked off from downtown by the 1970s construction of the Interstate 175 interchange and the advent of one-way streets, Mayor Ken Welch said.

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Streets are public spaces where people gather, Blanton said. But most of the way weve designed our streets, theyre more like a traffic sewer than anything else.

Shawn Hannan, president of the MLK Business District, said his organization was founded in the 1990s to advocate for converting Eighth and MLK streets. Two-way traffic theoretically means twice as much visibility for his members, he said.

With a lot of things changing in the city, with the growth of the MLK corridor, this is probably the time that it makes sense to get the ball rolling on this, he said.

The city has been vying for federal dollars to convert the two downtown streets since 2023. The nearly $1.4 million it has received from the Department of Transportation will fund the design of the two reconceived thoroughfares. Blanton suspects that process could take between a year and 18 months. The city will need to compete for more funds before construction can begin.

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That means drivers, pedestrians and business owners could be years from reaping the benefits of the reconfigured roads.

How one-way streets increase crash risks

Justin Cournoyer, a transportation advocate and Campbell Park resident, celebrates the grant as a first step toward a safer downtown St. Petersburg.

Cournoyer doesnt own a car. Right now, his walks to Publix along MLK Street are perilous, with narrow sidewalks, few crosswalks and little buffer between him and cars whistling past at up to 60 miles per hour (well over the legal speed limit).

A 2022 study by Forward Pinellas found that downtown St. Petersburgs one-way streets accounted for nearly half of car crashes in the area between 2015 and 2019. On Eighth and MLK streets, around 25 of some 600 crashes in those four years were fatal or incapacitating.

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One-way roads generally allow cars to travel at higher speeds, Blanton said, increasing the risk of fatal crashes. St. Petersburgs one-way drags are bygones of late-20th century planning, he said, that prioritized commuters over downtown residents and pedestrians.

More changes in store for downtown roads

Converting Eighth and MLK streets is just the beginning for St. Petersburg.

The citys downtown mobility plan, a strategy to service future growth and improve safety, outlines two more priorities. One is converting two more downtown one-way roads: Third and Fourth streets, which are maintained by the Florida Department of Transportation. The state agency has signaled willingness to change those streets to two-way and sell them to the city in the next few years, Blanton said.

The last prong of the plan is a biggie, Blanton said. Floridas transportation agency is kicking off a study next month on how to reconfigure I-175, which connects city streets to the major I-275 highway from the south side of downtown, to meet current community needs.

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The interstates 1970s construction has been called a colossal mistake by U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, who helped secure the citys grant. To Cournoyer, its a monument to the citys history of racial injustice, when 4,000 residents, more than half of them Black, were forced to move to make way for the interstate.

Cournoyer is founder of Reimagine 175, which advocates for tearing down the highway and replacing it with a street-level boulevard. The move could make way for more housing and business development, he said.

Eliminating I-175 altogether faces a few political hurdles, Blanton said. The state transportation agency and the Federal Highway Administration, which are reluctant to change the countrys interstate system, would have to sign off. Another option would decrease the size of I-175 and potentially encourage development underneath it.

Theres a general sense something has to change, Blanton said.

I think the community to the south of the interstate really feels like its just been such a barrier, he said. Visibly, its a barrier. Perceptually, its a barrier. Its hindered economic development, access to jobs, and it just feels like they are not welcome to participate in the benefits of being in the city of St Petersburg.
Jan. 13The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded Spokane Transit Authority a $2 million grant Friday to further the design of transportation improvements through one of Spokane's busiest streets.

The Division Street Bus Rapid Transit project will connect downtown Spokane to the Mead area following the completion of the North Spokane Corridor in 2030.

Spokane City Councilwoman Kitty Klitzke, who represents northwest Spokane and sits on the STA board, said the project will benefit a large portion of STA's ridership, including her constituents looking to get downtown quicker, Mead residents hoping to drop their daily commute into the city, and the many riders who use stops along Division to switch routes and catch other buses.

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"They don't even have to look at a schedule, which is one of the good things about BRT: It comes so frequently that you don't have to have a plan," Klitzke said, using the acronym for bus rapid transit. "You just get to the stop, and eventually something's coming pretty soon."

STA's first rapid transit route is the City Line, which opened in 2023 and runs through downtown to Spokane Community College. Rapid bus routes have infrastructure that supports more efficient and higher-volume service, STA spokeswoman Carly Cortright said.

The grant supports a design effort from the Spokane Regional Transportation Council and partner agencies, including the City of Spokane, Spokane County and Washington State Department of Transportation.

About 40 stations at major intersections will have elevated platforms to allow quicker boarding. The far right lane would be dedicated to the buses and traffic turning right. Service is expected at least every 15 minutes.

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Although the location is still being worked out, the 10-mile route would end at a new transit center in Mead, Cortright said.

Klitzke said she's excited to bolster services along the thoroughfare.

"That's one of the next big steps in trying to create not just a transit experience, but a mass transit experience in Spokane, and to increase our efficiency and connectivity across routes," Klitzke said.

Like City Line, the Division Street route also will use electric 60-foot articulated buses.

Klitzke said the additional capacity is much needed. She recalled how when she lived on Wellesley Avenue as a young adult, she would frequently see buses fill up, especially during adverse weather events like large snow storms.

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"There were multiple times way back then when I would have to wait for the next bus because the bus would be full," Klitzke said. "So I'm really looking forward to this. This is a huge step in mobility for people like I was."

Other Division corridor improvements would include new and enhanced bike lanes and pedestrian features. Construction is not expected to start until 2027.

Service would begin after the North Spokane Corridor connecting Interstate 90 to U.S. Highway 2 and 395 opens. At that point, there should be less traffic on Division, which will make the rapid bus service more efficient.

The grant is provided from the $544 million federal Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

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"We're pleased," Klitzke said. "This is a plan that we've had going for a very long time."

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.
A local man has been arrested in connection with a stabbing in Mattapan last month, police said Tuesday.

Naysaan Austin, 29, of Dorchester, was wanted on a warrant issued out of Dorchester District Court for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, serious bodily injury.

Officers arrested Austin at about 7:53 a.m. Monday in the area of 1165 Blue Hill Avenue.

His arrest came three weeks after police responded to 21 Fessenden St. for a report of a person stabbed at about 10:30 p.m. on Dec. 23.

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The victim was treated for a laceration to the face on scene, but refused to be transported to the hospital.

Austin is expected to be arraigned in Dorchester District Court.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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Starbucks is reversing one of its older policies, the open-door policy, which allowed people to use its facilities without making a purchase. On Monday, the coffee chain announced that its new code of conduct will put an end to the previous policy, as per AP News. This will require an individual to purchase if they wish to sit at the store or use the restroom. The change will be posted across all establishments in North America to ban discrimination or harassment, consumption of outside alcohol, smoking, vaping, drug use, and other injustices.

Heres why Starbucks is tweaking their open-door policy

A spokesperson for Starbucks noted that reversing the open-door policy, which they first introduced in 2018, will benefit their customers. Spokesperson Jaci Anderson stated that the brand intends to prioritize their paying customer with the new rules. We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable in our stores, said Anderson. The statement further mentioned that the plan is to set clear expectations for behavior and use of our spaces in order to create a better environment for everyone.

Adhering to the new policy, store employees can ask individuals violating the code of conduct to leave. They will also have the freedom to take drastic measures like calling law enforcement, if and when necessary. Moreover, the coffee chain announced it would train employees to impose the new policy. According to CBS News, this change came after Brian Niccol, the new CEO, took over after leaving Chipotle last year. Niccol now aims to revitalize the brand and make its locations inviting places to linger.

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Starbucks reversal of the open-door policy will prohibit individuals from smoking, vaping, using drugs, and panhandling inside the shops. Additionally, it will prevent people from bringing outside alcohol into its establishments, making it a safer and more comfortable environment for paying customers and employees. The previous 2018 policy welcomed everyone into its store allowing them to sit inside or use the facilities.

The post Starbucks Ends Open-Door Policy, Requires Purchase to Stay or Use Restroom appeared first on Mandatory.
Starbucks recently announced a major policy change, with the popular coffee chain now reserving use of its facilities -- including seating, tables, and restrooms -- for paying customers only. Remote workers who use Starbucks as an office space, or others who frequent it as a simple hangout, will now have to buy something in order to stay on the property.

Revealed on Monday, the policy change is a "practical step that helps us prioritize our paying customers who want to sit and enjoy our cafes or need to use the restroom during their visit," a Starbucks spokesperson told CNN. The new policy is also a response to safety concerns from "partners," Starbucks' internal term for its employees.

The policy change is listed at the top of Starbucks' Code of Conduct. A company spokesperson said this was intended to set "clear expectations for behavior and use of our spaces," fostering "a better environment for everyone."

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Read more: We Tried 12 Frozen Breakfast Sandwiches And This Is Our Favorite One

The End Of Starbucks' Open Door Policy

A customer sits at a table inside of a Starbucks - Atlantide Phototravel/Getty Images

Starbucks' former open door policy, which did not require a purchase to use its facilities, began in 2018 after a massive public relations disaster for Starbucks. Two Black men were waiting for a friend at a Philadelphia location, and when one of them attempted to use the restroom without making a purchase, both were arrested. The company eventually reached settlements with both men and a store manager, who Starbucks fired in the aftermath.

Starbucks attempted to partially remedy the situation by opening restroom access to non-customers, but this caused other difficulties. In 2022, former CEO Howard Schultz acknowledged that the new bathroom policy's days may be numbered due to safety complaints from both employees and customers about what Schultz called a "mental health" problem with some non-customers.

Starbucks says the new rules, which also include bans on panhandling, consuming outside alcohol, and vaping, are meant to preserve its reputation as a pleasant space for customers. With various food options and exciting seasonal lineups, Starbucks will likely remain a popular choice for remote workers, but it will now cost a purchase to visit.

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Read the original article on The Daily Meal.
Starbucks' open door policy is getting thrown out the window among changes for the company.

The coffee chain announced on Monday it would reverse its seven-year-long open door policy in company-owned North American stores. The change comes from new leadership which took over the coffee chain back in September 2024.

Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson said the policy reversal is designed to help prioritize paying customers.

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"We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable in our stores," Anderson told USA TODAY Tuesday. "Implementing a Coffeehouse Code of Conduct is something most retailers already have... This means our cafes, patios, and restrooms are for customers and partners. By setting clear expectations for behavior and use of our spaces, we can create a better environment for everyone."

Here's what to know about the change.

Starbucks open door policy change

According to the new policy, people who come into the coffee shop must order something from the menu to use the restroom or spend time inside. The new code of conduct also bans discrimination or harassment, consumption of outside alcohol, smoking, vaping, drug use and panhandling.

The new policies will be posted in all U.S. locations.

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Customers are okay to use the restroom or log onto WIFI before making a purchase, but the new policy is meant to outline what is expected from customers.

When did Starbucks implement the open door policy?

Starbucks first implemented the open door policy in 2018 after a Philadelphia store manager called the police on two Black men when they didn't order food or drinks.

In 2018, Donte Robinson and Rashon Nelson, were arrested for trespassing at the Starbucks in an upscale downtown neighborhood on April 12 while they were waiting to meet a third person for a business meeting.

The encounter was caught on video and sparked outrage over racial profiling which led to a discrimination lawsuit and an apology from the former CEO of Starbucks Kevin Johnson. This situation led to the company having an open door policy to avoid further situations like it.

Starbucks new leadership

Brian Niccol became the CEO of Starbucks in September 2024 after working as the chairman and CEO of Chipotle. In a Jan. 9 statement, Niccol said the company would make changes to lure back customers, lift sales and more.

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USA TODAY contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Starbucks open door policy is out. Here's what to know.
If youre planning to stop by Starbucks to meet a friend, use the restroom, or access the Wi-Fi, you might want to grab a drink first.

Nearly seven years ago, the coffee giant made headlines by allowing non-paying customers to use its facilities. However, starting Monday, Starbucks reversed that policy, now requiring all guests to make a purchase before accessing its restrooms or Wi-Fi.

The new code of conduct, which will be posted at U.S. locations, will also ban discrimination or harassment, consumption of outside alcohol, smoking, vaping, drug use and panhandling, the Seattle-based coffee chain announced.

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Starbucks spokesperson Jaci Anderson told CBS News that the policy reversal is designed to "help prioritize paying customers."

"We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable in our stores," Anderson told the organization. "By setting clear expectations for behavior and use of our spaces, we can create a better environment for everyone."

When did the Starbucks open door policy begin?

The move reverses a rule change the coffee chain made in 2018 after a store manager called the police on two Black men when they didn't order food or drinks at one of the chain's Philadelphia stores.

In April 2018, police arrested Donte Robinson and Rashon Nelson at a Starbucks in an upscale downtown neighborhood in what was described as a racially charged incident. The two were charged with trespassing while waiting to meet a third person for a business meeting. In response, Starbucks closed 8,000 of its stores six weeks later to conduct racial-bias training.

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The encounter, caught on video, sparked outrage over racial profiling, led to a discrimination lawsuit, and an apology from the company's former CEO Kevin Johnson among other actions. Starbucks later reached a financial settlement with the men in May 2018. The company declined to release the terms of the settlement.

How many Starbucks stores will the new policy impact in Texas?

Texas ranks second in the nation for the number of Starbucks locations, with approximately 1,300 stores, trailing only California. Houston and Dallas both rank among the top 10 cities with the most Starbucks locations, with 154 and 91 stores, respectively, according to ScrapeHero, a data company specializing in business analytics.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Starbucks policy no longer allows restrooms, Wi-Fi use without purchase
State and federal authorities are investigating a mining accident that killed a man Friday in Somerset County, state police said in a news release Sunday.

Joshua Mock, 34, of Windber, suffered fatal injuries while operating a piece of underground mine equipment at Corsa Coal Corp.s Acosta Deep Mine in Jenner Township, state police said.

Mock died from multiple blunt impacts and crushing injuries, according to Somerset County Coroner Cullen Swank.

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Somerset Area Ambulance Association and the Acosta Volunteer Fire Department were initially dispatched to a reported accident at the mine, Somerset County 911 said. State troopers in Somerset were dispatched at around 2 p.m. Friday for a death investigation.

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, the U.S. Department of Labor and Mine Safety, and state police are actively investigating.
Solicitor General Noah Purcell argues his case for upholding the state's ban on the sale of high-capacity magazines before the Washington Supreme Court on Tuesday. (Jake Goldstein-Street / Washington State Standard)

The fate of Washingtons ban on the sale of high-capacity firearm magazines now rests with the state Supreme Court.

On Tuesday morning, attorneys for the state and a southwest Washington gun shop challenging the law made their cases to the justices.

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Lawyers for Gators Custom Guns argued the ban on selling magazines that can hold more than 10 rounds violates the clause of the state constitution that protects the right of the individual citizen to bear arms in defense of himself, or the state.

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects firearms that are in common use and are typically possessed by law-abiding citizens for lawful purposes.

Just the simple fact that citizens of the nation and the state have overwhelmingly chosen magazines of capacity more than 10 rounds necessarily leads to the conclusion that they are used for self-defense, said Austin Hatcher, an attorney from the Spokane area. Theyre used for lawful purposes.

On the other side, lawyers from the state attorney generals office argued the prohibition should stand because these magazines arent necessary for a gun to work. Since they are accessories, the ban doesnt violate the state or federal constitutions, they argued.

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Solicitor General Noah Purcell called the magazines the universal tool of choice in mass shootings.

Nothing in Washingtons Constitution or the Second Amendment requires states to allow the sale of firearm accessories that have virtually no utility for self-defense and, instead, are routinely used in mass shootings, Purcell told the justices.

Washingtons ban on high-capacity magazine sales took effect about two and a half years ago. The state is among at least 14 nationwide with similar restrictions. These laws have attracted lawsuits as lower courts work through how to interpret a 2022 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that set new limits on gun regulations.

Justice Sheryl Gordon McCloud asked Purcell if components of a gun, like a barrel, are not technically a firearm, does that mean the state could ban them?

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A restriction impairing the right to bear arms would be a problem, Purcell conceded. But the magazine law does not cross that line, he said, because there is no firearm that requires a large capacity magazine to operate.

Purcell also argued people defending themselves dont need more than 10 rounds. Hatcher countered that the state constitutional right goes beyond self-defense.

Legal lingo

Arguments in the dispute center on several U.S. Supreme Court rulings over the past two decades.

In a pair of cases, District of Columbia v. Heller in 2008 and McDonald v. City of Chicago in 2010, the high court ruled individual Americans have a right to bear arms that must be respected under federal, state and local laws.

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But the Heller ruling also said Second Amendment rights are not unlimited and set out a test for deciding whether weapons could be regulated because they are dangerous and unusual.

If a weapon is dangerous and unusual, then the government can prohibit it, explained Joseph Blocher, the co-founder of the Duke Center for Firearms Law, in an interview last week. If it is not, that is if it is in common use for lawful purposes, then it cannot be prohibited.

More recently, the Supreme Court ruled in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen that state firearm laws must adhere to the nations historical tradition of firearm regulation.

Thats left judges having to infer how modern weapons like large-capacity magazines and semiautomatic rifles square with laws written more than a century ago.

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Hatcher argued there is no historical precedent to underpin Washingtons ban on the sale of the magazines. I dont think there are any analogous laws, and the only ammunition capacity laws were from the Prohibition era, which is much too late, he said.

But Purcell said the comparison doesnt have to be so specific. He used the example of Bowie knives. As the knives rose in popularity in the 1800s, laws cropped up to ban them. The situation today with ammunition magazines is similar, he argued.

There doesnt have to be a twin regulation from the late 1700s for something that didnt exist in the late 1700s, as is the case here, Purcell said. What we look for is the principles that underlie old laws and whether theyre consistent with principles underlying the current law.

In a recent application of Bruen, federal appeals court judges struck down a federal law prohibiting some people under restraining orders from having guns because it wasnt in line with law when the U.S. Constitution was ratified.

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The U.S. Supreme Court overturned that ruling last year. In doing so, the justices noted courts could use general principles, not just exact matches, when comparing modern gun laws to historical regulations.

And Blocher noted laws like Washingtons have largely been upheld across the country, so in essence, I would think the state should have some reason to feel confident.

But even Justice Steven Gonzalez acknowledged the difficulty of applying the evolving tests the U.S. Supreme Court has laid out for gun laws. Im confused by our national Second Amendment jurisprudence, and Im confused by Bruen, Gonzalez said.

How we got here

Democrats passed the ban on large-capacity magazine sales on a party-line vote in 2022 after years of trying.

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Gators Custom Guns in Kelso filed a legal challenge to the ban. Then-Attorney General Bob Ferguson responded by suing the shop, owned by Walter Wentz, alleging it had flouted the new state law by continuing to sell the banned magazines.

In an interview after Tuesdays hearing, Wentz said the states bans on high-capacity magazines and assault weapons led to a 40% decrease in sales at his shop.

Last April, Cowlitz County Superior Court Judge Gary Bashor struck down the law, finding the ban violated the Second Amendment and language in the state constitution granting a right to bear arms for self-defense.

Within hours of Bashors decision, at the request of state attorneys, a state Supreme Court commissioner agreed to put a pause on the ruling so the prohibition could remain in place.

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A couple weeks later, the commissioner, Michael Johnston, extended the stay until the case was resolved and it remains in effect.

Both sides asked the state Supreme Court to hear the case. Justices agreed to do so last June.

Wentz said Tuesday he was surprised how impartial the justices appeared.

On Monday, the Legislature began its 105-day session, in which Democrats hope to pass a number of new gun laws. One would require a state permit to purchase firearms. Others would restrict guns in parks frequented by children, public buildings and county fairs and ban bulk purchases of ammunition.
The history of information technology governance in Florida, as presented to the House Information Technology Budget and Policy Subcommittee. (Screenshot via House of Representative documents)

The fast-moving digital age has befuddled Florida lawmakers, who have created and abolished a number of information technology agencies over the years and spent hundreds of millions on IT-related projects.

Danny Perez via Florida House

But House Speaker Danny Perez has made understanding the states IT policies and funding a priority, creating the Information Technology Budget & Policy Subcommittee, the only panel in the House that holds jurisdiction over both substantive policy and spending.

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Rep. John Snyder, a Republican from Stuart, said Tuesday it is the first time in 75 years if ever that the House has created a subcommittee that answers to two full committees (its housed under the committees on Budget and State Affairs.)

This reflects the recognition of the important role technology plays in the future of our state and the need for a focused strategic approach to address its challenges. This subcommittee has a unique opportunity to help shape a vision for our states digital future. One that is forward thinking, efficient, and secure, Snyder said.

Large crowd

The committee is being closely watched by lobbyists and vendors, evidenced by the larger-than-usual crowd during the early morning meeting.

In opening remarks, Rep. William Robinson, a Republican from Bradenton and chair of the State Affairs Committee, noted the interest, saying, Geeze, by looking at the number of people in the audience on your first committee meeting, you have a big task.

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SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX

Perez, a Miami Republican, noted the powerful new subcommittee in a November press release announcing the standing House committees, subcommittees, and joint committees with the Senate.

As a Legislature, we have no clear information technology policy strategy. Our response to the repeated failure to execute IT projects has been to create, dissolve, and recreate a technology agency. Technology policy in the Legislature either happens informally through behind-the-scenes conversations or appears as language buried in budget proviso, Perez said.

As policymakers and stewards of taxpayer dollars, we must do a better job. This new subcommittee will bring this dialogue to the forefront and put this conversation where it should be  in the hands of the Members in a committee setting.

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Florida has a long history with failed and troublesome IT projects. Florida TaxWatch and Associated Industries of Florida, two business-related organizations, released a report in January highlighting examples, including:

CONNECT, the automated Reemployment Assistance Program website that crashed during the COVID 19 pandemic due to the surge of applications filed by unemployed Floridians;

iConnect, a billing system for providers working with people with developmental and intellectual disabilities;

The SunPass Centralized Customer Service System;

The Florida Health Care Connections (FX) Enterprise Data Warehouse, among others.

Compelling business case

The panel will focus on the intersection of the states information technology policies and funding. Snyder said it is critical to ensure that the hundreds of millions the state of Florida invests in information technology are advancing the states goals and are wisely spent. Key to that, Snyder said, is crafting an effective approach to evaluating, prioritizing, and managing IT investments in the state.

In our approach, I encourage us to ask in every meeting that we attend, Are we prioritizing projects based on demonstrated feasibility, alignment with strategic goals, and effective cost controls that will ensure projects are viable while safeguarding taxpayers interests?

I want each of us to ask, Does the funding request present a compelling business case, one that includes a clear articulation of critical needs, measurable outcomes, defined timelines, and risk-mitigation strategies to help us ensure projects are set up for success from the outset?

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And, lastly, Are we prioritizing investments that reduce long-term operational costs, enhance efficiency, and strengthen security and compliance, including cybersecurity concerns, while focusing on investments that deliver sustainable long-term value. 

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Democratic state Reps. Dan Shagoury from Hallowell and Anne Graham from Yarmouth raised concern about the impact that Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as head of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, would have on public health in Maine during a press conference at the State House on Jan. 14, 2025. (Photo by Eesha Pendharkar/ Maine Morning Star)

Two Maine state representatives are raising concern about Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s nomination to serve as health secretary under President-elect Donald Trump, highlighting his statements against vaccinations, water fluoridation and other common sense public health measures.

At the State House on Tuesday, Democratic state Reps. Dan Shagoury from Hallowell and Anne Graham from Yarmouth joined a public health expert at a press conference organized by Protect Our Care Maine, part of a national organization that launched a campaign opposing Kennedys appointment to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

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The pair, who both sit on the Legislatures Health and Human Services Committee, criticized Kennedys lack of medical or public health experience, plans to cut funding to research organizations such as the National Institutes of Health, and warned Mainers that his appointment would have adverse effects on the states public health.

Im very concerned about the impact that a Robert-Kennedy-led DHHS could have on Maine, said Shagoury. I say this because Kennedy has repeatedly questioned the efficacy and even the safety of vaccines and vaccinations are an important part of having a productive and healthy society.

Voters overwhelmingly rejected efforts to weaken a state vaccine law in 2020 after Maine became one of a handful of states to forbid all non-medical exemptions to public school vaccine requirements. Shagoury cited that vote as evidence of state consensus about the importance of vaccines.

Without vaccination requirements or research, he said Mainers would have reason to be concerned about the resurgence of diseases such as polio.

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U.S. Senate confirmation hearings for Trumps cabinet picks began this week, though a date for Kennedys hearing has not yet been set. Independent U.S. Sen. Angus King has said he is concerned about some of Trumps nominees, including Kennedy. But Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, who sits on the health panel that would hold his confirmation hearing, said in November that it is too soon to say where she stands.

Its vitally important that our senators truly consider the detriment to, not only our state, but to America if they appoint RFK Jr., said Graham, a retired nurse practitioner who encouraged Mainers to reach out to both senators to advocate against Kennedys confirmation.

Deborah Deatrick, the former senior vice president for community health at MaineHealth, said she was concerned about Kennedys comments against water fluoridation, which the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention called one of the 10 greatest public health achievements of the 20th century.

Kennedy wrote on social media before Trump was elected that the new administration would remove fluoride from public water, claiming that the chemical is industrial waste linked to cancer and other health issues.

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Maine has an unusual fluoridation law, wherein communities with public water supply must vote on fluoridation. About 80% of Maine communities are served by public water systems, and about half of those communities have voted in favor of fluoridation, Deatrick said.

Its a hugely beneficial measure. It is something that we need to retain, Deatrick said.Communities have actually voted in favor of this measure again and again.

This story was edited to clarify that Maine voters rejected a 2020 referendum to weaken vaccine laws.

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This story first appeared in How We Care, a weekly newsletter by Spotlight PA featuring original reporting and perspectives on how we care for one another at all stages of life. Sign up for free here.

When his father died from COVID-19 in 2020, James Gerraughty didnt have to choose between working and grieving.

Thats because his employer provides three days of paid bereavement for the death of a parent. This gave Gerraughty enough time to drive from the Altoona area to Buffalo, New York, to collect his dads remains.

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Gerraughty said his employer was flexible as he undertook closing his fathers estate and cleaning his house. The two-and-a-half year effort became a second job, Gerraughty told How We Care. But the government contracting consultant had very good support, he said of his boss and colleagues.

Not everyone is so lucky. Pennsylvania doesnt have a universal bereavement leave policy. Employers offer it at their discretion, meaning many workers can experience the death of a loved one but not get time off.

Other states have filled this gap in labor law, to varying degrees. California, Colorado, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Oregon, and Washington all mandate some form of bereavement leave. Spotlight PA contacted the chambers of commerce in those states to ask how the laws affect the workforce and business. Most either declined to comment or did not respond.

Loren Furman, the head of Colorados chamber, said there wasnt much pushback when the state amended its paid sick leave law in 2023 to mandate that employees be permitted to use this time for bereavement. The smaller employers, Im sure they had a little more of a struggle, she said. But the larger to mid-sized companies told us that they did this already.

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Theres a bipartisan effort in Pennsylvania to implement paid sick leave. However, the most recent state House and Senate versions of the proposed Family Care Act are silent on bereavement.

It takes time to process a death. So not being able to take off work can threaten a persons mental health and livelihood, said Nisha Bowman, a social worker in Pittsburgh for Monarch Hospice.

Major losses have many downstream effects, including job performance. Your boss is only looking at your productivity, said Bowman. And as that starts to slip  youre trying to fight to come up for air. Its too much to have to process at the same time.

The Family and Medical Leave Act, a landmark federal employment law enacted in 1993, does not cover bereavement. It provides job protection to people who take an unpaid leave of up to 12 weeks for specific situations, such as caring for an ill spouse or the birth of a child.

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But if that spouse or child were to die, then an employer could legally require the worker to clock in the very next day.

Washington state addresses this gap in a limited fashion by requiring that employees receive paid leave in the seven days following the death of a child who is under a year old. The law also covers families whose child dies within a year of an adoption or foster placement. New Jersey is considering a similar law.

The Family and Medical Leave Act does protect someones job if their grief causes a serious mental health condition that prevents them from working. But there are practical hurdles to getting that leave granted, especially if the employee doesnt have a history of mental health issues, said Pittsburgh-based attorney Christine Elzer, who is a board member of the National Employment Lawyers Association.

[It] would require the employee to get an appointment with a mental health provider, and have the mental health provider submit that certification paperwork on short notice, said Elzer.

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Diane Bergeron, an organizational psychologist and researcher at the nonprofit Center for Creative Leadership, said people shouldnt be burdened to prove a mental health issue, and argued that standard pathologizes normal emotions that arise after a loss.

Grieving people can work, said Bergeron, noting that some even welcome it as a distraction. Others enjoy being around their colleagues. But grief isnt linear or confined to one period, so bereavement policies should allow for nonconsecutive time off, Bergeron argued.

It can hit you out of the blue, Bergeron said of grief. But then all of the sudden youre OK, and you can do things.

Californias bereavement law partially allows for that unpredictability. It requires that employers provide at least five days of nonconsecutive, unpaid leave.

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But those days must be used within three months following the death, a stipulation that doesnt account for how days outside that window  such as birthdays, holidays, and death anniversaries  can trigger grief.

Bowman of Monarch Hospice, for instance, miscarried twins on Valentines Day in 2019. They were due on her wedding anniversary. Ever since, Bowman said, she becomes irritated and sad around those dates. Drawing on her mental health background, shes learned to be compassionate to herself when experiencing these complex emotions.

Can you imagine being someone whos never felt a feeling in their life, like having to navigate big feelings all of a sudden? she said. You cant cope with that out of the blue.

Illinoiss bereavement law also has a time limit. Workers are permitted 10 days of leave, which must be taken within 60 days of when they learn of their family members death. The law also covers stillbirth or miscarriage, an unsuccessful round of fertility treatment, or a failed adoption.

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Terrible things happen in peoples lives, and they should have the ability to take a moment, Illinois state Rep. Anna Moeller told How We Care. The Democrat represents Chicagos western suburbs and sponsored the legislation in 2022.

American culture does not handle death and grief well, said Kent Tonkin, an associate professor at Saint Francis University who studies bereavement in the workplace.

He said grieving people are expected to separate from friends and society at times when they need the most support. Thats why there isnt any sort of national law or even comprehensive guidance for employers, he argued.

Companies really are kind of in a no mans land on their own, figuring out whats going to work well for their employees, he said.

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Like Bergeron and Bowman, Tonkin recommended that employers give workers as much flexibility as possible.

Whether a worker gets such consideration, however, largely depends on their supervisor and their seniority within a company, according to Tonkins research. In a 2022 study, he examined the case of a woman who had two miscarriages, received no bereavement leave, and was eventually fired. A different manager might have found ways to support that employee.

For Bergeron, such a lack of consistency illustrates why standards are needed. I think its unfair that we put a basic decent human response on individuals to buck the system, rather than just expecting the organization to step up and be sensitive, she said.

James Gerraughty agreed, and said he was fortunate to have compassionate supervisors who were understanding as he dealt with his fathers death.

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He said he would support a state or federal law that mandates other workers receive that same consideration.

Working after a loss is difficult, he noted: If [someone is] a little bummed out, if theyre a little sad, well theres a reason for that.

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ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  An Albuquerque neurosurgeon lost his license after 26 patients brought claims against him, adding up to $19 million in settlements. The attorney of one woman said that surgeon is the reason her client will never walk again.

Story continues below

Attorney Lisa Curtis hopes that by shining a light on Dr. Mark Erasmus, people will understand that his mistakes ruined peoples lives. I mean, people have died; they are brain damaged; they are paralyzed, said Lisa Curtis, Diane Gutierrezs attorney.

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Diane Gutierrez was 50 years old when she walked into Lovelace Hospital for a routine surgery, hoping to solve numbness in her arm. But, she woke up to find she was permanently paralyzed. Disgusting does not put enough emphasis on how horrible it is, the things that Dr. Erasmus has done to patients, said Curtis.

Gutierrezs attorney, Lisa Curtis, blames Erasmus, who she said should have never been in the operating room that day. Its unforgivable that they let this guy loose on patients, said Curtis.

The New Mexico Medical Board revoked his license, saying there has been a total of over $19 million in settlements for 26 medical malpractice claims since 2001; nine of those have been filed in court since 2021.

The board deemed Erasmus unfit to practice medicine. However, his attorney, Bryan Davis, argued his client couldnt defend himself. There were multiple of these lawsuits where Dr. Erasmus would not have settled them if he had the option. And he would have gone to trial but the insurance company overruled him because thats their right to do it, said Davis.

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If the number of lawsuits that are filed against a physician are a basis, and the amount of money that insurance companies pay out are a basis to revoke someones license, then there are a lot of physicians in the state that should have their licenses revoked, said Davis.

Curtis agreed, calling for stricter guidelines so more doctors she calls repeat offenders can be included. Its a mystery when the medical board decides to get involved. A lot of their proceedings are secret, and they are immune from suit, said Curtis.

The board pulled Erasmus medical license in April, and the district court upheld that decision last month.

It is so critical that the New Mexico Medical Board do what it did for patients in New Mexico to Mark Erasmus. Now, it shouldnt take 26 claims and this much money and this many patients hurt to take somebodys license, said Curtis.

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Erasmus is appealing the decision, saying that while he will never step foot in an operating room again, he wants to keep his license so that he can perform other duties.

Hopefully, the court of appeals will see that thats just simply not competent evidence on which to revoke a physicians license. Particularly, someone like Dr. Erasmus, whos been serving the community in New Mexico for over 40 years, said Davis.

You know, New Mexico, we deserve to have decent physicians. We dont have any choice but to trust them, and we need the medical board to uphold that, said Curtis.

The truth of it is, patients have to trust the doctorsand that means the hospitals and the big corporations that own them have to be responsible for providing quality doctors to their patients because theyre the only ones that can know if theyre good doctors or they arent, said Curtis

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Board documents show Erasmus claimed he was suffering from medical and personal issues during the time of Gutierrezs surgery. The 73-year-old has been practicing medicine since the late 1970s.

Gutierrezs attorney said she is not settling and is taking her case to court. The trial is set for April.

In response to Curtis claim that people have died, Erasmus attorney said that is untrue. Admitting there has been one case involving a patient death, but the case was settled and there are no verdicts or judgments against Dr. Erasmus for any patients death.

The New Mexico Medical Board sent this statement:

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The Medical Practice Act authorizes the Board to take action to protect the public health and safety. In Dr. Erasmuss case, the Board exercised its broad discretion to investigate. The NMMB website for the history of Dr. Erasmuss case explains the different allegations brought against Dr. Erasmus in the notice of contemplated action. The medical malpractice payments were the grounds for one allegation. Also, as argued by Dr. Erasmus, the facts of the case and settlement for each and every medical malpractice case are unique and usually involve other health care providers and hospitals. Following New Mexico law, Dr. Erasmus appeared before the Board, after the evidentiary hearing, to make his argument against revocation. Dr. Erasmus was represented by counsel throughout the administrative proceeding, Bryan Davis, Esq. Dr. Erasmus appealed in the 1st judicial district court; Judge Mathew affirmed the revocation by an order filed December 30, 2024. Dr. Erasmus has the opportunity to seek further review in the NM Court of Appeals. Monique Parks, Interim Executive Director, New Mexico Medical Board

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
A New York woman was killed during a head-on crash in New Fairfield on Monday.

The crash occurred on Ball Pond Road in the area just north of Harvest Road where two vehicles were headed in opposite directions when they collided shortly before 9:30 p.m., according to Connecticut State Police.

State police said 62-year-old Diane Staab of Mahopac, New York was driving a 2017 Jeep Compass south on Ball Pond Road when she collided with a 2024 Hyundai Palisade being driven by a 17-year-old boy from New Fairfield. Troopers are still investigating what led to the two cars hitting each other in a head-on manner.

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Staab was pronounced dead at the scene by medics, according to state police.

The teen driver and two other boys in the vehicle, ages 16 and 17, suffered minor injuries and were taken to Danbury Hospital.

The crash remains under investigation.

Any witnesses or drivers in the area with dashboard camera footage have been asked to contact Trooper Nicolas Brunsden at the New Fairfield Resident State Troopers Office at 203-312-5701 or Nicolas.Brunsden@ct.gov.
a drawing of a generic schoolhouse and the words "Charter school"

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The state Charter Schools Review Board on Monday approved 10-year renewals for 18 charter schools, despite concerns expressed by at least one board member about granting such long terms to some schools with lower academic performance.

I know that we dont have a choice because were following the law as it is written, but I just have to go on record saying that  it does not sit well with me to give a 10-year renewal to schools that are performing at a D status, said board member Shelly Slope.

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This debate over renewal lengths is not new. Last year, board member Alex Quigley questioned the necessity of 10-year renewals.

Other board members have argued that the renewal process is costly for both schools and the state, particularly as the number of charter schools continues to grow.

Under 10-year renewal guidelines, schools must demonstrate that their student academic outcomes for the preceding three years have been comparable to those of students in the local school district. They must also provide sound financial audits and be in compliance with state and federal laws.

Piedmont Classical High School in Guilford County, originally slated for a 7-year renewal due to a single year of underperformance, received a 10-year term after three consecutive years of meeting or exceeding growth targets.

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The board postponed renewal votes for Doral Academy of North Carolina in Raleigh and Washington Montessori in Beaufort County until its next meeting, as both schools have yet to submit their required audits.

At least four other schools received five-year renewal terms.

Another ten schools were granted three-year renewals, a designation reserved for schools that show a pattern of unresolved or consistent issues and an inability to provide sound audits for the immediately preceding year, or if the school is currently on financial noncompliance disciplinary status. Schools with academic outcomes that have not been comparable to the local school districts outcomes but have met growth one year out of the immediately preceding three years, may also be granted three-year renewals.

The board voted not to renew the charter for Durhams Community School of Digital & Visual Art, citing issues related to financial management, governance, and compliance.

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The board also discussed Charlottes United Community School, noting the school had defaulted on small business loans. When payments were only $600 a month or $7,000 a year, it does concern me that they would have defaulted on that loan, said a DPI official. Itd be a big indicator, as I stated before, we do monitor, for us, every school is a one-year school in finance, and so we will be closely monitoring the school expenses, already seeing revenues.

The board ultimately tabled the renewal decision for United Community School, pending further clarification and information from the school.

The board did vote to grant a three-year renewal for Haliwa-Saponi Tribal School in Halifax County, despite concerns about its low academic performance. This decision reflected the boards consideration of the schools cultural significance within its community.

There is a very, very strong cultural aspect here, community aspect that I fully appreciate for how important this school is for the tribal community, Board member Bartley Danielsen said.
Gov. Katie Hobbs gives her State of the State address on Jan. 13, 2025. Photo by Jerod MacDonald-Evoy | Arizona Mirror

In her State of the State address Monday, Gov. Katie Hobbs said that securing Arizonas water future is essential to preserving the states way of life  including providing reliable water resources to Indigenous communities.

In November, I signed historic water settlements with leaders from four tribal nations  ending decades of litigation and finally settling their water rights, Hobbs said in the speech she delivered on the floor of the Arizona House of Representatives.

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In November, Hobbs signed the Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Act and the Yavapai-Apache Nation Water Rights Settlement Agreement.

To highlight the need for secure water resources within Indigenous communities, Hobbs shared the story of Judy Elthsosie, a Navajo woman from the Black Falls community of the Navajo Nation who lives without running water.

Hobbs said that Elthsosie has lived without running water for her entire life. When she needs water, she drives 30 miles to a reliable source.

Elthsosie will make the trip up as often as three times a week during the summer months, Hobb said, adding that it would be life-changing for Elthsosie to have reliable access to clean drinking water.

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According to the tribe, more than 30% of the Navajo Nations homes lack running water. However, through the Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement, the Navajo Nation hopes to gain access to more water that will benefit its people.

The Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Act of 2024 would ratify and fund the largest Indian water rights settlement in the country, and would secure water rights for the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe and San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe.

Hobbs and tribal leaders signed the settlement in 2024, but it still needs to be approved by Congress to go into effect. It was introduced in the U.S. Senate in July 2024 by U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly.

Its time for Congress to do their part and pass these settlements so that Judy, her community, and future generations have access to the safe, clean water they deserve, Hobbs said in her speech.

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The agreement will settle the Navajo Nation, the Hopi Tribe and the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribes claims to the main stem of the Colorado River, the Little Colorado River and relevant groundwater sources in Arizona.

It includes billions of dollars in funding for essential water development and delivery projects for the tribes.

Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren told the Arizona Mirror in a statement that he appreciates Hobbs mentioning their water settlement because it is critical for the tribe.

With her help, Im more confident that Congress will take it up and approve it in its next session, Nygren said. Governor Hobbs is a visionary leader who understands that without access to clean running water in Navajo homes, my peoples future is stuck in the past.

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Hobbs also mentioned the Yavapai-Apache Nations Water Rights Settlement Agreement in her speech. This agreement would resolve the tribes water rights claims and provide additional water supplies to the Verdy Valley and the tribe.

Kelly also introduced the Yavapai-Apache Nation Water Rights Settlement Act in July 2024. It authorizes a little over $1 billion in funding for the tribe to build and maintain essential water infrastructure, including the Cragin-Verde Pipeline and a Surface Water Drinking Plant.

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SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) Persons looking for a career as a Registered Nurse can now get their training done in year through a new accelerated program at Springfield Technical Community College (STCC).

The college will be offering an RN degree program designed for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), paramedics and military medics looking to advance their careers. The Accelerated Nursing program will include hands-on clinical training with coursework focused on nursing fundamentals, anatomy, microbiology and more. When completed, graduates will be able to take the NCLEX-RN exam, an important step to becoming a licensed registered nurse.

Deadline approaches for Massachusetts residents to enroll in health insurance

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Potential students must meet certain eligibility requirements including Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) benchmark scores, a year of patient care experience and appropriate certifications.

Our program meets the needs of students who are ready to pursue nursing at an accelerated pace, said Christopher Scott, Dean of the School of Health and Patient Simulation. With the growing demand for skilled nurses, this program positions graduates for immediate success in the field.

More information on the Accelerated Nursing program can be found on the STCC website. To apply, use this link. Applications must be submitted by Feb. 1, 2025, and the first term will begin on May 19.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
Go behind the headlines as NewsNations Missing investigates missing person cases from across the country, from cold cases to the latest developing stories. Tune into our latest cases digital show each Friday where we speak to loved ones and examine the case. Subscribe to our newsletter here.

(NewsNation)  Two people in Jonesborough, Tennesee, are still missing after Hurricane Helene swept through their town on Sept. 27, sweeping them away with it.

Steve Cloyd, a 60-year-old husband, father and grandfather, and Nancy Tucker, a 76-year-old wife, are missing and the searches for them appear to have stalled.

Hurricane Helene struck Jonesborough, Tennessee

Steve Cloyds wife, Keli, recalls the weeks before the storm.

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Dane Elkins missing case gains new leads

Steve and I had celebrated 36 years of marriage and we actually went to Dollywood on the 22nd of September to celebrate and it was a good day filled with beautiful memories, she said. Actually it was funny, because Steve didnt like selfies but he said to me that day, what, no selfies? So then I broke out the camera and we did some selfies.

Just days later, the remnants of Hurricane Helene swept through their hometown of Jonesborough, unleashing 60-mile-per-hour winds and catastrophic flooding.

Keli Cloyd had gone to work in the morning and Steve Cloyd was at home with the couples dog, Orion, watching the storm.

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Keli Cloyd texted her husband in the morning to let him know she was safe. He responded by sending progress reports of the rising creek. Between 10:30 to 11, he began sending videos and saying he was running out of green.

Around one ocock is when his messages to me start getting a little more desperate, saying the basements filling, Orions freaking out, Keli Cloyd said. He said the basements starting to fill, it sounds like its the end here. (Around) two oclock he calls me and says to me, I am calling you because this is not good. He said Im calling to tell you that I love you but I think this is the end.'

Last messages from Steve Cloyd

Cloyd began calling 911 to get help for her husband. She called eight times that day, but ultimately Steve Cloyd grabbed Orion, carried her to his Jeep and tried to get out on his own.

The Jeep was flooded and his cell phone battery was dying. Thats when he and his wife shared their last text.

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Body found in pond at Greensboro apartment complex identified as missing man by police

My last text to him was at 2:48 p.m. and he said on the move and what I knew by that was he had no control over the Jeep and the Jeep was starting to float. That was my last text to him and I never heard anything more from him, she said.

Jimmy and Nancy Tucker were in their trailer when it was swept away by flooding. (Johnny Horton) Steve and Keli Cloyd recently celebrated their anniversary. (Keli Cloyd) Keli Cloyd texted her husband as he was trying to escape rising flood water. (Keli Cloyd)

Flooding washed away Nancy Tuckers trailer

About five miles across town, Jimmy and Nancy Tucker were home when the floodwaters began to rise.

Her nephew, Johnny Horton, said he got a call from his aunt while it was happening.

She said, were in crisis here. When I asked her whats going on, she said, were being flooded, Horton said. She said the water was up to the trailer and it was up to Jims waist in the driveway, thats when I knew it was very bad and I told her, Nancy, youve got to go.'

Have a question about the case? Join the conversation by submitting it on this page and we may answer it in the show. You can watch new episodes of Missing every Friday on our YouTube page.

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Horton said Tucker was worried about their dogs, packing food for them in the car. She and her husband were inside their home when it was swept away by floodwaters, and taken down river for at least half a mile.

Missing 1-year-old Kahleb Collins presumed dead

Tuckers husband was found dead a few days after the flood, about two miles from home. But Tucker is still missing.

Searching for Steve Cloyd

When Steve and Keli Cloyds sons heard their dad was in trouble, they traveled from Illinois to begin searching for him.

The next day, their dog was found alive in the Nolichucky River. Two days later, they found Steve Cloyds Jeep, its freedom panel torn out from the inside, a sign that he had escaped. The jeep was found just three-tenths of a mile from their home.

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He could be right under where the Jeep was, with all the layers of silt, he could be in drainage ditches they are currently cleaning out. He could be in the creek hat filled up first. He could have been washed into the river. Its anybodys guess, Keli Cloyd said. I was promised on multiple occasions they would not stop searching until they found him and the other missing Washington County resident, Nancy Tucker.

Sheriff Keith Sexton confirmed that until Steve Cloyd and Nancy Tucker are found, the will be considered missing people.

Steve Cloyds brother, Gary Cloyd, said the family is still searching.

Martha Overholser was last seen at the rim of the Grand Canyon

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Steve was a good guy. He was dearly loved by the people that knew him. If you knew him, youd be out looking for him too, he said.

Debris fields remain an obstacle

Keli Cloyd said one area of interest is Jackson Island. It runs along the Nolichucky River and its debris fields can reach 40 feet high.

So if Steve or Nancy or anyone else is in those debris piles, its going to take experts to come out there, she said. My only goal in any of this is to find my husband so that we can put him to rest in the manner that he chose.

Cloyd told NewsNation there is a dog team scheduled to search the debris fields at Jackson Island in late January or early February.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
Steve Guttenbergs Pacific Palisades home survived the Los Angeles wildfires  but new winds are leaving it vulnerable once again, and he's doing what he can to keep his neighborhood safe as the fire rages on.

"At this time I have the choice of sitting down and walking or standing up and doing what I can. I choose to stand and fight. And help," the Police Academy star and author tells PEOPLE exclusively.

A source says Guttenberg, 66, who confirmed to the Associated Press on Friday, Jan. 10. that his house survived the initial blazes, has banded together with several neighbors whose homes also made it.

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Related: Steve Guttenberg Goes Unrecognized as He Comes to the Rescue of People Evacuating Pacific Palisades Fire

"They are having meals together, working on getting brush out of the way, trying to put out smoldering fires, and fighting embers in the air," the source says, adding, "They have been getting food and necessities, portable heaters, water, through rapid relief groups and sharing everything, and basically are taking care of each other."

The source notes that with the rising winds, things are getting scary again.

"Today the winds are kicking up so hes trying to clear and clean up as much as possible in the neighborhood. It's really a game of wait and see."

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The actor, who made headlines when he was seen on the news helping others evacuate from the Palisades on Jan. 7, later recalled witnessing at least 20 homes burned pretty bad in his neighborhood when he returned after evacuating.

The actor compared the tragedy he witnessed over the last couple of days to a sudden death.

Its like when someone dies suddenly, he told the AP. Its like when someone gets hit by a car. You never expect that to happen. Thats how shocking it was.



Related: Steve Guttenberg Goes Unrecognized as He Comes to the Rescue of People Evacuating Pacific Palisades Fire

KTLA 5/Youtube Steve Guttenberg speaking to KTLA on Jan. 7, 2024 Steve Guttenberg speaking to KTLA on Jan. 7, 2024

Speaking with KTLA on Jan. 7, Guttenberg urged people to leave the keys in their cars as they evacuated so it would be easier to move them when emergency vehicles needed to pass.

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Whats happening is people take their keys with them as if theyre in a parking lot. This is not a parking lot. We really need people to move their cars," he explained to the outlet. "If you leave your car behind, leave the key in there so a guy like me can move your car so that these fire trucks can get up there.

There are people stuck up there. So were trying to clear Palisades Drive and Im walking up there as far as I can moving cars," he added.

Related: Celebrities Who Have Lost Homes in the Los Angeles Fires, and What They've Said

A rep for Guttenberg told PEOPLE that the actor was doing "okay" and confirmed he continuing "trying to help" following his earlier heroic efforts.

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This isn't the first time Guttenberg has turned his attention to helping others; in 2024, he spoke with PEOPLE about training to become a dialysis tech so he could treat his ailing father at his home.

Related: Steve Guttenberg Practiced on a Rubber Hose While Learning to Be a Dialysis Tech to Treat Dad at Home (Exclusive)

Hans Gutknecht/MediaNews Group/ Los Angeles Daily News via Getty

"There was no thought to it at all, he told PEOPLE at the time. My dad was my idol. He taught me how to drive and shave, how to talk to girls, how to tie my shoes and be respectful, kind, and thoughtful. He was my greatest teacher.



While Guttenberg's home was spared, many celebrities houses burned during the fast-growing fires, including Milo Ventimiglia, Bryan Greenberg and Jamie Chung, Keleigh and Miles Teller, Barbara Corcoran, Eugene Levy, Adam Brody and Leighton Meester, and Cameron Mathison.

David Swanson / AFP/ Getty

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The wildfires first broke out on Tuesday, Jan. 7 amid severe winds and dry conditions in the Los Angeles area.

Over 100,000 people were issued mandatory evacuation orders amid the ongoing natural disaster. The largest Palisades Fire is still at a low containment, according to Cal Fire.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed on Sunday, Jan. 12 that the death toll has risen to 24 people.

Click here to learn more about how to help the victims of the L.A. fires.

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(FOX40.COM)  A Stockton nurse practitioner is facing a civil complaint from the federal government for allegedly selling illegal opioids for cash nationwide, according to the US Department of Justice.

The complaint is asking for Joan Rubinger to be prohibited from prescribing controlled substances. She is believed to have written 900 illegitimate prescriptions across the country.

Homicidal violence not ruled out in Sacramento mothers death, coroner says

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According to the Eastern District Court of California, Rubingers unorthodox operation began on Nov. 1, 2019, and continued to June 17, 2024.

During that time her practice was not overseen by a licensed physician and there was no licensed physician associated with the practice.

When seeing customers, Rubinger would allegedly meet at non-medical locations without proper tools, records or supplies to treat chronic pain.

Court reports indicate that Rubinger made all attempts to keep the scheme hidden by having customers pay in cash, using Telegram, an encrypted messaging app, to contact customers and giving new customers a document called THE RULES to possible attention from the Drug Enforcement Administration.

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Suspect of 2021 Carmichael attacking spree sentenced

Price lists would be provided to customers to purchase highly addictive drugs like Oxycodone, Percocet, Xanax, and Adderall.

Once customers paid Rubinger, she allegedly issued the requested prescriptions without conducting any examination or creating any medical records, the Eastern District court writes.

Customers are also said to have paid Rubinger in advance for their prescriptions.

The names of customers family members and friends were used to not pique curiosity about large amounts of drugs being prescribed to one person.

Many of her customers allegedly abused the drugs or resold them on the street.

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The Christmas Eve stowaway who boarded a Delta Air Lines flight to Hawaii slipped past both a TSA ID check and a gate agent with no ticket, according to public records obtained by CNN.

The stowaway was identified as Shemaiah Patrice Small, 33, of California, according to the documents. Small snuck past a TSA ID check the night before Christmas Eve and wandered the airport allegedly barefoot before she tried to hitch a ride on Delta Air Lines Flight 487 from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Honolulu the next day. During boarding, she managed to slip past a gate agent by hiding behind another passenger but was discovered aboard the aircraft sitting in someone elses seat.

Delta employees noticed Small and asked her to deboard.

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Small fled the gate before law enforcement could arrive, according to airport officials, and when police later located her in the airport, she was arrested and charged with criminal trespassing in the first degree and making false statements to public servants.

She was identified through a fingerprint database, after giving false names and information to law enforcement.

The Transportation Security Administration and the Port of Seattle confirmed the incident to CNN.

Stowaway situations dont happen often, but each represents a lapse in aviation security. And the incidents can be deadly for the potential stowaway when they attempt to hide outside of the passenger cabin. Other times, like in Smalls case, they face serious charges. These types of incidents raise alarms about problems within the aviation security system, experts say.

Getting past security, staying overnight

Small slipped through the line divider at Checkpoint 3 at the Seattle airport on December 23 at about 9:06 p.m., the public records show.

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An officer reviewing security footage observed she slipped through a line divider to cut to the front of the checkpoint waiting line. She stood at the front of the line for several minutes.

I watched (Small) duck underneath a line dividing stanchion and bypass the portion of TSA screening that checks ID and boarding pass, the officers account read. She proceeded through a metal detector and was screened before she proceeds to the secure side of the airport.

Then, several hours prior to ending up on the plane, Small walked around the airport, according to police who reviewed airport footage after the incident. She spent several hours apparently wandering  getting on trains and coming back to where she started in the airport. Then she would pick up items at different stores and move them around, the report alleges.

The Delta flight she eventually boarded wasnt her first attempt to get on a plane.

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One officer viewed footage showing her trying to get into line as if to board a flight at least two times. She tried on December 23 at 10:12 p.m. at gate N15 and again at 10:47 p.m. at gate N9, where she stood next to the gate agent and took a step towards the jetway before turning around and seemingly deciding not to board.

Then, at about 12:40 a.m. on Christmas Eve, an officer responded to a call about a suspicious person.

That call was from Sherwin Shayegan, known to police as the Piggyback Bandit. The responding officer said he had numerous contacts with Shayegan in the past. Hes been previously convicted for forcing high school boys into piggyback rides and for giving children money after he massages them.

Shayegan described the female and pointed her out to law enforcement.

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Small was barefoot when she walked away from Shayegan and the officer, the records show. Shayegan told police he didnt think Small had a ticket because she had a bottle of Fireball whiskey on her and he believed she stole it, the police report says.

The officer followed Small down the terminal until she went into a womens restroom. Two officers waited 15 to 20 minutes for her to exit and speak with her.

Finally, an officer entered the bathroom and contacted Small, who said she needed more time. Officers left the bathroom and didnt have further contact with her until after she deplaned the Delta flight.

Boarding the flight

A Delta employee who reviewed video footage saw Small walk behind a male passenger in a black shirt at the gate counter and access the jet bridge, according to the public records. The male passenger scanned his ticket at the gate and Small walked on the side of him to gain access to the jet bridge, the police records said.

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Once they had boarded, a Delta customer service agent reported to law enforcement there were too many passengers aboard flight 487 departing to Honolulu at 12:45 p.m., according to the public records.

On the aircraft with the door closed, a woman, later identified as Small, was sitting in a ticketed passengers seat and that was how Delta was able to discover her aboard the Airbus A321neo.

Small told a Delta agent her last name was Smith and said she did not have her ID, police reports show. Small was then told to follow the agent and avoided questions about how she got onboard. Police had not yet arrived at the gate.

The Delta agent followed her after she walked away from them until she entered the unsecure side of the airport, the public records show.

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At approximately 1:07 p.m., Port of Seattle Police was dispatched to Gate B1 where Flight 487 was parked, for suspicious circumstances. Perry Cooper, a Port of Seattle official, said the person ran out of the aircraft before law enforcement arrived at 1:13 p.m. Police records show she walked off toward baggage claim.

Public records show it took about 50 minutes from the time Small refused to show Delta agents her ID to when she was detained and read her Miranda rights at 1:55 p.m. Police found her washing her face in a womens restroom near a hall for arriving flights.

When law enforcement approached her, records say she gave them a fake name and age, among other false details.

A police officer detailed their difficulties in understanding Small in a case report.

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Based on my training and experience, not knowing how to spell a given name or correct, usually suggests that a subject is lying about their name, the officer wrote in the case report. If a subject is dishonest about who they are, the subject is usually dishonest about their side of the story.

Small was charged with trespassing and false statements.

Days later, she was arrested again at the Seattle airport on December 27 for criminal trespass without a ticket for a flight after an officer recognized her from her first arrest, court records show. Small has a hearing on Tuesday.

CNN reached out to Small and her attorney for comment.

Aviation incidents raise alarms

Theres recently been a string of aviation security incidents in the US.

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Another stowaway boarded a Delta airplane Thanksgiving week. That unticketed passenger made it all the way from New Yorks John F. Kennedy International Airport to Paris before she was eventually arrested.

Also on Christmas Eve, a body was found in the wheel well of a United Airlines plane after it traveled from Chicagos OHare International Airport and landed in Maui.

Last week, two people were found dead in the wheel well of a JetBlue plane from New York City after it landed at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

While the reports dont give a sense of Smalls motives, experts say there are many reasons why a person might stow away on an aircraft. Theres not just one reason that fits every bill, said Alexandra James, an analysis output manager at Osprey Flight Solutions, which analyzes security risks in the aviation sector.

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James said sometimes, the cases shes seen include travelers who cant afford a ticket, suffer from mental health issues motivating a person to get on a flight and other reasons.

I dont think we can say that theres any one problem, but it just goes to show that aviation security personnel really need to keep all these different issues in view, James said. They cant just be thinking about terrorism. They need to be thinking about mental health issues. They need to be thinking about people with other stuff going on that may potentially cause a cause a threat.

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SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)  Stranger Things creators the Duffer Brothers will receive the Variety Showrunner Award at the 13th annual SCAD TVfest in February. The Savannah College of Art and Designs signature event celebrating the best in TV and streaming, SCAD TVfest will screen at the state-of-the art SCADshow theater in Midtown Atlanta Feb. 57, 2025.

Netlfix series Stranger Things

The Duffer Brothers write, direct, and executive produce Stranger Things, which is Netflixs most popular English-language series of all time. The series wrapped production on its fifth and final season in December 2024 and will premiere later this year.

I wish we could have eleven seasons of Stranger Things. My world  not to mention my kids world  has been turned upside down by this groundbreaking Netflix series launched back in 2016, said Variety TV editor Michael Schneider. And behind this funny, scary, wild trip back to the 1980s have been the Duffer Brothers. Theyve made me care for Hopper and Joyce, root for Mike and Eleven, relate to Dustin and Lucas  and of course, fear the Demogorgon, the Mind Flayer, Vecna and, yes, the Soviets. Ill be running up that hill for Season 5 when it finally returns this year.

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The Duffer Brothers will accept the award at a special ceremony Wednesday, Feb. 5, where the festival will screen an episode of Stranger Things followed by a discussion moderated by Schneider.

The Duffer Brothers have become synonymous with epic, genre-defining television since the groundbreaking premiere of Stranger Things. Filmed right here in Atlanta, the series not only captivates audiences worldwide but also highlights the citys emergence as a powerhouse for television production and features the creative ingenuity of many SCAD alumni from costume designers to production assistants, said SCAD executive director of theaters and festivals Christina Routhier. The Duffer Brothers ability to weave nostalgia, innovation, and compelling storytelling has redefined whats possible on screen. We are thrilled to honor their extraordinary contributions to television with the Variety Showrunner Award at SCAD TVfest, where we celebrate the creators who shape the future of the medium.

In 2022, the Duffer Brothers announced the launch of their production company, Upside Down Pictures. They currently produce the Olivier Award-winning West End production of Stranger Things: The First Shadow directed by Stephen Daldry and written by Kate Trefry. The play will premiere on Broadway in March 2025. In addition to the expansion of the Stranger Things franchise via an untitled animated series, the company will produce the upcoming original Netflix series The Boroughs and Something Very Bad is Going to Happen. Upside Down Pictures also has multiple projects in development, including a live-action series adaptation of Death Note.

Previous recipients of SCAD TVfests Variety Showrunner Award include Charlotte Stoudt (The Morning Show); Jen Statsky, Paul W. Downs, and Lucia Aniello (Hacks); and Sterlin Harjo (Reservation Dogs).

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SCAD TVfest spotlights the best in design, creativity, and innovation in television, streaming, and digital media. Viewers explore the best work and latest trends in broadcast, streaming, cable, web, social media, and advertising, and connect with the top industry insiders working on camera and behind the scenes. The 2025 festival schedule includes gala premiere screenings, spotlights, panel discussions, Q&A events, and other original content. The full festival lineup will be announced Thursday, Jan. 23.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
CANTON, Ill. (WMBD)  The Canton Police Department on Monday arrested a student in connection to an alleged threat made against the high school.

Noah Bates, 18, was arrested for disorderly conduct, a felony that could result in possible prison time, according to the Canton Police Departments Facebook page.

The administration at Canton High School was first made aware of an alleged threat after school on Monday and immediately contacted police, according to a Canton Union School District 66 Facebook post.

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We would like to express our gratitude to the Canton Police Department for their swift and thorough response to this serious matter, stated the post. The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining a safe learning environment for all.

Further details were not immediately available.

This was believed to be an isolated incident.

Bates has been transferred to the Fulton County Jail, where he awaits his first court 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 CIProud.com.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV)  A Syracuse University student is starting off the spring semester with his family top of mind.

Ive been thinking about my family all day, said Nicholas Waley, a student at SU and resident of Woodland Hills, California.

The Newhouse student flew in Sunday night, Jan. 12, from LAX Airport after leaving his family behind on the West Coast.

I flew out as late as I could. I do worry that theres going to be another set of Santa Ana winds coming up today and tomorrow, said Waley.

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Feelings of uncertainty are now growing for Waley after returning back to campus late Sunday. He had been spending his winter break at home with his family in Woodland Hills, near Calabasas.

I can not stop thinking about them. I check in with them as much as I can. Thankfully, the fire that was near us has been 100% contained, Waley said.

But just a few days ago, it was a race for survival. Waley says he and his family were on their way home Thursday afternoon, Jan. 9. Thats when they noticed something was off.

I was driving back from the mall just two miles from my house and I see a big plume of smoke, said Waley.

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Just minutes later, Waley received an alert on his phone to evacuate with the Kenneth fire erupting nearby.

We quickly went home, and thats when our phones started blowing up with alert messages saying you have to evacuate. So we grabbed everything we could, and within an hour, we were able to get away. We went and parked in a parking lot that was just out by our freeway so out of danger, said Waley.

Hours later, Waley and his family were given the ok to return home. Thankfully, nothing was damaged.

We were very lucky. To think that the tens of thousands of people now that have lost their homes, I thank my lucky stars everyday now, said Waley.

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Waley says a school in Pacific Palisades where he studied theater did not survive the wildfires.

I did theater at The Adderley School, which started at the womens club in the Palisades, and quickly early into the Tuesday, I believe it was, we got an email from our director and said the club burned down, and then we found out the theater burned down as well, said Waley.

Waley says he made many important memories at The Adderley School and is why he chose SU.

A big reason why I even came to Newhouse and wanted to become a broadcaster was because of theater and how much thats helped me in the past. It gives me chills just thinking about it, said Waley.

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Waley is now hoping his family and all those affected are able to ride out the heavy winds in the coming days.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSYR.
The U.S. Supreme Court refused to take up an appeal of a circuit court decision that upheld a 12-year-old Maryland law that requires licenses and training for would-be handgun buyers in the state. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty images)

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to hear a challenge to a 2013 Maryland law that requires a state license for anyone seeking to buy a handgun.

Gun-rights groups had challenged the law, claiming that it infringed on their Second Amendment rights to bear arms. But the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in August that the gun advocates were confusing a delay in getting guns, that may result from the state license requirement, with an infringement of constitutional rights.

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The Supreme Court let that ruling stand when it denied, without comment, the appeal of the circuit court ruling.

Attorney General Anthony Brown (D) called Mondays decision great news for the state and common-sense gun laws.

This law helps prevent tragedies and keeps families safe, by keeping guns away from those who want to harm our communities, Brown said. Thoughts and prayers are not enough  Marylands Handgun Qualification Licensing Law is a key tool in our fight to end gun violence.

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Mark Pennak, president of Maryland Shall Issue, one of the gun-rights groups that challenged the law, conceded nothing can be done with the high courts rejection of this appeal. But he said there are other appeals of Second Amendment cases still pending before the court, including one from Maryland that he hopes the Supreme Court will take up.

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We wait, Pennak said. If the Supreme Court were to come out in another Second Amendment case and rule thats totally wrong, we will then file a new lawsuit.

In terms of the federal appeals court decision, Pennake said, Based on infringement unless the restriction is a total ban, we just think thats totally and completely wrong.

The states handgun qualification license law, also known as HQL, was part of the Firearm Safety Act that state lawmakers passed in 2013. It was done in response to a mass shooting one year earlier at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut, where 20 children and six adults were killed.

The law requires a person who wishes to buy a handgun to apply for a license. The applicant must be a state resident and at least 21 years old, must submit fingerprints, undergo a background check, satisfy training requirements and pay a $50 application fee.

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A license should be issued within 30 days, but the circuit court said it typically takes half that time and some licenses can be issued within days.

In the majority opinion in August for full 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which ruled 14-2 in favor of the law, Circuit Judge Barbara Milano Keenan wrote that requirements such as background checks and training instruction, which necessarily occasion some delay, ordinarily will pass constitutional muster without requiring the government to justify the regulation.

But Judge Julius N. Richardson wrote in a dissent that the majoritys reading of the Second Amendment was contrived and that the majority could offer no support for its reasoning.

Richardson wrote the majority should follow the Supreme Courts framework in its June 2022 decision in New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen, which required modern gun laws to be consistent with the Nations historical tradition of firearm regulation.

It is disheartening that our Court has gone out of its way to avoid applying the framework announced in Bruen, Richardson wrote. I can only hope that in future cases we will reverse course and assess firearm regulations against history and tradition.
North Dakota Rep. Lisa Finley-DeVille, D-Mandaree, speaks during a news conference Nov. 22, 2024, in Bismarck. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld legislative subdistricts in North Dakota, including one she represents. (Mary Steurer/North Dakota Monitor)

The U.S. Supreme Court settled a North Dakota voting rights case Monday, leaving in place two majority-Native American subdistricts challenged as unconstitutional.

Im glad that its finally been resolved, said Rep. Lisa Finley-DeVille, a citizen of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation who represents one of the subdistricts. Its very important that were able to represent our needs at the table.

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The lawsuit, brought by two non-Native North Dakota residents, alleged that the subdistricts are racial gerrymanders  meaning the Legislature established them based predominantly on the racial makeup of their communities, rather than looking at other criteria like geography, population size or the political interests of residents. The plaintiffs argued the Legislature relied heavily on anecdotal evidence, not legitimate research, when it created the districts.

The plaintiffs claimed the subdistricts violate the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment by strengthening the voting power of Native American residents at the expense of constituents who arent Native American.

The Legislature established the two subdistricts in 2021. District 4A follows the boundaries of the Fort Berthold Reservation, while District 9A includes the Turtle Mountain Reservation and some surrounding communities.

A three-judge district court panel found in 2023 that the map was constitutional.

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The panel wrote that even if the Legislature did look to race when making the map, federal courts have previously found that states may consider race in a narrowly tailored capacity when drawing district lines to comply with the Voting Rights Act.

Unsatisfied with that decision, the plaintiffs asked the U.S. Supreme Court to send the lawsuit back to a lower court for further proceedings, or to accept the case.

The high court on Monday dismissed the appeal of District 9A and affirmed the district courts decision on District 4A. The court did not explain its reasoning.

Robert Harms, an attorney representing the plaintiffs, called the decision disappointing.

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The troubling aspect of this whole case is that the North Dakota Legislature didnt have in front of it any statistical analysis, he said Monday.

The lawsuit was filed by Charles Walen and Paul Henderson, both of whom are former district chairs for the North Dakota Republican Party, Harms said. Walen last year successfully ran as a Republican for a District 4 state Senate seat.

The boundaries of District 9A and District 9B changed for the 2024 election after a federal judge imposed a new map following a separate voting rights lawsuit brought by the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa.

The MHA Nation, Finley-DeVille and MHA citizen Cesar Alvarez joined Walen and Hendersons lawsuit on the side of the state, arguing that the Legislature had gathered sufficient evidence to warrant the creation of the subdistricts.

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That included testimony from tribal representatives, information about the use of subdistricts for Native American reservations in South Dakota and previous redistricting litigation, according to a brief filed by the MHA Nation, Finley-DeVille and Alvarez.

MHA Chairman Mark Fox testified during the redistricting process that candidates favored by Native residents of District 4 had been repeatedly defeated by the districts white majority.

The plaintiffs disagreed. In one response, they argued that even before the subdistricts were created, voters in District 4 and District 9 were able to elect Native lawmakers to the Legislature, and that therefore the subdistricts are not necessary. The brief cites Rep. Dawn Charging and Sen. Richard Marcellais as two Indigenous lawmakers elected in District 4 and District 9, respectively.

The U.S. Department of Justice in a December brief advised the Supreme Court against considering the case.

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In an unusual move, North Dakota came out against the district courts ruling, despite that the court had ruled in the states favor. In a memo filed this spring, the state said that the Legislature did not rely on race as a predominant factor in the redistricting process, and that the district court was wrong to rule that such behavior would be permissible in any circumstance. The state asked the Supreme Court to send the case back to district court for further proceedings.

We said before and we maintain now that race was not the predominant motivator for the redistricting, North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley said Monday.

The Supreme Court has taken up two other voting rights cases challenging a majority-Black district in Louisiana as racial gerrymandering.

In a 2023 voting rights case, Allen v. Milligan, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that Alabama had violated the Voting Rights Act when it created only one majority-Black district, finding that this unlawfully weakened the power of Black voters in the state.

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Survivors have opened up about their experiences after the Sea Story tourist boat sank in the Red Sea on Nov. 25, 2024

"I was so ready to die. We didn't think that someone would come," survivor Lucianna Galetta told the BBC

Four bodies were recovered following the disaster, while multiple others remain missing, according to the outlet

Survivors of the tourist boat that sank in the Red Sea are speaking out.

The Sea Story left Porto Ghalib in Marsa Alam, Egypt, on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, and was expected to reach Hurghada Marina on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, PEOPLE previously reported, citing The Telegraph and Reuters.

Tragically, it didn't make its final destination and sank in the early hours of Monday, Nov. 25, around 5-7 minutes after it was hit by a large wave, according to Reuters.

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The Associated Press stated that 31 foreign nationals had been on board at the time, and up to 11 of these have either been confirmed dead or remain missing, according to the BBC.

The BBC added that the guests  who were mostly experienced divers  were joined by three dive guides and 12 Egyptian crew members for the six-day trip.

Xinhua/Shutterstock Rescuers are seen near where the Sea Story sank Rescuers are seen near where the Sea Story sank

Despite local authorities suggesting that waves had been to blame, 11 people who survived the disaster told the BBC on Tuesday, Jan. 14 that they think "crew error" and "safety failings" by the tour operator, Dive Pro Liveaboard, could have contributed to the sinking

The outlet added that it had spoken to a leading oceanographer, who reportedly backed up the survivors' claims by providing weather data.

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Dive Pro Liveaboard didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE for comment on Tuesday, Jan. 14.

OLucianna Galetta, of Belgium, was one of the last of 35 survivors to be rescued, according to the BBC. She had been on the boat with her partner Christophe Lemmens, and they survived after they found an air pocket in the engine room at the rear of the vessel, which was still sticking out of the water.

The couple ended up sitting in the area for around 35 hours while they waited to be rescued, and were joined by dive instructor, Youssef al-Faramawy.

Despite admitting to the BBC that she was "very happy" to hear a rescue helicopter about eight hours after the boat capsized, she added that this didn't stop to help and "we had to wait 27 hours more."

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"We had no communication with the outside, nothing. No-one tried to see if there was someone alive in there," Galetta told the outlet of the rescue mission.

"I was so ready to die. We didn't think that someone would come," she admitted to the BBC.

Egyptian Press Center via AP Rescuers help survivors after the Sea Story sinking Rescuers help survivors after the Sea Story sinking

The trio ended up being rescued by al-Faramawy's uncle, Khattab al-Faramawi  a local Egyptian diving instructor  but, Galetta insisted, "We waited 35 hours. I don't understand how there are no divers on the Egyptian military boats."

"We are lucky to be alive," she told the BBC. "But there are so many people who didn't come back from this and I want their families to be able to grieve."

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Another survivor, Sarah Martin, from the U.K., said that she remembered "looking out at the waves," before the disaster, admitting, "The weather wasn't terrible," but did tell the outlet that "furniture was sliding around the deck  we asked the crew if it was normal and they just shrugged, so we didn't realize the danger we were in."

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Hissora Gonzalez, of Spain, told the BBC, "I didn't sleep that night because the boat was rocking so much," before the sinking, adding that they were in "total darkness" after the vessel "flipped onto its side with a loud bang" before it went silent when the engines died just before 3 a.m.

The Sea Story was constructed in 2022 as a four-deck vessel and registered in Safaga, Egypt, according to Dive Pro Liveaboard. The company had mentioned on its website that the vessel carried life jackets in each cabin and two safety rafts for 25 people each, PEOPLE previously reported.

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According to the BBC, the life rafts didn't have food and water in them, as guests were previously told in a safety meeting, and Martin said that a torch they found "didn't have any batteries," and the flares "had already been used," among other alleged safety issues.

Read the original article on People
Former CBS News president Susan Zirinsky is returning to a leadership role at the news division as executive editor on a temporary basis.

CBS CEO George Cheeks announced Zirinskys role in a memo Monday evening. Zirinsky, or Z as she is affectionately known inside CBS, will also continue to run the documentary division See It Now Studios.

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Cheeks said that CBS News and Stations chief Wendy McMahon has been searching for an executive editor with the specific mandate of ensuring we have the expertise, resources and oversight to enable coverage of the most challenging issues with the highest degree of balance and integrity.

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He noted that complex, charged news like the conflict in Gaza can be challenging to navigate. An interview conducted by CBS Mornings co-anchor Tony Dokoupil even became national news and sparked a response from Paramount controlling shareholder Shari Redstone.

And on Monday, the Anti-Defamation League released a statement criticizing a 60 Minutes statement as biased and one-sided against Israel.

While there is no way to cover such sensitive issues without provoking some degree of criticism, we have a responsibility to address those concerns, Cheeks wrote Monday. This includes feedback regarding perceived bias in some CBS News coverage. We cannot let this negatively affect our legacy or our future, our mission or our connection to our viewers.

Zirinsky, a longtime executive producer of news magazine 48 Hours, stepped down as CBS News president in 2021 after two years in the post. She currently leads the content studio See It Now Studios for the company, producing news, documentary and nonfiction programming for CBS, Paramount+ and other platforms.

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Among the documentaries Zirinsky has produced include projects on John Lewis, 9/11, the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting and the 2014 Ferguson unrest.

Most recently, Zirinsky produced the documentary We Will Dance Again, which takes a minute-by-minute, you-are-there approach to Hamas terrorist attack on Nova music festival attendees in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

Read Cheeks memo, below.

CBS News Team 

In todays fast-moving news environment, it is critical for newsrooms to quickly and effectively deliver balanced, accurate, fair and timely reporting, including highly complex, sensitive issues like the war in the Middle East.

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CBS News takes this responsibility seriously. While there is no way to cover such sensitive issues without provoking some degree of criticism, we have a responsibility to address those concerns. This includes feedback regarding perceived bias in some CBS News coverage. We cannot let this negatively affect our legacy or our future, our mission or our connection to our viewers.

Wendy and her team have been conducting a search for a newly created Executive Editor position who will sit across the news division with the specific mandate of ensuring we have the expertise, resources and oversight to enable coverage of the most challenging issues with the highest degree of balance and integrity. Standards will report into this new position.

We have asked Susan Zirinsky  whom you are all familiar with  to serve in this Executive Editor role on an interim basis while we conduct this search.

George

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Susan Zirinsky will return to CBS News as interim executive editor in response to criticism of perceived bias in its news coverage, CBS co-CEO George Cheeks said on Monday.

In a memo to staff, Cheeks wrote: In todays fast-moving news environment, it is critical for newsrooms to quickly and effectively deliver balanced, accurate, fair and timely reporting, including highly complex, sensitive issues like the war in the Middle East.

CBS News takes this responsibility seriously. While there is no way to cover such sensitive issues without provoking some degree of criticism, we have a responsibility to address those concerns. This includes feedback regarding perceived bias in some CBS News coverage. We cannot let this negatively affect our legacy or our future, our mission or our connection to our viewers.

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Zirinsky, a highly respected longtime news veteran, produced a documentary about the Nova Music Festival massacre by Hamas on Oct. 7 called We Will Dance Again. While in the newly created interim role, she will not leave her post as head of See It Now Studios.

On Sunday 60 Minutes aired a story about dissent in the State Department over US policy on Gaza on Sunday that drew the fury of Jonathan Greenblatt, the CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, for being anti-Israel.

Im outraged that @CBSnews @60minutes would air such a biased and one-sided piece, villainizing Israel and berating US support for its ally, he wrote on X on Monday. 60 Minutes is supposed to be the gold standard for broadcast journalism, but they completely dropped the ball last night. Where are the counter perspectives to those interviewed? Where is the mention of the nearly 100 hostages  including Americans  STILL in captivity!? What kind of journalism is that?

The American Jewish Committee also accused the network of bias. The segment made almost no mention of Hamas actions that started this war, placing Palestinian civilians in Gaza in harms way for years by embedding weapons and other terrorist infrastructure in civilian areas, the group stated. The segment only briefly referred to Hamas massacre on October 7, 2023, described their fighters as militants rather than terrorists, and even went so far as to elevate the outlandish notion that, following Hamas October 7 attack, Israel should have sought to make peace with Hamas terrorists rather than act in self-defense.

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The shift comes after an internal debate over the networks coverage of the war in Gaza, which put Cheeks in conflict with Shari Redstone, the media mogul who controls Paramount Global, the owner of CBS News. The network had reprimanded its morning news anchor, Tony Dokoupil, over his handling of an interview with a writer, Ta-Nehisi Coates. Dokoupil challenged Coates stance on the war in Gaza and Israels treatment of West Bank Palestinians. Network president and CEO Wendy McMahon told the staff that the network had reviewed Dokoupils interview and that it had fallen short of network standards. Redstone subsequently publicly disagreed, saying, They made a mistake here.

Ingrid Ciprian-Matthews previously left her role as CBS News president in July, opting to serve as senior advisor for 2024 presidential election coverage before leaving the company completely amid the Paramount merger.

CBS has elsewhere been under pressure in recent months over its coverage of the 2024 presidential election and accusations that news magazine 60 Minutes unfairly edited its interview with Vice President Kamala Harris. The network denied having done so.

Former President Donald Trump is accusing 60 Minutes of deceitful editing of our Oct. 7 interview with Vice President Kamala Harris. That is false, a spokesperson said of the controversy at the time. When we edit any interview, whether a politician, an athlete, or movie star, we strive to be clear, accurate and on point. The portion of her answer on 60 Minutes was more succinct, which allows time for other subjects in a wide ranging 21-minute-long segment.

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Trump later sued the network for $10 billion, accusing the network of deceptive doctoring of the 60 Minutes sit-down with Harris.

Read Cheeks Monday evening staff memo regarding Zirinskys return in full below:

CBS News Team 

In todays fast-moving news environment, it is critical for newsrooms to quickly and effectively deliver balanced, accurate, fair and timely reporting, including highly complex, sensitive issues like the war in the Middle East.

CBS News takes this responsibility seriously. While there is no way to cover such sensitive issues without provoking some degree of criticism, we have a responsibility to address those concerns. This includes feedback regarding perceived bias in some CBS News coverage. We cannot let this negatively affect our legacy or our future, our mission or our connection to our viewers.

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Wendy and her team have been conducting a search for a newly created Executive Editor position who will sit across the news division with the specific mandate of ensuring we have the expertise, resources and oversight to enable coverage of the most challenging issues with the highest degree of balance and integrity. Standards will report into this new position.

We have asked Susan Zirinsky  whom you are all familiar with  to serve in this Executive Editor role on an interim basis while we conduct this search.

Variety first reported the news.

The post Susan Zirinsky Returns to Leadership at CBS News in Response to Perceived Bias appeared first on TheWrap.
A Logansport man was arrested Saturday after allegedly making two bomb threats directed towards Beacon Credit Union, 1405 W. Market St.

Jacob Rozzi, 27, of Logansport, was arrested without incident and charged with intimidation of a financial institution (level 6 felony) and intimidation (level 6 felony), according to a press release Monday.

The Cass County Sheriffs Office received information from Cass County Dispatch on a bomb threat at the credit union at approximately 8:59 a.m.

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A preliminary investigation found that Beacon Credit Union Contact Center received two calls from a male reporting that he planned to blow the building up with a pipe bomb. Units responded to the scene and secured the area for further investigation. The facility was searched and no explosive devices were found.

Detectives were able to follow several leads to identify Rozzi as the caller and a search warrant and arrest warrant were obtained for Rozzi and his residence.

Beacon Credit Union was closed for the day as a result of the threat and investigation.

Units from the Indiana State Police assisted with the investigation.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact the Cass County Sheriffs Office at 574-753-7800.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) A 22-year-old was arrested in connection to a fatal shooting on Dec. 22, 2024, the Tampa Police Department announced.

Xavier Alamo is accused of shooting a man in his 30s at the 9400 block of North Brooks Street.

According to TPD, police responded to the scene to find the victim dead on the front porch of the home.

The victim has an apparent gunshot wound to the upper body.

(Tampa Police Department)

During an investigation, it was revealed that Alamo and the victim were in a verbal altercation before the shooting happened, police said.

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Alamo was taken into custody and charged with one felony count of murder in the first degree.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
GALESBURG, Ill. (WMBD)  Police here arrested a 23-year-old man who was wanted in connection with a homicide in Denver.

Thats the word from the Galesburg Police Department, which said they took London Boyle into custody on Monday afternoon. Hes wanted on a homicide warrant from Denver, the department said.

According to police, they got word that Boyle was in the area. At about 4:15 p.m. Monday, they went to an apartment in the 1800 block of Grand Avenue in Galesburg, where they found and arrested him.

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The alleged homicide took place on Nov. 5, 2024, according to police, and involved a handgun. Boyle, they said, was wanted on the charge of first-degree murder.

As of Tuesday afternoon, no hearing had been set for Boyle to appear in Knox County Circuit Court regarding possible extradition back to Colorado.

According to a Facebook post from Denver Police, they had been looking for Boyle since Dec. 10

This story will be updated.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com.
MANCHESTER, Conn. (WTNH)  A 17-year-old suspect is facing 112 counts after they were walking near the playground of Verplanck Elementary School with an airsoft rifle on Monday in Manchester, according to police.

2 West Haven High students charged after airsoft gun found at school

The school was placed under lockdown out of precaution. Witnesses reported that the individual was pointing the rifle at the school, into classroom windows and at students and staff. During the investigation, it was determined that the suspect pointed the weapon at 29 children and 10 adults on the school grounds.

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The suspect, a 17-year-old from Manchester, said that he was intended to commit suicide by cop. He was charged with multiple offenses, including:

Reckless Endangerment (39 counts)

Breach of Peace in the Second Degree (40 counts)

Possession of a Weapon on School Grounds

Carrying a Dangerous Weapon

Illegal Use of a Facsimile Firearm

Risk of Injury (29 counts)

Threatening in the First Degree

Its the type of call that when you hear it, everybody goes, you are talking about a weapon on school grounds, Manchester Police Department Lt. Nick Reinert said.

Reinert gave a lot of credit to teachers and administrators for their quick response.

They noticed a threat, they got the students inside right away, they secured the school and went into a lockdown, and made sure the doors were locked, and they gave us good information of what was going on and where he was, Reinert said.

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Cooperation, training and lockdown drills with police departments are some of the things that Reinert said lead to this outcome where no one was hurt.

The suspect will not be identified due to his age.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
A Nevada resident arrested in connection with a former roommate's killing allegedly force-fed the 68-year-old woman fentanyl and stuffed her in a freezer, prosecutors say.

Monique Gilbertson was found dead in a freezer during a welfare check in her Las Vegas home in November, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said in a press release at the time.

LVMPD declined to identify the victim to PEOPLE, but she was identified by several outlets including FOX 5, the Las Vegas Review Journal and KTNV.

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Daniel Roush, 37, was arrested in connection with the killing, LVMPD said in their statement. Roush also goes by Jazlynn, according to police, multiple outlets reported at the time.

Monique Gilbertson Facebook Monique Gilbertson Monique Gilbertson

The investigation began after police received a request on Nov. 6 for a wellness check from a person who said they had not seen Gilbertson since Oct. 22, 8 News Now reported at the time.

Officers responding to the residence encountered Roush and another person, per LVMPD's statement, but the two were allegedly not able to speak to Gilbertsons whereabouts.

Police then conducted a search and found Gilbertson folded up inside a freezer, Clark County Deputy District Attorney James Puccinelli said on Friday, Jan. 10, according to 8 News Now.

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Roush, who police say used to live with the victim, allegedly told police they found Gilbertson unconscious with drug paraphernalia around her, according to FOX 5, KTNV and 8 News Now.

I put her in the icebox because I didnt know what to do, Roush told police, per FOX 5.

Now Puccinelli alleges Roush actually administered massive amounts of fentanyl to Gilbertson in a bid to go into her house and take over her life, 8 News Now reported.

At the time of her death, Gilbertson reportedly had about 200 times the lethal dose of fentanyl for a human in her system, Puccinelli said.

An arrest report previously cited by FOX 5, the Las Vegas Review Journal and KTNV claimed Roush and Gilbertson met at a Home Depot, where Gilbertson offered the suspect a place to stay in exchange for Roushs help around the house.

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However, Gilbertson soon became disappointed with her new roommate because of Roush's cleanliness issues and suspected they were stealing from her, per police. Gilbertson kicked Roush out, 8 News Now and the Las Vegas Review Journal reported, citing authorities.

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.

Roush has been charged with murder, abuse of an elderly and several-drug related offenses, including administering drugs in the commission of a felony, according to court records.

PEOPLE was not able to immediately reach an attorney listed for Roush for comments. Online court records did not indicate if Roush has entered pleas against the charges.

Read the original article on People
The main suspect in the plot to attack a concert by US pop star Taylor Swift in Austria has been deemed criminally liable following a psychiatric exam, a spokeswoman for the prosecution said on Tuesday.

The 19-year-old suspect was of sound mind at the time of the offence, according to a psychiatric report obtained by the public prosecutor, she said.

She said it is standard to obtain an expert's opinion in more serious cases before filing a charge, adding that the investigation is still ongoing.

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The young man was detained two days before the first of Swift's concerts in the Austrian capital Vienna in August 2024 and has been in pre-trial detention since. A 17-year-old suspected accomplice is also under investigation.

The main suspect is said to have planned a suicide attack in the name of the extremist militia organization Islamic State at the second of a total of three concerts by Swift scheduled to take place in Vienna.

Investigators believe he intended to kill as many of the fans gathered in front of the stadium as possible, either with a homemade explosive device or with cutting and stabbing weapons.

The organizer cancelled all concerts in Vienna due to the terrorist threat.

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Another 19-year-old man was also detained during the investigations into the case and is to stand trial on suspicion of membership of a terrorist organization at the Vienna Regional Court on February 10.

He is not thought to have been directly involved in the plans to attack Swift's concerts, but allegedly generally promoted Islamic State on social media.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY)  A stabbing inside a Portsmouth Walmart Sunday morning was the result of a random crime, according to a criminal complaint obtained by WAVY News.

Officers arrested Deaquan V. Johnson, 29, on charges of attempted murder, malicious wounding and unlawful stabbing.

Deaquan Johnson (Photo provided by Portsmouth Police)

Portsmouth Police were called to the Walmart at 1098 Frederick Boulevard around 8:40 a.m. Sunday when officers arrived to find a man suffering from multiple stab wounds to his back, according to court documents. Portsmouth Police told WAVY the victims wounds were not life-threatening.

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Police did not provide additional details.

Walmart in the 1000 block of Frederick Blvd. in Portsmouth.

According to court documents, though, Johnson told police he went to the Walmart to stab anyone in the store. He said he walked up behind the victim with a knife. When the victim turned around, he reportedly saw Johnson with the knife. According to court records, Johnson told police he saw me with the knife so I decided to stab him anyway.

Johnson also told the officer he was not in his right mind and that he has been experiencing family issues.

There were multiple witnesses to the Walmart stabbing incident, according to documents. Police are asking with information on this case to come forward by contacting the Portsmouth Police Investigations Bureau at 7573938536. Those who wish to remain anonymous can contact the Crime Line at 1888-LOCK-U-UP.

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WAVY confirmed Johnson has a lengthy criminal history.

Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
Detectives are investigating a report of a sexual assault that happened between 2012 -2014, the Marion County Sheriffs Office said on Tuesday.

On Tuesday, deputies arrested 33-year-old Dontay Prophet on a warrant for lewd and lascivious molestation of a victim younger than 12 years of age.

On Oct. 12, 2024, Major Crimes Detective Annemarie Larocque began investigating a report of a sexual assault that occurred sometime between Dec. 2012 and Dec. 2014.

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Read: Deputies: Video shows Marion County principal allegedly abusing student

The victim told deputies that Prophet, who was an adult at the time, molested him while staying at his home.

According to deputies, the victim provided a detailed recollection of the molestation and additional information that was corroborated throughout Detective Larocques investigation.

Prophet molested the victim for an extended period and advised the victim not to tell anyone because Prophet would get in trouble, deputies said.

Read: Marion County elementary teacher accused of inappropriately touching student

During the victims interview, he stated he was relieved when he learned of Prophets prior arrest because he believed it would prevent another child from being victimized.

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After the sheriffs office obtained the warrant for his arrest, Prophet was arrested during a court appearance for previous child abuse charges that occurred at a local private school where Prophet worked.

Prophet was transported to the Marion County Jail where he is held without bond.

Similar allegations were made against Prophet in 2017, and since then, he has been employed in fields allowing him access to children, deputies stated in a news release.

Read: Tragedy beyond comprehension: Boy, 8, dies after dog attack near DeLand, sheriff says

WFTV covered a case involving Prophet in May 2024 where the alleged abuse of a Marion County student by his school principal was caught on camera.

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Body-camera footage captured the moment Prophet was confronted about what deputies said happened inside a classroom.

Prophets arrest affidavit revealed more of what wasnt released.

It stated that Prophet grabbed the students inner thighs, got him into a chokehold, wrapped his legs around the student, and prevented him from leaving.

According to the arrest affidavit, the student even tried to hide under the table, and Prophet dragged him out.

Read: Orlando EMT under investigation after female voting comment caught on camera

Prophet claimed he was trying to stop the student from hurting himself. Investigators said the video shows otherwise.

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Prophet was terminated immediately, school officials said.

That wasnt the first time Channel 9 covered Prophet - In 2019, Prophet was arrested for inappropriately touching a student at South Ocala Elementary.

In May 2019, Prophet faced charges after officials said he touched a child inappropriately while working as a camp counselor.

Officials said Prophet befriended the victim while working at the camp and eventually invited him to his apartment. Ocala police said thats where Prophet inappropriately touched the victim.

Read: FHP: Disabled motorist struck and killed by hit-and-run driver in Lake County

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School officials said they placed Prophet on paid leave and removed him from any type of campus access once they learned about the investigation in February.

After the incident, South Ocalas principal sent the following message to parents: A Marion County public school employee, who worked at South Ocala Elementary, was arrested Wednesday. This employee has not been at South Ocala since February.

According to deputies, during the investigation into Prophets arrest for child abuse revealed that he has engaged in grooming behaviors.

Due to the prior allegations and the nature of this case, detectives strongly believe that there are additional victims out there.

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If you have any information about additional victims, call Detective Larocque at (352) 369-6805.

















Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
TEAGUE, Texas (FOX 44)  A suspected explosive device was discovered after threats were made against the Teague Police Department.

The department became aware of threats against officers at approximately 8:20 a.m. Monday. Threats were relayed to them regarding an individual going to blow up the police when they come back. Officers drove by the residence of the suspected person and discovered what was believed to be an improvised explosive device (IED), which showed up immediately after the threat was made.

The McLennan County Sheriffs Offices Special Operations Unit was contacted and responded for assistance with the suspected IED. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATF), Texas Department of Public Safety, Freestone County Attorneys Office, Freestone County Sheriffs Office, Freestone County Constable Precinct 2 Constable, Teague Emergency Medical Services and Teague Volunteer Fire Department also responded to assist Teague Police.

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Area residents were evacuated and the area was secure for the Special Operations Unit to perform procedures to eliminate any threat to public safety. A search warrant was executed for the property and the Special Operations Unit safely dismantled the device.

The Teague Police Department says no one has been injured or harmed in this case. This investigation is ongoing.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44.
LOS ANGELES (KTLA)  Two alleged looters, one of whom was dressed as a firefighter, were detained by Los Angeles County authorities on Sunday along the Pacific Coast Highway in Pacific Palisades.

Its unclear exactly what time the suspects were stopped, but a local photographer spotted the pair on a scooter and a moped. One of the suspects was dressed in fire boots, jeans, and a yellow fire jacket emblazoned with Cal Fires old acronym CDF, which stood for California Department of Forestry and Fire.

Eric Fox told Nexstars KTLA he saw the pair riding up the Pacific Coast Highway.

Homes along Pacific Coast Highway are seen burned and damaged while a few still stand after the Palisades Fire, Jan. 12, 2025, in Malibu, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

As I pulled up to the checkpoint to report them, the deputies had already detained them, Fox explained.

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Two crime prevention unit deputies from the Los Angeles Sheriffs Departments Santa Clarita Station, who were assisting with the Palisades Fire, made the stops, along with California Highway Patrol and National Guardsmen, who were all manning the checkpoint.

Photos of the two individuals show them in handcuffs sitting on the sidewalk just outside the Getty Villa as deputies search them.

Sheriffs officials posted an image of the handcuffed fake firefighter on social media.

Death toll from Eaton and Palisades fires climbs to 24, officials say

No information was provided on the alleged looters identities or if they were caught with any stolen property.

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Officials later said the person dressed as a firefighter was released. It was unclear what happened to the suspect pictured wearing a helmet and boots.

Approximately 50 miles away in Irwindale, firefighters battling a small brush fire near Rivergrade Road and the 605 Freeway, spotted an alleged arsonist starting fires. The suspect, a 29-year-old Baldwin Park resident, was taken into custody by police.

In Santa Monica, officials said that in the last five days, 39 people have been arrested in evacuation zones, 10 of whom were found in possession of burglary tools and are considered burglary suspects.

L.A. County District Attorney Nathan Hochman is set to announce charges on Tuesday against suspects in several recent arrests for arson and looting.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Five males are accused of taking packages from a delivery driver at gunpoint in the Cherokee area Tuesday afternoon.

According to police, officers were called to an armed robbery in the 1400 block of Alamo Street around noon.

Suspects caught on camera robbing Midtown, Frayser business at gunpoint

MPD says five males in dark clothing took packages before leaving the scene in a sedan.

This is still an ongoing investigation.

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If you have any information that could help police, call CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
TOWANDA, Kan. (KSNW)  A check of a suspicious vehicle led to the discovery of a large quantity of drugs in Towanda.

The Butler County Sheriffs Office says deputies were checking on a suspicious vehicle shortly after 8 a.m. in the 10,000 block of SW 21st Terrace, just off Kansas Highway 254, west of Towanda.

Salina men scuffle over dropped coins and get arrested

The sheriffs office says deputies performed a probable cause search of the vehicle.

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Inside, they discovered 13 grams of cocaine, just under a pound of marijuana, 25 packages of THC edibles and 41 vape cartridges totaling nearly 40 pounds, and 17 packages of psilocybin edibles, along with around $260 in cash.

Courtesy Butler Co. Sheriffs Office

The driver has been booked into the Butler County Jail on numerous drug-related charges and is awaiting a first appearance in court.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Foreign powers are using social media apps to recruit Swedish gangs and even children for violent attacks against targets like the Israeli embassy, Sweden's police chief said on Tuesday.

Petra Lundh, the National Police Commissioner, did not specify which foreign powers, but last year Sweden's security service said the Iranian government had been using criminal networks within Sweden to carry out violent acts.

Lundh said several attacks targeting Israel's embassy in Stockholm in 2024 - including shootings and an attempted bombing - were examples of hybrid attacks, which use both conventional and unconventional means to create instability.

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"It's an opponent that doesn't wear a uniform and it's a threat that we can't get at through traditional military defence methods," she said.

Sweden is grappling with a gang crime wave and over the last couple of years the gangs have started using social media apps as digital marketplaces for murder and other violent crimes.

"This is something we haven't seen before. It is exploited not only by criminal groups but also by other states," Lundh said during a speech at a national security conference.

Sweden had by far the highest number of deadly shootings per capita in the EU in 2023, although 2024 saw a reduction in gun deaths. Many of the perpetrators are under 18 years old and in some cases as young as 12 or 13.

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"These children are basically used as disposable assets," Lundh said. "We have children who, instead of going to school, act as torpedoes and sometimes even for foreign powers in worldwide conflicts," she added.

The Swedish government has not ruled out banning social media apps for children.

(Reporting by Johan Ahlander; Editing by Ros Russell)
SYDNEY (Reuters) - Nine beaches in Sydney, including well-known Manly beach, were closed to bathers on Tuesday after small white and grey balls of debris washed up on the shores at the height of the summer holiday season.

Northern Beaches Council said it was working on safely removing the matter. Most of the samples of the ball-shaped debris were the size of marbles, with some larger, it said in a statement.

Sydney's ocean beaches, famed for golden sand and clean water, draw tourists from around the globe.

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Beachgoers were advised to avoid Manly, Dee Why, Long Reef, Queenscliff, Freshwater, North and South Curl Curl, North Steyne and North Narrabeen beaches until further notice and keep away from the material while the clean-up and investigations continued.

Authorities said they were working closely with the state's environmental agency to collect samples of the debris for testing.

Last October, several beaches including the iconic Bondi east of downtown Sydney were shut after thousands of black balls appeared on the shores.

An inquiry later found that those balls were formed from fatty acids, chemicals similar to those in cosmetics and cleaning products, as well as hair, food waste and other materials associated with wastewater.

(Reporting by Praveen Menon; Editing by Sonali Paul)
Syria's new foreign minister, Asaad al-Shibani, will make his first official visit to Turkey on Wednesday.

The trip is part of the transitional government's diplomatic regional tour following the toppling of former president Bashar al-Assad in December.

"We will represent the new Syria tomorrow in the first official visit to Turkey, which has not abandoned the Syrian people for 14 years," al-Shibani said in a post on X on Tuesday.

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Turkey was a key foreign backer of the Syrian opposition during the country's 14-year civil war.

Turkey pursues several strategic interests of its own in Syria. In the north, it supports the Syrian National Army (SNA) in the fight against Kurdish militias.

The militias are viewed by Turkey as an offshoot of the banned Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) - and therefore a terrorist organization. Turkey is also seeking normalization to spur the return of Syrian refugees home.

Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kaln and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan were the first to visit the new Syrian ruler Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus a few days after al-Sharaas Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), along with other rebel factions, took over Damascus after al-Assad fled to Moscow.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56)  A group of Kentucky students filed a lawsuit on Tuesday claiming that the states public school system has failed to provide all students with an adequate and equitable public education.

The lawsuit names the Kentucky Department of Education, Kentucky Education Commissioner Robbie Fletcher, and the Commonwealth of Kentucky as the defendants.

The Kentucky Constitution guarantees every student the right to a quality public education, said Khoa Ta, policy coordinator for the Kentucky Student Voice Team and junior at Daviess County High School. This right was clarified in the 1989 Rose v. Council for Better Education decision. But today, the legacy of Rose is wilted as its promises have gone unfulfilled for far too many Kentucky students.

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Read more of the latest Kentucky news

In 1989, the Kentucky Supreme Court issued a landmark decision that led to education reform beyond the Commonwealth. The decision required Kentucky to design an education system founded on adequate and equitable education for every student.

Standing on the steps of the Franklin Circuit Courthouse, the students outlined the motivations behind their legal action and the urgent need to address systemic deficiencies in Kentuckys education system. (Kentucky Student Voice Team) Standing on the steps of the Franklin Circuit Courthouse, the students outlined the motivations behind their legal action and the urgent need to address systemic deficiencies in Kentuckys education system. (Kentucky Student Voice Team) Standing on the steps of the Franklin Circuit Courthouse, the students outlined the motivations behind their legal action and the urgent need to address systemic deficiencies in Kentuckys education system. (Kentucky Student Voice Team)

It was a promise to every Kentucky student that they will learn what they need to thrive in a local and global community, the Kentucky Student Voice Team said. Despite earlier progress made in the first decade after Rose and KERA, Kentuckys schools today are severely under-resourced and not effectively implementing the Rose capacities.

Court documents cite that literacy skills in Kentucky are declining, the system lacks civic education, provides limited arts availability, displays severe academic disparities, and students are experiencing a mental health crisis.

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According to 2023-2024 Kentucky Summative Assessment data, only 41% of Kentucky eighth graders are proficient or above in reading.

According to the 2023 Committee of Economic Development, Kentucky is one of 11 states without a civics course requirement.

According to the 2023 Kentucky Youth Risk Behavior Survey, nearly 1 in 5 Kentucky high school students reported seriously considering taking their own lives.

According to the 2023 Kentucky School Report Card, 18.5% of Kentucky schools reported offering no visual or performing arts classes.

According to the 2023 Kentucky School Report Card, achievement differences between school districts vary by up to 70 percentage points.

This lawsuit targets systemic failures, not individual schools or teachers, explained Luisa Sanchez, a student plaintiff and a Boyle County High School junior. We see the dedication of educators every day, but the root cause of these challenges lies in state-level decision-making and resource inequities.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

Court documents state that low teacher salaries in Kentucky contribute to the teacher shortage, causing districts to hire educators outside of their expertise.

Generations before us fought to reimagine Kentucky schools, and we are here to ensure that promise is renewed for every student, said Danielle Chivero, a student plaintiff from Tates Creek High School. Our schools should be places where students are prepared to thrive, regardless of where they live or their familys income.

This lawsuit is just the beginning, said Peter Jefferson, a KSVT litigation coordinator and a senior from Henry Clay High School. Real change will require the input, ideas, and commitment of all Kentuckians. Together, we can create a future where every student has access to the education they deserve.

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The Kentucky Student Voice Team said it plans to host public hearings to gather insights and ideas from stakeholders across the Commonwealth to create informed recommendations for improving Kentuckys schools and holding decision-makers accountable.

FOX 56 reached out to the Kentucky Department of Education, but representatives declined to comment on the litigation.

Click here to learn more.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  Arkansas Congressional delegation will be in prime positions in the new Congress.

Talk Business & Politics host Roby Brock met with Washington, D.C. political consultant Brad Howard about the big developments for four Arkansas members of Congress as they step forward as chairmen of some influential committees.

Roby then talks with Fayetteville-based AcreTrader CEO Carter Malloy about a new product that has the company busting at the seams.

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Talk Business & Politics airs Sunday at 9:30 a.m. on FOX 16. For more coverage, head to TalkBusiness.net.

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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  A Tampa man pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography as part of his involvement with a violent extremist group, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for Middle District of Florida.

Court filings said Jack Rocker, 19, was part of a network of a racially motivated extremist group known as 764.

Owner of popular Tampa nightclub indicted on federal child porn charges

The Department of Justice said 764 is known for sharing and producing extremely violent media and child sex abuse material.

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According to the DOJs Office of Public Affairs, the group gains notoriety by systematically targeting, grooming, and extorting victims through online social media platforms. Some of the acts they commit include self-mutilation, harm to humans and animals, and other disturbing actions all for the purpose of accelerating chaos and disrupting society and the world order.

On Jan. 19, 2024, the FBI searched Rockers home and took his cellphone, thumb drive, and laptop, which all contains images of child sex abuse material.

At the time, the FBI determined that Rockers devices contain more than 8,300 images and videos of CSAM, the U.S. Attorneys Office said, saying the images included the abuse of small children and animals as well as masochistic sexual behavior.

The defendant pleaded guilty on Dec. 16, 2024. At this time, Rocker faces a maximum penalty of 20 years for his crime and will be required to register as a sex offender and pay restitution to the victims.

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His phone, laptop, and thumb drive will also be forfeited to the government. His sentence is scheduled for March 14, 2025.

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For nearly four years, a multi-billion-dollar Medicaid scam involving hundreds of fraudulent providers in Arizona victimized Native Americans under the guise of addiction care.

Now, advocates are hoping for accountability as the state faces a class action lawsuit representing 7,000 Native Americans affected by the fraud  2,000 of whom are dead or missing in possible connection with the scheme  alleging it had knowledge of the scheme as early as 2019, nearly four years before it took action against the perpetrators.

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The state should have seen it coming, according to the lawsuit. A 2018 Congressional hearing attended by an Arizona Congressman had already warned about fraudulent sober living homes nationwide, preying on vulnerable individuals seeking addiction treatment. The hearing detailed reports of human trafficking, kickbacks, rapes, house managers trading drugs to residents for sex, and operators exploiting federal laws for profit.

The testimony highlighted the deadly consequences of the fraudulent sober homes. In one case, a 23-year-old man died from an overdose after a facility failed to recognize his symptoms or keep overdose-reversal medication on hand. In the worst cases, some bad actors do not encourage recovery at all, but exploit vulnerable individuals in order to collect insurance payments, the testimony notes.

The Scheme

Between 2019 and 2023, thousands of Native Americans in Arizona and as far away as Montana reported being kidnapped  forced into unmarked SUVs and vans under false pretenses  given alcohol and drugs such as fentanyl or methamphetamine, subjected to fraudulent mental health services, held prisoner, and eventually ejected onto the street or dropped off in remote rural areas with no means of transportation. Victims were enrolled in the American Indian Health Program through the states Medicaid Agency, the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCS). The homes billed AHCCS for patient care in excess of $1,000 per day per patient.

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Reva Stewart (Dine) runs Turtle Island Woman Warriors, a Phoenix-based nonprofit that offers assistance to Native people who have been victimized by the scam. The groups website includes a portal where individuals can verify and report sober living homes. Along with providing food, water and hygiene supplies to unhoused relatives, they assist people in looking for their loved ones whose disappearances or deaths are suspected to be tied to fraudulent homes.

Its human trafficking, Stewart said. Thats what this is.

The 230-page complaint, filed in Maricopa County Superior Court by Phoenix-based BrewerWood law firm and Albuquerque-based attorney Brook Laskey, alleges that the state had knowledge of the fraud as early as 2019, when former Gov. Doug Ducey was in office, according to its own internal documents, but knowingly continued to make payments to fraudulent sober living home operators.

The mass fraud came to light in May 2023 when state officials held a press conference announcing they would take action against 100 fraudulent providers involved in the scheme. By August, the number grew to 131, and by May 2024, it ballooned to 375 providers.

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When Native News Online asked Gov. Katie Hobbss office about the allegation that the state knew of the scam and failed to act, her office replied in an email:

We cannot speculate about what the Ducey administration knew, but as soon as Governor Hobbs became aware of this issue, she took action to identify the root causes of the problem, hold bad actors accountable, and protect vulnerable Arizonans. Governor Hobbs has worked tirelessly to address the exploitation and abuse by focusing on improving and enforcing high standards of care, ensuring state agencies respond quickly to complaints of abuse, and protecting taxpayer dollars. Governor Hobbs is committed to continuing this fight and working with Tribal leaders and communities to support the ongoing response and recovery from this crisis.

Early Warning Signs

Stewart was among the first to raise the alarm in 2022. She was managing Drum Beat Indian Arts, a Native American craft store near the Phoenix Indian Medical Center, where she saw white vans circling and waiting to pick up patients as they were discharged from the facility. At the same time, a display board outside of the store began to fill with posters of missing people from the states various tribal nations.

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I started watching these vans  they would just caravan outside the hospital, by the bus stops, and then through our parking lot, Stewart told Native News Online. At that time, I didnt understand either, but there were so many vans. I also started seeing more missing posters from Navajo Nation coming up, then White Mountain Apache, San Carlos, and so many.

Reve Stewart, Founder and Director of Turtle Island Woman Warriors (photo/courtesy)

Reve Stewart, Founder and Director of Turtle Island Woman Warriors (photo/courtesy)

Months later, when she made contact with a cousin who had fled one of the fraudulent homes, she understood the scope of what was happening. Her cousin had been coerced into a white van in Farmington, New Mexico, with four other people. They were immediately provided with alcohol and left at a house in Phoenix, about six and half hour's drive from Farmington. After refusing to give staff at the home her social security number, she was given a bus pass and kicked out. Stewart put her cousins story on social media and was flooded with messages from people who had the same experience or those with missing relatives who got into a white van and werent seen again.

She took information from everyone who reached out, collecting all documents in a bankers box. She presented her findings to officials from Arizonas Department of Health Services, AHCCCS, and tribal officials.

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I said, I have all this information. People are going missing. And I believe theyre in these homes, these homes that are picking people up, Stewart said. They said, Thank you, we will look into it.

Stewart said none of the officials took the banker's box.

Today, she says, the fraud continues as she hears of fraudulent homes targeting Native Americans opening in other states, such as California and Utah.

Its genocide all over again, she said. They are targeting our people, and its like its not important.

Limited Accountability

After the May 2023 press conference revealing the fraud to the public, the state of Arizona brought criminal charges against some of the fraudsters, but for many, justice is falling short.

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Last June, one man whose company made nearly $21 million while involved in the scam was sentenced to just four years of probation and ordered to pay $2 million in restitution.

In November 2024, Arizona  home to 22 tribal nations  announced a $6 million fund for Native communities affected by the scheme. Tribes can apply for grants up to $500,000 until Jan. 31, 2025. Advocates like Stewart say the amount isnt nearly enough to make up for the humanitarian cost of the fraud.

What is that going to do? You cant even build a building for that amount, she said.

The class action lawsuit against the state doesnt name a specific dollar amount. Stewart hopes the legal action will bring about accountability.

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I want these families to be able to hear from the government, she said. I want them to say, We did this, and we messed up, yeah, and we want to apologize to every single person that was affected by this. Thats what I want for every single person who has been hurt by this.

About the Author: "Elyse Wild is Senior Health Editor for Native News Online, where she leads coverage of health equity issues including mental health, environmental health, maternal mortality, and the overdose crisis in Indian Country. Her award-winning journalism has appeared in The Guardian, McClatchy newspapers, and NPR affiliates. In 2024, she received the inaugural Excellence in Recovery Journalism Award for her solutions-focused reporting on addiction and recovery in Native communities. She is currently working on a Pulitzer Center-funded series exploring cultural approaches to addiction treatment."

Contact: ewild@indiancountrymedia.com
The Tarrant County Sheriffs Office has hired a new executive chief deputy to run the county jail.

Shannon Herklotz has filled the vacant position, the Sheriffs Office announced on Monday, Jan. 13.

He takes over at a time when the Sheriffs Office has been criticized for a spike in deaths of people in custody at the jail, including a case in which two former jailers face murder charges in the death of Marine veteran Anthony Johnson Jr., and lawsuits alleging mistreatment of inmates.

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Johnson, 31, died in April after jailers pepper-sprayed him and one officer knelt on his back, according to partial video released by the Sheriffs Office. His death was ruled a homicide caused by asphyxiation.

Herklotz will lead the team of detention professionals and collaborate with medical staff from John Peter Smith Hospital and mental health providers from My Health My Resources of Tarrant County, according to the news release.

Herklotz most recently worked as the chief deputy in the Detention Bureau at the Dallas County Sheriffs Office and before that as chief of detentions at the Harris County Jail in Houston.

He also served as deputy director of the Texas Commission on Jail Standards in Austin.

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Shannon brings more than three decades of detention experience to TCSO and we are lucky to have him, Sheriff Bill Waybourn said in the release.

 More top stories from our newsroom:

 Manhunt for suspect after shots fired in Arlington robbery

 Defendant on trial in Fort Worth killings of teen, 5-year-old

 Plans for new TEXRail station in this Fort Worth neighborhood

[Get our breaking news alerts.]

Herklotz began his career as a correctional officer in 1990 with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

He is a member of the Texas Jail Associations Hall of Fame and was awarded the TJAs Presidents Award in 2019.

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Herklotz is a graduate of Sam Houston State Universitys National Jail Leadership Command Academy.

The Tarrant County Jail has passed inspections for over 30 years, according to a recent National Institute of Corrections report, the Sheriffs Office said.

In May, executive chief deputy Charles Eckert announced his retirement. Eckert had been with the Tarrant County Sheriffs Office for 32 years. Eckert told the Star-Telegram that his retirement was unrelated to recent deaths in the jail.
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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

Only time will tell if we are overusing or underusing the term artificial intelligence, Amjad said.

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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.
An investigation is underway after a teenage girl was shot in the face at an Easton apartment complex Tuesday afternoon.

Officers responding to a report of a shooting at the Avalon apartment complex on Robert Drive around 2:30 p.m. found the girl suffering from a serious gunshot wound, Easton police told Boston 25 News.

She was rushed to Good Samaritan Hospital before being flown to a Boston-area hospital, police told Boston 25 News. Her injuries are considered life-threatening.

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Police believe the suspects in the shooting drove away from the area before officers responded.

In a news conference shortly before 5:30 p.m., Easton police said officers from Mansfield and Brockton were also at separate crimes in their respective communities that are believed to be connected to the shooting.

It was a horrific scene, yeah, for the officers involved absolutely, Easton Police Chief Keith Boone said.

The victim, whose name hasnt been released, lives at the Avalon apartment complex, according to police.

Our preliminary investigation revealed there were no suspects on scene and they had already fled prior to our arrival, we dont believe this was a random act, we believe this was targeted, Chief Boone said.

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Easton police, the Bristol County State Police Detective Unit, and the Crime Scene Services Section are investigating the shooting.

A Boston 25 News crew captured investigators surrounding an area of the apartment complex with crime scene tape.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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The 114th General Assembly gaveled in at the Tennessee state Capitol Tuesday for a legislative session expected to largely focus on education issues as Gov. Bill Lee seeks to push through a private school voucher proposal.

With few election shake-ups last fall, lawmakers returned to a legislature with little change in the status quo. Republicans still hold a strong supermajority, and prexisting leadership will preside over both chambers.

Senate Republicans on Tuesday reelected Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge, as Speaker of the Senate. Senate Democrats all abstained from the vote.

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"Each General Assembly I've gaveled in seems to be better than the last," McNally said.

In the House, Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, also easily won reelection to lead the chamber. Democrats nominated House Minority Leader Karen Camper, D-Memphis, and unanimously voted for her.

The people of District 52 will not vote for an authoritarian! Rep. Justin Jones, D-Nashville, yelled from his seat before casting his vote for Camper.

Speaker of the House of Representatives Cameron Sexton, second left, is voted in for another term as speaker when the Tennessee General Assembly kicked off the legislative session at the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025.

As Republican members called their votes for Sexton, a spectator yelled out boo! and gross! from the west gallery  prompting a chuckle from the sitting speaker, who stood to one side as the election was held.

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I greatly appreciate all that voted for me today, and for those of you who didnt, I do know some of you wanted to, and I understand that, Sexton said. Over the last five years, weve all learned a lot. My goal is to be more efficient, empower Tennesseans over the government and uphold our constitutional duty of public oversight.

Notably, some desks were rearranged on the House floor since last year. Jones and Rep. Justin Pearson, D-Memphis, who had previously been seated near each other and have frequently clashed with their Republican colleagues, were both moved. Pearson is now seated next to Rep. Vincent Dixie, D-Nashville, in a sea of Republican desks across the chamber from the Democratic caucus. Jones has been moved to the front, near the speaker's dais.

The Tennessee House of Representatives are sworn in by Tennessee Supreme Court Justice Mary Wagner as the Tennessee General Assembly kicks off the legislative session at the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville, Tenn., Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025.

The House Select Committee on Rules convened later Tuesday afternoon to discuss proposed changes to the rules. Ahead of the meeting, proposed rules changes included a limit on the number of bills each member can propose, and a three-strikes rule proposing to permanently ban members of the public found to be disruptive from the gallery.

The initial weeks of a legislative session are often slow-moving as committees get settled and bills began to make their way through the legislative process. The Senate is expected to name committee assignments on Thursday. Many eyes will be on the appointment of the Senate Education Committee chair after former Sen. Jon Lundberg's ouster last year in the GOP primary. The committee will prove pivotal in the voucher issue.

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Advocates on both side of the issue mingled in the Capitol halls on Tuesday.

There are rumblings that Lee intends to call a special session in late January on his voucher bill.

The effort failed last year amid legislative gridlock. A special session call would allow lawmakers to narrow their focus on the issue, which could be tied to disaster relief funding for areas of East Tennessee.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee lawmakers return for session expected to focus on vouchers
Far Farshads favorite part of the day is breakfast  and it has nothing to do with the food.

Since he and his sister Mitra fled the Palisades fire last week with little more than the clothes on their back, Far has been in a fog. He thinks the house where he and Mitra have lived for 47 years, at the end of a cul-de-sac that backs into a hill, is still standing. He even has post-fire pictures.

However, a wall of flame was barreling down that hill when last he saw his home, so he says he cant be sure what became of it until police allow residents back into their neighborhoods. And no one can tell him when that will happen.

Far Farshad says he and other fire victims meet at their hotel regularly to talk. "You don't look at them as strangers," he said. (John McCoy / For The Times)

So each morning, the Farshads, who have checked in and out of two hotels in the last week, gather with other fire refugees in the dining room of a Residence Inn in the shadow of LAX. They share news, knock down rumors and, mostly, commiserate in a way only those experiencing the same tragedy and trauma can.

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Even though you don't know them, you don't look at them as strangers, said Far, who calls the group the Palisades diaspora. There's that look, these guys are evacuees. There is a communal feeling.

Among the diaspora is Larry Allen, who fled his house in Sherman Oaks when the fire roared over the top of the Santa Monica Mountains. And Peggy Saab, who lived east of the Village in the Palisades before fleeing to the Residence Inn with two elderly parents, two dogs and a daughter.

The talk is good. You have to let the steam out, said Mitra, 78, who has cried frequently over the last week.

Read more: L.A.-area residents out of town during fires share agony of watching homes burn from afar

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Each one of us have our own way of dealing with it. You cant say, Oh, Im so sorry. You cant say that. So you feel for them. You feel the pain they feel.

The Farshads also share information and updates with other evacuees through a chat group made up of people from the cul-de-sac.

Initially, it was trying to show compassion and everything, said Far, 75, a retired electrical engineer. Then gradually it becomes, Let's get this thing organized. After that, Where do we get information? And somebody says, 'OK, my friend has a clothing store. They're gonna give out clothes.

So they try to be helpful, as far as getting aid and dealing with the solutions.

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Joe Iacopino, the Farshads next-door neighbor, said he originally turned to social media for updates, only to find that much of that information was false. So now he relies on the neighborhood chat group as well as another chat group made up of his pickleball friends.

One story thats been celebrated in the chat groups involved a neighbor who refused to leave her home, only to have a Good Samaritan show up, bundle the woman in his car and take her down the hill to a shelter. She survived, but her home didnt.

The most pressing thing that everyone has going on, especially the ones whose homes survived, is we really want to get up there, Iacopino said. That is a critical thing. I need my computer. Im an attorney; I need my work files. All of our medications.

Mitra Farshad and housekeeper Carmen Vera share a hug Monday. Vera and husband Francisco came bearing Perrier water and flowers. (John McCoy / For The Times)

Police have told residents that, because of concerns about looting, they wont allow anyone to return to their homes without an escort. But as long as there are fires still burning, they dont have the resources to provide escorts.

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Its maddening, Iacopino said.

On Monday, a visitor to the cul-de-sac found a lemon tree in the Farshads backyard heavy with fruit and their home untouched by fire. Iacopinos house next door was unscathed as well. But the home on the other side  and the one next to it, and the one next to that and the one next to that one  are all gone, with little more than brick chimneys or the torched lump of metal from what used to be a car left behind.

There is this duality of feeling, Iacopino said. On the one hand were feeling lucky and blessed and fortunate and we want to celebrate. But were so heartbroken for our neighbors. None of us had anything to do with any of this and it was just we were lucky, they werent.

The capriciousness seemed inexplicable. But Mitra tried to explain it anyway.

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Its the divine miracle, she said. Im not a religious person. But I do believe that maybe our mom up there and dad were watching over us.

Read more: $2-billion Powerball jackpot winner loses home in L.A. County wildfire

In the chat groups and in the dining room of the Residence Inn, the discussion often turns to what comes next. Is rebuilding worth it? And for those whose houses survived, can they bear to wake up each morning only to stare at what used to be their neighbor's house?

Thats why I was crying, Mitra said. How can we start over? We don't have anybody. We don't have children.

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But they do have a new community of friends to meet with at breakfast every morning, a tradition that could continue awhile since the Farshads, who have no idea when they can go home again, have booked a room near the elevator on the fourth floor of the Residence Inn through early February.

It will just make people come closer together, Mitra said of the breakfast meetings.

Memories, nobody can take from you, she added. But the tears will give you energy to start all over again.



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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) Throughout the years, downtown Terre Haute has gone though various revitalization projects, but the persistent presence of crows, still negatively impacts downtown.

The city of Terre Haute in an effort to combat the negative impact of the crow population along with the increasing cleaning/maintenance costs and health risks of fecal matter has tried finding new solutions. The Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce hired Wild Goose Chases team of experts, including biologists and construction specialists, to conduct a study around the downtown area to find ways to address the crow issue. Downtown businesses have spent thousands of dollars installing and maintaining deterrents, like to inflatable tallboys and perimeter spikes.

Those deterrents arent always successful because over time crows learn that these are not real threats and adjust their behaviors accordingly. Indiana Branch Manager Marcus Hagberg said they will be investigating different possible solutions.

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We will be looking at a visual deterrent through a laser beam that can both be automated and or handheld, said Marcus Hagberg. See how the crows respond to that. Basically the birds will perceive that laser beam as a threat, and it will initiate a flight response. There is a product solution that distributes a scent that really the bird s do not like the smell of actually like a grape fruit smell.

All Wild Goose Chase bird control methods are administrated with a complete respect for the laws and regulations protecting specific bird species. After the study finishes, the company will provide a multiple-page report on their findings and recommendations to be reviewed before being implemented in late spring or early summer.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com.
After an Islamic State group-inspired attack in New Orleans killed 14 people on New Years Day 2025, President Joe Biden warned that terrorists would find no safe harbor in the U.S.

Governments often condemn terrorist groups in this way, as well as making threats and engaging in what we call verbal attacks.

But such an approach may be counterproductive; extremist groups tend to respond to such comments by ratcheting up violence against civilians. Thats what we found when we analyzed six years of data on incidents of terrorist violence and their proximity to government denunciations.

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Our study focused primarily on the Islamic State group.

The extremist organization came to the worlds attention in early 2014, when it began seizing territory in Iraq and Syria. At the height of its power in 2015, the Islamic State group controlled over 100,000 square kilometers (39,000 square miles).

Although it has declined substantially since then, the group remains the worlds deadliest terror organization  responsible for nearly 2,000 deaths in 2023.

The rapid metastasis of the Islamic State group  it has affiliates across the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia  combined with the extreme brutality of its tactics, triggered waves of condemnations by foreign governments. Former U.S. president Barack Obama initially referred to the Islamic State group as the JV team in 2014, implying that the group was not as formidable an opponent as more established groups like al-Qaida. A year later, he vowed to destroy the group.

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Our motivating research question is whether these and similar statements affect terrorists behavior.

Traditionally, researchers have dismissed statements like this as cheap talk. And government officials similarly do not take seriously the possibility that such statements might have unintended consequences or inflict actual costs.

But when extremist groups commit terror attacks, they always have an audience in mind. And the Islamic State group closely monitors how governments respond to its actions.

Terrorist groups use attacks on civilians to illustrate the extreme measures they are willing to take to achieve their goals. Our research suggests that when governments denounce terrorists, reject their demands or make retaliatory threats, targeted groups infer that they are not being taken seriously. As a result, they commit further atrocities against civilians, with the intent of signaling their intentions and capabilities even more forcefully.

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To confirm this, we used a large-scale machine-coded dataset known as the Integrated Crisis Early Warning System to extract daily data on all events involving the Islamic State group for the period 2014 to 2020. We then employed a coding system known as CAMEO to identify events where governments threatened, denounced or otherwise verbally attacked the group.

We found that when governments initiated any form of verbal attack against the organization, the Islamic State group responded by targeting civilians, typically within two days of a verbal attack.

Our model showed that every three verbal attacks by governments led to an additional, otherwise unexpected attack by the Islamic State group on civilians. These attacks averaged over six deaths per attack, so the humanitarian consequences of this effect are substantial.

Why it matters

Government leaders face enormous pressures to address national security threats, and terrorism is a powerful source of anxiety for citizens.

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Yet, counterterrorism is expensive, risky and logistically difficult.

As such, publicly threatening or denouncing an organization offers a tempting alternative strategy. But there has been little research into how government leaders words might backfire, encouraging extremists to attack civilians.

At the same time, although the Islamic State group has diminished greatly in capacity, transnational terrorism continues to flourish. And the resurgence of the Islamic State group remains a threat to security in the Middle East and beyond.

What still isnt known

We extended the analysis to the terrorist groups Boko Haram in Nigeria and Al-Qaida in Iraq, and we found similar results. But further research is needed to determine whether this pattern holds for terrorist groups in general.

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Our theory argues that extremists respond so strongly to verbal attacks because they view those remarks as questioning the groups credibility  a phenomenon we refer to as a credibility deficit.

But terrorists have many motivations, including the desire to control territory and repress dissent. We dont yet know the magnitude of these influences relative to credibility.

The Research Brief is a short take on interesting academic work.

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: Brandon J. Kinne, University of California, Davis; Iliyan Iliev, The University of Southern Mississippi, and Nahrain Bet Younadam, University of Arizona

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Read more:



Brandon J. Kinne receives funding from the Minerva Research Initiative of the US Office of Naval Research, grants #FA9550-23-1-0471 and #W911NF-19-1-0332.

Iliyan Iliev gratefully acknowledges support from the Minerva Research Initiative of the US Office of Naval Research, grant #FA9550-23-1-0471.

Nahrain Bet Younadam does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Elon Musk deployed Starlink-equipped Cybertrucks to wildfire-affected areas in California following the disaster, which destroyed an estimated 12,000 structures.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk hopped off the sidelines and rounded up a brand-new fleet of Cybertrucks with Starlink to restore internet service to fire-ravaged parts of California.

Musk said in a tweet Sunday that Tesla would be borrowing Cybertrucks meant to be delivered to customers this week and equipping them with Starlink devices to help those in the disaster areas. Starlink is a satellite internet service for homes and businesses operated by Musks SpaceX company.

We are going to position Cybertrucks with Starlinks and free WiFi in a grid pattern in the areas that most need it in the greater LA/Malibu area, Musk wrote in a post.

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The worlds richest man apologized in a post to those who expected their Cybertruck delivery imminently and said they would get a replacement by the end of the week.

In a post on X, Tesla also said that it would be providing housing, meals, and transportation to employees whose homes were destroyed by the wildfires. The company said it had three Cybertrucks in Zuma Beach and Malibu, two in Pasadena, and three with the LA Sheriffs Department in Altadenaplus a truck bed filled with oranges, bananas, bottled waters, and supplies. Tesla also said it would deploy its mobile power units (MPUs) for charging devices in Altadena & Topanga Canyon. The company has previously sent its MPUs into disaster zones such as North Carolina after Hurricane Helene.

Summary of efforts Tesla has done to support employees & communities impacted by the LA fires Impacted employees (home lost or destroyed by fires) We're covering housing accommodations & supporting employees with transportation & meals. Superchargers

All our Supercharger sites pic.twitter.com/GhXwNPEwPl  Tesla (@Tesla) January 12, 2025

Tesla did not immediately respond to Fortunes request for comment. Musk's philanthropy came after the X owner and Tesla CEO attacked the California governments response to the disaster. He blamed supposed overregulation on the massive loss of homes, which were among the estimated 12,000 structures destroyed by the fires. Musk said this overregulation prevented creating fire breaks and doing brush clearing, and blamed bad governance at the state and local level for a reported water shortage.

Yet, California Gov. Gavin Newsom shot back at Musk by posting a video clip in which Musk asked a firefighter about the water availability in Malibu and the Pacific Palisades, where the fire wreaked havoc. The unnamed firefighter explained that there was water available in reservoirs, although he acknowledged that the water system was stressed by firefighters demand for water.

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Musks attempts to wade into other emergencies have not always been successful. In 2018, when a dozen boys were trapped in a Thai cave due to flooding, Musk built a small submarine to aid the rescue efforts that wasnt used.

Yet, Musk and Tesla have also made an impact, including in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico by sending hundreds of Powerwall battery systems and a $250,000 donation to help relief efforts.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
The US electric car manufacturer Tesla has started production of its updated Model Y at its European plant located just outside the German capital of Berlin.

"We are starting to produce the first vehicles today," a Tesla spokeswoman told dpa on Tuesday. She declined to provide further details.

The Tesla Model Y is considered the most-built electric car in the world, and the carmaker manufactures the model at several locations around the globe.

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Tesla has expressed hopes that the new version of the Model Y, a crossover SUV, could help the electric carmaker get back on the growth path.

Tesla, which is run by US billionaire Elon Musk, reported its first annual decline in sales in 2024 with just under 1.79 million vehicles delivered to customers.

That was 19,355 fewer cars sold than in 2023.

In the German market, where electric vehicle sales in general have fallen sharply, new registrations of Tesla models dropped to a total of just under 38,000 in 2024, 26,000 fewer than in the year before, according to figures from Germany's Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA).

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Tesla, which was the leading electric vehicle maker in Germany as recently as 2022, has since fallen to third place in electric vehicle sales behind German carmakers Volkswagen and BMW.

The only Tesla plant in Europe, the "Gigafactory" in the Berlin suburb of Grunheide, employs around 11,000 people. The carmaker has previously said that the factory supplies vehicles for the European continent as well as customers in the Middle East and Taiwan.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced a lawsuit Monday accusing Allstate and Arity of collecting more than 45 million consumers driving data nationwide without their knowledge, according to a news release from the attorney generals office.

Paxton claims Allstate and Arity embedded secret software on consumers cellphones as a way to justify raising Texans insurance rates. Arity, Allstates subsidiary data analytics company, paid app developers to incorporate its software to track consumers driving data, the release said.

KXAN has reached out to Allstate for a statement. We will update this if one is received.

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Paxton said Allstate collected trillions of miles worth of data from consumers nationwide.

The lawsuit claims when consumers requested a quote or to renew their coverage, Allstate and other insurers allegedly used their data to increase their car insurance premiums.

The personal data of millions of Americans was sold to insurance companies without their knowledge or consent in violation of the law. Texans deserve better and we will hold all these companies accountable, he said in the release.

This lawsuit comes after Paxtons lawsuit against General Motors, as well has his ongoing investigations into several car manufacturers for secretly collecting and selling drivers highly detailed driving data, per the release.

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Paxton said the actions by Allstate and Arity violated the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act (TDPSA), which requires the company to give clear notice and informed consent with how it plans to use consumers sensitive data.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Press Release

January 14, 2025 Senate approves bill seeking add'l monthly pension differential to DFA retirees With the affirmative vote of all 23 senators present, the Senate on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, approved on third and final reading a measure which provides monthly pension differential to the Department of Foreign Affairs retirees. Sen. Mark Villar, chairperson of the Committee on Government Corporations and Public Enterprises, and sponsor of Senate Bill No. 2863 or Foreign Affairs Pension Differential Act, said this is in appreciation of the sacrifices of foreign service personnel who endured many years away from their families. Villar stressed that the measure is not about financial compensation but a long-overdue recognition of the "extraordinary and unique" sacrifices made by foreign service personnel. "These brave individuals have been our first line of defense in unfamiliar territories, often risking their own lives to fulfill their duties. They have faced countless battles, both literal and figurative. Their service comes at a great personal cost," Villar said in his speech after the approval of the bill. "The bill's approval on Third Reading takes our distinguished DFA retirees one step closer to a reality where they can bask in the fruit of the hard work and labor they have graciously offered to the Philippines. Our DFA retirees have, literally and figuratively, crossed borders and flown miles, to ensure that our country's diplomatic ties remain favorable and suitable to the needs of Filipinos here and abroad," he added. The bill will benefit Filipino foreign service personnel who have reached the age of 65 and have served for at least 15 years, offering them a lifeline-- a chance at a dignified retirement befitting their service. Also covered by the bill are officers and employees of the DFA who retired under Republic Act No. 1616, provided they have also reached the age of 65, served the agency for at least 15 years, and remained Filipino citizens. "This is not a departure from the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). The DFA will remain within the GSIS framework, and its personnel will continue to contribute thereto. Instead, the bill merely proposes a monthly pension differential, to be administered by the DFA, that will bridge the gap between the retirees' monthly pension and the existing rate for those holding the same rank and years of service, ensuring a dignified retirement for retirees," Villar explained. To ensure its self-sustainability, there will be a regular and periodic review of the monthly pension differential. Thus the proposed bill will not pose a burden on the national government as funding will come from the fees charged for consular services collected under Executive Order No. 906, series of 2010, and not from the General Appropriations Fund. In the event of the death of a DFA retiree, the surviving legal spouse and the qualified dependent children or those older but are unable to fully take care of themselves shall be entitled to receive survivorship benefits equivalent to a maximum of 50 percent of the pension differential that the deceased retiree was receiving or entitled to receive. "These brave individuals have been our first line of defense in unfamiliar territories, often risking their own lives to fulfill their duties. They have faced countless battles, both literal and figurative. Their service comes at a great personal cost," Villar said. "By passing this bill, we are not just approving a retirement benefit, we are sending a powerful message that their service, their sacrifices, and their dedication to our nation are valued and remembered. It is a statement that we stand with them as they stood for us in the international arena," he added.
TEXAS CITY, Texas (WJW)  A Texas father died while attempting to save his son who was fatally shot by his younger sibling.

According to the Texas City Police Department, a 15-year-old boy accidentally fired a gun, striking his 17-year-old brother.

Two found dead in car on sidewalk

The boys dad, Julian Gonzalez, tried to save his sons life, but tragically suffered a fatal medical episode, the police department wrote in a Facebook post.

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FOX 8 sister station KIAH reported the dad suffered a heart attack and was pronounced dead at the scene. The 17-year-old boy was also declared dead at the scene.

Woman pleads guilty to stealing thousands from Hoover High School booster club

The shooting happened inside a home at about 1:20 a.m. Monday, Jan. 13, according to KIAH.

Police said the 15-year-old was questioned by detectives and was released. The investigation is ongoing.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
AUSTIN (Nexstar)  For the second time in a row the Texas Legislature will enter a new session with a significant surplus that will boost the amount of money they have for the next budget. Glenn Hegar, the Texas Comptroller, announced Monday afternoon the surplus is nearly $24 billion.

This cycles $23.76 billion surplus is less than the $32.7 billion the state started with last session, but the money available is still very robust.

The legislature can take pretty significant bites out of several major issues, but its hard to swallow one at one time, Hegar explained during the Biennium Revenue Estimate announcement. Hegar added the surplus Monday is thanks to the decisions made by the legislature in the past session, deciding to spend money on one-time expenditures.

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Lawmakers will now have to make similar decisions in this upcoming session to capitalize on the extra funds. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced on Monday his focus for the surplus is to continue property tax cuts and raising salaries for teachers. He added he wants to make more one-time investments that ensure our budget is sustainable moving forward and that our state is prepared for the future, as we did with last sessions surplus.

House Democratic Caucus Chair Gene Wu called for funding neighborhood schools and healthcare. One expert said the surplus gives lawmakers a golden opportunity to address infrastructure issues impacting Texans like water, energy and broadband.

We have an opportunity to start taking big meaningful steps in terms of like how to fund our water infrastructure, water supply challenges that we are anticipating over the next few decades, Rahul Sreenivasan, the director of government performance and fiscal policy at Texas 2036, a nonprofit and nonpartisan public policy research group.

Sreenivasan said it will be fiscally responsible to take small steps addressing these issues now rather than wait to address them on the back end when they will cost even more. Hegar said the decisions lawmakers make in the next six months must balance the states needs in the present while also keeping the economy moving into the future.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
BASTROP, Texas (KXAN)  Texas first woman engineer was honored in her hometown of Bastrop on Monday.

Leah Moncure was the first woman in Texas to earn a professional engineering license. She went on to work for TxDOT for 32 years. (Photo courtesy: TxDOT)

Leah Moncure made history in 1938 by becoming the first woman in Texas to earn a professional engineering license.

She went on to work for the Texas Highway Department  now called the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)  for 32 years. Moncure specialized in research, right-of-way, and road design. During her tenure, she worked in Houston, Austin, Beaumont, and Lufkin, according to the department.

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The Texas Historical Commission and Bastrop County on Monday unveiled a new historical marker to honor her accomplishments. The marker is part of the Commissions Undertold program, which was designed to address historical gaps, promote diversity of topics and proactively document significant underrepresented subjects or untold stories, per the Commissions website.

A historical marker honoring Leah Moncure, Texas first woman engineer, was unveiled in her hometown of Bastrop on Jan. 13, 2025 (Photo courtesy: TxDOT) A historical marker honoring Leah Moncure, Texas first woman engineer, was unveiled in her hometown of Bastrop on Jan. 13, 2025 (Photo courtesy: TxDOT) A historical marker honoring Leah Moncure, Texas first woman engineer, was unveiled in her hometown of Bastrop on Jan. 13, 2025 (Photo courtesy: TxDOT) A historical marker honoring Leah Moncure, Texas first woman engineer, was unveiled in her hometown of Bastrop on Jan. 13, 2025 (Photo courtesy: TxDOT)

The marker was awarded in early 2021 and was unveiled at a dedication ceremony at Moncures home in Bastrop on January 13, 2025.

Diana Schulze wants to carry on Moncures legacy. Schulze became the first-ever female engineer to hold the top spot at any TxDOT office in the agencys Austin District when she took over the role of head engineer in Moncures hometown of Bastrop in 2016.

I think its pretty neat that we both have ties to Bastrop County. Weve come a long way, and its important we continue to honor Leahs legacy, Schulze said. Theres no reason that upcoming female engineers cant be successful like Leah and many others before them.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
Lubbock Republican state Rep. Dustin Burrows clinched the Texas House speakership Tuesday in the culmination of an unusually long and unusually public mudfight for the role.

As expected, Burrows relied on a coalition of Democratic and Republican members to win, snagging 85 votes to opponent Rep. David Cook's 55 votes in the 150-member chamber; nine members abstained from voting and one was absent. The vote went to a runoff after Democratic Rep. and speaker candidate Ana-Maria Rodriguez Ramos was eliminated.

"This is the people's House," Burrows declared in a victory speech on the lower chamber's dais Tuesday afternoon. "I commit to you today, every member  every member  will have a voice. Every district will have a seat at the table.

Rep. Dustin Burows, R-Lubbock, takes the oath to be Speaker of the House on the first day of the 89th Texas Legislature at the Capitol Tuesday January 14, 2025.

The battle between Cook, a Mansfield Republican, and Burrows was magnified by the tension between the very conservative, explicitly Christian grassroots base  a modern reincarnation of the Tea Party  and the still-conservative but more business-minded Republicans.

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The contest also tested the House majority's desire to maintain independence from the Senate and the other branches of Texas' government. Before Tuesday, three of the most powerful officeholders in the state  Gov. Greg Abbott, Attorney General Ken Paxton and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who presides over the Senate  had urged House Republicans to make the caucus-endorsed candidate their speaker.

Burrows nodded to this conflict in his remarks to his colleagues.

Rep. Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, rises from his seat after being elected Speaker of the House on the first day of the 89th Texas Legislature at the Capitol Tuesday January 14, 2025.

"Our strength lies not in conformity, but in how we've harmonized these diverse perspectives into service for this great state," Burrows said. "Recent days have tested our bonds, yet they've also proven that this institution is greater than any one individual."

The ushering-in of a new leader could be an uphill battle for conservatives who supported him. Texas Republican Party Chair Abraham George, Paxton and some Republican activists have vowed to support primary challenges to Burrows' backers and have threatened to remove them from primary ballots.

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The grassroots had dubbed Burrows and his supporters Republicans in Name Only, or RINOs, a term that became popular during the Trump era to attack GOP members for supposedly not being conservative enough.

Rep. Dustin Burrows, R-Lubbock, listens before the vote on the Speaker of the House on the first day of the 89th Texas Legislature at the Capitol Tuesday January 14, 2025.

Their main gripe with Burrows was that he formed his winning coalition with Democratic members rather than a majority of the GOP Caucus, flouting a resolution from state GOP convention delegates saying that all Republicans must vote for the caucus-endorsed candidate. He also refused to disavow the longstanding practice of naming some minority party members to chair certain legislative committees.

In a news conference before the speaker vote, George, the party chair, refreshed a threat to remove from the Republican ballot members who voted for someone other than Cook.

Anyone who sides with the Democrats today, the party is watching ... and our rules do allow us to remove them from (the) ballot, George said.

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Several hundred residents descended on Austin in tour buses Tuesday morning, many wearing bright red shirts reading BAN DEMOCRAT CHAIRS. Combined with members of the movement wearing bedazzled Make America Great Again hats, American flag blazers and pants and flowing red-and-white striped skirts, they filled the halls of the Capitol with the color of the GOP.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas Legislature: House elects Rep. Dustin Burrows as speaker
(Bloomberg) -- As deadly wildfires continue to rage in Los Angeles, a Republican congressman from Texas says federal lawmakers will consider tying relief funding for California to policy changes in the state.

Most Read from Bloomberg

California has some disastrous policies that led to mismanagement of this fire, US Representative Michael McCaul said Monday in an interview with Bloomberg Television, alluding to the water-management system. Were not going to just throw money at them without trying to get something in return so this doesnt happen again.

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McCauls comments align with House Speaker Mike Johnson, who has called for attaching conditions to federal aid to address what he described as long-standing failures in forest and water supplies. Johnson said Monday that state and local leaders in California were derelict in their duty, adding that there has been water resource mismanagement, forest management mistakes, all sorts of problems, and it does come down to leadership.

At least 24 people have died and thousands of structures have been destroyed in wildfires that have burned more than 40,000 acres over the past week, as firefighters continue to battle multiple blazes across the Los Angeles area.

President-elect Donald Trump and Elon Musk have also criticized Californias fire-prevention efforts. California Governor Gavin Newsom, a Democrat, sent the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power a letter last week calling for a review of why hydrants in fire zones repeatedly ran low on water.

Newsom acknowledged in his letter that fire hydrants arent designed to fight fires over large areas. He also pointed to a reservoir that according to the Los Angeles Times had been closed for repairs when the fires struck, calling the lack of water deeply troubling to me and to the community.

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Trump is also likely to weigh using money as a bargaining tool to force foreign governments to support his immigration crackdown, McCaul said. For example, the president-elect could use tariffs to push the Mexican government to resume taking in asylum seekers while they await hearings in the US.

Increased duties would hurt the Texas economy, McCaul warned.

Mexico is our largest trading partner, and so massive tariffs, if they go into effect, would have a very negative impact on the state, he said.

Musk has weighed in on policy debates ranging from immigration to technology and will help lead a Department of Government Efficiency. His opinions about the federal budget and H1-B visas have frustrated some Republicans, but he remains a force in Congress.

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For better or for worse, hes there, McCaul said. I think his voice will be as strong and as loud as Trump allows it to be.

(Adds comment from Mike Johnson in third paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2025 Bloomberg L.P.
Today was a special day for Texas state Rep. Venton Jones, D-Dallas. During the 89th legislative session, Jones was sworn in for his second term as House District 100.

Jones said he is eager to get back to work for Texans on issues such as housing, property taxes and other pressing affairs, according to a post on X.

After getting sworn in, Jones immediately had something else to address.

Texas state Rep. Venton Jones proposes during legislative session

ENGAGED.



State Rep. @VentonJonesTX, a Dallas Democrat, just proposed to his longtime partner, Gregory Scott, Jr. moments after being sworn in. Jones popped the question when the House went into recess. #txlege pic.twitter.com/4nD0EVAWw9  Jason Whitely (@JasonWhitely) January 14, 2025

The state Capitol hosts the Texas Legislature every two years, and the 89th legislative session started Tuesday. During a recess, in the presence of family, friends, colleagues, and supporters, Jones knelt and proposed to his longtime partner, Gregory Scott Jr.

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Scott said yes, Jones later confirmed.

He said yes!  https://t.co/4C38x3qM6h  State Rep. Venton Jones (@VentonJonesTX) January 14, 2025

Who is Venton Jones?

Jones represents Texas House District 100, encompassing central Dallas and parts of downtown. Recently, he was elected as the Texas House Democratic Caucus Whip and Vice-Chair of the Texas LGBTQ Caucus. According to a press release from his office, Jones is also one of the first Black gay men to serve in the Texas Legislature.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Dallas lawmaker proposes to partner on 1st day of Texas Legislature
The 89th Texas Legislature will convene Tuesday for its 140-day regular session. Here's a look at some of the key players:

Gov. Greg Abbott

The three-term Republican is heading into his sixth legislative session as Texas' chief executive officer with the wind at his back. Abbott was not on the November ballot, but he can still put 2024 into his personal win column.

Abbott can claim, at least partially, that he helped bring more than a dozen new GOP members into the Texas House because they embraced his call to enact a school voucher plan. And his party had a net pickup of two House seats and one seat in the Senate.

Gov. Greg Abbott listens at the change of command ceremony for Texas Department of Public Safety Director Freeman Martin at DPS Headquarters Monday December 2, 2024. Martin, who was previously the DPS Senior Deputy Director, will serve as the department's fourteenth director. Former DPS Director Steve McCraw announced his plans to retire in August after 15 years of leading the department. He officially retired from DPS on Nov. 30.

In addition, the Texas governor was the nation's leading critic of the Democratic Biden administration's approach to border security. And his multibillion-dollar Operation Lone Star initiative, which sent thousands of National Guard service members and state troopers to assist federal agents along the Rio Grande, has kept the issue front and center on the national stage, allowing then-candidate Donald Trump to seamlessly reclaim his signature issue in his race for the White House against Vice President Kamala Harris.

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Abbott, 67, has an unbroken string of statewide election victories that date back to 1996 when he became a justice on the Texas Supreme Court. He then was elected to three terms as state attorney general, and he has said he plans to seek an unprecedented fourth term as governor in 2026.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick

The lieutenant governor  who, under the Texas Constitution, presides over the Senate and under the upper chamber's long-standing rules and tradition receives wide latitude in setting the legislative agenda  has often been called the most powerful elected official in the state. Now in his third term after having served eight years as a Republican member of the Senate, Patrick has taken that power to a new level.

As a rank-and-file member of the Senate from 2007 until 2015, Patrick chafed under the long-standing rule that required 21 of the 31 senators to agree before a bill could be considered for a vote on the floor. He complained during that time that the rule awarded the outnumbered Democrats outsized power to block or water down conservative legislation.

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick presides over the Senate at the Capitol on the first day of the 88th Legislative Session Tuesday January 10, 2023.

In the 2014 GOP primary, Patrick toppled three-term Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst en route to an overwhelming general election victory. And that put him in place to lower the two-thirds threshold and allow bills to move on the strength of Republican votes alone.

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Over that time, the Senate has taken the lead in incrementally expanding gun rights, even allowing the unlicensed open carrying of handguns; adding restrictions on abortion while Roe v. Wade was in effect and enacting a "trigger law" that banned the procedure under most circumstances after Roe was struck down; and pushing property tax reductions.

Patrick, 74, has also been quick to do battle with Republican House speakers who he felt were insufficiently aggressive in passing Senate priorities.

Comptroller Glenn Hegar

The Texas Constitution provides the comptroller of public accounts neither a formal role in crafting legislation nor the power to veto bills. But the limited legislative duties assigned to the state's chief financial officer carry tremendous weight.

Before the Legislature convenes, Hegar must present what is known as the biennial revenue estimate, which is reached with a complex analysis of how much money the state will collect through taxes, fees and other sources for the two-year cycle that starts Sept. 1 in odd-numbered years.

Matthew Watkins, the editor-in-chief of the Tribune, talks with Glenn Hegar Texas Comptroller about the biennial revenue estimate, how Texas is experiencing a surplus for the second consecutive legislative session, and how the state should allocate its surplus.

And the Legislature may not appropriate a single penny more than what the comptroller's revenue estimate says will be available to spend. That estimate can be revised up or down as economic conditions change, and any revision is binding on the Legislature's ability to appropriate funds.

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After the Legislature's two-year budget is enacted, the comptroller must certify that the state's books will balance before the spending plan can go forward.

For Hegar, a 54-year-old former member of both the House and Senate, the process is becoming old hat. He was elected to his third term as comptroller in 2022, meaning he will be presenting his sixth revenue estimate to the Legislature this year.

Some rank-and-file lawmakers

Sen. Bryan Hughes, R-Mineola

Senator Bryan Hughes and Senator Bob Hall congratulates President pro tempore Brandon Creighton as he takes his seat as president on the first day of the 89th Legislative Session, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025.

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Now in his 22nd year as a lawmaker, Hughes can be found at or near the center of debate on every major piece of legislation with a chance of making it into law.

Always genial and always prepared, Hughes has carried many of the laws that restricted abortion in Texas, even when the procedure was protected under Roe v. Wade. After that landmark decision guaranteeing a right to an abortion was reversed by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2022, Hughes' Senate Bill 8, which was enacted the year before, became the "trigger law" that outlawed abortion under most circumstances in Texas.

The chairman of the far-reaching Senate State Affairs Committee since 2019, the 55-year-old Hughes is also the primary author of legislation aimed at cracking down on voter fraud and outlawing what has become known as "critical race theory," which seeks to restrict how such controversial topics as slavery and the civil rights movement are taught in public schools.

Rep. Gene Wu, D-Houston

Born in China and brought to the United States as a child by his parents, Wu was elected chairman of the House Democratic Caucus after the November election.

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Because Democrats are in the minority, Wu, 46, becomes something of a defensive coordinator as his party seeks to either thwart or moderate legislation considered to be detrimental to its sundry constituencies. Wu, first elected in 2012, was a member of the budget-writing House Appropriations Committee during the 2023 session and the Juvenile Justice and Family Issues Committee.

Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston

A former judge and a former prosecutor before coming to the Senate in 2009, the 67-year-old Huffman is arguably the most influential member of the upper chamber.

As the chair of the Senate Finance Committee since 2022, she oversees the budget-writing process for the Senate and becomes the chamber's lead negotiator when its version of the state's spending plan must be reconciled with the House's proposal. Before taking over in the Finance Committee, Huffman chaired the Senate Redistricting and State Affairs committees.

Rep. Tom Oliverson, R-Cypress

Rep. Tom Oliverson (R-Cypress) addresses republican supporters outside the Texas Capitol Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025.

As chairman of the House Insurance Committee, Oliverson had been seen as an ally of outgoing Speaker Dade Phelan. However, the 52-year-old Oliverson broke ranks and became the first Republican to announce a challenge to the speaker's bid for a third term.

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A member of the House since 2017, Oliverson served as his party's caucus chairman in 2023 and won reelection to the post ahead of the 2025 session.

Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo

Not only does Zaffirini carry the title of "dean of the Senate" as the chamber's longest-serving member, but she is perhaps also its most reliable member. Since assuming office in 1987, she has never missed casting a vote on legislation that has come to the Senate floor.

A stickler for preparation and decorum, the 78-year-old Zaffirini, as the chamber's dean, assumes the chairmanship when the Senate meets as a "committee of the whole" to discuss internal matters or sometime to debate pressing bills.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: 2025 Texas Legislature: Meet some of the Senate, House key players
A Texas man accused of stalking Caitlin Clark was arrested in Indianapolis this weekend after police said he sent numerous threats and sexually explicit messages to the Indiana Fever player, according to prosecutors.

Michael Lewis, 55, of Denton, a suburb of Dallas, was charged with stalking, a low-level felony, after an investigation revealed he sent over a dozen messages on X (formerly Twitter) to Clark, the Marion County Prosecutor's Office said Monday.

An arrest affidavit detailing the case shows over 15 messages from Lewis' X account sent to Clark beginning December 16 through mid-January. Many of the messages were sexually explicit and sometimes violent.

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"Got banned from caitbridge (sic). Im sorry. Bu maybe I go to ur road games..its ok right?" One of the posts read, according to the affidavit.

Federal investigators tracked the messages from IP addresses belonging to a hotel in the 100 block of West Market Street, roughly a mile from where the Fever play, and another from the Indianapolis downtown library.

"Lewiss presence in Indianapolis was especially concerning given that he is a Texas resident," detectives said in the affidavit.

Indianapolis police said they confronted Lewis about the messages at the hotel on Jan. 8, to which Lewis responded he sent them "just the same reason everybody makes posts." He at first denied the threatening posts, but then added it "was just an imaginary relationship."

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The messages continued after the police visit, the affidavit states.

Clark told police she has been fearful since learning about the messages and even altered her public appearances and movement because of them.

Lewis was arrested on Sunday, Jan. 12. If convicted, he faces one to six years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

"No matter how prominent a figure you are, this case shows that online harassment can quickly escalate to actual threats of physical violence, Prosecutor Ryan Mears said. "It takes a lot of courage for women to come forward in these cases, which is why many don't. In doing so, the victim is setting an example for all women who deserve to live and work in Indy without the threat of sexual violence.

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Prosecutors have filed an order banning Lewis from Hinkle Fieldhouse and Gainbridge Fieldhouse where the Fever regularly play.

The prosecutor's office has requested a higher-than-usual bond for Lewis, whose first court appearance is set for Tuesday.

Contact IndyStar reporter Sarah Nelson at sarah.nelson@indystar.com

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Texas man charged with stalking, accused of threatening Caitlin Clark
Jan. 13AUSTIN  The Texas Hill Country is about to get more "enchanting," thanks to the recent purchase of a 3,073-acre property adjacent to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area in Llano County. This property will double the amount of publicly available land at one of Texas' most popular state parks.

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) purchased the property for $43 million. Funding from the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund will help accelerate development and eventual public use. The $1 billion fund, which voters overwhelmingly approved in November 2023, dedicated a portion of state budget surplus to create a dedicated funding stream for acquiring and developing new state parks.

"Texas is home to 88 state parks that showcase our great state's natural beauty to Texans and visitors from all over the globe," Gov. Greg Abbott said in a news release. "The expansion of Enchanted Rock State Natural Area will allow tourists from across the state and around the world to enjoy even more of the majesty of Texas. Together, we will continue to ensure that what makes Texas unique and beautiful is preserved for generations."

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The purchase of this property is the latest land acquisition made by the TPWD in recent months, expanding public access to Texas' natural spaces in more corners of the state. This achievement joins the previous procurement of 630 acres for Enchanted Rock and the purchase of Lake Colorado City State Park.

"Enchanted Rock is cherished by Texans across the state, and we are thrilled to add a property of this size and scope to this beloved park," said Jeff Hildebrand, Chairman of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission. "I look forward to families experiencing this new addition to Enchanted Rock SNA and creating lasting memories for generations to come."

When notified of available properties, TPWD conducts a due diligence review to determine the property's feasibility as a state park, natural area or historic site. In this case, TPWD engaged its official nonprofit partner, Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, to help secure this important piece of property.

"I would like to thank the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation for their help and the voters of Texas who said yes to the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund as these funds will be instrumental in the development of this new property," said Rodney Franklin, director of Texas State Parks. "It is exciting that we can expand the recreational opportunities for this iconic Texas State Park."

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Previously, the property was mainly used privately for hunting but will now become an extension of Enchanted Rock, allowing for more recreation and conservation opportunities for the citizens of Texas. It features a rock formation that could provide a new scenic vantage point of the iconic pink granite dome the park is named for. The land will also help conserve the night sky and viewshed in a rapidly developing area of the state.

Now that the sale has been finalized, TPWD will develop a plan with input from the public to determine recreational opportunities for the property. This plan may take many months to complete, but TPWD will communicate upcoming milestones, including a potential opening date.
AUSTIN, Texas (AP)  A push by Texas' hard right to widen control in the state Capitol fell short Tuesday after House lawmakers rejected its choice for the powerful speakership amid a Republican feud accelerated by the historic impeachment of Attorney General Ken Paxton.

Instead, new House Speaker Dustin Burrows won the job with the support of Democrats, who favored him over a challenger backed by the GOP's emboldened right.

The outcome is a victory for Texas Republicans' establishment wing, and its possible that Democrats could still lose influence under the new leadership. The race deepened divisions within the GOP, partly driven by Republicans who say an agenda that includes some of the toughest laws in the U.S. over abortion and immigration doesn't go far enough.

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Hes a leader who will at least have a conversation," Democratic state Rep. Toni Rose said in a nomination speech for Burrows.

Burrows was challenged by state Rep. David Cook, who pledged to block Democrats from running committees in the House  a longstanding bipartisan tradition in a chamber that has historically been a more moderate balance to the hard-right-leaning Senate.

Burrows will lead one of the states highest offices after a dramatic bowing-out of the former House speaker, Dade Phelan, who lost favor with the hard-right faction of his party after Paxton's impeachment. The state Senate ultimately acquitted Paxton, who in recent weeks campaigned against Republicans who sought to deny Cooks victory.

The newly elected speaker has few ideological distinctions between himself and Cook, but his opponent came to be the choice of some Republicans who believe Democrats have too much control over the House.

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The Houses failure to approve taxpayer funds for private schools in 2023 also intensified Republican squabbles in the run-up to Novembers elections, when Republicans expanded their already commanding majority and gained ground on the U.S.-Mexico border.

Texas in recent years has passed some of the nations toughest restrictions on abortion, immigration and voting. Republicans this year have proposed bans on public funds for gender-affirming care for adults and giving in-state college tuition for students without legal status in the U.S.

___

This story has been edited to clarify that Democrats, not Burrows, could still lose influence.

Lathan is a corps member for the Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
(The Texas Tribune)  Texas Supreme Court justices on Monday heard oral arguments in Attorney General Ken Paxtons effort to shut down an El Paso migrant shelter network he has accused of violating state law by helping undocumented migrants.

The case began in February 2024 when the attorney generals office demanded documents from the shelter, Annunciation House, related to its work with immigrants. Annunciation House, which opened its first shelter at a Catholic church nearly 50 years ago, primarily serves people who have been processed and released into the U.S. by federal immigration officials. The shelters director, Ruben Garcia, communicates regularly with Border Patrol and other federal officials to help find shelter for immigrants who have nowhere else to go while their cases are processed.

Heres what you need to know:

The background

Officials from the attorney generals Consumer Protection Division arrived at the migrant shelters door on Feb. 7 and demanded a trove of documents within a day. Annunciation House sued the attorney generals office to delay the release of the records, asking a judge to determine which documents shelter officials were legally allowed to release. Paxtons office filed a countersuit to shutter the shelter network.

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The attorney generals office claimed the shelter was violating state law by helping people suspected of being undocumented immigrants. The investigation was one of more than 12 instances identified last year by The Texas Tribune and ProPublica in which Paxtons office used the states consumer protection laws to investigate organizations whose work conflicts in some way with his political views or the views of his conservative base. At least four other organizations that work with immigrants have been targeted.

What has happened in courts so far

An El Paso judge in July denied Paxtons effort to shut down Annunciation House. State District Judge Francisco Dominguez ruled that the states claim, even if accepted as true, does not establish a violation of those provisions. He also ruled that the state laws are preempted by federal law and therefore unenforceable.

Paxtons office appealed the decision directly to the all-Republican Texas Supreme Court. The appeal drew five letters to the court from outside parties. Among them were two in support of Annunciation House filed by El Paso County and First Liberty Institute, a Texas nonprofit that champions religious freedom. America First Legal Foundation, an organization started by a former Trump administration official to advocate for conservative causes, filed a letter in support of Paxtons office.

What the attorney generals office argued

Paxtons office, which has argued that the shelter network should be closed for violating state laws against human smuggling and operating a stash house, told the court Monday that Annunciation House should be shuttered to send a message to other similar organizations.

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Ryan Baasch of the attorney generals office argued that Annunciation House knowingly and purposely shelters undocumented persons.

If all the state is allowed to do is obtain an injunction that says, Dont do this unlawful act again, theres absolutely no deterrent effect, Baasch said in response to a question from a justice about why an injunction would be insufficient.

When one of the justices asked whether the state wanted to deter organizations from exercising their religious activity, Baasch responded: Not all, your honor. We want to deter organizations from knowingly and deliberately sheltering illegally present aliens.

What Annunciation House argued

Annunciation Houses lawyers have characterized the states arguments as utter nonsense, arguing that Paxtons efforts violate the First Amendment, which guarantees the right to free speech, association and religion, and the Fourth Amendment, which offers protection against unreasonable search and seizure.

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On Monday, Annunciation House lawyer Amy Warr argued that most of the people who the shelter helps have been processed and released by federal immigration authorities while their cases are pending. She said other federal authorities, like the FBI, sometimes bring undocumented people to the shelter who they need as witnesses in criminal cases.

Law enforcement knows we are there, knows that we house undocumented people, Warr said. If they want to pick somebody up, they come with a warrant and they get the person  or they wait outside until the person comes out. They have full means to do this.

Annunciation House gave five minutes of its oral arguments to First Liberty Institute, a religious freedom organization. Elizabeth Kiernan argued on behalf of the group that Annunciation Houses work is motivated by the groups Catholic faith.

The Catholic church has claimed Annunciation House as one of its own, Kiernan said. If the (Texas Religious Freedom and Restoration Act) protects anything, it protects this religious charity against outright closure.

What happens next

It is not clear when the Supreme Court will rule on the case. If the justices side with Paxtons office, the injunction prohibiting the state from issuing more subpoenas to Annunciation House could be canceled and the case would go back to the district court to hear the states argument for shutting down the shelter network. If they side with Annunciation House, the shelter network will be allowed to continue operating as it has.

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This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at https://www.texastribune.org/2025/01/13/texas-annunciation-house-migrant-shelter-paxton-lawsuit-supreme-court/.

The Texas Tribune is a member-supported, nonpartisan newsroom informing and engaging Texans on state politics and policy. Learn more at texastribune.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 KXAN Austin.
By Panu Wongcha-um

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thailand's political heavyweight Thaksin Shinawatra believes Southeast Asia's second largest economy should push to legalise online gambling, which he said could net the government as much as 100 billion baht ($2.89 billion) in annual revenues.

Although without a formal role in government, the former prime minister, 75, is one of the most influential figures in Thai politics and is widely seen as a power centre behind the premiership of his 38-year-old daughter, Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

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Speaking at an event in Bangkok late on Monday, just hours after the Thai cabinet approved a draft law to legalise casinos, Thaksin said the government was coming up with ways to control access to, and tax revenue from, online gambling.

"Online gambling has two to four million Thai users with savings of 300 billion baht and gains and losses of about 500 billion per year," said Thaksin.

"If we can tax 20% ... we would get more than 100 billion per year," he said.

While most forms of gambling are illegal in Thailand, it is hugely popular and successive governments led or backed by Thaksin have pushed to legalise it to create jobs and boost tourism, arguing huge sums of money are being lost that can be turned into state revenue.

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The government was working on an identification system to control access to online gaming that would prevent underage use and allow the monitoring of gambling addicts, Thaksin said.

"We would have like a passport to control who can play," he said, without elaborating.

Thaksin also made a push for Thailand's financial institutions to be more open to cryptocurrency, citing incoming U.S. President Donald Trump's pro-crypto stance, including his appointment of crypto deregulation advocate Paul Atkins as the head of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

He said the Thai's SEC need to have more digital approach, like "allowing trade of stablecoin, or coin that are backed by assets".

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The Thai government is already looking to allow using crypto as a form of payment, with the resort island of Phuket a possible site for a pilot, he said.

"There will be no risk, it is just another currency in the world," Thaksin said.

($1 = 34.6500 baht)

(Reporting by Panu Wongcha-um; Editing by Devjyot Ghoshal, Martin Petty)
GREENVILLE, S.C. (WSPA)  In 1980 Kenneth Kenn Riley said he had two options.

My father was the one who let me know at 17 that it was time for me to grow up, Riley told 7NEWS. So I had some choices My choices were to pay for college or do something else. I wasnt going to work in the mill so I joined the military.

And into the Navy to become a Sailor and a Postal Clerk.

I was the only Postal Clerk on my ship because it was small, Riley explained. But I took in the mail, sent out the mail, did registered mail, money orders, distributed the mail. Weighed up packages.

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Riley kept the wheels turning while out at sea.

If there was a helicopter coming in, there was mail. I had to sort it, he explained. I had to actually notify each division and then I had to have someone, a representative that I knew, which was kind of easy because I was on a small ship they, had to come and pick up the mail and I had to have them sign off on it.

Riley said he enjoyed his job as a Postal Clerk in the U.S.S. Farragut.

He said it gave him the opportunity to explore places hed never been.

We went into the Mediterranean. We were stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, and we were in Beirut, Iraq and Iran, the Falklands, Grenada, Riley said. We were in Beirut for about two months, about three days after they bombed the embassy.

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Riley recounted as scary at times because the tours werent always peaceful.

Every night you would see a red glow going back and forth and you knew somebody would die, he shared wiping away tears. They say it wasnt a combat zone. It just wasnt active for us, but it was combat.

Those memories leave scars on Rileys past.

Most people would not even admit it, and it was difficult for me to it took me about 30 years, said Riley.

Thirty years to recognize the impact his time serving would have on his mental health.

Its something hes learning to overcome through therapy and organizations like Vets Helping Vets Greenville.

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I mean, camaraderie obviously gets you out of your own head. You know, there are people who need to see people every day. And if they dont come to those particular kinds of meetings, they may not, Riley explained.

A newer- member, Riley said hes looking forward to getting more involved.

When asked what hed tell his younger self, Riley said itd be to take in the moment.

For a 22-year-old Kenn, I would tell him you accomplished this goal. Doesnt seem like much, but build on it and realize that the future will be here before you know it, Riley said.

Kenn Riley, Thank You for Your Service.

To nominate a veteran like Kenn Riley to be featured in our Thank You for Your Service series, click here.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday endorsed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' call for a special legislative session on illegal immigration, despite legislative leadership calling it "premature" and "completely irresponsible."

"Thank you Ron, hopefully other Governors will follow!" Trump posted on his Truth Social account.

Trump Truth Social post, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025.

A message seeking comment from the Trump transition team was pending as of midday Tuesday.

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Trump has called for a crackdown on illegal immigration, even proposing to declare a national emergency, and promised mass deportations of those unlawfully in the country.

On Monday, DeSantis told reporters he was exercising his state constitutional authority to call lawmakers into a special legislative session to address illegal immigration, as well as relief for hurricane victims and condominium owners, among other things.

A written proclamation followed later that evening on DeSantis' X social media account and also was emailed to the press Tuesday. Lawmakers are in Tallahassee this week for committee meetings; the regular 2025 session does not start till March 4.

"President-elect Trump was elected with a mandate to stop illegal immigration and deport illegal aliens already in our country," the governor posted on X Tuesday. "State and local officials in Florida will actively facilitate the Trump Administrations policies against illegal immigration, and to do that we need to immediately set aside and approve the necessary funding and resources now."

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But House Speaker Daniel Perez, R-Miami, and Senate President Ben Albritton, R-Wauchula, said in a joint memo that calling a special session now was "completely irresponsible," adding that the governor offered no "meaningful details."

"(U)ninformed or ill-timed state action could potentially impair or impede the success of (his) forthcoming efforts to end illegal immigration, close our borders, and protect the sovereignty of our nation," they said.

Jim Rosica is a member of the USA TODAY Network-Florida Capital Bureau. He can be reached at jrosica@tallahassee.com. Follow him on X: @JimRosicaFL.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Trump supports DeSantis on call for special session on immigration
With immigration a key part of incoming President Donald Trump's agenda, a split has already arisen among his supporters over the role of H-1B visas that allow U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations.

Many in the high-tech world say the H-1B visa program is essential to bring in needed expertise; others suggest the program takes American jobs and provides cheap labor for wealthy companies.

But this isn't just an issue involving Elon Musk and Silicon Valley. Any changes would have wide-reaching effects for Wisconsin businesses too, local immigration attorneys say.

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Wisconsin universities, hospitals, manufacturers and financial companies have been granted thousands of H-1B visas to hire foreign-born employees in specialized jobs that are hard to fill with American workers, according to about 15 years of federal data.

A worker monitors production of a kit to promote STEM education for students on the factory floor at The Smart Factory in Wichita, Kansas.

"There are a lot of really, really successful manufacturing companies, especially in the Milwaukee area, that need smart people to come up with new ways to do old things," said Grant Sovern, a partner at Quarles & Brady who leads its immigration practice. "That's where they hire H-1Bs."

Here's what to know about the H-1B visa, the current debate over its merits and how the program has been used locally.

More: Mass deportation, ending DACA: How would Trump's policies affect Wisconsin immigrants?

How does someone receive an H-1B visa?

The most typical path to an H-1B visa begins at an American university, Sovern said. Hundreds of thousands of international students earn degrees in the U.S., often in STEM fields, and want to stay here. After college, students can work for one year  or up to three in a STEM field  to get on-the-job experience. Each year, their employers can enter the H-1B lottery. if they aren't chosen in any of the three years, they must return to their home country, go back to school or find another way to stay in the U.S.

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Competition is steep: At least 300,000 people apply each year for a shot at 85,000 visas. Applicants have a 20% to 30% chance of being selected .

If they are chosen, they can stay and work in that one job, but it does not come with permanent residency status.

When U.S.-educated students in sought-after fields leave the country, it's drain of talent, said Kelly Fortier, a partner at Michael Best who leads its immigration practice. Even if they work remotely for the American company, they aren't living and paying taxes here.

"We as a country, we want to retain the best and brightest," Fortier said. "If we are educating these individuals at world-class colleges and universities, we should make every effort to keep them here in the United States. If we're not able to do that, we are really losing the benefit of bringing foreign students here to study."

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Sovern said there's a misconception that most H-1B are hired directly from overseas. Some large national firms do that, he said, but the majority of his clients are hiring U.S. college graduates.

More: Amid huge demand for STEM workers, a retired professor helps students from India navigate the visa system

Do companies really need to hire foreign workers because of a shortage of American applicants?

That question has been at the center of the debate over H-1Bs. To Sovern and Fortier, the answer is a clear yes.

One reason for the shortage is that American-born students aren't pursuing specialized STEM degrees at the same rates as students from places like India and China  two countries that make up 84% of H-1B applicants. Further, research shows that more than half of U.S. master's degrees in STEM fields, and nearly half of doctorate degrees, are going to foreign students.

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More: Wisconsin is losing people in their prime working years. Are more foreign workers the answer?

Pair that reality with the costly, time-consuming process of applying for an H-1B as an employer. Employers spend up to $10,000 in government filing fees and legal fees for each worker they want to hire.

"This is not some cheapskate who's trying to get cheap foreign workers. You must really need them or want them," Sovern said.

Employers "would much rather hire an American worker," he said. "It costs them less, and it's less trouble."

The incentive to hire a foreign worker is "very, very low," Sovern said. But they're spending the money and time because they just can't find an American worker for the position, Fortier said.

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It's "not uncommon" that Fortier hears employers say they tried to fill a role for six months before they decided to go with a foreign candidate. And in rural areas of Wisconsin, she said, jobs like professors or physicians are sitting unfilled for a year or more.

More: Popular St. Francis coffee shop is a DACA success story. Will Trump policies change that?

Are H-1B visa holders underpaid or 'indentured servants'?

Critics of the H-1B program take issue that workers' stay in the U.S. is tied to their job, and they express concern that companies pay them less than American-born colleagues.

Local attorneys point out that the program does require employers to pay workers  at minimum  either the prevailing wage for the job and the city, or the average wage of American-born workers staff doing the same job.

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Fortier acknowledged that rule may not have been enforced as much as it should be, and at times she's seen wages listed for H-1B holders coming from big-name national firms that seem a bit too low. But she doesn't believe it's the norm.

Over her 20-year career, Fortier said, her clients have paid their employees good salaries, bumping them up to the prevailing wage when it was flagged as too low. "I think I would've seen that more if it was a true problem," she said.

Newly instituted rules from the Biden administration could help allow for immigration officials to conduct more on-site visits to check working conditions and paystubs, Fortier said.

More: Bringing It Home: Our series on how manufacturing is returning to the U.S.

Which industries tend to employ the most H-1B visa holders?

A federal report found that 66% of H-1B visas approved nationwide in 2022 were for computer-related jobs, with engineering and architecture jobs the next biggest category.

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Types of jobs evolve as tech needs change, Fortier said. Fifteen years ago, she saw a lot of data scientists getting visas as the U.S. hadn't caught up to the trend. Now, her office is handling applications for artificial intelligence and machine learning positions.

And while people often think about Wisconsin as a state focused on manufacturing, not high-tech industry, those firms aren't just "pouring steel," Sovern said. They're trying to innovate and develop new technology.

"I can almost guarantee you that any company with more than 100 employees who has any research and development component has an H-1B worker there," he said. "I think that is a big surprise to people in Wisconsin."

Even an organization like Milwaukee Public Schools is involved. Last year, it planned to hire about 140 foreign teachers for certain hard-to-fill roles, using the H-1B program.

What could change under the Trump administration?

The administration in 2020 blocked H-1B visa holders from being admitted to the U.S. as part of its COVID-19 pandemic response. But the restrictions expired in 2021 and Joe Biden's administration didn't renew them. The Trump administration also denied H-1B applications at a higher rate in his first few years in office than any of the previous four years, according to an analysis by the American Immigration Council.

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The next Trump presidency could take aim at H-1Bs with adviser Stephen Miller, an immigration hardliner, leading the charge. Trump last month told a reporter he liked H-1Bs, although he seemed to be confused, and actually referring to H-2 visas for seasonal or agricultural workers.

I have many H-1B visas on my properties. Ive been a believer in H-1B. I have used it many times. Its a great program, he said.

Based on all the roadblocks the first Trump administration put up, Sovern is telling his clients to expect the visa process to cost more and take longer.

For now, Fortier expects the spring visa lottery draw to go on as planned, Fortier said. Beyond that, "We're telling our clients to just expect the unexpected," Fortier said. That could mean more denials, then more time and money trying to overturn the denials.

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The entire program couldn't be canceled without Congressional approval, though Republicans do control Congress.

More: They grew up legally in Wisconsin. Green card backlogs mean they may have to leave the U.S.

What do Elon Musk, Bernie Sanders say about H-1B visas?

Trump ally Musk found himself at odds with more anti-immigrant factions of the Republican Party in the debate over H-1Bs.

Musk on his platform X, formerly Twitter, promised to "go to war on this issue the likes of which you cannot possibly comprehend." He also spoke to the question of American worker shortages:

"There is a permanent shortage of excellent engineering talent. It is the fundamental limiting factor in Silicon Valley," he posted on X.

Meanwhile, Sanders emerged as a critic of H-1B, calling it exploitative. He charged that major corporations laid off Americans while hiring foreign workers.

"The main function of the H-1B visa program and other guest worker initiatives is not to hire 'the best and the brightest,' but rather to replace good-paying American jobs with low-wage indentured servants from abroad. The cheaper the labor they hire, the more money the billionaires make," Sanders said in a statement.

Sovern framed the program, granting 85,000 visas a year, as a modest influence on the quantity of jobs, given that the U.S. population is 335 million. And he said H-1B holders' innovation drives economic growth overall.

"It actually enhances our economy to hire smart people who are willing to work really hard," he said. "That's what America has been about."

Sophie Carson is a general assignment reporter who reports on religion and faith, immigrants and refugees and more. Contact her at scarson@gannett.com or 920-323-5758.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Hundreds of Wisconsin firms use H-1B visas to obtain foreign workers
A man died early Tuesday due to possible hypothermia, which is at least the third possible cold-related death in the Cincinnati region this month, officials said.

The man was found face down in the snow just before 5 a.m. behind a building in the 4500 block of Montgomery Road, according to a Norwood police report. Investigators said he was taken to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The man's name and age have not been released.

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During the snowstorm last week, two people died from suspected hypothermia. A 94-year-old woman from Franklin was found dead Jan. 6 near her home. On Jan. 7, an 83-year-old Lincoln Heights man died on his front porch. Both of these cases are also being investigated as hypothermia deaths.

More: It's cold. Here's what you need to know about hypothermia, frostbite and more

On Thursday, a 56-year-old man living outdoors in a Cincinnati homeless encampment also died. The coroner's office did not release a preliminary ruling on the circumstances of his death, so it has not been determined if his death was related to the cold.

Warming shelters have been established in both Ohio and Northern Kentucky as the regions deal with prolonged freezing temperatures.

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Temperatures are expected to hover around the freezing point or below until Friday when it's expected to reach 41 degrees.

Norwood police had not released any further information about Tuesday's death at the time of this report.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Norwood investigating third possible hypothermia death in the region
TUSCUMBIA, Ala. (WHNT)  Jerry Wayne Fisher, was back in the courtroom Monday for a stand-your-ground hearing.

Jerry Fisher is the man accused of shooting and killing John Farley back in May of 2024.

Morgan County Schools employee hit by vehicle driven by student

Fisher was in court to argue that he was using self-defense.

Fisher and Farley had ongoing disputes about property for years. Fisher was charged with manslaughter back in May of 2024, but on Monday, Fisher said he shot Farley to defend himself.

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Fisher lives on 10 acres of land, near Foster Nolan Place Rd. near Colbert Heights. He says he has had no trespassing signs and motion detection cameras on his property for years. Fisher says he and John Farley, had ongoing disputes over property.

Fisher also explained to the court Monday, that Farley occasionally made threatening comments.

Family increases reward to $5K for info on missing Huntsville realtor

On May 26, 2024, Fisher says he was home cooking when Farley showed up uninvited screaming, cussing, and making threats towards Fisher. Fisher says he did not open the door, but did grab his shotgun.

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I thought he was going to kill me, Fisher said, at the witness stand Monday.

Fisher then tells the court that he ran to grab his shotgun, and shot one shot outside, then backed up into his home and fired two more. He says he shut the door behind him and called the police.

There was no ruling Monday, Judge Kyle Brown, scheduled another hearing for Tuesday at 1:00 at the Colbert County Courthouse.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  Three people have been arrested in connection to gunfire near the Geneva Public Library last month as officers are continuing to search for more suspects.

On December 21, 2024, the Geneva Police Department investigated the reported gunshots in the area of Castle Street between Main Street and Dorchester Avenue. They said five gunshots were fired toward the library and a black sedan may have been involved. There were no injuries.

Investigators identified 32-year-old Erica White, 28-year-old Tyler Liberatore, and 31-year-old Joequell Solomon as persons of interest connected to the shooting.

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White and Liberatore were arrested on Friday and Solomon, a convicted felon, was arrested on Monday. All three have been charged with second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. They were taken to the Ontario County Jail as more charges are pending.

The Geneva Police Department believes more people may have been involved in this shooting. They are asking anyone with information to call them at (315)-828-6771 or (315)-828-6779.

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CHEYENNE  A fire severely damaged Laramie County Fire Authority Station 74 on Saturday, destroying three wildland firefighting apparatus that were to be deployed to assist in fighting fires in California.

LCFA responded to a structure fire at the non-operational fire station, located in the 8800 block of Yellowstone Road, around 7:45 p.m. Saturday.

Built in 1974, the station houses the fire mechanic and wildland firefighting program, but does not participate in local response, meaning that the fire did not disrupt emergency responses in the area, according to an LCFA news release. Operations in that area are run out of Station 73 at 2856 Horse Creek Road, which opened in 2018.

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The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the Laramie County Sheriffs Office are actively investigating the cause of the fire.

No one was injured, since the building isnt typically staffed, according to LCFA Chief Jason Caughey. The fire did, however, cause extensive damage and appeared to burn internally for a while before external signs triggered the initial 911 call.

Assisting Los Angeles

Three of the vehicles lost in the fire were scheduled to take a team of Wyoming firefighters to California, where they will join in efforts to combat the historic wildfires in the Los Angeles area.

We have a team that consists of some full-time positions and seasonal positions, along with our volunteers that staff that program and deploy nationally, Caughey said.

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Despite their own losses this weekend, the team will be headed for California Tuesday morning without the additional vehicles.

The team will assist the California Fire Service, along with other Laramie County agencies and teams from Wyoming, including the Wyoming Air National Guard, which deployed three C-130s on Friday.

Costs

While the total amount of financial losses are unclear at this time, LCFA is working with its insurance companies and state and federal partners to assess costs and opportunities to recover, Caughey said. All of the vehicles lost in the fire were insured.

The equipment that was lost predominantly was funded solely from the revenue generated from our wildland program and not our local taxpayer dollars, Caughey said.

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The wildland program generates about a third of LCFAs budget through contracts with federal authorities to fight fires on federal lands or with state authorities in other states, according to Caughey. The program provides revenue that allows LCFA to improve local response to 911 calls by adding staffing and equipment.

For example, trucks going to California Tuesday will get paid per hour for the truck, and firefighters will receive an hourly wage. A truck on a contract fire earns roughly $1,500, a day and one truck deployed annually earns $225,000 to $350,000 a year.

That revenue goes back into assisting in funding local response by augmenting salaries for more firefighters and new equipment that could not be afforded through a limited local budget.

In addition to insurance options and funding from the wildland firefighter program, Caughey said there may be federal resources that are nearing end of life or out of service that could be used as a temporary fix to keep the wildland program deployed and generating revenue back into the system.

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Personal loss

This fire was a unique experience for local firefighters, who had to maintain their composure and respond to one of their own stations.

That stations been a part of our community for 50-plus years, Caughey said. Over those 50 years, countless men and women have served their community out of that station, theres a homey feel of that station in the community. So thats tough for all of us.

While this was an emotional fire for LCFA firefighters, Caughey noted that they had also learned an important lesson about empathy.

Anytime you respond to your own fire station for an incident like that, its emotional because of the connection that our fires have to their own buildings, Caughey said. ... Most of our firefighters, theyve never had a fire on their own property before, and now they have. So understanding the emotions that go with an event like this is going to make our firefighters better when dealing with the citizens and their tragedies.

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The loss has not only shown firefighters how to better empathize with the community, but also shown how much the community supports firefighters, Caughey noted.

The thoughts and prayers and comments have been just wonderful, Caughey said.

LCFA is composed of 120 volunteers, along with 10 paid positions, so for those wanting to help further, Caughey encouraged volunteering. Even if you cant volunteer as a firefighter, there are plenty of roles to assist local fire departments.

We are heavily dependent on volunteers, Caughey said. Theyre the backbone of all emergency response for fire in Laramie County.

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Remembering Chuck

The countys fire community rallied to help LCFA in any way they could, Laramie County Fire District 1 Chief Darrick Mittlestadt told the Wyoming Tribune Eagle.

Its a pretty big hit for those guys, Mittlestadt said. We just want to say that were really sorry, it was just a crappy thing. To be there, to be able to support them (is) what we want to do, and what were continuing to do.

While this isnt the first fire hes responded to at a fire station, Mittlestadt said that one of the tougher parts of this fire was the potential loss of deceased Assistant Chief Charles Chuck Scottinis locker.

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(He was) one of those true grit volunteers that came in and would work on things over the weekends and take care of the trucks, the station, projects, help with training and everything else, Mittlestadt said.

Scottini passed away in April of 2021, and his locker was in Station 74. He had been a firefighter with Laramie County Fire District 2 since 1998.

Scottini contracted COVID-19 while on a wildland fire assignment in Colorado and was taken to the University of Utah hospital, where he stayed for six months before passing.

Scottinis locker in Station 74 was saved, according to Caughey.

Safety reminder

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This fire was a good reminder of fire safety practices, Caughey said. For example, items kept behind a closed door or in an isolated room were salvageable, only suffering smoke damage.

This is a lesson that is important for our citizens, because when they have a fire in their house, anything thats behind a closed door is going to be safer, Caughey said. So we advocate sleeping with your bedroom door closed, because if you have a fire in the kitchen, its going to give you time to get out of that bedroom, and its going to limit the growth of the fire.

Mutual aid partners were essential in containing this fire, including Laramie County Fire District 1, Laramie County Fire District 6, Laramie County Fire Authority Battalion 78, the Wyoming Air Guard, F.E. Warren Air Force Base, dispatch, the sheriffs office and American Medical Response.

Officials from Cheyenne Fire Rescue, which responds to fires within the city, posted their condolences on Facebook and reminded the community that LCFA serves the county. They also reiterating Caugheys point that local emergency services were not impacted by the fire.

Many of our members have had to respond to familiar addresses before, as well, and we know how hard that can be on the incident response, Cheyenne firefighters posted Sunday following the incident. The Cheyenne firefighters of Cheyenne Fire Rescue have LCFA and its members in our hearts as they recover from such devastation.
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)  A ban on popular social media app Tik Tok could become reality in a matter of days, and now local content creators are weighing in on how a ban could affect their futures.

The ban will likely take effect if Tik-Toks China-based parent company Bytedance doesnt agree to sell the app to an American company by the Jan. 19 deadline.

Its what Ive built over time. Im going to keep going until the end, but it feels really weird knowing that in a couple weeks, all of it could be gone, Caroline Godwin, a Savannah-based Tik Toker said.



Another local content creator, Camila Rocha, said, I feel like its created a comfort zone for a lot of people to share their daily lives, to share their tips, to help people.

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Many local creators said the sense of community theyve built could potentially be lost along with the app, a loss they believe will ripple out.

I dont think we even know the full impact this is going to have on people, Godwin said. To a lot of people that dont make content seriously, its like oh this is just a silly little app. Its like this is peoples livelihoods. This is a way for people to support themselves.



People that have small businesses have been creating content and putting it out there, Rocha said, creating their own communities, and thats going to affect them because TikTok is going to be shut down. So, if that was their main platform they would post on, where are they going to go now and where is that community going to go?

Since the possibility of a ban became real, many have been asking whats next.

Some people usually pick one or the other they focus on, a lot of people that are solely focused on TikTok I think thats going to affect them a lot, Sarah Parker, a Savannah-based influencer said. Ive tried with other apps. Ive tried with Instagram. Its just not the same. My roots are so deep there, and it feels so shocking to just have that go away all of a sudden.

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Still, local content creators say there has been talk about potential replacements for Tik Tok, with the intention being to move forward.

The local community, I feel like we are all very close and we help each other out, Rocha said. Through this hard circumstance and this ban, there will be a lot of support to each other coming out from this. So, I do think its going to be a positive change.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
Jan. 14 (UPI) -- TikTok officials threw cold water on a report that China is considering a deal that would allow ByteDance to sell the U.S. portion of the popular video app to Elon Musk, owner of X.

The report and denial come just days before the platform is scheduled to be banned in the United States and the U.S. Supreme Court to rule on whether that ban is constitutional.

"We can't be expected to comment on pure fiction," a TikTok representative told Variety on Monday about a report in Bloomberg detailing the consideration by Chinese authorities over a purchase by Musk, the world's richest man and the ardent supporter of President-elect Donald Trump.

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Bloomberg reported that Beijing, which would have to sign off on such a sale, is evaluating the potential of Musk operating TikTok alongside X, formerly Twitter if the video app is banned in the United States. Musk is the founder of Tesla, which sells vehicles in China.

Sources told Bloomberg that the discussion about Musk buying TikTok in the United States grew out of senior Chinese officials developing plans to work with the incoming Trump administration and its allies.

Sources told Bloomberg that the discussion about Elon Musk buying TikTok in the United States grew out of senior Chinese officials developing plans to work with the incoming Trump administration and its allies. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI

Last April, Musk posted on X that he was against banning TikTok in the United States despite the ban possibly benefitting his social media outlet.

"Doing so would be contrary to freedom of speech and expression," Musk said then. "It is not what America stands for."

TikTok faces the threat of a ban in the United States if its Chinese parent company does not divest from the platform by Jan. 19 and the Supreme Court is weighing the constitutionality of that potential ban. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI.

Sources told Bloomberg, however, that Beijing would prefer that ByteDance continue to own TikTok and has not decided how to proceed. Musk has not commented on the report.

Unless the Supreme Court steps in, on Jan. 19 third-party Internet providers will be penalized for supporting TikTok operations in the United States. Trump, who pushed for the ban during his first administration, has since asked the court to delay the ban until his incoming administration can find a "political resolution."
The News

The increased likelihood of a TikTok ban in the US  stemming from national security concerns over its Chinese ownership  is leading users to an alternative with even closer China ties.

Xiaohongshu  which translates to little red book in Mandarin and is considered the Chinese equivalent of Instagram  became the No. 1 app in the US this week. The overwhelmingly Chinese userbase has embraced the influx of American users who are describing themselves as TikTok refugees.

While the migration to Xiaohongshu may not last, experts say the shift could test Beijings censorship efforts as well as the US governments ability to control Americans engagement with technology that has links to foreign adversaries.

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More immediately, the rise of the Chinese lifestyle app in the US has provided a rare opportunity for mass cross-cultural exchange between the two superpowers.

SIGNALS

Xiaohongshu becomes a cyberspace bridge between US and China

Sources: Radii, Wired, Coollabs

Cultural differences, a fractured tech ecosystem, and foreign media censorship in China have minimized person-to-person engagement between the US and China. But Xiaohongshu has transformed into a unique platform for cultural exchange, reminiscent of the early internets open forums, Radii wrote. Some Americans say they are picking up Mandarin; Chinese users are seeking help with English homework; others are communicating with memes. In dozens of live chatrooms, users explained to each other, probably for the first time in many cases, how their respective societies work and clarified common misunderstandings, Wired reported. Both countries have pushed for greater cultural exchanges, and Xiaohongshu suddenly became the cyberspace version of the China-U.S. bridge across the sea, according to Coollabs, a Chinese science and tech blog.

Influx of foreigners could test limits of Xiaohongshu censorship

Sources: Wired, The Washington Post, PConline

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The law that could ban TikTok doesnt specifically name Xiaohongshu, but stipulates that a foreign adversary controlled application could face a similar fate, Wired noted, opening up a pathway for scrutiny from Washington. But Americans swift embrace of the app could set up a whack-a-mole situation for US officials looking to restrict foreign app usage, an expert told The Washington Post: Weve probably spent too much energy worrying about the single app. Meanwhile, the influx of foreign culture and languages could cause problems for Xiaohongshu, which is already heavily censored and could face heightened pressure over content moderation. Citing a source close to Xiaohongshu, Chinese outlet PConline reported that the surge has become a Damocles sword hanging over the appThe risks far outweigh the opportunities.

Embrace of a Chinese app amounts to mass Gen-Z trolling

Sources: Associated Press, Business Insider, Vulture

Many Americans making the leap to Xiaohongshu seem to be doing so to push back against the US governments attempt to ban TikTok, which is based in Singapore but owned by a Chinese company. Xiaohongshu is based in Shanghai, and its popularity in the US underscores the gulf between lawmakers and young internet users when it comes to concerns over data privacy and foreign apps. The founder of a Gen-Z business collective described it as mass trolling, while Vulture summarized the dynamic this way: The U.S. government said Dont give a Chinese company your data, and the American public said   
TikTok denied a report that Chinese officials are considering a sale of the companys U.S. operations to tech billionaire and President-elect Trump ally Elon Musk ahead of a potential ban Sunday, calling the report pure fiction.

We cant be expected to comment on pure fiction, TikTok spokesperson Michael Hughes said in a statement.

The popular video-sharing platform is bracing for a new law, set to take effect Sunday, that requires its China-based parent company ByteDance to divest from the app or face a ban on U.S. app stores and networks.

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Ahead of Sundays deadline, Bloomberg reported the Chinese government is considering a scenario in which Musks social platform X would take control of TikToks U.S. operations and run the companies together.

Musk, who has previously proclaimed himself a free speech absolutist, said in April he did not think the app should be banned, arguing it would be contrary to freedom of speech and expression.

The tech mogul is also a close ally of Trump, who vowed to save TikTok during his campaign.

After the Supreme Court took up TikToks challenge to the law last month, Trump filed a friend-of-the-court brief asking the justices to delay the law so he can negotiate a deal once in office.

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The president-elect argued that such a deal would obviate the need for the Supreme Court to weigh in on the First Amendment implications of the divest-or-ban law, which TikTok contends is unconstitutional.

The justices, which heard oral arguments on Friday, seemed inclined to side with the Biden administration. The government has raised alarm about TikToks ties to China and the possibility the Chinese government can access U.S. user data or covertly manipulate the algorithm.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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A Monday report in Bloomberg that Chinese-owned TikTok is considering selling to Elon Musk is pure fiction, a rep for the social media platform told TheWrap.

TikTok is facing a ban in the U.S. unless its sold to a U.S.-owned company. Parent company Bytedance is appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court not to follow through with the ban.

The app, which is used by 170 million Americans, is set to be removed from the U.S. on Jan. 19. A rep for the popular app if the Supreme Court does not overturn its ban by then, TikTok will shut it down rather than make a last-minute deal to keep it active in the U.S.

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At least as I understand it, we go dark, TikTok attorney Noel Francisco said on Friday. Essentially the platform shuts down.

TikTok previously stated in court filings in December that it planned to completely exit the U.S. if its ban is not canceled at the last minute.

Last April, President Joe Biden signed a law that called for TikTok to be banned unless ByteDance, the apps Beijing-based parent company, sold its American operation.

U.S. lawmakers have expressed concern TikTok could double as a spyware app for the Chinese government; TikTok, per Chinese law, is required to share user data with Chinas communist government, if asked to do so.

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Musk bought Twitter in October 2022 and rebranded it as X in July 2023. He took the company private, going on to radically change the platforms user verification system and its algorithms and to actively promote Donald Trumps presidential campaign. He has since been named to the newly created DOGE  Department of Government Efficiency  in Trumps cabinet.

The post TikTok Dismisses Report of Elon Musk Sale as Pure Fiction appeared first on TheWrap.
With TikTok's days in the U.S. numbered, the Chinese government is discussing options to keep it in America that include a potential deal with Elon Musk, according to media reports.

Chinese officials are considering whether Musk could acquire the app's U.S. operations if it is banned, Bloomberg and the Wall Street Journal reported, citing unnamed people familiar with the talks. Musk would still run X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter that he acquired in 2022, per the reports.

Musk and Chinese officials have not commented on the reports. A TikTok spokesperson told CNBC: We cant be expected to comment on pure fiction.

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The Supreme Court appears poised to uphold a federal law that requires TikTok's parent company to sell it to a non-Chinese company by Sunday or effectively be banned in the U.S. Justices on Friday heard TikTok's argument that the law violates the First Amendment. The U.S. government said the law addresses a national security risk from a foreign-owned app that can track and collect data on its 170 million American users.

Musk and President-elect Donald Trump have opposed banning TikTok. Trump, whose next term begins Monday, asked the Supreme Court last month to delay a ban so he can negotiate a way to save the app.

It's a turnaround for Trump, who tried to ban TikTok in his first term through an executive order that cited national security concerns. He told CNBC last March he still considers TikTok a threat but that young people "will go crazy without it" and that banning it would empower Facebook, which he said he considers "an enemy of the people."

Following his reelection in November, Trump said he had "a warm spot in my heart" for the app, which he used as a way to reach younger voters.

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Media outlets reported that his change of mind came around the same time he met with Jeff Yass, a major Republican donor with financial ties to TikTok's parent company ByteDance. Trump said they didn't discuss the company, per The New York Times.

Trump met in December with TikTok CEO Shou Chew, The Associated Press reported. TikTok executives also reached out to Musk, the Wall Street Journal reported.
Facing a looming TikTok ban in the U.S., American users, dubbed TikTok refugees, have already found an alternative platform  the Chinese social commerce platform Xiaohongshu.

Ahead of a potential ban this Sunday, Xiaohongshu, which is also known as Red Note or Booktok, quickly became the most downloaded free app on the U.S. App Store on Tuesday, surpassing Lemon8, a social network app that is also owned by TikTok parent ByteDance.

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In April, President Biden signed a bipartisan bill into law that requires ByteDance to sell the social media app or be forced to shutter its operations in the U.S. by Jan. 19. President-elect Donald Trump asked the Supreme Court to delay its implementation of the upcoming law and reportedly met with TikToks chief executive officer Shou Chew last month.

In anticipation of a ban, TikTok users have turned to Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts to diversify their online presence, thus a move to adopt another Chinese social media platform can be seen as an act of protest.

Many American users openly mocked the cybersecurity concerns of American elected officials with videos that bade farewell to their Chinese spy.

It is impossible to underestimate how little I care that the Chinese have my data, influencer Jen Hamilton said in a video shared with her 3.9 million followers on TikTok. Since joining Xiaohongshu on Monday, Hamilton has quickly gained 22,000 followers.

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It remains unknown how many of TikToks 170 million American users made the jump to Xiaohongshu, but the hashtag Tiktok refugee has received more than 80 million views on Xiaohongshu.

To navigate Xiaohongshus platform, which is almost entirely in Mandarin, users have resorted to AI translation and help from English-speaking locals, or Xiaohongshu natives.

Aya, a fitness influencer with more than 1.6 million users on Xiaohongshu, cautioned new users to avoid posting revealing photos as this platform has stricter rules about womens clothing to protect their privacy, she shared in a post.

Li Mate, a fashion influencer with more than 510,000 fans, pointed out that, You can unlock more rights and features on your homepage as you gain more followers.

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Taking advantage of an influx of foreign users, local companies such as Ctrip.com, a popular online booking platform; Hema, the Alibaba-owned supermarket chain, and Meituan, a top food delivery player, began sharing English content on Xiaohongshu.

Lisa Eldridge, the celebrity makeup artist, also has plans to chime in with an upcoming post. I cant wait for the global beauty community to really discover the richness, depth and history of Chinese beauty, Eldridge told WWD. Since joining the platform a year ago, Eldridge has garnered more than 38,000 fans.

I feel that Xiaohongshu is more authentically true to Chinese culture it also feels less frenetic than TikTok  it feels a bit more organized and a calmer space where you can really deep dive creatively into authentic Chinese culture and the progressive trends that theyre sharing, Eldridge added.

Pharrell Williams, Maye Musk, Rita Ora, Bryan Johnson, and Pamela Reif are some of the celebrities and influencers already active on the platform.

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With more than 100 million daily active users, Xiaohongshu has become the third-largest social network platform in China, trailing behind WeChat and Douyin, which is the Chinese equivalent of TikTok.

Compared with its local competition, Xiaohongshu occupies a unique position in the market, especially among Chinese luxury and fashion consumers.

Red, or Xiaohongshu, represents the quintessential app in China  what we refer to as the ultimate daily life hack for girls. This platform delivers engaging content that is genuinely relevant to its users, said Elisa Harca, cofounder of Red Ant Asia, a Hong Kong and Shanghai-based marketing agency.

The trend of TikTok users migrating to Red is particularly noteworthy for brands, as it signals an exciting opportunity for cross-cultural exchange between the West and East, said Harca. Users are increasingly sharing insights on fashion, beauty, food and lifestyle, fostering a vibrant dialogue.

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For now, I dont think theres much to do for brands because theres no pattern yet. If they stay, love it, and continue to use Xiaohongshu as their old TikTok, brands might have to start an international account beside the Chinese one, said Didier Zheng, a London-based fashion influencer professionally known as DuoLipa.

It will probably be the beginning of how their local performance starts to align with international standards and, consequently, facilitate a global communication strategy that can impact mainland China consumers, Zheng said.

 With contributions from Tianwei Zhang (London)

Best of WWD

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TikTok users concerned about a possible ban are finding solace in a strange place.

Days ahead of a Supreme Court decision that could determine whether the popular short-video app shuts down starting Sunday, a number of users appear to be turning to an app called RedNote  more commonly known to its majority-Chinese audience by its Chinese name, Xiaohongshu.

It's a surprising choice since Xiaohongshu is Chinese-owned, and such ties are the reason U.S. lawmakers moved to ban TikTok in the U.S., citing privacy and national security concerns.

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Also, Xiaohongshu is dominated by Chinese language, and its content is subject to censorship by Chinese government officials, something alien to most U.S. users.

But by embracing a Chinese social media and lifestyle app similar to Instagram, some U.S. TikTok users say they are protesting what they believe would be an unfair ban of the ubiquitous app.

"I think America is trying to bully China into selling to an American owner. A lot of us just don't want to give in to them," said Samantha Manassero, a 39-year-old nurse in L.A. who downloaded Xiaohongshu on Sunday night after watching content creators on TikTok pitch it as a comparable app. "I think some of it is literally just pettiness."

Last year, Congress passed a bill that requires TikTok's owner, ByteDance, to sell the app to a U.S.-approved owner or face a nationwide ban. As soon as Wednesday, the Supreme Court is expected to uphold the legality of the ban.

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It was unclear whether Xiaohongshu, which was started in 2013, would become a viable alternative to TikTok or if the recent migration to the Chinese platform accounts for a significant share of TikTok's 170 million U.S. users.

But a surge in new users made Xiaohongshu the top free download on Apple's App Store this week. No. 2 on the charts was another social media app developed by ByteDance, Lemon8. It's unclear whether either app will be subjected to the same U.S. government scrutiny as TikTok.

It is also difficult to determine exactly how many U.S. TikTok users have created accounts on Xiaohongshu or how many will stay on it. While many Xiaohongshu regulars have welcomed the influx of Americans identifying themselves as "TikTok refugees," the app's interface is largely in Chinese, making it difficult to navigate for non-native speakers.

Chinese apps are subject to stringent censorship on discussions that the Chinese government deems politically sensitive. These topics can include illegal activities, LGBTQ+ rights and Winnie the Pooh, images of which have been used to mock Chinese President Xi Jinping.

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The Chinese version of TikTok, called Douyin, has different content restrictions and is available only for mobile download in China. ByteDance has argued that TikTok, which is used by the rest of the world, is a separate entity from Douyin and not beholden to the Chinese Communist Party.

That did not stop President-elect Donald Trump from proposing a ban of TikTok in 2020, or President Biden from signing it into law in 2024.

The legality of such a ban has been questioned several times. Last month, in an about-face, Trump, who has 14.8 million followers on TikTok, filed a legal brief requesting to stay the ban so he can negotiate a deal once he takes office.

As TikTok faces an uncertain future, Xiaohongshu's latest arrivals were eager to try out the new app despite its foreign nature.

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Manassero, who posts videos about healthcare and power lifting to about 7,000 followers on TikTok, said she has a much larger audience of 26,000 on Instagram. However, she was motivated to create an account on Xiaohongshu partly out of frustration at the U.S. government's determination to outlaw TikTok.

"I don't know what I'm doing, I don't know what I'm reading, I'm just pressing buttons," Manassero said in her first video post. The next morning, her account had received 5,000 views and 3,500 new followers. By Tuesday, the hashtag "#Tiktok refugee" had received more than 90 million views and 2 million comments.

TikTokers have sought out one another with introductions, followed requests and shared tips on how to navigate the app's Chinese functions. On Monday, more than 190,000 viewers joined a live chat named the TikTok Refugees Club, and held discussions in English about what a TikTok ban would mean and future plans for social media content. In the comments, users greeted new arrivals and lamented they could not understand each other.

"Maybe you can learn how to speak Chinese," one user wrote in English.

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"Where's the translator?" another user asked in Chinese.

On Tuesday, the Wall Street Journal reported that Chinese officials had discussed the possibility of selling TikTok to a non-Chinese party such as Elon Musk, who already owns social media platform X. However, analysts said that ByteDance is unlikely to agree to a sale of the underlying algorithm that powers the app, meaning the platform under a new owner could still look drastically different.

Manassero and other TikTokers expressed distaste at the prospect of migrating to U.S. tech platforms such as Instagram or X that could benefit from an influx of users if TikTok shuts down.

"We dont want to turn around and make a bunch of billionaires even more rich," Manassero said. "I would honestly rather the app get shut down than be owned by Elon Musk."

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Though she is still trying to figure out how to use Xiaohongshu and message people back, Manassero said she probably would stay on the Chinese lifestyle app regardless of whether the TikTok ban goes through.

"The response has been so friendly and nice. It's good energy," she said. "This feels like the early TikTok days: a little more organic, so its fun.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
TikTok users are already jumping ship ahead of a potential ban of the app in the U.S. and, after years of government warnings that China was using the social media platform to access users sensitive data, have turned to an app called RedNote  which, ironically, is Chinese.

If the government claims theyre banning TikTok cause they think China is stealing our data then I might as well go straight to the source, wrote one user on X, formerly Twitter, with another commenting: shoutout [Chinese President] xi jinping. this RedNote app is fire.

TikTok launched in the U.S. in 2017 to become one of the most popular social media platforms in the world. While it was incorporated in the Cayman Islands and based in Singapore and Los Angeles, the platform is owned by Chinese parent company ByteDance.

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U.S. lawmakers have raised concerns about TikToks purported data privacy violations and the mental health of its users, which include 59% of Americans under 30 and 63% of teens between the ages of 13 and 17, according to recent Pew Research Center studies.

President-elect Donald Trumps first administration considered a ban in 2020; President Joe Biden practically guaranteed one with a foreign aid bill in April 2024 that gave TikTok nine months to sell its U.S. assets. That deadline ends this Sunday.

TikTok has said it wouldnt sell, essentially suggesting it would rather forgo the U.S. market, and social media users have likened the threat of a ban to government censorship.

Everyone on TikTok is transitioning to RedNote, wrote one X user, adding: RedNote is going to be the number one app downloaded worldwide this week. The irony of banning a Singaporean app out of China concerns, only to have everyone start using a Chinese app.

RedNote (or Xiaohongshu) is currently No. 1 on Apple's App Store for iPhones and iPads. Cheng Xin via Getty Images

RedNote, known in China as Xiaohongshu (or Little Red Book), currently tops Apples U.S. App Store for the iPad and iPhone with more than 150,000 ratings for an average of 4.9 out of 5 stars  and purportedly offers a similar user experience to TikTok and Instagram.

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Meanwhile, users who installed TikTok before the ban will reportedly still be able to use it, albeit without access to future updates that would prolong usability.

While U.S. Supreme Court hearings on the matter are ongoing, all nine justices appeared skeptical Friday of TikToks argument that a ban is unconstitutional. The company also dismissed reports about Elon Musk acquiring TikTok on Monday as pure fiction.

For the time being, trending #TikTokRefugees are chronicling their exodus from the app  and mocking the likely ban by flaunting their new home on RedNote.

I love that Americans on TikTok are this fed up with it all pic.twitter.com/VTnS0XuB4A  Lauren McKenzie (@TheMcKenziest) January 13, 2025

How to set up your Red Note account: Step-by-Step for #tiktokrefugeespic.twitter.com/nDEgkrWT7H  Johannes Maria (@luo_yuehan) January 13, 2025

It's actually the funniest turn of events ever #tiktokrefugeespic.twitter.com/87GzU4uWY8  Johannes Maria (@luo_yuehan) January 13, 2025

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This is the funniest thing to happen with the TikTok ban. TikTok refugees are flocking to an actual Chinese owned clone of TikTok called RedNote rather than use Meta or YouTube to the point its #1 on the AppStore now. Its wild. Everyone is learning mandarin. Existing users are pic.twitter.com/yuu0a7uiun  Zac Bowling  (@zbowling) January 13, 2025

Americans are helping the Chinese with their English homework in the comments of RedNote pic.twitter.com/phHLUsG0TY  Massimo (@massmandato) January 13, 2025

xiaohongshu at the top of app downloads today, *and* "tiktok refugees" are already finding a home among the chinese luigi mangione stans. they're joking about sending their data directly to xi jinping in a red envelope. you know the american tech lobby is pissed right now lol pic.twitter.com/eTWMqelcAn  morgan sung (@morgan_sung) January 13, 2025

Related...
TikTok users in the U.S. are mocking the potential shutdown of the app later this month with videos saying goodbye to their Chinese spy.

I just have a quick message for my personal Chinese spy, whos been spying on me through this app for five years, one user said, before switching to speak in Mandarin. Thank you! Bye bye! I love you. Youre my bestie.

Nobody understands me like my spy, a commenter wrote under the video.

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The U.S. government has had security concerns about TikToks parent company, Chinese-owned ByteDance, since the app exploded in popularity in 2020. The Supreme Court has signaled that TikTok is likely to be shut down due to fears of Beijings control.

Despite ByteDances arguments that American data is stored in servers within the U.S., lawmakers worry that the company may be handing data over to the Chinese government to surveil Americans and spread misinformation.

Users poked fun at this fear by thanking their assigned spies who curated their algorithm and mined data.

I just know it was you looking out for me and sending me those tarot readers telling me that he was no good for me, a user posted with the caption Dear Chinese Spy.

Others pretended to reveal themselves as a spy.

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It is a great honor to spy on you the last few years, another user posted. Now, something personal. Laura from California, you shouldnt drink so much Coca-Cola. It is bad for your health.

Congress passed a law last year that compels ByteDance to sell the app to an American owner or shut down in the U.S. As the Supreme Court seems poised to uphold the law, shooting down TikToks free speech concerns, American TikTokers are already looking for a new app.

That app may be Xiaohongshu, which ironically translates to Little Red Book in English but is commonly called RedNote. The Chinese social platform has been the most downloaded free app in the U.S. since Monday.

Plenty of cross-cultural exchange blossomed with the Americans' introduction to the app, including Chinese users offering to teach Mandarin, and more Chinese spy jokes.

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You may not recognize me but I am your Chinese spy! So happy to meet u here that I wont get fired, a Chinese commenter posted under an Americans video on RedNote.

Since TikTok might get banned, I joined the Chinese app Xiaohongshu instead. THEYRE SO FUNNY OVER THERE LMAO pic.twitter.com/U5iwIARSvt  Gina Darling (@MissGinaDarling) January 13, 2025

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Some RedNote users came back to TikTok to share their findings.

Running into my Chinese spy on RedNote, a TikToker captioned a video of two men hugging.

RedNote could be in jeopardy of being banned in the U.S. under the same law that banned TikTok. But for now, American users are bringing over the same content and trends that have dominated TikTok for years--now subtitled in Mandarin.
Pete Hegseth refused to admit that sexual assault or domestic violence should disqualify a candidate for defense secretary while Sen. Tim Kaine hammered him over his infidelity during his confirmation hearing.

Like other senators, the Democrat from Virginia brought up the 2017 allegation of sexual assault against Hegseth, Donald Trumps controversial pick for defense secretary. The former Fox News host has admitted to paying the woman not to file a complaint against him but maintains it was consensual sex.

Kaine, however, pressed him on the fact the incident happened while he was married to his second wife, Samantha Deering, and two months before he had a child with his former Fox News colleague, Jennifer Rauchet, who would become his third wife.

Jennifer Rauchet (L), wife of Pete Hegseth, looks on as he testifies during his confirmation hearing. / SAUL LOEB / AFP via Getty Images

Hegseth focused instead on the legality of the situation, repeating the stock response that he was falsely charged, fully investigated, and completely cleared.

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I am shocked that you would stand here and say youre completely cleared, Kaine said. Can you so casually cheat on a second wife and cheat on the mother of a child that [was] born two months [later]? And you tell us you were completely cleared?

Toughest moment so far for Pete Hegseth:



Senator Tim Kaine grilling him on his personal conduct. pic.twitter.com/qZOPWb92Fv  Yashar Ali  (@yashar) January 14, 2025

After continuing to evade the matter of his infidelity for several minutes, he finally conceded to Kaine, saying, I will allow your words to speak for themselves.

The senator leapt on the admissionI assume that in each of your weddings, youve pledged to be faithful to your wife.

Hegseth responded that he was not a perfect person.

I have failed in things in my life, and thankfully Im redeemed by my lord and savior, Jesus Christ, he said.

Pete Hegseth testifies during his Senate Armed Services confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill on January 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. / Andrew Harnik / Getty Images

Not letting up, Kaine asked him whether someone who has committed sexual assault should be disqualified from becoming defense secretary.

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Hegseth declined to answer the question, repeating his assertion that the allegation against him is false.

And asked whether domestic violence should be disqualifying, Hegseth demurred that it was a hypothetical.

I dont think its a hypothetical, Kaine fired back. Violence against spouses occurs every day. And if you, as a leader are not capable of saying that physical violence against a spouse should be a disqualifying fact for being secretary of the most powerful nation in the world, youre demonstrating an astonishing lack of judgment.

Pete Hegseth testifies during his Senate Armed Services confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill on January 14, 2025 in Washington, DC. / Kayla Bartkowski / Getty Images

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Kaine concluded his time for questioning by asking about accounts of Hegseths inappropriate behavior while drunk, claims which he has denied.

One of your colleagues said that you got drunk at an event at a bar and chanted, Kill all Muslims, Kaine said. Another colleague said that you took co-workers to a strip club. You were drunk, you tried to dance with strippers. You had to be held off the stage and one of your employees, in that event, filed a sexual harassment charge.

Isnt that the kind of behavior that, if true, would be disqualifying for somebody to be secretary of defense? the senator asked.

All Hegseth would say is that the claims were false.
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Over the next several days, many of Donald Trumps Cabinet selections will appear before the Senate for confirmation hearings. By putting forth a series of unqualified candidates who, in other political moments, would likely not have made it this far, Trump has muddled the process before the hearings have even begun: As my colleague David Graham put it in November, the sheer quantity of individually troubling nominees might actually make it harder for the Senate to block any of them.

But the outcome of the Senate confirmation hearings is not a foregone conclusion. Yes, Senate Republicans have shown that they are reliably deferential toward Trump (though some drew a line at his selection of Matt Gaetz for attorney general). Many of his picks will be easily confirmed, my colleague Russell Berman, who covers politics, predicted, given the Republicans 5347 majority in the Senate. But with the current makeup of the Senate, each pick can afford to lose only three GOP votes (assuming that every Democrat opposes the nomination), so for the ones who have yet to lock in support from every single Republican, the hearings could make the difference. Democrats, Russell explained to me, will attempt to use the hearings to build a case for the public that some of Trumps nominees are either unqualified or dont reflect the views and values of most Americans.

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Among the first hearings is one that will reveal whether even a few Republicans are willing to defy the president-elect. Tomorrow morning at 9:30 a.m. EST, Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host and Trumps nominee to lead the Department of Defense, is scheduled to appear before senators. They will have much to ask him about, including Hegseths confirmation that he reached a financial settlement with a woman who accused him of sexual assault (though he has denied the assault allegation), accusations that he is prone to excessive drinking (he has denied having a drinking problem, and one Republican senator has claimed that Hegseth told senators that he has stopped drinking and wont drink if confirmed), reports of his failures in leading veterans organizations and forced departures from those roles (which Hegseths camp called outlandish claims), and his suggestion that women shouldnt serve in military-combat positions.

Democrats have already hammered him on these issues: Senator Elizabeth Warren released a scalding 33-page letter last week outlining questions about his fitness to serve. Republicans have also scrutinized Hegseth and other nominees, although none has yet said publicly that they would vote against any of Trumps picks. Russell advised that in addition to the Republican moderates Senators Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins, GOP senators to keep a close eye on throughout the hearings include Senator Mitch McConnell, who is somewhat liberated from total deference to Trump because hes no longer leader of the party, and Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, who voted to impeach Trump after January 6.

Not every pick has a hearing scheduled yetRFK Jr., Kash Patel, Tulsi Gabbard, and others are not yet on the calendar. In recent decades, just one Cabinet nomination (John Tower, George H. W. Bushs pick for secretary of defense) has been voted down; others who faced tough odds have withdrawna path Hegseth or other nominees may follow if it seems likely they wont win enough support. Gaetz, Trumps initial pick to lead the Justice Department, bowed out shortly after being tapped, following an ethics-committee inquiry into allegations that included sexual misconduct and illicit drug use (Gaetz has denied any wrongdoing).

Senators from both parties have pushed to see FBI background checks that, although not legally required, have been customary for a president to mandate (the agreement that Trumps transition team signed with the DOJ did not specify whether he will require FBI involvement for his picks). Trump and his supporters have for years been attempting to damage the reputation of the FBI, and now some, including Elon Musk, are suggesting that anything the agency digs up wont be credible. That posture, Russell explained, is another tactic to speed up the confirmation of nominees whom the Senate might have rejected in an earlier political era. In an effort to get their way, Trumps allies seem poised to cast doubt on the whole process, encouraging Americans to mistrust another long-standing government norm. That legacy could last longer than Trumps second term.

Related:

Here are four new stories from The Atlantic:

Todays News

Winds are expected to pick up across parts of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, according to the National Weather Service. The wildfires in Southern California have killed at least 25 people, according to the Los Angeles Times. Federal Judge Aileen Cannon allowed the release of a portion of a report written by former Special Counsel Jack Smith about the 2020 election-interference case against Trump. President Joe Biden announced that student loans will be forgiven for more than 150,000 borrowers.

Dispatches

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Evening Read

The Easiest Way to Keep Your Friends

By Serena Dai

The hardest part about adult friendship is, by far, scheduling time to see one another, especially when trying to plan for a group. Thursdays bad for one person, and Saturdays not good for another. Monday would workbut hold up, the restaurant we want to try isnt open that day. Lets wait a couple of weeks. Somehow, though, the day never comes. Your friends forgot to follow up, or maybe you did. Either way, can you even call one another friends anymore?

Read the full article.

More From The Atlantic

Culture Break

Illustration by The Atlantic

Explore. Strange turns of phrase onlinehes so me for this, if you even carehave seeped into daily life. A going theory about the cause is that people have gotten stupider, Kaitlyn Tiffany writes. But maybe this isnt true.

Read. In her debut novel, Too Soon, Betty Shamieh isnt trying to educate or enlighten, Gal Beckerman writes. Shes telling a Palestinian story unlike any other.

Play our daily crossword.

Stephanie Bai contributed to this newsletter.

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Article originally published at The Atlantic
The Nebraska State Capitol's west entrance. (Paul Hammel/Nebraska Examiner)

Its important for our leaders to be truthful and not speak half-truths to burnish their image, particularly when it comes to the financial stability of the state, which affects every Nebraskan.

Accountability is not just a virtue  its a necessity for effective governance. Without it, financial stability and public trust are at risk.

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For instance, governors going back at least several administrations have focused on Nebraskas general fund budget, which is derived from sales, income and excise taxes paid to the state, instead of the total state budget.

All-fund budgets matter

Excluding federal and cash funds leaves out an important part of the economic health of our state government and can give politicians a way to hide unpleasant facts from the voting public.

Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen. Dec. 10, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)

When the focus is on just the general fund, the annual total state budget can increase to a record high of $17.3 billion dollars, up from $14.6 billion just two years ago, and hardly anyone notices or cares.

Federal funds arent free money. Theyre our tax dollars at work, and ignoring them skews the perception of Nebraskas financial health. Some other states benchmark their budgets including the use of fees and federal funds because they understand the fuller picture matters.

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But Nebraskas broader $2.7 billion-dollar increase isnt the only budget issue. About $1.5 billion of that two-year increase was general fund spending, which contributed to the $432 million shortfall that Speaker John Arch has correctly labeled the sessions biggest priority.

Moving money around

Rather than admit to this dramatic increase, $1.2 billion was buried under the label General Fund Transfers  Out. This budget trickery allowed Gov. Jim Pillen and the Legislature to avoid owning up to the fact theyve increased spending by over 20% since Pillen took office.

A photo illustration of state spending. (Getty Images)

This isnt just about a budget increase. Its a calculated attempt to mislead Nebraskans about the true state of state finances. While the governor says he champions fiscal restraint, the reality is far different.

The state has buried $1.2 billion under the label of cash transfers intended for one-time spending to provide, they say, property tax credits and more funding for schools.

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At that level of funding, property tax bills should be falling significantly, but property taxes keep rising for many. This kind of budget manipulation isnt just an abstract issue. It directly affects Nebraskans.

Pillen and other governors have campaigned on cutting government spending, promising Nebraskans fiscal conservatism. When the time came to act, he and too many others sell out those promises and sign extravagant spending into law.

Tell hard truths

Pillens defenders explain away the spending increases, but no amount of technicalities or gimmicks can obscure the simple truth: General fund expenditures of Nebraska have grown dramatically since Jim Pillen became governor.

Calling it transfers doesnt change the numbers or erase the truth. Frankly, the people of Nebraska deserve an honest explanation from state leaders, not tricks to avoid accountability.

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Republicans are supposed to stand for fiscal discipline. Our values demand we live within our means and protect the hard-earned money of Nebraskans. Its not just about numbers  its about trust. Nebraskans trust.

Before the governor puts out his budget request, and before the Legislature takes up the budget, Nebraskans deserve an honest accounting of how their money is being spent.

If our leaders cannot be straightforward about spending increases or use accounting maneuvers to obscure the truth, they risk undermining the publics confidence in their stewardship.

Nebraskans expect and deserve a government that prioritizes transparency and fiscal responsibility over political convenience. Anything less is a disservice.

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Jan. 13A 3-year-old boy died after being found in the snow in Corinna on Sunday morning.

Maine State Police said the boy was reported missing by his aunt, who called 911 from a family residence on Exeter Road around 8:30 a.m. His father later found him outside in the snow. State police spokesperson Shannon Moss said she could not provide an exact distance from the house, but that the child was found on the same street.

State police said this was an isolated incident and the child likely died from "exposure to the elements," though officers are still investigating and the child's cause and manner of death will be determined by the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in Augusta. The Penobscot County Sheriff's Office and the Maine Department of Health and Human Services are also involved in the investigation.

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A spokesperson for DHHS declined to answer a question about whether the department had any prior involvement with the child, saying "The loss of a child is devastating and tragic. Our condolences are with the family and those impacted. As a matter of statute, the Department is prohibited by State and Federal confidentiality laws from offering further comment."

Moss did not immediately answer questions about where the boy was from and if he left the house on his own.

This story will be updated as more information is available.

Copy the Story Link
Betters have already made wagers on what Donald Trumps inauguration is going to look and sound like - including on what words hell use and whether he will end a war before even taking office.

A study by Casino Reports analyzed the top 10 events, by dollar amount, that people are betting on using prediction market platforms Polymarket and Kalshi and related to Trumps inauguration. Only bets due to be resolved on or around January 20 were considered in the study.

Many placed bets on what the president-elect will say during his second inauguration, with $1.4 million poured into wagers on certain words and phrases Trump will use during his speech.

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A whopping 78 percent of bettors think that Trump will say the phrase America First at least once in his inaugural address, the study says. Some  4 percent of bettors  predict he will mention one his most recent gig work: McDonalds. Others wagered that he would reference Dogecoin, the cryptocurrency supported by Trumps first buddy Elon Musk.

Conductor for the Army Herald Trumpets Major Aaron Morris during rehearsals for the inauguration. Some betting options on what will happen during the event are already out (Getty Images)

Donald Trump works behind the counter during a visit to McDonalds in Feasterville-Trevose, Pennsylvania. Roughly 4 percent of bettors believe he will use the word McDonalds during his inaugural address (via REUTERS)

Others placed wagers on whether another one of Trumps cabinet members would withdraw before his inauguration. Matt Gaetz, the president-elects initial former pick for attorney general, resigned after allegations of misconduct, including claims that he paid for sex with an underage girl, and the looming release of the House Ethics Committee report that investigated those allegations.

The former Florida Congressman was not the only nominee facing intense scrutiny. Pete Hegseth, Trumps defense secretary pick who has been questioned over an alleged sexual assault and reported drinking problems, is set to be grilled by the Senate on Tuesday.

Bettors placed $108,638 on the possibility that another nominee will withdraw before Trump is inaugurated, with 8 percent of bettors certain that another withdrawal will happen, the study says.

The White House complex is surrounded by temporary fencing. Bettors also placed $3.4 million on whether the president-elect can negotiate a ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine before midnight on January 20 (Getty Images)

Bettors also placed $3.4 million on whether the president-elect can negotiate a ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine before midnight on January 20. However, only 1 percent of bettors believe reaching this milestone is possible.

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By comparison, 16 percent of bettors believed a Ukraine-Russia ceasefire could be reached by November 7, when it first started taking bets on if Trump could end the war before returning to the White House.

Others are trying to cash in on Trumps relationship with Musk. The tech billionaire has spent significant time around the president-elect in recent months, including reportedly spending $2,000 per night on a cottage just a few hundred feet from the main house at Mar-a-Lago.

Some bettors  6 percent  have speculated a Tesla Bot, or any humanoid robot designed by Tesla, Inc. or one of its subsidiaries, will be present during Trumps inauguration, $233,436 wagered on this possibility.

Construction workers finish up the reviewing stand on Pennsylvania Avenue. Nearly half a million $449,736  has been wagered on the number of executive orders Trump will issue on his first day in office (REUTERS)

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Others are more focused on what happens after Trump takes the oath of office.

Nearly half a million $449,736  has been wagered on the number of executive orders Trump will issue on his first day in office, with 71 percent of bettors predicting he will issue more than 15 executive orders on Day 1. In his first term, he signed 14 executive orders on his first day; President Joe Biden signed 17 executive orders on his first day in 2021.

Nearly $10 million has been wagered on events linked to Trumps second inauguration, Brett Smiley, editorial manager at Casino Reports, said in a statement in response to the filings. He thought that amount indicated that people are willing to put their money where their mouths are, and actively engage with these events rather than speculating from the sidelines.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Pardoning rioters who stormed the U.S. Capitol four years ago can't erase the truth about what happened that day, the top federal prosecutor for Washington, D.C., said Tuesday as he prepares to leave office.

There is no undoing these prosecutions, U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves told The Associated Press. The vindication of the rule of law is something that has already occurred. And no one can take that away.

Graves helped lead the largest investigation in Justice Department history, overseeing hundreds of cases against rioters who stormed the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. His successor, whoever that will be, may preside over an abrupt end to that work.

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President-elect Donald Trump has vowed to pardon Capitol rioters when he returns to the White House next week, but Graves said pardons can't undo the record that was built through these prosecutions and the accountability that has already been imposed.

There will always be a public record of what occurred on January 6th, and people who care to know the facts will be able to find out the facts, Graves said.

Graves, who has faced a torrent of online abuse and calls for retribution from Trump supporters, said he has no plans to seek a pardon for himself before President Joe Biden leaves office.

I don't even begin to know what I could possibly be pardoned for as a prosecutor," he added. There is no crime here. There is just public servants doing their job and enforcing the law."

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Graves, who took office in November 2021, plans to step down Thursday ahead of Trump's inauguration Monday. Trump has vowed to issue pardons to Capitol rioters on his first day back in the White House, repeatedly referring to them as hostages and patriots."

More than 1,500 people have been charged with Capitol riot-related crimes. Nearly 1,300 of them have pleaded guilty or been convicted by a judge or jury after trials. And over 1,000 riot defendants have been sentenced, with roughly two-thirds receiving a term of imprisonment ranging from several days to 22 years.

Only two Capitol riot defendants have been acquitted of all charges  in both cases by a judge after a bench trial. Many Trump supporters have cited that as evidence that Washington juries can't be fair and impartial.

Graves believes his office's near-perfect conviction rate reflects the strength of their evidence. Many rioters used cellphones to record and narrate their crimes and posted confessions on social media in the days following their attack, which disrupted the peaceful transfer of presidential power from Trump to Biden after the 2020 election.

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This is the most recorded crime in the history of the country, Graves said. The evidence is just overwhelming in these cases. As someone who is a career prosecutor, it's rare that you have this much evidence, which is why you're seeing these outcomes."

Over 100 police officers were injured while defending the Capitol from a mob of Trump supporters. Trump hasn't specified whether he would pardon rioters who assaulted officers, but Vice President-elect JD Vance said during an interview televised Sunday that rioters who engaged in violence obviously shouldn't be pardoned. Vance later said there was a bit of a gray area in some cases.

Graves said he doesn't see any basis for a pardon or clemency in any Jan. 6 case. He also expressed confidence that the Justice Department can remain free from political interference.

I came in as a career prosecutor during a Republican administration, he said. I've never seen a whiff of political interference in my time as a career prosecutor. I tend to believe past is prologue.

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Graves said combating violent crime in Washington has been his primary focus over the past three years. He believes his office's efforts contributed to a 35% reduction in violent crime last year in the District of Columbia.

Prosecutors can influence these crime trends. They don't control them. There are a host of other actors that are involved, he said.

Graves said he had planned to leave the U.S. Attorney's office in 2025 no matter who won the presidential election. In the short term, he is looking forward to taking a vacation.

And then I'm sure at some point I will transition back to (law) practice, but that's all to be determined in the future, he said.
WASHINGTON (AP)  Top Jan. 6 prosecutor tells AP that even if Trump pardons all rioters theres no undoing these prosecutions.
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  You want the perfect smile, so youre thinking about veneers, but 8 On Your Side reveals not everyone advertising them should be putting them on your teeth.

Were not talking about licensed dentists, who have the training and legal approval to install veneers. Were talking about so-called veneer techs popping up all over social media, including here in the bay area.

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8 on Your Side

They often promise a full set of veneers for less than half of what dentists typically charge, but making an appointment with one could spell big problems for your dental health.

You may have seen the online ads or social media posts: people promising to give you a killer smile at a killer price, but not everyone is sold on the idea.

I couldnt find a correlation between a nail tech and a lash tech and an orthodontist or dentist, said a small business owner who wanted to remain anonymous. I thought that this sounds very illegal.

Owner of popular Tampa nightclub indicted on federal child sex crimes

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Lets call the small business owner Anna. Anna came across a business advertising composite veneers as a cheaper alternative to transform your smile. Anna thought the deal sounded too good to be true, so she turned to 8 On Your Side.



People are desperate, Anna questioned. Vanity is a big thing. People will do anything for the right price, and unfortunately, what price is it going to cost you with your health in the end?



Veneers are considered cosmetic, so they generally arent covered by insurance meaning they can be pricey. A licensed dentist will cost around $1,200 per tooth. We took a closer look at the business that Anna saw on social media, Tapp Inn Beauty Bar.

Tapp Inns owner, Jasmine Martinez, tells her social media followers she can apply a full set of dental veneers for just $3,000.



Its a great deal, and I think sometimes with great deals, you have to really peel back the onion and see what that does that mean? said Dr. Christopher Bulnes, DMD dentist. These are teeth. Youre only given one set when youre adult. Once they go away now, were looking at other products that could cost you 50 to 80,000 to get you back with teeth chewing.

Bulnes has practiced general dentistry in Tampa since 2001. He owns Buckenheimer, and Bulnes and said that under Florida law, only qualified dentists can install veneers.

Youre not allowed to practice dentistry without a license from the Department of Health of Florida, said Dr. Bulnes.

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Martinez did not want to be interviewed, but 8 On Your Side spoke with her on the phone. She said she started transforming smiles when her 11-year-old daughters teeth were knocked out, so she said she took an online course to learn how to fix her smile.

Martinez also said she was a dental assistant for four years and claims to have the proper tools and training.



Typically, theres no diagnosis, Bulnes said. Theres no x-rays that are consulted. We dont know if the patients have cavities, abscesses, infected teeth. Theyre just done on the spot to make the teeth look better appearance-wise, and its kind of like putting shellac on a wall and making it look better in painting it.

Martinez said she is not claiming to be a dentist, that shes creating an illusion to make people feel beautiful through their smile. She promoted her smile makeover videos on social media through Tapp Inn Beauty Bar but said she operates under another business name in Tampa.



Bulnes said in his experience, his patients are under anesthesia for this procedure, which can take weeks to complete, while Martinez offers it in a day.



I will tell you a full mouth of veneers or crowns or however shes doing it is a very complicated procedure to get it right, Bulnes said. Number one the fit, the occlusion, the bite, how they smile, how they can speak and function. Its very difficult.



Martinez posted about her plans to teach courses to train others. Its something that worries Anna.



Were going to have a community of people out there now learning this, and its very concerning, Anna said.



Bulnes said that repairing bad dental work can end up costing you double or triple the cost. If you see these ads and it seems appealing, talk to your dentist first to see if its the right fit for you.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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NEW YORK (AP)  A new toll on drivers entering the core of Manhattan brought modest but measurable traffic reductions to New York Citys heavily-gridlocked streets in its first week of operation, according to preliminary data released Monday by the state's transit authority.

Known as congestion pricing, the first-in-the-nation program launched on Jan. 5, collecting $9 from most passenger cars entering the city below Central Park during peak hours and higher fees on trucks and other vehicles. In the days since, total traffic in the tolling zone has dropped by 7.5%  or roughly 43,000 cars per day  compared to the equivalent period last year, Metropolitan Transportation Authority officials said.

Just look out the window: there is less traffic, quieter streets, and we think everyone has seen it, said Juliette Michaelson, the MTA deputy chief of policy and external relations. Traffic patterns are already changing and they will continue to change.

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First proposed decades ago, the program is intended to raise billions of dollars in revenue for the cash-strapped MTA while easing congestion on the citys streets. It follows similar initiatives in London, Singapore and Stockholm, which also saw immediate reductions in traffic after their tolls went live.

The effect in New York has been most pronounced during the morning rush hour period, with travel times over certain crossings  including the typically traffic-choked Holland and Lincoln tunnels that run under the Hudson River from New Jersey  falling by 40% or more, Michaelson said.

Despite anecdotal reports of more crowded train cars, she said the agency had not clocked a noticeable increase in subway users, largely because the baseline number of riders  over 3 million daily  is so high. However, a handful of bus routes originating in Brooklyn and Staten Island had seen an increase in ridership the previous week.

Within the congestion zone, the immediate impact has been more mixed. While certain thoroughfares have seen traffic reductions, others routes have stayed largely the same. A Midtown crosstown bus widely derided as New Yorks slowest saw its runtime shaved by only a minute, according to MTA data. And there has been little noticeable change during the overnight hours, when the toll for passenger cars goes down to $2.25, officials said.

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Bob Pishue, an analyst with INRIX, a traffic-data analytics company, said the MTAs initial data matched the findings of the firm, which has been comparing drivers GPS data before and after the program launched.

Fewer people are coming into Manhattan, but were not seeing a significant impact on speeds within the zone yet, he said. Some trips are faster, some are slower.

He cautioned against drawing broad conclusions after barely a week, noting that many drivers were likely taking a wait and see approach.

Congestion pricing has sharply divided residents of New York and neighboring areas, touching off protests from many drivers, along with threats of sabotage and viral videos on how to evade the fee.

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Proponents of congestion pricing, meanwhile, have hailed its launch as a transformative moment for a city contending with worsening traffic and aging public transportation infrastructure desperately in need of upgrades.

Initially slated to begin in June, the program was halted at the last moment by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul. A one-time supporter of the program, the Democrat said her position changed following conversations with ordinary New Yorkers, including a Manhattan diner owner concerned the toll would disincentivize customers driving in from New Jersey.

Hochul later revived the program but at the lower price of $9 for most drivers, down from the $15 fee initially approved by the state.

Tarek Soliman, the owner of Comfort Diner in midtown Manhattan, said he had spoken directly with the governor about his fears of losing New Jersey customers. While he said it was too early to tell if the program had hurt business, the new fee was already having at least one impact on him.

Every weekend, I used to drive to the garage next to the diner, Soliman, a resident of Astoria, Queens, said by phone Monday. Now I dont drive. I take the subway.
Vadim Krasnoselsky, the head of Moldova's Russian-controlled region of Transnistria, held talks in Moscow regarding the regions energy crisis, Russian state news agency TASS claimed on Jan. 14, citing sources within Transnistria's administration.

TASS did not specify whom Krasnoselsky met with during his visit.

The crisis began when Russias state-controlled energy giant Gazprom halted gas supplies to Moldova on Jan. 1, citing alleged unpaid debts by Moldovagaz. The gas suspension has led to widespread power outages in Transnistria, pushing the region toward industrial collapse.

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Transnistrian authorities previously rejected an offer from Chisinau to help purchase gas via European platforms.

While Moldova has transitioned to European energy supplies, Transnistria remains heavily reliant on Russian gas. Russian troops have been stationed in the region since the early 1990s.

Gazproms suspension coincided with the expiration of a deal allowing Russian gas to transit through Ukraine. However, Gazprom attributed the cutoff to Moldova's purported debt rather than transit issues. Moldovan officials dispute these claims, pointing to an international audit that failed to verify the alleged debt.

Read also: Will Transnistrias gas crisis lead to its collapse and reintegration into Moldova?

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
By halting natural gas supplies to Moldova on Jan. 1, Russia created an unprecedented economic crisis in the Russian-occupied part of the country  Transnistria.

The crisis prompted a question: will the breakaway region, occupied by Russia since 1992, survive without Russian gas?

Free-of-charge Russian gas had been the backbone of Transnistria's economy and ensured the preservation of the breakaway region and its de facto independence from Moldova.

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Some argue that the gas crisis may lead to Transnistria's political collapse and reintegration into Moldova, dealing a blow to Russia's regional influence.

But analysts say that Transnistria's reintegration is unlikely since it would be too difficult for Moldova to achieve, could provoke Russian aggression against Chisinau or destabilize Moldova by increasing the share of pro-Russian voters. They argue that Moldova has not taken any steps in that direction intentionally.

"There are far too many forces and actors in the Republic of Moldova with whose help the Russian Federation will try to prevent a possible effort to reunify the country and reintegrate Transnistria," Ion Manole, head of Moldovan think-tank Promo-LEX, told the Kyiv Independent.

"The goal of this crisis is to destabilize the Republic of Moldova and bring it under Russia's total control, and by no means to lose control over the Transnistrian region."

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A more likely scenario is that Russia will use the ongoing gas and electricity crisis to destabilize Moldova itself and try to bring pro-Russian parties back into power in the upcoming parliamentary elections set to be held in the second half of 2025.

Read also: As Russia cuts Transnistria from gas, stranded locals search for someone to blame

No more free gas

Chisinau has not been buying Russian gas since 2022, but Russian-occupied Transnistria continued to get its gas from Russia until Jan. 1, 2025. The halt in gas deliveries on Jan. 1 was due to Ukraine's decision to stop Russian gas transit, including supplies to Moldova, and Moldova's debt for gas supplies.

Transnistria had been effectively acquiring gas free of charge  a political tool that Russia used to keep the region under its control. The breakaway region's debt for Russian gas amounts to more than $10 billion, according to Moldovagaz, a subsidiary of Russian gas giant Gazprom.

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Transnistria had been effectively acquiring gas free of charge  a political tool that Russia used to keep the region under its control.

Chisinau's separate debt for Russian gas supplies totals $709 million, according to Gazprom. However, the Moldovan government recognizes only an $8.6 million debt, citing financial audits.

Gazprom said on Dec. 28 it would stop its gas supplies to Moldova on Jan. 1 due to its debt. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on Jan. 9 blamed Ukraine and Moldova for Transnistria's gas crisis.

Some 1,500 high-rise buildings in Transnistria were without heating and hot water on Jan. 4, and nearly 72,000 homes remained without gas, Transnistria's unrecognized leader Vadim Krasnoselsky said.

Employees attend a security training at Moldovatransgaz's gas station in Causeni, Moldova on May 3, 2022. (Valeria Mongelli / Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The end of Russian gas supplies via Ukraine has also halted all industrial activity in Transnistria, Sergey Obolonik, the first deputy chairman of Transnistria's self-proclaimed government, said on Jan. 2.

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Despite the crisis, Transnistria has rejected Chisinau's offer to help the region purchase gas from Europe, Vadim Cheban, CEO of Moldovagaz, said on Jan. 3.

Transnistria instead expects Russia's Gazprom to resume deliveries of natural gas, Cheban said.

Russia is technically capable of supplying its gas through pipelines via Turkey, Bulgaria, and Romania to Transnistria, but such supplies would have to be approved by Chisinau.

The non-occupied part of Moldova has also been affected by the crisis because it had previously bought electricity from Transnistria's Cuciurgan power station, which used Russian gas as fuel. As a result of the halt in gas supplies, electricity prices in Moldova are rising.

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Read also: Russias gas sector is running out of options after end of transit deal

Impact on Transnistria

Analysts say that the crisis is likely to cause discontent in Transnistria but, due to a lack of opposition, the crisis won't have any major political consequences inside the occupied region.

"No matter how dissatisfied the population may be, it will not lead to an increase in opposition ratings because, in essence, there is no real opposition in Transnistria," Serhiy Gerasimchuk, a Moldova and Romania expert at the Ukrainian Prism think-tank, told the Kyiv Independent.

Anatoly Dirun, a political analyst from Transnistria currently based in Chisinau, also said that "there is no political opposition or alternative political forces (in the breakaway region) that could criticize the current leadership."

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"It is difficult to speak of any potential political changes at this point," he added.

Reintegration into Moldova

The energy crisis in Transnistria prompted speculation that the Russian-controlled entity's survival is at stake and that it may be forced to reintegrate into Moldova at some point in the future.

"The people in Transnistria are realizing that the so-called 'government' in Tiraspol cannot ensure basic needs like heating, gas or electricity," Eugen Muravschi, an associated expert at Chisinau-based watchdogs WatchDog MD and CPR-Moldova, told the Kyiv Independent. "Naturally, the question will arise  what then is the point of this regime?"

"The people in Transnistria are realizing that the so-called 'government' in Tiraspol cannot ensure basic needs like heating, gas or electricity."

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He argued that the "situation is a big blow to the credibility and legitimacy of the Tiraspol regime, but also to the narrative of Russia as a trustworthy protector."

Manole told the Kyiv Independent that "in the absence of a direct corridor (linking Russia and Transnistria), the possibilities of the Russian Federation to further control and influence the Republic of Moldova through the Transnistrian region have diminished since Russia's annexation of Crimea and virtually disappeared with the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022."

Women pose by decorations in Russian flag colors on Republic Day in Tiraspol, Transnistria, Moldova on Sept. 2, 2023. (Peter Dench / Getty Images)

Despite that, analysts argue that Transnistria's reintegration into Moldova is unlikely.

"Questions related to reintegration are currently out of focus. In the short term, the crisis is unlikely to trigger any political change," Victoria Nemerenco, a program coordinator at Moldova's Institute for European Policies and Reforms, told the Kyiv Independent.

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Manole also said that Moldova is not ready "to reintegrate Transnistria, because in the last 2-3 years Russia has taken care to reactivate another source of instability in the south of the Republic of Moldova (Gagauzia), while there are numerous groups in the country that openly support the Russian Federation and its efforts to occupy Ukraine and implicitly later the Republic of Moldova."

The pro-Western government may be reluctant to reintegrate Transnistria because it would dramatically increase the share of pro-Russian voters in elections.

"In theory, these are suitable circumstances for kicking off the reintegration process," Muravschi said.

"The problem is that the authorities in Chisinau do not seem to have a plan in this regard  they seem preoccupied only with managing the crisis, not turning it into an opportunity. In short, this crisis is shaking the Tiraspol regime, but it will not necessarily topple it without more initiative and assertiveness from the Moldovan government."

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Dirun also said that "there are discussions among colleagues in Chisinau that this could lead to the collapse of (Transnistria), but this will not happen."

Read also: Narrowly overcoming pro-Russian comeback, Moldovan President Sandu is facing tough term ahead

Russian invasion?

One reason why Moldova's reintegration is unlikely is that it may lead to a Russian economic or even military attack. However, Russia will also face difficulties if it decides to launch an actual military operation.

Jamie Shea, a defense and security analyst at Chatham House, told the Kyiv Independent that "Russia is today fully engaged in eastern Ukraine and in trying to push Ukrainian forces out of the Kursk Oblast."

"So it would probably have to halt its operations at least for a period in order to invade and subsequently occupy Moldova, although this country is much smaller and with far less defensive capacity than Ukraine," he added.

He also said that Russian troops currently deployed in Transnistria "are not trained and equipped for offensive operations and would not be able to move against the rest of Moldova without significant reinforcements."

Moldovan army recruits take a break at their camp in Bulboaca, Moldova, May 16, 2024. The country is strengthening its military in the wake of Russia's invasion of neighboring Ukraine, which, like Moldova, is a Westward-looking ex-Soviet nation with a separatist region allied with Moscow. (Will Baxter / Getty Images).

Moldova's 22nd Peacekeeping Battalion members train for crowd control in Bulboaca, Moldova, May 16, 2024. Moldova is neither a NATO or EU member, but was granted EU candidate status in 2022. A major obstacle to EU accession, however, will be resolving the conflict with its breakaway Transnistria region, which has had a Russian military presence since 1992. (Will Baxter/Getty Images)

Russia has a mere 1,700 troops in Transnistria, while Transnistria's army comprises about 7,500 troops.

It would also be difficult for Russia to move troops to Moldova because it does not control any Ukrainian areas adjacent to the country, such as Odesa Oblast.

"Russia would also need to transport troops by air, and the transport planes could easily be shot down by Ukraine's air defense or over the Black Sea," Shea said. "It would be a dangerous undertaking to move Russian ground forces and aircraft across Ukrainian territory in a wartime situation."

He added that, instead of a direct invasion, Russia might "use pro-Russian groups inside Moldova and Transnistria to destabilize the country and organize violence and disturbances."

Muravschi also said that "as long as Russia does not advance on the southern front in Ukraine and obtain a land bridge towards Transnistria, it would be very difficult for them to mount a military operation against Moldova."

Read also: Transnistria faces industrial collapse after Russian gas suspension, senior official says

Destabilization

Analysts argue that, rather than using military force, Russia is more likely to use the gas and electricity crisis in Moldova to destabilize the political situation in the republic and help pro-Kremlin groups win the upcoming parliamentary election, which must be held in the second half of 2025.

Moldovan authorities, independent observers, and officials from the EU and the U.S. have pointed to a malign influence campaign involving criminal networks and political groups tied to Russia. Moldovan lawmakers claimed that Moscow had spent millions of dollars to fund Alexandr Stoianoglo, a pro-Russian candidate who lost to pro-Western President Maia Sandu in the Nov. 3 presidential election.

Simultaneously with the election, Moldova held a referendum on adding the country's aspiration to join the EU to its constitution, with 50.35% of the voters supporting the move and 49.65% voting against it.

A majority of voters living in Moldova voted against Sandu and amending the constitution, and the narrow victories were achieved due to the support of Moldovans living abroad, who account for nearly 15% of all registered voters.

"Why would Moscow need (a military operation) now, if it can achieve an electoral victory and have Moldova fall into the Kremlin's hands?" Gerasimchuk said.

A woman votes in the presidential election and EU referendum in Bulboaca, Moldova on Oct. 20, 2024. (Daniel Mihailescu / AFP via Getty Images)

Moldovan President Maia Sandu votes in the presidential election and EU referendum in Chisinau, Moldova, on Oct. 20, 2024. (Daniel Mihailescu / AFP via Getty Images)

He also said that Russia may "choose a candidate capable of negotiating with Gazprom to restore gas supplies."

"Naturally, with promises of this kind, reinforced by unambiguous signals from Moscow, any politician or political force could gain the support of the socially vulnerable population and thus improve their results in the parliamentary elections," Gerasimchuk added.

"In such conditions, Moldova risks descending into governance chaos, where a weakened president will rely on an unstable parliament, which could lead to a prolonged socio-economic crisis," he added. "In this situation, European integration will be off the table."

Muravschi said that "pro-Russian parties are claiming that this crisis is the result of the government's 'Russophobia' and "promise a secure supply of cheap energy from Russia if they come to power."

He added that "the popularity of the ruling pro-European party has been eroding for years now and the energy crisis is not helping them."

"At the moment, it seems impossible for Maia Sandu's party to retain a parliamentary majority by themselves at the next election," Muravschi said. "Russia's goal is clearly to destabilize the situation in Moldova, undermine the government, and help pro-Russian parties win the parliamentary election."

Nemerenco also said that "energy dependence has historically been one of Russia's key tools for exerting pressure, and the current crisis offers Moscow an opportunity to exploit Moldova's vulnerabilities."

"Rising energy prices and supply insecurity could directly affect household incomes and living standards, increasing public frustration; and the president, as well as the pro-European government, could thus become vulnerable to blame, even if the crisis stems from external factors," she said.

Read also: What danger does Transnistria pose to Ukraine, Moldova?

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
GREENSBORO, N.C (WGHP)  Flu, RSV, COVID and other respiratory viruses are impacting the Piedmont Triad.

On Monday, hospitals across the region announced they would start visitor restrictions on Tuesday in many locations.

Experts decided now was the time because they have been seeing an increase in illness over the last three to four weeks. The peak season for flu could hit soon, so its best to protect all their staff and patients with a few changes.

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If we all do it together people understand its because we are all in it together, said Dr. Christopher Ohl with Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist.

The hospital systems work together, so there is no confusion about who has restrictions and who doesnt.

We all kind of keep track of what viruses are circulating in our different areas and North Carolina Public Health does, too. We all collaborate and share that information, Dr. Ohl said.

Starting on Tuesday, kids 12 and under should not visit the hospitals since they often can carry these viruses.

It can be contagious  right before your symptoms start, said Dr. Cynthia Snider with Cone Health.

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Anyone else planning to visit Cone Health, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist or Novant is strongly encouraged to mask up. If you have any kind of symptoms, youre urged to stay away.

We know people want to go see their friends and family. But if you are ill, the best thing is to stay at home, Dr. Snider said.

The big three right now are COVID in third, RSV in second and the flu in the top spot.

Influenza is the talk of the town  It is keeping our emergency rooms busy. It is keeping our hospitals busy, Dr. Ohl said.

Dr. Ohl added that flu cases are higher than they have seen in the past five years, but COVID numbers are down.

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I dont really anticipate any big surprises from COVID this year, but  COVID can throw us a left turn, so we kind of have to keep an eye on it, Dr. Ohl said.

That means we have to remind you of proper hand hygiene and cough etiquette, which even the kids of an infectious disease specialist forget sometimes.

One of my kids is recovering from a respiratory virus, and she coughed in my face, and I am like, What is going on? Did you forget? Dr. Snider said.

The experts hope a few reminders and a few changes in their hospitals will help the community get through this dreaded respiratory virus season.

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We all want to try to protect our healthcare workers and our other patients, Dr. Ohl said.

The restrictions are expected to last about one month and can vary depending on location, so make sure you read any signs and keep up to date for possible changes depending on the current trends.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP.
HOLLAND, Mich. (WJW)  Jennifer Kasunick, a Bay High School alum, was fearless. The blind violinist was well-known for being a source of warmth and light. She and her service dog Rowdy always brought smiles and positivity everywhere they went, including at the Michigan college she attended.

But sadly, on Saturday, Kasunick was struck and killed by a train near campus around 6:20 p.m., Holland Police said.

Video: Suspect with gas can starts fires inside Cleveland high school

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Hope College is broken hearted about Jennifer Kasunicks passing, Hope College Dean of Students Becky Starkenburg said.

Photo courtesy Bay Village City School District/Facebook

Starkenburg said the accident has shaken the faith-based college to its core.

A thousand students came together, prayed together, grieved together, she said. You know, were a Christian college, so we look to Jesus, but were also grieving at this time. Its just a shock to our community.

Photo courtesy Hope College

Police said Kasunick and Rowdy were walking on a sidewalk near the 10th Street train crossing near Lincoln Avenue. Kasunick crossed the tracks and waited, where she was unknowingly too close to the train. The train signals were activated and working.

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First responders found her unconscious and not breathing and life-saving efforts were attempted. Kasunick was taken to Holland Hospital but did not survive.

It is incredibly sad, it hits hard, Starkenburg said. Weve got counselors on campus and campus pastors who are helping walk through this with our students.

Tributes are now pouring in for the self-taught violinist and Hope College orchestra member.

The theatre department is asking students to share their favorite memories so they can make a book for Kasunicks family.

God heals: Wayne Dawson talks about cancer treatments

Jennifer always sat in the front row of chapel, Starkenburg said. That was just her spot, and she sang beautifully. And that front row of our chapel on the pew bench is theres just flowers are starting to kind of collect. Their students are just dropping flowers off in tribute to her. Its just a testament, I think, to the impact that she made on this community. She really was a bright light for so many people.

Photo courtesy Hope College

Rowdy did survive the accident and has been returned to Kasunicks family. Plans for a funeral and memorial service are not yet known at this time.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Nearly 40 years later, questions still remain about the death of a Washington family.

In Sept. 1987, a torso and legs were recovered from the Lewis River in Woodland, Wash. Just 10 days later, a 14-month-old baby was found dead in the Cowlitz River.

It took nearly 20 years, but eventually, the bodies were identified as mother Raj Mati Narain and daughter Kamnee Koushal Narain. The father Ashok Kumar Narain is still considered a missing person.

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AM Extra was joined by the hosts of the Murder in the Rain podcast to talk more about the case.

Watch the full video in the player above.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  The TRUE Initiative, a public-private partnership dedicated to driving technology adoption in Hawaii, is welcoming two new leaders to help steer its mission forward: Rick Hopfer as the new chair and Nicole Cacal as the new executive director.

Their appointments mark a new chapter for TRUE, one that aims to diversify Hawaiis economy, create high-value tech jobs and empower local organizations to thrive through the transformative power of technology.

Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You

Cacal, a seasoned leader with a background in entrepreneurship, artificial intelligence and business strategy, expressed her excitement about joining TRUE.

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Im extremely excited to bring a fresh perspective to a wonderful organization thats been doing amazing things from day one, she said. Being part of this organization and working together with the board to tech-enable Hawaii and diversify its economy is something that Im really passionate about.

As executive director, Cacal is taking on the responsibility of leading TRUEs efforts to make technology more accessible to a broad range of organizations across the state.

She emphasized that TRUEs focus is on small businesses and local communities just as much as its focusing on large enterprises.

Whether youre a small business or a large enterprise based in Hawaii, we work to make technology more accessible, Cacal explained. We love to cross-pollinate perspectives from global organizations that Ive built connections with over the years, alongside organizations that are deeply knowledgeable about the local context here in Hawaii.

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The initiatives work aims to improve the states tech ecosystem by fostering collaborations, launching pilot programs and providing opportunities for workforce development. Cacal described her role in this process as both an innovator and a connector.

What I do is essentially make technology more accessible, not just for the tech industry but for all types of organizations, whether youre a large enterprise or a small business, she said. I believe in combining different perspectives to make a more tech-enabled future in Hawaii.

Since taking the reins, Cacal has focused on building partnerships to create opportunities for upskilling and reskilling Hawaiis workforce.

She shared, Were looking to partner with organizations that want to build a robust workforce development component, creating more tech-enabled opportunities in Hawaii.

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These efforts are crucial in addressing Hawaiis educational challenges, particularly when it comes to STEM fields. Were working closely with organizations that are focused on workforce development and the demand for skilled tech talent, Cacal said.

Despite the challenges, Cacal remains optimistic. Im really excited about the potential of what we can do. Weve got an amazing team, and were committed to ensuring that tech adoption is for all organizations here in Hawaii.

Hopfer, who succeeded Peter Dames as TRUEs chair, is equally enthusiastic about his new role.

Im excited to build on the momentum TRUE has generated over the past few years, he said. TRUE has made remarkable strides in advancing its mission to create a diverse and sustainable economy for Hawaii, and I look forward to working alongside Nicole to continue that work.

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Hopfers experience as senior vice president and chief information officer at HMSA, combined with his leadership role in TRUE since 2020, makes him a natural fit to guide the initiative into its next phase.

As a committee member since 2020, Ive had the honor of collaborating with incredible leaders, Hopfer said. Together, we can continue fostering innovation and advancing technology adoption in Hawaii.

Under the leadership of Hopfer and Cacal, TRUE is poised to continue its transformative work. The initiatives flagship event, the Hawaii AI & Cloud Innovation Summit, has already made waves by attracting attention from key local stakeholders.

In 2024, the summit saw significant growth as it doubled its reach and engagement through a strategic partnership with the Hawaii Department of Business, Economic Development & Tourism, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs and the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii.

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TRUEs efforts have already had a tangible impact on the states social and economic landscape. For example, the initiative spearheaded a collaboration between NEC Corporation and DataHouse to develop a groundbreaking app for the Institute for Human Services.

This app empowers caseworkers to document client interactions in the field, streamlines the process and offers a model for tech adoption that could expand across multiple state agencies.

Cacal highlighted the importance of such projects. By working together with community leaders and organizations, she said. were creating solutions that have a real impact on peoples lives.

Cacals background in driving innovation at the intersection of technology, sustainability and social impact further aligns with TRUEs mission.

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Before joining TRUE, she founded Forbes Ignite, where she collaborated with major global companies such as American Express, Salesforce and Colgate-Palmolive. This experience, she believes, will serve her well in her role at TRUE.

Ive worked with global companies to drive tech innovation; and now, Im focused on making that same kind of impact here in Hawaii, Cacal said.

The strategic vision for TRUEs future includes continued expansion of its programs, with a particular focus on empowering local organizations. As Cacal noted, Were committed to increasing the accessibility of technology and making it easier for organizations to adopt and thrive in this rapidly changing landscape.

Looking ahead, Cacal emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving TRUEs goals.

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One of the things that excites me the most is the opportunity to work with a wide variety of organizations, all of which bring different insights and expertise to the table, she said. Its all about creating an ecosystem where everyone can learn from each other and drive tech adoption forward.

With both Cacal and Hopfer now at the helm of TRUE, Hawaiis technology landscape looks set to continue evolving.

The initiatives efforts to foster tech adoption and build a more diversified, sustainable economy will be crucial to the states future as a means of offering new opportunities for its workforce and local businesses.

Im thrilled to be part of this next chapter, Cacal said. We have so much potential here in Hawaii, and Im excited to see where this journey takes us.

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You can click here to learn more about True Initiative.

Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHONs morning podcast, every morning at 8

As TRUE continues to push boundaries and expand its impact, Cacals leadership will be a key factor in shaping Hawaiis tech-enabled future.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
American flags are flying at half-staff again at President-elect Donald Trump's private club Mar-a-Lago the day after The Associated Press reported spotting one raised to its full height.

However, they'll be at full-staff at the Capitol for Trump's inauguration Monday, Speaker Mike Johnson said in an emailed statement Tuesday.

On January 20th, the flags at the Capitol will fly at full-staff to celebrate our country coming together behind the inauguration of our 47th President, Donald Trump. The flags will be lowered back to half-staff the following day to continue honoring President Jimmy Carter, Johnson said.

Flag at Mar-a-Lago flies at half-staff around 11 am Tuesday January 14, 2025.

American flags on public and government buildings are supposed to be flying at half-staff until sunset on Tuesday, Jan. 28, out of respect for Carter, who died at age 100 on Sunday, Dec. 29, at his home in Plains, Georgia. American flags are traditionally lowered to half-staff for 30 days following the death of a former president. Both President Joe Biden and Gov. Ron DeSantis directed that flags be flown at half-staff for that duration.

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Trump has complained about having lowered flags during his inauguration Monday when he takes the oath of office for his second term.

"The Democrats are all 'giddy' about our magnificent American Flag potentially being at 'half mast' during my Inauguration," Trump posted on his social, media site Truth Social, using the incorrect term. On land, American flags are flown at half-staff. "They think its so great, and are so happy about it because, in actuality, they dont love our Country, they only think about themselves."

After calling the "once GREAT" country a mess under the Dems' watch, he said, "In any event, because of the death of President Jimmy Carter, the Flag may, for the first time ever during an Inauguration of a future President, be at half mast.

"Nobody wants to see this, and no American can be happy about it. Lets see how it plays out. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"

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An American flag was spotted Monday flying at full-staff at Mar-a-Lago, AP reported, but it was back to half-staff by Tuesday morning.

Donald Trump is flying the American flag at full-staff at Mar-a-Lago because hes a classless piece of trash.



He never should have been invited to former President Jimmy Carters funeral. pic.twitter.com/tIzGMdYl16  Art Candee  (@ArtCandee) January 14, 2025

On social media, critics were quick to point out Trump's apparent disrespect, while supporters backed up Trump's rights over his private residence.

"You guys are so obviously partisan," an X user named TC posted. "Mar a Largo is a private residence, not a government building. The flag in my yard is also not at half mast, do you want to add that to your story?"

No one from Trump's staff has publicly commented and it is unknown if the move was intentional. As part of the ceremony to put the flag at half-staff each time, the U.S. code instructs people to first raise the flag to its full height and then lower it to half-staff. When the flag is taken down, that process is repeated.

A U.S. flag flies half-mast at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025.

Are citizens required to lower flags to half-staff?

There is no law that says Trump has to comply with the flag proclamation. Mar-a-Lago is a private residence.

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In Biden's proclamation, he directs that flags be displayed at half-staff at "at the White House and on all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions," as well as flags at embassies and other U.S. facilities abroad.

DeSantis issued a memo instructing the flags to be lowered "at all local and state buildings, installations, and grounds throughout the state."

Texas governor orders flags raised for Inauguration Day

Also on Monday, Texas Gov. Greg Abbot ordered American flags in the Lone Star State to be raised to full-staff on Inauguration Day in accordance with federal statute, which states that the U.S. flag should be displayed "especially on...Inauguration Day, January 20.".

"While we honor the service of a former President, we must also celebrate the service of an incoming President and the bright future ahead for the United States of America," Gov. Abbott said in a news release.

Why are flags at half-staff today?

In a proclamation issued Dec. 29, Biden ordered flags across the U.S. to be flown at half-staff "in honor and tribute to the memory of President James Earl Carter, Jr. and as an expression of public sorrow."

Did DeSantis order flags lowered to half-staff for Buddy MacKay?

DeSantis issued a memo directing flags to be lowered for the late Gov. Buddy MacKay until sunset on Wednesday, Jan. 15. This was largely ceremonial since flags will already be at half-staff for Carter.

How long will the flag be flown at half-staff?

Flags should be flown at half-staff for 30 days from the day of Carter's death on Dec. 29, which would be until sunset on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025.

When is it appropriate to lower the flag?

There are certain commemorative days when it is customary to lower the flag to half-staff:

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Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15, unless that day is also Armed Forces Day)

Memorial Day (last Monday in May, from sunrise to noon)

Patriot Day (Sept. 11)

National Firefighters Memorial Day (typically a Sunday during Fire Prevention Week)

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (Dec. 7)

The flag is also lowered for the death of principal figures of the U.S. government and the government of a state, territory or possession, and for tragic events.

How long does the flag remain at half-staff?

According to the U.S. Flag Code, codified by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954, flags are to be flown at half-staff on all buildings, grounds, and naval vessels of the federal government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its territories and possessions for these periods:

Thirty days after the death of a president or former president

Ten days after the death of a vice president, the chief justice or a retired chief justice, or the speaker of the House of Representatives

From the day of death until the burial of an associate justice of the Supreme Court, secretary of a military department, a former vice president, or the governor of a state, territory or possession.

On the day of, and the day after, the death of a member of Congress.

For other instances, proclamations will determine the length of time.

Can proclamations be made for anyone else?

The flag has been flown at half-staff upon the death of notable figures such as the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and the astronauts who lost their lives aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia, and even significant figures who were not U.S. citizens such as Nelson Mandela, Pope John Paul II, Winston Churchill.

Has Gov. DeSantis ordered flags to be flown half-staff before?

Gov. Ron DeSantis has directed flags to half-staff to honor law enforcement officers killed on duty, Navy members killed in a mass shooting in Pensacola and the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, to name a few.

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In 2021, DeSantis directed American flags in Florida to be lowered to half-staff to honor the life of radio host and conservative icon Rush Limbaugh, which brought controversy due to what critics called Limbaugh's racist, anti-women and homophobic remarks and his history of ridiculing others.

Is it half-mast or half-staff?

On ships and at naval stations ashore, flags are flown at half-mast.

On shore, flags are flown at half-staff.

Contributing: Brandi D. Addison, USA TODAY Network

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Flags at Capitol ordered at full-staff for Inauguration Day
Donald Trump ran for president largely on the promise that he would deport millions of undocumented immigrants  and now, educators and immigration advocates are worried that he could put public school students and their families at risk of being targeted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Trump is considering revoking a rule that largely blocks ICE from making arrests in so-called sensitive locations such as schools and churches, NBC News reported in December. The Obama administration created the rule in 2011, and it has been in effect ever since, including through the first Trump administration. (The 1982 Supreme Court decision in Plyler v. Doe, which says all children are entitled to a public education regardless of their immigration status, would still stand.)

Even if there isnt a widespread effort to allow ICE in schools, advocates are still worried that the fear of immigration officials in schools could have a detrimental effect on immigrant communities.

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Any federal law would supersede the policies that a school district or locality has in place, and the incoming administration has already threatenedDemocratic-led states that have said they wont comply with federal immigration policies. But some school administrators are taking steps to get ahead of any changes the Trump administration may make, including by reaffirming their longstanding policies against ICE entering their schools, and by training teachers about what rights the students and their families have.

In Palm Springs, California, the school board in December passed a resolution that affirmed its commitment to providing an education to all students regardless of their immigration status, as well as barring immigration enforcement officers from entering the schools without first going through the proper legal channels.

We wanted to signal to families that... were going to do everything to keep you safe, and you can be confident in coming to school, Tony Signoret, superintendent of the Palm Springs Unified School District, told HuffPost.

Signoret doesnt know how much of Trumps rhetoric is just bluster, but he wanted to reassure any parents who might be fearful or hear rumors about ICE arrests at schools. The school district only requires a birth certificate to place the child in the right grade; a verification of address to make sure the student is in the right district; and vaccinations that are required by the state.

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If an ICE official came to us with a subpoena for records, we would give it to them, but theres zero information on citizenship, Signoret said. Thats what we want parents to know.

As apprehension grows, many schools across the country are vowing to keep their students and communities safe by issuing resolutions that forbid schools from giving information to ICE without going through the proper channels, such as obtaining a warrant signed by a judge, which could be a lengthy process.

If you are a student who is undocumented or a family who is undocumented, we will take care of you, Denver Public Schools board member Scott Esserman said at a meeting shortly after the election. That is our responsibility; were here to do that. I think its important that you hear that.

In Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, the school board passed a resolution in December saying that schools cannot give out information to ICE without first going through the superintendents office. And last week in Portland, Oregon, the school board reaffirmed its commitment to keeping ICE out of schools. Lets be clear: this resolution is not about politics, board member Gary Hollands said. This is about doing what is right.

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Still, some red states have signaled that they may be more willing to work with the Trump administration.

Last month, Ryan Walters, Oklahomas state superintendent of public instruction, announced a proposed rule to allow the states Department of Education to collect data on undocumented immigrants. He claims the state needs this data to properly allocate funding, and says it would not be used to target students, but Walters has been cozying up to Trump for years and has wrongly blamed immigrants for myriad problems facing Oklahomas public schools.

Immigration experts are skeptical that Trump would want the media spectacle of ICE personnel operating in a public school.

In 2017, ICE officials in Los Angeles arrested a man shortly after he pulled away from the middle school where hed just dropped off his 12-year-old daughter. (The mans 13-year-old daughter, who was still in the car, captured the arrest on video.) The incident caused a ripple effect, scaring families and forcing the schools to hold an assembly informing students what to do if any of their family members were detained by ICE.

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I dont think they want that visual of pulling a child crying or a parent out of a school on the six oclock news, Julie Sugarman, education analyst at the Migration Policy Institute, a nonpartisan organization that focuses on data and analysis, told HuffPost.

But the fear of being targeted could cause widespread panic, and advocates and educators worry that some families may stop sending their kids to school because theyre afraid of being arrested.

Theyre very worried about the issue of kids not coming to school, Sugarman said. Theres a concern about kids not even being enrolled.

The destabilization does seem to be part of the playbook, she added.

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And for all students, undocumented or not, the political discourse and heightened fears can make school more challenging.

Thats another thing educators are worried about: the distraction in our schools and how it takes away from the academics, Sugarman said.

In 2010, Arizona passed legislation that became known as the Papers, Please law, because it enabled law enforcement to ask about a persons immigration status during encounters. The law was never fully implemented, and remains in legal limbo to this day, but the fear of immigration sweeps made undocumented immigrants and their families apprehensive about going out in public.

A 2011 study from the University of Arizona found that the legislation contributed to a drop in enrollment in some public schools  which in turn led to job cuts and less funding  and an increase in stress-related health problems for children with immigrant families.

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I dont think our kids, even if their families are in support of stricter immigration laws, want to see ICE in our schools, Signoret said.

Regardless of whats to come, he said he and other educators are committed to doing what they can to protect students.

Its a political hot potato, he said, but we have to get out there and tell our students were here to keep you safe.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story erroneously described the 2017 arrest of the man in Los Angeles. His 13-year-old daughter, not his 12-year-old, was the one who filmed the incident.
The News

Donald Trumps nominee for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sidestepped senators probing over the limits of the US military at a contentious confirmation hearing Tuesday  including questions on whether he would order the use of force against US citizens and NATO allies.

While being questioned by Sen. Mazie Hirono D-Ha., Hegseth didnt answer whether he would carry out an order from Trump to shoot American protesters. Hegseth also didnt answer a question over a potential order to use the military in order to assume control of Greenland  a territory administered by Denmark, a NATO country  and the Panama Canal. Trump has repeatedly floated such action against both territories in recent days.

I will emphasize that President Trump received 77 million votes to be the lawful Commander-in-Chief, Hegseth said, adding that he wouldnt discuss hypothetical orders in a public forum.

Know More

One of Trumps most controversial cabinet picks, Hegseth also faced intense scrutiny from senators of both parties over his personal conduct  including alleged sexual misconduct and alcohol use  his views on women and minority members of the military, and his lack of experience in running a large organization like the Pentagon.

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Hegseth offered few details on his foreign policy views, but seemed largely aligned with Trumps isolationist, but aggressive, approach.

Hegseth reiterated his full support for Israel and killing every last member of Hamas, and expressed skepticism about continuing US support for Ukraine, describing Russias 2014 invasion of Crimea a minor incursion. Hegseth did stress, however, that the Pentagon could learn from Kyivs innovative use of warfare technology.

Democrats further pressed Hegseth on his international security knowledge: When asked by Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill. about security agreements with ASEAN countries, for example, Hegseth appeared flustered and failed to accurately name any one of the 10-member group.

Notable
Donald Trump was ridiculed on social media Tuesday after proposing a new government agency to do a job that is already being done by another agency.

In a post on his Truth Social media platform, the president-elect announced plans to create an agency called the External Revenue Service that would collect tariffs and other revenue from foreign nations.

We will begin charging those that make money off of us with Trade, and they will start paying, Trump said in his post.

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He compared the proposed agency to the Internal Revenue Service, which collects taxes from U.S. citizens and businesses.

The Associated Press notes that an act of Congress is required to create a federal agency.

But theres another issue: The proposed duties of the ERS  collecting duties and revenue from other nations  are already handled by the Commerce Department and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon, the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, said in a statement that the proposed ERS was both silly rebranding and a multi-trillion-dollar tax hike on American families and small businesses to pay for another round of tax handouts to the rich.

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Trumps plan  and his apparent lack of knowledge about the government he was elected to run  was also heavily ridiculed on social media.

The president-elect appears ignorant of the fact that theres been an external revenue service since July 31, 1789. Thats when George Washington signed legislation creating the US Customs Service, the forerunner of what is now @CBP. pic.twitter.com/v0Vgr25PTw  Andrew Feinberg (@AndrewFeinberg) January 14, 2025

This is basically a language scam. Tariffs and duties are paid by the importer, the US company bringing in the goods. It isn't "external revenue" and calling the customs agency an "external revenue service" is just another way of tricking people. pic.twitter.com/PYxO4hmnfK  Arieh Kovler (@ariehkovler) January 14, 2025

There is a 100% chance Trump's so-called External Revenue Service turns out to be just another grift where the loathsome piece of shit siphons money into the coffers of the Trump crime family. If he can siphon money from a children's cancer charity, as president, this scam  Bill Madden (@maddenifico) January 14, 2025

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Trump wants to create an "External Revenue Service" to collect tariffs, etc. This is clever marketing, but it doesn't change the fact that American consumers will end up paying these higher tariffs.



(Note: US Customs and Border Protection currently collects tariffs and duties as pic.twitter.com/mp2S6r5K1H  Heather Long (@byHeatherLong) January 14, 2025

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This isnt the first agency Trump has proposed.

During his first administration, he created the Space Force, a branch of the military devoted to fighting interplanetary wars.

Related...
Flags in Tennessee will be flown at full staff on Jan. 20 in honor of Donald Trump's Presidential Inauguration, announced Gov. Bill Lee on Tuesday.

Flags over the State Capitol and all state buildings will be raised from 11 a.m. on Inauguration Day through sunrise Jan. 21, before returning to half-staff to continue to mourn the death of former President Jimmy Carter, who died at age 100 on Sunday, Dec. 29 in Plains, Georgia.

Lee's announcement conflicts with President Joe Biden's proclamation for flags to be flown at half-staff across the United States in honor of the 39th president until sunset on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025.

Flags over the State Capitol will be flown at full staff from 11 am CT on January 20 through sunrise January 21 in honor of President @realDonaldTrump's inauguration.



Flags will later be returned to half-staff as TN continues to mourn the death of President Jimmy Carter. pic.twitter.com/I81pFZEo3C  Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) January 14, 2025

Why were flags in Tennessee at half staff?

In a statement issued Dec. 29, Biden ordered flags across the U.S. to be flown at half-staff "in honor and tribute to the memory of President James Earl Carter, Jr." and as "an expression of public sorrow."

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Biden ordered the flags at the White House, all public buildings and grounds, all military posts and naval stations, and all naval vessels of the federal government across the country to remain at half staff for a period of 30 days from the day of Carter's death.

Lee joined countless of others in honoring the former president, stating that Carter and wife Rosalynn Carter "put their faith into action and were an inspiration to many."

President Carters work to serve extended far beyond his presidency, including projects with @Habitat_org in TN. He & Rosalynn put their faith into action & were an inspiration to many. @MariaLeeTN & I are lifting the Carter family up in prayer during this time of immense loss.  Gov. Bill Lee (@GovBillLee) December 29, 2024

When is it appropriate to fly the flag at half-staff?

There are certain commemorative days when it is customary to lower the flag to half-staff:

Peace Officers Memorial Day (May 15, unless that day is also Armed Forces Day)

Memorial Day (last Monday in May, from sunrise to noon)

Patriot Day (Sept. 11)

National Firefighters Memorial Day (typically a Sunday during Fire Prevention Week)

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (Dec. 7)

The flag is also lowered for the death of principal figures of the U.S. government and the government of a state, territory or possession, and for tragic events.

How long does the flag remain at half-staff?

According to the U.S. Flag Code, codified by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954, flags are to be flown at half-staff on all buildings, grounds, and naval vessels of the federal government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its territories and possessions for these periods:

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Thirty days after the death of a president or former president

Ten days after the death of a vice president, the chief justice or a retired chief justice, or the speaker of the House of Representatives

From the day of death until the burial of an associate justice of the Supreme Court, secretary of a military department, a former vice president, or the governor of a state, territory or possession.

On the day of, and the day after, the death of a member of Congress.

For other instances, proclamations will determine the length of time.

Is it half-staff or half-mast?

On ships and at naval stations ashore, flags are flown at half-mast.

Elsewhere ashore, flags are flown at half-staff.

Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for The Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@gannett.com or follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @_leyvadiana

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Trump inauguration: Flags to return to full staff in Tennessee
Early Tuesday morning, six days before Donald Trump will once again take the office of President of the United States, former Special Counsel Jack Smith's final report on the criminal acts the president-elect allegedly committed to try and stay in power after losing the 2020 election has been released, despite heavy opposition from Trump and his lawyers.

Trump faced federal charges that he tried to steal the election won by President Joe Biden and obstruct Congress from counting Electoral College votes on Jan. 6, 2021, and that he unlawfully retained classified documents after leaving the White House. The charges were adjusted after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that official acts taken by a president are protected and then dropped once Trump was re-elected.

However, Smith stressed that the charges against Trump were not dropped because he was innocent of the charges, as Trump has repeatedly claimed, but in accordance with longstanding Department of Justice policy against prosecuting a sitting president.

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In the 174-page report, Smith says he would have won the case.

"Indeed, but for Mr. Trump's election and imminent return to the Presidency, the Office assessed that the admissible evidence was sufficient to obtain and sustain a conviction at trial," Smith wrote in the report dated Jan.7 and addressed to Attorney General Merrick Garland.

In 2021, the House impeached Trump for inciting an "insurrection," although the Senate acquitted him with a 57-43 vote for conviction, short of the two-thirds majority required.

While much of the information in the report was revealed during the investigation by the bipartisan January 6 Committee, Smith's report details the evidence and what the prosecution's case would have been against Trump in the most sweeping look at his involvement yet. Only the first part, concerning Trump's role in the attempted coup, has been released because other people charged in the classified documents case still have hearings pending.

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Trump was quick to slam Smith, who resigned from the Justice Department Friday, and the report Tuesday morning.

"Deranged Jack Smith was unable to successfully prosecute the Political Opponent of his 'boss,' Crooked Joe Biden, so he ends up writing yet another 'Report' based on information that the Unselect Committee of Political Hacks and Thugs ILLEGALLY DESTROYED AND DELETED, because it showed how totally innocent I was, and how completely guilty Nancy Pelosi, and others, were," Trump posted on his social media site, Truth Social.

Here are five takeaways from the report.

1. Trump was going to claim victory whether he won or not

The report takes pains to point out that Trump was told, repeatedly, by staffers, state officials and his own vice president that he had lost. He even seemed to admit it himself, the filing stated, saying "can you believe I lost to this f'ing guy?" to a staffer while watching Biden on TV in November.

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But Smith alleges that Trump made plans to sow distrust of election results and claim victory well before the actual election. After advisors told him early returns would likely favor him and mail-in ballots would likely favor Biden  which is what happened  Trump said he would just declare victory before all the ballots were counted, the report said.

The filing points out instances where Trump himself called election fraud claims suggested by some of his allies unbelievable, including a claim from "Co-Conspirator 3" (believed to be lawyer Sidney Powell) about voting machines "that Mr. Trump privately acknowledged sounded 'crazy' before he publicly amplified them."

During the vote count, members of Trump's campaign tried to sow "chaos" by challenging counts in different regions and provoking confrontations, which were then used to claim that observers were not given proper access to the vote counting, Smith said.

According to the report, pushing forward to overturn the election based on claims he knew were untrue took Trump's actions beyond "mere hardscrabble politics" and into criminal fraud.

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Last October, a White House staffer reportedly heard Trump tell family members that "it doesn't matter if you won or lost the election. You still have to fight like hell."

2. Trump pressured state officials, Pence

Trump targeted Republican state officials, Smith said, urging them to ignore the vote counts and change the results.

"Significantly, he made election claims only to state legislators and executives who shared his political affiliation and were his political supporters, and only in states that he had lost," Smith said.

That included calls to the Speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives and the Arizona governor, state legislators in Michigan, the chairman of the Pennsylvania Republican Party, and, famously, Georgia's Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, whom he pressured to "find 11,780 votes"  Biden's margin of error in the state  in what Trump has since repeatedly referred to as a "perfect phone call."

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In each case, state officials told Trump there was no basis for changing results or they asked for evidence to the contrary, which was not provided, Smith said.

Trump was also unhappy with the Justice Department, which had reviewed the crimes of election fraud and found no support for any of them.

"Mr. Trump told the Acting Attorney General and Acting Deputy Attorney General that they should 'just say that the election was corrupt and leave the rest to me and the Republican congressmen,'" Smith said.

3. Trump's campaign organized a plan to use fake electors

After changing the votes didn't work, Trump and his co-conspirators hatched a plan to organize the people who would have been his state electors had he won and "cause them to sign and send to Washington false certifications claiming to be the legitimate electors," the report said.

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The plan was presented to the would-be electors as a contingency ready to go in case Trump won the ongoing election litigation, Smith said. Some electors figured it out and "willingly assisted," the report said, while some were unpersuaded and one Trump elector in Pennsylvania declined the attempt to "overthrow the Government."

Trump's co-conspirators planned to have Vice President Mike Pence present the fake slates of electors at the January 6 certification before the joint session of Congress, claim they were dueling slates and "negotiate a solution for Mr. Trump to seize power," Smith said.

Pence resisted weeks of pressure from Trump to use his position as president of the Senate to change the legitimate election results. According to the report, Trump told him "hundreds of thousands" of people would "hate his guts" and think he was "stupid," and that Mr. Pence was "too honest."

Trump also publicly pressured Pence, telling crowds at a rally in Georgia, "I hope Mike Pence comes through for us, I have to tell you. I hope that our great Vice President, our great Vice President comes through for us. . . . Of course, if he doesn't come through, I won't like him quite as much."

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The next day, on Jan. 5, after Pence again declined to cooperate during a private conversation, Trump issued a false statement saying, "The Vice President and I are in total agreement that the Vice President has the power to act," Smith said.

4. Trump exploited the Jan. 6 riot

The crowd of Trump supporters that gathered near the Capitol on Jan. 6 as Congress was certifying the election results had already been fired up with claims of election fraud. Trump repeated his false claims about dead and non-citizen voters and vote dumps, Smith said, and also told the crowd, which he had told advisors the night before was "angry," that the election had been stolen, the country would no longer exist if the election was allowed to stand, and that the nonexistent "fraud" allowed them to"go by very different rules."

He also falsely said that targeted states regretted their choice and wanted to change their electors and that Pence, who had the authority, might be persuaded to do so, Smith said.

"The lie regarding Mr. Pence was particularly deceptive because Mr. Trump knew what his supporters in the crowd did not," Smith wrote, referencing a last phone call between the two men just before the rally, "that Mr. Pence had just told him in no uncertain terms that he would not do what Mr. Trump was demanding."

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After Trump told the crowd, "If you don't fight like hell, you're not going to have a country anymore," thousands of his supporters marched to the Capitol building, breaking through barriers, violently attacking Capitol police and waving Trump signs and flags as they broke through windows and doors. Senate was forced to recess as members of Congress fled to their offices or secure locations.

Trump watched the riot on TV and through Twitter, the report said, and resisted requests from his advisors to try calming his supporters down. About 10 minutes after the Capitol was breached, Trump tweeted "Mike Pence didn't have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our Country and our Constitution, giving States a chance to certify a corrected set of facts, not the fraudulent or inaccurate ones which they were asked to previously certify. USA demands the truth!"

The Secret Service was immediately forced to evacuate Pence. When Trump was told this, he replied "So what?" Smith said.

Trump tweeted twice over the next hour or so, urging supporters to "stay peaceful" and saying "WE are the Party of Law & Order."

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Two hours after rioters entered the Capitol, Trump released a video message finally asking them to leave while still claiming the election was stolen and telling the rioters "we love you, you're very special." Another tweet nearly two hours after that called the rioters "great patriots" and to "go home with love & in peace. Remember this day forever!"

The report quoted several Jan. 6 defendants who blamed Trump for their presence at the Capitol and their belief that action was needed to save the country.

Since then, Trump has continued to support the Jan, 6 rioters, calling them "patriots" and "hostages," calling the insurrection a day of love, and vowing to pardon some or all of them once he is again president. Smith said this provided "additional evidence of his intent by continuing to support and ally himself with the people who attacked the Capitol."

5. Smith considered charging Trump with insurrection

Smith says in the report that he considered, but opted against, charging Trump with the Insurrection Act after concluding there were "reasonable arguments that it might apply."

The Insurrection Act provides that anyone who incites, sets on foot, assists, or engages in any rebellion or insurrection against the authority of the United States or the laws thereof, or gives aid or comfort thereto, could be fined, imprisoned for a maximum of 10 years  and shall be incapable of holding any office under the United States, according to the report.

However, Smith said his team was unable to find existing case law where someone had been charged for inciting, rather than directly engaging in, insurrection.

However strong the proof that he incited or gave aid and comfort to those who attacked the Capitol, application of those theories of liability would also have been a first, he said.

Smith also chose not to charge Trump with conspiracy with militia groups to impede or injure an officer of the U.S. because he did not have evidence that the co-conspirators specifically agreed to threaten force or intimidation against federal officers.

As it is, Trump will enter the White House as the first U.S. president in history to be impeached twice, and the first president to be convicted of a felony after he was found guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records to cover up hush money payments to an adult movie actor.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Jack Smith report on Trump and 2020 election: 5 things to know
The Sunset Fire as it appeared from the rooftop of an apartment building in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles on the evening of January 8, 2025 (Courtesy photo)

Like a three-pack-a-day smoker who blames their chronic cough on allergies, or a recent flu shot  everything but their addiction  President-elect Donald Trump continues to embrace an absurd and criminally irresponsible brand of denialism on the subject of climate change.

This hard truth was exposed yet again by the latest horrific California wildfires.

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As someone who grew up in Southern California in the 20th Century, I can attest that destructive fires are nothing new for the region. I have vivid memories of watching nearby hillsides burn from my college dormitory at UCLA, and of a relative learning their Orange County hillside home had survived a fire  one that had consumed neighboring homes  via the happy discovery that an old-fashioned answering machine was still picking up.

Yes, more people than ever inhabit the state  a population that, as is the case here in North Carolina, continues to transform more and more previously uninhabited areas into vulnerable suburban sprawl  but its also true that things have changed dramatically in some other very important ways in the Golden State in recent decades.

As the news outlet CalMatters reported last week, California has 78 more annual fire days  days on which conditions are ripe for fires to spark  than it did 50 years ago. In effect, what once was mostly a seasonal issue in the late summer and early fall for certain areas, has become a year-round, statewide plague.

And the chief cause is no mystery; its climate change that has, among many other things, prompted repeated droughts, given rise to more lightning and windstorms, and created an epidemic of parched and dead foliage.

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If one was ever looking for reason to treat climate change and its destructive impacts with the utmost urgency, its hard to imagine anything more compelling than the myriad threats it so obviously poses to the nations largest and most economically important state.

Amazingly, however, even as the Los Angeles area was burning and just a few months after Hurricane Helene inundated the mountains of western North Carolina with unprecedented flooding, Trump was spreading preposterous misinformation and promoting toxic, shortsighted policies.

Rather than acknowledging the irrefutable truth that climate change spurred on by carbon pollution is slowly and effectively asphyxiating the planet, Trump advanced cockamamie and easily debunked claims that the L.A. fires were the fault of politicians he doesnt like and environmental regulations. At the same time, he reiterated his drill, baby drill pledges to expand our nations use of fossil fuels and torpedo efforts to grow sustainable energy.

And its hard to overstate just how utterly insane all of this is.

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As fleets of scientists have repeatedly demonstrated, the climate crisis will continue to worsen even with swift and decisive action to tackle it. Sadly, even under the best scenarios, humans are faced with the grim reality that we are now in the business of acting to save what we can.

But to tack dramatically in the opposite direction  as Trump and his allies say they will  is like a drunk driver taking another swig of vodka and punching the gas pedal as he leaves the scene of a wreck.

As environmental advocates have noted in recent months, the Biden administration took several enormously important steps  most notably securing hundreds of billions of dollars in new investments for expanding sustainable energy sources like wind and solar, subsidizing electric vehicles and the construction of charging stations, and strengthening the electric grid  that, if allowed to continue, will do much to mitigate important causes and ramifications of climate change.

Reversing course, on the other hand, is sure to leave us in even more desperate straits than we already find ourselves.

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But to tack dramatically in the opposite direction  as Trump and his allies say they will  is like a drunk driver taking another swig of vodka and punching the gas pedal as he leaves the scene of a wreck.

Will Donald Trump and the legion of devoted followers he commands ever see the light? Is it even possible?

The indicators remain pretty grim at this point. But its also true that, sometimes, its the people whove been in denial the longest who ultimately become the most passionate advocates for a cause. The nations anti-tobacco advocacy community has long been peppered with ex-smokers who were converted into health advocates by a lung cancer or heart disease diagnosis. And in this case, even many fossil fuel producers acknowledge the need for change.

While the idea of a relentless truth-o-phobe like Trump admitting the error of his ways strains the imagination, one can envision a scenario in which a handful of Republican senators who actually read and think and take Trumps blather with a grain of salt (think of North Carolinas Thom Tillis) could, when push comes to shove, follow the lead of the late John McCain when he refused to vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act and prioritize the wellbeing of their children and grandchildren over the outcome of the next GOP primary.

In short, the Southern California catastrophe has reminded us yet again that climate change  through its impacts on everything from human health to immigration to the economy  is the existential policy issue of our times. And whether they do so out of genuine delusion or mere cynical self-interest, the politicians and their allies who try to evade this undeniable fact willfully endanger us all.
A lot of things happened. Here are some of the things. This is TPMs Morning Memo. Sign up for the email version.

Why Didnt Trump Go To SCOTUS?

Late last evening, President-elect Donald Trump made a final, half-hearted effort to block the release of Special Counsel Jack Smiths report. In a quick ruling, U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon denied Trumps request to extend her injunction blocking the reports release.

After that, Trump did not seek further review from the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court and thus Cannons injunction expired at midnight ET. Why Trump did not push the matter further, if for no other reason than to try to run out the clock as he has so many times before, is a curiosity for which I have no satisfying answer.

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In the wee hours, the Justice Department turned over Volume I on the Jan. 6 case to Congress and then released it publicly. It contains no major revelations or surprises. That has been one of the surreal elements of the past week and a half of legal wrangling over the reports release, and in a sense its a microcosm of the Trump era.

Extra and sometimes extreme effort is required to follow through with and maintain normal processes and procedures, in this case the release of a special counsel report. History shows they largely mirror the contours of the by-then-well-established cases as they played out in court and on appeal. They tend toward self-justification and rationalizing their existence, not blockbuster reveals. But the fight to release the report had the effect of raising the stakes of the report itself.

Volume II, on the Mar-a-Lago case, is not being released because for now the prosecution of Trumps former codefendants continues. But that prosecution is likely to be corruptly deep-sixed by the Trump DOJ, and Volume II is at risk of never being released to the public.

One minor point on the overnight coverage, which largely focused on Smiths assessment that he would have won a conviction of Trump had the case gone to trial. The coverage largely treated that assertion like Smiths ultimate conclusion in the report rather than a predicate to seeking an indictment in the first place. Prosecutors arent supposed to bring cases they dont think they can win.

Surveying The Wreckage

And so it is that the work of Jack Smith has now come to an end, with the most serious crimes a president has even been accused of remaining untried in a court of law. The constellation of factors that led to this point is well known. Among the most critical were the Roberts Courts unprecedented decisions on the Disqualifications Clause and on presidential immunity combined with Trumps historic re-election. The damage done to the rule of law, the constitutional structure, and the norms and traditions that gird democracy have been incalculable. The consequences of this miscarriage of justice and breakdown in the rule of law will be reverberating in unknowable and unforeseeable ways for decades.

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None of that is Jack Smiths fault. His prosecution of both cases against Trump were sharply and professionally handled. There were no obvious self-owns or major missteps. He seemed to anticipate correctly the challenges each case posed legally and prepared accordingly. What was within his power to control, he handled well. His office was sufficiently resourced, and some of the best and brightest minds that the Justice Department has to offer contributed to the prosecutions and the complex appellate work involved.

Smith and the members of his team now face years of uncertainty over the threats Trump has repeatedly levied at them and over whether they will be targeted by the incoming Trump administration. In his cover letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland accompanying the report, Smith devotes a few poignant lines to the personal toll those threats have taken on the members of his team and their families:

The intense public scrutiny of our Office, threats to their safety, and relentless unfounded attacks on their character and integrity did not deter them from fulfilling their oaths and professional obligations. These are intensely good people who did hard things well. I will not forget the sacrifices they made and the personal resilience they and their families have shown over the last two years. Our country owes them a debt of gratitude for their unwavering service and dedication to the rule of law.

As our democratic institutions are undermined, they provide less support and protection for the individuals who staff them. Smith and his team  like the prosecutors, investigators, and judges in all the Trump cases  have already paid a personal price no one should have to pay. The threats, the bullying, and the promises of retribution will linger for years. As Smith wrote to Garland:

While we were not able to bring the cases we charged to trial, I believe the fact that our team stood up for the rule of law matters. I believe the example our team set for others to fight for justice without regard for the personal costs matters. The facts, as we uncovered them in our investigation and as set forth in my Report, matter. Experienced prosecutors know that you cannot control outcomes, you can only do your job the right way for the right reasons.

Not everyone is up for the rigors of public service in this environment. They can hardly be blamed. But it makes the efforts of people like Smith and his team all the more commendable.

The Other Special Counsel Report

As the legal battle over the Jack Smith report trundled toward its conclusion, the Justice Department released Special Counsel David Weiss report on his prosecutions of Hunter Biden.

LIVE: Hegseth Confirmation Hearing

The first confirmation hearing of a Trump nominee gets underway at 9:30 a.m. ET with Pete Hegseth appearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee. TPMs Kate Riga is in the hearing room and TPM will be liveblogging the proceedings.

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To prep for the shitshow of Senate Republicans turning a blind eye to Hegseths lack of qualifications and of fitness to serve as defense secretary, a rundown of key new stories:

Nashville Tennessean: Why Pete Hegseth nomination is a milestone for the rightwing Christian movement he follows

The New Yorkers Jane Mayer: The Pressure Campaign to Get Pete Hegseth Confirmed as Defense Secretary

WaPo: FBI did not interview Hegseth accuser ahead of hearing, people familiar say

Headline Of The Day

WSJ: Zuckerberg Debuts Real Mark in Push to Woo Trump

Los Angeles Fire Threat Still At Dangerous Levels

Do you like Morning Memo? Let us know!
Donald Trump lashed out at Jack Smith in a borderline incoherent late-night rant after the special counsel released a report finding Trump was part of an unprecedented criminal effort to overturn the 2020 election.

Apparently confusing Smiths criminal case with an earlier investigation by a select committee of the House of Representatives, the president-elect wrote on his social media platform Truth Social: Deranged Jack Smith was unable to successfully prosecute the Political Opponent of his boss, Crooked Joe Biden, so he ends up writing yet another Report based on information that the Unselect Committee of Political Hacks and Thugs ILLEGALLY DESTROYED AND DELETED, because it showed how totally innocent I was, and how completely guilty Nancy Pelosi, and others, were.

And that was just the first sentence.

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After Trump refused to concede his 2020 election to President Joe Biden and a mob of his supporters attacked the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, Congress created the House Select Committee on the January 6 Attack to investigate Trumps role in the riot. In December 2022, the committeewhich included Republicans Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzingervoted to refer Trump to the Department of Justice for prosecution.

The House committees work was only a small part of the offices investigative record Smith wrote in the first part of his two-volume report, which was released early Tuesday morning. The Department of Justice didnt release the second volume, which covers allegations that Trump kept and mishandled classified military intelligence after leaving office, because two co-conspirators are still being tried in the case.

For the election interference investigation, Smiths team interviewed more than 250 people and obtained grand jury testimony from more than 55 witnesses, leading to charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, and conspiracy against rights.

After leaving office, Donald Trump was the subject of four separate criminal investigations. / Pool / Getty Images

Smith was forced to suspend his case when Trump won a second term, thanks to a Department of Justice policy that considers it unconstitutional to prosecute a sitting president. But by law, special counsels must submit a report to the attorney general explaining why they brought certain charges.

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Despite an 11th-hour attempt from Trumps lawyers to bury the report, it was made public on Tuesday at 1 a.m. after a federal appeals court paved the way for its release.

Jack Smith is a lamebrain prosecutor who was unable to get his case tried before the Election, which I won in a landslide, Trumps rant continued. THE VOTERS HAVE SPOKEN!!!

Smiths report details how Trump himself helped run out the clock on the case thanks to his ability and willingness to use his influence and following on social media to target witnesses, courts and department employees, which required the office to engage in time-consuming litigation to protect witnesses from threats and harassment.

In a separate post, Trump claimed Smith was desperate because he released his Fake findings at 1:00 A.M. in the morning.

In fact, the report was released soon after a temporary injunction issued by Judge Aileen Cannon, whom Trump appointed to the bench in 2020, expired at midnight. It concluded that if Trump hadnt won re-election, he would have been convicted for his role in the Jan. 6 riot.
Donald Trump has not been exonerated for his unprecedented criminal effort to subvert the 2020 election and cling to power after he lost to Joe Biden.

Thats the message special counsel Jack Smith delivered in his final report, which laid out evidence Smith said would have resulted in Trumps conviction at trial. Trump is only off the hook, the special counsel wrote, because he won back the White House in 2024, forcing the Justice Department to shut down the historic prosecution.

The Department's view that the Constitution prohibits the continued indictment and prosecution of a President is categorical and does not turn on the gravity of the crimes charged, the strength of the Government's proof, or the merits of the prosecution, Smith wrote in a 137-page volume of the report that the Justice Department sent to Congress and publicly released on Tuesday morning, shortly after midnight.

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The admissible evidence was sufficient to obtain and sustain a conviction, added Smith, who resigned from his position last week.

The Justice Department is withholding for now, under court order, the second part of Smiths two-volume report. That portion details his investigation into the presence of a slew of classified documents at Trumps Mar-a-Lago home and allegations that he obstructed the investigation into how they got there.

The volume on the election case summarizes the trove of evidence that federal investigators collected during a probe that lasted years but never came close to reaching trial. Much of that evidence has been made public in indictments and court filings over the course of Smiths two-year tenure. The report draws from 250 interviews his staff conducted, as well as information gleaned from 55 grand jury witnesses and transcripts from congressional investigations.



Smith obtained reams of records, including Signal messages between one of Trumps alleged co-conspirators  former Justice Department official Jeffrey Clark  and Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.), a top Trump ally in Congress.

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The report describes a multifaceted scheme, orchestrated by Trump, to stay in power despite losing the 2020 election. That plan, Smith said, included spreading false claims of election fraud to drive up public distrust in the results. Trump then used that sentiment to lean on GOP allies in statehouses and Congress  as well as his own vice president  to help him corrupt the results, the report says.

As part of that effort, Trump and several alleged co-conspirators urged GOP activists in various states that Trump lost to sign false documents claiming to be legitimate presidential electors. Smith argued that many of those false electors were deceived by Trump and his allies, believing they were acting as a fail-safe in case Trump prevailed in any of his legal challenges to the election. Instead, Trump and his alleged co-conspirators used the false electors signed certificates as the linchpin of their efforts to disrupt Congress certification of the election results on Jan. 6, 2021.

A late-night release, and a taunt from Trump

The unusual overnight release of the first volume of the report followed last-ditch legal maneuvering by Trump on Monday night seeking to persuade U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon to keep the entire report secret.

As the Florida-based Trump appointee denied Trumps last-ditch bid, she wrote in a brief order that she only had authority to act in connection with the classified-documents case that she previously presided over. She lacked the power, she acknowledged, to dictate what the Justice Department made public about the 2020 election-focused case brought in Washington.

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The Court is therefore constrained to deny the present request for emergency relief, Cannon wrote in an order issued after 11 p.m. Monday.

An earlier order from Cannon that had temporarily blocked the public release of all of the report expired at midnight, and the Justice Department quickly released the first volume. But the department remains blocked from disseminating the second volume, on the classified documents case.

Trump has railed against the planned release of the report in recent days, pillorying Smith for unleashing a written attack on him after failing to get either criminal case to trial.

Jack is a lamebrain prosecutor who was unable to get his case tried before the Election, which I won in a landslide, Trump wrote in an early-morning taunt Tuesday on social media. THE VOTERS HAVE SPOKEN!!!

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In a letter accompanying the report, Smith directly challenged Trumps repeated claims that the election case ended in his complete exoneration.

That is false, the special counsel wrote.

Responding to critics on the left

The report also serves as a rebuttal to sharp criticism Garland and Smith have faced in recent months from some legal commentators on the left who believe that the Justice Departments efforts to prosecute the former president were too plodding and allowed Trump to effectively run out the clock on the legal process.

Smith provided great detail about the efforts that prosecutors made for months to obtain evidence useful to the investigation, despite resistance from Trump and his allies. The details underscore claims by Garlands defenders that the investigation was active earlier than many people realize.

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Smith also said his own team worked at an extraordinary pace to make sure charges were ready before Trumps reelection campaign began in earnest.

The Office's exceptional working pace ensured that its investigative work could be completed, charging decisions could be made, and any necessary indictments could be returned by the summer of 2023, long before the election, Smith wrote.

A probe that predated Smith

Smith took charge of the election investigation in November 2022: He was appointed by Garland right after Trump announced his third White House bid. But even before Smiths appointment, federal prosecutors had already begun closing in on potential charges against the former president.

As the House Jan. 6 select committee publicly aired damaging evidence about Trumps multifaceted bid to seize power despite his defeat in the 2020 election, prosecutors blanketed his allies with subpoenas and search warrants, tightening a net around Trump that seemed to increasingly point toward a historic criminal case.

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After nine months of intense, secretive court battles to force grand jury testimony from the highest levels of Trumps orbit, including from his former vice president Mike Pence, Smith charged Trump in August 2023 with three sweeping conspiracies: seeking to deprive millions of voters of their right to vote, attempting to obstruct Congress role in the transfer of power, and scheming to disrupt federal election processes.

Those efforts, Smith argued, culminated in the violent mob attack by Trump supporters on the Capitol, which prosecutors said Trump attempted to exploit to make one final push to subvert the election.

The indictment landed with explosive force in Washington. Even though Trump had already been charged in two other criminal cases  including by Smith himself in the classified documents case  the election case struck at the heart of Trumps renewed quest for power and threatened to revive liabilities that damaged Republicans standing in the 2022 midterms.

Instead, Trump marshaled the political energy unleashed by his mounting criminal cases and used them to consolidate the support of Republicans.

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At the same time, Trump deployed his long-favored courtroom strategy: interminable delay. In the election case, Trump asserted that he was immune from Smiths charges because he was fulfilling presidential responsibilities when he demanded that allies revisit the 2020 election results.

Though the judge presiding over the election case, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, quickly swept aside this argument, Trumps appeals tied up the proceedings for seven more months. And they culminated with a Supreme Court ruling last July that enshrined sweeping immunity from prosecution for most of a presidents official conduct.

The ruling triggered new court battles over the details of Smiths case, and those battles were ongoing when Trump won the 2024 election, forcing the Justice Department to end the case against him due to its longstanding policy that bars prosecutions of sitting presidents.

Last-minute wrangling over reports release

In recent days, Smiths final report became entangled in litigation seeking to block its release. The effort was undertaken by lawyers for Waltine Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira, two former co-defendants (and current employees) of Trump in the classified documents case. Cannon dismissed that case last July, concluding that Smiths appointment was illegal, but the Justice Department appealed that ruling  an appeal that remains pending against Nauta and De Oliveira.

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Nauta and De Oliveira, whose defense is being bankrolled by Trump political committees, won an order last week from Cannon temporarily blocking release of Smiths entire report because its release could make it harder for Nauta and De Oliveira to get a fair trial if the charges against them are revived.

But it seems highly unlikely that the prosecution of the two men will ever resume because Trumps DOJ is expected to abandon the effort  or Trump could simply pardon them when he returns to office next week.

On Monday, Cannon agreed not to extend her block on release of the 2020-election-related part of Smiths report, but she maintained her prohibition on the Justice Department showing the classified-document portion to anyone, including members of Congress. The Justice Department has promised not to publicly release the part of the report on the documents case out of fairness to Nauta and De Oliveira, but Garland wants to share it with leaders of the Senate and House Judiciary Committees.

Cannon set a hearing in Florida Friday afternoon to discuss DOJs plan and what assurances it has that information shared with Congress wont make its way to the public.
Since winning the election, President-elect Donald Trump has avoided providing specifics about his promise to pardon Jan. 6 defendants. And its led to rampant speculation  especially among the 1,600 defendants who have been prosecuted for their role in the Capitol riot  about just how far hes willing to go.

Vice President-elect JD Vance supercharged their angst Sunday when he said violent Jan. 6 defendants obviously shouldnt be pardoned, but quickly elaborated after Trumps MAGA allies lit him up. Vance then laid out some additional clemency criteria that are tricky to parse.

A week before Trump takes power, here are six big questions about Trumps clemency plans.

Will Trump blanket pardon all Jan. 6 misdemeanor defendants?

This seems to be Trumps most obvious Day One move: Pardon the roughly 900 Jan. 6 defendants whose conduct netted only misdemeanor charges  typically reserved for those who trespassed in the Capitol but did not commit any violence or destruction.

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These defendants have primarily received sentences of probation or brief periods of home confinement. Some with aggravating details, like a criminal history, lack of remorse or violations of their pretrial conditions of release, have faced jail time ranging from 10 days to 12 months.

A handful of prominent defendants  Infowars host Owen Shroyer, pro-Trump activist Brandon Straka, Cowboys for Trump founder Couy Griffin  pleaded guilty to misdemeanors for approaching the threshold of the Capitol even though they didnt go inside the building.

Though prosecutors have long argued that these defendants crimes provided cover for more violent perpetrators and helped overwhelm police, Trump has eagerly embraced their plight as an example of political persecution of his allies.

Vance captured this in his weekend comments on Fox News Sunday. If you protested peacefully on January 6th, and you had Merrick Garlands Department of Justice treat you like a gang member, you should be pardoned, he said.

Will Trump pardon people who committed assault? What about other felonies?

The 600-plus defendants charged with assaulting, resisting or impeding police  including nearly 200 who carried weapons  present the most vexing calculus for Trump. The president-elect has at times suggested he would consider pardoning some of these defendants, and their ranks include some of the most visible and active members of the community that has formed to support Jan. 6 defendants.

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Many of them reacted to Vances comments with alarm; theyve been arguing that every Jan. 6 case is tainted by legal infirmities and must be erased.

The J6 Hostages families have been CRUSHED by the mixed messaging, Jan. 6 assault defendant Jake Lang posted Sunday on X, invoking a moniker Trump has often used to describe those in jail for Jan. 6 crimes.

Other vocal advocates suggested Vance was misinformed or not speaking on Trumps behalf and put faith in Trump to grant broader clemency than Vance suggested. The backlash prompted Vance to update his remarks on X, saying the incoming administration cares about people provoked and people who got a garbage trial.

Aside from the assault cases, hundreds of Jan. 6 defendants face charges for impeding police during a civil disorder  typically defendants who pushed against police lines or used their bodies to interfere with law enforcement, even if their conduct didnt qualify as assault. More than 90 defendants are charged with destruction of government property, and a handful are charged with carrying firearms on Capitol grounds.

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Neither Vance nor Trump have addressed these felony cases. Nor have they addressed whether, instead of outright pardons, Trump might deploy his power of commutation  freeing defendants from prison while maintaining their convictions.

What Does Vance mean by a garbage trial?

Jan. 6 defendants have long complained theyve received unfair jury trials, in part because of the strong liberal lean of Washington, D.C. But the courts  including a slew of judges appointed by Trump  have roundly rejected those claims. Still, Vance raised the specter that Trump could look to pardon people whose trials were unfair. His metrics for that are unclear.

The vast majority of convicted Jan. 6 defendants have reached plea deals with federal prosecutors, but about 261 of them have been convicted in trials. Some of them have been decided by juries, though many of the defendants have opted for a bench trial decided by a judge. Only one defendant  who went to a bench trial  has been acquitted of all charges while defendants who faced jurors have all been convicted of at least one count they faced.

Advocates for Jan. 6 defendants have claimed that all of the cases have been unfair because theyve struggled to access and review the massive trove of evidence collected by prosecutors. And they say the jury trials have been unfair because of Washington, D.C.s intensely Democratic voting patterns and the direct impact of the attack on the Capitol, which had repercussions for D.C. residents.

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But judges  including those appointed by Trump  have universally rejected these arguments, backed up by precedent stemming from the Watergate era and the reality of what has played out in the courthouse during these trials. Theyve swept aside every effort by Jan. 6 defendants to move their trials to other regions of the country.

Judges in most Jan. 6 jury trials employ a thorough jury selection process, known as voir dire, in which prosecutors and defense lawyers can probe prospective jurors for bias. Those with clear political leanings are typically excluded, and all selected jurors must pledge under oath to decide the case only based on facts they see in trial and the law, as described to them by the presiding judge.

Courts have sharply rejected the notion that carefully vetted jurors will convict someone based purely on their political views, and theyve dismissed as flawed or misleading the polling data gathered by defendants intended to bolster their case to move trials to another venue.

What happens to leaders of the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers?

Perhaps the most sensitive question of all is what happens to the 10 seditious conspiracy convictions prosecutors secured against leaders of two far-right groups: the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers. Those convictions are the crown jewels of prosecutors four-year probe.

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Former Proud Boys leader Enrique Tarrio is serving a 22-year prison sentence for what prosecutors say was his effort to orchestrate the attack on the Capitol, deploying hundreds of carefully selected Proud Boys to help ignite the breach. Oath Keepers founder Steward Rhodes is serving an 18-year sentence for organizing dozens of allies to descend on the Capitol while amassing an enormous cache of firearms to prepare for a potential escalation.

Tarrio, who is closely tied to Trumps longtime confidant Roger Stone, has formally asked Trump for a pardon. Technically, Tarrio himself was nonviolent, but his charges ascribe a significant amount of the chaos that occurred on Jan. 6 to him and other Proud Boy leaders convicted alongside him.

How will Trumps DOJ handle ongoing Jan. 6 cases?

Nearly 500 Jan. 6 cases are still pending in federal court, including 170 where defendants have pleaded guilty or been found guilty at trial but have not yet been sentenced. Another 300 have yet to reach a verdict, including 180 felony cases of assaulting or impeding police. Prosecutors may bring additional cases before Trump is sworn in next week.

How to handle those cases will be an immediate decision for Trumps incoming DOJ leadership.

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Some lawyers expect the department to quickly seek a 30- or 60-day delay across the board to give Trumps new leaders time to realign the departments position on all Jan. 6 cases. But if Trump opts against pardoning the felony cases, it will create a perverse dynamic: The administration of a president who has downplayed Jan. 6 and championed the defendants who breached the Capitol in his name will be overseeing the trials and sentences of some of the days most egregious perpetrators.

A related issue is how Trumps DOJ will handle the basic court filings in many of the cases heading toward pleas and sentencings. The departments paperwork has long included boilerplate language describing the Jan. 6 attack as an egregious assault on democracy that threatened the transfer of power and represented one of the darkest days in American history.

It is not hyperbole to call what happened on January 6 a crime of historic magnitude, Justice Department attorneys wrote in a Monday court filing. January 6 was an unprecedented disruption of the nations most sacred function  conducting the peaceful transfer of power  Future generations will rightly ask what this generation did to prevent another such attack from occurring.

Trumps DOJ is unlikely to cast the attack in such stark terms, even if it maintains some Jan. 6 prosecutions.

What does Pam Bondi tell the Senate?

This backdrop makes the upcoming confirmation hearings for Trumps attorney general nominee, Pam Bondi, a unique opportunity to pin down specifics on the incoming administrations view of these cases. Bondi is set to appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday and Thursday.

Bondi herself has said very little about Jan. 6 over the years  and her silence has prompted some consternation from Trumps allies in the Jan. 6 defendant community. Though clemency decisions are squarely in Trumps domain, Bondi will be forced to defend his actions in court as the department seeks to maintain or unravel the ongoing cases.
Pete Hegseth pitched himself as a "change agent" to lead the Defense Department while Democrats excoriated him as unfit for any military leadership post in the first confirmation hearing for President-elect Donald Trump incoming Cabinet nominees on Tuesday.

The Senate Armed Services Committee has typically been one of the least partisan on Capitol Hill. But its members split cleanly along party lines Tuesday, as Democrats grilled Hegseth about his comments about women in the military and allegations of sexual misconduct and excessive drinking.

Republicans, meanwhile, praised Hegseth, a former Fox News host and Army combat veteran, as a necessary disrupter to the sprawling military bureaucracy.

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Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., the new chairman of the Armed Services Committee, acknowledged that Hegseth was an unconventional pick. But he said, That may be what makes Mr. Hegseth an excellent choice, comparing him to Trump.

Republicans said the military's readiness has been hampered by "woke" initiatives focused on "distractions" like diversity and climate change.

In his opening remarks, Hegseth said he would restore the warrior ethos, "rebuild our military" and re-establish deterrence if he is confirmed.

Unlike the current administration, politics should play no part in military matters. We are not Republicans or Democrats  we are American warriors, Hegseth said. Our standards will be high, and they will be equal, not equitable  that is a very different word.

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But Democrats on the committee raised a long list of objections. Their concerns included an accusation of sexual assault, allegations of financial mismanagement of nonprofit veterans groups he ran, his past opposition to women serving in combat and his lack of experience running a large organization.

Hegseth dismissed the attacks as a coordinated smear campaign in the left-wing media" and refused to engage in questions about their specifics.

"The totality of your own writings and alleged conduct would disqualify any service member from holding any leadership position in the military, much less being confirmed as the secretary of defense," said Sen. Jack Reed, of Rhode Island, the top Democrat on the panel, who said Hegseth will be the first defense nominee he will have voted against after almost three decades in the Senate.

Unfortunately, you lack the character, composure and competence to hold the position of secretary of defense, Reed added.

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The contentious hearing, which protesters interrupted several times less an hour after it began, set a tone that is likely to be prevalent at the dozen hearings also scheduled this week as senators race to help Trump fill out his administration ahead of his inauguration Monday.

Hegseth declined to meet with Democrats on the Armed Services Committee except for Reed, suggesting he is focused more on consolidating support among Republicans than on winning significant bipartisan backing. He cannot afford to lose many GOP votes in the narrowly divided Senate.

A key vote on the Armed Services Committee will be that of Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, a military veteran and sexual assault survivor who has voiced past skepticism of Hegseths bid.

She began her questioning Tuesday by introducing a letter from a Hegseth supporter before she asked whether he would support womens continuing to serve in combat roles. Seemed satisfied when he answered affirmatively.

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Yes, women will have access to ground combat roles, combat roles, given the standards remain high, he said.

Trump has stood by Hegseth throughout the process. And his allies on Capitol Hill and in outside conservative advocacy groups have been pressuring Republican senators like Ernst to support the nomination.

Hours after the hearing ended, Ernst announced that she would support Hegseth's nomination.

Still, senators in both parties have expressed concern about a 2017 sexual assault allegation.

A female staffer for a Republican womens group said Hegseth took her phone and blocked her from leaving his hotel room before he forced himself on her after a political convention in Monterey, California. She reported the incident to police, and Hegseth settled for an undisclosed sum.

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The FBI background check on Hegseth, which the chairman and the ranking member of the Armed Services Committee received late last week, does not include interviews with the woman or with Hegseths ex-wives, according to three sources with direct knowledge of the contents of the report.

Hegseth has said the relation was consensual, and his lawyer said he strongly felt that he was the victim of blackmail and innocent collateral damage in a lie that the Complainant was holding onto to keep her marriage intact.

Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., noted that that relationship occurred while Hegseth was still married to his second wife and shortly after the birth of a child resulting from a separate affair between Hegseth and a colleague.

I am shocked you would stand here and say you were completely cleared when you can so causally cheat on your second wife and cheat on the mother of a child you had fathered two months before, Kaine said. "At each one of your weddings, youve taken an oath to be faithful, is that correct? Just like you would take an oath to be faith to the Constitution as secretary of defense."

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Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., defended Hegseth and charged his fellows senators with hypocrisy.

How many senators have shown up drunk to vote at night? Dont tell me you havent seen it, because you have," he said. "And how many senators do you know have gotten divorced for cheating on their wives? ... It is ridiculous you guys hold yourselves to higher standards."

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., who has championed victims of sexual assault in the military, pressed Hegseth about how he could lead an organization in which about 18% of active-duty troops are women and a large proportion are Democrats.

Gillibrand said she understood that controversial comments Hegseth has made in the past came when he had a different job. But she noted that as recently as November, when he should have known he could be tapped by the incoming Trump administration, he said in a podcast interview that the United States should not have women in combat roles and that men in those positions are more capable.

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Please explain these types of statements, because theyre brutal, and theyre mean, and they disrespect men and women who are willing to die for this country, Gillibrand said.

Hegseth insisted that he respects women who can serve in the uniform but said his issue is with physical fitness standards, which he claimed have been lowered to allow women  a charge Gillibrand said was not true.

Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., a former Army helicopter pilot who lost both her legs when she was shot down in Iraq, raised her voice as she pressed Hegseth to answer questions he tried to evade.

You say you want to keep our forces strong by not lowering standards for women, she said. Then lets not lower our standards for you."

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Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., grilled Hegseth about his time running two veterans nonprofit groups, which, according to The New Yorker, ended when he was forced out over concerns about his management of donor funds and workplace behavior.

Hegseth says he is proud of his management and every dollar spent at the organizations.

Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, referred to NBC News reporting that Hegseth's alcohol consumption concerned his colleagues at Fox News.

While he denied he had a drinking problem, Hegseth repeated his commitment not to drink alcohol as defense secretary, if he is confirmed.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Controversial Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth appeared unapologetic and combative at his Senate confirmation hearing on Tuesday, blasting the left-wing media for attacks on his character and dismissing concerns over his lack of qualifications for running the Pentagon.

Whether that approach will get him the Republican support he needs to get the job will be decided in the next few days.

Hegseth, the FOX News commentator tapped by President-elect Donald Trump to lead American military forces, described himself to Senate Armed Services Committee members as a change agent who will be focused on the health and wellbeing of troops and a strong and secure America if confirmed to the job.

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The 44-year-old National Guard veteran, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, vowed to rebuild our military through improvements to personnel policy and increased investment in procurement.

Trump picks Fox commentator Pete Hegseth as his next Defense Secretary

Since Trump announced the pick in a late-night post on social media in November  surprising even members of his own party  Hegseths nomination has become a political storm.

Hegseth in recent years has been a fiery supporter of Trump and a critic of what he has labeled woke military policies. In several books, he wrote pointedly against a sense that Americas military has become obsessed with cultural issues, such as diversity and inclusion.

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We need to make sure every warrior is fully qualified on their assigned weapon system, every pilot is fully qualified and current on the aircraft they are flying and every general or flag officer is selected for leadership based purely on performance, readiness and merit, he told senators.

But Hegseths own chances of confirmation have been shaky in recent weeks because of questions about his qualifications.

The nominee has been accused of financial mismanagement while working at veterans nonprofits, public drunkenness in past professional settings and committing a sexual assault at a Republican Party event in 2017.

Hegseth has denied all of the accusations, in particular the 2017 case, in which no charges were filed. However, he did pay a settlement out of court to resolve the claims.

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Hegseth has also pledged not to drink if confirmed to the top defense position, while insisting he has not had a substance-abuse problem in the past.

Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker, R-Miss., brushed off the allegations as largely stemming from anonymous sources, and he praised Hegseth as a strong candidate to lead the military.

But Democrats on the committee deemed the allegations disqualifying. They also criticized Hegseths past comments about women in combat roles, the repeal of dont ask, dont tell and the importance of military diversity efforts.

You will have to change how you see women to do this job well, and I dont know if you are capable of that, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., told the nominee.

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Committee Ranking Member Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., took issue with Hegseths lack of experience running any organization as large as the Defense Department, as well as his inflammatory past comments criticizing military engagement rules and the Geneva Convention.

The secretary is expected to be a fair, nonpartisan and responsible leader, as well as a trustworthy advocate for men and women he leads, Reed said. Mr. Hegseth, I do not believe that you are qualified to meet the overwhelming demands of this job.

Even if they all oppose Hegseths nomination, Democrats in the Senate dont have enough votes to block his confirmation if Republicans present unified support.

One member of the GOP with an unclear position on Hegseth is Iraq War veteran Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, who focused her questions Tuesday on allowing women to serve in combat roles if they meet qualification standards and ensuring military sexual assault victims receive appropriate support.

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In response, Hegseth pledged support for both issues, part of an overall effort to soften his previous positions during the hearing.

Hegseth also listed out his other priorities if confirmed, which was received with interest, given his lack of Washington experience. Aside from cultural issues, he pledged to fix the Pentagons exhaustive business practices  a top priority for Wicker, who is calling for a massive defense buildup  and restore a deterrence against U.S. adversaries that he said has waned in recent years.

The hearing opened with cheers and a chant of U-S-A from members of the audience with hats sporting For Hegseth logos. Several people laughed during tense questioning between Hegseth and Democratic senators, mocking the lawmakers.

Other protesters who were angry over Hegseths nomination, as well as U.S. support for Israel, interrupted his opening statement several times.

Committee members are expected to vote on Hegseths nomination in the coming days. If he is advanced by the committee, Hegseth could be confirmed in the role shortly after Trumps inauguration, scheduled for Jan. 20.
US President-elect Donald Trump has said in an interview with the American television channel Newsmax that he aims to meet with Russian leader Vladimir Putin "very quickly" after his inauguration on 20 January.

Source: Reuters

Details: Trump did not specify a specific timeframe for the meeting, which would be the first between the two leaders since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

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Answering journalists' questions about the strategy to end the war, Trump said that the situation depends on Putin.

Quote from Trump: "Well, there's only one strategy and it's up to Putin and I can't imagine he's too thrilled about the way it's gone because it hasn't gone exactly well for him either."

Details: Trump also emphasised that it is necessary to officially assume the presidency to take certain actions.

Quote: "I would've done it sooner but...you have to get into the office. For some of the things, you do have to be there."

Background:

On 12 January, Trump's nominee for National Security Adviser Mike Waltz confirmed that the president-elect's team was working on preparing for his upcoming meeting with the Russian leader and would be in contact with the Russian side "in the coming months".

Commenting on this statement, the Kremlin noted that the Russian leader is "open to contacts".

Meanwhile, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry said that Kyiv expects a meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump to take place shortly after the latters inauguration on 20 January.

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President-elect Donald Trump praised his one-time rival, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, for calling for a special session on immigration, urging governors across the country to follow Floridas lead by taking up legislation to prepare for the illegal immigration crackdown expected once he takes office.

Florida, with DeSantis leading the charge, could pass immigration reforms in the coming weeks after the GOP leader on Monday called for a special session aiming to put the state in position to help the incoming Trump administration. DeSantis is pushing for more law enforcement funding and other immigration reforms, although Republican legislative leaders are calling the request premature.

Thank you Ron, hopefully other Governors will follow, Trump posted on social media on Tuesday.

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Trump has promised a massive deportation of people who entered the country illegally once he is inaugurated on Jan. 20, efforts that Democratic-leaning states are pledging to fight while Republicans are jumping on board.

While Florida has already outlawed sanctuary cities, DeSantis said that the state needs to do more in preparation of a second Trump term, suggesting that local officials could be suspended for neglecting their duties on immigration. DeSantis has yet to release details for what legislation Florida could take up  which is one of the major qualms expressed by lawmakers  but as one example the GOP governor wants to repeal a law that allows undocumented students to pay the in-state rate for tuition. The goal is to eliminate any preferential treatment that encourages illegal immigration, DeSantis said.

We have a responsibility to be in this fight, DeSantis told reporters at a press conference Monday.

Floridas attempt to bolster the Trump agenda comes as blue states, led by California, are pledging to fight it. Notably, California Democrats on Monday reached a deal on spending $50 million to battle the Trump administration in court and to defend immigrants against deportation, detention and wage theft.

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Still, despite Floridas GOP supermajority, some lawmakers are hesitant to take up legislation during a special session that was called by the governor on such a quick turnaround. Although DeSantis proclaimed for the session to run the week of Jan. 27, its unclear exactly how the Legislature will play ball.

I think it [would be] helpful to all of us, certainly to me, for the governor to express some sense of the landing zone, some idea of where he wants these issues to land, said Republican state Sen. Don Gaetz, a former chamber leader and father of former Rep. Matt Gaetz. Because otherwise, we wind up with a special session that either wanders or one that just concludes without doing anything.

Other lawmakers, though, are eager for the special session to start, which is scheduled a little over a month before the regular session.

The sooner we tackle these issues, the better, state Sen. Blaise Ingoglia, an ally of the governor, posted on social media. Florida should always lead from the front, especially on illegal immigration issues.

Gary Fineout contributed to this report.
(Bloomberg) -- Europes defense industry must consolidate to bolster production as the region faces Russian aggression and calls from Donald Trump to strengthen its military, Rheinmetall AG Chief Executive Officer Armin Papperger said.

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The pressure Trump is creating at the moment is good for Europe, the CEO said Tuesday on Bloomberg Television, referring to the US president elects comments that Europe should spend as much as 5% of gross domestic product on defense. Rheinmetall plans to engage very early with Trumps administration, Papperger added.

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Rheinmetall has seen orders surge since Russias initial invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which prompted Germany and other European countries to pick up military spending. The region needs a defense manufacturer that can handle about 40 billion ($41 billion) of sales annually, Papperger said, adding that Rheinmetall is pursuing acquisitions to increase its capacity.

Its possible and important to do it, Papperger said about consolidation in the industry, adding that he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin will seek to invade more countries if he succeeds in Ukraine. The CEO is currently under the same level of security protection as the German chancellor after US authorities uncovered a Russian plot to assassinate him.

Rheinmetall, which makes a range of products from tanks to reconnaissance technology, signed a 277 million deal with Italy to provide as many as four Skynex air defense systems, it said Tuesday. The Italian Army has already placed a 73 million order for a first system, while the remaining three may be supplied optionally.

Rheinmetalls stock traded less than 1% higher as of 4:28 p.m. on Tuesday. The shares have more than doubled in the past year as the company expanded production and built up a massive order book for its ammunition and military vehicles.

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The German contractor is already present in Italy via a 50:50 joint venture with Leonardo SpA to build combat tanks for Italy and other nations.

Pressure on Europe is expected to increase when Trump returns to the White House next week. During his first term, he repeatedly derided Europes lagging military spending and threatened to disrupt the NATO alliance if member countries didnt allocate more money to their armed forces.

Following elections scheduled for late February, Germanys new government will likely pursue a security deal with Trump, Papperger said.

--With assistance from Lisa Abramowicz and Annmarie Hordern.

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(Updates with additional details throughout.)

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Canadas leader may be on his way out, but hes not backing down from President-elect Donald Trumps tariff threats.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who announced his resignation last week, said Canada is prepared to respond with punitive duties of its own if the incoming American Commander in Chief pulls the trigger on his 25-percent tariff scheme.

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According to Trudeau, Canadian officials are drawing up a roster of dozens of U.S.-made productsfrom steel items to furniture, ceramics, alcohol, orange juice and pet foodthat could face steep duty hikes if Trump makes good on his threat.

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Worse still, Canada is prepared to tax energy exports to the U.S., which power states like Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota and New York. Alberta and other provinces throughout Canada export some 4.3 million barrels of oil across the border each day.

The embattled Trudeau hasnt taken Trumps tariff threats lying down, but some other Canadian leaders from the countrys Conservative partyand even former members of the Prime Ministers own cabinethave criticized his response as tepid and toothless in the face of Trumps intimidation.

With his approval ratings already in the doldrums, the hits against his leadership capacity may have spelled doom for Trudeau, who told Canadians he would step down after nearly a decade. The ruling Liberal party is expected to announce his replacement on March 9.

But as his time in office winds down, Trudeau is holding firm against foreign threats, even from allies.

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The 51st statethats not going to happen, he told MSNBC last week, referring to the U.S. president-elects repeated overtures about annexing Canada. Trumps bizarre and dubious claims to the nations Northern neighbor are merely a distraction, Trudeau continued. [P]eople are talking about that, as opposed to talking about what impact 25 percent tariffs (has) on steel and aluminum coming into the United States. No American wants to pay 25 percent more for electricity or oil and gas coming from Canada. This is something people need to take seriously.

Should Trump implement duties in the early days of his second act, Canada wont be unprepared to respond. In fact, theres a precedent for such a trade skirmish.

You may remember when Donald Trump put tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, which did nothing but raise the cost of steel and aluminum for American consumers, he said, referring to the former presidents 2018 decision to levy duties against Canada as well as the EU.

At the time, Canada hit back by slapping tariffs on more than 200 American-made products, matching the $12.6-billion value of the duties the White House placed on Canadian goods.

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It ended up causing a lot of loss in American businesses for whom Canada is their number one export partner. We are the number one export partner of about 35 different U.S. states, and anything that thickens the border between us ends up costing American citizens and American jobs. Thats not what President Trump got elected do, he added.

I know he got elected to try and make life easier for all Americans, to support American workers. These are things that are going to hurt them, Trudeau warned.

The truth is in the numbersand they back up the outgoing leaders claims. U.S. Commerce Department data from last week shows that Canada is the U.S. biggest purchasing partner, having taken in about $320 billion in American-made products during the first 11 months of 2024. In November of last year, shipments directly from the U.S. into Canada were worth $349.7 million.

As Trump prepares to take office in less than one week, Canada and Mexicowhich have both been subjected to his relentless outlash over issues like mass migration and fentanyl smuggling for monthshave demonstrated their tactical value as U.S. allies, responding to catastrophic fires in Los Angeles, Calif. and surrounding areas that began last Tuesday.

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Mexico on Saturday sent 73 firefighters to the front lines of the Eaton fire, joining more than 10,000 U.S. personnel laboring to contain its rapid spread across 14,000 acres in Altadena and Pasadena. We are a country of generosity and solidarity, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum tweeted.

Throughout the weekend, Trudeaus government deployed 60 firefighters along with multiple aerial water bombers to the raging SoCal blazes, which helped stop the Palisades fires advancement into more heavily populated L.A. neighborhoods and suburbs. After speaking with California Governor Gavin Newsom, Trudeau wrote on X, We both know that Canada and the United States are more than just neighbours [sic]. Were friendsespecially when times get tough.
Theres a new Trump bump materializing for some news outlets, though its showing up differently than it did the first time Donald Trump was elected president.

Thats the assertion from The Guardian, the British newspaper with an ambitious American arm. According to internal data shared with CNN, Trumps reelection prompted a record surge in donations to the Guardian US, which has positioned itself as a truth-teller about the president-elect and a protector of the free press.

After Trump remarked that in this term, everybody wants to be my friend, The Guardian blasted out a defiant fundraising email stating, Trump, we dont want to be your friend and urging readers to contribute a year-end gift.

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Emails like that one apparently worked. On Tuesday, The Guardian US said the outlets end-of-2024 fundraising campaign raised $5.13 million in immediate contributions, more than double the previous record $2.2 million it brought in at the end of 2023.

The Guardian US also reported $16.1 million in pledged contributions, which it defines as the long-term value of recurring subscriptions, up from $6.12 million in the same period a year earlier.

The contributions are a significant source of The Guardians US business, making up a majority of the digital outlets annual revenue, with ads and institutional philanthropy accounting for the rest. Last year, the publication brought in $33 million in reader contributions and the company expects that figure to continue to grow this year.

Trumps first election in 2016 prompted dramatic and profitable spikes in audience traffic for big news brands like The New York Times and The Washington Post. The publications worked hard to convert that Trump bump into paying customers.

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But Trumps reelection led political analysts to suggest that a fatigued public might not pay as much attention the second time around. Several media outlets have speculated about a Trump slump, and there are some data points to back that up, like relatively low TV news ratings this winter. But The Guardian US editor Betsy Reed has found otherwise.

We are already seeing signs of a Trump bump  but its not in traffic, Reed said, admitting her sites overall readership in December wasnt anything to brag about.

Instead, she said, were seeing huge spikes in reader revenue and support when we stand firm for our values, refuse to capitulate to power, and commit to keeping our journalism free and accessible.

The Guardian has used controversial moves by other outlets  like Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos blocking the papers planned endorsement of Kamala Harris  to highlight itself. While The Post and Los Angeles Times each shed thousands of subscribers over their billionaire owners overtures toward Trump, The Guardian has seen a surge in support.

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Data shared with CNN showed The Guardian US enjoyed sudden spikes in contributions when it fundraised off The Posts non-endorsement; when Trump won the election; and when The Guardian quit Elon Musks X in protest of the social networks toxicity.

This moment represents a real opportunity for mission-driven outlets to appeal directly to readers who crave tough, independent reporting, and our recent experience is proof of that, Reed said.

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By Ryan Patrick Jones and David Lawder

(Reuters) - U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said on Tuesday he will create a new government agency called the External Revenue Service "to collect tariffs, duties, and all revenue" from foreign sources as he readies new import tariffs ahead of his inauguration next week.

Trump said in a social media post he would create the department on Jan. 20, the day he takes office as president for a second term, adding that Americans have been taxed for too long by the Internal Revenue Service.

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"Through soft and pathetically weak Trade agreements, the American Economy has delivered growth and prosperity to the World, while taxing ourselves. It is time for that to change," the Republican said in a post on Truth Social.

"We will begin charging those that make money off of us with Trade, and they will start paying, FINALLY, their fair share."

A spokesperson for Trump's transition team could not be immediately reached for comment to clarify Trump's statement or explain how the new agency would work.

Trump did not specify whether the new agency would replace collections of tariffs, duties, fees and fines by U.S. Customs and Border Protection or collection of taxes on foreign corporate and individual income by the IRS.

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It also was unclear whether the move would create additional government bureaucracy, which would appear to go against the plans of Trump's informal Department of Government Efficiency, an effort led by billionaire Elon Musk and former biotech executive Vivek Ramaswamy aimed at finding trillions of dollars in budget savings by streamlining government operations.

During his presidential campaign, Trump often mused about replacing U.S. income taxes with tariff revenue, but the numbers do not add up, according to private economists and forecasters.

The conservative-leaning Tax Foundation estimates that a 20% universal tariff on all imports into the U.S. would generate $4.5 trillion over 10 years before negative economic effects that would cut net collection to $3.3 trillion over a decade. This compares to IRS gross tax collections of $4.69 trillion in fiscal 2023 alone.

Senator Ron Wyden, the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, blasted Trump's proposal.

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"No amount of silly rebranding will hide the fact that Trump is planning a multi-trillion-dollar tax hike on American families and small businesses to pay for another round of tax handouts to the rich," Wyden said.

Trump has proposed a 10% tariff on global imports, a 25% punitive duty on imports from Canada and Mexico until they clamp down on drugs and migrants crossing borders into the U.S. and a 60% tariff on Chinese goods.

Trade experts say the duties would upend trade flows, raise costs and draw retaliation against U.S. exports.

(This story has been corrected to fix the IRS tax collection figure to '$4.69 trillion in fiscal 2023 alone,' not '$16 trillion to $18 trillion every year,' in paragraph 9)

(Reporting by David Lawder and Ryan Patrick Jones; Additional reporting by Andrea Shalal; Editing by Doina Chiacu and Paul Simao)
(Bloomberg) -- Donald Trump and Joe Biden both said they are optimistic a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas could be agreed within days, pausing the devastating war in Gaza thats raged for more than 15 months.

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We are very close to getting it done, Trump, who succeeds Biden as US president on Jan. 20, said Monday in an interview with Newsmax. I understand theres been a handshake and theyre getting it finished, maybe by the end of the week.

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Hours earlier, Biden said the warring sides were on the brink of a proposal.

Israeli officials say Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus negotiators presented a detailed outline to Hamas during indirect discussions in the Qatari capital of Doha.

Hamas, on Tuesday, said talks are in the final stages and it hopes this round of negotiations will end with a clear and comprehensive agreement.

Qatar, which along with the US is the main mediator, says a deals closer than ever. The sides still disagree on some implementation details, a Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson told reporters.

The first phase of a ceasefire, to last 42 days, would lead to the release of 33 hostages from Gaza, some of whom are thought to be dead, according to Israeli officials. Palestinian prisoners would be released from Israeli jails and a buffer zone established inside the Gaza Strip to protect Israeli communities near the Palestinian territory, the officials said.

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While the terms of a second-phase are still to be negotiated, the Israel Defense Forces will not fully withdraw from Gaza until all the roughly 98 hostages are freed.

All sides are still urging caution and saying theres no guarantee of a ceasefire. Divisions remain between Hamas, designated a terrorist organization by the US and many other countries, and Israel.

The biggest obstacle has long been over whether a truce would amount to a permanent end to hostilities, something favored by Hamas, the US and regional Arab states.

Israel says its war goal  the complete destruction of Hamas as a military and political entity  is immutable and no ceasefire will change that.

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The White House has sought to bridge the gap by working on a phased ceasefire, with the second part involving talks about a permanent truce. The US wants aid flows to Gaza to increase massively as soon as a pause in the war begins.

Its there for the taking so the question is now can we all collectively seize the moment and make this happen, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Monday in an interview with Bloomberg Television. Still, weve been here before, weve been close before and havent gotten across the finish line.

The war has sparked a wider crisis in the Middle East, spreading to Lebanon and leading to missile strikes between Israel and Iran, the main sponsor of Hamas. Its also caused huge divisions globally, and Bidens position in the run-up to last years US election was undermined by many Democrats criticizing him for not putting more pressure on Israel to end the fighting.

The US hopes an end to the war will calm the region and help Israel normalize ties with Arab states such as Saudi Arabia.

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Israeli financial assets have gained on optimism about a deal, with the shekel appreciating 1.8% against the dollar on Monday, its best performance in about seven weeks. The war has weakened Israels economy and led to a surge in defense spending. As a result, the government issued more bonds than ever last year.

Hamas triggered the conflict when it raided southern Israel from Gaza, killing 1,200 and taking 250 hostages. Israel unleashed an assault that has killed at least 46,000 people in the Palestinian territory, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, and reduced much of it to rubble.

The Israeli military says just over 400 of its soldiers have been killed in combat in Gaza. More than half of Hamass roughly 35,000 fighters have died, according to Israeli estimates.

Pressure Building

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Bidens main Middle East envoy, Brett McGurk, has been in the region for more than a week negotiating the details of a ceasefire agreement.

Trump and Bidens teams have worked closely on the issue, with both sides wanting a deal before the presidential handover next week.

The pressure building here toward the end of President Bidens term has been considerable, Sullivan said.

The only ceasefire so far lasted for a week and ended in December, 2023, after the sides blamed each other for breaking its terms.

Talks over a new deal progressed over the summer before stalling.

Two of Israels most right-wing cabinet members, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, have hinted theyll try to block a ceasefire, citing the need for military action against Hamas to continue. But Netanyahu probably has enough cabinet votes for a deal to pass.

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--With assistance from Stephanie Lai and Onur Ant.

(Updates with comments from Hamas and Qatar.)

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(Bloomberg) -- US President-elect Donald Trumps vow to impose 25% tariffs on imports from Canada  a threat that has been looming for more than a month  is finally starting to disrupt Canadas oil industry.

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Canadian crude prices and shares of the countrys producers had largely shrugged off the danger of an energy trade war since Trump first posted about the tariffs in November. Many speculated that his friendliness to the oil industry and promises to cut US gasoline prices would prompt him to exempt energy products from the levies.

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That changed Monday when Alberta Premier Danielle Smith warned that, after meeting with Trump in Florida over the weekend, she saw no reason to believe oil would be excluded from the tariffs. The comments sent an index of 43 Canadian energy companies down 1.4% Monday, even as global oil prices and US energy stocks rallied.

The tariff threat is now filtering into narrower gauges of crude prices. The price of heavy Canadian crude for delivery in the second quarter in Alberta fell to a discount of $15.75 a barrel below US benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude on Tuesday, according to a trader familiar with the prices. Thats down from a $14.70 discount on Monday.

Any trade barriers that might be imposed on this free flow of trade could have a serious negative impact on the economies and consumers on both sides of the border, a spokesperson for oil sands producer Cenovus Energy Inc. said by email.

US refiners, especially in the Midwest, take nearly all of Canadas crude oil exports, and all but one of the countrys export pipelines go to the US. The newly expanded Trans Mountain pipeline to Vancouver allows as much as 15% of Canadas oil exports to be loaded onto tankers and shipped to Asia.

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While Cenovus is partly shielded from the effect of the tariffs by owning production in Canada and refineries in the US, other fuelmakers in the American Midwest are are poised to struggle. In Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana and Ohio, plants process almost 70% of the Canadian crude imported into the US, Cenovus said.

A 25% tariff on Canadian crude could increase gas prices at the pump by up to 30 cents or more per gallon, the company said.

Still, the tariff risk isnt fully priced into Canadian oil and gas shares yet, according to analysts at TD Cowen, who see potential downside of as much as 12% for some stocks.

It appears that the Canadian oil and gas equities have assumed a very low probability these tariffs will be implemented, analysts including Aaron Bilkoski and Menno Hulshof said in a report published Tuesday.

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Shares of Veren Inc., Strathcona Resources Ltd. and Baytex Energy Corp. are likely to fall the most if Trump does follow through on his threat, they said, while higher-margin companies including PrairieSky Royalty Ltd. and Topaz Energy Corp.  both energy royalty companies  are likely to see minimal impacts.

The analysts assumed that upstream companies bear a 15% hit to the price of their Canadian production, and that tariffs will be in place for a year.

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(Bloomberg) -- Donald Trump will speak virtually in Davos just three days after his inauguration as US president in what is likely to be one of the most closely watched appearances at the World Economic Forum.

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His participation so soon after entering the White House promises to be one of the highlights of the annual elite gathering in the Swiss mountain resort, where more than 60 heads of state and government are slated to attend from Jan. 20-24.

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Trumps remarks will ensure that the leadership of the US, China and the European Union are all represented in some form, according to the forum. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will be there in person, as will Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Argentine President Javier Milei will be among other world leaders there. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy will also be in Davos, according to people familiar with his plans. A house on the towns main street will host the Victor Pinchuk Foundations Your Country First  Win With Us project that his country has helped organize.

German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck will attend the event just one month before his country goes to the polls in snap elections, and the UKs embattled chancellor of the exchequer, Rachel Reeves, will be among finance ministers present.

It is happening against the most complicated geopolitical backdrop in generations, WEF President Borge Brende told a news conference on Tuesday.

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Organizers also seemingly extended an olive branch to Elon Musk, who is now part of Trumps inner circle after becoming a key financial backer in the US election.

The worlds richest man is flexing his muscle on geopolitics, from Germany to China  not just exerting his influence in the US. Hes been dismissive of the Davos crowd. Hes said in the past, back in 2022, that he turned down an invitation because it sounded boring. The organizers said he was never invited.

Today they seem to see Musk and Trump as a pair.

Hes welcome with Donald Trump when he hopefully comes physically at our next meeting, Brende said when asked if Musk was attending.

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Asked about his potential appearance, a WEF spokesman said that Musk is welcome to Davos both this year and next. There would be a lot of interest in the business community to hear about his new role.

The forums 55th meeting will take place amid persisting concerns over possible trade wars following Trumps statements about increasing tariffs, and with conflicts raging in the Middle East and Ukraine. His threats over commerce have already driven up longer-term borrowing costs around the world, International Monetary Fund chief Kristalina Georgieva has said.

She will be in Davos too, along with other prior attendees including European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde and BlackRock Inc. Chairman Larry Fink. The forum will host 3,000 participants from more than 130 countries.

--With assistance from Daryna Krasnolutska and Brendan Scott.

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(Updates with WEF comment in 11th paragraph)

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U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said on Jan. 13 that he plans to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin "very quickly," adding that the Russian leader "wants to meet" as well.

The incoming U.S. president echoed his previous comments on his intent to meet the Russian leader and hammer out a deal to end Russia's full-scale war, which nears its third anniversary. Trump initially declared during his presidential campaign he would end the war within 24 hours, though he recently extended this timeline to up to six months.

Talking to Newsmax, Trump said that Putin wants to meet as the war "hasn't gone so well for him either."

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"I know he wants to meet, and I'm gonna meet (him) very quickly," the president-elect said, adding that the meeting has to take place after his inauguration. Trump also noted that Ukraine is "being decimated" while both Russian and Ukrainian soldiers "are being killed in large numbers."

The Kremlin has already signaled Putin's willingness to meet Trump after he takes office, though no firm date has been set. Switzerland and Serbia said they are open to hosting an in-person meeting between the two leaders.

According to Trump's incoming national security advisor, Mike Waltz, the president-elect and Putin are also expected to hold a telephone call "in the coming days and weeks."

Trump has often voiced sympathies for the Russian leader while criticizing the level of support the outgoing Biden administration threw behind Kyiv. This prompted concerns that the new U.S. leadership might cut a deal unfavorable to Ukraine.

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Trump's incoming peace envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, said that the president-elect's aim is not to "give something to Putin or the Russians" but to "save Ukraine and save their sovereignty."

Trump said that specific peace proposals are still being worked out. A pitch leaked from his team  freezing the front lines, postponing Ukraine's NATO accession by 20 years, and deploying European peacekeepers on the ground  has already been rejected by Russia.

Read also: US Congress should ensure that Ukraine aid continues even under Trump, Biden says

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
From New York to San Francisco, Donald Trumps return to the White House has greenlighted a corporate cultural regression, instantaneously allowing companies to backtrack on years of climate goals and diversity and inclusion efforts with the anti-woke politico on the horizon.

Wall Street brokers and tech bros alike are celebrating the switch, claiming that they no longer feel the need to culturally consider women, minorities, or disabled people while they talk, reported the Financial Times.

I feel liberated, one top banker told the paper. We can say retard and pussy without the fear of getting cancelled. Its a new dawn.

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Those working in New Yorks financial sector also feel that they can ditch their social causes. A number of major Wall Street banks and money managers have quit industry groups focused on climate change and cutting carbon emissions, feeling that they instead can go full-throttle on making money without facing social repercussions.

Most of us dont have to kiss ass because, like Trump, we love America and capitalism, another Wall Streeter told the pink page.

Another major corporate shift has effectively left behind DEI initiatives. That began when the Supreme Court ruled on the diversity program in 2023, but the trickle became a flood after Trumps election victory, with companies such as Harley Davidson, Ford, Molson Coors, Walmart, and McDonalds peeling back on their corporate diversity commitments, according to the Financial Times.

They dont want to be caught out promising and not delivering, Richard Edelman, chief executive of public relations group Edelman, told the paper. Companies are still committed to diversity and theyre committed to inclusion, they just dont want to guarantee outcomes.

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Silicon Valley is also seemingly all in on Trumps forthcoming presidency, with Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos slated to attend the forty-seventh presidents inauguration next week alongside his Cabinet selections, according to NBC News.

The trio have courted Trumps favor in the weeks since Trump won the presidential election, cavingin their own waysto the climate of the forthcoming administration. Meta and X have heavily reduced their content-moderation policies, allowing disturbing language to circulate openly on their platforms, while Bezos canceled The Washington Posts (which he owns) plans to endorse Vice President Kamala Harriss candidacy.

A coalition of top tech heads, including Zuckerberg, Bezos, Apples Tim Cook, Googles Sundar Pichai, and OpenAIs Sam Altman, all pledged $1 million to Trumps inauguration fund, according to the Financial Times.
Ukraine's European allies have expressed cautious optimism that US President-elect Donald Trump will not force Kyiv into premature negotiations with Russia.

Source: Bloomberg with reference to European officials who spoke on condition of anonymity, as reported by European Pravda

According to the officials who are familiar with the content of the closed-door talks, the transatlantic partners spoke in favour of continuing to support Ukraine.

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The exchange, they said, opens up the prospect that the new administration could help war-exhausted Ukraine return to a position of strength before any talks take place.

But those who have held private talks with the new president have called for caution, as Trumps history of ignoring advice or changing the plan at the last minute leaves room for uncertainty.

"The Trump officials appeared to be receptive to two arguments, the Europeans said: that the new US leader would risk humiliation comparable to President Joe Bidens chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan if he pulled the plug on Kyiv  and that allowing Russia to achieve such a victory would only embolden China to consider more aggressive moves," Bloomberg reports.

Trumps plans for the Russo-Ukrainian war are still unclear a week before the 47th presidents inauguration. Strategists on Trump's team have been floating a few ideas, but European and Ukrainian officials say there is no cohesive strategy for Ukraine that could be offered after the inauguration on 20 January.

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But the talks have sparked a sense of cautious relief in European capitals, where officials have been playing out worst-case scenarios if Trump keeps his promise to end the war quickly  and perhaps strikes a deal that benefits Russia.

Trump has already surprised many leaders by asking smart questions about the war during meetings and calls with Europeans, the officials say.

Trump expressed interest in overseeing a Ukraine deal, according to people familiar with the conversations. He also expressed criticism of Putin's behaviour, even as he tried to open a channel of communication with the Russian leader.

However, according to the sources, the newly elected president gives the impression that he is not overly concerned about Ukraine's fate or does not recognise the strategic importance of the war for US interests.

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Details: There is growing conviction in European capitals that an agreement to end the war will be reached in the foreseeable future. They hope that tougher sanctions against Moscow and continued military support for Kyiv will result in economic and military losses for Russia and open the way for negotiations for Ukraine.

Despite the anti-Ukraine campaign rhetoric, the Trump team is aware of what a failure in the war could mean, especially with the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan, some officials said.

They said that when it comes to finding a solution, there is an understanding that any deal in one form or another must include security guarantees for Kyiv. This will inevitably lead to a heated debate about whether to deploy US troops if Ukraine is attacked after the ceasefire, an essential element to secure European support, according to people familiar with the discussions.

Keith Kellogg, formerly a national security adviser to former Vice President Mike Pence, has suggested maintaining the level of aid to Ukraine so that it can negotiate from a position of strength. He outlined a potential deal involving freezing the current frontline and create a demilitarised zone, postponing Ukraine's NATO membership "for an extended period".

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According to European officials, the issue of Ukraine's NATO membership, which is one of Russia's main demands, is unlikely to move forward with Trump. However, Europeans want to keep the issue on the table, they said.

Background:

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she did not expect US President-elect Donald Trump to "abandon" Ukraine.

US President-elect Donald Trump has emphasised that he would continue to support Ukraine in his efforts to resolve the Russian-Ukrainian war.

Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has stated that the European Union is prepared to take a leading role in helping Ukraine if US assistance falters.

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What does it mean to study democracy?

At Emory Universitys Fox Center for Humanistic Inquiry, it may mean researching protest culture in Black music traditions. Or the politics behind ideological shifts in the Czech and Slovak punk scene. Or the intersection of personal space and the public sphere in womens writing across cultures.

Regardless of topic, studying democracy means engaging in dialogue with other scholars working across diverse humanistic disciplines  and emerging with new insights.

This has been the work of the 2024-25 cohort of undergraduate fellows at the Fox Center, the universitys hub for the humanities.

This is the first year that the center has selected its scholars and organized events around a theme: Democracy: Past, Present, Future. Its also the first time the undergraduate fellows program has spanned a full academic year.

The Fox Center is engaged in a period of redefinition under the leadership of Carla Freeman, Goodrich C. White Professor of Womens, Gender and Sexuality Studies. The redesign broadens the centers public engagement across all its fellowship programs at the graduate, postdoctoral research, faculty and undergraduate levels.

The expansion of the undergraduate program, especially, is key to what Freeman calls her big-tent vision for the center, which focuses on amplifying the crucial importance of humanistic inquiry and scholarship beginning with undergraduate students.

I really believe that investing in the undergraduate experience is essential, not just on Emorys campus, but for the future of this country and the rest of the world, she says, especially in this time of political division and uncertainty.

Undergraduate Fox fellows are fourth-year students working on their honors theses in the humanities and humanistic social sciences. They receive support from senior fellows  graduate students, postdoctoral researchers and faculty  who serve as dedicated mentors.

But for the undergraduates taking part in the program, the impact of their time at the center goes far beyond the projects theyll turn in come April.

The humanities hold bright futures

Alex Minovici has always been passionate about research and academics. A double-major in history and philosophy, politics and law, she also minored briefly in physics, figuring, I loved learning about the whole world, including the history of it, so why not the physicality of it, too?

When she learned about the program at the Fox Center, she felt almost as if she had stumbled across something intended expressly for her.

I was excited, she says, to learn there was an institution on campus that supports students interested in using the humanities for research thats relevant to the world today.

Minovici, whose family is from Romania, is writing an honors thesis about how national memory of that nations violent 1989 revolution influences political engagement there now.

In the fall, financial support from the fellowship enabled her to travel with two other fellows to a major academic conference on Slavic, East European and Eurasian studies. There, the students met potential PhD program contacts and saw how scholarly conversations about their areas of study are playing out on a broader academic stage.

A lot of people like to harp on, Oh, youre getting a humanities degree. What are you going to do with that? says Minovici. It turns out there are a lot of things to do with it.

Shes now considering pursing a PhD in anthropology, inspired in part by conversations with a graduate fellow.

She says experiences like these conversations, the academic conference and a Fox Center tour of the Michael C. Carlos Museum led by a former fellow have demonstrated a wide range of academic and professional possibilities offered by a life in the humanities.

And thats exactly the idea.

Shiv Datt Sharma, the undergraduate fellows programs graduate teaching assistant, says that giving young scholars a taste of what it means to be a professional in the humanities is a cornerstone of the program.

We try to find ways for students to see beyond the scholarly project of their theses, he says, to the larger experience of intellectual and cultural life in the humanities.

Learning from those whove been there

Back in August, when Klaire Mason came to the Fox Center as a new undergraduate fellow, she had a tough time describing her thesis-in-progress to people.

Meetings with her Fox Center advisor changed that for the history and creative writing major.

Visiting faculty fellow Hubert Tworzecki helped Mason pare down her many ideas to a succinct focus: how President Vladimir Putins election to a third term put Russia on an authoritarian trajectory.

After further research, Mason noticed what she calls a huge gap in the academic literature.

She now plans to continue her scholarship at the graduate level, informed by conversations with Fox fellows at more senior levels about what to expect from the PhD program experience.

These sorts of breakthroughs are exciting to watch, says Sharma. Im seeing just how much professional confidence students are able to build. Its really magical for me to watch them realize how meaningful their work is to the larger world.

One theme, many intersections

The democracy theme attracted a diverse array of topics  and fellows have also found inspiration in the spaces of overlap.

Take Paige Scanlon and Yijin Li.

Scanlon is an interdisciplinary studies major engaging in ethnographic work with Tibetan nuns. During a recent peer review session, she suggested the religious concept of darshan to art history major Yijin Li as a possible avenue of study. Lis thesis looks at a rare type of Tibetan Buddhist scroll.

Or Adelaide Rosene and Alex Minovici.

Rosene is a history major and English minor whose work studying the racial violence of sundown towns in the Midwest inspired Minovici to apply the concept of slow violence to her work about Romania. (Slow violence occurs over time and often is not immediately identified as violence.)

The interdisciplinary approach at the Fox Center reflects the way scholarship happens in the larger world, says Freeman. Youll find anthropologists doing literary analysis and sociologists working quantitatively as well as qualitatively. And I think for the students to witness that and experience it, it's just beautiful to watch.

It takes a village to write a thesis

Whether sharing research methods, getting inspiration from new ideas or discovering that everyone elses writing process is just as messy as ones own, achievement in the program is fueled by a deep sense of camaraderie.

Because what we do is bring our own individual ideas and excitement and curiosity, says Scanlon, and then meld that with the passion and spirit of others. So, on a thesis, youre the one writing it and signing your name, but really, it takes a village. Ive really been reminded of that within the Fox fellowship.

Fellow student Jaytrice Mackey, an African American studies major, recalls the very first day she visited the house where the Fox Center is based to meet the other fellows. Walking away, she says, I was so excited, I called my sister back home, and I was like, You wont believe this. Theyre creating a community. A community of scholars.
Having a strong federal Education Department does not have to mean ceding local control, writes Kalman Hettleman, who says calls to do away with the department under the Trump administration are a mistake. Getty Images.

With apologies to Hamlet: Is the U.S. Department of Education to be or not to be? That is the question, deeply controversial, about public education in the wake of Donald Trumps election.

Trump/MAGA want to trash the USDOE altogether. Yet, reason and experience show its elimination would be irrational and a severe blow to the future of our schoolchildren.

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Our country desperately needs an invigorated, muscular USDOE that can provide leadership in rescuing our schools from the mediocrity which is particularly ruinous for our most vulnerable students, particularly those who are Black and brown.

The mediocrity was recognized as far back as the 1970s. In 1983, it was exposed in the most famous study of U.S. public schools in our countrys history: A Nation at Risk. Its call to action was embraced by liberals and conservatives (including President Ronald Reagan) alike.

The study emphasized that the terrible plight of public education was national in scope and impact. A well-educated populace is indispensable to our entire nations economic and social well-being.

Nonetheless, for decades, there has been vehement opposition to a meaningful federal role. The opposition was expressed in the Every Student Succeeds Act that in 2016 rolled back already weak national standards and accountability measures.

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In the meantime, states and localities have violated the civil right of students to adequate educational opportunity, while trying to hide their wrongdoing.

Your opinion matters

Maryland Matters welcomes guest commentary submissions at editor@marylandmatters.org.

We suggest a 750-word limit and reserve the right to edit or reject submissions. We do not accept columns that are endorsements of candidates, and no longer accept submissions from elected officials or political candidates.

Opinion pieces must be signed by at least one individual using their real name. We do not accept columns signed by an organization. Commentary writers must include a short bio and a photo for their bylines.

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Views of writers are their own.

Almost all states have lowered academic standards and inflated student achievement to conceal the true breadth and depth of illiteracy and ill-numeracy nationwide. In order to look better than other states, they engage in what is known as a race to the bottom. Telltale evidence is that scores under the only national tests of student performance  the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)  are significantly lower than under state tests. Marylands proficiency scores under NAEP are lower by about 15-20 percentage points than scores under Marylands own tests.

Some states make greater effort than others, and the Blueprint for Marylands Future arguably tops the list. But even Maryland falls short. Witness the Blueprints serious growing pains. So, a no-nonsense national education policy led by the USDOE should be a no-brainer.

What, then, are the political obstacles? Republicans seem a lost cause, given their reactionary zeal to eliminate USDOE.

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And Democrats, surprisingly, are lukewarm. In general, they, like Republicans, supported the emasculation of the national Every Student Succeeds Act. They want to preserve the USDOE but show little to no interest in shaking up its institutional inertia. They kowtow to politically influential state and local officials and teacher unions who dont want to diminish their power under local control.

In truth, a well-crafted national education policy shouldnt be nearly the intrusion on local control that Republicans and Democrats fear. The foundation of the policy would be adequate funding (equalized on the basis of state wealth) and accountability measures that tie the purse strings to national standards and tests and evidence-based best practices.

That doesnt mean the feds call all the shots. Such a policy would be impractical and unwise. Rather, we need what I have called a New Education Federalism. In short, the feds only get to say what the minimal national requirements should be. State and local school districts still get to say how the funds would be spent; they retain enormous flexibility to customize how schools are governed, teachers are trained, instructional materials are selected, and systems are generally managed.

This is not the political mission impossible you might think. Recent history includes the bipartisan support (led by Bill Clinton and George W. Bush as governors and presidents) for higher national standards and greater national accountability, and the Obama administrations Race to the Top, which conditioned more federal money on several reforms.

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Also, keep in mind that such a national education policy wouldnt differ much in principle from national policy in countless other fields. For example, health care, housing, Social Security, transportation, job safety and so on. States have fallen far short of assuring fundamental rights that are a floor, not ceiling, for national well-being. Especially in education and social welfare, the U.S. lags conspicuously behind the national policies of other countries.

Now, given the focus on the future of the USDOE, we should seize the moment to rethink and greatly strengthen the federal role in public education. Someday, courts will no longer be dominated by ultra-right judges, and could create momentum toward a long-overdue constitutional civil right to read and achieve state standards.

But we cant afford to wait. The nation has never been more at-risk. And national leadership led by USDOE has never been more urgent.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Its not uncommon to see social media posts about coyotes and the potential danger to small cats and dogs during this time of the year.

The Ohio Division of Wildlife said that each year, there are social media posts that have some inaccurate information about coyotes.

Victim identified, details released after deadly crash on I-71 in Delaware County

Wildlife Officer John Coffman said pet owners should be aware of coyotes but not afraid of them. People may be seeing the animals more often right now because of the lack of vegetation and the snow on the ground. Coffman said coyotes can be a danger to smaller pets.

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Think about the normal prey for a coyote would be something like rabbits and mice, so if you have something small that they can get ahold of, thats smaller than them, they are opportunistic, Coffman said.

Pets ten pounds and under are most at risk of coyote attacks, but Coffman said there are many things you can do to prevent coyotes from coming near your animals.

Make sure your trash is put up in good receptacles or containers, keeping scraps out of the yard, he said. Anytime you do let cats or dogs outside to use the restroom or to feed, maybe going outside before, making sure the area is clear of any coyotes and then staying out there while the animal does what it needs to do and then bringing the animal back inside.

Huntington Bank completes sale of Columbus skyscrapers marked for redevelopment

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Even though there are posts on social media right now about coyotes, some pet owners said they arent too worried.

All I do is I just sort of keep an eye on him when I let him out in the backyard, dog owner Michael Blair said. I feel like hes kind of borderline size where it would be an issue. I think it would take a rather large coyote to harm him.

Coffman said this is the right attitude to have when it comes to coyotes. He said it mostly comes down to responsible pet ownership.

Three Ohio cities significantly drop in Zillows 2025 most competitive markets list

A coyote is a part of the natural road here in Ohio and as long as we are responsible and mindful of the decisions we make, a coyote shouldnt have any issues at all, he said.

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Coffman mentioned that coyotes are very adaptable, so they are just as likely to be found in the middle of an urban area as in the woods. No matter where people live, Coffman said they should be keeping an eye on their small pets.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host and Donald Trumps pick to lead the Department of Defense, was excoriated by Democratic senators over his ability to lead the Pentagon and allegations of sexual assault during a Tuesday confirmation hearing.

Hegseth, one of Trumps most contentious Cabinet picks, appeared rattled by questions on military protocol and foreign policy, and had few answers over past controversies.

In one exchange, Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., asked the National Guard vet how many members are in ASEAN? referring to the alliance of Southeast Asian nations.

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I couldnt tell you the exact amount of nations in that, but can tell you we have allies in South Korea, in Japan, and in AUKUS with Australia, Hegseth responded. Duckworth noted that none of those nations were ASEAN members.

Hegseth, who last year said women shouldnt serve in combat roles, demonstrated gaps in his understanding of hiring practices for female enlistees, too.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., expressed concern over Hegseths terrible quotes on women in combat roles, asking him why he denigrated active-duty service members but claimed he supported all Americans serving in combat roles in a pre-hearing questionnaire.

Hegseth responded by arguing that standards have been changed in military hiring practices to ensure more women could serve.

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Commanders meet quotas to have a certain number of female infantry officers, Hegseth suggested before Gillibrand tore into the claim.

Commanders do not have to have a quota for women in the infantry. That does not exist, Gillibrand said. There are not quotas.

Beyond misunderstandings of military function, senators grilled Hegseth on allegations of sexual assault that have bogged down his confirmation process. In 2017, a police report was filed on Hegseths alleged assault of a woman in California, conduct his mother cited in an email to her son claiming he abused women.

In one exchange, Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., asked about allegations, which Hegseth called "anonymous smears" in response.

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Kelly noted that Hegseth offered up conflicting defenses for the assault allegations and Hegseths reported history of alcohol abuse, the former of which the FBI did not fully scrutinize in its background check.

KELLY: You needed to be carried out of the event for being intoxicated. True or false?



HEGSETH: Anonymous smears.



KELLY: You were noticably intoxicated and had to be carried up to your room. True or false?



HEGSETH: Anonymous smears. pic.twitter.com/QT0ON8111R  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) January 14, 2025

Which is it  have you overcome personal issues, or are you the target of a smear campaign? It can't be both. It's clear to me that you're not being honest, Kelly said. You know the truth would disqualify you from getting the job.
Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) said Monday that California doesnt deserve funding after wildfires unless they make some changes.

If you go to California, you run into a lot of Republicans, a lot of good people, and I hate it for them, but they are just overwhelmed by, by these inner-city woke policies with the people that vote for them, Tuberville said on Newsmaxs The Chris Salcedo Show, in a clip highlighted by Mediaite.

And it  you know, I dont mind sending them some money. But unless they show that theyre [going to] change their ways and get back to building dams and storing water, doing the  the maintenance with the brush and the trees and everything that everybody else does in the country, and they refuse to do it, they dont deserve anything, to be honest with you, unless they show us theyre [going to] make some changes, he added.

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The recent Los Angeles-area fires have devastated the region, destroying property en masse and leaving a death toll in the double digits in their wake.

On Sunday, Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) predicted that there will be strings attached to money that is ultimately approved for Los Angeles-area fire aid.

Do you expect, though, that Congress and Republicans will still help these Americans in need, even if they dont like their local politics in the party? CBS Newss Margaret Brennan asked Barrasso on Face the Nation.

I expect that there will be strings attached to money that is ultimately approved, and it has to do with being ready the next time, because this was a gross failure this time, the Wyoming Republican responded.

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California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) raised concerns in an interview that aired Sunday about the chance of President-elect Trump withholding federal disaster aid to the Golden State during the deadly fires.

Hes done it in Utah. Hes done it in Michigan, did it in Puerto Rico. He did it to California back before I was even governor, in 2018, until he found out folks in Orange County voted for him and he decided to give them money, Newsom said in the interview.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
KOKOMO  An exhibit on the Tuskegee Airmen and Kokomos ties to the group of Black World War II pilots and airmen is on display at the Artworks Gallery in downtown Kokomo.

Free exhibition tours will be offered to community groups, churches and schools starting Jan. 19 in commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and will continue through Feb. 22.

Tuskegee Airmen: Americas Freedom Flyers and the corresponding mural across the street recognizing the Kokomo men who were part of the Tuskegee Airmen, was put together by the Howard County Memorial Corporation.

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The curator is local woman Robin Williams, who is also vice president of the memorial corporation.

The exhibit opened last year on Memorial Day at Grissom Air Museum.

It features 44 panels and 50 artifacts.

There were 992 African American pilots trained between 1942 and 1946. Roughly 14,000 men and women joined the Tuskegee Airmen as ground support.

Five of the Airmen were from Howard County: Lt. Col. Bennett Hardy, Lt. John McClure, Maj. John Cunningham, Andrew Dunnigan Jr. and Gordon Morgan.

Among the collection is more information on Howard Countys Tuskegee Airmen, a rare Tuskegee civilian flight training manual, Indiana-specific information on the Airmen and a 2006 Congressional medal that was distributed to surviving Airmen in 2007.

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To schedule a tour, contact Williams at 317-213-5278 or email curator@nolaworld.org.

Educational curriculum and activity packets will be available to each classroom teacher, community or church group that schedules a tour.

Artworks Gallery, 210 N. Main St., is open noon to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Additional tour times may be possible by special arrangement.

The Tuskegee Airmen exhibit will travel the country after leaving Kokomo. Its next stop is St. Louis.
MEMPHIS, Tenn.  Two Memphis firefighters were injured in a house fire in Whitehaven on Tuesday morning, according to the fire department.

The Memphis Fire Department responded to the fire at an occupied home in the 900 block of Hale Road just before 4 a.m. The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental and electrical, according to the MFD.

The two firefighters who were injured were transported to Regional One with burns. Their conditions at this time are unknown.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  A Lansing police vehicle was involved in a crash Monday afternoon.

The incident happened on S. Pennsylvania Ave near the I-496 ramp.

At least two vehicles were involveda Lansing Police Department patrol car and a second unspecified vehicle. According to LPD, the officers vehicle had lights and sirens on at the time of the crash, and the officer did stop at the red light.

An officer and the driver of the other vehicle were taken to a nearby hospital with what police say are non-life-threatening injuries.

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At this time, it is not known when exactly the crash happened or if alcohol or other substances were involved. Further details on how the crash occurred are also not available at this time.

6 News is currently in contact with the Lansing Police Department and will update this story with additional information as it is made 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 WLNS 6 News.
SIU Carbondale journalism students will head to Washington, D.C., later in the week to cover President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration on Monday, Jan. 20. From left are Dominique Martinez-Powell, Carly Gist, Lylee Gibbs, Ryan Grieser, Enan Chediak and Will Elliott. (Photo by Russell Bailey)

SIU Carbondale journalism students to travel to D.C. to cover Inauguration Day

by Pete Rosenbery

CARBONDALE, Ill.  Six Southern Illinois University Carbondale journalism students will receive hands-on experience covering President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration on Monday, Jan. 20.

The students will travel to Washington, D.C., for ceremonies marking the event and activities surrounding the inauguration. Among the stories that students look to report on are Illinoisans who are going to Washington to celebrate or to protest, security around the U.S. Capitol, and visiting the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial that morning. Inauguration Day and Martin Luther King Jr. Day are both on Jan. 20.

Going to Washington for the inauguration is the ultimate hands-on journalism lab experience, said Alee Quick, interim faculty managing editor for the Daily Egyptian, the SIU Carbondale student-run campus newspaper.

Media availability

For more information or interviews, email Alee Quick, interim faculty managing editor, Daily Egyptian, at aquick@dailyegyptian.com.

Students will make their own way on the journey, including logistical planning, travel and packing warm layers of clothes and battery chargers as they experience making history, Quick said.

News reporting is the first historical record, so they will get to learn about being on the front lines of writing history and all the responsibility that comes with that, Quick said. Inaugurations are always historical, but this one comes with some historic uniqueness. Theyll learn about incremental reporting, about breaking news, about being adaptable as events unfold. Theyll learn the joys  and sorrows  of filing from the road.

Students eager to cover

Julia Rendleman, an assistant professor in the School of Journalism and Advertising, said students wanted to make the journey to Washington whether Trump or the Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, won the November 2024 general election.

I was impressed with their stick-to-itiveness, said Rendleman, who was a journalism student at SIU Carbondale in 2008 when she covered then-President-elect Barack Obamas election night victory speech from Grant Park in Chicago. As journalists, we cover whatever is happening, regardless of party politics. The students know that, and they wanted to go ahead and cover the inauguration.

Quick said students expect to see some interesting threads of history weaving together on that day.

Some students have also proposed to look at fashion and clothing around the inauguration, she said. Trumps supporters are known for flamboyant fashion at rallies, and we want to see how they dress up for this big, celebratory event.

Students will learn about crowd coverage

Before leaving for Washington, the students participated in exercises that involve covering news in large crowds and challenging news environments. Quick anticipates exciting coverage noting that this crew of students represent so many talents.

Weve got some star photographers, incredible reporters, talented writers and adept videographers, she said. This group can do anything. So, expect to see a great variety in the dispatches from D.C.  powerful photos, compelling writing and videos thatll take you to the heart of it all.

Students participating are:

Enan Chediak, senior, art (photography), Herrin, Illinois .

. Will Elliott, freshman, radio, television, digital media and journalism (broadcasting), Downers Grove, Illinois .

. Lylee Gibbs, junior, journalism, Du Quoin, Illinois .

. Carly Gist - junior, journalism and social work, Evansville, Indiana .

. Ryan Grieser, senior, journalism, Fisher, Illinois.

Dominique Martinez-Powell, senior, journalism (photojournalism) and psychology, Springfield, Illinois.

The students coverage will run in the Jan. 22 Daily Egyptian print edition along with online coverage at dailyegyptian.com on Inauguration Day. There will also be coverage on the newspapers Facebook and Instagram platforms.

Expanding news coverage for students

Molly Parker-Stephens, an assistant professor in the program, credits Jan Thompson, director of the School of Journalism and Advertising, in project planning and support, noting that Thompson wants to see students engage in covering major national news events more often, and she secured accommodations for the trip more than a year ago.

It pushes students out of their comfort zones, forces them to hustle and exposes them to the realities of political reporting, Parker-Stephens said.

The live coverage will serve as a jumping-off point for Parker-Stephens public policy reporting class this semester and augment the accountability work of the Saluki Local Reporting Lab within the School of Journalism and Advertising, headed by Parker-Stephens and Rendleman.

Most of the students attending are part of my class, and when they return, well dive into covering Trumps second term, she said. Ill encourage them to approach their work with an accountability mindset  tracking the promises he makes as hes sworn in. Theyll dig into key policy areas like immigration, education and social welfare, connecting with real people in the region to understand how these policies impact lives and whats at stake. The goal is to cut through the rhetoric, determine what gets done  and what doesnt  and explore who wins and who loses.
MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11)  Its been nearly a year since surveillance cameras caught a group of young migrant men engaged in a group assault against two NYPD officers.

On Monday, two men25-year-old Marcelino Estee and 24-year-old Yorman Reveronboth of Venezuelashowed up in Manhattan Criminal Court, ready for sentencing.

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As part of a plea deal on a charge of 2nd-degree assault, Estee will spend two years in prison, followed by 3-years of post-release supervision.

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Reverons sentencing was put on hold until March 3rd because his sentencing report hadnt been completed.

PBA President Patrick Hendry, told PIX11 News in a statement, This sentence is another small step towards justice in this brazen attack on our brothers. Once those prison sentences are up, any of the attackers who are here illegally must be deported right away, before they can victimize anyone else.

At the time, the incident added fuel to the already fiery debate over the migrant crisiseven as advocates on both sides acknowledge criminals represent a fraction of the tens of thousands of migrants who now call New York City, home.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
A Delta Airlines flight and Unites Airlines narrowly missed colliding near Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport over the weekend.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which is investigating the incident, told PEOPLE in a statement that the near-miss happened on Saturday, Jan. 11 at around 11 a.m. when Delta Air Lines Flight 1070 and United Airlines Flight 1724 experienced a loss of required separation."

The crews on both airplanes received alerts onboard that the other aircraft was nearby, and air traffic control at the airport issued corrective instructions to both flight crews, the FAA statement explains. Both planes were able to eventually land safely, the organization said.

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The incident has prompted the FAA to begin an investigation into how the passenger jets got so close to each other to begin with.

DANIEL SLIM/AFP via Getty Aerial view of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on January 6, 2020. Aerial view of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport on January 6, 2020.

Related: 2 Passenger Planes Collide on Airport Runway After Snowy Conditions Caused Skid

The Delta Airlines flight was an Airbus A330-300 coming in from Detroit, while the United Airlines flight was a Boeing 737-900 coming in from San Francisco, according to local news outlet KPNX. The flights had 245 passengers and 123 passengers and six crew members, respectively.

United Airlines said in a statement to PEOPLE that while preparing to land at Phoenix, the plane got an automatic flight deck warning to change their altitude, which prompted the pilots to act immediately and land the plane safely. It added that it was working with the FAA on its investigation.

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Delta added in a statement to PEOPLE, "As nothing is more important than safety, Delta flight crews extensively train to handle uncommon scenarios such as this and followed the resolution advisory as directed."

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 incident was captured in photos by Arizona resident and aviation enthusiast Justin Giddens, who told KTVK, I just was watching it make its turn and all of a sudden I see another plane coming off to the left looking like theyre in an intersecting path.

Related: 'Is That a Plane on the Runway?': Investigation Reveals Cause of Southwest Plane Near-Collision

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It was immediate panic mode, Giddens recalled. I know the way the planes are supposed to be in the pattern on approach to Sky Harbor. So the big and the small plane kind of make it look like they were a lot further apart, [but] it was very, very close.

Aviation safety expert Cary Grant, who analyzed the video of the two planes, told KTVK that it sounds like the controller got preoccupied with other aircraft they were checking on at the frequency at the same time.

He added that he didnt think a collision was likely to occur thanks to the clear weather conditions at the time.



Read the original article on People
Two passenger planes nearly collided midair - with 400 people on board between them - before landing in Phoenix, and now the FAA is investigating.

The incident, involving United Airlines Flight 1724 traveling from San Francisco and Delta Air Lines Flight 1070 traveling from Detroit, occurred around 11 a.m. January 11, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

The planes experienced a loss of required separation when they were heading toward Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, the agency said.

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At one point, both aircraft were just 425 feet apart vertically, and less than a second later, they were less than a quarter of a mile apart horizontally, CBS News reported.

Both flight crews received onboard alerts that the other aircraft was nearby and air traffic control issued corrective instructions to the crews, the agency noted. Both planes landed safely.

A United plane and a Delta plane almost collided when both passenger planes were about to land at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (12News / screengrab)

The United flight was carrying 123 passengers and six crew members and the Delta flight was carrying 245 passengers.

An air traffic controller tells he United flight to land on Runway 7 and then told the Delta flight to shift and land on Runway 8, audio obtained by CBS News showed. A robotic voice can be heard on the Delta flight saying: Descend. Descend.

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Justin Giddens saw the close call in the skies from the ground and filmed it.

My first reactions were just shocked and suprised that two commercial airliners with hundreds of people on them were on a converging path, Giddens told ABC News.

The FAA said it is investigating the incident.

Pilots on the United flight received an automated flight deck warning to change altitude, a United spokesperson told The Independent in a statement.

Plane tracking website FlightAware tracking of the United flight captured the altitude shift just before landing.

The flight tracking of United Flight 1724 shows a slight altitude shift just before it landed after warnings told the aircrafts flight crew that it was headed for a collision (FlightAware)

The pilots acted immediately and landed safely. Were working with the FAA on its investigation, the statement read

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A Delta spokesperson told The Independent in a statement:As nothing is more important than safety, Delta flight crews extensively train to handle uncommon scenarios such as this and followed the resolution advisory as directed.

The Independent has reached out to Delta for comment.
Two police bomb disposal experts from Zaporizhzhia Oblast  30-year-old Senior Lieutenant Oleksii Safonov and 36-year-old Lieutenant Illia Derhilov  were killed during demining operations in one of the villages of the Bilozerka hromada, Kherson Oblast. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories  ed.]

Source: Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine

Details: It is reported that during the disposal of the warhead of an unexploded drone in the village in Kherson Oblast, two bomb disposal experts of the Main Directorate of the National Police of Zaporizhzhia Oblast were tragically killed. The victims were 30-year-old Senior Lieutenant Oleksii Safonov and 36-year-old Lieutenant Illia Derhilov.

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The requests of two prisoners who have taken the unusual step of asking a federal judge to nullify their death row commutations granted by President Joe Biden should be denied because the act of leniency doesn't violate the Constitution, the Justice Department argued Monday in a court filing.

The inmates  Shannon Agofsky, 53, and Len Davis, 60  are being held in a federal prison in Terre Haute, Indiana, where the U.S. government puts inmates to death. A week after Biden announced he was commuting the sentences of 37 of the 40 prisoners on federal death row to life without the possibility of parole, Agofsky and Davis filed emergency motions seeking an injunction to block the change, arguing it could affect their appeals amid claims of innocence in their initial convictions.

In responding to Davis' request for an injunction, the U.S. government offered three reasons U.S. District Judge James Sweeney should deny it, writing that not only are commutations legal, but also that the president has the authority to decide them and a prisoner has "no authority to reject" one.

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"The President's commutation of a sentence 'is the determination of the ultimate authority that the public welfare will be better served by inflicting less than what the judgment fixed,'" the U.S. attorneys wrote. "Allowing Davis to veto this action would encroach on this exclusive and ultimate authority that is 'part of the Constitutional scheme.'"

The Justice Department said Agofsky has failed to identify a "jurisdictional basis for his petition."

In his filing, Agofsky said he is worried that no longer being a death row inmate would strip him of heightened scrutiny in his case or the process in which courts should examine death penalty cases for errors because of the life and-death consequences of the sentence.

Besides requesting an injunction, the men also asked for co-counsel to be assigned to help them in the latest litigation.

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Sweeney agreed last week and assigned the inmates representation through the Indiana Federal Community Defenders.

Sweeney noted in an order granting counsel that federal prisoners are entitled to counsel only when they are under death sentences or for evidentiary hearings in their cases.

"Here, Mr. Agofsky is no longer under a death sentence," Sweeney wrote. "Therefore, whether to appoint counsel is purely a discretionary matter."

He added that the court "harbors serious doubt that it has any power to block a commutation" but that "given the novelty of the legal question, the Court prefers to receive counseled briefing on the motion."

The Terre Haute Federal Correctional Complex in Terre Haute, Ind., in 2019.

Sweeney referred to a 1927 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that maintains that a president has the power to grant reprieves and pardons and that "the convict's consent is not required."

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Agofsky, however, believes he has the right to refuse a commutation based on wording in the Constitution, which says a president "shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment."

According to Agofsky's wife, Laura, he said at issue is the word "grant," which he believes implies a person needs to have made an initial request. In his case, he said, as well as Davis', the men never requested commutations and refused it when asked multiple times to ask for a reduced sentence.

They contend that sets them apart from the other former death row inmates who did seek commutations.

Davis and Agofsky must reply to the Justice Department's response this week.

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Agofsky was convicted in the 1989 murder of a bank president, Dan Short, whose body was found in an Oklahoma lake. Federal prosecutors said Agofsky and his brother, Joseph Agofsky, abducted and killed Short and made off with $71,000.

Both brothers were given life sentences. But it was while he was incarcerated in a Texas prison that Shannon Agofsky was convicted in the 2001 stomping death of a fellow inmate, Luther Plant, and was sentenced to death in 2004. (Joseph Agofsky died in prison in 2013.)

Davis, a former New Orleans police officer, was convicted in the 1994 murder of Kim Groves, who had filed a complaint accusing him of beating a teenager. Prosecutors said Davis hired a drug dealer to kill Groves, and they charged him with violating Groves' civil rights. Davis' original death sentence was thrown out by a federal appeals court but reinstated in 2005.

Davis "has always maintained his innocence and argued that federal court had no jurisdiction to try him for civil rights offenses," he wrote in his filing last month, requesting an injunction for his commutation.

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Biden's sweeping clemency action was praised by anti-death penalty groups but also criticized by some of the victims' families, who say they believe death row prisoners are undeserving of such leniency.

Biden declined to grant commutations to three federal death row prisoners who were involved in mass killings or terrorist attacks.

Still, President-elect Donald Trump said after the announcement that he would "vigorously pursue the death penalty" during his second term. He has also said he would expand capital punishment on the federal level to include child rapists, migrants who kill U.S. citizens and law enforcement officers, and those convicted of drug and human trafficking, although how he would do so remains unclear.

Trump's first term ended with 13 federal inmates having been put to death. The Biden administration announced a moratorium on federal executions after he took office and said last month that he granted the death row commutations because "in good conscience, I cannot stand back and let a new administration resume executions that I halted."





This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Two young men were taken to the hospital following a drive-by shooting in Seattles South Park neighborhood early Tuesday morning.

According to the Seattle Police Department, officers responded to the corner of 12th Avenue South and South Donovan Street just after 6 a.m.

Matt String was walking his dogs near the intersection and said he heard around fifteen loud gunshots. He said he lives just a block away, and its not the alarm that he wanted to wake up to Tuesday morning.

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Arriving officers found a 19-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy with gunshot wounds to their legs, along with a 19-year-old woman who was unharmed. Both victims were taken to Harborview Medical Center in stable condition. String admitted the gunfire was jarring, and spoke with a neighbor who saw what happened.

Joe Lovenduski lives just yards away from the shooting scene. He shared a video from his Ring doorbell camera that caught an image of a silver vehicle that appeared to leave the area in a hurry. He says the car pulled up and someone jumped out and opened fire, I was having coffee and I looked down, immediately the guy got in and they went to Cloverdale.

Officers determined the two victims were walking just south of Donovan Street with the woman when the shooting came from a passing vehicle.

Lovenduski says he thinks it was around eight minutes in between when he heard the shots and saw people  so he took a video of them as well.

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He says he saw people searching for something after the shooting and people limping away from the area, capturing it all with his phone.

It was 33 rounds  they shot 33 rounds. It had to have been [automatic], you cant pull a semi-auto thirty-three times and drive away that quick, said Lovenduski.

Joe Loew also lives on South Donovan Street, close to where the shooting occurred, and saw the spent shell casings on his way out to work this morning.

It looks pretty serious, my roommate says he woke up to gunfire but unfortunately thats not that uncommon. Automatic gunfire is a little uncommon, said Loew.

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The suspect or suspects fled the scene and were not found. While no arrests have been made at this time, SPD did recover ballistic evidence, including over twenty 9mm shell casings.

This information is preliminary and subject to change, and detectives will continue to investigate the circumstances leading up to the shooting.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  Both of Michigans U.S. attorneys have announced they will resign from their posts before President-elect Donald Trump is sworn into office on Monday.

Mark Totten, who serves as the U.S. attorney for the states Western District, and Dawn Ison, who serves the Eastern District, announced their plans to resign. Isons resignation will take effect Sunday. Totten will officially step down Monday.

Its common for U.S. attorneys to leave their posts when there is a shift in power in the White House.

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Both Totten and Ison were nominated by President Joe Biden in November 2021. Ison was confirmed by the Senate one month later. Totten was confirmed in April 2022.

In a Tuesday statement, Totten said he was grateful for the opportunity to uphold justice for Michiganders.

Im incredibly proud of the work my team and I have done to protect the public, especially our more vulnerable citizens like children and seniors, Totten stated. Im so grateful to have served alongside the amazing team in the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of Michigan and the privilege Ive been given to advance our mission.

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Senate minority leader Aric Nesbitt will run for Michigan governor

Totten was born and raised in Kalamazoo and still lives there. He received his law degree and a doctorate in ethics from Yale University. In addition to working as a law professor at Michigan State University, he served part-time as a special assistant in the Western District of Michigan. He also served as a law clerk on the U.S. Court of Appeals and served as chief legal counsel for the Governors Executive Office.

Its an extraordinary opportunity  on the one hand, its a heavy responsibility. Its also very rewarding. Every single day I go to work with the mission of trying to protect the public and finding out how we do that quicker, better, stronger and I am so grateful for the trust put into me to serve in this role for a few years, Totten said.

A 2022 file photo of Dawn Ison, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan. (AP file)

Ison has spent more than two decades serving the Eastern District of Michigan. Ison was tabbed as an assistant U.S. attorney in 2002, prosecuting cases through the offices Drug Task Force, Public Corruption and General Crimes units. She has also served as the districts election office since 2014.

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Report: MDOC officer arrested for trying to sneak drugs into prison

In a statement, she thanked Biden for the opportunity to serve in the post and her talented coworkers.

Capping my years-long public service to the Eastern District of Michigan as the United States Attorney will forever serve as the crowning point of my career, Ison stated. With the extraordinary talent at the U.S. Attorneys Office and our federal, state and local law enforcement partners, I am extremely proud of all that we have accomplished to reduce violent crime, empower communities through transparency and engagement, and protect the civil rights of all within our borders.

It is my hope as I prepare to leave this office that this work  this partnership  will continue.

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MSP rolls out fleets first electric vehicle

Ison graduated from Spelman College in 1986 and earned her law degree from Wayne State University in 1989. She worked as a criminal defense attorney for 12 years and as a prehearing attorney for the Michigan Court of Appeals before joining the Eastern District of Michigan.

Former U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge, who held the role from 2017 to 2022, will serve as acting U.S. attorney for the Western District following Tottens departure. Julie A. Beck will do the job on an interim basis for the Eastern District.

Correction: A previous version of this article misidentified who will serve as acting U.S. attorney in the Western District. Andrew Birge will file the role. We regret the error, which has been fixed.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.
LONDON  Catherine, the Princess of Wales, said Tuesday she is in remission from cancer months after she finished chemotherapy treatment.

It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focused on recovery, Kate, the wife of the heir to the throne, Prince William, wrote on Instagram.

As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal. I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead, she added. There is much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.

She also thanked the Royal Marsden Hospital, one of the U.K.'s leading oncology facilities, for the care she received.

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"We couldn't have asked for more," she said.

Kate revealed she had cancer in a surprise video announcement in March. At the time she said she was undergoing a course of preventative chemotherapy on the advice of her medical team.

Her announcement came less than a month after King Charles III announced he had been diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing treatment. Doctors discovered the disease after he was hospitalized with an enlarged prostate, although the palace has said he does not have prostate cancer.

Neither Kate nor Charles specified what type of cancer they have.

The princess has made several public appearances since she revealed her diagnosis, attending the mens final at Wimbledon with her daughter, Charlotte, 9, in July.

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Charlotte and sons Prince George, 11, and Prince Louis, 6, joined Kate as she hosted the fourth annual Christmas carol service, Together at Christmas, at London's Westminster Abbey last month.

It was a rare public appearance for the children, who were largely kept out of the public eye after her surgery.

Like Kate, Charles has also attended several engagements since he resumed public duties last year, including D-Day memorial services in France.

And in October he embarked on a long tour of Australia and Samoa alongside Queen Camilla.

Charles and Kates illnesses have highlighted the challenges faced by a slimmed-down royal family as the king pledges to cut costs.

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With fewer working royals available to carry out the ribbon cuttings, state events and awards ceremonies, the remaining family members have had to take on more events.

Instead, Camilla; the kings sister, Princess Anne; and his youngest brother, Prince Edward, have had to shoulder more of the load.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg speaks at Michigan State University on Nov. 29, 2023, as part of its Gov. Jim Blanchard Public Service Forum. (Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)

In one of his last official appearances as U.S. Transportation Secretary, Pete Buttigieg spoke Monday with students at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor about the Biden administrations long-term investments on transportation, but also encouraged them to remain politically engaged as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office next week.

Buttigieg, speaking during a 90-minute question-and-answer session at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, said as the Biden administration comes to an end, it is leaving every form of U.S. transportation better than they found it.

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That doesnt mean our work is done, Buttigieg told moderator Celeste Watkins-Hayes, the Joan and Sanford Weill Dean of Public Policy.

It doesnt mean any single piece of our transportation system is perfect or the way it someday ought to be, but its much better than when we found it and that didnt just happen on its own, he said.

Buttigieg pointed to the $1.2 trillion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, signed by President Biden in November 2021, as the foundation of that statement, noting the 72,000 projects it funded across the United States, including in both rural and urban areas of Michigan.

From the locally famous, up in Traverse City, project to do the parkway and replace a very important road along the bay there to a project like taking I-375 in Detroit and changing it from a gash that cuts the communities in two, the way its dug in, to a surface level boulevard and other projects of every type and every every size. All of thats happening now, and I think it would be easy to imagine it was always going to happen, he said.

US Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg arrives in Ingham County, Michigan to speak about infrastructure projects in Michigan receiving funding from the Biden administrations Bipartisan Infrastructure Law on Sep 6, 2024. | Photo: Anna Liz Nichols

Buttigieg, a former presidential candidate who used to be the mayor of South Bend, Ind., moved to Traverse City in July 2022 with his husband, Chasten Buttigieg, who grew up there. Together, they have two young children. With his time as Transportation secretary ending, Buttigieg has been touted as a possible candidate for Michigan governor in 2026, telling the Detroit News on Monday that he wasnt ruling out that possibility.

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When asked by a student at Mondays forum to give them hope on issues of where were concerned about civil rights, climate changegive us hope for the next couple years, Buttigieg acknowledged the lack of optimism about the future that younger generations may be feeling, but urged them not to give in to cynicism.

I did not come here to tell you everythings going to be fine. Im not here to tell you that. Everythings not going to be fine, but you know, everythings never been fine, he said.

Buttigieg recalled stories he heard from his parents about the turbulence of the 1960s, with political unrest centered on the Vietnam War and the fight for civil rights.

It all looks cool now because you listen to the arts that flourished in response, said Buttigieg. But the way we navigated that, often the hard way, inspires us precisely because of how tough it was on the way in. And I think thats what makes all of this kind of work worth doing, which is why Im not discouraged and Im not checking out and Im not giving up. How can we give up? We dont even have the right to give up.

President Joe Biden signs H.J. Res.100, a resolution to avert a nationwide rail shutdown, Friday, December 2, 2022, in the Roosevelt Room of the White House. Hes joined by, from left, National Economic Council (NEC) Deputy Director for Labor Celeste Drake, Director of the NEC Brian Deese, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and Labor Secretary Marty Walsh. | Official White House Photo by Adam Schultz

Buttigieg said among the biggest challenges he faced as Transportation secretary, and that we as a nation face, is what he called the information environment.

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When anybody, some dude on the internet, is received with as much credibility as somebody who has to hold themselves to the highest standards of journalistic ethics, fact-checking and professionalism, that is a huge threat to the entire possibility of making policy in a democracy, but also has very real implications on the ground in the moment when you were trying to respond to something like a fire, a flood, or hurricane, he said. That might be the challenge of our time.

Buttigieg said among the ways to combat the rising tide of misinformation is to rely less on global information platforms, and focus more on local sources of information.

It is harder to be misinformed about something thats happening in your own backyard. Its still possible, but theres just less by way of what they call alternative facts on an issue of whether theres a hole in the road in your neighborhood. Because its either there or it isnt, he said.

Buttigieg recommended that people rely more on offline mechanisms  to build a realistic picture of the world around us, and then work on scaling that up to the state, regional and national level, calling it one of the most important projects of our generation.

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Press Release

January 14, 2025 Explanation of Vote for SBN 2825:

PHIVOLCS Modernization Act

14 January 2025 Mr. President: Mr. President and esteemed colleagues, a blessed afternoon to all of you. We fully support the approval on Third Reading of Senate Bill No. 2825 under Committee Report No. 322, or the "PHIVOLCS Modernization Act." As one of the co-sponsors of the measure, we extend our thanks to the hard-working sponsor, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, for his leadership in pushing for this critical measure. This representation has long recognized the critical role that PHIVOLCS fulfils in monitoring seismic and volcanic hazards, and the level of resources and support needed by the agency to effectively fulfil their mandate. This is why we vote YES to this measure, which ensures that PHIVOLCS is equipped with the equipment, technology, and personnel needed for timely and accurate disaster data collection. With this measure, the capacity of PHIVOLCS would be strengthened to expand their monitoring network, enhance their research, and support the professionalization and growth of their personnel. Mr. President, it is timely to pass this bill ahead of the full implementation of PHIVOLCS' technical cooperation with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) titled "The Project for Capacity Development for Monitoring and Information Dissemination of Earthquake, Tsunami, and Volcano",[1] which is expected to begin this year. A modernized PHIVOLCS would be able to maximize this partnership to improve the country's disaster preparedness. Modernizing PHIVOLCS is not merely an investment in science and technology - it is an investment in the safety and resilience of our nation. We must not wait for another tragedy to remind us of the importance of preparedness. Again, we vote YES to this measure. Thank you, Mr. President, dear colleagues, and may God bless us all. ___________ [1] PHIVOLCS. Press Release: DOST-Phivolcs Embarks on 3-Year Collaboration with JICA Come 2025. Available at https://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/index.php/news/28519-press-release-dost-phivolcs-embarks-on-3-year-collaboration-with-jica-come-2025#:~:text=In%202025%2C%20the%20Department%20of,Monitoring%20and%20Information%20Dissemination%20of (last accessed January 14, 2025).
By Sarah N. Lynch

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Justice Department said on Tuesday that it has deleted malware planted on more than 4,200 computers by a group of criminal hackers who were backed by the People's Republic of China.

The malware, known as "PlugX," affected thousands of computers around the globe and was used to infect and steal information, the department said.

Investigators said the malware was installed via infected USB devices by a band of hackers who are known by the names "Mustang Panda" and "Twill Typhoon."

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In court records filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, prosecutors allege that the Chinese government paid the Mustang Panda group to develop PlugX. Cybersecurity company Sekoia identified the command and control infrastructure used by the hackers to control this variant of PlugX in September 2023 and subsequently worked with French law enforcement to take over the infrastructure by July 2024, French authorities said at the time.

The FBI worked in conjunction with the French authorities to identify U.S.-based devices targeted by the malware to send commands to self-delete from each device, according to an FBI affidavit.

The malware has been used since at least 2014 to target computers in the United States, Europe and Asia, as well as the computers of Chinese political dissidents.

(Reporting by Doina Chiacu and Sarah N. Lynch; Editing by Andrea Ricci)
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA)  18-year-old Yafa Issa is the first person facing charges for their involvement in pro-Palestine protests at the University of Illinois to testify in court.

Issa is facing one charge of felony mob action. Her lawyer, Evan Bruno, has filed a motion to dismiss, saying the case is unconstitutional.

Sean Grayson appears virtually in court while waiting for Supreme Court decision on pretrial release

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Bruno said felony mob action is defined as two or more people acting together using force or violence to disturb public peace. He said thats not what Issa did at the protests, rather she was grouped together with people who share a political ideology who were just trying to spread that message.

Theyre building a felony mob action charge using constitutionally protected activity to do it, Bruno said.

Friday was the first day of Brunos hearing to dismiss the case against Issa. He said the felony mob action charge against Issa doesnt meet the definition of group in the eyes of the law.

In most mob action cases, the groups purpose is to go do something illegal  to maybe beat someone up, commit some crime  thats what makes the group into a mob, Bruno said. In this case, the groups purpose is to exercise First Amendment freedom, protest and hold a demonstration. To make that group a mob and charge its individual members with felonies, you need to show that they have an unlawful purpose, and that doesnt exist here.

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In April 2024, a crowd of people at the U of I set up a symbolic tent encampment to show solidarity with the refugees of Gaza.

As far as I can tell, there was nothing in the University of Illinois regulations that prohibited that, but the university administration decided that they werent going to allow it, Bruno said.

In a release, U of I police called the demonstration unlawful assembly.

Urbana mayoral candidates face off

The police used force to get in through the circle of demonstrators, to get at tents, and the state, months later, charged a handful of people who were at the protests with felony mob action accusing them of using force and violence essentially because the police encountered resistance, Bruno said.

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Champaign County States Attorney Julia Rietz said a total of nine people are facing charges, including felony mob action, for their involvement in the protests. Rietz said she does not know if any other defendants are students like Issa.

Bruno said if the prosecution is allowed to continue, it could have a lasting impact, not just in Central Illinois but around the country.

The main concern with a prosecution like this is how its going to chill future people from wanting to engage in public demonstrations, Bruno said.

He said the protected right to peacefully protest is fundamental and necessary for everyone, everywhere.

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There are a lot of major changes to the law that have happened over the centuries that would never of happened if people stayed home instead of going out to protest publicly and loudly, so thats what Im trying to protect, Bruno said.

Friday was the first day of the ongoing hearing. It will continue on Wednesday.

Rietz said the felony mob action charge is a class 4 felony that carries the possibility of up to three years in prison. She says all nine defendants were charged with that. Two have pleaded guilty to resisting a peace officer and one was dismissed.

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A statue outside of Bryant-Denny Stadium on the campus of the University of Alabama before a game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Texas A&M Aggies at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 22, 2018 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. A group of UA students and professors filed a federal lawsuit against a state law prohibiting public funding of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs and the teaching of so-called "divisive concepts," saying the statute violated their rights under the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constititon. (Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)

A group of college students and professors filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday against a state law barring public funding for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs and restricting the teaching of so-called divisive concepts at public colleges and universities.

The plaintiffs  three college students enrolled at the University of Alabama Birmingham; three professors working at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa and the NAACPs Alabama chapter  allege SB 129, sponsored by Sen. Will Barfoot, R-Pike Road and passed last year, violates their First and Fourteenth Amendment rights, describing it as vague, discriminatory, and a barrier to free expression.

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A lot of people here, especially in my community, dont finish school, said Miguel Luna, a junior at UAB and one of the plaintiffs, in a phone interview Monday evening. A lot of people dont go to college, and programs like this  not even just funding for student groups  but initiatives to try to provide more equitable approaches to college applications, are still very important, and it just it hurts me to see that focus kind of shifting the other way, not acknowledging the challenges that different communities face.

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The suit names Ivey and officials of the University of Alabama System as defendants. Messages seeking comment were left Tuesday with Ivey, the University of Alabama and Barfoot, who is not named in the lawsuit.

The plaintiffs are seeking to overturn the law, restore funding to impacted groups, and secure protections for educators and students to freely engage in discussions about history, race, and social justice.

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The legislation, signed by Gov. Kay Ivey in March 2024, prohibits state funds from being used for DEI programs and bans discussions of concepts lawmakers have labeled as divisive. These include claims that moral character is determined by race, color, religion, sex, or ethnicity, and that meritocracy or a hard work ethic could be viewed as inherently racist or sexist. Violations can result in job termination or disciplinary action.

The law led public colleges and universities, including the University of Alabama and Auburn University, to end or recast their DEI programs. The University of Alabama closed spaces for the campus Black Student Union and LGBTQ+ resource center in August, citing the law.

Antonio Ingram, an LDF lawyer representing the plaintiffs in the case, said in an interview Monday evening that SB 129 censors students and professors; limits educational access and suppresses viewpoints the state finds unfavorable.

We feel like it was designed to target Black students and their experiences inside the classroom and their student groups, but it also has been used to harm other student groups, such as queer students, such as Latinx students, and so it has been quite harmful to a whole array of diverse perspectives and identities, Ingram said.

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Luna said the law has had a chilling effect on student groups and academic discussions. His student organization, Esperanza, which supports Hispanic and Latino students, can no longer access university funds for events because of its mission statement, which aims to help Hispanic and Latinx students achieve the great things we know are possible. Such events dont qualify for funds because it may be considered a divisive concept.

Lunas group previously collaborated with UABs DEI office on initiatives, including Hispanic Heritage Month events. Following the laws enactment, the office was dissolved, and student organizations promoting cultural and social equity lost financial and institutional support.

Luna said he had also felt a sense of censorship in the classroom.

You can tell theres just a different mood in the professor space, and even talking with professors one-on-one, they said that theres been a lot of conversations about this still in their academic departments, behind closed doors, and how to proceed forward, he said.

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According to Ingram, some faculty members have been threatened with termination for teaching topics that intersect with the laws vague definitions of divisive concepts.

According to the lawsuit, Cassandra Simon, an University of Alabama professor and plaintiff in the case, was threatened by UA officials with termination for teaching a class titled Anti-Oppression and Social Justice, which explores the experiences of people across different identities and looks at systems that oppress marginalized groups.



As part of her final evaluation for students in the Anti-Oppression and Social Justice course, Plaintiff Simon requires students to design a project that addresses an injustice of some sort, the lawsuit stated. In the Fall of 2024, students selected as their project a demonstration to highlight the negative effects of SB 129. The dean of the School of Social Work threatened Plaintiff Dr. Simon with termination if she allowed the class project to go forward, citing SB 129. In the face of this threat, Professor Simon canceled the class project.

Simon, who plans on teaching the class again in the spring, said in a statement the law is the most egregious infringements on the rights of students to receive the quality of education they deserve.

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While the laws vague and opaque language promotes uncertainty and fear on campus, it also prevents the full elimination of white supremacy and its lingering impact in present-day Alabama, the statement said. Inclusive curriculum and campus spaces are undeniably a strength in higher education, and, as a professor, Ive witnessed how teaching and engaging with some of these so-called divisive concepts can be transformative for both professors and students.

Ivey defended the legislation in a statement at the time of its signing, saying it would protect campuses from liberal political movements and promote equality. Opponents view it as part of a broader effort to dismantle DEI initiatives in education.

Weve had a very checkered history in this state concerning anything racial, so Im just hoping that we can succeed and that we can just continue forward, and hopefully, its my hope that if we do succeed, it can send a message to a lot of people that different communities face different challenges. We need to start talking about that instead of ignoring it, Luna said.

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PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ)  A Pennsylvania Representative announced plans to introduce legislation that could change how transportation network companies (TNC)  rideshare apps  operate in the Commonwealth.

The legislation, also known as Samis Law, authored by Rep. Ann Flood (R-Northhampton), would require companies like Uber and Lyft to provide a barcode or other machine-readable code on the outside of a vehicle to ensure riders are entering the correct vehicle.

The safety of ride-sharing has been under scrutiny after the death of Samantha Josephson, 21, of South Carolina, on March 29, 2019. Josephson had ordered an Uber but ended up getting into the wrong car, which she mistook for her ride. The driver then used child locks on the door to prevent her from leaving and proceeded to kidnap and murder her before dumping her body.

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Several states have enacted variations of Samis Law, which ensures adequate identifiability of the driver of the ride-share vehicle. For example, New Jersey established Samis Law where TNCs must issue two credential placards to drivers of ride-share vehicles that are placed on the front and back window.

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More specifically, Floods legislation would provide any TNC driver with a barcode or a machine-readable code unique to each driver that must be displayed in a manner that is easy for the rider to find prior to entering the vehicle. Additionally, the bill would add criminal penalties for individuals who violate the requirements.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTAJ - www.wtaj.com.
People are realizing that the UGG shoes they've worn for decades may be different than they thought.

That's because they purchased American-made UGGs  not shoes from Australian brand UGG Since 1974.

The brands are separate companies with little in common besides their nearly identical boots.

You probably have a pair of UGG boots in your closet.

And just as likely, they're probably not the Australian-made shoes you think they are.

Leather, fur-lined boots have a history that goes back centuries, but the kind we wear today got their start in Australian surfing culture. Dubbed "uggs," an Australian slang term, the shoes were first regularly worn by surfers to keep their feet warm around the '50s.

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Of course, when you hear the term in the US, you likely think of the trendy, brand-name footwear ideal for winter.

The UGG company's brown boots first became a sensation in the early 2000s, with everyone from suburban moms to celebrities like Beyonce touting their Australian-made boots with authentic sheepskin fabrics and cloud-like linings.

And since then, various UGG styles have made a comeback thanks to Gen Z fashion fans.

However, many shoppers are now discovering that the shoes they've been wearing for decades aren't actually made in Australia. They're not created by the original ugg brand unless they were purchased from UGG Since 1974, an Australia-based company that handcrafts its products and has been around a few years longer than UGG.

The UGG brand that we all know is actually American, not Australian. Mike Kemp/Getty Images

UGG vs. UGG Since 1974

After sheepskin boots first became popular in the '50s and '60s, Australian couple Arthur Springthorpe and Faye Springthorpe took the shoes to another level in the '70s, according to a blog post from UGG Since 1974.

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"Arthur and Faye drew on Arthur's years of experience as a wool classer in the shearing sheds of New South Wales to craft sheepskin moccasins and UGG boots, one pair at a time in our workshop, all those years ago," the brand's website says.

Though they didn't invent the term "ugg," the Springthorpes saw its potential as a business moniker and created a stable, family-run business in Australia.

And today, the brand is still going strong. You can buy its shoes at one store in Australia and around the world via its online shop.

But as UGG Since 1974 was rising to success in Australia, a competitor named UGG rose alongside them in the US.

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Brian Smith, an Australian surfer and entrepreneur, founded UGG in 1978 after relocating to California.

In a 2014 interview with Forbes, Smith explained that he was looking to start a business while in school to be an accountant and found inspiration in sheepskin boots when he saw an advertisement for them in a friend's surfing magazine.

"Importing six pairs of boots as samples, I registered UGG as the trademark and settled down to be an instant millionaire," Smith told Forbes. "What I didn't know was that Americans didn't understand sheepskin like Aussies do."

Despite initial slow sales and business troubles, as Smith told the publication, the shoes eventually caught on with US surfers and professional athletes.

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The US Olympic team, for example, wore UGG boots during the 1994 Winter Games in Lillehammer, Norway.

The US Olympic team wears UGG shoes in Lillehammer, Norway, on February 12, 1994. David Madison/Getty Images

And later, celebrities grew to love the US-based UGG brand.

Oprah first featured UGG boots in her 2003 Favorite Things episode, and the shoes became a staple wardrobe piece for stars like Paris Hilton, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kate Moss.

Kate Moss wears UGG shoes in London on December 16, 2003. Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

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Deckers Brands, which owns popular footwear companies including Hoka, Teva, and Sanuk, then purchased the UGG brand in 1995.

Is there a difference? Shoppers say yes.

The fact that two major UGG brands exist is no secret.

Both companies have been around for decades, and the Australian version regularly states online that it has "no connection whatsoever, past or present, to the US company known as UGG."

However, many consumers have been entirely unaware of the similar yet different brands, which has led to a lot of confusion.

In December 2023, content creator Eliana Shiloh said in a TikTok video that she was "shook" to discover there was even a difference between UGG and UGG Since 1974 and that Deckers Brands mass-produces its UGG products with materials that aren't always from Australia. Deckers Brands did not respond to a request for comment.

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In her video, which now has 2.3 million views, Shiloh said she thought the quality of the shoes she'd purchased from the brand had decreased over the years, which led her to question if she'd had UGG Since 1974 shoes as a child but bought American-made UGG boots as an adult.

As UGG Since 1974 explained in a TikTok video two days later, that's likely not the case.

"If you purchased your UGGs in the early 2000s in the USA or from the USA website, you've likely never owned a pair of our UGG Since 1974 boots," the video's narrator says. "Our UGG boots can only be purchased from one store in Australia and online through uggsince1974.com.au."

Shiloh told Business Insider that she came to the same conclusion after doing more research following her TikTok video. From now on, she plans to purchase shoes from UGG Since 1974 instead of UGG.

So, how did shoppers like Shiloh get so confused? Is there an UGG Mandela effect?

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In a way, yes. UGG was once named UGG Australia, leading shoppers to believe they were purchasing shoes made in Australia with Australian materials.

The brand changed its name to UGG in 2016 when Australian ugg makers complained to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission that the American company's branding was misleading, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.

If you bought UGGs in the early 2000s, you were likely buying UGG Australia, which is now known simply as UGG.

A pair of US-brand UGG shoes. Jeremy Moeller/Getty Images

As for how the brands differ, that all comes down to how (and where) the shoes are made.

UGG Since 1974 says on its website that it handcrafts its shoes, and the brand wrote in a since-deleted blog post that its competitor UGG mass-produces its products "in countries such as China, Vietnam, the Philippines and other parts of Asia."

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"We strictly use Australian and New Zealand sheepskin, with all of our UGG boots being handcrafted from premium A-Grade Australian or New Zealand sheepskin," UGG Since 1974 said in its post.

Meanwhile, UGG details the materials used in the product descriptions of each of its items.

One of UGG's most classic designs, for example, utilizes sheepskin and "real fur from sheep or lamb," according to the UGG website. The site says that fur "may be sourced from Australia, Ireland, the United Kingdom, or the United States" and that it is "artificially dyed and treated." Other UGG products incorporate materials such as wool and lyocell, a fabric made from trees.

Representatives for UGG Since 1974 did not respond to a request for comment. When contacted by BI for this story, UGG declined to comment on the debate and feedback surrounding its products.

Sheepskin boots and trademark disputes

UGG, UGG Since 1974, and other ugg manufacturers don't necessarily co-exist peacefully.

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In May 2021, a federal appeals court rejected a case from shoemaker Eddie Oygur, who sells ugg-style shoes through his brand Australian Leather, to remove UGG's American trademark.

Oygur told The New York Times in 2021 that he felt Australia should have sole ownership of the term.

"The trademark should never have been given in the first place to the US," he told the publication.

UGG Since 1974 said in its deleted blog post that this dispute  namely the the lack of rights for Australian brands  prevents them and other brands from widely selling ugg products in other countries.

The company also said it was then "working to preserve" the ugg term for Australian businesses to use in and outside the country.

However, as of January, UGG Since 1974 said on TikTok that it had been sued by Deckers and would be rebranding to Since 74 overseas. In Australia and New Zealand, the brand says it will remain as UGG Since 1974.

So maybe you own UGGs, UGG Since 1974 boots, or another dupe entirely.

But whatever you've got on your feet, the shoes likely have a deep, complicated history that's enough to make you say "ugh."

Read the original article on Business Insider
By Andrew MacAskill and Catarina Demony

LONDON (Reuters) - The British minister responsible for financial services and fighting corruption resigned on Tuesday after weeks of questions over her financial ties to her aunt Sheikh Hasina, ousted last year as prime minister of Bangladesh.

Tulip Siddiq, 42, had repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and Prime Minister Keir Starmer said last week he had full confidence in her.

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The resignation of a second government minister in two months is a blow to Starmer, whose approval ratings have plunged since his Labour Party won a general election in July.

Siddiq was handed the portfolio for financial services policy after the election, a role that included responsibility for measures against money-laundering.

In a letter to Starmer, Siddiq said she was resigning because her position was "likely to be a distraction from the work of the government".

The government's ethics adviser said in his letter to Starmer released at the same time that although Siddiq had not breached the ministerial code of conduct, he found it regrettable she was "not more alert to the potential reputational risks" from her family's close association with Bangladesh.

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"You will want to consider her ongoing responsibilities in the light of this," he said.

Starmer swiftly appointed Emma Reynolds, who was a pensions minister, to Siddiq's role.

Hasina, who had ruled Bangladesh since 2009, is being investigated there on suspicion of corruption and money laundering. Hasina and her party deny wrongdoing.

The press office of Bangladeshs interim government head, Muhammad Yunus, said in a statement that while Siddiq may not have fully understood the origins of certain assets she enjoyed in London, she knows now and should seek forgiveness from the people of Bangladesh.

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The government reaffirmed its commitment to returning stolen funds to the people of Bangladesh, saying investigations were underway with international partners to recover assets tied to corruption.

Siddiq was named in December as part of Bangladesh's investigation into whether her family were involved in siphoning off funds from Bangladeshi infrastructure projects.

The anti-corruption commission alleged financial irregularities worth billions of dollars in the awarding of a $12.65 billion nuclear power contract, saying Hasina and Siddiq may have benefited.

After facing further scrutiny over the use of properties in Britain linked to Hasina and her supporters, Siddiq referred herself to the government's independent ethics adviser.

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Siddiq lived in a north London property given to her family in 2009 by Moin Ghani, a Bangladeshi lawyer who has represented Hasina's government, documents filed with Companies House and the Land Registry show.

She also acquired a separate property in London in 2004, without paying for it, from a developer linked to the Awami League, Hasina's political party, the Financial Times reported this month.

Hasina fled Bangladesh after being toppled following weeks of protests.

Siddiq's departure follows the resignation of British transport minister Louise Haigh late last year. Haigh acknowledged a minor criminal offence before she entered government, relating to a mobile phone that she had wrongly reported stolen.

(Reporting by Andrew MacAskill, Catarina Demony, Muvija M, Ruma Paul; editing by Kevin Liffey and Stephen Coates)
Imports of pigs, cattle and sheep from Germany have been banned after a case of foot and mouth disease was confirmed in the country.

Ministers announced the measures on Tuesday in an attempt to prevent the spread of the disease to the UK, where there are currently no known cases.

German imports account for around 10 per cent of the UKs pork products, and about 4 per cent of its dairy, according to figures from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board.

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Dr Christine Middlemiss, the UKs Chief Veterinary Officer, urged livestock keepers to remain vigilant for signs of the illness.

Food and mouth poses no risk to humans or food safety but is highly contagious among cattle, sheep, pigs and other cloven-hoofed animals.

Clinical signs vary depending on the animal but symptoms in cattle can include sores and blisters on the feet, mouth and tongue, as well as a fever, lameness and reluctance to feed. Lameness and blistering are the main symptoms in sheep and pigs.

Staff in protective clothing examine a farm in Hoppegarten, Germany, on Friday - Sebastian Gollnow/DPA

The disease can have a devastating financial and emotional effect on affected farmers, who can face production losses such as reduced milk yields and livestock culls.

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It can also lead to wider economic impacts, such as the loss of access to foreign markets for animals, meat and milk for affected countries.

Dr Middlemiss said: We remain in constant contact with German counterparts to understand the latest situation following their confirmation of a single case of foot and mouth disease.

We have robust contingency plans in place to manage the risk of this disease to protect farmers and Britains food security, which means using all measures to limit the risk incursion and spread of this devastating disease.

I would urge livestock keepers to exercise the utmost vigilance for signs of disease, follow scrupulous biosecurity, and report any suspicion of disease immediately to the Animal and Plant Health Agency.

A sign outside a farm in Mehrow which says: Beware, danger of epidemic! No entry allowed! - HANNIBAL HANSCHKE/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Daniel Zeichner, the farming minister, added: The Government will do whatever it takes to protect our nations farmers from the risk posed by foot and mouth.

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That is why restrictions have immediately been brought in on animal products from Germany to prevent an outbreak, and we will not hesitate to add additional countries to the list if the disease spreads.

We will continue to keep the situation under review, working closely with the German authorities.

Ministers said foot and mouth is a legally notifiable disease, which means failure to report it to the Government is an offence.

The UK suffered major outbreaks of the disease in 2001 and 2007, leading to millions of pigs, cattle and sheep being slaughtered across the country, costing both the public and private sector billions of pounds.

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The Government recently announced a 200 million investment in the UKs main research and laboratory testing facilities at Weybridge to bolster protection against animal disease.

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The News

The UKs competition watchdog launched a formal antitrust investigation into Google on Tuesday, marking the latest probe into the US tech giants global dominance over online search.

The probe aims to assess whether the firm should be granted strategic market status, a move that would see it subject to certain rules or pro-competition interventions, such as giving publishers more control over how their data is used.

Its our job to ensure people get the full benefit of choice and innovation in search services and get a fair deal, Sarah Cardell, chief executive of the Competition and Markets Authority, said.

Know More

The probe is the latest in Googles antitrust woes: The European Court of Justice in September ordered the firm to pay a 2.4 billion ($2.46 billion) fine for discriminatory anticompetitive conduct, while the US Department of Justice called for Googles breakup in November after a federal judge ruled that the company had maintained an illegal search monopoly through exclusive deals with Apple and other players.

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But the imminent return of US President-elect Donald Trump to the White House could bring some relief to Big Tech in Europe as Brussels launches a review of its antitrust cases in anticipation of a less supportive Washington. Its going to be a whole new ballgame with these tech oligarchs so close to Trump and using that to pressurise us, a senior EU diplomat told the Financial Times.

Notable
More details have emerged about the United Kingdoms Tempest next-generation stealth fighter, being developed under the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP). While many specifics of the aircraft are still being decided by the three partner nations  the United Kingdom, Japan, and Italy  we now know there are plans to arm it with larger air-to-air missiles offering a longer range than those currently used by these countries.

Published today, the House of Commons committee report on GCAP provides recommendations to the U.K. government. Of particular interest is the section outlining the capabilities of the Tempest, with the proviso that the precise capabilities of the new aircraft remain to be determined.

A rendering of a pair of Tempests overflying the U.K. coastline. BAE Systems

Nevertheless, Richard Berthon, Director Future Combat Air at the U.K. Ministry of Defense, told the committee that the three partner nations have reached an agreement on overall system requirements. Berthon further noted that a mismatch around requirements tends to be the thing that undermines international partnerships as they play out.

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As to the key requirements for the Tempest, which will drive the design of the new aircraft, the Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton laid these out to the committee.

Some of them are to be expected, including longer range, which is reflected in the large overall size of the fighter, at least in the concept artworks, models, and mockups that have appeared so far.

The latest concept configuration for the Tempest reveals a design tailored for long-range performance combined with a significant payload capacity. Leonardo Leonardo

Knighton also says that the Tempest will feature improved stealth, without providing more details about how that will be achieved, and also notes the central importance of data fusion. Indeed, fusing and integrating the vast amount of information that will be available to the aircraft will be the main difference between the Tempest and previous generations of combat aircraft, the report contends.

Intriguingly, Knighton also said it was absolutely possible that an uncrewed version of the Tempest platform could be developed in the longer term.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Sir Richard Knighton. Crown Copyright



As to the larger and longer-range air-to-air missile, this will be carried as part of a bigger payload than offered by current combat aircraft.

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In the past, statements about the U.K.s Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program, a wide-ranging U.K. air combat initiative that includes the Tempest, have referenced next-generation weapons  as well as uncrewed platforms, networks and data sharing, and more. However, very few if any details have been provided about these weapons, making the reference to a large long-range air-to-air missile all the more interesting.

Currently, the longest-range air-to-air missile available to the United Kingdom and Italy is the pan-European MBDA Meteor, which arms the Eurofighter Typhoon and will be integrated on the F-35.

A U.K. Royal Air Force Typhoon takes off, loaded with Meteor missiles below the fuselage. Crown Copyright

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The ramjet-powered Meteor was designed to have superior range and overall kinematic performance than the U.S.-made AIM-120 AMRAAM, which also arms the Typhoon and F-35.

Range claims for the Meteor differ widely and the actual figure is a closely guarded secret. However, the missile is generally assumed to be able to hit targets up to 130 miles away from the launch aircraft. In comparison, the AMRAAM, in its longer-range D-model form, is commonly assessed to have a range of around 100 miles. In practice, an air-to-air missiles range is highly dependent on a wide number of factors, including the track of the target and the height and speed of the launch platform.

An F-22 Raptor fires an AIM-120 AMRAAM missile. U.S. Air Force www.twz.com

For its part, Japan currently also uses the AMRAAM, as well as the domestically developed Mitsubishi AAM-4, another medium-range air-to-air missile. This is reported to have a range of around 75 miles and, in its AAM-4B version, became the first air-to-air missile to feature an active electronically scanned array (AESA) seeker. It is carried by Japanese F-15J and Mitsubishi F-2 fighters but is too large to be accommodated internally in the F-35, which Japan also operates.

Japan Air Self-Defense Force AAM-4B air-to-air missile test round. Hunini/Wikimedia Commons

The Meteor, AMRAAM, and AAM-4 all utilize active radar homing, providing a fire and forget capability, but midcourse updates are required to squeeze the most out of the missile and make long-range engagements reliable.

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The three nations in the GCAP program are far from the only ones pursuing programs for new long-range air-to-air weapons.

In recent months, the U.S. Navy has introduced, at least on a limited level, an air-launched version of the Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) under the AIM-174B designation. The range of this missile is classified but should be far in excess of that of the AIM-120D, probably at least double and perhaps even triple the range, against large targets. Meanwhile, a joint U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force program is jointly developing the AIM-260, a new air-to-air missile that is intended to offer far greater range than the current AMRAAMs, as well as other new and improved capabilities, but will importantly provide these in a missile with similar dimensions to the AIM-120.

A U.S. Navy F/A-18F and F-35 fly over the Point Mugu Sea Range in Southern California with a U.S. Air Force F-15 during Gray Flag 2024 in September 2024. The F/A-18F carries four of the recently introduced AIM-174B missiles. U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Cmdr. Kory Hughs Lt.Cmdr. Kory Hughs

The Wests development of these missiles, and others, has been driven to a large extent by the appearance of very long-range air-to-air weapons in Russia and China.

According to data from the manufacturer, the Russian R-37M, at least in its export form, can defeat some types of aerial targets at a range of up to 124 miles. This likely refers to only larger, less agile, aircraft targets and is very much a sales brochure figure, with all the caveats that entails. Nevertheless, the missile has proven to be a significant threat in the war in Ukraine.

A Su-35S launches an R-37M missile. Russian Ministry of Defense screencap

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Meanwhile, the U.S. Air Force has publicly said that the emergence of the Chinese PL-15, a long-range air-to-air missile that may feature a dual-pulse rocket motor, was a key factor in the decision to start the AIM-260 program. The Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) defense and security think tank determines that the PL-15 out-ranges the U.S.-made AIM-120C/D AMRAAM series and has a comparable maximum range to the Meteor.

A folding-fin compressed carriage version of the PL-15, known as the PL-15E, in front of a mockup of the J-35A stealth fighter. Getty Images Photo by Costfoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images

The PL-15 is already in widespread service, and China is also working on further-reaching weapons, including the much bigger PL-17, a very long-range missile that may well be intended primarily to target high-value assets, like tankers and airborne early warning aircraft. You can read more about this still-mysterious missile here.

This 2016 image provided our first look at the PL-17. Chinese Internet

TWZ recently reported on how the U.S. Air Force expects that, by 2050, there will be counter-air missiles that can hit aircraft at ranges as great as 1,000 miles  a huge advance in anti-access capabilities compared to the distances air defense missiles can reach today. Nevertheless, the prediction very clearly shows the direction of travel in this area of warfare.

One option to provide the Tempest with a larger longer-range air-to-air missile would be to acquire one from the United States, although the specific reference to the weapon being larger than existing ones would seem to rule out the AIM-260. On the other hand, other very long-range air-to-air missile programs are known to have been in the works in the United States.

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There are different ways of increasing the range of an air-to-air missile, but this process is always easier if the weapon can be made larger. Bigger dimensions can translate to a bigger engine, more fuel, multi-stage rocket motors, and air-breathing engines, like the ramjet used in the Meteor. Other range-extending options that the United States has examined include throttleable multi-pulse solid rocket motors and more exotic propellants, grain configurations, cases, and liners, all of which would also be able to ensure greater range  as well as higher speed  compared to existing weapons.

It should also be noted that, in the not-too-distant past, the United Kingdom and Japan were involved in a joint effort to develop a possible new-generation air-to-air missile.

This bilateral cooperation saw the U.K. Ministry of Defense support Japans Joint New Air-to-Air Missile program, or JNAAM. Still highly secretive, the program is understood to have yielded a missile with a Japanese front end in the form of an advanced radio-frequency seeker and a British back end, retaining the original Meteors ramjet motor.

An infographic for the JNAAM program provides a loose visual indication of how it would have combined Japanese and British components in a single missile. Japan Ministry of Defense

Douglas Barrie, the Senior Fellow for Military Aerospace at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) think-tank told TWZ that he believes that JNAAM was successful as far as it went, but that the program didnt move beyond technical exploration.

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Barrie suggests that the JNAAM may have been discontinued on performance grounds, assessing that it was likely to have a top speed of below Mach 4, and more likely in the region of Mach 3.5, slower than the Meteor, which is thought to fly in excess of Mach 4.

In the meantime, the United Kingdom continued to work on a mid-life update for the Meteor, and this option remains under consideration. Nevertheless, a revamped Meteor might still not meet the performance requirements of the missile envisaged for Tempest, and it would also seem to be ruled out since its not understood to be larger than the current Meteor.

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As for the Meteor, while this is likely good enough to meet the current threats, there is a much bigger question about whether it will be able to match the overall performance of the projected threat by the late 2030s and early 2040s, by which time the Tempest should be established in service.

By this time, the Meteor design will be around 40 years old and new Chinese missiles will challenge Western fighters in the Pacific. Looking beyond Meteor, comments from U.K. defense officials seem to indicate that they need something new to arm the Tempest, in terms of overall performance to meet the projected threat, Barrie says.

Putting aside the PL-17, which Barrie assesses is optimized for a very specific value set, todays PL-15 is already a very potent weapon and one that is better by some margin than anything Russia has right now.

Four dummy PL-15 missiles in the internal weapons bay of a Chinese J-20 fighter. Chinese Internet

Its likely to be joined before long by a missile currently dubbed PL-16, the design of which seems to have been driven by the requirement for the Chinese J-20 stealth fighter to accommodate six longer-range missiles internally (as opposed to the four PL-15s currently carried). The PL-16 will likely look fairly similar to the PL-15 but will be a compressed-carriage missile. Barrie expects that it will also feature an active electronically scanned front end, Mach 5-plus fly-out, a lot of very capable onboard software, and be very resistant to jamming.

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Even more alarming for the West is the potential for the carriage of larger numbers of even bigger air-to-air missiles in the capacious weapons bay of the new Chinese combat aircraft that appeared last month, and which has been tentatively dubbed J-36. As we pointed out when it debuted, the large size of this aircraft suggests an overarching concern with long endurance and comparatively massive internal volume to accommodate a very large fuel load, as well as plentiful (large) weapons.

This photo of the J-36 shows to advantage the large internal weapons bay below the fuselage. Chinese Internet

At the same time, there remain questions about the viability of the GCAP and Tempest programs.

A concept demonstrator for the Tempest is planned to fly in 2027, with Richard Berthon telling the Committee that this wont be a prototype but instead a reasonably good representation of some of the characteristics that will play through into the GCAP platform itself.

Thereafter, the Tempest is expected to be in service by 2035, but there will be plenty more challenges, both technical and political. Even if it survives potential political hurdles, the process of creating an all-new fighter, especially one incorporating stealth technologies, dictates lengthy development times and high costs. The Tempest is also planned to be supported by advanced uncrewed aircraft, not to mention new-generation air-launched weapons, all of which bring their own elements of risk  and yet more costs.

Increasingly, the requirements for internal weapons carriage are a very major driver behind the size of the platform, when it comes to next-generation fighters. This appears to be the case for the J-36 and almost certainly applies to the crewed combat jet at the center of the U.S. Air Forces Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) initiative. The Tempest, too, looks like it will be a notably big fighter, and it will almost certainly need to be, not least to accommodate the larger and longer-range air-to-air missiles that are being earmarked for it.

Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com
Indian stock markets opened flat on Tuesday, with selling risk still remaining in the markets, but the markets are in the oversold category. The Nifty 50 index opened at 23,165.90 points with a gain of 79.95 or 0.35 per cent, while the BSE Sensex opened flat at 76,335.75 points with a gain of 5.74 points or 0.01 per cent. Experts stated that after yesterday's fall, markets are almost in oversold territory. There can be an initial surge from here, but the strategy will be to see whether investors use another "sell on every rise" move or markets head up from here. Ajay Bagga Banking and Market Expert stated that "After getting buffeted by a falling Rupee, persistent FPI selling, weak economic data and challenging global cues, today looks like a technical bounce day from hugely oversold levels. Whether this level makes a bottom or we get another "sell on every rise" move remains to be seen. There is some global good news with reports that the Trump cabinet is proposing gradual tariffs post his inauguration on January 20th. In the sectoral indices on the National Stock Exchange, except Nifty IT and Nifty FMCG, all other indices surged, with Nifty Realty gaining more than 1.68 per cent, Nifty Media up by around 2 per cent, and Nifty PSU Bank gaining 2.37 per cent at the time of filing this report. "Technically speaking, the 22830 - 23000 area is notable support from here, with some near-term time cycles coming together in the January 17 - 23rd window. Resistance lies inside the 23450 - 23500 zone as our prop oscillators continue to remain bearish on the dailies and the weeklies. That said, the percentage of stocks in the NSE500 trading above their 50- and 100-day moving averages are at readings of 11 pc and 13 pc, representing levels where downside extremes are being tested" said Akshay Chinchalkar, Head of Research, Axis Securities. In the Nifty 50 list, 40 stocks opened with gains while 10 stocks opened with declines. The top openers in the list are NTPC, Hindalco, IndusInd Bank, Adani Enterprises, and Adani Ports, while the top losers are HCL Tech, Tech Mahindra, Infosys, and TCS. In the quarterly earnings today, HDFC AMC, Network 18, Shoppers Stop, Hathway Cable and Datacom, among others, are set to announce their third-quarter earnings. The other Asian markets witnessed mixed trends, with Japan's Nikkei 225 and Singapore's Strait Times declining, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index, Taiwan Weighted Index, and South Korea's KOSPI surged at the time of filing this report. (ANI)
By Sachin Ravikumar

LONDON (Reuters) - Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage's right-wing Reform UK is Britain's second most popular political party and sits just one percentage point behind the governing Labour Party, according to an opinion poll on Tuesday

Six months after Labour's landslide election victory, and with another vote not due until 2029, YouGov polling showed that if a general election were held tomorrow 26% of British voters would choose Labour and 25% would vote Reform UK. The Conservatives were on 22%.

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The poll is YouGov's first since the July 4 election and showed Reform, which won 14% of the vote last summer, gaining support from the Conservatives and, to a lesser extent, Keir Starmer's Labour Party.

Farage's Reform has only five lawmakers in Britain's 650-seat parliament but after winning more than 4 million votes across the country is seen as a populist challenger to a British system historically dominated by Labour and the Conservatives.

Starmer's Labour, helped into power by voters' frustration with 14 years of Conservative government, has suffered a number of early setbacks including an outcry over ministers accepting freebies and the fallout of a badly received tax-raising budget.

The YouGov poll, which surveyed 2,279 people over the past two days, said only 54% of people who voted Labour in the last election would do so again.

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Reform has the backing of Elon Musk, a close ally of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, although the Tesla boss has withdrawn his support for Farage.

Elsewhere in Europe, Musk has also endorsed Germany's right-wing, anti-immigration AfD party ahead of national elections in February.

(Reporting by Sachin Ravikumar; editing by William James)
The Ukrainian Air Force will transfer military personnel "en masse" to reinforce the Ground Forces' combat brigades in early 2025, Ukrainska Pravda reported on Jan. 14, citing an undisclosed Air Force source.

Facing an infantry shortage along the front lines, Ukraine has been forced to make difficult adjustments as Russia ramps up its offensive in Donetsk Oblast.

According to Ukrainska Pravda, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi issued an order on Jan. 11 to transfer over 5,000 Air Force personnel to Ground Forces units. A senior Air Force officer, speaking anonymously, said transfers began in spring 2024 and have now reached a "critical level," with unit staffing dropping to 50%.

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"If we carry out the order of the 11th, which was sent to us by the commander-in-chief, the manning of units will drop to 40%" the officer told Ukrainska Pravda. They added that even transferring "unimportant personnel" weakens unit effectiveness, particularly for anti-aircraft missile systems, which rely on cohesive teams.

Over 200 personnel are reportedly set to be taken from seven Air Force brigades, including units defending Kyiv, Ukrainska Pravda reported, citing an undisclosed source.

The Kyiv Independent could not independently verify these claims.

In a Jan. 14 statement, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces denied transferring Air Force engineering and aviation personnel to infantry units, emphasizing that technical and flight personnel numbers are increasing.

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However, some Air Force and other branch personnel, after training, are being reassigned to strengthen ground brigades due to a critical infantry shortage. The General Staff noted this as a necessary measure to bolster frontline defense but confirmed that specialists in high-tech roles or those trained abroad on foreign equipment are exempt from transfers.

Read also: Russian troops overrun Kurakhove, approach Pokrovsk east, south, and southwest

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Talks are ongoing between Paris and Kyiv for the possible deployment of French troops inside Ukraine despite the ongoing war with Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a post to social media.

Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron "had a detailed discussion about the situation on the battlefield and the progress of Ukrainian forces in the Kursk operation," the Ukrainian leader said in a Monday night post to X.

"We also agreed to work closely with key allies on achieving peace and developing effective security guarantees," Zelenskyy added.

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"As one such guarantee, we discussed the French initiative to deploy military contingents in Ukraine," he continued. "We addressed practical steps for its implementation, potential expansion and the involvement of other nations in this effort."

PHOTO: In this handout photograph taken and released by the Ukrainian Presidential Press Service on Dec. 18, 2024, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attends a meeting with France's President Emmanuel Macron in Brussels, Belgium. (Handout/UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SER)

Macron and top French officials have repeatedly hinted at the possibility of deploying a French military contingent to Ukraine in a variety of non-combat roles.

French troops, Macron has said, could train Ukrainian soldiers inside the country or serve as peacekeepers to help maintain any forthcoming ceasefire agreement.

Ukrainian military analysts have also suggested that French troops could replace Ukrainian forces guarding the country's borders with Belarus and Transnistria -- the Russian-aligned separatist state in eastern Moldova -- thus freeing up Ukrainian troops for combat duties.

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MORE: France again floats idea of sending non-combat troops to Ukraine

Macron's suggestion of NATO boots on the ground in Ukraine drew rebukes from Russia. In June, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters that "no instructor involved in training the Ukrainian military has immunity." He added, "It doesn't matter whether they're French or not."

Macron also faced domestic criticism. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen said the president "plays the war leader, but it is the lives of our children that he speaks about with such carelessness."

Far-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon said sending French troops to Ukraine would "make us belligerents."

PHOTO: A French soldier from the patrols the Jardin des Tuileries in Paris, France, on Jan. 13, 2025. (Benoit Tessier/Reuters)

Within NATO, Macron's suggestion won some support, particularly on the bloc's eastern flank where nations bordering Russia have generally urged a more assertive allied strategy in aiding Ukraine and containing Moscow.

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But key nations like the U.S., Germany and U.K. expressed discomfort with any suggestion of allied troops operating on Ukrainian soil.

Macron framed his proposal as a pursuit of "strategic ambiguity" that could be achieved without crossing the threshold of belligerence. The president acknowledged last year there was no allied consensus on deploying troops.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said in November that Western allies should "not set and express red lines" related to their support for Ukraine.

Ukraine, France discussing allied troop deployment to country, Zelenskyy says originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Ukraine has received its first German-supplied RCH 155 wheeled self-propelled howitzer, becoming the launch operator for the system. While Ukraine badly needs additional and more capable artillery, for now, at least, the first RCH 155 will remain in Germany for training Ukrainian personnel. However, it now looks like Ukraine is also set to receive Boxer wheeled infantry fighting vehicles, which share a common chassis with the RCH 155.

The first Ukrainian RCH 155  the designation stands for Remote-Controlled Howitzer 155 millimeter  was delivered at the KNDS factory in Kassel, Germany, yesterday, where it was received by German Minister of Defense Boris Pistorius. He then handed it over directly to Ukraines ambassador to Germany, Oleksii Makeiev.

Boris Pistorius, German Minister of Defense, stands next to Oleksii Makeiev, Ukrainian Ambassador to Germany, and Ralf Ketzel, head of manufacturer KNDS, during the handover of the first RCH 155 for Ukraine, in Kassel, Hesse, Jan. 13, 2025. Photo by Michael Kappeler/picture alliance via Getty Images picture alliance

Today is a very special day for me. Our needs are more acute than ever before, Makeiev said. When we sit at the negotiating table one day, it will be good to be covered by powerful German weapons and to have Germany at our side.

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Eventually, Ukraine will receive 54 RCH 155s, enough for three artillery battalions, although six vehicles will remain in Germany, at least initially, for training. The first six systems are planned for handover this year.

The RCH 155 is essentially a combination of two previous German-designed ground systems, namely the 155mm-caliber L52 main armament of the Panzerhaubitze 2000 tracked self-propelled howitzer and the drive module of the Boxer 88 wheeled infantry fighting vehicle.

A German Panzerhaubitze 2000 during the NATO Exercise Quadriga 2024 at the Paprade military training area, Lithuania. Photo by Kay Nietfeld/picture alliance via Getty Images picture alliance

In its RCH 155 application, the gun turret is fully automated, requiring no crew inside it, and is known as the Artillery Gun Module (AGM). This can fire up to nine rounds per minute, to a range of up to 25 miles with standard ammunition, increasing to up to 33.5 miles when using very long-range artillery projectiles (VLAP).

The AGM has the capacity for 30 fused rounds and 144 modular charges. It features automated navigation and fire control, providing fully automated gun laying, as well as projectile and charge loading, and setting the fuzes. There is no need for a support vehicle and the RCH 155 can be operated by a crew of just two: driver/operator and commander. The Panzerhaubitze 2000 requires a crew of five.

An RCH 155 is loaded with ammunition by KNDS employees during a presentation at the Altengrabow military training area, in Germany, in June 2024. Photo by Kay Nietfeld/picture alliance via Getty Images picture alliance

Putting the RCH on a high-mobility wheeled chassis means that it can move much faster over roads than the tracked Panzerhaubitze 2000, making it ideal for shoot and scoot operations, in which it engages a target and rapidly relocates to another location, to avoid counter-fire. The RCH 155 also has the capacity to fire when on the move and its driving range  435 miles  is superior to the Panzerhaubitze 2000s 265 miles. Firing on the move is achieved using a sophisticated stabilization system, in which a computer constantly monitors the position of the vehicle and the barrel, readjusting the gun based on the aiming point, and only firing off a round if the exact parameters are met.

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While the automated turret ensures that the gun will place the rounds on the chosen target, the two-person crew is then only required to check that there are no obstacles in the immediate vicinity that could obstruct the path of the projectile. This job is aided by a Setas 360-degree vision system from the Hensoldt company. The turret automation means the crew can instead focus on obstacles, threats, and other local dangers.

An RCH 155 fires a projectile during a presentation at the Altengrabow military training area. Photo by Kay Nietfeld/picture alliance via Getty Images picture alliance

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Unusually, the RCH 155 also has a capability to engage other vehicles, in the so-called hunter-killer role, using its main gun  which offers an elevation of between -2.5 and +65 degrees  as a direct-fire weapon. In this mode, the commander can select a threat via the optronics within the remotely operated weapon station, with the 155mm main gun being automatically slaved to this target and then fired. If needed, the commander can override one target to prosecute a more urgent one, such as a tank or armored fighting vehicle presenting an immediate threat. Different remotely operated weapon stations are available for the RCH 155, although its unclear which, if any, Ukraine will receive.

Meanwhile, the tracked Panzerhaubitze 2000 does still provide certain advantages, especially its ability to negotiate rough terrain, vital during the Ukrainian winter. The Ukrainian Armed Forces have so far received 36 secondhand Panzerhaubitze 2000s, 25 of these being donated by Germany, and they will get another 18 newly built examples from Germany starting in mid-2027, providing a total fleet of 54, minus any attrition.

A Ukrainian serviceman of the 43rd Artillery Brigade works on a Panzerhaubitze 2000, on the front line near Bakhmut, Donetsk region, in June 2023, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Photo by ANATOLII STEPANOV/AFP via Getty Images ANATOLII STEPANOV

So far, there have been no recorded losses of the Panzerhaubitze 2000 in Ukrainian service, although at least one has received minor damage and its possible there are unrecorded examples that have been knocked out or even captured.

#Ukraine: A Ukrainian PzH 2000 155mm self-propelled howitzer was damaged by the Russian army.



The damage isn't critical and the howitzer is being repaired now.

 : @Teoyaomiquupic.twitter.com/CSFUdi0s42   Ukraine Weapons Tracker (@UAWeapons) November 26, 2022

Its unclear when the Ukrainian RCH 155 might arrive on the battlefield, although there are reports that this could happen as soon as April. Their exposure to an operational environment  and combat with Russia  will provide a stern test and a very useful evaluation of its capabilities for the manufacturer and for other customers.

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The RCH 155 is also on order for Germany, with plans to allocate the budget this year to buy 80 examples. The United Kingdom is also set to receive the RCH 155, which will replace the British Armys AS90 tracked self-propelled howitzer, which are in turn being supplied to Ukraine.

A prototype of the RCH 155 on display at a meeting of European land force commanders-in-chief at the Army Officers School in Germany. Photo by Robert Michael/picture alliance via Getty Images picture alliance

Other future customers for the RCH 155 include Switzerland, which will integrate the AGM on a locally made Mowag Piranha IV 1010 armored fighting vehicle chassis, and Italy. Several other NATO and non-NATO countries have also been identified as likely candidates to buy the RCH 155.

Speaking yesterday, Ralf Ketzel, CEO of KNDS, the manufacturer of the RCH 155, said that he expects Ukraine to also receive Boxer wheeled infantry fighting vehicles, in addition to the artillery systems. Ukraines ambassador to Germany, Oleksii Makeiev, reiterated that point, saying that the country would receive Boxers outfitted in a command support vehicle version, armed with a 30mm cannon. This suggests the RCT30 version of the Boxer, which combines the wheeled vehicle with the uncrewed turret from the German Armys Puma tracked infantry fighting vehicle.

The RCT30 version of the Boxer, which is armed with the 30mm gun turret from the German Armys Puma tracked infantry fighting vehicle. KNDS

No details were provided about when the Boxers might arrive, but they would provide the Ukrainian Armed Forces with a very modern infantry fighting vehicle, part of a diverse fleet of Western and Soviet-origin types. Other accounts suggest that Ukraine might intend to field its Boxers as escorts for the RCH 155, especially to counter the first-person view (FPV) drones that are proliferating on the battlefield, and which count artillery pieces among their primary targets.

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Meanwhile, Germanys military support for Ukraine was further underscored today by a visit to Kyiv by Pistorius. He is reportedly in the country to discuss further aid and assess the military situation, according to the DPA news agency.

Germany has been one of Ukraines staunchest backers since Russia launched its full-scale invasion, although things could change drastically following the snap election that will take place in Germany next month. Several opposition parties oppose the further delivery of German weapons to Ukraine, and much will depend on the shape of the next government in Berlin, as to whether the same level of support continues.

Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com
Ukraine used six British Storm Shadow missiles and US-made Atacms tactical ballistic missiles in what Kyiv described as its largest attack on Russian military facilities.

Kyivs forces also launched at least 146 drones into Russia, targeting locations nearly 700 miles deep into the country.

The attacks, which mostly targeted southwestern Russia, were the latest attempt by Kyivs forces to hit Russia in its own backyard despite facing increasing battlefield pressures along the Ukrainian front line.

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Moscow, confirming the massive attack, vowed a response. The actions of the Kyiv regime, supported by its Western curators, will not go unanswered, the Russian defence ministry said.

Kyivs military struck a chemical plant in Bryansk, south-west Russia, which is known for producing Russian artillery, rocket launch systems, and cruise missiles, according to the Ukrainian ministry of defence.

The Kristall oil plant and a refinery in Saratov were also struck, a spokesman said. The destruction of Russian military facilities continues. Glory to Ukraine, they added.

The huge attack forced six Russian cities to restrict their airspace on Tuesday morning, according to the countrys aviation agency. This included the cities of Saratov and Engels, where the oil refineries were struck.

Roman V. Busargin, the governor of the Saratov region, confirmed in a post on Telegram that industrial plants in the two cities had been damaged.

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Today Saratov and Engels were subjected to a massive UAV [unmanned aerial vehicle] attack, he said, adding that air defences [had] eliminated a large number of targets.

It was the second time in a week that Ukraine targeted Engels, which is home to an airfield which hosts Russias long-range, nuclear bombers.

A fire was reported by authorities in Kazan after a liquefied natural gas base was struck in the attack by Ukrainian forces - Reuters

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Meanwhile, authorities in Tula also described Ukraines attack as massive but said debris from 16 drones which were shot down had only caused damage to cars and buildings. Dmitry V. Milyaev, the regional governor, reported no casualties.

A fire was reported by authorities in the city of Kazan  the capital of the republic of Tatarstan in southwestern Russia  after a liquefied natural gas base was struck in the combined attack. They reported no significant damage.

Ukraine has repeatedly targeted Russia in a bid to damage its military capabilities and increase dwindling morale among its troops, according Marina Miron, a military analyst at Kings College London.

But she added that it was likely timed to have maximum impact prior to Mr Trumps return to the White House, which had been anticipated by Russia.

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The timing is criticalRussian state media said there would be some provocation before Trump returns to the Oval Office, she said.

Ukraine is trying to demonstrate its capabilities and improve its position before Trump actually enters the White House because in Ukraine there is a fear their future will be decided without them.

Ms Miron suggested, however, that such attacks are unlikely to pose a major threat to Russias military capabilities.

Ukraine doesnt have enough drones to conduct very impactful attacksthe idea is to wear the Russians down and impose more costs on them.

Ukraine has stepped up attacks on Russian soil in recent weeks as it seeks to put itself in a strong negotiating position ahead of Donald Trumps inauguration next week.

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The US president-elect said ending the war was a priority in the first phase of his presidency.

It also comes after Kyivs forces launched a counter-attack in Russias border region Kursk, which was initially captured by Ukrainian troops in August last 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.
Ukraine carried out what it said was its "largest attack" against Russian military facilities.

The operation early on Tuesday targeted military and energy sites across Russia.

It marks Ukraine's latest effort to degrade the Kremlin's war machine.

Ukraine said its forces carried out what it described as their "largest attack" of the war against Russia's military facilities on Tuesday, hitting targets  including a key airbase  hundreds of miles across the border.

A Ukrainian military drone unit, the 14th Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Regiment, said it attacked infrastructure at the Engels-2 airbase, home to Russia's Tu-95 and Tu-160 bomber aircraft.

The strikes targeted an oil storage facility that supplied fuel for the bombers at Engels, a strategic base located nearly 400 miles into Russia in the Saratov region. It marked the second time in less than a week that Ukraine attacked the site, causing a fire.

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"A multi-day complex operation to reduce the enemy's strategic aviation capabilities has been completed," the 14th wrote in a statement.

Closer to home, the Ukrainian military said that it hit a chemical plant in the city of Seltso in Russia's Bryansk region and destroyed two anti-aircraft systems. Kyiv said the Seltso facility produces artillery and rocket ammunition, as well as parts for Kh-59 cruise missiles.

Last night, sanctions were once again imposed on Engels. The 14th Long-Range Aviation Regiment reported that, in coordination with other units, they had successfully targeted the infrastructure of the Engels-2 military airfield. This airfield serves as a base for Tu-95MS and pic.twitter.com/fDFA8AcPqX  WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated) January 14, 2025

Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces, a branch of the military that was formally established last year, said that drones were used to distract the Russian air defenses before missiles rained down on the site. Kyiv employed the same tactic in an attack on a warehouse last week.

During the huge overnight operation, the Ukrainian military also struck the Saratov Oil Refinery and the Kazanorgsintez Plant, causing fires at the sites. It vowed to continue striking facilities that provide Russia with ammunition, military equipment, and fuel.

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Russia's defense ministry said that its forces shot down nearly 150 drones outside the "special military operation" zone, a term Moscow uses to refer to its invasion of Ukraine. It mentioned the attack in Bryansk and said Kyiv fired US-provided tactical ballistic missiles but did not provide any details about the other locations.

Business Insider could not independently verify all the reported details of the operation.

The widespread strikes this week are Ukraine's latest cross-border attacks inside Russia. Kyiv has used missiles and drones to target key military and energy facilities across the country as it looks to degrade Moscow's war machine and complicate its operations nearly three years into the conflict.

The strike campaign highlights Ukraine's long reach and its ability to threaten critical facilities hundreds of miles inside Russia using both locally manufactured and Western-provided weapons.

Read the original article on Business Insider
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Ukraine has targeted the infrastructure of Russia's Engels airbase in a "multi-day, comprehensive operation," Kyiv's 14th Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Regiment reported on Jan. 14.

In a post on Facebook, the regiment  part of Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces  said the attacks were to "reduce the enemy's strategic aviation capabilities" and had struck aviation fuel tanks at the Kristal oil plant used to supply Russian long-range bomber aircraft.

"We are doing our best to ensure that Engels fire crews, who have just put out the flames after the previous attack, are not left without work in the face of the increasingly difficult economic situation in Russia," it said.

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A source in Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) later on Jan. 14 told the Kyiv Independent the attack had also struck ammunition warehouses at the airbase storing cruise missiles and glide bombs.

The SBU source added it was part of a wider operation overnight that targeted several sites across Russia, including the Aleksinsky Chemical Plant in Tula Oblast, the Saratov oil refinery, and the Bryansk chemical plant.

Earlier on Jan. 14, Russian local authorities reported an overnight drone attack had damaged an industrial facility in the city of Engels, located in Russia's Saratov Oblast, following a previous attack overnight on Jan. 8, which also targeted the Kristal plant.

They released no further details of what was hit on Jan. 14, but the 14th Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Regiment later claimed it had "struck the infrastructure of (Engels airbase)." It did not specify what type of weapon was used in the attack.

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The Kyiv Independent could not independently verify the claims.

Several explosions were heard in the area, according to local reports from Russian Telegram channels.

Located in the Saratov Oblast, over 750 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, Engels airbase  also known as Engels-2  is home to the 184th Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment and 121st Guards Heavy Bomber Aviation Regiment.

It was built in 1952 and has been in service since 1954.

Engels is home to three types of Russian strategic bombers  the Tupolev Tu-95, the Tupolev Tu-22, and the Tupolev Tu-160, all regularly used to launch missiles at Ukrainian cities.

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The Tu-95 is the older of the three aircraft, a Soviet-era plane that made its first flight in 1952. It was originally used to carry nuclear bombs but has since evolved to launch cruise missiles.

Satellite imagery from Dec 3 & 4, 2022, of Engels airbase, Russia (before reports of explosions at the base), showing recent military activity at & near the airfield which houses a heavy bomber aviation unit, primarily comprised of Tu-95 (Bear) & Tu-60 (Blackjack) bombers. (Maxar Technologies/Twitter)

Each aircraft can carry 16 cruise missiles  either the Kh-55/Kh-555 or the newer Kh-101 and Kh-102 air-launched cruise missiles.

It features turboprop propellers rather than jet engines, as during the Cold War, their increased efficiency allowed it to fly all the way to the United States without refueling.

The Tu-22 carries the Kh-22 missiles, which poses a particular problem for Ukraine. It is supersonic and travels at around 4,000 kilometers per hour. Currently, the missile can only be shot down with the U.S.-made Patriot air defense system and potentially the SAMP-T, a joint Italian-French system.

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The Tu-160 is Russia's more modern strategic bomber, entering service in 1987. To this day, it remains the largest operational bomber in the world.

It can carry a total of 12 Kh-55 missiles and up to 24 Kh-15s.

Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces were established to improve Ukraine's work with drones, form special drone-specific units, and improve the production, training, and innovation of unmanned vehicles.

Various aerial, naval, and ground drones have been developed and often successfully used for reconnaissance, combat, and other tasks throughout the full-scale with Russia.

The Ukrainian military has proven to be a pioneer in drone technology, using innovative ways to undermine Russia's material and numerical advantage.

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Aerial drones have been used to ram into Russian helicopters or drop molten metal on ground positions, while naval drones were a key component in upending Russia's dominance in the Black Sea.

In turn, Russia has also widely deployed drone capabilities during the full-scale invasion, both on the battlefield and to attack Ukrainian cities and infrastructure.

Read also: Ukraines new Kursk push brings minor gains, raising concerns over limited resources

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Ukraine launched its "most massive" attack against Russian military and industrial facilities in a range of up to 1,100 kilometers (620 miles) overnight on Jan. 14, the General Staff of Ukraines Armed Forces reported.

Chemical plants, refineries, and the Engels airbase's ammunition depots were successfully targeted, a source in the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) told the Kyiv Independent.

"The SBU, together with the Defense Forces, continues to strike enemy military facilities and enterprises supporting Russias military-industrial complex. Each hit  whether on ammunition depots, refineries, oil depots, or chemical plants  weakens Russias capacity to wage war in Ukraine," an SBU source told the Kyiv Independent.

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Ukrainian drones reportedly targeted multiple regions, including Saratov, Voronezh, and Orel oblasts, as well as Tatarstan. The Russian Defense Ministry did not specify the number of drones involved.

Dmitry Milyaev, the governor of Russia's Tula region, described a "massive drone attack" in a Telegram post, claiming at least 17 drones were launched. In Aleksin, debris from a downed drone reportedly damaged vehicles and outbuildings, with no casualties reported.

The SBU source indicated the Aleksino chemical plant  producing gunpowder and ammunition for the Russian military  was successfully hit, igniting a large fire.

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In Saratov and Engels, Governor Roman Busargin confirmed damage at two industrial facilities following drone strikes. The General Staff said that the Kristal oil facility in Engels, which burned for five days after an earlier strike on Jan. 8, was again successfully targeted.

The Engels airfield, located in Saratov Oblast over 750 kilometers (460 miles) from Ukraine's nearest controlled territory, allegedly sustained hits to ammunition depots containing FAB glide bombs, KAB bombs, and cruise missiles. The Saratov oil refinery was also reportedly engulfed in a fire.

Engels hosts three types of Russian strategic bombers  the Tupolev Tu-95, Tu-22, and Tu-160  all frequently used to launch missile strikes on Ukrainian cities.

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Mikhail Isayev, the acting head of the Engels district, announced that schools in the city would transition to remote learning due to the continued threat of drone strikes.

Explosions were reported in the town of Seltso near Bryansk, where the chemical plant reportedly was hit, according to the Russian opposition Telegram channel Astra.

Ukraines Unmanned Systems Forces confirmed the strike, saying that the plant produces gunpowder, explosives, and missile fuel components, including ammunition for barrel artillery, multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS), aircraft, and Kh-59 cruise missiles. It also carries out overhauls of Grad, Uragan, and Tornado-G MLRS.

The unit reported that the drones distracted Russian air defense, paving the way for missiles to hit the main targets. Following the missile strike, long-range drones allegedly destroyed substations and other critical infrastructure.

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In Tatarstans capital, Kazan, a fuel facility was struck in the early hours of Jan. 14, igniting a gas tank. The fire occurred about 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) from the Ukrainian border. Tatarstan Republic head Rustam Minnikhanov confirmed that a fire broke out in the city as a result of the drone strike but claimed that it resulted in no significant damage.

"I went to the scene of a fire that occurred as a result of the drone attack. Emergency services quickly arrived at the scene to extinguish the fire. I heard reports that there were no casualties or serious damage," Minnikhanov wrote on his Telegram channel.

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The Kyiv Independent could not independently verify the claims.

Ukrainian forces have increasingly targeted Russias oil industry, ammunition depots, and military airfields, aiming to disrupt supply chains critical to Russias war efforts. Fossil fuel exports remain a major revenue stream for the Kremlins military operations.

These attacks are part of Ukraines ongoing efforts to undermine Russias ability to sustain its full-scale invasion, striking deep into Russian territory, including regions far from the front lines.

Read also: Ukraine says it targeted Russias Engels airbase infrastructure in multi-day, comprehensive operation

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Key developments on Jan. 14:

Ukraine targets Russia's industrial plants, ammunition depots in 'massive' strike overnight

Equipping troops takes priority over lowering draft age, Zelensky says

Ukraine denies transferring Air Force personnel to infantry amid troop shortages

Germany to deploy Patriot at Poland's key hub for Ukraine aid by end of January

European allies grow optimistic about Trump not abandoning Ukraine, Bloomberg reports

Ukraine launched its "most massive" attack against Russian military and industrial facilities in a range of up to 1,100 kilometers (620 miles) overnight on Jan. 14, the General Staff of Ukraines Armed Forces reported.

Chemical plants, refineries, and the Engels airbase's ammunition depots were successfully targeted, a source in the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) told the Kyiv Independent.

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"The SBU, together with the Defense Forces, continues to strike enemy military facilities and enterprises supporting Russias military-industrial complex. Each hit  whether on ammunition depots, refineries, oil depots, or chemical plants  weakens Russias capacity to wage war in Ukraine," an SBU source told the Kyiv Independent.

Ukrainian drones reportedly targeted multiple regions, including Saratov, Voronezh, and Orel oblasts, as well as Tatarstan. The Russian Defense Ministry did not specify the number of drones involved.

Dmitry Milyaev, the governor of Russia's Tula region, described a "massive drone attack" in a Telegram post, claiming at least 17 drones were launched. In Aleksin, debris from a downed drone reportedly damaged vehicles and outbuildings, with no casualties reported.

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The SBU source indicated the Aleksino chemical plant  producing gunpowder and ammunition for the Russian military  was successfully hit, igniting a large fire.

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In Saratov and Engels, Governor Roman Busargin confirmed damage at two industrial facilities following drone strikes. The General Staff said that the Kristal oil facility in Engels, which burned for five days after an earlier strike on Jan. 8, was again successfully targeted.

The Engels airfield, located in Saratov Oblast over 750 kilometers (460 miles) from Ukraine's nearest controlled territory, allegedly sustained hits to ammunition depots containing FAB glide bombs, KAB bombs, and cruise missiles. The Saratov oil refinery was also reportedly engulfed in a fire.

Engels hosts three types of Russian strategic bombers  the Tupolev Tu-95, Tu-22, and Tu-160  all frequently used to launch missile strikes on Ukrainian cities.

Mikhail Isayev, the acting head of the Engels district, announced that schools in the city would transition to remote learning due to the continued threat of drone strikes.

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Explosions were reported in the town of Seltso near Bryansk, where the chemical plant reportedly was hit, according to the Russian opposition Telegram channel Astra.

Ukraines Unmanned Systems Forces confirmed the strike, saying that the plant produces gunpowder, explosives, and missile fuel components, including ammunition for barrel artillery, multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS), aircraft, and Kh-59 cruise missiles. It also carries out overhauls of Grad, Uragan, and Tornado-G MLRS.

The unit reported that the drones distracted Russian air defense, paving the way for missiles to hit the main targets. Following the missile strike, long-range drones allegedly destroyed substations and other critical infrastructure.

In Tatarstans capital, Kazan, a fuel facility was struck in the early hours of Jan. 14, igniting a gas tank. The fire occurred about 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) from the Ukrainian border. Tatarstan Republic head Rustam Minnikhanov confirmed that a fire broke out in the city as a result of the drone strike but claimed that it resulted in no significant damage.

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"I went to the scene of a fire that occurred as a result of the drone attack. Emergency services quickly arrived at the scene to extinguish the fire. I heard reports that there were no casualties or serious damage," Minnikhanov wrote on his Telegram channel.

The Kyiv Independent could not independently verify the claims.

Equipping troops takes priority over lowering draft age, Zelensky says

Ukraine's immediate focus is on adequately equipping its military, rather than further reducing the draft age, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Jan. 14, according to Interfax-Ukraine.

"When we talk about increasing the number of our people (in the military), we must first address the issue of adequately equipping our brigades. Our partners have all these requests," Zelensky said.

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Zelensky noted that Ukraine fields over 100 brigades, all requiring sustained staffing and consistent resupply of equipment to maintain their combat effectiveness.

The remarks follow reports that U.S. lawmakers and NATO allies are urging Ukraine to lower its draft age from 25 to 18 to address manpower shortages. U.S. President Joe Biden's administration has reportedly advocated for the move as part of broader efforts to address Ukraine's personnel needs at the full-scale war with Russia stretches into its third year.

However, Kyiv has resisted the proposal, citing concerns over equipment shortages and the economic impact of drafting younger workers.

Under martial law, men aged 18 to 60 are prohibited from leaving Ukraine, but only those aged 25 and older are eligible for the draft.

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The Ukrainian government lowered the draft age from 27 to 25 in April 2024, adding 50,000 troops to its forces. While the measure bolstered numbers, it fell short of meeting the military's full requirements.

Read also: As US pushes Ukraine to lower conscription age, why wont Kyiv draft younger men?

Ukraine denies transferring Air Force personnel to infantry amid troop shortages

The Ukrainian Air Force will transfer military personnel "en masse" to reinforce the Ground Forces' combat brigades in early 2025, Ukrainska Pravda reported on Jan. 14, citing an undisclosed Air Force source.

Facing an infantry shortage along the front lines, Ukraine has been forced to make difficult adjustments as Russia ramps up its offensive in Donetsk Oblast.

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According to Ukrainska Pravda, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi issued an order on Jan. 11 to transfer over 5,000 Air Force personnel to Ground Forces units. A senior Air Force officer, speaking anonymously, said transfers began in spring 2024 and have now reached a "critical level," with unit staffing dropping to 50%.

"If we carry out the order of the 11th, which was sent to us by the commander-in-chief, the manning of units will drop to 40%" the officer told Ukrainska Pravda. They added that even transferring "unimportant personnel" weakens unit effectiveness, particularly for anti-aircraft missile systems, which rely on cohesive teams.

Over 200 personnel are reportedly set to be taken from seven Air Force brigades, including units defending Kyiv, Ukrainska Pravda reported, citing an undisclosed source.

The Kyiv Independent could not independently verify these claims.

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In a Jan. 14 statement, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces denied transferring Air Force engineering and aviation personnel to infantry units, emphasizing that technical and flight personnel numbers are increasing.

However, some Air Force and other branch personnel, after training, are being reassigned to strengthen ground brigades due to a critical infantry shortage. The General Staff noted this as a necessary measure to bolster frontline defense but confirmed that specialists in high-tech roles or those trained abroad on foreign equipment are exempt from transfers.

Read also: Russian troops overrun Kurakhove, approach Pokrovsk east, south, and southwest

Germany to deploy Patriot at Poland's key hub for Ukraine aid by end of January

Germany will deploy the promised Patriot air defenses around the Polish airport of Rzeszow by the end of January, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said during his visit to Warsaw on Jan. 13.

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Monitoring group German Aid to Ukraine wrote earlier that two MIM-104 Patriot fire units and a total of 200 Bundeswehr soldiers will be deployed to Poland for an estimated six months to protect Polish airspace.

Pistorius called Rzeszow a key logistics hub for Ukraine and said he would personally ensure that the U.S.-made air defenses begin operating by the end of the month.

The Rzeszow-Jasionka airport is located less than 100 kilometers (62 miles) from the Ukrainian border and transports a significant percentage of Western materiel bound for the front lines in Ukraine. It is also a main stopover point for foreign leadership traveling to Kyiv on official visits.

Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said that the airport is also a key conduit for humanitarian support heading to Ukraine, adding that more than 90% of all allied aid flows through it.

Currently, a NASAMS air defense system protects the airport, which is manned by Norwegian soldiers.

Read also: Ukraines new Kursk push brings minor gains, raising concerns over limited resources

European allies grow optimistic about Trump not abandoning Ukraine, Bloomberg reports

Kyiv's European partners are growing optimistic that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump will not pressure Ukraine into accepting a painful peace deal, Bloomberg reported on Jan. 14, citing undisclosed European officials.

Following closed-door talks with Trump's team, the officials see a rising chance that the new U.S. leadership will seek to help Ukraine negotiate from the position of strength, the outlet wrote.

Trump, returning to the White House on Jan. 20, initially caused concern among the pro-Kyiv coalition by his declared sympathies for Russian President Vladimir Putin and criticism of the Biden administration's military support for Ukraine.

The president-elect has reportedly proved more flexible on the matter than expected. His team is particularly receptive to arguments about Russia's victory emboldening China and dealing the U.S. a humiliation similar to the Taliban's victory in Afghanistan in 2021, according to Bloomberg's sources.

Trump has pledged to bring a swift end to the war but provided few details on how he plans to achieve this. A pitch leaked from his team  freezing the front lines, postponing Ukraine's NATO accession by 20 years, and deploying European peacekeepers on the ground  has already been rejected by Russia.

There were other signals that Trump does not intend to cut the support for Ukraine completely as part of his plan to resolve the war. Speaking to the Time magazine, the president-elect said he would not "abandon" the besieged country, though criticizing the Biden administration for permitting long-range strikes on Russian soil.

According to the Financial Times, Trump told the Europan allies he plans to continue supporting Ukraine while asking them to raise their defense spending levels to 5% of GDP. This echoes Trump's earlier appeals to Europe to take up greater responsibility both for Ukraine's defense and for their own security.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has officially stated that "there have been no plans to transfer highly deficient specialists of the Air Force engineering and aviation service who maintain aircraft to infantry units".

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Quote: "Instead, the Air Force of Ukraine is increasing the number of technical and flight personnel. Nevertheless, certain categories of personnel of the Air Force, as well as other branches of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, after preliminary training in training centres, are reinforcing the Ground Forces, Air Assault Forces, etc."

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Details: The General Staff noted that the situation at the front remains difficult, with a shortage of infantrymen in many areas. Therefore, the decision to reinforce the ground brigades on the front line with personnel from other units and branches of the armed forces is a necessary step taken by the command to strengthen Ukraine's defence.

"It should be emphasised that the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has prohibited the transfer of high-tech specialists and those who have been trained abroad on foreign models of weapons and military equipment from their positions," the General Staff added.

Background: Since 2024, combat brigades of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have been replenished with soldiers transferred from Ukraines Air Force units. This has continued into 2025. The latest order from Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi on the transfer of personnel was received by the Air Force units on 11 January. A Ukrainska Pravda source noted that more than 5,000 soldiers were to be transferred to the Ground Forces.

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Units from the Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces, together with other units of the defence forces, have attacked a strategic facility of Russias defence industrial base, namely a chemical plant near Bryansk that produces gunpowder, explosives and ammunition for a number of Russian systems.

Source: Command of the Unmanned Systems Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook

Quote: "Units from the Unmanned Systems Forces, in cooperation with other units of the defence forces of Ukraine, conducted a high-precision strike on the Bryansk Chemical Plant in the city of Seltso, a strategic facility for Russias defence industrial base."

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Details: This plant produces gunpowder, explosives, and rocket fuel components, as well as ammunition for tubed artillery, multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS), aircraft, Kh-59 cruise missiles, TOS-1 Tosochka multiple rocket launchers and Zemledeliye Russian remote minelaying systems. In addition, it overhauls Grad, Uragan, and Tornado-G MLRSs.

Quote: "This operation has become a model of coordination between intelligence, missile forces, rocket artillery and unmanned systems. Drones successfully distracted Russian air defence, opening the way for missiles to hit the main targets. Long-range UAVs destroyed substations and other important infrastructure after the missile strike."

Background:

On the night of 13-14 January, Russian authorities reported a massive drone attack on a number of Russian oblasts, with local Telegram channels posting videos of large-scale fires at a refinery and a factory. It was noted that 12 oblasts of the Russian Federation were attacked, and there were claims that Russian air defence shot down more than a hundred drones.

Later, the 14th Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Regiment of the Air Force of Ukraine reported that they had struck an oil depot in the Russian city of Engels again, and that tanks containing fuel for Tu-160 bombers were on fire as a result of the attack.

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Since 2024, combat brigades of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have been replenished with soldiers transferred from Ukraines Air Force units. This has continued into 2025. The latest order from Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi on the transfer of personnel was received by the Air Force units on 11 January. A Ukrainska Pravda source noted that more than 5,000 soldiers were to be transferred to the Ground Forces.

Sources: Vitalii Horzhevskyi, an aircraft technician and staff sergeant of the 114th Tactical Aviation Brigade, in a comment to Ukrainska Pravda and on Facebook; an experienced senior officer of one of the Air Force units

Details: Horzheskyi is subject to transfer to the Ground Forces according to an order given on 11 January 2025.

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Why this is important: Mass transfers can significantly reduce the effectiveness of the Ukrainian Air Force. That is why the Air Force personnel are trying to draw attention to the situation.

Quote from Horzhevskyi: "I have served in the 114th Brigade since 2014, repairing military equipment and maintaining its combat capability, such as [Soviet-made] MiG-29 and MiG-29A aircraft provided by our partners, Slovakia and Poland. Since 2014, we were transferred to the Ground Forces voluntarily, and since 2022  voluntarily and en masse. The mass transfers started in 2024 and 2025. Last year, 250 people were taken from our unit. This year, we received an order for 200+ people.

I understand that we need to defend our country, but we also need aircraft. We cant do anything without aircraft. It needs to be constantly maintained in combat readiness. Training an aviation specialist takes years of preparation and practice. And I was told that I had to go and storm some forest belts. Youre given an order, and you have to follow it."

Details: Vitalii Horzhevskyi had been transferred to an infantry unit  a rifle brigade of the Ukrainian Air Force. After suffering an injury on 19 January 2023, he returned to his 114th Tactical Aviation Brigade.

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Quote from an Air Force senior officer: "We started taking people to the Ground Forces in the spring of 2024. But now it has reached a critical point  the staffing of our units has dropped to about 50%. If we comply with the order of 11 January, which we received from the commander-in-chief, the manning of our units will drop to 40%.

During the last transfer, we were told that they were sending off unimportant specialists. But you have to understand that an anti-aircraft missile system is a weapon that requires collective effort. Even if you send off a driver or a security guard, the effectiveness of the unit will drop.

For example, a mobile firing group needs five people to work effectively: a MANPADS operator, a machine gunner, a person sitting behind a flashlight/spotlight/thermal imager, a person on the communications team, and a driver. Nowadays, we consider a three-person group to be the bare minimum. If they send off more people now, then some three-person teams will have to be disbanded, too. Reducing the number of groups will mean missing air targets. If there is no group, there is no one to shoot. This is a problem for me, because I had people performing tasks. How would I do that now?

The problem is getting bigger and bigger, and it is not being resolved. For over a year, we have had no replenishment. People are just being taken away from us."

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Details: Ukrainska Pravda noted that more than 200 servicemen are to be taken from each of the following Air Force brigades:

138th Air Surveillance Brigade;

96th Anti-Aircraft Missile brigade;

39th and 831st Tactical Aviation brigades which are defending Kyiv;

14th, 160th and 302nd Anti-Aircraft Missile brigades.

Ukrainska Pravda has seen Vitalii Horzhevskyi's military ID card, which confirms his current place of service and rank and that he has been serving in the Ukrainian defence forces since 2011 (in the 114th Tactical Aviation Brigade since 2014). Ukrainska Pravda also looked at another documenta combat duty logbookconfirming that the second source, who wished to remain anonymous, serves in the Air Force.

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The investigative outlet Skhemy has published satellite images showing the damage caused by Ukrainian drones to an oil storage tank at a refinery in Saratov, Russia.

Source: Skhemy, an investigative reporting project by Radio Liberty

Quote: "Ukrainian drones struck at least one storage tank at the Saratov Oil Refinery. This is evident from Planet Labs satellite images dated 14 January, which are in the possession of Skhemy."

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The refinery is located near the Engels strategic aviation base, home to Tu-95 and Tu-160 bombers, which Russia has frequently used for attacks on Ukrainian territory.

Saratov Oil Refinery as of 7 December

Photo: SkhemY

Saratov Oil Refinery as of 14 January. Photo: Skhemy

Photo: Skhemy

Update: As journalists later reported, pictures from Sentinel show that one of the oil storage tanks was dismantled before the attack by Ukrainian UAVs.

Background: On the night of 14 January, a joint special operation by Ukraines Security Service (SSU) and Ukraines defence forces targeted ammunition depots at the Engels airfield in Saratov Oblast of Russia. Additionally, a large-scale fire was reported at the Aleksin Chemical Plant in Tula Oblast, Russia, as well as at the Saratov Oil Refinery. There also were direct missile hits on the Bryansk Chemical Plant.

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Ukrainian oligarch Rinat Akhmetov's Metinvest Group, the largest steel producer in Ukraine, is suspending the operations of the Pokrovske Coal Company (Pokrovske coal mine and Svyato-Varvarinskaya enrichment factory) due to the approaching front line, electricity shortages and the deteriorating security situation.

Source: Metinvest's press service

Quote: "Pokrovske Coal is the energy heart of the Ukrainian steel industry, providing a large part of export revenues to the Ukrainian budget. However, with the situation worsening every day, we cannot risk the safety of our thousands of employees and the lives of their families and children. Therefore the suspension of the company's operations is a necessary step that will help save lives.

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We believe in the victory of Ukraine, we believe in the Armed Forces of Ukraine and we are ready to resume the work of Pokrovske Coal and Pokrovsk itself after repelling the Russian invasion," said Yurii Ryzhenkov, CEO of Metinvest.

Details: It is noted that the mine's employees and their families were evacuated, and the company provided them with free accommodation in its own residential facilities. For employees not involved in the suspension, the group offers retraining and employment opportunities at Metinvest's assets in Zaporizhzhia, Kamianske and Kryvyi Rih.

"In connection with the suspension of Pokrovske Coal's operations, Metinvest's management has developed a contingency plan to ensure the supply of the necessary raw materials (coal and coke) for steel production at the group's metallurgical assets (Kametstal and the Zaporizhstal joint venture)," the statement said.

In particular, the measures include the replacement of Ukrainian raw materials with coking coal from the American United Coal Company (part of Metinvest Group), the use of increased coal reserves, and the provision of additional coal and coke supplies from third-party suppliers.

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Background: In December 2024, Akhmetov's Metinvest Group suspended operations at its coal mining site in the settlement of Pishchane near the city of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast.

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By Michael Holden

LONDON (Reuters) -Kate, Britain's Princess of Wales, said she was relieved to be in remission on Tuesday after visiting the London hospital where she received treatment for cancer to thank all the medics and staff there.

Kate, 43, underwent a course of preventative chemotherapy after major abdominal surgery a year ago revealed the presence of an unspecified form of cancer. In September, she confirmed she had finished her chemotherapy.

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"It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focussed on recovery," she said in her latest statement.

"As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal. I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead. There is much to look forward to. Thank you to everyone for your continued support."

Her visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in central London, where she had undergone months of treatment, was her first solo public engagement since returning to official duties.

She met patients and staff and spoke of the care she had received. The trip also marked the announcement that she had become joint patron of the specialist cancer unit with her husband, the heir to the throne, Prince William.

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She told one patient the impact on her family had been "really, really tough".

"I wanted to take the opportunity to say thank you to The Royal Marsden for looking after me so well during the past year," she said in a message on X.

"My heartfelt thanks goes to all those who have quietly walked alongside William and me as we have navigated everything. We couldnt have asked for more. The care and advice we have received throughout my time as a patient has been exceptional."

In previous highly personal video messages to provide updates on her health, Kate had spoken of how hard her illness had been on her, William and their three young children, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Princes George, 11, and Louis, 6.

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William described last year as "brutal" with King Charles also undergoing treatment for cancer. A Buckingham Palace source has said his treatment was moving in a positive direction and would continue this year.

(Reporting by Michael Holden; editing by Sarah Young and Ros Russell)
DAMASCUS (AP)  Some governments are hesitant to boost funding for urgent humanitarian needs in Syria under the country's new interim rulers after the fall of former President Bashar Assad, the director of the U.N. World Food Program said Tuesday.

WFP chief Cindy McCain said Syrias struggle with hunger is a national and regional security issue, especially as the country goes through a critical transition period.

Whats at stake here is not just hunger, and hunger is big enough. But its about the future of this country and how it moves forward into this next phase, McCain said in an interview with The Associated Press in her first visit to Syria after she met with the de facto governments Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani.

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Syria for over a month has been under a new de facto government led by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, which led a lightning insurgency in December that overthrew Assad following nearly 14 years of conflict.

Humanitarian agencies including the WFP for years have decried budget cuts to programs giving aid to millions of people of Syria, where the U.N. estimates 90% of its population live in poverty, and more than half of its people - over 12 million - dont know where their next meal will come from. The countrys critical electricity and water infrastructure is also battered by the war. The agencies have cited shrinking budgets and donor fatigue that worsened after the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine.

Last year, WFP ended its main assistance program which helped feed millions of Syrians, and has been gradually cutting programs that fed millions of Syrian refugees in neighboring countries.

The war-torn country, under the rule of HTS leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, now is undergoing a transition that regional and international governments hope will bring about a new constitution, elections, and an inclusive political system.

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McCain said she and al-Shibani discussed the urgent need to feed more people, as well as to make the country's own food production more sustainable, including by improving its crippled water supply and boosting wheat farming.

I think the government certainly is willing to work on that at least in the talks that Ive heard today, she said.

But funding remains a major issue.

With funds from Western countries shrinking, humanitarian organizations have increasingly turned to Arab governments, notably wealthy Gulf nations, for funding. While those countries have been quick to establish diplomatic ties with Syrias new rulers, McCain said donors remain hesitant.

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Its important that the Gulf countries particularly pay attention because this is their back yard, said McCain. We would like to see them more active in not just the short-term emergency needs but the long-term needs as well.

Those governments and some aid agencies have also called for the lifting of Western-led sanctions in various parts of Syria that have restricted development work beyond aid handouts. Though most of the sanctions were on Assad and his associates, HTS and al-Sharaa are also sanctioned by Washington, Europe, and the UN.

Washington earlier this month eased some restrictions on Syrias de facto government, including on some energy sales, for six months. The EU later this month is set to discuss the possibility of easing sanctions in moves tied to progress in Syrias political transition.

McCain warned that the reluctance among donors to meet the needs of millions in poverty and food insecurity in Syria could have dire consequences, as the country goes through a critical phase.

Food security is national security no matter where youre at, said McCain. Hunger does not breed good will. We want to make sure people are fed and that their children have their ability to not just eat, but also go to school, and all the other things we want for a good society.
NewsVoir New Delhi [India], January 14: Safex Chemicals Group, a leader in the chemical industry, marks its 34th Foundation Day with the launch of an inspiring employee engagement campaign that bridges its storied past with its ambitious future. The idea of Safex was conceived by Late S.K. Jindal and S.K. Chaudhary at a time when the Indian agrochemical industry was dominated by multinational companies. The company celebrated this milestone across the country, with more than 1,500 staff members gathering to remember and pay homage to Late S.K. Jindal. The celebration underscores the company's evolution from a single facility in Bahadurgarh, Haryana, in 1992, to an international enterprise with seven manufacturing units across India and the UK. The month-long celebration features a series of thoughtfully crafted initiatives reflecting the company's remarkable journey and core values. The "Walk to Your Dreams" Challenge, inspired by Founder & Chairman S.K. Chaudhary's extraordinary life story, encouraged employees to walk 10,000 steps daily throughout December 2024. This initiative symbolizes the grit and determination that have defined both Chaudhary's personal journey and Safex's impressive growth--achieving a 40-fold increase since 2010 and maintaining a 35% CAGR over the past five years. Complementing this physical initiative is the "Dream Big" program, dedicated to the late S.K. Jindal, Co-founder of Safex Chemicals. This forward-looking initiative invited employees to set ambitious personal and professional goals, mirroring the company's transition from serving local farmers to building a network of over 15,000 distributors across 21 states and employing more than 1,500 people globally. The company's strategic milestones, such as the acquisition of UK-based Briar Chemicals in 2022, exemplify how bold aspirations can be turned into reality. Reflecting on this journey, S.K. Chaudhary, Chairman of Safex Chemicals, said, "The situation was very tough but with sheer grit, determination and a strong will to succeed, we continued to progress slowly and steadily. Many challenges came along the way, but the spirit could not be defeated. S.K. Jindal left us along the way but new generation joined in to carry the legacy forward. It speeded up the pace of growth setting new benchmarks along the way. Today, present in almost all verticals of agrochemicals viz crop protection, home care, grain storage and contract development, Safex is the 2nd Indian agrochemical company after UPL to acquire a 115-acre facility in the United Kingdom at a cost of 73 million pounds." Adding a unique cultural dimension to the celebration was the "Jukebox" initiative, which took employees on a melodious 34-day journey through the company's history. Each day featured five carefully selected songs representing every year since Safex's founding in 1991. This musical timeline resonated with employees across generations and celebrated the company's continued progress and legacy. From modest beginnings to becoming a key player in the global chemical market, Safex Chemicals has grown to meet the demands of the ever-evolving agriculture industry. According to Agriculture Today Magazine, Safex has emerged as the 18th largest agrochemical company based on FY23-24 data, achieving one of the highest growth rates in the industry at 21% for the said year. As the company celebrates this significant milestone, these programs strengthen the bond between employees and the organization's mission while laying the groundwork for future growth and innovation. (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)
By Michelle Nichols

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The United Nations said on Tuesday it was busy preparing to expand humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip under a potential ceasefire but uncertainty around border access and security in the enclave remain obstacles.

Negotiators in Qatar are hammering out final details of a ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas in Gaza, with mediators and the warring sides all describing a deal as closer than ever. A truce would include a significant increase of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.

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The U.N. humanitarian and reconstruction coordinator for Gaza, Sigrid Kaag, met with Israeli and Palestinian ministers in recent days and spoke with the Egyptian foreign minister on Tuesday about U.N. engagement in a ceasefire, U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said.

"The U.N. system as a whole is in intense planning and preparation for when a ceasefire comes into play, and how we can increase the aid," Dujarric said.

Among the unknowns are what border crossings would be open into Gaza under a truce and how secure the enclave would be for aid distribution since many shipments have been targeted by armed gangs and looters during the conflict.

"Obviously, things that will continue to be challenging because we don't have answers to all those questions," Dujarric said.

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The U.N. has complained of aid obstacles in Gaza throughout the 15-month-old war. The U.N. says Israel and lawlessness in the enclave have impeded the entry and distribution of aid in the war zone.

'DOING EVERYTHING POSSIBLE'

Global food security experts warned in November there is a "strong likelihood that famine is imminent" in northern Gaza. More than 46,000 people have been killed in Israel's assault on Gaza, according to Palestinian health officials.

Israel has said the quantity of aid delivered to Gaza -- which it puts at more than a million tons over the past year -- has been adequate. But it accuses Hamas of hijacking the assistance before it reaches Palestinians in need. Hamas has denied the allegations and blamed Israel for shortages.

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The fate of the U.N. Palestinian relief agency UNRWA - which the U.N. says is the backbone of aid operations in Gaza - is also unclear as a law banning its operation on Israeli land and contact with Israeli authorities is due to take effect later this month.

Dujarric said the U.N. and partner organizations are "doing everything possible" to reach Palestinians in need with extremely limited resources.

"However, ongoing hostilities and violent armed looting as well as systematic access restrictions continue to severely constrain our efforts," he said. "Road damage, unexploded ordinances, fuel shortages and a lack of adequate telecommunications equipment are also hampering our work."

"It is imperative that vital aid and commercial goods can enter Gaza through all available border crossings without delay, at a scale needed," he said.

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Hamas killed 1,200 people in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and took some 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Since then, Israel has laid much of Gaza to waste, and the territory's prewar population of 2.3 million people has been displaced multiple times, humanitarian agencies say.

(Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
There are still a lot of questions about how the governor will be able to enforce the measures expected to be announced by incoming president Donald Trump.

Now, undocumented Floridians - many who work in the tourism and hospitality industries - say they are concerned about their future.

I am really scared about everything that could happen to all of us, said an undocumented worker who did not want to be identified.

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She left a career and her family in her home country in hopes of living her American Dream. We know a lot of people who have family here and work here, and this situation makes us very scared because we dont know if they will come to our place of work and arrest us, deport us.

Like many who are also undocumented, she now makes a living here and hopes one day she will be able to stay in Orlando without the fear of deportation.

Read: Trump inauguration: What you cannot take to the ceremony

According to the Migration Policy Institute, there are more than 770,000 undocumented immigrants living in Florida, working in several industries - from tourism to construction.

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Florida led the way in enacting strong policies to deter and discourage and hold accountable people that came to this country illegally, said Republican governor Ron DeSantis on Monday.

DeSantis called for a special session to discuss and ultimately enforce immediately any anti-illegal immigration policies enacted at the national level, as soon as they are announced by incoming president Donald Trump. We need to act, and we need to act quickly.

Although President-elect Trumps plans have not been officially unveiled yet, while on the campaign trail, he promised the largest mass deportation program in history.

Read: Carrie Underwood, Village People to perform at Trumps inauguration events

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Democrats reacted to the governors announcement. Ron DeSantis once again leading with decisive rhetoric to really try to just get national headlines and not actually improve the life of Floridians, said Representative Anna V. Eskamani, Florida State House Representative for District 42. First of all, we dont even know what the executive orders coming out of the Trump administration will say theres been some speculation that he may sign 100 executive orders on day one. Dont know what theyre going to say and what theyre going to mean for our constituents.

The states economy  especially across Central Florida  relies heavily on immigrant labor, according to the Florida Policy Institute.

As of 2019, nearly 400,000 undocumented workers fueled six key state industries  construction, accommodation and food services, and agriculture, to name a few.

Read: Osceola deputies investigate second DV stabbing in 2 weeks

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Immigrants are essential to Floridas economy, contributing to key industries like tourism, agriculture, and construction. Targeting these communities is not just cruel, but its bad for business, said Eskamani.

An official memo obtained by Channel 9, issued jointly by the State Senate President, Republican Ben Albritton, and Florida House Speaker, also Republican Daniel Perez, confirmed that Florida legislators still dont know what the new immigration policies expected to come as President-elect Trump takes office will entail.

We look forward to President Trumps inauguration next week and have every confidence he will take swift action to end the flow of illegal immigrants across our borders. President Trump campaigned heavily on this issue, the memo reads. The American people clearly support his leadership. As do we. When we receive specific guidance that may necessitate our states legislative action to complement President Trumps efforts, we stand ready to act at the appropriate time.

As you know, this Legislature will address illegal immigration, condominiums, petition initiatives and hurricane recovery this Session, which starts in 50 days. Calling a special session at this time is premature. In particular, when it comes to immigration we are strong supporters of President Trump and stand ready to follow his lead. At this time, we are not aware of any specific guidance provided to the states about actions state legislatures can take to support forthcoming federal action. It is completely irresponsible to get out ahead of any announcements President Trump will make, especially when uninformed or ill-timed state action could potentially impair or impede the success of President Trumps forthcoming efforts to end illegal immigration, close our borders, and protect the sovereignty of our nation. We look forward to President Trumps inauguration next week and have every confidence he will take swift action to end the flow of illegal immigrants across our borders. President Trump campaigned heavily on this issue. The American people clearly support his leadership. As do we. When we receive specific guidance that may necessitate our states legislative action to complement President Trumps efforts, we stand ready to act at the appropriate time. While the Governor discussed fragments of ideas for a special session he plans to start in just fourteen days, he did not release any actual bill language or even meaningful details for legislators and our constituents to consider. With regard to the additional issues outlined by the Governor this morning, the fact is there are ample funds accessible and available to pay for the States ongoing disaster response efforts and additional funds do not have to wait until July 1. Condominium safety and ballot initiatives proposing constitutional amendments are complex subjects and should be considered during the regular session, not a truncated special session. Floridas Constitution compels our attendance at a special session unilaterally called by the Governor. However, the power to convene a special session also resides with the presiding officers. As the peoples elected representatives, the Legislature, not the Governor, will decide when and what legislation we consider. THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE, MEMORANDUM, Ben Albritton, President Daniel Perez, Speaker

Read: Strike it rich with Florida Lotterys newest family of scratch-off games - GOLD RUSH MULTIPLIERs

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The session is set for January 27th  and only after that, local law enforcement and governments will be able to determine how the upcoming measures will unfold.

You have hundreds of hotels in Orlando, and people who work in those hotels - making beds, cleaning sheets, transportation to the attractions and everything - a large number of people who are working in this industry, they come from another country, and we know for a fact that not all of them are here legally, said Walter Santos, an immigration attorney based in Central Florida. If you start removing these people from their daily activity, youre going to hamper the economic power of the state.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.




Zachary A. Myers, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana announced Tuesday that he will step down from his role effective Jan. 18, 2025, two days before President-elect Donald Trump arrives at the White House.

"It has been a privilege to lead this office of talented professionals who strive every day to make the public safer, hold lawbreakers accountable, and ensure that our rights are protected, Myers said in the announcement.

More: Zachary A. Myers becomes first Black U.S. Attorney for Southern District

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Myers was nominated to the position by President Joseph R. Biden and unanimously confirmed by the Senate on Nov. 15, 2021.

U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana Zachary A. Myers speaks Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023, during a press conference, alongside leaders of multiple other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, announcing federal charges in a drug trafficking and dog-fighting investigation.

Myers was also the first Black attorney to lead the federal office in Indiana.

During his tenure as United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Myers made gun violence one of his office's top priorities.

Notably, combating the illegal use of Glock switches and ghost guns, by federally charging people who illegally manufactured and trafficked into Evansville, Franklin, and Indianapolis.

Myers's offices also made an effort to try and disrupt and prosecute groups that were trafficking fentanyl and other deadly drugs into communities across Indiana.

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The rule of law is not self-executing. It requires the hard work and sacrifice of public servants acting with dedication and fairness. Alongside our outstanding law enforcement partners, we sought to maximize our impact for the publics benefit and always strove to do the right thing the right way," said Myers.

Once Myers departs from the position, Jonathan E. Childress, the First Assistant U.S. will serve as the acting U.S. Attorney of the Southern District of Indiana.

Contact IndyStar reporter Noe Padilla at npadilla@indystar.com or follow him on X @1NoePadilla.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: United States Attorney Zachary Myers announces resignation
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  The University of Dayton will receive $660K as part of the Choose Ohio First program.

The grant will be used to recruit and graduate students in STEM fields.

With the Choose Ohio First program, the Ohio Department of Higher Education hopes to bolster the economy by establishing a network of STEM grads to meet the states workforce needs.

The scholarships provided by the grant help interested students who wouldnt be able to study these fields otherwise.

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For example, they make it possible for students to gain hands-on experience through co-ops and internships, which are critical for preparing them to solve real-world problems in fields like renewable energy, healthcare technology and data analytics, said university Provost Darlene Weaver in a press release.

For more information about the Choose Ohio First program, 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 WDTN.com.
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  The Bakersfield and Kern County Fire Departments joined forces to save lives and houses in Los Angeles on Saturday.

The search and rescue crew left the Fire Training Facility on Olive Drive at 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11.

Over two dozen Kern County and Bakersfield firefighters make up the regional task force.

The search and rescue deployment comes after about 160 firefighters, 15 engines and multiple fire dozers were sent to the Palisades Fire on Wednesday, Jan. 8.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17 News.
By Pratima Desai

LONDON (Reuters) - Although aluminium prices for U.S. consumers have risen since Donald Trump's election win, the rise has been muted, signalling the industry is not expecting the President-elect to carry out his threat to impose hefty tariffs on Canadian imports.

Prices of primary aluminium in the United States, a net importer of the metal used in transport, construction and packaging, are based on the London Metal Exchange benchmark plus the Midwest premium.

This premium, which covers taxes, transport and handling costs, has only gained about 12% to 24 cents a lb or $530 a metric ton, since Trump won in November, a subdued move compared to 2018 when his first administration introduced tariffs of 10%.

Trump is threatening levies of 25% on aluminium shipments from Canada and Mexico and the Canadian share of U.S. primary aluminium imports is large enough for tariffs to be fully reflected in the premium.

"Markets seem to be sceptical about the actual imposition of tariffs. The theoretical impact of a 25% tariff on Canada would be a 33 cents a lb premium spike to 50 cents plus levels," said Jorge Vazquez, founder of U.S. consultancy Harbor Aluminum.

In 2018, the premium jumped 90% to $407 a ton between January, when the market started to discount the levies, and early March when the tariffs became a reality.

This time, Trump is using the threat of tariffs on Canada and Mexico as a bargaining chip to resolve border security and illegal immigration, analysts said.

For U.S. consumers, the problem would be tariffs on Canada, the largest source of aluminium shipments to the United States, which Trade Data Monitor (TDM) estimates were nearly 1.6 million tons, or 79% of U.S. imports, in January to November last year.

Primary aluminium exports to the United States in the period totalled more than two million metric tons, TDM's data showed, of which Mexico accounted for only 20 tons.

"Trump has a pretty free rein, he wants Canada and Mexico to play ball on immigration," Dmitri Ceres at U.S.-based aluminium trader PerenniAL. "Most likely tariffs will result in higher prices for metal in the U.S. versus the rest of the world."

(Reporting by Pratima Desai; editing by Alexander Smith)
A 54-year-old Phoenix man was sentenced to prison for providing drugs to federal inmates, the U.S. Attorney's Office District of Arizona announced Monday afternoon.

Between February 2023 and April 2024, Julius Darnell Dixon conspired with federal inmates at different prisons, officials said. He mailed the inmates books from different bookstores in the Phoenix area containing hidden Suboxone strips.

Suboxone is a medication that is typically used to treat opioid addiction by reducing withdrawal symptoms.

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Because Dixon mailed the books directly from bookstores, the books appeared to have been purchased directly by the inmates and were able to get around prison security, said the Attorney's Office.

Crime and sentencings: 2 indicted in connection to the sale of more than 75 pounds of fentanyl

Two mailings were intercepted by prison staff, with investigators then locating Dixon's communication with inmates, according to the Attorney's Office. The packages were then traced to bookstores in the Phoenix area, where Dixon had given his phone number, mailing address and email address.

In October 2024, Dixon pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, the Attorney's Office said. The guilty plea also included a violation of his supervised release for an earlier bank robbery conviction.

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Dixon was sentenced in January 2025 to 51 months in prison, followed by 60 months of supervised release, the Attorney's Office confirmed.

The FBI and Bureau of Prisons investigated the case.

Reach the reporter at ahardle@gannett.com or by phone at 480-708-1633. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @AlexandraHardle.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix man sentenced to prison for mailing hidden drugs to inmates
By Karen Freifeld

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States has banned imports from another tranche of Chinese companies over alleged human-rights abuses involving the Uyghurs, targeting 37 textile, mining and solar companies, the Department of Homeland Security said on Tuesday.

The companies include Huafu Fashion Co., one of the world's largest textile manufacturers, and 25 of its subsidiaries, which the U.S. has linked to forced-labor practices in China's cotton industry.

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The companies were added to the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act Entity List, which restricts the import of goods tied to what the U.S. describes as China's human-rights abuses and ongoing genocide in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.

U.S. authorities say Chinese authorities have established internment camps for Uyghurs and other religious and ethnic minority groups in Chinas western Xinjiang region. Beijing has denied any abuses.

The newly listed companies also include Donghai JA Solar Technology Co, which develops solar-energy products with polysilicon made in Xinjiang, and Hongyuan Green Energy Co, which sources polysilicon from the region, according to the U.S.

Zijin Mining Group Co and three of its subsidiaries, which source and extract zinc, copper and other metals from the region, are among the mining companies.

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The latest additions bring the total number of companies on the list to 144 since the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act was signed into law in December 2021.

The companies could not immediately be reached for comment.

A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

(Reporting by Karen Freifeld and Susan Heavey; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama, Franklin Paul and Rod Nickel)
BusinessWire India New Delhi [India], January 14: FlixBus India, the global leader in affordable and sustainable travel solutions, recently announced the launch of its dedicated Maha Kumbh Mela routes, starting with a new Delhi-Prayagraj line, aimed at catering to the expected surge in demand as millions of pilgrims' travel to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh Mela. On this occasion, Surya Khurana, MD, FlixBus India, said, "We are thrilled to introduce dedicated Maha Kumbh Flix Lines, showcasing our commitment to promote eco-friendly shared mobility and help decongest road infrastructure. This initiative reflects FlixBus India's dedication to supporting one of the most important spiritual events of our country by ensuring maximum pilgrims can participate affordably and safely. Our approach will ensure that we can adapt to demand and provide a reliable travel options for the millions of pilgrims attending Maha Kumbh over the next 45 days." Millions of attendees are expected during the 45-day spiritual event, and FlixBus has doubled its bus supply to ensure seamless connectivity for travellers. The dedicated Maha Kumbh Flix Lines are expected to roll out in phases, beginning with the Delhi-Prayagraj route, operational from January 11, in addition to the existing Delhi-Varanasi route, which bypasses Prayagraj. The next phases will see connections to Prayagraj from cities like Jaipur, Kanpur, Agra, and Lucknow, scaling the total number of buses to approximately 10-12 daily departures as per the demand. FlixBus plans to ramp up its capacity to approximately 400+ to and from Prayagraj each day. FlixBus is committed to safety and quality, utilizing standardized BS6 buses that meet strict emission norms and include advanced safety features such as anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC) for all buses. The buses are equipped with live tracking and staffed by background-verified personnel, ensuring a secure and comfortable journey for pilgrims. The initiative is part of FlixBus India's broader vision to enhance mobility during cultural and spiritual festivals like Navratri, Ram Navami, and Diwali, focusing on destinations such as Ayodhya, Katra, Prayagraj, Coimbatore, Madurai etc. For more information on routes, bookings, and schedules, visit https://www.flixbus.in/. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
With just days left before handing over the keys to the US government, the Biden administration is making a last-ditch effort to seize hundreds of billions of dollars in Russian assets as future negotiating leverage for Ukraine, according to two senior administration officials.

Top Biden aides have been working to convince European partners to support moving some $300 billion of Russian money into a new escrow account that would be released only as part of a peace deal. The money belongs to the Russian Central Bank and was initially frozen three years ago after Russia invaded Ukraine.

Most of that money is still being held in European banks, though a fraction remains in banks based in the US.

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Seizing the assets would be meant to send a simple message to Moscow, one senior administration official told CNN: If you want your money back, youre going to have to come talk.

Senior Biden officials have consulted closely on the idea with President-elect Donald Trumps national security team, including Sen. Marco Rubio, his secretary of state designee, and Rep. Mike Waltz, tapped for national security adviser.

The Trump camp, according to people familiar with the matter, is generally supportive of the strategy, believing that the seized money could give Russia fresh incentive to come to the negotiating table, with Trump wanting to see a swift end to a war he believes has already gone on too long.

The Europeans, however, are not as keen on the idea and have raised concerns about violating international law if banks confiscate Russias money outright.

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For more than a year, US officials have worked to ease those concerns and find a way to use the frozen Russian money in a way that could benefit Ukraine. In a deal that was seen as a compromise, G-7 countries agreed last year to use interest that had accrued from the frozen investments, which generate a return each year of about $5 billion, as a loan to Ukraine.

The resulting $50 billion loan would be paid back by the investments profit over a decade.

With just days to go before a transition of power in Washington, Europeans remain skeptical about confiscating the principle of the frozen Russian cash, sources told CNN, making it highly unlikely that any deal gets done before Trump assumes office.

US President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy walk on the day of signing a new security agreement between the United States and Ukraine, in Fasano, Italy, June 13, 2024. - Kevin Lamarque/Reuters/File

Senior US officials suggested that Friedrich Merz, the leader of Germanys Christian Democratic Union party who is poised to become chancellor, is open to the idea of pursuing the strategy  but he hasnt taken office.

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President Joe Biden had expected to discuss the issue with Italian leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a meeting in Rome this week, which the US cancelled as the most destructive fire in Los Angeles history raged across the city. Biden spoke by phone with Zelensky last Friday. Its unclear if the topic of the Russian money came up.

The White House has long been supportive of using the $300 billion in frozen Russian money to fund Ukraines reconstruction and increase Ukraines leverage. In recent meetings, Biden has personally broached the topic with G-7 leaders, a White House official said.

In its final weeks, the Biden team has looked for other ways to bolster Ukraines position on the battlefield and its balance sheet ahead of Trumps inauguration. The US last week announced new sanctions on secretive ships transporting Russian energy. That came a day after the White House said it would send a final tranche of $500 million worth of weapons, bringing the total amount of security aid for Ukraine to more than $65 billion.

Biden officials have stressed that they want to leave the Trump administration with the strongest hand possible on Ukraine.

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Speaking at a press conference in Paris last week, Secretary of State Antony Blinken again stressed that the outgoing administration wants to make sure that, if the Trump administration chooses to negotiate, that it would do so from a position of strength and that President Trump could get the strongest possible deal.

Trump has repeatedly voiced his desire to quickly bring the war to a close. Blinken acknowledged that were at a point in the coming year where it may be that the parties will choose to negotiate.

While the Biden administration has rushed to use as much of the money authorized by Congress to send to Ukraine, it will not have been able to disburse all of it before its term expires next week. There will be just under $4 billion in funding from the Presidential Drawdown Authority that will roll over from the outgoing Biden administration to the incoming Trump administration for funding aid to Ukraine, according to a Defense Department spokesperson.

As for the G-7 loan program, the US committed $20 billion toward it and delivered its portion to the World Bank in December. But only $1 billion has been disbursed, with the rest to come on a World Bank schedule, according Ukrainian officials. To what extent the Trump administration could try to claw back the remainder if it hasnt been delivered is a cause for concern among Ukrainian officials.

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The Kremlin called the $1 billion transfer theft and has repeatedly blasted the freezing of its assets.

This money was stolen from us, and the blocking of our assets is absolutely illegal, violating all norms and rules, Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters last month.

In a recent interview, Zelensky said he told Trump to instead give the $300 billion in frozen Russian assets to them to cement the strength of the Ukrainian military as a kind of security guarantee that Ukraine would want for agreeing to end the war.

Take money, what we need for our interior production, and we will buy all the weapons from the United States, Zelensky said. We dont need gifts from the United States. It will be very good for your industry, for the United States. We will put money there. Russian money, not Ukrainian, not European.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
The bid by Japans Nippon Steel to buy U.S. Steel may have a new lease on life after the Biden Administration extended a deadline for the Japanese steelmaker to abandon plans to acquire the storied Pittsburgh company after President Joe Biden blocked the deal.

The new deadline, now in mid-June, was viewed by U.S. Steel  and investors  as an opportunity for the companies to complete the acquisition, even though President-elect Donald Trump, who takes office in a week, also opposes the deal.

Biden nixed the acquisition this month citing a potential threat to national security, though the U.S. Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, known as CFIUS, failed to reach a consensus on the security issue.

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We are pleased that CFIUS has granted an extension to June 18, 2025 of the requirement in President Bidens Executive Order that the parties permanently abandon the transaction, U.S. Steel said in a statement Sunday. We look forward to completing the transaction, which secures the best future for the American steel industry and all our stakeholders.

Shares of U.S. Steel rose almost 7% when markets opened Monday.

The proposed deal kicked up an election year political maelstrom across Americas industrial heartland and quickly drew vows by Biden and Trump from the campaign trail in a critical battleground state to block the deal.

Even after the election, Trump wrote on social media in December that he is totally against U.S. Steel being bought by a foreign company and said he would block the deal as president. He reiterated that stance this month after it was blocked by Biden.

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However, a CFIUS composed of Trump appointees and Trump himself may be free to allow the deal to go through, or negotiate new terms.

Dennis Unkovic, a Pittsburgh lawyer who works on international business transactions, including deals in which CFIUS approval was required, said a new CFIUS and a new president are not legally bound by Bidens decision.

CFIUS giving the parties an extra six months to unwind the deal is unusual, Unkovic said. It wasnt immediately clear why CFIUS extended the deadline, but Unkovic pointed to reports that Bidens CFIUS was divided over whether it was a security threat.

Extending this from the 30 days to the 180 days was a sign that there were people in the Biden administration that would like somebody to take a second look at this, Unkovic said.

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CFIUS job is to see if there are workarounds or modifications to a deal to allow it to go through, and rarely is a deal turned down, Unkovic said. After CFIUS takes another look at it, it could still be up to Trump to decide.

Now how he comes down on it, who knows? Unkovic said.

Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel have insisted that the deal presents no national security problem for the U.S., said Bidens decision to block it was a violation of legal due process and a political calculation.

The two steel companies sued in federal court three days after Biden announcement and accused the head of the Steelworkers union and a rival steelmaker of working together to scuttle the buyout in a separate lawsuit.

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The United Steelworkers have opposed the deal, concerned over whether the company would honor existing labor agreements or slash jobs, and questioned Nippon Steels status as an honest broker for U.S. national trade interests.

However, some union members have come out in favor of the deal. Nippon Steel  the worlds fourth-largest steelmaker  says its ability to invest in U.S. Steels aging blast furnace plants in Pennsylvania and Indiana will boost the ability of the U.S. to compete in an industry dominated by China.

U.S. Steel has warned that, without Nippon Steels cash, it will shift production away from the blast furnaces to cheaper non-union electric arc furnaces and move its headquarters out of Pittsburgh.

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The Biden administration is working to persuade European countries to support transferring approximately US$300 billion of frozen Russian central bank assets to an account that would only be unlocked as part of a peace agreement.

Source: CNN

As his term nears its end, President Biden's administration is making a final push to seize hundreds of billions of dollars in Russian assets, viewing it as a potential leverage for Ukraine. However, the US faces significant scepticism from European countries regarding the confiscation of US$300 billion in frozen Russian assets.

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The majority of these funds are held in European banks, with a smaller portion in US financial institutions. As one administration official told CNN, seizing these assets could send a clear message to Moscow: "If you want your money back, youre going to have to come talk".

Biden's team has discussed the issue with President-elect Donald Trumps advisors, including Marco Rubio, set to be Secretary of State, and Michael Waltz, the future National Security Advisor. Sources close to the matter suggest that Trumps team generally supports this strategy, seeing it as a potential way to push Russia into negotiations. Trump himself is eager for a swift end to the war, which he believes has dragged on too long.

However, European partners are wary, concerned that direct confiscation of Russian assets could violate international law. This scepticism in Europe makes it unlikely that any agreement will be reached before Trump takes office.

American officials note that Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany's Christian Democratic Union and a potential future Chancellor, has shown some willingness to consider the strategy. However, he has yet to take office.

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Biden had planned to discuss this issue with Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a meeting in Rome this week, but the meeting was cancelled due to fires in Los Angeles. While Biden spoke with Zelenskyy by phone last Friday, it remains unclear whether Russian assets were discussed.

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By Jonathan Stempel

(Reuters) -Elon Musk was sued on Tuesday by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which accused the world's richest person of waiting too long to disclose in 2022 he had amassed a large stake in Twitter, the social media company he later bought.

In a complaint filed in Washington, D.C. federal court, the SEC said Musk violated federal securities law by waiting 11 days too long to disclose his initial purchase of 5% of Twitter's common shares.

An SEC rule requires investors to disclose within 10 calendar days, or by March 24, 2022 in Musk's case, when they cross a 5% ownership threshold.

The SEC said that at the expense of unsuspecting investors, Musk instead bought more than $500 million of Twitter shares at artificially low prices before finally revealing his purchases on April 4, 2022, by which time he owned a 9.2% stake.

Twitter's share price rose more than 27% following that disclosure, the SEC said.

Tuesday's lawsuit seeks to force Musk to pay a civil fine and disgorge profits he didn't deserve.

Musk eventually purchased Twitter for $44 billion in October 2022, and renamed it X.

Alex Spiro, a lawyer for Musk, in an email called the SEC lawsuit the culmination of the regulator's "multi-year campaign of harassment" against his client.

"Today's action is an admission by the SEC that they cannot bring an actual case," he said. "Mr. Musk has done nothing wrong and everyone sees this sham for what it is."

Spiro added that the lawsuit addresses a mere "alleged administrative failure to file a single form--an offense that, even if proven, carries a nominal penalty."

OTHER LAWSUITS OVER TWITTER PURCHASES

Musk, an adviser to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, is worth $417 billion according to Forbes magazine, through businesses such as the electric car maker Tesla and rocket company SpaceX.

He is worth nearly twice as much as Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos, the world's second-richest person at $232 billion, Forbes said.

The SEC sued Musk six days before Trump's Jan. 20 inauguration.

SEC Chair Gary Gensler is stepping down that day, and Paul Atkins, who Trump nominated to succeed him, is expected to review many of Gensler's rules and enforcement actions.

Musk has also been sued in Manhattan federal court by former Twitter shareholders over the late disclosure.

In that case, Musk has said it was implausible to believe he wanted to defraud other shareholders, and that "all indications" were that his delay was a mistake.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Tuesday that a ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip is "closer than it's ever been before," despite interruptions from protesters during his speech.

"Right now, as we sit here, we await final word from Hamas on its acceptance," Blinken said in Washington, adding that he is optimistic that a ceasefire will be agreed.

He did not say whether it could be achieved before the inauguration of Donald Trump as US president on January 20.

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According to Israeli media, a three-stage plan for a ceasefire has been drawn up in the Qatari capital Doha.

The Israeli television channel Channel 13 reported that the plan envisages an initial ceasefire of 42 days, during which 33 hostages are to be released, most of whom are still alive. The bodies of those that have died are reportedly to be returned.

Blinken's speech was repeatedly interrupted by demonstrators.

"You will forever be known as the secretary of state for genocide. The blood of hundreds of thousands of innocent people is on your hands," one demonstrator shouted, referring to the situation in the Gaza Strip.

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Blinken responded: "Thank you. I respect your views. Allow me to share mine."

Another demonstrator called Blinken a "war criminal" and a "monster."

With regard to the situation in the Middle East, Blinken later said: "I wish I could stand here today and tell you with certainty that we have made every decision right. But I can't."
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Tuesday that a ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip is "closer than it's ever been before," despite interruptions from protesters during his speech.

"Right now, as we sit here, we await final word from Hamas on its acceptance," Blinken said in Washington, adding that he is optimistic that a ceasefire will be agreed.

He did not say whether it could be achieved before the inauguration of Donald Trump as US president on January 20.

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According to Israeli media, a three-stage plan for a ceasefire has been drawn up in the Qatari capital Doha.

The Israeli television channel Channel 13 reported that the plan envisages an initial ceasefire of 42 days, during which 33 hostages are to be released, most of whom are still alive. The bodies of those that have died are reportedly to be returned.

Blinken's speech was repeatedly interrupted by demonstrators.

"You will forever be known as the secretary of state for genocide. The blood of hundreds of thousands of innocent people is on your hands," one demonstrator shouted, referring to the situation in the Gaza Strip.

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Blinken responded: "Thank you. I respect your views. Allow me to share mine."

Another demonstrator called Blinken a "war criminal" and a "monster."

With regard to the situation in the Middle East, Blinken later said: "I wish I could stand here today and tell you with certainty that we have made every decision right. But I can't."

He again presented a plan for Gaza's future, which included "new Palestinian-led governance with Gaza united with the West Bank under the Palestinian Authority, no Israeli military occupation of Gaza or reduction of Gaza's territory, no attempt after the conflict to besiege or block it, and no forcible displacement of Gaza's population."

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The measures should also include a "sustained mechanism for Gaza's recovery and reconstruction," he said.

Negotiations to end Israel's war on Gaza - sparked by an unprecedented terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel in October 2023 - have rumbled on in Doha for months.
The Utah Legislatures 2025 general session starts in eight days, and the Utah House Republicans say they plan on changing the way the states colleges and universities deliver education.

House Republican leadership announced their policy priorities for the 2025 session, which starts Jan. 21, at a press conference Monday.

Caucus members have been working on these issues all year long, House Speaker Mike Schultz, R-Hooper, said. These priorities are a reflection of the thoughts and feedback that we have heard all across the state.

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Their priorities were in five main areas: education, affordability, infrastructure, safe communities and accountable government.

How the House majority will prioritize education this year

Education is critical, even crucial, for improving lives and developing a skilled workforce and fostering innovation, Rep. Candice B. Pierucci, R-Herriman, said.

The House Majority Caucus plans to focus on investing in career and technical education programs, reducing burdens for student teachers and parents and expanding individualized learning opportunities.

The goals for higher education include maximizing the value of education, streamlining and aligning degree programs with Utahs workforce needs and increasing investments in technical education.

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Schultz said they want to bring higher education back to the basics by focusing on providing educations that will give students strong opportunities in the workforce. This includes promoting degrees and certificates that will provide opportunities for economic success.

Its not fair or right to tell a student to come to one of our institutions and get a degree in a program that we know does not lead to a workforce outcome for them, does not give them a broad range of experience, Rep. Karen Peterson, R-Clinton, said.

The representatives are also working on expanding the Utah Fits All Scholarship program which helped 10,000 families last year. There were 27,000 families who applied to receive the scholarship.

In terms of funding well see on the budget, of course, wed love to see more money for customized learning for families and our students, but were looking at this years budget, Peterson said.

Rep. Casey Snider, R-Paradise, speaks as the Utah House majority announces the 2025 policy priorities at a press conference at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

How Utah plans to embrace nuclear power

In line with what Gov. Spencer Cox has said, Utah lawmakers say they want to increase energy production in the state.

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We have to plan where were going to get our power from, how were going to keep the lights on, a plan that must include future technologies such as nuclear as we move forward, said Rep. Casey Snider, R-Paradise.

As part of the House GOP focus on infrastructure, Schultz said there have been many conversations about nuclear power, we want more of it.

The lawmakers said expanding nuclear power output will help keep Utahs energy costs among the lowest in the country.

The state government has worked with the Idaho National Lab and funded the San Rafael Center, looking at ways to utilize nuclear power.

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There are other focuses to help improve infrastructure, like making sure the state isnt limited by gridlock and that there is enough water for everything the state requires, from agriculture to the Great Salt Lake.

Potential changes coming to Utahs elections

The House will be looking into the recent audit on Utahs elections to see what concerns should be addressed, Schultz said, adding there are no firm plans on changes yet.

These potential changes to Utahs elections processes are a part of the groups focus on increasing government accountability.

Schultz also spoke about the debate on who should be running the states elections.

I think thats a fair debate to have. I personally have concerns with  again, its not specific to any title, any person holding this title  but the perception out there to have the lieutenant governor in charge of their own elections, I would like to see a way and move away from that, Schultz said.

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There will also be an effort to bring more transparency to Utah elections and to address the other major concerns found in the audit such as management of the states voter rolls.

Schultz said this is the second audit in a row that has highlighted concerns with voter rolls.

Utah House Majority Whip Karianne Lisonbee, R-Clearfield, speaks as the Utah House majority announces the 2025 policy priorities at a press conference at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Utah House Republicans plan to focus on illegal immigration

House Republicans said they will also focus on preserving the safety of Utahs communities amid an increase in challenges like gang violence and fentanyl trafficking.

Part of this focus will include cracking down on illegal immigrants who commit crimes in the Beehive state, said Rep. Karianne Lisonbee, R-Clearfield.

Lisonbee emphasized that this is not about making Utah a threatening place for immigrants but rather holding people accountable for committing crimes in the state.

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Whether theyre from Colorado, from Utah or from South America, it doesnt matter. If youre here and youre committing crimes, you will be held accountable, Lisonbee said. That is the message that we are sending this year with our legal immigration package.

This will include focusing on dealing with problems of human and drug trafficking from cartels and other groups.

The House Majority Caucus plans to lower taxes to help increase affordability

House Republicans say theyre also focused on making Utah more affordable.

Utah tops almost every list of successful states, no matter the metric, were No. 1 in private sector job growth, for entrepreneurship, for upward mobility and more, said Peterson.

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Part of this priority is a focus on lowering taxes, but it is currently unclear how big these tax cuts could be or what they will ultimately look like.

Other policies they say theyll pursue include increasing affordable home ownership, strengthening business friendly policies and protecting taxpayer dollars.
PRNewswire Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 14: Sunsure Energy, the preferred renewable energy solution provider for India's leading businesses transitioning to green power, has secured INR 416.35 Crore in long-term debt financing from Aseem Infrastructure Finance Limited to fund the development of Sunsure's 150 MWp open-access solar park in Solapur, Maharashtra. The 1st phase of the plant has already been commissioned and is supplying clean energy to some of the state's biggest industrial customers. The full plant is expected to be commissioned by March 2025. Sunsure is developing the Solapur solar park through multiple Special Purpose Vehicles. It has entered into long term Power Purchase Agreements with prominent industrial clients across Maharashtra, including Sandoz, KSB, Olon, Bharat Forge, Kirloskar Brothers, Wonder Cement, Lupin, and Emcure. The solar park will play a pivotal role in advancing a sustainable future, by enabling its industrial customers transition to clean power and offsetting approximately 163,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. Shashank Sharma, Founder, Chairman and CEO, Sunsure Energy, said, "This long-term financing from Aseem Infrastructure Finance will accelerate our portfolio expansion in Maharashtra, strengthening our position as a leading renewable energy solutions provider. The Solapur solar park will cater to a diverse set of C&I customers, including those in the pharmaceutical, manufacturing, and cement industries, and will significantly help the state meet its renewable energy goals. We look forward to deepening our partnership with Aseem Infrastructure and working together to assist Indian industry in transitioning to responsible green energy and contributing to achieving India's ambitious 2030 targets." Virender Pankaj, CEO, Aseem Infrastructure Finance Ltd, said, "Aseem Infrastructure Finance is glad to partner with Sunsure Energy to provide long-term debt financing that will significantly contribute to the expansion of their renewable energy portfolio in India. At Aseem Infra, we are committed to driving the growth of the country's renewable energy sector by providing financing solutions that cater to the unique needs of our clients. As a testament to this, the current debt solution was meticulously structured to meet the financing requirements of the project, which is a 150 MWp open-access solar park project in Solapur, Maharashtra, spread across 9 SPVs, having a very diversified offtaker composition. This collaboration with Sunsure Energy group demonstrates our unwavering dedication to sustainability and our confidence in the transformative potential of renewable energy projects. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Sunsure Energy group and contributing to more such landmark projects in the future." About Sunsure Energy Founded in 2014, Sunsure Energy is the preferred renewable energy solutions provider for India's leading businesses transitioning to green power. As a leading Independent Power Producer (IPP), Sunsure enables businesses across India to embrace clean energy with ease and confidence through long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) that offset up to 70% of power use to renewable energy through a mix of solar, wind, and battery storage technologies. Sunsure is backed by Partners Group AG with an equity commitment of $400 million towards its vision of building the largest industrial decarbonization company in India and SE Asia. With a target of 5 GW by the end of 2028, Sunsure Energy is committed to powering India's energy independence and transforming every Indian business with green energy. The company is developing a significant portfolio of solar and wind energy projects across India to supply renewable energy to Commercial & Industrial clients, as well as utility offtakers like SECI and SJVN. www.sunsure-energy.com About Aseem Infrastructure Finance Limited Aseem Infrastructure Finance is an NBFC-IFC and is a leading financial Institution dedicated to supporting sustainable infrastructure projects. With a strong focus on renewable energy, the company provides innovative financing solutions to promote the growth of clean energy initiatives. In line with the company's vision to help create a futuristic India through transformative infrastructure financing, AIFL has been making rapid strides, as reflected in our high-quality asset book crossing the INR 14,800 crore mark within a short span of time, comprising of over 50% exposure in the renewable energy sector. Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2491395/Sunsure_Energy.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)
Vehicle crashes into utility pole in Norman

NORMAN, Okla. (KFOR)  A truck crashed into a utility pole in Norman Tuesday morning, police say.

According to officials, the collision happened near 24th Avenue Southeast and Wheatland Drive.

LOCAL NEWS: Del City Police searching for hit-and-run suspect

Car crashes into pole in Norman. Image KFOR.

It is unknown if anyone was injured in the crash. It has also been reported that there is a power outage in the area.

Officials say the southbound lanes of 24th Ave. SE are shut down from Tahoe Drive to Twisted Oaks Drive.

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The cause of the crash is unknown as the investigation continues.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
GUATEMALA CITY (AP)  Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez landed in Guatemala Tuesday, four days after the inauguration of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to a third term.

Guatemala Foreign Affairs Minister Carlos Ramiro Martinez told The Associated Press that Gonzalez arrived in Guatemala and Guatemala President Bernardo Arevalo planned to meet with him on Wednesday.

Gonzalez, who is recognized by several countries as the winner of the presidential election, had promised to return to Venezuela to take office. But last Friday, when Maduro was sworn in, he called it off saying the necessary security conditions werent there to allow his return.

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An airport official in the Dominican Republic, who requested anonymity to discuss Gonzalezs departure, said he left a small airport outside Santo Domingo on Tuesday aboard a private plane.

Gonzalez had been in the Dominican Republic for six days.

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.

____

Adames reported from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

____

Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
The Vermont Department of Public Service will launch a $62.45 million initiative in late 2025 to install solar energy in low-income households, with the goal of reducing electricity costs by 20% for many low-income and disadvantaged Vermonters.

Vermont's Solar for All program, as the initiative is known, is part of a nationwide effort, funded by a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, to deliver the economic benefits of residential solar to more local communities.

VEIC (Vermont Energy Investment Corporation), the nonprofit that administers Efficiency Vermont, will provide the Department of Public Service help with program planning, community outreach and more for Solar for All. The Vermont Department of Public Service (PSD) represents the public's interest in matters of energy, telecommunications, water and wastewater utilities.

Solar for All addresses single-family homes as well as apartment buildings

Vermont's Solar for All program will offer three ways for people to participate:

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The Residential Assistance in Solar Energy (RAISE) program to support the installation of rooftop solar for eligible single-family homes.

The Managed Affordable Solar Housing (MASH) program to help affordable housing providers install solar on their buildings and provide residents opportunities to participate in community solar projects.

The Affordable Community Renewable Energy (ACRE) program to create megawatt-scale community solar installations to support low-income Vermonters with a focus on renters and people who are unable to participate in the other two programs.

"We're proud to see Vermont's clean energy champions coming together to address energy affordability, create good-paying jobs and reduce pollution all at once," VEIC Managing Director Nikki Kuhn said in a statement. "We look forward to working with the PSD to create solutions that have immediate and tangible impacts for the communities we serve."

Click here for more details on Vermont's Solar for All program and to receive the latest updates on program development.

Contact Dan DAmbrosio at 660-1841 or ddambrosio@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @DanDambrosioVT.

This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Vermont to get federal help to bring solar energy to low-income homes
House Education and Workforce Chair Virginia Foxx (R-NC) brushes back against the legislation proposed by House Democrats. (Photo: House.gov)

U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx (NC-05) will chair the House Rules Committee for the 119th Congress, the House GOP conference confirmed on Tuesday.

She was appointed by Speaker Mike Johnson and ratified by the full Republican conference, according to reports from Punchbowl News and Bloomberg Government.

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Foxx will succeed retired Rep. Michael Burgess, a Republican from Texas, in the role.

Its one of the most powerful panels in Congress. Members influence the introduction and process of legislation through the lower chamber.

With the slim GOP majority, the chair position becomes even more vital to shepherding Johnsons agenda.

Foxx, the dean of North Carolinas congressional delegation, has represented the states fifth congressional district since 2005. She previously served in the North Carolina Senate from 1995 to 2005.

The 81-year-old Republican made news earlier this month when she slipped and fell down the stairs outside the House chamber. The injury did not sideline Foxx, who posted on social media Im a mountain woman, and were tougher than a $2 steak.

Few women in leadership roles in the new Congress

Johnsons pick follows an ABC News report from December that no women or people of color would lead a House committee for the first time in two decades.

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The House Republican Steering Committee selected leaders for the chambers 17 standing committee last month. The list did not include the Rules panel.

Foxx has experience in leadership roles on House panels. She spent time as both the chair and the ranking member of the House Education Committee between 2017 and 2025, as the parties swapped majority of the chamber over the years.

Before that, Foxx served as the House Republican Conferences secretary between 2013 and 2017.

Foxx has praised recent efforts by Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to seek out ways to shrink the federal government through the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
HANOI, Vietnam (AP)  Vietnam and Russia inked Tuesday an agreement to boost cooperation on nuclear energy during Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustins two-day visit to Hanoi.

The Southeast Asian country has been trying to revive its nuclear energy plans  after it shelved building two nuclear power plants in 2016 due to ballooning costs and concerns around safety  hoping it will help it become energy-sufficient and reach its goal of curbing additional greenhouse emissions by 2050.

The agreement was signed between Russias state-owned nuclear energy company Rosatom and Vietnams state-owned power utility EVN.

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Mishustin also held bilateral talks with his counterpart Pham Minh Chinh and met Vietnams Communist Party chief To Lam and the chairman of Vietnams National Assembly Tran Thanh Man.

Vietnam is an important partner of Russia in Southeast Asia," Mishustin said. Today we plan to discuss with you a comprehensive plan for cooperation between Russia and Vietnam, which runs until 2030.

He is set to meet President Luong Cuong on Wednesday.

Alexey Likhachev, Rosatom's general director, arrived in Hanoi earlier on Monday. He said that the company was ready to help Vietnam build nuclear power plants and centers, as well as share and localize Russian nuclear technology, according to Vietnamese state media.

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Russia, which has been trying to bolster ties in Asia to offset its growing international isolation over its war in Ukraine, also agreed to transfer a scientific research vessel for marine research.

Mishustin is a technocrat who has maintained a low political profile and was reappointed as Russia's Prime Minister in 2024. This is his first trip to Vietnam and comes after President Vladimir Putin traveled to Hanoi in June and agreed to work on a roadmap for a nuclear science and technology center in Vietnam.

Hanoi and Moscow have had diplomatic relations since 1950 and have been close allies since the Cold War. Evidence of that long relationship and its influence can be seen in Vietnamese cities where Soviet-style apartment blocks co-exist alongside skyscrapers.

Bilateral trade between Russia and Vietnam was only $3.6 billion in 2023, compared to $171 billion with China and $111 billion with America. And while Russia has accounted for 80% of Vietnam's arms exports since the early 2000s, that has been declining over the years because of Vietnamese attempts to diversify its supplies.
(FOX40.COM)  A lawsuit has been filed against the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation after a hyper-violent prisoner allegedly captured a female officer in a prison facility for several hours and subjected her to severe physical and emotional trauma, including sexual assault.

The incident happened at the CDCR Sierra Conservation Center in Jamestown after a long series of inexcusable and negligent decisions by the CDCR, according to the lawsuit. The inmate, Robert Lawrence Ransom Jr., was considered a dangerous individual who had been incarcerated for multiple hyper-violent murders.

Attempted murder suspect tries breaking into Sutter County home, residents inside

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CDCR reportedly transferred Ransom to a lower-security facility which was designated as a training center for firefighting techniques in a rural part of California. The lawsuit alleges that the CDCR failed to provide any training, information, or intelligence regarding the status of this violent inmate. The plaintiff, Katie Jackson, said she was unaware of his violent status.

The CDCR placed this woman in a situation where she was repeatedly and brutally violated, and her life was put in jeopardy, said attorney Paul Goyette of Goyette, Ruano & Thompson. The extent of injuries, horrific, physical and mental torture she endured, and continues to relive on a daily basis is sickening.

Man sentenced to at least 50 years in prison in string of Sacramento-area bank robberies

Goyette added, As much as this incident was a grotesque and nightmarish display by an individual void of any humanity, CDCR created the conditions to make this incident possible and created the conditions that allowed the incident to last over a protracted period of time, causing maximal damage to the victim officer. This civil suit is the first step toward holding CDCR accountable.

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The lawsuit claims that Ransom concealed clothing that resembled a custodial officers uniform, got inside a control booth, gained access to at least one loaded assault rifle, and used it to kidnap, corner, and brutally assault the female officer for about four hours.

Even more dreadful, other on-duty CDCR officers conducted multiple ongoing cell checks throughout these four hours, verifying the prisoner was within his cell, when he was in an entirely different location of the facility, carrying on his extensive and deplorable acts, Goyette said. Adding to these horrific acts, a sergeant on duty later claimed he was too busy as the reason for being unable to perform his duties of checking the location properly.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
RICHMOND, Va. (AP)  The Virginia House of Delegates passed resolutions on Tuesday enshrining rights to abortion, voting and marriage equality in a critical step for Democrats hoping to amend the state's constitution next year.

The chamber, where Democrats hold a razor-thin 51-49 majority, advanced the three proposed constitutional amendments Tuesday while sister resolutions work their way through the Senate. Unlike other bills, proposed constitutional amendments are not subject to vetoes by the governor, but they must be twice passed in at least two years, with a legislative election sandwiched between each legislative session. After that, the public can vote by referendum on the issues.

If the abortion ballot measure is ultimately successful, Virginia would become a rare southern state to join a growing trend of states putting reproductive rights-related ballot questions to voters.

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I trust our Virginia voters, said Democratic Majority Leader Charniele Herring, patron of the amendment protecting abortion. It seems like the other side of the aisle does not.

In a lively debate, Republicans blasted the proposed amendment to protect abortion, which passed along party lines. Republican Del. Mark Earley described the resolution as a failure to recognize the image of God in fetuses.

This resolution is not only extreme  and it is," he said on the House floor. But the real problem with it is that its fundamentally misguided because it refuses to open its eyes to the lives and futures of children.

Democratic Del. Candi Mundon King called for lawmakers to recognize the lives of women caught in life-threatening pregnancies, in a scathing rebuke of Republicans' arguments.

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Lets pass this resolution so that people who probably couldnt find a uterus with a map are not making decisions about womens health care, she said.

Elsewhere, since 2022, 18 questions have gone before voters across the U.S., and they have sided with abortion rights advocates 14 times. The voters have approved constitutional amendments ensuring the right to abortion until fetal viability in nine states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Ohio and Vermont. Voters also passed a right-to-abortion measure in Nevada in 2024, but it must be passed again in 2026 to be added to the state constitution.

Democratic lawmakers in both chambers said on Tuesday that the constitutional amendments were central to their legislative agenda this year. In a news conference with Virginia Black legislators, Sen. Jennifer Carroll-Foy said the amendments were critical for the state to shatter inequality.

Virginia has been going backward for far too long, she said. "We understand that we were the home of segregation ... of slavery, of Jim Crow. And now we are forward-facing and forward-moving. So we need to ensure that our Virginia constitution reflects our values here in Virginia.

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In a bipartisan 55-44 vote, lawmakers also voted to revise Virginias process to restore voting rights for people who served time for felony crimes, which Democrats describe as a relic of disenfranchisement. The vote came after Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin, to the dismay of voting-rights advocates, rolled back a process to restore peoples civil rights after they completed sentences for felonies. Virginia is the only state that permanently bans anyone convicted of a felony from voting unless a governor restores their rights.

In a plea to lawmakers to pass the amendment, Democratic Del. Cia Price said on the Virginia House floor: We cannot live in the past, we have to live in the present. And presently, we have a governor that is not restoring rights at the rate of previous Republican and Democratic governors, and were about to have a convicted felon as a president, referencing President-elect Donald Trump, who was convicted by a jury of 34 felony convictions.

Lawmakers have previously attempted to put up the resolutions in 2022 and 2023, though they were unsuccessful in the House, where Republicans previously had an edge. Next year, the amendments' successful passage will likely again hinge upon Democrats ability to preserve their majority in the statehouse. All seats in the House are on the ballot in November.

The amendment with the most bipartisan support was the resolution protecting marriage equality. Following a 58-35 vote supporting the proposal, Democratic Del. Mark Sickles described his belief that the resolution reflects an evolving Virginia.

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The public opinion changed so much, he said. Barack Obama was against same-sex marriage at one time, and he changed. Everybodys had a chance to change.

___

Olivia Diaz is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (DC News Now)  Virginia Tech said it was ready to welcome students to the first of its academic buildings in Potomac Yard.

Virginia Tech Innovation Campus set the goal to become the most diverse graduate technology campus in the country.

The campus offers Master of Engineering programs in Computer Science and Comupter Engineering. Some of the facilities features include its drone cage, the immersive visualization lab, K-12 space, and artificial intelligence center.

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Whats next for Potomac Yard now that Alexandrias arena deal fell through?

The facility, which is located at 3625 Potomac Ave. in Alexandria, will open its doors for the first day of classes on Jan. 21.

Virginia Tech said it will host an opening celebration with a ribbon-cutting event on Feb. 28, beginning at 10 a.m.

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Ahead to the Union Budget 2025, industry stakeholders are expecting reforms that will propel the healthcare sector. The industry want increased government support to address critical challenges in the sector. From boosting healthcare expenditure to expanding public health initiatives, the industry has put forth several demands. Aman Puri, Founder of Steadfast Nutrition, urged the government to increase healthcare spending to 2.5-3 per cent of GDP, aligning with global averages. India's healthcare expenditure has stagnated at 1.5-2.1 per cent of GDP in recent years, resulting in inadequate infrastructure and poor health outcomes. Puri emphasized the need to strengthen primary and secondary healthcare systems, particularly in rural areas and tier-2 and tier-3 cities, which house a significant portion of the population. He also called for greater investment in preventive healthcare, which currently receives only 14 per cent of government funds. Dr. Smeet Patel, Director of Mayflower Women's Hospital in Ahmedabad, emphasized the need for reduced taxation on health insurance, especially as premiums tend to be higher for women due to their specific healthcare needs. He advocated for expanding initiatives to combat cervical cancer, pointing out that the HPV vaccine can reduce the incidence of the disease by nearly 90 per cent, particularly if administered at a younger age. He added "We also anticipate the Indian Government to launch more public awareness campaigns and improve access to resources for patients affected by these conditions". Suresh Garg, Founder of Zeon LifeSciences, highlighted the need for tax uniformity in the healthcare sector, along with provisions for research, innovation, and export incentives. With the Indian nutraceutical market expected to grow significantly, these measures can enhance global competitiveness and drive sector growth. He said "Our expectations from the government are to prioritize policies that not only unlock the immense potential of the healthcare industry but also ensure long-term sustainability, inclusivity, and global recognition". Anshul Khurana, Co-founder of Entitled Solutions, stressed the need for targeted healthcare policies for urban low-income households that often fall outside existing welfare schemes. "Incentivizing standard health coverage plans, and expanding the Ayushman Bharat program to include these households could ensure better access to essential healthcare" he added. Overall, the healthcare industry hopes the government will address these pressing concerns in the upcoming Budget to ensure a healthier, more equitable, and globally competitive healthcare system. (ANI)
View the fully interactive 360-degree video on the Telegraphs YouTube channel here.

Footage filmed in the streets of Pacific Palisades shows the aftermath of the wildfires that razed much of the Los Angeles neighbourhood to the ground.

Our 360-degree interactive feature allows readers to control the view as they travel down the areas destroyed roads, passing the twisted carcasses of once-grand buildings.

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Single-brick chimneys and a mess of tangled, blackened rubble are all that is left of many houses. Elsewhere, grand entrances and high gates are seen guarding nothing, or marble steps abruptly end mid-air.

The apocalyptic scenes, akin to one of Hollywoods own disaster films, show the devastating impact of the flames that tore through the neighbourhood, levelling the homes of the rich and famous.

The footage is accompanied by the sounds of the hot and dry Santa Ana winds, blamed for fanning the spread of the fires.

Palisades Village, a luxury shopping area in the heart of the neighbourhood, looks like a wasteland, with shopping malls levelled, churches decimated and rows of properties turned to dust.

The western stretch of Sunset Boulevard, the most famous thoroughfare in LA, with its expensive shops, cafes and restaurants, can also be seen scorched and in ruins.

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The wildfires have become the most destructive LA has ever seen and possibly the costliest on record.

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DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  Furry first responders from the Miami Valley need your vote!

Light Ohio Blue is hosting the second annual Fur Responders Photo Challenge to honor furry first responders across the state. All Ohio public safety agencies are welcome to share photos of their K-9 officers, with voting open to the public all month.

Trusted Traveler Program restored at Wright-Patterson AFB

The contest is split into six categories based on population. Several Miami Valley furry friends have been entered into the competition.

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Kettering Police Department has three K-9 officers in Category 2. Springboros Officer Blue is the current category leader for Category 3.

Officer Blue (Springboro PD)

K-9 Blu (Kettering PD)

K-9 Thor (Kettering PD)

K-9 Bolt (Kettering PD)

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Public voting is open from Jan. 9 through Jan. 31. You can vote once every 24 hours. Click here for more information.

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HONOLULU (KHON2)  A town hall is set to take place on Wednesday, January 15, to discuss concerns about the proposed landfill site northwest of Wahiawa and its potential environmental impacts.

Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You

The community meeting is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Wahiawa Elementary School Cafeteria and aims to provide local residents with a platform to voice their concerns about the landfills effects on water aquifers, agricultural land, and the overall environment in Central Oahu.

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Our community still has many unanswered questions about this proposed landfill, and this town hall will give us a chance to speak up, said Rep. Perruso. We deserve transparency in this process and to understand how it could impact our environment.

Strike is off! Queens nurses reach tentative agreement

Councilmember Weyer added, This is our chance to stay informed and engage with the decision-making process. Together, we can protect Oahus water sources and safeguard our environment for future generations.

Panelists for the event will include Sharon Hurd, Chairperson of the Hawaii Department of Agriculture; Ernie Lau, Manager of the Board of Water Supply; Daniel Nellis, General Manager of Dole Food Company Hawaii; and Jonathan Scheuer, former Chair of the Hawaii Land Use Commission.

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Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news

The town hall is open to all community members who are concerned about the proposed landfill and its potential consequences.

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WALTHALL COUNTY, Miss. (WHLT)  A Walthall County man has been sentenced for making a terroristic threat.

Jones County woman escapes from house fire

The Daily Leader reported Joshua Allen Dawson pled guilty to two counts of making a terroristic threat on Monday, January 13.

According to prosecutors, Dawson called in bomb threats to Dexter Attendance Center in March 2024 and September 2024. He was sentenced to 10 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC).

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NEW YORK (PIX11)  Are you searching for jobs that pay a six-figure salary?

New York City is looking to fill many high-level positions with starting salaries over $100,000. Positions are listed on the JobsNYC portal.

More Local News

The New York City Campaign Finance Board is hiring an associate director of payroll, timekeeping, and benefits. The salary ranges from $105,000 to $115,000.

Job duties include serving as the agencys main point of contact for payroll and timekeeping, overseeing the Payroll email inbox and responding to employees payroll inquiries, and assisting with benefits enrollment, open enrollment, and benefits-related inquiries.

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The position is located in Manhattan. Applicants should have a bachelors degree, including or supplemented by at least twelve-semester credits in accounting, finance, human resources administration, or a closely related area of study, and one year of satisfactory full-time experience in that area. No civil exam is required.

NYC hiring for media jobs with dozens of departments

The Office of the Manhattan Borough President is hiring a police director. The salary ranges from $110,000 to $120,000.

Job duties include managing and mentoring a team of policy staff, conducting research and data analysis to inform policy development, and representing the Manhattan Borough Presidents office at meetings and events.

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The position is located in Manhattan. Applicants should have a bachelors degree in political science, public affairs, public policy, or a closely related field and at least 8 years of experience in community work or community-centered activities, with at least 3 years in a supervisory capacity.

Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  Charter Oak State College Tuesday announced it has partnered with Google to create a free Connecticut Online AI Academy for adults.

The free program is designed to equip Connecticut residents with the foundational skills needed to thrive in an Artificial Intelligence-drive workforce.

Biden signs executive order aimed at growing AI infrastructure in the US

In todays rapidly evolving job market, AI skills are not just a luxury but a necessity, said Dr. David Ferreira, provost of Charter Oak State College. The Connecticut Online AI Academy represents our commitment to bridging the skills gap and empowering residents with the tools they need to succeed in the modern workforce across all industries.

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Its specifically designed for residents 18 and older and is available fully online.

Learners will be introduced to the fundamentals of generative AI, practical applications for productivity, and ethical considerations related to AI usage.

In 2024, artificial intelligence was all about putting AI tools to work

People who complete the course will receive an industry-recognized Google AI Essentials Certificate.

In todays fast-paced world, it is an enormous benefit for workers to continually update their skills to match the technology that is moving our economy forward, Governor Ned Lamont said in a statement.

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For more information and to register for the course, Connecticut residents can visit https://workforce.charteroak.edu/.

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Warner Bros Discovery has pledged $15 million to help Los Angeles combat and rebuild from the wildfires currently ravaging the county, the company announced on Monday afternoon.

Warner Bros is the latest to donate, following Sony, which pledged $5 million, and Amazon, which pledged $10 million. Meanwhile, Eva Longoria has donated $1 million, using funds from the Jeff Bezos Courage and Civility Award bestowed upon her last March.

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In a statement, a spokesperson for the conglomerate said, It is tragic to see the impact the devastating fires continue to have on the Southern California region. Warner Bros. Discovery is committing $15 million for immediate response and rebuilding efforts.

For WBD employees affected by the fires, who number more than a thousand, we are continuing to help by paying for hotel rooms and temporary housing, rental cars, meals, counseling, and are establishing an onsite emergency relief center, they said. Our studio has called Burbank home for more than 100 years, and we are focused on what needs to be done to help those impacted rebound from this disaster and rebuild in the weeks, months, and years ahead.

RELATED: L.A. Fires Donations: A List Of Hollywood Industry Organizations, Donors And How To Help

Todays donations are sorely needed, with wildfires in Los Angeles County still out of control in areas like the Pacific Palisades, which is only at 14% of containment, as of this writing. The neighborhood west of downtown Los Angeles was the first hit by fire on Tuesday, with the Palisades Fire now understood to be the most destructive in the citys history.

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The fires in Los Angeles have been supported by dry conditions and intense Santa Ana winds, which are expected to pick up again this week. The second largest, the Eaton Fire in Altadena and Pasadena, is currently at 33% containment.

RELATED: Sony Donates $5 Million To Wildfire Relief Efforts

Here is the David Zaslav-led companys full statement:

It is tragic to see the impact the devastating fires continue to have on the Southern California region. Warner Bros. Discovery is committing $15 million for immediate response and rebuilding efforts.



For the more than one thousand impacted employees, we are continuing to help by paying for hotel rooms and temporary housing, rental cars, meals, counseling, and are establishing an onsite emergency relief center.



Our studio has called Burbank home for more than 100 years, and we are focused on what needs to be done to help those impacted rebound from this disaster and rebuild in the weeks, months, and years ahead.

Best of Deadline

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KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE)  Arrest warrants are revealing new information about what investigators knew ahead of serving a search warrant in South Knoxville that resulted in deputies shooting a teenage suspect.

In early January, the Knox County Sheriffs Office released that a deadly shooting involving deputies had happened in the 7800 block of Sevierville Pike. The TBI, which was requested to investigate the shooting, reported that deputies with KCSOs SWAT team made contact with Daevon Montez Saint-Germain,18, inside the home.

Tennessee General Assembly 2025: Legislative priorities for state lawmakers

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As deputies were attempting to take Saint-Germain into custody, deputies fired shots, fatally wounding the teen. KCSO reported that Saint-Germain had refused to follow commands and displayed a firearm.

Arrest warrants obtained by 6 News reveal more about the investigation that had been underway for at least week before the search warrant was served.

According to the warrants, investigators noted in December that Saint-Germain had posted pictures several times on Instagram of large quantities of marijuana and money. Additionally, they said he also wrote on the platform about selling marijuana and vape cartridges containing THC, and specifically mentioned selling narcotics at school.

One post specifically listed by investigators in the warrants said Saint-Germain mentioned that his next load probably [sic] my last load and that he put in work to get my self out this [explicative] if you wanna trap foreva u a fool.

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Daughters rare cancer diagnosis leads father to advocate for platelet donation

Investigators wrote that Saint-Germain was a known associate of the Murdaville Mafia street gangs, a subset of the 98 Main Street Mafia Crips that operates primarily in the Montgomery Village housing development in South Knoxville.

One of the warrants list a receipt of the items seized from the home, which included multiple digital scales, bulk marijuana from [a] grow in basement, 10 bags of a brown powder that tested positive for MDMA, multiple cell phones, a rifle, and two handguns.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.
A standing-room-only crowd was on hand Monday night as the Warren County School Board of Directors voted to close two schools in the district.

Many on hand were in disagreement as the board voted to close two schools.

The plan calls for students grades 9-12 from the closed Sheffield school, to now go to Warren Area High School, while students in grades 9-12 from the closed Youngsville school will relocate to Eisenhower Middle/High School.

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Those schools will close at the end of the school year. The closures passed by a 5-4 vote.

Mercy Center for Women awarded over $1 million as part of statewide investments

We spoke with a teacher and student from one of the closing schools about the decision.

I think this is a major step back not just for the district, but for the county, said Zachary Sanford, a Youngsville teacher.

Theres so much emotional thought process going into this that theyre not taking into consideration, and I think its unappreciated and not thought through, and they wont listen to us, said Avery Dalrymple, a junior at Youngsville Highschool.

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The decision was the result of nearly two years of consideration as well as a 90-day waiting period before the vote could be taken.

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By leveraging the Tata Communications MOVE platform, JLR's next-generation vehicles will provide seamless connectivity, smarter driving features, and real-time services in 120 countries, even in the remotest locations.

This collaboration strengthens the existing partnership between the two companies, marking a significant step in JLR's digital transformation and innovation strategy.

The Tata Communications MOVE platform will play a pivotal role in JLR's upcoming medium-sized SUVs, slated for launch in 2026.

It will ensure uninterrupted access to personalized connected services, enabling features such as media streaming and advanced vehicle tracking. Drivers will also benefit from resilient wireless communication that ensures connectivity in challenging environments.

The platform will enhance software over-the-air (SOTA) updates, allowing real-time improvements to vehicle diagnostics, performance, and maintenance.

Additionally, it will provide tailored connectivity solutions to keep customers and their families connected to their favourite apps and vehicle features, no matter where they are.

JLR's connected vehicles generate an impressive 2.5 terabytes of data daily, with an average of 500,000 electronic control units updated monthly.

By integrating Tata Communications MOVE, JLR will significantly enhance its data exchange capabilities. This will allow engineers to gain deeper insights into vehicle performance, enabling faster updates and improved vehicle servicing.

The MOVE platform will also support the development of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and facilitate secure data exchanges between JLR and its vehicles. These advancements will contribute to smarter, more efficient vehicle management while reducing costs for customers.

Marco Bijvelds, Vice President and Global Head of Tata Communications MOVE, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "The automotive industry is continually innovating to meet ever-changing customer demands. Last year, our digital fabric enabled seamless connectivity across all JLR's production sites globally. As part of our extended partnership, we're now powering JLR's software-defined vehicle journey worldwide and enabling them to deliver advanced driving features in their cars."

Mark Brogden, Director of Digital Product Platform Off-Board at JLR, said, "The partnership with Tata Communications is the next step in our software-defined vehicle journey, offering highly secure and cost-effective data connectivity across 120 countries." (ANI)
WARREN, Ohio (WKBN)  A Warren woman whose miscarriage thrust her into the national spotlight has filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Warren, Mercy Health and the medical professionals who treated her, alleging that she received improper medical care and that she should have not been criminally charged.

Read next: Local bar owners file $5M lawsuit for train derailment damages

Brittany Watts had been charged with abuse of a corpse following an investigation by the Warren Police Department after she had a miscarriage in September 2023.

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Investigators said they found a baby stuck in a toilet at her home on Sept. 22 and that she was trying to plunge the toilet.

A Trumbull County grand jury chose not to indict her on the charge, but the case sparked outrage from abortion rights and womens rights groups. Watts later spoke to WKBN, saying she wanted to get laws changed so that what happened to her doesnt happen to others.

According to her lawsuit filed Friday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, Watts alleges that at 21 weeks pregnant, doctors at St. Joseph Warren Hospital told her that she developed a condition called placental abruption, which endangered her pregnancy. The lawsuit contends that Watts received no meaningful treatment or guidance so she returned home.

The next morning, she returned to the hospital after her water broke prematurely, her cervix was dilated and infection set in. Though the lawsuit alleges that Watts was at risk of hemorrhaging, she did not receive treatment for over 10 hours, so she again returned home.

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She ended up miscarrying in the toilet of her bathroom, and the lawsuit details that the fetus was under 1 pound  already deceased  and contained in a mess of tissue and blood.

Confronted with this bloody mess, Ms. Watts did what was reasonable: she flushed the toilet. The toilet began overflowing. Ms. Watts did her best to clear the toilet, removing some of the bloody mess with a bucket, the lawsuit reads.

Watts ended up returning to St. Joseph Warren Hospital again, where a nurse reported that Watts had committed a crime.

The lawsuit alleges that a detective at the Warren Police Department, along with two nurses, worked together to implicate Watts in criminal conduct  alleging that reports and hospital notes contained blatantly false information.

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The lawsuit contends that the hospital should have either offered Watts a dilation and evacuation procedure or informed her where she could receive it elsewhere due to the inviability of the pregnancy. While doctors concluded labor should be induced immediately, treatment was still delayed, according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit alleges that one of the nurses suggested to the hospitals risk management department that Watts had given birth to a viable baby at home and left the baby in a bucket, which began the criminal investigation.

Police then arrived at the hospital to interrogate Watts while she was hooked up to I.V.s and monitoring machines, according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit alleges that Watts suffered medical negligence and emotional distress as a result of the situation.

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Included in the lawsuit is an affidavit from Dr. Joy Cooper, who works as a gynecologist in the state of Florida. Cooper writes that she reviewed Watts medical records and believes that the doctor who treated her breached the standard of care by failing to provide proper medical treatment to Watts.

Bon Secours Mercy Health issued a statement Tuesday about the lawsuit:

We remain steadfast in our mission and our commitment to the patients and communities we serve with compassion and integrity. Due to patient privacy, Mercy Health will not discuss these legal proceedings. BON SECOURS MERCY HEALTH

Watts is represented in the lawsuit by Attorney Jonathan Loevy, from Chicago, Il.

A response has not yet been filed by the defendants. A city spokesperson said the city had no comment on pending litigation.

Nadine Grimley contributed to this report.

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By Gabriella Borter and Andrew Goudsward

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - With 30 miles (48 km) of tall black temporary fencing, 25,000 law enforcement officers and security checkpoints set up to process hundreds of thousands of spectators, Washington is braced for President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration next week.

The Monday swearing-in on the steps of the U.S. Capitol and parade to the White House will follow a weekend featuring protests by Trump's opponents and parties and rallies by the Republican's supporters.

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The inauguration follows a campaign marked by two attempts on Trump's life - including one from a would-be assassin who nicked his ear with a bullet - and a pair of New Year's Day attacks on ordinary Americans. In one, 14 people were killed and dozens injured when a U.S. Army veteran rammed a truck into a crowd of New Year's Eve revelers in New Orleans. The same day, an active-duty U.S. Army soldier detonated a Tesla Cybertruck outside a Trump-branded hotel in Las Vegas, killing himself.

"We are in a higher-threat environment," said U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Matt McCool at a Monday press briefing.

The inauguration itself, when Trump formally takes the oath of office with members of Congress, the Supreme Court, his incoming administration and tens of thousands of others looking on, will take place on the Capitol steps, facing the Washington Monument.

That is the same spot where, on Jan. 6, 2021, thousands of Trump supporters smashed windows, fought with police and sent lawmakers running for their lives in an attempt to overturn his 2020 election loss to Democratic President Joe Biden.

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Trump's 2024 election rival, Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris, conceded her defeat in the Nov. 5 contest, unlike Trump who continues to falsely maintain that his loss was the result of fraud.

FEAR OF A LONE WOLF

Security officials said they were not aware of any specific, coordinated threats to the inauguration. What they are worried about is lone wolves, such as the New Orleans attacker, or two separate incidents last week. In one, a man was arrested for trying to bring a machete into the Capitol. In the other, a man was arrested for trying to ignite a fire near the Capitol, according to U.S. Capitol Police.

"That threat of the lone actor remains the biggest justification for us being at this heightened state of alert throughout the next week," U.S. Capitol Police Chief Thomas Manger told the security briefing.

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The FBI and Department of Homeland Security on Monday warned police nationwide of the risk of copycat attacks similar to the New Orleans incident.

A large chunk of downtown Washington - stretching about 2 miles (3 km) from the White House to the Capitol - will be closed to vehicular traffic, with entry points blocked with concrete barriers, garbage trucks and other heavy items.

The 30 miles of 7-foot-tall (2-meters-tall) black fencing, designed to be unclimbable, will be the longest ever erected in Washington, officials said. Some 7,800 National Guard troops and 4,000 officers brought in from other police departments around the country will reinforce security.

While some residents of the city, where 90% of voters cast ballots for Harris over Trump, were readying to leave for the holiday weekend or hunker down at home to avoid the gridlock, tens of thousands of people were expected to descend upon the city for celebrations and protests.

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About 70% of Washington's 34,500 hotel rooms were booked for the night of the inauguration and the night before as of last week, according to data from Smith Travel Research and shared with Reuters by Destination DC, Washingtons official tourism organization. Hotel occupancy was at about 95% for Trump's 2017 inauguration, and about 78% for former President Barack Obamas second inauguration in 2013.

MARCHES AND RALLIES

Trump's 2017 inauguration was marked by massive protests and counter-protests. His former spokesman, Sean Spicer, famously began his tenure by claiming - contrary to photographic evidence -- that the crowd on the grassy National Mall was "the largest audience ever to witness an inauguration - period."

The Women's March the following day drew hundreds of thousands of people onto the streets of Washington -- and even more in pop-up solidarity events that took place around the country.

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A far smaller crowd of 25,000 people is expected to take part in the anti-Trump People's March on DC on Saturday, Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith said on Monday.

Thousands are expected to show up for nearly a dozen other protests or rallies that local officials have permitted between Saturday and Monday, including a Trump rally at the 20,000-seat Capital One Arena on Sunday.

Juliette Kayyem, a professor at Harvard Kennedy School who served as a homeland security official during the Obama administration, said officials appeared to follow standard practice in planning for all possibilities.

"What you're planning for is a worst-case scenario, but my suspicion is you're not going to get it, which is good," Kayyem said. "In terms of planning, it's always easier to ratchet down than ratchet up."

(Reporting by Gabriella Borter and Andrew Goudsward in Washington; Editing by Scott Malone and Matthew Lewis)
Washington state law has recognized pharmacists as health care providers since 1979, allowing them to prescribe many medications approved by the FDA. (Wichayada Suwanachun/Getty Images)

A Washington state-based nonprofit has launched a program training pharmacists to prescribe abortion medications via telehealth, a model that organizers hope other states will adopt to expand abortion access.

Abortion is broadly legal in Washington state up to the point of fetal viability, which is generally considered to be between 24 and 26 weeks of pregnancy. But Dr. Beth Rivin, president and CEO of nonprofit Uplift International, said there are still many individuals who face barriers to abortion access in Washington because of where they live, how much money they make and other factors. Those people can benefit most from having access to telehealth, Rivin said, and having pharmacists available helps increase that availability.

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The nonprofit partnered with an online pharmacy called Honeybee Health to launch what theyre calling the Pharmacist Abortion Access Project. Ten pharmacists were recruited and trained to prescribe mifepristone and misoprostol, the standard U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved medication abortion regimen, to patients in Washington up to 10 weeks gestation.

Rivin said the team created its training protocol with Dr. Sarah Prager, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Washington. The program also has a list of clinics where patients can be referred if any in-person follow-up care is necessary, including ultrasounds, blood tests or other exams.

If (patients) had questions, the platform allowed for messaging between the pharmacist and the individual, and patients were followed up with at one week and four to five weeks after prescriptions were written, Rivin said.

Over the past two years, anti-abortion groups have increasingly called for more state legislation targeting abortion drugs, alleging telemedicine for abortion pills is dangerous to a pregnant persons health. Research has repeatedly shown that telehealth prescriptions are just as safe as in-person treatment, with one recent study showing 99.7% of patients out of a sample of 6,000 did not experience any serious complications. Similarly, 97.7% didnt need any form of additional follow-up care.

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Research confirms that medication abortion can be prescribed through telehealth just as safely as in person, and it confirms that pharmacists can specifically prescribe medication abortion, Rivin told States Newsroom. The training they undergo through (the project) mirrors the training that other providers receive.

The Heritage Foundation, the conservative group behind a set of policies known as Project 2025, has gathered several examples of abortion pills given to pregnant women without their consent. Using those examples, the organization recommends states ban telemedicine and mail-order abortion pills and strengthen or enact laws targeting abortion coercion. There have also been calls to use a dormant federal law called the Comstock Act to ban abortion pills from being sent by mail altogether.

Proof of residency not required to obtain pills by mail

By the end of the Washington pilot program, which took place between Oct. 31 and Nov. 26, 2024, the pharmacists successfully prescribed medication abortion to 43 people who were deemed eligible. To qualify, aside from the applicable medical protocol, the patient needed to be 18 or older and have a Washington address where the medication could be mailed. The recipient of the medication does not need to prove they are a Washington resident, but a valid Washington address must be provided. Washington has shield laws preventing states where abortion is illegal from investigating medical providers if a resident of that state obtains an abortion in Washington.

Following the success of the pilot, Uplift International said it plans to expand the program across Washington and explore pharmacists prescribing medication abortion in person from brick-and-mortar pharmacies.

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Rivin said the hope is that the project paves the way for other states to implement the same model, especially as President-elect Donald Trump takes office and Republicans in Congress may eye more federal abortion restrictions.

It is the first step toward mainstreaming pharmacists as prescribers of medication abortion in person, Rivin said.

Don Downing, a clinical pharmacy professor emeritus at the University of Washington and co-director of the project, said Washington has one of the most progressive pharmacy laws in the country. State law has recognized pharmacists as health care providers since 1979, allowing them to prescribe many medications approved by the FDA.

Washington shares that progressive pharmacy law status with one of its border states, Idaho, where pharmacists can also prescribe medications for minor ailments such as cold sores and allergies, as well as drugs for treatment of illnesses such as flu and strep throat. Downing said Idahos pharmacy laws are actually even more progressive than Washingtons.

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However, Idaho has an abortion policy that could hardly be more different. It is the only state in the Northwest with a near-total abortion ban, a civil enforcement law allowing family members to sue medical providers who perform an abortion, and a so-called abortion trafficking law making it a felony to take a minor to a state with legal abortion access without parental permission.

Ironically, Downing said the pilot team announced the project in Idaho during an annual pharmacy meeting held at a resort in Coeur dAlene with pharmacists from Montana, Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Alaska.

We presented the idea of pharmacists becoming much more involved in medication abortion access at that meeting, and it was surreal because Idaho at that time was just pouncing on womens access to abortion, Downing said.

Providing prescriptions via telehealth first was the priority, he said, because after conducting several listening sessions before launching the pilot, the consensus among women interviewed was that they preferred the privacy of an online experience.

If youre in a small town, if you go to the doctors office, you go to the school nurse, a pharmacy, theres a good chance youre going to see a neighbor, a relative, and someone is for sure going to ask you what youre doing there today, Downing said. Women nationwide are increasingly saying, if I can get it online the same way we buy from Amazon, if I can do this without running into my aunt, so much the better.
Jimmy Kimmel is moved by community support and the commitment of first responders amid a dark period of L.A. history defined by devastating wildfires and immense loss.

Returning Monday to his late-night TV slot, Kimmel delivered an emotional opening monologue about the "very scary, very stressful, very strange week here in L.A." Several fires broke out last week across Southern California, stoked by a "life-threatening and destructive" windstorm. The most devastating blazes, in Pacific Palisades and Altadena, continue to burn and have damaged or destroyed more than 12,000 structures and killed 24 people.

"It's been terrible," Kimmel said after reflecting on the fires, including the since-extinguished Sunset fire that threatened his studio in Hollywood. "Everyone who lives in this city knows someone, most of us multiple people  families, friends, colleagues, neighbors  whose houses burned down, and the truth is we don't even know it's over."

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Read more: A week after L.A. firestorms began, winds still pose danger as scale of loss becomes clearer

The last week has been a "sickening, shocking, awful experience," but Kimmel also said a bright spot has been the "beauty from seeing the community coming together to support each other." After briefly chiding President-elect Donald Trump for railing against California politicians, Kimmel turned the spotlight onto first responders, including the inmate crews that have been battling the wildfires.

"We should never stop thanking them," Kimmel said. In addition to local and out-of-state first responders, the Emmy-winning host also lauded police, the National Guard, local news reporters and the Watch Duty app.

"Real superheroes," he added.

Kimmel's opening segment also praised the Angelenos who have organized donation drives, businesses that have offered support to affected residents and "unexpected hero" Steve Guttenberg. Since last week, the "Police Academy" star has remained in his Palisades neighborhood to aid emergency efforts. Guttenberg told Kimmel his latest mission has included saving a dog and putting out small fires in the area.

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Although the fires have brought devastation, Kimmel said, the last week has also been full of various lessons  including those on firefighting terminology and emergency responses.

"I feel like I'm an expert now," he joked. "Before this happened, most of what I knew about fire safety came from watching 'Paw Patrol.'"

Read more: Among thousands of Angelenos displaced by fires, celebrities face the same devastating losses

The final minutes of Kimmel's 15-minute monologue featured a super-cut of local coverage highlighting community efforts, including donation drives and free meal services.

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On Monday, the "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" team announced its efforts to give back to people affected by the fires. The production has set up a donation center behind its Hollywood studio, at 6901 Hawthorn Ave. The center will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily until Friday.

SoCal residents should remain vigilant this week as officials voiced concern that a new round of strong winds, paired with dry fuel and low humidity, could result in new fires starting or existing blazes expanding. An unprecedented fourth particularly dangerous situation fire weather warning took effect Tuesday morning and is expected to last through Wednesday, affecting swaths of Los Angeles County and surrounding counties.

Life-threatening and destructive and widespread winds are already here, Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley said during a news conference Tuesday. We are taking an aggressive, lean forward posture ... strategically placing fire patrols and engines in the unimpacted high fire risk areas in the city. We are carefully managing our operations to ensure that we can quickly respond to any new fires.

Times staff writers Rong-Gon Lin II, Hannah Fry and Grace Toohey contributed to this report.

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Read more: A list of free and discounted resources for victims of Los Angeles-area fires

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Election workers counting vote-by-mail ballots at the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections office in Largo on Oct. 25, 2022. (Photo by Mitch Perry)/Florida Phoenix)

While the dispute between Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Republican Partys legislative leaders over his call for a special legislative session remains at an impasse, a government watchdog group is criticizing the governor for including changes to the citizen-led initiative process as part of that process.

Amy Keith, executive director of the Florida chapter of Common Cause, said she is in sync with Senate President Ben Albrittons and Speaker of the House Daniel Perezs joint public statement on Monday that the governors request that the Legislature convene on Jan. 27 was premature and irresponsible.

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We would agree that this special session is an unnecessary waste of taxpayer money which looks like it intends to rush through some incredibly complex issues in order to serve the political ambitions of the governor, Keith said during a Zoom conference involving advocates from Southeastern states.

Common Cause has long supported direct democracy and the ability of people to choose to amend their own governing documents, so it is particularly concerning to us that the governor would look to rush through changes to the ballot initiative process in a special session and attack the freedom of everyday Floridians to bring change to their communities through the amendment process, which they use when out of [touch] politicians refuse to listen to the voices of the people in our state.

DeSantis noted on Monday in a press conference and subsequent proclamation sent to all members of the Florida Legislature that the Florida Department of State has previously identified several instances of fraud in the citizen initiative process during the 2024 election cycle, specifically with the campaign of Floridians Protecting Freedom, the organization that unsuccessfully advocated for Amendment 4 to enshrine abortion rights in the states Constitution.

The Florida Department of States Office of Election Crimes and Security released an interim report in October alleging that Floridians Protecting Freedom violated petition gathering laws. Last month, the group paid a $164,000 fine regarding those allegations but did not admit to or deny violating Florida election law.

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DeSantis proclamation says that the loopholes need to be immediately closed and the citizens initiative petition process needs to be strengthened to ensure the integrity of our election process.

Extremely complex issues

Keith said that the other issues included in DeSantis call for a special session  immigration, condominium reform, and hurricane relief  are all extremely complex issues, and that the regular legislative session slated to start March 4 would be the proper time when those issues can be managed [and] can be properly investigated and deliberated.

Keith noted that the proposed Jan. 27 start for the special session comes a day before special primary elections are being held in two congressional districts in Florida after Donald Trump chose the originally elected representatives to serve in his administration.

(District 1 has been held by Republican Matt Gaetz and District 6 by Republican Mike Waltz. Gaetz subsequently withdrew from consideration to serve as attorney general).

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She said that the deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot in both of those primary elections is on Jan. 16 at 5 p.m., highlighting the fact that Florida law now requires that all voters must request a vote-by-mail ballot if they choose to vote that way following the 2024 general election.

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As the L.A. wildfires rage on, the destruction of 12,000 structures and counting reveals how individual tragedies add up to profound communal loss.

When it first dawned on me that parts of the city I live in were being devoured by flames, the shot of cortisol running through my veins quickly clarified priorities. First, I considered the safety of humans and other living creaturesmyself, my kin, but also the strangers I feel bound to by proximity. As I was without power and on the edge of a red flag zone in Los Feliz, I began to think about my home, an accumulation of all my possessions, the stuff that taken together informs my identity, lore, and sense of place in the world. I shuffled around my dark house with a lantern recording a video of all my belongings because an Instagram story I saw said I would need it to fight with the insurance company about what I really owned. (I forgot that, like many others, my renters policy was cancelled when I moved to a new place in July; theyd "placed a temporary pause on any new fire insurance.") It dawned on me that the loss of a home is so much bigger than the things themselves; what of the experiences, the life, that happened within the walls? Even if they could be resurrected, they wouldnt contain things like pencil marks that track your kids growth, or the little red wine stain from an out of control New Years party you never got around to painting over.

In the case of the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles, which have already killed at least 24 people, ravaged 40,000 acres, and destroyed over 12,300 structures, at least 12,000 people have lost their homes. Many are still living in immeasurable catastrophe; most havent even been allowed back to assess the damage, as the fires are only partially contained. Youre lucky if you were one of the 150,000 Los Angelenos who were ordered to evacuate or just stand by with a Go Bag, possibly without power, only to stay home or be able to return the next day. The new normal has become jumping into direct action, donating to GoFundMes, and incessantly refreshing the Watch Duty app to ensure my safety. While sick over the devastation that many friends are experiencing, another kind of grief has emergedone for the neighborhoods, parks, and historical landmarks that inform the culture of this city.

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Much has already been reported about how the fires have taken iconic architecture like Richard Neutras Freedman House, the Keeler House by Ray Kappe, the Andrew McNally House, and the Topanga Ranch Motel; the latter was one of the last examples of a bungalow motel in the state. Its easy to forget that buildings are given historical designation as not just an acknowledgement of their significance to the past, but what their preservation has to offer the future. These were time capsules of our history, the unique and influential way California does architecturedemonstrating the boundary-pushing design that has always been an engine of inspiration for the rest of the country. (Its no surprise that in October of last year, Los Angeles was the chosen host for Dwells Open House Tours.) This destruction is a hard pill to swallow in a relatively young city where historical preservation is difficult and politicized.

The Palisades Fire took the Will Rogers Ranch House in the Santa Monica Mountains, part of a historic state park. It was built in 1945 by the beloved Hollywood actor. Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images

Some of these houses were beautiful structures for people to gawk at and maybe tour, but many were meaningful third spaces. The Will Rodgers Ranch House hosted a surf camp for kids, movie nights, and family swing dances. The Pasadena and Pierson Playhouses were both architectural marvels, but more importantly, had been cultivating community theater for the better part of a century. The Pasadena Waldorf Schoolwhich was on the National Register of Historic Places for its inventive design by McAnulty + von Sydow Architecturehad been educating children since it was completed in the 1970s. The Theosophical Society in Altadena, dedicated to "uplifting society" and "promoting brotherhood" in a nonpolitical way, featured over 40,000 rare books, documents, and artifactsand a place to read themthat are now gone.

I could keep going, but in some ways, isolating specific structures fails to truly capture the scale of the damage. Zooming out from the "noteworthy" buildings, we wrestle with the loss of entire neighborhoods. Altadena, which during the Civil Rights Era became a haven for black and brown people who were previously victim to redlining, also has an architectural heritage that cant be recreated. The community in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains was known for its craftsman-style homes built between 1905 and 1930, thatched shingled bungalows with gable roofs and built-in cabinetry that put an emphasis on, well, craftsmanship. The craftsman movement was born in 19th-century England as a response to the mass production and shoddy quality brought on by the Industrial Revolution; aesthetics aside, its hard to imagine that anything like them could be rebuilt now, given the cost of building. The neighborhoods Park Planned development, built in 1946 by Gregory Ain with landscape architect Garrett Eckbo, was an innovative affordable housing project and one the countrys first modernist developments. The 28 tract homes, of which only a handful remain, hark back to a time when living in beautiful architecture surrounded by nature was not just a privilege of the uber-rich. Theyalong with the craftsman-style homes, and their many elderly ownersremind us of a time before Los Angeles was out-of-reach, when the city actually worked for the working class.

And thats to say nothing of what isnt considered capital "A" Architecture. What could be the costliest wildfire in our countrys history took places of worship, galleries, pizza places, hardware stores, coffee shops, bars. People rag on Los Angeles for its lack of public space, but perhaps this is why where we choose to gather feels so important. On the annihilated waterfront stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu once sat local haunts (and tourist attractions) that were emblematic of a Los Angeles Americana thats quickly becoming lost to time. The Reel Inn: surfboards hanging from the ceiling, twinkle lights, checkered table clothes on weathered wood tables; the tiki-inspired patio overlooking the ocean at Moonshadows; Cholada Thais humble baby blue surf shack and groovy signage.

The Topanga Motel built by William Randolph Hearst in 1929 to house workers building the Pacific Coast Highway was one of the last examples of a bungalow motel in the state. Photo by Montes-Bradley via Getty Images

My mind keeps returning to one day eight years ago, when my mother came to visit and I took her up the coast for both of us to really experience Malibu up close for the first time. I am from San Francisco, but Id never seen anything quite like this. My mouth was agape at the coastlinean almost terrifying natural beauty punctuated by a random assortment of development: a gaudy beige 80s mansion next to a dark midcentury cabin next to a contemporary glass box. (This is the same area where Nobu is across the street from McDonalds). On that drive, it clicked for me: Los Angeles is called the "city of dreams" because of how many different people come here chasing their own particular one. For better or worse, there are all kinds of manifestations of the American dream in L.A.and you can see that in its built environment.

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Frank Lloyd Wright once said: "Tip the world over on its side and everything loose will land in Los Angeles." In no other place could a rabbit-obsessed couple run a Bunny Museum featuring 35,000 pieces of bunny paraphernalia for over 30 years. (RIP, for now.) Its no wonder I spend so much time wandering my neighborhood and wondering what eccentric lives in each home. Today, the air quality was good enough to resume my practice, but that curious exercise is now an excruciating one.

Beyond meeting our basic human needs, "home" is an isolated place where we get to express our unique point of view. But we dont often acknowledge how our personal world-building impacts each others landscapes, or a whole city. Even if you arent close friends with the people on your block, that one guys house on the corner is a signal to turn right on your way back from work; the family of fours Christmas lights are a reminder that the holiday season must be coming soon. It doesnt matter if you live in a maximalist bungalow, a white box, or an old prewar building: climate change has us contending with the human impulse to make beauty, and in our current moment, the pain of learning its not permanentfor us or our neighbors.



Top photo of destruction by the Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, on January 9, 2025. By Zoe Meyers/AFP via Getty Images.

Related Reading:

Should We Keep Living in Disaster-Prone Areas?

When Natural Disasters Threaten Modernist Icons
WATERBURY, Conn. (WTNH)  Police from the Waterbury area got some extra training Tuesday morning in dealing with people with autism and other disabilities.

Some Post University students also got to learn about interacting with police.

That included mock traffic stops. Getting pulled over by police can be stressful for anyone, but it can be very tough on the neurodiverse or someone on the autism spectrum.

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Maybe the lights and siren that usually goes off every time when they pull you over, Payton Gesner, who is part of Post Universitys Pathways program for students with disabilities, said.

Cheshire advocates protest alleged mistreatment at animal shelter

Some Pathways students and police officers spent the morning learning ways to interact. Ashley McClain started what is now a nationwide program based on her experience as the mother of a son on the spectrum.

It could be worrisome. It can be high-stress. It can be overwhelming, McClain, director of the Linked Autism Safety Project, said. So, a lot of behaviors that they typically may have on a regular basis may be heightened and can be overwhelming.

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That is why, for the past five years, Connecticut has recommended neurodivergent drivers keep their registration and insurance in special blue envelopes that police immediately recognize.

Instead of looking at someone who is being non-verbal with you as being potentially combative or possibly under the influence, theres an immediate recognition of what this could be, explained retired police chief Joe Dooley. And the envelope has instructions for the driver, and on the back, for the officer.

When a police officer pulls a car over, that officer is assessing not just the driver, but everyone in the car, as potential threats. So, even if its not the person on the spectrum who is driving, but a passenger, a blue envelope could still be very helpful.

While its valuable to educate police about dealing with neurodivergent, its also important to show students like Payton what its like to interact with police.

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Just the idea of knowing what to expect and how to respond to create a smoother transition through the process, Alyssa Pagano, the Program Chair for Post University Pathways, said.

That way, police, and the public can all make it home safely.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Stock exchanges in India are likely to experience margin expansion as a result of the new futures and options (F&O) measures implemented by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), according to an analysis by Jefferies. While the measures have significantly impacted trading volumes in the options segment, the effect on premiums has been less pronounced, indicating a shift in trading behaviour. The report highlighted that SEBI's new F&O measures have led to a decline of approximately 70 per cent in option volumes as of the second week of January 2025. "Exchanges can see margin expansion from impact of new F&O measures: SEBI's new F&O measures has impacted option volumes by approx. 70 per cent (2nd week of Jan'25)" said the report. However, option premiums have dropped by less than 10 per cent, which is better than Jefferies' earlier estimate of a 25 per cent decline. This resilience in premiums is attributed to traders and hedgers transitioning to contracts with larger ticket sizes and longer durations closer to expiry. Jefferies report noted that exchanges are benefiting from relatively stable top line and substantial margin improvements, with gains of around 5 to 10 percentage points. These gains are supported by the improved quality of premiums. The report also upgraded BSE to "Hold" and advised keeping an eye on the sustainability of these elevated margins for the industry. Furthermore, the report emphasized the need to monitor additional regulatory directions, particularly regarding clearing corporations and the Settlement Guarantee Fund (SGF). In the broader financial ecosystem, the report also stated that the wealth managers are expected to maintain their long-term growth trajectory. Factors such as geographic expansion and the increasing financialization of assets are likely to drive strong inflows. The asset management companies (AMCs) are also benefiting from sustained retail participation, which continues to support robust net inflows. It also highlighted that sustained buoyancy in capital markets could keep net inflows above normalized levels, further boosting transaction-based revenue (TBR) income for wealth managers. Additionally, new initiatives in high-net-worth individual (HNI) segments and global markets could begin contributing positively to net inflows, strengthening the industry's growth prospects. (ANI)
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL)  A homemade explosive device allegedly belonging to a Jonesborough man was found during the booking process at the Washington County Detention Center.

On Jan. 11, James Thomas Clay, 29, was arrested for various charges by the Johnson City Police Department, according to a release from the Washington County, Tennessee Sheriffs Office (WCSO).

While being booked into the Washington County Detention Center, deputies found a small, homemade device believed to be an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in Clays belongings, the sheriffs office reported.

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The device was taken for mitigation by the Johnson City Police Departments Bomb Squad.

The explosive was removed and no officers were harmed in the incident, the WCSO stated.

As of Tuesday, Clay is being held on a $66,000 bond. He is set to appear in court on Jan. 27.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
A doctor takes a blood pressure reading for a pregnant woman. Wednesday is the deadline for signing up for individual health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. (Getty Images)

Wednesday is the final deadline this year for people who want to sign up for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act.

Wisconsin has already set a new record for enrollment, according to preliminary information from the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), part of the Department of Health and Human Services.

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The health care marketplace, https://healthcare.gov, was established as part of the Affordable Care Act for consumers who dont have affordable health insurance through work or through government programs such as Medicaid. Individuals and families can purchase health insurance policies at Healthcare.gov.

The most recent federal data from CMS shows sign-ups through Jan. 4. On Friday, Gov. Tony Evers announced that in Wisconsin, 306,470 residents had signed up as of that date  an all-time high for the state.

Through 2025, plans purchased through the marketplace are also supported by enhanced federal subsidies, lowering their monthly insurance premium cost depending on a familys income.

The future of the subsidies beyond this year is uncertain. Advocates are trying to pressure Republicans in Congress to maintain them as they negotiate other tax changes in the coming months.

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Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) have introduced legislation to extend the enhanced subsidies and make them permanent.

The ACA advocacy group Protect Our Care cheered the legislation when it was introduced last week. If Republicans succeed in taking away these tax credits, health care costs will increase by an average of $2,400 for working families, and five million people will lose their health care altogether, said Leslie Dach, the groups chair.

For people seeking guidance in how to choose coverage, Covering Wisconsin, at https://coveringwi.org/, is a federally funded navigator to help people to assess their health insurance options, including through the federal health insurance marketplace.

The Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) and the Department of Health Services (DHS) also outline options through WisCovered, a joint website. OCI also has a website that consumers can visit to find which ACA-approved insurers are operating in their region of the state: https://oci.wi.gov/Pages/Consumers/FindHealthInsurer.aspx.

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TOPEKA (KSNT)  The Kansas Legislature is back in session and lawmakers are beginning to introduce new topics of discussion for 2025.

Kansas state senators and representatives gathered at the statehouse in Topeka on Monday, Jan. 13 for the first day of the 2025 session. Lawmakers have already started introducing new bills for debate in the Senate and House, with a few having been pre-filed in the days leading up the first day of legislation.

Is the time right to end daylight saving time in Kansas?

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The Kansas Legislatures website shows a total of ten bills that have been introduced for the current session with three in the Senate and seven in the House. Brief breakdowns of each bill can be found below:

House Bills

House Bill 2001  continuing the reimbursement from the taxpayer notification costs fund for printing and postage costs of county clerks through to 2029. Referred to the Committee on Taxation. Pre-filed for introduction on Dec. 23, 2024 by Representatives Brett Fairchild, Bill Rhiley and Rui Xu.

House Bill 2002  requiring the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) to audit hospital compliance with the lay caregiver act and report the results of the audit to the Kansas Legislature. Referred to the Committee on Health and Human Services. Pre-filed for introduction on Jan. 10 by the Legislative Post Audit Committee.

House Bill 2003  establishing the EV Energy Equity Road Repair Tax (EVEERRT) Act and providing for a road repair tax on electric distributed from a public charging station for electric vehicles. Referred to the Committee on Transportation. Pre-filed for introduction on Jan. 10 by Representative Rhiley.

House Bill 2004  providing countywide retailers sales tax authority for Seward County for the purpose of financing the costs of roadway and bridge construction, maintenance and improvement in the county. Referred to the Committee on Transportation. Pre-filed for introduction on Jan. 10 by Representative Shannon Francis.

House Bill 2005  establishing the Veterans Valor Property Tax Relief Act providing an income tax credit or refund for eligible individuals. Referred to the Committee on Taxation. Pre-filed for introduction on Jan. 10 by multiple representatives.

House Bill 2007  making and concerning supplemental appropriations for fiscal year 2025 and appropriations for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 for multiple state agencies. Introduced on Jan. 13 by Representative Troy Waymaster.

House Bill 2008  modifying the definition of security officer to include certain juvenile corrections office positions for purposes of the KPERS correctional employees group. Introduced on Jan. 13 by multiple representatives.



Public hearing set for removal of Kansas high school graduation requirement

Senate Bills

Senate Bill 1  exempting the state of Kansas from daylight saving time but providing for moving to permanent daylight saving time upon an act of Congress requiring such move. Pre-filed for introduction on Jan. 3 by Senator Kenny Titus.

Senate Bill 2  validating the election results for the bond issuance question submitted by the Board of Education of USD 200, Greeley County at a special election held on May 21, 2024. Pre-filed for introduction on Jan. 8 by Senators William Clifford and Tory Blew.

Senate Bill 3  requiring the KDHE to audit hospital compliance with the Lay Caregiver Act and report the results of such audit to the Kansas Legislature. Pre-filed for introduction on Jan. 10 by the Legislative Post Audit Committee.



For more Capitol Bureau 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

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
BALTIMORE  Though Gov. Wes Moore has a self-mandated commitment to reinvigorate the state government workforce, its unclear whether the $2 billion he has proposed in budget cuts will impact the effort.

This week, Maryland lawmakers will begin contending with the states nearly $3 billion budget deficit, and state workers are wondering what the fiscal crisis means for them  especially as they say current staffing levels are subpar.

In a statement to The Baltimore Sun, the Maryland Chapter of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFSCME, said that staffing levels in state agencies are not anywhere close to where these levels should be.

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If we want to make Maryland a state where no one is left behind and a state where people want to work, live, and raise a family, then we have to ensure our state workers  the ones who make these essential state services happen  are taken care of, said AFSCME Maryland. That means continuing to focus on recruiting and retaining state workers, ensuring state workers are safe on the job, and building back up our state services and facilities so they are in the place to meet the needs of Marylanders.

Some of the governors top supporters in the General Assembly seem confident Moore will remain committed to filling the vacancies.

We have this tough budget circumstance, but I also know the governor is committed to making sure we rebuild the state workforce, House Majority Whip Jazz Lewis said when asked about the governors potential budget proposal.

On Wednesday, Moore, a Democrat, is expected to drop his budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year. Last week, he announced that his proposal will include $2 billion in cuts. How the state will contend with the remaining gap has yet to be determined.

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At the start of his administration, Moore issued a goal to rebuild the state government workforce, which shriveled under former Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican.

At the start of the 2023 legislative session  days before his inauguration  Moore said that there were nearly 10,000 vacancies among positions in state employment. The union representing state workers also confirmed that number.

While adding thousands of new positions, the Moore-Miller administration decreased the state employee vacancy rate from 13.4% in January 2023 to 10.33% as of August 2024.

Lewis, a Democrat representing Prince Georges County, said Friday that he is prepared to see anything regarding the budget, including a potential pause in hiring, but does not anticipate layoffs.

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However, Lewis also said the state essentially lost a generation of potential workers under the Hogan administration.

Were not going to rebuild that by completely taking another pause for four years or more, Lewis said.

But the proposed major slash, regarding which there are limited details, raises questions about the potential hit to state government employees.

Asked if he anticipates the $2 billion in cuts coming at the cost of state employees, Moore said hes not trying to build someone elses government.

I think, in many cases, we saw a decimating of state government that we had to be able to fix and we had to be able to course correct on, but one of the growths was that fixing that and course correcting didnt necessarily mean Lets build the government that other people tried to. Thats not the answer, Moore said in an interview with The Baltimore Sun last week. You will see that, yes, we need more people to be able to get certain work done on certain elements. I think theres a different way that we could approach actually meeting people where they are.

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During a meeting of the Spending Affordability Committee in December, Department of Legislative Services fiscal analyst David Romans recommended that state government officials prioritize filling vacancies in state government jobs before creating new positions.

Moore announced Friday that he plans to make an additional $50 million dent in the deficit by eliminating wasteful and inconsistent spending across government agencies.

Senate President Bill Ferguson, a Baltimore Democrat, said at a news conference after the announcement that Moore made the right decision by focusing on where cuts on government excess can be made first.

That has to be the lens that we start the conversation with the budget, Ferguson said. I appreciate that the governor is going to put forward a number of places where he sees within the administration areas for the state to tighten the belt.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  A man has been arrested on rape charges after deputies received a referral of an alleged sexual abuse that occurred in multiple central Ohio counties.

On Dec. 17, the Franklin County Sheriffs Office received a referral of sexual abuse that reportedly occurred in both Franklin and Madison Counties, where a 12-year-old girl is believed to have been the victim of multiple sexual assaults.

One week later a forensic interview was conducted at the Child Assessment Center, where the victim told deputies 43-year-old Scottie OBrien engaged in oral and vaginal sex with her multiple times. The victim further stated that OBrien provided her with narcotics, including Percocet and cocaine prior to and during the sexual assaults.

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New Groveport Madison levy to appear on May ballots

The sheriffs office said the alleged assaults began in September 2024 in the Pleasant Township area of western Franklin County.

The Madison County Sheriffs Office is also investigating additional sexual assault accusations against OBrien within its jurisdiction, though it is unknown at this time where or when the other incidents took place.

OBrien was arrested on Thursday and on Monday a Franklin County Municipal Court judge issued OBrien a $1 million bond on charges of rape, with the victim being under the age of 13. He is next scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 17 for a preliminary hearing.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
(FOX40.COM)  Wildfires in Los Angeles have left many families without homes or belongings, and people across the state are stepping up to help. One Sacramento woman is on a mission to provide essential items to those affected.



Tammy Pacheco of West Sacramento is no stranger to tragedy. Years ago, her family lost everything in a flood. Now, shes turning her own experience into compassion, heading down to LA with much-needed supplies for families who have lost everything in the wildfires.

Newsom calls for investigation into empty fire hydrants amid LA fires, invites Trump to California

I started with a couple of cases of water, Pacheco said. Then I called friends, and I called other friends, and said spread the word, Im going to LA.



As flames continue to consume homes in Los Angeles, Pacheco is packing up to help. Watching the devastation unfold on TV brought back painful memories for her.

Tammy Pacheco of West Sacramento prepares to deliver supplies for victims of the Southern California wildfires on Jan. 13, 2025./Cedric Hood, FOX40

These things, clothing  thats replaceable. But family pictures  you cant replace any of that, Pacheco said.



Since experiencing her own loss, Pacheco has made it her mission to give back. Over the last week, she has collected diapers, blankets, clothes, cases of water, and more.



This is not the first trip that we are doing, she said. We are going to be going out there until someone tells us not to.



A local record label owner, Pacheco has teamed up with her musicians and community members to pack several trucks with donations. They plan to make multiple trips to LA.

Tammy Pacheco of West Sacramento prepares to deliver supplies for victims of the Southern California wildfires on Jan. 13, 2025./Cedric Hood, FOX40

They need help, Pacheco said. If you cant go, I will go for you.



Pachecos mission is a powerful reminder that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference.



I feel for them. I really do. What Im doing may not be a big dent because there are so many of them, but I want to put whatever I can, the little bit that I can, from all the way from Sacramento to LA, she said.



For those looking to support Pachecos efforts, give her a call or text at (916)-627-8385.

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Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40 News.
Sen. Jim Justice, R-W.Va., was sworn into the U.S. Senate on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, with Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., by his side. (U.S. Senate livestream screenshot)

Former West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice officially became a U.S. senator Tuesday afternoon.

Justice took the oath of office on the Senate floor Tuesday with fellow West Virginia Sen. Shelley Moore Capito by his side holding the Bible.

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Justice, a former billionaire whose family businesses include coal mines and the operation of The Greenbrier resort, served two terms as the states chief executive. In November, the Republican easily won the Senate seat over Democrat Glenn Elliott, the former mayor of Wheeling. The Associated Press called the race for Justice at 7:30 on election night, just after the polls closed. Justice had pulled in about 69% of votes, over Elliotts 28%.

I am thankful for the trust placed in me by each and every West Virginian and promise to serve in our great states best interest as I did while serving as governor, Justice said in a statement. Washington is in dire need of common-sense reform after the past four years  I intend to work hand-in-hand with President Trump, Senate Republicans, and reach across the aisle when necessary to ensure West Virginians are well represented across the board here in Washington. Its time to get to work.

Justice joins the Senate as his friend, President-elect Donald Trump, a Republican, prepares for another four years in the White House. Along with the presidency, Republicans won majority control of both the Senate and House of Representatives.

In a statement, Capito welcomed Justice to the Senate and said that he was an outstanding two-term governor. She said she had a great relationship with Justice as governor and looks forward to continuing the success in the Senate.

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Sen. Justice played a pivotal role in flipping the Senate majority to Republicans, giving us the opportunity to enact President Trumps agenda, she said. Together, we can work in tandem to implement the changes that West Virginians demanded for our country at the ballot box in November.

Im excited for all he will accomplish as a Senator and look forward to the results we can deliver for the Mountain State as a unified team, she said. I thank him, Cathy, and his family for their continued commitment to serving the people of West Virginia.

The seat Justice took had been held by Sen. Joe Manchin, I-W.Va., since 2010. Manchin announced in November 2023 that he would not be seeking reelection and left the Democratic Party in May 2024.

Justices new role marks the first time in 70 years that West Virginias two Senate seats are both held by Republicans.

Editors note: This story has been updated with a statement from Sen. Jim Justice.

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Witnessing another situation where a white man hems up a Black man in what couldve been a fatal restraint was not how we looked forward to kicking off 2025. But, alas.... a Black North Carolina man was filmed in a disturbing video being subject to what appeared to be vigilante violence.

On Jan 7., customers at Rural King had their shopping interrupted when a brawl broke out. The video of the incident doesnt show what sparked the fight. However, the employees stood by watching the scene unfold. At the middle of the conflict was a Black man identified as Renard Edwards, who was seen in the video on the ground being beat on by a group of white male customers.

Employees had ordered Edwards and his girlfriend to leave the store after accusing them of stealing, per The NC Beat. Though, it appeared the customers took justice into their own hands to hold the two accountable.

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In one clip, a white customer dragged Edwards to the ground placing him in a chokehold while the other white customers taunted him, preventing him from leaving presumably before the police came.

Edwards girlfriend tried to separate the two, as Edwards was heard yelling I cant breathe.

Bae, dont leave me, he begged his girlfriend in the video.

Conover police officers eventually showed up and arrested Edwards who, by the time they showed up, appeared unconscious on the ground. The Root contacted the police department for more information on the incident, but itdid not answer immediately to the inquiry.

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The situation was eerily similar to the act of vigilante justice we witnessed in New York when veteran Daniel Penny was recorded putting street performer Jordan Neely in a fatal chokehold after Neely allegedly presented a danger to passengers. Neely was acquitted on homicide charges in connection to the incident.

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Demonstrating resilience and growth, the domestic automobile sales recorded a surge of 11.6 per cent, standing at over 2.54 crore units in calandar year (CY) 2024, compared to about 2.28 crore, as per the data released by Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) on Tuesday. As per the data released by the industry body, in December 2024, the sales of Total Passenger Vehicles recorded an increase of 10 per cent from the same period the previous year at 3,14,934 units. According to the data, sales of Total Three Wheelers in December saw an increase of 3.5 per cent at 52,733 units, however, the sales of Total Two Wheelers saw a dip of 8.8 per cent, at 11,05,565 units in the same month SIAM data suggests, the October to December 2024 quarter saw impressive overall production figures, with a total of 75,92,011 units of Passenger Vehicles, Commercial Vehicles, Three Wheelers, Two Wheelers, and Quadricycles produced. The passenger vehicle sales in the Oct-Dec quarter stood at 10,58,145 units, commercial vehicles sales were 2,38,050 units, Three-wheeler sales were 1,88,853 units, and two-wheeler sales were 48,74,590 units. From April to December 2024, the passenger vehicles sales were 31,39,288 units, Commercial Vehicles sales were 6,83,471 units, three-wheeler sales were 5,62,652 units, and Two-wheeler sales were 1,50,39,570 units. Commenting on sales data for 2024 calendar year, Shailesh Chandra, President, SIAM said, "2024 has been reasonably good for the Auto industry. Positive consumer sentiments and the country's macroeconomic stability helped in propelling reasonable growth for the sector across vehicle segments."He added, "This year growth has been primarily driven by the two-wheeler segment which grew by 14.5 per cent in 2024 as compared to previous year, posting sales of 1.95 Crore units. In addition, passenger vehicles and three-wheelers posted their highest ever sales in a calendar year."The Passenger vehicles grew by 4.2 per cent in 2024 as compared to last year, with sales of around 43 Lakh units. Three Wheelers posted a growth of 6.8 per cent in 2024 as compared to the previous year, with sales of 7.3 Lakh units. However, Commercial Vehicles posted a slight degrowth of (-) 2.7% in 2024 as compared to last year, posting sales of 9.5 Lakh units, though signs of growth are visible in Q3 of 2024-25. "The stable policy ecosystem of Government of India in 2024, carrying on from the previous years, has helped the industry. As the new year commences with a positive sentiment being created through the Bharat Mobility Global Expo, this momentum would further propel growth in 2025," Chandra stated. (ANI)
As House Speaker Mike Johnson and more Republicans argue that any wildfire relief funding for Los Angeles should come with conditions, The View host Whoopi Goldberg is fuming. According to the ABC moderator, California should take drastic actions in the future, if those conditions come to pass.

Whoopis assertion came during Tuesdays Hot Topics, as she and her cohosts discussed whether awards season should be canceled altogether, in an effort to focus on relief efforts. But before she could even weigh in on that, Whoopi first called out Republicans for even floating the idea of having strings attached to funding.

This is the thing, a burned house doesnt care for you voted for, she said. When youve lost everything thats not whats on your mind, OK?

The host also took issue with the idea that the funding would be coming directly from Republican politicians, reminding viewers that this is money we have paid collectively to make sure that when things like this happen, we have what we need.

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For you to act like youre giving this money out of your pocket is beyond shameful. Its beyond shameful, she said.

So, Whoopi offered a suggestion for California, should these politicians actually succeed in withholding relief aid from Los Angeles.

I hope  and this is terrible, I know  but I hope the state of California says You want to withhold money from us? Were not going to give you any more federal money,' she said. And you know what will happen to small states who California covers, because theres so much money coming out of there?

Indeed, according to the Washington Post, California is one of the few states that pays more to the federal government than it receives in benefits.

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You dont want to play this game. This is not a good game for the country, Whoopi continued. What is wrong with yall?

The View airs weekdays at 11 a.m. ET on ABC.

The post Whoopi Goldberg Says California Should Deny Paying Federal Money in Future if LA Wildfire Relief Has Strings | Video appeared first on TheWrap.
Whoopi Goldberg isnt afraid to voice her opinion when it comes to politics.

The veteran host of The View issued a bold take on Donald Trumps latest remarks about Greenland, sharing how she feels about his recent statements on U.S. foreign policy.

  SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter & get the scoop on the latest TV news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 

Last week, Trump made waves when he talked about the United States taking over Greenland, going so far as refusing to rule out using military or economic force to do so.

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Greenlands prime minister, Mute Egede, has since addressed the statement, telling reporters that while The reality is we are going to work with the U.S.  yesterday, today and tomorrow, the autonomous Danish territory is not interested in becoming part of the United States. All of us were shocked, he said, per The New York Times.

Panelists on The View discussed the issue on the Jan. 13 episode of the talk show, with Sunny Hostin sharing that she wasnt a fan of democratic senator John Fetterman kissing the ring and traveling to Mar-a-Lago to meet with Trump and jokingly asking to be made the pope of Greenland.

I want [Trump] to stop talking about Greenland. Greenland is not for sale. Why is Donald Trump talking about Greenland? You know why hes talking about Greenland? Because it has oil and natural resources that are... unique to China and Russia, and thats what he wants, said Hostin.

Alyssa Farah Griffin chimed in to note that the United States has troops in Greenland, there are national security reasons that we care about, but Hostin countered that she doesnt think Trump cares about that, I think he cares about oil.

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Goldberg then spoke up, saying As long as we are not sending troops into anybody elses sovereign nation, then he can talk all he wants to. As long as there are no troops heading to Panama, to Greenland, to Canada Mexico.

All of these are sovereign nations. And as long as theyre just talking, let em talk! As long as it stays that way, and we will not know that until we know it, she concluded.

Next: 'The View's Whoopi Goldberg Sends Bold Political Message With Her Outfit
Noted ABC News anchor, David Muir, has come under fire for his latest appearance while reporting the horrifying LA fires. Most recently, it was reported that multiple fires occurred throughout Southern California, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. Muir covered the current status of the deadly fires. However, he became a target of trolls for his reporting fashion amid a serious situation.

Here are details on why the renowned anchor received backlash while reporting the current situation.

ABC News anchor David Muir faces backlash for his reporting

The popular news anchor recently was reporting from on-field covering the deadly wildfires in Los Angeles.

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During his report, David Muir was sporting a yellow fire jacket, with the networks name engraved on it. However, what caught viewers attention was the clamps behind his jacket, as he turned around for viewers to look at the current condition on-field. Generally, clamps are used to tighten a loose-fitting clothing item.

However, Muirs fashion disaster being spotted amid a serious situation, where individuals were dying, was something that led to viewers criticizing him. Many took to social media to voice their opinions about him caring more about his appearance rather than the disaster around.

Others bombarded the ABC News anchor with several negative comments, also calling him pathetic and narcissistic. This embarrassing situation involving David Muir has led to many discussions on the internet. Nonetheless, the anchor hasnt addressed the backlash, as of now. (via New York Post) Its not the first time he has been subjected to criticism.

A few months back, there were also rumors about Muir getting fired from ABC, which turned out to be false. They emerged from social media pages, suggesting that he had been a disgrace to (his) profession, and therefore, had been let go. Additionally, the news anchor has often been targeted for his political views.

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David Muir has been associated with ABC News since 2003. He was initially an anchor for World News Now. However, over the years, he made a name for himself in the broadcasting industry, through news reporting and moderating political debates.

The post Why Is ABCs David Muir Facing Backlash For LA Fires Reporting? appeared first on ComingSoon.net - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
Ben Affleck received a visit from the FBI at his home in Brentwood amid the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles.

A spokesperson for the FBI issued a statement on Monday (January 13) to share they were examining Afflecks Los Angeles neighborhood during an investigation related to the ongoing Palisades fires.

Members of the FBIs Ground Intercept task force are conducting activity in the area of the Palisades fire relative to unauthorized drone activity, the spokesperson told E! News. Agents and our local partners may be visible throughout the area, including at various residences, for this reason.

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This came after TMZ shared photos of the FBI outside of the actors house, which is located near the Palisades. Photos showed two sheriff deputies and two agents walking away from Afflecks house over the weekend.

The Independent has contacted Afflecks representative for further comment.

The FBI was in Afflecks neighborhood while investigating a Super Scooper firefighting plane that was damaged when it collided with a drone that someone was flying near the site of the Los Angeles wildfires.

Ben Affleck purchased his home in Brentwood in July (Getty Images)

According to fire officials, the plane hit a privately owned drone, which caused significant damage to its left wing. The impact forced the plane to land for repairs and caused a 20 to 30-minute delay in its operations.

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Akil Davis, the assistant director in charge of the FBIs LA field office, said on Saturday that whoever flew the drone put peoples lives in danger.

Id just like to stress, that technique, using that super scooper aircraft, are our most effective technique to fight fires like this, and when this happens, it puts everybodys lives at risk, Davis said, according to ABC 7.

Super Scooper planes fly low and pick up water, which is then dumped over wildfires. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has restricted the airspace over the wildfires to prevent danger to the public and the firefighters and law enforcement operating in the area.

Fires burned in Brentwood near Afflecks $20 million home (AP)

Affleck  who split from Jennifer Lopez for a second time in 2024  initially evacuated his home in Brentwood last week, amid the wildfires. According to The Daily Mail, he reportedly acquired his $20.5 million bachelor pad in July.

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While many A-listers have reported heartbreaking news about their wrecked homes, others such as Jamie Lee Curtis and Affleck were lucky their properties came out unscathed.

Meanwhile, Afflecks ex-wife Jenner Garner, with whom he shares three children, recently revealed that a friend of hers passed away during the wildfires.

I did lose a friend, and for our church, its really tender so I dont feel like we should talk about her yet. I did lose a friend who did not get out in time, she told MSNBC while volunteering at World Central Kitchen to feed those who had been evacuated due to the fires.

Garner, who also lives in Brentwood with her children Violet Anne, 19, Seraphina Rose, 16, and Samuel, 12, added: My heart bleeds for my friends. 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.

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On Monday night (January 13), a new blaze, named the Auto Fire, broke out in Ventura County, California, and has already scorched about 56 acres, prompting a swift response from fire crews.

While it remains at zero percent containment, it has been successfully halted to the river bottom area of Oxnard with no buildings in jeopardy, officials said. Firefighters are bracing for the return of ferocious Santa Ana winds that are expected to fan the flames of massive wildfires raging across Southern California, as the death toll climbs to at least 25 people.
Special Counsel Jack Smiths report into his investigation of Donald Trumps 2020 election subversion is an atlas of roads not takenone to a land where Trump never tried to overturn the election, another where the Justice Department moved more quickly to charge him, and another where the Supreme Court didnt delay the case into obsolescence.

One of the most beguiling untrod paths is the one where Smith charged Trump with insurrection against the United States. The nation watched Trump try to overturn the election, first through spurious lawsuits and then by instigating a violent riot on January 6, 2021, in a vain attempt to prevent the certification of President Joe Bidens victory. A conviction for insurrection would have prevented Trump from returning to office, but when Smith indicted Trump in August 2023, he didnt charge him with insurrection.

Smiths report, which was released early this morning, finally explains why. In doing so, it shows how the United States legal system is and was unprepared for a figure like Trump. The framers of the law simply didnt contemplate a sitting president trying to use the vast powers of the federal government to reverse the outcome of an election.

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[Read: The cases against Trumpa guide]

Most of the report, which runs to about 150 pages, focuses on the crimes that Smith did charge, the evidence behind them, and why he believes he would have convicted Trump if hed had a chance to try them. Instead, Smith moved to dismiss the charges in November after Trump won reelection, citing Justice Department rules that bar the prosecution of a sitting president. Even if he had not done so, Trump had vowed to fire Smith and close the case immediately upon taking office. (Smith also dropped charges in another case related to Trumps hoarding of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago. His report on that case was not released, because charges are still pending against Trumps erstwhile co-defendants.)

Though the material included is damning, its also mostly known. News reports, the House January 6 committee, and Smiths initial and superseding indictments had already laid out how Trump tried to steal an election that he knew he had lostfirst by filing bogus lawsuits and pressuring state officials; then by attempting to corrupt the Justice Department; next by trying to convince Vice President Mike Pence to reject electoral votes; and finally by instigating his followers to attack the Capitol. The evidence is no less conclusive or horrifying for its familiarity.

The insurrection-charges discussion, however, is new. It shows that Smith did seriously consider whether the law applied but concluded he would struggle to convict Trump under itnot because what happened was not an insurrection, but because the laws were written too narrowly, such that although Trump appears to have violated the spirit of the law, he may not have broken its letter. (Smith writes that no one has been charged with violating the law in question for more than a century.)

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[Quinta Jurecic: Trump secures his get-out-of-jail-free card]

A conviction of insurrection would have been far more consequential than convictions on the charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States, obstruction and conspiracy to obstruct, and conspiracy against rights, which Smith did bring. Felons are entitled to hold federal officeas Trump will prove on January 20but the law stipulates that anyone convicted of insurrection or rebellion shall be incapable of holding any office under the United States.

But Smith saw several challenges to bringing charges under the law. First, he would have had to prove that what happened on January 6 was an insurrection. As he notes, multiple courts have described the events as an insurrection. Smith recognized why courts described the attack on the Capitol as an insurrection, but was still worried about establishing this fact under such an obscure and little-used law. He considered past cases, but they didnt offer any guidance on what the legal standard for an insurrection is, or how it is different from a riot.

He also found that case law tended to treat insurrection as an attack against a sitting government, rather than an attempt to remain in poweran autogolpe, in political-science terms.

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[Read: The paperwork coup]

The Office [of Special Counsel] did not find any case in which a criminal defendant was charged with insurrection for acting within the government to maintain power, as opposed to overthrowing it or thwarting it from the outside, Smith writes. Applying Section 2383 in this way would have been a first, which further weighed against charging it, given the other available charges, even if there were reasonable arguments that it might apply.

Smith faced yet another complication. Trump cleverly instigated his followers to attack the Capitol, and suggested that he was coming with them, but he instead returned to the White House and watched the chaos unfold on TV, rather than take part. (As The Atlantics editor in chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, has written, Trump often uses this mafia-boss tactic of encouraging his minions to act without ever explicitly implicating himself.)

What about inciting an insurrection? Smith saw reasonable arguments that Trumps actions met even the high legal bar the Supreme Court has set for incitementthe evidence established that the violence was foreseeable to Mr. Trump, that he caused it, that it was beneficial to his plan to interfere with the certification, and that when it occurred, he made a conscious choice not to stop it and instead to leverage it for more delaybut Smith didnt have any direct evidence of Trump saying the full scope of violence was his goal, so he worried that bringing charges against Trump for inciting an insurrection would be risky.

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[David A. Graham: Trump gets away with it]

Besides, Smith couldnt find any examples of prosecutions where a defendant was charged who didnt actively participate in the act. There does not appear to have ever been a prosecution under the statute for inciting, assisting, or giving aid or comfort to rebellion or insurrection, he wrote. Thus, however strong the proof that he incited or gave aid and comfort to those who attacked the Capitol, application of those theories of liability would also have been a first.

This led Smith to conclude that, given the other charges, pursuing an incitement to insurrection charge was unnecessary.

But necessity is in the eye of the beholder, and lawyers can only see so much. Smiths decision is understandable but shows why criminal law was always an unreliable method for holding Trump to account. Smiths remit was to hold Trump accountable to the law, a relatively narrow task. And although the Justice Department ought to have moved fasterSmith was appointed to take on the case only in November 2022 and then acted with speedthe more consequential error was the Senates failure to convict Trump at his impeachment trial in February 2021.

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[Jeffrey Goldberg: Donald Trumps Mafia mind-set]

As Smith writes in a different context in his report, impeachment has a different aim than prosecution. When Congress decides whether a President should be impeached and convicted, that process does not depend on rigorously adjudicating facts and applying law, or on finding a criminal violation. Instead, the impeachment process is, by design, an inherently political remedy for the dangers to governance posed by an office holder who has committed Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors.

But some Republican senators, led by Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, believed that voters were so irate about the January 6 attacks that Trump was a spent force. As a result, these senators didnt need to risk the ire of his supporters by voting to convict Trump. The Senate voted 5743 to convict, short of the two-thirds majority required to convict Trump and then bar him from future office.

Two years later, some legal scholars tried to make the case that Trump had committed an insurrection and broken his oath of office under the Fourteenth Amendment. But courts ruled that only Congress could make such a determination, which was politically never going to happen. Only political processesvoters choices and impeachmentcould have definitively prevented a second Trump presidency.

Article originally published at The Atlantic
Why wasnt Donald Trump ever charged with the crime of insurrection?

Its a question that has been looming over the federal prosecution of the president-elect, with his allies and supporters using the fact that he wasnt to downplay the charges against him as well as the January 6 attack itself.

In his final report on Trumps attempts to overturn the 2020 presidential election, former special counsel Jack Smith revealed that his office considered but ultimately opted against accusing Trump of committing or enabling an insurrection against the government, fearing the charges would open a minefield of litigation that could derail the entire case.

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Smith explains there was just not enough legal groundwork over the last century to properly define insurrection and incitement to define what happened on January 6, despite judges across the country routinely labeling that  and putting the blame squarely on Trump.

The office recognized why courts described the attack on the Capitol as an insurrection, but it was also aware of the litigation risk that would be presented by employing this long-dormant statute, Smith explained.

Donald Trumps speech to supporters before a mob stormed the Capitol on January 6, 2021 was enough to prove incitement, according to Jack Smith (AP)

Case law reviewed by his office found that an insurrection typically involves overthrowing a sitting government, rather than maintaining power, which could pose another challenge to proving beyond a reasonable doubt that Mr. Trumps conduct on January 6 qualified as an insurrection given that he was the sitting president at that time, the report says.

But the evidence fit, according to Smith.

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Evidence showed that violence was foreseeable to Trump, and he caused it, that it was beneficial to his plan to interfere with the certification, and that when it occurred, he made a conscious choice not to stop it and instead to leverage it for more delay, according to the report.

Smith even believed his office had enough incidence to prove Trump incited rioters with his January 6 speech at the Ellipse in Washington, D.C.

But Smith did not find any explicit evidence showing that Trump and his alleged co-conspirators had planned for that to happen, and had instead exploited what his bogus narrative of election fraud had inspired.

And prosecutors could not find any case in which a criminal defendant was charged with insurrection for acting within the government to maintain power, as opposed to overthrowing it or thwarting it from the outside.

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Charging Trump with insurrection in that way would have been a first, which further weighed against charging it, given the other available charges, even if there were reasonable arguments that it might apply, Smith wrote.

Smith ultimately decided against prosecuting Trump for insurrection, fearing the courts would wade into unfamiliar territory that could derail his investigation (REUTERS)

The Civil War-era Insurrection Act states that whoever incites, sets on foot, assists, or engages in any rebellion or insurrection against the authority of the United States or the laws thereof, or gives aid or comfort thereto.

Last year, several states came close to holding the former president accountable under those terms.

The Supreme Court ultimately reversed a Colorado state court ruling that found the president ineligible for the presidency under the scope of the 14th Amendment, which bars anyone who has sworn an oath to uphold the Constitution and who engaged in insurrection or rebellion from holding public office.

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The 14th Amendment was among a suite of civil rights amendments enacted in the volatile aftermath of the Civil War. It was intended to grant equal protection under the law to all citizens, including formerly enslaved people, with a broadly written clause aimed at preventing Confederates from returning to a government they were in rebellion against.

In 2023, a lawsuit filed by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington on behalf of a group of five Republican and independent voters in Colorado argued that Trump failed that test, rendering him constitutionally ineligible to appear on any Colorado ballot as a candidate for federal or state office.

Smith cited that lawsuit in his final report.

Smith resigned as special counsel for the Department of Justice on January 10 after handing in his final report on his investigations into Trumps conduct (AFP via Getty Images)

Smith resigned from the Justice Department on January 10 after submitting his two-volume report to Attorney General Merrick Garland, whose office entered a protracted legal battle with a Trump-appointed judge over the release of the report.

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Smiths resignation was disclosed in a 24-word footnote, on the third page of an 11-page court filing  marking an anticlimactic end to the most significant prosecutions in Justice Department history, while Trumps allies threaten him with prosecutions of their own.

The report  published just days before Trump returns to the White House  follows Smiths post-election decision to end his two mammoth criminal cases against the former president, effectively throwing in the towel after a years-long attempt to prosecute Trump for 44 crimes, spelled out in hundreds of pages of evidence.

Neither case made it to trial.

A federal grand jury indictment in 2023 charged Trump with conspiracy and obstruction for his efforts to reverse his election loss and his 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.

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Trump was separately charged in 2023 with mishandling reams of classified documents hoarded inside Mar-a-Lago and then allegedly obstructing attempts from federal authorities to get them back.

The case against his co-defendants is ongoing, but Trump is widely expected to pardon the two longtime Trump employees who were criminally charged alongside him.

Smiths decision to end the cases was inevitable, after months of delays, appeals, Supreme Court decisions and, ultimately, Trumps election victory, which hurled the courts and the Justice Department into unprecedented territory.

On the advice of the agencys own counsel, which has long held that a sitting president cannot be prosecuted, Smith moved to close the cases altogether.

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Without any verdicts delivered or sentences issued, the cases stood no chance of surviving Trumps administration.

Lawmakers inside the Capitol on January 6, 2021 were forced to evacuate chambers and hide from a pro-Trump mob that broke into the building (AP)

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Trump routinely conflates the prosecution and litigation against him as an attack on the American people and the rule of law itself and has long viewed his election as his exoneration. He spent his 2024 campaign raging against judges and prosecutors, including Smith, who he pledged to fire within two seconds of taking office if his work continued into his administration. Trump has said Smith should be thrown out of the country and believed that he should be criminally indicted for his work.

The one criminal trial Trump endured resulted in a jurys unanimous 34-count guilty verdict. He was sentenced on January 10. Unlike his federal cases, Trump cannot issue himself a pardon to toss his convictions in that case, and the consequence-free sentence from New York Justice Juan Merchan ensures that Trump will enter the office as the first-ever president convicted of a crime.

Trump, meanwhile, is hoping to staff his Justice Department with his own criminal defense attorneys and other lawyers who have represented him and his campaign.
The Santa Ynez Reservoir, a 117-million-gallon water resource near the Pacific Palisades, was under renovation and empty when fires tore through the Los Angeles neighborhood last week and firefighters quickly depleted available water resources, city officials said.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Friday he was launching an independent state investigation into the loss of water pressure and unavailability of water from the reservoir. He directed Los Angeles' Department of Water and Power (DWP) to prepare a "comprehensive review" of their efforts to ensure available water supply in case of emergencies.

The Palisades Fire erupted on Tuesday, Jan. 7, and by 3 a.m., the three 1-million-gallon water tanks in Pacific Palisades ran dry due to "extreme demand," officials said. Winds gusting over 100 miles per hour prevented air support from helping to douse the flames with other water sources.

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"We had a tremendous demand on our system in the Palisades. We pushed the system to the extreme," said Janisse Quinones, the DWP's chief executive and chief engineer, in a press conference Wednesday. "Four times the normal demand was seen for 15 hours straight, which lowered our water pressure."

Here's what we know about the reservoir and its role in the Palisades water supply system.

Why was the Santa Ynez Reservoir empty when the fires broke out?

The reservoir was taken out of service to "meet safe drinking water regulations," the DWP said in a statement. A tear in the reservoir's cover made the water supply subject to contamination, the Los Angeles Times reported, leading the agency to drain it in February.

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"The water system serving the Pacific Palisades area and all of Los Angeles meets all federal and state fire codes for urban development and housing," the release said.

DWP representatives did not respond to further questions about the reservoir from CBS News. The agency's statement suggested that the fact the reservoir was empty for nearly a year was in part due to the process of contracting a company to carry out the repairs.

"To commission the support and resources to implement repairs to Santa Ynez, LADWP is subject to the city charter's competitive bidding process which requires time," the statement read.

Some social media users falsely claimed the reservoir sat empty for over a decade, pointing to satellite images as supposed evidence. A floating cover was installed on the reservoir in 2011, changing the appearance of the reservoir in satellite imagery, but the reservoir was returned to service in 2011, according to DWP's website.

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Could the reservoir have helped combat the fires?

The reservoir is intended to provide water storage "for domestic use and fire fighting purposes in the Pacific Palisades area" according to city documents.

DWP says that the agency is conducting its own investigation on its "water resiliency." But experts and officials agree that the extent of the wildfires would have put a strain on the city's water supply regardless of whether the Santa Ynez Reservoir had been full.

Smoke and flames from the Palisades Fire burn behind Mulholland Drive towards the Encino neighborhood in Los Angeles, Jan. 10, 2025. / Credit: PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images

In his letter to DWP, Newsom wrote, "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."

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David Freyberg, PhD, a hydrologist and water resources specialist at Stanford University, told CBS News in an email that while a full Santa Ynez would have had benefits, it's not clear how much impact it would have had.

"The reservoirs above Pacific Palisades were not designed to support fire-fighting at the scale of [this] fire," he wrote. "Water supply reservoirs are typically designed to cope with house fires, not wildfires."

He added that the situation has made it clear that larger-scale solutions are necessary.

"It is clear that communities vulnerable to wildfire are going to need to think carefully, i.e., rethink, about design criteria for these systems," Freyberg said. "Not just reservoirs, but pipe sizes [and] pressure management."

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Local CBS chopper spots small flare-up of Palisades Fire in California

Hegseth pressed about sexual misconduct and workplace intoxication allegations

Hegseth asked about misconduct allegations, hypothetical invasions, orders to shoot protesters
Rachel Reeves is facing a 100bn-a-year problem.

While the Chancellors spiralling debt interest bill continues to create headlines, one issue garnering more attention in Whitehall is how to stem the rising cost of health and disability benefits.

Official forecasts from the Department for Work and Pensions lay bare the challenge ahead: disability benefit claims among working-age people are expected to rise by a quarter of a million each year until 2030, while just over 4.2m adults will be claiming personal independence payment (PIP) over the same timeframe, up from just over 3m today.

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The number of people claiming Universal Credit for health reasons is also expected to climb from 2.1m this year to 3.5m by the end of the decade, with a staggering 2.5m deemed too sick to even look for work.

The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) now believes total spending on health-related and sickness benefits is on course to surpass 100bn by 2030, with payments accounting for 3.4pc of the economy.

Of this, the budget watchdog predicts 75.7bn will be spent on adults of working age and a further 7.2bn on children, fuelled by a surge in payments related to autism and ADHD.

These vast sums encapsulate the cost of Britains mental health crisis.

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A record half a million adults are now claiming PIP for anxiety and depression, according to official data, while around two-thirds of people who access Universal Credit for health reasons cite mental health as a reason.

The increase in mental health claims is causing concern across the political divide, including from a former Labour prime minister.

Sir Tony Blair has echoed comments by Mel Stride, the shadow chancellor, that too many people are labelling normal challenges in life as mental health issues.

Were spending vastly more on mental health now than we did a few years ago, he told the Jimmys Jobs of the Future podcast. And its hard to see what the objective reasons for that are.

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More young people are also giving up on work, with the number of 16 to 24-year-olds neither in work or education now close to a million.

Louise Murphy, an economist at the Resolution Foundation, says the increase in inactivity among the young is a major concern.

All the evidence suggests that the longer you are out of work and in receipt of these benefits, the harder it is to go back, she says.

The fact that there are people quite early into their adult life in receipt of health and disability benefits is concerning because these people have a whole lifetime ahead of them.

Its bad for their living standards and wellbeing to be out of work at such a crucial time. So I think we should definitely be thinking of how we can support those people more.

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Overall, the OBR estimates that among people with health problems, roughly one in six people return to work each quarter in the first year after leaving. After a year, that goes down to one in 20.

Labour is walking a political tightrope with ideas for reform.

One area being increasingly examined in policy circles is how to reverse a change introduced by former chancellor George Osborne that reduced benefit payments to people with mild health conditions.

Introduced in 2017, people deemed too unhealthy to work  but sufficiently healthy to engage in certain work-related activities  qualified for 73 per week, rather than 102 per week in Employment and Support Allowance.

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The overhaul was designed to cut government spending by around 650m a year. However, the OBR has since said the reforms largely backfired.

The watchdog suggested the policy actually encouraged people to apply for more generous benefits initially designed for the most infirm, with no strings attached.

The pandemic saw many of these claims waved through, leading to more people parked on benefits ever since.

Today, claimants deemed to have limited capability for work and work-related activity can claim an extra 416.19 per month of Universal Credit, which the Resolution Foundations Murphy says is significant.

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The gulf between the rate of basic benefits versus the amount you can receive if you get a health or disability benefit is really quite large, she says. This just means that its very high stakes, and for any person with poor health, it really is worth their while going through the application.

Those familiar with the Governments thinking say cost is everything in a world where money is tight.

The trouble is finding exactly how to reform the system in a way that the OBR judges will save rather than cost money, says one policy expert. So there is a lot of thinking around what officials can do to solve this problem with claims while keeping the Treasury on board.

Insiders are also acutely aware of how benefit reforms enacted by a Labour government will be received. A green paper released in the spring that will outline the Governments approach will want to be seen as putting dignity and respect at the heart of any changes.

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What worries me at night is the way people think about where we are going with this, says one Labour source.

Concerns have arisen over the Governments decision to remain tight-lipped on whether they will follow the Tories with major reforms to disability benefits, such as introducing tougher fit note tests.

John McDonnell, former Labour shadow chancellor, warns that the party will face a backlash if it is seen to be attacking the most vulnerable in society.

McDonnell, who was suspended from the Labour Party last July along with half a dozen colleagues after voting to scrap the two-child benefit cap, is gearing up for another fight.

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I think it would be appalling if the Government accepted the Treasury argument for welfare cuts, he says. And politically I think it would be suicidal for Labour.

I cant believe the Government is going to go down this path having just had the experience of the cuts to the winter fuel allowance and reaction to that. But if they do, there will be resistance, and it wont be just amongst the Left of the Labor Party, itll be a right way across the movement.

One thing that is clear is there will be no reform overnight, with any major policy changes unlikely to come into effect until at least the end of the decade.

The other challenge is convincing the OBR that reforms will save money by getting people back to work.

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One former Tory official says they learned this lesson the hard way. Whenever we tried to say we will cut benefits by bn, the OBR always said: how? So Labour cant just say we will reduce the benefits bill by X and just get the credit for it.

This suggests that welfare savings are unlikely to ease Labours debt crisis in the short term, with autumn being the earliest likely date for the Government to reap the benefits of any proposed reforms.

No welfare savings will be possible by spring due to consultation rules, says one former Whitehall adviser. The spending review only focuses on departmental spending rather than the annually managed welfare budget, which is where the crazy money is going and where savings could be found.

A DWP spokesman said: We have been clear that the current benefits system needs reform so it is fairer on the taxpayer and people get the support they need to move into work.

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.

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.
MADRID (AP)  Spain is planning a raft of measures to address its brewing housing crisis, including an up to 100% tax on properties bought by people who are neither citizens nor residents of the European Union.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced the plan this week to tackle housing affordability and high rents in the Southern European nation. He said that the overall goal was to provide more housing, better regulation and greater aid.

The West faces a decisive challenge: To not become a society divided into two classes, the rich landlords and the poor tenants, Sanchez said as he announced the plan.

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However, it remains unclear if the plan put forth by Sanchezs minority coalition will pass in parliament. Here's a look at what's happening:

Spain's housing affordability crisis

Like most rich countries, Spain is in the throes of a growing housing affordability problem. Skyrocketing rents are particularly acute in cities like Barcelona and Madrid, where incomes have failed to keep up, especially for young people. Housing prices are also steadily rising, especially in cities and coastal areas.

Rental prices have also been driven up by short-term contracts mainly offered for tourists. Spain sees more tourists than almost any country in the world, having received more than 88.5 million visitors in 2024. Tourism is one of the country's key economic drivers.

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The negative aspects of mass tourism have caused tension at times between visitors and residents concerned about rising costs, the proliferation of short-term rentals on platforms like Airbnb, and water supplies that can be stretched in some parts of the country, including the Canary and Balearic Islands.

Last year, protesters took to the streets on various occasions across the country to express their frustrations about the growth of tourism and high rents. Barcelonas town hall has pledged to completely eliminate all short-term rentals to tourists in the coming years.

What citizens expect from us here is action, Spanish housing minister Isabel Rodriguez told reporters on Tuesday about the plan.

Curbing foreigners from buying houses in Spain

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Spain plans to limit the number of homes foreigners purchase by raising taxes by up to 100% on properties bought by people who are not EU citizens and do not reside in an EU country  often buyers of investment or vacation properties.

Sanchez didnt provide a timeline or details on how he plans to implement the tax.

This would be massive, said Sarah Conroy, an English real estate agent who has been working in realty in the upscale Marbella market in southern Spain for over three decades. She didn't give figures on how many non-EU clients she had, but said they included post-Brexit British buyers as well as clients from Saudi Arabia and Dubai.

They need to do something because the people living here can't really rent anything because it is so expensive," Conroy said. "Personally speaking, around 80% of the people I sell to are buying second homes.

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Last year, Spain announced that it was scrapping its so-called golden visa program that allows wealthy people from outside the EU to obtain residency permits by investing more than half a million euros (roughly 515,000 dollars) in real estate.

Joan Carlos Amaro, a real estate analyst and professor of economics at the Esade Business School in Barcelona, said that while Spain is suffering a housing crunch, he cant see how the tax will lead to homeowners or real estate promoters guaranteeing that these normally high-end properties end up in the hands of middle-class Spaniards.

Anything that puts up barriers and stops the market from functioning ends up hurting everyone," Amaro said in Barcelona. These foreigners that come, they spend money, the houses they live in have to be built and that creates jobs.

Amaro added that he saw it more as a political move than one with a sound economic rationale.

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Some of the other measures put forth

Spain plans to build more public housing and allocate around 2 million square meters (21.5 million square feet) of residential land to a newly created public housing agency.

Other proposed measures include higher taxes on holiday rentals, tax breaks and protections for landlords who provide affordable housing, and amending laws to speed up construction processes and expand the availability of land for private construction.

Why is housing politically important in Spain?

The rising cost of living has driven voter discontent across many wealthy countries in recent years, including the United States.

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But as one of Europes leading Socialist politicians, the housing crunch is a crucial question for Sanchez to resolve as he tries to keep his left-wing minority coalition afloat after winning another four-year term in 2023.

Also, according to the Spanish Constitution, all Spaniards have the right to enjoy a "decent and adequate home. In theory, at least, the government has a duty to allow citizens to exercise that right.

___

Wilson contributed from Barcelona.
Assyrian Parties in Syria Issue Joint Statement

(AINA) -- The Syriac-Assyrian component, an integral part of the Syrian people, has participated in all activities of the revolution since its inception, both locally and abroad. This participation has been carried out through their political and civic organizations, in pursuit of freedom and dignity. Like their Syrian brethren across various regions of Syria, they have endured their share of oppression and brutality, displacement, killing, detention, and state-enforced disappearance, at the hands of the ousted regime and terrorist forces.

After December 8, 2024, an overwhelming joy swept among Syriac-Assyrians and all Syrians, following the fall of the regime of tyranny and corruption; and the liberation of the country from the oppression of the Assad family and the Baath Party, promising the beginning of a new dawn and new era of freedom. In light of this new development, the leaderships of the Assyrian Democratic Organization ADO and the Syriac Union Party SUP convened and reached an understanding to unify their demands and political vision, aiming to contribute effectively alongside all national forces in building a new Syria.

The two parties emphasized the importance of launching a peaceful transitional process through inter-Syrian dialogue, supported by the international community and Arab states, as outlined in the principles of UN Security Council Resolution 2254. This process should include all components of the Syrian people and their political and social forces, to form a comprehensive, non-sectarian transitional governing body with full executive powers and proceed to implement the articles of the resolution, including transitioning to a new political system that meets the aspirations of all Syrians. This will be achieved through free and fair elections supervised by the United Nations, based on a new constitution drafted with the participation of all components of Syrian society and approved through a general referendum in the country.

The two parties agreed on Syriac-Assyrian national demands and vision for the new Syria, as the following,

Constitutional recognition of the Syriac-Assyrians' existence and national

identity, guaranteeing their national, political, and cultural rights within

the framework of Syria's "territorial unity and people".

Recognition of the Syriac language as a Syrian national language, which

is historically recognized as Syria's language, and adopting it as an

official language alongside other languages in areas where Syriac-

Assyrians constitute a significant population.

Enhancing the role of the Syriac-Assyrian component and ensuring

genuine representation, of its political forces, in the transitional process

and the institutions emerging from it, leading to permanent resolutions.

Abolishing all discriminatory laws against certain components or groups

in Syrian society, including Syriac-Assyrians, and restoring lands and

property ownership of those affected that were seized in the past, with

fair compensation.

Taking measures aimed at preserving Syriac-Assyrian areas and villages

and preventing any demographic changes (particularly in the Khabur

region), after ensuring the return of all recently displaced and uprooted

individuals to their original areas.

Affirming the unity and sovereignty of Syria, and working to restore its

occupied territories through peaceful means and international resolutions.

The Syrian Republic constitutes an independent sovereign state where

sovereignty belongs to the people who are the source of all authority. It is

founded on the principles of equal citizenship, the separation of powers,

judicial independence, the rule of law, and the peaceful transfer of power

through free and fair elections.

Adopting a decentralized system, is the ideal approach, for governing the

country while preserving Syria's territorial unity. This system ensures the

protection of national and cultural diversity, guarantees the broadest

possible popular participation in governance, promotes the equal

distribution of power and resources, and achieves balanced and sustainable

development across all regions of Syria.

Constitutional acknowledgment that Syria is a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural,

and multi-religious state and that the Syrian people are composed of Arabs,

Kurds, Syriac-Assyrians, Turkmen, and others, with the constitution

guaranteeing their national rights.

Commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and all related

charters concerning political, social, economic, and cultural fields.

Commitment to the principles and measures of transitional justice after

completing the democratic transition process, as a step toward achieving

national reconciliation, addressing the consequences and tragedies of the

war, compensating the affected, and holding accountable those who

committed war crimes or crimes against humanity, bringing them to justice.

Acknowledgment of political pluralism and the freedom to engage in a

peaceful political process, with competition among various political

viewpoints based on the principle of equal opportunities.

Employ peaceful means to promote civic peace and social harmony,

reinforcing the values of coexistence, and elevating the Syrian national bond

based on the foundation of equal citizenship and full partnership among all

Syrians.

Complete guarantees of equality between Syria's women and men, and

ensuring women's representation and participation in decision-making in all

state institutions. It will enhance the role of youth groups and empower

them to actively engage in public affairs.

The constitution guarantees equal rights for all Syrian women and men to

hold any positions in the State, including the presidency, regardless of

religion, sect, belief, ethnicity, or gender.

Restructuring the army and security agencies, and limiting their duties to

defending the nation, protecting its security, independence, and territorial

integrity, as well as safeguarding citizens and constitutional institutions.

And prohibit the armed forces personnel from engaging in political

activities or affiliating with political parties while in active service.

The Syrian state guarantees representation and equal participation of all

Syrian components in the State institutions, ensuring equal opportunities

politically, economically, socially, and culturally for all citizens.

Abolishing all extraordinary laws, court orders, and rulings passed by the

regime, and rejecting any demographic changes that took place in Syria

during the previous era.

Assyrian Democratic Organization

Syriac Union Party
BusinessWire India New Delhi [India], January 14: Startup Policy Forum (SPF), with the support of Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and Startup India, are launching flagship initiatives - Startup Baithak & Startup Baatcheet, to commemorate National Startup Day 2025. The two-day event to be held at Bharat Mandapam is designed to spotlight the vibrancy and transformative potential of India's startup ecosystem while discussing key policy issues including Data Privacy, Reverse Flipping, AI Governance, Capital Market, and Fintech Regulations. The event scheduled for January 15-16, 2025, aims to foster collaboration among stakeholders and shape the future trajectory of India's innovation landscape. The Startup Baithak is a series of 12 exclusive, closed-door roundtables held over two days and will witness participation from startups including Swiggy, Zerodha, Razorpay, CRED, Pine Labs, Groww, OYO, Practo, Dream11, MPL, CarDekho, Acko, Ixigo, MobiKwik, One Card, ProgCap, Digantara, BharatPe, Physics Wallah and Jupiter, amongst others. These interactive sessions aim to bridge the vision of India's next-generation nation builders with the mission of policymakers and regulators. Hosted at the iconic G20 Summit Room in Bharat Mandapam, the discussions will tackle pressing challenges, explore innovative solutions, and align strategies to propel the country's startup ecosystem forward. Speaking on the occasion, Sh. Sanjiv, Joint Secretary, Startup India-DPIIT, shared, "India's startup ecosystem is a driving force of innovation and economic growth, and the National Startup Day serves as a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit shaping our nation's future. Through initiatives such as 'Startup Baithak' and 'Startup Baatcheet,' the hope is to enable meaningful dialogue between startups, policymakers, and investors, in order to ideate on solutions for today's challenges. We appreciate the creation of this platform that aims to empower startups to thrive, scale globally, and contribute to India's position as a global innovation hub." Shweta Rajpal Kohli, President and CEO, Startup Policy Forum (SPF) shared, "India's startup ecosystem is not just thriving--it's leading the charge in redefining global innovation. With Startup Baithak and Startup Baatcheet, we're not just marking National Startup Day--we're shaping the dialogue and vision for India's startup ecosystem in 2025 and beyond. As we celebrate National Startup Day, we aim to inspire, connect, and empower the next generation of changemakers to make a lasting impact, furthering the vision of Hon'ble Prime Minister for the Indian Startup ecosystem." Key leaders and themes during Baithak, include the following: 1. Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa: Empowering Bharat: Taking Indian Startups Global. 2. Dr. Shamika Ravi, (Member, EAC-PM Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister): India's New-Age Economic Priorities. 3. S. Krishnan, Secretary, MEITY (Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology): Adoption of Technology & Innovations for Economic Transformation 4. Abhishek Singh, CEO, India AI Mission: The Role of Startups in India's AI Mission. 5. Sanjiv Singh- Joint Secretary DPIIT (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade): Shaping Policies to Support Startups 6. Mahaveer Singhvi, Joint Secretary, NEST Division, Ministry of External Affairs: Tech Diplomacy & Tech Governance to Reshape India's Digital Economy. 7. Anita Shah Akela, Joint Secretary, Corporate Affairs & IEPF (Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority): The Role of Startups in Investor Protection & Financial Literacy. 8. Rajesh Bansal, CEO, RBIH (Reserve Bank Innovation Hub): Building a Resilient Financial Ecosystem through Collaboration & Innovation. 9. Panneerselvam Madanagopal, CEO, MEITY Startup Hub: India's Emergence as a Global Tech & Innovation Hub. 10. Harsha Bhowmik, Director - Digital Economy and Fintech: India leading in Fintech Revolution 11. Dr. Dipesh Shah and Mr. Joseph Joshy, GIFT City: Internationalizing Indian Startups: Opportunities Through GIFT City. An Evening of Networking: Startup Baatcheet On the sidelines of Baithak, SPF will also host Startup Baatcheet--an informal networking evening on January 15, 2025. This will bring together founders, investors, startup ecosystem enablers, policymakers, and lawmakers for an informal evening to capture the startup outlook for 2025 and strengthen ties across the entrepreneurial ecosystem. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
The app Xiaohongshu, or Red Note, tops the App Store as the TikTok ban nears. Credit - Cheng Xin--Getty Images

With the TikTok ban looming in less than a week, creators are scrambling to find a replacement. Many have simply migrated over to TikToks direct American competitors, like Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts. But another unlikely challenger has emerged: the Chinese-owned Xiaohongshu, a social media app often referred to as Red Note in English.

While Red Note had previously catered almost exclusively to Chinese audiences, Americans are flooding onto the platform this week, making it the number one on the App Store for two days straight. Lemon8, a separate Chinese social media app owned by TikToks owner ByteDance, sits at number two. On those apps, Chinese influencers and fashionistas appear in between American newcomers showing off their woodworking or floating down the Mississippi River.

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It is unlikely Americans will settle on Red Note or Lemon8 long term: They face the same regulatory pressures that TikTok does. But these apps ascendance does reveal an acute desire from Americans to find their next social media destination; their general wariness about TikToks top American competitors; and their discontent with a ban that many see as paternalistic.

It was a bit of a spite thingand I also wanted to be one of the first people over there, says Christina Shuler, an entrepreneur who runs the small business Glam Farmhouse and joined Red Note this week. Hopefully I can be part of the crowd that maybe can change how our government views this whole situation.

TikTok's Ban

TikToks likely shuttering stems from a bill passed by Congress last year, which forced the apps parent company ByteDance to either sell it by Jan. 19, or face a ban in the U.S. TikTok took the law to court, arguing a violation of freedom of speech. But last week, Supreme Court Justices expressed skepticism about the companys legal arguments. Because ByteDance has said it will not sell TikTok, the ban will likely go into effect Sunday. (The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday that Chinese officials have discussed the possibility of allowing Elon Musk to invest in or run the companys U.S. operations.)

Read More: TikToks Fate Arrives at the Supreme Court

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So many users are looking to establish themselves on other platforms. American companies have been preparing for this influx: Snap, for instance, announced a new Monetization Program last month, which places ads within eligible creators videos.

But this week, Red Note and Lemon8 seem to be the main beneficiaries. Red Note was founded in 2013 as an online shopping guide before pivoting towards social media and e-commerce. Over 300 million people use the app, which is filled with Mandarin speakers delivering travelogues, beauty tutorials, animal videos and language lessons. Red Note also has a live online marketplace, a format extremely common in Asia, but much less prevalent in the U.S. While some new users noted that the name Red Note seems to allude to Mao Zedongs Little Red Book, the company has stressed that the names are unconnected.

Before this week, the few American users of Red Note had included musicians looking to tap into the Chinese market, like John Legend and Mariah Carey. This week, a wave of TikTokkers announced on that app that they would be migrating over to Red Note, and encouraged their followers to join them.

Marcus Robinson, a 29-year-old fashion designer, created a Red Note account to share his thrifting adventures and promote his clothing company, P-13. He previously had accrued 21,000 followers on TikTok, and estimates that 40% of his brands sales came from that app. I thought I was going to keep building and make a living ultimately, he says.

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Robinson heard about Red Note on TikTok, set up an account, and started posting. After just 36 hours on the app, he already has nearly 10,000 followers and 22,000 likes. He engages with his Mandarin-language followers thanks to translations and captions provided by CapCut, an AI-powered video editing app owned by ByteDance. I honestly feel like my brand will grow a lot quicker than it did on TikTok, he says. They're all asking for clothes, asking me to model clothes. Everything's flying right now.

Shuler, the 32-year-old woodworker based in South Carolina, had been earning money from TikTok thanks to brand partnerships, the Creator Rewards program, and product commissions. Her first post on Red Note, in which she announced herself as a TikTok refugee and gave a tutorial on how to install a sliding barn door, received 10,000 likes. Right now, everyones so positive and people are caring, she says. Other videos containing the hashtag TikTokrefugee have been viewed 100 million times.

Shuler says that her posts on Red Note are already performing better than those on the Meta platforms Instagram and Facebook. Unless you pay Meta to promote your posts, theyre not really going to show it to peopleso Ive seen a significant drop in engagement on both of those platforms, she says. And Facebook is just a bunch of angry people on there. So it was refreshing to get on Red Note and know that my content was appreciated.

Shuler says shes even been learning a few Mandarin phrases thanks to the app. Neither she nor Robinson are particularly concerned about the data privacy worries associated with Chinese apps. If youve already bought anything from Temu or Shien, I feel like whatever data that they want, they probably already have, she says.

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It is quite possible that Red Notes honeymoon will be short-lived. Some users have expressed concern that Red Note will be quicker to censor content that is political, sexual or LBGTQ-related. And Red Note also faces a potential ban: While Congresss Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act singles out TikTok and other ByteDance apps, it also regulates other foreign adversary controlled applications.

Nobody thinks rednote is a viable long-term replacement, wrote one Redditor on Monday. This is just a form of protest; a big middle finger to the US government and their billionaire masters.

Contact us at letters@time.com.
Donald Trump, a self-proclaimed all-time expert on wildfire prevention, grimly predicted Monday that in the aftermath of the Los Angeles wildfires, many more bodies will be found.

On Newsmax, the president-elect reacted to the series of fires that have wreaked havoc on the L.A. area since last week, saying he believed the fires were more destructive than if a nuclear weapon had been detonated.

Were going to do things with Los Angeles, Trump told anchor Rob Schmitt over the phone. You know, Im already putting my developer cap on because it looks literallyI just saw some very guarded pictures of it, and its far worse than you even see on television, if thats believable.

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Property damage and economic loss estimates, according to AccuWeather, have reached $275 billion. More than 12,000 structures have been destroyed. The current death toll is at least 24, and thousands have been displaced.

I believe its greater damage than if they got hit by a nuclear weapon, Trump said. Ive never seen anything like it. Vast miles and miles of houses just burned to a crisp. Theres nothing standing.

And theyre going to find many bodies, you know, he continued. Only the dogs will find them, right? You know, German Shepherds will. They can pick out the ashes immediately. Its amazing. But were going to find many bodies and many more, many more dead.

Trump then reiterated his argument that the wildfires arose in part due to the lack of raking the forest floor.

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If you look at the treeseven now Im watching. Ive become like an all-time expert at this, he claimed. And those trees, many of those trees just remain standing. What happens is when the tree falls down, its got 18 months before it becomes a matchstick. And you have to remove those trees because theyre literallyits like lighting a match."

They dont do that. And I said, You have to maintain your forest, Trump went on, speaking about Gov. Gavin Newsom and other California leaders. I learned from Austria, from the some of the countries [like Finland]. They said, We are a forest nation.

Trump appeared to be referencing a 2018 meeting with then-Finnish President Sauli Niinisto, who later clarified that his forest services wildfire prevention strategy doesnt involve raking, but controlled burns.
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP)  Fire officials are urging residents to be cautious during the open burning season in Massachusetts after wildfires cause devastation.

During the fall of last year, severe dry conditions caused an increase in Massachusetts wildfires that burned around 4,000 acres including 1,670 in Great Barrington. For two weeks, nearly 400 firefighters were called to help contain the Butternut fire in rugged and difficult access areas.

Dangerous winds fueled more than a dozen wildfires in Southern California since Jan. 1, mostly in the greater Los Angeles area. Thousands of homes were destroyed and at least 24 people were killed.

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Firefighters deploy as strong winds threaten more LA neighborhoods

This fall, residents across Massachusetts saw just how quickly outdoor fires can grow out of control, said Chief Fire Warden Celino. Right now, California is facing an even worse crisis with devastating fires consuming entire neighborhoods. Please dont risk a fire that puts you, your home, or your community at risk. Burn only approved materials and always get a permit from your local fire department first.

Every year from January 15th through May 1st open burning season allows Massachusetts residents in certain communities to burn natural materials in their yards. A permit from the local fire department is required to burn materials outdoors.

Open burning season begins January 15 in communities where its allowed, said State Fire Marshal Davine. Even where burning is authorized, a permit from your local fire department is always required in advance and its your responsibility to be able to extinguish the fire on a moments notice. For two years in a row, Massachusetts residents have lost their lives when they couldnt contain their fires  please make safety your priority when burning.

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Burning must be done between 10 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and must be at least 75 feet from all dwellings. Fire departments encourage you to stage the fire as close as possible to the source of the material.

Open burning is limited to protect public health and public safety, said MassDEP Commissioner Heiple. The governing laws and regulations are in place to reduce air pollution, property damage, and personal injury. If open burning is allowed in your community, please follow the local and state guidance to keep yourself, your neighbors, and our environment safe.

Cities open burning is not allowed:

There are 22 communities where open burning is banned entirely.

Arlington

Belmont

Boston

Brookline

Cambridge

Chelsea

Chicopee

Everett

Fall River

Holyoke

Lawrence

Lowell

Malden

Medford

New Bedford

Newton

Somerville

Springfield

Waltham

Watertown

West Springfield

Worcester

MAP: Current Wildfires

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
(WLAX/WUEX)  There are over 350 Red Cross volunteers in California helping with wildfire relief, including three employees and five volunteers from Wisconsin.

According to the American Red Cross, these volunteers are helping provide food, shelter, and emotional support to those affected by the fires.

Officials say nearly 900 evacuees are currently staying in Red Cross shelters.

As volunteers continue to help, the Red Cross says you can too. The wildfires are impacting already low blood supplies, and donations are needed.

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Your blood donations could be helping someone down the street or across the country. the Red Crosss goals is to get the right blood to the right patient at the right time, Rebecca Rockhill said.

Red Cross officials say you can also help by donating money to the Red Cross. 100% of your donations will go towards wildfire relief efforts.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX2548 & WIProud.
(WFRV)  Over 350 Red Cross workers are helping people affected by the fires in California by providing food, water, and shelter.

Among them, eight workers are from the Wisconsin Red Cross, including five volunteers and three staff members.

One of the workers from Wisconsin who is currently in California, shared that they are doing everything possible to support those in need during this difficult time.

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Door County candlemakers raising money for Los Angeles fire victims through Golden State candle

She says they are still in a state to prepare to respond or evacuate, keeping life safety their number one focus. The Wisconsin Red Cross representative says theyre providing dental and health care services, even Covid testing.

The Red Cross is continuing to work tirelessly to help those impacted by the fires in California.

Donations to the Red Cross can be made by scanning the QR code and being directed to the Red Cross donation 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.
A PFAS advisory sign along Starkweather Creek. (Henry Redman | Wisconsin Examiner)

The Wisconsin Supreme Court on Tuesday heard oral arguments in a case that could upend the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) authority to enforce the states decades old spills law, which allows the agency to hold companies and property owners responsible for toxic contamination.

The case was initially brought by a Waukesha County-based leather cleaning company and joined by Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce (WMC), the states largest business lobby. The arguments came just months before the election for an open seat on the Court that could again flip the bodys ideological makeup. In the 2023 state Supreme Court race, WMC spent more than $5 million airing ads in support of Republican-backed former Justice Dan Kelly.

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Leather Rich sued the DNR after the agency found it responsible for PFAS contamination on its property. PFAS, a family of man-made chemical compounds known as forever chemicals do not break down easily in the body or the environment and have been connected to serious health problems.

For years, PFAS were used for a variety of commercial and industrial purposes, including non-stick pans, fast food wrappers and firefighting foams. In recent years, state and federal governments have been attempting to crack down on PFAS contamination but in Wisconsin, water supplies across the state have been found to be contaminated.

The lawsuit argues that the DNR cant use the spills law to force Leather Rich to clean up the contamination because the agency never promulgated an administrative rule declaring that PFAS chemicals count as hazardous materials under the spills law. In 2022, a Waukesha County judge agreed, finding that the agency lacked the authority to regulate the chemicals.

Last year, a conservative-controlled Court of Appeals affirmed the circuit court decision.

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During the oral arguments Tuesday, Department of Justice Assistant Attorney General Colin Roth said that if the Court upheld the lower court decision, it would fundamentally rewrite the spills law.

The law was written not to include a comprehensive list of materials the Legislature considered hazardous. Instead the law defines hazardous materials and leaves the rest open-ended, which the DNR has taken for the past 40 years to mean it can decide which materials are subject to regulation. The lawsuit argues the agency would need to create administrative rules with a list of specific materials to be regulated as hazardous, which Roth argued would cause serious harm to the states environment and the executive branchs ability to perform its function.

The spills law has worked so well for decades precisely because the Legislature broadly defined the hazardous substances that dischargers must report and clean up, he said. Respondents insist that DNR must ignore this harmful PFAs discharge, and indeed many other kinds of harmful discharges, because no administrative rule lists all hazardous substances covered by the spills.

Roth said upending the spills law wouldnt make the contamination go away, it would remain in the environment until the DNR can complete the rulemaking process and it would seriously weaken the entire executive branchs core power to interpret and execute the law. Virtually all statutes require interpretation before agencies can administer them. If agencies cannot administer laws like this one without rulemaking, executive branch activity would grind to a halt.

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He added that the spills law must be left open-ended because of the nature of scientific progress. He noted that numerous times throughout the history of the law, research has found that materials regularly used by industry have been found to be harmful and then regulated under the spills law and said that the agency must be able to respond to a new set of facts.

Time and time again, this happens under the spills law, science evolves, he said. People understand the contaminants that were used as part of ordinary commercial activity pose a threat to human health. This is how the spills law has worked for 50 years.

Lucas Vebber, the attorney for WMC, argued that the agency wouldnt need to promulgate rules delineating every possible hazardous material, but instead create a rule that gives a set of objective criteria under which a material can be declared hazardous.

Vebber argued that its unfair to regulate businesses by allowing them to use a certain material for decades, then suddenly declaring the same material hazardous and subjecting those businesses to enforcement action from the agency. He added that businesses need clarity and the rulemaking process would create that.

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So at what point do people know, or are they supposed to know, that those substances become hazardous? Vebber asked. The Department has said that if a tanker truck of milk spills, it is certainly a hazardous substance discharge. But today, [opposing counsel] said, If you drop a gallon of milk, its not a hazardous substance discharge. So somewhere in the middle there, it becomes a hazardous substance discharge.

Justice Rebecca Dallet asked how the government would ever function if it had to pass a rule for each possible situation.

Each individual case is different, she said. Every fact situation is different. What if they spill five gallons? What if they spill 10? What if they spill 20? What about almond milk? What about oat milk? Isnt that exactly why we have enforcement actions? Isnt that exactly why we have the ability to interpret that the executive has to be able to apply the law? Thats called applying the law to the facts.

Justice Janet Protasiewicz noted that under the current administrative rulemaking process (which is currently being challenged in a separate lawsuit in which the Court will hear arguments Thursday) the Legislature has the authority to veto rules proposed by executive agencies and the possibility of a legislative veto could add even more uncertainty to the process, making it even harder for businesses to know what the rules are.

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Roth concluded his argument by pointing to a separate state statute which requires that any proposed administrative rule with an estimated compliance cost greater than $10 million be approved by the Legislature in a separate piece of legislation. He said any spills law rules would certainly exceed that threshold and questioned if it would make sense for the Court to require the Legislature to pass a separate bill in order for the executive branch to enforce a law it passed decades ago.

Were in a situation where not only must the agency promulgate a rule defining hazardous substances, but the Legislature would have to pass another bill authorizing that rule, he said. So what do we have? We have a spill law that cant be implemented until another statute is passed, amending it.

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BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First)  One woman was killed and a man was injured in a Monday night shooting in Baton Rouge.

Tyesha Branaugh, 30, died from her injuries and a man is in critical condition after a shooting around 11:18 p.m. in the 1600 block of North 15th Street.

The Baton Rouge Police Department said a motive and suspect in this shooting is unknown as of Tuesday morning.

An investigation is ongoing.

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Anyone with information is asked to contact the BRPD Violent Crimes Unit at 225-389-4869 or Crime Stoppers at 225-344-7867.

Police: Woman found dead in Baton Rouge hotel room

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Louisiana First News.
A woman and her best friend face manslaughter charges for allegedly running down her boyfriend in Harwinton last July following a tumultuous argument that led to her texting the friend and asking if he could beat up the boyfriend, saying she wanted him hurt.

Logan Diaz-Lopardo, 21, and Abbigale Whipple, 20, both of Torrington were arrested Monday in connection with the death of 24-year-old Kevin Gangell of Harwinton who was run down in the driveway of his home by a vehicle being driven by Diaz-Lopardo, according to Connecticut State Police. Whipple was a passenger in the car.

Diaz-Lopardo faces charges of first-degree manslaughter with intent to injure, first-degree manslaughter with grave risk of death and conspiracy to commit first-degree manslaughter. Whipple has been charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree manslaughter and accessory to first-degree manslaughter.

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According to the warrant affidavit supporting the arrests, the series of events that led to Gangells death began on July 27, 2024, when he went to a car show instead of spending time with Whipple, she told detectives. Whipple said she had been in a relationship with him for over a year, while describing Diaz-Lopardo as her best friend for many years who is allegedly obsessed with her, the warrant affidavit said.

The next day, on July 28, Whipple told police she woke up and found that Gangell had blocked her phone number, so she contacted Diaz-Lopardo and asked him to pick her up from her home, the warrant affidavit said. At some point, she was able to contact Gangell through a FaceTime call, during which she told police she flipped her camera around to show Gangell that Diaz-Lopardo was parked in her driveway, according to the warrant affidavit. This reportedly angered Gangell.

State police found during their investigation that Diaz-Lopardo and Gangell allegedly had much hostility toward one another and that they had previously made threatening remarks to each other, according to the warrant affidavit. Whipple told police Gangell had allegedly once pulled a knife on Diaz-Lopardo because he thought Whipple had an affair with him, state police wrote.

After seeing that Diaz-Lopardo was with Whipple, Gangell allegedly told her to come to his home. The pair then got into Diaz-Lopardos 2008 Audi A4 and began driving there. In the warrant affidavit, state police wrote that Diaz-Lopardo initially passed the Clearview Avenue home while the horn was honked multiple times. Diaz-Lopardo and Whipple gave conflicting statements about who sounded the horn.

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According to the warrant affidavit, Diaz-Lopardo then circled back and was heading south on Clearview Avenue when he allegedly turned into the driveway where Gangell was standing and struck him. Gangell, state police wrote, was thrown about 70 feet and was left lying on the ground.

The Audi struck a stone retaining wall before coming to rest.

An analysis of the crash conducted by the state police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Squad found that Diaz-Lopardo was reportedly going about somewhere between 32 to 38 mph, according to the warrant affidavit.

Whipple alleged that that Gangell left his home with a pipe in his hand and ran out in front of the vehicle, the warrant affidavit said. She later contradicted this and told police she was afraid because she thought he was holding a firearm, adding that he allegedly alluded to having firearms in the past.

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Diaz-Lopardo also claimed that Gangell had run out in front of his vehicle and that he did not mean to strike him, the warrant affidavit said.

Emergency crews responded to the home at 11:53 a.m. on the report of a crash involving a pedestrian. Gangell was taken to Charlotte Hungerford Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 12:38 p.m., state police wrote.

An autopsy conducted by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner found that Gangell died of blunt force trauma to his head, torso and extremities, the warrant affidavit said. His death was ruled a homicide.

Following the crash, Whipple and Diaz-Lopardo were both taken to Waterbury Hospital. Whipple suffered several abrasions and a broken jaw, while Diaz-Lopardo was treated for minor abrasions and a broken sternum, according to the warrant affidavit.

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They both agreed to speak with detectives at the hospital, where state police told Whipple they would be seizing her phone and seeking a search warrant for it. In response, she told state police they might find her being impulsive and saying that Gangell could die, the warrant affidavit said. She also reportedly told police I have threatened him, but I didnt mean nothin (sic) I said.

Investigators seized the cell phones of Whipple and Diaz-Lopardo and obtained search warrants allowing them to examine the devices. They also examined Gangells phone.

Investigators unearthed messages over Snapchat between Whipple and Diaz-Lopardo on the morning of the crash. According to the warrant affidavit, Whipple reportedly asked him if they could beat his (expletive) pleas (sic) and told him Im so done.

I want him too (sic) hurt, she reportedly wrote. according to the warrant affidavit. I wanna go there with you.

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I want him hurt, she continued. I want it done.

Messages exchanged between Whipple and Gangell on the morning of the crash reportedly showed that she threatened to go to his probation officer, saying she would be reporting all the threats.

Ur (sic) going too (sic) jail, she reportedly wrote, according to the warrant affidavit.

Whipple went on to tell Gangell Ima (sic) ruin your life and that I warned u (sic), the warrant affidavit said.

During an analysis of the phones, state police also reportedly found a tumultuous and toxic pattern of Whipple spam texting Gangell when he would block or not answer her, the warrant said. When this would happen, state police said Whipple would continue sending him messages and would sometimes express her desire for him to die.

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Investigators also examined the Facebook profiles of Whipple and Diaz-Lopardo and allege that they were in an intimate relationship, the warrant affidavit said. Though Whipple only admitted that the two had previously kissed, state police said they found messages she sent to him the night before the crash in which she allegedly alluded to the two having an affair.

According to an obituary, Gangell was born in Bristol and graduated from Lewis S. Mills High School in Burlington in 2018.

Kevin had a kind heart and was a dreamer, the obituary said. He loved to be outside hiking and exploring the great outdoors in Connecticut. Kevin loved all animals and cars (taking after his father). He was a very loving son and will be missed immensely by his parents.

Diaz-Lopardo was being held on a $500,000 bond, and Whipple was held on a $250,000 bond. They were both expected to be arraigned on Tuesday in Torrington Superior Court.
As the crime drama series 'Chidiya Udd' prepares to launch on Amazon MX Player on January 15, the stars of the show, including Jackie Shroff, Bhoomika Meena, and Sikandar Kher, opened up in a recent interview with ANI about their experiences working on the show and the journey leading up to its release. The series, based on Aabid Surti's critically acclaimed novel Cages, explores the gritty underworld of Mumbai, filled with crime, power struggles, and survival. Directed by Ravi Jadhav, the series features a stellar cast, including Bhoomika Meena, Sikandar Kher, Madhur Mittal, Mayur More, and Mita Vashisht. When asked how he creates a comfortable space for newcomers on set, Jackie Shroff shared a touching anecdote from his early days in the industry. Recalling his time on set with legendary actor Dev Anand, Jackie shared how the iconic actor guided him when he was struggling with an action sequence. "One day, while I was on the film set, I was struggling to perform an action sequence properly, and the action director scolded me a lot. At that time, Dev Sahab was on set and he told the director, 'Don't scold him, he's a new guy... he'll learn... Take it easy, take it easy.' That day, I understood how, as a newcomer, I was treated by such a legendary actor. And today, when I'm in his shoes, I feel it's my responsibility to pass on what I learned from him on the set," Jackie recalled. Further discussing his approach to acting, Jackie mentioned his reliance on his experiences with some of the best in the industry. "I never went to school, nor did I have enough money to go. My real school has been Dev Sahab and Subhash Ji (Subhash Ghai). On set, I am like water -- I adapt to whatever the environment or situation demands. I believe in my technicians," he said. Sikandar Kher, who plays Jackie Shroff's son in 'Chidiya Udd', expressed his gratitude and admiration for his co-star. "I seriously feel honoured and happy that Jaggu Da is playing my dad. He is someone who has known me from very early in my life, even when I was an infant," Sikandar shared, highlighting the long-standing bond between the two. Bhoomika Meena, who plays the lead role of Seher, also shared her own journey in the series. Reflecting on her audition experience, she admitted that she didn't know who her co-actors would be. "I was called for the audition, and I found the script to be quite interesting. When I showed my excitement for the project, I didn't expect that I would get to work with such esteemed actors, and when I found out, it was truly special. It was a great experience working with them," Bhoomika said. Bhoomika also shared a memorable moment from her time working with Sikandar Kher on set. "I was doing a cameo in one of Sikandar Sir's projects, and I knew that Sir had also given an audition for Chidiya Udd. I was sure he would get the role, but I wasn't as sure about myself," she said. "One day, I went up to him on set and asked him, 'Sir, tell me, what other projects are you working on?' He started listing them, and then he asked, 'I've heard you gave an audition for Chidiya Udd, is that right?' I was surprised and asked, 'How do you know?' He said, 'Oh, you know, these things are talked about in the industry, you find out.' And then, cut to, we both met on the set of Chidiya Udd!" she recalled with a smile. The series delves into the harsh realities of Mumbai's underworld, with Seher (played by Bhoomika) struggling to break free from the criminal world. The narrative promises a gripping exploration of survival, power, and resilience. Jackie Shroff, who portrays Qadir Khan in the series, described the role as both challenging and rewarding. "The world of Chidiya Udd is full of twists and turns. It's a place where survival is the ultimate game, and every character is fighting their own battle. Portraying Qadir has been a challenging yet rewarding experience, and the audience will love it," he said. Bhoomika Meena, who brings the character of Seher to life, expressed her deep connection to the role. "Portraying Seher has been an incredible journey. She is a fighter, someone who refuses to succumb to the harshness around her. The challenges she faces in this unforgiving world are daunting, but her strength and determination shine through. Chidiya Udd is a powerful story of survival, and I hope the audience finds themselves drawn to Seher's spirit and the choices she makes along the way," she added. Fans can catch 'Chidiya Udd' for free on Amazon MX Player starting January 15. (ANI)
Tragic stories continue to emerge out of Los Angeles as the devastating wildfires rage on. One of the most heartbreaking is that of Hajime White, who is mourning the loss of her wheelchair-bound father and stepbrother, who died in their Altadena home.

Its a loss thats forcing White to ask why the people who should have been there to help were not.



White, who lives in Arkansas, says she spoke with her father, Anthony Mitchell, a 67-year-old amputee who was alone with her step-brother Justin, who has cerebral palsy on the morning of January 8. White says her father told her the fires were getting closer to their home and that the family was going to have to leave.

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He said, Baby, Im just letting you know that the fires broke out and that were going to have to evacuate,  White told PEOPLE. I was like, Okay. He told me he loved me and started to say something else but he said, Baby, I got to go. The fire just came in the yard.

White told PEOPLEshe grew worried about her family, who had experienced wildfires but had never been forced to evacuate. But two hours after she spoke with her father, she learned that he and her brother had died. According to the Associated Press, Mitchell was found by his sons bedside in their home.

According to White, Anthony and Justin Mitchell lived with her brother, Jordan, who was in the hospital at the time. But in an interview with PEOPLE, White says the death of her family members has left her with a lot of unanswered questions, including why the caregiver who was supposed to be there was not and why her father and brother died waiting for an ambulance to come and rescue them from their home.

He made a lot of phone calls that morning to family, she said. Everything is kind of a red flag to me. I dont know. Im just still stuck in the dark.

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A French woman has come forward to reveal she lost her life savings in a romance scam in which the perpetrator pretended to be an ailing Brad Pitt, according to France 24 .

The woman, a 53-year-old interior designer named Anne, told her story during Seven to Eight on Frances TF1 channel Sunday. The fake Brad Pitt used AI images to pull at her heart strings and make believe a romance between them. She ultimately divorced her husband in the hopes that she and Pitt would be together. The scammer sealed the deal with fake social media accounts, and Anne ultimately forked over $850,000 over the course of the interaction.

The outlet also notes that she sufferers from mental health problems.

Neness_G/X

Anne was first contacted by an account pretending to be Pitts mother, she said during the TV interview. She told me that her son needed someone like me, she said, according to France 24. The messages kept on coming, and Anne explained that she began to believe despite her better judgement: At first I said to myself that it was fake, that its ridiculous, she said, But Im not used to social media and I didnt really understand what was happening to me.

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Anne only realized shed been scammed after seeing a news story reporting Pitts relationship with Ines de Ramon . Her devastation intensified, however, after her story was publicized on Sunday. The segment attracted trolls who were harassing Anne, the TF1 network tweeted Tuesday, as one of its presenters announced on X that her story would be removed from its platforms, according to French 24.

France 24 also reports that even the official Netflix France account got involved, putting up a post promoting four films to see with Brad Pitt (really) for free, referencing her now viral story. TF1 reported that Anne had been hospitalized for severe depression.

While reflecting on the experience, she shared her resulting anger after the scam in the Sunday broadcast. I ask myself why they chose me to do such harm like this? she said. Ive never harmed anyone. These people deserve hell.
Jan. 13FARMINGTON  One person was injured Sunday and four children extricated from a tractor-trailer truck that failed to stop at the intersection of state routes 4 and 27 in Fairbanks village and rolled onto its side near Barker Brook, Police Chief Kenneth Charles wrote in a news release.

Jamie Garcia, 47, of Brentwood, New Jersey, was driving the rig owned by JJS Transport of Lawrenceville, Georgia, south on state Route 27 with a load of bottled water from Poland Spring's plant in Kingfield, Charles wrote.

A 33-year-old woman and four young children were extricated from the sleeper cab and evaluated by MaineHealth EMS personnel. The woman was transported to MaineHealth Franklin Hospital with minor injuries, Charles said.

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Fuel tanks ruptured and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection was called to contain the spill.

Maine State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement also responded to assist with the investigation.

Farmington police were assisted by Farmington Fire Rescue, Franklin County Sheriff's Office and MaineHealth EMS ambulance personnel.

The crash was reported just before 11 a.m. Dutch Gap Auto of Chesterville removed the heavily damaged truck and trailer Monday.

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One firefighter injured in fire at Farmington business, home

Franklin County arrest log: Jan. 6  Jan. 12, 2025
A recent record-setting land donation to the Maine Woodland Owners has increased the land trust's portfolio to almost 12,000 acres of forest around the state, the County reported.

The donation came from Friendship, Maine, resident Donna Roggenthien. Though she resides in Knox County, she owned 326 acres in Aroostook County's Moro Plantation, which she donated to the Maine Woodland Owners in the hope that others could enjoy it.

The parcel of land  the second and largest donated to this organization in Aroostook County  includes nearly 12,500 feet of shoreline around Rockabema Lake, which the County noted is an important fishery for both brook trout and landlocked salmon. Roggenthien wanted the public to enjoy the lake's "magnificence," as she put it.

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"Her generosity is amazing," Jennifer Hicks, director of communications and outreach for the Maine Woodland Owners, told the County. "Her dedication to conservation is astounding."

The organization will honor Roggenthien's wishes for the land by administering it as it does the 8,000 acres it owns and the 3,300 acres it holds in conservation easement. The Maine Woodland Owners provides active forest management for these properties, caring for the natural woodland habitat and maintaining public access for hunting, hiking, and other outdoor activities.

The Maine Woodland Owners started its land trust in the 1990s in response to a growing need to conserve forests in the state. Many of these areas were once harvested for timber but now show 20 or 30 years' worth of new growth, restoring some of their usefulness to the environment as well as their interest to nature lovers.

According to Hicks, the owners are often bonded to the land, but they may have aged out of being able to take care of it. For them, the Maine Woodland Owners offers a way to keep the land cared for and open to the public.

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"For some, keeping that legacy alive is really important and a lot of people don't want to let go of something that has been in the family for generations," Hicks told the County. "It becomes a very important way for them to note their legacy and contribute to the community and benefit the greater good."

The Maine Woodland Owners is also an outreach and education program that will be celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. It helps interested landowners learn to manage their forest properties and attract wildlife, as well as understand how plants, including native species, impact the environment.

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"It's amazing what kinds of tree species promote different types of wildlife. And the spacing between the trees and the undergrowth and the amount of cover," Hicks told the County. "The policy is to do no development on that property. It will just stay forested and natural open space."

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 French woman was swindled out of over $800,000 by scammers posing as Brad Pitt who made her believe she was dating him and that he needed help paying for medical care.

U.K. paper The Times and French outlets AFP and BFM TV reported that the woman, identified only as Anne, spoke to French television outlet TF1, which has since removed the interview from its website after a flood of online ridicule sparked by the report.

Anne reportedly told the French station that she was first contacted online by someone claiming to be Pitt's mother saying, "Its a woman like you that my son needs," The Times reported.

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Despite expressing skepticism, the woman kept in contact before being messaged by someone posing as the actor.

"At first I said to myself that it was fake, that it's ridiculous," Anne told TF1, according to BFM TV. "But I'm not used to social media and I didn't really understand what was happening to me."

The woman first sent nearly 10,000 when the fake account said it needed her to pay customs tariffs so she could receive gifts he claimed to have sent her, according to the reported interview with the woman.

"There are so few men who write you this kind of thing," Anne said, according to the report from BFM TV. "I liked the man I was talking to. He knew how to talk to women, it was always very well done."

Images of Brad Pitt were generated by AI and sent to the subject of this story

After reportedly telling the scammer that she had recently divorced her husband, Anne sent almost all of her 775,000 divorce settlement  about $798,000  after the fake Pitt said he had developed kidney cancer and needed a loan because his bank accounts were locked as a result of his ongoing divorce proceedings with Angelina Jolie.

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BFM TV reported that the woman was sent AI-generated images of Pitt's face over men in hospital beds.

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When Anne read that Pitt was in a relationship with Ines De Ramon, the scammers reportedly sent something denying the reports. Eventually, The Times reported, Anne told TF1 that she read more about Pitt and De Ramon and accepted that she had been scammed.

Anne has since filed a lawsuit and a police inquiry has been opened, the outlets reported.

TF1 has since removed the interview, with The Times reporting that the outlet did so to protect her from a "wave of harassment" she has received online.

Read the original article on People
Jan. 13Attorneys asked jurors Monday to award more than $45 million to a woman who underwent a 2019 surgery at Presbyterian Hospital that left a 13-inch metal instrument in her abdomen for nearly two months.

Surgical personnel mistakenly left the surgical retractor on Jan. 29, 2019, after removing a 75-pound benign tumor from Michelle Torma's abdomen.

Presbyterian Healthcare Services, New Mexico's largest health care provider, would pay the vast majority of the compensatory and punitive damages sought by Torma's attorneys.

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Her attorneys argued that a smaller amount should be paid by Southwest Women's Oncology and Southwest's gynecologic oncologist, Dr. Karen Finkelstein, who performed the surgery.

Both companies were named as defendants in Torma's 2021 lawsuit in 2nd Judicial District Court alleging medical negligence and other claims.

Attorneys made closing arguments Monday on the fifth day of trial before Judge Denise Barela-Shepherd. Jurors will continue deliberations on Tuesday.

"This instrument wasn't small and lost inside of her body," said Alexandra Cervantes, one of Torma's attorneys. "It extended the entire width of her abdomen. This is what she was living with inside of her body for 58 days."

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Michelle Torma underwent a second surgery on March 28, 2019, after a CT scan identified the long, rectangular object in her abdomen. It was found to be a retractor left there by a surgical team two months earlier.

Attorneys for Presbyterian Healthcare Services have acknowledged that the hospital's surgical personnel mistakenly left the steel retractor in Torma's abdomen after a complex surgery to remove a massive tumor.

Brenda Saiz, an attorney for Presbyterian Healthcare Services, acknowledged that Presbyterian staff were at fault for failing to account for all the surgical equipment in a process called a "surgical count."

The mishap was a result of "human error," Saiz told jurors. "That's what this was  a human error or an inadvertent mistake that Presbyterian tries extremely hard to prevent" with training, monitoring and other safety measures.

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Saiz also argued that Torma is doing well today, is free of pain, and doesn't require ongoing medical care.

Punitive damages are not appropriate in this case because Presbyterian has policies and measure in place to prevent the retention of surgical equipment, Saiz said.

"Human error happens," she said. "Retention of a surgical item is a risk of any surgery."

Saiz told jurors that Torma is entitled to $500,000 in compensatory damages, but that no punitive damages are appropriate.

"Presbyterian has accepted responsibility," she said. "It did not rise to the level of punitive damages."

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Cervantes asked jurors to award $9-11 million in compensatory damages of which Presbyterian should be assessed 89.5% and Southwest Women's Oncology, 10.5%.

Presbyterian also should be required to pay $35.8 million in punitive damages, Cervantes told jurors. Southwest Women's Oncology should be required to pay $540,000 in punitive damages, she said.

Punitive damages are appropriate in cases of "wanton conduct," defined as acts of "utter indifference or conscious disregard for a person's safety," Cervantes said.

Finkelstein's attorney, Bryan Garcia, said in closing arguments that the surgeon relied on Presbyterian's staff to provide her with an accurate count of the equipment used in the surgery.

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"Dr. Finkelstein had absolutely no reason to doubt two consecutive confirmations from Presbyterian staff that all instruments were accounted for," Garcia told jurors. "A surgeon like Dr. Finkelstein must be able to rely on the Presbyterian professional staff charged with counting the instruments."

Garcia argued that Finkelstein should not be required to pay compensatory or punitive damages in any amount.

Garcia called Finkelstein a "hero" for performing life-saving surgery after Torma was diagnosed with a massive tumor. She also acted immediately after a CT scan identified the surgical retractor in Torma's abdomen.

"As soon as Dr. Finkelstein saw the scan, she sprang into action to make it right," he said. "No excuses, no delays."
A woman whose wedding ring was found in the rubble after her home was destroyed in the California fires shared a story of hope.

"It was a needle in a haystack, right? It was a ring in a roof, a ceiling, furniture, walls and then my ring," Victoria DeSantis told "Good Morning America" in an interview on Monday. "It made my heart happy, just for a moment, knowing I've lost everything. I left with two pairs of jeans and two sweaters and everything, all of my childhood memories, all of my children's childhood memories, everything is gone. There's not one thing saved, but I have my ring."

PHOTO: Victoria DeSantis shares her story of hope after firefighters found her wedding ring in the rubble of her Altadena home, destroyed by the Eaton fire. (Courtesy of Victoria DeSantis)

DeSantis had just seconds to evacuate her Altadena home when the Eaton Fire broke out last week. With dry conditions worsened by strong winds at the time, she said she had been applying lotion constantly, causing her rings to slip off.

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Deciding she didn't want to search for them in the dark, she left them by the front door next to her keys. At 3:45 a.m., the alarms went off, and she had to evacuate.

Rescue flight helps move over 50 animals from LA shelters to Seattle during wildfires

Her husband and son were out of town, so she fled with her daughter and dog, leaving behind her wedding and engagement rings. In the chaos, she said nothing else mattered.

PHOTO: Victoria DeSantis shares her story of hope after firefighters found her wedding ring in the rubble of her Altadena home, destroyed by the Eaton fire. (Courtesy of Victoria DeSantis)

"As long as I got my daughter and my dog safely in the car and away from this disaster," she explained. "And we saw embers flying through the air. We saw patches of grass on the street on fire, a house on fire. We were like, 'This is not good. This is definitely not good.'"

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She said when she told her husband she had forgotten the rings, he then reassured her, "It's okay. Don't worry about it. We'll get you another one. It's okay."

When she returned, her home of 20 years had been reduced to debris.

PHOTO: Victoria DeSantis shares her story of hope after firefighters found her wedding ring in the rubble of her Altadena home, destroyed by the Eaton fire. (Courtesy of Victoria DeSantis)

As she sifted through the wreckage, she found her melted engagement ring, but she assumed her wedding band had been lost to the flames as well.

However, a firefighter searching through the wreckage with her uncovered the wedding band, miraculously untouched by the fire.

"You hold out hope, right?" DeSantis said. "As you're driving around, you see that one house that's okay, and that one house that's okay, and you're like, 'come on, blue house. You could do it. You're tough.' But my entire block is gone. And we found this, like a melted platinum thing. And I was like, 'Oh my God, that's my ring.' I'm just so happy I found it."

PHOTO: Victoria DeSantis shares her story of hope after firefighters found her wedding ring in the rubble of her Altadena home, destroyed by the Eaton fire. (Courtesy of Victoria DeSantis)

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She later sent a picture of the ring to her husband who jokingly replied, "Now you're definitely stuck with me. It's like you thought you were gonna get out of this with no ring. He's like, 'No, you're definitely stuck with me.'"

She continued, "We're all like, trying to find humor in this. You know, it's just those light moments that you have to have because behind you is literally a house on fire. We're safe. We're still here. Nothing else mattered. We're together. Everything else is stuff. We're okay."

Woman speaks out after firefighters find her wedding ring in California fire rubble originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com
WARREN, Ohio (WKBN)  A local womens group in Trumbull County has planned a trip to watch President-elect Donald Trump take the presidential oath of office at the U.S. Capitol building.

More than a dozen members of the Trumbull County Republican Womens Club (TCRWC) are heading to Washington, D.C. for the event.

Weve been looking forward to this for eight years now, but we are so pumped up, said Judie Shortreed, TCRWC vice president.

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Shortreed and Carol Jochman are just two club members heading to the nations capital.

Just to say you were there is really exciting, Jochman said. Weve been to a lot of Trump rallies, my husband and I have been. This will be my first inauguration. As a matter of fact, he was the one that said were going no matter what.

Shortreed was at Trumps inauguration in 2016.

I love supporting Trump, Shortreed said.

Club members chartered a 53-seat bus which will depart Trumbull County early Sunday morning from the Bazetta Walmart parking lot. Relatives and friends are joining them on the trip, too.

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We filled the bus, and theres actually a waiting list on the bus now, Shortreed said. Im very excited. I keep looking in my calendar to see what the temperature is going to be there, and Im thinking were all gonna look like were coming from Alaska, I think, but Im sure itll be fun.

The energy is going to be very high, very, very high  and no matter where you are, Jochman 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 WKBN.com.
Dinner service at the Terraces at Park Marino in Pasadena, California, was about half over, and residents were gathering in the lobby for the nights movie feature: Scent of a Woman."

Sharon Tanner and Carlene Sutherland, both members of the resident council at the senior living community, were discussing what to do about people who leave their laundry in the washer or dryer when something caught their attention.

I smell smoke, Tanner said.

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So do I, remarked Sutherland.

High above in the surrounding hills, a fire was burning. Within an hour, the Terraces' staff and residents would be in a race for their lives, walking, rolling and stumbling out into a hellscape of swirling coals.

The wildfires that have ravaged the Los Angeles area since Jan. 7 have claimed at least two dozen lives and destroyed thousands of structures. AccuWeather, a company that provides data on weather and its impact, puts the damage and economic losses at $250 billion to $275 billion.

Fewer than 100,000 people in Los Angeles County remain under evacuation orders.

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Around 850 patients and residents of nursing homes, assisted living facilities and group homes were evacuated after the blazes last week, according to the California Department of Public Health.

Among them are the people who called the Terraces home. The three-story wood and stucco building is partially covered with ivy, and nestled in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. The 95 residents  ranging in age from 60 to 102  were divided between assisted living and memory care.

Jan. 7 started out just like any other Tuesday. Breakfast was served from 7-9 a.m. Then at 9:45, it was time for Stay Fit  what they call their chair exercises.

The afternoon was full of other activities, and at 5:30, it was time for Movie Night.

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Not long into the film, a visiting nurse came by and told staff there was a fire in the hills above. Neither local nor state officials had suggested that the Terraces evacuate, says Adam Khalifa, President and CEO, Diversified Healthcare Services, which owns and operates the facility.

Just the same, staff decided to begin bringing the residents down to the lobby. They started methodically draping lanyards around each neck with badges containing the resident's photo, name and apartment number; on the back were medical details: any conditions, cognitive deficits and do not resuscitate orders.

Off-duty staffers began showing up to volunteer, calling families to let them know what was happening, and some families came and picked up their loved ones.

Yesenia Cervantes, director of the memory care unit, was on the phone with hospice to get some help evacuating those residents when the power went out at around 6:40 p.m. When the yard outside the dining room caught fire, she and another employee grabbed a fire extinguisher and ran outside and put out the blaze.

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Smoke began filling the lobby. Residents donned protective masks.

By 7:45 p.m., the backyard had reignited. Cervantes decided it was time to clear Safe Haven, the memory care wing; around the same time they got an evacuation order.

Some residents were still in bed. One woman whod had a seizure earlier that day was too weak to rise; Cervantes lifted her up and put her in a wheelchair. Other staff made multiple forays to the upper floors, carrying residents downstairs.

When they got outside, it was bedlam. Workers from a skilled-nursing facility next door were wheeling their residents across the road in chairs and on beds. First responders were shouting and gesturing, telling people to move down the street and convene at the 7-Eleven.

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Tanner, 72, was struggling when a man with dark hair appeared out of the smoke and told her sit on the bench of her walker.

Hold your feet up, the stranger said as she faced back toward to the Terraces. Be careful.

He towed her across the road like a bat out of hell, made sure she was OK, then disappeared into the haze in search of someone else to help.

When residents and staff reached the convenience store parking lot, transport vehicles were already waiting. Tanner and two other residents were loaded into an ambulance and whisked away. Other residents were packed into buses and taken to the Pasadena Convention Center 5 miles away.

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After residents were situated with cots, water and food, the Terraces staff went to work finding each of them a place to stay  be it a home, a hospital or another senior living facility.

When the smoke cleared, all that remained of their former home was a charred, water-stained shell, several of the black metal letters that once spelled out the Terraces at Park Marino over the front door missing.

For now, Tanner says shes staying with her sister and brother-in-law in San Jose. But she cant wait to see all of her friends again, when, and if, the center is rebuilt.

Wherever I go is going to be just temporary, she says. Because as soon as its built, Im back to the Terraces. That was my home, and thats where I want to live.

___=

Breed, an AP national writer, reported from Wake Forest, North Carolina; Hollingsworth reported from Kansas City, Missouri.
There is an arc to creativity--a curve that begins in the quietest corners of our being, sometimes unnoticed, sometimes fragile, and carries us through life. It is not a straight line but a meandering path, woven with moments of discovery, loss, rediscovery, and growth. My own journey as an artist, a chef, a writer, and a creator has been shaped by this arc, and today, it feels like it has come full circle. To find two of my works displayed among 250 incredible pieces in The Art of India, a breathtaking exhibition curated by the visionary Alka Pande, is a moment of profound gratitude and reflection. This exhibition, held at the India Habitat Centre, celebrates not only art but the very essence of humanity--our ability to express, to connect, to include, and to create. My earliest memories of creativity are tied to the warmth of a kitchen, where Panditji, our Brahmin chef, would transform simple vegetables into extraordinary feasts. At five or six years old, I would sit by his side, watching him weave magic with his hands. But it wasn't just food he cooked--it was stories, lessons, and a philosophy of life. In that kitchen, he taught me about inclusion, about respecting the ingredients, about the sacredness of everyday acts. That kitchen became my first art studio, my first lesson in the Indian way of being--one of connection to nature, to humanity, and to ourselves. As I grew older, art became my sanctuary. There wasn't a craft I didn't try--painting, stitching, macrame, tie-dye, sculpture, embroidery, dressmaking. My hands became an extension of my imagination, and the world around me was a canvas waiting to be transformed. At school, under the watchful eyes of extraordinary teachers, this passion deepened. Mrs. Mari Arora, with her elegant voice and commanding presence, taught us to sketch with discipline and exuberance, to channel restless energy into vivid creations. Ms. Shubhika Lal showed us how to mold clay into forms that spoke of hope, adventure, and resilience. And then there was Ms. Sabiha Hashmi, my senior art teacher, who became more than a mentor--she became my guide, my confidant, my dream maker. Ms. Hashmi's art room was my refuge. In her presence, I found permission to be myself. She introduced me to silkscreen printing, tie-dye, oil painting, and calligraphy, but more than techniques, she gave me the confidence to express. In her art room, I could pour my fears and insecurities into my work, finding catharsis in every stroke, every layer of color. She saw me when I couldn't see myself, and her unwavering belief laid the foundation for everything I would go on to create. It was she who taught me that art is not just a skill--it is a way of being, a language for the soul, a bridge between inner turmoil and outer expression. When I graduated, I carried this passion to J.J. School of Art in Mumbai, where I studied graphic design, and later to the School of Visual Arts in New York. The city was a mosaic of inspiration, and I immersed myself in graphic design, photography, and art history. But life has a way of redirecting us, and a lost portfolio--a collection of hundreds of my works--forced me to pivot. What felt like a devastating loss at the time turned out to be a nudge toward reinvention. I found myself in the world of food, where creativity took on a new form. At our restaurant Devi in New York, my partner and I became the first Indian chefs to earn a Michelin star. People would tell me that my dishes were like art on a plate, that I painted pictures with flavors. It was proof that creativity, like water, always finds its own level. Yet the pull of art never left me. Years later, as I returned to India to heal from an illness, I found myself creating digital art--a layering of photography, design, and emotion that became my outlet, my therapy, my way back to myself. It was during this period that Alka Pande, a luminary in the world of art, entered my life. She saw something in my work that I hadn't yet dared to see. Her belief, her invitation to be part of The Art of India, became the affirmation I didn't know I needed. This exhibition is a testament to the enduring power of art. It spans generations, from the grandmasters of Indian art to contemporary voices, weaving a rich tapestry of tradition and innovation. To stand alongside legends like Amrita Sher-Gil, whose life and work taught me to embrace my identity, and M.F. Husain, whose generosity and brilliance I had the privilege of experiencing firsthand, is an honor beyond words. Sher-Gil's Sketch II, Husain's bold canvases, and Jamini Roy's reinterpretations of Indian folk art remind us of the unbroken thread of creativity that runs through India's history. The exhibition also celebrates the voices of today, those who are redefining Indian art on the global stage. Asha Thadani's evocative photography captures the vulnerability and resilience of marginalized communities, while Bandana Jain's sustainable art challenges our perceptions of materials. Mandakini Devi's Womb Series explores identity and femininity through layered digital prints, revealing the complexity of womanhood in a deeply introspective way. Malavika A.K. Prasanth's Echoes in Colour speaks of rebirth and self-discovery, while Lyla FreeChild's fearless works celebrate femininity and inclusion. These artists remind us that art is not confined to aesthetics; it is a force for change, a reflection of society, a call to action. The Art of India is more than an exhibition--it is an invitation. It invites us to explore not just the works on display but the themes they embody: identity, migration, inclusion, love, and expression. It is a celebration of life in all its complexity, a reminder of our shared humanity. I urge everyone to visit, to immerse themselves in this visual symphony, to bring art into their homes and lives. Because art has the power to transform. A piece on your wall is not just decoration; it is a story, a dialogue, a source of energy that can inspire and uplift. Art has always been a connector, and in my journey, it has connected me to extraordinary people who have shaped and supported me. My friends Aamir Rabbani, Mohit Jain, Yogi Suri, and Megha Joshi have been my anchors. They celebrated my efforts when I doubted myself, encouraging me to create even when I thought I was failing. Their belief gave me the courage to persevere, to find beauty in the process, and to keep going. My family, too, has been my bedrock. My mother, with her quiet strength, saw beauty in my digital art when I couldn't. Her joy became my hope, a reminder that even in moments of isolation and struggle, creation is a form of connection. As I reflect on this journey, I am filled with gratitude--for my teachers, my friends, my family, and for Alka Pande, who dared to dream for me when I couldn't. I am reminded that creativity is not a straight path but an arc, one that bends and curves, carrying us through seasons of doubt and renewal, loss and rediscovery. It is a journey that belongs not just to me but to all of us. For creativity is not the privilege of a few--it is the birthright of everyone. It is the common thread that binds us, that reminds us of our shared humanity, that gives us hope and joy and meaning. So let us celebrate this arc, this journey of art and expression. Let us visit exhibitions like The Art of India, support artists, and bring their works into our homes. Let us allow art to transform our spaces, to infuse our lives with new energy and creativity. Let us recognize that in every brushstroke, every photograph, every sculpture, there is a story--a story of resilience, of hope, of the boundless human spirit. And as we stand before these works, let us remember that we, too, are creators. That within each of us lies the capacity to imagine, to express, to connect. That the arc of creativity is infinite, ever-expanding, carrying us forward, together, toward a brighter, more beautiful world. (ANI/Suvir Saran) Disclaimer: Suvir Saran is a Masterchef, Author, Hospitality Consultant And Educator. The views expressed in this article are his own. (ANI)
About 200 students from local Jobs for Americas Graduates programs will face off Friday at their annual high school Regional Career Development Conference.

Hosted by the Western Indiana Workforce Development Board, the event will take place at Ivy Techs main campus in Terre Haute.

It will provide an opportunity for students to use skills they have been learning during the school year through their specialized JAG national curriculum.

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Individual events include employability skills, career presentations, prepared speaking, creative decision making and outstanding senior. There are also several group competitions such as business plan, commercial and project based learning.

The experience and lessons learned in the JAG program will provide the students with the tools and connections necessary to succeed after high school, he said.

Local employers and community leaders volunteer their time and will serve as judges for the event. The first place winners in each competition will represent Region 7 at the state competition in March.

The Western Indiana Workforce Development Board sponsors the 12 high school JAG programs in Region 7.

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Currently, there are JAG programs at Cloverdale, Greencastle, North Putnam (2), Northview, Riverton Parke, South Putnam, South Vermillion, Sullivan, Terre Haute North, Terre Haute South and West Vigo High Schools.

The Western Indiana Workforce Development Board also sponsors middle school JAG programs at Carlisle, Cloverdale, Greencastle, North Putnam and Riverton Parke middle schools.

The regional JAG competition will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday.

WorkOne Western Indiana serves Hoosier workers, employers, and students in Clay, Parke, Putnam, Sullivan, Vermillion and Vigo counties. To learn more, visit www.workonewest.com.

For more information about Jobs for Americas Graduates, visit http://www.jag.org.
Plans for a hydroelectric station in Central Asia have raised eyebrows over beliefs that financial institutions are funding the project to establish cryptocurrency mining operations under the guise of clean energy, reports Eurasianet.

What's happening?

Eurasianet reported that the Rogun hydropower dam project in Tajikistan will receive a $350 million grant from the World Bank for the first phase of construction.

Other investments have come from the Asian Infrastructure Development Bank, which pledged a loan of $270 million, and the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, which paid out the first of six installments of $16.7 million for a total of $100 million.

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The $6.4 billion dam, expected to be the tallest in the world at 335 meters, will provide power to over 8 million people while avoiding 150,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

It will have six turbines that will generate 3,600 megawatts of electricity, doubling the nation's energy production.

Why is the financial backing of Rogun concerning?

While investors and officials have touted Rogun's ability to "contribute to the decarbonization of regional power grids in Central Asia," some analysts have a suspicion the project only drew support because of its ability to support cryptocurrency mining.

Alexander Kolotov, who heads the regional environmental watchdog Rivers Without Boundaries, told Eurasianet the electricity produced by Rogun "should be simply fantastic" for mining. However, financial backers have likely distanced themselves from the dam's connection to the industry because of poor optics.

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"Mining cryptocurrency is not a story about the development of a country or a region," he added. "A mining farm does not create jobs for local residents, does not develop the surrounding area. It produces a purely virtual and extremely volatile product."

Eurasianet cited a U.N. report about the environmental impact of bitcoin mining in 2020-21, noting that its carbon footprint was equivalent to burning 84 billion pounds of coal. It used as much water as would fill over 660,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools and relied heavily on coal and natural gas for energy.

Additionally, much of the hydropower station's profitability depends on exporting around 70% of the electricity it produces to countries including Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan.

Rivers Without Boundaries and other civil society organizations think that prospective buyers will resort to other renewable energy solutions before Rogun becomes fully operational in over a decade, though.

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"I am sure that we will hear about the [crypto] mining [link] at the Rogun HPP only when the budget of the project swells to some completely indecent size," director of the Kyrgyzstan-based watchdog group Nash Vek Chinara Aitbaeva said.

"That's when it's possible to present the option of creating crypto-mining at [Rogun] as an additional instrument for project profitability."

What's being done about the energy efficiency of cryptocurrency?

While the verdict is still out on the future of Rogun, several companies are seeking to improve mechanisms for cryptocurrency mining that drastically reduce energy costs.

Tajikistan could also follow the path set by the Canton of Bern in Switzerland, which plans to stabilize its grid by using energy that would otherwise go to waste to power bitcoin mining activities.

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.
U.S. users worried about TikToks future are flocking to an entirely different Chinese social media app: Xiaohongshu, also known by its overseas name, RedNote.

The app, founded by Charlwin Mao and Miranda Qu in 2013, surged to the top of Apples U.S. app store on Monday. New joiners tagged themselves as #TikTokRefugees, posting guides and videos to their followers on how to set up their own accounts.

Chinese users welcomed their new U.S. brethren, offering to help teach Mandarin Chinese or cracking jokes about espionage.

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Its a surge in overseas popularity for a social media platform thats already transformed travel and shopping in mainland China, made inroads into Chinese communities in places like Hong Kong, Taiwan and Singapore, and is even changing social media marketing plans in destinations as far afield as the U.K. and New Zealand.

What is Xiaohongshu?

Xiaohongshu is sometimes referred to as Chinas version of Instagram. Yet the platform has embraced an array of different functions, including reviews, guides, e-commerce and, well, memes.

The apps Chinese name translates to Little Red Book, which the company claims is from the platforms origins as a bundle of PDF shopping guides (and not a reference to the famous book of Mao Zedongs quotations).

Xiaohongshu now has about 300 million monthly active users, primarily young, urban and femalean appealing group for both Chinese and non-Chinese brands. The platform, valued at $20 billion in a 2021 funding round, boasts backing from tech giants like Alibaba and Tencent, and venture capital funds like DST Global and Hongshan Capital.

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The platform was on track to earn over $1 billion in profits in 2024, Bloomberg reported late last year, citing unnamed sources.

How is Xiaohongshu transforming travel?

The app in particular prizes personal experience and advice; thats led many of its users to trust the platform for itineraries on where to sightsee, shop and eat.

People say: When in doubt, turn to Xiaohongshu, Ashley Dudarenok, founder of ChoZan, a digital consulting firm based in Hong Kong and Shenzhen, told Fortune in an interview last year.

Xiaohongshus user-contributed advice, seen as more authentic, is changing travel patterns across Asia. Tourist hotspots in Hong Kong, Indonesia, New Zealand and the U.K. now use the platform to attract mainland Chinese tourists and university students.

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Xiaohongshu buzz can be lucrative: One Hong Kong-based bakery chain, Bakehouse, told The South China Morning Post that it earned around 90 million Hong Kong dollars ($11.4 million) a year from its sourdough egg tarts, popular on Xiaohongshu.

Whats happening with the TikTok ban?

Unless the Supreme Court intervenes, TikTok, owned by Chinese tech giant ByteDance, will be banned in the U.S. come Jan. 19. U.S. legislation passed last year ordered ByteDance to sell the app, or face a ban.

U.S. officials worried that TikTok sends U.S. user data to China, where it can then be accessed by Chinese officials. They also suggested that China might leverage TikToks recommendation algorithm to interfere in the U.S. political system.

ByteDance argues that the divest-or-ban law violates the free speech rights of both TikTok and TikTok users, although Supreme Court justices expressed little support for the Chinese tech companys arguments.

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That means, as of Jan. 19, U.S. TikTok users will have to find an alternativewhich, for now, seems to be another Chinese-owned social media platform.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
(Bloomberg) -- A small globe sits on the corner of Janet Yellens desk, covered in cork and pierced by dozens of colorful pins marking all the places she traveled as Treasury secretary.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The office has always been internationally focused  but no recent holder had to operate in a global economy so fractured by war and great-power rivalry. Yellen sought to navigate it by shoring up ties that were strained during Donald Trumps confrontational first term. Shell depart with the US poised to retreat once again from its traditional alliances under another Trump presidency, now just days away.

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Yellen became the Biden administrations most effective interlocutor with China, tasked with steadying the worlds key economic relationship while maintaining Trump-era trade pressures and roping new partners into that campaign. Then, when Russia invaded Ukraine a year into her term, Yellens Treasury took the lead in an international effort to punish Moscow that rewrote the rules of economic warfare.

The lesson that Yellen takes away, in a wide-ranging discussion of her time at the Treasury, is clear: The US can get much more done in the world by joining forces with like-minded nations.

Taking a very unilateral approach, I think, is a mistake, she said in an interview in December. We have worked hard to rebuild our relationships with our allies and pursue objectives to the maximum extent jointly.

Yellen can point to a number of examples where her policy of engagement bore fruit, even if it fell short of the highest hopes.

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US-led sanctions imposed steep costs on Russia, and Yellen championed innovative mechanisms to curb Moscows oil revenue  without roiling world markets  and leverage frozen Russian assets into financial support for Ukraine. Ultimately, none of the measures could bring Russias economy to a standstill or prevent its military advance.

We Have Our Grievances

On China, Yellen took charge with ties at a multi-decade nadir after the Trump trade wars, the pandemic and a spy balloon incident. She restored critical lines of contact, whose lapse she has described as dangerous, while also delivering tough news to Beijing  including new high-tech export curbs that were all the more effective because US allies in Europe and Asia were persuaded to join in. Even as Yellen rebuilt some trust, though, she failed to convince China to back away from manufacturing subsidies that hurt American businesses.

Obviously, we dont agree with China about a lot of matters, and we have our grievances, Yellen said. But it is valuable to understand, to avoid misunderstandings, and to have communication channels.

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Its been a tricky exercise for Yellen. Her thinking on China and trade, as an academic and policymaker, was rooted in an era that celebrated globalization, and has evolved as national security questions came more into focus. Yet its precisely her background and technocratic chops that seem to have made the Treasury chief effective when it came to dealing with Beijing.

On her first trip there as secretary  a closely watched, high-stakes outreach  there were some small signs she was making headway. At one dinner, senior Chinese officials brought Yellen copies of a book shed written about the US economy in the 1990s, so she could sign them. On her second trip, the warm welcome continued even as she berated Beijing for subsidizing its export-oriented manufacturers.

Between those two visits, the US and China set up economic and financial working groups that would meet regularly to identify areas of cooperation and communicate grievances. The new bodies came in handy in the fall of 2023.

On the eve of a summit between Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping in San Francisco, the US branch of Industrial & Commercial Bank of China Ltd. came under a crippling cyberattack. Chinas largest bank was left in danger of being unable to settle trades, including in the US Treasuries market.

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The strike was eventually blamed on a Russian criminal gang, but its source was not immediately known, and Yellen worried that China might think the US had engineered an embarrassing incident just before the summit. If we had no trust whatsoever, my guess is that this could have turned into another balloon incident, she said.

Instead, Yellen  whod scheduled a separate meeting with her Chinese counterpart, He Lifeng  assured him that the US would help resolve the problem, which was swiftly overcome. Later that week, it was Yellen who was asked to greet Xi at the airport on his arrival in the US.

In international policymaking the dogs that don't bark are just as important as the dogs that do, said Josh Lipsky, director of the Atlantic Councils GeoEconomics Center. There are a lot of problems that could be problems that don't become problems because years of hard work are put in, and Yellens work in China exemplifies that, he said. Her being able to go there, preview some of the decisions that were coming, explain them, I believe helped mute some of the reaction from the Chinese.

That fits with Yellens broader reflections on the China file. Im not saying weve had overwhelming success, she said in the December interview. Still, weve developed channels where were quietly working on it without it blowing up into a major thing. And I think this is useful.

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In a sign that plenty of thorny issues remain, Yellen voiced concern to He early this month  in what was likely their last official conversation  about malicious cyber activity after US officials said Chinese state-sponsored hackers had breached the Treasurys networks.

Where Yellen and Biden combined dialogue with a ratcheting of China trade curbs, Trump is vowing a sharper escalation. Hes threatened tariffs as high as 60%, multiples above where they are now. The question of whether thats a concrete plan or a negotiating ploy remains open.

The Moral Argument

If the task of keeping US allies on board was important to Yellens China diplomacy, it was front and center of the response to Russias February 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

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Financial sanctions had long been a key Treasury tool, especially after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. But the breadth, volume and innovation of economic warfare against Russia was unprecedented. Group of Seven economies largely acted in sync, with the US playing a leading role and often cajoling European allies to sign on to more creative measures.

Yellen went to Kyiv, a rare visit to a war zone by a Treasury secretary. For the former Federal Reserve chair and labor economist, this kind of geopolitics  weaponizing economic tools to achieve national security and foreign policy goals  was essentially new territory, and it consumed an ever-larger chunk of her time.

Id never really been involved before this job in international negotiations, Yellen said. She had no doubts that helping Ukraine was the right thing: The moral argument is overwhelming.

Over the past year, Yellen sought to convince major partners that they should collectively raise funds for Ukraine by tapping some $300 billion in Russian central bank assets frozen in G-7 nations since early 2022.

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The plan required either seizing the funds outright or leveraging them into fresh loans. Allies were initially opposed. Yellen and her top lieutenants embarked on a months-long campaign to assuage them.

Herding the Cats

It helped that she had personal relationships with so many of the key actors from her time at the Fed, European and US officials said. Still, as different objections were raised from London and Berlin to Tokyo, it felt like mission impossible at times. The qualms included legal precedents, financial stability risks and even retaliation by Moscow  and any agreement to tap and deploy the funds would have to hold up under multiple legal systems.

Herding all of these cats to try to get them to come along is challenging, Yellen said. There were moments, during this long thing, I personally just lost hope this was ever going to work.

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In the end, G-7 leaders agreed in June to lend Ukraine $50 billion, to be repaid out of profits earned by the frozen Russian assets. Roughly a month before leaving office, Yellen gathered her staff in the Treasury Departments main conference room and watched as an official completed the transfer of the US share of the loan, amounting to $20 billion. It was perhaps her last major act as secretary, and she considers it among the most important.

While the US was building a united front among its closest historical and military allies, it failed to persuade much of the rest of the world to join in. Few countries outside the developed world signed up for Russia sanctions, which weakened their impact by leaving plenty of trade avenues open to Moscow.

India is emblematic of the limits of Yellens campaign, as tireless efforts to sweeten relations  she made four trips to the subcontinent  fell somewhat flat. Much to the Treasurys frustration, plenty of goods that are subject to US prohibitions continue to flow from India to Russia.

Under Trump, US policy toward Russia and Ukraine looks likely to shift. The president-elect has put more emphasis on negotiating an end to the conflict  without providing much detail on how  than helping Ukraine to fight a war its apparently losing.

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See the Value

Trump has pledged to dial back US financial support for Kyiv. Hes shown little interest in maintaining the economic coalition assembled by Biden and Yellen to squeeze Russia  which largely overlaps with the group of nations that have signed up for US-led curbs on China, too.

Yellen acknowledged the risk that the multilateral strategy shes pursued is in danger of being abandoned in Trumps second presidency. The next administration is not known for wanting to take that type of approach, she said. But I am still hopeful that they will see the value of international engagement, and that it can contribute to the attainment of objectives that they have.

If Trumps recent public statements offer little to support such hopes, theres perhaps more to be found in the speeches and writings of Scott Bessent, Yellens heir apparent at the Treasury, whose confirmation hearings will be held in the Senate on Thursday.

The former hedge fund manager is a veteran of international markets and the debate over global financial architecture. Three years ago, after Yellen outlined the doctrine of friend-shoring  the drive to match Americas supply chains with its security alliances  Bessent was full of praise. In an article, he called it the most important speech in her distinguished career.

This is someone who also understands international economic engagement, not from the public sector side like Secretary Yellen, but from the private sector side, said Lipsky at the Atlantic Council. So I guess I'm a little more optimistic that these channels will continue in the next administration. At least through Treasury.

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Elon Musk will have office space in the White House complex as he begins work on the Department of Government Efficiency, which is hoping to cut government spending, according to The New York Times.

The office space set aside for Musk is in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, which is located right next to the White House. This would mean that Musk is likely to continue to have prominent access to President-elect Donald Trump after he takes office once again.

The billionaire has reportedly had discussions with the transition team about what level of access he will have to the West Wing in the new administration, but that remains unclear, two individuals briefed on the issue toldThe Times. Those who are allowed to move freely in the West Wing usually need a specific pass to do so.

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Musk donated hundreds of millions to aid Trump during the election campaign, and has often been seen with the president-elect since his victory. He has been part of transition meetings and taken part in at least one foreign call. He has also shared his thoughts on staff and cabinet nominees.

While the Department of Government Efficiency is called a department, its not an official department authorized by Congress. Members of DOGE are currently working in the Washington D.C. offices of Musks company SpaceX. What remains unclear is the size of Musks team and what his status will be as he works for the administration.

Elon Musks agency have been given an office in the White House complex, having previously been based out of the tech moguls SpaceX D.C. headquaters. (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

A number of transition officials have suggested that Musk become a special government employee, which means that he would have fewer restrictions on personal financial disclosures compared to regular members of staff.

If he becomes a special government employee, Musk is likely to not take a salary. But there may be legal ramifications depending on how the incoming administration defines Musks position and the role of DOGE.

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Every government employee, including those under the special government employee definition, is covered by a criminal conflict of interest law prohibiting them from taking part in issues where they or their family members have a financial interest. Since some of Musks companies have federal government contracts, that would seemingly prohibit DOGE from working on connected issues if Musks adopts a status as a government employee.

Musk and his staff would have to file financial disclosure forms if they become government employees but if they dont take government salaries, the Trump administration could keep them from becoming public.

Musks official role in Trumps government is still unclear, but DOGE has been given office space near the White House. (via REUTERS)

Another law that could affect the work of DOGE is the Federal Advisory Committee Act, which governs boards, panels, councils, and other kinds of committees that work with entities from outside the government to give advice to the administration.

If Musk chooses not to seek special government employee status for himself or his staff and others giving their input, the law would appear to apply, according to The Times.

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The legislation states that meetings of such committees are to be public and that all documents related to its work are also supposed to be publically available.

Allies of Musk have indicated that he has yet to decide if he will become a special government employee, The Times reported.
BOSTON (WWLP)  A man from New York was sentenced in connection with shipping dozens of packages containing cocaine from Puerto Rico to different addresses throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

Man sentenced for manufacturing fentanyl pills sold in Massachusetts

The Department of Justice states that 35-year-old Felix Baez Munoz was identified as a drug and money courier for a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that trafficked kilograms of cocaine from Puerto Rico through the mail. The cocaine was typically hidden inside the packages of items such as air fryers. These packages were then addressed to different places in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

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Detectives conducted a surveillance on Munoz in May 2020 as he took a duffle bag from Massachusetts to New York. After he was stopped in New York, he consented to a search of the duffle bag, where $387,030 of suspected drug proceeds was seized.

Munoz pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine back in September. He was sentenced to 46 months in prison and three years of supervised release.

This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation, which identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest level of criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
A group of Republican lawmakers from New York say they met with President-elect Donald Trump over the weekend to recruit his assistance in ending congestion pricing in the Empire State.

Less than a week into the newly implemented congestion pricing plan, Representatives Nicole Malliotakis, Mike Lawler, Nick LaLota, Andrew Garbarino, Nick Langworthy and Claudia Tenney took a trip to Mar-a-Lago to speak with the incoming president about it.

Trump has already signaled his support for ending congestion pricing  though he did not explain how he would go about doing so.

Mike Lawler, a Republican representative of New York, has been a vocal opponent of congestion pricing (Getty Images)

The group of lawmakers disapprove of the plan, which charges drivers an additional $9 to enter midtown or downtown Manhattan during peak hours.

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Though the plan aims to reduce gridlock, reduce environmental pollution and increase funding for improvements to the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA), Republicans have criticized it as a cash grab that hurts commuters.

Lawler, a representative of Hudson Valley, said Trump reiterated his support for ending congestion pricing and that they would get it done.

Tonight my colleagues and I sat down with President @realDonaldTrump to discuss some of the issues impacting our country and New York. The President reiterated his support for lifting the cap on SALT and ending congestion pricing. We will get it done.   pic.twitter.com/nHf4K3QexG  Mike Lawler (@lawler4ny) January 12, 2025

Congestion pricing has been a hotly contested debate. Some believe it is a necessary fee to reduce heavy gridlock, improve public transportation conditions and reduce carbon emissions from cars. Others, particularly those who commute into the city, believe it is an unfair tax that will make work commutes more difficult.

Governor Kathy Hochul, a proponent of congestion pricing, initially paused the program from taking effect in June. However, shortly after Trump was elected in November, she reinstated it  bringing the toll from $15 to $9.

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Congestion pricing is a cash grab, plain and simple. When I met with President Trump over the weekend, I was glad he expressed his support for repealing this regressive tax. It must be repealed! Lawler wrote on X.

Lawler and other New York Republicans said they plan to introduce legislation to try and thwart congestion pricing from continuing.

Legislative action would require approval from Congress who hold a slim majority in the House. However, several Democratic New Jersy lawmakers have also expressed opposition to congestion pricing due to the impact on their constituents.
MADISON, Wis.  A traffic stop early Monday morning led to the arrest of a young adult and a teenager after officers discovered a stolen handgun in their vehicle.

According to the Madison Police Department, officers conducted the stop near N. Ingersoll and E. Mifflin Streets just before 2:00 a.m. The individuals in the vehicle appeared to be attempting to hide something, prompting further investigation.

Wisconsin meat shop recalls ready-to-eat meat products due to misbranding

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A stolen handgun was eventually found under the front passenger seat.

The driver, identified as 21-year-old Kevonta A. Williams of Fitchburg, was arrested on charges of obstructing, possession of a stolen firearm, and carrying a concealed weapon without a license.

Viral video shows Eagles fan harassing Packers fan and his fiancee during NFC wild-card game

The 17-year-old passenger, a Madison resident, faces charges of carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a stolen firearm (both as party to a crime), and obstructing.

A third passenger in the vehicle was not cited. The investigation remains ongoing.

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The night the Eaton fire started, Edgar McGregor stood on a darkened Altadena street, held up his cellphone and started recording as the sky glowed orange behind him.

His voice calm, the 24-year-old amateur climate scientist urged people living between the Eaton Wash and Allen Avenue to immediately pack their bags and get ready to evacuate.

Then the wind picked up. It muffled his audio. So he started shouting.

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"This is imminent!" McGregor said. "Do not wait for an official evacuation notice. If you think you should leave, get out! Get out!"

At 7:17 p.m., he uploaded the 31-second video to his Facebook page, where he has thousands of followers.

At 10:22 p.m., he posted: "You should not go to sleep tonight. If you are anywhere in the foothills, it's time [to] pull an all-nighter. The fire danger is sky high. Everyone in Altadena, even the western side, should prepare to evacuate."

Wind-whipped embers from the Eaton fire fly over a home on Vinedo Avenue in Altadena on Jan. 7. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)

People took his advice. Now, they say he saved a lot of lives.

McGregor, who lives in his boyhood Altadena home with his parents, turned his passion for weather three years ago into the Altadena Weather and Climate Facebook page, where he writes handy micro-forecasts for mostly neighbors. Given the popularity of the San Gabriel Mountains and its hiking trails, the ranks of his followers grew. And on the night of Jan. 7, his warnings that persuaded people to evacuate elevated him to hero status in Altadena.

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Tori Silverman, 37, of Altadena wrote on his page: "Edgar McGregor is an actual American hero."

"Thank you Edgar McGregor! I didn't sleep like you told me and I lived," another follower wrote.

And another: "Edgar absolutely saved my life."

Read more: 'Particularly dangerous situation' fire warning now in effect in L.A., Ventura counties

McGregor studied climate science at San Jose State University and started his page while in college. He interned at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and has a day job working for the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation as a recreation services leader.

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On his Facebook page, he is known for dispassionate detail rather than alarmist hype. So when he said the Eaton fire was life-threatening, his thousands of followers knew he was not exaggerating.

"I'm very careful with my word choice," McGregor said in an interview. "It's not just about warning people that conditions are right. Anyone can go online and fearmonger and create scare tactics. I'd never hype up a storm unless it needed to be hyped up."

The deadly Eaton fire  fueled by wind gusts up to to 100 mph near Altadena  needed to be hyped.

"I knew this was serious because usually Edgar's posts are so steady, so when he said be ready, we were," wrote one follower, among the hundreds who expressed gratitude for his neighborhood forecasts.

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Silverman told the Times she has been following McGregor's page since summer 2023, when the post-tropical cyclone formerly known as Hurricane Hilary hit Southern California. McGregor, she said, "prepared us for that too, and also kept things factual instead of sensational."

Last week, when McGregor said that anyone north of Altadena Drive should leave immediately, Silverman said, "that was good enough for me to get gone."

Her house on Altadena Drive, which had been in her family since 1964, went up in flames. "Had I not left when I did," she said, "my four pets and I would have burned up."

Edgar McGregor near Eaton Canyon in Altadena. (Ringo Chiu/For The Times)

McGregor has been obsessed with the weather  even in sunny Southern California  since childhood.

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As a kindergartener, he said, he would tell his teachers he needed to go to the restroom so he could go outside and walk in the rain.

He was 11 in December 2011 when he experienced his first major windstorm  a fierce Santa Ana wind event that, The Times reported, "wreaked havoc on Altadenas Christmas Tree Lane, snapped the top of the 100-foot tree at Americana at Brand in Glendale" and led to emergency declarations in numerous San Gabriel Valley cities.

Read more: Investigators study Eaton Canyon electrical tower area as possible origin of Altadena fire

"That was the first extreme weather event of my life," McGregor said. "That was frightening. That event got me interested in Santa Ana winds."

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As a teenager, McGregor, inspired by the young Swedish activist Greta Thunberg, participated in school strikes, demanding action on climate change.

On Jan. 7, as thousands of new followers flocked to his page, growing to more than 7,500 this week, he explained: "Southern California is full of micro-climates where the hottest deserts in the world, the chilly California coastal current, towering snowy mountains, and Mediterranean shrublands all clash together.

"The diversity of our local climate makes it challenging for local weather officials to capture everyone in their forecasts, and that is where I come in  locally, at least."

With the success of his Facebook page, he recently started writing WeatherMcGregor, a more in-depth forecast and weather analysis for paid subscribers, on the platform Patreon.

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In the spring of 2019, he started what became a viral, volunteer effort to clean up Eaton Canyon.

This week, he will mark 2,000 days coming to the park, bucket in hand, to pick up trash in the heat, rain, snow and wind. In recent days, he has cleaned up just outside the evacuation zone.

Over the years, he has found countless water bottles and candy wrappers on and around popular hiking trails. He has picked up a few passports. Some cash. During the pandemic, a lot of masks. Recently, a lot of vape pens.

Last May, he posted photos of Eaton Canyon  green, everywhere, after a wet winter  to the social media platform X. What he saw scared him.

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"More photos today of how stupid-lush the mountains north of Los Angeles are after our wettest 18-month period in 117 years of weather record keeping," he wrote. "After these fuels dry out this summer, wildfires are going to go nuclear this fall."

Over the next seven months, essentially no rain fell.

On Dec. 31, McGregor wrote on Facebook that he was "keeping a close eye on the potential for mountain wave activity" on the night of Jan. 7 into the morning of Jan. 8 in the local foothills.

Mountain wave wind occurs when gusts rapidly drop down mountain slopes, then gain strength upon hitting a flat landscape, a weather phenomenon that causes short bursts of strong, dangerous winds.

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The winds, he figured, would likely be between 40 and 49 mph in Altadena.

Read more: Altadena had soul, solitude and community. Can those qualities survive devastating firestorm?

"This particular storm has serious potential," he wrote, "and my forecast could very well escalate in the coming days."

On Jan. 5, he predicted gusts of more than 65 mph. In that post, he added: "My fear here is less of the wind and more of the fire danger."

At 11:01 a.m. on Jan. 7, after the Palisades fire started across the county, McGregor told the people of Altadena to make early plans to evacuate  to find all their important documents and to park their cars in their driveways facing outward.

After seeing that post, longtime follower Janel Foo, who lives near the Altadena L.A. County sheriff's station, packed her family's bags  hours before the Eaton fire started  and set them by the front door.

At 6:23 p.m., in all caps, McGregor posted that a fire had ignited in Eaton Canyon.

"THIS IS NOT A DRILL," he wrote.

Homes burn during the Eaton fire on Jan. 8 in Altadena. (Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times)

Foo, 43, and her husband and 2-year-old son were eating a kielbasa dinner by candlelight, with the electricity already out.

In the kitchen, her husband saw the orange glow outside. Then they heard a neighbor driving down the street, honking, screaming for everybody to get out.

Foo told her frightened toddler to hold on to his blanket and not let go, and the family quickly fled  grateful that their belongings were ready to go, thanks to McGregor.

"As soon as we saw the fire, we got out," said Foo, whose house survived but was still under a mandatory evacuation order a week later.

Read more: Eaton fire victim must start over. He begins by volunteering with the people who helped him

"We were able to evacuate with less panic and so much preparation  and get the cat  and it was all because of him.

That night  after McGregor knocked on a few neighbors' doors, telling them to leave  he and his mother drove to a friend's home in South Pasadena. He pulled an all-nighter, posting updates about the wind and flames as he scoured publicly available forecast models and government data, interpreting it in layman's terms for Altadenans.

At 5:33 a.m. on Jan. 8, McGregor, who did not yet know whether his house survived, wrote on X: "This is the worst night of my entire life."

On Friday, three days after the fire began, Charles Phillips was outside his home on Sinaloa Avenue with a borrowed chain saw, cutting up pieces of tree branches that had fallen in front of his house.

His house was still under mandatory evacuation order, but he had gotten back in easily  before the National Guard started blocking off streets  and hunkered down.

Charles Phillips outside his home on Sinaloa Avenue in Altadena. (Hailye Branson-Potts/Los Angeles Times)

But that first night? He and his wife and three teenage daughters bolted as soon as they saw McGregor's Facebook post saying a fire had started.

"Three minutes, and we were gone," said Phillips, a 49-year-old aerospace engineer. "We didn't even take anything. We just left. The fire was right there. We have two dogs, two cats  we packed them up."

Phillips returned home, alone, the next morning. Three doors down, destroyed houses smoldered.

Phillips quoted McGregor's posts verbatim.

"This guy," he said, "is responsible for saving so many lives. The climates are so different, neighborhood to neighborhood, and here's this young kid trying to predict just for us."

McGregor said all the praise is a little surreal.

Despite his lifelong interest in weather, he long thought he would forge a career focused on long-term climate change issues, not real-time forecasting. He has changed his mind.

"I didn't want to get into meteorology," he said. "I didn't want other people's safety in my hands."

But now, he knows, people trust him. And in this tough time, that feels good.

Edgar McGregor is being credited with convincing numerous people to evacuate from Altadena, saving their lives. (Ringo Chiu/For The Times)

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Tollywood director Trinadha Rao Nakkina has apologised for making disparaging remarks about actress Anshu's physical appearance. At, the teaser launch event for Tollywood director Trinadha Rao Nakkina's upcoming film 'Mazaka' which was held in Hyderabad on Sunday, the director made certain comments about actress Anshu's physical appearance. The remarks, which were deemed derogatory, sparked a wave of criticism across social media platforms. During the event, as the cast and crew spoke about the film, Trinadha Rao commented on Anshu's physique, causing discomfort among attendees and viewers. He said, "When she came as a heroine in a movie, I could not believe it. Is she still like that? She is thin now. I only asked her to eat some food and increase weight because it is not enough for Telugu (audience). Everything should be in big sizes. It's okay. She has improved a bit, she will improve more by next time." These remarks, intended to be humorous by the director, did not sit well with many, especially on social media, where people began calling out the comments for body-shaming. Social media users expressed their displeasure at such comments being made at a public event. In response to the backlash, Trinadha Rao released a self-recorded video to apologize. In the video, the director clarified that his comments were not made with any ill intentions. He said, "The comments made by me in the Mazaka teaser release event were not intentional, and only did it to make everyone laugh. But because several women are hurt, I unconditionally apologize for those comments." Anshu, who is making her return to the screen after two decades with 'Mazaka', also starring Sundeep Kishan and Rao Ramesh, had a notable appearance in the 2002 hit film 'Manmadhudu' where she starred alongside Nagarjuna and Sonali Bendre. (ANI)
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  A Youngstown man has been sentenced to 45 months in prison for conspiring to distribute drugs in the area.

William McCree, 21, received the sentence from Senior U.S. District Judge Arthur J. Schwab, the Department of Justice announced Tuesday.

Judge Schwab also ordered McCree to serve three years of probation following his prison term.

According to the Department of Justice, McCree was responsible for trafficking fentanyl, fluorofentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine between May 2021 and October 2022.

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McCree was on bond with a pending state drug trafficking charge in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, during part of that time period.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Police in Berlin have arrested a 17-year-old suspect in a fireworks explosion over the New Year's holiday that left a child critically injured, authorities said.

Two flats were also searched on Tuesday. The teen boy was identified by tips from the public submitted online, police said.

"We have indications that the 17-year-old could be responsible for the explosion," Sebastian Buchner, a spokesman for Berlin's public prosecutor's office, told the local newspaper BZ.

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The newspaper reported that one of the flats raided by police was the home of the suspect.

Buchner said that police are looking for other fireworks and a cellphone on which photos or videos of the crime might be visible.

The explosion was caused by a powerful type of firework known as a "ball bomb," which had been placed inside a plastic pipe.

The potent explosives, which are normally shot into the sky by professionals during fireworks displays, are banned for private use in Germany but have been nonetheless widely available in the country.

However, the pipe fell over, causing the firework to shoot in the direction of a crowd of onlookers, severely injuring a 7-year-old child just after midnight on a square in the Berlin district of Tegel.

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The boy has since had to undergo several operations, according to police. A 41-year-old man who suffered leg and hand injuries also underwent several operations.

According to the police, six other people - three children, a teenager and two adults - were slightly injured and taken to hospital in the incident.

Injuries and property damage from raucous fireworks displays over the New Year's holiday in Berlin have renewed intense debate over whether fireworks should be further restricted.

Elsewhere in Germany, at least five people were killed in accidents involving New Year's fireworks.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has addressed the controversy surrounding the reassignment of Air Force personnel to the Ground Forces, in his evening address on Jan. 14.

Reports indicated that since 2024, thousands of Air Force soldiers have been transferred to the Ground Forces. The latest directive was issued on Jan. 11, when Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi issued an order to transfer over 5,000 Air Force personnel to Ground Forces units.

A senior Air Force officer, speaking anonymously, said transfers have now reached a "critical level," with unit staffing dropping to 50%.

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However, this move has sparked significant debate and concern about its impact on the Air Forces operational capabilities.

Zelensky directed Anatolii Kryvonozhko, Commander of the Ukrainian Air Force, to ensure the Air Force maintains its required personnel levels and to address public concerns about recent transfers to the Ground Forces.

"There has been much concern and discussion today regarding these reassignments. I have instructed that everything be explained to the public and not to reduce the ranks of specialists critical to the Air Force  aviation, air defense, and mobile fire units, he said.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine also weighed in, reassuring the public that critical engineering and aviation specialists servicing aircraft are not being transferred.

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Instead, selected Air Force personnel are undergoing training to address personnel shortages in infantry and other units.

Read also: Why Ukraines long-delayed missile production ambitions have yet to get off the ground

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to personally participate in the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, scheduled for 2024 January.

Source: WEF President Brge Brende, as reported by European Pravda, citing SRF (Swiss Radio and Television)

Details: Brende revealed that representatives from over 130 countries are expected at Davos, including more than 60 heads of state and government and over 1,600 business leaders.

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US President-elect Donald Trump will not attend the event in person but will join online and deliver a speech on Thursday, 23 January. Representatives of Trumps new administration are expected to attend Davos later in the week, Brende added.

President Zelenskyy is expected to arrive in Davos on Tuesday, 21 January. This will be his second participation in the forum, following his first appearance in 2024.

Among European leaders attending the forum, Brende specifically mentioned European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Background: In March 2022, the Davos Forum froze its relations with Russia.

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Commenting on Western officials statements about lowering the conscription age in Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the issue of weapons and equipment is a priority for the Ukrainian army.

Source: Interfax-Ukraine, quoting Zelenskyy before his meeting with German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius in Kyiv on Tuesday

Quote: "And so, when we talk about increasing the number of our people [in the army  ed.], we must understand that, firstly, our brigades are not properly equipped today. We need to provide our brigades with the appropriate equipment. Our partners have all these requests," Zelenskyy said.

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"We have heard many times about the age of our military  the conscription age and all that. And, as was rightly said, by representatives of the [soon to be] former administration [of US President Joe Biden  ed.], also by representatives of NATO countries... You know, I'm not going to say a very clear figure, because it's dangerous, but we have more than a hundred brigades on the battlefield, and each of these brigades needs equipment every day."

Background:

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has repeatedly stated that Ukraine should step up its mobilisation.

On 14 January, Sullivan said that the shortage of manpower in the Ukrainian army remained an acute problem, despite significant military assistance from the West.

On 12 January, Donald Trump's future national security adviser, Congressman Mike Waltz, believes that Ukraine should lower the draft age to attract hundreds of thousands of new troops and stabilise the frontline.

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KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that he has held further discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron about the possibility of Western troops deploying in Ukraine to safeguard any peace deal ending the nearly three-year war with Russia.

Zelenskyys disclosure came before an official visit to Kyiv on Tuesday by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. He arrived in Kyiv on an unannounced visit following a meeting in Warsaw on Monday with his counterparts from France, the United Kingdom, Italy and Poland.

Germany and the four other countries are Europes five top military spenders.

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Pistorius told German news agency dpa that his visit to Kyiv aims to underscore Germanys strong support for Ukraine at a time when U.S. President-elect Donald Trumps term beginning next week looks set to bring deep changes to Washingtons policy on the war.

Pistorius said that his visit is a signal that Germany, as the biggest NATO country in Europe, stands by Ukraine  not alone, but with the group of five and many other allies.

Trump has criticized the cost of the war for U.S. taxpayers through major military aid packages for Ukraine, and vowed to bring the conflict to a swift end. He also has made it clear that he wants to shift more of the Ukraine burden onto Europe.

Macron prompted an outcry from other leaders, and he appeared isolated on the European stage, after his remarks almost a year ago floated the possibility of putting Western troops in Ukraine.

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Pistorius told reporters in Kyiv that the Warsaw meeting didnt discuss Macrons remarks about troop deployments.

Zelenskyy has said that Ukraine needs security guarantees to bolster any peace agreement  an issue he said late Monday that he discussed with the French leader.

As one of these guarantees, we discussed the French initiative to deploy military contingents in Ukraine, Zelenskyy said. We considered practical steps for its implementation, possible expansion and involvement of other countries in this process.

Potentially sending European troops as peacekeepers to Ukraine is fraught with risk. Such a move may not deter Russia from attacking Ukraine again in the future, which is the fear of Ukrainian officials, and could drag European countries into a direct confrontation with Moscow. That, in turn, could pull NATO  including the United States  into a conflict.

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Russias bigger army has largely pinned Ukrainian forces on the defensive along the around 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) front line. Ukraines defenses are creaking in the eastern Donetsk region amid a Russian onslaught.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine has more than 100 brigades on the battlefield and each of them requires equipment replenishment before potentially increasing the number of troops through a wider mobilization.

Ukraine has built up a domestic arsenal of long-range drones and missiles that it uses to hit targets on Russian soil far behind the front line. The targets are usually infrastructure that supports the Russian war effort, such as arms depots, oil refineries and manufacturing plants.

The Ukrainian General Staff on Tuesday claimed a series of successful attacks on three Russian regions and Russias Republic of Tatarstan, reaching some 1,100 kilometers (almost 700 miles) into Russia.

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It said in a report that among the targets struck were an oil refinery and a fuel storage depot, a chemical plant producing ammunition, and two anti-aircraft missile systems.

Russian authorities did not report any major damage or injuries from recent aerial attacks.

The Russian Defense Ministry accused Ukraine of firing six U.S.-made ATACMS missiles, six U.K.-supplied Storm Shadow missiles and 31 drones at Russias Bryansk region on the border with Ukraine.

All the missiles and drones were shot down by air defense systems, the ministry claimed in an online statement, but it said that the attack "will not go unanswered.

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Russia has repeatedly threatened Ukraine and the West with retaliation for the use of Western-supplied longer-range weapons to strike Russian soil.



Follow APs coverage of the war in Ukraine at https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine
On Tuesday, 14 January, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius in Kyiv.

Source: Volodymyr Zelenskyy on X (Twitter), as reported by European Pravda

Details: Zelenskyy and Pistorius discussed the development of a comprehensive air defence shield, investments in the Ukrainian defence industry, strengthening Ukraine's defence capabilities, as well as training and support for Ukrainian soldiers on the battlefield.

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Quote: "I am grateful to Germany for its unwavering support, which has not only strengthened Ukraines defence but also played a crucial role in enhancing Europes security as a whole. Germany has made one of the largest contributions to protecting Ukraines skies and saving countless lives, providing approximately 16% of all the aid Ukraine has received," Zelenskyy said.

They also spoke about coordination with partners to achieve a just peace and highlighted the results of yesterday's Group of Five meeting, which brought together the defense ministers of Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Poland.

Background:

Boris Pistorius arrived in Kyiv on an unannounced visit on the morning of 14 January.

Before that, he held talks in Warsaw with his counterparts from Poland, France, Italy and the United Kingdom on further assistance to Kyiv.

Pistorius handed over the first RCH 155 wheeled howitzer to Ukrainian defenders as part of the reinforcement of Ukrainian artillery, with Germany promising to provide 54 pieces in total.

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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has met with Daiga Mierina, Speaker of the Latvian Parliament, the Saeima, to discuss continued support for Ukraine and joint efforts to achieve peace in the region.

Source: Zelenskyy on X (Twitter).

Quote: "I was pleased to welcome the Speaker of the Latvian Saeima, Daiga Mierina, to Kyiv. We had a substantive discussion on continued support for Ukraine and joint steps aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace across the region.

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Since the start of Russias full-scale invasion, Latvia has been our reliable ally. I am grateful to Latvia and its people for their annual allocation of 0.25% of GDP for military support to Ukraine, their assistance to our soldiers and for helping all Ukrainians."

Background:

On Tuesday, 14 January, it was reported that Daiga Mierina had arrived in Ukraine on an official visit. She described the visit as crucial for strengthening interparliamentary cooperation and reaffirming support for Ukrainian-Latvian relations.

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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has instructed Anatolii Kryvonozhko, Commander of the Ukrainian Air Force, not to reduce the number of Air Force personnel, as well as to clarify the situation regarding their transfers to the Ground Forces.

Source: Zelenskyys evening address on 14 January

Quote: "A separate conversation with the Commander of the Air Force. Today, there was a lot of information, outrage and discussion  regarding the transfers. I have instructed to clarify everything for the public and to ensure that the number of specialists needed by the Air Force to carry out combat missions  for our aviation, air defence and mobile fire groups  is not reduced."

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Background: Ukrainska Pravda sources reported that since 2024, combat brigades of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have been replenished with soldiers transferred from Ukraines Air Force units. This has continued into 2025. The latest order from Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi on the transfer of personnel was received by the Air Force units on 11 January. A Ukrainska Pravda source noted that more than 5,000 soldiers were to be transferred to the Ground Forces.

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Actress Anshu has come forward to address the controversy surrounding Tollywood director Trinadha Rao Nakkina's recent remarks about her physical appearance at the teaser launch event of 'Mazaka'. In a self-recorded video message, Anshu clarified that the comments made by Rao were misinterpreted and emphasized that the director treated her with respect and kindness throughout the filming process. During the 'Mazaka' teaser launch in Hyderabad on Sunday, director Trinadha Rao made remarks about Anshu's physical appearance that were widely criticized by the public. Rao had said, "When she came as a heroine in a movie, I could not believe it. Is she still like that? She is thin now, I only asked her to eat some food and increase weight because it is not enough for Telugu (audience). Everything should be in big sizes. It's okay. She has improved a bit, she will improve more by next time." The comments quickly sparked a backlash on social media, with many calling them derogatory and body-shaming. In response to the criticism, Rao released a self-recorded video apologizing for his remarks. "The comments made by me in the Mazaka teaser release event were not intentional, and I only did it to make everyone laugh. But because several women are hurt, I unconditionally apologize for those comments," he said. Anshu, who is making her return to the Telugu film industry after two decades with 'Mazaka', released a self-recorded video to express her thoughts on the matter. In a video, she assured her fans and the public that the director's words had been taken out of context. "I am grateful for the teaser launch of Mazaka. I am so grateful for all the love, and I cannot wait to entertain you all after such a long time," adding, "I know there were some stories out on Trinadha Rao's comments. I really want to assure you that he is the loveliest man on the planet. He really is. I believe his words may have been taken out of context." She further added, "He has treated me as a member of his family. I have worked on this movie for 60 days, and I have been given nothing but respect, love, and lots of good wishes. So please, everybody, if we can put this to bed because I am so excited about the movie, and I feel we should all watch the film for all the right reasons." Anshu also praised Trinadha Rao, and said, "Trinadha sir has been an absolute pleasure to work with. I could not have asked for a better director to bring me back to the Telugu film industry, and I am very grateful that he has been guiding me through this process. I have nothing but love and gratitude for him and the entire team." Anshu, who is making her return to the screen after two decades with 'Mazaka', also starring Sundeep Kishan and Rao Ramesh, had a notable appearance in the 2002 hit film 'Manmadhudu' where she starred alongside Nagarjuna and Sonali Bendre. (ANI)
On Tuesday, Sobhita posted a couple of pictures on Instagram Story.

She shared a picture of a bonfire which is a Bhogi celebration and wrote, "bhogi, renewal, transformation".

Another click was of the traditional rangoli and extended the warm greetings.

In one of the pictures, Sobhita wore a red saree with her hair tied in a bun.

In another picture, she posted a glimpse of her and Naga Chaitanya's feet with a heart emoji.

Sobhita also shared a snap of the prasad in the last Instagram Story.

Naga Chaitanya and Sobhita Dhulipala got married on December 4.

The ceremony was held at the iconic Annapurna Studios in Hyderabad in the presence of close friends and family members.

The wedding was a stunning display of Telugu traditions, with rituals performed under the guidance of elders. The festive atmosphere was enriched by heartfelt blessings from family and friends, who gathered to witness this significant moment.

https://x.com/iamnagarjuna/status/1864343119535460744

For the special occasion, Sobhita opted for a gold Kanjivaram silk saree with real gold zari, honouring her cultural roots. She elevated her look with temple jewellery. Chay also looked handsome in a traditional white outfit.

Naga Chaitanya was previously married to actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu. They announced their separation on social media in a joint statement in October 2021.

The 'Dhootha' actor confirmed his relationship with Sobhita in August this year, by sharing photos of their engagement ceremony. (ANI)
India celebrated Makar Sankranti with great joy and enthusiasm, as the festival marks the Sun's transition into Capricorn (Makara). Known by different names across the country, including Uttarayan, Pongal, Maghi, and Dahi Chura, the festival features unique traditions in each region. From kite flying to taking holy dips, people celebrated the festival in their own unique ways on Tuesday. Hence, let's take a look at how states across the country are celebrating the Sankranti festival. Union Home Minister Amit Shah celebrated Makar Sankranti, also known as Uttarayan in Gujarat, by flying kites at his residence in New Ranip, Ahmedabad. Shah was all smiles as he participated in the festivities and was seen enjoying the spirit of the festival. Across Ahmedabad, rooftops were also filled with families enjoying kite flying under clear skies. The excitement for the festival could be seen in every corner of Rajasthan's Jaipur. Lanterns were released, and firecrackers lit up the sky. People in the walled city of Jaipur were seen flying kites and enjoying the festive vibe from early morning. Rajasthan BJP President Madan Rathore also joined the festivities as he was seen flying kites and sharing his enthusiasm with locals. "I am enjoying the festival of Makar Sankranti," he said while speaking to ANI. In Odisha, the Tangiriaashuni hill in the Mayurbhanj district hosted the grand Makar Mela. Devotees flocked to the hill for this one-day event, which included worshipping the goddess and enjoying the fair. Thousands of devotees participated in the event. Interestingly, this fair takes place only for a day. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi also took part in the celebrations by taking a holy dip at the Baitarani River in Keonjhar. The ongoing Maha Kumbh in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj saw its first Amrit Snan (holy bath) on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. Over 1.5 crore devotees gathered for the sacred dip in the Ganges, with flower petals being showered on the pilgrims. Makar Sankranti marks a special day for the Maha Kumbh, as it signifies a time of spiritual cleansing and devotion. In Tamil Nadu, the harvest festival of Pongal, which coincides with Makar Sankranti, is being celebrated with traditional fervor. Women were seen making colourful rangolis outside their homes in Trichy, while families cooked the festive dish, Sweet Pongal, in earthen pots. In Chennai, the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel celebrated Pongal with their families at the CISF office. The event included traditional games such as tug-of-war, children's games, and more. At Auroville Township in Viluppuram, foreigners joined locals to celebrate Pongal as they danced in circles to the beats of dhol. The Chennai airport was also beautifully illuminated with colorful lights early in the morning. Meanwhile, in Karnataka, Guddali Swami of Shri Guddaliswami Matha was seen distributing slices of sugarcane to the devotees as prasadam on the occasion of Sankranti in Haveri. In Patna, Bihar, Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary, BJP President Dilip Jaiswal, and Union Minister Chirag Paswan attended a special Makar Sankranti celebration organized by the NDA. Makar Sankranti is a festival that unites people across India with its diverse traditions symbolizing joy, togetherness, and a fresh start as the Sun enters a new phase. (ANI)
Today

Windy with rain likely. High near 60F. Winds W at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 90%. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.

Tonight

Partly cloudy. Windy this evening. Low 48F. Winds WSW at 20 to 30 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.

Tomorrow

Overcast. High 64F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph.
The Budapest Public Prosecutor's Office has charged a German and an Italian national of taking part in violent attacks carried out in Budapest in February 2023.

The two men are accused of being members of a group espousing extreme leftist ideology, founded in Leipzig in 2017, which held that the sympathisers of right-wing extremism should be confronted with violence. The group decided to organise attacks against people they identified as right-wing extremists, the prosecutor's office said on Monday.



They aimed to cause serious, possibly life-threatening injuries, and to conduct blitz-attacks to deter people from participating in right-wing extremist movements, it said in a statement.



After several attacks in Germany, the group targeted the commemorations in Budapest in connection with the anniversary of the Nazi breakout of the Castle District during the siege of the capital in February 1945. According to the charges, they carried out five attacks between February 9 and 11, 2023, and injured nine people.



The German citizen is accused of participating in four attacks as a co-conspirator and accessory to crime, and the Italian citizen -- who is being tried in absentia -- in three attacks as an accessory. The prosecutor's office is requesting a prison sentence in maximum security facilities and expulsion from Hungary for a definite period, the statement said.



Source:

MTI - The Hungarian News Agency, founded in 1881.

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There is no threat of another global health crisis at the moment, the minister of foreign affairs and trade said on Facebook late on Sunday, after talks with Tedros Ghebreyesus, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO).

"We appreciate the WHO's role in global health protection; the relations between national health systems and the WHO have worked well during COVID. Hungary and Hungarian experts play an important role in the WHO's work, and its presence in Budapest is strengthening," Peter Szijjarto said in a post after the talks over the phone.



Szijjarto said that Ghebreyesus "has put my mind at ease regarding the fake news of the past weeks". "There is currently no threat of a global health crisis. The virus media outlets are discussing so keenly is well-known to WHO experts. It has appeared in a similar form several times earlier, especially during winter," Szijjarto said.



Source:

MTI - The Hungarian News Agency, founded in 1881.

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Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary



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Dubai turned into a carnival of energy and excitement as Shahid Kapoor and Pooja Hegde set the stage ablaze at the grand opening ceremony of ILT20 2025. The dynamic duo thrilled audiences with their electrifying moves on the chart-topping track 'Bhasad Macha,' a song that has become an instant internet sensation thanks to its pulsating beats and captivating choreography.

The nights most talked-about moment was Shahid Kapoors dramatic entrance, exuding charisma and unmatched energy. As the beats of 'Bhasad Macha' filled the air, Shahid and Pooja launched into the hook step that has taken social media by storm. Poojas elegance and vibrant expressions perfectly complemented Shahids powerful moves, creating a performance that left fans cheering and grooving along.

Videos of the event shared by Shahid Kapoor on his social media platforms captured the infectious energy of the evening and the electric chemistry between the stars. The performance not only showcased their dance prowess but also boosted the buzz around their upcoming film 'Deva,' adding to the anticipation among fans. Have a look:

Directed by renowned Malayalam filmmaker Rosshan Andrrews and produced by Zee Studios in collaboration with Roy Kapur Films, 'Deva' is an action-packed thriller promising high-octane drama and gripping twists. The film is set to hit theaters on January 31, 2025, making it one of the most awaited releases of the year.
Mumbai: The upcoming Kangana Ranaut directorial Emergency, which is based on the life of the former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, wont be released in Bangladesh as the political relationship between the neighbouring countries continue to get strained.

The film, which delves into the turbulent period of the Emergency declared in India in 1975 by Indira Gandhi, has found itself at the center of a geopolitical impasse.

A source close to the matter revealed, "The decision to halt the screening of Emergency in Bangladesh is tied to the current strained relations between India and Bangladesh. The ban is less about the content of the film and more about the ongoing political dynamics between the two nations."

Indira Gandhi played a vital role in the Liberation of Bangladesh from Pakistan even though the USA demanded her not to meddle in the affairs of both the nations. Nevertheless, Indira went ahead as she felt that instead of taking in millions of refugees, India would be economically better off going to war against Pakistan leading to the Indo-Pakistani war of 1971.

With the USA threatening India with a naval offensive by deploying their aircraft destroyers in the Bay of Bengal, India found support in the USSR, as they deployed nuclear-armed submarines and warships. The relationship between India and the USSR continues to grow even long after the collapse of the USSR leading to Russia becoming a major power in the Eastern bloc.

Emergency highlights the Indian Army and Indira Gandhis government role in the 1971 Bangladesh war of independence and the support given to Shaikh Mujibur Rehman who is called the Father of Bangladesh and who called Indira Gandhi as Goddess Durga.

The film also showcases the assassination of Shaikh Mujibur Rehman at the hands of Bangladeshi extremists, factors which are believed to have led to the ban of the film in Bangladesh.

India fought a two front war against West Pakistan, and erstwhile East Pakistan which later became Bangladesh.

In the current era, Bangladesh was Indias sole ally in the subcontinent. However, with the ousting of Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, the equation between both the nations have greatly changed. India now finds itself surrounded by hostile neighbours from all sides including China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and the terrorist government of Taliban in Afghanistan.
Devotees in large numbers are heading towards Triveni Sangam to take a holy dip on the first 'Amrit Snan' (Shahi Snan) of Maha Kumbh on the occasion of Makar Sankranti on Tuesday. Makar Sakranti is a Hindu festival which marks the transition of the Sun from the Southern to the Northern hemisphere. Deepak Bahaduria, a devotee, praised the state government for good arrangements in Maha Kumbh. "I am very fortunate that I got to come here. There is a lot of crowd here but very good arrangements have been made by the government.."Bahadauria told ANI. "We are very happy we have come here. There is a lot of crowd here but the arrangements made are very good.." Keshavlal, another devotee from Kanpur said. Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Vaibhav Krishna said that the Sangam would be divided into two parts-- one for the holy dip of the Akharas and the other side for the devotees. Speaking to ANI, DIG) Vaibhav Krishna said, "Nine police teams will take all 13 Akhadas to take holy dip, one after another - and it will continue till evening. Teams of police and CAPFs are there... Sangam will be divided into two parts - in one part akhadas will take holy dip, on the other side, other devotees will, and in between security forces will be there to ensure smooth management." The Mahakumbh Mela administration finalized the sequence of the Amrit Snan and each Akhara had been informed about their designated time and sequence, according to a press release. Mahant Acharya Devendra Singh Shastri, Secretary of Panchayati Akhara Nirmal, said that the information about the date, sequence and time of Amrit Snan of the Akharas has been received. According to the press release, Shri Panchayati Akhara Mahanirvani and Shri Shambhu Panchayati Atal Akhara will be the first ones to take Amrit Snan. (ANI)
Maha Kumbh 2025: A sacred confluence of devotion and spirituality, the largest religious gathering on Earth, commenced on Monday. The grand 45-day event draws millions of pilgrims and tourists from around the globe to the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, where the holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati merge. Among the countless visitors this year is Jitesh Prabhakar, an Indian-origin man now living in Germany, who shared his heartfelt reason for returning to India with his German wife, Saskia Knauf, and their young son, Aditya, to participate in the Maha Kumbh Mela.

A video interview with the family has captured hearts on social media. In the clip, Jitesh reflects on the deep spiritual connection that transcends geographical boundaries. It doesnt matter whether I live here (in India) or abroadthe connection should always remain. I practice yoga every day. One must stay grounded and continually journey inward, he shared with ANI. His words highlight the essence of Mahakumbh, where the pursuit of spiritual awakening draws people from all walks of life.

Saskia, Jiteshs wife, expressed her enthusiasm about attending the event. I am very excited. I always enjoy coming here, she said, adding to the beautiful cultural harmony of their visit.

Watch the video here:

#WATCH | Prayagraj | Jitesh Prabhakar, originally from Mysore and now a German citizen along with his wife Saskia Knauf and a baby boy, Aditya arrive at #MahaKumbh2025



Jitesh says, "...It doesn't matter if I live here (in India) or abroad - the connection should be there. I pic.twitter.com/vPhpoJNvh1  ANI (@ANI) January 13, 2025

The Mahakumbhs opening day saw a staggering one crore devotees take a holy dip at Sangam, and by 3 PM on Tuesday, over 2.5 crore people had bathed in the sacred waters. The festivals first Amrit Snan on Makar Sankranti is expected to witness record-breaking participation, as devotees seek purification and blessings.

Makar Sankranti, celebrated across India with diverse customs, marks the end of winter and the beginning of a new agricultural season. Its observance at Mahakumbh magnifies its significance, offering an unparalleled spiritual experience rooted in ancient traditions.
Google pays homage to Maha Kumbh Mela 2025the largest religious gathering in the worldthrough a unique, interactive feature available on its search platform for Indian users. This captivating digital tribute highlights the cultural and spiritual significance of the event that attracts millions of devotees from across the globe.

A Shower of Rose Petals for Maha Kumbh Searches

When users search for Maha Kumbh in Hindi or English on Google, their screens bloom with a beautiful rose petal animation. This interactive spectacle demonstrates Google's tradition of celebrating significant cultural moments through special effects. The feature underlines the global importance of Maha Kumbh and brings its festive essence to the digital realm.

How to Experience the Feature

The rose petal animation activates when users type Mahakumbh in the search bar. On mobile devices, pink icons appear at the bottom-right corner of the screen, while desktop users see similar icons at the bottom of the search page.

If the effect does not automatically display, users can click the celebration icons to trigger the animation. A handy X button stops the effect, while tapping the celebration icon again restarts it. A share button allows users to spread the joy of this delightful feature with friends and family.

Key Updates and Information

Googles special tribute extends beyond visual effects, offering essential details about Maha Kumbh 2025. A visual summary accompanying the search results provides quick access to important information such as helpline numbers, emergency services, maps, nearby railway stations, and the official Kumbh app.

Additionally, a link to Wikipedia offers users a deeper dive into the rich history and traditions of the Maha Kumbh. Sharing this experience generates a direct link that opens search results for Mahakumbh complete with the rose petal animation, enhancing the joy of festive participation.

(Also Read: LIVE Updates | Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: Over 1.60 Crore Take Amrit Snan On Makar Sankranti, PM Modi Shares Visuals, Extends Warm Wishes)
Makaravilakku 2025 falls on January 14, marking one of the most significant religious festivals celebrated at the Sabarimala Temple in Kerala. Devotees from across India and beyond gather in massive numbers to witness the divine Makara Jyothi, a sacred phenomenon symbolizing the presence of Lord Ayyappa. The festival is rooted in deep traditions and astrological significance, celebrating the sun's transition from Sagittarius to Capricorn.

Date and Rituals of Makaravilakku 2025

The festival coincides with Makara Sankranti and marks the culmination of the annual pilgrimage season at Sabarimala. Here are the key rituals and timings for January 14, 2025, according to Drik Panchang:

 Opening of the Temple: 3:00 AM

 Abhishekam: 3:30 AM  11:00 AM

 Image Purification: 11:30 AM

 Kalabhabhishekam: 12:00 PM

 Lunch Pooja: 12:30 PM

 Temple Gate Closing: 1:00 PM

 Evening Temple Gate Opening: 5:00 PM

 Flower Anointing: 7:00 PM

 Harivarasanam: 10:50 PM

 Closing of the Temple: 11:00 PM

 Makara Vilakku Sankranti Moment: 9:03 AM

Rituals and Spiritual Significance

Makaravilakku is characterized by centuries-old traditions, starting with the sacred Thiruvabharanam procession and culminating in the darshan of the Makara Jyothi on Ponnambalamedu hill. The Makara Jyothi is believed to be a divine light representing the celestial presence of Lord Ayyappa. For devotees, witnessing this light is a moment of profound spiritual awakening and fulfillment.

The pilgrimage to Sabarimala involves rigorous austerities. Devotees observe a 41-day fast, wear a Rudraksha necklace, and abstain from worldly pleasures, including alcohol and smoking. They carry a special offering bundle called Irumudi as a mark of their devotion.

Restrictions and Guidelines for Pilgrims in 2025

To ensure safety and smooth management, authorities have issued several guidelines and restrictions for Makaravilakku:

Entry Restrictions

 Pilgrims will be prohibited from entering the shrine from Pampa after 10:00 AM on January 14.

 The shrine will remain closed for an hour after the noon puja. Entry to the 18th step is allowed only after the Thiruvabharanam reaches the temple in the evening.

 Access to the Sopanam pathway is restricted post-noon. Only pilgrims with special passes authorized by the Devaswom Vigilance SP can enter the Thirumuttam.

 Night travel on the wildlife route is limited. Pilgrims must return to their accommodations after viewing the Makara Jyothi at Pullumedu and proceed to Sannidhanam the next morning.

Viewing Points for Makara Jyothi

 Nilakkal: Best viewpoints include Attathod, Attathod West Colony, Ilavunkal, Nellimala, and Ayyanmala.

 Pampa and Sannidhanam: Viewpoints are available at Hilltop, Hilltop Central, Valianavattom, Pandithavalam, Darshanam Complex, and Annadana Mandapam.

 Viewing the Makara Jyothi from treetops, rooftops, or water tanks is strictly prohibited.

Special Passes and Travel Guidelines

 Only pilgrims with virtual queue or spot bookings can travel from Nilakkal to Pampa.

 Vehicles will be permitted between Nilakkal and Pampa only until 10:00 AM, and from Pampa to Sannidhanam until 12:00 PM. Entry to Sannidhanam resumes at 5:30 PM when the Thiruvabharanam reaches Saramkuthi.

 Travel from Sabarimala to Pullumedu is allowed from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Prohibited Activities

 Cooking: Temporary cooking setups are banned at Pampa, Sannidhanam, and nearby areas.

Cultural and Spiritual Importance

Makaravilakku is more than a religious eventit is a profound journey of faith, perseverance, and devotion. Witnessing the Makara Jyothi is considered a divine blessing, and the festivals culmination brings a sense of spiritual renewal. The pilgrimage concludes with the Kuruthi Puja, signifying the festivals end and the completion of devotees' 41-day discipline.

The festival embodies communal worship and individual transformation, making Makaravilakku 2025 a life-changing experience for countless devotees. The intense preparation and physical hardships endured by pilgrims reflect unwavering dedication to Lord Ayyappa, symbolizing a journey toward enlightenment and divine grace.

(This article is intended for your general information only. Zee News does not vouch for its accuracy or reliability.)
New Delhi: As the burning debate on work life balance vs 90 Hours Work-Week advice by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) Chairman SN Subrahmanyan continues to garner traction on social media, with several biz honchos, economists and celebrities criticizing the glamorization of long working hours, company's Head HR Sonica Muraleedharan has broken her silence.

Muraleedharan in a long post on LinkedIn wrote that "It's truly disheartening to see how the words of our MD & Chairman, SN Subrahmanyan (SNS) have been taken out of context, leading to misunderstandings and unnecessary criticism."

Muraleedharan, vouching for the L&T Chairman said that she was present in the internal address and explained that Subrahmanyan's remarks were only in casual nature.

"Having been present during the internal address, I can confidently state that SNS never implied or mandated 90-hour work weeks. His remarks were casual in nature and have been misinterpreted, fuelling a controversy that doesnt reflect his true intentions."

In a video message to employees that went viral on social media, Subrahmanyan said: "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.

"Honestly, I am sorry that I am not able to make you work on Sundays. I will be happier if I can make you work on Sundays, because I work on Sundays too," said the L&T Chairman.

In his video message, Subrahmanyan encouraged L&T employees to work harder. He spoke about a conversation he had with a Chinese man who said that China could overtake the US because of its strong work ethic.

According to Subrahmanyan, the Chinese man said, "Chinese people work 90 hours a week, while Americans work only 50 hours a week."

The video received a backlash from netizens on social media platforms, including online discussion forum Reddit, with many users comparing it to Infosys founder Murthy's statement about working 70 hours a day.

From Bollywood superstar Deepika Padukone to Harsh Goenka, Chairperson of the RPG Group, top celebrities also condemned Subrahmanyans remarks.

With Agency Inputs
New Delhi: Amidst the deadline of the US Supreme Court's decision, which will come before the January 19, to determine the future of TikTok in the United States, media reports are pouring in that Tesla Motors and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk could be in the potential race to buy TikTok US Operations.

A report in the Bloomberg on Monday revealed that Chinese officials are in preliminary discussions regarding the acquisition of TikToks US operations by Elon Musk, incase the popular social media platform faces a ban in the US.

"TikToks US operations could be valued at around $40 billion to $50 billion, Bloomberg Intelligence analysts Mandeep Singh and Damian Reimertz estimated last year. Thats a substantial sum even for the worlds richest person. Its not clear how Musk could pull off such a transaction, whether it would require the sale of other holdings, or whether the US government would approve. He paid $44 billion for Twitter in 2022, and is still paying off sizable loans," wrote the Bloomberg report.

Musk had in April last year tweeted that TikTok should not be banned in the US, even if it had the potential to benefit the tech billionaire's X platform.

"In my opinion, TikTok should not be banned in the USA, even though such a ban may benefit the platform. Doing so would be contrary to freedom of speech and expression. It is not what America stands for," Musk wrote.

In my opinion, TikTok should not be banned in the USA, even though such a ban may benefit the _ platform.



Doing so would be contrary to freedom of speech and expression. It is not what America stands for.  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 19, 2024

Meanwhile, US President-elect Donald Trump has filed a brief with the US Supreme Court urging the justices to block a law that mandates the popular social media platform TikTok to either sell its US operations or shut down by January 19, the New York Times reported.

The timing of the deadline--days before Trump's inauguration--has led to calls for a delay so that the incoming president can address the issue himself.

In his brief, President Trump refrains from taking a stance on the constitutional issue regarding the First Amendment, which will be argued by the court next month. The First Amendment challenge centres around whether Congress violated free speech rights by effectively banning TikTok. Instead, Trump's brief focuses on his ability to resolve the matter through political means once he assumes office.
New Delhi: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Monday attacked the Congress, accusing it of "selling lies" about the draft recruitment norms rolled out by the UGC and said the practice of governors appointing university vice-chancellors has been going on even before Independence. The University Grants Commission (UGC) released the draft regulations last week, proposing a major overhaul in the recruitment of assistant professors and vice-chancellors.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge had alleged that the UGC draft regulations, 2025, give state governors extensive control over vice-chancellor appointments and allow non-academics to hold these posts and termed it a "direct attack on federalism and state rights".

According to the draft regulations, industry experts, as well as senior professionals from public administration, public policy and public sector undertakings, might soon be eligible for appointment as vice-chancellors. The draft norms have also given power to chancellors or visitors to constitute the three-member search-cum-selection committee to appoint vice-chancellors.

Compared with the June 30, 2010, Gazette notification on the same, nothing seems to have changed in the appointment process of vice-chancellors (VCs) of higher education institutions apart from the industry experts part.

"Whether it is UGC Regulations 2010, 2018 or the current UGC Regulations of 2025, it is clear in all that the chancellor or visitor appoints the vice-chancellor. As far as the discharge of the responsibilities of appointing vice-chancellors by the governors is concerned, this is a practice that has been going on even before Independence.

"The selection committee structure of UGC Regulations 2025 is actually the format of UGC Regulations 2010. In this, a selection committee has been formed for the appointment of teachers and other academic staff and to maintain high standards," Pradhan wrote in a post on X.

Accusing the Congress of "selling lies", the minister said, "It can never accept that the youth of the country should be educated and the country should develop. That is why spreading confusion on issues like education, misleading the youth and wanting to spread unrest in the country has become the policy of the entire Congress party, including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge".

As per the 2010 regulations, the search committee would comprise a nominee of the visitor (President in case of central universities)/ chancellor (governor in case of state university), who should be the chairperson of the committee; a nominee of the chairman, UGC; a nominee of the syndicate/ executive council/ board of management of the university. It further said that "the visitor/chancellor shall appoint the VC out of the panel of names recommended by the search committee.

The same has been retained in the proposed regulations of 2025 without any changes. As far as the chancellors role as the head of a state university, as per the Report of the Education Commission (1964-66) also popularly known as the Kothari Commission and the recommendations from the report of the Committee of Inter University Board, both are of the view that appointment of VCs should be made by the chancellor in his individual judgement and not by the state government".

"The Congress party has a problem with the 'National Education Policy' which has been wholeheartedly accepted by all sections of the country, including the youth because it has elements of Indianness. This is the same party which weakened the Indian education system and worked to erase our glorious cultural heritage from the textbooks while being in power for decades.

"Therefore, without understanding the facts, the Congress party should change its policy of criticizing just for the sake of criticism and stop worrying about one family and worry about the youth of the country," Pradhan added.

While Kerala described the draft regulations as "an overreach by the central government, rendering states powerless in the higher education sector", Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin announced plans to legally challenge the governors authority over the appointment of vice-chancellors.
Apple Co-Founder Steve Jobs' Wife: Laurene Powell Jobs, wife of the late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, fell ill before the 'Amrit Snan' at Triveni Sangam during the Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. However, despite her illness, she is expected to participate in the ritual of taking a dip in the Ganga River.

Meanwhile, spiritual leader Swami Kailashanand Giri, in whose camp Laurene is staying, revealed that she developed allergies due to the crowded and unfamiliar environment. Notably, Laurene is on a spiritual visit to India.

Laurene Powell Jobs arrived in Prayagraj on Monday to attend the Maha Kumbh 2025, an event that marks a rare celestial occurrence happening once every 144 years.

Named 'Kamala' by Swami Kailashanand Giri, she will remain at the Niranjini Akhara camp until January 15 before returning to the United States for President-elect Donald Trumps swearing-in ceremony on January 20.

Spiritual leader Swami Kailashanand Giri told ANI that Laurene will participate in the spiritual bathing on Tuesday. She is resting in my 'shivir.'

She has some allergies as she has never been to such a crowded place. She is quite simple and stayed with us during the pooja. Our tradition is such that those who have never experienced it feel drawn to join, he said.

The Maha Kumbh is one of the worlds largest religious gatherings, held every 12 years at one of four locations in IndiaPrayagraj, Nashik, Haridwar, and Ujjain.

This years event is a rare celestial phenomenon occurring once every 144 years and will continue until February 26. Key 'snan' dates include January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya - Second Snan), February 3 (Basant Panchami - Third Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri).

During Laurene Powell Jobs' spiritual journey in India, a letter written by her late husband, Steve Jobs, to his childhood friend Tim Brown was auctioned in the US for nearly Rs 4.32 crore, according to India Today. Dated February 23, 1974, the letter revealed Steve Jobs' desire to visit India for the Kumbh Mela, as he wrote, I wish to go to India for the Kumbh Mela.
PATNA,: Union minister Chirag Paswan on Tuesday expressed willingness to take strong steps to ensure that concerns of students protesting alleged irregularities in a recent BPSC exam were squarely addressed by the Nitish Kumar government in Bihar. The Hajipur MP had a free-wheeling interaction with the media here on the sidelines of a feast organised by his Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) on the occasion of the Makar Sankranti festival.

Asked about the Bihar Public Service Commission exam row, Paswan said, I have said it in the past and wish to reiterate that Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) is with the students on the issue. We believe that their voices must be heard and a solution must be arrived at. A large number of students have been demanding cancellation of the Combined Competitive Examination held on December 13, in which more than four lakh candidates had appeared, amid allegations of irregularities.

As an NDA partner, my party has been raising the issue within the coalition, to the extent it is possible. We will be with the students under all circumstances. If required, we will not shy away from taking strong steps. We hope that Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will listen to their grievances, Paswan said.

He also rejected the opposition charge that his failure to turn up at the party office when Kumar had arrived to attend the Makar Sankranti festivities, was tantamount to an insult to the septuagenarian. The CM had reached the LJPP(RV) office around 10 am, nearly two hours before the feast was to officially start, sending the party's functionaries into a tizzy. Kumar spent a few minutes at the Wheeler Road office.

Please do not view it as an insult. I was at my residence, taking part in a puja which I could not leave midway. Else, I would have made a dash to the party office. I appreciate that the chief minister has a tight schedule and is entitled to plan his visits as per his convenience. We are thankful that he took time off and came down to our new office. My party colleagues tried their best to accord him a decent welcome, Paswan said.

He also exuded confidence that the NDA will win the assembly polls in Bihar, due later this year, when people would vote for a double engine government. The people are aware of the priority Bihar is getting under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The state now has two AIIMS, a far cry from the past when the entire country had just one such super-speciality hospital, said Paswan.

He also claimed that the opposition Mahagathbandhan' will come apart, as we have seen in Delhi where the Aam Aadmi Party's decision to contest against the Congress is being backed by Samajwadi Party and Trinamool Congress. What a fall it has been for the Congress, from the heights it had scaled during the tenure of late Sheila Dikshit. Ever since the party's leadership has fallen into the hands of Rahul Gandhi, it has been in disarray. But, it believes it performed well in the Lok Sabha polls and has grown ambitious. This would definitely have its consequences in Bihar where its allies will be unwilling to be too accommodating, the Hajipur MP said.

He scoffed at the suggestion that the RJD, which helms the Mahagathbandhan', was staying out of the electoral battle in Delhi to help the Congress. What presence does the RJD have in Delhi? Moreover, the huge Bihari population there has been a victim of their jungle raj, and if the party even campaigns for Congress or AAP, it would only backfire, claimed Paswan.
Union Minister Chirag Paswan on Tuesday confirmed his party, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), will contest the upcoming Delhi assembly elections. Paswan stated the LJP (Ram Vilas) aims to strengthen the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) by focusing on strategic seats.

Talking to reporters in Patna, Paswan stated that the partys objective is to strengthen the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the national capital. He highlighted that his party would focus on contesting in constituencies where its candidates have a strong chance of winning. By doing so, the party aims to complement the NDAs efforts and reinforce its overall standing in Delhi.

Lok Janshakti Party's (Ram Vilas) policy is focused on strengthening the NDA alliance by contesting only on seats where victory is certain and will contribute to the alliance's success. Similar to our approach in Jharkhand, winnability will take precedence over the number of seats. We will field candidates only in constituencies where the LJP (Ram Vilas) has a stronghold. Our goal is to maintain a high strike rate, not dilute it by contesting unnecessary seats. We will carefully choose seats that ensure our chances of winning, Paswan said.

He further quashed the reports suggesting that the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) had made specific demands for any particular seat in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections.

#WATCH | Patna, Bihar | On Delhi Assembly elections, Union Minister Chirag Paswan says, "...Lok Janshakti Party's (Ram Vilas) policy is to strengthen the alliance (NDA) and to contest elections on only those seats where victory will strengthen the alliance (NDA). We will take pic.twitter.com/ZOf6BkGHo2 January 14, 2025

Paswan also launched a scathing attack on Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal, accusing him of "insulting" people from Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh (Purvanchal). Paswan claimed that this sentiment will influence voters in the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, predicting a clear victory for the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

"Jis tarah dilli ke log trahi trahi kar rahe hai... Kejriwal aur AAP ke jhoothe vaadon se (Th people of Delhi are calling for mercy against the false promises made by AAP and Kejriwal), especially people from Bihar and eastern UP (Purvanchal)... Kejriwal has insulted the people of Bihar by calling them 'fake'. Just to win elections, he has labelled people from UP and Bihar as 'fake' (voters). Delhi will vote while keeping this in mind and BJP-led NDA will form the government," Paswan said during his remarks.

The Election Commission has announced that the Delhi Assembly elections will be conducted in a single phase on February 5, with the counting of votes scheduled for February 8.

Candidates intending to contest the polls must file their nominations by January 17, following which scrutiny of the nominations will take place on January 18. The final date for withdrawing candidature has been set for January 20.
Delhi Election 2025: The Bharatiya Janata Party's Delhi unit is looking to field a strong face from the Greater Kailash seat from where the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has fielded Saurabh Bhardwaj. The BJP has so far announced 59 names and 11 candidates are yet to be announced for as many seats. The BJP Delhi wants some strong contender from the seat to challenge Bhardwaj and has proposed the names of former Union ministers Smriti Irani and Meenakshi Lekhi from the seat.

While Irani contested the Lok Sabha polls from Amethi and lost, Meenakshi Lekhi was not fielded by the party in the parliamentary polls. According to the Indian Express, while the BJP leadership reportedly said that they would consider the idea, the final call is yet to be taken. However, Irani may not find a place in the Delhi polls despite high demand because of the mandatory voter requirement. Irani is a voter of Amethi and she would have had to apply before January 7 to get her vote transferred to Delhi to contest the polls, as in the case of AAP candidate Awadh Ojha. In that case, Lekhi may be among the frontrunners.

According to the report, leaders close to Irani have also brushed aside the idea saying that she is not in the race. Other two women leaders in the fray for a ticket from the high-profile GK seat are former Mayor Arti Mehra, a member of the BJP National Executive and Shikha Rai, a sitting councillor from the GK ward.

Mehra is a resident of the constituency, whereas Rai, who contested the 2020 Assembly elections from GK on a BJP ticket, lost to Bharadwaj by over 16,000 votes. Lekhi, however, is reportedly more interested in contesting from Delhi Cantonment.
After the Maharashtra government formed the new Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the murder of sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, BJP leader Dhas Suresh said no officer from Beed would be included in the new SIT. "A new SIT has been formed after the family raised questions on some people of the earlier SIT which was headed by Basavaraj Teli and 9 other people were part of it. The current SIT will have 6 people headed by Basavaraj Teli. No officer from Beed will be included in the SIT," Dhas told reporters. The new SIT includes police officers Anil Gujar, Vijay Singh Jonwal, Mahesh Vighne, Anand Shankar Shinde, Tulshiram Jagtap, Manoj Rajendra Wagh, Chandrakant S Kalkute, Balasaheb Devidas Akhakore, Santosh Bhagwanrao Gitte. Basavaraj Teli will continue as the chairman of this SIT. On December 9, Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of the Masajog village in Beed district was murdered after he allegedly opposed an extortion attempt targeting an energy firm installing windmills in the area. The extortion attempt was reportedly led by local leader Vishnu Chate, who demanded Rs 2 crore from the company. Deshmukh's intervention allegedly led to his abduction, torture, and subsequent murder. The police have filed three FIRs in connection with the case: one for Deshmukh's abduction and murder, another for assault on a windmill firm's security guard by locals, and a third for the Rs 2 crore extortion bid targeting the firm. On January 6, NCP SP leader Sharad Pawar requested Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to ensure safety and security for all public representatives protesting the death of Santosh Deshmukh in Beed. Earlier, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis said that none of the accused in the Beed sarpanch murder case would be spared, emphasizing his focus on justice over political controversies. "We will not spare any accused. We will find them. Today, I discussed the matter with Santosh Deshmukh's brother over the phone and assured him that the police will identify the guilty and ensure they are punished. The police will act based on evidence, and those against whom evidence is found will not be spared. I do not wish to be involved in the politics surrounding this case," the Maharashtra CM said. (ANI)
India has become a hot destination for MNCs to set up their Global Capability Centers (GCCs) due to its geographical advantage. The centres are no longer looked at as low-cost sites but are also known for innovation and value addition for international firms. The country has made good use of these centres with the help of affordable labour, low costs and proper policies. Due to the liberalisation of the Indian economy and the development of the Information Technology sector, the country has become an ideal place for establishing GCCs.

GCCs perform various roles and they include Information Technology services, Research and Development, analytics, customer support, and other business functions. India has been, and continues to be a hotbed of talent, low costs, and state-of-the-art facilities that are ideal for setting up GCCs. This article explores the role of GCCs in India, the prospects of setting up such facilities in the country and the best locations for such facilities.

GCCs in India:

There are over 1,500+ GCCs in India that are integral to the global business strategy of Fortune 500 companies. Some examples include Microsoft, Google and Goldman Sachs which have their GCC in India that facilitate innovation and strategic management. These centres have also evolved from being simple back office functions to being key drivers of innovation, increased productivity and digital change management.

The following are some of the factors that have made India to be the leading country in the GCC ecosystem:

Workforce: STEM-educated personnel guarantee that the GCCs have easy access to the best talent.

Cost Efficiency: When it comes to operational costs, India is much cheaper than other developed countries which is a major advantage for MNCs to set up their GCCs.

Government Support: The business policies, tax incentives, and support for foreign direct investments (FDIs) enhance Indias potential.

Thriving Ecosystem: The strong and developed Information Technology and Telecommunication network and the entrepreneurial spirit foster growth.

Market Entry Strategies into India for GCCs

Here are the steps to establish their presence in India:

1. Market Research and Strategy Development:

State the business needs and determine which of them have to be farmed out to the GCC. Assess the possibilities depending on such criteria as talent pool, transportation, and costs.

2. Regulatory Approvals and Compliance:

Go for registration of the company under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

Get the necessary permits for FDI if it is required by the law of the land. Make sure that all the local laws concerning labour, taxes and other aspects are met.

3. Operational Setup:

This is where the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) model can be useful when setting up the structure. This approach helps firms develop facilities and deliver services in the course of the transition period with the aim of subsequently assuming control and management of the entity.

4. Partner with Experts:

Collaborate with real estate and business consultants like Address Advisors, who specialize in providing end-to-end solutions for commercial office space acquisition and GCC setup. Notable success stories of companies using this model further highlight its efficiency.

Top Cities For GCCs In India

Futuristic View for GCCs in India

In India the future of Global Capability Centers (GCCs) is set to be revolutionary with the development of India in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things (IoT), and blockchain, the emphasis on digital transformation and sustainability will also shape the part of GCCs as innovation hubs. India's consumer market provides the biggest untapped opportunity. While GCCs primarily cater only to global operations, Indian consumers can redefine the market dynamics. For example, leveraging AI tools to understand regional preferences or implementing IoT for smart home solutions can create new business. With the integration technologies and focus on local market innovation, GCCs in India are positioned to become not just operational centres but key for global business transformation.

Industries Playing A Crucial Role

Healthcare and Biotechnology: R&D capabilities and AI-driven solutions for global and local healthcare challenges.

Fintech and BFSI: Cutting-edge fintech applications to serve both global clients and India's growing consumer base.

Retail and E-commerce: In India data analytics and AI to streamline supply chains and personalize customer experiences.

The future of GCCs in India is growing with advancements in technologies such as AI, IoT, and blockchain. Companies like TCS and Infosys are already investing heavily in these domains to stay ahead. As companies focus on global digital transformation, GCCs in India are expected to become hubs for innovation and strategy.

Conclusion

India is rising as a GCC hub thanks to its skilled workforce, cost advantages, and supportive government policies. Cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai, and Delhi-NCR offer unique benefits tailored to various industries. Address Advisors (Indian Real Estate Consultants) play a critical role in helping MNCs navigate the complexities of setting up GCCs in India. Through the BOT model, they provide end-to-end solutions, from acquiring office space to ensuring smooth operations. As GCCs continue to evolve, their integration with Indias dynamic ecosystem will shape the future of global business.

(Disclaimer: This article is part of India Dotcom Pvt Lts consumer connect initiative, a paid publication program. IDPL claims no editorial involvement and assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of the article.)
Mahakumbh 2025: The ongoing Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, brings together people from all walks of life. Millions of devotees gather to take a holy dip at the Sangam, where the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers meet. On Makar Sankranti, Tuesday, devotees took their first 'Amrit Snan' at the Triveni Sangam. Makar Sankranti is a Hindu festival celebrating the Sun's transition from the Southern to the Northern Hemisphere.

The ascetics, or Babas, at the Mahakumbh are some of its most unique and fascinating attractions. Visitors can meet Naga Babas, Aghori Sadhus, and respected religious leaders. However, the buzz online is about an 'IITian Baba' spotted at the festival. Each spiritual group at the Mahakumbh has its own importance and unique qualities, but some individuals are already gaining attention. This is the first Maha Kumbh being widely shared on social media, and many stories are going viral.

IITian baba early life

Abhay Singh, also known as Masani Gorakh, arrived at the Maha Kumbh on the very first day. A former IIT-Bombay student with a degree in aerospace engineering, he gave up a promising science career to follow a spiritual path. His academic journey was revealed in an interview with News18. Originally from Haryana, he spent four years at IIT-B, completing his engineering degree. Later, he shifted focus, earning a masters in design and developing an interest in photography. He also taught physics to students, sharing his knowledge with them.

While studying at IIT, Singh developed a strong interest in philosophy. He took courses on topics like Postmodernism, Socrates, and Plato to explore the meaning of life. His passion for philosophy, combined with his engineering background, sparked his curiosity about deeper questions about existence and knowledge.

He stated, "This stage is the best stage," referring to the spiritual path he had embraced. Choosing spirituality over a high-paying career was driven by his belief that the pursuit of knowledge leads to a richer and more meaningful life.

Mahakumbh 2025 largest religious congregation

Maha Kumbh, one of the world's largest and most significant religious gatherings, is held every 12 years at four locations in India. The Maha Kumbh 2025, a Poorna Kumbh, will continue until February 26, 2025. Key bathing dates include January 14 (Makar Sankranti - First Shahi Snan), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya - Second Shahi Snan), February 3 (Basant Panchami - Third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri).
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has emphasized Indias unique position in addressing global conflicts, citing its ability to engage with both Russia and Ukraine, as well as Israel and Iran. Speaking to the Indian community during his two-day visit to Spain, Jaishankar outlined Indias growing influence in global diplomacy amidst a polarized world.

There are very few countries today who are in a position to talk to Russia and to Ukraine, Jaishankar said, referencing Indias balanced approach to the Ukraine conflict. He added that India maintains similar diplomatic flexibility with Israel and Iran.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year visited Russia twice and also went to Kyiv in Ukraine, Jaishankar noted. He highlighted Modis role in bridging divides as a member of influential groups like the Quad and BRICS.

Jaishankar spotlighted Indias recent diplomatic achievements, including its pivotal role in integrating the African Union into the G20. This should have been done years ago, and we made it happen, he said.

The minister also celebrated Indias domestic progress, pointing to infrastructure milestones like building 4,000 kilometers of new rail tracks annually, constructing 28 kilometers of highways daily, and doubling the number of airports from 75 to over 150 in the past decade.

In urban development, Jaishankar highlighted the expansion of metro systems, growing from six cities in 2014 to 21 today, with plans to extend to 60 cities.

During his first official visit to Spain as external affairs minister, Jaishankar met with Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares to discuss regional and global issues. He announced plans for India and Spain to mark 2026 as a "dual year," celebrating culture, tourism, and advancements in artificial intelligence.

Jaishankar shared his personal connection to Spain, recalling his 2017 visit with Prime Minister Modi and commending Spanish President Pedro Sanchezs visit to India last year for strengthening bilateral ties.

A significant development during his visit was the announcement of a new Spanish consulate in Bengaluru, a move he described as a good sign for deepening relations.

Addressing the Indian diaspora, Jaishankar credited Prime Minister Modi for recognizing and amplifying their contributions to Indias global standing. The biggest change I have seen in the last 10 years is the importance that the Government of India and its people have placed on the contribution of diaspora, he said, urging them to stay connected with India.

Jaishankar also celebrated Indias strides in space technology, notably the Chandrayaan-3 missions successful landing on the moons south side.
A day after Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi highlighted Pakistan's role in exporting terrorists to India, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has issued a stern warning for Islamabad. Army Chief General Dwivedi on Monday said that Pakistan is 'epicentre of terrorism' and highlighted that 60 per cent of recently neutralised terrorists in Jammu & Kashmir were of Pakistani origin.

Now, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh accused Pakistan of attempts to destabilize India by sponsoring terrorism. He said that Islamabad must dismantle terror infrastructure in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) or face consequences. The Defence Minister also said that J&K is incomplete without the Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir. "Jammu and Kashmir is incomplete without PoK. For Pakistan, PoK is nothing more than foreign territory," said Singh.

Rajnath Singh said that Pakistan is using PoK as a hub for terrorism, with its land serving as a base for training camps and launch pads for infiltration activities.

"The land of PoK is being used to run the business of terrorism. Even today, terrorist training camps are operational there. Launchpads have been established in areas near the border, and the Indian government has concrete information about this and is fully aware of the situation. Pakistan must eliminate this, otherwise ...," Singh warned while addressing a veterans' rally in Kashmir's Akhnoor area.

The Defence Minister also claimed that the people in PoK have been deprived of a dignified life, and Pakistan's rulers have exploited them in the name of religion to further their anti-India agenda.

Rajnath Singh emphasized that the abrogation of Article 370 has marked the beginning of a significant change. "The situation in Jammu and Kashmir has changed drastically, and this truth must be accepted. Jammu and Kashmir is incomplete without PoK, which remains the crown jewel of India," Singh asserted. (With PTI inputs)
RAJOURI/JAMMU: The death toll due to a mysterious disease in a remote village of the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir has risen to 14 with two more members of a family including a six-year-old girl succumbing to it, officials said on Tuesday. The 14 fatalities including 11 children and three elders in three families in the last 30 days have caused panic among the residents of Badhaal village of Koteranka Sub-division. The government has deployed various health teams to collect samples to identify and address the potential health risks, the officials said.

They said Safina Kousar breathed her last at a hospital in Jammu where her three other siblings died over the past two days and two others are still battling for their lives. The grandfather of the children Mohd Rafiq also died in a hospital in Rajouri on Monday, the officials said.

Nine people belonging to two families died in the village last month. Initially the deaths were attributed to suspected food poisoning. However, the situation turned grim when most of the villagers complained of similar symptoms, prompting government intervention and the rushing of experts from various prestigious health institutions in the country.

Last month, the principal of Government Medical College Hospital, Jammu, Dr Ashutosh Gupta, had said preliminary investigations pointed to a viral infection as the cause of the mysterious deaths. However, he also said more studies were needed to reach a definitive conclusion. Teams of experts from Pune's National Institute of Virology, PGI Chandigarh, AIIMS Delhi and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Delhi, have visited the village to assist in the investigations.

Rajouri Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Sharma is personally monitoring the situation to ensure timely intervention and mitigation, the officials said, adding aggressive contact tracing and sampling by the Health Department teams are being carried out. The officials said food and water samples had already been collected to ascertain the quality and safety of essential supplies in the region.

A dedicated team of the Health Department, led by Jammu Health Director, Dr Rakesh Mangotra and Rajouri Chief Medical Officer Dr Manohar Rana is camping at Kandi Kotranka to oversee the operations. The administration has also stationed a mobile medical unit and ambulance on standby to address any emergent medical needs.

The district administration remains committed to the safety and well-being of the residents and urges the public to cooperate with health officials during the ongoing surveillance and interventions, an official said. He said for any health-related concerns, the public is encouraged to reach out to the district control room or the local health authorities.
Navy divers have been withdrawn from rescue operations at a coal mine in Assam's Dima Hasao district with the hope of survival of five trapped labourers appearing to be slim even as dewatering exercise entered the ninth day on Tuesday, officials said.

Dewatering of the quarry, which is 340 feet deep, continued with specialised machines brought in by ONGC and Coal India.

The water level, which was initially at 100 ft, is coming down gradually and on Monday, it further receded by 3 metres, an official said.

It was difficult to say when the water would be ''completely cleared or when the rescue and search operations inside the quarry would resume'', he added.

"Navy divers, who were requisitioned for rescue operations since January 7 have been withdrawn and moved out of the site," another official said.

Nine workers were trapped inside the mine in Umrangsu on January 6 after a sudden gush of water flooded the quarry.

Four bodies have so far been recovered, the official said.

''The hope of survival of the remaining trapped miners appears to be waning as they remain trapped for the ninth day. However, the rescue operations will continue," he said.

Dewatering is being carried out with the help of nine pumps while six more have been installed for use if required, he said.

The rescue operations were being conducted jointly by the army, Assam Rifles, NDRF, SDRF and district administration.

An underwater remote-operating vehicle was also being sent inside the quarry at regular intervals to capture images of the trapped miners, the official said.

The first body was recovered on January 8 and three others on Saturday.

The chief minister had earlier claimed that the mine was abandoned 12 years ago and was under the Assam Mineral Development Corporation till three years ago.

He said that the leader of the workers has been arrested, and the police are conducting investigations into the case.

Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking a SIT probe into the mining tragedy in Assam.

He also alleged that "illegal mining continues unchecked" due to "weak law enforcement and local complicity" in the northeastern state.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday called for the development of advanced earthquake warning systems, emphasizing the critical role of meteorology in disaster management. Speaking at the 150th anniversary celebrations of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Modi praised the institution as a cornerstone of Indias scientific achievements and its contributions to disaster resilience.

"Advanced weather forecasting has significantly reduced casualties and minimized economic losses caused by cyclones," Modi noted, reflecting on Indias improved disaster management capabilities. He highlighted how accurate forecasts have strengthened investor confidence and built economic resilience in vulnerable regions.

Referring to past tragedies, the prime minister recalled the devastating Gujarat cyclone in 1998 and the 1999 Odisha super cyclone, which claimed thousands of lives. But loss of life is minimal now because of better forecasts, he said.

During the event, Modi launched 'Mission Mausam,' an ambitious initiative to develop cutting-edge weather surveillance technologies. The program aims to implement high-resolution atmospheric observation systems, next-generation radars, satellites, and high-performance computing systems to make India "weather-ready and climate-smart."

We have launched 'Mission Mausam' to make India weather ready and climate smart, he said, underscoring the need for advancements in meteorology to meet future challenges.

Modi also unveiled the IMD Vision-2047 document, which outlines strategies for building weather resilience and adapting to climate change. To commemorate IMDs 150-year legacy, he released a special postage stamp and a coin.

The event was graced by several dignitaries, including World Meteorological Organisation Secretary General Celeste Saulo, Earth Sciences Minister Jitendra Singh, IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, and Earth Sciences Secretary M Ravichandran.

Modi highlighted the international impact of Indias meteorological advancements, noting that the Flash Flood Guidance system now provides critical data to neighboring countries like Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

Indias disaster management capabilities have significantly improved due to advancements in meteorological technology. This is beneficial not only for us but also for the global community, he remarked.

Looking ahead, Modi emphasized the need for future-oriented solutions. There is a need to develop warning systems for earthquakes, and scientists and researchers should work in this direction, he urged.

The prime minister delved into Indias rich heritage of weather expertise, citing ancient texts such as the Vedas, Samhitas, Surya Siddhanta, and Tamil Nadu's Sangam literature. He also referenced folk literature like Ghagh Bhaddari and works such as Krishi Parashar and Bruhat Samhita, which studied cloud formations and planetary positions.

Quoting from "Pre-Modern Kutchi Navigation Techniques and Voyages," Modi lauded Gujarat's centuries-old maritime knowledge, emphasizing the importance of traditional wisdom in modern meteorology.

As IMD continues to refine its forecasting capabilities, Modi stressed their increasing significance across industries, agriculture, and daily life. Referring to his visit to Sonamarg in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, he noted how IMD's precise forecast helped plan the inauguration of a 6.5 km tunnel on a clear-weather day.

"Better forecasts mean better outcomes, not just for our country but for the world," Modi concluded.
The first formal hearing of South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment trial ended after four minutes on Tuesday due to his absence, with the Constitutional Court dismissing Yoon's request to exclude one of eight justices from the trial.

The next hearing is scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday, and the court will proceed with the trial regardless of whether Yoon is present or not, acting court President Moon Hyung-bae said, citing the relevant law.

Tuesday's hearing was held exactly a month after the National Assembly voted to impeach Yoon over his short-lived imposition of martial law on December 3.

Yoon's lawyers had said earlier that the president, who has been suspended from his duties, will not attend the hearing due to concerns about his personal safety amid investigators' attempt to detain him on charges of insurrection and abuse of power related to his martial law decree.

Moon said the court decided to dismiss Yoon's request to exclude one of eight justices -- Chung Kye-sun -- from the trial. The decision was unanimous among the seven other justices, he said.

Yoon's lawyers had demanded Chung's exclusion, citing concerns her past work as the leader of a progressive law research society could undermine the chances of a fair ruling.

Moon also said the court dismissed Yoon's objection to the court's simultaneous designation of five dates for hearings, saying the decision was made under laws and regulations governing the Constitutional Court, not a criminal court.

The court has 180 days to decide whether to uphold or reject Yoon's impeachment from the day it received the case on December 14.

If upheld, Yoon will be removed from office, triggering a snap presidential election within 60 days. If dismissed, he will be reinstated.

The National Assembly, which is acting as the prosecutor in the case, requested five witnesses for the trial on Monday, Yonhap news agency reported.

They are Hong Jang-won, former first deputy director of the National Intelligence Service; Cho Ji-ho, commissioner general of the National Police Agency; Lt. Gen. Kwak Jong-keun, chief of the Army Special Warfare Command; Lt. Gen. Lee Jin-woo, commander of the Capital Defence Command; and Lt. Gen. Yeo In-hyung, head of the Defence Counterintelligence Command.
Malda: A Trinamool Congress leader and a party worker were shot at in West Bengal's Malda district on Tuesday, police said.

The shoot-out occurred less than a fortnight after a TMC councillor was shot dead in the district.

The incident took place in Kaliaganj area when the TMC leader and the party worker were present at a programme, organised for the inauguration of a road, a senior officer said.

They are undergoing treatment at a hospital, and their condition was stated to be critical, he said.

"We are looking into the shoot-out incident on Tuesday and talking to onlookers and party workers who were present there," a senior police officer told PTI.

One of the injured persons has been identified as Bakul Shiekh, a TMC local committee president, he said.

TMC councillor in Malda Dulal Sarkar was killed on January 2, and seven people have been arrested in this connection.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed strong confidence in the continued growth of the India-US relationship, emphasising the close ties between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi. He also mentioned that he would be representing India at the inauguration of President-elect Trump.

While addressing a press conference in Madrid along with Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares, the EAM said, "We saw very strong growth in different dimensions of India-US relations. So based on our previous record and based on close contacts between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi, we are very confident that our relationship will continue to grow."

"At the inauguration (of President-elect Trump), I will be representing my government," Jaishankar added.

The External Affairs Minister also underscored India's growing interest in the Mediterranean region, highlighting that annual trade with the region now amounts to USD 80 billion. He emphasized that India's presence and engagement in the Mediterranean are set to expand in the coming years and expressed the importance of Spain's support in this endeavour.

"India has a fairly strong interest in the Mediterranean. When we look at the Mediterranean as a region, our annual trade with the Mediterranean today is about $80 billion... I do want to underline that India will be more visible in the Mediterranean in times to come, and certainly, in that process, we count very much on Spain's support," he said.

The EAM is currently on a diplomatic visit to Spain till January 14, making it his first visit to Spain as the Foreign Minister, according to a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs.

Jaishankar emphasised the importance of countries with shared values and aligned interests working more closely together. He expressed a strong belief that strengthening India-Spain relations, along with enhanced India-EU collaboration, could contribute to stability in an increasingly uncertain world.

"The world may look today a little volatile and uncertain. It is important that countries and partners who have similar attitudes and converging interests work more closely. I'm very confident that strong India-Spain relations and a strong India-EU collaboration can be a stabilising factor in a turbulent world," the EAM added.

(With ANI Inputs)
Devotees thronged the Lord Ayappa Temple in Kerala''s Sabarimala on the occasion of Makaravilakku festival on Tuesday. The temple''s reception of the procession carrying the ''Thiruvabharnam (sacred jewels of Lord Ayappa)'' is the most important event in the hill shrine on the day of ''Makaravilakku''. The sacred jewels arrive in three separate boxes. This year, the ''Thiruvabharanam'' started its journey from Pandalam on January 12, in accordance with the tradition that the sacred jewels leave for Sabarimala two days before ''Makaravilakku''.The auspicious procession stops at various temples before finally reaching Sannidhanam during the evening hours on the day of Makaravilakku. The procession leaves the Valiya Koyikkal Temple in Pandalam after the darshan of devotees and various ceremonies on Day 1. After reaching various temples, it rests at the Ayiroor Puthiyakavu temple. On the day of ''Makaravilakku'', the procession leaves Laha and reaches Sabaripeetha via Pandithavalam, Cherianavattom, Neelimala, and Apachimedu. It is then received at the Sannidhanam via Saramkuthi. The priests at Sabarimala adorn the deity with the sacred jewels. The ritual is followed by an ''aarti''. A record 39,02,610 Ayyappa devotees visited the shrine from November 15, when the pilgrimage began, to January 5. Last year, 35,12,691 devotees visited during the same period. From December 30, when the Makaravilaku season began, until Monday, 6,22,849 people visited the shrine, as reported by the state police media centre. Earlier, the Government of Kerala (GoK) approved a comprehensive layout plan for the Sabarimala pilgrimage site, encompassing Pampa and the trek route, announced Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday.The Kerala Chief Minister said that with an estimated cost of Rs 778.17 crore, the blueprint for the project aims to enhance safety, streamline pilgrim movement, and elevate Sabarimala as a global heritage hub. As part of the preparations to prevent overcrowding of devotees during the Makaravilaku festival at the Sabarimala temple, it was decided to limit the spot booking facility at Sannidhanam to 5,000 persons per day from January 8-15. The decision was taken under the Kerala High Court''s direction for efficient crowd management during festival seasons at the Sabarimala temple. Bookings through the virtual queue have been fixed on the Devaswom board website as 60,000 on January 12, 50,000 on January 13 and 40,000 on January 14. (ANI)
14 January Weather Update: A cold wave continues to grip northern India including the National Capital on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) raised a warning for fog over the regions of 16 states including Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Sikkim, Odisha, Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura.

The weather also department predicted heavy rainfall on Tuesday over the isolated regions of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

IMD Raises Orange Alert For...

The weather department raised an orange alert for Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh due to dense fog and temperature dip.

Dense fog is expected in most places, with very dense fog in isolated areas of the national capital during the morning, while, smog or shallow fog is anticipated in the evening and night. Today's maximum temperature is expected 19 degrees Celsius and the minimum is 7 degrees Celsius.

On Monday, several trains at New Delhi Railway Station were delayed and some were cancelled due to the cold wave and dense fog in the national capital.
New Delhi: Actor Anshu Ambani on Tuesday urged fans to move past the controversy over "Mazaka" director Trinadha Rao Nakkina's comments about her body and focus on the release of their upcoming Telugu film.

At the teaser launch event of "Mazaka" on Sunday, Nakkina's comments about Ambani's body type and "size" drew sharp criticism on social media and within the industry, leading the director to apologise to the actor publicly. He also said the remarks were made in "jest".

Ambani, in a video statement shared on social media, downplayed the incident and called Nakkina "the loveliest man on the planet".

"I believe his words may have been taken out of context... He has treated me as a member of his family. I've worked on this movie for 60 days, and I have been given nothing but respect, love, and lots of good wishes. Please, everybody, if we can put this to bed because I'm so excited about the movie.

"I feel we should all watch the film for the right reasons. Trinadha sir has been an absolute pleasure to work with. I could not have asked for a better director to bring me back to the Telugu film industry. I'm grateful that he has been guiding me through this process. I have nothing but love and gratitude for him and the entire team," the London-born actor said in the clip.

Setting the record straight! @AnshuActress thanks @TrinadharaoNak1 Garu for his love, respect & guidance during #Mazaka. "He's an absolute pleasure to work with and a loveliest man on the planet."



Clearing all rumors, Actress Anshu praises director's kindness & professionalism! pic.twitter.com/yMljPSWDPG  (@UrsVamsiShekar) January 13, 2025

On Monday, Nakkina released a video statement and apologised for the comments he made, calling them "unfortunate".

I made those comments in jest, hoping to make everyone laugh. However, if these remarks have hurt you, this is my mistake. I would like to issue a heartfelt apology, as they were objectionable. I will also personally apologise to Anshu. I didnt realise this would become such a significant issue," he said.

Yesterday was an unfortunate slip of the tongue by Dir #NakkinaTrinadhRao



Its a wrong example to set & we should have been cautious to avoid it



Trinadh garu & Team #Mazaka apologise for the poor choice of words to Anshu garu & to all Women out there,

We are because of you pic.twitter.com/KQvLSeBtJ1  Sundeep Kishan (@sundeepkishan) January 13, 2025

Ambani, known for Telugu films "Manmadhudu" and "Raghavendra", and Tamil title "Jai", is returning to Telugu cinema after over 20 years with "Mazaka", which will release in theatres on February 21.
Mumbai: Archana Puran Singh, known for her wit and iconic laughter on The Kapil Sharma Show, recently revealed a lesser-known facet of her personal life, leaving fans amused. In filmmaker Farah Khans popular cooking vlog on YouTube, Archana and her husband, actor Parmeet Sethi, welcomed Farah to their stunning Madh Island home. Alongside the couple, their sons, Aaryamann Sethi and Ayushmaan Sethi, joined the lively chat, which turned into a laugh riot as Archanas unconventional approach to parenting came to light.

During the episode, Farah marvelled at the couples luxurious home and complimented them, saying, What a house. So proud of you both. Archana responded with a laugh, nominating her younger son Ayushmaan to prepare a meal for Farah. Seizing the moment, Ayushmaan hilariously disclosed, Mom ne humare liye aaj tak kabhi cooking nahi ki hai (Mom has never cooked for us).

Farah, known for her quick wit, playfully teased Archana, saying, Thats why you guys look healthy, leaving everyone in splits. Archana, always a sport, joined in the laughter and confessed, I dont even know where the spoons are in my kitchen.



Ayushmaan went on to share a funny anecdote about his mothers rare kitchen escapades. He recalled a day when Archana decided to make toast but struggled to locate the toaster and bread. The situation escalated when she mistook an air fryer for what she humorously referred to as a dry frier, much to the amusement of everyone present.

Farahs vlog captured the lighthearted banter and underscored the familys strong bond despite Archanas self-admitted lack of culinary skills. Fans praised Archanas ability to laugh at herself and admired the familys cheerful camaraderie.



Archana and Parmeets parenting style may not involve traditional home-cooked meals, but their sons clearly adore their parents humour and warmth. The episode revealed a unique side of Archana, proving that being a mom doesnt always have to mean being a chefand its perfectly okay to let others handle the kitchen!

This candid and hilarious interaction between Farah, Archana, and her family has only added to Archana Puran Singhs relatable and endearing persona, endearing her further to fans.
New Delhi: Priyadarshan's upcoming directorial, Bhooth Bangla, is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated films that everyone is eagerly looking forward to. While the makers have kept the audience hooked with interesting updates, the film promises to deliver a plethora of hauntingly humorous story. Featuring the iconic duo of Paresh Rawal and Akshay Kumar, the two were seen having fun on the sets as they celebrated the occasion of Makar Sankranti by flying kites.

Akshay Kumar took to his social media to share a video of himself along with Paresh Rawal on the sets of Bhooth Bangla, flying kites on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. He wrote in the caption:

"Celebrating the vibrant spirit of Makar Sankranti on the set of #BhoothBangla with my dear friend @pareshrawalofficial! Here's to laughter, good vibes, and soaring high just like the kites! And sending my best wishes for a joyous Pongal, Uttarayan and Bihu"

Directed by Priyadarshan, Bhooth Bangla is produced by Shobha Kapoor and Ektaa R Kapoor's Balaji Telefilms and Akshay Kumar's production house, Cape of Good Films. The film is co-produced by Faara Sheikh and Vedant Baali. The story is written by Akash A Kaushik and screenplay by Rohan Shankar, Abilash Nair and Priyadarshan. The dialogues are by Rohan Shankar. Bhooth Bangla is slated for it's theatrical release on 2nd April 2026.
New Delhi: Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri has praised Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan after the actor shared handwritten notes from his preparation for his debut film, Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai. The notes offered a rare insight into Hrithik's dedication and hard work, which Agnihotri described as a true testament to perseverance and the effort required to achieve success in the industry. Impressed by Hrithik's commitment, Agnihotri took to Twitter to share the actors post, writing, People dont realize what goes into achieving true success. I will show them to all the young actors who come to meet me as an example of great work."

Agnihotri further expressed his admiration, encouraging Hrithik to keep shining, and revealed that he had learned many valuable filmmaking habits from Hrithiks father, director Rakesh Roshan, during his own early career. He also mentioned how he still writes his scripts by hand, a habit he adopted from Rakesh Roshans influence.

Dear @iHrithik, I am delighted to have read your notes. People dont realize what goes into achieving true success. I will show them to all the young actors who come to meet me as an example of great work. Keep shining. Keep smiling. Best always.



P.S.: By the way, I https://t.co/IsxgJ69zTD  Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri (@vivekagnihotri) January 14, 2025

Agnihotri, known for his impactful films, is currently focused on his next project, The Delhi Files, which will be a part of his trilogy following The Kashmir Files and The Tashkent Files. The Delhi Files: The Bengal Chapter is set to release worldwide on August 15, 2025, and will be jointly produced by Abhishek Agarwal and Pallavi Joshi, with Tej Narayan Agarwal & I Am Buddha Productions presenting the film.
New Delhi: Bollywood superstar Salman Khan is known for extending his helping hand to those in need. The actor, who is currently the host of 'Bigg Boss 18', has several times won hearts with his kind gestures. Recalling his throwback moment from last season of Bigg Boss 17, where he fulfilling the dream of a specially challenged kid by allowing him to host the show - clearly shows why people call him Bhaijaan.

In a heartwarming gesture back then, Salman Khan warmly welcomed the specially-abled child on the sets of Bigg Boss 17, greeting him with a bright smile. As the boy expressed his desire to host the show, Salman graciously invited him on stage and gave him the opportunity to live his dream.

This touching moment truly highlights that his heart shines as brightly as his fame, making him beloved by all.

His thoughtful gesture brought unparalleled joy to the specially-abled child, lighting up his face with a smile that was priceless. Its clear that beyond his superstar status, Salmans kindness leaves a lasting impact, creating memories that will be cherished forever.

On the work front, Salman Khan is set to return on Eid 2025 with Sikandar, produced by Sajid Nadiadwala and directed by AR Murugadoss.
Fajar Realty is one of the best real estate brokerage companies in the UAE. Fajar is one of the most awarded companies which has earned many national and international acknowledgements in a very short period. Kiran Khawaja the dynamic and successful CEO of Fajar Realty led Fajar Realty to the new heights of success. Recently Kiran Khawaja was awarded in appreciation of her excellent service, commitment, and contribution at the Arabian Best of Best Awards, which were held on December 13, 2024, at The Westin Dubai Mina Hotel in Dubai.

She was awarded the Best Real Estate Agency Value for Money in this prestigious award show. The Arabian Best of Best Awards, which recognise and reward the best performers in the Arabian region, were held with much fanfare. Business tycoons from a plethora of categories like professional business services, technology, real estate, travel & tourism, beauty, cosmetics, construction, robotics, automation, and other industries walked away with the coveted awards. The icing on the cake moment for Kiran Khawaja came when she walked away with the Best Real Estate Agent (Dubai) Award 2024-2025, which was presented by the International Property Awards.

Kiran has been an inspiration for real estate professionals across the globe and has carved a niche for herself in the real estate market of the UAE which has set her apart from the other real estate companies in the region.

Speaking to the media after winning the award, Kiran said, "I am really happy and elated to have won this award. It is a great privilege to be recognised as Best Real Estate Agency-Value for Money and Best Real Estate Agent (Dubai) award at these award shows. I am proud of the impact I have been able to make in the Emirates, and Dubai in particular, which is the major hub for international trade and investment with Dubais real estate market.

Kiran has been the UAE media's focus since she won many prestigious awards and recognition in her illustrious 18-year journey. It may be recalled that Kiran has won many accolades and awards for her hard work and zeal. She walked away with Asia One UAEs Greatest Brands 2023-2024' and the much-coveted ' Fashion Factor  Businesswoman of the Year 2024. She was presented with the Gulf Achievers Award for Best Real Estate Agency for the year 2024. In recognition of her efforts in the real estate industry, she had the privilege of winning the Global Saga Awards Dubai 2024  Top Female CEO which was presented by none other than Bollywood Super Star Sunil Shetty.

Further adding to her accolades is an array of awards, with Fajar Realty securing honours such as the 'DAMAC Top Performing Agency,' 'Azizi Agents Award Gala 2023,' and the 'Emaar Token of Appreciation Award.' Additionally, they were given the Menaa Leadership Award for 2023 and many more.

(Disclaimer: This article is part of India Dotcom Pvt Lts consumer connect initiative, a paid publication program. IDPL claims no editorial involvement and assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of the article.)
Reacting strongly to reports of the death of an Indian national in Russia, India on Tuesday reiterated its demand for the early discharge of the remaining Indians currently serving the Russian Army in the conflict zones. "We have learnt of the unfortunate death of an Indian national from Kerala who had apparently been recruited to serve in the Russian Army. Another Indian national from Kerala, who was similarly recruited, has been injured and is receiving treatment in a hospital in Moscow," said Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. Offering condolences to the family of the deceased, the senior diplomat stated that the Indian Embassy in Moscow is in touch with the families, and all possible assistance is being rendered.

"We are working with the Russian authorities for early transportation of the mortal remains to India. We have also sought the early discharge and repatriation to India of the injured person. The matter has been strongly taken up with the Russian authorities in Moscow as well as with the Russian Embassy in New Delhi today. We have also reiterated our demand for the early discharge of the remaining Indian nationals," he added.

The plight of Indians fighting for Russia in the Ukraine war is a key concern for New Delhi. India has maintained that the recruitment of Indian nationals into the Russian army in a conflict situation is not in consonance with the India-Russia diplomatic partnership, and has asked for the early release and return of all such Indian nationals.

Last year, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's landmark visit to Moscow, Russia had decided to release and facilitate the return of all Indians fighting for the Russian army in Ukraine. The breakthrough was achieved when PM Modi raised the matter at a private dinner hosted by Putin.

Over the last few years, over two dozen Indians are believed to have been forced into fighting the war against Ukraine after being tricked by agents into going to the country on the pretext of getting high-paying jobs. "Strong action has been initiated against agents and unscrupulous elements who recruited them on false pretexts and promises," the authorities had confirmed, last year.
Republican lawmakers aligned with President-elect Donald Trump have introduced legislation to support his ambition of acquiring Greenland from Denmark. The bill, titled the "Make Greenland Great Again Act," was tabled on Monday by Tennessee Congressman Andy Ogles, with support from ten other Republican legislators, according to TOI.

The proposed legislation outlines the framework for negotiations between the United States and Denmark, requiring the President to submit any agreement to Congress within five days of reaching a deal. Since congressional approval is essential for funding such a purchase, the proposal sets the stage for a politically charged debate in the months following Trumps inauguration on January 20.

While some Republicans have embraced the idea as a strategic move to boost the U.S. economy, critics, including NYT columnist Thomas Friedman, have voiced grave concerns about the potential geopolitical consequences. Trumps remarks are reckless stupidity beyond belief, Friedman wrote in his op-ed, warning that such actions could embolden adversaries like China and Russia.

Supporters of the plan, however, argue that acquiring Greenland, which is approximately two-thirds the size of India, would significantly expand the United States territory and provide vast untapped resources. Trumps allies have pointed to statements from some Greenlanders who have expressed dissatisfaction with Danish governance, framing the move as mutually beneficial.

Analysts caution that the plan could destabilize international relations, especially as China eyes Taiwan and Russia continues its aggression in Ukraine. Critics fear that Trump's rhetoric could set a precedent for territorial ambitions worldwide, undermining the global order established after World War II.

Despite the controversy, Trump appears determined to move forward. Reports indicate that he has already sent his son, Donald Trump Jr., to Greenland for preliminary discussions, while thanking locals for their alleged hospitality. Meanwhile, clips of Greenlanders criticizing Danish rule are being widely circulated by Trump supporters as evidence of potential support for the acquisition.
US President Joe Biden on Monday (local time) reflected on his administration's efforts in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, stating that his office was able to achieve the two primary objectives during that time: first, to rally global support for Ukraine, and second, to prevent a conflict between nuclear powers.

While delivering a foreign policy address on how his administration has strengthened America at home and around the world, Biden said that his office had also laid down the foundation for the coming Trump administration to continue supporting Ukraine.

"As I saw it, when Putin launched his invasion, I had two jobs: to rally the world to defend Ukraine and avoid war between two nuclear powers...We did both...And we've laid the foundation for the next administration to preserve a bright future for the Ukrainian people," Biden said.

Biden further emphasised that under his leadership, "America is stronger" with stronger alliances and weaker adversaries and competitors.

"Since Kamala (Harris) and I took office, our nation has become stronger at home and in the world," he said.

"America today is more capable and prepared than we have been for a long time," he added.

The outgoing US president also highlighted improvements in the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), noting that prior to his administration, only nine NATO allies were meeting the 2 per cent GDP defence spending target set up by the organisation, which has now risen to 23 NATO allies reaching the benchmark.

"Before I took office, 9 of our NATO allies were spending 2 per cent of GDP on defence...Now, 23 are...Our alliances are stronger than they've been in decades and NATO is bigger and more capable than ever," Biden said.
Hungary Contributes $149,000 for Refurbishing Assyrian Monastery

Hungarian government contributes 60 million forints (EUR 145,000) for refurbishing Syriac Orthodox Monastery Tristan Azbej, the state secretary for aiding persecuted Christians and the head of the Hungary Helps programme, on Monday noted that the Hungarian government has contributed 60 million forints (EUR 145,000) to the refurbishment of the Syriac Orthodox Monastery of Saint Mark.

Refurbishing Syriac Orthodox Monastery

"This monastery is the Monastery of Saint Mark, built above the house of Saint Mark the Evangelist, which was the location of the Last Supper and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost," Azbej said on Facebook.

By supporting the refurbishment of this community space, the Hungarian government expressed its commitment to the community of Christians in the Holy Land who are in a difficult situation and contributed to the long-term survival of strong Christian communities in the place where Jesus lived his life, the state secretary said.

Speaking on public broadcaster M1, Azbej said supporting Christians and Christian shrines in the Holy land was "a national mission inherent in the thousand years of Hungary's statehood". Azbej noted talks with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, secretary of state of the Holy See, and Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin patriarch of Jerusalem, saying they were in agreement that conflicts in the Middle East had resulted in dwindling revenues from religious tourism, the sole revenue source to Christian communities in the area. That, in turn, was leading to more Christians leaving their homeland, he added.

At the talks, Parolin appreciated Hungary's efforts to assist persecuted Christians across the world, and encouraged the Hungarian government to continue its endeavours. Concerning the second regional office of the Hungary Helps programme, which has recently opened in Jordan, Azbej said the office was in charge of the programme's Middle East chapters, focusing on religious sites and humanitarian programmes.

Speaking on public radio, Azbej lambasted Western countries for "neglecting Christians in the Middle East and in the Holy Land", calling that attitude "a great tragedy". "Hungary has been the only country to send material aid to those two Biblical sites," he said.

Azbej also lamented that "the number of Christians at the sites of the life of Jesus is dramatically diminishing ... while rich countries with Christian roots show complete disinterest." "Once Christians disappear from the cradle of Christianity, it could mean the end to Christian civilisation... It is in Europe's fundamental interest for people in the Middle East to stay in their homeland rather than masses of migrants setting off for Europe," he added
Thousands of devotees gathered at the banks of the river Ganga across India on Tuesday to celebrate Makar Sankranti 2025, a festival marking the Sun''s transition into Capricorn and the onset of Uttarayan. From Kolkata''s Babughat to Varanasi''s Ganga ghats and Haridwar''s Har Ki Pauri devotees braved the chilly weather to take holy dips and offer prayers. In West Bengal, devotees performed rituals at Babughat in Kolkata, taking a holy dip in the river. Similarly, the ghats of Varanasi and Patna witnessed large crowds engaging in traditional practices, with families, including children, participating enthusiastically despite the cold. In Uttarakhand, devotees gathered at Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar to perform the customary Ganga snan (holy bath) on this auspicious occasion. In Rajasthan, devotees offer prayers at Balaji temple in Jaipur on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. In Bihar, people in thousands visited Ganga Ghat in Patna to take a dip on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. Children along with their parents and grandparents could be seen taking a dip in the cold water of the Ganges. Vijaya Laxmi, a devotee, said, "May we continue to celebrate Makar Sankranti joyously every year, and may everyone''s wishes come true." She said that "faith in God" inspires people to endure the cold a dip in the Ganges during the chilly weather. In Prayagraj, the first Amrit Snan of Maha Kumbh 2025 on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti began on Tuesday as Sadhus from Sadhus of Mahanirvani Panchayati Akhada took a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam. Makar Sankranti celebrated across the country with great enthusiasm on January 14, marks the Sun''s transition into Capricorn from Sagittarius, heralding the beginning of Uttarayan. Bathing in holy rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna during Makar Sankranti is believed to cleanse sins and bestow spiritual merit. The day is also dedicated to acts of charity and devotion. Traditional dishes such as sesame-jaggery laddus, khichdi, and other festive treats grace the occasion. Kite flying, symbolising vibrant energy, and cheer, is a cherished tradition on this day. The festival is known by various names in different parts of the country such as Pongal, Bihu, and Maghi. (ANI)
With Justin Trudeau out of the Prime Ministerial race and the Liberal Party looking for a new leader, the Canadian political environment is undergoing several twists and turns. While Indian-origin MP Chandra Arya announced his candidature for the post, former Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney has said that he's best to lead the country. As soon as Carney announced his interest in the top post, social media users dug up his old photos in which he was spotted with Ghislaine Maxwell and the name started trending on X.

Who Is Ghislaine Maxwell?

Ghislaine Maxwell, born on December 25, 1961, is a British former socialite and convicted sex offender and child sex trafficker. She is the daughter of British media proprietor Robert Maxwell. In the 1990s, she became associated with financier Jeffrey Epstein, acting as his confidante and facilitator. In 2021, Maxwell was convicted in the United States on charges including sex trafficking of a minor and conspiracy to transport minors for illegal sexual activity, related to her role in procuring and grooming underage girls for Epstein's abuse. She was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison and is currently incarcerated at FCI Tallahassee.

Former Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney declares he's best to lead Canada,



...hours after leak of 2013 photos of him and his wife chilling with child sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell pic.twitter.com/bxD9M4zm7z  RT (@RT_com) January 14, 2025

#BREAKING



Former Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney declares he's best to lead Canada,



...hours after leak of 2013 photos of him and his wife chilling with child sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell pic.twitter.com/kAhisfJjHj  (@8zal) January 14, 2025

Who Is Mark Carney?

Mark Carney, born on March 16, 1965, in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, Canada, is a distinguished economist and banker. He served as the Governor of the Bank of Canada from 2008 to 2013 and as the Governor of the Bank of England from 2013 to 2020, being the first non-Briton to hold the latter position. Carney is said to be in the race for the leadership of Canada's Liberal Party following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's resignation.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath arrived to inspect the Goraknath Temple (also known as Goraknath Math) in Gorakhpur on Tuesday and interacted with the people present there. Yogi has headed the Goraknath Math as its 'mahant (chief priest)' since 2014, years before his first term as the CM. CM Yogi regularly holds 'Janta Darshan' on the premises of Goraknath Temple and listens to the grievances put forth by the attendees. Soon after becoming the CM of UP for the first time in 2017, Yogi Adityanath started the 'Janta Darshan' with the primary aim of resolving the complaints and grievances of the people in a speedy manner. People typically present a range of issues before the CM at these 'Janta Darshans' and the latter issues necessary directions to officials for the disposal of their issues. The leader's latest visit to the Goraknath Temple came on the occasion of 'Makar Sankranti'. This year, the harvest festival is being celebrated alongside the Maha Kumbh, which is a pilgrimage that only takes place after a long gap of 12 years. Extending heartfelt wishes to all the devotees who participated in the first 'Amrit Snan' at the Triveni Sangam during the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, CM Yogi posted on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter): "This is the living form of our eternal culture and faith. Today, on the auspicious occasion of the great festival of folk faith 'Makar Sankranti', congratulations to all the devotees who earned virtue by taking the first 'Amrit Snan' at the Triveni Sangam in Mahakumbh-2025, Prayagraj!" Meanwhile, as the first 'Amrit Snan' of Maha Kumbh 2025 is being performed on Makar Sankranti on Tuesday and several Akharas have reached the Sangam to take the holy bath, DGP Uttar Pradesh Prashant Kumar informed the total number of devotes who had taken dip in the Sangam has crossed the 10 million mark. Speaking to ANI Prashant Kumar said, "It's the first Amrit Snan of Maha Kumbh 2025, for now four Akharas have taken a holy dip and the third lot Juna, Awahan and Agani Akharas and they will be taking holy dip shortly. By 7 AM 98 lakhs 20 thousand people have taken bath and by now the numbers might have crossed one crore mark. All our senior officials are monitoring through different control rooms including DGP, Chief Secretary and CM control room." The DGP further informed that apart from that, on the occasion of Makar Sankranti people in major cities across the state are doing Snan,"Snan for the Makar Sankranti in different cities including Varanasi, Gorakhpur and Ayodhya on the banks of different rivers going in a normal way as it used to happen." While on day one of the world's largest gathering over 1.5 crore pilgrims had taken a holy dip at the Sangam. (ANI)
Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avdheshanand Giri Maharaj of Juna Akhara, on Tuesday was at the Sangam Ghat for the first Amrit Snan of Maha Kumbh 2025 on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti and took the Holy Dip at the Triveni Sangam -- a sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and 'mystical' Saraswati river. Earlier, Swami Avdheshanand highlighted the significance of water in Sanatan culture & its life-giving properties. Speaking to ANI, he said it marks the beginning of the Hindu month Magha, devotees come to the Mahakumbh to perform 'anushthan' (rituals) and take part in 'snan' (bathing) during this occasion. "Water is synonymous with our Sanatan culture. Water has life-giving properties. The existence of our gods is from water- Narayana, Brahma, among others... The Hindu month of 'Magha' starts today, Paush Purnima. Many devotees have come here for 'anushthan' in addition to 'snan'. Many have come here to look for the meaning and essence of human life...," he said. Ahead of this, Sadhus of Mahanirvani Panchayati Akhara, Anand Akhara and Naga Sadhus of Niranjani took a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam. The vibrant sight of Akharas, ash-smeared sadhus from their abode in the Himalayas, can be seen shuffling toward the sacred confluence of the Sangam. Meanwhile, Swami Chidambaranand, Mahamandaleshwar of Mahanirvan Akhara says, "We experience a grandeur of Indian civilisation. Crores of people are seeing the pride of our culture. There is joy and excitement everywhere. People have forgotten about the cold and have been waiting since 2 am for a sight of the saints." "There are unbelievable scenes here. Those who create a caste divide and blame our religion should come here and see that in the crowd of crores, there are no Brahmins or Shudras, only Hindus and Hindu culture..." Another saint, Kumar Swami Ji Maharaj from Anand Akhara said, "Nothing is bigger than this (Mahakumbh). Those who can come here are extremely fortunate... Wherever we see people are fighting among themselves. Here it's peaceful. Merely being present here and watching everything unfold, brings joy and peace... Our saints and shastras have always wanted for peace in the world. I bow down to our great seers and our religious texts, I bow down to our earth and Lord Shiva for giving us this day. Everyone should come here..." Sadhus of the 13 Akhadas of the Sanatan Dharma will be taking a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam one by one. Notably, DGP Uttar Pradesh Prashant Kumar informed the total number of devotes who had taken a dip in the Sangam has crossed the 10 million mark. Speaking to ANI Prashant Kumar said, "It's the first Amrit Snan of Maha Kumbh 2025, for now four Akharas have taken a holy dip and the third lot Juna, Awahan and Agani Akharas and they will be taking holy dip shortly. By 7 AM 98 lakhs 20 thousand people have taken bath and by now the numbers might have crossed one crore mark." Maha Kumbh is one of the largest and most significant religious congregation in the world, held every 12 years at one of four locations in India. The Maha Kumbh-2025, which is Poorna Kumbh will take place till February 26, 2025. Key 'snan' dates include January 14 (Makar Sankranti - First Shahi Snan), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya - Second Shahi Snan), February 3 (Basant Panchami - Third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri). (ANI)
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday left for Jammu and Kashmir's Akhnoor to celebrate 'Veterans Day' with the Ex-servicemen of the Armed Forces. "Leaving New Delhi for Akhnoor in Jammu and Kashmir. Looking forward to celebrate 'Veterans Day' with the Ex-servicemen of the Armed Forces," Rajnath Singh posted on X. Later in the day, the Defence Minister will be attending the event along with J-K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and other senior military and civil officials. Armed Forces Veterans' Day is celebrated on 14th January every year to recognise the service rendered by the First Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Field Marshal KM Cariappa, who retired on this day in 1953. The day was first celebrated in 2016 and it is commemorated every year since by hosting such interactive events in the honour of the Ex-Servicemen. According to an official release, the event will be held under the aegis of Northern Command to honour the Armed Forces Veterans and Veer Naris. Approximately 1,000 veterans from Jammu, Akhnoor, Pallanwala, Rakhmuthi, Naushera, and Sunderbani are likely to attend the event. The event will also include the hoisting of a 108-foot National Flag and the inauguration of the Akhnoor Heritage Museum. The Jammu and Kashmir Cultural Department will present cultural performances reflecting the region's rich cultural heritage. As a special gesture, mobility equipment like motorised wheelchairs, e-scooters, and autorickshaws will also be distributed to the veterans. The event reflects the Indian Army's respect and unwavering commitment to care for the Veterans and Veer Naris who have served the nation with pride and dedication, added the release. Meanwhile, Pune, is set to host the prestigious Army Day Parade for the first time on 15 January 2025, marking a historic milestone. The Army Day Parade commemorates Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa's appointment as the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army in 1949, symbolizing India's post-independence military leadership. Traditionally held in Delhi, the parade began rotating to different cities in 2023, starting with Bengaluru, followed by Lucknow in 2024. Pune's selection for the 2025 parade highlights the city's historic ties to the Armed Forces and its role as the headquarters of the Indian Army's Southern Command. This year's parade will take place at the Bombay Engineering Group and Centre, featuring marching contingents, mechanized columns, and technological exhibits. Highlights will include demonstrations of cutting-edge defense technologies such as drones and robotics, along with captivating performances like combat demonstrations and martial arts displays. (ANI)
Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday strongly criticized Aam Aadmi Party Chief Arvind Kejriwal and the Delhi government for their reluctance to implement key welfare schemes including Ayushman Bharat Yojana in the national capital. Addressing a press conference, BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj highlighted the Delhi government's refusal to sign an MoU with the Centre for the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, which would have brought significant healthcare infrastructure improvements to Delhi. "Ayushman Bharat is the world's largest welfare scheme in the health sector. On September 24, 2024, the Delhi High Court issued an order directing the Kejriwal government to sign an MoU with the Centre by January 5. This was crucial because, since 2023, the Centre has been waiting with approximately Rs 2,400 crore, urging the Delhi government to accept the funds and implement the Ayushman Bharat Yojana in Delhi. Under this scheme, 1,139 Urban Health and Wellness Centres, 11 District Public Health Labs, Nine Critical Care Blocks, and an additional 950 hospital beds could be established for Delhi residents," she said. "When the court inquired yesterday about the progress, the Health Department's lawyer stated that the MoU was ready, but the Delhi government was unwilling to sign it. It is surprising that AAP has filed a Special Leave Petition (SLP) in the Supreme Court against this order," Swaraj added. BJP MP Ramesh Bidhuri said that Delhi CM Atishi and AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal should reconsider the Ayushman Yojana. "Earlier, AAP did not implement the Pradhanmantri Awas Yojana in Delhi, which could have provided permanent homes to lakhs of people. 53,000 flats were built for people living in slums, with a 50 percent contribution from the Centre and 50 percent from the Delhi government. Continuously, the Centre wrote letters to Kejriwal, suggesting that flats be allocated to people whose slums were demolished by the PWD, but these flats were left abandoned while Kejriwal stubbornly refused to act. Not a single slum dweller was rehabilitated in these flats," Bidhuri said. "The Centre had allocated Rs 1,000 crore for farmers, but Kejriwal also refused to accept this money," he added. Recently, the Delhi High Court issued a notice to the Delhi Government on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by all seven BJP MPs from Delhi. The petition sought directions for the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) in the National Capital Territory of Delhi. However, in its response, the Delhi Government opposed the implementation of Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, arguing that the Delhi Arogya Kosh (DAK) scheme, already in place, is a "far more robust program." The Delhi government reply stated that the AB-PMJAY scheme would benefit only about 12 per cent to 15 per cent of the city's population, making its impact limited., and in contrast, the DAK scheme offered by the Delhi Government has a "broader and more far-reaching effect." (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday launched 'Mission Mausam' initiated by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on its 150th foundation day. He said that IMD was a symbol of India's scientific journey since it has served crores of Indians for 150 years. PM Modi announced that a postage stamp and a special coin have also been released to celebrate the achievements of IMD. "In these 150 years, IMD has not only served crores of Indians but has also become a symbol of India's scientific journey. Today, a postage stamp and a special coin have also been released on these achievements. IMD also organised the National Meteorological Olympiad to connect the youth with the journey of 150 years and thousands of students participated in it. This will further increase their interest in meteorology," PM Modi said while addressing the gathering at the IMD event. He further added that India underwent a journey of advanced science and technology as IMD celebrates its 150 years of foundation. "These 150 years have not only been the journey of the country's Weather Department but the journey of the advanced science and technology in our country," PM Modi said, adding that research and innovation in scientific institutions was part of the temperament of new India. He further said that the number of modern infrastructures like Doppler weather radar, automatic weather stations, runway weather monitoring systems and district-wise rainfall monitoring stations has increased manifold "The progress of scientific institutions of any country shows its awareness towards science. Research and innovation in scientific institutions is a part of the temperament of the new India. In the last 10 years, there has been an unprecedented expansion of the infrastructure and technology of IMD. The number of modern infrastructures like Doppler weather radar, automatic weather stations, runway weather monitoring systems and district-wise rainfall monitoring stations has increased manifold. These have also been upgraded. Meteorology is also getting full benefit of India's space technology and digital technology. Today the country has 2 meteorological observatories named Maitri and Bharati in Antarctica. We have also launched Mission Mausam to make India a climate-smart nation. Mission Mausam is also a symbol of India's commitment towards a sustainable future and future readiness." PM Modi said. On the occasion of Makar Sakranti, PM Modi expressed delight saying that IMD was founded on the same day as the occasion that remains his favourite festival. "In 1975, IMD was founded on 15th January on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. We all know the importance of Makar Sankranti in India. I am from Gujarat and my favourite festival was Makar Sankranti. Today, the people of Gujarat go to their terraces and fly kites. Whenever I used to be in Gujarat, I did the same. Today, the Sun enters Capricorn and slowly moves towards the North, this process is called 'Uttarayan'" he added. PM Modi also released a commemorative coin and vision document 'Vision 2047' on the 150th foundation day of IMD. He was accompanied by Union Minister Jitendra Singh who applauded the efforts made by IMD, saying that there has been a 50 per cent rise in the accuracy of weather forecasts since the last decade. He said that before PM Modi came to power there were only a handful of radar networks, but the number has been doubled now to 39. (ANI)
The number of devotees who reached Sannidhanam (the main temple in Sabarimala) on Tuesday to offer prayers to Lord Ayyappa at the hill shrine of Sabarimala on the occasion of Makaravilakku reached 27,949 by 9 AM, the Kerala Public Relations Department informed. The temple's reception of the procession carrying the 'Thiruvabharnam (sacred jewels of Lord Ayappa)' is the most important event in the hill shrine on the day of Makaravilakku. The sacred jewels arrive in three separate boxes. This year, the 'Thiruvabharanam' started its journey from Pandalam on January 12, in accordance with the tradition that the sacred jewels leave for Sabarimala two days before Makaravilakku. The auspicious procession stops at various temples before finally reaching Sannidhanam during the evening hours on the day of Makaravilakku. The procession leaves the Valiya Koyikkal Temple in Pandalam after the darshan of devotees and various ceremonies on Day 1. After reaching various temples, it rests at the Ayiroor Puthiyakavu temple. On the day of 'Makaravilakku', the procession leaves Laha and reaches Sabaripeetha via Pandithavalam, Cherianavattom, Neelimala, and Apachimedu. It is then received at the Sannidhanam via Saramkuthi. The priests at Sabarimala then adorn the deity with the sacred jewels brought in by the procession. The ritual is followed by an 'aarti'. A record 39,02,610 Ayyappa devotees visited the shrine from November 15, when the pilgrimage began, to January 5. Last year, 35,12,691 devotees visited during the same period. From December 30, when the Makaravilaku season began, until Monday, 6,22,849 people visited the shrine, as reported by the state police media centre. Earlier, the Government of Kerala (GoK) approved a comprehensive layout plan for the Sabarimala pilgrimage site, encompassing Pampa and the trek route, announced Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday. The Kerala Chief Minister said that with an estimated cost of Rs 778.17 crore, the blueprint for the project aims to enhance safety, streamline pilgrim movement, and elevate Sabarimala as a global heritage hub. As part of the preparations to prevent overcrowding of devotees during the Makaravilaku festival at the Sabarimala temple, it was decided to limit the spot booking facility at Sannidhanam to 5,000 persons per day from January 8-15. The decision was taken under the Kerala High Court's direction for efficient crowd management during festival seasons at the Sabarimala temple. (ANI)
The people of Gujarat on Tuesday celebrated the festival of Makar Sankranti, also known as Uttarayan, with fervour. Kite flying is an integral part of this festival, and people across the state throng to their rooftops to have a glimpse of the colourful skyline or to immerse themselves in kite flying. In his message to the state the CM Bhupendra Patel said, "Salutations to Lord Suryanarayan and warm wishes to all of you on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. May this auspicious festival of nature worship bring prosperity, progress and happiness to everyone's lives, may our state and country attain new heights of development, and may the spirit of brotherhood in society become stronger." Meanwhile, 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. 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. 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. Makar Sankranti is being celebrated across the country with great enthusiasm on Tuesday. The festival marks the Sun's transition from Sagittarius to Capricorn, heralding the beginning of Uttarayan. On this occasion, bathing in holy rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna during Makar Sankranti is believed to cleanse sins and bestow spiritual merit. The day is also dedicated to acts of charity and devotion. Traditional dishes such as sesame-jaggery laddus, khichdi, and other festive treats grace the occasion. Kite flying, symbolising vibrant energy, and cheer, is a cherished tradition on this day. The festival is known by various names in different parts of the country such as Pongal, Bihu, and Maghi. (ANI)
Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday paid tribute to the Army personnel on the occasion of Veterans Day in Nagpur, Maharashtra and highlighted the sacrifices made by the country's armed forces and emphasizing that their bravery in the face of enemies, terrorism, and natural calamities ensures the safety and security of the nation. "Our soldiers have made sacrifices for the country, today we are safe because of them. Be it a fight with enemies, terrorism or any natural calamity, our brave soldiers always help our society and keep our lives safe. Some people make sacrifices for the country and some retire, today is the 9th Veterans Day to remember all those people. Today I salute all our soldiers," Gadkari said. Armed Forces Veterans' Day is celebrated on 14th January every year to recognise the service rendered by the First Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Field Marshal KM Cariappa, who retired on this day in 1953. The day was first celebrated in 2016 and it is commemorated every year since by hosting such interactive events in honour of the Ex-Servicemen. Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday left for Jammu and Kashmir's Akhnoor to celebrate 'Veterans Day' with the Ex-servicemen of the Armed Forces. "Leaving New Delhi for Akhnoor in Jammu and Kashmir. Looking forward to celebrate 'Veterans Day' with the Ex-servicemen of the Armed Forces," Rajnath Singh posted on X. Later in the day, the Defence Minister will be attending the event along with J-K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and other senior military and civil officials. According to an official release, the event will be held under the aegis of Northern Command to honour the Armed Forces Veterans and Veer Naris. Approximately 1,000 veterans from Jammu, Akhnoor, Pallanwala, Rakhmuthi, Naushera, and Sunderbani are likely to attend the event. The event will also include the hoisting of a 108-foot National Flag and the inauguration of the Akhnoor Heritage Museum. The Jammu and Kashmir Cultural Department will present cultural performances reflecting the region's rich cultural heritage. As a special gesture, mobility equipment like motorised wheelchairs, e-scooters, and autorickshaws will also be distributed to the veterans. The event reflects the Indian Army's respect and unwavering commitment to care for the Veterans and Veer Naris who have served the nation with pride and dedication, added the release. (ANI)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday celebrated Makar Sankranti with residents of Shantiniketan Society in the Memnagar area of Ahmedabad in Gujarat. The society was beautifully decorated with colourful kites and rangoli. Union Home Minister along with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel received a warm welcome from women, children, members of the society and the locals while traditional 'dhol nagara' and cultural dances further enriched the celebration. Shah also enjoyed flying kites from the rooftop. Further, the Home Minister and CM Bhupendra Patel wished everyone a joyful Makar Sankranti. "'Makar Sankranti' is a festival of unwavering faith in Indian culture and tradition. Heartiest greetings to the countrymen on this holy festival of energy, enthusiasm and progress," Shah said on X. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his warm greetings to the people on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. "Many best wishes to all countrymen on Makar Sankranti. May this holy festival dedicated to the Uttarayan Sun bring new energy and enthusiasm into your life," PM Modi said on X. Makar Sankranti is being celebrated across the country with great enthusiasm on Tuesday. The festival marks the Sun's transition from Sagittarius to Capricorn, heralding the beginning of Uttarayan. On this occasion, bathing in holy rivers like the Ganga and Yamuna during Makar Sankranti is believed to cleanse sins and bestow spiritual merit. The day is also dedicated to acts of charity and devotion. Traditional dishes such as sesame-jaggery laddus, khichdi, and other festive treats grace the occasion. Kite flying, symbolising vibrant energy, and cheer, is a cherished tradition on this day. The festival is known by various names in different parts of the country such as Pongal, Bihu, and Maghi. In Prayagraj, the first Amrit Snan of Maha Kumbh 2025 on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti began on Tuesday as Sadhus from Sadhus of Mahanirvani Panchayati Akhada took a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam. Around twenty million devotees have taken a holy dip in the Sangam so far during the first 'Amrit Snan' of Maha Kumbh 2025 on Tuesday, Amrit Abhijat, Uttar Pradesh principal secretary, urban development told ANI. (ANI)
Jagadguru Swami Rambhadracharya arrived at Triveni Sangam -- a sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and 'mystical' Saraswati river, for Amrit Snan on Maha Kumbh 2025. Amid chants of 'Har Har Mahadev', 'Jai Shri Ram', and 'Jai Ganga Maiyya', Rambhadracharya is accompanied by hundreds of thousands of devotees and his disciples. A Himalayan Yogi from Juna Akhara praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and offered on behalf of Juna Akhara for the grand celebration. "Today it is the first royal bath and it feels like a crowd across the globe has descended on this land. It seems that a revolution has arisen in the whole world. Therefore, I offer a lot of gratitude to Modi and Yogi ji on behalf of Juna Akhara for offering such a beautiful opportunity where people across the world will be coming to take the holy dip," he said A Naga sadhu, performing difficult Yog Mudra said that he has come to meet Maa Ganga after 12 years and to seek blessings, "I came here from Gujarat. My ashram is on the banks of the Narmada. After twelve years I am coming here to meet my mother (Maa Ganga) and for our Sanatan Dharma. I will be getting so much blessing from my mother. " Detailing about the Yoga asanas he was performing he said, "The asanas were performed by lord Dhruv, a young devotee of Vishnu at the age of five on the banks of river Godavari to get rid of the curse of his mother." Flower petals are being showered on devotees taking part in Amrti Snan on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. Meanwhile, around twenty million devotees have taken a holy dip in the Sangam so far during the first 'Amrit Snan' of Maha Kumbh 2025 on Tuesday, Amrit Abhijat, Uttar Pradesh principal secretary, urban development told ANI. "So far, about 2 crore people have taken a dip. By evening, more than 2.50 crore people will have taken a dip in Sangam," Abhijat told ANI. Uttar Pradesh DGP Prashant Kumar told ANI that the police are continuously monitoring the situation. "Since Sadhus from several Akharas take a holy dip today, it is called Amrit Snan. The 8th Akhara is taking a holy dip right now. Our officers and jawans are on duty to ensure everything is under control. Around 12 PM, 1.60 crore people have taken a holy dip," Prashant Kumar said. "We are continuously monitoring the situation. Police response vehicles and Ambulances were present at the spot. Through thermal images, we were able to control the crowd during night. Devotees are peacefully taking a holy dip at several places in the state on the occasion of Makar Sankranti," he added. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday extended heartfelt congratulations to all the devotees who participated in the first 'Amrit Snan'. (ANI)
On the complaint related to disarray in providing proper treatment to the injured in the bus accident in Pauri Hospital, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami held a meeting with senior officials at the camp office on Tuesday. Along with summoning a report on the matter from the District Magistrate of Pauri, CM Dhami has also given instructions to provide all basic facilities in the hospital immediately. The Chief Minister has directed to immediately provide an additional Rs three lakh from the Chief Minister's Discretionary Fund to the family of the deceased in the bus accident and Rs one lakh each to the seriously injured. The Uttarakhand CM has also summoned a report from the District Magistrate of Pauri in this matter, as well as said that while taking action against negligent officers and employees, all kinds of facilities should be provided in the hospital for emergencies. CM Pushkar Dhami said that now a network of health services is available in Uttarakhand far and wide. "In such a situation, there should be no shortage in the treatment of seriously ill or injured people in hospitals. For this, along with basic facilities, availability of necessary medicines and medical staff should be ensured at all times in hospitals across the state," he said. The Chief Minister also directed to investigate the causes of the bus accident and take action if negligence is found on the part of the officials of the Transport Department. On Sunday, as many as five people lost their lives in Uttarakhand's Pauri Gharwal district bus accident when the vehicle lost control near the Dahalchori area and crashed into a 100-meter-deep ditch. Pauri Garhwal District Magistrate Ashish Chauhan informed that five people lost their lives and more than 10 people were injured in the mishap. The bus was going from Pauri to Dahalchori when it lost control and crashed into a 100-meter-deep ditch. There were a total of 22 people on the bus, according to SDRF Commander Arpan Yaduvanshi. (ANI)
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said that Jammu and Kashmir is incomplete without Pakistan Occupied Kashmir and warned the neighbouring country against terrorist training camps there. "Jammu and Kashmir is incomplete without PoK. PoK is nothing more than a foreign territory for Pakistan... PoK's land is being used to run the business of terrorism. Terrorist training camps are being run in PoK... Pakistan will have to destroy them otherwise," Rajnath Singh said while speaking at the 9th Armed Forces Veterans' Day event here. He said that Lal Bahadur Shastri government at the Centre could have ended cross-border terrorism by converting the tactical advantage gained in the war into a strategic advantage. "The war between India and Pakistan was fought in Akhnoor in 1965. India succeeded in thwarting the efforts of the Pakistani army. .Pakistan has been promoting illegal infiltration and terrorism since 1965. ..Cross-border terrorism would have ended in 1965 itself, but the then central government was unable to convert the tactical advantage gained in the war into a strategic advantage," he said. The Defence Minister added that "Our Muslim brothers have sacrificed their lives fighting against terrorism." He pointed out that more than 80 per cent of terrorists entering India are from Pakistan. He said that one of the top priorities of the Centre is to bridge the "whatever gap exists between Kashmir and the rest of the country." "The top priority of our government is to bridge whatever gap exists between Kashmir and the rest of the country. Steps are being taken in this direction by J&K CM Omar Abdullah...The Veterans Day celebrations in Akhnoor prove that Akhnoor has the same place in our hearts as Delhi," he said. Addressing the event, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said veterans are the people who gave everything for the sake of the country. "You are the people who gave everything for the sake of the country... who didn't worry about their future or lives and were ready to sacrifice and did for the protection of the country... It is now our duty to serve you... it is our duty to pay back by ensuring you live comfortably," he said. "We will try our best that the reservation is fully used in recruitment, you get all the financial support needed under the schemes without any obstruction... I have no hesitation in saying that the son of a retired soldier, Satish Sharma is in my Cabinet helping me and both of us are trying our best to serve you," he added. Armed Forces Veterans' Day is celebrated on 14th January every year to recognise the service rendered by the First Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Field Marshal KM Cariappa, who retired on this day in 1953. The day was first celebrated in 2016 and it is commemorated every year since by hosting such interactive events in honour of the Ex-Servicemen. (ANI)
The Uttar Pradesh government is constantly monitoring the Maha Kumbh Mela underway in Prayagraj, said the state's Principal Secretary (Home) Sanjay Prasad, asserting that the administration is ready to deal with any eventuality. "The Uttar Pradesh government is ready to deal with any challenge. Everything is going on very peacefully and people are moving towards their destinations after taking a dip in the Sangam," he said. He pointed out that nearly 16 million devotees from around the world had performed the 'Snan (Holy Dip)' at Triveni Sangam, the sacred confluence of the Ganga, the Yamuna and the Saraswati river, on Day 1 of the mega Hindu pilgrimage, which formally commenced on Monday. "We have set up a control room and we are monitoring the situation... Maha Kumbh 2025 is the world's biggest event from the social, religious and spiritual point of view. Yesterday, 1 crore 62 lakh devotees took a dip in the Sangam in Prayagraj," the senior official said. "The Uttar Pradesh government is ready to deal with any challenge. Everything is going on very peacefully and people are moving towards their destinations after taking a dip in the Sangam," Sanjay Prasad said. "We have made proper arrangements for the people living in Prayagraj. More than 60,000 security personnel have been deployed to ensure the safety of the people. The entire area is being navigated through Google, UPI-enabled payment system has been put in place, AI-enabled tools are being used... We have also made arrangements to deal with any emergency situation... All the officers are well trained," he added. Around twenty million devotees have taken a holy dip in the Sangam so far during the first 'Amrit Snan' of Maha Kumbh 2025 on Tuesday, senior state official Amrit Abhijat told ANI. "So far, about 2 crore people have taken a dip. By evening, more than 2.50 crore people will have taken a dip in Sangam," Abhijat told ANI. Uttar Pradesh DGP Prashant Kumar told ANI that the police are continuously monitoring the situation. "Since Sadhus from several Akharas take a holy dip today, it is called Amrit Snan. The 8th Akhara is taking a holy dip right now. Our officers and jawans are on duty to ensure everything is under control. Around 12 PM, 1.60 crore people have taken a holy dip," Prashant Kumar said. "We are continuously monitoring the situation. Police response vehicles and Ambulances were present at the spot. Through thermal images, we were able to control the crowd during night. Devotees are peacefully taking a holy dip at several places in the state on the occasion of Makar Sankranti," he added. Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday extended heartfelt congratulations to all the devotees who participated in the first 'Amrit Snan'. (ANI)
Jammu and Kashmir is incomplete without PoK and it is nothing more than a foreign territory for Pakistan, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said in Jammu on Tuesday. "PoK is being used to operate terrorism. Training camps for terrorists are still operating from PoK and launch pads have been built in the areas adjacent to the border. The Indian government knows everything. Pakistan will have to end them," Rajnath Singh said while addressing veterans during the celebration of the 9th Armed Forces Veterans' Day programme at Tanda Artillery Brigade in Akhnoor. The Defence Minister said that the people living in PoK are being deprived of a dignified life. "Efforts are being made by the rulers of Pakistan to mislead and incite them against India in the name of religion. The venom that the illegal Prime Minister of PoK has recently spewed against India is a part of Pakistan's conspiracy. What PoK's Prime Minister Anwarul Haq is saying today is the same anti-India agenda that the rulers of Pakistan have been running since the time of General Zia-ul-Haq," he said. "PoK is the jewel in the crown of India. In any case, PoK is nothing more than a foreign territory for Pakistan," he added. He hoisted a 108-foot national flag and inaugurated a heritage museum in the Akhnoor. "This year we are celebrating Veterans Day in Akhnoor. This is definitely a big moment for us. The biggest priority of our government has been to bridge the distance between Kashmir and the rest of the country," said Singh. "We have started to end terrorism by ending Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir. Today the situation in J&K has changed to a great extent. J&K is incomplete without PoK," he added. The Defence Minister said that in the 1965 war, Indian forces succeeded in hoisting the tricolour on Haji Pir but it was left on the negotiating table. "If this had not happened, the infiltration routes of terrorists would have been closed at that time itself," he added. "Despite this, Pakistan has not given up terrorism to date. Even today, more than eighty per cent of terrorists come to India from Pakistan. The terrorism going on across the border would have ended in 1965 itself if the then government had not turned the many strategic advantages gained on the battlefield into strategic disadvantages on the negotiating table," he said. (ANI)
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced to provide assistance of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the deceased in the Pauri bus accident, the Chief Minister's Office said. The CMO said, "Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami has given instructions to immediately provide assistance of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the deceased and Rs 1 lakh each to the seriously injured in the Pauri bus accident." On the complaint related to disarray in providing proper treatment to the injured in the bus accident in Pauri Hospital, CM Dhami held a meeting with senior officials at the camp office on Tuesday. Along with summoning a report on the matter from the District Magistrate of Pauri, CM Dhami has also given instructions to provide all basic facilities in the hospital immediately. The Uttarakhand CM has also summoned a report from the District Magistrate of Pauri in this matter, as well as said that while taking action against negligent officers and employees, all kinds of facilities should be provided in the hospital for emergencies. CM Pushkar Dhami said that now a network of health services is available in Uttarakhand far and wide. "In such a situation, there should be no shortage in the treatment of seriously ill or injured people in hospitals. For this, along with basic facilities, availability of necessary medicines and medical staff should be ensured at all times in hospitals across the state," he said. The Chief Minister also directed to investigate the causes of the bus accident and take action if negligence is found on the part of the officials of the Transport Department. On Sunday, as many as five people lost their lives in Uttarakhand's Pauri Gharwal district bus accident when the vehicle lost control near the Dahalchori area and crashed into a 100-meter-deep ditch. Pauri Garhwal District Magistrate Ashish Chauhan informed that five people lost their lives and more than 10 people were injured in the mishap. The bus was going from Pauri to Dahalchori when it lost control and crashed into a 100-meter-deep ditch. There were a total of 22 people on the bus, according to SDRF Commander Arpan Yaduvanshi. (ANI)
Aam Aadmi Party on Tuesday launched a Bhojpuri election campaign song to woo Purvanchali voters for the upcoming Delhi Assembly election, scheduled to be held on February 5, 2025. Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh, in a press conference, launched the Bhojpuri song and said, "For election campaigning in the upcoming Delhi election, we are launching this Bhojpuri song. Bhojpuri music is engraved in the hearts of our UP, Bihar, and Jharkhand brothers, the song is in that language. I also believe that people who know Hindi can understand this." Notably, Purvanchali voters are one of the major chunks in Delhi's electorate and are a key target for all major parties. The song is titled as "Babua phir se CM hoyihe" and starts with the wordings -- "Delhi ke badal dihe surat, suhawan, khubsurat ho, a rajaji phir se Kejriwal ke jarurat aile," hich roughly translates into Delhi needs CM like AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal. Interestingly, the song beats and treatment match with the famous song of BJP MP Manoj Tiwari - - "Hind ka sitara" -- rendered in the famous web series - Panchayat - 3. Earlier, BJP MP from North East Delhi, Manoj Tiwari said that there are 42% of voters from UP, Bihar in Delhi and the people will take "revenge" on the polling day. "You (Arvind Kejriwal) target the people of 'Purvanchal'. You live in a 'Sheesh Mahal'. You don't feel troubled in saying that UP, Bihar people are fake voters. There are 42% voters. These people will take revenge on 5th February," Tiwari said. This is the second election campaign song of AAP after 'Fir Layenge Kejriwal'. This comes after AAP Chief Kejriwal faced backlash from the BJP over his allegations of the opposition registering 'fake voters' from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar for the Delhi Assembly elections. Kejriwal had alleged a significant surge in voter registrations and deletions on the seat while alleging a "voter fraud" taking place at a large scale. Kejriwal claimed that these fake voters are from UP and Bihar. "Where did all these people come from in just 15 days? These people are coming from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar to get fake votes registered," Kejriwal said. Launching a scathing attack on AAP chief, Tiwari slammed Aam Aadmi Party and its chief Arvind Kejriwal, in a press conference last week, and said that they "have a history of disrespecting the people from UP, Bihar, Jharkhand." He questioned the AAP leader on calling these voters 'fake' and reiterated that Kejriwal's promises are fake. "Arvind Kejriwal and AAP have a history of disrespecting the people from UP, Bihar, Jharkhand. How did you (Arvind Kejriwal) dare to call people from UP, Bihar, and Jharkhand as fake? The promises of Arvind Kejriwal and AAP are fake. UP, Bihar, Jharkhand people come here and work hard to get a place. They earn a little buy a plot, and make a house. AAP has given too much trouble to them," Tiwari said. Delhi BJP President Virendraa Sachdeva also targeted Arvind Kejriwal over his remark and said, "Kejriwal has been continuously insulting the people of Purvanchal. He is filled with hatred towards the people of UP and Bihar." 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)
Larsen & Toubro (L&T) on Monday launched the second multi-purpose vessel (MPV) for the Indian Navy from its Kattupalli Shipyard near Chennai. The vessel, christened INS Utkarsh, was launched by Sushmita Misra Singh, the wife of Union Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh. Singh, Vice Admiral B Sivakumar (Controller of Warship Production & Acquisition), Rear Admiral Vishal Bishnoi (Assistant Controller of Warship Production & Acquisition) and senior leaders of L&T were present. Following an accelerated production schedule, the launch of INS Utkarsh comes within three months of the launch of the first MPV INS Samarthak. The first vessel is now being readied for undergoing tests and trials prior to its delivery to the Indian Navy, a press release said. The MPVs are highly specialised, and play multiple roles, including serving as trial platforms, for the development of next-generation weapons and sensors. They will perform maritime surveillance, humanitarian assistance, and combat sea pollution, besides taking up launch and recovery of surface and aerial assets, etc, it added. The MPVs are 107m long, and 18.6m wide with a displacement over 3,750 tonnes. In keeping with the Government of India's Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission and Make in India initiative, the design engineering of the MPVs has been undertaken at L&T's in-house Warship Design Centre at Chennai and the construction is accomplished at L&T's Katupalli Shipyard. Commenting on the occasion, AT Ramchandani, Senior Vice President & Head - L&T Precision Engineering & Systems, said, "The successful launch of the second MPV ahead of schedule underscores L&T's unwavering commitment to bolster India's national security. With our unmatched in-house design expertise and execution prowess, we are committed to providing cutting-edge defence platforms to support the Indian Navy's fleet expansion needs. L&T's Kattupalli Shipyard is one of the most advanced shipbuilding and ship repair facilities in India and is equipped with ship-lift, dry and wet berths to concurrently undertake new shipbuilding and repairs. Besides the two MPVs, L&T is also constructing three Cadet Training Ships and six other defence vessels for the Indian Navy on a public-private partnership model. This apart, the repair of the Indian naval ship INS Tir is also currently underway at the Kattupalli Shipyard. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed gratitude to veterans on the occasion of Armed Forces Veterans Day and said that they are heroes and enduring symbols of patriotism. PM Modi also said that Veterans' sacrifice, courage and unwavering commitment to duty are exemplary. "On Armed Forces Veterans Day, we express gratitude to the brave women and men who dedicated their lives to safeguarding our nation. Their sacrifices, courage and unwavering commitment to duty are exemplary. Our Veterans are heroes and enduring symbols of patriotism," PM Modi wrote on X. He reaffirmed that the NDA-led government will continue to work for the welfare of veterans. "Ours is a Government that has always worked for the welfare of veterans and we will keep doing so in the times to come," PM Modi wrote. Earlier in the day, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the 9th Armed Veterans' Day event in Akhnoor Jammu and Kashmir, where he hoisted a 108-foot national flag and inaugurated a heritage museum. Speaking at the event, Rajnath Singh said that Jammu and Kashmir is incomplete without Pakistan Occupied Kashmir and warned the neighbouring country against terrorist training camps there. "Jammu and Kashmir is incomplete without PoK. PoK is nothing more than a foreign territory for Pakistan... PoK's land is being used to run the business of terrorism. Terrorist training camps are being run in PoK... Pakistan will have to destroy them otherwise," Rajnath Singh said while speaking at the 9th Armed Forces Veterans' Day event here. Addressing the event, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said veterans are the people who gave everything for the sake of the country. "You are the people who gave everything for the sake of the country... who didn't worry about their future or lives and were ready to sacrifice and did for the protection of the country... It is now our duty to serve you... it is our duty to pay back by ensuring you live comfortably," he said. Armed Forces Veterans' Day is celebrated on 14th January every year to recognise the service rendered by the First Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Field Marshal KM Cariappa, who retired on this day in 1953. The day was first celebrated in 2016 and it is commemorated every year since by hosting such interactive events in honour of the Ex-Servicemen. (ANI)
According to a statement from PRO BSF Meghalaya, on January 12, acting on specific intelligence, the vigilant troops of the 4 Battalion, BSF Meghalaya, successfully apprehended four Bangladeshi nationals and three Indian nationals working as touts near the international border in the East Khasi Hills (EKH) District.

"The four Bangladeshi nationals were attempting to cross into India illegally when they were intercepted by the BSF troops. During preliminary questioning, it was revealed that the individuals were planning to settle in India and had sought the assistance of the three Indian nationals to facilitate their illegal movement within the country," the PRO added.

All the apprehended individuals were handed over to the police station in Dawki for further legal action, he further said.

The BSF remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding India's borders and continues to combat cross-border illegal activities, including infiltration and smuggling, the PRO added, (ANI)
Chinese FM's Africa visit enhances all-weather friendship: spokesperson

Xinhua) 09:30, January 14, 2025

BEIJING, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's Africa visit was a complete success, strengthening the China-Africa all-weather friendship and demonstrating the firm resolve of China and Africa to jointly respond to the rapid changes in today's world, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Monday.

Wang's recent trip took him to four African countries, namely Namibia, the Republic of the Congo, Chad and Nigeria. The visit continued the 35-year-long tradition of a Chinese foreign minister visiting Africa on the first overseas trip at the start of a year.

At a regular press conference, spokesperson Guo Jiakun provided more details on the visit.

"The visit was a complete success," Guo said, adding that a series of new consensuses and results were achieved on implementing the six proposals and 10 partnership actions proposed by the Chinese president at the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

Guo said that the global situation is ever-changing, but the original commitment of China and Africa to treat each other as equals and support each other is as firm as the rock.

African leaders who met with Foreign Minister Wang reaffirmed commitment to the one-China principle. They expressed sympathies over the earthquake in China's Xizang, he said.

The visit has achieved tangible outcomes, promoted cooperation between China and Africa across various fields, and fostered broad consensus in areas such as inter-civilization exchanges, green development and agricultural cooperation.

The visit also contributed to China-Africa all-round coordination and stronger joint efforts to redress the historical injustices to Africa, promote solidarity and prosperity of the Global South and build a just and equitable global governance system.

"China and Africa are on the forefront in building a community with a shared future for mankind and will become a shining example of this endeavor," Guo said.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
The Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the world's largest gatherings, witnessed a massive turnout on the occasion of Makar Sankranti on Tuesday, with millions of devotees taking a holy dip in the sacred waters of the Ganges at the Sangam. As many as 25 million devotees have taken a holy dip in the Sangam by 3 pm today in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj. The festival, which marks the beginning of the sun's journey towards the northern hemisphere, saw people from every state and every caste of India, as well as foreign nationals from many countries, come together to celebrate the sacred event. The festival has been organised under the leadership of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and has seen a massive turnout of devotees from all over India and abroad. "My name is Dhiraj and I am from Scotland. My experience here is very good so far. I arrived yesterday. I did the first 'snan.'. I've been before, though. I've been to Kumbh Mela before but never seen anything on such a big scale... I saw the Nagas and the processions going to 'Shahi Snan... it was very, very interesting. I've never seen anything like it in my whole life," a devotee said. CM Adityanath extended heartfelt congratulations to all the devotees who participated in the first 'Amrit Snan.'. Advisor to UP CM Yogi Adityanath, Awanish Kumar Awasthi said, "Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the arrangements of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the 2019 Kumbh was very good, with more than 25 crore people visiting. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is monitoring the Maha Kumbh every hour... We believe that this time more than 50 crore people will come to the Maha Kumbh." "I was thinking about what I did in my previous birth, so that I got this opportunity in this birth to take a dip in the holy rivers. God picked me up from America, from California, in this birth and brought me here to India, brought me to the Himalayas, brought me to the banks of the Ganges and then gave me the opportunity to bathe in the Mahakumbh," another devotee who took holy dip in the Sangam said. The Maha Kumbh 2025 commenced on January 13, 2025, the auspicious day of Paush Purnima, with unparalleled grandeur, marking the start of a 45-day-long spiritual and cultural celebration in Prayagraj. (ANI)
The rescue operation was undertaken on Monday.

https://x.com/IAF_MCC/status/1879094874797986007

Taking to X, IAF said, "In a daring mission, on 13 Jan 25 an #IAF helicopter rescued two critically injured #AndamanPolice personnel from remote volcanic Narcondum Island."

"With no landing zone, pilots executed a precise low hover--half over rocks exposed by low tide, half over the sea. Timely action and expert skills saved lives," the IAF added, accompanied by a video. (ANI)
Delhi Police have cracked down on a series of hoax bomb threats sent to over 400 schools across the national capital, arresting a juvenile responsible for the menacing emails, officials said. The accused, a public school student, was identified and apprehended after a thorough technical investigation by the Cyber Cell of the South District police. This successful detection brings relief to educational institutions, students, and parents across the city, who were repeatedly distressed by the disruptive and alarming emails received over the past year. The police recovered a laptop and two mobile phones from the accused, which were subjected to forensic analysis. The digital evidence revealed the accused's involvement in sending threatening emails to numerous schools in Delhi. The accused used anonymous and encrypted email services to conceal his identity but was eventually caught through advanced technical methods, according to the police. Upon further analysis of the recovered digital devices and the confession of the accused, it was established that so far, he was involved in several previous instances of similar threatening emails sent to more than 400 schools in Delhi, police said. The accused used multiple anonymous and encrypted email service providers, and advanced tools to conceal his identity. However, advanced *technical methods helped in uncovering his digital trail. On 8th January 2025, around 23 schools in Delhi received threatening emails warning of bombs planted on their premises, causing widespread panic, school closures, and disruption of academic activities. Taking immediate cognizance of the matter, Delhi Police registered an FIR. In the recent past, several emails have been received in a lot of schools in the national capital. The said bomb threat emails were received on email IDs of various schools inthe morning time, which created a widespread alarm and disruptions many times among schoolgoers, teachers, parents and the general public. Delhi Police used advanced digital forensics and cyber-tracking techniques to identify and apprehend the teenager who was operating under the guise of anonymity, police said. Since in most of the threat emails, the several schools of South Delhi were affected, the PS Cyber, South District, launched a comprehensive technical analysis of the email sources. Advanced cyber forensic techniques were employed to trace the origin of the threat emails. Through sustained efforts, Investigators successfully identified the accused using digital footprints and email tracking mechanisms. The accused was traced to his residence, where a search operation was conducted. Special Commissioner of Police Madhup Tiwari informed that the juvenile's father is associated with an NGO which has been a supporter of a political party. He informed that the police are investigating the role of this NGO behind the bomb threats. "This child's father was associated with an NGO and this NGO has been a supporter of a political party. An initial investigation of the NGO has been started. This NGO has been a supporter of different political parties. We are investigating the role of the NGO in this. Was this whole matter politically motivated? We are investigating whether any political party is behind this act of this child.. who is trying to spoil the atmosphere of Delhi through the NGO. This NGO was also vocal against the hanging of Afzal Guru. Because many times when the mail was sent, there were no exams at that time. So just getting the exams cancelled cannot be the motive.. hence there is suspicion about a larger conspiracy," Tiwari said. As per the police, the NGO opposed the hanging of Afzal Guru, a convicted terrorist involved in the 2001 Parliament attack. The accused is a juvenile studying in a public school. Due to his age, his identity is being withheld in accordance with the provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. As the accused is a juvenile, the case will be handled as per the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. (ANI)
Bihar Minister Santosh Kumar Singh claimed that he received a threatening call from notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. The caller, who identified himself as Bishnoi, demanded Rs 30 lakh and warned Singh of a similar fate as NCP leader Baba Siddique, who was brutally murdered in Mumbai on October 12. Singh said that he would file an FIR. "... I received a call some time ago and the caller identified himself as Lawrence Bishnoi and he asked for Rs 30 lakh, I denied and cut the call... He called again reminding me of Baba Siddiqui and asked for the money threatening to kill me the same way, but I cut the call... He called again and again and told me how he knew everything about me and I asked how to send the money... He then sent a scanner for the transaction...," he told ANI on Tuesday. The minister, however, refused to give in to the demands and instead informed the Director General of Police (DGP), who is currently investigating the matter. "I informed DGP. He is conducting an investigation. I will file a first information report... I have no cases on me now and no political enemies... Let the report come, this Rs 30 lakh will cost him a lot...," Singh added. NCP leader Baba Siddique was shot dead by three assailants near his son, MLA Zeeshan Siddique's, office in Mumbai's Nirmal Nagar on October 12. Police have also arrested Salman Vohra and Akashdeep Singh in connection with the murder. Vohra has been accused of financing the murder. According to the information received from a senior officer of the Mumbai Crime Branch, the investigation of the Mumbai Crime Branch has revealed that after the murder of Baba Siddiqui, a big leader of Pune was also on the radar of the Bishnoi gang. (ANI)
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav offered prayers at Van Devi Mandir and Kamtanath temple located at Chitrakoot in Satna district on Tuesday and sought blessings for the welfare of everyone. CM Yadav also inspected the under-construction work of Ram Van Path in Chitrakoot and planted a sapling on the premises of a newly built Ram Van Sanskriti Bhawan. "Today I worshipped at the Kamtanath temple situated on the Kamadgiri mountain in Chitrakoot and prayed for the welfare of everyone. It is a special place for Sadhna and Tapasya; where Lord Rama spent more than 11 years during his exile. I pray that the blessings of Lord Ram always shower on the people of the state, may everyone's life be filled with happiness, prosperity and peace," CM said in a post on X. Besides, speaking to reporters, the Chief Minister highlighted that he visited here for the development work of Chitrakoot Dham, held a meeting with public representatives and discussed plans for the development of Ram Van Path. "Today, I came to Satna for the developmental work of Chitrakoot Dham. We held a meeting with the various public representatives regarding the development of Chitrakoot Dham and a plan for various types of proposed works was also presented in the meeting. We received various suggestions about maintaining the ancient glory of Chitrakoot. By combining all the suggestions and proposed plans, we are moving forward in the direction of maintaining the glory of Chitrakoot by connecting the historical period of Lord Ram in Dham," the CM said. He further said that the Chitrakoot Dham would be developed as an Ayodhya Temple. Speaking about Mahakumbh, he said, "We will pray to God that may this Mahakumbh achieve its purpose. In Sanatan Dharma, a festive ritual is held every 12 years at different places and it also has different significance from our religious point of view. I pray that this Kumbh will be fruitful for everyone. UP CM Yogi Adityanath has made good arrangements and the results are visible." (ANI)
"The individual was found in possession of ivory/elephant tusks, which were intended to be smuggled into Bangladesh," BSF PRO said in a statement.

Public Relations Officer (PRO) BSF Meghalaya said in a statement, "On 12th January 2025, acting on specific intelligence, the vigilant troops of the 1st Battalion, BSF Meghalaya, successfully apprehended an Indian national involved in illegal wildlife trade."

"The seized items have been handed over to the District Forest Office, Baghmara, for further legal action and investigation," the PRO added.

The BSF remains committed to strengthening its efforts in curbing wildlife trafficking and cross-border smuggling in the region. The BSF continues to be resolute in its mission to safeguard India's borders and combat illegal activities, including infiltration and smuggling, the PRO added. (ANI)
Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan extended greetings of the harvest festival 'Makar Sankranti' on Tuesday and highlighted it as a symbol of positive energy. The Bihar Governor also conveyed heartfelt best wishes to all those participating in the Maha Kumbh. "Makar Sankranti is a symbol of positive energy. I hope that it has a very good impact on our lives. Best wishes to everyone for Maha Kumbh. We are also going to attend that 3-day program," said Arif Mohammad Khan. Union Minister Chirag Paswan who was also present with the Bihar governor said, "We humbly invited Governor Arif Mohammad Khan for the Dahi Chuda programme. I am grateful to him that he accepted this invitation. I think we all should go (to Maha Kumbh). Now this opportunity will be available only after 144 years. No Indian should miss this opportunity." Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also wished people on Makar Sankranti and said, "Heartiest greetings to all countrymen on Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Uttarayan, Magh Bihu, Khichdi and Paush Sankranti. These festivals are living symbols of our country's rich civilization and festive culture." "These festivals associated with the worship of nature and the expression of our gratitude towards nature bring new energy, hope and inspiration in life. On this day, let us pledge charity, kindness and dedication. I wish that this festival brings happiness, peace and prosperity in the lives of all of you and may everyone stay healthy. Best wishes once again," he posted on X. Earlier in the day, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended heartfelt congratulations to all the devotees who participated in the first 'Amrit Snan'.In a post on X, CM Yogi described this sacred event as a living testament to India's eternal culture and faith. "This is the living form of our eternal culture and faith. Today, on the auspicious occasion of the great festival of folk faith 'Makar Sankranti', congratulations to all the devotees who earned virtue by taking the first 'Amrit Snan' at the Triveni Sangam in Mahakumbh-2025, Prayagraj!" he said. On Tuesday, during the first Amrit Snan of Mahakumbh 2025 on Makar Sankranti, the Uttar Pradesh government by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath organized a grand flower shower from helicopters, draping the lakhs of devotees at the Sangam bank in rose petals. Flowers were showered on all the ghats and Akharas, adding to the sanctity of the occasion. The sight of rose petals raining down overwhelmed the devotees, who responded with heartfelt chants of Jai Shri Ram and Har Har Mahadev. The Horticulture Department, following the directives of the Yogi government, had been meticulously preparing for the flower showers at the Mahakumbh Mela for weeks. Special arrangements were made to procure and store rose petals to ensure an uninterrupted shower during the bathing festivals, said a release. Maha Kumbh is one of the largest and most significant religious congregations in the world, held every 12 years at one of four locations in India. Maha Kumbh-2025, which is Poorna Kumbh commenced on January 13 and will conclude on February 26. This mega event, expected to attract millions of devotees, tourists, and pilgrims from across the world offers a unique opportunity to showcase India's cultural, spiritual heritage and tourism potential. (ANI)
Md Amir alias Sonu of North 24 Pargana district was arrested from Bhatpara on Monday. The accused had a non-bailable warrant issued against him in connection with this case.

Priyangu Pandey and his entourage were attacked near gate No 3 of Anglo Indian Jute Mill staff quarter Bhatpara in West bengal on August 28, 2024. Two people including the driver suffered gunshot injuries

The NIA, which took over the investigation and re-registered the case in October last year, is continuing with its investigation.

Pandey then alleged that people associated with the TMC attacked his car and opened fire, resulting in injuries to two people.

The attack took place amid BJP's call for a 12-hour strike against the police action on the participants of the march to state secretariat Nabbana demanding the resignation of the chief minister Mamata Banerjee over the rape-murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.

The alleged rape-murder incident took place in August 2024 sparking nationwide protests and calls for justice to the victim. (ANI)
Former IAS officer Puja Khedkar has approached the Supreme Court, challenging the Delhi High Court's order that dismissed her anticipatory bail plea. The High Court had refused to grant her bail, stating that a strong prima facie case was made out against her and that an investigation was required to unearth the "larger conspiracy" to manipulate the system The matter is expected to be listed before the Supreme Court tomorrow. The High Court while passing Judgement had made strong observations against Khedkar, stating, "It's a classic example of fraud, not only with a constitutional body but also with society and the nation as a whole." The High Court bench stated that the UPSC is regarded as a prestigious examination and the incident in question represents a fraud not only against an organization but also against society at large. The court emphasized that interrogation is necessary to uncover the conspiracy involved. As a result, the court ruled that the plea was dismissed, and the interim protection granted to Khedkar was vacated. The court observed that, prima facie, the conduct in this case appears to be aimed at deceiving the organization. It noted that the individual was not a legitimate candidate for the benefits but had been obtaining them through forged documents. The court also highlighted that the father and mother held high-ranking positions, suggesting the possibility of collusion with influential individuals. Khedkar is facing criminal charges filed by the Delhi Police, accusing her of cheating and unlawfully claiming OBC and disability quota benefits in the civil services examination. Khedkar through Advocate Bina Madhavan stated that she is willing to cooperate with the investigation and submitted that custodial interrogation is not necessary. However, Delhi Police through Special Public Prosecutor Advocate Sanjeev Bhandari informed the court that the investigation is ongoing, and custodial interrogation may be required to uncover the larger conspiracy, adding that certain aspects of the conspiracy still need to be examined. This name change was done to fraudulently avail more attempts, he added. Earlier, Delhi Police opposed the anticipatory bail plea and informed the Delhi High Court that as the investigation progresses, a larger conspiracy is emerging in the matter. Meanwhile, the UPSC withdrew its perjury applications, stating that it would file a separate independent application. The UPSCs alleged that Khedkar attempted to manipulate the judicial system and stated that, Puja Khedkar had committed perjury by filing a false affidavit and the intent behind making such a blatantly false statement naturally appeared to be an attempt to obtain favourable orders, based on the false statement. UPSC stated that the claim that the Commission collected her biometrics is false made with the sole aim and purpose of deceiving this Court for obtaining favourable orders. The said claim is denied since the Commission did not collect any biometrics (eyes and fingerprints) during her Personality Test or carry out any attempts to verify based on the same. The Commission has not collected any biometric information from any candidate during the Personality Test of the Civil Services Examinations held so far. Puja Khedkarrecently filed an anticipatory bail application about an FIR registered against her for allegedly "faking her identity to fraudulently avail attempts beyond permissible limit" in a civil services examination. Recently, Delhi Police registered an FIR on the basis of a complaint filed by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) against Puja Manorama Dilip Khedkar. Recently, the Delhi High Court has also issued notice to suspend IAS trainee Puja Khedkar on an application moved by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) claiming that she made an incorrect assertion in the petition that she was not served the order of cancellation of candidature. UPSC stated that communication regarding cancelling her candidature was communicated to her on her registered mail ID. So she falsely submitted before the Delhi High Court earlier that the press release dated 31.07.2024 was not officially communicated to her. (ANI)
BJP leader Parvesh Verma has strongly refuted AAP's "cash-for-votes" allegations against him and alleged that the ruling party in Delhi protects the Rohingyas and illegal immigrants in the country. Verma, who is contesting assembly polls against AAP leader and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal from the New Delhi assembly seat, said that he had seen voter cards to ensure that benefits do not go to illegal immigrants in his constituency. Verma is locked in a triangular contest in New Delhi. Congress has fielded Sandeep Dikshit, son of former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit. AAP has been alleging that the BJP distributed money to people by checking their voter cards in the New Delhi assembly constituency. Chief Minister Atishi had alleged that Parvesh Verma had "given money to people". In an interview with ANI, Parvesh Verma responded to AAP's allegations and said he is not seeking votes by distributing cash. "We are taught that charity begins at home. I am fighting from New Delhi and I am distributing the benefits to the women of the New Delhi constituency. If Atishiji is so worried, she should give it to the people of her constituency. If our government is formed, we will give to the women of Delhi like in Madhya Pradesh. By starting from New Delhi, I showed that when I can give... I am not CM, Dy CM, minister, MLA or MP ...when I can give, why can't you?" he asked. "Is it fair to say that first vote for me, I will give job later...is this right? I am giving earlier, I am not saying that give me a vote first and then I will give the benefit. I have not given cash for votes. I only saw their voter card. Should I give it to Bangladeshi, should I give it to Rohingya? I am only checking to see that they are voters of Delhi or New Delhi," he added. Answering a query on BJP allegations about the presence of Bangladeshi Rohingyas who support AAP, Verma said there are thousands of them. Verma, a former MP from West Delhi and son of former Delhi Chief Minister Sahib Singh Verma, alleged that AAP facilitates Rohingyas getting voter cards. "Their voter cards and ration cards, who made them, AAP made them. AAP MLAs fought case with them. An AAP MLA had said that Rohingya Bangladeshis would be given Rs 10,000 each, their ration cards would be prepared, they will get water connection, place to live. When police goes to arrest them, they keep all their documents, police is unable to do anything. AAP MLAs give fees for their lawyers and fight for them in court. Rohingya Bangladeshi is not vote bank of BJP. They vote for AAP. Their staying here, getting voter cards, is not in the interest of BJP, it is in their (AAP's) interest. How they have come, for how many years they are in India, entire history is to be checked. When the documents are not found, cases are filed against them but AAP keeps protecting them through its government...," he alleged. Asked further about allegations that Rohingyas and illegal immigrants from Bangladeshis are present in thousands, Verma said he had filed an RTI and Delhi police responded that in the last two to three years about 700 were deported. Thousands are being deported after due identification. Cases run in courts... in the last 5 to 10 years thousands of Bangladeshi Rohingyas have been deported. Police and the government are working actively on this," he added. Verma had earlier too rubbished Atishi's cash-for-votes allegations, saying Rashtriya Swabhiman Sansthan, started by his father around 25 years ago, has been helping people. He had also taken a jibe at AAP, saying he was "happy" that he was "not distributing liquor as Kejriwal did in Delhi". "Yesterday, I saw Arvind Kejriwal's tweet, and today I heard the press conference of Delhi's temporary Chief Minister. AAP MP Sanjay Singh is also roaming around my house. Rashtriya Swabhiman Sansthan, started by my father around 25 years ago, has been helping people and has redeveloped two villages devastated by an earthquake in Gujarat and four villages in Odisha destroyed by a cyclone," Verma had told reporters last month. He added that the organisation spent crores of rupees saving lives during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing oxygen concentrators and opening a care centre in West Delhi. "Today, I feel very good that Atishi ji and Kejriwal ji are appreciating the work we are doing. I have witnessed the misery of women here, which Kejriwal ji could not see in the last 11 years. When I met them, they told me they neither have pensions nor ration cards, jobs, or access to medical facilities. I decided that my organisation would create a scheme to help them on a monthly basis," he said. "I am happy about one thing: at least I am not distributing liquor, which the Chief Minister of Delhi (Arvind Kejriwal) was distributing all over Delhi," he added. The Election Commission had earlier asked Delhi's chief electoral officer to look into AAP's complaints against Verma. AAP and BJP parties have also made allegations against each other of additions and deletions in the electoral roll. Delhi will go to the polls on February 5. (ANI)
One person was killed during a Jallikattu event in Tamil Nadu's Madurai district, an officer said on Tuesday. 75 others are said to be injured, out of which 30 sustained grievous injuries. The officer further said that the administration would request the state government to announce aid for the family of the deceased. On Avaniyapuram Jallikattu, Madurai District Collector Sangeetha told ANI, "There are a total of 75 people injured, out of which 30 people have sustained grievous injuries and 45 people have minor injuries...One person has died. We will appeal to the government to provide aid to the family of the deceased from the Chief Ministers relief fund." "...All precautions have been put in place for the events scheduled for tomorrow...," the officer added. The world-renowned three-day Jallikattu event in Tamil Nadu's Madurai kicked off on Tuesday, with Avaniyapuram village holding its first-day event which features 1,100 bulls and 900 bull-tamers. The best bull will be awarded a tractor worth Rs 11 lakhs, while the best bull-tamer will receive a car worth Rs 8 lakhs, alongside other prizes. The other two Jallikattu events in Madurai will be held at Palamedu and Alanganallur on January 15 and January 16 respectively. Strict rules and security measures are in place for the conduct of the events. According to the directions issued by the Madurai district administration, each bull can participate only in one of the three Jallikattu competitions in the district. Each bull can be accompanied only by its owner and a trainer familiar with the bull. Bull tamers and owners of the bulls needed to register through the official district administration website, "madurai.nic.in". All submitted documents were verified by the authorities. Only those deemed eligible have received a downloadable token, which is mandatory for participation. Without this token, neither bull tamers nor bulls are permitted to enter the event. The Jallikattu events of Madurai, particularly those in Alanganallur, are internationally recognized as a vibrant celebration of Tamil heritage and rural valour. With preparations in full swing and expectations running high, this year's competitions are set to attract significant participation and global attention. The first Jallikattu event of Tamil Nadu for 2025 was held on Saturday at Thachankurichi village in Pudukkottai district. Pudukkottai district is known for having the highest number of vadivasal (entry points for bulls) and hosting the most Jallikattu events in Tamil Nadu. Between January and May 31, over 120 Jallikattu events, more than 30 bullock cart races, and over 50 vadamadu (tethered bull) events are typically conducted in the district. Jallikattu is an age-old bull-taming event celebrated mostly in Tamil Nadu as part of Pongal celebrations. In Jallikattu, a bull is released into a crowd of people, and participants in the event try to grab the large hump on the bull's back, attempting to bring the bull to a stop. The history of Jallikattu dates back to 400-100 BCE, when the Ayars, an ethnic group in India, played it. The name is coined from two words: Jalli (silver and gold coins) and Kattu (tied). (ANI)
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has vowed to take action against those responsible for the murder of Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of Masajog village in Beed district. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the murder, and the Chief Minister is closely monitoring the case. "The Chief Minister is constantly paying attention to this. The Chief Minister has been saying from the beginning that whoever is guilty, action will be taken. His family is worried because it has been a month. The investigation is being done through a judge. This is a brutal murder, no matter who it is, action will be taken. This is the state of Shahu, Phule and Ambedkar. This is an act that shames humanity. Whoever is the accused, he will not be killed...Law and order should be maintained...," Pawar told reporters here. On December 9, Santosh Deshmukh, the sarpanch of the Masajog village in Beed district was murdered after he allegedly opposed an extortion attempt targeting an energy firm installing windmills in the area. The extortion attempt was reportedly led by local leader Vishnu Chate, who demanded Rs 2 crore from the company. Deshmukh's intervention allegedly led to his abduction, torture, and subsequent murder. The police have filed three FIRs in connection with the case: one for Deshmukh's abduction and murder, another for assault on a windmill firm's security guard by locals, and a third for the Rs 2 crore extortion bid targeting the firm. On January 6, NCP SP leader Sharad Pawar requested Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to ensure safety and security for all public representatives protesting the death of Santosh Deshmukh in Beed. Earlier, Fadnavis said that none of the accused in the Beed sarpanch murder case would be spared, emphasizing his focus on justice over political controversies. "We will not spare any accused. We will find them. Today, I discussed the matter with Santosh Deshmukh's brother over the phone and assured him that the police will identify the guilty and ensure they are punished. The police will act based on evidence, and those against whom evidence is found will not be spared. I do not wish to be involved in the politics surrounding this case," the Maharashtra CM said. (ANI)
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday handed over M-Tab (learning tablets) to students of West Garo Hills along with Speaker Thomas A Sangma at a programme held in District Auditorium, Tura, CMO Meghalaya said in a press release. The M-Tab is an initiative of the Chief Minister's Student Digital Learning Scheme, which aims to promote e-education in the state. The tablet is loaded with comprehensive contents related to Higher Secondary level examinations for all streams, including contents, mock question papers, past questions and solved answer papers for various competitive examinations. It also has high-quality audio-video, animation and 3D graphic content. Speaking at the programme, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma said, "The handheld device is not just a gadget. It is a tool to empower our youth. We want to ensure that our youth get access to learning and are better equipped to face different examinations." "This programme is to let you know that we care about you, to let you know that we trust you," the chief minister asserted while stating that technology is changing every aspect of lives. "This government believes that in whatever way possible we must strengthen the use of technology to ensure that we can make the learning more impactful, the learning more meaningful, the learning more exciting and enjoyable," the chief minister said. He said that digital learning through audio-video and pictorial content makes learning more easier and simpler. "We strongly feel that more and more use of technology at the grassroots level... smart classrooms, digital learning will aid our students... but remember, technology is only an enabler. It can only enable you to learn in an easier way," he said. He also informed that the government has accorded priority to develop IT-related sector in the state, including setting up IT parks in Shillong and Tura and laying of optical fibres. "We hope that this project will be completed in the next two years. We are hopeful that every school will be getting access to the optical fibers. It will take time, but the process has started," the chief minister asserted. He also informed that the existing IT park in Shillong is catering to clients from the US and Europe. "Our boys and girls from Meghalaya are working for AI companies. They are providing AI companies in the US, Europe with solutions that predict crop disease, predict rain, growth of the plant, requirement of water, etc. All this is being done from Meghalaya, this is the kind of transformation that is taking place," he added. Around 1 lakh tablets have been distributed from 2021 to class XI students. In the 2023-24 academic session, 30,480 students as per the Directorate of School Education and Literacy has received the benefit of the scheme. In the West Garo Hills district, around 3000 M-Tabs will be distributed. In today's distribution, over 400 plus students from 21 different higher secondary schools received the tablets. Close to 5,700 teachers from different higher secondary schools in the state will receive the tablet, which will facilitate e-learning and assessments. The Vidya Samiksha Kendra, a learning management App designed by the department of Information and Technology, Government of Meghalaya, aimed to monitor learning outcomes, is also helping the teachers to monitor and assess the outcomes of the students. (ANI)
According to the Cyberabad Police Commiserate Public Relations Officer, "A case of double murder took place in hillocks, and probably took place on the night of January 11 at an abandoned stone crusher in Puppalguda."

The official said that the victims were found dead in a desolate area near an abandoned stone crusher.

"A man aged between 25 and 30 years, who seems to be a labourer, was stabbed and smashed his head with a boulder to death. At about 60 meters distance, a woman aged about 25-30 yrs was also killed by hitting on her head with a boulder," said the official.

"The male deceased was identified as Ankit Saket. Further investigation is underway," said the police.

Further details on the matter are awaited. (ANI)
As the contest between Congress and Aam Aadmi Party in the Delhi Assembly election has raised questions about the divide within the INDIA bloc, Congress leader Salman Khurshid on Tuesday said that the alliance will stay intact. Admitting that there have been "some differences" in the alliance, Khurshid reaffirmed that the alliance is not weak. "Our leadership will send a message, the alliance will stay intact, when different parties come together, in between some differences happen, so that gives away the feel that alliance is weak but that isn't the case, the alliance is strong and every member realises that this alliance is need of the hour," Khurshid said. Meanwhile, AAP and Congress are already at loggerheads ahead of the assembly elections, scheduled to be held on February 5. Earlier in the day, NCP-SCP chief Sharad Pawar suggested that the INDIA alliance focus remains solely on national-level elections. Speaking to the media here at a press conference, Sharad Pawar said, "There has never been any discussion on state and local elections in the INDIA alliance. INDIA alliance is only focused on national-level elections." Pawar also revealed that discussions regarding the upcoming municipal elections in Maharashtra will take place in the next 8-10 days to decide whether to contest jointly or separately. "In the upcoming municipal elections in Maharashtra, everyone will decide by holding a meeting in 8-10 days whether we will fight together or alone," said the NCP SCP chief. He further extended his support to Arvind Kejriwal and suggested that his party should assist Kejriwal in the electoral race, signalling potential political collaboration between the two leaders. "In Delhi assembly elections, my feeling is that we should help Arvind Kejriwal," said Sharad Pawar. The elections are scheduled to be held on February 5, and the counting of votes scheduled for the Assembly election is scheduled to be on February 8. The last date for filing nominations is January 17, the date for scrutiny of nominations is January 18, and the last date for the withdrawal of candidacy is January 20. The Congress, which ruled Delhi for 15 consecutive years, has suffered significant setbacks in the last two assembly elections, failing to win any seats. In contrast, AAP dominated the 2020 assembly elections, winning 62 out of 70 seats, while the BJP secured only eight. (ANI)
The Delhi High Court on Tuesday denied interim bail to Tahir Hussain, a former Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) councillor, who stands accused of playing a pivotal role in the 2020 riots in North East Delhi. The court emphasized the seriousness of the allegations against him, highlighting his involvement in the violence that led to the deaths of 59 people. However, the Court has granted custody parole to Tahir Hussain to allow him to file his nomination papers and participate in campaigning for the upcoming Assembly elections. Hussain, who is contesting from the Mustafabad constituency, has been fielded by the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), led by Asaduddin Owaisi. Hussain had approached the Court seeking interim bail for the purpose of completing election-related formalities. Taking into account his criminal history, the nature of the allegations, and the circumstances surrounding the case, the Court granted him custody parole to take the oath and complete the necessary steps for his nomination. The parole is subject to the following conditions: He shall have no access to phones, whether mobile or landline, or to the internet. He is not permitted to interact with anyone except for the officials involved in the nomination process. He is prohibited from addressing the media. While family members may be present during the nomination process, they are not allowed to take photographs or post any content on social media. The court has instructed the state to facilitate the filing of Tahir Hussain's nomination papers and ensure the necessary arrangements are in place for the process. In its order, the court emphasized, "The State may coordinate with the concerned authorities to ensure that the entire process is completed in a timely manner, and the Applicant/Petitioner's right to file his nomination is not affected in any way." The court, in its order, stated, "The gravity of the allegations against the Applicant/Petitioner, who is accused of being a key perpetrator in the 2020 riots in North East Delhi, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 59 people, cannot be overlooked. The mere fact that the Applicant/Petitioner had previously been a Municipal Councillor does not provide a peculiar circumstance that would justify granting interim bail." Earlier today, Delhi Police strongly opposed the interim bail plea of Tahir Hussain, an accused in the 2020 Delhi riots. He has sought interim bail to contest and campaign in the upcoming Delhi Assembly Elections. The Delhi police argued before the Delhi High Court that although they were willing to grant custody parole to facilitate Hussain, they could not support his release on interim bail. The police emphasized that "the right to fight elections is not a fundamental right" and expressed serious concerns over the potential consequences of allowing Hussain to campaign. They warned that his release could "create a threat to society" and feared that it might fuel further polarization, especially given the sensitive nature of the situation. The police also described Hussain as "the principal figure in the riots," highlighting the gravity of his role in the violence. Meanwhile, Hussain's counsel argued that the application was for interim bail only to file his nomination and campaign for the elections. They clarified that Hussain was willing to accept custody parole, but interim bail was necessary for him to actively participate in the election process. Justice Neena Bansal Krishna, who was hearing the matter, reserved her judgment after the arguments. The court will issue its order in chambers. Delhi Police Opposes Tahir Hussain's Bail Plea, Cites Threat to Witnesses and Public Order. During the hearing of Tahir Hussain's bail plea, Chetan Sharma, representing the Delhi Police, raised serious concerns, stating, "There's a threat to the witnesses." Sharma further argued that "The right to fight elections is not a fundamental right," as he urged the Delhi High Court to reject the plea. He also emphasized that under the UAPA, in which other accused have challenged the trial court's order, "The petitioner lacks the compassion to apply for bail." Pointing to the evidence recovered from Hussain's residence, Sharma added, "We are talking about 53 people dead, and the petitioner is the main person responsible." Sharma continued, "Granting bail for 4-5 weeks could exacerbate the situation and lead to further polarization." The police argued that releasing Hussain on bail could fuel societal divisions, which they strongly opposed. A First Information Report (FIR) was filed by Ankit Sharma's father in February 2020, after his son went out to buy groceries and other household items but failed to return home for several hours. Concerned for his son's safety, Sharma's father filed a missing person's report with the police. According to Delhi Police, the four accused were part of a violent mob that killed Sharma, and they were also involved in rioting and arson during the clashes. The communal violence erupted in northeast Delhi on February 24, 2020, when tensions between supporters of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and protesters escalated, leading to at least 53 deaths and numerous injuries. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his Mumbai visit on Wednesday, will meet MLAs of the BJP-led Mahayuti government. "PM Modi is coming to Mumbai (on January 15) and will guide the Mahayuti MLAs. People have given us a landslide mandate - and hence, our responsibility has also increased... Today, we had a meeting and we discussed our party's organisation and decisions - we also discussed upcoming local bodies elections... The PM has continuously supported our govt and that's the reason our govt did well in the last two and half years and that's why people have given us such a huge majority," Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde told after party's meeting concluded. PM Modi will be in Mumbai on January 15 to dedicate three frontline naval combatants INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vaghsheer to the nation on their commissioning at the Naval Dockyard. The commissioning of 3 major naval combatants marks a significant leap forward in realizing India's vision of becoming a global leader in defence manufacturing and maritime security, according to an official release from PMO. INS Nilgiri, the first ship of the P17A Stealth Frigate Project, has been designed by the Indian Navy's Warship Design Bureau and incorporates advanced features for enhanced survivability, seakeeping, and stealth, reflecting the next generation of indigenous frigates, the release stated. INS Surat, the fourth and final ship of the P15B Guided Missile Destroyer Project, ranks among the largest and most sophisticated destroyers in the world. It has an indigenous content of 75% and is equipped with state-of-the-art weapon-sensor packages and advanced network-centric capabilities. INS Vaghsheer, the sixth and final submarine of the P75 Scorpene Project, represents India's growing expertise in submarine construction and has been constructed in collaboration with the Naval Group of France.PM Modi will inaugurate the Sri Sri Radha Madanmohanji Temple, an ISKCON project in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai. The project spread over nine acres, includes a temple with several deities, a Vedic education centre, proposed museums and auditorium, healing centre, among others. It aims to promote universal brotherhood, peace, and harmony through Vedic teachings, the release stated. (ANI)
India sent a humanitarian assistance consignment to the southern African nation of Lesotho comprising 1000 metric tonnes of sorghum (jowar) to help in addressing the food security issues in the country. This was the second tranche of the food grain assistance of Lesotho from India, which departed from the Nhava Sheva Port in Mumbai on Monday. "India & Lesotho: Global South partners in solidarity with each other. India sends the second tranche of foodgrain assistance for the people of Lesotho. This assistance will help Lesotho to address the food security issues. A consignment of 1000 MT of Sorghum departed today from Nhava Sheva Port, Mumbai for Lesotho," the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, wrote on X. https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1878835733810884830 Earlier in December, India had sent a humanitarian assistance consignment to the nation comprising 1000 metric tonnes of rice to address the food security and nutritional requirements of people in Lesotho. India and Lesotho enjoy a strong relationship that has stood the test of time and is based on shared values and principles, underpinned by the noble objective of South-South cooperation. The two countries have held frequent interactions across various platforms. In October 2024, the India GCC Trade Council organised the UN South-South Cooperation meeting, which was attended by the ambassadors of the Kingdom of Lesotho, amongst other partners. Earlier in August 2024, India and Lesotho also held the 5th round of the Joint Bilateral Commission for Cooperation. Both sides reviewed bilateral relations and discussed ways for cooperation in areas of development partnership, trade and economic relations, agriculture, health, infrastructure, and consular and cultural issues, among others. During the meeting, the two sides carried out a comprehensive review of the existing bilateral relations, including enhancing cooperation in development partnerships, trade and economic relations, energy, agriculture, health, art and culture, and consular matters. As per the MEA, there are about 4000 Indian expatriates and PIOs in Lesotho working as teachers, accountants and other professionals. Some of them are engaged in business as well. The community has a reasonably high economic profile in the country. There is an Indian Association that organises periodic functions and has hosted well-attended cultural performances by troupes sent by ICCR from time to time. (ANI)
Hamas is expected to release 33 hostages in the first phase of the ceasefire-hostage agreement being negotiated in Doha in relation to the situation in Gaza, CNN reported on Tuesday, citing two Israeli officials. According to CNN, Israel believes most of the 33 hostages are alive, although some deceased hostages may also be included in the initial release. Hamas and its allies still hold 94 hostages, including at least 34 who are believed to be dead, following the October 7, 2023, attacks. The parties appear close to finalising the agreement, and Israel is ready to implement it immediately after it is signed. A diplomat involved in the talks stated that a final round of discussions is scheduled in Doha on Tuesday, CNN reported. This release would mark the first phase of the agreement, as negotiations for the second phase, aimed at ending the war, are set to begin on the 16th day of the deal's implementation. According to CNN, the latest proposals include Israeli forces maintaining a presence along the Philadelphi Corridor on the Egypt-Gaza border during the first phase and negotiations over the size of a buffer zone inside Gaza have also been a point of contention. While Hamas wants a zone of 300-500 meters from the border, Israel is seeking a 2,000-meter zone. The plan also includes allowing residents of northern Gaza to return but with unspecified security measures in place and Palestinian prisoners linked to the killing of Israelis would not be released into the West Bank but instead to Gaza or other countries, CNN reported, citing the Israeli official. As per CNN, the breakthrough in the talks occurred late Sunday during the meeting between Israeli Mossad Director David Barnea and mediators in Doha. An Israeli official stated that an agreement could be imminent, but it must first pass through Israel's security and government cabinets and allow time for potential challenges in the Supreme Court. "There is talk of an agreement in the near future--it is impossible to say whether it is a matter of hours or days," the official said, as quoted by CNN. While there is growing optimism, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum urged caution and reiterated its commitment to bringing all hostages home. Israel began its military operations against Hamas in Gaza after the October 7, 2023, attacks, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 250 people taken hostage, as per CNN. Since then, the Israeli military has reportedly killed at least 46,565 Palestinians in Gaza, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, with over 100,000 others injured. (ANI)
The Ministry of National Defence (MND) of Taiwan detected ten aircraft from the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and four naval vessels from the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) near its territory as of 6:00 am (UTC+8) on Tuesday. It was also noted that five of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). The details were shared in a post on X. "10 PLA aircraft and 4 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 5 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly," the ministry stated. https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1878970290522464320 Earlier, on January 13, the Ministry detected six aircraft from the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and six naval vessels from the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) as of 6:00 am (UTC+8), with four of the aircraft crossing the median line and entering Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. 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)
The Chinese Embassy in the United States recently hosted the 2025 Spring Festival Gala for Chinese and American Youths, with over 500 young students from both countries and members of the American education community in attendance.

At the event, Chinese and U.S. youths jointly presented a series of wonderful cultural performances. The show kicked off with the song "Lights of China," followed by a captivating piano ensemble, graceful traditional dances, and a lively, spirited chorus that performed two songs to bring the evening to a close.

The youths from both countries also participated in activities such as making sugar paintings, making dumplings, practicing calligraphy, and wearing Hanfu -- a traditional Chinese garment, experiencing the unique charm of the Chinese New Year.

Caroline Faircloth, a member of the American education community who participated in the activities, told Xinhua that what impressed her the most was the "kuaiban" -- a traditional Chinese performance art that combines rhythmic clapping with storytelling. She found it challenging to make the bamboo clappers move skillfully in her hand and produce rhythmic sounds, but it was great fun.

Faircloth's main work involves strengthening international exchanges at schools in Washington, D.C. She said she was very pleased to see students from several Washington schools attending the event, where they learned a wide range of Chinese cultural knowledge that is very helpful for opening up their eyes and understanding the world.

"Over the past year, under the guidance of the two heads of state, the San Francisco vision has been gradually turned into reality," Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng said, noting that one of the highlights of China-U.S. relations last year was that President Xi Jinping's initiative to invite 50,000 young Americans for study or exchange programs yielded fruitful outcomes.

Nearly 15,000 American youths from all 50 states and Washington, D.C. visited China under the initiative, outperforming the annual target, Xie said.

"I encourage our young friends to view each other's development with a more open and inclusive mind, deepen exchanges and cooperation in a more innovative way, and jointly address new challenges like AI and climate change, so as to help find a right way for China and the United States to get along in the new era," Xie said.

The Chinese ambassador said that he would like to invite more young Americans to be part of the "50,000 in five years" initiative, "promote dialogue and cooperation, enhance people-to-people exchanges, and carry forward the goodwill between our two peoples."
Jerusalem [Israel], January 14 (ANI/TPS): The Israel Tax Authority reported that the total value of all imports in 2024 amounted to USD 89.5 billion, an increase of only 1 per cent compared to 2023. In December 2024, it amounted to USD 9.3 billion, an increase of 29.5 per cent compared to the value of imports in December 2023. The increase was largely explained by a sharp increase in vehicle imports. The value of imports would have been higher in December 2023 if it were not for the security threat in the transfer of goods through the Red Sea. In 2024, automobile imports totalled 325,943 vehicles (private) compared to 283,835 in 2023, an increase of 14.8 per cent. Commercial vehicle imports amounted to 10,470 vehicles compared to 10,278 in 2023, an increase of 1.9 per cent. Passenger vehicle imports were lower in the aggregate through November 2024 compared to the corresponding period in 2023, and the annual increase was due to the advance of massive imports in December 2024 on the eve of the reduction in the purchase tax benefit for electric vehicles, an update to the green taxation formula, and a green taxation outline. In December 2024, imports of electric vehicles (before the purchase tax increase) were recorded at a rate of 35 per cent of total vehicle imports in that month, compared to December 23, when electric vehicles accounted for approximately 56 per cent of total passenger vehicle imports. In 2024, imports of white goods increased compared to 2023. Imports of refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers increased by 30.4 per cent, 27.2 per cent, 64.5 per cent, and 28.2 per cent, respectively. In December 2024, compared to December 2023, there was a sharper increase in imports of white goods. Refrigerators, washing machines, and dryers increased by 42.8 per cent, 124.5 per cent, 68.7 per cent, and 59.7 per cent, respectively. The high imports are likely explained by an increase in consumption prior to the increase in the VAT rate from 17 per cent to 18 per cent. (ANI/TPS)
An awareness campaign was held in Balochistan's Kalat on Monday, by Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), ahead of the Baloch Genocide Remembrance Day to be marked on January 25 to make people cognisant and honour those who lost their lives in the struggle for justice and freedom from the state institutions. The details of the campaign were shared on X by the BYC. The campaign saw people turn out in large numbers to raise their voices against Pakistan's oppression of the Baloch people. It was noted by the BYC that hundreds of people gathered at the Martyr's Cemetery in Kalat to honour the martyrs and pray for them. "On January 13, 2025, an awareness campaign was held in Kalat to mark "25th January: Baloch Genocide Remembrance Day," drawing a large number of Baloch people in a powerful show of solidarity and remembrance. In a familiar pattern of repression, state institutions attempted to disrupt the gathering by harassing participants and cutting mobile networks to hinder communication and conceal the truth. Despite these efforts, hundreds of people assembled at the Martyrs' Cemetery to honor those who lost their lives in the struggle for justice and freedom. Flowers were laid, and prayers were offered at the graves of Babu Nooroz Khan and his companions," the post said. The gathering then proceeded in a public rally of motorcycles and cars to the grave of Shahdad Baloch, where participants paid their respects by placing flowers and offering prayers. It was observed that a session was also held to raise awareness about enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, deaths caused by poor road infrastructure, and the "ongoing cultural genocide faced by the Baloch people." BYC said in its post that the speakers for the event highlighted the importance of January 25 to be marked as "a day of remembrance and resistance, and testimonies from victims' families were recorded to preserve their stories and document the ongoing genocide". https://x.com/BalochYakjehtiC/status/1878990465992978835 (ANI)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held an interaction event with the members of the Indian diaspora on Tuesday (local time) during his official visit to Spain. He lauded the diaspora for building a positive image of India, expressed confidence in boosting India-Spain trade ties and announced that India and Spain will mark 2026 as a 'dual year' to celebrate culture, tourism and AI in both the countries. In his speech he said that no foreign visit is complete without meeting diaspora and he brrought to attention the successful meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez last year. Jaishankar said that in order to take the relationship forward, the diaspora plays an indispensable role. He said that as of today, "Our relations are poised to move towards the next stage". Highlighting that the two countries share a trade of USD 10 billion every year, with lots of new areas like railway, clean tech, drone, space areas for greater collaboration. He was confident in the trade ties and said that the ten billion business that is taking place today will see a rise in the coming days He said, "Developments in the world will bring us closer. As you know today there is instability and volatility in the world, countries which are close to each other, have supply chain contracts can be build relationships can be expanded. They have the ability to forge relationship". Highlighting how the community has always been a support for Indian foreign policy, Jaishankar said, "I heard very good words for the community", mentioning about his conversation with Spain's Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares, Jaishankar quoted him saying that the Indian community's, "Image is very good. They are contributing to the economy, to the society. We feel that Indian talent; Indian professionals are very welcome here". "When our image is built by the diaspora in the world that is the foundation for us to take forward the relationship", Jaishankar said, thanking the diapora. In his remarks he made a significant announcement. "2026, we will market as dual year where we will be celebrating culture, tourism and artificial intelligence in both countries. So, through 2025 we will be working hard to prepare for 2026". The EAM is currently on a diplomatic visit to Spain till January 14, making it his first visit to Spain as the Foreign Minister, according to a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs. (ANI)
Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) on Monday strongly condemned the murder of a Baloch individual in what is being alleged as a staged bomb blast by Pakistani forces in Turbat. Sharing the details on X, BYC said, "The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) strongly condemns the brutal murder of Ittifaq Manzoor, a victim of enforced disappearance, by Pakistani forces in a staged bomb blast in Turbat, Balochistan. This calculated and heinous act is yet another grim example of the state's continued genocide against the Baloch people." BYC said, "According to reports, on the night of January 12, 2025, police in the Josak area of Turbat claimed that Ittifaq Manzoor died while attempting to plant a bomb that exploded. However, this narrative is nothing but a fabricated attempt to justify cold-blooded murder". BYC observed that Ittifaq Manzoor was forcibly disappeared by Pakistani security forces on December 10, in front of witnesses. His family had publicly appealed for his release, by resorting to several measures such as holding press conferences and protests to highlight his disappearance alongside his two brothers. While his brothers were eventually released, Ittifaq remained in illegal detention until he was killed in custody, the BYC said. "BYC categorically rejects the police's false account and holds the state directly responsible for this extrajudicial killing. This incident is a continuation of the violent tactics used to silence Baloch voices demanding justice and self-determination", the post said. "Enforced disappearances followed by staged encounters and fake charges are systematic tools of oppression used to instill fear among the Baloch people. The international community, human rights organizations, and the media must take notice of this worsening human rights crisis in Balochistan. The policy of genocide, enforced disappearances, and state-sanctioned violence must end", the BYC said in its concluding remarks. (ANI)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has emphasised the India's positioning in the world today. He said that all the countries seeing the situation in the world think that having good ties is in the interest of many nations. While addressing an Indian community event in Spain on Tuesday, Jaishankar said that India has taken its slogan of 'sabka saath, sabka vikas and sabka vishwas' to the world. He said that world wants to understand India's positioning and ideas. Jaishankar said, "I come back to the invitation that I got, when a foreign ministry and ambassadors of another country ask you to come and speak to them, it is worth thinking, why is that so and my sense is there are three reasons today, one - India's positioning today is very important that all countries in the world today, seeing the situation of the world today, think that having good ties with India is in the interest of many, many countries. So, they want to understand our positioning. The second is our capabilities. They feel that this Bharat is new Bharat. Our economy is at fifth position." "Everyone says India will reach the third spot in few years. You all will remember, 10 years back, we were at 10th or 11th position. World recognises the pace at which progress is happening in India today. So, first is positioning and second is capabilities. And the third is actually our ideas, that India is today seen as contributing to a global conversation. That when the world is looking at many, many challenges, somewhere on different issues, we get some ideas, some initiatives. And if you want to hear about that, I would like to explain a little bit about that. So, let me say a few words about the positioning," he added. He recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Russia and Ukraine in 2024. He stated PM Modi is able to speak to both Isral and Iran. He said that India is in a position to be members of both Quad and BRICS. Highlighting India's position, Jaishankar said, "There are very few countries today who are in a position to talk to Russia and to Ukraine. You must have seen last year, Prime Minister Modi went to Russia twice, and travelled to Kyiv, Ukraine. Who are in a position to talk to Israel and Iran and PM Modi is able to do both. Who are in a position to be members of Quad and be members of BRICS." "So, this is something which is actually very, very unique. And it is unique because if you look at the world today, there are so many tensions in the world, war is also happening at two places. It is a very polarized world. So in a polarized world, if there is a country, which we used to say in India, 'sabka saath, sabka vikas, sabka vishwas'. We are actually able to take it into the world as well and that is something which slowly, slowly other nations have started to understand and to value. But, it doesn't have to be only a conflict," he added. He also mentioned about India's efforts to include African Union as a member of G20 under its presidency. He also talked about the help India extended to the world in the time of COVID-19 pandemic, which included vaccines. Jaishankar said, "Under our presidency, G20 which is a forum of the world's top 20 economies. Spain's representatives arealso present at its meetings. Now, many countries have led G20. We were the one country which was able to actually get G20 to accept African Union as a member, which had been tried for many years. But others somehow did not push it or were not able to persuade. So we were able to persuade. Again, you know, you people will remember the time of COVID. Now, when we look at COVID, everybody says, at least we got saved, we got out of it somehow. Everybody thought, I got out of it and we understand it's natural. But we are one of the few countries where, if you go around the world, there are 100 countries, 99 countries in the world who say, if I got my vaccine, it was because of India." Emphasising India's willingness to help nations, "So, even in very difficult situations, even with Spain, I will tell you. I remember President Sanchez having a phone call with Prime Minister Modi about hydroxychloroquine supply. So, whatever we had, whatever we made, there was a willingness to do something for the world with us. So today, this positioning that in difficult issues, in very hard times, there is this country called India, which is able to talk to different parties, which is willing to help other parties which may have, because I tell people, we are a country still with average Indian earns 3000 euros a year. The average income in this part of the world is what 45,000, 15 times that. So, it is not a question of money or resources. At the end of the day, it is a question of heart and mind. But those who have the ability, the thinking, the sympathy to do something for the world, and those who have the credibility to become a bridge," he added. External Affairs Minister spoke about development that is happening in India. He said that the rate of change happening in India today is "amazing" and people living there have adjusted to the rate of change. Calling on people to see changes when they next visit India. he said, "One reason I think today which I could see, they wanted to deal, understand in India, which was willing to do this. The second issue, as I told you, is the issue of strength. And the fact is today we are almost a USD 4 trillion economy. We are doubling at a faster and faster rate. That is the progression. It is not automatic. But if you look at the changes today in India, I don't know how many of you go to India, how frequently. I would say at least in two years, everybody would have gone, three years." "So, next time when you go, if you go after three years, whichever is your home place, wherever you get down, wherever you travel to your home. I guarantee you, you will see the difference. And you will see the difference because actually, the rate of change in India today is amazing. But, people who live in India have actually adjusted to that rate of change. Even though 10 years ago, 20 years ago, that rate of change could not have been imagined," he added. Highlighting the development of railway track and highways in India, Jaishankar said that India plans to make 4,000 kilometers of new railway track every year. He said that 28 kilometers of highway is being built each day. "I think it was at the meeting with the minister today. We were talking about railways. And I told him that we have a plan to every year make 4,000 kilometers of new railway track. You will say he is just saying it. We are doing it. Every day in our country, between 12 to 14 kilometers of new railway track is being built. Think about it. Every day, 28 kilometers of highway is being built. If you look at airports, because all of you, when you go to India, you are in a hurry, you will travel to your hometown. In the last 10 years, the number of airports in our country has doubled. From 75 airports, we are now in access of 150 airports," he said. Speaking about the rise in the number of metros in India, he said, "In many cities which some of you would be coming from, earlier we used to listen to the metro, now it is being built or it has already been built. The number of metros have grown from 6 in 2014 to 21 today, and we have a plan to take it to 60. 60 cities of India will have a metro. So, this is not the India which they normally hear about, read about, think about. This was not our image before." He also spoke about doing business becoming much more smoother in India. He said, "Now, it's reflected in other areas, you know, the business that comes from the world, they see today that business is that much smoother. I see some of you nodding your heads. I hope this has been your experience as well. And so when others, when a country like Spain thinks of India, they see the strength, but they also see the demand. They know that if there is so much growth, then there are so many consumers. If there are so many consumers, then the demand increases. And for everything in India, it may be Zara, it may be Yadro products that today India has become a major market in the eyes of other countries, the Indian consumer also. So the Indian business counts, the Indian consumer counts, the Indian exporter counts. So, in their overall scheme of things, when they look at the future, they see today some new phenomenon happening out." He said that 40 million homes for people of low income have been built in the past 10 years. Jaishankar said, "In the last 10 years, we have actually built and given 40 million homes to people of low income. 40 million homes is almost the size of the 40 into 5, because the average Indian family is 5. That is five times, four times the population of Spain. If you take any program today, if you look at health, few years back, we started this program called Ayushman Bharat. Today, one third of India, one third of India means 400 million people, which means almost nine or 10 times the population of Spain. It's covered by free health or subsidized health." He said that people used to use firewood for cooking and 110 million people in India got cylinders. He said that there are 16 million UPI cashless transactions taking place in India per month. "That today, you all wake up and see mobile phone in your hand. None of us can last 10 minutes today without checking on the phone. I mean, this is true. So, you put down your phone immediately as soon as I said it. But, fact is, today, because data is cheap, because we have the amount today, the number of towers is high, the OFCs are built, data is cheap, efficiency, there is business efficiency," he said. "So, when you look even at today cashless payments, when people talk about UPI, we do 16 billion UPI cashless transactions per month. America does four or five in a year. We do 16 in a month. And it is not, you know, it is not the educated well-off middle-class person in the city who's doing it. As I said, if you leave the city and go out into the streets, even the street vendor does it. And that is deep change. Because when people of, you know, of even low income start embracing technology, when they start using new tools in their daily life, and beyond a point, people don't even think it is new. They think that from the beginning, this phone and this cashless transaction, people don't keep money with them nowadays," he added. (ANI)
Sadia Baloch, a law student at Punjab University in Lahore, has accused the institution of unjustly suspending her with malicious charges of being a "Miscreant Student" without presenting any valid charge sheet or formal documentation. Despite her repeated attempts to resolve the issue through legal channels and her continued cooperation with the university's Disciplinary Committee, Baloch's academic journey remains in jeopardy. In a post on X, Sadia stated, "I, Sadia Baloch, a law student at Punjab University Lahore, was suspended from the institute with malicious charges of being a "Miscreant Student" without being provided any valid charge sheet. Upon challenging the University's suspension notification at Lahore High Court, the court provided me with the interim relief of appearing in the exams, and my academic career was ordered not to be disturbed. Despite the Court's orders and my constant cooperation with the university's own Disciplinary Committee, the institute couldn't provide me with a written document of the charges till today. And even today, when the results are announced, mine shows that I'm "Detained." Baloch has expressed her concerns that this delay and the apparent malicious treatment she is receiving are part of a deliberate attempt to disrupt her academic and mental well-being. She further emphasised that this situation mirrors the larger, systemic challenges faced by Baloch students across Pakistan, who often find themselves subjected to discriminatory practices by educational institutions and state authorities alike. Sadia stated, "The malicious behavior and delay tactics of Punjab University are only meant to disturb my academic and mental peace. Just as Baloch students are "Detained" by state authorities, so are educational institutions acting dictatorially to detain the educational careers of Baloch." Baloch students in Pakistan often face discrimination in educational institutions due to ethnic and regional biases. They are marginalised and subjected to prejudices based on their Baloch identity, leading to unequal access to resources and opportunities. These students frequently encounter hostility from peers and faculty, hindering their academic and social integration. Additionally, they may be denied scholarships, face language barriers, and receive inadequate support from authorities. This systemic discrimination perpetuates a cycle of inequality, limiting their educational and professional prospects and exacerbating the socio-political divide between Balochistan and the rest of the country. (ANI)
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Barrister Gohar Khan on Monday rejected speculation that the delay in the 190 million pound verdict for PTI founder Imran Khan was due to a deal, The Express Tribune reported. Speaking to reporters outside Adiala Jail, Barrister Gohar Khan said that the judge has taken the decision to postpone the announcement of the verdict at his own discretion and not due to any political agreement or negotiations. Gohar Khan said, "We were waiting here today at Adiala, but the court staff informed us that the decision would now be announced on January 17." His statement came after an accountability court in Rawalpindi on Monday postponed the announcement of its verdict involving Imran Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, for the third time in the Pound 190 million case. He said that the attitude of the trial courts has been inappropriate and the cases registered against Imran Khan were fabricated to put pressure on PTI founder. He called the rumours of a deal unfounded, according to The Express Tribune report. PTI chairman noted that legal team of Imran Khan's party had heard reports of negotiations set for January 15. However, he said that they were not related to the ongoing case. He said, "There is no connection between the negotiations and a deal." Another PTI lawyer, Salman Akram Raja, expressed similar views, clarifying that the delay in verdict's announcement was not part of a political bargain. He emphasised that negotiations being discussed in the media should not be considered as part of any agreement about the case. Barrister Gohar said that it is the responsibility of jail authorities to bring Imran Khan to court since he is in prison. He expressed a lack of trust in the trial courts. However, he insisted that PTI would continue to seek justice through higher courts, The Express Tribune reported. Gohar Khan said, "We have no expectations from these courts, but we do hope for fairness in higher courts, and we will take this case to them." PTI leader Omar Ayub termed the Al-Qadir case "a farce" and insisted that it lacked merit. He said, "The National Crime Agency (NCA) of the UK repatriated Pound 190 million, which was deposited in Pakistan's treasury following the Supreme Court's directives. Neither Imran Khan nor Bushra Bibi gained any personal benefit from this transaction." He slammed political opponents Faisal Vawda and Khawaja Asif for their statements on the case, terming them "premature and baseless." PTI leader Shibli Faraz accused the authorities of deliberately delaying the verdict. He called it authorities' responsibility to ensure Imran Khan's presence in court. An accountability court in Rawalpindi on Monday postponed the announcement of its verdict involving Imran Khan and Bushra Bibi in the Pound 190 million case. Judge Nasir Javed Rana stated that the verdict had been deferred due to the absence of the accused and their lawyers, The Express Tribune reported. Rana said that he reached the court at 8:30 am (local time) and issued two summons for Imran Khan to appear, however, both he and his wife did not show up in the court. The prosecution team of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), along with the media and court staff, were in attendance in the courtroom. However, no one from the defence was present in the court. As a result of the absence of both the accused and their lawyers, the judge decided to delay the verdict. The verdict will now be announced on January 17. Previously, the Accountability Court postponed the verdict in the case twice. The last hearing was held at Adiala Jail on December 18, 2024. (ANI)
As the Maha Kumbh Mela continues with fervour and enthusiasm, the event is bringing into limelight seers and devotees from across the world who have come to India to participate in this once in a lifetime event. Japanese spiritual leader Yogmata Keiko Aikawa is present at the Maha Kumbh Mela. Known for her extraordinary feats, she has performed underground Samadhi during previous Kumbh Melas, meditating for four days without food or water. Yogmata Keiko Aikawa is the only foreign woman Mahamandaleshwar who has spent years in the Himalayas in deep meditation. Her contributions to spirituality have been praised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on multiple occasions. While speaking to ANI about the Maha Kumbh Mela, she said "I feel very excited. I bless everyone". A Sadhvi, who hails from Kazakhstan and came to India ten years ago told ANI, "This is a great place, a holy place. Everyone should visit the Maha Kumbh Mela. I will definitely come back here again. I've already been here, and I will come back again. The Sadhvi's son who also came to attend the Maha Kumbh Mela said, "This is my first time here. I really liked it. It was a very cool event. I will definitely come back here. I came here to honour mother river Ganga". In the morning a procession led by foreign seers and devotees too was seen in the Maha Kumbh Mela. Spiritual leader Sadhvi Bhagwati Saraswati encouraged everyone in the world to visit Maha Kumbh 2025, which started today in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, telling them that bringing one's faith and devotion is enough to bring to the grand event. The Sadhvi told ANI that taking a holy dip in the Sangam ghat is a spiritual experience of taking a dip within one's 'inner self.' Around twenty million devotees have taken a holy dip in the Sangam so far during the first 'Amrit Snan' of Maha Kumbh 2025 on Tuesday, Amrit Abhijat, Uttar Pradesh principal secretary, urban development told ANI. (ANI)
East Turkistan Government in Exile Foreign and Security Minister, Salih Hudayar, has issued an urgent warning on social media platform X regarding a phishing scam targeting Uyghurs in the United States and Canada. Hudayar revealed that dozens of Uyghurs, over the past few days, have received suspicious WhatsApp calls from a Canadian number. The caller, who identifies as "Dr Muhammad," falsely claims to represent an East Turkistan group, sometimes even stating he is from the East Turkistan Government in Exile. He invites recipients to a meeting and requests a code, claiming the recipient must send it to be included in the gathering. This behavior, according to Hudayar, is part of a broader phishing campaign that could potentially be linked to a hacking operation aimed at the Uyghur diaspora. The East Turkistan Government in Exile suspects that these efforts are being orchestrated by Chinese intelligence and their partners. The purpose of the operation appears to be to gain unauthorised access to Uyghurs' devices or accounts, steal sensitive data, and monitor private communications. Hudayar noted a concerning pattern among the targets, with many of them having been previously added to a Uyghur WhatsApp group called "Tirilish," reportedly managed by individuals in Canada and Turkiye. Additionally, several recipients of these calls reported that the caller spoke with a Pakistani or South Asian accent, raising further suspicion about the source of the scam. Hudayar's warning emphasised key security precautions for the community. He advised against answering calls or responding to messages from unknown numbers, particularly the suspicious Canadian number. He also urged recipients not to share any codes or click on links sent by strangers. Hudayar called on Canadian, US and international authorities, including the FBI, CSIS, and CISA, to investigate this phishing campaign and take action to protect Uyghur individuals from these targeted efforts. Hudayar concluded by encouraging the community to remain vigilant and share the warning to safeguard their personal security. (ANI)
The three-day summit is set to be a beacon for global collaboration, innovation, and action, with a roster of high-level ministerial and energy policymakers ready to outline their pathways to energy transition and circular economies.

The summit serves as the main event of ADSW, convening 13 heads of state and over 140 ministers and government officials alongside business and technology leaders to supercharge socioeconomic and technological progress and unlock a potential USD 10 trillion economic transformation opportunity.

The summit will include 34 dedicated sessions with more than 70 speakers to foster dialogue and collaboration on advancing sustainable development and drive inclusive, impactful action. It will explore how to leverage the convergence of human ingenuity and advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver a resilient, inclusive and prosperous future.

Held in a region committed to energy transformation where alternatives such as solar are being prioritised, the summit will gather more than 30,000 attendees, including government officials, industry leaders, and sustainability advocates from across the globe.

This event will showcase the latest advancements in renewable energy, AI, climate tech, circular economy principles, green financing, and sustainable cities.

World Future Energy Summit will be replete with interactive exhibits and networking opportunities, with more than 400 exhibitors presenting groundbreaking solutions in solar, eMobility, clean energy, water, and waste management.

The conference will feature seven vertical conference streams that combined will drill into the entire energy eco-system and give visitors, delegates, and exhibitors in-depth insights into the latest developments impacting Solar & Clean Energy, Water, EcoWASTE, Sustainable Cities, Green Finance, eMobility, and Pathways to 1.5 C sectors. (ANI/WAM)
The 2025 Children's Science Fiction Nebula Awards will take place in Harbin, northeast China's Heilongjiang province, along with the inaugural sci-fi book cloud exhibition in May, according to details announced during a press event in Beijing on Jan. 10.

Leaders, organizers and guests pose for a group photo at a press event to brief details of the 2025 Children's Science Fiction Nebula Awards and a sci-fi book exhibition in Beijing, Jan. 10, 2025. [Photo/China.org.cn]

According to organizers, both the awards and the cloud exhibition will take place in Harbin from May 28 to June 2 this year. The program will feature a series of activities, including opening and closing ceremonies, forums, reading promotions, award ceremonies, a gala, and public welfare activities for Science Fiction Reading Month, along with large-scale collaborative events across hundreds of cities and thousands of bookstores nationwide.

Zhu Yanming, deputy head of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Harbin Municipal Committee and director of the Harbin Municipal Bureau of Press and Publication, stated that these events will provide a platform for China's children's sci-fi publishing industry to highlight its appeal, exchange ideas, and seek cooperation opportunities.

Li Xiaodong, director of the Social Contact Department of the China Writers Association, described sci-fi literature as a transformative force that reveals the limitless possibilities of technology and human creativity. He noted that the Children's Science Fiction Conference would integrate sci-fi with children's education and promote reading to inspire young minds. "This aims to nurture their curiosity and exploration spirit, potentially shaping them into future innovators like Liu Cixin or Elon Musk, thus opening up endless possibilities," he said.

Chinese popular science and sci-fi mogul Dong Renwei, founder of the Children's Science Fiction Nebula Awards and chairman of the International Children's Science Fiction Association, stated that the awards serve as a vital bridge for advancing children's science fiction exchange activities. "This event will provide a platform for young sci-fi creators and enthusiasts to showcase their talents and exchange ideas, comprehensively promoting the vigorous development of the sci-fi industry," he said. "It aims to ignite children's boundless passion for science fiction, continuously inject strong momentum into the widespread dissemination and sustained innovation of children's sci-fi culture, and help propel the children's sci-fi industry toward an even brighter future."

Ma Chuansi, a sci-fi writer and chairman of the organizing committee for the awards, emphasized that the event will celebrate the annual achievements of children's sci-fi literature while further integrating the sci-fi market with publishing and reading promotion. It will also enhance the children's sci-fi talent network and help build a more comprehensive cultural industry ecosystem.

Bai Yunpeng, chairman of Harbin Huiwen Academy Cultural Media Group and president of the Harbin Publication Distribution Industry Association, promised that the cloud exhibition would combine virtual displays with local in-person events during the Children's Science Fiction Conference, featuring distinguished guests and key highlights to boost its influence. He advocated for increased reader engagement through in-person bookstore events such as meet-and-greets, book signings, lectures, and story-sharing sessions with writers and publishers  providing unique experiences not available online.

During the press event, renowned writers Wang Jinkang and Ye Mei, along with Chinese aerospace science popularization expert Zhou Wu, delivered speeches acknowledging the rapid progress of children's sci-fi in recent years. They expressed hope that this genre could inspire young people's imagination and innovation while bringing Chinese sci-fi to the global stage. At one point, Wang Jinkang launched his new children's sci-fi book, "Green Flying Monkey from the Beautiful Star." Later, two panels featuring sci-fi writers and experts explored themes such as the educational significance of sci-fi literature and the future possibilities of creating and promoting sci-fi literature.

Liu Weihong, president of Beijing Children's Publishing House, said he believed the awards and the exhibition represented a collective leap in discovering new quality productive forces.

"Writers can more directly understand readers' preferences and feedback, creating works that better meet their needs," he said. "Young readers also have the opportunity to establish closer connections with a large group of their favorite writers, enhancing their reading experience and love for science fiction literature. This book exhibition can lay a solid foundation for the future development of sci-fi publishing and is bound to promote the healthy operation of the entire sci-fi industry chain."
Parliamentary Committee on Communications and Information Technology Chairman and BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, has said that the committee will summon Meta officials and they will have to apologise or action will be taken against them after Meta owner Mark Zuckerberg made statement about atmosphere against government, where he mentioned about India. Speaking to ANI, Nishikant Dubey called Zuckerberg's statement "alarming." He said such a statement shows that Zuckerberg is interfering in India's democracy. BJP MP said, "The owner of Meta, Mark Zuckerberg has given a statement and shown that after COVID-19, an atmosphere was there against the government where he has also mentioned India. India is vibrant democracy. It is a country of 140 million people. After independence, there is the second such government, which has been elected by the people for the third time. Last time, we were 303. Even today, it is 298-199, NDA is nearly 300. This statement by Mark Zuckerberg is alarming because there is atmosphere going on all over the world about social media platforms, they make non-sense statements about women, children." "Australia has denied access to social media platforms for children under the age of 18 years. The second one, polity, which is politics, which is social life, it affects. These kinds of things are going on all over the world, especially after artificial intelligence, these things have become even more effective. This kind of statement shows that he is interfering with India's democracy and and is misleading the world by giving wrong information that BJP-NDA has lost. India's parliament represents 140 crore people and 140 crore people elected PM Modi as the PM for the third time or any if there was any other PM, he did not show the result in a correct manner. So, we have decided that we will summon the people of Meta. They will have to apologise or else action, included law, will be recommended by our committee," he added. On how much time will be given to Meta for response, Dubey responded, "Our committee will be on a visit to Andaman and Nicobar Islands from tomorrow. Our committee will conclude the visit on January 20. We will speak to the members of the committee there. We will ask them to be present between 20-24 January." Nishikant Dubey's remarks came after Zuckerberg in a podcast with American TV host Joe Rogan earlier claimed, "The reaction to COVID probably caused a breakdown of trust in a lot of governments around the world. 2024 was a big election year around the world, and there are all these countries, India, just like a ton of countries that had elections and the incumbent lost every one of them." Nishikant Dubey said that Indian parliament is a sovereign power and no other country can challenge the decision of the parliament. He even mentioned the recent decisions taken by Australian parliament. Asked whether the committee has the authority to take action against Meta officials, he said, "Powers of the Committee are the powers of the Indian Parliament. The Indian Parliament is a sovereign power. So, no other country can challenge the authority of parliament. If the Indian Parliament wants, it can take any decision." "In Australia, there was a fight that you are a publisher or an intermediary, you will have to pay money and the Australian Parliament decided that you are a publisher, you will have to pay money. If the US Parliament imposed taxes on them, then they had to pay tax even if they did not want to pay tax. So, that's like America is sovereign, Australia is sovereign, UK is sovereign in the same way our democracy is sovereign and the committee is nothing. The Indian parliament has given the authority to the committee which has representation from all political parties and its decision is the final decision. We will ask the government to act on it and the government will take action," he added. On Monday, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw criticised Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and called him "factually incorrect" over his remark that most incumbent governments, including India in 2024 elections, lost post-COVID. He added that the people of India have reaffirmed their trust in the NDA led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "As the world's largest democracy, India conducted the 2024 elections with over 640 million voters. People of India reaffirmed their trust in the ND led by PM @narendramodi Ji's leadership. Mr. Zuckerberg's claim that most incumbent governments, including India in the 2024 elections, lost post-COVID is factually incorrect. From free food for 800 million, 2.2 billion free vaccines, and aid to nations worldwide during COVID, to leading India as the fastest-growing major economy, PM Modi's decisive 3rd-term victory is a testament to good governance and public trust. @Meta, it's disappointing to see misinformation from Mr. Zuckerberg himself. Let's uphold facts and credibility," Vaishnaw posted on X. (ANI)
US Senator Tom Cotton has criticised China's Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) status, highlighting its detrimental impact on both the US economy and national security. In a post shared on X, Senator Cotton stated, "China's Permanent Normal Trade Relations status has enriched the Chinese Communist Party at the expense of American workers. Repealing this mistake will enhance our national security and end Communist China's leverage over our economy." https://x.com/SenTomCotton/status/1878855460792803798 Tom's statement came as part of a broader effort to hold China accountable for its aggressive economic and geopolitical tactics. As the new chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Cotton has also quickly prioritised tackling China's covert activities in the US. According to the press release from the US Senate, Expel Illegal Chinese Police Act of 2025, a bill re-introduced by Tom, aims to target and shut down illegal Chinese government-run police outposts operating within U.S. borders. This follows recent revelations that a man was arrested and pled guilty to conspiring on behalf of China's Ministry of Public Security to run a clandestine police station in the US. "No foreign government has the right to operate secret police stations on American soil. The Chinese Communist Party's actions not only violate US sovereignty but also undermine international norms and human rights by circumventing legal processes and using intimidation tactics." Tom emphasised. According to the press release, Cotton's legislation would impose sanctions on Chinese police institutions, revoke visas of involved individuals, and target those connected to China's United Front Work Department, which is accused of intimidating Chinese nationals in the U.S. The Expel Illegal Chinese Police Act of 2025 is a direct response to China's increasing attempts to control its diaspora in the US and engage in covert operations. With this legislation, Senator Cotton sends a clear message that the US will not tolerate foreign interference that compromises American sovereignty or the rights of its citizens. (ANI)
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday strongly took up the matter of Indian nationals serving in the Russian Army, following the death of an Indian citizen from Kerala. The MEA has reiterated its demand for the early discharge and repatriation of the remaining Indian nationals. "The matter has been strongly taken up with the Russian authorities in Moscow as well as with the Russian Embassy in New Delhi today. We have also reiterated our demand for the early discharge of the remaining Indian nationals," read MEA press release. This comes after MEA learnt of the unfortunate death of an Indian national from Kerala who had been recruited to serve in the Russian Army. Another Indian national from Kerala, who was similarly recruited, has been injured and is receiving treatment in a hospital in Moscow. In a statement, official spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed condolences for the deceased and assured assistance to the families. https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1879120988031603120 "We offer our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased. Our Embassy in Moscow is in touch with the families, and all possible assistance is being rendered. We are working with the Russian authorities for early transportation of the mortal remains to India. We have also sought the early discharge and repatriation to India of the injured person," he added. Earlier, the issue was raised during the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, the two leaders discussed the early discharge of Indian nationals recruited into the Russian Army. "An important issue that came up was the issue of early discharge of the remaining Indian nationals in the Russian army. This figured from both sides in the discussion, and with the support of the Russian side, a number of Indian nationals have, in recent months, been able to return to India," Misri stated. India's Embassy in Moscow is actively pursuing around 20 cases involving Indian nationals and has sought the cooperation of Russian authorities to expedite their return. The bilateral talks between PM Modi and Putin also covered broader topics, including defence and energy cooperation. Discussions on the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Project reaffirmed commitments to adhering to project timelines, and both leaders emphasised the importance of sustaining economic and energy partnerships, including steady supplies of fertilisers and coal. PM Modi reiterated India's position on resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine through dialogue and diplomacy, underlining the need for peace and stability in the region. (ANI)
Canadian journalist Tahir Gora believes that outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's diplomatic row with India was a desperate attempt to garner votes, which ultimately backfired. Trudeau's popularity had been waning due to his handling of immigration policies and the economy, and his party's trust in him had begun to erode. He raked up the diplomatic row with India only for his 'vote bank politics' which didn't work, Gora said. In an online interview with ANI, Tahir Gora said he doesn't see the India-Canada ties improving anytime soon, irrespective of the results of the next general elections due later this year. "Justin Trudeau lost his popularity and I mean this is his third term and in Canada, no political party or its leadership can continue its popularity. So, this is the one biggest reason that after 10 years tenure, he lost his popularity because of bad immigration policies as well as the economic situation here in Canada," Gora said. Gora pointed out that Trudeau's resignation announcement was a result of his own party's mistrust, with over 100 MPs showing their dissatisfaction with his leadership. The Liberal Party's chances of retaining power seem slim, with the Conservative Party leading in polls. "So, he lost trust within his own party. More than 100 MPs from his own party showed mistrust of him. So, that is the main reason he had to announce his intent to resign. He has not resigned yet. He said that I was showing my intent to resign until the new party leader gets elected." Earlier this month, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced 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 said that the Canadian Parliament would be prorogued or suspended until March 24. Tahir Gora believes that even the Conservative Party, despite being ahead in polls, is "not very clear" with its policies, because of which the whole of Canadian politics is in "trouble." "I must say that it's difficult for Canada because Canadian politics is in trouble and our Conservative Party, they are showing a lead in polls but their policies are not very clear as well. So, I mean, Canada is in trouble, I must say, because of our bad immigration policies as well as our economic situation as well as our foreign policy because Canada's foreign policy is also not very appreciated by the rest of the world," he said. Speaking on the possible successor of Justin Trudeau in the Liberal Party, the senior journalist pointed out the names of former Bank of Canada Governor, Mark Carney and former Deputy Prime Minister Christia Freeland. He, however, also pointed out that whoever succeeds Trudeau in the role, will effectively be a "scapegoat" and will be the Prime Minister only for a couple of weeks or months, and won't be able to survive because of the "very bad baggage" coming from Trudeau's politics. "Of course, Conservatives are good in poll numbers. They are roughly 20 to 30 points higher than the Liberal Party and the Liberal Party is to have a new leader now. And at this moment, I would say it's going to be scapegoat. Whoever gets elected as the new leader would be Prime Minister maybe for a week, for a couple of weeks, for one month, two months...So, the Liberal Party is in really, really bad shape. Whoever becomes the leader of the party and as well as the Prime Minister in the term, I would say, the interim Prime Minister of Canada would not be able to survive the Liberal Party because the Liberal Party has, very bad baggage coming from Trudeau's policies," Tahir Gora said. He added, "So, in that situation, I would say Mark Carney, who happened to be the state bank governor in Canada, is the leading candidate so far for the leadership race. And then Ms Chrystia Freeland and also one gentleman, Chandra Arya, who is a Liberal MP, who comes from Indian background. He talks a lot about Hindu civilization and also he denounces Khalistanis openly and candidly. So, Chandra Arya is also showing his willingness to come in the race." Speaking on the New Democratic Party of Jagemeet Singh, Tahir Gora said the party has been "deteriorated" by its leader Singh and it needs to "get rid of him" if it intends to revive. He further said whether the current Liberal government will fall or not, will depend on NDP's vote, which makes Jagmeet Singh a "key player" in the current scenario. "NDP has been, deteriorated by his leader, Jagmeet Singh, for sure. And NDP has to revive and in order to revive, they need to get rid of Jagmeet Singh. So, Jagmeet Singh at the moment is the key player...because there is no vote of confidence at the moment," Gora said. Being asked about what would be the impact on India-Canada ties under a Conservative government in Ottawa, Tahir Gora presented a grim picture, saying he doesn't see the ties, which are "already at the lowest point," getting repaired in the near future. "Well, I don't see any hope in terms of smooth relationships between both countries because the political narrative against India has been so obsessive in Canadian politics. None of the parties, even in the near future, if forced to repair the relationship with India because they would be, sort of, quote-unquote, unpopular. I would clearly say at the moment, the relationship with India is not on Canadian radar and the relationship with India is not going to deteriorate. It's already at the lowest point," he said. Notably, India's ties with Canada have seen sharp deterioration with India repeatedly expressing its deep concern about extremism and the culture of violence and anti-India activities in Canada and has asked Canadian authorities to take action against these activities. The diplomatic row erupted after Canadian PM Justin Trudeau claimed that he has "credible allegations" of India's hand in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada last year. India has denied all the allegations, calling them "absurd" and "motivated" and has accused Canada of giving space to extremist and anti-India elements in their country. The senior journalist also stated that the primary concern for the Canadian leadership, irrespective of who wins the next elections, would be to navigate against the Donald Trump presidency in the United States, from where it will be facing a "lot of heat and pressure." "So, let's assume if Liberal retains the power and if they get elected, so their issue, primarily issue would be handling Donald Trump at the moment, not India. Justin Trudeau played the India card for his ethnic vote banks. It didn't work out. So, at the moment, they cannot orchestrate their bad relations with India. Now, they have to manage their issues with America under the leadership of President-elect Donald Trump," Gora further said. He added, "As the polls suggest here in Canada Justin Trudeau and his Liberal Party won't be able to get into the next government. So, let's say Conservatives come into power. So, Conservatives' biggest challenge also would be, sort of making good relations with the United States because India is at the moment out of radar." Regarding the Khalistani extremism, which has been quite rampant in Canada inviting strong objections from New Delhi, the senior journalist said even the Conservative party has associations with the Khalistani extremists. He added that the situation will remain so, "for decades" because of the strong influence of the Khalistani elements in the whole Canadian system. "Mr Pierre Poilievre, who is a Conservative leader at the moment, who would be the Prime Minister if they get elected. He met Khalistani leaders many times. In his own caucus, Khalistani sympathizers are there. So, I mean, the Khalistani issue is not only linked with Trudeau only or Pierre Polivar only. It's coming from a long, long time. Just recall the Air India bombing issue, for instance," he said. He added, "Khalistani elements are quite vocal, powerful here in Canada. If India wishes to diminish those issues in Canada, those issues would not go away. Those issues, we Canadians have been facing for a long, long time. And I can tell you, we will be rather facing those issues in the coming decades. Because Khalistanis have their people in the system, in politics, in law enforcement, in media, in think tanks." The tensions further escalated last year when India recalled six diplomats from Canada after they were declared "persons of interest" by the Canadian government in the investigation into the killing of NIA-designated Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Nijjar was killed outside the Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, on June 18 last year. Tahir Gora, however, also asserted that the Khalistani issue, which he said is associated with the "glorification of terrorism" is not India's problem anymore and is very much a Canadian problem now, as it is linked to the high number of gang-related crimes in the country. "First of all, I would say Khalistan is not India's issue anymore. It is Canada's problem...I see that sort of a Khalistani movement, quote-unquote, associated with the glorification of terrorism, associated with the acts of terrorism here in Canada. In my humble suggestion, India should not worry about Khalistani issues here in Canada. It is a Canadian issue. So many gang-related issues, so many other crimes are related with the Khalistani issue now," the senior journalist said. (ANI)
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's wife, Bushra Bibi, expressed a lack of trust in the country's legal system during a hearing in an anti-terrorism court (ATC) on Tuesday, The Express Tribune reported. Judge Tahir Abbas Sipra, presided over the case, which involved allegations that a vehicle was driven into Rangers' personnel. During the hearing, the judge said that all legal protocols were followed. The judge said, "It has taken some time, but legal protocols have been followed." In response to remarks made by the judge, Bushra Bibi, said, "That is not an issue, but we have lost faith in the courts." Expressing disagreement with her statement, Judge Sipra said, "It is not like that everywhere. The justice system, despite its flaws, is functioning. If it collapses, society itself will cease to exist. You have appeared before me in other hearings as well." Imran Khan's wife shared a troubling experience during a previous trial. Bushra Bibi recalled an incident, where a judge's blood pressure rose to 200, yet he continued to announce the verdict against them, The Express Tribune reported. She said, "There is law in this country, but no justice. Imran Khan is imprisoned for defending the Constitution. Everything we've gone through has destroyed our faith in the legal system." After hearing her arguments, the judge approved the interim bail of Bushra Bibi in the case lodged at the Ramna Police Station, extending the relief until February 7, The Express Tribune reported. Earlier on January 13, Islamabad Court rejected three interim bail applications filed by Bushra Bibi, ARY News reported. According to details, the Islamabad Additional Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Mujoka rejected three interim bail applications filed by Bushra Bibi. During the court hearing, Prosecutor Iqbal Kakhar and Advocate Khalid Yousaf Chaudhry appeared in court while Bushra Bibi's counsel presented a plea for exemption during the proceedings.Prosecutor Iqbal Kakhar said that the bail bonds have been submitted. The judge said, "You have yet to submit the bail bonds." During the court hearing, Advocate Khalid Yousaf Chaudhry said that Bushra Bibi has to be present at the Adiala Jail for the decision in the 190 million reference today. On the lack of compliance with court orders, the judge stated, "You are not implementing the court's directives." Subsequently, the court dismissed all three interim bail pleas lodged by Imran Khan's wife. (ANI)
With Maha Kumbh Mela now in its full splendour, devotees from India and abroad are immersed in partaking an experience that is unique, unmatched and has a deep and lasting impact. Foreign devotees are excited as much about the religious fervour as about the friendliness of devotees, food and the local arrangements. The cold weather is adding to the excitement. Tracey, who travelled from Israel to attend Maha Kumbh Mela told ANI that she is loving the sights and sounds of Kumbh mela. "Amazing, the people are amazing. The colours are amazing. The religion is amazing, we love it." Edal, also from Israel, said it's been a wonderful experience. "We have just enjoyed every minute, the people, the place, the food. We have had a dip, a little bit of cold for us." Over 35 million devotees took a holy dip in the Sangam on Tuesday, the day of the first 'Shahi Snan'. Another devotee, who preferred to remain anonymous, said Maha Kumbh has been an "amazing" experience. "I love the people, I love the culture, I love the food, I love everything about India. I will come again. It is not my first and it's not my last," she said. Another devotee said it was her third day at Kumbh and the experience has been exciting. "It is very exciting. A lot of colour and a lot of nice people. I like India and I will come again," she said. Rakhele, who came to attend Maha Kumbh Mela from Israel, called the experience "exciting and uplifting." She also called for the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. "Very very exciting, very uplifting...really enjoying it. Loving the people, they are very kind but I need to go with my group. I just say we are from Israel and we want the hostages released. They are in terrible condition," Rakhele said. Maha Kumbh is one of the largest and most significant religious congregations in the world, held every 12 years at one of four locations in India. Ignasia, who came from Bulgaria, said she started from Varanasi and there was huge traffic. " I reached here today and people are very friendly." Philip, who came from Argentina, said he has been travelling for five months in India. "First time in Kumbh Mela. Very excited, yes we'll take a holy dip in the river, purify karma." Matheas, who is also from Argentina, said that he is looking forward to attending Maha Kumbh Mela. "It's amazing. A lot of crowds, a lot of spirituality, and a lot of devotion. Looking forward to participate in this. I'm very excited. I just arrived on the train." Asked how he learnt about Maha Kumbh, Matheas said he met a teacher and he was talking about Kumbh Mela. "I was very, very interested because all the sadhus come from the mountains, give teachings, and you can participate in this holy gathering." The Maha Kumbh-2025, which is Poorna Kumbh will take place till February 26, 2025. It began on Tuesday. Key 'snan' dates include January 14 (Makar Sankranti - First Shahi Snan), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya - Second Shahi Snan), February 3 (Basant Panchami - Third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri). (ANI)
Nawal Al Hanaee, Director of the Future Energy Department at MoEI, and Christian Nieves Lauz, National Energy Director of the Ministry of Industry, Energy, and Mining of Uruguay, signed the memorandum, which stipulates that both parties share knowledge and expertise, hold high-level discussion meetings, and organise workshops in energy-related fields.

Al Hanaee emphasised that such partnerships contribute to shaping the transition towards clean and renewable energy. Additionally, it will help open wide horizons for growth and development within the efforts of both countries to diversify their energy mix and rely on clean energy.

She added that this memorandum reflects both sides' shared commitment to developing strategic partnerships for their benefits as it establishes a framework for collaboration to support key sectors, such as clean energy and climate action. (ANI/WAM)
India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, has reassured that the Centre is committed to addressing farmers' concerns, acknowledging the complexity of the issue. He highlighted the increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) rate as a testament to the government's efforts to support farmers. However, Jaishankar noted that the issue sometimes gets politicized, ensuring that the government will prioritize the matter. "Regarding the issue of farmers... this is a complex topic. The issues involved are not simple. From the government's side, I can assure you that we discuss how to help these people in the cabinet and parliament," Jaishankar responded during his interaction with the Indian Community in Spain The statement comes amid farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal's hunger strike, protesting the non-fulfillment of promises made by the Central Government during the 2021 agitation. Dallewal has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to hold talks with farmers, sparking concerns over his deteriorating health. "We have increased the Minimum Support Price (MSP) rate, and the government certainly makes efforts. However, sometimes this issue becomes politicized. But I can assure you that the government will definitely prioritize this issue," he said. Dallewal's worsening health condition has raised concerns among his supporters and the farmer community. Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh also expressed concern over the deteriorating health condition of Jagjit Singh Dallewal. He said that the Punjab government is worried about his health and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to speak to farmer leader Dallewal. Supreme Court-appointed High-Powered Committee met farmer leader Dallewal. Dallewal has been on a fast-unto-death since November 26. Speaking about the meeting, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Patiala, Mandeep Singh Sidhu, said that the farmer leader had refused to take medical assistance. Further, the Supreme Court clarified that its orders to provide medical aid and hospitalisation to farmers' leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal were not to force him to end his fast but to ensure his well-being. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Sudhanshu Dhulia said that Dallewal could continue his hunger strike under medical aid. Dallewal, the convener of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non-Political), has been on a fast-unto-death at the Khanouri border to press the Centre to accept the farmers' demands, including a legal guarantee of minimum support price (MSP) for crops. The top court has been asking the Punjab government to ensure Dallewal gets proper medical aid during the fast until death. (ANI)
United States Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday urged caution to the communities in Southern California, who experienced horrific loss due to wildfires, "to follow guidance from local officials and stay safe." https://x.com/VP/status/1879034866332762185/photo/2 Harris shared a post on X and emphasised that she and President Biden have been in close contact with federal, state, and local officials to ensure a coordinated response to the crisis. "Over the last seven days, communities in Southern California have experienced horrific loss due to wildfires. President Biden and I have remained in close contact with federal, state, and local officials, and our Administration will continue to provide resources to support response efforts and help impacted communities," she said. Addressing her fellow Californians, Harris urged caution. "To my fellow Californians: As the winds increase again, please follow guidance from local officials and stay safe," she advised. Further, she stated that the outgoing administration will "continue to provide resources to support response efforts and help impacted communities." In a post on X, she said she was "grateful to the firefighters and first responders who are working around the clock and putting themselves in harm's way to help keep communities safe". "They show us the best of the American spirit in a moment of crisis," Harris said. More than a week into the wildfires in Los Angeles, the flames have already become the most destructive in the California county's history and are on course to become among the deadliest ever in the state, AL Jazeera reported. The fires have so far destroyed at least 12,300 structures and killed 24 people, according to local authorities. Officials are bracing for more strong winds that are expected to persist through Wednesday. Officials said California state authorities are positioning firefighting crews in Los Angeles as well as other southern California counties under elevated fire danger. As of Monday, more than 92,000 people in Los Angeles County were under evacuation orders - down from a previous high of 150,000. (ANI)
A seminar held on December 21st in Balochistan's Awaran district, intended to honour the late Banuk Karima Baloch, former chairperson of the Baloch Students Organisation-Azad (BSO-Azad), has come under fire from Pakistani authorities, The Balochistan Post reported. The event, aimed at paying tribute to Baloch sacrifices, sparked outrage after police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the organisers, accusing them of promoting anti-state sentiments. The FIR, according to The Balochistan Post, was filed following speeches at the seminar that allegedly spread hatred against the state and sought to influence children with anti-state propaganda. Among those charged are Shali Baloch, Zakia Baloch, Arz Malik Baloch, and other members of the Baloch Women Forum. However, these accusations are part of what many see as a broader campaign to stifle political dissent in Balochistan. In response, the Baloch Women Forum, which organised the seminar, has strongly condemned the FIR, calling it a violation of human rights and an attempt to silence the Baloch people's struggle for justice. https://x.com/BalochWF/status/1878499531480076348 The Forum issued a statement criticising Pakistan's state institutions for their continued repression, claiming that the portrayal of a peaceful seminar as an anti-state event was a distortion of the truth, intended to destabilise the region further. According to The Balochistan Post, the Forum said, "The Pakistani state's narrative was designed to paint a peaceful gathering as a threat to national security." The Baloch Women Forum clarified that the seminar was a peaceful political gathering aimed solely at honouring Banuk Karima Baloch's work in the Baloch liberation movement. They stressed that no anti-state rhetoric was espoused, and the event was attended by local community members who sought to pay their respects to a figure of immense significance in the Baloch rights struggle. In direct response to the FIR, the Baloch Women Forum has demanded the immediate withdrawal of charges against its members and local participants. It called on Pakistani authorities to respect the fundamental human and political rights of the Baloch people, who have long been subjected to systemic discrimination and state violence. The Forum also warned that actions like these would only worsen the already volatile situation in Balochistan. It urged Pakistan's state institutions to refrain from actions that could fuel unrest and further destabilise the region. The Balochistan Post emphasised that the continuous targeting of peaceful activists is indicative of Pakistan's reluctance to address the legitimate grievances of the Baloch people, raising serious concerns about the future of human rights in the country. (ANI)
The total number of visits to China's science and technology museums in 2024 exceeded 100 million for the first time, according to data released by the China Science and Technology Museum (CSTM) on Tuesday.

Sci-tech museums across the country's 31 provincial-level regions and in the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps received a total of 104 million visits last year, marking an increase of 16.3 percent compared with 2023.

China's mobile science popularization projects also achieved commendable results in 2024. As of the end of last year, mobile sci-tech museums had cumulatively toured 746 locations, while science popularization caravans had traveled a total of 2.68 million kilometers.

Mobile science classes, jointly organized by the Ministry of Education, the CSTM and the online platform of Douyin, had garnered over 350 million views on the internet.
He was warmly received by the Minister of State (MoS) in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada at the airport, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/1879178380203196639

Sharing the pictures of the President's arrival, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal wrote, "A special celebration of the 60th anniversary of #IndiaSingapore diplomatic relations. President @Tharman_S of Singapore arrives in New Delhi on a State Visit. Warmly received by MoS @JitinPrasada at the airport."

Notably, the president is on a state visit to India from January 14-18.

According to MEA, Tharman will be accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhawan on January 16. During his visit, Tharman will hold discussions with President Droupadi Murmu, who will also host a banquet in his honour. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet with the President of Singapore.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and several other Indian dignitaries will call on Tharman. Tharman will also visit Odisha from January 17-18.

According to Singapore's Foreign Minister, CM Majhi will also host Tharman at an official dinner.

The Singapore President will also visit the World Skills Centre, which was set up by Singapore's Institute of Technical Education Education Services (ITEES) with funding from the Asian Development Bank, and a vaccine manufacturing plant run by Bharat Biotech. He will also visit a few places reflecting Odisha's cultural heritage.

"India and Singapore have extensive cooperation based on a long tradition of friendship, trust and mutual respect. Tharman's visit is expected to provide further momentum to bilateral relations, which were elevated to the level of Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Singapore from September 4-5, 2024," the MEA added. (ANI)
In a post on X, EAM Jaishankar stated, "Called on President Pedro Sanchez of Spain today in Madrid. Conveyed greetings of PM Narendra Modi. Recalled his successful visit to India which reaffirmed our long-standing partnership. Briefed him on my discussions in Madrid and apprised him of progress on our bilateral agenda."

https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1879199191429193834

During the meeting, EAM Jaishankar highlighted India's commitment to enhancing bilateral ties with Spain, reflecting on the significant exchanges between the two nations. This interaction follows Spanish President Pedro Sanchez's previous visit to India, which highlighted the deep-rooted relationship shared by the countries.

India and Spain have maintained cordial relations since establishing diplomatic ties in 1956. Notable milestones include Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official visit to Spain in May 2017 and regular engagements between leaders on the sidelines of global summits, including the G20 in 2018 and 2021. In February 2023, a phone call between the prime ministers reiterated confidence in the growing relationship between the two nations.

Additionally, Jaishankar has consistently engaged with Spain's Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares during events like the UNGA sessions in 2022 and 2024.

Bilateral ties have expanded beyond politics to include cultural and educational collaborations. In 2023, the University of Valladolid signed two MoUs with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) to establish chairs in Hindi Language and Indian Studies.

Further strengthening academic relations, the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) and the Conference of Rectors of Spanish Universities (CRUE) signed an MoU in July 2024 to foster higher education partnerships.

The Indian diaspora in Spain, numbering approximately 75,000, primarily resides in Catalonia, Valencia, Madrid, and the Canary Islands. In response to growing consular service demands, the Consulate General of India was inaugurated in Barcelona on August 13, 2024, marking another step in enhancing India-Spain relations. (ANI)
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles in Madrid on Tuesday and discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the defence sector, as well as regional and global issues. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1879171019908493667 Sharing the pictures of the meeting, Jaishankar said that the meeting was a "productive exchange of views." "A productive exchange of views with Defense Minister Margarita Robles today in Madrid. Discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation in the defence sector, as also regional and global issues," Jaishankar wrote on X. Earlier, he interacted with the Indian community and highlighted India's positioning in today's world. While addressing an Indian community event in Spain on Tuesday, Jaishankar said that India has taken its slogan of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas and Sabka Vishwas' to the world. He said that the world wants to understand India's positioning and ideas. Jaishankar said, "India's positioning today is very important that all countries in the world today, seeing the situation of the world today, think that having good ties with India is in the interest of many, many countries. So, they want to understand our positioning. The second is our capabilities. They feel that this Bharat is a new Bharat. Our economy is at fifth position." "Everyone says India will reach the third spot in a few years. You all will remember, that 10 years back, we were in the 10th or 11th position. The world recognises the pace at which progress is happening in India today. So, first is positioning and second is capabilities. And the third is actually our ideas, that India is today seen as contributing to a global conversation," he added. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1879034840995209642 "Pleased to interact with the vibrant Indian community in Spain yesterday. Spoke to them about the changes underway in India, India's increasing role on the global stage and how Indians worldwide today are part of the Viksit Bharat journey," Jaishankar said on X. He also held wide-range talks with the Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares. The discussions were held on bilateral partnerships including trade, investment, defence, security, urban development, railways, green hydrogen, climate action and people-to-people ties. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1878831556074082734 In a post on X, he said, "Delighted to hold wide-ranging talks with FM Jose Manuel Albares of Spain today. Productive conversation on our bilateral partnership including in trade, investment, defence, security, urban development, railways......" Notably, Jaishankar is on a diplomatic visit to Spain on January 13-14. (ANI)
According to the NSC, Iranian agents posing as representatives of Al-Arabiya Farsi, the Persian-language branch of a Saudi media outlet, contacted the businessman via Telegram. Claiming they sought an interview about the Iranian regime, they invited the Israeli to a meeting in Dubai. The agents also sent malicious files designed to access his mobile phone.

But the businessman became suspicious and reported the contact to the National Intelligence Service, whose investigation confirmed the plot.

In December, The Press Service of Israel reported of Iranian plot to kidnap Israeli journalist Babak Itzhaki by luring him to a Turkish city near the Iranian border.

In November, Israeli-Moldovan Rabbi Zvi Kogan was abducted and killed in the United Arab Emirates. Three Uzbek nationals were arrested and Israeli officials believe they were working on behalf of Iran.

The NSC cautioned Israelis against sharing sensitive personal details, such as phone numbers, travel plans, or real-time locations, through social media or messaging platforms.

When contacted by unknown individuals, the NSC recommended verifying the identity of their contacts through direct communication, such as audio or video calls. The NSC also warned against downloading unsolicited files or links. (ANI/TPS)
"This ambitious target underscores Masdar's commitment to accelerating the global transition to clean energy and contributing to climate neutrality, she said in statements on the sidelines of the ongoing Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2025.

"Masdar is a global leader in the clean energy sector," said Al Suwaidi. "We play a vital role in advancing the UAE's clean energy ambitions and are a key contributor to the nation's commitment to climate neutrality."

In recent years, Masdar has successfully developed and implemented more than 31 GW of clean energy projects across over 40 countries. This significant achievement enabled the company to double its production capacity in 2024. (ANI/WAM)
Abu Dhabi [UAE], January 14 (ANI/WAM): Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs, has received, at Wahat Al Karama in Abu Dhabi, Christopher Luxon, Prime Minister of New Zealand, as part of an official visit to the UAE. Accompanied by Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed, the Prime Minister of New Zealand reviewed the guard of honour that lined up to greet him, and then laid flowers at the memorial in front of the martyr's monument. He was briefed on Wahat Al Karama, which symbolises the heroism and sacrifices of the brave UAE Nationals in defending the country and protecting its gains and achievements. Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed praised the progress of relations between the UAE and New Zealand in all fields, with the support and guidance of the two countries' leaderships to achieve the common interest of the two friendly peoples. He reaffirmed that Wahat Al Karama embodies the gratitude and appreciation of the UAE leadership towards its heroes who gave their precious lives for the sake of the homeland, symbolising the values of heroism, courage and sacrifice that Emirati generations proudly uphold. At the end of the tour, the New Zealand Prime Minister penned a message in the Wahat Al Karama guestbook expressing his appreciation for the martyrs of the UAE. (ANI/WAM)
Nepal Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba on Tuesday held a telephone conversation with Israeli Foreign Minister Gidon Saar, discussing efforts to secure the release of Bipin Joshi, a Nepali national held captive by Hamas since October 7, 2023. Minister Deuba expressed hope for Joshi's prompt release and said, "We hope Mr. Joshi will be released soon." https://x.com/Arzuranadeuba/status/1879175881031311627 In a post on X, she said, "It was reassuring to speak with HE @gidonsaar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel, over the telephone today. We discussed efforts to secure the release of Mr. Bipin Joshi, who has been held captive by Hamas since 7 October 2023." "We hope Mr. Joshi will be released soon. said Nepal Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba," she added. Amid the Middle East ceasefire talks, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said a ceasefire that would end the war in Gaza is "ready" to be implemented if Hamas agrees to it, AL Jazeera reported. Although Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly promised to continue the war, Blinken said Hamas has been the party rejecting a ceasefire deal. United States President Joe Biden had announced a ceasefire proposal in May that would see the release of captives held in Gaza and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the territory. Hamas publicly agreed to the deal, but Israel insisted that it would fight as long as necessary and hold on to parts of Gaza, including the Palestinian enclave's border with Egypt, known as the Philadelphi Corridor, as per AL Jazeera. "I believe we will get a ceasefire," Blinken said at the Atlantic Council. "And whether we get there in the remaining days of our administration or after January 20, I believe the deal will follow closely the terms of the agreement that President Biden put forward last May." Meanwhile, Olaf Scholz, the chancellor of Germany, has said a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas appears to be within reach. "We understand how painful any agreement with the terrorist organisation Hamas is for Israel. Nevertheless, the lives of the hostages must now have top priority," he said in a statement. Scholz added that the deal offers the chance to ease the suffering in Gaza. According to AL Jazeera, at least 61 Palestinians have been killed and 281 others injured in Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip in the past 24 hours, according to the enclave's Health Ministry. Israel's genocide in Gaza has killed at least 46,645 Palestinians and wounded 110,012 since October 7, 2023. At least 1,139 people were killed in Israel during the Hamas-led attacks that day and more than 200 were taken captive. (ANI)
US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi on Tuesday introduced a bipartisan resolution to designate January as Tamil Language and Heritage Month. Sharing a post on X, he wrote, "For the 360,000 Tamil Americans living in the US today, January is a uniquely special time thanks to the festival of Pongal. I was proud to introduce my bipartisan resolution to designate January in honour of the Tamil language and heritage." https://x.com/CongressmanRaja/status/1879255849941746153 The resolution highlights the significance of Tamil language, one of the world's oldest languages, spoken by over 80 million people globally. A press release on his official website stated, "Today, Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) introduced a bipartisan resolution designating January as Tamil Language and Heritage Month. More than 80 million people worldwide, including 360,000 Americans, speak Tamil, one of the world's oldest languages. The resolution coincides with Pongal, a major Tamil festival that begins in mid-January." "As a Tamil American, I am proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution honouring the Tamil language, heritage, and culture here at home in the United States and around the world," the release added. Tamil Americans United PAC said, "Tamil Americans United PAC wholeheartedly welcomes and deeply appreciates Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi and the members of Congress for introducing this significant legislation, which highlights the rich history of the ancient Tamil people and their invaluable contributions to the modern world. We urge Tamil Americans to actively and effectively engage in efforts to ensure the successful passage of this legislation in the United States Congress." Federation of Tamil Sangams of North American (FeTNA) said that as proud Tamil Americans, they strongly support Krishnamoorthi's resolution to create a Tamil Language and Heritage Month. "Tamils have much to contribute to this dear country we call our home, and showcasing our history, language, and culture will allow us to meaningfully share what we have with our fellow citizens," FeTNA said. Congressman Krishnamoorthi was joined in introducing the resolution by Reps. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Thanedar (D-MI), Ro Khanna (D-CA), Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Ami Bera (D-CA) , Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Yevette Clark (D-NY), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Debroah Ross (D-NC), Danny Davis (D-IL), Dina Titus (D-NV), Don Davis (D-NC), and Summer Lee (D-PA). (ANI)
US President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday announced his plans to create the External Revenue Service, a new body aimed at collecting tariffs, duties, and all revenue derived from foreign sources. Trump also criticised the current reliance on domestic taxes through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and emphasised the need for foreign entities benefiting from trade with the US to contribute their fair share. In a post on social media platform Truth Social, Trump said, "For far too long, we have relied on taxing our Great People using the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Through soft and pathetically weak trade agreements, the American economy has delivered growth and prosperity to the world while taxing ourselves." He further said that January 20 would mark the establishment of the External Revenue Service. "It is time for that to change. I am announcing today that I will create the External Revenue Service to collect our tariffs, duties, and all revenue that comes from foreign sources. We will begin charging those that make money off of us with trade, and they will start paying, finally, their fair share. January 20, 2025, will be the birth date of the External Revenue Service. Make America great again!" The IRS is led by the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner who oversee the organisation's operating divisions and integrated support functions. The IRS is organised to carry out the responsibilities of the Treasury Secretary per Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 7801. The IRS was created based on the secretary's authority to administer and enforce the Internal Revenue laws. Trump will officially be sworn in for his second term as US President on January 20. Earlier, the US Congress had convened to count electoral college votes and certify Trump's victory over Vice President Kamala Harris in the presidential election held in November. Trump's election victory was certified ahead of his inauguration with no objections from any lawmakers as the tally of states was announced on the House floor. Donald Trump won 312 electoral votes while Harris got 226 votes. (ANI)
Tel Aviv [Israel], January 15 (ANI/TPS): Knesset members were divided over an emerging ceasefire and hostage agreement with Hamas on Tuesday. Supporters insisted it was necessary to bring the captives home as soon as possible while critics said the deal threatened Israeli security. Talks in Qatar aimed at reaching a ceasefire and hostage release agreement between Israel and Hamas are progressing with an Arab source telling The Press Service of Israel on Tuesday there is a "high likelihood of success." According to the source, discussions focus on the release of Palestinian prisoners, with Israel seeking to have those serving life sentences deported to countries such as Turkey, Qatar, and Egypt. Under the terms of the emerging ceasefire, it is expected that the first 33 hostages to be released will be humanitarian cases -- women, children, elderly and sick. Palestinians from northern Gaza who fled to southern areas of the Strip will be allowed to return to their homes. Israeli forces will not withdraw from the Strip until all the hostages are freed. Opponents of the agreement are against any deal that does not bring home all the hostages at once. "All our hostages must be returned in one operation," Likud MK Tali Gottlieb told The Press Service of Israel. "I'm not debating the cost, and as long as Herzi Halevi remains Chief of Staff [of the Israel Defence Forces], he won't allow Hamas to be defeated. Instead, he continues with raids rather than conquest and control of enemy territory," she added. "So, it has to be all or nothing. No phased releases, no steps. Either everyone returns, or no one does. Hamas can wait for Trump's presidency, when we will impose such a heavy siege on them that they will beg to return our hostages." Opposition Whip MK Merav Ben Ari of Yesh Atid told TPS-IL she supported the agreement. "The State of Israel must bring all the hostages home, whether for rehabilitation or burial in Israel. The hostages don't have time. Every day is critical. We must bring them back and end the war in Gaza," she said. But fellow opposition MK Yulia Malinovsky of the Israel Beitinenu party told TPS-IL she opposed the agreement. "Months ago, a comprehensive deal could have been reached to bring all the hostages home, both the living and the dead," Malinovsky said. "But the Prime Minister, due to political weakness and personal interests, prevented this. Now we're talking about a phased deal, with no guarantee that everyone will return. I still believe it's possible to find a formula that brings everyone back in one operation. I'm crossing my fingers and hope that all our brothers and sisters return home as soon as possible, whether for recovery or burial." Coalition MK Ohad Tal of the Religious Zionism party told TPS-IL, "We say no to a deal that leaves most hostages in Gaza, no to a deal that frees murderous terrorists, and no to a deal that rolls back the war achievements for which soldiers gave their lives. But yes to military pressure that will force Hamas into a good deal. Yes to a deal that includes all the hostages, allows Israel to maintain its presence in Gaza, and doesn't compromise Israel's security." MK Tzvi Sukkot of Otzma Yehudit said the deal "means abandoning hostages who aren't included in the agreement." He was referring to reports that 33 hostages -- women, children, elderly and sick -- will be released while the freeing of other captives will be subject to further negotiations. "It's a betrayal of Israel's security and erases the war's achievements, paid for with the lives of many soldiers. For every hostage released, we'll be freeing dozens of terrorists just like Yahya Sinwar, taking Israel back to October 6," Sukkot insisted. "This must not happen. If we cut Hamas off from humanitarian aid, implement the Generals' Plan to clear Gaza of terrorists, and begin annexing Gaza territories, Hamas will beg for a deal and return the hostages without undermining our security or war gains." The Generals' Plan advocates evacuating all civilians from northern Gaza, designating the area as a closed military zone, and forcing the remaining terrorists to capitulate by cutting off all aid, including food and water. Yesh Atid lawmaker Debbie Biton insisted to TPS-IL, "No excuses, no delays -- the hostages must come home. Their lives are more important than any politics or other considerations. Yesh Atid is here to provide a safety net for any deal that saves them. Netanyahu needs to find the courage to finalize the deal he agreed to seven months ago. This is the time to restore hope to the families and act without fear." At least 1,200 people were killed, and 252 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage in Hamas's attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7. Of the 95 remaining hostages, more than 30 have been declared dead. Hamas has also been holding captive two Israeli civilians since 2014 and 2015, and the bodies of two soldiers killed in 2014. (ANI/TPS)
China's Ministry of Commerce on Monday said that China firmly opposes the Biden administration's announcement of restrictions on exports related to artificial intelligence (AI).

The restrictions tighten export controls on AI chips and model parameters further, while extending extraterritorial jurisdiction. They create obstacles and interference for third parties engaged in normal trade with China, a ministry spokesperson said.

Previously, high-tech companies and industry organizations from the United States expressed their dissatisfaction and concern through various channels, arguing that the restrictive measures had been formulated hastily without sufficient discussion and constitute the excessive regulation of the AI sector. Believing that these measures will lead to significant adverse consequences, they have strongly urged the Biden administration to halt their implementation, the spokesperson said.

However, the Biden administration has disregarded industry appeals and insisted on the hasty implementation of these measures. This action exemplifies the generalization of the concept of national security and the misuse of export controls, marking a blatant violation of international multilateral trade rules, according to the spokesperson.

This action has severely hindered normal trade between countries, undermined market rules and international economic order, and affected global technological innovation. It has also damaged the interests of businesses worldwide, including those in the United States, the spokesperson said, adding that China will take necessary measures to firmly safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.
Pakistan Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir has identified the presence of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Afghanistan and cross-border terrorist activities as the main points of contention between Pakistan and its western neighbour. The remarks attributed to the army chief were carried by state broadcaster PTV News and were uttered during his Peshawar meeting, Dawn reported. Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have long been strained due to recurring border conflicts and Pakistan's demand for decisive action against TTP militants allegedly using Afghan territory to orchestrate attacks. Kabul, however, denies these claims. Last month, tensions escalated when clashes erupted after Pakistan bombed suspected TTP hideouts in Afghanistan's Paktika province. The conflict led to casualties on both sides, with eight fatalities and 13 injuries reported on the Afghan side, and one Frontier Corps soldier killed along with 11 others injured in Pakistan. During his discussions, COAS Munir emphasised the significance of maintaining a positive relationship with Afghanistan, describing it as a "brotherly neighbour [and] an Islamic country." However, he stated, "The only difference with Afghanistan is the presence of Fitna al-Khawarij in Afghanistan and the spread of terrorism in Pakistan from across the border, and it will remain so until they remove this issue." The government had earlier designated the TTP as Fitna al-Khawarij, a term referring to outcasts, to underline the severity of their threat to national security, according to Dawn. General Munir also clarified that no large-scale military operations were ongoing in KP, nor was the TTP active within Pakistan. He said the military's approach focused on intelligence-based targeted operations to combat terrorism effectively. Stressing unity, he added, "Everyone would have to stand together against terrorism without discrimination and prejudice as politics could only be conducted if there was a state. If there is no state, then there is nothing." The army chief also addressed misinformation campaigns, asserting that attempts to create a false narrative of a gap between the people and the military were driven by external agendas. On a hopeful note, he lauded the National Action Plan (NAP) as a consensus-driven effort against terrorism and called for its swift implementation. Developed in 2014, the 20-point NAP seeks to tackle terrorism and extremism through collaborative efforts between stakeholders and government ministries, reported Dawn. Political representatives at the meeting raised concerns about KP's security situation and urged full enforcement of the NAP, suggesting its review to incorporate necessary adjustments. Sources disclosed that the leaders recommended engaging with Afghanistan's interim government, either formally or informally, to address Pakistan's internal security challenges. While advocating dialogue, the participants acknowledged the Afghan interim government's repeated failure to heed previous warnings. "They don't listen to us," COAS Munir reportedly stated, highlighting the need for alternative approaches to engage with the Afghan administration. The political leadership proposed exploring "other ways for engagement" to ensure cooperation between the two nations and facilitate regional peace, Dawn reported. The meeting, which spanned nearly four hours, underscored the urgency of collective action against terrorism and the importance of fostering cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan to resolve enduring security concerns. The discussions highlighted the shared commitment of political and military leadership to address the challenges and achieve lasting stability in the region. (ANI)
US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), along with Ranking Member Gregory Meeks (D-NY) and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), sent a letter to President Joe Biden and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Tuesday, urging the extension of Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) programme for Hong Kong residents. The letter signees requested the Biden administration to extend DED for eligible Hong Kong residents until no earlier than January 20, 2029, due to the threat of political persecution and the erosion of democracy in Hong Kong at the hands of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) according to a press release by the Select Committee on the CCP. Krishnamoorthi said, "As is well documented, attacks on Hong Kongers' free speech and basic human rights do not stop at the city's borders. That is why we must take action to protect those Hong Kong residents who would face almost certain prosecution if they were to return to Hong Kong. By extending the DED program for Hong Kongers, we can provide them a temporary safe haven and live up to our reputation as being a beacon for freedom and democracy in the United States." Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong (CFHK) Foundation said, "The Deferred Enforced Departure program has provided critical protection for Hong Kongers in the US, shielding them from the threat of political persecution if forced to return to Hong Kong under the tightening grip of the CCP. Thousands of Hong Kongers relying on this program now face dire uncertainty and grave risks. Extending the program until 2029 is a vital step to ensure their safety and to reaffirm America's commitment to standing against authoritarianism. This immediate extension is essential to provide stability and security for those at risk, as we continue to push for permanent solutions to protect individuals fleeing the CCP's repression. We strongly urge the administration to act swiftly to demonstrate solidarity with Hong Kong's pro-democracy advocates." Notably, the DED programme is a temporary measure, authorised by the President of the US at their discretion, that allows certain foreign nationals from designated countries to stay in the US without facing deportation for a period of time. (ANI)
The Biden administration announced on Tuesday that it will remove Cuba from the US state sponsor of terrorism list, reversing a designation made by Donald Trump's administration in 2021. The White House in a press release 'Certification of Rescission of Cuba's Designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism' quoted US President Joe Biden as saying, "Pursuant to the Constitution and the laws of the United States, and consistent with sections 1754(c) and 1768(c) of the National Defence Authorisation Act for Fiscal Year 2019 (50 U.S.C. 4813(c) and 4826(c)), I hereby certify with respect to the rescission of the determination of January 12, 2021, regarding Cuba that the Government of Cuba has not provided any support for international terrorism during the preceding 6-month period; and the Government of Cuba has provided assurances that it will not support acts of international terrorism in the future." On January 11, 2021, the US State Department designated Cuba as a State Sponsor of Terrorism for repeatedly providing support for acts of international terrorism in granting safe harbor to terrorists. The US Embassy in Cuba in a press release had said, "The Trump administration has been focused from the start on denying the Castro regime the resources it uses to oppress its people at home and countering its malign interference in Venezuela and the rest of the Western Hemisphere. With this action, we will once again hold Cuba's government accountable and send a clear message: the Castro regime must end its support for international terrorism and subversion of US justice." It added, "For decades, the Cuban government fed, housed, and provided medical care for murderers, bombmakers, and hijackers, while many Cubans go hungry, homeless, and without basic medicine. Members of the National Liberation Army (ELN), a US-designated Foreign Terrorist Organization, travelled to Havana to conduct peace talks with the Colombian government in 2017. Citing peace negotiation protocols, Cuba refused Colombia's requests to extradite ten ELN leaders living in Havana after the group claimed responsibility for the January 2019 bombing of a Bogota police academy that killed 22 people and injured more than 87 others." Following the decision, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez had condemned the country's inclusion in a US list of countries that sponsor terrorism. Cuba condemned the US-announced "hypocritical and cynical designation" of the country as "a state sponsoring terrorism," the minister had said on X. "The US political opportunism is recognized by those who are honestly concerned about the scourge of terrorism and its victims," he added. (ANI)
This is an adapted excerpt from the Jan. 12 episode of "Ayman."

Well, it finally happened. Last week, the United States finally said definitively that the suffering, destruction and violence were witnessing abroad is genocide.

In a statement, Secretary of State Antony Blinken decried what he called the worlds largest humanitarian catastrophe: A famine that has left 30 million people in need of humanitarian assistance and tens of thousands dead. He also referred to the systematic targeting of civilians and the reported instances of rape and sexual violence.

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Now, despite what you may be thinking, the Biden administration was not referring to Israels war in Gaza. Instead, it was referring to the Sudanese armed forces and the Rapid Support Forces ongoing brutality against the people of Sudan.

The horrific atrocities committed against the Sudanese should be labeled as genocide. But Blinkens declaration begs the question: Why is the U.S. unable to apply that same standard to Israel?

If the Biden administration is calling out the famine in Sudan, why not also address the ongoing famine in Gaza, which has been condemned by independent experts from the United Nations?

If the U.S. is rightfully condemning the horrific violence happening against the Sudanese, why not also condemn allegations that Israel Defense Forces soldiers, according to a report from the United Nations, have been subjecting male and female Palestinian prisoners to abuse, including sexual and gender-based violence?

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Its not like this administration has shied away from the use of the genocide label before. In early 2021, President Joe Biden formally recognized the systematic killings and deportations of hundreds of thousands of Armenians by the Ottoman Empire in the early 20th century as genocide, using a term his predecessors had avoided for decades.

In 2022, Biden called Russias invasion of Ukraine a genocide. It had become clearer and clearer that Putin is just trying to wipe out the idea of even being a Ukrainian, Biden said at the time.

But when it comes to Israel, the Biden administration has gone out of its way to not call what Israel is doing in Gaza a genocide. Blinken has called the accusation of genocide meritless.

The day after Blinkens Sudan announcement, White House national security communications adviser John Kirby was directly asked what distinguishes the situation in Sudan from the one in Gaza. Its clear, as the secretary of state articulated, that what were seeing in Sudan is genocide, Kirby told reporters. Its the wanton, systematic, direct, deliberate slaughter, rape, murder, torture of people based on their ethnicity or their faith.

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That is not what were seeing in Gaza, he continued. Its not. The IDF isnt waking up every day putting their boots on the floor and saying, Hey, were going to go kill some innocent people because they happen to be Palestinian.

But last month, IDF soldiers who have served in Gaza told the Israeli newspaper Haaretz that anyone who crosses an imaginary line in the contested Neztarim corridor is shot to death, with every Palestinian casualty counting as a terrorist  even if the casualty is a child.

An IDF commander added, After shootings, bodies are not collected, attracting packs of dogs who come to eat them. In Gaza, people know that wherever you see those dogs, thats where you must not go.

In a statement to Haaretz, the Israeli military said its strikes are targeted solely at military objectives, and before the strikes are carried out, many steps are taken to minimize harm to noncombatants.

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A new study published by the medical journal The Lancet found that the Health Ministry in the Gaza Strip has significantly undercounted the number of Palestinians killed by 41%. The report estimates there have been 64,260 deaths in Gaza, 59% of which are women, children and people over the age of 65.

In response to the study, a senior Israeli official told Reuters that Israels armed forces went to great lengths to avoid civilian casualties, 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, the official said.

Despite these accounts from IDF soldiers and that new study, there has been no official condemnation from the United States and no accusations of genocide. Instead, the State Department has reportedly informally told Congress about a planned $8 billion weapons sale to Israel.

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That brings us back to this weeks determination of genocide in Sudan. Two senior U.S. officials told The New York Times that some officials hesitated to support it because they feared it would draw further criticism of the Biden administration over its refusal to declare Israels assault on Gaza a genocide.

And theyre right. It has and should draw criticism because the U.S. head-in-the-sand attitude toward Israel is not only inconsistent with its treatment of other countries, but its also a clear act of moral cowardice.

Allison Detzel contributed.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Gov. Kim Reynolds will lay out her 2025 legislative agenda in her annual Condition of the State address at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14.

The address will be broadcast live statewide on Iowa PBS. The Des Moines Register will stream the speech live on its website, mobile apps, YouTube channel and Facebook page.

Iowa lawmakers gaveled in Monday to formally begin the Iowa Legislature's 2025 session. Republican leaders say their No. 1 focus this year is cutting property taxes.

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You can watch the address live here:

What is the Condition of the State address?

Iowa governors annually address the Iowa Legislature to lay out their top priorities for the year and present their proposed state budget.

The speech, which Reynolds will give from the Iowa House chamber, typically provides the first detailed look at the governor's policy agenda for the year.

So far, Reynolds has said she plans to introduce a bill banning cellphone use in Iowa's K-12 classrooms and to focus on rural and maternal health care access, but she hasn't shared specifics about her priorities.

Last year, Reynolds pitched changes to Iowa's Area Education Agencies, a salary increase for teachers and lowering Iowans' income taxes.

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The Des Moines Register will have complete coverage of Reynolds' 2025 address and legislative reaction at DesMoinesRegister.com and in our free Iowa Politics Newsletter.

Stephen Gruber-Miller covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. He can be reached by email at sgrubermil@registermedia.com or by phone at 515-284-8169. Follow him on X at @sgrubermiller.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Here's how to watch the 2025 Iowa Condition of the State address
Israels top general has resigned, citing the security failures that allowed Hamas 7 October attack, as at least 10 Palestinians were killed in an Israeli raid in the West Bank city of Jenin.

The Jenin raid also left at least 40 wounded, Palestinian health officials said, as Israels fragile ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza entered its third dayChief of Staff Lt General Herzi Halevi became the most prominent Israeli official to step down over the militant groups attack when he announced his resignation on Tuesday.

In Tel Aviv, four people were wounded in a stabbing attack on Tuesday evening, according to Israeli police, who said the attacker was killed by security forces at the scene.

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Meanwhile, Hamas official Taher al-Nunu has said four female Israeli hostages will be released on Saturday in return for Palestinian prisoners in the second such exchange under the truce, according to AFP.

And US president Donald Trumps pick for ambassador to the UN, Elise Stefanik, has told a Senate confirmation hearing that Israel has a biblical right to dominion over the West Bank.

Key Points

Israels top general resigns citing failures over Hamas attack that ignited war in Gaza

At least ten Palestinians killed from Israeli attack on Jenin

Four injured in a Tel Aviv knife attack

Settlers attack Palestinian villages hours after Trump rescinded Biden sanctions

Were closing our live blog

11:44 , Alex Croft

We are pausing our live coverage of the developments in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories.

Before we do, here are the latest developments in the region from the past 24 hours:

Details emerged of a settler attack on Palestinian villages in the West Bank. Palestinian medics say 12 were injured, while local officials said houses, shops, nurseries and cars were attacked and burned.

The casualty toll in a raid by Israeli forces on Jenin in the West Bank has reached at least 10, with 40 wounded.

In Tel Aviv, four people were injured following a stabbing by a foreign national, which authorities believe was a terrorist attack.

Israel has been accused of breaching the ceasefire, with Palestinian news outlets reporting a 15-year-old boy is among those shot and injured in Gaza since the ceasefire came into effect.

Israels top general, Lt General Herzi Halevi, has stepped down citing the failures which allowed the October 7 attack to take place.

UN chief calls on Iran to renounce nuclear weapons

11:27 , Alex Croft

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Iran must commit to not developing nuclear weapons, UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres said on Wednesday.

The country must make a first step towards improving relations in the Middle East and with United States by making clear there are no plans for further nuclear development, he said.

The most relevant question is Iran and relations between Iran, Israel and the United States, Mr Guterres said at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Here my hope is that the Iranians understand that it is important to once and for all make it clear that they will renounce to have nuclear weapons, at the same time that they engage constructively with the other countries of the region.

Israels top general resigns over 7 October Hamas attack  as military launches major West Bank offensive

11:12 , Alex Croft

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Israels top general has announced his resignation over the security failures that allowed Hamas to attack southern Israel on 7 October 2023  saying he will stand down in March.

Lt General Herzi Halevi, the Israeli armed forces chief of staff, is the most prominent Israeli official to resign over the attack. The move comes just days into a fragile ceasefire in the Gaza war that was triggered by the attack, during which around 1,200 people were killed and another 250 people taken hostage. Israels retaliatory offensive in Gaza has killed 47,000 Palestinians according to the enclaves health ministry and forced 90 per cent of its 2.3 million residents from their homes.

As part of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire, 33 of the hostages still held in the territory are due to be released, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians held in Israeli jails over the course of six weeks. The first three hostages were released over the weekend, alongside 90 prisoners. A Hamas official told AFP that four women will be released this coming weekend, without naming them.

Chief international correspondent Bel Trew and international editor Chris Stevenson report:

Israels top general resigns over Hamas attack  as military launches West Bank raid

Qatari PM and Mossad chief to discuss second phase of hostage deal this week - report

10:48 , Alex Croft

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The prime minister of Qatar, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, is set to meet with the boss of Israels intelligence agency to discuss the second phase of a hostage deal.

Qatars Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani will meet with Dedi Barnea of Mossad later this week, journalist Barak Ravid reported in Walla News.

The hostage deal requires negotiations on the second phase of the deal to begin on the 16th day of the ceasefire. Mr Thani is interested in beginning negiations before, Walla reported.

Within four weeks, the parties must have an agreement on the release of men under the age of 50 held by Hamas, in exchange for the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and a permanent ceasefire.

In pictures: Palestinians look through damage after West Bank settler attacks

10:22 , Alex Croft

Men check burnt structures following an attack by Israeli settlers in the Palestinian village of Jinsafut (AFP via Getty Images)

A Palestinian man checks the site of an attack by Israeli settlers in the Palestinian village of Jinsafut in the north of the occupied West Bank, on 21 January 2025 (AFP via Getty Images)

Palesitnian medics said 12 were injured in the attacks (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

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They beat us every day: Freed Palestinian prisoners allege abuse in Israeli jails

09:42 , Bel Trew, Chief International Correspondent

They beat us every day: Freed Palestinian prisoners allege abuse in Israeli jails

More details on settler attack in West Bank that injured 12

09:13 , Alex Croft

Earlier, we reported that dozens of masked men believed to be Israeli settlers had marauded through at least two Palestinian villages in the Israeli-occupied West Bank late on Monday, attacking residents and terrorising neighbourhoods.

The Palestinian Red Crescent said it had treated 12 people who had been beaten by the men in the northern West Bank villages. The Israeli military said the men threw rocks at soldiers who arrived to disperse them and that an investigation had been launched.

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Jalal Bashir, the head of Jinsafuts village council, said three houses, a nursery and a carpentry shop had been attacked.

"The settlers were masked and had incendiary materials," said Bashir. "Their numbers were large and unprecedented."

Louay Tayem, head of the local council in Al-Funduq, said dozens of men had fired shots, thrown stones, burned cars, and attacked homes and shops, the Associated Press reported.

Charred shells of cars littered the side of the road in Jinsafut on Tuesday, and residents were seen surveying the damage to a burned storage space.

Men check burnt structures following an attack by Israeli settlers in the Palestinian village of Jinsafut (AFP via Getty Images)

Southeast Asian ASEAN bloc welcomes Gaza ceasefire

08:52 , Alex Croft

The southeast Asian bloc ASEAN has welcomed a ceasefire in Gaza and called for its full implentation along with the release of all hostages, its chair Malaysia said.

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We also call for a full, safe, rapid, and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance for the Palestinians, the bloc said in a statement released on Wednesday.

France issues arrest warrants against Syrias Assad

08:42 , Alex Croft

French investigating magistrates have issued an arrest warrant against deposed Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, on accusations of complicity in war crimes, a legal source said on Tuesday.

The mandate was issued on 20 January as part of an investigation into the case of Salah Abou Nabour, a Franco-Syrian national who was killed in a bombing raid in June 2017.

It is the second arrest warrant Assad faces in French courts, after he was charged in November 2023 for complicity in crimes against humanity and complicity in war crimes.

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A French investigation into chemical attacks in Douma and Eastern Ghouta which killed more than 1,000 people in August 2013.

Assads government has denied using chemical weapons against its opponents in the civil war, which broke out in March 2011.

The former Syrian leader was overthrown in early December 2024 by insurgent forces led by the Islamist Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS).

In pictures: Israeli vehicles in Jenin, West Bank, as 10 Palestinians killed

08:27 , Alex Croft

Israeli military vehicles operate during an Israeli raid in Jenin, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank (REUTERS)

At least 10 Palestinians have been killed in the raid (REUTERS)

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Who in Israel has resigned over the Hamas attack?

08:03 , Namita Singh

Israels top general on Tuesday became the highest-ranking official to resign over Hamas 7 October 2023 attack, the worst security failure in the countrys history.

Like much of Israels top brass, Lt General Herzi Halevi remained in his post through the 15-month war in the Gaza Strip, the related conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon and tensions with Iran that led the two countries to exchange fire twice last year.

But days into a ceasefire with Hamas, and with the other conflicts having wound down, he and the head of Israels Southern Command, which oversees operations in Gaza, announced they would step down.

Their resignations are likely to fuel longstanding calls in Israel for a public inquiry into the security and intelligence failures.

Heres a look at who has taken the fall for 7 October and who hasnt.

Who in Israel has resigned over the Oct. 7 security breakdown, and who hasn't?

At least 10 killed in Jenin, says Palestinian health ministry

07:32 , Namita Singh

At least 10 have been killed in Israeli military raids on Tuesday, while 40 have been injured, according to the Palestinian health ministry.

It comes after the Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the launching of a large-scale and significant military operation to eradicate terrorism in the territory, which he dubbed operation Iron Wall.

He said that Israel is acting systematically and resolutely against the Iranian axis wherever it extends its arms  in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Judea and Samaria  and with our hands still outstretched.

Palestinian men hold up an ID card near a checkpoint on the day of an Israeli raid in Jenin, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, 22 January 2025 (Reuters)

Israel has 'biblical' dominion over West Bank, says Trumps UN nominee

07:16 , Namita Singh

President Donald Trumps pick for ambassador to the UN has said that Israel has a biblical right to dominion over the occupied West Bank.

Elise Stefanik made the remarks during her confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, when she was confronted over her backing of a position that aligns with the Israeli far-right.

She was asked if she agreed with those like Israels finance minister Bezalel Smotrich and former national security minister Itamar Ben Gvir who believe that Israel has a biblical right to the entire West Bank.

Representative Elise Stefanik testifies before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on her nomination to be ambassador to the United Nations (Getty Images)

Yes! Ms Stefanik replied.

Mr Trumps plan for peace and stability in the region would be very difficult to achieve ... if you continue to hold the view that you just expressed, shot back senator Chris Van Hollen, who was at her confirmation hearing.

Ms Stefanik repeatedly refused to say if Palestinians have the right to self-determination.

I think President Trump is uniquely positioned at this very challenging moment to bring peace to the region, to eradicate terrorists of Hamas and Hezbollah, to protect Israels national security. If you look at the failures, weve given billions of dollars, and this is just the bilateral aid to the Palestinians, and it has been abused by Hamas, Ms Stefanik said.

More than 2,400 aid trucks enter Gaza under truce, UN says no big looting issues

06:10 , Namita Singh

Nearly 900 humanitarian aid trucks entered the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, the third day of a ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militants Hamas, as a senior UN official said so far there had been no apparent law-and-order issues.

The latest arrivals bring the three-day total to more than 2,400 trucks entering the enclave.

Throughout the 15-month war, the UN has described its humanitarian operation as opportunistic - facing problems with Israels military operation, access restrictions by Israel into and throughout Gaza and more recently looting by armed gangs.

Displaced Palestinians chase a humanitarian aid truck amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Rafah (EPA)

Muhannad Hadi, the top UN aid official for Gaza and the West Bank, said there had been minor incidents of looting in the past three days, but not like before.

Its not organised crime. Kids jumped on some trucks trying to take food baskets. There were some other people (who) tried to take some bottled water. Hopefully within few days this will all disappear once the people of Gaza realise that we will have aid enough for everybody.

Muhannad Hadi

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said 897 aid trucks entered the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, citing information it received from Israel and the guarantors for the ceasefire agreement - the United States, Egypt and Qatar.

The truce deal requires at least 600 truckloads of aid to be allowed into Gaza every day of the initial six-week ceasefire, including 50 carrying fuel. Half of those trucks are supposed to go to Gazas north, where experts have warned famine is imminent.

ICYMI: Israel's top general resigns over failure to stop Hamas attack as he calls for public inquiry

05:55 , Namita Singh

Israels top general has resigned, citing the security failures that allowed Hamas 7 October 2023, attack. Lt General Herzi Halevi is the most prominent Israeli official to resign over the attack.

He announced his resignation on Tuesday, just days into a fragile ceasefire with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Major General Yaron Finkelman, head of Israels Southern Command, which oversees operations in Gaza, also tendered his resignation.

Their resignations will likely add to calls for a public inquiry into the 7 October failures, something prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said must wait until the war is over.

Herzi Halevi, Chief of General Staff of the Israeli army, looks on before a meeting between the US and Israeli defence ministers (AFP via Getty Images)

Lt General Halevis resignation letter noted that the militarys investigations into those failures were currently in their final stages.And he made his most explicit call yet for a public inquiry in comments to journalists, saying it would be granted full transparency by the military.

Israels former defence minister, Yoav Gallant, was fired by Mr Netanyahu in November after the two clashed on a number of issues, including Mr Gallants pushing for a ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas.

Itamar Ben-Gvir, a far-right politician who resigned as Public Security Minister on Sunday over his opposition to the ceasefire, welcomed Lt General Halevis announcement and called on Mr Netanyahu to appoint a new chief of staff who will be strong and on the offensive in order to demolish Hamas.

Four wounded in Tel Aviv stabbing attack

05:06 , Namita Singh

Four people were wounded in a stabbing attack in central Tel Aviv yesterday evening, according to Israeli police, who said the attacker was killed by security forces at the scene.

Two people were in moderate condition and two had light wounds, according to Magen David Adom, Israels emergency rescue service. Ichilov Hospital said one person was in moderate-severe condition with a stab wound to the neck.

Police patrol the area along Nahalat Binyamin street and Rothschild after at a nearby restaurant, four people were stabbed and wounded on 21 January 2025 in Tel Aviv, Israel (Getty Images)

Police block off the area of a restaurant after a stabbing that left four people wounded on 21 January 2025 in Tel Aviv, Israel (Getty Images)

The attacker was reportedly killed by a civilian bystander (Getty Images)

Authorities only identified the attacker as a 28-year-old foreign national but believe the stabbings were a terrorist act. The attack took place in a bustling area filled with restaurants and cafes.

Another stabbing attack in Tel Aviv over the weekend left one person seriously wounded, and the attacker was also shot and wounded, police said at the time.

We found nothing: Palestinians return to destroyed homes and businesses in Gaza

05:03 , Namita Singh

Many Palestinians from the southern Gaza city of Rafah who returned to the area on Tuesday were shocked to find nothing left of their homes and businesses.

Manal Selim, a single mother of six, worked as a hairdresser and owned a shop that rented wedding and evening dresses. Her family lived upstairs.We thought wed find some place to live in or stay, she said. The destruction is scary. Its like an apocalypse.

Nour Abu Al Zamar salvage items from under the rubble of her destroyed family home, in Rafah (AP)

She broke down in tears seeing it all destroyed, pulling a few ripped dresses from under the rubble.This is my house. I built it brick by brick for 25 years, she said.

Elsewhere, Murad Miqdad found his home and electric appliance store in a three-story building completely destroyed.We found nothing, he said. Theres nothing to pull out of the house, and if you were able to pull anything out, you still wouldnt be able to use it.

UN says aid is flowing smoothly into Gaza

05:00 , Namita Singh

The UN humanitarian coordinator in Gaza says trucks from the UN, aid groups, governments and the private sector are arriving and no major looting has been reported beyond a few minor incidents.

Nearly 900 aid trucks entered Gaza on the third day of the ceasefire on Tuesday, the United Nations said. Thats significantly higher than the 600 trucks called for in the deal.

A displaced Palestinian chases a humanitarian aid truck amid a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Rafah (EPA)

Muhannad Hadi, who returned to Jerusalem from Gaza on Tuesday afternoon, told UN reporters by video that it was one of the happiest days of his 35-year humanitarian career to see Palestinians in the streets looking ahead with hope, some heading home and some starting to clean up the roads.

In his talks with families at a communal kitchen run by the UN World Food Program and elsewhere, he said, they all told him they need humanitarian assistance but want to go home, to work and earn money.

Displaced Palestinians chase a humanitarian aid truck (EPA)

They dont like the fact that they have been depending on humanitarian aid, Mr Hadi said. Palestinians talked about resuming education for their children and about the need for shelter, blankets and new clothes.

Mr Hadi, who is also the deputy UN coordinator for the Middle East peace process, said the UN hopes to start early recovery programmes, beginning with cash-for-work removing the tons of rubble in Gaza. But he said the UN must make sure the banking system is operating and electricity is back, stressing the critical role of UN member states and the private sector in early recovery.

Israel launches major operation in West Bank

04:19 , Namita Singh

Israel launched a major military operation Tuesday in the occupied West Bank city of Jenin that killed at least nine Palestinians and left at least 40 more people wounded, Palestinian health officials said, as Israels fragile ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza entered its third day.

In Tel Aviv, four people were wounded in a stabbing attack and the suspect was killed by security forces, according to Israeli police.

Authorities only identified the attacker as a 28-year-old foreign national but believe the stabbings were a terrorist act.

A Palestinian man checks the site of an attack by Israeli settlers in the Palestinian village of Jinsafut in the north of the occupied West Bank, on 21 January 2025 (AFP via Getty Images)

Settlers attack Palestinian villages hours after Trump rescinded Biden sanctions

03:30 , Namita Singh

Violence has surged in the West Bank, with Israel launching a deadly raid on the Jenin refugee camp on Tuesday. It comes as settler leaders rushed to praise Donald Trumps decision to reverse the sanctions imposed by the Biden administration aimed at punishing far-right settlers.

Late on Monday, dozens of masked men who are widely believed to be settlers marauded through at least two Palestinian villages and attacked homes and businesses, according to officials in Jinsafut and Al-Funduq, which are roughly 50km north of Jerusalem.

Smoke rises during clashes with Israeli forces near the checkpoint of Bet Forik at the entrance of Nablus, West Bank (EPA)

The Palestinian Red Crescent said it treated 12 people who were beaten by the men.

Jalal Bashir, the head of Jinsafuts village council, said that the men attacked three houses, a nursery and a carpentry shop located on the villages main road. Louay Tayem, head of the local council in Al-Funduq, said dozens of men had fired shots, thrown stones, burned cars, and attacked homes and shops.The settlers were masked and had incendiary materials, said Mr Bashir. Their numbers were large and unprecedented.

UN says it could take many years to rebuild widely devastated Gaza

03:00 , Tara Cobham

A United Nations damage assessment released this month showed that clearing over 50 million tonnes of rubble left in the aftermath of Israel's bombardment of Gaza could take 21 years and cost up to $1.2 billion.

To make matters worse, some of the debris is believed to be contaminated with asbestos, as some of the coastal enclaces devastated refugee camps, built up into cities since the 1940s, are known to have been constructed with the material.

Gaza health authorities say at least 47,000 people have been killed in the conflict, with the rubble likely holding the remains of thousands more.

A UN Development Programme reports says that development in the territory has been set back seven decades by the war.

"They [Gazans] are able to return home. ...It's a bit of a stretch of the imagination, I would say, to call it homes, because mostly, particularly in the north, it's mountains of rubble that they find. So they need help with that," Jens Laerke, spokesperson for the UN office for the Coordination of Humanitarian affairs, told a Geneva press briefing on Tuesday.

Displaced Palestinians return to Rafah in the Gaza Strip (Copyright 2025, The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Palestinians dig through rubble for bodies of loved ones

02:00 , Tara Cobham

Palestinian rescue workers continued the search for remains of Gazans buried under the wreckage of their houses and along the roadsides, locating at least 150 bodies since the truce went into effect, according to the Gaza civil emergency service.

Shocking images of decayed bodies spread on social media. At Shejaia cemetery, which had been flattened by Israeli tanks and bulldozers in previous months, several men dug up the ground searching for the graves of their relatives.

"I have been searching and looking for my father grave, my brothers grave and my brothers wifes grave, and I cant find them," Atef Jundiya, said at the cemetery in Gaza City.

"I mean, we are relieved by the ceasefire, but at the same time, we are still searching for our martyrs and searching for our graves and cant find them," Jundiya told Reuters.

The civil emergency service estimates that 10,000 bodies remain under the rubble, calling for heavy machinery and earth-moving vehicles to help in the extraction process, which officials expect to last for several months.

Palestinians head back home to destruction after truce deal with Israel

01:00 , Tara Cobham

Some Gazans have not been able to even recognise where they once lived and have consequently turned their back on shattered neighbourhoods to return to tents where they have sheltered for the past several months. Others have begun to clear debris to try to move back to the wreckage of their homes.

"We are cleaning the house, and removing the rubble, so we are able to return home. Those are the quilts, pillows, nothing was left at the house," said Palestinian woman Walaa El-Err, pointing to her destroyed belongings at her bombed-out home in Nuseirat, a decades-old refugee camp in central Gaza.

She said the feeling of returning to her neighbourhood was "indescribable". She said she'd stayed up all night on Saturday waiting for the truce to take effect the next day. But the optimism surrounding news of a ceasefire has faded.

"When I went into the camp, I teared up, as our camp was not like that, it was the best. When we left all the towers (and) homes were still untouched, and none of the neighbours had been killed," she lamented.

In Gaza City in the enclave's north, Abla, a mother of three children, waited for a few hours to make sure the truce held on Sunday before heading to her home in the Tel Al-Hawa suburb, demolished by Israeli bombardments and ground offensives.

The scene was "horrific" she said, as the seven-floor building had been levelled, "smashed like a piece of biscuit".

"I heard the area was hit hard and the house could have been gone, but I was driven by both doubt and hope that it could have been saved," she told Reuters via a chat app.

"What I found wasn't just a house, it is the box of memories, where I had my children, celebrated their birthday parties, made them food, and taught them their first words and moves," she said.

Palestinians walk through the rubble caused by the Israeli air and ground offensive in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip (Copyright 2025, The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Yemen vice-president says Trump return pivotal in fight against Iran backed-Houthis

00:00 , Tara Cobham

The vice president of Yemen's UN-recognised government on Tuesday welcomed Donald Trump's return as US president, saying it was a decisive turning point to curb the Iran-backed Houthis, who he said threaten regional stability and maritime security.

Aidarous al-Zubaidi told Reuters that Trump's strong leadership and willingness to employ military strength were in sharp contrast to the Biden administration, which he said had allowed the Houthis to consolidate power, bolster their military capabilities and extend their reach beyond Yemen.

"Trump knows what he wants. He is a strong decision-maker," Zubaidi said in an interview on the sidelines of the annual World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in Davos.

"We are fans, admirers and supporters of Trump's policy .... because he has a personality that has enough decision-making power to rule America and the world," he said, adding that he expected talks with the incoming administration to begin soon.

Airlines cautiously return to Middle East

Tuesday 21 January 2025 23:00 , Tara Cobham

Concerns about conflict in the Middle East have prompted airlines to suspend flights to the region, but with the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in place, some are cautiously resuming their services.

Air France, Transavia France, EasyJet and Ita Airways are among the airlines to have recently announced planned resumptions to travel.

EasyJet is among the airlines to have recently announced planned resumptions to travel in the Middle East (Getty Images)

Harvard settles lawsuits over antisemitism on campus

Tuesday 21 January 2025 22:00 , Tara Cobham

Harvard University has agreed to provide additional protections for Jewish students to settle two lawsuits accusing the Ivy League school of becoming a hotbed of rampant antisemitism.

Under a settlement announced on Tuesday, Harvard will adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism when evaluating whether alleged discrimination or harassment violates the university's non-discrimination and anti-bullying policies.

Harvard will also post online a Frequently Asked Questions document related to those policies, report annually for five years on its responses to discrimination or harassment, and provide expert training on combating antisemitism to staff who review discrimination complaints.

Both lawsuits accused Harvard of violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bars federal funds recipients from allowing discrimination based on race, religion and national origin.

The lawsuits were among many accusing major universities of encouraging antisemitism after war broke out in Gaza in October 2023 between Israel and Hamas.

Both settlements include unspecified monetary terms. Harvard did not admit wrongdoing in agreeing to settle.

Harvard University has agreed to provide additional protections for Jewish students to settle two lawsuits accusing the Ivy League school of becoming a hotbed of rampant antisemitism (iStock/ Getty Images)

Palestinians confront a landscape of destruction in Gaza's 'ghost towns'

Tuesday 21 January 2025 21:00 , Tara Cobham

Palestinians in Gaza are confronting an apocalyptic landscape of devastation after a ceasefire paused more than 15 months of fighting between Israel and Hamas.

Across the tiny coastal enclave, where built-up refugee camps are interspersed between cities, drone footage captured by The Associated Press shows mounds of rubble stretching as far as the eye can see  remnants of the longest and deadliest war between Israel and Hamas in their blood-ridden history.

As you can see, it became a ghost town, said Hussein Barakat, 38, whose home in the southern city of Rafah was flattened. There is nothing, he said, as he sat drinking coffee on a brown armchair perched on the rubble of his three-story home, in a surreal scene.

Read the full report here:

Palestinians confront a landscape of destruction in Gaza's 'ghost towns'

Netanyahu pressed Starmer about Britains freeze on arms exports to Israel'

Tuesday 21 January 2025 20:30 , Tara Cobham

Benjamin Netanyahu pressed Sir Keir Starmer about Britain's freeze on arms exports to Israel, Israel's readout of Tuesday's discussion between the two prime ministers said.

A statement published by Israel's ministry of foreign affairs said: "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, this afternoon (Tuesday January 21 2025), spoke with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer who thanked him for the release of British citizen Emily Damari and congratulated him on his actions for the release of the other hostages.

"Prime Minister Netanyahu raised the issue of the weapons export licences to Israel that have been frozen in the UK.

"Prime Minister Starmer said that an evaluation of the issue is being carried out."

The Government suspended 30 arms export licences for items used in Gaza by the Israeli defence forces in September last year, over concerns about Israel's compliance with human rights during the conflict.

Benjamin Netanyahu pressed Sir Keir Starmer about Britains freeze on arms exports to Israel, Israels readout of Tuesdays discussion between the two prime ministers said (AP)

Trump rescinds sanctions on far-right Israeli settlers

Tuesday 21 January 2025 20:00 , Tara Cobham

Among other Biden-era executive orders that US President Donald Trump rescinded Monday is one that authorises sanctions on people who undermine peace in the occupied West Bank.

The Biden administration used the executive order to impose a handful of sanctions on extremist settlers accused of using violence against Palestinians who live in the West Bank after violence erupted after Hamas' 7 October, 2023 attacks on Israel.

Settlers in the territory have celebrated the incoming Trump administration, believing it will take a more favorable approach to illegal settlements. During his first term, Trump took unprecedented steps to support Israel's territorial claims, including recognizing Jerusalem as its capital and moving the US Embassy there, and recognizing Israel's annexation of the Golan Heights.

Among other Biden-era executive orders that US President Donald Trump rescinded Monday is one that authorises sanctions on people who undermine peace in the occupied West Bank (AP)

Watch: Netanyahu thanks Trump for helping free Israeli hostages

Tuesday 21 January 2025 19:30 , Tara Cobham

Israeli commanding officers resignation letter in full

Tuesday 21 January 2025 19:00 , Chief international correspondent Bel Trew

Here is a translation of the letter from MG Yaron Finkelman, the Commanding Officer of the Southern Command, to the Chief of the General Staff, LTG Herzi Halevi:

Commander,

Led by my moral compass and the values that guide me, I have decided to leave my role as the Commanding Officer of the Southern Command and end my service in the IDF.

On 7 October, I failed in defending the western Negev and its beloved and heroic residents.

This failure will be etched into me for the rest of my life.

Out of responsibility to the State of Israel, the cherished and dear residents of the communities of the Gaza Envelope, the IDF, and my soldiers, I have since worked to lead the war against Hamas and the terrorist organizations in Gaza.

I had the privilege to command, during this war, remarkable commanders, male and female combat soldiers  the Generation of Victory.

Their fighting is a chapter of great heroism and valor in the history of the IDF and the state.

With deep pain, I will forever carry in my heart the memory of the fallen. The finest of our sons and daughters, courageous in spirit, heart, and deed.

We will march forward with their legacy, and I will always stand with the bereaved families.

Our wounded also remain with me, sharing their pain and their inspiring struggle toward recovery and health.

In this war, we dealt Hamas a significant blow.

It is imperative to continue striking the enemy, to bring home all our hostages, and to return the communities to their lands in safety and prosperity.

I thank you, commander, for your true partnership during these ultimate tests and for your stable and moral leadership.

I will continue my mission for as long as required.

Major General Yaron Finkelman,

Commanding Officer of the Southern Command

Some 72 bodies taken to Gazan hospitals in past 24 hours

Tuesday 21 January 2025 18:30 , Tara Cobham

Some 72 bodies have been taken to Gazan hospitals in the past 24 hours, almost all of them recovered from attacks before the ceasefire, Gazas Health Ministry said today.

An unknown number of bodies remain unreachable because they are in northern Gaza, where access remains restricted, or in buffer zones where Israeli forces are.

Israel's military campaign has killed over 47,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to local health authorities, who say women and children make up more than half of the fatalities but do not say how many of the dead were fighters. Israel says it killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence.

After 15 months of war, Hamas still rules over what remains of Gaza

Tuesday 21 January 2025 18:00 , Tara Cobham

As a ceasefire brought calm to Gaza's ruined cities, Hamas was quick to emerge from hiding.

The militant group has not only survived Israel's 15-month military campaign  among the deadliest and most destructive in recent memory  but it remains firmly in control of the coastal territory that now resembles an apocalyptic wasteland.

For all the might it deployed in Gaza, Israel failed to remove Hamas from power, one of its central war aims. That makes a return to fighting more likely, but the results might be the same.

Qatar PM hopes Palestinian Authority will return to Gaza when war ends

Tuesday 21 January 2025 17:30 , Tara Cobham

Qatar's Prime Minister has said he hoped the Palestinian Authority would return to play a governing role in Gaza once the war with Israel comes to an end.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Switzerland on Tuesday, two days after the ceasefire Qatar helped broker came into effect in Gaza, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani cautioned that Gazans  and not any other country  should dictate the way the enclave will be governed.

"We hope to see the PA back in Gaza. We hope to see a government that will really address the issues of the people over there. And there is a long way to go with Gaza and the destruction," he said in Davos.

How Gaza will be governed after the war was not directly addressed in the deal between Israel and militant group Hamas that led to an immediate ceasefire and hostage releases after nearly 15 months of talks mediated by Qatar, Egypt and the U.S.

Israel has rejected any governing role for Hamas, which ran Gaza before the war, but it has been almost equally opposed to rule by the Palestinian Authority, the body set up under the Oslo interim peace accords three decades ago that has limited governing power in the West Bank.

The PA, dominated by the Fatah faction created by former Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, faces opposition from rival faction Hamas, which drove the PA out of Gaza in 2007 after a brief civil war.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani speaking at the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Switzerland on Tuesday (REUTERS)

UN welcomes surge in aid into Gaza on day three of ceasefire  but warns massive needs remain

Tuesday 21 January 2025 17:03 , Chief international correspondent Bel Trew

The UN has welcomed the surge in lifesaving humanitarian aid into Gaza on day three of the ceasefire  but warned that massive needs remain across the devastated enclave.

The UN aid coordination office, OCHA, said on Tuesday that aid is entering the terriroty at scale in line with the ceasefire agreement.

Aid trucks began entering Gaza a few minutes after the deal entered into force on Sunday, said OCHA spokesperson Jens Laerke. Up to now  these two first days of entry - there [have] been no reports of looting or attacks against aid workers.

Scenes from Nuseirat refugee camp in #Gaza show people returning to what was once home. With such widespread devastation, the path to recovery will be long.



Many homes across the Gaza Strip have been destroyed. The needs for immediate aid and long-term support are critical. pic.twitter.com/c0Yvt4dpgp  UNRWA (@UNRWA) January 21, 2025

Islamic Jihad also condemns Israeli operation in Jenin

Tuesday 21 January 2025 17:00 , Tara Cobham

Islamic Jihad has also condemned the Israeli operation in Jenin.

The militant group, which is smaller and more radical than Hamas, said it reflected Israel's "failure to achieve its goals in Gaza". It said it was also a "desperate attempt" by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to save his governing coalition.

Full story: Israels top general resigns over 7 October Hamas attack  as military launches major West Bank offensive

Tuesday 21 January 2025 16:30 , Tara Cobham

Israels top general has announced his resignation over the security failures that allowed Hamas to attack southern Israel on 7 October 2023  saying he will stand down in March.

Lt General Herzi Halevi, the Israeli armed forces chief of staff, is the most prominent Israeli official to resign over the attack. The move comes just days into a fragile ceasefire in the Gaza war that was triggered by the attack, during which around 1,200 people were killed and another 250 people taken hostage. Israels retaliatory offensive in Gaza has killed 47,000 Palestinians according to the enclaves health ministry and forced 90 per cent of its 2.3 million residents from their homes.

As part of a the first, six-week, phase of the Gaza ceasefire, 33 of the hostages still held in the territory are due to be released, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians held in Israeli jails. The first three hostages were released over the weekend, alongside 90 prisoners. A Hamas official told AFP that four women will be released this coming weekend, without naming them.

Chief international correspondent Bel Trew, in Jerusalem, and international editor Chris Stevenson report:

Israels top general resigns over Hamas attack  as military launches West Bank raid

Starmer speaks with Netanyahu on third day of Israel-Hamas ceasefire

Tuesday 21 January 2025 16:00 , Tara Cobham

Sir Keir Starmer has spoken with Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as a ceasefire between his country and Hamas enters its third day.

Giving a readout of their phone call, a Downing Street spokesperson said: "The Prime Minister spoke to Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu today.

"The Prime Minister began by offering the UK's support for the hard-fought and long-awaited ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, which has now entered its third day.

"He offered his personal thanks for the work done by the Israeli government to secure the release of the hostages, including British hostage Emily Damari. To see the pictures of Emily finally back in her family's arms was a wonderful moment but a reminder of the human cost of the conflict, he added.

"The leaders moved on to discuss the need to see the next stages of the ceasefire deal implemented in full and on schedule, including the release of the remaining hostages. The Prime Minister reiterated that it was vital to ensure humanitarian aid can now flow uninterrupted into Gaza, to support the Palestinians who desperately need it.

"Both agreed that we must work towards a permanent and peaceful solution that guarantees Israel's security and stability. The Prime Minister added that the UK stands ready to do everything it can to support a political process, which should also lead to a viable and sovereign Palestinian state.

"They agreed to continue their close co-operation on defence and security matters in support of wider stability in the region - particularly in the face of the ongoing threat posed by Iran."

Sir Keir Starmer has spoken with Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as a ceasefire between his country and Hamas enters its third day (PA Wire)

UN alarmed by renewed violence perpetrated by settlers and Israeli forces in West Bank

Tuesday 21 January 2025 15:30 , Chief international correspondent Bel Trew

The UN has said it is alarmed by renewed violence perpetrated by settlers and Israeli forces in the West Bank.

The UN Human Rights Office for Palestine said today: OHCHR Palestine is alarmed by a wave of renewed violence perpetrated by settlers and Israeli security forces in the Occupied West Bank, coinciding with the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement and the release of hostages and detainees.

This has been accompanied by increased restrictions on Palestinians freedom of movement across the West Bank, including complete closure of some checkpoints and installation of new gates, effectively confining entire communities.

.@OHCHR_Palestine is alarmed by a wave of renewed violence perpetrated by settlers and Israeli security forces in the Occupied #WestBank, coinciding with the implementation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement and the release of hostages and detainees. This has been accompanied by  UN Human Rights Palestine (@OHCHR_Palestine) January 20, 2025

Saudi foreign minister tells Davos Iran-Israel war should be avoided

Tuesday 21 January 2025 15:17 , Tara Cobham

A war between Israel and Iran should be avoided, Saudi Foreign Minister said in Davos on Tuesday, adding that he did not see the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump contributing to the risk of such conflict.

Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, who spoke during the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Switzerland, also said he would visit Lebanon later this week, the first such trip in more than a decade.

Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud spoke during the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Switzerland on Tuesday (REUTERS)

UPDATE: Death toll from Israeli attack on Jenin rises to eight Palestinians

Tuesday 21 January 2025 14:48 , Tara Cobham

Israeli security forces backed by helicopters raided the volatile West Bank city of Jenin on Tuesday, killing at least eight Palestinians in what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called a "large-scale and significant military operation".

The action, launched a day after US President Donald Trump declared he was lifting sanctions on ultranationalist Israeli settlers who attacked Palestinian villages, was announced by Netanyahu as a new offensive against Iranian-backed militants.

"We are acting systematically and resolutely against the Iranian axis wherever it extends its arms in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Judea and Samaria," Netanyahu said. Judea and Samaria are terms Israel uses for the occupied West Bank.

The military said soldiers, police and intelligence services had begun a counter-terrorism operation in Jenin. It follows a weeks-long operation by Palestinian security forces in self-rule areas of the West Bank to reassert control in the adjacent refugee camp, a major centre of armed militant groups including Hamas and Islamic Jihad, both of which get support from Iran.

As the operation began, Palestinian security forces withdrew from the refugee camp and the sound of heavy gunfire could be heard in mobile phone footage shared on social media.

Palestinian health services said at least eight Palestinians were killed and 35 wounded as the Israeli raid began, a week after an Israeli air strike in the Jenin refugee camp killed at least three Palestinians and wounded scores more.

Palestinian prisoners freed in Gaza ceasefire allege abuse in jail  and fear re-arrest by Israel

Tuesday 21 January 2025 14:45 , Tara Cobham

Palestinian prisoners released during Gazas ceasefire deal have alleged abuse inside Israels jails  saying they feel mixed emotions about being freed as they fear the fragile truce will not hold, and they may be arrested again.

Ecstatic crowds waving flags greeted the buses that left the sprawling Ofer prison complex in the occupied West Bank early on Monday. Inside were 90 Palestinian prisoners, all women, teenagers, and children, many of whom say they were abused and tortured inside Israels detention system  allegations that Israel has repeatedly denied.

They were freed as part of a long-fought-for ceasefire brokered by the US, Qatar and Egypt. Split into three phases, the initial six-week period will see Hamas release 33 hostages it seized during its bloody attacks on 7 October. In exchange, almost 2,000 Palestinians in Israeli detention would also be freed.

Chief international correspondent Bel Trew reports from Jerusalem:

Palestinian prisoners freed in Gaza deal allege abuse in jail  and fear re-arrest

7 October failure will burn my heart for all my life: Israeli commanding officer reveals reason for resignation

Tuesday 21 January 2025 14:18 , Chief international correspondent Bel Trew

The Israeli Commanding Officer has revealed his reason for resigning is similarly the failure over Hamas 7 October, 2023, attack, which will burn my heart for all my life.

In a handwritten note released today, MG Yaron Finkelman said: I decided to end my role as the commander of the South forces and my service in the IDF.

On 7 October, I failed to defend the western negev and its residents and beloved Heroes this failure will burn my heart for all my life.

Footage captures large number of Israeli military bulldozers arriving in Jenin

Tuesday 21 January 2025 14:10 , Chief international correspondent Bel Trew

Footage has captured a large number of Israeli military bulldozers arriving in the West Bank.

A large scale operation was launched on the city of Jenin today.

             . pic.twitter.com/JxG8ERdn6N     (@qudsn) January 21, 2025

Netanyahu issues statement on West Bank raids

Tuesday 21 January 2025 14:05 , Chief international correspondent Bel Trew

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a statement on the West Bank raids.

Today, he said: On the directive of the Security Cabinet, the IDF, the ISA and the Israel Police have today begun an extensive and significant military operation to defeat terrorism in Jenin  Iron Wall.

This is an additional step in achieving the objective that we have set  bolstering security in Judea and Samaria.

We are acting methodically and with determination against the Iranian axis wherever it reaches  in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and] Judea and Samaria  and we are still active.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a statement on the West Bank raids (IsraeliPM)

Top Israeli general issues statement taking responsiblity for terrible failure over Hamas attack

Tuesday 21 January 2025 13:54 , Tara Cobham

The top Israeli general who has resigned has said the IDF failed in its mission to protect Israels citizens when Hamas attacked the country on 7 October 2023, citing his responsibility for this terrible failure in his reasons for ending his tenure.

In a statement issued today, Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi said: On the morning of 7 October, under my command, the IDF failed in its mission to protect Israels citizens. The State of Israel paid a heavy and painful price  in lives lost, in hostages taken, and in those wounded both physically and emotionally. The courageous acts of many  security forces personnel, IDF soldiers and commanders, and brave civilians  were not enough to prevent this great disaster. My responsibility for this terrible failure accompanies me every day, every hour, and will remain with me for the rest of my life.

He continued: In recognition of my responsibility for the IDFs failure on 7 October, and at a time when the IDF has recorded extraordinary achievements and restored Israels deterrence and strength, I request to conclude my tenure on 6 March, 2025.

He added: In the time remaining, I will finalise the investigations and continue strengthening the IDFs readiness for the challenges ahead. This will ensure a smooth and structured transition of command to my successor.

I will always be a soldier of the State of Israel.

Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant-General Herzi Halevi (right) with former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant (AFP or licensors)

Israeli defence minister responds to top generals resignation

Tuesday 21 January 2025 13:47 , Tara Cobham

Israels defence minister has responded to the resignation of a top Israeli general over Hamas 7 October attack.

A spokesperson for Israel Katz said in a statement issued today: The Chief of Staff, Major General Herzi Halevi, informed me today of his desire to terminate his position for the reasons he detailed in his letter.

I would like to express my appreciation to the Chief of Staff and thank him for his contribution to the IDF throughout his years of service as a fighter and as a commander, and for his part in the great achievements of the IDF in the difficult war that was forced upon us.

The Chief of Staff will continue to fulfill his duties and will carry out an orderly overlap procedure until the end of his duties.

Israels defence minister has responded to the resignation of a top Israeli general over Hamas 7 October attack (REUTERS)

Israeli Commanding Officer also resigns

Tuesday 21 January 2025 13:44 , Tara Cobham

An Israeli Commanding Officer has also resigned.

The Commanding Officer of the Southern Command, MG Yaron Finkelman, informed the Chief of the General Staff today of his decision to end his service in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

Hamas urges Palestinians to escalate fighting against Israel in West Bank amid Jenin raid

Tuesday 21 January 2025 13:20 , Tara Cobham

Hamas has called upon Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank to escalate fighting against Israeli forces in response to a military offensive in the city of Jenin, the militant group said in a statement.

Israels top general resigns citing failures over Hamas attack that ignited war in Gaza

Tuesday 21 January 2025 13:19 , Tara Cobham

Israel's top general has resigned, citing the security failures that allowed Hamas' 7 October, 2023, attack.

Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi is the most prominent Israeli official to resign over the attack.

He announced his resignation Tuesday, just days into a fragile ceasefire with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, notifying Defense Minister Israel Katz that he intends to resign on 6 March.

In a statement, Halevi said he is leaving the military after recognizing my responsibility for the failure of the IDF on 7 October, and at the point in time in which the IDF has recorded significant achievements, and is in the process of implementing an agreement to release hostages.

Until 6 March, Halevi said, he will complete the investigations into the 7 October Hamas onslaught and prepare the IDF for future challenges.

I will transfer command of the IDF in a high-quality and thorough manner to my replacement, he adds.

The Israeli Chief of the General Staff Herzi Halevi (pictured front left) will resign his post in March, several Israeli media outlets report (Gil Cohen-Magen/Pool Photo via AP)

UPDATE: Major Israeli operation in West Bank leaves six dead and dozens wounded

Tuesday 21 January 2025 13:15 , Tara Cobham

A major Israeli military operation in the occupied West Bank has left at least six dead and dozens wounded, Palestinian health officials have said, as a fragile ceasefire in Gaza entered its third day.

The operation on Tuesday was centered in the city of Jenin, which has seen repeated Israeli incursions and gunbattles with militants in recent years, even before Hamas' 7 October, 2023, attack ignited the war in Gaza.

The Israeli military announced a "significant and broad military operation" in the West Bank, just days into a ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza that is supposed to last for six weeks and see 33 militant-held hostages released in return for hundreds of Palestinians imprisoned by Israel.

The Palestinian Health Ministry says more than 800 people have been killed in Israeli raids in the West Bank since the Israel-Hamas war.

UN highlights need for specialised care for 30,000 Palestinians with life-changing injuries

Tuesday 21 January 2025 13:00 , Tara Cobham

The UN has said 30,000 Palestinians have life-changing injuries and highlighted their need for specialised care.

The World Health Organization currently has a 60-day plan to increase beds and deploy overseas health workers to Gaza hospitals, said UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq.

Around one million children depend on humanitarian aid entering Gaza, says UN

Tuesday 21 January 2025 12:40 , Tara Cobham

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that the more than two million people in Gaza, about half of them children, depend on humanitarian aid entering the Strip, UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq has said.

UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher said on Sunday that the needs in Gaza are staggering and his office said on Monday that aid workers are ramping up the delivery of food, clean water, shelter materials and other essential supplies.

UPDATED: Two killed in Israeli strike in West Bank, Palestinians say

Tuesday 21 January 2025 12:20 , Tara Cobham

An Israeli strike on a built-up refugee camp in the occupied West Bank has killed two people, the Palestinian Health Ministry said Tuesday, as a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip entered a third day.

The Israeli military said in a statement that "forces have initiated a counterterrorism operation" in the area. The identity of those killed in the Jenin refugee camp, where militants are active, was not immediately clear.

Throughout the 15-month Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, Jenin has been a focus of Israeli raids into the occupied territory. The Palestinian Authority, which administers parts of the West Bank, launched its own raid into the area late last year, hoping to position itself as a serious player in governing postwar Gaza.

Violence in the West Bank has surged during the war in Gaza, with Israel saying it is operating to stamp out militancy. The Palestinian Health Ministry says more than 800 people have been killed in Israeli raids since the war began after Hamas' 7 October, 2023, attacks.

In pictures: Palestinian children chase aid trucks arriving in Gaza

Tuesday 21 January 2025 12:00 , Tara Cobham

Palestinians chase humanitarian aid trucks that arrived through the Kerem Shalom crossing from Egypt into Gaza (AP)

Humanitarian aid trucks are seen arriving in Rafah on Tuesday (AP)

A Palestinian child chases a humanitarian aid truck arriving in the Strip (AP)

UPDATE: One Palestinian reported killed in Israeli military raids in West Bank

Tuesday 21 January 2025 11:45 , Tara Cobham

Israeli security forces launched an operation in the volatile West Bank city of Jenin, killing at least one Palestinian, officials said on Tuesday.

The military said soldiers, police and intelligence services had begun a counter-terrorism action in the city, giving no further details.

Prior to the Israeli action, Palestinian security forces had been conducting a weeks-long operation to reassert control in the city and the adjacent refugee camp, a major centre of armed militant groups in the occupied West Bank.

Palestinian health services said at least one Palestinian was killed and four wounded as the Israeli raid began in Jenin, where an Israeli air strike last week in the refugee camp killed at least three Palestinians and wounded scores more.

The move into Jenin, where the Israeli army has carried out multiple raids and large-scale incursions over recent years, comes only days after the start of a ceasefire in Gaza and underscores the threat of more violence in the West Bank.

Late on Monday, bands of Israeli settlers attacked Palestinians, smashing cars and burning property, just as newly installed US President Donald Trump announced he was lifting sanctions on violent settlers.

The attack near the village of al-Funduq, in an area where three Israelis were killed in a shooting earlier this month, was the latest in a long sequence of incidents that have accelerated strongly since the start of the war in Gaza.

The military said it had opened an investigation into the incident, which it said involved dozens of Israeli civilians, some in masks.

Palestinians searching for bodies under rubble reportedly found 66 in Gaza yesterday

Tuesday 21 January 2025 11:25 , Tara Cobham

Palestinians searching for the thousands believed to be buried under rubble in Gaza found 66 bodies yesterday, according to Palestinian news agency Wafa.

They were found in the south and north of the Strip, it reported Palestinian medical sources as saying.

Palestinians stand near destroyed homes in the northern Gaza Strip (Reuters)

Two people reportedly shot in Gaza despite ceasefire deal

Tuesday 21 January 2025 11:00 , Tara Cobham

Two people have reportedly been shot in Gaza despite the ceasefire deal that is in place, according to Palestinian reports.

The civilians were injured in Israeli gunfire in two separate incidents on Tuesday, one in the sea of Gaza City and the other in the Sabra neighborhood, reported Palestinian news agency Wafa.

Israeli military begins operation in West Bank city of Jenin

Tuesday 21 January 2025 10:46 , Tara Cobham

Israeli security forces have begun an operation in the volatile West Bank city of Jenin, the military said on Tuesday, without providing further details.

Prior to the Israeli action, Palestinian security forces had been conducting a weeks-long operation to reassert control over the city, a major centre of armed militant groups.
Kansas lawmakers return to the capital city this week for the start of another legislative session.

What can you expect from the Kansas Legislature in 2025?

Will Republicans deliver on property tax relief promises?

Republicans ran on campaign promises to provide property tax relief in 2025, even as Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly indicated opposition to more tax cuts after last year's special session.

That could put Democrats, some of whom also ran on property tax cut promises, in awkward positions of deciding whether to support tax relief that the governor opposes. That happened last year when House Democrats unanimously ignored the governor's opposition to a tax plan.

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House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, said he expects a tax plan early in the session that cuts a few mills off the state levies, which would cut statewide property taxes by somewhere in the ballpark of $100 million. Kelly would not say if she would veto such a bill, as "I never pre-veto bills."

More: As Republicans push tax cuts, would Kansas governor veto property tax relief?

Budget will see more scrutiny

Budget politics will get more attention in 2025, as it is the first year of a new budget process where the Legislature writes its own budget instead of using the governor's proposal as the starting point.

Republicans hope the new process will give them more time to get into the details and ultimately result in cutting government spending. Cutting spending is also necessary to afford tax cuts, Hawkins said.

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More: Is 2025 the year of the budget showdown? Why Kansas Legislature is taking charge

Kansas lawmakers return to Topeka for the spring legislative session on Monday.

What are other top issues to watch?

The Legislature will consider a host of proposals this year, at least some of which might not yet be on the public radar, but many of them are well-known.

With better chances at overriding a veto, Republicans have said they will make another attempt at banning gender-affirming care for transgender youths. They likewise will bring back a foreign land ownership bill after last year's legislation was vetoed.

Attorney General Kris Kobach wants to Legislature to pass a constitutional amendment reforming judicial selection.

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On abortion, Kansans for Life has indicated it will work to restrict access to abortion pills and to provide more financial support for pregnancy centers.

Read more: Beyond tax cuts and budgets, what will the Kansas Legislature take up in 2025?

Kelly will again propose Medicaid expansion, but it is likely dead on arrival. Medical marijuana could also come up again, but faces unlikely prospects.

A new topic is government efficiency. Senate President Ty Masterson, R-Andover, established a new Committee on Government Efficiency. The move is intended to align with President-elect Donald Trump's plans for an unofficial federal Department of Government Efficiency.

House Speaker Dan Hawkins, R-Wichita, left, and Senate President Ty Masterson, R-Andover, right, lead bigger Republican supermajorities in the Kansas Statehouse.

Republicans have bigger supermajorities in Kansas Legislature

The Republicans returning to Topeka are bringing more friends with them, as the GOP grew its supermajorities in the Legislature.

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The House has 125 members, with 84 representatives enough for a supermajority. Republicans previously held 85 seats, and now they hold an 88-37 advantage over Democrats.

The Senate has 40 members, with 27 senators enough for a supermajority. Republicans previously had 29 seats, and now they have a 31-9 advantage over Democrats.

The larger, veto-proof GOP supermajorities give conservative lawmakers more wiggle room to pass controversial laws over the objections of Democrats and moderate Republicans. But Hawkins has urged his colleagues not to go too far to the right.

"We can come in and we can do anything we want ... but should we? Is that what we want to do?" Hawkins said, warning that he doesn't want the political "pendulum to swing back the other way" in the next election.

How will Democrats handle smaller minorities?

Democrats are in a familiar position, with their minority caucuses having too few votes to stop unified Republicans.

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Meanwhile, the governor's political clout is diminished after her Middle of the Road PAC performed poorly in the elections. Republicans  or at least Hawkins  have already begun referring to Kelly as a lame duck even as she has two years remaining in her term.

Kelly said she expects Democrats to "continue in that role" of "continuing to work across the aisle, to make sure that legislation that gets sent to my desk is the best that it can be."

More: What went right for Kansas Republicans  and wrong for Democrats  in 2024?

Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes, D-Lenexa, left the door open to being both cooperative and obstructive with Republicans.

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"I always like to find ways in which we can compromise, that's always great," Sykes said. "But I also will be a voice to make sure that Kansans understand what is happening under the dome and the things that will be detrimental to their everyday lives."

House Minority Leader Brandon Woodard, D-Lenexa, likewise believes there are areas where Democrats can work with Republicans.

"There will be times that we might not be able to stop something," he said, "but we can weaken the policy and make sure that they realize the true harm that it could cause Kansans."

More: With fewer seats, how will Democrats work with or against GOP supermajorities?

Gov. Laura Kelly sat down with The Capital-Journal to answer legislative questions ahead of 2025 Legislative Session Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024.

Will Laura Kelly break her own veto record?

One area to watch is whether the governor uses her veto pen more or less.

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"I don't have a predetermined veto agenda," Kelly said. "I'll wait and see what comes across my desk."

Kelly can veto bills and budget line-items, and she has not shied away from using that power, setting a record in 2023 and breaking it again in 2024 for the most vetoes in three decades.

Not all vetoes led to override attempts, as in some cases Republicans knew they could not muster enough votes. But in the cases where they did attempt overrides, they oftentimes came down to the wire, sometimes with a single legislator casting the deciding vote.

Democrats were able to occasionally pick up a few votes from Republicans, which was enough for an override attempt to fail. Now, some of the lawmakers who were most troublesome for GOP leadership are no longer in the Legislature, and Republicans can afford to lose votes from a small number of moderates.

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Still, Woodard thinks sustaining Kelly's vetoes is possible.

"I think effective opposition is making sure that when we have the ability to pick up five votes from the Republicans to sustain vetoes, we do that," he said.

Hawkins appeared excited by the challenge.

"To lay out the marker that he's going to peel off five, oh, that just that gave me a whole new lease on life of things I've got to do now," Hawkins said. "Because I don't want him to peel off five, and I don't think he will."

What committees will Topeka lawmakers work on?

Do you want to know what types of issues your local legislators will be working on?

Committees serve an important role in the legislative process, shouldering much of the workload in writing new laws. It is where bills are first discussed in a public hearing, with an opportunity for debate and amendment before potentially being advanced to the full chamber for further consideration.

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Read more: Here's what committees Topeka lawmakers will serve on in Kansas Statehouse

While lawmakers are not limited to only working on legislation debated in a committee they serve on, their committee assignments indicate where they will be dedicating much of their time and effort.

Here are the committee assignments for lawmakers representing Topeka.

Jason Alatidd is a Statehouse reporter for The Topeka Capital-Journal. He can be reached by email at jalatidd@gannett.com. Follow him on X @Jason_Alatidd.

This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Kansas legislative session preview 2025: What to expect
Groggily regaining consciousness in a soundproof underground bunker 350 miles away from home, Isabel Eriksson realised her second date with a handsome doctor had turned into a living nightmare.

Martin Trenneborg, 38, had seemed like the perfect gentleman turning up to her door in Stockholm, Sweden with flowers and strawberries.

But unknown to Isabel the doctor had hatched a plan to abduct her, lacing some of the chocolate-covered strawberries hed brought for them to share with Rohypnol.

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He had secretly marked the ones that were drug-free so he knew which ones to eat.

She was driven 350 miles to a house close to Kristianstad in southern Sweden where she was locked up in an fortified underground bunker for six days.

He used masks to pretend to be a rescuer before revealing himself to torment his victim (Swedish Police)

Isabelle Erikssons story of survival is depicted in the new Amazon series The Bunker.

Recalling the moment she finally came round Ms Eriksson told the documentary: Im dazed. My mouth is dry, and I slowly open my eyes.

I look straight up at the ceiling. It smells bad. I dont know what day it is or what time of day. I realise I dont know where I am.

Im lying under a blanket wearing a pair of jeans and a pink jumper. My body feels slow and it aches. When I turn over. I couldnt feel any underwear under my jeans. Its cold

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She gazed over and saw her date who calmly told her from now on she would be his girlfriend  and that he might let her go in a couple of years.

Ms Eriksson said she tried to attack him and escape but Trenneborg shackled her to a bed. She said he used masks to pretend to be a rescuer before revealing himself to torment his victim.

He said that if I try again he would fix me up in chains in bed and feed me only with crispbread. I was completely panicked. I felt powerless.

Police move in as the doctor casually drinks in the police station waiting room (ViaPlay)

On the fifth day, Trenneborg appeared in the cabin with a loaded gun in his hand.

At first, I think hes going to shoot me. Maybe someone has found him out. But instead he says hes had it in his mouth, but not dared to pull the trigger.

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He gives me the gun, forces it into my hands. Ive never held a gun before. He says, the doors are unlocked. I just have to shoot then Im free.

He was the only one who knew I was there. Nobody would find me. It was horrible.

Im freaking out. My hands just shake, even if its my way out, I dont dare. I cry. I give him back the gun.

She said: Every time he came I didnt know what was going to happen, whether he would rape me or torture me or murder me.

At one point he told me that if I were to try to escape, he would punish me by chaining me to the bed and I would get nothing to eat but crisp bread.

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He only said that he would keep me there a few years and that he would release me after that.

Trenneborg drugged Ms Eriksson with strawberries spiked with a sedative in Stockholm, before taking her to a bunker in his isolated house in southern Sweden (Getty Images)

She also said he planned to bring another woman to the bunker possibly a celebrity or her own mother.

But his horrific plan unravelled when Ms Eriksson began to play along with his girlfriend fantasy and convinced him to return to Stockholm to get some more clothes from her apartment.

With police sealing the property shut he brazenly took her into the local police station to convince officers she was staying with a friend and to call off the search. There, finally left alone with one officer Isabel seized her chance and told him everything - he was arrested in the waiting room.

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Documents found on Trenneborgs computer showed he had been planning to hold her for a decade and had scouted out at least ten women before settling on his eventual victim.

He told officers: She was supposed to be my girlfriend for years, that was the purpose. But now that I am imprisoned she will not be my girlfriend in the ordinary sense, even I can understand that.

The harrowing story of the Swedish national echoes that of Josef Fritzl, the Austrian who raped and held his daughter captive in the basement of his family home (Getty Images)

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She was not supposed to be a punching bag or something. We were supposed to be kissing, hanging out, having sex and stuff that normally people do.

In Stockholms District Court, Trenneborg was sentenced to ten years in prison for kidnapping, while he was acquitted of aggravated rape.

Martin Trenneborg had his sentence shortened on appeal and is now a free man. He has changed his name and lives in an unknown location.

The harrowing story of the Swedish national echoes that of Josef Fritzl, the Austrian who raped and held his daughter captive in the basement of his family home.

In 2008, his daughter Elisabeth managed to tell police that he was holding her captive. As a 42-year-old, she said she had been held underground for 24 years and abused since the age of 11.

Fritzl lured her into the cellar, built in the style of a cold war bunker, when she was 18. He told his wife and family acquaintances that she had run away to join a cult.
The People's Bank of China (PBOC), China's central bank, on Monday announced a series of measures to reinforce Hong Kong's status as an international financial center.

The PBOC is working closely with other financial regulators on the mainland and in Hong Kong to improve the offshore renminbi market, optimize financial market connectivity, and enhance the convenience of payment and settlement, said PBOC Governor Pan Gongsheng at the 18th Asian Financial Forum held in Hong Kong.

The regulators will introduce a renminbi trade financing liquidity arrangement with terms of 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months with a total quota of 100 billion yuan (13.64 billion U.S. dollars), providing a stable and low-cost funding source for renminbi trade financing for commercial banks in Hong Kong, Pan said, adding that they will also proactively support Hong Kong in introducing offshore renminbi government bond futures.

The regulators will further enhance the mechanism of the southbound bond connect, support mainland investors in more easily purchasing multi-currency bonds and extend the settlement time. They will also orderly expand the scope of investors and increase the number of custodian banks, Pan said.

"The prosperity and development of the capital market are the core and foundation of Hong Kong's status as an international financial center," Pan said, pledging to support more high-quality enterprises to list and issue bonds in Hong Kong, and increase the proportion of national foreign exchange reserves allocated in Hong Kong to open up broader space for Hong Kong's financial growth.

The two-day forum is expected to attract around 3,600 financial and business representatives from over 50 countries and regions to attend over 40 sessions on topics including the global economic outlook, new markets opportunities, artificial intelligence, fintech, sustainability and philanthropy.
Sweden is set to test new drone swarm technology in an effort to bolster the countrys defences amid rising tensions with Russia.

The Nordic country will test the drones during its upcoming Arctic Strike exercise, which is described as an operational live fire experiment.

The technology allows groups of drones of different sizes to form and then solve tasks autonomously, Swedish defence minister Pal Jonson said.

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With these drone swarms it is possible to conduct both reconnaissance, positioning and identification, he said.

We will need to take some risks to build a stronger defence capability faster than we normally do, Mr Jonson added.

A Ukrainian serviceman operates the DJI Mavic 3 drone, the sort of unit used for drone swarm operations (AFP via Getty Images)

Marcel Plichta, former analyst at the US Department of Defense, said drone swarms are typically made up of 50 units and are the next step for militaries around the world.

He explained that most advanced militaries, including the US, China and Russia are experimenting with the technology, which can be used from laying mines to identifying targets.

Although the swarm concept has been around for a number of years, the technology has been developed by defence equipment group Saab and Swedens armed forces over the past 12 months.

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Sweden joined Nato in March 2024 as a result of Russias war in Ukraine and plans to increase defence spending to reach 2.6 per cent of GDP in 2028, compared with 2.2 per cent in 2024.

In 2024, Norway and Sweden joined forces to carry out the Arctic Strike exercise which followed a larger operation including the US, UK and the Netherlands.

Swedish defence minister Pal Jonson said his country would be testing the technology this year (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

More than 20,000 soldiers from 13 nations took part in drills lasting for nearly two weeks in the northern regions of Finland, Norway and Sweden.

Finland, which shares a 1,340-kilometer (830-mile) border with Russia, joined Nato April 2023 in a historic move following decades of military non-alignment.

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For years, the biannual Nato drill, which has been conducted in the Arctic extremes of northern Norway, was called Cold Response.

But the name was changed to Nordic Response after Finland and Sweden joined the alliance in 2023 and 2024.

The UK, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the United States took part in last years exercise.
MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russia's military on Tuesday said it would retaliate against Ukraine after Kyiv attacked Russian regions by firing six U.S.-made ATACMS ballistic missiles, six UK-made Storm Shadow cruise missiles and launching one of the biggest drone attacks to date.

After Ukraine first launched ATACMS and British Storm Shadow missiles into Russia last year, Moscow responded on Nov. 21 by launching a new intermediate-range hypersonic ballistic missile known as "Oreshnik", or Hazel Tree, at Ukraine.

Russia's defence ministry said it had shot down all of the Western missiles fired by Ukraine at the Bryansk region, as well as 146 drones outside the war zone. It said two more Storm Shadows had been shot down over the Black Sea.

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"The actions of the Kyiv regime, supported by its Western curators, will not go unanswered," the defence ministry said.

The Ukrainian General Staff said it had struck as deep as 1,100 km (680 miles) inside Russia, targeting oil storage, refinery, chemical and ammunition plants in the Bryansk, Saratov, Tula and Tatarstan regions.

Kyiv did not say exactly how it struck the targets, but said that drone and missile forces were among the units involved in the attack.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said in November that the Ukraine war was escalating towards a global conflict after the United States and Britain allowed Ukraine for the first time to launch their missiles deep inside Russia.

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President-elect Donald Trump has pushed for a ceasefire and negotiations to end the war quickly, leaving Washington's long-term support for Ukraine in question.

Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine has left tens of thousands of dead, displaced millions and triggered the biggest crisis in relations between Moscow and the West since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis.

DRONE ATTACK

The drone attack on Russia was one of the biggest to date.

Roman Busargin, governor of the Saratov region about 720 km (450 miles) southeast of Moscow, said the cities of Saratov and Engels, on opposite banks of the Volga River, had been subjected to a mass drone attack and there was damage to two industrial sites. Schools had shifted to remote learning, he said.

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Ukraine attacked the same region last week and claimed to have struck an oil depot serving an airbase for Russian nuclear bomber planes, causing a huge fire that took five days to put out.

The Ukrainian General Staff said it had hit the Kristall Plant oil storage facility in Engels, part of an operation run by Ukrainian drone units and military intelligence.

The General Staff also said it had struck the Bryansk Chemical Plant, which it said produced ammunition for artillery, multiple launch rocket systems, aviation, engineering ammunition and components for cruise missiles.

The drone attack struck a munitions storage facility holding guided bombs and missiles at the Engels airbase in Russia's Saratov region as well as other targets, a source in the Security Service of Ukraine said on Tuesday.

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The General Staff said attacks on the Saratov Oil Refinery and the Kazanorgsintez plant triggered fires.

(Reporting by Reuters; writing by Guy Faulconbridge; additional reporting by Kyiv bureau; editing by Ed Osmond; Editing by Mark Trevelyan and Sharon Singleton)
Aides to President Joe Biden sent a warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin after they feared that the Russians may attempt to bring the war in Ukraine to the U.S., according to a New York Times report.

This summer, cargo shipments began to catch fire at German, British, and Polish airports and warehouses. Both Washington and the Europeans believed that the Russians were responsible.

In August, the White House grew concerned that the Russians were also planning to bring their sabotage to the U.S., according to secretly obtained intelligence.

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The problem was simply how to get a warning to Putin, who hasnt spoken to Biden since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

In Situation Room briefings, Biden aides looked at conversations between top officials at the Russian military intelligence agency the G.R.U. outlining how shipments of consumer products caught fire, such as a small electronic massager, as a test run, according toThe New York Times.

After the Russians figured out how the packages made it past screening procedures and how long they took to ship, the plan was to send them on planes to the U.S. and Canada, where they would lead to fires after being unloaded.

The top worry was cargo planes, but passenger planes at times take smaller packages in their cargo holds if theres space to spare.

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Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas told the paper that The risk of catastrophic error was clear, that these could catch fire in a fully loaded aircraft.

Aides to Biden reportedly reached out to Putin via Russian officials to put an end to sabotage at European airports and warehouses (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Mayorkas put in place new screening restrictions on cargo bound for the U.S. in August. When the warnings once again arose in October, Mayorkas pushed the executives at the largest airlines flying into the U.S. to take further measures to make sure there wasnt a disaster in the middle of a flight. Some of the measures reached the public eye, while some didnt.

White House officials were not sure whether Putin had ordered the plot or if he even was aware. It was possible he had not been made aware, but at this point, a major effort was started to push him to put an end to it.

Similarly to when the U.S. believed Russia was considering using a nuclear weapon in Ukraine in October 2022, Biden sent National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and C.I.A. Director William Burns to warn Putins aides. Several avenues were required to make sure that the message reached Putin, a senior official told the paper.

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The warning stipulated that if Russias sabotage led to a mass casualty event in the air or on the ground, the U.S. would hold Russia accountable for enabling terrorism. While Sullivan and Burns didnt state what shape the response would take, they did say it would mean that the shadow war between Russia and the U.S. would reach new heights.

The shadow war is still taking place every day, with Russia apparently looking to use sabotage to break the will of NATO countries to back Ukraine but without it leading to a war with NATO itself.

It has led to a new way of life in Europe, ending the feeling of security that came after the Cold War. The search for possible acts of sabotage goes on every hour at airports, seaports, and below the surface, as well as on the streets of large European cities.

But the fires across Europe have stopped for now, with the message getting through to the Russian leader, officials told The New York Times. What remains unknown is whether Putin halted the plots or for how long they may remain on pause. Officials also told the paper that its possible that Russia is simply using the time to build better devices.
Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, has accused the Slovakian prime minister of deploying lies and accusations against his country amid a row over gas supplies.

Responding to Robert Ficos accusations he was a beggar and blackmailer of EU countries, Mr Zelensky said it was Mr Fico who was deceiving voters.

We offered our assistance to the people of Slovakia during their adaptation to the absence of Russian gas transit, but Fico arrogantly refused, Mr Zelensky said in a post on social media.

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Many in Europe warned him that doing nothing and waiting was not an option. Now, hes resorting to PR, lies, and loud accusations to shift the blame away from himself on to someone else.

Kyiv and Bratislava have clashed over the formers decision to end the transit of Russian gas to Europe via Ukrainian territory. Slovakia has strongly criticised the move as the country remains heavily reliant on Russian energy supplies.

It comes after Mr Fico called Ukraines president a beggar and claimed Vladimir Putin was a more trustworthy ally.

Mr Zelensky has accused the Slovakian PM of deceiving voters - Paolo Giandotti/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

In comments broadcast on his Facebook page, Mr Fico said Mr Zelensky goes around Europe, just begging and blackmailing others, asking for money.

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The Slovakian prime minister added he was sometimes fed up with Mr Zelensky, and threatened to use Slovakias veto at the European Council to block further aid for Kyiv.

Russia has never deceived us, unlike Ukraine, added the 60-year-old, an astonishing remark for the leader of an EU and Nato member state in light of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Mr Zelensky has been making a renewed push for arms deliveries from European allies, in particular air defence missiles, as Kyiv launches a fresh counter-offensive in the Russian Kursk region.

Before Mr Fico became prime minister in November 2023, the country had been a reliable and strong supporter of Ukraine.

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Ludovit Odor, his predecessor, gave Ukraine howitzers, was the first leader to send MiG-29 fighter jets, and took in thousands of Ukrainian refugees.

In contrast, Mr Fico supports ending sanctions on Russia and has compared German Nato troops stationed in Slovakia to Nazis.

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.
KOBE, Jan 14 (News On Japan) - Kobe is set to become the first city in Japan to consider imposing a tax on vacant units in high-rise condominiums. Mayor Hisamoto expressed strong support for the measure, stressing that the city will avoid repeating the situation seen in Tokyos Harumi Flag development.

In a press conference on January 10th, Mayor Hisamoto discussed the proposed initiative to introduce a new tax targeting unoccupied units in the citys central tower condominiums, saying, "This is a necessary measure to curb the growing number of vacant units. We have been advised to create a non-statutory tax for this purpose, and I share this concern."

The mayor cited the example of Harumi Flag, a redevelopment project in Tokyos coastal area, where a large number of units were purchased for investment rather than residence, leading to low occupancy rates. "We do not want Kobe to become like Harumi Flag," he said firmly.

Opened in May last year, Harumi Flag has since faced criticism for its lack of residents. Late-night visits revealed that only a few units had their lights on, and ownership records showed that over 40% of units in one building were registered under corporate names, suggesting speculative purchases by businesses.

The issue of vacant units is also present in Kobes high-rise condominiums. Recent data indicated that 21.2% of units between the 30th and 39th floors and 33.7% of those on the 40th floor or higher remain unoccupied.

Concerns Over Abandoned Units and Criticism on Social Media

Toshiyuki Uemura, chair of the expert panel that proposed the tax, explained, "Owners who do not reside in their units are unlikely to participate actively in building management. Without proper management, these properties risk becoming derelict over time."

Since 2020, Kobe has imposed regulations on the construction of new tower condominiums in its central areas, citing issues such as income disparities between low and high floors and a lack of nearby childcare facilities. By introducing the vacant unit tax, the city hopes to discourage speculative buyers, making units more affordable for those who wish to live in them.

However, the proposal has drawn criticism online. Comments on social media included, "A vacant unit tax is outrageous," and "It will lead to a price war on rental properties, reducing real estate values."

Despite the concerns, Kobe plans to begin a full-scale review of the proposal next fiscal year. Key issues to address include how to define a "vacant unit" and ensuring that the tax does not overlap with existing property taxes.

Uemura noted that since this would be Japans first case of such a tax, it would require the approval of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication as well as local government approval. "It remains uncertain whether the ministry will approve it," he added.

Given the commonality of the issue across urban areas, if Kobe successfully implements the tax, it may pave the way for similar measures in other municipalities. Uemura suggested that such taxes could become widespread, much like the accommodation tax, which was first introduced by one municipality and later adopted nationwide.

Source: ANN
Stella Damasus

by Abisola Adigun

Nigerian actress Stella Damasus has explained why her familys surname was changed from Ojukwu to Damasus.

During a recent interview on Channels Television with Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, the actress disclosed the historical background of her familys name change.

She revealed that the change occurred during the Biafran war to safeguard her family from potential targeting due to their Igbo heritage.

Stella also addressed the frequent mispronunciation of her surname over the years, despite her efforts to correct it.

Ebuka remarked, Its interesting that many people didnt realize your surname wasnt what they thought it was. I always knew it was Damasus, but so many people assumed it was Damascus. Were you surprised by that?

Stella responded, Over the years, Ive corrected it in so many interviews that I thought people would have caught on.

But I was still shocked. People still think its Damascus, not Damasus. I understand whythey got used to it and didnt bother to change. Its funny, and Ive seen comments that really blew my mind.

Damasus was my grandfathers first nameits a Greek name. Our original surname was Ojukwu, but during the Biafran war, my people in Asaba were attacked.

The name was changed before I was born, and I grew up with the name Damasus. When I asked about it, I was told it was for survival, and there was nothing I could do about it, she explained.

REACTIONS

mma_obichere said: Amazing!!! I didnt even know she was Igbo

weightloss_abuja remarked: So many people changed their surnames during the war. It was for survival. Gladly, shes setting the record straight

dds_express_services stated: Ikwerre man will soon come to say his name us eze okechukwu but he is not igbo.

mr_abara wrote: Not surprised. This is the same reason many Igbo people in Delta, Rivers, and Edo still vehemently deny being Igbo. I guess its a generational trauma stuff.

segun_adegoke penned: So Stella Damascus is originally an Igbo woman

Watch video below

Stella Damasus
The 18th Asian Financial Forum kicked off in Hong Kong on Monday to stage discussions on global dynamics and financial policies, global collaboration as well as new drivers for future growth.

Under the theme "Powering the Next Growth Engine," the two-day forum will discuss how the finance industry and corporates can support the next generation of innovative businesses and industries to help them unleash their potential and drive global growth in the years ahead, said Peter Lam, chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), in his welcome remarks.

The HKTDC is the co-organizer of the event alongside the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government.

HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee noted in his opening remarks that Hong Kong is poised to power its next growth engine and contribute to the region's overall development.

To that end, Hong Kong will enhance its existing advantages including its competitiveness as an international asset and wealth management center, said Lee.

He also pledged efforts to explore new growth areas including the development of an international gold trading center. The region's overseas network will be expanded, especially in countries and regions participating in the Belt and Road Initiative.

For this year's event, around 3,600 financial and business representatives from over 50 countries and regions are expected to attend over 40 sessions on topics including global economic outlook, new markets opportunities, artificial intelligence, fintech, sustainability and philanthropy.
The Belgian courts landmark verdict of crimes against humanity for kidnapping of mixed-race children is hailed as a turning point that surely opens the door to those seeking financial compensation for forced separation from their parents and other colonial-era injustices.

In a landmark ruling in December, Belgiums court of appeal decided that the systematic kidnapping of mixed-race children from their African mothers in Belgian-ruled Congo, Burundi and Rwanda was a crime against humanity. The legal battle lasting six years was launched by five women who were forcibly removed from their Congolese mothers as small children between 1948 and 1953 and placed in religious institutions and homes by Belgian authorities that ruled Congo. Known as metis back then, the five women, who now live in Belgium and France, were each awarded 50,000 euros in damages.

The courts landmark ruling surely opens the door for wider justice when it comes to forced separations from parents and other colonial-era crimes against humanity, said the president of the Association of Metis of Belgium, Francois Milliex. Most metis who were moved to Belgium regret that the state never proposed financial compensation for the suffering, the pain, he added.

Although the apology by Belgiums then prime minister, Charles Michel, in 2019 for the kidnapping of mixed-race children was hailed as a step in the right direction, the European country has resisted demands for financial compensation  unlike Australia, Canada and other states that have faced a reckoning for the similar treatment of its indigenous people.
In a remarkable move, the billionaire duo  Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos  have joined forces, pumping $537 million into mining ventures targeting rare metals across Africa.

KoBold Metals, a US mining start-up backed by investors including Microsofts Bill Gates and Amazons Jeff Bezos, has raised $537 million in its latest Series C funding round, as it seeks to become a key player in the race for lithium, cobalt, platinum, and other critical minerals crucial for the energy transition.

According to the company, the new investment, which is about half of the $1 billion raised to date, will finance new exploration, help advance high-potential projects to production, and bolster research and development. This provides the African countries with the opportunity to generate significant revenue by tapping into the growing demand for rare metals.

The Berkeley, California-based company, said its latest funding round valued KoBold at $2.96 billion, having drawn financing from existing investors, such as Andreessen Horowitz Growth, BOND, Gates Breakthrough Energy, Mitsubishi Corporation or Standard Investments, as well as new investors StepStone Group and WCM Investment Management.

KoBold is involved in nearly 60 explorations projects across three continents, including a vast copper in Zambia, Africas second-largest copper producer, discovered last year. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Africas top copper producer, also stands to benefit significantly from this discovery. KoBold uses artificial intelligence (AI) to find deposits of minerals, aiming to create a Google Maps of the Earths crust.
Ghanas newly elected President, John Dramani Mahama, has pledged to address the countrys long-standing power crisis, which has plagued the nation for the past decade.

Sworn into office just over a week ago, President Mahama has already engaged with the various Independent Power Producers (IPPs) operating in the country, assuring them of his commitment to resolving the energy challenges. It is important for me to meet with you as President. I care about your concerns and what you are going through, and I want to assure you that we will work together to resolve the issues within our power sector, he told the IPPs during a meeting on Monday January 13.

Ghana has faced ongoing energy shortages since 2014, resulting in frequent power outages that have disrupted both small and large businesses. As part of efforts to improve the sectors efficiency, the new Government has announced plans to privatise the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), the countrys main electricity supplier.

Currently, Ghana relies on IPPs for over 50% of its electricity, with the Volta River Authority and Bui Power Authority contributing less than half of the nations power generation.
Morocco is celebrating this Tuesday, January 14, the Amazigh New Year, known as Idh Yennayer, with vibrant cultural festivities marking the year 2975 in the Amazigh calendar.

Parades in various Moroccan cities showcase the richness and diversity of the countrys Amazigh heritage through music, dance, costumes, and traditional crafts.

The celebration across Morocco underscores the nations commitment to honoring and preserving Amazigh heritage. The event, designated an official national holiday in 2023, reflects Moroccos vibrant cultural diversity.

The Amazigh New Year marks the beginning of the agricultural season, symbolizing the deep connection between the Amazigh people and the land.

This celebration honors their historical ties to farming and recognizes the profound diversity of Moroccos cultural fabric.
Head of the Kabylia independence movement (MAK) Ferhat Mhenni wrote to the representative of Algeria at the UN in New York, whose country is assuming the rotating presidency of the security council, asking for the Kabyle peoples right to self-determination and independence to be listed on the agenda.

In a letter to Algerias Ammar Benjamaa, Mhenni called on Algeria to add on the agenda the Kabyle right to self-determination which it has been repressing for long.

Mhenni also recalled the oppression facing peaceful self-determination activists in Kabylia who have been persecuted and tried on terrorism charges.

So far, 13,000 Kabyle independence activists are behind bars, enduring degrading treatment, including rape and torture, he said.

At least, 38 Kabyles are facing death sentences for fabricated accusations, as the regime continues oppressing the Kabyles, he said.

He also recalled the wildfires of 2021, in which the regime acted as an arsonist to burn the Kabylia region, while accusing the MAK of being the perpetrator, he said, adding that this practice is part of the zero Kabyle genocidal approach of a military regime bent on pushing the MAK to take arms.

Mhenni insisted that the MAK will remain a peaceful movement and will not fall into the Algerian trap.
France is considering imposing visa requirements on holders of Algerian diplomatic passport, amid a brewing crisis that prompted French officials to vow to retaliate against what they considered as a series of Algerian disrespect, which included arbitrary arrests of a dual-national novelist, instigation of diaspora, and refusal to admit nationals expelled from France for spreading hate speech as well as the constant use of history to stoke anti-French sentiment.

As was expected, Justice minister, Gerald Darmanin, said France is examining an agreement signed in 2013 that makes it easy for the Algerian ruling class to visit France without visa.

Darmanin said that the French government will take aim at the Algerian officials, accusing them of stoking the crisis.

French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau had said that Algeria was seeking to humiliate France, following the hateful campaign launched by the regime through its influencers in France. Algeria even rejected admitting one of its own nationals expelled by France.

Meanwhile, pressure is building up on the French government to review the 1968 agreements which offers Algerians preferential treatment in settling in France compared to other non-EU nationals.

Former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal denounced the accords as obsolete, while many other leading politicians call them counterproductive.
Todd Blanche, Donald Trump, and Emil Bove at Manhattan criminal court last year. Photo: Craig Ruttle/Bloomberg/Getty Images

When Donald Trump won his race to recapture the presidency, he also outran the law. His two federal indictments have since been dropped in recognition of constitutional obstacles; his state prosecution in Georgia is on ice. His long-delayed sentencing in his Manhattan criminal case was finally held last Friday and had all the impact of a spitball. The president-elect beamed into the hearing via video link from Palm Beach, sitting in front of a bank of flags with his lead defense attorney Todd Blanche. From the big screen, Trump delivered a statement  a restrained one, by his standards  in which he reiterated his usual complaints of persecution and expressed zero contrition. Justice Juan Merchan, who presided over his trial and jury conviction on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, delivered a perfunctory summary of Trumps crimes before acknowledging the practical impossibility of punishment and granting him an unconditional release. Sir, Merchan concluded, I wish you Godspeed as you assume your second term in office. With that, the judge abruptly stood up and made for a side exit, as if he had just heard the squeal of his tea kettle.

Trumps face lingered on the screen for a moment. He looked more hale, thin, and young than he had as a moody defendant during the seven long weeks he sat in Merchans courtroom. He had lost the trial, but he had won the election, resoundingly, just as he had always said he would. Then, with a blippy sign-off chime, Trumps window on the screen went blank, and the chilly courtroom emptied. Trumps Manhattan trial was officially complete; now on to the appeals.

This was not the conclusion many Americans  or at any rate, many Democrats  imagined in 2022, when they celebrated Trumps four indictments as much-awaited proof that no man, even a former president, could forever avoid accountability. In hindsight, maybe it was always unwise to bet on the legal process to humble Trump, a lifelong master of litigation. Time has always been his most dependable legal ally, and his defense strategy was simple: Delay, filibuster, and appeal everything to the Supreme Court, where he could count on a friendly hearing from the conservative majority. Trumps lawyers had petitioned the Court for an emergency injunction to halt the sentencing, arguing it was constitutionally intolerable for a judge to impose any sentence, however symbolic, on a president as he prepared to take office. It was a monarchical argument, asking the justices to invalidate a jury verdict just because attending the hearing would be slightly inconvenient and insulting to his dignity. But Trump had won the votes of four justices  a sign of just how much deference, and immunity, he can expect this time around as president.

Trump has had better results on a second front: his twilight struggle with Jack Smith, the special counsel who brought his two federal criminal indictments. Shortly after the election, Smith announced he was withdrawing the cases in deference to a longstanding understanding that a sitting president cannot be prosecuted. Throughout the transition period, Blanche and the rest of the Trump legal team have been engaged in a final round of litigation over Smiths last remaining business: the preparation of a report on his investigation, which was mandated by the terms of his appointment. Trumps legal team has been trying to prevent its release in order to keep his prosecutor from having his final say for the historical record.

Once again, Trump has found a way to turn the deliberative process of the legal system to his advantage. Last week, his attorneys filed an emergency petition with Aileen Cannon, the judge who presided over the federal case against Trump for allegedly refusing to return classified documents he had stashed down at Mar-a-Lago. Cannon, an always helpful Trump appointee, dismissed the indictments of Trump and two of his employees in July, ruling that Smiths appointment as special counsel was unconstitutional. In their papers, Trumps lawyers advised her that the Justice Department was planning to release Smiths two-volume report on January 10. She issued a temporary injunction preventing the reports release on the grounds that it could prejudice the case against Trumps two co-defendants, who could theoretically still face trial. (The Justice Department is appealing her dismissal with regard to their case because her unorthodox decision could set a bad precedent, threatening the legitimacy of all special counsels.)

The Justice Department conceded, saying it would publicly release only the volume covering the other half of Smiths investigation, involving the January 6 assault and Trumps attempts to overturn the result of the 2020 election. Cannon left the injunction in place over the weekend before relenting on Monday afternoon and allowing the release of the January 6 volume, which went out early this morning. But she scheduled a hearing for later this week about the volume on the classified documents case, which will delay  and most likely foil  the departments stated plan to distribute it to relevant members of Congress. Merrick Garland, the outgoing attorney general, has previously indicated that he is favor of disclosing what the special counsel found in his investigations, but the incoming president, who has called Smith deranged, has challenged the legitimacy and legality of the whole legal witch hunt, and wants to suppress as much as he can. As long as the litigation drags on, Garlands hands will be tied. And Trump only needs to keep them knotted for another week.

Trump has nominated Blanche and other members of his personal legal team to take high-level positions at the Justice Department. If they are confirmed by the Senate, which looks like a certainty, they will come into Main Justice, the departments Washington headquarters, with a mandate to clean house. And then what? Washington attorneys who deal with political cases have told me that lately they have been barraged with phone calls from career civil servants, asking whether they should quit or wait to be fired so they can then sue for wrongful termination. Some of those who sought to impose consequences on Trump are now wondering if they might lose more than just a job. I think its time for people to stop thinking that this is just hyperbole and rhetoric, said Mark Zaid, an attorney who represented (among others) the whistleblower who set off the Ukraine impeachment scandal. Trump has openly suggested that he would approve of prosecutions of those who investigated him if they were crooked, if they did something wrong. Some Trump allies have been ominously advising Smith to lawyer up. He announced his unceremonious departure from the Justice Department on Friday in a footnote to a legal brief. Some of the career officials who staffed his office have followed his lead, including Jay Bratt, a counterintelligence specialist who aggressively pursued the classified-documents case.

In the portion of his report that was released this morning, Smith defended the legitimacy of his work, saying that were it not for the election, Trump surely would have been convicted for his unprecedented criminal effort to overturn the legitimate results of the election in order to retain power. But he also acknowledged that the course of the prosecution had been shapedand in terms of its outcome, distortedby external political factors. He placed the blame for this on Trump, who announced his decision to run again just as he was starting to feel the prosecutorial heat, setting himself on a high-risk course: he would be president, or a prisoner. Given the timing and circumstances of the special counsels appointment and the offices work, Smith wrote, it was unavoidable that the regular processes of the criminal law and the judicial system would run parallel to the election campaign. Maybe there was no other choice for justice, but it looked ugly.

Smiths legacy  and by extension that of Garland  is likely to remain a much-contested subject. The timing of Trumps indictments was not in the hands of the defendant. Crucially, the attorney general waited two years before appointing a special counsel. He frustrated those  reportedly including President Biden  who wanted him to launch swift prosecutions of Trump and others who urged on the mob on January 6. Garland preferred an incremental case-building approach and acted carefully out of apparent concern for the institutional image of the Justice Department, which he had said he hoped to lift above politics. Garlands deliberation only ensured that when the prosecutions came, they would end up coinciding with Trumps third presidential campaign. Arguably, the indictments were a net plus to Trump, providing him a huge fundraising boost and rallying his base to him. Proponents of prosecution hoped that the narrative of Trumps reckoning with justice would culminate with a vindicating affirmation of the rule of law. Instead, millions of voters came to the conclusion that Trumps alleged crimes  keeping secret documents just because he wanted them; plotting to subvert the peaceful transfer of power just because he could  were nothing disqualifying. Trump claimed they wanted him in prison, they wanted to assassinate him, because he was dangerous to all the right people. He turned his mug shot into merch. He fought the law, and he went three for four.

The cost of trying, and failing, to pursue accountability was not just political. Trumps prosecutions set new legal precedents, most tangibly when it comes to presidential immunity for official acts. One year ago, I watched three judges on a Washington appeals court panel recoil in disbelief as John Sauer, a Trump attorney, admitted that by the logic of his clients sweeping claim, a president could order the military to assassinate a political rival without legal consequence. (Sauer is now headed to the Justice Department, as Trumps nominee for solicitor general.) By the summer, in a 6-3 vote, the Supreme Court had affirmed Trumps position. At oral arguments, Justice Neil Gorsuch had called for making a rule for the ages. Armed with the new precedent, future residents of the White House, starting with Trump, will be able to conduct themselves according to Richard Nixons principle: When the president does it, its not illegal.

Our next president has his own rule, one that prosecutors at his Manhattan criminal trial found so incriminating that they entered it into evidence. My motto is: Always get even, Trump wrote in his 2004 book Trump: How to Get Rich. When somebody screws you, screw them back in spades. Once he is inaugurated next week, we will begin to see what he meant when he promised his supporters he would be your retribution. Maybe he will be magnanimous, as he has at times suggested, getting his revenge by merely living well. Or maybe, as usual, he really means to do what he says. The Trump era has been defined by an endlessly recursive cycle of investigation and counter-investigation: Comey begat Mueller who begat Durham; the Biden-Burisma probe led to the Ukraine impeachment; the January 6 committee hearings were counterbalanced by the weaponization-of-government committee hearings. Now the wheel has spun round again, and so here at the end of Trumps trials, we find ourselves back at the beginning.
Michelle Obama did not love Trumps first inauguration and will not be at the second one. Photo: Pat Benic/Bloomberg/Getty Images

The state funeral for Jimmy Carter was attended by all five living presidents and their spouses  except Michelle Obama. Though CNN reported that the former First Lady missed the January 9 memorial due to a scheduling conflict, searches for is Michelle Obama sick spiked on Google.

And when the Obamas announced last week that Michelle would not attend the second Trump inauguration, people started speculating that they were headed for divorce.

Thankfully, it does not appear that Michelle is ill or having marital troubles. Judging from the available evidence, she just really hates Donald Trump.

The statement from the Obamas office on January 14, which was shared with the Associated Press, said: Former president Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies. Former First Lady Michelle Obama will not attend the upcoming inauguration.

Sure enough, Barack Obama was flying solo at Trumps swearing-in on Monday:

Former Pres. Barack Obama has arrived at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda for the second inauguration of President-elect Trump.



Former first lady Michelle Obama is not in attendance.https://t.co/81S7rzN0DZ #InaugurationDay pic.twitter.com/hqIkHuCFPr  ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) January 20, 2025

Meanwhile Michelle posted this message on Instagram  which could be a subtweet aimed at Trump, or just an earnest celebration of MLK Day, which also happened to fall on Monday:

No reason was given for Michelles absence from Trumps swearing in, nor did the Obamas say why she skipped Carters funeral. Earlier this month an Obama spokesperson merely confirmed in a statement to The Hill that she was not in attendance adding, Mrs. Obama sends her thoughts and prayers to the Carter family, and everyone who loved and learned from the remarkable former president.

Is it possible that something more serious is going on? Sure. But no PR team wants a repeat of last years Kate Middleton debacle, and theres no real reason to think that. There is, however, ample evidence that Michelle Obama has had it with pretending she doesnt dislike Trump.

She had a hard time concealing her discomfort at Trumps first inauguration. This photo of Michelle making an awkward face while receiving a gift from Melania Trump went viral on Inauguration Day 2017:

We are all Michelle Obama today pic.twitter.com/k8cCYFeTAQ  Sam Esfandiari (@samesfandiari) January 20, 2017

In fact, Throughout the day, Mrs. Obamas face was the barometer for most of Americas feelings, as Trevor Noah put it on The Daily Show.

Obama explained her exasperated looks in her 2018 memoir, Becoming. Sitting on the inaugural stage in front of the U.S. Capitol for the third time, I worked to contain my emotions, she wrote. However, after surveying the crowd of Trumpworld figures that surrounded her, she gave up. Though the optics might have been bad, I stopped even trying to smile, she said.

She recalled her terrible inauguration experience again during an episode of her podcast in 2023, saying she was uncontrollably sobbing by the end of the day. Many people took pictures of me and theyre like, You werent in a good mood? No, I was not! But you had to hold it together like you do for eight years.

Eight years later, Obama went after Trump by name while campaigning for Kamala Harris. In her Democratic National Convention speech, she accused Trump of doing everything in his power to make people fear her and Barack because he felt threatened by two hardworking, highly educated, successful people who happen to be Black. Then she dropped the memorable jab, Whos going to tell him that the job hes currently seeking might just be one of those Black jobs?

Obviously, the Ex-Presidents Club is full of people who have said terrible things about each other. That did not prevent Barack Obama from yukking it up with Trump at the Carter funeral. But had Michelle attended, the task of chatting with Trump would have fallen to her, as she would have been seated next to him. She is not a professional politician, and it seems her willingness to engage in fake niceties with the Trumps has only waned over the years. Her rumored excuse for skipping the funeral wasnt even very good. CNNs Jeff Zeleny reported that she was still in Hawaii on an extended holiday vacation.

Several anonymous Michelle Obama allies told The Hill that her decision was all about Trump:

She meant every word she said on the campaign trail with every fiber of her being, one ally said. And shes no hypocrite.

By not attending the inauguration, Michelle Obama is saving some credibility, one longtime aide to her said.

She campaigned the hardest against him personally, of anyone, the aide said.

And a source familiar with her thinking told People that she did all the public good that she could for eight years as first lady. Now well see her when she has a project or cause to promote, but she doesnt feel the need to be a public figure anymore.

Theres no overstating her feelings about [Trump]. Shes not one to plaster on a pleasant face and pretend for protocols sake, the source added. Michelle doesnt do anything because its expected or its protocol or its tradition.

So who was there to supply meme-able looks on Monday with Michelle sitting this one out? Another former First Lady came through:

Hilary Clinton reacts to Donald Trump declaring he will rename Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America. pic.twitter.com/nCESoCF6tN  Pop Crave (@PopCrave) January 20, 2025

This post was updated after Trumps second inauguration.
Chinese procuratorates indicted over 67,000 individuals for telecom and cyber fraud from January to November 2024, up 58.5 percent year on year, according to a national chief prosecutors' meeting on Monday.

A total of 9,867 people involved in organized crime and 1,136 people who engaged in the abduction or trafficking of women and children were indicted during the period, as part of procuratorates' efforts to handle crimes of particular concern to the people.

A tough stance against severe, violent crime was taken last year, with 55,000 people involved in such crimes indicted by procuratorates over the 11-month period.

Stronger action was also taken against corruption, with more than 28,000 individuals suspected of duty-related crimes transferred from supervision commissions and handled during the period, up 37.9 percent from the same period of 2023. A total of 22,000 of those individuals had been indicted.

Procuratorates nationwide also indicted 2,772 people for offering bribes, a 20.2 percent year-on-year increase, aiming to ensure both offering and accepting bribes are punished, according to the meeting.
politics

What We Know About the Arrest of Mahmoud Khalil

A DHS official defended Khalils detention in an interview on Thursday but did not provide additional details for his arrest.
This woman has truly been sexualized and objectified her whole life.

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The rage I feel right now.... WTF

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My first thought was that this was rape.

This is so horrifying and not okay.

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I hope his staff reports him to the board

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she should sue and get his license taken away

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obligatory men start out in jail and prove their innocence out comment

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Were you the first person to say that in a previous post?





Anyways, agreed

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I saw it on Twitter or something once and I've never unseen it. And it's ALWAYS relevant.

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Jail is absolutely where this asshole should be. Performing an unconsented to procedure on a patient is criminal assault and battery.

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Edited at 2025-01-14 04:39 am (UTC) the amount of unearned grace this woman has shown the men who have wronged her throughout her life...

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"Threw in a little bonus"......



...... via GIPHY





Edited at 2025-01-14 03:28 am (UTC)

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She explained that she and her gynecologist were furious.



i hope the gyno reported the plastic surgeon. anyone who feels no remorse with violating a person's bodily autonomy should not be allowed anywhere near the medical field, let alone with ample access to anesthesia.



i appreciate how open and frank brooke shields has been over the years.

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IA I feel like the gyno had an ethical obligation to report it but it likely have required Brooke to make a statement.

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Because all we are, are holes for men to fuck right? I wish painful things on that dr.

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OhOH. OH FUCK NO, THIS IS RAPE!!!



She did not ask for that! She asked you to change the labia on the outside, not surgically tighten the inside!! Can he be taken to task for this?! He should lose his license at least.



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Women's bodies are really viewed as an open invitation to men to do whatever they want, huh?



I applaud her for overcoming her embarrassment to speak on this because it's so disturbing and I'm sure it's happened to other women.

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What the actual fuck?!?!?



I hope that man never works again.

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They really just hate us. Everywhere. All through time. Just hatred.

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Oil trading in 2024 was marked by the near complete dominance of algorithmic trading. While not a new trend, algo trading arguably reached its peak last year, with technical analysis largely displacing any factual fundamentals considerations. Instead of making traders money, however, algo trading has lost them money.

Bloomberg reported earlier this month that 2024 was a loss-making year for algo tradersand it was the second loss-making year in a row for them. Throughout the year, driven by algorithms, oil traders bet on a demand slump in China and oversupply thanks to OPECs spare capacity and growth in production outside of OPEC, notably in the United States.

Throughout the year, the algorithmsor rather, their userspointedly ignored facts such as OPECs unwillingness to use that spare capacity or the trend in OECD crude oil inventories, which declined considerably during the year. Throughout the year, algo traders had an outsized impact on oil prices. And they still lost money.

Humans did have more success in 2024 than algos, which is different than the last couple of years, CIBC Private Wealth Group senior energy trader Rebecca Babin told Bloomberg. It could probably be argued that 2024 saw the point of saturation with algo trading on the oil market, which sapped the very price volatility that algo traders thrived on in previous year. In 2024, oil prices traded in the narrowest range since 2019, per Bloomberg.

Related: Russia Intent On Defying New U.S. Sanctions on Its Oil Industry

As a result of these developments, algorithmic traders have reduced the weight of oil in their portfolios by as much as half, from 4% in July last year to just 2% today, according to CIBCs Babin. This means fundamentals are backand its already showing. Oil prices have been trending higher since the start of the year as supply returns to the spotlight ahead of Donald Trumps inauguration as U.S. president. Trump is expected to tighten sanctions against Iran, crimping Middle Eastern crude oil supply, and these expectations have now trumped the perception of weak Chinese oil demand that dominated oil bets in 2024.

Additional U.S. sanctions on Russian oil recently announced by the Biden administration also pushed oil higher earlier this month, again despite previous perceptions there was plenty of oil in the world that kept the benchmarks in a tight range.

The new measures are likely to give the Trump administration additional leverage in future negotiations with Russia, as it decides whether, when, and under what terms to lift Biden-imposed sanctions, JP Morgan analysts said in a recent note. Whenever these negotiations take place and whatever their outcome, in the meantime oil prices will be higherwith the Biden admin out of office, fuel availability at home is no longer its concern.

There is also the issue of energy transition and related oil demand predictions. Algo trading appears to have incorporated a lot of the assumptions made by organizations such as the International Energy Agency. The IEA has, in recent years, turned from an impartial energy provider into a staunch transition supporter, which has led some to question the reliability of its forecast data, for instance, on EV sales. This data has motivated oil trading decisions, and it has resulted in losses, inaccurately predicting oil demand destruction where in fact demand has continued to grow, including in China, the worlds biggest EV market. EV sales, meanwhile, have begun to decline in stark opposition to predictions they would keep surging.

Another reason for the losses experienced by algorithmic traders and their clients is the volume of algo trading, it seems. On several occasions last year, algo trading amplified oil price changes prompted by certain events, such as OPEC+ decisions to extend their voluntary production cuts. In June, an OPEC+ update to that effect caused a massive selloff in oil because it was perceived as a bearish signal for demand. Algo trading made the selloff even more massive.

CTAs are just hammering away the market with massive selling, one analyst from TP ICAP Group told Bloomberg at the time. Besides hammering away on the market, trend followers also overbet on a continued oil rout as well, eventually losing money as prices recoveredbecause fundamentals began getting some attention.

This year could deliver another lesson for oil traders who consider it more convenient and reliable to base their decisions on software. Forecasts about U.S. oil production growth are being revised in a hurry as reports about the maturation of the shale patch are multiplying. Forecasts about Chinese oil demand are changing, too, with the government in Beijing signaling it had more stimulus packages up its sleeve. Finally, no one seemed to expect the parting sanction slap on Russia by the outgoing U.S. administration.

After two years of over-reliance on software algorithms, 2025 could be the year fundamentals-based trading reestablishes itself. What impact this would have on prices remains to be seen.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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With just a week to go before U.S. President-elect Donald Trump ascends into the Oval Office for a second term, the oil and gas industry will be watching keenly to see what measures he will adopt to achieve his Drill, Baby, Drill agenda. Trump says hell push shale producers to ramp up output, even if it means operators drill themselves out of business. However, its not clear he intends to accomplish this feat since U.S. oil is produced by independent companies and not a national oil company (NOC). Exxon Mobils (NYSE:XOM) Upstream President Liam Mallon recently dismissed the notion that U.S. producers will dramatically increase output under a second Trump term.

I think a radical change is unlikely because the vast majority, if not everybody, is primarily focused on the economics of what theyre doing, Mallon said last week at a conference in London.

However, an even bigger factor is likely to override oil companies attempts to rapidly ramp up U.S. oil output: falling profits. Two years ago, the Biden administration urged U.S. companies to increase production in a bid to bring down fuel prices. Back then, oil prices were hovering around $100 per barrel and oil companies were raking in record profits. However, last year witnessed a sharp slowdown in non-OPEC+ supply growth from 2.46 mb/d in 2023 to 0.79 mb/d in 2024, primarily caused by a reduction in U.S. total liquids growth from 1.605 mb/d in 2023 to 734 kb/d in 2024, with low oil prices disincentivizing more drilling. StanChart expects this trend to continue, with U.S. liquids growth expected to clock in at just 367 kb/d in 2025 before slowing down further to 151 kb/d in 2026.

Related: Oil Price Rally Continues After U.S. Sanctions Russias Biggest Oil Sellers



Over the past five years, oil and gas companies have been returning a big chunk of their profits to shareholders in the form of dividends and share buybacks. With oil prices declining over the past two years, these companies have resorted to borrowing more to keep their shareholders happy. Indeed, Bloomberg reported in late October that four of the worlds five oil supermajors saw fit to borrow $15 billion to fund share buybacks between July and September. According to a Bloomberg analysis, ExxonMobil (NYSE:XOM), Chevron (NYSE:CVX), TotalEnergies (NYSE:TTE), and BP (NYSE:BP) wouldnt have enough cash on hand to cover the dividends and share buybacks their investors are demanding, let alone increase their capital expenditure to drill more.

Borrowing to buy back shares isnt uncommon in the oil business, Bloomberg explained. But a dimming outlook for oil prices next year means the cash shortfall is apt to continue over the longer term, at a time when investors expectations for immediate returns continue.

Changing Dynamics

There are other structural and technical challenges that could limit how quickly the U.S. Shale Patch increases oil production under Trump. According to commodity experts at Standard Chartered, U.S oil production, and particularly unconventional (shale oil) production, has changed significantly from the time Trump first took office in 2017. StanChart points out that U.S. crude output clocked in at 13.40 million barrels per day (mb/d) in August 2024, an all-time high above the previous record of 3.31 mb/d set in December 2023. U.S. crude production has increased by 4.7 mb/d since the pandemic-era low of May 2020; however, its just 0.4 mb/d higher than the pre-pandemic high of November 2019, working out to an annual production growth rate of just 80 thousand barrels per day (kb/d) over this timeframe.

StanChart notes that the dynamics of U.S. shale oil production make long-term supply increases difficult to maintain, noting that the countrys oil production is dominated by a few majors and independent producers, alongside private companies, rather than a national oil company as is often the case with many OPEC producers. These companies have largely left behind their trigger-happy, drill-baby-drill days and adopted strict capital discipline, eschewing rapid production increases in favor of returning more capital to shareholders in the form of dividends and share buybacks. StanChart also points out that extensive M&A activity in the sector has reduced the number of operating companies, changing the landscape from a patchwork of small producer acreages to larger contiguous acreage. This new modus operandi allows for complex drilling and completion techniques, including multi-pad wells with extremely long lateral sections that are able to optimize spacing and associated infrastructure. These drilling and completion efficiency gains have allowed production to continue growing despite a decline in rig count.

StanCharts views appear to match those of Goldman Sachs. According to GS, technological and efficiency gains have accounted for virtually all growth by the Texas-New Mexico shale basin since 2020; however, the bank has warned that the Permian is maturing, and its deteriorating geology will weigh on the production of crude oil down the road. The Permian rig count has declined nearly 15% from last years April high to 309 currently, and is 30% lower than its 2018-2019 average, Goldman Sachs has revealed. GS has predicted that the Permian rig count will be below 300 by the end of 2025.

Different Profile

To cement its bullish stance, StanChart has also pointed out that shale oil has a different production profile to conventional oil. Whereas shale oil production is brought onstream rapidly, peak production is only maintained for a relatively brief period, usually a couple of months, following which hyperbolic decline sets in. The rate of decline is determined by several factors, including reservoir characteristics, completion techniques and production drawdown, but can be between 40-80%. Such high decline rates and short production profiles mean that new production must be continually brought onstream, the so-called Red Queen effect. Effectively managed, StanChart has predicted that U.S. supply will stabilize at current prices.

Further discouraging large increases in production are incoming tariffs. Back in 2018, Trump imposed 25% tariffs on certain imports of steel and 10% on aluminum. He has pledged to impose massive tariffs of as much as 60% on imported products. Steel is used throughout the drilling and production phases, with treated steel required for drilling equipment, pumps, pipes and tubes. US oil producers have cited various cost pressures as significant headwinds to growth in many recent industry surveys. These costs are significant for new projects considering that the majority of steel piping used for oil and gas drilling and pipeline infrastructure is imported.

Finally, Trump is likely to open up Federal land for exploration and production. However, StanChart has noted that the timeframe required from licensing, to exploration and appraisal, and eventual production is multi-year, meaning any production from federal lands would likely come after his four-year term is over.

By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com
The history of the Middle East since the 1990s has been in many aspects been defined by Chinas need to secure sufficient energy to power its economic growth to rival the superpower status of the U.S., and Washingtons efforts to keep these efforts in check. The ebb and flow of these competing forces has been felt nowhere more acutely perhaps than Iraq, with its very conservatively estimated 145 billion barrels of oil reserves and 3.5 trillion cubic metres of gas. While U.S. forces remained on the ground following the 2003 overthrow of Saddam Hussein, Beijings options to expand its influence in Iraq were extremely limited. But by 2018, the unpopularity of what many Iraqis regarded by then as an occupation and the concomitant unilateral withdrawal of the U.S. from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (the nuclear deal) with Iraqs chief regional sponsor Iran opened the way for Beijing to expand its operations of influence.

The groundwork for all future developments by China in Iraq was laid out in the wide-ranging Oil for Reconstruction and Investment agreement signed between China and Iraq in 2019. The basic template for this agreement  which includes priority on new field contracts for Chinese firms and substantial discounts for them on oil and gas recovered, among others  was the Iran-China 25-Year Comprehensive Cooperation Agreement first revealed anywhere in the world in my 3 September 2019 article on the subject, and analysed in full in my new book on the new global oil market order. The 2019 China-Iraq deal was then substantially broadened and deepened into the Iraq-China Framework Agreement of 2021. Part of this featured even bigger discounts given to Chinese firms on oil and gas discovered in Iraq (up to 30%, depending on the field). However, crucially for Chinas bigger territorial ambitions in Iraq and the Middle East, it also gave its firms developing such fields wide-ranging rights to station significant security forces in and around these areas and to engage in a massive build-out of accompanying infrastructure. This includes road and rail networks connected to bigger infrastructure hubs with links across the Middle East, the right for the Chinese military to use selected Iraqi military and civilian seaports and airports, and permission to construct further businesses, schools and other support facilities tangential to Chinas ongoing interest in the region. Related: Russia Intent On Defying New U.S. Sanctions on Its Oil Industry

Such a development is West Qurna 1, located around 65 kilometres from southern Iraqs principal oil and export hub of Basra and holding around 22 billion barrels of recoverable oil reserves. The Oil Ministrys target for the present phase of development was increased in 2021 from the previous 500,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 700,000 bpd, with the field currently producing around 550,000 bpd. The Ministry also said at that time that although the original production plateau target of 2.825 million bpd (by the early 2030s) had been negotiated down to 1.6 million bpd during contract discussions with participating oil companies, the plateau target might well be raised again in the coming five years. The main companies involved in those discussions were PetroChina - the listed arm of the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC)  which then held 32.7% stake in West Qurna 1, and ExxonMobil, which also had a 32.7% stake at that point.

However, almost immediately China sought to establish itself as the dominant force on the site, using the surreptitious and gradual acquisition of a range of huge contract-only awards made to its companies on the site in addition to PetroChinas activities, as also analysed in full in my latest book. The most notable of these early on was the November 2019 US$121 million engineering contract to upgrade the facilities that are used to extract gas during crude oil production to the China Petroleum Engineering & Construction Corp. Similar contract-only deals have been done by China across Iraq, including for its supergiant Majnoon oil field, to another hitherto unheard-of Chinese firm - the Hilong Oil Service & Engineering Company. This incremental loss of influence across the West Qurna 1 project was one of ExxonMobils problems. Another potentially far greater one emerged as the U.S. supermajor discussed its other major targeted deal in Iraq  the US$53 billion CSSP. This involves taking and treating seawater from the Persian Gulf and then transporting it via pipelines to oil production facilities to maintain pressure in oil fields to optimise their output and longevity. At that time, West Qurna 1 and the CSSP were to form a new core presence for the U.S. in Iraq based around cooperation in the energy sector with the Iraq authorities, following years of rising military and sectarian tensions across the country. However, the U.S. firm eventually removed itself from both projects as it became increasingly clear that they were infused with massive legal and accounting risks that far outweighed the rewards. As was written into the original West Qurna 1 contract, ExxonMobils stake then went to PetroChina, and Beijing had complete control over the site, just as it had been working towards.

It has taken some time, but as of now Beijing is in a position to roll out the next phase of its West Qurna 1 plans, which have nothing to do with increasing oil production as had been agreed with the Iraqis. Instead, several special projects were inaugurated in the Al-Sadiq District of Iraqs oil-rich Basra Province, according to Oil Ministry announcements last week. Central to planning these and further operational rollouts undertaken by PetroChina (supported by the Basra Oil Company) will be the West Qurna 1 Field Operations Center (Phase 1), which also saw its groundbreaking ceremony last week. This will play a pivotal role in managing the water injection into the field, associated gas processing operations, and oversight of production activities across the field. It will also include new roads and electricity projects, increased employment opportunities in and around the development and the building of seven new schools. These facilities will be connected into Chinas broader network across southern Iraq, as part of its ongoing Iraq-China Framework Agreement of 2021 and following the U.S.s end of combat mission in Iraq of the same year. Such additional elements of this plan and its 2019 Oil for Reconstruction and Investment agreement predecessor in the heartland of Iraq have included IQD1 trillion (US$700 million) of infrastructure projects in the city of Al-Zubair in Basra. Another was for Chinese companies to build a dual use civilian and military airport to replace the previous installation in the capital of the southern oil rich Dhi Qar governorate. The Dhi Qar region includes two of Iraqs potentially biggest oil fields  Gharraf and Nassiriya. This airport project would include the construction of multiple cargo buildings and roads linking the airport to the citys town centre and separately to other key oil areas in southern Iraq.

Ahead of the imminent start of Trumps second term as president, Beijing has busily been adding to these key assets across Iraq. In August, Chinese firms won most of the 13 contracts for oil fields and exploration blocks awarded by Iraqs Oil Ministry in the latest bidding round. When fully developed these will add 750,000 bpd of oil and 850 million cubic feet per day of gas to the countrys output. Already, according to industry figures, over a third of Iraqs proven oil and gas reserves and over two-thirds of its current production are managed by Chinese companies. And in June, Chinese and Iraqi officials announced plans to link Iraqs US$17 billion Strategic Development Road (SDR) programme directly into Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Broadly, Iraqs SDR will create a seamless transport corridor running from the flagship deepwater Al Faw Grand Port (due to be finished with Chinese help in 2025) in its key oil export hub of Basra in the Persian Gulf, all the way through several of its biggest oil and gas fields, and finally into Fishkabur on the Iraqi border with Turkey. From there it will extend via road and railway links into the rest of Europe. Even without any links to Chinas BRI transport corridors, the SDRs route from the Persian Gulf to the key business hubs of Europe (and its main oil hubs) would offer a higher speed and lower cost for goods to be moved than transport through the Suez Canal. For China, its integration into its own BRI infrastructure would represent an alternative final part of the transport jigsaw that would see a direct land route from Xian into Europe. It could also function as the alternative final route in the maritime transport corridor running from Quanzhou to Colombo in Sri Lanka and then up to Basra rather than continuing past Yemen and through the Red Sea and Suez Canal into the Mediterranean.

By Simon Watkins for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is no shrinking violet when it comes to disagreements with the Canadian government over energy policy.

Smith has previously clashed with Ottawa over its carbon tax, and following a weekend visit to President-elect Trump, she did not mince words over Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Jolys threat to impose an oil embargo on the US if Trump carries through with 25 percent tariffs on Canadian imports.

Oil and gas is owned by the provinces, principally Alberta, and we wont stand for that, Smith told reporters at an online news conference Monday.

Alberta is Canadas largest oil-producing province, in 2023 producing 84 percent of the countrys crude.

No country is more important than Canada when it comes to US oil imports. In 2023 the nation imported 4.4 million barrels a day, which was around 97 percent of Canadas total crude oil exports, making it Americas top supplier.

Trump, who takes office on Jan. 20, has said he will slap 25% tariffs on imports coming from Canada and Mexico unless they take measures to control illegal drugs and migrants from crossing their borders.

Joly wont rule out cutting off the supply of energy to the United States in a tariff war, telling CTVs Question Period on Sunday that everything is on the table. The country is reportedly preparing a list of products against which surtaxes could be levied, should Trump make good on his tariff threat.

Ottawa made similar moves in 2019 during Trumps first term, the National Post reported, adding more than $16 billion in surtaxes to American imports including steel, aluminum, yogurt, toilet paper and dishwashers.

But Smith said Canada shouldnt be making empty threats and its not Jolys call to make, she said via Global News. According to the Canadian Constitutions section 92, provinces have exclusive jurisdiction over the exploration, development, conservation, and management of non-renewable natural resources within their borders.

Smith suggested that an oil embargo could blow up in Canadas face, given that cutting off pipeline supplies through Michigan could choke off key supply to Ontario and Quebec.

Related: Oil Price Rally Continues After U.S. Sanctions Russias Biggest Oil Sellers

Moreover, she said that, if Ottawa moves to cut exports, they will have a national unity crisis on their on their hands at the same time as having a crisis with our U.S. trade partners.

More positively, Smith told CTV News I think oil and gas is going to be key to being able to get a breakthrough once tariffs do come in, getting them off. We maintain a strong partnership on energy. We make the case about how much the Americans benefit from that energy relationship, we demonstrate that we are a good trade partner, that we buy more goods and services from America than any other nation.

The bedrock of that tariff-free relationship is energy, she added, noting that Canada exports heavily discounted Canadian oil to the US, which is then upgraded and sold as a value-added product for a price up to three times higher than the raw crude.

I just feel like the more we make those arguments, slowly but surely we'll be able to make the case that we should continue to enjoy a tariff-free relationship, Smith told reporters on the conference call.

Smith said shes very concerned about a leadership vacuum affecting talks with the United States over tariffs. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has resigned and prorogued parliament until March. The Liberal Party of Canada has said that a new leader will be announced on March 9.

Alberta and Ottawa frequently clash over energy policy and this is just the latest spat. Older readers will remember when then-Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau asked the Western provinces to agree to a voluntary freeze on oil prices amid the 1973 Arab oil embargo. With the embargo driving international oil prices to record highs, and nine days after asking for the price freeze, Trudeaus government imposed a 40-cent tax on every barrel of oil exported to the United States. Revenues were used to subsidize oil imports for Eastern Canadian refiners. Then-Alberta Premier Lougheed called the decision the most discriminatory action taken by a federal government against a particular province in the entire history of Confederation.

The same Liberal government in 1980 introduced the National Energy Program, or NEP. The NEP aimed to reduce the role of foreign companies in the Canadian oil patch, including increasing Canadian ownership of the industry, sharing revenue between the federal and provincial governments, and developing non-conventional sources.

However, it was deeply unpopular in the Western provinces especially Alberta, where it was felt that it interfered with provincial jurisdiction and unfairly deprived Alberta of oil revenue. The program was dismantled in 1985 by the federal Conservative government.

Fast-forwarding to present day, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has continued to lobby for Albertas interests while disparaging federal policies seen as detrimental to the province.

To wit, Alberta has been battling Ottawa over the carbon tax since it was introduced in 2019. Meant to tax carbon emissions, the levy is applied to homeowners natural gas bills, to fossil fuel producers and distributers, and to large industrial emitters through an output-based pricing system. The tax has more than tripled from $20 per tonne of carbon dioxide in 2019 to $65/t in 2023.

Although the Supreme Court of Canada ruled in favor of the carbon tax in 2021, the Alberta government continues to challenge it on the grounds that it adds to already high home heating costs, and that it is unconstitutional.

In October 2024, Premier Smith announced the province has applied for a judicial review to be exempted from the carbon tax, with the greater goal of forcing Ottawa to cancel it.

Smith argues the tax places an unfair burden on Albertans, most of whom heat their homes with natural gas. Making matters worse, in 2023 Prime Minister Trudeau announced a three-year carbon tax reprieve on deliveries of heating oil. Smith says this only benefits people living in Atlantic Canada and Quebec, whose populations use heating oil, not natural gas.

Amid the controversy, Smith has doubled down on oil and gas production despite a federal government that has phased out fossil fuel subsidies  with the notable exception of the Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain pipeline, bought by Ottawa in 2018 for $4.5 billion but whose costs ballooned to $34 billion  and pivoted towards clean energy including billions in subsidies to EV battery production facilities.

Earlier this month Smith appeared on a video with Enbridge CEO Greg Abel to announce a doubling of oil and gas production.

Today we've signed a letter of intent with Enbridge to accelerate these growth opportunities and ensure more capacity for oil and gas is available across more than 29,000 kilometers of pipelines in the Enbridge network, Smith said on the Cable Public Affairs Channel (CPAC).

This added capacity objective is critical to Alberta and our most important trading partner, the United States. Alberta's oil directly supports more than 50 US-based refineries with direct investment in more than 20 US states and is essential to affordability, growth, economic prosperity and energy security in the United States and globally. Alberta oil and natural gas is also a reliable and important feedstock for essential products produced in the United States especially in the Midwest states of Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin.

By Andrew Topf for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com
On Tuesday, Norway awarded stakes in 53 offshore oil and gas exploration licenses to 20 companies in its latest annual licensing round, with Energy Minister Terje Aasland revealing plans for increased drilling in its offshore Arctic region.

"If we are to uphold a stable production in the years to come, we must explore more and invest more," Aasland told a conference.

Norway has increased offshore oil and gas exploration over the past couple of years as it looks to meet Europes surging demand after the continent ditched Russian energy. Last year, Norwegian oil and gas operator, DNO ASA, made a significant gas and condensate discovery on the Carmen prospect in the Norwegian North Sea. Preliminary evaluation of comprehensive data indicates gross recoverable resources in the range of 120-230 million barrels of oil. Carmen ranks as the largest discovery on the Norwegian Continental Shelf since 2013. Earlier, Norways Aker BP (NYSE:BP) (OTCQX:AKRBF) made a much bigger than expected oil discovery in the Yggdrasil area of the North Sea. Preliminary estimates indicate a gross recoverable volume of 40 million-90 million barrels of oil equivalent (boe), much higher than the companys earlier projection of between 18 million and 45 million boe.

Norway and the U.S. have replaced Russia as Europes biggest gas supplier: Norway supplied 87.8 bcm (billion cubic meters) of gas to Europe in 2023, good for 30.3% of total imports while the U.S. supplied 56.2 bcm, accounting for 19.4% of total. Gas flows from Norway to Europe averaged 313 million cu m/d in 2024. However, the U.S. is the biggest LNG supplier to Europe: last year, the U.S. accounted for nearly half of total LNG imports by the continent, more than any other country. On a global scale, the United States shipped a record 56.9 million metric tons of LNG during the first eight months of 2024, surpassing 54.3 million tons from Australia and 53.7 million tons from Qatar during that period. That marks the second straight year that U.S. exporters have topped global export rankings.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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The partnership also reflects the changing geopolitical landscape in the Middle East, following the fall of the Assad regime in Syria.

The treaty solidifies the growing ties between the two nations, who have increased their cooperation in the context of the Ukraine war and Western sanctions.

Russia and Iran have unveiled plans to sign a "comprehensive strategic partnership" treaty on Friday when Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian visits Moscow.

The two nations dubbed 'pariahs' by much of the West have seen their cooperation and relations grow in the context of the Ukraine war. "On January 17, Vladimir Putin will hold talks with the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian, who will come to Russia on an official visit," the Kremlin announced Monday.

The much anticipated treaty has long been in the works, since at least last summer, news of which caused President Zelensky to say there's an axis of rogue states conspiring to defeat Ukraine. This has included North Korea as well, which has lost troops helping Moscow defend Kursk region.

As for the treaty to be signed by the week's close, it was previewed as heavily focused on defense and security cooperation. "It will confirm the parties' desire for closer cooperation in the field of defense and interaction in the interests of peace and security at the regional and global levels," Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had earlier stated.

Putin and Pezeshkian in addition to signing the agreement are expected to discuss "prospects for the further expansion of bilateral cooperation, including in trade and investment, transport and logistics and the humanitarian sphere, as well as topical issues on the regional and international agenda," the Kremlin said.

Already, the two sides cooperate deeply on drones. Russia has since the Ukraine war's start been using Iran-produced 'Shahed' kamikaze drones against Ukrainian cities, and Iran has reportedly set up a major UAV production facility on Russian soil at Moscow's invitation.

Moscow and Tehran early last month lost a key Middle East ally upon the fall of Bashar al Assad, after Islamic insurgents rampaged across the country and the demoralized and underpaid Syrian Army quickly collapsed. Turkey was widely seen as supporting the insurgents with intelligence and equipment, and likely other NATO states played a background role as well.

As for Iran, it sees the treaty as further safeguarding independence and national sovereignty:

Discussing the specifics of the deal, Jalali told Iran's state-run Young Journalists Club (YJC), "The independence and security of our country, as well as self-reliance, are crucial elements, and we are not particularly inclined to align ourselves with any specific bloc."

"National independence is of great importance to the Islamic Republic of Iran. After all, we have been paying the price for it for 45 years," he added in an article published Saturday.

But both countries have come under far-reaching US and EU sanctions for what's happening in Ukraine. Western intelligence has warned against the transfer of Iranian ballistic missiles to Russia in the context of the Ukraine war as well. While there have been some reports suggesting this has happened, there's as yet no definitive evidence.

By Zerohedge.com

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Japan is expanding its economic and political influence in Central Asia, pledging $2 billion in development aid and signing deals with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

Japan is joining its Western partners in sanctioning a Kazakh-registered company for supplying microchips to Russia that have military applications.

The penalty imposed on the Kazakh entity, Da Group 22 LLC, was part of a broader round of sanctions announced by the Japanese government on January 10 designed to curtail Russias ability to maintain its war effort in Ukraine. Overall, Japan added 22 Russian organizations and 31 companies from other countries to its sanctions list.

Japanese authorities also added over 300 objects  including engine components for cranes and motorbikes, as well as chemicals potentially useful for the development of chemical weapons  to the list of items prohibited for export to Russia.

Da Group 22 was registered in Astana in March 2022, just weeks after the Russian unprovoked attack on Ukraine. The entity has engaged in wholesale [distribution] of electronic and telecommunication equipment and spare parts for it, according to an online register of contractors. The US Treasury Department designated Da Group 22 for sanctions in February of last year; the European Union followed suit last June.

An investigative report published by the Kazakh outlet, Vlast.kz, showed that Da Group 22 funneled dual-use microchips to Russia via convoluted routes that passed through Europe. Trade statistics help shed light on the scale of the operation: in 2021, $35 million worth of components was imported to Kazakhstan, and in 2022, the total value of the same type of components more than doubled, exceeding $75 million. Over the same period, the value of microchip exports from Kazakhstan to Russia skyrocketed from $245,000 to $18 million.

Despite sanctions, Da Group 22 remains in business and Kazakh authorities arent showing an inclination to penalize it. A report distributed by the Kazakh news website Informburo.kz quoted a Finance Ministry official as saying the violation of sanctions is not a reason for authorities to force the liquidation of a private enterprise. Kazakh officials have maintained they are complying with Western sanctions, but explain that, given the longstanding trade connections between Russia and Kazakhstan, enforcement is difficult.

Kazakhstan has historical ties with both Russia and Ukraine. Our economies have been interconnected for a long time and it is for this reason that this situation is very difficult for us and for our economy, then-foreign minister Mukhtar Tleuberdi told reporters in February 2023. Kazakhstan is a member of the Eurasian Union [trading bloc], we do not have any customs borders between Kazakhstan, Russia and other members of this union.

Japan is striving to increase its political and economic profile in Central Asia. Last August, Japanese government officials and business leaders presided over the inaugural Central Asian + Japan summit in Astana, signaling Tokyos growing interest in regional trade and investment. The gathering featured the announcement of an economic assistance package worth roughly $2 billion to support development of the regions green energy and digital technology sectors. On the sidelines of the meeting, Japans Bank for International Cooperation signed individual development agreements with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

By Almaz Kumenov via Eurasianet.org

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com
Greece is urging the EU to move faster to address the high power and natural gas prices in the bloc that undermine its competitiveness alongside burdening households, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis wrote in a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen seen by Bloomberg News.

European wholesale electricity prices jumped in November to the highest level in 20 months, additionally burdening the key industries in major economies that had just started to recover from the 2022 energy crisis.

Major economies in Western Europe  Germany, France, the Netherlands, Spain, and Italy, have seen a surge in energy costs. Economies in east and southeast Europe, including Greece, have been suffering even more as energy prices have been higher than in Western Europe in recent months.

Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania have already called on the EU to discuss measures to relieve the high prices.

The Greek PM also wrote to von der Leyen in May 2024 urging the European Commission President to make the Single Market more competitive and transparent for consumers, for a Europe that improves the living standards of its citizens

In another letter seen by Bloomberg News, Mitsotakis wrote more recently,

Prices are telling us we need to move faster but also differently  to think about new ways to tackle the problems that confront us.

Mitsotakis is calling for better integration of the national grids and for additional measures to protect southeast Europes and the EU's natural gas security. The Greek PM also seeks limits to the costs of overregulating emissions.

Shifts in the geopolitical landscape make this task even more urgent, Mitsotakis wrote in the letter.

The European Union is getting ready to have natural gas hold a smaller share of the energy mix, but we will depend on gas for at least two decades, the Greek prime minister noted.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com
Boeing 737 banned

The federal government has banned Boeing 737 Max airplanes from flying into Nigerias airspace following a fatal crash in Ethiopia over the weekend, according to a report by TheCable.

Hadi Sirika, minister of state, aviation, disclosed this to state house correspondents at the end of the federal executive council (FEC) meeting, presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Regarding Boeing 737 Max 8 and Max 9, that has been in the news recently, there is no cause for alarm as there is no operator in Nigeria that is using that type of airplane, he said.

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, whose mandate it is to issue advisory, has already issued advisory that nobody should fly into Nigeria or out of Nigeria using Boeing 737 Max 8 and Max 9, pending the determination of the actual cause of the crash in Ethiopia and also pending the outcome of the response of the manufacturer, which is Messers Boeing.

Regardless of the enormous safety records of this plane 737, it has caused concern in the world of aviation and you know aviation is universal, whatever affects one affects the other because aircraft will be flying in and out. So, we have issued directive that no operator with Boeing 737 Max 8 or Max 9 should operate into and outside our airports and this is being carried out.

The 157 persons on board the ill-fated aircraft were killed. Two Nigerians: Pius Adesanmi, a professor, and Abiodun Bashua, an ex-diplomat, lost their lives in the incident.
The Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufais convoy foiled attempted kidnapping of motorists again along Kaduna-Abuja road on Wednesday afternoon.

The Governor who was on his way to Abuja got to the Akilubu village around 3:40pm, sighted dozens of vehicles parked by citizens alarmed that kidnappers were ahead.

Security operatives in the governors convoy advanced and the criminals fled into the forest.

After clearing the road, Governor El-Rufai directed that travelers who had been wounded by the criminals be rushed to the nearest hospital. The Governor also directed security agencies to intensify patrols and permanently clear the road of the bandits.

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As the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Adewale Akanbi, Telu I, called for urgent reform of Yoruba traditional system, he charged the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, not to be silent on the lingering disunity among Yoruba traditional institution and insecurity ravaging Yoruba nation.

According to him, silence at this critical point of our life is not golden, saying the people are looking up to them for quality and visionary leadership.

Oluwo, who said it was disappointing that nothing is being done to address animosity characterizing the Yoruba traditional institution, lamented that keeping mute while the revered institution is dragged in the mud could portend danger for the race.

In a statement by his press secretary, Alli Ibraheem, the Oluwo lamented that the distasteful development is gradually decimating the authorities and grips of monarchs on Yoruba traditional value system.

Oba Akanbi decried watching the polarization among the traditional institution and abuse of the monarchs by chiefs and members of the public under their leadership could be translated to gaining little to lose much.

The first class paramount ruler, therefore, charged the Ooni and the Alaafin to use their spiritual and political instrumentality to facilitate unity amongvYoruba monarchs and also halt regular animosity of superiority claims, which he said had continued to reduce the quality and power of the revered institution.

The Oluwo said: Prompt intervention of the duo of Ooni and Alaafin could have arrested the recent altercation among the Yoruba traditional rulers resulting from crowning of diaspora Obas by the Olugbo of Ugboland, Oba Obateru Akinruntan. But it is disappointing that none could boldly speak to protect traditional institution and be balanced in his judgement. And this is why I voiced out to that effect. I am glad Baba Alaafin has never done crowned anybody in disapora but I want to say that the Olugbo was not the first to commit this act which should not have been in the first place because crowns are not for sale or gift.

Read also: Oluwo debunks Igbo s claim on Oduduwa

We should appeal to other Obas to politely withdraw the title in the interest of the institution. Otherwise, monarchs will turn to cheap compliments just like birthday gifts. Monarchs are recognized by Chiefs Laws, anything outside that is null and void. The sanctity of the institution should be honourably protected through a polite appeal for retrieval by Central Council of Yoruba Obas and not uncultured bashing by a chief.

If you are not defending the Obas anymore, is your certificate as a chief to insult your symbol of authority (the crown)? It is a security threat to the traditional system. No one does that in the old days and go away with it. It amazing this is happening in our own time and the Ooni of Ife and Alaafin of Oyo are watching. Chiefs are not certified to mediate by taking side. It is an affront on the tradition for a chief to insult a king.

Continue page 2
A mild-drama played out yesterday at the Abuja office of the operatives of the Inspector-General of Police Special Intelligence Response Team (IRT).

A 45-year-old suspected gunrunner, Gbenga Ojomo Adebowale, who was in detention, heard operatives discuss the killings of their men and how suspected kidnap kingpin, Alhaji Hamisu Wadume, was at the centre of the storm.

When Adebowale heard the name, something jugged his memory and he remembered that he had encountered someone with that name.

When he asked more questions from IRT operatives and checked out the pictures of Wadume, he confirmed that it was the same brazen young man he supplied six AK47 rifles and four cartons of ammunition in April in Benue State.

Adebowale, who said that it was not his business to probe clients who buy guns from him on what they needed them for, recollected that one of his partners, Moses, told him that Wadume claimed that his frequent demands for rifles and ammunition were to confront herdsmen attacking in his community.

Adebowale denied knowing that Wadume, who appeared to have disappeared into thin air, was an alleged multi-millionaire suspected kidnap kingpin.

He said: Our arms come from Burkina Faso and Ghana. Sometimes, about four or five years ago, I went to supply goods. The connection for the supply came from Moses. He said that the final destination was Markudi in Benue State. We used to create compartment in trucks, where we concealed the arms and ammunition, making it difficult for security agents to detect.

When we got to Benue State, Moses introduced me to four men, including Julius and Hamisu. Back then, I thought Hamisu was from Benue State. But the other men with him were Tiv. In mafia business, we dont really interact with our customers. After that encounter, Moses and I started going to Benue State to meet Julius, to supply weapons.

Adebowale, who was arrested sometimes in June, disclosed that his gang imports the arms and ammunition from North Africa through Burkina Faso, Ghana and Benin Republic to Shaki in Oyo State.

He said that the police seized 6,000 live ammunition from him and his gang.

The suspect also explained that each box of ammunition contains 750 rounds and sold for N300,000. The AF47 rifles, depending on the grades, were sold between N600,000 and N900,000 per carton.

Adebowale, who is married and has children, confessed that he had been in gunrunning business for 15 years and was based in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Speaking with New Telegraph yesterday, he said: I have a contact from Onitsha called Moses. He is a partner. While Im based in Ibadan, Moses is based in Onitsha. We used to exchange goods. If he has, he would give me, if he didnt have, I would give him.

In 2016, I started having problem and had to travel out of the country. I returned last year. Early this year, a private number called me, the person asked if I had heard that one of our partners, Denise, had been killed. I asked who was calling, he said Hamisu. I remembered that he was the fourth guy with us on that day in Benue State.

Denise was also our partner there. He explained to me how Denise was killed and asked for 10 AK47 rifles. I told him that I didnt have up to 10 rifles with me at that moment. I told him that someone promised to enter Nigeria the following day with six AK47 rifles and four boxes of ammunition. I wanted us to meet at Onitsha, but he insisted that I should come to Benue. I asked him to pay N800,000 per one and he accepted. I went to Benue in April with six AK47 rifles and four cartons of ammunition to give to him.

I later heard that Abba Kyari and men were hunting for me. I started switching off my phones and running helter-skelter, but they eventually arrested me.

Asked if he asked Wadume his reasons for always asking for guns and ammunition, Adebowale said that it was Denise and Moses that had the connection to Wadume and had been doing the supply. He only had to supply directly to Wadume following Denises death.

He added: I didnt want to probe too much on what Hamisu uses the guns for. He is Moses customer, not mine. But I heard that they were buying the guns because herdsmen were seriously troubling them. They were tired of the attacks and were ready to confront the herdsmen, hence the several guns they were stockpiling. When they were saying this, I thought they were from Benue State. It was later I got to know that Hamisu was from Taraba State.

I know him only as a don; I didnt know anything other than that about him. Those of us in gunrunning business are called dons. Don simply means mafia. When I heard about how the policemen were killed, I felt bad. I supplied Hamisu guns. At least 70 per cent of us in gunrunning business in Nigeria are graduates.
China's AI companion robots attract investor attention

Xinhua) 09:38, January 14, 2025

SHENZHEN, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Able to accompany children at night and capable of alerting parents of potential mental health risks in kids, an AI companion robot for children developed by a Chinese company recently completed an early stage small-scale startup financing initiative, also known as an angel round, worth tens of millions of yuan.

This product of Shenzhen Xuanyuan Technology Co., Ltd. (X-ORIGIN-AI) features deep integration of emotion recognition and personalized information processing, providing a more emotionally valuable companionship experience and injecting new vitality into current AI companion product options on the market, according to its Shenzhen-based developer.

"We have always been committed to continuously improving the interaction quality between robots and humans," said Li Yunzhou, founder of the company.

Xuanyuan Technology is a microcosm of the rapid development and widespread recognition of the AI companion industry in China in recent years.

A report recently released by Tencent Research Institute points out that compared to the European and American markets -- AI companionship in China enjoys more fertile ground for large-scale implementation.

The report found that only 4.6 percent of those surveyed believed their companionship needs were currently fully met, with the majority facing various social dilemmas. The survey also revealed that 48 percent worry about affecting the other person's mood when sharing negative emotions, which is one of the most common social challenges they face.

Meanwhile, 79 percent of those interviewed for the report expressed high expectations concerning AI companionship -- believing that such products could allow them to express emotions without worrying about the other person's feelings, thereby providing a more suitable environment for expressing negative feelings.

AI companionship offers improved potential to meet the needs of vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children and people with disabilities.

Jiang Xiaoxia, a resident in the southern Chinese metropolis of Shenzhen, has a son aged 8 who is full of curiosity about the world. "He usually asks all kinds of outlandish questions that I can't answer, but luckily we bought an AI companion robot to chat with him," Jiang said.

"Many of our generation have no siblings and our parents are getting old with no one to take care of them. I believe that in the future, robots will play a role in taking care of the daily lives of the elderly and helping them alleviate loneliness," said Zhang Jun, another Shenzhen resident.

From the perspective of industry insiders, AI companion robots currently on the market are still relatively homogeneous -- mostly "smart speakers" that forms dialogues using large models. Emotional interaction is expected to become the next development track for AI companion robots, ushering in a new wave of financing and entrepreneurship.

In the first half of 2023, TangibleFuture (Dongguan) Intelligent Hardware Co., Ltd., a smart hardware company focusing on interactive innovation, launched its first robot, LOOI, which became an internet hit.

This robot, driven by ChatGPT technology, features vivid character traits and vibrant gestures and can interact with users during games. Its bionic behavior system makes the robot's conduct closer to that of a real living being -- delivering improved emotional resonance to users.

In November 2023, Shanghai Luobo Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. (Robopoet) completed an angel round of financing worth tens of millions of yuan. Its first product is being positioned as an "AI trendy toy," with the first three rounds of prototype machine design and development already completed, and release and mass production expected to take place in 2025.

However, many industry experts also warn that it remains very difficult for an AI to act fully like a human being. There are still many technical aspects that need to be developed, but this also provides broad market development prospects.

"The evolution of living organisms has special properties and AI currently finds it difficult to provide a real feeling. But the advantage of robots is that they can understand humans from more dimensions and respond, while they are also more stable," said Yang Jianbo, founder of Beijing Keyi Technology Co., Ltd.

"I believe AI robots will coexist organically with pets and humans," Yang added.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
Christian Pulisic

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has explained that his continued omission of Christian Pulisic is simply down to other players being preferred at the moment.

Pulisic has now been an unused substitute in three straight games for the Blues, even after he left U.S. national team duty early to rejoin his team-mates in London this month.

The 21-year-old was Chelseas lone new addition this summer, having signed for 64 million (58m/$73m) from Borussia Dortmund in January and played the second half of last season on loan with the Bundesliga side.

Despite Chelseas inability to sign new players due to a transfer ban, Pulisic has recently fallen behind options already on the roster such as Mason Mount, Willian and Pedro.

Following Chelseas 2-1 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday, though, Lampard insisted that the USMNT star would get his chances at Stamford Bridge.

I have a squad to pick from, he played before that in a few games, Lampard said of Pulisic.

Willian has come back and looked sharp and good. I decided to go with Mason today. We needed to stay strong and play Mason high up the pitch. Thats my choices to make.

[Pulisic] will get ample opportunities. He is a young player as well. Everyone talks about Mason, Tammy [Abraham] and Fikayo [Tomori] but he is young and younger than some of them so his chances will come.

It has been suggested that Pulisic is struggling to adjust to his new surroundings in London and the Premier League, but Lampard has denied those claims.

It is not the case [that he hasnt settled in], Lampard said. Theres Pedro, Ross Barkley and [Michy] Batshuayi on the bench.

[Batshuayi] deserves more minutes from the way he is training, those are unfortunate choices I have to make.

Overall, Pulisic has tallied one assist in four Premier League appearances this season, three of which have been starts.

However, the winger has not played at all for Chelsea since a 2-2 draw against Sheffield United on August 31.

That could change on Wednesday, however, as the Blues welcome League Two side Grimsby Town to Stamford Bridge in a Carabao Cup fixture.
The World Bank Group will deploy $150 billion over the next 15 months to stimulate economic recovery in countries affected by the Coronavirus pandemic.

The fund is expected to shorten the economic recession timeline in countries affected by the Coronavirus-induced disruption of the global supply chains, slump in global crude oil prices, turmoil in global stock and financial markets, lockdown of large swaths movements of persons, among others.

President, World Bank Group, Malpass in his remarks from the G20 Finance Ministers conference call on the COVID-19 pandemic, said the difficulties of these times are mostly to be felt by the poor and vulnerable.

Malpass said the World Bank Group aims to provide prompt support during these crises, to alleviate the severe consequences on households livelihoods and business activities, and the said support would be based on the countrys need.

To shorten the recovery period from the pandemic, the World Bank is currently restructuring existing projects in 23 countries, while also preparing projects in 49 countries through a new fast-track facility adding that the final decisions on 16 out of these 49 country programmes would be made this week.

He warned that a major global recession had begun, and countries should prepare to act accordingly.

Beyond the severe health impact from the pandemic, we should expect a major recession of the global economy. We are working to provide a fast response, utilizing all our available instruments.

Countries need to move fast to boost health spending, strengthen social safety nets, support the private sector and counter financial-market disruption. Countries will need to implement structural reforms to help shorten the time to recovery and create confidence that the recovery can be strong, he said.

He added, For those countries that have excessive regulations, subsidies, licensing regimes, trade protection or litigiousness as obstacles, we will work with them to foster markets, choice and faster growth prospects during the recovery.

The resources to address the problems Ive discussed are substantial. The World Bank Group, including International Finance Corporation and Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, could deploy as much as $150bn over the next 15 months.
If the current lockdowns across most parts of the world persist for another two months, Nigeria risks losing about N2.23 trillion worth of trade from its top five import countries, leading to domestic scarcity, a report by Verakki Business Solutions has suggested.

According to the report, four of Nigerias top trading partners and import sources  China, USA, Spain, and the Netherlands which account for 45% of Nigerias imports, are currently implementing lockdown measures as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Meanwhile, Nigerias access to raw materials, industrial components, and manufactured goods from these regions could become greatly hampered in the coming weeks. China, which used to be the epicenter of the pandemic, is still mostly under lockdown with limited economic activities.

If this persists, the country may be unable to meet up with the demand for raw materials and other commodities from countries like Nigeria. And the attendant bottlenecks would give a significant dent to manufacturing operations, consumer goods, and retail operations in Nigeria.

According to the report, the mentioned challenges, coupled with the issue of border closures, could also ultimately result in a spike in production costs across Africa.

It would also take longer to restock raw materials, a situation that has been projected could cause panic buying, hoarding, and irregular price fluctuations. Companies would either be forced to cut production due to the lack of raw materials or offer their goods and services at high prices due to envisaged replacement costs.

In the meantime, Nigeria could be losing an estimated N2.27 trillion worth of exports due to closed borders.

Recall that the Coronavirus pandemic had come with its social, economic and financial challenges which will ultimately lead to a global economic recession, according to experts.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has predicted that the global economy is expected to go into recession this year, just as the World Bank Group disclosed that Sub-Saharan Africa is about to witness its first recession in 25 years.

In addition, Nigerias Minister for Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, recently stated in an interview that the country would go into recession if the Coronavirus pandemic persists for the next 6 months.

The pandemic has also partly caused a slump in global oil prices, shutdowns of businesses, huge drops in revenue and foreign exchange earnings, increased deficit spending, and so many other negative impacts.

A sharp drop in global economic activities drastically reduced the demand for oil, thereby causing crude oil prices to hit a multi-year low. This situation is negatively impacting on Nigerias 2020 National budget, as well as revenue allocation to the three tiers of government.


Oregon Senate Republican Caucus Welcomes New Senators Following Swearing-In Ceremony

By Oregon State Senate Republican Caucus,

SALEM, Ore.  The Oregon Senate Republican Caucus proudly welcomes its newest members as Bruce Starr (R-Dundee), Mike McLane (R-Powell Butte), Todd Nash (R-Enterprise), Diane Linthicum (R-Beatty), and Noah Robinson (R-Cave Junction) were officially sworn into office today. These leaders bring a wealth of knowledge and a shared commitment to serving Oregonians and ensuring the voices of their communities are heard in Salem.

Our new senators represent the diverse values and priorities of Oregonians, said Senate Republican Leader Daniel Bonham (R-The Dalles). Bruce, Mike, Diane, and Noah are dedicated to championing policies that address our states most pressing challenges, from housing to public safety and beyond. Were excited to have them join our team and look forward to working together to deliver results for our constituents.

As these new senators begin their service, the Caucus also expresses heartfelt gratitude to the outgoing senators whose terms ended today: Tim Knopp (R-Bend), Bill Hansell (R-Athena), Lynn Findley (R-Vale), Art Robinson (R-Cave Junction), and Brian Boquist (R-Dallas) and Dennis Linthicum (R-Beatty).

Each of these senators has left a lasting legacy in the Oregon Senate, not only for the communities they served but also for me personally, said Bonham. As colleagues and mentors, they set an example of integrity, dedication, and leadership that I will always carry with me. Their contributions have shaped our state for the better, and we wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

With todays swearing-in, the Caucus is eager to begin the new legislative session united and ready to serve.


By Taxpayers Association of Oregon

OregonWatchdog.com

Here are quotes from Oregon Governor Tina Koteks State-of-the-State speech:

GOVERNOR KOTEK: Oregon also won the largest award in the Pacific Northwest from the Environmental Protection Agency  nearly $200 million  to fund resilient communities, accelerate the clean energy transition, modernize the energy grid, and help lower residential energy bills

TRUTH: Oregonians are paying nearly 40% more in utilities from 4 years ago, with new rate hikes 5%-9% from PGE and Pacific Power this year alone. This drives up the cost of everything which is why Oregon is in the top 10 highest cost-of-living states.

GOVERNOR KOTEK: we have blunted the humanitarian crisis on our doorsteps According to the most recent federal Point in Time count data, homelessness has continued to increase across the nation. Recent federal data show that, on average, the United States saw an 18% increase in homelessness between 2023 and 2024. Oregon came in below the national average increase at 13%.

TRUTH: Nine (mostly liberal) states dominate the entire homeless crisis as these 9 states, including Oregon, have higher homeless ratios than the national average according to the American Community Survey. Oregons +13% spike may be less than +18% elsewhere, but it comes as Oregon is among the top homeless places in America. Kotek hasnt blunted anything.

GOVERNOR KOTEK: And Oregon received $52 million through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program to create a better network of public fast chargers throughout frequently used highway corridors.

TRUTH: Hundreds of millions of tax dollars are being lavished on the richest Oregonians to buy expensive electric vehicles (EVs) that these wealthy people already planned to purchase without the tax credit hand-outs. Additionally, Oregon spends hundreds of millions on electric charging stations which are built in more upper-class neighborhoods because that is where the drivers are. These rich-subsidized EVs put a serious drain our electric supply which cause utilities to spike for everyone  especially poor people. Such $52 million subsidies end up jacking up electric bills for poor people. It also why experts are predicting annual blackouts due to grid supply shortages.

GOVERNOR KOTEK: stabilize the partnerships that are the backbone of the states wildfire protection system.

TRUTH: Nothing in Governor Koteks environmentalism is about partnership. Her policies closed five lumber mills in 2024 alone. Kotek helped to lock up nearly 100,000 of acres of harvestable forest land. Where is the partnership when the Board of Forestry surprised everyone when they got caught with a quarter billion dollar invoice they couldnt pay at the same time they partied at a luxury resort for a staff meeting? Sounds like an agency gone rogue. Where is the partnership when Kotek is pushing Biden to secretly lock-up 1 million acres of land without a single public vote or a single Congressional public hearing to vote on the matter?

GOVERNOR KOTEK: embrace opportunities for change together. Oregons ability to move ahead is grounded in the soil from which we have grown  together I look forward to partnering together for more progress  we have the capacity to take risks and lead courageously, together  I hope we can work together  To move forward together, we must forge a shared path

TRUTH: Who is Governor Kotek talking to when she invokes together six times? Kotek is the most non-together person in Oregon leadership. Our Governor Kotek (1) went on a 36-county listening tour of Oregon and did not let the public know she was in town and mostly met with what appears to be her supporters (2) crafted a dubious behind-the-scenes executive office and staff for her spouse which was so provocative that four of her top officials resigned during the scandal, (3) during the 2023 Legislative Session Kotek let 300 bills pile up on her desk and let the Session end before she decided to tackle the bills  even going as far as to ask the public on how to rule on the bills (4) Kotek repeated the same bill pile-up on her desk in the 2024 Special Legislative Session (5) she only drafted one bill during the 2024 Session and (6) made a public agreement to form a bipartisan and balanced redistricting committee and then revoked her pledge the moment the committee was formed and ended up forming one of the most partisan lopsided political redistricting plans in America.

 Was this helpful? If so, Contribute online at OregonWatchdog.com (learn about a Charitable Tax Deduction or Political Tax Credit options to promote liberty).
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: University of Boras

AI-generated research is a threat, both in terms of society's knowledge and public trust in science. This was the conclusion made by the researchers from the Swedish School of Library and Information Science, University of Boras, Sweden, that recently identified over a hundred suspected AI-generated articles in the Google Scholar search engine.

Their research reports that fake AI-generated scientific articles have flooded the search engine Google Scholar. The study's findings of AI-fabricated junk science mean that fake science has been made available and can be spread widely and at a much lower cost for malicious actors. The work is published in the journal Harvard Kennedy School Misinformation Review.

This poses a danger to both society and the research community, according to Jutta Haider and Bjorn Ekstrom from the Swedish School of Library and Information Science, who are behind the study together with Kristofer Soderstrom at Lund University and Malte Rodl at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences.

Increased risk of evidence hacking

One of the major concerns with AI-generated research is the increased risk of evidence hackingthat fake research can be used for strategic manipulation.

"The risk of what we call 'evidence hacking' increases significantly when AI-generated research is spread in search engines. This can have tangible consequences as incorrect results can seep further into society and possibly also into more and more domains," said Ekstrom, who holds a doctorate in Library and Information Science.

The researchers behind the study have already seen that these problematic articles have spread to other parts of the research infrastructure on the web, in various archives, social media and the like. The spread is fast and Google Scholar makes the problematic articles visible. Even if the articles are withdrawn, there is a risk that they have already had time to spread and continue to do so.

In addition, AI-generated research causes problems for the already hard-pressed peer review system.

Places higher demands on information literacy

The fact that AI-generated research is spreading in search engine databases places higher demands on those who take part in research online.

"If we cannot trust that the research we read is genuine, we risk making decisions based on incorrect information. But as much as this is a question of scientific misconduct, it is a question of media and information literacy," said Haider, Professor of Library and Information Science.

She points out that Google Scholar is not an academic database. The search engine is easy to use and fast yet lacks quality assurance procedures. That's already a problem with regular Google results, but is even more problematic when it comes to making science accessible.

"People's ability to decide which journals and publishersfor the most partpublish quality-reviewed research is important for finding and determining what constitutes reliable research and is of great importance for decision-making and opinion formation," concluded Haider.

More information: Jutta Haider et al, GPT-fabricated scientific papers on Google Scholar: Key features, spread, and implications for preempting evidence manipulation, Harvard Kennedy School Misinformation Review (2024). DOI: 10.37016/mr-2020-156

Provided by University of Boras
 Flash

A deputy makes a statement to the press after Nawaf Salam was named Lebanon's new prime minister in Beirut, Lebanon, on Jan. 13, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Nawaf Salam, president of the International Court of Justice in The Hague, was named Lebanon's new prime minister and tasked with forming a new government on Monday, the Lebanese presidency announced in a statement.

The appointment followed Salam's garnering of 84 out of 128 parliamentary votes during binding consultations conducted by President Joseph Aoun.

According to the statement, President Aoun summoned Salam to assign him the role. However, Salam is currently abroad and is scheduled to return on Tuesday.

Under Lebanon's prevailing political norms, the position of prime minister is traditionally held by a Sunni Muslim, while the president is always a Maronite Christian, and the parliamentary speaker is a Shiite Muslim.

Born into a prominent political family in 1953, Salam is a Sunni Muslim. His uncle, Saeb Salam, served as prime minister multiple times before Lebanon's 1975-1990 civil war, and his cousin, Tammam Salam, held the same position from 2014 to 2016.

Salam holds a master's degree in law from Harvard University and two doctorates -- in history and political science -- from the Sorbonne University. He also served as Lebanon's ambassador and permanent representative to the United Nations from 2007 to 2017.

Salam's appointment comes as Lebanon emerges from a 14-month conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. In addition to post-conflict reconstruction, the country faces significant challenges, including deep economic woes.
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: Photos Hobby, Unsplash

From business and public administration to daily life, artificial intelligence is reshaping the worldand politics may be next.

While the idea of AI politicians might make some people uneasy, survey results tell a different story. A poll conducted by my university in 2021, during the early surge of AI advancements, found broad public support for integrating AI into politics across many countries and regions.

A majority of Europeans said they would like to see at least some of their politicians replaced by AI. Chinese respondents were even more bullish about AI agents making public policy, while normally innovation-friendly Americans were more circumspect.

As a philosopher who researches the moral and political questions raised by AI, I see three main pathways for integrating AI into politics, each with its own mixture of promises and pitfalls.

While some of these proposals are more outlandish than others, weighing them up makes one thing certain: AI's involvement in politics will force us to reckon with the value of human participation in politics, and with the nature of democracy itself.

Chatbots running for office?

Prior to ChatGPT's explosive arrival in 2022, efforts to replace politicians with chatbots were already well underway in several countries. As far back as 2017, a chatbot named Alisa challenged Vladimir Putin for the Russian presidency, while a chatbot named Sam ran for office in New Zealand. Denmark and Japan have also experimented with chatbot-led political initiatives.

These efforts, while experimental, reflect a longstanding curiosity about AI's role in governance across diverse cultural contexts.

The appeal of replacing flesh and blood politicians with chatbots is, on some levels, quite clear. Chatbots lack many of the problems and limitations typically associated with human politics. They are not easily tempted by desires for money, power, or glory. They don't need rest, can engage virtually with everyone at once, and offer encyclopedic knowledge along with superhuman analytic abilities.

However, chatbot politicians also inherit the flaws of today's AI systems. These chatbots, powered by large language models, are often black boxes, limiting our insight into their reasoning. They frequently generate inaccurate or fabricated responses, known as hallucinations. They face cybersecurity risks, require vast computational resources, and need constant network access. They are also shaped by biases derived from training data, societal inequalities, and programmers' assumptions.

Additionally, chatbot politicians would be ill-suited to what we expect from elected officials. Our institutions were designed for human politicians, with human bodies and moral agency. We expect our politicians to do more than answer promptswe also expect them to supervise staff, negotiate with colleagues, show genuine concern for their constituents, and take responsibility for their choices and actions.

Without major improvements in the technology, or a more radical reimagining of politics itself, chatbot politicians remain an uncertain prospect.

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AI-powered direct democracy

Another approach seeks to completely do away with politicians, at least as we know them. Physicist Cesar Hidalgo believes that politicians are troublesome middlemen that AI finally allows us to cut out. Instead of electing politicians, Hidalgo wants each citizen to be able to program an AI agent with their own political preferences. These agents can then negotiate with each other automatically to find common ground, resolve disagreements, and write legislation.

Hidalgo hopes that this proposal can unleash direct democracy, giving citizens more direct input into politics while overcoming the traditional barriers of time commitment and legislative expertise. The proposal seems especially attractive in light of widespread dissatisfaction with conventional representative institutions.

However, eliminating representation may be more difficult than it seems. In Hidalgo's "avatar democracy," the de facto kingmakers would be the experts who design the algorithms. Since the only way to legitimately authorize their power would likely be through voting, we might merely replace one form of representation with another.

The specter of algocracy

One even more radical idea involves eliminating humans from politics altogether. The logic is simple enough: if AI technology advances to the point where it makes reliably better decisions than humans, what would be the point of human input?

An algocracy is a political regime run by algorithms. While few have argued outright for a total handover of political power to machines (and the technology for doing so is still far off), the specter of algocracy forces us to think critically about why human participation in politics matters. What valuessuch as autonomy, responsibility, or deliberationmust we preserve in an age of automation, and how?

The way forward

The dramatic possibilities of integrating AI into politics make this a critical time to clarify our political values. Rather than rushing to replace human politicians with AI, we can focus today on tools that enhance human political judgment and close democratic deficits. Tools like the Habermas Machine, an AI debate mediator, have successfully helped trial groups reach consensus when voting on divisive, polarizing topics. More innovations like this are needed.

From my own point of view, the future of AI in politics lies not in wholesale replacement of human decision makers, but in thoughtful integration that amplifies human capabilities and strengthens democratic institutions. If this is the future we want, we must be intentional about building it.

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Detrended and normalized TESS light curves of TOI-6038 A from S18 and S58 are shown with green and blue points, respectively. The full light curve is displayed in the upper panel, while the phase-folded light curve from both sectors is shown in the lower panel, with pink dots representing 20-minute binned data points. The black solid line in both panels represents the best-fit transit model for TOI-6038 A b. Credit: arXiv (2025). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2501.02272

An international team of astronomers has reported the detection of a new exoplanet orbiting a bright late F-type star. The newfound alien world, designated TOI-6038 A b, is about six times larger and nearly 80 times more massive than Earth. The finding is detailed in a paper published Jan. 4 on the arXiv preprint server .

NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) is conducting a survey of about 200,000 of the brightest stars near the sun with the aim of searching for transiting exoplanets. So far, it has identified nearly 7,400 candidate exoplanets (TESS Objects of Interest, or TOI), of which 591 have been confirmed so far.

Now, a group of astronomers led by Sanjay Baliwal of the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) in Ahmedabad, India, reports the confirmation of another planet monitored by TESS. Baliwal's team has identified a transit signal in the light curve of TOI-6038 Aa late F-type star about 578 light-years away. The planetary nature of this signal was validated by follow-up observations using the 2.5m telescope at the PRL Observatory in India.

"TOI-6038 A (TIC 194736418) was observed by TESS in Sectors 18 and 58. The Sector 18 (S18) observations were conducted between November 3 and November 27, 2019, while the Sector 58 (S58) observations took place from October 29 to November 26, 2022," the paper reads.

Follow-up observations found that TOI-6038 A b has a radius of approximately 6.41 Earth radii and its mass is estimated to be 78.5 Earth masses, which yields a bulk density at a level of 1.62 g/cm3. The planet orbits its host every 5.83 days, at a distance of 0.069 AU from it. The equilibrium temperature of TOI-6038 A b was calculated to be 1,439 K.

Based on the internal structure modeling, the astronomers assume that TOI-6038 A b has a massive core with a mass of about 58 Earth masses, composed predominantly of dense materials such as rock and iron, which account for around 74% of the planet's total mass. A modest hydrogen/helium envelope constitutes the remaining mass, which suggests a relatively thin atmosphere.

The derived properties of TOI-6038 A b make it a sub-Saturn exoplanet at the boundary between the Neptunian ridge and savanna. The so-called Neptunian desert and savanna mark the dearth of Neptune-like exoplanets on the shortest-period orbits and their modest occurrence at larger orbital distances. They are separated by a recently identified overdensity (ridge) of Neptune-like exoplanets in the 35 day orbital period range.

The parent star, TOI-6038 A, is part of a binary system with a K-type star, TOI-6038 B, separated by about 3,217 AU. TOI-6038 A has a radius of approximately 0.9 solar radii, while its mass is around 0.86 solar masses. The star, which is estimated to be 3.65 billion years old, has an effective temperature of 6,110 K, and its metallicity is at a level of 0.124 dex.

More information: Sanjay Baliwal et al, TOI-6038 A b: A dense sub-Saturn in the transition regime between the Neptunian ridge and savanna, arXiv (2025). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2501.02272 Journal information: arXiv

 2025 Science X Network
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

The world's largest exporters are the hidden culprits behind significant fluctuations in international trade, according to research from the University of Surrey, in collaboration with the Bank of France.

Their study, published in the Journal of International Economics, shows that when these corporate giants falter, it sends shockwaves through the global economy, resulting in catastrophic declines in exports during crises such as the 2008 financial meltdown and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Using data covering firm-level exports and imports from France between 1993 and 2020, the team analyzed the monthly performance of thousands of exporters. The research revealed four critical insights:

Variations in the export performance of large firms account for a staggering 40% of aggregate export fluctuations

These firms are particularly sensitive to macroeconomic shocks

During major crises, the top 1% of exporters experience an overwhelming impact on their export volumes

Their sensitivity is primarily linked to how they respond to large demand shocks, not just their involvement in global supply chains.

Lead author of the study, Juan Carluccio, professor in international trade at the University of Surrey, said, "Our findings highlight the disproportionate influence of large exporters on overall trade dynamics.

"We commonly think of large firms as being more resilient and bringing stability to the economy. But our data shows the opposite: very large firms are actually more sensitive to global shocks, and they are actually a source of volatility. Understanding their reactions to economic shocks can help policymakers formulate better strategies to mitigate the effects of future crises."

The research broke down aggregate export growth into two components: the average growth rate of all exporters and a "granular residual" that captures the impact of larger firms. By focusing on the largest exporters, the researchers were able to demonstrate that these firms react unfavorably to macroeconomic changes, with repercussions that are felt throughout the economy, leading to a significant decline in overall trade volumes.

Professor Carluccio continued, "Our study sheds light on the crucial role that large exporters play in shaping the global trade landscape. As economies navigate the ongoing challenges posed by global crises, it becomes vital to recognize that support for these major players can lead to a more stable trade environment. Policymakers are urged to consider strategies that bolster the resilience of large exporters, ensuring they can weather economic storms without jeopardizing global trade."

"In an era where international trade is more volatile than ever, our research underscores the importance of focusing on the performance of large firms to help stabilize the global economy. By supporting the very firms that drive our economy, we can create a more resilient trade ecosystem that benefits everyone."

More information: Jean-Charles Bricongne et al, From macro to micro: Large exporters coping with global crises, Journal of International Economics (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.jinteco.2024.104037
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Jeff Bezos walks near Blue Origin's New Shepard after flying into space on July 20, 2021 in Van Horn, Texas.

Blue Origin, the space company founded by billionaire Jeff Bezos, called off the inaugural launch of its huge new rocket again on Monday evening after facing weather issues.

The company said it would aim for early Thursday morning at the earliest, with a new three-hour window starting at 1:00 am (0600 GMT).

An initial test launch of the towering 320-foot (98-meter) rocket, dubbed New Glenn in honor of legendary American astronaut John Glenn, was scrubbed early Monday morning after repeated halts during the countdown.

The company later said it had discovered an icing issue on a purge line and would aim for a possible early Tuesday morning launch, but that weather conditions were unfavorable.

Shortly after 9:00 pm Monday (0200 GMT Tuesday), Blue Origin announced the launch had been postponed.

With the mission, dubbed NG-1, Amazon founder Bezos is taking aim at the only man in the world wealthier than him: fellow tech innovator Elon Musk.

Musk's company SpaceX dominates the orbital launch market through its prolific Falcon 9 rockets, which have become vital for the commercial sector, Pentagon and NASA.

"SpaceX has for the past several years been pretty much the only game in town, and so having a competitor... this is great," G. Scott Hubbard, a retired senior NASA official, told AFP, expecting the competition to drive down costs.

Upping the high-stakes rivalry, SpaceX also plans another orbital test later this week of Starshipits gargantuan new-generation rocket.

Graphic comparing main rockets.

Landing attempt

When New Glenn does fly, Blue Origin will attempt to land the first-stage booster on a drone ship stationed about 620 miles (1,000 kilometers) downrange in the Atlantic Ocean.

SpaceX has made such landings now routine, but this will be Blue Origin's first shot at the sci-fi feat.

High seas last week caused the New Glenn launch to be pushed back several days.

Meanwhile, the rocket's upper stage will fire its engines toward Earth orbit, reaching a maximum altitude of roughly 12,000 miles above the surface.

A Defense Department-funded prototype of an advanced spaceship called Blue Ring, which could one day journey through the solar system, will remain aboard for the roughly six-hour test flight.

Blue Origin has experience landing its New Shepard rocketsused for suborbital tourismbut they are five times smaller and land on terra firma rather than a ship at sea.

Physically, the gleaming white New Glenn dwarfs SpaceX's 230-foot Falcon 9 and is designed for heavier payloads.

It slots between Falcon 9 and its big sibling, Falcon Heavy, in terms of mass capacity but holds an edge with its wider payload fairing, capable of carrying the equivalent of 20 moving trucks.

Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket is seen on the launch pad at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida ahead of its maiden flight.

Slow v fast development

Blue Origin has already secured a NASA contract to launch two Mars probes aboard New Glenn. The rocket will also support the deployment of Project Kuiper, a satellite internet constellation designed to compete with Starlink.

For now, however, SpaceX maintains a commanding lead, while other rivalsUnited Launch Alliance, Arianespace, and Rocket Labtrail far behind.

Like Musk, Bezos has a lifelong passion for space.

But where Musk dreams of colonizing Mars, Bezos envisions shifting heavy industry off-planet onto floating space platforms in order to preserve Earth, "humanity's blue origin."

If New Glenn succeeds, it will provide the US government "dissimilar redundancy"valuable backup if one system fails, said Scott Pace, a space policy analyst at George Washington University.

 2025 AFP
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A multi-task machine learning approach was developed to predict the electronic properties of molecules, as demonstrated in the computational workflow illustrated here. Credit: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Back in the old daysthe really old daysthe task of designing materials was laborious. Investigators, over the course of 1,000-plus years, tried to make gold by combining things like lead, mercury, and sulfur, mixed in what they hoped would be just the right proportions. Even famous scientists like Tycho Brahe, Robert Boyle, and Isaac Newton tried their hands at the fruitless endeavor we call alchemy.

Materials science has, of course, come a long way. For the past 150 years, researchers have had the benefit of the periodic table of elements upon which to draw, which tells them that different elements have different properties, and one can't magically transform into another. Moreover, in the past decade or so, machine learning tools have considerably boosted our capacity to determine the structure and physical properties of various molecules and substances.

New research by a group led by Ju Lithe Tokyo Electric Power Company Professor of Nuclear Engineering at MIT and professor of materials science and engineeringoffers the promise of a major leap in capabilities that can facilitate materials design. The results of their investigation appear in Nature Computational Science.

At present, most of the machine-learning models that are used to characterize molecular systems are based on density functional theory (DFT), which offers a quantum mechanical approach to determining the total energy of a molecule or crystal by looking at the electron density distributionwhich is, basically, the average number of electrons located in a unit volume around each given point in space near the molecule. (Walter Kohn, who co-invented this theory 60 years ago, received a Nobel Prize in Chemistry for it in 1998.)

While the method has been very successful, it has some drawbacks, according to Li: "First, the accuracy is not uniformly great. And second, it only tells you one thing: the lowest total energy of the molecular system."

'Couples therapy' to the rescue

His team is now relying on a different computational chemistry technique, also derived from quantum mechanics, known as coupled-cluster theory, or CCSD(T).

"This is the gold standard of quantum chemistry," Li comments.

The results of CCSD(T) calculations are much more accurate than what you get from DFT calculations, and they can be as trustworthy as those currently obtainable from experiments. The problem is that carrying out these calculations on a computer is very slow, he says, "and the scaling is bad: If you double the number of electrons in the system, the computations become 100 times more expensive."

For that reason, CCSD(T) calculations have normally been limited to molecules with a small number of atomson the order of about 10. Anything much beyond that would simply take too long.

That's where machine learning comes in. CCSD(T) calculations are first performed on conventional computers, and the results are then used to train a neural network with a novel architecture specially devised by Li and his colleagues. After training, the neural network can perform these same calculations much faster by taking advantage of approximation techniques. What's more, their neural network model can extract much more information about a molecule than just its energy.

"In previous work, people have used multiple different models to assess different properties," says Hao Tang, an MIT Ph.D. student in materials science and engineering. "Here we use just one model to evaluate all of these properties, which is why we call it a 'multi-task' approach."

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The "Multi-task Electronic Hamiltonian network," or MEHnet, sheds light on a number of electronic properties, such as the dipole and quadrupole moments, electronic polarizability, and the optical excitation gapthe amount of energy needed to take an electron from the ground state to the lowest excited state.

"The excitation gap affects the optical properties of materials," Tang explains, "because it determines the frequency of light that can be absorbed by a molecule.

Another advantage of their CCSD-trained model is that it can reveal properties of not only ground states, but also excited states. The model can also predict the infrared absorption spectrum of a molecule related to its vibrational properties, where the vibrations of atoms within a molecule are coupled to each other, leading to various collective behaviors.

The strength of their approach owes a lot to the network architecture. Drawing on the work of MIT Assistant Professor Tess Smidt, the team is utilizing a so-called E(3)-equivariant graph neural network, says Tang, "in which the nodes represent atoms and the edges that connect the nodes represent the bonds between atoms. We also use customized algorithms that incorporate physics principlesrelated to how people calculate molecular properties in quantum mechanicsdirectly into our model."

Testing, 1, 2 3

When tested on its analysis of known hydrocarbon molecules, the model outperformed DFT counterparts and closely matched experimental results taken from the published literature.

Qiang Zhua materials discovery specialist at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte who was not part of this studyis impressed by what's been accomplished so far.

"Their method enables effective training with a small dataset, while achieving superior accuracy and computational efficiency compared to existing models," he says. "This is exciting work that illustrates the powerful synergy between computational chemistry and deep learning, offering fresh ideas for developing more accurate and scalable electronic structure methods."

The MIT-based group applied their model first to small, nonmetallic elementshydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and fluorine, from which organic compounds can be madeand has since moved on to examining heavier elements: silicon, phosphorus, sulfur, chlorine, and even platinum. After being trained on small molecules, the model can be generalized to bigger and bigger molecules.

"Previously, most calculations were limited to analyzing hundreds of atoms with DFT and just tens of atoms with CCSD(T) calculations," Li says. "Now we're talking about handling thousands of atoms and, eventually, perhaps tens of thousands."

For now, the researchers are still evaluating known molecules, but the model can be used to characterize molecules that haven't been seen before, as well as to predict the properties of hypothetical materials that consist of different kinds of molecules. "The idea is to use our theoretical tools to pick out promising candidates, which satisfy a particular set of criteria, before suggesting them to an experimentalist to check out," Tang says.

It's all about the apps

Looking ahead, Zhu is optimistic about the possible applications. "This approach holds the potential for high-throughput molecular screening," he says. "That's a task where achieving chemical accuracy can be essential for identifying novel molecules and materials with desirable properties."

Once they demonstrate the ability to analyze large molecules with perhaps tens of thousands of atoms, Li says, "we should be able to invent new polymers or materials" that might be used in drug design or in semiconductor devices. The examination of heavier transition metal elements could lead to the advent of new materials for batteriespresently an area of acute need.

The future, as Li sees it, is wide open.

"It's no longer about just one area," he says. "Our ambition, ultimately, is to cover the whole periodic table with CCSD(T)-level accuracy, but at lower computational cost than DFT. This should enable us to solve a wide range of problems in chemistry, biology, and materials science. It's hard to know, at present, just how wide that range might be."

More information: Hao Tang et al, Approaching coupled-cluster accuracy for molecular electronic structures with multi-task learning, Nature Computational Science (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s43588-024-00747-9 Journal information: Nature Computational Science

This story is republished courtesy of MIT News (web.mit.edu/newsoffice/), a popular site that covers news about MIT research, innovation and teaching.
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Full skeleton of a very rare vaquita specimen from the 1960s. The completed scans, which required approximately 165 hours, resulted in a total of three terabytes of data. Credit: Jamie Knaub, Florida Atlantic University

The vaquita, which means "little cow" in Spanish, is the world's smallest porpoise and most endangered marine mammal. They also have the smallest range of any marine mammal; about 1,500 square miles within the northern Gulf of California. Since 1997, vaquitas have experienced a dramatic population loss from about 600 individuals to an estimate of less than 10 animals to date. At this current rate, vaquitas are expected to become extinct imminently.

The vaquita's decline is caused by entanglement in illegal gillnets used to fish totoaba, an endangered species prized for its swim bladder. Despite a gillnet ban and conservation efforts, the illegal totoaba trade continues due to organized crime and poaching. Conservation actions include global awareness campaigns, removing gillnets, monitoring vaquitas and combating poaching, but attempts by other organizations to protect vaquitas in captivity have been unsuccessful.

While hope for the recovery of vaquitas is vital, immediate action to preserve this endangered species is even more crucial. One powerful step toward safeguarding their future lies in the digitization of the vaquita anatomy.

Florida Atlantic University, in collaboration with the San Diego Natural History Museum and SeaWorld San Diego, is playing an important role in this preservation. Using state-of-the-art, high resolution micro-CT scanning in the FAU High School Owls Imaging Lab, researchers have scanned a full skeleton of a very rare vaquita specimen.

"We are delighted to collaborate with likeminded organizations to make our collections as useful and accessible as possible," said Phil Unitt, curator of birds and mammals at the San Diego Natural History Museum. "A complete skeleton of a vaquita is an extremely rare specimen, so we're thrilled to learn its replica will be available to the public."

Volume rendering of the flipper of a very rare vaquita specimen from the 1960s. Credit: Jamie Knaub, Florida Atlantic University

The skeleton, on loan from the San Diego Natural History Museum to SeaWorld San Diego, is thought to be one of, if not the only, full vaquita skeleton available in the United States. The skeleton was donated to the museum in 1966. The objective of scanning this rare specimen for display purposes is to facilitate the creation of replicas to be commercially available to further education and conservation efforts of this critically endangered species.

"The specimen we scanned was an adult female vaquita and a rarity so significant that it could not be shipped and required careful escort for transportation," said Jamie Knaub, imaging lab assistant in the FAU Lab Schools' Owls Imaging Lab and a Ph.D. candidate in the FAU Department of Biology within the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science.

"In August, I traveled to San Diego to acquire the skeleton from SeaWorld and personally transported it back to Florida as carry-on luggage. The specimen was housed in the Owls Imaging Lab for three months during the scanning process. The completed scans, which required approximately 165 hours, resulted in a total of three terabytes of data. I returned the skeleton to SeaWorld for safekeeping in early December."

Knaub has been working with Brittany Aja Dolan, pathology and research associate at SeaWorld San Diego, who spearheaded the project. Knaub previously collaborated with Dolan who provided her with thresher shark vertebrae from a stranded shark in California for her graduate research, which was used in her first dissertation chapter and resulted in publication in the journal Royal Society Open Science. Knaub published the paper with Marianne E. Porter, Ph.D., senior author and an associate professor, FAU Department of Biological Sciences; and Tricia Meredith, Ph.D., director of research for FAU's on-site lab schools, A.D. Henderson University School and FAU High School, and an assistant research professor in FAU's College of Education.

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"The imminent extinction of the vaquita is a sobering reminder of the impact that humans can have on the wildlife and environment," said Dolan.

Jamie Knaub pictured with the full skeleton of a very rare vaquita specimen from the 1960s. Credit: Tricia Meredith, Ph.D., Florida Atlantic University

"According to genetic studies there is hope for their successful recovery, and through this unique multifaceted collaboration, we have immortalized a one-of-a-kind skeleton. We hope that by creating replicas, which will be available worldwide, and hopefully on display at SeaWorld San Diego in the near future, everyone will have the opportunity to learn about the world's most endangered marine mammal and what we can all do to help."

Initial CT scans of this rare vaquita specimen were completed by the San Diego Zoo but were not sufficient resolution for replication. Dolan contacted Knaub about employing FAU's micro-CT scanner to obtain high resolution scans of the skeleton. The San Diego Natural History Museum and SeaWorld San Diego have given Knaub permission to use the vertebral scans of the vaquita in her dissertation research.

"At the rate that vaquitas are disappearing, it's extremely important to preserve as much about this species as we can," said Knaub. "They are very elusive and not many physical specimens from this species exist."

The 3D scans of this vaquita skeleton will be hosted on MorphoSource, a publicly accessible data repository dedicated to housing image data that represents physical objects of our world. The scans will be available for download and used for education, outreach, and research purposes. Additionally, SeaWorld San Diego will be working with Bone Clones to produce full replicas of the vaquita skeleton for education.

"Imaging such a rare specimen is important because the digital representation of this individual such as photos, scans, and 3D mesh files will persist long after the last living vaquita is gone," said Knaub. "Importantly, digitizing the skeleton and making the data openly available to other researchers and the public significantly enhances accessibility, providing broader opportunities for collaboration and research."

Volume rendering of the skull of a very rare vaquita specimen from the 1960s. Credit: Jamie Knaub, Florida Atlantic University

The FAU Owls Imaging Lab is a one-of-a-kind research laboratory that provides students access to cutting-edge equipment to work on high-level research projects, including cancer treatment research, vaccine development, and prosthetic creation, among others. Students can research some of the world's most challenging problems at an early age and can share that research and publish it in peer-reviewed journals.

The lab includes a micro computed tomography scanner; scanning electron microscope; histology suite; inverted compound microscope; and stereoscope and is available to students and faculty at A.D. Henderson University School, FAU High School, and all FAU colleges.

"The primary aim of our open-access research hub is to create a dynamic environment that promotes meaningful collaborations between our students and university mentors. By providing opportunities for hands-on teaching, innovative demonstrations, experimentation, and robust data collection, the hub seeks to enhance the educational experience and advance research excellence," said Meredith.

"These collaborations not only deepen students' understanding of scientific methodologies but also support the creation of impactful, high-quality publications and presentations that contribute to their academic and professional growth. Through this initiative, we strive to build a community of scholars dedicated to advancing knowledge and addressing real-world challenges."
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Credit: Science of The Total Environment (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.177863

Globally, wildfire seasons are getting worse with climate change, resulting in more frequent, more severe and larger wildfires.

The recent L.A. fires are emblematic of fire behavior changing in unexpected ways. These fires, occurring during winter and outside the traditional fire season, also follow an extremely hot summer and prolonged drought in California.

While the winds driving the L.A. fires are not uncommon, the lack of precipitation preceding them was extreme and similar drought events are likely to become more frequent as climate change intensifies. As these conditions become more frequent, we can expect that wildfire regimes are going to change.

Wildfire regimesthe patterns of fire activity over timeare now shaped by two major forces: climate change and human actions (both through intentional fire management programs and through continued habitat destruction or alterations to the landscape).

Rising temperatures, prolonged droughts and unpredictable weather patterns are fueling more intense and frequent destructive fires.

Similarly, human interventions, like prescribed burning and firefighting, play a critical role in shaping fire behavior and mitigating its impacts.

All this can end up causing an increased risk to people, property, and the environment.

Protecting people and the environment is not as simple as fighting fires when they happen. It requires strategic planning, proactive and innovative management, and critically, understanding the trade-offs between values.

More than just fighting flames

Fire management is extremely diverse, but the two main approaches are fuel management and suppression (also known as firefighting):

Fuel management involves altering the amount and structure of flammable material in a landscape, often through prescribed burns or mechanical treatments. These strategies aim to lower fire intensity and rate of spread by simplifying fuels

Suppression focuses on controlling and containing fires once they start, as well as protecting assets like buildings, roads and powerlines by deploying people, fire trucks and aircraft to slow or stop the fires and in turn reduce damage.

But neither approach alone is a silver bullet.

Fuel management requires careful planning and is often constrained by weather conditions, public perception and considerations of key trade-offs to environmental and human assets.

Suppression, while critical, can become very dangerous and expensive during extreme fire seasons.

The solution lies in finding the right balance between these approaches and tailoring this to a region's climate conditions and distribution of important assets.

With limited resources and an uncertain future that is changing with the climate, how do we make the smartest choices?

Decision support tools, like fire behavior simulators or the Australian fire danger rating system, play a critical role in quantifying fire risk across landscapes, and provide information that supports managers in making necessary trade-offs.

However, they do not replace the decision-making process, and the responsibility remains on managers to balance priorities, risks and costs in fire management planning.

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Evaluating the trade-offs of fire management

Our research, published in Science of The Total Environment, explored this problem for regions in Victoria by combining climate data, fire simulations and cost data to develop a framework for evaluating the cost-effectiveness of various fire management strategies now and into the future.

We developed a model designed to capture uncertainty and evaluate the outcomes of hypothetical fire management strategies under varying climate scenarios.

This approach enabled us to analyze data from more than 1,200 fire regime simulations, covering 16 modeled management strategies across six regions and six climate models.

This meant we could characterize a range of potential future outcomes and evaluate them against one another for current and future conditions.

The model evaluates how management strategies affected risk to key assets, including people and property, infrastructure, agricultural production and environmental services.

From this data, we determined the cost-effectiveness of each strategy by weighing the expense of implementing fire management programs against the reduction in economic impacts of wildfires.

Targeted fuel management and suppression can significantly reduce wildfire impacts and costs.

However, as the climate continues to warm, even the best strategies face mounting challenges.

Action beats inaction

Not all management strategies were considered equally effective.

The most cost-effective approaches generally combined prescribed burning and suppression. These strategies varied significantly between regions, but generally reduced wildfire impacts more efficiently than doing nothing or the most intensive interventions (i.e., throwing everything we have at it).

Doing nothing is not a cost-effective option.

Under current and worsening climate conditions, the cost of inaction was consistently higher than any management strategy.

These costs are all impacts on societal values and the environment. Wildfires that are left unmanaged under changing climate lead to severe damage and skyrocketing costs, resulting in losses to communities and ecosystems.

This was considerably worse under future climate projections.

Conversely, strategies that involve high levels of burning or excessive fuel management do not deliver a cost-effective program either. This is because of the elevated costs to environmental values and human health, primarily through the negative impacts of smoke.

Targeted, strategic management interventions could have fewer adverse impacts while delivering similar risk reduction benefits.

While the exact effectiveness varied by region, the overarching trend was consistent: proactive fire management pays off.

The rising costs of climate change

Despite the benefits of proactive management, our study also revealed a sobering reality: costs are rising.

While these are only modeled results (and should not be considered guaranteed in the future), they paint an important picture of the impacts of changing climate on fire regimes.

Costs of managing wildfires under future climate scenarios increased across almost all regions and strategies.

This reflects the escalating difficulty of controlling fires in hotter, drier and more volatile conditions. Even the best strategies will face limits as climate change continues to amplify fire risks.

No single strategy can eliminate risk

For policymakers, fire managers and communities, our research offers a framework for evaluating management programs at a time of high uncertainty.

It highlights the importance of investing in proven strategies like prescribed burning and suppression while recognizing the need to adapt as conditions change and become harder to predict.

It also serves as a stark reminder that failing to act will lead to greater costsfinancial, social and environmental.

We need to rethink how we manage fire in a changing climate.

No single strategy can eliminate wildfire risks, but combining science, strategic planning and adaptive management offers the best path forward.

By prioritizing cost-effective actions now, that have longevity under future conditions, we can reduce impacts, protect vital assets and ensure a safer future for communities on the frontlines of fire and climate change.

More information: Erica Marshall et al, Fire management now and in the future: Will today's solutions still apply tomorrow?, Science of The Total Environment (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.177863 Journal information: Science of the Total Environment
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

While many studies have looked at possible evolutionary links between men's strength and sexual behavior, a Washington State University study included data on women with a surprising result. Women, as well as men, who had greater upper body strength tended to have more lifetime sexual partners compared to their peers.

The study, published in the journal Evolution and Human Behavior, was designed to test evolutionary theories for human sexual dimorphismnamely that in early human history there was likely a reproductive advantage selecting for men's greater upper body strength.

Another finding in this study did hint at a reason for that physical difference: men with greater upper body strength were also more likely to be in long-term relationships.

"People have assumptions about men's sexual behavior and how that's related to evolution. Besides acquiring more sexual partners, establishing long-term relationships was likely also important for men in evolutionary history," said lead author Caroline Smith, a recent WSU Ph.D. graduate in anthropology.

For this study, Smith and her advising professor, WSU evolutionary anthropologist Ed Hagen, analyzed data on 4,316 U.S. adults from 20132014 from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They primarily used grip strength, a common measure to approximate upper body strength, and compared it to participants' survey responses about their sexual behavior.

The findings present a mixed picture, the authors said.

There are several hypotheses around why men have greater upper body strength. One popular theory, known as the sexual selection hypothesis, is based on competition: that like other primates, human males competed against each other for access to mates and so needed to be physically formidable to pass their genes on. This theory predicts little relationship between women's strength and their mating success.

"Men are stronger than women, on average, and men report more lifetime partners than women, but men and women are on the same regression line," said Hagen. "Regardless of whether they're males or females, stronger individuals have more lifetime sexual partners. That was a surprising finding and somewhat contrary to the sexual selection hypothesis."

On the other hand, this study's finding about long-term partners seems to support another theory based on "provisioning." Since human babies require a lot of care and resources, particularly from women during pregnancy and lactation, men were more desirable as partners when they could provide meat through hunting, which for hundreds of thousands of years before the modern era required upper body strength. The stronger human males, who also stuck around and helped provide more food resources to those children as they grew, also would better ensure their survival.

While there are theories about men's strength in relation to reproductive success, there are not so many about women's strength, in part because women are not often included in these types of studies.

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There was not an obvious explanation in this study's data why women with greater upper body strength also had a greater number of lifetime partners. The researchers controlled for many variables, including general health and testosterone levels, but the connection still held. They did cite a few potential theories, including that it is due to "assortative mating," meaning physically stronger people tend to partner with each other more frequently. It could also be that women who are physically stronger require less male investment or feel like they can take more risks.

Ultimately, more studies involving women would be needed to uncover more evidence for the reasons behind this connection as well as a better understanding of human evolution in general.

"I believe it's important to continually test our theories, especially by expanding our research questions to include women," said Smith.

More information: Caroline B. Smith et al, Strength, mating success, and immune and nutritional costs in a population sample of US women and men: A registered report, Evolution and Human Behavior (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2024.106647 Journal information: Evolution and Human Behavior
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Credit: CC0 Public Domain

In the remote Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, a rare fungus grows inside dead caterpillars. In traditional Chinese medicine, this parasitic fungus is prized for its purported medicinal effects. Known as Ophiocordyceps sinensiscolloquially, caterpillar fungus or "Himalayan gold"it can fetch astronomical prices on the herbal medicine market: up to US$63,000 per pound.

Ophiocordyceps sinensis fungus is a parasite that targets the caterpillar that is the larva of the ghost moth. The process begins in late summer to early fall, when fungal spores infect the caterpillars. Over time, fungal filaments called mycelia slowly spread out and consume the caterpillars from within, turning them into hardened, mummified shells by winter. When spring arrives, the fungus enters its final stage: A grasslike fruiting body sprouts from the preserved caterpillar's head and pushes up through the soil.

While many traditional Chinese/herbal medicine consumers are drawn to the fungus for its supposed health benefits, my interest lies in a darker side of its harvest: the deadly relationship between caterpillar fungus collection and lightning strikes. As a meteorologist, I study lightning and its impacts around the world. A few factors come together to make the situation on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau so dangerous.

A deadly harvest

People hunt for this fungus during late spring and summer, exactly when lightning strikes are most common in these mountains. Villagers often spend weeks scouring the rugged mountains for this precious resource, sometimes up to 16,400 feet (5 kilometers) above sea level. That's an altitude of more than 3 miles.

At these heights, the weather can change in an instant, and there's nowhere safe to hide from storms. While this area doesn't get as many lightning strikes as some parts of Asia, it's still dangerous enough to be a serious threat during these crucial harvesting months.

Tragically, caterpillar fungus hunting has led to at least 31 lightning-related deaths and another 58 lightning-related injuries in the past decade, according to the yearbooks of Chinese meteorological hazards () and government websites, including the China Meteorological Administration and the National Disaster Reduction Center of China.

In May 2022, seven villagers from China, including a young child, were killed by lightning while harvesting the fungus. The following year, three people from Nepal were injured by lightning when collecting the fungus and had to be rescued by helicopter after spending days stranded in the mountains.

In our recent study, my colleague Ronald Holle and I found that the population-weighted lightning fatality rates in the fungus-collection hotspots of Yushu and Garze counties, located in the Sichuan Province of China, are staggering10 to 20 times higher than the already elevated rates in China overall. These numbers are on par with some of the most lightning-prone regions of Africa, where there is little lightning-safe infrastructure or safety education.

But lightning isn't the only threat these villagers face in the mountains. They could encounter hail, heavy rains, strong winds and other severe weather. The complex terrain makes weather patterns highly dramatic and unpredictable. Making things even worse, cellphone signals and other communication options are limited or nonexistent, leaving villagers cut off from weather hazard alerts.

They could also face threats from wild animals and risky mountain slopes. In one tragic case, a collector was struck by lightning and fell to his death on steep terrain. Medical care is rarely available. When accidents occur, it may be days before help arrives.

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Why take the risk?

It all comes down to the high-risk, high-reward nature of caterpillar fungus collection.

For local villagers, the potential rewards of harvesting caterpillar fungus are significant. With limited income opportunities in this remote region, many see the fungus trade as their best hope for survival. They face a tough choice: risk their lives or sink into poverty.

Improving lightning safety education and infrastructure are important but far from easy. Any real change would take a lot of investment.

While the local government does organize some lightning safety education, these mountain communities are isolated and the information is often outdated. And there's simply no practical way to install adequate lightning protection across the vast, rugged terrain where the fungus is collected.

A fragile pursuit

The environment is suffering, too. With so many people hunting for the fungus, they're damaging the delicate mountain soil, cutting down trees for firewood and leaving trash at their camps.

Years of overharvesting have forced collectors to spend more time in the mountains to find enough fungus, increasing their exposure to lightning and the fungus's decline. Scientists warn that if this aggressive harvesting continues, the fungus might disappear completely in the next few decades.

There might be some hope. Researchers are exploring ways to cultivate the fungus as a possible substitute for the wildly harvested variety. Meanwhile, governments in China, India, Nepal and Bhutan have implemented regulations to protect the sustainability of caterpillar fungus.

But any solution will need to address the underlying economic and educational inequities in this remote region, opening up new opportunities for these communities to make a living so they don't need to risk their lives chasing "Himalayan gold."

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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Four lynx were recently and illegally released into the Scottish highlands in two separate incidents. The news prompted searchers to comb the Cairngorms region, the UK's biggest national park. People were warned not to approach the animals if they encountered them.

The astonishing recovery of lynx, wolf and bear populations across Europe over the last three decades is forcing us to confront our innate responses to animals like these once more. Now, with the idea of large carnivore reintroductions to Britain gathering pace, we are having to consider our potential relationship with them here.

Alongside unrelated and legal lynx reintroduction proposals in Scotland and England, is there a chance that our assumptions about these animals might move quickly from fiction to fact?

As a conservationist of large carnivores, I investigate how apex predators can share landscapes with people and their livestock. But I'm not afraid to admit that, as a small child, I had a terrible fear of one large carnivore in particular: the wolves in Disney's Beauty and the Beast. My fear might have had something to do with the place I first watched and read fairytales like that. I lived in a rambling Edwardian house on the edge of a small Irish town, with dark rooms and eerie corridors. But it was also linked to something much more profound: science.

We may mock stories like these for their crude caricatures of wolves and other predatory species. But, in my new book, Living with Lynx, I argue that our evolutionary past, when our ancestors shared the plains of Africa with lions, hyenas and the like, conditioned us to react to large carnivores instinctively.

While researchers can only speculate about some of the nuances of these ancient relationships, I suggest fairytales, particularly those embedded in European cultures, may reflect these instinctive responses too. Distilled through human history, these are age-old stories that reflect age-old fears that the big bad wolf really is bad.

Especially when carnivores like lynx return through human-led reintroductions, it is psychology, much more than ecology, politics, economics and philosophy, that may shape the likelihood and success of these proposals.

These other factors are important too. The environmental case for the reintroduction of apex predators is strong. They could help to manage deer numbers and behavior, although it is unlikely to follow Yellowstone national park's simplistic narrative that "wolves-change-rivers" and that wolves alone were responsible for its ecological restoration. Wolves keep elk populations at a healthy level, so plants are no longer overgrazed and this leads to taller, woodier plants, so beavers can thrive and rivers are restored.

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But, the political case for reintroductions is weak. They are likely to drive bruising political conflict, especially over real and perceived impacts on rural communities, as witnessed recently in Europe with the political furore over the downgrading of the wolf's strictly protected status.

The economic and philosophical cases are both mixed. There is significant potential for lynx and wolf-related tourism in Britain. Though how the revenues from this possible bonanza could be shared with farmers losing livestock to these animals remains an open question. Similarly, a philosophical case can be made for their return, but doing so may lead to significant social conflict between farmers and conservationists. This could damage the overall cause of nature conservation, as I witnessed elsewhere in Switzerland and the Netherlands on my extensive travels to research my book.

Coexisting with carnivoresJonny Hanson discusses the reintroduction of wolves, lynx and bears to Britain and Ireland in his TEDx talk.

The power of perception

But with ecology, politics, economics and philosophy, we all perceive and interpret the information about each of these subjects differently. We also do this in groups, whether social or political, online or offline. Here, other peoples' shared beliefs can reinforce our own, whether we are for or against the reintroduction of lynx and wolves, orlike myselfare somewhere in between. The presence of these animals needs to be considered not only in terms of the landscapes around us but also in terms of our relationships with the natural world, individually and collectively.

For these animals are not only the biological beings of our evolutionary past to which we respond intuitively, but also the psychological totems of our cultural milieu to which we respond symbolically. So their potential return to Britain is complex. Whether it will be more "wolves-change-rivers," less the big bad wolf of Little Red Riding Hood infamy, or a bit of both, remains to be seen.

I thought I'd gotten over my childhood trauma from Beauty and the Beast. Yet, watching TV with my youngest child recently, we happened across the same scene that frightened me as a child. I felt a sudden rush of fear reach across the decades. It was only momentary, but I was surprised at its presence and its power.

Stories like these are age-old tales that reflect age-old fears about large carnivores. The evolutionary instincts and cultural memory that fairytales reflect are alive and well in the 21st century. As last week's probable rogue rewilding attempts and subsequent captures highlighted, lynx and wolf reintroductions may be shaped more by our personal and shared psychology than anything else. For this reason, learning to share landscapes with apex predators in Britain again will also be about learning to share landscapes with our complex and conflicting perspectives on these species of science and story.

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You are here: World

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At least 45 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip on Monday, according to Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for Gaza's Civil Defense.

An Israeli warplane struck Salah al-Din School east of Gaza City, killing five people and wounding dozens, Basal said. He added that another 30 people, including children, died in bombings targeting gatherings in the city.

Israeli aircraft also struck two gatherings in the Jabalia area in northern Gaza, killing five people and injuring 10 others, some critically, Basal said.

In Khan Younis, in southern Gaza, an Israeli drone targeted a motorcycle, killing one person and wounding another, Basal added.

Civil defense crews recovered four bodies after an airstrike hit a civilian car north of Rafah in southern Gaza, he said, adding that "bombing and killing operations have not stopped since dawn."

The escalation comes as Israel and Hamas continue a deadly conflict that began on Oct. 7, 2023, after Hamas launched a cross-border assault on southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostages.

The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli strikes in Gaza has risen to 46,584, Gaza-based health authorities said on Monday.
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Researchers have long known that islands are hotspots for species diversity. But, until recently, there weren't precise figures to quantify the diversity of plant life on islands. A study involving an international team of scientists has filled this gap. The researchers developed a database of vegetation information from more than 3,400 geographical regions worldwide, including about 2,000 islands.

The Conversation Africa chatted with the study's lead author, Julian Schrader, about the findings on African islands' plant life, including the fact that Madagascar has the world's highest percentage of plant species endemic to a single island.

Why did you want to map plant diversity on islands?

Until now we didn't know much about the global distribution of plants on islands. We didn't have the answers to questions like: how many plant species are native and endemic to islands worldwide? What is their threat status, and which evolutionary lineages do these species come from? It's surprising that we didn't know; many islands are very appealing to researchers and they have always played an important role in ecology and biogeography.

Beyond being inherently interesting questions, these topics are also crucial from scientific and conservation perspectives. Only by understanding what exists can specific and effective conservation strategies be developed.

Asking these questions and uncovering the answers has been thrilling for me. I still remember the moment when the numbers first appeared on my screen, after we had assembled all the necessary data. I didn't expect that about 20% of all plants globally were endemic to islands. I was also surprised that most of theseabout 44,000 specieswere endemic to a single island only, such as Madagascar or New Guinea. These numbers were far higher than expected, given that islands make up only about 6% of terrestrial land.

What makes islands so rich for plant biodiversity?

Some, like New Guinea, Cuba, Borneo and Madagascar, have many endemic species because they are large, tropical and have a lot of different habitats. Others have a high proportion of endemic plants because they are isolated from the mainland or other islands. This causes species to evolve into new species due to limited genetic exchange with other populations, as is the case for Hawaii and La Reunion (an island in the western Indian Ocean about 700km east of Madagascar).

And then there are the fragment islands, of which Madagascar is also an example. These islands have, at some point in the distant past, been connected to the mainland. They then broke off, drifting away and taking their species with them. These species then either evolved in isolation or went extinct on the mainland, making them what scientists call paleo-endemics.

Madagascar ticks all these boxes. That's what makes it so diverse in sheer species numbers and number of endemic plants.

You found that 83% of the plants growing on Madagascar are endemic to the island. Is that the highest rate of endemic plants on any island?

Yes, Madagascar tops the list globally in terms of the percentage of plant species endemic to a single island. This is because, as I've said, Madagascar is highly species-rich. It is an ancient fragment of a larger continent that drifted away from Africa millions of years ago, carrying with it many species that subsequently went extinct or evolved into new species on the mainland.

This long isolation has led to very high endemism, which is still evident at higher taxonomic levels, such as genera and families. In fact, of all plant families globally, 17 are entirely endemic to islands, and Madagascar contributes the most.

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The islands in the Gulf of Guinea also yielded some interesting results. Which in particular stood out?

In the Gulf of Guinea, the islands of Bioko, Sao Tome and Principe host a high diversity of endemic plant species. These islands offer diverse habitats, supporting high niche differentiation for species.

However, I am uncertain about their uniqueness in a global contextSao Tome and Principe are classic oceanic islands populated through long-distance dispersal from the mainland. Once species arrived, they could evolve in isolation into new speciesa process that generally drives high endemism on oceanic islands.

How does knowing this information help researchers, conservationists and governments?

This work is highly valuable for future research. Having comprehensive data on the global distribution of plants can enhance our understanding of evolutionary drivers and why species occur where they do.

From a conservation perspective, this dataset offers a clearer picture of where threatened species are located, which can help in designing targeted conservation strategies and may even raise international awareness of islands' global significance for biodiversity preservation. For governments, it's crucial to understand the importance and natural heritage that they are responsible for protecting.

While it's hard to predict the direct effect on conservation efforts, I sincerely hope this work will help place islands firmly on international conservation and biodiversity agendas.

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Schematic representation of the cv-RNN. (A) Input image. Each pixel projects to one node in the cv-RNN. (B) Nodes in the cv-RNN are arranged into a 2D sheet, where recurrent connection weights (purple) decrease as a Gaussian with distance between nodes Eq. 4. (C) The activity of each node is described by a phase Arg (  ) and an amplitude |  | in the complex plane. Inputs from image pixels modulate the natural frequency  of the corresponding node. (D) Image inputs interact with the recurrent dynamics of the cv-RNN, to produce spatiotemporal patterns of activity in the network that can be used to segment images. Credit: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2025). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2321319121

Western researchers have developed a novel technique using math to understand exactly how neural networks make decisionsa widely recognized but poorly understood process in the field of machine learning.

Many of today's technologies, from digital assistants like Siri and ChatGPT to medical imaging and self-driving cars, are powered by machine learning. However, the neural networkscomputer models inspired by the human brainbehind these machine learning systems have been difficult to understand, sometimes earning them the nickname "black boxes" among researchers.

"We create neural networks that can perform specific tasks, while also allowing us to solve the equations that govern the networks' activity," said Lyle Muller, mathematics professor and director of Western's Fields Lab for Network Science, part of the newly created Fields-Western Collaboration Centre. "This mathematical solution lets us 'open the black box' to understand precisely how the network does what it does."

The findings were published in the journal PNAS, in collaboration with international researchers including University of Amsterdam's machine learning research chair Max Welling.

'Seeing things' by segmenting images into parts

The Western team, which included Muller, post-doctoral scholars Luisa Liboni and Roberto Budzinski and graduate student Alex Busch, first demonstrated this new advancement on a task called image segmentationa fundamental process in computer vision where machine learning systems divide images into distinct parts, like separating objects in an image from the background.

Starting with simple geometric shapes like squares and triangles, they created a neural network that could segment these basic images.

Spatiotemporal dynamics produced by the cv-RNN. (A) An image drawn from the 2Shapes dataset (see Materials and Methods, Image Inputs and Datasets) is input to the oscillator network by modulating the nodes' intrinsic frequencies  . The samples of the phase dynamics in the recurrent layer during transient time show that the nodes are imprinting the visual space by generating three different spatiotemporal patterns: one for the nodes corresponding to the background in the input space, one for the nodes corresponding to the square in the input image, and finally for the nodes corresponding to the triangle in the input space. (B) Image drawn from the MNIST&Shapes dataset is input into the dynamical system. Three different spatiotemporal patterns arise: one for the nodes corresponding to the background in visual input space, one for the nodes corresponding to the triangle in the input space, and finally for the nodes corresponding to the handwritten three-digit. Credit: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2025). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2321319121

Muller and his collaborators next used a mathematical approach, which they previously developed to study other networks, to investigate how the new network performed this segmentation task when analyzing these simple images.

The mathematical approach allowed the team to understand precisely how each step of the computation occurred. Somewhat surprisingly, the team then found the network could also segmentor see and interpreta handful of natural images, like photographs of a polar bear walking through the snow or a bird in the wild.

"By simplifying the process to gain mathematical insight, we were able to construct a network that was more flexible than previous approaches and also performed well on new inputs it had never seen," said Muller, a member of the Western Institute for Neuroscience.

"What's particularly exciting is that this is just the beginning, as we believe this mathematical understanding can be useful far beyond this first example."

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The implications of the work extend beyond image processing.

In a related study published in Communications Physics in 2024, Muller and his team developed a similar "explainable" network that could perform various tasks, from basic logic operations to secure message-passing and memory functions.

In another collaboration with physiology and pharmacology professor Wataru Inoue and his research team at Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, they even successfully connected their network to a living brain cell, creating a hybrid system that bridges artificial and biological neural networks.

"This kind of fundamental understanding is crucial as we continue to develop more sophisticated AI systems that we can trust and rely on," said Budzinski, a post-doctoral scholar in the Fields Lab for Network Science.
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The MIRI instrument within the JWST Integrated Science Instrument Module (ISIM). MIRI is the silver colored item on the left of the ISIMthe black structure (left). The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) with its 6.50 m diameter main mirror (right). Credit: NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center/Chris Gunn (MIRI). NASA (JWST)

Using the MIRI instrument onboard the James Webb Space Telescope, an international team of scientists made the first-ever detection of a mid-IR flare from Sagittarius A*, the supermassive massive black hole at the heart of the Milky Way. In simultaneous radio observations, the team found a radio counterpart of the flare lagging behind in time. The paper is published on the arXiv preprint server.

Scientists have been actively observing Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*)a supermassive black hole roughly 4 million times the mass of the sun since the early 1990s. Sgr A* regularly exhibits flares that can be observed in multiple wavelengths, allowing scientists to see different views of the same flare and better understand how it emits light and how the emission is generated. Despite a long history of successful observations, and even imaging of the cosmic beast by the Event Horizon Telescope in 2022, one crucial piece of the puzzle mid-infrared observations (Mid-IR)was missing until now.

Infrared (IR) light is a type of electromagnetic radiation that has longer wavelengths than visible light, but shorter wavelengths than radio light. Mid-IR sits in the middle of the infrared spectrum, and allows astronomers to observe objects, like flares, that are often difficult to observe in other wavelengths due to impenetrable dust. Until the recent study, no team had yet successfully detected Sgr A*'s variability in the mid-IR, leaving a gap in scientists' understanding of what causes flares, and questions about whether theoretical models are complete.

"Sgr A*'s flare evolves and changes quickly, in a matter of hours, and not all of these changes can be seen at every wavelength," says Joseph Michail, one of the lead authors on the paper, a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Harvard CfA. "For over 20 years, we've known what happens in the radio and what happens in the near infrared, but the connection between them was never 100% clear or certain. This new observation in mid-IR fills in that gap and connects the two."

Scientists aren't 100% sure what causes flares, so they rely on models and simulations, which they compare with observations, to try to understand where they come from. Many simulations suggest that flares in Sgr A* are caused by the bunching of magnetic field lines in the supermassive black hole's turbulent accretion disk. When two magnetic field lines approach they can connect to each other and release a large amount of their energy.

The byproduct of this magnetic reconnectionsynchrotron emissionoccurs when energized electrons travel at speeds close to the speed of light along the magnetic field lines of the supermassive black hole. They emit high-energy radiation photons that power the flare.

Mid infrared images of the Galactic Center with JWST. Credit: arXiv (2025). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2501.07415

Because the mid-IR spectral range sits between the submillimeter and the near-infrared (NIR), it is keeping secrets locked away about the role of electrons, which have to cool to release energy to power the flares. The new observations are consistent with the existing models and simulations, giving one more strong piece of evidence to support the theory of what's behind the flares.

"Our research indicates that there may be a connection between the observed variability at millimeter wavelengths and the observed mid-IR flare emission," says Sebastiano von Fellenberg, a postdoctoral researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy (MPIfR) and the lead author on the new paper.

He adds that the results underscore the importance of expanding multi-wavelength studies of not just Sgr A*, but other supermassive black holes, like M87*, to get a clear picture of what's really happening within and beyond their accretion disks.

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"While our observations suggest that Sgr A*'s mid-IR emission does indeed result from synchrotron emission from cooling electrons, there's more to understand about magnetic reconnection and the turbulence in Sgr A*'s accretion disk," says von Fellenberg. "This first-ever mid-IR detection, and the variability seen with the SMA, has not only filled a gap in our understanding of what has caused the flare in Sgr A* but has also opened a new line of important inquiry."

Simultaneous observations with the Submillimeter Array (SMA), the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) and the Chandra X-ray Observatory filled in an additional part of the story. No flare was detected during the X-ray observations, likely because this particular flare didn't accelerate electrons to energies as high as some other flares do. But the team was successful when they turned to the SMA, which detected a millimeter-wave flare lagging roughly 10 minutes behind the mid-IR flare.

"Working on reducing and calibrating the data from James Webbwhich is presently one of the best telescopes we havewas a dream come true for me, and I'm really grateful for the amazing mentorship of Sebastiano von Fellenberg and Gunther Witzel. I look forward to working further in this area by pursuing a Ph.D. after graduating this year," says Tamojeet Roychowdhury, currently a student of the Indian Institute of Technology in Bombay.

"We are building an increasingly detailed picture of the processes that take place in the immediate vicinity of a supermassive black hole. The quality of our mid-infrared data is yet another testament to the James Webb Space Telescope's enormous technical capabilities," concludes Witzel, staff scientist at the MPIfR.

More information: Sebastiano D. von Fellenberg et al, First mid-infrared detection and modeling of a flare from Sgr A*, arXiv (2025). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2501.07415 Journal information: arXiv
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Rachel Lerman wears two bracelets supporting Sen. Barack Obama's candidacy for President, at her home in Washington, June 11, 2008. Credit: AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File

When the 2020 census results were released, they showed a boom in the number of people classified as multiracial in the United States since 2010. Two Princeton sociologists now say that jump was mostly an illusion.

The 276% increase largely happened because of a change in how people were classified by the U.S. Census Bureau rather than strong shifts in racial or ethnic identity or major growth, according to a paper published last month by Paul Starr and Christina Pao. The Census Bureau for the first time provided space on the census form for people to write-in their families' origins, which guided how the statistical agency categorized them.

People who were classified as being two or more races rose from 2.9% to 10.2% of the U.S. population from 2010 to 2020, and the increase was most noticeable among Hispanic people. The share of the white alone population dropped from 72.4% to 61.6%, provoking handwringing among some conservative commentators about what they called a loss of white power.

The Princeton researchers argued that anyone who marked themselves as Black or as white on the 2020 census form but then wrote that they were of Latin American origin was reclassified by a computerized algorithm as multiracial even though they had marked themselves as a single race. The same multiracial reclassification appeared to have been made for people who self-identified as white only but then wrote that their origins were from an African country, according to the researchers.

"So the 2020 census produced a sudden jump in the multiracial count and a precipitous decline in the count of the white population, contributing to an unwarranted panic among white conservatives about demographic change," Starr said in an email. "The procedure was misleading, and the public was misled about the extent of racial change."

Alex Diaz-Asper, left, and his wife Rachel Lerman, far right, play with their twin boys, Alejandro, center left, and Miguel , 3, at their home in Washington, June 11, 2008. Credit: AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File

When the figures were released in mid-2021, Census Bureau officials said the new method was an improvement that did a better job of capturing the complexities of how people identify their race and ethnicity in the 21st century. At the same time, they acknowledged that some of the dramatic growth likely came from their changes.

For the first time, empty spaces were left on the 2020 census form so that respondents could write in their "origins," such as "German" or "Jamaican," when answering the race question. The detailed answers guided the Census Bureau in classifying the respondents and members of their households into race and ethnicity categories.

"These improvements reveal that the U.S. population is much more multiracial and diverse than what we measured in the past," Census Bureau officials said at the time.

The official numbers on multiracial people are important because they are used for redrawing political districts, civil rights enforcement, labor data, health statistics and distributing federal funding. As the daughter of a Jamaican father and an Indian mother, Vice President Kamala Harris' run for the White House as the 2024 Democratic presidential nominee put multiracial identity in the spotlight.

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The Princeton researchers said the Census Bureau mistakenly mixed up ancestry with identity and national origin with race, and they believe the agency should abandon using "origins" to categorize people.

Vice President Kamala Harris visits with families for a celebration of Juneteenth at the National Museum of African American History and Culture, June 20, 2022, in Washington. Credit: AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File

The issue flew under the radar because of other distractions surrounding the 2020 census, such as the Trump administration's unsuccessful attempt to add a citizenship question, a controversial new data-privacy method and the COVID-19 pandemic, which threw the nation's head count off schedule. Black, Hispanic and American Indian residents on reservations were undercounted in the 2020 census.

Researchers have been asking the Census Bureau since 2021 to rerun the 2020 data using 2010 methods so that an "apples to apples" comparison of demographic changes can be made, but the agency hasn't done it yet, said historian Margo Anderson, who served on a National Academies panel that reviewed the quality of the census.

"It's 2025 and people have been asking since 2021, 'What the hell did you do?'" Anderson said. "There is a lot of frustration there because we can't know."

The Census Bureau has historically struggled to classify multiracial people, said Susan Graham, an advocate for multiracial representation in official statistics. Respondents weren't allowed to check more than one race until the 2000 census

"Was the 2020 Census subjected to a fictitious multiracial boom? Possibly," Graham said. "As always, answers only get more confusing when the federal government goes back and tries, one more time, to get it right."

People walk past posters encouraging participation in the 2020 Census in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood, April 1, 2020.Credit: AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File

Race and ethnic categories used by the federal government are changing further to combine questions about race and ethnicity instead of asking about them separately. A Middle Eastern and North African category also is being added which will reduce the number of respondents identifying as white.

Not all demographers think the Census Bureau's methodological change was that profound.

"I don't think it's that big of a deal for most people using the data," said William Frey, a demographer at The Brookings Institution. "I think that the Census Bureau is trying hard to get this right."

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A team of astronomers found that these mysterious red objects that appear small on the sky emerge in large numbers around 600 million years after the Big Bang and undergo a rapid decline in quantity around 1.5 billion years after the Big Bang. Spectroscopic data of some of the LRDs in their sample, provided by the Red Unknowns: Bright Infrared Extragalactic Survey (RUBIES), suggests that many are accreting black holes. However, further study of these intriguing objects is required. Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, Dale Kocevski (Colby College)

In December 2022, less than six months after commencing science operations, NASA's James Webb Space Telescope revealed something never seen before: numerous red objects that appear small in the sky, which scientists soon called "little red dots" (LRDs). Though these dots are quite abundant, researchers are perplexed by their nature, the reason for their unique colors, and what they convey about the early universe.

A team of astronomers recently compiled one of the largest samples of LRDs to date, nearly all of which existed during the first 1.5 billion years after the Big Bang. They found that a large fraction of the LRDs in their sample showed signs of containing growing supermassive black holes.

"We're confounded by this new population of objects that Webb has found. We don't see analogs of them at lower redshifts, which is why we haven't seen them prior to Webb," said Dale Kocevski of Colby College in Waterville, Maine, and lead author of the study posted to the arXiv preprint server. "There's a substantial amount of work being done to try to determine the nature of these little red dots and whether their light is dominated by accreting black holes."

A potential peek into early black hole growth

A significant contributing factor to the team's large sample size of LRDs was their use of publicly available Webb data. To start, the team searched for these red sources in the Cosmic Evolution Early Release Science (CEERS) survey before widening their scope to other extragalactic legacy fields, including the JWST Advanced Deep Extragalactic Survey (JADES) and the Next Generation Deep Extragalactic Exploratory Public (NGDEEP) survey.

The methodology used to identify these objects also differed from previous studies, resulting in the census spanning a wide redshift range. The distribution they discovered is intriguing: LRDs emerge in large numbers around 600 million years after the Big Bang and undergo a rapid decline in quantity around 1.5 billion years after the Big Bang.

The team looked toward the Red Unknowns: Bright Infrared Extragalactic Survey (RUBIES) for spectroscopic data on some of the LRDs in their sample. They found that about 70% of the targets showed evidence for gas rapidly orbiting 2 million miles per hour (1,000 kilometers per second)a sign of an accretion disk around a supermassive black hole. This suggests that many LRDs are accreting black holes, also known as active galactic nuclei (AGN).

"The most exciting thing for me is the redshift distributions. These really red, high-redshift sources basically stop existing at a certain point after the Big Bang," said Steven Finkelstein, a co-author of the study at the University of Texas at Austin. "If they are growing black holes, and we think at least 70% of them are, this hints at an era of obscured black hole growth in the early universe."

Contrary to headlines, cosmology isn't broken

When LRDs were first discovered, some suggested that cosmology was "broken." If all of the light coming from these objects was from stars, it implied that some galaxies had grown so big, so fast, that theories could not account for them.

The team's research supports the argument that much of the light coming from these objects is from accreting black holes and not from stars. Fewer stars means smaller, more lightweight galaxies that can be understood by existing theories.

"This is how you solve the universe-breaking problem," said Anthony Taylor, a co-author of the study at the University of Texas at Austin.

Curiouser and curiouser

There is still a lot up for debate as LRDs seem to evoke even more questions. For example, it is still an open question as to why LRDs do not appear at lower redshifts. One possible answer is inside-out growth: As star formation within a galaxy expands outward from the nucleus, less gas is being deposited by supernovas near the accreting black hole, and it becomes less obscured. In this case, the black hole sheds its gas cocoon, becomes bluer and less red, and loses its LRD status.

Additionally, LRDs are not bright in X-ray light, which contrasts with most black holes at lower redshifts. However, astronomers know that at certain gas densities, X-ray photons can become trapped, reducing the amount of X-ray emission. Therefore, this quality of LRDs could support the theory that these are heavily obscured black holes.

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The team is taking multiple approaches to understand the nature of LRDs, including examining the mid-infrared properties of their sample, and looking broadly for accreting black holes to see how many fit LRD criteria. Obtaining deeper spectroscopy and select follow-up observations will also be beneficial for solving this currently "open case" about LRDs.

"There's always two or more potential ways to explain the confounding properties of little red dots," said Kocevski. "It's a continuous exchange between models and observations, finding a balance between what aligns well between the two and what conflicts."

These results were presented in a press conference at the 245th meeting of the American Astronomical Society in National Harbor, Maryland, and have been accepted for publication in The Astrophysical Journal.

More information: Anthony J. Taylor et al, Broad-Line AGN at 3.5 < z < 6: The Black Hole Mass Function and a Connection with Little Red Dots, arXiv (2024). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2409.06772 Journal information: Astrophysical Journal , arXiv
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This metaphorical cat has seven lives. Credit: UNSW Sydney

UNSW engineers have demonstrated a well-known quantum thought experiment in the real world. Their findings deliver a new and more robust way to perform quantum computationsand they have important implications for error correction, one of the biggest obstacles standing between them and a working quantum computer.

Quantum mechanics has puzzled scientists and philosophers for more than a century. One of the most famous quantum thought experiments is that of the "Schrodinger's cat"a cat whose life or death depends on the decay of a radioactive atom.

According to quantum mechanics, unless the atom is directly observed, it must be considered to be in a superpositionthat is, being in multiple states at the same timeof decayed and not decayed. This leads to the troubling conclusion that the cat is in a superposition of dead and alive.

"No one has ever seen an actual cat in a state of being both dead and alive at the same time, but people use the Schrodinger's cat metaphor to describe a superposition of quantum states that differ by a large amount," says UNSW Professor Andrea Morello, leader of the team that conducted the research, published in the journal Nature Physics.

Atomic cat

For this research paper, Prof. Morello's team used an atom of antimony, which is much more complex than standard "qubits," or quantum building blocks.

"In our work, the 'cat' is an atom of antimony," says Xi Yu, lead author of the paper.

"Antimony is a heavy atom, which possesses a large nuclear spin, meaning a large magnetic dipole. The spin of antimony can take eight different directions, instead of just two. This may not seem much, but in fact it completely changes the behavior of the system.

"A superposition of the antimony spin pointing in opposite directions is not just a superposition of 'up' and 'down,' because there are multiple quantum states separating the two branches of the superposition."

This has profound consequences for scientists working on building a quantum computer using the nuclear spin of an atom as the basic building block.

"Normally, people use a quantum bit, or 'qubit'an object described by only two quantum statesas the basic unit of quantum information," says co-author Benjamin Wilhelm.

"If the qubit is a spin, we can call 'spin down' the '0' state, and 'spin up' the '1' state. But if the direction of the spin suddenly changes, we have immediately a logical error: 0 turns to 1 or vice versa, in just one go. This is why quantum information is so fragile."

Left to right: UNSW researchers Benjamin Wilhelm, Xi Yu, Prof Andrea Morello, Dr. Danielle Holmes. Credit: UNSW Sydney

But in the antimony atom that has eight different spin directions, if the '0' is encoded as a '"dead cat," and the "1" as an "alive cat," a single error is not enough to scramble the quantum code.

"As the proverb goes, a cat has nine lives. One little scratch is not enough to kill it. Our metaphorical 'cat' has seven lives: it would take seven consecutive errors to turn the '0' into a '1'! This is the sense in which the superposition of antimony spin states in opposite directions is 'macroscopic'because it's happening on a larger scale, and realizes a Schrodinger cat," explains Yu.

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Scalable technology

The antimony cat is embedded inside a silicon quantum chip, similar to the ones we have in our computers and mobile phones, but adapted to give access to the quantum state of a single atom. The chip was fabricated by UNSW's Dr. Danielle Holmes, while the atom of antimony was inserted in the chip by colleagues at the University of Melbourne.

"By hosting the atomic 'Schrodinger cat' inside a silicon chip, we gain an exquisite control over its quantum stateor, if you wish, over its life and death," says Dr. Holmes.

"Moreover, hosting the 'cat' in silicon means that, in the long term, this technology can be scaled up using similar methods as those we already adopt to build the computer chips we have today."

The significance of this breakthrough is that it opens the door to a new way to perform quantum computations. The information is still encoded in binary code, 0 or 1, but there is more "room for error" between the logical codes.

"A single, or even a few errors, do not immediately scramble the information," Prof. Morello says.

"If an error occurs, we detect it straight away, and we can correct it before further errors accumulate. To continue the 'Schrodinger cat' metaphor, it's as if we saw our cat coming home with a big scratch on his face. He's far from dead, but we know that he got into a fight; we can go and find who caused the fight, before it happens again and our cat gets further injuries."

The demonstration of quantum error detection and correctiona "Holy Grail" in quantum computingis the next milestone that the team will address.

The work was the result of a vast international collaboration. Several authors from UNSW Sydney, plus colleagues at the University of Melbourne, fabricated and operated the quantum devices.

Theory collaborators in the U.S., at Sandia National Laboratories and NASA Ames, and Canada, at the University of Calgary, provided precious ideas on how to create the cat, and how to assess its complicated quantum state.

"This work is a wonderful example of open-borders collaboration between world-leading teams with complementary expertise," says Prof. Morello.
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

As Donald Trump prepares to take office for a second term as President, research led by the University of California, Santa Cruz is demonstrating the important role nonprofits played during Trump's first term as a counterforce that channeled public resistance to anti-immigrant policies.

The study, published in the journal International Migration Review, shows how nonprofits that provide legal services for immigrants ended up receiving increases in public contributions in the wake of Trump's attacks on immigrants.

Previously, there had been many reported examples of this backlash effect, sometimes called "rage giving," across a wide range of nonprofit sectors. But the empirical data painted a more mixed picture, and there was especially little research evidence specific to immigrant-serving organizations.

So UC Santa Cruz Associate Professor of Sociology Juan Pedroza and his co-authors, Stephanie Potochnick and Robert Santillano, decided to do a deep-dive analysis of Internal Revenue Service records.

In that process, they found that financial contributions to immigrant-serving legal aid nonprofits were between 4 and 11 percentage points higher during the 2016 election than those to other causes with similar prior trends. Contributions were 8 to 17 percentage points higher through 2019, the last year of available data. Over this time period, many immigrant-serving legal aid organizations rose to near the 90th percentile for donations among all nonprofits.

"The big takeaway is that these organizations became national leaders in donations during the first Trump Administration," Pedroza explained. "This shows that the public was responsive and aware of the clear shifts in the immigration climate and took action by boosting capacity among nonprofits that were on the front lines serving immigrants."

If these organizations had failed to attract or sustain increased financial support during this time, they likely would have struggled with reductions in federal funding and increased need for services, the paper says. Without additional resources, we may have seen even more limited access to justice in immigrant communities.

Instead, researchers argue that the observed fundraising prowess of legal aid nonprofits during the Trump Administration shows their adaptability amidst serious challenges. It also demonstrates that the public perceives them as important social helpers in immigrant communities.

Public support for these organizations may indeed have helped position them to act as an important safeguard for immigrant communities during the first Trump Administration. However, more research is needed to determine whether or how much the influx of donations helped.

"We know access to legal aid can make a difference for people in need," Pedroza said. "But it's still an open question whether this increased funding made a difference, in terms of protection of immigrants' rights."

Another unknown is whether the same trend of increased funding might play out again during Trump's second term. The incoming Trump Administration is using much of the same anti-immigrant rhetoric that appears to have motivated donors previously. But an initial surge in public support around an issue can be difficult to sustain.

"As Trump comes back into the White House, we have every indication that we can expect an increased need for legal services for immigrants," Pedroza said. "But will that be enough to re-energize people to give again to support immigrants' rights? Only time will tell."

More information: Juan Pedroza et al, The 2016 United States Election and Financial Support to Migrant-Serving Legal-Aid Organizations, International Migration Review (2025). DOI: 10.1177/01979183241309573
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Design and fabrication of the hydrogel sensing patch based on upconversion probes and its sensing response mechanism. Credit: Kang Xiaohui

A research team led by Professor Jiang Changlong from Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has developed an innovative real-time multi-scenario fluorescence detection technology for monitoring methylglyoxal.

The team designed and fabricated a sensor by embedding upconversion optical probes into three-dimensional porous hydrogels. This sensor, integrated with the color recognition capabilities of a smartphone, enables rapid and on-site detection of methylglyoxal.

"That means that in the future your phone can help save the flavor of your wine and keep an eye on your health," said Kang Xiaohui, a member of the team. The findings have been published in Analytical Chemistry.

Methylglyoxal is a dicarbonyl compound found in both wine fermentation and human metabolism. In wine, excessive methylglyoxal can result in undesirable flavors, such as astringency, while in humans, elevated concentrations are linked to an increased risk of diabetes. Therefore, developing reliable real-time methods to monitor its concentration is important for both wine quality and diabetes management.

Three-dimensional hydrogels are known for their stretchability and biocompatibility. However, many fluorescent hydrogels suffer from interference due to autofluorescence and background noise, which limits their effectiveness in biological applications.

Reversible detection of methylglyoxal using the hydrogel sensing patch. Credit: Kang Xiaohui

In this study, the researchers utilized upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs), which help eliminate background fluorescence interference and significantly enhance detection sensitivity.

The hydrogel sensor developed by the research team is based on a probe made from UCNPs and modified eosin B (mEB), operating through a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) mechanism. When methylglyoxal interacts with mEB, the upconversion fluorescence shifts from red to green, allowing for precise detection.

Researchers embedded the probe in a hydrogel, and employed 3D printing technology to create a portable and reversible fluorescent sensor.

The results demonstrated that the detection limits (LOD) for the upconversion fluorescent probe and the hydrogel sensor were 59 nM and 75.4 nM, respectively.

This sensing patch offers an innovative and effective solution for flavor standardization in wine production and for health monitoring in diabetes patients, according to the team.

More information: Xiaohui Kang et al, Visual Detection of Methylglyoxal in Multiple Scenarios via NIR-Excitable Reversible Ratiometric Fluorescent Hydrogel Sensor, Analytical Chemistry (2024). DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c05178 Journal information: Analytical Chemistry
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

There is no science to business forecasting, no common set of expectations or tools. Usually, the best you can hope for is to not be outrageously wrong. It's a low bar, and even then business forecasters rarely meet it. Or have you forgotten that recession that just didn't happen? At least we were widely warned about the collapse of the housing market in 2008. Oh, right. We weren't.

This headline from a 2022 edition of the Harvard Business Review summed it up best. "Business Forecasts Are Reliably WrongYet Still Valuable."

"They are exercises of imagination, which studies have shown are rarely correct in their particulars," the article stated. "Despite being reliably incorrect, savvy leaders can find strategic value from forecasts."

But how much longer will "reliably wrong" be an acceptable benchmark, especially in these volatile times where economic survival requires knowing today what will happen tomorrow?

Professor of finance at Georgia State's Robinson College of Business Baozhong Yang says part of the problem has been the costliness of conducting managerial surveys on such a large scaleand doing so with the frequency necessary to adjust to market volatility.

"There's so much useful information available," said Yang. "The challenge has been organizing it all in a useful form."

Yang, along with Robinson professors Manish Jha and Jialin Qian and Michael Weber, from Chicago Booth and NBER, tackled this challenge in their recently released paper, "Harnessing Generative AI for Economic Insights," on the SSRN preprint server. As the title suggests, tomorrow's technology is today's solution.

The researchers utilized AI to analyze transcripts from corporate conference calls and extract information on managers' expectations for various economic indicators, like GDP, production, employment and investment.

"Our idea was to convert conference calls into managerial qualitative data," Yang said. Using available technologies, they were able to collect a wide range of economic factors from inside the firms.

From this, they've created a new measure, the "AI Economy Score," which summarizes managerial forecasts for the economy. This score reflects future GDP and economic factors including industrial production and employment.

"AI-generated expectations can forecast economic trends at different levels and over long periods," according to the researchers. "Additionally, the study finds that managers' expectations have predictive power because managers have firsthand information and act on their beliefs, impacting the economy. Overall, this research demonstrates that AI can help provide valuable insights into economic trends, aiding researchers, policymakers, and investors."

Yang said the score will be useful to several sectors. Low AI Economy scores portend a challenging economic environment with adverse market conditions that will make it tough to do business. High AI Economy scores reflect optimism, surging revenue growth and positive financial performance, say the researchers.

Yang said the topics discussed in these conference calls produce significant indicators. In gloomy economic conditions, you see firms acting cautiously. Optimism is on the wane.

But when the economy is on the upswing, discussions will generally center around discussions of sales growth, improving market conditions, organic revenue growth and overall positive business performance.

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The transcripts were fed into a generative AI model programmed to give answers regarding managerial expectations of the future state of the economy and the individual firms.

Data from more than 120,000 conference calls, representing 5,513 unique companies, was collected. The numbers were used to generate indicators at the national and industry-sector levels.

"We have the predictive power," Yang said. "We just haven't known how to use it effectively."

Another innovation: Separating data by industry, recognizing that some sectors may defy prevailing economic trends.

Yang foresees the AI Economic Score becoming accessible to the general public.

The ultimate goal is a better-informed customer or investor. Already existing technologies in forecasting, market analysis, policy simulation, and risk assessment can significantly aid stakeholders.

Maybe even advance from reliably wrong to reliable.

More information: Manish Jha et al, Harnessing Generative AI for Economic Insights, SSRN (2024). DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.4976759
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This photo provide by The Moonhouse project and taken in September 2024 at the ispace facilities in Japan, shows a little red model house created by artist Mikael Genberg and scheduled to launched into space on a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral in Florida on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. Credit: ispace mission 2 via AP

A Swedish artist is about to have the dream of a lifetime fulfilled: A little red model house he created will be launched into space this week and, if all goes according to plan, put on the surface of the moon.

The Moonhouse, the size of a big hand, will hitch a ride to the moon on a lunar lander operated by the Japanese company ispace. It's set for takeoff on SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral at 1:11 a.m. (0611 GMT) Wednesday.

Artist Mikael Genberg says he has been wanting to put his typically Swedish-looking miniature house on the moon for 25 years.

It was "a crazy, maybe idiotic, but at the same time, in my mind, really poetic thought to put a red house with white corners on the surface of the moon," Genberg said in a video posted on Facebook. "And now it's going to happen."

"What's the purpose? It's art," he added.

Genberg, who is currently in Florida to watch Wednesday's launch in person, said he was very excited to finally see his house get shot into space.

"It's small on this planet, but it will be big on the moonthere's nothing like that in space," he told The Associated Press in a phone interview.

The house is made out of aluminum and daubed with a special, space-certified paint. It's 12 centimeters (4.7 inches) long, 8 cms (3.1 inches) wide and 10 cms (3.9 inches) tall.

Genberg's signature art project has already traveled the world in recent years. The Moonhouse has been installed up in trees, underwater, was taken to the Great Wall of China, and even to the International Space Station 400 kilometers (248 miles) above Earth as a companion to Sweden's first astronaut, Christer Fuglesang, according to the project's website.

While it was Genberg's idea to put the house on the moon with the help of lunar rover Tenacious, about 70 people donated some 7 million10 million Swedish kronor ($620,000$888,000) for the project, which also includes the flight, he said.

"The vision of the artwork merges with our own; to expand our planet and future, and to extend the sphere of human life into space," Julien-Alexandre Lamamy, the CEO of ispace Europe, said in a statement.

If the launch is successful, Genberg says that once the rover lands on the moon in about four months, "it should release the house, take some pictures and leave it alone standing there for thousands and thousands and maybe millions of years."

 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
 Flash

Bodies of victims are seen at a hospital in Deir al-Balah city, central Gaza Strip, on Jan. 8, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

While obstacles persist, Israel and Hamas appeared to move closer on Monday to a potential ceasefire in Gaza, which would involve the release of hostages held for over 15 months.

Officials from Israel, Palestine, and the United States voiced cautious hope for a breakthrough in the coming days. An Israeli official confirmed that mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and the United States had presented a draft proposal to both sides, with Israeli leaders briefed on its details. The number and identities of hostages and Palestinian prisoners slated for release, however, remain unresolved.

Negotiations are "in advanced stages," according to another Israeli government source, who estimated a deal could be finalized "within a day." Meanwhile, a senior Hamas official based in Doha said the group had delivered a "positive" response to the draft agreement mediated in Qatar.

"Hamas has raised no objections to the proposal, hoping a ceasefire can soon alleviate the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza," the official said.

Israel's state-owned Kan TV reported that the draft agreement outlines a three-stage plan. The first stage includes a 42-day ceasefire during which 33 hostages -- women, children, elderly individuals, and those with health conditions -- would be released. The Israeli military would withdraw from densely populated areas, allowing displaced Gazans to return to their homes in northern Gaza. Additionally, Israeli forces would vacate the Philadelphi Corridor along the Egyptian border and the Netzarim Corridor, separating Gaza's north and south.

By the 16th day of the ceasefire, talks would commence on subsequent phases, which include the delivery of urgently needed aid to Gaza and the release of a significant number of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, the report said.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar acknowledged "progress" in the negotiations, adding that teams were "working hard" to finalize the deal.

White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan offered cautious optimism: "We've been close before and failed to cross the finish line. But the opportunity for a final agreement is within reach, and the steps to implement it could begin in the coming days."

By Monday evening, Israel's Hostages, Missing Persons, and Returnees Directorate declared its readiness for a potential agreement, citing weeks of preparation alongside government agencies to facilitate the return of hostages and their reintegration with their families.

Efforts to reach a deal have repeatedly faltered over key issues, including the permanence of a ceasefire, the scope of Israel's military withdrawal, and the release of Palestinian prisoners. Israel remains hesitant to release prisoners convicted of attacks on Israelis.

Internal political opposition also poses a significant challenge to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Ultra-nationalist coalition partners Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir have publicly condemned the deal. Smotrich described it as a "catastrophe" for national security and called for the total military occupation of Gaza. "This is the time to strike with full force, retake Gaza, and dismantle Hamas until it surrenders completely," he said.

Despite his objections, Smotrich has not threatened to withdraw his party from Netanyahu's coalition, which relies heavily on support from pro-settler factions.

The conflict escalated dramatically on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched an unprecedented attack on southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostages. To date, 98 hostages remain in captivity, with at least a third believed to have died.

Israel's military response has inflicted widespread destruction across Gaza. On Monday, health authorities in the Hamas-run territory reported that Israeli strikes had killed at least 46,584 people.
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

A study in the journal Transportation Science reveals the severe and far-reaching consequences of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on global food security. The research highlights an urgent need to address disruptions in the transportation of Ukrainian grains, which have caused dramatic price spikes and worsened food insecurity worldwide, particularly in vulnerable regions such as the Middle East and North Africa.

"The war has caused massive disruptions in Ukraine's grain exports, with Black Sea portsvital for the global grain tradebecoming largely inaccessible due to the ongoing conflict," says Anna Nagurney, professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. "This has significantly threatened food supply chains worldwide, especially those that rely heavily on Ukrainian grain exports."

The study, "A Multiperiod, Multicommodity, Capacitated International Agricultural Trade Network Equilibrium Model with Applications to Ukraine in Wartime," also highlights the dramatic increase in food prices.

Before the invasion, grain was priced at around $270 per ton, but that price has nearly doubled, reaching as high as $500 per ton in some countries. This sharp increase has made it even harder for people in these regions to afford food, worsening the food insecurity crisis.

"For many families, rising prices mean that basic staples are becoming unaffordable, pushing more people into hunger," says Dana Hassani, Ph.D. student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

The study emphasizes the urgent need for alternative transportation routes.

"With traditional shipping routes blocked by the war, there is an immediate need to develop new ways to transport grain and other essential goods to prevent further disruptions. Without these new routes, global food shortages could become even more severe in the coming months," says Nagurney, the Eugene M. Isenberg Chair in Integrative Studies; Ph.D. Coordinator in Operations Management; Director of Virtual Center for Supernetworks; Operations & Information Management Department of the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst.

The impact of the war is also being deeply felt by Ukrainian farmers. Before the war, Ukrainian farmers earned around $270 per ton of grain. However, due to disruptions in production, transportation and storage caused by the war, their earnings dropped to only $100 per ton for two consecutive harvest seasonsbelow production costs. Meanwhile, farmers in the U.S. and EU experienced record profits, the highest in more than two decades.

Overall, the war has caused agricultural economic losses of around $70 billion, with a third of the capital in the sector destroyed. This significant drop in earnings is putting immense pressure on Ukraine's agricultural economy, exacerbating the challenges brought on by the conflict.

Ukraine must see greater international cooperation to address the global food crisis. This paper urges governments and organizations worldwide to work together to find solutions that can help stabilize the global food supply and ensure that people in food-insecure regions have access to the nutrition they need.

"By finding sustainable solutions and developing new transportation methods, the international community can prevent further shortages and mitigate the long-term effects of the crisis," concludes Nagurney.

More information: Dana Hassani et al, A Multiperiod, Multicommodity, Capacitated International Agricultural Trade Network Equilibrium Model with Applications to Ukraine in Wartime, Transportation Science (2024). DOI: 10.1287/trsc.2023.0294
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

A new data brief from the UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute and the UCLA Center for Neighborhood Knowledge reveals that the Palisades, Hurst and Eaton wildfires have far-reaching effects. They extend beyond evacuation zones to disproportionately impact Latino and other underserved communities across Los Angeles County and neighboring communities.

The brief reveals a stark truth about Latinos who work in outdoor occupations like construction, delivery, transportation and agriculture: 17% of residents in Latino neighborhoods are employed in these sectors compared to just 6% in white neighborhoods.

Wildfire smoke puts these workers at risk of respiratory illness and income loss due to work disruptions. Many outdoor workers may also experience income disruptions as their places of employment are destroyed or closed, and air quality plummets across the county.

Authored by Chhandara Pech, Dr. Silvia R. Gonzalez and Albert Kochaphum, the brief underscores urgent disparities in health, economic vulnerability and preparedness, including:

Health disparities: Latino neighborhoods experience nearly double the exposure to diesel and PM 2.5 pollution compared to white neighborhoods, compounding the health risks of wildfire smoke. Asthma-related emergency room visits average 67 per 10,000 residents in Latino neighborhoodsover 2.5 times higher than in white neighborhoods (25 per 10,000).

pollution compared to white neighborhoods, compounding the health risks of wildfire smoke. Asthma-related emergency room visits average 67 per 10,000 residents in Latino neighborhoodsover 2.5 times higher than in white neighborhoods (25 per 10,000). Lack of Preparedness: Latino households and small businesses often lack disaster plans or insurance coverage, leaving them financially unprepared. Nearly 30% of surveyed small businesses reported having no insurance for fire or natural disasters, limiting recovery options.

Access to health care: With 14% of residents in Latino neighborhoods uninsuredcompared to 3% in white neighborhoodsaccess to critical medical care during and after disasters remains a significant barrier.

"These findings show that wildfires exacerbate long-standing inequities, not just for Latinos, but for all underserved communities in Los Angeles County," said Pech, deputy director of the UCLA Center for Neighborhood Knowledge.

"We must take immediate action to address these disparities through equitable disaster response, preparedness and recovery efforts," said Silvia R. Gonzalez, research director at UCLA LPPI.

The authors call for policy solutions such as expanding health care access, employer-mandated protections for outdoor workers and investment in culturally responsive emergency preparedness programs to safeguard vulnerable populations countywide.

This brief is the first in a continuing analysis of the event. Upcoming publications will examine the full scope of wildfire impacts, affected workers, displaced jobs, and small businesses.

To read the full data brief, visit the Latino Policy and Politics Institute website.
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

The wind-driven wildfires that began on January 7 in Los Angelesand continue to burnhave destroyed thousands of homes and killed some two dozen people, and more residential areas are threatened.

It's not the first time that wildfires have destroyed homes and neighborhoods in Southern California, despite efforts to build safeguards. It's part of the risk of living in what is essentially desert, says Justin Hollander, a professor in the Department of Urban and Environmental Policy and Planning.

Tufts Now spoke with Hollander to learn more about how urban planning can affect responses to natural disasters, and what keeps people living in danger zones.

Do cities like Los Angeles take into consideration potential environmental disasters like wildfires and earthquakes when they are doing urban planning?

I don't have a lot of firsthand experience in California, but I know that wildfires have been a big part of Los Angeles planning for a long time. This is not something that they've ignoredthey have integrated concerns about it into different types of environmental emergency planning.

But the question raises the point that even if you do plan for it, that doesn't mean the plan is going to be implemented. A lot of plans are built on sound science and derived from extensive community outreach, but then just end up sitting on the proverbial shelf. There needs to be the political will to implement these kinds of plans.

What are some potential solutions?

I've been doing a lot of research and collaboration around promoting green infrastructure, which is basically investment in more plant life in the urban landscape. It can make a place more resilient to different types of threats.

By comparison, gray infrastructure is things like sewers and roadssuch as stormwater management processes that we deal with in cities. Green infrastructure would be about using plant life to better manage a lot of that, including introducing native grasses that can grow with very little maintenance. It's an exciting movement to try to decrease the urban heat island effect, and it can make a place less vulnerable to fires.

Creating what are called "new towns" may also be a partial answer to effective planning for wildfires. They would be built outside of major urban areas, with urban qualities, parks and public amenities, and transportation networks that prioritize pedestrians, bikes, and public transit. With devastation strewn across Los Angeles county, a "new town" approach to rebuilding could mean that fire prevention techniques could be integrated into the city design proactively. One example would be the use of water features like moats, which seem to be protecting the Getty Center Museum.

In some areas of Los Angeles, over the decades, people's homes have been lost to fires, but they simply rebuild in the same location and face the same threatmuch like Floridians building and rebuilding in hurricane zones. How much do you think people learn from past natural disasters?

We as humans have a long history of forgetting, and this is not something that's unique to Los Angeles or Florida. When disaster strikes, over the ensuing months and years, it's still top of mind. But over time, people forget.

And don't forget that there are quite a lot of prominent earthquake fault lines that run through Los Angeles as well. The last major earthquake was 30 years ago in NorthridgeJanuary 17, 1994. A freeway collapsed and there was mass devastation everywhere.

So why would you continue building? Why would people live in a place that is earthquake prone? Part of the reason is because even if that danger is rememberedwhich usually it's notit's outweighed by all of the other amenities that might be offered, whether it's views, access to the water, proximity to jobs, and especially after a big disaster, low land values.

People moving there are all making risk calculations, and they think the reward is higher than the potential cost.

And it's not just in California and Florida.

There are threats and hazards everywhere. Here in New England, there have been several dozen absolutely devastating hurricanes in recent decades, but people keep coming back. I had a neighbor who grew up in New Bedford and talked about how when she was a little kid in 1938 her community was just completely devastated by a hurricane. Yet it didn't take long for everyone to come back.

And mark my words, New Bedford will eventually be flattened again by a hurricane, as will basically every coastal community in Massachusetts. But that risk is considered by most to be relatively low.

I think that in Los Angeles, the fire risk certainly has been elevated, but relative to the advantages of being in one of the great metropolises in the world, people have made that calculation to live there.

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After this disaster in Los Angeles, do you think the local government will implement building codes that would make it safer?

One thing that history teaches us is that there have been useful responses to these disasters. Building codes have evolved over decadesmaybe even centuriesto make the spread of fires through cities a lot less likely. Cities, especially in more developed countries, are much more resilient today because of past disasters.

I think that city authorities can make some improvements to local policies to try and reduce some of these risks. The new town approach is part of the answer, to hardwire water features, strategic vegetation, and green infrastructure into land development plans for high-risk environments.

There have been complaints about the availability of water for fire hydrantscodes can also be updated to make sure that those kinds of protections are in place.

To some extent, we have a good track record of learning from our mistakes and making some adjustments. Do we completely solve the problem? No. But incrementally, I think that we have a good record of being able to at least respond, so that the next time there's this devastation, it's maybe not quite as bad.
Gov. Phil Murphy is set to give his annual State of the State address at 3 p.m. Tuesday.

Here is the latest:

New Jersey to stockpile abortion pill mifepristone to guard against the drug being banned

4:00 p.m.: Murphy wants to stockpile supplies of mifepristone, a drug that blocks a hormone called progesterone that is needed for a pregnancy to continue. Mifepristone, when used together with another medicine called misoprostol, is used to end a pregnancy through 10 weeks' gestation.

Like many proposals in his speech, Murphy offered few details on the plan to stockpile pills, including how patients would access the medication and how much it would cost.

Murphy proposes cellphone ban for schools

3:35 p.m.: Murphy wants cellphone-free schools in the coming year.

"Today, our children are inundated with screens," Murphy said. "And if you ask just about any educator, they will tell you that mobile devices are a distraction in the classroom. They are fueling a rise in cyberbullying. And they are making it incredibly difficult for our kids, not only to learn, but to retain the substance of what they learn. Honestly, is it any surprise that the rise in smartphone usage has coincided with a growing youth mental health crisis? Of course not. And I  for one  am not going to sit back as our kids suffer. So today, I am officially announcing my support for a new proposal that will direct school districts across New Jersey to adopt policies that ban cellphones from our K-12 classrooms and help establish phone-free schools."

Murphy vows to work with Trump administration, push back when needed

3:30 p.m.: "I want to start by acknowledging the elephant that is not in the room. In a few days, a new president will take power in Washington. Now, I know there is some uncertainty  and even concern  about what this new administration will bring. So here is my promise to the people of New Jersey," Murphy said. "I will never back away from partnering with the Trump administration where our priorities align. But just as importantly, I will never back down from defending our New Jersey values  if and when they are tested."

New Jersey prepared to face future

3:20 p.m.: Murphy said the state is prepared to face the future.

"Together, we have built a state that is stronger, fairer and more prepared to face the future," Murphy said. "A state that leads the nation in being the best place to live, work and raise a family."

Murphy starts his State of the State address

3 p.m.: The governor has started his State of the State address.

Eight years ago, I ran for this office on a vision to help every New Jerseyan achieve their own American Dream, Murphy said. That has been the singular goal of our administration  building a stronger and fairer state for our educators, our caregivers, our entrepreneurs, our veterans and everyone who keeps our state moving forward. And today, my message to New Jersey is this: Im not done yet. Over the next year, we are going to run through the tape in delivering economic security and opportunity to every New Jerseyan.

Murphy to focus on clean energy during State of the State, according to reports

1:30 p.m.: Murphy will use his address to push lawmakers to turn his 100% clean energy pledge into law before he leaves office, according to reports.

Atlantic City waits to see if it rates in Murphy's State of the State speech

12:30 p.m.: Atlantic City is facing tidal waves of change, from the way people gamble to how the state oversees its operations, how the city attracts visitors while caring for its most vulnerable residents, and how it should prepare to do battle with casinos in New York City.

Long a cash cow for the rest of the state from gambling and resort taxes, Atlantic City is a key economic engine for New Jersey  one that will be challenged as never before once casinos in New York City open in a few years.

And a law that enabled the state to take over many essential functions of government in Atlantic City is scheduled to draw to a close soon.

Given that reality, Atlantic City could feature prominently in Gov. Phil Murphys penultimate State of the State address Tuesday.

To read the thoughts of local stakeholders, click here.

What to expect from Gov. Murphy's State of the State address

NOON: Kristoffer Shields, director of the Eagleton Center on the American Governor, discusses what to expect from Murphy's State of the State address.
 Flash

The Chinese Embassy in the United States recently hosted the 2025 Spring Festival Gala for Chinese and American Youths, with over 500 young students from both countries and members of the American education community in attendance.

At the event, Chinese and U.S. youths jointly presented a series of wonderful cultural performances. The show kicked off with the song "Lights of China," followed by a captivating piano ensemble, graceful traditional dances, and a lively, spirited chorus that performed two songs to bring the evening to a close.

The youths from both countries also participated in activities such as making sugar paintings, making dumplings, practicing calligraphy, and wearing Hanfu -- a traditional Chinese garment, experiencing the unique charm of the Chinese New Year.

Caroline Faircloth, a member of the American education community who participated in the activities, told Xinhua that what impressed her the most was the "kuaiban" -- a traditional Chinese performance art that combines rhythmic clapping with storytelling. She found it challenging to make the bamboo clappers move skillfully in her hand and produce rhythmic sounds, but it was great fun.

Faircloth's main work involves strengthening international exchanges at schools in Washington, D.C. She said she was very pleased to see students from several Washington schools attending the event, where they learned a wide range of Chinese cultural knowledge that is very helpful for opening up their eyes and understanding the world.

"Over the past year, under the guidance of the two heads of state, the San Francisco vision has been gradually turned into reality," Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng said, noting that one of the highlights of China-U.S. relations last year was that President Xi Jinping's initiative to invite 50,000 young Americans for study or exchange programs yielded fruitful outcomes.

Nearly 15,000 American youths from all 50 states and Washington, D.C. visited China under the initiative, outperforming the annual target, Xie said.

"I encourage our young friends to view each other's development with a more open and inclusive mind, deepen exchanges and cooperation in a more innovative way, and jointly address new challenges like AI and climate change, so as to help find a right way for China and the United States to get along in the new era," Xie said.

The Chinese ambassador said that he would like to invite more young Americans to be part of the "50,000 in five years" initiative, "promote dialogue and cooperation, enhance people-to-people exchanges, and carry forward the goodwill between our two peoples."
Dredging of Progreso deepwater port started months after Maya Train connection announcement

Port of Progreso, Yucatan  Yucatan Governor Joaquin Diaz Mena says dredging of the Progreso deepwater port has begun. The announcement was made months after President Sheinbaum said the Maya Train would connect with the port to transport cargo.

The Secretariat of the Navy, in collaboration with the Government of Yucatan, announced the beginning of preliminary dredging and maintenance work at the deepwater Port of Progreso, consolidating the entity as a strategic hub in global maritime trade.

The announcement was made by the head of the Navy, Raymundo Morales Angeles and Governor Joaquin Diaz Mena, who said the event positions Yucatan as a central hub in the global maritime trade network.

Morales Angeles stressed that this project is part of the vision of President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, to strengthen national maritime power through its maritime and port capabilities.

He said that the modernization and expansion of the port will increase the capacity to receive larger vessels. The project will generate economic benefits for coastal communities, providing development opportunities for the population, especially young people.

Progreso will also become an important commercial, tourist and industrial center that will strengthen ties with the United States.

Governor Joaquin Diaz Mena highlighted that with a historic investment of 7.9 billion pesos, the result of collaboration between the Federal Government, the State Government and the private sector, they are ensuring a positive impact for present and future generations.

From the loading and unloading area of the warehouse on Dock 3, Diaz Mena said that the port, expanded by 80 hectares and with greater draft, will allow the arrival of large vessels and the development of new terminals.

Together with Rear Admiral Victor Manuel Fernandez Carrasco, manager of ASIPONA Progreso, Diaz Mena reaffirmed that Progreso will be one of the six most important strategic ports in Mexico.

The modernization of the Port of Progreso is the backbone of the Mayan Renaissance, a comprehensive strategy to build a more fair, competitive and opportunity-filled Yucatan. With this project, we will attract investments, generate quality jobs and reduce economic gaps, he said.

This project involves expanding the port by an additional 80 hectares, increasing its operational capacity to 116 hectares and consolidating its position as the key port in southeastern Mexico. In addition to strengthening the logistics infrastructure, it will boost economic competitiveness by attracting investments and generating quality jobs.

Last year, officials had announced that the finished Tren Maya would connect with the Port of Progreso as a cargo train. The connection would be made via an extension project constructed by the Ministry of National Defense and cost around 35 billion pesos. Studies for the project were started in November of 2024.
Critical theory has become a phrase on many commentators lips but few understand what it means, where it comes from, or what it aims to do. A new book by theologian and historian Carl Trueman goes a long way in correcting that oversight.

Hope College required all seniors to take a senior seminar, the ostensible purpose of which was to help each student refine his or her worldview. Not liking, for a variety of reasons, the word worldview with its implicit relativism, I could nonetheless use the course to get students to struggle through competing worldviews. The class focused on the Confessions of St. Augustine and Rousseau, and added a 20th-century confessional work: Camus The Fall. I hoped students would take from the course a realization that while Augustines work articulated the dynamic of the Christian life, Rousseau actually created the world as he experienced and thought about it. The idea was to make what Charles Taylor referred to as the social imaginarythe operative and often hidden assumptions we make about our collective lives and how we ought to conduct ourselvesa problem for my students.

There are various terms we use to try to capture the prevailing and typically unquestioned sets of opinions, beliefs, practices, and ideas that shape social interaction. More useful than worldview is the German Zeitgeist or the phrase climate of opinion, originated by the 17th-century English divine Joseph Glanvill, resurrected by the English philosopher Alfred North Whitehead, and employed liberally by Carl Becker in The Heavenly City of the Eighteenth-Century Philosophers. Whitehead suggested that climate changes occur every two to three generations, meaning the prevailing prejudices of the day likely will not be held by ones grandchildren. For Becker, climate shifts represented a kind of freezing and warming pattern, meaning we would always find past periods completely unlike our own.

When we are in a particular period, we can hardly recognize it as such unless we engage in serious historical reflection. This proves a special problem for an age immune to historical reflection and with an almost open hostility for philosophy. Indeed, referring back to my senior seminar, students often took my section begrudgingly precisely because they knew philosophical reflection was required and, like most Americans, thought it useless. Perhaps philosophy can accomplish nothing more than what Hegel claimed for it: a wistful meditation at the end of an age, the owl of Minerva spreading its wings with the coming of the dusk.

This grim view contrasts with a central assumption of Carl Truemans To Change All Worlds: Critical Theory from Marx to Marcuse. In this work, Trueman seeks to demonstrate that ideas formulated in the early part of the 20th century, mainly in Germany, have shaped the American social imaginary in the first part of the 21st. Trueman displays clear concern about critical theory, but his worries do not detract from the books scholarship. Rather than blaming past thinkers for current woes, Trueman enters sympathetically into their world, trying to understand them on their own terms, chastening both critics and defenders who engage in moralizing rhetoric without ever having reflected upon the theoretical background from which it emerged. Not averse to evaluating those ideas against eternal verities, Trueman spends the bulk of every chapter enucleating the ideas, then providing at the end a shorthand lesson for how Christians might best respond. Church members are thus the main audience for the book, but secular thinkers may benefit from it as well, for Trueman provides a useful, competent, and fair-minded overview of a complex school of thinking.

Truemans story begins with the admittedly difficult German thinker Hegel and ends with the equally abstruse emigre Herbert Marcuse. In between he tackles a series of thinkers not exactly known for their clarity: Karl Korsch, Georg Lukacs, Theodor Adorno, Max Horkheimer, Walter Benjamin, and Wilhelm Reich. Paul Ricur once referred to Marx, Freud, and Nietzsche as the masters of suspicion, and while the former two get extensive treatment in To Change All Worlds, Nietzsche receivesalas!only cursory attention.

This oversight draws attention to a central claim of the book: Marx and Freud, both being Jews, exerted a more pronounced influence on the above thinkers because, many of them being Jews and living in the first half of the 20th century, the status of Jews became a special problem for them. Trueman claims that critical theorys origins lie in attempting to explain the rise of Nazism, the Holocaust, and the self-inflicted horror which Europe endured in the twentieth century. As importantly, the critical theorists were trying to understand why Nazism and fascism could gain currency among the working classes, particularly since Marx maintained Hegels belief in progress and historical fulfillment, eventuating in the socialist paradise where no one has any exclusive sphere of activity and anyone is free to be what they want without being thereby defined. Why history did not unfold this way became a central preoccupation of critical theorists. Chastened by world wars and holocausts, they no longer shared Marxs eschatology but maintained his critical approach.

Anti-Semitism may have congealed their concerns, but critical theorists interest in Marx resulted from his critique of capitalism. Trueman highlights their focus on a central element of Marxs thought: the tendency of capitalist systems to turn people into things. Given that critical theory seems especially interested in understanding what human beings are, and are for, Trueman sets the groundwork for a potential rapprochement between critical theory and Christianity, despite claims of their incommensurability. Critical theorists, Trueman claims, possess a sensitivity to power as fundamental to the social construction of what constitutes knowledge and personal identity, a deep distrust of anything that presents itself in the culture as normal or natural, and a consequent deep commitment to methodologies that seek to unmask [Nietzsche] power and destabilize what counts as stable and assured knowledge, structures, and thus the whole status quo. They are anti-essentialist and deeply critical of claims to absolute truth. They are also obsessed with sex and sexual desirein other words, they no longer shared Hegels Enlightenment confidence in rationality.

Such conciliation with Christianity proves difficult given Marxs and Freuds view of religion as illusory and a mechanism for alienation, both of them given to Feuerbachs claim that religion merely reifies human traits as divine. Indeed, the problem of reification plays a central role for critical theorists for it creates the power structures that result in alienation. Whitehead called this the fallacy of misplaced concreteness, whereby we ascribe reality to unreal things and treat real things as if theyre ephemeral. It results in our giving abstractions, especially when we assume they possess agency, authoritative status. So, for example, we understand the economy, at best a mere representation of largely uncoordinated activity, as the organizing principle of human affairs and behave as the economy dictates. The pernicious part of such reifications, then, is the way they redound back on our activities, with the result that things become persons and persons become things, for we are now defined by our relationship to the abstraction. For critical theorists, this results in commodificationthe co-opting of everything as objects of exchange value.

The problem of commodification plays a central role in the analysis, for it helps explain a central aporia of Marxism: Why does the proletariat not claim its emancipatory destiny? Critical theorists apply to capitalism the insight that Tocqueville did to democracy: The structures of power reduce individuals to feeling inconsequential and replaceable, and the concomitant feelings of powerlessness and helplessness pacify them. As a result, individuals retreat from the public realmdefined by Tocqueville as democratic and by critical theorists as capitalistinto a private one. This private realm, meant to be a haven from the mass cosmos and iron cage (Weber) of modern economic activity, soon itself becomes commodified. On the one hand, the private realm was intended to be the space reserved for genuine self-emancipation from social strictures, most notably in the realm of sexuality, but even there the system appropriates those activities into the structure of exchange. Truemans penultimate chapter, The Culture Industry, draws extensively on the work of Horkheimer and Adorno to show how even the most intimate human relations and actions get drawn into the capitalist system with its technological advances. The colonization of the private sphere signals capitalisms complete advance, from which there is no escape. For example, in Orwells 1984 the television plays a central role in absorbing private life into the structures of power, be they the totalitarian state of Oceana or, for us, multinational corporations operating through mass culture.

This dynamic draws our attention to another significant concern of critical theorists: the dialectical structure of social reality. Whereas for Hegel and Marx this dialectical process, by which error is overcome and progress achieved, resulted in historical fulfillment, for critical theorists history never resolves, meaning we live ironically if we live reflectively at all. Trueman neatly summarizes the paradox of dialectic this way: Things that promise liberation turn over time into their opposite and become forms of oppressiona charge often leveled against critical theory itself. This especially includes the development of technology, predicated on human mastery over nature but, in turn, mastering us. The critical part of critical theory is that it illuminates these paradoxes and offers enlightenment as a tool for dismantling these systems, but Trueman argues that their approach results in simply substituting one system of power for another. An example I would give is what has happened with critiques of the so-called patriarchy: Rather than leading to a more equal world, the focus on power has intensified the struggle between men and women. Any male faculty member on a college campus, if being honest, will at some point ask why he should give up on the patriarchy if the gynocracy is the alternative, which it must be if the monomaniacal focus on power structures governs all thought.

Any person complicit in his own colonization experiences guilt, a central concern of critical theory, and the need to discharge this guilt becomes a psychological imperative. Repressed desire needs an outlet, a violent, destructive outlet to assuage its guilt. Drawing on Freuds insights concerning repressed sexual desire as the essential feature of civilization, critical theorists came to see the toppling of sexual taboos, themselves nothing more than arbitrary social constructs that result from the capitalist interest in stabilizing economic production through the reorganization of family life, as the surest path to all liberation and the undoing of systems of authority. What Marx dismissed as bourgeois values proves to be essential to the maintenance of capitalism, thus attacking those values acts as the tip of the spear to killing off the whole system. But here, too, the capitalist system colonizes and commodifies, and thus tames and domesticates, the revolutionary impulse, turning sexual preferences into one more lifestyle choice (for sexual deviants buy products, too), or co-opts it as a means to sell more products (think about how commercials for jewelry companies now always feature a gay couple). Thus, sex itself becomes both commercialized and politicized.

We should expect at some point that all this pent-up frustration, these feelings of powerlessness and helplessness fueled by the obsession with power, will boil over and result in tremendous social unrest that will make neoliberal capitalists very nervous. While Trueman does an admirable job of summarizing a complex school of thought without oversimplifying it (in a mere 200 pages), he leaves the reader guessing as to how these arcane ideas seeped into the air we all breathe. A companion piece would focus on the role of the universities, on the so-called intellectuals, as the vanguard of the revolution that will never come, for the universities themselves have been completely absorbed into the capitalist cosmosthink of how they market themselves to consumers as the path to a bourgeois lifeand thus generate within the faculty a kind of self-loathing that makes them especially apt to cherry-pick critical theory as a means of dealing with their guilt. Little wonder that the universities have become the object of public disdain.

Thats a nitpicking objection to a very good book. Trueman does two difficult things well: First, he presents esoteric ideas in a way intelligible to the general public and does this by providing clear, real-world examples of obscure principles; and, second, he engages these thinkers charitably and sympathetically, highlighting what he thinks they get right but prudently resisting their charms. The book, he says, is neither a polemic nor a blueprint for appropriation by Christians, but its certainly closer to the latter than the former. By carefully examining the sources that shaped our climate of opinion, Trueman has also illuminated how we might live within it, and this is no small achievement.
Im currently on the hunt for the dumbest proposed law in the 2025 Virginia General Assembly. The deadline to introduce bills is quickly approaching.

But already we have a stellar candidate.

Thats a bill that would legalize bombs in Virginia ABC stores. It would also legalize carrying guns into liquor stores, and the possession of both guns and explosive materials at highway rest areas operated by the commonwealth.

The measure is House Bill 2412, Carrying a firearm or explosive material into a building owned or leased by the Commonwealth; exceptions for highway rest areas and government stores.

The sponsor is Del. Tim Griffin, R-Bedford. Hes an attorney and former Bedford County GOP chairman who worked in Michigan to overturn the 2020 presidential election on behalf of Donald Trump. Griffin was elected to the House of Delegates in 2023 and assumed office last year.

Believe it or not, currently its illegal to take bombs (or firearms) into Virginia liquor stores. This has been the case at least since 2021.

That year, a coalition of pro-gun control senators and delegates from Northern Virginia  all Democrats  teamed up on legislation to ban firearms and explosive materials from the Capitol in Richmond, and from Capitol Square and surrounding areas.

The prohibition made possession of either a class 1 misdemeanor, the most serious level of minor crime. The maximum penalty is a year in jail and a $2,500 fine.

The ban also applied to any building owned or leased by the commonwealth or any agency thereof, as well as to any office where state employees were usually present. And that meant it covered liquor stores and rest areas.

The measure ultimately passed the House of Delegates 51-46 and the state Senate 22-17. And ever since, certain other lawmakers (mostly but not only Republicans) have been trying to repeal it entirely or carve out exceptions.

Former Del. Matt Farris, R-Campbell, tried but failed to win an outright repeal in 2022. In 2023, Dels. Wendell Walker, R-Lynchburg, and Marie March, R-Floyd, attempted to carve out an exception for highway rest areas. But that went nowhere.

With March out of the legislature in 2024, Walker carried the House version of the rest areas exception bill by himself, but it failed on the second go-round. So did a similar version sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Danny Diggs, R-York.

So far this year, Diggs seems to be the lone Virginia lawmaker seeking merely a highway rest areas exception to the firearms/explosives ban. (But not all legislation has been filed.)

The existing law already contains a list of eight exceptions, such as, off-duty state troopers are allowed to take firearms into liquor stores and rest areas.

To that list, Griffins bill adds that the law shall not apply  (i) to any highway rest area as defined in 32.2-1200 or (j) to any government store as defined in 4.1.100  which specifically denotes an ABC store.

Honestly, its not difficult to argue a case for a firearms-exception at highway rest areas. Like it or not, in Virginia open carry of guns by non-felons is entirely legal; more than 700,000 Virginians have concealed handgun permits; and, the right to hunt is in the state Constitution.

But its unclear why Griffin believes the ban on guns and bombs should be lifted with respect to Virginia liquor stores. That seems a far harder nut to crack.

Assuming gun owners drive to the liquor store, they could safely lock any firearms in their vehicles while theyre shopping for hooch. Just as they do already when visiting a local courthouse.

And even if you believe there are good reasons for law-abiding people to carry guns into ABC stores, whats the case for taking bombs there? Why should that be legal?

Virginia ABC did not request the bill, said Pat Kane, a spokesman for the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. Virginia ABC will evaluate the measure as we do all legislation potentially impacting Virginia ABC.

Friday, I emailed Griffin a few questions about House Bill 2412.

The first two asked whether anyone had urged him to propose such a law  and if so, who? The third question was, Can you explain why the legislations enactment would be a good idea for Virginia?

I asked for answers by 2 p.m. Monday. None were forthcoming. The only reply I got was a form-reply from Griffins email account:

Please be informed that your message has been received. We are committed to addressing the concerns and inquiries of our constituents. Due to the high volume of emails, it may take some time to provide a comprehensive response.

If your matter requires urgent attention or is time-sensitive, we recommend reaching out to our district office  during regular business hours.

Perhaps Griffin could not reply because he was too busy rounding up votes for his bill to allow bombs in Virginia liquors stores. I wish him luck with that.

Anyway, his proposal is fitting of the title, Dumbest Legislation in the 2025 Virginia General Assembly.

If you have other nominees, send them my way!
" " Baldwin Street residents don't need to resort to the antics of this couple, but anyone who's not accustomed to sharp inclines will likely struggle to walk very far up this road. RuslanKphoto / Shutterstock

The Guinness World Records has an award for the steepest road in the world, and Baldwin Street of New Zealand is the current title holder.

Often, if a city boasts one of the top sloping streets, residents celebrate the road as a tourist attraction, and they may even create a unique event in that location for the locals.

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From New Zealand's South Island to the San Francisco skyline, let's take a look at the steepest roads in the world.
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The word wildfire conjures a wall of heat moving across fields and forests, incinerating the odd structure in its path. This is very easy to picture on a hot day in California fire country, where conifers rustle against the eaves and the ground is dusty-dry.

What Los Angeles has endured over the past week is something different. The Palisades and Eaton fires, fed by record-dry chaparral and propelled by hurricane-force winds, raced out of the mountains and into neighborhoods below. From there, Los Angeles was dealing with neighborhood conflagrations made up primarily of buildings, whose fuel load is many times greater than the mountain scrub above.

This was perceived as a house-in-the-forest kind of problem, said Jack Cohen, a wildfire research scientist. Now the urban conflagrations are happening frequently enough that theyre getting major attention. Look at what isnt consumed: Particularly in Altadena, youre going to see lots of total destruction of buildings adjacent to and surrounded by unconsumed vegetation.

These disasters, Cohen wrote this week, need to be defined as a structure ignition and community fire spread problem, not an extreme wildfire problem.

This was not the wildlandurban interface of the Sierra Nevada, but entire neighborhoods of densely packed houses on gridded streets in and around the countrys second-largest city. To survey the devastation so far12,000 structures destroyed, 24 deadis to feel torn between the past and future of the American city. The century of technology and expertise deployed to eliminate the great urban fires that once leveled Chicago and San Francisco has been outpaced by the speed of a changing climate.

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The wildfireurban fire distinction matters because it determines both who is vulnerable to such disastersa much broader section of neighborhoods than is delineated by fire-risk mapsand how to address the problem. Fire suppression and forest management (a Donald Trump hobbyhorse) are much less important to preventing future disasters like this than building codes and neighborhood design. The history of cities has been one long chess match between fire and architecture, and now its Los Angeles move.

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Not that Californias subdivisions havent burned before. The 1991 Oakland-Berkeley firestorm burned more than 3,500 structures in residential neighborhoods of the East Bay. Among those who lost their homes was a young video game designer named Will Wright; rebuilding his own life afterward helped inspire The Sims. The most recent parallel might be the 2017 Tubbs fire, which burned parts of Santa Rosa, California, that were not in a designated fire zone. The sight of suburban neighborhoods going up in flames caused officials to question the wisdom of the states fire hazard zones, which typically stop at the edge of town. Even in Paradise, site of the states worst-ever Camp fire in 2018, the flames went from structure to structure, leaving green pine needles unscathed: This was an urban conflagration, the states incident management team concluded.

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Some section of Malibu burns down every few years, a calamity so predictable it prompted the late, great Los Angeles historian Mike Davis to write his famous 1998 essay The Case for Letting Malibu Burn. It makes for an eerie read today, with such recurring characters as dried-up hydrants, heartless insurance companies, and the ironclad certainty of rebuilding, with the resulting neighborhood perhaps more fireproof but certainly more upscale than before. Davis is unsparing in his treatment of the area, going so far as to put the word victim in quotesso heedlessly, in his view, have Malibu residents put themselves in harms way.

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The urge to blame anything but the citys own precarious place on the land is also a tradition as old as the Oscars, with past scapegoats including Native Americans, Okies, hippies, tramps, Black gangs, Muslims, the homeless, and environmentalists. To this list we may now add DEI, because the chief of the Los Angeles Fire Department is a woman, and the mayor of Los Angeles is a Black woman (never mind that half the destruction is not in the city of Los Angeles). The obsession with identifying Davis incendiary Other to hold responsible continues.

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That said, there is no true precursor for what happened in Los Angeles last week. The citys previous worst fire, the Sayre fire, destroyed 600 homes, mostly in a densely packed trailer park directly abutting the scrub; the 2018 Woolsey fire destroyed 1,600 homes north of the city. This time, the worlds best firefighting force was left helpless as 100-mph winds grounded firefighting planes and whipped embers from one burning building to the next.

The burning of the McNally House, a Victorian mansion in Altadena whose combustion was caught on video, seemed emblematic: The place was built in 1877, making it one of the areas oldest buildings. Recent land use decisions are only partly to blame.

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Which makes the question of what comes next all the more challenging. Sure, there will be investigations into human errorthe offline Santa Ynez reservoir, the public communication failures. But then what? There can be no talk of managed retreatby that standard, youd have to liquidate a quarter of the state. Compounding these dilemmas in the case of the Palisades and Eaton fires is the urgency of the Los Angeles housing crisis and the accelerating flight of insurance companies from the area. State Farm dropped 70 percent of its policies in the Pacific Palisades last year, more than in any other ZIP code in California, according to Politico. The state-run insurer of last resort, FAIR, now backs nearly $1 trillion in property, including more than $6 billion in the Palisades.

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Adaptation has been a political challenge. In Santa Rosas Coffey Park neighborhood, a subdivision outside the fire risk zone that burned to the ground in 2017, the city has decided not to enforce the toughest version of the California building code, citing high costs and the sense that the eventin which embers blew across six lanes of the 101 highway to set fire to the subdivisionwas unlikely to be repeated. A simpler justification was offered by a local resident to the Sacramento Bee: If its going to burn down, its going to burn down.

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Fire experts discourage that kind of fatalism. Stephen Pyne, a fire historian, compared resisting fire to resisting contagion: Theres no sure thing, but defensible space is like social distancing, embers are like aerosol (and masks are fire-resistant architecture), and the behavior of your neighbors provides herd immunity.

Densely populated areas may not be able to clear-cut the 100-foot radius around the home that comprises the home ignition zone, but they can invest in better home design and ensure their neighbors do the same. According to a report last year from Headwaters Economics, the cost of adapting a single-family home ranges from $23,000 to $100,000, but many of the most effective interventions cost far less. Those include cleaning gutters, storing firewood far from the house, installing metal flashing, and using noncombustible fencing and decking. Some of the architectural changes have been par for the course for decades; in Paradise, almost 40 percent of buildings built after 1996 survived, compared to 11 percent built before.

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The familiar story about California wildfires is that the states housing crisis has pushed people away from the safer but expensive coast and into dangerous but more affordable territory in the mountains over the past few decades. This time its the opposite: These incinerated neighborhoods are the places where California was supposed to be building more homes.

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Related From Slate No Hurricane Will Make Rich People Leave Florida Read More

Paradoxically, that could be part of the solution. Sky-high property values, red tape associated with insurance payments, and political pressure to be L.A. strong will make it very hard to reconstruct Altadena and the Palisades in a substantially different form. Indeed, county supervisors have already said they want no new density in rebuilding; Gov. Gavin Newsom is suspending environmental lawbut only if you rebuild in the footprint of what was there before.

But the state should use its leverage as landuse regulator and insurance provider to push for newer, safer buildings both in the affected neighborhoods and elsewhere. How do you bring older neighborhoods into fire resistance? One method is to make it profitable to replace aging single-family tinderboxes with newer buildings, and legal to replace smaller buildings with bigger buildings. Allowing more housing will also provide more options for owners, ensuring that fire victims who do not want to endure a decade-long rebuilding process can sell and move on. Multifamily structures are built to higher standards, and their sheer walls can break up the path of embers. And just about any new building is better than an old building in a wildfire, since better insulation and ventilation can keep the smoke out.

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Los Angeles could draw inspiration from Tokyo, where urban fires spreading from house to house have been a scourge for centuries. In the 1980s, the city developed a mile-long set of 13-story buildings called the Shirahige Higashian urban firebreak that also manages to provide housing for 7,000 families. Between the buildings are fire gates that can be closed to block a fire from jumping between neighborhoods.

If Newsom wants a Marshall Plan for L.A., he could build a firebreak of buildings at the foot of the Santa Monica mountains, catching wildfire embers and creating much-needed housing for tens of thousands, casting shadows only on the wildfire zone to the north. It would be a radical break with the status quo, one that adequately recognized the citys twin crises of climate change and homelessness.
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A week before Donald Trumps inauguration, one thing seems conspicuously absent from Republicans plans to advance the president-elects plans in his first days in office: abortion. Its much too early to know whether Trump will stick to vague campaign promises to leave abortion to the states or will instead use executive power to impose national restrictions. Will Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Department of Health and Human Services secretary nominee who has reassured Senate Republicans that he is open to anti-abortion strategies, encourage the Food and Drug Administration to impose new limits on mifepristone? And will Trumps Department of Justice fulfill the hopes of anti-abortion groups who have pitched the Comstock Act, a 19th-century obscenity law, as a de facto ban on mailing all abortion-related items?

Anti-abortion groups have invested so much in the Comstock strategy that they havent wanted to wait for Trump. Thats the takeaway from New Mexico litigation that resulted in a major decision from that states Supreme Court last week. But the upshot remains that there are no quick fixes for the anti-abortion movement that dont leave Donald Trump holding all the cards.

The fight began when Jonathan Mitchell, the former Texas solicitor general, and his colleague Mark Lee Dickson identified the Comstock Act as a path to the kind of national ban that Congress seemed unlikely to pass. Mitchell and Dickson had collaborated in the creation of sanctuary city for the unborn ordinances that Mitchell used to make the model for S.B. 8, the Texas law that allowed anyone to sue an abortion provider or anyone who aided them for at least $10,000 even before the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. After the court ended the constitutional right to an abortion in the Dobbs decision, Mitchell and Dickson began encouraging conservative counties and towns in states that protected abortion to pass ordinances referring to the Comstock Act. The goal was to set up a clash between the state law and the Comstock Act in federal courtand to eventually convince the conservative Supreme Court to declare that the Comstock Act would operate as the ban the anti-abortion movement had long been seeking.

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Two New Mexico cities and two counties passed just this kind of ordinance. Some required clinics to get a special abortion license or created new mechanisms for private citizens to sue providers or others who aided or abetted them. All of them referred to the Comstock Act.

Related From Slate This New Immigration Bill Thats About to Pass Is a Horrifying Trojan Horse Read More

The states attorney general then took the towns and counties to court, asking the state Supreme Court for an emergency order blocking enforcement of the local laws and declaring them to be illegal. The court granted the request for emergency action and held that the states law conflicted with the local laws and overrode them. That wasnt a hard conclusion to reach: New Mexicos Health Freedom Act protects reproductive rights statewide and bars local officials from discriminating against or interfering with protected reproductive rights. The court thought that was exactly what the local ordinances were doing. The court also reasoned that the ordinances conflicted with state rules on health care, medical malpractice, and licensing.

Mitchell and Dickson celebrated the apparent defeat of the courts decision as a major victory. Mitchell, for example, was thrilled with the courts decision because it highlighted the conflict he wanted to createthat an ordinance required compliance with the federal Comstock Act in states where abortion remains legal. The two invited more towns in New Mexico to pass a Comstock-based ordinance, and promised to litigate similar cases in other states, all with an eye to bringing the meaning of the federal Comstock Act to the Supreme Court of the United States.

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Dickson and Mitchell are not the only ones pinning their hopes to the Comstock Act. The Victorian law figures centrally in the new playbook to stop abortion pills laid out by Students for Life. Its the centerpiece of a lawsuit that seeks to limit mifepristone access filed by the attorneys general of Idaho, Missouri, and Kansas, and it was a focal point of Project 2025.

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Critically, ordinances like the ones passed in New Mexico are designed to force the Comstock question into the federal courts regardless of whether the Trump administration wants to prioritize it. Trump was a staunch ally of the anti-abortion movement during his first term, but since he began his 2024 campaign, he has sounded more equivocal, sticking to vague pledges about leaving abortion to the states and sometimes suggesting that he may (or may not) leave mifepristone access unchanged. Trump won despite Kamala Harris making reproductive rights a focal point of her campaign, but that doesnt necessarily mean Republicans are willing to turn the Comstock Act into an abortion ban that is even harsher than the laws already in place in conservative states, which sometimes create exemptions, particularly for the life of the woman (under Mitchells interpretation, the Comstock Act does not). Trump seems to have other priorities, and other ambitious Republicans may not wish to hitch their wagon to the star of abortion restrictions when voters rejected them in all but three of the ballot initiative fights that have taken place since Roe was overturned.

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Conservative attorneys are hoping to smooth the way for a Comstock strategy by getting a thumbs-up from the Supreme Court before Trump is ready to act. The Supreme Court may not be willing to play alongthere are sound legal arguments against transforming the Comstock Act into a no-exceptions ban, and doing so would likely provoke a backlash stronger than the one that has already greeted the demise of Roe. It may not be easy to find the perfect case to take to the Supreme Court either. The New Mexico Supreme Court didnt address the Comstock Act in its ruling and tried to establish that the case was resolved entirely based on consideration of state law questions that the Supreme Court should stay out of.

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But even if Mitchell is right to be optimistic, the fundamental dynamic between the anti-abortion movement and Donald Trump wont change. Anti-abortion lawyers can file their own lawsuits against doctors, abortion funds, and others in states where abortion is protected and hope that cross-border suits limit access in blue states as well as red ones, but there is no other obvious, realistic silver bullet like the Comstock Act that could operate like a national ban. Even if the Supreme Court understands the Comstock Act as a ban, the Trump Department of Justice would still need to enforce itand choose to use time and resources to identify potential violators.

Donald Trumps win was certainly good news for his supporters in the anti-abortion movement, but no matter what they do in court, he is the one with all the power to moveor not movethe nation toward a ban.
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The latest chapter in Aaron Gunches on-again, off-again death-penalty saga occurred on the last day of 2024, when he revealed his New Years resolution: He is determined to force the state of Arizona to get on with the business of putting him to death. Before the clock reached midnight, he filed a motion with the state Supreme Court asking it to hurry things along.

Gunches was originally scheduled to die in 2023 and had previously said he wanted to die, only to change his mind. This time, he told the court that his death sentence was long overdue and accused the state of dragging its feet.

As CBS News puts it, Gunches is now urging the court to skip legal formalities and schedule his execution earlier than authorities were aiming for. He would like the state to kill him in mid-February.

Earlier this month, the Arizona Capitol Times reported that the state Supreme Court had rejected a Gunches pleading to forgo any more legal maneuvering and finally put him to death.  Instead, the justices said they want to hear arguments from all sides, including Attorney General Kris Mayes, who wants Gunches executed, but not on his schedule.

Abolitionists who think that no one should be able to volunteer to be executed will be heartened by this decision. But the issues in Gunches case go beyond the question of whether a person should be able to waive their legal appeals and volunteer for execution.

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Whatever Gunches wishes, Arizona has not shown that it can carry out his death in a way that respects his constitutional rights and meets the requirements for performing a legal execution. The state Supreme Court has evidenced no interest in that issue.

Until it does, it should not let his execution proceed.

It should insist on finishing what Gov. Katie Hobbs set out to do in January 2023, when she appointed retired Judge David Duncan as the states death penalty independent review commissioner. At the time, the governor directed him to review and provide transparency into Arizonas execution process through a comprehensive and independent review.

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Hobbs is by no means the first governor to commission an independent review of the death penalty and to propose remedies for its problems. Chief executives in places like Illinois, Oklahoma, and Tennessee have done so before.

But unlike what the governors did in those places, last November Hobbs abruptly ended the independent review before Duncan could finish his work. Her explanation was curt, to say the least.

Duncan, she said, was not up to the task. Adding more mystery, Hobbs said, Im grateful for the work he did. But we decided to go in a different direction.

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It turns out that before firing Duncan, Hobbs had asked the director of the states Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation, and Reentry to do his own review. Forgetting, or ignoring, what she had said about the importance of independence, when the DCRR review was completed, Hobbs deemed it thorough. She stated that the department had gone through every procedure and process and updated them. And Im confident in the process.

All of this is odd, to say the least. And why is it relevant to the Gunches case?

It is relevant because trusting the very agency that has been responsible for the myriad problems plaguing Arizonas death-penalty system is a classic instance of letting the fox guard the henhouse. Its unlikely to end well.

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On Jan. 6, law professor Corinna Barrett Lain, author of a forthcoming book on lethal injection, submitted a friend-of-the-court brief to the Arizona Supreme Court in which she pointed out the inadequacy of the review the governor is now asking the court to rely on. Lain suggests that its completely implausible that the DCRR, which Hobbs once called one of the worst (and) most incompetent  in the country, could suddenly overcome that incompetence and be ready to do the difficult business of carrying out executions by lethal injection.

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Lains study of corrections departments, she says, reveals a striking pattern: Self-reviews always conclude the department has remedied its deficiencies, even when this is patently false. An example of that pattern occurred in Alabama in 2023, when Gov. Kay Ivey asked her corrections department to do such a review, after the state had experienced its own series of botched executions.

It took the department just four months to assure the governor that everything was copacetic. Yet, last January, the state botched another execution.

In Arizona, Duncan got in trouble by raising questions about not just how to do better at carrying out lethal injections, but whether they could even be performed in a humane manner. In an interview after his firing, Duncan called attention to several of the serious problems associated with lethal injection, including the poor track record of the compounding pharmacies that supply the drugs used during the process.

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In addition, he observed, The medical personnel who are best suited to [carry out such executions] are not allowed to be anywhere near it because the American Board of Anesthesiologists will withdraw the board certification for any anesthesiologist who participates in an execution. Duncan explained: Youre very much restricted on finding the appropriate personnel to do it. And that has led, also, to the botches.

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In that interview, Duncan speculated that the governor had fired him because she didnt want to hear about those issues. I think they wanted me to say everything was fine. And I could not say that. Duncan called it ironic that a report designed to increase transparency was terminated on the eve of its disclosure.

Related From Slate This New Immigration Bill Thats About to Pass Is a Horrifying Trojan Horse Read More

But more than irony is at stake with what Hobbs has done.

Gunches life is on the line, as is the legality of what the state now says it is able to do. Lain is right to suggest that his apparent willingness to be executed should not determine whether Arizona is allowed to put him to death.

The interests at stake when a state kills in its citizens name, Lain argues, are larger than those of the parties. Those interests can be satisfied only if the court is provided a fair-minded assessment of the facts.

The Arizona Supreme Court needs such an assessment. Unfortunately, for reasons she has not adequately explained, Hobbs has thrown a roadblock in the way of such an assessment.

The state Supreme Court should insist that she remove it before it allows Arizona to put Gunches, or anyone else, to death.
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For a week in early December, it looked like Donald Trumps nominee to lead the Department of Defense, Pete Hegseth, was cooked. Too many stories alleging womanizing, sexual assault, and drinking on the job were coming in, layered atop the Fox News hosts fundamental issue of lacking traditional qualifications. He reached a point of having to pledge to individual senators that he would not drink if he were confirmed to the position. He was plummeting, and it seemed like a matter of time before Trump would pull the plug.

Were we to pinpoint the moment his trajectory changed, it was in a gaggle with Capitol Hill reporters on Thursday, Dec. 5. While previously keeping an arms length from the press corps following him around with questions, Hegseth began to take it directly to the media.

This will not be a process tried in the media. I dont answer to anyone in this group, Hegseth said, waving his finger in front of the assembled reporters. None of you, not to that camera at all. I answer to President Trump, who received 76 million votes, he said, and a mandate for change. I answer to the 100 senators who are part of this process and those in the committee. And I answer my Lord and savior, and my wife and my family.

Here, Hegseth recognized that responding on camera to report after report about his past misdeeds was getting him nowhere. Issuing a blanket edict that he wouldnt respond to you all in the biased mediawave that fingershowed Trump that he had some fight in him, and hardened the Republican base around his nomination. By the following Monday, this refusal to respond to allegations from anonymous sources had become a Senate Republican talking point. A key holdout on Hegseths nomination, Iowa Sen. Joni Ernstafter being torched in MAGA media over that weekendwas using the line and promoting Hegseths candidacy. Ever since then, Hegseths confirmation has appeared far more likely than not.

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Tuesdays confirmation hearing in the Senate Armed Services Committee, then, was the first and only opportunity for Hegseths strategy to face cross-examination.

Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker, Hegseths hand-holder for the four-hour interrogation, set the table for him with his opening question. He noted that Hegseth had faced allegations since November covering sexual assault, inappropriate workplace behavior, alcohol abuse, and financial mismanagement, but noted that the majority of these have come from anonymous sources in liberal media publications. He gave Hegseth a chance to respond in general.

Hegseth said it became obvious to him from the beginning that there was a coordinated smear campaign orchestrated in the media against us.

From story after story in the medialeft-wing mediawe saw anonymous source after anonymous source based on second- or thirdhand accounts, he said. A small handful of anonymous sources were allowed to drive a smear campaign, an agenda about me, because our left-wing media in America today doesnt care about the truth. While mostthough not allof the accusers have been publicly anonymous, the committee is aware of names of some accusers.

Democrats on the committeenone of whom sounded even slightly interested in supporting Hegseths nominationapproached their questioning from three angles: the personal allegations against Hegseth, his lack of experience for the job, and his bombastic past statements on matters such as women in military combat roles. The scandalous allegations, while potentially the most lethal to Hegseths nomination if they could prove him personally unfit for such a high-stakes role, are also the trickiest. As Hegseth showed in salvaging his nomination in December, they rally on-the-fence Republicans to his side against the common enemy of villainous left-wing media.

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Senate Democrats put this delicate material into the hands of two of their least bombastic nice guys: Sens. Tim Kaine of Virginia and Mark Kelly of Arizona. Trusting two of their less polarizing, mild-mannered senators with the most explosive material resulted in two of the more meaningful exchanges of the hearing.

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Kaine went harder than Ive ever seen him go, chastising Hegseth for saying he was completely cleared in a 2017 Monterey, California, sexual assault investigation in which Hegseth claimed the sex was consensual. I am shocked that you would stand here and say youre completely cleared, Kaine said, when Hegseth would so casually cheat on a second wife and cheat on the mother of a child who had been born two months before.

Where Kaine made headway in asking about the allegations against Hegseth, though, was in shooting down the idea that all of them were anonymous. Kaine mentioned the allegation in which Hegseth, as a nonprofit executive, took co-workers to a strip club, eventually leading to a sexual harassment charge being filed by one of his co-workers.

Anonymous false charges, Hegseth said.

But Kaine mentioned that the committees senators had the name of the person making this allegation.

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You claim that this was all anonymous, Kaine said. We have seen records with names attached to all of these including the name of your own mother, so dont make this into some kind of anonymous press thing.

Related From Slate If My Mayor Were Out of the Country for a Disaster Like This  Read More

Kelly, meanwhile, listed specific allegations against Hegseth, and asked him whether each was true or false. Was he so drunk at a Memorial Day event in 2014 that he needed to be carried out?

Senator, anonymous smears, Hegseth responded.

Summer of 2014 in Cleveland, drunk with his nonprofit team?

Anonymous smears.

An event in North Carolina, drunk in front of three staff members?

Anonymous smears.

2014 Christmas party in D.C., had to be carried up to his room?

Anonymous smears.

Only once in these many roundswhen asked whether he took his staff to a strip clubdid he append an absolutely not to his response of anonymous smears.

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Both of these rounds of questioning were a reminder that while railing against anonymous smears from the media is an effective means of keeping your nomination alive, its not an answer to the question, under oath, of whether or not they happened.

While Hegseths nomination doesnt have enough public commitments yet from Republican senators to know for sure that hell be confirmed, this is one that Trump wants and insists that he gets. Joni Ernst learned that the hard way in December, and the Trump apparatus has made it known that he views the vote on this as a loyalty test. While being evasive in the hearing, Hegseth didnt commit any sort of fatal mistake thats likely to send the Senate GOP into a major rethink, and earn Trumps wrath, this late in the processand limiting questioning to one round limited Hegseths risk exposure, too. To have any further concerns about the appropriateness of Hegseth running a vital department of 3 million employees would, after all, be a surrender to the media.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20250114/destabilization-of-the-south-caucasus-whats-behind-the-us-armenia-strategic-partnership-1121428765.html

Destabilization of the South Caucasus: Whats Behind the US-Armenia Strategic Partnership?

Destabilization of the South Caucasus: Whats Behind the US-Armenia Strategic Partnership?

Sputnik International

On January 14, Armenia and the United States concluded a strategic partnership agreement during the working visit of Armenias Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ararat Mirzoyan, to Washington. What's behind the agreement?

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The Armenian-American strategic partnership initiative was first announced in June 2024 during US Deputy Secretary of State James OBriens visit to Yerevan.Previously, the US established similar strategic partnership charters with Ukraine in 2008 and Georgia in 2009. These charters included the following principles:In 2021, the US-Ukraine charter was updated ahead of Washington turning the Ukraine conflict into its proxy war against Russia. The US-Georgia partnership was suspended in November 2024 after the Georgian ruling party implemented policies prioritizing national sovereignty, which diverged from US interests.Why is Armenia Important to the US?Armenia, a landlocked nation in the South Caucasus, has maintained diplomatic, economic, and military ties with the US since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Several factors contribute to Armenias strategic importance to Washington:Is Armenia Shifting to the West?Armenia has intensified its pivot toward the West since its defeat in the 2023 conflict with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh. Yerevan is now taking steps toward accession to the European Uniona questionable move considering that post-Soviet states like Ukraine and Georgia, which applied earlier, have yet to gain membership.What Does Russia Say?On January 14, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that forming a strategic partnership with the US is Armenias "sovereign right." However, Peskov warned that the partnership could be aimed at destabilizing the South Caucasus.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20241121/from-soros-to-usaid-how-us-organized-2004-orange-revolution-in-ukraine-1120954230.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20250114/israel-hamas-finalize-ceasefire-deal-terms-may-announce-agreement-on-jan-14---reports-1121427739.html

Israel, Hamas Finalize Ceasefire Deal Terms, May Announce Agreement on Jan. 14 - Reports

Israel, Hamas Finalize Ceasefire Deal Terms, May Announce Agreement on Jan. 14 - Reports

Sputnik International

Israel and Palestinian movement Hamas are finalizing the terms of a ceasefire agreement, which could be announced as early as January 14, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing Arab and Israeli officials.

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The sides have agreed on the main points of the deal but are still working on some of the wording, the officials said, warning that the talks could collapse as they had before. Mediator-facilitated negotiations are underway in Doha to discuss a phased ceasefire in Gaza and an exchange of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails for hostages in the enclave. On Monday, the Walla news portal reported, citing unnamed sources, that Israel and the mediators had reached an agreement on a proposed draft agreement on the settlement in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages. Al Arabiya reported that Hamas had submitted a response to the draft agreement that contained no objections.Israeli Security Chief to Quit in Case of Ceasefire DealIsrael's right-wing security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, called on Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on Tuesday to quit the government together if Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signs a Gaza ceasefire deal with Hamas in its current form, arguing that it threatens national security.The leader of the nationalist Jewish Power party described the deal as "monstrous," warning that it would release "hundreds of murderous terrorists" from Israeli prisons and cancel Israel's military achievements of the past year without ensuring the release of the remaining Israeli hostages held in the Gaza Strip.Both Smotrich and Ben-Gvir have repeatedly criticized the proposed ceasefire drafts, arguing that such agreements would not help Israel achieve its military goals in the Gaza Strip or ensure the safe return of the hostages.The Walla news website reported on Monday, citing people familiar with the matter, that Israel and the mediators had agreed on a proposed draft deal with Hamas. Al Arabiya reported that Hamas had submitted a response to the draft that contained no objections.More than a year has passed since the first ceasefire-for-hostages deal with Hamas was implemented. Since then, the two sides have held several rounds of indirect talks about the fate of the remaining hostages. The negotiations in Cairo and Doha have intensified in recent weeks.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20250113/waging-wars-and-reshaping-middle-east-what-israel-plans-to-do-in-2025-1121421045.html

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Russia Will Study Trumps Plan on Ukrainian Settlement When He Formulates It

Russia will study US President-elect Donald Trump's final position on Ukraine when he formulates it after his inauguration, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday.

"When ... Trump formulates his final position on Ukrainian affairs once he takes office, of course, we will study it," Lavrov told a press conference on the overview of Russian diplomacy in 2024.

Commenting on Trump's remark about the need to reach a settlement based on the situation on the ground, the minister said that it deserves to be welcomed, adding that Russia expects concrete initiatives on Ukraine from the new Trump administration.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20250114/russia-iran-strategic-partnership-agreement-not-targeted-against-anybody---lavrov-1121426569.html

Russia-Iran Strategic Partnership Agreement Not Targeted Against Anybody - Lavrov

Russia-Iran Strategic Partnership Agreement Not Targeted Against Anybody - Lavrov

Sputnik International

The Comprehensive partnership agreement, which will be signed by Russian and Iranian presidents in Moscow, is not directed against any other country, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Tuesday.

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On Monday, the Kremlin said that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will sign the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement after negotiations on January 17. "This agreement, as well as our agreement with North Korea, is not directed against any country and is constructive in nature, aimed at strengthening the capabilities of Russia and Iran in various parts of the world, the ability to better develop the economy, solve social issues and ensure reliable defense capability." Lavrov told a press conference on the overview of Russian diplomacy in 2024.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20250114/weary-ukrainian-soldiers-pay-thousands-of-dollars-to-flee-abroad---captured-border-guard-1121425470.html

Weary Ukrainian Soldiers Pay Thousands of Dollars to Flee Abroad - Captured Border Guard

Weary Ukrainian Soldiers Pay Thousands of Dollars to Flee Abroad - Captured Border Guard

Sputnik International

Exhausted and demoralized, Ukrainian soldiers pay thousands of dollars to smugglers in a bid to flee abroad, a captured Ukrainian border guard said.

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A group of six Ukrainian State Border Guard officers surrendered to Russia in early January on the border with Belgorod Region, a source in the Russian security services has told Sputnik. Among the servicemen who surrendered, there was Ruslan Zadorozhniy, a soldier of the 1st Border Guard Unit of the State Border Guard Service, a native of the village of Romanky in Dnepropetrovsk Region. Zadorozhniy said that a fellow villager, along with other Ukrainian servicemen, had been sent to fight against Russian troops with no respite in sight, which left them completely demoralized. Zadorozhniy said that his acquaintance was eventually "fed up" with the military service and paid $3,000 for an opportunity to "escape" to Poland.Substance Abuse Flourishes Among Ukrainian Servicemen Among the servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, drug use and drinking to the point of death are flourishing amid their extreme exhaustion and poor morale, according to captured Ukrainian border guards. A video featuring their statements is available to Sputnik.A group of six employees of Ukraine's State Border Guard Service surrendered to Russia on Christmas Eve at the border with the Belgorod region in the Kharkov vicinity, a source in Russia's security forces earlier told Sputnik.According to the prisoners, Ukrainian servicemen, who are not given any rest, are in poor moral condition. Drug use and heavy drinking are widespread."Such incidents are constantly reported. There have been cases where people drank surrogate alcohol and simply didnt wake up. Psychotropic substances were also used," admitted Alexander Bychko (call sign "Bear"), a second-category border service inspector, also born in 2001.

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Saratoga Raceway-based horsemen have been making their presence felt at Batavia Downs since the 2025 winter meet began. Monday, Jan. 13 was no exception after driver Brett Beckwith and trainers Jaymes McAssey and Gary Levine all posted noteworthy performances, where heavy snow squalls were a factor for a majority of the program.

Beckwith won five races on the card including a victory in the nights feature race. He scored with Justine ($10.60), Takemetochurch Deo ($5.80), and Samosa Hanover ($5.30) along with Maggie Bell ($6.40) and Mary Kat ($7.40).

Despite moving up in class after a convincing victory at Batavia Downs last week, Maggie Bell bounced right back with another impressive win in the $15,942 featured pace for fillies and mares.

Beckwith pushed Maggie Bell to the front and took the lead from Mcvera (Shawn McDonough) as the race passed the quarter. Once on the point, Maggie Bell backed the half down to a comfortable :59.1 before encountering a challenge from Penthousepalace (Joe Chindano Jr.), who was pacing first-over in the breeze as the group traversed the backstretch for the second time.

Penthousepalace got the lead at three-quarters but was unable to cross over, as Maggie Bell stiffened up and came back along the pegs to reclaim control at the top of the stretch. Scenic Adventure (Kevin Cummings), Oaxaca Dream N (Drew Monti) and the pocket-sitting Mcvera all came into play as the girls made their way towards home and the trio was in hot pursuit of Maggie Bell. But Maggie Bell refused to lose and was never headed, crossing the line first by three-quarters of a length in 1:58.2. Mcvera was second, while Scenic Adventure completed the top three.

The victory was the second straight and fourth in the last six outings for Maggie Bell, who is owned by Delpozo Scwartz Paoleti and trained by Jaymes McAssey.

Later in the fifth race, Beckwith drove the pacing mare Mary Kat to a one-length, 1:59.3 victory to give owner and trainer Gary Levine his 1,100th career training win.

Beckwith was just named the 2024 Dan Patch Rising Star by the United States Harness Writers Association and will be honoured at the Dan Patch Banquet on Sunday, Feb. 23 at the Rosen Centre in Orlando, Florida.

Live racing resumes at Batavia Downs on Thursday, Jan. 16 at 3 p.m.

There will be a $1,056 carryover in the Pick-5 wager in race one and a carryover of $274 in the Jackpot Super Hi-5 pentafecta in race 15.

(With files from Batavia Downs)
The Ohio Harness Horsemens Association (OHHA) will host its annual charity luncheon, meetings and awards banquet on Saturday, Jan. 18 at the Columbus Marriott Airport in Columbus, Ohio.

The day will begin with OHHA's charity luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Every year, luncheon attendees hear from a local guest charity to learn about the organizations mission, allowing attendees an opportunity to impact their communities through donations. This year, OHHA will support Shoes 4 the Shoeless, a Dayton-based organization that provides new, properly-fitted gym shoes and socks to children in need. Shoes 4 the Shoeless helps children in poverty eliminate one of the most visible stigmas.

Those who choose to support the impactful work of Shoes 4 the Shoeless may bring donations of childrens new gym shoes and socks, as well as monetary contributions to the OHHA office or to the track representatives offices at Dayton Raceway or Northfield Park by Jan. 15. Donations will also be accepted at the luncheon.

The charity luncheon is free and open to OHHA members or their guests. Only 30 seats are available. To make reservations or for more information, contact the OHHA office at 614-221-3650.

The OHHA annual membership meeting will take place at 1 p.m., followed by the United States Trotting Association District 1 annual meeting at 2 p.m.

Eleven divisional horse winners will be honoured at the sold-out awards banquet on Saturday evening and the 2024 Ohio Horse of the Year will be named.

The OHHA will also present the Dick Brandt Sr. Extra Effort Award, Terry Holton Youth Award, Outstanding Groom Award, Maynard & Stella Hagemeyer Significant Contribution Award, Dr. John P. Stevens Humanitarian Award and the OHHA Special Recognition Awards.

In addition, the Ohio Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association will present its annual awards and the Ohio State Racing Commissions Kaltenbach Awards will be presented.

The agenda for the day is available below.

11:30 a.m. - Charity Luncheon

1 p.m. - OHHA Annual Membership Meeting

2 p.m. - USTA District 1 Annual Meeting

4 p.m. - Cocktail Hour (sponsored by Captain Kirk)

5 p.m. - P.A.C.E.R. Stallion Auction Closes

5 p.m. - Dinner Seating

5:30 p.m. - OHHA Awards Banquet

9 p.m. - Awards Banquet After Party

(With files from OHHA)
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 eActros 600 can travel about 500 kilometres (310 miles) on a single charge.

Online retailer Amazon has purchased 202 electric Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 vehicles from Germany's Daimler Truck, the automaker said Tuesday, marking both firms' largest-ever order for battery-powered lorries.

Heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) are responsible for six percent of EU greenhouse gas emissions, according to the European Commission, and account for over a quarter of road transport emissions in the bloc.

EU regulations require truckmakers to collectively reduce the emissions caused by the vehicles they sell by 45 percent by 2030 from 2019 levels. The reductions are set to increase to 65 percent by 2035 and to 90 percent by 2040.

Daimler Truck, one of the world's largest truck manufacturers by volume, last year delivered 4,035 electric vehicles out of more than 460,000 worldwide.

About 2,000 orders have been taken in total for the eActros 600 since it was unveiled at the end of 2023, a spokesman told AFP.

Former Daimler Truck CEO Martin Daum said last year that the eActros was "the future of the company", adding that he was encouraged by its performance in real-world conditions.

The truck, which Amazon will use in Britain and Germany, can travel about 500 kilometers (310 miles) on a single charge.

The sale price of an eActros 600 is about twice the cost of an equivalent diesel model, the spokesman said.

At competitor Traton, Volkswagen's truck-making unit, electric vehicle sales fell 18 percent last year, the firm said Tuesday, and account for about 0.5 percent of vehicles sold.

 2025 AFP
Djokovic advances after early Australian Open test

Xinhua) 09:44, January 14, 2025

MELBOURNE, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Novak Djokovic overcame losing the first set to win his first round match at the Australian Open on Monday night.

Djokovic, the seventh seed, beat 19-year-old U.S. player Nishesh Basavareddy 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in almost three hours on Rod Laver Arena.

It was the first time Djokovic has lost his opening set at the Australian Open since 2006, which was the last time he was knocked out in the first round at any Grand Slam tournament.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion, who is seeking a record-extending 11th title at Melbourne Park, fought back from the early challenge on this occasion to reach the second round at the Australian Open for the 18th time in his career.

"I think he was the better player for the first set and a half. He deserves every bit of applause that he got when he was exiting the court," Djokovic said of his opponent after the match.

"These kind of match ups are always tricky, always dangerous when you're playing somebody that has nothing to lose."

The first six games of the match went to serve before Basavareddy, playing his first match in the main draw at a Grand Slam, seized his second break point opportunity with a backhand winner.

Djokovic had two opportunities to get the break back but was denied both as Basavareddy served out the set.

The Serbian had another break point chance leading 2-1 in the second set but could not reach a perfectly-placed forehand drop shot from the world number 107.

Djokovic converted his next break opportunity - in the eighth game of the set - for a 5-3 lead that allowed him to level the match on his own serve.

The 19-year-old underwent medical treatment for apparent cramping between the second and third sets and was visibly hobbled as Djokovic took control of the match.

Trailing 5-1 in the fourth set, Basavareddy saw off two match points to hold serve before Djokovic closed out the match.

Djokovic will play Portugal's Jaime Faria in the second round.

(Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Zhong Wenxing)
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An Indigenous Tembe mother and daughters take photos on their smartphones outside a school in the Tenetehar Wa Tembe village, located in the Alto Rio Guama Indigenous territory of the Paragominas municipality in the Para state of Brazil, May 30, 2023. Credit: AP Photo/Eraldo Peres, File

Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Monday signed a bill restricting the use of smartphones at school, following a global trend for such limitations.

The move will impact students at elementary and high schools across the South American nation starting in February. It provides a legal framework to ensure students only use such devices in cases of emergency and danger, for educational purposes, or if they have disabilities and require them.

"We cannot allow humanism to be replaced by algorithms," Lula said in a closed ceremony at the presidential palace in the capital, Brasilia, adding that the bill "acknowledges the work of every serious person in education, everyone who wants to take care of children and teenagers in this country."

In May, Fundacao Getulio Vargas, a leading think-tank and university, said Brazil had more smartphones than people, with 258 million devices for a population of 203 million Brazilians. Local market researchers said last year that Brazilians spend 9 hours and 13 minutes per day on screens, one of the world's highest figures.

Education minister Camilo Santana told journalists that children are going online at early ages, making it harder for parents to keep track of what they do, and that restricting smartphones at school will help them.

The bill had rare support across the political spectrum, both from allies of leftist Lula and his far-right foe, former President Jair Bolsonaro.

Many parents and students also approved the move. A survey released in October by Brazilian pollster Datafolha said that almost two-thirds of respondents supported banning the use of smartphones by children and teenagers at schools. More than three-quarters said those devices do more harm than good to their children.

Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva holds up a bill that restricts the use of cell phones in schools nationwide, during a ceremony at the Planalto Palace, in Brasilia, Brazil, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Eraldo Peres

"(Restricting cell phones) is tough, but necessary. It is useful for them to do searches for school, but to use it socially isn't good," said Ricardo Martins Ramos, 43, father of two girls and the owner of a hamburger restaurant in Rio de Janeiro. "Kids will interact more."

His 13-year-old daughter Isabela said her classmates struggled to focus during class because of their smartphones. She approved the move, but doesn't see it as enough to improve the learning environment for everyone.

"When the teacher lets you use the cell phone, it is because he wants you to do searches," she said. "There's still a lot of things that schools can't solve, such as bullying and harassment."

As of 2023, about two-thirds of Brazilian schools imposed some restriction on cellphone use, while 28% banned them entirely, according to a survey released in August by the Brazilian Internet Steering Committee.

The Brazilian states of Rio de Janeiro, Maranhao and Goias have already passed local bills to ban such devices at schools. However, authorities have struggled to enforce these laws.

Authorities in Sao Paulo, the most populous state in Brazil, are discussing whether smartphones should be banned both in public and private schools.

Gabriele Alexandra Henriques Pinheiro, 25, works at a beauty parlor and is the mother of a boy diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. She also agrees with the restrictions, but says adults will continue to be a bad example of smartphone use for children.

Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, left, speaks with Education Minister Camilo Santana, about a bill that restricts the use of cell phones in schools nationwide, during a ceremony at the Planalto Palace, in Brasilia, Brazil, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Eraldo Peres

"It is tough," she said. "I try to restrict the time my son watches any screens, but whenever I have a task to perform I have to use the smartphone to be able to do it all," she said.

Institutions, governments, parents and others have for years associated smartphone use by children with bullying, suicidal ideation, anxiety and loss of concentration necessary for learning. China moved last year to limit children's use of smartphones, while France has in place a ban on smartphones in schools for kids aged six to 15.

Cell phone bans have gained traction across the United States, where eight states have passed laws or policies that ban or restrict cellphone use to try to curb student phone access and minimize distractions in classrooms.

An increasing number of parents across Europe who are concerned by evidence that smartphone use among young kids jeopardizes their safety and mental health.

A report published in September by UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, said one in four countries has already restricted the use of such devices at schools.

Last year in a U.S. Senate hearing, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg apologized to parents of children exploited, bullied or driven to self harm via social media. He also noted Meta's continued investments in "industrywide" efforts to protect children.

 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
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Credit: Julio Lopez from Pexels

Meta told Brazil it would not yet end fact-checks outside the US, but its attempts to clarify its new social media policies fell flat Tuesday as the Latin American nation slammed measures which promote a "digital Wild West."

Brazil had given Meta a 72-hour deadline to explain its policy for the country, after the shock announcement last week by company chief executive Mark Zuckerberg that he was ditching independent fact-checking in the United States.

The social media giant assured Brazil the policy would not extend to other countries until Meta had fully tested a new "Community Notes" system which will replace third-party fact-checkers.

This system allows ordinary users to leave notes on potentially misleading posts in a model similar to that popularized by X.

Brazil, which has a population of over 200 million people, is one of several countries deeply concerned over Meta's decision to weaken checks on disinformation.

"Meta would like to make it clear that it is, at this time, only ending its independent fact-checking program in the United States, where we will test and refine Community Notes before beginning any expansion to other countries," read the company's response.

The Attorney General's office (AGU), which issued the ultimatum to Meta under threat of legal measures, expressed "serious concern" over some aspects of the company's response.

Meta confirmed that looser restrictions on topics such as gender and sexual identity would apply in Brazil, to allow for "a broader debate and conversation on topics that are part of current discussions in society."

The AGU said this "has the potential to effectively allow serious human rights violations in the country."

"The changes now reported by Meta are not in line with Brazilian legislation and are not sufficient to protect the fundamental rights of citizens."

'Digital Wild West'-

As a result, the Attorney General's office, justice ministry, human rights ministry, and presidential communication service would hold a public hearing to discuss Meta's new policy.

Initially scheduled for Thursday, the AGU later said it would need more time to "organize and confirm participants."

In its response, Meta had said it was "committed to respecting human rights" and "will continue to remove content that incites or facilitates violence, as well as credible threats to public safety or personal security."

Brazil's new Communications Minister Sidonio Palmeira said as he took office Tuesday that Meta's new measures "violate fundamental rights and national sovereignty, promoting a digital Wild West."

"Defending the integrity of information is key to the survival of democracies today. The truth, however slow it may seem, is the only antidote to the speed of lies."

Zuckerberg defended his decision last week, saying that fact-checkers were "too politically biased," and added that the program had led to "too much censorship."

His decision was widely seen as an attempt to appease President-elect Donald Trump, whose conservative support base has long complained that fact-checking on tech platforms was a way to curtail free speech and censor right-wing content.

The International Fact-Checking Network has warned of devastating consequences if Meta broadens its policy shift beyond US borders to the company's programs covering more than 100 countries.

Brazil's Supreme Court has taken a strong stance on regulating social media platforms.

Last year, Judge Alexandre de Moraes blocked Elon Musk's X platform for 40 days for failing to comply with a series of court orders against online disinformation.

AFP currently works in 26 languages with Facebook's fact-checking program, including in the United States and the European Union.

 2025 AFP
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Credit: AI-generated image

Facebook's parent company is building Minnesota's first mega data center in Rosemount to house its fast-growing need for computing muscle.

Amazon and Microsoft bought land for large data centers near Xcel Energy's soon-retiring coal plant in Becker. A Colorado company called Tract has advanced a project in Farmington and is eyeing colossal sites in Rosemount and Cannon Falls. Other companies want to build data centers in Chaska, Faribault, North Mankato and Hampton.

If built, this crop of data centers could demand as much electricity as every home in Minnesota.

State and local officials as well as electric utilities are grappling with how to manage this explosive growth while keeping the lights on and complying with laws for a transition to clean power.

Lagging power supply on the 15-state regional grid has spurred warnings of blackouts starting this summer. The data centers are already raising concerns about whether they will prolong the burning of fossil fuels for electricity even as Minnesota requires a carbon-free grid by 2040.

"There's so many different utilities and industries and businesses who have done a lot of work on decarbonization in Minnesota," said Amelia Vohs, climate program director at the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA). "It feels a little bit like this one industry has a real possibility to significantly erode that."

Still, many state and local officials welcome the projects, which could shower Minnesota with new carbon-free power infrastructure, construction jobs, tax revenue and, potentially, lower electric bills for everyone.

The server farms are critical to services such as medical records, financial transactions, streaming media, navigation apps, email and remote work. The average household has 21 devices connected to the internet, from watches to bird feeders. The rise of artificial intelligence products has accelerated the construction of these centers, massive buildings that house banks of computers using enough electricity to power cities.

"All of that is generating and consuming more and more data than ever before," said Aaron Tinjum, vice president of energy for the industry trade group Data Center Coalition. "It's an industry that has really become, effectively, the lifeblood of our modern economy."

Interviews with two dozen people representing data center companies, local officials, environmental nonprofits and electric utilities, as well as public records, shed new light on the size and scope of these projects in a planning process that developers often make intentionally opaque.

Minnesota was not a large data center market in the past. Meta Platforms' project in Rosemount is the farthest along in what could be a surge of large-scale projects. At least nine other facilities are in development.

Some cite lower cooling costs from Minnesota's weather, access to fiber infrastructure, the Twin Cities' strong workforce and proximity to the large metro area. Xcel is one of many to argue the state's carbon-free law is a boon because tech companies want to meet their own climate goals.

Helping to draw these data centers are state tax breaks on energy sales, equipment and software enacted in 2011. It started as a relatively small program worth about $7.3 million a decade ago. It has since grown to often more than $100 million annuallybefore the arrival of colossal data centers.

About three dozen states have tax breaks for equipment and are "table stakes" to attract big data centers, said Tract's chief investment officer Graham Williams.

Williams said data centers are popping up in Minnesota after becoming too concentrated in places like Chicago and Virginia, where companies are fighting for real estate and resources like space on congested power lines.

"What they realized is they have to have some outlets for that, for future growth," Williams said.

Minnesota may be a secondary market for data centers, but the centers' power needs would still be massive.

Xcel anticipates supplying data centers with 1,300 megawatts in Minnesota and the Dakotas over the next seven years. Great River Energy, a Maple Grove-based nonprofit, is planning 1,000 megawatts of new demand in a similar time frame.

That amount of power demand between Xcel and Great River would be roughly equivalent to Minnesota's 2.3 million households.

Xcel is building one of the nation's largest solar farms in Sherburne County, a project seen as a landmark for carbon-free progress in Minnesota. That can generate only enough electricity for 150,000 homes.

Even before the data center boom, utilities were preparing for higher demand as people switch to electric vehicles and home heating systems.

Minnesota in 2024 made it faster to permit and build clean energy. Still, it can take several years to build wind and solar projects and as much as a decade for large transmission lines to carry electricity.

"My analysts are skeptical about rapidly delivering power of any sort, much less clean power, in the size and time frames that the data centers are likely to request," Pete Wyckoff, a deputy commissioner at the Minnesota Department of Commerce, told utility regulators in October.

In February, Xcel announced plans to add more than 3,000 megawatts of new wind energy by the end of the decade, plus a major amount of solar and batteries. Now the company says it might need more. But Xcel said it can still follow through with closing its two big coal plants and comply with Minnesota's 2040 carbon-free deadline.

Xcel's long-range plans include a new natural gas "peaking" plant in Lyon County which would kick in during hot summer days or other high-need times. The new data centers make Xcel more likely to extend some contracts to buy electricity from third-party gas plants into the 2030s, said Ryan Long, Xcel's president in Minnesota.

In March, the PUC approved Great River's plan to shift from having about a third of its power from carbon-free sources last year to 90% by 2035. The data center demands mean that plan is already outdated, according to Zac Ruzycki, director of resource planning for Great River. Great River will have to build or buy extra power that might include gas despite a surplus of electricity on its system now, Ruzycki said.

Ruzycki noted Minnesota's 2040 law allows utilities to burn fossil fuels to maintain a reliable system and account for those emissions by purchasing renewable energy credits for clean power elsewhere.

Still, some believe data centersand the deep pockets of their ownerswill ultimately help the switch to carbon-free power.

Google told the PUC in October it's buying the power from a geothermal plant in Nevada, and the tech industry has purchased a tremendous amount of renewable electricity across the country.

Beyond wind and solar, some data center companies are paying to revive nuclear plants such as Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania or investing in emerging technology for smaller reactors.

The data center companies most interested in Minnesota "don't want to show up and have somebody build a gas plant to serve them," said Audrey Partridge, director of policy for the nonprofit Twin Cities-based Center for Energy and Environment. "That would be a problem for them at the corporate level."

No tech companies have publicly committed to building major clean power projects with local utilities so far in Minnesota.

Vohs, with the MCEA, said it would be a "huge gift to our electric system" if data center owners did that, but it's not required.

Meta says it will buy enough renewable energy to account for any fossil fuels burned for its Rosemount project. But that might not directly help Xcel, its climate goals or its customers. Xcel spokesman Theo Keith said Meta plans to purchase renewable energy credits. Their electric contract does not require Meta to build anything specifically for the power company.

Vohs is among those who note a Wisconsin utility wants to build more natural gas generation to help supply data center demand. A massive Meta AI data center in Louisiana would need three new natural gas plants.

Tract's chief energy officer Nat Sahlstrom said in the short term "you're going to need to have net new gas built" to keep the grid steady, even as tech companies push to add cleaner power.

"It's a transition," he said. "We're going to have to go look at the tradeoffs."

In Becker, Amazon wants to build 250 emergency backup diesel generators capable of producing nearly as much power as Xcel's Monticello nuclear plant in case of a grid outage. The data center developer Oppidan might install several hundred diesel generators at its project in Hampton.

Republican lawmakers, a segment of DFLers, and the state's rural electric cooperatives want the Minnesota Legislature to lift a state ban on new nuclear plants. Some believe Minnesota should add more fossil fuels or keep existing coal plants open in light of a projected regional shortfall in electricity supplies over the next five years.

The spread of data centers brings other challenges. Some use huge quantities of water. People don't want to live near them. They can be noisy.

In Farmington, residents sued the city in an effort to stop Tract's sprawling data center campus. In Hampton, home to 700 people, dozens packed the small city council chambers Tuesday night, poring over maps and pressing for more information about the 140-acre project.

"I don't think we can sacrifice that much water," said Leo Nicolai, who has a lawn mower repair shop and home next to the proposed site. "It's not good for the community at all."

Electric utilities say planning when to build expensive new power plants for data centers is difficult because some never materialize. Projects that are announced publicly sometimes aren't built. In 2022, Google pulled out of a $600 million data center in Becker announced two years earlier.

State officials, the PUC and utilities are hashing out ways to ensure data center companies aren't hurting customers and clean-energy goals.

Xcel said new large industrial customers can lower prices for others by spreading out the fixed costs to build and maintain its system. The PUC agreed Xcel's contract with Meta in Rosemount would help other customers.

And even with the risks of data centers, many welcome the jobs and revenue they bring.

Tract's Farmington campus would be a $5 billion construction project. Meta's project would cost $800 million to build, and CloudHQ estimated its Chaska data center at $1 billion.

Earlier this year, Xcel's Long told a conference of utility regulators in Minneapolis that data centers enable AI technology that can help solve problems. Xcel uses it to help mitigate wildfire risk in Colorado. "It's not all just cat videos," Long said.

2025 The Minnesota Star Tribune. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC
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Air France's policy against seating men next to unaccompanied children was found discriminatory by Norway's anti-discrimination authority.

Norway's anti-discrimination tribunal found Air France's policy against seating men next to unaccompanied children to prevent any possibility of predatory behavior to be discriminatory, a passenger said Tuesday.

The cabin crew of an Oslo to Paris flight in October 2022 asked a man to swap seats with a woman before takeoff, saying he could not be seated next to two children traveling alone.

The man, Dominique Sellier, filed a complaint with the Norway's anti-discrimination tribunal Diskimineringsnemnda.

In proceedings, a lawyer for Air France argued that the crew was merely following company policy, which was based on the argument that men account for 97.93 percent of all suspected sex crimes.

"It was not a very nice situation," Sellier told AFP on Tuesday.

"The passengers around me were looking at me, they were waiting for me to change seats so we could take off," he said.

"Maybe some of it was me projecting, but I interpreted some of the looks like 'this guy is shady'," he said.

According to Diskimineringsnemnda's ruling late last year, a copy of which was obtained by AFP, Air France's policy stipulates that if a flight is fully booked, a woman should "preferably" be seated next to unaccompanied minors.

Contacted by AFP, Air France's lawyer said he had no comment.

According to the summary of proceedings, the airline argued that Diskimineringsnemnda had no authority in the matter, as the incident occurred on a plane which was not registered in Norway.

It also argued that the different treatment for men and women was justified by the need to protect unaccompanied minors from the risk of "trafficking and other forms of violence and aggression."

Sellier said Air France generalisation about men went too far.

"How can we accept this kind of suspicion because we belong to the male gender?"

While he won his case before Diskimineringsnemnda, which was made up of three legal experts, Sellier said he had received no damages nor an apology from Air France.

During the flight, "I just got a glass of champagne in a paper cup."

 2025 AFP
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Vijay Gadepally, a senior staff member in the Lincoln Laboratory Supercomputing Center, discusses steps the research community can take to help mitigate the environmental impact of generative AI. Credit: Glen Cooper

Vijay Gadepally, a senior staff member at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, leads a number of projects at the Lincoln Laboratory Supercomputing Center (LLSC) to make computing platforms, and the artificial intelligence systems that run on them, more efficient.

Here, Gadepally discusses the increasing use of generative AI in everyday tools, its hidden environmental impact, and some of the ways that Lincoln Laboratory and the greater AI community can reduce emissions for a greener future.

What trends are you seeing in terms of how generative AI is being used in computing?

Generative AI uses machine learning (ML) to create new content, like images and text, based on data that is inputted into the ML system. At the LLSC we design and build some of the largest academic computing platforms in the world, and over the past few years we've seen an explosion in the number of projects that need access to high-performance computing for generative AI.

We're also seeing how generative AI is changing all sorts of fields and domainsfor example, ChatGPT is already influencing the classroom and the workplace faster than regulations can seem to keep up.

We can imagine all sorts of uses for generative AI within the next decade or so, like powering highly capable virtual assistants, developing new drugs and materials, and even improving our understanding of basic science. We can't predict everything that generative AI will be used for, but I can certainly say that with more and more complex algorithms, their compute, energy, and climate impact will continue to grow very quickly.

What strategies is the LLSC using to mitigate this climate impact?

We're always looking for ways to make computing more efficient, as doing so helps our data center make the most of its resources and allows our scientific colleagues to push their fields forward in as efficient a manner as possible.

As one example, we've been reducing the amount of power our hardware consumes by making simple changes, similar to dimming or turning off lights when you leave a room. In one experiment, we reduced the energy consumption of a group of graphics processing units by 20% to 30%, with minimal impact on their performance, by enforcing a power cap. This technique also lowered the hardware operating temperatures, making the GPUs easier to cool and longer lasting.

Another strategy is changing our behavior to be more climate-aware. At home, some of us might choose to use renewable energy sources or intelligent scheduling. We are using similar techniques at the LLSCsuch as training AI models when temperatures are cooler, or when local grid energy demand is low.

We also realized that a lot of the energy spent on computing is often wasted, like how a water leak increases your bill but without any benefits to your home. We developed some new techniques that allow us to monitor computing workloads as they are running and then terminate those that are unlikely to yield good results. Surprisingly, in a number of cases we found that the majority of computations could be terminated early without compromising the end result.

Credit: Massachusetts Institute of Technology

What's an example of a project you've done that reduces the energy output of a generative AI program?

We recently built a climate-aware computer vision tool. Computer vision is a domain that's focused on applying AI to images; so, differentiating between cats and dogs in an image, correctly labeling objects within an image, or looking for components of interest within an image.

In our tool, we included real-time carbon telemetry, which produces information about how much carbon is being emitted by our local grid as a model is running. Depending on this information, our system will automatically switch to a more energy-efficient version of the model, which typically has fewer parameters, in times of high carbon intensity, or a much higher-fidelity version of the model in times of low carbon intensity.

By doing this, we saw a nearly 80% reduction in carbon emissions over a one- to two-day period. We recently extended this idea to other generative AI tasks such as text summarization and found the same results. Interestingly, the performance sometimes improved after using our technique.

What can we do as consumers of generative AI to help mitigate its climate impact?

As consumers, we can ask our AI providers to offer greater transparency. For example, on Google Flights, I can see a variety of options that indicate a specific flight's carbon footprint. We should be getting similar kinds of measurements from generative AI tools so that we can make a conscious decision on which product or platform to use based on our priorities.

We can also make an effort to be more educated on generative AI emissions in general. Many of us are familiar with vehicle emissions, and it can help to talk about generative AI emissions in comparative terms. People may be surprised to know, for example, that one image-generation task is roughly equivalent to driving four miles in a gas car, or that it takes the same amount of energy to charge an electric car as it does to generate about 1,500 text summarizations.

There are many cases where customers would be happy to make a trade-off if they knew the trade-off's impact.

What do you see for the future?

Mitigating the climate impact of generative AI is one of those problems that people all over the world are working on, and with a similar goal. We're doing a lot of work here at Lincoln Laboratory, but its only scratching at the surface. In the long term, data centers, AI developers, and energy grids will need to work together to provide "energy audits" to uncover other unique ways that we can improve computing efficiencies. We need more partnerships and more collaboration in order to forge ahead.

This story is republished courtesy of MIT News (web.mit.edu/newsoffice/), a popular site that covers news about MIT research, innovation and teaching.
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BYD electric cars for export wait to be loaded onto a ship at a port in Yantai, in eastern China's Shandong province.

The United States finalized a rule Tuesday effectively barring Chinese technology from cars in the American market, taking aim at software and hardware from the world's second biggest economy over national security risks.

The announcement, which also pertains to Russian technology, comes as outgoing President Joe Biden wraps up efforts to step up curbs on China, and after a months-long regulatory process.

The rule follows an announcement this month that Washington is mulling new restrictions to address risks posed by drones with tech from adversaries like China and Russia.

"Cars today aren't just steel on wheelsthey're computers," said Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo.

She noted that modern vehicles contain cameras, microphones, GPS tracking and other technologies connected to the internet.

"This is a targeted approach to ensure we keep PRC and Russian-manufactured technologies off American roads," she added, referring to the People's Republic of China.

The final rule currently applies just to passenger vehicles under 10,001 pounds, said the US Commerce Department.

It plans, however, to issue separate rulemaking aimed at tech in commercial vehicles like trucks and buses "in the near future."

For now, Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD, for example, has a facility in California producing buses and other vehicles.

National Economic Advisor Lael Brainard added that "China is trying to dominate the future of the auto industry."

But she said connected vehicles containing software and hardware systems linked to foreign rivals could result in misuse of sensitive data or interference.

'Nexus' to China

Under the latest rule, even if a passenger car were US-made, manufacturers with "a sufficient nexus" to China or Russia will not be allowed to sell such new vehicles incorporating hardware and software for external connectivity and autonomous driving.

This prohibition on sales takes effect for model year 2027.

The restriction also bans the import of the hardware and software if they are linked to Beijing or Moscow.

The software curbs take effect for model year 2027 while the hardware controls come into play for model year 2030.

Just a day earlier, Washington announced fresh export rules on chips used for AI, furthering efforts to make it hard for China and other rivals to access the technology.

The restrictions also tightened rules surrounding the sharing of cutting-edge AI models.

Washington has expanded efforts in recent years to curb exports of state-of-the-art chips to China, which can be used in AI and weapons systems, as Beijing's tech advancements spark concern among US policymakers.

But the rollout of many plans will fall to incoming President-elect Donald Trump, whose return to the White House early next week promises a raft of changes to government policies.

On Monday, Biden urged the Trump administration not to cede AI dominance to China.

"We must not offshore artificial intelligence, as we once did with computer chips and other critical technologies," Biden said in an address at the State Department.

"We are in the lead, and we must stay in the lead," he added, saying it should be Washington and its closest allies at the frontier of this technology.

US efforts to restrict Chinese tech come as American officials work to boost its domestic industries as well.

On Tuesday, Biden issued an executive order to accelerate the pace at which infrastructure for artificial intelligence development can be built in the country.

"We will not let America be out-built when it comes to the technology that will define the future," said Biden in a statement.

But the US actions could attract Beijing's retaliation, with the Chinese Commerce Ministry already calling Monday's AI-related export curbs "a flagrant violation" of international trade rules.

"China will take necessary measures to firmly safeguard its legitimate rights and interests," the ministry said.

 2025 AFP
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Julianna Varjopuro sprays the solar panel with a standard glass and mirror cleaner (Mellerud brand was used in the study), which was found to be almost as effective for the studied type of solar panel as a commercial product specifically designed for cleaning solar panels. Credit: Mikael Nyberg

A study conducted at the University of Turku, Finland, investigated how household cleaning products affect the ability of solar panel glass to transmit light. The results of the study were presented at the 41st European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition and in the conference proceedings.

For solar panels to work optimally, it is essential that they can absorb as much of the incoming solar radiation as possible. Soiling and, on the other hand, damage to the solar panel glass will reduce the panel's ability to absorb radiation.

A research team at the University of Turku in Finland investigated the best way to clean solar panels so that solar radiation would penetrate the panels as well as possible.

Most cleaning agents, such as glass cleaner and isopropanol, proved suitable for cleaning the studied solar panel glass.

The exception was dishwashing detergent and the results suggest that it should not be used when cleaning solar panels. Even dirty glass transmitted more light than glass cleaned with dishwashing detergent.

"Solar cell surfaces are usually made of glass, but typically have an anti-reflection coating and it is important to avoid damaging it. In this study, we did not test mechanical cleaning or pressure washers, for example, but I would not use them on panels," cautions Professor of Materials Engineering Kati Miettunen.

The study found that the optical properties of the studied anti-reflective coating on solar panel glass did not deteriorate as a result of chemical cleaningexcept when dishwashing detergent was used.

It is unlikely that dishwashing detergent damages the glass. However, rinsing does not seem to be sufficient, as the transmittance of the solar panel glass cleaned with detergent did not return to the pre-cleaning level after the rinsing.

"Even though the glass looks clean when cleaned with detergent, its ability to transmit light is significantly impaired. Therefore, a clean-looking end result does not guarantee optimal performance," says Research Assistant Julianna Varjopuro.

The study conducted by the Solar Energy Materials and Systems (SEMS) research group at the University of Turku provides information on solar panel maintenance for users of solar power. In particular, the RealSolar project focuses on how to incorporate solar power into the Finnish energy system. Accessible information on solar energy solutions is important for an equitable green transition.

More information: Aapo Poskela et al, Impact of Textured Surfaces and Cleaning on Solar Panel Glass Transmittance, (2024). DOI: 10.4229/eupvsec2024/3av.1.17
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Swiss reservoirs such as Lake Grimsel make a significant contribution to the resilience of the Swiss electricity system to shocks. Credit: Peter Schneider / Keystone

Researchers from ETH Zurich and ZHAW Winterthur are simulating in a new study how the future Swiss power system could be structured to withstand a drastic fall in gas and electricity imports. By doing so, they aim to contribute to the discussion surrounding Switzerland's supply security.

According to the Climate and Innovation Act, Switzerland is aiming for its energy supply to be CO 2 -neutral by 2050. Rising electricity demand due to the electrification of transport and heating is primarily to be covered by hydropower, solar and wind energy as well as imports. By 2050, the existing nuclear power plants will no longer be in operation.

But how dependent should a stable energy system be on other countries? This question has been at the heart of Switzerland's energy policy discussions since the cut in Russian gas supplies. The last two winters especially have been overshadowed by fears of electricity and gas shortages.

Scientists at ETH Zurich and ZHAW Winterthur are now simulating in a new study various shock scenarios for the climate-neutral Swiss energy system in 2050. They aim to illustrate how it needs to be structured to offset drastic restrictions in cross-border electricity trading as cost-effectively, securely and sustainably as possible.

"The question of which technologies make economic sense depends on how sharp and frequent the decline in import options proves to be," explains Ali Darudi, an energy researcher at ZHAW Winterthur and one of the study's authors. The scientists' model could contribute to an objective debate about Switzerland's supply security.

Simulating import shocks

The scientists have based their calculations for 2050 on the federal government's energy forecasts and anticipate an annual demand of 76 terawatt hours (TWh). They have defined as a starting point the most cost-effective energy system of the future without taking into account the politically defined expansion goals and excessive dependency on other countries. This model covers 45% of demand with cheap electricity from abroad and hydropower. The rest is accounted for primarily by photovoltaics and wind energy.

The scientists are exposing this energy system to various shocks: They are modeling scenarios in which electricity imports to Switzerland fall at varying degrees and frequencies for a full year, with gas imports being possible or impossible in the shock year.

In order to offset these import shocks as cost-effectively as possible while ensuring that enough electricity is available at all times, the authors of the study are testing a mix of different technologiesranging from reserve power stations operated with gas or liquid fuels, additional photovoltaic systems and wind power plants to various storage technologies and new nuclear power plants.

The scientists are also taking into account the estimated investment and operating costs of these technologies. A further core aspect of the analysis is that, unlike in previous studies, the power plant portfolio is always planned for operation under both normal conditions and the shock scenario.

How robust is the energy system of the future?

The model calculations show that the system could withstand up to a 70% reduction in import capacity for one year without the necessity for additional measures. This would primarily be made possible by hydropower reserves: "Switzerland's reservoirs can store almost nine terawatt hours of electricity. This together with the remaining import options would offset the availability shortage," says Jonas Savelsberg from ETH Zurich's Energy Science Center.

Additional production capacities would only be required to cover demand in the case of more than a 70% reduction in the possibility of electricity trading. The question of which technologies would be inexpensive and efficient to offset import losses depends on the severity and frequency of a shock.

According to ETH scientist Savelsberg, "The less frequent we are confronted by drastic restrictions of 70% or more in electricity trading abroad, the more efficiently we can overcome them with technologies that have high operating costs but low investment costs." Such technologies mainly include reserve power stations operated with gas or liquid fuels.

Liquid fuel power stations

In most scenarios in which no gas imports are available and electricity trading is restricted by 90% to 100% every 10 to 100 years, power plants operated with liquid fuels such as petrol, oil or synthetic fuels can be an economically viable option.

These plants are relatively inexpensive to build but expensive to operate. The reason for this is that the resulting CO 2 emissions have to be filtered from the air or the power plants have to be operated with expensive synthetic fuels.

However, the high operating costs carry less weight over the entire service life of these power plants, as they are very infrequently used. Furthermore, Switzerland already has considerable capacities for the storage of liquid fuels that will not be fully utilized due to the decarbonization of the energy system by 2050.

Technologies incurring high investment costs and low operating costs only make more sense if we assume that Switzerland has to manage entirely or practically entirely without electricity imports every two to five years. These technologies include photovoltaics, wind power andunder very extreme shock scenariosnuclear power.

Gas-fired power stations

If, on the other hand, gas imports from abroad are possible in a shock year, the model relies primarily on reserve gas-fired power stations to offset the drop in electricity imports. Here too, filtering the resulting CO 2 emissions out of the air is expensive.

"Gas imports have a key role to play in the design of a robust Swiss energy system," says Savelsberg. As soon as gas imports are available, nuclear power plants no longer offer an economically viable option for offsetting shocks. "The availability of gas reduces the economic incentives for investing in new nuclear power plants," says the ETH scientist.

Nuclear power and hydrogen

New nuclear power plants only make economic sense in the scientists' model calculations if a complete breakdown of electricity imports every two years is assumed and gas imports are not possible. "The very high investment costs of new nuclear power plants would only be offset by their relatively low operating costs in this unrealistic scenario," explains ZHAW scientist Darudi.

The scientists base their conclusions on assumed investment costs of EUR 10,000 per kilowatt (kW). This is roughly equivalent to the costs assumed by many other studies for the construction of new nuclear power plants in Europe. The scientists have also drawn similar conclusions when testing scenarios featuring lower costs.

Sustainably produced hydrogen is only deployed as an offsetting power supply in those shock scenarios in which electricity and gas imports break down completely every two to ten years. Altogether, however, it would amount to a maximum of just 2.5 TWh of electricity generation, which is equivalent to around 3% of Swiss demand. If, on the other hand, gas imports are available, it is not worth relying on hydrogen, which is expensive to produce.

Robustness of the analysis

The scientists also tested the findings of the study in another modeled energy system. They assumed that the targets set out in the Federal Act on a Secure Electricity Supply from Renewable Energy Sources would be met.

In this case, around 60% of demand is produced by photovoltaic systems in Switzerland, with the remainder coming primarily from hydropower and wind energy. This reduces the role played by electricity imports from neighboring countries, and Switzerland would export roughly the same amount of electricity as it imports throughout the year.

In this system, too, the researchers came to the same conclusions: reserve power plants fueled by gas or liquid fuels are also, in this case, the most efficient solution for dealing with rare shocks.

More information: Thrive in sunshine, brace for thunder: Least-cost robust power system investments under political shocks. Working Paper, ZBW  Leibniz Information Center for Economics. hdl.handle.net/10419/306555
The state has sued Allstate Corp. and affiliates for allegedly unlawfully collecting over 45 million Americans driving data. Nam Y. Huh/Associated Press Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton says the personal data of millions of Americans was sold by Allstate to insurance companies without consumers knowledge or consent. Smiley N. Pool/TNS

Texas has sued Allstate Corp. and affiliates, alleging they illicitly obtained driving behavior data for millions of Americans by paying app developers to install the insurers tracking software.

Allstate and other insurers used the covertly collected data to justify increasing drivers car insurance premiums, according to the lawsuit filed by Attorney General Ken Paxton in Montgomery County District Court.

Paxton is suing Illinois-based Allstate, subsidiary Arity LLC and other affiliates for alleged violations of the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act, a law that largely went into effect last year and introduced several consumer protections and data privacy regulations for state residents. Paxtons office said its the first legal action ever filed by a state attorney general to enforce a data privacy law.

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An Allstate spokeswoman briefly responded to the lawsuit filed Monday.

Arity helps consumers get the most accurate auto insurance price after they consent in a simple and transparent way that fully complies with all laws and regulations, she said in an email.

The state seeks more than $1 million in damages from the defendants, including civil penalties, attorneys fees and litigation costs. The state also seeks injunctive relief.

Our investigation revealed that Allstate and Arity paid mobile apps millions of dollars to install Allstates tracking software, Paxton said in a statement. The personal data of millions of Americans was sold to insurance companies without their knowledge or consent in violation of the law. Texans deserve better and we will hold all these companies accountable.

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The state alleges Allstate and affiliates used the data they obtained to build the worlds largest driving behavior database that houses information on more than 45 million Americans. The data collection was done without drivers knowledge or consent, the states lawsuit adds.

Allstate and affiliates developed and integrated software into third-party apps, so that when a consumer downloaded the app onto their phone, they unwittingly downloaded the defendants software, the complaint alleges. Allstate and affiliates paid developers millions of dollars to incorporate the software into the apps.

That allowed the defendants to monitor a consumers location and movement in real time, the suit says. They then sold the information as driving data reflecting consumers driving habits, despite the data being collected from and about the location of a persons phone, the suit adds.

More recently, however, Defendants have begun purchasing data about vehicles operations directly from car manufacturers, the lawsuit says. Defendants ostensibly did this to better account for their ability to distinguish whether a person was actually driving based on the location and movements of their phones.

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Paxton last year sued General Motors as part of an investigation into carmakers secretly collecting and selling consumers driving data. He accused GM of violations under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices  Consumer Protection Act.
(TBTCO) - So Giao dich Chung khoan TP. Ho Chi Minh (HoSE) a ban hanh quy tac moi cho bo chi so HOSE-Index, gioi han ty trong von hoa mot nhom nganh khong qua 40%, co hieu luc tu 30/12/2024. Cung voi trien vong nang hang thi truong chung khoan Viet Nam, nhung ieu chinh nay co the tac ong tich cuc en thanh khoan va vi the cua co phieu MSN cua Tap oan Masan.
Bahrain Airport Company (BAC), the operator and managing body of Bahrain International Airport (BIA), has signed a 15-year loan agreement with Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK) for further development of the Express Cargo Village, a major project at Bahrain International Airport.

The signing ceremony was held at the Awal Private Terminal at Bahrain International Airport with the agreement signed by Bahrain Airport Company Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Yousif AlBinfalah, and BBK General Manager Corporate Banking Nadeem Al Kooheji.

Under this agreement, BBK, selected through a competitive tender board process, will provide the necessary financing for the construction and development of the project. The Express Cargo Village will feature advanced warehouses, aircraft service areas, and modern infrastructure.

Terms of the financing were not revealed in a statement issued by BAC.

The Express Cargo Village will significantly enhance BIA's cargo capacity, projected to reach 1.3 million tons annually, up from the current 360,000 tons. The state-of-the-art facility, with its advanced warehouses and dedicated aircraft parking, will streamline operations and better cater to express cargo customers, while also creating new job opportunities.

Phase 1, encompassing 12,500 sq m, is already fully occupied, attracting significant foreign investment, including FedEx. With Phase 2 set to add 52,000 sq m, and substantial interest already confirmed, the project is well-aligned with Bahrain's Logistics Sector Strategy and reinforces the Kingdom's commitment to its Economic Vision 2030, BAC said.

AlBinfalah said: BBK has been a longstanding and trusted partner, and this collaboration builds on our previous successful partnerships. The Express Cargo Village is a crucial component of Bahrain's national logistics strategy, launched in 2021, and contributes to Bahrains Economic Vision 2030. This project will enhance BIA's logistics capabilities and position Bahrain as a regional logistics hub. We thank BBK for their support and trust in BAC's vision for transformative projects like the Express Cargo Village.

Al Kooheji said the partnership agreement to finance the Express Cargo Village project reflects the banks commitment to supporting large-scale projects and enterprises that drive economic development and foster social growth. This initiative aligns with BBKs overarching strategy to finance commercial and investment ventures, with a particular emphasis on facilitating access to essential financial solutions that enable businesses to launch, expand, and sustain their operations.

The agreement signifies a major step forward in the development of the Express Cargo Village and underscores BAC's commitment to driving economic growth and innovation in Bahrain's aviation sector. - TradeArabia News Service
Nakheel, a member of Dubai Holding Real Estate, has announced its collaboration with six locally and globally acclaimed architecture firms  WATG, Saota, Whitespace Architects, Naga Architects, LOCI, and LW Design Group  to deliver stunning 10 distinct architectural styles for the bespoke villas planned for the Beach Collection at Palm Jebel Ali.

Inspired by the island's unique blend of oceanfront serenity, vibrant cityscape, and the colours and forms defining its landscape, the architects have crafted an exclusive collection of 10 homes that celebrates the iconic destinations natural beauty and urban dynamism, delivering a collection of residences that integrate indoor-outdoor living and infuse luxury into everyday living.

From minimalist elegance to bold contemporary statements, the emphasis is on creating spaces that embrace natural light and take advantage of the scenic vistas to offer residents a sanctuary of tranquillity and exclusivity, aligned with Nakheels vision for Palm Jebel Ali, the company said.

Situated on prime beachfront locations, the five- and six-bedroom villas from the Beach Collection range from 7,300 sq ft to 8,500 sq ft, offering privacy and exclusivity. Each villa boasts a unique and contemporary facade, meticulously designed to complement the coastal setting. Grand entryways with double-height volumes lead to expansive living spaces, where floor-to-ceiling windows showcase captivating views of the Arabian Gulf.

Khalid Al Malik, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding Real Estate, said: With its breathtaking oceanfront views and ambitious vision, Palm Jebel Ali has inspired some of the worlds leading architectural minds to design bespoke masterpieces for The Beach Collection. These unique villas embody luxury, sophisticated design and a seamless connection with nature, a testament to the success of our collaboration, showcasing the individual brilliance of each architect while capturing the essence of this extraordinary destination. This collaboration brings to life our vision for exceptional homes that cater to inspired tastes and lifestyles.

The inspiration behind the collection

US-based global design firm WATGs Baia Luna and Crystal Springs villas in Palm Jebel Ali embody three distinct philosophies - Minimal, defined by purity of form and simplicity with clean lines and open spaces; Elegant, balancing classic beauty and modernity; and Dynamic, with fluid architectural lines and daring structural expressions. Set on the family-friendly fronds, these five- bedroom residences effortlessly reimagine a luxury lifestyle for its discerning occupants.

The design inspiration for South Africas Saota and its Ocean Whisper and Bluejay villas respond to Palm Jebel Alis unique location at the intersection of the ocean, the metropolis of Dubai, and the desert landscapes. This is reflected in the use of subtle curves mimicking the form of the waves; a material palette of light plasters, soothing beige tones, and warm metals; and a contemporary and modern design approach aligned with Dubais future.

With open spaces, sustainable materials, and energy-efficient elements, Indigo Ocean residences reflect a seamless connection between architecture and nature. Designed by Whitespace Architects (WSA), an award-winning international, home-grown firm headquartered in Dubai, these villas embody a thoughtful balance of artistry and functionality. The design draws inspiration from Palm Jebel Alis unique landscape, harmonising contemporary luxury with the surrounding environment.

Ranked in 2022 as one of the Top 10 Designers and Architects in the MENA region, Naga Architects has designed Cyan Sky, Blue Horizon, and Pacific Breeze villas on Palm Jebel Ali. The homes embody the spirit of the sea and feature refined materials and finishes to enrich the island lifestyle. Envisioned as an oasis of calmness, the expansive family spaces in each villa invite light and flow while the open kitchens blend functionality with style.

Drawing inspiration from the local context, the Cobalt villas by Dubai-based LOCI are deeply informed by the regions unique social, environmental, and material characteristics. Each design thoughtfully addresses these elements through a rhythmic composition and layering of spaces, creating a harmonious balance between openness and privacy, environmental protection, and shading, while maximising breathtaking beach and sea views. The choice of materials reflects local characteristics, with an emphasis on both horizontal and vertical elements that enhance visual flow.

The design approach of LW Design for the Wave Crest villas focuses on sophisticated detailing and layering of the facades and follows three themes to harmonise the expansive views of the exterior with the exquisite interiors. Nature villas have a minimal yet considered material palette with natural stone textures layered with warm timber tones; Contemporary villas use refined materials and brass detailing for strong and bold contrasts; and the White themed villas follow a neutral colour palette with refined details, contrasting metals, and marble to enhance the perception of light.

Palm Jebel Alis seven islands span 13.4 km, feature 16 fronds and over 90 km of beachfront, and it marks the beginning of a new growth corridor in the Jebel Ali area, underlining the expansion of the emirate, in line with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.

The landmark development is designed with several mixed-use pedestrian-friendly neighbourhoods offering panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf. Residents and visitors will enjoy an abundance of recreational spaces, catering to a diverse array of lifestyles and interests with a focus on smart city technologies and sustainable practices, the company said. - TradeArabia News Service
EDGE Group entity Abu Dhabi Ship Building (ADSB), a regional leader in the design, construction, repair, maintenance, refit, and conversion of naval and commercial vessels, celebrated a significant milestone with the launch of the first FALAJ 3 class vessel during a ceremony held at the ADSB shipyard.

This launch marks a pivotal phase in fulfilling the AED3.5bn contract with the Ministry of Defence (MOD), paving the way for an advanced fleet of vessels designed to enhance national defence capabilities.

Under the patronage of Rear Admiral Pilot Staff Major General Sheikh Saeed bin Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Commander of the UAE Naval Forces, the ceremony brought together dignitaries, military officials, and senior EDGE and ADSB leadership to commemorate the vessels debut.

David Massey, CEO of ADSB, said: The launch of the first FALAJ3 vessel reinforces ADSBs expertise in shipbuilding and represents a major step forward in delivering cutting-edge, highly sophisticated vessels equipped with the latest mission systems and advanced armament. This addition to ADSBs capabilities and extensive product portfolio underscores our commitment to supporting the strategic objectives of the Ministry of Defence. As we deepen this partnership, we remain focused on driving innovation and excellence to meet the evolving needs of the nations defence landscape. - TradeArabia News Service
A federal judge in San Diego had dismissed a class-action lawsuit against USAA that alleged the San Antonio company had discriminated against enlisted military personnel and veterans by relegating them to a "substandard" insurance company. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News

USAA has prevailed in a California class-action lawsuit that accused the San Antonio insurer of discriminating against enlisted military personnel and veterans by relegating them to what they said was a substandard insurance company.

U.S. District Judge Robert S. Huie in San Diego granted the companys request for summary judgment last week  essentially ruling for USAA without conducting a trial.

USAA remains committed to providing competitive products and exceptional service to the military community, and the allegations in this suit had no merit, company spokesman Roger Wildermuth said in an email. California law allows us to serve members in the manner we do, and our rates are examined and approved by regulators. We believe the judge reached the right decision in dismissing this suit.

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The plaintiffs plan to fight the decision, said Michael Lieder, their Washington, D.C., lawyer.

We are disappointed with Judge Huies decision and intend to appeal, he said in an email.

The case, which was brought by two customers living in California, had been pending for nearly four years.

Eileen-Gayle Coleman and Robert Castro alleged USAA discriminates against enlisted servicemembers and veterans by consigning them to USAA General Indemnity Co., which the plaintiffs said was a lower quality insurer that charges higher base rates for automobile insurance than United Services Automobile Association.

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United Services offers insurance to current and former military officers but not to enlisted policyholders, the suit said.

The plaintiffs sought the greater of $4,000 or three times compensatory damages for each member of the class.

In late 2023, the judge granted certification on one of the plaintiffs claims for a group known as the Good Driver Class. It was made up of enlisted personnel who qualified as good drivers but were not offered a good driver discount so paid more for their General Indemnity policy than they would have paid for a United Services policy. The class numbered about 200,000, according to the plaintiffs.

The judge denied a request to certify a proposed discrimination class made up of enlisted people who purchased or renewed a General Indemnity policy and paid more than if it was through United Services. The discrimination claims were dismissed last January.

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Besides the class claim alleging violation of Californias Unfair Competition Law, the only other cause of action left to litigate was an individual claim for violation of the law based on unfair conduct.

Huie, the judge, ruled that the plaintiffs couldnt rely on the Californias insurance code to argue that USAA is prohibited from drawing a distinction between officers and enlisted personnel.

USAA is entitled to follow its placement rules that limit insurance to persons who engage in  governmental or military service, Huie said in a 16-page ruling. The insurance code does not require United Services to insure a good driver who does not otherwise qualify for insurance from United Services under USAA placement rules.
AD Ports Group, a leading facilitator of global trade, logistics, and industry, has signed a foundation agreement with Semurg Invest LLP, the owner and developer of the Sarzha Multifunctional Marine Terminal at Kuryk Port, Kazakhstan.

Under the terms of this agreement, AD Ports Group owns a 51% stake and Semurg a 49% stake in the partnership Sarzha Grain Terminal.

The partnership has commenced constructing a greenfield grain terminal at Kuryk Port. Following the completion of phase one, this grain terminal will have the capacity to handle 570,000 tons of grain cargo per year. With the construction of phase two, the terminal's capacity is set to expand further, reaching 1.5 million tons per year.

Sarzha Grain Terminal will see a total investment of just over $50 million over the two phases, with AD Ports Group contributing around $30 million.

With phase 1 scheduled for completion in the second half of 2026, Sarzha Grain Terminal is set to enhance global food trade, connecting Kazakhstan via the Transcaspian International Transport Route with Europe through a network of sea and dry ports in Central Asia.

Abdulaziz Zayed Al-Shamsi, Regional CEO of AD Ports Group, said: "Our partnership with Semurg marks another key milestone in AD Ports Groups Middle Corridor strategy and reinforces our commitment to global food security and the UAE's National Strategy for Food Security. This investment demonstrates our Group's dedication to expanding our presence in Central Asia, and in Kazakhstan in particular."

Al-Shamsi further added, "Sarzha Grain Terminal will not only boost grain trade and handling at Kuryk Port but also, by leveraging modern technologies and sustainable practices, we aim to establish a resilient and reliable food supply chain to meet the growing demand of the global population. This project embodies our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and strategic growth.  TradeArabia News Service
World Future Energy Summit 2025, the foremost regional event advancing clean energy and sustainability, opens today (January 14) at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), hosted by Masdar.

Running until January 16 as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, the summit will feature high-level debates, product innovations, and opportunities to help lead the world toward a more sustainable future, reports WAM.

The Summit, which has seen a record of 25 per cent year-on-year increase in visitor registrations, is set to be a beacon for global collaboration, innovation, and action with a roster of high-level ministerial and energy policymakers ready to outline their pathways to energy transition and circular economies.

Held in a region committed to energy transformation where alternatives such as solar are being prioritised, the Summit will gather more than 30,000 attendees, including government officials, industry leaders, and sustainability advocates from across the globe.

This event will showcase the latest advancements in renewable energy, artificial intelligence, climate tech, circular economy principles, green financing, and sustainable cities.

Serving as a platform for thought leadership and innovation, the high-profile speaker platform will include a trio of representatives from the UAEs Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure: Sharif Alolama, Under-Secretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs, Abdelmuti Ahmed Murad, Head of Energy Strategies and Policies Division, and Ahmad AlShamsi, Mechanical Engineer, Water Resources Department.

Other speakers include; Heiko Seitz, Global & Middle East eMobility Leader, PwC; Fadi Comair, Director of EEWRC, Chair and Vice Chair of UNESCO; Nadia Rouchdy, Head of Climate, Emirates Nature  WWF; and Ghiwa Nakat, Executive Director, Greenpeace.

This years agenda places a strong emphasis on the transformative potential of AI, with sessions exploring its potential in enhancing efficiencies, supply security, and reducing emissions across energy, climate-induced challenges, water and waste management, and sustainable cities  including harnessing real-time AI for seamless urban traffic management.

Presentations include a pioneering case study of autonomous drilling operations that saved US$500 million and cut one million tonnes of CO2 in 2023. There will be leading-edge insights on cognitive buildings and integrating AI into urban management systems for seamless, sustainable living, as well as innovations such as real-time route optimisation for waste collection fleets.

The conference will feature seven vertical conference streams that combined will drill into the entire energy eco-system and give visitors, delegates, and exhibitors in-depth insights into the latest developments impacting Solar & Clean Energy, Water, EcoWASTE, Sustainable Cities, Green Finance, eMobility, and Pathways to 1.5 deg C sectors.

World Future Energy Summit 2025 will be replete with interactive exhibits and networking opportunities, with more than 400 exhibitors presenting groundbreaking solutions in solar, eMobility, clean energy, water, and waste management.
NMDC Energy, a provider of engineering, procurement and construction services for offshore and onshore energy clients, and a majority-owned subsidiary of NMDC Group, has inaugurated an advanced fabrication yard in Ras Al Khair, Saudi Arabia.

This represents the next phase of its strategic regional and global growth for the company, it said.

Equipped with the latest features in automation and digitalisation, it also incorporates the latest fabrication processes and boasts a production capacity of 40,000 tonnes per year.

The yard was officially inaugurated at the iktva Forum & Exhibition 2025, taking place at the Dhahran Expo, in the presence of Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Eastern Province.

The 400,000-sq-m state-of-the-art yard, part of the Ras Al Khair Special Economic Zone, will provide offshore facilities fabrication as well as onshore modularisation. The yard will form part of an end-to-end solution in a wider a maritime and offshore cluster which is designed to support industry.

NMDC Energy has invested AED200 million ($54.45 million) into its Ras Al Khair yard to provide productive, safe and environmentally sound facilities, and it will embed the latest technologies to deliver efficiencies and reduce environmental impact, the company said.

Over the past five years, NMDC Energy has reinjected SAR5 billion ($1.33 billion) into the Saudi economy and industry, to support positive economic impact in the kingdom, and the yard is a key milestone in its efforts to support KSAs economic priorities, it said.

Mohamed Hamad Almehairi, Chairman of NMDC Energy, said: The inauguration of the Ras Al Khair yard represents a bold and exciting new chapter for energy cooperation for both the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which will bring vast tangible benefits to both nations. Were proud that NMDC Energy will serve as an engine of economic development by powering priority industries, enabling businesses, and advancing solutions across the energy value chain. We foresee vast opportunities to collaborate and to pursue projects in areas that will maximise the value of the resources in both our nations as well as ensure that the UAE and KSA remain leaders in the regional energy transition.

Eng Yasser Zaghloul, CEO of NMDC Group, said: The Ras Al Khair fabrication yard is a testament to NMDC Energys commitment to supporting Saudi Arabias infrastructure ambitions and delivering world-class energy solutions. We are proud to contribute to projects that drive sustainable growth and innovation, creating value for industries and communities alike. This milestone reinforces our shared vision of excellence and strengthens our role as a trusted partner in the regions energy transformation.

Eng. Ahmed Al Dhaheri, CEO of NMDC Energy, commented: At NMDC Energy, we understand that the essence of Saudi Vision 2030 is that it seeks a strong, thriving and stable Saudi Arabia. Thats why were looking forward to bringing 51 years of experience to create new opportunities for prosperity for both KSA and the UAE, as well as supporting new and existing clients across the wider region. Through our projects and collaborations in Ras Al Khair, we can build upon Saudis national priorities by helping to diversify the national economy, creating skilled jobs and harnessing the full potential of the skilled labor force.

The ambitious, large-scale project opens an existing new phase for UAE-KSA economic collaboration, the company added.  TradeArabia News Service
Groupe GM, a leader in guest amenities, has partnered with Corsican fragrance house Isula to create a hotel line that celebrates the essence of Corsica, its vibrant heritage, quality dedication, and the beauty of the island's landscapes.

REFLECTING SHARED HERITAGE AND COMMON PASSION

Isula is a fragrance created by Stephanie and Paolo, a passionate perfumer and economist from Corsica, Italy.

Founded in 2007, the brand combines the rich heritage of Corsica and Tuscany with creativity, celebrating the wild beauty and authenticity of these lands through perfumery.

Groupe GM, inspired by the founders' shared heritage, created an exclusive hotel line aimed at those who aspire to integrate authenticity and natural elegance into their daily lives.

The fragrance features Chestnut Blossom and Corsican Lemon, capturing the fresh, invigorating scent of the island at dawn.

The heart of the fragrance is Chestnut Bark, evoking the lush, diverse flora of Corsica, and the base note is woody, musky tones.

The fragrance is a unique olfactory journey for guests seeking authenticity and natural elegance.

ECO DESIGN PRACTICES

The Isula hotel line offers products made with up to 98 per cent natural ingredients, each evoking a journey to the heart of Corsica.

The range includes 20g RSPO-certified soap, 30ml and 70ml small format plant-based tube products with recycled plastic caps, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, and body lotion.

The hotel line also features large format dispensers like the 300ml Ecopump dispenser and the Ecofill Slim, designed for smaller spaces.

The Ecopump is made from recycled plastic, while the Ecofill Slim is sleeker and slimmer.

The range is in line with Groupe GM's Care About Earth program, aiming to reduce its environmental impact and contribute to sustainability for generations to come. The eco-designed amenity range is designed to preserve product integrity and promote sustainability.

Laurent Marchand, President of Groupe GM, said: We are thrilled to partner with a brand as authentic and inspiring as Isula to introduce a distinctive, eco-conscious amenity line to our clients. This collaboration beautifully reflects the shared commitment of both our companies to quality, creativity, and sustainability. The Isula line offers hotels the opportunity to provide their guests with thoughtfully designed products that celebrate the rich heritage and natural elegance of Corsica, delivering a memorable sensory experience rooted in authenticity and care for the environment. -TradeArabia News Service
Malaysia launched its Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign on Monday (Jan 13) in a spectacular event held at Hangar 6, MAB Engineering Complex.

The event was officiated by the Prime Minister, YAB Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim, unveiling the campaigns logo, mascot, theme song, and aircraft livery.

With an ambitious goal to welcome 35.6 million international visitors and generate RM147.1 billion ($32.68 billion)in tourism receipts, VM2026 marks a significant chapter in Malaysias tourism journey. The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, led by YB Dato' Sri Tiong King Sing, is committed to making VM2026 a memorable and impactful campaign, said a statement.

The VM2026 logo is a symbol of Malaysias vibrant culture, natural beauty, and global appeal, serves as a visual reminder of the countrys readiness to welcome tourists worldwide. The logo was creatively unveiled on the aircraft of Malaysia Airlines, Batik Air, and AirAsia. This marks the first time that these airlines will display the logo as part of their aircraft designs, symbolising a united front in promoting tourism and generating excitement for the transformative year ahead.

The event also premiered the official VM2026 theme song, titled Surreal Experiences which captures the essence of Malaysias unique offerings. This song will be a key component of the campaign to attract global attention and engage visitors with the enchanting experiences Malaysia has to offer.

In addition, the Malayan Sun Bear, a proud endangered species and a symbol of Malaysias commitment to wildlife conservation, has been adopted as the official icon for the campaign. Designed in a lovable, animated style, the Malayan Sun Bear aims to appeal to all ages, evoking a sense of warmth and joy, and further enhancing Malaysias image as a welcoming destination for tourists.

The event was attended by key representatives from various ministries, reflecting the national importance of the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign.

As part of Malaysia's broader National Agenda, VM2026 aims to increase tourism revenue, strengthen Malaysias global tourism competitiveness, and ultimately position the sector as one of the largest contributors to the countrys GDP. With Malaysias strong potential as a world-class tourist destination, VM2026 is set to not only boost tourism but also create jobs and enhance the country's global image and bringing prosperity to communities, enriching local cultures, and fostering growth in sectors beyond tourism  including hospitality, transport, retail, and food industries.

The event also featured the exchange of memorandum of collaboration (MOC) with key strategic partners, including Malaysia Aviation Group, AirAsia, Batik Air, Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad, Huawei, Mastercard, Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur, Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA), and The Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH). These partnerships aim to enhance connectivity, expand marketing campaigns, and deliver exceptional visitor experiences through innovative technologies, seamless travel experiences, and exclusive promotional offers.

As part of the build-up to VM2026, the Malaysia Sarong Music Run (MSMR) 2025 will be held on February 8 at the Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur. This unique cultural and fitness event is expected to attract over 20,000 participants.

A celebration of Malaysias heritage while promoting a healthy lifestyle, MSMR 2025 is supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture and will feature collaborations with Locco, known for the Keretapi Sarong, showcasing Malaysias multicultural harmony. -TradeArabia News Service
Etihad Airways, the UAE's national airline, reported a significant increase in traffic in December 2024, welcoming 1.7 million guests, a 20 per cent rise from the previous year, and a load factor of 87 per cent, compared to 84 per cent in December 2023.

Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, said: "December was our busiest month of the year, in the traditionally active holiday season, and we carried 1.7 million passengers, a 22 per cent rise on the same month of 2023.

In the full year of 2024, we carried more than 18 million guests, with a very healthy passenger load factor of 87 percent across the year. More impressively, it represents an 80 per cent increase in our total passenger numbers for 2022, underlining our strong growth trajectory over the past two years.

"In December, our network continued to grow as we resumed our service to Nairobi, Kenya, and we are looking forward to starting operations to the new destinations recently announced. -TradeArabia News Service
Dubai-based dnata Travel has opened a new retail store at Mall of the Emirates, offering a convenient location for travellers to find all their travel needs.

The store offers personalised service from knowledgeable consultants and offers the latest products and offers for 2025.

Customers booking a holiday at the mall can claim a AED100 ($27.23) travel voucher and enter a prize draw for a luxurious five-star stay in Vienna, Austria.

The store is located near Carrefour and offers assistance with local staycations and complex international itineraries, including tours, attractions, transfers, and insurance.

Matthew Vlemmiks, dnata Travel Leisure Manager, commented: Mall of the Emirates has been a flagship location for dnata Travel for over a decade. This move allows us to expand our retail space in a location we hope UAE residents will find even more accessible. This comes at a time of major developments and growth for our brand as we continue to enhance our retail footprint and online presence, offering the latest and best travel deals  including many exclusives for UAE travellers.

dnata Travel offers exclusive rates to GCC residents, featuring popular destinations like the Indian Ocean islands and Thailand's beach resorts. Trending deals include wellness packages with health and mindfulness focus, savings, and treatments.

Highlights this January include a beach break in Sri Lanka and a 45 per cent savings on a three-night stay at the Shangri-La Hambantota, including a Deluxe Room, Half Board upgrade, and return economy class flights from AED3,675 per person. -TradeArabia News Service
ITB Berlin Convention 2025 will offer a comprehensive programme with exciting innovations to guide a travel industry in transition.

ITB Berlin 2025, the worlds leading travel trade show, will take place from March 4 to 6 March as a B2B event. As in previous years, the internationally acclaimed ITB Berlin Convention will take place parallel with the show as a live event on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds.

Under this years heading 'The Power of Transition lives here, more than 400 leading speakers from business, science and politics will examine current and future challenges facing the industry on four stages and at a total of 17 theme tracks.

To help navigate the extensive offerings, four stages will host the numerous sessions, which can be attended onsite or, for the first time, streamed live via the ITB Navigator.

Later, they will also be available on ITB Berlins YouTube channel. The ITB Navigator, as the central event platform, offers detailed information on the exhibitor list, convention and event programmes, and hall maps. Access to the ITB Berlin Convention is included with exhibitor, trade visitor, and media accreditation tickets for ITB Berlin.

17 theme tracks

On the Orange Stage in Hall 7.1, speakers will explore developments in marketing and sales as well as the long-term sustainability of the industry. The WTCF (World Tourism Cities Federation) is Stage Sponsor of the Orange Stage. The Future Track, Marketing & Distribution Track, and Responsible Tourism Track offer valuable insights on topics like sustainability and climate impact assessments.

Highlights include presentations by Mitra Sorrells (Senior Vice President Content, Phocuswright) and Zoritsa Urosevic (Executive Director, UN Tourism). Microsoft Advertising is Track Sponsor of the Future Track, Google is Track Sponsor of the Marketing & Distribution Track, and Studiosus is Session Sponsor of the Responsible Tourism Track.

Also in Hall 7.1, the Blue Stage provides a vital platform for tour operators, airlines, tourist boards, cruise companies, hoteliers, and other industry players. Tracks such as the Tour Operator & Travel Sales Track, Carrier & Cruise Track, Destination Track, and Hospitality Track deliver diverse perspectives and strategies.

Among the featured speakers are Dimitrios Buhalis (Bournemouth University) and Vicki Miller (Visit Scotland), who will discuss the role of AI in destination marketing. The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) is Partner of the Destination Track.

The Green Stage in Hall 3.1 focuses on specific target groups and special interest offerings. The ITB Masterclass, Diversity & Inclusion Track, MICE Track, Youth, Adventure & Outdoor Track, and Business Travel Track examine trends across various travel segments. Sebastian Gonzalez (Associate Director Europe, Business Events Sydney) and Jan Christensen (Project Manager MICE, HA Hessen Agentur) will discuss new developments in destination marketing. For the first time, the Green Stage will also include the new Corporate Culture Clash Track, addressing challenges in workplace culture and corporate environments.

In Hall 6.1, the red eTravel Stage centers on the digitalization of marketing and sales. Tracks such as the eTravel Track, Hospitality Tech Track, Tours & Activities Track, AI Track, and Destination Travel Track offer deep dives into technological advancements and challenges, covering topics like AI, the metaverse, hyper-personalization, Web3, and blockchain technology. Notable speakers include Ann-Kathrin Harms (Head of the CEOs Division, German National Tourism Board, DZT) and Leah Rankin (Chief Product Officer, SiteMinder).

ITB Transition Lab

For the first time, the new convention format ITB Transition Lab will offer concise, high-value information. Marketing experts from the destinations and hospitality sectors will present data-driven recommendations in 90 minutes. Participants will gain twenty essential insights along with a selection of important tips and advice.

At ITB Berlin 2024 more than 5,500 exhibitors from 170 countries and territories displayed their products and services to almost 100,000 visitors. With ITB 360, the 365-day global innovation hub that is ITB Berlin now offers the worldwide tourism community year-round insights in the form of specialist articles, podcasts and other innovative formats. - TradeArabia News Service
Developers finished construction on 12,858 apartments in San Antonio in 2024, roughly double the typical annual tally of 5,000 to 6,000 units, according to commercial real estate data firm CoStar. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News The vacancy rate across office buildings in San Antonio was 17.5% at the end of 2024, a 0.4% increase from the end of 2023, according to commercial real estate firm Partners. Vacancies have been particularly high downtown. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News The vacancy rate across retail space in the area was 4% at the end of 2024, up about 0.8% from the end of 2023, according to commercial real estate firm Partners. Ethan Rocke/Ethan E. Rocke/Contributor

After grappling with soaring prices during the pandemic, San Antonio tenants are seeing some relief as landlords offer a month or two of free rent, waived application fees and other enticements to try to fill their apartment buildings.

Owners of office buildings also are trying to persuade tenants to lease space.

Retail space is the bright spot for San Antonio-area landlords, with empty storefronts quickly being filled and forecasts that e-commerce sales would eliminate demand for brick-and-mortar space failing to pan out.

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Heres a look at how four segments of commercial real estate are faring heading into the new year.

Multifamily

Developers finished 12,858 apartments in San Antonio in 2024, roughly double the typical tally of 5,000 or 6,000 units built annually, according to commercial real estate data firm CoStar. Average asking rents fell 2.3% and 1.1% in 2024 and 2023, respectively, after surging 10.4% and 3.4% in 2021 and 2022, respectively.

Thats prompted landlords to offer deals to attract renters, such as free weeks of rent, free parking or waived application and administrative fees.

The goal for a lot of these owners and managers right now is just to keep these tenants in place, said Daniel Khalil, associate director of market analytics for South, Central and West Texas at CoStar. The heads-in-beds strategy is a lot of what people are talking about these days in the multifamily world. The whole idea is, take as big of a rent cut as you have to but get people to your community, because once theyve lived there for a year theyre significantly less likely to move.

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Many of the properties touting major concessions are in the suburbs, where it can be harder for renters to differentiate between similar properties on factors aside from price, Khalil said. CoStar predicts 5,602 apartments will be built in 2025 and 2,570 will be built in 2026, with rents remaining flat this year and rising 1.7% in 2026.

Its going to be a bit less favorable for tenants in two years time because theres less competition, and thats been a key factor thats maintained affordability in this market over the past year or two, Khalil said.

Office

While buildings are emptier than before the pandemic, the office sector in San Antonio isnt faring as poorly as in some other cities.

The vacancy rate in the area was 17.5% at the end of 2024, a 0.4% increase from the end of 2023, said Steve Triolet, senior vice president of research and market forecasting at commercial real estate firm Partners. Most prominent office markets have vacancy rates in the mid-20% to 30% range, he said.

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Buildings are more fully occupied here in part because the city isnt a hub for major companies with large offices and developers havent built much space. In other cities, decades of overbuilding created a glut of space when remote work increased during the pandemic.

Many jobs in major industries in San Antonio  tourism, military, health care, education and manufacturing  also cant be performed from home, and more companies are calling workers back to their cubicles. JPMorgan Chase, which has about 5,000 employees locally, recently announced it is ordering workers back to the office in March. Other major San Antonio employers have been gradually doing so over the past few years.

About 434,000 square feet of space is under construction in the area. Thats double the amount of space in the works a year earlier but those new buildings increased the citys inventory by only 0.6%, Triolet said.

The redevelopment of Rackspace Technology Inc.s former headquarters in Windcrest also brought down the office vacancy rate last year. Industrial Commercial Properties LLC plans to refurbish and find retail and industrial tenants for the 1.2 million-square-foot building on Walzem Road. Rackspace left the sprawling former mall and moved into 80,000 square feet in a building near Stone Oak last year.

Its the most resilient of the Texas markets right now, Triolet said of San Antonio.

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Some companies bringing employees back to the office are flocking to lease high-end space: new or recently renovated buildings with outdoor areas, fitness centers, natural light and proximity to restaurants and coffee shops. That shift, known as the flight to quality, has been less of a factor in San Antonio compared with other cities because so little new space has been built, Triolet added.

Retail

Clothing stores and restaurant chains wanting to expand in San Antonio dont have many options to choose from.

The vacancy rate in the area was 4% at the end of 2024, up about 0.8% from the end of 2023, and thats a healthy number, Triolet said. If the rate is below that, leasing slows because the only space available is typically storefronts at the least desirable shopping centers or facing away from thoroughfares, and tenants dont want that, he said.

Malls and shopping centers have mostly stayed full because little retail space has been built. About 960,000 square feet is under construction, down 9.4% from 2023, Triolet said.

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While most empty spots get snapped up quickly, blocks of over 20,000 square feet are hard to fill because few tenants are looking for that much space. For properties with that much contiguous space or more in San Antonio, the vacancy rate jumps to 22.4%, Triolet said.

Pickleball court and gym operators have taken some of those slots. For example, EoS Fitness is opening a 40,000-square-foot gym at Whitestones Windsor Park Center near Windcrest. But leases often include noncompete clauses to prevent multiple businesses of a similar nature from opening at the same properties, making it more difficult to fill the space.

Retail across the board is the healthiest of the property types in San Antonio, in Texas, for most of the country, Triolet said.

Industrial

Developers hit the brakes on building industrial space since the pandemic, when they rushed to construct warehouses for retailers and manufacturers wanting to store inventory and expand operations.

You couldnt build it fast enough until basically about two years ago. Because of COVID and disruptions to the global supply chain, companies wanted to build up on-shore logistics hubs, Triolet said.

The vacancy rate in the area was 8.8% last year, up 1.6% from 2023, a level Triolet described as neutral. About 5.3 million square feet is under construction, but he expects that pipeline to keep slowing down.
FOR nearly two years, one of the chief financiers of the Seven gang based in the United King
A March for Justice event in San Antonio that shows members of the Brown Berets in the vanguard. Courtesy/Ramon Vasquez y Sanchez one-t San Antonian Mario Compean was a founder of both the Mexican American Youth Organization and its successor the Raza Unida Party. Compean ran governor in 1978 under the Raza Unida banner. Courtesy/Ramon Vasquez y Sanchez one-t Members of the Brown Berets served as security guards during the Chicano Movement. Courtesy/Ramon Vasquez y Sanchez one-t Ramon Vasquez y Sanchez sits outside the San Antonio headquarters of the Raza Unida Party. Courtesy/Ramon Vasquez y Sanchez one-t United States Representative Joaquin Castro waits to speak during the Texas House Democrats press conference outside the Texas GOP convention at Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center on Friday, May 24, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News

Early last year, U.S. Reps. Joaquin Castro of Texas and Jimmy Gomez of California asked the CIA and the FBI to release their respective surveillance documents involving Chicano and other Latino civil rights activists from the 1960s and 70s.

As Azios first reported, records showed the CIA was monitoring not only leading Chicano activists of the day, but also infiltrating Mexican American student groups in Arizona, California and Colorado.

The CIAs domestic espionage project  Operation CHAOS  worked under the administrations of Presidents Lyndon B. Johnson and Richard Nixon. It targeted U.S. citizens viewed as threats to the nation, not as fellow Americans exercising their civil rights to demand better of their country.

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Castro and Gomez brought attention to U.S. intelligence agencies whose anti-democratic activities were already partly recognized, but they emphasized the historical record with regard to the Latino civil rights movement has remained incomplete.

The CIA followed through with the congressional request and produced 55 files.

As yet, the FBI has not complied.

In response last week, Castro, Gomez and 33 other members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus asked President Joe Biden to direct the FBI to release the requested documents.

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The caucus also asked Biden to declassify the documents before leaving office.

The caucus letter referred to an extensive campaign of surveillance, infiltration, and disruption directed at the Latino civil rights movement, motivated in part by concerns about the growing political power of American Latinos.

According to various reports, whats available now shows that the CIA surveilled activists who supported the work of notable leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr., whose national holiday falls on Monday, and Cesar Chavez, whose birthday in March is recognized as a holiday in various states.

The agency was developing files on student activists, too. The students suspected they were being surveilled.

Perhaps it was because some of the spying activities were so obvious. Yet for decades, activists were accused of paranoia.

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Many of them became civic and political leaders, academics and they took on leadership roles in their communities.

Among them is former Councilwoman Rosie Castro, mother of Congressman Castro and his twin brother Julian Castro, former San Antonio mayor and former housing secretary in the Obama administration.

A longtime political activist, Rosie Castro recalled people who would kind of come out of nowhere that were suddenly very interested in being involved, she said Monday.

Some also were photographers with equipment that was not commonplace at the time, she said.

ELAINE AYALA: Jan. 6 attack on Capitol propelled new Dem chair

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Activists also suspected that local police were engaged in federal surveillance operations, as previously released records of Congressman Henry B. Gonzalez now show, she said.

Rosie Castro recalled being monitored when she collected signatures for a petition to keep Angela Davis out of jail, she said.

Now an academic, author and political activist, Davis rose to fame as a member of the Communist Party and the Black Panther Party.

I didnt realize that even that was something that they were looking at, Castro said.

Surveillance was a topic of conversation among activists.

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People would say, Oh, I think this guy, or I think so and so is informing the police or is an informant. But you never could tell, really, whether they were or werent.

At the time, activists like her were also involved in protesting police brutality cases. Castro said she hopes some of the documents shine light on such cases for the historical record.

Congressman Castro said Tuesday that he was glad the CIA released 55 files but emphasized the effort isnt complete, noting the lack of FBI files.

Our understanding is many documents from this period remain unreleased, the caucus letter said.

The FBI remains uncooperative.

For the next several days, were making a strong push to get President Biden to order the declassification of the FBI documents from that time that I believe would show even more extensive surveillance and disruption activity, because the FBI was primarily responsible for domestic operations, and I think its important for posterity to have a clear picture about what these people were up against, Castro said.

These were groups that were acting peacefully, working in a democratic spirit, to get registered people to vote, to mobilize them to vote, to advocate within democratic institutions for change, and yet their own government surveilled them and often put obstacles in front of their goals.

If we cant be transparent about the past, its hard for people to have confidence in our institutions in present time, he said.

Castros office has heard from some of the nations Latino activists of the time, including civil rights groups and academics.

Most say what his mother long has said.
Leaders of Vietnams low-cost air carrier Vietjet traveled to the U.S. to meet strategic partners at Mar-a-Lago, a resort and national historic landmark in Florida, during the framework of 'The Friends of Vietnam Summit' last week.

The leaders arrived on Vietjet's maiden flight to Miami. The flight is an important milestone for Vietjet and aligns with comprehensive strategic cooperation with the U.S..

During his first presidential tenure in 2017, Donald Trump officially visited Vietnam.

He witnessed the signing of a contract between Boeing and Vietjet, which resulted in the airline ordering 100 737 Max planes.

Following Trump's suggestion, Vietjet doubled the number of ordered aircraft.

Vietjet will receive 14 737 Max aircraft later this year.

VietJet chairwoman Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao delivers a speech at The Friends of Vietnam Summit. Photo: Vietjet

They are currently in the process of negotiating strategic agreements worth US$50 billion with leading groups, such as Boeing, GE, CFM, Pratt & Whitney, and Honeywell.

The carrier is also discussing other cooperation agreements equal to $14 billion that are estimated to create nearly 500,000 jobs for Americans.

Vietjet is a partner of leading tech giants, including Microsoft, Amazon Web Service, Apple, and Google.

The airline is in talks with Elon Musks SpaceX and several providers of in-flight internet technology to serve its fleet of hundreds of aircraft, fostering a hi-tech workforce, and ushering in a new era of innovation.

Vietjets aircraft and crew at Miami Airport in the U.S.. Photo: Vietjet

As Vietnams first private airline, Vietjet started with a fleet of three and has grown to a fleet of 115 new, modern, and fuel-efficient aircraft.

Entering a new period of growth with strong commitments from strategic partners, Vietjet is committed to continuing to offer affordable fares and quality services while serving as a bridge between people, culture, and business opportunities for enterprises and people worldwide.

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Vietnam Airlines, Vietnams national flag carrier, was honored as one of the worlds top 25 safest full-service airlines in 2025 by Australia-based AirlineRatings.com, a global airline safety and product rating website.

As per the list published on Sunday, the carrier sits at number 22.

In first place is Air New Zealand, followed by Quatas as the runner-up, and a three-way tie for third with Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways, and Emirates.

The fourth and fifth positions went to Virgin Australia and Etihad Airways, respectively.

Vietnam Airlines (VNA) is the only representative of Vietnam ranked by AirlineRatings.com in the top 25 safest full-service airlines in the world in 2025.

To make the annual ranking, AirlineRatings.com monitored a total of 385 global airlines based on many strict criteria, including but not limited to the serious incident record over the past two years, aircraft age, fleet size, incident rate, profit, IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification, and pilot training skills.

According to the website, VNA has passed its IOSA certification without fail since 2006 and is operating a fleet of 100 modern aircraft with an average age of under 10 years.

The IOSA certification is recognized globally as a hallmark of operational safety and VNAs consistent re-certification has demonstrated its dedication to maintaining the highest levels of safety in its operations.

AirlineRatings CEO Sharon Petersen shared that VNA has not recorded any serious accidents or incidents over the past 27 years.

Last year, VNA was selected by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) as the host of the World Safety and Operations Conference, which was attended by key players in the aviation industry.

VNA now operates new-generation aircraft like the Boeing 787, Airbus A350, and Airbus A321neo while promoting the application of advanced technologies to improve safety and operational efficiency.

Established in 2012, Australia-based AirlineRatings.com provides a global one-stop-shop for everything related to airlines, formed by a team of aviation editors that have forensically researched nearly every airline in the world.

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Los Angeles firefighters braced for high winds overnight into Tuesday, gusts that could fuel two monstrous wildfires that have already leveled entire neighborhoods, killed at least two dozen people, and burned an area the size of Washington, D.C.

Dry, dangerous Santa Ana wind gusts reached 30 to 50 mph (48 to 80 kph) later on Monday, but the red flag warning was not due to start until 10 p.m. PST (0600 GMT) with the peak winds that could hit 75 mph (120 kph) starting around 4 a.m. Tuesday (1200 GMT), said David Roth, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center.

More than 8,500 firefighters attacked the fires from the air and on the ground, preventing the conflagrations at either end of Los Angeles from spreading overnight.

Burned properties following the Palisades Fire at the Pacific Palisades neighborhood in Los Angeles, California, U.S. January 13, 2025. Photo: Reuters

"This setup is about as bad as it gets," and Los Angeles City Fire Chief Kristin Crowley told Angelenos, "We are not in the clear."

Officials said the state was pre-positioning firefighting crews in vulnerable areas, not just in Los Angeles but also in other Southern California counties that were also under elevated fire danger.

The two main wildfires erupted last week, fueled by hurricane-force winds bringing dry air from the inland deserts.

A first responder looks on, as the Eaton Fire continues, in Altadena, California, U.S. January 13, 2025. Photo: Reuters

At least 24 people have died in the fires since then, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner reported.

The wildfires have destroyed or damaged more than 12,000 structures, turning entire neighborhoods into smoldering ash and piles of rubble, leaving an apocalyptic landscape.

As of Monday, more than 92,000 people in Los Angeles County were under evacuation orders - down from a previous high of more than 150,000 - while another 89,000 faced evacuation warnings.

The Palisades Fire, which wiped out upscale communities on the western flank of Los Angeles, burned 23,713 acres (96 square km) and was 14% contained, a figure representing the percentage of the fire's perimeter that firefighters have under control.

The Eaton Fire in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains east of the city consumed another 14,117 acres (57 sq km) and was 33% contained, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) reported.

The wind blows ash through burned hills in the Tarzana area during the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles, California, U.S. January 13, 2025. Photo: Reuters

A third fire of 799 acres (3.2 sq km) north of town was 95% contained and three other fires in the county have been fully brought under control in recent days.

The Eaton fire damaged the Altadena home of Lorraine Bryan, 63, and destroyed two other dwellings on her property. She told Reuters she worries about getting additional doses of insulin that she needs to manage her diabetes.

"I'm worried about insurance and about rebuilding and getting back on my feet," Bryan said Monday, standing in the doorway of her charred home. "I need my medication. I'm trying to see who can help us."

Death and arrests

Deputies are finding human remains every day as they search through burned-out parts of Altadena, where the Eaton fire first ignited, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said.

"It is a very grim task," Luna said, adding that he expected the confirmed death toll to rise in the days ahead.

Burnt remains of a motorhome lie on the ground, after powerful winds fueling devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area forced people to evacuate, in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood on the west side of Los Angeles, California, U.S. January 13, 2025. Photo: Reuters

California Governor Gavin Newsom has said the firestorm could rank as the most devastating natural disaster in U.S. history. It is already the costliest wildfire in terms of insured losses.

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman on Monday said 10 people had been arrested in connection to the fires. Nine people were arrested for residential burglaries of fire-stricken areas. One other person was arrested for arson, for allegedly attempting to light a tree on fire in the city of Azusa, about 20 miles (32 km) northeast of downtown Los Angeles.

U.S. Senator Adam Schiff, a Democrat from California, said during a Monday press conference there was "a special place in hell" for looters.

Firefighters from Mexico cut a containment line in the Tarzana area during the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles, California, U.S. January 13, 2025. Photo: Reuters

Flanked by law enforcement personnel, he added: "And if the folks behind me have anything to say about it, there'll be a special place in jail for you too."

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power was sued on Monday on claims that it failed to properly manage water supplies critical to fighting the deadly Palisades Fire, a court filing showed. Residents who sued allege the department should have maintained water in a nearby reservoir, which was dry at the time the fire first erupted last Tuesday.

Aid and politics

"Our hearts ache for the 24 innocent souls we have lost in the wildfires across Los Angeles," said U.S. President Joe Biden, who announced additional disaster assistance for California, covering costs for debris removal and emergency protective measures.

Firefighters stand by in an area affected by the Palisades Fire at the Mandeville Canyon as a red flag warning was issued due new Santa Ana winds, in Los Angeles, California, U.S., January 13, 2025. Photo: Reuters

But top Republicans in the U.S. Congress are considering imposing conditions on disaster aid, accusing the state's Democratic leadership of mismanaging water resources and forests.

California Governor Newsom and other top Democrats in the state have come under withering criticism for their handling of the fires.

President-elect Donald Trump planned to visit the disaster zone after he is inaugurated next week, a source familiar with the planning said.

With thousands of homeowners facing a costly rebuilding, large commercial banks including JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America have announced plans to ease mortgage repayment conditions for the afflicted. Insurers are looking at historic losses.

Remains of a Tesla electric car, destroyed by the Palisades Fire are seen, at the Pacific Palisades neighborhood in Los Angeles, California, U.S. January 13, 2025. Photo: Reuters

Remains of a property, destroyed by the Palisades Fire, are seen as the moon sets on the horizon at the Pacific Palisades neighborhood in Los Angeles, California, U.S. January 13, 2025. Photo: Reuters
MADRID -- Jose Maria Cofreces is the owner of a guesthouse in northwestern Galicia, one of Spain's most picturesque regions and a major tourist draw.

It is also one of the windiest parts of the country, and that has made it a magnet for developers of giant wind turbines that can stand higher than 50-story tower blocks.

Cofreces is among those at the vanguard of opposition in Galicia. Echoing the tactics of rural communities across Europe, the protesters have used the courts to block plans they say encroach on their way of life and the environment.

"Part of what we sell here is the landscape," he said. "Wind farms mean having the mountains drilled, filled with holes and lots of concrete."

The wind farm that would loom over his property would comprise 12 170-meter (558 ft) tall turbines, if the developers' hopes materialize.

It is one of 72 - with an overall capacity of around 2 gigawatts (GW), based on more than 2 billion euros ($2.04 billion) in investments, that were approved by the regional government. They were then halted by the highest regional court, mostly in the last year, after locals and environmental groups filed hundreds of lawsuits.

Wind turbines operate at a wind farm in Dumbria, near Finisterre, Galicia, Spain, December 12, 2024. Photo: Reuters

European governments are under pressure to support the European Union's ambitious green energy targets, including a significant expansion of wind energy capacity.

In Europe, Spain is behind only Germany for wind power generation capacity, but its plans to double the amount by the end of the decade have been slowed by the local opposition, as well as licensing bottlenecks.

"In Galicia, there's a complete paralysis," Juan Virgilio Marquez, general director of Spanish wind group AEE, said.

The region did not install a single megawatt (MW) of new wind capacity in 2022 and 2023 and just 69 MW between 2020 and 2023, the latest available data from AEE show.

Endangering heritage

Apart from pitching protesters against governments, the opposition is also at odds with many residents, research has found.

Three-quarters of Galicians want more wind energy, according to a September poll by Galician market research firm Sondaxe.

Wind turbines operate at a wind farm in Dumbria, near Finisterre, Galicia, Spain, December 12, 2024. Photo: Reuters

On the other side of the argument, protesters across Europe have coalesced into organized movements, like those in Galicia, where they have launched sophisticated legal challenges, often financed by crowdfunding campaigns, analysts and industry insiders said.

Christoph Zipf of industry association WindEurope said the groups know the weak links in the permitting process and target them, then share successful experiences with each other.

That leads "to higher chances for these projects to be stopped," he said.

In East German regional elections in September, the far-right AfD party made opposition to renewable energy projects a focus of its successful campaign.

On the Italian island of Sardinia, local opposition to wind led the authorities to pass a law in September that renewable developers say rendered more than 90 percent of the island's territory off limits to their projects.

Back to Galicia, 243 lawsuits have targeted 90 of the 137 planned projects with permits, including the 72 stalled so far, according to data from the regional government. Overall, lawsuits and administrative appeals affect 98 wind projects.

The copycat legal challenges say the Galician regional government - that awards permits for projects under 50 MW - did not give sufficient weight to environmental risks and did not adequately ensure public participation in the process.

In 72 cases, Galicia's highest court ordered precautionary suspensions on procedural or environmental grounds. The regional government has appealed to Spain's Supreme Court.

The Galician court also asked the European Court of Justice in June to rule on whether Galician and Spanish laws comply with EU access to information rules in the permitting process.

Until a ruling, whose timing is uncertain, developers will be wary of moving forward even with projects that are not suspended, Marquez said.

Belen Rodriguez of Galician activist group Adega, which has successfully blocked some 20 projects, said the opposition was the product of "a situation that overwhelmed us".

"We had no choice but to go to court," she said, adding that their earlier attempts to make representations in the administrative process were overlooked.

Wind turbines are seen in front of the Atlantic Ocean at a wind farm in the Serra da Capelada, near Ferrol, Galicia, Spain, September 13, 2024. Photo: Reuters

'Critical uncertainty'

Renewable developers with billions of euros in investments at stake are under pressure, as intensive energy users, such as U.S. aluminium giant Alcoa, seek huge volumes of clean energy via long-term supply contracts to ensure competitive and stable prices.

Some of the wind parks in legal limbo should have started operating last year, supplying energy to Alcoa's complex in the region that employs nearly a 1,000 people.

Alvaro Dorado Baselga, vice president for energy at Alcoa, told Reuters in an emailed statement that competitive and stable power prices are essential for the business and described the delays as a source of "critical uncertainty" threatening its viability.

A Deloitte report for the local wind lobby published in October 2023 found that 32 industrial projects planned for Galicia would require over 6 billion euros' worth of investments and create more than 7,000 direct jobs a year largely rely on cheap renewable energy supply.

The chart shows top-performing Spanish regions by wind power capacity between 2004 and 2023

Paula Uria, the regional government's director general for renewable energy, said the 137 parks with permits would add 3 GW of wind capacity.

AEE, the Spanish wind group, estimates that the addition of such capacity would generate around 4,800 jobs over five years.

The situation in the region is "difficult to understand," Uria said, as the regional court is blocking projects that, under the same rules, have moved forward elsewhere in Spain.

From this year, she said developers will be able to request a new, faster approval procedure for parks hit by lawsuits.

The regional parliament also approved in December rules it estimates could lead to the replacement of 3,000 ageing wind turbines with as few as 400 modern ones, reducing the impact on the landscape, although it has also exasperated the industry.

At an event in Galicia in November, Joaquin Garcia-Boto, Development Director at EDP Spain, summed up the mood: hindering renewables in Galicia, he said, may be "killing the goose that lays the golden eggs".

($1 = 0.9794 euros)
Annasofia Scheve covers trending news for the Express-News. She can be reached at Annasofia.Scheve@express-news.net.

Annasofia has bachelor's degrees in journalism and political science from the University of Missouri. She is an Ohio native, and wrote for Cincinnati Magazine and the Cincinnati Enquirer before joining the Express-News in 2023.
The European Union's pending anti-deforestation law presents both challenges and opportunities for Malaysia's palm oil industry, Malaysia's deputy commodities minister told an industry conference on Tuesday.

Deputy Minister Chan Foong Hin said it was crucial for the industry to understand the impact of the EU law so that domestic practices could be adapted and market access maintained.

Last month, the European Union approved a one-year delay to its landmark deforestation law, which bans the importation of palm oil, soy and other goods linked to the destruction of forests.

The bill is now due to take effect from Dec. 30, 2025.

The law requires companies and traders selling soy, beef, coffee, palm oil and other products in the EU market to provide proof their supply chains do not contribute to deforestation.

Malaysia and Indonesia, the world's largest exporters of palm oil, have previously complained that the law and implementation rules are discriminatory.
Rescuers on Monday hoisted seven illegal miners and at least four bodies from an abandoned South African gold mine amid claims that hundreds were still underground and many had died.

A professional mine rescue company sent a large cage to retrieve men at the site near Stilfontein, about 140 kilometres (90 miles) southwest of Johannesburg.

"We can confirm to you that the machine is working. It has brought up seven people," civic representative Mzukisi Jam told reporters at the site.

At least four bodies were also retrieved, community leader Johannes Qankase told AFP. Video filmed by AFP at the site showed what appeared to be several body bags being removed from the cage.

The operation on Monday follows a weeks-long saga at the abandoned shaft where authorities have been accused of trying to force the miners to surface by throttling food and water supplies lowered to them by the surrounding community.

It is not clear how many people are in the shaft. There were claims in mid-November that up to 4,000 people were underground but police have said the figure was probably in the hundreds.

Jam, from the South African National Civics Organisation (SANCO), said that with the operation underway, the organisers should get a clear idea of how many people were still underground.

The company sending down the machine, which is called a Rescue Winder, had been given 10 days to complete the operation, he said.

Six bodies were brought up from the mine in early December and one in November. There have been claims recently that there were more than 100 corpses underground.

Two miners' rights groups released a video Monday they said was filmed at the shaft showing what appears to be several corpses wrapped in plastic.

Rights groups have taken the government to court to compel it to extract the miners and provide humanitarian assistance.

Over the past weeks a few dozen miners have exited the shaft and reported dire conditions underground, including acute hunger and dehydration. Some were arrested for being in South Africa without proper documentation.

Thousands of illegal miners, many of them hailing from other countries, are said to operate in abandoned mine shafts in mineral-rich South Africa.

Locally known as "zama zamas" -- "those who try" in the Zulu language -- the miners frustrate mining companies and are accused of criminality by residents.
NEW YORK -- The U.S. government said on Monday it would further restrict artificial intelligence chip and technology exports, divvying up the world to keep advanced computing power in the United States and among its allies while finding more ways to block China's access.

The new regulations will cap the number of AI chips that can be exported to most countries and allow unlimited access to U.S. AI technology for America's closest allies, while also maintaining a block on exports to China, Russia, Iran and North Korea.

Unveiled in the final days of outgoing President Joe Biden's administration, the lengthy new rules go beyond China and are aimed at helping the United States maintain its dominant status in AI by controlling it around the world.

"The U.S. leads AI now - both AI development and AI chip design, and it's critical that we keep it that way," Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said.

The regulations cap a four-year Biden administration effort to hobble China's access to advanced chips that can enhance its military capabilities and seek to maintain U.S. leadership in AI by closing loopholes and adding new guard rails to control the flow of chips and global development of AI.

While it is unclear how President-elect Donald Trump's incoming administration will enforce the new rules, the two administrations share similar views on the competitive threat from China. The regulation is set to take effect 120 days from publication, giving the Trump administration time to weigh in.

New limits will be placed on advanced graphics processing units (GPUs), which are used to power data centers needed to train AI models. Most are made by Santa Clara, California-based Nvidia, while Advanced Micro Devices also sells AI chips.

Nvidia shares were down about five percent while AMD shares were down about one percent in morning trading.

Major cloud service providers such as Microsoft, Google, and Amazon will be able to seek global authorizations to build data centers.

Once approved, the cloud providers would no longer need export licenses for AI chips, allowing them to build data centers in countries that cannot import enough chips because of the U.S.-imposed quotas.

Shares of all three companies were down about one percent.

To obtain a stamp of approval, authorized companies must abide by stringent conditions and restrictions, including security requirements, reporting demands and a plan or track record of respecting human rights.

Until now, the Biden administration had imposed sweeping restrictions on China's access to advanced chips and the equipment to produce them, updating the controls annually to tighten restrictions and capture countries at risk of diverting the technology to China.

Nvidia fears 'overreach'

Because the rules alter the landscape for AI chips and data centers around the world, powerful industry voices criticized the plan even before it was published.

Nvidia on Monday called the rules "sweeping overreach" and said the White House would be clamping down on "technology that is already available in mainstream gaming PCs and consumer hardware." Data center provider Oracle argued earlier this month that the rules would hand "most of the global AI and GPU market to our Chinese competitors."

The restrictions do not apply to gaming chips.

The rules impose worldwide licensing requirements on advanced chips, with exceptions, and also set controls for what are known as "model weights" of the most advanced "closed-weight" AI models. Model weights help determine decision making in machine learning, and are generally the most valuable elements of an AI model.

The regulation divides the world into three tiers. About 18 countries, including Japan, Britain, South Korea and the Netherlands, will essentially be exempt from the rules. Some 120 other countries, including Singapore, Israel, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, will face country caps. And arms-embargoed countries like Russia, China and Iran will be barred from receiving the technology altogether.

In addition, U.S.-headquartered providers likely to receive global authorizations such as Amazon Web Services and Microsoft will be allowed to deploy only 50 percent of their total AI computing power outside the United States, no more than 25 percent outside of the Tier 1 countries and no more than seven percent in a single non-Tier 1 country.

"How effective the rule ends up being in the next 10 to 15 years is now up to the incoming team," said Meghan Harris, a national security official during the first Trump administration. "They are well aware that ensuring a dominant domestic industry is a core element of competition with China."

China's Commerce Ministry said in response to the new rules that China will take necessary measures to safeguard its "legitimate rights and interests".

AI has the potential to increase access to healthcare, education and food, among other benefits, but also can help develop biological and other weapons, support cyberattacks and assist with surveillance and other human rights abuses.

"The U.S. has to be prepared for rapid increases in AI's capability in the coming years, which could have transformative impact on the economy and on our national security," U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said.
Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his spouse will embark on an official visit to Poland and Czechia, followed by a business trip to Switzerland from January 15 to 23.

The Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Monday that the trip is made at the invitation of Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala, and Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum (WEF).

Poland and Czechia were among the first nations to establish diplomatic ties with Vietnam in 1950 and remain long-standing friends of the Southeast Asian country.

PM Chinhs visit coincides with the 75th anniversary of these relationships and is expected to enhance cooperation in trade, energy, and investment.

The top Vietnamese official and Polish President Andrzej Duda agreed to elevate bilateral ties in the upcoming time during their meeting at the WEFs 15th Annual Meeting of the New Champions in the Chinese city of Dalian in June 2024.

The upcoming visit is expected to accelerate Polands ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and expand cooperation in renewable energy, tourism, and trade, where Vietnam is already Polands largest partner in Southeast Asia.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (L) meets Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum (WEF), China, June 2024. Photo: Vietnam Government Portal

In Czechia, which has ratified both the EVIPA and EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), leaders aim to strengthen ties further.

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fialas 2023 visit to Vietnam set the stage for increased collaboration.

With a shared goal of achieving US$1 billion in trade, the two nations plan to leverage EVFTA to expand economic partnerships.

In Switzerland, PM Chinh will attend the 55th Annual Meeting of the WEF in Davos, themed Cooperation in the Age of Intelligence.

The event, held from January 20 to 24, will bring together global leaders to address key challenges, including economic growth, sustainability, and global trust.

The visit also reflects Vietnams growing presence on the international stage and PM Chinhs close ties with Klaus Schwab, a long-time supporter of Vietnams development and leadership.

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Check out the latest news in Vietnam today:

Politics

-- Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his spouse will pay official visits to Poland and Czechia and a working trip to Switzerland from January 15 to 23, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Monday.

Society

-- The administration in Dong Nai Province, southern Vietnam, on Monday issued a decision approving the detailed 1/500 planning task for a nuclear science and technology research center, set to cover 96.67 hectares in Long Khanh City.

-- Vietnam's national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines is the only representative of Vietnam to be ranked in the top 25 safest full-service airlines in the world for 2025 by Airline Ratings, a reputable organization in airline safety assessment.

-- A massive fire, caused by an electrical fault, swept through a pig farm, killing 1,600 pigs and damaging a lot of equipment, resulting in a loss of nearly VND6.5 billion (US$255,557), in the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai on Sunday, local authorities reported on Monday.

-- Vietnams Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs and Finlands Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a labor migration partnership, which is expected to promote the dispatch of Vietnamese experts, skilled workers, and seasonal workers to the European country.

Lifestyle

-- Ho Chi Minh City will hold fireworks displays at 15 venues to usher in the 2025 Lunar New Year, including two high-altitude fireworks displays and 13 low-altitude pyrotechnic shows. The fireworks will be set off for 15 minutes from 0:00 to 0:15 on January 29, or the first day of the 2025 Lunar New Year.

-- The 2025 Vietnamese Tet Festival was officially opened at the Youth Culture House in Ho Chi Minh City on Monday afternoon. The festival will last until February 14.

World News

-- Southern Japan was hit by a strong earthquake on Monday in a region that had been the subject of the nation's first ever megaquake advisory last year, according to Reuters.

-- China will expand the list of unilateral visa-free countries and extend the period of visa-free stays, Reuters reported, citing measures issued on Monday by the Chinese government.

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The administration of Dong Nai Province in southern Vietnam on Monday approved a plan to build a nuclear science and technology research center with the goal of enhancing the countrys research and application of nuclear technology.

Spanning 96.67 hectares in the provincial city of Long Khanh, the center will feature a 10MWt research reactor, laboratories, and supporting infrastructure.

The center development will enable the province to foster a skilled workforce capable of mastering advanced nuclear technologies while expanding the peaceful use of nuclear energy in agriculture, healthcare, industry, and environmental management.

The project will also include auxiliary facilities to support the reactors operation and maximize its research potential.

Expected to employ 800-1,000 experts and specialists, the facility will adhere to low-density construction, with buildings no taller than five stories and an overall construction density capped at 30 percent.

The Ministry of Science and Technology will serve as the projects developer.

Long Khanh is renowned for its mild climate, peaceful atmosphere, and picturesque surroundings, often compared to Da Lat, a tourist attraction in Vietnams Central Highlands.

Visitors are drawn to its cool mornings and evenings, vast fruit orchards, rubber plantations, and pristine natural landscapes.

The city is also home to many cultural and historical landmarks, including the Hang Gon Megalithic Tomb, Xuan Loc Temple, and Xuan Hoa Pagoda.

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Vietnams Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, and Finlands Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a labor migration partnership, opening up new opportunities for Vietnamese workers in the Nordic country.

The MoU is expected to promote the dispatch of Vietnamese experts, skilled workers, and seasonal workers to Finland.

The agreement was signed during a visit by a delegation of Finlands Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment led by Minister Arto Olavi Satonen.

His visit is scheduled until Wednesday and is expected to offer working opportunities for Vietnamese laborers in the fields of technology, industry, and healthcare.

During talks with his counterpart Arto Olavi Satonen, Vietnamese Minister of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung expressed satisfaction with the growing relationship between the two nations.

He highlighted the number of Vietnamese workers seeking jobs overseas, at nearly 160,000 annually.

At present, around 700,000 Vietnamese workers are employed in over 40 countries and territories.

Minister Dung said, "Vietnamese workers are highly regarded internationally for their youth, diligence, and intelligence."

Since late 2023, the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs has approved the applications of three Vietnamese companies to supply 134 laborers, including 65 females, to Finland.

Minister Dung also confirmed that up to 55 Vietnamese laborers currently earn incomes of 1,500-2,000 euros (US$1,539-2,052) per month, plus good working conditions and social welfare, in the Nordic country.

Minister Arto Olavi Satonen said Finland wants to enhance the cooperation between the two countries to connect enterprises and international experts.

He emphasized Finland's commitment to providing high-quality living standards and diverse employment opportunities for international workers.

Laura Lindeman, senior director of Work in Finland, is optimistic about attracting Vietnamese talent to Finland, saying that Work in Finland will provide numerous opportunities for skilled and knowledgeable laborers.

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Viet Duc University Hospital in Hanoi successfully transplanted donated organs into 21 patients from January 6 to 11.

The hospital called on four families of patients declared brain-dead to donate their organs to 15 others in need of life-saving transplants.

Meanwhile, six other patients underwent kidney transplants from living donors at the hospital in the same period.

This is the first time the hospital has recorded the number of organ transplants within one week, marking a new milestone for the Vietnamese health industry.

Of the 15 people who received organs from brain-dead donors, four had heart transplants, seven got new kidneys, three received liver transplants, and one patient was transplanted with both a kidney and a liver.

The four families of those declared brain-dead faced their grief with bravery, choosing to give the invaluable gift of life to others in need.

Post-surgery, the patients' conditions have stabilized.

Duong Duc Hung, the hospital director, noted that numerous lives have been saved, and the hospital's organ transplant capabilities have advanced greatly due to these donations.

"From 2025, we will offer priority cards for medical examinations and treatments to the parents of organ donors as a profound thank you," Dr. Hung announced.

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Vietnam Railways will launch two special trains, named Spring Train, traveling between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City on Lunar New Years Eve.

The two Spring Train trips will be operated by train SE1, departing from Hanoi Station at 10:10 pm on January 28, or Lunar New Year's Eve, and train SE4, leaving Saigon Station at 7:30 pm on the same day.

Both trains feature two uniquely-designed community carriages, with their exteriors adorned with paintings related to traditional Tet (Lunar New Year) activities, such as flower markets and calligraphy.

The interiors of these carriages are decorated with designs of peach and apricot blossoms that represent the Tet celebrations of the north and south of Vietnam, respectively, making them perfect spots for passengers to take photos.

According to the organizer, these community carriages will also host cultural activities throughout the journey.

Passengers with tickets for the special trains will have an opportunity to enjoy a variety of exciting experiences during the trips.

Vietnam Railways will launch two special trains, named Spring Train, traveling between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City on Lunar New Years Eve. Photo: Supplied

At the stroke of midnight, passengers can immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere with a countdown party and sweet treats, participate in a lucky draw, receive lucky money, join cultural exchange activities, play traditional games, and enjoy special Tet dishes.

Additionally, there will be a mobile art camp onboard, featuring artists from all regions of Vietnam -- the north, central, and south -- where passengers can receive portraits, engage in clay sculpting, or paint together with the artists on the first day of the Lunar New Year.

The organizer will also arrange an exhibition featuring works by 40 Vietnamese painters on the second floor of Hanoi Station, as well as a painting workshop at Saigon Station on the second day of Tet.

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TCN News

On January 10, a Dalit youth named Shrawan Meghwal was brutally humiliated in public and assaulted in the vicinity of the Gudamalani police station in the Barmer district of Rajasthan. Meghwal was brutally assaulted and tied upside down from a tree by a group of locals who accused him of bike theft.

Social media users have widely condemned the horrific conduct after seeing a video of Meghwal sobbing and begging for forgiveness.

According to a senior police officer, a case was filed under the SC/ST Act, 1989 against five or six individuals. Police reported three arrests on Saturday.

Few days ago, there was a theft at the Gudamalani police station areas Kharwa Gram Panchayat. People beat him up because they thought he was the criminal. At first, the locals beat him with rods and tied him with a rope. They punched and kicked him and hung him upside down from a tree when he refused to confess his crime.

All the accused belong to the OBC community. On Monday, the accused will appear in court.

The case is presently being investigated, the officer stated.